Message from the Executives
Office of the Chief Executive
This weekend, the TTC welcomes the return of the in-person Underground Freedom Train Ride to commemorate Emancipation Day.
The Freedom Ride on Line 1 this year starts at Union Station at approximately 11:45 p.m. on July 31 and ends at Sheppard West Station just after midnight on August 1, Emancipation Day.
We’re very pleased to be an integral participant in the annual ride organized by the Blackhurst Cultural Centre (formerly known as A Different Booklist Cultural Centre). Since 2013, the Freedom Train Ride has been symbolic of the role the Underground Railroad had in Canadian history, and reminds us of how important it is to shed light on anti-Black racism and to eliminate discrimination in all its forms.
The commemoration will feature music, singing, drumming, moments of reflection and remarks from our Chief Diversity and Culture Officer Keisha Campbell. More details about this public event are available at ttc.ca.
Rec Council softball tournament
Congratulations to the Arrow Elites, winners of Recreation Council’s annual softball tournament last Saturday in Brampton. Arrow beat Streetcar Way by a score of 8-7 in a nail-biter to win their third consecutive championship.
Well done to the winning team: Alyssa Eccleshall, Meagan Turner, Mike Sotto, Nicole Restituyo, Dharminder Sandhu, Paul Archer, Joe Woo, Robert Sato, Mike Grinton, Clinton Sheppard, Johnny Basdeo, Garnel Amberley and Marcus Vanderpool.
I’d like to thank all 22 participating teams and their supporters; and a special thanks to the organizers and volunteers for putting on another successful tournament.
Calling for backpacks and school supplies
For the third consecutive year, volunteer organizers at the TTC are supporting the Toronto and Region Chapter of the Conference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) with their backpack and fundraising drive. Employees are being asked to donate backpacks and school supplies for children as well as youth in Neighbourhood Improvement Areas around Toronto.
Have a safe and fun long weekend. As always, thank you for your service if you’re working on the civic holiday.
Richard J. Leary
Chief Executive Officer
July 29, 2022