TO Wards Peace (TWP) aims to increase effective interventions to mitigate violence in Toronto using a risk-driven, multi-sectoral model that is driven by a community-centric, public health approach. TO Wards Peace will contribute to the advancement of action 2.1 of the SafeTO: A Community Safety and Well-Being Plan. It focuses on the collaborative efforts between community groups, local grassroots organizations, community health centres, hospitals and the City of Toronto to advance actions for the interruption, intervention and prevention of gun violence in the city.
TO Wards Peace is risk-driven intervention model that focuses on violence interruption, intervention and prevention. It was first proposed to Toronto City Council in 2018 as part of the Immediate Steps to Address Gun Violence (CC44.14 ) Plan, was approved by Council on October 2, 2019 (MM10.2 ), and will contribute to the advancement of action 2.1 of SafeTO.
The TO Ward Peace model was developed based on research and reviews of other proven models such as Cure Violence 
, Advance Peace ,
Community residents, leaders, youth and adults with lived experience—of anti-black racism, trauma and violence— including organizations, elders and faith-based leaders were consulted and engaged in the design, development and implementation of the model.
City staff have also reviewed violence interruption, intervention and prevention models in jurisdictions across Canada, amongst others, to inform the development of this made for Toronto risk-driven interruption model. The models reviewed include:
In 2023, The City of Toronto, in partnership with R.I.S.E. (Reaching Intelligent Souls Everywhere) Edutainment, launched the inaugural MASTERPeace Artist Project. This opportunity taps into Toronto’s artistic brilliance and provides a creative outlet to persons whose lives and communities have been affected by community violence to advance the public health approach of TO Wards Peace. The Artist Project supported 12 local Toronto artists as they created content and produced performances that they presented at an artist showcase.
The following finalists were selected:
R.I.S.E and the City are excited to launch these video series:
Ruben “Beny” Esguerra is a Colombian-born musician, producer, spoken word poet and arts educator known for blending tradition with innovation. As a two-time JUNO Award nominee and recipient of multiple honors, including the 2024 North York Arts Established Artist Award, Esguerra’s work is rooted in social justice and cultural expression. He is the creative director of New Tradition Music, a collective that bridges traditional Colombian music with modern elements like turntables and beatboxing, creating a unique sound that reflects his diverse influences. Esguerra also uses his platform to highlight pressing issues such as inequality and social injustice, encouraging audiences to take action. In addition to his artistic work, Esguerra is a dedicated community worker. He directs youth music programs in Toronto’s Jane-Finch neighborhood, helping participants discover the power within themselves through music and creative expression. By connecting youth to their cultural roots while embracing modern forms, Esguerra inspires them to create and share their own stories. His ongoing commitment to music, education, and activism makes him a key figure in Toronto’s arts community.
Rising from the vibrant city of Toronto, Canada, Kajé emerges as the enigmatic Northern Star Diva of Soul, captivating audiences with her mystic presence and raspy timeless voice. Kajé embodies the spirit of the jazz and soul greats from as early as the 1930s. Her sound is a rich tapestry woven from the influences of legendary artists like Sarah Vaughn, Etta James, Prince, Lauryn Hill, Dorinda Clark Cole, and Jazmine Sullivan, creating a unique blend that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.
Kajé’s journey through music has been nothing short of extraordinary. She has graced the stage with her soulful performances, opening for renowned headliners such as Johnny Gill, Dexta Daps, Tony Rebel, Davido (just to name a few) leaving an indelible mark on every audience she encounters. she has earned her a reputation as a must-see live performe. Kajé’s mission in life is not only to connect people through song but to give back to her community. She is taking strides to make an impact within her community from working with churches, schools and nonprofit organizations. Her cousin Keden was brutally murdered in 2021 in a violent act that changed her family forever. Her passion to save one life through song and conversation is her life’s purpose and to ensure Keden’s legacy lives on. Join Kajé on her journey to bring back the soul, gospel, and jazz that once defined R&B, and let her enchanting voice guide you to a place where the past and present converge in perfect harmony.
Born and raised in the inner-city of Toronto, Jon Kabongo is a seasoned lyricist seeking to fluidly exist in various musical soundscapes. His sound ranges from punchline heavy boom bap to melodic Afro beat.
Meet Shahaddah Jack, a 20-year-old bilingual spoken word poet, performer, human rights activist and student of life from Tkaronto. Recently releasing her debut single “My Mother’s Daughter,” she has graced 100+ stages, including the renowned History stage. Shahaddah, a proud graduate of the remix project, weaves her diverse cultural background into her powerful poetry, addressing human rights, the black experience and the challenges of adolescence. Named BGC Canada’s 2022 National Youth of the Year and recognized as one of Streets of Toronto’s most inspirational women of 2022, Shahaddah invites you to explore her world through her debut book, “Underrated Royalty,” available on Amazon. On October 9 and 10, 2024, Toronto City Council appointed Shahaddah Jack to the position of City of Toronto Youth Poet Laureate for a term beginning October 15, 2024 until December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed. This groundbreaking role will position Jack as a literary ambassador for Toronto’s youth, empowering young voices through poetry and spoken word.
