LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:54 PM Page 1
No. 37 • March 2015
Leaside Life leasidelifenews.com
PATRICIA PHENIX
Winter as seen by school kids Page 25
Anger at big plans for Laird By CAROL BURTIN FRIPP
Long-time customer Bill Burgoyne moved along with barber Luigi Lavecchia when he had to close the Leaside Barber Shop, at Sutherland and Eglinton, after owning it for 36 years. Lavecchia now works at Mr. Barber Lounge on Eglinton.
‘Friends’ help him survive We’re taking the LRT a holiday
By PATRICIA PHENIX In last month’s column I reported on The Brown Group’s application to build a block-long nine-storey condominium-plusmixed-use building on the west side of Bayview between Soudan and Hillsdale. Now I have two more development applications to report, one along the west side of Laird south of McRae, and the other at Bayview and Eglinton to replace Sunnybrook Plaza. HEIGHTS, Page 20
"I'm 65, but I tell people I was really born in 1967, the year I came to Canada," says irrepressibly jovial barber Luigi Lavecchia, known as Lui to his customers. Lavecchia's good humour is remarkable considering that within the last month his business, the Leaside Barber Shop, operating at 423 Sutherland for 36 years, was forced to close due to rent increases and LRT construction nearby. BARBER, Page 21
next month. Leaside Life is a small operation, which makes it hard to take a sun break at this time of year. It’s been three winters, with this one especially bad, so the time has come to head south. We’ll be skipping the April edition, but back for the May paper. The usual deadline applies: April 10. Meanwhile, we hope the worst of the bad weather is over for all of you.
LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:54 PM Page 2
Bennington preparing for battles at the OMB
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Development pressures are leading residents of Bennington Heights to prepare for at least one impending battle at the Ontario Municipal Board. On Jan. 22, more than 50 homeowners joined a fundraiser for Save Our Bennington at the home of long-time residents Nancy and John Kellett. In his opening remarks, Councillor Jon Burnside indicated his strong support for efforts to protect the character of the community and oppose a developer’s request to build four houses at 27-31 Evergreen Gardens where there are currently two original homes. The request was rejected by the Committee of Adjustment. The developer appealed the city’s decision to the OMB. “The rules are the rules” when it comes to development, said Burnside, and committed to helping the
community in whatever way he could. Municipal lawyer Ian Flett, retained by Save Our Bennington for the upcoming OMB hearing, emphasized community solidarity as a key for success. Save Our Bennington reported at the fundraiser that a one-day hearing at the OMB costs in the vicinity of $15,000. This includes the services of the lawyer and municipal planner, and all the preparatory work. Save Our Bennington established a fundraising target of $45,000 to cover the anticipated two-day hearing in April and to build a reserve war chest for future neighbourhood concerns. By the middle of the month Save Our Bennington had received donations of about $35,000. The fundraising drive continued to the end of February. ■
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LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:54 PM Page 3
LEASIDE LIFE EXPOSE 3
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The Boss behind the Six Benches job The third call was to Mercer, who finally exposed Williams. But what’s the big deal with benches? It’s the idea and the work done by Mercer’s son Adrian and the willingness of Leasiders to get behind the project by offering free service. It started in 2012 when the wooded area behind the old swimming pool needed to be cut down to make room for the new arena. Williams thought of making use of some of the trees for benches and approached Mercer, the chair of the arena’s expansion committee, who jumped in to help. An arborist chose the trees, maples and lindens, and contractors turned them into logs, which were then stored at Leaside Landscaping, owned by Simon Stevenson, who provided free transportation for them to be milled near Fenelon Falls.
Leaside Life, March 2015
Allan Williams, who writes for Leaside Life and was on the Leaside Memorial Gardens board of management, has been exposed. He won’t like being singled out that way because, as another former board member, Paul Mercer, says, he’s humble. Williams, says Mercer, would come up with great ideas, but when they came to fruition and crowds were around getting it all going, he was off attending to something else. That’s what happens during the Leaside Athlete of the Year inductions. His idea, but he’s behind the scenes during all the speeches. The case of the six beautiful new hand-crafted wood benches at the arena is another example. It took Leaside Life three phone calls and an email to find out that Williams came up with the idea that led to the benches. But it wasn’t Williams who admitted it. The email was to him to see if he knew where the idea came from. Mercer, he wrote back, “had something to do with it”.
Allan Williams
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Leaside Life, March 2015
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They were then stored free for drying by Hal Spradling, for 1 ½ years, at All Canadian Self-Storage across the road from the arena. Then off again, to Mercer Brown Contracting, in Guelph. That’s Mercer, as in Paul Mercer’s son, who used to live on Killdeer Cres. in Leaside. He and his partner Eric Brown, and Jim Williams, an associate in Brookville, made the benches. They were delivered the end of January and are getting rave reviews. Allan Williams, says Paul Mercer, was the “main guy”. But try to get a confession from him. ■
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 ADVERTISING: Ruth Goldhar GRAPHIC DESIGN: L. Choy
416‐486‐7387 leasidelife@gmail.com www.leasidelifenews.com
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Only 3 homes were sold in January By JETHRO SEYMOUR This past January, only three homes changed hands in Leaside (none in Bennington Heights), which was much fewer than the 10 homes that sold in January 2014. There was a significant lack of inventory this past January, which produces some interesting home transactions. Notably, a home on Eglinton sat on the market for 49 days and still sold for 11 percent over asking price. Last month we commented on a North Leaside bungalow that sold for $1,203,000. It was on a 35-foot frontage. What a difference a month makes, along with location and frontage. In January a 23-foot frontage South Leaside bungalow sold for $752,000. Location and frontage are two key factors for builders in Leaside. As of Feb. 11, there were only seven homes available in Leaside. There were 22 this time last year. They range from a three-bedroom semi-detached home on Broadway listed for $739,900 to a newly built home on Parkhurst listed for $2,159,000. Leaside home sales, including Bennington Heights, continue to trend upward. Here is a 12-month look at the rolling averages. â–
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DOLLAR VALUE CHANGES All Home Values – up 4.4 percent, to $1,332,296 Detached Home Values – down 0.2 percent, to $1,442,329 Semi-Detached Home Values – up 10.0 percent, to $827,245 Latest street sales leasidelifenews.com __
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Jethro Seymour is a broker at Johnston & Daniel. All figures are from the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service.
