Beach Metro Community News September 19, 2023

Beaches Terry Fox Run hits the Boardwalk

Upcoming Nuit Blanche East Danforth art celebration looks at the Future of the Danforth

NUIT BLANCHE, Toronto’s sunset to sunrise celebration, is the largest contemporary art event in North America and the East Danforth area is about to welcome its third hub this coming weekend.

Thanks to East End Arts, The Danforth Mosaic BIA, and Native Women in the Arts, East Toronto residents are invited to an all-night celebration of the arts taking place from 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23, through to 7 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 24.

The Nuit Blanche East Danforth hub will see displays along Danforth Avenue, heading east from the Donlands TTC Station all the way to East Lynn Park, which is located between Coxwell and Woodbine avenues.

This year’s Nuit Blanche East Danforth hub theme is The Future of the Danforth. It will be asking artists and community members to imagine the Danforth of the future, as far as 200 years out.

Will it feature flying electric self-driving cars, and technological advancements too complex to comprehend? Will the streetscape be a barren post-apocalyptic landscape?

What will our relationship with the environment look like? Local artists will be presenting their take on those and other futuristic questions as part of the Nuit Blanche East Danforth hub.

This year’s event will see the return of the ‘In View” storefront gallery series, which features 23 art installations from the future; a

textile waste laundromat experience by local artist Norwin Anne; a video projection funeral for a funeral home; reclaimed public art installations; and much more along Danforth Avenue.

Many local food and drink businesses will be staying open late for Nuit Blanche, while other businesses with patios will have live music and other activations taking place.

East End Arts said all residents are invited to “come out for a memorable fall evening full of amazing contemporary art and #EastEndLove!”

Information on all of the Nuit Blanche East Danforth artists, installation titles, locations and more can be found at https://eastendarts. ca/nbed2023

Local councillors at odds over need for review of city services

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

AS TORONTO sinks deeper into an affordability crisis, city councillors recently approved a slew of measures in an effort to close the gap on an estimated $1.5 billion in pressure on its budget in the coming year.

Budget pressures refer to the “unavoidable consequence of allocating scarce resources between limitless societal needs.”

Among the measures Toronto Council approved at a special meet-

ing earlier this month was an increase in the land transfer tax for homes valued at $3 million or more, and a request to the provincial government for the city to be able to levy its own municipal sales tax.

However, Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford is urging councillors to explore in-house cost saving measures before increasing taxes on Toronto residents.

“The discussion around the longterm financial plan is really a conversation about affordability,” said Bradford.

Continued on Page 2

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Participants in the Beaches Terry Fox Run along the Boardwalk start the event on the morning of Sunday, Sept. 17. A large turnout of runners, walkers, cyclists and other participants showed up for what was the 43rd annual Terry Fox Run.

City approves measures to raise money

‘Local’ from Page 1

On Sept. 6, councillors voted 20-3 in favour of increasing land transfer tax rates for the sale of homes that are $3 million or more. This, according to city staff, will generate an estimated $26 million annually.

Councillors also voted to get rid of the $5 per hour cap on on-street parking rates as well as moving forward with plans to ask the provincial government for a percentage of the harmonized sales tax (HST), or permission to implement a municipal sales tax.

“Toronto is the most expensive city to live in in the entire country,” said Bradford.

“So a regressive tax like a sales tax is something that disproportionately impacts low income households and something that will make

life in the city more expensive during an affordability crisis.”

Bradford said that a municipal sales tax could potentially also bring challenges to the “economic competitiveness of our city” as the small business community would be at risk of losing customers

“You would kill entire industries overnight because nobody would buy [things like] furniture, computers, or cars in the City of Toronto,” said Bradford.

“They would instead just go north of Steeles. So it’s not very well thought out. A tax that makes literally all goods and services more expensive in the city seems completely tone deaf to me.”

Although most councillors are in favour of the municipal sales tax as an alternative to cutting city services such as TTC – citing other big cities that use similar revenue generating methods – Bradford believes that a Core Services Review undertaken by a third party is warranted in order to ensure the city has looked into every alternate cost saving measure that it can unlock.

“It’s not going to be one thing; it’s going to be maybe 50 little things,” said Bradford. “That’s how we’re going to close the gap.”

Although Bradford was disappointed Toronto Council would “just slam the door on potential savings” at the Sept. 6 meeting, he was reminded that the last Core Services Review only uncovered $16 million in savings following a $3.5 million investment in the process.

“Even if we could find five,

10, or $20 million, isn’t that a worthwhile exercise given the magnitude of the financial crisis in front of us?” he said.

However, other councillors including Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher, argued that a Core Services Review simply was not necessary. They highlighted that while the last review by KPMG in 2011 uncovered up to $300 million in saving opportunities over a two-year period, it would have come at an enormous cost in the loss of services for residents.

“The fact is that you’re going to spend a lot of time but (we need to) focus on building the things that we’re supposed to build and moving the agenda forward,” said Fletcher.

“We have a new mayor; she’s got ideas. Just to bring up having a whole service review sends the whole place into a maelstrom.”

The previous review recommended changes such as moving the criteria for snow plow deployment from five centimetres of snow to eight centimetres. It also suggested closing down some libraries as well as omitting water fluoridation.

But Bradford said his idea of a Core Services Review isn’t about cuts to such services. “There’s a lot of fearmongering that comes with this. Of course we’re not closing things like community centres. Those are core services for the municipality to deliver.”

Bradford said a review, in part, aims to remind upper levels of government that some of the services Toronto provides are not

core to the municipality but are in fact duties of upper levels of government. Many of these responsibilities were downloaded to the city – something that Toronto can’t afford anymore without federal and provincial assistance.

Fletcher, on the other hand, believes that an inhouse review (as opposed to third party Core Services Review) would be a better use of time.

“Staff are already charged with finding efficiencies, which they’re very good at doing because they happen to know the city’s business,” she said.

The 2023 budget process saw city staff discover $289 million in budget savings through an in-house review and changes to various services.

Although Bradford insisted that no amount of savings is too small or a waste of time, he acknowledged the city will still need to implement some tax measures to close Toronto’s anticipated $46.5 billion gap over the next 10 years. “I think it’s a combination of both, there were some (taxes) that I supported,” he said. “I think that there are some things that we are going to need to do to raise additional revenue. It’s just my perspective and personal belief that before we go out and hit people with all of these additional taxes, we should just do some of the work on our own side.”

At the Sept. 6 meeting, an amended motion for a staff report on the value of a Core Services Review carried with a vote of 13-10. That report is expected in early 2024.

Amarachi Amadike is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro Community News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.

Local Journalism Initiative

Heroes of Suicide memorial at Todmorden Legion on Sept. 24 pays tribute to PTSD victims

THE ROYAL Canadian Legion Todmorden Branch 10 will host its eighth annual Memorial March and Candlelight Service on Sunday, Sept. 24.

The Heroes of Suicide event is held in memory of veterans and first responders who have lost their battle to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) issues, and to provide support to the

families and loved ones left behind.

The march begins at 6:30 p.m. at Gamble Avenue and Todmorden Lane in East York.

The march will be followed by a candlelight service at Branch, 10, 1083 Pape Ave., at approximately 7 p.m.

Those taking part in the march are asked to form up at 6:15 p.m. at Gamble Av-

enue and Todmorden Lane.

Community members are encouraged to show their support by attending the service or lining the route of the march.

The march will head west along Gamble Avenue from Todmorden Lane, then north on Pape Avenue to Branch 10.

For more information, please go to www.RC:L10.ca

The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society hosts

THE BEACH and East Toronto Historical Society hosts a presentation by Canadian golf historian Ian Murray, with Paul Nicosia, on the evening of Wednesday, Sept. 27.

The presentation will be about the house at 17 Gledhill Ave., just north of

presentation on Sept. 27

Danforth Avenue, and its remarkable 130-year history.

Notably, the house was home to a family of both stonecutters and professional golfers.

Admission to the presentation is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

The presentation will take

place at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., and goes from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

For more information about The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society, please go to the website at http://tbeths.com or contact the Society by email at contactTBETHS@gmail.com

East York Hall of Fame welcomes five inductees

THE EAST York Hall of Fame held its Awards Celebration earlier this year at which its five new members were inducted.

The 2022 inductees join inaugural inductee John Candy in the East York Hall of Fame.

The most recent inductees into the East York Hall of Fame are Peter Silverman, Kam Babulal, Alan Redway, Phillip Anthony and Bob MacDonald.

The celebration inducting the new members was held at Jawny Bakers Restaurant in East York on June 22.

Presenting sponsors for the ceremony were Scotiabank, the Greater Sewer and Watermain Contractors Association and the Carpenters Union Local 27.

More than 100 people attended the ceremony. A portion of the proceeds raised at the event will be directed to Bethany Baptist Food Bank and East York Meals on Wheels.

“East Yorkers have made a huge impact across Canada through a wide variety of professions – sports, politics

and entertainment, and the East York Hall of Fame exists to honour those special people who have made a huge difference,” said Justin Van Dette, President of the East York Hall of Fame.

“East York prides itself in so many ways and its important that we honour those people who give back so that future generations will always remember their hard work.”

This year’s inductee’s are:

• Award wining journalist Peter Silverman who was a familiar face on CityNews and CP24 for 19 years. He hosted “Silverman Helps” and was quickly known to many as a voice for the voiceless while defending consumers who had been wronged by businesses. A recipient of the Order of Ontario, Silverman resided for many years at Broadview and Mortimer and was active with many charitable causes including Toronto East General Hospital. He passed away on Oct. 7, 2021. At the East York Hall of Fame Awards Celebration, Peter Tabuns, MPP for Toronto-Danforth spoke about Silverman’s passions for everyday people.

• Kam Babulal has volunteered as the lead organizer for the East York Seniors Christmas Day Dinner for the last 25 years. Residing on Torrens Avenue, Babulal was a recipient of the 2022 Agnes Macphail Award for her dedication towards women’s rights and equality. TorontoDanforth Councillor Paula

Fletcher spoke at the event and told those in attendance that Babulal’s caring heart is a symbol of East York.

• Bob MacDonald from Topham Park was also inducted into the East York Hall of Fame. Nominated by Kristy Wellwood, MacDonald who is known to many as ‘Bottle Bob’ has visited hundreds of homes every week collecting refundable cans and bottles donated by local East Yorkers. He has used those funds to sponsor local hockey, hardball and softball teams, schools and daycare programs. Gord Piercey, President of the Topham Park Homeowners Association, spoke at the event and described MacDonald as a true community champion who is always there to help.

• Former East York Mayor, The Honourable Alan Redway, was also inducted. Redway was nominated by former East York Councillor Lorna Krawchuk and included support from former East York Mayor and MPP Michael Prue. Redway spent 10 years on East York Council including six as Mayor and member of Metro Toronto Council. As Mayor, he launched East York Day and created the East York flag, which involved a logo competition to engage the community. Redway was also elected to the House of Commons as the Progressive Conservative member from Don Valley East. He served from 1984 to 1993 including a time as Canada’s first Minister of

State responsible for Housing where he championed public investment in housing and addressed those living poverty.

