Beach Metro News February 22, 2022

discover uncommon safety & reliability

“Our family helping your family”

We have been serving the Scarborough community like family since 1986!

* Ratings are awarded by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

Please visit www.iihs.org for testing methods.

THE 2022 SUBARU The midsize 3-row SUV for family-sized adventures

• Symmetrical Full-Time AWD • Excellent fuel-efficiency • Award-winning safety features

Volume 50 No. 23

BEACHMETRO.COM

February 22, 2022

SCARBORO SUBARU • 2590 EGLINTON AVE E. SCARBOROUGH ON M1K 2R5 • 416-265-4411

SCAROROSUBARU.CA

Ride for Mind fundraiser will benefit Michael Garron Hospital

By Ahmed Dirie

MICHAEL GARRON Hospital and Toronto Hustle are once again partnering to raise awareness and funds for mental health and the services provided in the city’s east end.

Building off the success of CRUSH COVID over the past two years, Ride for Mind will consist of a 24-hour virtual cycling experience. The event will be streamed live from History Toronto, a new music and entertainment venue on Queen Street East in the Beach, from Friday, March 4 until Saturday, March 5.

Michael Garron Hospital has long helped those in the east end who require assistance maintaining their mental health, said Adina

Hauser, Supervisor for the Child and Youth Mental Health Services, Transitional Youth Program and Paediatrics.

“Michael Garron Hospital already serves an area of the city that has a higher prevalence rate of mental health than the city average,” said Hauser. “We have high numbers of young people who access our emergency department for mental health issues.”

COVID-19 and the resulting closures and mandates have only added to the mental burden of many young Canadians, particularly those transitioning into adulthood who take part in the hospital’s programs.

“I think the pandemic has been especially hard on this population Continued on Page 5

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Cartoonist Bill Suddick with his book Life’s The Beach. The book celebrates his more than 40 years as a cartoonist and the upcoming 50th anniversary of Beach Metro Community News in March.

Copies of the book can be purchased at the Beach Metro office, 2196 Gerrard St. E. with a portion of the sales going towards supporting your local newspaper.

Cartoonist helps celebrate Beach Metro’s The Bunny is back: 50th anniversary with book Life’s The Beach Beaches Easter parade to take place on April 17

By Alan Shackleton

AFTER A two-year absence due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade is back.

The 2022 version of the parade will take place on Easter Sunday (April 17) along Queen Street East in the Beach starting at 2 p.m.

“It’s a great feeling that it’s going to be back,” said Lido Chilelli, who is one of the organizers of the upcoming Beaches Easter Weekend Celebrations which will include the

SAFETY

50th anniversary made perfect sense, and it was something he started thinking about last year as he also marked his 40th year of cartooning for the paper.

“The paper is celebrating 50 successful years of reporting grassroots community news. I felt a book would be a great way to commemorate both milestones,” he said.

In the book, Suddick shares how he first started doing cartoons for the paper (which from 1972 until 1988 was known as Ward 9 Community News).

He had decided to use his graphic Continued on Page 4

TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES

Y LEAKF? ROO QUALITY

parade. “We’ll be live with the community this year, and I know all the residents and business are excited to be engaged again with this.”

The parade route runs along Queen Street East, starting at Munro Park Avenue in the east and making its way westbound to Woodbine Avenue. It will take approximately two hours for it to pass any one point. It is the largest Easter Parade in North America.

Continued on Page 5

BILL SUDDICK celebrates more than 40 years of cartooning for Beach Metro Community News, and the paper’s 50th anniversary in March of this year, with his justreleased book Life’s The Beach.

Now on sale locally, including at the office of Beach Metro Community News, the book is 135 pages of glossy cartoons from Suddick’s more than four decades of newspaper cartooning in the community.

In the book, Suddick also shares some of the stories behind the cartoons.

“The cartoons (and stories) in this book are mostly about ‘The Beach’, one of the coolest neighbourhoods on the planet,” wrote Suddick in his introduction to Life’s The Beach.

“It’s like a small town, sitting on the edge of a big city. The lake, beach and boardwalk give the place a laid-back vibe that I have heard described as ‘California North’.

Though that may not be too apt a description in late January. It’s also a place where people like to volunteer and help one another.”

Suddick said linking the book to Beach Metro Community News’

YOUR LOCAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR Above all, you want the very best!

416-694-0906

torontoroofingindustries.com

PERFORMANCE

EEns FsR pectio

In

PRIDE

2

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

The perfect balance between your life's philosophy & your budget

Man still recovering from injuries including broken pelvis after being knocked from bike by unleashed dog

By Alan Shackleton

647.660.5056 24/7

eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.

ecofuneral.ca

Proudly serving The Beach • Leslieville • Riverdale

Nathaniel Erskine-Smith M.P. Beaches-East York info@beynate.ca

416.467.0860

Next advertising deadline is Monday, Feb. 28

Helping clients achieve their Real Estate dreams for over 30 years

SCOTT LYALL  Lifetime Achievement Award

c 416.464.0060 o 416.699.9292

TEDD DILLON had a date with his doctors late last week to see how his broken pelvis was healing some four months after he was knocked off his bike by an unleashed dog while cycling in the Beach.

Dillon, 69, was finally able to come home in late January after the Oct. 15, 2021 incident on the Martin Goodman Trail near the Kew Beach tennis courts.

Since the crash, in which an unleashed dog ran into the front of Dillon’s bike and caused him to fall to the ground, he has been in hospital and then a rehab facility getting his strength back.

“It’s been a long haul,” he told Beach Metro Community News in an interview earlier this month.

“I only lay on a bed for the first while.”

As a result of the collision with the dog, Dillon suffered three fractures on the right side of his pelvis, along with a broken sacrum and coccyx.

He said his pelvis was “shattered on the left side” and he was still not able to bear weight on it.

His visit with the doctor last week was to get an update on how his left side was doing.

After the collision, Dillon was taken to Michael Garron Hospital for treatment and he was there for three weeks.

He was on forced oxygen and blood thinners and had a pulmonary embolism.

After a brief stay at another facility, he was then moved to Bridgepoint Rehab in Riverdale on Dec. 9 where he started physiotherapy.

Dillon said he has nothing but praise for the hardworking staff members at both Michael Garron Hospital and Bridgepoint.

He said he was “full of pain and fear” when he first arrived at Michael Garron Hospital.

When transferred to Bridgepoint, they soon had him doing physio.

“It’s a fabulous medical facility,” said Dillon. “I’d been pretty much eight weeks on my back healing and not moving at all..I couldn’t. They rolled me over like a log to start to get me moving.”

The physiotherapists at Bridgepoint told him he had to get moving as much as possible.

“I got a wheelchair and would be taken to physio. They would do exercises on a flat bed on my right and left legs,” said Dillon.

Along with regaining some strength, the experience has also given Dillon an appreciation and understanding of the work done by PSWs (Personal Support Workers) in the healthcare system.

“My heart goes out to the healthcare workers who are overworked and underpaid,” he said.

“I was so fearful when they had to roll me. They cradled my left leg like it was a baby, and it was done with such love. I experienced that and I am moved to the end of my days by that. It’s a hard haul for them and I wish they were paid a better wage.”

Dillon said during physio a fellow patient joked with him about what he would do when he was walking again.

They warned him not to walk down to the Beach looking for the dog that hit him and the people who own it.

Dillon said that while the community tried to find the owners of the dog, who were rollerblading with it while unleashed along the trail, he has no idea who they were. They did not stay around to help him after he was knocked from his bike.

Police looked into the incident, but

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Tedd Dillon is seen in this photo from last October, shortly after the collision with an unleashed dog that knocked him off his bike on the Martin Goodman Trail in the Beach. Dillon suffered a broken pelvis and is still recovering from his injuries months later. unleashed dogs are under city bylaws and are not considered a criminal matter, said Dillon.

“The accident is under the bylaw infraction of dog not on a leash. It can’t be a criminal charge.”

However, he considers the dog’s owners negligent and responsible for his injuries.

“No criminal case but could be a civil case if we ever find them,” said Dillon.

“There are parts of the Beach where dogs can run free but certainly not on the Boardwalk or bike path.”

Though it has been a painful and frustrating few months for Dillon, he said he is extremely grateful for all of the support he has been given.

“I’m very grateful to my family, and I really see the value of family as there were people in hospital with no family.

And also to my friends who helped me out, and reinforced the value of community. I could not have done it by myself.

The strength of community cannot be overstated.”

LISTEN TO DESMOND'S PODCAST For real stories with real people about Toronto real estate.

Hall of Fame Member

Hallmark Realty Ltd. 2277 Queen Street East

Stunning Rosedale Condo D

L SO

20 BLANTYRE AVENUE $2,190,000

A majestic home perched high on an incredible 50 x 200 foot lot with seasonal views of Lake Ontario. Centre hall plan layout, with traditional charm. It's just waiting to become a lucky family's "forever home"!

YOUR PARTNER IN PROSPERITY

JUST LISTED

48 HOLLYWOOD CRESCENT $1,699,000

SOLD OVER ASKING

160 FALLINGBROOK RD. #306

SOLD OVER ASKING

601 KINGSTON RD. UNIT 403

This is a wonderful detached 3 Designer flair in a high demand Stylish one bedroom suite of boutique building! Bright 800+ approximately 700 square bedroom, two storey family sq. ft. open concept unit. feet. Great south facing suite home that backs onto a ravine.

Bamboo floors, fireplace, and with spacious terrace and Traditional dining and living room with fireplace, office on granite countertops, and walkout views of Lake Ontario. Comes to a large balcony overlooking with parking and locker too. main floor, walkout to large Blantyre Park. It also has deck. Finished basement, parking and a locker. parking and much more!

The Desmond Brown Team

|

1850 sq. ft. of incredible design by Brian Gluckstein.

Fabulous amenities include full pool, large gym, library, etc. Parking & locker included. $1,239,000

JUST LISTED

TOP 1% PRODUCER IN TORONTO REAL ESTATE BOARD

Ebony Murphy | Jennifer Scaife | Desmond Brown 416-568-1242 | InThe6ixRealEstate.com | des@desmondbrown.ca Not intended to solicit anyone under agent contract.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

3

PHOTO: DESMOND BROWN

A fire truck was stolen and driven out right through the front garage bay doors of Toronto Fire Station 227 on Queen Street East early on the morning of Feb. 10.

Woman charged after fire truck stolen A 28-YEAR-OLD woman has been charged after a fire truck was stolen from inside the Beach fire station on Queen Street East near Woodbine Avenue earlier this month.

According to police, a person broke into Toronto Fire Station 227 at approximately 4:45 a.m. on Thursday, Feb. 10.

The fire truck was then allegedly driven out of the

station, smashing through the front garage bay doors, police said.

A section of the bay door was still on Queen Street East early on the morning of Feb. 10 as police and fire officials had the area taped off for investigation.

Police quickly located the fire truck on Feb. 10 and followed it in a “low-speed pursuit” which ended on Unwin Avenue. Police said a

28-year-old woman was arrested at that time.

On Feb. 11, police issued a press release saying that Melissa Stubbington, 28, had been charged with breaking and entering, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of property obtained by crime, mischief, flight while being pursued by police, common nuisance and two counts of failing to comply with a probation order.

“As a long time Beach resident, I have used only the Beach Metro News to advertise my landscaping business. To me the BMN spells community!”

Kim Price, Principal, Kim Price Landscape Design Inc.

/BeachMetroNews @beachmetronews @beachmetro

www.beachmetro.com

NOW 2021 ICE READERS CHO

#1EST TORONTO B

Regular Sandwich $9.99

of

5

$

Junior Sandwich $5.99

.99

We’ve been the gold standard for 50 years.

For more information, contact Carolin Schmidt at carolin@beachmetro.com

100% CANADIAN BEEF BURGERS 6oz

All Da y Br TOAS eakfast WES TED PEAM TERN EAL B & EG ACON ON G ACE B AKE $3.99RY BUNS REUN IO COFF N ISLAND EE $1 .25

Gift Certificates

By the Pound $20/lb.

•••••

$5 and $10 Perfect for Lunches!

LESTER’S OLD FASHIONED SMOKED BEEF BRISKETS

• • •

oad 884 Kingston R 647-484-4488 om eat1.c www.fearlessm •

BURGER

If you wish to increase your business presence in the Beach, Leslieville, South Scarborough and East Danforth, the Beach Metro classifieds are an excellent option!

OPEN DAm I-L8 Ypm 11 a

DELIVERY AVAILABLE: UBER EATS DOORDASH SKIP THE DISHES

Specials available in store only.

imported from Montreal

A Montreal tradition since 1931 in many top Montreal Delis Steamed to perfect tenderness in our restaurant Hand sliced to order

BRUNCH in the

BEACH

Premium locally-sourced Eastern European Rye, lightly toasted Choice of Yellow or Dijon Mustards Also available on Ace Bakery Bun

 $3.99  Serious Breakfast Sandwiches on Ace Bakery Buns ~ Western

NOW MAGAZINE 2021 READERS CHOICE WINNER BEST TORONTO BURGER BEST CHEAP EATS UNDER $10 BEST SERVER DAVID BROWN AND RUNNER-UP BEST KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT

~ Bacon & Egg

Old Fashioned Milkshakes $2.99

~ Peameal Bacon & Egg ~ Egg & Cheese ~ BLT ~ Breakfast Size Peameal Bacon St. Lawrence Market Style

We reserve the right to limit quantities.

ORDER ONLINE

and save time: www.fearlessmeat1.com

Due to Covid causing supplier issues, different food brands may be temporarily substituted.

4

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Trees in Glen Stewart Ravine facing number of challenges

By Ahmed Dirie

Book an estimate today!

24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE • 7 DAYS A WEEK Residential • Commercial Furnaces • Boilers • Air Conditioning Preventative Maintenance & Safety Inspections Repairs • Installations All Makes and Models • Licensed and Knowledgeable Technicians Call us:

416•556•8368

Story idea? News tip? Let us know! /BeachMetroNews @beachmetronews #beachmetro

www.beachmetro.com

WHILE THE cut trees lining the path of Glen Stewart Ravine were a jarring site for residents earlier this year, the challenges facing the ravine go deeper.

The ravine runs between Queen Street East and Kingston Road east of Glen Manor Drive.

Known for its trails, wildlife, vegetation, and the canopies of red oak and maple trees, many of the red oaks had to be cut recently after becoming a hazard to people and neighbouring houses.

“We were losing trees regularly that were starting to fall over,” said Katya Nosko, owner of the Great Escape Bookstore and founding member of the Facebook group Friends of Glen Stewart Ravine.

“They were crossing the paths where people walk,” said Nosko. “Amazingly nobody has been hit by a falling tree. It’s remarkable.

The number of trees that have fallen across the path,

NATHANIEL

ERSKINE-SMITH MP Beaches-East York

Benefit Program Questions? beynate.ca info@beynate.ca 416.467.0860

hit the bridges, destroyed the infrastructure that has been put in place, whether it be a fence or whether it be a metal or wooden bridge, was happening repeatedly.”

The decision to cut the oaks was made in conjunction with the City of Toronto according to Nosko.

“We were calling for attention because it was happening with such frequency that we thought for sure somebody is going to die,” said Nosko. “And thankfully, the city came in, specifically targeting the trees that were the most at risk to people.

They only cut down the ones that looked like they would hit the path and take down other trees in the way, or be hazardous to people.”

The trees being cut wasn’t surprising to John Routh, a member of the Facebook group Friends of Glen Stewart Ravine.

“In the short term, the forest floor will look a little more cluttered because of all the downed trees but this should soon disappear as the understory grows thicker due to increased light levels,” said Routh. “As long as the trees are left where they fell, the forest will benefit in the long term as the wood

decomposes and the nutrients are returned to the soil.

Eventually new trees will replace the ones cut down.

This is how natural forests exist.”

The falling oaks are a problem, but the reasons they’re falling is a much more important issue, said Nosko.

“It’s a perfect storm of why these oaks are dying,” said Nosko.

There have always been people in the ravine but the population was never large enough to cause a negative impact according to Nosko.

“When the population runs through a wooded area, they are wrecking the undergrowth, and the soil. So the soil, as we increased our walking through, started to become eroded and tamped down, not feasible for the root structure of these trees to properly survive.”

Bikes have exacerbated the issue as the tires dig into the ground and pull up ever more soil, said Nosko.

Also impacting the ravine negatively is climate change, she said.

“Just a general changing climate where if the rain is different, and you’ve got eroded soils, and the rain is

taking even more soil away or it’s not penetrating properly, or the winters are different or the summers are too hot.”

Also, the oaks are vulnerable to invasive species such as trees that are low growth and topsoil growers that compete with the oaks for root nourishment. These invasive tree species have led to more problems for the oaks.

“We had a number of consecutive bug infestations in the ravine,” said Nosko.

Moths, such as the Lymantria Dispar, have been able to take advantage of the weakened state of the oaks. “The trees were like sitting ducks for these bugs,” said Nosko.

What the ravine needs is more people to care about it, to be good stewards, and to cherish and want to maintain its biodiversity, she said.

“We have to understand that what we’re seeing is a perfect example of what climate change is,” said Nosko.

“Of what our world is dealing with and how we will be losers because of it. Because we are going to lose these things. We don’t gain as humans by the loss of the biodiversity around us. That’s not a gain for us. That’s a loss.”