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LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:54 PM Page 6
Briefs 6
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Leaside Life, March 2015
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CORRECTION: The front page of the previous issue said the highest price paid for a bungalow in Leaside in January last year was $580,000. It should have said the first price paid. ___
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The annual Spring Into Action! Walk or Run for Diabetes event at Sunnybrook Park expects to raise $65,000 this year to send eight children to the York University Sports Camp for Kids this summer. Since 2006 the run has supported the camp, the Sunnybrook Hospital Diabetes Foundation and the I Challenge Diabetes Organization. ___ Rio-Can, which recently announced development plans for Sunnybrook Plaza at Eglinton and Bayview, has bought out its partner at the Leaside Centre at Eglinton and Laird, where Canadian Tire is the anchor. A Rio-Can statement says the site will host a secondary entrance to the LRT but says nothing about possible future redevelopment. ___ The Leaside Garden Society has agreed to help collect usable gardening items, like garden pots and trays for collecting water, for Thorncliffe Park, by distributing information about the request. The Thorncliffe Park Urban Farmers are trying to encourage balcony gardening and will be hosting a free seed exchange in May, when they will be handing out collected garden equipment. ___ Eight Leaside residents have received awards from MP John Carmichael for the volunteer work they do: Patrick Rocca, Alan Redway, Andrew Griffin, Geoff Kettel, Hugh Grant, Paul Mercer, Donna Lu Mitchell and Wendy Evans. ___ Are you part of a group of individuals involved in sponsoring refugees? If so, we'd like to hear from you. leasidelifenews@gmail.com. ___ City council formally approved a Business Improvement Area for Bayview on Feb. 10 in response to business owners who voted last fall for its creation. The next step will be the creation of the BIA’s board of directors and executive, which will decide on the name for the BIA.
LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:54 PM Page 7
LEASIDE STOCK INDEX
U.S. dollar was the January star The U.S. dollar was the star of the Leaside Stock Index in January for the second consecutive month. The LSI’s overall portfolio of 20 stocks achieved a total return of 3.7 percent, barely squeaking out a 43point victory over its two ETF benchmarks. In the first month of 2015 the 10 American stocks in the portfolio achieved a total return including currency of 5.3 percent, 330 basis points higher than the 10 Canadian stocks. Excluding currency, the Canadian stocks actually did 5.1 percent better than their American counterparts. To put this in perspective, the U.S. dollar accounted for 160 percent of the U.S. stocks’ performance in January. That’s great until you have to convert the U.S. dollars back into Canadian currency. Any rebound by the Canadian dollar over the next
few months will eliminate most if not all the positive momentum from December and January. This is exactly why home-country bias (the natural tendency to want to invest in stocks in your own country) sometimes isn’t the worst thing in the world. Long-term this view will hurt you but in the short run it’s actually a good problem to have. The top performing stock, Canadian or American, in the month of January was Riocan, up 11.4 percent on the month. Perhaps it gained so much on the news of its two-condo development proposal for Sunnybrook Plaza or its purchase of the 50 percent it didn’t already own of the Leaside Centre, where Canadian Tire and PetSmart are located. Restaurant Brands International, the successor company to Tim Hortons and Burger King, got
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off to a good start to the year, up 8.2 percent in January, the second-best performing stock behind only Riocan. Hopefully, you took the stock and not the cash. In terms of American stocks, Dunkin Brands had a much better month than Starbucks, up slightly less than 11 percent, compared to 6.3 percent for its cross-country rival. Together the two stocks accounted for almost all of the real performance (non-currency) of the 10 American stocks. With 10 out of 20 stocks in the LSI delivering negative total returns in January it’s safe to say the month was a dud. Perhaps February will show the index a little more love. ■ Funds graph at leasidelifenews.com
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New Lions club reaches its goal Raija Rosenthal has succeeded in reaching her goal of 20 members necessary to apply for a charter as a Lions Club in Leaside. Named the Leaside100 Lions in honour of the neighbourhood's 100th anniversary in 2013, it has already pledged support for Spinal Cord Injury Ontario. The club met Feb. 3 to elect officers and Rosenthal predicts it will have its charter within two months. A charter celebration is being planned for the new members, their families and guests. Rosenthal predicts up to 100 may attend. ■
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LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:54 PM Page 9
parties, and even a camp, where children can interact with animals. Its former premises on Parkhurst was recently purchased by SmartCentre for development. Both Dundy and Ego worked closely on renovations, including soundproofing the space so that the animals, including cockatoos, snakes, rabbits and chinchillas don't disrupt either churchgoers or other tenants, including a Montessori School. “We don't keep dogs or cats because they need a home environment,â€? says Ego. All the animals are rescues. â–
Under the principle of loving “all creatures great and small,� Northlea United Church at 125 Brentcliffe Rd. recently invited Pawsitively Pets owner Jennifer Ego to set up shop on the second floor of their premises. “From our point of view, it fits in perfectly with the philosophy of our church,� says board member John Dundy, who helped spearhead the idea. “We already have dog training courses, and the blessing of animals.� Pawsitively Pets hosts children's
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By PATRICIA PHENIX
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Leaside Life, March 2015
A local church for animals
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Leaside Life became part of problem Leaside Life, March 2015
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Leaside Life litter Hi Cheryl: Congrats on becoming a Leaside Life columnist. Ironically, the copy of the new issue that I began perusing was one I picked up off the sidewalk on Bayview--it was litter! Jeff Walker, Donegall Dr.