• Phillip Anthony from Michael Garron Hospital was inducted as the Pandemic Hero for his dedication to public health and role in getting East Yorkers educated and vaccinated during the pandemic. These efforts included local vaccination clinics all over East York and a record-setting vaccination clinic at Scotiabank Arena when more than 26,000 doses were administered to Toronto residents in less than 24 hours. Anthony was nominated by Justin Van Dette and Teresa Vasilopoulos who described Anthony as taking care of our city especially vulnerable East Yorkers in their greatest time of need. Anthony was also recognized by the Toronto Star in December 2021 as one of Ontario’s Vaccine Heroes.

Residents who want to stay in touch or learn more about the East York Hall of Fame can contact Van Dette at 416-697-5832 or email vandette416@gmail.com

Nominations for next year’s event will be opening soon. Stay up-to-date at the website at www.bestofeastyork.com

Residents are also reminded that The East York Hall of Fame is selling large and small East York flags. Those who wish to purchase one are asked to contact Van Dette.

Historic walk in community set for Sept. 23

LOCAL HISTORIAN and

Metro Community News columnist Gene Doma-

will host an historic walking tour of St. John’s Norway Cemetery on Satur-

day, Sept. 23. The walk will begin at 1 p.m. Participants are asked to meet at the northwest corner of Woodbine Avenue and Kingston Road. St. John

the Baptist Norway Anglican Church and St. John’s Cemetery are historic sites in East Toronto. Thousands of former residents are buried in the “cemetery on the hill”.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

The 2022 inductees into the East York Hall of Fame were honoured at a ceremony earlier this year. At the ceremony were Kam Babulal, Bob MacDonald, Alan Redway and Phillip Anthony. Peter Silverman’s induction was posthumous. Also shown in this photo are Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher, Toronto-Danforth MPP Peter Tabuns, former East York councillor Lorna Krawchuk, Teresa Vasilopoulos, Justin Van Dette, and Gord Piercy.

Beach

gala

City working to keep access open at Main Square Community Centre

By Amarachi Amadike,

Local

Journalism Initiative Reporter

WITH A number of new highrise developments being proposed in the Danforth Avenue and Main Street area, residents in the surrounding neighbourhood have expressed concerns about how their daily routines will be affected as a result.

One main area of concern for many residents who attended the last community consultation meeting on the development plans for the area south of Danforth Avenue between Main Street and Dawes Road on March 8 was a potential halt in services at the Main Square Community Centre.

“For me personally the swimming pool has become the focus of my fitness routine. Judging by the number of people also using the pool I am not alone,” said resident Antony Upward.

A resident at Woodbine and Gerrard for nearly 30 years, he said the Main Square Community Centre has been a staple in his life and the lives of many other residents in the area.

“Critically, developers –enforced by the city – need to ensure that these new communities have the facilities

needed for their well-being within walking distance: parks, schools, health centres, affordable places to shop for food and other essentials, and community centres,” he said.

According to the City of Toronto, the Main Square Community Centre would require further construction as an expansion of the facility is necessary to service the expected influx of residents once the proposed highrises are built. This has left many worried about a gap in services between the closure of Main Square Community Centre and the introduction of a replacement facility.

However, Beaches EastYork Councillor Brad Bradford said that there will be no interruption of services.

“City staff are working to maintain access to the existing Main Square Community Centre while also planning for the construction in the medium term of a new replacement community centre serving the neighbourhood,” he said.

In the meantime, Bradford and City of Toronto staff are focused on negotiating a renewal of the current lease for the Main Square Community Centre. These negotiations are aimed at ensuring that

there will be no disruptions to programs and facilities utilized by residents in the surrounding neighbourhood.

With the current lease set to expire in December of 2023, Bradford said that staff are “optimistic about reaching an agreement” on a new lease.

“The city’s 2023-2032 Capital Budget and Plan includes funding for the design and construction of the replacement community centre,” said Bradford. “The location of the new centre will be determined in the coming years, informed by a variety of factors including a focus on serving the community using the existing facility.”

Proposals discussed at the March 8 community meeting included towers ranging in height from 15 to 55 storeys at 2575 Danforth Ave. There will also be 33 and 44 storey mixed-use buildings at 2681 Danforth Ave., as well as a 38-storey mixed-use building at 8 Dawes Rd.

— Amarachi Amadike is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro Community News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.

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Provincial government must take climate crisis seriously

Mary-Margaret McMahon MPP Beaches—East York

Ayear ago, in the Chamber at Queen’s Park during Question Period, I posed a simple question to the Premier. Why won’t this government take climate change seriously? When can Ontarians expect this government to stand up and take a leadership role to safeguard the future of Ontarians?

The answer of course was not satisfactory. I ardently maintained that climate action needed to be tied to infrastructure. Instead of forcing cities, municipalities, Indigenous communities, and climate leaders to take action themselves and attempt to safeguard their towns and homes, this government must create a climate framework for this province by implementing climate strategies to create resilient communities.

As we learned the news that the Doug Ford government was proposing to remove 15 parcels of land from the Greenbelt — some 7,400 acres in all — to build 50,000

homes, I exclaimed that it will be devastating for our environment, leading to more flooding, more expensive food prices, and loss of biodiversity. I vowed that I cannot and will not stand back and watch as this government sells our precious greenspace to developer donors.

In October 2022, I proposed a motion that would establish an allparty climate change committee at Queen’s Park to fight the climate emergency. Unfortunately, the government rejected the idea.

In fall 2022, my office created a monthly Green East community group for Beaches-East York residents to discuss, learn and talk about the climate crisis. All the while, we answered thousands of emails from our constituents who are scared, angry and committed to action.

The legislation that will allow the government to destroy the Greenbelt was included in two bills introduced and passed that fall, Bills 23 and 39. As a member of the Standing Committee on Heritage, Infrastructure, and Cultural Policy, in November 2022 I proposed dozens of amendments. Unfortunately, albeit unsurprisingly, the government voted against my amend-

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Letters to the Editor

ments and the bills both passed.

On Nov. 26, 2022, I hosted a Save the Greenbelt Rally at East Lynn Park. We had a huge turnout. Ontarians have demonstrated how much they truly treasure and value the Greenbelt by signing petitions and displaying signs.

Along with so many of you, I attended rallies with my colleagues and spoke out. I worked on plans for my Private Members Bill 56. A bill that would help Ontarians mitigate flooding was heartbreakingly rejected by this government later in March 2023.

In December 2022, not merely as Ontario Liberal Critic for Environment, Conservation, and Parks, but as an advocate for truth, I passionately supported a Full and Transparent Investigation into the Greenbelt Purchase. When the report finally came out in August 2023, the Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk, found that how the land sites were selected was not a transparent, fair, objective, or fully informed process. It proved that the sale of these parcels of land was done to benefit the few rich friends of this government, to the tune of $8.3 billion! The Integrity Commissioner echoed this in his report. The first step was Minis-

ter Clark resigning. The report showed there is sufficient land for the target of 1.5 million homes without the need to build on the Greenbelt. The government’s own Housing Taskforce even made this clear in February 2022!

The Ford government cannot hide from the facts of their inaction on affordable housing. The government has still only implemented four of the 50 recommendations put forward by its own task force. Newcomers, young people, and families cannot afford to purchase or rent homes in Ontario. The Greenbelt plan will not solve this issue and will only promote sprawl and destroy farmland.

Exactly one year after my first question at Queen’s Park, on Aug. 26, 2023, the long-awaited Provincial Climate Change Impact Assessment (PCCIA) was quietly released by the government. In 2020, Ontario launched its first-ever Climate Change Impact Assessment to help better understand where and how climate change is likely to affect communities, critical infrastructure, economies, and the natural environment.

The PCCIA report makes a clear and urgent statement. The government is not doing enough

to deal with the climate crisis and adequately prepare our infrastructure and Ontarians for what is to come as a result of the climate emergency.

With the disasters all around us especially this summer, we should be powerfully pushing bold and brave measures to help us mitigate and adapt to the climate crisis immediately! We need environmental leadership, and we needed it yesterday! The destruction of the Greenbelt is a devastating drop in the ocean of this government’s inaction.

Looking forward helps. It helps to focus on where we want to be, what we want to do. My office is hosting a second Save the Greenbelt rally on Oct. 14 at 11 a.m. at East Lynn Park, 1949 Danforth Ave. I hope to see you there and have your support. I won’t stop fighting to preserve the Greenbelt! Together, we can create a greener Ontario! As a passionate environmentalist, I will keep fighting to prevent the Greenbelt from being carved up. You will have to bulldoze me out of there! Who’s with me?

Please contact my office with any questions: mmcmahon.mpp. co@liberal.ola.org or 416-690-1032.

‘True facts’ in letter on unleashed dogs

Re: ‘True facts need to be known about unleashed dog campaign,’ Letters, Beach Metro Community News, Sept. 5.

I have to question some of these “true facts.”

I find the statement about “purposeful daily regular hunting of birds” by dog owners on Woodbine Beach to be very dubious. If people are hunting anything in the city, I

hope it has been reported to the police but I have to assume this is hyperbole, as I find some other statements in this letter.

Another fact I question (83,000 off-leash dogs in the southern end of Ashbridges Bay Park) works out to 227 off-leash dogs every single day, 365 days a year. Dubious, based on my visits to the park.

The letter writer also declares Toronto

questioned by reader

taxpayers have doled out $40-million over 25 years for “close to 80 off-leash dog parks,” which cost on average $270,000 to build plus $10,000 per park a year for maintenance. The math doesn’t add up.

The City of Toronto website lists 69 offleash parks, many of which are simply unfenced, designated areas within existing parks. We’re to believe the cost of putting up

some signs is $270,000? Further, the maintenance that I see done in dog parks doesn’t go beyond emptying the garbage bins (and kudos to the city for the green bin pilot project in some dog parks). I doubt this costs $800,000 a year.

I do know that responsible dog owners contribute more than a million dollars annu-

Closure of Metroland’s weekly papers proves bad ownership is biggest threat to the future of Canadian journalism

it has “insufficient funds” to pay out its responsibilities to its employees and to others it owes money. Well that explains the bankruptcy, but not how Metroland Media Group got to that point.

per company does it?

The way I see it, the biggest threat to the future of Canadian journalism is not Facebook or Google, it’s bad ownership.

THE WORD brutal was the one used most often on Friday regarding the closure of 70 Metroland community newspapers, including the Scarborough Mirror, North York Mirror and Etobicoke Guardian in Toronto. But as the shock has worn off, I now think the correct word to describe it is “evil.”

On Sept. 15, Nordstar Capital LP announced that its Metroland Media Group was seeking bankruptcy protection and immediately ending the publication of its weekly print newspapers – 70 of them in communities of all sizes across the province. Metroland will continue to publish the daily newspapers it owns including the Hamilton Spectator Friday’s move put 605 people out of work. A lot of them are journalists I know well, but many also worked in the advertising, administration and distribution departments.

Where I believe this becomes “evil” is with the revelations that the company will not be providing severance or termination pay to those who have lost their jobs. Many of them, who have who devoted not just their professional careers but their lives to those local newspapers, are also finding out their pensions may be in jeopardy.

