A love story told in Leaside
PG 16
JUDY LAU AND HER FATHER’S DUMPLINGS,
New beginnings!
Some form of ‘health is wealth’ makes many people’s perennial New Year’s resolutions lists.
Two years ago, I resolved to add more weights to my fitness regime. I’d like to say I followed through and started doing serious iron-pumping with seriously successful results. In a sense I did. I took up Pilates, which has strengthened my whole body and given my workouts greater purpose.
whom have come through difficult times, such as cancer treatment.”
This issue of Leaside Life is dedicated to new beginnings. In one of our stories, writer Susan Poaps interviews Leaside’s Eleanor Feetham, owner of E-Fitness ( E-Fitness.ca ), who has created a nurturing environment at her studio.
As Susan writes, “There is a real community feeling to the groups, with friendships formed and social gatherings outside of classes. E-Fitness is a welcoming environment for participants, some of
Eleanor’s focus is not on hard bodies but finding new ways to feel strong.
We’ll be seeing other new beginnings this year. Our January issue features the first column from Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, who won the November Don Valley West by-election. We are used to thoughtful commentary from Trustee Chernos Lin. Now we’ll learn more about her vision for Leaside from a City perspective.
And…what’s on the agenda this year for transit and traffic in Leaside? LRA co-president Carol Burtin Fripp is keeping a keen eye on these big issues. Stay tuned.
Happy New Beginnings, Happy New Year! n
Margaret Atwood and friends tear some fabric at Leaside High
Most Leasiders know that Canadian novelist and poet Margaret Atwood attended Leaside High School in the 1950s (class of 1957). What they may not know is that while there, she wrote, produced and acted in a short musical play along with several of her Leaside friends and classmates. Entitled Synthesia, it was performed in the school auditorium and is one of Atwood’s earliest works – written when she was only 16 and well before she had attained the international renown she currently enjoys. Here’s how it came about:
A novel home economics project In 1956, Margaret’s home economics teacher, Marion Ricker, assigned a sewing project requiring her students to make stuffed animals. Rebelling against this idea, Margaret suggested doing a different project. Miss Ricker agreed, provided it had a “Home Ec.” theme. The result was Synthesia, an “operetta in one act” about fabrics.
The witty and clever plot involves King Coal, his Queen and their three unmarried daughters, each of whom bears the name of a synthetic material – Nylon, Dacron and Orlon. The ATWOOD Page 24
The cast of Synthesia: Front l-r: Helen Currie, Margaret Atwood, Sandra Coomber. Back l-r: Joan Lay, Janet Holmes, Rosalie Kerbekian, Ruth Paul. Thanks to Steve Marshall, the son of Sandra Coomber, for permission to reproduce photo.
Looking back, looking forward at Leaside Life
In ancient Roman mythology, the god Janus, for whom January is named, was portrayed with two faces: one face looked back, while the other looked forward.
I thought of Janus recently when I had a lovely opportunity to look back at the genesis of Leaside Life after being asked to talk about our magazine to the Toronto-Leaside Rotary Club. I thought that taking a look back should also mean taking a look forward as we welcome the new year.
Looking back
I remember sitting in Ruth and Harry Goldhar’s living room in the fall of 2011, along with my then across-the-driveway neighbour, Andrea Villiers, as we made a lot of decisions still in play today: the name, Leaside Life ; the page size, semi-tabloid; the frequency, once a month to publish just at the end of the month before; the circulation, to all homes, apartments, condos and businesses in M4G courtesy of Accurate Distributing for houses,
and then providing the paperwork for postal delivery for the others; and importantly, the focus on Leaside-specific stories. We thought we might be able to put together a 12–16-page monthly edition. To our surprise, that first issue was 24 pages. Many issues since have been 32, and some even up to 48 pages.
The size of the issue all depends on the ads. Harry and Ruth, with their previous publishing experience, came up with ad prices that would be attractive to local businesses, knowing that
our readership was too specific (the M4G postal code) and too low (now a print run of 10,000) to attract most national or even Toronto-wide advertisers. Ruth did a great job selling those ads. We never lost money, always made a bit, even though we agreed up front that we’d split the loss three ways (Goldhars and me).
Changing times
In March of 2017, Stan Flemming and Jeff Hohner signed on as the new owners of Leaside Life when the Goldhars retired. They agreed to keep me on as publisher. I appreciate providing that continuity from issue #1 to now #152 and counting.
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Jeff and Stan have made a point of making donations in the name of Leaside Life in a wide variety of ways, such as with the Georgia Walsh playground at Trace Manes Park, the Leaside Sports Hall of Fame, the Leaside Toy Drive, and the UHN Run for Rehab. They continue to look for ways that Leaside Life can contribute meaningfully to our neighbourhood. In a fractious world, Leaside Life provides a place where there won’t be “fake news.” Because of our timing, we can’t, in fact, do “news” that quickly, but we do keep on top of local doings. Only Carol Burtin Fripp and I remain from the original team of writers in issue #1, but in the December issue we featured bylines from 11 more, as well as a welcoming note from our editor, Jane Auster.
Our online version, www.leasidelife.com, continues as a way for non-Leasiders to stay in touch and read past articles. Various versions of social media continue to be challenging for our webmaster to navigate for us, as the rules keep changing, but we persevere.
Looking forward
So, nothing startling for the start of 2025… which may be a good thing. With our advertisers, and you as readers and suggestion-makers for future articles, we continue apace. Happy New Year, happy reading! n
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ÜNI Learn Play Café offers a unique hub for families
By JANIS FERTUCK
In March 2024, Melissa Saunders realized her dream of creating a space where both children and adults can enjoy educational experiences and make new friends, called ÜNI Learn Play Café, located at 864 Eglinton Ave. near Laird Dr.
As Melissa explains, the philosophy behind the café was to create a “safe and fun space” within the neighbourhood for children and families to meet other families, “a place that offers different new, exciting events that cater to lots of interests as well as being a reliable place to drop in and see familiar faces.”
This concept grew out of Melissa’s own experiences after she and her family moved to Leaside in 2019. As a young mother, she found it difficult to find a place where parents could socialize while their children were playing with new friends.
HAPPY
Then when her son was in kindergarten, he developed an interest in science and wanted to start a science club with his friends. They began visiting the Science Centre on the weekends with other families. As the group grew, they joked about starting a business and the idea for the café was born.
Melissa’s goal for the business was to provide education, play and parties in a “fun space” for children where the parents could meet and enjoy a snack. After months of research and planning, she found the location on Eglinton in late 2023.
