We're introducing a new weekly section highlighting three upcoming events each week. These listings will focus on community organized events, notable talks and panel discussions, and more. 

 

2014 is a big political year in Toronto. The Mayoral election will happen on October 27 and already citizens are banding together to discuss issues the city needs to address, ways to make the city better, and, perhaps most importantly, how people can become more involved in the political landscape and have an impact on the narrative.

 

This week's roundup includes two events centered around civic issues in the city of Toronto and one that's a fun way to get involved in the community, especially if you live in the Rouge Park area bordering on Toronto and Pickering. 

 

 

Rouge Park's Annual Winter Bird Count is a perfect family-friendly opportunity for those of you who are interested in the environment, biodiversity and conservation. Groups of bird counters aged 12 and over tour the park's forests and meadows with bird experts to count species and determine which birds are living in the park. Last year's event counted 7,000 birds and 61 species. 

 

Pre-registration is required and currently a waiting list can be expected. There is a chance this event might be rescheduled due to the weather. To find out more, please visit rougepark.com. 

 

 

Jacked up drinks paired with a feminist voice on local politics sounds like a good way to spend a Monday night if you ask us. Women in Toronto Politics have taken an active stance in propelling the conversation of women's role in civic issues. Monday's event is the first of three that will be taking place in the Toronto area (the following ones will be in Scarborough and Etobicoke). 

 

The event is designed to connect women who are interested and "invested in Toronto and its communities" in an effort to "dream up ways to ensure their voices are heard on the campaign trail."

 

It is an accessible event and all genders are welcome. There will also be an area set up for children with colouring books and complimentary snacks.

 

Check out the event here.

 

 

Have you been considering becoming more involved in civic issues but you don't know where to start? Then the Turnout Toronto Civic Engagement fair is for you. Following a model similar to the more familiar job fair, this event will feature various tables of politicians, advocacy groups and other citizens to educate you on opportunities for you to get involved. It's a casual, open event with the intention of inspiring others to get involved. 

 

"If you've felt the urge to take action, especially leading up to the fall civic elections, consider this a starting point to learn about the options on what type of action you can take," the group writes on its Facebook event page.

Participating groups include Jane's Walk, Better Budget TO, City Planning Office, RaBit, Groundforce Digital, Designing Toronto, and many more. 

 

For more information check out the event page here.

 

Want your event listed in Yonge Street? Email [email protected].