Author: Stephen Kamlasaran. Stephen Kamlasaran is a passionate advocate for intersectionality and promoting inclusion, with a Sociology degree from York University and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Social Service Work from Seneca Polytechnic. As an LGBTQ+ person of color, his lived experiences and education are key tools to support diverse communities through trauma-informed care, community development, and anti-oppressive practices.
As the final days of 2024 tick away each passing second, the sound of my clock’s tic-tic-tic presented me with a moment to reflect on a year that was as challenging as it was rewarding. Across Toronto, from busy, bustling downtown, to the vibrant communities of Flemingdon and Thorncliffe, we’ve witnessed incredible challenges. We’ve witnessed challenges like housing shortages and food insecurity. Yet, resilience, collaboration, and growth have been the rewards of overcoming these challenges. As we finalize our achievements in 2024, let’s look ahead with hope to 2025, a year brimming with potential.
Celebrating TNO’s Impact.
The Neighbourhood Organization (TNO) has once again proven to be a cornerstone of support and innovation in our community. From facilitating essential settlement services to spearheading programs that address the needs of marginalized populations, TNO has touched countless lives this year. One of the highlights of 2024 was the success of TNO’s United Way campaign, which brought together staff, volunteers, and residents in a collective effort to make a difference. The official groundbreaking of the Thorncliffe Park Community Hub became a milestone as the result of extensive planning, advocacy, and countless hours of visioning and effort from community members and partners. According to organizers, “once completed, the Hub will serve over 30,000 residents, providing accessible, integrated health and social services tailored to the unique social and cultural needs of the neighborhood’s diverse families” (Amadike, A. 2024).
As we step into 2025, TNO’s commitment to building inclusive and thriving neighborhoods remains steadfast. From launching new youth mentorship initiatives to strengthening partnerships with local businesses, in the words of Liliana Lara, The Neighbourhood Organization area’s outreach worker “We make them feel welcome, make them part of the community, because they’re the community” (Bruineman, M. 2024)
Spotlight on Flemingdon and Thorncliffe.
Flemingdon and Thorncliffe have always been dynamic and welcoming neighborhoods, and 2024 has been no exception. These communities have demonstrated their unwavering spirit through events like the annual Flemingdon Summer Festival and the launch of a new food co-op aimed at addressing food insecurity. In September, I had the opportunity to take a walking tour of the Flemingdon Community Garden.
This vibrant space highlights the community’s dedication to urban agriculture and sustainability, with its produce sold at a local farmer’s market. This idea of giving back to the community what is created by the community, fosters a cycle of support, sustainability, and connection among residents. It was inspiring to see how this garden transforms shared efforts into tangible benefits for the entire neighborhood.
“The sense of togetherness in Flemingdon is unlike anywhere else,” says longtime resident (who wished to remain anonymous). “Whether it’s through sharing food or sharing time when we come together, we are better for it.” Looking ahead, 2025 brings exciting projects, including a proposed community center expansion in Thorncliffe and enhanced cycling infrastructure connecting both neighborhoods. These developments promise to enrich the lives of residents and strengthen the area’s reputation as a vibrant hub of diversity and innovation.
Toronto: A City Renewed.
On a citywide scale, Toronto’s resilience continues to shine. Torontonians have accepted the challenges to tackle housing shortages, support newcomers, and address climate change. The city’s cultural scene flourished this year, with record attendance at events like Nuit Blanche Art Show and the Toronto International Film Festival.
One of the most exciting developments for the city is the progress on the Ontario Line, a transformative subway project set to reshape Toronto’s public transit system. This new line promises to connect neighborhoods more easily, reduce commute times and improve accessibility to local businesses.
As the Ontario Line takes shape, Metrolinx (the company behind the project) asserts a “brighter, more connected future for the province as a whole.” Mayor Olivia Chow stated, “Families in Thorncliffe deserve convenient access to community health and social services that help make life easier” (FHC, 2024). The Thorncliffe Park Community Hub will support people by bringing together all these critical services under one roof. Mayor Chow’s optimistic message to “continue to work as partners to make sure people In Thorncliffe Park can access the services they need” is a hopeful theme for 2025.
As we bid farewell to another year, let’s carry these sentiments forward. With projects underway and new ones in the making, the future of Toronto shines brightly. Together, we’ll continue building a Toronto that uplifts every resident, nurtures every neighborhood, and inspires every dream. Happy New Year!
Works Cited.
- Family Health Centres of Canada. “Thorncliffe Park Community Hub Groundbreaking Ceremony.” Family Health Centres of Canada, 23 May 2024, https://www.fhc-chc.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Thorncliffe-Park-Community-Hub.pdf
- Amarachi Amadike. “Groundbreaking for Thorncliffe Park Community Hub Celebrated.” Beach Metro Community News, 25 May 2024, https://beachmetro.com/2024/05/25/groundbreaking-for-thorncliffe-park-community-hub-celebrated/
- City of Toronto. “Ontario Line – Fourth Quarter Construction Update.” City of Toronto, 18 Nov. 2024, https://secure.toronto.ca/council/agenda-item.do?item=2024.TE18.23
- Truc Nguyen. “Toronto East: 2024 Highlights – Ontario Line Bridges.” Metrolinx, 20 Dec. 2024, https://www.metrolinx.com/en/discover/the-story-behind-the-three-bridges-of-the-future-ontario-line
- Reece Martin. “Magnum Opus: Construction Along the Length of Ontario Line 3.” UrbanToronto, Dec. 2024, https://urbantoronto.ca/news/2024/12/magnum-opus-construction-along-length-ontario-line-3.57506
- UrbanToronto. “Ontario Line 3 Project Database.” UrbanToronto, 2024, https://urbantoronto.ca/database/projects/ontario-line-3.47842
- Bruineman, Marg. “Migrant Workers Supported Through Non-Profit While in Canada.” The Neighbourhood Organization, 4 Sept. 2024, https://www.bradfordtoday.ca/helpers/migrant-workers-supported-through-non-profit-while-in-canada-9444498
