Ali and his new beginnings
The most famous dog in Leaside? Page 3
LEASIDER ALI TOUFIGHI PREPARES HIS SABZI POLO MAHI FOR NOWRUZ
ALI TOUFIGHI
RIP. Another food store closes on Bayview
One of Leaside Life’s writers, who also happened to work part-time at The Sweet Potato on Bayview, shared the news with me today of the imminent closure of the store. This, after not even two years in Leaside (the Junction location is not affected), and not long after Bayview lost local favourite Valumart to make way for a new mid-rise residential/commercial development.
Starting a new retail business is risky at any time. Starting a food business, grocery or restaurant, is an even riskier proposition, especially at a time when shoppers are deeply suspicious of grocers’ profit margins and have raised concerns about rising food prices.
Dalhousie University’s “food professor,” Sylvain Charlebois, was quoted recently in a Globe and Mail op-ed piece: “Most consumers barely appreciate how farming, logistics or
even food processing work, but most of us often go to a grocery store. It’s a familiar environment. However, grocery stores are also portals to a very complex food system we can barely see and understand, so promptly blaming grocers for overpriced products is instinctive.”
But what if the situation goes beyond food prices to an even bigger problem: the loss of diverse food retail in a neighbourhood? Fortunately, Leaside is not threatened to become a “food desert.” There are still many good local options, from small fruit-and-veg markets to larger grocers (i.e. Loblaws, Longo’s and the new Farm Boy), but the smaller mid-sized food retailers, like The Sweet Potato and Valumart on Bayview, where consumers can shop without a car, seem challenged. Both retailers are a loss to Bayview. n
Is this the most famous dog in Leaside?
Many successful people have lived in Leaside over the years. I’ve written about some of them in Leaside Life. But this is the first time I’ve written about a successful Leasider who also happened to be a dog. His name was Irish Battler, and in the late 1930s he briefly became quite the celebrity. They say every dog has his day. This one certainly did.
James Martin and his dog kennel
As his name implies, Irish Battler was an Irish Terrier. His owner, James A. Martin, operated a dog kennel – Martin’s Irish Kennels –from his homes at 19 Bessborough Dr. and, later, 189 Bessborough Dr. Home kennels were not uncommon in Leaside back then. In addition to Martin’s, there were at least two similar operations in the community – O’Bonnyrigg Kennels at 41 Hanna Rd. and Carson Kennels at 111 Hanna Rd. These enterprises often served as side hustles for their owners. Martin’s primary occupation, for example, was running a bicycle and sporting goods shop at 701 Danforth called Bicycle Martin.
Despite this, he and his wife, Ivane, found time to be active players in the dog business – raising, selling and displaying their dogs in competition. Before Irish Battler, James Martin found success with two other Irish Terriers – Irish Kitty and Irish Lass, both of whom achieved high scores at Canadian and American dog shows, including competitions at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and the Ohio Irish Terrier Club. The latter dog, Irish Lass, was Irish Battler’s mother. According to Kennel and Bench magazine –Canada’s national dog publication at the time – she was considered by many to be “the best producer of winners in Canada.”
Irish Battler, the champion
This assessment proved more than accurate. Irish Battler won his first competition at the 1937 Royal Winter Fair while still a puppy. From there, he went on to achieve numerous other wins, including: • Best of Breed at the Toronto Ladies’ Kennel Club.
DOG Page 27
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Irish Battler 1938.
A crowded field vies to be next school trustee
by JAKE ROSS
On March 3rd, voters in Ward 11 Don Valley West who are citizens and public school supporters will head to the polls to elect a new Toronto District School Board (TDSB) Trustee. The by-election comes after former Trustee, now Councillor, Rachel Chernos Lin, resigned to run for Toronto City Council.
It’s a crowded field with 10 candidates vying to represent the ward. Here’s a brief summary of the candidates and their priorities:
AARON ANDERSON
Aaron Anderson works in youth athletics and previously spent a year teaching in the TDSB. On his campaign website, Anderson says that he wants to bring a “dose of common sense” to the board. His priorities include ridding the TDSB of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, and respecting parents’ rights. He also states that
he wants to increase the number of days students are in school. https://sites.google.com/view/ andersonfortrustee/
ADAM GOLDING
A teacher, Adam Golding would like to see coding in the school curriculum. He also wants to extend recess, which he says will “reduce medication.” Golding is pushing to reduce class sizes, supports the current policy of no resource officers in schools, and wants to implement a phone ban. https://linktr.ee/adamgolding
ANDREW WATERS
Andrew Waters is a CPA and former TDSB staffer. He describes himself as an “involved parent” and serves on a number of TDSB parent advisory boards. Waters wants programs that
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will improve learning and mental well-being and create a safe school environment. He supports increased transparency at the TDSB, as well as involving parents more in the decision-making process.
https://www.andrewwaters.ca/
DIANA GOLDIE
With over 10 years’ experience on various school councils, Diana Goldie advocates for a “back to the basics” approach that includes an emphasis on core subjects. She wants to increase mental health resources, as well as ensure that schools are safe for all. Goldie would like to see special education programs improved and changes to the lottery system at specialized schools. https://dianagoldie.com/
GUS STEFANIS
A self-described “concerned parent,” Gus Stefanis is a consultant and project manager. His priorities include repealing Ontario’s sex-ed curriculum and stopping “gender identity theory” and critical race theory from being taught in schools.
https://sites.google.com/view/ gus-stefanis
JASON STEVENS
A former ESL teacher, Jason Stevens (who recently ran for Ward 15 Councillor) believes in a “common sense approach to education.” He supports a focus on the core subjects. He feels that a priority for the TDSB should be reducing classroom sizes
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Get your Glow on at this Bayview spa
Glow Spa, upstairs at 1675 Bayview Ave., is celebrating its anniversary of, as they say, “Proudly pampering Toronto for over 22 years.” In fact, this month marks their 23rd anniversary.
Being an upstairs business is a real advantage in terms of ample space for treatment rooms, with a calming view of trees in the backyards of Donegall Drive houses. But it can also be a bit of a problem since you must first find the door while walking the block on the east side of Bayview between Fleming and Parkhurst. Once upstairs, though, you can relax with the soft, welcoming colours, the mural behind
the main desk by Gavin McCarthy of “Art by Gavin,” and some welcoming herbal tea, all in aid of offering “skin care, body care, self-care.”
The original owners, Marci Weinstein and Jennie Kay, ran the business until 2019. Theresa Szalay and Lindsay McCarthy, who worked at the spa before taking over in October 2019, had never considered becoming owners until it became clear that unless someone stepped up, the spa would close. Theresa spent the weekend in 2019 consulting her husband and contacted Lindsay, who was camping that week with her family. The two decided to make the leap, although they had no real business background. Marci and Jennie offered to help the new owners make the transition.
