LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:54 PM Page 1
No. 27 • April 2014
Leaside Life leasidelifenews.com
An extraordinary woman Page 22
SUE BYFORD
‘Surely it is not a function of Rotary to stimulate owners on the strip’
Last year’s Bits and Bites on Bayview Ave.
OMB okays old PO plans By Geoff Kettel, Co-chair LPOA A proposal to permit the building of a seven-storey (plus mechanical penthouse) at the corner of Malcolm and Millwood (the site of the former post office) was approved when the Ontario Municipal Board allowed an appeal on March 7 to permit the zoning by-law to be amended. This was a disappointment, but not a surprise, to residents of the area and members of the Leaside Property Owners’ Association. The die was cast when the OMB chair determined that because Deni Papetti, a registered architect, had a home immediately adjacent to the subject property, he must present solely technical, rather than opinion evidence in making his case against the building of the structure. OMB, Page 8
Rotary Club gives up on helping Bayview By PATRICIA PHENIX The Rotary Club has cancelled a second Bits and Bites on Bayview because of lack of merchant response, says club member Peter Bennett, the driving force behind last year’s street party. The taste-fest, held June 21 and 22 last year, was designed to publicize the street’s restaurants and retail stores, as well as raise funds for the club’s community fund. A year later, Bennett wonders why he bothered. “Only four or five merchants went to great lengths to support the concept, and only one or two people, non-restaurateurs, have indicated an enthusiasm for a repeat,” says Bennett. The profit generated was a disappointing $1,800-2,000. Bennett, the owner of Hearthstone Property Management on Bayview at Belsize, concludes that Rotary cannot act “as a cheerleader for the area” and that “those at financial risk have to come forward and organize to protect and grow their futures.” Sue Byford, of Bonnie Byford Real Estate Ltd., who designed a website and poster to promote the day, empathizes with Bennett’s struggle to unite store owners in a common project. ROTARY, Page 2
Request to demolish Elgie House
Renaissance Fine Homes, developer of the heritage Elgie House on Bessborough, is asking for permission to demolish the home at the same time that it is waiting for an Ontario Municipal Board hearing on its desire to just move the house on the property. This latest request was to be heard by the Toronto Preservation Board in March, after our deadline. ELGIE, Page 2
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:54 PM Page 2
For Your Local Birding Questions....
ASK THE BIRD EXPERTS
Rotary From Page 1
2
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
“I’ve tried to organize raffles and bargain days and they rip into me complaining that I’m trying to tell them what to put on sale,� she says. “When I’ve tried to distribute posters, they said. ‘Oh, no we don’t do that sort of thing.’ Yet the same people who turn me down show up on the steering committees for BIAs.� Despite the apathetic response
Run for diabetes
Elgie From Page 1
Everything for Folks Who Love
WILD BIRDS 939 Eglinton Ave E. (Brentcliffe and Eglinton)
416- 646-2439
www.UrbanNatureStore.ca
to the day, she nevertheless hopes that Bennett will reconsider his decision to scrap Bits and Bites altogether. “It was a unique idea, and well worth it,â€? she says. “A BIA might cost you $100,000 against one day of fun.â€? Some Rotary members disagree. “Surely it is not a function of Rotary to stimulate owners on the strip,â€? says George Hurst, Rotary past president. “We went out of our way to be helpful, but in the process merchants determined that they were not interested.â€? â–
Meanwhile the city planning department has already asked city council to refuse the demolition request. Council must decide by May 24. The developer had earlier appealed to the OMB following the rejection by the committee of adjustment of their application for severance and minor variances. It wanted to build three new homes and turn the heritage home on its spot. The OMB hearing is May 12. â–
Heading into its ninth year, the Spring Into Action walk and run for diabetes hopes to raise $15,000. Organized by Leaside’s Insideout Health and Fitness, the 2 km, 5 km and 10 km walk and run will be held Saturday, May 3 in Sunnybrook Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with the money going to Sunnybrook Hospital’s Diabetes Foundation, York University Diabetes Sports Camp and IChallenge Diabetes. The event will include a BBQ, kids’ activities, a stretch station, a vendors marketplace and live music. Insideoutstudio.ca/events3/spring-action-2014/â–
OUR Neighbourhood, YOUR Realtor ÂŽ
Personal service, local expertise and a proven record of success Laugh Out Loud in Leaside Act #5 raised over $30,000 for New Circles. Thank you for your support! 79 GLENVALE BOULEVARD
291 LAIRD DRIVE
184 BESSBOROUGH DRIVE
Fabulous renovated 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom home with renovated basement, private drive & garage. For Lease $4,200/month.
Stunning custom crafted 4 bedroom, 4 bathroom home on a 35 foot lot in North Leaside. 6XSHULRU ÀQLVKHV LQWHUORFN SULYDWH drive and garage. Call for Details.
South Leaside Traditonal detached 3 bedroom home with private drive, ODUJH SULQFLSDO URRPV DQG ÀQLVKHG basement. Sunny west facing 30’ x 135’ lot $1,149,000
THE SPRING MARKET IS NOW! TO EXPLORE YOUR REAL ESTATE OPTIONS WITH MY GLOBAL MARKETING PROGRAM, CONTACT ME TODAY!
www.AtHomeInLeaside.com
charlene@charlenekalia.com
4 1 6 .9 2 5 .9 1 9 1 Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage *Sales Representative. THIS IS NOT INTENDED TO SOLICIT SELLERS OR BUYERS CURRENTLY UNDER CONTRACT WITH A BROKER
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:54 PM Page 3
Chief planner will meet with us April 9 Councillor, Toronto Ward 26 Don Valley West
lambasted and even more widely misunderstood. We have all seen the results: Individual development projects – particularly large ones – tend to be approved by way of site specific rezoning applications. At best, this is time consuming and cumbersome.
ď ľ
Chief planner Jennifer Keesmaat
Leaside/Davisville's Top Realtor*
NEIGHBOURHOOD INSPIRED REAL EST TAT AT E THE SPRING MARKET IS HO HOT! T! Call me today to discuss my EXCLUSIVE MARKETING PLAN FOR YOUR HOME AND A COMPLIMENT COMPLIMENTARY TAR ARY EVALUATION EV VALUA A AT TION
191 Divadale Dr North Leaside High demand St, 4 bdrm, fam room, south lot
414 Sutherland Dr Future development potential on Eglinton! Corner lot
COMING SOON ‡ 1RUWK /HDVLGH ‡ 1RUWK /HDVLGH bdrm, fam room ‡ 6RXWK /HDVLGH ‡ 6RXWK /HDVLGH ‡‡ 3 3 bdrm, fam room ‡ 6RXWK /HDVLGH ‡ 6RXWK /HDVLGH QHZ EGUP QHZ EGUP 3,500sqft call for details ‡ 1RUWK /HDVLGH ‡ 1RUWK /HDVLGH Semi
211 21 1 Randolph Rd
409 Sutherland Dr
2 bdrm, 2 bath, Leaside condo $459,000
Detached, 2 storey, storey, 2 bedroom, South Leaside $789,000
NO ONE SELLS MORE M AREA A HOMES!* HOMES!* PROVEN RESUL RESULTS, LT TS, OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE! , +HOS D VWXGHQW DWWHQG SURP UG DQQXDO 3URP 'ULYH &ROOHFWLQJ QHZ RU JHQWO\ XVHG +HOS D VWXGHQW DWWHQG SURP UG DQQXDO 3URP 'ULYH &ROOHFWLQJ QHZ RU JHQWO\ XVHG LWHPV DW P\ RIILFH 0HUWRQ 6W XQWLO $SULO WK 7KDQN \RX ............. LWHPV DW P\ RIIIILFH 0HUWRQ 6W XQWLO $SULO WK 7KDQN \RX
P Patrick atricbkr o keRocca R occa r 416.322.8000 mail@patrickrocca.com www.leasidehomes.com www.leasidehomes.com * TREB Stats Not in intended ntended to solicit properties p p alre already ady y listed.
Bosleyy R Real Estate Ltd.,, Brokerage g
3
|
John Parker
At worst, it is fraught with misunderstanding, mistrust, and controversy. It means that city "planners" don't so much plan as react, in as much as most "plans" take the form of proposals submitted by property owners. Residents groups see developers – a breed more to be loathed even than municipal politicians – as foxes in charge of the planning hen-house. Many of us have noticed it encourages a let’s-make-a-deal approach to decision-making. Some of us have seen it turn development applications into holy wars. Is there a solution? Yes. We must adopt an area-based development permit system. A development permit system would replace zoning bylaws, Committee of Adjustment approvals, site plan approvals, and Section 37 agreements with one document that would apply across an entire neighbourhood and to all building proposals. It is not a new idea: it is already in widespread use in five provinces and in four municipalities in Ontario.
