Etobicoke Centre: Rethinking Safety from the Ground Up

June 7 2025

Jun 08, 2025

Etobicoke is a large and diverse part of Toronto—but sometimes, its size makes it hard to have grounded conversations about local concerns. That’s why, for our next Community Conversations event, we’re trying something different.

We’re focusing on Ward 2 – Etobicoke Centre as a starting point: looking closely at what safety means in this community, what concerns are top of mind for residents, and how we can work together toward solutions that reflect the realities of our neighbourhoods.

At the heart of this effort is something deeper: a recognition that trust—both in our systems and in one another—has been shaken, and that rebuilding it will take honest conversations, community leadership, and real action.

This is the beginning of a broader effort. Over time, we hope to bring this same hyper-local lens to other parts of Etobicoke—Ward 1 and Ward 3 —so we can better understand what’s working, what’s not, and what we can do to build safer, more connected communities across the west end.

Why Community Conversations?
Because too often, the issues that matter most to residents—like safety, transit, or public services—don’t get the thoughtful, local discussion they deserve. Community Conversations was created to fill that gap: to bring neighbours together, spotlight local voices, and create a space where concerns can turn into ideas, and ideas into action. Our first Town Hall online earlier this spring, on the TDSB Budget, went well and helped to get residents talking! Next week’s second event is growing on that initial work.

Community Safety Town Hall
Monday, June 16 | 7:00–8:30 PM
PLAST Toronto Branch – 516 The Kingsway (just off Kipling)
Free | Light refreshments | Door prizes
RSVP here

We’re bringing together a panel of professionals and community voices to tackle safety from multiple angles—because we know this issue is complex, and the solutions must be, too.

You’ll hear from:

PC Marco Ricciardi – Toronto Police Services
- Offering practical tips on personal safety and crime prevention

Jasminder Sekhon – Victim Services Toronto
- Sharing insights on supporting survivors and building community resilience

Noel Semple – Law Professor & Local Advocate
- Speaking on justice system principles like deterrence, rehabilitation, and how public policy shapes outcomes

Jennifer Alexander – Local Community Builder / Road Safety Advocate / and of course the Founder of The Etobicoke Voice
- Discussing local pedestrian safety and the work of Walk Safe Etobicoke

Together, we’ll explore both immediate and long-term approaches to community safety—from preventing harm and supporting victims to addressing the root causes of crime and building safer public spaces.

This isn’t just a panel—it’s a chance to be heard, to ask questions, and to come away feeling more connected and more empowered.

If you're thinking about how to make our neighbourhoods safer for seniors, more supportive for youth, and more welcoming to all families, this conversation is for you.

Join us as we come together to listen, learn, and lead the conversation on what safety truly means for our community. This isn’t just a panel—it’s a chance to connect with your neighbours, hear new perspectives, and take the next step toward a safer Etobicoke for everyone.

Please RSVP to help us plan for seating and refreshments—there will be light snacks and door prizes, and all are welcome!

Walk Safe Etobicoke Survey Still Open …

What Will It Take to Make Etobicoke Safer for Kids to Walk to School?

JENNIFER ALEXANDER

May 8

What Will It Take to Make Etobicoke Safer for Kids to Walk to School?

At The Etobicoke Voice, we’re partnering with Walk Safe Etobicoke, a local community group collecting real stories from families about what it's like to get around on foot in our neighbourhoods.

Read full story