She chose the location because Leaside is their home, “a beautiful neighbourhood like those in Hallmark movies where everyone knows everyone else.” She wanted her business to benefit her own neighbourhood.
ÜNI is not a single type of experience. ÜNI Café refers to the gathering spot featuring pastries and beverages. ÜNI Play is the umbrella for the fun activities and events for children. Melissa tries to have one event every weekend such as science shows, magic shows, concerts or star-gazing parties with telescopes and hot chocolate.
ÜNI Learn and Camp programs include science camps during the summer and March Break and educational classes. Camp days include science activities and experiments as well as arts and crafts. Some of these activities take place at nearby parks. And finally, ÜNI Party is the program for birthday parties organized around various themes.
Melissa herself oversees the execution of all the programs and events and organizes staffing based on the demand. Family and friends often help out, and ÜNI hires university students from U of T and York in the fields of science and engineering to help with camps and events as needed. Also invited are artists and experts for concerts, art activities, magic shows and science events.
In addition to experiences for children, there are events for adults and families, too. For example, ÜNI hosted a salon concert with young musicians from the Taylor Academy at the Royal Conservatory and a water colour master class. For the holiday season, there was a concert by Santa Claus, a gingerbread workshop and a holiday-themed local market featuring local businesses and artisans.
One of the artisans was Suzanne Sharples, who says the market was a “fun event” and that the ÜNI team were encouraging and supportive of the participants. In fact, she says “it has been a delight to have ÜNI in the neighbourhood. Not only have they helped to provide academic support for my child but they have also opened their space to local artists… and serve delicious coffee, too. ÜNI is a great local hangout for adults and kids alike.” n
RICARDO RUEDA
Fitter and stronger for 2025 with Eleanor Feetham
by SUSAN POAPS
If your New Year’s resolution is to be fitter and stronger, local Leasider Eleanor Feetham’s got you covered.
Based in Leaside, Eleanor Feetham, owner of E-Fitness ( E-Fitness.ca ), offers a variety of morning classes in her space at Bayview and Moore Avenue (inside the Synergy Martial Arts Studio at 416 Moore Ave.)
Classes, which are on the smaller side with an average of eight to 10 participants and a maximum of 15, include: Pilates, Stretch, Body Conditioning, Dance-style Aerobics, and Body Sculpt.
I sat down recently at a café on Bayview with Eleanor to learn more about her business and fitness philosophy.
“My focus is on improving our quality of life one day at a time, mainly through core strengthening,” she told me. “I love it when my clients see the effects themselves of their efforts. One client told me she can now open jars and another is able to reach higher than before
she attended classes.”
Retraining and certifying as a fitness professional after starting a family, Eleanor knew she needed a job that worked with her family’s schedule and allowed flexibility,
Stanley’s White House Meats
since with two school-age daughters and accompanying activities, life can be busy.
“I wanted to do something that I love but also be home for my young children,” she said.
All classes run from Monday to Friday for 55 minutes, from 9 to 11 a.m. – very mom friendly for those with children coming home for lunch.
As an avid runner, with both New York and Boston Marathons under her belt, Eleanor began as a personal trainer before offering classes.
“I prefer the energy of a group class and continued right through the pandemic virtually,” she told me.
There is a real community feeling to the groups, with friendships formed and social gatherings outside of classes. E-Fitness is a welcoming environment for participants, some of whom have come through difficult times, such as cancer treatment.
Eleanor stressed to me the need to be kind to ourselves. “Let’s not beat ourselves up about how we used to look but strengthen our bodies as we age. Let’s focus on feeling strong!”
Yes, please to more positive-aging messages! Not everyone at E-Fitness is a hard body. Our health is not guaranteed after all, and aging is a privilege denied many.
Eleanor’s own future fitness goals include running the Toronto marathon in the fall and competing in an Ironman competition along with her husband. Inspiring! n
ROBIN DICKIE
Eleanor (in front) with the Thursday morning Pilates group.
Beija Flor Bouquets preserves floral memories
by SUZANNE PARK
Twenty years ago, while travelling to exotic locales, Davida Vineberg saw beautiful flowers that had been preserved for future enjoyment. She was so mesmerized by these bouquets that she can’t recall whether it was India or Australia where she first saw them.
Fast forward to 2020 when Davida’s career was disrupted by the pandemic. With time on her hands, she reflected on those beautiful flowers she’d seen so many years ago and got busy researching the art and science of floral restoration and conservation.
Inspired by the Portuguese term for hummingbirds, “beija flor” (the kisser of flowers), she named her new Leaside business Beija Flor. Her showroom, workshop and staging space are compact. Every inch is put to good use with flowers, supplies and equipment, large to tiny, seemingly in a state of suspended animation. A tour could take five minutes or, for a curious, floral-smit-
ten visitor, hours.
The complex, often arduous process of flower restoration, reassembly and housing is a blend of art, science, and in Davida’s words “MacGyvering solutions to a host of challenges.”
[Note: MacGyvering is named after Angus MacGyver, protagonist of the U.S. television series MacGyver (1985-92), known for regularly improvising solutions.]
Whether for a bouquet or single flower, Davida’s process takes many steps and weeks to complete. The bouquet is photographed and carefully taken apart with stems and flowers separated. Each flower is then freeze-dried in the dehydrator to remove moisture, sealed to maintain the shape, repaired if there are any imperfections, and colour is retouched. The flowers are then
placed in the staging area ready for bouquet rebuilding and finally mounted and securely fastened to the display case.
Davida highlighted that “during the flowers’ freeze-drying step, a daily visit to the workshop is required for 12 consecutive days to adjust the commercial dehydrator’s temperature. No weekends off.”
She refers to the machine as ‘the beast’ and added, “The machine is a must-have to succeed at my craft. It’s as big as a stacked washer-dryer and took months to source and secure.”
She admits, there were many growing pains. “After getting set up and months of practice and refinements, just days before my first client was bringing in her bouquet, the beast’s pump failed! After an unsuccessful attempt by an electrician, who threw up his arms, I scrambled and
SUZANNE PARK
Davida Vineberg
by LISA PARKER
Ramona’s warms the community with comfort food
Leasiders have embraced a popular Thornhill restaurant, which opened at 1608 Bayview Ave. in May 2023. Fans of Ramona’s, who had been making the trek to the original location, which opened in 2015, were delighted to see them expand to this neighbourhood.
