Suzanne Kavanagh
Suzanne Kavanagh is a Queen’s Gold Jubilee Medal recipient for her significant contribution to her community, particularly for merging Big Brothers of Canada, Big Sisters of Canada and Big Sisters Association of Ontario. She has been a contributing resident of the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood since 1996 and a St. Lawrence on the Park Condo board member for 12 years (serving as President, Vice President, and Treasurer). Suzanne is also an avid Kayaker who keeps her boat at Harbourfront
Volunteer Work
The St. Lawrence Community
Suzanne first became involved in the SLNA in 2005 when she joined the Heritage Conservation District Committee. She has served two terms as President until 2018 and now serves as Vice President, External. Suzanne led the Scotiabank Marathon Cheering and under her leadership raised over $50k for the TDSB Foundation (TFSS). Suzanne also worked with citizens, including Councillor Wong-Tam, to help found the Church Wellesley Neighbourhood Association.[1][2][3][4]
Development Committee, Chair SLNA
Suzanne has chaired the SLNA Development Committee which is a platform for the community to work with Community Planning Staff. This committee is considered the gold standard and the format is now being duplicated by other neighbourhood associations. This committee works with the community and City of Toronto planning staff in ensuring new development is on context with the neighbourhood ideals.[5][6]
Heritage Conservation District, Chair: 2005 - Present
The St. Lawrence neighbourhood has undergone a study and consequent a plan which was approved by City Council in December 2015 for the St. Lawrence to be deemed a Heritage Conservation District. The Old Town is where the City of Toronto originally started. In 2013 Suzanne received an award from the City of Toronto in recognition for her work with heritage in the St. Lawrence community.
St. Lawrence Market Precinct Advisory Committee
The St. Lawrence Market Precinct Advisory Committee started once the working group for the new North Market completed its mandate once the tender was awarded. Suzanne has served on this committee since its inception and will complete her term this December 2018. Through her work with heritage she ensured that heritage through interpretation would be incorporated.[7]
Work as a Volunteer Instructor
Suzanne has worked as a volunteer instructor at Ossington/Old Orchard Junior Public School and SickKids TDSB Classroom for Epilepsy and has been a certified instructor for 10 years. The focus of Roots of Empathy is to build capacity of the next generation for responsible citizenship and responsive parenting.
Big Sisters of Canada
Suzanne first joined Big Sisters of Canada in 1995 as President and then joined Big Sisters Association of Ontario where she held the position of President. She reached out to Big Brothers of Canada in 1999 where she was instrumental in merging all three charities. She also served on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Toronto. After 22 years Suzanne retired from the organization. Big Brothers Big Sisters organization is a registered charity that supports children and youth who face societal barriers and adversities like detrimental living conditions, family violence, risk factors for mental health, school issues and identity challenges. With the guidance and support of a mentor, these risks can be reduced or even avoided, and youth are reminded they can be anything they dream of being.
The Steering Committee
Suzanne serves on the Steering Committee and was an organizer for the inaugural Waterfront for All Summit held October 2017. This consortium started in 2016 to ensure that the waterfront remains a unique natural and cultural resource for all to enjoy. It started with 23 organizations coming together and follows the principles of the Crombie Commission set out over 25 years ago.
Regent Park: 2003 - Present
As a tutor, Duke of York/Regent Park School and Lord Dufferin School Suzanne has volunteered with Regent Park Homework Club where she works with students from grades 3 to 8. Each week it can be anything from math problems to reading to projects. This program increases students confidence, self-esteem and opportunities for the future. Suzanne received a Volunteer Service Award, Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration for her work at Regent Park.
Enoch Turner Schoolhouse Foundation
Suzanne has served on this board since 2013.
The Town of York Historical Society
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Suzanne has served on this Board since 2015 and acts as Treasurer. Toronto's First Post Office is operated by the Town of York Historical Society. The Society was born of the interest generated by the restoration of an historical block of buildings at Adelaide and George Streets, in downtown Toronto. These included the Bank of Upper Canada (1827), the De La Salle Building (1871), and Toronto’s First Post Office (1833). Many experts – architects, historians and curators – volunteered assistance during the restoration project. From this core group, the Town of York Historical Society was formed in February of 1983.
The Society now operates Toronto’s First Post Office as a museum, a National Historic Site and a post office.
West Don Lands Committee
Suzanne is a member of this committee. It is a consortium of neighbourhood associations and other not- for-profit organizations. The West Don Lands Committee is a community-driven coalition of resident, business, environmental, heritage and other groups. It has worked since 1997 to ensure timely development of the West Don Lands in a manner that is beneficial to the local and larger community. The Committee will continue work to build broad consensus around its principles for development and be an active and informed participant in public and stakeholder consultations on waterfront development. The Committee will continue to promote development that is sustainable, pedestrian friendly, inclusive of all demographic and income groups, of high architectural and urban design standards and well-provided with schools and other community services.
Underpass Park Farmer's Market
Suzanne took the initiative to start a farmers’ market last summer (2017). Until food stores arrive in this food desert this market helps bridge to gap. Thursdays from 3-7. Also, a great place to hang out with seating and live music.
References[edit]
- ↑ www.thestar.com/news/city_hall/2017/07/07/veteran-city-councillor-pam-mcconnell-has-died-at-71
- ↑ www.thestar.com/news/canada/2015/10/05/transformed-downtown-is-fresh-political-battleground-in-spadina-fort-york
- ↑ www.thestar.com/news/gta/2013/02/27/st_lawrence_neighbourhood_fights_being_divided_in_latest_federal_riding_map
- ↑ www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/making-the-most-of-canada-day-lite/article4355859/
- ↑ www.thestar.com/news/gta/2012/06/03/st_lawrence_neighbourhood_suffers_highrise_fever
- ↑ www.youtube.com/watch?v=2izqfRE7Z_Y
- ↑ www.thestar.com/news/gta/2017/09/19/city-of-toronto-considers-164m-glass-viewing-feature-for-1831-drain
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