Not surprisingly, since the company is seeking creditor protection, it says

I’ll tell you how I think they got to that point. They did not care one bit about the business they were in.

What has happened at Metroland isn’t about leadership being incompetent or making strategic business mistakes that had tragic consequences.

They just didn’t care.

They didn’t care about local journalism and the residents of the communities those papers served.

They didn’t care about their employees.

They didn’t care about their advertising and flyer customers.

They didn’t care to look for new, different, or local owners who might have been interested in saving their community’s newspaper.

When I first heard the news about Metroland last Friday I saw a report that mentioned an “existential threat” facing media companies somehow having something to do with the bankruptcy. An “existential” threat? Really?

What does that even mean? It means nothing because it’s nonsense.

This all about moving money, who owes who how much, what’s the interest rate on the debt and who is paying out on this loan or that loan and who are they paying it to. And sometimes both sides of that equation are the same person or company. None of that has anything to do with running a newspa-

So you know, I worked for 27 straight years at Metroland (from 1989 to 2016) and was the editor of the Scarborough Mirror for 14 years. You also need to know Metroland wasn’t always the disaster it now is.

There was a time when Metroland operated far removed from the influences of the Toronto Star and its executives even though they owned the company. Most of the papers had their own publishers, editors and reporters dedicated to the communities they served.

At the time I left that was starting to fall apart, but it was before the Star’s original owners sold the company.

Today, I feel not just sad for my many former colleagues who had done such good work and believed so strongly in the importance of local journalism, I’m also angry at the ownership that did this to them.

And I also count myself extremely lucky to be here at Beach Metro Community News. We are still a newspaper and we still believe in serving our community with the best local news coverage, information and advertising opportunities we can provide.

We are a non-profit run by a community board made up of local volunteers. Our local advertisers are community members and help us to continue publishing. We also depend on local Supporters. You can become one by going to www.beachmetro.com/support

alan Shackleton Beach Metro News

Editor

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Community Calendar

proudly presented by Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford

SEPT. 18-22: Royal Canadian Legion Week at Branch 11, 9 Dawes Rd. Open to the public Monday-Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Friday 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Displays and memorabilia of veterans past – uniforms to try on! Teachers are invited to bring their students. Book appointments ASAP with Helen Pearce 416-690-6388, helends4pearce@bell.net

SEPT. 23: Nuit Blanche East Danforth 2023 (#NBED23) along Danforth Ave. between Woodbine and Donlands TTC Stations, 7 p.m.-7 a.m. Come and experience art installations that explore “The Future of the Danforth”. Presented by East End Arts and the Danny BIA. Info: www.eastendarts.ca/nbed2023

SEPT. 23: Walking Tour of St. John’s Norway Cemetery with historian Gene Domagala, 1 p.m. Meet at the northwest corner of Woodbine Ave. and Kingston Rd.

SEPT 23: Acoustic Harvest presents The Friends of Fiddler’s Green at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets $30 advance online, $35 cash at door. Tickets and info: www.acousticharvest.ca

SEPT. 23: St. Nick’s Market at St. Nicholas Anglican Church, Birch Cliff, 1512 Kingston Rd, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Shop for delicious homemade meat pies, baked goods, frozen entrees, jams and preserves, plus beautiful homemade crafts. Get a tasty lunch to take home. Info: 416-691-0449, office@stnicholasbirchliff.com, www.stnicholasbirchcliff.com

SEPT. 23, 24: Yorkshire Rose Quilt Show at Ellesmere Community Centre, 20 Canadian Rd., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Over 100 modern and traditional quilts displayed. Vendors mall. Member’s boutique and tea room. $10. Presented by Yorkshire Rose Quilters Guild of Toronto. Info: YorkshireRoseQuiltersGuildOfToronto.blogspot.com

SEPT. 24: BIMBO Global Race by Dempster’s at Ashbridges Bay Park, 3k/5k/10 race. Family Event (3k walk/run)/Competitive (5k/10k race). Registration fee $10. Register at www.bimboglobalracebydempsters.com. Dempsters will donate 20 slices of bread to North York Harvest Food Bank for every registration. Info: hello@bimboglobalracebydempsters.com

SEPT. 24: Heroes of Suicide Memorial March & Candlelight Service in memory of veterans and first responders who have lost their battle with PTSD-related issues. Form up at Todmorden Lane 6:15 p.m., Step off from Gamble Ave. and Todmorden Lane 6:30 p.m., Service at RCL Branc 10, 1083 Pape Ave., 7 p.m. Info: www.rcl10.ca, 416-425-3070

SEPT. 27: Beach & East Toronto Historical Society presents Canadian golf historian Ian Murray with Paul Nicosia at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7 p.m. Admission free. All welcome. Info: www.tbeths.com

SEPT. 27: Messy Church at Hope United Church, Danforth & Main, 5:30-7 p.m. Our theme is new “transitions and new beginning”. Includes activities, crafts, a story and music, followed by a meal. All welcome! Info: www.HopeUnited.ca

SEPT. 28: Seniors’ Lunch at RCL Baron Byng, 243 Coxwell Ave., 1 p.m., every other Tuesday. Free for veterans and seniors over 65.

SEPT. 30: A Joyful Noise Community Singalong at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd. (Warden and Kingston Rd.), 7 p.m. Join us for an evening of your favourite singalong songs, with Randy Vancourt on piano. All lyrics will be projected on a large screen so it’s easy to join in the singing. Refreshments available, as well as fresh baked treats. Free admission. Info: www.bbuc.ca

SEPT. 30: Jazz & Reflection featuring Ben Bishop & Jonathan Meyer at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Join us for our kick-off Jazz & Reflection concert featuring an incredible duo on jazz guitar and bass. Donations welcome. Proceeds support the Beach United food programs. Info: www.beachunitedchurch.com

SEPT. 30: Jazz Vespers with Garnetta Cromwell and DaGroovemaster at Hope United Church, 2550 Danforth Ave., 4:30 p.m. This high energy show band plays and sings Blues, Classic Soul & Funk. Pay-what-you-can. Suggested donation $10.

SEPT. 30: Fall Market at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. BBQ, bake sale, vendors, and face painting for kids! (reminder to bring cash as many vendors do not accept cards). Vendor tables available for $35. Contact: admin@stpaulsscarborough.org

OCT. 1: Community Centre 55 Car Show at Bob Acton Park, 45 William Hancox Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free admission, food and drinks for sale, and prizes. Info: Jade Maitland 416-691-1113, jade@centre55.com

OCT. 1: Myles Ahead 5km Run & Walk at the Leuty Boathouse on the boardwalk, 10 a.m. A fundraiser for child and youth mental health. Info: www.mylesahead.ca, hello@mylesahead.ca

OCT. 2-30: f8 Photography Collective presents ‘On the Move: Exploring Transportation’ at the Clark Centre for the Arts, 191 Guildwood Parkway, Monday-Sunday 9 a.m.4 p.m. Opening reception Oct. 7 from 1-3 p.m. Meet the Artists Oct. 21 from 1-3 p.m. Info: John Wallace ziggydoodle9815@gmail.com, www.f8photographycollective.com

OCT. 4: Bridge Workshop on Defense at St. Nicholas Birch Cliff Anglican Church, 1512 Kingston Rd. (east of Warden), 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Toronto East Bridge Club hosts a workshop with Barbara Seagram, lunch, and an afternoon of sanctioned bridge. Info: www.torontoeastbridgeclub.ca

will be used for research purposes to advocate for policies that benefit clients. In addition, the primary person on file, will now be required to present identification for each member in their household. Links and info: www. grantame.com; grantamechurch@yahoo.ca; 416-690-5169 GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS. If you or a family member are struggling with gambling, Gamblers Anonymous is there to HELP. Call: 1(855) 222-5542 or visit www.gatoronto.ca

A A at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113

AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113 BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. at Swanwick. Info: www.mentalwellness. help. Or join us most nights of the week on Zoom. Go to: https://www.meetup.com. Ask to join us:

Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups

DANFORTH VILLAGE CHILDRENS CHOIR, for ages 6-12, meets Thursdays 4:15 p.m. at Hope United Church, 2550 Danforth Ave. Directed by Sarah Iles. Info: danforthvillagechildrenschoir@gmail.com or 416-356-4873

CHILDREN’S CHOIR at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. Practice Thursdays 5:45-6:30 p.m., starting Sept. 21. Our Children’s Choir is free to join, and is being led by Sheila Brand, a former music teacher at Williamson Road P.S. Children ages 7-12 are welcome! Info: beachunitedchurch.com

QUEER YOUTH UNITED (QYU) at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., starting Sept 21 from 4-8 p.m. QYU is is a 2SLGBTQ+ youth group for ages 15-29, where you can come and engage with others in a safe space, while sharing meals, finding support and resources. We will be determining future dates at this gathering. Info: instagram. com/QueerYouthUnited or www.beachunitedchurch.com

CHURCHES

KINGSTON ROAD UNITED CHURCH, 975 Kingston Rd., welcomes you to their weekly 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. We are a welcoming, inclusive community and have various programmes which include weekly Sunday children’s programming, an adult choir, a junior choir, and a Youth Group. Our minister, Martha Martin, and all of us would be delighted to meet you!

HOPE UNITED CHURCH, 2550 Danforth Ave., invites you to join us for Sunday Worship each week at 11 a.m., led by Rev. Brian Stevens and Interim Music Director, Marc Michalak. Community programs include Guides, Cubs and Scouts, weekly Seniors luncheon, AA, Weight Watchers, Danforth Village Children’s Choir, Stagecoach Musical Theatre classes for youth, First Aid classes and Dance Café Ballroom Dance class for adults. Info: HopeUnited.ca KIMBOURNE PARK UNITED CHURCH, 200 Wolverleigh Blvd. All welcome! •Sunday Worship Service: 10:15 a.m. in-person & via Zoom •Free Empowering Caregivers Workshop. Register today in person/Zoom Fri weekly 7 p.m.-9 p.m. •Yoga Classes. Register online: Tues 7 p.m., Wed 9 a.m., Fri 9 a.m. & Sun 4 p.m. •Free Community Meal 3rd Sun of every month Dine-In 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m./Take-Out 12:15-12:45 p.m. Volunteers

Needed - Start Today! •Games Night: 5-10 p.m. (Second Sat of every month) pizza & pop for purchase •Garden

Together: Wed @ 6 p.m. & Sun @ 12 p.m. (volunteer based) •Food Drive: Donation baskets outside main doors 24/7 •Christmas Marketplace Dec. 2. Vendors Wanted •Rental Spaces Available. Inquiries: Church office (Mon/ Tues/Fri) 416-461-7200, office@kpuc.org, www.kpuc.org

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST NORWAY Anglican Church, 470 Woodbine Ave. Welcome to St. John the Baptist Norway! We are a growing community which enjoys the Anglican expression of the Christian faith. We gather to connect with one another and worship God on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. In-Person/Livestream and at 5 p.m. In-Person for The Table, a contemporary service followed by a simple community supper. We have a Food Pantry open on Mondays from 10 a.m.-12 noon. Mark your calendars for our Blessing of the Animals event on Sunday, Oct. 1 at 5 p.m. in our church parking lot. Info: stjohnsnorway.com, 416-691-4560