Theresa, an aesthetician and aromatherapist by training, joined Glow in 2008 after stylist Bashkim from Floka Salon told her that Jennie at Glow was looking for staff. Theresa applied, got the job, and has worked there ever since.
Lindsay has registered massage therapist credentials from Sutherland Chan. She joined Glow when looking to move to Toronto for work; one of her instructors knew Jennie. Lindsay started at Glow replacing a RMT on mat leave who then didn’t return. She likes to “plant roots,” so is very happy at Glow.
Every business seems to have a
Covid story. Theresa and Lindsay had owned the business for less than six months when Covid hit. The business was completely closed for three months. Then, massage therapy as a medical component was permitted, and the duo were able to sell “product” from their Eminence, Dermalogica and other lines. One of their Covid innovations was offering “a facial in a bag” with everything you needed for a DIY facial. Before the pandemic, one of their features was a Club Glow. For $100/month you had access to several of their services up to one hour per month. Theresa and Lindsay were gratified that many members of Club Glow, who could not take advantage of the services during Covid closures, continued to pay their subscription. If a pedicure or manicure is on your list, you’ll enjoy reading the colour labels on the OPI nail polish. The Glow team put out “series” of colours with a particular theme –Mexican, New Orleans, the musical Wicked , and many more, with catchy names to match.
Lindsay describes Glow as “lightning in a bottle” and is not sure the Glow experience can be replicated at other spas. “Clients will trudge over in the middle of a blizzard to make their appointment,” says Theresa. Both owners mention how fun it is to see the children of long-time clients showing up as the next generation to enjoy this special place. n
Lindsay McCarthy and Theresa Szalay. Mural by Lindsay’s husband Gavin McCarthy. LORNA KRAWCHUK
ParaGolf helps swingers of all abilities
by SUZANNE PARK
In the depths of this winter’s longest days, anyone who’s ever swung, or wanted to swing a golf club longs for warmer days to arrive. At last, here we are on the cusp of spring and time to think about a lovely walk maybe featuring an errant golf ball heading out of bounds or into the drink.
You may not think of golf as an accessible sport for all, but there’s an organization working to change that perception.
ParaGolf Ontario is all about growing and increasing golf’s inclusiveness. On their website, project manager Joe Millage says: “We are on a mission to make the game of golf more accessible and inclusive.” President Ken Mulgrew adds, “Thank you to our champion, Minister Raymond Cho and the Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility for a grant which is enabling us to develop tools and educational resources that are growing participation rates and raising awareness of the benefits of golf accessibility.”
Stanley’s White House Meats
This band of accessible golf enthusiasts, which includes Leasider Roman Tietz, a volunteer and program participant for four decades, specializes in fueling enthusiasm for the game and expanding its reach to all ages and abilities. The trio acknowledges that golf is an expensive game in terms of time and cost, yet these ParaGolf executives are optimistic and appreciative of all the volunteers and sponsors giving generously of their time and providing funds and equipment to expand the game’s participation base.
Brock Potter, a hemophiliac and competitive junior paragolfer, is featured in the organization website’s video, saying, “Opportunities I’ve had include participating in events and sharing my story of how ParaGolf Ontario has given me a chance to be an all-star athlete in the future.”
Ken Mulgrew adds, “The First-Tee Program has youth, 10 years and younger, being coached by trained volunteers.” While watching the video you’ll also catch a glimpse of Roman and Ken swinging a club while being coached by Reggie Millage, ParaGolf’s head coach, who says, “It’s a great role. It provides opportunities to be creative, think differently and solve problems. That’s exciting and challenging for me and extends the game’s reach.”
Ken is quoted in ParaGolf’s EnAbling Change booklet: “As a competitive high school athlete, I sustained a life-altering injury. I was fortunate to have coaches who helped me continue on a path of athletic excellence in wrestling, football and rugby, even as an arm amputee.” Like Roman and Joe, Ken has been giving back for decades.
All three are enthusiastic about the benefits of indoor golf simulators for aspiring and experienced para-golfers alike. The trio encourages indoor facility owners to promote the benefits especially in the frozen winter months and rainy summer days when everyone’s stuck indoors. The trio also pointed out that golf is a sport that permits every player to have a handicap for equitable scoring purposes. Golf’s always been an inclusive sport for varying abilities.
Check ParaGolf Ontario’s website for upcoming events to help you get in the swing for spring. Learn more: https://paragolfontario.ca. n
Roman Tietz, director swinging a club at the Golf Show.
SUZANNE PARK
Big schoolyard revitalization plans are coming to Northlea
by JANIS FERTUCK
While home renovations are a common sight in Leaside, it’s rare to see schoolyards being renovated. But a schoolyard revitalization project is exactly what’s planned for Northlea Elementary and Middle School this coming summer.
Teresa Martin, the past co-chair of the Home and School Association, who is currently leading the communications and fundraising team for the project, explains that in 2022 the TDSB announced plans to replace the aging turf. That plan presented an opportunity for the association to collaborate with the school’s administrative team to incorporate more enhancements throughout the schoolyard. The group then worked with the staff “to identify what the community felt was missing and where the experience could be improved for the students.”
The result of the consultation is what the website terms “a transformational project” with “a brand-
Natasha Kent, Chair, Home & School Association, Principal Suzy Papadopoulos, Teresa Martin, Past Co-Chair of Home & School with the planned changes.
new turf field as well as a more inclusive outdoor space for imaginative play and outdoor learning that will benefit our entire community for years to come.”
More specifically, with the planting of eight new trees, there will
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be a new green canopy to provide shade and cooling. Alongside the new trees, there will be new seating to provide “dynamic outdoor classroom opportunities.” New additions are a triple-hoop basketball court and funnel baskets along with a multi-use sport court with configurations for volleyball, badminton and pickleball. Other changes are an expanded running space with dedicated track lines and a children’s garden with a pergola, harvest table and stock planters.
Physical education teacher John Ellis says that the renovated schoolyard will be a “field of dreams” for the community with the changes to the field making it more “inclusive for kids of all ages to allow their imaginations to run wild with a variety of activities” like volleyball, tennis, ball hockey and pickleball. Construction is slated to begin this coming June, with hopes that most of the improvements will be completed in three months. While the board will be funding the new turf and trees, Teresa says that “all the extras such as the sport court, basketball nets, garden and seating areas required the Home and School Association to set a fundraising goal of $123,000. She adds that their successful Spring Fling fair and other initiatives like their monthly pizza lunch, a bingo night and dance-a-thon have helped them to reach the goal. These activities have had the added benefit of bringing the whole school together in a “massive team effort.”
