LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:16 PM Page 1
No. 16 • April 2013
Leaside Life leasidelifenews.com
Leaside100 1913-2013
BL ONE
BEFORE LEASIDE
(Top) Bayview and Eglinton looking north in 1910. (Bottom) Building Sunnybrook Plaza 1952.
BL TWO
BUILDING LEASIDE
BL THREE
BOOMING LEASIDE
EG-BRENT
SMARTCENTRE
POST OFFICE
Plans for 1M sq. ft. of condos
Time to talk to the enemy
New building planned in industrial park
Page 3
Page 4
Page 6
100th birthday section, Page 23
LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:16 PM Page 2
The Big Day: April 27 Gala
Leaside Life, April 2013
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From Leaside 100
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Tuesday, April 23 is THE day – the official commemoration of the incorporation of the Town of Leaside in 1913. Join us at the Leaside Library, 165 McRae Dr. for a 9:25 a.m. start. Councillor John Parker will be the MC, and special guests include Premier Kathleen Wynne and MP John Carmichael. A quilt wall hanging designed and made by ex-Leasider Margaret Carscadden will be unveiled, before all present get the opportunity to enjoy the exhibit of archival photos of The Layers of Leaside. The exhibit will be in the Community Room of the library until Sunday, April 28 so you can spend some time enjoying all the layers of our history. A short while later, a stroll up Crandall Rd. to Bessborough school will allow you to see the two historical plaques commemorating the incorporation of the town, and the importance of the railways in those
early days. The plaques will later be permanently placed in Leaside Vil- Leaside100 1913-2013 lage, near the Ca n a d i a n Northern Railways original building (now Longo’s). The Leaside 100 Gala is Saturday, April 27 starting at 5:30 p.m. at All Canadian Self Storage, 1 Laird Dr. Tickets are going fast. Either book through www.eventbrite.com, or by phoning Virginia at 416-392-0215. Tickets are $125 each, with a special price of $100 for those over 60. You’ll enjoy champagne, a gourmet buffet dinner and dessert and entertainment galore, headed by our Leaside celebrity MCs David Sparrow and Deb McGrath. Volunteers wanted: Whether you’re a high school student looking for some of your 40 community hours, or someone in the community with a few hours to give, we can use your help. The first opportunity is during the week of April 23-28 at the library, another is the next Sunday, May 5, when there will be community walks where assistance would be helpful. Contact Elaine at curator@leaside100.ca. I
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LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:16 PM Page 3
EG-BRENT
TRAFFIC
Will Ashworth
1,280 condos in new plan
Blame the mess on Bob Rae
3
On March 6 Steve Diamond, CEO of Diamond Corporation, presented very big plans to redevelop the five-acre property at Eglinton Ave. and Brentcliffe Rd., with its 5050 partner Dawsco Property Corp., to the Leaside Property Owners’ Association. The LPOA board appeared in an ornery mood as Diamond and his architect, Sol Wassermuhl of Page + Steele, talked about 1,000,000 square feet of residential condominium space spread over four buildings ranging in height from nine storeys to 29, with approximately 1,280 one- and two-bedroom units for sale. In addition, there's a plan for a fifth building on the northeast portion of the property that would house a seven-storey office building with 107,000 square feet and another 70,000 square feet of retail space on the ground floor along Eglinton. Also included in the current
plan is a 3/4 acre park at the southeast corner bordering Vanderhoof and Brentcliffe. If you go to Diamond Corp's website you will find that they're generally quite respectful of the areas where they develop new projects. Especially interesting is the nearby 129 St. Clair West project that's incorporating the former Deer Park United Church into a mixed-use development that includes a 27-storey condo with 226 units, five town homes and retail along St. Clair West. Diamond Corp. worked with city staff, Councillor Josh Matlow and all the other stakeholders to come to an arrangement that makes everyone reasonably satisfied. Diamond Corp. appears to be a good corporate citizen. Observing the presentation I found that those in attendance were quick to judge the project in a
On the front cover of the March edition of Leaside Life there is the headline “City staff OKs new SmartCentre”. The words in the article are those of Leaside Unite, who consider themselves a citizens' action group opposed to this development and have joined forces with the Leaside Property Owners’ Association (LPOA) to fight this all the way. Of course, this isn't a new development. It's something that's been brewing since Home Depot built its 130,000 square foot store at the east end of the existing SmartCentre in 2001. I wasn't living in the area at the time but alarm bells should have been going off. If not then, at the very least when the first portion of the current SmartCentre was completed in 2002. Concerns about traffic and the economic impact are legitimate issues but they won't be solved by
EG-BRENT, Page 10
TRAFFIC, Page 16
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Leaside Life, April 2013
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The business of Leaside
LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:16 PM Page 4
LU, LPOA start talks with SmartCentre Leaside Life, April 2013
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4 The Leaside Property Owners’ Association and Leaside Unite have started discussions with SmartCentre. It is the first time both sides have come together despite requests for meetings from SmartCentre. The plan to present city staff’s approval of the SmartCentre plans on Wicksteed to North York community council last month created an urgency. Councillor John Parker requested a postponement, which was granted to April 9. In a letter to the council he wrote: “About a week ago the leadership of Leaside Unite provided me with the basis on which a settlement might be pursued. I am particularly encouraged by their… declared wish to meet directly with the applicant. “Given the tight time frame, I do not expect that we will be able to work out the terms of an agreement by Tuesday's Community Council meeting. Accordingly, Leaside Unite has asked me specifically to request
a deferral of Tuesday's proceedings… “The purpose of the deferral would be to enable both Leaside Unite and the LPOA to absorb the content of the staff report and seek out common ground with the applicant… “I have discussed the above with the applicant. At this time I understand that it may argue against the deferral.” It did. In a letter, the SmartCentre legal firm wrote: “It is also very disappointing that LU and the LPOA have refused all of our clients' offers to meet with them and their full consulting team to walk through the entire application and to address any questions or concerns. “The first of these offers was made on January 6, 2012 and was followed up in March, April, and June 2012 and again earlier this month. “ln March 2012, a representative of the LPOA advised that he didn't see any benefit to a meeting, noting that the LPOA had ‘a good under-
standing of the scope of the application’ and that they had read the preliminary staff report and had made copies of the site plan, floor plans and elevations. “ln June 2012, another representative of the LPOA advised that she would be happy to meet later in the process and would be in contact at that time but there has been no further contact from her apart from an email on February 5, 2013 advising she had noted the applicant's contact information and looked forward to a meeting “in due course”. In a proposed column for Leaside Life, Leaside Unite wrote: “City staff’s recommendation of the proposal, in full favour of the developer’s original submission with no request to modify any aspect, would allow for development that substantially exceeds densification levels of adjoining malls, brings unmanageable traffic levels into the neighbouring community, and potentially sets a precedent for development in the future. LEASIDE UNITE, Page 5
LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:16 PM Page 5
“Significantly, this is the first time in many years that no notable change was counter-proposed by the city. “A council meeting vote scheduled for Feb. 26 to approve the developer’s application has been deferred to April 9, thanks to the combined efforts of the LPOA/LU and Councillor Parker. “This provides the necessary time for increased negotiations with SmartCentre, and was in great part made possible by the strong collective voice of 1,200 signatures on a petition opposing this development. “The discussions with SmartCentre are to determine if an amicable conclusion can be achieved. “We continue to encourage our councillor to impress upon the developer that their original submission be amended to better complement our community. Additionally, a strong message for appropriate development must be sent to the city and North York community council.� I
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Leaside Unite
LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:16 PM Page 6
Leaside Life, April 2013
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LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:16 PM Page 7
Lorna Krawchuk Publisher Leaside Life
In what turned out to be the last term of East York Council, 1994-1997, there were major exoduses from the Leaside industrial area, including Schlumberger at Laird and Eglinton and the former Canada Wire and Cable, now Alcatel, from their huge site at Laird and Wicksteed. More in the interior of the area, several other long-standing businesses had left, leaving huge swaths of industrial land empty. Earlier attempts with co-opera-
tion between MP John Godfrey at the federal level, and MPP John Parker at the provincial level, to try to attract New Media businesses to a hub in Leaside, never came to pass, despite a lot of work and encouragement at all political levels. Earlier in the 1990s there was a huge push for intensive residential development on the land east of Brentcliffe at Eglinton. In the end, a much-reduced, and phased-in residential development was allowed, but with strict boundaries to try to protect the valuable industrial properties remaining. On both the Schlumberger and Alcatel sites, East York was concerned that residential development might be the choice of some new owner. We felt that commercial use was preferable to leaving the land vacant, or having it zoned residential, in order to protect our tax base. We were very aware of the concerns of the Bayview merchants about retail development, and felt that by promoting larger stores, rather than small ones, Bayview and the new Laird stores would not be directly competing. And yes, there were people at the required public meetings when these developments were approved, who voiced concerns about traffic infiltration, but I really didn't feel that when I voted in favour of both of those developments, that I was going against my community's wishes. I
Leaside Life Published once a month in Leaside,Toronto ON, by Ruth G. Publishing Inc., 66 Donegall Drive, Toronto ON, M4G 3G5 Circulation 8,500 to every door in M4G PUBLISHER:
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Leaside Life, April 2013
Why industrial park rules were changed LORNA KRAWCHUK was an East York councillor who voted in favour of the changes to the rules for the Leaside Business Park that previously prohibited residential and retail development east of Brentcliffe.
