Leaside Life Issue 156 May 2025

Canada Proud. Leaside Proud.

WELCOME TO THIS SPECIAL ISSUE DEVOTED TO OUR PROUD COMMUNITY.

See our 2025 federal election coverage... page 10

O Canada! O Leaside!

You could be forgiven for thinking that what you’re reading is the July Canada Day edition of Leaside Life. But now, it can be argued, every day is Canada Day.

Before the Leaside Life team even met, in March, to discuss the editorial lineup for the May issue, we had envisioned our theme – really, a call to action.

As Leaside Life co-owner Stan Flemming wrote in our April publication: “With ongoing global economic uncertainty, including tariffs and trade disputes that affect Canadian businesses, it’s important to consider how these issues trickle down to our own neighbourhood. …If there’s one thing Leaside knows, it’s how to come together. This is why we want to hear from you. What does Canada mean to you? How do you see the impact of these economic changes in

your daily life?”

You did not disappoint. We heard from many readers passionate about our country – and neighbourhood. They were even optimistic about our future in the face of economic challenges beyond our borders. “We will adapt and continue on,” one wrote. And more. Many Leasiders have shifted their habits, not just to buying Canadian-made products, but also to supporting homegrown Leaside businesses. The Shop Local message has never been as important as it is now, at a time of profound upheaval and as Canadians head to the polls to elect a new government.

We’re proud to feature Canada – and especially Leaside – this issue. Read on for stories that we hope speak to you and rouse your emotions. n

Leasiders unleashed their patriotism during Canada’s Centennial

Recent tariff actions by the U.S. government have triggered a wave of national pride among Canadians. Similar outpourings of patriotism occurred during World War II and following Canada’s victory in the Canada-Russia hockey series of 1972.

At no time, however, was Canadian pride more on display than during the period leading up to and including the nation’s Centennial in 1967. Across the land, communities, schools, businesses and individuals enthusiastically created and participated in hundreds of “Centennial projects” to honour our success as a nation. Leaside was no exception – demonstrating, as Canadians are again doing today, a deep and fervent love of country.

Here are just a few inspiring examples of what our community accomplished during the Centennial: Trace Manes Community Recreation Centre: Planned three years in advance and built at a

Road P.S. 1967 Centennial program.

cost of $100,000, this was the first Centennial Project completed by any Toronto municipality. The facility included a drop-in centre for seniors, a tennis club lounge, meeting rooms and a skating rink change room. Its grand opening on Sept. 14, 1966, attracted such dignitaries as Ontario Tourism Minister James Auld, Metro Chairman William Allan and Leaside Mayor Beth Nealson. The event was enhanced by the talents of the Leaside High School girls’ choir singing God Save the Queen and O Canada . The Centre still operates today as a community focal point and landmark.

The “All-Canada Revue” at Leaside High School: This was the Centennial Project for all Leaside schools in which, according to the Leaside Advertiser , 538 children participated in an historical play. The revue took place in May 1967 at Leaside High’s auditorium before CENTENNIAL Page 28

Rolph

Tom Chin has all the right moves – 108 of them.

by LORNA KRAWCHUK

Every Tuesday afternoon, except in the heat of summer, Sheila and Tom Chin can be found in Lamb Hall at St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church on Bayview Avenue in the tai chi class. Sheila and Tom both follow the video of tai chi exercises, but then, Tom takes over as leader to teach “actual” tai chi. The group now boasts some mastery of 15 of the 108 moves of classic tai chi, thanks to Tom’s patient coaching.

Tom’s story starts in China where he was born. His family moved to Kingston, Jamaica when he was small. The baking business they owned bought their flour from Maple Leaf Mills in Canada, and often the Canadian kids spent parts of the summer with Tom’s family in Jamaica, or Tom travelled north for Canadian visits. When it was time for post-secondary edu-

cation, Tom first tried engineering at Notre Dame in the U.S., then came to Canada where he earned his accountancy designation before returning to Jamaica.

Sheila’s grandparents were Scottish and English missionaries who came to Jamaica and stayed.

Tom and Sheila married in Jamaica in 1975 but decided to move to

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Canada to work. They settled in Streetsville where they lived for over 30 years. Tom was originally working for MacleanHunter as their internal auditor, but when Rogers bought out the company, he and Sheila found themselves in London, England where he was setting up cable operations.

Tom was no stranger to the martial arts. He did judo in Jamaica. In Canada, after the Taoist tai chi organization moved from Montreal to Toronto, he decided to give tai chi (which is also a martial art) a try. In the 1990s, he was attending classes three or four times a week to learn the moves. It took him two years to be able to do a complete set of 108 without outside music, sound or coaching. He’s been a faithful practitioner of tai chi ever since.

After moving back to Jamaica in 2010, Tom started a tai chi group at the Chinese Benevolent Association where they spent evenings on the outdoor basketball court. The group started with only a few members, but grew, and continues to grow, even though Tom and Sheila returned to Canada in 2020 to be closer to their daughter and her family. Their daughter was working downtown, but when she and her husband decided to start a family, they wanted to live in a neighbourhood with good schools, a small town feel and proximity to work. Leaside ticked off all the boxes. So, with their daughter in the neighbourhood, where else would Tom and Sheila choose to live than Leaside as well?

After reading about tai chi classes in Leaside Life and seeing the sign mentioning tai chi outside St. Cuthbert’s, Tom decided to check out the offering. “I thought, maybe I can help them out,” Tom told Sheila, so they both then came. As Tom says, “tai chi has done wonderful things for me,” and “I will always give tai chi, but never, ever, charge.”

Interested in seeing Tom and Sheila in action? St. Cuthbert’s offers tai chi on Tuesdays from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in Lamb Hall. Call the church for more information, or just show up. stcuthbertleaside@toronto.anglican.ca. n

Niloo Saiy PharmD, CDE, RPh Associate-Owner

LORNA KRAWCHUK

Novelist Emily Weedon makes Leaside her haunting ground

by GREIG HENDERSON

Emily A. Weedon is an acclaimed novelist and an award-winning screenwriter who is happy to call Leaside home. An avid cook, she is a huge fan of Cumbrae’s, Alex Farm Products, and Badali’s. She loves being able to walk not only to her favourite food shops but also to other local establishments such as Lit, The Daughter, and McSorley’s, welcome watering holes from which a writer can draw liquid energy and creative inspiration. Her debut novel, Autokrator, is a speculative and dystopian tale released in 2024 by Cormorant Books.

“I am a gender criminal. I am Unmale, yet I write as though I am a person.” So begins Autokrator , a disturbing epic that poses timely questions about the ominous rise of autocracy and the ongoing chaos engendered by the toxic masculinity of its patriarchal practitioners. Sound familiar? The novel alternates

and juxtaposes the first-person narratives of two gender criminals. The first is Tiresius, a highly educated and status-driven male impersonator with vaulting ambition that o’erleaps itself. When the novel begins, Tiresius has been sentenced to death and awaits execution for violating her society’s most sacred rule: she has committed the heinous crime of masquerading as a man. The second is Cera, in the beginning, a domestic female labourer whose son, the Autokrator in waiting, was taken from her at birth; in the end, a gender criminal desperate to become part of the life of her son, to whom she ultimately reveals herself and sets in motion the violent emergence of a new social order.

The original Tiresias of Greek mythology was a blind prophet who spent seven years as a woman. Here the gender change is reversed, but unlike her visionary predecessor, this Tiresius is a Machiavellian manipulator who has risen through the ranks of the Autokracy to become Imperial Treasurer, the most trusted confidant of the Autokrator. The intertwining of Tiresius’s power-driven journey to death with Cera’s love-driven journey to life is deftly accomplished.

In this chillingly evoked dystopian world, Unmales have been stripped of their personhood and made to function as labourers and

baby makers. Their only role is to serve men. Part of the novel’s unrelenting critique and caustic satirization of patriarchy focuses on the male geneticists’ futile and obsessive attempts “to make men without mothers.” Such black humour pervades the book, a book that despite its grisly contents has its comic moments.

Before writing novels, Emily was a screenwriter who co-created the web series Chateau Laurier, the recipient of multiple awards in 2023. She and her collaborator Kent Staines were awarded “Best Writing in a Web Series” at the Canadian Screen Awards that same year. Emily has also been a graphic designer, film producer, set painter, actress, and art director. To boot, she has played music professionally and released three EPs. She is passionate about supporting Canadian literature and runs a monthly reading event, Drunk Fiction, at the Caledonian, an event that showcases both established and upcoming writers.

