Beach Metro News March 18, 2025 by Beach Metro News

Taking the ‘cold’ plunge

By Sam Heffer

One day in mid-December, 2016, there was snow on the ground and the air temperature was minus 14 degrees Celsius. Before sunrise that morning, a woman named Martina and her adult son left their home and began their 15 minute walk to the lake.

There’s nothing unusual about early risers heading to the beach in our neighbourhood, but Martina was wearing sandals, a fluffy white bathrobe, and her swimsuit. Her 25-year-old son was bundled up against the cold. He had his phone ready to film his Mom’s very first cold plunge into Lake Ontario.

As they approached the Leuty Lifeguard Station, Martina did not hesitate. She was going into the lake, and no one was going to stop her. Meanwhile, no one was going in with her either.

Nearby, an early shift of city employees stopped and stared in awe as Martina smiled at them, shed her bathrobe and sandals, and walked steadily out from the snowy shore in her swimsuit, until she was chest deep in the lake.

“They were smiling, watching me,” she recalls, “so I had to keep smiling, even though the cold water against my skin felt like I was moving through tiny pieces of razor-sharp glass.”

It was so cold that her son’s phone “froze” and no video proof exists of

that inaugural cold plunge. But it was a much needed game changer in Martina’s life.

A few months before, she had witnessed the painful decline of a close friend diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.

“It absolutely terrified me,” Martina said, “I felt I had to make a change in my life to be more fully present and alive. After that first dip, I felt incredible for the rest of the day. It was easy to get hooked on feeling that good, and so I start-

ed going into the lake once a week.”

Martina hoped that her son would also take up her new “dipping” hobby.

After all, he was the one who introduced her to Wim Hoff, a Dutch man who promotes the benefits of cold water therapy, specific breathing techniques, and a positive, meditative mindset. He has shared his methods and outlook with millions of people worldwide. But as she began her new endeavour, it seemed that Martina was destined to brave

the icy waters of the lake alone.

Within three years, Martina had settled into a routine of daily dips at sunrise. Then a few women in the neighbourhood noticed her posts on Facebook, and began meeting her on the beach. They were a small group who met each day to dip, exploring the possible health benefits, and developing a unique camaraderie.

And, dear reader, you are not alone if you’re wondering “Why? What on earth would possess anyone to voluntarily wade into a freezing lake at sunrise in the middle of the winter?”

That’s an excellent question.

Cold water therapy advocates believe that individuals who dip may experience a variety of health benefits, including reduced inflammation, boosts to the immune system, as well as heightened levels of dopamine and endorphins in the brain, that result in feelings of joy, and increased energy.

As a cold water enthusiast myself, I know that dippers vary in how, and to what extent, we experi-

Registration for Beaches Easter Parade on April 20 is now open

REGISTRATIONS FOR community groups and local businesses planning on taking part in the Toronto Beaches Lions Club’s annual Easter Parade next month are now being accepted.

This year’s parade will take place on the afternoon of Sunday, April 20 - Easter Sunday.

As in past years, the parade will start at Queen Street East and Victoria Park Avenue, in front of the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, at 2 p.m.

The parade route will then head west along Queen Street East through the Beach, ending on Woodbine Avenue at Kew Beach Avenue.

A Beach tradition since 1967, the Toronto Beaches Lions Club has been organizing the parade since 1973.

As is often the case, last year’s parade brought out huge crowds along Queen Street East.

The parade is part of a number of Easter celebrations planned locally for next month, including the annual Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt on Good Friday, April 18.

The Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt will take place between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m, and participants are invited to complete assigned tasks within a geo-fenced area of the Beach community. Those taking part can do so in teams of family members and will be able to visit numerous local businesses for a chance to meet with the Easter Bunny and receive a special treat.

There are number of options for parade participants this year with a range of registration fees. Proceeds from the parade support community programs run by the Toronto Beaches Lions Club. For more info on registering for the

PHOTO: ERWIN BUCK

Cold water ‘dippers’ form a Circle of Caring in the waters of Lake Ontario to symbolize community spirit and the welcoming of all members.

PHOTO: ERWIN BUCK

Dippers hold hands and enter Lake Ontario in a line on a recently snowy morning at the beach.

Erskine-Smith remains housing minister as federal election call expected this month

By Alan Shackleton

BEACHES-EAST

YORK

MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith will remain Minister of Housing and Infrastructure in the government of new Prime Minister Mark Carney that was announced last week.

In an announcement shortly after the swearing in ceremony for Carney at Rideau Hall in Ottawa on March 14, confirmation came that Erskine-Smith would stay on in his role of housing minister. He was first appointed to the position in late December last year.

In an interview with Beach Metro Community News on March 12, ErskineSmith said there was a “good likelihood” that Canadians will be going to the polls for a federal election in the very near future.

Erskine-Smith made the comment when asked if Canadians could expect a federal election to be called by the end of this month.

“I would say there’s a good likelihood of that,” he said.

Erskine-Smith spoke with Beach Metro Community News about the naming of Carney as the new leader of

Exceptional Easter Catering!

A Feast to Remember

All meals are served with your choice of protein, featuring:

Traditional

Roast Turkey (GF/DF)

Traditional Roast Turkey (GF/DF)

Celery, Onion & Mixed Herb Bread Stuffing

Celery, Onion & Mixed

Herb Bread Stuffing

Traditional Pan Gravy (DF)

Homemade Cranberry Sauce (VG/GF) or Sugar & Spiced

Glazed Baked Ham (GF/DF)

Honey Mustard & Apple Cider Sauce (V/GF/DF) or Rosemary & Garlic

Roasted Leg of Lamb (GF/DF)

Lamb & Shallot Au Jus (DF)

the federal Liberal Party earlier on March 9.

Former leader of the federal Liberals and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau officially stepped down from both positions on March 9, after Carney’s selection at the Liberal leadership convention.

A supporter of Carney’s from the start of the federal Liberal leadership race back in January of this year, Erskine-Smith said Carney is the right leader to deal with the threats Canada is now facing from U.S. President Donald Trump.

Erskine-Smith cited Carney’s experience as both Governor of the Bank of Canada (from 2008 to 2013) and Governor of the Bank of England (from 2013 to 2020) in dealing with political and financial challenges.

Tariff threats

“He has a great deal of experience dealing with national threats from the Great Recession of 2008 and Brexit (when the United Kingdom voted to remove itself from the European Union in 2016),” said Erskine-Smith.

He said Carney’s, and Canada’s, approach to the tariff and other threats coming from President Trump will be “serious” and strategic.

“We have already seen a forceful response with the retaliatory tariffs starting with $30 billion today (March 12) and $125 billion if President Trump does not stand down. We need to continue the forceful defence across all levels of government and across all party lines,” said Erskine-Smith.

“A targeted response is warranted.”

Trump administration.

“Every day we wake up it’s a different threat,” he said.

Earlier this month, the United States invoked a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminum, and is threatening many more, including on auto parts and vehicles from both Canada and Mexico to be started on April 2.

“This is a completely moving target,” said ErskineSmith.

“What does April 2 look like and what is an off-ramp for this?”

All of which means Canada will need a federal government and leader that has a clear mandate to deal with President Trump, he said.

The fact that Carney does not have seat in the House of Commons and is prime minister only by virtue of the vote by federal Liberal Party members on March 9 is a point that could be used against him in any ongoing negotiations with the United States.

Mandate

“I would expect he wants to seek a mandate and we could have an election sooner rather than later,” said Erskine-Smith of the chances of a federal election being called before Parliament is set to resume sitting again on Monday, March 24.

“All the opposition parties say they will take us down if we go back to Parliament, and we have to have an election this year.”

Erskine-Smith said it was important for Carney to have an elected seat in the House of Commons.

Erskine-Smith.

If and when a federal election is called it will see a race between the now Carney-led Liberals (who with Trudeau as leader were elected as a majority government in 2015 and then as minority governments in 2019 and 2021) and the Conservative Party under leader Pierre Poilievre.

A Nanos poll report released on March 11 showed the two parties very close in support among Canadian voters.

Local races

“The latest Nanos federal ballot tracking has the Conservatives at 35.7 per cent, followed by the Liberals at 34.7 per cent, the NDP at 14.9 per cent, the BQ at 7.9 per cent, the Greens at 3.8 per cent and the People’s Party of Canada at 2.1,” said the report, which was based on polling that ended on March 7.

Locally, Beach Metro Community News readers can expect to see Liberal incumbent MPs in Beaches-East York, Scarborough Southwest and Toronto-Danforth see challenges from Conservative and NDP candidates.

In Beaches-East York, the Conservatives have named Jocelyne Poirier as their candidate.

In Toronto-Danforth, the NDP has named Clare Hacksel as their candidate.

Presently, the BeachesEast York riding is held federally by Erskine-Smith who was first elected in 2015. The Toronto-Danforth riding is currently held federally by Liberal Julie Dabrusin who was first elected in 2015.

All Meals are accompanied with…

Potato

Starter

Easter Bonnet Devilled Eggs with dill & radishes (V/GF) (2 pieces per person)

Salad Spring Kale & Quinoa Salad

Salad

Spring Kale & Quinoa

Salad

chopped kale, quinoa, cucumber, feta cheese, chickpeas, scallions, fresh mint & parsley with lemon vinaigrette (V/GF)

However, Erskine-Smith pointed out that there is a high level of unpredictability for governments around the world that are now dealing with the actions of the

In the near future, as Canada continues with its “forceful response” to economic and national security threats it will also be “important for our prime minister to have a mandate,” said

In Scarborough Southwest, the riding is presently held by Liberal Bill Blair who was first elected in 2015. Blair is also Canada’s Minister of Defence.

Duck-Fat Roasted Smashed New

Potato

Potatoes with fresh herbs (GF/DF)

Duck-Fat Roasted Smashed New

Vegetable Side Dish

Potatoes with fresh herbs (GF/DF)

Creamy Cauliflower & Broccoli

Vegetable Side Dish

Casserole with mixed cheese (V/GF)

Creamy Cauliflower & Broccoli

Dessert

Casserole with mixed cheese (V/GF)

Dessert

Torched Lemon Meringue Tart (V) (1 individual tart per person)

Minimum order of 2 people, starting at $50/ person

Dates

Dates of Availability:

Good Friday April 18

Saturday April 19

Sunday April 20

Delivery and Pick-up options available Subject to HST & Delivery Fee All food is fresh, fully prepared, packaged and provided with re-heating and serving instructions.

Place your orders at: corbincateirngandfoods.com or by phone (416) 699-2433

Beacher Pat Silver inducted into the Festivals and Events Ontario Hall of Fame

By Cole Hession

BEACHER PATRICIA Silver has been inducted into the Festivals and Events Ontario (FEO) Hall of Fame.

The ceremony took place during the FEO annual conference on Feb. 26 in Kitchener.

An award-winning composer, talent agent, author and multi-instrumentalist, Silver is the co-founder of Canada’s premier a cappella festival SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival. The annual festival takes place in May and started in 2011 bringing together thousands of singers and fans to celebrate the vocal arts.

