“Our family helping your family”
We have been serving the Scarborough community like family since 1986!
ALL-WEATHER DRIVE EVENT
welcome to uncommon value
™
• Symmetrical Full-Time AWD • X-MODE® for extra traction • Award-winning safety features • Symmetrical Full-Time AWD • Excellent fuel-efficiency • Award-winning safety features
Volume 51 No. 6
BEACHMETRO.COM
May 17, 2022
SCARBORO SUBARU • 2590 EGLINTON AVE E. SCARBOROUGH ON M1K 2R5 • 416-265-4411
SCAROROSUBARU.CA
Thanks to our Beach Metro Community News volunteers!
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Beach Metro Community News held a Volunteer Carrier Appreciation Day on Saturday, May 7, in honour of our many volunteers who help deliver the paper in the community. We asked them to come out to the baseball diamonds beside Ted Reeve Arena for a 50th anniversary photo and were thrilled by the turnout. Thank you so much to our volunteers for the great work you do.
Safety plans made for Victoria Day weekend By Alan Shackleton
WITH THE Victoria Day long weekend approaching, the City of Toronto and Toronto Police Service are making plans to ensure community safety on and around the Woodbine Beach area. Last year’s Victoria Day long weekend was marred by large, rowdy crowds in the Woodbine Beach area who were setting off fireworks into the early morning hours. Part of that may have been a boiling over of frustration among people who had nowhere to go due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic restrictions that saw most nightclubs, bars and other facilities either closed or operating under tight restrictions. Also, for the past two years the
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS 50TH ANNIVERSARY 1972•2022
SAFETY
back the gathering after a long two years of celebrating apart.” Bradford encouraged everyone attending events over the long weeked to respect the public spaces by not littering, following noise bylaws, and not setting off fireworks illegally. “In light of last year’s events, we are taking proactive steps this year to have our Beach and Beach goers remain protected while we all take part in the joy of the warmer months. This includes having an increased litter collection, additional lighting, enhanced Toronto Bylaw and 55 Division (Toronto police) enforcement for the area.” Toronto police told Beach Metro Community News a variety of resources will be in the area to ensure safety over the long weekend. “Residents are reminded that fireworks in City parks and on beaches is prohibited, and could result in fines,” police said. Setting off fireworks on private property is allowed without a permit only on Victoria Day and Canada Day.
A PROVINCIAL candidates’ meeting for the Beaches-East York riding is slated for the evening of Monday, May 30. Presented by the Balmy Beach Residents Association, Community Centre 55 and Beach Metro Community News, the meeting will take place at Kingston Road United Church from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Moderator for the event will be Alan Carter from Global News. Along with the in-person meeting, the event will also be livestreamed through Facebook. (For specific details on how to access the livestream, please visit the Beach Metro Community News website at www.beachmetro.com later next week.) The May 30 event is for representatives of the four major political parties in Ontario, and the candidates for the Green, Liberal, NDP
and Progressive Conservative parties have been invited to take part. Those attending in person are reminded that it is the policy of Kingston Road United Church that masks must be worn by everyone but the candidates and the moderator. The discussion will be led by moderator Carter and will include questions submitted in advance to Beach Metro Community News. Please send your questions to editor Alan Shackleton at alan@ beachmetro.com Questions from the floor by audience members will not be a part of this meeting. Candidates will also be given time for opening and closing remarks as part of the event. Kingston Road United Church is located at 975 Kingston Rd. Election Day in Ontario is on Thursday, June 2.
TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES
Y LEAKF? ROO QUALITY
City of Toronto fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay Park did not take place due to the pandemic. Some said the absence of an official fireworks display that people could gather to watch led to the increase in bad behaviour among the crowds who were setting off their own fireworks in a reckless manner and endangering others. This year, the city’s display at Ashbridges Bay is back for the night of Victoria Day (Monday, May 23.) It will begin at 10 p.m. sharp and is expected to last about 15 minutes. Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford said he is looking forward to the return of the city’s traditional Victoria Day display. “I know many of us are eager to get out and enjoy our public spaces and events once again, including the annual Victoria Day fireworks display held by the City at Woodbine Beach,” he said. “I too am excited to welcome
Beaches-East York candidates’ meeting set for night of May 30
YOUR LOCAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR Above all, you want the very best!
416-694-0906
torontoroofingindustries.com
PERFORMANCE
EEns FsR pectio
In
PRIDE
2
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Obituary The perfect balance between your life's philosophy & your budget
By Alan Shackleton
647.660.5056 24/7
eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.
ecofuneral.ca
Proudly serving The Beach • Leslieville • Riverdale
Become
a
BEACH METRO
TER SUPPOR
Scan this QR code to find out how.
www.beachmetro.com/support /BeachMetroNews @beachmetronews #beachmetro
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith M.P. Beaches-East York info@beynate.ca
416.467.0860 Helping clients achieve their Real Estate dreams for over 30 years
SCOTT LYALL Lifetime Achievement Award
c 416.464.0060 o 416.699.9292
LONGTIME BEACH resident Dianne Shelton is being remembered for her art, her involvement in the dog-walking community and her outgoing, friendly personality. Shelton died last month at the age of 79. She had been involved with the Beach Studio Tour, which opens the homes and studios of local artists to the community, for more than 25 years and had served as its co-chair for a number of years. Ruth Hayes got to know Shelton through their connection as artists and dog walkers. “She was just so wonderful. Everybody loved her. She was a real creative spirit,” said Hayes of Shelton. “She was a very kind and generous person. She was always reaching out to people and always so friendly when she would meet people with her dog. She always loved to hug people.” Shelton enjoyed meeting people, either through her art and opening her home and studio on the tour or on her dog walks in the Beach, said her longtime partner Asma Khan. “She knew everybody. People would meet her on the beach walking the dog or at the studio tours,” said Khan. Shelton was born in the Willowdale area in 1943 and she attended Hollywood Public School and Earl Haig High School.
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Longtime artist Dianne Shelton was a member of the Beach Studio Tour and an avid dog walker. After high school she took a job as a commercial artist with Crown Life but later moved on to become an “air hostess” with Air Canada in the 1960s. It was at Air Canada where Shelton and Khan met Shelton worked for Air Canada for 37 years, said Khan, and was always a strong defender of the rights of the women who worked as flight attendants. She played a key role in making sure that women were able to work as pursers (chief flight attendant or air crew manager), which had been a job that only men were allowed to do when she first started with the airline. “She loved to fly and travel and in the early days they would go on such long flights,” said Khan. “They’d be gone for nine or ten days and go from Toronto to London to Bombay to Singa-
pore.” Shelton’s paintings have been described as bright and bursting with colour, and Khan said she felt they were inspired or connected to her love of flying and how she saw the world in many ways. “Her art is about the elevation and overlooking what she saw. I always thought they had a sense of seeing the view from the point of takeoffs and landings,” said Khan. Hayes said Shelton’s works were “very bright and vivid, colourful paintings and large abstracts.” “She had a very acute sense of colour…Colour was her forte in her paintings,” said Khan. Shelton also created sculptures and worked with kids in art therapy programs. “She loved every form of art and would always encourage people to take part
and get involved in art,” said Khan. Along with her passion for flying, art and dogs, Shelton also loved living in the Beach (on Fernwood Park Avenue close to the lake for some 40 years) where she could be near the water. Shelton and Khan would spend many summers in the Wasaga Beach area, which Shelton had a family connection to. “We spent a lot of time in the summer at Wasaga Beach, and she would do a lot of painting there. Wasaga was a very familiar area to her. Both there and living in the Beach she felt she had to be near water,” said Khan. A memorial service for Shelton was held on May 11 at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church in the Beach. She is sadly missed by her many friends, neighbours and family members.
LISTEN TO DESMOND'S PODCAST For real stories with real people about Toronto real estate.
Hall of Fame Member
Hallmark Realty Ltd. 2277 Queen Street East
Spectacular Prime Beach Condo Approximately 1700 sq ft of exceptional design and quality in this spacious and bright 3 bedroom condo. Features include south-facing balcony, �ireplace, parking, locker, 6 piece ensuite master bath with heated �loors, loads of built-ins, top quality Miele appliances including bar fridge, and motorized blinds throughout. This is a must see! $1,799,000. Call Scott Lyall for a private appointment.
TWO UNITS SOLD AT 160 FALLINGBROOK ROAD Units 206 and 306 were both sold in multiple offer situations. We have buyers waiting to get into this fabulous boutique building. There is also great demand for condos in the Queen and Kingston Road corridors. If you're thinking of selling or know someone who is, get in touch with us !
Fabulous 1 Bedroom + Den Condo with 1.5 baths. Bright and airy. Great �loor plan with 9’ smooth ceilings and multiple pot lights. Parking and locker. $769,000
The Desmond Brown Team
|
Dianne Shelton remembered for her contributions to Beach Studio Tour, love of dog walking and friends
YOUR PARTNER IN PROSPERITY
TOP 1% PRODUCER IN TORONTO REAL ESTATE BOARD
Ebony Murphy | Jennifer Scaife | Desmond Brown 416-568-1242 | InThe6ixRealEstate.com | des@desmondbrown.ca Not intended to solicit anyone under agent contract.
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
3
Malvern C.I. cenotaph marks 100th anniversary By David Fuller
ONE HUNDRED years ago this month, on May 19, 1922, the Beach community gathered to dedicate a memorial to 25 alumni of Malvern Collegiate Institute killed in the First World War. It was a ceremony being repeated all across Canada as communities large and small honoured the sacrifice of those who fell in what was then the greatest conflict in history – “The Great War”. On May 24, 2022, the community will gather again to mark the 100th anniversary of the dedication of the cenotaph. An outdoor ceremony beginning at 10 a.m. will feature local dignitaries, guest speakers and students reading out the names of the men whose names adorn the base of the statue, along with performances by the Malvern band and choir. A live stream of the event will also be broadcast to students in their classrooms. The students, alumni and staff of Malvern organized a fundraising campaign in 1921 and the committee in charge
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
This archive photo shows the dedication ceremony for the war memorial cenotaph in front of Malvern Collegiate on May 19, 1922. chose a design by Emanuel Hahn, noted Canadian sculptor, from Toronto’s Thomson Monument Co. A twin of the memorial was also chosen by the town of Alvinston, Ontario, and the existence of that duplicate made it possible to restore the Malvern monument in 2011, including reattaching the broken right hand of the young man and replacing the sword he held, which had been stolen years earlier. Since that restoration, vandals again attacked the memorial, scraping off some of the lettering of men’s names and stealing the sword in two
separate incidents. The event on May 24 will also serve as the launch of a new campaign to repair the monument and upgrade security measures to ward off future vandals. This project will not be a full restoration, which was done in 2011, but will include sculpting a new sword and replacing some of the handcrafted lead lettering that was damaged when vandals climbed on it. Members of the community are welcome to attend and those interested can RSVP by visiting the Malvern Red & Black Society website.
TORONTO’S PREMIER INDOOR GOLF FACILITY Located at 1400 O’Connor Drive units 6 and 7
Go to www.gamergolf.ca/ and book your time!
NOW 2021 ICE READERS CHO
#1EST TORONTO B
BURGER
5
$
.99
100% CANADIAN BEEF BURGERS 6oz
All Da y Br TOAS eakfast WES TED PEAM TERN EAL B & EG ACON ON G ACE B AKE $3.99RY BUNS REUN IO COFF N ISLAND EE $1 .25
OPEN Victoria Day 11am - 8pm of
NOW MAGAZINE 2021
READERS CHOICE WINNER #1
• • •
oad 884 Kingston R 647-484-4488 om eat1.c www.fearlessm •
OPEN D1 aAm I-L8 Ypm
#1 #1
BEST TORONTO BURGER BEST CHEAP EATS UNDER $10 BEST SERVER DAVID BROWN AND RUNNER-UP BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT
1
DELIVERY AVAILABLE: UBER EATS DOORDASH SKIP THE DISHES
Specials available in store only.
Lester’s old-fashioned hand-sliced Montreal Smoked Beef Brisket on Rye or Ace Bakery Bun
$9.99 / Junior Size $5.99
Old Fashioned Milkshakes $3.49
BRUNCH in the
BEACH
$3.99 Serious Breakfast Sandwiches on Ace Bakery Buns ~ Western ~ Bacon & Egg ~ Peameal Bacon & Egg ~ Egg & Cheese ~ BLT ~ Breakfast Size Peameal Bacon St. Lawrence Market Style
Gift Certificates •••••
$5 and $10 Perfect for Lunches!
We reserve the right to limit quantities.
ORDER ONLINE
and save time: www.fearlessmeat1.com
Due to Covid causing supplier issues, different food brands may be temporarily substituted.
4
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
41SIX volleyball teams win pair of Ontario golds YOUR LOCAL NEIGHBOUR & REALTOR
First-Class Service, Exceptional Results Expertly guiding you through the selling and buying process to achieve your real estate objectives.
LET’S WORK TOGETHER.
www.bradenwhite.com Braden White Sales Representative 416-294-3776 braden@chestnutpark.com
Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited Christie’s International Real Estate Not intended to solicit individuals currently under contract with another brokerage.
Story idea? News tip? Let us know! /BeachMetroNews @beachmetronews #beachmetro
www.beachmetro.com
THE 41SIX Volleyball Club, based out of the Beach, recently won a pair of Ontario championships. Both the girls Under-13 and the girls Under-15 teams won gold medals at the Ontario Volleyball 2nd Division finals recently. The non-profit 41SIX club launched locally in 2019 under the direction of owner Neil Bolton. Most of the club’s players are Beach based with participants practicing in local schools such as Malvern Collegiate, Neil McNeil Catholic High School, Duke of Connaught Public School and St. Patrick Catholic High School. Though COVID-19 has taken a toll on many youth sports programs, especially those that take place indoors, the 41SIX club was able to get in a partial season this year with eight teams, more than 90 players and 20 coaches. All of the teams took part in the Ontario championships. Other highlights from this season included the introduction of a Grade 12 Coaching Mentorship Program for local students who wanted to be involved and gain some additional volleyball experiences. Participants in the mentorship program were from Malvern and Riverdale
collegiates, and Neil McNeil. The 41SIX club works in conjunction with Triple Crown Volleyball, which has provided grassroots volleyball clinics out of Neil McNeil
for the past 10 years under the leadership of Dave Egan. There will be beach volleyball after-school clinics offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays in May and
June at the Ashbridges Bay courts. For more information on the 41SIX Volleyball Club, please go to www.41sixvolleyball.com
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Girls teams from the Beach-based 41SIX Volleyball Club recently won gold medals at the Ontario Volleyball 2nd Division championships. Above photo is the Under-13 team. Photo below is the Under-15 team.
Nature Stewards sought for local parks DOLY BEGUM SCARBOROUGH SOUTHWEST
KATE DUPUIS BEACHESEAST YORK
Increasing Affordability and Lowering the Cost of Living Affordable Housing for All and Accessible Social Housing Safer Classrooms and Quality Childcare Better Healthcare for Ontarians Dignified and Culturally Appropriate Seniors' Care Protecting the Environment and Creating More Jobs A Better Transit System and Safer Roads
416-421-6066 www.dolybegum.com info@dolybegum.com @dolybegum @dolybegumssw 2279 Kingston Rd, Scarborough, ON M1N 1T8
647-479-4080 www.beykate.ca info@beyndp.ca @DrKateTO 2108 Danforth Ave Toronto, ON M4C 1J9
Paid for and authorized by the CFO of the Doly Begum Campaign/Scarborough Southwest NDP/Beaches-East York NDP
THE TORONTO Nature Stewards are looking forward to another successful season, and seeking volunteers locally. “We are looking for more volunteers to remove invasive and mostly non-native plants under the supervision of qualified Lead Stewards from Ashbridges Bay Park, Glen Stewart Park and the entrance to Glen Stewart Ravine at Balsam Avenue,” said Clyde Robinson, of the Ashbridges Bay Nature Stewards in a recent note to Beach Metro Community News. “Stewardship activities run weekly from April to November. What a great way to improve our environment.” Those wishing to volunteer to help at Glen Stewart Park can meet on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. Those taking part are asked to meet at the park entrance on Balsam Avenue. The Nature Stewards will begin their work in Ashbridges Bay Park this month For more information on
how to become a Toronto Nature Steward, please go to https://torontonaturestewards.org Slobberfest slated for the Beach on May 28 COMMUNITY CENTRE 55 invites residents to pack up the pooch and head down to Slobberfest on Saturday, May 28. The fun will take place at the Leuty Pavilion on the Boardwalk, at the foot of Leuty Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is a fundraiser for Community Centre 55 and features activities for dogs, their owners, and also displays by vendors. For more info, including on becoming a vendor, call Jade 416-691-1113, ext. 224. The Flame Eternal concert set for May 27 THE FLAME Eternal, a Musical Meditation for Peace, Love and Understanding concert will take place on Friday, May 27, at Kingston Road United Church. Start time is 7:30 p.m. The church is located at 975 Kingston Rd.
Written and produced by guitarists Mark Battenberg, the concert will feature Shakuhachi flute master Debbie Danbrook, cellist Kendra Grittani and violinist Xueao Yang. The evening will be narrated by Heidi Battenberg. The concert is free, but those attending are asked to bring a non-perishable food item for food bank donation. Those attending are also asked to wear a mask. Food bank reopens at Calvary Baptist THE FOOD bank at the Grace Pascoe Care Centre will be reopening for the East Toronto community later this month. Starting on May 26, the food bank will be open Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9 p.m. The centre is located at Calvary Baptist Church, 72 Main St. Those attending are asked to enter through the back doors off the parking lot. Clients will be required to register as Daily Bread Food Bank users. For more info call, 416-691-4721.
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Volunteers overcome obstacles to continue serving lunches locally for those in need By Jean Cochrane
WHEN THE COVID pandemic started, a group of Beach volunteers shared a problem. They had to find a way to go on serving free lunches to people who need them, as they have been doing for over 20 years. Their hosts, four churches and a synagogue, shared their problem among others. They provide kitchens and dining spaces as well as funding. The volunteers are part of the Beach Interfaith Outreach Committee and represent the Beach United Church, the Beach Hebrew Institute, Corpus Christi Roman Catholic Church, and St. Aidan’s Anglican Church with help from St. Nicholas Birch Cliff Anglican Church. Each of them provides lunch on one weekday. Kim Van Roy, Drop-In Coordinator, explained that, in
normal times, “It’s not just to help people who are struggling, it has always been to provide some opportunity for social life, Most of our guests live alone.” When the pandemic struck, Elizabeth Redegold of Corpus Christi said, “We all got together very quickly to see what we were going to do.” Brown bagging was the answer. The hosts agreed to allow the volunteers in, following strict pandemic rules, no more than three people at a time, masks and all.. The three-person teams bring some food from home, cook or heat some on site, pack the bags and give them out at the doorstep, and clean up after. There is an eye kept on the nutritional value of what’s in those bags. They may hold sandwiches, yogurt, soup, casseroles, dessert, fruit and a drink Some of it is cooked
This year’s Fun Fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Scheduled for the event will be a barbecue, games, activities and more. The school is located at 100 Torrens Ave.
Building new momentum requires advice and support.
or baked at home by neighbors and members of the congregation This is truly a community effort. There are people who collect and deliver food supplies. There are local businesses who contribute, including Cobs Bread, Loblaws and Valumart. The member groups have been providing 30 to 40 lunches a day, and Van Rooy said the numbers are growing. Beach United Church, which has a large accessible room, has tentatively opened it for indoor lunches to people who must show vaccination proof. They continue outdoor lunches. On a recent day they served 56 people indoors and out. The others intend to continue providing the brown bags outdoors until June but they are hoping they may welcome people indoors again in the fall.
