Show Up Toronto - May 27th, 2025
Hi pals,
I'm not gonna lie, city council voting in favour of an even more oppressive bubble zone bylaw than was previously proposed last week was a huge bummer. We live in difficult times that call for moral courage and clarity, yet our elected officials continue to double down on punishing those who dare to demand a better world.
The thing that's keeping me going is the fact that I'm not alone in yearning for change. I took heart in watching clips of the incredible organizer who shut down access to the Ontario Food Terminal in the wee hours of Sunday morning to draw attention to the blockades preventing essential food and medicine from entering Gaza. Our local bylaw may or may not hold up to the inevitable Charter challenge, but it has been the site of some incredible cooperation between progressive groups in the city. It's a marathon, not a sprint.
In the meantime, the best thing we can do is still to get organized and get involved directly. I've added a new section to the website for opportunities to volunteer and donate household items that don't match a specific event - these are all hyperlocal organizations who do incredible work on the ground. Take a look and see whether any of them could benefit from your time and effort, and tell me if you know of other orgs that belong on this page.
As always, if you find this newsletter useful, forward it to a friend!
Thank you for showing up,
Jenny
Good things can happen: After six months of fighting on behalf of 11 tenants who didn't have any electricity, water, or heat in their homes, the good folks at York South Weston Tenant Union managed to get City Council to adopt policies that involve actually fining landlords that don't provide essential services, and if those landlords continue to be delinquent, the city will make repairs themselves and bill the landlord. This is the kind of policy you can't believe didn't already exist, and it's shameful that tireless activists have to push for months to make these changes happen. If you want to learn how to get involved with tenant organizing, check out the tenant organizing training hosted by the Toronto Centre Tenant Union downtown on Wednesday, or the virtual tenant organizing training from the Democratic Socialists of Canada this Thursday.
Things you can do right now: Call your MPP and ask them to rescind Bill 6, a travesty of a law that criminalizes being unhoused. Emailing is good, too, but calling is best. The Encampment Justice Coalition has an open letter with great talking points, but you really don't have to be eloquent or verbose, just give your name and location and say that you oppose the bill. The fact that we're more willing to imprison people at the cost of hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars a year rather than provide social housing for a fraction of that tells you that it's always been more about cruelty and punishment than about helping people. If you work downtown, pop over to Queen's Park at lunch on Thursday for the Rescind Bill 6 rally.
⭐️ = events added since the last newsletter
Events this week
Tuesday, May 27, 2025
4:30-7PM — National Black Disability Coalition Launch (Hybrid)
Hosted by ASE Community Foundation for Black Canadians with Disabilities - Official launch of Canada's first national coalition centering Black-disabled leadership, knowledge, expertise, research, and advocacy. In-person reception in Toronto followed by a virtual session on Zoom.
⭐️ 5-6PM — No Genocide Ambassador In Our City (Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace)
Hosted by Palestine Youth Movement - Gilad Erdan — Israel’s former UN ambassador and a potential future prime minister — will be in Toronto as he is honoured at Casa Loma by the Abraham Global Peace Initiative (AGPI). Erdan stood at the UN as the face of this genocide. He tore up the UN Charter. He defended the siege on Gaza. Join the Palestine Youth Movement in rejecting the celebration of those who defend and enable ethnic cleansing.
5:30-6:30PM — Trans ID Workshop (Virtual)
Hosted by LGBT Youthline - YouthLine is hosting a trans ID workshop with Dana Teagle! The workshop will cover everything related to how to update your legal name and sex designation on your Ontario and federal IDs.
6-7PM — Asian Pride: Queer Solidarity Against Anti-Asian Racism (Virtual)
Hosted by The 519 - Join The 519's Education and Training team to explore the impacts of anti-Asian racism, and how queer and trans solidarity can be a powerful force for change. Learn tools to recognize and challenge hate, and strategies for practicing allyship. Sliding scale.
7-9PM — Above Guideline Increases Panel (Virtual)
Hosted by Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations - Share strategies to help organize against Above-the-Guideline Increases (AGIs) to rent. Open to tenants, tenant groups, associations, and advocates.
⭐️ 7-9PM — The Unstoppable Green Transition (Virtual)
Hosted by Good Investing - The Green Transition Scoreboard was a project first launched in 2009 to track the trillions of dollars flowing into renewable energy, clean transportation, and sustainable infrastructure. Now, at a moment when the world needs good news and real solutions, come get an update on the Scoreboard to hear about progress that’s often overlooked.
