local (municipal) government

**What to Expect** This is our first gathering for the Downtown Toronto Zen Buddhists Conversation & Community. The goal is to introduce ourselves, chat, and build the foundation of a real Zen sangha downtown. We’ll start with a relaxed round of introductions, then explore a few core questions together: • What brought you to Zen? • What do you struggle with most in applying it day-to-day? • What do you actually want from a community like this? No pressure to be “wise” or philosophical. Just show up as you are. After introductions, we’ll move into a set of gentle prompts designed to give everyone a chance to share and reflect without anyone dominating the conversation. These are designed to be starting points for honest discussion: • **Karma & habits:** why patterns are hard to change, and how past intentions show up in the present • **Recurring emotional reactions:** pick one you notice often and explore it with curiosity, not judgment • **Influential media:** a book or video series that shaped how you see Zen or daily life • **Optional share:** I’m currently reading *Inside Vasubandhu’s Yogacara* by Ben Connelly and can share a few insights if helpful

Join us to explore underground Toronto through the PATH network discovering art, museums, and other hidden secrets of the PATH. Join us for lunch near Union Station after the walk if you wish. *

\*\***The Toronto History Walks Yearly Pass is available. Get it now for $125.00 for 1 year of unlimited tours, email** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** **for more information or for signing up!\*\*** \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com** In 1832, Toronto was known as Little York and was to become the City of Toronto in 1834, the Gooderham and Worts Distillery was founded. By the late 1860s and 1870s, it blossomed into the world's largest distillery. And it's a historic jewel on our waterfront, a place to stroll, meetup, have a coffee or a bite to eat. Come and explore one of Toronto's most fascinating neighbourhoods. And get a bird's eye view of how Toronto developed around the time that Canada became a country in 1867. But let's not forget the district to the north. The area near the banks of the Don River on and around River Street and Queens Street East was the core of the Beer Industry. Let's take a look at how the two industries came together and who was involved. For a quick peek at the walk check out this link on my YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/xAp97lI_20A This walk is for all fitness levels. The meeting place for our walking adventure is opposite the streetcar loop on Cherry Street just south of Mill Street at the eastern edge of the district. Cross Cherry Street and meet at the entrance to Tank House Lane. This tour has a ticket price of $15.00 per person. \*\* **Please note: Please e-transfer the ticket amount when booking your space for this tour! You can e-transfer to the following email at:** **torontohistorywalks@gmail.com**

\*These classes are not a language exchange, but instead are meant to be a step in between so that students feel confident maintaining in depth and grammatically correct oral conversations outside of class\* \***Meetup event numbers only tend to show new students registering and do not include returning students attending class.** **Per class, there is an average of 7 students.** The first 2 classes are free and then only cost between $18 and $36 depending on which type of class you want to continue with\* These French, English (For Spanish and French speakers only), and Spanish classes are primarily meant for adults who are travellers, or who are planning to live in a French, English, or Spanish-speaking country. The classes are primarily oral-based through guided conversations. They will teach you how to handle conversations in situations such as **"Going to the Convenience Store"**, **"Making Plans"**, **"Negotiating Prices"**, and **"Going out for a Drink"**. To ensure that students get used to using the language automatically, students will learn to maintain contextual conversations with timing before moving on to the next lesson. Call (647)787-9953, e-mail us info@monkeylingo.ca, or visit monkeylingo.ca for more information! **Online and private classes are also available!** No other language classes are as conversational as these ones. We guarantee it! Cheap parking can be found using the "Spot Hero" app.

