LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:29 PM Page 1
No. 42 • October 2015
Leaside Life
2015 Sports Hall of Fame, Page 9
ALLAN WILLIAMS
leasidelifenews.com
COME JOIN US, say Bayview Leaside BIA board members, from left, Trae Zammit of Smokin’ Cigar, Simon Hanlon of McSorley’s, David Illiatovich-Owen of De La Mer and Grant Allardyce of The Source Menswear. BYOB (Bring Your Own Broom) to the BIA’s Sweep the Streets Campaign on Bayview Oct. 3.
Ready to start the job By ALLAN WILLIAMS “It’s a BYOB event,” says newly-elected Bayview Leaside BIA chair Trae Zammit of The Smokin’ Cigar. “That means, Bring Your Own Broom, and help us clean up the community.” The new Business Improvement Area’s fall Sweep the Streets Campaign takes place on Saturday, Oct. 3 at 9 a.m. Anyone willing to help should meet at the northwest corner of Millwood and Bayview. “This is our first official event,” says Zammit. “We’re walking before we can run. Then our priority this fall will be developing a marketing plan to put in place for the Christmas season.” All commercial properties on Bayview between Davisville and Soudan are a part of the catchment area of the BIA. Zammit says the first levy has already appeared on the most recent City of Toronto property tax bill of commercial property owners. The other officers chosen from among the board members elected at the BIA’s first meeting in the spring were Grant Allardyce of The Source Menswear as vice-chair, Stephen Betts of TD Canada Trust as treasurer and Stanley Janecek of White House Meats as secretary. The next general meeting will be in January. ■
Jon Burnside Councillor, Toronto Ward 26 Don Valley West
‘I found Metrolinx duplicitous’ In my last column I mentioned my concern about Metrolinx’s involvement in development of the McDonald’s site and south on Bayview Ave. BURNSIDE, Page 2
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:29 PM Page 2
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
2
Great Gifts For Nature Lovers of All Ages
Everything for Folks Who Love WILD BIRDS
939 Eglinton Ave E. (Brentcliffe and Eglinton)
416- 646-2439 w w w. U r b a n N a t u r e S t o r e. c a
Burnside From Page 1
My understanding of prior meetings between Metrolinx and city officials was that Metrolinx had agreed not to profit from development at this intersection. One could infer that this being the case, their sole motivation would be to build the LRT station. On Aug. 20 I held a meeting with Metrolinx officials including people from their communications, real estate and legal departments. At this time they admitted that while they only need the McDonald’s site for the LRT station, they had purchased the adjacent property to save “time and money� and they would indeed receive profit at a rate “per buildable square foot� for any development. This is worrisome because they now have a clear motivation for maximum density and would likely back it up with the rationale that their job is to “promote transitoriented development�. One can imagine that any appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board with
a plaintiff cloaked in this kind of righteousness has a clear advantage if not a path to victory. Of course, the purchase of additional land will allow for a much larger development on this corner than would have otherwise been the case irrespective of any appeal to the OMB. Unfortunately, I found Metrolinx officials to be duplicitous and, quite frankly, I find it hard to trust anything they say. In one sentence they claimed they wanted to ensure the site didn’t become “sterilizedâ€? (hardly an issue at Bayview and Eglinton!) and that they had control of any development, while in the next sentence they claimed to “have no opinion, would stay neutral and would be hands-off.â€? When pressed to clarify these seemingly mutually exclusive pronouncements they had no answer. I will let you decide whether or not you think Metrolinx is a neutral bystander or a government agency that could do irreparable damage to our community. â–
YOUR YO OUR LOCAL LO AL RECOMMENDED REALTOR REAL LT Thinking of buying or selling? Contact me for trusted real real estate advice: 416.925.9191
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-23 9:30 AM Page 3
A split Leaside ‘not effective representation’ LETTERS
Dear Councillor Burnside
leasidelife@gmail.com
I write with reference to the Toronto Ward Boundary Review, and the ward redesigns provided in its report. The Leaside Property Owners’ Association, Inc. (LPOA) is concerned about the five options provided. Four of the five divide our community in half, with each half reporting to a different community council. The fifth option shifts Leaside into a much larger ward quite unlike us in policies and priorities. This is not “effective representation,” nor does it acknowledge and respect historical geographic and social connections. “Voter parity” is not the only important consideration, and frankly it is less important than preserving neighbourhood identity. Moreover, dividing a cohesive community between two separate community councils creates less good representa-
Letters may be edited. tion, certainly requiring more complicated, work-intensive efforts to retain neighbourhood patterns and identity. We feel very strongly that council should choose from a larger number of options than the five in this report, with much greater (per ward?) public notification and consultation. And while council considers ward size/population, and other potential proposed designs, it might be worth also considering whether returning to the (post-amalgamation) six community councils, one per previous municipality, might reduce the above problems. We would appreciate your letting your council colleagues at City Hall
Leaside/Davisville's Leaside/Davisville's T Top o op Re Realtor* altor* tor*
Taxpayers did not get their money’s worth from the consultant who didn’t seem to know Leaside is a closely-knit neighbourhood (Will Leaside be split up? Sept/15). But this is not the first time Leasiders have been burned by so-called experts. It was in the pages of Leaside Life, some four years ago, that excerpts were published of a “study” into the impact of the SmartCentres. The report asserted “while there could be a minor propensity for traffic infiltration into the local roads west of Laird Dr., the long-term impact after the LRT opens is expected to be negligible….”
“Y “Your Your o Community Com Adv Advocate" ocate"
NEIGHBOURHOOD INSPIRED REAL EST TAT AT E
100 Donegall Dr
515 Soudan Ave Ave
419 Balliol St
Broadway Ave 297 Br oadway Ave
835 Millwood Rd
South Leaside semi 3 Bdrm
4 Bdrm Davisville Davisville detached home
Da Davisville visville Triplex Triplex on fabulous south lot
Designer detached house! on gorgeous gorgeous south lot
South Leaside townhome
$799,000
Call for Details
$1,3 $1,399,000 99,000
$929,000
$950,000
NO ONE SELLS SELLS MORE MORE AREA HOMES! HOMES!* PR PROVEN OVEN RES RESULTS, ULLTS, OVER OVER 24 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE! Call me toda today! y! V Visit isit my website for all curr current ent listings and community e events. vents.
“Often imitated... ne never ver equalled” OUR NEIGHBOURHOOD NEIGHBOURHOOD,, Y YOUR OUR HOME
b ro r o ke ker
416.322.8000 mail@patrickrocca.com mail@patrickrocca.com www.leasidehomes.com www.leasidehomes.com * TREB/IMS Stats Not intended to solicit pr properties operties alr already eady listed.