Proceeds from sale of book benefit Beach Metro Community News ‘Cartoonist’ from Page 1 artist and illustrator training as a freelancer after deciding in the very early 1980s that the corporate world was not for him.

“It was my wife Debbie’s suggestion that I approach the local community newspaper, then called the Ward 9 News, to see if I could do a regular editorial cartoon about the Beach. It would give me a chance to get my work ‘out there’,” said Suddick.

“Fortunately, Joan Latimer, the editor at the time, gave me a try-out, allowing me to create some cartoons…for free. It paid off!”

Suddick’s first cartoon appeared in the April 7, 1981 edition of the paper, and the rest was history.

With so many creative people living in the Beach and seeing his work in their local newspaper, it led to many other opportunities for Suddick including working with The Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, Reader’s Digest, TVOntario, Science International and other organizations.

“I met a lot of amazing, interesting people in journalism, advertising, TV and art in general,” said Suddick

in the Life’s A Beach introduction. “A raucous, wacky, amazingly talented bunch who I’m sure were told to find a real job at one time or another.”

Among the cartoon topics that are near and dear to local residents are the never-ending disputes about whether it should be called Beach or Beaches, the parade of characters walking, running or cyling by the lake, and the number of dogs running around unleashed.

The unleashed dog dispute was the topic of Suddick’s first cartoon in the paper.

“I get a lot of my ideas on the boardwalk or the Martin Goodman Trail,” writes Suddick in sharing the story of a cartoon in which an unleashed dog crashes into a cyclist. (Something that happens far too often in the community, often causing serious injuries to both the cyclists knocked off their bikes and the dogs as seen by our story on Page 2 today.)

“This actually happened to me,” he wrote of being hit by a dog while riding his bike. “A medium sized dog ran across the trail and bounced off my wheel. No, he didn’t actually go through the spokes (as depicted in

the cartoon). I just thought that would be funnier. Fortunately, he just shook himself, smoothed the spoke lines out of his schnoz and kept going.

“His human was quite mad at me for having the gall to ride my bike on the bike path. People and pets unfamiliar with the trail often cross aimlessly or walk in the middle without a look or care. Combine this with the ‘Tour de France’ types who go full out and you’re bound to have close calls. Be careful out there.”

Life’s The Beach can be purchased at the Beach Metro Community News office, 2196 Gerrard St. E.; The Great Escape Book Store, 957 Kingston Rd.; Book City, 1950 Queen St. E.; and Coles, 2169 Queen St. E. A portion of the proceeds from the 100 copies available to be sold through Beach Metro Community News at a price of $28.25 (which includes HST) will go to support the paper.

Beach Metro Community News is a non-profit community newspaper with a Volunteer Board of Directors made up of area residents that has been providing quality local journalism since March of 1972.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

Events at Ride for Mind Dreams Change slated for History venue Building new momentum ‘Ride’ from Page 1 of youth, not only because of the school disruptions and work disruptions because of COVID-19,” said Hauser.

“Young people who already really struggled with, let’s say, their mood, or eating issues or other mental health issues have struggled even more so because of the pandemic due to major disruptions in services across the healthcare system.”

Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford, a founding member of Toronto Hustle, was very involved in partnering with the hospital to bring the CRUSH COVID and Ride for Mind events together.

“This was the brainchild of our Councillor, Brad Bradford, who’s a huge cyclist,” said Mitze Mourinho, President of the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation. “It was his idea a few years ago to do something like this.”

For Bradford and the hospital, the negative impact on mental health caused by the pandemic is something they felt within their community.

“Certainly what we’ve been through together as a community, as a city, and as a country has been very challenging over the past 24 months,” said Bradford.

“Obviously those impacts are felt on our mental health.

And there’s a number of studies that are already showing us that one-in-four Canadians are struggling with mental illness, and that’s been increasing even from 2020.”

Doctors, nurses, and other hospital staff are vulnerable as well, particularly those who aren’t able to work remotely.

“The pandemic has taken its toll on people working in healthcare,” said Mourinho “In many other businesses and industries people have been able to work from

requires advice and support.

Call me to discuss your next move.

Christina Marchant Sales Representative PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Members of the Toronto Police Cycling Club, including Staff Sgt. Murray Barnes (right), Const. Damion Creighton (centre), and Insp. Justin VanderHeyden, present a cheque for $250 to Michael Garron Hospital for the 2021 CRUSH COVID: Ride for Mind fundraiser.

Also on hand were Sarah Downey, President and CEO of Michael Garron Hospital, and Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford. The 2022 version of Ride for Mind is set for March 4 and 5. home. They don’t have to go into the office, they don’t have to go downtown, they don’t have to take transit to get into work. They’ve been able to, in large part, stay home and be safe. Healthcare workers, not the same.

They have not had the option to stay home. They’ve had to come in and expose themselves to COVID-19.”

Engaging in physical activity is a great way to boost mental health according to Bradford, and cycling is a low impact exercise perfect for those of all ages and fitness levels.

“I think that there’s a relationship there,” he said. “You want to work out your body and you want to work out your mind.”

This will be the third event, following CRUSH COVID in 2020 and last year’s Ride for Mind that will raise funds for the hospital. So far, almost $700,000 has been raised from the rides, according to Mourinho.

The proceeds will allow Michael Garron Hospital to help youth navigate the complex mental healthcare system as well as the construction of the hospital’s state-of-the-art inpatient mental health facilities.

While there is a focus on cycling, the 24-hour event

isn’t limited to that by any means.

“When we came up with the event we had people who were online and they weren’t cycling,” said Mourinho. “We had some that were walking and others running on the treadmill.”

This March’s Ride for Mind will be an evolution of last year’s version and will feature a hybrid component that will include in-person activities that will adhere to COVID-19 safety guidelines.

“We will be live on site at History, which is our new music venue down at Kingston Road and Queen Street, the Live Nation venue,” said Bradford. “We will have musical guests, we will have interviews, all of that will be streamed live from History.

And for those who want to participate in person as per the public health guidelines, they will have an opportunity to set up a trainer and ride in the room and participate with people in person as well.”

Ride for Mind is open to all, and cyclists of all fitness levels are encouraged to participate.

To register to take part in this year’s Ride for Mind event or to support the cause, please visit www.rideformind.ca

Easter parade is part of a weekend of celebrations set for the Beach ‘The’ from Page 1 “Everybody is very excited to participate again.

We’re really looking forward to having people lining up along Queen Street and getting back to normal,” said Chilelli.

Part of that normal also includes this month’s announcement that the Beaches International Jazz Festival will also be taking part as a live event in the community this summer. For the past two years the Jazz Festival has been a mix of virtual and COVID-safe drive-in concerts.

416.690.5100 Christinamarchant@royallepage.ca

“All the musicians are really looking forward to performing again in front of audiences, getting the engagement and applause and seeing people up and dancing,” said Chilelli of the Jazz Festival which takes place in July.

Along with the parade, Easter celebrations in the Beach this April will include a digital Easter Egg Hunt on Good Friday (April 15). For more info on the Egg Hunt and how it will work, please go to https://www.beacheseasterparade.ca/digital-easter-egg-hunt

The Easter Parade has been taking place in the Beach since 1967.

It was originally routed along the Boardwalk for its first seven years. The Beaches Lions Club became actively involved in 1973, and the next year the parade moved to Queen Street East. By 1981, the Lions had become the parade’s official organizer.

For more on the Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade, including how to register your float or group’s participation, please go to www. beacheseasterparade.ca

YOUR LOCAL, FAMILY RUN TREE PRESERVATION SPECIALISTS Pruning, Cabling, Planting, Arborist Reports, Removals, Stumping, Milling. FREE QUOTES!

416.546.4889 info@evergreentreecare.ca evergreentreecare.ca

$250

5

6

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

BEACHMETRO.COM

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

In My Opinion

The historical origins of Black Canadians George elliott Clarke Guest Column

F

ounded in 1926 to honour the birthdays of the ‘Great Emancipator’ President Abraham Lincoln (Feb. 12) and abolitionist Frederick Douglass (Feb. 14), the intent of Negro History Week was to try to dispel the 500 years of anti-Black propaganda used to justify the enslavement of Africans and the colonization of Africa and the (Black) Americas.

Expanding from a week to a month in the 1970s, these 28 or 29 February days are still dedicated to challenging stereotypes of Black iniquity and inferiority by replacing them with examples of Black Excellence, from antiquity to Nobel Laureates, Olympic athletes, Fortune-500 honchos, statesmen, and activists today.

So, one may praise Nefertiti and Beyoncé, Derek Walcott and Toni Morrison, Harriet Tubman and Malcolm X, Haile Selassie and Bob Marley, Marcus Garvey and Anita Hill, Olaudah Equiano and Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama and Bessie Smith, etc.

Still, there is a significant omission in the foregoing list. Zero African-Canadians.

Because the United States is a superpower—in everything—including (pop) culture, AfricanAmerican stars become global icons—Muhammad Ali to name one; such international fame is unlikely for Blacks from less-prominent climes, including Canada.

Indeed, Black History Month itself began so as to emphasize African-American history. Then, Black Canadians adopted February too (though, really, our month should be August).

While U.S. cultural preeminence highlights esteemed African-Americans, so that, for instance, U.S. anti-racism activist Rosa Parks overshadows Nova Scotia’s Viola Desmond (the visage on our $10 bill), African-Canadians face yet another barrier: A Euro-Canadian penchant to practice “anti-racism” by erasing us.

‘Invisible’ White Canadian “anti-racism” often announces, proudly, “We don’t see race.” It seems laudable, but, in practice, it means that Black people get “disappeared.”

Moreover, if Blacks are “invisible” (despite being officially “visible minorities”), how can we complain of discrimination?

Another effect of Euro-Canadian “anti-racism” is to whitewash our history so that slavery, segregation, and anti-Black racism “never did”—and “do not”—happen here.

So, when racist acts occur, they are viewed as weird, not as symptomatic of systemic bias.

That’s why Black Canadian history is necessary: To remind Canucks of our historical presence, struggles, survival, and successes.

The first Black arrived at Port Royal, Nova Scotia, in 1605. Gifted in languages, Mathieu Da Costa became a translator between French settlers and the Mi’kmaq.

Although colonial Canada’s climate made plantation slavery

SERVING THE BEACH, BEACH HILL, BIRCH CLIFF, CLIFFSIDE, CRESCENT TOWN, EAST DANFORTH, GERRARD INDIA BAZAAR, LESLIEVILLE AND UPPER BEACH Beach Metro Community News, published by Ward 9 Community News Inc., is a non-profit, non-partisan community newspaper founded in 1972 and published 23 times a year. It is distributed free by volunteers in East Toronto and Southwest Scarborough and paid for by our advertisers.

2196 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON, M4E 2C7 PHONE: 416-698-1164 FAX: 416-698-1253 beachmetro.com PUBLISHER Susan Legge (ext. 24) susan@beachmetro.com EDITOR Alan Shackleton (ext. 23) alan@beachmetro.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Mark Ireland (ext. 26) mark@beachmetro.com PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Melinda Drake (ext. 27) melinda@beachmetro.com ACCOUNTS MANAGER Hope Armstrong (ext. 21) hope@beachmetro.com

NEXT ISSUE: Tuesday, March 8, 2022 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 5 p.m., Monday, February 28 VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE: Mary Beth Denomy, president; Desmond Brown, past president; David Morrow, vice president; Judith Saunders Allen, secretary; Doug Black, treasurer; Paul M. Babich, special advisor; Sheila Blinoff, special advisor.

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

a non-starter here, forced labour was still essential to the colonial economy, mainly to provide prestige servants for aristocratic households, but also to perform much heavy-duty work in farming, forestry, and the fur-trade.

New France—colonial Québec— held the most slaves, about 5,000; however, only 2,000 were Black; the majority were Panis, the Indigenous people.

In 1734, Marie-Josephe Angélique was blamed for a fire that destroyed much of Old Montreal.

She was tortured, hanged, her remains burned at the stake, and her ashes tossed into the St. Lawrence.

Though she is unknown to most, she was colonial Canada’s most famous slave.

At Fortress Louisbourg in present-day Cape Breton, hundreds of enslaved Africans toiled there between 1713 and 1760 (when the Brits captured the fort).

But slavery came to mainland Nova Scotia in 1760, when Yankees—including Dixiecrats— brought hundreds of slaves with them to the Bluenose province to farm the lands of the exiled Acadians (who the Brits deported in 1755).

Halifax was founded in 1749; slaves were sold on its waterfront by 1750.

Enslaved Blacks were even present in Newfoundland: To help load cargo and fish bound for the Caribbean isles. (Thus, saltfish— cod—is a West Indian staple, while rum—Screech—became part of The Rock’s cuisine.)

African slavery was practiced in colonial P.E.I., New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Québec, and Ontario.

The system began to die in colo-

nial Canada because of the arrival of 3,500 Black Loyalists to Nova Scotia from the fledgling United States of America. (Yes, 10 per cent of the Loyalists were Black!)

Although 1,200 Black Loyalists left Nova Scotia in 1792 and were settled in Sierra Leone.

Hundreds of Jamaican Maroons were stationed in Nova Scotia, 1796-1800. The presence of so many free Black people allowed those who were enslaved to flee and find shelter.

By 1801, a New Brunswick court decision to return an escaped woman to her supposed master proved so controversial, that judges began to refuse to return escapees.

Slavery became a dead letter in colonial Canada—even before the British abolished it in 1834, on August 1—Emancipation Day—a date still honoured, especially in Ontario.

‘Canaan’ Helpful too was Governor John Simcoe’s declaration, in 1793, that no new slaves could be brought into colonial Ontario.

Slowly, colonial Canada became a ‘Canaan’ for U.S. Blacks fleeing slavery.

During the War of 1812, some 2,200 African-Americans (and Cherokee) landed in the Maritimes. (My matrilineal ancestors were among this group.)

Along with the remaining Black Loyalists and Maroons, they formed a culture that I dub “Africadian,” featuring several dozen Black villages (including Africville) in Nova Scotia, a distinctive church—the African United

Baptist Association, and our own vernacular.

British Columbia’s part-Black Governor Sir James Douglas invited prosperous California Blacks to the colony. Eight hundred voyaged northward in 1848, anchoring in Vancouver, Victoria, and even on Saltspring Island.

Between 1830 and the 1861 start of the U.S. Civil War, up to 40,000 African-Americans came to colonial Ontario via the Underground Railroad. Owen Sound was the last “stop,” but many left the “train” in Essex County, settling in Chatham, Windsor, Buxton, Dresden (home of Uncle Tom’s Cabin), Amherstburg, etc., but also in Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, and Toronto.

After the Civil War, most African-Americans returned stateside.

Thus, Canada lacks a “Black Belt” of Black settlements.

However, due to post-Civil War Ku Klux Klan terrorism in places like Oklahoma and Alabama, hundreds of African-Americans emigrated to Alberta and Saskatchewan to farm “free land.”

But Euro-Canucks—mainly Albertans—were so hostile to Black immigrants that Prime Minister Laurier passed secret “Orders-inCouncil” barring any further Black migration to Canada.

The anti-Black rules lasted 50 years before they were dropped, and immigration from the Caribbean began in 1955.

And the rest is history.

-- Upper Beach resident George Elliott Clarke teaches African-Canadian Literature at the University of Toronto. His latest book is Where Beauty Survived: An Africadian Memoir (Knopf Canada).

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

7

Black Lives Here

Changing the world starts with education Mimi Liliefeldt mimi@missfit.ca

H

ow many of us are lucky enough to have found our calling? The strong inner pull towards a career, craft or act of service is elusive for most, but a few fortunate souls know who they are and what they are supposed to do from an early age.

In elementary school Jamar Peart knew he wanted to be a teacher.

“When I was in Grade 2 I would set up all my stuffed animals on my bed and hand out tests so I could mark them. I loved to play the teacher. I was so fascinated, I wanted to take my teacher’s curriculum books so I could make the same type of work sheets at home,” Jamar told me with a mischievous smile.

Jamar is an honorary Beacher, though he currently lives in Ajax with his fiancé Alec, he is the Montessori Director and Consultant at the much-respected Boardwalk Montessori School on Waverley Road.

In a world of varying degrees of ordinary, Jamar stands out as extraordinary.

His brilliance is indisputable, and his energy is infectious.

He’s exactly the kind of person children (and adults) gravitate towards.

“I’m an exuberant person, with a big personality. I really have a way with children, and I think that’s one of my biggest assets. I’ve had parents follow me from school to school; it’s happened a few times and it makes me feel great, because it means I must’ve done something really good during the year to build that kind of trust,” Jamar told me.

As a young, Black, gay man raised by a single mother from Jamaica, Jamar has never wanted to be seen as a charity case.

“Seeing my mom struggle, showed me how important it is to be self-sufficient. She is so strong, and I learned a lot from her. She encouraged me to follow my pas-

PHOTO: MIMI LILIEFELDT

Jamar Peart is the Montessori Director and Consultant at the Boardwalk Montessori School in the Beach. sion, saying there were not enough of us (Black people) being represented in education.”

Years ago, when Jamar was interviewing for a job, the interviewer mentioned that they had brothers who were also gay. The meeting wasn’t their first, and it was clearly going well, but this piece of information had Jamar second guessing if he might be a diversity hire.

A diversity hire is hiring someone from a diverse background whether it be race, gender, age or ability for the purpose of enhancing the image of a company.

