There’s
Festival of South Asia fun Councillor seeks ban on motorized watercraft off Woodbine Beach
Rally calling for protection of Glen Stewart Ravine planned for Aug. 11
A RALLY to show support for the protection of the Glen Stewart Ravine will be held on the morning of Monday, Aug. 11.
The Protect our Ravine rally, organized by the Friends of the Glen Stewart Ravine, will take place at the Beech Avenue entrance to the ravine, just south of Kingston Road, starting at 11 a.m.
The call to protect the ravine comes as the result of a proposal for an 11-storey residential building at 847-855 Kingston Rd. The proposed building is on the ravine’s northern edge and has generated concern among a number of community members over the environmental impact it will have.
The rally is being held to coincide with a scheduled mediation session between the City of Toronto, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the developer making the building application.
not open to the public.
“If the parties reach an agreement during mediation, the outcome will define the extent to which current ravine protections are being upheld,” said the Friends of Glen Stewart Ravine in a release.
At the moment, an Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) hearing on the development application is slated for April of 2026.
If the mediation talks prove successful, an agreement on the proposal could possibly be reached before next year’s scheduled OLT hearing.
At issue is the building’s proposed height and how close it is to the edge of the ravine.
In a Beach Metro Community News story from April, BeachesEast York Councillor Brad Bradford said the city is opposed to the proposal for the 11-storey building.
The proposal calls for a “zero-
Official Plan and Conservation Authority policy requires a minimum 10-metre setback,” said Bradford in the April news story.
Bradford also criticized the decision by developer Gabriele Homes Ltd. to bring the proposal to the OLT, citing the city’s failure to make a decision on the plan. “Instead of working with city staff to address these serious issues, they chose to appeal straight to the Ontario Land Tribunal,” he said in the April news story.
At a May 14 OLT Case Management Conference on the proposal, the Tribunal heard from representatives from the developer, the City of Toronto and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority. That meeting was to organize and establish party and participant status in next year’s full hearing. More than 55 requests for participant status were made from community members in regards to the hearing.
By Alan Shackleton
IN THE wake of growing safety concerns regarding the use of personal watercraft (jet skis) and other motorized watercraft in the Woodbine Beach area, local councillor Brad Bradford is calling for the operation of the machines to be banned along the Eastern Beaches waterfront.
Bradford will be submitting a motion to Toronto Council’s July 23 meeting to request Ports Toronto implement a Motorized Watercraft Exclusion Zone by-law at the earliest opportunity of at least 100 metres from the shoreline of Woodbine Beach, within the area beginning at the western most edge of Woodbine Beach and extending east to the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant.
“The rise in illegal and dangerous activity by unlicensed personal watercraft (Jet Ski) rental operators along Toronto’s waterfront this summer is deeply concerning and completely unacceptable,” said Bradford in his motion.
“Operating high-powered machines near swimmers and crowded beaches, these reckless actors are endangering lives, disrupting families, and undermining the safety of our cherished waterfront and public beaches.”
The issue of jet skis being rented by unlicensed individuals and firms is among the key concerns of Bradford, community members and licenced companies along the Eastern Beaches that rent out nonmotorized watercrafts such as paddleboards, kayaks and canoes.
Brian Quinn, from iPaddle Adventures, told Beach Metro Community News earlier this month that there have been dangerous situations of jet ski operators circling paddleboarders and causing wakes and waves.
“It’s a case of some of these guys being really obnoxious around clean-water equipment,” he said.
Quinn said he’s had customers planning to go out for an evening paddle who changed their minds because they were afraid of some
Continued on Page 3
StreetFest brings the jazz to Queen Street East this week
ONE OF the Beaches International Jazz Festival’s most popular events, StreetFest, is set to take over Queen Street East in the Beach for three nights this week.
This year’s StreetFest is slated for the nights of Thursday, July 24, Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26.
From 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on all three of those nights, Queen Street East will be closed to vehicle traffic between Woodbine Avenue and Beech
Avenue as music lovers fill the street to hear dozens of bands perform. The road closures on Queen Street East will begin at 6 p.m. each night.
The StreetFest will finish each night at 11 p.m., and the street will then be re-opened for cars, buses and streetcars at midnight.
A total of 36 bands and musicians will play nightly during StreetFest, between 7 p.m. and 11 p.m. at nu-
Continued on Page 20
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Members of the Narthakilaya dance group perform on stage during the TD Festival of South Asia along the Gerrard India Bazaar on Saturday. The two-day festival took place last weekend on Gerrard Street East between Coxwell Avenue and Glenside Avenue.
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Seventh anniversary of Danforth Shooting remembered; lawsuit clears legal hurdle
By Alan Shackleton
AS THE seventh anniversary of the Danforth Shooting is remembered today, a lawsuit by a group representing some of the people impacted against the maker of the gun used in the mass shooting recently cleared an important legal hurdle.
The Danforth Shooting took place on the night of Sunday, July 22, 2018, in the area of Danforth and Logan avenues.
It took the lives of East Toronto resident Reese Fallon, 18, (who had graduated from Malvern Collegiate that year), and Julianna Kozis, 10, of Markham.
Thirteen other people were injured in the shooting and the gunman also took his own life.
Last month, a plaque was unveiled in Alexander the Great Parkette in honour of the victims of the shooting.
The plaque features images of Fallon and Kozis and reads:
“In recognition to all who were impacted by the Dan-
forth Shooting on July 22, 2018, and in loving memory of two beautiful souls.”
Under Kozis’ image are the words:
“Had a sparkle in her eye and a smile that brightened the night sky. She was a light; a girl who had so much love in her heart and wanted peace throughout. Words cannot explain how much we love and miss her.”
Under Fallon’s image is a quote from C.S. Lewis that reads “Her absence is like the sky spread over everything.”
Also included are the words “Reese, You are Loved & Missed beyond measure.”
Also in June, the classaction lawsuit by some of the families affected by the shooting which was filed against gun maker Smith & Wesson, was certified by the Ontario Court of Appeal. The lawsuit had earlier been denied certification by a lower court judge, but the appeal to the province’s top court saw that decision overturned.
East Toronto resident Ken Price, whose daughter Sa-
mantha was a friend of Fallon’s and was wounded in the Danforth Shooting, said the group bringing the lawsuit was pleased with the Ontario Court of Appeal’s ruling.
“On behalf of all families affected by the tragic attack along Danforth Avenue in Toronto on 22 July 2018, the Plaintiffs are grateful the Court of Appeal for Ontario has concluded their claim should be certified as a class proceeding,” he said in a statement sent to Beach Metro Community News
“The Plaintiffs seek justice in the form of safer handguns and corporate accountability. Handgun manufacturers like Smith & Wesson have long known their products can be designed to prevent the type of unlawful use that led to the Danforth shooting.”
Price said the lawsuit still has a number of steps to go through before it can actually go to a civil trial.
However, what the decision by the Ontario Court of Appeal means is that, barring any further attempt to
appeal the certification, the case can proceed to trial in Ontario Superior Court, he said.
The lawsuit was first filed on Dec. 16, 2019 by Gowling LLP on behalf of the plaintiffs in Ontario Superior Court of Justice. It is seeking $50 million in general damages and $100 million in punitive damages against Smith & Wesson, which manufactures guns in the United States.
The lawsuit alleges Smith & Wesson did not put existing safety technology into the make of gun (a Military and Police 40 semi-automatic handgun) that was used in the Danforth Shooting. According to the lawsuit, smart gun technology would have prevented the gun being used by anyone other than the legal owner.
The allegations in the lawsuit have not been proven in a court of law.
The gun used in the Danforth Shooting had originally been legally sold in Canada, but was then stolen from a gun dealer in Saskatchewan in 2015.
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
plaque
victims of the Danforth Shooting on July 22, 2018, was recently unveiled in Alex-
the Great Parkette at Danforth and Logan avenues.
