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Issue 134 | August 4, 2023

MyTTC Weeky

A message from TTC CEO Rick Leary

The TTC was proud to once again support and participate in the annual Underground Freedom Train Ride to usher in Emancipation Day on August 1.


The special event to mark the role of the Underground Railroad in Canadian history took place on Line 1 Yonge-University, between Union and Downsview Park stations. Upwards of 1,000 people participated this year, including Mayor Olivia Chow and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. My thanks to Subway Operator Greg Northcott and all the other TTC staff on site and at Transit Control for helping us make the midnight trip safely and with precision.


The annual symbolic journey was hosted by the Blackhurst Cultural Centre, and involved a moving display of poetry readings, drumming, music and moments of reflection. Observing Emancipation Day, and Emancipation Month, is just one way the TTC is working hard to build a more equitable, inclusive and welcoming transit system for our customers. 


Here at the TTC, we continue on our own journey to be a more diverse and inclusive organization that truly reflects the ridership we serve in Toronto and beyond our city limits.


Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade


The TTC will be participating in the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade on Saturday with the Bacchanal Bus and 150 TTC volunteers, employees and their guests marching and dancing along. Give us a wave if you’re in the crowd of spectators. This is an important milestone for our employee engagement initiatives, aiming to enhance collaboration and celebrate diversity and culture in our workplace. Check out special employee features in the Weekly, on workplace TV screens and posters throughout the month. 


Rewards and Recognition nominations deadline extended


The deadline for the fall Rewards and Recognition awards has been extended to August 6, 2023. The TTC is fortunate to have great talent out there making a difference every day and night, so please take the time to highlight someone who is making a contribution to the TTC’s success. 


Stay safe.

CEO Rick Leary

Rick Leary

TTC CEO

August 4, 2023

Get involved

Start spreading the news!


We’re on a mission to spread positivity and celebrate the greatness in our workplace. If you have good news stories about an employee showing excellent customer service, keeping the system safe or helping keep the TTC clean, we want to hear about it! Send your good news stories to MyTTCWeekly@ttc.ca to have them featured here and on the MyTTC | Now TVs!

Don't forget to nominate a colleague for Rewards and Recognition


Nominate a colleague who goes above and beyond in the areas of Safety, Leadership, Teamwork, Customer Service, Innovation and Sustainability, and Diversity. The deadline to nominate has been extended to August 6, 2023. Submit your nominations by visiting rewards.ttc.ca.

Enter the "Picture Perfect” contest for a chance to win tickets to the Canadian Country Music Awards

 

Send a picture of your favorite thing about the TTC for a chance to win two tickets to the Canadian Country Music Awards on September 16, 2023. Send your photo to MyTTCSAPJam@ttc.ca by Friday, August 18 with your name and badge number for your chance to win. Visit MyTTC | SAP Jam for contest rules and details.

Enjoy a night of team building and fun at a Casa Loma escape event

 

When: Friday, August, 11, 2023 at 4 p.m.

Where: Casa Loma (1 Austin Terrace)



Teams require 12 to 15 people. See the poster for more information.

Help us fill 500 backpacks with school supplies


The TTC and COMTO Toronto and Region are collecting school supplies for communities in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas in Toronto. People can donate until August 23, 2023. See this poster for drop off locations and contact information. A Stuff-the-Bus event will take place on August 12 and 13. See this poster for more event details.

Join the United Way ClimbUP event


Challenge yourself and conquer the 1,776 steps of the CN Tower to support United Way’s fight against local poverty on October 22, 2023.


See the poster for more details.

Visit the Toronto Zoo and join the TTC Recreation Council Summer picnic



When: Sunday, August 13, 2023

Where: Toronto Zoo (200 Meadowvale Rd.)

 

Tickets include entry to the zoo and a picnic lunch. See the poster for more information. Contact a member of your local recreation council to learn more.

Apply to CUTA's 2023 Young Leaders Summit in Edmonton


The Young Leaders Summit, taking place from November 10-12, 2023, in Edmonton, Alberta, is an all-expenses paid conference for early career professionals to learn, share ideas and connect with peers and industry professionals. Individuals aged 18-28 are eligible to apply. Sponsors for the event are also being accepted.