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
⭐️ 10AM-6PM — REmarket day 1 – free shop (St Lawrence Market Tent, 125 Esplanade)
Hosted by SLNA Waste Reduction Group - The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is hosting its 13th annual Remarket, a two-day event for the collection of unwanted items. Day 1 features a free market where you can come take items for free. Both days include donation collection, recycling services, and household hazardous waste drop-off.
⭐️ 11AM-12PM — Crumbling Apartments in a Warming World (City Hall, 100 Queen St W)
Hosted by Acorn Canada - Acorn Canada is delivering a new report to governments across Canada to demand tenant protections for the climate crisis, including retrofit deals, mandatory energy poverty programs, and max-heat bylaws. Join them at City Hall to make demands to protect tenants.
⭐️ 12-1PM — Support Hospital Professionals in Bargaining (Sheraton Centre, 123 Queen W)
Hosted by OPSEU - Join OPSEU/SEFPO members alongside health care and community allies to rally in support of the HPD as they call for real solutions to the crisis in health care!
⭐️ 12-1PM — Bill 5 Online Rally and Phone Zap (Virtual)
Hosted by Water Watchers - Join for an online rally and phone zap to learn about the environmental that would be caused by Bill 5, and make some calls to elected representatives together to inundate the government with our concerns.
⭐️ 4-6PM — Rally for Endangered Species (Queen's Park Legislative Assembly of Ontario)
Hosted by Wilderness Committee Ontario - Doug Ford's new Bill 5 will unleash environmental catastrophe in Ontario by gutting protections for endangered species and giving the government power to create “Special Economic Zones” that would be above municipal and provincial laws and Indigenous Rights. Demonstrate our resounding opposition to this dangerous dumpster-fire of environmental oversight.
⭐️ 5:30-9:30PM — Let’s Put Race On The Table (U of T Student Commons, 230 College)
Hosted by OPIRG Toronto - Join OPIRG Toronto, the Toronto Seed Library & FoodShare TO, for a delicious evening of cooking, eating, learning & sharing. Prepare and share a vegan meal and learn to unpack systemic racism as it shows up in our food system.
6-7:30PM — Bike Marshalling 101 (Bikechain, 230 College St)
Hosted by Bikechain U of T - Cyclists can play an important role in supporting mass protests and other public demonstrations by keeping roads safe. Join for an overview on the basics of corking and practice assisting at people-powered events.
6-7PM — Shut down CANSEC (US Consulate, 360 University)
Hosted by Toronto Against CANSEC - Show your opposition to governments waging wars and committing atrocities, and corporations profiting off of the death and destruction of war by showing up to oppose Canada's largest arms and defense convention.
⭐️ 6-7PM — Tenant Organizing Training at the 519 (The 519, 519 Church)
Hosted by Toronto Centre Tenant’s Union - TCTU is a group of renters in downtown Toronto who organize together and support each other. Join the next tenant organizing training/orientation at the 519 to find out how how tenants can stand up against bad management and rent increases.
⭐️ 7-8PM — The Spirit of ‘45 (Steelworkers Hall, 25 Cecil)
Hosted by Greater Toronto Health Coalition - A film screening of acclaimed UK director Ken Loach’s documentary, The Spirit of ‘45, on the founding of the NHS. Come watch a great film, fundraise for the Ontario Health Coalition and support their vital work to protect and improve our public healthcare system.
⭐️ 7:30-9PM — From Tariff Wars to Hot Wars: Building an Anti-War Labour Movement (Sheraton Toronto, Civic Ballroom, 123 Queen W)
Hosted by CUPE Ontario - The U.S. trade war against Canada and other countries is a dangerous erosion of international norms already weakened by the numerous conflicts underway globally. Join CUPE for a panel discussion featuring Unifor Local and Migrante Canada on building an anti-war labour movement.
Thursday, May 29, 2025
⭐️ 8:30AM-4PM — Anti-Racism Education Ontario Regional Summit (TMU Student Centre, 55 Gould)
Hosted by Urban Alliance on Race Relations - Join the Urban Alliance on Race Relations for a series of regional summits across Ontario focused on addressing systemic racism in education. 20 complimentary tickets available for students and education workers – see event page for more details.
⭐️ 11AM-3PM — REmarket day 2 – repair cafe (St Lawrence Market Tent, 125 Esplanade)
Hosted by SLNA Waste Reduction Group - The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association is hosting its 13th annual Remarket, a two-day event for the collection of unwanted items. Day 2 features a repair café hosted by Repair Café Toronto and small bike repairs and safety checks hosted by CultureLink Bike Hub. Both days include donation collection, recycling services, and household hazardous waste drop-off.