THE CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN’S in the Beach (Anglican), 2423 Queen St. E., welcomes you to join us for Sunday worship at 8:30 a.m. (spoken service) and at 10:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs). Our energetic, active church offers many opportunities for spiritual growth, vibrant children’s and music programs, youth activities, and a strong commitment to social justice and environmental issues. We invite you to join us on Thursday, Sept. 21, at 5:45 p.m. for our monthly Supper at St. Aidan’s, which includes children’s activities. It’s free and all are welcome! Info: www.staidansinthebeach.com, 416-691-2222

September:

OCT. 21: Native Tree Giveaway and Fall Market at Scarborough Food Security Initiative Community Farm, 3595 St. Clair Ave. E., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Choose up to two free native trees/shrubs to bring bees, birds and butterflies back into your garden. Place your order by Oct. 5 at www.CliffcrestButterflyway.com/native-tree-giveaway

FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard St. E., is open from 3:30-6 p.m. Starting Sept. 8, 2023, to receive food, clients are required to sign consent for the Daily Bread Food Bank to use their personal information. This information

BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Drive. We are an inclusive and affirming congregation in the heart of the Beach. BPC has strong commitments to community service and social justice issues. We provide non-perishable food for those in need through our Free Food Pantry located outside the church building. Our Refugee Commitee has been in operation for many years helping families and individuals arrive and start a new life in Canada. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month we host a Coffee Outreach from 1-3 pm., an opportunity for people in the neighbourhood to gather for coffee, snacks and fellowship. Links and info: www.beacheschurch.org or 416-699-5871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey

Deja Views

Kingston Road bank robbery in 1971 remembered

THE CHAPUT GROUP

Our longevity has only been rivalled by our success.

O: 416.925.9191 | chaputliving.com

By David Van Dyke

This archival photograph (above) depicting the southeast corner of Kingston Road and Balsam Avenue has an alarming story to tell.

You see, the CIBC bank directly behind the photographer had just been robbed. Three squad cars and four detectives are on the case!

Alex Gulin sent me this image (taken in 1971). His father Tom owned the 3 Star Restaurant located next to the Dyer Drug Store. A big shout out to Alex for sharing a bit of our dubious past.

Do you have any photos of bank heists in the Beach you’d like to share with our readers? Okay, probably not, but maybe an old pic of one of our banks, that would be great! You can contact me gdvandyke61@gmail.com

Grupo BIMBO Global Race by Dempsters set for Sunday at Ashbridges Bay Park

THE TORONTO version of the Grupo BIMBO Global Race by Dempsters in support of local food banks is set for Ashbridges Bay Park on Sunday, Sept. 24.

The event takes place on the same day in more than 20 countries and helps generate donations to food banks in the cities the race is held.

Grupo BIMBO, the parent company of Canadian bakery Dempsters, will donate 20 slices of bread to Toronto

food banks for each participant in the race taking place at Ashbridges Bay Park.

The North York Harvest Food Bank will be on site on Sept. 24 collecting non-perishable food donations.

The event will feature a family walk of three kilometres; and competitive running races of five and 10 kilometres. Registrations begin at 7 a.m. at Ashbridges Bay Park, 1561 Lake Shore Blvd.

E. More information on the

THANKSGIVING IS JUST OVER 1 MONTH AWAY

anksgiving Holiday Hamper

event can be found at https:// bimboglobalrace.com/index_ eng.html

For more info and to register in advance, which is strongly recommended, for the event in Ashbridges Bay Park please go to https:// bimboglobalracebydempsters.com/

Beach Metro Community News readers can register in the Global Race for free by using the promo code: BEACHMETRONEWS23

Celebrate anksgiving with your family, friends & loved ones this year without the hassle of having to worry about cooking an elaborate meal.

Let us here at Corbin Catering & Foods provide you an ultimate celebratory feast where your only responsibility is to invite your guests, set the table and turn on your oven to reheat our incredible prepared food!

Menu Availability - October 5th, 6th, 7th & 8th.

All food is fresh, fully prepared, packaged and provided with easy re-heating and serving instructions.

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Servings: minimum of 2 people serving per order

Pricing: $55-$60/ person

Each purchased order will receive a complimentary gi of a “ anksgiving Candle” to add a beautiful addition to your anksgiving table.

Part proceeds of all anksgiving Meal Pack sales will be donated to our local neighbourhood elementary schools providing fresh fruit snack programs.

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Dashwood & Dashwood

The Main Menu

September’s harvest a spectacular time for cooks

Jan Main is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ yahoo.ca

SEPTEMBER IS a spectacular time for cooks — especially this year! The ample rainfall and sunshine have produced fabulous crops: tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, eggplants, new potatoes cauliflower, peaches, nectarines, plums, apples, lettuces, herbs of all sorts.

And that is just the start. As the month progresses, there will be later varieties of apples, pears, turnips, squashes and parsnips.

With the rising costs of produce, it is an ideal time to stock up for the more expensive time ahead, whether it is cooking up batches of recipes, freezing or pickling.

Make the most of the harvest now, just in time for Thanksgiving.

Zucchini Loaf

My neighbour, Gisela Braune, makes this yummy loaf regularly to enjoy as a simple dessert with a cup of tea. It’s ideal to pack into a lunch bag too and a great way to use up an abundant supply of garden zucchini.

The recipe doubles easily for 2 loaves.

2 eggs

1 cup granulated sugar

1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla

1/2 cup (125 ml) veg-

etable oil

1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour

1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda

1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon

1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt

1/4 tsp (1 mL) baking powder

1 cup (250 mL) coarsely

grated zucchini

1/2 cup (125 mL)

chopped walnuts (optional)

1/2 cup (125 mL) dried

cranberries (craisinsoptional)

Line one 9-inch (23 cm) loaf pan with parchment paper. Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C).

In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, vanilla and vegetable oil until well combined.

In separate bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt and baking powder. Grate zucchini on coarse side of box grater. Gisela uses a flat grater (purchased from the dollar store) a little smaller than the coarse side of the box grater. Press out any excess liquid from zucchini and discard. Stir zucchini into liquid ingredients.

Fold dry ingredients into liquid ingredients until well combined; stir in nuts and cranberries (craisins) if using.

Spoon batter into prepared pan and bake about 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick

or skewer comes out clean. Cool on rack. Makes one loaf.

Green Tomato Relish

What to do with those green tomatoes on the vine?

Make this delicious old-fashioned, simple relish. It is the perfect companion to a roast pork, ham, turkey or hamburgers.

4 cups (1 L) sliced green

tomatoes about 6 large

1 1/2 tbsp (7 mL) pick-

ling salt

1 cup (250 mL) cider

vinegar

1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar

1 1/2 cup (375 mL) sliced

onions (about 2)

1 1/2 tbsp (7 mL)

mustard seeds

1/2 tsp (2 mL) turmeric

1/4 tsp (1 mL) celery

seeds

1 large sweet red pepper, chopped

Wash in dishwasher and sterilize in a pot of boiling

water 5 (1 cup/ 250 mL) preserving jars. In separate saucepan sterilize rubber rings and metal rims for jars.

In a mixing bowl, cover sliced tomatoes with picking salt and stir to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate overnight. The next day drain tomatoes. Set aside.

In a large saucepan combine vinegar, sugar, mustard seeds, celery seeds, turmeric and onions.

Bring to boil and simmer gently 5 minutes then add drained tomatoes and red pepper. Bring to boil and simmer 5 minutes.

Pack tomato mixture into hot sterilized jars and process in boiling water bath 10 minutes. Cool on rack.

Check for seal (lid should not bounce and should be inverted) then date and label. Store in cool dark place.

Allow flavours to mellow about 1 week before serving. Makes about 4-5 cups one cup jars.

Freezing Herbs

Whether you have a herb garden, a window box of herbs or simply a large bunch of fresh herbs from the market, it is handy to know how to freeze them. Although herbs can be dried in the oven and stored, freezing them retains their natural flavourful oils for a “just picked taste.”

It is extremely useful to have herbs at the ready for adding to recipes throughout the year. All herbs, including parsley, tarragon, thyme, oregano, basil, sage and dill, freeze well. Here’s how:

1. Wash and dry them thoroughly in a salad spinner or tea towel.

2. Remove the leaves from the stems and finely chop.

3. Wrap in plastic wrap in usable amounts (such as 2 – 4 tbsp) and pack in flat packages. Place each type in a small plastic bag, date and label. Use within one year.

Run Myles Ahead event in the Beach advances youth mental health, suicide prevention

THE FIFTH annual Run Myles Ahead five-kilometre walk and run will be held in the Beach on Sunday, Oct. 1.

The run begins at the Leuty Boathouse, foot of Leuty Avenue just north of the Boardwalk, at 10 a.m. The run sees the community come together – virtually or ‘in real life’ – in support of Myles Ahead’s efforts to advance child and youth mental health and prevent suicide.

Leslie Kulperger founded Myles Ahead as a national charity in 2019 in memory of her son, Myles, who died by suicide in 2018. Out of this tragedy, Kulperger was compelled to create meaningful system-level change. Roughly 70 per cent of men-

tal health challenges begin during childhood or adolescence, yet services for this age group are limited.

Since COVID-19, the number of young people experiencing mental health challenges has grown, with suicide remaining the leading cause of health-related death for Canadian youth.

“We need more investment in appropriate, accessible, and continuous care. We are working with the government and partners to address treatment and service gaps. And we are equally focused on prevention, building greater awareness in the community and in the classroom so that students, parents, and teachers can talk about, and respond to,

mental health issues in a caring environment where kids feel safe,” said Kulperger.

Backed by the community, Run Myles Ahead raises funds and awareness and creates connections.

“Initiated by family, friends and neighbours in Leslieville as a way to honour my son and support our mission, Run Myles Ahead follows the same route Myles would take with his beloved dog, Frida, from Ashbridges Bay along the Beach Boardwalk,” said Kulperger.

Run Myles Ahead embod-

ies the World Suicide Prevention Day theme of Creating Hope Through Action.

The run has three local corporate partners: major sponsor and Myles Ahead Mental Health Business Leader – Gyro Auto Group of Companies (Gyro Hyundai and Gyro Mazda), and Myles Ahead Mental Health Advocate sponsors: Michelle Walker and Team (Re/Max), and Flourish Health Services.

To register for the run, please go to https://mylesahead.ca/activities-events

Beach Metro Community News

Lucky Volunteers for Sept. 19

The Beach Metro Community News Lucky Volunteers for the Sept. 19 edition are Patrick Breech and his daughter, Molly and son, Callum.

The Breech family has been delivering on Winston Avenue since 2020.

“I have always appreciated the local stories in the BMN. I thought that volunteering with my kids would be a fun family activity, that would teach them about giving back and building community. We continue to enjoy it,” said Patrick.

Along with our thanks, the Breech family receives a gift certificate to Fearless Meat restaurant.

