Park People InTO the Ravines Champions

The InTO the Ravines Champions program offers people living near ravines training and support to learn, explore, and celebrate Toronto's one-of-a-kind ravines system.

This year, team up with a partner and become InTO the Ravines Champions! We're seeking 20 people (in team of two) eager to participate in four training sessions and host one event within a ravine between September 15 and November 1, 2024.

Each champion team will receive:

$600 towards event expenses,
Three online and one in-person training sessions in August,
Education about the ravines and access to inspiring public events, ongoing coaching and support,
Access to Park People network, resources, and micro-grant opportunities,
Invitation to celebrate Ravine Days in October.

The Application for the 2024 InTO the Ravines Champions program is closed.

Read the Ravine Strategy Contact Us

Key Dates for the 2024 Program

Applications Open: Monday, June 3, 2024
Applications Close: July 3, 2024
Notification to successful champions: mid-July
Mandatory robust training sessions with expert speakers from the City of Toronto, Urban Forestry, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and more:
- Wednesday, August 7, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Online (Zoom): Introduction to our ravines
- Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Online (Zoom): Engagement & Event Planning in the Ravines
- Wednesday, August 21, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. - Online (Zoom): Ravines as Vital Infrastructure: Equity and Climate Resilience
- August 28, 2024 - In-person (Time and location TBD): Land-Based Learning: Indigenous History & Perspectives of the Ravines.
Release of the $600 microgrant: End of August
Host events: Between September 15 and November 1, 2024 (all events must follow required public health guidelines)
Post-event evaluation form: after the event or by November 1, 2024.

You can connect and learn about your local ravine spaces alongside the training!

Eligibility

We’re looking for applicants who live near Toronto’s ravines, are unfamiliar with their history and significance, and may need help accessing them.

Priority will be given to historically marginalized communities, but all are welcome to apply.

Each applicant should apply with a partner with whom they will be trained and host the event.

How to check whether you live near a ravine?

“A ravine is a type of landform created over time by running water. They are larger than gullies and smaller than valleys. They may or may not contain streams.” (see more on p.6 of Toronto’s Ravine Strategy).

Explore Toronto’s Interactive Map and select the Administrative Boundary -> Ravine and Nature Feature Protection By-Law filter.

Application Process

Please complete the application form for the 2024 InTO the Ravines Champions program before July 3, 2024. Hurry up, spots are limited!

Both partners should complete the form separately.

You can also send us an email at sparkingchange@parkpeople.ca or call us at (647) 417-7250 ext. 115.

Meet our InTO the Ravines Champions Alumni

Check out the incredible people who engaged their communities in Toronto’s one-of-a-kind ravine system, and what they had to say about their ravines and role.

In 2023, InTO the Ravines Champions connected 245 community members to their ravines, with 22% visiting them for the first time. 90% of community members found a better understanding and connection to the ravines after attending InTO the Ravines Champions events.

"We’re excited to increase the accessibility of knowledge about Toronto’s ravines through our participation as Ravine Champions. We hope members of our communities will find a connection with the land and grow their understanding of the benefits we receive from the ravine system, as well as our shared responsibility to protect it."

Katherine Sanders & Rebecca Singh – Warden Woods.