Owner Carlo Carlucci named the restaurant after his wife, Ramona, whose tasty recipes grace the menu, like the popular southwest benedict and the avocado and brie omelette.
Says Carlo, “the Leaside community is friendly and family oriented and we always wanted to open a location here.” In addition to Thornhill and Leaside, Ramona’s has added Ramona’s Café, next to the original restaurant, along with a location at Hillcrest Mall.
Since opening in Leaside, Ramona’s has received great support from the
community for whom the eatery is a regular haunt. It also sees customers from all over the city and beyond, having welcomed guests from places like Ottawa, New York, Texas, California and abroad. Many of these visitors have either heard about Ramona’s from friends or family or found it through an internet search as it regularly pops up as a “top brunch spot.”
While Ramona’s Kitchen is known for its breakfast and brunch offerings (with more than 10 variations of eggs benedict on the menu), the restaurant is actually a diner serving lunch and dinner and is open into the evening. It also provides a true ‘all-day breakfast’ – you can order classic bacon and eggs or any of their breakfast creations at any time of day. One of the most popular menu items is the
Left: Owner Carlo Carlucci with the Leaside manager, Gail Longworth. banana bread French toast, a delicious variation on the classic. According to manager Gail Longworth, “the most popular menu items in Leaside are the schnitzel benny (eggs benedict with schnitzel), the chicken waffle, and the grilled tomato and avocado benedict.” Ramona’s also features a classic burger and fries plus an Amsterdam Brewery beer special on Thursdays and Saturdays and a fish and chips special on Fridays. The restaurant is busy with dine-in patrons but also sees a lot of takeout orders. On Friday and Saturday, they offer late night and early morning take-out (pick up only, outside of regular business hours).
Ramona’s is a very friendly place. Longworth was a customer who loved the restaurant before becoming an employee. When she met Carlo and heard he was looking for a weekend manager, she was delighted to join the team, which is very much like a family. They are also community-oriented and charitable, supporting both local organizations and fundraisers. You will see Ramona’s Kitchen’s name and logo on one of the rink boards at the Leaside arena. The front patio is pet friendly with
LISA PARKER
Hitting the ground running
by RACHEL CHERNOS LIN Councillor, Ward 15, DVW
It is a thrill to be writing my first column in Leaside Life as your new City Councillor for Ward 15 - Don Valley West. After serving six years as your local TDSB Trustee, including two as chair of the board, I was elected to City Hall on Nov. 4, 2024 and was sworn in a few days later – just in time to attend my first Council meeting the following week. I’m deeply honoured to continue serving the residents of Don Valley West, who I know were well-represented by the former Councillor, Jaye Robinson. While she left big shoes to fill, I am pleased to report that Councillor Robinson’s staff have stayed on, providing our ward with excellent support and continuity. You will also notice a few new faces on our team in the coming months, as I staff up to manage all the work ahead! Over the course of the campaign, I knocked on thousands of doors throughout Don Valley West. The message I heard from Leasiders was very clear: local voice matters. I
was elected with a strong mandate because of my experience and deep knowledge of the ward. While it’s a lot of work to set up a new office, my team and I have hit the ground running. Since my election just over one month ago (at the time of writing), a few of my first actions have included:
• Spearheading an interdivisional
meeting of senior City staff and Metrolinx to improve traffic signal coordination on Eglinton Avenue;
• Pushing back against the proposed timeline for a private developer occupying a traffic lane on Erskine Avenue at North York Community Council;
• Initiating a strategy to address traffic infiltration and congestion on Donlea Drive; and,
• Advocating for policy changes to prevent developers from applying for additional density through the Committee of Adjustment after reaching a settlement at the Ontario Land Tribunal, as in the case of 1837-1845 Bayview Ave. I have also been meeting with community groups and stakeholders throughout Leaside and the ward since my election and will be continuing to do so in the coming months. I am a strong believer in the importance of community engagement and collaboration.
Together, we can continue to build on the best parts of our neighbourhood – parks and green space, vibrant main streets, and community spirit –while also meeting the many difficult challenges facing our City, including unprecedented traffic congestion, the rising cost of living, and a growing capital infrastructure backlog. From local issues to major policy debates at City Hall, Don Valley West will be at the centre of my decision-making. Finally, I encourage you to stay informed by SIGNING UP FOR MY E-NEWSLETTER! Going forward, my office will be sending out regular e-newsletters. Please send an email to councillor_chernoslin@toronto.ca to be added to our contact list. n
Chernos Lin at her swearing-in ceremony at City Hall.
Key Reasons to Address Urinary Challenges
Talking about leaks, dribbles, and that sudden urge to go to the restroom can make anyone feel a bit awkward and frustrated. But have you considered the potential benefits of addressing these challenges? Did you know that a solution exists – right here in your neighbourhood – providing a pain-free, non-invasive solution?
Here are four compelling reasons why treating urinary incontinence should be a priority.
1. Avoiding the “OOPS Moment”: Nobody desires the awkward OOPS moment when urine unexpectedly leaks out, catching you off guard, especially at the most inconvenient times. By addressing urinary challenges, you can avoid these uncomfortable incidents, reclaiming a carefree and confident lifestyle.
2. Regaining Control: Our clients share a common desire to regain control. They experience a sense of powerlessness, as though their bodies have let them down. However, with the right treatment, you can regain that control and feel empowered to go about your day-to-day activities without worry or fear.
3. Freedom to do the things that you love: Challenges with urinary control can cause you to avoid things you love. Maybe you’ve stopped playing your favorite sport or exercising because you’re worried about accidents. Addressing these challenges can free you to do the things you love again, the things that help your overall health and wellness.
4. Less Pees and Better Zzzzzzs: If you struggle with urinary challenges, you may find that it disrupts your sleep. You may have to get up multiple times during the night to go to the bathroom, causing you to feel tired and groggy. Addressing these challenges can improve the quality of your sleep.
UROSPOT is here to help, conveniently located right in your neighbourhood.
These urinary challenges are common, but not normal. UROSPOT’s innovative solution restores freedom and peace of mind for people living with incontinence. UROSPOT combines technology, education and health coaching to help women and men say goodbye to bladder leaks, urgency, frequency, night waking, and other pelvic floor issues, simply by sitting on a chair, fully-clothed. Nothing goes in your body, and no one is touching you. The technology effectively delivers the equivalent of 11,000 kegels in just 28 minutes while it restores the neuromuscular connection between your brain, bladder and pelvic floor. It is pelvic health done differently, and you will leave feeling educated and empowered.
