Show Up Toronto - July 9, 2026
Hi friends and neighbours,
You may have heard that Sneaky Dee's, a beloved and iconic Toronto dive bar, was at risk of being demolished to make way to a big new condo development. You may have also heard that late last week, the developers withdrew their application just as the Save Sneaky Dee's campaign was gearing up to take them on at city hall this week.
Why did the developer withdraw the application? It turns out that they don't actually own the land that would be needed for this condo. Part of the land was owned by RBC, who had no contract or maybe even contact with the developers, and once activists discovered this and tipped off RBC via some backchannels they sent a very polite "back off we're literally the bank" letter to council and wouldn't you know it things suddenly got moving.
One of the organizers with the Save Sneaky campaign has a fun little recap of the last few days, including some speculation about why the developers tried to pull this stunt in the first place. You do not, under any circumstances, gotta hand it to the Royal Bank of Canada, who is the number 1 funder of fossil fuels in the world and also a backer of Carney's war bank (alongside the rest of major Canadian banks). But the whole thing was very funny, and some weeks you just need a laugh.
Thanks for showing up.
Jenny
Events this week
Thursday, July 9, 2026 🔗
9AM — Bluffer's Beach Cleanup (Bluffer's Beach)
A Greener Future - Join A Greener Future for a Love Your Lakes cleanup at Bluffer’s Beach in Toronto, where volunteers will come together to protect Lake Ontario, local green spaces, and the waterways connected to them.
10AM — Cleanup: Marie Curtis Park (Marie Curtis Park, 2 Forty Second Street)
A Greener Future - At this event, volunteers will remove litter from the shoreline and surrounding park area while helping A Greener Future collect important data about what is ending up in the environment. This data helps us better understand litter trends and work toward long-term solutions.
10AM — Digital Life Skills for Seniors - Online Safety (Toronto Public Library: Malvern Branch)
Toronto Public Library - For people who have basic internet skills but want to learn about online safety and privacy. We will cover tips for creating secure passwords, using public Wi-Fi safely, protecting your device from malware, and how to recognize online scams. Prerequisites: Basic familiarity with using the Internet and email.
1PM — Moving Beyond Hierarchies: Re-imagining Governance Structures (Virtual)
FoodShare Toronto - How do we break down rigid, top-down structures and build spaces rooted in community? Join Mariam Waliji and Sara Mai Chitty for an interactive session that explores anti-colonial, relational approaches to re-imagining governance.
3PM — Dufferin Grove Farmers’ Market Mini Repair Café (875 Dufferin St)
Repair Cafe Toronto - Come learn how to fix your broken household items for free! One item per person. Volunteer fixers will help with small appliances, home electronics, general housewares and clothing.
5:30PM — Make Calls to Stop Ford’s TTC Takeover (virtual)
Progress Toronto - Doug Ford wants to take full control of TTC fares, routes and service. After mishandling Toronto’s transit projects through Metrolinx, we can’t risk it. Join Progress Toronto and TTCriders to talk to people across Toronto to get them to take action to keep Ford’s hands off our public transit.
6PM — A Progressive Vision for AI & Digital Sovereignty? (Toronto Metropolitan University George Vari Engineering and Computing Centre)
Broadbent Institute - The Broadbent Institute and Rumbo Colectivo present ‘A Progressive Vision for AI & Digital Sovereignty'. This discussion aims to help inform parliamentarians, policy thinkers, organizers, and civil society on what a progressive vision for AI and digital sovereignty ought to look like, in Canada and around the world.
Friday, July 10, 2026 🔗
11AM — Game On East End Community Mural Painting (33 Davies)
East End Arts - Come help co-create a community sports mural at 33 Davies, led by the talented muralist Phillip Saunders. Join in to add your stamp to the community! No experience needed, all materials will be provided.
5:30PM — Sistering Solidarity Concert (962 Bloor St W)
Sistering Workers on Strike, Democratic Socialists of Canada, and the Common College of Art - A month and a half into the social workers strike, Doug Ford refuses to face the music. So now we bring it to them! Please come by Sistering for a solidarity concert featuring Giving, Kritty, Westelaken, Silver Reeds, and ColoursNSounds. Come by, make music, picket, and be in community together.