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Leaside Life, April 2013
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I very much enjoyed reading the letter from Margo Holland in the March issue, and wholeheartedly agreed with her sentiments. Please 8 let her know she is not alone! Following is the text of a letter I sent to NAV Canada, copying John Parker, Kathleen Wynne and the GTAA: I read your letter to John Carmichael dated January 17, 2013 with great interest. However, none of your words changed the fact that my enjoyment of my home, my property and my neighbourhood has been negatively impacted by the changes you have enacted. And I am certainly not the only resident that feels this way. I’ve lived in Leaside for 25 years, and my parents and grandparents lived in this unique neighbourhood before me. My home, although not big on space, is huge on comfort and charm. The neighbourhood itself has always been a small oasis of calm in the city. Lots of green space, parks, old growth trees, tranquility and peace. Our vacations have typically been taken in the summer when we can fully enjoy our back garden (which we’ve put a lot of personal elbow grease, in addition to expense, into), sitting on the patio late into the
LETTERS leasidelife@gmail.com night relishing the tranquility and quiet. That enjoyment has now been shattered as most nights there is the boom, roar and scream of aircraft flying very low and turning directly over our heads, every couple of minutes. And it isn’t just when you’re outside – if I’m in my home and there is no TV or radio on, that same noise is only marginally muffled by closed windows, walls and roof. I was asleep in bed recently and at 4:42 a.m. awoke to the roar of an aircraft overhead. Most evenings when I look skyward to the southwest I can see a continuous line of lights from approaching aircraft that will pass and turn directly over my home. And I suppose all of this lovely traffic also means no more sleeping with the windows open during nice weather… That there is a necessity for aircraft to fly this low over a neighbourhood that is some 30 kilometres distant from the airport, is insane. That no remedy can be found,
that taxpayers and long-standing property owners are told simply to put up and shut up, is insulting. That any organization or government is allowed to negatively impact our lives and our property values with no penalty is infuriating to say the least. I sincerely hope that every person who was involved in making this decision loses their enjoyment of their home in the very near future, and is left with no voice concerning the matter. You can spin every explanation you want to, but this situation is wrong, unfair, unjust, and just plain sad - and the fact the Pearson air traffic route change was made secretly without any discussion with residents, doesn’t speak well of NAV Canada’s intentions. Brenda Lord, Rumsey Rd. I have lived in Leaside for some 46 years, and each and every month now I look forward to reading my copy of Leaside Life. Each seems to outdo the last issue and your team produces an informative product time and time again. Cheers, to a job well done! Bill Vincent, Sutherland Dr.
Kathleen W Wynne, ynne,
LETTERS, Page 9
M MPP PP
Member of Provincial P Parliament arliament for Don Valley Valley West West
Congratulations to all the reesidents of Leaside up pon the 10 Anniversary of the Town of Lea It has been my honour and privilege to serve th outstanding community! My best wishes to you all. 795 Eglinton Ave East, Suite 101 TToronto, oront ON M4G 4E4 o oronto, Tel: Tel: e 416-425-6777
www.kathleenwynne.onmpp.ca www w..kathleenwynne.onmpp.ca .kathle
LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:16 PM Page 9
Letters From Page 8
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Leaside Life, April 2013
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Carol Burtin Fripp has offered some very good solutions in the March 2013 issue of Leaside Life to resolve the missing link of transit from Sutherland and Bayview to Davisville. She proposes using the St. Clair subway station rather than Davisville station. It is reasonable to anticipate the needs of an aging population using public transit to access medical facilities. It is unreasonable to expect that many will be able to walk to transit from south of Davisville to access them. It is unreasonable to expect that they may be able to drive to them. It is unreasonable, if they can drive, to have them pay to use highpriced parking lots. It is reasonable to use improved bus service at less cost to the user and the environment. It is reasonable to promote and provide accessible transportation using the TTC from the St. Clair station for a variety of reasons as Ms. Fripp has outlined to fix the TTC gap. Her ideas should be fully explored by the TTC. Barb Oyler, Airdrie Rd.
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LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:16 PM Page 10
Eg-Brent Leaside Life, April 2013
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From Page 3
negative manner even though they'd only just heard the plans for the first time. The usual concerns about traffic quickly arose in the Q&A that followed the presentation. I doubt there's a single development in Toronto proper that hasn't fielded this concern. It doesn't mean I'm dismissing the issue but in density-phobic Toronto, it's not original. More compelling was the concern about schools in the area being overburdened by the additional children that would reside in Leaside. A quick back of the napkin calculation suggests no more than 500 additional students aged 5-19 would be absorbed into the school system. It's really a non-issue because most of the residents will probably be empty nesters, singles, and couples without children. The actual number will likely be much smaller. Finally, there were several calls to drastically reduce the size and scope of the project. EG-BRENT, Page 12
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Eg-Brent From Page 10
For whatever reason the people that sit on the board of the LPOA seem to believe that they are singularly qualified to speak for the community when it comes to issues of development. Furthermore, that everyone in Leaside is against anything larger than a 10storey building. That's simply not true. Christopher Hume covers urban affairs for the Toronto Star. In his Oct. 20, 2012, article entitled Urban Density is Key to Smart Growth, Hume states that "density is what will save the city and the Greater Toronto Area and enable its 5.5 million inhabitants to prosper in the decades ahead." He's 100 percent correct. This project is an opportunity to increase the diversity of housing in our community while also creating additional potential employment for local residents interested in working closer to home. Toronto is now the fourth largest city in North America; density is a fact of life and without EG-BRENT, Page 14
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Leaside Life, April 2013
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it, we face a very grim future. It's pointless for the provincial government to spend $8 billion on an LRT line across Eglinton if the city (yes, Leaside's a part of that) doesn't intensify its density along the route, specifically at LRT stations. Conveniently, Diamond Corp's new project will be 225 metres from the eastern entrance at Laird Ave. There's a saying: “Change is inevitable; growth is optional.” What I saw March 6 was a community organization very much set in its way. There will be plenty of time for further discussion with Diamond Corp. regarding its development plans, which are at least two years away from getting underway. I wonder what happened to the pioneering spirit of early Leaside that financed its growth with industrial expansion and a vision for the future. In Leaside’s 100th year it seems completely absent. It’s a darn shame. I
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Leaside Life, April 2013
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Leaside Life, April 2013
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blaming the developer (SmartCentre/Calloway REIT) who seem to be playing by the rules. If you go through the staff report dated Feb. 5 from the Director of Community Planning for North York District to the North York Community Council, it's clear that the city's hands are tied. http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2013/ny/bgrd/backgroundfile-56048.pdf The most telling line from the 53page report is on page 13: "Given the location of the site between two existing major retail centres, it is the consultant's view it is unlikely the site could attract any uses other than retail and service uses proposed." The consultant in question is urbanMetrics, who were hired by Wicksteed Developments (SmartCentre) to produce an Employment Area Impact Assessment as well as a Retail Market Demand and Impact Analysis in support of its rezoning efforts. Tate Economic Research Inc. were hired by the city in 2012 to conduct a peer review of the reports tabled by urbanMetrics. Tate agreed with urbanMetrics. TRAFFIC, Page 17
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The city report paraphrased as follows: "The peer reviewer agrees with the consultant's statement that because the site is 'sandwiched' between two established power centres it is logical to fill in this area with similar synergistic uses." It would be the same as if you bought an empty lot in Leaside situated between two houses. It would be illogical for the city to do anything but permit you to build a home there. I'm not a huge fan of Walmart. In fact, I rarely shop there. However, they have as much right to occupy 78,000 square feet (the proposed size of its second-floor store) of the development as any other business. Now that the horses are out of the barn, I think it's more constructive to figure out how to solve some of the traffic problems that are building up in the area. We don't need a traffic study to tell us the community's got a lot busier. The other day my wife needed gas before driving to Burlington for work. I suggested she head over to the Husky station at Southvale and once done, zip over to Bayview and