City council to hear motion
of the jet ski operators. As a result of the concerns surrounding both safety and the unlicensed renting out of the jet skis, a crackdown was initiated by Toronto police and bylaw officials between July 9 and 12.
The focus was put on the Woodbine Beach and Ashbridges Bay area as officers from the Toronto police Marine Unit and 55 Division (which covers the Eastern Beaches including Woodbine), along with City of Toronto bylaw officers, parking enforcement officers, parks staff and private towing partners took part in the crackdown. In a news release on July 14, police said Project S.A.R (Sea Doos and Rentals) “focused on addressing the growing number of unlicensed personal PWC rental operations and associated safety risks.”
As a result of Project S.A.R., police said the following actions were taken:
• 50+ provincial offence tickets issued (over $12,000 in fines) under the Canada Shipping Act, Small Vessel Regulations, primarily for safety equipment violations and licensing issues.
• 49 vessel safety inspections.
• 20+ bylaw charges laid (over $5,000 in fines), including illegal mooring and unauthorized business operations in parkland.
• 14 Sea-Doos towed.
• 1 “Jet Car” towed.
• 4 vehicles and 8 trailers towed.
• 4 parking tickets issued.
“Each summer, the Marine Unit responds to as many as 10 complaints a day related to
PWCs - most often involving speeding, operating too close to shorelines, entering designated swim zones, and generally unsafe behaviour. Many of these complaints involve inexperienced operators who have received little or no training prior to getting on the water,” said police in Tuesday’s news release.
“The Marine Unit continues to work closely with Transport Canada, Ports Toronto, City Bylaw Officers, Municipal Licensing & Standards, Toronto Parks, Parking Enforcement, and Green P to pursue both immediate enforcement and long-term regulatory solutions.”
In a statement to Beach Metro Community News on July 18, Bradford said he was grateful to police and city staff for the “strong enforcement action” they had taken to date.
“We’re going to need to keep sending that message to make it clear that these illegal companies will not be welcome or tolerated on Woodbine Beach,” he said.
“That’s why I’m bringing forward a motion to establish a motorized watercraft exclusion zone off Woodbine Beach. Paddleboards and kayaks will still be allowed, just not highpowered, dangerous vehicles like jet skis.”
Bradford is also calling for continued police and city bylaw enforcement in the area, and for improved signage to let members of the public know that “these companies are illegal and they should work with only licenced providers, like the two companies set up to rent paddleboards and kayaks on the beach.” ‘Councillor’ from Page 1
The annual East York Canada Day Parade was held on the morning of Tuesday, July 1, along Cosburn Avenue. This was the 69th year for the parade and East York Canada Day Festival which took place in Stan Wadlow Park on the afternoon of July 1. Photo above, local Scouts march in the parade. Photo at left, Jeff and Marilyn’s house was all decked out to enjoy the parade as it passed by along Cosburn Avenue.
UNCLE BUCK, starring East York’s own John Candy, is slated to be shown this Wednesday night (July 23) at Kew Gardens park as The Beach BIA’s outdoor summer movies series continues. Wednesday’s movie night will also feature representatives from Beach Metro Community News who will be attending as part of the premovie festivities in the park. Please drop by our pop-up newsroom in the park and say hello before the movie starts.
Those attending the movie nights at the park should bring their own lawn chairs or blankets for sitting on. The movies start at sunset and finish by 11 p.m..
Remaining movies slated for this summer at Kew Gardens are:
July 23 – Uncle Buck. July 30 – Mean Girls. Aug. 6 – Jumanji. Aug. 13 – E.T. Aug. 20 – Wayne’s World Rain dates have been set for Aug. 20 (for Wayne’s World) and Aug. 27 if needed. For more information, visit The Beach BIA on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/makewaves.TO
PHOTOS: ALAN SHACKLETON Celebrating Canada Day Uncle Buck to be screened at Kew Gardens on Wednesday
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Second teen charged with first-degree murder in stabbing death of 14 year old
A SECOND teen has been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the stabbing death of a 14-year-old boy on the night of Saturday, July 5, in the
Toronto police said that on Friday, July 11, a 16-year-old male surrendered himself to police, and he was charged with first-degree murder.
Earlier that same week, on Monday, July 7, another 16-year-old male also surrendered to police and was charged with first-degree murder.
Neither of the accused can be identified under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The July 5 stabbing took the life of 14-yearold Abdoul Aziz Sarr.
Paramedics were flagged down near the McDonald’s at Woodward and Eastern avenues around 10:10 p.m. on Saturday, July 5, leading emergency crews to respond to the scene of Sarr’s fatal stabbing.
He was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced deceased.
The circumstances around the stabbing and what may have led to it have not been released by police. Sarr is Toronto’s 19th
Abdoul Aziz Sarr, 14, of Toronto, was identified by Toronto police as the victim of a fatal stabbing near Queen Street East and Coxwell Avenue on the evening of Saturday, July 5.
homicide victim of 2025.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477 or online at www.222tips.com
DVP northbound closure set for morning of July 27
EAST TORONTO residents need to be aware that portions of the Don Valley Parkway and Gardiner Expressway will be closed on the morning of Sunday, July 27, for the 2025 Toronto Triathlon Festival.
From 2 a.m. to noon on Sunday, the DVP’s northbound lanes from the Gardiner Ex-
pressway to Eglinton Avenue will be closed. Also, the Gardiner Expressway eastbound lanes from the Humber River to the DVP will be closed.
There will also be closures of Lake Shore Boulevard West on the morning of July 27 for the triathlon.
Hold those trashing the Beach this summer accountable
Martin Kaydalov Guest Column
Summer has arrived in the Beach. Artisan markets pop up in Kew Gardens, wading pools are open, paddleboards glide across calm water, and the sun beams down on beachgoers. But alongside such joy comes a new summer tradition, this one not so enjoyable: cleaning up the mess left behind.
It has become a dreaded routine. Walk down to the Boardwalk after any long weekend, mentally preparing for the onslaught of empty beer cans, pop bottles, take-out boxes, weed buds and hot-dog wrappers. The evidence of barbecues, picnics, and volleyball
games – scattered like confetti from a party no one cleaned up.
From Ashbridges Bay to Balmy Beach, there forms a second lake –one made of garbage.
It was the worst after Canada Day this year. There were garbage bins overturned and empty firework tubes every 10 steps.
It’s not only visually and emotionally draining, but also dangerous. I lost count of the chicken bones, pizza crusts, and fries I’ve had to pull out of my dog’s jaws. Gastrointestinal obstruction, internal injuries, “garbage gut”, and a trip to the vet is not a summer tradition that I — nor any dog walker — can get behind.
Yet, the work being done to clean up is extraordinary. The dedication of both local volunteers and municipal workers to keeping
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Letters to the Editor
our parks and beaches clean is nothing short of remarkable.
Every time I walk the Boardwalk, I see the two sides of the story: the carelessness of some, and the hard work of others cleaning up after them.
I see public service workers walking back and forth, tirelessly cleaning up the filth. I see locals – and their guests – dedicating their mornings, spare time, and weekends to protect the beauty of our community. Their efforts are remarkable. But why should it be necessary in the first place?
I do not ask why people litter - we already know. Carelessness, irresponsibility, negligence.
What I am asking is why our city government turns a blind eye to the cause of the problem.
On the hottest days of the recent
heatwave, I would regularly bring my dog down to get a drink before returning to the Boardwalk. Was I surprised when last week, while my dog was quenching his thirst, a bylaw officer came running towards me, demanding to know if I had any prior offences or proof of ownership, and warning me that if it happened again, it was a $600 fine. Meanwhile, the area was littered with garbage and broken fireworks.
According to Chapter 548 of the Toronto Municipal Code, littering on public property carries a $500 fine. So why is one bylaw so readily enforced while the other is ignored? How is leaving community members and public services workers to suffer the consequences an act of duty?
Who is really causing harm
on the beach – leashed dogs with watchful owners, or people who scatter trash and leave it for the community and the city to clean up?
