Beach Metro News Sept. 23, 2025

Virtual community meeting on 11-storey proposal for Murphy’s Law site set for Oct. 6

A VIRTUAL Community Consultation Meeting on a proposal to build an 11-storey mixed-use residential building at Queen Street East and Kingston Road (the Murphy’s Law building site) will be held on the night of Monday, Oct. 6.

The proposed height of the building has raised the ire of some Beach residents for a number of reasons including the fact it is five storeys higher than allowable under the area’s Queen Street East Urban Design Guidelines (UDG). Established in 2012, the Queen Street East UDG limits building heights to six storeys along Queen Street East between Coxwell Avenue and Nursewood Road.

Proposed by developer SUD Group, the 11-storey rental residential building will consist of 216 dwelling units, 54 vehicular parking spaces, and 240 bicycle parking spaces. The proposal will maintain the historic CIBC bank building at the northeast corner of Queen and

Kingston, which had been the longtime home of the popular Murphy’s Law pub.

Plans for the site at 1684, 1698, 1700 and 1702 Queen St. E. also include what was the former home of the Days Inn hotel which was demolished a number of years ago. Since the hotel’s demolition the site has sat empty, with the pub closed and the area fenced off. A six-storey residential building had been approved at the site by the City of Toronto in 2022. However, construction on the six-storey building never started and the proposal for 11 storeys was submitted earlier this year.

In a June 2025 Beach Metro Community News story, developer SUD group said the increase in the proposal’s height was made because the lesser height was “no longer viable” and that market conditions had changed. SUD Group said their planning is reflective of the City of

Continued on Page 2

Truth and Reconciliation ceremony on Sept. 30 at Kempton Howard Park

CANADA’S FIRST Truth and Reconciliation Day—serving to acknowledge the history of the residential school system and to foster learning, reflecting, and commemorating both the survivors and the children who never returned home —was held on Sept. 30, 2021.

Five years later, the country continues to come together to spend the day participating in educational events, ceremonies, and conversations, as well as wearing orange shirts, to recognize that Every Child Matters.

In East Toronto, the Blake Street Junior Public School Parent Council and local First Nations Knowledge Keepers will be hosting their annual Truth and Reconciliation

Fire Ceremony on the evening of Tuesday, Sept. 30 at 6 p.m. at Kempton Howard Park (150 Blake St.) near Jones and Danforth avenues.

Those attending are encouraged to bring their own blankets, water, and a five-dollar donation, as they join organizers around the fire to learn more about the impacts of the Residential School system and colonialism on Canada’s Indigenous population.

Participants are also encouraged to wear orange shirts in honour of residential school survivor Phyllis Webstad; a six-year-old Indigenous girl whose orange shirt was confiscated when she attended a churchrun school in Williams Lake, B.C. in 1973.

TTC open house fun at Greenwood Complex

Stelo, 3, and Luna, 9, get an inside look at

during an open house at the TTC’s Greenwood

Way of Greater Toronto, the event

activities and enjoy a barbecue.

Engine failure cause of emergency landing by plane at Monarch Park

By Matthew Stephens

THE TRANSPORTATION Safety Board (TSB) of Canada has determined engine failure as the cause of a plane crash outside Monarch Park Collegiate at Hanson Street and Coxwell Avenue last week.

On Monday, Sept. 15, at 8:17 p.m., police, fire and emergency response crews were called to a parking lot beside the sports field at the school where a Piper PA-28140 plane had made an emergency landing and collided with a fence just outside the field.

There were no injuries in the incident. The plane’s pilot and two passengers were able to walk away from the landing. People playing ultimate frisbee and soccer on the field at the time of the incident were also not injured.

The plane departed from Orillia and was headed to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, said a statement sent to Beach Metro Community News from the TSB.

“En route there was an engine

failure, and the plane crash-landed in a field in Monarch Park. TSB investigators were on the scene Monday night assessing the site and began interviewing witnesses and

PHOTO: JULIA SAWICKI

PHOTO: SUSAN LEGGE

The crashed plane can be seen by the Monarch Park Collegiate sports field on the night of Monday, Sept. 15.

Protect their future

The right life insurance policy can help you prepare for your family’s financial needs and provide for them no matter what the future holds.

Get in touch today.

Leane Besky,Agent

2243 Queen St E Toronto ON 416-690-7900 leane@leanebesky.com leanebesky.com

Outdoor seating area planned for Beaches Branch library after unsafe tree removed

By Matthew Stephens

THE FRONT of the Beaches Branch library on Queen Street East is being redesigned into a seating area following the recent removal of a Norway maple tree that had “structural issues.”

Local residents had recently expressed concerns to Beach Metro Community News regarding the tree’s removal and the plans for the area on the east side of the library’s entrance at 2161 Queen St. E.

“A few weeks ago, some workmen showed up, took the tree down and chipped the stump,” said a resident in an email to Beach Metro Community News earlier this month.

“I was devastated, but since they’ve been taking down diseased elms around the neighbourhood over the past month, I assumed it might have been a diseased elm.”

However, according to Toronto Public Library media relations, an arborist report from November 2024 found that the existing Norway maple tree (not an elm tree) had several structural issues, posing safety risks to the public.

“An independent arborist identified major structural issues – including open cracks, internal decay and signs of root and trunk instability – concluding the tree was a hazard to the public, nearby vehicles and the adjacent building. City of Toronto staff inspected the site and confirmed the findings before approving the removal,” said City of Toronto media relations spokesperson in response to a question from Beach Metro Community News

TPL’s media relations team said three red maple trees will be planted at the rear of the Beaches Branch building, and an Eastern Redbud tree will be planted

Work takes place on the front and east side of the Beaches

Queen Street East after the recent removal of a Norway maple tree. A seating area is now planned for the space

in the front area of the building, along with deciduous shrubs, perennials and ornamental grasses

In addition to new vegetation, the front of the library will be redesigned with the installation of permeable unit pavers and a curved bench.

Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford said the city takes tree protection “very seriously” and only issues permits for removal if a tree “is no longer healthy and safe, or if it meets one of the other tests under the tree protection bylaw.”

The Beaches Branch library has been subject to

many renovations since it was first opened as a storefront on Queen Street East in 1914.

By 1916, the branch was established in its own independent building as the result of a $50,000 grant from the Carnegie Corporation of New York to build three libraries in Toronto.

By 1979, the library was listed on Toronto Historical Board’s Inventory of Heritage Properties. That same year, the library saw its first big renovation, turning the original Queen Street entrance into a bay window, with a new entrance incorpo-

rated into a shed addition on the west side. The renovated branch reopened on Sept. 26, 1980.

On July 7, 2005, a one-ton cast bronze owl, designed by architect Phillip H. Carter and artisan Ludzer Vandermolen, was installed at the branch entrance.

Earlier in 2005, the branch’s new west wing was officially opened.

“I look forward to the library’s efforts to continue to make the branch and the surrounding area a welcoming, green, and safe space for residents and families to enjoy,” said Bradford.

Six-storey building had

Toronto’s 2024 Mid-Rise Guidelines and 2012 Urban Design Guidelines.

“The new application reflects the city’s current planning direction, particularly the City of Toronto’s 2024 Mid-Rise Guidelines. It also considers the 2012 Urban Design Guidelines to ensure a contextual response to the neighbourhood, including a four-storey street wall along Queen Street East,” said SUD Group in a story published in June.

“The intent with this proposal is to develop a purposebuilt rental building with an affordable housing component,” said SUD Group.

It is not known at this time how many units within the building will be affordable.

Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford shared his concerns regarding the empty development site and lack of construction on the approved six-storey building in our June story.

“Unfortunately, the developer chose not to move forward with that approved proposal, and is instead returning and looking to nearly double the size and more than double the unit count,” said Bradford.

“I have heard from many residents who are concerned that the developer is moving the goalposts here. I share

these concerns.”

Residents wishing to take part in the Oct. 6 virtual community consultation meeting, which goes from 6:30 to 8 p.m., can do so by going to www.toronto.ca/CPconsultations for the registration link.

Those attending on Oct. 6 are urged to join the meeting 10 minutes before its start. For more information on participating in City of Toronto online meetings, go to www.toronto.ca/HowToEngageOnline

Residents can also take part in the Oct. 6 meeting by phone. To do so, dial 647-7497152 and Conference ID: 162 720 153#.

PHOTO: MATTHEW STEPHENS

Branch library on

PHOTOS:

We Sell Ontario

Buildings of 39 and 16 storeys sought on Victoria Park south of Danforth

By Matthew Stephens

A PROPOSAL for two mixed-use residential buildings consisting of 39 and 16 storeys atop a shared Lshaped podium at the site of 507-513 Victoria Park Ave. and 4,6,7,11,14 Thora Ave. has recently been received by the City of Toronto.

The proposed development area is on the east side of Victoria Park Avenue, south of Danforth Avenue and just north of the railway tracks in southwest Scarborough. This proposal will be built immediately north of the multi-storey storage unit now being built in the area.

The development application includes 578 residential units between the two buildings, 412.7 square metres of retail space, 149.9 square metres of school/daycare space, 1,432.7 square metres of park space, 2,344 square metres of indoor and outdoor amenity space, 638 bike parking spaces, and 122 vehicle parking spaces.

Along Victoria Park Avenue, there are currently three residential properties (houses) where the proposed development will be constructed.

Along Thora Avenue,

With each transaction we complete until Dec. 31/25, we will proudly donate $250 to

and

currently under construction is a self-storage facility. there are a taxi-cab, an auto shop and a vehicle storage facility currently operating.

At this time, it’s not clear when any of those businesses will be closing for site reconstruction.

In the next steps of the application process, a Com-

munity Consultation Meeting is expected to be held to provide area residents with more information on the proposal.

For more information on how to participate in the community meeting, please go to www.toronto.ca/community-people/get-involved/ public-consultations/cityplanning-consultations/

For more information about the proposal at 507513 Victoria Park Ave. and 4,6,7,11,14 Thora Ave., visit the application page of the City of Toronto’s website.

No one injured as plane lands by Monarch Park sports field

‘Engine’ from Page 1

those involved,” said the statement.

According to the TSB, the investigation is ongoing, and the exact cause of the engine failure is still unknown.

“It is much too early in the process to know what the cause of the engine failure was. The aircraft was recovered Tuesday afternoon and transported to a secure location in the GTA for further analysis,” said the TSB. “At this stage, we are still gathering information and assessing the circumstances to determine whether a full investigation will be launched.”

At the scene on Monday night, Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop told reporters that the plane’s three occupants, believed to be in their mid-30s to mid-40s, were assessed by paramedics and did not require serious medical attention.

“We were very fortunate tonight,” said Jessop. “It could have been a lot worse.”

The TSB said it does not “release or confirm the identity of individuals involved in transportation occurrences, including information related to injuries.”