Join us for an intimate afternoon of connection, reflection, and shared inquiry as we launch a **3-part community circle series exploring the intersection of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and psychedelic experiences**. This small-group gathering (max 10 people) is a welcoming space for anyone curious about IFS — whether you’re brand new to the model or have been walking with parts work for years. You do *not* need prior psychedelic experience to attend. Together, we’ll explore how an IFS lens can help us: ✨ Make sense of psychedelic experiences and altered states 💬 Gently engage with parts that may show up before, during, or after journeys 🔥 Build authentic connection, resonance, and support in community Each circle will include grounding and arrival, a gentle check-in, experiential parts-focused practices, and space for reflection, sharing, and integration. While the circles are connected as a series, each gathering can stand on its own. This is a **non-clinical, heart-centered space** rooted in curiosity, compassion, consent, and respect. No substances are used or consumed in this space. We welcome lived experience, honest questions, and the full spectrum of parts that may want to be seen. Bring your stories, your parts, and your open heart. We will serve coffee and teas. **Location:** Our home near High Park (exact address shared upon RSVP) **Contribution:** By donation (suggested $5–30)

\# ❄️🥾Mount Pleasant Cemetery Winter Walk ### **Toronto’s Most Peaceful Winter Walk** Join me for a gentle 90-minute winter stroll through one of Toronto’s most beautiful hidden gems — **Mount Pleasant Cemetery.** This isn’t just a cemetery — it’s like walking through a living museum and botanical garden, full of winding paths, tall evergreens, and peaceful charm. It’s also one of the best places in the city to meet friendly people, share good conversation, and soak in the quiet magic of winter. 💫 **Did you know?** When Mount Pleasant first opened in 1876, it was a *Victorian-day destination*! Torontonians would dress up, hop on a streetcar, and spend the day here picnicking and strolling before heading back downtown. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🕚 Meetup Details **Meetup Time:** 11:00am (I’ll wait 5 minutes) **Meetup Spot:** Inside the main gates of Mount Pleasant Cemetery at the **Yonge Street entrance** (the one with the big stone archway). Look for me — I’ll be wearing my *famous Moose Hat!* 🦌 **End Spot:** Right back where we started. \*\*\* \#\#\# 🍗 Lunch After After the walk, join us for a cozy lunch at **Swiss Chalet!** Great food, friendly prices, and warm vibes — the perfect way to wrap up a winter morning. \*\*\* \#\#\# 💲 Meetup Fee **$5 cash in person** or **E-transfer** to: 📧 \*\*[mathewmaclean@hotmail.com**](http://mathewmaclean@hotmail.com%2A%2A/) (This small fee helps support the group and future events!) \*\*\* \#\#\# 🧣 What to Bring * Warm boots and layers * Hat and gloves * A drink to keep you cozy ☕ * A small snack if you like ☃️ **Weather:** This walk happens in *any kind of weather* (we’ll only cancel if it’s -20°C or colder). Remember — *there’s no bad weather, just bad clothing!* 😉 \*\*\* \#\#\# 💬 Final Notes * You can **just show up** — no need to commit early! * Please keep an eye out for updates in case of cancellation. * 📱 **Don’t forget to join our WhatsApp group** – [CLICK HERE!](https://chat.whatsapp.com/H59mSCbsAi018gYANrKAnc?mode=ac_t) \*\*\* ✨ This is one of the best, calmest, and friendliest ways to spend a winter morning in Toronto — good company, good conversation, and a peaceful setting that feels miles away from the city. **Organizer:** Mathew 📩 [torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com](http://torontomoviesandoutings@hotmail.com/)

*Physically Accessible Venue* This is an opportunity to meet up for some LGBTQ2IA-flavoured gaming and socializing—allies also welcome. Come for the gaming, socializing, not to mention the draft! :) Be sure to invite friends and such, too. Although Fred, your amiable host, starts the event at 3pm, feel free to drop in when you are able, Steadfast opens at Noon! You'll have access to a robust library of board games, and attendees are welcome to bring their own games. There is no event fee. Instead we ask attendees to purchase beverages or food from the venue, Steadfast Brewery, conveniently located at Lansdowne and Dundas, 301 Lansdowne Ave. Of course, since they are offering us their space for free, please consider buying a drink if you can. Note - Sunday's is usually Miguel's day off, he may or may not pop in to cook up his amazing tacos, if the kitchen is closed, Steadfast welcomes outside food should you be hungry. We provide nametag stickers with a pronoun field; we want this to be a comfortable environment for everyone, kindly respect people's listed or stated pronouns. * If you are unsure of someone's pronouns, don't assume: Ask, Respect and Practice * Definitely ask before taking pictures/videos Steadfast Brewery is an accessible space with a smooth entrance and large single stall washrooms available on the main floor. For those with sensory concerns, there may be possible loud noises. Steadfast offers an annual Brew Membership called **The Mug Club** that offers the following: Your own mug! It has your name on it and is reserved for you. A larger pour-19.5 oz vs 16 oz 1$ off pours in that mug (if you do the math, this sums to about a 40% discount on beer to stay, I think) 1 free growler fill a month (15$ value each, so $180 value for the year) 30% off merch. It costs $150 year one, $100 every year after that.