We don’t have to accept the physical trashing of our community as the price of good weather.
We shouldn’t be forced to spend our free time organizing cleanups just to undo the damage of a careless few. The city has a responsibility to enforce its own laws fairly and consistently. That means applying the same energy used to police dogs on the beach to the people littering in public spaces.
If we can show the resilience to deal with the mess again and again and care for our community, it’s time for the city to meet us halfway—and hold those who trash it accountable.
Province’s ‘anti-democratic’ take over of school boards undercuts education
On the last day of the year for Toronto schools, Premier Doug Ford and his provincial government once again decided to meddle in municipal government, choosing to override the power of school board trustees at the Toronto District School Board and Toronto Catholic District School Board, amongst other school boards across the province.
We recently learned what his actions will mean for trustees - they will no longer be able to update their school communities and families, they cannot email constituents through official board channels, and they cannot attend events as trustees.
Make no mistake, this anti-democratic overreach has nothing to do with the claims of financial mismanagement lobbied against school boards by the Ford government.
Rather, these recent changes seem to be part of a long-standing, concerted effort to decimate public education in Ontario.
For decades, our public school system has been underfunded, undervalued, and undercut by premier after premier.
As parents, we see these cuts every single daywith threats of lost programs (e.g., music education, swim instruction), with asks from teachers for the most basic school supplies, with loss of key staff such as custodians and administrators.
Ford’s plan seems clear: concoct a reason to wrest control from trustees and push forward with a voucher system and charter schools.
This appears to be nothing more than his latest move towards privatization of our world-class education system. This is wrong. A governmentappointed supervisor will not be able to understand the needs of schools here in Beaches-East York, or across Ontario, as well as our school board trustees can.
An Open Letter to Rebecca Alty, Minister of Indigenous-Crown Relations and Northern Affairs Canada, regarding Bill C-5.
Without due process, Ottawa is moving at a pace by dashing any hope of a proper consultation process and not honouring Call to Action #92 and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. Bill C-5 was unilaterally advanced in the guise of nation building with the aim of letting corporate interests and proposed mining developments proceed that contravene Indigenous rights and treaties.
It would also force the approval of a Northern Road Link to “Ring of Fire” ancestral and treaty lands that could impact the environment and remote Indigenous communities north of Thunder Bay. The federal Liberal government has been mandated to
formulate government policy in order to appease their allies and corporate friends. Canada chose to sidestep its treaty relationship with First Nations, aside from limiting debate as a tactic to avoid scrutiny and dissent.
Furthermore, First Nations communities continue to be plagued with decades of neglect and an on-going saga of squalid housing conditions. The quality of water has often been contaminated due to the exploitation of ancestral treaty lands.
The four guiding principles for the new relationship are mutual recognition, mutual respect, sharing and mutual responsibility for maintaining relationships.
I hope to get a response to my letter sometime during the summer months.
Respectfully yours,
Michael Cheena
Letters to the Editor
Fearless Meat owner offers innovative approach to creating affordable housing
Malcolm Gladwell, the renowned Canadian author, wrote an influential article for the New Yorker in 2006 titled Million Dollar Murray. Though nearly 20 years old, this piece is now more relevant than ever- especially for Toronto.
Murray was a homeless disabled war veteran living in Reno, Nevada. He struggled with both physical and mental health challenges, turning to substance abuse to cope.
Time and again, police and emergency services would find Murray intoxicated on the streets, bring him into detox or rehab, get him stabilized, and then release him back to the streets. Within days, the cycle would start all over again.
In 2006, Gladwell estimated that Murray was costing the City of Reno over $100,000 per year in hospital stays, shelter nights, police time, legal aid, and other services. Over 10 years, a MILLION DOLLARS. Gladwell concluded that every large North American city has its own “Million Dollar Murrays”, and all this money spent is not improving lives or reducing homelessness.
I have been creating affordable housing in Toronto since 1982.
Reading Gladwell’s article reaffirmed my long-time conviction: we are not only failing our most vulnerable- we’re doing it at massive public cost. Toronto’s current approach to homelessness is not working. The city is spending more and more to expand the shelter system, with no meaningful long-term solutions. Meanwhile, taxes rise and the human suffering continues.
It doesn’t have to be this way.
We need a solution that will actually reduce the number of homeless people and also reduce the number of people dependent upon the shelter system. Toronto can save mega-millions by investing in permanent housing with support services to get people like Murray and other homeless people out of the shelter system for good.
So, what am I doing now to solve this housing crisis?
I am David Brown, the Owner of Fearless Meat, a socially conscious restaurant on Kingston Road.
I am currently working with the City of Toronto Planning Department on a transformative project: to expand my restaurant and build 100 self-contained affordable rental apartments above it. These units are specifically designed for single individuals who would otherwise be in the shelter system.
This will be a ground-breaking project in Canada.Key features will include head-leasing it to a leading Toronto non-profit housing provider who will manage tenant selection and provide 24/7 on site Professional Social Workers support and individual case management for these tenants.
Project commitment will be for a minimum of 99 years.
Trustees were elected to run school boards
‘Province’s’ from Page 6
Many trustees are parents of young children in the public school system!
As such, they understand the system, they know the schools in their ward well, and they are closely connected to the needs of local families and education workers.
Trustees run for office, their names appear on a ballot in an electoral process, constituents vote for them.
Constituents should be able to communicate with and learn from their trustees.
Ford’s decision to wrest responsibilities away from duly elected public representatives is wrong, and anti-democratic. He must overturn this decision and ensure that our public officials continue to represent us, the public who elected them.
Kate Dupuis
In addition, Fearless Meat will offer job training in my restaurant to give these vulnerable tenants the self-confidence and job skills to permanently exit the shelter system. There is currently a huge shortage of skilled restaurant workers in Toronto.
How much money can this project save Toronto?
These will be permanent housing apartments. However the hope is that given job skills and confidence to get decent paying jobs, the tenants will relocate to larger apartments closer to where their permanent jobs will be.
If we have 100 apartments, target two turnovers per year, and assume savings using Gladwell’s 2006 estimate of $100,000 per year per person:
Year 1 100 units X 2 Turnovers X $100,000 = 20M $ 20M
Year 2 20M + 20M Year 1 people = 40M
Year 3 20M + 40M Year 1, 2 people = 60M
Year 4 20M + 60M Year 1, 2, 3 people =
That is a cumulative potential five-year saving from just this one project of $300 million. Plus, 1,000 people permanently out of the shelter system and no longer homeless
There will be a long waiting list of people to get into this program. Many of them may not be in the $100,000/year savings category. However, having them out of the shelter/homeless population will free up the resources they are using to save $100,000/ year per space they would otherwise be taking up.
In the late 1980s, I visited Barb and Patty’s Butcher Palace, a butcher shop near Cleveland, Ohio owned by two ladies, Barb and Patty. You are probably wondering what is the connection between affordable Toronto housing and Barb and Patty’s Butcher Palace in Cleveland.
Turns out, Bank of America was doing a huge promotion on how they were helping women entrepreneurs. They took out full-page newspaper ads across the U.S. featuring Barb and Patty and their Butcher Palace and how they were financed and helped by Bank of America. Imagine the great publicity for Bank of America and also for Barb and Patty!
So here is Toronto paralyzed creating affordable housing. At the same time, Canadian banks, supermarket chains, and many other large corporations making huge profits could desperately use the great publicity and goodwill they would generate by supporting the creation of affordable housing. This is a great PR opportunity for a financial institution or other corporate lender.
Together, we can seriously help solve Toronto’s homeless and budget crises with no cost to the City of Toronto. I have a number of similar projects I am also working on.
Conclusion - This is a scalable, humane, and cost-effective model that Toronto and other cities can replicate. It’s a win for public budgets, a win for local economies, a PR win for corporate lenders, and most important, a win for our most vulnerable citizens.
I am committed to leading this effort with courage, compassion, and accountability.
