Thorncliffe Park residents have their say at impassioned CBC Toronto event

CBC Toronto is setting up some community-based reporting in the Thorncliffe Park neighbourhood in the coming weeks as part of our Communities in Focus initiative.

“What matters to you?” Insights from CBC Listening Session help guide reporting

Jennifer Williams · CBC Communications · Posted: Feb 05, 2024 2:52 PM EST | Last Updated: February 9

Thorncliffe Park Listening session 2024 — In a room filled to capacity, old connections were revived, and new connections were made between community members eager to have their voices heard at a Listening Session hosted by CBC Toronto. (Tie Smith/CBC)

On Jan. 30, CBC Toronto invited Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park neighbourhood residents to a free Listening Session at the Jenner Jean-Marie Community Centre in Toronto's east end.

Over 60 attendees had their say, meeting with journalists and voicing the most pressing issues facing their community — topics they feel are often under-reported by mainstream media.

A Listening Session is a form of engagement journalism that brings people together for a two-way dialogue in an intimate setting. The goal is to foster trust, build community connections and inform CBC Toronto's reporting.

The power of conversation

The questions journalists posed to residents focused on the challenges and highlights of living within this community and led to candid conversations about the ongoing difficulties longtime residents, new Canadians, and refugees are facing.

"We're not allowed to speak up for ourselves, even though we're one of the highest populated neighbourhoods in Canada," said resident Muhammad Ahad. "In every other neighbourhood, the government listens,"

The next generation was also top of mind for those who attended the session.

"My focus here is what's happening with our youth," said Nazerah Shaikh. "Where is the programming? Where is the employment? Where is the stuff to support them so they can live their dreams as parents and immigrants?

"We came here to dream for them. So what are we doing to support those dreams?"

Despite some of the obstacles discussed, residents displayed incredible strength, unity, and self-determination.

"During COVID, everybody's helping each other. They've been there for each other, caring for each other, loving each other, and being like sisters and mothers. And because of that, I love Flemingdon and Thorncliffe," said Eshrat Meshkat.

"Recently, I moved from this community; I'm coming seven days a week by bus to serve these people because this community has beautiful people."

Why Thorncliffe?

Last month, CBC Toronto launched a Thorncliffe Park community bureau as part of the Communities in Focus initiative.

Follow our Thorncliffe Park coverage for details on CBC Toronto's Thorncliffe Park event coming up in March. Details will be posted soon at this link.