Greenest City is a program of West Neighbourhood House. Read more by visiting their page.
Warm Season’s Greetings
Hello Friends,
As winter settles in and the holiday season sparkles around us, we take this moment to reflect on the joys, challenges, and blessings that have defined this year. Whether you’re celebrating with loved ones or enjoying a well-deserved break, we hope this newsletter adds a little extra warmth to your season. As the year draws to a close, we are filled with gratitude for the moments we have shared. It has been a year of growth, learning, and connection, and we want to thank each of you for your continued support and friendship from our Greenest City Program.
This holiday season, we encourage you to savour the simple pleasures of life—enjoy your meals, take a moment to connect with nature, and reflect on the beauty around you. As we continue our shared journey towards a greener future, may the coming year bring more opportunities for sustainability, joy, and meaningful connections with the community we call home.
Eco-friendly tips for winter:
As the cold weather arrives, it’s the perfect time to make small changes that not only keep you cozy but also help the planet. Here are some simple, eco-friendly tips to enjoy a warmer, greener season.
- Insulate Your Home: Seal drafts, insulate attics, and use thermal curtains to save energy.
- Use LED Lights: They use less energy and last longer.
- Lower Your Thermostat: Reduce heating and use a smart thermostat for efficiency.
- Dress Warmly: Layer up instead of turning up the heat.
- Efficient Heating: Consider radiant floor heating or a wood/pellet stove.
- Eco-Friendly Snow Removal: Use manual tools and non-toxic ice melt.
- Save Water: Shorten showers and wash clothes in cold water.
- Green Holiday Decor: Choose natural decorations and solar lights.
- Air Dry Clothes: Skip the dryer and hang clothes to save energy.
- Fix Leaks: Prevent water waste by repairing leaks.
- Choose Sustainable Gifts and Packaging: Opt for eco-friendly gifts like reusable items, locally made products, or those made from recycled materials. Use reusable gift bags, fabric wraps, or recycled paper instead of traditional wrapping paper to reduce waste.
- Stay Active and Eat Local: Embrace winter activities like hiking or indoor workouts to stay fit. Support local farmers by choosing seasonal, locally grown foods, reducing your carbon footprint while enjoying fresh, nutritious meals.
If you get a chance, try to connect with the winter solstice on December 21… “As we approach the winter solstice, the shortest day of the year, it’s a reminder that even our bodies operate on a cycle tied to the sun. With less natural sunlight during this time, our circadian rhythms—the internal clock that regulates many bodily functions, including skin cell regeneration—can be disrupted…..” Full article here: Winter Solstice.
Fall-Winter Placement Students
We are excited to announce that two new students from George Brown College have joined our team as part of their placement program. They will be with us until April 2025, contributing their skills and learning alongside us. Now, let’s give them a warm welcome as they share a little more about themselves!
“My name is Ana María, and I’m from Colombia. I am a placement student at Greenest City and a Community Work student at George Brown College. With a background in Government and International Relations, I am passionate about sustainability, migration, and gender equality. My studies and experience have equipped me with the skills to support diverse populations and drive positive change. I am committed to social and climate justice, and my goal is to empower communities, promote equity, and build resilience against social and environmental challenges. Working at Greenest City has been an incredible opportunity to apply my skills in a real-world setting. I have gained valuable experience in community engagement, working with local groups on sustainability initiatives, and supporting climate action projects. This hands-on experience has deepened my commitment to fostering inclusive and resilient communities.”
“My name is Winnie Lai, and I am a second-year Community Worker Diploma student at George Brown College, passionate about humanitarian work, environmental justice, and community development. My experience includes working in the vulnerable sector in China and Hong Kong, developing programs to address their unique needs. I am committed to expanding my skills and knowledge to better support and empower diverse communities in Toronto. Currently, at Greenest City, I have the privilege of working with Sandra Leon as a Communications & Climate Action Assistant. In this role, I assist her in running workshops related to climate action. Additionally, I am responsible for publicity efforts, ensuring that our programs and activities effectively reach out to our audience in a timely manner.”
Additionally, we want to extend a huge thank you to Ayush Hedge from York University, Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, who supported us from the beginning of September until December 4. Ayush, we truly appreciate you for bridging your skills and expertise with us and for your strong commitment to Environmental and Climate Action at Greenest City. Your contribution has made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for everything you’ve done. Best of luck in your future endeavors!
