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A Home. A Job. A Friend. A Neighbourhood.
Hi Neighbour,
As we head into this busy time of year, I wanted to share a few updates from the last month that reflect what PARC does best: bringing people together, and creating solutions for our community.
This month, we’re recapping our community consultation on the proposed redevelopment of 1499/1501 Queen St. W. You’ll also find highlights from our holiday marketplace fundraiser in support of United Way Greater Toronto, a new member-led window installation, and a small celebration of our staff team!
Tomorrow, December 19th, we’ll gather for our annual Winter Solstice Dinner, which is one of the most meaningful nights of the year at PARC.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for being part of this community. From all of us at PARC, have a Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.
Warmly,
Kerry from PARC 🌳
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Community Consultation on the Redevelopment of 1499/1501 Queen St W
Thank you to everyone who joined PARC on Thursday, December 4 for our community consultation pre-application meeting alongside Councillor Gord Perks and architects DTAH. We appreciate everyone taking the time to share questions and perspectives as we move towards our application.
PARC is proposing a phased redevelopment of PARC’s Queen Street sites that would expand our supportive housing and renew our community Drop-in space. In Phase 1 (1499 Queen St. W), the plan builds a new 10-storey structure while keeping our historical facade. In Phase 2 (1501 Queen St. W), the plan adds a second 7-storey building, with corridors designed so the two buildings can function together. Overall, the proposal would provide 140 people with a safe and supportive home.
We’re grateful for the many neighbours who showed up to provide their support, questions and input, which will all help strengthen this project as we move forward on this community based solution to the homelessness crisis. The date for our next community consultation is yet to be determined, but keep an eye on your email and our socials for the invitation.
To learn more about our developments, click the button below:
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PARC Marketplace in Support of United Way
PARC members and staff hosted a holiday bake sale in support of United Way Greater Toronto. United Way Greater Toronto is an agency with the important work of coordinating poverty-fighting organizations and filling gaps in services year-round. We’re so grateful and honoured to be one of United Way’s Anchor Agencies, and for their partnership in supporting PARC programming and investing in community-led responses to poverty alleviation across the region.
We were also glad to welcome MPP Alexa Gilmour, who stopped by to show support! Our member artists sold out of their handmade pieces, with all proceeds going directly to the artists. All-in-all it was a lovely day shared by our community, and we look forward to the opportunity to do it again!
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Member Artists Window Installation
Artist Melissa Fisher-Rozenberg is creating a new window installation at PARC this December, and our members are a key part of it!
Melissa has been leading hands-on workshops throughout December focused on the therapeutic benefits of creative arts through braiding and knotting techniques using embroidery thread, fabrics, strings and unique and found materials from her art archive.
The pieces created by our members will become part of the installation, and a piece of PARC. We are so excited to showcase the completed piece on our socials, and in next month's newsletter, so please stay tuned!
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PARC Staff Holiday Party
The PARC Staff Holiday Party was a welcome chance to celebrate our own team and the work we accomplished at PARC this year! We shared a great meal, swapped laughs during a white elephant exchange, and filled the room with carols and a spirited best-dressed contest. It was an important reminder for us to make time for connecting with each other, while we do the meaningful work we get to do with our members.
A special shoutout to Melinda, who is retiring after 35 dedicated years at PARC supporting the Drop-In and our members day in and day out. Her care has shaped PARC in lasting ways. We’re incredibly grateful for everything she’s given to PARC, and we’ll miss her dearly.
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Winter Solstice Dinner is Tomorrow!
Tomorrow, we’ll be gathering at PARC for our annual Winter Solstice event, an event with a long and meaningful history marking the longest night of the year. This day long event includes games, music, raffles and two special meals served by our incredible kitchen team.
For many of our members, this time of year can be especially difficult. That’s why this day matters so much. What began years ago as an idea from members has grown into a celebration that turns the longest night of the year into one of the brightest moments we share.
As we prepare for tomorrow, we’re deeply grateful to the staff, volunteers, donors, and partners who make this day possible year after year. We’re looking forward to welcoming our community tomorrow.
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Support PARC for the Holidays
This holiday season, please consider making a year-end gift to PARC, to help keep our doors open 365-days a year for neighbours who need a safe place, warm meals, and community.
PARC’s mission is simple: a community where people rebuild their lives. Last year, supporters helped make 85,000+ meals possible and welcomed 1,500+ individuals into the Drop-In. Your donations help sustain supportive housing and drop-in programs that give people a sense of belonging.
Make your gift before December 31st, 2025 and receive a charitable tax receipt for 2025. Thank you for standing with PARC and helping Parkdale be a place where our neighbours are met with dignity, compassion, and care.
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PARC Opportunities
We encourage applicants with lived experiences to apply, recognizing that equitable access to employment is an agent for social change.
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