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
Introducing the 2026 Local Fellows
We’re excited to welcome Victoria Hincapie Gomez, Nic Hotchkiss, Jessica Kim, and Gabrielle McMann.
The Biggest Incinerator in Canada
As the Emerald Energy from Waste incinerator moves towards a major expansion, locals are worried about their health, and asking if their working-class, immigrant community is seen as a “sacrifice zone.”
For Kids With Special Needs, Summer Camp Is Out of Reach
Few camps in the GTA serve children with developmental disorders or disabilities, forcing parents to take time off work to stay home and depriving kids of the chance to explore, play, and interact with their peers.
Gearing Up for October’s Municipal Elections
We are building a civic newsroom unlike any other, with an expanded scope to serve residents of not just Toronto, but also Mississauga and Brampton.
The New Chill Facing Trans Health Care
As anti-trans rhetoric intensifies at home and abroad, the organizations providing training in trans-inclusive healthcare say they’re seeing less uptake from physicians across Ontario.
The Local Wins Six National Awards
Our journalism took home top prizes at the National Magazine Awards and Canadian Association of Journalists Awards.
An Ancient Past Unearthed by Urban Construction
In 2024, an Indigenous burial site was found during construction on Withrow Avenue, near Riverdale Park East. Where others see a “hole” in the ground awaiting investigation, journalist Gabrielle McMann sees a window into Toronto’s complex pre-colonial history—and a deeper sense of belonging.
The Long Last Days of Toronto’s First Safe Consumption Site
Nick says he’ll go back to Manitoulin. Texas can’t even think about the closure. Inside Moss Park in the final days of a nine-year era of safe consumption.
The Local Expands Into Peel
Introducing Prarthana Pathak, our new Peel Reporter
The Local is Nominated For Ten More Journalism Awards
The nominations at the Digital Publishing Awards and National Magazine Awards recognize our journalism in 2025.