6PM — Where Renewable Energy Meets Community in Toronto (G Ross Lord Park)
Climate Care Toronto - Join your neighours to explore how renewable energy powers up communities and sparks local change! This conversation will examine how clean energy initiatives can strengthen communities, foster resilience, and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
7PM — International Anti-War Conference: Report-back from the Canadian delegation (720 Spadina Ave, Room 221)
Spring Magazine - Over 3,000 people attended the International Anti-War Conference in London, UK. The conference discussed building a coordinated global anti-war movement that can challenge the rise of the new militarism and the explosion of defence spending. Join this report-back meeting hosted by Spring, featuring the four conference delegates from Canada.
Saturday, July 11, 2026 🔗
10AM — Willowdale Summer Environment Day 2026 (Centerpoint Mall North Parking Lot)
City Councillor Lily Cheng - Get ready for a second installment of our popular Community Environment Day. Free compost, book exchange, bike repair, seed exchange & more!
11AM — Black Youth: Food Sovereignty Future (Daphne Cockwell Health Sciences Complex)
Black Food Sovereignty Alliance - Join the Black Food Sovereignty Alliance for a conversation exploring the future of Black food sovereignty through the voices and leadership of Black youth. This event bring together young leaders, growers, food advocates, and community members to discuss how we can build more equitable, sustainable, and culturally rooted food systems.
11AM — July Repair Café @ Lansing United Church (49 Bogert Ave, Community Hall #1)
Repair Cafe Willowdale - Bring your small appliances, clothing, housewares, and computers that need some care and learn how to repair items from community volunteers.
11AM — Workers Alliance, GTA chapter meeting (720 Spadina, 2nd floor)
Workers Alliance GTA - Join Workers’ Alliance at the next GTA chapter meeting to learn more about the organization and get involved in projects.
11AM — Game On East End Community Mural Painting (33 Davies)
East End Arts - Come help co-create a community sports mural at 33 Davies, led by the talented muralist Phillip Saunders. Join in to add your stamp to the community! No experience needed, all materials will be provided.
11:30AM — Free Clothing Swap (The Hub - Mid Scarborough)
Scarborough Environmental Association - Whether you’re looking to refresh your own wardrobe or find something for this loved one, this event is a fantastic way to recycle, save money, and support your community.
11:30AM — Mid-Scarborough Repair Hub (2660 Eglinton Ave E)
Repair Cafe Toronto - The Mid Scarborough Hub Repair Cafe is a monthly repair cafe run by Scarborough Environmental Asc that helps residents with clothing, appliance, computer and bike repair. Bring parts for fixing and please consider bringing a mask.
12PM — NMN Drop In (online)
No More Noise Toronto - Anyone, including new and existing members are invited to say hello and get an update on NMN's activities. Throughout, NMN will discuss noise and how we all can improve the soundscape of our cities.
1PM — Queer Compute Club Open House (403-720 Spadina Avenue)
Queer Computer Club - The Queer Computer Club is a non-profit hackerspace and social club that aims to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all tinkerers, especially queer, marginalized, and disabled people. Join their monthly open house to talk to members and see if QCC is right for you!
1PM — Volunteer at Salsa on St Clair (St. Clair West Station)
Progress Toronto - Doug Ford wants to take over the TTC—taking full control of TTC fares, routes and service. After mishandling Toronto’s transit projects, we can’t risk it. Join Progress Toronto and TTCriders to talk to people across Toronto to get them to take action to keep Ford’s hands off our public transit.
1PM — Chalk My Ride (Weston Road at Eglinton Ave West)
Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition - This easy-going ride will explore some of the bikeways — on-road bike lanes, off-road trails, and bike paths — as well as some of the gaps in local cycling infrastructure. The pace of this 17-km ride will be recreational and suited to a range of experience levels.
2PM — Mapping Extractive Frontiers in the Ring of Fire (Art Metropole)
Art Metropole - This public conversation and screening brings together Neskantaga First Nation, Forensic Architecture, and Infrastructure Beyond Extractivism to discuss proposed mining infrastructure in Ontario’s Ring of Fire region. Hear how visual cultures and spatial research can support Indigenous jurisdiction, challenge state and corporate narratives of “critical mineral” development, and make visible the cumulative impacts of extraction on land, water, burial sites, and cultural survivance.
