The Little Paper

Christina has assembled some excellent alternatives to city-run programs and services but one of the best ways to beat the strike is to do a little demonstrating of your own: demonstrate your creativity, your ingenuity, your fabulous neighbourhoods and your undaunted, co-operative spirit.

On the first night of the strike, in parks all over Toronto, families whose soccer games had been cancelled gathered together anyway, brought their own balls and nets, picnic blankets and al fresco suppers and just hung out. We encourage you to create community happenings in your neighbourhood to bridge the gap during the strike.

Organize a game of tag, kick the can, sardines, or whatever you played as a kid in your neighbourhood park, invite the neighbours, welcome all comers and have fun. See if you can share childcare with your friends: six friends who agree to each take six kids for one week means a half dozen weeks of free childcare in exchange for one week of getting to know your child and her friends a whole lot better!

#1. ESCAPE TO THE ISLANDS
If you can get over to the Island during the strike it’s sure to be a heavenly, peaceful experience. Head straight to Ward’s Island, and plan a stop at the Rectory Café. The Toronto Island Marina runs a tender service from Queen’s Quay to the island for $3 one way, (free for children under 12!). Toronto Harbour Water Taxis (416-203-TAXI) will ferry you over for $10 person (maximum 12 people). They leave from York St and have taxis running back and forth all day. Island Water Taxi (416-388-4629) next to the ferry docks at the foot of Bay St is another option, also charging $10/person. Rumour has it that some of the Island’s washrooms are still operational but rumours are often wrong so you should definitely pee before you go. Beaches are open but water quality (see below) is not being tested. Centreville is closed for the duration of the strike.

#2. GET WET

Toronto has seven Blue Flag beaches but Woodbine, Cherry, Hanlan's Point, Ward's Island, Centre Island, Gibraltar Point and Kew Balmy have lost their designation during the labour dispute. Swimming is definitely at your own risk and water shoes or runners are always a good idea (as is a good long shower afterwards) but, for those willing to take the leap, a dip in the lake can beat the heck out of a sprinkler run. While wading pools are out of the picture, some timer-operated splash pads will be open. At press time it was still unclear as to exactly which splash pads are working so there’s no guarantee for any of these but here’s a list to try.
Finally, local pools might be shuttered but you can always…

#3. GET OUT OF DODGE
If you have access to a car, or are up for a public transit adventure this might be a great time to check out Mississauga, our neighbour to the West. If you’re driving, try the slow route through Etobicoke along the Lakeshore check out all the waterfront neighbourhoods which survived the wrath of the Gardiner.

Mississauga is home to some truly extravagant indoor water experiences. There’s the Terry Fox Pool (Cawthra Rd and Burnhamthorpe Rd E, T. 905-614-4670) with a tarzan rope, preschool water slide and 2ft waves during WAVE pool times or the Frank McKechnie Aquatics Indoor Pool (Kennedy Rd & Eglington Ave E, T. 905-615-4660) with a children’s play pool, hydro massage tank, slides, tarzan rope and sprayers. And let’s not forget Mississaga’s Parks and Recreation programs and facilities. Just remember to play nice with the neighbour kids – we’re guests.

#4. EXPLORE THE ALTERNATIVES
If you’re scrambling to find cheap and cheerful alternatives to cancelled Parks and Recreation camps, Boards of Management operated-community centres are still running. This includes the following which have space available as of the end of June: 519 Church runs queer positive, inclusive for all families, day camps for 6-12yrs at $75/wk; Scadding Court has day camps for 6-12yrs with arts & crafts, gardening, sports and more at $65-$80/wk (plus SCCC membership); and Central Eglinton has a day camp program for 4-12yr olds at $140/wk (plus membership fee). In the East, Community Centre 55, still has some availability for 4-12yr olds at $150/wk and Applegrove Community Complex has limited space for 6-12yrs at $50/wk. Eastview Neighbourhood Centre is filling up fast, but they still have some spots at $50/wk for 6-12yr olds.

There are eight Boys and Girls Clubs in the Toronto network. Many of these have camps in the 6-12year range and some have pools with public swim times. For instance, St Alban’s in the Annex is surrounded by a lovely park, runs a camp program and has a recreational/family swim on Mon/Wed/Fri from 6:30-8pm and Fri/Sat: 2-4pm for $2/non-members (6yrs+), free/under 6yrs.

If these options don’t pan out you might want to check out your local church or public school – many will be running summer camps.

#5. READ ALL ABOUT IT
Finally, The Toronto Public Library is largely unaffected by the strike. They run a fantastic and free summer reading club. Register your child at your local branch and receive a poster, stickers and an activity book. Kids report on the books they read and enjoy regular (usually weekly) activities at the library. There’s a spy theme this year which your little sleuths are sure to love.