“For SEA, the environment isn’t just green spaces or climate change; it’s also the environment we exist in,”
says Veerasingam.
Growing up with limited means in Scarborough, Krissan Veerasingam learned early on how a supportive community could make all the difference. Now, as the co-founder of the Scarborough Environmental Association (SEA), he’s paying it forward—empowering marginalized groups in Scarborough and helping deepen their connection to their community.
SEA co-founder Krissan Veerasingam, before a bird-watching photo walk at Thomson Memorial Park.
Ella Saini/Change Made Press.
Born and raised in Scarborough, his dedication to addressing social inequities and fostering community in the city stemmed from personal experiences. Veerasingam grew up watching community members turn to his father whenever they needed help, learning firsthand the value of community bonds and shared responsibility.
His early experiences shaped his understanding of how strong a community can uplift its members, especially those facing systemic barriers. Through the SEA, he now works to cultivate that connection for others who may feel isolated or disenfranchised.
The mission of the SEA is rooted in giving a voice to those who too often go unheard. By meeting residents’ immediate needs—through shared events, services, and spaces—as well as informing them and advocating for them, the organization empowers these individuals. Starting by addressing the small, everyday problems and barriers people face, they move towards bigger conversations about collective change, Veerasingam explains.
SEA provides a range of services and programs aimed at helping residents engage with their surroundings and neighbors. One popular initiative is free birdwatching events. These sessions consistently draw Scarborough residents, who form connections over a shared love of wildlife and the environment. “When we started our bird walks last year, we saw how so many people who never experienced it before, through it, gained a new appreciation for the spaces around them.”
As a bird is spotted, the watchers pause to snap photos within the winding paths of Thomson Park.
Ella Saini/Change Made Press.
They also have a regular free bike repair program that serves underserved neighborhoods. This initiative provides practical support as well as promoting mobility and independence, says Veerasingam. Additionally, SEA collaborates with local businesses to host service-based events, boosting the visibility of small enterprises while giving back to the community.
Veerasingam’s commitment to Scarborough goes beyond the work of SEA. As a board member of TTC Riders, a grassroots transit advocacy organization, he advocates for affordable and accessible public transit—a lifeline for many in the area. His work with housing issues has also addressed systemic inequalities, informed by his own experiences as a renter navigating affordability challenges.
Through SEA and other roles, Veerasingam tackles some of Scarborough’s most pressing issues, from waste reduction to improving infrastructure. Educating residents about sustainable practices and promoting green spaces are central to his vision. Green spaces are vital for mental health, community building, and accessibility, especially for people who might not have other options to connect or move around, he says.
He believes in the transformative power of green spaces to create equity and foster collective action. When neighbors come to these shared spaces and meet each other, real change starts, he says. “If you don’t know your neighbor, how are you going to change the space around you?”
The group is comprised of varying skill levels, making it an accessible program for nature lovers.
Ella Saini/Change Made Press.
Under Veerasingam’s leadership, the SEA is more than an environmental organization—it’s a movement for social equity in Scarborough. By addressing both environmental and social inequalities, the group is creating a model for how communities can work together to foster resilience and inclusivity.
Veerasingam’s work is a reminder that the environment isn’t separate from daily life. It’s the parks where people gather, the services that keep neighborhoods running, and the connections that hold communities together. Through his vision, Scarborough is becoming a place where everyone can thrive, one initiative at a time.