Book your complimentary consultation today. Partially covered by physiotherapy benefits.
UROSPOT.COM/UPTOWN-TORONTO-LPC
Chinese dumplings – a love story told in Leaside
Each month we will cover a Leasider’s special dish with a hearty side order of narrative. And you will find the recipes online by clicking the Leaside Cooks tab.
by MITCH BUBULJ
The legend of Leasider Judy Lau’s dad, Stanley, is a love story, one that is still being written. The 91-yearold Stanley, born Wong Chong Wah in Guangdong Province in southern China, has lived an auspicious life. Coming to Canada in 1959 and adopting the “Canadian” name Stanley upon arrival, he has put passion into his every endeavour, from acting and performing in Cantonese opera to owning and operating various restaurants in and around Edmonton. Judy shares her recollections of her dad and his recipe for Chinese dumplings, a traditional Chinese New Year specialty. Dumplings are a savoury staple dish during Chinese New Year; this
year the holiday begins on January 29th. Because their shape resembles ancient Chinese currency, they are said to bring wealth, prosperity and
once every three years. The last time Chong Wah’s father returned to China to see his wife and children was in 1932, the visit during which Chong Wah was conceived. Soon afterwards Japan invaded China and Chong Wah’s dad would never again return, instead staying in Prince Albert, Sask. Chong Wah met his father for the first time at age 26 when he himself emigrated to Canada in 1959.
With over 10 years experience, we are in a strong position to help. The first step to putting your problems in the rearview mirror is a phone call away.
longevity. Judy recalls family and friends preparing the dough and the filling, mostly pork, shrimp and chives, and then wrapping and pleating the dumplings before cooking. She says, “the counter would be covered with scores of them, but we could always tell which dumplings were made by my dad – they were the ones that were perfectly folded and pleated!”
Even though Stanley spent his entire working life in Canada as a restaurateur, he did not have formal culinary training. “He learned cooking by doing it, by using all his senses. He tastes something for the first time and can tell you what’s in it and can then go ahead and replicate it, adding his own unique touch.” In fact, a young Chong Wah back in Hong Kong was headed for a career on stage rather than in a kitchen.
Chong Wah’s grandfather journeyed to Canada in 1880 to help build the railway. In 1923 he brought Chong Wah’s father to Canada, paying the requisite $500 head tax, a discriminatory law that in part was meant to discourage Chinese immigration. Government rules stipulated that Chinese immigrants could return for a visit
In 1956 Chong Wah moved from Guangdong to Hong Kong where he waited for his papers allowing him to come to Canada. While there he acted and sang in Cantonese operas, traditional performances combining literature, drama, dance, song and martial arts and even learned to play the violin and banjo. Unlike Peking (now Beijing) operas focused on war and power, Cantonese operas captured themes of love. For a brief spell he also studied English when he became entranced by Po King Pon, whose job it was to teach the alphabet. He was too shy to converse with her and soon afterwards left the program. Fatefully, six months later as he was sitting in a hot, crowded office about to have his physical exam – the last hurdle to come to Canada – he heard a pair of high heels clicking down the hall and into the waiting room. It was Po King, who was there for the same reason. This time Chong Wah was brave enough to introduce himself. Both emigrated separately to Canada in 1959. They reunited in 1961 and soon married. Making Edmonton home, they ran successful restaurants and brought over
Judy’s dad Chong Wah performing in the Cantonese Opera, Hong Kong, 1950s. Judy in her kitchen.
Andrew A. Sudano
If you really want to make a friend, go to someone’s house and eat with him... the people who give you their food give you their heart.
– Cesar Chavez “
Po King’s mother to raise Judy and her two older siblings since their businesses consumed much of their time. Judy remembers feeling lucky as a young child to work at their downtown restaurant, the Canton, because it meant she was close to her parents. “They both worked very long hours to make the restau rant a success for our family, some times sleeping there after a late closing in order to be up and ready for breakfast. My helping out by waiting tables or washing dishes meant I could be with them.”
At 91 Stanley is now putting much love into being the main caregiver for Po King, who suffered a stroke in 2015. He keeps fit and energetic by walking vigorously on a tread mill for 30 minutes each morning and twice a day drinking his secret to good health: warm water, honey, lemon juice and apple cider vinegar. Incidentally, another term for dumplings in Chinese, dim sum, means “to touch the heart.” It’s an apt dish for a man who, according to Judy, would often say “food is love and caring, and always tastes better when made with and for loved ones!” n ”
Stephanie Bowman
LLIR helps ‘students’ stay relevant in retirement
by MITCH BUBULJ
Leasiders Sue Ferguson and Catherine Bowman have never been busier, which is just how they like it. They are two of 18 board members – all volunteers – of Living and Learning in Retirement (LLIR), a not-for-profit that provides stimulating, university-level courses of interest to members from their 60s to their 90s. All courses last 10 weeks and are offered on Fridays at Glendon College.
LLIR does not disappoint. As Sue explains, “the annual October waitlist fills up within two hours.”
There is a good chance you have already heard of LLIR, perhaps from a neighbour. “We do not advertise so it’s all by word of mouth,” says Sue. The program is 1,200 members strong, many of them Leasiders who are often well travelled and educated, retired from a variety of jobs in a myriad of professions.
There are many reasons people join and keep coming back. One is the timely topics and well delivered course content. An example
is last term’s popular course “The World is Changing: What it means for cities like Toronto,” offered by city builders Anne Golden and Ken Greenberg, the contents of which will become a book. Another appeal of the non-profit it that it offers members an opportunity to “nourish the mind, in the company of contemporaries,” which was one of its objectives when first conceived in the ’70s.
Catherine says that socialization is part of the appeal. “All courses are offered in-person; we pivot to Zoom only in emergencies such as last year’s York University faculty strike, which impacted classroom access at Glendon.” And lastly is cost; with a registration fee of $50 and course fee of $35, LLRI may
just be the best deal in town.
Costs can be kept low because it is run by volunteers. The only costs are for classroom space and course directors. Sue reckons it takes 10 volunteers to run a course, and LLIR offers 11 courses a year. These industrious, unpaid workers do everything from setting up and managing audio-visual equipment to greeting “students” as they enter the lecture hall.