“I am humbled and honoured to be recognized for my work with festivals for the Danforth Mosaic BIA and for SING!. Bringing arts to the public is my passion, and we know that our work is enriching lives,” said Silver in a news release.

This year’s SING! festival will take place over 10 days in May and will feature a special concert on May 24 at Kew Gardens in the Beach.

An icon of the community, Silver has lived in the Beach with her family for more than 40 years.

In 2010, Silver was named as the Beach Citizen of the Year for her contributions to the community.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Beacher Pat Silver was inducted into the Festivals and Events Ontario Hall of Fame during a ceremony last month in Kitchener.

Safety concerns raised over metal structure at water’s edge near foot of Balsam Avenue

By Matthew Stephens

BEACH RESIDENTS are raising their concerns regarding the remains of an inactive stormwater structure protruding from the sand and rocks at the lakeshore near the foot of Balsam Avenue.

“I worry very much that this could lead to a bad injury in some child/adult. If this metal is not covered by sand or rocks, with the water level up it would be difficult to see this dangerous situation,” a concerned resident told Beach Metro Community News in a letter.

The narrow strip of metal, which once housed the concrete stormwater pier, stretches about five metres long from the remains of the original structure.

The metal remains of the dilapidated pier have been withered down to a sharp metal edge, which has sparked concern amongst residents, who worry that unsuspecting visitors and dog walkers might not notice the safety hazard.

The strip of metal is usually covered by rocks, sand, or water. However, as Lake Ontario’s water levels fluctuate, the old pier’s concrete

For The Best Baseball Camp In Toronto:

housing and covering from the elements has either broken-down or washed away, leaving only the rusted metal sections.

“At times this shorter area is covered by rocks, sand or water. This winter, I noticed there was no rocks, water or sand covering it, and the concrete had actually started to breakdown so that the concrete central portion is now lower than the metal side of the structure, resulting in a ‘knife edge’ of raggedy metal projecting out from the concrete,” said the local resident.

Much of the area’s initial infrastructure was implemented back in the early 1900s, with the Boardwalk built between Woodbine Beach and Leuty Avenue

around 1908, and a permanent Boardwalk built between Woodbine and Silver Birch in 1931 and 1932.

As a result, some of the older structures – such as the concrete pier – have remained unchanged for more than 100 years, and as a result, have deteriorated over time.

Residents are hoping the City of Toronto will address the safety hazard with a temporary fix before local traffic picks up in the summer and swimmers return to the lake.

Beach Metro Community News has been told the city plans to take action to address the safety hazard and is advising those in the area to be cautious of their surroundings and avoid the strip of metal until the safety

Meeting on Gerrard

hazard is dealt with.

“The City of Toronto is monitoring a piece of exposed metal from an inactive stormwater structure on the beach near the end of Balsam Avenue. The city is committed to taking immediate action to mitigate any safety risks and exploring longterm solutions once fluctuating lake levels allow for this work to safely proceed,” said a statement sent to Beach Metro Community News by the City of Toronto.

“Until the city can complete the required work, it is strongly recommended that residents avoid the area. The city recognizes the concerns of community members and appreciate their patience and bringing this issue forward.”

Square area building proposal set for March 19

By Cole Hession

THE CITY of Toronto has scheduled a community consultation meeting for tomorrow night regarding a proposal for a 12-storey mixed-use residential building just east of Gerrard Square.

The proposal will see the demolition of the small plaza at 1012-1018 Gerrard St. E., northwest corner of Mallory

Avenue and Gerrard Street East, and replace it with the 93-unit building.

Along with the 93 residential units, the building will include 320 square metres of mixed use space at street level.

Total gross floor area of the proposals is 7,108 square metres.

The proposed building will include nine vehicular parking spaces and 124 un-

derground bicycle parking spaces.

The in-person community consultation meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Matty Eckler Community Centre, 953 Gerrard St. E. Those attending the meeting will have the opportunity to view information panels, provide comments, ask questions and speak with the project team.

Metrolinx closure of Danforth Avenue between Warden and Eastwood starts this Wednesday

COMMUTERS ALONG

Danforth Avenue can expect traffic delays this week and next due to temporary road closures between Eastwood and Warden avenues for railway bridge work.

Starting on Wednesday, March 19, at 12:01 a.m., until Thursday, March 27, at 11:59 p.m., this section of Danforth Avenue will be fully closed to both vehicular and pedestri-

an traffic. During this time, commuters are advised to plan their morning and evening commutes in advance to compensate for increased travel time.

The closure will allow Metrolinx crews to install metal girders across the roadway between the bridge piers using a mobile crane, which are intended to support a wider bridge and fu-

ture fourth track for more frequent GO service along the Lakeshore East Line. To complete the work in a timely manner, construction at the bridge site will be ongoing for 24 hours a day throughout the closure period. For more information, please visit the Metrolinx website at www.metrolinx. com/en.

Tory Brown Jess Brown Broker Sales Representative

PHOTO: MATTHEW STEPHENS

This exposed strip of metal from an old stormwater structure on the beach near the foot of Balsam Avenue is raising safety concerns.

The Goof celebrates 99th birthday of legendary waitress Hazel Hoeg

HAZEL HOEG’S long connection to the Garden Gate restaurant (better known as The Goof) on Queen Street East in the Beach continued earlier this month with a community celebration of her 99th birthday.

The open house and party was held on Tuesday, March 4, at the restaurant with well-wishers stopping by to wish the legendary waitress all the best on her birthday. Hazel, who is not one for talking about her-

self, first started working at the Garden Gate back when it opened back in 1952.

That was before the restaurant was given its iconic nickname The Goof due to some burned out lights in the Good Food sign out front.

Hazel continued to work at the Queen Street East restaurant in the Beach for the next 68 years before announcing her retirement in 2020.

A 99th birthday celebration was held for Hazel Hoeg at The Goof restaurant on March 4. Hoeg first began working as a waitress at the restaurant in 1952 and continued there until retiring in 2020.

SEAN MADIGAN

PHOTOS: CHRIS COMMINS

Beach Metro Community News is worth fighting for

Mary Beth DenoMy Beach Metro News Board of Directors

My first real journalism job in the late 1980s was as a ‘copy person’ on the night shift in the newsroom at the London Free Press. I should have been called ‘coffee person,’ but I was breathing the rarified (and often stuffy) air in a large bustling openconcept newsroom. So exciting!

The news editors sat next to the sports editors who sat across the hall from the men who manually assembled the typeset paper before it was all computerized. A big button on the wall would STOP

the monstrous printing press next door (I only remember dramatically stopping the presses once).

My career ultimately took a different communications path but today, I’ve come full circle as president of the volunteer Beach Metro Community News board of directors. Boy, have things changed.

A new report has just been released on the critical state of local news in Canada. It ain’t a pretty picture.

The Rideau Hall Foundation in partnership with the Michener Awards for Public Service Journalism and the Public Policy Forum (PPF) report more than 340 Canadian communities have lost local news providers since 2008.

The “cutbacks, shutdowns and general hollowing out have

SERVING THE BEACH, BEACH HILL, BIRCH CLIFF, CLIFFSIDE, CRESCENT TOWN, EAST DANFORTH, GERRARD INDIA BAZAAR, LESLIEVILLE AND UPPER BEACH

2196 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON, M4E 2C7

PHONE: 416-698-1164 FAX: 416-698-1253 beachmetro.com

PUBLISHER & GENERAL MANAGER

Susan Legge susan@beachmetro.com

EDITOR

Alan Shackleton (ext. 23) alan@beachmetro.com

ADVERTISING MANAGER

Mark Ireland (ext. 26) mark@beachmetro.com

PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

Melinda Drake (ext. 27) melinda@beachmetro.com

ACCOUNTS MANAGER

Hope Armstrong (ext. 21) hope@beachmetro.com

CLASSIFIED AD/PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY LEAD

Carolin Schmidt (ext. 22) carolin@beachmetro.com

NEXT ISSUE: Tuesday, April 1, 2025

ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 5 p.m., Monday, March 24

VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE:

Mary Beth Denomy, Desmond Brown, David Morrow, Doug Black

Tim Doyle, Sheila Blinoff

This newspaper accepts advertising in good faith, but does not endorse advertisers or advertisements. All submitted editorial material is subject to editing. ISSN #0838-2956

In My Opinion

reached the point where the only thing left in some places is a “ghost paper” – a familiar masthead with little or no local news in the local product.”

At the same time, IPSOs research poll reports local news sources are by far the most trusted sources of news (85 per cent).

In my opinion, local news matters. I could not agree more with the report when they say, “local news is where the rubber hits the road. It knits together communities and speaks to people where they live, quite literally. It builds connection.”

On the flip side, and this is not a time to be flip, the report provides a sobering but not surprising follow up: “…the vacuum created by missing reliable local informa-

tion is filled by national news, which is typically more divisive, as well as social media, where trust and falsehood compete on equal terms.” Sound familiar?

I am sure everyone has seen our eye-catching O Canada cover, as part of our March Fundraising Drive. We know, and the report supports the fact local news “plays an outsize role in safeguarding our democracy. Without a reliable source of news, communities become more polarized, less trusting of one another, and more disconnected from social institutions.”

The Beach Metro Community News is worth fighting for. Susan, Alan, Mark, Melinda, Carolin, Hope and Matthew all work together to ensure we can keep telling our stories, cover our news

and hold our politicians to account in our newspaper and online.

The many co-op students and interns from Centennial College, Malvern Collegiate and Notre Dame Catholic High School learn on the job the principles of good journalism. And hundreds of your neighbours volunteer their time every two weeks to trudge through the snow in the winter and the heat in the summer to put an issue in every Beach mailbox.

Fight for local journalism. Fight for democracy. Fight for the future of our local news source which punches way above its weight. Become a Beach Metro Community News Supporter today.

- Mary Beth Denomy, Volunteer President, Beach Metro Community News

Kindness and generosity shown in support of newcomers

I’ve been part of both the Beach and Beach Metro communities

my whole life. From delivering the paper with my parents as a small child to writing articles for its pages as an adult, this neighbourhood has always had a special place in my heart. I’ve even delivered the paper with my own young children to our East York neighbours.

Throughout all these years, I’ve always known the Beaches-East York community to be one that val-

ues strong social bonds and neighbourly support. Last month, that spirit of generosity truly took my breath away, and I couldn’t be more proud to call this place home.

In the fall of 2024, I shifted careers into the non-profit sector, moving from a career of journalism and communications to working with the Mennonite New Life Centre of Toronto (MNLCT).

Here, I get to support newcomers to Canada as part of an incredible team dedicated to guiding them through the various challenges they face as they settle into their new lives.

One of many services we offer at MNLCT is a free community pantry and closet that is available to all members of the community, re-

gardless of their immigration status or citizenship.

The need is great, especially this year. After a particularly harsh winter, many of the items in our pantry and closet have been taken by those in need; people who are finding it harder than ever to make ends meet.

In an attempt to replenish some of these resources, I put out a call on a few local Facebook groups, hoping to gather a few donated items—perhaps some socks, maybe a couple of cans of soup. What happened next was nothing short of overwhelming.