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Councillor
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Leaside100
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south to the Gardiner. It was like a funeral procession moving along at a snail's pace. Virtually none of this traffic (we're talking 7:30 in the morning) would have been caused by the additional retail businesses that have cropped up on Laird the last few years. Most of it would have come from Leslie and other north-south roadways east of there. If you want to blame anyone for this mess, I believe it makes more sense to lay it at the feet of Bob Rae, his minister of the environment, Ruth Grier, whose ministry ultimately put the kibosh on the Leslie St. extension plan with an extremely negative review of Metro Toronto's environmental assessment, and transportation minister Gilles Pouliot, who refused to consider funding for the project. In July 1990, the Metro Toronto Transportation Department released its environmental and needs assessment study for the proposed project. It looked at 12 different alternatives to the extension, including doing nothing, and found that the extension would reduce through traffic by 61percent during peak periods, saving 5.1 million kilometers travelled by motorists annually. The two big problems it saw with
Leaside Life, April 2013
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the project were cost, which was estimated at $107 million in 1989, and the permanent removal of two hectares of woodlands. Nonetheless, David Johnson, the mayor of East York at the time, favoured the project in principle. In an August 26, 1992, meeting between the City of Toronto, the Ministry of Transportation and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Technology, Greg Sorbara said the following: "If Pouliot reviews the case, he will realize that the road is needed to relieve the congested Don Valley Parkway and keep southbound cars off residential streets in Leaside." Despite stating the obvious, Rae’s NDP government felt that the estimated cost--by then up to $141 million--was too much to bear in a recession. Worse still, it appears the residents of Moore Park and Rosedale managed to create enough political pressure on the powers that be to ensure their neighborhoods weren't overrun with spill-off traffic the extension might have created. TRAFFIC, Page 19
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So, in the end, it appears that the NDP decided it was more politically expedient to burden Leaside with additional traffic than its more southernly neighbours. It's just another example of why Bob Rae's four-year stint as premier is considered by many people to have been a complete and utter failure. The Eglinton LRT will cost more than $8 billion to build. The Leslie St. extension at almost any cost would be a drop in the bucket for the city. These two projects in combination with a downtown relief line sometime around 2030 would go a long way to permanently solving the traffic problems in Leaside. On the other hand, fighting over whether Leaside needs another retail complex or the world another Walmart seems entirely pointless, especially when you consider that these developments are just a small part of the traffic woes that exist in our community. Let's not blame business for something created by civic apathy many years ago. What we have today is in large part our own fault. Passing the blame only makes it worse. I
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Leaside Life, April 2013
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Revised plans for old post office ‘not changed’
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A big thank you to our volunteers In celebration of National Volunteer Week, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital would like to sincerely thank all of our dedicated volunteers for their tremendous contributions towards helping us achieve a world of possibilities for kids with disabilities. For more information about how you can become a volunteer, visit www.Hollandbloorview.ca
Knightstone Capital Management has sent revised plans to the city for redevelopment of the old post office at 2 Laird, but President David Lehberg says, “Our plans to move forward have not changed.” The original plans were for a seven-storey, 96-unit condominium building bordering four streets: Laird Dr., Malcolm Rd., Millwood Rd., and Southvale Dr. Neighbours have expressed concern about height, density, traffic and potential lack of sunlight for residents on Krawchuk Lane. Two petitions have been started. As of our deadline 181 people had signed the one at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/2-laird-drive/ Over 500 signatures are on the paper petition. I
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IN BRIEF
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LCBO on Bayview
e!" I am pleased to have "Happy 100th Anniversary, Leasid 24 of those 100 years! been a part of the community for and beautiful homes in With the building of so many new es are being demolished the area, many of the older hom loss of the features that or renovated. With this comes the For instance the lovely que. made the homes of Leaside uni houses had or the small ny ma ors etched glass french do that had shelves and cupboards upstairs in the hallways d wainscoting and trim oo drawers for storage. Or the Gumw e or other. The tile work gre that most houses had to some de d milkboxes in the side ha ny Ma . ths in the kitchens and ba e of the Milkman, have of the house which with the demis x for some people. ilbo taken on the new function of ma n for the better but we Things will always change and ofte to the past and what can still give the occasional nod 100th anniversary. better time to do so than on the Cheers Leaside!
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Latest addition to Bayview will be a new LCBO store where the old Blockbuster was, just south of Belsize. Scheduled to open sometime this month, it will have about 2,500 square feet. An LCBO spokesperson said the location was chosen “to provide convenience to customers in this pedestrian friendly neighbourhood.” The LCBO store at SmartCentre now under construction is expected to be open in June.
LOL raises $35,000 Laugh out Loud in Leaside raised almost $35,000 at its Fantasy Farm gala last month for the Leaside arena expansion. Charlene Kalia, who runs the event, gives special thanks to Lexus on the Park, Royal Bank, De la Mer, Grilltime, Van Nes flowers and Tremblett’s valu-mart for sponsorship.
Digging on Laird Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited is rebuilding the underground electrical system on the east side of Laird Dr., from Vanderhoof south to Southvale. The work is to reduce frequency of outages and is expected to be complete this summer.
Hindle sentence Paul Hindle, 48, who pleaded guilty to the second-degree murder of Leaside interior designer Lisa Lebitka in 2011, has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 14 years.
More pool repair Repairs to the pool at Leaside Gardens will take longer than expected. Workers found deterioration in the concrete ceiling when replacing corroding wires holding suspended ceiling tiles. Blame humidity and chlorine-eating bacteria in the water. Look to mid-June for a swim.
Annual spring fair The birds are back singing, so it must be St. Cuthbert’s Church annual spring fair time: Saturday, April 27, 11 – 2 p.m. at 1399 Bayview. There will be an art gallery, baking, books, crafts, electrical, jewellery, kitchenware, knitting, odds & ends, quilting, sewing, stamps, toys, and other treasures! Also a BBQ on the green and a snack kiosk. Free activities for the children. 416-485-0329. Ii
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Lea L Leaside
100
Staff afff and Owners ar are e very All Canadian Self Storage Staf pleased to participate in this historic Leaside event. From offered ave of fffered our facility as a Fr om our opening date we have venue for community and private events and will continue to do so. Do not hesitate to call, if you would like to discuss the use of our facility for an event. A special rrecognition ecognition should be given to the intelligent efforts provided rresourceful esourcefull ef ffforts pr ovided by the following people: Ward Valley West Councillor John Parker - W a ard 26, Don V alley a W e est Virginia V irginia Evoy - Special Assistant to John Parker We W e should also extend a big thank you to our celebrity M.Cs: Sparrow ow & Deb McGrath David Sparr
John Donald J
Hal Spradling adling
Leaside Life, April 2013
Salu Salute lutee
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Leaside100 1913-2013
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The Layers of Leaside at the library _____________________________________________ ARCHIVAL EXHIBIT APRIL 23-28 _____________________________________________ What are the Layers of Leaside? For details, photos and artifacts, you’ll need to be at the Leaside Library. In the meantime, though, here’s a quick look through (courtesy of Geoff Kettel): I Layer 1 – pre-history and pre-settlement: Formed by a series of ancient ice ages, the latest of which formed Lake Iroquois, whose northern shores were just north of present-day Eglinton Ave., and whose earliest humans were Paleo-Indians who arrived about 9,000 years ago. I Layer 2 – Pioneers and Early Settlement (1800 to 1910): This becomes the story of the Lea family, the Elgies, and the coming of the railways. I Layer 3 – Early industrial development (1910 to 1929): The need of the railways for worker accommodation inspired the planning of a town, but what really took off were the various industries, Canada Wire and Cable, Durant Motors and the airfield.