For information on how to become a volunteer carrier, please email Melinda Drake at melinda@beachmetro.com

Race volunteers needed for Grupo BIMBO Global Race by Dempsters

LOOKING FOR a fun volunteer opportunity the weekend of Sept. 23 and 24? Join the team at Ashbridge’s Bay Park as a volunteer for the Bimbo Global Race by Dempster’s where Canadians are getting active together and while giving back to the community.

Volunteers are needed on both Saturday and Sunday to bring this exciting event to life. Each volunteer will be provided with a T-shirt and lunch.

Confirmation of volunteer hours is available upon request for students looking to log their time.

This local event is part of a unique global gathering that brings together more than 120,000 runners in 22 countries and 36 cities, taking place on the same day worldwide.

The Toronto version of the Grupo BIMBO Global Race by Dempsters is in support of local food banks.

More information about the event can be found on page 9 of this edition. To volunteer and help with snacks, water, set up and more, visit: https://raceroster.com/events/2023/76160/ bimbo-global-race/volunteer

For more information about the race, visit: https://bimboglobalracebydempsters.com/

Readers respond to letter from cyclist who was injured by unleashed dog

Re: ‘Off-leash dogs and their oblivious owners a serious concern,’ Letters, Beach Metro Community News, Sept. 5.

After reading about the woman who suffered injuries when a dog ran in front of her on the bike path it comes to my mind that this could have been a child rather than a dog.

Anyone using that path, and I have biked along there myself, must realize that this could happen at any moment and be alert to such.

Decreasing speed would allow more reaction time.

This path runs through the middle of a park where children and adults are playing and could easily be distracted and step into the

path of a biker, rollerblader, scooter or pedestrian.

Perhaps we should advocate to have the path rerouted to run along the north edge of the park rather than between the park and the beach.

Something to think about.

M. Harrington

...

I was absolutely horrified when I saw Janet’s photo of her injuries and read her story!

It’s sad and very disgusting that dog owners don’t care a hoot about other people’s well being and don’t even stop to help people who have been seriously injured by their dog.

Never mind how many signs telling people to keep their dogs on leashes are put up, obviously they don’t help.

People just don’t care! They just hope they won’t get caught after their dogs have caused serious harm to other people.

I don’t know what the solution is to stop this from happening all the time, but fining them a couple of hundred dollars (if you catch them) obviously doesn’t help.

I wish there was a solution. Maybe posting a bigger sign or posting a note on social media asking people to suggest a solution, might help !!

Good luck to us all!

G. Lund

Thoughtful neighbours restore faith in peoples’ goodness after theft of flag

A couple of weeks ago, some cretin came on our property in the middle of the night and stole our Canadian flag.

Sadly, it wasn’t the first time this has happened. We have been flying the flag for

more than 30 years, out of a deep pride in our country.

I’m really hoping it was stolen by some drunken visitor to a local bar and not a Beach resident.

But kind people will always outnumber the goons.

One of our lovely neighbours came by the other day bearing the gift of a new flag. Such thoughtfulness goes a long way to restoring my faith in the basic goodness of people.

K. Nielsen

‘Demonizing dogs’ as tax burden questioned

‘True’ from Page 7

ally to the city coffers through the dog licensing fees, which is allocated to the Toronto Animal Services budget.

Likely only a third of dog owners pay for their dog’s licences and more pet owners should step up and contribute to animal welfare in the city, but demonizing dogs as

a $40-million tax burden just isn’t credible to me.

Irresponsible owners of out-of-control dogs are a danger to all of us, as the other letter-writer in your Sept. 5 issue (‘Off-leash dogs and their oblivious owners a serious concern’) convincingly illustrated.

A small number of people cause a serious problem and

the horrific injuries caused by an off-leash dog in 2019 and to another cyclist on the Martin Goodman Trail in 2021 are terrible.

I fully support efforts to crack down on the scofflaws and promote responsible dog ownership, but in my opinion over-the-top exaggerations don’t help the situation.

T. Nelson

416-698-2090

We Sell Ontario

f8 Photography Collective set to host exhibit next month in Scarborough

THE BEACH-BASED f8 Photography Collective (‘f8’) celebrates its 15th year of creating contemporary photography, with an exhibition in Scarborough’s Guildwood area next month.

The exhibit is tilted ON THE MOVE: EXPLORING TRANSPORTATION. It will take place at the Clark Centre for the Arts, 191 Guildwood Parkway, from Oct 2 to Oct. 30.

416-698-2090

editor@beachmetro.com www.beachmetro.com

Collective members Maureen Littlewood, Catherine MacKinnon, Rod Trider, and John Wallace are participating in the exhibit with guest artists Lily Markovic, Anthony Schatzky, Natalia Shields and Jonathan Ward.

Transportation implies moving people, animals and goods from one location to another. The last 200 years have seen momentous changes in transportation –railways, steamships, the automobile and airplanes.

These innovations have transformed both countryside and towns and cities. The lives of people have been affected. And in some cultures, the humble bicycle is a common vehicle of choice

and is making a comeback in North America as a nonpolluting, affordable means of transportation.

The f8 photographers have

captured images illustrating the impact of transportation in various aspects of the world today. Whether the subject of the photo is

The Beach-based f8 Photography Collective presents its ON THE MOVE EXPLORING TRANSPORTATION exhibit at the Clark Centre for the Arts in Scarborough from Oct. 2 to 30. Photographers participating include (photo at left) Jonathan Ward’s Past and Present - Kolkata; and (photo below left) Natalia Shields’ Amsterdam Floral Bicycle.

boats, planes, trains, buses, old cars and car parts, tractors, wagons, bikes or buggies, each artist applies their unique perspective.

The Clark Centre for the Arts hours are Monday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Opening Reception with artists present will be Saturday, Oct. 7, from 1 to 3 p.m. There will also be a Meet the Artists event on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 1 to 3 p.m.

For further details, please contact John Wallace at ziggydoodle9815@gmail.com

For more on the f8 Collective, visit www.f8photographycollective.com

ciative of this special talent.

He was a man of abiding faith and when called upon he would happily volunteer to support a good cause.

He will be missed by his long time partner Gail Rous, his sister Mary Mogg (Lloyd), brothers Peter and Philip (Lynn) and their families, and his son Andrew (Sophia) and grandsons Noah and Liam.

A celebration of life and remembrance will be held on September 30, 2023 at 12 pm at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 35 Wood Glen Rd.

Arts & Entertainment

Garnetta Cromwell and DaGroovemasters set to perform at Hope United Church

GARNETTA CROMWELL

and DaGroovemasters will perform at Hope United Church on Saturday, Sept. 30, at 4:30 p.m. as part of the Jazz Vespers concert series.

A bilingual, Afro-Metis Canadian girl, a musical daughter of a sophisticated strong woman; and the youngest of six other talented girls, Cromwell grew up in Montreal.

She watched her mother (Miss Marva Ann) use music to survive, thrive, heal, and grow; and Cromwell used music for the same purpose.

As a child, Cromwell had a hearing impairment making her temporarily deaf; that required surgical treatment to repair. Loving music gave her the lead to survive, the determination to thrive, the peace to heal and a reason to grow.

Cromwell and Dagroovmasters are based out of Hamilton, and are a high energy show band performing blues, classic soul and funk.

Band members are Cromwell – vocals; Mark Howe – bass; Toshihiro Otani –guitar; Juan Arce Manuel –saxophone; and Robin Houston - drums.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Garnetta Cromwell and DaGroovemasters will perform a Jazz Vespers concert series show at Hope United Church on Saturday, Sept. 30.

Hope United Church is located at 2250 Danforth Ave., northwest corner of Main Street.

There is a suggested dona-

tion of $10 for those attending the concert.

For more information on the church, please go to www.hopeunited.ca

Friends of Fiddler’s Green open Acoustic Harvest season on Sept. 23

ACOUSTIC HARVEST will kick off its 26th season of music in southwest Scarborough this Saturday.

Concerts are held at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St. Concerts begin at 8 p.m., and doors open at 7:30 p.m.

This season begins with The Friends of Fiddler’s Green on Saturday, Sept. 23. Concerts for the rest of the 2023/2024 season are as fol-

lows:

• Oct. 21 - The Whiteley Family with Ken & Chris Whiteley and sons Ben & Jesse Whiteley.

• Nov. 18 - To be announced.

• Dec. 9 - A Christmas Carol with John Huston & The MadriGALs.

• Jan. 20- Isabel Fryszberg Trio and Shawna Caspi (TBC).

• Feb. 17 - The Rus-

sell de Carle (Prairie Oyster) Trio.

• Mar. 9 - Legendary Bluesman Guy Davis.

• Apr. 20 - Boreal’s Spring show with Katherine Wheatley, Tannis Slimmon & Angie Nussey.

• May 11 - The Healing Garden Fundraiser featuring: Stephen Fearing.

For more information, please go to www.acousticharvest.ca

The Beach Cares fundraising concert slated

THE BIG Band Music Night fundraiser on Saturday, Oct. 21, will take place in support of The Beach Cares.

Set for Beach United Church from 7 to 10 p.m., the evening will feature vocalists John Amato and Shannon McDougall performing with the 17-piece Toronto All Star Big Band.

The Beach Cares (TBC) is a local church and community organization founded in 2015 to sponsor refugees.

It is a joint project of Beach United Church, The Anglican Church of St. Aidan, and members of the local community. TBC is currently sponsoring a Syrian-Ukrainian couple who arrived in

Toronto in March 2023.

Along with the performances, The Big Band Music Night will also feature a silent auction, gift baskets, door prizes hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar, a dance demo and more. Tickets are $50. To order, please go to https://beachunitedchurch.com/2023/07/ big-band-music-night

Ballet and other forms of dance are good for the both the body and mind

c harriSon Guest Column

My mother is originally from The Philippines, and was a ballet dancer and teacher there, then in San Francisco, before moving to Toronto decades ago and settling in the Beach area after marrying my father. She briefly taught Beginner Adult Ballet classes at the local recreation centre, and later taught ballet dancing to students at a local private school for girls when it was housed in a nearby church.

She sent me to receive my ballet training at Canada’s National Ballet School and

The Royal Winnipeg Ballet School, and I enjoyed participating in many performances as part of a Youth Ensemble. I was thrilled beyond belief when given opportunities to perform small roles onstage with The National Ballet of Canada in my youth while still a student.

Ballet dancing, and body movement in general, are very good for one’s health and there are many local opportunities to take up ballet recreationally and to learn its vocabulary and technique.

The Beach Dance School has been serving the community by providing quality dance training since 2010.

At its current location on Kingston Road near Fallingbrook, dancers of all levels are welcomed by Suha Ozler, Founder and Artistic Director.

Ozler knows well the benefits of classical ballet training, having herself been a ballerina in Istanbul, Turkey, where she performed many classical roles. She now runs the dance school that teaches ballet and other popular dance styles.

“We help students reach their full potential by nurturing a love for the art form, building confidence and self-esteem through physical and mental fitness”.

At Creswell Dance Academy, teachers believe that “ballet fosters flexibility, co-ordination, self-discipline, confidence, and encourages a life-long love of movement and the arts.”

