There is perhaps no worse nightmare scenario in life than a child who is born or diagnosed with a serious illness. It is the greatest fear of every parent and nothing, absolutely nothing matters more than securing the care needed to overcome the illness and reaching out to organizations who may be able to help.

Organizations such at Chai Lifeline Canada, who for the past 18 years have been stepping up to provide the much needed and sometimes overlooked programs and services a family in crisis may need. Services such as the mundane, like help getting to doctor appointments and providing hot meals when children are hospitalized, to the extraordinary like medically supervised overnight camps that give children confidence, courage, a sense of normalcy and the life skills they need to fight dreaded illnesses. Chai Lifeline Canada knows that any child’s illness impacts not just the child who is sick, but their entire family and they provide these programs and services free of charge.

Which means fundraising is needed to allow Chai Lifeline Canada to continue to provide these essential services which families rely upon as a beacon of hope, which is why its annual Harmony and Hope Gala held April 9th in Vaughan, Ontario plays such a key role in the community. A lifeline for care all begins with committed volunteers, corporate sponsors and donors making a real difference.

More than 1200 guests attended the 18th Anniversary Harmony and Hope Gala, which honoured Shelly Avital, Silvio De Gasperis and Jack Eisenberger this year as Community Builders. The evening’s Impact Speaker was Sisi Kleiner-Fisman, who represented all Chai families and captivated the room with her own Chai story. In a full circle moment, the Gala welcomed back to the stage performer Cantor Helfgot, who had performed at the very first Gala in 2008.

The evening’s Humanitarian Award honourees were famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli and his wife Veronica. After a stirring musical performance, Bocelli ended the evening by prodding the audience to bid on his guitar he would be willing to donate, with the bidding reaching an astounding $150,000.

The Harmony and Hope Event Committee was chaired by Shoshana and Yummy Schachter and comprised passionate volunteers Alana De Gasperis, Alexandra De Gasperis, Toby Feldberg, Samantha and Jeff Gottesman, Goldie Hauer, Julie and Yaakov Kaplan, Francesca and Eugene Profis, Jeff Rubenstein, Elli Schochet, Yonatan Wisebrod, and Michelle Goldstein Zaldin, all of whom share the vision of providing care and compassion to families during dark times.

During turbulent times good people doing good things from the goodness of their hearts can often get lost amongst the clutter of daily noise. But that is never lost on families dealing with a childhood illness, and organizations such as Chai Lifeline Canada, and the staff and volunteers who support the programs and services it provides, are lifelines for care at a most critical time.

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Leading that ascension will be Olivia Ansell, recently named as Luminato’s new artistic director after an extensive global search. Ansell, the current festival director of Sydney Festival and former head of contemporary performance for the acclaimed Sydney Opera House, was enticed to the Northern Hemisphere to spread her creative and curatorial talents.

“I work in the arts because creativity has the power to challenge and inspire people,” says Ansell. “I am honoured to join Luminato and curate for a renowned multidisciplinary festival at an international scale. Toronto is a remarkable city, and I look forward to fostering creative exchange among artists, organizations and communities, locally and worldwide, to amplify the vibrancy of this city’s identity through cultural storytelling and ambitious public play.”

“Public play” is an apt description of Luminato. Creatively speaking, almost anything goes for the festival, which is a convenor and catalyst for big, bold contemporary works of art displayed each June. In welcoming the world to Toronto, Luminato commissions, produces and presents exceptional Canadian and international artists in a collective display of imagination and artistry, perhaps needed now more than ever.

“She has a natural talent for understanding the pulse of a city and presenting it in an authentic manner.”

It is supported in this quest by its founding government partner, the Province of Ontario, its major partners the Government of Canada and the City of Toronto, along with its government partners the Ontario Arts Council and the Canada Council for the Arts.

Throughout the year, Luminato works with artists from diverse cultures and communities in the Toronto region, supporting creative development and bringing their art to the world stage. Toronto is often called the world’s most diverse city, and perhaps no other time is that diversity on better display than at Luminato. The festival connects local voices with global conversations and grounds its work in equity, inclusion, accessibility and sustainability. Luminato’s guiding light, its driving force, is its belief in the power of art to start conversations and inspire audiences. With that mandate, a global leader in creativity would be the perfect fit for it to achieve greater heights.