Bosley Bosley Real Estate Ltd. Ltd.,, Br Brokerage okerage
Leaside Life, October 2015
know of our strongly negative response to the Options Report. I would be surprised if there weren’t other communities who also face division according to the limited choices prescribed in the report. Thank you for your consideration, Carol Burtin Fripp, Co-President with Geoff Kettel, LPOA
|
3
Open letter to Councillor Jon Burnside:
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:29 PM Page 4
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
4
In the latest issue of Leaside Life, the new ward councillor, Sheriff Burnside, has found himself dealing with duplicity by Metrolinx within a stone’s throw of the Premier’s riding office. The headline of his column asks, “Can we trust Metrolinx?” We are told we need density to support the LRT. Planners: If you are the “experts” you keep telling us you are, let Councillor Burnside in on the precise calculations you have used to determine just how much density, how many condos, are necessary to make the LRT pay for itself. If it takes all the condos being planned (for example on a twoblock stretch of Eglinton near Yonge condos of 60, 60, 47, 30, 30 and 34 floors) you obviously do not believe the people in the houses will take the LRT. You have argued we need to do this to fight sprawl and to reduce gridlock and emissions but, in truth, you will not have changed a thing but to make daily life more miserable for everyone, even the people sitting in the patio cafes sipping wine which they blow back out through their nostrils when they see the $200,000,000-plus bill for Eglinton Connects. Bob Murphy, Eglinton East Re Lorna Krawchuk’s column in the last issue, the Quonset hut at Laird and Wicksteed was not related to the Leaside Aerodrome which closed in the early 1930s. It just happens to be located on the same land, but long after the aerodrome was shut down. It was possibly related to a World War IIera industry, similar to another Quonset hut still to be found on Canvarco Rd. But the hangars used by the aerodrome were located where the Home Depot now stands and the last one was removed in 1971. Rudy Limeback, Bayview Ave. Is the Toronto Morgentaler clinic at Hillsdale and Bayview going to be part of the new Bayview Leaside BIA? I certainly hope so! I can think of few other businesses on the stretch that do a greater service to the Leaside community and to the whole City of Toronto. The Morgentaler Clinic should be a source of great pride for Leasiders. Blaise Alleyne, Eglinton East Editor’s note: Bayview Leaside BIA chair Trae Zammit says all commercial properties in the BIA area (Bayview between Davisville and Soudan) have the BIA levy added to the property tax bill and tenants can participate in the BIA.
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:29 PM Page 5
First annual Georgia Walsh games raised $72,500 to fix park
By CHRISTINE FORD The Georgia Walsh Memorial AllStar Baseball Games and Fun Fair, held at Trace Manes Park Aug. 29, raised $72,500 for re-juvenating the
Treat yourself to a healthier lifestyle.
park’s playground. The project is a partnership with the Toronto Parks and Trees Foundation (TPTF), a charitable foundation that attracts corporate and philanthropic support. Since the city cannot fund all park improvement proposals, TPTF steps in for selected projects, ensuring that all donations go to the specific initiative. Completion could take up to three years. “Trace Manes playground was a place where Georgia loved to play,â€? said her mother Jillian Walsh in kicking off the day’s events, “and so rejuvenating the park is a fitting tribute to her and to the Leaside community that rallied around our family after Georgia’s death.â€? About $170,000 has been raised so far and, Walsh says, due to the success of the event there are plans to make it annual. To donate or find out more: www.rememberinggeorgiawalsh.com or www.torontoparksandtrees.org. â–
Use your to your
3DVVLRQDWH DERXW KHOSLQJ P\ &OLHQWV
or
—
JUS JUST ST T
—
95 95
*
vice s
6644
$
l Ser
I ntrod uct
a s s a g e o r Fa
c ia
yM
R e g . $ 8 9. 9 5
* Intr Introductory oductory off offer er vvalid alid ffor or ďŹ rst-time visit only only. y. Ra Rates tes and sservices ervices ma may y vvary ary bby y loca location. attion. Not vvalid alid ffor or gift car cards. ds. Mas Massage sage and FFacial acial ssessions essions include a full 50-minute 50-minute hands-on sservice ervice and additional time ffor or cconsultation onsultation and dr dressing. essing. Plus applicable tax taxes. es.
LEASIDE
www.headintoďŹ tness.com cynthia@headintoďŹ tness.com
/\QGD *RUJHV#JPDLO FRP ZZZ O\QGDJRUJHV FRP
Benefit B fit NOW!
FOR 65 PLUS
416-895-8979
%URNHU
Benefits
Head Into Fitness Celebrate National Seniors Day with a 20% discount on 5 session individual training packages for new clients. Call or see website for details.
/\QGD *RUJHV
85 Laird Drive, 2nd Floor, Unit 202 (Leaside Village Plaza)
w w w. h a n d a n d s t o n e . c a
647.748.8853
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
5
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:29 PM Page 6
LEASIDE BUSINESS PARK ASSOCIATION
ENTRY FORM
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
6
The LPBA is an organization representing the commercial and industrial businesses in the Leaside Business Park Area. The LPBA LOGO monitors situations in our community that relate to maintaining DESIGN a positive environment for our members to operate their busi- CONTEST ness in Toronto. The LPBA wants to have a new LOGO that represents our group in the 21st century. With so many diverse companies in the park the LOGO should present an image that portrays this diversity and the aspirations of maintaining a positive environment for growth and success in Leaside. Name (please print): Address: City:
Postal Code:
Email:
Phone #: Weʼre on the Web! www.leasidebusinesspark.com
RULES 1. Entries to be received by October 13, 2015 2. All entries to be submitted on a letterhead size paper 3. Entries shall be in colour (JPG/PDF files are acceptable) 4. Contest is open to students, residents, and designers 5. Winner shall give the copyright of the logo to the LPBA 6. A prize of $300 shall be awarded to the winner 7. If no submission is deemed a winner the prize will not be awarded 8. Please send completed entry form along with photo & JPEG file to LEASIDE BUSINESS PARK ASSOCIATION c/o Del Equipment Ltd. | Att: Mr. P. Martin 139 Laird Drive, Toronto, ON M4G 3V6 | Questions: zoomeranger@gmail.com
IIndian ndian & Nepalese Nepalese CCuisine uisine
FREE ENTRÉE Buy Buy oone ne eentree ntree aand nd gget et tthe he (valued ssecond econd (v valued uupp ttoo $$12.99) 12.99) FFREE REE Mt.Everest Restaurant Restaurant Mt.Everest 8804 04 Eglinton Eglinton Ave.E Ave.E Coupon Coupon must must be be presented. presented. Dine-in, Dine-in, take-out not be combined take-out &Delivery. &Delivery. Can Cann not be combined with with any anny other other offer.Delivery offer.Delivery has has toto be be atleast atleast $25 $25 after after discount discount
SERVING SERVING TTORONTO ORONTO SSINCE INCE 22004 004
EXPIRES EXPIRES OOCT CT 3300TTHH 22015 015
647-748-8849 804 EGLINTON AVE. EAST TORONTO
www.mteverestrestaurant.ca
Deadline for November, October 10
leasidelifenews.com
