Executive Director Message
David Plant
A message from David Plant on the anniversary of his first year as Executive Director.
PAL Toronto plays a vital role in supporting those in the arts and cultural industries. Twelve months ago, I took on the role of Executive Director. My intention was to further engage with PAL's own creative community, the St. Lawrence neighbourhood, Toronto's arts and cultural community, and other PALs across the country.
The fallout of the pandemic made a profound impact on our cultural industries, performing arts, film, and television. It's underlined for me how important it is to provide affordable housing for people in our community. Affordable housing has become a buzzword in politics, It's high, if not number one, on everybody's list. The demand for housing far exceeds supply.
By staying at the forefront of the discussion, PAL Toronto has the potential to influence policy, gain support, and drive positive change.
Our Building
PAL Toronto is a thirty-year-old building with an aging infrastructure: there's work to be done. From the out-of-date HVAC system, elevators in need repair, upgrade the plumbing, replace the roof and the drainage system, and reinforce the basement substructure, it's a building that potentially needs millions of dollars' worth of work. This presents significant challenges, but it also offers the opportunity for positive change. My approach is multifaceted aimed to engage the community, attract financial support, and transform the space into a more efficient and modern facility.
The necessity for a capital campaign looms large. Getting money to make the building more energy efficient and renovated from top to bottom involves applications to the CMHC and Canada's Green Affordable Housing initiatives. Engaging politicians, builders, and industry professionals, creating partnerships with local businesses, philanthropic organizations, and other relevant stakeholders will enhance the success of our initiatives.
PAL will become a showcase for sustainability, to not only benefit the residents directly, but also contribute to broader environmental and social goals. The story we're telling, is not just about maintaining a building, but transforming it into a hub for both the arts and environmental sustainability
Health Services
It's apparent that the increased demand for health services at PAL Toronto, heightened by the challenges brought on by the pandemic, has placed a strain on resources. PAL's Health Services Coordinator's caseload has doubled, and in some cases nearly tripled. It's comparable to the broader issues within Ontario's healthcare system.
As an organization, we must take a hard look in the mirror and make an effort to address the challenges facing PAL. The financial constraints and the need for volunteers, donors, and grantors highlight the importance of community involvement.
The prospect of increasing PAL's future facilities with floors designated for long-term care is one approach. Adapting to the changing needs of our aging population with a desire for residents to "age in place" requires funding support services.
PAL Toronto competes for funding with other organizations that support the homeless or retirement homes. This highlights the challenging landscape PAL Toronto operates in. The need for a strategic decision to remain an independent living facility or adapt to the evolving needs of our aging population, requires careful consideration.
Navigating these important decisions, maintaining transparency and open communication is vital. Sharing the challenges, potential solutions, and invite collaboration with other organizations will foster a sense of collective responsibility and engagement. It's not just about sustaining PAL, but ensuring we evolve to meet the changing needs of our residents and the broader community
Membership
PAL's membership has almost tripled since the beginning of last year. Membership involves a clear exchange – if individuals want certain facilities or services, they need to become members. The value of this charitable membership demonstrates solidarity and contributes to social impact. An annual fee, from all members, ensures our organization can provide necessary services to those who need them.
PAL residents who don't use certain services, are still contributing to the overall community benefit and echoes the principles of collective responsibility. It's about creating a system where everyone, regardless of their personal needs, contributes to the greater good of the community.
There are different approaches to paying the annual membership fee. One consideration is through a small fee (e.g. $2) added to the monthly rent. Another is to adopt a sliding scale whereby the amount you pay is calculated to fit your income.
Expanding membership to non-residents increases our community and therefore gives us greater clout to ensure our future. Improves opportunity to successfully apply for grants. The size of the community we serve is one of the metrics funders use to determine viability for funding.
This approach to membership not only ensures financial sustainability, but also fosters a sense of shared responsibility and community engagement. It aligns with the inclusive and supportive culture that's at the core of PAL Toronto's mission.
Momentum towards PAL's future
The transformation of the roof into a vibrant community garden with Indigenous plantings and rare heritage seeds is truly innovative. The newly created partnerships with organizations, like the David Suzuki Foundation and the University of Guelph, not only enhance the environmental impact but also positions PAL Toronto as a unique and educational showcase.
The collaboration with the University of Toronto, for studies on pollinators and wasps, demonstrates a commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly practices. The idea of becoming a proving ground for such research, not only benefits the residents, but contributes valuable knowledge to the wider community.
Creating our building's spaces, like the courtyard over the parking garage, shows a commitment to creating public areas that foster a sense of community. It's not just about functional spaces but about transforming them into places of value and connection.
Addressing infrastructure components, like water supply, heating, and ventilation, further underscores the dedication to improve the overall living experience. This interconnected approach contributes to a regenerated and rejuvenated living environment. Beyond my first twelve months, as Executive Director, I will continue to facilitate these ambitious and impactful initiatives.
There's a significant shift in perception of PAL among local representatives. MPP Kristyn Wong-Tam, and Municipal Councillor Chris Moise consistently attend our events, even sending staff when they can't make it demonstrates a strong commitment to our organization. Mayor Olivia Chow is a great supporter and never fails to communicate if she will be joining us. The fact that the mayor's office made a point to inform us of the mayor's inability to attend our Holiday Party, speaks volumes about the positive recognition PAL Toronto is receiving in the community.
The presence of these representatives at events, like PAL Toronto's 30th-anniversary celebration, further emphasizes the growing impact and visibility of PAL Toronto. It's not
just about being another residence, but an integral part of the community that local leaders acknowledges and engage.
There is much evidence of the hard work, dedication, and positive impact PAL Toronto is making on the lives of its residents and the broader community. It's always rewarding to see such recognition and appreciation for PAL Toronto's valuable contributions. It's confirmation that our building is not just a residence but a dynamic hub for creativity, sustainability, and community development.