Leaside Life Issue 128 January 2023

Happy New Year!

Do you have your New Year’s resolutions ready to launch? According to the site Soft Skills, the top 10 resolutions are the usual suspects: everyone’s #1 and #2 – Exercise more, Lose weight – and on to #10 – Read more. (Hmm, I like this one.)

Every year I seem to make the same aspirational resolution: add more weights to my fitness regimen. Sounds pretty reasonable, amirite? But do you think I’ve managed to achieve this simple resolution over the past, lost-count number of years? Check in with me again next year to see if I now have biceps and triceps of steel.

Only about half of those (46%) who make resolutions are successful, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology. Phew, so I’m not alone.

But fear not, all of you who despair of sticking to resolutions and turning them into more than just ephemeral action items. Help may be at hand for Leasiders who want to add momentum to their 2023 resolutions.

Editor Leaside Life

Just two examples: In this issue sports columnist Susan Scandiffio profiles Tom Toth, a Leaside trainer who has moved from working exclusively with clients in their homes to also designing programs at his new facility, Endeavour Sports Performance and Rehabilitation on Bayview.

Writer Suzanne Park has added herself to a waiting list to join a Leaside pickleball club now celebrating its first year with sold-out meets. These active members have embraced a sport that is turning even the couchiest of couch potatoes into avid net-and-ball enthusiasts.

These are just two ways Leasiders can make resolutions (to get fit and stay fit) – and keep them – in 2023.

Let us know how your resolutions are working out for you as the year progresses. Contact us at leasidelife@gmail.com. n

Jane Auster

The Video-ettes: Leaside’s husband-and-wife novelty musical team

by TED DEWELLES, Leaside Heritage Preservation Society

In the 1950s and early 1960s, Leaside was home to two entertainers who claimed to have the only musical act of its kind in North America.

Their names were Arthur and Mabel Guinness – aka The Video-ettes – and their act was indeed unique. The couple was famous for their Swiss Bell ringing – the art of lifting-and-ringing specially designed bells to make music. Standing behind a table with some two dozen of these precisely tuned instruments, Art and Mabel would delight audiences with their amazing ability to rapidly and accurately select the right bells to produce a variety of popular tunes. Normally this would require multiple performers – each assigned to one or two bells. But Art and Mabel did it all by themselves. He did melody; she did harmony. Impressed by their speed and dexterity, one observer compared them to “two mad jugglers trying to clear a dinner table in a hurry.”

Bell-ringing was not the only item in their repertoire. What made their act unique was Art’s talent for playing music on the most commonplace and unorthodox of objects. Bottles, saws, teapots, frying pans, bicycle pumps, water tumblers…even pine-sticks – all were grist for his musical mill. One of his specialties was to play Goodnight,

REGINA

LEADER POST, AUGUST 3, 1956

Get fit, be fit, stay fit with Leaside trainer Tom Toth

by SUSAN SCANDIFFIO

Ahhhh… new year, new you. Amirite?

But we all know the story. For every resolution made, five get broken.

Studies show that the most common new year resolutions involve exercise, weight loss, healthy living or lofty athletic goals like marathons or climbing mountains.

But many people abandon these goals for a range of issues including boredom, injury or lack of motivation.

That’s where Leaside trainer Tom Toth comes in, with the answers to help people keep their fitness resolutions.

With two decades of experience and multiple certifications, Toth has worked personally with clients in Leaside and surrounding neighbourhoods in their homes and, as of earlier this year, at Endeavour Sports Performance and

Rehabilitation on Bayview.

Toth caters to clients’ specific situations. Whether they’re new to exercise, nursing an old injury or feeling like they’re in a rut with

their current routines, he’ll design a program that works.

In terms of New Year’s resolutions, Toth comments that “what gets people into trouble the most is getting into something too quickly” or moving their body in incorrect ways.

But for those who do have injuries, medical conditions and other obstacles to fitness, Toth has the knowledge and experience to restore movement in clients’ lives.

He has worked successfully to bring active movement back into the lives of clients with joint replacements, arthritis, fibromyalgia, knee, shoulder and hip pain and many other issues.

“You can improve your condition at any point. You can have an injury for 10 years which can still be fixed,” Toth says.

He is always studying and uses his nutrition certification along with his ongoing studies of biomechanics, training techniques and physiology to deliver safe and effective tailored programs for each client.

He adds, age is no barrier to leading a healthier, fitter life. When it comes to those of us in later life, by continuing or restoring mobility, Toth works to ensure his clients live happier and healthier lives.

As he rightly comments, “there is no downside to exercising.”

So go on and make those resolutions. Tom Toth will ensure you keep them. n

AOUS POULES

Celebrating Dr. Erin Boynton’s life in motion

Lorna Krawchuk Publisher Leaside Life

At a Tai Chi class earlier in the fall, one of the participants wanted us all to hear about a Bennington neighbour of hers and this woman’s emphasis on the importance of physical movement for everyone.

Dr. Erin Boynton is one very accomplished woman. To name just a few of her achievements: she became an orthopedic surgeon when just two per cent of specialists in this field were women; she co-authored 30 academic papers, lectured in hospitals, universities, conferences worldwide; became an expert medical witness; worked with athletes in the NHL, CFL, WTA, National Ballet, Major League Baseball. Oh, and did I mention that she is a championship tennis player representing Canada on

multiple World Cup teams, 18th in the world in the W55 category.