I Layer 4 – Late industrial and tract development (1930 to 1964): This is the town’s building boom. See how quickly the town gets built out, and learn about the early developers/builders, such as Mayor Henry Howard Talbot. I Layer 5 – Modern Transition and Thorncliffe Park development (1955 to 2000): Leaside remained an independent municipal entity as the Town of Leaside until amalgamation with the Township of East York in 1967 to form the Borough of East York, which endured until the next amalgamation into the City of Toronto in 1998. Thorncliffe Park went from being a racetrack to being a high-rise community. I Layer 6 – Recent and Contemporary (2000 to 2013): Industries moved away, and commercial sites move in. Thorncliffe is described as Canada’s “Arrivals City”. I
(Top) Eglinton Ave. looking east at Eglinton and Brentcliffe (Bottom left) 73 Fleming Cres. (Bottom right) Talbot Apartments at Bayview and Sutherland, 1939
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In the good old days Leaside was stinky When the Town of Leaside was officially incorporated in 1913, the area was fully planned and laid out, but there were only 43 people and five farms. By 1916, with World War 1 underway, thousands of workers came every day to the industrial area, arriving by train to the Canada Wire munitions plant. But there still were very few residents. Local resident and history buff John Naulls thinks there was one very good reason that no one talked about much. By BETH PARKER Leaside Mayor R. P. Ormsby had a problem. It was September, 1919 and the fledgling town council was trying, without success, to get the attention of the City of Toronto. A local sewage disposal plant was literally stinking up the neighbourhood. Raw sewage in an open ditch was floating within 100 feet of the village’s first little public school, at the corner of McRae and Laird. It was enough to discourage anyone from living in the town, at that time just seven years old. In fact, Leaside remained sparsely populated until late in the 1930s. “The general opinion for lack of interest in moving to Leaside has been to blame it on isolation and the war,” says Naulls, “but if you read the town council minutes you’ll discover another possible problem — the town simply stunk!” The “nuisance” (as it was called) was first mentioned in 1916 but was
EARLY Leaside had its own busy airport.
not solved until 10 years later. “There was a really bad smell,” stated the 1916 minutes. “Warm weather will create a nuisance.” At that time, there was a sewage plant at the corner of Bayview and Soudan (the site of the current Parker’s Cleaners). Wastewater from the facility travelled to the Leaside Creek (at Bayview and Eglinton), through Talbot Park to Sutherland Dr., where it changed course and emerged at McRae and Laird. It continued through the industrial area past the one factory, Canada Wire, where it flowed into an unground sewer on the way to the Don River. But first it had to pass the schoolhouse. “In fact, the creek had even been dug out to form an open ditch from Sutherland Dr. to Laird, right by the school,” says Naulls.
John Naulls
“The smell overpowered the residents.” By 1920, local residents had officially complained about the smell to town council, and the health officer for the area, Dr. Hugh Alexander Elliott, took the matter up with the province. An angry residents’ petition followed in 1923, but still no action to remove the offending disposal plant. Dr. Elliott decided to push the matter by gathering evidence. “To the horror of J.D. Bell, the local sanitary inspector, he was asked to keep a close check on the plant’s operation and where possible, collect samples of raw sewage,” says Naulls. STINKY LEASIDE, Page 35
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Leaside High as seen by Margaret Atwood ___________ This excerpt is from Elizabeth Bream’s spikeymom.wordpress.com blog. ___________ By ELIZABETH BREAM I entered grade 9 at Leaside High School in the fall of 1950, which was the start of the building’s second year of existence. (The school itself was founded as a continuation school in 1945, located at Rolph Road Public School until the new building went up.) I graduated from LHS in June 1955. Those of us who grew up in Leaside (a newer suburb of Toronto back then) were always a very tight group. We were all in elementary school (Northlea Public School) together, we were streamed in LHS and stayed in the same group from grade 10 onwards, and so we were together from grade 7 through to the end of grade 13. Then a lot of us went on together to Victoria College at the University of Toronto too. And we are all still friends! My best friend Barb and I have known each other since grade 4. She founded a scholarship at LHS in the name of her family (Pinkham Family Scholarship). It is awarded to a successful graduating student at LHS who is going on to Victoria College. Peggy Atwood was two years behind me, graduating in ’57. She’s in my yearbook in several places; strange to look back and see the famous Margaret Atwood in grade 11 wearing her school uniform, the hated tunic. I got Atwood to sign my yearbook (Clan Call 1955) when I attended a reading on the Sunshine Coast in BC in 1998. As she signed on her literary contribution to the yearbook she asked, “Did I write that?” (She knew perfectly well that she had.) She was just joking with me. If you want to read some fiction by Atwood that involves Leaside High, read the short story My Last Duchess (we all had to study the Robert Browning long poem with that title) which is in the Atwood story collection Moral Disorder. The story features our English teacher, Miss Bessie, whom Atwood
ELIZABETH BREAM, who became a teacher and then computer consultant for the school board, now lives in Revera Leaside, formerly Central Park Lodge, in Thorncliffe Park, with several other seniors who enjoy sharing memories of the old days in Leaside. did not camouflage at all, other than leaving out her last name. Our teacher’s real name was Bessie B. Billings, and she was exactly as Atwood describes her, and her classroom is pictured with deadly accuracy too. No wonder we all did well in English! You must read it. The other book that features Leaside as a place (and the school does show up) is Cat’s Eye, which is my favourite Margaret Atwood book, simply because, using fiction, she has told the story of being a girl growing up in that area. She told a lot of MY story. In the 1950s Leaside High School was well-known as one of the best public high schools in the city. The other top-ranking schools were Lawrence Park, North Toronto, and Jarvis. We had a great principal (who was very active in the Ontario Secondary School Teachers Federation.) Little did I know then that I would grow up to be a member of the same federation.
The LHS staff in the ‘50s was outstanding; we students were not kids who hated high school, or our parents, and the famous 1955 movie Rebel without a Cause was a movie we could never relate to. We actually quite liked school, possibly because we were good at it, and most definitely because we had great teachers. Back when the school was built, there was a rifle range in the school in the basement. I have often wondered if it were still there or if at some point the Board of Education had decided that it was inappropriate. In my five years there, there was a very active rifle club which had its own entry in Clan Call. I attended the 50th anniversary of Leaside several years ago. It was a wonderful celebration. There is a great video now available on DVD that summarizes the first 50 years of the school. The history of LHS all on one DVD! There is also an online LHS message board for grads. It’s still a great secondary school! I
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Leasiders and hockey fans across Canada were disappointed when our team lost to Russia in the recent World Junior Hockey Tournament. But that wasn’t the first time and it will not be the last time a Canadian hockey team loses to Russia. Our first loss had a very distinct Leaside connection in the person of George Sayliss, who grew up on Rumsey Rd. opposite Trace Manes Park. George was a forward on the East York Lyndhurst Senior B team that represented Canada in the 1954 World Hockey Tournament in Stockholm, Sweden. He tells me that prior to the Russian game Lyndhurst trounced Norway, Sweden, Finland, Czechoslovakia, Switzerland and Germany, out scoring their combined opponents 57-5. In contrast Russia beat the same opponents with a combined score of 30-8. The Canada–Russia final was played on outdoor natural ice in a snow storm before 17,000 fans. The Moscow Dynamos Soviet army team relied on speed and finesse while East York, playing the usual Canadian physical style, drew a great many penalties from the European referees. When Russia won that game 7-2, a collective groan went up across Canada. Years later of course even Canadian teams with NHL players have suffered losses at the hands of the Russians. George Sayliss’ sister Pat Cole– Sayliss, who still lives in the family home, tells me that as a kid her brother played hockey morning, noon and night at Trace Manes Park. George says he would refuse to take off his skates and so would eat his dinner sitting on his front steps. He played hockey with his Leaside friends Peter Conacher, who grew up on Millwood, and Jack Caffrey, who grew up on Hanna. On Sunday mornings Sandy Bruce, the Leaside police chief, would arrive on his bicycle and kick the boys off the ice because the sound of the puck hitting the boards was disturbing the members of Leaside United Church. Both Peter Conacher and Jack Caffrey later played in the NHL. George would have as well but a cracked wrist that took six months to heal ended his professional hockey career before it even began.