It’s time to stop spending millions managing homeless and start investing wisely to end it!
This project will be a Canadian first. Please feel free to reach out to me with questions, interest, and to get involved.
David Brown, Owner of Fearless Meat
the QR code to f ind out more!
Community Calendar
JULY 22: A Senior Moment Luncheon is a picnic at Kew Gardens, 1:30 p.m. There will be raffles and fun. Bring your own lunch and we will provide ice cream cones and some live music ($10 donation if you can). See you there. Please R.S.V.P. Colleen by texting 647-829-8042 with your names.
JULY 23: The Danny Loves Music at East Lynn Park (Danforth & East Lynn Ave.), 6-10:30 p.m. Live music, food and drinks, and shopping. Info: danforthmosaic.com
JULY 29: Gardening Group Meeting at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 8-10 a.m. Our garden is maintained by a group of volunteers who meet biweekly. Both experienced gardeners and beginners are welcome to drop-in! Please note, we will be taking a break for the entire month of August 2025 and reconvene in September. Info: beachunitedchurch.com
AUG. 9: Historical Walking Tour with BMN columnist Gene Domagala, 1 p.m. This ‘quiz-ical’ walk, starting at the Beaches Library, 2161 Queen St. E., will traverse the Balmy Beach neighbourhood. See Gene’s column on page 17.
AUG. 11: Protect Our Ravine Rally at the Beech entrance to Glen Stewart Ravine, 11 a.m., to show the community’s opposition to an 11-storey condo development proposed for the Kingston Road/Beech Avenue ravine boundary. Info: https://sites.google.com/view/protect-our-ravine/home
AUG. 14: Six Free Websites for Genealogy Research at Danforth/Coxwell Library, 1675 Danforth Ave., 6:30-7:30 p.m. If you watch TV, you might be forgiven for thinking that you need to pay hefty subscription fees to big genealogy companies to research your ancestors. But some of the most exciting finds are found on six free websites. In this lecture, genealogist Janice Nickerson will introduce you to her favourite online sources for Ontario family history. Drop-in, no registration necessary. Info: 416-393-7783 East York Garden Club Flower Show at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, 373 Cedarvale Ave., 2-4 p.m. Cut specimens, plants, fruits and vegetables are exhibited in the Horticultural section. In Design, exhibitors create an original interpretation of the design theme. Free. Info: www.eygc.ca Community Back to School Giveaway & Fun Day at Grant AME Church, 2029 Gerrard St. E., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Help by making a donation to the Food Bank or purchasing a backpack with supplies by Aug. 22. Info: www.grantame.com
MONDAYS: WEE FOLKS DROP IN at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 35 Wood Glen Rd., 9:30-11 a.m. except holidays. Ages up to 3 socialize with nannies, parents, grandparents and other kids. Play-time, stories and snacks provided.
TUESDAYS: BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. (at Swanwick), 7 p.m. 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
WEDNESDAYS: BOWLING CLUB 55+ SENIORS
‘Happy Gang’ at Parkway Bowl and Mall, 67 Ellesmere Rd., 1 p.m. Info: 416-724-5162 or 416-830-9655
WEDNESDAYS: AL-ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113
THURSDAYS: EAST LYNN FARMERS’ MARKET at East Lynn Park, 1949 Danforth Ave., 3-7 p.m. Market runs to Oct. 9. Info: eastlynnparkfarmersmarket.ca
THURSDAYS: CALVARY GRACE FOOD
BANK, 72 Main St., 6-8:30 p.m, by appointment only, through Daily Bread Food Bank. Info: 416691-2899, gpcc@calvary-baptist-church.ca, www. gracepascoefoodbank.ca/access-our-services
FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP
Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard St E., 3:30-6 p.m. Registration is required. New clients must present identification for members in their household on their first visit and annually thereafter. Time slots are handed out and clients are encouraged to arrive at the food bank the time slot they have selected. Info.: 416-690-5169
SATURDAYS: SATURDAY CONNECTION Play and Learn Drop-In at EarlyON Family Resource Connection, 184 Main St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Anyone caring for children from birth to six years old are welcome. Free stay and play early learning program for children, families, and caregivers. Supervising adults must be 18 years+. Info: daycareconnection.net/family-resource-centre, 416-690-0102
SATURDAYS: AA at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113
SUNDAYS: LESLIEVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET at Greenwood Park, 150 Greenwood Ave., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Outdoor market runs to Oct. 26. Info: leslievillemarket.com
BEACHES LIONS CLUB meets every 2nd & 4th Tuesday at their Clubhouse, 10 Ashbridges Bay Park Rd. Interested in serving your community? Call Andy Buhot 416-690-3324. Info: www.beacheslions.com
BEACHES JAZZ FESTIVAL •July 24-26: StreetFest on Queen Street East between Woodbine and Beech •July 25-27: OLG Weekend Series. Info: www.beachesjazz.com
MOVIE NIGHT IN THE BEACH at Kew Gardens, Wednesdays 8:30-11:30 p.m. Bring a lawn chair or a blanket and enjoy! Come before the movie for games and prizes. Hosted by the Beach BIA. Sponsored by The Richards Group. July 23 – Uncle Buck; July 30 – Mean Girls; Aug. 6 – Jumanji; Aug. 13 – E.T. Rain dates: Aug. 20 and 27. Info: @makewaves.to ST. CLAIR O’CONNOR COMMUNITY Adult Day Services at 2701 St. Clair Ave. E., Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Program includes recreational activities, crafts and hobbies, food and refreshments in our new space ‘Oasis’. $25 per day. Info: 416-757-8757 ext 227 EARLYON FAMILY RESOURCE CONNECTION, 184 Main St. Play Learn Explore: Monday-Thursday 9 a.m.3 p.m., Friday & Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. All children from birth to six years are welcome. Info: 416-690-0102, Jennifer.hooker@familyresourcecentre-dcc.net
GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •July 26, Aug 2: Chess Club, 1-4 p.m. Drop by for a game of chess in a welcoming environment. All ages. Children must be accompanied by an adult. •Aug 2: Writers Collective of Canada Workshop, 10-11:30 a.m. Beginners welcome. We’ll write together and share our stories. Registration required: 416-393-7717 •Aug 19: Intro to 3D Printing, 6-8 p.m. For adults. Learn how to use a 3D printer! Registration required: 416-393-7717
MEDITATIONS FOR WORLD PEACE at Atisha Buddhist Centre, 1823 Gerrard St. E., Sundays 10-11 a.m. No charge. 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. Contact church office at: https:// stjohnsto.archtoronto.org or call 416-698-1105
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. For links to our upcoming worship services, or information about our upcoming events and programs, please visit our website at beachunitedchurch.com
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 9:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs). 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. Info: 416-691-2222, staidansinthebeach.com
GRANT AME CHURCH, 2029 Gerrard St E., invites you to our Sunday Worship Service at 11 am in person or live stream on YouTube and Facebook. Bible Study Wednesdays at 7:00 pm on ZOOM. Please join us in prayer Wednesday mornings at 6:30 on our prayer line. Dial-in No.: 1 587 405 1252 Access Code: 700 6901#. Info.: www.grantame. com; email: grantamechurch@yahoo.ca Ph.: 416 690 5169. 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, please contact us by e-mail at fboffice@rogers.com or call us at 416-699-3084. Info: fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch. com. Easy access by TTC from the Victoria Park subway. 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
dr. nigel SKinner
www.shoreviewvets.ca
Dental disease is one of the most common conditions we diagnose in pets—and one of the most overlooked by loving, attentive owners.
It’s not due to neglect; the signs can be subtle, and animals are incredibly good at carrying on through chronic discomfort.
But here’s the good news: dental disease is treatable.
In fact, it’s one of the areas where veterinary care can lead to truly dramatic improvements in a pet’s health, comfort, and even personality.
It starts small—but doesn’t stay that way
Dental disease usually begins with plaque—a soft film of bacteria that coats the teeth after eating.