Emily graduated from Leaside High School in 1990 and returned to our neighbourhood with her daughter, Ginger, in 2023. A voracious reader from a young age, Emily devoured gothic fiction along with such horror classics as Rosemary’s Baby , The Hunger ,

DAVID

Honouring Bill Pashby, helping make Leaside strong and Canada proud

by SUZANNE PARK

On the last Saturday in March, the sun shone brightly as guests walked to the William Lea Room in the Leaside Arena to celebrate the 80th birthday of one of Leaside’s –and Canada’s – finest: Bill Pashby. Here they were welcomed by Bill’s family members, received a name tag and a page inviting them to find the guest named and ask them about their connections to Leaside and the Pashby family. A great party ice breaker. Only a few guests met someone new as most guests already knew almost everyone in the room. There were treats, refreshments, and a great speech from the guest of honour. Once Bill Pashby started speaking, the room fell silent. He let the crowd know, “I’m focusing on three things – family, community service, and seniors having fun. Oh, and one more, chocolate chip cookies, (which) you’ll find baking at the back.”

A proud parent, he started speak-

ing about his three professionally successful children Kathy, Christie and Karen, and his granddaughters. “Over the years, they’ve all joined me swimming at the Leaside pool, starting as toddlers, as I did.” Bill added, “Despite my dad’s enthusiastic support, I wasn’t an all-star hockey player, like several of my friends in this room today. I like the water warm, not frozen! The only year my LHA hockey team that I was on for seven years won the championship was the year I didn’t play. I was out with a concussion. Lucky for me, dad (well-known Leasider Tom Pashby) was a doctor and ensured I got the care needed. He was often coaching at the arena and stitched up many young players. He took pride in his ‘stitchery,’ which left no scars.”

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LEASIDE: 105 VANDERHOOF AVE.

Bill was drawn to community service formally when he was invited to join the Leaside Arena board... only to find out that the roof was at risk. The province mandated the board conduct roof inspections with each heavy snowfall and get busy planning structural improvements. A rude awakening for a novice board member. Undaunted, Bill stayed on and added many board appointments and fundraising positions in the years ahead, including a decade as chair with TNO-The Neighbourhood Organization, only stepping down in 2018.

Bill confessed to his guests, “I’m a fun-loving guy and seniors need to have fun.” This was confirmed by his pickleball mates at the party, who pong regularly every Tuesday afternoon.

The Pashby family’s connections to the Leaside Arena run deep. Dr. Tom Pashby’s career and community contributions have featured in Leaside Life issues. A February 2017 article highlighted Leaside’s Dr. Tom Pashby Play Safely . The ‘Play Safely’ part of the name came from the Dr. Tom Pashby Play Safely Fund , which donated $500,000 to bring Leaside rinks up to NHL safety standards.

PASHBY Page 40

April 28th – Voting for the future of Don Valley West and Canada

by JAKE ROSS

Election season is upon us Leasiders (again), which means it’s time to “meet” the local candidates vying to represent Don Valley West in Ottawa. Only candidates whose party held a seat in the House of Commons at the time of dissolution are profiled. For a full list of candidates, head to elections.ca.

LIBERAL: (INCUMBENT)

ROB OLIPHANT

An experienced accountant as well as an ordained Minister in the United Church, Rob Oliphant has represented Don Valley West in Ottawa for a combined total of 13 years. He was first elected in 2008, before losing his seat in 2011 to Conservative John Carmichael. He won re-election in 2015 and has represented the riding since. In addition to his role as a Member of

Parliament, since 2019 he’s served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs. Trump’s tariffs are top of mind for Oliphant, arguing that it’s what constituents are most concerned about. “From seniors worried about how the economic turmoil will affect their retirement to young families anxious about tariffs driving up the cost of living, it’s an issue for people from all walks of life and all parts of our riding.” He touts the Liberals’ plan to break down trade barriers between provinces, diversify Canada’s international trade partners, and cut taxes for the middle class, which he says will “save families over $800 every year.”

When asked why he’s the best person to represent the riding, he points to his own record: “After 13 years as your Member of

Stanley’s

White House Meats

Parliament, I know our community well.” He says his time in government has benefited the residents of Don Valley West, pointing to programs such as the Canada Child Benefit, which he claims has lifted 13,000 children in the riding out of poverty, and the Canadian Dental Plan, which, he argues, “helps some 6,000 of my constituents.”

For more information: https:// roboliphant.liberal.ca.

CONSERVATIVE: ROB PIERCE

Rob Pierce is an entrepreneur, businessman and financial services executive with over 40 years of experience in his industry. Recently, Pierce served on the ROM’s Board of Governors and has co-authored a book titled The Family TRĒ , on the management and practices for high net worth and family office management.

Pierce argues that high taxes, street crime and U.S. tariffs are the most important issues facing Don Valley West. He says that he hasn’t “seen as much tax relief in any political platform in a long time,” touting the Conservatives’ promises to cut income tax for those making $57,375 or less and allowing senior citizens to earn up to $34,000 tax free.

He adds that “the federal government needs to encourage an environment where crime can’t flourish.”

He says the Conservatives plan to do this by introducing tougher sentences for violent criminals.

On tariffs, Pierce touts the Conservatives’ plan to forgo capital gains tax for companies or individuals who reinvest assets in Canada, saying that we need Canadians to “not send their money south to the U.S.”

He believes he’s the best candidate to represent Don Valley West because of his professional background, which he says has allowed him to make invaluable connections that would benefit residents in the riding, as well as being a “negotiator with a lot of experience brokering agreements.”

He points to fellow Conservative Don Stewart’s win in next door Toronto-St. Paul’s, arguing that the

And speaking of elections….

For any proud Canadian, it’s not hard to notice that we’re currently facing a challenge to our very sovereignty. But while we navigate the aggressive tactics of the new administration to the south, one glorious side effect has been the major uptick in our national pride. More than ever before, being Canadian means buying Canadian, not to mention, living our Canadian values, waving the flag and supporting the country and each other however we can –and we are – and good for us! But as we try to manage what seem like daily crises, I find myself longing for simpler, less stressful times – and memories of growing up in idyllic Leaside during the ’70s beckon. My twin brother Terry and I entered Leaside High School in 1973 for an unforgettable and life-changing fiveyear run. (Yes, I’m glad the elimination of Grade 13 came well after our high school days, as, for me, my final year at LHS was by far the most formative.) And to say that we were the skinniest, scrawniest kids in the school would be a colossal understatement. This reality was

Tim Fallis Columnist

never more obvious (and ego-crushing) than during those 35 terrifying minutes of Grade 9 gym class.

Most of our classmates were almost men while Terry and I weighed 70 lbs. and were still singing soprano. Things went from bad to worse on the first day when the LHS gym shorts were distributed – one size fits all, including Godzilla. The green shorts Terry and I received that day could have easily doubled as an area rug or parachute. I’m quite certain we looked just ridiculous.

The focus of the first few weeks of Phys. Ed. was Olympic Wrestling, of all things. This posed yet another problem for us as every other guy in the class outweighed us by at least 30 lbs. There were Lightweight, Middleweight and Heavyweight divisions, and then there were the

Fallis twins, the only members of the newly created Paperweight division. And so it went.

Five years later, still emotionally scarred from what became known in our family as the Gym Shorts Trauma, Terry and I decided to run in the election for President and Vice President of the Student Council. With the plight of skinny Leasiders always uppermost in our minds, we felt a responsibility to make oversized gym shorts a campaign issue. In the middle of my final speech to the whole school, I pledged that, if elected, we would ensure there were gym shorts available in sizes other than double extra-large. I then calmly stepped away from the podium and moved to the front of the stage, carefully removed my suit jacket and then proceeded to drop my pants to the floor revealing a massive pair of LHS shorts held up by suspenders – a classic object lesson intended to make our point crystal clear. Apart from several students running for the exits in horror at the sight, and a trip to the school nurse for a few more, our campaign promise was fairly well received, at least that’s how we chose to perceive the ensuing hysterical laughter. Needless to say, it wasn’t enough to win the election, although evidently enough to make the yearbook (see grainy photo). And, even worse, I’m sad to confirm that those shorts fit me perfectly today. If that’s not karma, I don’t know what is! n

Fighting for skinny Leasiders everywhere!

Mr. Trump comes to Leaside

by MIKE ZIVOT

By the time you read this, Canada’s tariff relationship with the U.S. might have changed...several times!

Given the fluid (nice term) nature of our tariff relationship with the U.S., and trade issues with China, I sought to discover how different types of businesses at least anticipated how they might be affected.

Vibrant local business is essential to our strong community. Period, full stop. We know that business owners are losing sleep around tariffs, so I hit the streets of Leaside to talk to a few different types of businesses and find out exactly what’s keeping them up.

I decided to profile Leaside businesses in four different sectors: a merchant, a distributor, a brand/ restaurateur and a manufacturer. You might be surprised at my discoveries. A hint: There are tariffs on our exports, but there are also counter-tariffs placed by our government on American imports. The latter really matters.

