Lena lives at 91 Augusta Avenue, a popular Toronto Community Housing residence for Chinese seniors in Toronto’s Kensington-Chinatown community. Previously, we told the story of how Dr. Lim, the unofficial doctor-in-residence, brings his unique brand of medical care to the many Chinese seniors who call the building home. In this piece, we see what life is like in this Toronto neighbourhood through the eyes of Lena, a 90-year-old mother of six and grandmother of seven. When her loving husband passed away two years ago, her life changed irrevocably. Most of Lena’s children live in China, leaving her alone at 91 Augusta Avenue. No longer able to depend on her family for support, Lena has tried to remain active so she can keep living independently.
More from this issue
Early-Career Journalism Fellowship
A joint undertaking of The Local and The Philanthropist Journal, the fellowship provides one Black and/or Indigenous journalist an opportunity to write about issues that matter to their community and civil society.
Neethan Shan Wins Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election
In a crowded field, the longtime local politician was elected back to city council on a call to put Scarborough first.
Live Results From the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election
Real-time results from election night, starting at around 9 p.m. on September 29, 2025.
In the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election, Candidates Promise to Put Scarborough First
In a crowded by-election in Toronto’s most eastern ward, is focusing on hyper-local issues the way into City Hall?
Here Are the Scarborough–Rouge Park By-Election Candidates
The only place to find fact-checked biographies and election platform summaries for every candidate running for Ward 25—Scarborough–Rouge Park in the September 29, 2025 by-election.
Meet Chloë Ellingson, the Newest Member of The Local
The Toronto photojournalist joins The Local as our first Visuals Editor
The Local Wins Eight Media Awards
Editor-in-Chief Tai Huynh was recognized for his exemplary leadership in journalism on a night of big storytelling wins for The Local
Meet the 2025 Local Fellows
We’re thrilled to introduce this year’s Local Journalism Fellows: Moyo Lawuyi, Vikram Nijhawan, and Mayumi Ramos.
At Toronto’s Catholic Schools, Students Twice as Likely to Opt Out of Mandatory Measles Vaccine
In the midst of a measles outbreak, data analysis by The Local finds that 15 of the 20 schools with the highest vaccine exemption rates are in the Catholic boards.