About Scarborough Proud
Scarborough Proud is a 6-week activation series taking place this summer at our Golden Mile Plaza. We are excited to be transforming a portion of our parking lot into a free, vibrant gathering place for the local community to connect, play and celebrate its mosaic of cultures. At a time where 43% of Canadians report never seeing their neighbours, we wanted to create a lively, accessible and inclusive space that fosters a sense of community and belonging.
Golden Mile Plaza
Scarborough Proud is located in the parking lot of Golden Mile Plaza, 1880 Eglinton Ave E, Scarborough, ON
Opens 11am
Space is open to the public starting at 11 AM every day unless there is inclement weather. Scarborough Proud runs from July 14 to August 25, 2024.
Free Programs
Scroll down for the latest schedule of free classes and entertainment happening all summer
Launch Block Party – Photo Album
Mural by Amir Akbari
Check out our beautiful mural by Amir Akbari that illustrates the powerful diversity of the Scarborough community.
Family-friendly Games
Enjoy our colorful benching, shade sails, and family-friendly games like ping-pong, ladder ball, ring toss and corn hole – here to stay all summer at Golden Mile Plaza!
Free Classes and Entertainment
Scarborough Proud is a collaborative effort between Choice Properties and non-profit organizations and businesses that serve Scarborough. We have co-designed free weekly programming for the community to enjoy including group dance and yoga classes, and the showcasing of local entrepreneurs and creative talent. There will also be opportunities to “meet your charity” and learn about services that exist to support the well-being of your families.
Hip Hop with Unity
Join Unity Charity in a free outdoor dance class and experience the transformation power of hip hop.
Classes are scheduled at Golden Mile Plaza on:
– July 20, 21, 27 & 28
– August 3, 4, 10, 11, 20, 23, 24 & 25
About Unity Charity
Unity has created an impact in the lives of over a 500,000 people across Canada, building resilience and contributing to the creation of healthier communities. Unity continues to provide multi-art form based programming at various developmental life stages for youth, using their national network of multi-sector partners to focus on holistic and accessible support. www.unitycharity.com
First Step Yoga
Join First Step Yoga for free outdoor yoga classes set against a vibrant mural by Amir Akbari. No experience required!
Classes are scheduled at Golden Mile Plaza on:
– July 21 & 28
– August 4, 11, 24 & 25
About First Step Yoga
First Step Yoga is a beginner-focused studio based out of Scarborough with classes geared to those who are just starting out. At First Step, you are encouraged to take a “Beginners Mind” to discover new joy and depth in your practice. firststepyogato.com
RISE Open Mic
Enjoy captivating performances by spoken word artists, vocalists, and musicians at the Open Mic events hosted by RISE Edutainment.
Outdoor performances are scheduled at Golden Mile Plaza on:
– August 7, 10, 14, 19 & 21
Register Now
About R.I.S.E.
RISE Edutainment creates safe and inclusive spaces for youth and emerging artists to express themselves in a positive way. They believe art has the power to transform the lives of many youth we often see lost to the system and its streets. RISE also provides a platform for emerging artists to practice and perform at a professional level. They continue to create opportunities for these artists to develop skills, acquire resources and build their networks. www.riseedutainment.com
Meet Your Charities
BCG West Scarborough
West Scarborough will be at Golden Mile Plaza to engage with the community and highlight their Summer Camp program which incorporates physical activity, arts and crafts, swimming, trip days, camp games, and morning and afternoon snacks.
Drop by the mural at Golden Mile Plaza to meet your charity from 4:00 to 6:00 PM on:
– July 16 & 23
– August 13 & 20
About West Scarborough
The primary mission of the West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre is to offer neighbourhood programs and services designed to enhance the well-being of people in the context of their community, culture and environment. www.wsncc.org
Variety Ontario
Variety Ontario will be at Golden Mile Plaza to engage with the community and highlight their Taekwondo and Chair Fit programs.
Drop by the mural at Golden Mile Plaza to meet your charity on:
– July 31 at 2:00 to 3:00 PM (Taekwondo)
– August 23 at 3:00 to 4:00 PM (Chair Fit)
About Variety Ontario
Variety Ontario has been getting children with disabilities off the sidelines and onto the field since 1945. Through sports, fitness, training, and skills development programs, Variety breaks down barriers to participation and fosters accessibility and inclusiveness for kids and their families across our province. varietyontario.ca
Register here for Chair Fit programs
Swag by Scarborough Spots
Scarborough Spots will be dropping new, limited-edition merch each week at our Golden Mile Plaza. Follow Scarborough Spots on Instagram for the latest releases.
Scarborough Spots is a community-based media platform and streetwear brand that highlights the positives of Scarborough and its people.
ILEO Pop-up Shop
Check out our ILEO pop-up shop where local emerging entrepreneurs from the Greater Golden Mile area will be showcasing a diverse array of products.
All entrepreneurs are graduates of the ILEO Storefront Starter Program – a FREE three-phase program to help aspiring local business owners launch their business idea. The program is supported by United Way Greater Toronto and many other partners.
Pop-up shop will be open on weekends all summer.
Our Collaborators
We Want To Hear From You
We believe in taking a collaborative approach to our social impact efforts to ensure that the voices of the people we are aiming to support are at the forefront when designing and implementing programming for the community. If you have a community-building or activation idea for the Golden Mile area, we want to hear from you!
Places People Thrive
Scarborough Proud is a wonderful manifestation of our purpose – creating Places where People Thrive. By activating your neighbourhood retail centre, and leveraging our local non-profit partnerships, we can transform our plazas from a shopping centre to a de-facto community hub. A place that promotes local economic development, social cohesion and community service.