There is also the program committee, which plans course offerings as far as two years in advance. Many on the committee are former teachers and professors or members of the arts community. And there are the 18 members who make up the board. Sue, one of the newest members, who has taken on the role of webmaster, is especially busy in October when she opens the waitlist. Catherine serves as president and, like Sue, started as a member in 2020. Sue explains she was attracted to LLIR “when looking for something to do” after she retired, for the third time and always from a career in education, including being principal of Marc Garneau C.I., one of the largest schools in the TDSB.
The venue is an ideal location for Leaside members. Glendon College, nestled in the valley just north of Sunnybrook Hospital, is a healthy walk or bike ride away and is serviced by TTC. Parking is also available. LLIR was the brainchild of Reverend Dr. Thomas Davies in 1973 and was fully supported by the then Principal of Glendon College, Dr. Albert Tucker, who was instru-
MITCH BUBULJ
Sue Ferguson (left) and Catherine Bowman.
mental in making space available at the college. Incidentally, the first course offered was in Canadian Studies. Organizers estimated that enrollment would be 50 participants; on the first day of class there were 144 members in the audience. While the LLIR does not fund-raise, they do support Glendon students who are in financial need through bursaries of $2,500 each as well as food drives. This is money that has been donated over the years by members, altogether totalling more than $500,000.
It may only be January but considering the popularity of LLIR’s offerings, it is not too early to make a note to visit their website in September to find out when the waitlist opens.
Visit them at llirto.ca. n
by DAVID CRICHTON
I check in with reception at Laird Dental.
“You’re 30 minutes early,” the receptionist says. “Oh, right.”
I explain how I purposely input my appointments 15, 20, or 30 minutes earlier than the actual time, you know, to trick myself into being punctual.
“Smart. I wish all our patients did that.”
“They need to be neurotic,” I reply. I sit down in the waiting area, immediately regretting my early arrival. Across from me, a woman dressed like a tour guide at a mausoleum, if there was such a thing, sits staring at me, squinting. Not glancing, not polite, just full-on staring, disapproving and judgmental. I can sense it. However, for some reason I’m the one who feels guilty being “caught” looking at her. I give her a weak smile, the kind that says, We’re strangers, but we’re both human. Can we not be
You lookin’ at me?
weird? No reaction. Then a man comes in and begins to settle beside her. (Her husband?) They don’t acknowledge one another. He is already locked onto me before his butt hits the seat. Now I’m being tag-teamed.
So, I do what any normal person would do in this situation: a staredown. The woman doesn’t blink. The man is unshakable. They’re clearly pros.
In frustration, I raise my eyebrows and tilt my head as if to say, “What?!” Zippo. Just squinting, powered-down robots.
I look down at my shirt for a toothpaste stain, a misaligned button, something, anything. Selfconsciously, my hand moves to my hair, fingers groping for an explanation. A leaf? Am I receding that badly?
“Mister Crick?” the hygienist calls from the doorway. Ugh.… “You mean Crichton?” She looks at her clipboard. “Crick?”
Looking to volunteer over March Break?
We are recruiting volunteers for our March Break* program. Programming includes recreation activities such as:
• Creative Arts Respite Camp
• Ronald McDonald Playroom
• Therapeutic Recreation and much more!
*Minimum age for this program is 16 To learn more about our volunteer opportunities please visit: www.hollandbloorview.ca/volunteer
“It’s Crichton. David.”
“Right. This way, please.”
As I stand to follow her, I glance back to make sure I haven’t left anything behind — and there it is. A TV mounted on the wall above my seat. The news is playing. The squinting robots are glued to it. I wasn’t the main attraction; I was just in the way of their prime-time TV viewing. In the chair, the hygienist hooks the suction tube onto the corner of my mouth and gets to work. I can either stare at her and make us both uncomfortable or strain to watch the TV mounted ahead of me. I opt not to have a restraining order slapped on me.
The news catches my attention: Europe is launching two satellites to create a total eclipse of the sun. Huh!? The saliva sucker drowns out the details.
I must mutter something, because the hygienist pauses and removes the suction. “You okay?”
“Did you see that? Europe’s launching satellites to block the sun for some research. What about the rest of us? How selfish?!”
She shrugs. “I don’t pay attention to the news while I’m working.”
Good point, I think. I probably don’t want her to.
After my appointment, I stop at M&S Auto to drop off my snow tires. Rick, the owner, greets me. Rick, with his perfect hair. As we talk about tread depth and tire pressures, I can’t stop staring at his mane. It’s thick, shiny, symmetrical. He combs his fingers through it in what looks like slow motion. Oh, to have that hair.
Finally, I make my way to Tony’s Barber Shop. Mahsa greets me with her usual warm smile as I sit down.
“Anything new?” she asks as she starts combing through the remaining hairs on my head.
“Just trying to quiet the voices in there,” I say.
She pauses, plucks something out of my hair and holds it up. A shiny ribbon? Foil? She gives me a questioning look.
Piece of satellite, perhaps? There are stranger things. n
Leaside
Children’s House Montessori School
Toddler, Preschool & Kindergarten
We offer early learning experiences for young children to build the skills they need for life.
Info@leasidechildrenshouse.com Instagram @leaside_childrens_house
Robbie Burns
Supper Saturday January 25th. 2025
MG Event Centre / York Masonic Hall 1100 Millwood Road, Toronto (at the corner of Overlea Blvd.)
Hosted by The Kiwanis Club of East York
• Roast Beef Dinner • Haggis, Neaps and Tatties (of course) • Door Prizes • Silent Auction • Scottish Highland Dancing • Cash Bar • Single Malt Whisky Bar
TICKETS - $100 (advance purchases preferred) Income Tax Receipt is available. COCKTAILS at 6:15 PM – DINNER at 7:00 PM. DRESS: Highland Dress or Business Attire FOR TICKETS: Online: eventbrite.ca https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/robbie-burns-supper-2025-tickets-1084808584679
Phone: (416) 451-6777. Email: BurnsSupper@kcey.ca All proceeds go directly to local community programs
MANOR ROAD
UNITED CHURCH
Celebrating 100 Years of Spiritual Guidance and Charitable Good Works, May 2025
Join us in person or on YouTube for a welcoming, contemporary and spiritual Sunday service at 10:30 am. Everyone is invited!