Merchant profile

Grilltime Gourmet Meat Shop

In relative terms, owner Andy Elder has less to worry about when it comes to tariffs because his product already comes almost exclusively from Canadian suppliers who sell meat and other products sourced from Canada.

This includes local specialty products like the spices Grilltime proudly supports.

But he is concerned his prices may go up when his suppliers are faced with increased demand from new customers who had been buying from American suppliers.

Brand and restaurant profile

Amsterdam Brewery

The brewery/brand side

Like other craft brewers, beer production costs will rise because of the costs of aluminum, as well as raw ingredients that have traditionally come from the U.S. Now, before everyone yells and screams that they should buy ingredients like hops from Canadian suppliers, it’s not that simple. The case is similar for many micro-breweries. The fact is that Canada does not produce hops with the flavour profiles that many breweries require. Amsterdam is now looking at hops from across the pond, specifically from Great Britain, maker of outstanding hops.

“We do a strong business each year with our Cottage Packs that have a variety of products in them. It is hard for us to promote them in advance because we don’t know how to price them.”

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.

Andy’s other concern is that consumer spend will decrease because of increased costs from other life elements affected by tariffs. While Grilltime’s pricing is reasonable, it’s still cheaper to eat at home.

Distributor profile

The Tate Group

Gift distributor The Tate Group has been selling great things to great stores for 25 years. Like most businesses, the gift industry has changed over the years, but as president Stan Flemming says from his Leaside office, this tariff ordeal might be a doozy!

“Over the years, we have worked hard to develop and maintain great relationships with suppliers and retailers so that together we bring innovative gift products that consumers want – and at a price they will pay. Now that price-point may be beyond reach.”

That’s the kicker. We are not talking about milk and eggs here but gifts that are extremely price sensitive and “nice-to-haves.” Tariffs whether imposed on imports into the U.S. or reciprocal punitive tariffs imposed by Canada, will surely result in increased prices for retailers and, ultimately, consumers .

Another interesting point brought up by Amsterdam’s Matt Peacock is the much-ballyhooed inter-provincial tariffs. As a brewer, they are keen to see these walls go down so they can freely sell across the country (for the most part). A chunk of market share is opening with American-made products (not necessarily American brands) coming off the shelf, and the independent smaller brewers like Amsterdam are hoping to fill that void in beer mugs nationwide.

The restaurant side

As the general manager of their Barrel House restaurant, Matt is also concerned about reduced household discretionary funds that will lead to less money spent in restaurants overall. So, the game is to get a bigger piece of a smaller pie. Matt has a plan; it’s called loyalty. He knows that his overall number of unique customers will decline, so he needs to focus on increasing the frequency of visits by his best customers. Although his best customers may have a lower average transaction value, he is confident their increased frequency will make up the revenue gap.

“Loyalty is always a really good strategy but never more important than it is now for establishments like The Barrel House. Love your customers and they will love you back.”

This Canadian champion was “made” in Leaside

by MITCH BUBULJ

Jim Wilson, a Canadian hockey and baseball champion, played and worked around the world –Quebec, the Maritimes, Europe and the States – but his passion for place brought him home to Leaside. Born on Beaufield Avenue, raised on Divadale Drive, Jim graduated from Leaside High School in 1962. Luckily for Leaside he ended up where it all began, settling on Hanna Road to raise his family and give back to the community that gave him so much.

Jim’s final year at the University of Toronto culminated in the best way possible for someone who had spent countless hours playing all manner of sports. The Varsity Blues men’s hockey team – Jim played defence – made history when it won the inaugural Canadian Intercollegiate Championship in the spring of 1966 in Sudbury where they beat a team from Alberta, 8 to 1. Jim remembers that “there was a real camaraderie among team members, especially with fellow Leasiders ‘Gil’ Farmer and Bob McClelland.” That

same team, which became Canadian champions in 1966, was inducted in the U of T’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, the first hockey team ever to do so.

Jim wasn’t just a Canadian champion on the ice, though; he shone as well on the baseball diamond. He was the All-Star catcher for Ontario’s Canadian National Junior Championship Baseball Team in 1964. In 1968 Jim was the All-Star catcher for the undefeated Leaside Maple Leafs in their inaugural season in the Halton County Sr. Baseball League. One of his coaches was beloved Leasider Howie Birnie, who was inducted in the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024.

Jim was also the Intercounty Senior League’s Ontario Representative in the Pan-American Games Trials.

At 22 Jim took a teaching job at Cedarbrae Collegiate Institute, which at the time had one of the highest student populations in the country. Teaching phys. ed. and coaching many of their sports teams, Jim soon realized that he enjoyed coaching as much as he liked playing sports. He accepted an offer to coach hockey in Italy in the European Elite division. Later he worked in private industry, which took him to places like Beaconsfield, Quebec and Bedford, Nova Scotia, but he always found time to coach, especially in the local minor hockey and baseball associations. After being transferred to the company’s American head office in Indiana he continued coaching there as well as in North Carolina and Illinois.

Jim explains that wherever he coached he would follow the “Leaside model” – parents stepping up and devoting time and energy to organizing and supervising fledgling leagues. While he is recognized as a multi-talented athlete, he humbly refers to himself as “a beneficiary.”

“I was very fortunate to have been raised in Leaside in the ’50s and ’60s; everywhere there was an opportunity to play a sport and hone skills, coached by caring and conscientious parent volunteers. I recall that in the summer every school yard had a male and female playground leader hired by the Leaside Parks and Recreation Department. They worked Monday to Friday from 9 to 5, and this had

JIM WILSON

Camp time! 24 for ’25

by SUSAN SCANDIFFIO

Summer is just around the corner – a great time to make new memories at camp. Even better? There’s no need to head far and wide to find a great camp since there are so many excellent experiences to be had right here in the neighbourhood. Whether your child wants to learn a new language, loves sports, the arts, nature, animals, STEM, or a combination of a whole lot of activities, we’ve got you covered! (Note: Dance is included in the arts category while recognizing both the athletic and artistic elements involved.)

SPORTS

TRUE NORTH SPORTS CAMP

The goal is to expose campers to a wide variety of sports in order to develop fundamental movement and sport skills with an emphasis on fun, fair play and teamwork. Where: Bennington Heights Elementary School Who: Ages 4-12 truenorthcamps.com

MANOR ROAD UNITED CHURCH

Celebrating 100 Years of Spiritual Guidance and Charitable Good Works, May 2025

UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS:

100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Sunday, May 4, 10:30am Light refreshments to follow

COMMUNION SERVICE

Sunday, May 11, 10:30am

KIDS CREATIVE PLAY WITH AINSLEY

Every Sunday during worship 10:30 am

ONLINE YOGA WITH LINDA NICHOLSON

Every Thursday, 4:30 pm Zoom link email: ministermruc@gmail.com

CITY OF TORONTO DOORS OPEN 2025

1st time at the Manor

Sat. May 24 and Sun. May 25, 10am - 4pm

MOVIE NIGHT AT THE MANOR

“Bedknobs and Broomsticks” Friday, May 30, 6pm. Hot fresh popcorn

240 Manor Road East, Toronto, ON manorroadunitedchurch.com

PEDALHEADS

Pedalheads is a learn-to-ride camp known for taking kids from training wheels to two wheels and safe road riding. Combines a fun group setting with specialized equipment and tailored cycling lessons. Where: Three locations in Leaside –St. Anselm’s, Leaside United Church (bike), Serena Gundy (trail riding) Who: Ages for biking and trail riding, 4 and up; Private bike lessons, ages 3 and up. pedalheads.com

LEASIDE BASEBALL

The Leaside Baseball Summer Camp helps boys and girls learn, practise, and improve their baseball skills and enthusiasm for the sport in a friendly, safe, and encouraging environment. Where: Howard Talbot Park for all ages, and Grit Athletics, 53 Laird Dr. for indoor training (on top of the on-field training) for elite age level (13- to 16-year-olds)

Who: Ages 5 to 16 leasidebaseball.com

LEASIDE TENNIS CLUB

Half-day camp (1 - 4 p.m.). While the camp’s main focus is tennis, a variety of games will be played, with an emphasis on fitness, skill development and fun in order to increase your child’s enjoyment and tennis prowess. Where: Leaside Tennis Club, Trace Manes Park Who: Ages 5 to 14 (for both members and non-members) leasidetennis.org (search under “Learn” in the menu)

DON GROM TRAINING CAMP

A camp for young riders to develop mountain biking skills in an inclusive team environment. Programming is designed for those with intermediate to advanced trail riding experience looking to improve and refine their riding.

