Volume 49 No. 5
BEACHMETRO.COM
April 28, 2020
Status of local summer events still uncertain By Alan Shackleton
PHOTO: JACQUELINE GIBBONS
Residents applaud Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford on Saturday evening after he completed a 24-hour indoor virtual cycling ride called CRUSH COVID in support of Michael Garron Hospital. The event raised more than $209,000 for the hospital to use in support of its health care workers in their fight against COVID-19.
CRUSH COVID helps to raise more than $209,000 for hospital BEACHES-EAST YORK Councillor Brad Bradford and more than 400 other cyclists helped raise more than $200,000 for Michael Garron Hospital during the 24-hour CRUSH COVID indoor virtual cycling event which wrapped up on Saturday, April 25, evening. The event began at 6 p.m. on April 24 and continued for the next 24 hours with participants either riding as members of teams or as individuals from their homes. Funds raised will be used by the Coxwell Avenue hospital to purchase needed equipment, respond to emerging priorities and support
its front-line workers in the fight against the COVID-19 virus. Bradford was among the cyclists who rode his indoor bike in his home for 24 hours straight, a feat which could be followed by people on Facebook in order to raise awareness and donations. “It’s over. Twenty-four hours in the saddle. To the 39 teams, 418 riders and 2,272 donors who helped raise over $200K for the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation – I’m speechless. Your support is what kept me going over the 24 hours. Now it’s time for some rest,” said Bradford on Twitter at the comple-
tion of the event. CRUSH COVID was organized by Bradford and Toronto Hustle, (which encourages cycling, develops talent and advocates for safe streets). Along with securing funding support prior to the event, donations could also be made as it was taking place. During Saturday, the CRUSH COVID event drew lots of attention on regular and social media which saw many donations take place that day. On a number of occasions, supporters were outside Bradford’s Continued on Page 2
THE COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on large public gatherings and park permits in the City of Toronto means the annual Victoria Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay has been cancelled for this year. “I can confirm that, unfortunately, the Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay are cancelled,” said Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford. “This is one of a long list of big sacrifices we’re having to make to protect the health and well-being of our community.” The future of a number of other traditional summer events, including the Canada Day fireworks displays in both East York and Ashbridges Bay, the East York Canada Day Parade, and the Beaches International Jazz Festival, have still not been finalized. “What happens for Canada Day and Jazz Festival is a little harder to predict,” said Bradford. “All City of Toronto permits for mass gatherings in parks and other public spaces have been cancelled up to and including June 30th. The city is reviewing applications for events after June 30th in case the public health situation improves to allow certain kinds of events to continue.” Kathy Johnson, Chair of the East York Canada Day Committee, said her organization is awaiting developments on where the COVID-19 virus situation stands in the next several weeks and what guidance is coming from city and health officials.
“Whether the traditional parade, festival and fireworks occur this year will depend on the advice and guidance of city, provincial and federal medical health officials,” she said. “Our focus continues to be a safe and festive celebration of Canada Day in East York. When we have more clarity about the impact of COVID-19 on East York Canada Day Celebrations the planning committee we will be communicating with East Yorkers - please stay tuned.” The Beaches International Jazz Festival is also awaiting further developments and guidance from officials before it makes a final decision on whether the festival will take place this July. “The safety and well-being of our attendees, volunteers, staff and community remain our top priority and as such, the Beaches International Jazz Festival is working closely with the City of Toronto, Toronto Public Health and local officials to monitor the evolving COVID-19 situation and determine the best course of action for this year’s 32nd Annual Beaches International Jazz Festival,” said a statement sent by organizers to Beach Metro News. “At this time, the festival is still scheduled as planned. In the event that the City of Toronto cancels permits into July 2020, the Festival is considering various alternatives to ensure that the flavour and sounds of Toronto’s favourite free music festival will continue to delight and entertain Toronto households and beyond. We will provide an update in the coming weeks.”
Former hotel eyed as COVID accommodation site By Alan Shackleton
THE CITY of Toronto is considering using the site of the former Days Inn Hotel on Queen Street East in the Beach as an accommodation facility for those dealing with the COVID-19 virus. Beach Metro News was told by a resident recently that there were plans to use the former hotel, at 1684 Queen St. E. just west of Kingston Road, as a site for people dealing with COVID-19.
It was not clear if this meant seniors, homeless people or front line workers. Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford told Beach Metro News last week that the city is considering the location. “The latest is that the city is exploring lease terms,” he said. “City staff have considered the Days Inn Hotel on Queen as an interim site during the pandemic,” Bradford said in an earlier interview.
“They have visited the property multiple times and are grateful for the cooperation and support from everyone involved to explore this as possible resource in our ongoing fight against the coronavirus… In times like this, we’re keeping as many options open as possible when it comes to providing the supports to residents who need them most.” The building has been a hotel for decades, but ceased its operations for good on April 1 of this year. It
is now part of the proposed site of a planned six-storey residential building. There is now a zoning bylaw change being sought by Queen Kingston Holdings Inc. and Penny Lane Holdings Inc. to build a sixstorey, 110-unit residential building at 1684-1702 Queen St. E. That building site is on the north side of Queen Street East between Orchard Park Boulevard and Penny Lane. It includes land to the east of the
hotel on which the Murphy’s Law Pub and Brett’s Ice Cream buildings are located. The front of the Murphy’s Law building appears to be included in the architectural plans submitted to the City of Toronto as part of the rezoning application. For more information on the plans for this development site, please go to www.app.toronto.ca/ AIC/index.do and type in the 1684 Queen St. E. address in the search bar.