What's happening
News from around the TTC

Wilson Division kicks off Caribbean Heritage Month


On Thursday, August 3, employees at Wilson Division held a BBQ in honour of Caribbean Heritage Month. The BBQ featured Caribbean music, cuisine and the TTC's Bacchanal Bus.


Pictured above, Divisional Manager, Wilson Division Andrea Valente (right) and Director, Diversity Marlon Merraro (left).


Thank you to everyone who helped organize this successful event.

TTC to walk in the Toronto Caribbean Carnival Parade


On Saturday, August 5, the TTC will be participating in the Caribbean Carnival Parade. If you are planning on viewing the parade, be sure to watch out for the TTC’s Bacchanal Bus on the parade route!


Parade organizers are offering general entry tickets at 20 per cent off for TTC employees. See the poster for more details and discount codes.

TTC hosted the Emancipation Day Freedom Underground Train Ride


On Monday, July 31, into Tuesday, August 1, the TTC hosted the Emancipation Day Underground Freedom Train Ride in collaboration with the Blackhurst Cultural Centre.


The commemoration featured music, singing, drumming, moments of reflection, and remarks from organizers and dignitaries. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also attended the train ride.


Thank you to the organizers and attendees for making the event a success!

Wheel-Trans, Bus Transportation and Bus Maintenance participate in the 2023 Roadeo Challenge

 

The TTC's Bus Transportation, Wheel-Trans and Bus Maintenance departments will participate in the 2023 Roadeo Challenge, an annual driving and maintenance competition.

 

Run-offs for Bus Transportation will take place on August 15 and August 16, and for Wheel-Trans on August 22. Maintenance competition application forms are due on September 5.

 

The grand championship will take place on Sunday, October 15 at Arrow Road Division from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and will coincide with the TTC’s Family Day. See your supervisor for more details. 

TTC employees receive discounts to Mark's for 2023


TTC employees can use this digital discount card from Mark's for 10 per cent off until December 2023. The card can be used at any location and must be presented with a TTC ID card. See the poster for more information.


You can find tons of great deals like this one on the TTC Recreation Council's page on MyTTC | SAP Jam.


Celebrating Caribbean culture through carnival

On the first Saturday in August, thousands of people take over Lakeshore Blvd. in Toronto, in a spectacular display of colour, costumes, music and culture. This is the annual Toronto Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade, and it is a highlight of the year for many Torontonians of Caribbean backgrounds.  


The Toronto Caribbean Carnival began in 1967, and was inspired by Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. The world-famous Carnival celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago begin just after Christmas, and involve months of competitions, parties, cultural events and concerts. This culminates in two days of massive, vibrant celebration on the Monday and Tuesday before Ash Wednesday. 


The history of Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago has its roots in rebellion. In the 18th century, French plantation owners would organize balls and masquerades before the beginning of the Lenten season. People enslaved, who were excluded from these parties, would stage their own celebrations. After Emancipation, the British colonial government tried to stamp out the celebrations, by outlawing all forms of drumming, singing in public, masquerading, stick fighting, and the practice of all African-based religions. Fortunately, they were not successful, and today’s Carnival still includes many of these activities. 


Today, several countries in the Caribbean have their own versions of Carnival, and while the celebrations share similarities, there are also traditions that differ from island to island – from Jab Jab culture in Grenada, to Kadooment Day in Barbados, for example. 


The very first Caribana in Toronto took place to commemorate Canada’s 100th birthday celebration. Today, the Toronto Caribbean Carnival is a vibrant celebration of Caribbean culture, music and people, and attracts thousands of residents and visitors to the city every year. 

Safety, Security and Environment Executive Committee

Meeting highlights

The July Safety, Security and Environment executive committee meeting highlights are now available.

 

Topics include:

  • Track Workers Passed at Speed (St George to Spadina)
  • Safety & Security Scoreboard & Period Review
Read the full SX meeting highlights

On the move

Stephen Sim appointed Manager, LRV Engineering, effective July 23, 2023


Stephen joined the TTC in 2001 and has held progressive engineering positions in Rail, Cars and Shops. Some of the high-level projects Stephen worked on include the development of the Toronto Rocket four car subway train on Line 4, One Person Train Operation (OPTO) deployment, the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension project (TYSSE), Automatic Train Control (ATC), and the eBus pilot project.

