(AGENPARL) – Mon 24 March 2025 City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release
March 23, 2025
Community leader Jason Ash receives 2025 Agnes Macphail Award
Today, the City of Toronto and Mayor Olivia Chow honoured Jason Ash, a dedicated Thorncliffe Park community leader, as the 2025 recipient of the Agnes Macphail Award. Ash was presented with the award in a special ceremony, recognizing his outstanding commitment to social issues and community advocacy in the city.
Ash was instrumental in championing public transit accessibility, advocating for extended TTC bus routes to better serve Thorncliffe Park residents. His efforts in co-founding “Friends of Thorncliffe Park” have led to more inclusive and enhanced public spaces. Additionally, he has played a key role in tenant advocacy and mobilizing support for community initiatives including efforts to preserve Ontario’s Science Centre.
The Agnes Macphail Award was established in 1994 to recognize individuals who demonstrate exceptional commitment to social justice, equality and community engagement – values championed by Agnes Macphail, the first woman elected to the federal House of Commons. The award is presented annually to an individual in Toronto’s former borough of East York, which Macphail represented, who has made outstanding contributions to the community through volunteerism and advocacy.
More information on the Agnes Macphail Award and a full profile of the 2025 Award recipient is available on the City’s Awards webpage: http://www.toronto.ca/city-government/awards-tributes/awards/agnes-macphail-award/.
Quotes:
“Jason Ash has spent his life giving back to his community, serving on the Board of The Neighbourhood Organization, advocating to expand bus routes to Thorncliffe, supporting tenants through the Leaside Towers Tenants’ Association and installing Muskoka Chairs to improve Thorncliffe Park. His commitment to public service reflects the spirit of Agnes Macphail. Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement. ”
– Mayor Olivia Chow
“Jason Ash is an inspiring leader who brings people together to create positive change. In addition to co-founding the Save the Ontario Science Centre grassroots community group, Jason has championed initiatives to enhance parks and public spaces, protect local transit connections, and improve building conditions for tenants. As an accomplished community organizer and tireless advocate for his neighbourhood of Thorncliffe Park, Jason is continuing to make a difference in Don Valley West and across Toronto. ”
– Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin (Don Valley West)
“The Agnes Macphail Award honours those who go above and beyond to support their communities and Jason Ash is a true example of that spirit. Through his leadership and grassroots advocacy, he has made a real impact in East York, strengthening neighbourhoods and improving the lives of those around him.”
– Councillor Brad Bradford (Beaches-East York)
“Jason Ash is a community leader strongly committed to social issues, many of which were important to Agnes Macphail. His work reflects Agnes’ legacy of advocacy and the caring community spirit for which East York is so well known. Congratulations Jason and thank you for all you do serving the wonderful community of East York. ”
– Councillor Paula Fletcher (Toronto-Danforth)
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award and to continue working alongside my community to create meaningful change. Thorncliffe Park is a vibrant, diverse neighborhood and I am grateful to be part of efforts that support and uplift our residents.”
– Jason Ash, Agnes Macphail Award recipient