There is a lot of discomfort and miscommunication around this practice.

It is important that as a society we become conscious of our unconscious biases, but it is more meaningful that we actively create spaces that feel safe and welcoming to everyone.

Having biases doesn’t make us bad, it makes us human, but we must work at dismantling them. Hiring someone because you are hoping to change the environment of your workplace also isn’t bad, unless your

efforts aren’t genuine, you need to make other attempts to foster authentic inclusion.

This is where Jamar instinctively excels. He knows how to add diversity to his curriculum in a way that feels natural and fun.

When I asked what it is that he teaches the young kids about diversity and inclusion he showed me a video (which was approved for public viewing and can be found on Facebook) of the students playing a memory game of Black inventors.

The five-year-olds were able to recognize and name the Black inventor and their innovation. They proudly identified each person and proclaimed, “Thomas J. Martin invented the fire extinguisher! Garrett Morgan invented the modern traffic light!”

It was delightful and reassuring to see that these children will grow up with an education that isn’t skewed only on the white experience.

When I asked Jamar about the importance of teaching diversity to young kids he said, “They’re in their formative years of life.

Any experience provided during this time is going to be impressionable. We want to give them knowledge that’s going to help prepare them for real life. In February we’re talking about Black History Month and I’ll be sharing with them why it’s important. Our conversation might start with, ‘For a long time, people like me were not treated fairly’. For example, yesterday we read about Rosa Parks and a child raised their hand and said, ‘You’re allowed to sit with me on the bus’! And I said, ‘Well thank you! And are we sitting at the front or the back’? And he said, ‘At the front’! So, they’re getting it.”

Jamar is an incredibly dedicated educator who strongly believes in his work with Montessori schools.

About the Montessori philosophy he said, “I really believe it’s so important to have an approach to learning that is about not just education, but also nurturing the child emotionally, spiritually, physically, mentally and socially. The learning is very comprehensive but also delivered

in a way that’s accessible to the children. That’s where Montessori shines.”

Helping our young develop a social consciousness is a relatively new concept.

Many parents today still prefer to keep their children shielded from life’s unfairness, but if you’re a child growing up without all the advantages of ‘fitting in’ you don’t get to enjoy living in that bubble.

Jamar shared with me that though he never really felt much discrimination about his skin colour, he did have to face the bigotry and inner turmoil that came with being gay.

“I knew I was gay at a young age. Around age 10, I was starting to think this boy is pretty cute. But by Grade 8 after I had time to deal with my feelings, I wanted a girlfriend because I thought I needed to ‘correct’ myself, I wanted to be accepted and to fit in,” he said.

“It worked well enough but high school was still hard for me. I would skip school with a friend because I felt like I was confused about my identity. I did

My Office is Here to Help DROP IN OR MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Rima Berns-McGown MPP Beaches—East York

1821 Danforth Ave. Toronto, ON M4C 1J2  416-690-1032  RBerns-McGown-CO@ndp.on.ca

not know how to express myself at all. There were clothes that I would want to wear but didn’t wear … I was constantly being talked about; my sexual orientation was always put to question.

I was not called any derogatory terms to my face, it was always behind my back, but because I had so many friends that were girls, they would bring the gossip back to me. There was one bigger bully who would yell things out at me from his truck.

Eventually I did have to tell the principal. I felt it made things worse, but I had one month left of school, so I finished it and never looked back.”

This last statement doesn’t surprise me. Jamar is a person who doesn’t dwell on the past or the things that may have hurt him. He truly lives in the now and works towards the future.

The ability to be fully present is a gift and he shares it wholly with his students.

Naturally he is already thinking about his future.

“My dream has always been to own and operate my own small Montessori school. I want to give back.

I believe that Montessori is for everyone, studies show that not many Black families are even aware of the Montessori system. And possibly the ones that are aware, may write it off thinking it’s too expensive or that their child might not fit into that type of experience, but that couldn’t be further from the truth,” he told me. “My goal is to make my school welcoming and accessible to Black families.”

He bolstered his statement by astutely adding, “In order to make the changes we need to see in the world right now, it starts with education.”

I know Jamar’s dream will come true, because the leaps and bounds he has made in his career are all a testament to his determination and enthusiasm for what he does.

He knows who he is, what he’s supposed to be doing and believes in it with his whole heart. We should all be so lucky to have that kind of clarity.

8

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Community Calendar proudly presented by Beaches-East

Better things with a Desjardins Agent My service extends far beyond an initial conversation - I’m here for you every step of the way as your life and your needs change.

Come see why life’s a little better with a Desjardins Agent. Stop in, call or click.

1410005CN.1

Leane Besky Insurance Agency Inc Leane Besky CIP, Agent 2243 Queen St E Toronto ON M4E 1G1 416-690-7900 www.leanebesky.com Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance or Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company, underwriter of life insurance and living benefits products.

Desjardins, Desjardins Insurance and related trademarks are trademarks of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, used under licence.

Paul Jeffrey Barnes (P.J.) Passed away January 30, 2022. Survived by his cherished, amazing mother Eileen (106).

The Beaches will always remember P.J. for his sharp wit and musical talent and voice forever in our hearts.

Celebration of life to follow in spring.

2550 Danforth Ave. (Main & Danforth)

fully accessible

HopeUnited.ca 416-691-9682

FEBRUARY EVENTS Links for all events at Hopeunited.ca

Sundays

Sunday Services (online)

Feb. 26

Jazz Vespers (online):

Tuesdays

AA

11am

4:30pm online

12noon

with Jason Logue Sextet In person

Thursdays Yoga Class 11am (online)

with Stacey Booreman

Saturdays AA 8pm

In person

WINTER STATIONS runs to March 31, along Woodbine Beach. This year’s theme is Resilience. Info: www.winterstations.com TORONTO VIRTUAL SEEDY SATURDAY, Launch event Feb. 26, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (online webinars and Q&A sessions Feb. 22-March 12). Visit www.seedysaturday.ca/toronto to find local seed vendors, links to gardening and greening organizations, resource library, info about local seed exchanges, kids’ activities, panel discussions, and keynote speakers.

BEACHES LIONS EASTER PARADE along Queen St. E. from Munro Park Ave. to Woodbine Ave., April 17, 2 p.m. Info: www.beacheseasterparade.ca BEACH UNITED DOCUMENTARY SERIES: The Girls of Meru, February 23rd, 7:30 p.m. Watch the documentary: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqoyYQRfSPw. Acclaimed filmmaker Andrea Dorfman follows the heartbreaking yet uplifting story of the girls of Meru and their brave steps toward meaningful equality for girls worldwide. Zoom Discussion about the film on Wednesday, February 23rd 7:30pm, moderated by Mary Anne Alton, documentary producer and director for over 30 years. Zoom link and info: beachunitedchurch.com JAZZ: FROM NEW ORLEANS to Big Band Swing – A Four Part Lecture Series with Dr. Mike Daley at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave, 10 am to 12 noon, Monday March 21, 28, April 4, 11. We are delighted to announce that the four-part lecture series with Dr. Mike Daley that was cancelled in January is back on! Jazz from New Orleans to Big Band Swing covers the first halfcentury of Jazz from its roots in West Africa and then blues and ragtime through it’s flowering in turn-of-thecentury New Orleans and then as it spread throughout the world via recordings. Each lecture is richly illustrated with rare photos, video clips, and musical selections.

Note: a minimum of 75 participants is required for this series to run. Ticket info: beachunitedchurch.com ACOUSTIC HARVEST - Live Music East presents Mary Kelly with John Sheard at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., March 19, 8 p.m. Tickets $30 in advance only on our website www.acousticharvest.ca. More info: www. mkdivamusic.com, johnsheardmusic.com. Mary is a singer, actor, writer, and teacher who has performed in Schitt’s Creek, The Handmaid’s Tale, Orphan Black, In the Dark, Hot Zone, Saving Hope and Reign. Probably best known as music director for Stuart Mclean’s Vinyl Cafe from 1997-2016, Toronto’s John Sheard has released 8 solo piano recordings and continues to work with artists of all styles and mentor many young musicians. With Mary’s sublime voice, her theatrical style in story and song with the virtuoso John Sheard creating his solo magic on the keyboard, audiences will be treated to a memorable night of music.

FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard St. E., is open from 3:30-6 p.m. Registration is required. Time slots are being distributed. Those who already have their time slot, please come at that designated time and present your time slot when you are called in to be served. Face mask is mandatory. Please respect social distancing. Info: 416 690-5169 RCL BRANCH 11, Club Room, 9 Dawes Rd., Event dates: March 1: Shrove (Pancake) Tuesday, 5-7 p.m. Sausages & Pancakes $5 p/p. Coffee & Tea available and juice for children. Mar 13: Sunday Funday, 1-7 p.m. (early celebration of St. Patrick’s Day). Entertainment 2-6 p.m. by Gary Peter’s, Menu: TBA served at 4 p.m. Tickets $15 p/p sold at the Bar or Susan Squires 647-657-8817 - half meal ticket goes into draw for a prize and cut off date for meal ticket Mar 11. Come out and be Irish for a day – wear green, yes you have permission to wear St. Patrick Day hats! Also raffling 2 amazing Toronto Maple Leaf tickets for April 9 game vs Montreal Canadiens approx.

Value $734.40 each – Raffle Tickets 3 for $5 draw at approx. 5 p.m. Tickets on sale now from Bar Steward in the Club Room (over 60 Club Fundraiser). For all of the above events, masks must be worn, proof of full vaccination via QR Code required to enter. All Ont. Gov’t/ City of Toronto COVID protocols are to be followed.

BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP. Join us most days for a free video support group run through ZOOM. Sign up and get details at https://www.meetup. com. Ask to join us: Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups. Info: www.mentalwellness.help DANFORTH MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP. Join us most days for a free video support group run through ZOOM. Sign up and get details at https:// www.meetup.com/Mental-Wellness-Peer-to-PeerSupport-Groups/. Info: www.mentalwellness.help

York Councillor Brad Bradford GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS. If you or a family member are struggling with gambling, Gamblers Anonymous is there to HELP. Call: 1(855) 222-5542 or visit www.gatoronto.ca BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH LUNCHES. We welcome adults in the community to pick up a bag lunch at the door from 11 a.m.-12 noon. Mondays at Corpus Christie R.C. Church,16 Lockwood Rd.; Tuesdays at St. Nicholas Anglican Church (co-hosted with St. Aidan’s), 1512 Kingston Rd.; Wednesdays at the Beach Hebrew Institute, 109 Kenilworth Ave.; Thursdays at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave.; Fridays at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd. Info: 416-691-6869 BEACH PHOTO CLUB. Are you interested in photography? We invite all shutterbugs to check out our local photo club. We offer a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo excursions, competitions, practical seminars and more! We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June, 7-9:30 p.m.

Normally we meet at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave (unless specified in program), but due to Covid, we are meeting on Zoom for the time being. Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com CHURCHES WAVERLEY ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH, 129 Waverley Road. We invite you to join us either On-Line for our Sunday Morning Worship Services at www.twitch.tv/waverleyroadbaptist or Instagram Live beginning at 11 a.m., or InPerson (with pre-registration), for our new Sunday Series: “Legacy”! We start up Part Two of this series with “Live Passionately.” For more info, please go to waverleyroad.ca!

You can also reach us at (416) 694-3054 and info@waverleyroadbaptist.ca. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram, as well! Check out our IGTV for our Devotional Series, too!

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 72 Main St. (at Benlamond). Sunday service and mid-week study groups by phone. Call 416-691-4721 for more details. For updates about what is open visit www.calvary-bapist-church.ca ST. AIDAN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 2423 Queen St. E. (at Silver Birch). Our ministries and programs are continuing, with study groups online, service videos on YouTube, opportunities to meet virtually in small groups, and an eco-spirituality theme for action and learning all year.

Find out more on our website: staidansinthebeach.com BEACH UNITED CHURCH invites you to share in worship with us each Sunday. We are presently sharing livestream worship on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. [Services are also recorded and available through our website www.beachunitedchurch.com]. Livestream will continue for the remainder of February and into March. For the Lent and Easter season we will begin to offer limited inperson worship experiences for fully vaccinated people.

Please visit our website for future updates on how to register for in-person worship. Ash Wednesday March 2 at 7pm: a contemplative service that ushers us into Lent. Lent is a time for self-reflection. Each Sunday leading to Easter we focus on a unique spiritual practise (hospitality, patience, forgiveness, grace) to help us prepare for the celebration of Easter. Good Friday April 15 at 10:30am: a reflective service of journey to the cross. Easter Sunday April 17 at 7am: gather at the foot of Wineva Ave. on Kew Beach for a brief sunrise service. Easter Sunday April 17 at 10:30am: Easter celebration with communion. These services will be led by our creative and passionate music director Steven Webb and Rev. Greg Daly, our new minister. For links to our upcoming worship services, videos of past services, or information about our upcoming events and programs, please visit our website at www.beachunitedchurch.com ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd., 2 blks. east of Main St. Registration still required for all Masses, masks must be worn: Sat. Vigil at 4:30 pm, Sun. 9 & 11 am, Tue. - Thur. 8:15 am. Confessions by appt. Please contact church office: stjohnsto.archtoronto.org 416-698-1105 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST NORWAY Anglican Church, 470 Woodbine Ave. Welcome to St. John the Baptist Norway! We are a growing community which enjoys the Anglican expression of the Christian faith. We gather to connect with one another and worship God at 9 a.m. on ZOOM and with Holy Eucharist at 10:30 In Person and on Livestream.

We also have a Food Pantry available on Monday mornings from 10-12 noon. For more information, please visit our website at stjohnsnorway.com or call us at 416-691-4560.

Good Grief Support Group Sessions Register for our Good Grief 10 week Support Sessions and learn how to understand and deal with the grieving process.

Sessions

Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall

Facilitated by

Patti Atkinson & Judi Clarke Grief Companions, Certified in Bereavement Education

Free to the community • All welcome To register, please call Andrea Kwan, SCHC: 416-642-9445 ext. 4420 McDougall & Brown Funeral Home Scarborough Chapel mcdbrownscarb.ca

In partnership with:

Hospice Bereavement Care Program Arbor Memorial Inc.

Highland Funeral Home Scarborough Chapel highlandfuneralhomes.ca

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

9

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

How To Do A Top Ten List When The Perks Are Endless?

As seen in the Globe & Mail

80 HUBBARD BOULEVARD

4+1

LAKE VIEWS FROM FOUR LEVELS

4

1

1. It’s so much about the lake and beach - swim, kayak, SUP, waves crashing, snowy dog walks, sandy feet.

2. Never missing a sunrise.

3. Cozying up with a movie in front of our wood-burning fireplace.

4. Two staircases for epic tag and hide & seek.

5. The park is our front yard to slackline, play, game of catch, people watch and hang out 6. So. Much. Storage.

7. Ability for income with a totally self contained lower suite with lake views too!

8. Location, location, location! We walk everywhere restaurants, cafés, the Fox, the library, Ed’s, Kew tennis courts and the rink, shops, etc.

9. Hanging out in the kitchen at our 10' island.

10. Endless lake views from 4 floors & the most incredible light.

11. Listening to waves crashing from the house.

12. Right on the Martin Goodman Trail to get anywhere on two feet or two wheels 13. Two porches to enjoy every minute.

Sellers' Top Ten Eleven List 1. The family or Muskoka room, with the vaulted ceiling, roaring fire and great for games nights in the winter or summer!

2. Backyard BBQ's on the top deck followed by smorz by the fire pit!

3. Movie nights on the drop down in the basement.

4. Steps to the beach.

5. Its been voted the best hide and seek house!

6. Back yard is beautiful in the spring and summer. Its been such a retreat the past few years.

7. 2-car garage? Need we say more?

8. When it snows the kids have their own hill across the street to sled down. In the summer they love to ride their bikes at the water plant.

9. I also love the floor plan - kitchen over looks the family room and dining room. We all have our own space, and come together in the family room. I’m not a basement person, but ours doesn’t feel like one - it’s airy and light and awesome for the kids. The walk out makes a big difference too!

10. It really is an entertainers house - we have hosted so many birthdays and Christmases - it is my favourite time of year in the house - the mantle is so beautiful for dressing and we have had some monster Xmas trees!

11. We love the sunrise in the mornings, walking out the door and seeing the lake and the view of the water plant on a blue sky day is spectacular.

50X130 FT. LOT!

2-CAR GARAGE!

24 NURSEWOOD ROAD TEN HOUSES FROM THE WATER!

SHEA WARRINGTON SALES REPRESENTATIVE SHEA@ROYALLEPAGE.CA 647 808 4818

#BOUTIQUESERVICE

5+1

5

4

10

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

KINGSTON ROAD VILLAGE

SHOPS

Your Trusted Local Framer

FRAMING • great selection of custom frames • experienced framers • reasonable rates 921 Kingston Rd. | 416 792 8460 | yellowhousegallery.ca

On The Wild Side

The ducks of winter are visiting Toronto Ann Brokelman is an avid birder and nature photographer naturephotosbyann.blogspot.ca

D

espite what you may have heard, if it looks like a duck, walks like a duck, and quacks like a duck, it may not actually be just a duck!

I’m going to guess that if someone asked you to picture a duck, the first thing to come to mind would either be a common mallard (either the brown female or the green-headed male), or a cartoon of Daffy/Donald variety.

