Bloor Annex BIA’s maintenance worker shares Community Builder Award

By Shaya Rahmani

Annex residents gathered on April 23 for the Annex Residents’ Association (ARA) annual general meeting (AGM) where community concerns and local contributions took center stage. The annual gathering brought together residents, organizers, and local advocates to reflect on the past year and discuss ongoing neighborhood issues.

Chair Rita Bilerman opened the meeting with a call to order, followed by a land acknowledgement, approvals of the agenda, minutes of the 2025 AGM, and financial statements. The evening moved through a series of reports and updates, but a highlight came with the presentation of the Community Builder of the Year Award.

The award, which started in 2017, goes to an Annex resident who makes the neighborhood better, typically through quiet effort that isn’t seen by many others.

This year, the ARA honored Dan Deffett and Alberto Martin for their efforts in supporting and maintaining the community, especially in cleaning and reviving Seaton Park on Albany Avenue. Deffett, who works for the Bloor Annex Business Improvement Area cleaning and maintaining sidewalks, parkettes, and public spaces between Bathurst Street and Madison Avenue, has become a familiar figure in the neighborhood. Known for his friendly attitude and dedication, he said his work comes naturally.

“I’ve been doing this for about five years off and on and it’s just my own personality,” Deffett said. “I don’t like litter. I don’t like graffiti. So, you know, it’s not work for me.”

Attendees cheered when Deffett took the award, showing their appreciation for the small things that people do every day that often go unnoticed but help make the Annex a better place to live and feel like a community.

Housing and other concerns that affect the whole community were also addressed at the AGM. Lynda Macdonald, the keynote speaker, gave a talk called Collaboration in Development that brought up worries about access and affordability. People were talking about the Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) system, its long waiting list, and how it doesn’t do a good job helping people who really need it.

During the question period, residents voiced frustration and concern. One attendee jokingly asked, “What does affordable housing mean?” drawing some laughter, while another raised serious concerns about tenants being priced out through demovictions and renovictions.

Deffett, who said he is also on the RGI waitlist, humorously said, “I will be dead before they get to me.”

Councillor Dianne Saxe did not attend the ARA’s meeting because the meeting fell on the same  day as the city council meeting, but a representative delivered remarks on her behalf. 

The representative expressed appreciation for the work of the ARA and its role in advocating for the community. 

Updates on heritage, parks, trees, and the environment, along with a presentation on a local tree survey and an update about KESKUS Estonian Cultural Centre, rounded out the agenda.

While the meeting covered a wide range of issues, the recognition of community builders underscored the role individuals play in maintaining the Annex’s reputation as a liveable and engaged neighbourhood. The meeting concluded with door prizes and adjournment.

READ MORE:

• CHATTER: Community Builder of the Year: Neil Jain (May 2019)
• NEWS: ARA holds annual meeting (Election Special 2018)
• CHATTER: Larry Sdao receives Community Builder Award (JULY 2017)
• CHATTER: Nominate a community builder (MARCH 2017)