FREE LISTING SERVICE HAVE A LOCAL EVENT TO PROMOTE? SEND US THE DATE, TIME, LOCATION AND EVENT NAME LEASIDE LIBRARY, 165 McRae, 416-396-3835 ADULT and TEEN PROGRAMMING: – Healthy Pregnancy: Inside & Out: Dr. Andrea Perricone, chiropractor, on vital strategies for giving your baby the best start, Wednesday, Oct 7, 7-8 p.m. – Exhibit: The Many Facets of the Human Form: Paintings by Edith Gignac, Community Room, all month. – Fall Book Sale: Saturday, Oct. 24, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. – Leaside Writers’ Club: Alternate Saturdays, Oct. 3, 17, 31, 10-11:45 a.m. – Leaside Needleworx Group: Knitting and crocheting. Bring your own projects or start something new. Limited supplies/instruction available for beginners. Mondays, Oct. 5 and 26, 7-8:15 p.m.; Fridays, Oct 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, 10-11:45 a.m. – Mushrooms & Other Fungi: Learn about fascinating fungi here in Toronto with naturalist Richard Aaro. Wednesday, Oct. 14, 7-8 p.m. – Your Family History – Where to Start?: How to start creating a family tree, with Natalie Lisowiec. Friday, Oct. 23, 2-4 p.m. Registration required. – Youth Advisory Group meeting: Volunteer at the library to receive community hours and get creative with your peers (13-19 yrs.) Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m.-noon; Saturday, Oct. 24, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 28, 46 p.m. Members only. Ask staff for application. – Zero to Blog in Three Simple Steps: Lecture to help entrepreneurs develop blogging skill and best practices. Wednesday, Oct. 21, 7-8 p.m., – Zoning in Our City: Why Should You Care? Zoning/urban planning by Eric Mark, land development planner at Dillon Consulting. Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7-8 p.m. CHILDREN’S PROGRAMMING: – Ready for Reading Baby Time (up to 18 months): Thursdays, Oct. 8, 15, 22, 29, 9:30-10 a.m. and 10:30-11 a.m. Ready for Reading Family Time (19 months-5 years): Wednesdays, Oct. 7, 14, 21, 28, 9:30-10 a.m. and 10:3011 a.m. OUTSIDE GROUPS – Discover Your Heritage: Explore Ontario with Barry Penhale and special guests. Tuesdays, Oct. 6, 13, 20, 27, 2-4 p.m. – Leaside Garden Society: Houseplants are a myth, by Ken Brown, Thursday, Oct. 8, 7-10 p.m. Bayview Leaside Business Improvement Area (BIA): Fall Sweep the Streets Campaign, Saturday, Oct. 3, 9 a.m. Meet at northeast corner of Millwood Rd. and Bayview Ave. Bring your own broom. Leaside United Church: Community information night on refugee support and sponsorship, Monday, Oct. 5, 7:30 p.m. 822 Millwood Rd. Blood Donor Clinic: Northlea United Church, Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2-6 p.m., 125 Brentcliffe Rd. For appointment 1-888-2-DONATE or www.blood.ca. Leaside United Church: Fall Awesome Sale, Friday, Oct 16, 3-7 p.m., Saturday, Oct 17, 10 a.m.-noon. 822 Millwood. St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church: 13th annual women’s dinner, Friday, Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m. $20 for dinner and wine. Proceeds to the Primate’s World Relief and Development Fund Maternal and Newborn programs. 1399 Bayview Ave. 416 485 0329. Northlea United Church: Euchre fundraiser, Friday, Oct. 23; 7-9:30 p.m. $20 ticket includes snacks and prizes. 125 Brentcliffe Rd. 415-425-5252 or www.northleaunited.ca.
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-23 9:43 AM Page 7
The Curious Idler
If you have an item for this column, please write to leasidelife@gmail.com
Home Auto Life Investments Group Business Farm Travel
Bella Rouge hopes you had a great summer. Now it’s time for yourself, enjoy a massage or a facial.
______
Come in for some fall Highlites to brighten up you hair. We offer gift certificates. Nailtiques. Great for your nails.
Jewellery by Ashbury Designs. 864 Millwood Rd., Toronto, ON M4G 1W6
416-485-2807
bellarouge.ca
Mention this ad when booking
Give yourself peace of mind with the right coverage for you. At The Co-operators, we’re insurance experts. So, whether your goal is to protect your home, your vehicle or your family’s financial future, you can count on us for the right coverage - designed to fit your needs. Call us today! Alok Tomar Financial Advisor Leaside Insurance 1820 Bayview Ave, Unit E | Toronto 416-256-2667 | www.cooperators.ca/Leaside-Insurance Not all products available in all provinces.
|
tween Rumsey and McRae broke the 40 kph law. Fastest speeds flashed on a screen were 47, 50 and 60 kph. Encouragingly, most vehicles were under 36 kph. Thirteen thousand dogs and cats – that’s the number of local pets registered with two veterinarian clinics: the Laird-Eglinton Pet Hospital on Laird and the Leaside Animal Clinic on Bayview. Sixteen stores are for lease along Bayview, between Moore and Eglinton. Happily, several stores are expected to reopen soon with new tenants. Parishioners at St. Anselm’s Church on MacNaughton Rd. were asked on a recent Sunday for charitable donations ranging from $1,800 to $24,000. Pledge cards were issued by the Catholic Archdiocese of Toronto to support The Family of Faith campaign. Other amounts suggested “for your prayerful consideration” were $3,000, $6,000, or $12,000. The “sacrifice” pledges are payable over five years. ■
Leaside Life, October 2015
“Lots of Leaside people tell me they are downsizing,” says Madison (no last name given) of Elegant Garage Sale, on Bayview. “We’re getting many people come in with silver, good china, crystal and furniture. They’ve no room for it. Downsizing is big business these days.” An old uniform in Pagnello’s Antiques on Bayview is intriguing militaria devotees. “It is a time capsule of a Canadian soldier returning from World War I,” says Michael Pagnello, who owns the store with brother Frank. An impressed buff who viewed the uniform thought it worth about $2,000. Boots were not included. Steve Litowitz is proud of his beautiful garden at the corner of Parkhurst and Hanna. Unhappily, thieves are stealing plants. A sign now reads: “On Aug. 18 an oriental lily and a mature bunch of yellow lilies were taken from the ground. Only a root ball remains. I started work on this garden over 25 years ago. The visual pleasure was to be shared by all. If you need plants I’ll give you $.” If numbers on a Leaside speed detector can be trusted, 13 of 100 motorists recently driving west on Millwood be-
7
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:29 PM Page 8
Shane Baghai has a problem
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
8
Toronto Maple Leafs Home Opener vs. Montreal Canadians Wednesday, Oct. 7 @ 7 p.m. *Charity fundraiser for Camp OoCH featuring the music of The Downshift Band. Saturday, Oct. 17 from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. * THERE IS A SUGGESTED DONATION OF $10 AT THE DOOR. WE HAVE FULL MENU TAKE-OUT SERVICE – JUST GIVE US A CALL TO ORDER HOURS OF OPERATION: Mon-Friday 11:00 am – 2:00 am Sat and Sun 10:30 am – 2:00 am
MOEBIUS STRIPPERS
190 Laird Drive
ANNUAL HALLOWEEN
Tel: (416) 467-8682 Or on the Web for our menus at:
BASH WILL BE ON FRIDAY, OCT. 30 @ 9:30PM
www.leasidepub.com
The Shane Baghai development beside the Leaside arena is running into a problem with parking. Baghai wants to use the new arena driveway from Southvale as a main entrance to get to the eight-storey condo he’s proposing. It would be for above ground and underground parking. No way say arena board members, which includes Councillor Jon Burnside. Traffic for the 98-unit residence could swamp arena traffic, they say, especially during the long red light time at the entrance. Baghai says the arena driveway is public and had previously been used as an entrance to the former use of the current building. He could build a new driveway off Southvale, but it could make him lower the number of units he proposes to build. ■ To advertise in Leaside Life: 416-486-7387 | www.leasidelifenews.com We deliver to all homes, apartments and businesses in the M4G postal area.