Call me to discuss your next move. Christina Marchant Sales Representative 416.690.5100 Christinamarchant@royallepage.ca
Participate in our Anniversary Auction!
Auction opens April 28, 2022 Unique experiences, sporting events, & more!
Concert at KRU slated A FREE noon-hour concert will take place at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., on Sunday, May 22. It will feature a guitar and flute duo, and starts at 12:15 p.m.
woodgreenauction.com Thank you to all of our donors and supporters.
WoodGreen_Auction_AD_F2.indd 1
2022-04-25 5:56 PM
WE’VE GOT YOUR BACK We will combat today’s climate emergency ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Cut Ontario’s carbon pollution in half by 2030 Create 25,000 green jobs and train people for them Expand the Greenbelt and protect 30% of Ontario’s land Plant 800 million trees
We will tackle gridlock and affordability ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Slash transit fares to $1 per ride until 2024 Fund reliable and regional transit Make it more affordable and easier to choose an electric car Stop Highway 413 and responsibly maintain crucial highways
We will reverse Ford’s cuts to public education ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
Cap class sizes at 20 students for all grades Hire 10,000 more teachers and 5,000 more special education workers Invest an additional $10 billion to build and repair more schools Scrap the Conservatives’ mandatory online learning
We will lead a revolution in elder care ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔
5
Dreams Change
Fun fair set for William Burgess Elementary School WILLIAM BURGESS Elementary School will be hosting its Fun Fair on Saturday, May 28. The event is back at the East York school after a twoyear absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Help 400,000 more seniors get home care End for-profit long-term care and protect seniors Stop Ford from handing billions to corporations that warehouse seniors Help seniors renovate their homes to make them safer
ON JUNE 2, THE CHOICE IS YOURS
MMMBEY.com
info@MMMBEY.com
@marymargaretbey
Authorized by the CFO for the Beaches–East York Provincial Liberal Association.
6
BEACHMETRO.COM
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
In My Opinion
Beach would not be the same without its community paper Clyde Robinson Guest Column
M
y first introduction to the Beach was in June of 1973. A school mate of mine asked me if I wanted to go to the beach. I said what beach, there’s no beach in Toronto? We skipped school and I remember for the first time seeing Toronto in a different way. We drove south on Kippendavie Ave., viewing Lake Ontario through the canopy of arching trees, like a tunnel with the water at the end. Wow, this was cool, what a beautiful
sight! Forty-nine years later I live around the corner and still relive that moment. I often think of how fortunate I am, not only to be living in the Beach, but also Toronto and Canada, especially during these new times of ours. I moved into the Beach in 1981. I have always felt comforted by its old-time feel. The old Ma and Pa stores are pretty much gone and some of our unique and characteristic homes have undergone the wrecking ball, but I still enjoy walking in the Beach area as I know and recognize so many people from living and working here for 41 years.
The old Ward 9 News, now the Beach Metro Community News, helps maintain our small-town feel. Did you know that Queen Street East in the Beach was voted the Best Main Street in Ontario and won an award from TVO in 2002? To me it still seems like a village to itself, separate from the hubbub of downtown Toronto. In my mind, the Beach would never be the same if we were to lose our newspaper. I don’t think I’ve missed reading an edition. I love reading local stories, seeing local pictures, and keeping informed. In October 1986 we bought our
first house in the Beach. I was apprenticing as a carpenter and got my journeyman papers with the carpenter’s union around 1990. It was two weeks before having my first and only child in December 1990 when a bunch of us were laid off after being with the company for many years. Great—one hour of notice, no severance, two weeks before my wife was going on maternity leave, soon a baby to provide for and a mortgage to pay. I immediately wrote up an ad to run in the Beach Metro which I kept in place for 37 years, until I retired in 2017. I felt fortunate through the years that I was able to advertise in a
local paper and that it provided for me and my up to six employees, work that was nearby, preventing travelling all over Toronto. I don’t know what would have happened without it. Beach Metro Community News has also been open to me to write letters and columns, usually about nature or the history of the Beach. I encourage you to please support our local Beach Metro Community News now, as well as our local businesses, as I continue to. I don’t know where I would go or what I would do without them. • To support Beach Metro Community News, go to www.beachmetro.com/support
SERVING THE BEACH, BEACH HILL, BIRCH CLIFF, CLIFFSIDE, CRESCENT TOWN, EAST DANFORTH, GERRARD INDIA BAZAAR, LESLIEVILLE AND UPPER BEACH Beach Metro Community News, published by Ward 9 Community News Inc., is a non-profit, non-partisan community newspaper founded in 1972 and published 23 times a year. It is distributed free by volunteers in East Toronto and Southwest Scarborough and paid for by our advertisers.
2196 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON, M4E 2C7 PHONE: 416-698-1164 FAX: 416-698-1253 beachmetro.com PUBLISHER Susan Legge (ext. 24) susan@beachmetro.com EDITOR Alan Shackleton (ext. 23) alan@beachmetro.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Mark Ireland (ext. 26) mark@beachmetro.com PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Melinda Drake (ext. 27) melinda@beachmetro.com ACCOUNTS MANAGER Hope Armstrong (ext. 21) hope@beachmetro.com
NEXT ISSUE: Tuesday, May 31, 2022 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 5 p.m., Tuesday, May 24 VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE: Mary Beth Denomy, president; Desmond Brown, past president; David Morrow, vice president; Judith Saunders Allen, secretary; Doug Black, treasurer; Paul M. Babich, special advisor; Sheila Blinoff, special advisor. This newspaper accepts advertising in good faith, but does not endorse advertisers or advertisements. All submitted editorial material is subject to editing.
ISSN #0838-2956
Letters to the Editor
Beaches are public spaces for all people to be able to enjoy Re: ‘Disc golf expansion to be removed from beach’, Beach Metro Community News, April 6. I must object to the claim that golfers are not responsible nature lovers. All the golf courses I have been to are finely manicured and carved into nature. You will see much more flora and fauna there than you will see at our beach. One of the most famous golf courses, Augusta National, names each hole after flora and the sound of the birds chirping at the golfers each spring is magical. Golfers even carry a small fork-like tool to repair grass their ball has made a mark in. I have observed many species of fauna (and I’m not just talking of birdies and eagles) including beavers, turtles, deer, rabbits, too many migrating geese, flamingos, snakes, and alligators (in Florida) while on golf courses. Our beaches are public places for humans.
A place to take our clothes off (and put bathing suits on) and swim or enjoy the sun and the water. They are a place where we paddle, bike, lawn bowl, play tennis, picnic, eat ice cream and hot dogs and even play disc golf. The canines already own all of the prime real estate beachside. There is plenty of lake shore around this area with very little human activity that would impact migrating birds and such. Humans need space too, and lots of it. Please, local politicians and naturalists, that is not just the sound of fireworks you will be hearing on the night of Victoria Day (May 23). If you listen carefully, you can hear the sound of thousands of birds pooping their pants. If it’s flora and fauna you want, take up golf and stay away from the public beaches. The disc golfers are not a problem. R. Occhipinti
PHOTO: DONNA BRAYBROOK
Disc golf demo at Ashbridges Bay Park Youngsters learn how to play disc golf during a clinic and community cleanup event held recently at Ashbridges Bay Park. Participants picked up litter in the park and surrounding Woodbine Beach area, and then learned the finer points of the sport at the Beaches Disc Golf Course which is located in the park.
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
7
Provincial Election 2022
All parties have fingerprints on GTA transit mess Stephen Wickens Analysis
P
ollsters are telling us transit isn’t a top-five issue in this provincial election, but internal party research probably says otherwise, at least if PC Leader Doug Ford’s continued emphasis on four “priority subway projects for the GTA” and Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca’s “buck-a-ride” campaign-launch announcement are any indication. Even Andrea Horwath’s NDP, which has focused on consensus top issues – health care, education, pandemic response and housing – has indicated that, if elected, provincial subsidies for transit operations will resume after a quarter-century hiatus, and that big changes are coming for the ‘public-private partnership’ approach to infrastructure procurement. So how can voters across Ontario – and East Enders in particular – decode transit-related promises and rhetoric in a year with provincial and city elections? It’s probably best we start with six facts that are largely below the radar. 1.) Per-kilometre subwaybuilding costs (even after adjusting for inflation) have doubled since Ford’s Progressive Conservatives had provincial agencies take over project planning and delivery from the Toronto Transit Commission (which itself let costs soar on the extension to Vaughan that opened in 2017). 2.) Costs will seriously exceed benefits on the Premier’s chosen subway projects in Toronto, even according to questionable analyses produced by Metrolinx (the agency charged with co-ordinating transit in the Greater Toronto-Hamilton Area). 3.) Ottawa and the province, which control the major tax-revenue streams, are fixated on capital projects even though operations – funded almost totally by fares and municipal property taxes – matter more to overall service quality. Frequent buses and streetcars might not buy votes, but the attractiveness of the whole transit network relies on them. 4.) The two biggest transit systems in the GTA by far – the TTC and GO – operate almost entirely in isolation from one another within 416. The arrangement made sense in the 1960s, when GO was launched and the TTC was ineligible for operating subsidies and didn’t want competition on its turf, but it has been counterproductive for decades. 5.) Transit riders do more to reduce road congestion than anyone, but politicians have been sticking it to them for decades with fare hikes and service cuts. Monthly passes cost nearly twice as much as they would if they’d been held to the inflation rate over the past 40 years. 6.) Many Beach Metro Community News readers live too far east to benefit much from the
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
A GO Train makes its way along the Lake Shore East Line above Small’s Creek Ravine which is just west of Woodbine Avenue and south of Danforth Avenue. The stumps of trees that were recently cut in the ravine for the expansion of the rail line to four tracks can be seen in this photo. Ontario Line (a decades overdue new subway from the Ontario Science Centre to downtown via Pape Station). Most locals are also too far west to avoid renewed crowding on the Danforth subway if ridership returns to pre-COVID levels – especially if the under-construction extension from Kennedy to Sheppard East succeeds in luring more Scarborough residents to transit. (Long-term data show stations west of Warden have been losing ridership in recent decades as trains fill up faster and faster at Kennedy). Everyone has biases: Mine (which I prefer to call informed opinion) include a strong sense all three major parties have decades of fingerprints on the GTA transit mess. I’ve also concluded we must – for economic reasons as much as environmental ones – stop channeling growth into road-enabled sprawl, a view that puts me at odds with the incumbent government’s plans to build more highways that undermine the public’s returns on transit spending. We could commend the Ford government and its Liberal predecessors for breaking a multidecade logjam on subway building, but there’s huge danger in a now established process that ignores data and experts (something that echoes pandemic-response woes). As a result, three transit projects that we’re largely locked into – the Line 2 extension in Scarborough, the North Yonge extension into York Region and the Eglinton West extension – involve costly deep tunnelling through low-density areas, something that’s avoided in world cities with intricate rapidtransit maps that make Canadians envious. Tourists rarely see it, but 55 per cent of the London Underground is above ground, and back when Toronto was very good at subway building we relied heavily on shallow box tunnels and open-air stretches, even in the core. And costly deep tunnels aside,
plans to lengthen subways rather than use electrified GO-system upgrades to serve suburbs – especially York Region and north Scarborough – have been criticized by planners I’ve come to respect most (retired ones free to speak truth without jeopardizing their careers and current industry professionals who talk to me on the promise of anonymity). Little has changed since retired and much respected planner David Crowley told The Globe and Mail in 2017 that “data and demand patterns are telling us the stupidest thing we could do is make any of our [existing subway] lines longer.” (Crowley is also a York Region resident who might be expected to back a longer Yonge Line). Some politicians tell us the best transit is the stuff that gets built, but Toronto history shows poorly conceived projects with high costs and low yields of new ridership undermine the broader political will to fund even the most necessary subways. We could argue that wasteful projects led directly to the infrastructure logjam in the first place. So what transit-related questions should voters put to candidates? 1.) Provincially, everyone should be concerned about the soaring costs of subway building. Ford should have put tough questions to Metrolinx and Infrastructure Ontario before rolling out his transit plans, but we also need to know why the NDP, Liberals and Greens didn’t bother grilling his government on this issue in the legislature before tunnelling contracts were signed. 2.) All Ontarians need to ask why Metrolinx – which was to be an arm’s-length agency speaking truth to power and helping cabinet make evidence-based decisions – became a secretive vote-buying tool for whichever party is in power, manufacturing decisionbased evidence to promote parti-
san schemes that handcuff future governments. The agency employs many good people, but until its experts can speak freely without imperiling their careers, the longrunning transit train wreck will continue. Ask candidates how they feel about restructuring Metrolinx so it can be transparent and report to the legislature as a whole, never meeting with politicians unless all parties are in the room. Will any party commit to putting a few impartial people with transit expertise on the Metrolinx board? 3.) Voters in Toronto need elected representatives pushing Metrolinx to finally think seriously beyond GO’s narrow traditional role of linking 905 commuters to Union Station. There are reasons why ridership out of GO’s Danforth, Scarborough and Kennedy stations is puny even though GO’s Lakeshore East line parallels an overloaded subway. A good start – something more sustainable than the Liberals’ buck-a-ride promise – is the NDP’s promise, announced this past weekend, to make all trips that start and end in Toronto available at a flat TTC fare. It would make many TTC bus routes (and any service improvements) more valuable, rescue Scarborough residents facing next year’s SRT shutdown and help GO fill trains post-pandemic, especially when the GO Expansion project offers more frequent service. GO’s timid pre-pandemic toe dip into the waters of lower fares for short trips should have shown them a full plunge makes sense. 4.) In the East End, voters need to demand much more of the GO Expansion project than a fourth track through our local corridor and a switch to nimbler and somewhat quieter electric trains. Even before Metrolinx ran roughshod over the environmentally sensitive Small’s Creek Ravine, it and its GO division had established themselves as bad neighbours, offering little more than noise, a linear barrier that undercuts walk-
ability and local economies, and too few stations to access services. GO ignored pleas to think long term only a few years ago when the third track was added. This time, there are no plans to ensure the project is scalable and futureproofed. There should be provisions to ensure future stations at Gerrard Square, Coxwell-Monarch Park and Warden or Birchmount can be added quickly and inexpensively. We owe it to future East Enders. Metrolinx’s CEO has even mused about opting for a pennywise pound-foolish approach to the junction where the Lakeshore East and Stouffville lines meet. All of Scarborough has a vested interest in thinking long-term and getting the junction right. My priorities haven’t changed much since I was asked in 1999 to offer recommendations to the Greater Toronto Services Board (a Metrolinx predecessor). But two of my top three suggestions – European-style GO network upgrades (electrification with tighter station spacing) and a new subway through the core – are finally in the works, even if they’re not being planned as wisely as possible. My third recommendation back then, TTC-GO fare integration, could make some party’s platform soon. The point is that change and attempts to get agencies and politicians to simply listen take time. But the more we make the effort to inform ourselves and endure inevitable frustrations, the tougher it is for candidates to ignore us. Election years are too valuable to waste. Stephen Wickens is a retired journalist and transportation researcher. All four parties have sought his advice over the years. He is the author of Station to Station, Why Subway-building Costs Have Soared in the Toronto Region. www.rccao.com/research/ files/RCCAO-STATION-TO-STATION-REPORT-APRIL2020.pdf He can be followed on Twitter @ stephenwickens1
8
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Community Calendar proudly presented by Beaches-East
Sandra Bussin
Sales Representative
Real Estate Homeward
416-786-4603 sandra.bussin1@gmail.com
416-698-2090
We Sell Ontario Roger Gallibois Broker/Owner, B.Sc. P. ENG.