Leaside Life, April 2014
Development applications? Zoning requirements? Official Plan provisions? Traffic impacts? Building heights? Density? Intensification? Section 37 benefits? It seems that hardly a week goes by that residents in the Leaside area are not met with development proposals – whether on the block where they live or on one of our main streets – that challenge their understanding as to the type of developments that are well suited to their community. Some of these proposals involve an application to the Committee of Adjustment for a minor variance to the existing zoning bylaw; some involve an application to community council for a revision to the zoning bylaw itself. Every once in a while – although not yet while I have represented the area – an application is brought forward that seeks an amendment to the city’s Official Plan. In each case, a party that is dissatisfied with the result of the process at the initial stage has a right of recourse to the Ontario Municipal Board, a tribunal that is routinely
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:54 PM Page 4
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
4
It begins with a comprehensive plan for the future development of the area based on background planning studies and community input. The resulting document then serves as the basis for a comprehensive development permit bylaw, compliance with which then becomes a precondition for approval of a building permit. Properly applied, it can make a lot of other measures and processes redundant. The authority to adopt a development permit regulatory framework in Toronto has been on the books since 2007. The time has come to click our heels and make it happen. The concept involves too much detail to address in the 500 words afforded to me in this column. For that reason I have invited the city's chief planner, Jennifer Keesmaat, to come to Leaside and discuss it with us this April 9 at the William Lea Room. ■
LOL raises $30,000 The 5th Annual Laugh Out Loud in Leaside event raised over $30,000 in March for the Flemingdon Park New Circles charity. The not-for-profit organization offers clothing services, community referrals and skills building programs to residents of Thorncliffe Park, Flemingdon Park and Victoria Village neighbourhoods. Yuk Yuk comedians kept the 200 guests laughing. In addition to the major sponsor, Lexus on the Park, local food merchants Grilltime, De La Mer, and Tori and Cates Cupcakes supplied food, including oysters (the first to be devoured) and maple smoked salmon. ■
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: Lorna Krawchuk EDITORIAL: Harry Goldhar, Patricia Phenix ADVERTISING: Ruth Goldhar GRAPHIC DESIGN: L. Choy
416‐486‐7387 leasidelife@gmail.com www.leasidelifenews.com
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:54 PM Page 5
When Richard Walo became principal of St. Anselm at the beginning of this school year his goal was to bring it into today’s world. The first big step came the first Wednesday of March when students chatted on Skype around the world with other students from Croatia, South Africa, Slovenia, and the U.S. during World Read Aloud Day. Walo sees this as the beginning of a regular international dialogue. “Skype connects teachers with teachers and students with students in our board and around the world. It makes learning more meaningful and authentic,â€? he says. By September, the school’s 75th anniversary, construction will be complete on a new Learning Commons Area (formerly the library) that will offer access to wi-fi and other interactive technology. Students already have access to LCD projectors, iPads and laptops in their classrooms, as well as Skype, which has become a popular choice for learning. That happened on Valentine’s Day when the kids raised nearly $300 to send to an orphanage in Kampala, Uganda by holding a Candy-O-Gram sale at the school with proceeds to support the orphanage. Afterwards, students Skyped the recipients, Teacher Michele Whyte thinks the experience had a positive effect. “When we Skyped, our students agreed that they (the children in the orphanage) are ‘just like us,’ probably the best lesson they will learn all year.â€? Whyte, who initiated the program, said it wasn’t all serious. “All our students wanted to do was find their Valentine in the crowd, and (then they watched) a movie made for us by our Indonesian buddies.â€? She says the school will continue to use technology for virtual field trips, and to talk to experts around the world about math, science and history. She sees nothing but more exciting projects ahead for St. Anselm. â–
/\QGD *RUJHV %URNHU
/\QGD *RUJHV#JPDLO FRP ZZZ O\QGDJRUJHV FRP
´, KDYH NQRZQ /\QGD *RUJHV IRU VHYHUDO \HDUV DV VKH KDQGOHG UHDO HVWDWH WUDQVDFWLRQV IRU PH DQG RWKHU PHPEHUV RI P\ IDPLO\ VXFFHVVIXOO\ DQG ZLWK WKH XWPRVW SURIHVVLRQDOLVP , KDYH GHDOW ZLWK UHDO HVWDWH EURNHUV LQ 0RQWUHDO DQG 7RURQWR DQG , FDQ VD\ ZLWKRXW DQ\ KHVLWDWLRQ WKDW VKH VXUSDVVHV WKHP DOO LQ WHUPV RI XQGHUVWDQGLQJ KHU FOLHQWV¡ REMHFWLYHV DQG DWWDLQLQJ WKHP TXLFNO\ WR HYHU\RQH¡V VDWLVIDFWLRQ 6KH JRHV WKH H[WUD PLOH DQG GHYRWHV WLPH DQG HIIRUW WR FRQFOXGH WUDQVDFWLRQV LQ D PDQQHU WKDW VROYHV LVVXHV DQG WKDW PDNHV FORVLQJV ORRN HDV\ , NQRZ WKDW LI , HYHU ZDQW WR EX\ RU VHOO D SURSHUW\ LQ 7RURQWR , ZLOO FDOO /\QGD ¾
*HRUJHV 'MDQGML
5
|
´, FDQ VD\ ZLWKRXW DQ\ KHVLWDWLRQ WKDW VKH VXUSDVVHV WKHP DOO¾
Leaside Life, April 2014
Bringing his school into today’s world
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:54 PM Page 6
My eight proposals to help Bayview In the March issue of Leaside Life, Geoff Kettel and I debated whether the Laird developments are primarily responsible for Bayview’s store closings. I said that the street’s demise is its own doing. Nonetheless, I firmly believe that if you find fault, you should also find solutions. With that in mind, here is my eight-point plan for improving Bayview. 1. Create a BIA (Business Improvement Area) The strip needs to develop vibrant public spaces that are children friendly. Successful business districts understand that people come before commerce. If Bayview aims to become a destination where it's fun to hang out, business will surely follow. Why is it that there are no decent backyard patios on the street? With the exception of Fukui Sushi, which has a hidden one out back, there's little excitement from the handful of restaurants that offer patios. Go to Allen's on the Danforth or Sidecar on College. Their patios are hidden oases. 2. Eliminate product overlaps When it comes to a variety of products, there are too many of some
Will Ashworth The business of Leaside
things and not enough of others. Essence du Papier, which recently closed, didn't even last six months. That’s not surprising. The demand for specialty paper couldn’t possibly support a second store in addition to Write Impressions. Meanwhile, Dollarama’s presence only exacerbated the situation because of its wide selection of paper products. To avoid similar missteps, the strip needs to hire a top-notch research firm to perform a thorough supply and demand gap analysis. 3. Offer parking perks Bayview business owners should take note that the Kensington BRZ (Business Revitalization Zone) in Calgary sends out parking elves each Christmas, randomly giving out twohour parking passes to those who ask for them. This past Christmas they gave out 2,000 free hours, a $4,500
freebie. It's not much, but it's better than nothing. And the PR is priceless. If parking on the street is as bad as Geoff Kettel believes, the entire 100-plus stores should also develop an e-commerce program that allows customers to order from all the stores getting a single unified delivery, whether the order is product from one store or three. That will help reduce the competition with Laird. 4. Create a sense of fun We need a heck of a lot more fun on Bayview. If Leasiders can pool enough funds to mount successful residential street festivals each spring, with face-painting, homecooked food, sports, and floats for the kiddies, why can’t Bayview? The Rotary Club’s Bits and Bites event held last June was a modest success. Unfortunately, it found very little enthusiasm from Bayview retailers during the event and even less nine months later. It's sad that a street literally wilting in front of us can't find the gumption to pull off one measly event. Forget just one –
Want to SELL Your Home this SPRING? CALL NOW for Your Home Evaluation Broker, Designer
416-834-6461
416-834-6461
COMPLIMENTARY: • State-of-the-Art HD Video & Virtual Tour • Professional Photos • Superior Bound Feature Booklets • Home Evaluation • Listed on Toronto Board • Full Service Team Working for You! • Complimentary Home Staging. 1) Consultation 2) Recommendations 3) Return to Showcase
Zack Bargash Sales Representative, Builder
416-890-6496
STAGED
Michelle Refani
UNSTAGED
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
6
We have CASH BUYERS for Bungalows & Lots in Leaside! Sell for Top Price & SAVE on Real Estate Fees! REMAX Hallmark Realty Ltd,. Brokerage
www.TopSoldTeam.com |
info@topsoldteam.com
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:54 PM Page 7
SUGGESTIONS, Page 20
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
7
|
7. Tear down the five-shop strip currently on the east side of Bayview south of Millwood It would be better to build a new, four-storey building (one floor retail, one floor offices and two floors residential) using this land and the Green P lot beside it. Ironically, the Green P was a pub until it was bulldozed to make way for the current parking lot. People don't use the parking enough. It’s more valuable as a commercial development. Not to mention it would better define the south end of the strip. 8. Tear down 1560 Bayview In its place put a two-level underground Green P with an open-air square above it. This would become the meeting place for Bayview while providing more parking closer to the bulk of stores. Conclusion: Learn to love your street Some might feel I’m being too hard on Bayview. You're entitled to your opinion. However, I have a vested interest in Bayview succeeding. Why? Because I actually live on the street. I walk to Starbucks every day. I shop at valu-mart. I buy a loaf of bread at Cobs and occasionally even enjoy a beer or three at McSorley's. The street's a big part of my life.
Leaside Life, April 2014
the number of events held annually needs to be ramped up exponentially, especially in the winter when the tendency is to stay inside and cocoon. Winterfest is a must! 5. Improve signage The Bayview strip needs to adopt strict signage and window standards. While some businesses look modern and up to date, others appear as if they've been caught in a time warp and are still living in the ‘70s. 6. Landlords need to get realistic about rents Landlords need to give their heads a shake. According to the Behar Group’s website the two below grade retail locations (1,000 and 1,208 square feet) at 1560 Bayview (at Belsize) cost $57 per square foot to rent. Generally, small businesses should pay no more than 10 percent of total revenue. On the basis of these rents a business would have to generate $570,000 in revenue per year in order to be considered affordable. That's $1,560 a day. It's not hard to figure out why both units have been sitting empty for a while. These last two suggestions require a great deal of cooperation by the city, landlords, tenants, residents, etc. I've seen very little of that in the five years I've lived in Leaside, but you always can hope.
Men’s Cuts $18 and up Lady’s Cuts $25 and up NEW AESTHETICIAN
Special 20% off for
• Manicure/Pedicure • Waxing • Facial • Body Massage 939 Eglinton Ave. East (at Brentcliffe Rd.)
Tel. (416) 696 -2505
Easter should satisfy your soul. Not just your sweet tooth.
Come and be really fed. Good Friday & Easter Sunday 10:30 am The Church of St Augustine of Canterbury Bayview at Broadway truly progressive & genuinely friendly
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:54 PM Page 8
OMB Leaside Life, April 2014
|
8
From Page 1
In making his decision, the chair said that it was fair to assume that there might be “a reasonable apprehension of bias” on the part of Mr. Papetti in making his argument.
