Local youngsters start campaign to protect Glen Stewart Ravine
By Matthew Stephens
IN LIGHT of a proposal for an 11-storey building on Kingston Road on the north edge of Glen Stewart Ravine, a group of local youngsters are taking a stand to preserve the natural area.
“I do nature school where I come here one Friday a month. We spend all our time in the ravine, and the last time I was at nature school, they told me about how they’re going to build a condo in the ravine,” said Karina Callaghan, a local resident and founder of the advocacy
group to preserve the ravine.
“They told me that there’s over 500 species of animals and plants, and that we have to protect them all. So, I told my parents, and they decided they would help me spread the word.”
Initiated by 10-year-old Callaghan, her movement caught the attention of her parents when she informed them about the proposed 11-storey residential development on the southwest corner of Kingston Road and Beech Avenue.
“We came for a walk in the ravine on a Sunday, and that’s when
Karina was rhyming off all the steps and pointing out where the building is going to be and that it’s 11-storeys, and then it started that Monday,” said Karina’s mother Kristina Jokinen.
Dad Brendan Callaghan also became involved with helping Karina’s cause. With the help of her friends Chloe and Rose Scarlino, Frankie Wines, and moral support from the Facebook group Friends of Glen Stewart Ravine, the young advocates got to work spreading the word across the community.
Continued on Page 5
Victoria Day fireworks display set for Ashbridges Bay
THE ANNUAL Victoria Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay this coming long weekend is set for the night of Monday, May 19.
Presented by the City of Toronto, the display will begin at 10 p.m.
The fireworks display is visible all along the Boardwalk and the Eastern Beaches, and draws huge crowds to the area to celebrate Victoria Day.
Those planning on attending are
Park is located at 1561 Lake Shore Blvd. E. at the foot of Coxwell Avenue at Lake Ontario.
Those attending are being reminded by the city that it is illegal at all times for residents to light off
Closure of local school pools possible as more education funding sought
By Joshua McGinnis
THE TORONTO District School Board is considering closing 36 swimming pools, including in the East Toronto community, as it grapples with a projected $58-million deficit for the 2025–26 school year.
The TDSB currently operates and maintains 66 swimming pools. Of these, 27 are leased to the City of Toronto for after-school community programs, and two are leased to third-party organizations. If budget cuts are approved, 36 school pools will be shut down.
Among those facing possible closure are five pools located in the Beaches-East York and TorontoDanforth area:
• Monarch Park Collegiate – 1 Hanson St.
• Malvern Collegiate – 55 Malvern Ave.
• Fairmount Public School – 31 Sloley Rd.
• Riverdale Collegiate – 1094 Gerrard St. E.
• Queen Alexandra Middle School – 181 Broadview Ave.
The board may also eliminate certain music instructor positions if it cannot secure additional funding.
In a statement to Beach Metro Community News, Beaches-East York TDSB Trustee Michelle Aarts said the provincial government must provide adequate funding for pools and aquatics, emphasizing their importance to residents.
“The TDSB was created when the province amalgamated seven Toronto school boards. Each former board had a different approach to building schools. The former East York and Toronto boards built schools in collaboration with the city and were meant to be community hubs serving students, families and neighbourhoods,” she explained.
with community centres and pools embedded amongst the houses. East York schools generally have very little property; some schools rely on neighbouring city parks for green space. The close partnership with the city is critical for students and also benefits neighbourhoods. We know that students thrive and communities are stronger when we have intergenerational relationships in and around our schools.”
Aarts also said, “The provincial government needs to invest in public education adequately.”
She said provincial education funding is supposed to allow local boards flexibility to meet the needs of their communities.
“However, flexibility assumes there is enough funding to cover the costs of school services. The year-over-year budget struggles actually reflect the severe underfunding that all school boards face.”
Aarts said 42 of Ontario’s 72 school boards are facing deficits, and that education funding has not kept up with inflation.
“The Ontario Public School Boards’ Association estimates that the lack of investment has led to a year-over-year decline in funding since 2019 to the tune of $776 per student. For the TDSB, that is $269 million. For the province, which has about two million K–12 students, that is over $1.5 billion,” she said.
According to Aarts, while the provincial government boasts about its education spending, that funding fails to meet the TDSB’s needs.
“The provincial government likes to brag that they spend more on education every year, but
PHOTO: MATTHEW STEPHENS
Local youngsters Rose and Chloe Scarlino, Karina Callaghan and Frankie Wines are advocating for the protection of the Glen Stewart Ravine from the impacts of a proposed 11-storey building on Kingston Road.
Upcoming Kids’ Marketplace
funds for Red Door Family Shelter
By Georgia Looman
EIGHT-YEAR-OLD AAHANA Khazanchi-Wayne is confident in her two businesses: Into the ToysVerse, where she sells old toys; and Cheers for Chai, her line of herbal teas that she proudly taste-tested herself.
Alongside her mother, father and brother, KhazanchiWayne will join more than 60 youth vendors at the third annual Kid2Kid’s Kids’ Marketplace on Saturday, May 31, at the Beaches Recreation Centre.
The event will also feature live entertainment, a popup Fearless Meat BBQ, and a silent auction. Local band Sugar Rush will be performing alongside dance performances by Abanico Dance. The marketplace will run from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“(It’s) a huge get-together,” said co-organizer Caroline Thomson. “It’s so much fun, there’s a positive vibe and a lot of excitement.”
Thomson and marketplace co-organizer Shah Ruby, are also the co-founders of Kid2Kid. Their goal is to involve children in community initiatives to benefit other
Kingston
children.
“It feels wonderful to have a concept that came out of our imagination and bring it to life. It’s a form of art,” said Ruby. “It’s so satisfying, namely because it enables our future generations to not only learn about entrepreneurship, but more importantly, about kindness and giving back to those in need.”
Vendors will be offering a variety of items, such as snacks, jewelry, toys and apparel at this year’s marketplace.
Thomson said the event allows children a chance to sell their own goods, use their creativity and develop entrepreneurial skills.
The children keep half of their earnings, while the other half will go towards the Red Door Family Shelter, a non-profit charity that provides emergency shelter and support for women, children, refugees and families in crisis.
“(The marketplace) opens people’s eyes to see that not everyone is in the same situation,” said Ruby. “It’s a great learning opportunity about humanity.”
All proceeds from the silent auction at the marketplace will go directly to Kid2Kid’s Got Your Back initiatives, which bring together youth volunteers to pack approximately 100 backpacks or winter totes
for children and families at the Red Door Family Shelter.
“Everyone has different circumstances, and it’s a wonderful thing to be able to count on your community to support you if you’re in a less fortunate position,” said Thomson.
This year’s Kids’ Marketplace goal is to raise $24,000 for Red Door. In 2024, the marketplace raised more than $17,000, and $10,000 in 2023.
Thomson said those attending should have cash ready for the youth vendors, but the silent auction accepts both credit and debit payments.
With the Kids’ Marketplace now an annual event, Ruby said she hopes the Beach community continues to come out, rain or shine, to support the youth entrepreneurs and the Red Door Family Shelter.
“I hope people take away that it’s a kind world and that we can directly be part of making it even better,” she said.
For more information about Kid2Kid and the Kids’ Marketplace on May 31, please go to www.kid2kid.ca
Road Village Spring Festival set for May 24
THE KINGSTON Road Village Spring Festival will take place on Saturday, May 24.
The festival will feature a wide variety of events and displays in the Kingston Road Village between Victoria Park and Beech avenues.
The fun goes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be games, music, food a treasure hunt, raffles, face painting for children, crafts and much more during the festival.
The festival is presented by the Kingston Road Village business community.
For more information on
the festival, please go online to www.kingstonroadvillage.
ca Environment Day slated for Dieppe Park TORONTO-DANFORTH COUNCILLOR Paula Fletcher will host a Community Environment Day on Saturday, May 24, in East York.
The event will take place at Dieppe Park, 455 Cosburn Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Those attending are invited to drop off unwanted items for reuse, recycling or safe disposal. There will also be free compost available
for collection, and a paper shredding service. There will be a limit of two bags per household for the bagged compost.
For more information, including a list of what are acceptable items for drop off at a City of Toronto Community Environment Day, please visit Councillor Fletcher’s website at www.councillorpaulafletcher.ca/environment_day_spring_2025
Centre 55 Spring Festival slated
CENTRE 55 will be holding its Spring Festival on Saturday, May 31, at Stephenson
Park, 61 Stephenson Ave., in the Main Street and Danforth Avenue area.