We found our cover couple from 2011
by SUSAN SCANDIFFIO
“The more things change, the more they stay the same.”
Since its incorporation in 1913, Leaside has constantly been evolving and transforming. But in many, many ways, Leaside has remained the same.
It’s always been a neighbourhood where families thrive, where nature and city life coexist harmoniously and where there’s a sense of strong community spirit.
Since the first issue of Leaside Life published in December 2011, the neighbourhood’s changes and spirit have consistently featured in the fascinating stories of people, businesses, events, and more.
Case in point: The cover of the second issue of Leaside Life featured a photo of a dad and son, Dave and Robby Daga. Posing together in a photo for a story about local hockey, the Dagas embodied the spirit of family and community –and local hockey.
Understandably, the lives of the two have changed in many ways
over the past 13 years. Yet their love of Leaside, the community they’ve called home for so many years, and their love of hockey have remained steadfast.
So where are they now?
Robby, who was a six-year-old
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Bessborough student in the original photo, is now a 19-year-old second-year student studying financial mathematics and business administration at Laurier University.
Dad Dave (who has barely aged!) was and continues to be a globally recognized and highly respected writer and creative director who has contributed to the success of Canada’s largest and best-known brands.
After all this time, they still call Leaside home, they value the spirit of the community, and they both continue to play hockey.
Dave coached Robby and his teams from the time his son was in hockey school at the age of four until his final year of GTHL eligi-
He also currently plays hockey with men his age. When he recently brought Robby to play with them, Dave laughs, admitting that “Robby
Dave has always appreciated all that Leaside has offered him and his family, including the good fortune of being able to walk to so many
Robby asserts that “Leaside is home.” Making enduring friendships through school and sports in the neighbourhood, he notes that Leaside is still “where we all meet up again when we’re not at university.” While Leaside and its residents continue to evolve, Dave and Robby Daga are standout examples of the values and spirit that stand the test of time in our community. n
JOSIE DAGA/ALISON ROCKWELL
Calling all senior shinny players!
by MITCH BUBULJ
Richard Brayley and Andy Thomson met just a few months ago even though they have lived one street away from each other in South Leaside for over 30 years. Both are retired – Richard from a career in finance and Andy from teaching. And while they support different teams –Montreal-born Richard for the Habs and Sudbury boy Andy for the Leafs – they share a love of hockey. It was on the ice at Leaside Memorial Gardens in January for adult shinny hockey that they became fast friends. Now they are united in their goal to form a new adult shinny group for those 55 and over.
Richard has been playing at the Gardens Tuesdays and Thursdays from noon to one for a while now. Andy only joined the group at the beginning of the year. The two got talking about their passion for pick-up hockey and the great group of locals who come out to play but opined that it would be better if there were a group dedicated to seniors. Richard sees advantages to
a new “age appropriate” session for players aged 55 and older; they are both over 70.
As Andy says, “everyone is there for the love of the game, but adult shinny is 18 and up so there are some big and speedy 30-year-olds who play faster and harder than your average senior.” The last thing they want is to have an on-ice collision and risk dislocating a shoulder or breaking a bone.
Injuries are a concern for everyone, especially seniors. They foresee the new seniors’ group as an opportunity to enjoy the social aspects of the game while at the same time maintaining their prowess at a safe pace.
Richard grew up in Montreal and has played “park hockey” since he was young. His dad was the president of a junior hockey league in Quebec and so would often take Richard to the Forum to see a game and have players over to the house. Richard recalls at age seven while walking with his dad, meeting a white-haired man. He asked, “who was that?” His dad answered, “that was the ‘Rocket’” (Maurice Richard, who played for the Canadiens and was the first NHL player to score 50 goals in 50 games).
Andy was born and raised in Sudbury and recalls playing hockey every winter he can remember. “In the early ’50s we played outdoors – Sudbury got its first indoor rink only in ’55 – so there was a lot more
involved in the game, like shovelling the rink and bracing yourself for minus 30-degree temperatures and biting winds.” He played on his school teams at Ridley College and the University of Western Ontario. He and his wife taught at the military base in Lahr, West Germany from ’77 to ’79. There he was made captain of the hockey team. As Andy explains, “it wasn’t so much that I was captain material that I was given the position as I was a teacher, which automatically made me an officer.” Most of the team comprised military personnel.
Richard and Andy’s plan is to create a new group in hopes there are other seniors like themselves who relish the idea of playing shinny but at a slower, safer speed. The minimum number of participants they need who are keen to commit is 20. So, the first step is getting names of interested players. They then will take their proposal to the board of the Leaside Memorial Gardens. Sessions would be once a week for one hour at a time during the hockey season. Fees would be nominal to cover ice time. Richard says that “seniors’ shinny hockey groups exist all over the city, just not in Leaside.” At least not yet. Are you 55 or older and interested in joining a group as envisioned by Richard and Andy? If so, connect with them at andy.thomson@ andythomsonbooks.ca. n
COURTESY
Adult shinny at Leaside Gardens. Inset: Andy at age 12 after winning the Sudbury City championship.
By SUSAN SCANDIFFIO
Whether you’ve hibernated over the winter or embraced the exhilarating and invigorating cold air outdoors, a new season is almost upon us and opportunities abound for getting outdoors and active in Leaside.
Looking for organized activities or for your own opportunities to get outside (or in) and move this spring (and beyond)?
Whatever your motivation, we’ve got you covered right here in Leaside! Registration-required programs:
For kids
• Leaside Girls Softball for girls in Grades 2 to 12 ( leasidegirlssoftball.weebly.com).
• Leaside Baseball for house league, select, rep and elite play (Leaside baseball.com).
• Leaside Soccer for kids aged 4 to 17 (leasidesoccer.net).
• Children’s Fitness Centre with programs for kids from 18 months to 18 years old. Programs include
Get moving!
fun-fit gym, gymnastics, athletic development and cheerleading (childrensfitnesscentres.com).
• The Central Toronto Athletic Club offers training for kids in
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Grades 3 and up in the sport of middle-distance running (800m, 1,500m, 3,000m, Steeple Chase and 5,000m) on both the indoor and outdoor tracks, as well as cross-country running (centraltorontoac.ca).
• Dance at The Hive (hivedance.ca), the Creswell Dance Academy (creswelldance.com) or Poise Dance Academy (poisedance.ca).
For adults
• Leaside Lawn Bowling ( leasidebowls.ca).
• Morning Glory Cycling Club
bowling (mgridetoronto.com).
• Pilates, yoga, spin and other workout options at MULTIPLE gyms and studios in the neighbourhood.
For kids and adults
• Martial Arts: MULTIPLE clubs in the neighbourhood.
• Spring Into Action Walk or Run - Youth Mental Health Day: June 15th in Sunnybrook Park (insideoutstudio.ca/spring-into-action).
