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Food-friendly Neighbourhood Plan: Weston-Mt. Dennis
Neighbourhood profile
Population: 39,842
Area: 7.5 sq km
Median after-tax income: $38,900
% low income after-tax: 24.5%
(City of Toronto/2006 Census)
Detailed area profile
About this neighbourhood
Weston-Mt. Dennis is one of 13 priority neighbourhoods in Toronto. Located in the west end, the distinct communities of Weston and Mount Dennis have a shared history as former industrial centres which have welcomed diverse new residents in recent years. A rail corridor provides the eastern boundary of this neighbourhood and the Humber River runs through its centre. Key landmarks include Eglinton Flats and Weston's historic downtown.
Retail
Findings
Grade
There are a number of large supermarkets and smaller grocers, but accessibility and prices are concerns. Many residents reported that they do most of their shopping at Dollarama, even though many of the retail grocers are closer.
There used to be a Price Chopper near Weston Rd and Lawrence Ave West, an absence that has been felt by residents. Additionally, the southwest section of the priority area does not have any nearby retailers.
Produce Markets
The Weston Farmers’ Market has operated for 32 years and BlogTO has ranked it one of the best in Toronto. However, low income community members feel that prices are too high.
The Learning Enrichment Foundation has recently partnered with FoodShare to create a Good Food Market. This provides high-quality, affordable fruits and vegetables and creates additional public food space.
Opportunity:
The neighbourhood already has a strong farmers' market but it is not accessible for residetns wtih low-income. Other neighbourhoods can provide models for how to improve the accessibility of this market.
For example, the Stonegate Market in southeast Etobicoke is a successful example of a joint venture between the local community health centre and a neighbourhood food action team. It offers “market money” for community members with low-income.
Food Assistance
Two food banks and a number of drop-in meal programs are located along Weston Rd. While there are many options available, participants feel that the programs are overcrowded which can lead to an uncomfortable environment. For example, Weston Area Emergency Support, the largest food bank in the area, operates out of the back of the Frontlines building. They often see 60-80 people each day that they open, most of whom must wait outside to be served.
Challenge:
The Weston Area Emergency Support food bank is overcrowded and needs a larger space. Opportunities for an alternative location should be examined.
Who should be involved:
- Ward 11 Councillor Nuniziata
- York-South Weston MPP Albanese
- Toronto Community Housing
- Local community organizations
Food Skills and Growing
There are a number of community gardens and community kitchen programs operating in this neighbourhood, but outreach is limited and many residents do not know about them.
Residents have expressed an interest in these programs, particularly for adults, illustrating a great disconnect between the services offered and residents’ knowledge of local resources.
Other opportunities
Recommendation:
Create a "Food Action Team" for Weston-Mt. Dennis to facilitate better coordination and planning around food. Food Action Teams in other neighbourhoods have been successful in bringing about new food programming and addressing other local food issues.
Who should be involved:
- Community organizations working with food
- City of Toronto, Community Development Officer
- United Way Toronto Action for Neighbourhood Change
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Data provided by Social Policy Analysis & Research, City of Toronto
Legend
Retail
Produce markets
Food assistance
Food skills and growing
Retail
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25 Photography Dr
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1943 Weston Rd
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1370 Weston Rd
|
1641 Jane St
|
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1966 Weston Rd
|
1642 Jane St
|
878 Weston Rd
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150 Lambton Rd
|
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1635 Lawrence Ave W
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1500 Royal York Rd
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1190 Weston Rd
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1366 Weston Rd
|
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2549 Weston Rd
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605 Rogers Rd
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2371 Weston Rd
Unit C |
1746 Weston Rd
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Produce markets
|
Learning Enrichment Foundation
116 Industry St
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19 John St
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Food assistance
|
1901 Jane St
|
5 Bellevue Cres
|
2125 Weston Rd
|
St. Phillip's Anglican Church
60 Dixon Rd
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1710 Trethewey Dr
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710 Trethewey Dr
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46 Denison Rd
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1844 Weston Rd
|
|
2017 Weston Rd
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1100 Weston Rd
|
1901 Weston Rd
|
Food skills and growing
|
North York Community House
1541 Jane St
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Learning Enrichment Foundation
1267 Weston Rd
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Learning Enrichment Foundation
116 Industry St
|
Frontlines
1844 Weston Road
|
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Frontlines
1844 Weston Road
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St. David's Anglican Church
1796 Lawrence Ave West
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1651 Keele Street
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1541 Jane St
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|
St Clair West Services for Seniors
55 Outlook Ave
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919 Scarlett Rd
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301 Rockcliff Blvd
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1778 Weston Rd
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St Clair West Services for Seniors
2562 Eglinton Ave West
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North York Community House
1541 Jane St
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1570 Jane St
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1 Scarlettewood Ct.
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1652 Keele Street
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Community Voices
“To shop reasonably you have to take a bus here and there”
“I usually shop at No Frills or Food Basics due to location and price – it is often cheaper”
“I know of a farmers’ market but I do not go there or use it”
“Retail food options are too far away, I have to take the bus”
“The neighbourhood needs more local food markets and organic food. There are no shelters or seats at bus stops, which are needed to reach stores”
– from a drop-in meal program at Weston-King Neighbourhood Centre
Mount Dennis Community Kitchen
Launched in 2007, this program was formed by local residents with the support of the Mt. Dennis United Church and the Mount Dennis Action for Neighbourhood Change office.
The program runs every Friday evening and draws 30-35 regular participants, many of whom are youth. In addition to getting together to cook, the program serves as a community connector and support network for participants. On a monthly basis, the program hosts guest chefs who often prepare meals with an ethnic theme.
Activities extend outside of cooking, with field trips such as recent visits to the Evergreen Brickworks and ice skating at Harbourfront Centre.
In the past, Mount Dennis Community Kitchen has also partnered with U of T Architecture students to create a Mobile Community Kitchen, incorporated community theatre through their Community Play Project, and raised revenue through catering neighbourhood BBQs.
No matter what they are doing, the program uses food to build community.
Community Garden partnership between Weston Area Emergency Support and St. David’s Anglican Church
In 2010, St. David’s Anglican Church started the Good Soil Community Garden and offered a plot to the local food bank, Weston Area Emergency Support. The first summer yielded fresh produce for the food bank to distribute to participants and last summer, the garden focused on growing tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers.
Weston Area Emergency Support is interested in connecting with other gardens so that they can provide more locally grown fresh produce for food bank participants.
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