North Toronto Post May 2022

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SIMPLY MUM-BELIEVABLE! JEANNE BEKER HITS THE MOTHER LODE WITH HER HAUTE HANDBAG GIFT GUIDE

THE TOP 75 RESTAURANTS IN T.O.

CHEFS PICK TORONTO’S BEST RESTAURANTS BECAUSE TAKEOUT IS SO LAST YEAR

Mineral’s glazed pork with pineapple

Oretta Midtown’s insalate agrumi

MAY 2022 · VOLUME 28 · ISSUE 10

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Kathy has been amazing every time we have worked with her.

She has gone over and above when helping us sell our properties.

She took care of details we had not considered.

We trusted her expertise and honest advice throughout the process.

Our results exceeded our expectations.

— Zak Baird and Kate Guy

Platinum Service Broker

KATHYMCLACHLAN.COM 416.399.6153 IT’S ALL ABOUT SERVICE ® Kathy McLachlan, Broker of Record RE/MAX Hallmark Kathy McLachlan Group Realty Ltd. Brokerage 170 Merton Street, Suite 103, Toronto M4S 1A1

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CONTENTS MAY 2022

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HERE COMES THE SUN Three homes perfect for an extra dose of Vitamin D

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PLAYING THE ROMANTIC LEAD Netflix’s Alex Mallari Jr. shares the details of his grand gesture proposal

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SIMPLY MUM-BELIEVABLE! Jeanne Beker hits the mother lode with her haute handbag gift guide

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KING OF THE GRILL Grant van Gameren samples steaks from the city’s finest independent butchers

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CHEFS PICK T.O.’S BEST RESTAURANTS Because takeout is so last year

© Robert Mauriell

Welcome to this month’s Post.

Sit back & enjoy.

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1. Name the last year the Maple Leafs won a playoff series?

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A. Rick Vaive B. Eddie Shack

C. Gianni Versace D. Börje Salming

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CITYSCAPE

THE POST INTERVIEW

Vikings star fights for Ukraine

NEWS

BY THE NUMBERS

Popular T.O. actor Katheryn Winnick, star of ‘Vikings’ and ‘Big Sky,’ is focusing on the war in her Ukrainian homeland by starting the Winnick Foundation to raise funds to assist refugees, who are predominantly women and children, as war rages on. by Ron Johnson

$200 The winnings, in thousands, and counting, for Toronto (by way of Nova Scotia) Jeopardy! champion Mattea Roach.

1997 The year the 501st Legion, a Star Wars costuming fan club, was created. The T.O. chapter will be celebrating Star Wars Day this month on May the 4th.

Toronto’s Katheryn Winnick (centre) with her Ukrainian childhood scout group

Do you still have family there?

I do have some there. Some of my family went to Poland and they’re safe. I also have distant relatives that are there, and the last time I talked to them they were OK. But you never know. It's scary at times when we can’t get a hold of them and they were either underground or cell reception was off.

And your mother is helping you, right?

We have a very close family, very close Ukrainian family. My mother has been involved in the Ukrainian Canadian Congress for many years.

She's also a military mother and has worked with the Queen's Own Rifles. My younger brother is a warrant officer in the Canadian Army, and that’s his regiment. And so she's very much involved in giving back and helping the right causes and making a difference. So it's a great fit to be able to do this together as a family.

What’s the latest you are hearing out of Ukraine?

[President] Zelenskyy needs all the help he can get. I feel that the Americans and the world can do a lot more. We are running out of ammunition. We're running out of support. So I feel that anybody should do everything they possibly can to help. It's a tricky phase of the war just because I don't want people to get

You are friends with President Zelenskyy.

When did you meet him?

I was invited as a guest by him and the first lady to Ukraine for the 30 years of independence celebration. So I was honoured to be a guest and brought my parents for their 50th wedding anniversary. It was a very different time. People were celebrating 30 years of independence. So I saw first-hand the Ukrainian pride and how fiercely proud they are of being a sovereign nation. And it's heartbreaking to think that Kyiv and Ukraine have changed. It probably will never look like that ever again but hopefully will be even better. The goal is right now to try to preserve as much culture and lives as possible and try to end this war as soon as possible.

Tell me your thoughts on how the president has changed.

He's our true hero. He really rose to the occa-

sion. I can't think of another person that could have done a better job than him. I don't think he knew at that time what he was cut out for, what his future would be. But I think he's proven time and time again that he has really brought Ukraine together, brought the world together. He's an example and a true hero for everyone to look up to and admire. And I couldn't be more proud to have met him.

27 The number of calls missed by the umpire during a Blue Jays game versus the Oakland Athletics last month.

And what about the Ukrainian community here in Toronto?