By contrast, the chair allowed the applicant’s expert witness to provide opinion evidence. As a representative of the LPOA at the hearing, I find it interesting that the expert in question, who provided planning and urban design services to the applicant with respect to the building, was nevertheless deemed objective enough to bring independent and unbiased
Summer volunteer opportunities Are you looking to gain experience volunteering in a client-based program, helping kids with special needs participate in activities to the best of their ability? Then we are looking for you! To learn more about Holland Bloorview’s volunteer opportunities, please visit www.Hollandbloorview.ca/volunteer
evidence before the board. The fact is that the LPOA agreed to become a party to the action when the city declared that they could not find a planner to be their expert witness. In this way the LPOA ensured that the substantive planning issues and concerns were brought forward. Based on Mr. Papetti’s evidence, the LPOA argued (though ultimately unsuccessfully) that the applicant failed to apply the policies of the Official Plan and misapplied the Mid-Rise Guidelines, as well as contradicted the applicant’s supposition that the city staff report was in full support of the application. These concerns were paralleled by the residents of Malcolm Rd. and Krawchuk Lane who are immediately affected by the building. So it is done, and there is no appeal of an OMB decision except in the rare case when it can be shown that there is an error in law. Where do we go from here? The LPOA will ask the councillor to have the site plan agreement approved by community council rather than by city staff. This will allow the opportunity for a public airing of detailed issues around such matters as balconies and transformer locations. The process and resultant decision speaks volumes about fundamental problems with the current OMB process, and the inability of local residents to have effective input without incurring huge costs. I would like to extend a huge thank you to the LPOA team, residents and community representatives for their collective time and effort to oppose this proposal. ■
The OMB decision: Page 36
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:54 PM Page 9
Leaside bungalows pass the $1 million mark to a gorgeous home on Leacrest listed for $2,895,000. ■ ___ For individual street sales, see leasidelifenews.com Last 12 months, March 2013 to the end of February 2014, compared to the previous 12 months, March 2012 to the end of February 2013. Sales volumes changes All Home Sales – up 4.2%, to 200 sales Detached Home Sales – down 2.6%, to 150 sales Semi-Detached Home Sales – up 35.3%, to 46 sales Dollar value changes All Home Values – up 5.8%, to $1,274,468 Detached Home Values – up 9.2%, to $1,445,580 Semi-Detached Home Values – up 5.4%, to $755,478
LEASIDE HOME PRICES FEBRUARY 2014 Home Type All - Month All - Year-to-Date Detached - Month Semi-Detached Month Condo Apartment Month Condo Townhouse Month
Average Price Average Price Leaside City of Toronto $664,776 $686,209 $1,446,195
$599,414 $579,362 $955,314
$844,667
$668,298
$225,671
$372,678
$286,583
$463,187
Jethro Seymour is a broker at Johnston & Daniel. All figures are from the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service.
SPRING MARKET IS HERE!
CALL NOW
FOR A COMPLIMENTARY
EVALUATION OF YOUR HOME!
428-20 Burkebrook Pl. $499,900 Kilgour Estate! Spacious & Bright 1+1 Bedrm, 2 Full Bathrms Upgraded Suite W/ Granite Breakfast Bar, Hardwood Thru-out, 1 Parking, 1 Locker! Luxurious Amenities In A High Demand Building!
204-1801 Bayview Ave. $339,900
28 Ashall Blvd. $1,389,000
610-21 Burkebrook Pl. $499,900
Open Concept 1 Bedrm, 1 Bathrm + Den! Large Master With New Broadloom & W/O To South Facing Balcony, Freshly Painted. 1 Parking, 1 Locker. Steps To 24Hr Metro & Bayview Amenities!
New, Contemporary, Gorgeous 4 Bedrm, 4 Bathrm Detached Home In Parkview Hills! Stunning Open Concept Main Floor, Hardwood Thru-out, 12 Ft Ceilings, Finished Bsmt, Built-in Garage, Private Drive.
Kilgour Estate 1 Bedrm + Den, 1.5 Bathrm Suite W/ Hardwood Floors, Granite Counter With Breakfast Bar, South )DFLQJ 6·)· %DOFRQ\ With BBQ Hookup! 1 Parking, 1 Locker.
Royal LePage Chairman’s Club Recipient (Top 1% in Canada) 2011/2012/2013 * Not intended to solicit those already under contract with another Realtor.
ShereeCerqua Sales Representative
416 275 5224 MOBILE
416 443 0300 OFFICE
www.shereecerqua.com
9
|
Leaside & Bennington Heights February home sales statistics. There has been a dramatic rise in bungalow prices in Leaside. This year two bungalows have sold (essentially building lots) for an average of $1,033,000, or 34 percent above the asking price. Million dollar bungalows are new here. This suggests builders are confident with the prospect of selling newly constructed homes over $2 million. Meanwhile February home values on MLS also continued to trend upward in 2014. Here is a 12-month look at the current averages, up to Feb. 28. In February this year, 16 homes changed hands in Leaside and Bennington Heights, which was 27 percent less than the 22 homes that sold last year in February. There wasn’t a significant change to the average dollar values of those transactions from year to year, which was $1,318,021. This February, only three of the 16 homes that sold were semidetached.
The value of 2014’s year-to-date 13 detached homes were essentially flat, down -0.1 percent, or $1,427,256, compared to the 18 detached homes that sold in February 2013. The highest valued sale on TREB MLS so far in 2014 was $2.58 million for a home in Leaside followed by a $2.55 million in Bennington Heights. The lowest valued sale was $763,000 for a semi-detached home in North Leaside. As of March 5 this year there were 22 homes available in Leaside. They range from a two-bedroom bungalow on Sutherland listed for $749,000
Leaside Life, April 2014
By JETHRO SEYMOUR
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:54 PM Page 10
FREE REPORT ON LEASIDE HOUSE SOLD PRICES
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
10
Blood donor clinic like no other By LISA DUVAL
OH N MAN N EH & L A URA SPRRACKLIN S A L E S R E P R E S E N TAT I V E S TTOO P 1 % I N TO T O R O N TO TO* 416-919-8895
ohn@CallJ hn@C ohnAndLaura.com Laura@CallJohnAndLaura.com *Combined Unit Sales TREB 2012 Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers already under contract.
W W W. C A L L J O H N A N D L A U R A . C O M
Ba Bayview yview & Fleming F le m in g 1601 B Bayview ayview Ave Ave Tor Toronto onto O ON NM M4G 4G 3B5 3B 5 416-489-1873 416 489 1873
! # $ ! " ! $
When two children at Northlea school were diagnosed with leukemia in the same week of November 2003, people were overwhelmed with a desire to help, but were at a loss as to how. Both children suggested that people could donate blood. A group of 10 mothers joined together to make that happen. When we started these clinics over 10 years ago, we were lauded for wanting to host one clinic, and warned not to set our expectations too high. Our liaison from Canadian Blood Services (CBS) at that time told us that a community-run clinic our size could expect to average about 60 units of blood. I remember our committee of volunteers told them that Leaside was different, and that they should be prepared for an unusual response. We were also told that clinics like ours tend to lose steam once the initial crisis has passed. At that time we committed to five years of clinics, 10 in total, until the theoretical time by which the two children in whose honour we began the clinics would be deemed cured. Our CBS liaisons smiled and continued on with their usual plans. We were all stunned at the end of the first night, when CBS finally closed the doors, after running hours overtime and having had to turn away people because over 206 showed up to donate. Leaside donated 172 units of blood that night, saving over 516 lives. It was the largest communityrun clinic in CBS history. The neighbourhood has continued to exceed expectations every single time, with over 100 units collected in almost every clinic, even though one of the children died in October 2012. None of the blood collected can be directed toward any one patient in Canada, so it doesn't necessarily benefit anyone in the community. However, everyone who participates, from patients who have lent their names to the cause, to family members who drive hours to participate, to vendors who donate food BLOOD, Page 12
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:54 PM Page 11
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
11
Easter Orders Easter Orders for fo r S Specially pecially Designed Designed Ca kes, Cupcakes, Cu upcakes, Cream Pu u ffs & Cakes, Cream Puffs Cookies Cookies FIRST FI IR RST COMMUNION CO OMM MMUN NION & CONFIRMATION CO ONFI FIRMATI R ION CAKES Toronto’s T oronto’s p premiere remiere destination destination for for scrumptious, scrumptious, gourmet gourmet cupcakes, cupcakes, in in the the heart heartt off L o Leaside. easide. W We eb bake ake o our ur cu cupcakes pcakes ffresh rresh d daily, aily, y u using sing o only nlly y tthe he ffinest, inestt, a allll n natural atural iingredients. ngredients. Eve Every ry b batch atch iis sm made ade from frrom scratch. scratch. We We ca cater ter tto o ttoday’s oday’’s n needs, eeds, offering o ffering 100% 100% nut nut free, frree, Vegan, Gluten free, fre r e, Diabetic Parve varieties, varieties, as as well w ell Vegan, Gluten Diabetic & Parve a our extensive of delicious, regular cupcakes and cakes ass our extensive variety variety of delicious, old old fashioned fashioned regular cu upcakes and cakes ffor or w weddings, eddings, birthdays, birthdays, a anniversaries…. nniversaries…. ANY ANY OCCASION OCCASION CAKES CAKE ES !
www.toriandcatescupcakes.com www.toriandcatescupcakes.com 1592 B Bayview Torront o o, O Ontario ntta arrio M4G M4 4G 3B7 ayview Avenue Avenue Toronto, 3B7
416-482-8674 8674
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:54 PM Page 12
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
12
Wishing Wi shing you y ou a Happy Happy Easter Easter
Kathleen Wynne, MPP Don Valley West
A grandparent’s eye view of this special community Recently we had the annual call from a realtor friend asking if we plan to sell our house this year. It's about her 30th annual call and it always gets the same response: "No, never. We'll all be dead before this house changes hands." No matter the issues filling the columns of Leaside Life: redevelopment, traffic congestion, business failures, etc. No matter that we know we live in a teardown, a house no buyer of our property is likely to think worth preserving. No matter ice storms, airplane noise, crabgrass, or speed bumps. We have lived in Leaside for 50 years and are planning to be here for the next 50 or so. A grandparent's eye view of Leaside is very different from that of the young, who have to struggle with big mortgages, parents who keep anxious eyes on the quality of our schools, and the middle-aged who calculate trade-offs between grander houses and retirement nest eggs. With mortgages paid off, reasonable financial security, and every kind of home and recreational and business service readily available, many of us seniors find Leaside an ideal community in which to stretch out the rest of our lives. You know, Leaside doesn't change very quickly, and, with the possible exception of the Laird corridor, most of the changes in recent decades have arguably been improvements. Most Leaside streets are as quiet and pleasant and safe as ever. While a few of our new faux chateaux are a bit much, the housing stock is improving rather than deteriorating. Maybe it's tough to run a small busi-
Blood From Page 10
Don V Valley a alley W West es et 795 795 Eglinton Eglinton Ave Ave East, East, Unit 101 101 Toronto, T o oronto, ON M4G 4E4 416-425-6777 416-425-6777 www.kathleenwynne.onmpp.ca www.kathleenwynne.onmpp.ca
and services to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, to the Girl Guide and Scout units who used to volunteer to comfort or entertain waiting donors, to the thousands of donors themselves, help to keep donations at double what anyone predicted. Two One Match Stem Cell Donation swabbing clinics have also been held in conjunction with our clinics
Michael Bliss
Living in Leaside ness on Bayview, but the restaurants have never been better. Could someone please open a cinema somewhere in the new shopping centres? Community institutions seem to be strong. Leaside has survived the horrors of amalgamation. Ethnic diversification is a positive good. Leaside's sense of identity seems to be growing, rather than shrinking. We self-identify as Leasiders at least as much as we are Torontonians. You may not like him very much, but even the Prime Minister of Canada is proud of his Leaside roots (and don't you think the Leaside Stephen Harper is kinder and gentler than the Calgary Stephen Harper?). When we moved to this house, ours were the lively little children on the street, no doubt both brightening and blightening the lives of our older neighbours. Now we're the oldsters, and one of the best things about Leaside is that it's continually renewed by new generations, the kids who invariably brighten our lives, the energetic parents who organize the block parties and stand on guard through the LPOA and other organizations to protect and enrich this sunny small town in the heart of Toronto. A very good place in which to grow old and ignore the realtors. ■ MICHAEL BLISS is an eminent Canadian historian.