Where: Don Valley Who: Ages 9 to 12; kids must have above average mountain biking skills batemansmtbschool.com

HOCKEY EXTREME

Whether your kids want to work on their shot, their skating or puck control, Hockey Extreme has them covered. Where: Leaside Memorial Community Gardens

Who: Ages 7+ hockeyextreme.ca

THOMPSON JIU JITSU

Kids will experience hands-on training sessions that dive deep into the fundamentals of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Where: 1518 Bayview Ave.

Who: Ages 5 to 11 thompsonjiujitsu.com

STEM

MAKER KIDS

Coding, Robotics, Minecraft and 3D printing are all part of the fun at Maker Kids where your children will build friendships, learn lots and make a lifetime of memories. Where: 1661 Bayview Ave. Who: Ages 6 to 13 makerkids.com

CODEZILLA

For 5 to 10-year-olds: STEM Camp: Hands-on activities that promote math, robotics and engineering while nurturing creativity and curiosity. For 7 to 14-year-olds: Coding Camp: Code a dynamic app, drone, robot or video game. Learn coding and math terms. Apply logic and problem-solving. Where: Leaside United Church, 822 Millwood Rd. Who: Ages 5 to 14 codezillakids.com

CODE NINJAS

Camps cover engaging topics from electronics to creative design, including rich content for coding or STEM. Where: 1386 Bayview Ave. Who: Ages 5 to 14 codeninjas.com/leaside-on-ca

LANGUAGE

LEASIDE SPANISH

Through hands-on activities, music, storytelling and games, the camp creates a dynamic environment where children naturally learn and absorb Spanish.

Where: 88 Laird Dr. Who: Ages 6 to 12 leasidespanish.com

ANIMALS

PAWSITIVELY PETS

Multiple camp options include Animal Explorers, Pet Pals, Mini Vet Camp, etc.

Where: 125 Brentcliffe Rd. or 94 Laird Dr. (depending on camp option).

Who: Ages 4 to 14 pawsitivelypetskidscamp.com

NATURE

EXPLORE NATURE

Campers will spend the day using their imaginations to explore, create, build, and learn all about nature, the living world, animals and science. Where: 125 Brentcliffe Rd. (venturing out to Sunnybrook and Serena Gundy parks).

Who: Ages 4 to 11 explorenature.ca

MULTI-ACTIVITY CAMPS

ÜNI

A range of themes including cooking, sports, nature, coding, engineering, etc.

Where: 864 Eglinton Ave. East Who: Ages 4+ myuni.ca

SYNERGY MARTIAL ARTS

Synergy Camps provide a range of activities from martial arts to creative arts and teamwork challenges. Where: 416 Moore Ave.

Who: Ages 4+ synergymartialarts.ca

ROLPH ROAD / LEASIDE DAY CARE CENTRE

Onsite activities include sports, arts, music and baking while field trips are planned on a weekly basis. Your child does not have to be enrolled in the daycare to participate in the camp. Where: 31 Rolph Rd.

Who: Ages 3.8 to 12 leasidedaycare.com

EVOKE MARTIAL ARTS

Evoke camps are so much more than kids learning and practising martial arts. Kids will have fun with arts & crafts, games, outdoor sports, field trips and more. (Full and half-day options are available.)

Where: 1669 Bayview Ave.

Who: Ages 5 to 12 evokeacademy.com

NORTHLEA COMMUNITY CHILD CARE

Camp activities include science, music, water play, sports, crafts and cooking as well as exciting field trips. Your child does not have to be enrolled in the daycare to participate in the camp.

Where: 305 Rumsey Rd

Who: Ages Kindergarten to 12 northleachildcare.com

CIRCUS ARTS

TORONTO CIRCUS CENTRE

There’s something for every junior circus star in training! Activities include aerial trapeze, hoop, rope, and silks, as well as juggling, floor and partner acrobatics and clowning.

Where: Leaside United Church, 822 Millwood Road Ages: 4 ½ to 13 torontocircuscentre.com

THE ARTS

POISE DANCE ACADEMY

Option of half-day (morning or afternoon) or full-day enrolment. Types of dance will include ballet, hip hop, jazz, acro, musical fun and other fun activities in weekly themed sessions. Where: 16 Banigan Dr. Who: Ages 3 to 12 poisedance.ca

CRESCENDO MUSIC STUDIO

Camp options include Music, Theatre, Creativity: Word Music!, Musical Theatre and Singing, Songwriting and Performance.

Where: 1560 Bayview Ave.

Who: Music, Theatre, Creativity camp: 5- to 8-year-olds, Musical Theatre: 8- to 14-year-olds and Singing, Songwriting: 10-year-olds and up. crescendomusicstudio.ca/lessons

4 CATS ARTS STUDIO

Choose from camp by-the-day or full-week options. Each day has different art projects, which may include painting, sculpture, printmaking, or drawing. Campers will also learn art history through interactive learning with the instructors.

Where: 1386 Bayview Ave.

Who: Ages 6 to 12 4cats.com

CANADIAN CONTEMPORARY SCHOOL OF ART

Children will participate in a variety of artistic fields including

drawing, painting, fashion, architecture, cartooning, animation, sculpture, and drama.

Where: 109 Vanderhoof Ave.

Who: Kids’ camp: ages 4 to 12. Teen camp: ages 12 to 17. ccsa.art

CRESWELL DANCE ACADEMY

A fun blend of dance, crafts, games, and other activities. Campers will learn various dance styles and perform a show that will be recorded at the end of the week.

Where: 105 Vanderhoof Ave.

Who: Ages 4 to 10 creswelldance.com. n

“Pie queen” perfects the very Canadian butter tart

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

Helen Nugent didn’t start out as a baker – she studied fashion merchandising at Seneca College – but stepped back from a corporate career eight years ago to create Batterednbaked on Instagram and has never looked back.

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 ” “

She and her husband ran a successful communications business specializing in corporate writing for clients like Canadian Tire and Tim Hortons. While she enjoyed the work, she was ready to try something new. “I knew I could write,” Helen explains, and “always liked baking, so decided to combine the skills and give it a go.”

Her Irish mother taught her three sisters and her how to bake back in London, Ont., where they would spend Saturdays perfecting the art

of pastry-making. She says that her years in business taught her always to say “yes” to a new challenge and then work hard at learning how to succeed. Her son suggested using Instagram as a platform. “I learned to embrace social media, which made it all possible. It was just before Covid hit and a time of decorative baking, so design played a big part in my pie creations – it brought out an artistic side of me I didn’t know existed.”

You only need to look at the cover of her first cookbook, Pie Style, published in late 2020, to realize her flair for design. Helen jokes that “it got to the point where I would

see unique patterns and think they would make great pie crusts – the quirkiest example was an intricate sewer grate in Brooklyn!” Our own Steve Hardy covered Pie Style in the March 2024 issue of Leaside Life. This June Helen’s latest book, Small Pies Big Flavor, will be available from Indigo or your favourite Canadian bookseller, and it’s also available presale. The new recipes “embrace an ethos of minimizing excess – fewer ingredients, less waste, but big flavour,” Helen explains. There are 48 recipes in total – 24 sweet and 24 savoury selections.

One of the sweetest ones is for butter tarts. The first written mention of this Canadian speciality was in 1900 in a cookbook written by the Women’s Auxiliary of the Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Ont. But it is widely believed that the butter tart was a smaller, improvised version of the tarte au sucre, from France, brought to New France in the late 1600s by the Filles de Roi. You may remember from history class that these women were sent by King Louis XIV to Quebec to correct the gender imbalance and ultimately marry and bear children. In total, 800 single (and in a few cases widowed) women arrived. Ever resourceful, they

MITCH BUBULJ

Helen and her nutter butter tarts.

added maple syrup and dried fruit to the old French favourite. Thus, the butter tart was born. Helen’s is not too runny and the perfect size and shape, with a flaky crust. She even adds her own touches such as a sprinkling of peanuts. She aptly calls her creations nutter butter tarts. As well as writing cookbooks

and maintaining her business on Instagram, Helen also teaches pie baking from her home on Rumsey Rd. Since starting two years ago she has offered 30 classes to a maximum of eight students per session – six being the sweet spot, she explains. Students learn everything they need to know to make a perfect pie. In

this three-hour class, they make the crust, the filling and the decoration. Everyone takes home the pie uncooked so it can be baked later or frozen for another day.

Most of the classes take place in the autumn so think pumpkin or apple pie. Students arrive strangers but quickly realize they have met before or else live beside someone else’s good friend. Helen quips that she often must reign them in so their pies are completed in time.