⭐️ 11:30AM-12:30PM — Resist Bill 6: We Need Housing, Not Punishment (Queen’s Park South Lawn, 111 Wellesley)
Hosted by Encampment Justice Coalition - We need to defend unhoused, disabled communities across Ontario now. Join the Encampment Justice Coalition comprising dozens of organizations across Ontario for a rally at Queen's Park to send a message to Premier Ford: Drop Bill 6! Homeless people need affordable housing — not jail time and $10,000 fines!
⭐️ 2-5PM — Park Meal & Donation Drive (Moss Park, Shuter & Sherbourne)
Hosted by Real Change - Real Change is hosting a community park meal and donation drive. Come for a delicious vegan meal and bring donations of essential supplies such as toothbrushes, shampoo, body wash, toilet paper, tent supplies, gift cards, and more. Help 444 Real Change continue to provide support and food for our neighbours in Moss Park.
5-7PM — Substance Use Caregiver Workshop (Virtual)
Hosted by Toronto East Youth Wellness Hub - A free caregiver workshop for how to support loved ones between the ages of 12-25 who are struggling with recreational substances, prescription medication, or alcohol use.
⭐️ 6-8PM — Outreach @ Bathurst & Finch (Northeast Corner of Bathurst & Finch)
Hosted by TTC Riders - Join the TTC Riders to speak to transit riders at Bathurst and Finch to advocate for more reliable, fast and frequent bus service. We will be calling for the installation of transit-only lanes and asking riders to speak up in support of transit-only lanes. No experience is required, just show up.
7-8:30PM — Reckoning with the RCMP (TMU Library, 350 Victoria St)
Hosted by National RCMP Research Council - An evening of conversation with three critical thinkers and community leaders about the impacts of the RCMP on communities, from the war on terror, to indigenous sovereignty, to urban warfare.
8-9:30PM — Tenant organizing training, pt 2 (Virtual)
Hosted by Democratic Socialists of Canada - Part 2 of a 3-week training hosted by the Democratic Socialists of Canada on how to get involved in tenant organizing and form a tenant union yourself. Topics include how to prepare for a campaign, charting a building, developing a power analysis, having effective conversations with neighbours, and more.
Friday, May 30, 2025
⭐️ 4-5PM — Scarborough Rally to Stop Bill 5 (8130 Sheppard Ave E #105)
Hosted by Scarborough Environmental Association - MPP Vijay Thanigasalam voted to sell off the Greenbelt and block an investigation into Ford's corrupt dealings. Now, he supports Bill 5-legislation that guts the Endangered Species Act and threatens wildlife protections. Join the Scarborough Environmental Association to protest at his constituency office and demand our representatives protect our environment.
⭐️ 6-7PM — Critical Mass May (Spadina and Bloor)
Hosted by Toronto Critical Mass - The May rendition of the monthly protest on wheels. Protect bike lanes targeted by Premier Ford
Saturday, May 31, 2025
⭐️ 11AM-1PM — Humber River Water Ceremony (Nashville Conservation Reserve, Vaughan)
Hosted by Wilderness Committee - Join the Wilderness Committee and Anishnaabek Water-Keepers for a Water Ceremony on the Humber River at Nashville Conservation Reserve, where the ancient waterways are directly in the path of destruction of the proposed Highway 413.
⭐️ 11:30AM-4:30PM — Youth for Innocence Fundraiser (TMU Student Learning Centre)
Hosted by Pen for Justice - Pen for Justice and Youth For Innocence are hosting a fundraiser to support exonerating wrongfully incarcerated individuals. Stop by for a sweet treat, sticker, bracelet, and more and help the fight for justice.
⭐️ 1-4PM — The Toronto Neurodiverse Networking Event (CSI Annex, 720 Bathurst)
Hosted by Blue Sky Learning - Drop-in for neurodiverse networking and refreshments! Enjoy a space to meet new people and connect over disability justice, discussing internalized ableism, sharing accommodation strategies, and learning about the space that CSI and Blue Sky Learning offer. Admission free or by donation.
⭐️ 1-3PM — Rexdale New Growers Program: Greens and Microgreens (Woodbine Racetrack Community Garden)
Hosted by Sundance Commons - A free workshop open to all adults on growing greens and microgreens for new gardeners and growers. Part of the Rexdale New Growers drop-in workshop series.
3-9PM — Community Donation Drive for Gazan Families (Centre for Social Innovation, 192 Spadina)
Hosted by Palestininan Youth Movement - Join for a day of community, solidarity, and collective care to support Gazan families that have arrived to the GTA. Bring new household items, cash, giftcards!