• Leaside Pool with various times for multiple age groups for leisure swim, lane swim and aquafit (some programs are free; some require payment).
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No Rooz Pirooz! Ali and his many new beginnings
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
Nowruz, or Persian New Year, is an ancient holiday and one which Leasider Ali Toufighi has observed his entire life. It is a celebration of new beginnings. Turns out Ali himself is no stranger to new beginnings. So this month, in honour of Nowruz, we feature Sabzi Polo Mahi, a tasty and aromatic fish and rice dish served during the festivities. Ali shared his family recipe and his memories of the 20th of March, the first day of the year in Persian culture.
Ali was born in a country steeped in history and culture, but raised during turbulent times. He was seven when the Iranian revolution occurred. Progressive and liberal-minded Iranians had hoped that the revolution would bring democracy, but were disappointed to realize that it was a matter of “one regime being replaced by another.”
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Ali recalls that “new rules came into effect; boys and girls were separated, and the textbooks were rewritten.” He was born in Abadan, the centre of the oil industry. For most of the 20th century the oil refineries there were owned by British and other foreign companies. The flow of oil
from Abadan during World War II for the Allies made it a strategic centre, a lifeline. By the ’70s, when Ali was born, the refineries had been nationalized and expanded. His parents were not from Abadan, but made the move for their careers; his dad was a petrochemical engineer, and his mom worked in the offices. Soon after the revolution, the Iran-Iraq war began, and Abadan was in the line of fire. The family moved to Tehran for safety. Ali took the relocation in stride, but at 14 he faced an even
bigger change: being sent away to school in Germany. The government implemented military service for all young men graduating high school – and Iran was at war. Again, to keep their only son safe, Ali’s parents made the hard decision to send him to boarding school in Heidelberg. “Everything was new and strange; the language was hard to learn,” he reflects. But he soon adapted and even graduated from Heidelberg University with a degree in finance. Though far from home he was able to celebrate Nowruz with the other Iranians in the town.
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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
Nowruz lasts for 13 days. With the number 13’s negative connotations, the last day of the festivities involves being with family and friends outdoors in a picnic setting rather than staying indoors and possibly bringing bad luck to the home. Other ancient traditions include featuring seven different types of food or items on the table, all starting with the letter “s.” It is a time focused on family and friends during which gifts are exchanged and everything is cleaned and made new. People wear new clothes, family visits family – starting with visiting the elders – and children are given money packets, like the Chinese tradition during their new year’s.
A young Ali (left) and his family in Iran in 1975.
As a celebration of life and rebirth, it is appropriate that the festivity starts on the first day of spring. Ali says that “the calculation for the start of the new year is very precise – it is based on the vernal equinox – and so could officially start at any hour of the day and sometimes even a different day close to the 20th.” This year it begins officially on the 20th at 5:01 a.m. It dates to Zoroastrian times and is, for the most part, a secular celebration.
Ali’s parents came to Canada in the early ’90s; Ali eventually joined them. After he married, he and his wife searched for a family home; the first place they checked out was Leaside. They looked no further and have been on Randolph Road since 2016. Ali gives back to the community and is on the board of the Leaside Heritage Preservation Society. He is welcoming and neighbourly – evidence is preparation of the delicious delicacies from his childhood. He explains that fresh fish is central to the meal because traditionally most Iranians ate smoked or pickled fish since many towns were far from the sea. This fish is lightly battered and seasoned with turmeric. The key is its freshness. The herb rice dish is a perfect blend of spices and herbs, herbs being a sign of spring and agricultural rebirth.
Ali has witnessed revolution and experienced upheaval and so especially enjoys the annual tradition, something that has remained consistent for thousands of years. He happily shared recipes and memories of Persian New Year. To Ali, his family and our readers who celebrate Nowruz -No Rooz Pirooz! n
and the student-to-teacher ratio. He would also like to see gardening added to the curriculum, which he believes will “build creative practical skills.” votejstevens@gmail.com
MARYAM RASHIDIAN
A nurse, mother and community leader, Maryam Rashidian wants to strengthen students’ English and math skills. She’s an advocate for equity and inclusion and wants to pursue anti-bullying policies. Rashidian seeks to increase mental health resources available to students, as well as pursue a greater involvement for parents in the decision-making process. https://trustmaryam.ca/
SONNY YEUNG
Sonny Yeung is a project manager whose main priority is fiscal responsibility. He supports having more teachers and smaller classroom sizes as well as an increase in the number of after-school programs. If elected, he promises to only vote in favour of the TDSB budget if it is balanced. http://sonnyyeung.net
STACEY CLINE
With experience as a teacher and volunteer at the TDSB, Stacey Cline supports emphasizing literacy, math, and science. She wants safer schools and advocates for greater engagement with parents. She believes money should be invested in critical repairs on schools and wants improvements in special education and specialized programs. She also wants to reduce “unnecessary administration” to save money. https://www.staceycline.ca/ Contact information for one other candidate, MASOOD ALAM, was not readily available.
Advance voting was scheduled to be held on February 22nd and 23rd from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., and polls on election day will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
To check voter eligibility and for a full list of polls, you can visit the city’s MyVote website: https:// myvote.toronto.ca/home n
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by DAVID CRICHTON
I like to think of myself as a polite and courteous person. But on this day, somehow I slip up. I step into the elevator at Whole Foods and press the button for the parking garage. Just then, I hear the patter of hurrying feet. Someone is trying to catch “my” elevator. The doors start to close, and in that instant, I debate: Do I hold the doors or feign trying and let them close so I can enjoy eight seconds of glorious peace all to myself? The person’s face suddenly appears in the shrinking gap of the doors. She is not happy. Guilt – or panic, I’m not sure which – jerks my finger to the arrows button. Wrong arrows. Through a one-inch slit, I hear, “Nice!”
Feeling emboldened with the doors closed, I fire off my retort, “Thank you! Have a nice day yourself!” But she isn’t done. “I love you too, BUDDY!” What? Buddy? Then a
metallic THUNK. Did she just kick the door?
Suddenly, I’m not focused on my little elevator meditation time. Now I just want the damn thing to get to my floor. Fast. The doors finally open, and I high-step it to my car. Sure, I admit it, I’m a little afraid. It was a THUNK, after all. Heavy-sounding, if you know what I mean.
I throw my bag of groceries into the passenger seat, and my tomatoes spill onto the floor. I close the door and scooch down behind the wheel. And I wait. A grown man, scooching. Then I see her. Her! She walks with purpose, looking around. For me? Gulp. More scooching. She finally leaves. I muster the courage to start my car and head out of the garage. The coast is clear, for now. Next stop: Home Depot. As I drive to the Smart Centre, I think to
myself, “That was close.” I park in my usual spot – far away from everyone else, just on the other side of the road from the new Farm Boy. Too far from Home Depot for most people, and too inconvenient for Farm Boy. In other words, just far enough for my car to be safe from dings, dents, and dummies.