Many attest that love for the arts can help people survive through difficult periods of life as the years roll on, by seeing those creative works as windows into to the human condition or as mirrors reflecting back to us the vagaries and complexi-

ties of the soul.

The art of ballet - which, legend has it, burst forth on the stately French courts of King Louis XIV - now has in its canon a large repertoire of classical and contemporary works that open up insightful views into the tenderness and tormented entanglements of the human heart. Beloved story ballets such as Giselle, Swan Lake, Onegin, La Bayadere, and Washington Square are but a few examples.

For the dance practitioner, the health advantages of dancing are even more numerous.

Stacey-Lea, owner of Beaches Dance and Music Studio on Hannaford Street just north of Kingston Road, said, “It is proven that dancing creates mood boosting [brain] chemicals that can reduce depression and anxiety. Dance can also help improve flexibility, increase stamina, as well as strengthen bones and muscles. Not to mention, dancing is fun!… So whether sitting in your office chair, walking down the street or in a dance class, put a little groove into your movement!”

She also added these words or encouragement: “You are never too young or too old to dance!”

The Creswell Dance Academy also offers classes in dance fitness.

“The Stewart Moracen Dance Fitness offers a variety of adult classes to suit your level and help achieve participants’ goals, from the novice to the experienced trained dancer,” said instructor Steward Moracen, who holds classes in the Creswell Dance Academy studios at Henley Gardens.

If a dance class formulated from a combination of different dance styles is your interest, this might be

right for you. Starting with a basic dance warm up, Moracen makes sure to include a different choreography to finish, which includes all types of dance styles and works the body and the brain. “Dance experience is a plus,” he said.

Natalie Borch of The Pink Studio on Danforth Avenue near Woodbine Avenue, which opened in 2018 and celebrated its fifth year anniversary back in February, said many of their students are folks in their 30s to 50s, who may or may not have had a dance background when they were younger.

In fact, some had never danced before but want to learn a new skill.

“Some were deterred away from dance because even as a young child their body shape didn’t conform,” and so Borch and her studio pride themselves on “welcoming people of all ages, genders, body sizes and abilities” into their ballet classes.

One woman told her that at 60 years old she thought the dream of doing ballet was over.

“But then she found our studio and bought her first ever pair of ballet shoes at 60 years old,” said Borch.

“Especially as we age, ballet not only keeps our bodies strong and our bones dense, but the mental workout of learning choreography is amazing for our brains!”, she added, citing there have been studies on dancing and staving off dementia.

For more on the positive impacts dancing can have on dementia prevention, please see Canada’s National Ballet School-produced short film Dancer Not Dementia on YouTube.

Here is the link for the film: www.youtube.com/ watch?v=gHIh4bFvmIk

Community Centre 55’s annual car show set for Bob Acton Park on Sunday, Oct. 1

COMMUNITY CENTRE 55

will be presenting its annual car show on Sunday, Oct. 1.

The show will take place at Bob Acton Park, 45 William Hancox Ave., which is four blocks east of Main Street and north of Gerrard Street

East. The show runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and admission is free for those wishing to come out to see the classic cars.

A fundraiser for Community Centre 55, the show will feature food and drink sales

for spectators, and prizes for participants who show their cars.

For more info on the car show, including how to enter your car, contact Jade at 416691-1113 or by email at jade@ centre55.com

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

HEALTH

DR. KARIN RUMMELL & ASSOCIATES

OPTOMETRISTS

1914 Queen St. E. (E. of Woodbine) Mon.- Sat. by appointment 416-691-5757

BALSAM DENTAL Family Dentistry * Open 6 days a week * * Evening hours available * New patients always welcome 2200 Queen St. East (at Balsam) 416-691-8555 www.balsamdental.com

BEACHES OPTOMETRY CLINIC

Dr. Linda Chan, Optometrist and Associates 951 Kingston Rd. (West of Victoria Park) 416-691-1991

DR. LINDA WINTER Psychologist Consultations • Therapy

Individuals • Couples Over 20 years experience. Located at Queen & Wheeler 416-691-1071

Dr. Linda Iny Lempert

Psychologist & Psychoanalyst

Individuals & Couples Services disponibles en français Insurance Coverage 47 Main Street (at Lyall Ave) 416-694-4380 www.drlempert.ca

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Tara Shannon

(corner Main) 416 698-6960 tara@tarashannon.ca

WELLNESS missfit.ca

in-home personal trainer 416 888 6465 mimi@missfit.ca

COUNSELLING

Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd Caring Solutions for Life & Relationship Issues 416-694-0232

www.energyawakening.com

Spiritual Counselling

Susan J Katz, M.A.

Spiritual Care Counselling Professional Chaplain Member Can Assoc for Spiritual Care 437-268-5143 susan@susanjkatz.com www.susanjkatz.com

INSURANCE

CHIROPRACTORS

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Bert van Delft Complete financial services for the business owner, manager, entrepreneur & self-employed Corporate and Personal Income Tax Services Bus: 416-270-9898 98 Scarboro Beach Blvd.

William F. Deneault

Chartered Accountant

• Corporate & Personal Tax

• Specializing in small to medium business

• Financial advice 21 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 502 Tel: (416) 962-2186

Kriens LaRose, LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants

• Accounting services for owner-managed businesses.

• Personal and corporation income tax preparation.

• Audit and consulting services for not-for-profit organizations www.krienslarose.com 416-690-6800

Melani Norman CPA, CMA Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes Call 416-471-0337

Emily C. Larimer CPA, CGA BOOKKEEPING & PERSONAL TAX RETURNS INCLUDING TAXES IN ARREARS Call: 416-693-2274 emily@eclarimercpa.com www.eclarimercpa.com

Patrick Ruiz Professional Corporation CPA, CA An accountant you can count on For your Small Business Self-employed income & investments Real Estate Rentals 647-300-4062 • patrick@prtaxcpa.com

Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION

Linda Bronicheski, J.D. 47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com

Shelly Pereira, Paralegal

Commissioner/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation. Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation 647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net

Peter J. Salah Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate 416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca

KAMRULHAFIZAHMED

Janet D’Arcy DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A Queen St. East 416 690-6257 Open Saturdays

John H. BJARNASON, D.C. Chiropractor 1906 Queen St. E. (1 block east of Woodbine) 416-694-2868

BEACHES WELLNESS CENTRE Dr. Johanna Carlo Chiropractic & Registered Massage Therapy 2130 Queen Street East 416-698-7070

Therapy Alliance

Counselling/Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples

In person and virtual sessions available Evening appointments available Phil Robbins, MSW, RSW 647 251-7916 Claire Molloy, MSW, RSW 647 370 9648 1860 Queen St. E. (near Queen/Woodbine) www.therapyalliance.ca

in the comfort of your own home. Dr. Barbara Houghton 647-221-5516

FUNERAL SERVICES

eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.

Life Celebrations.

Leane Besky Insurance Agency Inc. DESJARDINSINSURANCE Auto, Home, Life, Critical Illness, Disability, New & Used Vehicle Loans 2243

Dashwood & Dashwood Barristers & Solicitors

Geoffrey J. Dashwood 961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738

Snider & DiGregorio Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9

Tel: 416-699-0424

Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca

O’Reilly, Moll & Mian Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Public

300 Main Street 416-690-3324

DENISE BADLEY-CASTELLO Barrister, Solicitor, Notary Family • Wills & Estates Real Estate 2069 Danforth Ave. (Woodbine) 416-690-6195 dbadleylaw@rogers.com

KATHRYN WRIGHT

Barrister & Solicitor Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848

2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com

GARRY M. CASS BARRISTER & SOLICITOR, TEP Wills/Estate Administration/Advice to Estate Trustees 416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garry@garrycass.com

INVESTMENT ADVICE & FINANCIAL PLANNING

Michael Haier, CFA, CIM, FCSI Raymond James Ltd. 647-289-7191 michael.haier@raymondjames.ca Honest, affordable advice.

REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.

QUINN Family Law

Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 662 Broadview Ave. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca

ASHBRIDGE’S

HEALTH CENTRE

Dr. Emily Howell & Associates Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Orthotics ashbridgeshealth.janeapp.com 1522 Queen St. E. 416-465-5575 www.ashbridgeshealth.ca

Dr. Joyce Fu Chiropractic • Acupuncture • Yoga Perinatal & Pediatric wellness specialist https://jfuchiropractic.janeapp.com/ 1755 Queen St. E. • 647-271-9020

MASSAGE THERAPY

Kerry Bowser WEDDING OFFICIANT kerry@kerrybowser.com www.kerrybowser.com 416-807-3094 Free

advancedapproaches massage.com

Su Willson, B.MUS, R.M.T. & ASSOC 927 Kingston Rd. (W. of Vic Pk) • Open 7 Days a week • Voted “#1 Spa and Best Massage Therapist in Toronto” 416-694-6767

THERAPY LOUNGE Welcome to our new space! 2152 Queen Street East • Open 7 days per week • Book Online www.therapylounge.ca 416-916-7122

Glover & Associates

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate 416-691-3700 Queen and Hammersmith

Stephen G. King, Architect B. Arch. OAA, MRAIC “Serving the Beach since 1987”

Residential, Restorations, Home Inspections, Commercial, Interiors, Landscapes

COMPLETE PROJECT SERVICES FROM DESIGN THROUGH CONSTRUCTION (416) 694-8181

www.stephenkingarchitect.com

Member Ontario Association of Architects

diane900000@icloud.com www.designINGenuity.ca

URBAN CALM THERAPEUTICS

Stephanie Gage, RMT Kristina Pearsal, RMT 1789 Queen St. East, Unit 6 www.urbancalm.ca 416-698-3157

Jen Goddard, R.M.T. Neville Park Health Group 2455A Queen St. East 416-690-6257

Beach Memories

Banks have played a big role in community life of the Beach

gene DoMagala Beach Memories

When one thinks of the Beach area, you think of parks, the Boardwalk, the water, the sand, recreation, cuisine, and more.

But, dear readers, there is an aspect to the Beach you might not think about at all – and that is the banks in the Beach. They are an historic part of our area, and without them there would be no Beach as we know it.

These “Beach Banks” are responsible for the financial, commercial and personal wellbeing of so many in our community. They have been in our area for about 120 years and here is a short history about them.

There have been many banks in the Beach, and some of their original names and locations have changed. The dominant location for these banks has been in the Kew Beach section of Queen Street East. Lee Avenue and Queen Street East has been a prime location over the years. They have also been at the Beech Avenue and Queen Street

East area of Balmy Beach.

Some of these banks’ names familiar. Names such as Royal Bank, Bank of Montreal, TorontoDominion, Bank of Nova Scotia, Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC), the National Bank are well known. Other names maybe not as much, but there was a Metropolitan Bank and a Home Bank of Canada, and the Imperial Bank of Canada with locations locally at one time.

Here are some of the locations, or former locations, of banks along Queen Street East in the Beach: The Imperial Bank of Canada (later CIBC) at 702 Queen St. E. at

Kingston Road, built in 1924.

Bank of Toronto at 1958 Queen St. E.