2:30PM — A Breath of Clean Air: Building Climate Resilience by Improving IAQ (Swansea Town Hall)
Clean Indoor Air Toronto - Join Clean Indoor Air Toronto for A Breath of Clean Air, a workshop to learn how to improve indoor air quality and make our indoor environments more resilient to the impacts of air pollution and climate change.
3PM — Say No to AI Data Centres: Park Hang (Queen's Park)
ClimateFast - Come hang out at Queen's Park and meet others who are concerned about AI data centres in our community! This is a family-friendly and casual park hang. There will be soccer, lemonade, and cards!
5PM — Know Your Immigration Rights (location provided upon registration)
Workers' Action Centre - Join to discuss your rights as undocumented persons and during interactions with CBSA. This safe and confidential space to learn, connect, and build community.
7PM — Dogs with Hobbies Benefit Show for Harm Reduction (The Arcade DIY)
The Arcade DIY - A $20/PWYC, all ages, masks-encouraged fundraiser concert supporting Toronto’s Harm Reduction Advocacy Collective! HAC is at the forefront of the opposition to the Ford government's escalating attacks on our most vulnerable community members, come learn more about their great work!
7PM — Queer Sword Fight Club (Christie Pits)
Drawing Swords - The goal of Queer Sword Fight Club is to build queer community around the art of Swordfighting! No experience necessary, all experience levels welcome! Followed by social meet at 8pm.
Sunday, July 12, 2026 🔗
11:45AM — Tabling at 2026 Bangladeshi Queer Liberation Mela (Dentonia Park, Thyra Avenue)
TTC Riders - Join TTCriders at Bangladeshi Queer Liberation (BQL) where they'll be hosting a one-day multidisciplinary arts mela at Dentonia Park.
12PM — Shopner Mela: Festival of Dreams (Dentonia Park)
Bangladeshi Queer Liberation - A beautiful in person experience filled with immersive art activities, delicious bengali food, exciting performances, and exclusive film screenings. Bring your loved ones to enjoy the wonders of traditional Bengali Mela festivities organized by your fav queers. Open to all 2SLGBTQIA+ folks and allies!
1PM — Safe Streets Peer Support Meeting (401 Richmond St W)
Friends and Families for Safe Streets - Friends and Families for Safe Streets is organizing monthly peer support meetings for people bereaved though the death of a family member or friend by road violence, and for those who are recovering/have recovered from traumatic injury in a collision with a vehicle. You can join in person or online.
1PM — Book launch: Counter-revolution in Egypt (Virtual)
International Socialists and Another Story Bookshop - Revolutionary socialist and journalist Hossam el-Hamalawy will speak by Zoom about his new book Counter-Revolution in Egypt. The book discusses how Sisi’s government rests on a seemingly powerful, but inherently unstable, state-machine. The analysis is useful for everyone trying to understand tensions in other states globally.
1PM — Talk to Transit Riders (Mount Pleasant Station)
TTC Riders - Doug Ford wants to take over the TTC—taking full control of TTC fares, routes and service. After mishandling Toronto’s transit projects, we can’t risk it. Join Progress Toronto and TTCriders to talk to transit riders across Toronto to get them to take action to keep Ford’s hands off our public transit.
1PM — Volunteer at the Beaches Jazz Festival (Woodbine Park)
Progress Toronto - Join Progress Toronto and TTCriders at the Toronto Beaches Jazz Festival! They will be talking to people at the festival about issues that matter to them and help them take action. Never volunteered before? Don’t worry! They will give you support, training, and pair you with an experienced volunteer.
2PM — Kwentuhan & Tambayan in North York: Municipal Election Readiness (Kababayan Multicultural Centre)
Filipino-Canadian Civic Action Network - This is an educational session on how the municipal elections in October will work, listen to what matters to the Filipino/a/x community and get together to share kwento (stories).
4PM — Let's take to the sidewalks for Palestine (Warden and Lawrence Ave)
Scarborough Loves Palestine - Bring your kuffiyehs, flags, signs, and a voice that says "Free Palestine"
5PM — Voices for Lebanon Fundraiser Show (DROM Taberna)
Voices for Lebanon - Come together in support of Lebanon at this fundraising music show. It’ll be a night filled with powerful voices, inspiring performances, and supportive community.