Doris McCarthy Trail is a paved path that is mostly flat, except the beginning. The speed of our hike will be approximately 5 km) hr, which is faster than usual. Crampons might be necessary, so please have them on hand. Our group will leave at the posted time, so please arrive early. Please cancel your RSVP if you can't make it. Bring water and wear footwear comfortable for walking. Required reading for you and your guests before RSVP'ing to all events: 1. [Liability Waiver and Group Rules](https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vR0LFNJVYn5j1AYl8eR63HjAxKMkRwg5ifKXqL3rP6Xl7v_Wcsx4xR_kNFluE3eILpSmP-EJ0OouQvT/pub) (updated 05/30/22) 2. When asked at RSVP time, indicate **\*Yes\*** if you agree to the question provided. 3. See general information about [Tick Safety](https://www.ontario.ca/page/lyme-disease)

*** **🍗 Sunday Wing Meetup at Wild Wing 🍻** 📍 **Wild Wing – 362 Bloor St W, Toronto** 🗓 **Sunday, January 18** ⏰ **Meet at 10:45 AM** *(Look for Nick outside with the Meetup sign — doors open at 11:00 AM)* **Why we’re meeting:** We’re taking advantage of Wild Wing’s **limited-time All-You-Can-Eat wing deal — just $24.99 for endless wings** (drink purchase required)! 🐔🔥 With **over 100 flavours** to choose from, this is a wing lover’s dream. Not feeling *that* hungry? No problem — you’re welcome to order from their **regular menu** instead. 💸 **Each person is responsible for their own bill.** 📖 **Check out the menu here:** 👉 [https://www.wildwingrestaurants.com/menus/](https://www.wildwingrestaurants.com/menus/) **NOTE - this is a fully accessible venue (entrance and bathrooms)** 📌 **RSVP note:** Please **respect your RSVP** so we can give the restaurant a heads-up — **but feel free to just show up** if your schedule is uncertain. Last-minute wing decisions are totally valid 😉 Come hungry, bring your flavour strategy, and get ready for a fun Sunday feast! 🍗😄 ***

Smaller group on a small field, recreational, low level, only very small group. It's a smaller field, usually, we play 4 on 4 or max 5 on 5. No subs. Outdoor turf and free soccer event, . The event is none competitive soccer for low levels only, the game should be easy and fun, so we can get little bit sweat while enjoy the weather. This is no contact soccer, We should have have another what's app group of friends joining us on the soccer field, all you need to bring is good spirit and your own water. should be lots parking around the school and it's few mins walk from the subway station, once you get there, we will be gathered on the field. If we cancel the event, I will post on the event board here. If the game is cancelled, I will post on the comment board. This event is sponsored by Harbord Bakery (http://www.harbordbakery.ca/), Bakery on Mavis(http://www.bakeryonmavis.ca/) Brazil Bakery (http://brazilbakerypastry.ca/) Kensington Natural Bakery (http://kensingtonnaturalbakery.ca/) and EJoyCity.ca (https://www.ejoycity.ca/), iBake (http://i-bake.ca/), La Novita Bakery(http://lanovitabakery.ca) Absolute Bakery(http://absolutecafe.ca) they will give 10% off on everything. Simply, just tell them you are here for the meetup event.

