2nd ANNUAL YIMBY (YES IN MY BACKYARD) FESTIVAL!!!

Are you a neighbourhood group looking for a platform to get your voice heard by policy makers?? Do you want to network and share strategies with other groups facing similar challenges?? Do you want to educate the general public about your group??

Then join the YIMBY FESTIVAL!!!!!!

The Gladstone is hosting a ONE DAY gathering of neighbourhood groups and associations, where you can show and tell what your group is all about.

Saturday October 27 between 11am-5pm
Gladstone Hotel 2nd Floor (family friendly event)
1214 Queen Street West

Interested Neighbourhood Groups please apply now!
Contact: Magda Olszanowski at 416-531-4635 ext. 7117 or magda@gladstonehotel.com

We are looking for neighbourhood groups who want to network and share strategies with other neighbourhood groups; and who to inform the general public, Councillors, MP and MPP's about the issues that face your community.

Why YES?

As Toronto continues to densify, as our neighbourhoods get larger and more complex, how does the citizen express hope, dreams and new ideas for the city? Through the neighbourhood group!!!

Last year's YIMBY Festival was attended by 42 associations and hundreds of visitors including policy makers such as Mayor Miller, city councilors, MP's and MPP's - they came to listen to you! The focus of this festival is on positive and decisive change. This election brings galvanized energy and ideas to municipal politics. As much as Neighbourhoods get unfairly labeled as NIMBY, we know them to be the instruments of some of the best urban policy and ideas. Your group can make a difference.

Neighbourhood Associations and groups have the power and the knowledge. Let's network and see what we can do!!!!

So we are YIMBYs... JUST SAY YES. Check out photos from last year here.
Check out us on FACEBOOK.

PARTICIPATING GROUPS (email so you can be a part of this list too!):

Homecoming Community Choice Coalition, Spacing Magazine, DIGIN, People Plan Toronto, St. Lawrence Residents Association, Artscape, A-Way Courier, Go Solar, Centre of Urban Studies, St. Christopher's House, Niagara Neighbourhood Now, Parkdale Residents Association, LEAF Toronto (Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests), Community Bicycle Network, Green Phoenix Project, CommunityAIR, Commonweave, Annex Residents Association, Active 18, South Rosedale Ratepayers Association, Parkdale Activity and Recreation Centre, Take the Tooker, Architecture for Humanity Toronto, Wabash Building Society, West Lansing Homeowners Association, Evergreen, 5 Points Community Action, Toronto Landsdowne Residents Association, 24h Traffic Road Media Inc.

FAQ

Can anyone come to the event? Yes the event is family-friendly and open to all who want to learn more about these associations (or even start their own!!!!)
How can my neighbourhood group sign up? Registration is still open on Saturday morning from 10am-11am, please e-mail magda@gladstonehotel.com and let us know you will be attending. Neighbourhood Groups pay $25+tax to have a table and display your group's issues and strategies.

Why participate in the YIMBY FESTIVAL at the GLADSTONE?

A chance to inform the general public about the issues that face your community.
Invitations sent to all GTA councillor nominees, MP and MPPs
Invitations sent to Neighbourhood groups, BIAs, Interest and Urban Issue Advocacy groups and associations.
The Gladstone will publish participating groups on the Gladstone Website. Event will be publicized in listings in NOW and EYE.
Table Rates very reasonable, $25 + GST per table
Press from the Toronto dailies, Radio and Television will be sent press releases.
Showcase your neighbourhood group in the bright and beautiful spaces of the historic Gladstone.

"What an inspired idea -- and what a great event. For the HomeComing Coalition, the YIMBY Festival was a wonderful opportunity to learn about exciting groups, and to share our own ideas for making Toronto a truly livable city for all.” Joy Connelly, HomeComing Coalition, November 2006.