Jessop said on Monday night that the aircraft appeared to have clipped trees in the adjacent Monarch Park to the west of the sports field before landing and skidding into the fence. Response crews contained leaking fuel at the scene.

According to a report from CBC News, a recording was uploaded to LiveATC.net, a website that shares air traffic control audio, where the pilot can be heard making a call to the air traffic control operator to inform them of the engine failure.

The air traffic controller could later be heard requesting the pilot find an empty highway, street, or park to make an emergency landing. In the last moments before the emergency landing, the pilot could be heard announcing their plan to land in the soccer field, mentioning that people were around the field.

The TSB said the incident will be classified once preliminary information is collected, in accordance with its “relative importance, complexity, and potential for yielding safety lessons, in accordance with our Occurrence Classification Policy.”

For more information about the TSB’s investigation process, please go to www.bst-tsb.gc.ca/eng/enquetes-investigations/index. html

Moments later, the pilot could be heard responding “Negative” to air traffic control when asked if they would be able to make it to Billy Bishop airport.

Kingston Road Village Fall Festival planned for Oct. 4

THIS YEAR’S Kingston Road Village Fall Festival will take place on Saturday, Oct. 4.

The celebration of autumn is slated to take place along Kingston Road between Blantyre Avenue and Beech Avenue from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The festival will feature

live music, games, face painting and crafts for kids, food and drink samples, and much more.

Hosted by the business owners of Kingston Road Village, the festival will see displays, activities and events set up in front of the local stores.

This year’s festival will also include a Word Quest game with a grand prize available to be won.

For more information on the Oct. 4 fall festival, please visit the Kingston Road Village Facebook page at www. facebook.com/kingstonroadvillage/

PHOTO: MATTHEW STEPHENS

The three houses on the east side of Victoria Park Avenue shown in this photo are at the site of a proposal for residential buildings of 16 and 39 storeys just north of the railway tracks

south of Danforth Avenue. The building at the right that is

Local realtors to take part in Cambodia trek for Royal LePage Shelter Foundation

By Alan Shackleton

LOCAL REALTORS Shea Warrington and Tory Brown will be trekking through Cambodia next month in support of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

The Cambodia trek will see Warrington and Brown join Royal LePage realtors from across the country in a 100-kilometre hike in and around the city of Siem Reap before ending at the Angkor Wat religious shrine.

Once every two years, the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation holds an international trek for agents who want to participate and are able to commit to raising funds for the foundation. Warrington and Brown are realtors with Royal LePage Estate Realty in the Beach.

This will be Warrington’s first time taking part in the trek, and she is looking forward to it.

“It’s definitely going to be an experience,” she said. “We’ll be in tents. No proper bathrooms or beds, no showers.”

The trek will take place over five days with participants walking 20 kilometres a day through a variety of conditions. Some of the locations of past treks include the Sahara, Ecuador and British Columbia’s Purcell Mountains. Warrington said different treks have different challenges depending on what part of the world they take place in, and dealing with heat and humidity of Cambodia is expected to be the biggest hurdle for participants in this year’s trek to overcome.

“There’s often an altitude and elevation challenge, but for our trekking in Cambodia it will be the heat,” she said. “It will be physically challenging on the body but also mentally challenging. The mental challenge is the biggest. Those who did the Sahara said it was the same landscape everyday and that was hard to endure. Here in Cambodia it will be jungle and pagodas, and it should be an interesting and diverse hike.”

Warrington has been preparing for the trek by hiking and walking a lot in the Beach and surrounding areas. In order to try and get used to doing activities in high heat and humidity conditions, she’s also been taking hot yoga classes.

However, she said one of her major challenges might have nothing to do with the climate. Warrington said she’s been made aware that the highest concentration of venomous snakes in the world is in Cambodia, not to mention spiders, and they will be sleeping in tents.

“They have the most venomous snakes of anywhere in the world in Cambodia and that’s a little bit horrifying, especially since we’ll be in a tent. I’ve been Googling how to deter spiders and snakes,” she said For Brown, this will be her second Royal LePage Shelter Foundation trek.

“In 2023 I participated in the Ecuador Challenge for Shelter where altitude was our biggest challenge. Trekking upwards of 20 kilometres a day, 3,000 metres above sea level and altitude sickness affecting many of my trek mates, all away from the comforts of home...Ecuador was a challenge but inspiring enough for me to sign up again for Cambodia,” she said.

However, given the importance of the cause, Brown said she is ready for the Cambodia Challenge for Shelter trek that starts on Oct. 22.

“Supporting the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation and in turn supporting our local women’s shelters and intimate partner prevention programs has been mission of mine for over 15 years,” said Brown. “As a single parent raising two kids, I know I am able to

provide a safe and loving home for them, but knowing that there are women and children who don’t feel safe at home, is heartbreaking.”

Warrington said the importance of the cause motivates her not only for next month’s challenges but for every day she serves as a realtor.

“I just feel it’s so fitting for what we do for a living. I have four kids myself…It seems so unimaginable that you could have to flee domestic violence and live in fear for your life and the safety of your kids,” she said.

In 2024, Warrington was named Royal LePage Real Estate’s National Realtor of The Year. The award recognizes a Canadian realtor who shows exceptional work in and support of the community they live and do business in. For Warrington, a key focus of that work has been supporting the Shelter Foundation and helping women and families fleeing situations of domestic violence.

Along with taking part in next month’s trek, Warrington also donates a portion of every one of her real estate transactions to the foundation.

Both Brown and Warrington stressed all money raised from the Cambodia trek provides shelter for women and children, funds critical counselling programs and helps to break the cycle of family violence through education.

Warrington said Royal LePage has always been committed to this cause, and raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the Shelter Foundation at its recent national conference.

One of the fundraising efforts at the national conference is the auctioning off of an old coat that the winning agent gets to keep for a year. Warrington herself has bought the coat at past auctions, though not this year, and the bidding has gone as high as $22,000 for the winner.

She said such generosity is indicative of Royal LePage as a whole, and that the culture of giving and helping is especially strong at the Royal LePage Estate Realty office in the Beach. In 2023, Chris Dunlop (Owner and Broker of Record for Royal LePage Estate Realty) won the company’s Philanthropist of the Year Award. Dunlop is also organizing the second annual Night Light Walk Toronto to raise funds for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. The Night Light Walk takes place in the Beach, starting at Kew Gardens, and is set for Thursday, Oct. 23. For information on the Night Light Walk see the ad at right.

“It’s the company you keep,” said Warrington of the commitment of local realtors towards supporting local shelters.

For more information on Warrington and Brown’s trek please visit www.sheasellsboutique.com and/or the Tory Brown Team on Instagram.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Local realtors Tory Brown, left, and Shea Warrington, right.

Past summer in the Beach highlighted growing safety concerns

Matthew StephenS Reporter’s Notebook

Between all the festivals, celebrations, bustling local shops, and increase in pedestrian traffic – our beloved Beach neighbourhood transforms into a popular place of interest during the summer, drawing attention from across the city.

During the fall and winter months, our tranquil neighbourhood gives me the kind of smalltown vibe I hear people talk about when mentioning the Beach. Sidewalks are quiet, foot traffic is lower, and the lakefront is usually reserved for dog walkers and local residents braving the brisk weather and icy walkways to stretch their legs.

However, in summer this area (particularly Queen Street East closer to Woodbine Avenue/Wood-

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

and Southwest Scarborough and paid for by our advertisers.

2196 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON, M4E 2C7 PHONE: 416-698-1164 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

NEWS REPORTER

Matthew Stephens matthew@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, October 7, 2025

ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 5 p.m., Monday, September 29

VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE: Mary Beth Denomy, Desmond Brown, David Morrow, Doug Black, Tim Doyle, Daniel Loberto, 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

Letters to the Editor

bine Beach) resembles a postcard from Santa Monica more than a small town. Congestion in the Beach during summer can be quite overwhelming for residents (like me) who prefer their neighbourhood to be a little less “energetic.”

As a person who isn’t a fan of large crowds, it’s one of the many reasons I choose not to walk along the Boardwalk during peak hours of the summer. For me, it often seems like wherever large crowds go, reckless behaviour often fol-

lows – and the Beach is no exception.

To emphasize this point, consider Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford’s recent motion at Toronto Council to implement a Motorized Watercraft Exclusion Zone bylaw 100 metres off the local shoreline, in light of reckless jet ski operators running rampant this summer.

Even road traffic in the area seems to be more dangerous during the summer. At a press

conference by Mayor Olivia Chow in April, the city unveiled two new speed cameras just north of Woodbine Beach along Lake Shore Boulevard East – due to risks associated with higher volumes of vehicular traffic and speeding during the summer.

This year the mayor and local councillor both implemented strategies to mitigate safety concerns during the high-traffic summer months in the Beach. I share their

Letting people with addictions die is cruelty masquerading as policy

Money pours into Toronto Shelter and Support Services, with a projected gross expenditure of nearly $900 million for 2025.

That’s our tax money. Yet children’s parks are unsafe, daycare routes are disrupted, and needles litter the ground. This isn’t compassionate - the slow letting-die of people with addictions isn’t kindness; it’s cruelty masquerading as policy.

The encampment in Stephenson Park was finally removed this summer after many months of residents emailing, sending photos, and raising alarms. Countless officers had visited in that time, yet the problems persisted: break-ins, property damage, cars vandalized, needles and human feces, dangerous dogs - you name it, we saw it.

What is the point of all this finger-pointing when action only comes after the damage is done?

Take the “no camping” sign at Stanley G Grizzle Park: there was precedent for one in another park,

yet in this case staff said they couldn’t act because city legal advised it wasn’t permitted once a tent was already in place. That’s not thoughtful policy, that’s legal red tape and inertia that leave families exposed. We can’t keep pretending this is only a housing issue. Housing is a right, yes, but the reality on our streets is addiction.

The drugs being used today are far more destructive than those of a decade or two ago.

To suggest people are “choosing” this is cruel; many are not in the right mind to make decisions. Yet under current rules, if someone under the influence refuses support, programs like Streets to Homes are powerless to intervene. Letting people slowly kill themselves on sidewalks is not humanitarian - it’s neglect wrapped in red tape.

What are we teaching our children when they can’t safely walk to daycare, when neighbourhood walks are cancelled because of needles, when parks meant for play

become unsafe? What message do we send when public safety depends on which policy manual you open or how many complaints have piled up?

All this money, staff, and resources - and still no consistent solution. In some cases, the city even pays for security patrols, cleanup, and repairs after damage. That’s treating symptoms, not causes. Rehabilitation with addiction support, mental health services, and housing transitions - all wrapped together - must be at the heart of what these departments do.

Toronto Shelter and Support Services’ mandate is to make homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring. Right now, that mandate is failing. An audit, tighter controls, and accountability are overdue.