www.homeward.info Nathaniel Erskine-Smith M.P. Beaches-East York info@beynate.ca
416.467.0860
What’s new(s) on your street? Are you getting home delivery of the Beach Metro News? If not, there may be a volunteer opportunity to deliver our paper house-to-house on your street. To find out more, please contact: melinda@beachmetro.com
/BeachMetroNews @beachmetronews #beachmetro
www.beachmetro.com
MAY 17: Meet the Candidates – Toronto-Danforth, at Ralph Thornton Community Centre, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Informal drop-in event. Submit your questions for the candidates to www.applegrovecc.ca MAY 21: Historic Walk with Gene Domagala, 1 p.m. Meet at the NW corner of Woodbine and Danforth Ave. See the site of one of the oldest hotel buildings in the area, hear some stories of the Danforth, learn about the Massey Harris Estate, and more. MAY 23: Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay, 10 p.m. MAY 21-23: Spring Plant Sale Fundraiser at 14 Lyall Ave. (Main & Kingston Rd.), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. each day. Michael Erdman and Cantemus Singers will hold their annual Victoria Day weekend sale of garden perennials to raise funds for local food banks including the Community Centre 55 Share-a-Christmas food drive. Over a thousand well-grown garden perennials are sold at reasonable prices. Info: Michael 416-578-6602 MAY 22: Noon Hour Recital at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 12 noon. Classical Guitar and Flute with Daniel Turner, Guitar with Jin Cho, Flute. Admission by donation. MAY 27: “The Flame Eternal – A Musical Meditation for Peace Love and Understanding” at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 7:30 p.m. Written and produced by guitarist Mark Battenberg, featuring Shakuhachi flute master Debbie Danbrook, Cellist Kendra Grittani and Violinist Xueao Yang, and Narrated by Heidi Battenberg. This is a free community event. Please bring non-perishable food items for the food bank. Please wear a mask. MAY 28: Slobberfest at the Leuty Pavilion on the boardwalk, foot of Lee Ave., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. This Community Centre 55 fundraiser features activities for dogs, their owners, and vendor displays. Info: Jade 416-691-1113 x 224 MAY 29: Monthly Music Service at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd. (Warden and Kingston Rd.), last Sunday of each month, 10:30 a.m. Come sing along with some uplifting, toe-tapping, old-school hymns and gospel favourites as Birchcliff Bluffs United Church returns to our popular monthly Music Services. Info: www.bbuc.ca MAY 29: Friends of Toronto East Walk for Dog Guides at Serena Gundy Park (Leslie north of Eglinton), registration 10 a.m., walk 11 a.m. This fundraiser is hosted by Lions Clubs in Toronto East. Info: www. walkfordogguides.com/fundraisers/TorontoEast MAY 30: Beaches-East York Candidates Meeting at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 7:30-9:30 p.m. See story page 1. JUNE 4: Acoustic Harvest presents Sultans of String (www.sultansofstring.com) with special guest Saskia Tomkins at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets $30 advance tickets only at www.acousticharvest.ca. More info: www.sultansofstring.com. All Covid Protocols will be in place, including Proof-of-Vaccination. JUNE 5: D-Day Parade & Memorial at St. John’s Norway Cemetery. Parade starts 1 p.m. at Norway Public School, marching to St. John’s Cemetery, 256 Kingston Rd. (at Woodbine) for the Memorial Service. Hoping our East End Community will come out and show support for the marching Legionnaires and Cadets and join us for the service 2 p.m. in the Cemetery. JUNE 7: Annual General Meeting for Community Centre 55 members at CC55, 97 Main St., 7 p.m, for the purpose of considering and taking action with respect to the following: to approve the financial statements of Community Centre 55 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021; to receive our Program report; and to fill 1 vacancy on the Board of Management. For additional information, please contact Debbie Visconti, Executive Director, Community Centre 55 at 416-691-1113 ext. 225 JUNE 24: Leuty Lifeguard Station 100th Anniversary Beach Party – Better Late Than Never! at the boathouse (just north of the Lifeguard Station), 7 p.m. Food and music. Welcome back! Info: Jade 416 691-1113 JUNE 25: Spring Festival at Stephenson Park, 10 a.m.2 p.m. Fun for the whole family! Children’s crafts, face painting, bouncy castle, parachute games, obstacle course, sports games, local vendors, music, raffle & barbeque. MEMORIAL SERVICE for Janette Anne O’Hagan, long time Volunteer Garden Co-ordinator at the Ashbridges ECO Community Garden will be held at the garden, 1956 Dundas St. W., on Wednesday, May 25th at 4 p.m. (In case of rain, alternate date May 26th at 4 p.m.). Info: Karen Knopf at km.knopf@hotmail.com SEASONAL OUTDOOR YOGA. Drop-In Community Kundalini Yoga Classes at Taylor Creek Park, Picnic Area #1, left of the Dawes Road parking lot, Tuesdays 10-11:15 a.m., starting May 3. Bring your own blanket/ mat and water bottle. Donations accepted, not expected. For ALL levels of experience. Beginners welcome! FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard St. E., is open from 3:30-6 p.m. Registration is required. Time slots are being distributed. Those who already have their time slot, please come at that designated time and present it when you are called to be served. Face mask is mandatory. Please respect social distancing. Info: 416-690-5169. KEW BEACH LAWN BOWLING CLUB & Croquet welcomes new members. Open House Saturday, June 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Tuesday, June 14, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Located at the foot of Lee Avenue, right by the lake. A very reasonable annual fee will let you join the sport at the level of social or competition that suits your style. Equipment is provided and all you need is running shoes. Play times suitable for all schedules. Contact information: facebook.com/KewBeachLawnBowlingClub, email kewbeachlbcinfo@gmail.com, phone number 416-694-4371 FOOD BANK reopening at Grace Pascoe Care Centre (GPCC), 72 Main St. (back doors off parking lot), Thursday, May 26. We welcome all in the community
York Councillor Brad Bradford who need groceries and are proud to be an agency of the Daily Bread Food Bank. Opening Hours - Wednesdays (beginning June 1) and Thursdays (beginning May 26) evenings, from 6-9 pm. Clients will be asked to register as a Daily Bread user, and we kindly ask you bring your own bags and please wear a mask if you don’t have a health exemption. Info: 416-691-4721 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 MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP. Join us most days for a free video support group run through ZOOM. Sign up and get details at https:// www.meetup.com/Mental-Wellness-Peer-to-PeerSupport-Groups/. Info: www.mentalwellness.help BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH LUNCHES. We welcome adults in the community to pick up a bag lunch at the door from 11 a.m.-12 noon. Mondays at Corpus Christie R.C. Church,16 Lockwood Rd.; Tuesdays at St. Nicholas Anglican Church (co-hosted with St. Aidan’s), 1512 Kingston Rd.; Wednesdays at the Beach Hebrew Institute, 109 Kenilworth Ave. (no lunch at BHI on Wednesday, April 20); Thursdays at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave.; Fridays at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd. Info: 416-691-6869 BEACH PHOTO CLUB. Are you interested in photography? We invite all shutterbugs to check out our local photo club. We offer a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo excursions, competitions, practical seminars and more! We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June, 7-9:30 p.m. Normally we meet at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave (unless specified in program), but due to Covid, we are meeting on Zoom for the time being. Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com CHURCHES 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 9 a.m on ZOOM and on our Livestream at 10:30 a.m. Info: stjohnsnorway.com, 416-691-4560 BIRCHCLIFF BLUFFS UNITED CHURCH, 33 East Rd. (Warden Ave and Kingston Rd.), Sundays at 10:30 a.m. We are a diverse, open, and inclusive Christian community where you will find many possibilities for nurturing your own spirituality and enriching your life, as well as opportunities to serve others through acts of caring, compassion and justice. Our wonderful music program includes special monthly Musical Sunday Services (the last Sunday of each month.) Also home to the Bluffs Food Bank, Toby’s Place (a safe space for LGBTQ2S+ Youth) and Dorothy’s Place (serving LGBTQ+ seniors). Whatever you are wearing, whatever you feel about God, wherever you are on your spiritual journey - you will fit right in. Sunday school and nursery care available. Info: 416-694-4081, www.bbuc.ca BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave., invites you to share in worship with us each Sunday. To attend worship in person please register here: https:// www.eventbrite.ca/e/sunday-worship-at-beach-unitedonline-and-in-person-tickets-275719884597. Services are also livestreamed and recorded and available through our website: www.beachunitedchurch.com. These services will be led by our creative and passionate music director Steven Webb and minister Rev Greg Daly. ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd., 2 blks. east of Main St. No registration required. Masks needed. Masses: Sat. Vigil at 4:30 pm, Sun. 9 & 11 am, Tue. Fri. 8:15 am. Confessions 3:45 to 4:15 on Sat. Please contact church office: stjohnsto.archtoronto.org, 416-698-1105 FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. (at Kingston Rd.), is open for in-person worship and ZOOM, Sundays at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Angela J. Cluney. Join our Book Club which meets on the last Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. Join us for our Hobby Circle on the fourth Monday of the month at 2 p.m. Any hobby is welcome. Bible Study is every second Tuesday at 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. For all details, ZOOM & phone links: email fboffice@rogers.com or call 416-6993084. Join us for our 75th Anniversary Celebrations on Sunday, May 29 at 10:30 a.m. Website Including Events Calendar and Sermon Messages: http://www.fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch.com Everyone is welcome! BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Dr. (S of Queen). We are an inclusive and affirming congregation in the heart of the Beach. As of Ash Wednesday our church is now open for in person services every Sunday at 10am. All regulations and protocols regarding Covid-19 are followed. You can also join us remotely via Zoom or by phone. For a link to the service and more info please visit our website at http://www.beacheschurch.org or call 416-699-5871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey. GRANT AME CHURCH, 2029 Gerrard St. E., invites you to attend Sunday Worship Service every Sunday at 11 am in person or live streamed on Zoom and Facebook. Bible Study every Wednesday at 7 pm on Zoom. Join our prayer line every Wednesday for prayer from 11 am-12 noon. Links and info: www. grantame.com; email:grantamechurch@yahoo.ca SCARBOROUGH BAPTIST CHURCH, 1597 Kingston Rd. (east of Warden). We invite you to join us on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. for Worship In-Person and on Zoom, and Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. on Zoom only. For more information, please visit our website at www.scarboroughbaptist.ca or call the church office at 416-698-1973.
COMING SOON
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
4
4
3
3
4
3
89 BALSAM AVENUE
26 HANNAFORD STREET 2
9
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
2
58 SCARBOROUGH ROAD 3
4
1
4
SHEA WARRINGTON
SALES REPRESENTATIVE SHEA@ROYALLEPAGE.CA
647 808 4818
3
4
#BOUTIQUESERVICE
10
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Provincial Election 2022
Beaches-East York candidates answer our questions
KATE DUPUIS NDP
PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE
ANGELA KENNEDY
ABHIJEET MANAY GREEN PARTY
MARY-MARGARET McMAHON LIBERAL PARTY
STEPHEN RONEY NEW BLUE PARTY
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?
My name is Kate Dupuis, and I have been a proud member of the Beaches–East York community for 13 years. I am a clinical neuropsychologist, a college professor, and a full-time working mum of two beautiful children. I decided to run for the NDP in this election because I know that Ontarians deserve better than what we have gotten over the last 20 years, first with the Wynne-Del Duca Liberals and then with the Doug Ford Conservatives. Doug Ford has been a disaster, and Steven Del Duca sure isn’t the answer. We know this. We’ve all lived through it. Both Conservatives and Liberals have made big cuts and made so many bad choices in our province. I’m running as your New Democrat candidate because I know we can fix what matters to us most. We can fix our healthcare system, we can provide proper care for our seniors, we can give our kids the world-class public education they deserve, and we can tackle the high cost of living. Our strong NDP team here in Beaches-East York is ready to lead and will work hard to fix what matters to our community.
I have deep and cherished roots in Beaches-East York. I grew up at Dundas and Kingston Road, attended Corpus Christi and Notre Dame Schools, played tennis at Kew Gardens as a teenager and skated at the Glen Manor Park on Saturday nights. As a young child, we went to the beach every day and swam in the lake. When I became a nurse, it was natural for me to seek employment at Toronto East General now Michael Garron Hospital. Being a nurse has afforded me so many opportunities to improve my knowledge and diversify my experiences. My experience as hospital union president started me off on a path of advocacy that has led to my political aspirations and desire to do more to help others. With a multidisciplinary team of health care professionals, we designed and developed a program called DECNET - now used by the province as the diabetes education program for people with type 2 diabetes. I am proud to be running as a PC candidate for a party that has done so much over the past four years.
My name is Abhijeet Manay. I’m the Deputy Leader of the Ontario Green Party and I am running to be the first Green MPP of BeachesEast York. I also have a 9-5 job where I work as an instructional designer and educator at a non-profit in North York (called Reena) that works for people with developmental disabilities (i.e autism, down syndrome, etc). The reason I got involved in politics is because of my grandfather who was a Member of Parliament (MP) in Mumbai, India where I too was born and raised until I came to Canada at the age of 14. He was a fierce advocate for the urban poor as well as the so-called ‘low castes’ and the positive effect his work had on people inspired me to really consider public service as a way to affect change. Later on, when I was disappointed by my experience of working for the status quo parties, I joined the Ontario Greens led by Mike Schreiner, because Mike too thinks that politics is about public service, rather than public glory. That’s why I’m running to be your MPP. It’s time we work together to create the Ontario we want, with the leadership we need.
Growing up in a small town with parents who dragged my three brothers and I out volunteering every chance they could taught me a lot. I saw first hand the huge benefits of giving back to your community. For the past three decades, BeachesEast York is the place where I could action what has guided me my whole life - trying to make the world a better place for everyone. When my kids were small, I was helping at their school every day. I’ve started a Residents Association, a Farmer’s Market, environmental groups, and during COVID I volunteered at vaccine clinics all across GTA. I am presently working on finding a hospice space in the East End. As your City Councillor from 2010 to 2018, I was focused on getting things done. I am running for the Liberal Party under Steven Del Duca because we have serious issues, both pandemic related and ongoing to be addressed and we need a party with candidates who care about doing the right thing and have a plan to do it. From revolutionizing elder care to implementing bold, climate change plans I will help deliver the Liberal platform with the energy I am known for.
I did not want to run for public office. Although retired as a college instructor, I’m busy managing my own online academy. I wish I could spend time with my family. But these are not ordinary times. In such times one has a civic duty. I run because no one else was running for New Blue here in Beaches-East York. If I did not run, there was no one to vote for. I have lived in Toronto on and off since 1982, but also in other countries: the Philippines, Korea, Saudi Arabia---in Wuhan China back in 1992. This has given me perspective on what we have here in Ontario, and what we could lose. I am a past president of the Editors’ Association of Canada, past director of the Book and Periodical Council of Canada, and advised on the establishment of the Canadian Centre for Studies in Publishing. More importantly, I have two kids, Francis and Maryanne. They and their mother have been trapped in the Philippines by the pandemic and the mandates for three years. I am missing their adolescence, and they are missing their studies. I run for them and for their future. And for all our children.
QUESTION 2: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP? For too many families in Ontario, it is getting harder and harder to pay the bills and make ends meet. Over the last four years, the cost of buying a home in Ontario has doubled, rent has gone up by $200 a month, and prices keep climbing at the grocery store. The cost of housing is skyrocketing and too many of us are being forced out of the neighbourhoods we love. If elected, my priority will be making life more affordable for us all. We have a plan to control out-ofcontrol rent, create homes you can afford, and crack down on speculation. We will create cheaper auto insurance, we will help you pay for mental health care with your OHIP card not your credit card, and we will speed up the implementation of $10-a-day daycare. I am proud of our plan to make groceries more affordable through the creation of a provincial food Continued on Page 22
QUESTION 2: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP? As your MPP, I’ll be focused on ensuring our community’s needs are a top priority, including supporting businesses in staying open so they can get back to stimulating the economy, creating jobs and ensuring their livelihoods are protected. I also want to help make the dream of ownership a possibility for more Ontarians by building more homes. Our plan to get it done helped over 100,000 new homes start construction last year, including more than 13,000 new purpose-built rentals. This is the highest rate of new construction in more than 30 years. As real estate prices reach record highs, Doug Ford and our PC team know the solution is to build homes, which is why we have a plan to build 1.5 million new homes over the next 10 years. I will listen to the voices of the great people who live in BeachesEast York and work tirelessly to help realize the fullest potential of Continued on Page 22
QUESTION 2: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP? The one issue that I’ve heard so often at the doors is the Ford government’s attack on our healthcare system. The Ontario Greens have always advocated for a robust public healthcare system that serves all and for stopping the privatization that the Ford government is trying to bring in. We also need a more preventionoriented model of healthcare-unlike what other parties are advocating for-which means more investments in community healthcare options like community clinics, nurse-practitioner clinics and home care so that the burden currently placed on hospitals is reduced. This approach to healthcare leads to better healthcare outcomes and saves the healthcare system a lot of money that can be used to invest back in the system and pay our healthcare workers a just compensation for their sacriContinued on Page 22
QUESTION 2: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP? I am looking forward to making this community, our community, more sustainable, healthier, and more affordable. Time and again I hear at the door that life is just too expensive. As your neighbour, a parent, and a former municipal leader, I have had my ear to the ground on local issues. I want to continue to listen and learn. Our beautiful urban area deserves the climate change actions needed to keep it green. Reduced transit fares to $1, rebates for electric vehicles and e-bikes will contribute to re-establishing Ontario’s environmental leadership, cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030. As a newly endorsed Environmental leader by GreenPac, this speaks Continued on Page 22
QUESTION 2: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP? The most pressing issue is our schools. We must get Critical Theory out, and keep it out. New Blue has been the leader in alerting us to this issue. Every other party endorsed Bill 67 on second reading, and Bill 67 would mandate Critical Theory in our schools and colleges at every level. Critical theory makes three claims: that race is essential to a person’s identity; that there is no objective truth; and that all social relations are about power. Believing that race is the core of one’s identity is racism. Believing there is no objective truth is insanity. Believing that all social interactions are about power ends in a war of all against all to the last person standing—who will be the most ruthless and most powerful. If there is no truth, the only way to deal with someone who disagrees with you is to silence them. Continued on Page 22
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
11
Provincial Election 2021
Scarborough Southwest candidates answer our questions
DOLY BEGUM NDP QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?
CARA BRIDEAU GREEN PARTY QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?
PETER NAUS NEW BLUE PARTY QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?
LISA PATEL LIBERAL PARTY QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?
Scarborough is my home - I have lived in this community all my life. The people I served as the Member of Provincial Parliament are my neighbours, friends, teachers and over the past four years, this community has become my family. I grew up in Scarborough and attended SATEC @ W A Porter Collegiate Institute. I am a graduate of University of Toronto and have a Master’s in Development, Administration & Planning from University College London. Four years ago, I ran with the hope of building a province that served our seniors, children, youth, new immigrants, people living with disabilities, and working class families. Since being elected, I have worked to ensure our community has strong representation in Queen’s Park, held the government accountable, and ensured equitable public health resources for Scarborough Southwest during the pandemic. I know that there is more work to be done here in our community, especially as we recover from the pandemic. This is why I am running for re-election, so I can continue the work to make sure Scarborough is no longer left behind.
I am a unionized labour activist who recently became a licensed electrician. Because I have achieved this goal, I’m left with a lot more time on my hands to pursue my passions such as running for the Green Party of Ontario. Environmental rights and human rights go hand in hand which is why I chose this time to run for provincial politics. Ontario needs politicians who understand the challenges people face on a daily basis and being a construction worker I am uniquely qualified for this.
I have completed one semester of a Bachelor of Science degree, Environmental Physics Specialist program, at the University of Toronto Scarborough but could not continue because of the COVID-19 vaccine policies. I completed a Basic Certificate in Christian Humanities in May 2020 at Our Lady Seat of Wisdom College in Barry’s Bay, Ontario. I worked at Campaign Life Coalition as a summer intern for two summers. I gained knowledge and skills in his role at the Ontario Public Service Tribunal’s Ontario Landlord and Tenant Board as a summer office assistant. I ran for a seat on National Council in a byelection for the Conservative Party of Canada. I have participated in several federal and provincial party conventions as a delegate. I have volunteer experience serving on a federal Conservative riding board and canvassing on different candidate’s campaigns. I am running in this election trying to bring hope and freedom back to the constituents of Scarborough Southwest on June 2. This is the most important provincial issue in this election because Ontarians can not afford the economic, psychological and legal cost of four more years of lockdowns.
I am an entrepreneur, real estate professional and social activist. Scarborough is my home. I grew up in this riding and I love seeing the residents of this community thrive. As a third-generation entrepreneur, I am a born problem-solver. I aim to bring about positive change that will not only benefit our community, but its future generations. I believe my education from Toronto Metropolitan University in Public Administration & Governance coupled with my professional experience as an entrepreneur across real estate, finance, and board management demonstrates my leadership abilities and pursuit of lifelong learning. I also prioritize and enjoy being of service to the community. In 2015, I was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee for my 15-plus years of mentorship with Futurpreneur Canada helping young people achieve their startup goals. I’ve been a volunteer with Big Sisters of Canada, Toronto Harbourfront Festival, the Land Division Board, and a director of a local Board of Trade. I even hosted an environmental program on Rogers TV. As the immediate past President of the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TREBB) and founder of the Property Princess Team, now known as the Lisa Patel Real Estate Team for over 13 years, I serve commercial and residential clients across the GTA. I am confident my professional experience, tenacity and passion for this riding and the people who live in it, will help me be a strong voice for Scarborough Southwest.
QUESTION 2: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP? As the MPP for the last four years, I have been committed to making sure that Scarborough’s voice is represented in Queen’s Park. During the pandemic, when Scarborough’s healthcare system was stretched thin, adequate vaccines were not supplied to our community, our local businesses were left without support - I worked with the community to not only hold our government accountable but also close these gaps. Scarborough has been neglected for decades from governments and representatives who fail to prioritize our needs. I have worked tirelessly to ensure that Scarborough’s priorities were taken to Queen’s Park. I held weekly office hours, local town halls, and made our community office accessible and open to everyone in Scarborough Southwest. We created issue-specific advisory groups with local advocates and community members to highlight Scarborough Southwest’s policy priorities in the Legislature, including issues of road safety, environmental protection, local business support, and youth engagement. If re-elected, I hope to continue making sure that Scarborough has effective local representation that is accountable to the community and its needs.
Continued on Page 23
QUESTION 2: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP? I want to be part of the ‘Green’ vision for this province that can balance sustainable growth with protection of our natural environment. The green spaces, waterways and shorelines in Scarborough Southwest (and all of Scarborough) are treasures we must preserve and protect for the well-being of all our residents. And it must be part of a broader plan to protect biodiversity in the province. We need to protect and expand our greenbelt. And most urgently of all we need to take decisive action on the climate change challenges that confront us. I encourage everyone to take a close look at our Ontario Green Party platform which offers us the opportunity to meet those challenges and provide the livable future we all want and deserve.