2024 Greenest City Program Highlights
Join us for a special year-in-review program as we take a moment to reflect on the most impactful events and activities from this year. Over the last twelve months, we’ve been part of exciting initiatives that have inspired, challenged, and united our community. From dynamic workshops and engaging community outreach programs to unforgettable celebrations and groundbreaking projects, this year has been filled with significant moments that have made a lasting impact.
Today, we’ll look back at these highlights, celebrating the milestones we’ve achieved together and the experiences that have shaped our journey. Whether you were directly involved in these events or are hearing about them for the first time, this is a chance to appreciate the collective achievements that have defined the year.
Let’s reflect on the successes, the challenges, and the growth that have contributed to making this year truly remarkable. Together, we’ll revisit the memories that have brought us closer and celebrate the shared accomplishments that have made this journey unforgettable. Join us as we honour the experiences that have shaped our community and inspired us all.
The Dunn Indigenous Garden (DIG)
We want to start our program review highlights by focusing on the Dunn Indigenous Garden (DIG). As part of our land-based work in Parkdale, one of our greatest commitments is righting relations with Indigenous peoples. This year, we dedicated ourselves to collectively stewarding DIG, a process that required immense time, energy, and collaboration. Just as the name suggests, we’ve been digging—both literally and metaphorically—into the land, knowledge, and relationships. Reopened in the spring, the garden has become a vital space where Indigenous earth workers can cultivate food, medicines, and native species, and hold important ceremonies.
This fall, we hosted an encounter that brought together Indigenous peoples, non-Indigenous solidarity groups, and volunteers who have worked to revitalize the garden. The gathering provided an opportunity for participants to connect, reflect on the garden’s transformation, and celebrate the collective efforts that have made the land accessible for both cultural and ecological practices. It was a powerful moment of community-building, honoring the land and its caretakers.
We are deeply grateful to everyone involved in this process—the Indigenous earth workers, volunteers, and community members—whose time, energy, and dedication have brought this vision to life.
We would like to give special recognition to Tata Bartolo Alvarez, a Mayan Elder, founder of the Mayan Council in Toronto, an Indigenous naturopath, and a tireless land defender and knowledge keeper. Tata Bartolo shared his native wisdom with this garden, leaving a lasting impact. He passed away last October, and we are honoured to have had his support for the DIG. Rest in Peace, dear Abuelo.
Looking ahead to the spring, we are excited to reconnect with Indigenous stewardship as we prepare the garden for the upcoming growing season. This will be a meaningful time to work alongside Indigenous earth workers, honouring traditional knowledge and collaborating to nurture the land for the next cycle of growth and renewal.
Pollinators Planting and Plants labels in Anishinaabe
With the guidance of the South Parkdale Community Pollinator Gardens, the funding support of the Parkdale Horticultural Society, and the incredible hands-on planting, and artistic work of Canada Nos Une, Monarch Butterfly Project, and the great support of our vthis year we focused on enhancing biodiversity in our neighborhood by planting over 30 different species that attract a wide range of pollinators, including bees, hummingbirds, monarch butterflies, among others. These plants were added to the Dunn Indigenous Garden and the Milky Way Garden as part of our ongoing educational process, where we are dedicated to teaching our community about the importance of pollinators and native species, as well as the vital connections between pollinators and edible gardens.
We have learned that, in an urban context, pollinators and native species are vital for maintaining ecological balance and ensuring the health of our environment. By supporting these species, we help to restore critical habitats, improve air quality, and promote sustainability in cities. Native plants are adapted to local conditions, making them resilient and more beneficial to the surrounding wildlife. Pollinators, in turn, support food production and biodiversity, which is crucial as urban areas continue to grow and change. Pollinator gardens play a key role in supporting edible gardens by facilitating the pollination of fruits, vegetables, and herbs, contributing to a thriving, sustainable food system.
As part of our work, we began an ongoing effort to honour the land we inhabit by identifying pollinator and native species using their English, scientific, and Anishinaabe names. This practice is not only a way to preserve cultural knowledge but also fosters a deeper connection to the land, honouring the traditions and wisdom of Indigenous communities. By integrating Indigenous language alongside scientific and common names, we celebrate the richness of both cultural heritage and ecological understanding.
This has been an incredible learning experience, filled with knowledge sharing, nature exploration, garden beautification, and the joyful dance of plants, insects, and birds all around us.
Our immense gratitude goes to our facilitators, collaborators and funders. Without your support, this journey would not have been possible.
From Summer to Fall: A Season Full of Fun
We’re so excited to take a moment to reflect on the incredible experiences and activities that filled our Summer and Fall. These seasons were truly full of adventure, as we came together as a community to celebrate, learn, and grow.
