MIHEVC: Lots of free things to do for spring and summer fun

Given the winter we’ve had, it’s hard to believe that spring is right around the corner.

Besides bringing the joys of warmer weather, the spring and summer seasons bring many opportunities for residents to get together, get active and build the sense of community that makes Ward 21 such a wonderful place to live, work and play.

As we do every year, my office will be organizing many fun and free family events in the coming months.

We will be kicking off spring with my annual Community Environment Day on April 27 at Wychwood Barns. In addition to providing an opportunity to do spring cleaning, get rid of hazardous waste and electronics, and pick up some free compost for your garden, we will also be providing great activities for kids.

On May 4 we’ll be host to our annual Community Clean Up Day in parks around the ward and May 1–12 our Compost Days at various schools in the ward where you will be able to pick up free compost. Weekend evenings in late May and early June mean free outdoor Movie Nights in Ward 21 parks.

In addition to the events that my office holds, our community is abuzz in the spring and summer months as people connect in local parks, at the splash pad, in the dog off-leash area, or at the frmer’s market. This is where our community meets and where connections with friends and neighbours are strengthened.

Around the city this is particularly true for youth. After school hours, and when the school year ends, it is so crucial for them to have someplace constructive to go and for parents to have an affordable option for recreation programs. I was pleased in this year’s city budget that council expanded the number of community centres where recreation programs are free, and is also investing in a number of new youth drop-in centres.

In the next term of council we have much more work to do to invest in parks and recreation and make sure that all Torontonians have access.

In the meantime, I look forward to seeing Ward 21 residents for another great spring and summer in the city.