The response from my neighbours was incredible. Complete strangers who had no connection to me or MNLCT stepped up and

offered donations in droves. People went through their closets and homes, contributing everything from gently used clothes to brand new socks, underwear, hats, and gloves.

The generosity and kindness of this community were evident in every donation, and I spent an entire weekend collecting all the goods. My SUV was absolutely filled to the brim with bags and boxes of donations-items that would make an immense difference in the lives of those who need them most.

This outpouring of support left me deeply moved and incredibly proud. It’s not just about the donations, it’s about the spirit of giving that runs through our community.

The Beach has always been a

place where people look out for one another, where neighbours care for their own, and where we understand that when we help one another, we all benefit. Whether it’s a neighbour offering a few items from their pantry or a stranger purchasing brand new winter gear, it’s clear that kindness and compassion are alive and well here.

As I continue my work with newcomers at MNLCT, I’m reminded daily of the importance of community. Our neighbours, who may come from diverse backgrounds, share a common desire to build a better, more inclusive world. In a time when it can sometimes feel like we’re disconnected from one another, moments like this serve as

Letters to the Editor

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Residents from the Glenfern Co-op in the Beach sent this photo of the flag they flew on Canada’s recent Flag Day (Feb. 15) in celebration of our country. This particular flag has a special history as it flew over the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill in Ottawa in January of 2005.

Here’s to the True North, Strong and Free

If you recently walked your dog or strolled east of the Boardwalk, you have probably noticed the large Canadian flag displayed on the four-storey apartment building at 15-21 Glenfern Ave.

Our flag flew from the Peace Tower on Jan. 24, 2005.

The residents of Glenfern usually display the flag on Canada Day. This year Canada’s former prime

This flag was a gift to one of our residents from the Minister of Public Works and Government Services in Ottawa. Each night when the flag that flies from the Peace Tower on Parliament Hill is taken down, it is sent to a Canadian citizen who has put their name on a waiting list. (This one took five years.)

ministers encouraged us all to fly our flag as a symbol of pride and solidarity, including on Flag Day on Feb. 15. We were happy to fly our flag to mark that day.

Here’s to the True North, Strong and Free.

Glenfern Co-op Community

A community that cares can do so much good

‘Kindness’ from Page 6 a reminder of just how much good can come from a community that cares.

Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to everyone who donated and supported our community pantry and closet.

Your kindness has made a world of difference, and I’m proud to be part of such a generous and welcoming community.

The Beach truly is a place where hearts are big, and compassion is abundant.

If you would like to donate items, please email me at epope@mnlct.org, or to learn more about MNLCT and support our mission to walk alongside newcomers, visit our website at www. mnlct.org.

All types of contributions make a tangible difference in the lives of those building a new life in our communities.

Thank you for your support!

•

in Canadian and US tax preparation.

• Simple to complex returns.

• Year-round services.

• Accuracy guarantee. • Personal, Self-employed, Corporate, HST, Estates and Trusts.

the

The application may be considered by the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs. Any person who has an interest in the application and who wishes to make submissions, for or against the application, to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs should notify, in writing, the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Legislative Building, Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario, M7A lA2.

Dated at Scarborough, Ontario this 12th day of December 2024. Antonio Valerio Henriques

Community Calendar

MARCH 18: Seniors Lunch at RCL Baron Byng Beaches Br. 1/42 Clubroom, 243 Coxwell Ave., 1 p.m. Featuring music by The Barons.

MARCH 18: Canadian Civility and Community Support During Times of Crisis Community Town Hall at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 Mcintosh St., 7 p.m. The new administration in Washington has brought threats of tariffs, annexation, among other unfriendly actions upon Canadians. This is a time for our community to come together, to share our fears and anxieties. How do we support one another? How do we get the information on how to buy Canadian? Support local businesses? What resources can we access in our neighbourhood to help? To provide such information and support, St. Paul’s United Church is hosting this event to discuss these issues. Info: 416-261-4222 or admin@stpaulsscarborough.org

MARCH 22: Acoustic Harvest presents Garnet Rogers at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets $35 advance, $40 cash only at the door. Info: acousticharvest.ca, garnetrogers.com

MARCH 22: A Senior Moment luncheons for ladies. Our next luncheon will be March 22nd at 1:30 pm at the Beacher Cafe. We look forward to seeing you all there. Please R.S.V.P. by text to Colleen at 647-829-8042

MARCH 22: Bach Walk in the Beaches at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 3 p.m. Beach United Church is excited to present in collaboration with The Royal Canadian College of Organists ‘Bach Walk in the Beaches’. Enjoy three separate 40 min concerts on the same day starting from 1 p.m. at St. Aidan’s, 2 p.m. at Beaches Presbyterian, and finally at 3 p.m. at Beach United with organist Jean-Paul Feo. Take a casual walk between locations as you experience an afternoon full of the wondrous music of J.S. Bach in celebration of his 340th birthday. Info: beachunitedchurch.com

MARCH 28: Jukebox Friday Night with Fraser/Daley and Skylark, Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. on Friday, March 28th at 7pm; doors at 6:30pm. Get your song requests ready and dancing shoes on! Fraser/Daley are back by popular demand and they’re taking your song requests. Tickets are $50 and help support our year-round community programs, including our lunch program for those in need. There will be a silent auction, 50/50 draw, cash bar & sweets table. Tickets & more info: beachunitedchurch.com

MARCH 28: Greek Wine & Canadian Cheese Pairing by The Pantry at Gerrard Art Space / GAS Inc., 1475 Gerrard St. E., 7-8:30 p.m. An evening of delicious flavours and cultural fusion. Indulge in a unique experience where Greek wines will be expertly paired with Canadian cheeses. RSVP on The Pantry Eventbrite page. Info: 416-778-0923, gerrardartspace@gmail.com

MARCH 29, 30: Bundle Up at St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church, 3150 Danforth Ave. Collecting donations of clothing, towels, drapery, sheets, blankets, footwear, and new toys. Sat., Mar 29, before and after the 5 p.m Mass, and Sun., Mar 30, before and after the 10 a.m and 12 noon Masses. Info: ssvpdunstans@hotmail.com

MARCH 30: Wonder Church at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 2423 Queen St. E., 4 p.m. This new service is designed for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary children and their families. The 30-45 minute service 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

APRIL 5: Beaches Spring Sprint along the boardwalk and Martin Goodman Trail, 9 a.m.-12 noon. This annual 5km and 2km run/walk is organized by the Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council. Advance registration March 25, 26, April 1, 2 from 7-9 p.m. at the Beaches Rec Centre, 6 Williamson Rd. $30.

APRIL 5: Quilt Show and Needlearts Sale at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tickets are $10 at the door. Cash only. Local crafts and refreshments. Wheelchair friendly venue. Info: www.bbuc.ca

APRIL 5: The Easter Lamb at St. John The Compassionate Orthodox Mission, 155 Broadview Ave., 11 a.m. The Easter Lamb is a local original written play about the last days of Jesus and his resurrection. It intended for all ages and will have lots of audience participation and interaction and feature many of the people who come to the mission with their distinctive gifts. The performance will be followed by a meal together. Please come and bring your friends to help us celebrate the season together.

APRIL 5, 6: The Art Guild of Scarborough’s Spring Art Show and Sale at Centennial Recreation Centre –Scarborough, 1967 Ellesmere Rd., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Show features over 400 original, juried works of art by member artists, many of whom will be in attendance. Free parking, admission, and refreshments. Info: https:// theartguildofscarborough.com/upcoming-shows

APRIL 7: The Healthy Brain: Maximizing brain health through diet and supplements with Dr. Aileen Burford-Mason, at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 35 Wood Glen Rd, 7-9 p.m. Aileen is an Orthomolecular Nutritionist with a PhD in Immunology. Her books include The Healthy Brain, Eat Well Age Better & The War Against Viruses. RSVP at 416-699-3084 or email fboffice@rogers.com. Pay $30 at the door.

APRIL 12: Historical Walk through Kew Beach with Beach Metro Community News history columnist Gene Domagala, 1 p.m. Meet in front of the Beaches Library, 2161 Queen St. E.

APRIL 14: East York Garden Club at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, 373 Cedarvale Ave., 7-9 p.m. Guest speaker Ken Brown will talk about Vertical Vegetables with a focus on how we can produce a significant amount of our own food in even a small city lot or balcony. Info: www.eygc.ca

APRIL 19: Music for the Soul with Opera Revue, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Back by popular demand, Opera Revue aims to take away the exclusive nature of opera, and

make it accessible for all audiences. Suggested minimum is $15. Tickets and more info: beachunitedchurch.com OPERATION VETBUILD is a Royal Canadian Legion peer-to-peer program by veterans for veterans and includes RCMP and allied veterans, run by the RCL’s BSO/OSI Special Section, with an objective to help improve mental health through hobby and in this case, model building. Free to veterans. No experience is necessary! All materials are supplied. Meetings are the last Saturday of the month at RCL Br. 10, 1083 Pape Ave. Next meeting: March 29, 12 noon-4 p.m. Info: James Le Roy torontoopvetbuild@gmail.com, 416-735-7362

BEACHES SANDBOX, 2181 Queen St. E. •March 23: Watercolour Bouquet Painting, 10 a.m. All skill levels welcome. Led by Linda Boris. •March 27: Supporting Your Anxious Child – A Workshop for Parents and Caregivers, 7 p.m. Parents will gain a deeper understanding of childhood anxiety and to recognize common physical, emotional, and behavioural signs. Free. Registration required. •April 6: Beaches Sandbox Comedy - “Big Laughs”, 7 p.m (doors at 6:30 p.m.). Featuring Courtney Gilmour, Clif Knight, Ryan Dillon, and Karen Mitches. Hosted by Kris Siddiqi. •April 10: Spring Trifle Cooking Workshop, 6:30 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Led by Ava Chilelli. Info, tickets, and registration for all programs: beachessandbox.com 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 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.), March 18, April 1,15; St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) March 25, April 8, 22 •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.). No lunch April 9, 16, 21. Lunch format may vary from site to site. Info: 416-691-6869

GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •March 22 & March 29: Chess Club, 1-4 p.m. Drop by for a few games of chess in a welcoming environment. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. •March 25 & Apr 8: Seniors Tech Help Drop-In (Seniors E-Connect), 4-5:30 p.m. Bring your phone or laptop and our tech-savvy teen volunteers will help solve your technology woes. Drop-in. •Mar 26: NatureTO Walking Tour - Trees Around Gerrard/Ashdale, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Go for a walk with Toronto Urban Forestry staff and learn how to identify neighbourhood trees. Registration required. Info: 416-397-7717

ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd., 2 blks. east of Main St. Pastor is Rev. Fr. Joshua Roldan. Lent & Easter Schedule: Confession is available each Friday evening of Lent from 6pm to 6:45pm. Also on Friday evenings, a Holy Mass at 7pm and Stations of the Cross at 7:30pm. Palm Sunday Masses: Sat. Vigil (Apr 12) 4:30pm, Sun. (Apr 13) 9 & 11am. Holy Thursday (Apr 17) no 8:15am Mass only Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7pm. Good Friday (Apr 18) no 8:15am Mass only Liturgy of the Word and Communion at 12 noon & 3pm. Holy Saturday (Apr19) no 4:30pm Mass only Easter Vigil at 8:00pm. Easter Sunday (Apr 20) Masses at 9 & 11am. Regular Mass times continue every Sat. (Vigil) at 4:30pm, every Sun. at 9am & 11am, Tue. to Fri. at 8:15am. Info: stjohnsto.archtoronto.org, 416-698-1105 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). 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. Out of the Cold dinners are served Mondays from 5-6:30 p.m. Weekly euchre on Tuesdays 7-9 p.m., enter from the northeast side door. It’s $5 to play, with all proceeds benefiting outreach. Info: www.staidansinthebeach.com, 416-691-2222 BEACH UNITED CHURCH 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 10:30 a.m. Services are led by our creative and passionate music director Steven Webb and our minister Rev. Greg Daly. Nathalie Zeta, our children and youth coordinator, has Sunday School programming around the weekly worship theme. 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

FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd at Kingston Road. 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: fboffice@rogers.com or call us at: 416-699-3084. Please see our website for more details: fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch. com. Easy access by TTC from the Victoria Park subway.