Continued on Page 23
QUESTION 2: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP? The area I would like to focus on if elected MPP for Scarborough Southwest is education. The New Blue Platform emphasizes the need to reform education by reducing administrative costs, introducing alternative schooling tax credits and stopping “woke” activism with the removal of critical race theory and unscientific gender identity theory from our schools. I have heard from constituents that are furious with government overreach in education, especially concerning the mandatory masks for children 12 and younger, as young as five years old, being forced to wear a mask, for several hours a day, every day, in public education settings. I have also heard from many of my fellow UTSC students that were frustrated by the elimination of the opt out for incidental fees. I find it absurd that the Ontario PCs kept many of the age-inappropriate elements in Ontario’s comprehensive sex ed curriculum written by former Liberal Ontario deputy education minister, Benjamin Levin. Constituents can learn more about the New Blue Party platform, the New Blueprint, at www.newblueontario.com
Continued on Page 23
QUESTION 2: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP? I believe the issues I can have the most impact on is housing affordability. My background in real estate, along with my years as an entrepreneur and upbringing with a family that owned and operated more than 18 different businesses provides me the knowledge, experience and resilience to navigate and be a strong advocate for Scarborough Southwest. I was the president of TREBB. As a director there for many years, I am able to understand the complexities and can articulate the issues with stakeholders. It is so important for the Scarborough Southwest community to be taken seriously on these matters at Queen’s Park. From my entrepreneurial realestate projects to being a volunteer on several steering committees including OREA, the Ontario Real Estate Association, and CREA, the Canadian Real Estate Association, and the BlackNorth Initiative Homeownership Bridge Program, I am able to tackle the housing crisis, head-on. In my first 100 days of office, I will work to secure the building of 138,000 affordable homes and to bring back rent control to all homes. Continued on Page 23
12
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Join us in the back for some unique vintage finds. DESIGN | STYLE | COMFORT 874 KINGSTON RD (AT BEECH) 416.467.5288 WWW.SKAUTDESIGN.COM
FAMILY, COSMETIC & IMPLANT DENTISTRY
DR. JEFF SHNALL
Beech Dental 416-691-2886
• Emergencies welcomed • Adults and children • Snoring appliances • Smile makeovers • Flexible payment plans
Your Trusted Local Framer
FRAMING • great selection of custom frames
350 Beech Ave., Lower Suite Toronto, ON M4E 3T8 Fax: 416-691-6847 E-mail: BeechDental@gmail.com Web: www.BeechDental.com
• experienced framers • reasonable rates 921 Kingston Rd. | 416 792 8460 | yellowhousegallery.ca
Dashwood & Dashwood is a general practice law firm specializing in real estate, wills and estates. We are the oldest law firm in Toronto, east of the Don River (and one of the city’s oldest firms). We thrive on our deep-rooted east end reputation, and our people are consummately professional and entirely approachable.
When should I have my
HEARING TESTED? I am 55 years old or older
I have ringing in my ears
I struggle to understand what people are saying in background noise
It seems like everyone around me is mumbling I’m told the TV is too loud
If 2 or more of these questions apply to you, call today to book your FREE hearing test 1089 Kingston Rd. Unit 3, Scarborough, Ontario
416–698–9600
961 Kingston Road • 416.690.7222 • dashwoods.ca
Located beside The Beer Store in Henley Gardens We accept WSIB, ODSP, DVA and all major insurance providers.
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Family Eye Care Comprehensive Eye Exams Contact Lens Fittings Laser Vision Co-management Great selection of fashionable eyeglass frames
Please contact us by phone/email to book an appointment 416.691.1991 • info@beachesoptometry.com 951 Kingston Road • beachesoptometry.com
Have confidence in your body with Only applies to our Kingston Road location
tone, firm, smooth dimples! Starting at
30
$
*
Specially designed with Micro-4 Technology to visibly help tone and firm body skin while providing a more contoured silhouette.
10% OFF ALL ONLINE AND TAKEOUT ORDERS!
TRY A TARGETED NUBODY TREATMENT TODAY!
416.901.8626
974 Kingston Road · Toronto, ON www.handandstone.ca * See or call spa for details.
A sweet little gift store in Kingston Road Village filled with small-batch, Canadian-made treasures.
www.collected-joy.com 1035 Kingston Rd. 416.546.5989
64 KINGSTON ROAD 416-699-8700 WWW.MOCHAMOCHA.CA
Check out our menu here
13
14
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Deja Views
The Leuty Lifeguard Station has been part of the Beach community for more than 100 years
say hello to
Virtual Tax Pro
Secure Drop-Off
In-Person
See store for hours of operation
ALL TYPES OF CANADIAN & AMERICAN TAX PREPARATION. PART OF THE TORONTO EAST COMMUNITY SINCE 1998.
1714 Danforth Avenue Toronto ON M4C 1H8 (416) 406-9990
(Located east of Coxwell, accross from McDonalds) Visit us today at
LIBERTYTAXCANADA.CA
PHOTO: LORIE MURDOCH
By David Van Dyke
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith M.P. Beaches-East York info@beynate.ca
416.467.0860
It is the most photographed landmark in the Beach. How many ways can one shoot a white box with a red roof? Well apparently there are plenty. Lorie Murdoch gave us a unique perspective of the Leuty Lifeguard Station in 1982. It has a long history of being moved around, falling into disrepair (almost demolished, check out Gene Domagala: Save our Station) and a magnet for graffiti, but for more than 100 years it has maintained its charm and usefulness to the Beach community and visitors alike. Thank you Lorie for sharing this image with our readership. If you, like Lorie, have an image of any landmark in the Beach, please contact me at gdvandyke61@gmail.com
On June 2 Vote
Mary Fragedakis Liberal
Authorized by the CFO for the Mary Fragedakis Liberal Campaign
PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE
Yard Sale For The Cure at Beaches Recreation Centre A YARD Sale For The Cure fundraiser will take place at the Beaches Recreation Centre on the weekend of May 28 and 29. The sale is being presented by the Cari and Paul Lapas Real Estate Team at Re/Max Hallmark Realty
Ltd. in the Beach. It will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on both days. Proceeds will go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. Donations for the yard sale will be accepted until May 27. The organizers are
accepting donations of small to medium-sized gently used items. For more info and how to arrange a pick up of donations, please visit www.cariandpaul.com/2022-yard-sale The Beaches Recreation Centre is located at 6 Williamson Rd.
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
On The Wild Side
Chances to experience nature can be found close to home Ann Brokelman
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Free Event!
Shop Canadian Handmade!
For the benefit of The Neighbourhood Group
is an avid birder and nature photographer naturephotosbyann.blogspot.ca
I
think a lot of people believe that every time I go outside, I have some sort of crazy animal encounter. It’s not like that at all, and, honestly, some of my favourite moments take place in a backyard with family. Today’s story is inspired by the simple, but lovely, time I had over the past Mother’s Day weekend. While some birds may force their young to learn to fly by literally kicking them out of the nest, and the occasional fratricide may go unpunished, our feathered friends are wonderful parents. (And let’s be honest: I’m sure some of you reading this considered kicking your own kids out of the nest a few times). Over the last few weeks, I’ve been watching a pair of robins setting up a nest in my younger daughter’s backyard. She has one of those metal gazebo things and the birds decided to nest on the inside, right at the very top. Today, after what felt like a long wait, I finally saw the heads of three baby robins pop up to beg for food. I’d been sitting outside with my littlest grandsons, Josh, and Jason, watching off and on for hours as the mom and dad ceaselessly brought food back to the nest. Talk about dedication: the feedings began around 6 a.m., from what I could tell, and continued at least every half hour until dark. The boys were completely enthralled with watching the robins pull up worms or snatch up bugs and then deliver them to the babies. Josh helped me put out some sliced grapes for the parents, a little treat to keep their energy up, and the way they gulped them down showed their gratitude. Josh couldn’t have been more thrilled to see his own snacks disappearing! The whole egg-to-flight development may only take a few weeks, but a lot of work goes into making it happen. Have you ever taken a close look at a robin’s nest? The next time you find any bird’s nest, take some time to appreciate the engineering that went into it. Are the sticks/branches woven together? Does it use mud to help everything hold together? Is it the perfect size to keep an egg warm and a hatchling hidden?
PHOTOS: ANN BROKELMAN
A robin feeds the chicks in a nest built in the top of a steel garden gazebo in a backyard. Chances to learn about and experience nature can be found close to home, writes columnist Ann Brokelman.
Beaches Arts & Crafts June 11 & 12
Kew Gardens Park
Queen Street East at Lee Avenue
10:00am - 6:00pm
Show details at signatures.ca
Photos: Fire & Flux Studios, Kade Bolger, Atelier J Fine Jewelry and Tad Pepper.
Now, take some time one evening and try to build one yourself, and you’ll gain a new appreciation for our winged friends. Oh? You’re still not impressed? Ok, now you have to build it while only using your mouth and feet! I’m reminded of how we should appreciate how much work is put into taking care of the next generation, and Happy Mother’s Day (and an early Happy Father’s Day) to all my neighbours, human, avian, and others alike! Just a quick reminder that, with the coming spring, it’s the time of year when people will be finding animal babies. Birds will fall out of their trees, bunnies will wander away from their warrens, young squirrels will climb out of their nests too soon, etc… Please read the information or call the help centres listed below before you rush out and try to scoop them up, take them inside, and feed them. It’s extremely easy to do more harm than good: The Toronto Wildlife Centre advises that if you have found a sick, injured or orphaned wild animal, or a wild animal in distress, please contact their wildlife hotline or fill out
their online Request for Assistance Form. Using the form and uploading photos helps them to assess your situation more quickly. Otherwise, call them at 416-6310662 to leave a message and they will respond as soon as possible. Please note they do not answer the phone, so message is required. You can also contact the Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge. Their contact info: 87 Routley Ave., Pefferlaw, ON - L0E 1N0. info@shadesofhope.ca or by phone at 705-437-4654. They take orphaned birds, squirrels, and bunnies. Both the Toronto Wildlife Centre and Shades of Hope Wildlife Refuge have detailed websites on what to do if you find a bird, squirrel, fox, bat, duck and many more. You don’t have to use Google to do your own research because it’s already has been done for you by the professionals! All you have to do is check their websites and make that lifesaving phone call. Lastly, avian flu has arrived in Ontario, so please be careful when interacting with wild animals. Do not pick up any animal with your hands. Use gloves, preferably latex gloves, and a sheet or a towel.
15
16
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Provincial Election 2022
Toronto-Danforth candidates answer our questions
MILTON KANDIAS NEW BLUE PARTY
MARCELO LEVY GREEN PARTY
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?
I have lived in Toronto-Danforth all my life. I went to school here, bought my own home here, and owned and operated my small business here. As City Councillor for eight years, I advocated for better transit, including the two-hour Presto transfer, and worked hard on programs to assist seniors and youth. I served on the Boards of the TTC, Toronto Public Library, Art Gallery of Ontario, and other critical community organizations. Now, as the Executive Director of GreekTown on the Danforth BIA, I have continued to support and strengthen small business. In short, I have spent my career fighting for the people of Toronto-Danforth. It’s what I love, for the people that I care about. I want to be your next Liberal MPP because I would be proud to continue my work on your behalf at Queen’s Park. As a life-long progressive, I have always fought for fast and accessible transit, affordable housing, better health care, more supports for small businesses and responsible government. Toronto-Danforth deserves better than a Doug Ford government that doesn’t understand what people, small businesses and communities are going through, and won’t act to solve the real problems we face.
I’m a 15-year veteran ICU Critical Care nursing specialist dedicated to the care of others. I spent the last eight years on our local hospital’s Rapid Response Team. Often the first one called when a patient deteriorated in hospital with the responsibility to act immediately, as needed, to save lives and the training to do so. During the last two years I saw our system deteriorate from within, as it was unable to properly cope with the crisis we faced. In 2021, healthcare spending comprised 37.5 per cent of Ontario’s budget. Despite this, all sectors including homecare and long term care are plagued with inadequacies that still need to be addressed. Innovation is needed, money alone won’t fix this. The New Blue party of Ontario’s commitment to early treatment and focused care represents precisely the type of innovation we need. In addition, their platform seems geared to promote decreases in living costs, particularly related to energy, and helping people become more self sufficient by stimulating jobs and economic growth. Both income and health services are acknowledged as key population health indicators, and only the New Blue party is committed to addressing both through measures that include innovation and regulatory reform.
I have been a resident of the Toronto Danforth riding for almost 25 years. When my kids were young, I volunteered at their schools, from outings, to skating, to reading buddies and coached soccer at the East York Soccer Club and at Scarborough United. I am an environmental consultant working on forests and climate change. In the 1990s, while working for the then Ministry of Natural Resources, blockades over logging were raging in Ontario and in BC, and I realized that I needed to change and look at things from a different vantage point. I completed a multi-disciplinary Environmental Masters program at York University that changed my career from hard science to policy, compliance, and stakeholder engagement. I hoped my work would make a difference, but many times the studies I conducted were a ticked-box in a program management flow chart. Now, I worry about my kids’ future. Climate change is a real crisis that demands action now. Other parties talked about the climate crisis but nothing changed. That is why after voting for the NDP for the last 25 years, I decided to join the Green Party and be part of a movement that is seeking real change.
MARY FRAGEDAKIS LIBERAL PARTY
QUESTION 2: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP? I am the best candidate to lead the recovery and growth of our small businesses and community infrastructure neglected by the Ford government and damaged in the pandemic. As the Executive Director for the GreekTown on the Danforth BIA, I have been in the thick of this, by your side. I have fought to protect jobs and keep our main streets vibrant, organized pop-up vaccine clinics, and advocated for better transit. I’ve very proud of the Ontario Liberal platform, which you can read at ontarioliberal.ca. If we make the right choices, Toronto-Danforth and Ontario will grow. Ontario Liberals will remove the HST from more meals; revolutionize senior care through a universal home care guarantee; clear the surgery backlog for all of us; repair and rebuild schools; ensure 10 paid sick days for all workers; ban handguns; and more. I know that Toronto-Danforth residents want to grow here. We want a government that believes in education and invests in it, instead of cutting services and leaving our children with nothing but a bad Wi-Fi connection. We want a government that cares about the environment and climate change, and won’t cut deals to pave over our wetlands and roll back environmental protections. QUESTION 3: Given the concerns raised by a number of East Toronto residents, do you think changes need to be made to the way the provincial transit agency Metrolinx is run and if so, what are those changes? As a Toronto City Councillor for eight years, and former Board Member of the Toronto Transit Commission, I understand transit. I have been in tough negotiations and have the experience and knowledge to keep Metrolinx on track and demand better, more responsive community consultation and adjustments. We need stronger leadership at the MPP level to provide real oversight of Metrolinx. Our current representative has not provided that leadership—the real anger and hurt in the community over failed consultations and plans that no one agrees on is proof of that. It is critical that we are represented by an experienced transit advocate and leader. Continued on Page 23
QUESTION 2: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP? Living through the COVID years, working in a hospital, really opened my eyes to the deficits of a system operating under a stress it was unprepared to cope with. And at this point I think that we all have COVID fatigue. People just want a chance to go back to normal life, before COVID changed everything. The time has come for meaningful innovation and reform, meant to rebuild healthcare using a much more responsive and focused approach in terms of dealing with emerging issues, that will also allow us to better focus on treating the vulnerable among us. This is something I understand well. Innovation can also be leveraged to improve education, improving results without exploding costs. Resulting in healthier children and families. And it can help fuel economic growth that will improve the lives of many and allow for reinvestment in our communities that have suffered so much, thus revitalizing our neighborhoods. I can help work with our local communities to help reclaim their lives, their dignity and their health as we work to rebuild a system that will let us all get back to living life the way we remember it. QUESTION 3: Given the concerns raised by a number of East Toronto residents, do you think changes need to be made to the way the provincial transit agency Metrolinx is run and if so, what are those changes? Metrolinx seeks to install needed rail-infrastructure in the Don Valley floodplain. Despite the fact that it floods regularly after heavy rains, sometimes submerging the DVP. The concrete they will pour will make the flooding worse, as well as devastating the local ecology. And then there is the added cost to maintaining infrastructure under such unfavourable conditions. Until the late 20th century, we still had massive rail infrastructure available, adjacent to Union Station, the hub of all these future developments. The decision to dispose of this infrastructure was ill-advised, and showed a lack of any meanContinued on Page 23
QUESTION 2: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP? Because of my professional and interdisciplinary experience, I think the climate change plank of the Green Party is where I can contribute the most. Climate change demands a cross-sectoral approach dealing with issues from conservation of green spaces to transportation, and housing. In our riding, the expansion of public transit is necessary to ensure equitable access to transportation and low carbon options for moving through the city. The Ontario Line (the relief line) is long overdue. However, Metrolinx failed to genuinely engage with affected communities and hear the concerns raised. Residents in the area were concerned about the cutting of the trees along the line. They also want the line buried as it will be done to the north of Gerrard and after East Harbour. The loss of mature vegetation both along the Ontario Line route and in the proposed Don Valley Layover is simply unacceptable. The lack of transparency on how Metrolinx makes decisions is also unacceptable. Not to mention Metrolinx’s record on bending to political pressure and the awarding of some questionable contracts. QUESTION 3: Given the concerns raised by a number of East Toronto residents, do you think changes need to be made to the way the provincial transit agency Metrolinx is run and if so, what are those changes? The lack of transparency and the distrust Metrolinx generates is at the root of the problem with Metrolinx projects. Metrolinx is run by a Board appointed by the Ministry of Transportation. To whom is Metrolinx accountable? In the past the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority included government representatives including from municipalities. When the GTTA morphed into Metrolinx it was decided that no politician should be part of it to de-politicize its planning and decision-making. However, we know how that worked. Many decisions taken by Metrolinx seem to be pre-ordained and justified after the fact. As an MPP for Toronto-Danforth, Continued on Page 23
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
17
18
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Beach Metro News AGM slated for June 22
Better things with a Desjardins Agent My service extends far beyond an initial conversation - I’m here for you every step of the way as your life and your needs change. Come see why life’s a little better with a Desjardins Agent. Stop in, call or click.
1410005CN.1
Leane Besky Insurance Agency Inc Leane Besky CIP, Agent 2243 Queen St E Toronto ON M4E 1G1 416-690-7900 www.leanebesky.com Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance or Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company, underwriter of life insurance and living benefits products. Desjardins, Desjardins Insurance and related trademarks are trademarks of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, used under licence.
Follow us on Instagram beachmetro
THE ANNUAL general meeting of Ward 9 Community News Inc, the publisher of Beach Metro Community News, will be held on June 22, 2022, starting at 7 p.m., for the purpose of receiving the financial statement and reports of the officers and staff, to elect officers for the coming year, and to deal with any new business. The meeting is open to members of the above association and will take place at the Beach Metro Community News office, 2196 Gerrard St. E. MEMBERSHIP is outlined in the newspaper’s Constitution, as follows: “ 1. Any member of the community where the newspaper is distributed, who is willing to support the aims and objectives of the organization, will be accepted on payment of the current year’s fees ($5.00), and will be a member in good standing, and is eligible to vote if
in attendance at the annual general meetings, as long as the current year’s fees are paid. 2. No member shall be under the age of sixteen. 3. No membership will be sold within seven days before the annual meeting (cut off date June 15, 5:00 pm). 4. All members of the distribution team, who have worked with the team for a minimum of six months in the year (continually since Dec. 22, 2021), shall be given an automatic membership in Ward 9 Community News Inc for the current year. There are two provisos: a) Where the distributor is under age, the membership will be in the name of a parent or guardian. b) Only one free member-
Pruning, Cabling, Planting, Arborist Reports, Removals, Stumping, Milling. FREE QUOTES!
(Distributors may check their status by contacting Melinda at 416-698-1164 ext.27 or emailing melinda@ beachmetro.com). ELECTIONS are outlined in the newspaper’s Constitution as follows: “1. Election of officers shall be held at the annual meeting. 2. Nomination for officers of the organization shall be received in writing, addressed to the secretary, at least 14 days before the annual meeting (by June 8, 5:00 pm). Nominations should be accompanied by a description of the nominee’s background with regard to the organization and the general community. The names of those seeking office, togeth-
er with a brief biography, will be published in the issue of Beach Metro Community News immediately preceding the annual meeting (June 14 issue) in order that the membership be able to weigh the merits of each candidate and vote accordingly. Notice for the final date for receiving nominations shall be published in the two issues immediately preceding that date (May 17, and May 31, 2022). 3. Where more than one person is nominated for any office, the chairperson of the meeting shall count the ballots and declare the nominee receiving the most votes elected. 4. Nominees for the board and nominations shall be members of the Ward 9 Community News Inc. (See paragraphs on membership).