Outdoor Activities:
- Community Food Market:
This year, we had the privilege of hosting once again The Food Market in Masaryk Park. A vibrant space where local food vendors, neighbours, and friends connected over fresh, locally grown produce, and reflecting our collective commitment to food security and low-cost veggies and fruits in Parkdale. This market isn’t just about providing food; it’s about strengthening our community and ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or income, has access to good food.
- Kids Growing the Future:
We also watched the future bloom through the Kids Gardening program, where children not only learned about the joy of planting and harvesting but also delved into important lessons about sustainability while growing food. In this program, the kids explored the four indigenous elements—earth, air, fire, and water—as part of their education on how to care for the land. They learned the significance of planting, watering, weeding, and the role of pollinators in creating healthy ecosystems. These lessons are integral to our commitment to raising a generation that understands and respects the environment, and we’re proud to see their connection to nature deepen through these hands-on experiences.
- Summer Potluck:
Our traditional summer potluck at Masaryk Park on August 22 was an unforgettable evening filled with delicious cultural dishes, warm company, and lively conversation. The atmosphere was vibrant as people from different gardens came together to share their favourite recipes, creating a beautiful mix of flavors from across the community. From savory pies to fresh salads and homemade desserts, there was something to please every taste. But the true spirit of the potluck went beyond the food—it was about building connections and celebrating the cultural diversity of our neighbourhood. Old friendships were rekindled, and new ones were formed. As we savored our “yummy food” and enjoyed the evening together, we felt a deep sense of unity and collaboration that makes our community so special.
- HOPE Garden. Voting Day:
As part of our ongoing commitment to open spaces that support growing food, this fall, the Hope Garden took on a new chapter with the formation of its new steering committee, who are already hard at work shaping the future of this vital green space and its role in enhancing our urban growing food program in Parkdale.
A huge congratulations to the new steering committee members of the Hope Garden:
- Annette Barragan
- David Ngatia
- Manuel Miranda
- Urban Nelson
- Lorena Banman
We are so grateful for their willingness to dedicate time and effort to the Hope Garden year-round. We are genuinely excited about the possibility of working together with this wonderful team. We believe our collaboration will lead to remarkable outcomes for the HOPE Garden in 2025 and can’t wait to see what we achieve together.
- Smashing Pumpkin Compost Party!!!
At the end of October, we hosted a fun and lively Smashing Pumpkins Compost Workshop, and it was a huge success! The event wasn’t just a workshop—it was a celebration. We were excited to learn how pumpkins could be transformed into nutrient-rich compost, and we were joined by amazing facilitators from Compost Toronto, experienced gardeners, and youth from the West Neighborhood House and Newcomer Youth Program. Together, we smashed pumpkins, enjoyed the crisp weather, grooved to great music, and connected with one another. It was a perfect blend of hands-on composting, sustainable gardening, and community-connection.
Everyone had a great time, learning new skills and sharing in the festive atmosphere. A big thank you to all who joined us for this unforgettable, eco-friendly pumpkin party!”
- The Harvest Celebration:
Our traditional Harvest Festival was a beautiful conclusion to the season, opening with a heartfelt Indigenous ceremony led by the Anishinaabe elder Vivian Recollect. This sacred moment set the tone for an evening of reflection, connection, and celebration. A key part of the celebration was our Truth and Reconciliation Activity, where we took time to recognize the history and struggles of Indigenous peoples. Through these reflections, we honoured Indigenous history, acknowledged the injustices faced by Indigenous communities, and reaffirmed our collective commitment to truth, healing, and reconciliation.
We also offered a range of activities for kids and families and gathered around our Community Campfire to share stories and songs. The evening was made even more special with performances from local artists such as the Parkdale Heinz Band, Hameed Shaqq, a dedicated Steel Pan player, and Uriah Dennis, a passionate local singer. Their music and talents filled the air, connecting us through art and culture. As the night came to a close, we shared a bountiful spread of delicious food, lovingly brought together by everyone. This celebration was a true reflection of the spirit of community—nourishing both our bodies and our relationships.
A heartfelt thank you to the Elders, the Milky Way gardeners, and all the dedicated volunteers and community members who made this event so special. Your efforts, enthusiasm, and dedication helped make this event a memorable and meaningful celebration for all.