Centennial College to relocate programs from East York’s Story Arts Centre

CENTENNIAL COLLEGE has announced

that it will be relocating programs from the Story Arts Centre campus in East York to its Progress Campus in Scarborough.

The announcement came in a message sent to staff and students on Wednesday, March 5, by Dr. Craig Stephenson, President and CEO of Centennial College.

The transition of the programs and students being relocated will not occur immediately, said Stephenson in a separate statement sent to Beach Metro Community News

“Steps will be taken to talk with and ensure impacted students, faculty, and staff at the Story Arts Centre are equipped with the necessary resources and support to navigate this transition with minimal disruption,” said Stephenson’s statement.

The relocation of programs from the Story Arts Centre at Mortimer and Carlaw avenues in East York to the Progress Campus in the Markham Road and Hwy. 401 area is slated to take place in the summer of 2026.

“While we are early in the planning stages and will be developing a detailed transition plan, we are currently looking to move programs from Story Arts Centre to Progress Campus together in Summer 2026,” said Stephenson’s statement.

“We are committed to engaging in transparent, proactive, and ongoing communication throughout this transition. Moreover, we will be engaging the Story Arts community and soliciting their inputs to ensure a smooth and effective relocation process.”

Centennial College opened the East York campus in the fall of 1994 as the Bell Centre for Media Studies, housing the college’s Schools of Communications, Media, Arts and Design . It was later named the Story Arts Centre.

The building at the southeast corner of Mortimer and Carlaw avenues has a long history. It was originally built as the Ontario Teachers College in 1955, and served in that role until 1979. After that it became the site for a number of film and television productions including Degrassi High.

The building, at 104,000 square feet, occupies considerable space in the neighbourhood it is located in. Future uses for the site beyond 2026 have not yet been speculated upon.

Stephenson’s statement said lack of government funding and a decline in international students attending Centennial College played a role in the decision to relocate programs from the Story Arts Centre to the Progress Campus.

“In light of stagnant government funding a

decline in international student enrolments induced by federal policy changes, Centennial College has made the strategic decision to relocate programs from the Story Arts Centre to the Progress Campus,” he said. “The decision is part of a comprehensive strategy to secure the long-term sustainability of our academic programs and ensure the vitality of campus life.”

In his message to staff and students, Stephenson expanded upon the challenges facing community colleges across Ontario and the Story Arts Centre specifically.

He said “federal policy changes and the subsequent decline in the Canadian brand have led to a rapid reduction in international student enrolment.

“A challenge that has been further exacerbated by the provincial government’s domestic corridor funding model, which runs counter to its own stated goal of prioritizing Ontario students by penalizing institutions, such as Centennial, for growing domestic enrolment. Taken together, these factors have severely compromised our ability to function at the top of our game and serve Ontarians to our fullest ability.

“Indeed, the ripple effects of these policies and approaches to public education have upended every facet of our work: the programs we offer, the learner experience we cultivate, the structures and systems we rely on, the engagement with our community and the ways in which we sustain ourselves financially.”

His message pointed to declining enrolment at the Story Arts Centre, noting only 40 per cent of the available space was being used, and also pointed to drops in student numbers of an anticipated 53 per cent (compared to 2022/2023).

In a news release on March 7, Toronto-Danforth NDP MPP Peter Tabuns highlighted the need for reliable funding for post-secondary education in Ontario.

“Centennial College brings good jobs to the Toronto-Danforth community and the closure of the Story Arts Centre will have a deep and lasting impact,” he said. “This will bring uncertainty to thousands of students, faculty, and workers in our community.”

Tabuns said the Province of Ontario and Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government must incresse funding for post-secondary institutions.

“Thanks to Ford’s systemic underfunding of our post-secondary institutions, we have seen college after college forced to make cuts and put present and future jobs at risk,” he said.

is a

With each transaction we complete until July 1, 2025, we will proudly donate $250 to The Grace Pascoe Food Bank and The Bluﬀs Food Bank.

Chestnut Park® Real Estate Limited, Brokerage | chestnutpark.com | *Sales Representative

Dianne Chaput*† Brian Chaput* Pauline Wong* Colette

Ashbridge Estate memory from 1971

By David Van Dyke

The photo above of a fender bender at Connaught Avenue and Queen Street East was taken in 1971. We don’t know the photographer’s name. But never mind the crumpled white Plymouth, check out what’s behind: East Toronto’s original estate! The Ashbridge house was

in the mid

The Ashbridge family were English Quakers from Pennsylvania who settled in East Toronto area in 1793.

Do you have any photos of non-lethal automobile accidents in front of your home you’d like to share with our readership? Contact me at gdvandyke61@gmail.com

Beaches Spring Sprint sign-ups start on March 25

SIGN-UPS FOR the annual Beaches Spring Sprint will begin next week.

Hosted by the Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council, the Spring Sprint is a five-kilometre run along the Board walk. It will start at the pavilion at the foot of Lee Avenue on the morning of Saturday, April 5. The run raises funds for programs at the Beaches Recreation Centre and has been doing so since 1987.

The registration fee is $30 for all participants, via cash or cheque only. Those wishing to take part must register in person at the Beaches Recreation Centre, 6 Williamson Rd. Registration dates are from 7 to 9 p.m. on March 25 and 26, and April 1 and 2. For more info, call 416-392-0740 or email the Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council at springsprint@hotmail.ca

PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE

Reel Beach: Movies in East Toronto

Remembering Alexander Muir and The Maple Leaf Forever

Bernie Fletcher

Canadians are standing up together for “the true north strong and free.” The maple leaf and our national anthem O Canada are symbols of our belief in freedom and democracy.

Amid political tensions last month we saw controversies over the booing of anthems at the 4 Nations Face-Off. The U.S. team picked fights and won the first game, but Canada came back to win the final.

Long before O Canada became our official national anthem in 1980, The Maple Leaf Forever was a patriotic song that many in English Canada regarded as an unofficial anthem. It was written by Alexander Muir in Leslieville in 1867 to celebrate the Confederation of our country.

Muir was born in Scotland in 1830 and came to Canada at the age of three when the family settled in Scarborough.

Muir was a teacher, principal, poet, athlete and volunteer soldier with the Queen’s Own Rifles. In 1866 he fought against the Fenian Raids at the Battle of Ridgeway.

Muir became the principal of Leslieville School in the 1860s and lived at the corner of Pape Avenue and what is now Queen Street East (which was still known east of the Don River at the time as Kingston Road).

Muir was ahead of his time. He involved students in experiments and took them for nature walks. He did not believe in corporal punishment, would not tolerate bullying and tried to instill a deep respect for Canada and its history.

The Maple Leaf, our emblem dear, the Maple Leaf forever.

In her book Leslieville: Pigs, Flowers and Bricks, Joanne Doucette tells the

story of the mystery of The Maple Leaf Forever

In October 1867, Muir was walking with his friend George Leslie when a bright maple leaf fell on Leslie’s coat sleeve. Leslie suggested that Muir write a poem about the beautiful emblem of Canada.

Muir was inspired to set the patriotic words to music and the song became very popular.

The Maple Leaf Forever became old Hollywood’s favourite background music, played behind the opening credits of many early films set in Canada, including The Country Doctor (1936), Susannah of the Mounties (1939) and Captains of the Clouds (1942), the first Hollywood picture filmed entirely in Canada. The flicks loved the images of Mounties, fur traders, Rocky Mountains and endless snow.

This month Anora won the Best Picture Oscar for the tale of a woman standing up to a Mafia Don.

Back in 1949 Jane Wyman won the Best Actress Award for her performance in Johnny Belinda (1948) as a deaf mute woman in Nova Scotia attacked by a predator. In among the fishermen saying “aboot”, there was the music of The Maple Leaf Forever as well as O Canada

How to stand up to a bully

Alexander Muir and his song are remembered in Toronto by a garden, mural, school and street names.

Take a stroll down Memory Lane that runs just south of Queen Street East beside the Maple Leaf Forever Park and Maple Cottage (c. 1873) on Laing Street. The alleyway just south of the parkette is where Ralphie was beaten up by the taunting Scut Farkus in the nostalgic film A Christmas Story (1983).

Bullies are mostly cowards who didn’t get enough love from their fathers. Bullies only understand strength. Sometimes you have to fight back.

Like a Canuck hockey team, Ralphie comes back another day and lets his fists fly with the backdrop of the TTC streetcar barns.

The song is mostly forgotten now, but Michael Buble sang a version of The Maple Leaf Forever at the closing ceremonies of the 2010 Olympics.

It’s been a brutal winter and we need some sunshine. Maybe we could politely invite California to join us as our 11th province?

Canada offers decency, universal healthcare, poutine not Putin, as well as unlimited Ryans.

We don’t stab friends in the back and we don’t throw house guests out for telling the truth.

Canada is worth fighting for. We stand on guard for thee!

Our watchword evermore shall be

The Maple Leaf forever.

Maple Leaf Forever Park is located just west of Laing Street between Eastern Avenue and Queen Street East.

Meeting on proposal for 56-storey building at 6 Dawes Rd. slated

By Matthew Stephens

AFTER YEARS of planning and negotiation, Fitzrovia Inc. and Ontario Holdings Ltd. have submitted another zoning by-law amendment application to update their plans for the construction of what is now proposed to be a 56-storey residential building at the East Block of 6 Dawes Rd.

“On behalf of 6 Dawes Fitzrovia Inc. and Ontario Holdings Ltd., I am pleased to submit this Zoning By-Law Amendment Application for the East Block at 6 Dawes Road,” said Gregory Gilbert, Vice President of Planning at Fitzrovia Inc. in the application cover letter.

“We are proposing a right-sizing of the built form from the approved 17-storey slab building to be proportionately consistent with the planned surrounding tower context.”

That “proportional” consistency sees the proposal now calling for a 56-storey building, joining a number of other large residential towers planned for the area between Dawes Road and Main Street (south of Danforth Avenue and north of the railway tracks).