Retail litter Recently I received an email from a kindred litter elf. She had just read the article in Leaside Life about my litter program. Her home backs onto Sandy Bruce Park (across from Loblaws on Moore). For several years she has taken responsibility for clearing the litter from the park in the spring and whenever she saw it getting out of control. The worst offender, she thinks, is the Loblaws parking lot litter that blows across Moore and catches on the outside of the park fence, making it look very ugly from the road. She has wanted to speak to the Loblaws manager about the problem, but was afraid her complaints would be "blown off". I replied: It’s so nice to hear from you. By chance are you the woman who thanked me for picking up litter, from your car at the corner of Rumsey and McRae, and said you cleaned up Sandy Bruce Park? Thank you too! Here is my experience with businesses in the neighbourhood. I sometimes shop at the Loblaws on
Cheryl Vanderburg
Leaside Litterati Redway Rd. Driving in there was offputting as assorted garbage collected along the street chain link fences, the parking lot was strewn with flyers and the entrance to the store was littered with cigarette butts and cash register slips. One day I got up the courage to speak with the manager. I told him I could no longer shop there because the litter was so unwelcoming. He totally agreed and said he had a grounds crew and would have them clean it up. The day I shopped, there was an online survey featured on the back of the register receipt, so I filled it out with the same complaint. I don't shop there much but I did notice that much of the litter has been cleaned up. The Husky gas station at Malcolm and Laird was also on my radar as there was a lot of litter in the bushes and along the curbside. One day I went by, cleaned it up and handed the bag to the attendant to dispose of. I wrote to a general Husky email address and the area manager did respond. He said that appearance was important to them and he would speak with the station manager. It is now looking better too. I take pictures on my phone to
document things and include them in my email. So, I would say that you could go directly to the Loblaws store manager and he should not “blow you off”. All of the corporations and organizations I have spoken with or emailed were appreciative of the feedback and did correct their actions. It is smart marketing and the right thing to do. I hope this helps. Cheryl She replied, “Oh, wow. I didn't realize someone else was cleaning up Sandy Bruce too! So, no it was not I that yelled out to you :).” She thanked me for my advice and said that not being a techie she had never thought of taking a photo of the litter along the fence. She said it bothered her that a lot of the Loblaws flyers ended up across the road and either she, or the city or her mystery neighbour elf, had to clean it up for them. “GREAT idea about taking it over to them to deal with!”
Horse and lego litter To whom it may concern: The wooden rocking horse you dropped off at Trace Manes Park in January has lost its head. As it is no longer ride-able, I dragged it over to the litter bin and the city has picked it up. I am a “glass half full” girl, so I want to believe that it gave your children hours of enjoyment and as they
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LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:55 PM Page 12
have outgrown it, you brought it to the park for other children to enjoy. My husband is a little more cynical and thinks you thought abandoning it in the park was an easy way to dispose of it. I’m not quite sure why you would bring it in January as the ground is frozen and it would likely get buried in snow and I don’t know how well the finish would have held up when wet. Just thought you might like to know in case you drop by sometime and wonder what happened to it. And to the person who dropped off one shoe box full of Lego pieces and one shoe box full of small cars and trucks, on a cold January day, I’m not sure what were you thinking. If you left them there by accident, I have both boxes and will happily return them. If you left them there for children to play with, it’s a bit cold outside to assemble Lego and it’s likely the hundreds of pieces would have ended up all over the ground for either the library staff or me to pick up. If you were hoping someone would take them home to enjoy, next time consider donating items to Goodwill. For now my grandchildren will enjoy them when they come over to visit. ■
Leaside Life, March 2015
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Leaside Life, March 2015
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LETTERS
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
leasidelife@gmail.com Letters may be edited.