Alan Redway Former East York mayor and federal cabinet minister
GEORGE SAYLISS During those days, as George recalled, a number of other NHL players lived in Leaside. The Leafs’ Harry Watson, who played on a line with Teeder Kennedy, painted the exterior of his Leaside house a bright and vivid Maple Leaf blue and white. To lure the Mahovlich family from northern Ontario, Leaf owner Connie Smyth bought them a house at the corner of Bessborough and Field. where Frank and his brother Peter lived. When George Sayliss played hockey for De La Salle Oaklands he played against St. Mikes’ Red Kelly. Kelly later lived in Leaside with his wife Andrea who taught figure skating at Leaside Gardens. George Sayliss started his own hockey career with a team sponsored by St. Anselm’s Church. He then played bantam, midget, Junior B and Junior A with Toronto Marlboros. In Junior A, one of his teammates was the future captain and later long time Leaside resident George Armstrong. The Marlies traded George Sayliss to the Stratford Junior A team
for Danny Lewicki, another future NHL star. George Sayliss was always a hard worker. He told me that he was only five years old when he started delivering on a bicycle for the drug store on Millwood just around the corner from his home on Rumsey, where China Foods is located today. When not playing hockey George worked for the Town of Leaside’s water and sewer department under the direction of Sid Hobbs. George said he worked on almost every sewer and water pipe in Leaside at one time or other. After a stint with the Renfrew Senior A team he returned to Leaside to join our fire department. It was there that he and another Leaside firefighter, Norm Gray, were recruited to play for the East York Lyndhursts in 1953. George’s East York team played in the Metropolitan Toronto Senior B league against such other teams as the Leaside Dynes, sponsored by Dynes Jewellers, located on Bayview at the time. Ernie Frey, the owner of Frey’s Drug Store at the corner of Bayview and Fleming, played hockey for Dynes. It was Ernie, he himself told me, who as a member of the Leaside Board of Education, moved the motion to build Leaside High School when other trustees were afraid to do so. George’s Lyndhurst team, as the league winners that year, were selected to represent Canada in the World Hockey championship, and the rest is history. George Sayliss’ exploits may have been forgotten by most Leasiders, however, his sweater and memorabilia from that 1954 Canada-Russia game have an honoured place in the Hall of Fame in Peterborough where George now resides. But hockey is not the only claim to fame for the Sayliss family. As a member of the Leaside Recreation Committee, George and Pat’s father, Matt Sayliss, kept moving a motion to build tennis courts at Trace Manes Park. My mother, who was a member of that committee, would come SAYLISS, Page 34
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The stars who played with George Sayliss
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The story behind the $500,000 donation There has been strong reaction in the community against the offer of SmartCentre to donate $500,000 to the Leaside arena expansion. Councillor John Parker replied to a letter from a Leaside resident asking why the donation was made public only after the Toronto planning department approved the SmartCentre proposal. Here is his reply: The applicant has been well aware of the arena expansion project and my support of it for a number of years. He has also made me aware of his own enthusiasm for it. He demonstrated that support concretely about two years ago. Early in the application process the arena board chair asked me to do what I could to arrange for s37 funds (Section 37 of the city bylaws that asks for donations for projects that exceed set limits) to be directed towards the arena project. This dovetailed nicely with what I already knew to be of interest to the applicant, the community, and the city.
More recently, planning staff asked me for my priorities for any s37 funds available in connection with the development project. I was specifically asked if I wanted to apply it towards public art, as many councillors do. I indicated that I had no wish at all to direct funds towards public art but that I would readily support funding for: — Construction of a landscaped centre median on Laird Dr. at the bottom end of Parkhurst; — the arena expansion project; and — local heritage research related to Part V of the Ontario Heritage Act. City planning staff then negotiated the proposal that is included in the report. The total value exceeds $800,000. This is a sizable contribution. The applicant's staff tell me - and I have no doubt - that the magnitude of the contribution is a reflection of the applicant's personal enthusiasm for the arena project. It is unlikely that a figure of that magnitude could have $500,000, Page 30
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Leaside Paint Centre 1525 Bayview Avenue Toronto ON M4G 3B5 416 489 7900
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readily been agreed upon if any other use had been involved. Independent of all of the above I am aware that the applicant is talking directly to the arena board about a possible donation that would be in addition to the s37 award. That initiative will lead to a result to be determined by those parties in accordance with their own negotiations. ______ An example of community reaction is this excert from a letter by Geordon Ferguson, Parkhurst Blvd., to the North York community council opposing the latest application by SmartCentre: ln regards to the "donation" to the community arena, I spend countless hours at the arena volunteering my time to coach the local kids hockey teams and also teach the younger children in hockey school, and as someone whose family will certainly benefit from the new ice pad I strongly feel this is an inappropriate offer given the resistance to the existing proposal by the community. The community never asked for it and I suspect that if you were to poll the community you would find the vast majority would also feel this is inappropriate. I
Cheers, Leaside, on 100 years! A century is a milestone that every adult in Leaside should celebrate. We’re not 100, but for almost 20 years, we have been helping Leasiders enjoy living better with wine. The wines you make with us are more natural… bursting with flavour… less expensive than similar LCBO wines… and better for the environment. If you haven’t made wine recently, please drop by and learn all about the pleasures and benefits that await you. Thank you. Heather Banks Owner, Cellar Door Winery 884 Millwood Road (between McRae Dr. and Laird Dr.) FREE Customer Parking at the door.
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32 Deadline for May, April 10 leasidelife@gmail.com Canadian Federation of University Women Leaside-East York, monthly meeting, Thurs. April 18, Northlea United Church, 125 Broadway, 7.30 p.m. Terry Fallis, author and winner of Canada Reads and Stephen Leacock Award for Humour. Visitors and new members welcome. www.leaside.org/cfuw North Leaside Women’s Group, Tues. at 9:30 a.m., Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe.. Visitors welcome, free coffee & tea. – Apr. 2, 419 - A Novel, book discussion & trade. All books $1, proceeds to NLWG. – Apr. 9, Sabina Ali, project co-ordinator of the
Thorncliffe Park Women’s Committee which organizes programs that include community markets, arts in the park, and nature walks. – Apr. 16, Terry Fallis, author of Up and Down, The Best Laid Plans and The High Road. – Apr. 23, Jenny’s Surprise? About interests and talents of our own members. – Apr. 30, TeAlchemy founder Lynda Budd, local mom and tea sommelier. Holland Bloorview Kids Rehab Hospital, 150 Kilgour, 7-9 p.m., Wed., Apr. 3, Kindercircle’s Alyson Schafter, interactive session on why children misbehave. $20 per person, $35 per couple. kpaul@hollandbloorview.ca, 416424-3818. Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe, 10:30 a.m. Sun., Apr. 28, service to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Town of Leaside. Guest speaker Jane Pitfield. www.northleaunited.ca or 416-425-5252. Leaside Library, 165 McRae, April, 416-3963835. – Art Exhibit: On Site 2 by Mary Elizabeth Duggan, Monday Apr. 1-30, Community Room.