“I am filled with immense excitement and enthusiasm to welcome Olivia as our artistic director,” says Celia Smith, CEO of Luminato Festival Toronto and noted city-builder. “Ansell’s dedication to cultural storytelling, audience engagement and animating place will help deepen Luminato’s impact as a cultural city-building organization. She has a natural talent for understanding the pulse of a city and presenting it in an authentic manner.”

Ansell is a highly accomplished arts curator and executive, with experience ranging from performer, choreographer and director to executive producer and curator across non-profit and commercial art ventures. “I think that arts festivals play a really important role in making sure they ignite culture and collaborate deeply with artists so we can retain that sense of cool in places that we live and work,” says Ansell.

She certainly did that by leaving her mark on Sydney, where she was voted one of Vivid Sydney’s Top 100 Creative Catalysts, helping to elevate the cultural landscape of that city while providing rich opportunities for people to rediscover and re-experience the city in new and unexpected ways.

In the midst of the global pandemic she fearlessly guided the Sydney Festival through a period of uncertainty, recovery and rejuvenation as its festival director. After a remarkable year in 2023, Sydney Festival surpassed its box office goals while significantly growing new audiences. In recognizing her exceptional leadership, Sydney Festival extended Ansell’s tenure through to 2025, when she will move to Canada. Ansell will be curating her inaugural program for Luminato Festival Toronto next year, which will be the festival’s 19th year.

The extensive local and international talent search to identify and then secure Ansell’s services was led by Caldwell Partners, a globally recognized executive talent provider that considered world- class local, national and international candidates. “In the next few years, Luminato Festival Toronto will celebrate 20 years of animating and delighting this great city,” says Douglas Knight, C.M., chair of the board. “Adding Olivia’s innovative artistic vision to Celia Smith’s exceptional organizational leadership establishes a new era for our festival to keep growing our impact and enhancing the experiences of people living in and visiting Toronto.”

Ansell’s vision for Luminato is bold and confident, reflective of her own personality. “What I envision over the next few years for Luminato is to be known as that experiential intellectual arts festival with a bold personality and an appetite for taking risks,” she says.

Given Olivia Ansell’s accomplishments and considerable talents, from her roots Down Under to her new heights at the very top of Luminato Festival Toronto beginning in 2025, creativity in Toronto should strap in and enjoy the ride.

The post Olivia Ansell: Everlasting Success At Luminato appeared first on City Life Toronto Lifestyle Magazine.

Cobalt: A Mining Town And The Canadian Imagination
Ends On April 21, 2024
This exhibition showcases the work of the artists who visited Cobalt, Ont., between the First and Second World Wars after most of the silver, cobalt and nickel deposits had been depleted. In its heyday, the story of Cobalt was known around the world, and the town attracted miners, scientists, scholars and, of course, artists. Artists including Isabel McLaughlin and Dr. Frederick Banting became inspired by Cobalt, a stark and beautiful example of rapid industrialization and the settler relationship with the natural world.

Ghosts Of Canoe Lake: New Work By Marcel Dzama
Ends On June 9, 2024
Winnipeg’s Marcel Dzama uses ink, watercolour — and root beer! — in his series of delicate and deeply moving drawings. Inspired by the memories of the time he spent as a child in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, his unique visual language conveys folklore fantasies and captures the wonder of a child’s imagination, which so often diminishes as we grow older.

CIBPA Toronto Hosted The 2nd Annual Mending Broken Hearts Gala In Support Of Cardiac Care At St. Michael’s Hospital
On Valentine’s Day, Montecassino Event Space proudly hosted the supporters of cardiac care at St. Michael’s Hospital. Those who attended this celebratory and heartwarming philanthropic event included Premier Doug Ford, and the Hon. Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. In addition, further honours were celebrated as the 2024 CIBPA Community Leaders Award recipients Mr. Aldo Di Felice of TLN Media Group and Mr. Joseph Vitale from Italpasta, were in attendance. A special thank you to the CIBPA committee, CIBPA President Tony Cocuzzo, CIBPA Vice President Sabrina Marrelli, CIBPA Treasurer Tony Cipriani, CIBPA Education President Robert Sacco, CIBPA Education Director Marina Di Battista, Senator Toni Varone, Unity Health Toronto Board Member Elio R. Luongo, FCA, all of the members, sponsors and guests for making it an extraordinary evening.

