A Community Effort that brought Goulding Park to Life

On behalf of the residents of Newtonbrook West, I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to Rob, Gabriel and Nathan from Newtonbrook East for stepping up to support our Goulding Movie Night.

When we encountered some technical challenges, they showed up, rolled up their sleeves, and did whatever was needed to ensure the hundreds of residents who came out could enjoy Elio. Their willingness to give their time and lend a hand helped make the evening a success.

Fittingly, the film was co-written and co-directed by Toronto animator Domee Shi, who won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short for Bao. Elio was also nominated for Best Animated Feature this year.

Watching families, friends and neighbours enjoy the park and the movie together reminded me of parks in Asia, where it is common to see parks buzzing with activity daily, with people gathering to sing, dance, exercise, and simply spend time with one another. It would be wonderful to see our parks filled with families eating, playing and connecting more often.

I believe every neighbourhood needs a piazza. Our larger parks, along with Mel Lastman Square, are the kinds of public spaces that can bring people together, strengthen community, and create the sense of belonging that every neighbourhood deserves.

Our Goulding Movie Night & Block Party also provided an opportunity for Metrolinx to engage with residents about the Yonge North Subway Extension and for Toronto Transportation Services to gather feedback on the North Newtonbrook West Streets Plan, which seeks to increase street and sidewalk safety across the area.

We also thank members of CUPE 416 who heroically BBQ’d 1600 items for the community! Along with the Toronto Police Association, which provided face painting. We also thank Sam & Paris Realty for sponsoring ice cream. We must also extend our gratitude to Orkid Gallery, which provided kids' activities, North York Love Heart Wellness, which led some incredible Tai Chi exercises, Hoor Dance, which led Iranian Dancing, Marlee’s Line Dancing group for their interactive line dancing workshop and Rashmi Academy of Performing Arts, which provided some fun Bollywood dancing before the movie started. I have a stir-fry approach to community building, where we gather the amazing ingredients of community members who come together to serve a delicious community event. Community building is key to fostering a more informed, connected community where we can strengthen democratic participation and achieve better outcomes for our community.

It was such a beautiful day, both in terms of weather and the chance to see so many community neighbours participate in this celebration of community!