5PM — Know Your Immigration Rights Workshop (Register to get the location)
Workers Action Centre - Join us to discuss rights of undocumented persons and during interactions with CBSA. This will be a safe and confidential space to learn, connect, and build community.
Monday, July 13, 2026 🔗
6:30PM — NO JETS TO! Film screening of 'The City Island' (Friends House)
ClimateFast - Toronto Climate Film Festival presents Elizabeth Littlejohn's film on Toronto Island's history & community struggle. How can we prevent jet son our waterfront? Stay after the film to meet the filmmaker and hear from community speakers about what you can do about the proposal to expand the airport.
Tuesday, July 14, 2026 🔗
3PM — Volunteer at the Cabbagetown Farmer's Market! (Riverdale Park West)
Progress Toronto - Doug Ford wants to take over the TTC—taking full control of TTC fares, routes and service. After mishandling Toronto’s transit projects, we can’t risk it. Join Progress Toronto and TTCriders to talk to people at the Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market to get them to take action to keep Ford’s hands off our public transit.
5PM — Volunteer at the Cabbagetown Farmer's Market! (Riverdale Park West)
Progress Toronto - Doug Ford wants to take over the TTC—taking full control of TTC fares, routes and service. After mishandling Toronto’s transit projects, we can’t risk it. Join Progress Toronto and TTCriders to talk to people at the Cabbagetown Farmer’s Market to get them to take action to keep Ford’s hands off our public transit.
6PM — Welcome Call (virtual)
For Our Kids - Parenting is a lot, and if you’ve been carrying that quiet worry of the climate crisis as well, and looking for a meaningful way to channel it, you are not alone. Come hang out with For Our Kids at their next Network Welcome Call.
7PM — Civic Meetup #551: SolveTO: From one pothole, to a reporting platform for every Canadian city (available upon registration, and virtual (hybrid))
Civic Tech Toronto - Civic Tech Toronto's weekly civic meetups bring together Torontonians who share an interest in making Toronto more responsive, prosperous, sustainable, and equitable through design, tech, and data. This week, hear from Ahmed Nadar about how he built a tool that turns one photo of a pothole he drove by daily for months into a report the city can act on. Followed by breakout groups.
7PM — Ready to Act: MPP Training (virtual)
Association of Early Childhood Educators Ontario - Whether you’re never spoken to your representative before, or you’re already in regular contact, you'll find something for you in this session. Build useable skills, feel empowered, receive community support and updates, and plan how you can make a difference for the early years in Ontario.
7:45PM — Stack Infrastructure Data Centre Public Information Meeting (3650 Danforth)
Stack Data Centre Watch - A group of Ward 20 residents and friends are seeking transparency about a hyperscale data centre in the neighbourhood that has been operating 24/7 sine 2023, with plans to expand dramatically in the next few years. Come to a public information meeting to learn more.
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 🔗
1:30PM — NIMBYism and Housing Equity (Virtual)
Local Immigration Partnership Toronto South West - An engaging session on NIMBYism and Housing Equity, exploring how opposition to housing development in neighbourhoods impacts affordability, inclusion, and access to housing. Let’s dive into why folks resist new housing, how newcomers and immigrant communities are often unfairly scapegoated, and how we can make neighborhoods fairer for everyone.
2PM — Group Grief Support Session for Peers (Virtual)
AIDS Bereavement and Resiliency Program of Ontario - To help support Peers in the HIV/AIDS and Harm Reduction sectors, ABRPO is launching a series of Group Grief Support Sessions designed to provide a safe and supportive space for peers to come together, acknowledge our collective grief, and support one another.
6PM — Scarborough Community Art Social (The Hub - Mid Scarborough)
Scarborough Environmental Association - Looking for dedicated time and space to work on your art? All skill levels are welcome to create, stay motivated, and connect with fellow creatives. Bring a project you’re already working on or start something new. Basic art materials will be provided, or feel free to bring your own supplies.
7:30PM — Say No to AI Data Centres (Virtual)
ClimateFast - Come join the next virtual town hall meeting, meet yoru neighbours, and get organized to say NO to AI Data Centres! Details will be emailed post registration - check your spam!