Did you know that there are about a dozen different family groups of ducks, many of which are found here in Ontario?

During our winter months, the Toronto beaches provide open water for a wide variety of striking ducks that have come all the way south from the Arctic and northern waters.

From the long-tailed duck, common and king eider, and greenwinged teal, all are worth checking out if you can find the time.

There are more Arctic ducks that visit our neck of the woods, but, today, I will focus on three special ones that I regularly see in winter along Lake Ontario.

I’ve found two green-winged teal ducks on the lake in just the last few weeks. The teal is the smallest of the North American dabbling ducks.

What is a dabbling duck you ask? It’s one of those duck families that I mentioned above, and its members are characterized by the way they feed.

I’m sure you’ve all seen an image of, or even live, a duck sticking its head underwater with its feet and tail feathers up in the air. That’s dabbling, and not all ducks do it!

PHOTO: ANN BROKELMAN

This photo shows a smaller green-winged teal visiting with a group of mallards on Lake Ontario.

While these ducks can swim underwater, they rarely submerge their whole body.

Green-winged teals will dive underwater when they think a predator is nearby, but that’s about it.

I’m always amazed at the size difference between mallards and green-winged teals, as the teals can be less than half the size of their cousins.

How do you know you’ve spotted one? Well, the green-winged teal has a notable patch of teal colouring on its wing. They also have an iconic green patch that goes from their eye around to the back of their head.

These birds can fly as fast as 97km/h (60mph) and mostly eat seeds, stems, and the leaves of

aquatic vegetation. In my mind, the most accurate word to describes them is: Cute.

The king eider is another amazing duck that visits us this time of year.

The eider is one of the many sea ducks, who, as you can probably guess, generally live alongside the sea.

I imagine Lake Ontario is a little disappointing for them, compared to Hudson Bay and the Arctic Ocean, but they come to visit, nonetheless.

They are diving ducks, which means they fully submerge themselves while looking for food. King eider’s have been observed going over 45 metres, (150 feet), below the surface.

They need to go deep to find the crustaceans and mussels, which they love to eat, on the bottom of the sea.

They are well adapted to frigid climates and are regularly seen resting on ice floes.

Maybe Lake Ontario for them is like the Caribbean Sea for the rest of us! One of the last times I saw one of these birds was a few years ago.

A juvenile walked out of the water, its chest held high and puffed out, and I thought it really had a royal, and pompous, air about it. It really strutted around like he was the king of the water.

My friend Carol LaPointe once told me that the long-tailed duck looks like someone took an incred-

ibly fine brush and meticulously painted each and every feather.

The more I see them, the more I agree. This eye-catching duck, with its impressive tailfeathers, is another sea duck that will fully immerse itself looking for food.

I’ve observed these birds, a few times, take off, zoom around in a short circle, land and then dive headfirst and disappear into the lake. This duck can actually reach a depth of 60m, (200ft).

How about one more notable fact about these birds? I often hear these birds long before I see them.

The next time you hear yodelling down by the lake it may not actually be your Swiss neighbour, but the beautiful long tailed duck.

Or, maybe it’s both.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

KINGSTON ROAD VILLAGE

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

SHOPS

In-Person Classes are Back!

Musical instruments!

Classes for kids and adults!

AY! D O T ER Rd. REGISnTer of KingstoSnt. Cor

All types of dance classes!

naford

& Han

Dance | Sing | Musical Theatre | Musical Instruments

416-699-5485 www.beachesdanceandmusic.com

When should I have my

I have ringing in my ears

I struggle to understand what people are saying in background noise

It seems like everyone around me is mumbling

1089 Kingston Rd. Unit 3, Scarborough, Ontario

416–698–9600

Located beside The Beer Store in Henley Gardens We accept WSIB, ODSP, DVA and all major insurance providers.

Laser Hair Removal Now Available at H&S Beaches

LER

, MORE EF FE

save

C

20% UOR FF

†

If 2 or more of these questions apply to you, call today to book your FREE hearing test

NT

VE TI

I’m told the TV is too loud

FASTER,

I am 55 years old or older

GE

HEARING TESTED?

*

YO FIRST VISIT!

* Plus applicable taxes. 20% off guest pricing. Discount eligible for one body part. † Clinical studies show that women and men who received three treatments—six weeks apart—had an average hair reduction of 81% at a six-month follow-up.

416.901.8626

974 Kingston Road · Toronto, ON www.handandstone.ca

11

12

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

WE’RE OPEN FOR YOU! ONLINE, PHONE, DELIVERY, CURBSIDE, ONSITE SAVE 15% OFF YOUR NEXT TWO PURCHASE PROMO CODE: WAVE

CANNABIS

ONLINE ORDER ONLY FOR PICK UP OR DELIVERY

WONDERLANDCANNABIS.CA

(647) 812-5822

1578 QUEEN STREET EAST

9AM - 11PM 7 DAYS A WEEK

LOTS OF FRONT PARKING

REWARDS SAVE UPTO 50% OFF

1-10PM

EXPRESS DELIVERY

WITHIN 90 MINS

VIC M. SARJU

Financial Advisor & Life Insurance Advisor

“Independent advice matters” Investment - Retirement - Insurance - Estate Consideration Guaranteed Investment Funds (GIFs) - Segregated Funds, Annuities GIFs offers growth potential of mutual funds plus security of principal guarantees, estate planning benefits and potential creditor protection.

Insurance: Life - Critical Illness - Disability - Travellers & Visitors Health & Dental Plans - Mortgage Insurance - Key Person Insurance RESP • TFSA • RRSP • RRIF • LIRA • LIF & Non-Registered Accounts GICs available from major Insurance Companies Cell: 416 560 0985 • www.vicsarju.com

Helping You Find Peace In The Mortgage Process Home Purchases - Refinancing Switches/Transfers - Ports Mortgage Renewals Reverse Mortgages

Your Neighbourhood Pet Store We may be small but we carry it all!

Come visit us and bring your furry friends too.

Contact me today to see how I can help.

No Obligation. rebecca@ultmgroup.com - 416-707-4429

WE OFFER FREE DELIVERY!

I do the shopping for you!

1618 Gerrard St. E. 647 352 6066 furballspetstuff@gmail.com

Mortgage Agent

License #21005209

S AV E O N TA X E S Let’s discuss ways to maximize your RRSP IAN R. GILES

Rebecca Franklin

Proudly Serving The Neighborhood For Over 93 Years Home Service – Major Appliances Parts Radio/TV Appliances 249 Coxwell Ave - Ph: 416 463 1164 www.butlersapplianceservice.com

THE FOOT GUY

David Allison, D. Ch.

CHIROPODIST

416.691.4348

952 Kingston Rd., Suite 207 info@thefootguy.ca www.thefootguy.ca

Financial Security Advisor

ian@northstonewealth.com 416.435.7786

It’s Deja Views all over again for butcher George Vickers More information available on Woodbine Avenue businesses operating in 1921

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

The Feb. 8 edition of Deja Views in Beach Metro Community News featured a photo of these businesses on Woodbine Avenue, between Kingston Road and Gerrard Street East, from 1921.

The photo was sent to David Van Dyke, who writes and takes photos for Deja Views, by Mhairi Kerr. Van Dyke had asked if anyone had more info on the stores in the photo, and Barbara Myrvold of The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society has shared her research.

SINCE THE photo at left appeared on the Deja Views page in the Feb. 8 print edition of Beach Metro Community News, Barbara Myrvold of The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society has been kind enough to share some information about the stores that were once located on Woodbine Avenue.

Using the 1921 Toronto City Directory, she located the businesses located on or near the southeast corner of Woodbine Avenue and Tomlin Avenue. (Tomlin Avenue is now called Corley Avenue.)

The 1921 businesses were 379 Woodbine Ave. — Geo. Vickers, cigars; 381 Woodbine Ave. – Jas. Dennison, boots and shoes; and 383 Woodbine Ave. — Geo. Vickers, butcher.

In further research, Myrvold dis-

covered that George Vickers lived at 383 Woodbine Ave. and his trade was listed as butcher according to the 1921 Canada Census.

Myrvold said the Toronto City Directory for 1921 can be viewed online at http://archive.org/details/torontodirec192100midiuoft/page/494/ mode/2up Also, she said city directories are an excellent source of information about people and places in Toronto at any given point in time and they can be viewed through the Toronto Public Library’s website at www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/history-genealogy/ lh-digital-city-directories.jsp Beach Metro Community News thanks Barbara Myrvold for sharing her research into the Woodbine Avenue businesses in 1921.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

13

Deja Views

Looking towards Kew Gardens in 1904

YOUR LOCAL NEIGHBOUR & REALTOR

First-Class Service, Exceptional Results Expertly guiding you through the selling and buying process to achieve your real estate objectives.

LET’S WORK TOGETHER.

www.bradenwhite.com Braden White Sales Representative 416-294-3776 braden@chestnutpark.com

Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited Christie’s International Real Estate Not intended to solicit individuals currently under contract with another brokerage.

Experiencing a Wellness Challenge?

Worry • Anxiety • Stress • Depression OCD • Bipolar • PTSD • Sadness

We’ve been there...we can help! Sign up for FREE & CONFIDENTIAL peer support

VIRTUAL PEER SUPPORT GROUPS! Join us most days for a FREE video support group run through ZOOM. Sign up and get details at: www.MeetUp.com Look for: Mental-Wellness-Peer-to-Peer-Support-Groups

www.MentalWellness.help Follow us on Instagram:

beachmetro

beachmetro.com | 416.698.1164

Nathaniel Erskine-Smith M.P. Beaches-East York info@beynate.ca

416.467.0860 PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE

VIRTUAL

By David Van Dyke

This archival photograph at the top of this page was taken in 1904. The location is Queen Street East just west of Lee Avenue.

In the background, left of the frame, is Kew Gardens which was established in 1879. At the time this photo was taken, the Beaches Public Library was still 12 years away from being built. Kew Williams Cottage had been built two years prior, in 1902 and is the only house still standing in Kew Gardens park today. The cottage has always been my favourite house in the Beach.

Do you have an old photo of Kew Gardens you’d like to share? Please contact me at gdvandyke61@gmail.com

Local historic walking tours slated A PAIR of Historic Walking Tours in East Toronto are being planned for this March and April.

Hosted by Beach historian Gene Domagala, the walks are set for Saturday, March 19, and Saturday, April 23.

The March 19 tour will

look at the area of the former Glen Stewart Golf Course south of Kingston Road. The free tour begins at 1 p.m.

Those wishing to take part are asked to meet at the corner of Victoria Park Avenue and Kingston Road.

The April 23 walk will be

concentrated on the Main Street and Gerrard Street East area. This walk also starts at 1 p.m. Participants should meet at the northeast corner of Main and Gerrard.

For details, contact Domagala at historyman1@hotmail.com

SENIORS ACTIVE LIVING & LIFESTYLES FAIR February 28 - March 4

Hosted by Community Centre 55

Join us for an informa�ve, fun and FREE week of virtual workshops, ac�ve demonstra�ons and webinars to keep you independent and ac�ve!

See Full Schedule and Zoom Links at www.centre55.com No registra�on required.

Please contact Jade at 416-691-1113 or at jade@centre55.com for more informa�on.

This event is hosted by Community Centre 55 in partnership with the Older Adult Centres’ Associa�on of Ontario (OACAO) with funding provided by the Government of Ontario

14

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

East York Baseball still has spots open for house league season

Do you want your child to be a leader?

OELC believes that our youth can make a difference.

Nurturing curiosity, reflection and individual growth, our specifically designed athletic, arts based or global issues leadership programs are transformative…. and full of FUN! For Gr. 6 -12 youth.

By Jesse Gault

Our site is on the beautiful shores of Lake Couchiching near Orillia.

FOLLOW US! Instagram: @St.johntcdsb

AT ST. JOHN CATHOLIC SCHOOL 780 Kingston Road, Toronto Kindergarten Registration for September 2022* is NOW OPEN

soar.tcdsb.org

* Children born in 2018 eligible for kindergarten

FOLLOW US! Twitter: @StJohnTCDSB

For more information and to register for summer camp 2022 visit: www.oelccaso.com or call 1-705-689-5572

USUALLY, ALL of the house league divisions of the East York Baseball Association are full by this time of year.

However, as March of 2022 approaches, the majority of those divisions have not yet reached full enrolment.

Craig Colby, vice-president of house league at East York Baseball, called the situation “very odd.”

Celebrating its 70th year, East York Baseball has a long and proud history in the community of providing sports opportunities for youngsters.

“East York Baseball is about kids learning the game and having fun. Everything is done for the kids,” Colby said.

He said he can only speculate as to why there is so far a limited turnout for house league this year.

“We opened registration in November this year rather than January so parents may be a bit behind. Certainly COVID-19 has introduced uncertainty to everything.

Some parents may be reluctant. A lot of parents also think that registration fills up immediately so they make other plans,” said Colby.

“Our registration also mir-

rors the Blue Jays success.

When they’re hot, enrolment is up. The Jays being out of town for a season and a half and just missing the playoffs may have dampened some enthusiasm for baseball in the city.”

The elephant in the room is, of course, COVID-19. Parents could be nervous about their children being exposed to the virus while playing organized sports.

Keeping players safe from the virus has been a priority for East York Baseball, said Colby.

In the 2021 season, league organizers had protocols in place for the safety of players and volunteers. For instance, each player had to have their own bat and helmet, catcher equipment was not shared, and sanitizer was available.

Over the previous season, there was not a single case of COVID-19 in the East York Baseball house league, said Colby.

Making the slow registration for the upcoming house league season more confusing is that last season players showed particular enthusiasm to be playing the game, he said.

The pandemic has been stressful time for so many people, and Colby said that

every night last season parents and children expressed their excitement to be back at the ballpark and playing baseball.

Colby hopes the upcoming baseball season will again be a release for players and parents.

Another aspect to appreciate, for those who do sign up, is the great location East York Baseball plays out of.

The club uses Stan Wadlow Park, near the intersection of Woodbine and Cosburn avenues. The park also has a snack bar and playground.

East York Baseball was formed in 1952, and club organizers have had a graphic artist prepare a special logo for the 70th anniversary.

As part of the 70th anniversary, there are plans for other celebrations as the season goes on.

That will include celebrating some famous East York Baseball alumni who went on to pro careers.

Those players include Rob Butler, who won a World Series with the Toronto Blue Jays; and John Hiller, who won a World Series with the Detroit Tigers.

For information on registering for East York Baseball, please go to www.eastyorkbulldogs.com

Beach Metro Community News Lucky Volunteer for February 22 The Beach Metro Community News Lucky Volunteer for February 22 is Yvonne Damaren, who has been delivering the newspaper along Golfview and Corley Avenues since 2009.

“I started delivering the Beach Metro with my daughter when she was in high school and she needed volunteer hours,” she said. “We enjoyed walking the route together and we both love reading all the local news in the Beach Metro.”

After 13 years, Yvonne has decided to step down from our distribution team.

Along with a Lucky Volunteer cheque for $50, we are sending her our thanks and best wishes.

Follow us on Instagram:

beachmetro

beachmetro.com | 416.698.1164

There are more than 200 volunteer carriers helping deliver Beach Metro Community News to your doorsteps.

Many of our volunteers are high school students earning their community service hours. If you would like to become a Beach Metro carrier, please email Melinda Drake at melinda@beachmetro.com

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

BEACH METRO COMMUNITYNEWS

15

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY HEALTH DR. KARIN RUMMELL & ASSOCIATES OPTOMETRISTS 1914 Queen St. E. (E. of Woodbine) Mon.- Sat. by appointment

PSYCHOTHERAPY

ACCOUNTING

FINANCIAL SERVICES

LAWYERS/LEGAL

MASSAGE THERAPY

Tara Shannon

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Aldo Lopez-Gil, CFP, CIM

Shelly Pereira, Paralegal

Complete financial services for the business owner, manager, entrepreneur & self-employed Corporate and Personal Income Tax Services Bus: 416-270-9898

We specialize in wealth & retirement strategies, RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, RESPs, Pensions and more.

Life Insurance, Disability, Critical Illness

advancedapproaches massage.com

M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, RP Registered Psychotherapist Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples Insurance clients welcome Evening & weekend sessions available 579 Kingston Rd (corner Main)

416 698-6960 tara@tarashannon.ca

416-691-5757

BALSAM DENTAL Family Dentistry * Open 6 days a week * * Evening hours available * New patients always welcome 2200 Queen St. East (at Balsam)

416-691-8555

Beatriz Mendez B.A. B.Ed. M.A. DipTIRP

Registered Psychotherapist Low Fee - High Value Therapy Kingston Rd. at Victoria Park Ave.

416-690-2417

www.balsamdental.com

www.East-Toronto-Therapy.com mendez.smith@sympatico.ca

BEACHES OPTOMETRY CLINIC Dr. Linda Chan, Optometrist and Associates

951 Kingston Rd. (West of Victoria Park)

416-691-1991

DR. LINDA WINTER Psychologist

Consultations • Therapy Individuals • Couples Over 20 years experience.