to help those in need of transplants. The most important legacy of this project is the new donors who were once Leaside students themselves. I hope this community and its neighbours continue to carry this legacy forward, so others can feel that support as Leaside moves into its second 100 years together. Our 23rd clinic is on Wednesday, April 9, 2-8 p.m. in the north gym at Northlea Elementary and Middle School, 305 Rumsey Rd. You can make an appointment at 1-8882-DONATE or www.blood.ca (walk-ins also welcome). ■
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:54 PM Page 13
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
13
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:55 PM Page 14
14
Leaside Life
|
Deadline for May, April 10
delivered each month to all homes, and by the post office to apartments and businesses in the M4G postal area
Leaside Life, April 2014
416 486 7387
leasidelifenews.com
* &- ) % %!&0 + % +* & & % + + &%2
&,+ (, *' ) .&& #&&)* %+#0 . )$ )&&$2
478255 6
, # *+) % + 2
$')&- 0&,) $& # +0 # / # +0 % '&*+,) 2
1 2
1
,+ ,# * &. ) # + *2 ) ' )" %
1 2
&'' $"% '!" '!!#
leasidelifenews@gmail.com
SPRING INTO ACTION charitable walk and run, Sunnybrook Park, Sat., May 3, for diabetes, organized by Leaside’s Insideout Health and Fitness. insideoutstudio.ca/events-3/springaction-2014 NORTHLEA BLOOD DONOR CLINIC, Wed., April 9, 2-8 p.m. at Northlea Public School, 305 Rumsey Rd. 1-888-2 DONATE (1-888-236-6283) to book an appointment. LEASIDE LIBRARY, 165 McRae Dr., 416-3963835. – Adult and teen programming: The 432 Leaside Squadron: Aviation historian Keith Hyde speaks about the squadron officially adopted by the town of Leaside during WWII. Drop in. No registration required. Tues., April 1, 7–8 p.m. – Climate change and your future: Toronto Environmental Alliance. Tues. April 15, 7 p.m. – Ontario Trillium Gift of Life. An information/registration table about organ donations. Tues. April 22, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. – Teen Console Gaming Night: Wii or PS 3. Wed., April 9, 4-6:30 p.m. – Student Art Exhibit: For artists from North Toronto. Bring your favourite pieces (max.2) to exhibit and meet with other young artists. 416396-3835 for information and to register. Sat., April 26, 1–4 p.m. – Youth Advisory Group Meeting: Volunteer and receive community hours. Wed., April 30, 4-6 p.m. – Children’s programming: Ready for Reading Story Times Preschool: 2-2:30 p.m. Wednesdays, April 16–30. Family Time: 10:30-11a.m. Wednesdays, April 16-30. Toddler Time: 9:30-10 a.m. Wednesdays, April 16-30. Baby Time: 9:30-10 a.m. and 10:30-11 a.m. Thursdays, April 17–24. LEASIDE GARDEN SOCIETY: At Leaside Library. Balcony gardening with Cathy Park, Toronto master gardener. Thurs., April 10, 7:15 coffee, 7:30 presentation.
Leaside Landscaping Inc. 30 YEARS OF DESIGN , CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
Your Garden Oasis Awaits
Landscape Design Walls and Patios Natural Stone Fences and Decks Outdoor Kitchens
416-421-9019
``
Garden Maintenance Spring Cleanups Planting Sodding and Seeding Lawn Cutting Grading
www.leasidelandscaping.com
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:55 PM Page 15
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
15
BRING THIS AD IN FOR A FREE SAMPLE POT.
Leaside Paint Centre 1525 Bayview Avenue Toronto ON M4G 3B5 416 489 7900
At Leaside Paint Centre we have a very simple business philosophy; provide the best customer service, and sell only the best - and Benjamin Moore has, over the years, provided the best range of paint products in North America
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:55 PM Page 16
In our Hood 16
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
By BETH Standing ovation for Northlea Public School Junior Choir. We’re accustomed to seeing these kids win Kiwanis awards each year, but this winter, the grades 5/6 choir was awarded top prize for all elementary schools in the choir section. Mr. Bondy and Ms. Malach were awarded certificates, a scholarship cheque and the William B. Rothwell trophy. Huge thanks for the dozens of volunteers who helped the kids prepare and attend that day, including Sharon Hampson (of Sharon, Lois and Bram fame). Hampson is a Northlea grandmother. Airdrie Dr. neighbour Dr. Gaeten Tardiff spent March 7-16 in Sochi, Russia in his role as president of the Canadian Paralympic Committee. Tardiff watched as Brian McKeever won Canada’s first gold medal, taking the title in the men’s 20 km visually impaired cross-country race. Celebrate female hockey: March 7-9 was a big weekend for the
Toronto Leaside Wildcats hosting the 35th Annual March Madness Girls Hockey Tournament. Over the two days more than 2,100 players from 125 teams in Ontario visited Leaside arena (just shy of the 2,500 participants at Sochi). An open house in early March launched Leaside Orthodontic Centre (1600 Bayview) with chief practitioner Dr. Emel Arat. Dr. Arat is a resident of Leaside along with her husband Arin and their three children. Born in Turkey, where she received her PhD, Dr. Arat graduated in orthodontics at the University of Toronto. Other new businesses to open include Play Café, at 1517 Bayview. Inspired by an idea that’s becoming popular in Asia and Europe, local mom and owner Jan Nguyen combined a kid-friendly space with a trendy café setting. Also now open, Hand & Stone Spa at 85 Laird Dr. Owner Susan Challis threw a welcome party at the beautiful setting upstairs in Leaside Village. Challis has been busy connecting with other local businesses and clubs. She was seen enjoying herself at the recent Laugh Out Loud fundraiser, and coordinating an event with the tennis club.
The White Knight, Mad Hatter and White Rabbit were recently spotted at the Through the Looking Glass: Changing Perspectives gala held in support of the CNIB. St. Cuthbert’s is preparing for its Annual Spring Fair on April 26. Hopefully Leaside will be snow free by then and all can enjoy the outdoor BBQ. The event includes baking, an art gallery, crafts, books and treasures for sale. Insiders at the annual Leaside United Awesome Sale tell us there are going to be some great furniture finds at this spring’s sale, including matching sofa/chair and even a piano. Literally the heavy lifters/volunteers are in the process of piling up the items for the May 9-10 event. April is Be-A-Donor month in Ontario, raising awareness of tissue and organ donations. Check out the Leaside Public Library on Sat., April 26, 9-5, where you can learn more and register your consent. Raising children and teenagers in an age of overindulgence? Meet Dr. Karyn Gordon, a frequent guest on Cityline, and learn how to best do so. Free session, April 7, 7-9 p.m. at Leaside High. ■
Schedule Schedule your your personal p ersonal visit visit ttoday! oday!
Liz and Frank never missed a beat... And And now now they’re they’re ready ready for for the the next next step step While Liz and Frank are enjoying a busy lifestyle today, they appreciate the peace of mind in knowing that Chartwell offers flexibility and choice to help with changing care needs in the future. Until that time, they’ll continue to follow where the music leads in their new Chartwell home.
921 9 21 M Millwood, illwood, Rd., Rd., Toronto Toronto
C Call all 416-425-8635 416-425-8635
well well.C .COM OM
CHART
VISIT V I S I T US U S ONLINE! O N LI N E !
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:55 PM Page 17
17
Elevate your Fitness, Elevate your Life
NEW more varied 30 minute trainer led sessions
NEW packages and promotions
NEED A LIFT? K wi E E W e e r F expiring th
on this coup April 30th
1675 BAYVIEW AVE • 647 748 8011 • info@liftfitness.ca • http://www.liftfitness.ca/
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
ANNOUNCING - Fitwall Leaside is now.....
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:55 PM Page 18
LEASIDE STOCK INDEX
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
18
Why I left some local stocks off my list By WILL ASHWORTH Shortly after the Leaside Stock Index (LSI) made its debut in the February issue I received a telephone call from a Leaside resident complaining that several stocks were left off the list. My specific faux pas was that I didn't include Bank of Montreal, Pizza Pizza and Second Cup in the 20-stock index. The caller was especially disappointed with the exclusion of Bank of Montreal. It turns out this person owns an obscene amount of the bank's shares. While that was more information than I needed to know, the question was a valid one. I explained that my choice of TD and Scotiabank was a personal preference. I like TD's retail business both in Canada and the U.S. as well as Scotiabank's focus on Latin America and other emerging markets, and not a slight against BMO. All the Canadian banks are solid investments. For those keeping
LSI has rebounded nicely As expected the Leaside Stock Index rebounded nicely in February with 18 of the 20 stocks in positive territory for the shortest month of the year. The U.S. stocks including currency gained 6 percent compared to 4 percent for the Canadian stocks. Best Buy came back with a good earnings report in February, recouping 13 percent of its losses in January. Other positive contributions were made by Dunkin Brands, RioCan and Loblaws. RioCan's gain is especially nice to see becaU.S.e I called it a slightly better buy than First Capital Realty in the March issue. score, the S&P/TSX Equal Weight Diversified Banks Index, which owns all six major Canadian banks, achieved an annualized total return of 25.2 percent over the last five years through March 4. BMO achieved a slightly better return (26.6 percent) over the same period. The caller's done well. Pizza Pizza's done even better than the banks over the past five years, delivering an annualized total return of 28.5 percent, more than
two percentage points higher than Yum Brands, who own Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC. People have to eat, right? Originally I considered Yum Brands for the LSI (completely overlooking Pizza Pizza) but decided to pick other U.S. stocks instead. With recent news Taco Bell is entering the breakfast business in the U.S., I wish I'd picked its stock because it's going
PARALLELE INTERIORS Introducing EDGEWOOD CUSTOM FURNITURE. Canadian made in Fine Fabrics and Leathers
1717 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON M4G 3C1 www.paralleleinteriors.com ph 416-481-7207 | fax 416 481-7208
ď ľ
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:55 PM Page 19
L PRICES! NEW LOW GREAT QUALITY APPAREL!