The policies are broken - and the delays and red tape are costing lives, community trust, and our children’s safety.

A Stephenson Road

Re: ‘Companies unprepared to deal with the bereaved’, Letters, Beach Metro Community News Sept. 9.

The recent letter captures what too many families face after the loss of a loved one.

No one fresh in mourning should also have to battle a maze of bureaucracy and indifferent customer service.

Ask any executor — dealing with banks, insurers, or utilities is often their biggest hurdle.

While companies should improve bereavement support, her story highlights an overlooked truth: many of these hardships can be eased with better estate plan-

ning and preparedness.

That includes having financial records organized and shareable, having a current will and powers of attorney (POA), along with including a clause to allow executors to hire professional advisors to assist them, balancing the tax implications of beneficiary designations on registered accounts, and more.

There’s lots that can be done to be better prepared.

Speak with your accountant, lawyer, financial planner or other trusted advisors that are knowledgeable about incapacity and estate planning.

Bruce Young, CPA, CA, CEA

Stronger police presence needed in summer

‘Past’ from Page 6

concerns, and during the bright, sunny, high-traffic months – public safety and criminal activity are at the core of my anxiety.

And based on the most recently accessible Toronto Police Service (TPS) Major Crime Indicator data from 2024, it turns out criminal activity is actually more frequent during summers in the Beach.

Heightened criminal activity during summers in the Beach is nothing new to me. In my younger years, we were taught to be cautious during the Canada/ Victoria Day firework shows at Woodbine Beach, as it was well-known people from other neighbourhoods would visit the area to rob and assault unsuspecting locals.

In recent years, police have implemented stronger enforcement during fireworks celebrations, after the chaotic events of Victoria Day back in 2022, which included two shootings, a stabbing, two gunpoint robberies, widespread fireworks being fired at crowds and police, and seven officers injured; resulting in a total of 19 arrests.

Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like spaces where large

groups of people gather should be accompanied by stronger police presence and security.

No shade to Toronto police. I get it, they’re trying their best (I’d hope). And with the last two years of relatively successful firework celebrations, I can rest easy knowing the community is safer during those particular events.

However, it’s not just the Canada Day and Victoria Day weekends that need to be monitored effectively.

During this year’s Afrofest weekend (July 4 to 6) at Woodbine Park, police responded to multiple incidents, including fireworks being discharged, leading to panic and several injuries – as well as isolated altercations and an arrest related to a firearm possession. In an incident nearby at the McDonald’s at Woodward and Eastern avenues on Saturday, July 5 around 10 p.m. (the same time as Afrofest), 14-year-old Abdoul Aziz Sarr was fatally stabbed.

According to reports from the Afrofest event, the situation on July 5, was so bad that the festival was shut down before its scheduled time and cancelled the following day. What transpired at

Afrofest made me feel like Toronto police need to be more active in the community during all summer events in the Beach. Police must do their part to address this proactively. They are literally paid to plan ahead for the sake of public safety.

In a statement I received from TPS, this year’s Afrofest crowd exceeded what was expected, which led to the event getting out of hand.

“For all major events, we work closely with event organizers and the City to ensure appropriate security measures are in place,” said the police statement from a media officer.

“While I can’t tell you the specific number of officers assigned to Afrofest, Toronto police were present to support the public safety efforts of event organizers. Despite those preparations, the crowd – estimated at over 30,000 people – was larger than in previous years.”

At the end of the day, people are going to want to come to the Beach during the summer. Events will continue to be held in our community spaces during this time of year – and so they should be. However, based on the

BIMBO Global Race for food banks slated for Ashbridges Bay Park this Sunday

ASHBRIDGES BAY Park will be the place

to be on Sunday, Sept. 28, as the 10th annual BIMBO Global Race will be taking place.

The Toronto version of the event will help collect food donations for the North York Harvest Food Bank.

The run takes place on the same day in more than 20 countries and helps generate donations to food banks in the cities the race is held. Grupo BIMBO, the parent company of Canadian bakery Dempsters, will donate 20 slices of bread to the North York Harvest Food Bank for each participant in the race taking place at Ashbridges Bay Park.

Along with the run for a good cause, the event at Ashbridges Bay Park will include activities for kids, board games, a photo booth,

paint station, tattoo station and samples from BIMBO bakeries including Dempsters, Stonemill, Little Bites, Takes, Hostess and more. Since the Toronto run began, more than 300,000 slices of bread have been donated to local food banks.event time on Sunday is from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Sunday’s BIMBO Global Race events at Ashbridges Bay Park will include a threekilometre walk, a five-kilometre run, and a 10-kilometre timed race.

For more information on this year’s Grupo BIMBO Global Race, including specific event start times or to find out how you can volunteer to help out on Sunday, please go to https://raceroster.com/events/2025/105120/ bimbo-global-race

available information, police presence in the community needs to be stronger during the summer.

All events need to be monitored with the same attention to detail that the Canada Day/Victoria Day celebrations have seen in the last three years. And more work needs to be done to ensure residents in the area can feel safe and comfortable, despite higher pedestrian traffic.

The TPS maintains a Special Events budget line as part of its operating expenses. And with a proposed operating budget of $1.22 billion, (a $46.2 million increase from 2024) I refuse to believe this is a funding issue.

The responsibility to keep people safe doesn’t just fall on the police, however. Event organizers are also responsible for informing and coordinating with the TPS if they feel their event requires increased police presence, or if they feel it may impact public safety, traffic, or city operations.

Whether responsibility falls on the police or event organizers – collectively, more work needs to be done to ensure safety for the people who live in this community 365 days of the year.

SUNDAY

Bringing affordable home-style meals

Exhausted from daily meal prep, costly takeout and packing lunches?

Now imagine an easier and affordable way to get food on the table.

Scan the QR code to take our survey! Your input will directly shape this project. Help us bring affordable meals (including kid-friendly lunches) to our community.

Community Calendar

SEPT. 22-26: Legion Week by RCL Branch 11 at host Branch 22, 1240 Woodbine Ave., Mon-Thurs 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Fri. 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. This free event is open to the public and features a Canadian history learning experience, memorabilia of veterans past and present, uniforms to try on, and veterans on hand to talk with. Teachers call for appt. time for a students’ tour: Helen Pearce 416-690-6388 or helends4pearce@bell.net

SEPT. 23: Gardening Group Meeting at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 8-10 a.m. Our garden is maintained by a group of volunteers who meet bi-weekly. Both experienced gardeners and beginners are welcome to dropin! Info: beachunitedchurch.com

SEPT. 27: I Love to Sing! Youth Music Program at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free for kids 8-16 who want to have fun while learning performance and singing skills from some of Canada’s top vocal teachers. Come for all of the fall sessions or just drop in for the ones that work for you. No experience necessary. Presented by SING! The Toronto International Vocal Arts Festival and CC55. SEPT. 27: Operation VetBuild at RCL Br. 10, 1083 Pape Ave., 12 noon-4 p.m. This Royal Canadian Legion peer-to-peer program is 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, in this case, model building. Free to veterans. No experience is necessary! All materials are supplied. Meetings are the last Saturday of the month. Next meeting: Oct. 25. Info: James Le Roy torontoopvetbuild@gmail.com, 416-735-7362

SEPT. 27: Welcome Back BBQ at RCL Branch 22, 1240 Woodbine Ave., 6-11 p.m. Hot dogs, hamburgers, and entertainment. Open to all in the community.

SEPT. 28: A Celebration! The Music of Mozart, Rossini, Coakley and Others at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 2-4:30 p.m. Enjoy sounds of the double bass, organ, and grand piano played by Master Musicians Tim Dawson, KRU Music Director Eric MacKeracher, and special Guest Cellist Shira Mani, a performer with the Toronto Symphony, and Esprit Orchestras. Bring a non-perishable item for the KRU Food Bank. Tickets $20 cash at door. Info: www.kruc.ca

tic violence, begins and ends at Kew Gardens. Info: www. nightlightwalk.ca

OCT. 25: Murder on A Cruise – Murder Mystery Dinner at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 6-9:30 p.m. Unravel a web of secrets and lies at this fundraiser for St. Paul’s. A night of suspense and delicious food awaits! Includes starter, main, desert, wine, coffee/tea. $60 per person. Info: stpaulsscarborough.org

OCT. 26: Kingston Road Village Concert Series presents ‘Percussiano3’ at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 2 p.m. One piano, two pianists, and percussion, with Marcel and Elizabeth Bergmann and Rod Thomas Squance. Tickets $35 advance, $40 at door. Info: kingstonroadvillageconcerts.eventbrite.com

NOV. 8, 9: Art Guild of Scarborough Fall Art Show & Sale at Centennial Recreation Centre, 1967 Ellesmere Rd., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., awards presentation Nov. 8 at 10:15 a.m. Free admission. Parking. Refreshments. Info: theartguildofscarborough.com

MONDAYS: WEE FOLKS DROP IN at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 35 Wood Glen Rd., 9:30-11 a.m. except holidays. For ages up to 3 years old, with care givers. Play and story time with snack. Info at 416-699-3084.

TUESDAYS: EAST YORK FARMERS’ MARKET at East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave., 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Market runs to Oct. 28.

WEDNESDAYS: COURTYARD FARMERS’ MARKET at Robertson Parkette, 1549 Danforth Ave., 3:30-7:30 p.m. Market runs to Oct. 1.

THURSDAYS: EAST LYNN FARMERS’ MARKET at East Lynn Park, 1949 Danforth Ave., 3-7 p.m. Market runs to Oct. 9. Info: eastlynnparkfarmersmarket.ca

THURSDAYS: CALVARY GRACE FOOD BANK, 72 Main St., 6-8:30 p.m, by appointment only, through Daily Bread Food Bank. Info: 416-691-2899, gpcc@calvary-baptist-church. ca, www.gracepascoefoodbank.ca/access-our-services

FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard St E., 3:30-6 p.m. Registration is required. New clients must present identification for members in their household on their first visit and annually thereafter. Time slots are handed out and clients are encouraged to arrive at the food bank the time slot they have selected. Info.: 416-690-5169

SUNDAYS: LESLIEVILLE FARMERS’ MARKET at Greenwood Park, 150 Greenwood Ave., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Outdoor market runs to Oct. 26. Info: leslievillemarket.com

Creating And Caring For Gardens And Landscapes Since 2000 www.quercusgardens ca 416-778-9857

senior music instructor, Ivan Zilman

is offering in home lessons in: all guitar styles saxophone singing electric bass music theory and jazz improvisation!