Located at Queen & Wheeler

416-691-1071

Lisa Romano-Dwyer BSc, MSW, PhD, RSW

Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist

Lakeside Wellness Therapy Affiliates Individual & Couple Care Child & Adolescent Counselling Services Wellness Life Coaching 1755 Queen St. E. • 416-951-8280

Psychologist & Psychoanalyst

Individuals & Couples Services disponibles en français Insurance Coverage 47 Main Street (at Lyall Ave)

416-694-4380

98 Scarboro Beach Blvd.

William F. Deneault

Chartered Accountant • Corporate & Personal Tax • Specializing in small to medium business • Financial advice 21 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 502

Tel: (416) 962-2186

Kriens LaRose, LLP

Effective Treatment for

Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Relationships.

Registered Psychotherapist

416-363-0065

COUNSELLING

www.drlempert.ca

• Accounting services for owner-managed businesses.

• Personal and corporation income tax preparation.

• Audit and consulting services for not-for-profit organizations

www.krienslarose.com

416-690-6800

Melani Norman

CPA, CMA Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes

Call 416-471-0337

Emily C. Larimer CPA, CGA

SPEECHLANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST reg.CASLPO School age: Learning Disabilities Reading, Articulation Difficulties

LESLIE RENNIE 647-994-8255 leslierennie@gmail.com

Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd Ready to Talk Life & Relationship Challenges 416-694-0232

www.energyawakening.com Spiritual Counselling

WELLNESS

BeyondTheBlueTherapy.com

missfit.ca in-home

416-829-0527, Main & Kingston

Kirsten Johnson

personal trainer 416 888 6465 mimi@missfit.ca

ONLINE SESSIONS

SPIRITUAL ADVISER Retired Psychotherapist Finding meaning in your life 40 years experience • $80/hr

Peg Earle M.A., M.Div., RMFT 647-970-6807

VETERINARIANS CHRISTINE KATO, B.Sc., D.V.M.

KATO ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2830 Danforth Ave. (East of Dawes Rd.)

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

INCLUDING TAXES IN ARREARS Call: 416-693-2274 emily@eclarimercpa.com www.eclarimercpa.com

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

barbsaunders.com therapy@barbsaunders.com (Queen & Woodbine location)

INSURANCE Leane Besky Insurance Agency Inc. DESJARDINSINSURANCE Auto, Home, Life, Critical Illness, Disability, Financial Services

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!

Vic M. Sarju 416 560-0985

Wendy MacKinnon Residential / Commercial / Reverse / Investment / 416-994-4771 wendy@macmortgage.ca www.macmortgage.ca Serving the Beaches & GTA Powered by Invis License #10801

LAWYERS/LEGAL Dashwood & Dashwood Barristers & Solicitors

Geoffrey J. Dashwood

FINANCIAL SERVICES

Guardian Mortgages Kinga and Allen Chin

Commercial / Residential / Investor Services

P: 416-315-0355

955A Kingston Rd, Toronto, M3E 1S8 E: info@guardianmortgages.ca W:www.guardianmortgages.ca Serving the Beaches & GTA

Powered by Mortgage Architects License #12728

Snider & DiGregorio Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries.

978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9

Assante Capital Management Ltd. 101 - 952 Kingston Road, Toronto

647-276-0072 lbowes@assante.com bowesfinancialgroup.ca

LEE JAMES BOWES CIM, PFP EstatePlanning & Insurance Services Assante Capital Management Inc. 101 - 952 Kingston Road, Toronto

647-276-0072 lbowes@assante.com bowesfinancialgroup.ca

Commissioner/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation.

Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation

647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net

Peter J. Salah

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

KAMRULHAFIZAHMED 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)

662 Broadview Ave. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca

Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca

O’Reilly, Moll & Mian

Divorce, Tenancy/Landlord disputes, Employment disputes.

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Public

Sarah Harvey & Associates 416-795-4181

300 Main Street

info@sarahharveyandassociates.com

416-690-3324

DENISE BADLEY-CASTELLO Barrister, Solicitor, Notary

Family • Wills & Estates Real Estate

2069 Danforth Ave. (Woodbine)

416-690-6195

dbadleylaw@rogers.com

Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848

2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com

• Open 7 Days a week •

Voted “#1 Spa and Best Massage Therapist in Toronto”

416-694-6767

THERAPY LOUNGE Megan Evans, RMT, CRHP & Associates Massage Therapy • Reflexology 2245 Queen St. East • 2nd floor • Open 7 days per week •

www.therapylounge.ca

416-916-7122

URBAN CALM THERAPEUTICS Stephanie Gage, RMT Kristina Pearsal, RMT 1789 Queen St. East, Unit 6

www.urbancalm.ca 416-698-3157

Jen Goddard, R.M.T. Neville Park Health Group 2455A Queen St. East

416-690-6257

GARRY M. CASS

416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garry@garrycass.com

Glover & Associates Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries

Stephen G. King, Architect B. Arch. OAA, MRAIC “Serving the Beach since 1987” Residential, Restorations, Home Inspections, Commercial, Interiors, Landscapes COMPLETE PROJECT SERVICES FROM DESIGN THROUGH CONSTRUCTION

(416) 694-8181 www.stephenkingarchitect.com

Member Ontario Association of Architects

CHIROPRACTORS

Janet D’Arcy

DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A Queen St. East

416 690-6257

Open Saturdays

John H.

BJARNASON, D.C.

BARRISTER & SOLICITOR, TEP Wills/Estate Administration/Advice to Estate Trustees

Chiropractor

1906 Queen St. E. (1 block east of Woodbine)

W. MORRIS DESIGN ARCHITECTURAL AND INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANTS DESIGN CONCEPTS AND PERMIT DRAWINGS WESLEY MORRIS, ARIDO, IDC, AATO

416-261-9679

PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES Renovations & Additions Structural Design • Building Permit

Local • Affordable 416-200-6300 www.WINTACO.com

416-694-2868

Studio Kutertan

BEACHES WELLNESS CENTRE

Custom Residential Design Affordable Houseing • Renovations Building Permits

Dr. Johanna Carlo Chiropractic &

Complete Residential Design Services

647-993-6526 Meldan Kutertan, Principal, MArch, BArch Sc.

Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate

Registered Massage Therapy

416-691-3700

416-698-7070

FUNERAL SERVICES

ASHBRIDGE’S HEALTH CENTRE

eco Cremation &

Queen and Hammersmith

Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION Linda Bronicheski, J.D.

47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com

home delivery of the Beach Metro News?

Join our team and help us get the printed word out.

Contact melinda@beachmetro.com

927 Kingston Rd. (W. of Vic Pk)

MEDIATION/ARBITRATION

2130 Queen Street East

Dr. Emily Howell Jackie Leesun, RMT Dr. Ceara Higgins

Chiropractic, Acupuncture, RMT

1522 Queen St. E. 416-465-5575 www.ashbridgeshealth.ca

Are you getting

There may be a volunteer opportunity on your street!

High school students can earn community service hours.

Su Willson, B.MUS, R.M.T. & ASSOC.

ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN

LEE JAMES BOWES CIM, PFP Financial Planning & Investment Services

Cont.

961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738

Barrister & Solicitor

Affordable Talk Therapy for Individuals or Couples Therapist-in-Training Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy

Mac Mortgage

KATHRYN WRIGHT

Individual & Couples Therapy

2243 Queen St. E. 416-690-7900 www.leanebesky.com

416-690-2112

BOOKKEEPING & PERSONAL TAX RETURNS

LGTBQ+ / Anxiety / Depression

Therapy with Barbara

aldo.lopez-gil@edwardjones.com 416-691-8730

Chartered Professional Accountants

PSYCHOTHERAPY www.CarolynDallmanDownes.com

Dr. Linda Iny Lempert

Bert van Delft

Cont.

Beach Metro Community News is a free, non-profit newspaper established in 1972

/BeachMetroNews @beachmetronews #beachmetro

www.beachmetro.com

Burial Services Inc.

Life Celebrations. Done Differently.

In Service with St. John’s Norway Cemetery & Crematorium.

647.660.5056 www.ecofuneral.ca

16

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Sports

A TRUSTED NAME IN BEACH REAL ESTATE FOR OVER 33 YEARS I KNOW WHO’S #1 IN BEACH REAL ESTATE...

YOU ARE!

416.690.5100 TNEAL@TREBNET.COM THOMASNEAL.CA

DAVID ANTHONY PAUL October 21, 1942 – January 21, 2022

Dave passed away peacefully in hospital on Friday, January 21st, 2022.

After a long series of illnesses and complications, he is at rest.

Predeceased by his mother, Mary Constance (Chapman) Paul and his father, Ernest Paul, Dave is survived, in loving memory, by his partner/wife of 48 years, Susanne (Sue) Tattersall, his sisters, Anne Kadri of Florida, Sharon Malise (Scott), nieces Danielle and Mikaela and nephew Garrett, of New York. Much extended family and tried-and-true friends are also honoured here.

Dave was born on October 21st, 1942, in Salford, England. Full of adventure and mischief, the raising of Dave involved the exploration of his Manchester neighbourhood’s WWII bomb sites, scout activities, road and cycling trips through the country and into Wales, camping, spelunking and Manchester’s offerings of a burgeoning club scene (preferably with dancing). Following a comprehensive apprenticeship and certification as a joiner, or “wood surgeon extraordinaire”, Dave formulated a plan and mission to use his trade as a vehicle to explore all the sites and adventures that the world had to offer. Leaving Manchester in 1965, his first stop was Australia, travelling and working from Sydney up to Cairns for over a year. A subsequent stint of 3 years followed in Papua New Guinea, where highlights included mountain climbing, scuba diving, exploring the jungles and islands of the territory for WWII wreckage, tribal gatherings, and soccer matches and horse races on the local airstrips. Life was sweet but there was much more to see and in 1968 through to 1969, Dave set off for points East, through Japan, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Thailand, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Italy, and France. Back in the UK, the next destination was organized for emigration to Canada where, with Sue and a few years of “settlement”, it was off to New Zealand, Australia and New Guinea once again. Returning to Toronto in 1975, Dave resumed the carpentry and renovation trade and, after residence in a variety of Toronto’s neighbourhoods, “The Beach” became home, where his passion for soccer, events and get-togethers with friends and family were always part of a plan, but travel and its spontaneous adventures were never far from the agenda. Through U.S. visits, and covering the miles for so many parts of Canada, it was always “what’s next?”

Dave was an indomitable spirit, with a wicked and bottomless arsenal of jokes, expressions and stories for every occasion. His love of his cameras and his passion for photography is evident in our minds and our story-telling that will keep his memory alive. Those photos showed a keen and sensitive eye and were his statements of love and caring for the most important people in his life. He will be missed. Be at peace, Dave.

Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Dave’s life will be scheduled as early as COVID-19 health and safety restrictions permit.

Charitable donations may be made, if desired, to Michael Garron Hospital, The Toronto Humane Society, The Canadian Lung Association or a charity of choice via his memorial web page at www.ecofuneral.ca

Former Balmy Beach player Conor McCann joins Toronto Arrows of Major League Rugby

By Jesse Gault

CONOR MCCANN, a former Balmy Beach Rugby Club player, recently signed on to play with the Toronto Arrows pro rugby team.

Now 28, McCann earned numerous honours as a young rugby player with the local team and has continued his involvement with the sport while also working as a firefighter in Toronto.

At six-foot-one and 205 pounds, he is an excellent athlete and in top shape. He has been described as a wellrounded back, and a good kicker.

The Toronto Arrows were formed in 2018 and they compete in Major League Rugby, which is a 13-team North American pro league.

“Playing for the Arrows is a tremendous honour and it is awesome to have a professional club in my hometown.

I know it will help grow the game and get people involved like never before. I am enjoying the opportunity to do what I love in the city I grew up in,” said McCann.

The Arrows had a preseason match against Old Glory DC on Friday Jan. 21 in Virginia.

McCann had an excellent game for the Arrows in that contest and was named the winner of the Old Glory DC Clonakilty Man of the Match award. The award is presented from Old Glory to a player on the opposing team who plays very well and does not shy away from the physical aspect of the game.

Growing up in the Beach area, McCann said the Balmy Beach Rugby Club

PHOTO: TORONTO ARROWS

Former Balmy Beach Rugby Club player Conor McCann is now a member of the Toronto Arrows team in Major League Rugby. played an important role in his athletic career.

“Balmy Beach has been extremely important to me as a rugby player and a person.

I am extremely fortunate to have had many great mentors growing up, along with the generosity of my community in helping me to achieve some rugby goals,” he said.

“I wish to continue this for the youth players in our club well into the future.”

In 2014 then also in 2015, McCann helped the Balmy Beach Rugby Club win the McCormick Cup, which is the senior men’s club rugby championship of Ontario.

“I have played with Balmy Beach, James Bay AA, ASM Clermont Auvergne, Rugby Canada U-17, U-20 and 7s, Shawnigan Lake School, John Cleveland College, Hinckley RFC and finally the Toronto Arrows,” said McCann of his long rugby career.

“Rugby has given me many great memories. But it’s the opportunities it has

given me and the ability to travel and see the world while experiencing different cultures that is really the most memorable, places like Dubai, South Africa, Australia and Chile,” he said.

In 2015, while playing a game with Balmy Beach at Fletcher’s Fields in Markham, McCann also helped save a teammate’s life by performing CPR with a defibrillator that was at the fields. The teammate had taken a hard hit, struggled to breath and his heart stopped. McCann would go on to become a firefighter with Toronto Fire Services.

During the pandemic, McCann has been keeping active and in shape through a number of activities including putting together exercise routines for his family.

McCann, his mother, his siblings, and their partners would come together two or three times per week to do sprints and lift weights (all while observing COVID-19 safety rules).

The Toronto Arrows began their 2022 regular season on Feb. 6 with a 21-8 loss to the Seattle Seawolves.

The Arrows also played the Los Angeles Giltinis on Feb. 11. The result of that match was a 31-16 loss for the Arrows.

The first home game for the Arrows, which will be played at the York Lions Stadium at York University, is set for Saturday, April 2, at noon against Rugby ATL (Atlanta).

For more information on the Toronto Arrows, please go to www.torontoarrows. com

Winter Olympics run ends for Beach hockey player Jack McBain

By Jesse Gault

THE WINTER Olympic Games run of Beacher Jack McBain came to an end last week when the Canadian Men’s Hockey Team lost 2-0 to Sweden in the quarterfinals.

The loss on Feb. 16 eliminated the Canadian men’s team from the medal hunt at this year’s Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.

In five games played, forward McBain, 22, notched a goal and assist for Canada.

Both of his points came in Canada’s 7-2 win over China in the qualifying round game on Feb. 15.

As that game against China neared its end, McBain

was at the side of China’s net and passed the puck out front for a goal by team captain Eric Staal.

Moments later, McBain was again to the side of China’s net. This time he stepped out front, swung at a rebound, and buried the puck for his own goal to make it 7-2 for Canada.

Jack McBain is the son of former National Hockey League player Andrew McBain, who played 608 games in the NHL after being drafted in the first round by the Winnipeg Jets in 1983.

Andrew McBain played in the NHL with Winnipeg, Pittsburgh, Vancouver, and Ottawa.

Presently playing with the

PHOTO: HOCKEY CANADA

Beacher Jack McBain was a member of the Canadian Men’s Hockey Team at the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Boston College Eagles, Jack McBain was drafted by the Minnesota Wild in the third round of the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

McBain grew up in the Beach and attended Malvern Collegiate Institute.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

17

EAST ON QUEEN STREET EAST

! l a c o L EVERYTHING YOU’LL EVER WANT OR NEED p o h S WE HAVE IT ALL RIGHT HERE!

2136 Queen St. E. 416.699.3747 beaches@hoopershealth.com Open: Mon. – Fri. 9 – 7 | Sat. 9 – 5 | Sun. 11 – 4

Watch for our upcoming Customer Appreciation event!

Prescription services Quality Compounding Specialists

We waive the $2.00 O.D.B Co-pay fee

selection of alternative Great healthcare remedies, nutritional supplements and natural body products

Lots of New Colourful Spring and Summer Linen and Cotton Clothing have Arrived!!

50% off Sale Rack Changes Weekly!

 Personalized service

Book your family Flu or Covid vaccine with us online at vaxrx.ca

The Artisans

1978 Queen St. E. 416 907 2029 www.charmingparrot.com @shopcharmingparrot

charmingparrot

BOTHERED BY VARICOSE VEINS? We provide consultation and treatment for varicose veins and spider veins.

Consultation covered by OHIP with a doctor's referral Call now and book an appointment!

Imported Gifts & Sterling Silver Jewellery Family Owned and Operated since 1990!

March ‘Spring’ Break is just around the cor�er...14th to 18th...

Drop in to see our new ‘Spring’ merchandise.

Stay Safe and Healthy.

1974A Queen Street East | 416.690.1663

East Toronto Vascular Clinic

1805 QUEEN STREET EAST – PH: (416) 691-2030 ext 3 FAX (416) 259-7975 - EMAIL INFO@ETVC.CA

RESTAURANTS BARS MOVIES MUSIC CLOTHING FURNISHINGS JEWELERY GROCERIES SERVICES PETS HOUSEWARES COLLECTABLES ART BAKERIES SWEETS TREATS WELLNESS EYES TOYS HAIR THERAPISTS ELECTRONICS ICE CREAM LIQUOR WINE FRUIT DOCTORS DENTISTS VETS MASSAGE HARDWARE PHARMACY REPAIRS BOOKS SHOES REAL ESTATE FLOWERS AND SO MUCH MORE

18

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Letters to the Editor

Friends of Small’s Creek respond to Metrolinx’s open letter Re: ‘City calls on Metrolinx to consider other plans for Small’s Creek,’ and the open letter to the community

by Phil Verster, President and CEO of Metrolinx, Beach Metro Community News, Feb. 8.

