Hello Neighbours!
We have officially arrived in spring, and are only 5 weeks away from the 2022 Forsythia Festival!

This is the biggest yearly event the Cabbagetown Residents Association puts on and we are in need of volunteers. If you can spare some time on Sunday May 1st, please email Katie at tozer.katie@gmail.com.
We’ve got a packed newsletter this month – there is a lot happening around our neighbourhood. From construction on Wellesley, the BIA’s MapleLicious event to support for refugees, keep scrolling for more!
Techfugees
Local volunteers from Techfugees Canada are working with Romero House to respond to the urgent needs of refugee claimants and help families living in transitional housing find stable apartments faster. There are two ways you can help:
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Consider if you are able to host a refugee family in your home on an emergency basis. If you are in a position of having extra space in your home and would be willing to offer space to a refugee or refugee family, we would love to know and keep your name on a list of people we might call on when needed.
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Do you have an apartment that you are willing to rent to refugees? Do you know of others who do? Permanent housing for refugees is even better than emergency housing! If you are willing to be a landlord to recently arrived refugees get in touch.
To learn more about both of these initiatives email toronto@techfugees.com.
Techfugees Canada is a local chapter of the global social enterprise Techfugees, which is an impact-driven organization dedicated to nurturing a sustainable ecosystem of tech solutions to support the inclusion of displaced peoples.
Construction on Wellesley
The City has advised that Wellesley Street from Ontario Street to Sherbourne Street, starting on April 25th. Asphalt will be replaced, including on the existing bike lane and a new sidewalk installed. A concrete barrier will also be added to the bike lane.
MapleLicious
Thank you to our friends at the Cabbagetown BIA for holding the first ever MapleLicious Festival on April 3rd at 3pm. Come enjoy maple syrup treats, live music, crepes, coffee and a photo booth, all taking place at the NE corner of Parliament and Carlton.
Calling all Youth for the Young Urban Forest Leader Program
Do you know a young person who is passionate about nature, community engagement, and stewardship? They may be a perfect fit for the Young Urban Forest Leader (YUFL) Program provided by LEAF!
LEAF is excited to announce that applications for the 2022 YUFL Program are now open! The YUFL Program is a free, in-person and online training opportunity designed to provide valuable skills in urban forestry and community engagement to 20 young Toronto people (ages 18 to 29) over four months (May through August). Through this program, participants will build connections in their communities, grow their confidence as a leader and network with industry leaders.
The program also seeks to support Toronto youth from underrepresented groups within arboriculture and urban forestry including (but not limited to) women, non-binary people, Indigenous peoples, newcomers, 2SLGBTQ+ persons and racialized individuals.
Applications will close on Thursday March 31st 2022 at 11:59pm.
Heather from Green Thumbs Growing Kids has a new blog post – check it out here.
The City of Toronto’s first Reconciliation Action Plan moves forward.
Earlier this month, the mayor announced the details of the City of Toronto’s first Reconciliation Action Plan. These recommendations will guide the City’s actions from 2022 to 2032 to advance truth, justice and reconciliation.
The Reconciliation Action Plan builds on the City’s existing commitments to Indigenous Peoples through 28 meaningful actions across five themes: actions to restore truth, actions to right relations and share power, actions for justice, actions to make financial reparations and actions for the Indigenous Affairs Office.
A key priority for the City will be addressing barriers and colonial practices embedded in its policies, processes and practices to better serve Indigenous residents in Toronto.
The Reconciliation Action Plan was developed over three years with input from First Nations, Inuit and Métis community members, organizations, Elders, Knowledge Carriers, youth, and Indigenous employees and allies in the Toronto Public Service. The Plan will be a living document, which will evolve, as needed, to incorporate directives from any future public inquiries or calls for government action from local Indigenous communities and organizations. The City will also continue to collaborate with Indigenous leaders and community members to fulfill the actions within the Plan, ensure transparency and accountability, and improve relationships with Indigenous Peoples.
Cabbagetown Artists
Doug Fisher has launched a new blog for Cabbagetown Artists, showcasing work from local artists. Click through and support a neighbourhood artist.
Jane’s Walk is Back!
Toronto’s favourite festival of free, community-led walking conversations returns this May, back in person!
Jane’s Walk creates space for Torontonians to celebrate their culture, share their passions, and dream of a more equitable city for all.
Visit the website to learn more.