The festival will take place from noon to 4 p.m. and is a fundraiser in support of Centre 55’s many community programs.
There will be musical performances, food, crafts, games, local vendors and much more at the festival. Local businesses or community groups wishing to take part in the Spring Festival are asked to please contact Jennifer at Centre 55 by sending an email to jennifer@centre55.com
PHOTO: JASMINE WANG
55 Division Community Police Day
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Const. Mark Da Silva and police horse Fred, of the Toronto Police Mounted Unit, are greeted by residents including Dorothy, 8, and her mom Christine during the 55 Division Community Police Day celebration on Saturday, May 10, at Jimmie Simpson Park. The annual event is presented by the 55
lice Liaison Committee and featured a variety of displays, food and
booths.
Giving Back with Every Sale.
We believe in building strong communities, both through real estate and by giving back.
That’s why, with every home we sell, a portion of our commission is donated to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, supporting women and children fleeing domestic violence.
Let’s find your dream home and give back to those who need it most.
Federal Election 2025
Liberal incumbents Blair, Dabrusin and Erskine-Smith
FEDERAL ELECTION
night on April 28 saw all three local Liberal incumbents re-elected in their ridings. All of them for the fourth straight time.
Liberal Nathaniel ErskineSmith was re-elected as MP for Beaches-East York. Liberal Bill Blair was re-elected as MP for Scarborough Southwest. Liberal Julie Dabrusin was re-elected as MP for Toronto-Danforth.
The federal election also saw the Liberals re-elected to their third minority government in a row, this time under new leader Mark Carney.
Erskine-Smith wins
Beaches-East York
In Beaches-East York, Erskine-Smith took 67.7 per cent of the votes on election night.
In second place with 23.5 per cent of the vote was Conservative Jocelyne Poirier. Third place went to NDP candidate Shannon Devine with 6.9 per cent of the vote.
Other candidates in the riding were Green Party candidate Jack Pennings with 1.3 per cent; followed by Independent Diane Joseph with 0.3 per cent; and Communist Party candidate Elizabeth Rowley with 0.2 per cent; and Marxist-Leninist candidate Steve Rutchinski with 0.1 per cent. Voter turnout in the Beaches-East York riding was 72.12 per cent.
tion was called in late March. He said it was important that Canada keeps building the housing it needs, but would not speculate if he would be returned as a minister in the next Liberal government formed by Prime Minister Mark Carney. In the meantime, he will continue to serve as a strong and independent voice in the party whether in cabinet or not.
“I’m going to push my party and government to be the best version of itself,” he said.
Conservative candidate Poirier gathered with her supporters at her campaign office on Woodbine Avenue on election night.
Danforth Avenue on election night.
She said she wasn’t surprised by the outcome of the local and national races and felt it aligned with what she had expected.
“We’ve been out campaigning hard because we think that, particularly in the case of a Liberal minority, having a strong NDP opposition is important. It’s really important to push the government to do the right thing for people,” she said.
It’s been amazing to see all of the people who have come together to make this campaign a success, and I’m honoured that they gave me their time,” she said at her election night event at Black Lab Brewing Company on Eastern Avenue.
She said she will continue to be a strong advocate for the riding. “The first goal is to make sure we have a strong voice for the community, for the City of Toronto. We have really important issues that we are facing on affordability, on making sure we have strong public transit and housing but also making sure we are a part of the conversation when we are talking about how do we stand up for Canada in this trade war with (President Donald) Trump,” said Dabrusin. Blair wins Scarborough Southwest In Scarborough Southwest, Blair was re-elected with 61.4 per cent of the overall vote (33,395 votes).
Erskine-Smith celebrated his win before an enthusiastic crowd of Liberal supporters at The Stone Lion on Queen Street East. In an interview with Beach Metro Community News, ErskineSmith said he had three priorities as he returns to Ottawa.
“For me, this election’s been about three things. It’s about making sure we stand up to Donald Trump and protect our national economic interests. Secondly, about protecting and building on our progress, and about ensuring we have strong local representation,” he said.
In December of 2024, Erskine-Smith was named Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and it was a cabinet position he held until the federal elec-
On a national level, she said she was disappointed with the results that reelected the Liberals to a minority government. “We saw for a very long time that the Conservatives were in the lead. We saw the message really resonating with people across the country. So, I think it’s disappointing because our platform aligned with the issues that people were concerned about,” she said.
Poirier said a lot of issues that voters in this riding were concerned about, “aligned very closely with our platform. Affordability and governance from the Liberal Party in the last nine years have been the most pressing issues for this riding.”
NDP candidate Shannon Devine was joined by her supporters at Local 1794 on
However, she said a lot of the Liberal vote was generated by people’s fears surrounding President Trump. “I think a lot of people voted out of fear. They voted Liberal out of fear,” said Devine. Dabrusin wins Toronto-Danforth
In Toronto-Danforth, Dabrusin finished first with 39,191 votes, accounting for 66.6 per cent of the electorate.
Ashik Hussain of the Conservative Party finished second in the riding with 11, 187 votes (19 per cent of the vote). Clare Hacksel of the NDP placed third with 7, 626 votes (13 per cent of the vote), followed by Silvia Stardust of the Green Party with 626 votes (1.1 per cent of the vote) and Liz White of the Animal Protection Party with 251 votes (0.4 per cent of the vote).
“It feels great. This has been such an amazingly positive campaign, and you see this room of people; there are still so many people still volunteering and still busy.
Coming in second with 16,682 votes (30.7 per cent) was Asm Tarun of the Conservative Party. Fatima Shaban of the New Democratic Party (NDP) came third with 2,710 votes (5.0 per cent); followed by Amanda Cain of the Green Party with 753 votes (1.4 per cent); Michael Poulin of the People’s Party of Canada with 565 votes (1 per cent); Imran Khan of the Centrist Party of Canada with 165 votes (0.3 per cent); and Christine Nugent of the Marxist-Leninist Party of Canada with 113 votes (0.2 per cent).
“I think there are many issues and challenges facing Canada, but Canadians I think have given us their confidence to continue to serve them. We certainly have much more to do to stand up to Mr. Trump, but we also have to address the housing challenges that people are facing, issues around affordability,” said Blair. “I think there’s a real opportunity not just to fight and defend our country, but to build a better future for everyone.” - With files by Rhea Lodhiya, Joshua McGinnis, Alan Shackleton, Shreejit Shelar and Matthew Stephens.
Tory Brown Jess Brown Broker Sales Representative
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith celebrates his re-election as Liberal MP for Beaches-East York with his wife Amy Symington on the night of April 28 at The Stone Lion on Queen Street East.
Ford goverment trying to change rules of democracy
Mary-Margaret McMahon MPP
Beaches—East York
Days after I and the other 123 MPPs came together at Queen’s Park for the 44th Parliament on April 14, the Government of Ontario introduced Bill 5 which proposes changes that are an assault on land, wildlife, and human rights.
Bill 5 went to second reading last week and I voted against it. If passed, Bill 5 would dramatically threaten environmental protections and imbue the provincial government with discretionary power to override and ignore scientific evidence, public consultation, environmental assessments, and Indigenous rights as they apply to mining, species at risk, developments, and waste disposal.
Bill 5 is an omnibus bill that interferes with the purpose and in some cases, completely negates the existence of legislation. The bill, titled Unleashing Ontario’s Economic Potential Act, ignores Indigenous expertise, pulverizes environmental protections, slashes regulatory oversight, terminates the rights of citizens to have a say in what happens to their communities, and promotes unfettered miningm and industrial development, ALL at ministerial discretion. This bill fundamentally places money and power at the centre of all decisions that its invasive arms can reach. Premier Doug Ford’s provincial government is leveraging (President Donald) Trump’s tariffs as an excuse to rewrite the rules of democracy, science, and public accountability; and in a definitively hypocritical move becomes the beast he is fighting!