SPRING SALE April 2nd thru April 12th PREVIEW D DAYS AYS NO HST HST on April 2nd & 3rd Door Doorss Open 10am-8p 10am-8pm m ƌŝŶŐ ŝŶ ƚŚŝƐ ŇLJĞƌ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ƌŝŶŐ ŝŶ ƚŚŝƐ ŇLJĞƌ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ April 4th - 12th and receive receive a &&Z ŐŝŌ ǁŝƚŚ ĂŶLJ ƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞΎ Z ŐŝŌ ǁŝƚŚ ĂŶLJ ƉƵƌĐŚĂƐĞΎ Ύ tŚŝůĞ ƋƵĂŶƟƟĞƐ ůĂƐƚ
April 4 thru 12 Store Hours: Monday to Friday 10am-6pm Saturday 10am-5pm Sunday 12pm-5pm th
Eglinton Ave. East
Brentcliffe Rd.
Laird Dr.
Vanderhoof Ave.
ENTRANCE
22 Research Rd. Wicksteed Ave.
th
22 Research Road Toronto, ON 416-421-3773 ext.165 www.parkhurst.ca/blog
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
19
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:55 PM Page 20
|
Senior Chair Exercise Program
Leaside Life, April 2014
20
at Leaside United Church (Tuesday and Thursday at 12:15). Program is focused on improving Balance, Coordination, Posture, Flexibility and Strength. Facilitated by an experienced instructor. FIRST CLASS FREE
Call
to give McDonald's a run for its money. As for Second Cup I never seriously considered including its stock in the index. Starbucks is one of the best run companies in the restaurant space. Its shareholders have been well rewarded over the past five years yet it continues to press for growth. With five stores in the area it is the biggest beneficiary from our love of coffee. As for Tim Hortons, it was late to the Leaside party but I'm sure its store on Laird is doing just fine. It always looks busy whenever I walk by. It too has easily outperformed Second Cup since March 2009, up 16.5 percent on annualized basis. I created the Leaside Stock Index as a way for people to have some fun when thinking about their investments. I love the markets, which is why I write about them. But I've
come to realize that not many people share my passion. That's okay. Hopefully, the example in this article gets people emailing questions to Leaside Life about the index itself, a particular index constituent or a stock that's not part of the LSI. If it's about stocks I'll always answer your email. ■
Suggestions
I might not have lived in Leaside for 30 years but I do know when a street is tired and suffering from an acute case of apathy. If the people of Leaside truly care about a thriving Bayview it must call on all those opposed to a BIA to reconsider their stance. It's backward, plain wrong and extremely detrimental to the health of a once burgeoning shopping district. ■
416-450-0892
From Page 7
to register
I've called Bayview "mediocre" because I know it can be so much better. A little creative planning combined with some serious follow through could be a difference maker.
It's time for the LEASIDE UNITED CHURCH'S AWESOME SALE again!
Lots of Jewelry, Books, CD's + DVD's, Clothing, Housewares, Furniture, Baked Goods and more. There is a Tea Room with Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, drinks and baked goodies Drop in, have something to eat and say Hello! Come on by May, 9th 3-7pm and May 10th 9am to Noon. Corner of Millwood + McRae (822 Millwood).
LEASIDE STOCK INDEX 2014 YTD Performance through February 28 Total % Return YTD Leaside Stock Index American Stocks (including currency) Canadian Stocks ETF Benchmarks SPDR S&P 500 ETF - including currency - excluding currency S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index Fund
-2.84 -6.01 1.33 4.99 5.03 0.87 4.94
If you are looking for information or to buy or sell, please feel free to give me a call! KAREN BRINKHOF RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd 723 Mt. Pleasant Rd. Toronto, On, M4S 2N4 416‐486‐5588 (Office) 416‐629‐5323 (Cell) 416‐486‐6988 (Fax) karenbrinkhof@gmail.com
www.EveryoneKnowsKaren.com
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:56 PM Page 21
ALE NS
OTERS O O SC
Splurge on Sunshine. Enjoy Spring Outdoors! Scooters ccome Scooters ome in all kinds kinds of sizes sizes and styles styles so whether yyou ou liv live e in an apar apartment tment or aatt home ther there e is still a sc scooter ooter ffor or o yyou. ou. Y You ou can ev o even en pur purchase chase a scooter scooter that's that's small enough tto o fit in yyour our car car.. A Ask sk us ffor o or details details.. *Save *Save on in-store in-store purchases. purchases. Not valid valid on thir third-party d-party funded it items ems or in cconjunction onjunction with an anyy other her off offer. ffe er.
VISIT US IN LEASIDE VISIT E 939 Eglinton Eglinton Ave Ave E. E. (a (att Br Brentcliffe) entcliffe) a division of
416.421.0110 | motionspecialties motionspecialties.com .com
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
21
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:56 PM Page 22
22
A lifetime of being extraordinary “Isn’t your term up now?” a feisty Florence Carter, 87, asked Lieutenant-Governor David Onley, as he presented her with the GovernorGeneral’s Caring Canadian Award on Feb. 19 at Queen’s Park, honouring her for over 30 years of teaching the blind. “He just broke up,” Carter says, as she received a plaque and a pin alongside 40 other recipients. Established in 1995 by the then Lieutenant-Governor Roméo LeBlanc, the award recognizes ordinary Canadians who do extraordinary things. Carter, a 60-year resident of Leaside who had to move away only last year, has been doing that almost all her life. At 17, and poised to enter the University of New Brunswick, the Halifax native was diagnosed with a brain abscess. Despite the surgical intervention of the famed Dr. Wilder Penfield, she still went blind. Her first reaction was denial. “I was nasty,” she says. “I told the CNIB, ‘Get lost, I’m going to get my sight back!’” However by 1947, she had mastered Braille so well that the institute sent her to Toronto to take a course instructing newly-blinded people on how to perform simple household tasks. After passing the course, she returned to Halifax, where she travelled alone visiting clients in all three Maritime provinces, a challenge she adored because it gave her a sense of freedom. “Being able to do things on her own is of utmost importance to her,” says Sue-Marsh-Woods, regional manager, service and operations, of CNIB, Toronto. Marsh-Woods dubs her the Queen of Rehabilitations because of her belief that disabled peo-
LG ONTARIO
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
By PATRICIA PHENIX
Florence Carter and Lt.-Gov. David Onley ple need to be self-reliant. Back in Toronto in 1953 to take a refresher course at the institute, she met her future husband Lloyd, who had been blinded in World War II. They married and moved to Donlea Dr. in Leaside, where they raised their son, Greg, now a paramedic. “I loved the neighbourhood,” she says. “I could walk to work from my home. I had great friends. It was a wonderful place to raise children.” By the time she retired from the CNIB in 1992, Carter had designed a support course for those struggling emotionally to accept their sightlessness. It is now the primary training tool nation-wide. Even after leaving the institute, she couldn’t stop working and taught touch-typing at Mohawk College for 19 years. She has also co-authored the book Celebrating Braille: A Canadian Approach, which was launched in 2009.
Until Florence wrote this book, previous reference materials for the blind featured only American images, while the current one is filled with Canadian content. “I got sick of reading about White House china,” she says, recalling that her book took over three years to finish. “I didn’t make any money from writing it, I donated it, but it changed and unified Braille code across the world and introduced computer symbols that keep being updated.” Carter is also the recipient of the 2012 Diamond Jubilee Medal for advancing education for the blind, so who knows how many more honours lie ahead. “She’s done so much for the community, it’s incredible,” say MarshWoods, who hints that an Order of Canada may be the logical next step. Her enthusiasm is echoed by Carter, who reassures her fellow sightless, “There is life after the CNIB!” ■
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:56 PM Page 23
23
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
T h a nk s to t o al alll the these se LLeaside easide Businesse s . . .
84 YEARS
Family & Cosmetic Dental Car Caree
ShereeCerqua ShereeCerqua S Sales ales Representative Representative
ADDITIONS & CU CUSTOM HOMES
1930
2014 Bayview yview
Rug R
Gallery 49 Lair Laird d Drive, Drive, Toronto, Toronto, Ont. M4G 3T4 www.accuratedistributing.FRP accurateltd@gmail.com www w.accuratedistributing.FRP accurateltd@gmail.com 3 F: 416.429.8820 3 F:
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:56 PM Page 24
Oh Leaside, is every proposed change bad? Leaside Life, April 2014
|
24 Oh Leaside, is every proposed change something that will be objected to? Intensifying along transportation corridors is sensible planning. And two-storey buildings are much better than 27-storey buildings – just visit most major European cities. I think it would be better if we spent more of our energies trying to influence development, to make it friendlier to live with, to encourage some architectural diversity in lieu of the relentless gray/green towers that dominate the landscape in Toronto, to ensure low-level commercial units so we don’t have to drive to the big boxes. Toronto is growing and this growth needs to be managed. If everything is opposed, we just end up marginalized by the OMB. Michael Beswick, Millwood Rd. My mother was a resident in an apartment at 63 Mallory Cres. at the time mentioned in this article (Library basement had other memories for me, March 2014, Karen Fraser) and was an active participant in the
LETTERS leasidelife@gmail.com Letters may be edited for length. opposition to the "development" proposal. However, I believe the year would have been 1979 as in 1989 her health would have restricted her actions. More importantly, the "elderly resident Ken Crothers," whose original legal documents certified Mallory Green as an officially designated park, was in fact my former neighbour, Ken Carruthers. I had known Ken since moving onto Mallory Crescent in 1968 and when I purchased the house next to his in 1993 we often spoke about past and present issues. Ken was a very good neighbour and unfortunately is no longer with us, so I felt compelled to see his name recorded accurately. Parker Liddle, Mallory Cres.
Karen Fraser replies: I appreciate the time you took to question the dates and spelling in my column. You are correct that the first developer attack on Mallory Cres. was in 1979. I did not live on the street at the time. The second attack outlined in the column was in the ‘80s. I did not spell Mr. Carruthers name properly. I spelled it like the Crothers company that had a billboard on Millwood for decades. Thank you for paying attention. ___ I’m writing in response to Will Ashworth’s second Leaside Life article (March 2014) in defence specifically of the proposed Diamond development at 939 Eglinton and, more generally, of residential intensification in the community of Leaside. He promotes population density as the obvious test for where large residential developments should be placed, schooling the reader that Leaside just isn’t doing its fair share.
