Hi WEP readers!
A little introduction, my name is Niko Stratis, I’m the communications and events manager at the West End Phoenix. If you’ve rented our space at 3 Bartlett, or been to some of our life events over the last few years, you’ve probably met me!
So, we had an idea. Social media is an increasingly challenging space for news organizations in Canada. Meta has effectively stifled our voice on Instagram and Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter) is…let’s say evolving and unpredictable. We exist in all of these places and we will as long as the ships stay in the water. But we also thought, we have this substack where our own Dave Bidini writes music reviews for your Saturday morning pleasure, why not turn this newsletter into a weekly hub of community news, event notices and goings-on. Like a constantly evolving message board.
Join us for your weekly WEP. Every Friday, we’ll deliver right to your inbox a newsletter with events, news, updates and photos, all right from the west end. Saturday’s will remain music review mornings and we will see where this goes! It’s, like all good things, an experiment.
With that, I give you your first Weekly WEP
-Niko
From the latest print issue of the West End Phoenix
No Doctor Is going to Take Care Of Me
Why advocates are urging Ontario to bring back recently gutted health-care coverage for the uninsured
Written by Olivia Bowden with photos by Jalani Morgan
This health series is supported by the Joe Burke Fund for Social Justice Reporting, which was created in memory of Joe Burke, the late social justice advocate and lawyer.
Read the story online below
The fundraiser to help support the Christie Pits skate park is over 50% of the way to it’s goal!
The city provides no funding support for this park beloved by many, it is 100% maintained and support by dedicated volunteers!
Find the fundraiser to support their efforts below
Art Crawls are back!
The Queen West Art Crawl returns for its 20th year!
Trinity Bellwoods Park September 24th and 25th 2023.
The festival will run from 11:00am to 6:00pm both days with opening ceremonies featuring two-spirited First Nations leader Elder Blu, a drum circle and Jingle Dancing starting at noon September 23rd. The festival is then open for all to enjoy, focused around the Outdoor Art Exhibition, featuring over 100 artists from across Ontario, from paintings to wood sculpture to ceramics. There’s a Beer Tent provided by Steam Whistle Brewery, and a Main Stage where QWAC offers its free concert series featuring Reggaddiction, Poor Man’s High, Tocani and The Vaudevillian. Franco Canadian R&B Singer and DJ Sandy Duperval will be performing songs from her most recent French language LP. The festival’s annual band co-present in association with the Toronto Blues Society is Brock Stonefish, and Drag Queens such as Sofonda Cox, will be performing. The Kids’ Zone is a queer-friendly space where all families are invited (daily Story Time with Fay and Fluffy (2pm each day) is a perennial favourite and additional kids’ entertainment is provided by Mad Science, Roseneath Theatre, and Blank Canvas.
More info on their website:
DESPITE ALL ODDS, the Geary Art Crawl is back once more.
Despite their status as a successful and beloved event, the Geary Art Crawl didn’t receive key funding they rely on this year. BUT they’re not letting that hold them back, the event is slated for September 23 and 24th!
For more info on the event, and ways you can help support them as they work towards their goals, please visit their website!
As many of you know, there was a massive fire at Doversquare on August 20th that displaced many of the residents living there.
While they wait to find out when they will be able to return to their living spaces there is a GoFundMe to help support the neighbours there that don’t have the means to cover emergency expenses.
Now I ask you, where would a community message board be without a lost cat notice? This came our way via the Dufferin Grove listserv
LOST CAT BENEDICT 4 YEAR OLD BLACK MALE DOMESTIC LONGHAIR. LAST SEEN 357 RUSHOLME RD, TORONTO - - - - - - - - - Benedict is a friendly cat. He's long and thin. He's very food motivated. If spotted, please text me at the number provided. Do not approach. CALL 4165288804 hidinginahoodie@gmail.com
And lastly, an upcoming art show!
Emily May Rose's solo exhibition, “Nice To See You” opens Sept 7th at the Northern Contemporary Gallery (420 Roncesvalles)!
Featuring her iconic raccoon themed illustrations, "Nice To See You" introduces a captivating array of new works in uncharted mediums. Emily's exhibition promises a thrilling exploration of creativity and surprises that will intrigue and delight visitors.
That’s it for your weekly WEP! Thanks so much for being here. You can follow us, as always, on Twitter, Instagram or our website !
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