If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar, which accumulates both above and below the gum line.
This leads to inflammation (gingivitis), infection, bone loss, and eventually, tooth mobility or abscesses.
As bacteria flourish beneath the gums, the damage quietly worsens. Unlike cavities in humans, pets develop periodontal disease—affecting the structures that support the teeth.
Left untreated, this not only causes oral pain but can also allow bacteria to enter the bloodstream, potentially impacting organs like the heart, kidneys, and liver.
The trouble is, this can all be happening with little outward sign. Many pets continue eating and acting “fine,” even while enduring significant discomfort.
The only way to properly diagnose and treat dental disease
This is why professional veterinary dental care— performed under general anesthesia—is essential.
We sometimes see nonanesthetic “cleanings” advertised at grooming salons or even some clinics, but these are surface-level only. They can make teeth look cleaner, but they don’t address disease under the gum line or assess the roots and supporting bone. Worse, they may give the impression that all is well when serious disease is actually being missed.
Veterinary dentistry done right involves a full oral exam, dental X-rays, probing for pockets, scaling above and below the gum line, polishing, and sometimes extracting diseased teeth.
Anesthesia allows us to do this safely and painlessly, while monitoring vital signs such as oxygen levels, blood pressure, and heart rate every step of the way.
It’s a controlled, gentle, and highly effective procedure.
The results speak for themselves
One of the most rewarding parts of veterinary practice is hearing what happens after dental work is done.
Pet owners often call or email days later with happy updates:
“He’s running again!”
“She’s eating better—and playing like a kitten!”
“I didn’t even realize how quiet he’d become until he perked up again.”
Especially with senior pets, it’s easy to chalk up subtle changes such as less playfulness, slower walks, more napping, as normal aging.
But after treating dental disease, many of those pets regain their spark. They feel better because they are better.
Here’s what you can do
• Brush your pet’s teeth: Even a few times a week can make a difference. Your vet can show you how.
• Book regular dental assessments: Catching problems early is key.
• Don’t skip professional cleanings: When your vet recommends a dental procedure, it’s for good reason.
• Watch for subtle signs: Dropping food, chewing on one side, or bad breath are often clues.
Dental care may not be the most glamorous part of pet ownership—but it’s one of the most impactful.
Keeping your pet’s mouth healthy means more comfort, more years, and more of the joy that comes from a tail wag or a purring cuddle.
Having a happy pet is what it’s all about and good dental care can be a big part of that happiness!
- Dr. Nigel Skinner is the Founder/Owner of Shoreview Veterinary.
Dashwood & Dashwood
& Dashwood
Sports
City’s first dedicated, multi-court pickleball facility planned for East Toronto
By Matthew Stephens
A PARK near the waterfront in the Beach is set to become home to Toronto’s first purpose-built pickleball courts, with an 11-court facility designed for enthusiasts of North America’s fastest-growing sport.
The non-profit East Toronto Pickleball Association (ETPA), which represents a large group of players in the East Toronto area, has been actively advocating for dedicated courts for the past three years.
“The demand for pickleball way exceeds the number of places to play in East Toronto,” said Mary Beth Denomy, chair of the ETPA.
“Currently there are two dedicated pickleball courts in East Toronto and none in the Beaches. This exciting new 11-court venue will be a game-changer.”
Most players bring their own nets and play on outdoor hockey rinks or dry pads with painted court lines. Concrete courts are hard on players’ joints, and flooded rinks often make play impossible.
Denomy calls these “band-aid” solutions and says pickleball enthusiasts are excited about the new public multi-court facility.
The facility is expected to open in September in the city green space off Emdaabiimok Avenue — north of Lake Shore Boulevard East and south of Eastern Avenue — within the parkland that’s home to Tubs & Gee Gage Rugby Field, Beach Skateboard Park and several basketball courts. These existing facilities will not be affected.
This new facility is a collaborative effort between the ETPA, Toronto Parks & Recreation, TorontoDanforth Councillor Paula Fletcher and Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford.
Fletcher said in a statement on her website that she was “very happy to have worked with the ETPA to create more local, affordable opportunities to play this fun, growing sport.”
Bradford said his office spent two years working with the ETPA to find a suitable location, noting the effort drew support from more
than 1,000 petition signers calling for dedicated courts. He emphasized the persistent community work that made the project a reality.
“The project has strong support from the Beach BIA, nearby schools, and accessibility leaders like Variety Village and the Canadian Paralympic Committee. I’m especially grateful to the East Toronto Pickleball Association for their tireless advocacy. It’s fantastic to see this site moving ahead, and even better knowing thousands will get to enjoy it,” Bradford said.
The facility will include two wheelchair-accessible courts, fencing, bleachers, shaded seating, acrylic playing surfaces, lighting and other amenities designed to enhance the player and spectator experience.
The courts will be open to the public. They have also been designed to host tournaments so the influx of players will support the restaurants and small businesses along Queen Street East.
Despite its quirky name, pick-
leball is a serious and competitive sport with more than 50 years of heritage. Invented in the United States in 1965, pickleball is played on a court half the size of a tennis court with a lower net, using lightweight paddles and a perforated plastic ball.
In Canada, the sport has been rising in popularity since Pickleball Canada and Pickleball Ontario began promoting the sport in 2009 and 2011, respectively.
Pickleball’s popularity surged during the COVID-19 pandemic, as people looked for new ways to stay active while social distancing. Its
low barrier to entry and social nature have made it a hit with players of all ages and skill levels.
Over the past three years, the sport has seen an estimated 57 per cent increase in participation, according to Pickleball Canada.
Across the country, more than 1.37 million individual Canadians play pickleball at least once per month, and more than half play four or more times per month. Ontario has the highest number of players in the country, with an estimated 598,900 participants playing — mostly during summer months due to increased spaces to play.
Beaches win first round OJLL playoff series
THE TORONTO Beaches Junior
A lacrosse team won its Ontario Junior Lacrosse League (OJLL) opening round best-of-five playoff series in three straight against the Mimico Mountaineers last week.
The Beaches beat Mimico 9-2 in Game Three of the series on July 17 at the Pickering Recreation Complex. While the Beaches played their regular season home games
at Ted Reeve Arena, the team’s playoff home games are in Pickering as the ice is now being put back in at Ted Reeve.
Eight of the 11 teams in the OJLL made the playoffs, and the Beaches finished second in the regular season. The Beaches next playoff opponent has yet to be determined. For an update later this week, go to beachesjralacrosse.ca
Beache s Brewing Company Summer Serie s
S p onso r e d by J e nny and Shan e
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Je nn ya nd S h a ne c a j enn ya nd s h a n e c a
By David Van Dyke
Queen Street East by Kingswood Road
PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE
Author de Nikolits releases her 12th novel,
‘one-of-a-kind’ Mad Dog and the Sea Dragon
By Abby Russchen
AWARD-WINNING BEACH author
Lisa de Nikolits returns to the page with her 12th novel, Mad Dog and the Sea Dragon, a noir, darkly comedic suspense thriller featuring a 1950s-style heroine living in modern day.
Releasing July 25 with Inanna Publications, the book takes readers through a crime-filled, nuanced tale of fractured family and romantic relationships interlacing with insatiable greed. Originally intended for release in 2018, publication was put on hold until de Nikolits’ other two books, The Rage Room and Everything You Dream Is Real, had come out. Mad Dog and the Sea Dragon follows main character Jessica Wren, a bold, vintage-obsessed dreamer, inspired by Kim Basinger’s role in L.A. Confidential. She works as a janitor by night and fashionista by day, all while navigating a bumpy relationship with her sister. She’s not your typical leading lady; behind her beautiful exterior is someone who’s trying to rewrite her life and become a mobster mistress to gangster Vincenzo “Mad Dog” Esposito.