The students are definitely enthusiastic. Helen recalls an incident from last summer. The class was halfway through a session when there was a power outage. She announced they would have to finish the class another time, but instead the participants were unanimous in wanting to finish by cellphone flashlight. Helen’s can-do attitude drives what she does; let it motivate you to pick up her new book and try her recipes for yourself, and especially her uber-Canadian butter tart. Better yet: become a student and take a sweet class. The calories are well worth it. n

The Liberals are 33% ahead—with a climate plan still using Stephen Harper’s emissions targets; having spent $50B on the Trans Mountain Pipeline and “open to building more”.

• only the Greens have a plan for climate action to secure your future environmentally and economically

• even if the 15.48% Green second choice voters were to vote Green, the Liberals would still win

• a strong Green vote would scare the Liberals and the Conservatives

win in the 2024 byelection shows how frustrated Toronto voters are with the current government.

For more information: https:// robpierce4donvalleywest.ca.

NDP: LINNEA LÖFSTRÖM-ABARY

Just 20 years old, Linnea Löfström-Abary has experience as a labour activist, political staffer at Queen’s Park and candidate for the provincial NDP. Currently a student at the University of Ottawa, their first foray into the political world came at age 13, when they participated in the Legislative Page Program at Queen’s Park. This experience left them “inspired by the care and passion that MPPs had for bettering their communities and left that experience motivated to help others through progressive political organizing and activism.”

fit our families, and be able to pay our bills.” They’ll represent the riding’s constituents by listening to their concerns and using the constituency office as a community hub, adding that “the community in Don Valley West will be at the centre of every decision I make.”

Löfström-Abary hopes that voters won’t “let fear control [their] participation in the democratic process” by voting strategically. A website for Linnea was not available.

GREEN: SHEENA SHARP

APRIL 28

that despite the insistence of “many politicians, including Carney and Poilievre,” the answer is not to build an east to west pipeline, but it is instead to build a green national energy grid.

She’s no stranger to politics, having run to represent the riding both provincially and municipally in the past. She states that she has “less than [a] 1%” chance of winning,” but that she’s committed to ensuring “the big parties are being challenged.”

They see the cost of living as the most challenging issue facing the residents of Don Valley West. “We should be able to afford groceries and everyday essentials, homes that

An architect by profession, Sheena Sharp has spent the last 17 years as a small business owner, building homes that are both environmentally sustainable and affordable.

Sharp sees the economy as the most important issue, saying that Canada must decouple itself from the United States. She argues

Despite the odds, she believes she is the best candidate to represent Don Valley West because she “works hard and listens.”

Because of her multiple runs for office, she believes her campaign is gaining momentum and says, “we do better than average for the Green Party, but have not yet broken through.”

For more information: https:// www.votesheenasharp.ca. n

RE-ELECT OUR COMMUNITY CHAMPION

Rob OLIPHANT

Taking action at City Hall to protect Torontonians

In response to the threat of American tariffs, we are doing our part at the City of Toronto to take action and protect our economy as part of the overall “Team Canada” approach. In March, City Council passed a comprehensive plan to mitigate the impact of a potential trade war on Toronto businesses, workers, and residents.

The Mayor’s Economic Action Plan in Response to US Tariffs was developed by an Economic Action Team comprising industry, business, and labour leaders, The actions include, but are not limited to:

• Prioritizing Canadian suppliers in the City’s procurement process;

• Partnering with regional municipalities and the Province to reduce reliance on American-based suppliers;

• Expanding global markets for Toronto businesses through industry and export development partnerships;

• Collaborating with industry, workers, and training partners to encourage the adoption of new

Rachel Chernos Lin Councillor, Don Valley West

technology to increase competitiveness;

• Providing dedicated supports for Toronto’s manufacturing and industrial sector;

• Deferring property taxes on industrial properties to provide cashflow relief; and

• Launching the new Love Local campaign.

The Love Local campaign encourages Torontonians to purchase Canadian-made goods and support local businesses. My office was provided with “Love Local” decals for businesses to display to engage customers and encourage community-wide participation. If you are a

local small business that would like a decal, please contact my office at councillor_chernoslin@toronto.ca. In Ward 15, we are lucky to have four distinct Business Improvement Areas (BIAs) that showcase amazing Canadian-owned small businesses, including the Bayview Leaside BIA. Our city has incredible resilience, and when we work together to buy local, our dollars stay in the local economy, create jobs, and support vibrant main streets. I am keeping a close eye on developments in this rapidly changing trade landscape and will be working with my colleagues on our City’s evolving response.

More info:

https://www.toronto.ca/business-economy/business-operation-growth/business-support/ responding-to-united-states-economic-policy/

https://www.toronto.ca/news/mayor-tory-launches-campaign-to-helpsmall-businesses-during-their-pandemic-recovery. n

Canada counts! And Leaside is still a neighbourhood of neighbours!

Stan Flemming’s call to action in the April 2025 issue of Leaside Life said it all: “Our country and our community are at a crossroads and it’s a good time to reflect on what makes Canada – and Leaside – such a remarkable place to call home. ...But if there’s one thing Leaside knows, it’s how to come together.” Indeed! Reflecting on these themes reminded me of a column I wrote in Leaside Life in January 2024 following the release of the 2023 Vital Signs Report by the Toronto (Community) Foundation (“I’m working towards a neighbourhood of neighbours”). “At one level this report was a downer – on almost every measure the community trends in Toronto are going in the ‘wrong’ direction. The pandemic has accelerated a long-standing decline in friends and family networks, donations, and volunteering. Civic engagement and connection are foundational elements to create a healthy, happy and resilient community.”

Turning to Leaside, the article mentioned the many opportunities in Leaside for connections and raised the question, both personally – what am I, and, collectively, what are we doing about it? With respect to the latter, I suggested an event to bring many of the groups together to celebrate and discuss how social connections could be improved. And how about linking the residents of Leaside East, the fast-growing tower community south of Eglinton and east of Laird?

What about a market-type event?

So, what’s happened since my feature last year? Regarding the social connections event, there has

been talk of holding a market-type event to bring together volunteer and not-for-profit groups of all kinds across the community. However, the calling of no fewer than three snap elections this spring has led to deferral of this idea. But maybe this fall?

Linking Leaside East

As for linking to Leaside East, the Leaside Residents Association (LRA) has made real progress with two projects: the Leaside East Place-Making project connects the developers of the large properties to discuss how to ensure a complete community that meets people’s needs and connects the individual projects to see them holistically. And the LRA has reached out to the condo boards in the Scenic Apartments and invited their participation in the LRA, with one board chair now attending our meetings. And at the April 14 AGM, a motion was being presented for approval to include Leaside East within the “area served” of the Leaside Residents Association.

Working with neighbouring residents’ associations

In other news, as you are no doubt aware, the LRA is working closely and cooperatively with the Broadway Area Residents Association (BARA), the recently established residents’ association for the area west of Bayview and north of Eglinton, and with the South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association (SEDRA) west of Bayview and south of Eglinton. And of course, for regional and City-wide matters the LRA continues to be a member and supporter of the Federation of North Toronto Residents Associations (FoNTRA), of which, full disclosure, I am co-chair.

Leaside has laneways!

Finally, two quick (somewhat related) information items: Leaside has laneways! A non-profit organization called The Laneway Project is interested in working with communities to transform underused laneways into vibrant, safe, and welcoming community spaces. If you are interested, please reach out to LRA to learn more. n

a large audience. Its plot involved Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada’s first Prime Minister, returning to Canada after 100 years to see the changes that had occurred in the country.

The revue featured seven acts, each one taking place in a different region of Canada – with music provided by the Leaside High girls’ choir. “To hear 200 clear young voices saluting our beloved country was worth travelling many miles,” exclaimed one enthusiastic spectator.

Leaside Memorial Community Gardens Mural: The arena’s Centennial Project was to commission a large mural depicting the key activities it offered to the community: curling, skating, hockey, dancing and swimming. The mural, painted by Toronto artist Harold Phillips, was officially unveiled on Nov. 16, 1966. While it’s no longer on public display, sections of the mural still exist and are stored at the arena.

Bessborough School Acquires Group of Seven Painting: This was the Centennial Project for the Home and School Association of Bessborough Public School – the

purchase of an original oil painting (for $650) by Group of Seven artist A. J. Casson. The painting, entitled Pugh Lake, was formally presented to the school in April 1967, with Casson attending. The school orchestra and choir provided the music. The painting remained at the school for several years but was then removed to the McMichael Gallery. For a while its whereabouts were

• The Leaside Lawn Bowling Club held a special mixed Centennial Tournament in July 1967, in which over 100 members participated.

• The Corning Glass company erected a huge Centennial symbol along Vanderhoof Ave. which lit up in blue at night.

• The Leaside Memorial Community Gardens imprinted a similar insignia at centre ice of its hockey rink.

unknown, but it now resides at the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Other Centennial Projects: In addition to these major projects, Leasiders organized numerous smaller activities to celebrate Canada’s 100th birthday. Among them:

• Leaside Brownie Packs planted beds of shrubs, evergreens and tulips at the entrance to Trace Manes Park in the fall of 1966.

