History
Since 2005, ACSA has led the coordination of community based programs and services in Chester Le and in 2013 officially launched the opening of the new Chester Le Community Corner space which has multiple large spaces for community programming activities and can accommodate over 300 people. This was all done in response to the community advocating and saying that they needed support around a variety of issues that the community was facing relating to poverty, isolation, and lack of community resources. The corner now functions as a community hub where people access information, programs and services. The space also serves as a community engagement hub with a focus on networking and capacity building so that residents can start their own initiatives and can get involved in space governance and take a leadership role in the space.
Programming
The overarching goal of the Chester Le Community Corner is to provide opportunities for meaningful engagement of residents in the development and delivery of programs and activities. ACSA continues to use a community engagement approach to assess and determine the needs of the community. Throughout the year we engage the community in dialogue whether it is through focus groups or informal discussions and this allows us to better adapt and adjust programming and allows us to ensure residents are given the opportunity to play an active role in the space. Based on the information provided, the following goals have been put in place to guide our work:
- To strengthen community capacity and to increase resident engagement in the development and delivery of community led programs and initiatives.
- To provide a range of opportunities for the positive engagement of children and youth.
- To increase access to employment opportunities and skill development for residents.
- To create a neighbourhood specific community hub where community members have access to a variety of programs, services and activities led by community members, ACSA and partner agencies.
- To establish clear policies, procedures and practices which support the activities of the Chester Le Community Corner.
Chester Le Community Corner Activities
ACSA engaged a variety of different groups (over 200 residents) to help identify immediate needs and issues facing residents of Chester Le and a variety of programs and initiatives were implemented as a result of this including:
Ages 0-6 Activities: See the Child and Family Centre program guide for more information
Ages 7-12 Activities: Youth Drop In, march break and summer programming, after school programming - delivered at Chester Le Public School
Ages 13-18 Activities: Do the knowledge, Blackstone library foundation, Leadership programming, and Provincial youth outreach program
Ages 19-64 Activities: Community gardening, gardening workshops (online) and Cooking Healthy Together (online)
Seniors: Seniors Yoga (virtual sessions), Seniors Café program (Mandarin, online)
Family: Strengthening families, Food security programs
Resident Engagement: Steeles/L'Amoreaux Neighbourhood Association (SLNA)
Chester Le Community Drop-in Hours
Community Drop-in Hours - Thursdays, 3 PM to 5 PM
Youth Drop-in Hours - Fridays, 3 PM to 5 PM
Drop-in times are for residents that would like to come in, say hello, and find out more about our programs.
Please note that staff work within the Chester Le Community Corner throughout the week, but may be away from the centre working within the community.
If you have any questions or would like to speak to someone for more details regarding resumption of in-person programs, please contact Tyrzah M. at 416-491-3456, ext. 413.
2021 Activities
Chester Le Fall Activities
To close off 2021’s outdoor engagement events, The Chester Le Community Corner hosted some fall activities for the community. Community residents and youth were able to decorate some pumpkins, play outdoor games and sports, share hot meals and participate in an outdoor yoga program. The kids and youth got creative with their pumpkins and enjoyed the various games.
Left to right: kids painting pumpkins, a few pictures of completed pumpkins and games
On the final day of our fall activities, we wrapped up with an outdoor yoga session. It was a sunny and breezy day, perfect weather to relax and stretch our bodies.
Left to right: yoga session behind the community garden
In October 2021, our Chester Le community also hosted a turkey giveaway in partnership with 6ixBuzz & DJ Charlie B. Chester Le residents came down to pick up turkeys, halloween candy, get some hot drinks and connect with their community.
Left to right: turkey truck, long line for turkeys, candy, and vitamin drinks, people getting hot drinks and a funnel cake from the food truck
Previous year activities
Previous events that our Chester Le Community Corner supported included UJIMA Black History Month Celebration, Toronto Foundation Try-A-Sport Ping Pong Event, 100 in 1 day Tai Chi Event, Gleaning trips and many community barbeques.
Get Connected - Join Our Residents List
We send out monthly emails to our residents with information about upcoming programs, workshops, and events. If you are interested in joining the Chester Le residents list or our monthly email list, please fill out our survey here to get regular updates custom to your interests!
For more information, contact Tyrzah M. at 416-491-3456, ext. 413.