For more information contact Ivan at: 416 693 9523 or email at izilman987@gmail.com

SEPT. 30: Memory and Aging – What’s Normal, What’s Not, and What You Can Do About It at Danforth/Coxwell Library, 1675 Danforth Ave., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Psychologist Dr. Nicole Anderson discusses various kinds of cognitive function changes as a part of healthy aging, and provides examples of normal memory slips…and not-so-normal memory slips! Drop-in. Info: 416-393-7783

OCT. 4: Kingston Road Village Fall Festival along Kingston Rd., between Blantyre and Beech Aves., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring live music, games, face painting and crafts for kids, food and drink samples, and much more. Info: facebook. com/kingstonroadvillage

OCT. 4: Fall Market at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. BBQ, bake sale, vendors. Vendor tables available for $40. Contact admin@stpaulsscarborough.org

OCT. 4: The Song of the River Spirit, a musical meditation and journey along the waters of life at Danforth Mennonite Church, 2174 Danforth Ave., a block east of Woodbine subway station, 7:30 p.m. A Suite for Solo Guitar, written and performed by Beaches composer Mark Battenberg, with a reading of his epic poetic work A Leaf in the Wind. $20 or pay what you can. Produced by Mark Battenberg markbattenbergcreations.com. Music proudly made in Canada.

OCT. 4: Harvest Treasures Sale at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Crafts, Quilts, Preserves, Jewellery, Maple Syrup, Hot Dogs and Drinks. Come with family and friends, all are welcome! Info: www.kruc.ca

OCT. 4: Huge Book Sale at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 904 Coxwell Ave., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Over 1000 books, new and used. OCT. 4: Octoberfest at RCL Branch 22, 1240 Woodbine Ave., 6-11:30 p.m. Dinner and dance. Tickets $30 (purchase before Sept. 25). All welcome. Info: 416-425-1714

OCT. 4: Acoustic Harvest presents Nicholas Campbell and The Metre Cheaters at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets $35 advance, $40 at door. Info: acousticharvest.ca

OCT. 4-5: Nuit Blanche East Danforth, 7 p.m.-7 a.m. Presented by East End Arts, in collaboration with the Danforth Mosaic BIA and Native Women in the Arts, the 2025 edition of this program will highlight the hidden artistic stories and voices of the East Danforth neighbourhood. Info: eastendarts.ca/nbed25

OCT. 5: Run Myles Ahead at Leuty Boathouse, Beach Boardwalk, 10 a.m. This 5k fun run is a fundraiser for child and youth mental health. Info: mylesahead.ca

OCT. 15: The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society presents former local resident and author, Keith Black, at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7-8:15 p.m. Black will discuss his book “Boom” which talks about growing up in the Beach and East End Toronto during the 1950’s. Info: www.tbeths.com

OCT. 23: Royal LePage Shelter Foundation Night Light Walk at Kew Gardens, 6:15 p.m. The 3k fundraising walk, held in support of women and children experiencing domes-

“MEDITATIONS FOR WORLD PEACE” class at Atisha Buddhist Centre, 1823 Gerrard St. E., on Sundays from 10-11 am (Free). Wednesdays “Simply Meditate” on Wednesdays from 10-11 am ($10). Thursdays Lunchtime Meditation 12:1512:45 pm ($5). Drop-in classes. Everyone is welcome. Info: atisha.ca, atisha.centre@gmail.com

EAST END COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE is looking for new Board members! East End CHC is a non-profit, community-based organization which has been providing health care to all for the past 30 years, especially those who may have difficulty accessing health care due to factors such as language, culture, poverty, or lack of health insurance. Anyone living in the EECHC catchment area is invited to join the board. East End CHC is committed to including diverse perspectives on our Board. Applications are encouraged from individuals who are Indigenous people, members of racialized communities, individuals of diverse sexual orientation and gender identification, persons with disabilities and others protected under the Human Rights Code. For more info contact communications@eastendchc.on.ca or call 416-778-5858 ext 209. Info: www.eastendchc.on.ca

BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets Tuesdays, 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. Info: www. mentalwellness.help. Or join us most nights of the week on Zoom. Go to: https://www.meetup.com. Ask to join us: Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups A A at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113

AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113

BEACH PHOTO CLUB. Are you interested in photography? We invite all shutterbugs to check out our local photo club. We offer a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo excursions, competitions, practical seminars and more! We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June, 7-9:30 p.m., at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. (unless specified in program). Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com

GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •Sept 26: Movie: Charlotte’s Web, 2-3:45 p.m. Watch the screening of the 2005 live action film on this PA Day. Bring your own snacks and blankets. •Oct 3, 10: Family Time, 11-11:30 a.m. Songs, stories and instruments. For children age 0-5 and their parent/caregiver. •Oct 4, 11: Chess Club, 1-4 p.m. Drop in for a few games of chess in a relaxed environment. All ages and all skill levels welcome. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Every Saturday. Info: 416-393-7717

proudly presented by Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford

Heroes of Suicide march and vigil set for Sunday at Todmorden Legion Branch

By Matthew Stephens

EVERY DAY of the year, Canadian Armed Forces members, first responders, and other public servants dedicate their lives to helping others.

During their time in service, many find themselves dealing with the lasting impacts of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can result in lives lost to suicide and self-harm.

This Sunday, Sept. 28, the Royal Canadian Legion, Todmorden Branch 10 will host its 10th annual Heroes of Suicide Memorial March and Candlelight Vigil in honour of those dealing with the impacts of PTSD.

Community members are invited to take part by lining the parade route and attending the vigil.

“So many people struggle with their mental health. And those men and women who serve, who put on the uniform – whether it’s military or police—it can be stressful. Sometimes, just being an ear and listening to somebody, prevents them from taking that final step,” said Todmorden Legion Branch President PJ O’Neill.

Sunday’s march begins at 6:30 p.m., heading west along Gamble Avenue from Todmorden Lane to Pape Avenue, then north on Pape Avenue to Woodville Avenue, before ending at Todmorden Branch 10 at 1083 Pape Ave.

Following the march, the vigil will start at 7 p.m.

Along with the placing of wreaths, the vigil will include a torch passing from older to newer generations of the Canadian Armed Forces, as well as a rededication of the Soldiers of Suicide (SOS) Memorial Plaque, and a bell toll for veterans and first responders. Candles will be lit and placed in remembrance of those who have lost their lives in service to the country.

Suicide Prevention Month is in September and it serves as a time to raise awareness and show support to those dealing with mental illnesses and disorders such as PTSD.

Todmorden Branch 10 is committed to ensuring access to support and services, offering support to families of the fallen, and continuously raising awareness of Operational Stress Injuries and PTSD within the community.

According to the Canadian government’s 2024 Report on Suicide Mortality in the Canadian Armed Forces, more than 240 members in the CAF died by suicide between 1995 and 2023, with 17 occurring in 2023.

In the broader scope, each year, approximately 4,500 people in Canada die by suicide, each year, which is equivalent to 12 people lost to suicide every day.

According to the government website, for every death by suicide, approximately seven to 10 loved ones are significantly affected by the loss.

Todmorden Branch 10 hopes that by raising awareness, those in need will have knowledge and support provided to alleviate the pressure on both themselves and those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

“We want to raise awareness in the community as to the different things that PTSD can result in, which can include death by suicide. We want to let families know that their loved ones aren’t forgotten,” said Todmorden Branch 10 Secretary and Heroes of Suicide coordinator Lily Phillips.

For more information about the Heroes of Suicide Memorial March and Candlelight Vigil, go to https://heroesofsuicide.ca

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, call or text 9-8-8. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week through the 9-8-8: Suicide Crisis Helpline.

Dianne Chaput*† Brian Chaput* Pauline Wong*

Musical celebration slated for Kingston Road United

WHEN TIM Dawson and his wife Kim first walked into Kingston Road United Church, they were struck by its warmth—and its beautiful acoustics.

A longtime member of the Toronto Symphony, Tim immediately saw the potential for chamber concerts. Thirteen years later, he continues to direct the Kingston Road Village Concert Series and sing in the church choir. Kim leads a Monday night Mindfulness Meditation class, keeping both closely tied to the community.

Alongside its main series, the church also hosts a free or pay-what-you-can Young People’s Concert Series, featuring Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra musicians and a popular Instrument Petting Zoo, sponsored by Long & McQuade.

Tim credits music director and steady supporter Eric MacKeracher: “Eric is a magnet for singers. His gen-

erous spirit and infectious laugh make music-making joyful.”

Eric, in turn, said of Tim: “His unending energy has brought remarkable concerts to our community and enriched our worship life, especially through our vibrant and growing choir.”

On Sunday, Sept. 28 at 2 p.m., Eric and Tim join forces in a recital at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd. The program features music for organ, piano, double bass and also welcomes guest cellist Shira Mani.

Works include Mozart, Rossini, Ratez, Sark, and a newly composed double bass and piano piece by Canadian composer Don Coakley—one of his last works, and his first for solo bass. Proceeds from this Sunday’s recital will support Kingston Road United’s many community programs. Admission is $20 at the door, plus a non-perishable donation for the Food Bank.

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Tim Dawson, left, and Eric MacKeracher will join forces for a recital on Sunday, Sept. 28, at Kingston Road United Church. The 2 p.m. performance will include works by Mozart and Rossini.

ann and erik BrokelMan

naturephotosbyann.blogspot.ca

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The heat of summer has faded, leaving cooler days that invite long walks along the trails without worry of wilting.

Everywhere there are signs of movement and change: the steady migration of birds, the flutter of butterflies, and raptors soaring overhead. Each outing feels full of nature in motion. What could be better?

I was out for a walk in Scarborough the other day when I heard the calls of raptors and songbirds overlapping in the cool air. A red-tailed hawk had landed on a branch in a yard, and a small flock of blue jays, orioles and blackbirds immediately began mobbing it. Again and again they swooped at the hawk, determined to drive the intruder away.

If you’ve ever seen a raptor being chased by one, or even several smaller birds, it’s usually because they’re protecting their young and defending their space. As I watched, I couldn’t help but wonder why the hawk didn’t simply grab one of them for an easy meal. Maybe it decided it wasn’t worth the effort to tangle with an angry jay.

During September, October and part of November you can see the hawks, ospreys, falcons, eagles, and harriers migrating south along Lake Ontario.

Instead of risking the flight across the lake, many raptors choose to follow the shoreline. This creates a predictable path and a perfect opportunity for watching them, especially from the Scarborough Bluffs and Tommy Thompson Park where

the birds often pass by at eye level.

Interestingly, some of our Peregrine falcons will fly directly over the lake and only go so far south as Rochester. The best hawk watching day is when we have a strong northwest wind. Also, on a northwest wind day, they tend to be lower, and you have a better chance of seeing one up close.

I’ll never forget being at the Rosetta McClain Gardens Hawk Watch a few years ago. It was the first of September, one of my first days going to the Hawk Watch, and we set a record: 48 Bald Eagles in a single day.