While actively resisting the
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Letters to the Editor
overreaching, intrusive, and unconstitutional actions of Trump’s tariffs and threats of annexation, the Ontario government has adopted some of its ways. The provincial government is following the United States’ lead when it comes to slashing environmental protections, tunnel vision building, and autocratic decisions with a bill that imbues ministers with the power to overrule the scientific committee’s submissions of Species at Risk and in need of protection and appoint ‘Special Economic Zones’ that are granted access to bypass all permits and assessments that would give environmental and community consideration.
We are certainly in an affordability crisis, where people are unhoused, young people cannot and may never be able to afford a home, there is a painful choice between groceries and medication, and families are leaving our
beautiful province seeking a life they can afford.
Premier Ford could have used this moment as an opportunity to sustainably protect Ontario’s economy by building resilient supply chains, investing in clean technology, and strengthening local industries.
Instead, he’s treating Ontario’s ecosystems, communities, and democratic institutions like obstacles to be cleared. We are ALL red tape!
The false notion that environmental protections and community consultation; and economic growth are dichotomous goals is exactly that, FALSE. Leading centres for innovation and experts in the field are working on developing a clear path toward facilitating a complementary relationship between economic growth and environmental protections, but it requires a change now...one which I would
enthusiastically commit to collaborating on with the government.
I am hopeful that my passionate critiques expressed at every opportunity are used as a starting point for this goal. Additionally, my hope is that when the provincial government hears again from the good residents of Ontario how up in arms they are about this destructive bill, they will come to their senses and retract it! Greenbelt Round #2.
Betrayal, shock, destructive, dismay, failure, dangerous: these are a few of the words that constituents across ridings, especially beautiful Beaches-East York, have chosen to describe their feelings and thoughts around Bill 5.
Premier Ford claimed that his government during the 44th Parliament would be a government for the people. Well, these are the people. And they are NOT happy about this bill.
Residents supporting renewable energy express grave concerns over Bill 5
As local residents and members of Toronto East Residents for Renewable Energy (TERRE), we are gravely concerned about the Ontario government’s proposed Bill 5 - Protecting Ontario by Unleashing our Economy Act, which will likely become law next month.
Its “One Process, One Project” framework was announced as an approach to accelerate northern exploration and mining to “unleash” Ontario’s economy.
In typical omnibus style, this bill includes so many outrageous provisions that it is difficult to know
where to start. It replaces the Endangered Species Act with the watered-down Species Conservation Act and amends several other acts (e.g., the Environmental Assessment Act, Environmental Protection Act, Mining Act, Ontario Heritage Act).
The bill removes the environmental assessment requirements for the proposed Eagle’s Nest mine project in the north, the proposed Dresden Dump in the southwest, and the Environmental Registry requirements for every aspect of the Ontario Place development. Bill
5 also tramples over Indigenous rights, community consultation, and the rule of law.
Of particular concern to TERRE are the amendments to the Electricity Act, which would enable the government to ban all parts of energy projects from certain countries.
The Ministry of Energy and Mines’ briefing on Bill 5 gives China as an example country. China currently makes the majority of solar panels (more than 80 per cent), wind turbines (around 60 per cent),
I find Andy and Wing at the Flower Centre shop on Kingston Road to be so friendly and well connected to the community.
I was in the other day buying a plant and Andy called out to a community member passing by with their dog just to say Hi. I told him how lovely he is to all of his customers and to the community.
I likened him to The King of Kensington and he knew and loved that throwback TV show.
Then it dawned on me, he is like The King of Kingston Road. Wing,
his wife, could be the Queen. Andy said, “She is in charge!”, so we agreed she could be whatever is more all encompassing than mere royalty. No idea what that title might be but again, she is so friendly, engaging and helpful, she deserves some great recognition too!
I love supporting all of the flower shops in the community. All of the owners and staff are wonderful. I just thought I would share this little story from a day in the life.
Leslie Simmons
Local parents top list pledging to delay children’s use of smartphones
By Erin Horrocks-Pope
A GROWING number of East Toronto families are banding together to push back against the pressure to give kids smartphones; and their collective voice is being heard across the country.
At Adam Beck Junior Public School on Scarborough Road, more than 110 families have signed on to Unplugged Canada, a new initiative that encourages parents to delay giving smartphones and social media access to children until at least age 14.
The Adam Beck community now holds the highest number of pledges in the country.
The local effort is being led by Rebecca Snow, a Beach parent and awardwinning filmmaker.
Her latest feature film, The Boy in the Woods, earned her the title of Best Canadian Director at the 2024 Oakville Festival of Film and Arts. Snow is now working on a new documentary focused on the risks children face in the online world, including the mental health impacts of early exposure to smartphones and social media.
“As a parent of a child going into middle school this fall, these are daily conversations in our household and in the schoolyard,” said Snow.
“So many parents are struggling with the decision around smartphones, and the truth is we shouldn’t have to make that choice alone.”
Unplugged Canada was founded in Vancouver in early 2024 and is part of a growing international movement alongside efforts like Wait Until 8th in the U.S. and Smartphone Free Childhood in the United Kingdom.
Its mission is to create collective action through school communities by encouraging families to sign a public pledge to delay smartphones.
The pledge specifically targets smartphones and social media, not tab-
lets, smartwatches, or safety tools such as AirTags.
The aim is to delay the most addictive and socially pressurized forms of tech until children are developmentally ready.
“There’s power in the pledge,” said Snow. “It eases social pressure between kids and supports parents in making a hard, but important, decision. I don’t blame parents. I blame tech companies and governments for creating a culture that puts us in an impossible position. We either give our kids access to something we now understand to be harmful, or we risk them feeling alienated from their peers.”
That’s where the strength of Unplugged Canada lies, said Snow.
“The pledge gives us a way to act together. There’s power in numbers. When families make this choice collectively, we can start to shift the culture and set new norms for healthier, safer childhoods.”
The initiative isn’t just about personal choices; it’s also a call for systemic change.
By pledging, families support Unplugged Canada’s formal Calls to Action
to governments and tech companies, demanding stricter policies and age enforcement to protect children’s developing minds, similar to recent changes in countries such as Norway and Australia.
The evidence behind the initiative is growing. Research links excessive smartphone and social media use in youth to increased anxiety, sleep disruption, emotional dysregulation, and even structural changes in the brain. Psychologists and pediatric experts recommend delaying use until adolescence, when kids are better equipped to understand and manage the online world.
With the support of Adam Beck’s school administration and a parent community ready for change, Snow said she hopes to see more local schools participate.
“We’re not anti-technology,” she said. “We’re just asking: can we wait until kids are ready? If we act together, we can shift the norm and give childhood back to our kids.”
To learn more about Unplugged Canada and the smartphone pledge, please go to https://unpluggedcanada.com
Government showing its ‘true colours’ with Bill 5
‘Residents’ from Page 6 and renewable energy control systems in the world. If enacted, Bill 5 would likely end solar power installation in Ontario, increase our dependency on climate-damaging fossil gas, and deprive Ontarians of access to the cleanest and most affordable energy sources.
The Ford government continues to show its true colours when it comes to our future energy path by shunning renewable energy in favour of more expensive and polluting fossil fuels.
TERRE is also alarmed about the proposed Special Economic Zones Act, which would give Cabinet the power to create “special economic zones” where selected “trusted proponents” or “designated projects” can be exempted from any provincial and municipal law, including labour, health and safety, envi-
ronmental, and zoning laws.
For mining projects, this means being able to disregard environmental and labour laws and bypass Indigenous consultations. These special economic zones could be created anywhere for any type of project, such as gas plants, nuclear waste facilities, and Greenbelt developments; no area of our province is immune to the damage this bill could cause.
As Lynne Vicars, President of the Canadian Bar Association, has said: “In moments of uncertainty, a country’s strength is measured by how it respects its institutions, especially those that keep powerful interests in check.”
To oppose the passing of Bill 5 and its huge negative impacts on Ontario’s environment and democracy, write or call your MPP, contact your local Toronto
Councillor so they know your concerns, and submit comments to the Environmental Registry of Ontario (Proposals 025-0416 and 025-0391) by May 17.
You can also go to https://linktr.ee/savetheesa for other ways to express your concerns.
Corey Helm, Brian Champ, Gabriela Byron and Kyle Duncan. Members on behalf of Toronto East Residents for Renewable Energy - TERRE is a coalition of East End residents and local climate justice groups working together to oppose the expansion of the polluting Portlands gas plant in our neighbourhood and to ensure its phase-out by 2030. We are committed to supporting a rapid, just transition to renewable energy in Toronto and across Ontario.