Landscape design and construction proudly serving Toronto since 1986 STONEWORK Natural stone and precast patios, walkways and driveways Retaining walls, curbs and borders - natural stone and precast Porches, steps and landings Boulders and custom features CARPENTRY Custom decks, fences and gates Custom sheds, arbors and pergolas Specialty structures PLANTING Envirotech sources the best planting specimens and materials from nurseries throughout Canada. 644 Broadway Ave. • Toronto • Ontario • M4G 2S7
(416) 818-3185 www.envirotechconstruction.ca
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:56 PM Page 25
25
|
Ashworth’s premise that a thriving Toronto is contingent on the Leaside population growing at a faster rate than it’s used to misses the family character of our community and the true benefit of the Eglinton LRT. Communities further from the core will become more livable and they too will thrive. The future of our community is not inevitable. We can help to determine it without shame or apology by choosing to be engaged. For too long planning decisions in our community have been driven by developers and the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) using similar arguments to Mr. Ashworth’s. Fact is, the developers don’t live here and the OMB does not have a stake in our community. The time has come to Think Outside the Big Box and to imagine a community that is more than a bedroom or a shopping destination. We will be a few years in this struggle to redefine Eglinton Ave. as the LRT is completed. Let’s ensure our insights are considered and our voices heard. David Sparrow Laird Dr.
Leaside Life, April 2014
Using his metrics, the Diamond complex would be better placed in the middle of the Bridal Path where population density is extremely low. I don’t expect that will happen. His population test ignores the concepts of actual urban planning, vision for a community and the vibrancy brought to a large, diverse city through different styles of neighbourhood design and personality. To ignore how diversity of design and community makes our city a more interesting and happy place to live in and explore is more than unfortunate. It is exciting that the Beach is different from Riverdale which is unique from Thorncliffe which is individual from The Guild. It’s fantastic that Leaside is known as an engaged, thoughtful, walkable neighbourhood that still feels like a small town within a big city. Its lesser than average density is one of its most attractive features. There is no question that the Eglinton LRT will mean Eglinton properties will become even more attractive to ambitious developers. But this does not mean we are destined to see a line of 30-storey towers staring down into the backyards of Leaside.
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:56 PM Page 26
Check
www.johnparker.ca
for news and updates
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
26
Councillor
John
Parker WARD 26 · DON VALLEY WEST
councillor_parker@toronto.ca Toronto City Hall 100 Queen Street West, Suite A13 Toronto ON M5H 2N2 www.johnparker.ca
After reading the Bayview vs. Laird debate in the March edition I had to comment. I find it interesting that there is so much talk of the issues for retailers on Bayview because of the development on Laird. Bayview retailers have had an idealistic situation for decades where they were the only walking destination for shopping in the Leaside area. Now it seems most of the retailers aren't changing with the times. Many things have not changed since the stores on Bayview opened their doors. • Parking has always been an issue on Bayview, most retailers who had done their homework would have know this when they moved in and considered how this might affect their business • The strip is prime real estate that has high rent and is in older buildings that owners are hard pressed to maintain at lower rent rates. It is also one of the highest property tax areas in the city. • Bayview is a strip of repeats mostly, one nail salon after another, one accessory, baggage, knick/ knack, coffee, ice cream/frozen yogurt store, clothing store after another. Most offer very similar things, not offering much variety or great pricing compared to large retail com-
petition. If retailers think their rents on Bayview are high, compare that cost per square foot to the cost in the SmartCentre plaza or other large retail plazas and they will find their rent to be on the low end! Competition happens all the time and the development of Laird is not a surprise, but something the current retailers on Bayview had lots of time to plan for to offer incentives for their customers and work with other retailers to have events on Bayview to draw people there – sidewalk sales (for all stores, tastings for eateries, etc.), BBQs, celebrations…. The ideas could be endless if they worked together. At the end of the day, in the world of retail, many of the stores on Bayview have become "long in the tooth," many of them are too similar to other stores down the street or trying to compete with larger retailers that simply have better deals. The issue with Bayview isn't Bayview, it is that many of the offers on Bayview just have no draw, there is nothing fresh about them and nothing that is truly unique and offers consumers great product at a great price. Even if Laird weren't being developed Bayview would
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:56 PM Page 27
Thanks for another good edition of the paper this month. There were lots of good/valuable articles representing some very important issues for our community. I don't know the contact info for the rink guys at Trace Manes, but I would love to pass along a thank you to them for their efforts to support
ď ľ
Family & Cosmetic Dental Care Dr. Jennifer Hittner Dr. Jessica Kudlats
Next to RBC at Laird SmartCentres ie St Leslie
Eglinton Ave East
Laird Dr
Bayview Ave
Vanderhoof Ave
Wicksteed Ave Ra Mc
r eD
FREE WHITENING with every new patient exam
w w www.leasidedentistry.com 416-422-0220 45 Wicksteed Ave Unit 220, Toronto, ON • M4G 4H9 45
27
|
the community. My father used to take on that thankless job 40 years ago at Sandy Bruce Park so my brother and other boys in the area could have hours and hours of fun. I hope when I have kids and they grow up that there will still be a Trace Manes rink in operation. Bayview vs. Laird is a very tough debate, as I want to side with Geoff 100 percent, but Will does bring up a couple of fair points. My wife and I really enjoy walking up and down the Bayview strip to visit stores and to do some small chores, but at the same time we are more frequent visitors and purchasers from the Laird developments. I want the Bayview strip to thrive and continue to offer a perfect taste of the 'small-town community feel,' which is what makes Leaside special, but as per Will's challenge, it will need to get better and stronger in terms of how to combat the realities of big box and business parks. I believe there can be a balance where both exist but we are not there today and need to build a plan with the city and community to do so. Lastly, I also want to thank the people and committees that are supporting our community objectives and working to limit/control the im-
Leaside Life, April 2014
have started to dwindle, but people would have simply stuck with it because it was close. In the world of business you have to be ready to compete and the fresh face of things going on on Laird will draw people there because it is new. It is up to the retailers on Bayview to create their own destiny in this new competitive landscape, and with the increased retail development proposed not only for Laird, but Eglinton between Laird and Bayview, they better be on their toes. The LRT will be here eventually and that will make the stretch of Eglinton a more desirable destination as well. In the coming years on Bayview the strong retailers that people truly want to shop at will survive and others will not. In the end it might add some fresh, unique and new concepts to the somewhat tired strip in the neighbourhood. Jennifer Ego, Divadale Dr.
|
pact of Walmarts, post office developments and the condominium projects. Thanks for continuing to make our community a better place. Dave Martin, Heather R.
Leaside Life, April 2014
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:56 PM Page 28
Thanks to all of you at Leaside Life for keeping local news in the forefront. I have already received a few messages back from the article (Whither Trace Manes rink?) and all were positive. I am hopeful going forward that this type of volunteering for local benefits will continue to provide recreation and a feeling of community for many years to come. Alan Keskikyla, Eglinton Ave. East
28
Now that Spring is here, for every facial and pedicure combo, receive a complimentary manicure. With every cut and blow-dry booking with Orlando, receive a complimentary hair moisturizing treatment. Jewellery by ASHBURY DESIGN
Leaside Life delivered each month to all homes, apartments and businesses in the M4G postal area ______
864 Millwood Rd., Toronto, ON M4G 1W6
416-485-2807
bellarouge.ca
Mention this ad when booking.
416 486 7387 leasidelifenews.com
Hockey kids place second for the city Bessborough's grade 5/6 hockey team of 16 players, 14 boys and two girls, made it to the city final championship game at Varsity Arena to play against the Hollycrest Middle School from Etobicoke on March 6. Though the team lost 5-3, with the winning goals scored in the last 13 seconds of play, they had an excellent season overall, taking the northern conference. Volunteer head coach Doug Wright, teacher representative Liz Watt, as well as kids from the school’s grades 5 and 6 and members of the community, cheered loudly during the game. As parent Sarah Crane says, “It was school spirit at its best. Our players walked away with a trophy for second place, but most of all they walked away with great memories and great friends.” ■
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:56 PM Page 29
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
29
eat s eth g fr h
Impress with a delicious corporate breakfast or a healthy & energizing lunch. Call us to discuss your catering needs for your next meeting or business function.
CORPORATE CATERING
eat fresh at the office
FREE DELIVERY with any order over $100
416 433 0276 sobeysurbanfreshcatering@sobeys.com sobeys.com/urbanfreshcatering
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:56 PM Page 30
Neighbours who do more than say hello Leaside Life, April 2014
|
30
Demanding lives often reduce relationships with neighbours to hello, how are you? One group gets even less attention than this, even when its proclivity for jaywalking ends in tragedy, and that is our squirrel neighbours. The following is a happy exception. Shortly after we moved into our house, we discovered that the aged storm window in our bedroom was stuck open about six inches. One frigid night, as I gazed at the valley below, I caught a movement. There in the corner was a black squirrel, shivering. Why was she there? Did her nest blow down? Was she hurt? How did she get there? I put these questions to my sleepy partner who seemed remarkably indifferent. The squirrel returned the next night dragging a branch in with her. The following night I was startled to see a grey squirrel curled up at the other end of the sill. I know the popular view is that the two breeds do not get along, but it was so cold. Apparently the advantages of cuddling won out as the black squirrel was soon pregnant.
Karen Fraser Memories of Old Leaside
When she left one morning I opened the inside window and commenced Operation Nest, taping up a wall of heavy plastic with an entrance and stuffing shredded paper and fabric into the space. Upon her return, the squirrel, her mouth stuffed with leaves, entered the door to find her home fully decorated. She paused, turned around,
✁
,
ORIENTAL & PERSIAN RUG CLEANING
WE CLEAN WALL TO WALL CARPETS AND FURNISHINGS. Your ON I FACT SATIS our is L GOA
*New Stock Just Arrived*
A SHOWROOM FULL OF HAND-KNOTTED INVENTORY ______________ FREE PICK‐UP & DELIVERY 1215 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON M4G 2Z8
416.424.1822
www.bayviewruggallery.com
exited, and spat out the leaves. Days later she and I were both awakened by the heart wrenching sound of a pack of hunting dogs (in training the owner later claimed) in the valley tearing a little creature apart. As I stared out helplessly I saw the squirrel with her face peering out her “door”. The next night she was screaming. I jumped up fearing she was in danger. She was still asleep! I could guess the subject of her nightmares. Roused by all the activity beside him, my partner murmured from his pillow, “What exactly would you have done if she was being attacked?” “Well, something!” I said firmly, but without conviction. My observations of my new friend continued. I learned that she got up about 6:45, stretched, and looked out to see the new day. She washed thoroughly and then went out for breakfast. A few weeks later she whimpered in the night. I got up again and had the privilege of watching the babies come into the world.