I leave the orange Two-HundredDollar-A-Visit-Store and start walking the three kilometres to my car, just as someone pulls in right beside it. “What the heck...?” I think. This isn’t the first time this has happened, and I was convinced as I am now, someone who sees my lone park job is messing with me.
I approach, and the driver is getting out. I can’t resist. “Okay, I have to ask. I purposely park a million miles from anywhere, and there are a ton of empty spots closer to the store. So why beside me?”
The guy looks at me and calmly says, “You know why? Because when I see a car parked like this, I know the driver cares about their car. And if they’re crazy enough to care that much, they’ll take care not to hurt mine.”
I just stare at him. Aside from the “crazy” label, the logic is sound. I like his thinking.
“Marry me?” I ask.
The guy laughs, and we commiserate. Just then, a car pulls up on the road between Farm Boy and Home Depot and stops abruptly.
A woman’s voice yells out from the open side window, “I see you!” Immediately, sphincters close and pores open. I can’t see her face, but I recognize that voice. I’d recognize it anywhere. It’s Elevator Lady! She speeds off.
The guy looks at me. “Do you know her?”
“No,” I reply, “but it sounds like she’s got a beef with you.”
“Me?”
“Maybe you parked too close to her somewhere? You should move your car in case she comes back.”
“Nice try.”
“Okay, you play the odds,” I challenge, as I start walking over to Farm Boy. Just before I enter, I look back and see the guy pulling away. Perfect! It worked. Guess this means we aren’t getting married, though, and Elevator Lady still knows what I look like. n
Non-programmed (and free!) options for movement
Want to get outside and move? Leaside has you covered.
Playgrounds with climbing structures: school yards, Georgia Walsh Memorial Park beside Leaside Library, Sandy Bruce Park, Leonard Linton Park, park at the top of the Leaside High School Hill (make sure you check the age limits).
Skateboard Park: Leonard Linton Park at 60 Research Rd. Fields for pickup games, practising your sport or simply playing catch with your kids: schoolyards and the sports fields in Sunnybrook Park. Hiking trails in Crothers Woods, Serena Gundy and Sunnybrook Park.
Basketball: Nets can be found in school yards and parks across the neighbourhood.
Running: track at Leaside High School, on the sidewalks, or in Serena Gundy or Sunnybrook Park. Frisbee golf course at E.T. Seton Park.
Tennis: The Thorncliffe Park and Leaside Tennis Clubs are waitlisting but both have free public hours. Free courts are also available at Leaside High School and Rolph Road School.
Cycling: Enter the Don Trail system off Sutherland (north end) or Broadway (east end), take the Mud Creek trail down to the Brickworks or mountain bike in Crothers Woods. n
EventsMarch
AGNES MACPHAIL AWARD CEREMONY
East York Civic Centre, 650 Coxwell Ave. Sun., March 23 at 2:00 p.m. Honouring 2025 Agnes Macphail Award Recipient –Jason Ash (a Thorncliffe neighbour). All welcome.
LEASIDE UNITED CHURCH
822 Millwood Rd. 416 425 1253 www. leasideunited.com. Want to show off a talent for the 33rd Annual Variety Show on April 4? Brush up in time for a required rehearsal Mar. 23 or 27 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Pancake Supper: Pancakes & Plaid – Tues., March 4 5:30 p.m. Pay what you can. Wear plaid! See ads on pages 30 and 34.
CFUW LEASIDE-EAST YORK
March 20, 7:00 p.m. IN PERSON
The Magna Carta and its Gifts to Canada
Speaker: Carolyn Harris, Historian, U of T Professor at Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe Rd.
ST. AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH
1847 Bayview Ave.
Pancake Dinner Tues. March 4, 5:00 -7:00 p.m. Enjoy a pancake dinner with sausages and real maple syrup. Pay what you can.
LEASIDE GARDEN SOCIETY
Speaker Series: Thurs. March 13 at 7:00 p.m. In-Person at the Leaside Library 165 McRae Dr. Refreshments at 6:30 p.m. Special guest speaker: Sasan Beni, talking about Our Feathered Friends
The Society welcomes guests and new members to join our meetings. Visit: www. leasidegardensociety.org or email: leaside@ gardenontario.org for more info.
NORTHLEA UNITED CHURCH
125 Brentcliffe Road, 416 425 5252
Love Jazz is back! Sun. March 23, at 5:00 p.m. With Paul Callander and his band. Free will offering appreciated.
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 & live instruction. Suggested donation $4
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper – Tues., Mar. 4, 5:30-7:15 p.m. Free will offering. Call to reserve tickets.
World Day of Prayer –Fri., March 14 at 2:00 p.m. This year’s service is from the Committee of the Cook Islands. All welcome.
LEASIDE LIBRARY
165 McRae Drive • 416 396 3835
For a full list of programs at Leaside branch, please visit www.tpl.ca/leaside. n
Crothers Woods
Does this sound familiar? You use the bathroom before leaving home, upon arriving at your destination, and sometimes along the way. Do you find you pee when you wake up, when you brush your teeth, and again after getting dressed? Does it drive your family crazy that you always need to stop to use the bathroom? Many don’t realize that frequent bathroom trips, day and night, aren’t normal. While common, it’s not normal. Here’s the best news. You don’t have to live like this, and there’s a quick, easy solution right in your neighbourhood.
Frequent urination doesn’t mean you have a “tiny bladder” – that’s a common misconception. High frequency is often related to the coordination between your brain, bladder muscle (detrusor), and pelvic floor muscles. As we age and go through life stages, this trio falls out of sync and doesn’t communicate like it used to. Hydration levels and certain foods and drinks also contribute. Here’s an easy test: when you go to the bathroom, a full bladder should take 8 seconds to empty. If it takes 8 seconds or more, your brain correctly signaled your bladder when it was full. If it takes fewer seconds, your brain signaled too early, and your bladder wasn’t fully full.
In many cases, the solution involves “rebooting” the connection between brain, bladder, and pelvic floor, along with retraining behaviors we’ve adopted over time. Remember when your parents told you to “go just in case”? This “just in case pee” trains the brain to signal us when we’re not actually full. The good news is this can be rewired and retrained.