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Really enjoy Leaside Life. I feel it keeps me up to date on all that is happening in our area. I was not altogether shocked to see that there is a proposal to build on Sunnybrook Plaza. However, I was told many years ago that Sunnybrook Plaza was the first strip mall in Canada (not just Toronto) and because of that it was grade two listed and could not be changed. It is almost the only place in the immediate area where you can park and shop, has a great pharmacy, hardware store plus a few other important stores. I cannot see two condo towers in this space or perhaps I do not want to. Regarding litter, I am tired of the lazy people around Bayview and Eglinton bus stops who just drop their litter anywhere other than the litter bin. The four bus stops on the south east corner appear to be the worst offenders. There are no garbage bins in this area, however there is one outside 1750 Bayview that is very lonely and requires garbage. Maybe this could be moved over there? Does the city look at these very dirty areas? Margaret Seal, Bayview Ave. I am writing about the letter sent to you by Rea Godbold in the February edition of Leaside Life. My name is Pat Poole and I am a sister of the late Jack Caffery, who was inducted into the Leaside Sports Hall of Fame in November. I agree it was a wonderful evening especially for Jack's widow, Lorraine, my sister, Helen McCarthy, my brother, Terry and our spouses. We miss Jack and also our brother Don Caffery, who passed away in 1997. We were thrilled to meet up with our old neighbours that evening, Gary Malpass and Ross Lomax. Ross lived two doors away and our mothers were very close friends even after they both left Hanna Rd. I will see that Ross gets a copy of Leaside Life. Pat Poole, Bayview Ave. I enjoy your publication very much although there are many items I disagree with. But to say I disagree with the proposal of building twin towers at
LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:55 PM Page 15
Ɓ ǩ ǩ Ěȑ5Ɓ ưŇǩƴíǩŊƜȑ0 any way you want it!
visit us today Laird & Wicksteed 147 Laird Drive Open 7am - 11pm
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Leaside Life, March 2015
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LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:56 PM Page 16
INTRODUCING...
Leaside Life, March 2015
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Chiropractic services with our new in house Chiropractor, DR. MATTHEW CARINCI, BSc DC
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the Sunnybrook Plaza is an understatement. Anyone involved with this proposal who lives in this neighbourhood would know how great it is to have this little plaza. It is not only used by an enormous number of people but serves a real need and gives jobs to many people. It is a great addition to this area. We do not need another condo building in this neighbourhood. This area is small and to put any size of condos in it would not only cause devastating traffic problems but it would just look terrible jamming these two structures into a small space. We already have, north of Bayview, a number of new condos going up that are not affordable for the average person. This too will cause additional traffic, which is already over stressed. I am not against development but to squeeze ugly buildings into every little space that only benefits the developers is wrong. I have lived in this area for over 40 years. My children went to St. Anselm school and we still live in the area. We have seen the awful building of plazas and numerous other things that will still be going up around Laird. This is not making the neighbourhood better. It’s just making it larger. Anna Meihm Lopes, Bayview Ave.
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LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:56 PM Page 18
Spring into Action! run on May 2
Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe. Thursday, March 19, 7:30 p.m., speaker Carol Damioli, author, Portrait in Black and Gold. April 16 speaker Marjorie Mason, garden commentator. Visitors and new members welcome. A university degree is not a prerequisite for membership. http://www.cfuwleasideeastyork.ca.
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LEASIDE LIBRARY, 165 McRae, 416-396-3835 ADULT and TEEN PROGRAMMING: – Winston Churchill and Mackenzie King: So Similar, So Different. Author Terry Reardon. No registration required. Wednesday, March 25, 7- 8 p.m. – Youth Advisory Group meeting. Volunteer and receive community hours. Ask staff for an application form. Wednesday, March 25, 4-6 p.m. – Teen Movie Night, Pitch Perfect: follow Beca to an all-girl singing group and see how dreams come true. 13-25 years of age. Drop in. Wednesday, March 18, 5:307:30 p.m. CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING: – Sing-Along with Soli and Rob and puppet characters Alistair Ant and Sluggo. Interactive musical concert. Space limited. Free tickets 30 minutes before the show. No daycares or daycamps. Monday, March 16, 2-2:45 p.m. – St. Patrick's Day Storytime, no registration required. Tuesday, March 17, 2- 2:30 p.m. – Family Movie Matinee, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. No registration required. Wednesday, March 18, 2-3:30 p.m. – Pan Am Games Storytime, stories and a movie. No registration required. Thursday, March 19, 2-2:30 p.m.
Deadline for May, April 10
St. Cuthbert’s Church Spring Fair, Saturday, April 25, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., 1399 Bayview. 416-485-0329. Books, stamps, jewellery, treasures, home baking, kitchenware, toys, hand-knitting, an “art� gallery, odds and ends and electrical goods. Plus free children’s activities, coffee and donuts and BBQ.
leasidelifenews@gmail.com
FREE LISTING SERVICE HAVE A LOCAL EVENT TO PROMOTE? SEND US THE DATE, TIME, LOCATION AND EVENT NAME
OUTSIDE GROUPS – Leaside Garden Society: See website at www.leasidegardensociety.org. 7:30-9:30 p.m., Thursday, March 12. – Heritage Ontario, with Barry Penhale and special guests. 2-4 p.m. on recurring Tuesdays. PROGRAMMING FOR EVERYONE: Wet Paint, recent paintings of sky, sea and land by Karin Fediw. All March. ____ Spring into Action! Walk or Run for Diabetes, Sunnybrook Park, May 2, for all ages and fitness levels with 10k, 5k, or 2k walks or runs. Insideoutstudio.ca/ events/spring-action-2015. Canadian Federation of University Women, Leaside East York meeting
March Break Kid’s Club, Leaside Presbyterian Church, March 17-19, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. JK- grade 8. Snacks, music, stories, crafts and movies. $30/day or $75/three days for one child or $50/day or $125/three days per family. Special assistance is available with confidentiality. Grade 9 and up youth helpers appreciated. Grade 7-8 welcome as leaders in training. Community service hours available! Adult helpers appreciated. Leaside Garden Society at Leaside Public Library, Thursday, March 12, 7.15 p.m. David Bostock, arborist. Giant Book Sale, Leaside Presbyterian Church, 670 Eglinton East, Saturday, March 21, 9 a.m.-noon. Books, CDs, DVDs, videos, vinyl records.