Indoor Activities
- Canning Tomatoes Workshop
Through this workshop, on November 9, we provided a valuable learning experience for participants, emphasizing the negative health impacts of processed foods and the importance of food preservation to maintain the nutritional integrity of produce. By focusing on the process of canning tomatoes, the workshop taught attendees how to safely preserve them, retaining their freshness and nutrients as a healthier alternative to processed options. It was particularly engaging to see participants share their knowledge of food canning, fostering a collaborative environment that enriched the session and built a sense of community. The exchange of tips and techniques allowed everyone to learn new methods of preserving food, which likely inspired creative ideas for maintaining healthy eating habits.
To guide the workshop, we were fortunate to have two experienced facilitators. Dr. Tomislav Svoboda, a family physician specializing in community medicine, brought his extensive research experience in food preservation and nutrition. Ileana Murray, an enthusiastic community member, gardener, and environmental activist, is passionate about promoting sustainable living, including various methods of preserving food. Reflecting on the workshop, Ileana shared her thoughts:
“I run the tomato workshop along with Dr. Tomislav Svoboda to bring new skills to the community and build resilience. In this climate of food insecurity and the rising cost of living, I thought it would be an important skill to share. I found a lot of wisdom and knowledge from the participants, and I felt that I learned just as much from them as they did from us. It was incredibly gratifying to see the community come together for this common cause.”
- Community Consultation Summary – Parkland Strategy,
On November 11, West Neighbourhood House, through its Community Development and Greenest City programs, hosted a consultation led by the City of Toronto, as part of the five-year review of the Parkland Strategy (PLS) and Parks and Recreation Facilities Plan (PRFP). The consultation engaged 18 Parkdale residents who provided valuable input on improving local recreation facilities. Key suggestions included:
- Increasing seasonal activities, such as cross-country skiing, especially in winter.
- Providing transportation (e.g., school buses) for trips to other parks and recreation facilities.
- Installing more trash cans and promoting responsible waste disposal.
- Enhancing parks to support local wildlife, including bees and birds.
- Improving Parks safety, particularly during winter, to prevent falls.
- Encouraging community engagement, including volunteer-led park cleanups.
- Combining resources for better management of parks.
- Implementing fees for visitors from outside the community who use local gardens.
- Addressing staffing shortages for post-pandemic park maintenance.
- Expanding green spaces with nature-focused features like fire pits, barbecues, and camping.
These ideas will help shape the future of local parks and recreation, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the community.
- Community Climate Action Workshop
On December 2nd the Parkdale Community Action workshop provided participants with the opportunity to discuss a wide range of topics related to climate change, including the impact of human activities on the environment and the urgency of adopting sustainable practices.
Group discussions focused on key themes such as climate change awareness, consumption habits and sustainability, climate change adaptation and resilience, and community action and participation. The workshop offered a platform to explore the effects of climate change on various ecosystems, food systems, neighbourhoods, and communities, while also identifying sustainable solutions. These solutions were inspired by reflections on collaboration and creativity, empowering participants to take meaningful action in both their personal and professional lives.
Interactive activities deepened participants’ understanding of both global and local climate challenges. Participants explored strategies for reducing carbon emissions, transitioning to renewable energy, and fostering climate resilience in vulnerable communities. The workshop also provided space to discuss policy measures, the role of businesses in climate action, and how individuals can contribute to mitigating climate change through lifestyle changes and advocacy. It was an eye-opening experience that inspired hope and a renewed sense of responsibility toward protecting our planet.
We will share the findings from this Community Climate Action initiative early next year. Stay tuned for updates.
Both outdoor and indoors activities reflect our ongoing dedication to creating open spaces that strengthen our climate action commitments and support the well-being of everyone in Parkdale. Together, these initiatives brought us closer, cultivated new skills, and created lasting memories. We are excited to share these moments and the adventures that unfolded across these seasons!
A Year of Service: Thank You, Volunteers!
As we close out 2024, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude to the amazing volunteers who have truly made a difference in our community. This year, we’ve been fortunate to work alongside passionate individuals whose dedication has been nothing short of extraordinary. From supporting our Food Market and tending to our Community Gardens and pollinator areas, to helping organize events and working behind the scenes, each one of you has played a vital role in advancing our mission. Your time, energy, and commitment have made a lasting impact, and we are deeply grateful for all you have done.
We want to recognize and celebrate the support of United Way Corporate Volunteers, whose exceptional service through Days of Impact and Days of Caring has been invaluable. Thank you to the teams from BMO, CIBC, Metro, Intact, and Scotia Bank for your continued support and involvement. Together, 60 volunteers spent around 20 hours in our neighbourhood, supporting our different initiatives for the benefit of our community members.
