In the City of Toronto, while government agencies and institutions struggle under fiscal constraint and to manage growth, residents, businesses, government workers and non-profit organizations come together to make Toronto a healthier, welcoming and more vibrant place to live. A key component of neighbourhood infrastructure is safe public places for people to come together: whether to celebrate, discuss neighbourhood needs or priorities, integrate into Toronto’s social fabric or to volunteer and be part of building their community. In our schools and municipal spaces this can also mean greater parental involvement, greater engagement from children and youth, increased readiness to learn and more positive educational outcomes for children and youth.