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
From left to right: Dr. Taryn Graham, Christa Jay and Rebecca Snow, parents at Adam Beck Junior Public School and advocates for the Unplugged Canada initiative. Rebecca brought the initiative to the school community, and Christa leads the school’s mental health committee.
MAY 14: Author Mima Brown Kapches “The English Trip of 1910. Toronto, Sir Henry Pellatt, the Queen’s Own Rifles and the Press Gang” at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7-8:15 p.m. Admission is free. Info: www. tbeths.com, http://www.mimabrownkapches.com
MAY 14: Scarborough Garden & Horticultural Society at Scarborough Village Recreation Centre, 3600 Kingston Rd., 7:30 p.m. Topic: All About Hostas – Planting, Dividing, Care and More, presented by Tony Snider. Guests welcome. Free. Refreshments included.
MAY 17: Annual Plant Sale at Cornell Campbell House Property, 3620 Kingston Rd., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Presented by Scarborough Garden & Horticultural Society. Parking next door at Scarborough Village Recreation Centre.
MAY 19: Victoria Day Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay, 10 p.m.
MAY 22: A Senior Moment Luncheon for Ladies at Outrigger, 2232 Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you all there. Please R.S.V.P. by text to Colleen at 647-829-8042
MAY 24: Garage Sale Fundraiser at 183 Silver Birch Ave., 9 a.m.-4 p.m. 100% of proceeds to support Bluffs Foodbank and Grace Pascoe Foodbank. Hosted by Marie Perrotta.
MAY 24: Councillor Fletcher’s Spring Community Environment Day at Dieppe Park, 455 Cosburn Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: https://www.councillorpaulafletcher.ca/environment_day_spring_2025
MAY 24: SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival at Kew Gardens, 12-4 p.m., an afternoon of fantastic singing. Bring a blanket, the kids, a picnic – and enjoy a free concert from some of the best a cappella groups in Ontario. Info: singtoronto.com/2025-events
MAY 24: Acoustic Harvest presents The Annual Healing Garden Music Fest featuring The Laws (John & Michele, Kingsville Folk Festival Founders), James Gordon, and Katherine Wheatley at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets: $35 Advance https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/48743/ or $40 Cash Only at door. Info: acousticharvest.ca
MAY 24: Spring Into Art: A Danforth CTI Art Show at Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute, 800 Greenwood Ave., 1-4 p.m. Featuring the work of students in grades 9-12. Tour the historic, century old building to see painting, drawing, printmaking, film photography, ceramics and digital media. This event will include select artwork for sale and refreshments. Free. Wheelchair access is available. Info: 416-393-0620
MAY 24: Kingston Road Village Spring Festival between Victoria Park Ave. & Beech Ave., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Info: kingstonroadvillage.ca
MAY 24, 25: Doors Open at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave.,10am-5pm. Have you always wanted to visit our space and learn more about its history? Beach United will have its Doors Open as a part of the City of Toronto event. As a part of our programming, we will have organist Sebastian Moreno perform and demonstrate on our historic Guilbault-Thérien organ at 4pm on Saturday, May 24. On Sunday, May 25, we invite the public for a jam session (feel free to bring your own instrument!) at 2pm in the Main Hall. Free entry & fully accessible. More info: beachunitedchurch.com
MAY 25: Wonder Church at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 2423 Queen St. E., 4 p.m. This new service, designed for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary children and their families, is a 30-45 minute service that includes puppets, music, and prayers. Coffee and treats are provided. All are welcome. For more information, contact children’s minister Elizabeth at children@staidansinthebeach.com
MAY 26: East York Garden Club meeting at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, 373 Cedarvale Ave., 7:30-9 p.m. Topic: Clematis & Other Climbers – Vertical Growers in the Crowded Garden. Info: gardenclub@eygc.ca, www.eygc.ca
MAY 26: Maintaining Cognitive Health and Managing Stress with Aging at Main Street Library, 137 Main St., 6-7:30 p.m. Dr. Danielle D’Amico will discuss the latest research on the relationship between stress, lifestyle (such as exercise, social engagement, eating well, managing stress, and getting good quality sleep), and cognitive health to improve quality of life and facilitate healthy aging. Tips and tricks for incorporating recommendations into the daily life will be discussed and there will be time for group discussion and a Q&A period after the presentation. Info: 416-393-7700, www.torontopubliclibrary.ca
MAY 29: Marathoning Woman with Susan Sommers at the Beaches Library, 2161 Queen St. E., 1:30-2:30 p.m. This acclaimed wellness and fitness author, advocate,
Community Calendar
and speaker will share her journey as a marathoning woman, offering insights, tips, and motivation for all attendees. Drop-In or register at 416-393-7703.
MAY 30-JUNE 1: Beach Guild of Fine Art Spring Show & Sale at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free admission. Enjoy works of art by talented local artists! We are currently accepting new members. Please contact us through https://www.beachguildoffineart.com/contact.
MAY 31: Bridge Pub Crawl. Friendly duplicate bridge, rotating through three pubs on Queen St. East in the Beach. Check-in 11 a.m., play starts at 11.30 a.m. Info: 416987-1019 or www.beachbridgepubcrawl.wixsite.com/bbpc
MAY 31: Spring Festival at Stephenson Park, 12-4 p.m., in support of Centre 55. Food, music, games, activities, local vendors and artisans. Info: www.centre55.com
JUNE 2: 15 Ways to Garden Large in Small Spaces at Main Street Library, 137 Main St., 6-7:30 p.m. Learn fun and practical ideas from a Toronto Master Gardener on how to expand the visual impact of your garden and intensify its yield, creating drama, adding colour, and more. Info: 416-393-7700, www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/mainstreet
JUNE 10: Community Centre 55 Annual General Meeting at 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, 2024 and to receive our Program report. Info: Reza Khoshdel, Executive Director, Community Centre 55 416-691-1113 ext. 225
JUNE 16: East York Garden Club meeting at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, 373 Cedarvale Ave., 7:30-9 p.m. Topic: Itsy Bitsy Hostas. Help keep these fabulous little plants around for generations. Info: www.eygc.ca
JUNE 22: A Senior Moment luncheons for ladies at Mira Mira (upstairs), 1963 Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you all there. Please R.S.V.P. by text to Colleen at 647-829-8042.
JUNE 25: AGM of Ward 9 Community News Inc., publisher of Beach Metro Community News, 7 p.m. Details are on page 21 of this edition. This is a members-only meeting. Cutoff date for purchase of $5.00 memberships is June 18 at 5 p.m., at the Beach Metro News office, 2196 Gerrard St. E. Deadline for nominations for the board is June 5 at 5 p.m.
VENDORS WANTED for Annual Spring Parking Lot Sale at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 904 Coxwell Ave, June 14, (rain date June 21), 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Vendor setup 7-8 a.m., Pancake Breakfast 9-10:30 a.m., and BBQ 11 a.m.-2 p.m., plus church raffles, clothing, books, and more. Vendor tables are available for $60 each. To pay for and reserve your table, please call the church office at 416-421-6878 extension 21 (please leave message if no answer). E-transfers are accepted.
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 A A at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113
AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113
BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP LUNCHES for adults in the community, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.) •Tuesdays –alternating locations: St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (2423 Queen St. E.), May 13; St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) •Wednesdays at Beach Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.), •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). Lunch format may vary from site to site. This season’s program ends May 16. 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., at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. (unless specified in program). Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com EARLYON FAMILY RESOURCE CONNECTION, 184 Main St. Play Learn Explore: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Friday 9-11:30 a.m., Saturday 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. All
children from birth to six years are welcome. Info: 416690-0102, Jennifer.hooker@familyresourcecentre-dcc.net
THE CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN (Anglican), 2423 Queen St. E., is an energetic, active faith community committed to following Jesus as we gather for meaningful worship, spiritual growth, and community engagement. We live this out through our vibrant children’s and youth programs, diverse sacred music offerings, and active community outreach and environmental stewardship ministries. On Sundays, we welcome you to join us for worship at 8:30 a.m. (spoken service) and 10:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs) with our new priest, the Rev. Benjamin Gillard. On Wednesdays please join us for the Eucharist Service at 10:30 a.m. Busy Bees drop-in playgroup for ages 0-3 and caregivers features stories and crafts on Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave., invites you to share in worship with us each week. We offer a combination of in person and YouTube livestream opportunities on Sunday mornings at 10:30am. In addition to Sunday services, Beach United Church offers a variety of inspirational music and educational programs open to the entire Beach community. Info: beachunitedchurch.com
KINGSTON ROAD UNITED CHURCH, 975 Kingston Rd., welcomes you to our weekly 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. We are a warm, vibrant and affirming community with various programs for people of all ages. Children and youth are an integral part of our community’s life. We offer weekly Sunday School programs, a children and youth choir, and a Youth Group that meets every other week. Music is another important part of our community life - including an adult choir that sings weekly in our worship services and a number of music concerts throughout the year. We recently welcomed our new minister, Rev. Lauren Hodgson, who brings a passion for connecting with people at all stages of life and all moments on their faith journey. She cares deeply about offering creative, meaningful worship experiences. Rev. Lauren, along with her wife and their daughter, lives in the Upper Beaches community and is loving getting to offer ministry in the community where she lives. She would be delighted to meet you!
BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Drive. (S of Queen). We are an inclusive and affirming congregation in the heart of the Beach. BPC has strong commitments to community service and social justice issues. We provide non-perishable food for those in need through our Free Food Pantry located outside the church building. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month we host a Coffee Outreach from 1-3 p.m., an opportunity for people in the neighbourhood to gather for coffee, snacks and fellowship. Info: www.beacheschurch.org, 416-6995871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. Please join us for worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Angela J. Cluney. All are welcome! Fallingbrook is an affirming congregation and is accessible by a lift. Please join us on Live Stream via Facebook or through our church website at 10:25 a.m. for our Prelude with our Music Director Nick Jessome. Weekly Worship services and Special Music selections are posted for viewing on our website. For more details about our church activities including: Bible Study, Book Club, Tea Time, Hobby Circle, Wee Folks, Choir or other upcoming activities: fboffice@rogers. com, 416-699-3084, fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch.com. Easy access by TTC from the Victoria Park subway. ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd., 2 blks. east of Main St., the Pastor is Rev. Fr. Joshua Roldan. Weekend Masses: Sat. Vigil at 4:30 pm, Sun. 9 & 11 am. Weekday Masses with Rosary: Tue. - Fri., doors open and Rosary begins at 7:45 am followed by Mass at 8:15 am. Confessions every Sat 3:45 to 4:15 pm or by appt. Info: stjohnsto.archtoronto.org or 416-698-1105 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST NORWAY Anglican Church, 470 Woodbine Ave. Welcome to St. John the Baptist Norway! We are a growing community which enjoys the Anglican expression of the Christian faith. We gather to connect with one another and worship God on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. In-Person/Livestream and at 5 p.m. In-Person for The Table, a contemporary service followed by a simple community supper. Come and see! Info: stjohnsnorway.com, 416-691-4560
Doors Open 2025 to feature many East Toronto sites
By Cole Hession
THE CITY of Toronto’s annual Doors Open event is set for the weekend of May 24 and 25. Doors Open sees some 150 buildings across the city open their doors for residents to take tours and learn more about them.
In the East Toronto area, some of these buildings that will be open to the public during Doors Open 2025 are the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, Todmorden Mills, the Don Jail, the Kew Beach Lawn Bowling Club and Beach United Church.
Located on Queen Street East at the foot of Victoria Park Avenue, the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant is a Toronto landmark. Built in the 1930s, it is the city’s largest collection of Art Deco style structures.
It provides an average of 400 million litres of safe drinking water to Toronto every single day and is recognized as a National Historic Civil Engineering Site. Doors Open hours for the plant will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both May 24 and 25.
Todmorden Mills is a historic site and museum built in the Victorian era to house mills of different types including paper, wheat, a former brewery and even a wildflower pre-
serve. It is located at 67 Pottery Rd., and Doors Open hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 24 and 25.
The Historic Don Jail at Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital is a decommissioned prison which shut down in 1977 after being used for more than 150 years. It is now the administrative building for the hospital. The Don Jail is located at 1 Bridgepoint Dr., and Doors Open hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 24 and 25.
The Kew Beach Lawn Bowling Club is situated at the edge of the Kew Gardens park at 12 Lee Ave. As well as lawn bowling, the club also offers croquet. The Doors Open hours will be 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both May 24 and 25.
The Beach United Church is a multi-purpose building and church that holds great cultural importance to the East End and the Beach community. It was built in 1915 and underwent a major renovation that was finished in 2014. Located at 140 Wineva Ave., Doors Open hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 24 and 25.
For more information on the buildings, or the tours, please visit the City of Toronto’s website to learn more about the Doors Open 2025 at www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto
More education funding called
‘Closure’ from Page 1
spending more is not the same as spending enough to ensure student success and well-being. What we need is a provincial government that recognizes that students are the future of our communities and economy and invests in them accordingly.”
Sara Ehrhardt, TDSB trustee for Toronto–Danforth, shared similar sentiments on the need for funding and also on the importance of school pools.
“Learning to swim is a lifesaving skill. We live next to Lake Ontario, and there are tragic drownings each year. We owe Toronto’s children places and spaces to learn to swim and to build water skills. Pools also are places for joy and fun in our community.”
She said pools should be funded through the education budget since they support both the health curriculum and student well-being while noting that the Ontario government makes the final decision.
Tensions between the TDSB and the provincial government escalated on May 2 when Ontario Education Minister Paul Calandra criticized poor financial management by five school boards, and launched financial probes into the TDSB, Toronto Catholic District School Board and Ottawa–Carleton District School Board.
“Do the right things for teachers, do the right thing for students. If you don’t, I’ll take you over and put the board back on track,” said Calandra. “Some school boards treat hard-earned tax dollars like their own, spend-
ing them on luxury hotels, fine dining and first-class travel overseas, and booking extravagant retreats for meetings while accepting test results that in some cases show students struggling.”
In response to the investigations, TDSB Chair Neethan Shan said the board has made significant budget cuts in recent years but continues facing financial pressures, especially as a large urban board.
Rising costs, underfunded benefits, salary gaps, a freeze on school closures, and a $1,500 per-student funding shortfall (when adjusted for inflation) have made it challenging to meet student needs, he said.
“It is important to note that while trustees will continue reviewing the budget to find savings, we have already cut millions of dollars from the TDSB budget over recent years in the face of significant financial challenges that impact our ability to meet student needs,” said Shan.
This is not the first time the TDSB has been at odds with the provincial government. In 1997, under Premier Mike Harris, the Ontario government introduced Bill 160, which centralized control over funding, policy decisions, and staffing, placing them in the province’s hands.
Bill 160 removed school boards’ ability to raise taxes locally and gave the Ontario government complete control over education funding. It also took control of class sizes, teacher preparation time and out-of-class services such as maintenance, administration, extracurricular
for
and other school programs.
The legislation also allowed the government to appoint provincial supervisors, granting them complete control over board operations. This occurred in 2002 when Education Minister Elizabeth Witmer appointed Paul Christie as TDSB supervisor.
Also, in 2015 the Ontario Liberal government of Premier Kathleen Wynne appointed an “expert panel” to review a number of issues at the TDSB.
On May 7, the TDSB released a statement on behalf of trustees calling for fair education funding. The statement said the TDSB’s budget does not address the needs of its size and magnitude, highlighting a lack of government funding in key areas -- a $1,500 per-student funding shortfall when adjusted for inflation, escalating staffing costs that exceed provincial benchmarks, and a growing $4.5-billion maintenance backlog due to a provincial moratorium on school closures.
Aarts spoke on the broader issue of provincial education funding across all of Ontario.
Aarts said since major 2019 budget cuts, it has been increasingly difficult for the TDSB and other boards across the province to survive. “In reality, the situation in the TDSB reflects the state of underfunding across all school boards,” she said.
Aarts noted most school boards are spending more on programs such as special education than the Ministry of Education provides. No final decisions have been made on the TDSB budget.
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The Main Menu
&
Some special cakes to help celebrate May’s days
Jan Main
is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ gmail.com
May is a month of promise. A promise of all the good things to come: sunshine, warmth, long weekends and celebrations from birthdays to barbecues and trips to the beach – spring and summer festivities of all sorts.
For each festivity there is a special cake to tempt you!