• A special Centennial Winter Carnival held at Talbot Park in February 1967 included skating, toboggan races, a log cutting contest, free pancakes and a bonfire.

• Local merchants took out fullpage Centennial ads in the Leaside Advertiser. One business, a Bayview Ave. hair salon, even offered a “Centennial wave” for its women customers.

• People wrote poems expressing their love for Canada, which were then published in the Leaside Advertiser

• Students at Rolph Road Elementary School assembled a special “Canada Day” program on June 27 with exhibits and presentations celebrating Canada’s history.

Finally, hundreds if not thousands of Leasiders thronged to see the famous Confederation Train during its three-day stopover at the Leaside train station in August 1967. The train, on a Canada-wide tour, comprised six railcars, each containing exhibits highlighting a different period of Canadian history – from prehistoric times to the present. Leaside municipal councillor Vern Page visited the train and was so moved by the experience that he wrote: “it made one proud to be a Canadian [and to] live in a country of golden opportunity…whose potential has only been scratched….. yes, we should all be proud living in such a great country.”

Julie Klassen, MSW BSW RSW

The official Centennial symbol on the east wall of Trace Manes Community Recreation Centre.

Architect’s drawing of the proposed Leaside Municipal Centennial Project at Trace Manes Park.

• CONCRETE REPAIRS: STEPS/WALKWAYS/PADS

• STONE MASONRY: BACK DECKS/FRONT PORCHES/STEPS

• INTERLOCK PAVERS: BACK PATIOS/WALKWAYS/STEPS

• RETAINING WALLS

• TUCKPOINTING

• BRICK REPAIR

• CHIMNEY REPAIR

• WATERPROOFING

Litter-free in the Georgia Walsh Playground?

I am happy to report that after MUCH email dialogue between Parks, Forestry and Recreation (PF&R) management and Councillor Chernos Lin’s office, the Georgia Walsh Playground seems to be in a happier place:

Two new litter/recycle bins have been added at the McRae entrance. Staff spent a full day trimming bushes, raking leaves and picking up litter. Litter picking is more frequent and thorough, including fence lines, bushes, bench seats and play areas. My last pet peeve, which management is addressing, is staff smoking on the job and discarding their cigarette butts on the road. Disrespectful and disgusting.

General Manager Howie Dayton wrote to me: “Thank you for your email and sharing this information. I commit that the Parks Operations team will fully investigate this matter, undertake the necessary actions with staff and provide additional direction to our operations teams about expectations.”

It would appear that PF&R has gotten the message from the scath-

Cheryl Vanderburg Leaside Litterati

ing auditor’s report and is working hard to repair their reputation and earn their keep.

I thank them for that…although I wish we could work them out of a job by not littering!

Here’s hoping for a litter-free summer. n

Preschool through Grade 4

Patriotism from the past

This Centennial celebration poem appeared originally in the Toronto Telegram on July 1, 1967 and the Leaside Advertiser on July 13th that year. The praise of Canada, with writing style and sentiments from a bygone era, was written by Gwen Beer, mother of North Leasider Ross Beer whose sister was a Leaside Lions majorette in the 1950s. Both Ross and his sister attended Leaside High and were active in a number of Leaside activities. Ross has kindly donated historical materials to the Leaside Heritage Preservation Society. This Centennial poem is just one of the wealth of material he has contributed. The poem may seem dated by our current standards, but the sentiments remain powerful at this pivotal time in our history.

THIS CANADA OF OURS

Oh people of Canada!

In this our Centennial year, Let us raise our voices

That all the world may hear. Of Canada! How proud of you, We true Canadians feel, We understand the heart that throbs beneath a face of steel.

We laud oceans that surround us, The forest rising tall,

The farm lands and the cities, our Canada borders all.

The wheat fields in the summer, A sea of golden grain.

Food for our hungry people, with wheat to spare again.

The industry and business

And the money pouring in,

Of what a land of bounty!

Of vigor and vim!

The men who have made us great, and the women who have shared, And everyone all together, Just because we cared.

Oh Canada! We have prospered, under God’s generous hand,

To the stranger that enters in

We are the “promised land.”

Then rise up oh wonderous people!

Let us take stock of our own worth

For God has truly blessed us “The salt of all the earth.”

We offer early learning experiences for young children to build the skills they need for life.

Info@leasidechildrenshouse.com Instagram @leaside_childrens_house

Young Poet’s Corner

May

Events

GARDEN CLUB OF TORONTO

Edwards Gardens. Second annual floral & horticultural spring celebration – all welcome. Thursday, May 22 – 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. www.thegardencluboftoronto.ca.

LEASIDE UNITED CHURCH

822 Millwood Road, 416 425 1253 www.leasideunited.com

Awesome Sale May 9, 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and May 10, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

ST. AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH

Welcome to the Young Poet’s Corner!

Here, we share poems from students at Leaside High School. 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.

The Ghost Party

Upon a grand hill sits an aging home

Visitors from all different lives can roam Its halls are dark and blanketed in dust

The shades of the best, brought here by a gust They seek the same sense of community That haunted them in life: that unity On ratty couches, they drape their old limbs Their lonely voices following their whims Spirits intertwine, but never fingers

An eye once full of life, just now lingers

Free from the burden of sore legs and feet Prevents them from ever missing a beat This place is not dead; it is more alive

Than a small, busy home filled with midwives.

— Hannah Lamont

Hannah Lamont is a Grade 12 student at Leaside High School and is president of the school’s Young Writer’s Club.

1847 Bayview Ave

Groove Room Coffee House – Fri., May 9, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Listen to great live music by local artists and have a coffee and dessert with friends. “Pay what you can” with 100% of the funds going to the Flemingdon Food Bank. We are looking for performers. Contact info@saintaugustine.ca.

CFUW LEASIDE-EAST YORK

Congratulations to CFUW-Leaside-East York as they celebrate 70 years in our community. They continue to advocate for equality for women and promote education for all women and girls. Monthly meetings, September to April are the third Thursday of the month at Northlea United Church. www.cfuwleasideeastyork.ca

LEASIDE GARDEN SOCIETY

The Society 2025 Founders’ Scholarship applications will be accepted from May 1 to June 30. Details: www. leasidegardensociety.org. Speaker Series: Thurs. May 8 at 7:00 p.m. In-person at Northlea United (125 Brentcliffe Rd.) Refreshments at 6:30 p.m. Guest speaker: René Fan, on the Lost Rivers of Leaside. The Society welcomes guests and new members to join our meetings. More info and the yearly calendar is available at www.leasidegardensociety.org or email: leaside@gardenontario.org.

NORTHLEA UNITED CHURCH

125 Brentcliffe Rd., 416-425-5252

Northlea United celebrates 75 years. We welcome congregants past and present and the community to come and celebrate. Sun., May 4, at 10:30 a.m. See ad on pg. 24.

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

Gard’n Angels, friends & neighbours: “We’re in the Garden” Wednesdays and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - noon. Come as you’re able; no experience necessary.

Spring Fair – Saturday, May 3, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. n

Proudly Canadian

At Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles - Newbigging, we are and always have been a Canadian family owned and operated funeral home since 1879.

Many other funeral homes are owned by corporations based as far away as Texas. So they are accountable to shareholders while we are always accountable to you.

We provide a range of options that accommodate various budgets, ensuring that every family can find a suitable choice. Contact us to learn more: 416-487-4523 www.humphreymiles.com

Lynda.Gorges@gmail.com www.lyndagorges.com

What do Canada and Leaside mean to you?

Comments

Hope and faith

“Love is patient, love is kind. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

Faith is a great source of strength. St. Cuthbert’s Leaside Anglican, founded 23 years after Confederation, has managed adversity before! We buried 57 brave souls in two World Wars and survived both the Great Depression and COVID-19. We stood fast, stood together. Leaside endured. Places of worship endured. Hope endures, grounded by faith. Through economic and geopolitical turmoil, we pray and trust that Canada and Leaside stay strong. Have faith! God keep our land!

Rev. Canon Janet Read-Hockin & the Warden Team – St. Cuthbert’s

Together we are better

Proudly 100% Canadian-owned and operated since 1981, BioPed Footcare & Orthotics has flourished alongside our nation, choosing to

grow franchises across Canada, stay with our roots, and support the communities we live, work, and play in. We are part of the national BioPed brand that expands from coast to coast, but as a franchise, we are proud to be a local community business, and our community is Leaside. And, although there is economic turbulence in the world, our commitment to our communities and clients is unwavering and will not change.