Many birds are already on their way back to their wintering grounds in the south. Warblers can be spotted daily, though by now they’ve lost their brilliant oranges, blues, greens, and yellows of their breeding season. They look beautiful, but I must admit that their colours are softer and more subdued. I recently watched two yellow warblers flitting through the trees in my backyard, snacking on bugs and caterpillars. They stayed for about an hour before continuing their long journey.

The next time you step outside and look up you might see monarchs drifting high overhead, all heading west.

They are making their annual journey, of more than three thousand miles (5,000 km), to Mexico. This “super generation” of monarchs will live seven to eight months, long enough to complete the incredible trip.

And the best part is still to come as soon the ducks, owls, and northern birds will be heading south to spend the winter with us.

I’d really love to hear about your most exciting sighting. Feel free to send me a note, or even better, share it on the Beach Metro Community News website. Just look under my On The Wild Side column and post what you’ve seen in the comments. I can’t wait to read about it.

PHOTO: ANN BROKELMAN

This red-tailed hawk was spotted in a Scarborough tree earlier this month.

PHOTO: ANN BROKELMAN

Feeding monarch butterflies are seen in this photo by Ann Brokelman.

Run Myles Ahead event in support of youth mental health set for Oct. 5 in the Beach

By Matthew Stephens

THE MYLES Ahead support group for child and youth mental health will be holding its annual ‘Run Myles Ahead’ event in the Beach early next month.

“Run Myles Ahead brings the community together and raises vital awareness and funds to continue our work driving system change,” said Dr. Shelly Kulperger, Director of Strategy, Engagement and Partnerships at Myles Ahead.

The Sunday, Oct. 5 run will commence at 10 a.m. at the Leuty Boathouse (Pavilion) at the foot of Lee Avenue and span five kilometres along the Boardwalk.

Participants can opt for running or walking along the Boardwalk as they support Run Myles Ahead.

The event will also feature a lemonade stand, bake sale, and an arts and crafts table where children are free to openly express themselves and accentuate their passion for mental health through creativity.

Ryn Myles Ahead will also include a silent auction, as well as opportunities to win special prizes such as ROM Family Memberships, The Running Room gift cards, Myles Ahead swag, duffel bags with sports equipment, a Fitbit courtesy of Gripple Canada, and many more prizes.

Individual registration for Run Myles Ahead is $25. For an additional $25, registration will include a t-shirt. Family registration for a group of four to five people is $100, or $200 to register and receive T-shirts.

Myles Ahead will also be accepting donations for their continued work to support mental health services in Canada at both the Oct. 5 run and also online.

Founded in 2019 by Leslie Kulperger – following the passing of her son Myles to mental health complications – Myles Ahead is dedicated to ensuring children, youth and their families/caregivers have timely access to appropriate mental health services.

“This run follows the same route Myles would take with his beloved dog, Frida, from Ashbridges Bay along the Toronto Beach Boardwalk,” said Leslie in a press release statement.

“What began as a family and neighbourhood initiative has grown to a communitywide event, with incredible support from local businesses and sponsors.

“We are dedicated to working collaboratively to ensure children and youth can access the support and services they need, when they need it.”

By supporting the integration of mental health services into the healthcare and

school system, Myles Ahead aims to create a cohesive, accessible and equitable system to support those dealing with mental health complications.

To better understand current practices within Canada’s school and healthcare systems, Myles Ahead recently undertook a year-long environmental scan and assessment of services and programs available acros the country.

Their findings have helped the organization develop a systemic plan to function equitably across Canada.

Through their strategic partnerships with Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario (CMHA On) and Children’s Mental Health Ontario (CMHO), Myles Ahead has been able to strengthen background assessment resources, and advance their strategic direction to bridge the gaps within the healthcare and school system.

According to Shelley Kulperger, Myles Ahead’s work goes beyond suicide prevention month.

Just last year, the organization worked with youth, parents, caregivers, clinicians, and researchers at SickKids hospital to advocate for changes in Canada’s proposed online harms legislation through their #FreettobeSafe campaign – and provided weekly mental health literacy resources to more than 5,000 educators across Canada through their Nurturing Minds program.

“At Myles Ahead, suicide prevention is every day, every month. Breaking down stigma and changing the narrative is very much part of our work,” said Kulperger.

“We need to ensure young people -- and their families -- can ask for help when they need it, and this means feeling supported to speak up when they are feeling despair, distressed or overwhelmed.

Kulperger said funding for 2025-26 will help to bolster the organization’s #FreetobeSafe campaign to educate and raise awareness about the impact of social media on youth mental health.

She said Myles Ahead is very appreciative to the sponsors, donors, and community supporters who have devoted their efforts to make the Oct. 5 run possible.

“This is our third year being part of such a fun, family-friendly local community event and we are truly honoured to partner with Myles Ahead for such an important cause.” said sponsors Michelle Walker and Matt Cassells of the Michelle Walker Team with Remax Hallmark realty.

To register, fundraise, or volunteer at Run Myles Ahead, please go to https://mylesahead.ca and click on Activities and Events.

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

Your gateway to connecting with skilled professionals

SPEECH LANGUAGE

PATHOLOGIST reg. Casplo

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

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Couple Care Wellness Life Coaching 416-951-8280 www.modernsocialworker.ca

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Bert van Delft Complete financial services for the business owner, manager, entrepreneur & self-employed Corporate and Personal Income Tax Services Bus: 416-270-9898 98 Scarboro Beach Blvd.

Kriens LaRose, LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants

• Accounting services for owner-managed businesses.

• Personal and corporation income tax preparation.

• Audit services for not-for-profit organizations www.krienslarose.com krienslarose.com

Melani Norman CPA, CMA

Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes Call 416-471-0337

CHRISTINE KATO, B.Sc., D.V.M. KATO ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2830 Danforth Ave. (East of Dawes Rd.) 416-690-2112 Dogs, cats, pocket pets. Housecalls available.

HOUGHTON VETERINARY HOUSECALL SERVICES Vaccines, examinations, diagnostics, palliative care, and home euthanasia provided for your pets in the comfort of your own home. Dr. Barbara Houghton 647-221-5516

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

Dashwood & Dashwood

Barristers & Solicitors Geoffrey J. Dashwood 961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738

Snider & DiGregorio

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9 Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca

DENISE BADLEY-CASTELLO Barrister, Solicitor, Notary Family • Wills & Estates Real Estate

Peter J. Salah Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate 416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca

KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.

QUINN Family Law

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

Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION Linda Bronicheski, J.D. 47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884

Janet D’Arcy DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A Queen St. East 416 690-6257 Open Saturdays

Cremation & Burial Services Inc. Life Celebrations. Done Differently. In Service with St. John’s Norway Cemetery & Crematorium. 647.660.5056 www.ecofuneral.ca

Best of Both Worlds. Same returns as the underlying fund/portfolio. Same MERs as the Mutual Fund. 100% Death Benefit Guarantee based on all contributions made before age 75. Learn more!

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

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

Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com

Work on East Toronto pickleball courts begins

Construction work has begun on the new 11-court pickleball facility just south of Eastern Avenue near Emdaabiimok Avenue (formerly Lower Coxwell Avenue).

The non-profit East Toronto Pickleball Association (ETPA) has long been advocating for city-operated and dedicated pickleball courts in the community. This new facility is a collaborative effort between the ETPA, Toronto Parks & Recreation, Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher and Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford.

Beach Citizen of the Year Award takes a break

THE ANNUAL Beach Citizen of the Year Award is on hiatus for 2025.

First presented in 2001, the award was founded and has been presented by Centre 55, Beach Metro Community News, and the Beaches Lions Club. In recent years, Centre 55 has taken a leading role in gathering nominations and organizing the vote on the selection of the winner.

In 2024, the award was not presented for a number of reasons and it will also not be presented this year. “Centre 55 is currently taking a break from the Beach Citizen of the Year Award as we re-evaluate what the award represents and criteria for those nominated,” said a statement from Centre 55. “Over the years, this award has held different meanings for different people, and as the group of past recipients has grown, along with natural changes in our community, we

want to ensure that the award continues to reflect its purpose accurately.”

The award’s original mandate has been to honour a Beach-area resident who has worked hard over a long period of time to improve life in the community, has had a broad impact on a wide spectrum of residents, and has inspired others.

“At this time, no selection will be made for 2025,” said Centre 55. “Our goal remains to support and celebrate community members in ways that align with the evolving needs and values of our neighbourhood.”

In a note to Beach Metro Community News, local resident Peter Wilson said he considers the Beach Citizen of the Year Award an important recognition that adds to the betterment of the community. “These are times we desperately need to celebrate success, not put them on the shelf,” he said.

PHOTO: MATTHEW STEPHENS

Night Light Walk fundraiser for Shelter Foundation set for Oct. 23

THE ROYAL LePage Shelter Foundation Night Light Walk Toronto will be returning to the Beach on Thursday, Oct. 23.

This will be the second year in a row for the threekilometre walk held in support of women and children experiencing domestic violence. The inaugural walk through the Beach last year raised more than $56,000 for local shelters Red Door and Nellie’s. This year’s fundrais-

Deja Views

ing goal is $75,000. Royal LePage Estate Realty, located in the Beach, is hosting the walk that will begin and end at Kew Gardens (2075 Queen St. E.). The walk begins with participants gathering at 6:15 p.m.

For more information on taking part in the walk, or on how to become a volunteer, please go to www.nightlightwalk.ca and click on Toronto to participate and/or donate.

Bioblitz planned for Saturday at Woodbine Beach Dune Ecosystem

LOCAL RESIDENTS are invited to take part in the Great Canadian Bioblitz this Saturday at Woodbine Beach.

Organized by the Canadian Wildlife Federation, the bioblitz is a community effort to record as many species as can be identified within a designated location and time period.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, the Woodbine Beach Dunes Ecosystem (at the far west end of Woodbine Beach) will be the focus of a bioblitz from 7:30 a.m. to noon.

Participants will be asked to observe and document all forms of biodiversity in the dune area between those times. Biodiversity includes plant life, birds, animals, insects, fungi and microrganisms. The results from Saturday’s bioblitz will then be uploaded to iNaturalist which is a global online citizen science platform to which users record, identify and share observations.

Across the country the

Great Canadian Bioblitz takes place from Sept. 21 to 28.

According to the Canadian Wildlife Federation, “a bioblitz is a participatory search for species within a limited area and a limited timeframe that takes a ‘snapshot’ of as many living things as possible. People from all walks of life help out — expert and amateur naturalists, taxonomic scientists and the general public. Through use of the iNaturalist Canada app, the species records are compiled into a single data set of the biodiversity in that location at that point in time, which is then available to researchers, scientists and policy-makers to help them make informed decisions about wildlife management.”

More information on the Woodbine Beach Dunes Ecosystem can be found on INaturalist at www.inaturalist. org/observations?project_ id=123927&subview=map, which currently records 1,049 observed species.