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LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:56 PM Page 20
Heights 2½ times permitted by zoning 20
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Both represent real challenges to the character and scale of Leaside. Several hundred very concerned Leasiders filled the William Lea Room at the official meeting held by the city’s planning department on Feb. 9 into the application by VIVA Retirement Communities for 146150 Laird, across from the Smart Centre mall, a very large site that includes the two three-storey office/ retail buildings south of McRae, as well as the Golden Griddle restaurant and its parking lot. One of the existing office buildings is the old Durant Motors building, a listed heritage property. The developer seeks to build an eight-storey rental retirement building with 175 units, and a sevenstorey seniors’ condominium with 109 units, connected by a threestorey bridge. Such heights are two and a half times the height permitted by current zoning. Massive is the term that comes to mind. As you can imagine, it was a lively meeting. Attendees criticized the application in strong terms. The proposed heights would plunge Randolph Rd.’s back yards and houses into deep shade for most of the day, yearlong, and be exacerbated by insufficient setback between the proposed buildings and the homes immediately behind. People raised privacy concerns as well. Given their heights, these
Carol Burtin Fripp Co-president, LPOA
buildings would tower over the neighbourhood and be visible from afar. Another big issue was the traffic which would be generated by this complex, especially given Laird’s current at-capacity congestion. Some said that there should be a moratorium on development in Leaside until there is a tough traffic plan to protect our residential streets. Moreover, it was pointed out that, while VIVA’s proposed 183 parking spaces (located in three underground levels) were likely to be insufficient for a seniors’ care facility, with its frequent car movement related to staff shifts, suppliers, visitors, and residents, even this amount of traffic would worsen problems on Laird. A long-time member of the Leaside Business Park Association said that locating residential buildings on Laird would also negatively affect the Leaside Business Park across the street: it would lead to erosion of the area’s employment and industrial activities which require sufficient separation from residential uses to meet safety regulations. If these businesses were limited from carrying out their normal activities, they would be forced to move away.
Frustration at pushing the limits Leasiders are profoundly frustrated by the number and frequency of development proposals which go well beyond our current zoning limits. It hardly seems fair that developers can apply to build giant towers completely at odds with well-established and well-planned neighbourhoods like Leaside, and get tax relief by claiming their consultants, architects and planners as business expenses, while ratepayer groups and local residents trying to protect their communities cannot do the same. Once again, the city’s Official Plan and local zoning bylaws are treated by developers merely as jumping off points, rather than as the last word, to be enforced and protected. As Councillor Jon Burnside said at the end of the meeting Feb. 9 at the William Lea Room, people expect the rules to be obeyed. Leaside residents feel disrespected by developers whose projects undermine the very character and virtues of the neighbourhood which, ironically, these developers claim as assets in their advertisements. – Carol Burtin Fripp
Finally, there was also a concern that, if built, the development would create a precedent for future similar giant residential developments all along Laird’s west side. The other development is at Sunnybrook Plaza, owned by RioCan. Their application is for two condominium towers of 19 storeys (66 metres high) and 13 storeys HEIGHTS, Page 21
Councillor Jon Burnside is disturbed by the developer's attitude. www.leasidelifenews.com
Residents say they’re ready to move By PATRICIA PHENIX Local realtor Patrick Rocca says that five or six residents of Randolph Rd. have already approached him to say they'll sell their homes if the VIVA Retirement Communities proposal to build an eight-storey rental retirement building at 146-150 Laird Dr. is approved. “One guy who sold his place last year said, 'Thank God I did,'" he says. Rocca predicts that house values on Randolph will fall by as much as 20-30 percent due to shading and lack of privacy. "That's a minimum," he says, on the east side. On the west side, “It will knock 5-10 percent off. "Imagine walking out your front door and you're immediately looking at this eight-storey structure.” Rocca compares the situation to one that has been happening the last few years on Bayview, south of Broadway, where developers hope to replace houses with condos. "I know homeowners have been approached to sell their properties. For that reason house values on the west side of Bessborough (whose backyards abut the houses and low-rise apartment buildings on Bayview) are lower than those on the east side.” Asked if he predicts the proposed development will be approved, Rocca says, "Probably not eight stories, more likely five, but something is inevitable." ■
LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:56 PM Page 21
From Page 1
Heights
"He even made housecalls," says David Welton, a customer for over 10 years. On his first visit to the shop, Welton tried to describe which house he lived in on Laird. Before he could finish, Lavecchia interrupted him and asked, "The house with the black door?" Welton nodded yes. Lavecchia said, "I used to cut the hair of an old guy at that house." "You don't get people who run small businesses like that now," says Welton. John Phenix, a customer of over 30 years, agrees. "He's the friendliest guy I've ever met in my life," he says, adding, "He's very old school and takes his time with customers." Lavecchia has always known what it's like to face a challenge. Born in Pisticci, Italy, he emigrated to Canada in 1967, where he found the going tough, especially learning English. "I relied on my customers to help me," he says. "In the beginning I had to ask them to count out change I owed them using their fingers." By 1968 he cut hair at an Eglinton barbershop, as well as pumped gas on Sundays and washed dishes at a restaurant on Mondays. In was 1979 when he took ownership of the Leaside Barber Shop and became a neighbourhood fixture. “I'm the last of the originals on the street," he says. It's hard to disagree with him. ■
L Let et u us s h have ave a safe s afe March March Break B reak and and welcome w elcome llongongawaited a waited e Spring! S pring!