PARALLELE INTERIORS
%
20
OFF
FABRICS
ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS from Ages 4 to 104
Piano and Theory Lessons Lessons In Your Own Home First Lesson Free
Call or email for more info
1717 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON M4G 3C1 ph 416-481-7207 | fax 416 481-7208
www.paralleleinteriors.com å
647-345-6750 upbeatpianostudio@hotmail.com
Creating Music in Leaside Since 2004
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:30 PM Page 9
George Armstrong
Arthur (Laurie) Irwin
Pat (Watt) Friesen
Norm (Charlie) Ahier
Annie Fahlenbock
George Armstrong joins our Sports Hall of Fame By ALLAN WILLIAMS
George Armstrong, captain of the 1967 Stanley Cup-winning Maple Leafs, is one of five 2015 inductees into the Leaside Sports Hall of Fame. Armstrong, who has lived in Leaside since 1960, will be honoured at a ceremony and reception at Leaside Arena on Nov. 20 along with Charlie Ahier, Annie Fahlenboch, Pat (Watt) Friesen, and Arthur (Laurie) Irwin. Tickets for the third annual Hall of Fame event go on sale Oct. 1 and will be available from any of Leaside’s sports associations or at the arena. Leaside’s Athlete of the Year, to be announced in October, will also be recognized that night.
MOBILE 416 416 27 275 55 5224 224 MOBILE FFICE 4 416 16 4 443 43 03 0300 00 OOFFICE .COM ShereeCerqua ShereeCerqua.COM
SHEREE SHE EREE CERQUA CERQUA CER CERQ
Norm (Charlie) Ahier | Baseball (1949 – ) Charlie Ahier’s family moved to Leaside in 1959 where he began playing hockey at Leaside Gardens that year and baseball at Trace Manes Park in 1960. His father Norm
Royal Royal LLePage e Pag e C Chairman’s hairman’s C Club lu b R Recipient e c i p i e nt (Top (Top 11% % iin n Ca Canada) nada) 22011/2012/2013/2014 011/2012/2013/2014
Sales Represen e tative v
* Not intended to solicit those already under contract with another Realtor.
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
9
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:30 PM Page 10
was president of the Leaside Atom Baseball Association (LABA) which, since 1953, has organized baseball at Trace Manes for boys 9-11. Norm coached with the LABA 1969-77 and 1984-87. In 1988, with strong encouragement from Dr. Tom Pashby, Ahier took over as president of the LABA where, together with volunteers, he emphasizes working together with teammates, developing skills and sportsmanship, while always having fun playing baseball.
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
10
George “The Chief” Armstrong | Hockey (1930 – )
Kathleen Ka thleen Wynne Wynne MPP Don Valley West
Wishing W ishing a Happy Ha appy Thanksgiving T hanksgiving n tto o eeveryone veryone iin Don Valley D on V alley West! West!
Constituency Constituency O Office ffice Don Don Valley Valley W West est 795 795 E Eglinton glinton A Avenue venue E East ast Unit Unit 1101, 01, T Toronto, oronto, O ON M4G N M4G 4 4E4 E4 416-425-6777 416-425-6777 kathleenwynne.onmpp.ca kathleenwynne.onmpp.ca
George Armstrong was born in Bowlands Bay, Ontario in 1930 and in 1960 became a resident of Leaside, where he and his wife Betty raised their four children. Armstrong played 21 seasons in the NHL (1949-1971), all with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and proudly wore the C for 13 of those seasons, serving as the team’s longest running captain. He led the Leafs to four Stanley Cup victories in 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1967 and was best known for his remarkable leadership. Conn Smythe called him “the best captain, as a captain, the Leafs have ever had”. Armstrong was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1975. A proud Leaside resident for over 55 years, Armstrong always enjoyed riding his bike through the streets of Leaside with his family and coached local sports teams, including girl’s baseball at Trace Manes Park. He also coached the first Canadian Special Olympics floor hockey team, based out of Beverley Street Public School in Toronto. Annie Fahlenbock | Women’s Hockey (1980 – ) Annie Fahlenbock was born in 1980 and played hockey with the Toronto Leaside Wildcats 1988-1993. She was named to Team Ontario in 1997 and played in the National Women’s Hockey League (precursor to the CWHL) where she received rookie of the year honours in 2000. Fahlenbock attended the University of New Hampshire (NCAA Division 1) 2000-2003 on a hockey scholarship and served as team captain in her senior year. She coached for a year at McGill University, then joined the Leaside Wildcats Learn to Play program as its head instructor where, since 2005, hundreds of young female ath-
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:30 PM Page 11
Pat Watt was born in East York and attended Leaside High School 1952-1955. She represented the Leaside Tennis Club, winning the Canadian Women’s Doubles Title in 1954 and the Canadian Junior Tennis Title in 1955. In 1954, her Under Eighteen basketball team, Leaside United, captured the Ontario Junior B Championship. In 1958 she competed as catcher for a local team in the World Softball Championship, and in 1962, played on the Eastern Canada Senior Women’s Basketball Championship team. Watt and her mother Kay were founding members of the Leaside Curling Club. In her 25 years of curling, Watt’s rink won many bonspiels including, in the late ‘60s, the SevenYear Fillies’ bonspiel at High Park. Arthur (Laurie) Irwin | Basketball (1903 – 1991) Long-time Leaside resident Laurie Irwin made a significant contribution to basketball over four decades. He coached both men’s and women’s basketball in the 1920s winning numerous Toronto and provincial titles. As president of the Canadian Amateur Basketball Association he was manager of the Canadian team for the 1948 Summer Olympic Games in London, England. After the Olympics, he represented Canada at a conference to develop an updated set of rules which all countries would adopt. Laurie, a senior executive at Canada Wire, advocated for the company’s support of the Leaside Baseball Association, which included sponsoring teams and funding the construction of both scoring booths at Talbot Park. ■
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
|
Pat (Watt) Friesen | Multisports (1937 – )
11
Leaside Life, October 2015
letes have absorbed her love of the game while developing their hockey skills. Fahlenbock is an exceptional and passionate teacher.
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:30 PM Page 12
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
12
They needed the walk home
YOU, our dining critics
It was a good thing that Cheryl French’s husband drove the three ladies only to dinner at L’Avenue, 1568 Bayview. On a balmy evening early in September the three neighbours on Rutherglen Rd., she said, “…needed a walk home after what we knew would be a full dining experience”. When they got there at 7:30 p.m. the restaurant was full. When they left it was empty and “We were all aching from over-indulging in the dishes that were too good to stop ourselves from eating,” said Alanna Wilson. They decided to share dishes. The hit of the night was Helena Lazar’s duck dish. “It was outstanding. It was crisp on the outside and tender moist meat on the inside,” she said. French: “Helena’s duck was divine. I typically would not order duck as my main, but the dish prepared by the chefs at L’Avenue have it perfected. It was so tender, so tasty, just melt in your mouth good. The braised cabbage and mashed potatoes were perfectly paired.” Wilson: “I think it may have won the night for flavour. The duck was so crispy, and decadent. The mashed potatoes and braised cabbage with red current
From left, Alanna Wilson, Helen Lazar and Cheryl French. 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). demi glace... was bang on. I would come back again for the duck, hands down.” She had ordered a Catalan zarzuela seafood stew: “It arrived piping hot, with two small crisped dried bread pieces that acted as large croutons, and allowed me to soak up some of the delicious tomato saffron broth. The stewed tomatoes, onions and mini potatoes complimented the mussels, which were joined by shrimp, tilapia and a scallop. I
was already full half-way through my meal but felt compelled to finish the seafood as it was just too good to let go to waste.” French: “My main, the beef bourguignon was outstanding. It is a hearty meal, with melt-in-your-mouth beef that flaked with a fork, pearl onions, diced carrots in a rich beef sauce. It came with steak frites, piping hot and a nice complement.”