Lion on the Beach

Queen Street East remembered

By David Van Dyke

PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE

Penny’s Promise fundraiser

dystrophy

By Matthew Stephens

A LOCAL family is seeking to raise money and awareness about their six-year-old daughter’s rare form of muscular dystrophy.

“She’s such a happy, kind, sweet kid that just loves life. And the idea that she is facing an uncertain future because of this progressive disease is just heart-wrenching and unthinkable for us – that there’s no answer for us. We refuse to accept that,” said Laura Devlin, mother of Penny Hunsberger.

The Penny’s Promise fundraiser and awareness event will take place on Saturday, Nov. 15, at the Toronto Beach Club.

Penny has Selenon Related Myopathy SEPN-1; an “ultra-rare” form of congenital muscular dystrophy, a neuromuscular disease that can cause progressive weakness and breakdown of skeletal muscles over time.

“We knew from about six to seven months old that there was something going on with her development,” said Devlin.

“She appeared to have low muscle cell, and she was smaller than the average kid, which impacted her motor developmental milestones like crawling and pulling herself up.”

This prompted Devlin and her husband Chris to consult with doctors and do testing to find out more about Penny’s condition.

However, due to the overburdened state of the hos-

pital system during the COVID-19 pandemic, Devlin said her daughter’s diagnosis “slipped through the cracks.”

“At the same time, it was becoming more apparent that there was something going on,” said Devlin.

“She struggled to walk up stairs, she’d wake up with headaches in the morning.”

After a year of testing, a brain MRI, a visit to a developmental pediatrician and genome sequencing, Penny’s condition was uncovered. Despite the challenges faced in her daily life, Penny is relatively healthy and continues to live her life happily, said her parents.

“She is a really happy and joyful kid. She still struggles with her gross motor skills. She takes the elevator at school, she’s not able to participate in sports and things like that,” said Devlin.

“She’s starting to have more awareness of her condition and her limitations, which is challenging for her.”

Given the progressive nature of her condition, Penny could face other complications such as respiratory failure.

There is currently no treatment available for Selenon Related Myopathy SEPN-1.

And with an occurrence rate of one in 2,000,000, funding for research to treat SEPN-1 is minimal, said Penny’s parents.

With the continued efforts of Penny and her family to raise funds, however, that re-

ality could change.

So far, the Penny’s Promise has raised just over $250,000.

For Devlin, funds raised for Penny’s Promise is a small step in the right direction towards finding a potential cure for SEPN-1.

“We have raised over a quarter of a million dollars which is great, but it’s like a drop in the bucket when it comes to medical research, which costs millions of dollars to do,” said Devlin.

The Penny’s Promise event at the Toronto Beach Club (1681 Lake Shore Blvd.) will take place from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Nov. 15. This is the second year for the fundraising gala, but the Devlin family wanted it to take place locally this year.

“We had a gala last year at the Centre for Social Innovation downtown. We had over 200 guests, and it was really a lovely night with live music and a silent auction. And this year, we’re going to be doing it within the community, hosting at the Toronto Beach Club,” said Devlin.

“We’re going to have a live Beach Boys cover band, which is in the theme of the Beaches, as well as a big silent auction, raffles, and things like that.”

A key recipient of funds raised at the upcoming event will be the Beggs Laboratory at the Boston Children’s Hospital, where Dr. Alan Beggs – North America’s leading SELENON-RM researcher – is working to develop a viable treatment to SEPN-1

using gene therapy. Beggs Laboratory is one of the only places in the world where Penny’s rare condition is being studied.

Devlin and her husband are hoping their funds raised for researchers at Boston Children’s Hospital will help the Beggs Lab get the potential treatment ready for clinical trials sooner, which could help Penny and other children with SEPN-1 get the treatment they need.

Funding will also be allocated to University College Cork in Ireland, where Prof. Ken O’Halloran and Dr. John Mackrill, some of the world’s leading muscular dystrophy researchers, are focusing their efforts on studying and testing new treatments for respiratory symptoms in dystrophic diseases.

Funds received during Penny’s Promise will also be looking to support other efforts to develop new therapeutics that could improve the lifespan and quality of life for those living with neuromuscular conditions.

To find out more about Penny and her condition, or to make a donation, head to https://torontofoundation. ca/pennys-promise-fund, or follow the Penny’s Promise Instagram at www.instagram.com/pennyspromisefund

Letters to the Editor

We need to do our part to take care of the Glen Stewart Ravine

Re: ‘Glen Stewart Ravine is our oasis in the city’, Reel Beach column, Beach Metro Community News Sept. 9.

Thank you, Bernie Fletcher, for the wonderful article on the Glen Stewart Ravine and its history and meaning for those of us who are lucky to know it.

As he quoted, this unique space gives us “connections to real, raw nature in an urban centre”, and

sadly it is under threat from potential overdevelopment.

Developer Gabriele Homes proposes an 11-storey luxury condo development on a narrow shelf of Kingston Road land that borders the ravine. The developer has requested changes to the city plan, zoning and required set-back from the ravine and is now in confidential mediation talks with the City of Toronto and the Toronto Region-

al Conservation Authority.

Information about any settlement agreement between the parties will only become available after an in-camera meeting and vote Toronto Council. This excludes the community from any opportunity to provide input on the agreement.

Fletcher’s article beautifully describes how the “Glen” captured the imagination of the kids who played in it as well as writers and

artists such as William Kurelek and Doris McCarthy. One he missed is Giller prize winning author André Alexis.

In Alexis’ prize winning novel 15 Dogs, a mutt named Prince is one of 15 dogs who are granted the gift of human intelligence and speech. Prince, who writes poetry, settles in the Beach in his old age. As his eyesight dims Prince travels Kingston Road, Beech and Willow ave-

nues and roams the ravine, eventually finding his way to the lake by following its various smells. The dog’s love and appreciation for the ravine is palpable. Like Fletcher, I believe Prince would exhort us humans to “take care of” the Glen Stewart Ravine. Let your councillor and the mayor know you expect them to do exactly that.

Sheila Dunn

Protect our Ravines Initiative

Publisher and Editor’s Note on response to our coverage on Israel and Gaza

A story first published on the Beach Metro Community News website on July 16 regarding a vigil by residents on Kingston Road against Israel’s actions in Gaza has resulted in extremely strong reactions among our readers.

That can be seen by the Letters to the Editor in our print editions of Aug. 26 and Sept. 9.

The story on the Kingston Road vigil reflected the perspectives of a number of local residents.

A story in reaction to it, on the

local Run for Their Lives group, shared the differing perspectives of other local residents.

Both of those stories were written as part of our responsibility to report on what is happening in our community. We report on the good, the bad, the sad and the controversial in our neighbourhood.

Recent Letters to the Editor reflected the differing opinions, perspectives and strongly-held beliefs on what is happening in Gaza, why it is happening and who is responsible.

Beach Metro Community News allowed the writers of those Letters to the Editor to have their opinions expressed as we defend our readers’ rights to freedom of speech. Other readers also have the right to disagree with those opinions.

Over our last two papers we have had the discussion on Israel and Gaza brought to the forefront by members of our community who feel strongly about the issues and have shared their opinions on our

pages. We also received a number of letters with strong counter opinions to those published on Sept. 9.

After much discussion, Beach Metro Community News has decided not to print those letters.

It is now time to end this discussion in the pages of our newspaper.

Further comments and the printing of more letters will not be a service to our community.

This is a complex international situation with a long history and deeply held positions and interpre-

tations of facts. Our coverage has brought that to our newspaper’s pages, but now we need to focus on bringing our community together rather than driving it apart.

--

Susan Legge, Publisher -- Alan Shackleton, Editor

Thank You

to our readers, volunteers, advertisers, friends and neighbours for your ongoing support.

Beach Metro News is a non-profit community newspaper.

We couldn’t do what we do without you.

Neighbourhood Stops and Shops

Magnolia Tree Care launches Growing Together Initiative in the Beach

When Marc Ambeau and his partner Allison Rodrigues launched Magnolia Tree Care last spring, they did so with two simple goals: to provide expert tree care with a personal touch, and to help keep their community’s green spaces thriving for generations to come.

this year, for every job Magnolia completes, the team will plant a native seedling at no extra charge. Clients will be able to choose from a curated list of native species, which Marc and Allison will plant in a strategic spot and provide care instructions for, helping ensure each new tree has the best chance to thrive.

October 2 Fox Theatre Water is Love film screening and discussion 6pm

October 4 Upcycling Clothing Cafe at Kingston Rd United Church 11am - 2pm

mmcmahon.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org

For Marc, this work is in his blood. Growing up in Oakville, he spent weekends and summers alongside his father, also an arborist, hauling branches and logs and learning the basics of the trade. Even back then, he says, there was something deeply satisfying about being part of work that left the landscape healthier than before.

Marc tried different paths after high school, even photographing weddings, but he missed the sense of connection he felt working with trees; being up in the sky, surrounded by branches, and knowing his work supported their long-term health. That pull eventually led him to study arboriculture at Humber College, and more than a decade later, his love for the field continues to grow.

When it came time to start his own business, Marc knew he wanted to do things a little differently.

“A lot of tree companies have names that sound tough or industrial. I wanted ours to feel approachable and rooted in care,” he explains. “Magnolia felt right — warm, welcoming, and focused on the vitality and health of trees. My goal is to be the person people call to keep their trees happy and thriving, not only when something needs to come down.”

That commitment to care extends to Marc’s own growth as well. He and his team make ongoing professional development a priority, regularly upgrading certifications and attending workshops and forums to stay current with industry standards.

“Trees are living things,” Marc says. “The science is always evolving, and I want to make sure our clients benefit from the most up-to-date knowledge and practices.”

The Magnolia Tree Care philosophy has struck a chord here in the Beach, a community Allison has called home for years. “

We couldn’t have picked a better place to start,” she says. “People here truly cherish their trees and green spaces. It’s part of what makes this neighbourhood unique.”

That local connection inspired Magnolia’s new Growing Together Initiative. Beginning

Examples of seedlings available include:

• Amelanchier canadensis (Service Berry)

• Betula papyrifera (Paper Birch)

• Celtis occidentalis (Common Hackberry)

• Cercis canadensis (Eastern Redbud)

• Fraxinus quadrangulata (Blue Ash)

• Gymnocladus dioicus (Kentucky Coffee Tree)

• Quercus rubra (Red Oak)

• Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine)

Marc says the idea grew naturally out of conversations with clients.

“People often asked about native trees and shrubs, and how we can bring back biodiversity in our yards and streetscapes. I share that passion, so last year I started cultivating seedlings. Now they’re ready, and we’re excited to put them in the ground.”