From Page 20
(50 metres high), with a podium between them, and reduced retail at ground level. There would be 420 parking spaces (23 at grade and 397 underground), with a privatized road along the rear of the development, accessible from/to both Bayview and Eglinton. This proposal is far taller than the current zoning allows, and than the city’s Mid-Rise Building Design guidelines recommend, but the developer feels that because there will be an LRT station across the street and the site has a corner location, “We think it’s appropriate.” “Appropriate” was not the opinion of nearby residents who attended a preliminary meeting
organized by Councillor Jon Burnside. Attendees complained that it was too high, too dense, and out of keeping with our neighbourhood’s context. It was pointed out that, in the Eglinton Connects plan, Leaside’s primarily residential singlefamily, two-storey scale is to be maintained. Residents were also concerned about shadowing, privacy, blocked sight-lines, and traffic impacts. If you’d like more details, the RioCan design team will be deputants at the LPOA’s March 4 board meeting. (7:30 p.m., in the Tennis Lounge of the Trace Manes building). As always, members of the public are welcome to attend. ■
Kathleen Wynne, MPP Don Valley West
795 Eglinton Ave East, Unit 101 TToronto, or o onto, ON M4G 4E4 416.425.6777 kathleenwynne.onmpp.ca
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"The landlord expects the LRT to be some kind of big financial windfall for businesses on the strip, so he wanted to raise the rent by 50 percent," says Lavecchia, adding that he is just one in a long line of business owners that have gone under due to the high amounts being asked. "The pharmacy at the corner closed because of them, and so did Cleopatra's hair salon," he says. Coupled with high rents, Lavecchia estimates that in its final months his shop was losing up to $200 to $300 a week in foot traffic after Metrolinx placed a bright orange, silo-sized underground access facility right in front of it, totally obscuring it from view and cutting traffic off from Sutherland. Neighbouring businessman Niraz Adhikari, the owner of Mt. Everest restaurant at 804 Eglinton East, understands what Lavecchia is going through. Due to the lack of any parking on the street from rapid transit construction, he has seen the amount of diners plummet. As a result, he has sought compensation for his losses. Rollian Restaurant in the Sunnybrook Plaza also finds itself empty at night due to Eglinton being reduced to one lane each way. While he may no longer have his own shop, Lavecchia continues to thrive as a barber by moving to Mister Barber Lounge at 814 Eglinton East. His loyal clients, or "friends" as he refers to them, immediately followed him because of his likeability and skill.
Leaside Life, March 2015
Barber
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They’ll soon take their wives there This review column has already done something good: Both of our reviewers went right home and told their wives they would soon be taken out to dinner, to Rollian Sushi in Sunnybrook Plaza. “I hope to make this a regular destination in the Leaside area,” said Cameron Roberts, Donegall Dr. “I highly recommend you spend an evening at Rollian. Just make sure you come with an empty stomach,” said John Horn, Randolph Rd. “Walking up to Rollian you are met with an elegant visage from the outside that is echoed when you enter. The decor is fresh and you are greeted by the chef behind the typical sushi bar. Unfortunately, there were no other dine-in patrons in the restaurant throughout the course of the evening.” – Roberts “…on a snowy Monday night, but that worked in our favour. After we had browsed the vast menu for at least 15 minutes, right from the start the service was speedy, friendly and helpful.” – Horn
YOU, our dining critics
From left John Horn and Cameron Roberts. Third person unable to attend. We give $100 to help pay for a meal for three at any restaurant in our area, the M4G postal code, which includes Leaside, Bennington Heights and the Leaside Business Park (known also as the industrial area). Reviewers are residents of the area or work in it. Their part of the deal: They pick any eatery in that same area and all three eat there together, then each one sends a review of their experience. We put it together. ■ Before their order started they were given a complimentary small crunch noodle soup. “The noodles were tasty but the broth gave us all a surprise with
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how engaging it was. It got my taste buds wondering what the next treat was going to be. A couple of the other starter items we enjoyed were a lightly battered snapper
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LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:56 PM Page 24
Leaside Life, March 2015
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Leaside’s inventory is very low. I have buyers for all different sorts of homes. Please call me if interested in selling.
Monica Stanway, Sales Representative Making the connection. Office:
416 487-5131
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Call me for a confidential, no obligation, discussion of all your real estate needs.