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS: SUNDAY SERVICE FOLLOWED BY FREE POTLUCK BRUNCH
Sunday Jan. 5th 10:30 am
COFFEE HOUSE: KNITTING AND LIVELY CONVERSATION
Tuesday Jan. 14th 2 pm
FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT WITH POPCORN AND BOARD GAMES
Friday January 24th 6:30pm
240 Manor Road East, Toronto, ON
manorroadunitedchurch.com
Young Poet’s Corner
Welcome to the Young Poet’s Corner! Here, we share poems from students at Leaside High School, either members of the school’s Young Writers Club or students in the school’s Writers Craft classes. These poems offer insights into some of the issues that occupy young people and showcase their evolving creativity.
We thank Lauren Elizabeth Simmons, Assistant Curriculum Leader for Anti-Oppressive Education, Student Voice, Leadership and Engagement at Leaside High, for inspiring and helping to showcase young talent.
“a side by side”
You grew up with sunshines and rainbows. You grew up going to school on your own, the sidewalk has overgrown grass and dandelions. You grew up having time to sit on the grass with your friends during lunch hour. You grew up somewhere cold but never felt cold. You ate apples and bananas despite it never being their season.
You slept with a bedtime story, knowing tomorrow will be better than today.
I grew up with sunshine but I had a second sun that was much closer.
I grew up going to school with my dad, the sidewalk covered in bullets.
I grew up with snow no one could bear, so we all stayed inside hiding from the cold, but damn I knew it would sneak inside through the thin walls.
I never ate apples or bananas while it wasn’t their season, and when the trees bloomed once, my mother would shove it down my throat telling it would be gone all too soon.
I slept with my grandmother’s soft humming, knowing tomorrow might be my last.
United in Leaside for a great cause
by CRAIG HUTCHISON
On Sat., Nov. 16, 2024, 17 people from the Leaside Rotary Club and Leaside United Church gathered to participate in an important outreach project.
Every year, a team of members from the Whitby Sunrise Rotary Club visit small villages in the Dominican Republic. This helps them identify how Rotary can improve their quality of life. During those recent visits they noticed that young girls did not have access to personal hygiene products. This meant these girls missed one week of school per month and suffered other stigmas related to the personal hygiene issue. Missing this much time from school was bound to risk their academic advancement. In response, the Rotary group designed a home-made product and then proceeded to set up sewing and cutting groups to create it. Leaside Rotary joined this effort, and Whitby Sunrise Rotary Club brought eight sewing machines, and all the material
needed to make the personal hygiene pads. These groups were joined by volunteers from the Leaside Rotary Club for a wonderful afternoon of fellowship. Everyone felt good about making a difference in these young girls’ lives.
This is an excellent example of the kinds of projects Leaside Rotary gets involved with in the local community and the global world.
To learn how you can join Rotary to make a difference, visit torontoleasiderotary.com.
Leaside Rotary – Passionate about Leaside since 1940. n
GEORGE HURST
January
Events
CFUW LEASIDE-EAST YORK
Thursday, January 16, 7:30 p.m. on ZOOM. Travels to Rome — From a Mission to Rome by the Rev. Stephen Milton, Lawrence Park Community Church. For Zoom link, call 416-357-6193
ST. AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH
1847 Bayview Ave.
Friday January 10th
Groove Room Coffee House
Listen to great live music by local artists and have a coffee and dessert with friends. The next Groove Room Coffee House is on Friday, January 10th 7:008:30 p.m. This event is “pay what you can” with 100% of the money going to the Flemingdon Food Bank. We are looking for performers. Contact: info@saintaugustine.ca
LEASIDE UNITED CHURCH
822 Millwood Road 416 425 1253 www.leasideunited.com
Grief Support Group
January 8 – April 30, 2025, 2:00-3:30 p.m. – bi-weekly for 9 sessions
Facilitated by Jean Marie Suchora, Minister of Pastoral Care. No cost to participate.
NORTHLEA UNITED CHURCH
125 Brentcliffe Road, 416 425 5252
Come to the Estate Planning Lunch & Learn. Understand the ‘what and why’ of estate planning. With Sylvia McGratten, CCO; Cedar Leaf Capital Inc. All are welcome. Free will offering. 12 noon, Tues, Jan 28. Please register by Fri, Jan 24 - 3:00 p.m. Email jo@northleaunited.ca
LEASIDE GARDEN SOCIETY
The Society invites you to the Speaker Series on: Thursday, January 9th, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom. Our special guest speaker is: Pat de Valence. Talking about: Two Gardens in Quebec: Jardin Quatre-Vents and Reford Gardens. Questions: leaside@ gardenontario.org
ST. CUTHBERT’S CHURCH, LEASIDE
1399 Bayview Avenue 416 485 0329 stcuthbertleaside@toronto.anglican.ca www.stcuthbertsleaside.com
Tai chi Tuesdays 1:30 – 2:30 p.m. in Lamb Hall. Video and live instruction. Suggested donation $4.
LEASIDE LIBRARY
165 McRae Drive • 416 396 3835
For a full list of programs at Leaside branch, please visit www.tpl.ca/leaside. n
“hero” of the story is Sir William Wooley. He’s rich, handsome and eligible but has one “heartrending flaw.” He shrinks after being washed. To solve the problem, the Queen suggests he marry one of the daughters since, being synthetic, “they NEVER shrink from washing.” A coin-toss determines the winner, and Orlon (played by Atwood) becomes Sir William’s wife. The play ends with a nurse arriving onstage carrying a bundle intended to represent their newborn baby, appropriately named Woolerline – a “Wool and Orlon combination.” Throughout the play, music and song are used to support the story and move the action along – including Offenbach’s Barcarole, Gilbert and Sullivan’s When I was a lad from H.M.S. Pinafore, and the classic folk ballad, Oh, My Darling Clementine. In addition to Atwood herself, all the dramatic roles were acted by Leaside high school students – many of whom were Margaret’s friends:
• Joan Lay, of 105 Donlea Dr., played the King.
• Janet Holmes, who lived in Bennington Heights, played the Queen.
• Ruth Paul played Dacron, and Rosalie Kerbekian of 180 Randolph Rd. was Nylon.
• Sandra Coomber of 197 Rumsey Rd. played Sir William Wooley.
• Helen Currie played the nurse.
The pianist was Sally Hergert, who lived at 37 Sharron Dr. Sally still lives in Leaside and is now Sally (Hergert) White. She vividly recalls preparing for the play and its performance.
“We did much of it on the fly because all of us were so busy with extra classes and other things. The costumes were thrown together and weren’t very fancy; and we rehearsed at least once but not much more than that. But we had so much fun. We’d be killing ourselves laughing; and Peggy [Atwood] was so funny, but in a low-key way.”