The Home Bank of Canada was located at 1963 Queen St. E., at Kenilworth Avenue.

The Dominion Bank was at 2167 Queen St. E. at Lee Avenue, built in 1926.

The Metropolitan Bank was 2046 Queen St. E. at Lee Avenue. It was built in 1906 and amalgamated with the Bank of Nova Scotia in 1914.

The Bank of Montreal at 2234 Queen St. E. at Beach Avenue, built in 1924.

The Royal Bank at 2171 Queen

St. E., at Lee Avenue built in 1950. Some of the local banks are in historic buildings, or the buildings they were once in are historic buildings that are now home to other businesses.

Now I’m curious, dear readers, if you can tell me some of the Beach businesses that are now operating in buildings that used to be banks?

Name me the bank that used to be at the location and the business that is there now. You can send your answers to me care of Beach Metro Community News by sending an email to editor@beachmetro.com or by mail to my attention at Beach Metro Community News, 2196 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON, M4E 2C7.

While leading a group on a recent historic walk along Queen Street East in the Beach, we approached the Scotiabank just east of Hambly Avenue. We were invited into the bank by manager Adele Rozak who has been with the bank for 37 years, many of them as manager of the branch in the Beach.

She has volunteered with her staff for the past several years to speak to seniors at the City of Toronto’s Kew Beach Seniors’ Program, answering questions about finances or banking.

Adele gave us a brief history of the Bank of Nova Scotia, which predates Confederation. The Bank of Nova Scotia was given Royal Assent on March 30, 1832, making it one of the oldest banks in Canada.

The bank has been involved in many aspects of finance and commerce across Canada. In November of 1897, the Bank of Nova Scotia opened its first branch in Toronto – at 40-46 King St. W. From this point on it started building its general offices in Toronto, and spread to other parts of Ontario at a rapid pace.

There were different parts of Toronto where banks were needed, and Kew Beach was no exception. At Queen Street East and Lee Avenue, on the northwest corner, was a small bank called the Metropolitan Bank prior to 1911. The Bank of Nova Scotia with the Metropolitan Bank in 1924.

There are many Scotiabank locations now in East Toronto, but the Beach branch has almost 100 years of history in the community and serving its residents.

That is just one historic account of banks in the Beach. There are many other accounts that can be told, but that’s for another column.

Historically, and financially, yours.

PHOTO: TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARY ARCHIVES

This photo shows the TD Bank & Trust on the southwest corner of Queen Street East and Lee Avenue in 1995. The building is now home to the Coles book store.

Peter Cripps still showing support for local women’s fastball at age 94

By Alan Shackleton

AT THE age of 94, Peter Cripps is still a fixture at the ball diamond at Dieppe Park in East York.

For more than 40 years he has played a key role as a supporter of women’s fastball in the community.

On the night of Tuesday, Sept. 12, he was in his regular spot by the fence watching an East Toronto Women’s Fastpitch Association (ETWFA) playoff game.

“One of the girls I knew, and my cousin, were playing and that’s when I started watching,” Cripps told Beach Metro Community News of how his long-standing association with the league began.

Back then it was called the East York Ladies Softball Association, and Cripps would eventually serve for a time as the association’s president. From 1988 to 2022, he was also the announcer in the booth at Dieppe Park for the games, missing only a couple of them over that almost 35-year time span.

“I just retired,” he said of his decision to no longer serve as field announcer at

the games.

Along with introducing the players and letting fans know who was coming up to bat, one of Cripps’s responsibilities in the earlier days was to call the sports sections of the daily newspapers with the scores of the games after they were finished.

“It was important and the scores would run in the pa-

pers the next day,” he said.

While the crowd at last Tuesday’s game was relatively sparse, they all knew Cripps and chatted and said hello to him.

Cripps said back in the earlier days of the East York league, the ballpark would be full of fans for the women’s games on Tuesday and

Continued on Page 21

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Peter Cripps catches an East Toronto Women’s Fastpitch Association playoff game at Dieppe Park last Tuesday evening.

Fun at the Danforth East Arts Fair

Notice of Commencement of a Screening and Invitation to a Virtual Public Meeting

Portlands Energy Centre Upgrades

Atura Power is planning to make efficiency upgrades at its Portlands Energy Centre (PEC)

Project Description

PEC has operated since 2009 in the City of Toronto on the site of the former Richard L. Hearn Generating Station on Villiers Island It’s capable of outputting 550 megawatts (MW) to Ontario’s electricity grid.

The upgrades will be limited to replacing parts of the existing natural gas fired combustion turbines with more efficient parts during a regular maintenance cycle and will result in an increase in output capacity to 600 MW All upgrades will take place within the existing facility and there will be no changes or expansion beyond the existing PEC footprint.

Atura Power is committed to building a resilient electricity grid in Ontario and is working to address the energy supply shortfall, identified by the Independent Electricity System Operator, that Ontario will experience in the near future. The planned efficiency upgrades to PEC are part of Atura Power’s efforts to address this supply gap and to make energy production more efficient and affordable.

Environmental Screening Process

Since the project will result in a 50 MW increase in output capacity of PEC, it’s subject to the Environmental Screening Process for Electricity Projects pursuant to Ontario Regulation 116/01, under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act This Notice is issued to communicate the start of the Environmental Screening Process.

Virtual Public Meeting

Date: Thursday, October 5, 2023

Women’s fastball championship game set for tonight at Dieppe Park

‘Peter’ from Page 19 Thursday nights. “There were lots of teams and lots of fans,” he remembered.

The same held true for the men’s fastball games that would be played on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the park. “It was very popular and there were some very good players among the ladies and the men,” said Cripps.

“I was the announcer up in the booth and there would be good crowds out. Some nights the place was just packed,” he remembered.

Looking far younger than his age, Cripps has lived not too far from Dieppe Park for the past 29 years and often walks over to watch the games.

On the night he met with Beach Metro, though, he had taken the bus since there was a possibility of rain later that night.

“I go to the gym four days

a week. I’ve been doing so for 40 years. That helps keep me in good shape,” he said.

An East Ender through and through, Cripps grew up in the Jones and Danforth avenues area and attended Earl Grey Public School. He didn’t go to high school afterwards but later took a correspondence course to earn his diploma.

“I got 49 As and one B-plus over the five years of the course. The B-plus was on the last course. I can’t complain about that. It was pretty darn good,” he said of the high school courses he took by correspondence.

Cripps worked for years at a local paint company before he retired.

Along with his involvement with women’s softball, Cripps also enjoys watching other sports including hockey and football.

“I cut out the TV at my apartment, but I will some-

times go to a restaurant or bar to watch sports, especially hockey and football,” he said. “I always watch the Super Bowl and the Grey Cup.”

Sports and recreation has always been a big part of life for Cripps in the East Toronto community.

Along with the fastball, he would also take part in fivepin bowling and play pool along the Danforth.

“Years ago on the Danforth there was a big pool hall and I would go there every once in a while to pick up some money,” he said.

Local sports fans are invited to say hello to Cripps at tonight’s (Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 8 p.m.) ETWFA playoff championship game at Dieppe Park on Cosburn Avenue. He’ll be there cheering on The Cannons and the Mavericks as they compete for the title. Currently the ETWFA has five teams and 70 players.

Project Contacts

How to Join

Time: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time

Project webpage: aturapower.com/portlandsupgrade

Atura Power is committed to engaging with Indigenous communities, the public and other interested parties on all our projects. We invite you to attend an upcoming virtual public meeting to learn more and provide feedback. You can access the link to join the public meeting on the project webpage. If you are unable to participate, meeting materials will be posted on the project webpage for review following the meeting.

Please email your questions or comments to portlandsupgrade@aturapower.com

Pet Memorials Honouring Beloved Companions

Ferris 2008-2023

Ferris came into our lives on August 29, 2008 and he left August 31, 2023. My precious little baby boy. My sugar pile. My rump roast. Mr. Stinky. The most beautiful cat I ever saw with my own two eyes.

Conceived in Scarborough, raised on Hammersmith Avenue in The Beaches and Westlake Avenue in East York, Ferris made an impression on everyone he met because in many ways he was not a nice cat. He despised meeting new people. We were invited not to return to several veterinary clinics in the East End. The only note on his file at the vet who had the guts to take him on was “Difficult”.

It took him five years to sleep on our laps. It took about ten years to truly be able to call him affectionate. We loved him, pet him, kissed him, brushed him, snuggled him, and rubbed his velvety paws for every second he would let us. He loved stealing a taste of old fashion plain donuts, butter tart pastry, potato chips, popcorn, Budweiser, and the first few sips of water you just poured for yourself. He would also yell at you to get out of the shower so he could have a slurp in the tub.

He was an indoor cat most of his life but as of this Spring he loved sitting outside on our little porch for hours at a time.

He had a rough summer. On the morning of August 31, he made his way to the door as quick as he could and died with purpose on our little porch shortly thereafter. We loved him, pet him, kissed him, snuggled him, and rubbed his velvety paws for every second.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

To celebrate his 90th birthday in 2019, the East Toronto Women’s Fastpitch Association presented Peter Cripps with this framed photo honouring his decades of being the announcer for games at Dieppe Park.

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Youngsters create crafts while attending the Danforth East Arts Fair at East Lynn Park on Saturday. The annual fair took place on both Saturday and Sunday at the park.

C

L A S S I F I E D S

Ads are available in two sizes: WORD AD BLOCK AD

(includes HST) for the first 20 words, plus 35¢ each extra word.

SCRAP CARS

Call me

416-521-6287

Who has the time to clean anymore?

I have the time, so give me a call.

1.5” wide x 1” deep (includes HST)

Contact: carolin@beachmetro.com or 416-698-1164 x 22 Ads must be paid for at time of placement. Classified ads also appear on our website: www.beachmetro.com The advertiser is responsible for checking the accuracy of the advertisement after the first insertion.

or Deadline for October 3 is September 25

Announcement

SCARBOROUGH BLUES

Basketball U 17 boys

ATTENTION PARENTS / PLAYERS

The opportunity of a lifetime!

Be a part of a winning basketball club this season!

Contact immediately: Coachdrewsba@gmail.com (13)

Think you can’t sing? We’ll prove you wrong, and you’ll love it! East of the Don Chorus is a non-audition community choir. Rehearsals start 7:30pm September 21st at 1774 Queen St E. If you are interested in joining us, visit our website to learn more eastofthedonchorus.ca (13)

Lost & Found

Lost: The Perfect Hat! Beige women’s canvas hat, strap with oval leather pull. Not new but oh, it fits perfectly! Lost on Labour Day somewhere between Beaches Cafe and south on Mclean around Bonfield. lauriebryant201@gmail.com (13)

Personal Care

SUPPORT 416-800-2812

info@computer-assist.ca www.computer-assist.ca (18r)

Apartment/

Home for Rent

LANDLORDS For Peace of Mind Call Harding & King R.E. Services Inc. Brokerage We make owning real estate & being a Landlord painless, easy &

We Pay Top Dollar For Unwanted CARS, VANS, TRUCKS & SUVs FREE TOW in 2 HRS • 24/7 (13r)

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Employment

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PERSONAL OFFICE ASSISTANT NEEDED Social Media skills required to assist landlord/real estate investor with simple date entry. Typing; tenant interaction; PC laptop required; car an asset. Please phone after 10 a.m. 416-873-5194 (13)

Looking for pianist to accompany local community choir. Weekly gig, paid. Lovely people. Contact Sheilabb@rogers.com (13.)