Leaside's Lea side's 100th 100th Anniversary Anniversary Celebration Celebration Archival Ar chival Exhibit C ouncillor John John Parker Parker Councillor in vites you you to an unveiling unveiling of invites The Layers of Leas ide Leaside When : When Tuesday, April April 23rd, 23rd, 2013 Tuesday, Start time is 9:25 am Where : Where Library, 165 McRae McRae Drive Drive Leaside Public Library,
Greetings and Congratulations Congratulations fr om Greetings from Premier Kathleen Kathleen Wynne, Wynne, Premier MP John John Carmichael, Carmichael, and Trustees Gerri Gershon and Angela Angela Kennedy Kennedy e
Exhibit is open during Sundaay, April April p 28, 2013 library hours until Sunday,
– The Science of Fiction or Why Reading Novels is Good for You, Wed., Apr. 3, 7 p.m. Dr. Keith Oatley, professor emeritus, Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development (U of T). – Monday Afternoon Book Club, Mon., Apr. 8, 2 p.m. Six Metres of Pavement by Farzana Doctor. Drop in. – Save this Book! with Leaside author Terry Fallis, Mon., Apr. 8, 7 p.m. What book would you save if a fire threatened your collection? Drop in. – National Film Board (NFB): Status Quo: The Unfinished Business of Feminism in Canada, Fri., Apr. 12, 2 p.m., 87 minutes. – Author Talk: Farzana Doctor, Mon., Apr. 15, 7 p.m. Drop in. – Resume Building, Wed., Apr. 17, 4 p.m. Summer job resume building for teens 13+ with Natalie Johnson, St. Stephen’s Community House. Drop in. – The Titanic Years and the Beginnings of Mass Tourism in Egypt, Thurs., Apr. 18, 7 p.m. Egyptology speaker and advanced Ph.D. candidate (U of T), Sherine ElSebaie. Drop in. – Layers of Leaside, Tues., Apr. 23-27, Community Room. Exhibit on the history of Leaside presented by the Leaside 100 Committee. – Interview Skills 101, Wed., Apr. 24, 4 p.m. Attention Teens: Natalie Johnson of St. Stephen’s Community House in an interactive workshop! Space limited. Register through the library. – Youth Advisory Group (YAG) Meeting, Wed., Apr. 24, 6 p.m. Ongoing Last Wed. of month. – Author Talk: Keith Bolender, author of Voices from the Other Side: An Oral History of Terrorism Against Cuba, Mon., Apr. 29, 7 p.m. Drop in. Leaside Garden Society, monthly meeting in the Community room, Leaside Library, Thursday, April 11, 7:30 p.m. Peter Gill on Water Features. Memberships $2 single, $30 family. I
Special audience His complaints about the TTC dead zone in south Leaside led Councillor John Parker to invite Michael Bell (incorrectly called George Bell in our last issue) to his office last month for a meeting with Mitch Stambler, head of Strategy and Service Planning for the Toronto Transit Commission. Parker says Stambler recognizes and acknowledges “the problem” and this is not a “situation anyone wants”. But, Parker says, “The overriding need is to provide the greatest service to the greatest amount of people within a budget.” The TTC hasn’t found a way to provide the requested service without reducing bus service to and from the subway stations at St. Clair and Davisville. “Most people who ride the TTC want to go to the subway,” said Parker. “Stambler went through each route and explained why it can’t be disturbed,” said Best. But, Parker says, Stambler will go back to the drawing board and “review all of the circumstances of the clear and legitimate concern we all have.”I
LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:18 PM Page 33
John Carmichael MP Don Valley West
In reading about the early days of Leaside, I have been struck by how clearly the original planners understood that a successful, healthy community must be more than just homes where people sleep at night. To an extent virtually unmatched among other Toronto neighbourhoods, Leaside’s schools, churches and recreational facilities – parks, baseball diamonds and the arena, among others – are all conveniently located right in the heart of the community. From the beginning, Leaside has offered jobs right here. The founders were affiliated with the Canadian Northern Railway and eager to attract workers for their railway maintenance yard with homes close by. They designated the lands east of Laird Ave. for industrial development. Canada Wire and Cable, Lincoln Electric, and Leaside Munitions (during World War I) were among the first local companies. TREMCO and APCO Industries came in the 1930s. Manufacturing facilities like Siltech are still a part of these employment lands today. Recent decades have also seen the repurposing of former industrial and warehouse facilities as office and studio space for the many small businesses and service professionals who represent the changing face of business today. I recently held a Leaside Business Breakfast at the new Longo’s store to which I invited merchants, entrepreneurs and business operators from the area. I was pleased by the size and diversity of the group who attended. My purpose was to provide a forum to discuss issues like regulation and taxes where government and business intersect, and I think we had a productive discussion. Beyond that, I was reminded again about the importance of strong and vibrant local businesses for the continued health of the community. I encourage all who live in Leaside to patronise our local merchants and business operators. I know the readers of this column will agree with me that Leaside continues to be a great place to live, work, play, shop, and raise a family! I
Leaside Life, April 2013
Community is more than just a home
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REDWAY 2013 WINNER
We’re tops in Macphail awards
Leaside Life, April 2013
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In this 20th annual presentation of the Agnes Macphail Award in East York, the Leaside area continues to be the leading winner, this year with Alan Redway, former East York mayor, federal cabinet minister and owner of a long list of local community activities. He is the 12th Leasider to get the award for being an outstanding volunteer, advocate and contributor to community life. There have also been three from Thorncliffe (and one couple that doesn’t live here but attends Leaside United Church!). The award ceremony was held on Macphail’s birthday, Sunday, March 24. Redway became mayor of East York in 1976, an MP in 1984 and was named to the cabinet as housing minister in 1989. He has been the chair of Daily Bread Food Bank, co-chair of Putting Housing Back on the Public Agenda, a director of the Flemingdon Community Legal Services and lately a member of the Toronto Special Housing Working Group, and a member of many other community groups. And by the way, he writes a great column for Leaside Life. I
A 100-yard dash for Leaside 100 There will be a 100-yard dash at this year’s Leaside Spring Into Action fundraiser for diabetes Saturday, May 11. It’s the eighth annual walkrun, in Sunnybrook Park, 9 a.m to 1 p.m. events@insideoutstudio.ca I
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home from the meetings to tell us that Matt Sayliss had done it again, only to be met with cries from other committee members of, “Sit down Matt, we’ve heard it all before.” Today, however, the Leaside Tennis Club and courts at Trace Manes Park exist because of the perseverance of Matt Sayliss. Leaside is fortunate to have been home to this outstanding family. I
LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:18 PM Page 35
Stinky Leaside From Page 25
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Leaside Centennial Productions Presents:
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Leaside Life, April 2013
Fortunately for Bell, the Board of Health stepped in and agreed that yes, there was enough evidence that the plant had to be removed, without actual bags of sewage as proof. In the meantime, the town had a new mayor, Herbert Horsfall, one of the founders of Canada Wire and Cable. Determined to find a solution, Horsfall made a deal with the city. If they agreed to close down the Soudan plant, Leaside would give them their original sewage plant in the valley just south of Millwood and Laird (damaged years earlier in a landslide). “The council minutes in 1925 tell us that ‘the Toronto Board of Health is to remove that objectionable place as soon as possible and some compensation is to be paid to the town,’” says Naulls. Although no one’s sure if any compensation was paid, Leaside accepted the agreement and a new plant went into operation in 1927. The plant is still in operation today, turning sewage into clean water for 85 years. I
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In our Hood Leaside Life, April 2013
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36 By BETH It’s likely the highest price ever paid for a house in Leaside. Nick Kyprios’ home at 33 Heather has been sold. Although the final amount is a well-guarded secret, the list price was $3,295 million (and it didn’t stay on the market long!) The owner is expected to move there in August. We know there are knitters in Leaside (like the Kilgour Group in North Leaside), so here’s your chance to make yourselves known! The local chapter of the Needlework Guild would like to recruit new members to share tips, resources and contribute. A 121-year-old charity, the Guild donates what members create to 21 charities across the GTA. According to Purchasing Convener Fran McClure members are expected to either contribute at least two items a year or make an annual cash donation. Contact Fran for more info: fran.maclure@rogers.com Neighbours may remember Rupert, a North Leaside puppy fostered by the Sheedy family as a “guide dog in training” from Dog Guides of Canada. This March, Rupert graduated to his new life in “special skills”.
