Building Diversity Awards – Ticket Sales Open

We invite you to join us for the 2024 Building Diversity Awards (BDA) and Recognition Gala! The BDA is the premier event celebrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in Canada's construction industry.

Purchase your tickets now and join us on FRIDAY, JUNE 14th at 6:00PM at the Meridian Arts Centre to celebrate our honorees.

Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 3:00pm - 4pm

NexGen Builders Mentorship Information Session

At this session, discover how becoming a mentor will transform your career in construction. Learn about our online group sessions and the incredible opportunities awaiting mentors in construction.

Community Benefits Ambassador Recruitment Info Session 1 & 2

Are you working in construction as an apprentice, skilled tradesperson, or professional?

Do you wish to make a greater social impact in the industry? Here is your chance to drive equitable change while showcasing your experience.

Join our dynamic volunteer team as we spread the message and impact of community benefits on the ground.

Saturday, June 8, 2024 from 8:30am - 2:30pm

IWOC 2024 | Building BIWOC Wins: The Equity Action Plan for Now

Mark your calendars for the upcoming 2024 Indigenous & Workers of Colour Conference (IWOC)! This year, Toronto and York Region Labour Council is building on their collective victories by "Building BIWOC Wins: The Equity Action Plan for Now." The Labour Movement is mobilized and coming together again—ready to fight and take on the bosses!

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 from 4:00pm - 7:00pm

Thorncliffe Park In-Person Open House

On June 11, 2024, Metrolinx will host an in-person open house for community members to learn more about the upcoming Ontario Line construction in Thorncliffe Park, which includes preparing for a new operations, maintenance and storage facility.

Location: East York Town Centre 45 Overlea Blvd. Toronto, ON

In Memoriam: David Lepage

TCBN is deeply saddened by the loss of David Lepage who was a leader in advancing community economic development, social innovation and social enterprise development in Vancouver and across Canada. David's work included working with colleagues to launch social enterprise organizations including EMBERS, Community Impact Real Estate and Buy Social Canada, a TCBN member organization working to advance social procurement and Community Benefits Agreements across Canada.

David was a guest speaker at the 2022 Building Diversity Awards and was recently shortlisted for the Community Benefits Champion Award that will be announced at the upcoming Building Diversity Awards on June 14th. David's leadership and contributions will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Social Enterprise Policy Fund which David established.

Build A Better Fairview

In May, Build a Better Fairview hosted a community meeting with local City Councillor Shelley Carroll to discuss the future of the Fairview Mall. The owner of property, Cadillac Fairview is proposing 12 new condo towers with additional developments planned at the surrounding intersections at Don Mills Station.

Ontario wants more women in trades — and hopes clean washrooms might help

Carpenter Rokhaya Gueye says having menstrual products on a job site “is a basic need really, and it’s something that will help women.”

CP Planning Summit Event

On May 27, TCBN participated in the CP Planning resident summit including a panel discussion on the experiences, challenges faced, and successes by community coalitions in organizing for the development of affordable housing. To learn more about CP Planning and upcoming events, please visit their website here.

Black Urbanism TO Launches Little Jamaica Community Land Trust

On April 27th, TCBN joined organization member Black Urbanism TO for the launch of the Little Jamaica Community Land Trust, a monumental step towards Black-led community ownership. For more information visit BUTO’s website at https://www.blackurbanismto.com/ and follow on Instagram.

Update on Downsview Affordable Housing & General Meeting 2024

• On May 7th, TCBN hosted an online workshop in collaboration with ACORN Canada centered around affordable housing
• On May 21st, TCBN hosted a general meeting in which we presented on our community benefits vision for Downsview
• On May 22nd, the Update Downsview study was unanimously approved by Toronto City Council.

The Ontario Line, Canada’s largest public infrastructure project in history, risks being built without any meaningful benefits for the community. In November 2022, Metrolinx awarded 50% of the project in contracts with private developers, valued at about $15 billion, without any mention of the promised Community Benefits Agreement as announced.

TCBN is looking for Youth Delegates to join our Youth Policy Table. Organizations that are invested in equity-deserving groups accessing good jobs in the construction sector, are encouraged to refer youth delegates. We are seeking referrals of Black, Indigenous, and other racialized (BIPOC) youth aged 16-25.

The NexGen Builders Mentoring program offers development seminars for mentees and mentors in the first two months, weekly calls and monthly face to face meetings between mentors and mentees, and quarterly networking opportunities.

Assists Black youth aged 16-34, to find a job in construction in skilled, unionized trades or professional, administrative, or technical positions in a construction company. Also provides professional development training and work placements.

Construction Employers: Sign up to the Employer Portal today! Post your jobs for work-ready candidates. Offset costs with financial incentives for training and onboarding.

Job Seekers: Sign up to create your profile in Employer Portal and upload your resume to be accessed by potential employers.