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:56 PM Page 31
31
|
SPRING
RENEWAL PROGRAM! In 9 weeks we'll have you feeling renewed and ready for the warmer weather!
Leaside Life, April 2014
Like all newborns they changed our household instantly. They jumped at the sound of the vacuum, so we got very dusty. The bureau drawers closing alarmed them, so they were left open. The tiny squirrels grew fur and became totally charming. When we awoke in the morning they lined up in a row along their side of the glass looking at us. Nest to nest. Word went out about the babies and tours began in our bedroom. We discovered that the mother was comfortable with us, but the voices of our friends made her panic, so the tours were conducted in silence. The day came when, unlike human children, these beautiful grey/black squirrels left home and did not come back. We felt the angst of empty nesters. That spring, as I read in the yard, small distinctive squirrels ran by, stopped and stared at me. One afternoon I felt a soft pressure on my bare toes and there was a youngster with its paw on my foot. I felt we had a connection, a moment when the future of the planet was assured, when we could all get along. Or perhaps my toes just looked like peanuts in the shell. ■
Spring Into Shape for only $199! Program includes: • 1 training session a week, • 1 nutrition session, • 2 fitness assessments, • 1 goals and results coaching session.
Call
416-849-4765 to register! www.insideoutstudio.ca *Offer for new clients only. Registration ends May 1, 2014.
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:56 PM Page 32
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
32
FIRML FIRMLY LY PL PLANTED... LA L ANTED... COMMUN IN OUR COMMUNITY Leaside lost lost a lar large ge number of tr trees ees in the December 20 2013 13 Ice SStorm. torm. Cont Contact act me today todaay tto o ge gett yyour our
FREE TREE T SEEDLING! SEED Let’s Let’s rebuild rebuild our beautiful tree tree canopy canopy together. together.
* Charle ne K Ka a alia www.AtHomeInLeaside.com www w.A .At tHomeInLeaside.com | charle charlene@charlenekalia.com ne@charlenek ka alia.com
416.925.9191 Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage 1300 Yonge o Street, Suite 100, Tor o onto Ontario, M4T 1X3 *Sales Representative This is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with a brokerage.
Amber, Nancy, Jessica
Absolute Beauty by Nancy Penny has been part of the fabric of the Leaside community for over 20 years. Nancy, Jessica and Amber are certified skin care professionals who love to provide outstanding service and products to our valued customers 7 days a week. Try our award winning facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, electrolysis, lash extensions, cosmetic tattooing (eyebrows and eyeliner), etc. in a friendly, clean safe environment. Gift certificates available.
Absolute Beauty by Nancy Penny • 1517A Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON • 416-932-3970
Carol Burtin Fripp Vice-president, LPOA
Do we want a 48-foot LED sign? Driving east on Eglinton Ave., you pass Brentcliffe Rd., and as you proceed down the hill toward Leslie St. you suddenly notice a large electronic advertising sign located ahead, on the south side of Eglinton just before the CPR railway overpass. Or, you’re driving south down the hill that is Leslie St. toward Eglinton, and you notice the flashing billboard to your left, across the street. The sign is 48 feet wide and 14 feet high, lit with LEDs. You’re trying to observe the traffic around you, the lane changers and overtakers, the traffic signal at Leslie. But you can’t help noticing that the digital images on the sign change, from one advertisement to the next to the next, every 10 seconds. Is this a distraction? Does it reduce your concentration on the road and traffic conditions? Does it make the situation unsafe? This was the main concern raised by LPOA directors and members of the public who attended the March 5 LPOA board meeting, in response to a detailed presentation by Stephen McGregor and Roy Dzeko of CBS Outdoor, the company hoping to erect that sign. There were other concerns. The area in question is a natural valley, abutting one of the city’s largest parks. That portion of Eglinton is a major approach into our community. It was noted that this is one of the few spaces in the city free of marketing. Others asked, why does CBS Outdoor want such a large sign? The maximum size currently permitted is 10 feet by 20, less than half of that of the proposed sign. Questions were also raised about the visibility and intrusiveness of the proposed sign by residents of the Carrington Place and Rountree condominiums on Leslie, where the Inn on the Park used to be. These condos mainly face south and east. The constant flickering of bright lights and
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:56 PM Page 33
The LPOA meets at 7:30 p.m. in the Trace Manes building. Our next meeting is on Wed., April 2. ■
|
33
Leaside Life, April 2014
colours on an LED billboard, in full view, would be an unwelcome sight from their windows. They would also be an environmental distraction for the area’s abundant wildlife, noted another attendee. The relative brightness of the signage was a big issue. What about the precedent this could set, one director asked: if one such sign were approved in this location, would others more easily get approved as well? There are similar signs along the Gardiner Expressway west of the city, but highway traffic is not comparable to street traffic, noted another. The city is contemplating a new bylaw regarding signs, and is looking for public input. To judge by the questions and comments at our meeting, public input will not likely be very positive toward such signage, especially in park or residential settings. At least one major opinion poll has shown that a majority of drivers find electronic signs distracting. Moreover, there is a new awareness of the dangers of distracted driving in general, for example the prohibitions and stiff fines for using handheld electronic devices while operating a car. We can understand why CBS Outdoor wants a sign in this location. It would be seen by thousands of drivers daily, and, once the Eglinton Crosstown LRT is built, by many more thousands of transit users. But it’s the wrong place for such a sign. The LPOA board voted to oppose this CBS Outdoor application when it goes to City Hall. ___
WEEKLYSPECIALS! WEEKL LYSPECIALS! C CED:7O $1 ED:7O $1 OFF TETLEY JK;I:7O $1 J K;I:7O $1 OFF CANADIAN CANADIAN J>KHI:7O $1 J>KHI:7O $1 OFF GROLSCH IKD:7O $1 IKD:7O $1 OFF COORSLIGHT 7<J;H '&FC :7?BO 60¢ WINGS 7 <J;H '&FC :7?BO 60¢ W INGS W WITH ITH THE PURCHASE OF A BEVERA BEVERAGE GE
Heritage awards Do you know of an outstanding renovation of a house in Leaside? It may be eligible for nomination for the Heritage Toronto Awards. One of the categories is the William Greer Architectural Conservation and Craftsmanship award. Others are Book, Short Publication, Media or Community Heritage Award. For eligibility standards and nomination forms, visit the Heritage Toronto website, email awards@heritagetoronto.org or call 416-338-2175. The deadline for nominations is May 16, 2014
T THIS HIS M MOTHER’S OTHER’S DAY, DAY, TREAT TRE AT MOM MOM WITH WITH A VISIT VISIT TO TO THE THE FOX FOX LEASIDE FOR L E A SIDE F OR A DELICIOUS DELICIOUS MEAL ME AL IN IN A COZY COZ Y ENVIRONMENT. ENVIRONMENT. i-DEF! ALL YOUR FAVOURITE VOURITE SPORTS SPORTS IN H Hi-DEF! NB A , S etanta, UFC, UFC, Boxing Boxing NHL,, NBA, Setanta,
ASK KA ABOUT BOUT OUR OUR EXTENSIVE EX TENSIVE CATERING CATERING MENU MENU 190 Laird Drive McRae 1 90 L aird D rive at M cRae T. T. 416.467.8682 416.467.8682 www.foxandfiddle.com w w w.foxandfiddle.com /FoxandFiddleCorporate
@ @FoxandFiddle
/FoxandFiddle
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:57 PM Page 34
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
34
FOUNDATION FOR LEARNING Half Days – Extended Day Enrichment – 2 Afternoon
PRESCHOOL 2 – 3 & 5 Mornings – Extended Day
STEP UP TO KINDERGARTEN Contact us for information about our small class size and high teacher ratio
Katherine Housez Mortgage Specialist 416-886-3885 katherine.housez@rbc.com
Saving old Leaside
Builder won’t stop, city does nothing
KINDERGARTEN
www.mrs-parksschool.com mrs-parksschool@sympatico.ca
Geoff Kettel
(416) 424-2135
Penny Boundy Mortgage Specialist 416-931-0065 penny.boundy@rbc.com
Switch your mortgage to RBC Royal Bank® and save. It’s easy and we can show you how.
Switch today! We’ll pay your switch-out fees*!
All personal lending products and residential mortgages are offered by Royal Bank of Canada and are subject to its standard lending criteria. *Offer may be withdrawn, extended or changed at any time, without notice. Not available in combination with any other rate discounts, offers or promotions. Applicable to residential mortgages only. RBC will pay up to a maximum $300 switch out fee charged by your current financial institution. RBC will not pay any prepayment charge levied by your current financial institution. Minimum $100,000 mortgage ($75,000 in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Atlantic Provinces) to qualify for this offer. Other conditions apply. ® Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. TM Trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. 45810 (07/2011)
The underlying pattern of Leaside’s unique and original street pattern is a series of curved streets, trending north east and south west, punctuated with diagonals. At its core is Fleming Cres., the only street in Leaside that curves around a full 180 degrees, touching Donegall twice, north and south of Parkhurst. However, today, when you approach Fleming south of Parkhurst from either direction (Parkhurst or Bayview) the eye is immediately drawn to an under-construction “tower house” sitting on the outer curve of the crescent. It is readily apparent that the house does not “fit”. It disturbs the quiet rhythm of a beautiful street in so many ways. You have to wonder -- how could this happen? Here’s how: A building permit was issued for a renovation to a bungalow in 2012. The structure built did not comply with the permit or the zoning by-law, for which application to the Committee of Adjustment for approval of minor variances would have been required. At the city’s insistence the roof height was reduced, resulting in a mansard roof. The grade at the front was substantially modified by infill material being added from the rear. The builder took down one of the two standing walls, negating the work being considered as renovation. Rather it became “new construction” with its different requirements (and increased builder fees). In the middle of it all the property was put up for sale (but apparently did not change hands) and the original builder has been replaced with another. There appear to be numerous infractions on this site which demand careful examination of what
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:57 PM Page 35
GEOFF KETTEL
'Tower' house on Fleming
THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING? 35
Download the app that reflects the real estate market you’re in for FREE! It features “FULL ACCESS” TO ALL the Toronto MLS listings from the Toronto Real Estate Board in “REAL TIME”
|
GET OUR FREE APP!