**Please note the only way to register for this adventure is on [our website.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/fire-craft-intro-2)** ***Discover the ancient art of safely creating and maintaining fire without lighters or matches!*** For thousands of years, fire has been our greatest ally for warmth, safety, cooking, and survival. But in the wild, fire doesn’t come easy. It takes knowledge, patience, and the right technique. After the first of these classes sold out in under 2 hour, we are back once again to teach you the beautiful art of fire. You’ll begin to master the craft with hands-on guidance from our expert firecraft instructor - guide Kyle. You'll be shown and encouraged to practice: 1\. Ferrocerium rod techniques with multiple tinders 2\. Traditional flint & steel fire lighting 3\. The art of hand\-drill friction fire This course will give you the foundation to create fire anywhere, anytime. **Included:** Your own high-quality ferro rod to take home and keep the fire burning wherever you go. **Who It’s For:** This course is for beginners and intermediate survivalists alike. Bring your curiosity, a willingness to learn, and a love of getting outside. This is an amazing opportunity not only to learn from our expert, but it's a fun, practical lesson at a uniquely low price. **About this series:** The Survivalist Series is an expert-led set of courses designed to develop applicable and life-saving skills in the outdoors. Keep your eyes peeled for more courses on many other topics coming soon! **Due to the cost of parking at Bronte Creek, WU transport is recommended for this course.** **Highlights** **Ancient techniques:** Learn unique firecraft techniques from long ago that do not need matches or a lighter. **Survivalist skills training:** Develop essential skills to survive and thrive in the wild. **Fire kit included:** Every participant gets this kit including a ferro rod and variety of tinders. **Event cost** ***Starting from $75+HST - optional transport available!*** **Register [here.](https://www.wildernessunion.com/adventures/fire-craft-intro-2)** **About Wilderness Union** Wilderness Union is deliberate about building an outdoors community that connects you to the life-changing magic of the outdoors and helps you find your people. Members range from 20-40 years old. The group is a mix of GTA locals and newcomers to Toronto from within Canada and abroad. Attendance numbers on Meetup don't reflect our actual event attendance - we typically have 15-20 community members at each event. Large enough that there's someone new to meet but small enough that it's not overwhelming! ***Learn more at our website [www.wildernessunion.com](https://www.wildernessunion.com/)***

This potluck will start with an arrival time by 12:15 p.m. We will start eating at 1 PM SHARP followed by games. If you have a game please bring it! I will bring a few. PLEASE bring enough food for 4-6 people. Bring your own utensils, plates, bowls, and cup as the centre does not always have an adequate supply of these. You are responsible for your own clean-up and if you borrow the items at the centre please clean them. All are welcome veg-curious, vegetarian, and vegan as long as what you bring to the potluck is vegan! We hope that you will join us!

This is our very first Evocean meetup—and it’s intentionally simple. Join us for a relaxed, welcoming gathering for women living with autoimmune conditions who are craving connection, understanding, and a calmer way forward. No pressure. No fixing. Just real conversation and community. We’ll spend time: • Meeting one another in a supportive, judgment-free space • Sharing why we’re here (only if you want to) • Learning a short, gentle nervous system reset you can use anytime • Setting the tone for what this community will become together This is not a medical talk or a support group focused on symptoms. It’s a space to reconnect with yourself and meet women who truly get it. Come exactly as you are. Energy levels welcome. Quiet observers welcome.

Federal Executive GovCon - "Supporting Government Efficiency with Thought Leadership" When: Thursday, January 22, 2026, 5:30 – 8:00 Location: Lost Rhino, 21730 Red Rum Dr, Ste 142, Ashburn, VA 20147 (\*\* NEW LOCATION \*\*) Come network with other local GovCon Executives and enjoy a few free beers on us and engage with our sponsors and Industry speakers. Please register here for your spot and please enter full name and company so a badge will be waiting for you. Sponsorships: 1 of 2 spots are available. DM me to claim the 2nd sponsorship to highlight your company to an invitation-only executive audience.

Let’s get outside and explore the beautiful Great Falls Park. **No Fees ** We’ll take in the stunning river views, walk the scenic trails together, and afterwards head to a nearby spot for our signature sips and bites. The Plan • What: Group Hike + Lunch • Where: Riverbend Park , McLean (about 15 miles from D.C.) • Hike: 12:00 PM • Lunch: Right after at Mookie’s BBQ Looking forward to a fun and refreshing day outdoors!