Erin’s first degree was in Phys Ed from McMaster, but she always knew medicine was where she wanted to end up. With early acceptance to the University of Toronto, she was on her way. While she says she “did okay in high school,” she “blossomed in university – loving to learn, and wanting to educate.” A practical learner, “(Erin) loved the anatomy lab, but found it hard to sit in lectures.”

At the time her son was born, she was asked whether she would be returning to work. Her answer –“Of course. I’ve spent 16 years so far studying.” She was given four weeks’ “vacation” in place of maternity leave. The same happened a few years later at the birth of her daughter. Both are now young adults, away from home, on their way in professional careers – her son, following his mother into orthopedic surgery and her daughter a lawyer.

Three years ago, Erin shifted her career from working as a surgeon and being an assistant professor at the University of Toronto. She now works with Eric Wong on a variety

CAROLYN NICHOLS

Getting pickled in Leaside

by SUZANNE PARK

Leaside Life

Are you in a pickle? If not, are you ready to get pickled in Leaside? If so, it seems you’re not alone. According to Pickleball Canada’s 2022 survey, an estimated 350,000 people play pickleball in Canada, tripling the number in just two years. Baby boomers report health, fun, and social benefits. They got an early foothold yet those aged 18 to 34 are currently the fastest growing demographic. So, not surprisingly, Leaside’s burgeoning Pickleball Club had a waitlist almost from the day it launched.

The newly formed club with its boisterous laughter from members drew me to Leaside United Church’s gym when volunteering with the set-up crew for the fall 2022 Awesome Sale. Now, the church sale crew is a fun bunch who certainly enjoy a good chuckle, yet usually pre-sale we’re all focused on getting the job done. But as I reached the gym the laughter showed no signs of letting up. I expected to see a group of kids indulging in youthful exuber-

SUZANNE PARK

ance. Instead, there was a gaggle of adults with short paddles in hand, whacking a whiffle ball over a threefoot-high net playing pickleball.

The club launched early February 2022 with founding directors and players Annette Sonneveld, Tanya Pimenoff, Brenda French, Sandy Shim, Lorraine Wood, Margo Mingay and Sara McInnes. Said Annette, “Sara was our guiding light. She’s a skilled player, has been playing for years, and is a certified coach. She provided tips on equipment and coached us on how to hold and swing our paddles and play and score a game.” Margo added, “Sara’s assistance and suggestions for managing the club were invaluable.”

Brenda was one of six members of Leaside United’s renovation team. “One of our goals was to ensure the church be accessible and attract a variety of community members and organizations beyond church membership. Many pickleball and badminton club members, daycare, circus camp, choir and bicycle camp participants and their families are not church members. The plan is working! The church has many great rental spaces including the gym, meeting rooms, modern kitchens, the sanctuary, and a new sound system.”

L-r: Annette Sonneveld, Brenda French and Margo Mingay.

PICKLE BALL continued

When asked how the idea of a pickleball club formed, Margot said, “We know each from community service, book clubs and tennis. My memory is of Brenda, Annette, and me in one of our back yards chatting about where we could learn and play the game of pickleball. Someone commented how great it would be to have a club nearby. Next thing I knew, we were discussing how we could make this happen. We wanted to enjoy playing and not be bogged down with administration.”

Added Annette, “We decided we’d start small with a few sessions at varied times: two daytime and an evening session. Members would sign up for and pay for all dates in their selected session, minimizing administration and fees.”

Did they encounter any hurdles in their drive to add pickleball? “Insurance was a big challenge threatening to shut us down before we’d played a single game,” said Annette. “Lucky for us, Sara advised us to contact Pickleball Canada as they require all members to purchase insurance.” That insurance is exactly the coverage members

LEASIDE SPORTS

require and must purchase to join the Leaside Club, for about $125, which will cover the Pickleball Ontario and Canada joint membership and one fall, winter or spring session with the Leaside Club.

The details of how to play and equipment required are clearly laid out on Pickleball Canada’s website. The terms are unique, yet before you know it, you’ll be shouting ‘pickle’ to announce your serve, hoping to avoid the ‘falafel’ by getting your

shot over the net and smiling at your ‘dillball’ successfully bouncing once in bounds.

Annette offered a little hope for aspiring members who haven’t been able to discover the joys of pickleball just yet. “We’re growing slowly but are planning to add additional sections soon and welcome a few new members.”

Useful links: https://pickleballontario.org https://pickleballcanada.org n

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Bessborough School turns 100 this year

Last November, as part of my niece’s wedding celebrations, our families gathered in the Bessborough schoolyard for an hour or so of chucking the football, baseball, and frisbee around before digging into a takeout dinner from a family favourite, China Food, on Millwood (Piping Hot!).

My twin brother, Tim, and I can’t go anywhere near Bessborough without reminiscing about our eight years at that august institution. We stood there in the schoolyard pointing out our classrooms, not to mention the shop class where we took Industrial Arts. I’m not sure in today’s liability-conscious world whether we’d be allowed to use the bandsaw, blowtorch, drill press, and all manner of met

Terry Fallis Columnist

just learned that when the school opened, the municipal offices and police department were actually located in the basement. Who knew?