Planting in the fall and early spring is ideal, especially with the hotter, drier summers Toronto has seen in recent years. Young trees struggle to survive heat waves, so getting them rooted in cooler seasons gives them a fighting chance.

For Allison, the initiative is also about balance.

“Development is part of city life, and new builds are inevitable. But that doesn’t mean we can’t protect what makes this neighbourhood special. The Beach is home to some of the last old-growth oaks in the GTA. Planting native species is one way we can push back against the concrete and preserve that incredible legacy.”

It’s a mission that’s deeply in step with the Beach community spirit: protecting what we love while helping it grow stronger. And it makes Magnolia Tree Care not just a service, but a neighbour planting seeds for the future.

To book a consultation or learn more, visit www.magnoliatrees.ca

We are fortunate and grateful to have generous sponsors and community partners.

Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, and parks and recreation for making 2025 possible for over 300 participants.

Please support our sponsors and all local businesses. They are the backbone of our community!!

Actual Media

Balmy Beach Club

Beach Metro

Comedy Bar

Convertible Heating and Air Conditioning

Cumberland Private Wealth

DeClute Real Estate

Duntrune LLP

Eagle Beaver Sports

Gildemon Designs

Hammer’s Angels

Jakobek Jets

Kal Tire

Meirovici Zywot LLP

New City Electric

Pace Baseball Camp

Pace Baseball Clinics

Pace Baseball Lessons

Penguins

Play It Again Sports

Quarry Cafe

Quarry Dental

Roblin’s Rebels

Royal Canadian Legion -

Branch 11

Steve Thomas Mustangs

Tasios Orthodontic

Thurston Olsen Real Estate Group

Dave Patterson, Toronto

Real Estate

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Marc Ambeau of Magnolia Tree Care prepares to plant a tree in the Beach. Magnolia’s Growing Together Initiative is helping to plant native seedlings in the community.

Is pet insurance worth the cost? Veterinary Views

dr. nigel Skinner

www.shoreviewvets.ca

The topic of pet insurance comes up more and more these days, especially when families bring in their new puppies and kittens for their first visits.

Understandably, clients have many questions—most often, “Is it really worth it?” and “Which company do you recommend?”

Veterinarians aren’t affiliated with any insurance companies, and it wouldn’t be helpful to recommend just one.

Most clinics keep information on two or three providers that offer slightly

different plans, giving owners a chance to choose the coverage that best suits their pet’s needs.

Just like with our own insurance, the number of options can feel overwhelming, so we try to narrow it down to a few solid choices that differ in meaningful ways.

So, is it worth it? The true purpose of any insurance is to provide financial protection when faced with an unexpected and often significant expense.

With the rising costs of diagnostics, treatments, and emergency care, insurance can make a real difference.

Of course, everyone’s financial situation is unique. Part of the decision involves balancing what you can comfortably manage as a monthly premium with the

size of an unexpected bill you could handle out of pocket.

Insurance companies recognize this, and most offer a range of plans where lower premiums are balanced against higher deductibles or co-pay levels (where only a percentage of the total cost is covered).

When comparing plans, it’s helpful to consider your pet’s age, breed, overall health, and any common conditions linked to that breed.

It’s also important to look at how the coverage is structured, and have a good understanding of any exclusions based on pre-existing conditions.

Most policies still require you to pay your bill at the clinic and then submit a

claim for reimbursement, but with newer technology streamlining the process, payments are often issued very quickly.

At the end of the day, while we all hope our pets will enjoy long, healthy, trouble-free lives; unexpected illness or injury can happen.

Pet insurance won’t remove the stress of seeing a beloved pet unwell, but it can ease the financial strain that often comes with those difficult situations.

Having that safety net in place allows families to focus on their pet’s care and recovery, rather than worrying about the cost.

- Dr. Nigel Skinner is the Founder/Owner of Shoreview Veterinary.

East End Adventure planned for Monarch Park

THE MICHAEL Garron Hospital Foundation hosts its inaugural East End Adventure on Saturday, Oct. 18, at Monarch Park.

The event is a fun-filled expedition through East Toronto which will culminate in a family-friendly festival at Monarch Park, 115 Felstead Ave. in the Coxwell and

Danforth avenues area.

East End Adventure takes place from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Participants will visit East Toronto hot spots during the adventure in which they will complete challenges, enjoy treats along the way, and earn entries towards prize draws. Once the adventure has been completed, partici-

pants will meet at Monarch Park for the festival featuring live entertainment, food, and family activities.

The East End Adventure is a fundraiser for the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation. Check in for the East End Adventure is from 10 to 11 a.m. at Monarch Park, followed by opening ceremo-

nies and a free lunch from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Participants will then embark on their adventure, returning to the park between 2:30 and 3 p.m. for prize presentations and more festival fun until 5:30 p.m. For information on how to register, please go to https://mghf.akaraisin.com/ ui/eastendadventure

Nuit Blanche East Danforth features art and music on Oct. 4

By Matthew Stephens

FOR THE fourth year running, East Danforth will see Nuit Blanche art installations dispersed along the street.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, from 7 p.m. until 7 a.m. the following morning, Toronto’s all-night celebration of art will utilize the theme of Translating the City to uncover artistic stories and voices of the East Danforth neighbourhood.

The displays will focus on different languages, cultures, stories and ideas of the neighbourhood not yet explored or showcased.

The overnight experience will be taking place at locations along Danforth Avenue, between Greenwood and Coxwell TTC stations.

Working with collaborative partners The Danforth

MPP

Mosaic BIA, East End Arts and Native Women in the Arts, Nuit Blanche along Danforth East will include art installations and a variety of food and drink options.

This year’s displays will include IN VIEW: East Danforth Storefront Installations which pair local business owners with artists from across the city to transform their storefront windows.

Danforth Avenue businesses participating include Pâtisserie La Cigogne, K H Davis Engineering Consultants, Blossoming Minds, Pegasus Community Project - Polaris Site, Wiklem Design Inc., Linsmore Tavern, Hair Sensation + Skin Care, Good Intentions, From There to Here, Good Vibes Kitchen, Superior Bookkeeping Services, Booster Juice, and Jump for Joy.

McMahon to host pair of Toronto Climate Week events

BEACHES-EAST YORK MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon will be celebrating Toronto Climate Week with a pair of events next week.

On Thursday, Oct. 2, McMahon will host a screening and discussion of the film Water is Love at the Fox Theatre. The event begins at 6 p.m. and the Fox Theatre is located at 2236 Queen St. E. The screening and discussion are free and are presented in collaboration with the Water Docs Film Festival and Regenerating Toronto. Water is Love explores the power of water to restore and regenerate ecosystems while strengthening communities in the process.

On Saturday, Oct. 4, McMahon will take part in the Upcycling Clothing Cafe at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd. from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event is part of that day’s Kingston Road Village Fall Festival.

For more information on McMahon’s Toronto Climate Week events, please contact her office at 416-690-1032.

Major Art Installations planned for Nuit Blanche East Danforth on Oct. 4 are:

• O’notsta’kéha (Shake the Bush), an all-night forestthemed Silent Disco in collaboration with Native Women in the Arts.

The Silent Disco will be presented by DJ Kookum, a renowned Indigenous DJ and producer from the Alexis Nakota Sioux Nation who is based in Vancouver. It will take place at Bomb Fitness Danforth.

• Opening of the Mouth by artist Yasmeen Nematt Alia at Croquembouche. The artwork is a multimedia kite installation about longing and limitation.

Adhar - Space will take place at Bomb Fitness Danforth’s Clubhouse Space. By artist Saretta Khan, the multimedia installation features textile work on saree panels and Bangla and English poetry.

For more information about Nuit Blanche East Danforth, 2025, including exact locations of installations and food and drink options, please to https://eastendarts. ca/nbed25

freshpuppy.ca

CLOSING SALE

Henley Gardens IDA Pharmacy is starting a new chapter in community care

For more than three decades, Henley Gardens IDA Pharmacy has been a fixture in the plaza at Victoria Park Avenue and Kingston Road, serving the neighbourhood with reliable care and trusted service. Now, under the leadership of new owner Farah Thawer, the pharmacy is stepping into an exciting new chapter, one that blends modern pharmacy practice with a deeper commitment to community connection.

For Farah, Doctor of Pharmacy and proud University of Waterloo graduate, acquiring Henley Gardens IDA is more than a career achievement; it’s the fulfillment of a dream to serve her community through accessible, compassionate care.

“I’ve always wanted to have my own pharmacy, a place where I could go beyond prescriptions to truly support the community in meaningful ways,” Farah says.

If you stop by today, you’ll notice the pharmacy is in the midst of partial renovations. That’s because Farah is reimagining the space not only as a pharmacy, but as a hub shaped by community needs.

She envisions areas that can host everything from “Mommy and Me” programs to seniors’ gatherings, young women’s groups, and mental health awareness sessions. Farah welcomes ideas from local residents and hopes the space will grow into a place where the community feels heard, supported, and connected.

Monday

She’s especially eager to see parents bringing their children to the pharmacy; not only when they’re sick, but to ask questions and learn how to stay healthy.

“There’s so much information out there, especially on platforms like TikTok, and not all of it is evidence-based,” she explains. “I want families to feel comfortable coming here to get trusted guidance and build healthy habits early.”

“In my culture, community service isn’t just something you do, it’s part of who you are,” adds Farah, who is a member of the Ismaili Muslim community led by the Aga Khan. “My goal is to create a space where health and community well-being come together, where every person who walks in feels seen, supported, and valued.”

Before settling into ownership of Henley Gardens IDA, Farah worked as a consultant nationally for pharmacies, medical clinics, EMS, and hospitals. She has also trained more than 10,000 pharmacists internationally, guiding professionals in best practices and patient care.

Her hospital practice in cardiology, internal medicine, and nephrology gave her hands-on experience with complex patient care, which continues to inform her work today.

“Pharmacy is not just about filling prescriptions. It’s about empowering people to take control of their health and giving them the tools and knowledge they need to thrive.”

That philosophy is particularly timely in Ontario, where pharmacists’ role in patient care has expanded dramatically in recent years. In addition to dispensing medications, pharmacists can now assess and prescribe for common ailments such as pink eye, urinary tract infections, rashes, cold sores, seasonal allergies, and more. They can also provide flu shots, travel vaccines, smoking cessation support, and medication reviews, all without a patient having to see a primary care provider first. For busy families, seniors, or those without a primary care provider, this expanded access can make a real difference.

And this is no traditional “white coat”

pharmacy. While professionalism is a given, there’s an undeniable warmth and approachability in how the team operates. Staff members are enthusiastic, attentive, and take time to ensure patients leave with a clear understanding of their medications and care plans.

In a thoughtful touch that has earned appreciation from locals, the pharmacy has even been offering free cold drinks to help customers beat Toronto’s recent heat waves, a small gesture that says a lot about Farah’s philosophy.