Commercial

Out-of-Country Property Sale

INVESTMENT ADVICE & FINANCIAL PLANNING

General Services

416-264-1495

CELL 416-567-4019 (13r)

MR. FIX-IT

PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS 20+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work. Randall 416-450-0599 torontomrfixit@gmail.com (17r)

Peter the Handyman

INDOOR / OUTDOOR

General repairs: Drywall / Caulking / Painting / Decks / Fences

Odd jobs: Fixtures, TV, Shelf & Picture install / Furniture assembly (IKEA)... & much more!

Call/text Peter 416 577 4252 (13)

Well Trained Handy Husband

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WITH PICK-UP TRUCK

For light moves/deliveries, junk removal, cleanups, etc. Efficient. Best rates.

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HANDYMAN / HELPER

Garage Cleanups & Junk Removal

Other various jobs 20 yrs exp. Quality work. Good prices. Call Greg 437 230-4824 (13)

BCM Junk Removal

Friendly, Efficient & Affordable ALL Junk & Renovation Debris Light Demo Landscape Cleanup Call anytime! Blake 416 873 0205 (10/24)

LESTER

Strong Man – Handy Man 437 553 1259 lesterflex21@gmail.com (13)

Pet Services

Kuri K9 Massage I am a mobile Certified Canine and Feline Massage Therapist working in the Toronto area since 2013. I offer Swedish massage and other massage therapies and modalities to your fur babies in the comfort of your home. Phone/Text 416-471-3955 kurik9massage.com (13)

Pest Control

RACCOON CONTROL

Humane removal of raccoons and babies from ATTICS, DECKS, PORCHES, GARAGES, SHEDS WWW.RACCOONCONTROL.CA

647-557-7932 (22/24)

SQUIRREL REMOVAL

We remove squirrels in a humane way from attics, walls, sheds, decks, etc. 647-496-0815

www.SquirrelControl.ca (22/24)

PEST

CONTROL

• Mice • Cockroaches • Rats

• Bed Bugs • Ants • Wasps

• Centipedes • Spiders • more THEEXTERMINATORS.CA 647-496-2211 (22/24)

GOT BEDBUGS? CALL PESTZERRO.CA

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Cleaning Services

HEALTHY HOME CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

• Bio-degradable, non-allergenic products used

• Drying time 3-4 hours

EXTREME CLEANING

I provide excellent cleaning services for residential homes and condos.

Contact Martha @

Cell: 647-206-1415 (13.)

EUROPEAN

CLEANING LADIES

offer complete and thorough cleaning service for your house • office • condo

Call Ilona 416-427-3815 (13$)

Shine & Sparkle

Home & Office Cleaning Solutions

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Family Owned & Operated (13.)

Fresh Housekeeping

Home Cleaning Service in the East End 647-878-6432

DirtStandsNoChance@gmail.com

Family Owned and Operated

www.FreshHousekeeping.ca (19)

Music

Beaches Suzuki School of Music

We share our love of music using the Suzuki Method by providing gentle encouragement, inspiration, and musicianship in Violin and Piano.

Online teaching available Ines 416 726 5729 (13r)

THE TWO FOURS

Rockin’ Roots & Retro Revival Party

Good Time Music, Every Time Book your fall or winter party or event now.

thetwofours@eol.ca • 416-690-5442 https://facebook.com/thetwofoursband

Tutoring

HELP WITH MATH & ENGLISH call ALBERTO 416 690 9389 for

• COVID CATCH-UP •

• in-depth homework/test help •

• essay-writing + study skills •

• numeracy + literacy support •

INDIV/GRP TUITION IN YOUR HOME

QUALIFIED + EXPERIENCED TEACHER, K-12

PROVEN SUCCESS - REFS AVAILABLE (13r)

Head Start Tutors

One on One Tutoring Grades 3-12 Keeping the Love of Learning Alive

In-person & Virtual Tutoring Available

www.headstarttutors.ca

416-272-9589 • hstarttutors@gmail.com

Proudly serving the Beach for over 25 years

Neil Bennett B.Ed./OCT • Sally Vickers B.Ed./OCT (13r)

THE STUDY STUDIO

Individualized tutoring and programs for grades 3-12 in all subjects. Proven success with thousands of Beach area students for 20 years. On Kingston Rd. just east of Vic Park

Andrew English B.Ed. 416-690-6116 www.thestudystudio.com (13r)

French Language for Kids/ Adults-French Tutoring

Recently retired from the Public French School Board CS Viamonde (GTA) : 20 years in classroom and 8 years as a Curriculum

Consultant SE. References available.

Call Helene 647-850-6160 (15)

Garden & Tree

SPACE

Space for Rent OFFICE

McArthur & Son Business Centre Air conditioning, boardroom, kitchen area, copier, etc. Individual offices from $425/mth. 577-579 Kingston Rd. @ Main St. Paul McArthur 416-821-3910 pmcarthur577@gmail.com www.mcarthurbusinesscentre.com (r)

UPPER BEACHES OFFICE SPACE Ideal for medical professionals, lawyers or accountants 416-690-2880 (r)

Catering to small jobs around your home that others won’t do! Reliable & trustworthy with returning happy customers. $60 hour, one hour minimum. Call, email or text to discuss.

Glenn 416-709-2930 superglenn@bell.net (13r)

CTD Handyman Services

General repairs indoor/outdoor. Drywall, painting, carpentry, pressure washing. Demolition and waste removal. Call or text: 647-336-8030 (.)

• Bonded, insured, certified Free At Home Estimates! Call 416-783-3434 (23/24)

RILEYS’ WINDOW CLEANING

A family business since 1956

Window & Eaves Cleaning

Gutter Filter Installation 416 421-5758

rileyswindowcleaning.com (r)

BEACHES LAWN MAINTENANCE LAWN CUTTING

416 414 5883 info@blpm.ca (13r)

BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

-Lawn Cutting

-Spring/Fall Property Clean-Ups

-Hedge Trimming 416-414-5883 info@blpm.ca (r)

Beach Lawn Care

LAWN CUTTING SERVICES

*STARTING AT $20

416-691-8503

beachlawncare2020@gmail.com

Lord of the Stone

MASTER PLUMBER PLUMBER CONTRACTOR

Fully licensed & insured.

Lic #T94

George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872 (r)

ATLANTIS PLUMBING

& DRAINS •Heating & Mechanical

•Sprinklers •Complete Renovations •Boilers Repairs

•Radiators •Improve water service 24 Hr Service

LICENSED 416-265-4558

Cell 416-727-1595 (12.)

Scotstone

Electricians

LOCAL ELECTRICIAN

Fault Finding Knob & Tube Rewiring Service upgrades Insurance certificates GREEN

BEACH HILL

Roofers

LANIGAN’S

Roofing & Aluminum

An honest family service in the heart of The Beaches www.laniganscontracting.ca 416-569-2181 (r)

THOSE ROOFERS

Don’t call them, call those roofers ALL TYPES OF ROOFS - Shingles & Flats- Repair & Tune ups - Cedar & Slate - Re-roofs & new work Doug 416-871-1734 Jeff 647-686-8103 Lic - Insured • Free Estimate (r)

ROOFING & SIDING?

SOLUTION!

Flat and Shingle Roofs Re-roofing, Repair Eavestrough, Soffit & Fascia Workmanship Guaranteed Gus: 416-910-8033 (13r)

TORONTO ROOFING

INDUSTRIES LTD.

Local • Reliable • Professional Servicing the beach for 18 years. 416 694 0906 torontoroofingindustries.com (13r)

CANADIAN CONTRACTORS Shingles • Flats Roof Repairs • Metal Work

Eavestroughing & Siding

Waterproofing • Since 1984 Met. Lic. B-16-964 Steve 416-285-0440 • 416-605-9510 (13.)

Beach Co Roofing Flat Roofing

647-309-8056 (13r)

PERFECT

Handyman Available 416-322-7692 warren_gamey@yahoo.com (14r)

ALL PERFECT PAINTING

• Interior & Exterior Painting

• Deck & Fence Staining

• Drywall & Plaster Repairs

We us low VOC or No VOC Paints

Over 33 years of excellence. References. Mike 647.456.3666 AllPerfectPainting@gmail.com (21/24)

BEACHCOMBERS

GC Painting

All work 100% guaranteed Beachcombersgc.ca 416-910-6302 (13)

Plumbers

BEACH PLUMBING

691-3555 50 years in the Beach (r)

NEIGHBOURHOOD

647-404-7139 patrickj480@gmail.com (8/24)

TOM DAY Plumbing

(13r)

K. R. ROOFING

All types of Roofing

Eavestrough & Siding

Over 40 years in the east end. Martin 416 579-6534 (13r)

ROOFING, REPAIRS

C-STAR

specialists” 416-826-3918 John www.mgcunderpinning.com maximumgen@gmail.com

MET# B16348 Since 1998 (13r)

Beaches Brickworks

• brick restoration

• arches, lintels & sills

• openings & enclosures

CHIMNEY SPECIALISTS

416 988-2589 danielmccaf@gmail.com (13r)

S.A.C Masonry

Brick, Block, Stone, Chimneys, Concrete, and all masonry repairs

Call Sergio 416 873 9936(13)

CJ DRYWALL & PAINTING

Professional drywall and plaster work. Renovation and Repair. Very clean. No job too small. Call C.J. 647 222 5338 (13.)

BEACHES HANDY WORKS

Dedicated precise worker.

J.

All your build and repairs. Indoor or outdoor: dry-wall, flooring, built-in, landscaping, interlocking, sheds, fences, decks, etc. at a reasonable price!

Call Hamid at 647-300-2462 (14r)

JDB MASONRY

• Brick / Foundation

• Concrete / Stone

• Chimney & Parging

Restoration & Build www.jdbuild.ca 416-738-2119 (13r)

BRICK SPECIALIST

Masonry & brickwork. Experts at matching existing brick. New builds, tuckpointing, colour matching, parging. Stone & Block. Call Scott @ Scotstone 416.858.2452 scotstonecontracting@gmail.com (15)

Can Pro Mechanical

Heating cooling service & install Hvac ductwork

Furnace, boiler, hydronics

Large and small jobs 416 606 4719 (13r)

BLANK SLATE RENOVATIONS

Kitchens & bath, basement apts, doors, trim, crown molding, shelving, paint, drywall repair, tile, hardwood, fences, decks, interlock and more. Lic. & Ins. 416.274.5929 (13r)

KEW BEACH

GENERAL CONTRACTING Kitchens - Bathrooms Basements - Doors, Windows Garages - Fences, Decks

For all your reno needs, no job too small. Metro lic 416 824-7901 (13..)

ALANO TILE & RENO

• Expert Installation of Porcelain, Marble, Mosaic

• Over 25