Thursday, July 16, 2026 🔗
4PM — Canvass for Bill 98 (Woodside Square)
TTC Riders - Join TTC Riders to canvass for Bill 98 and talk to your fellow transit riders about how this will impact them!
6PM — Workers’ Action Centre Movie Night: Parasite (720 Spadina Ave, Suite 221)
Workers Action Centre - Join the Workers’ Action Centre for an in-person movie night featuring a screening of Parasite, with free snacks and popcorn! Stick around after the film for an engaging community discussion with neighbors and workers.
Down the road
Friday, July 17, 2026 🔗
5PM — The Theatre Centre's Community BBQ & Hangout (The Theatre Centre)
Saturday, July 18, 2026 🔗
7PM — Out of the Impasse? Debating Class Politics and Canadian Unions (502 Bathurst Street)
10AM — Know Your Power - Youth Workers Skill Lab (55 University Ave, 15th Floor)
12PM — Palestinian Football Exhibit (Available upon registration (downtown))
1PM — SHAMS Mental Health Convention: Uncovering Stigma (Instructional Centre, 1599 Outer Cir, Mississauga, ON)
1PM — Volunteer at the Beaches Jazz Festival (Woodbine Park)
Sunday, July 19, 2026 🔗
11AM — Toronto Book and Bake Sale (720 Spadina Ave, #221)
12PM — Civic Space Sunday (1RG)
2PM — Age of monsters, age of slayers: the late stage of Capitalism (427 Bloor St. West)
6PM — A Litany for Survival: The Life and Work of Audre Lorde (Paradise on Bloor)
Monday, July 20, 2026 🔗
6:30PM — NO JETS TO! Film screening of 'The City Island' (Friends House)
Tuesday, July 21, 2026 🔗
8PM — Social Production of Science Reading Group - Artificial Intelligence Pt 1 (Virtual)
9PM — DSC Orientation (Online)
12PM — Indigenous Youth Rise: Youth Leadership, Political Engagement, and Change (virtual)
6:15PM — Organize the Lab: A Discussion By And For Science Reseach Workers (TBD)
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 🔗
12PM — Understanding & Countering Misinformation, Disinformation, & Malinformation (Virtual)
2PM — Queerborough Zine Workshop with Wasifa Noshin (Scarborough Museum)
Thursday, July 23, 2026 🔗
7PM — How to Save a Corner Store: A Neighborhood Retail Story (Society Clubhouse)
6PM — Empowering Muslim Women: Navigating Gender Based Islamophobia at Work (Centre for Social Innovation)
6PM — CivicTechBrampton: Nuclear Energy Renaissance and North American Young Generation in Nuclear (8 Queen St. E., Brampton, ON)
6:30PM — Not Dead Yet, Shout! (Parkdale Hall)
Friday, July 24, 2026 🔗
7PM — Launch of Mildred C. Poplar's Why Our Lands are Not For Sale (Another Story Bookshop)
7PM — Grassy Narrows and Indigenous Rights: 150 Years of Resistance (Virtual)
10AM — 50 Years of Impact: The Urban Alliance on Race Relations Racial Justice Sum (55 John Street)
6PM — Toronto Spring meeting (720 Spadina Ave, #221)
Saturday, July 25, 2026 🔗
8PM — Summer Mask4Mask Fundraiser Dance (Society Clubhouse, 967 College St.)
11AM — Black History, Past and Present in Kensington Market (88 Nassau St)
1PM — Fight Ford Protest (Queen's Park)
5PM — The Good Fight - Remembering the Spanish Civil War (TBA)
Sunday, July 26, 2026 🔗
2PM — TTCriders Book Club: Better Buses, Better Cities (Christie Pits Park)
Monday, July 27, 2026 🔗
3PM — Safe Cycling Workshop (3079 Danforth Ave)
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 🔗
5PM — East End Vigil (Main St & Danforth Ave)
Wednesday, July 29, 2026 🔗
7PM — How Spending Time in Nature Builds Resilience and Climate Action (Virtual)
4PM — Arts on My Mind community exhibit and musical performances (Goldfarb Gallery Pavillion, 83A York Blvd)
Thursday, July 30, 2026 🔗
7PM — Jews for Grassy Narrows (Virtual)