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.