The Ultimate Chocolate Raspberry Cake with Ganache Frosting
Calling all chocolate lovers- here is the cake for you! It is moist and rich with the zing of raspberry.
The cake is addictive! It can be made ahead and frozen to take to events easily.
1 cup (250 mL) each, granulated and brown sugar
1/2 cup (125 mL) vegetable oil, such as canola or sunflower
2 eggs
2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla
2 1/2 cups (625 mL) all-purpose flour
3/4 cup (175 mL) cocoa, sifted
2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder
1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1 cup (250 mL) each, strong coffee cooled and plain yogurt
Filling
1 cup (250 mL) raspberry jam with seeds sieved to make 1/2 cup
Preheat oven to 350 F (180C). Line 2, 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pans with parchment paper. Set aside.
In mixing bowl, using electric mixer beat together granulated and brown sugars,
eggs, vanilla and oil for 4 minutes. Set aside.
In separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt.
Beat flour mixture into liquid mixture alternately with coffee, milk and yogurt. Pour half batter into each of the 2 prepared cake pans and bake 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool on rack; invert cakes on rack; remove pans.
Raspberry filling: Spread ½ cup (125 mL) seedless jam on cake. Top with a generous spoonful of ganache on top and spread evenly to edges.
Place second chocolate cake on top of first cake. Spread remaining ganache on top and sides of cake.
Cover with plastic wrap then foil. If necessary, freeze for up to 2 weeks. Defrost in refrigerator overnight.
Makes 10-12 servings.
Ganache
Ganache is a rich, chocolate frosting made from quality chopped chocolate (or chips) and whipping cream that is heated and stirred together with the chocolate.
300 g (1 1/2 cups) quality chocolate, chopped or chocolate chips
2 cups (500 mL) whipping cream, divided 1/4 cup (50 mL) sifted icing sugar
Put chocolate chips in mixing bowl. Heat 1 cup (250 mL) whipping cream to boiling; pour over chocolate chips and allow to melt. Meanwhile, beat remaining whipping cream (1 cup/ 250 mL) with electric mixer until stiff peaks then beat in icing sugar until stiff peaks are produced. Refrigerate. Once the chocolate mixture has cooled, stir until smooth and fold in whipped cream until there are no white streaks. You are now ready to frost the cake with the ganache.
Cake may be covered with plastic wrap then foil and frozen for up to 2 months.
To serve cake, defrost if frozen and if you wish decorate with fresh raspberries. Makes about 10-12 servings.
Quick Butter Cake or Cupcakes
This versatile recipe makes three 8-inch cakes or two 9-inch cakes or a 13 x 9-inch cake or 10-12 cupcakes. If you wish, a tablespoon of grated orange rind and/or lemon rind may be added to the batter. It may be frosted with the ganache or buttercream or whipped cream. Please note, the recipe calls for cake and pastry flour not all-purpose flour. For ease of beating, make sure you use soft butter.
2 1/2 cups (625 mL) cake and pastry flour
1 tbsp (15 mL) baking powder
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) granulated sugar
3/4 cup (175 mL) soft butter
1 cup (250 mL) milk
1 tbsp (15 mL) grated orange and/or lemon rind
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla
2 eggs
Line baking pans with parchment paper. Set aside. Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C). In large mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, salt and sugar.
Add soft butter, milk and rind(s) if using and vanilla. Mix lightly to combine then beat mixture with electric mixer for 2 minutes. Add eggs and beat an additional 2 minutes. Divide batter evenly between pans and spread batter.
Bake layer cakes for 25-35 minutes, for rectangular cake 40-45 minutes and for cupcakes about 15-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool cakes a few minutes before removing from pans and cool on rack.
Once cakes are cool, they may be frosted. Cakes may be covered in plastic wrap and overwrapped in foil and frozen for up to 2 months.
Rhubarb Carry Cake
Make the most of the fresh rhubarb of the season with this moist and delicious rhubarb spice cake. It can be baked and served from the pan it is cooked in making the cake ideal to transport for holiday activities.
2 cups (500 mL) rhubarb, cut into 1/2 inch (1.2 cm) dice
1/2 cup (125 mL) butter, softened
3/4 cup (175 mL) each, granulated and brown sugars
1 egg 1 tsp (5 mL) each, vanilla and cinnamon
1 tsp (5 mL) baking soda
2 cups (500 mL) all – purpose flour
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1/2 cup (125 mL) each, milk and plain yogurt
Streusel Topping
1 cup (250 mL) packed brown sugar
2 tsp )10 mL) cinnamon
1/4 cup (50 mL) melted butter
In a mixing bowl add chopped rhubarb. Cover with boiling water and let stand about 5 minutes. Drain through sieve and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 F (180 C) and line 13 x 9- inch pan with parchment paper. Set aside.
In mixing bowl using electric mixer, beat butter and sugars together with egg until thick and creamy. Beat in flour, baking soda, vanilla and cinnamon. Gradually stir in milk and yogurt just until blended. Fold in drained rhubarb. Spread batter evenly into prepared baking pan.
Streusel: In separate bowl, stir together sugar and cinnamon. Pour over melted butter and stir to combine. Sprinkle streusel evenly over cake batter.
Bake 35-40 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Serve warm or at room temperature. Makes about 9 - 12 servings.
Notre Dame Catholic High School hosts annual Dance Off competition
Maryke Susan McEwen
03/28/1948 - 11/02/2024 Toronto, Ontario
The family of Maryke Susan McEwen are deeply saddened to announce her passing November 2, 2024, peacefully in her home in the Beaches (Toronto). She was predeceased by her sister, Margaretha Cloke (nee McEwen; her parents Finley Weston McEwen and Korrie McEwen (nee Stolk).
Maryke will be missed by her son, Jesse O’Connor (Jennifer Burns); her sister Marian McEwen (Owen Alexander); nephew Christopher Daurio (Cynthia); her great-nieces and great-nephew and cousins.
Maryke has left a legacy of recognition as a Producer in the film industry in Canada, including a string of Gemini awards and nominations. Among her achievements are THE DIARY OF EVELYN LAU (one of actress Sandra Oh’s first films); STREET LEGAL, nominated Best Dramatic Series, 1987, 1988, 1989; CBC’s FOR THE RECORD - READY FOR SLAUGHTER, ROUGH JUSTICE, A TOOL FOR THE DEVIL, A CANOE FOR THE MAKING AND BLIND FAITH; SCORN, Gemini Winner 2001 Best TV Movie, and a host of other Canadian productions.
The family is pleased to invite guests to pay their respects and share memories from 12:30 – 3:30 pm on May 31 at the Balmy Beach Club, 360 Lake Front, Toronto.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Maryke’s memory to Philip Aziz Centre and Emily’s House In Toronto, where she volunteered.
PHOTOS: JOSHUA MCGINNIS
Notre Dame Catholic High School hosted its annual Dance Off competition on Friday, April 25, at the Malvern Avenue school. Photo above, the Notre Dame team Avidity was joined by two male members from nearby Neil McNeil Catholic High School for their performance at the Dance Off. Photo below, the team from Mary Ward high school were named the winners of the Dance Off which featured squads from a number of Toronto Catholic District School Boards competing.
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
Your gateway to connecting with skilled professionals in our community
Interested in advertising your business in our Professional Directory? Contact carolin@beachmetro.com or 416-698-1164 x 22 for rates. Your Professional Directory ad also appears on our website: beachmetro.com
Dashwood & Dashwood
Barristers & Solicitors
Geoffrey J. Dashwood 961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738
Kriens
Struggling with weight loss? Get a personalized nutrition plan based on your bloodwork for safe, lasting results. No fad diets - just real, sustainable change!