Tim and I started there for Grade 1 in 1965 (ack!) and managed to graduate in 1973 without too many blemishes on our record. Luckily, by that time, the police were no longer resident in the building. We have such fond memories of our Bessborough years, many of which have been previously recounted in this column, for better or worse.

Boys Cooking, school dances, our aforementioned Industrial Arts classes, to name a few. And did I mention school dances? We had a wonderful time there.

Until writing this column, I’d

lock and key thereafter. (That’s probably more than you wanted to know about that particular incident.)

I perhaps only realized in hind sight that some of my teachers at Bessborough were quite influential in my life. Miss Taylor taught me Grade 8 English and strongly rein forced my father’s dedication to grammar and proper use of our lan guage. I still rely on what I learned in Miss Taylor’s class in my writing life. Mr. Dufton was a wonderful science teacher who ignited and animated my own interest in the subject. That led to the construc tion and testing of three full-size hang gliders and a hovercraft, not to mention an engineering degree. Even later in life, our Bessborough teachers were there. In 1994, when, somehow, I was named president of Berger & Associates, a Toronto PR agency, our Grade 5 and 6 teacher, Mrs. Holt, happened to see the Globe and Mail and wrote me a lovely note. We also made lifelong friends in our Bessborough years. We may not see as much of them as when we all shared a classroom, but the bonds are strong, and when we do connect, at least annually at infor mal reunions, it’s as if no time has passed at all. That’s an important part of Bessborough’s legacy. Good friends and great memories in a wonderful community.

As we threw the ball around in the schoolyard last November, I realized we’d come full circle. Now, nearly 50 years later, I live a 15-minute walk from Bessborough. Tim actually lives on Crandall and can see Bessborough school from his front porch less than a block away. Both his kids roamed the school’s halls just as we once did.

When you have the kind of child hood we had – eight years of it at Bessborough – it’s perhaps not surprising that we haven’t strayed too far. Happy centennial, Bessborough. Here’s to the next century of memory-making.

A two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, Terry Fallis grew up in Leaside and is the award-winning writer of eight national bestsellers. His most recent, Operation Angus , is in bookstores. You can also subscribe to his newsletter: https://terryfallis. substack.com. n

THESE HANDS WILL CHANGE LIVES

One day, these hands will save lives, solve problems, explore new frontiers, and build a world we've only dreamed of.

As it did for Plato, DaVinci, Jane Austen, or Einstein, music is waiting to enhance your child's potential too.

Our very own Trustee Rachel Chernos Lin is the new chair of the TDSB

Janis Fertuck Columnist

On November 15, when the new Toronto District School Board trustees were sworn in for the 2022-2026 term, the first order of business was the election of the chair and vicechair. A secret ballot by the 22 trustees chose Leaside’s very own Rachel Chernos Lin, trustee for Ward 11, as the new chair.

During the 2018-2022 term, Rachel numbered many accomplishments. For one, she worked on several important changes to the French Immersion program that affected many Ward 11 families. For example, an Early French Immersion program opened in the Thorncliffe area in September so that children

no longer need to be bused to sites outside their neighbourhood.

Rachel adds, “I am proud of my work in building community in Ward 11 through my coffee mornings, meetings with school council chairs, my newsletters and my columns in Leaside Life.” She feels that virtual meetings have worked well for the past few years, but was happy to host her first in-person coffee afternoon in early December at Longo’s Loft. At that meeting, several representatives from parent groups and two superintendents took part in a wide-ranging discussion of topics like school safety and developing stronger community connections.

While Rachel was busy in the past, as chair her workload has increased exponentially. She says that she used to worry about the 24 schools in Ward 11, but now she worries about all 583 schools in the board. And she takes part in more meetings, especially with the senior executive leadership of the TDSB and Director of Education Colleen Russell-Rawlins, other board chairs and the Minister of Education, all of which “help to inform my lead-

JANIS FERTUCK

Chernos Lin (centre) at Longo’s Loft for her December coffee meeting with Janice Barnett, PIAC (Parent Involvement Advisory Committee) Rep for Ward 11 and Co-Chair of Northern Secondary School and Chris Markham, parent.

Leaside

Considering a laneway home or garden suite?

With the Ontario government’s “More Homes Built Faster Act” (Bill 23) receiving Royal Assent on November 28, 2022, it seems like a good time to revisit the case for laneway homes and garden suites for interested and qualified residential homeowners in Leaside.

Glenn Asano The Business of Leaside

I first wrote about laneway homes in the September 2018 issue of Leaside Life (“Magical backyards: gardens or laneway suites?”). At the time, laneway housing was being permitted for the first time in the Toronto and East York districts, but not North York, making Leaside ineligible. Fast forward to the present and a LOT has changed.

To address the so-called “missing middle” by building more homes near protected major transit station areas such as Leaside and Laird, Bill 23 amends the Planning Act, creating a new threshold across the province for what is allowed to be built. The aim is to create sustainable communities built around transit, but it requires municipalities to update their zoning bylaws to meet certain density targets. Specifically, these new changes permit property owners to add up to three residential units “as of right” for land zoned for one home in residential areas without requiring a change to the

zoning bylaw. The three units can be within the existing residential structure or take the form of a residence with an in-law, basement suite, garden suite, or laneway home.