Vincenzo has a twisted fondness for Weegee, a real-life crime photographer of the 1930s and 1940s who appears as himself in the book. Vincenzo is drawn from real-life Anthony Esposito, one half of the so-called “mad dog killers” who fatally shot a man for his paycheck
author, there’s something for everyone in the 200-page paperback.
In the book, de Nikolits transforms Toronto into a crime-scape playground where cons and swindles intertwine with splintered relationship dynamics.
She said she drew inspiration from many Toronto locations. Ripley’s Aquarium once housed a rare leafy sea dragon, and its beauty inspired de Nikolits to shape her story around it.
“I have to honour this beautiful little creature’s presence in this world in a book,” she said, and the rest fell into place.
in 1971 and triggered a massive police chase.
“I love writing about people who live in the quiet shadows of life,” said de Nikolits, describing her main inspiration for Jessica’s male counterpart.
The character’s obsession with Weegee was sparked by a photography exhibit de Nikolits attended at Toronto Metropolitan University, where his photos were featured. Mad Dog and the Sea Dragon is her first exploration into gangsters and organized crime. She calls it “one of a kind” out of all her books.
De Nikolits’ passion and love for writing are present in the story. With an ending that surprised even her as the
Woodbine Beach was another source of inspiration, though not directly named in the book. De Nikolits alludes to her daily experiences and incorporates them into her stories. Beaches n’ Cream ice cream parlour is another community go-to which she alludes to in the book.
De Nikolits is originally from South Africa, moved to Australia, and has called the Beach home since 2007. She hopes that readers find “a happy escape” in the story and come to love the characters as much as she does.
“There’s so much nastiness and worry right now,” she said, “I just want people to be transported from their worries with a good read.”
Mad Dog and the Sea Dragon can be found at most book retailers including Book City in the Beach, and online.
PHOTO: ABBY RUSSCHEN
Author Lisa de Nikolits stands outside Beaches N’ Cream ice cream parlour on the Boardwalk, a location alluded to in her book Mad Dog and the Sea Dragon.
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
ACUPUNCTURE
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
Etsuko Shibamoto, M.OMSc. Beaches Osteopathy 2 Lyall Avenue www.beachesosteopathy.com Book online sarahosteo.janeapp.com/#/staff_member/6
PSYCHOTHERAPY
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
AUGUST 18
Life Coaching 416-951-8280 www.modernsocialworker.ca
Kriens LaRose, LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants • Accounting services for owner-managed businesses.
• Personal and corporation income tax preparation. • Audit services for not-for-profit organizations www.krienslarose.com kriens@krienslarose.com
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
Snider & DiGregorio
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9 Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca
Shelly Pereira, Paralegal Commissioner/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation. Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation 647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net
Peter J. Salah Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate 416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca
KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866
QUINN Family Law
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
Melanie Brown Design INTERIOR DESIGN New builds, Renovations, Furniture & Decor melaniebrowndesign.ca melanie@melaniebrowndesign.ca 647.280.2203
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
AUGUST 18
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Beach Memories
Balmy Beach walking tour on Aug. 9
Iwill be leading an historic walk on Queen Street East in the Balmy Beach area on Saturday, Aug. 9.
The walk starts at 1 p.m. and we will meet in front of the Beaches Branch Library on Queen Street East just west of Lee Avenue.
However, my dear Beachers, this walk will be a little different than some of my others as it will be ‘quiz-ical’ and please pardon my spelling. To give you the idea, it will be asking and answering some questions (a quiz about the area for the walkers on the tour).
For example, on Queen Street East heading east from Lee Avenue there were three theatres and one is still in existence. What is the name of the theatre still operating and the addresses of the other two?
Now this next question is for Beachers with French Canadian links. There was a Beach resident of French Canadian origin who had a local business that employed more than 30 people. What was his name and the address of his business on Queen Street East?
Also, there was a promi-
nent jurist who donated several acres to the residents of the Beach around the 1870s, and that land later became the home of the Balmy Beach Club. What was his name and position?
There used to be a funeral parlour on Queen Street East not so long ago. On the north side of it was an animal food factory. What was the name and address of the funeral parlour?
Now, most of the people who live in the Beach are aware of Glen Stewart Park and Ravine, but this was not its original name. What is the original name of the park/ravine and who were the owners of the land? His family was very well known in Toronto’s history.
Here’s an easier question about a person who lived in the Beach and was probably one of the best-known city commissioners. He has a water filtration plant named after him. Tell me his name and title and his two places of residence in the Beach. Now for a hard question. There was a merchant who had a store on Queen Street East, and prior to that he was the personal cook to the lieutenant-governor of one of Canada’s former territories (not provinces). What is that merchant’s name?
Beach residents will know there is a local real estate company known as DeClute Real Estate. Why is the building in which they are located an historic site?
Just across the street from the DeClute offices is the famous Beach restaurant The Goof. Where is the exact location, the restaurant’s proper name, and what do the initials G.O.O.F. represent?
For the religious Beachers, there is a church by the name of St. Aidan’s in the Beach. But that is not the original name or location. Tell me what the original name was and where it was located.
Once there was a very colourful character who lived in the Beach for a time, and he is well known for building a large castle in Toronto. What was his name and what was/is the name of his castle-mansion?
As many Beachers will know, we once had many amusement parks in the area. Give me their names and locations.
Now I could go on with many other questions, but come and join my walk on Aug. 9 for the answers to the questions above and some others I will be asking.
Historically Yours!
Bernie Fletcher
ummer is wedding season. What’s your favourite wedding scene at the movies? If you were giving advice, would you say ring or run, I do or I don’t, dreams or nightmares?
dating was too much about numbers…income, height, weight, age and not enough about the intangibles of true romance: “Love is an ancient mystery, a thing you cannot quantify.”
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Romantics might love the traditional wedding in Norman Jewison’s Fiddler on the Roof to the tune of Sunrise, Sunset. Some might prefer the runaway bride in The Graduate. Mike Myers should have kept his elbows up before he wed in So I
Married an Axe Murderer
Beyoncé says you shoulda put a ring on it, but do you marry an evil prince or a dashing pirate (The Princess Bride)? Best not tie the knot with a gangster named Henry Hill (Goodfellas) or a king named Henry VIII (Anne of the Thousand Days).
Under no circumstances should you ask for a favour from the mob boss father of the bride (The Godfather). What is a deal breaker?
Kay (Elizabeth Taylor at 17) in Father of the Bride draws the line at honeymooning in a “fishing shack in Nova Scotia.”
A new film, Materialists, tells the story of a matchmaker in New York City (Dakota Johnson) who meets a rich man (Pedro Pascal) at a fancy wedding reception only to bump into her ex (Chris Evans) who is a struggling actor and a server at the event.
Marriage is a big decision. Here are some madein-Toronto films to advise deal or no deal, for better or worse. You are cordially invited to decide. What would you do?
1. My Big Fat Greek Wedding (2002): Opa! Everybody and their mother-in-law loves this romantic comedy about the clash of cultures. Toula (Nia Vardalos) works at a travel agency on the Danforth and the family home is on Glenwood Crescent.
2. The Silent Partner (1979): There’s a beautiful wedding scene at Kew Beach in this thriller. The late, great John Candy gets hitched by the Boardwalk. Watch for this year’s TIFF to open Sept. 4 with John Candy: I Like Me about the life of the wonderful comic actor. The Amazon Prime documentary is produced by Ryan Reynolds and directed by Colin Hanks. One of Candy’s finest roles is in Uncle Buck which you can watch outdoors at Kew Gardens on July 23.
Lake Ontario scenes. What if your future in-laws are terrible trouble? The father of the groom happens to be a spy. Michael Douglas and Candice Bergen are on Woodbine Beach pretending to be Chicago.
6. The Time Traveler’s Wife (2009): Would your future husband suddenly disappearing into the past or future be a deal-breaker?
To have and to hold…or not?
As Clare (Rachel McAdams) says, “It’s a problem.” Sure, but does he snore or smoke?