Volunteers and Collaborators’ Testimonials:
We are especially grateful for the insightful contributions of our community volunteers like Evidence Ugberase, who supported us through the season. Evidence reflects, “During my 3-month volunteer experience with West Neighbourhood House, Greenest City, I had the opportunity to learn valuable skills in plant cultivation, water plant management, and environmental care through informative workshops. It was a fulfilling time spent with the Parkdale community, where I shared many fun and memorable moments. A special thanks to the entire Greenest City team for their guidance and support throughout this enriching experience. Their dedication made this journey truly rewarding, and I’m grateful for all the knowledge and connections I gained.”
An immense gratitude also goes out to – Canada Nos Une -CNU-& Sin Fronteras Monarch Butterfly Project for their outstanding support in our gardens this year. They worked tirelessly in our community gardens where they helped us maintain and grow crucial pollinator and vegetable gardens. Their contributions, both in labor and expertise, have been essential in nurturing these vital green spaces.. “Our Members of CNU would like to thank all the members and volunteers of The Dunn, Milk Way, and Hope Gardens at Greenest City for the incredible opportunity to be part of this initiative. We are grateful for the chance to be a living example of what communities can achieve on a small but sacred piece of land. We appreciate the opportunity to learn and share our knowledge and techniques in the urban environment, creating awareness in various ways. We thank you for providing us with the chance to learn from the Elders of all Americas, fostering growth and development ideas and systems that help us plant vegetables, and pollinators, and care for the plants that support monarch butterflies, which are at risk. These plants, including medicinal plants like ciprés, sweetgrass, sage, tobacco, epazote, and especially the Milkweed (the only home for Monarch Butterflies), are essential to our ecosystems. Happy Holidays, everyone, and remember: ‘Help us to help save and grow Milkweed plants and preserve the migration of Monarch Butterflies. They are the second most important pollinators in North America.’” Lummy Fuentes CNU & Sin Fronteras Monarch Butterfly Project Director
As we look ahead to 2025, we are excited to continue collaborating with such a passionate and dedicated group of volunteers and participants in the Greenest City program to bring even more positive change to our community.
Wishing you all the best for the year ahead. Peace and love,
Sandra Leon
Film Screening Announcement
Our partner Compost Toronto is excited to present the award-winning film Common Ground. This film is the sequel to Kiss the Ground and it continues the exploration of the importance of soil to the health of the planet. “At Compost Toronto, we began as a group of students from the Soil Food Web School started by Dr. Elaine Ingham. Dr. Elaine was the first to demonstrate that soil is a dynamic ecosystem that thrives and is intimately connected to the above-ground world we see. Please join us on Friday, January 10th at 6: 30 p.m. at the Cecil Street Community Centre to view the film and meet our members.”
SAVE THE DATE
for the Upcoming Events
Jam Making Workshop
Date: Tuesday, January 28
Time: 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Location: Basement of Epiphany and St Mark Church
Seeds Packing Activity
Date: Monday, February 24
Time: 2:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Location: Basement of Epiphany and St Mark Church
Come and help us to get our seeds ready for our Seeds Exchange Event in March,
Parkdale Seedy Sunday & Eco Fair
Date: Sunday, March 30
Time: 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Location: Basement of the Parkdale Public Library
Join us to exchange seeds for the growing season and connect with local vendors offering organic seeds and produce. It’s a great opportunity to kick-start your garden and learn about sustainable gardening practices.
Earth Day Celebration
Date: Tuesday, April 22
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Masaryk Park
Join us in celebrating the 55th anniversary of Earth Day! We invite everyone to support Earth Day’s 2025 theme: OUR POWER, OUR
Thanks to our Program funders:
- Whole Kids Foundation for supporting our Growing the Future program.
- Parkdale Horticultural Society for enabling us to enhance the biodiversity & pollinator areas in the Milky Way and Dunn Indigenous Gardens.
- TD Friends of the Environment for your financial support of our Blossom and Bloom: Nurturing the Earth project.
Your contributions have played a vital role in advancing our climate action efforts in the Parkdale neighbourhood.
West Neighbourhood House Winter Appeal
Read the full Winter Appeal letter on our website: https://www.westnh.org/winterappeal/
Job Opportunities: https://www.westnh.org/jobopportunities/
West Neighbourhood House, Greenest City program continue our commitment to opening spaces for social justice, righting relations with indigenous people, and climate actions that support our community members’ wellbeing and sustainable ways of living
Let’s continue working together to build a greener and more connected future!
Stay updated with our activities and programs on our social media including our Facebook page and Instagram! To volunteer and connect with us, please contact admin@greenestcity.ca. If you would like to receive the newsletter in your inbox, sign up here.