At performance time, the play was acted in a corner of the auditorium “because that’s where the piano was located. And we didn’t do it before the entire school; we performed it only for the Home Economics class.”
Despite the smaller audience, the play was well received, according to Sally, especially by Miss Ricker. “Peggy put a lot of effort into the play, and after it was over Miss Ricker shook her head in wonder. She was not expecting what we came up with…. She was blown away.”
As far as it’s known, that was the first and last time Synthesia was ever performed. A performance was planned for May 2021 at a literary conference in Australia, but it was cancelled because of Covid. And the full text of the play wasn’t published until 2020 – some 64 years after its debut at Leaside High School.
Maybe it’s time to pull some strings and stage a revival! n
Sally Hergert White and husband Peter White, 2018. Left: Marion Ricker, Leaside H.S. Home Economics teacher.
LEASIDE H.S. YEARBOOK, 1953-54
Donlea disaster?
THE Idler Curious
Residents in the Donlea and Eglinton area are up in arms about ongoing and growing traffic issues, owing in great part to continuing Metrolinx construction. Members of the FB group Leaside Community Forum are burning up the site with tales of extreme frus tration. New Ward 15 Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, replying to FB members, has taken note: “Dear Leasiders, and particularly to those who live on Donlea, who have been so profoundly affected by the horrendous traffic situation on the street: Please know that my office and I are actively working with City staff from multiple departments to resolve the traffic issues along Eglinton and along Donlea. This includes looking at intersection configuration and signal timing, among other things, and involves a number of City of Toronto departments as well as Metrolinx. …Please know that everyone is taking this very seriously and staff are treating this as a priority. We know the traffic has been getting worse and has been ongoing for far too long, but I ask for everyone’s continued patience as we work to properly fix the situation.” In the meantime, tempers are flaring, with one FB poster summing up nicely: “Metrolinx=Voldemort.”
And on that note….
Will 2025 be the year the Eglinton Crosstown opens?
The Eglinton Crosstown construction chaos has long plagued the residents and businesses along Eglinton and beyond. Now years behind schedule, there is still no firm timeline for an opening.
The chair of the TTC said recently that the long-delayed and over-budget Eglinton Crosstown will not open for service before mid-2025. Councillor Jamaal Myers said the TTC is “working internally with the date of June 1” as the earliest possible day the 19-km light rail line could be up and running.
Locally, the lights seem to be on at the new neighbourhood stops at Leaside (Bayview & Eglinton) and Laird (Brentcliffe & Eglinton) but there continues to be no one at home, or at least it appears that way.
As reported by Global News reporter Isaac Callan, “(now departed) Metrolinx CEO Phil Verster said physical construction is ‘significantly completed’ as teams continue to build the light rail line in Toronto.” The head of Ontario’s provincial transit agency says construction teams are making “really good progress” on the years-delayed Eglinton Crosstown LRT, but that there are still “wrinkles” to be sorted out.
Wrinkles? Over 10 years and over 10 billion dollars, the Idler thinks the public deserves more details than “we have some wrinkles to sort out.”
When the first trains do take to the tracks, the Idler hopes Metrolinx will do the right thing and offer a helluva lot of free rides to all the residents near the construction chaos.
Our very own Leaside Litterati gets fan mail
Cheryl’s vigilance may be paying off. Fellow Leasider Rick Price, responding to her December column (“The sorry state of Georgia Walsh playground continues”) took matters in his own hands and contacted City Hall officials with a comprehensive list of observations and complaints. Among his comments:
“I think that Cheryl is on the right track insofar as if the litter does not bother park users and/or Toronto staff, then Cheryl will also have to be in her words ‘unbothered.’ What a sad state of affairs when Cheryl, who has been trying to help keep Toronto beautiful in Leaside and even cleaning up litter herself, now appears to be giving up as Toronto staff cannot return a phone call or an email even though Cheryl was offering to assist.”
We think there are many more Leasiders upset by the litter in our parks. Let’s hope, like Rick Price, they let City officials know.
Toy Drive Success!
The Leaside Toy Drive committee reported that they met their fundraising goal and were able to provide toys for about 6,000 children in Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park. They want to extend their deep appreciation and thank everyone who supported the children this year. They couldn’t do it without you!
Ring in the new year
Join MPP Stephanie Bowman and MP Rob Oliphant at their New Year’s Levee on Jan. 12, 1-3 p.m., at the Toronto Botanical Garden, 777 Lawrence Ave. E. Always a good time and a jolly way to welcome 2025. n
BOUQUET From Page 10
in the nick of time found a qualified repairperson.”
Davida delights in bringing joy to clients when they see the results of their floral transformation. In addition to bridal bouquets, floral preservation is treasured for milestone birthdays, graduations and memorials. Many of her clients are the relatives of brides, graduates and the couples themselves who appreciate these unique gifts. “A recent client requested that a treasured piece of vintage family jewelry be included in the shadowbox,” she said. “Another had kept her bridal bouquet in the freezer for three years and was thrilled when I was able to restore and reassemble her keepsake,” though she advises clients to call her before their big event so she can begin the bouquet’s conservation process within days.
Each display case housing the conserved bouquets is handmade by a local artisan with the colour, style, wood, and dovetailed corners all customized. A truly Canadian-made one-of-a-kind artwork. For examples of Beija Flor’s bouquets: www.beijaflorbouquets.com/gallery n
treats for the four-leggers. In addition, there is a heated, covered back patio area that offers a tranquil setting. This hidden gem is functional all year as the cover opens on nice days, but also provides protection. If you were near the restaurant in December, you likely noticed their Christmas tree, which they invited people from the community to decorate. Typical of the welcoming atmosphere and community focus. n
Bayview’s wild, wild west side story
The west side of Bayview north of Eglinton is experiencing multiple development applications for projects that well exceed the precedent-setting initial application on the east side at 1837-45 Bayview. You may know the story already from earlier articles in Leaside Life , but frankly it deserves to be better known. The Gupta Group’s application was submitted immediately after the provincial government rewrote the Yonge-Eglinton Secondary Plan (YESP), the City’s plan to accommodate increased density expected with the coming of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT, which permitted 20-35 storeys in the Bayview Focus Area instead of eight storeys. The next application jumped across the road to the gas station site, and the subsequent projects (four to date) are all on the west side of Bayview; 660 Eglinton East (the Sunnybrook shopping centre site) application preceded the provincial changes to the YESP and is now expected to become a new application, likely pending the outcome at 1802 Bayview.