You can catch Casa Loma, U of T, Massey Hall, Osgoode Hall and a store on the Danforth in Scarborough.
bride’s parents. The divorced couple rekindle their romance during the reception at the Royal York Hotel. One-time Beach resident Jayne Eastwood is always a welcome sight in rom-coms.
10. Goin’ Down the Road (1970): Things weren’t so rosy in Eastwood’s first feature film where she “had to” get married. Director Don Shebib lived on Main Street as a boy and gives a time capsule view of the Toronto we once knew. Similar social norms are seen in Wedding in White (1972) where a father forces his pregnant teenage daughter to marry a much older man. Remember the term “shotgun wedding”?
The writer/ director is Celine Song whose first feature film, Past Lives, was Oscar nominated for Best Picture Oscar and Best Original Screenplay.
Song was born in Korea, raised in Markham and moved to New York. While trying to make it as a playwright, her day job was matchmaker, the marketing of the human heart. Song came to realize that
3. The Bride of Chucky (1998): Here comes the bride, there goes everyone else. Till death do us part! Maybe try not to marry a serial killer doll. The 24-hour wedding chapel was supposed to be in Niagara Falls, but was a set built on a vacant lot at 4300 Kingston Rd. in Scarborough.
4. Moonstruck (1987): Cher won an Oscar for Norman Jewison’s romance. She is engaged to one man but falls for his brother. Though set in New York, it was mostly filmed in Toronto as was Serendipity (2002) where romance is left to chance.
5. The In-Laws (2003): This is the remake of a better comedy, but there are lots of
7. The Vow (2012): Rachel McAdams is very good in tear-jerker romances. Here she’s in a car accident and does not remember her hubby (Channing Tatum). The wedding reception is at Casa Loma. This was based on a true-life story, but the real couple who inspired the film divorced after 25 years of marriage. Ah, the course of true love never did run smooth.
8. Tommy Boy (1995): The groom is Tommy’s father (Brian Dennehy) and the bride is Bo Derek at the Parkwood Estate in Oshawa. Things turn sour in this comedy from Lorne Michaels as Tommy (Chris Farley) tries to save his auto parts business (set at the Distillery District).
9. That Old Feeling (1997): It was a perfect wedding except for two things: the
11. How to Deal (2003): Halley (Mandy Moore) is a student (at Birchmount C.I.) with teen angst and an engaged sister: “Nice timing… tell your mom you’re getting married on the day she gets divorced. Why does love make people crazy?”
12. Wedding Season (2022): The pressure on Southeast Asian young people to marry is depicted with scenes at Gerrard India Bazaar (also Hollywood, Bollywood (2002) and Touch of Pink (2004).
13. Something Very Bad is Going to Happen (new) is about an ill-fated wedding with Oakville’s Adam DiMarco as the groom. There’s also a horror sequel Ready or Not: Here I Come with a deadly game of hide-andseek on the wedding night (April 2026).
The Danny Loves Music slated for Wednesday in East Lynn Park
JULY’S THE Danny Loves Music series in East Lynn Park wraps up with a concert on Wednesday, July 23. Presented by the Danforth Mosaic BIA, earlier concerts were on July 9 and 16. The final event is tomorrow, and will feature performances by the Kettleband from 6 to 7 p.m.; followed by The Jay Blues Trio from 7 to 8:30 p.m.; and The Regimentals from 9 to 10:20 p.m. East Lynn Park is south of Danforth Avenue just east of Woodbine Avenue. The Danny Loves Music includes the musical performances, food and drinks (including beer and cider for those of legal age), and shopping opportunities. It is supported by local sponsors Liberty Tax, Side Launch Brewing, Sober Carpenter and Craft Dynamics.
For more information, please go to www.danforthmosaic.com
East York’s own John Candy, centre, gets ‘married’ to Gail Dahms-Bonine while Michael Donaghue looks on in this scene from 1979’s The Silent Partner that was filmed at Kew Beach.
Neighbourhood Stops and Shops
Jenny and Shane are a dream team changing the real estate game in East Toronto
In the heart of East Toronto, where every home has a story and every street holds a memory, you’ll find Jenny and Shane - a powerhouse real estate duo who are doing things differently.
With over 25 years of combined experience, Jenny and Shane are more than just business partners - they’re life partners with a shared mission: to make buying and selling homes a supportive, seamless, and personalized experience for every client they work with.
Jenny, a born-and-raised Beacher, brings deep local roots and a design-forward approach to real estate. With a professional background as a licensed designer, she has an eye for potential and a talent for transformation.
“From the moment we meet with a client, I’m already thinking about the small changes that will make a big impact,” Jenny says. “Sometimes that means a full staging strategy. Sometimes it means changing out lightbulbs - which I actually carry in my car!”
That level of detail and care is what sets this duo apart. Shane, a strategic marketing expert with a passion for people and community, brings balance and big-picture thinking to every deal.
“Jenny is the design mastermind and a project management pro,” Shane says. “She makes homes shine. I make sure the world sees them.”
After leaving larger agencies a year and a half ago, the couple launched their own real estate business - a bold decision that has definitely delivered results. Together, they’ve built a boutique-style real estate service designed for real people: busy parents, working professionals, and families navigating life’s big transitions.
“We know moving can be overwhelming. It’s emotional and time-consuming,” Shane explains. “That’s why we take on the full project management ourselves. We create a custom workplan within two business days of meeting a seller, including design recommendations, listing strategy, and any improvements we think will elevate the home’s value.”
The results speak for themselves. Even in a challenging market, Jenny and Shane closed four homes last week alone. Many of their listings sell before they even hit the MLS, thanks to their extensive network of lo-
cal agents and deep understanding of what East Toronto buyers are looking for.
Their philosophy is rooted in empathy, expertise, and excellence. “This is more than a job to us,” Jenny shares. “We know that homes hold memories; your child’s first steps, welcoming or saying goodbye to a beloved pet, or leaving a multi-generational family home. We approach every sale with the care and respect that those memories deserve.”
That same sensitivity extends to the teams they bring in. Contractors, stagers, and tradespeople working with Jenny and Shane understand the importance of preserving sentimental value. Whether it’s a doorframe with a child’s height markings, a doodle on the wall, or a fixture that’s become part of the family story, these keepsakes are carefully removed, preserved, and returned to the homeowners.
“Our job is to support families through change, and that includes making sure their memories move with them,” Jenny says.
But their love for the East End extends far beyond real estate. Jenny and Shane are also passionate community builders. They sponsor the Beaches Brewing Company’s patio and Summer Music Series, even offering the first round on them to help grow the local business.
They were also key drivers behind the Shop Leslieville 2 Win campaign which ran from May to June and injected an impressive $288,000 into the local economy, a $150,000 increase in spending, and inspired 84 per cent of participants to commit to shopping local moving forward.
Whether you’re buying, selling, downsizing, or upgrading, or just pondering the idea, Jenny and Shane offer more than just real estate expertise, they offer partnership, advocacy, and peace of mind.
“We treat every family like our own,” Shane says. “For us, this isn’t about transactions - it’s about people, stories, and building a thriving East End community together.”
To learn more about Jenny and Shane Real Estate, or to connect with them about your next move, visit https://jennyandshane.ca/. Because when it comes to finding a home in East Toronto, there’s no team quite like Jenny and Shane.
Realtors Jenny and Shane are business partners and life partners.
The Main Menu Summer is the prime time for fresh peaches
Jan Main is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ gmail.com
July and August are prime time for peaches. Given the sun and warmth this summer, we should have a bumper crop of fragrant, slurpy, luscious fruit (and its cousin, the nectarine too!).
Peaches and nectarines are wonderful eaten out of hand although many people prefer to skin the peach before eating to remove the fuzzy skin.
The nectarine cousin does not have the same fuzz and thus, it is eaten skin on.
