Mr. Jane & Finch

by: James Johnson | Photo: CBC CA

Winston LaRose is no stranger to the community of Jane Finch. For the last quarter of a century, he has fought long and hard, not only to make a better way for the community residents, but to build a better name for the community as a whole. An area that has been deemed in quite a negative light throughout many years, he’s made it a life-long goal to change the narrative. It’s all documented in the new film, Mr. Jane & Finch, which recently debuted at The Toronto Black Film Festival, and via Toronto’s CBC. We were granted an opportunity to speak with Mr. LaRose himself, who also in the process, was running for Councillor. Our conversation was nothing short of amazing, and an absolute delight. See what Mr. LaRose has to say below in our exclusive, Mr. Jane & Finch!

Winston LaRose: Good afternoon to you James. It’s very cold here in Canada. I’m most delighted to speak to you. 

James Johnson: I’m excited to connect as well. This is a tremendous honor and amazing opportunity. It’s cold here in Cleveland, too [laughing].

Winston LaRose: I’ve been there a number of times. I’m happy to share thoughts and interests with Ohio today. 

James Johnson: Again, this is such an amazing opportunity. I’ve seen the documentary, and your name resonates throughout the community for all you’ve done for well over sixty years. Even so, many still are getting to know you. Tell everyone who you are. 

Winston LaRose: I was born in Guyana in 1937, so I’m an older man, but I’m still working in the community in a place called Jane Finch, which is in the northwestern corner of Toronto. I’m working through an organization I’ve benefitted from called Jane Finch Concerned Citizens Organization. I’ve been with the organization for more than 25 years. We work with socially disadvantaged in every aspect of their worlds, from immigration to social services, police matters, school problems, and whatever else it may be. I’ve been battling this for 25 years in the Jane Finch area. I took it over in 1994. I’m so happy to talk about Jane Finch. There’s lot of negativity regarding the area, and many who talk about it speak negatively. This movie came on the back of me coming into the area. I live about an hour away, but I travel there daily, and have been doing that for 25 years, working 70 hours a week. I only take off time on Sundays. People know me very well and the work I do on behalf of their children. We also do a number of significant projects along the way. The re-development of the area, which is promised by new infrastructure, has linked a new developing city, and because of that, the system has been expanded by about 8 subway stops. Jane Finch in located at critical intersections. I’ve taken a major lead in bringing prominence and recognition to the people who have suffered negatively in the community, and to ensure they benefit from the new changes that are coming. The movie is talking about me, but signifying the work I have done and gives the people of Jane Finch more positive recognition and acknowledgement. I want to talk briefly about the film itself. The producers are people who have brought this to light in a way that has amazed me. It’s been about a year and a half that they’ve been around the people in the neighborhood. I’ve done a number of documentaries over the years, but they took the time to put together a wonderful movie that has been shown at the Toronto Black Film Festival. It’s the largest black film festival in the continent. It was expanded into Toronto seven years ago. Jane & Finch was selected, and we’re proud of the work that has been done. We would like it to be seen around the U.S. as well. You must see this film.

James Johnson: It gives an inside look at gentrification overall and you definitely get a lot of negativity. What do you propose that can truly revitalize the community?

Winston LaRose: Well, one of the principle focuses over the last six to seven years has been the incoming infrastructure. We felt we should take the lead and focus on the things coming to Toronto that we can tag onto, and build to promote our need for engagement in developmental process. We want to be sure the under-developed areas get the first opportunities for jobs and job training. We’ve been working with a large network by the name of The Toronto Community Benefits Network. They have had a number of major concessions from municipal government that have allowed opportunities for people to get jobs and training. People are taking great interest in this movie. We’re one of the most diverse areas in Canada. 

James Johnson: The film also shows your run for councillor. Tell us a little about that experience?

Winston LaRose: Yes, that’s true. We had a wonderful team on board. We came late into this game, but I was encouraged to come along and a young trustee, Tiffany Ford, encouraged me to run. She was running in ward 7, so I put my hat in the ring for ward 8. The provincial government changed, and our new premier came on board with new ideas. He decided the city council should be cut to a size that we felt was not able to manage the level of tasks in the community. It brought together wards 7 and 8. Unfortunately, I didn’t win, but it brought a lot of attention to the concerns around gentrification. This was a great experience and I’m recharged. I’m here to continue and ensure that Jane Finch does not go backward, and that we move forward momentously. People will now know that Jane Finch is not the bad place it’s been made to be. 

James Johnson: I know it premieres at the Toronto Black Film Festival. Where else will it show?

Winston LaRose: Definitely at the festival during Family Days, but also at the Carlton Theater, which is a college in Carlton. The second showing will be by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on February 22. We would love for people to come out and see it. If you can’t make it, tune into CBC. It will also show on February 24 at the Woodbine Center. We’re having a grand event there with Dr Lincoln Edwards. He will be announcing that I will be conferred an honorary doctorate degree. 

James Johnson: I’ve enjoyed connecting with you. It’s a great opportunity for people to learn about Jane Finch and the people of the community. It’s a great film and I know people will love it. Are there any type of final comments?

Winston LaRose: I want to say that you to Jane Finch, my producers, and this should be a wonderful, remarkable story.