33 Heather Rd. Rupert, as well as the Sheedy’s new puppies, were recently seen on the Rick Mercer show. “You can watch the segment on YouTube,” advises 15-year-old Christopher Sheedy, obviously very proud of the dogs, “You’ll see our current puppies as well as Rupert.” http://www.youtube.com/watch ?v=LjVbYES3ygg A Leaside favourite for her talent and 80 plus years of energy, Ella Irving once again leads a flower arranging workshop at Trace Manes on April 6 using tulips and pussy willows. It’s all part of getting ready for spring at the Leaside Garden Club. And speaking of gardening, Tim Sullivan is proud to announce the new name for his group, Leaside Urban Farmers, www.leasideurbanfarmers.weebly.com Neighbours interested in growing vegetables in their yard might
want to check out an organic gardening event taking place April 28 event in Leaside (register in order to find out the location). It features the Backyard Urban Farming Company as well as prizes, food and compost. Lots of local talent, a stellar band, soloists and local musician/musical director Virginia Evoy are bringing Cabaret Oliver! to Leaside on Saturday, April 20 at Leaside United Church. It’s sponsored by Robert Lowrey, a musician himself and long time local business owner in the neighbourhood. An official ribbon cutting ceremony opened Booster Juice on Laird in March complete with Toronto Argonaut cheerleaders. According to manager Sungjai Youn, the Edmonton-based company is known for its commitment to community involvement and social responsibility. I
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LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:18 PM Page 37
John Parker Councillor, Toronto Ward 26 Don Valley West
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Enough letters to my office on this topic have come from Leaside residents to satisfy me that it merits attention in my Leaside Life column. So here goes: I oppose any proposal to invite a casino to locate in Toronto. I will vote against any proposal that comes to city council with the aim of declaring Toronto a willing host for such a development. Why begrudge Toronto residents a local venue at which to pursue the thrill and joy of losing their money at blackjack or pouring their savings into flashy machines with bright lights and tumbling images of fruit? The answer leaps out of the motives of those who propose a Toronto casino. It is not to provide residents with a recreational outlet; it is to take their money away from them. Which itself wouldn’t be such a bad thing if every casino patron were guaranteed to be a disciplined player with money to burn – if each one was a character out of a James Bond movie with wealth to spare. But we know that gambling has a dark side. A dark side that is truly and unmistakably insidious. We also know that its victims are those least equipped to stand up to it or cope with its consequences. We know that it is more than the players themselves who are victimized. It is their families as well. Ultimately it is their communities and the city in which they live. It troubles me in particular that, whenever a casino is proposed for Toronto, it is promoted on the basis that it will give our economy a boost. Think of the tourist dollars! Think of the hotel and restaurant trade! Think of the business for our shops! In a city as large and enterprising as Toronto, God help us all if our economy has slid so low that we have to turn to a casino to help pull us out of our slump. Let’s hope we have not run out of better and more productive ways to pay our bills. PARKER, Page 38
Leaside Life, April 2013
My vote is no casino
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LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:18 PM Page 38
Parker From Page 37
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Leaside Life, April 2013
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Last month I described the three-phase traffic light that was recently installed at the Laird/ McRae/Wicksteed intersection. There was not enough space to describe the system that triggers the green light to allow left turn traffic to proceed. As with many traffic lights in use throughout the city, the left turn signal is governed by a loop embedded in the road itself that detects the presence of a car stopped over it at a red light. The reason why this is worth knowing is that the light is only triggered if there is a car positioned above the loop. If you drive past the loop and stop beyond it, the light may not fire. I
Ice age boulder for arena? Councillor John Parker went back to his old geology books last month when the constuction company building the new Leaside Gardens arena found a two-metre-long boulder nearby. It’s smooth, resembles a baked potato and looks like something left behind during the last ice age more than 10,000 years ago, he says. "I hope to do some more research and then seek approval from the arena board of management to put the boulder on display. I think it might be nice to feature it together with a suitable plaque providing a few words of geological background and a word of thanks to the crews who arranged for the display to be made possible," said Parker. He said Leo Giovannelli, of Gio Construction, recognized the find as something that deserved special attention. "I was impressed that Leo took the trouble to get in touch," said Parker. Construction workers and an arena crews moved the boulder to an out-of-the-way spot for now. I
LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:18 PM Page 39
Carol Burtin Fripp Vice-president, LPOA
No quick fix for traffic Eack in the 1970s, Leaside initiated its first comprehensive traffic study, led by the LPOA, to regulate and reduce cut-through traffic. Controversy raged. Many residents living on Leaside’s quieter streets feared that any traffic plan would divert cars from busy streets onto their own. Hours were spent at every East York traffic committee and council meeting, as Leasiders disputed each other, street against street. The heat quotient was a lot higher than the light quotient, to say the least. This was in the days when there were hardly any stop signs anywhere, or turn restrictions. Traffic flowed freely, and at high speed. School crossing guards, occasionally hit by racing commuters, felt like an endangered species. But eventually traffic control measures were installed, and lo! traffic statistics decreased throughout the neighbourhood. That was then. And this is now. All around us are construction sites. Located in the very middle of the city, Leaside has been the beneficiary (if that is the word) of the resulting traffic. Police enforcement of stop signs, turn restrictions, and No Trucks rules is too infrequent. The LPOA and Leaside Unite receive complaints about drivers speeding, failing to stop at stop intersections, and other infractions, from residents all over Leaside. With the shopping centres built during the last 15 years on Laird Dr. alone, our traffic numbers have once again been climbing, and driverspeed is increasing. This situation can only get worse if ignored. For years, rather than supporting an internal Leaside study, city staff have proposed major measures like the Leslie Extension. When that was defeated, they proposed a shorter version, the Redway Rd. Extension, FRIPP, Page 40
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Leaside Life, April 2013
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LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:18 PM Page 40
Fripp From Page 39
Leaside Life, April 2013
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* Not intended to solicit those already under contract with another Realtor.