Toronto is my home. I was born and raised in Toronto, and I absolutely love the Ukrainian community. They're very strong and supportive of each other. And I think now seeing all the different Ukrainian rallies that are happening around Toronto and around the world, really, everyone's coming together, and I think it's important now more than ever to be united and really try to make a difference.

1 The approximate date, in May, that will mark the blooming of the sakura (cherry blossom) trees in High Park.

What can we do?

I think individually every person needs to take advantage of their resources, their special talents. Please help that way if you're in the medical field or if you're a public figure or if you're a writer or if you just have two feet and go stand and protest. Or if you have friends or family in Russia, try to get the word out.

Whatever it is, everybody needs to do their part. The foundation is one way for people to donate. But there's other ways as well.

34.6 The percentage increase in real estate prices in cottage country as the season opens up this month on Victoria Day weekend.

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used to the fact that Ukrainians are going through this. It's heartbreaking still, to see that there's still a lot of fighting on the ground. We need to stop this.

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Why did you start the foundation?

For me, it's really just wanting to do something about it. A lot of family and friends and fans were asking where can I donate? What can I do? I was really nervous about finding the right source. And it was important for me to be able to feel confident in knowing that 100 per cent of all the proceeds go directly to the right sources. We're just getting up and running. It's going to be a long project, but I'm very proud of what we're doing, and I'm excited just to raise more money and help people.

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Why is Wayne Gretzky telling me to gamble?

The Province of Ontario just legalized sports betting, and it’s everywhere PUBLISHER

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physical health, causing problems with family and friends, financial hardships and many more.

According to 2021 statistics, more than 200,000 Canadians have problem gambling habits, and the most serious gambling addicts in Canada lose up to $500,000 per year.

The percentage of problem gamblers in Canada has actually been on the decline, notably between 2002 and 2018. But will that continue to be the case now that we are being encouraged to start betting on sports?

I supported the move to legalize cannabis as a way to clean it up and get people safe products to consume if that’s their bag. But I don’t see advertisements for edibles every five minutes when I’m trying to watch a basketball game.

Maybe the Province of Ontario is in a financial hole?

The Conservatives are spending a great deal more than their predecessors, according to a recent study by the Fraser Institute.

So is this the answer: sports betting? I repeat, it makes me angry to think that my kid will be exposed to this every time we watch a game together.

Oh, and Sportsnet, you don’t have to say yes.

NR

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I truly enjoy watching the NBA playoffs. I watch as many games as possible, and not just the Raptors, although those are the only games that come with ceremonial hats and hoodies. But this year is different. At every commercial break of every single game on the nation’s sports channels, my family is inundated with advertising for gambling, promoted by the provincial government. It makes me so mad.

We are huddled around the TV cheering on Spicy P and the fellas and every few minutes a sports legend like Wayne Gretzky is trying to convince me and my teenage daughter why Bet MGM is the better way to gamble.

Although there wasn’t a lot of pomp and circumstance, the provincial government quietly ushered in legalized sports betting in Ontario. One can only assume there was a lot of money to be made, and the government wanted its fair share. Great.

It makes me very proud to know that the province in which I reside makes its money selling booze, weed, cigarettes, casinos, lottery tickets and now sports betting. I understand that we need funds for health care, education and other important areas for which the government is responsible. But still.

According to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), problem gambling and addiction can lead to an array of awful outcomes, including harming mental and

DO

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Wayne Gretzky as spokesperson for BetMGM sports betting

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NEWS SECTION

This North York mall could be the last holdout in the great condo takeover as most other spaces already have residential construction ongoing or are in one stage of the development process or another. Tens of thousands of residents will soon reside on former parking lots at every mall, including Yorkdale (bottom right), Bayview Village (top right), Centerpoint, Galleria, Dufferin, Sherway Gardens and others.

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The condominium takeover of city shopping malls continues apace with news that Fairview Mall will be home to a massive residential development. The first phase of a “master plan” for Fairview (left) sees 1.1 million square feet of mixed-use development with three new buildings plunked down on the south side of the mall area fronting on Sheppard Avenue East across from the Don Mills subway station.

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It’s a mall world after all

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Will Toronto harm Rosedale, Forest Hill and other neighbourhoods with its new housing policies?

Some locals suggest the cards are stacked against older central neigbhourhoods where residents will be branded NIMBYs if they dare speak out by Eric Stober Planners call it “gentle density.”

Some local residents call it a pain in the neighbourhood arse.

After decades of stable zoning bylaws in Toronto that have kept single-family homes intact, the City of Toronto is now considering a significant change to address its housing crisis.