Over $100,000.00 raised and still counting! Donate through the CIBPA Education link below for St. Michael’s Foundation

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Alectra has supported the ‘Coldest Night of the Year’ event annually through employee participation and as a lead sponsor to support The Dam in Mississauga, Regeneration Outreach in Brampton and Blue Door in Richmond Hill. The fundraising event marks a pivotal moment when tens of thousands of Canadians, including Alectra employees from St. Catharines, Brampton, Guelph, Hamilton, Markham, Mississauga, Richmond Hill and Vaughan, step out of their cozy confines to help fight homelessness.

“Blue Sea Foundation celebrates Alectra’s amazing support by sponsoring and creating fundraising teams involving 107 Alectra members who have helped 7 unique local charities addressing hunger, hurt, and homelessness by walking and raising almost $30k”, said Jim Heuving, Bluesea Foundation, Corporate & Community Partnerships. By championing the work of these charities, you have inspired others to do the same. It’s cold out there. We are in this together.

As of today, the 2024 Coldest Night of the Year event raised a total of $13,442,589 with participation of 40,397 walkers.

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The contemporary 1100 square foot shop was designed with product demonstration in mind, so customers can experience the benefits of Lush’s fresh products firsthand, made using only the finest, ethically sourced ingredients. In addition, the shop design spotlights Lush’s revolutionary invention of the bath bomb through a bright and colorful display, inspired by the gorgeous bath bomb walls featured in its Harajuku store in Tokyo, Japan. To support Lush’s commitment to the environment and regenerative practices, the countertops at Lush Vaughan Mills were made using post-industrial plastics that are 100% recyclable, supplied by Durat.

Lush Cosmetics invents, manufactures and retails fresh, handcrafted cosmetics created with fruits and vegetables and high-quality essential oils that are sourced ethically and responsibly. A beauty company with a campaigning heart, Lush operates a strict policy against animal testing and is leading the cosmetics industry in combating over-packaging by developing products that can be sold ‘naked’ to the consumer.

With over 200+ shops in the U.S. and 900+ shops worldwide, Lush is in a unique position to raise awareness about important issues and bring about real change with a mission to leave the world Lusher than they found it.��

This shop opening is the first location in this mall and ushers in the new generation of brick and mortar stores serving the community.��

“As we start expanding our brick and mortar, it is important to us that we ensure we have the right presence in each location. Vaughan Mills is our newest Greater Toronto Area location. We can’t wait for this new location to be a part of the kick off of a full year of brick and mortar expansion in new places.” -Nicole DeVeau, Business Development Program Manager NA��

Grand Opening Celebration Saturday, February 3, 2024 from 12pm-4pm.

To celebrate Lush’s Grand Opening, the first 100 customers will have the opportunity to take home exclusive store-specific merchandise – while supplies last. Customers will also have the opportunity to create their very own handmade to bring home.��

Visit: Lush Vaughan Mills,100 Bass Pro Drive,�� Vaughan, ON L4K 5W4, Canada

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Leon’s Furniture Limited��(TSX: LNF)��(“LFL” or the “Company”), today announced that it is one step closer to developing a master-planned community on 40 acres of owned land.

The plan for the mixed-use development, conveniently located at Highways 401 and 400, will include residential, commercial and retail elements. LFL recently received approval from the Province of Ontario to change the original Employment Use zoning to Regeneration zoning. The 40 acres is bordered by Highway 401 to the north, Highway 400 to the west/southwest and Jane Street to the east (the “Parcel”). The Parcel is municipally addressed as 45 and 88‐100 Gordon Mackay Road, and 11 and 35 Suntract Road.

The next step in the development will be to complete a secondary plan with the City of Toronto which the Company expects to complete during mid 2025. Phase One of the development will be focused on the building of a new flagship retail store and corporate headquarters on the site. LFL’s home office has been located on this parcel since the Company went public on the TSX in 1969. Subsequent phases will focus on plans for 4000 homes which will include townhouses, mid and high rise buildings and community spaces. LFL will be partnering with top-tier developers to co-lead the project. The Company has a successful track record building retail showrooms and large scale distribution centres across Canada as it continues to move toward a centralized distribution model.

“Rezoning this large parcel of land creates an unprecedented and historic opportunity, for the City of Toronto and the Company,” said��Michael Walsh, President and CEO of LFL. “By establishing more density as part of a multi-year, multi-phase development, we will be helping to meet the overwhelming demand for additional housing within the city, while generating substantial value for LFL shareholders. We would like to acknowledge the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario for their help and support of LFL’s plans. LFL has been working closely with Councillor Frances Nunziata’s office, as well as the City of Toronto and looks forward to commencing public consultation.”