Cynthia McGilvray Acupuncturist
Pain relief, meridian balancing, electrical stimulation, preventative health care. Insurance coverage. 1716 Queen St. E. @Kingston Rd. cynthiamcgilvray.com 647-378-3182
OSTEOPATHY
SPEECH LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGIST reg. Casplo
All ages, early language, L.D., articulation, reading, apraxia Leslie Rennie 647-994-8255 leslierennie@gmail.com
Toronto Kids OT
Occupational Therapy for kids of all ages. Fine motor, school readiness, self-regulation. TorontoKidsOT.ca 416-391-6179
for owner-managed businesses. • Personal and corporation income tax preparation. • Audit services for not-for-profit organizations www.krienslarose.com kriens@krienslarose.com 416-690-6800
Melani Norman CPA, CMA Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes Call 416-471-0337
Patrick Ruiz Professional Corporation CPA, CA An accountant you can count on For your Small Business Self-employed income & investments Real Estate Rentals 647-300-4062 • patrick@prtaxcpa.com
Etsuko Shibamoto, M.OMSc. Beaches Osteopathy 2 Lyall Avenue www.beachesosteopathy.com Book online sarahosteo.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/6
& Couple Care Wellness Life Coaching 416-951-8280 www.modernsocialworker.ca
Accessible Therapy for Kids Happy Place Counselling & Psychotherapy offers convenient and
MAY 20
Brown Design INTERIOR DESIGN New builds, Renovations, Furniture & Decor melaniebrowndesign.ca melanie@melaniebrowndesign.ca 647.280.2203
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
Snider & DiGregorio
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9 Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285
Email: info@sdlegal.ca
KATHRYN WRIGHT
Barrister & Solicitor Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848 2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com
GARRY M. CASS
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR, TEP
Wills/Estate Administration/Advice to Estate Trustees 416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garry@garrycass.com
Glover & Associates
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate 416-691-3700 Queen and Hammersmith
Peter J. Salah Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate 416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca
KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.
QUINN Family Law
Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 2 - 921 Kingston Rd. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca
Allison Grande, J.D. Barrister, Solicitor, Notary • Criminal Defense • • Civil Litigation • 416-419-4131 allisongrande@yahoo.com
Contact Leah, certified Metabolic Balance Coach: Leahhoniball@gmail.com to start your transformation today. Call, text, email: info@beachlawns.ca 647-210-5296 www.beachlawns.ca
Neighbourhood Stops and Shops
Come Play Stay brings tail-wagging joy to the Beach
There’s a new place in the Beach that’s getting tails wagging and neighbours talking. Come Play Stay Toronto, a modern doggy daycare and boarding house, officially opened its doors this January, and it’s already becoming a beloved staple in the community.
Located on the eastern edge of the Beach, this innovative facility was co-founded by two animal lovers with deep roots in the Toronto pet care scene: Dr. Mark Dilworth, former operator of Beaches Animal Hospital and current owner of Kahu Animal Hospital in Yorkville, and Jennifer Ego, the powerhouse behind Pawsitively Pets.
With nearly 20 years of friendship and professional respect between them, the duo has created something truly special for local dogs (and their humans).
“I’ve spent most of my career creating opportunities for people to build meaningful relationships with animals,” says Ego, who launched Pawsitively Pets 16 years ago after leaving her role in the veterinary industry.
“Come Play Stay felt like the perfect next step.”
And it is. The facility is clean, modern, and thoughtfully designed with dogs in mind. Spacious indoor play areas give pups plenty of room to romp, while two secure outdoor play yards offer fresh air and sunshine. Dogs who board overnight enjoy comfortable, cozy accommodations, and grooming services will be available soon.
But, Come Play Stay is more than just a great space; it’s a new standard in dog care. The team uses technology to keep things simple for pet parents, including an easy-touse online booking portal and soon there will be 24/7 webcam access so families can check in on their furry friend anytime.
Before a dog can become part of the pack, they go through a simple and reassuring onboarding process. It starts with a quick online form, followed by an in-person assessment to ensure every dog will thrive in the environment. Once approved, booking is as easy as a few clicks.
Expert care is central to everything Come Play Stay does. Staff members are trained in
pet CPR and first aid, and the team takes a wellness-first approach to every visit. All dogs must be up to date on vaccinations and pass a temperament evaluation.
While in care, dogs are engaged using only positive reinforcement (think praise, treats, and affection) to build confidence and trust.
“There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to dogs,” Ego explains. “Our staff learns each pet’s unique personality so we can make sure their experience is happy, stress-free, and enriching.”
Socialization plays a huge role, especially for families with young children or those welcoming a new puppy into the home.
“We always remember the best parts of having puppies,” says Ego with a smile, “but there’s a lot that comes with them. Some of our clients are a bit older or busier with young kids. Having a place like Come Play Stay means their pet’s needs are met while easing the transition for everyone at home.”
Affordability is also a major priority for the owners. The centre offers competitive pricing and flexible packages designed to fit a range of budgets.
One of the most popular offerings is “Yappy Hour,” a two-hour drop-off for just $20. It’s perfect for work-from-home folks who need a break from Zoom-bombing pups.
“We all know the struggle of having a big virtual meeting with a dog who wants to be the centre of attention,” Ego chuckles.
At its core, Come Play Stay is all about community. It’s a space where dogs can play, learn, and thrive and where pet owners can feel supported, understood, and at ease. For Beach residents, it’s a welcome addition. For dogs, it’s a paradise.
Whether you’re raising a rambunctious new puppy or simply want to give your dog a fun-filled day out, Come Play Stay is here to help make every day a dog’s day.
Visit www.comeplaystay.ca to learn more, book your pet’s assessment, and see how Come Play Stay is redefining dog care in the Beach.
BMN Sponsored Content
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Daycare Manager Derek with some of the canine visitors to Come Play Stay at
2298 Queen St. E. in the Beach.
Beach’s Sedar Sauna
By Sam Heffer
In December of 2023, a young man named Jason knew that he needed to “rip up and rebuild” the main floor of the house he had bought in Toronto’s east end. While he believed the end result would be worth it, initially he was feeling much more angst than excitement about his home. At the time, Jason had no idea that this renovation would change his life in ways that had nothing to do with blueprints or interior design.
A friend introduced home builder Matthew to Jason. Matt grew up at Woodbine and Danforth avenues, and launched his own contracting business in 2021. The two men met and began discussing next steps for the house. These conversations went well, but three days into the main floor demolition process, Jason’s stress level had reached the stratosphere. He called Matt for advice.
The next day, as the two men drove to Habitat for Humanity to drop off old appliances, Matt suggested that Jason try a cold plunge followed by a hot sauna to ease his stress. “It was an unexpected development in my business life,” said Matt. “I thought it was very unusual to go for a cold dip and sauna with a client, but after coaching Jason through the experience, it was actually great, and we became good friends.”
Matt himself has practised sauna and cold plunges at indoor facilities over the past several years. He became a student of Nordic spa culture, delving deep into the health benefits attributed to “sauna practice,” and the details of sauna construction. In October 2023, he began building his own mobile sauna with a capacity of about 10 people.
Matt brought the sauna to the beach for the big New Year’s cold water dip on Jan. 1, 2024 at Ashbridges Bay. A few interested participants were happy to try it out.
“After that, it just became a thing where I kept bringing the sauna out on weekends, and sometimes evenings,” said Matt.
“Jason was there every single time, helping me set-up and take down. We met so many people who were cold dipping in the lake or playing in the snow that winter. The sauna kind of became a nice comfortable thing to do afterwards, and it has evolved as our shared project from there.”
As Matt and Jason spent more time with the sauna, they agreed that it needed a name. “We wanted to ground ourselves, and
be part of the natural environment that exists by the waterfront,” said Matt. Cedar wood is significant in sauna construction, and cedar’s wonderful aroma is also an integral part of the sauna experience. “We created our name ‘Sedar’ Sauna from a phonetic spelling of cedar to make it just a little different,” said Jason. “Then we stylized the lettering. When you look at the logo, the ‘e’ and the ‘a’ are reversible. It’s the balance of hot and cold; a nod to the
cold exposure experience and the welcoming warmth of the sauna. There’s a flow within the fonts of ‘Sedar,’ and a softness to the look of it.”
These days, Sedar Sauna, Matt, and Jason are a familiar part of the Beach community. The neat, dark brown sauna building smells wonderful with wood smoke and the scent of cedar in the air.
Cold water swimmers and dippers like me come from cold plunges in the lake and
hang our dry robes on hooks on the outside of the building. We grab our towels to sit on, rinse our feet in the freshwater basin, and head into a blissful oasis of warmth and camaraderie. The structure itself is built to code and includes a compact woodburning “sauna stove” and two tiers of cedar benches.
Matt and Jason share a vision and a passion for their Sedar Sauna that’s separate from their livelihoods. “Running our own businesses is what keeps shelter over us and food coming to our tables. That’s the main revenue driver for each of us. So what we’re doing with the sauna may not make sense to large capital investment firms, and that’s okay with us,” said Jason.