Taking a deep-dive into zoning bylaws, the city is interested in opening up single-family neighbourhoods to allow for more housing types, and, in turn, density where they exist. This includes making multiplexes as well as secondary units such as laneway and garden suites permissible where currently they are not, in order to create what is known as “missing middle” housing.

The idea is rather than concentrate density solely around transit stations and subway lines, as Toronto has been well underway at doing, you can also spread it out across neighbourhoods that typically would only have single-family dwellings.

Toronto is following other

North American cities in exploring this idea with its “Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods” initiative, also known as EHON. Chief planner Gregg Lintern said in a statement that EHON is meant to create a “more equitable and resilient” Toronto that has housing that can accommodate a “greater variety of people at different ages, household compositions and incomes, across the city.”

The city has been facing a supply crunch for years that has sent real estate prices skyrocketing, but more housing options could create more supply and, in turn, lower prices.

Already, California is in the process of changing the zoning of its lots originally meant for single-family homes to allow up to four housing units in the hopes of creating gentle density.

Toronto is following the trend and has approved laneway and garden suites, though the latter is under appeal at the Ontario Land Tribunal and not yet in force after residents associations voiced

opposition.

The addition of the secondary suites could provide more options, Lintern said, to accommodate multi-generational living or aging in place.

Think of parents moving into a garden or laneway suite instead of downsizing, opening their main house for their adult children.

rezoning 500,000 properties,” Andy Gort, the former president of the South Eglinton Davisville Residents’ Association (SEDRA), told Post City. “It’s a big deal.”

The possible changes, though, are raising some red flags among residents.

Gort said the primary concern

“A neighbourhood that's not changing and not evolving isn't a dynamic and healthy one.”

Although much of missing middle housing is permissible in most of downtown Toronto, due to more flexible zoning, low-rise neighbourhoods that currently do not allow multiplexes could be changed to allow them.

Toronto’s peripheries, such as Etobicoke, North York and Scarborough, that are mostly zoned for residential detached housing would also be opened up to missing middle construction.

“The city is effectively

for midtown residents represented by SEDRA is around garden suites. Under the current proposal, garden suites are allowed to be two storeys, like laneway suites, but could have a basement. Gort sees this as a threat to Toronto’s tree canopy as the digging could affect roots of trees in neighbouring yards and also could become a lucrative business for developers who could build multiple dwellings in one purchase.

Adding to the concern is the garden suites would be “as-ofright” housing, which means that they could be built without having to notify neighbours rather than having to rezone the land, go through a lengthy public process and gain neighbours’ approval.

This as-of-right clause could pose problems for neighbours who would have little input into these kinds of developments, which could include multiplexes.

Opposition would go to the committee of adjustment, made up of fellow citizens who review complaints, which is typically very friendly to the builders, Gort said.

He added that SEDRA is not against creating housing or densification and noted that Toronto is already densifying quicker than many other North American cities as the province has mandated more development around transit stations.

Adding to the worry is what Gort said has been a lacklustre consultation process orchestrated by the city. He said that online meetings have been poorly attended and most residents he speaks to don’t even know about the proposed changes.

“It’s very clear that they have already written up what they are going to propose to city council and are just ticking off the boxes,” he added.

When opposition to ideas is voiced, Gort said the label of NIMBY, or “Not In My Backyard,” can be hurled, which limits debate.

The changes to policy may be necessary, though, to address Toronto’s housing crisis, according to Mary Rowe, the CEO of the Canadian Urban Institute. Her organization has been involved with the EHON initiative, including co-chairing a working group.

She said the notion that the policy change would be the end of single-family homes was a bit “dramatic,” but understands that there may be resistance to change in neighbourhoods. Instead, she encourages residents to see themselves as stewards of their areas, rather than gatekeepers.

“We can’t keep consuming land and continue to build out in parts of cities that aren’t sustainable,” she said, noting the expense and environmental tax of continually building out sprawling infrastructure. “A neighbourhood that’s not changing and not evolving isn’t a dynamic or healthy one.”

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Clockwise from left: A rendering of a garden suite by Toronto's Lanescape, Toronto chief planner Gregg Lintern, Mary Rowe of the Canadian Urban Institute

NEWS

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© Lanescape

FEATURE

NEWS

STINTZ ON MIDTOWN

Tragic incident on subway platform raises anxiety Instead of studying something that is not feasible, the TTC should take the lead on innovation

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The most natural human response following a tragedy is to identify an action that would prevent the tragedy from reoccurring.

A few weeks ago, a woman was pushed onto the subway tracks.