About Leon’s Furniture Limited
Leon’s Furniture Limited is the largest retailer of furniture, appliances and electronics in Canada. Our retail banners include: Leon’s; The Brick; Brick Outlet; and The Brick Mattress Store. Finally, with The Brick’s Midnorthern Appliance banner alongside with Leon’s Appliance Canada banner, this makes the Company the country’s largest commercial retailer of appliances to builders, developers, hotels and property management companies. The Company has 303 retail stores from coast to coast in Canada under various banners.

The Company operates six websites:

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Date: February 11, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Bayview Village Shopping Centre, Centre Court and East Lobby, 2901 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, M2K 1E6

Embrace the Lunar New Year spirit with Bayview Village, the renowned shopping destination that continues to captivate Toronto’s residents with its premium offerings. The event will take place at Centre Court within the shopping centre, promising a day filled with cultural richness and entertainment for everyone.

Highlights of the Lunar New Year Event include:

Dragon and Lion Dance Performances:
Experience the mesmerizing Dragon and Lion dance performances twice during the event, adding a touch of traditional charm to the festivities. Performances will take place from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Schedule is subject to change).

God of Fortune Appearance:
The God of Fortune will make a special visit during the performances. Those who meet the God of Fortune will be rewarded with red packets containing a small gift. (Limited to one per guest).

Lunar New Year Photobooth and Giveaway:
Capture joyous moments at the Lunar New Year Photobooth celebrating the Year of the Dragon – enter an event giveaway through participation in the photo booth. Giveaway will include a grand prize of $888 gift card courtesy of Bayview Village stores. Contest will run from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 11.

Goh Ballet Performance:
Enjoy a captivating performance by Goh Ballet, adding an exquisite touch to the celebration, taking place at 3:00 p.m. (Schedule is subject to change).

Celebrate with Bayview Village shops:
Select participating Bayview Village shops will celebrate Lunar New Year with special promotions, gifts with purchase and window displays. Retailers include: Berani Jewellery Design, Fruit of the Land, Le Creuset, Lemor, Linea Intima Lingerie, MO851, Stuart Weitzman and Van Dome Jewellery.

Admission to all Lunar New Year activations at Bayview Village are complimentary.

For more information about the Lunar New Year event and Bayview Village Shopping Centre, please visit

About Bayview Village Shopping Centre:
Bayview Village Shopping Centre stands as one of Canada’s most prestigious and top-performing shopping destinations. Situated at Bayview and Sheppard in Toronto, the lifestyle centre boasts over 110 luxury tenants, featuring a highly-curated collection of one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants, and services. Bayview Village Shopping Centre is a mecca for Toronto’s foodies, fashionistas, and décor enthusiasts.

The post Bayview Village Celebrates Lunar New Year 2024 With Spectacular Event appeared first on City Life Toronto Lifestyle Magazine.

In this new role, Mr. Bonello aim, will be to raise the profile and knowledge of Maltese wines, both locally and more importantly internationally. The Malta Tourism Authority is confident that Mr. Bonello will succeed in his mission to establish a brand identity for The Maltese Islands’ wines and Mediterranean wines through his great experience and love of the wine sector.��

Mr. Bonello’s own wine journey began more than thirty years ago when a local winery presented him with an opportunity to market its range of Maltese wines. Throughout his career, he gained valuable experience with local winemakers and wine importers who gave him the opportunity to represent wines from around the world. In the meantime, the Wine & Spirit Education Trust provided him with the academic foundations that fueled his infectious enthusiasm for wine.

Over the last forty years, the Maltese wine scene has experienced a tremendous growth as more and more wine drinkers are appreciating Maltese wine for its quality, and understanding how important it is to our culture, our agriculture, and our tourism product. Quality tourism is often the result of travelers seeking meaningful and unique experiences at their destination. The combination of wine and gastronomy is a niche that appeals to a wide audience and fortunately the Maltese Islands have an exciting story to tell in this niche.

“After successfully achieving the goals of the recovery phase for Malta’s tourism industry, with a record tourism performance in 2023, MTA has now moved into the second phase of the 2021 – 2030 tourism strategy, which calls for the rethinking of the tourism experience that the Islands are to offer to prospective visitors. The wine and gastronomy segment are a strong motivator of quality tourism that seeks a memorable experience, sustainable tourism operations and is also willing to spend more for the right product. I strongly believe that Josef’s extensive knowledge and experience in the wine industry will help us develop this tourism product in cooperation with Malta and Gozo’s wine industry. Our objective is to provide our guests with an unforgettable experience and at the same time establish Malta and Gozo on the international wine scene,” said MTA’s CEO, Carlo Micallef.