⭐️ 6-8PM — Challenging Existing Systems with Architecture (SHEEEP Studio, 300 Campbell Ave Suite 114)
Hosted by Architecture Lobby Toronto - How are folks in architecture and related fields working to improve labour conditions? A panel discussion with peers working and organizing in architecture and design within existing firms and institutions. Topics include unionizing, cllective negotiation, comradery, accessibility, and more! Childcare provided.
Sunday, June 1, 2025
10AM-1PM — Don Valley Parkway Cleanup (Multiple locations)
Hosted by Don't Mess With The Don - Join hundreds of volunteers for the biggest annual cleanup in Toronto, clearing trash collected along the DVP so that it doesn't end up in the Don River. All required equipment provided.
11AM-1PM — Gaza Square Sundays (371 Wallace Ave)
Hosted by Davenport 4 Palestine - Join Davenport for Palestine at Gaza square every Sunday for hot chocolate and coffee, buttons and posters, lawn signs and colourful chalk, and meeting your fellow neighbours and organizers to continue building safety in the community
⭐️ 11AM-1PM — Injured Worker’s Day Rally (Queen’s Park South Lawn, 111 Wellesley)
Hosted by Ontario Federation of Labour - On June 1 every year, injured and ill workers, advocates, and labour activists gather in cities across the province to mark Injured Workers’ Day. Come rally on this day to celebrate the gains made through united action, raise current concerns, and remind governments we cannot be ignored.
⭐️ 1-4PM — Clean Slate - A Grassroots Cleanup Initiative (Christie Pits Park)
Hosted by Clean Slate Toronto - Join Clean Slate Toronto at Christie Pits a free community cleanup. Supplies provided. Just show up and help out! Water and snacks provided!
Monday, June 2, 2025
⭐️ 6:30-8PM — Community Discussion on Housing in Toronto (CSI, 192 Spadina)
Hosted by Doughnut Economics Collective Toronto - In partnership with Toronto Climate Observatory, Doughnut Economics Collective Toronto is hosting a workshop focused on exploring ways to develop more sustainable and equitable housing solutions in the downtown core of Toronto. Pizza and doughnuts provided.
Down the road
Wednesday, June 4, 2025
⭐️ 6-8PM — Public Forum: What Toronto’s New Bylaw Means for Us (EarlyON Centre, Jane Finch Mall)
7-9:30PM — No Pride in Genocide (Innis Town Hall, 2 Sussex Ave)
Thursday, June 5, 2025
1-3PM — Substance Use Caregiver Workshop (Virtual)
⭐️ 2-3:30PM — Decolonizing Climate Policy (Virtual)
7:30-10PM — Laugh it Forward: Benefit for Davenport Aid Brigade (Society Clubhouse, 967 College)
Friday, June 6, 2025
8-9:30PM — Tenant organizing training, pt 3 (Virtual)
⭐️ 1-4PM — Lakeshore Arts In the Parks Kickoff (Amos Waites Park, 2441 Lakeshore Blvd W)
3-6PM — The York Encampment (York Lawns, Vari Hall)
Saturday, June 7, 2025
⭐️ 9-10AM — Great Ride of Return (Queen’s Park, Hoskins Ave)
Sunday, June 8, 2025
12:30-4PM — Full Plates, Fuller Hearts (Buddies in Bad Times Theatre)
⭐️ 1:30-3:30PM — Better Transit Workshop (Scarborough Civic Centre Library)
Monday, June 9, 2025
7-8:30PM — Reckoning with the RCMP (TMU Library, 350 Victoria St)
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
⭐️ 4-7PM — Ancestors Workshop (The 519, 519 Church)
Wednesday, June 11, 2025
⭐️ 12-6PM — Gathering of Women+ From the Four Directions (941 Progress Ave, Scarborough)
⭐️ 5:30-9:30PM — Body Liberation (U of T Student Commons, 230 College)
Thursday, June 12, 2025
⭐️ 1-2PM — Indie Journalism x C4H : A Collective Strategy Session (Virtual)
Friday, June 13, 2025
⭐️ 8:30PM-2AM — Summer Love Fundraiser for Indigenous Harm Reduction (Houndstooth, 818 College)
7-10PM — Resistance and Revolution conference (Steelworkers Hall)
Saturday, June 14, 2025
⭐️ 11:30AM-1:30PM — Envisioning a Sustainable Markham (120 Kirkham Dr)
⭐️ 12-6PM — Regent Park Summer Safety Jam (The Big Park, 600 Dundas St E)
⭐️ 2-4PM — Building Alternative Systems (943 Queen St E Suite 200)