She experienced serious but nonlife-threatening injuries and the alleged perpetrator was arrested.

Although these types of tragedies on the TTC are rare, they happen, and when they do there is an understandable call for improved safety. The latest call is for the installation of platform edge doors, also known as suicide prevention barriers.

These types of barriers exist in transit systems in Asia, Europe and in many people-mover trains at airports. The cost of installation of these barriers at the TTC is estimated at $1.35 billion across the entire network.

However, the challenge of installing these barriers is not just the price tag but the design of the TTC itself.

Transit networks that have

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Some subway stations have installed physical barriers on platforms

platform edge doors also have an automated system, which means there are no drivers and the trains are run by a computer. This allows for the trains to start and stop at very precise points, which enables the trains to line up exactly to the doors.

None of TTC subway trains are operated by a computer.

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Although parts of the TTC can move to automated trains, other parts of the system will continue to need drivers. There are also physical limitations in the stations that render the installation of platform edge doors unfeasible.

One example is that the length of the stations can be longer than

the length of the trains. This has allowed the TTC to expand the capacity of the service by buying longer trains over time, but the impact is that the current system uses different subway trains of varying lengths and configurations and this will likely continue. As platform edge doors have to line up precisely with the doors of the train, the technical challenges of trying to build platform doors that can line up with trains of varying length and size is enormous.

The other reality of our growing system is that new lines under construction, such as the Crosstown LRT, are built using light rail technology. The light rail technology allows trains to operate both underground and in mixed traffic on existing road networks, which means drivers will always be required to operate the trains.

As a result, even the new platforms that are currently under construction don’t have platform edge doors and never will.

Although there is nothing wrong with continuing to study the installation of platform edge doors, given the real financial and logistical challenges, the entire exercise feels like a study in justifying the do-nothing approach. Instead of studying something that is not feasible, the TTC could take a lead on innovation by calling on the smart engineering schools across the province to a design competition with a goal of coming up with safety solutions for a mature transit system.

If the TTC can identify an engineering solution to safety on the subway platforms, it would not just benefit our system, but systems across North America.

KAREN STINTZ

Karen Stintz is a former city councillor, elected in 2003, and was a chair of the TTC. She lives in Ward 8.

1400 Castlefield Avenue, Toronto, ON CrushOutdoor.com 416 • 256 • 9988

NEWS

Does anyone care about the election?

We have entered a fallow period with no energy in sight Can I admit that I am not enthused by the coming provincial election? That none of the leaders of the three main parties provide much in the way of inspiration?

I know this is not the way I should be feeling about the public sphere, particularly when there are so many issues that need resolution, but we are in a fallow political period in Ontario, hoping for a breath of fresh air.

Maybe I am just exhausted by the turmoil and angst caused by Doug Ford’s government for the last four years: its refusal to deal seriously with the many COVID threats and the horrific deaths in long-term care homes and the continuing muddle of public policies to limit the pandemic spread, as well as the mayhem (which smells a lot like corruption) in awarding contracts for COVID supplies and the distribution of testing kits to private schools while denying them to public schools and the communities that needed them most.

Then there have been the very heavy-handed assaults on Toronto governance: destroying the carefully crafted 47 ward system — approved by the courts and the Ontario Municipal Board — and replacing it with 25 wards of overworked councillors; replacing the years of replanning the Yonge and Eglinton area with a plan that demands more density and reduces community amenities; the use of Ministerial

Zoning Orders to curtail public input into planning decisions. All that is capped off with a new law, the More Homes for Everyone Act (fancy name!), which further limits municipal planning powers.

The transportation file has been no better: the flawed route of the Ontario Line and the negative impact it will have on the downtown and the communities through which it threads; the wasted $1.8 billion to needlessly bury the westerly extension of the Eglinton

“If change is to come to those governing the province, it will probably come in Toronto.”

Crosstown as it passes through Doug Ford’s riding; the proposal to build a new 413 highway through farmland north of Toronto.

Can I mention the attempts of the government to buy off voters by revoking car licence fees and forwarding rebate cheques early in April or the $6.9 billion in subsidies to lower electricity prices?

If change is to come to those governing the province, it will probably come in Toronto and its environs. In the city, the Conservatives hold 11 seats, the

NDP 10, the Liberals 2, and the other two seats are vacant. The most intelligent Conservatives capable of modifying Doug Ford’s approach to issues — Rod Phillips and Christine Elliot — have both declined to run again, so there are no bright Conservative lights to deflect attention.

Can either Andrea Horwath or Stephen Del Duca create enough excitement so their candidates can be successful in some of those Conservative ridings? It is unlikely that either can focus on Toronto issues when they are trying to run provincewide campaigns since so many people in the rest of the province resent Toronto. Sad to say, I can’t see Green party candidates as much of a factor here.