Malta’s vineyards invite their elite visitors to enjoy exclusive access to their tasting rooms. Guests can step onto one of their terraces and enjoy a glass of wine overlooking the vineyards and striking scenery of the Maltese countryside, with the Mediterranean coast or the medieval city of Mdina shimmering in the distance. Now winning accolades in international competitions, Maltese vineyards are renowned in particular for their high-quality boutique wines. Connoisseurs will especially appreciate the indigenous Maltese grapes – the girgentina and the gellewza.��

Maltese Award-Winning Wine��
There is nothing better to accompany local Maltese dishes than a wine produced on the Islands. Maltese vintages are more than holding their own at international competitions, winning several accolades in France, Italy and further afield. The climatic, geographical, and soil conditions on the island provide ideal conditions for the production of wines which have brilliant colors, clean aromas, and lively acidity.����produces some of the finest Maltese wines using only Maltese grown grapes. Some of the most renowned wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Vermentino, and Moscato. Many of the local wineries offer visitors wine tasting tours.��

In addition to the never-ending vineyards delivering the finest wine, Malta offers travelers a diverse culinary experience. Its traditional plate of eclectic Mediterranean food is a curation of centuries of relationships between the Maltese and the countless civilizations that once occupied the archipelago. Malta has been put on the gourmet cuisine map with the����selection including 35 restaurants in total;��,����and 25 Recommended. Not to be missed, are the local street foods including the famous and authentic, Maltese��Pastizzi��(cheese or pea filled pastries).

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However, the city’s physical casinos stand as resilient monuments defying the notion that physical establishments have been rendered obsolete by the convenience of online gambling; while pixels illuminate virtual slot machines, the resounding ambiance of the city’s expansive casino spaces remains filled with the resonant clatter of chips and the tangible thrill accompanying a live roulette spin. Ergo, this article evaluates the sustained relevance and prosperity of Toronto’s physical casinos amidst the prevailing wave of online gambling.

The Unmatched Aura of Live Gaming
The distinctive ambiance of live gaming is palpable upon entering a Toronto casino, surpassing the atmosphere found in the digital domain. The animated conversations, the prevailing sense of anticipation and the audible sounds of chips contribute to an environment that transcends the solitary nature commonly associated with online gambling. The city’s physical casinos leverage the core aspects of live gaming, providing an experience where each spin, shuffle and roll becomes a collective adventure, establishing a tangible connection that proves challenging for online platforms to emulate.

Architectural Extravagance and Entertainment Beyond Gambling
Beyond the gaming tables and slot machines, city’s physical casinos are and entertainment hubs. From dazzling theaters hosting world-class performances to gourmet dining experiences, these establishments offer a multifaceted escape. The synergy of gambling and entertainment transforms a night out into a comprehensive experience, catering to diverse interests and ensuring that patrons find more than just a game—they find an immersive escape.

Strategic Collaborations and Experiential Marketing
Toronto’s casinos have embraced strategic collaborations and experiential marketing to maintain their allure; partnerships with luxury brands, celebrity chefs and renowned entertainers create a sense of exclusivity and prestige. This curated experience goes beyond gambling, positioning the casino as a destination transcending the pursuit of luck. The marriage of gambling with fine dining, live performances and bespoke events ensures that city’s physical casinos are not just venues for games but holistic entertainment hubs.

Innovative Technological Integration
Despite being bastions of tradition, physical casinos – including those in Toronto – actively incorporate advanced technology to elevate the gaming experience. The integration encompasses interactive screens, digital displays, and augmented reality elements, seamlessly blending traditional offerings with contemporary features. This infusion of technology caters to a diverse audience, appealing to both seasoned gamblers and a younger, tech-savvy demographic.

Community Engagement and Local Appeal
Toronto’s physical casinos understand the importance of community engagement; beyond drawing international tourists, these establishments actively cater to the local community. Hosting events, collaborating with local businesses and supporting community initiatives create a sense of belonging – this local appeal fosters loyalty and positions the casino as an integral part of the city’s fabric, ensuring sustained relevance in the face of virtual competition.