Stephen brings 26 years of experience to his role as Manager, LRV Engineering. He will be responsible for the continuous improvement of design, maintenance, and development of rail vehicle technical specifications, as well as ensuring Vehicle Programs projects adhere to safety standards.


Stephen holds a bachelor's and a master's degree in engineering from University of Toronto. He is also a Licensed Professional Engineer and a member of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT). 

Amoy Wynter appointed Diversity Consultant, effective August 6, 2023


Amoy Wynter joined the TTC in November 2017 as a Customer Service Agent (CSA), in the Stations Department in the newly built Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension Zone (TYSSE). He was soon after appointed the first Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Workers’ Representative for the CSA workforce. He progressed throughout the Stations Department, and was later promoted to Station Supervisor in 2021 and a Management JHSC Member. 


Amoy has brought many years of strong leadership and management expertise to the TTC. Additionally, he remains consistent in promoting safety, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) within the TTC and community-based organizations. This continued advocacy has advanced him to the role of Diversity Consultant.



Amoy holds a bachelor of arts in political science and government. 

Mark your calendar

Events and observances from August 7-20, 2023

August - Emancipation Month


August 7 - Civic Holiday (Simcoe Day)

 

August 7 - Terry Fox Day

 

August 9 - International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples

 

August 13 - Obon begins (Buddhism/Shinto)


August 15 - Obon ends (Buddhism/Shinto)


August 17 - Marcus Garvey's Birthday


August 19 - World Humanitarian Day

See a list of all 2023 statutory holidays for non-union employees.


See all the 2023 observances in this year's desk calendar.


Looking to include a date in Mark Your Calendar? Email us at MyTTCWeekly@ttc.ca.

| Employee Career Centre


New TTC internal job postings

At the TTC, we are committed to helping you reach your professional goals through internal promotion and transfer opportunities. The Employee Career Centre allows current employees to apply for any available position.


The TTC is committed to fostering a positive workplace culture with a workforce that is representative of the communities it serves. Committed to the principles of diversity and inclusion, the TTC encourages applications from all qualified applicants. Accommodation is available for applicants of all abilities throughout the recruitment process.


New positions available:


Corporate Services

  • Information Security Analyst (Req I.D. 8002)
  • Senior Systems Analyst (SAP Payroll and Time & Attendance (Workforce) (Req I.D. 6017)
  • Procurement & Contract Specialist (Req I.D. 7580)
  • Head, Procurement and Category Management (Req I.D. 7640)


Engineering, Construction and Expansion

  • Environmental Coordinator (Req I.D. 8051)


Operations and Infrastructure

  • Engineering Technologist, Electrical (Req I.D. 8071)
  • Planner (Req I.D. 7891)
  • Engineering Technologist, Elevating Devices (Req I.D. 8085)
  • Planner, Asset Management (Req I.D. 8074)


People

  • Manager, Payroll Time and Attendance (Req I.D. 8084)


Strategy and Customer Experience

  • Project Manager, Bus Rapid Transit (Req I.D. 8123)
  • Transit Special Constable (Req I.D. 8062)


Transportation and Vehicles

  • Garage Foreperson (Req I.D. 7095)


For more information and a list of all current job postings, visit the Employee Career Centre on MyTTC | Home. Log in with your MyTTC username and password.


Please contact Diversity and Culture – Talent Management at 416-393-4570 with any questions.

The TTC is finally getting a feature people have long been calling for

BlogTO, July 28, 2023

"Toronto is feeling a little more excited about the forthcoming Ontario Line subway now that a new video preview of it has dropped, even if its construction will mean a mess of construction and multi-year closures of key intersections.


The new release shows what features riders can look forward to when the 15-stop line finally debuts in 2031 — that is, if the work all goes according to plan — and people have picked up on one design element in particular that is bound to be a hit, seeing as many have been asking for it for years."


Read the full article

Hundreds in Toronto ride the 'Underground Freedom Train' to mark Emancipation Day

CBC News, August 1, 2023

"Hundreds of people boarded TTC subway cars late Monday for the annual Underground Freedom Train Ride, marking the start of Emancipation Day celebrations in Toronto.


Those taking part rode from Union to Downsview station as part of the symbolic yearly journey celebrating the Slavery Abolition Act 1833, which initiated the process of ending legal human bondage in the former British Empire"


Read the full article

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