In his early days of cold dipping and sauna, Matt felt that the experience wasn’t really accessible to a lot of people. It was more of a luxury, sought out for special occasions, and often expensive. Sedar Sauna’s premise is very different.
Sauna goers book online and have several modest “pay what you can” fee options. Contributions go directly towards essential operational costs such as firewood. Matt noted that the benefits of sauna have been trending in the media over the last decade. He feels we are just beginning to embrace what Nordic countries in particular have practised for centuries.
“We are trying to mimic what sauna culture looks like in countries like Finland. There, cold plunges, rolling in the snow, and sauna practice are an acceptable habit, and often a daily ritual for many people,” he said.
“Sauna is accessible and affordable. We’re passionate about the physiological, health and societal benefits that people experience. We can already see how our community benefits from sauna practice, and how much society needs it.”
Matt observed that something remarkable happens in the sauna. “Sitting in this space, stripped down to your swimwear, it really doesn’t matter who you are. Going from cold to hot is a difficult experience for everyone. There’s something bonding about it.”
The people of Finland treat the sauna as a gathering place where equality is understood. Sedar Sauna manifests this also. Both Jason and Matt have seen another level of conversation and connection happening at the sauna.
Photo above, members of the EndorFINS gather by the Sedar Sauna near Kew Beach after taking a cold plunge in Lake Ontario. Photo at left, the interior of the Sedar Sauna
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
PHOTO: JASON WONG
Sauna helps build human connections
‘Beach’s’ from Page 17
They describe it as “a vulnerability; a heightened sensitivity, along with individuals’ incredible respect for each other.” The other day Jason overheard two people exiting the sauna. They had never met before, and yet they were in deep conversation about how therapy might help one individual cope with a painful family situation.
Jason and Matt often see this kind of thoughtful human connection at the sauna.. Creating a wellness opportunity is part of the vision that brings Sedar Sauna back to the community every week.
“We also have a really nice relationship with the neighbourhood. We do our best to introduce ourselves, and ask people their thoughts about sauna practice,” said Matt. “So far, the reaction has exceeded our expectations. We hear, ‘This is an amazing idea… We love this…Keep going.’ The validation is consistent. And when we leave, there’s no trace; no environmental impact or any hint that the sauna was ever here.”
To date, the City of Toronto has been supportive. They understand that there is a demand for a service like Sedar Sauna near the
waterfront, and that sauna is “good physically, mentally, and for the community.”
Eventually, there may be a spot near the beach where Sedar Sauna can set up seasonally, so that sauna practice can flow safely and easily most days from sunrise to sunset. In the meantime, cold dippers and other sauna enthusiasts continue to show up as an
appreciative community at Sedar Sauna.
“You know, these days, the trade wars, tariffs, and great divides of populations and communities are so prevalent – south of the border as well as globally. Sauna is an equating factor bringing our community together. Now more than ever, we need people to come together, to empathize and
Next advertising deadline is Tuesday, May 20
understand one another,” said Matt.
It’s no surprise to Matt and Jason that the people of Finland are reportedly the happiest on earth. Daily, they embrace hot and cold exposure in their sauna practice. Meanwhile, in Canada, the cedar tree used to build the sauna is deeply respected in Indigenous culture. Cedar has long been recognized as a powerful symbol of strength and revitalization.
How fortunate are we that Sedar Sauna has arrived in our community. The timing couldn’t be better.
SING festival concert set for Kew Gardens
SING! THE Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival will feature a concert in Kew Gardens this month.
The Saturday, May 24, concert will take place from noon to 4 p.m. at the Alex Christie Bandshell in Kew Gardens park, 2075 Queen St. E. Featured performers at the concert will include sea shanty singers Pressgang Mutiny; Toronto’s all-treble group Duly Noted, the Georgian polyphony singers from Ori Shalva and more.
The May 24 Kew Gardens concert is one of many events making up the annual SING! festival which runs until June 1.
Founded by Beach Citizen of the Year Patricia Silver in 2012, SING! will feature more than 20 events for this year’s festival. Along with Kew Gardens, venues will also include the Royal Ontario Museum and Nathan Phillips Square. “Over the past 14 years, the festival has helped launch the careers of a cappella artists from throughout Canada, including many from the Beach area,” said Silver.
For more information, go to https://singtoronto. com/2024-events
Jason and Matt at the Sedar Sauna on a snowy day in the Beach.
PHOTO: JASON WONG
Which famous Canadian once lived here?
By David Van Dyke
I
above. The photographer is unknown, but I do know that this house is close to the lake on Beech Avenue. Judging by the bell bottom pants the woman in frame is wearing, I’d say this image was taken some time in the mid to late 1970s. I also heard that a famous Canadian lived here, but I don’t know who or if it’s true. So I will put the question out to our readership. Please drop me a line to gdvandyke61@gmail.com if you know who that famous Canadian was. (Hint - there is a plaque on the property.) Thank you.
Historical society hosts author Brown Kapches on May 14
ARCHAEOLOGIST AND author Mima Brown Kapches will be The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society’s guest speaker on the evening of Wednesday, May 14. She will speak about her book The English Trip of 1910: Toronto, Sir Henry Pellatt, the Queen’s Own Rifles and the Press Gang. The book chronicles the 50th anniversary of the Queen’s Own Rifles in 1910, including a trip to the United Kingdom with a group of newspaper reporters, which bankrolled by financier and Commanding Officer of the QOR, Sir Henry Pellatt—the man who built Toronto’s Casa Loma. Author Brown Kapches’ father, J.N.M. (Jim) Brown was one of
the reporters on the trip.
Her presentation is from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E. For more info, go to www.tbeths.com.
Healing Garden’s Benefit Concert slated
ACOUSTIC HARVEST
hosts its annual Healing Garden’s Benefit Concert on Saturday, May 24.
The concert raises funds for The Healing Garden of Solace for Cancer Patients at the Mackenzie Health Foundation in Richmond Hill.
This year’s concert will feature performances by The Laws, James Gordon and Katherine Wheatley.
The concert begins at 8 p.m. and will take place at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., in southwest Scarborough.
“We hope that you will
consider supporting this very worthy cause and having the opportunity to hear some incredible music from renowned artists. Music enriches, educates and enthralls us; it gives us a life, it engenders hope and beckons us towards a more positive future. Live music is integral to our well being, our visions and dreams, filling our souls with much needed nourishment and sustenance,” said Acoustic Harvest in a news release about the Healing Garden’s Benefit Concert.
The Laws, are the Canadian husband-and wife duo of
John and Michele Law. They have been crafting “distinctive Americana and bluegrass music” since 2000. They have produced six albums and performed across Canada, the United States and Australia.
James Gordon has toured throughout the world, and is known for a number of his songs including Mining for Gold and Frobisher Bay For more than 10 years he was songwriter-in-residence on CBC Radio’s Basic Black and Ontario Morning. He also served as a Guelph City Councillor.
Beach Metro Community News Annual General Meeting set for June 25
THE ANNUAL General
Meeting of Ward 9 Community News Inc, the publisher of Beach Metro Community News, will be held on Wednesday, June 25 2025, 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 18, 5:00 p.m.).
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, 2024), 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 membership will be allowed per family.”
(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 by Thursday, June 5, 2025 at 5 p.m. 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, together with a brief biography, will be published in the issue of Beach Metro Community News immediately preceding the annual meeting (June 24 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 13, and May 27, 2025) or online.
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).
Katherine Wheatley has toured Canada, the United States and Europe in her long musical career as solo artist and also as a member of Betty and The Bobs and in the trio Boreal.
Tickets for the Acoustic Harvest Healing Garden’s Benefit Concert are $35.
For more information on how to purchase tickets, and about Acoustic Harvest, please go to www.acousticharvest.ca/concerts.html
That’s Amore Pizza for Kids supports Variety Village
A SLICE and a dip can make a difference — especially this year, as Pizza Nova and Variety Village kicked off the 26th annual That’s Amore Pizza for Kids fundraiser
on Thursday, May 1, at southwest Scarborough’s Variety Village.
The event marks the start of a month-long campaign created by Pizza Nova and Variety Village to
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Throughout the month of May, 50 cents from every dip purchased at
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