and gyoza dumplings. ” – Roberts “Some of the best dumplings I’ve ever had, so good we immediately ordered another round. Lots of flavour! Then it was showtime as the rolls began to arrive. California rolls, dynamite rolls, veggie rolls, kimchi rolls and spicy tuna rolls. Great mix of flavours, excellent taste, fresh and what we thought were decent prices.” – Horn “One of the high points was the spicy tuna rolls that had the right level of heat with a little crunch for texture. Another nice surprise was the Californian rolls with Korean kimchi on top. This unusual combination provided yet another great mix of flavours.” – Roberts “After we were done we almost needed to be ‘rolled’ out of the restaurant! And if that wasn’t enough I ordered the seven-ounce beef tenderloin dinner, which came with mashed potatoes and a variety of veggies. A nice piece of meat and sides that were just right. A couple of Heinekens mixed in and I was ready for a good sleep. “After arriving home I couldn’t stop telling my wife what a pleasant experience Rollian was and how a return visit was definitely in the cards.” – Horn “I have already told my wife that we should go together.” – Roberts So, we done good. – LL ■
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MORTGAGE - LINE OF CREDIT - REFINANCE - EQUITY TAKE-OUT
By PATRICIA PHENIX When Robyn Hochglaube of Astor Ave. was looking for a cleaning lady recently she had no resources where she could obtain advice, or in her words "pick the brains" of fellow Leasiders. And so she created the Facebook page Leaside Community (which recently logged in its 366th member) where residents can find up-to-date information about school activities, sporting events and garage sales, as well as discuss the quality of services available. Hochglaube also foresees it as a place where parents can seek general advice about businesses, babysitters, as well as buy, sell or trade gently worn sports equipment, and clothing. In time Hochglaude plans to liaise with local businesses, especially along Laird, in hopes that they will also utilize the site. ■
W
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a contest for f o t ar p e ar s to o h p e Thes pils this year. u p l o o h sc gh u ro o sb Bes
Studen t: Emily Xu Grade: Grade 7
hard Otis Robic Student: 8 e d Grade: Gra
r Student: Ryan Bolge 8 e ad Gr e: ad Gr
Student: Kelvey Goldhar-Killick Grade: Grade 7
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Wonders of
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Geoff Kettel
Saving old Leaside
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A seismic shift at Committee of Adjustment? 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
It seemed like a seismic shift in the Committee of Adjustment; the New York Times would call it an “epiphany”. The committee turned down the application for minor variances at 438 Broadway Ave. based on it not meeting the four tests of the Planning Act: 1. Is the variance minor? 2. Would the granting of the variance result in a development that would be desirable for the appropriate development or use of the applicant’s land or building? 3. Does the variance requested maintain the general intent and purpose of the zoning by-law? and 4. Does the variance requested maintain the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan (OP)? And even more interesting, the committee member who made the motion took pains to point out that her major concern was that the application did not reflect the character of the neighbourhood. The Official Plan states in Chapter 4, Section 4.5 that: • “No changes shall be made through re-zoning, minor variance, consent or other public action that are out of keeping with the physical character of the neighbourhood." It seems that the committee rarely takes this into serious consideration in its decision-making. I note that the context of this application was a block of detached neo-Georgian style, two-storey red brick homes with peaked roofs of uniform height. The exception is a white stone dwelling, recently constructed next door. This “stone castle” is an outlier in the neighbourhood, at least for the moment. The refusal was the result, but it was the articulate verbal and written submissions of the immediate neighbours, Judy Hembruff and Tim Johnson, Wilmar Kortleever, Dan
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Leaside Life, March 2015
Jakubowicz, and the LPOA that led to the refusal of the 13 so called “minor variance” requests. These variances were applied to almost every single aspect of the design – width, height, length, side-yard set-backs, floor space, ratio of building area to lot size. Hembruff and Johnson described the request in very human terms, as “the personal equivalent of allowing someone to tower over you and stand too close – forever”. Here were the requested variances and the their specific concerns: • To reduce the side set-backs from what is required by half, from 1.2 m to .61 m. (from 4 feet to 2 feet). – That would remove their right of access to the side of their home, so they would not have the ability to clean and maintain gutters, maintain venting, chimney and other exterior surfaces. – There would be loss of light to existing windows. – The existing trees (mature cedars and white pine) would not survive the renovation due to damage to their root systems. – Their home’s foundations would be put at risk both during and after the build, compromising their home’s existing weeping tiles, resulting in an increased risk of flooding in their basement. – Their right to the enjoyment of their back yard would be affected and the spacious open feeling within and between the yards would be eliminated. • To increase the maximum permitted building height. – The new build would exceed the height of their chimney, which vents both furnace and fireplace, and would therefore no longer be able to draft properly. The chimney would likely have to be extended because it would no longer meet gas company requirements and this would result in additional costs. – Anything that hits the new roof of the new build (water, snow, leaves) would fall onto their roof and fill their gutters. – The amount of sunshine would be significantly reduced, increasing the potential for snow build-up, slow melt and roof rot. – The morning sun would no longer shine into their back yard compromising their existing landscaping and their right to the enjoyment of their back yard. • To increase the maximum permitted building length, lot coverage and floor space by 15 per cent – You know this – it’s too long, too big and too intrusive, and just does not fit the neighbourhood!
LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:57 PM Page 28
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Back to the epiphany! While waiting for the Broadway item to come up that morning, we could not help but notice that the committee was unusually attentive, diligently questioning the developers’ agents and turning down several of the applications. This was not business as usual. Has the committee turned over a new leaf, received new directions, or what? Is this a one-meeting wonder or a real change? We can only hope it is the latter. But what is the next step in the Broadway case? The neighbours wait to see if the owner appeals to the OMB. As always the combined efforts of the neighbours will contribute greatly to the outcome. Still on the topic of demolition/ infilI development, I get many questions about the status of 27 Fleming Cres. and 73 Donegall Dr. 27 Fleming, which was featured in the July 2014 edition of Leaside Life, is a particularly egregious demonstration of the city’s lack of effective building enforcement, that happens to have been carefully monitored and documented by neighbours (http://leasidelifenews.com/builder-wont-stop-citydoes-nothing/). This demolition and reconstruction project involved the flouting of numerous planning and building regulations, including
LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:57 PM Page 29
Leaside Life To advertise here: 416-486-7387 www.leasidelifenews.com Deadline April 10.