UROSPOT, a urology-focused clinic in your neighbourhood, is a team of pelvic health experts that help both men and women with pelvic health issues, including frequent urination. They use the latest Health Canada-approved technology—a “magical chair” that reboots the brain-bladder-pelvic floor connection. Here’s the best part: you remain fully clothed and no one touches you. Sitting on the chair, high-intensity electromagnetic energy stimulates the pelvic floor muscles. The chair contracts your pelvic floor 11,000 times during your session—yes, 11,000 kegels! This stimulation “wakes up” the muscles and restores the neuromuscular connection to the brain, ultimately changing the signaling of when you need to pee. At UROSPOT, they also help you identify triggers for your bladder and take steps to move away from the “just in case pee.” The goal is to help your body signal correctly. Treatment is partially covered by physiotherapy benefits and can be claimed as a medical expense on your tax return.
UROSPOT is the future of pelvic health. With clinics across Canada, they’ve helped thousands with issues like frequency, bladder leaks, urgency, night waking, prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. Consultations are complimentary, plus you will get to try the chair!
Book your complimentary consultation today. Partially covered by physiotherapy benefits.
Urospot.com/Uptown-Toronto 3080 Yonge Street, Suite 5033 (416) 874-6268 uptowntoronto@urospot.com
Major development applications are heading to the Committee of Adjustment
At this stage, Leasiders are all too familiar with the high volume of active development applications in our community, particularly in the vicinity of Bayview and Eglinton. In most cases, these applications are appealed to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), a provincial agency with the authority to make final decisions on major land use applications in Toronto. The appeal process is lengthy and can take many months – or even years – to complete. Local residents and residents’ associations are sometimes involved in these hearings at their own cost and during their own personal time.
During this process, the City and any parties to the appeal will sometimes reach a settlement with the applicant. While they rarely result in perfect outcomes, settlements can allow the City and community to lock in changes to the built form of a development, such as tower height and setbacks, that might otherwise be lost if the application were
Rachel Chernos Lin Councillor, Don Valley West
approved as is by the OLT. It is also an opportunity for the City to secure important benefits from the developer such as parkland and public realm improvements. Unfortunately, we are seeing a growing trend across Toronto where developers apply to the Committee of Adjustment (CoA) for more height and density after a settlement has been reached at the OLT. The CoA typically makes decisions on minor variance applications – often for houses that are longer, taller, or wider than permitted. The process was never
designed with major development applications in mind. In my opinion, cases like these, where, for example, multiple additional storeys are being requested, go well beyond the scope of the CoA’s mandate.
While current market conditions are a contributing factor, this trend can also be attributed to provincial Bill 23, which repealed the two-year prohibition on submitting minor variance applications after a major development has been approved. Consequently, there is nothing stopping a developer from applying to the CoA to recoup any height and density changes achieved through a settlement agreement.
You may recall that in Leaside, the developer at 1837 Bayview Ave. reached a mediated settlement agreement with the City and neighbours for a 22-storey building, despite originally applying for 25 storeys. Shortly after, they successfully applied to the CoA for an additional three storeys, effectively negating the settlement agreement. These settlements often take many months to reach and cost both the City and local resident groups, such as the Leaside Residents Association, significant resources to litigate. Permitting applicants to modify settlement agreements not only wastes valuable City resources but also undermines public confidence in the planning process, which is already on shaky ground.
This issue was recently considered by the City’s Planning and Housing Committee. In their staff report, City Planning found that there had been 23 such applications submitted to the CoA in the first half of 2024 alone. While I am not a member of the Planning and Housing Committee, I did submit a letter supporting motions to address this issue put forward by one of my colleagues. While I am disappointed to report that these motions were voted down by the committee, I will continue fighting both at the City and Province for our communities to have a meaningful voice in the development process. At the very least, we should be able to expect that legally binding settlements reached during a quasi-judicial process will be respected. n
New housing forms come to Leaside
Recently this column has focused on the major intensification projects situated east and west of Bayview and Eglinton, and from Laird to east of Brentcliffe, all driven by the anticipated arrival of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. Meanwhile the rest of residential Leaside remains as a low-density neighbourhood. But it is not immune to change as any walk around the neighbourhood will attest. Of course, up to now, that change typically has felt like “massification,” rather than intensification, as three-storey boxes with integral garages arise from the foundations of bungalows. And no more units, so likely no increase in the housing supply.
At a policy level, the effort to deal with the housing crisis and housing affordability is changing the type of housing permitted in Leaside residential areas, by allowing more units on a property. The Ontario government’s Bill 23, which took effect in 2023, permits landowners to add up to three residential units “as of right” for land zoned for one home in residential areas, without requir-
(and approved by the Committee of Adjustment last fall) at Eglinton and Rumsey, which has different zoning from the adjacent neighbourhood zoning. Unfortunately, a four-storey “box” building beside an existing row of bungalows does
ing a zoning bylaw amendment. The three units can be within the existing residential structure or can take the form of a residence with a basement suite, or a laneway or garden suite on a parcel of urban residential land, with no minimum unit size and no more than one parking space required per residential unit.
As part of the Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods initiative, the City of Toronto adopted policies and regulations to encourage the development of multiplex housing for existing and future residents of the City’s designated neighbourhoods.
On May 10, 2023, the City amended the zoning bylaw and Official Plan to permit multiplex housing in neighbourhoods.
You may wonder, are these new housing types coming to Leaside? Today there is a sprinkling of laneway houses (for example, one on Randolph backing onto the laneway between Randolph and Sutherland) and garden suites (for example, one on Divadale near Laird).
But the impacts of multiplexes (duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes) will be much greater, especially as the Province has issued a regulation permitting fourplexes as of right – going beyond “three units on one lot”). A foretaste of this type of structure was applied for
not necessarily make for streetscape harmony. And, in my opinion, the building resembles the drab walk-up apartments built during previous housing shortages rather than beautiful design.
The new legislation from the Province and the City is much more permissive than the pre-existing zoning bylaw, allowing a building height of 10 metres rather than 8.5 metres and removing the lot coverage limit. Plus, while the intensification program was announced as being as of right, the applicants are often not satisfied with the new provisions and ask for variances (but from the new more permissive limits).
At the macro level, all levels of government say yes to building millions of new homes. But on the micro level, the changes are not communicated and impacts at the neighbourhood level are not considered or evaluated, so it’s not hard to find examples of bitter fights over the changes to the status quo. Residents are generally unaware of the more permissive zoning framework that the Province and the City have introduced. It’s time the City clarified the new policies, where they apply and what if any recourse residents have. Of course, in reality there is little recourse, especially since Bill 23 eliminated residents’ right of appeal of Committee of Adjustment decisions. n
Amanda Maitland, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
MEET OUR TEAM!
Randolph Rd. laneway house
DOG From Page 3
• Best of Winners at the Canine Breeders’ Association of Canada, and
• Best of Breed at the London Kennel Club, the Oakville Kennel Club and at the CNE.