Troy Penny is a spoken word poet whose only goal is to inspire and challenge those who listen to his work. His style comes from hip hop culture which is why a few of his pieces have a rhythmic flow to them. Ultimately, Troy just wants his art to create change in one person’s life.
The city’s north–west sites are led and driven in the community by Rexdale Community Health Centre (RCHC), local anti-violence grassroots groups including, Think 2wice in Rexdale and Youth Association for Academics, Athletics and Character Education (Y.A.A.A.C.E) in the Jane & Finch neighbourhoods.
Grassroots groups include Violence Disruption Workers (VDW) with relevant lived experience with anti-black racism, trauma and violence to work on integrated teams consisting of community and City resources.
These integrated teams will identify escalating situations of risks and pivotal points for violence intervention and violence interruption. The teams will coordinate access to a spectrum of resources and services to further mitigate the potential for additional risks, violence and increase life-stabilizing protective factors.
Learn more about the groups below.
Rexdale Community Health Centre (RCHC) has a vision for a healthy and empowered community. Their doors are open to support and advocate for the physical, economic, social and mental health and well-being of our diverse community. RCHC works together with our community and partners to improve equitable access to quality care and services.
Think 2wice Intl is an organization that provides trauma-informed, culturally relevant initiatives and programming to incarcerated individuals as well as youth and communities who are impacted by gun violence worldwide. Think 2wice has supported a large number of incarcerated young people as well as youth and families in the community. In their 15 years of operation and with approximately 20 partners, they have provided various initiatives and support in eight federal institutions and multiple Neighborhood Improvement Areas (NIA’s) throughout the GTA.
Founded in 2007, the Youth Association for Academics, Athletics and Character Education (Y.A.A.A.C.E) is a community organization that seeks to engage children and youth from all communities – particularly those from marginalized and poor under-resourced communities through participation in year-round comprehensive programming and activities such as academics, athletics, recreation, technology and the arts. Y.A.A.A.C.E’s mandate is twofold: to build capacity in all children and youth thus enhancing their capacity to become 21st-century learners and global citizens.
Generation Chosen is the community partner within TO Wards Peace that is supporting Peace Projects in Black Creek (Jane and Finch) communities. Generation Chosen is a not-for-profit organization devoted to helping youth from underserved and racialized communities interrupt and examine intergenerational cycles of trauma and poverty.
The TO Wards Peace Scarborough sites are led and driven in the community by Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities and local anti-violence grassroots groups IMPACT ‘n Communities and The Forgiveness Project. Through these TO Wards Peace community partners, the program can reach the Morningside, West Hill, Woburn and Malvern communities.
Grassroots groups include Program Leads and Violence Disruption Workers (VDWs) who have relevant lived experience with anti-black racism and expertise in trauma-informed approaches and risks associated with violence. The VDWs work on integrated teams made up of various systems, local, community-based resources and City of Toronto services and supports.
These integrated teams identify escalating situations of risks for youth ages 12-29 and opportunities for violence intervention and interruption. The teams provide case management and mentorship and coordinate access to a spectrum of resources and services to address immediate needs, further mitigate the potential for additional risks or violence and increase life-stabilizing protective factors.
Scarborough Centre for Healthy Communities is the lead agency for TO Wards Peace in Scarborough. It applies a holistic approach to health services in Scarborough, striving to provide accessible, equitable and transformational health and social service choices, for the overall health and wellbeing of our diverse communities. SCHC aims to ignite the strength of community through the promotion of healthy lifestyles, a focus on the social determinants of health and the delivery of a comprehensive range of culturally competent health and social services.
IMPACT ‘n Communities is a social services development and engagement grassroots organization that works to improve communities. IMPACT ‘n Communities facilitates progressive community enhancement initiatives, events, programs and services towards impactful transformation and improved quality of life. They offer programs for all ages, however, specialize in youth-serving programs and services such as IMPACT ‘n Youth Drop-in. The Drop-in offers youth a positive, safe place where they can access a wide range of valuable programs, services and resources in the areas of leadership, life skills, arts, academics, athletics, recreation, violence intervention mental and physical health.
The Forgiveness Project is a grassroots organization that runs evaluated and researched arts-based programming for gang-affiliated youth and young adults (ages 17-35) in provincial and federal custody. Staff leverage the required skills to navigate conversations and provide support, especially when there is conflict happening in the community that is spilling into custody. Their priorities include building trust, educational opportunities and .