Angry Locals
Nithya Vijayakumar
Toronto
Nithya’s project brought together Toronto residents who felt unheard in conversations about major Metrolinx construction, creating joyful community gatherings while pushing for stronger consultation and safer pedestrian connections. What started as frustration became collective action, from neighbourhood parades to creative installations under the Davenport Guideway. Along the way, Nithya found her own leadership emerging in unexpected ways, discovering confidence, resilience, and a deeper commitment to community building.
A Year of Community Joy
The original goal of Angry Locals was to unite Toronto communities affected by major infrastructure projects and advocate for stronger community benefits. While supporting transit expansion, Angry Locals aimed to elevate local concerns to city-wide issues.
Residents from Thorncliffe to Mount Dennis expressed frustration over Metrolinx’s lack of meaningful consultation.
After the Changemakers orientation, the team considered several directions. They discussed expanding outreach to other Metrolinx-affected communities, lobbying officials, or focusing locally on pedestrian infrastructure in the Junction Triangle. They ultimately decided to host joyful, creative community events to sustain momentum and morale.
In early 2025, efforts centred on organizing a parade, including workshops, social media campaigns, and media outreach. The parade, supported by groups such as Friends of West Toronto Rail Path, drew hundreds of residents despite the rain and led to media coverage and an op-ed in the Toronto Star.
Following the parade, community engagement grew. One resident began discussions with MP Dzerowicz to arrange a Metrolinx forum, while another created a well-loved art installation under the Davenport Guideway.
Shortly after these events, Metrolinx announced construction on the Davenport Greenway and hosted an open house at the Junction Triangle Library, suggesting that the community’s efforts had an impact.
Due to her role at TTC, Nithya can no longer publicly advocate for the Greenway. She plans to support others behind the scenes and continue sharing updates via Instagram. In 2026, Angry Locals will shift focus to organizing meetings with Metrolinx and City staff to push for pedestrian connections and accelerate the Greenway’s completion.
Reflecting on her journey, Nithya initially applied to the program to secure funding for future Angry Locals events. She did not see herself as a leader. When teammates faced personal challenges, she stepped up. This experience helped her build confidence, refine her strategy, and improve her decision-making.
Partnerships with groups that have different goals can still thrive without compromising core values.
This year also revealed how important community building is to her well-being. She is proud of her work in transportation planning, but she now prioritizes balancing professional commitments with the energy she dedicates to her neighbourhood. Overhearing her son Rishi proudly tell his friends about her involvement in Angry Locals reassured her that she is making meaningful choices.
Nithya’s ideal future community is diverse and inclusive. She hopes that future events will welcome newcomers, non-English speakers, and people who feel disconnected. She envisions shared spaces where everyone feels ownership, whether in a park, under a rail bridge, or at a community centre. She wants people from many backgrounds to feel invested in community improvements and entitled to safer streets and civic participation.
About Nithya Vijayakumar
Nithya Vijayakumar is a planning and policy advisor with over 12 years of experience working on major transportation infrastructure projects and strategies across Canada. She likes building relationships with partners and interest holders to develop common goals and shared outcomes. She wants to leverage infrastructure investments to contribute to the vitality and growth of local communities.
Instagram: @angrylocalsto
LinkedIn: @Nithya Vijayakumar
Website: connectlappin.ca
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