Dear Phil Verster, We have written several letters to you over the last year, each one asking you to consider all options pertaining to the construction to take place in Small’s Creek and Williamson Ravine.

These ravines on either side of the tracks between Coxwell and Woodbine Avenues, are classified as environmentally significant wetlands. They are treasured natural spaces for people and home to a wide range of birds, wildlife and plants.

Small’s Creek is one of the last exposed daylit creeks in the City, and in this area, it is the only remnant of the original creek that flows to what was Ashbridges Bay. When your office reached out Feb. 3 for a meeting the next morning, we welcomed the opportunity to raise our concerns; not with the fourth track itself which we support, but with the level of destruction this singularly focused design plan would cause, and without a com-

mitted restoration plan in place.

It is now apparent that these ravine-wetlands were never given any special consideration along the corridor in early planning, despite the environmentally significant designation and the crucial role the wetland ecosystem serves for the climate and wildlife.

The timing of your invite was less than a day after our City Councillor Brad Bradford (Beaches-East York), along with Mayor John Tory, tabled a motion at City Council which was passed unanimously requesting: “Metrolinx to investigate and provide alternative proposals to the City that reduce the impact to the ravine ecosystem due to Small’s Creek project, including the approach for how the pedestrian connection from Merrill Bridge Road Park to Williamson Park Ravine will be included in the scope of the project, as referenced in the report (Jan. 12, 2022) from the Executive Director, Transit Expansion Office.”

Among other important points, the motion goes on to request that Metrolinx “include consultation with community and stakeholders, including the Toronto

and Region Conservation Authority, and receives Toronto and Region Conservation Authority approval in advance of requesting further project approvals or beginning any significant early work construction that impacts mature trees and the wooded ravine slope. (The italics is mine to stress an important point.)

Mistrust of Metrolinx is a common sentiment shared by many community groups, so in retrospect, it should not have surprised us that at the exact time of our meeting with you, crews moved in to begin clearing the trees in Small’s Creek, including many of the red oaks on city land.

That afternoon, you went on to publish an Open Letter to the Small’s Creek community with a range of claims about the good Metrolinx has done and will continue to do for the ravine and community and celebrated listening to us. The letter was dated the day before we met.

It is from your Open Letter that I would like to expand on several of the points you publicly stated as I do not believe they tell the whole story. You wrote (in bold): “We saved 60 trees by changing the construc-

PHOTO: JIM CLARK

This photo shows the north side of the railroad tracks in Small’s Creek Ravine that was cleared by Metrolinx work crews earlier this month. tion laydown area and access path to the corridor.”

It is true that a reduction in the number of trees to be cut down in Williamson Ravine was announced. On our walking tour of the ravine last August, Metrolinx explained that there may be a reduction in the area that will be affected once the construction plan is finalized.

While we do celebrate the protection of these trees, we would like to clarify that they are located in Williamson Ravine, south of the tracks. There have been NO trees spared in Small’s

Creek, which is located to the north of the tracks. This includes many red oaks and several other native non-invasive species, which make up 80 per cent of the trees on city property that are being destroyed.

“Our robust restoration plan will plant 2,000 trees with many planted throughout the ravine.”

If a current restoration plan actually exists, it has not been shared with the community and has not been approved by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).

The “2000 trees” is a number that has been much lauded but you go on to say “many of which will be planted in the ravine”. That number has never been formally confirmed.

Furthermore, there are no indications as to the size of these saplings, species, or where the majority of these trees will end up, since they apparently will not be in the ravine.

Ultimately, it is not really about the number of trees.

The existing tree canopy on the Small’s Creek embankment has been eradicated.

Even if all 2,000 trees were somehow planted in the ravine, it would take decades for them to provide the shade that the largest oaks provided for the wetland.

The removal of these significant mature oaks puts the wetland in peril of drying out, as it becomes fully exposed to sun.

Also, the interrelationships between these massive oaks, their leaves, roots, and the wetland soil, are critical and cannot be reinstated for many decades.

“The GO Expansion program underwent an independent voluntary review by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) on construction mitigation and restoration methods” Like Metrolinx, TRCA is an arm’s length agency of the provincial government.

In this respect, they work

as public representatives with expertise on policies and standards regarding natural heritage and water management in the limits of the floodplain. However, you separated the ecological restoration scope from that of construction, and have so far only asked TRCA’s planning staff to review information pertaining to construction which, to our understanding, is not their area of expertise.

“Our Small’s Creek restoration plan includes a restored pedestrian connection along the ravine.”

The walking path, an existing path of travel that likely predates settlement, is entirely overlooked in the early Metrolinx drawings that were obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, and continues to be. The current design of the new culvert severs the walking trail, which is one of the reasons why a restoration plan should have been developed in unison with the construction plan.

Without an accessible restoration plan available, the community can only hope that the walking trail will be designed to reinstate the pedestrian loop around the ravine when it is restored.

With the replacement of the collapsed culvert under the tracks, there was a unique, once in a lifetime opportunity to reconnect the two ravines, with a pedestrian and wildlife tunnel, in keeping with the goals of the Toronto Ravine Strategy.

There are currently no options to cross the tracks between Coxwell and Woodbine avenues, and there will likely never be large equipment in the ravines again.

We recognize the pedestrian tunnel was not part of your initial mandate, but it is precisely the sort of community benefit that should have been studied when this project was initiated.

It was an opportunity for Metrolinx to be a collaborative partner with the City Continued on Page 19

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

Letters to the Editor

Metrolinx urged to consider long-term health of ravines ‘Friends’ from Page 18 and community, to achieve mutual benefits, had other critical design criteria been considered beyond simply adding the fourth rail line.

“Met regularly with the community to engage and inform.”

Inform yes, but Metrolinx never engaged in any meaningful way with the local community. Being forced to use multiple Freedom of Information requests to get information on the project speaks to how Metrolinx engages and informs the public.

The Friends of Small’s Creek, which includes engineers, architects, ecologists, hydrologists, landscape architects, a forestry expert and lawyers, proposed concept alternatives ranging from completely different engineering methods to relatively minor adjustments such as road access points.

With the construction materials already ordered for your plan, you asked the company that had been awarded the contract if they would consider deviating from the contract. Clearly, there was never any genuine consideration of alternatives.

On a similar note, there is a systemic problem in the way Metrolinx operates that omits significant incursions on green space that are not detailed in the project assessment phase.

By the time the plans and impacts are actually published, it is deemed too late to adjust the plan, much like the construction plan for Small’s Creek.

Metrolinx indicated tree inventories and replacement plans would be available during the consultation period,

but it is now clear that this was never going to be the case.

Transit expansion is necessary. Tough choices need to be made, and not everyone will be happy.

While we appreciate the enormity of the task, there are simple ways to include transparent, open consultation with communities to achieve a better outcome for all (and that includes Metrolinx). Monthly webinars to the community to announce decisions that were already made internally does not amount to consultation.

For large, complex infrastructure projects, it is common for a clear community consultation plan and implementation strategy to be created and shared with the community, early on in the project. We have not seen this. Instead engagement has been reactive, defensive and ad hoc at best.

While much of your plan now seems irreversible by design, we still envision opportunities to make improvements to the wellbeing of these ravines.

You can still make a difference without any negative impact to the fourth rail or the needs of commuters including: • Proactively and expertly remediating and restoring this forest wetland and the ecological integrity that shades and nourishes this precious valued natural asset, such that it will thrive despite the destruction of the forested embankment.

• Ensuring the walking trail in Small’s Creek remains a complete loop, and reviewing the viability of a boardwalk for the lower path to allow for year-round access, which would reduce

foot traffic on the sensitive wetlands we hope will still exist.

• Adding a second (lower) retaining wall with a more natural appearance with limestone / armourstone, commonly used along Toronto’s ravine trails. While this will disguise some of the unsightly concrete barrier Metrolinx is planning to put in the ravine to support the rail line, the main function of the second wall would be to create raised soil beds with improved conditions for trees and taller shrubs that will meet the clearances required for the fourth railway line. This plant material requires deeper soil to grow to their mature sizes. Raising the planting area will also increase the sun exposure to these plants, helping them to grow taller and thrive, in turn providing necessary shade to the wetland.

• We are truly saddened by the loss of the Mother Oaks, some of which were around 100 years old. The wood from a couple of these trees could be used to make benches and stool stumps as resting spots to be placed along the future path. Felled Oaks could be positioned to rest over the creek to both shade and nourish their home environment. Precedents for this can be seen in Glen Stewart Ravine and are guided by Urban Forestry.

It is disrespectful to these trees to treat them as garbage, after providing immeasurable ecological and social benefits for over a century.

Mr. Verster, in each of our letters to you this past year, we end on the same point.

We remind you that as a community we are in support of the fourth rail and the eventual electrification of

Gordon Donald Ferguson July 12, 1947 - February 10, 2022

Beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend, Gord was full of life and gratitude until the end. A caring and gentle man, exceptional athlete, crossword puzzler, and baseball watcher, he found pleasure everywhere. He was delighted by hijinx in politics, good company, warm sunny days and his wife’s excellent cooking.

He loved conversation with family and friends, particularly when presented with the opportunity to make a witty pun with a grin and a sparkle in his eye. An excellent athlete all his life, Gord played hockey, baseball and football at Malvern C.I., rugby for the Balmy Beach Club, and an array of competitive and casual sports for as long as he could. His varied professional life started and ended with a career as a teacher but also included a stint as a trader on the Toronto Stock Exchange, a medical supplies sales representative, security at the SkyDome (where he could sneak peeks at the game), and a home inspector. He leaves behind his loving wife of 22 years, Dianne; children Colleen, Amanda, Jay, Kim, Kara and Ryan; grandchildren Cassidy, Liam, Graham, Heather, Kate and Spencer; nephew Devon; brother Brian, and many many friends who will remember him fondly as fiercely loyal, quick to smile, and always ready for an adventure. A celebration of Gord’s life will be held in July; his family looks forward to remembering together with the people who loved him. Meantime, those who wish to honour him may want to make a donation to Parkinson Canada. Arrangements have been entrusted to Essentials Cremation and Burial Services, 102A-4300 Drummond Road, Niagara Falls. Online condolences may be shared on Gord's tribute page found at EssentialsNiagara.com

the corridor but we encourage you to push your capable teams to consider the long term health of these ravines.

Metrolinx has benefited from the environmental damage done when Small’s Creek was bisected from the railway construction, and you now have the opportunity to help make this right.

This is a legacy moment.

Generations of people will be affected by your current decisions.

The Friends of Small’s Creek implore you to truly consider all options to achieve your goal by expanding the criteria of the task to consider the environment, the protection of the wetlands and the importance these ravines have to the surrounding communities.

We look forward to working with you in a more proactive manner, along with the City and the TRCA who have a wealth of knowledge and passion for these green spaces as well.

Mitch Robertson and many other members of Friends of Small’s Creek

416-698-2090 We sell Ontario

For a

Complimentary Home Evaluation please call us at 416-698-2090.

Roger Gallibois Broker/Owner, B.Sc. P. ENG.

www.homeward.info

Sandra Bussin

Sales Representative

Real Estate Homeward

416-786-4603 sandra.bussin1@gmail.com

Nathaniel Erskine-Smith M.P. Beaches-East York info@beynate.ca

416.467.0860 @beachmetronews

19

20

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY Natural Effects is a small design / build landscape company based in the Beach area of Toronto, currently seeking 1 or 2 well suited individuals.

• natural stone construction, landscape carpentry, precast construction and earthwork experience are assets, though not essential • able to be punctual, reliable and physically active • demonstrate an aptitude for the work and a willingness to receive • • •

instruction able to contribute to a team with an overriding philosophy to produce excellent work valid driver’s license available Monday to Friday, late March to early December, 2022

Serious applicants are asked to reply to vincemacdonald@sympatico.ca and include resumes, if available, or call 416-526-9280.

Telephone interviews to follow.

say hello to

Virtual Tax Pro

Secure Drop-Off

In-Person

See store for hours of operation

ALL TYPES OF CANADIAN & AMERICAN TAX PREPARATION. PART OF THE TORONTO EAST COMMUNITY SINCE 1998.

1714 Danforth Avenue Toronto ON M4C 1H8 (416) 406-9990

(Located east of Coxwell, accross from McDonalds) Visit us today at

LIBERTYTAXCANADA.CA

Arts & Entertainment

Comedy Bar opens on Danforth Avenue

By Kimberly Dias

TORONTO’S COMEDY Bar has expanded to the east end of the city.

Located at 2800 Danforth Ave., between Main Street and Victoria Park Avenue, the Comedy Bar has a number of shows lined up in the coming weeks. The club is happy to be re-opening since its temporary closure in December and January because of the COVID-19 Omicron variant.

Comedy Bar was founded

by Gary Rideout Jr. and James Elksnitis in 2008. The club’s first location was at 945 Bloor St. W. in the west end of the city. Rideout Jr. and Elksnitis have been performing comedy since 2000.

Rideout Jr., who along with being co-founder is also the artistic director of Comedy Bar, said he excited to have the club opening on Danforth Avenue.

“James and I grew up in

the east end of the city. We both felt that this part of the city was underserved especially in terms of comedy and theater as well as in terms of creative spaces which focused mainly on the downtown core area,” he said.

Although the Danforth East area is not known as a hotspot for comedy clubs, Rideout Jr. and Elksnitis felt this location would bring people together and give them something to look forward to in the neighborhood.

Comedy Bar along with The Second City Training Centre has been conducting workshops in improv comedy, stand up comedy and sketch comedy.

They also have anxiety related programs for people who deal with forms of anxiety. On the corporate level, they train people with their communication skills which will ultimately make them better storytellers.

THE BEST BUILDERS AND RENOVATORS ARE ALL RIGHT HERE Est. 1988

Renovation Project Planning Design Drawings Budget Development

416-694-2488

FR ESTIM EE ATES

Fairney & Sons Home Improvements | Since 1971

Waterproofing Foundation Repair Concrete Work (all types) Masonry & Brickwork Interlocking Metropolitan Licence

B531

• • • • •

Roofing (all types) Siding & Eavestrough (all types) Kitchens & Baths Home Repair & Renovations Decks & Fences

416.659.7003

www.webuildit.ca

Serving Your Community For Over 30 Years

Let’s Build Something Together - Call Us Today!

LICENSED PROFESSIONALS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR HOME IMPROVEMENT NEEDS

The Second City Toronto, an improv and comedy theatre and bar has temporarily moved its location to Danforth Avenue, since its permanent residence is under construction and will not be ready until mid-2022.

“Comedy Bar is not related to Second City. They do not have a theatre right now which is why we have offered them residence here,” said Rideout Jr. “Since Second City does sketch comedy, they will be performing a two-act show consisting of songs and improv scenes.

Over the next five to six months, the same cast will be performing eight times a week, every night at the Danforth location.”

With the phased lifting of pandemic restrictions in Ontario this week, Rideout Jr. recommends coming to watch Second City’s mainstage show called Welcome Back to the Future. The show will be running Tuesday

through Sunday.

One of the cast members of the show, Tricia Black, has been nominated for the Canadian Screen Awards.

Another show called The Second City Swipes Right

by The Second City Touring Company at Comedy Bar will launch in the first week of March.

Rideout Jr. said that while they were open briefly in December for a few weeks, the time when the theatre was closed due to restrictions was used to fix things up in a brand new space that they had just built.

“We are excited to get back and be open again. We will continue to follow the regulations and adjust accordingly to make sure that everyone feels safe, comfortable and has a good time,” he said.

For more information on the Comedy Bar and upcoming shows, please go to www. comedybar.ca

Music lecture series set to start in March

www.totalrenovations.com K WOR ALL NTEED A R A GU

PHOTO: TORONTO ARROWS

Located at 2800 Danforth Ave., between Main Street and Victoria Park Avenue, Comedy Bar is open for business and has a number of shows lined up.

WHERE QUALITY AND AFFORDABILITY MEET! Our Design & Build Process Provides Total Flexibility our services include:

• Residential

• Commercial

• Design Build

book a FREE consultation and get your estimate today!

Contact us at 647 204 5194 or at info@kerajconstruction.ca

(Local) Drain Experts equipped to service all drain problems, waterproofing and plumbing needs!

THE MUSICAL lecture series by Dr. Mike Daley which will take place at Beach United Church is set to start next month.

Participants can learn about jazz from New Orleans, Big Band Swing, and the roots of jazz in West Africa and more at the lectures.

Musicologist Daley will lead the lectures which are entertaining and informative.

Each of the four lectures is illustrated with rare photos, video clips and music selections from artists such as Duke Ellington, Billie Holiday, Cab Calloway, and

Benny Goodman.

More information is available at www.eventbrite. ca/e/jazz-from-new-orleanst o - b i g - b a n d - sw i n g - t i c k ets-261791123297 Jazz Vespers concert at Hope United ON SATURDAY, Feb. 26, Hope United presents its Jazz Vespers online concert with the Jason Logue Sextet.

The performance starts at 4:30 p.m.

The concert can be viewed online by going to this Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/83178461579 For more on Hope United, go to www.hopeunited.ca

Plumber

A sewage back up is very hazardous to human health.