Over 10,000 Downloads
With over 130 agents, we are the largest RE/MAX office in Central Toronto. For full details, contact your RE/MAX Ultimate Sales Representative or start your search at TorontoHomesForSale.com
416-487-5131 www.torontohomesforsale.com Independently Owned and Operated
“Serving our Leaside community since 1985”
Leaside Life, April 2014
was sought to be built, what was legally allowed to be built, and what was actually built. The city normally assesses permit applications based simply on the materials submitted by the owner/builder in support of its own applications. Based on the conduct of the owner/builders to date, plans examination cannot continue to be based on trust. The city should conduct independent due diligence on the materials submitted by the builder in support of the permit applications, or give affected property owners the right to make their own submissions before the city reaches a decision on the permit materials that have been submitted. Despite the imposition of stop work orders, work has been proceeding at this location for many months now. There is no permit posted on site. Despite repeated requests for the city to take steps to enforce its stop work order, nothing has been done to halt construction, which continues daily. By constructing a building having excessive height, length and substandard side-yards, the property substantially interferes with the neighbours’ use and enjoyment of their property. Not to mention the lack of fit with the neighbourhood architectural style. And the “nuisance“ of having to attend to issues that necessitated their attention. A year ago, I wrote in Leaside Life about a “tower house” on Rumsey just north of McRae. In that case the owner did at least follow due process at the city. Minor variances applied for were rejected but were upheld on appeal at the Ontario Municipal Board. In the case of 27 Fleming, the owner would be going to the Committee of Adjustment for “forgiveness” rather than permission. From my perspective, enough of pleas for forgiveness. The house should be re-made to comply with the zoning by-laws and the building code, at the owner’s expense. ■
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:57 PM Page 36
2 Laird appeal based on city not deciding
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
36
By PATRICIA PHENIX
Proudly serving the Leaside and surrounding community for 76 of the Leaside 100 years. We have a strong commitment to customer service and satisfaction. Specializing in redesigning, custom orders and repairs of your jewellery, clocks and watches.
1597 Bayview Avenue 416-481-9084
www. belljewellers.com PHOTIS,THE OWNER, IS A LICENSED WATCH MAKER
! !"# "# $$% % $
&' &'() *( *& *& Sean Schumacher Sean Sc hum acher Mortgage Mortgage A Agent gent L Lic. ic. # #M10001161 M 10001 161 SA SAFEBRIDGE FEBRIDGE F Financial inancial G Group roup M Mortgage ortgage ge Broker # 10524 D Direct: irect: 4 416-859-2914 16-859-2914 6 Sean@Saf Sean@SafeBridgeFinancial.com afeBridgeFinancial.com inancial.com
A final order by the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) for the building of a seven-storey condo building at 2 Laird Dr. has been withheld pending the City of Toronto submitting an “appropriate Zoning By-Law amendmentâ€? that must satisfy the director, Community Planning North York District, and the city solicitor. In an interim order issued on March 7, the board allowed the appeal of KCAP Laird Inc. (the developers) against the City of Toronto and the Leaside Property Owners’ Association (LPOA). KCAP Inc. had based their appeal on City Council’s failure to make a decision within the time frames set out in the Planning Act. The development was submitted in 2012. The decision clears the way for construction of the building which will be 26.4 metres high (the board accepted that the Mid-Rise Guidelines permit a building height of 27 metres in this location), including a 4.3 metre mechanical penthouse and 71 residential suites and 114 parking spaces. The structure will front Malcolm Rd. to the north with Krawchuck Lane to the south. The LPOA had argued that the building posed problems to the area, including being too high and too dense. They added that the third floor apartments would overlook bedrooms of the townhouses on the west side of Krawchuk Lane. As the principal witness of the LPOA, Deni Papetti, a registered architect in Ontario and urban design expert, stated that the size of the building should be more consistent with those in the area, limited to a maximum of four storeys. The board found, however, that because Papetti’s home was immediately adjacent to the proposed building there was a reasonable apprehension of bias on his part. It was further noted that in 2012 Papetti distributed a petition opposing the development. Robert Glover (who was retained by KCAP Inc. to provide opinion evidence on architecture, urban design and land use planning), said the LPOA ď ľ
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:57 PM Page 37
both the policies and to the intent of the City of Toronto Official Plan.” Significantly, the order noted that in a Report to Council dated Aug. 20, 2013, city planning staff had given its 37 support “in principle” to the proposed development contingent on a number of recommendations. The final order of the board is withheld until KCAP Laird Inc. applies for Site Plan Approval and Notice of Approval Conditions are issued by the director, Community Planning, North York District. ■
|
terraces and balconies to protect the sky view as well as the privacy of adjacent buildings. The board found that based on the evidence, “adequate design measures” had been taken to “mitigate unreasonable adverse impact the proposed new building might have on the existing Krawchuk Lane townhouses...” At the conclusion of its interim order, the board accepted that the proposed building is “consistent with Provincial policy and conforms to
Leaside Life, April 2014
“adopted the position that the only appropriate form the new development should take would be townhouses, and the maximum acceptable height would be four storeys.” He added that the company had amended elements of the building design in response to recommendations made by the LPOA, city planning staff and the ward counsellor, changing some elements of its design, including reducing the number of units and providing for 45-degree angular planes and stepbacks of the
Leaside Life To advertise here: 416-486-7387 www.leasidelifenews.com Deadline April 10 TIMOTHY COSENTINO Licenced Paralegal 86 Laird Drive Toronto ON M4G 3V1 Tel: (416) 429-1800 Fax: (416) 429-3079
consentinotimothy@gmail.com | www.goalcasedismissedpc.ca PROVINCE-WIDE SERVICE YOU CAN TRUST!
FOOTCARE
SALES,SERVICE & INSTALLATION BOSTON ACOUSTIC POLK AUDIO MARANTZ
YAMAHA ONKYO BENON SANUS
PANASONIC SAMSUNG TOSHIBA SHARP
SONY JVC LG
Professional Service for over 35 Years
410 Moore Avenue (at Bayview) Toronto, Ontario M4G 1C9
416-480-9856 www.aireontv.com
HOME THEATR E SPECIAL ISTS
by REGISTERED NURSE with special training. In your home.
DVA accepted For an appointment call
(416) 421-4243 NORTH LEASIDE LAWN SERVICE Stan Peck Your neighbourhood travel agency Tours, cruises, travel insurance 1569 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3B5 (416) 485-5057
84 Glenvale Boulevard (416) 422-2603 stanpeck@rogers.com LAWN CUTTING | SPRING CLEANUP | EDGING | FERTILIZING
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:57 PM Page 38
The little meeting place that nobody knows Leaside Life, April 2014
|
38
For a Centennial project in 1967, the Town of Leaside built the only stand-along meeting/recreation building in Leaside and called it Trace Manes Centennial Building. It’s on that wedge of land that also houses the Leaside Library, Leaside Tennis Club and Trace Manes Park. The name Trace Manes is to honour a popular Leaside mayor of the late 1940s. Originally the schools and churches provided public meeting places in Leaside, and it wasn’t until Leaside Community Memorial Gardens was built in the 1950s, with the William Lea Room as meeting or banquet space, that there was anything owned by the municipality for public use. Trace Manes had a spruce-up this past fall, but it is still a rather small building by current standards, just four meeting rooms, one of them used during the season by the Leaside Tennis Club, which leaves three for general use. Back in the early 1970s, I was part of a group allowed to use one of those rooms once a week as a play place for our youngsters. It was unorganized. We’d rotate who stayed to do child
Lorna Krawchuk Publisher Leaside Life
care and who got to go off for a couple of hours of adult time. The current version of this runs on Monday mornings, has a membership, a fee of $100 and these days the moms are in one room listening to a speaker while they enjoy a coffee while their children are being cared for elsewhere in the building. And this group is full. They really don’t need to advertise. The banks of strollers outside the door seem to do it for them. The city runs a variety of programs at Trace Manes that they advertise in their FUN Guide, everything from piano lessons for children to yoga for older adults. One of the rooms in the building is called the Seniors Room, because funding for it was provided by the Toronto Leaside Rotary Club. Preferential rentals are provided for groups of seniors using the room. Currently, there is a euchre club running on Tuesdays and a bridge club on Wednesdays in the afternoon.
IIndian ndian & N epalese Nepalese Cuisine Cuisine
Additional players would be welcome at both clubs. Because they are run on a shoestring, they don’t advertise, so newcomers, while welcome, need to be able to ferret them out, or be fortunate and know someone who already belongs. The Leaside Bridge Club does pay a rental fee for using the space, and usually has 10 or 11 tables playing duplicate bridge on a Wednesday evening. An earlier version of their constitution stated that membership was “open to any person of good moral character”. That wording has been changed, but they still want players to be “respectful of other players and of the rules of the game”. Another long-time group is the Leaside Book Club. They met in the Leaside Library for 30 years until the library was closed to be rebuilt. They adjourned to Trace Manes and found they liked the space in the Noble Room so much that they stayed even after the new library was opened. Want space for a birthday party? That’s possible too. And so are other occasional events, such as various craft shows or the Leaside Garden Club May plant sale. Drop in to have a look. ■
FREE ENTRÉE Buy Buy one one entree entree and and get get the the second second (valued (valued up up to to $12.99) $12.99) FREE F REE Mt.Everest Restaurant M t.Everest R estaurant Eglinton 8804 04 E glinton Ave.E Ave.E 6647-748-8849 47-748-8849 C oupon m ust bbee ppresented. resented. D ine-in, Coupon must Dine-in, Delivery. C ot bbee ccombined ombined ttake-out ake-out & an nnot &Delivery. Can w ith aany ny oother ther ooffer. ffer. with
1100 YEARS YEARS EEXPERIENCE XPERIENCE SERVING SERVING TORONTONIANS TORONTONIANS
E EXPIRES XPIRES A APRIL PRIL 330TH 0TH 22014 014
647-748-8849 804 EGLINTON AVE. EAST TORONTO
www.mteverestrestaurant.ca
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:57 PM Page 39
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
39
LeasideLife issue 27 draft 2_LeasideLifev1 14-03-19 7:57 PM Page 40
Leaside Life, April 2014
|
40
Freshen up your smile for Spring
We offer specialty y and and general gen dentistry in our new ne ew office offi with th state of the a art to fulfill all your dental rt ttechnology e ur den nt needs. ds. Visit www.lairddental.com ww.l for mor more e iinformation ion
s ,AIRD $R 5NIT
s ,AIRD $R 5NIT TToronto, or o onto, ON M4G 3V1
Eglinton Laird Dr Dr..
N E
W
Bayview Ave. Ave.
S
McRae Dr D. Dr. Overlea Blvd &
Millwood ood Rd. Don V alley Pkwy Pkw Pk Valley
- wwhere herre gegeneral eneneral dedentists ennttists aandnd specialists combine to makek you more beautiful f l . . however you define it.