Nominations sought for Beach Citizen of the Year NOMINATIONS ARE now open for the 2022 Beach Citizen of the Year. Do you know someone who has worked hard over a period of time to improve life in the Beach community, has had an impact on a broad spectrum of community members, has made a tangible contribution over
YOUR LOCAL, FAMILY RUN TREE PRESERVATION SPECIALISTS
ship will be allowed per family.”
a long period of time and has inspired others to participate more in community life? Now is the time to nominate them for Beach Citizen of the Year. Please note that the award is for a person who volunteers their time, not someone in a paid position. Nomination forms are
available at www.beachcitizenaward.org and at www. centre55.com. Nominations should be sent to Beach Citizen of the Year, Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Toronto, ON, M4E 2V6. They can also be emailed to jade@centre55. com. Deadline is 5 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 19.
A TRUSTED NAME IN BEACH REAL ESTATE FOR OVER 33 YEARS I KNOW WHO’S #1 IN BEACH REAL ESTATE... YOU ARE!
416.546.4889 info@evergreentreecare.ca evergreentreecare.ca
“It feels good to know it’s all taken care of.” By pre-planning your final arrangements today, you can save time and money - and provide greater comfort and convenience to your family.
416.690.5100 TNEAL@TREBNET.COM THOMASNEAL.CA
Get organized now: Call Planning Specialist Ryan Horvath for a FREE Planning Kit!
416-267-4656
mcdbrownscarb.ca
McDougall & Brown Funeral Home Scarborough Chapel by Arbor Memorial
2900 Kingston Road, Scarborough ON Arbor Memorial Inc.
Family Owned. Proudly Canadian.
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
19
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
PSYCHOTHERAPY
ACCOUNTING
FINANCIAL SERVICES
LAWYERS/LEGAL
CHIROPRACTORS
Tara Shannon
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
Mac Mortgage
Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION
Janet D’Arcy
M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, RP Registered Psychotherapist Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples Insurance clients welcome Evening & weekend sessions available 579 Kingston Rd (corner Main)
416 698-6960 tara@tarashannon.ca
Beatriz Mendez B.A. B.Ed. M.A. DipTIRP
Registered Psychotherapist Low Fee - High Value Therapy Kingston Rd. at Victoria Park Ave.
416-690-2417
www.East-Toronto-Therapy.com mendez.smith@sympatico.ca
Lisa Romano-Dwyer BSc, MSW, PhD, RSW
Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
Lakeside Wellness Therapy Affiliates Individual & Couple Care Child & Adolescent Counselling Services Wellness Life Coaching 1755 Queen St. E. • 416-951-8280
Consultations • Therapy Individuals • Couples Over 20 years experience. Located at Queen & Wheeler
Carolyn Dallman Downes
Dr. Linda Iny Lempert
www.CarolynDallmanDownes.com
416-691-1071
Psychologist & Psychoanalyst
Individuals & Couples Services disponibles en français Insurance Coverage 47 Main Street (at Lyall Ave)
416-694-4380
Registered Psychotherapist
Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Relationships.
416-363-0065
Kirsten Johnson B.Sc, DipTIRP, RP Psychotherapy for Individuals/Couples
www.drlempert.ca
LGTBQ+ / Anxiety / Depression more...
WELLNESS
Insurance welcome
missfit.ca in-home personal trainer 416 888 6465 mimi@missfit.ca
SPIRITUAL ADVISER Retired Psychotherapist Finding meaning in your life 40 years experience • $80/hr
Peg Earle M.A., M.Div., RMFT 647-970-6807
OSTEOPATHY
At Fallingbrook Wellness www.fallingbrookwellness.com Aaron Rusciolelli, M.OMSc. Nicole McCutcheon, M.OMSc. Move better. Feel better.
BeyondTheBlueTherapy.com
KATO ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2830 Danforth Ave. (East of Dawes Rd.)
416-690-2112
Dogs, cats, pocket pets. Housecalls available.
HOUGHTON VETERINARY HOUSECALL SERVICES Vaccines, examinations, diagnostics, palliative care, and home euthanasia provided for your pets in the comfort of your own home.
Dr. Barbara Houghtonn647-221-5516
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
COUNSELLING Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd Are You Ready to Solve Your Life & Relationship Issues? 416-694-0232 www.energyawakening.com Spiritual Counselling
Therapy with Barbara Affordable Talk Therapy for Individuals or Couples Therapist-in-Training Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy
barbsaunders.com therapy@barbsaunders.com (Queen & Woodbine location)
INSURANCE Leane Besky Insurance Agency Inc.
DESJARDINSINSURANCE Auto, Home, Life, Critical Illness, Disability, Financial Services
2243 Queen St. E. 416-690-7900 www.leanebesky.com
Best of Both Worlds.
Same returns as the underlying fund/portfolio. Same MERs as the Mutual Fund. 100% Death Benefit Guarantee based on all contributions made before age 75. Learn more!
Vic M. Sarju 416 560-0985
Wendy MacKinnon Residential / Commercial / Reverse / Investment / 416-994-4771 wendy@macmortgage.ca www.macmortgage.ca Serving the Beaches & GTA Powered by Invis License #10801
DINA TULL
Mortgage Agent, Lic. M19001884 A mortgage professional working with you to find mortgage financing which suits your needs
ZOLO Mortgages Inc., Lic. 13191 647-869-2370 dina.tull@zolo.ca r.mtg-app.com/dinatull
PARLIAMENTARIAN Dysfunctional Meetings? A Professional
Cont.
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
Melani Norman
CPA, CMA Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes
Call 416-471-0337
Emily C. Larimer
MichaelMouritsen.ca
LAWYERS/LEGAL Dashwood & Dashwood Barristers & Solicitors
CPA, CGA
Geoffrey J. Dashwood
INCLUDING TAXES IN ARREARS
961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738
BOOKKEEPING & PERSONAL TAX RETURNS Call: 416-693-2274 emily@eclarimercpa.com www.eclarimercpa.com
Patrick Ruiz Professional Corporation An accountant you can count on
For your Small Business Self-employed income & investments Real Estate Rentals
647-300-4062 • patrick@prtaxcpa.com
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Guardian Mortgages Kinga and Allen Chin
Commercial / Residential / Investor Services
P: 416-315-0355
955A Kingston Rd, Toronto, M3E 1S8 E: info@guardianmortgages.ca W:www.guardianmortgages.ca Serving the Beaches & GTA
Powered by Mortgage Architects License #12728
LEE JAMES BOWES CIM, PFP Financial Planning & Investment Services Assante Capital Management Ltd. 101 - 952 Kingston Road, Toronto
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
647-276-0072 lbowes@assante.com bowesfinancialgroup.ca
2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com
LEE JAMES BOWES CIM, PFP
GARRY M. CASS
Estate Planning & Insurance Services Assante Capital Management Inc. 101 - 952 Kingston Road, Toronto
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR, TEP Wills/Estate Administration/Advice to Estate Trustees
647-276-0072 lbowes@assante.com bowesfinancialgroup.ca
416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garry@garrycass.com
Aldo Lopez-Gil, CFP, CIM
Glover & Associates
We specialize in wealth & retirement strategies, RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, RESPs, Pensions and more. Life Insurance, Disability, Critical Illness
aldo.lopez-gil@edwardjones.com 416-691-8730
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries
Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate
416-691-3700
Queen and Hammersmith
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
Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate
BEACHES WELLNESS CENTRE
416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca
Registered Massage Therapy
Parliamentarian can help.
CPA, CA
VETERINARIANS CHRISTINE KATO, B.Sc., D.V.M.
Bert van Delft
Cont.
KAMRULHAFIZAHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.
QUINN Family Law
Dr. Johanna Carlo Chiropractic &
2130 Queen Street East
416-698-7070
ASHBRIDGE’S HEALTH CENTRE Dr. Emily Howell Jackie Leesun, RMT Dr. Ceara Higgins
Chiropractic, Acupuncture, RMT
1522 Queen St. E. 416-465-5575 www.ashbridgeshealth.ca
Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law)
662 Broadview Ave. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca
MEDIATION/ARBITRATION Divorce, Tenancy/Landlord disputes, Employment disputes.
Sarah Harvey & Associates 416-795-4181
info@sarahharveyandassociates.com
Paladin LLP www.paladin.legal
Landlord & Tenant, Small Claims
A keen focus on results has resulted in decades of satisfied clients. Please call us, we are happy to help Locations across the GTA. 55 Village Centre Pl, Mississauga, ON, L4Z 1V9
MASSAGE THERAPY 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 Megan Evans, RMT, CRHP & Associates Massage Therapy • Reflexology 2245 Queen St. East • 2nd floor • Open 7 days per week •
www.therapylounge.ca
416-916-7122
289-207-9833 • admin@paladin.legal
Real Estate, Wills & Estates Alessandra P. Goulet Barrister & Solicitor 1637 Gerrard Street East Toronto, ON M4L 2A7
Tel: 647-496-7956 Cell: 416-702-7131 Fax: 647-243-2482
ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN 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
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
(416) 694-8181 www.stephenkingarchitect.com
FUNERAL SERVICES
W. MORRIS DESIGN
eco Cremation &
Member Ontario Association of Architects
ARCHITECTURAL AND INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANTS DESIGN CONCEPTS AND PERMIT DRAWINGS WESLEY MORRIS, ARIDO, IDC, AATO
416-261-9679
Burial Services Inc.
Life Celebrations. Done Differently. In Service with St. John’s Norway Cemetery & Crematorium.
647.660.5056 www.ecofuneral.ca
20
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
IT’S GRILLIN’ TIME!
w e t s e h . t e l s i i This ings a sm r b t a h YOUR LOCAL BBQ ACCESSORIES | PATIO HEATERS OUTDOOR FIREPLACES | FIRE TABLES
Black Lives Here
Challenging the corrosive attitudes about Indigenous people Mimi Liliefeldt mimi@missfit.ca
I
gnorance is not bliss. At this stage in history, our ignorance surrounding the experiences of Indigenous people in Canada is Check website for store hours. unacceptable. www.classicfireplace.ca Casting shame is never the point of this column. However, it was my own feelings of embarrassing inadequacy that emphasized how little I know about the Next advertising people who have cared for deadline is Tuesday, May 24 our land far longer and better than we have. www.beachmetro.com For decades we have heard about the horrors Indigenous people have had 2585 Central Ad 4 x 7.5 Ad -1-888-424-8672
BBQ STORE
w e t s e h t s i s Thi ! e l i m s a hat brings
w e t s e h t s i This ! e l i m s a s g hat brin
t a h t s w e e t t s s a e T h t s i This ! ! k e l c i a m b s u a o s y g that btraikne
ee r Fmenu Get your
From best-ever Beef Stew to straight-from-the sixties Stroganoff, we have yesterday’s and today’s favourite meals on the menu! Choose from more than 200 fully-prepared, frozen dishes — all with free delivery.*
Locally Owned by Krystal Joseph HeartToHomeMeals.ca
1-888-424-8672 MADE FOR
Seniors!
*Some conditions may apply.
to live through; the many missing women, the discoveries of mass graves at Residential Schools, and the countless children that were taken away from their families, to name only a few. We may have even had thoughtful discussions on how our societies are so divided, but none of this was really about learning or taking action. Resilience is a word that comes up a lot when we speak of the abominations Indigenous people have had to endure. Resilience is how we adapt and rebound from adversity. Having said this, no one actually wants to have to face adversity, but either by misfortune or cruel intention it is often thrown in our path. Indigenous people in Canada have the burden of having to prove their resilience over and over throughout history. The time to hear their stories and take action is long overdue. Barb Nahwegahbow is an artist and resident of Leslieville. She is also the curator and co-ordinator of the ANDPVA (Association for Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts) Market. Barb shared everything from her experience of growing up on a small reserve near Manitoulin Island, to moving to Toronto and spending her career advocating for her Indigenous community. “I am Anishinaabe, also known as Ojibway. Where I grew up was a very small place, probably about 300400 people. My mother had 12 kids; one didn’t survive. I went to school on the reserve, and then later on we were bussed into Espanola for high school,” Barb told me. Espanola was a non-Indigenous town of which the majority were white people. “There was racism, but there was also acceptance. I was voted Prom Queen by the student body.” The unexpected value of being chosen prom queen revealed itself many years later when Barb was working on a program for residential school survivors. “There were some people from my area (where she grew up) and when I introduced myself, one lady said, ‘I know who you are! You were prom queen in high school!’ I asked her how she would remember that from some 40 years ago? She said, ‘that was so important because it was a Native girl’. I never thought about that,”
PHOTO: MIMI LILIEFELDT
Leslieville resident and artist Barb Nahwegahbow is the curator and co-ordinator of the ANDPVA (Association for Native Development in the Performing and Visual Arts) Market on Queen Street East. Barb admitted. In retrospect, it’s easier to understand how much that would mean to someone. How important it is to see ourselves reflected in elevated societal positions, no matter how frivolous seeming prom queen might be. “I moved to Sudbury and then Toronto in 1971 and took Social Services at Humber College. Education for us was always very important to my parents, they saw that as a way out of poverty. I decided early on that I wanted to work with my own community,” Barb told me. After graduating, Barb worked for various organizations for the care and betterment of Indigenous peoples. “I worked in Child and Family Services, I was developing Native foster homes, Native homemaker services, and Native group homes. Then I went into vocational rehabilitation, it was a very supportive environment. I was working with a halfway house for Native people with substance abuse problems.” Barb also went on to work for the provincial government in community development, then got the role of executive director of the Native Canadian Centre. After five years she left the NCC and went back to university and attained her B.A in philosophy and political science. After graduating university, she took a job as the executive director of Anishinaabe Health Toronto. There she developed a number of cultural programs and
added traditional healers who could provide patients help with any number of physical, emotional and spiritual issues. With Barb’s wide expanse of work for Indigenous people in public and government roles, I asked if she ever came across much resistance. Her response was this: “Oh yeah, individual acts of racism, but the systemic racism….” Her voice trailed off and she went into a story of when she confronted her boss who had suggested she was too biased when she said positive things regarding Indigenous folks. Barb had said to her boss, “how come this guy who works for the Ministry of Natural Resources is allowed to be biased against Indigenous people? Why is that allowed?” Her boss didn’t respond and simply walked into his office. This interaction may seem small, but it illustrates the corrosive beliefs that colonization has instilled and held onto in society about Indigenous people. The damaging assumptions and messaging are that they do not deserve to have the same rights and dignities. One of the things Barb is most proud of is the spirit of her community and especially in the artists who contribute to the ANDPVA Market. “When I come in this store every single day and I see all that our artists have created… Every piece is beautiful, and I think after all the sh** that we’ve been Continued on Page 21
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
21
WE’RE OPEN FOR YOU! ONLINE, PHONE, DELIVERY, CURBSIDE, ONSITE Amy Reuben
Kundalini and Hatha Certified Yoga of Awareness Certified
Jacqueline Ryan 647 821 1941 jacqueline@themortgagecoach.ca www.jryanmortgages.ca
Personalized Private And Semi Private Instruction For more information:
www. satnamyogastudio.ca – 1 504 578 4004 amy.satnamyoga@gmail.com
THE FOOT GUY
David Allison, D. Ch.
CHIROPODIST
416.691.4348
952 Kingston Rd., Suite 207 info@thefootguy.ca www.thefootguy.ca
Proudly Serving The Neighborhood For Over 93 Years Home Service – Major Appliances Parts Radio/TV Appliances 249 Coxwell Ave - Ph: 416 463 1164 www.butlersapplianceservice.com
Summer Vibes Menu Your Neighbourhood Pet Store We may be small but we carry it all! Come visit us and bring your furry friends too.
WE OFFER FREE DELIVERY!
1618 Gerrard St. E. 647 352 6066 furballspetstuff@gmail.com
Featuring summer inspired share platters, ready to grill foods and a la carte starters, snacks, soups, salads, entrees & desserts For more information go to: corbincateringandfoods.com 647 588 1116 order@corbincateringfoods.com
REAL ESTATE, WILLS & ESTATES In-house or remote; House calls are an option
1637 Gerrard Street East www.gouletlegal.com E: alessandra@gouletlegal.com T: 647-496-7956 Alessandra P. Goulet C: 416-702-7131
Barrister & Solicitor
Be open to listening and learning ways to give back ‘Challenging’ from Page 20 through, we are still capable of creating and seeing the incredible beauty in life. And if that isn’t resilience, I don’t know what is.” The market began as a two-month Christmas pop up idea in Leslieville by her friend Marcos, an Indigenous artist from Ecuador. He approached Barb with the suggestion knowing she had years of experience running an annual art market that she started, called Indigenous and Ingenious. The holiday market was so successful, they reopened in March and are currently at their Leslieville location on Queen Street East at Caroline Avenue until end of June. The best part of the ANDPVA market is that all the items are Indigenous made and the artists get 100 per cent of their sales. The store is full of beautiful, beaded jewellery, hand painted art, amazing collage photography, and textiles. But it’s so much more than a pop-up store; it’s a display of Indigenous creativity, perseverance and a window into a world and way of life that has been shut out for too many years. Barb told me, “A woman came in a
while ago and she was connected with the Catholic Church, this was shortly after the Pope’s apology. She wanted to know who they should talk to about where her church group could put their money. So, I gave her a couple of names, but then I also told her, ‘there’s no such thing as a free lunch. I expect you to buy something before you leave here, because I’ve given you information.’” Some may read this and be taken aback, but it’s important to remember the history of what’s transpired and the value of reciprocity. Most people say they want to help or do their part in helping to restore balance in our relationships with the Indigenous community, but they have no idea where to start. This is easy, if you walk into the store, know that you are walking into an enlightenment. If you are open, you will learn or see something new and interesting. But also realize, this education shouldn’t be free. These artists have worked hard and deserve your support. They are not asking for a handout; they have made stunning creations and you have been given a tiny
glimpse into their world. This is the foundation of reciprocity. Barb is a strong woman who has dedicated her life to helping her community grow and prosper. She stands firm for what she knows is right. When I asked her where this ability to confront and challenge societal imbalances came from, she said, “I rarely let anything slip past. It’s my love for our own people. My belief in our people, that we are good. I believe that we’re worth something. Like these artists here, I believe they have lots to offer, and they deserve the very best, which is why we created this beautiful showcase for their work.” Shopping at the ANDPVA Market is one small way we can help support our local Indigenous community. Other ways are to release old harmful ideas and listen to what the community needs and learn how to give back. Indigenous people believe that the land is their first family. This means renewing our connection to the land and finding ways to give back to it. When I asked Barb how one
would do that while living in the city, her response was simple: “While I walk, I pick up garbage.” We are a long way from righting the wrongs, but the bottom line is that we all must actively participate. Barb’s response was that her community was, “cautiously optimistic” about the shifts in society’s awakening, but the truth is they don’t want to hear how bad you feel about the countless injustices. “All of the things done to us, the attempted eradication of our culture, social and family structures, languages, spiritual beliefs, theft of our children and on and on… All have been done to get our land and resources. If there are no First Nations people left, there is no one with a claim to the land. No one with the values of respecting the land, living in harmony in a reciprocal relationship with nature,” she said. Barb’s message is clear. We cannot live in ignorance any longer. We must open our hearts and stand in solidarity with the people who are the original guardians of this land, in every way that we can.