Bill 23’s impact

Living on a laneway myself and always on the lookout for additional income streams, I’ve had this opportunity on my radar for a while now. How prescient it was to get a hand-signed and delivered letter in my mailbox in September that read: “Ever thought of building a laneway house on your property for extra square footage or monthly income?... Come visit our newly built laneway home at 229 Manor Road East to see what all the fuss is about!”

Reader, I did. After all, I’m both a sucker and an admirer of those who go door-to-door, having come up through those same ranks myself! Here is what I learned:

First, that letter was signed by

Mason, Max and Andrew, the founders of Modan Design Studio and REVE DVMT (that’s “rev” as in your engine + an abbreviation for “Developments”). Modan focuses on design while REVE focuses on building and land development ( www.revedvmt.com ). The three

friends, with complementary skillsets, who left their jobs at Fortune 500 companies to focus on helping homeowners maximize the value of their real estate holdings. Having invested in, built and managed several projects across the GTA, the team “sees potential in great neighbourhoods like Leaside.” Andrew told me Bill 23 helps remove some of the red tape that hinders progress. “It allows ideas to come to fruition sooner… empowering property owners to realize their goals much faster.”

Back in September 2018, the initial costs to build a laneway home in Leaside were estimated to be between $270,000 and $350,000 with a projected rental income between $1,400 and $2,000 per month. Since then, who could ever have imagined what we all have experienced over the past four years, let alone the impact on the numbers

MODAN DESIGN STUDIO

FROM THE COVER

BROUGHT OUR MINDSET TO YOU!

That’s right Leaside, we are now walking distance for you and if you want to drive we’ve got FREE parking! RIDE WITH THE MINDSET COMMUNITY THIS WINTER. Great fun and get fit all at the same time. Space for 8 each session.

$30,000 raised and 5,000 toys delivered!

The Leaside Toy Drive was a smashing success in 2022, raising over $30,000 and distributing a record 5,000 toys to kids! The organizers thank the residents of Leaside and beyond for donating through GoFundMe , attending ‘Guys Night Out’ and supporting this cause and local merchants through Toy Drive Local. As well, they extend their heartfelt thanks to all the merchants and boosters who again stepped up in a big way to support Toy Drive Local Special thanks to presenting sponsor, Lexus on the Park, as well as our very own Leaside Life. Lastly, the organizers thank everyone who donated awesome auction and raffle prizing for ‘Guys Night Out’. And of course, thanks to The Leaside Pub for hosting. Here’s to next year’s event!

THE Idler Curious

Idler knows there are many, many talented students in Leaside. We are ready to honour you!

Select tournaments return to Leaside

The Leaside Flames Invitational Select Tournament will return to the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens (LMCG) from Feb. 2-5, 2023. This will be the 33rd year for the tournament, which attracts over 100 teams and 2000 players.

70 years young!

Congratulations to the Leaside Memorial Community Gardens, which recently celebrated their 70th year of serving our community. As they said in a December message, “... our facility has been a cornerstone of the community for decades and now, in 2022, is among the finest recreational facilities in the City of Toronto.” Well said!

The 2023 Ruth & Harry Goldhar Journalism Award is open for applications

The second Ruth & Harry Goldhar Journalism Award will be presented in June 2023. The $1,000 award is presented annually to an outstanding Leaside High School graduating student who has demonstrated a keen interest in journalism and shown excellence in the written word. The award is named in honour of the founders of Leaside Life , Ruth & Harry Goldhar, who for 40 years were a driving force in creating and championing local news publications. The 2022 award recipient was LHS student Yousra Lakhani, a French immersion student who graduated with a top six average of 98% and is currently studying at McMaster University. If you know a potential candidate, email us at leasidelife@ gmail.com for additional information on the application process. The

The Toronto Leaside Girls Hockey Association, the Wildcats, will be hosting their 42nd Annual March Break Madness Tournament March 10-12, 2023. Games will be held at multiple arenas across the city, including Leaside Gardens. In 2022, the tournament attracted more than 150 teams and 3,000 players. The arena will be buzzing all weekend with the finals held on the Sunday. Mark your calendars to drop by the rink, enjoy some great hockey and cheer on our Leaside teams.

The New Year’s Levee –a truly Canadian tradition continues

Levees date back to the reign of the France’s Sun King Louis XIV (1643–1715). The first levee in Canada was held on January 1, 1656, by the then Governor of New France, Charles Huault de Montmagny. Although levees are common across the world, the New Year’s Levee is a uniquely Canadian tradition with events held annually across the country. The tradition continues here in Leaside as MP Rob OIiphant and MPP Stephanie Bowman co-host their annual New Year’s Levee on Jan. 15, 2023 from 1-3 p.m. The in-person event will be held at the Toronto Botanical Gardens, located at 777 Lawrence Ave. East. If you have never attended a levee, it is a wonderful way to kick off the new year, meet your local government representatives and neighbours.

You can reach the Idler at leasidelife@gmail.com n

SOL reflects on Leaside’s legislative “annus horribilis”

Recall that last month’s column began with “By the time you read this piece, Bill 23 – More Homes Built Faster Act – may well have been passed into law.” Regrettably I was not wrong. Indeed Bill 23 received Royal Assent on November 28, 2022,

Geoff Kettel Saving old Leaside

bringing substantial portions of the bill into force, while other portions, such as the Ontario Heritage Act provisions, will come into force on a date to be proclaimed by the Lieutenant Governor.