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 e Ra Mc
Dr
FREE WHITENING with every new patient exam
w w www.leasidedentistry.com 416-422-0220 45 45 Wicksteed Ave Unit 220, Toronto, ON • M4G 4H9
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:30 PM Page 13
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
13
For over 30 years, one of the post popular service options that -service hat we of offer fffer is our after after-service reception facilities? W easi accommodate 100 individuals with ample parking, and Wee can easily each reception is attended by specially trained hostesses to accommodate your every need: Home-like environment Linen table cloths Fine bone china Silver service Large Lar ge variety of sandwiches, cheese, fruit and pastry trays supplied by leading caterers
Just one of the many services offer offered ed by
Avenue, v venue, T Toronto, oronto, Ontario M4G 3A8 1403 Bayview A 1-800-616-3311 416-487-4523 ‡ 1-800-616-3311 director@humphreymiles.com www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com www.humphreymilesnewbigging.com
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:30 PM Page 14
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
14
JESSICA, NANCY, NIA
We are delighted to welcome Nia, the newest member of the Absolute Beauty team. Nia brings a flare of European skincare expertise. Please come and meet her and book an appointment. ABSOLUTE BEAUTY • 1517A Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON • 416-932-3970
Their appetizers: French: “The French onion soup is by far the very best I have tasted – ever. It had just the right consistency of onions and beef broth beneath a soaked baguette, covered with baked Gruyere and Emmental cheeses.â€? Wilson: “Helena and I started with the pan seared crab cakes, scallop and bacon. The crab cakes were delightful in a thin bed of romesco sauce, topped with lemon/chive crème fraiche. Not at all fishy and just enough lemon/chive crème fraiche on top that helped to balance the bite from the spice. “The confit pork belly with dried sage and house BBQ sauce tasted like perfectly braised ribs and melted in my mouth. The preserved apple chunks (heavily marinated in cider vinegar) paired well with the pork, but sampled on their own were quite tart. “By the time our plates were cleared we moaned at the impossible thought of dessert. We were all aching from over-indulging in the dishes that were too good to stop‌ from eating.â€? They ordered crème brulee. All praised it. They were also impressed by the dĂŠcor. Prices: Mid-range for a glass of wine is $12. Appetizers ranged from $7 to $18, mains from $21 to $32. “This seemed like a very ‘happening’ restaurant in the heart of Leaside,â€? said French. “The dĂŠcor is typically French and chic, white tablecloths, table candles, beautiful wall decorating and lots of ambiance.â€? â–
85 Laird D Drive, rive, Unit 4A 4A,, T Toronto o oronto ON leaside@originalcupcakes.com leaside e@originalcupcakes.com | 416. 416.287.2253 287.2253 offer off er v valid alid until No November vember 1 12th 2015
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:30 PM Page 15
Fictional stories can be truer than real life
|
15
Joe works a regular shift at Canada Wire & Cable, brings home $5,000 a year, is a shop steward for the union. Cheryl makes his lunch, gets the kids to school, does the housework, does the shopping. Joe bowls on Tuesday nights, has a few beers at the Legion on Saturdays, coaches hockey at the arena. On Tuesdays Cheryl becomes Brown Owl; on weekends she helps with Welcome Wagon. Their three children are in Leaside schools. Two will attend university and become public school teachers; one will drop out of LHS and become an electrician. They live in a bungalow on Broadway, for which they paid the then big price of $15,000. They drive a ’51 Chev. Cheryl’s mother has a room in their basement and helps with the children.
Leaside Life, October 2015
1955: Joe and Cheryl
Michael Bliss
Living in Leaside 1985: Roger and Amelia Roger teaches sociology up Bayview at Glendon College, earns $45,000, walks to work, goes on long weekend runs in the ravines. He’s thinking about a marathon. Amelia gave up full-time teaching to raise their two children, does the housework, earns $5,000 a year doing substitute teaching at the Hugh MacMillan Centre, is a pillar of the Leaside-East York University Women’s Club, a regular at the Leaside Library Book Club, past president of both the Leaside Tennis Club and the Leaside Garden Club, and is
Satinder Sahota, Owner
FICTIONAL, Page 18
& .&3(&/$*&4 "-8":4 8&-$0.& .&3(&/$*&4 "-8":4 8&-$0.&
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:36 PM Page 16
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
16
Georgia Walsh Splash pad and Playground in Trace Manes Park
This is the start of a dream come true
This ad is sponsored by King & King, Barristers & Solicitors (est. 1890) 823 Millwood Road, Suite #2, Toronto, Ontario M4G 1W3 | 416 368 4678 www.kingandking.net AND Mrs. Parks Nursery School To DONATE please go to www.rememberinggeorgiawalsh.com OR for SPONSORSHIP opportunities, jillian@rememberinggeorgiawalsh.com
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:36 PM Page 17
Platinum Sponsors
Baseball Hat Sponsor
T--shirt Sponsor
Baseball Sponsor
Gold Plus Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
PA TRICKROCCA.com Broker
416.322.800 0
Proudly giving back to our community for over 20 years!
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
Proud Communit y Suppor ter
Senior Game Sponsor
Silver Sponsors:
www.charlenekalia.com 416.925.9191 charlene@charlenekalia.com *Sales Representative Chestn nu ut Park Real Estate Limited, Brokerage
mail@patrickrocca.com
Small Games and Inflatables Sponsor
Leaside Dentistry MccSorley’s
Bronze Sponsors:
Junior Game Sponsor
Bank of Montreal - Laird and Commercial Branch Bonnie Byford d - Real Estate Limited, Brokerage
Skills Competition Sponsor Monica Stanway ay - ReMax Ultimate Realty, Brokerage Sheree Cerqua - Royal LePage Signature Realty, Brokerage
Dr. David Lands - Midtown Orthodontics
GIFTS IN KIND Against the Grain • Bulk Barn • Canadian Tire, Gravenhurst • Dollarama • Hart Entertainment • James Lamont • Jen O’Donnell • Kids At Play Local Public Eatery - Mastermind Toys • Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt • New Balance • Nike • Pawsitively Pets • Raj Sharma • Scholar’s Choice Leaside Sport Chek Uptown • St Anselm’s School • Susan Scandiffio • Tory & Cate’s Cupcakes • You Can Do It – Woodworking for Kids A Special Thanks to: The Leaside Baseball Association • All the Volunteers • All the Coaches • Team Georgia (Allison Jellley, Amoryn Engel, Heidi Girvan, Kathy Roberts, Lauri Holomis & Rachel Shantz) • Christine Simpson • Chris Worth • Mark Vendramini • Robbie Alomar and Jays Care Foundation
GRATEFULLY RECEIVED BY THE WALSH FAMILY.
