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As a community that thrives in service and growth, Riverside has many organizations supporting the families and children that call this neighbourhood home, whether it’s help with child care or opportunities for them to explore their potential.

New to the Riverside Blog? Over the past few weeks, we’ve been highlighting community services in the neighbourhood — from youth programs to free/affordable resources — in the countdown to our annual community clean up on April 25th!

From afterschool services to recreational camps, read on to know more about local programming for children and youth in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood:

Photo credit: South Riverdale Child-Parent Centre

South Riverdale Child-Parent Centre

Address: 765 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

Committed to nurturing positive parent-child relationships, South Riverdale Child-Parent Centre provides free, accessible programming designed to support individuals caring for young children at home and fostering family involvement in the community. You can find regular updates on their website and Instagram:

• Daily Drop-in – Children and their caregivers can spend time in a stimulating and safe play environment. 
• Outings – Previous locations have included for example Riverdale Farm and Allan Gardens.
• Workshops – Some sessions are for adults only, others are for caregivers and children to enjoy together.
• Clothing Exchange – Bring in clothes that your child has outgrown, and take home clothes for your child. When you’re done, bring them back for someone else to wear!
• Toy and Parenting Book Library – This is where you can try out as many developmentally-appropriate toys as you like for two weeks at a time. 

Photo credit: Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Ralph Thornton Community Centre

Address: 765 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

The Ralph Thornton Community Centre provides excellent and affordable children’s programming which features a wide variety of fun activities facilitated by well-trained staff. The centre promotes inclusivity and healthy child development in a safe and interactive environment. Don’t forget to sign up for their e-news for updates!

• Afterschool Program – Activities range from homework help, computer time and library visits to park outings, crafts and cooking.
• PA Day and March Break Camp – These events offer exciting experiences for children aged 6-12 during school breaks.
• Riverdale Adventure Centre (RAC) Camp – This fun summer day camp for children is offered to local residents with dedicated spaces in four specific streams: local low income families, Rivertowne & residents of Toronto Community Housing, LGBTQ+ families and a spot open to all!
• RTCC Youth Group – The program consists of regular workshops and activities that build leadership, problem-solving, communication and other skills.
• Leadership-In-Training Program – This leadership skills training project runs during the summer. It is done in partnership with Applegrove Community Complex and Eastview Community Centre.

Photo credit: Pexels.com

Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter

Address: 765 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H3

Aside from a wealth of books, Riverside’s very own Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter also provides the community and beyond with access to engaging and interactive activities for children and youth.

• Family Time – Preschool children can read stories, sing songs and do other fun activities during these sessions. No registration required.
• LEGO Club – Children ages 4 and up build and create their own LEGO masterpiece. LEGO and DUPLO will be provided.
• Robot World – Children interested in coding can learn the basics as they work with robots firsthand, making them move through a maze, pass an obstacle course and more.
• Snap Circuit Saturdays – Participants can learn the fundamentals of circuits and create their own alarms and AM radios.

Photo credit: Child Development Institute

Child Development Institute

Address: 635 Queen St. East, 3rd Floor. Toronto, ON M4M

Built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families, the Child Development Institute is best known for its unique and effective outcomes-based approach to children’s mental health, early learning and child care services.

• Child & Youth Mental Health Services – These address a range of social, emotional, behavioural, psychological and/or psychiatric problems that are provided to at-risk children and youth.
• Early Years & Child Care Services – Through child care centres, children get the support they need to be actively immersed in an environment that promotes well-being, belonging and expression.
• Gender-Based Violence Services – These are counselling services, parenting support, shelter and more to support mothers with children who have witnessed and/or experienced interpersonal violence. 

Photo credit: City of Toronto

Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre

Address: 870 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 3G9

A hub for community programming located in between Riverside and Leslieville, Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre and its programs provide preschool kids and older adults opportunities for recreation such as fitness and sports.

• Arts, Hobbies and Interests – Ballroom, open mic, video games, music—there’s something for everyone.
• FitnessTO – Teens can choose from a variety of workout sessions such as HIIT, pilates, yoga and Zumba.
• Sports – There’s badminton, basketball, pickleball, skateboarding, tennis, volleyball and the list goes on!
• Swim – For anyone who loves the water, you can participate in classes such as aquatic fitness, and leisure and lane swimming.

We’re wrapping up our community services blog series next week so don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram to get updates whenever a new blog drops!

As the Toronto Public Library celebrates its 141st anniversary, we’re putting the spotlight on Riverside’s very own Queen/Saulter Branch located at 765 Queen St E. More than just an educational resource, Queen/Saulter has quite the story behind it (pun intended!). 

Did you know that the Queen/Saulter branch, which opened in 1979, was originally located on the south side of Queen St E just west of Saulter St where Biblio lofts is currently under construction? The following year (1980), it was relocated to its present location, which was formerly known as Postal Station G, a city-recognized heritage site.

If you missed our previous blogs, we’re highlighting community services in the Riverside neighbourhood this month — from youth programs to free/affordable resources – leading up to our annual community clean up on April 25th!