To Remove Peach Skin: Cover the peach with boiling water and let stand about one minute. By covering with boiling water, you kill the enzymes under the skin which allows for easy removal of peach skin. Rinse in cold water while gently pulling the skin away.
Once the skin is removed, cut peaches with a sharp knife into slices ready for
the recipes which follow or simply enjoy them on their own.
Summer Chicken Salad with Peaches and Almonds
This salad is an irresistible combination of flavours, which can be made simply by purchasing a storebought barbecued chicken. (You can barbecue a whole chicken and take the meat off the bone for this recipe; however, a ready barbecued chicken is about the same price with less work!)
Once the meat is removed, tear it into edible pieces about two inches long or cut into chunks.
Salad may be made covered and refrigerated one day ahead but tossed with dressing just before serving. 4-6 cups (1-1 1/2L) chicken, coarsely shredded (about 2 inches long)
2 cups (500 mL peaches cut into edible chunks. Nectarines or mangoes may substitute for peaches
1 cup (250 mL) thinly sliced celery
1 cup (250 mL) toasted almonds or walnuts.
(To toast nuts, bake on baking sheet at 350 F(180C) oven 5-8 minutes or until fragrant.)
1/2 cup (125 mL) finely chopped green onion.
Dressing:
3/4 cup (175 mL) each, salad dressing or mayonnaise and sour cream
2 tbsp (25 mL) fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 mL) each, Dijon mustard and olive oil
2 tsp (10 mL) grated lemon rind
In a large mixing bowl, combine chicken, peach chunks, celery, nuts and green onions. Cover and refrigerate.
Just before serving, combine dressing ingredients: salad dressing or mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, mustard, olive oil, and grated lemon rind. Pour over salad and gently combine with a spatula. Turn out onto a serving platter and garnish with bunches of fresh mint.
Makes about 6 servings. Peach Crumble
Peaches are yummy eaten out of hand; however, served
warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon and ice cream- they are divine!!!!
Likewise, peach crumble is a simple dessert to make but it becomes dessert perfection when served with ice cream or whipped cream. 6 cups (about 6-8) peaches, skins removed and sliced
1 cup (250 mL) brown sugar, lightly packed
1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon
Topping:
1/2 cup (125 mL) melted butter
1 cup (250 mL) each, quick oats, all-purpose flour and brown sugar, lightly packed
1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon
Preheat oven to 375 F (190 C). In a large mixing bowl, combine peaches, with sugar and cinnamon. Spoon into oven proof casserole (8 cups /2 L).
In deep bowl, melt butter in microwave or oven. Stir in the oats, flour, brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined. Sprinkle mixture evenly over the top of peaches. Bake in preheated oven 40-45 minutes or until bubbly.
Serve immediately or at room temperature with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. If watching your weight, substitute plain yogurt sweetened with a little brown sugar.
Makes 6- 8 generous servings.
Peach Chutney
Peach chutney works well as an appetizer when served with old cheddar cheese and biscuits.
It is also a flavourful accompaniment to roast meat such as ham, pork or chicken. In addition, a jar of peach chutney is a welcome hostess gift!
2 tbsp (25 mL) grated orange rind (1 orange)
8 cups (2 L) about 8 or 9 large peaches, skin removed and cut into chunks
1 cup (250 mL) each, granulated and packed brown sugar
2 cups (500 mL)
chopped cooking onion about 2 large
1 clove crushed garlic
1 red pepper, coarsely chopped
1 cup (250 mL) washed and dried raisins
1 tbsp (15 mL) mustard seeds
1 tsp (5 mL) each, pickling salt, ground cloves, cinnamon, ginger and curry
2 cups (500 mL) cider vinegar
In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, add orange rind, peaches, granulated and brown sugar, onion, garlic, red pepper, raisins, mustard seeds, salt, cloves, cinnamon, ginger, curry, and cider vinegar.
Bring to boil; reduce heat to simmer and cook simmering about 40 – 55 minutes or until thickened and reduced to about 8 cups.
Spoon into sterilized jars leaving ½ inch headspace. Cover with sterilized lids and discs.
Process in a boiling water bath 10 minutes.
Cool on rack and check lids for sealing (lid goes down in the centre).
If the lid has not gone down, then remove jar to refrigerator and use within 2 weeks.
Makes 8 (1 cup/and 250 mL) jars.
Beaches International Jazz Festival wraps up 37th year with weekend performances
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merous locations along Queen Street East. For the full list of bands playing and where they will be performing, go to www.beachesjazz. com/streetfest
StreetFest is an extremely popular event and a decadeslong Beach tradition, and large crowds are expected to attend on all three nights.
Food and treats from the city’s best restaurants will
be part of StreetFest, along with local artisans and vibrant market stalls from businesses along Queen Street East.
Transit routes will be altered by the TTC during the times of StreetFest.
To avoid Queen Street East during Street Fest, the TTC’s Main Street 64 bus will take an alternate route during the street closure hours. The 64 bus will go south on Wineva
Ave, past Queen Street East, along Alfresco Lawn and then up north on Lee Ave to Kingston Road.
Residents are also reminded not to park cars on Queen Street East, between Woodbine and Beech, after 4 p.m. on July 24, 25 or 26 as they will be towed in advance of the StreetFest road closure. Along with StreetFest fun, the final weekend of this year’s Beaches International
Jazz Festival is set to begin this week.
To wrap up the 37th annual version of the festival, the OLG Weekend Series is set for Woodbine Park on Friday, July 25, Saturday, July 26, and Sunday, July 27.
Friday and Saturday will feature Groovin’ in the Park from 6 to 10 p.m. each night.
This will be 10th anniversary for Groovin’ in the Park, which features a gathering
of dancers, DJ’s and music lovers to party together to a variety of sounds.
The fun kicks off on July 25 with the Friday Dance Party featuring house, disco, funk and global rhythms.
On July 26, it will be Saturday Night Fever at Woodbine Park celebrating a decade of dance, community and culture.
The festival’s final performances for this year will
take place on Sunday, July 27. The performances will be from TANDM at 1 p.m.; Avery Raquel at 2:30 p.m.; CHLORINE at 4:30 p.m., and finally concluding the festival with a performance from SheBad at 6:30 p.m. Woodbine Park is located at 1695 Queen St. E. For more information, please visit www.beachesjazz.com
‘StreetFest’
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Dusk Dances performances return to Withrow Park
By Abby Russchen
THE ANNUAL outdoor Dusk Dances festival, kicks off with its first performance on Sunday, Aug. 3, at 7:30 p.m. at Withrow Park, located between Logan and Carlaw avenues just south of Danforth Avenue.
Running until Aug. 10, Dusk Dances features a daily series of choreographed pieces inspired by the park’s natural environment, performed in a non-traditional venue.
The event aims to make dance more accessible and open to people of all ages. Admis-
sion is on a pay-what-you-wish basis, with a suggested donation of $20.
The festival’s mandate aims to bring accessible dance to the community by standing on three pillars: it’s physically accessible, financially reasonable, and artistically varied. It is one of Canada’s longest-running outdoor dance events, with a strong history that draws audiences back annually.
This year’s event is hosted by Latin-pop singer Ana Lía, who will lead spectators around the park for four unique performances each evening.
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Performances include BABAElan, choreographed by Blessyl Buan, which pays tribute to the Babaylan, the Philippines’ female and non-binary spiritual leaders, through dance, ritual, and sound.
The second performance, Portrait, is choreographed by Lina Cruz and inspired by the poem of the same name by Hector de SaintDenys Garneau, which explores the beauty and fragility of existence.
Next is Sweet Mother, inspired by the choreographer Kwasi Obeng-Adjei’s experience in Ghana, which combines traditional and
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Finally, Re-imagining Bhamakalapam, choreographed by Harikishan S. Nair, invites contemplation on performance and breaking down cultural barriers.
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For more information on this summer’s Dusk Dances at Withrow Park, please go to www.duskdances.ca. For volunteer opportunities, please contact toronto.volunteer@ duskdances.ca
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