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Mayor Tory just launched a really cool digital portal for sharing Toronto Island stories

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TORONTO, ON., Sept. 3, 2020 — Mayor John Tory has launched Island Stories – a really cool new digital storytelling project that let’s all Torontonians share what Toronto Island Park means to them – with each person’s own reflections on Toronto Island Park.

The City says, “Island Stories is a collective multimedia storytelling project meant to capture the unique ways Torontonians experience Toronto Island. Featured stories from local artists and island residents are available at toronto.ca/islandstories. In the coming weeks, Island Stories will be engaging with the public to spark conversation, inspire sharing, and unearth the rich narratives that connect the city to this oasis just beyond downtown Toronto.”

“The Island is a well-loved and well-known destination and has always played an important role in the history of Toronto and the lives of the people who have lived here,” said Toronto Mayor John Tory. “First to the Mississaugas of the Credit as a place for ceremonial gathering and healing, and then as an important refuge from the hustle and bustle of the big city. I know I’m joined by many in my fond memories of time spent on the Island. The City is looking to reimagine what Toronto Island Park could be and could offer future generations. I hope you’ll join me by sharing your recollections and helping plan the new vision for the park,” added tory.

Ward’s Island, the easternmost island, with Leslie Street Spit in the background. The channel to the east (left) of Ward’s Island is the Eastern Gap, one of two access points to the Toronto’s Inner Harbour. wikicommons

How to submit your Toronto Island story

The City is actively seeking submissions for stories. Anyone with a story to share about the Islands is encouraged to submit it at toronto.ca/islandstories. All mediums will be accepted and creativity is encouraged. Some examples of submission formats include:

  • images with captions
  • video testimonials
  • audio recordings
  • written submissions
  • photo essays

The City’s campaign comes just ahead of the start of the City’s Toronto Island Master Plan initiative. This process – set to begin this fall – will keep the conversation going with Torontonians by shifting the focus from sharing our memories and experiences with the island to imagining its future.

“For many generations the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation have held the lands of Toronto Island in high regard as a sacred place. Our ancestors named this place ‘Menacing’ which means ‘on the Island,” said – Chief R. Stacey Laforme, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. “On the Island” we have buried our dead and have welcomed our children into the world. The island was a place of refreshment and rejuvenation for our people as we brought our sick to be healed and we participated in the many ceremonies that marked our lives. As the City seeks a renewed vision for the Island, I hope that its citizens will join with my people in revering this sacred place in our treaty lands and territory for the next seven generations,” said Chief R. Stacey Laforme.

A local residence at the Toronto Islands. Approximately 300 homes are located on the Islands. wikicommons

Toronto Island Master Plan

The Toronto Island Park Master Plan is a multi-year project being undertaken by the City in consultation with the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation. Toronto Island holds significance for many Indigenous peoples, especially the Mississaugas, and the City is committed to honouring those stories and voices during the campaign and master plan. The master plan will reimagine how the city uses this space and consider future improvements, such as new trails, picnic areas, recreation programs and much more. More information about the Toronto Island Park Master Plan is available at toronto.ca/islandmasterplan.

Toronto Island Park, which is only a 15-minute ferry ride away from downtown Toronto, has a unique ecosystem of 800 residents, 30 businesses and two schools. It attracts 1.5 million visitors annually. Many activities and programs exist on the Island including canoeing and kayaking, bird watching, beach going, artist retreats, picnicking, Centreville and music festivals. This year, activities available at Toronto Island Park are limited by restrictions to slow the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic. More information on current activities and restrictions is available at toronto.ca/home/covid-19/.

The 16th Toronto Islands ferry, Sam McBride enters service in 1939. It is presently the second oldest ferry operating in the Harbour. wikicommons

For more information or to join the conversation, visit toronto.ca/islandstories and follow @TorontoPFR on Instagram.

SOURCE City of Toronto

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