Service is Our Specialty Service is Our Specialty

As for the future, our vision is to continue down the path in supporting our neighbours to build a stronger, more resilient, and healthier, Leaside community. Together we are better! Shaffuu Sharma – BioPed Toronto

Local resilience

Power Soccer is a soccer school and academy that has been part of the Leaside community for nearly 30 years. We’ve had the privilege of watching this neighbourhood grow and evolve. In these times of global economic uncertainty, we are reminded of the importance of our local community. Leaside has always been a place of resilience, where businesses like Power Soccer are supported by loyal families and residents. Derek Boecker - Power Soccer

Leaside pride

At Access Storage we feel pride in being part of this community. In Leasiders, we see strength, resilience, and determination. We know that Leaside families will always support each other and demonstrate their pride in Canada and their community in a quiet, resolute, and dignified manner. That spirit has always been evident. We see it whenever we are at Leaside Gardens supporting Wildcats minor hockey, at the Talbot ball diamonds in summer, or talking to our neighbours at our Wicksteed Avenue store location. We know that the Leaside community is strong because those who live here are, and we are confident that we will all emerge from these uncertain times stronger and more united than ever.

Access Storage

Living next to an elephant

For many years growing up in Niagara Falls I did not have a response to the question I was always asked: where do you come from? Since my parents and grandparents were born in Canada, I did not know how to respond. As the years passed, the need to answer that question has diminished as I came to see myself as a Canadian. In the 1980s with the free trade agreement, I came to see myself as North American since we share the same culture as Americans. I do not see these days as a threat. It

is a reminder that we live next to an elephant. The tariffs in my opinion are a reflection of the attitude of the powerful: essentially saying you need us, and we don’t need you. I know my fellow countrypeople will react positively and some businesses will pop up. We are Canadians and we are all in this mess together. We will adapt and continue.

John Morgan –Toronto East Soccer

Community support

To me, Canada is all about community and support. When I started my business, I envisioned creating a space where other professionals in my field could feel supported by me, just as we all support the growth of our clients. What I didn’t expect was the outpouring of support I’ve received in return – from my family, my staff, my business community, and our clients and partners. This exchange of support is what makes me proud to be part of this amazing country and community.

Katherine Hall – The Growth & Wellness Therapy Centre n

Shop Shop Dine Dine Love Love

Wear your Canadian Leaside pride.

MADE

Want to be neighbourhood proud? Want to tell Trump where to go, while walking down Bayview and buying local? Of course you do. Because you’re a Leasider, and Leasiders wear their Canadian hearts on their short sleeves. THESE short sleeves. And the best part is, they’re Canadian made, and produced right here in Leaside.

Just $40 each. Available in men’s and women’s styles. Choose either slogan for either style. Order now for delivery by Canada Day, at TateGeneralStore.com

acknowledges we are hosted on the lands of the Mississaugas of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Wendat.

We also recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis and the Inuit peoples. We also recognize our responsibility in respecting and protecting the land and water systems that surround us in the east end of Toronto, that being the Don River, or Wonscotonach in Anishinaabemowin, so that these resources can be enjoyed and flourish for all life and for generations to come.

and Interview with a Vampire. Her appetite for blood no doubt inspired her new novel, Hemo Sapiens , which will be released this fall. In this bloodthirsty tale, Detective Luke Stockton struggles to deal with the increasingly bizarre behaviour of his pregnant wife, Beatrice, who

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is expecting their first child. She repeatedly and compulsively attends a medical spa that offers unconventional prenatal treatments, among them leech suctions and vampire facials. The spa is run by Cleo, a suave and sinister woman harbouring lethal secrets. Inevitably, Luke is drawn into her seductive web.

The tension mounts as Luke investigates a series of killings involving runaway boys whose blood has been drained from their bodies. On the trail of an elusive murderer, Luke is thrown into an erotically charged netherworld of sex, money, duplicity, and terror. The closer he approaches the truth, the more the danger to him and his family intensifies. As Heidi von Palleske aptly observes, Hemo Sapiens is “a razorsharp seductive plunge into a world where the line between predator and prey blurs. With witty, biting dialogue and a dark glittering edge, Weedon delivers a vampire tale that redefines the genre,” a tale whose bite is decidedly worse than its bark. Autokrator is widely available now, and Hemo Sapiens will be available in late September, just in time for the spooky season. Read it by the fire on a dark and stormy night. n

PASHBY From Page 8

Bill told the guests, “You can see the plaque and a photo, in the arena, just outside this room’s door.” He added, “A renovation of the original rink to bring it up to current NHL safety standards begins this April with project completion planned for January 2026. The renovation will also include this room, so this is most certainly the last 80th celebration before the work (starts).”

As guests were beginning to leave, Bill said, “It’s the people, not the place, that make a party. Thanks for joining my celebration and do keep an eye out for the reopening of the

As the party was wrapping, a few guests gasped. Word spread quickly. Torrential rain was teeming down. Someone shouted, “Is it possible Bill ordered this rain? He does love swimming.” Those who’d enjoyed their glorious walk to the party realized it was going to be a soggy trip home. Yet, right away, Leaside’s community spirit kicked in. Drivers started offering rides. No one would

Emily Weedon and two of her recent book covers.

DAVID LEYES

Jim, his son Bryant and Bryant’s three sons at the arena.

a positive impact on hundreds of kids.” That same spirit of offering Leaside youth athletic opportunities carried over into the winter months when park staff would flood and maintain natural ice rinks. “In the summer of ’65 I was hired to work at Trace Manes Park, which was a great opportunity to give back.”

A memory that stands out was when, in August 1956 at the CNE, Jim caught the ceremonial opening pitch thrown by Cleveland Indians’ Bob Feller, a guest at the event and one of the fastest pitchers in Major League history. When he got to Leaside High Jim especially enjoyed playing on the school football team.

To this day he is still invested in football at LHS, now as a coach. Since 2011 he has been assisting teacher Jim Georgiadis with the senior Lancers; this school year the team won the Toronto Varsity and Metro Bowl championships. He recalls that he learned skills and strategy but also a sense of fair play during his childhood in Leaside, a place he calls “a little town that just happens to be in the middle of a big city.” He instills these same moves and morals in young Leaside athletes today. Max Lecaillon, a linebacker on the winning team, describes Jim as “a straight talking, honest father figure who kept us in line and taught us life lessons. Skills he teaches on the football field are transferable to everyday life.”

Jim may see himself as a “beneficiary,” but it’s Leaside that has benefited the most from his wisdom and winning ways. n

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Jane’s Walk heads to Bennington Heights

by GEOFF KETTEL

Bennington Heights, a triangu lar-shaped midtown residential neigh bourhood, is bounded by Mount Pleasant Cemetery to the north, the Don Valley ravines to the west (Mud Creek) and east (Cudmore Creek), and is situated on the cusp of the ancient Lake Iroquois.

Bennington Heights has the ambi ence of a mid-20th century residen tial neighbourhood, an enclave like a more modern Wychwood Park, with its layout including winding roads and cul-de-sacs: connecting streets – Evergreen Gardens, Heath Street East; circular roads around common space – Heathbridge Park, Orchard Green and cul de sacs – Heathbridge, Windmill, Garden Circle.

The residential area, Rosemount, now called Bennington Heights, was first settled in the 1870s by John Cudmore and Daniel Ryan, who operated successful market gardens on their properties until the area was developed in 1889. Their tomatoes were some of the best in Toronto, and they sold exclusively

Bennington Heights Walk

to the Queen’s Hotel, Toronto’s finest hostelry located where the Royal York Hotel now stands. The Cudmore farm was subdivided for

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farm, was also subdivided in stages, first in 1891 and again in 1946.

The development of Heathbridge Park, the northern and central parts of Bennington Heights, was influenced by its early establishment as a Co-operative Residential Community (CRC), designed by well-known architect James A. Murray and his students in 1946.

Recently, Bennington Heights has faced the challenges of intensification common in many Toronto neighbourhoods:

• Replacement of original housing,

• Townhouse development on Bayview Heights Drive.

Despite being located south of, and adjacent to the Town of Leaside, incorporated in 1913, Bennington was part of the Township of East York from 1925 until Leaside and East York united in 1967 to form the Borough of East York. This created some awkward situations; for example, at one time the schoolkids were not able to attend Leaside schools, instead they had to attend North Toronto Collegiate for high school. Today, however, Bennington shares a postal code (M4G) with Leaside.

Bennington Heights has also been the home of some notable people including:

• Margaret Atwood, who grew up

there and has written books about her neighbours;

• Norman McLeod, the first and long-time principal of Leaside High School;

• Manley MacDonald, the Ontario landscape artist who painted many Bennington scenes in the 1930s;

• Lotta Dempsey, a Toronto Star columnist;

• Frank Tumpane, a Toronto Telegram columnist;

• Mike Harris, the former Premier of Ontario;

• Bill Morneau, the former federal Minister of Finance; and

• Walter Windeyer, champion yachtsman, first non-European to win the Gold Cup.