22
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Provincial Election 2022
Answers from Beaches-East York candidates
Kate Dupuis
Angela Kennedy
Abhijeet Manay
Mary-Margaret McMahon
Stephen Roney
Continued from Page 10 strategy that puts healthy, locally sourced food onto our tables. Finally, our plan will protect consumers by regulating gas to stop gouging at the pumps and ban predatory payday loans. A more affordable Ontario is possible.
Continued from Page 10 our community. I am excited to be a part of the PC Government led by Doug Ford that will Get It Done.
Continued from Page 10 fices. We also need mental healthcare, pharmacare, visioncare, dentalcare and more to be included within OHIP. The Ontario Greens have released a fully costed plan for how we’re going to expand mental healthcare services across the province. A healthy Ontario is crucial for a green and caring tomorrow and we have a plan to make it happen.
Continued from Page 10 volumes to me! Our kids deserve the best education not chaos and disruption. By protecting the rights of students, parents, and education workers to be heard, we can find success and build a stronger, more positive future. Our seniors deserve a plan to recover from the mistakes that were made.Our plan will guarantee home care for anyone who needs it and will end for-profit long-term care in Ontario. The pandemic was a wakeup call that cannot be ignored.
Continued from Page 10 Aside from destroying civil society, Critical Theory makes education itself meaningless. If you believe there is no objective truth, there is nothing to teach, and nothing to learn. Everyone just makes up whatever they want to believe, and tries to impose it on others. Or on students.
QUESTION 3: Given the concerns raised by a number of East Toronto residents, do you think changes need to be made to the way the provincial transit agency Metrolinx is run and if so, what are those changes? I believe that everyone in Ontario deserves access to affordable, reliable transit that gets you where you need to go safely. Years of Liberal and Conservative cuts to public transit and service, fare hikes, long construction delays, and privatization have meant transit isn’t there when Ontarians need it. An Ontario NDP government has a plan to deliver faster, more reliable, more affordable, and easier commutes both within and between cities. If elected, we will make Metrolinx transparent and accountable to the public: We will ensure that Metrolinx proactively shares its progress and decision-making, including contracts, financing, and consultant studies. Board meetings should be made open to the public, deputations should be permitted, and the public and experts should be meaningfully and regularly engaged at all stages of key decisions. We will commit to increase municipal participation on Metrolinx boards: Give local municipal officials, transit operators, and planners seats on Metrolinx’s board, and ban consultants from executive roles. We will make board meetings open to the public, and ensure Metrolinx is transparent.
QUESTION 3: Given the concerns raised by a number of East Toronto residents, do you think changes need to be made to the way the provincial transit agency Metrolinx is run and if so, what are those changes? If elected as the MPP for the Beaches-East York riding, I will ensure that the concerns of BeachesEast York residents are listened to and brought to the table. With the growing population of the city, transit expansion is vital to help get residents where they need to go faster while alleviating gridlock on our roads. The PCs are leading the charge on the largest subway expansion in Ontario history with the Ontario Line, the three-stop Scarborough Subway Expansion and the Eglinton Crosstown Extension and the Yonge North Subway Extension.
QUESTION 3: Given the concerns raised by a number of East Toronto residents, do you think changes need to be made to the way the provincial transit agency Metrolinx is run and if so, what are those changes? We need more funding and a massive expansion of Ontario’s public transit systems. However, this does not need to come at the expense of natural infrastructure. Metrolinx needs to consider the alternate solutions provided by local residents for their projects, especially when they harm local ravines, water systems and other ecosystems. Provincial governments also need to be considerate of the requests of local municipal councils that are advocating for local residents. Greens have a long history of working with all parties to find solutions, including our leader Mike Schreiner who passed his bill with all party support. As your MPP, I too would work with all parties to come up with a solution that works for everyone and that includes local concerns and alternative solutions. Collaborative politics is not only expedient but a necessity.
QUESTION 3: Given the concerns raised by a number of East Toronto residents, do you think changes need to be made to the way the provincial transit agency Metrolinx is run and if so, what are those changes? Absolutely changes need to be made to Metrolinx. Their approach to the community and their consultation process needs improvement in order to restore our confidence in their decisions and remedy their track record. Even before the challenges of Small’s Creek and the Don Valley Layover, they operated as a large bureaucratic agency that oftentimes ignored the needs of the neighbourhood. They need to be more accountable! Protecting and maintaining our green spaces are vital to improving our mental, physical, and spiritual health. Time spent in nature, particularly in our beloved and irreplaceable ravines, is key to our well-being. We need Metrolinx to come to the table and genuinely consult with the community, many of whom have strong areas of expertise and a keenness to work together to help build with the best possible and environmentally conscious outcome. Let’s work together and collaboratively with a dynamic new approach to community outreach encompassing a forward-thinking,sustainable vision that can be replicated all across Ontario.
QUESTION 3: Given the concerns raised by a number of East Toronto residents, do you think changes need to be made to the way the provincial transit agency Metrolinx is run and if so, what are those changes? Public transit has to be a monopoly, and any monopoly is open to abuse by special interests. This is why we need to avoid monopolies. But here we cannot. I do not see an obviously better way to structure Metrolinx to avoid this eternal problem. This is why a free press comes in. It serves as a check against monopolies: exposing malfeasance or insensitivity to local interests. We all count on Beach Metro News for this, and thank you for it. Knowing of the issues, we can then pressure our elected representatives. For this reason, it is essential that the media not be beholden to government. New Blue would tax back special subsidies given to designated media by government. Not because we are hostile to the press. I say this as a Ryerson Journalism grad. It is because we believe in the press, and want to preserve its integrity. And ensure the best for all of us.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Beach Metro Community News sent these questions to candidates we were aware of in Beaches-East York. Due to our early print deadline, not all candidates responded in time for them to be published in this edition. Please visit our website at www.beachmetro.com for more information on the candidates.
Advance polls to open later this week in local ridings ADVANCE POLLS for the upcoming provincial election are set to open in the ridings of Beaches-East York, Scarborough Southwest and Toronto-Danforth later this week. This year will see more opportunities to voters to cast a ballot in advance polls prior to Election Day on June 2. BEACHES-EAST YORK In the riding of Beaches-East York, advance polls are planned for the following locations and dates: From May 19 to May 28, advance polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Beaches Branch Library, 2161 Queen St. E.; the Main Square Community Recreation Centre, 245 Main St.; and the Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, 373 Cedarvale Ave.
Voters in the riding can also cast a ballot any day up until June 1 at the Beaches-East York Returning Office which is located at 2575 Danforth Ave., just east of Main Street. The office will be open for in-person voting Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will be open on Sunday, May 15, and Sunday, May 29, from noon to 5 p.m. On Sunday, May 22, the office will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for voters. In-person voting at the returning office ends at 6 p.m. on June 1. For more information, the Beaches-East York Returning Office can be contacted at 1-833-905-0146. SCARBOROUGH SOUTHWEST In the riding of Scarborough
Southwest, advance polls are planned for the following locations and dates: From May 19 to May 28, advance polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Birchmount Community Centre, 93 Birchmount Rd.; the Cliffcrest Public Library, 3017 Kingston Rd.; and the Don Montgomery Community Recreation Centre, 2467 Eglinton Ave, just west of Midland Avenue. Voters in the riding can also cast a ballot any day up until June 1 at the Scarborough Southwest Returning Office which is located at Eglinton Town Centre (24 Lebovic Ave., Unit C1. The office will be open for in-person voting Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
It will be open on Sunday, May 15, and Sunday, May 29, from noon to 5 p.m. On Sunday, May 22, the office will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for voters. In-person voting at the returning office ends at 6 p.m. on June 1. For more information, the Scarborough Southwest Returning Office can be reached at 1-833-3053163. TORONTO-DANFORTH In the riding of Toronto-Danforth, advance polls are planned for the following locations and dates: From May 19 to May 28, advance polls will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the East York Community Centre, 1081 ½ Pape Ave., just north of Torrens Avenue; and at the Jim-
mie Simpson Recreation Centre, 870 Queen St. E., just west of Booth Avenue. Voters in the riding can also cast a ballot any day up until June 1 at the Toronto-Danforth Returning Office at Holy Name Church, 606 Danforth Ave. The office will be open for in-person voting Mondays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. It will be open on Sunday, May 15, and Sunday, May 29, from noon to 5 p.m. On Sunday, May 22, the office will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. for voters. In-person voting at the returning office ends at 6 p.m. on June 1. For more information, the Toronto-Danforth Returning Office can be reached at 1-833-905-4090.
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
23
Provincial Election 2022
Answers from Toronto-Danforth candidates Mary Fragedakis
Milton Kandias
Marcelo Levy
Continued from Page 16
Continued from Page 16
Continued from Page 16
ize senior care through a universal home care guarantee; clear the surgery backlog for all of us; repair and rebuild schools; ensure 10 paid sick days for all workers; ban handguns; and more. We want a government that believes in education and invests in it.
ingful planning. As a result we are no longer able to operate our railways at previous levels of capacity. Even back then, our deteriorating capacity to cope with growing vehicular traffic, made preserving our rail assets imperative to protecting the economic viability of our city and the mobility of our citizens. Metrolinx must be completely reformed. It must be forced to work with the local community groups that clearly know the local needs and environment best. Making decisions openly, through a consensus of the communities that it serves, to enable it to actually plan for the future, rather than merely reacting to it afterwards.
I will work to restructure Metrolinx to make it more accountable to the communities it serves, and more transparent in its decision making. I would reconsider having elected officials within Metrolinx since they are accountable to the citizens of the municipality and/or province.
QUESTION 3: Given the concerns raised by a number of East Toronto residents, do you think changes need to be made to the way the provincial transit agency Metrolinx is run and if so, what are those changes? As a Toronto City Councillor for eight years, and former Board Member of the Toronto Transit Commission, I understand transit. I have been in tough negotiations and have the experience and knowledge to keep Metrolinx on track and demand better, more responsive community consultation and adjustments. We need stronger leadership at the MPP level to provide real oversight of Metrolinx. Our current representative has not provided that leadership—the real anger and hurt in the community over failed consultations and plans that no one agrees on is proof of that.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Beach Metro Community News sent these questions to candidates we were aware of in Toronto-Danforth. Due to our early print deadline, not all candidates responded in time for them to be published in this edition. Please visit our website at www.beachmetro.com for more information on the candidates.
Answers from Scarborough Southwest candidates Doly Begum
Cara Brideau
Peter Naus
Lisa Patel
Continued from Page 11
Continued from Page 11
Continued from Page 11
Continued from Page 11
QUESTION 3 - What do you consider to be the top local issue in Scarborough Southwest and the top provincial issue in this election?
QUESTION 3 - What do you consider to be the top local issue in Scarborough Southwest and the top provincial issue in this election?
QUESTION 3 - What do you consider to be the top local issue in Scarborough Southwest and the top provincial issue in this election?
QUESTION 3 - What do you consider to be the top local issue in Scarborough Southwest and the top provincial issue in this election?
Some of my top local and provincial priorities for this election include: • Improving healthcare access for Scarborough, ensuring that funding commitments for healthcare and hospital infrastructure projects are met • Fixing the broken long-term care and home care system in our province so our seniors can live a dignified, healthy, and safe life • Protecting the local green spaces and commitment to climate solutions • Affordable homes and increased access to social housing • Fixing our schools - ensuring adequate funding for the repair backlog in our public schools, smaller class sizes, and support for students, teachers, and education workers • Increasing access to quality and affordable childcare • Addressing the affordability crisis in our community - including the rising cost of living This is an important election, especially after the past two-and-a-half years of the pandemic showed us the many ways in which our healthcare, education, and public services systems are broken. Healthcare is one of the top provincial issues this election, including seniors’ care and the strain on healthcare human resources, specifically the dire need for more nurses, doctors, and personal support workers.
The local issue that affects people the most here is public transit. To get anywhere in Scarborough without a car is always a challenge. And with gas prices so high, it needs to be a viable option. A ‘buck a ride’ sounds great, but if you have to wait a long time for a bus or if the bus or subway train is overcrowded you’re not going to be happy. Excellent service should be the focus of our attention. And if we want to cut down on our commute times and traffic congestion, we need to generate more local jobs in our riding. At one time we had a thriving manufacturing sector here and we now know that global supply chains no longer provide the security we need. There’s no reason we couldn’t manufacture a wide range of leading edge products and develop the associated know-how for the emerging green economy right here as well. Good employment opportunities for the young people entering the job market has to be a priority, so people can afford to stay here and provide the creative innovation we need for a better future.
New Blue MPPs elected on June 2 will fight to end all COVID-19 mandates, including a complete repeal of Ford’s emergency measures; a ban on COVID-19 vaccine passports; and restitution for those harmed by emergency measures applied by the governments of Trudeau or Ford. New Blue is committed to growing Ontario’s economy at five per cent of GDP annually, starting with taking down the costly Wynne-Ford wind turbines to reduce electricity prices and improving productivity. New Blue will provide tax relief by cutting the HST from 13 per cent to 10 per cent and axing the Ford carbon tax. New Blue will fight to renew political accountability by scrapping the $100-million taxpayer subsidy of political parties, banning lobbyists from party politics, and cracking down on voter fraud in internal party elections. New Blue will defund establishment media and promote a free press by cancelling the Toronto Star’s $500 million online gambling license and taxing all corporate media that receive any of the $600 million federal government taxpayer “bailout” subsidy from the Trudeau Liberals. The Ford PCs and their left-wing ideologues and lobbyists are determined to leave Ontario “woke” and “broke” because the PC party isn’t blue and just isn’t for you.
Scarborough Southwest faces an affordability crisis, particularly with housing and transportation. Scarborough hospitals are also in dire need of funding. This, coupled with the lack of support and concern for the living standards of seniors are grave concerns I have with the current government. I will cut transit fares to $1 a ride everywhere in Ontario. I will add a Durham-Scarborough BRT line connecting to Oshawa, and build an Eglinton East LRT from Kennedy to Malvern. An additional 40,000 seniors will have access to home care in the next four years, and I will boost pensions by up to $1,000 annually for seniors who need it, while ensuring health workers across the board receive a long overdue wage increase. Province-wide, mental health is a high priority, particularly among teens. My plan includes hiring 1000 mental health professionals for schools, 10,000 teachers, and capping class sizes at 20. I will also enhance and expand Scarborough Southwest’s business community. I believe climate change poses a major threat to future generations. I aim to cut Ontario’s carbon pollution in half by 2030, build five provincial parks, and protect and expand the Greenbelt. I also plan to launch a strengthened communication system between our residents and their elected officials. This will not only create more engagement, but foster accountability.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Beach Metro Community News sent these questions to candidates we were aware of in Scarborough Southwest. Due to our early print deadline, not all candidates responded in time for them to be published in this edition. Please visit our website at www.beachmetro.com for more information on the candidates.
24
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
EAST ON QUEEN STREET EAST
! l a c o L EVERYTHING YOU’LL EVER WANT OR NEED p o h S WE HAVE IT ALL RIGHT HERE!
The Artisans
SPRING FASHIONS ARE HERE!
Imported Gifts & Sterling Silver Jewellery Family Owned and Operated since 1990!
VICTORIA DAY is Monday, May 23rd
FIREWORKS
at Ashbridges Bay at 9:30 pm Stay Safe and Healthy.
1974A Queen Street East | 416.690.1663
1978 Queen St. E. 416 907 2029 www.charmingparrot.com @shopcharmingparrot
charmingparrot
04-2022
RESTAURANTS BARS MOVIES MUSIC CLOTHING FURNISHINGS JEWELERY GROCERIES SERVICES PETS HOUSEWARES COLLECTABLES ART BAKERIES SWEETS TREATS WELLNESS EYES TOYS HAIR THERAPISTS ELECTRONICS ICE CREAM LIQUOR WINE FRUIT DOCTORS DENTISTS VETS MASSAGE HARDWARE PHARMACY REPAIRS BOOKS SHOES REAL ESTATE FLOWERS AND SO MUCH MORE
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
@makewaves.TO
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
25
26
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
WHAT IF YOU WERE TOLD ONLY HALF THE STORY? GET YOUR COPY AND UNCOVER THE FACTS
VISIT WHATWELOST.COM This sober, fact driven account is full of surprises and exposes new information that has never previously been revealed.
AVAILABLE AT AUDIO BOOK COMING SOON NARRATED BY MARTIN LUTHER KING III
THIS AND OTHER BOOKS THAT MATTER AVAILABLE AT OPIBOOKS.COM @OPIBOOKS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
27
28
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
Provincial Election 2022
Beaches-East York candidates discuss the issues at Interfaith event By Josh Sherman
AT THE Beaches-East York Interfaith Candidates’ Meeting last Thursday evening, local MPP hopefuls shared what their top priorities would be during their first year in office. The May 12 event — hosted by an informal interfaith group representing several churches as well as the Danforth Islamic Centre and Beach Hebrew Institute — brought five candidates together at East York’s Church of the Resurrection ahead of the June 2 provincial election. To be invited, participants’ parties had to have at least one member in the legislature at dissolution, or candidates in 80 per cent or more of all ridings. Candidates were asked for their inaugural-year plans during the second half of the meeting. They fielded questions from both in-person attendees and 50 or so viewers streaming the meeting on Zoom, with topics ranging from nuclear power to voter fraud. Angela Kennedy, of the Progressive Conservative Party, said “the mental-health strategy” would be her immediate focus if her campaign is successful. “People have lost their jobs; we need to be supportive of families who have lost their family members. There are still people who are sick, who have long-COVID symptoms,” explained the long-time Toronto Catholic District School Board trustee. “So, I think that the mental-health and addiction treatments — this is what I would be focusing on.” For Green Party candidate Abhijeet Manay, electoral reform is the top priority. “Whether it’s housing, whether it’s the climate crisis, whether it’s healthcare, whether it’s education — all those issues are solved better once we have a fair electoral system,” Manay, also deputy leader of the party, said before a crowd of about 80 seated in the pews. The Ontario New Democratic Party’s first act would be to repeal the Doug Ford PC gov-
ernment’s Bill 124, said Kate Dupuis, a new candidate for the party as would-be incumbent Rima Berns-McGown decided not to run for a second term, in part due to “toxic” politics. Dupuis described the bill as an “underinflation wage cut on the wages of 1 million public-sector employees,” noting that 55 per cent of these workers are women. “This is a feminist issue.” Bill 124, introduced in 2019, has been widely criticized by health-care professionals for capping many public-sector wage increases at 1 per cent annually. Representing the recently formed New Blue Party, Stephen Roney also took aim at a specific piece of legislation: Bill 67, the Racial Equity in the Education System Act. “The most urgent thing is to make sure that Bill 67 — which got through second reading — is not passed,” he said. “This is the one that imposes critical theory on education at all levels,” he said. Mary-Margaret McMahon, running under the Liberal Party banner, addressed the cost of living. “Affordability is the number-one thing we’re hearing at the door, life is getting too expensive for people,” said McMahon, who, as a former Beaches-East York councillor of the former Ward 32 is no stranger to the campaign trail. Candidate priorities largely echoed the main subjects brought up in the meeting’s first hour — although you could say that those were preordained. Preceding roughly 45 minutes of responses to the audience, moderators Jamie Perttula and Patricia Elkerton asked questions spanning four categories, all selected by the interfaith group’s committee. “We think that it’s a spiritual activity to make decisions on a moral and ethical basis, so we’ve posed questions — on healthcare, on environment, on education, on homelessness — and we’ve asked the candidates to address them,” organizer Michael Van Dusen, a Deacon at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, told
Beach Metro Community News just before the event’s 7 p.m. start. The questions were framed from a “faithbased” perspective, explained Van Dusen, who spoke further on this in his opening remarks. “As people of faith, we believe that we have responsibilities to create a more just and equitable world, to care for one another and successive generations, to uphold the dignity of each person, and to protect the environment that we share for our own mutual advantage.” A debate, this was not. Van Dusen told Beach Metro Community News: “We have asked the [candidates] to address the voters who are represented here… and not attack one another.” Despite the ground rules, there was the occasional confrontation. With tens of thousands of households on Toronto Community Housing’s social-housing waitlist, candidates were asked how they would address the overwhelming backlog. After suggesting that deregulating zoning would be the best way to boost housing supply by making it easier to build homes — thus improving affordability — Roney offered another take, one he clarified wasn’t New Blue policy. “My own little idea for the emergency of the homeless and the mentally ill is get them out of the city,” he said. “There are a lot of motels out there that are falling into disuse and could be quickly converted, and they’d be much better off in small towns.” When McMahon’s turn to answer came, she addressed Roney’s comments directly. “I seriously take umbrage with what my seatmate just said about people having to move out of the city and live in motels elsewhere. Everyone has the right to live where they choose to live,” she said to applause. Better solutions, McMahon suggested, are a Liberal plan to build 1.5 million new homes over 10 years (a promise shared with the
NDP and PC parties), a tax on empty dwellings, establishing a provincial corporation to build affordable homes, and unlocking provincial lands. Dupuis cited the NDP commitment to build 100,000 social-housing units provincewide — if the party remains in power for a decade — while also repairing 250,000 existing ones. “It is imperative that we not only focus on building new but are repairing what is currently broken here in Beaches-East York,” she said. Manay stressed the importance of housing with mental-health supports, noting the Greens pledge to build 60,000 such units “immediately,” as well as options such as co-op housing. “Cooperation with municipal council needs to be met with funding, it cannot be just words,” he said. Although Kennedy acknowledged that “we certainly need to increase our supply of housing,” she said a balance needed to be struck in terms of density. Where appropriate, she suggested the PCs would work with landowners to subsidize affordable units. Overall, the atmosphere remained civil, something candidates and organizers credited with the event’s structure. “We want to raise the level of political discourse,” said Van Dusen. Some candidates were able to find common ground, too. “We need to ensure everyone has access to mental-health care. Up to 25 per cent of Ontarians have struggled with their mental health during COVID-19,” said Dupuis. “The NDP will bring mental-health care under the OHIP funding,” she said, noting that as a neuropsychologist, this was personally significant. Manay agreed with Dupuis’s universal mental-health care pitch—with a playful jab: “Kate, I don’t mean this in a snarky way. I’m glad the NDP read our idea and took it, because we need all parties to follow this in terms of making sure that our progress in this province is kept intact.”