Her approach to health care is rooted in listening, compassion, and understanding the bigger picture. Whether it’s helping a busy parent navigate a child’s prescription, guiding a senior through medication changes, or connecting someone with a local support group, Henley Gardens IDA is becoming known as a place where care goes far beyond the counter.

As renovations move forward, Farah’s vision for a vibrant, multipurpose space is starting to take shape. It’s a blend of tradition and innovation: honouring the pharmacy’s long history in the community while adapting it for the future.

“I want this to be more than just a place you come when you’re sick,” Farah says. “I want it to be a place you come to feel better, to connect, to be part of something.”

With a strong foundation in both global health expertise and local community values, Henley Gardens IDA Pharmacy is poised to become not just a trusted place for prescriptions, but a true cornerstone of neighbourhood life. Drop in and meet Farah and her team at 1089 Kingston Rd.

The pharmacy offers free delivery across the GTA and is currently accepting new patients. Switching is simple: Farah and her team handle all the paperwork to ensure prescriptions are transferred accurately and seamlessly. In addition to providing exceptional care, the pharmacy is proud to support local female-owned businesses, underscoring Farah’s commitment to community growth and connection.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED Henley Gardens IDA Pharmacy owner, Dr. Farah Thawer, stands outside her newly reimagined pharmacy at Victoria Park and Kingston, where she’s blending modern pharmacy care with a vision for community connection.

1.5”

NEXT DEADLINE

September 29 Announcement

Commercial Space for Rent

OFFICE SPACE

McArthur & Son Business Centre Air conditioning, boardroom, kitchen area, copier, etc. Individual offices from $590/mth. 577-579 Kingston Rd. @ Main St. Paul McArthur 416-821-3910 pmcarthur577@gmail.com www.mcarthurbusinesscentre.com (r)

Apartment/ Home for Rent

LANDLORDS For Peace of Mind Call Harding & King R.E. Services Inc. Brokerage We make owning real estate & being a Landlord painless, easy & profitable. Call now 416-699-9714 x8 www.hardingandking.com

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. $1,650 inclusive 954-707-2039 (13)

Social/Events

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. $1,650 CAD inclusive 416-948-0529 Caleb@harboursedge.ca (13)

Shared Accommodation

Furnished Studio, Beaches, South of Queen

Newly renovated, bright basement in a house. Own fully equipped kitchenette, bedding, towels, etc. $1,500 incl. Call Hanna 416-699-6895 (13)

Garage Sales

GARAGE SALE 42 Nursewood Rd Sept.

APPLIANCE REPAIRS

(14)

The

Pet Services

Kuri K9 Massage

I am a mobile Certified Canine and Feline Massage Therapist working in the Toronto area since 2013. I offer Swedish massage and other massage therapies and modalities to your fur babies in the comfort of your home. Phone/Text 416-471-3955 kurik9massage.com (13.)

Willow’s Dog Friends Dog walks • Overnights • Hangouts • Contact Willow at 647-891-5714 See my work & testimonials

Tutoring

/ 905-978-0626 stclairantiquestoronto@gmail.com stclairantiques.com (13$

Professional repairs of all brands of refrigerators, stoves, dryers, washers, dishwashers, microwaves, heating & air conditioning.

Warranty • Credit Cards Accepted • Seniors Discount • Call 416-616-0388 (14e)

WASTE PICKUP & DISPOSAL

U load, we dump

We operate a blue 2020 Dodge pickup and black dump trailer. If you have stuff you want gone... Call/text 416-262-5975

Or email: uloadwedump@gmail.com

Rates start at $150 per quarter load (22)

Home Decor

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

General Services

WAYNE’S

RUBBISH REMOVAL & DEMOLITION SPECIALIST RECYCLING

INTERIOR & EXTERIOR CLEANING 416-264-1495 CELL 416-567-4019 (15r)

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 (13r)

Peter the Handyman

INDOOR / OUTDOOR

General repairs: Drywall / Caulking / Painting / Decks / Fences Odd jobs: Fixtures, TV, Shelf & Picture install / Furniture assembly (IKEA)... & much more! Call/text Peter 416 577 4252(13e)

BCM Junk Removal

Friendly, Efficient & Affordable ALL Junk & Renovation Debris Light Demo Landscape Cleanup Call anytime! Blake 416 873 0205 (15) MAN WITH PICK-UP TRUCK

For light moves/deliveries, junk removal, cleanups, etc. Efficient. Best rates. 647-806-7620 (13r)

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZER

Organize, Clean + Removal Services www. sarahlbritskey.com Sarah 416 - 856 - 8856 (13v)

Pest Control

(13)

RACCOON CONTROL

Humane removal of raccoons and babies from ATTICS, DECKS, PORCHES, GARAGES, SHEDS

WWW.RACCOONCONTROL.CA 647-557-7932 (23)

SQUIRREL REMOVAL

We remove squirrels in a humane way from attics, walls, sheds, decks, etc. 647-496-0815 www.SquirrelControl.ca (23) PEST CONTROL

• Mice • Cockroaches • Rats • Bed Bugs • Ants

Cleaning Services

TREE CARE YOUR LOCAL, FAMILY RUN TREE PRESERVATION SPECIALISTS Pruning, Cabling, Planting, Arborist Reports, Removals, Stumps, Milling Free Quotes! 416.546.4889 info@evergreentreecare.ca evergreentreecare.ca (r)

GREENWOOD TREE COMPANY

Another Local Arborist Tree Pruning & Trimming, Tree Removals, Arborist Reports, Stump Grinding, Tree Planting Free Tree Evaluations, Quotes & Permit Assistance Mike - 416 992 7963 mike@greenwoodtree.ca www.greenwoodtree.ca (13r)

AMELIA ROSE

GARDENING & DESIGN

Spring & Fall cleanup. Maintenance. Garden design & plant installation. Seasonal/special occasion planters. Free consultation. Contact Deb 416-804-0646 deb@ameliarosegardendesign.ca www.ameliarosegardendesign.ca (19r)

LOCAL TREE SERVICE

Tree pruning • Tree trimming Problem trees • Tree Removal Seniors Discounts Call Dave 416-948-7633 (13r)

Magnolia Tree Care

GROWING TOGETHER 10+ years experience Pruning • Removals • Hedging • Planting • Arborist Reports Free Quotes • Fully Insured 647 388 8733 magnoliatrees.ca (13r)

VISTA TREE MANAGEMENT

Certified Arborists offering

Writer Subrata Kumar Das at Word on The Street

SUBRATA KUMAR Das, a noted Bengali writer, curator and initiator of Canada Journal will be taking part in this weekend’s The Word on The Street celebration in Toronto. An East York resident, Das has been invited to the national celebration of literacy and

literature which will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, and Sunday, Sept. 28.

Location for this weekend’s The Word on The Street is David Pecaut Square, 215 King St. W. The celebration takes place from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.

WG PAINTING

Electricians

Painting • Deck & Fence Staining • Drywall & Plaster Repairs Insured & Bonded Over 33 years experience. References. Mike 647.456.3666

AllPerfectPainting@gmail.com (17))

WG PAINTING

Local resident w/40 yrs. exp.

INTERIOR/EXTERIOR PAINTING

All work guaranteed

Fully insured • Free estimate Experienced Handyman Available 416-818-7692 warren_gamey@yahoo.com (13r)

SOLO PAINTING

Interior & Exterior

Serving the Beaches for 10+ years.

Fully insured. Free estimates. Quality work guaranteed! Fernando at 416-729-2477 solopainters@gmail.com (13.)

NEWBRIGHT PAINTING

NO MESS, NO FUSS, JUST SUPERIOR WORKMANSHIP INTERIOR • EXTERIOR 30 YRS EXPERIENCE • FULLY INSURED

CALL SEAN FOR AN ESTIMATE 416-985-8639 newbrightpainting@gmail.com (13)

ROB’S QUALITY PAINTING INC.

• Interior & Exterior Painting

• Deck & Fence Staining

• Stairs Staining

• Drywall & Repairs

Local resident with 20+ yrs experience Rob 647-274-1197 rhanousek@gmail.com (20)

Heather Feather Painting, Design and Wallpaper Installation

Experienced, reliable, and detail-oriented painter & wallpaper installer based in Toronto. Specializing in all styles. 20 years professional experience. Clean work, timely service, and satisfaction guaranteed. Colour consultations available! www.heatherfeather.ca 905-923-0156 (13.)

Plumbers

BEACH PLUMBING

Small Repairs to complete houses Renovations 416 691-3555

50 years in the Beach (r) NEIGHBOURHOOD PLUMBING

Beach resident for 50 years. Discount for seniors and single parent. Lic. Master Plumber • Free estimates Patrick 647-404-7139 patrickj480@gmail.com (13r) TOM DAY

Plumbing & Drains

All types of plumbing work. Smallest leak - complete bath reno. Internal & external drain excavating. Call the professionals 416-480-0622 24 hr. - lic# P1624 (13.r) MASTER PLUMBER PLUMBER CONTRACTOR

Fully licensed

CEJA ELECTRIC

MASTER ELECTRICIAN

Fully licensed & insured. ECRA/ESA #7008706 George:

MBX ELECTRIC

The segment that Das will be participating in is called All the Way to the Stage! Poet Spotlight.

The segment will be moderated by Toronto Poet Laureate Lillian Allen and will take place on Saturday, Sept. 27, at 11.30 am,

Roofers

LANIGAN’S

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 (13r)

TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES LTD.

Local • Reliable • Professional Servicing the beach over 20 years. 416 694 0906 torontoroofingindustries.com (15r)

ROOFING, REPAIRS DUN-RITE

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

J. BROW ROOFING

Shingles • Flats • Cedar Free Estimates Residential & Commercial Cell: 416-788-9020 Lic# B16393 (13)

CITYWIDE

ROOFING

416-690-1430 647-898-1440

Serving the Beaches since 1974 Family owned & operated (13$)

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 (13...)

Beach Co Roofing

Your neighborhood flat roofing specialist. 647-309-8056 (13r)

SMALL ROOFING JOBS REPAIRS EAVESTROUGH CLEANING & FIXING • YARD CLEANUP No Money Up Front NEWFIE TONY 647-462-3556 (15)

Masonry

BEACHES BLUFFS MASONRY

Brick • Block • Concrete • Stone www.beachesbluffs.com beachesbluffs@gmail.com 416-988-2589 (13.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 (13.)

Other noted poets taking part in the spotlight session along with Das will be Desiree Mckenzie, Gianna Patriarca and Joseph Maviglia.

For further information, please go to https://toronto.thewordonthestreet.ca.

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)

JDB MASONRY

(13r)

YORK MASONRY

(15)

DECKS & FENCES Repair, Stain & Build Call or Text 647-463-3436 (16)

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