Aside from a wealth of books, Queen/Saulter also provides the Riverside community and beyond with access to engaging and interactive activities for all ages. Let’s look at some of the programs running at Toronto Public Library Queen/Saulter:

The Joy of Writing

Presented with the Ralph Thornton Community Centre, The Joy of Writing is a weekly writing workshop and gathering where participants get to read, write and inspire each other.

Robot World

Interested in coding? Learn the basics as you work with robots firsthand, making them move through a maze, pass an obstacle course and more! Materials are provided.

Legal Workshop: Tenants’ Rights

Presented with Don Valley Community Legal Services, this session featuring a housing lawyer will cover topics such as tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities, rent increases, privacy, harrassment and more. The workshop will be on Thursday, March 27, 2025 (6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.). No registration required.

The Science of Wine Workshop

Discover the scientific concepts of wines with special guest sommelier Chris Lafleur, who will discuss the compounds behind the unique aromas of wine. For the presentation, essential oils will be used in place of actual wine. There will also be a Q&A portion at the end. The workshop will be on Thursday, April 24, 2025 (6:30 p.m.-8 p.m.).

For more information on the Queen/Saulter’s programs and schedules, visit the Toronto Public Library website and follow @torontolibrary.

We’ve got a few more blogs left for our community series so be sure to connect with us on Instagram to stay updated on what’s new on the Riverside Blog!

Photo credit: Toronto Public Library (main image) / Pexels and Unsplash (stock images)

Built on compassion by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto, Fontbonne Ministries believes that everyone deserves a life well lived. Through their programs, they aim to address pressing issues affecting so many in society such as lack of proper housing and food insecurity.

This is a big year for many not-for-profit organizations in Riverside so this month, we’re putting the spotlight on community services in the neighbourhood — from youth programs to free/affordable resources – leading up to our annual community clean up on April 25th!

For 25 years now, Fontbonne Ministries’ Mustard Seed site has been doing ordinary things with extraordinary care for the community in Riverside and beyond, from a hot meal to a cozy bed to a listening ear. Read on to know more about their amazing programs at 791 Queen St E in Riverside:

Good Food Market

A program in collaboration with FoodShare Toronto, the Good Food Market makes fresh local produce accessible and affordable for those most impacted by food security in the Riverside and Leslieville neighbourhoods. The markets happens every Wednesday (2 p.m.-4 p.m) in front of the Fontbonne Ministries building from spring-fall, and inside the building at 791 Queen E during the winter.

Clothing Boutique

Through community donations, the Clothing Boutique provides clothing year-round  to seniors, newcomers and individuals in precarious living conditions. The program aims to ensure that everyone has the essentials to be comfortable and healthy, especially during the cold Toronto winters.

Breakfast Program

As grocery prices continue to increase and more and more people experience food insecurity, Fontbonne Ministries helps to alleviate this problem by providing nutritious breakfast options to those in need five days a week. Every year, thousands of meals are served to community members in need. Fun fact: in 2024, the Riverside BIA and local businesses began supporting this incredibly essential local programming through the Riverside Antler Breakfast!

Fontbonne Place

Located at 791 Queen St E, Fontbonne Place and its 18 affordable apartments are a haven for older women who would otherwise be homeless or inadequately housed due to Toronto’s housing crisis. Residents also get to participate in activities organized by Mustard Seed, another key program of Fontbonne Ministries.

Friendly Visiting

Formerly called In Good Company, Friendly Visiting is all about providing a sense of companionship to isolated individuals in need of emotional and social support through conversations, social outings, and phone calls with volunteers. Before being matched with a participant, volunteers undergo screening and training to be well-equipped for this program. 

Volunteer and Donate

Whether it’s a financial contribution or a lending hand, any form of help is always appreciated at Fontbonne Ministries:

• Send an email to volunteers@fontbonneministries.ca or call 416-465-2889 Ext. 2631 to get in touch with a representative. 
• Donations can be made online, by cheque or in kind. Click here for more information on how to donate.
• Follow @fontbonneministries on Instagram or check the Fontbonne Ministries website for more information.

We release a new blog every week so be sure to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram so you’re always updated. In the meantime, check out previous entries of our community blog series here and here!

Photo credit: Fontbonne Ministries

WoodGreen Community Services is celebrating their 88th year in April 2025. As one of the Toronto’s largest social service agencies, WoodGreen’s Riverside location at 650 Queen St E serves the community with its programs that promote self-sufficiency and overall wellbeing.

In case you missed last week’s feature, we’re putting the spotlight on community services in the Riverside neighbourhood this month — from youth programs to free/affordable resources – leading up to our annual community clean up on April 25th!

Whether you think you or someone you know could benefit from WoodGreen’s programs or are interested in helping the organization’s cause to help Torontonians thrive, here’s a rundown of their key programs of WoodGreen’s location operating in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood at 650 Queen Street East:

Food Bank Support

The Housing & Homelessness team runs a weekly food distribution in Riverside on Tuesdays (9:00am-2:30pm), free for low-income and homeless individuals. 6-10 volunteers are needed per session to assist in tasks such as unloading boxes and preparing food for distribution. 