failed to win approval for a threestorey tower house, decided to live with the zoning – to build “as of rightâ€?. So the house was demolished late in December and foundations 29 and walls for a new house quickly arose in January. However, neighbours soon became disturbed at the height and called the building department. They came out to inspect and they issued a stop work order. No one seems to know where this is going. â–
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what it takes to do more than just stop construction. 73 Donegall has some similarities – construction recently stopped due to questionable compliance with the zoning by-laws. But how did we get there? Last time we heard about this address, it was about a big victory at the OMB (http://leasidelifenews.com/73donegall-a-big-success-at-the-omb). It appears that the owner, having
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Leaside Life, March 2015
proceeding with construction without approval for minor variances (zoning by-laws) and removal of walls so it no longer could be considered a “renovation�, unauthorized change of grade, and failure to display a building permit. This house, for which construction was eventually stopped, continues to be unresolved to the present. It appears that the city is reluctant to take the owner to court, which is
LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:57 PM Page 30
The ‘Saint’ behind rare Meals on Wheels club Leaside Life, March 2015
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30 Midge Sandiland should be awarded the Saint of the Year Award says Jim Garvie, a Leacrest Rd. resident for 55 years. Garvie, now in his 80s, says Sandiland goes out of her way to help people, and he is happy to take advantage. He’s doing it as a member of her Diners’ Club, a bit of a rare outgrowth of the East York Meals on Wheels (EYMOW) program. The club has been in place since 1979 when the EYMOW board got a government grant to help start up a new program to get people out of their homes, and to a social event, with a meal cooked in the kitchen at Leaside United Church and served in the Hearth Room there. Sandiland has been involved since those early days, and is now the Diners’ Club coordinator for EYMOW. Today’s meals are luncheons in local restaurants or community centres that make deals with Sandiland for her group of 15 to 20 for each outing. The members don’t have to get there themselves. Sandiland arranges free transportation by volunteers, from home and back. She
Lorna Krawchuk Publisher Leaside Life
also books after-lunch entertainment, such as a singing group or pianist, at many of her events. The cost is low, depending on what’s arranged with each restaurant, but Sandiland estimates that if you booked for all eight luncheons a month it would cost about $75. She supervises a crew of volunteers who regularly phone people who have asked to be on the club list. There is no fee to be on it, and you can choose to attend as few or as many of the events as you wish. The volunteers who drive can choose to stay for lunch too, or just provide the door-to-door transportation each way. One of the local venues is The Millwood at 921 Millwood Rd. Gail Alexis, the director of community relations there, regards providing a locale as “paying it forward”. Another is the Golden Griddle at 146 Laird Dr., where Sashi Thadathil has owned this
IIndian ndian & Nepalese Nepalese C uisine Cuisine
location for the past 14 years and has always been helpful to community efforts. His involvement might come to an end, though, depending on what happens with the proposed redevelopment on that site. Garvie, who got involved as a volunteer driver when he retired but gave up driving when he turned 80, tries to attend once a week, if he’s not travelling. It’s a welcome change, he says, from visiting friends who aren’t well. You might recognize his name from over 30 years coaching and managing with the Leaside Hockey Association, or from his many years with baseball at Talbot Park. Another local attendee is Ilse Hoben, of Brentcliffe Rd. She too started as a volunteer driver after her retirement, but has now “graduated” to being driven. She fits in her Diners’ Club luncheons around her various volunteer commitments with the Parish of St. Anselm. To volunteer as a driver, phoner, or a helper at a community centre event, or if you’d like to attend a luncheon, call 416-424 3322, or email admin@eastyorkmealsonwheels.org. ■
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LeasideLife issue 37_LeasideLifev1 15-02-19 1:57 PM Page 31
RBC Dominion Securities Securities Inc. Inc.
RBC Dominion Securities is pleased to announce that Investment Advisors David Goddard and Mark Coyle have now relocated to the firm’s new branch located at 45 Wicksteed Ave. (Laird & Wicksteed).
DAAVID VID GODDARD ODDARD, CIM CIM Investment Advisor RBC Dominion Securities 416-699-4105 david.goddard@rbc.com
MARK ARK CO OYLE YLE FCSI FCSI, CIM CIM, CFP CFP, FMA FMA, H HBA BA
David and Mark have the knowledge, expertise and devotion required to offer outstanding service to the Leaside community. They also provide clients with the resources of Canada’s leading provider of wealth management – RBC Dominion Securities. Whether you’re looking to maximize your retirement savings, enhance your after-tax retirement income or protect your wealth for future generations, David and Mark can create a personalized strategy designed to achieve your individual goals.
They offer you the highest quality advice on a wide range of wealth management services, including portfolio management, financial planning, RRSPs/RRIFs, education savings plans, estate planning There’s Ther e’s W Wealth alt h in Our Approach. alth Ap pr o ac h. aend and charitab ble giv giving. ving gh
Investment Advisor RBC Dominion Securities 416-699-4997 mark.coyle@rbc.com
Call to arrange for a complimentary initial consultation – or to receive an objective, no-obligation second opinion on your current investments.
RBC Dominion Securities Inc.* and Royal Bankk of Canada are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. *Member-Canadian Investor Protection Fund. RBC Dominion Securities Inc. is a member company off RBC Wealth Management, a business segment off Royal Bankk of Canada. ®Registered trademarks off Royal Bankk of Canada. Used underr licence. © RBC Dominion Securities Inc. 2014. All rights reserved.
Leaside Life, March 2015
YO OUR UR PA ARTNERS RTNERS IN IN LE EASIDE ASIDE F FOR OR FIINANCIAL NANCIAL SU UCCESS CCESS
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Leaside Life, March 2015
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