|
THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS AND FRIENDS FOR THEIR GENEROUS SUPPORT
17
Leaside Life, October 2015
Thank you for your participation
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:36 PM Page 18
Fictional From Page 15
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
18
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
thinking of running for school trustee. One of their girls is a competitive gymnast, about to try out for the national team; the other has just been enrolled at the National Ballet School. They paid $160,000 for their three bedroom home on Hanna, $5,000 over the asking price. They drive a 1974 Volvo, are thinking of adding a second car. On weekends they smoke an occasional joint in memory of the ‘60s, but are starting to feel a little sheepish about it. 2015: Jonathon and Trish Jon does corporate law downtown at Torys LLP. Trish does general surgery out of St. Michael’s Hospital. Their combined income is $500,000 and going up. They have a daughter at Branksome Hall; she’s a finalist in this year's “If I Were Prime Minister” contest. Four years ago they paid $800,000 for Joe and Cheryl’s old bungalow on Broadway, tore it down,
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:36 PM Page 19
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
19
Have a great FALL from the staff at McDowells OPEN 1500 Bayview Avenue 7 DAYS A WEEK
416-486-8294
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:36 PM Page 20
20
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
ladies curated fashion
Swag Bags while quantities last. Some exclusions. Expires Nov. 15/2015
and paid another $1,200,000 for a new three-storey, five-bedroom stone home. It includes a nanny suite, currently occupied by the indispensable Imelda. They like to bicycle to work in good weather, but also own a BMW (mostly his) and a Subaru SUV (mostly hers). They look forward to becoming more involved in community activities when their careers stable out to give them more free time. But Jon is thinking of running as a bencher for the Law Society, while also training for his first Ironman. Trish spent last summer working for Médecins Sans Frontiéres in Sudan. They love Leaside, but privately confess to thinking it might be time to relocate a bit more centrally. They’re thinking of looking into properties in Moore Park and the more affordable areas of Rosedale. The CBC had thought of doing a documentary about life and love in Leaside based on the lives of Joe, Cheryl, Roger, Amelia, Jon, and Trish. It canned the idea when nobody could find any of them having extramarital affairs. They were just too busy paying the mortgage and raising the kids. ■
“My hearing loss never slowed me down. In fact, it inspired me to share my story and by sharing my story with others, I know I can truly make a difference in their lives."
Jeffrey Switzer Audiologist, Own Audiologist, Owner ner of Globa Global al Hearing Aid Clinic and Hearing Aid Wea We Wearer. arer. Still on his Hearing Journey. Joourney.
Everyone needs a baseline test. NO CHARGE Hearing Assessment for ages 40+. Book you yours urs now and inquire ab about bout our fall hearing aid d promotions* *Offers ends Oct October tober 31st, 2015. Some res restrictions strictions apply. y Book an appointment y. a for details.
Yonge St. & Lawrence 416-488-4422 • Leaside Location 416-482-4333
www.globalhearing.ca
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:36 PM Page 21
IB U TI
NG
.
Reliability Since 1930
Promote Pr omote mote in Y Your o our Neighbourhood!
Postcard Postcar carrd Specials! Spe Offer includes Design, Print* Door to Door Distribution ution to: t Leaside or Davisville 4000 Homes
$499
Leaside + Davisville
$848 * 4 x 6�, 6� Full F ll
Accurate Distributing Your Y our o door door-to-door -to-door distribution and in-house printing specialist www.accuratedistributing.com www .accuratedistributing.com
416-429-9102 In the Leaside Neighbourhood Since 1995
Leaside Life, October 2015
TR
co
DI
S
m
|
21
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:36 PM Page 22
There are Leaside questions for the feds Leaside Life, October 2015
|
22
Do you feel as if the federal election campaign has been going on forever? By the time this issue of Leaside Life arrives at your home, the politicking will have been going on for almost two months. But here we are, with only three weeks to go until Election Day. Before you vote, I urge you to attend the LPOA’s Candidates’ Debate on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at 7:30 p.m. in the William Lea Room at Leaside Gardens. Conservative John Carmichael, Liberal Rob Oliphant, and NDP Syeda Riaz have confirmed that they will participate. Most people pay attention to the parties’ national platforms, but don’t realize that we in Leaside and Bennington Heights also have local concerns which need to be addressed. Quite a few federal policies (and actions) will have major local impacts. For instance, Canada Post plans to eliminate direct mail deliveries to homes, instead erecting large community mailboxes throughout the neighbourhood. Do you have an opinion on that, pro or con, or alternatives to put forward? What about train and rail safety?
Carol Burtin Fripp Co-president, LPOA
Major railways run through Leaside and Bennington Heights, often just a few metres from our houses. Are you satisfied that safety regulations are sufficient, and are sufficiently enforced? Many Leasiders’ biggest investment is their home. Should we be encouraged, by federal programs and subsidies, to invest in ‘green energy’ such as solar panels to lessen our dependence on oil, gas and the power grid? Are you a volunteer? Your hours of voluntary work help make it possible for charitable organizations and major institutions such as Sunnybrook Hospital to operate efficiently. Should there be more recognition from the federal level (perhaps with a charitable tax deduction receipt) for the important work done by volunteers?
Leaside has many residents who are retirees. Although Leaside has the reputation of being a prosperous community, many seniors are “house rich but cash poor”. What federal actions might improve their situation? A lot of us depend on public transit to get around. Infrastructure needs, including public transit, are big issues throughout Toronto. What do you want to ask the federal candidates to work for on these, and in what time line? There are lots of other big national issues which have local consequences. Have you noticed how many nannies are employed by Leaside families? Do you have suggestions on how (or whether) to change federal employment and immigration policies regarding temporary foreign workers here? If you are considering retirement, what about the age of eligibility to collect CPP: do you think it should return to 65, or remain at 67? What about our health system, and the cost of prescription drugs: should Canada consider a national pharmacare program? These are only a few of the federal issues carrying a local impact which occur to me as I write this month’s column. I’m sure you have additional matters that you’d like to raise as well. Ask the candidates at the LPOA’s Oct. 7 federal candidates’ debate to commit to consulting regularly with Don Valley West residents, and perhaps holding at least one Town Hall meeting annually where constituents can raise questions about any issues of importance to them. Come armed with your questions and concerns. It’s a great opportunity to raise subjects which are important to you and your family, and to let the candidates know that you are listening to their replies. __ IMPORTANT: Usually the LPOA board holds our public monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of each month. Because the federal candidates’ debate takes place on October’s first Wednesday, we have rescheduled the meeting to the previous evening, Tuesday, Oct. 6 (7:30 p.m., in the Trace Manes building). If you have questions or issues regarding development, traffic, transit, zoning, etc., or just want to observe, you are welcome. ■
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:36 PM Page 23
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
23
Real Change for Don Valley West.