Adapting Loyalty Programs and Rewards:
In response to the dynamic online wagering landscape for both casinos and sports betting given the city’s sports history, the city’s physical casinos have revamped their loyalty programs; beyond the traditional comp points, these programs now offer personalized rewards, exclusive events and tiered benefits. Adapting to the preferences of their patrons, the casinos ensure that loyalty is not just a transactional relationship but an ongoing journey where players feel valued and appreciated.

Personalized Services and High-Touch Experiences
One area where physical casinos excel is in providing personalized services and high-touch experiences; from VIP concierge services to personalized gaming consultations, Toronto’s casinos prioritize the . The human touch, the tailored recommendations, and the feeling of being genuinely cared for create a level of service that online platforms (despite their convenience) struggle to replicate.

Revolutionizing Events and Social Spaces
Toronto’s physical casinos are undergoing a renaissance by redefining themselves as dynamic event venues and social spaces. Beyond gaming, these establishments host themed parties, corporate events and social gatherings. The transformation of casino spaces into versatile venues that cater to a spectrum of occasions contributes to their sustained relevance. The casino halls, once reserved for dice rolls and card games, now pulsate with a diverse array of events, ensuring a constant stream of visitors seeking a vibrant social experience.

Advent of Hybrid Experiences
In a strategic move to bridge the gap between physical and online gambling, the city’s casinos are exploring hybrid experiences. Integrating live dealer games with online platforms offers players the flexibility to enjoy the thrill of live gaming from the comfort of home; this innovation allows casinos to tap into the expanding online market while retaining the essence of a physical casino. Hybrid experiences signify a forward-thinking approach, ensuring Toronto’s casinos remain at the forefront of the gaming industry by embracing the symbiosis of virtual and tangible gaming realms.

The post The Relevance of Toronto’s Physical Casinos in the Face of Online Gambling appeared first on City Life Toronto Lifestyle Magazine.

New Leadership:
Mayor Olivia Chow won the historic mayoral by-election, which involved 102 candidates and nearly 15,000 election positions filled to support its implementation. Most recently, the Toronto City Council unanimously endorsed a once-in-a-generation change to Toronto taxpayer responsibilities in the Ontario-Toronto New Deal.


Affordable Housing:
Toronto housing has been one of the most pressing topics in the past few years. However, Toronto, in partnership with the federal and provincial governments, made deep inroads in housing development, including providing geared-to-income portable housing benefits to 3,315 households (3,061 households from shelters and 254 Indigenous households) and creating 468 new supportive housing opportunities through the Rapid Rehousing Initiative in conjunction with Toronto Community Housing Corporation. Toronto also secured $169.4 million in funding for 416 new homes in 2023 through Phase 3 of the Government of Canada’s Rapid Housing Initiative (RHI). In short, more homes, housing benefits and a roadmap to strengthen Toronto’s housing system by building more homes faster, increasing housing affordability and establishing a stronger role for the government in the housing system were created.

Toronto Community Crisis Response Service:
Toronto Community Crisis Service (TCCS) — a non-police-led, community-based, client-centred and trauma-informed service — had a successful pilot and will expand in 2024. The TCCS provides free, confidential and in-person mental health support — 24 hours a day, seven days a week — via mobile crisis teams and can be accessed by calling 211 or 911. Client feedback indicated 95 per cent were satisfied or very satisfied with the service they received, and 90 per cent of clients indicated that the service positively impacted their perception of community safety and well-being.

Openings of Parks, Community and Child Care Centres:
Lillian McGregor Park, Love Park, Ethennonnhawahstihnen’ Community Recreation Centre, One Yonge Community Centre, the Aquabella Child Care Centre and The Macaulay Centres for Children – Tippett Child Care Centre (the Centre) in North York — all opened this year.

Health and Wellness:
FitnessTO launched, providing greater access to city fitness locations and services.

Shelter System and Refugee Response:
More than 5,000 people moved from the shelter system to permanent housing and is currently providing support for more than 11,200 people in and outside the shelter system.

Advancing Reconciliation:
In efforts to strengthen the reconciliation with the Indigenous, 68 new rent-geared-to-income homes were announced to be built by an Indigenous housing provider, and the Indigenous Climate Action Grants pilot program successfully funded 19 Indigenous-led climate action projects and initiatives.


Climate Leadership:
The PollinateTO program funded 44 community-led projects, which will create 110 new gardens and an estimated 5,700 square metres of pollinator habitat, and the Eco-Roof Incentive Program helped create more than 44,000 square metres of new eco-roof area.

The post Toronto: 2023 Year in Review appeared first on City Life Toronto Lifestyle Magazine.