Of the three specific areas I looked at from a Leaside perspective, only one was amended, compared with the bill introduced in October. The prohibition on third party (i.e., resident, community groups) appeals of devel-

opment applications to the Ontario Land Tribunal was removed from the bill as approved. But no changes were made to Bill 23 in relation to thirdparty appeals for minor variances and severances – so these appeals to the Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB) are now prohibited. This means that a resident will no longer be able to appeal the “monster house” application next door approved by the Committee of Adjustment. It’s unclear at the moment if it means that a neighbour is unable to participate in an appeal by the applicant to a refusal of their application by the committee. In any case, this change amounts to a significant loss of democratic rights, and hopefully will be challenged.

Bill 23 is not the only undemocratic legislation to be passed recently. Bill 3 – the Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, adopted in September – centralizes several powers in the office of the mayor. Among other things, this law gives the mayors of Toronto and Ottawa the power to veto bylaws and override council decisions, in the name of provincial priorities. Such moves are profoundly worrying. While Mayor Tory says he will not abuse these powers, what about the next mayor?

Bill 39 expands on governance matters changed in the government’s earlier Bill 3. Bill 39 enables the Mayor of Toronto (and mayors of other municipalities so designated by Ontario regulation) to have a bylaw passed by City Council with only one-third of the councillors voting in support. Only eight of the 25 Toronto councillors would need to be onside for the mayor to have his way, at least on measures that line up with identified aims of the Ontario Government. As former “Tiny Perfect” Mayor of Toronto David Crombie commented, “If there’s one tenet that defines democracy different than any other system, it’s called majority government…. The idea that you can get rid of it and say ‘trust me’ is bizarre.” To her credit, Councillor Jaye Robinson joined with 14 of her fellow councillors in signing a letter to the Premier in opposition to Bill 39.

How does this affect Leaside? If you believe that power is finite, if you increase one side, don’t you automatically weaken the other side? It follows that the flip side of “strong mayor”

Carols by Candlelight, December 2022

MURRAY FENNER

is “weak councillor.” It looks to me that the real losers are disempowered residents – not only in Leaside, but across the city.

These alarming developments at a governance level are certainly discouraging to lovers of democracy, but at this time of year there are important reminders that our society is still strong. Take the annual Carols by Candlelight, a collaboration between the choirs of Leaside United Church and Northlea United Church held recently. The shared services fill our hearts with the spirit of the season. And the collections for The Neighbourhood Office, Food Collaborative and Youth Without Shelter reflect the churches’ long-time outreach beyond our community to those less fortunate.

Such collaborations are a reminder that social capital is essential. The recently issued Toronto Social Capital Study 2022, issued by the Toronto Foundation and Environics Institute for Survey Research makes a strong case for the importance of connection. So don’t forget to clear the snow from your neighbours’ sidewalk this winter – remember you’re building social capital! n

Healthy&Happy NewYear

416-486-5588

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

Lynda Gorges Broker

HAPPY

of initiatives designed to keep people moving, active and pain free. Erin uses the analogy of the car that is misaligned. When the tire blows, if all you do is replace the tire, it will blow again. You need to fix the misalignment. Exercises are designed to do just that – through the platforms of Precision Movement , a PM YouTube channel, Movement Longevity Show, and a downloadable app, the ROM Coach

Throughout her career, Erin has “always found it a challenge to break barriers.” Quoting “The Fix” by Michelle P. King, she says “the problem is the attitudes and beliefs. We turn a blind eye to the inequities.” Erin is putting her energies into changing that by doing research, developing a plan, getting data and presenting to leaders with practical steps on what needs to change to “create an environment of equality and equity” for girls and women.

And as she is doing this, she is also maintaining that for everyone, “life is motion.” Even if we only do 15 minutes of “something” a day, we’ll be better off. Now there’s a New Year’s challenge for us all! n

ership and perspective as chair." She is also the main point person for the media. She has stepped back from some of her committee work to enable her to take part in school visits and community events.

Rachel explains that she is still able to focus on Leaside through her “foundation of strong partnerships with local leaders and solid communication with administrators, council chairs and superintendents.” In terms of changes here, she has noticed a shift in Leaside students and families engaging in more reflective learning by tackling Indigenous issues and real-world problems through the curriculum.

One of Rachel’s key priorities is to bring a collaborative approach to the trustees’ decision-making process, a goal that is especially important since half of the trustees are new. She hopes to do this by getting back to in-person meetings and creating opportunities for the team to get to know each other and their diverse wards better. One method is to organize field trips for trustees to visit sites in each ward to gain a better understanding of the system as a whole.

In addition, Rachel is excited to see more in-person connections in schools as they “figure out how to create a new normal after the disruptions of the pandemic.” She hopes to see the events, sports teams and clubs of the fall continue in 2023. But she is concerned about possible provincial budget cuts coming in the spring just when students need additional supports to deal with the continuing challenges of the pandemic.

Rachel’s devotion to education is partially inspired by her three daughters. Her eldest, Chloe, is in the third year of a co-op environmental engineering program; her middle daughter, Greta, is in Grade 12 and busy with university applications; and her youngest, Pippa, is in Grade 9 at LHS.