Call Wayne 416-699-6111 or

Call today for a FREE

sewer camera inspection

416-699-9914

Family owned & operated.

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

Eye on Business

Real Empanada celebrates opening of location in Kingston Road Village

By Erin Horrocks-Pope

SINCE LAST summer, the storefront at 281 Scarborough Rd. in the Kingston Road Village has teased locals to a new, delicious business on the way.

But it’s a tease no longer, as Real Empanada hosted its grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 12. The opening was launched with a ribbon cutting ceremony, attended by Toronto’s Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson and Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford.

Richard Porras, the owner of Real Empanada, is confident that east-enders will fall in love with his authentic, yet unique recipes that he said can’t be found anywhere else in Toronto.

But even with confidence that his food will be a hit, Porras was excited to launch his opening with free samples to share his food with the community and potentially providing people with an exciting new food experience they’ve never had.

“I know sometimes people can be hesitant to try new foods or try new things, especially when you have to pay for it,” said Porras.

“So, I want people to know they can come in and try our empanadas and tacos on Saturday, because I know they’re going to love them.”

Porras grew up working in the kitchen of his parents’ restaurant, Motivos, in the west end until they sold the business in 2012.

Since he was 13 years old, Porras has been ‘the empanada guy’ after creating a fusion blend of their most popular empanadas.

Even after the closure of the family restaurant, the re-

21

HEAT WITH STYLE

w e t s e h . t e l s i i s m Thi ings a s r b YOUR LOCAL YOUR LOCAL t a h

ACCESSORIES | GAS, ELECTRIC & WOOD | MANTELS & DOORS

t

FIREPLACE FIREPLACE SHOP SHOP

w e t s e h t s i s Thi ! e l i m s a s that bring Nathaniel Erskine-Smith

www.classicfireplace.ca www.classicfireplace.ca

Beaches-East York

Check website for hours.

M.P.

416.467.0860 w e t s e h t s i s i Th ! e l i m s a s that bring info@beynate.ca

PHOTO: ERIN HORROCKS-POPE

Real Empanada owner, Richard Porras (second from right), with his family and empanada team. Real Empanada celebrated the grand opening of its Scarborough Road location earlier this month.

2585 Central Ad 4 x 7.5 Ad -1-888-424-8672 quests for Porras’s signature empanadas didn’t stop and the family continued catering for events.

In 2017 Porras decided to leave his corporate life and follow his passion for cooking, introducing the Real Empanada brand to farmers’ markets and then opening his first brick and mortar in 2019 at 825 Dundas St. W. “When I was working on Bay Street, I kept feeling unsatisfied, unfulfilled,” said Porras.

“I grew up cooking, but it took me some time to figure out that it was really my passion. Empanadas had been hiding in plain sight all this time, so I just went for it.”

Empanadas and tacos are available in beef, chicken, vegetarian, and vegan options. (The tacos are only available on weekends.) Every order includes a complimentary side of Mama’s

Signature Salsa, Porras’s mother’s secret recipe that comes in four heat levels from mild to fuego.

This new location on Scarborough Road is Porras’s second Real Empanada and will shortly be launching new menu items, including chorripapa (loaded fries) and tortas (Latin sandwiches).

“I’m super excited to get feedback from our new customers,” said Porras.

“Especially on our expanded menu. I’m just hoping it’s a big hit with the community.”

Real Empanada will also be providing a lunch special to local students, offering three empanadas and a drink for $10.

To learn more about the Real Empanada story or view a menu visit www.realempanada.com/ or follow them on Instagram at @realempanadaco

t a h t s w e e t t s s a e T h t s i This ! ! k e l c i a m b s u a o s y g that btraikne

Virtual meeting on plans for Knox and Eastern avenues set for Feb. 23 A VIRTUAL Community Consultation Meeting on development plans for the Eastern and Knox avenues area is set for the evening of Wednesday, Feb. 23.

The meeting will provide information on the proposal for 880-882 Eastern Ave. and 80 Knox Ave. The proposal calls for a 12-storey, mixed-use residential building and stacked townhouses at the site.

The proposal’s architectural plans show that the ground floor will include more than 3,500 square feet of retail space, long-term bike parking, four live/work units, and six townhouse units located at the rear of

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

the building.

The building is slated to have 157 residential units including one, two, and threebedroom rental apartments.

The virtual community meeting takes place from 7 to 9 p.m. For information on attending, please go to www. toronto.ca/cpconsultations.

Black History Month event set for Feb. 26 EAST TORONTO musician and writer Abeena Samm and the Recognize Your Face Marketplace Ministry will host a Black History Month event on the night of Saturday, Feb. 26.

The Know More Silence Showcase takes place at the Lola Lounge, 40 Kens-

ington Market, starting at 8 p.m. There will also be a livestream of the showcase.

Samm said the purpose of Know More Silence is to celebrate Black heritage and to encourage people to shop locally and support small Black-owned businesses.

She said a One-Day Shut Down of shopping at big box stores on March 1 is being encouraged as part of the initiative.

For more information on the Know More Silence Showcase taking place on Feb. 26, and on how to access the livestream of the event, please go to www.abeenasam.com or www.recognizeyourface.com

ee r Fmenu Get your

From best-ever Beef Stew to straight-from-the sixties Stroganoff, we have yesterday’s and today’s favourite meals on the menu!

Choose from more than 200 fully-prepared, frozen dishes — all with free delivery.*

Locally Owned by Krystal Joseph HeartToHomeMeals.ca

1-888-424-8672 MADE FOR

Seniors!

*Some conditions may apply.

22

Household Services

CLASSIFIEDS Ads are available in two sizes:

WORD AD

BLOCK AD

$13.

00

IS ON VACATION

$20.

00

(r)

(includes HST)

Cleaning specialists •Windows •Eavestroughs •Decks •Siding 416-706-7130 905-706-7130 www.kleenwindows.ca

The advertiser is responsible for checking the accuracy of the advertisement after the first insertion. Beach Metro News is not liable for errors and non-insertions in subsequent issues. Beach Metro News accepts advertising in good faith and does not endorse any advertisers or advertisements.

Therapy Affiliate Institute is offering a 6 Week Online Wellness Coaching Certificate on Mondays from 8:00 am to 9:00. Wellness Coaching Certificate Course will run continuously. Coach leaders will include regulated health practitioners. Fees include all resources for immediate use to implement Wellness Coaching into your direct client care. 6-hour certificate program for $500 plus tax. Register Online: https:// modernsocialworker.ca/wellnesscoaching-certificate/ or call Lisa at 416-951-8280

(1)

www.hardingandking.com Woodbine & Danforth

Classic 4 Bedroom

with 2 x 4pc baths. Includes basement.

Steps to subway, shops, restaurants, park & schools. No smoking.

Suits professionals or families.

$3,000/mo + utils

416-461-2076

Volunteer Opportunities

www.beachmetro.com

Volunteers Needed to deliver BEACH METRO NEWS

Wanted

Routes available throughout the Beach, Upper Beach, Danforth, Birchcliff STUDENTS EARN COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS or

416-698-1164 x 27 melinda@beachmetro.com

Calvary Baptist Church is seeking volunteer directors for our Grace Pascoe Care Centre!

A Food Bank Director and Community Outreach Director.

Phone or email the church for details: 416-691-4721 calvaryonmain@calvary-baptist-church.ca

Personal / Companions

Family needs a reliable, mature housekeeper in the Beach area. 4 – 5 hours daily, up to five days a week.

Please apply at 647-291-1924.

References required.

(23)

Computer Services

416-800-2812

Financial Services

(23)

Business & Personal Income Tax Computer Bookkeeping & Accounting

Paul McArthur 416-821-3910

(r)

UPPER BEACHES OFFICE SPACE Ideal for medical professionals, lawyers or accountants (r)

RUBBISH REMOVAL & DEMOLITION SPECIALIST RECYCLING 416-264-1495 CELL 416-567-4019 (23r)

(23.r)

Peter the Handyman INDOOR / OUTDOOR

General repairs: Drywall / Caulking / Painting etc.

Odd jobs: Fixtures, TV, Shelf & Picture install / Furniture assembly (IKEA)... & much more!

Call/text Peter 416 577 4252 (23.)

647-235-6690

1232 Kingston Rd., Suite 5 Toronto, ON M1N 1P3

416-694-6241

(r)

PETER STIEGLER

EXACT TAX SERVICES

Personal • Small Business Corporate • Back Filing (9)

ABSTAX

SPECIALISTS IN CDN AND U.S. TAXES GOV’T GRANT & LOAN APPLICATIONS

Demolition & Removal of Garages, Porches, Fences & Concrete.

Howard 416 565 8569 (1)

ALL AROUND HANDYMAN with Truck Available for Pick-up and Delivery Call Kevin The Carpenter

416-690-6116 www.thestudystudio.com (23r)

Andrew English B.Ed.

EUROPEAN CLEANING LADIES

offer complete and thorough cleaning service for your house • office • condo Call Ilona 416-427-3815 (23$)

Who has the time to clean anymore?

I have the time, so give me a call.

Roxanne 647 886 8303 (6)

EXPERIENCED CLEANING LADY

647-557-79

(23..)

EXTREME CLEANING I provide excellent cleaning services for residential homes and condos.

Hire a tutor with in-depth knowledge, practical experience & a real passion for math.

416-875-1883 www.beachmath.ca

(8)

TUTOR FOR FRENCH & FI (Beach area) by high school teacher. (dept head)

19+ years exp. in Public School Board, incl. AP French. Tutor for French/FI & Gr. 10 History.

German can be taught as well Online Tutoring Available

(3)

Have you seen your floors lately?

THE CLEANING SERVICES OF STEVEN PICTON

Personalized Residential Housekeeping 35 yrs. experience. References. bspw.me@gmail.com 647 980 4973 (2)

647-406-4681

References available upon request

(3)

BONDED COMMERCIAL

(23)

Garden & Tree

-Spring/Fall Property Clean-Ups -Hedge Trimming info@blpm.ca

(23r)

Beach Lawn Care

416-699-8333

JOY OF MUSIC Music Lessons

piano, guitar, voice, violin, drums & more

WE ARE NOW OPEN!

Plexiglass screens, masks, sanitizing hands & keyboards.

joyofmusictoronto.com 416-269-8109 (23.)

Finely Finished Stone Work www.thestoneporch.com thestoneporch@gmail.com

416-691-8503

Landscapers

dave@writteninstonelandscapes.com

647-545-9561

(10)

HOWELL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

• Weekly & Bi-Weekly Lawn Cutting • Spring/Fall Clean ups • Core Aeratio/Detaching/Fertilizing • Snow removal

437-774-6300 (text/call)

Servicing Residential & Commercial

Howellpropertymaintenance@hotmail.com

(11)

IN THE BEACH LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS

• Weekly & Bi-Weekly Lawn Cutting • Spring Clean-ups • Fertilization & Aeration • Hedge Trimming & Pruning • Seeding & Sodding • Landscape Construction 647-210-LAWN (5296) www.BeachLawns.ca info@beachlawns.ca (23$)

Scotstone

Traditional stone walls, steps, interlocking paths, patios & decks.

Landscaping solutions to customize your space.

JJ Landscaping -Driveways -Patios -Retaining walls -Flagstone porches -Stone steps -Repairs Concrete pads -Parging -Fences -Sodding -Gardening Call: Brandon 416-358-4666 Email: jjbpollock@gmail.com (23.)

“Always on Time and on Budget”

(23$)

STUDIO 1

CARTAGE & STORAGE 2 Men + Truck $85/hr Office • Apt. Deliveries

Green Apple Landscaping

416-830-8183

25 years Experience Read our reviews on Homestars.com One-of-a-Kind Outdoor Living Spaces

416-288-1499

Driveways • Patios • Steps Retaining Walls • Planting Interlocking & Natural Stone Repair

Following COVID protocol

beachlawncare2020@gmail.com (23r)

www.greenapple.ca

(23r)

WRITTEN IN STONE

www.thegoodmoves.com Call Hakan: 416 899-3980

(23r)

Painters (r)

Larry’s Painting & Repairs

Green Apple Landscaping

Family owned & operated 26 years in business

416-690-3890

(r)

STONEHENGE LANDSCAPE • DESIGN & BUILD

sales@larryspainting.ca www.larryspainting.ca

(r)

PROWAY

PAINTING & DECORATING Interior • Exterior Residential • Commercial Plastering • Drywall

416-467-6059 (r)

(23r)

• Small & Big Moves; Long Distance • All Kinds of Delivery Services incl. cottage country • Junk and Rubbish Removal

*STARTING AT $20

www.greenapple.ca

Kingston Rd/Vic Park

647 609 6826

Movers

416-414-5883

Front yard parking pads Drawings • Permits • Build 416-288-1499

Scarboro Music

-Patios -Walkways -Retaining walls -Steps

Hardscape/interlock Specialist

Award Winning Design & Build

AND RESIDENTIAL CLEANER 10 years combined experience.

Trusted and reliable service with flexible schedule.

By appointment.

LORD of the STONE

Specializing in:

www.scotstonecontracting.com Call Scott 416.858.2452 (8)

LAWN CUTTING SERVICES

We teach it all!

(22/23)

• Videolink tutoring in HS math/physics • Focussing on long-term success • Experience in all grades/core courses

-Lawn Cutting

Bach to ROCK

WWW.RACCOONCONTROL.CA

MATH SPECIALIST

BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

• Snow Removal • Tree Service • Spring Cleanups

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

Helping the student in your house adapt to the new educational reality.

Individualized tutoring and programs for grades 3-12 in all subjects.

Proven success with thousands of Beach area students for 20 years.

On Kingston Rd. just east of Vic Park

FOUR SEASONS SERVICE

(1)

CURRENTLY OFFERING SKYPE/ FACETIME SESSIONS

THE STUDY STUDIO

Music

Steve 647-216-8588

Head Start Tutors

(23r)

(23r)

(23r)

416-265-6674

(r)

LAWN CUTTING 416 414 5883 info@blpm.ca

• COVID CATCH-UP • • in-depth homework/test help • • essay-writing + study skills • • numeracy + literacy support •

Proudly serving the Beach for over 20 years Neil Bennett B.Ed./OCT Sally Vickers B.Ed./OCT

BEACHES LAWN MAINTENANCE

info@blpm.ca

THE STONE PORCH LANDSCAPING

www.headstarttutors.ca 416-272-9589 • neil@headstarttutors.ca

(23r)

RACCOON CONTROL

Expert Bookkeeping, Small business specialists, Strong on QuickBooks, Simply Accounting, “cloud computing”.

A la carte services. Affordable rates.

Antonella 416-464-2766 (23r)

Window & Eaves Cleaning Gutter Filter Installation

416-414-5883

Tutoring

INDIV/GRP TUITION IN YOUR HOME QUALIFIED + EXPERIENCED TEACHER, K-12 PROVEN SUCCESS - REFS AVAILABLE (9r)

A family business since 1956

LAWN CUTTING

@thelordofthestone

call ALBERTO 416 690 9389 for

RILEYS’ WINDOW CLEANING

BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

https://facebook.com/thetwofoursband

HELP WITH MATH & ENGLISH

(22/23)

Kim 647-739-2481

647-282-8375 Serving the Beach for 15 years

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 161 Main Street, Toronto M4E 2V9 (22/23)

Cleaning Services

Contact Martha @ Cell: 647-206-1415 Home: 416-449-0171

(23$)

Pest Control

Serving the Community for Over 40 years

(22/23)

416-825-9705

HOME CALLS & PICK-UP SERVICES AVAILABLE E-FILE PERSONAL & BUSINESS TAXES

416-699-6641

Stay well, stay cool, & stay in touch

Contact Irena

DEMOLITION EXPERTS

HELLARRA SERVICES INC.

Your local Rock ‘n’ Roots Revival Band Ready & raring to go (when the time comes!)

Weekly • Bi-weekly One time cleaning Reliable & efficient

(23$)

Call Greg 437 230-4824

416-691-7556

McArthur & Son Business Centre Air conditioning, boardroom, kitchen area, copier, etc. Individual offices from $425/mth.

577-579 Kingston Rd. @ Main St.

WAYNE’S

20 yrs exp. Quality work. Good prices.

TAX ACCOUNTANT

OFFICE SPACE

General Services

Leaves, Yard Cleanup Garage Cleanups & Junk Removal Other various jobs Scrap metal removal

TIM O’MEARA

Commercial Space for Rent

(r)

***Snow Removal***

More than 30 years in the Cliffside/ (3!)

Bluffs Neighbourhood

Please see ad on page 20

647-899-9074

HANDYMAN / HELPER

416-261-1112

IS HIRING.

For estimate call

10+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work.

Randall 416-450-0599 torontomrfixit@gmail.com

THE TWO FOURS

thetwofours@eol.ca • 416-690-5442

rileyswindowcleaning.com

Best Prices/Free Estimates

(23r)

647-496-2211

Online teaching available Ines 416 726 5729 (23r)

Rock, Roll, Roots, Blues, Country & Random

416 421-5758

EXPRESS JUNK REMOVAL

2462 Kingston Road Scarborough, ON M1N 1V3 Call our New # for an Appointment:

Design/build landscape

416-690-2880

Hockey, Baseball, Basketball, Football cards, game programs, ticket stubs, pucks, hockey sticks, baseball bats, balls, autographed items, oddball related items.