In light of the updated development application, there will be a virtual community consultation meeting for members of the public to view information panels, provide comments, ask questions, and speak with the project team regarding this proposal.

The online meeting will take place on Monday, March 31, from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Submitted and approved back in 2019, the current zoning for the East Block permits the development of a 58.2-metre, 17-storey tower on a six-storey podium with a 936-square metre tower floorplate, and a maximum residential gross floor area of 25,612 square metres.

Construction of the West Block of the land just east of Main Street and directly north of the Danforth GO station platform is already

well underway.

Also owned by Fitzrovia Inc. and Ontario Holdings Ltd., the 6 Dawes West Block will see three-tower residential buildings with 923 purpose-built rental homes that are expected to be completed by late next year.

According to Gilbert, Dawes Road’s West Block development is the largest single building rental housing project now under construction in Canada.

The companies are now seeking to readjust the East Block residential tower into an “elegant” 56-storey structure with an 854 square metre tower floorplate and 11-storey podium comprised of approximately 533 dwellings. The updated project will also include four levels of above-grade parking with 65 parking spaces, six visitor parking spaces, and 587 bike parking spaces.

The new proposal will also include other major features like a signature podium rooftop pool, a two-level sky-gym concept, a rooftop amenity deck, a cafe and lounge fronting the northwest corner of the site, and a signature pet spa for resident use.

As part of the overarching development plan at 6 Dawes Rd., Fitzrovia Inc. said it will provide outsized community benefits through a registered Section 37 agreement, which includes a $7 million contribution to be allocated toward a new community recreation centre in the area, a $66,667 cash contribution to be allocated toward funding a transportation study at key intersections within the geographic area, a $100,000 cash contribution for bike share, six affordable rental dwelling units, and an extension of Dawes Road for future conveyance.

Residents wishing to take part in the March 31 virtual meeting can do so by going online to www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/public-consultations/cityplanning-consultations and clicking on the Register link for the 6 Dawes Rd. meeting.

Residents’ associations input sought on neighbourhood muliplex rules

By Matthew Stephens

THE CITY of Toronto’s Multiplex Monitoring team and Sixplex Study team is set to host consultation meetings focused on two key housing initiatives with resident associations across the city’s four districts.

The meetings will be held for residents’ association representatives in Etobicoke (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and North York (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) on Monday, March 24. Residents’ associations in Scarborough (10 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and Toronto East York (2 p.m. to 4 p.m.) meetings will be held on Tuesday, March 25.

The city consultations will provide updated findings from the Multiplex Monitoring Program; an initiative intended to monitor the city’s implementation of multiplexes following Toronto Council’s approval of an Official Plan Amendment and zoning bylaw amendment to permit multiplexes back in May 2023.

Although he won’t be attending the upcoming meeting for Toronto East York, President of the Balmy Beach Residents’ Association John Cameron hopes that members of residents’ associations will be supportive of new development in the city in light of the housing crisis. “Residents’ associations have typically been branded as ‘Not in my backyard,’ and have been skeptical of development in the past. However, with the housing crisis, many Beach residents are worried on options for their neighbours, their children, or themselves to live in the coming years,” said Cameron in an email to Beach Metro Community News

The monitoring program tasked city staff to consult with Toronto Building, Community Planning, Urban Forestry, Transportation Services, Engineering and Construction Services, Housing Secretariat, Toronto Hydro, and industry stakeholders, to ascertain information following the implementation of multiplexes, and report on key factors such as the review of minor variance and building permit applications, transportation, infrastructure capacity, and tracking of multiplex characteristics such as location, unit size, number of bedrooms, and design.

The meeting will also provide updates on provincial regulatory changes, look to residents’ associations for feedback, and provide details regarding the next phase of housing policy changes including increasing the maximum number of permitted units in detached houses from four to six.

Cameron said he is in favour of multiplex development over large-scale construction of residential towers in the city – particularly in the Beach area. “The Beach has a proud history of gentle density, and there are some low rises throughout the community. They add necessary housing options, and should be encouraged throughout the city. On a personal level, I find these developments more appealing than the tall towers, as they help keep neighbourhood character, while providing the housing residents – rather than investors – prefer,” he said.

These meetings are intended specifically for residents’ associations, but consultations for the public on both housing initiatives are expected to take place in April.

Verity Club provides women with a haven for connection, professional growth, and personal care

This International Women’s Month, there is no better time to celebrate spaces designed to uplift and empower women. In the heart of downtown Toronto, ideally situated in a beautifully restored 19th-century chocolate factory at 111d Queen St. E., lies Verity Club—a luxurious private women’s club that’s redefining what it means to prioritize yourself.

Verity was founded 22 years ago by Mary Aitken, a trailblazer who left the male-dominated world of finance to create a place where women could find camaraderie, growth, and opportunity. Frustrated by the lack of spaces catering to women’s personal and professional development, Aitken envisioned a community that would be as supportive as it was exclusive.

Today, Verity is an ever-expanding reflection of her vision from two decades ago, offering members the chance to nurture themselves in ways society has often overlooked. As Aitken transitions towards retirement, she remains an integral part of the club’s fabric, inviting more women to join this vibrant network and continue its legacy.

offering is the MasterMIND program, where small groups of members meet monthly to share advice, tackle challenges, and celebrate successes under the guidance of a professional facilitator. Dubbed a “personal Board of Directors,” this intimate and confidential forum has helped countless women boost their skills and unlock new opportunities.

Verity’s membership also includes an impressive roster of accomplished individuals, with more than 20 Order of Canada recipients among its ranks, alongside politicians, artists, philanthropists, and CEOs.

As part of its commitment to inclusivity and growth, Verity is launching new mentorship programs to connect younger professionals with seasoned members, creating a bridge for knowledge and inspiration. These initiatives aim to open a world of possibilities for women under 40, equipping them with the tools and connections to thrive in their careers and personal lives.

“We want this to be the ‘third place’ where women spend their time,” says Kelly Barrett, Managing Director of Verity. “There’s home, and there’s work, and then there’s Verity. This is a place where you set your own pace–work as hard as you choose, play as energetically as you want, and unwind as deeply as you need.”

The club’s offerings are nothing short of extraordinary. Members have access to a private lounge, a fully equipped fitness studio, a serene pool and steam room, and various meeting spaces designed for productivity and collaboration.

Verity also houses some of Toronto’s most renowned public establishments, including GEORGE, a three-time Michelin-recommended restaurant; Sweetgrass Spa, recognized as Canada’s premier spa; and the Secrette Speakeasy Bar, one of the city’s most luxurious hidden gems. While these venues are open to the public, the rest of Verity remains an exclusive sanctuary for its Members.

Verity’s unique programs and initiatives are at the heart of its mission to foster personal and professional growth. One standout

Beyond professional development, Verity is a place to form genuine personal connections through shared learning and experiences. From wine-tasting events and book clubs to workshops and language classes, members are encouraged to explore new passions and check off bucket list items while forging meaningful relationships with like-minded women.

Far more than its physical space; Verity is a community where women are empowered to prioritize themselves and their aspirations. This International Women’s Month, as we reflect on the strides women have made over the years and the challenges that remain, Verity is a symbol of progress and possibility.

Verity invites you to embrace your potential and become part of a community that celebrates your journey. Book a guided tour today with Tara at tj@verity.ca and explore the opportunities that await you. It’s time to claim your third place.

Learn more about Verity Club at www.verity.ca/ and discover how this exclusive women’s club in Toronto cultivates community, empowerment, and opportunity in a sophisticated and welcoming setting.

BMN Sponsored Content

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

The Verity Club is located at 111d Queen St. E. in downtown Toronto. With International Women’s Day having taken place on Saturday, March 8, the club celebrates and empowers women’s personal and professional development.

Love what we do? Help us continue!

Our readers have been generous with their donations and their time, sharing what they like most about Beach Metro Community News. Thank you!

Here’s what they said:

I have loved the newspaper since its inception! Happy to support this excellent community newspaper!

Love the Deja Views section and look forward to seeing it each week. I love the photo coverage of local events! And I love the profiles and updates on local businesses and their owners. I have always been a fan of hyper-local news coverage, and I feel very lucky to live in an area with a local newspaper! Thank you for all you do.

It has lots of ads, which I like to read. I enjoy the stories about new stores and businesses, especially the restaurants.

Ads and articles are local, and good!

It's fair and describes what's going on.

I like Jan Main’s recipes.

The Beach Metro news is timely and reflects the aspects of the community that I would not be aware of otherwise. Thank you.

It reflects my community, and I first discovered it as the Ward Nine News. Liked it then, like it now.

All the local events and the political coverage of local issues.

The local journalism on Beach personalities and updates on current events and venues are among the many interesting features.

Relevance to my part of town.

(Deja Views) is a favourite. I like that you support up and coming journalists and the intense local focus. We live in the community and enjoy reading the articles in the Beach Metro. It's personal to our/my neighbourhood but also keeps the big picture in mind. Been reading since you started up as Ward 9 News.

Alternative and independent insights on political and economic issues facing our community.

I just moved here, and get all kinds of info from it.

How up to date it is, and the local coverage is excellent.

I love how you cover some simple issues that people like to hear about...good news in the community, wild animal spotting, what's happening with local businesses. I also like the historical pics!

I enjoy local news and events and always look forward to reading your paper.

I like to know about Gene’s Walks!

Local news. Vital to keeping our community alive and functioning.

I like reading about things that are going on in my neighbourhood but my favourite thing in your paper has always been the old versus new pictures of the same location.

Love the nature and history stories.

It's independent and local.

Love seeing my kids in it! My husband loved the D-Day article.

We receive it at our door. Read it cover to cover.

beachmetro.com/support-us

To donate, visit our website, mail a cheque, drop by or call Hope at 416-698-1164 Ext. 21 for assistance.

Neighbourhood Stops and Shops

Doering Design & Build crafts dream homes from concept to completion

Established in 2017, Doering Design & Build has grown into one of East Toronto’s most trusted names in home renovations, custom builds, and additions.

Founder Matthew Doering has spent over a decade mastering his craft, beginning his career as a carpenter in his early 20s. His renovation and home building experience includes working for a Premier Home Renovation Company and a Custom Home Builder in the GTA. His hands-on experience in everything from framing and structural design to trim and finishes laid the foundation for the launch of Doering Design & Build.

Transparency is at the core of Doering Design & Build’s approach. The company prides itself on upfront, all-inclusive pricing, ensuring no hidden fees so clients can move forward with their projects stress-free.

From the initial consultation to project completion, the focus is on delivering a seamless and enjoyable experience, allowing homeowners to fully embrace the transformation of their space.

With a proven track record and glowing testimonials from satisfied clients, it’s clear that Matthew’s time perfecting his craft has directly contributed to his company’s success.

With an impressive portfolio of projects and a commitment to high-quality craftsmanship, the company has earned a reputation for excellence. As a full-service renovation company, Doering Design & Build specializes in custom home builds and home additions, as well as smaller home renovations, with 60 per cent of its projects taking place in East Toronto neighbourhoods like the Beach, East York, Leaside, and Davisville.