to connect Millwood to the Bayview Extension. Although the concept appealed to quite a few Leasiders who saw it as a quick fix, both extensions were challenged on financial and political grounds. The Redway Extension alone encountered opposition from landowners like Hydro, conservation authorities, and the railways, whose properties would be needed for the route, as well as ratepayer groups in north and south Rosedale, who feared the Redway traffic would be funnelled through their own neighbourhoods. There is no quick fix. But there are measures which can and should be taken to protect our streets. The key measure is to embark on a neighbourhood-led traffic study to identify the origins and destinations of cut-through traffic, both retail and development oriented, and during peak commuter periods. LPOA’s original traffic study objectives are still timely: to reduce through-traffic from the entire residential area (both North and South Leaside); to enhance the residential environment for residents making neighbourhood trips; to protect all residential streets, and avoid directly transferring through-traffic to adjacent streets; and to protect public transit routes, giving priority to public transit. At the Feb. 26 North York Community Council meeting, Councillor John Parker requested, for information only, advice from city staff regarding both the process for beginning an area-wide traffic study, and the feasibility of reopening the Redway Extension issue. Staff is to respond at the May 14 NYCC meeting. LPOA and LU will be there. We need to ensure that any traffic planning for Leaside genuinely meets neighbourhood objectives. I
RioCan buys more of this area
469 Manor Rd. East
RioCan has now bought itself another chunk of the Leaside Life area, the former Brennan Pontiac Buick site on Bayview at Broadway, where a Whole Foods store will be built. RioCan also owns Sunnybrook Plaza and half of the Leaside Centre at Laird and Eglinton.I
LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:18 PM Page 41
Leaside Life, April 2013
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Elgie property coverage would triple On Wednesday, Feb. 27 the future of 262 Bessborough Dr., the Elgie farmstead, was the subject of a wellattended public meeting at Leaside Library. Matthew Garnet of Renaissance Homes, with the support of ERA Architects, again presented their plans. This time the main focus was on the impact of the project on mature trees on the property, and the zoning bylaw variances that would be required. Renaissance is proposing to preserve the original Elgie house, but demolish the later additions, moving the original structure forward, to enable the severance of two new lots, and the construction of two new houses on either side, but maintaining the prominence of the original house by setting back the new houses, and adding to the rear of the original structure. One small change to the plan, introduced at this meeting, was to emulate the curved lines of the existing circular driveway (rather than standard perpendicular driveways) on the centre and north lots. The arborist, Al Miley, identified five trees that would need to be removed, all on private land, for which city approval was required. He explained that at least four of them had various ailments and deformities. An unknown number of other smaller trees or bushes would also
Geoff Kettel
Saving old Leaside be removed, but no permit was required. He emphasized that the city required 3-to-1 replacement of trees, and the developer would use tree stock (60-80 mm. diameter), not twigs. Andrew Pruss of ERA Architects calculated that the total massing proposed amounts to almost 10,000 square feet in place of perhaps 3,000 square feet currently. Immediate neighbours on Parkhurst were vocal with their concerns about loss of privacy, loss of tree cover and over-building. At the end of the meeting Brian Athey, president of the LPOA, summed up concerns. He noted that the community was always sensitive to bylaw variances, and especially to severances. He felt that the proposal was either too large, or to attempt to place three dwellings on the site might be too many. He noted that since two houses were new construction there was no reason why the development could not comply with the zoning bylaws. He also noted that the Leaside community was extremely sensitive to loss of trees. Also why could this not be part of the heritage district to be
studied for Parkhust Blvd.? To add my own nickel to the discussion, from a heritage perspective I think we need to start out by considering Bessborough in its cultural and historical context. The Elgie farmhouse was important before anything else existed in the area; it was the nerve centre of the 200-acre Elgie Estate, which stretched south and east from Bayview and Eglinton for half a century. It sat on a vantage point overlooking the picturesque Walmsley Brook. Since then streets have been laid out and lands have been subdivided but the Elgie farmhouse remains as a testament to those earlier times. This cultural heritage approach is the concept behind The Layers of Leaside tableau and archival exhibit, which are coming to the Leaside Library in April as part of the Leaside 100 celebrations. The tableau describes and illustrates the community’s rich cultural history and built heritage through maps, images and text. Finally, it is evident that there is still a need to clarify the heritage status of the property. It is included on the City of Toronto Inventory of Heritage Properties. This means that if the owner was to submit a demolition permit to the city it would have 60 days to consider designating the property. So listing is significant!! I
LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:18 PM Page 42
Endangered Animal Sanctuary co-founder dies
Leaside Life, April 2013
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William “Bill” Valliere, who cofounded the The Endangered Animal Sanctuary on Millwood Rd., died aged 73 on Feb. 15 in Grafton, near Cobourg, where the sanctuary had moved. Lorna Krawchuk, at the time an East York councillor, recalls some of the Leaside history. By LORNA KRAWCHUK I remember going to the Endangered Animal Sanctuary on Millwood Rd. one sunny summer afternoon, probably around 1990. Bill Valliere led me to the basement to see his larger caged animals. I walked carefully along the aisle between the cages, only to be really surprised to be hit on the shoulder quite forcefully by one huge paw. I wasn’t hurt, but got quite a bruise. Lucky for me, the tiger didn’t have claws. There were other days when I would see Bill out in Trace Manes Park, playing with a young tiger. Certainly not a usual urban sight. Immediate neighbours would get understandably perturbed when they’d hear that one of Bill’s huge snakes was loose, and be very glad to hear when it made its way home again. As Bill’s business grew, he tried to relocate to larger premises. One of his plans was to move into the Leaside Business Park area. The Borough of East York turned down that request, because as well as housing the animals, Bill offered tours of his sanctuary to various children’s groups and that sort of visiting wasn’t compatible with the heavy industry of the time. The Borough of East York was also working at encouraging Bill to leave East York completely. A bylaw was enacted, with a huge list of prohibited animals on it, and once it was in place, Bill’s business would be in contravention of that bylaw. In the end, we all won. Bill found a municipality that didn’t have an exotic animal prohibition bylaw, and moved there, before the borough started enforcing its new bylaw. I
LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:18 PM Page 43
MP still working on airplane noise
Leaside Life, April 2013
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MP John Carmichael says he is “continuing to work… finding a solution” to night airplane noise “… but I am not optimistic that there is (one) that will please everyone”. He met Feb. 18 with members of the new Toronto Aviation Noise Group (TANG) of which the Leaside Property Owners’ Association is a member. He says he will arrange a town hall meeting, date to be determined. TANG says it has 12 ratepayer group members, with interest growing. Current members are in Bedford Park, Lawrence Park, Sherwood Park, South Eglinton, Teddington Park, York Mills, Avenue Rd. and Eglinton Community, Eglinton Park, Oriole Park, South Hill, Forest Hill and Leaside. I
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Leaside Life, April 2013
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Protecting People… Property…Information Hello Neighbour! Accord Specialized Investigations and Security has moved into the neighbourhood just in time to celebrate Leasideʼs 100th and Accordʼs 10th anniversary. We provide asset protection services including on-line monitoring, security guards, building concierge services, mobile security visits to homes and condominiums and private security for special events. We look forward to many years in our new Leaside home!! Feel free to drop by anytime, we are always open. 1560 Bayview Avenue Suite 300, M4G 3B8
416.461.2774 www.accordsecurity.ca
Skaters end Quebec sweep The Leaside Novice Synchronized Skating Team came in second at Skate Canada’s national competition in Calgary earlier this year, ensuring that the annual event was not another sweep by teams from Quebec, as has been the case in recent years. According to head coach Meredith Tutching, “The team skated two amazing performances that earned
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them a spot on the podium.” Of the over 20 girls synchro teams in Ontario, Leaside is the only novice team based in Toronto. Tutching is one of hundreds of talented skaters who trained several years at Leaside Skating Club. She began her synchro career here and returned to coach several years ago. Her novice teams have won two silvers and several bronze medals. I
LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:19 PM Page 45
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To advertise here: 416-486-7387 www.leasidelifenews.com Deadline April 10.
HOMES MUST SELL Leaside Life, April 2013
Leaside Life
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Leaside Life, April 2013
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The boom that came before KABOOM KABOOM is the clever name of the fireworks store at the corner of Laird and Parkhurst. For my family the name is part of our history. Our family connection with Leaside goes back to Sir William Mackenzie and his partner Sir Donald Mann who commissioned the development of the Leaside community in 1913. My uncle Norman Matthew was Sir William’s chauffeur when Leaside was in the first stages of development. He used to drive Sir William in his Rolls-Royce from his Toronto mansion, Benvenuto, on Avenue Rd., through the emerging streets of Leaside, to his summer estate on Balsam Lake in the Kawarthas. During World War 1 Norman bought a cottage lot near the estate, and his brother bought one next door. When my grandfather enlisted in Saskatoon he was ordered to Toronto and soon left from Summerhill Station for France. My grandmother came east with him and stayed with her relatives, the Matthews. Soon introduced to the pleasures
Karen Fraser Memories of Old Leaside
of Balsam Lake, she purchased the next lot. She had already started building a modest real estate empire and was impressed by Sir William’s building ventures as reported by Norman. After World War II, when her company won a subcontract to build Sunnybrook Hospital for war veterans, she moved to a newly built house at 694 Eglinton East, between Rumsey and Hanna. That was 1947. Eglinton had enormous, stately elm trees, later cut down to widen the street. The company, John Fraser Plumbing and Heating Ltd., now run by my grandfather and father, moved to 202 Laird. Later they built a bigger space on Wicksteed and rented out the Laird building. One night in the early 1970s I re-
ceived a call from my young sister asking if our father owned a building on Laird. I said yes and asked why she needed to know that at 11:30 p.m. She said father had been watching the Toronto news when they went live to a building on Laird that had blown up and caught fire. He had jumped up and run out of the house. I asked her to have him call me when he returned. He called around 1 a.m. and with no preamble said, “Well, I am getting a new roof.” The explosion had also blown out the windows facing Parkhurst. The tenant, who had promised not to store chemicals in the building, had not kept his word. The family appreciates the irony that the building now features the word KABOOM written in a cartoon explosive style along its side wall and over the bricked in areas that were once windows. I Karen Fraser is president of Women Like Me, which produces seminars called Today’s Success is Like a Quilt.
LeasideLife issue 16 Aprilrev_LeasideLifev1 13-03-18 10:19 PM Page 47
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Leaside Life, April 2013
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