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Urban Planner: September 22, 2009
Urban Planner is Torontoist’s guide to what’s on in Toronto, published every weekday morning, and in a weekend edition Friday afternoons. If you have an event you’d like considered, email all of its details—as well as images, if you’ve got any—to [email protected].
Twelve-year-old Rangamma from Bangalore works in a quarry smashing stones—back-breaking work normally reserved for criminals doing hard labour. Photo courtesy of Plan Canada: Because I am a Girl.
CAUSE: Plan Canada recognizes that girls in Toronto and across Canada have the power to change the world. In support of the 2009 BIAAG (Because I am a Girl) report—a groundbreaking series highlighting the plight of girls around the world and the unique role they play in fighting global poverty—Plan Canada is launching a nationwide documentary in Berczy Park this morning. Destined to capture the experiences of teens, tweens, and their inspirations, the launch of the film will feature Canadian Olympic gold medalist and freestyle skier Jennifer Heil. The documentary is the cornerstone of a campaign to enlist girls in Canada in the fight against gender inequality around the world by raising awareness of the issues girls face in the poorest regions of the world and their untapped potential to be powerful agents of change. Those who can’t make the event can log onto the Canadian BIAAG site for more information and to find out how they can get involved in the cause. Berczy Park (between Front Street and Wellington Street East), 10 a.m.–12 p.m., FREE.
WORDS: Started as a sub-cultural zine in Brooklyn eight years ago, Heeb is now the biggest Jewish magazine in the world. Its distinct voice and perspective on art, culture, and politics have helped it evolve into a multimedia magnet for the young, urban, and influential. The pages of Heeb come alive tonight at the Drake for an evening of storytelling and hilarity. Hosted by Toronto-based comedian Aaron Berg, the event will feature Jewish stories by local personalities like Inside Toronto journalist Mike Adler, writer Kathryn Borel (Corked: A Memoir), and musician Murray Foster (Moxy Fruvous), among several others. The Drake Hotel (1150 Queen Street West), 9–10:30 p.m., $5.
TORONTOIST: Join your favourite Torontoist staffers after work today for some drinks, nibbles, and conversation at the last edition of our patio series for the season (fittingly, on the first day of fall). Moving all over the city each month to try out different spots in different neighbourhoods, today’s event brings us to the heart of the Village. And don’t let a bit of rain stop you from coming; we’ve been guaranteed an area inside if the weather gods are less than kind. O’Grady’s (518 Church Street), starts at 5:30 p.m., FREE.
ENVIRONMENT: Annual World Carfree Day aims to celebrate a move away from car culture. Now in its fifth year, the day unites people in more than 1,500 cities worldwide who want to make a statement and commit to a car-free future. Toronto’s festivities are hosted by Streets are for People!, who find fun ways to “liberate the commons from the mundane rule of that deadly beast, the automobile” and create a more community-based city we can all enjoy. To mark the occasion, a parade has been organized right at the peak of rush hour. Bring horns, bells, and drums to make some noise for the cause (and perhaps drown out the cacophony of Toronto’s traffic). For those two-wheeled, there will also be a Critical Mass ride to honour the day. Cyclists will meet at 6 p.m. at Spadina and Bloor to ride over to Trinity Bellwoods and join forces with the parade. Gates of Trinity Bellwoods Park (790 Queen Street West), 5 p.m., FREE.