Toronto Honours Grassroots Leaders at 2025 Mayor’s Community Safety Awards

Toronto, ON – The City of Toronto has recognized nine local organizations with the 2025 Mayor’s Community Safety Awards for their innovative, grassroots approaches to community safety and well-being.

The awards, launched in 2022, were developed by the City’s Task Force on Community Safety. They celebrate senior-led, youth-led, and community-led projects that tackle pressing issues such as gun violence, victimization, and social isolation, while also promoting resilience, wellness, and stronger neighbourhood ties.

Mayor Olivia Chow joined Toronto Police Service representatives and community members at City Hall last night to celebrate this year’s recipients.

Community-led initiatives making a difference

• Happy Mom Happy Children – Safer Toronto Centre, Stronger Future Project: A holistic initiative in Regent Park, Moss Park, and St. James Town offering safety audits, mental health workshops, crisis intervention training, and youth engagement.

• iIMPACT – Youth Farming Mentorship Program Rooted in Leadership: A grassroots program using farming, leadership workshops, and mental health supports to steer youth away from violence, while fostering resilience and community pride.

• NU Rising Community Services – C.O.U.R.A.G.E Program: Based in the Shoreham community, this program created healing spaces across generations, emphasizing accountability, care, and mutual respect.

Youth-led projects reshaping futures

• Mind on Strength – Street Smart Project: Combines structured fitness and mental health supports with community events aimed at breaking cycles of gun violence.

• MDZ Productions: Organizers of a community basketball tournament in Alexandra Park that blends sport, mentorship, and workshops to create safe, positive alternatives for youth.

• YouthUnlocked: Established in Regent Park in 2024, this initiative provides trauma support, conflict resolution, and leadership training for youth facing systemic barriers.

Senior-led project addressing elder safety

• Stephen Leacock Seniors Executive Committee: Partnered with Toronto Police Service to educate seniors on scams and safety concerns, while fostering belonging and connection.

Recognizing honourable mentions

Two additional organizations received recognition: Empower Health Equity (youth-led) and Concrete Rez (community-led).

Each award recipient was presented with a commemorative certificate and a $1,500 grant to support their work.

A city-wide vision for safer communities

The awards align with SafeTO, Toronto’s Community Safety and Well-Being Plan, which aims to empower residents, strengthen collaboration, and build community capacity across the city.

“Vibrant neighbourhoods are also safe neighbourhoods, and we celebrate this year’s recipients of the Community Safety awards who are doing meaningful, on-the-ground work every day,” said Mayor Olivia Chow. “The Community Safety awards empower our residents to take a hyperlocal, unique approach to well-being within their neighbourhoods, and we are thankful for their leadership and innovation.”

A full list of winners and program details is available on the City of Toronto’s website: Mayor’s Community Safety Awards.

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