How Communities Can Nourish – Literally and Figuratively
Caring for each other, tariffs and tunnels
Dear Neighbour,
I really don’t enjoy tomatoes. I’m okay with tomato-based products like ketchup, pasta sauce and curries – but plain raw tomatoes? I’ll pass.
So, you can imagine my surprise when, earlier this week, I plucked a cherry tomato off the vine at a farm right here in Don Valley East and discovered it was the sweetest, most delicious tomato I’ve ever tried.
The Common Table Farm is a fantastic initiative at 1 Laurentide Drive and is a critical part of the Flemingdon Park Ministry’s efforts to address food insecurity in the riding. The farm grows vegetables which are then shared with people who need it most.
More broadly, I’ve been focused this week on checking in with the many organizations that serve our community in different ways. We have all seen how times are tough right now due to a variety of challenges that include cost-of-living, unemployment, healthcare access, etc. These check-ins with wonderful organizations have shone a light on the fact that even in tough times, our community steps up. Some of my visits are described later in the newsletter.
On the note of community organizations, many of you will know that every year I deliver a calendar to every household that is full of advice, helpful tips, and contact information for local organizations that are making a difference to help you.
My team has just started designing our 2026 calendar, so I’d like to invite you to share feedback about it. Did we miss an organization? Is there something different you’d like to see in next year’s calendar? How can we make it better?
It’s a months-long process to design this calendar for you so if you have any feedback, now’s the time to tell us. Hit reply and let us know what you think.
On a final note, our community outreach continues this weekend and through next week. Look for our tent at the TPS 33 Division Open House on Saturday (11AM-2PM) or find us at a series of other events on Saturday!
Constituency Update
We’ve been fully engaged this week with connecting to the organizations that make our community strong. This has meant building relationships, listening to concerns, and learning about new services in our riding.
We kicked things off with a visit to an agency called Homes First, where we toured a new modular supportive housing building. It was incredibly moving to see the care and thought put into creating a space where tenants recovering from homelessness are supported with on-site resources and compassion. One staff member said something that resonated with me: “We have a moral responsibility to care for one another.” I couldn’t agree more.
We also met with United Way Greater Toronto to learn more about a powerful initiative aimed at reducing economic inequality in our community by bringing together private, public, and community partners. Read more about it here.
We reconnected with Don Valley Community Legal Services who are an essential organization doing vital work for people in need of legal support. They can help with issues related to housing, social service appeals, immigration issues, employment concerns, and more.
As I already shared, we also visited Flemingdon Park Ministry and had the pleasure of spending time at The Common Table Farm (keep an eye out for more details on their Open House in September!). It's always a great reminder of how community, when rooted in care and inclusion, can nourish us - literally and figuratively.
Finally, we ended by visiting Access Independent Living Services and celebrating North York Harvest Food Bank’s 40th anniversary.
We’re just warming up on our community check-ins: if there is an organization you think we should visit, let us know!
Legislative Update
Three major stories drew my attention this week.
First, the Government is doubling down on a controversial proposal to build a privately funded tunnel under Highway 401. A previously shelved internal study warned of “potential roadway collapse,” yet they are commissioning a second study rather than releasing the original findings. With potential costs exceeding $100 billion and no clear timeline, I believe there are more practical, financially responsible solutions that are being overlooked – like removing truck tolls from Highway 407.
Second, escalating U.S. tariffs are taking a serious toll on Ontario’s core industries, with a 35% duty now applied to key goods like steel, aluminum, and autos. Ontario already has the highest unemployment rate in the country, and these new trade barriers threaten to push more families and businesses to the brink. Despite this, the Government has yet to deploy the $5 billion “Protect Ontario” fund, which was money specifically set aside to help during economic shocks. Instead of delivering relief, the Government is sitting on critical supports while jobs are lost, hours are cut, and uncertainty grows. In moments like this, inaction has consequences.
Finally, I was heartbroken to read that Ontario shelters are seeing a sharp rise in pet surrenders. Families are being forced to give up their beloved animals - not because they want to, but because they can’t afford rent or secure housing that allows pets. These are deeply personal, painful decisions that are a direct consequence of this Government’s failure to tackle affordability. You’ve probably heard about my own pup, Petunia Wigglebottom, who brings so much love and support into my household. It’s heartbreaking to think that people are being forced to give up cherished members of their family.
Adil in the Media
Events and Opportunities
August 8 (Deadline): Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Upskilling Program
Applications are now open for a free 6–8 month Certificate Program in Data Science & Artificial Intelligence Upskilling, offered by the University of Toronto in collaboration with TNO. Application deadline: 8 August 2025.
For more details, click here.
August 9: Toronto Police 33 Division Open House & BBQ
Interested in a free barbecue, face painting, and police horses? Stop by your local police station's annual open house on 50 Upjohn Rd. from 11am to 2pm!
August 9: TNO Summer Festival
In honour of their 40-year anniversary, TNO is hosting a summer festival at R.V. Burgess Park from 2pm to 7pm. Stop by for raffle prizes, music, food games, bike repairs, and more!
August 9: Community Yard Sale at Leeward Glenway
Check out this community yard sale where you can buy, sell, trade, and meet neighbors at 155 Leeward Glenway (Courtyard) from 10:30am – 2:30pm.
August (All Month): Toronto Public Library- Victoria Village Branch Programs
Our local library has a handful of programs being offered this month. From hands-on introduction to fossils to summer employment camp, you don’t want to miss out. They even have an English Conversation Circle, where you can learn and practice your English conversation skills in a casual setting.
For more details, and to check out the rest of the programs being offered, click here.
Sincerely,
Adil