On October 19th
VOTE VOTE R ROB OB OLIPHANT
$XWKRUL]HG E\ WKH RIĆFLDO DJHQW IRU 5RE 2OLSKDQW
STOP HARPER
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:37 PM Page 24
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
24
‘It’s all about what appellants want’ Leaside’s getting known at the Ontario Municipal Board, and will soon be better known because there are several Leaside appeals involving applications for minor variances being adjudicated in the next several months. These are mainly appeals by the owner following Committee of Adjustment rejection of variance requests. One case coming up again is 73 Donegall Dr., on Oct. 5. At a hearing on Aug. 25 OMB Chair Reid Rossi remembered when we won last year. “That was amazing,” he said to me. “How did they expect to get a car down that driveway?” We remember him as being extraordinarily efficient in his management of the hearing, and a quick study in his comprehension of the information presented to him. The case heard on Aug. 25 by Rossi involved a property on Bessborough Dr. in North Leaside, where the Committee of Adjustment (Committee) denied the requested variances, but the owner appealed the decision to the OMB. The appellant was proposing to demolish the existing, solid masonry, modest twostorey dwelling, and re-construct a house that in our and the neighbours’ opinion would be too high, too close to the neighbours, and too deep for the lot. At the OMB that morning we had six neighbours opposed to the variances (and no neighbour was present in support). While the Committee refused the
Geoff Kettel
Saving old Leaside current request for minor variances on May 7, a previous minor variance application, in Sept. 25, 2013, by a different owner, was approved by the Committee. The variances refused and now under appeal were significantly in excess of what the Committee previously approved. So what evidence did we present in opposition? My evidence for the LPOA was based on the neighbourhood context of the property as a cultural heritage landscape. Stephen Otto, the architectural historian, said of Leaside in East/West: A Guide to Where People Live in Downtown Toronto (2000): “…Street after street is flanked by handsome boulevard trees and tidy single family homes in stripped down Georgian or Tudorbethan style, each set back from the road an identical distance, on a comfortable lot with a private driveway….” No street in Leaside exemplifies this description more than Bessborough Dr., in both North and South Leaside. Bessborough is the premier residential street, with generous boulevards, and large homes set on the largest lots in the town, allowing for expansive lawns and abundant landscaping. If you do a streetscape analysis of
the Bessborough block in which the subject property is located, you will find that the houses are largely intact original homes, on the west side mainly Cape Cod style, one storey and a half, and on the east side mainly Georgian style, two storeys. There are variations, like the Art Moderne style house at 325 Bessborough, the first house built on the street in the 1940s, in similar style to Agnes Macphail’s house at Millwood and Donegall. Unfortunately the one replacement house in the block does not “fit in” and in our opinion represents an outlier to be avoided, not a precedent to be emulated. As laid out in the Planning Act there are four independent tests of a minor variance: 1. The variance applied for must be minor. 2. It must be desirable for the appropriate development or use of the land, building or structure. 3. It must maintain the general intent and purpose of the zoning bylaw. 4. It must maintain the general intent and purpose of the Official Plan. Regarding 1: The variances applied for are not minor. They are numerous, they involve large amounts (for example Floor Space Index 20 percent greater than permitted). And they are significant in their impact. Regarding 2: The mass of height and length of the building is excessive, which has negative impacts on
Leaside Landscaping Inc. Celebrating 33 years of service in Leaside and surrounding area
SNOWPLOWING Commercial, Residential Design, Build Interlocking Stone Fences and Decks Natural Stone
``
Fall Cleanups Planting Lawn Cutting Garden Maintenance
Leaside Landscaping Inc., 29 Commercial Road, Toronto, M4G 1Z3 Tel: 416-421-9019 www.leasidelandscaping.com
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:37 PM Page 25
|
25
4 BRIDLINGTON ST. – $599,000 Beautifully Renovated 4+1 Bdrm Home with Inlaw suite!
223 AUDREY AVE.
253 AIRDRIE RD. – All Newly Renovated - Open Concept Gourmet Kitchen!
Monica Stanway, Sales Representative Making the connection.
416 487-5131
Office: Fax: 416 487-1750 Email: mstanway@rogers.com Website: mstanway.com
Call me for a confidential, no obligation, discussion of all our real estate needs.
Need mortgage advice?
KIMBERLEY ZAKAIB Mortgage Agent
416-677-8503 www.kimberley-zakaib.com
Broker Lic 10524
MORTGAGE - LINE OF CREDIT - REFINANCE - EQUITY TAKE-OUT
Leaside Life, October 2015
the streetscape, on shadowing and on privacy. Regarding 3: The development does not maintain the general intent and purpose of the zoning bylaw. The development is based on creating a maximum amount of usable floor space while skirting the restrictions. The LPOA believes that the integrity of the zoning bylaw needs to be maintained, not undermined, one property at a time. Regarding 4: - The property is in the Neighbourhood land use designation. Neighbourhoods are special and are not intended for intensification. Finally we stated that this application was not in keeping with Leaside’s Residential Character Preservation Guidelines, which are intended to preserve the character of the neighbourhood. We believe that planning in Ontario exists to serve the public interest and minimize adverse impacts rather than to accommodate individual life style ambitions. The neighbours who appeared each described their concerns, the impact on their property and their privacy, and the process. I was struck by their eloquence and wisdom, and no surprise, given their education and standing, which included university professors, engineers, and a judge no less. The latter was crystal clear: “The appellants and their designers knew what the bylaws said before starting to draw up the plans….” he said. “There is no reason put forward why the plans could not have complied with every aspect of the bylaws. Instead a set of plans was produced that pushes the envelope in all directions. The appellant then went to the Committee of Adjustment to seek relief and a stamp of approval. That failed (5-0) and now, on this appeal, the appellants seek a stamp of approval from the OMB. The plans are all about what the appellants want and nothing about what the bylaws require and allow.” As I said, the chair was efficient and we all were finished by 1 p.m. We await the decision with interest. Meanwhile, we also await the hearings on these cases: 317 Laird Dr., Nov. 3. 228 Rumsey Rd., Nov. 24. 151 Airdrie Rd. (request for retroactive approval), Dec. 9. 31 Killdeer Cres., date to be scheduled. 35 Fleming Cres., a case where a neighbour appealed the Committee of Adjustment approval decision, Oct. 15. Watch for more on them. ■
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:37 PM Page 26
Will Ashworth
Bring your dog, cat, fish . . . bring all your pets!
The business of Leaside
|
26
Leaside Life, October 2015
LRT condos would help Bayview survive Sunday October 4th at 10:30 am
The Blessing of Animals St Augustine's Bayview at Broadway
LEASIDE CUSTOM HOME BUILDER
info@ivyglenhomes.com
www.ivyglenhomes.com
416.898.6150
Geoff Kettel made a compelling case in his September Saving Old Leaside column about why the quadraplexes running along the east side of Bayview south of Eglinton to Parkhurst deserve to be designated heritage properties by the city. This wasn't the first time he’s made an argument for saving the apartments built by onetime Leaside mayor Henry Howard Talbot. Kettel’s own presentation in 2011 to the City of Toronto noted that a property could be designated heritage according to the Ontario Heritage Act if it possessed one of three criteria: design value, historic value or contextual value. And you only need one, not all three. As someone who lives in one of the two-bedroom apartments on Bayview, right in the heart of the quadraplexes, I cherish the space my wife and I occupy with several cats. To buy the comparable amount of space in a single dwelling in the neighbourhood would cost upwards of a million dollars, an investment we’re simply not prepared to make at this juncture in our lives. The last thing we’d like to see for this stretch of real estate is for it to be turned into mixed-use development because to do so would mean our displacement from a home we’ve happily enjoyed for the last six years. But alas this column is about the business of Leaside and in that respect I’m both a realist and an advocate for positive change. I would be a hypocrite if I argued in favour of certain commercial developments throughout Leaside – at various times in the past I’ve gone to bat for proposed developments at Brentcliffe and Eglinton, Sunnybrook Plaza, the mixed-use proposal on the west side of Bayview directly across from Remax and the list goes on – but opposed development of land that lies within 250 metres of the secondary LRT station that will be built at McDonald’s. Kettel’s latest call to designate the properties south of McDonald’s as heritage apparently comes as a result of
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:37 PM Page 27
Bayview & Fleming 1601 Bayview Ave Toronto ON M4G 3B5 416-489-1873
|
27
Leaside Life, October 2015
concerns from residents in rental properties closest to the Golden Arches. So let’s look at the three criteria for such a designation. Design value: Kettel points to the Georgian Revival style of the quadraplexes referencing a 2009 OMB hearing at which a Toronto city planner suggested they “extend the domestic appearance of the neighbourhood’s single-detached houses‌ out to Bayviewâ€?. While that’s a nice sentiment, if you’ve been anywhere near many of these buildings in recent years you’ll know that they’re no longer vintage 1934 and quite rough around the edges. Historic value: Built three years before Henry Talbot would become mayor of Leaside, it’s true that these buildings hold some historical relevance. But enough for the heritage designation? If Talbot had lived in one of them you might have an argument. Contextual value: In Kettel’s presentation to the city he quotes Charles Clay in The Leaside Story who wrote, “Leaside is rich in homes – they are the heart of Leaside – they take two forms, houses and apartment suites, and houses predominate.â€? Contextually, Clay argues that houses predominate here in Leaside; I doubt the LPOA would disagree. In my opinion Kettel’s arguments
$ !! "# !!