The typical pattern of these applications is that following declaration of “complete application” and the required community consultation meeting, an application goes through North York Community Council and then City Council, where it is regularly refused, with direction to “continue discussion with the applicant.” In the meantime, the applicant has already appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) after the failure of the City to render a decision within legislated time limits.
Then there is a fork in the road: the applicant can either continue to the OLT at a not insignificant cost in money and delays, or they can offer to meet for settlement discussions with the City and the local residents’ association, in this case, Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA) which, commendably, has stepped up to participate in settlement discussions, on a limited budget basis. This has been the story in the case of 1840 Bayview, the ESSO gas station site, and 2-20 Glazebrook, the semi-detached homes. However, in the case of 1802 Bayview, an application for a 46-storey tower, the applicant (Gairloch) was unwilling to enter into settlement discussions, and so an OLT hearing date was set
proposal, nor City Council to make a decision on the status of additional lands,
The fact that the request for extra lands to be redesignated had not been submitted as part of Gairloch’s application was called out by the
for an eight- or nine-day hearing in December.
1802 Bayview has proven to be different in another way too. Applications tend to ask for a Zoning Bylaw Amendment application, but may also ask for an Official Plan Amendment for the site where the use is not fully compliant with the Official Plan. In this case, Gairloch asked for both OPA and ZBA on their site, but in addition, asked for OPA and ZBAs for 7-15 Glenavy and 590-592 Roehampton, which are located immediately west of their property, across Badali Family Lane.
So, they were asking to redesignate and rezone lands they did not own (which is allowed), but they failed to include the additional lands in the official application to the City. The importance of this request to redesignate the additional lands to Mixed Use is that this would make these adjacent lands a “transitional zone” and easier to justify a 46-storey tower! They did state there was no actual development application for those properties as part of the application. But what it does mean is that, not being included in the official application says that it was not part of the community consultation, and so the community had no opportunity to comment on the
OLT, and the parties agreed to adjourn the “merit hearing” and instead sit as a “motion hearing” to deal with the issue of whether the hearing should (or should not) consider the additional lands within the hearings scope. At the end of the motion hearing on Mon., Dec. 2, the Chair made her decision – to not allow the additional lands to be included (despite the applicant’s witness statements having assumed that they were).
The merit hearing proceedings commenced on Wed., Dec. 4, and continued to Thurs., Dec. 12. We look forward to a decision, unavailable at the time of writing.
The importance of 1802 Bayview as a precedent for other developments – notably the Metro site next door and an expected re-application for the 660 Eglinton (Sunnybrook Plaza) cannot be underestimated.
While this piece has focused mostly on process, it is the planning issues and arguments that are uppermost in the long term. These are cogently summarized in BARA’s closing statements, which will be posted on the BARA website (https://bara.dcms.site/).
BARA executive members followed the proceedings each day, and deserve much credit for their civic duty. n
into the New Year!
Fax (416) 481-5275
Phone (416) 481-1146
Editor: Jane W. Auster • Publisher: Lorna Krawchuk
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Comments, Letters to the Editor, Advertising Enquiries: Contact: 416-504-8047 ext. 120 leasidelifepublishing@gmail.com • leasidelife@gmail.com
in Leaside, Toronto, ON.
Adult Ballroom, Latin and Swing Dance Lessons
Meet new friends and learn a new skill – it is never too late or too early to learn to dance!
$230 per couple for 580 min. classes and receive your 6th class for free!
Beginner & Intermediate
Interested? Call Evah
416-467-1640 28 Industrial St.
SENIOR FITNESS
Toronto Finnish-Canadian Seniors Centre 795 Eglinton Avenue East
FALL / WINTER / SPRING & SUMMER SESSIONS AQUA FITNESS * GROUP FITNESS * OSTEO FITNESS
Office Hours: Mon. to Fri. 9 am–5 pm For more info contact: 416-425-4134 x 225 Email: emas@suomikoti.ca
Will it be a Happy New Year?
In last month’s Leaside Life column I focused on Metrolinx’s planned two-year closure of Beth Nealson Drive for construction of the Ontario Line and its many negative impacts on the South Leaside 88A/B bus route. The diversion and route changes proposed by the TTC sever the connection of Leaside and Thorncliffe Park and significantly reduce local TTC accessibility and passenger convenience.
My excellent Thorncliffe contact, and colleague, Jason Ash, and I have contacted newly elected Ward 15 Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin, proposing to the TTC board some additional options, to keep Leaside, Thorncliffe Park and the Leaside Business Park area fully connected during the Beth Nealson construction period. I hope to have more (and more positive) information to share with you in the new year.
At the very least, important decisions like these deserve real public consultation and attention, with sufficient notice and clear communication.
Overall, 2025 looks like being another busy year for the Leaside Residents Association, with many issues to address:
The Leaside Neighbourhood Transportation Plan (LNTP)
The LRA has been hearing from residents, particularly on streets located near health institutions and commercial areas, who report abuse of the City’s standard threehour parking limits. Will we be any nearer to implementing Phase One of the Leaside Neighbourhood Transportation Plan (LNTP), or at least starting to poll those affected by parts of the plan regarding potential paid permit parking?
Still on the LNTP, will the City provide any daylight in the new year on what Phase TWO of the plan might propose? The longer traffic speed and safety measures are delayed, the greater – and harder to remedy – our traffic problems become. For instance, Leaside’s construction boom continues to create congestion problems throughout, most recently on and around Donlea Drive, which has become a diversionary route of choice for drivers in the Bayview/Eglinton area. This needs attention soon, not just in the indefinite future.
The Eglinton Crosstown LRT
Will the continuing saga of the unfinished Eglinton Crosstown LRT come to an end in mid-2025 when the LRT starts operation, as promised (or at least hinted)?
How many elections will take place in 2025, and what might their specific effects be on us locally? Will 2025 be a year of change, or just more of the same? Can we hope for improvement, and empowerment of cities, which are currently so at the mercy of the more senior levels of government?
We will see… or will we? In the meantime, the LRA wishes you all a happy and more peaceful New Year, with all good things for your families and for Leaside as a community.
The LRA board of directors meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. These are public meetings, and you are welcome to join us and join in. Because the first Wednesday of January is New Year’s Day, our next meeting is instead on Wed., Jan. 8th.
Please note:
Our December, January, February and March meetings will be on ZOOM. For contact information and more details and updates, visit; leasideresidents.ca and press the Contact Us button, or leasideresidents.ca/contact-us. n