First Step to Home – Community Meal Event

This program helps homeless senior men aged 55 and above make a successful transition from living on the street to a stable, healthy lifestyle with community meals on weekdays (Friday preferred, 10am-1pm). A maximum of 10 volunteers are needed to facilitate a meal with 20-25 seniors. 

Community Connections – Mentoring + Networking Session

Designed for newcomers in Canada, the program offers mentorship, professional networking, seminars and other learning opportunities to help navigate the Canadian employment market. They are seeking corporations to volunteer to share their experiences, career advice and industry-specific insights (depending on the group size, these sessions can be done in person or virtually).

WoodGreen Financial Empowerment – Tax Clinic Program

It’s tax season! Every year, WoodGreen organizes free tax clinics to help individuals prepare their tax returns and file them on time. Follow @woodgreendotorg on Instagram for updates.

Lunch and Learn Event

For interested coporations, WoodGreen offers a Lunch and Learn session which provides an awareness presentation highlighting the impact of WoodGreen’s programs and how your company can be involved. This can be done as part of an annual meeting or even as an after-work session. WoodGreen can invite an expert on a topic of corporate interest such as housing or food insecurity to come in as a guest speaker.

Other ways companies or individuals can get involved in supporting WoodGreen Services:

• Special occasion events – Companies can participate during events tied in with cultural celebrations like Lunar New Year or Christmas to help serve meals, provide event support and mingle with WoodGreen clients.
• Care packages – You can also make a difference by creating care packages filled with essentials such as food and home items to help ease the lives of WoodGreen clients. Reach out to WoodGreen to inquire about what supplies are needed.
• WoodGreen Community Services tours – See where the magic happens! WoodGreen can arrange facility tours for corporations who want to know more about the programs and meet with key personnel from the organization.
• Financial donation – Donations are always appreciated any time of the year. Monetary donations can be made through cheque or online via the WoodGreen donation page.

For more information on WoodGreen’s programs, how to avail or how to help, send an email to volunteer@woodgreen.org, follow @woodgreendotorg on Instagram or check the WoodGreen website.

Don’t forget to follow @riverside_bia on Instagram to stay updated on new content like this blog!

Photo credit: WoodGreen Community Services

It’s St. Patrick’s Day on Monday, March 17, but in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood, the celebration begins early. You don’t have to be Irish to partake in this joyous tradition. There’s may not be a pot of gold waiting at the end of the rainbow, but you’re still in luck because fun times await this weekend.

From live DJs to spice bags to the best Irish beers, get a head start on the St. Patrick’s Day festivities at these businesses in Toronto’s Riverside neighbourhood:

Photo credit: The West Cork

The West Cork (@thewestcork)

Address: 701 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G6

As the one and only Irish pub in Riverside, best believe The West Cork will be pulling out all the stops for their first St. Patrick’s Day in the neighbourhood. Aside from Irish staples on the menu and classic Irish beers on tap, there will also be live music and festivities ALL DAY (11:30am-12:30am) on Monday, March 17. Get all the fun details via their Instagram @thewestcork

Photo credit: Prohibition Social House 

Prohibition Social House (@prohibitionsocialhouse)

Address: 696 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Always expect a good time at Prohibition Social House on the weekends with live DJ sets on Friday and Saturday nights, on top of their Sunday-Thursday happy hour deals on select beers and cocktails, and appetizers like fried mushrooms and burrata.

Photo credit: Eastbound Brewing Company

Eastbound Brewing Company (@eastboundbeer)

Address: 700 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1G9

Eastbound recently launched “The Late Shift” concept for night owls. Between 8pm and 10pm from Tuesday to Saturday, enjoy awesome deals such as $6 draft beer and $9 margaritas. On Friday and Saturday, you can get a 12oz beer for $2 with any food purchase.

Photo credit: Urban House

Urban House (@urbanhouseeastside)

Address: 718 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H2

Urban House carries a wide selection of premium beers on tap, from ales to lagers. Their bestselling daily specials, which are available for dine-in only, include classics such as cheese burger and wings inclusive of a pint or pitcher of beer.

Photo credit: Duke’s Refresher + Bar

Duke’s Refresher + Bar (@dukesriverside)

Address: 709 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H1

Duke’s Refresher + Bar Riverside has planned an exciting St. Patrick’s Day weekend. From March 15-17, enjoy beers from beloved East End breweries, brunch featuring spice bags (a popular Irish fast food dish), live karaoke and other food & drink specials!

Irish Design House (@irishdesignhouse)

Address: 756 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4M 1H4

And do not miss the Irish Design House’s annual customer appreciation sale on St. Patrick’s Day weekend – with 20-30% off in store and online – it only happens once a year!

Follow @riverside_bia so you’re always in the know about exciting happenings in the neighbourhood. Happy St. Patrick’s Day in advance, everyone!