Independence makes all the difference Serving your loved ones with dignity and respect.
Call to book your FREE assessment today!
Premier Homecare Services Toronto Central
416-637-2155 Locally owned and operated
www.PremierTorontoCentral.com
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:37 PM Page 28
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
28
No Programming experience required to begin!
Call Real Programming 4 Kids™ today to schedule a no obligation
www.realprogramming.com
do not meet any of the criteria mentioned in the Ontario Heritage Act. I confess I’m not a heritage expert or even an architect or builder. Rather I’m a realist who sees Leaside’s growth as both inevitable and necessary in order for Bayview businesses to survive and thrive. In a city the size of Toronto it’s nonsensical to leave a prime intersection such as Bayview and Eglinton as it existed almost 80 years ago. Heritage is important but not at the expense of progress. We might live in an oasis but we’re still part of a thriving metropolis. Leaside can maintain its singledwelling predominance while still accommodating other types of residential and commercial development in appropriate locations. It’s the sign of a healthy community. Leaside is a nice place to live. If I have to move because the quadraplexes are developed I’ll still feel the same way about my community. I don’t need heritage designations to feel good about where I live but a shopping district lacking vitality just might change my mind. ■
Business Park is looking for a new logo The Leaside Business Park Association is looking for a new logo that is “more consistent with the changing times”. They will award $300 to the winning designer, says Bernie Rasch of the LBPA. “Our old logo showed smoke stacks and industrial building forms in silhouette. The new reality is that these older traditional forms are metamorphosing into uses that include knowledge-based industries along with contemporary manufacturing processes that are more environmentally sustainable. And Laird Dr., our western boundary, is destined to become a commercial and mid-rise residential neighbourhood.” zoomeranger@gmail.com ■
Looking for pyjamas Kilgour Rd. resident Elizabeth Barry started the Christmas Pyjama Project in 2009 to collect new pyjamas and brighten the season for residents of a women’s shelter. About 25 pairs were collected that first year. Last year 150 pairs were collected and donated to three Toronto shelters. She’s looking for help from fellow Leasiders: pjproject@bell.net. ■
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:37 PM Page 29
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
COUNCILLOR ward26.ca 416.392.0215 councillor_burnside@toronto.ca
Your neighbourhood travel agency Tours, cruises, travel insurance 1569 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3B5 (416) 485-5057
FOOTCARE
For Over 25 Years!
by REGISTERED NURSE with special training. In your home.
DVA accepted For an appointment call est. 1938
(416) 421-4243
fruit@badalis.ca 1587 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4G 3B5 Tel: (416) 488-4232
132nd. Toronto Scout Group LEASIDEʼS LARGEST & MOST ACTIVE YOUTH GROUP | Activities & Community Service for Boys & Girls aged 5-26
For information about Scouts Canada ... www.scouts.ca Check out the 132nd. Website... www.132nd.com or call (416)
425-6881
The Scouting Movement is the world’s oldest and largest Youth Organization, and largest educator of children. Scouts have a lot of fun discovering new things and experiences they wouldn’t have elsewhere. Along the way they develop into capable, confident and well-rounded individuals,better prepared for success in the world.
29
|
BOSTON ACOUSTIC POLK AUDIO MARANTZ
JON BURNSIDE
Leaside Life, October 2015
SALES,SERVICE & INSTALLATION
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:37 PM Page 30
2 churches, 2 ministers, 2 goodbyes What are the odds that the ministers of two of our local churches would arrive within months of each other, and leave, eight plus years later, within a month of each other? Rev. John Smith is the Leaside United minister and Rev. Beth Benson is the St. Cuthbert’s Church priest. Their trajectories to arrive here were quite different. Smith had been an ordained minister for 24 or so years, going straight from university into theology school. Relatively recently, though, he had decided to see if there might be another career for him and obtained his diploma in financial planning. Benson comes with science degrees and a career in environmental agencies. Her most recent stop before ordination was at the Waterfront Regeneration Trust. Her formal ministry career came later in her life, and St. Cuthbert’s is her second posting. For both Benson and Smith, Bayview is a special place. Benson says that this community has shaped her ministry. She was welcomed, whether at a café, or a store, or just walking on the street. And of course, at St. Cuthbert’s. The connections within the neighbourhood are strong enough to hold firm, in good
Lorna Krawchuk Publisher Leaside Life
times and difficult times, even after people have moved to other places. A regret is that she is leaving just as the church is heading into its 125th anniversary year – a long way from its start as a little church in the corner of a Lea family apple orchard. Smith takes a daily walk up Bayview, which includes a coffee stop and a restaurant perusal, often for a return visit with his wife. “I fell in love with Leaside United. I was re-energized, and got my sense of call back.” A switch from ministry to financial planning was no longer
ALLAN WILLIAMS
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
30
John Smith and Beth Benson
appealing. He was quite prepared to stay here until retirement, until, by chance, he noticed a clerical posting for a position in Sauble Beach. He and his family had spent many happy summers in the area. Even though his children are now independent adults, he and his wife included them in the discussion as to whether he should apply, and they happily concurred. So, come Nov. 1, John will be the minister of Zion-Amabel United Church in Sauble Beach, which he refers to as “Beach United”. That name may or may not stick – he was trying to call Leaside “Awesome United” but it never took off. Benson’s new adventure started after her last Sunday at St. Cuthbert’s on Sept. 27. She was appointed by Bishop Philip Poole to be the priestin-charge to shepherd four parishes in the west end of Toronto towards amalgamation. As she says, “This new challenge will be good for my prayer life.” Luckily, this won’t involve a move from her current home in the Beach where she and her husband, Bill, raised their now-adult daughters. To both of you, Godspeed. Lorna Krawchuk is a member of St. Cuthbert’s Church. ■
October 1–25
FREE RING
with purchase of any two pandora rings* FREE RING MUST BE OF EQUAL OR LESSER VALUE ®
*In Store Only. Valid at participating retailers. Void where prohibited. Not valid with prior purchase. While supplies last. © 2015 Pandora Jewelry, LLC • All rights reserved • PANDORA .NET
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:38 PM Page 31
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
31
www.leasidepaintcentre.com
Leaside Paint Centre 1525 Bayview Avenue Toronto ON M4G 3B5 416 489 7900
We have been serving Leaside for over 80 years, selling Benjamin Moore Get your Leaside PaintofCentre products - the finest range paints in train t-shirt for $9.99! North America. Aura is the latest and best product in Benjamin Moore'sHospital range Proceeds to Holland-Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation
LeasideLife issue 42 final to Les_LeasideLifev1 15-09-22 9:38 PM Page 32
Leaside Life, October 2015
|
32
*Must call before Oct. 30th, 2015 and mention this ad at the time of service