Eye on Business
Lazy Daisy Cafe celebrates renovations, emergence from pandemic challenges By Alexandros Varoutas
WITH FRESH colours and floral patterns everywhere you look, Lazy Daisy’s Café on Gerrard Street East has completed its renovations and is ready to welcome the community just in time for spring. Dawn Chapman, the owner of the cafe, styled it after her memories of her grandparents farm, and needed to make sure that didn’t get lost in the changes. So, along with fellow Beach resident and designer Tiffany Pratt, Chapman began piecing together the details that would define the space. “Back to the countryside. Back to simplicity. Back to what’s natural and that happiness that’s derived from that feeling,” she said. Beyond the decor, the space also saw some functional upgrades. The kitchen is now wider than before so there’s more room to move around when it gets busy. The basement, which was
PHOTOS: @KOKOPHOTO
Photo above left, Lazy Daisy Cafe owner Dawn Chapman. Photo above right, a look at the recenly renovated interior of the cafe located on Gerrard Street East just west of Coxwell Avenue. originally just storage space, is now a prep area for the kitchen which will help with the growing demand for biscuits, which are available to buy and bake at home. The reopening also serves as a milestone after a difficult stretch last year. After just barely hanging on throughout the pandemic and taking on multiple loans to stay open, her contractor for the renovations had to
drop out at the last minute due to illness. Luckily for Chapman, her father and husband are skilled workers themselves and were able to dive in to fill in some of the gaps. Her husband would finish up work during the week and head over to the cafe to help with anything he could. “My husband would go and do his day job, and then at night he would come here
and help with building, framing, etc...,” she said. Chapman opened Lazy Daisy’s Cafe in 2011 after she moved back to Toronto with her young children and quickly realized that the area had no family-friendly cafes for her to visit. “I had little kids and I would have to go all the way to Queen Street to get a Starbucks. And if my kid made a squeak, everyone would
stare,” she said. So she put together a vision for the kind of cafe the area needed. It had to be super welcoming, have delicious food, great coffee, and a reasonable price point. The result was Lazy Daisy’s Cafe, named after a cow named Daisy at her grandparent’s farm. Last October the cafe celebrated its 10th anniversary.
Looking back, Chapman said she never expected to see the cafe become the community hub it is today, and that connection with residents made all the difference getting her through the pandemic. “I felt like we were a community cafe and that this means something, and if we folded that would be a big hit to people emotionally,” she said.
Summer Camp_2021_CON.pdf
1
3.06.2021
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
18:48
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
29
Beach Memories
Historic Danforth walk set for May 21 who constructed Kingston Road. That’s a misnomer. In the beginning it was a small country road with market gardens and the odd hotel. Things really started booming when the Grand Trunk Railroad opened up its biggest freight yard in Ontario at Main Street and Danforth Avenue. People flocked to the area for employment. Streetcars, which were the dominant form of transit in the early 1900s, helped business boom by bringing people to the area. The Danforth nowadays is often referred to by the nickname of The Danny. The area we will cover in our walk from Woodbine to Dawes Road on May 21, also was known as Cedarvale, Little York and Dawes Corner. In the old days, one of the horse race tracks in the area hosted the first Queen’s Plate. That track was located near Main and Danforth. In the early and mid 1900s there were a number of movie houses in the area such as The Prince of Wales, The Grover and The Avalon.
Gene
Domagala
O
n Saturday, May 21, I will be leading an historic walk starting at the northwest corner of Woodbine and Danforth avenues. The walk will begin at 1 p.m. Even though I have been leading historic walks on the Danforth for more than four decades, the area still intrigues me. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, and though it changes in many ways it also seems to be the same because of the people who live and work on it. There have been many articles written about the Danforth. One of the best books I know of is The Danforth in Pictures: A Brief History of The Danforth by noted Beach and public library historian Barb Myrvold. There are different names for the Danforth. At one time it was going to be called Bloor Street. Danforth Avenue was not really started by Col. Danforth
There was also lots of music and entertainment in the local hotels and taverns in the area, but sadly most of those are just history now. The Danforth and transit in Toronto also share a history. The streetcars eventually disappeared (though the tracks are still under road pavement), replaced by the subway. When the subway arrived in the 1960s, a different era for the Danforth began. Things changed but the spirt of the people remained. Just lately a new entertainment venue has started on Danforth Avenue, just east of Dawes Road, called The Comedy Bar. During my historic walk on May 21 you will be able to see where the Empringham Hotel was, and a number of local dairies that are no longer in business. We’ll see the site of one of the oldest hotel buildings in the area, hear some stories of the Danforth, learn a bit about the Massey Harris Estate, and some other interesting people and places. I look forward to seeing you on the walk. C
M
Y
CM
MY
CY
CMY
K
July 4 th August 26 th Pantry Park 70 Kew Beach Avenue Toronto
Victoria Day weekend spring plant sale fundraiser slated MICHAEL ERDMAN and the Cantemus Singers will hold their annual Victoria Day weekend sale of garden perennials to raise funds for local food banks including
the Share a Christmas campaign by Community Centre 55. The sale will take place at 14 Lyall Ave., in the Main Street and Kingston Road
area, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 21, May 22 and May 23. More than 1,000 wellgrown perennials will be on sale at reasonable prices. For info, please call 416-578-6602.
Next advertising deadline is Tuesday, May 24
COMPUTER
COACH & TECH SUPPORT
Does your computer or phone puzzle you??
I CAN HELP!
Alex Webster B.A., B.F.A. Professional IT Technician and Photographer
I offer friendly private lessons, technical support, and repairs in your home at a reasonable rate. • Emailing, Facebook • Computer repairs and service • Connecting devices such as cameras and printers • Helping find more affordable and appropriate internet/phone plans
• Using your new phone, tablet, or camera to the fullest • Organizing files and photos • Much more! iOS, Apple Android, & Windows supported
www.thecomputercoach.ca contact@thecomputercoach.ca 416-550-7873
Book an estimate today!
THE BEST BUILDERS AND RENOVATORS ARE ALL RIGHT HERE K WOR ALL NTEED A R A GU
Fairney & Sons Home Improvements | Since 1971
Waterproofing Foundation Repair Concrete Work (all types) Masonry & Brickwork Interlocking Metropolitan Licence
B531
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE • 7 DAYS A WEEK Residential • Commercial Furnaces • Boilers • Air Conditioning Preventative Maintenance & Safety Inspections Repairs • Installations All Makes and Models • Licensed and Knowledgeable Technicians Call us:
• • • • •
Roofing (all types) Siding & Eavestrough (all types) Kitchens & Baths Home Repair & Renovations Decks & Fences
416.659.7003
www.webuildit.ca
Serving Your Community For Over 30 Years
Let’s Build Something Together - Call Us Today! LICENSED PROFESSIONALS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT NEEDS
Design Est. 1988
416•556•8368
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith M.P. Beaches-East York info@beynate.ca
FR ESTIM EE ATES
416.467.0860
Renovation Project Planning Design Drawings Budget Development
www.totalrenovations.com
416-694-2488
Build
Renovate
• Renovations • Additions • • Project Management • Masonry Work • • New Home Construction • • Design & Permit Services • ✓ Bonded & Insured ✓ WSIB Registered ✓ All Work Guaranteed
416.564.0149 pawconstruction.ca Providing Professional & Quality Construction Services for over 20 years
30
CLASSIFIEDS BLOCK AD
$13.
00
1.5” wide x 1” deep
$20.
00
(includes HST)
Window & Eaves Cleaning Gutter Filter Installation
AVAILABLE
(8)
SPECIAL GOSPEL MEETINGS at Danforth Gospel Hall 2237 Danforth Ave.
May 29TH at 6:30PM May 30TH - June 3rd at 7:30PM Speakers: Mr. Andrew Williamson & Mr. Michael Thomas All Welcome! No Collection! (6) Romans 5:8
Affordable & Accessible Spaces from 250-2000 square feet! Danforth & Coxwell. Workshops, Events, Kitchen, Programming, Concerts! www.kpuc.org/event-spaces (6)
Apartment/ Home for Rent Harding & King
R.E. Services Inc. Brokerage We make owning real estate & being a Landlord painless, easy & profitable.
Volunteers Needed to deliver BEACH METRO NEWS
Call now 416-699-9714 x8
www.hardingandking.com
Routes available throughout the Beach, Upper Beach, Danforth, Birchcliff STUDENTS EARN COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS Contact
melinda@beachmetro.com
Photo/Art
Main & Danforth
1 BEDROOM BSMT APT
Steps to subway, shops, nonsmoking only, no dogs. High 7’ ceiling, laundry on site. $1250 + hydro Contact Sam 416-712-7841 (6.)
3 Bdrm Apt Upper Unit
PHOTOGRAPHER Portrait and Events
Call us: 647-471-7714 lens.snap.photography@gmail.com www.instagram.com/lens.snap.photography/
Spacious & bright. Deck, laundry. $220/mo + utilities Call 416-522-3220
Can you still kneel towards it? Small group & individualized fitness Solutions for the over 50’s. (6)
Employment Opportunity
Call 416-873-2005
(cs)
(6)
One bedroom, ground floor, heart of the Beach on Queen Street. Clean, AC, dishwasher, laundry, cable, fireplace, front & rear decks, one parking space, no smokers, no pets. $1,800 plus hydro (6)
Wanted to Rent
SIGN INSTALLER WANTED
• Must be able to work outdoors in all seasons • Must provide own vehicle, i.e. pick-up, minivan, van • 4-5 Days per week; Monday/Friday Contact Signaid@sympatico.ca or Rod 416-995-8331 (7v)
SOUNDRIGHT HEARING SERVICES has an opening for a Receptionist/ Office Manager. 30 - 40 hours a week at $22/hour. Please email resume to
ctiede@soundrighthearingservices.com
WANTED Apartment for clean, non-smoking, non-drinking healthy senior male. Affordability makes bachelor suitable. Flexible possession. Date preferred by August 2022. Enjoys gardening.
Text/call: 647-501-2442 Richard@Triplesuncorporation.onmicrosoft.com (6)
Garage Sales “29TH ANNUAL” minus 2 yrs STREET YARD SALE
KENILWORTH AVE
(DEAD END north of Queen - several households)
Commercial Space for Rent
SAT. MAY 21st • 8:00 to 1:00 Rain date: Sun 22
Children’s stuff, furniture, books, kitchen stuff, garden things, bits of everything.
OFFICE SPACE
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
(r)
MULTI-UNIT YARD SALE Apartment Building Sold All residents moving
8 CROWN PARK ROAD Sat. May 28 • 9:00 a.m. (Rain Date June 4)
(6r)
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(6)
Financial Services
EXPRESS JUNK REMOVAL
Business & Personal Income Tax Computer Bookkeeping & Accounting
Best Prices/Free Estimates
rileyswindowcleaning.com
(r)
HELLARRA SERVICES INC.
HANDYMAN / HELPER
416-694-6241
(r)
EXACT TAX SERVICES TIM O’MEARA
(6)
***Spring Cleanup***
Leaves, Yard Cleanup Garage Cleanups & Junk Removal Other various jobs Scrap metal removal
Personal • Small Business Corporate • Back Filing (9)
ABSTAX
SPECIALISTS IN CDN AND U.S. TAXES GOV’T GRANT & LOAN APPLICATIONS HOME CALLS & PICK-UP SERVICES AVAILABLE E-FILE PERSONAL & BUSINESS TAXES
416-699-6641
(6..)
DEMOLITION EXPERTS Demolition & Removal of Garages, Porches, Fences & Concrete. Howard 416 565 8569 (7)
ALL AROUND HANDYMAN
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 161 Main Street, Toronto M4E 2V9 (22)
(6r)
EUROPEAN CLEANING LADIES
Who has the time to clean anymore? I have the time, so give me a call. Roxanne 647 886 8303 (6)
EXPERIENCED CLEANING LADY
(6)
Expert Bookkeeping, Small business specialists, Strong on QuickBooks, Simply Accounting, “cloud computing”. A la carte services. Affordable rates. Antonella 416-464-2766 (6r)
Household Services 416-691-6893
www.regsappliance.com
•Fast friendly service for 40 years •CESA certified (r)
KLEEN WINDOWS
Cleaning specialists •Windows •Eavestroughs •Decks •Siding (r)
Home Decor
RACCOON CONTROL Humane removal of raccoons and babies from ATTICS, DECKS, PORCHES, GARAGES, SHEDS WWW.RACCOONCONTROL.CA
647-557-7932
(6..)
2358 Kingston Rd.
(22)
PEST CONTROL (22)
BLIND AMBITION
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
Drapes, Blinds, Valances Also Duvet Covers, Shams, etc. For estimate call
(r)
HEALTHY HOME
• Bio-degradable, non-allergenic products used • Drying time 3-4 hours • Bonded, insured, certified Free At Home Estimates!
Call 416-783-3434
416-699-8333
(r)
Plexiglass screens, masks, sanitizing hands & keyboards.
We share our love of music using the Suzuki Method by providing gentle encouragement, inspiration, and musicianship in Violin and Piano.
(6r)
THE TWO FOURS
Rock, Roll, Roots, Blues, Country & Random
Your local Rock ‘n’ Roots Revival Band Is ready to rock your party or event.
(22)
(18)
(19)
EVERGREEN TREE CARE YOUR LOCAL, FAMILY RUN TREE PRESERVATION SPECIALISTS
Pruning, Cabling, Planting, Arborist Reports, Removals, Stumps, Milling Free Quotes! 416.546.4889 info@evergreentreecare.ca evergreentreecare.ca (r)
PRUNING • GARDENING Hedge, shrub & small tree care. Environmentally friendly garden maintenance, planting, soil amendments, lawn seeding, reel mowing, etc.
Greg 416-702-8678 carbontip-toe.com
(6)
Landscapers Green Apple Landscaping
Award Winning Design & Build 25 years Experience Read our reviews on Homestars.com One-of-a-Kind Outdoor Living Spaces
416-288-1499
www.greenapple.ca
(r)
Green Apple Landscaping Front yard parking pads Drawings • Permits • Build 416-288-1499 www.greenapple.ca
(r)
HELP WITH MATH & ENGLISH
STONEHENGE
• COVID CATCH-UP • • in-depth homework/test help • • essay-writing + study skills • • numeracy + literacy support •
LANDSCAPE • DESIGN & BUILD
INDIV/GRP TUITION IN YOUR HOME QUALIFIED + EXPERIENCED TEACHER, K-12 PROVEN SUCCESS - REFS AVAILABLE (9r)
www.stonehengedesignbuild.com
416-467-6059
CURRENTLY OFFERING ZOOM/ FACETIME SESSIONS
Cleaning Services
CustomWindow Coverings
Kingston Rd/Vic Park
Head Start Tutors
(r)
416-698-9000
Scarboro Music
call ALBERTO 416 690 9389 for
647-496-2211
(w. of Midland)
We teach it all!
https://facebook.com/thetwofoursband
• Mice • Cockroaches • Rats • Bed Bugs • Ants • Wasps • Centipedes • Spiders • more THEEXTERMINATORS.CA
Vienna Upholstery
Bach to ROCK
Tutoring
www.SquirrelControl.ca
(6)
647-606-0970
416-804-0646
Book your spring or summer date now.
647-496-0815
• Grass Cutting • All tree work • SPRING clean-up • Gardening
ameliarosegardendesign.ca
thetwofours@eol.ca • 416-690-5442
We remove squirrels in a humane way from attics, walls, sheds, decks, etc.
FOUR SEASONS SERVICE
deb@ameliarosegardendesign.ca
(22)
SQUIRREL REMOVAL
beachlawncare2020@gmail.com (6r)
Amelia Rose
Music
Online teaching available Ines 416 726 5729
Pest Control
REG’S APPLIANCE
416-706-7130 905-706-7130 www.kleenwindows.ca
(6r)
*STARTING AT $20
416-691-8503
GARDENING & DESIGN
Beaches Suzuki School of Music
10+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work. Randall 416-450-0599 torontomrfixit@gmail.com
LAWN CUTTING SERVICES
Contact Martha @ Cell: 647-206-1415
I provide excellent cleaning services for residential homes and condos.
joyofmusictoronto.com 416-269-8109 (6$)
PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS
(6r)
Beach Lawn Care
freshgreenlawncare @gmail.com
WE ARE NOW OPEN!
MR. FIX-IT
info@blpm.ca
EXTREME CLEANING
piano, guitar, voice, violin, drums & more (6r)
416-414-5883
GARDENING (6$)
Music Lessons
647-282-8375
-Lawn Cutting
-Spring/Fall Property Clean-Ups -Hedge Trimming
Steve 647-216-8588
JOY OF MUSIC
Serving the Beach for 15 years
Affordable Rates Support Small Business
Repairs to fridges, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers
with Truck Available for Pick-up and Delivery Call Kevin The Carpenter
(8)
BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Contact Irena
Call Greg 437 230-4824
TAX ACCOUNTANT
647-899-9074
LAWN CUTTING
416-825-9705
416-875-1883 www.beachmath.ca
Garden & Tree
20 yrs exp. Quality work. Good prices.
416-691-7556
416-465-6249
BEACHES LAWN MAINTENANCE
Weekly • Bi-weekly One time cleaning Reliable & efficient
647-235-6690
and Income Tax
House/Apartment for Rent
647-964-9185
INDOOR / OUTDOOR
Guerin Bookkeeping
Basement Apt. Main & Danforth 1 Bdrm, spacious, bright. All amenities. TTC, GO train, shops, WiFi.