In February 1938, he capped off these successes by capturing a coveted Best of Breed award at the Associated Terrier Club specialty dog show in New York City. This was the kickoff event for the World Series of dog shows, the Westminster Kennel Club exhibition at Madison Square Garden. In winning the award, Irish Battler beat 72 other Irish Terriers from around the world. He was only 20 months old at the time.
News of the victory spread quickly across Canada. Waxing poetic, the Canadian Press wrote: “Irish Battler, his red coat shining like the sunset on the Shannon, today held for Canada the prize for the best Irish Terrier entered in the Associated Terrier Club dog show.” The Globe and Mail, Hamilton Spectator, Windsor Star and Toronto Star all reported the story, with the Toronto Star’s headline exclaiming: “Leaside Terrier New York Winner.” In addition, a large photo of Irish Battler, James Martin and his wife appeared in the Ottawa Journal and the Montreal Star. Not to be outdone, Kennel and Bench featured the dog on the cover of its March 1938 issue.
Epilogue
Returning to Toronto, Martin capitalized on his terrier’s success by marketing his breeding services to select customers. Then, in May 1941, he abruptly sold his Bessborough Drive home and moved from Leaside (where he had lived since 1934) to Glenwood Ave. Martin continued to operate his Danforth Ave. sporting goods store until the late 1940s; but after that, little is known of him or his championship dog.
Thus ended Irish Battler’s 15 minutes of canine fame. Despite his brief moment in the sun, I like to think he went on to live a long and happy life basking in the glory of his achievements.
Which just goes to show that every dog really does have his day.
Correction: In last month’s heritage article, the Leaside high school yearbook was mistakenly referred to as The Clansman. The yearbook’s actual title is Clan Call. The author apologizes for this error. n
Dear dog owners: leash your dog!
A letter from a reader: First, I would like to thank all dog owners who walk their dogs with a leash. We non-dog owners appreciate the courtesy very much. Next, I would like to make a heartfelt plea to dog owners who do not leash their dogs, to do so every time they go for a walk in public spaces.
On the evening of Sat., Dec. 14th, my 80-year-old dad was standing in his driveway when a dog charged towards him barking ferociously. He was scared and ran towards the house, but tripped and fell on the stairs. He hit his head on the stone steps and his face was bleeding. His hands, fingers, leg and knee were also severely bruised and swollen. He cried for help to the owner of the dog, who quickly walked away without checking the situation or saying a word. It was dark and we have no idea who the person was. We are incredibly disappointed that the person did not take responsibility. Fortunately, after 12 hours at the ER, there were no broken bones or bleeding in the head. However, it would not be unreasonable to
think that if he weren’t so lucky, the outcome could have been worse, if not fatal. It’s now been several weeks since the incident and my dad’s body still aches, which affects his ability to engage in the daily activities of living. This is not the first time that my family has been affected by unleashed dogs. My parents have lived in North Leaside for over 35 years, and I too lived here for many years. During this time, my mom was attacked and bitten by a dog that was unleashed. It turned out the dog had also attacked other people in our neighbourhood. My husband has been chased by and jumped on by unleashed dogs at Sunnybrook Park. In all of these instances, my family did nothing to provoke the dogs, they weren’t even looking at the dogs and were minding their own business. Everyone will claim that their dog is harmless, but unless you can read their minds, you can’t predict what might happen. Please, we ask for the safety of all Leasiders to always walk your dog on a leash while in public spaces. Joyce Chen
In the fall of 2024, however, the team found they were still about $60,000 short of their goal and decided to take a “direct ask” approach, reaching out to the school community, alumni, businesses and private individuals. The website explains the donation program saying that any amount is appreciated and tax deductible. But they also plan to produce a permanent plaque honouring donors of $500 or more, along with “Thank You” ads in Leaside Life for larger donations and sponsorship recognition for Spring Fling 2025 for amounts of $10,000 and up. As of early February, another $30,000 to $35,000 was still required.
Principal Suzy Papadopoulos provides a fitting summary: “Northlea is a beautiful school community where home and school work together in a genuine partnership to help students learn and grow. We are very excited about the upcoming revitalized schoolyard, which will improve outdoor learning for our 750 students.”
For more information, visit https:// bit.ly/northleaschoolyard. n
Specializing in Residential Masonry and Masonry Restoration in Toronto, Etobicoke and GTA
• Concrete Repairs: Steps/Walkways/Pads
• Stone Masonry: Back decks/Front Porches/Steps
• Interlock Pavers: Back Patios/Walkways/Steps
• Retaining walls
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Vote, vote, vote!
THE Idler Curious
ing journalist. Jake has profiled the candidates for the TDSB school trustee by-election to be held on March 3rd to fill the position vacated by Rachel Chernos Lin following her recent election to City Council.
Yes, it’s that time again. We live in a democracy and Leasiders are being asked to vote, vote, and vote.
Following a snap call by Ontario Premier Ford for an election on February 27th, Leasiders are heading to the polls to elect an MPP for Don Valley West Ward 15. The incumbent, Liberal MPP Stephanie Bowman, has been challenged by Conservative Sam Moina and the Green Party’s Sheena Sharp, who has run for MPP and Councillor before. Also on the ballot are Linnea Lofstrom-Abary representing the NDP, Laurel Hobbs for the New Blue Party, and Bahira Abdulsalam running as an independent.
In this month’s issue, you can read a piece from our newest contributor, Jake Ross, a recent University of Toronto graduate and up-and-com-
ANTIQUES WANTED
Nationally, following the resignation of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, we will also likely face a federal election soon after the Liberal Party of Canada selects it new leader and our new Prime Minister. Incumbent Liberal MP Rob Oliphant is expected to run for re-election, while the Conservatives and NDP are lining up their respective candidates.
Leaside hero
Leasider Cam Whiddon and his friend Jadin Brown, both students at the Royal Military College, recently sprang into action to rescue a driver trapped inside a car about to burst into flames. They put out the fire until EMTs could arrive and free the man from the car. They received a commendation from the City and are pictured here with Mayor Olivia Chow and Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin. Way to go!
Granny basketball – what?
In Zach Edey, Leaside has produced one of the NBA’s most promising rising stars. Selected ninth overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2024 draft, Edey recently made his first professional appearance in his hometown with 13 points and 14 rebounds. But basketball is not just for 7’4” phenoms. Our very own writer Suzanne Park is working to establish a Leaside Granny basketball team.
here in Toronto. The Toronto Chill Granny Basketball team, founded in 2024, plays out of Eastminster Church (310 Danforth Ave.). On Sat., March 22nd at 1 p.m., the Toronto Chill will face off against the Out of the Cold Volunteers team in a 1920s-inspired game. A donation gets you into the game, and all funds raised support the Out of The Cold and Nourish Food Bank of the East End United Regional Ministry. Suzanne Park will be at the game, which will be a wonderful opportunity to watch the fast-paced action, help raise funds for an important cause and learn more about getting a team established here in Leaside. www.canadahelps.org/en/pages/ toronto-chill-granny-basketballteam-rematch-again.