We will do a triangular walk through the Heights – (see map): 1. Orchard Green

The renovated house that architect James A. Murray designed for Murray Ross, the founding president of York University and was written up by Dave Leblanc, the Architourist, in the Globe and Mail in 2019, 2. Garden Circle

• Garden Circle – site of Margaret Atwood’s childhood home, • Garden Circle – renovated home by Heather Dubbeldam.

3. 411 Heath St. East

Designed by prominent architect Hugh Lachlan Allward (of Allward and Gouinlock) for Ivan M. Capon in 1929. In 1998, a real estate article described it as “rambling, two storey, faux Tudor mansion owned by Thomas George Bata, son of Thomas and Sonja Bata, shoe magnates and philanthropists.” The real estate agent described the home as “a true jewel in the centre of Toronto – nothing like it…includes a coach house, separate nanny quarters, three fireplaces, in-ground swimming pool and pool house.”

4. 30 Bennington Heights Dr. The house dates from 1925 and is likely the oldest original house in

situ. It retains its original design and was sold recently (January 2025).

In 1912, Thomas Weatherhead, a solicitor for the East York School Board, purchased the property from Daniel Ryan. On August 31, 1925, he married Evelyn Maude Bennington. The home’s address was 30 Rosemount Ave., but he had the town of East York change the street’s name to Bennington Heights Drive, as a wedding gift to reflect Evelyn’s maiden name. Eventually Bennington would become the name of the community. Both 411 Heath St. East and 30 Bennington Heights Dr. overlook Mud Creek.

5.

Lake Iroquois Lookout

This public space at the south end of the expansive grounds of Bennington Heights Elementary School looks out directly (southwest) across the CP rail line to the Governors Bridge neighbourhood.

6. 28-32 Evergreen Gardens

A row of six luxury townhouses that were proposed for a pair of Evergreen Gardens lots situated near Bayview and Moore became a flashpoint in a low-profile, but closely watched development application in 2017. The two properties previously housed 1950s-style bungalows that were purchased by a developer.

The case stalled at the Local Planning Appeals Tribunal (LPAT), for months, dealing with the surprisingly slippery question of what precisely constitutes the interior of an established neighbourhood.

Residents of this corner of Bennington said that the project, by a Vaughan-based numbered company, violated the ambience of a historic residential neighbourhood. The application was eventually approved with minor changes and construction is now near completion.

On Saturday, May 10th, Leasider Paul Bolté will be at Bike Depot to help raise funds for the Ride to Conquer Cancer, taking place June 7–8, where he’ll be cycling over 200 kms.

30 Bennington Heights Dr.

Garden Circle

Industrial manufacturer profile Unicell

Many people likely remember driving up Laird for years and wondering what that place was on the east side that had dozens and dozens of white trucks parked in the lot. The sign said DEL and the trucks said Unicell, but what in the name of pickleball does that company do?

enough chips, so they couldn’t make enough new cars. By extension, this chip shortage also meant that the trucks Unicell builds onto weren’t being produced, robbing Unicell of its essential input and revenue.

It’s Unicell, a unique Canadian company that produces and fits custom one-piece fibreglass bodies onto trucks. Having many U.S. customers, Unicell expanded from Leaside, adding a second plant in Buffalo in the 1990s. That worked for years, until the pandemic. Remember Covid? Perhaps not all of us need a reminder about the microchip shortage. Supply chain disruptions and realignments meant that for almost two years carmakers couldn’t get

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Faced with the prospect of being starved to death, Unicell consolidated into its Buffalo plant. With agreement from Ford and GM, Unicell was allowed to send Canadian trucks to its Buffalo plant for completion and then back to Canada for final sale. All good…until the tariff threat.

President Hugh Martin explained their unique issue. “While we are able to move the truck across the border tariff-free, since it is only temporarily entering the U.S. for work to be done, it now faces a very curious threat. The body made in our Buffalo plant will get caught up in proposed Canadian retaliatory tariffs.” So, Unicell can’t bring its bodies back to Canada without getting whacked with an extra 25% charge. Their customers might not stomach that kind of increase, and if Unicell tries to absorb it, they would sell each truck at a loss.

vibrant. We’re going to need their continued support.”

With respect to the BIA’s role in helping member businesses meet the tariff challenge, Henry suggests not much will change. If the BIA can help attract people to the area, then the strength of the local businesses will encourage them to stay longer and keep them coming back.

What does MPP

Stephanie Bowman say?

At the Leaside Business Park Association meeting in late March, MPP Stephanie Bowman encouraged businesses to contact her and share how the impending tariff war could affect them.

From those she heard from, the number one concern by far was the distress and worry caused by the uncertainty of a situation changing week by week. As any business owner will tell you, uncertainty is a major source of concern. On the positive side, she is encouraged by what she heard from many of these same businesses, that they are focused on ways to be nimbler. “Local businesses big and small are being flexible and actively searching alternative supply chains and markets. And they are having success at it.”

The Bayview Leaside BIA perspective

I sat down recently with Henry Byres, program coordinator for the Bayview Leaside BIA. While he couldn’t speak on behalf of the membership, he did acknowledge that Main Street businesses could be adversely affected by reduced consumer spending resulting from increased prices from tariffs and overall economic uncertainty.

So, what does this all mean?

After speaking to these stakeholders and so many others, I created some sophisticated algorithms and complicated financial models on my supercomputer to understand what this means for little Leaside. When I pressed “go,” here’s what it told me.

However, he too was quick to point out the importance of customer loyalty in weathering challenging economic times, especially for small, independent businesses. “Bayview Leaside is home to an impressive collection of small, owner-operated businesses in the specialty retail, food and personal service sectors, and Covid demonstrated that our area has a very loyal customer base, many of whom live locally and take pride in helping to keep our main street

Leaside is a thriving community we are all proud and lucky to call home. One of the reasons it is so strong is our vibrant local business community, from merchants to services to manufacturers, and everything and everyone in between. Just as it is Leaside Life’s role to keep us informed, it is our role as residents to support our local businesses, and it’s their role to support community initiatives. A virtuous circle.

Strong communities need strong local business to thrive, so let’s make sure we keep ours that way, tariffs be damned.

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A warm welcome from our new TDSB Trustee

As the newly elected TDSB trustee for Don Valley West I want to thank you, Leaside, for the trust and support you showed me on byelection day, March 3.

Campaigning in a Canadian winter builds character. I’ve personally experienced the challenges of door knocking through sleet, snow, and treacherous ice. Despite numb fingers and frozen toes, what kept me going was the warmth from residents who deeply value public education.

Throughout Leaside and across our ward, conversations on doorsteps revealed community priorities. Many parents wanted to discuss the math curriculum and literacy. Others pointed to aging infrastructure and building maintenance concerns. What surprised me, however, was how frequently these discussions expanded into broader anxieties about Canada’s future in relation to changing political dynamics in the United States. These conversations revealed something profound: constituents

Stacey Cline

Trustee,

Ward 11 Don Valley West

don’t just want adequate education – they expect excellence that positions our students as future leaders on the global stage.

The TDSB’s Mission directly addresses these expectations, aiming to enable all students to reach high levels of achievement and well-being to acquire the knowledge, skills and values needed to become responsible contributors to a democratic and sustainable society.

need to reach their full potential. This isn’t just a moral imperative; it aligns with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

As a former TDSB elementary teacher, I’m particularly passionate about academic excellence. Strong foundations in literacy and mathematics, beginning in kindergarten, are non-negotiable priorities. High expectations for performance must be coupled with targeted supports that recognize each student’s unique needs.

The Board’s Multi-Year Strategic Plan (2024-28) serves as our roadmap that sets direction and reflects our goals. Its foundation rests on ensuring each student receives the specific support they

The late Honourable Murray Sinclair wisely noted: “It’s very much about ensuring that the human beings who you are educating are given the opportunity to be the best human beings they can be.” This perspective guides my approach as your Trustee.

Education is about preparing students for a complex world where they’ll need to think critically and adapt to change. The concerns I heard from residents about Canada’s position reflect the importance of providing our students with the skills and knowledge they’ll need for the future. My experience campaigning has given me valuable insights into our community’s educational priorities. I remain committed to supporting Toronto’s public education system by focusing on both equity and academic excellence. These principles will help ensure that all students have the opportunity to succeed, and that Canada can maintain its important role on the world stage. My door is always open – and I promise a warmer welcome than the one winter provided me on the campaign trail!

stacey.cline@tdsb.on.ca n

Stay tuned! Carol and her report from the Leaside Residents Association will return next month!