News and Updates

Council appoints George Elliott Clarke Toronto's new Poet Laureate

Respected Toronto-based poet, dramatist, novelist and professor George Elliott Clarke has been appointed by City Council as Toronto's fourth Poet Laureate.

"George Elliott Clarke will enrich the Poet Laureate position with his many talents and accomplishments," said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the City's Economic Development Committee. "In addition to the accolades he has received as a poet and playwright, his dedication to education and his tremendous support of Canadian writers and the literary community has been nationally recognized by his appointment as an Officer of the Order of Canada."

Toronto City Council endorses the nomination of Malala Yousafzai for a Nobel Peace Prize

Today City Council supported Councillor Paula Fletcher's motion to endorse the nomination of Malala Yousafzai for a Nobel Peace Prize.  On October 9, 2012 Malala was shot by the Taliban while riding the school bus.  Her courage as a tireless advocate for girls' education in the face of threats and violence is remarkable, and supporters around the world are calling for the Nobel Committee to award Malala the Peace Prize.

December 4th - Community Matters: Writing the East End

Authors discuss their works

From the Don to Coxwell

Jennefer Laidley & Gene Desfor: authors of the award-winning Reshaping Toronto’s Waterfront.

Shawn Micallef author of Stroll: Psychogeographic Walking Tours of Toronto and Full Frontal T.O.

Mark Osbaldeston author of Unbuilt Toronto: A History of the City That Might Have Been and Unbuilt Toronto 2: More of the City That Might Have Been.

November 17 - Cavalcade of Lights

Toronto kicks off holiday season with Cavalcade of Lights on Saturday

The Cavalcade of Lights event on Saturday, November 17 will feature the illumination of Torontos official Christmas tree, musical performances, a spectacular fireworks show and a dance party. It all takes place at Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.

Saturday night schedule 7 p.m.- Welcoming remarks and a holiday musical medley led by Justin Abedin accompanied by Toya Alexis, Chad Doucette, Kathryn Rose and Kibwe Thomas

December 6-9 - Public Art for Joel Weeks Park

Five artists/artist teams were selected as semi-finalists and have been invited to submit proposals for art in your park.

Please Join Us and Make Your Comments!!

Proposals will be on public view at:

Ralph Thornton Centre

765 Queen Street East

2^ndFloor Hallway

The City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry & Recreation Division working in

November 18 & 25 - Lower Don Greenway Walks in the Valley

Lower Don Greenway Walks in the Valley

Be part of the first conversations for the new Lower Don Greenway project, and discover how we can transform the Lower Don Valley into an innovative green space like no other—showcasing Toronto's distinctive ravine system through arresting gateways, new and improved access points and amenities and enhanced pedestrian trails and bridges. Share with us your favourite stories and places in the Lower Don and we'll share with you why we love it too. Remember, wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather!

November 29 - How Can We Make It Easier to Host Community Events in Parks?

Hosted By: Park People

Having trouble understanding the city's insurance form? Do you need a permit? Why do you need to pay for a permit? Join Toronto Park People, Friends of Withrow Park and Parks Forestry and Recreation staff for a discussion about how to make it easier for Friends of the Park groups to plan events in parks. If you want to host an event in 2013, tell the story of your past efforts to animate your park, or suggest solutions, please join us!

Let's beat the flu

 

Everyone is at risk of getting the flu. Get the flu shot each fall to protect you and your family, friends and co-workers. Since the virus that causes influenza changes frequently, you need to get a new flu shot each year.

 

The influenza vaccine is free and available to people six months of age and older who live, work or attend school in Ontario. Those at high risk for flu-related complications should especially get the vaccine:

Toronto Tree Portraits 2013

The 2013 edition of the Toronto Tree Portraits calendar featuring some of Toronto's most beautiful trees is now available. The calendar is in a convenient format to stand on a desk and it makes a great holiday-season gift. All proceeds go toward preserving and enhancing Toronto's public trees.

Details: https://torontoparksandtrees.org/

November 6 - Withrow Park Farmers Market Moving Indoors

The Withrow Park Farmers Market is moving indoors for the winter. Located now at Danforth Church at 60 Bowden Ave., the winter market season will begin on November 6, 2012 at 3pm to 7pm.

The market will relocate outdoors to Withrow Park in late May 2013.