As families grow, so do their needs and so instead of moving, they want their home to evolve with them. Several recent projects were for families looking to expand their living spaces through full house renovations or

adding a one or two storey addition to their existing home.

Matthew and his team are exceptionally skilled in working with classic East Toronto homes, including those with historical designations. Their expertise allows them to professionally renovate these homes while maintaining their original charm, seamlessly blending old-world aesthetics with modern comfort and functionality.

While most of Matthew’s referrals come from previously satisfied clients, a good portion of Doering Design & Build’s business comes from referrals from local realtors. These realtors frequently bring Matthew in to consult with prospective buyers, helping them envision potential renovations and determine how much a remodel or addition would cost, before they make the decision to buy.

With an emphasis on maintaining transparency in pricing, Matthew ensures that clients receive realistic estimates and a clear understanding of how to best maximize the home’s value while staying within budget.

Whether you’re planning a small renovation, a large-scale addition, or a custom-built home, Matthew and his team are ready to bring your vision to life with expert craftsmanship, thoughtful design, and a dedication to quality that sets them apart.

If you’re considering a home transformation, visit their new Beach office to explore your options and take the first step toward making your dream home a reality.

For more information or to contact Doering Design & Build, please go to:

Doering Design & Build

2171 Queen St. E, 2nd Floor 416-904-9498

https://doeringdesignandbuild.ca/

BMN Sponsored Content

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Matthew Doering of Doering Design & Build located on Queen Street East in the Beach.

PHOTO: CONRAD MURPHY

Beacher Stellino aims to increase awareness of red light therapy benefits

By Conrad Murphy

LOCAL AUTHOR and Beach resident Ben Stellino, is looking to take her red light therapy service to the next level by partnering with the manufacturer of the RX light therapy machine. This collaboration aims to increase awareness of red light therapy by bringing it into hospitals and medical practices.

Stellino first discovered red light therapy after a car accident triggered her fibromyalgia.

“I had severe fibromyalgia, and I was using every modality you can imagine—chiropractic, massages, acupuncture—and they were all sort of keeping me OK,” said Stellino.

Still dealing with the pain, she decided to search for an alternative.

“I went out on a limb and bought a unit. I bought it to heal myself, and then I saw the results, and they were unbelievable,” said Stellino.

With success in her personal treatment, Stellino, after gaining certifications, began offering treatments with her machine to members of the community. She said the therapy can treat arthritis, fibromyalgia, shingles, and sports-related injuries.

“I’m still offering people who are interested a chance to come and get treatment,” said Stellino, but she is now “focusing on trying to get clinics to implement this system.”

Stellino and her company, LightCare Connect, are specifically focusing on implementing the RX model, as Stellino said its wavelength production is superior to others.

“Our device delivers 10 wavelengths. Why is that important? The more wavelengths, the deeper it penetrates,” said Stellino.

She clarified that the 10 wavelengths of the machine can penetrate up to three inches below the skin, targeting injured or inflamed tissues. The 10 wavelengths are higher than the two to four wavelengths offered by other systems, according to Stellino.

The treatment itself is pain-free and can take as little as 20 minutes, she said. Once the red light is aimed at the target area, it emanates down, increasing blood flow while decreasing inflammation.

“If you reduce inflammation, you’re going to get rid of pain,” said Stellino.

She is hopeful that the growing interest in alternative pain treatments will help red light therapy gain further acceptance in the medical field. She believes integrating this technology into hospitals and medical offices can provide a non-invasive, drug-free option for patients dealing with chronic pain and injuries.

“There’s evidence, medical evidence, to show that it helps with addiction and pain. So imagine if we could help that crisis with red light therapy,” said Stellino.

Residents and medical professionals interested in learning more about red light therapy and RX devices can contact Stellino directly for more information. Through community partnerships, Stellino hopes red light therapy will become a widely accepted tool, providing effective relief and recovery options for patients who need it.

“Our mission is to get our units, the RX units, into as many clinics worldwide. Not just in Canada… but we’ve been talking to clinics all over the world,” said Stellino.

For more details, please visit www.celllighttherapy.com or contact Stellino at celllighttherapy@rogers.com.

Arts & Entertainment

Young local filmmakers create The Maddernox teen thriller movie

By Alan Shackleton

EARLIER THIS year, a group of young local filmmakers released a short movie they had made in the East Toronto area last summer.

The Maddernox made its premiere with a showing at the Cineplex Cinemas Beaches in January. The short film was well received by the audience and has inspired the filmmakers to work on other projects.

The film was made and acted in by Sophie Gallo-Doeben, Charlotte Greene, Juno Smith, Ava McCubbin, Chiara Hamilton, Mimi Murray Marks, Avery Griffin, Lilly Struys, Caitlin Robinson and Eden Marks. Adults supporting the project include writer-director Anthony Greene, Carlos Lopes who provided the music, and Dan Elliot who looked after sound and dialogue.

A teen thriller, The Maddernox examines themes of popularity, peer pressure, friendship, and bravery.

“The Maddernox is a made-up name for the creature at the heart of the urban legend. The name is designed to evoke mystery, intrigue and danger,” said Anthony Greene in an email interview with Beach Metro Community News shortly after the movie’s premiere.

The film, which is more than 30 minutes long, came on the heels of a short horror movie made by the same group titled The Legend of Glen Manor Ravine

Anthony Greene said the story for The Maddernox was inspired by the local youngsters who created it and their desire to make a scary, teen thriller movie.

“Building on the success of The Legend of Glen Manor Ravine, at over 30 minutes this is the longest film we’ve made,” he said of

The Maddernox

As with the first film, The Maddernox was filmed in the East Toronto area with many recognizable locations such as Glen Ames and Williamson Road schools, the Beach Mall, local streets, the R.C. Harris Water Treatment, and the Glen Stewart Ravine.

Gallo-Doeben said that even though they were making and acting in a thriller/horror movie, the entire process was great fun. She did, though, admit to being a bit nervous when she started acting in front of the camera for the first time.

“When we first started shooting, I was a little nervous because it was my first time doing anything like this,” she said. “But after a couple of takes, I was really comfortable. I have known the crew for a really long time,

and I didn’t mind acting in front of them.”

Gallo-Doeben added that filming outside also created a number of challenges in the creation of The Maddernox

“When we were filming outside, it was very difficult because we would have to take a break every time a car went by or an airplane flew past us. That was because the microphones would pick up the sound and if we wanted to make edits later, it wouldn’t fit,” she said.

“Sometimes we would have to drive around the whole neighbourhood to find a quiet street where we could film. There was nothing we could really do about this but go get ice cream and then come back hoping the street had quieted down.”

The most memorable scene in the movie,

and how it was filmed, was one in which one of the characters is stabbed in the stomach, said Gallo-Doeben.

“It is probably the scariest scene of the entire film, but we had the most fun filming it,” she said. “It also took so many takes to get it right. I had to stab her properly and then she had to fall over properly, and we could not laugh.”

That scene also highlighted the differences between how a scene is filmed and how it looks on screen.

“We used a big plastic water bottle as her waist, and we put a matching shirt over it,” explained Gallo-Doeben of how the stabbing scene was filmed. “This was so we could film the knife actually going into her body. This is what I mean when I say that when you are filming, it is totally different than when it is on screen.”

She said watching The Maddernox at the big screen at the Cineplex Cinemas Beaches was a thrill for everyone involved in the production.

“None of us had seen the finished film before it premiered at the Cineplex theatre and I’m really glad that is how I saw it the first time…It was an amazing experience, and I had a lot of fun. It seemed that the audience really liked it. I hope they liked it. They seemed scared, which was the goal, so we feel we accomplished that.”

Anthony Greene said the young cast and crew did a great job creating The Maddernox, and he also highlighted the support of the Cineplex Cinemas Beaches, the Beaches Recreation Centre, Williamson Road Public School and the families of the participants. To view the movie on You Tube, please go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRJfV5k4rLU

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Charlotte Greene and Sophie Gallo-Doeben in a scene from the teen thriller move The Maddernox.

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

Struggling with weight loss? Get a personalized nutrition plan based on your bloodwork for safe, lasting results. No fad diets - just real, sustainable change! Contact Leah, certified Metabolic Balance Coach: Leahhoniball@gmail.com to start your transformation today.

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

All ages, early language, L.D., articulation, reading, apraxia Leslie Rennie 647-994-8255 leslierennie@gmail.com

DR. PAULA MICELI

Clinical/Health Psychologist Consultations • Individual Therapy Virtual & In-person Services Over 9 years experience. 416-275-3735 www.drpaulamiceli.com

Lea Konforte

Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying RP (Q) DOG ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY In-person & online for Individuals, couples & families Anxiety, Relationships, Grief, Trauma, Stress www.holisticmindcare.ca

Kriens

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

Accepting New Clients Professional accounting and bookkeeping services tailored to your needs. I provide expert financial solutions for individuals and small businesses. www.magnoliabizsolutions.ca Email: magnolia_mbs@outlook.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

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

Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 2 - 921 Kingston Rd. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca

text, email: info@beachlawns.ca 647-210-5296 www.beachlawns.ca

V E R I T Y Private Women’s Club

tj@verity ca (416) 368 6006 ext 228 111d Queen St East, Toronto

Neighbourhood Stops and Shops

Pace Baseball is building children’s skills and character

Spring is just around the corner. And with the change in season, it’s the perfect time to start thinking about baseball.

For families in East Toronto, this means it’s time to sign up for the much-loved East York Baseball Camp (EYBC) run by Pace Baseball, a local staple for fostering a love of the game while teaching important life skills.

Founded 15 years ago by Andrew Pace and Mark Ireland, East York Baseball Camp has become a key part of the community, helping children ages 4-14 build both their baseball skills and character.

“I was the parent who was looking at my kids playing baseball and feeling frustrated,” says Pace.

In traditional house league games, children often don’t get enough repetition to truly develop their skills. This frustration inspired the creation of EYBC—a camp dedicated to providing a more supportive environment where kids can learn, grow, and fall in love with baseball.

Since its inception, the camp’s goal has been clear: to provide a fun and positive culture where kids can improve their skills and gain a deeper understanding of the game.

EYBC is not just about baseball; it’s about life lessons, too.

And for those looking to prepare for the upcoming season, Pace Baseball also launched an After-School Lessons Program last year-taking place at the Ted Reeve Diamonds, running from May to June. This program, which meets 1-2 days per week, helps kids get ready for the summer season with focused drills and practice.

What makes Pace Baseball and East York Baseball Camp stand out isn’t just its highquality instruction-it’s the sense of community it fosters. Many former campers return to EYBC as Instructors in Training (ITs), continuing to develop leadership skills while giving back to the camp they once loved. Some of these ITs even go on to become paid instructors.

“The skills they learn here serve them well throughout their lives,” says Pace, proudly sharing that many former campers have gone on to attend Ivy League schools, earning scholarships and excelling in challenging careers.

“They take what they learn here and apply it to whatever they do next.”

The camp has almost come full circle, with many of its original campers about to bring their own children to EYBC, eager for them to experience the life-changing lessons and fun they had.