With such a busy schedule, it seems unlikely the new TDSB chair even has time to make New Year’s resolutions, but in fact, she does have a couple. Rachel hopes to get her personal and work inboxes to “zero unread messages,” and she resolves to take more walks with her dog for “her health and mine.” No doubt those resolutions will help her to cope with the challenges that lie ahead. n

Different Ford, similar issues

“Ford to city: drop dead.”

No, it’s not a recent newspaper headline, though you could be forgiven for thinking so. And it's not even Ontario Premier Ford being quoted about Toronto.

It’s the New York Daily News headline from October 1975. Then-US President Gerald Ford had threatened to veto any bill calling for a federal bailout of New York City, and instead proposed legislation that would make it easier for New York to go bankrupt, saying that the city still had the capacity to prevent budget cuts and more taxes through efficiencies.

Carol Burtin Fripp Co-president, LRA

& Fleming 1601 Bayview Ave. Toronto, ON M4G 3B5 416-489-1873 8am - midnight*

Bayview & Broadway 1860 Bayview Ave. Toronto, ON M4G 0C3 416-482-9841 8am - 10pm*

these new laws mean to Leaside as a community? How will they affect our pre-existing issues? Before, public consultation was key, and time was devoted to assessing changes and listening to expert

advice. That was then.

The Leaside Residents Association is a member of the Federation of North Toronto Residents' Associations, the organization representing community groups in North Toronto. Both independently and in conjunction with FoNTRA, we have been actively working to mobilize opposition to these pieces of legislation, which threaten many of the values we’ve all worked hard to protect.

The big problem is that all of this legislation is legal and constitutional. So, the best weapon Leasiders have is political: making it clear how opposed we as voters are. The LRA has been hearing from many of you, and you’ve been writing to MPPs, our mayor, and our city councillor. If you have, thank you. If not yet, please do so, encourage your neighbours to do so as well. In the end, the hope is to convince the provincial government that these damaging new laws are vote-losers for them, and to do so before our city has been reduced to “tin cup status” by their financial actions.

Meanwhile, on the transit front

In the past few weeks, we’ve learned that construction of the Eglinton LRT has fallen behind schedule. Some of my sources have questioned whether there even is a schedule. There are a number of engineering problems to solve, one major focus being the Eglinton/ Yonge intersection. As a result, decisions about everything else in both city-wide and local traffic reform, including the much-awaited Leaside Neighbourhood Traffic Plan, are also delayed. We can but hope for some resolution, and sooner rather than later.

BRIAN MOK

The LRA has once again been investigating the possibility of holding our monthly board meetings in person, or, preferably, in a hybrid format, so that attendees can participate either on-site at Trace Manes or by Zoom, depending on their preference each month. We need to know YOUR thoughts on this. Please let us know!

While we await your comments, our next board meeting will take place on January 4th, at 7:30 p.m., on Zoom. If you’d like to participate or watch, please let us know by that date and we’ll be glad to send you the Zoom access details. Visit us at www.leasideresidents.ca. n

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Irene by letting air gradually escape from a balloon. Another favourite was Schubert’s Ave Maria, which he and Mabel played on wine glasses.

The pair originally hailed from British Columbia but left the west coast to take advantage of the fledgling TV industry (hence their name, Videoettes) that was developing in Toronto and New York City. By 1949, they had settled with their two children in Leaside where they lived for the next 15 years – first at 216 Bessborough Dr. and later at 55 Hanna Rd.

Through much of this time they were a highly popular and sought-after musical act, performing regularly at the CNE (one time before as many as 15,000 people), appearing at Massey Hall with the Toronto Symphony Orchestra and touring across Ontario. In 1951, they were guests on Arthur Godfrey’s popular American TV and radio show. They also appeared with such notable performers as the Leslie Bell Singers, Oscar Peterson and American pop singer Frankie Laine. Beyond Ontario, they performed at venues in Edmonton, Regina, Vancouver and even Texas and Alaska. Art and Mabel continued their

bell-ringing well into the 1960s. But the momentum and popularity gradually began to wane. In the early 1950s, Art had proudly called himself an “entertainer” and was listed as such in Toronto City Directories. By the end of the decade, he was described as a sales rep and later president of McLean Merchandise Sales Ltd. He seems to have taken a “normal job” to help make ends meet.

In 1965, the couple moved from Leaside to North York, then to Thornhill and eventually back to B.C. Mabel died at 83 in 2001. Art died there three years later at 89. A team to the end, they had been married for over 60 years.

Correction: The article in the December 2022 issue of Leaside Life (“LHPS honours Leaside’s war dead…”) mistakenly said that the LHPS had “identified” the names of the Leaside men killed during WW II. This was unintentional and incorrect. Like many other members of the Leaside community, the LHPS is well aware that these names have been publicly known since the Leaside Memorial Gardens opened in 1951 and are inscribed for all to see on the commemorative plaque displayed at that facility. The author regrets any misunderstanding this inaccuracy may have caused. n

Leaside Life

associated with the original business case? A call to local realtor Patrick Rocca confirmed the new reality.

Rents in Leaside have doubled, with a typical two-bedroom apartment now renting for $3,000 to $3,500 per month. Construction costs (labour and materials) have also risen at a similar pace.

Looking purely through an economic lens, Andrew from REVE shared three methods Leaside homeowners can use to evaluate the attractiveness of their particular project.

From the property value (ROI) perspective, his experience is that construction investments are viewed favourably by banks and refinancing can result in a higher property valuation (e.g., 1.5 times the value of the initial construction investment), which creates an attractive return.

