Help our hubs rebuild – Toronto Star, Comment

Small communities have taken root across Canada, but they also blossom within big cities - neighbourhoods with their own boundaries, character, history and challenges. Federal officials should bear that in mind as they go about the business of allocating billions of dollars to projects that will stimulate Canada's economy. Urban activists in Toronto are hoping to tap the small community fund to help pay for badly needed projects in some of the city's most troubled neighbourhoods. In particular, United Way Toronto and the city have a plan to build small "hub" agencies in 13 of Toronto's under serviced and poor neighbourhoods. This sort of project, however worthy, doesn't easily fit into the big $4 billion infrastructure initiative that is at the heart of the budget. But it could reasonably be considered under the "small communities" fund. In our view, selected neighbourhoods are entitled to that designation as well as cities, towns and villages.

Plan is (good) food for thought: Top doc – Toronto Sun

Dr. David McKeown, Toronto chief medical officer of health, says the Ontario government should introduce a $100 healthy-food supplement for all adults on social assistance.

Africentric school looks like 'a go' – Toronto Star

Nearly 60 children have signed up for the proposed Africentric alternative school – 50 per cent more than the target of 40 needed by the deadline in two weeks – meaning the controversial program almost surely will open this fall. The Toronto public board narrowly approved the school a year ago, but officials said it would need at least two consecutive classes of about 20 students each to open this fall. Enrolment was slow to start, but community supporters have been working hard to generate interest. The alternative program, open to children of any background, is designed to help fight a stubborn 40 per cent dropout rate among black students by providing more diverse teaching staff and lessons that stretch beyond the traditional focus on Europe.

Charities anticipate drop in donations – Globe & Mail

Four out of 10 Canadian charities expect a drop in donations this year, suggests a survey by The Innovative Research Group. A second survey by the group shows public priorities have changed: While health-related charities once received the bulk of support, social service agencies, such as United Way and the Salvation Army, have now surpassed them to become the top choice among donors.

To rebuild a tower, first tear down a silo – Toronto Star

The Mayor's Tower Renewal aims to retrofit the more than 1,000 residential highrises scattered throughout Toronto. Launched last fall, the idea is to make them energy-efficient and socially appropriate.

Headlines is now going to be a weekly feature, highlighting some of the interesting stories from our newspapers from the previous week.

Unique Mount Dennis theatre project will involve the community

Clark Kim, York Guardian – A new theatre project is starting up in Mount Dennis where the local residents will make up the cast and crew as well as contribute in every aspect of the production from script writing to costume design. Dale Hamilton, formerly of Action for Neighbourhood Change, says the project will be used as a tool for community development.

Hundreds swarm job fair

Jason Miller, Toronto Star – United Way Toronto member agency JVS Toronto’s Job Fair drew more than 600 people looking for work, nearly double last year's numbers. The crowds found long line-ups and apprehensive employers.

TAIBU opens doors in Malvern

Mike Adler, Scarborough Mirror – TAIBU, Scarborough's latest community health centre, is open in Malvern. Which means, after a few years of struggle and anticipation, that community gets a chance to improve its own physical, mental and even spiritual health. Only the second such centre to open in Scarborough (United Way member agency Westhill Community Services has recently added two satellites covering the rest of the area), TAIBU serves residents east of McCowan Road and north of Hwy. 401.

Jane-Finch pricey place

Tom Godrey, Toronto Sun – The lower-income Jane-Finch neighbourhood is one of the more expensive places in Toronto to buy the basic foodstuffs that all families need for a healthy diet, a Heart and Stroke Foundation survey found.

Mayor doles out $1.3M

Bryn Weese, Toronto Sun – Under the banner "Your city can help," the mayor announced a myriad of programs to help people find work, provide cheap meals for seniors and interest-free loans for renters facing eviction.