Call Grant 289-314-3533 or email bretsky@rogers.com (3!)

Income Tax Preparation

Natural Effects

Drapes, Blinds, Valances Also Duvet Covers, Shams, etc.

PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS

BUYING SPORTS MEMORABILIA

info@computer-assist.ca www.computer-assist.ca

CustomWindow Coverings

MR. FIX-IT

IT SUPPORT

Employment Opportunity

pmcarthur577@gmail.com www.mcarthurbusinesscentre.com

(23)

On-Site & Remote

Neanderthal man of no means by no means, 68, looking for Neanderthal woman of all means, 64-72, that would like to have and to hold, love, honour and cherish, hold tight at night. Retired carpenter awaits your call. No smokers please. Call Elton: 647-893-JOHN (3)

(r)

BLIND AMBITION

Call now 416-699-9714 x8

(22/23)

PEST CONTROL

Call 416-783-3434

416-698-9000

R.E. Services Inc. Brokerage We make owning real estate & being a Landlord painless, easy & profitable.

www.SquirrelControl.ca

• Bio-degradable, non-allergenic products used • Drying time 3-4 hours • Bonded, insured, certified Free At Home Estimates!

(w. of Midland)

Harding & King

647-496-0815

HEALTHY HOME

2358 Kingston Rd.

LANDLORDS For Peace of Mind Call

We share our love of music using the Suzuki Method by providing gentle encouragement, inspiration, and musicianship in Violin and Piano.

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Vienna Upholstery

Apartment/ Home for Rent

Announcement

(r)

Home Decor

Deadline for March 8 is February 28

Beaches Suzuki School of Music

• Mice • Cockroaches • Rats • Bed Bugs • Ants • Wasps • Centipedes • Spiders • more THEEXTERMINATORS.CA

KLEEN WINDOWS

Ads must be paid for at time of placement.

Classified ads also appear on our website: www.beachmetro.com classifieds@beachmetro.com | 416-698-1164 x 22

SQUIRREL REMOVAL

We remove squirrels in a humane way from attics, walls, sheds, decks, etc.

REG’S APPLIANCE

1.5” wide x 1” deep

for the first 20 words plus 35¢ each extra word

BEACHMETRO.COM

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

www.stonehengedesignbuild.com (r)

KIM PRICE Landscape Design 647-545-5143

Creating Award Winning Gardens • Design and Construction •

www.kimpricelandscapedesign.com (4)

416.797.6731

proway.painting@gmail.com Free Estimates & References Available

NEXT DEADLINE February 28th

(9)

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

23

Rev. Greg Daly begins tenure as new minister at Beach United

By Jesse Gault

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Rev. Greg Daly is the new minister at Beach United Church. He officially began his duties with the service on Sunday, Feb. 6.

SERENITY PAINTING Beach resident with over 30 years exp Interior / Exterior Work Proper Drywall & Plaster Repairs No job too big or small Have the job done right the first time.

Referrals & Free Estimates

Steve 647-853-6420

(23.)

‘As Promised’ Painting *** Free Estimates ***

(23$)

(23.)

WG PAINTING Local resident w/32 yrs. exp.

INTERIOR PAINTING

All work guaranteed Fully insured • Free estimate Experienced Handyman Available

416-322-7692

warren_gamey@yahoo.com (23r)

BEACH HILL

PAINTING

INTERIOR, EXTERIOR QUALITY PAINTING; KITCHEN CABINET REFINISHING & CUSTOM PAINT; STAINING & WATERPROOFING, DECKS & FENCES

25 years • Free estimates

Dave 416 694 4369

dave@beachhillpainting.com (23$)

WG PAINTING INTERIOR PAINTING

All work guaranteed Fully insured • Free estimate Experienced Handyman Available

416-322-7692

warren_gamey@yahoo.com (23r)

NEWBRIGHT PAINTING NO MESS, NO FUSS, JUST SUPERIOR WORKMANSHIP INTERIOR • EXTERIOR FULLY INSURED, 30 YRS EXPERIENCE, BEACH RESIDENT

CALL SEAN FOR AN ESTIMATE

(23$)

BEACHCOMBERS PAINTING

*WINTER PROMO*

(r)

Professional Quality Service Repairs-Renovations-Installations

Mobile: 416-834-8474 Office: 416-757-6537 (2!))

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 (6)

TOM DAY

647-955-8666

(1).

Painting

PLUMBER CONTRACTOR Fully licensed & insured.

Lic #T94

Master Plumber • Lic. & Ins.

Complete Bathrooms Small Repairs Renovations 416-456-9999 Follow on Facebook

MARTIN PETROV PLUMBING

No job too small 25 years in the Beach 416-833-6682 (2)

Fault Finding Knob & Tube Rewiring Service upgrades Insurance certificates

GREEN ISLE ELECTRIC CELL 416-875-5781 ESA LIC# 7002668

(23.)

(23r)

LICENSED

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Panel & sub panel upgrades Knob & tube & aluminum rewiring Free estimates LED light & pot light installations 100A & 200A service upgrades Electrical problem solving

Frank 647-889-5537 ECRA/ESA # 7010497

(23..)

CANJAM ELECTRIC All your electrical needs, small or large ESA/ECRA #7012267

(23$)

free estimates

CARL 647-787-5818

(r)

Lic - Insured • Free Estimate

(r)

ROOFING & SIDING? SOLUTION!

416-910-8033

(23r)

416 694 0906 torontoroofingindustries.com (23r)

CANADIAN CONTRACTORS Shingles • Flats Roof Repairs • Metal Work Eavestroughing & Siding Waterproofing • Since 1984

CARPENTRY

by Kevin

(r)

Stucco • Moulding Wall Systems

Drywall, Plastering, Taping 18 yrs Experience • Excellent Job Call Mike 416-854-7024 647 833 7024 (23r) Fax 647-341-6104

Met. Lic. B-16-964

Steve 416-285-0440

(23r)

(23r)

Carpenter 30 yrs experience Design & build custom cabinets Wall units, mantles, interior trim Baseboards, crown moulding, hang doors Drawers, vanities cliffsidecarpenter.blogspot.ca gibsonpeterk@gmail.com Peter Gibson 416 578 3755 (23$)

And any house repairs

Flats • Shingles • Eaves troughing • Repairs and Installation

416 347 4473

(23)

“No Job Too Small”

•CARPENTRY •PLUMBING •ELECTRICAL

•PAINTING •STAINING •DRYWALL REPAIR •PARGING •DECK & FENCE BUILD & REPAIR •INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REPAIRS

Marc Text/Call 416-617-7205

(r)

Metro lic #B531 • All Work Guaranteed • Free Estimates

www.webuildit.ca Serving Your Community Since 1971

(r)

Restoration & Build

(2r)

JOHN CLARKE

THE STONE PORCH MASONRY

(23r)

Maximum General Contracting Inc. “Your basement lowering specialists”

416-826-3918 John www.mgcunderpinning.com maximumgen@gmail.com Since 1998

MASONRY by Daniel

416 988-2589 danielmccaf@gmail.com

(23r)

Residential, Commercial, Retail, Home Offices Senior Rates

Basements, Kitchens, Bathrooms Fences, Decks, Drywall, Carpentry

HANDYMAN SERVICES

No job too small. Free estimates.

Serving the Beaches for 15 years.

(r)

416-278-5328

www.jdbuild.ca

416-738-2119

(23r)

BRICK SPECIALIST Masonry & brickwork.

Experts at matching existing brick.

New builds, tuckpointing, colour matching, parging. Stone & Block.

Call Scott @ Scotstone 416.858.2452

scotstonecontracting@gmail.com

(8)

KITCHEN FACELIFT Increase your homes value by 25k+++ $5999 Starter Package Includes -Complete Cabinet Refinishing -New Granite Countertop -Undermount Sink & New Tap -New Handles & Hardware

KitchenFacelifts.blogspot.com Lawrence 416-419-6631 lawrencecomiskey@gmail.com

(3)

WALLPAPER &

FEATURE WALLS

by Barb The Embellisher Text: 416-550-5975 or Email: barb.greene@ymail.com (1)

Can Pro Mechanical

Heating cooling service & install Hvac ductwork Furnace, boiler, hydronics Large and small jobs

An honest family service in the heart of The Beaches

Alan Burke 416-699-4350

• Brick / Foundation • Concrete / Stone • Chimney & Parging

(23r)

Jack of all Trades

(r)

(23$)

Painting, tiling, fencing, drywall, flooring, siding, vanities & much more.

Cable & Telephone Wiring

416-569-2181

Sam Capetanu

JDB MASONRY

LANIGAN’S

Telephone Systems

Call Hamid at 647-300-2462 (23r)

SERVICES

• chimneys & foundations • parging & tuck pointing • arches, lintels & sills • door & window rough-ins • foundation waterproofing

FAIRNEY & SONS LTD. 416-659-7003

Roofers

(23$)

HEY HANDYMAN

MET# B16348

Foundation Repair/Waterproofing

(23$)

416 876-4986

UNDERPINNING & WATERPROOFING

SERVICES

Call C.J. 647 222 5338

Call Jim for a free estimate

416-265-6674

HANDYMAN

Professional drywall and plaster work. Renovation and Repair. Very clean.

No job too small.

JUST DRYWALL AND TAPING

Brick • Block • Concrete Steel • Stone www.thestoneporch.com thestoneporch@gmail.com

Trades

Call Sergio 416 873 9936 (23)

QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

Cell 416 434-2762 Painting - Basement Renos Plaster & Stucco • Interior & Exterior Small Renovation Jobs & Indoor/ Outdoor Spray Painting 35 Yrs Exp • Refs upon request (23.)

Free Estimates

WET BASEMENT ?

(23r)

(23$)

647-771-0227 jeff@heyhandyman.ca www.heyhandyman.ca

(23$)

Chimneys, Concrete, and all masonry repairs

Dedicated precise worker.

All your build and repairs. Indoor or outdoor: dry-wall, flooring, built-in, landscaping, interlocking, sheds, fences, decks, etc. at a reasonable price!

FLOORING SPECIALIZING IN SANDING & STAINING

15 yrs exp No job too small!

Free Quotes, satisfaction guaranteed - Lic & Ins

Beach Co Roofing Flat Roofing 647-309-8056

Brick, Block, Stone,

BEACHES HANDY WORKS

HARDWOOD JIM 647 405 8457 416 691 8457

S.A.C Masonry

CJ DRYWALL & PAINTING

YOUR STUCCO

416 660 4721

Serving the Beach for 15 yrs.

Kevin 647 282 8375

Fully licensed local contractors

by Jim Ferrio

ROOFING

www.laniganscontracting.ca

*Ask For Photo I.D.*

www.stonehengefoundations.com

Doug 416-871-1734 Jeff 647-686-8103

Gus:

UNDERPINNING & WATERPROOFING Stonehenge Foundations 416 467 6735

Carpenters

Roofing & Aluminum

Knob & tube rewiring Service Upgrades (3)

ESA/ECRA #7002084

Residential/Commercial

CELTIC RENO Text Mac: 647-832-1742

DECLAN O’MEARA 416-698-6183

- Shingles & Flats- Repair & Tune ups - Cedar & Slate - Re-roofs & new work

Local • Reliable • Professional Servicing the beach for 18 years.

416-694-6673

Doggy needs a fence?

Hubby wants a deck?

LOCAL ELECTRICIAN

ALL TYPES OF ROOFS

TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES LTD.

Fences, Decks, Porches Flooring, Windows, Doors, Trim, Crown moulding, etc.

Kitchens & Bath • Garage Restoration (1)

Don’t call them, call those roofers

munity, is also an important issue for Daly “Stable, secure housing is the foundation for healthy living. In our Toronto context this means, among other things, working to open up new possibilities for diverse forms of housing within existing communities, as well as working to develop more housing across our city that is accessible and affordable to the most vulnerable,” he said.

“I believe that Beach United Church is a place to explore meaning. I am not here to tell people what to believe. I am here to offer ideas and possibilities, supporting people as they investigate making meaning in their lives. My goal is to accompany people and collaborate with them in their quest as we walk together sharing the journey of life.”

SILVERBIRCH

100/200 AMP Service Upgrades • New Wiring New Homes/Additions Lighting Installations Troubleshooting

(6r)

Mark The Plumber

THOSE ROOFERS

ELECTRICAL WORK

Winston 416-822-0275 647-701-0911

(23r)

ECRA/ESA LIC#7001069

We Work Locally We Employ Local People We Buy All Paint & Material Locally Paint, Plaster & Drywall Repairs We beat written quotes Free Estimates-Fully Insured

(23r)

MASTER PLUMBER

24 hr. - lic# P1624

oping concrete responses for our faith community to collaborate with the Beach community to respond,” said Daly.

“Who is welcome in the Beach?

How do we open ourselves to the important conversation of inclusion for all people? For me this anticipates calling out places and spaces where some are not invited to full, equitable participation in the life of our community. For example: hearing the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission is one thing, acting on them is another. Living faith means listening, discerning and acting in ways that ensure 2SLGBTQ+ peoples, BIPOC peoples, people living with mental health challenges are offered a place at the table.”

Housing, and welcoming people of different incomes into the com-

Flat and Shingle Roofs Re-roofing, Repair Eavestrough, Soffit & Fascia Workmanship Guaranteed

Electrical Services Small & Large Installations

CEJA ELECTRIC

Beaches & Leslieville

Residential • Commercial - Knob & Tube Wiring - Service Panel Upgrades - Renovations & Alterations

Plumbing & Drains All types of plumbing work.

Smallest leak - complete bath reno.

Internal & external drain excavating.

Call the professionals 416-480-0622

(23).

Call for a free quote; references available.

Master Electrician Lic. ESA ECRA #7000314

Call Marc 416-910-1235

MET LIC P18238, BBB A+, WSIB Master Plumber: Franc Zamernik

Electricians

Interior painting & plaster repairs I am a local resident who takes pride in making your home look great.

George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872

MBX ELECTRIC

416 691-3555

mapmtoronto@gmail.com

I Hear You Paint Houses

Fully licensed & insured.

ECRA/ESA #7008706

(6r)

George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872

Local resident w/32 yrs. exp.

Lawrence 416-419-6631 lawrencecomiskey@gmail.com

Small Repairs to complete houses Renovations

www.ontariowaterplumbing.com

647 401 7970

Satisfaction guaranteed!

Call Jeff today for free estimate.

416-910-6302 beachcombersgc.com info@beachcombersgc.com

BEACH PLUMBING

ONTARIO WATER PLUMBING

Richard Durocher Interior & Exterior Small to Mid-size jobs

newbrightpainting@gmail.com

ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

LTD

PROFESSIONAL PAINTER

416-985-8639

MASTER ELECTRICIAN

Plumbers

50 years in the Beach

We stand by our contracts, big or small.

Also do Drywall and Plaster Repairs and more

Dianne 416 699 5070

REV. GREG Daly officially started his work as the new minister at Beach United Church this month.

Daly takes over the position from Rev. Karen Dale, who had been with Beach United for the past 12 years.

In December, the church held a Zoom meeting for residents and parishioners to say goodbye to Dale and wish her well in the future as she becomes the new minister at Richmond Hill United Church.

On Dec. 26, Dale led her final service at Beach United Church.

Dale’s legacy includes seeing the church building, on Wineva Avenue just north of Queen Street East, renovated and also building a positive atmosphere in the church’s office and membership.

In taking on his new role, Daly

said social justice will be among his priorities at Beach United Church.

Before coming to the ministry, Daly worked as an urban planner for 20 years with different levels of government and various agencies in the area of smart urban and regional planning.

He then completed the Master of Divinity degree at the University of Toronto’s Emmanuel College.

Daly then worked as a minister for the Palgrave United Church in Caledon as well as at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church in southwest Scarborough.

“Some folks in our world remain skeptical about there being a link between human action and climate crisis. I believe that we can act locally in order to have impacts globally. I plan to seek ways to engage people in this conversation, devel-

(23$)

416 606 4719

(23r)

JASON THE MASON TUCKPOINTING • CHIMNEYS CONCRETE WORK WINDOW CUTOUTS WATERPROOFING REGISTERED & INSURED 416-580-4126 cell

(4)

24

BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS

Tuesday, February 22, 2022

HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO.TM Residential & Commercial Services

2301 Queen St. East | 1052 Kingston Rd | 517 Parliament St.

estaterealty.ca | 416.690.5100

Move aside, Greta Thunberg.

Dianne & Brian Chaput Sales Representatives Royal LePage Estate Realty

416.690.5100 | chaputliving.com

LTHOME COLLECTIVE Realtors®

Working together as an integrated collective of industry professionals dedicated to supporting one another to nurture and achieve.

(my old Letter to the Editor of the "Ward 9 News"!)

Kerry Jackson

Royal LePage Estate Realty, 2301 Queen St. E. Direct 416.571.2181 | Office 416.690.5100 Kerryjackson@gmail.com

SHOULD I STAY OR SHOULD I GO NOW? If you are debating downsizing your home, now might be the best time to do it.

If you have equity in your current home, you might be primed to save money on a smaller space enabling you to live the life you want today.

HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO.TM It's a discussion worth having.

Residential & Commercial Services

2301 Queen St. East | 1052 Kingston Rd | 517 Parliament St.

estaterealty.ca | 416.690.5100

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.

beachmetro.com | 416.698.1164