Two-bedroom Leaside laneway home to rent for $3,500 per month?

From a cash flow perspective, a gross monthly cash inflow of $3,000 to $3,500 from rental income as cited by Patrick Rocca is not far off the confirmed rental income of

$4,250 per month for REVE’s 900 sq. ft., two-bedroom, one-bathroom unit I visited at 229 Manor Rd. East. From a capital rate of return perspective, Andrew advises that homeowners can do their own cap rate calculation for each specific project plan. In this method, analysts use a rate of 4.2% (which is Toronto’s

multifamily residential historical rate of return from Colliers) to determine a maximum project cost threshold. As an example, using a forecast annual net operating income of $30,000 ($3,000 per month rent less an allocation for the incremental increase in property tax and other expenses), your project would be a favourable investment if you could keep project construction costs below a maximum threshold of $714,428 ($30,000/4.2%).

Beyond a new source of cash flow and potentially increasing the resale value of your property, there are several additional benefits for homeowners that potentially include: (1) contributing to alleviating the rental housing crisis, especially for young families or professionals who might otherwise be priced out of the city, (2) providing an opportunity for downsizers or older children who do not want to leave a neighbourhood or live in a condo, (3) paving the way for multi-generational families where the children may take over the responsibility of the main home while the parents get to live next to their child’s family, (4) helping get tired-looking laneways cleaned up while preserving the primary character of a neighbourhood, and (5) providing a new source of tax revenue for the city.

Andrew estimates that a typical project takes 18 months from design, securing permits, and completion of construction. At the time of writing, I am aware of only two projects of this nature in Leaside, one on Randolph and the other on Donegall. Whether or not a laneway home or garden suite makes sense for your property will be subject to some general and individual factors before eligibility for development can be determined. Since project complexities are case-specific, the best way to evaluate the nature of your specific opportunity is to reach out to experienced design and development firms such as Modan Design and REVE DVMT, which specialize in this type of build. I’m glad I did.

Do you think laneway homes and garden suite are an attractive investment for qualified Leaside homeowners? Do you know individuals and families who would prefer to move to Leaside if there were more housing options available? Will Bill 23 help solve the problem of the ‘missing middle’ in Toronto? Let us know at leasidelife@gmail.com. n

The front side of the home at 229 Manor Road East.

MODAN DESIGN STUDIO

by DAVID CRICHTON

It started with an innocent enough thought.

It was early December, and global warming was helping make my errands along Bayview, this particular day, very pleasant indeed. (Oh, I know, I know…it’s politically incorrect to say that. But if you really want to hold someone accountable, take it up with the three people I saw wearing shorts. That’s a flagrant display, if you ask me.) And no, that isn’t the innocent thought I was referencing. It is: Today, I would pay for everything in cash.

It would force me to buy only what I needed. Nothing more. When the cash ran out, I’d be done.

With that, I walk into the bank branch on Belsize, the one that seems like it could be used as a location for a zombie movie these days. It’s locked up. Devoid of people. Lights out. But the bank machines work. It sucks in my card. And like a reverse time-machine, the touch screen comes to life to begin the computational process of doling out my analogue payment medium. The irony was not lost on me.

As the robo-teller starts whirring and flipping, I notice that, scattered about the sill of the machine are several bank-balance receipts. Why do people do this? The waste slot is just inches away. Can’t they see it? Obviously, they want people to read them. See how rich they are. Making a statement with their statements, no doubt. Pfft. Whatever.

I can’t help myself. I snatch one up and find myself glancing over my shoulder, as if committing some crime.

$900. Such an even number. Weird. $6,308. Not bad. Pay day?

$298. Hmmm. Savings account. Maybe a kids’ fun money? OR a little secret stash…and with 20 more years of saving, it’s their escape fund for when they board a wooden ship with nothing but the frilly shirt on their back, bound for Tasmania and a new life.

$23,152!?! What the...? Bloody show-off.

The money-bot slot opens and spits out my $80.

I pocket my bread and cross the street to get my first item – bread.

Like any errand-running jaywalker on Bayview Avenue, I raise my hand

Bread, baby, bread

to oncoming traffic because, after all, it has an invisible force field, powerful enough to stop 6,000 lbs. of Land Rover shuttling a quaffed Labradoodle on anxiety meds.

I take up my position outside COBS, in line…which is really more of a gathering than a line. One where we all try to tell each other with our eyes, “I was here first.”

I try to avoid eye contact

bank machine. Suddenly, I’m at the front of the line. Next one in. My lucky day! First, global warming and now this! It’s the little things, amirite?

“What can I get you, sir?”

“I’ll have a sour dough, sliced, please, and thank you,” I beam.

“No problem.…And how would you like to pay?”

“Well,” I say, “I just happen to have cash on me….” Bam! Something isn’t right.

I frantically search my empty pockets. Now I am the one putting out a crotch fire. My head and eyes dart around the small shop’s floor like a bird searching for a bug that got away. I even check the bottom of my shoes. I stare at the person serving me, my mouth open. She raises her eyebrow, as if to ask, “You okay?”