“Failure is built into this game. Not everything goes your way,” Pace explains, emphasizing that baseball teaches resilience, empathy, and leadership. These lessons transcend the field and prepare kids for success in all areas of life.

The camp is designed to provide instruction on throwing mechanics, hitting technique, and fielding skills that need constant repetition and constructive feedback to improve.

Through consistent practice, kids can develop a more accurate throw, a smoother swing, and better glove work, setting them up for success both in and out of the game.

The camp’s impact extends far beyond the summer months. In addition to the summer camp, Pace Baseball offers off-season indoor clinics that run on Sunday evenings from October to April.

These clinics give kids the opportunity to continue improving their skills even when the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor play.

“As parents, we put our kids in sports not because we think they’ll go to the MLB or NHL, but because we know they’ll gain essential skills like resilience, empathy, and teamwork,” Pace says.

Pace Baseball offers a range of programs, including summer camps, off-season clinics, and the after-school lessons program, all designed to help kids develop their baseball skills and grow as individuals.

With spring just around the corner and the new season beginning, now is the perfect time to sign your child up for East York Baseball Camp, a place where they can fall in love with the game and learn essential life lessons along the way.

Camp registration is open now. Interested families can learn more online at https:// www.eastyorkbaseballcamp.com/ or email inquiries to pacebaseballcamp@gmail.com

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Andrew Pace, of Pace Baseball, is one of the founders of the East York Baseball Camp.

to every voter and volunteer in BEACHESEAST YORK, thank

you!

I am honoured to have been re-elected and will continue to proudly serve our community at Queen’s Park.

Mary-Margaret McMahon Beaches-East York MPP

Granny Basketball fundraiser set for Saturday in support of Out Of The Cold programs

By Matthew Stephens

THE GRANNY Basketball League and the Toronto Chill are welcoming the community to attend a fundraising game against the Out Of The Cold Foundation Volunteers team this Saturday.

“We wanted to make sure to give back to this fantastic group and show them that we are with them in their fight against poverty, homelessness and isolation in the East End of our city,” Vicky Merrick, coach, organizer, and founder of Toronto Chill said in a news release.

The game is set for Saturday, March 22, at 1 p.m. at Eastminister United Church (310 Danforth Ave.)

Tickets will be $5 at the door, and there will also be a Canada Helps online donation site where supporters can donate more and receive a Canadian charitable tax receipt. Funds raised during the event will go towards the Out Of The Cold Foundation, which is completely run by volunteers at the church.

Founded in January 2024, Toronto Chill is Canada’s first and only team in the Granny Basketball League so far. Merrick, there are about 50 to 60 teams regularly running Granny Basketball tournaments in the United States, and she is happy to see Canada contribute to the league, which started back in 2005.

All the Toronto Chill’s members are aged 50 and older, with a shared goal to emphasize the value of team spirit, camaraderie, and friendly competition. Every Thursday night,

the team gathers at Eastminister Church for practice.

In the news release, Merrick expressed her and the team’s appreciation for the opportunity they have been given at Eastminister by staff and volunteers, and commended the Out Of The Cold program volunteers, who have operated and served the city’s most vulnerable for more than 30 years out of the same church.

“We are still in the process of growing our team and growing the game of Granny Basketball in Toronto and other Canadian cities. This, our second charity game with OOTC, will showcase Granny Basketball to more people. It will give us this unique opportunity to not only have some ‘serious fun’, but to raise much-needed funds for them as well – it’s a win-win!!” said Merrick.

The Out Of The Cold Foundation was founded in 1987 as an interfaith program striving to respond to basic physical needs of shelter, food and warm clothing for the less fortunate.

Acting as an umbrella organization, the Out Of The Cold Foundation partners with agencies, churches, synagogues and other groups that provide safe havens, provide access to financial assistance, food, shelter, and other necessities through its funded projects.

For more information about the Granny Basketball League and Toronto Chill, please go to www.grannybasketball.com/t/torontochill.

For more information about the Out Of The Cold Foundation, please go to https:// outofthecold.org

East York Minor Hockey’s

Little Stanley

By Cole Hession

Cup Day set for March 29

LITTLE STANLEY Cup Day in East York is slated for Saturday, March 29.

Hosted by the East York Hockey Association, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary, the Little Stanley Cup event will take place at East York Memorial Arena at Cosburn and Cedarvale avenues.

Each season since 1954/55, the East York Hockey Association has presented the Little Stanley Cup to its Pee Wee division champion.

The East York Hockey Association is the

only minor hockey league sanctioned by the National Hockey League to use a replica of the “Stanley Cup”. Permission was granted by then NHL President Clarence Campbell.

Given this is the 80th anniversary for the association and the 70th anniversary of the Little Stanley Cup, a number of dignitaries are expected to attend the March 29 event including Mayor of Toronto Olivia Chow.

March 29 will see a full day of hockey championship games in a number of age divisions as East York wraps up its minor hockey for this season. For more information, please visit www.eastyorkhockey.org

Date: April 25th

Location: Delta Toronto Airport Hotel

now and join the conversation. Visit: conference.idaontario.com/about-navigatingdyslexia/

Neil McNeil hockey awards Vandersteen Cup

By Matthew Stephens

FANS GATHERED at East York Memorial Arena on March 6 for the championship game of Neil McNeil Catholic High School’s intramural hockey league –known as the Vandersteen Cup.

The finalist Gold and Green teams hit the ice for a closely contested match, which lasted most of the game. However, in the last minutes of the final period, the Green team pulled ahead and won the game 5-3.

Home to seven hockey teams, including senior and junior contact, non-contact ‘A’ and ‘B’, and three intramural teams, the Victoria Park Avenue school’s colourcoded intermural leagues have four teams consisting of 20 players each.

The Vandersteen intramural league played games every Thursday from the beginning of October until early March. Each team played a total of 10 games, all of which culminated in a final championship game for the Vandersteen Cup trophy named after Neil McNeil teacher and coach Frank Vandersteen who retired in 2009.

“It’s a great honour. For the guys it means a lot,” said Vandersteen at the championship game when asked about the decision to name the league after him. “I can’t believe it, you know, that just simple little things like teaching can lead to a much larger context in which peo-

Members of the Green and Gold teams that played for the Vandersteen Cup trophy in the Neil McNeil Catholic High School’s intramural hockey league at East York Memorial Arena on March 6. The Green team were the cup champions for this season.

ple see you.”

With a substantial portion of proficient hockey players at the school, the Vandersteen intermural league gives Grade 9 and 10 students at Neil McNeil opportunities to play on a school hockey team.

“We started the league last year, just because there were so many kids at our school that wanted to play hockey, and we didn’t have enough teams for them to play, so we wanted to make sure that they could engage and have something to do,” said Justin Mihevc, founder of the league and member of faculty at Neil McNeil.

The league also gives senior (Grade 12) students a chance to assume leadership roles and coach younger players at the school. Each team is assigned three student coaches.

“For the most part, it’s the students that coach, but it’s Grade 12s who also

play on our senior hockey team,” said Mihevc. “We’ve handpicked 12 guys from the school that are good hockey players, but also who we think are going to be good with the younger kids.”

For Peter Ranson, business teacher and one of the pioneers behind hockey programs at Neil McNeil, establishing strong relationships among students is what makes intermural leagues so important.

“The most important thing and the reason why I got involved in coaching sports is to help to build relationships with kids. If you can build those relationships outside the classroom, it helps them to be successful within the classroom,” said Ranson.

For the student coaches, working with junior players helps to establish strong relationships throughout grades among the younger students just entering the school.

“Honestly, it’s a really nice experience. We’ve gotten to see the kids become friends with each other,” said Ben Barton, one of the coaches for the Gold team.

“We know how difficult it is coming in. When you’re in Grade 9, you don’t really know too many people, you’re still trying to figure out your place at the school. We’ve seen a lot of the guys on our team become friends.”

For Gold coach George Pethakas, a senior student who says his glory days of playing hockey may be past him, coaching has helped to breathe life into his passion for the sport. “Coaching is definitely a way to pass that passion through. We find it’s a great way to keep playing hockey and stay involved in the game,” said Pethakas.

Despite only being in its second year, Ranson hopes to see the Vandersteen league expand and see other school programs involved.

PHOTO: MATTHEW STEPHENS

Creating goodness and community spirit

‘Taking’ from Page 1

ence these benefits. In addition, most dippers have important reasons and powerful personal stories that brought them to the edge of our frigid lake in the first place.

Entering the water takes your breath away on so many levels. It forces you to stay in the moment, and surrender completely to the cold.

But beyond possible health benefits, what draws us back to dip day after day, in the harshest winter conditions?

For many, there is a reverent aspect to gathering on the shore at sunrise, even when the wind chill plummets and white-capped waves pound the icy edges of the beach. Always, there is a sacred feeling of drawing closer to the elements, and to each other.

Healing journey

Another lover of nature and community, Christina, began going into the lake during the pandemic. This was not long after her 42 year old brother, out for an early morning run on a country road, was killed by a drunk driver. Her cold water therapy became an essential part of her healing journey.

Christina says that she didn’t know what she was missing before she began dipping.

At first the uncomfortable, numbing pain of entering the lake at sunrise in winter matched her own deep heartache at the loss of her brother.

Over time, the lake also grounded her, helping her to reconnect with all that is beautiful in her life, even while coping with unspeakable tragedy.

“During the pandemic the lake welcomed me with open arms when so many things were closed,” she said.

Dipping at sunrise brought her closer to nature, and made her aware of like-minded individuals who were “focused on living, rather than fearful of dying.”

Each day at the lake Christina found healing, wisdom, and resilience.

She also received a micro-dose of community; precious moments of

connection with fellow “cold water warriors, who warm my heart.”

Over time, those brief conversations turned strangers into friends.

Christina feels that dipping is

a way for us to prioritize our own self-care.

“It’s a special kind of one-on-one health care that’s free and accessible” to all who choose to explore it.

So these days, if you’re walking along the beach or the Boardwalk at sunrise, you’ll likely see groups gathering, figures clad in long swimmers’ coats (dry robes), wearing colourful toques and cozy mittens. It may be some of the LOLOs (Ladies of Lake Ontario) or the EndorFINs.

You may hear their chatter, singing and laughter.

And you may notice a circle of dippers forming in the lake, holding each other’s mitten’d hands above the water. This Circle of Caring reflects a remarkable community spirit that continues to grow and welcome new dippers.

Pure joy

Martina describes sunrise at the lake as: “My home. Somebody is always going to be there to dip, and I can’t wait to see them. My mood is pure joy. Something as simple as embracing the cold for health reasons has turned into something very special. We embrace longevity by being fully engaged, and with the playfulness of little kids.”

You’ll see us greeting each other with hugs, and then holding hands as we enter the water.

And yes, it does look good in photos, but the real meaning is that we support each other - as we enter the lake, of course, - but we also know that we’ll step up to help each other in life.

Earlier this winter the EndorFINs were filmed and interviewed at the lake for CTV news, and last year in the middle of January (air temp -24C), a group photo of their joyous circle in the lake became Reuters “Photo of the Week.” Other news agencies took note, and the cold plunge pic appeared as a good news story in 28 countries around the world.