Doggie, doggie-doo-not
The waste bin at the entrance of the Serena Gundy Park is a favourite depository for people who walk their dogs in the park. As reported by a vigilant local resident, the bin appears to be under-serviced and is often overlooked and overflowing. From the City’s Anthony Butera: “Thanks for bringing the concerns regarding Serena Gundy Park to our attention. The servicing of the Astral Media litter bins and any waste bins within the Parks system City-wide fall within Solid Waste Management’s purview. We have submitted a secondary request to have the Astral Media litter bin … upgraded to a newer larger bin. We are hopeful this gets done sooner rather than later. In the meantime, we have flagged this location with our supervisors to ensure the appropriate level of service is provided.” Let us hope. n
The Granny basketball league, founded in 2005, has more than 600 grannies, playing on 52 teams in 10 U.S. states and one team
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Dude, where’s my bus?
During the recent election campaign, Premier Ford said he’s confident that the Eglinton Crosstown LRT will finally open in 2025. Years late, mega-digging, noise and disruption. Surely the Crosstown must be opening soon? And surely, after all the problems we’ve lived through, the LRT will make public transit more accessible, more available, and more convenient than it is now?
But what if it doesn’t?
Currently there are numerous bus routes on Eglinton Avenue, providing frequent service. But once the Crosstown is in business, this may not continue. We will still need surface transit to make public transit convenient – to get us to where we need to go, because the Leaside and Laird LRT stations are located far apart, not within comfortable walking distance of each other for many transit users.
When you emerge from one of them, and still need to get to points in between (say, Rumsey Road to Northlea Elementary and Middle School), how much bus service will be available along Eglinton to get
needed. We continue to have more questions than answers.
Notice the new signage recently installed at local bus stops referring to unexplained changes coming along Eglinton and Laird. Let the TTC and City Council know that you have questions and concerns. Let’s do what we can to ensure that the LRT will not make it harder to use public transit in Leaside.
Some good news
I do have some GOOD transit news to share with you.
you there? How long will you have to wait for a bus on Eglinton that makes local stops? There’s also less safety when there’s only infrequent bus service, especially at night. Never mind the negative impacts on local businesses.
Ever since the Crosstown LRT project was first announced, the Leaside Residents Association has been concerned that “those in charge” might be tempted to reduce or even eliminate buses along Eglinton as an economy measure, supposing these would no longer be
Leaside Life readers will recall my recent columns regarding problematic South Leaside 88 bus route diversions proposed by the TTC to deal with the temporary closing of Beth Nealson Drive for up to 24 months, during work on the Ontario Line.
Thorncliffe Park’s Jason Ash (and 2025 Agnes Macphail recipient!) and I proposed a third option to the two original diversion routes designed by the TTC, and asked Ward 15 Councillor Rachel Chernos Lin for her support. We are very encouraged to note that the just-released TTC 2025 Annual Service Plan, “Enhancing Connections,” states that “Pending resource availability, the TTC is also exploring a hybrid option.…This route would provide a direct connection from Thorncliffe Park to Laird station, schools in the Leaside area, the Leaside branch of the Toronto Public Library and to the commercial areas along the northern section of Laird and within the Leaside Business Park.”
The LRA thanks our Councillor for her assistance and the TTC board for its willingness to consider our option!
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. Our next meeting, on March 5, 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
Meet Juno Veterinary’s Lead Veterinarian, Dr.
Samantha Jenkins
As one of Toronto’s most beautiful neighbourhoods, Leaside has it all— excellent restaurants, expansive parks, and of course, some of the kindest and most interesting residents in the city.
Read on to learn more about local resident and Juno Veterinary vet Dr. Samantha Jenkins. As lead veterinarian of the Leaside clinic, Dr. Sam shares her favourite Leaside haunts and local pastimes with Juno co-founder and Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Cassandra Vlahaki.
Dr. Cassandra Vlahaki: Hey, Dr. Sam! Know you’ve been part of Juno’s Leaside clinic since day one, but how long have you called Leaside home?
Dr. Samantha Jenkins: I was born and raised in Toronto and moved to Leaside a few years ago. It’s like a small town in a big city; my favourite combination.
Dr. Cass: What’s your favourite part about living in Leaside?
Dr. Sam: I can’t deny that living and working in the same neighbourhood is a huge draw. Juno’s located right off Laird in the Leaside Village mall (near the Longo’s), so my commute is just a few minutes. Aside from work, I love hidden gems like Charmaine Sweets, an amazing bakery just around the corner from Juno, and I’m always up for an early morning dog party at Trace Manes Park on my way to work.
Dr. Cass: What do you love most about working at Juno Vet—Leaside clinic in particular?
Dr. Sam: I love that we’re proudly Canadian, and founder-owned and operated. I love that we’re focused on
pet and owner comfort and care, and I especially love how much all our members care about their pets. With a high demand across the city for urgent pet care, our Leaside clinic is now another option for owners who want both in-person and virtual care.
Dr. Cass: Yes, our members love virtual care! Can you share more about it?
Dr. Sam: After your first in-clinic visit, members can message our care team, day or night, with any concern or a question. We’ve had members unsure if an issue is urgent or it’ll resolve on its own, check-in after a surgery to let us know that everything is healing well, and we’ve even been able to reassure worried pet parents that certain things (like hair balls!) are completely normal and they don’t need an appointment. It’s saved a lot of time and worry for members!
Dr. Cass: As you know, all our Juno clinics offer same and next-day urgent appointments, surgery, wellness checks,
feline-only exam rooms, and some pretty great human and pet treats alike. What are some differences with the Leaside clinic?
Dr. Sam: Our Leaside location has a feature I feel really passionate about— our end-of-care room with a private exit so you can have some privacy after saying goodbye to your pet. And I have to say, you can’t beat the parking right in front of our clinic!
One of the best things about Juno is that while we have dedicated teams at each clinic, there’s still a cohesive Juno-wide team, meaning no matter what clinic you visit, we have the same notes, medical history, and high standard of care for your pet.
Dr. Cass: Last question! What’s your can’t-miss activity in Leaside?
Dr. Sam: Tough to choose, but I’m gonna say a stroll around Evergreen Brickworks! My dog Honey and I are often there walking the trails. There’s always so much to see!
Be sure to stop by Juno Veterinary Leaside (11 Industrial St.) for a special offer for Leaside Life readers.
Dr. Samantha Jenkins
Dr. Cassandra Vlahaki
