Who We Are

The Ralph Thornton Community Center is a City owned, community managed facility which offers space, support, and service to many community organizations and partners.  RTCC is where neighbours meet, events are celebrated, programs are enjoyed, and support is exchanged.

We develop programs, nourish culture, and empower resident action.  We work with other agencies, individuals, and groups to build the capacity of a caring, healthy, and vibrant community.

RTCC shares the historic Post Office building at 765 Queen St. East with partner tenants the Queen/Saulter branch of Toronto Public Library and the South Riverdale Child Parent Centre.

Our Unique Model

RTCC is a member of the Association of Community Centres (AOCCs) network, which consists of City-owned or City-managed facilities that are managed, operated and maintained by volunteer Boards of Management,

These Centres are multi-purpose facilities that provide public space, programs and services to meet the social and recreation needs of local communities. They are committed to fostering a sense of community, promoting civic engagement and enhancing the quality of life through their community, recreational and social service programs.

The core administrative activities of the community centres are funded by the City of Toronto while the program component is funded by the AOCC through various revenue sources, such as grants, donations, and fees.

For more information on the AOCC network at the City of Toronto, visit www.toronto.ca/AOCC.

Vision

Working to ensure a more vibrant, diverse, inclusive, liveable, participatory, healthy, and equitable Riverdale.

Mission

The Ralph Thornton Community Centre is a gathering place that welcomes, connects and engages the community in all its diversity.

Values

Inclusion and Respect

The RTCC supports and adheres to the City of Toronto Human Rights and Anti-Harassment Policy. We operate in a manner which models ethical, respectful, and inclusive service delivery and employment, and procurement practices, encourages diverse perspectives, and ensures equitable treatment for all. The RTCC promotes social inclusivity in all its activities and programming.

Equity and Social Justice

The RTCC supports, acts, and advocates for solution-focussed policies and systemic changes that create long term improvement and fairness for all within our community and the larger society.

Collaboration and Partnership

The RTCC works collaboratively and in partnership with individuals, groups, and organizations to achieve our mission and vision.  We work in ways that engage community members, foster on-going relationships and build the strengths of the whole community.

Capacity Building

The RTCC supports community members, especially the more marginalized, to increase their ability to solve problems, define and achieve their objectives and fully participate in and contribute to community life.

Community Building

The RTCC actively promotes the building of relationships and collective action across and between our diverse communities to strengthen the whole.