MEDIA ADVISORY -- Community Groups and Toronto City Councillor call on Ontario government to give cities inclusionary zoning powers to build affordable housing

On Monday, November 9 at 9:30 am, Social Planning Toronto, ACORN, and Councillor Mike Layton will be speaking to media about the urgent need for the Ontario government to give municipalities the power to adopt inclusionary zoning policies. Despite widespread support for this important tool for creating affordable housing, the Province’s Bill 73, Smart Growth for our Communities Act, fails to provide municipalities with inclusionary zoning powers. Groups call for an immediate change to the bill to give cities the freedom to implement inclusionary zoning.

Toronto Remains the Child Poverty Capital of Canada

 A new report from Social Planning Toronto and partners shows that, amongst large Canadian cities, Toronto continues to have the highest percentage of children and youth living in poverty.

Key findings from the attached report, which is based on recently released Statistics Canada Taxfiler data for 2013: available here

Child poverty in Toronto in 2013 remained virtually unchanged from the previous year, with more than 1 in 4 children (29%), or 144,000 in total, living in low-income households in 2013 (as measured by Low Income Measure After Tax).

On October 19, Canadians will go to the polls to elect their next federal government. Social Planning Toronto and its partners have developed educational and informative resources for voters to learn about 14 important social issues that need the federal government’s action. These fact sheets provide an introduction and analysis of specific issues followed by questions to political parties and more resources.

We had earlier posted 14 fact sheets in English language on our website. (Click here for the link). Five of these fact sheets are not available in Bengali, Tamil and Urdu languages.

The City of Toronto has a program that allows eligible charitable organizations (faith groups and nonprofits) to have their garbage collection fees waived. However, we understand that many charitable organizations have not yet applied to the program. The City sent out bills to organizations in June. Whether you received a bill or not, we encourage all eligible charitable organizations to apply for the waiver program if you have not already done so.

The deadline to register and apply for the Waste Diversion Rate Waiver Program is Friday, August 7.

It is a multi-step process to become approved for a waiver. For this reason, we’re encouraging organizations to start the process immediately.

Step 1) Complete the pre-registration form immediately:  http://cityoftoronto.fluidsurveys.com/s/wastewaiver/

SPT hosted the “Promoting Youth Civic Engagement in the 2015 Federal Election” forum on Tuesday, July 29th at the College Street United Church.

SPT Research Assistant Ramsen Yousif moderated the lively discussion with panelists: Laura Anthony of Samara Canada, Arjun Sahota of Toronto Youth Cabinet (TYC), and Likwa Nkala of East Metro Youth Services. Over 70 youth, youth workers, and community leaders from across Toronto took part in the discussion on strategies to engage youth and overcoming barriers to youth participation.

SPT would like to thank our amazing panelists and participants, and the dedicated staff at College Street United Church for a great event.

Part 1/3 - Laura Anthony from Samara

Social Enterprise at Social Planning Toronto?

The Board of Directors of Social Planning Toronto is pleased to announce that it is undertaking a process to consider an alignment with Public Interest, as a social enterprise.  Public Interest's well-respected work in social justice and community research complements the work of Social Planning Toronto and builds on existing and long-standing partnerships between both organizations.

Join us on Tuesday, July 28 from 2-5 p.m. at the College Street United Church, 452 College Street, corner of College and Bathurst! (We've moved to College Street United Church in order to accommodate more people).

What? A forum to explore the barriers and opportunities to engage youth from a diversity of communities in the next federal election

When? Tuesday, July 28 from 2-5pm

Where? College Street United Church, 452 College Street (College and Bathurst)

Who? A wonderful panel -

After a rigorous selection process, Social Planning Toronto is very pleased to announce that we have selected Sean Meagher as our new Executive Director.

Sean has a long history in community engagement and community development across Toronto, with a record of innovative and inclusive strategies that reflect Social Planning Toronto’s values and commitment.

Sean has, over the last 30 years, shown himself to be an effective advocate for public policy that creates a more equitable and inclusive city, often in collaboration with Social Planning Toronto.

On Thursday, May 21st, Social Planning Toronto hosted a forum at College Street United Church to discuss possibilities and prospects of Inclusionary Zoning programs and their effectiveness in
addressing an affordable housing crisis in Toronto.  70 people were in attendance and the event drew the attention of some media (including Metroland Media's - Inside Toronto).  SPT Board Member Brian Eng, who was behind the vision to organize the Inclusionary Zoning forum, moderated the discussion.

The Board of Directors of Social Planning Toronto invite you to attend the 2015 Annual General Meeting & Social Justice Panel!

Tuesday, May 12th 2015, 5:30-8:00 p.m.
Central YMCA of Greater Toronto Auditorium
20 Grosvenor Street (Yonge St. two blocks north of College), Toronto

5:30 p.m. – Registration, Reception
6:00 p.m. – Business Meeting
7:00 p.m. – Panel Discussion
7:45 p.m. - Question and Answer