Your garden beckons!
info@computer-assist.ca www.computer-assist.ca
Serving the Community for Over 40 years
(6)
Personal Care
Peter the Handyman
1232 Kingston Rd., Suite 5 Toronto, ON M1N 1P3
LANDLORDS For Peace of Mind Call
Volunteer Opportunities
On-Site & Remote
(r)
MATH SPECIALIST
• Videolink tutoring in HS math/physics • Focussing on long-term success • Experience in all grades/core courses
Hire a tutor with in-depth knowledge, practical experience & a real passion for math.
416 421-5758
offer complete and thorough cleaning service for your house • office • condo Call Ilona 416-427-3815 (6)
Computer Services
416-800-2812 (r)
(6r)
10+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work. Randall 416-450-0599 torontomrfixit@gmail.com
IT SUPPORT
CHURCH RENTAL SPACE
Info: 416-752-5333
pmcarthur577@gmail.com www.mcarthurbusinesscentre.com
A family business since 1956
416 414 5883 info@blpm.ca
PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS
You name it, we’ve got it!
416-690-2880
RUBBISH REMOVAL & DEMOLITION SPECIALIST RECYCLING 416-264-1495 CELL 416-567-4019
MR. FIX-IT
Raindate Sun. June 5, 9-1 pm
Ideal for medical professionals, lawyers or accountants
Every Tues 6-7pm *Free
WAYNE’S
Herbert and Hartford Sat. June 4 • 9-1 pm
UPPER BEACHES OFFICE SPACE
Prayers & Empowerment Meetings
Saturday, May 28 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Annual Street Sale
Deadline for May 31 issue is May 24
WELCOME ALL
General Services
Raindate: Sun., May 29, same time
The advertiser is responsible for checking the accuracy of the advertisement after the first insertion. Beach Metro News is not liable for errors and non-insertions in subsequent issues. Beach Metro News accepts advertising in good faith and does not endorse any advertisers or advertisements.
Announcement
*Street Sale* WOODWOOD CRESCENT (Woodbine & Gerrard)
Ads must be paid for at time of placement. Classified ads also appear on our website: www.beachmetro.com classifieds@beachmetro.com | 416-698-1164 x 22
www.FitnessRoadmap.ca
RILEYS’ WINDOW CLEANING
(6.)
for the first 20 words plus 35¢ each extra word
or mountgieadadventist.org
Design Vision: Experienced Decoratorcolour consultations, floor & renovation plans, furniture restoration, furniture, window covering, lighting & artwork selection. Continuous involvement from initial design, installation & final styling. Deborah 416-854-3333
STREET SALE NURSEWOOD ROAD Saturday May 28th Starting at 9:00 am
Ads are available in two sizes:
WORD AD
BEACHMETRO.COM
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Helping the student in your house adapt to the new educational reality.
www.headstarttutors.ca 416-272-9589 • hstarttutors@gmail.com
(r)
KIM PRICE Landscape Design 647-545-5143
Creating Award Winning Gardens • Design and Construction •
Proudly serving the Beach for over 20 years Neil Bennett B.Ed./OCT Sally Vickers B.Ed./OCT
www.kimpricelandscapedesign.com
THE STUDY STUDIO
BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
(6.)
(6r)
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
416-690-6116 www.thestudystudio.com (6r)
Andrew English B.Ed.
LAWN CUTTING 416-414-5883
info@blpm.ca
(6r)
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
31
St. Denis Catholic School set to celebrate raising of Pride Flag on June 1 By Elisa Moolecherry and Ofelia Loret de Mola
IN MAY of 2021, the Toronto Catholic District School Board trustees voted in favour of raising the Pride flag for the first time and proclaiming the month of June as Pride Month. The board later released a statement supporting their decision, promoting “values of love, inclusion, compassion, and care for all, including 2SLGBTQ+ individuals. Flying the Pride Flag increases our awareness of the dignity of each human person and our care for all who may be marginalized.” On June 1, 2021, St. Denis Catholic School in the Beach took
LORD of the STONE
Specializing in:
-Patios -Walkways -Retaining walls -Steps
Interior • Exterior Residential • Commercial Plastering • Drywall
416.797.6731
647 906 6826
www.lordofthestone.com
proway.painting@gmail.com (6r)
THE STONE PORCH LANDSCAPING Finely Finished Stone Work www.thestoneporch.com thestoneporch@gmail.com
416-265-6674
(6r)
WRITTEN IN STONE
Driveways • Patios • Steps Retaining Walls • Planting Interlocking & Natural Stone Repair dave@writteninstonelandscapes.com
647-545-9561
PROWAY
PAINTING & DECORATING
(10)
HOWELL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
• Weekly & Bi-Weekly Lawn Cutting • Spring/Fall Clean ups • Core Aeratio/Detaching/Fertilizing • Snow removal
437-774-6300 (text/call)
Servicing Residential & Commercial
Howellpropertymaintenance@hotmail.com
(11)
Free Estimates & References Available
(9)
Beach resident with over 30 years exp Interior / Exterior Work Proper Drywall & Plaster Repairs No job too big or small Have the job done right the first time. Referrals & Free Estimates
Steve 647-853-6420
‘As Promised’ Painting *** Free Estimates *** We stand by our contracts, big or small. Also do Drywall and Plaster Repairs and more
Dianne 416 699 5070
(1/23)
WG PAINTING Local resident w/32 yrs. exp.
INTERIOR PAINTING
All work guaranteed Fully insured • Free estimate Experienced Handyman Available
416-322-7692
INTERIOR, EXTERIOR QUALITY PAINTING; KITCHEN CABINET REFINISHING & CUSTOM PAINT; STAINING & WATERPROOFING, DECKS & FENCES
647-606-0970
freshgreenlawncare @gmail.com
• Weekly & Bi-Weekly Lawn Cutting • Spring Clean-ups • Fertilization & Aeration • Hedge Trimming & Pruning • Seeding & Sodding • Landscape Construction 647-210-LAWN (5296) www.BeachLawns.ca info@beachlawns.ca (17)
STONESCAPE Specializing in
Interlocking Stone • Planters Retaining Walls • Steps • Fences Decks • and Repairs Rick 416-821-4065 FREE ESTIMATES
(7)
Movers
Dave 416 694 4369
dave@beachhillpainting.com (6$)
Following COVID protocol
WG PAINTING All work guaranteed Fully insured • Free estimate Experienced Handyman Available
416-322-7692
warren_gamey@yahoo.com (6r)
NEWBRIGHT PAINTING
(6r)
BEACHCOMBERS *SPRING PROMO*
Satisfaction guaranteed! Call Jeff today for free estimate. 416-910-6302 beachcombersgc.com info@beachcombersgc.com
Call Richard at U Can Do It
416-580-4290
(7)
Roofers
LOCAL ELECTRICIAN Fault Finding Knob & Tube Rewiring Service upgrades Insurance certificates
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
GREEN ISLE ELECTRIC
(6..)
CEJA ELECTRIC Knob & tube rewiring Service Upgrades
ROOFING & SIDING? SOLUTION!
Gus:
416-910-8033
free estimates (r)
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Fully licensed & insured. ECRA/ESA #7008706
(6r)
(7r)
torontoroofingindustries.com (6r)
CANADIAN CONTRACTORS Shingles • Flats Roof Repairs • Metal Work Eavestroughing & Siding Waterproofing • Since 1984
Beach Co Roofing Flat Roofing 647-309-8056
(6r)
Small Repairs to complete houses Renovations
(6r)
All types of Roofing Eavestrough & Siding
ESA/ECRA #7002084
(9r)
Martin 416 579-6534
(8)
Panel & sub panel upgrades Knob & tube & aluminum rewiring Free estimates LED light & pot light installations 100A & 200A service upgrades Electrical problem solving
Trades
Beach resident for 50 years. Discount for seniors and single parent. Lic. Master Plumber • Free estimates Patrick 647-404-7139 patrickj480@gmail.com (6)
HANDYMAN (6.)
Fully licensed local contractors
(r)
Marc Text/Call 416-617-7205
CARPENTRY
WET BASEMENT ?
by Kevin
Foundation Repair/Waterproofing
Fences, Decks, Porches Flooring, Windows, Doors, Trim, Crown moulding, etc. Kitchens & Bath • Garage Restoration
Serving the Beach for 15 yrs.
(6r)
FAIRNEY & SONS LTD. 416-659-7003
www.webuildit.ca Serving Your Community Since 1971
(r)
Call Hamid at 647-300-2462
(6r)
JUST DRYWALL AND TAPING Sam Capetanu
416 876-4986
(5$)
Drywall, Plastering, Taping 18 yrs Experience • Excellent Job Call Mike 416-854-7024 647 833 7024 Fax 647-341-6104
Restoration & Build
• Brick / Foundation • Concrete / Stone • Chimney & Parging
www.jdbuild.ca
(6r)
Call Scott @ Scotstone 416.858.2452
(6$)
QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS by Jim Ferrio
Call Jim for a free estimate
416 660 4721
(6$)
Painting, tiling, fencing, drywall, flooring, siding, vanities & much more.
(8)
Can Pro Mechanical
Heating cooling service & install Hvac ductwork Furnace, boiler, hydronics Large and small jobs
416 606 4719
(6r)
Kitchens & bath, basement apts, doors, trim, crown molding, shelving, paint, drywall repair, tile, hardwood, fences, decks, interlock and more. Lic. & Ins.
(6r)
JOHN CLARKE
Cell 416 434-2762 Painting - Basement Renos Plaster & Stucco • Interior & Exterior Small Renovation Jobs & Indoor/ Outdoor Spray Painting 35 Yrs Exp • Refs upon request (6$) Free Estimates
Brick • Block • Concrete Steel • Stone www.thestoneporch.com thestoneporch@gmail.com
416.274.5929
(14r)
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
(7)
Above All Awnings
Local Trusted Family Business for 25 years
Retractable Awnings & Much More! (6r)
UNDERPINNING & WATERPROOFING
Maximum General Contracting Inc.
Since 1998 (12r)
Beaches Brickworks • brick restoration • arches, lintels & sills • openings & enclosures CHIMNEY SPECIALISTS
www.aboveallawnings.ca 416 698-3592 (14)
ALANO TILE & RENO • Expert Installation of Porcelain, Marble, Mosaic • Over 25 years experience • Total Kitchen & Bath Reno • Plus Tile Repairs
416-561-8713
(15)
FURNITURE REFINISHING + REPAIR Classic Restoration & Woodworking 40 Years experience
416 759-8878
(6r)
classicrestoration@outlook.com
(6)
Jack of all Trades HANDYMAN SERVICES
Chimneys, Concrete, and all masonry repairs Call Sergio 416 873 9936 (6)
Basements, Kitchens, Bathrooms Fences, Decks, Drywall, Carpentry No job too small. Free estimates. Serving the Beaches for 15 years.
416-278-5328
JASON THE MASON
CJ DRYWALL & PAINTING Call C.J. 647 222 5338
scotstonecontracting@gmail.com
BLANK SLATE RENOVATIONS
15 yrs exp No job too small! Free Quotes, satisfaction guaranteed - Lic & Ins
647-771-0227 jeff@heyhandyman.ca www.heyhandyman.ca
(6r)
Masonry & brickwork. Experts at matching existing brick. New builds, tuckpointing, colour matching, parging. Stone & Block.
FLOORING SPECIALIZING IN SANDING & STAINING JIM 647 405 8457 416 691 8457
416-738-2119
BRICK SPECIALIST
SILVERBIRCH
HARDWOOD
Professional drywall and plaster work. Renovation and Repair. Very clean. No job too small.
Metro lic #B531 • All Work Guaranteed • Free Estimates
Dedicated precise worker. All your build and repairs. Indoor or outdoor: dry-wall, flooring, built-in, landscaping, interlocking, sheds, fences, decks, etc. at a reasonable price!
JDB MASONRY
Brick, Block, Stone,
(r)
BEACHES HANDY WORKS
YOUR STUCCO
S.A.C Masonry
SERVICES “No Job Too Small”
•PAINTING •STAINING •DRYWALL REPAIR •PARGING •DECK & FENCE BUILD & REPAIR •INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REPAIRS
Carpenters
Kevin 647 282 8375
www.stonehengefoundations.com
416 988-2589 danielmccaf@gmail.com
•CARPENTRY •PLUMBING •ELECTRICAL
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLUMBING
Stonehenge Foundations 416 467 6735
MET# B16348
Over 40 years in the east end.
Frank 647-889-5537
(r)
UNDERPINNING & WATERPROOFING
416-826-3918 John www.mgcunderpinning.com maximumgen@gmail.com
K. R. ROOFING
416-694-6673
ECRA/ESA # 7010497
(r)
“Your basement lowering specialists”
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
BEACH PLUMBING
Alan Burke 416-699-4350
416-265-6674
LICENSED
Plumbers
Residential, Commercial, Retail, Home Offices Senior Rates
THE STONE PORCH MASONRY
Met. Lic. B-16-964
Steve 416-285-0440
Telephone Systems
SERVICES
416 694 0906
CARL 647-787-5818
Cable & Telephone Wiring
HEY HANDYMAN
Local • Reliable • Professional Servicing the beach for 18 years.
*Ask For Photo I.D.*
Residential/Commercial
(r)
TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES LTD.
ECRA/ESA LIC#7001069
Call Marc 416-910-1235
- Shingles & Flats- Repair & Tune ups - Cedar & Slate - Re-roofs & new work
Flat and Shingle Roofs Re-roofing, Repair Eavestrough, Soffit & Fascia Workmanship Guaranteed
DECLAN O’MEARA 416-698-6183
we’ve always supported staff and students who were members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community. By celebrating and highlighting the importance of inclusivity on a specific day, we are proudly making a public statement that all students are included in our school communities,” he said. Some of the celebrations include introducing resources to the school library that support 2SLGBTQ+ students, guest speakers, music and dance, as well as a Pride-themed art installation. While this June 1 event is solely for the St. Denis Catholic School community, we want to share the excitement of this positive and long-awaited celebration.
Stucco • Moulding Wall Systems
Lic - Insured • Free Estimate
100/200 AMP Service Upgrades • New Wiring New Homes/Additions Lighting Installations Troubleshooting
Larry’s Painting & Repairs
(r)
Save the cost of replacing your sagging fence or deck. We rebuild existing fences and decks including rotting posts and boards for years of further service.
Doug 416-871-1734 Jeff 647-686-8103
ELECTRICAL WORK
50 years in the Beach
416-690-3890
(5/23)
Residential • Commercial - Knob & Tube Wiring - Service Panel Upgrades - Renovations & Alterations (12).
Fence and Deck Repairs
ALL TYPES OF ROOFS
Master Electrician Lic. ESA ECRA #7000314
Painters
sales@larryspainting.ca www.larryspainting.ca
LICENSED
MBX ELECTRIC
PAINTING
416 691-3555
Family owned & operated 26 years in business
(5$)
& DRAINS •Heating & Mechanical •Sprinklers •Complete Renovations •Boilers Repairs •Radiators •Improve water service 24 Hr Service
416-265-4558 Cell 416-727-1595
(6r)
LANIGAN’S
(6r)
(6)
2 Men + Truck $100/hr Office • Apt. Deliveries
Complete Bathrooms Small Repairs Renovations 416-456-9999 Follow on Facebook
George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872
(8r)
CELTIC RENO Text Mac: 647-832-1742
Master Plumber • Lic. & Ins.
416-985-8639
newbrightpainting@gmail.com
And any house repairs
Mark The Plumber
MASTER ELECTRICIAN
CALL SEAN FOR AN ESTIMATE
Doggy needs a fence? Hubby wants a deck?
(6r)
NO MESS, NO FUSS, JUST SUPERIOR WORKMANSHIP INTERIOR • EXTERIOR FULLY INSURED, 30 YRS EXPERIENCE, BEACH RESIDENT
(11)
CARTAGE & STORAGE
George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872
ESA LIC# 7002668
wrightpaintingtoronto@gmail.com
STUDIO 1
Fully licensed & insured. Lic #T94
CELL 416-875-5781
Interior & Exterior painting Drywall & Plaster repairs Free Estimates & Fair Rates Working locally in the Beaches Matthew 416-802-5980
• Small & Big Moves; Long Distance • All Kinds of Delivery Services incl. cottage country • Junk and Rubbish Removal
416-830-8183
25 years • Free estimates
WRIGHT PAINTING
“Always on Time and on Budget”
www.thegoodmoves.com Call Hakan: 416 899-3980
BEACH HILL
PAINTING
INTERIOR PAINTING
IN THE BEACH LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS
(6r)
Electricians
Local resident w/32 yrs. exp.
(18)
24 hr. - lic# P1624
ATLANTIS PLUMBING
Landscaping solutions to customize your space.
GRASS CUTTING
Plumbing & Drains All types of plumbing work. Smallest leak - complete bath reno. Internal & external drain excavating. Call the professionals 416-480-0622
(6.)
Scotstone
www.scotstonecontracting.com Call Scott 416.858.2452 (8)
TOM DAY
MASTER PLUMBER SERENITY PAINTING PLUMBER CONTRACTOR
warren_gamey@yahoo.com (6r)
Traditional stone walls, steps, interlocking paths, patios & decks.
the opportunity to acknowledge this important step forward. However due to circumstances at the time, a full celebration could not be organized. On the heels of an Equity Circle being formed by a group of parents at the school in 2020, a subdivision was started to specifically advocate for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. These parents, in conjunction with members of St. Denis staff, have been preparing a Pride celebration this year beginning on June 1 where the whole school community will be able to join. Anthony Pauk, Principal of St. Denis Catholic School, is in full support. “In every Catholic school I’ve ever worked at,
(6$)
(9)
TUCKPOINTING • CHIMNEYS CONCRETE WORK WINDOW CUTOUTS WATERPROOFING REGISTERED & INSURED 416-580-4126 cell (6..)
32
BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS
Tuesday, May 17, 2022
HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO.TM Residential & Commercial Services
estaterealty.ca | 416.690.5100
2301 Queen St. East | 1052 Kingston Rd | 517 Parliament St.
Thank you for your support!
SOLD
Garage Sale for Shelter
Dianne & Brian Chaput Sales Representatives Royal LePage Estate Realty
416.690.5100 | chaputliving.com Sold Over Asking
was a huge success! Your support will help women and children in our community escape domestic violence.
Kerry Jackson Royal LePage Estate Realty, 2301 Queen St. E.
Direct 416.571.2181 | Office 416.690.5100 Kerryjackson@gmail.com
10 Swanwick Ave $2,299,000
Please scan for featured video, photos, and additional information.
Sold Over Asking
HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO.TM 630 Kingston Road Suite 502 $1,439,000
R e s i d ePlease n t i scan a l for&featured C o video, m mphotos, ercial Services and additional information.
2301 Queen St. East | 1052 Kingston Rd | 517 Parliament St.
estaterealty.ca | 416.690.5100
2021
The Greater Toronto house hunt is on!
Tobia Homes is uniquely positioned to help you buy and sell from The Beach to across The GTA.
Contact Diane to learn more. Diane Tobia, Broker, Tobia Homes m:416.998.4302 w: tobiahomes.com
Become
Coming Soon 21 Kidd's Lane, Cookstown
a
BEACH O METR RTER
SUPPO
For Sale 45 Avalon Blvd, Birch Cliff
For Sale #26 - 2295 Rochester Circle, Oakville
Scan the QR code to find out how. BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS 50TH ANNIVERSARY 1972•2022
/BeachMetroNews @beachmetronews #beachmetro
www.beachmetro.com/support