As Martina says, “We are creating goodness, and you never know where it will go.”

And these days more than ever, isn’t that exactly what the world needs.

PHOTOS: ERWIN BUCK

Photo above, cold water ‘dippers’ enter Lake Ontario as the sun rises. Photo below, the swimmers make snow angels on the beach prior to entering the lake on a snowy day in February.

liv.& din. CCTV & Card Access. TTC. Lndry. Walk to Kew Beach & Queen St! Limited on site PARKG. Fr $1250 Inc ht & ht wtr. 416-693-5229 (2.)

1 Bdrm Bsmt - Upper Beaches Modern layout. TTC at your door & beautiful park just steps away. Shared laundry. Suitable for single, female professional. No pets, no smoking. $1,950 inclusive 954-707-2039 (3)

1 Bed 1 Bath Apt on Queen This beautifully updated 1-bedroom, 1-bath apartment offers comfort & convenience in a sought-after location on Queen Street East. Enjoy a new renovated apt. in a prime location. $1,900 CAD 416-948-0529 Caleb@harboursedge.ca (5)

Vacation Rental

PARIS RENTAL

Paris Le Marais, heart of city. Cosy and charming apartment, tasteful decor. Weekly/monthly rentals. parisapartmentlemarais.com (2)

Wanted

I will buy your HOCKEY & BASEBALL Card Collections Do you have old cards you’d like to unload? I pay more than fair prices for collections and singles. Buying pre 1990 hockey and baseball cards. Call or text 647-618-3700 (3)

Collectibles

ST. CLAIR ANTIQUES

We BUY and SELL: Furniture, Gold & Silver, Antique Jewelery, Mid-Century Modern, Art & Collectibles! We do house calls! 3595 St Clair Ave. E. • Hrs: 11-6 Thu-Sat 416-606-7843 / 905-978-0626 stclairantiquestoronto@gmail.com stclairantiques.com (2..) Financial Services

ABSTAX INC.

SPECIALISTS IN CDN AND U.S. TAXES HOME CALLS & PICK-UP SERVICES AVAILABLE EFILE PERSONAL, BUSINESS & CORPORATE 416-699-6641 • tariqabstax@gmail.com angela.abstax@gmail.com BY APPOINTMENT ONLY PLEASE 161 Main Street, Toronto M4E 2V9 Serving the Community for Over 40 years (22/26

DSR Consulting Svcs Bookkeeping, tax & financial services

CDN & Non resident Personal & Corporate Tax Deborah, CPA, 416-854-3333 Dsroth85@gmail.com (4)

Home Decor

Vienna Upholstery 2358 Kingston Rd. (w. of Midland) 416-698-9000 ViennaUpholstery.ca (r)

General Services

WAYNE’S

RUBBISH REMOVAL &

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR CLEANING 416-264-1495 CELL 416-567-4019 (3r)

MR. FIX-IT

PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS 20+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work. Randall 416-450-0599 torontomrfixit@gmail.com (2r)

Peter the Handyman INDOOR / OUTDOOR

General repairs: Drywall / Caulking / Painting / Decks / Fences Odd jobs: Fixtures, TV, Shelf & Picture install / Furniture

PEST CONTROL

Cleaning Services

Same Day Service 647-303-3190 www.clearthecluttergta.ca (7) THE HANDYMAN

Repairs • Drywall Masonry • Caulking Painting • Decking Fencing • Odd Jobs

eckhard386@gmail.com 647-281-3084

416 414 5883 info@blpm.ca (2r)

Kleancare Cleaning

We offer: • Commercial & Residential • Deep Clean • Regular Cleaning3 Call Erika 647-989-5188 (2r)

GOOD NEWS! Neat Freak now has openings for bi-weekly or monthly cleans. Call or text 416.824.5269

Email: b.neat@rocketmail.com (3)

Music

THE TWO FOURS

ULSTER ACCORDION BAND is seeking new members! • Free use of accordion

Acoustic Harvest welcomes Garnet Rogers this Saturday

HAMILTON-BORN GARNET

Rogers will perform at St. Paul’s United Church for a night of melodies and acoustic sounds this coming Saturday..

Advance tickets are available at www.ticketscene.ca/events/48741/ for $35 or $40 cash at the door.

The event will be held at 7:30 p.m. on March 22 at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., in southwest Scarborough.

Known as an outstanding singer-songwriter and performer, Rogers has been a musician since his early days.

He became well-known in the

Canadian music scene in the mid1980s after his first solo album, Garnet Rogers, in 1984. The album came one year after the death of his brother, famed Canadian musician Stan Rogers.

Rogers’s style blends multiple genres, including rock, blues, and country.

His songs often offer poetic social commentary and focus on love, sadness, and storytelling. His bestknown songs include Night Drive, Small Victory, Music in Your Eyes, and Sleeping Buffalo

Acoustic Harvest is a monthly concert series featuring acoustic

TOM DAY

music from local and international artists for Toronto’s east-end community and beyond.

It aims to bring music focused on acoustic roots to the residents of East Toronto and surrounding areas in a community-oriented setting.

Last month, award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Julian Taylor performed at Acoustic Harvest. All tickets sold out before the event began.

For more information on Acoustic Harvest please visit the website at www.acousticharvest.ca/concerts.html

Carpenters

MASTER PLUMBER

CEJA ELECTRIC

Your Project is our Passion 647-207-0124 patrick@greatwoodsolutions.com (9)

Roofers

Roofing & Aluminum

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

ROOFING & SIDING? SOLUTION! Flat and Shingle Roofs Re-roofing, Repair Eavestrough, Soffit & Fascia Workmanship Guaranteed Gus: 416-910-8033 (2r)

TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES LTD.

Local • Reliable • Professional

Servicing the beach for 20 years. 416 694 0906 torontoroofingindustries.com (3r)

K. R. ROOFING

All types of Roofing

Eavestrough & Siding

Over 40 years in the east end. Martin 416 579-6534 (2$r)

ROOFING, REPAIRS DUN-RITE

Shingles, Flats, Eavestroughs Fascia & Soffit Chimney tuck pointing 15% off for Seniors • All work guaranteed 647-857-5656 (3r)

No GO train service on much of the Lakeshore East line this weekend

DURING THE upcoming weekend of Saturday, March 22, and Sunday March 23,, there will no GO train service along the Lakeshore East line between Union and Pickering stations

Additionally, there may also be some late-night schedule adjustments on Friday March 21.

Over this weekend, there will be no GO transit service available at Danforth, Scarborough, Eglinton, Guildwood and Rouge Hill GO stations. Those looking to travel by transit in and around those areas this weekend are asked to use Toronto Transit Commission options.

GO Transit shuttle buses will not be stopping at the stations in Toronto, but will run a route directly between Union and Pickering GO stations. This weekend’s closure is for geotechnical work by Metrolinx along the Lake shore East rail corridor.

Residents in the area can expect vibration, noise, and temporary traffic disruptions as well. There may also be daytime drilling on March 22 and March 23 along the Lakeshore East rail corridor.

CITYWIDE

Serving the Beaches since 1974 Family owned & operated (2$)

J. BROW ROOFING

Shingles • Flats • Cedar Free Estimates Residential & Commercial Cell: 416-788-9020 Lic# B16393 (2$)

CANADIAN CONTRACTOR

Shingles • Flats Roof Repairs • Metal Work Eavestroughing & Siding Waterproofing • Since 1984 Met. Lic. B-16-964 Steve 416-285-0440 • 416-605-9510 (2.)

Beach Co Roofing

Your neighborhood flat roofing specialist. 647-309-8056 (2r)

Masonry

BEACHES BLUFFS MASONRY

Brick • Block • Concrete • Stone www.beachesbluffs.com beachesbluffs@gmail.com 416-988-2589 (2.r)

BRICK SPECIALIST

Masonry & brickwork. Experts at matching existing brick. New builds, tuckpointing, colour matching, parging. Stone & Block. scotstonecontracting@gmail.com www.scotstonecontracting.ca Call Scott 416.858.2452 (2$)

GEORGE’S MASONRY AND STONEWORKS

Flagstone patios • Retaining walls • Porches brickworks • Masonry restoration • Fireplaces rebuild Cell: 647 - 280 - 1827 wonderstone1004@gmail. com 19)

OTTO’S MASONRY

Your neighbour for over 45 yrs!! Chimneys.Brickwork.Interlock Pavers Concrete.Porches.Stone To BOOK NOW Call: 416 467 1717 Email: info@ottosmasonry.ca Website: www.ottosmasonry.ca (15)

Beach Metro News March 18, 2025

Taking the ‘cold’ plunge

Registration for Beaches Easter Parade on April 20 is now open

Erskine-Smith remains housing minister as federal election call expected this month

BEACHES-EAST

Exceptional Easter Catering!

A Feast to Remember

A Feast to Remember

Beacher Pat Silver inducted into the Festivals and Events Ontario Hall of Fame

Safety concerns raised over metal structure at water’s edge near foot of Balsam Avenue

For The Best Baseball Camp In Toronto:

Meeting on Gerrard

Square area building proposal set for March 19

Metrolinx closure of Danforth Avenue between Warden and Eastwood starts this Wednesday

COMMUTERS ALONG

The Goof celebrates 99th birthday of legendary waitress Hazel Hoeg

SEAN MADIGAN

Beach Metro Community News is worth fighting for

In My Opinion

Kindness and generosity shown in support of newcomers

Letters to the Editor

Here’s to the True North, Strong and Free

A community that cares can do so much good

Community Calendar

Centennial College to relocate programs from East York’s Story Arts Centre

Ashbridge Estate memory from 1971

Beaches Spring Sprint sign-ups start on March 25

Reel Beach: Movies in East Toronto

Remembering Alexander Muir and The Maple Leaf Forever

Meeting on proposal for 56-storey building at 6 Dawes Rd. slated

Residents’ associations input sought on neighbourhood muliplex rules

Love what we do? Help us continue!

Neighbourhood Stops and Shops

Doering Design & Build crafts dream homes from concept to completion

Beacher Stellino aims to increase awareness of red light therapy benefits

Arts & Entertainment

Young local filmmakers create The Maddernox teen thriller movie

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

OSTEOPATHY

V E R I T Y Private Women’s Club

Neighbourhood Stops and Shops

Pace Baseball is building children’s skills and character

to every voter and volunteer in BEACHESEAST YORK, thank

Granny Basketball fundraiser set for Saturday in support of Out Of The Cold programs

East York Minor Hockey’s

Little Stanley

Cup Day set for March 29

Neil McNeil hockey awards Vandersteen Cup

Creating goodness and community spirit

Healing journey

Pure joy

Vacation Rental

Wanted

Collectibles

Home Decor

General Services

WAYNE’S

MR. FIX-IT

PEST CONTROL

Cleaning Services

Music

Acoustic Harvest welcomes Garnet Rogers this Saturday

TOM DAY

Carpenters

MASTER PLUMBER

CEJA ELECTRIC

Roofers

No GO train service on much of the Lakeshore East line this weekend

CITYWIDE

Masonry

Trades