AN EVENING WITH DAVID CROMBIE
SPECIAL EVENTS
Fundraising
Celebrating the history of our neighbourhood
An Evening with David Crombie
December 5, 2024 - 6:30pm
Join us at The Jamii Hub for a memorable evening with former Toronto Mayor David Crombie as we celebrate the heart and history of the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood! This intimate event offers a rare opportunity to hear Crombie discuss the planning and preservation of this iconic community with special guests: Frank Lewinberg and Vincenzo Pietropaolo.
Moderated by urbanist, public art professional, local community mom and avid supporter of Jamii Sarah N. Ahmad, Vincenzo Pietropaolo and Frank Lewinberg will reflect with David Crombie on the success of St. Lawrence as a development. Vincenzo and Frank will share insights from their work documenting the community’s journey in their new book, helping us understand how history can inform the way forward.
Whether you're a local or passionate about Toronto’s urban legacy, this is your chance to explore the stories and vision that made St. Lawrence one of Canada’s most vibrant neighbourhoods.
The evening promises:
Exclusive Insights from David Crombie, a champion of inclusive urban spaces and community building. The conversation will be moderated by Sarah N. Ahmad, an urbanist, public art professional, local community mom and avid supporter of Jamii.
Live Opera Performance by Jonelle Sills to set the stage for an unforgettable night.
Cheese & Charcuterie to enjoy throughout the event.
All proceeds will support Jamii’s free arts programming, enriching lives throughout the St. Lawrence community. Jamii is a registered charity. You will receive a $75 tax receipt per ticket, plus any additional donation, in one receipt.
With only 50 tickets available, secure your spot today for an inspiring evening with a Toronto legend. Don’t miss this chance to connect with community, history, and vision.
EVENT SCHEDULE
6:30PM | Doors Open. Mingle
7:00PM | Opening performance by Jonelle Sills
7:15PM | Moderated discussions with David Crombie and special guests
8:15PM | Closing performance and mingle
TICKETS | $100
WHEN | Thursday, December 5th
WHERE | The Jamii Hub @ 264 The Esplanade
Each ticket includes one complimentary drink ticket. Cheese and charcuterie will be provided by our event partner, St. Lawrence Market. Beer and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided by our event partner Collective Arts with wine also available.
Accessibility Info: The Jamii Hub is a barrier-free space with wheelchair-accessible washrooms. There are no automatic buttons at entrances. If you require any accessibility accommodations or have questions, please kindly inform us when you are reserving your ticket.
Photography & Videography Notice: This event is being photographed and video recorded for promotional and documentation purposes. Photographer and videographer will be identifiable. By entering the event premise, you consent to be photographed and filmed. If you do not wish to be photographed or recorded on video, please kindly inform the photographer and videographer. If you have concerns or questions, please get in touch by emailing info@jamii.ca.
Photos by: Jae Yang
David Crombie, Speaker
David Crombie is a Canadian politician and public servant, best known for serving as the Mayor of Toronto from 1972 to 1978. A respected leader, Crombie was influential in championing urban renewal and environmental conservation during his tenure. After his time as mayor, he continued his work in public service as a Member of Parliament and later as a Cabinet Minister under Prime Minister Brian Mulroney. Crombie's commitment to sustainable development and community-focused urban planning has left a lasting impact on Toronto and Canadian politics.
Frank Lewinberg, Guest Speaker
Frank Lewinberg is the co-founder of Urban Strategies. His groundbreaking publications in particular the Reurbanization of Metropolitan Toronto have shaped the discussion on urban matters in Toronto. Frank has been privileged to work throughout Canada, US, England, and South Africa. He is responsible for the master plans of the St Lawrence neighborhood, the CAMH redevelopment and the new CIBC head office straddling Toronto’s main rail line. His continuing interest in affordable housing has led to his examination of the St Lawrence neighbourhood as a guide to our collective futures
Vincenzo Pietropaolo, Guest Speaker
Vincenzo Pietropaolo is a photographer and writer. His lifelong mission has been to document social justice and human rights issues. He has distinguished himself as a photographic bookmaker, having published over a dozen volumes, in which he often combines photographs with his own original writing. In his most recent book, Toronto as Community: Fifty Years of Photographs (2023), he traces life in his adopted city through a social justice lens. Pietropaolo has held over 100 exhibitions across Canada and in Europe, Latin America, and the United States. His photographs are in the collections of the National Gallery, the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, which features his work in a permanent exhibition. His most recent book is Toronto as Community, a personal view of Toronto through photographs and short stories. He is the co-author (with Frank Lewinberg) of the upcoming book, Housing for All: How Toronto Built the St Lawrence Neighbourhood.
Sarah N. Ahmad, Moderator
Sarah N. Ahmad is a Toronto based urbanist and a passionate supporter of community arts and public spaces. Sarah works as a Public Art consultant and has recently worked with Jamii to advance arts based programming and projects both inside the Jamii Hub as well as in David Crombie Park.
Photo by: Isorine Marc