Our local amphibians and reptiles are both susceptible to habitat destruction and pollutants and can often be victims of being misunderstood. Join Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy for an introductory look at our local amphibians and reptiles, what our citizens can do to help protect their habitats, and what related programs are available through Loudoun Wildlife to help monitor populations and increase community awareness of these often overlooked and fragile species. This presentation takes place at Rust Library and is co-sponsored by the Loudoun County Public Library and Loudoun Wildlife Conservancy.

Since 1961, Amnesty International USA has fought to protect human rights as the world’s largest grassroots human rights organization. Our local group generally meets the second Wednesday of every month at the Cleveland Park Library. Each month, we do letter writing actions, discuss human rights issues in the news, and plan for hosting or participating in occasional events area events. For more information, email Mike Duffy at michaelbernardduffy@gmail.com.

**BreadBreakers is a community where people of all different belief systems and backgrounds can create community - and what better way to do that than reading together?** Join us as we combine the kind, curious, and welcoming atmosphere of a BreadBreakers dinner with the thought-provoking, fun format of a book club. Here's what to expect: * We'll be reading *Of Mice and Men*, by John Steinbeck. * This will be a one-meeting club, so if you've ever wanted to do a book club but couldn't commit to multiple meetings, here's your opportunity! * Snacks :) * BreadBreakers ground rules apply - we'll lead with curiosity, converse with kindness, and strive to dig beneath the surface level. * We'll be gathering in Meeting Room 1 at the Reston Regional Library. * Participants will be responsible for obtaining their own copies of the book. [Here's the Amazon link, if helpful.](https://www.amazon.com/Mice-Men-John-Steinbeck/dp/0140177396) * Our BreadBreakers table hosts will come ready with questions and facilitation skills - you come ready to discuss! **I've never attended a BreadBreakers event before - what is BreadBreakers?** BreadBreakers is a community where neighbors from all different beliefs and backgrounds can **hear, be heard, and know one another.** Most frequently, we do this through the ancient practice of breaking bread around a common dining table. But we're more than just a discussion group - we're a movement to heal our world's broken discourse and forge togetherness in a time of isolation and loneliness. **Through the sacred act of just "being" together, we're working to rebuild the town square, one table (or book club) at a time.** BreadBreakers is a religiously inclusive by Restoration United Methodist Church in Reston, VA. All faiths, beliefs, and stripes are welcomed, and our leadership and community include people who attend Restoration and people who don't.

Join Nextgen Birders for a fun-filled day of birding at **Lake Fairfax Park** followed by a board game session at the **Northern VA Bird Alliance (NVBA) HQ**! Feel free to join us for the **morning walk**, the **afternoon game session**, or **both**! ***Agenda:*** * **9:00 am - 11:00 am:** Birding around Lake Fairfax Park * **11:00 am - 1:00 pm:** Board games and trivia at NVBA HQ ***Morning Birding Detail*s** (Lake Fairfax Park) * **Meeting Spot:** Main parking lot (near the restrooms and playgrounds) * **Address:** 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA 20190 * **The Walk:** We will walk a portion of the trail along the lakeshore, looking for waterfowl and other birds of interest. * **Trail Note:** The trail includes both paved and unpaved sections. We highly recommend wearing **closed-toed shoes**. ***Afternoon Board Game Details (NVBA HQ)*** * **Location:** National Wildlife Federation Building (approx. 12 mins drive from the park) * **Address:** 11100 Wildlife Center Dr suite 100, Reston, VA 20190 * **Games:** We will have multiple sets of **Wingspan** as well as bird-themed **trivia** and more! * **Refreshments:** Light snacks and drinks will be provided. You are welcome to bring a festive treat to share! ***Additional FAQs:*** * **Parking:** Parking is **free** at both Lake Fairfax Park and the NVBA HQ. * **Metro:** The closest Metro stop is **Wiehle-Reston East** (Silver Line). Please note that both locations are a sizeable walk from the Metro, so taking an Uber or bus from the stop is likely the easiest option. We look forward to seeing you there!