Keeping Toronto Sustainable

The Toronto Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group (TASNG) continues to bring grassroots action to life, with a host of community-focused projects gaining momentum this winter.

Waste and recycling remain a hot topic, with the group welcoming the new North Belmont Community Recycling Centre. However, questions remain over the fate of items collected at Awaba—members are seeking clarity to ensure local recycling efforts aren’t going to waste. The group also flagged broader waste issues, highlighting the impact of takeaway coffee cup waste and challenges with soft plastics nationally.

Graffiti vandalism in the Toronto CBD—particularly over the June long weekend—prompted strong advocacy from TASNG, with member Joanna Schumacher reporting and following up with Council and local businesses. The group is pushing for faster action through Lake Macquarie City Council’s Graffiti Hot Spot Program. TASNG are attempting to organise prompt graffiti removal with Toronto businesses working together encouraging businesses to be vigilant about new graffiti incidents.

Pamper Care efforts have reached new heights, with 28 individuals supported with pantry items and winter warmers through the Woodrising Neighbourhood Centre in June. The weekly Tasty Truck food event also had a record 24 attendees—demonstrating the ongoing need for informal food networks and local generosity.

Green thumbs were busy at the Awaba Road garden and Crocodile Point Landcare site. Volunteers cleared weeds and identified a rogue Camphor Laurel for removal. Meanwhile, the Fennell Bay site is recovering from storm damage, and a spring replant is on the horizon—with hopes of rabbit-proofing new plantings.

Looking ahead, the group’s AGM is set for 13 August, 5pm at The Hub, and members are encouraged to renew or join for just $5.

Key advocacy priorities include graffiti response times, tobacco plant management at Toronto Pool, and broadening local recycling options—topics that will be raised at a meeting with the Mayor later this month.

TASNG continues to prove that community connection and sustainable action go hand in hand. Get in touch torontoareasng@gmail.com