“I swear I had cash.…”

altogether so that I might feign ignorance and thereby jump the queue. I look up at the sign and think about when COBS appeared on the scene. Their name made me think they sold corn. Not much profit in that, I thought. I gave them a month. Good thing they switched to bread. It seems to have paid off. It was then that a woman comes out in quite a hurry. Odd, since she was the one holding up the “gathering.”

“I had to pay with cash.…Who carries cash anymore?”

Clearly, she did. Either that, or she stole the French loaf she was cradling like a baby. And not just any baby, but one, the top of whose head stuck out of its paper swaddling and nuzzled her shoulder. But instead of baby slobber, it’s bread crust crumbs insinuating their way into her cable knit. Those will be hard to pick out, I think.

She brushes by us, muttering, “The machine is down.”

We knew it was really her way of apologizing for taking so long, without actually committing to the apology. But her comment does prompt an immediate reaction from those waiting for their fresh baked grain fix. On cue, everybody starts patting the front of their pants and back pockets like they were all putting out small crotch and butt fires. All except for me. I am armed with my panic extinguisher – cash. What are the odds? I am obviously a genius. The crowd starts breaking up, headed to the ghost branch’s

“No worries, we take debit or credit, as well,” she warmly informs me.

“You take…? But I heard…,” I mumble.

I am flummoxed. Embarrassed. So much so that my phone’s Face ID doesn’t even recognize who I am when I try to pay. I resort to my card, and it works just fine. I head out of COBS into the unseasonably warm December air, but it doesn’t feel so good, anymore.

Scanning the ground for any sign of my money, I hear a woman, in the background, talking on her cellphone speaker from inside her car. It’s muffled but loud enough that I recognize the voice. It’s the bread baby lady! She is just pulling out of her parking spot in front of Badali’s, and driving away, but not before I hear...

“And there it was just lying on the ground…80 bucks! I know! Who carries cash anymore?”

Not one to brag, but since you’ve hung in to this point, why not; A former dolphin linguist, and otter mascot, David Crichton was a founding partner of one of Canada’s largest independent creative advertising agencies, Grip Limited. He has won multiple international awards for writing, Creative Direction, and film direction, including 2 Cannes gold lions, a Silver Kitchener-Waterloo Kiwanis Club Flame Trophy, and a Participation Bronze patch. n

THE LEASIDE OBSERVATIONALIST

Puppy day at Kyon & Rock and Rollover K9!

Saturday January 14, 2023 - 1pm to 4pm

Leaside’s dream team of KYON and Julian Bronk’s Rock and Rollover K9 are hosting an event to welcome Leaside’s newest furry neighbors.

Come by for giveaways, meet our team, and for a puppy workshop from 1pm-2pm covering everything from house training to making sure your pup grows up to be they best family member they can be.

Leaside Life • January 2023

JANUARY EVENTS

LEASIDE BRANCH PUBLIC LIBRARY

165 McRae Drive, 416-396-3835

LEASIDE WRITERS' GROUP

1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 4 & 18

Join a creative and safe environment for writers of all levels. Bring your written work with you and volunteer to share your work with your peers if so desired. Take part in exercises to keep your mind and pencil sharp. Register at the Leaside branch or by call 416-396-3835.

NEEDLEWORK

(KNITTING & CROCHETING AT THE LIBRARY)

Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m.

Bring your own knitting or crocheting project, or start something new while learning about different library programs, services and resources. All are welcome.

FAITH AND WORKS SEMINAR Sat., Jan. 21st, 9 a.m.

CFUW: LEASIDE - EAST YORK Presents: Unsavory Podcast: Misleading Food Labelling. Speakers: Rebecca Harris, Nutritionist/ Ex-Criminologist and Sarah Muncaster, Nutrition Educator, Food and Recipe Writer Jan. 19, 7:30 p.m. on ZOOM. To request link, call 416-347-6193.

LEASIDE GARDEN SOCIETY

LEASIDE'S

NON-FICTION, BIOGRAPHIES AND MEMOIRS BOOK CLUB

Wednesday, January 25 - 10-11 a.m.

Pick up January’s book at the Leaside branch. We’ll be reading Educated, a memoir by American author Tara Westover in which she recounts overcoming her survivalist Mormon family in order to go to college, and emphasizes the importance of education in enlarging her world. Email lestaff@tpl.ca if you wish to receive email reminders and join the club!

TRINITY GRACE CHURCH 826 Eglinton Ave. East, Toronto, ON M4G 2L1 416-669-8788 info@trinitygrace.ca • trinitygrace.ca

HYMNS IN HARMONY

Choral Workshop: Fri., Jan. 6th, 7 p.m.

The Garden Society will continue the Speaker Series with Zoom meetings on Jan. 12, 2023. Our special guest is Charlie Dobbin. The topic is “Gardening as we age.” The meeting will commence at 7 p.m. The Society always welcomes guests and new members to join the society for our meetings. Visit our website – www.leasidegardensociety.org –or email – leaside@gardenontario.org

ST. CUTHBERT'S, LEASIDE 1399 Bayview Ave. 416-485-0329 www.stcuthbertsleaside.com stcuthbertleaside@toronto.anglican.ca

TAI CHI

Tuesdays 1:30-2:30 p.m. Donation $4. Starting for the new year on January 10.

BOOK DISCUSSION GROUP 3rd Thursday in the month –1:30-3:30 p.m. starting January 19.

Neil deGrasse Tyson - “Starry Messenger: Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization.” All are welcome.