On the edges of the city, Conservatives hold all the seats save for a riding in Brampton held by the NDP. Will ridings turn because of Ford’s advocacy of the 413 that is opposed by most municipal leaders in Peel and York Region?

Questions, questions. We will see how all this turns out during the month of May.

JOHN SEWELL

John Sewell is a former mayor of Toronto. His most recent books are How We Changed Toronto and Crisis in Canada’s Policing.

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NDP leader Andrea Horvath has been the leader of the Ontario NDP since 2009

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SEWELL ON CITY HALL

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NEIGHBOURHOOD

© CS&P Architects

NEWS

Artist rendering of the proposed facility to be located on Millwood Road

New aquatic centre for midtown nabe Construction on 38,000-sq-ft community and aquatic centre will begin this year

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by Jennifer Schembri

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There’s a new environmentally friendly community and aquatic centre coming to Toronto.

Torontonians have even more reason to get their fitness on, thanks to a new community and aquatic centre that is set to make its way to Toronto’s Davisville neighbourhood with construction to start this year.

The 38,000-square-foot Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre (CAC), will be located beside the new Davisville Junior Public and Spectrum Alternative Senior School site.

It’s located just east of the Yonge Street and Davisville Avenue intersection. Situated on 76 acres of land, the three-storey building will be connected to the school via an underground parking lot.

The faculty will house two indoor swimming pools: one, a six-lane, 250-metre pool, and the other, a leisure/tot pool. The plans also include a pool viewing area and gender-neutral washrooms and change rooms.

The community and aquatic centre will feature several multifunctional rooms, including a dance studio, meeting rooms and a teaching kitchen, as well, an active roof includes plans for a multi-purpose lawn, outdoor fitness space and a BBQ area.

Through a partnership with the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), the Davisville

CAC will share facilities with the Davisville Junior Public School.

The school will have access to the aquatic centre’s swimming pools, and the city will have access to the school’s double gymnasium and underground parking garage outside of school hours.

The Davisville CAC will also be one of the first net zero recreation centres to be built in Canada.

The facility will be 100 per cent electric and will rely on a high-performance building enclosure, with no natural gas usage. To reduce carbon emissions, a geothermal system will provide heating and water.

“With construction beginning this fall, my family and I look forward to joining the Davisville village neighbourhood at the new aquatic centre,” said councillor Josh Matlow, who represents Ward 12, Toronto–St. Paul’s, in which the centre is located.

“Along with parks, child care, affordable housing and other services, this much-needed recreation space is part of our community’s plan to help ensure that social infrastructure keeps up with the pace of growth.”

Construction on the Davisville Community and Aquatic Centre is scheduled to start in the fall of 2022 and be completed by late 2024.

NEWS

© Martha Schwartz Partners

NEIGHBOURHOOD

L-R: Village of Yorkville Park, Briar de Lange of the Bloor-Yorkville BIA

Yorkville Park set for expansion New amenities added to growing local hub

by Jennifer Schembri

With an expansion already in the works, the popular Village of Yorkville Park is also getting kitted out with even more amenities to maximize the sunny season in the upscale nabe. After a lengthy lockdown, spending time outdoors has become increasingly popular and essential — especially for urban dwellers with limited access to natural spaces.

According to the 2021 Canadian City Parks Report, by the organization Park People, 94 per cent of cities reported greater use of parks in the last year, whereas 71 per cent of Canadians said that parks have had a positive impact on their social well-being.

Now, the award-winning Village of Yorkville Park is set to receive additional seating “due to an increased demand by local residents and use by the public,” said Briar de Lange, executive

series of zones representing Canada’s diverse landscape and built on a repurposed parking lot.

Standout features include a rain curtain icicle fountain; a large variety of trees, including pine, alder and crab apple; gardens exhibiting exotic plant life; and the world-famous 650-ton “Yorkville Rock” taken from the Canadian Shield.

“Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen historical numbers of people take to our parks and other outdoor spaces to share meals and see their friends and loved ones,” said Mike Layton, city councillor for the area. “Providing more spaces for people to comfortably sit and relax or enjoy their purchase or meal is a service we must continue to provide and expand. I am glad to support the Bloor-Yorkville BIA to help expand these amenities.”

director of the Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Area (BIA). Additional table and chair sets will be installed that will match the existing sets already in the park.

“The furniture has proven to be quite robust and is very well used for much of the year,” said de Lange. “Funds come from fees paid by developers for redevelopment of properties in the immediate area.”

This news comes not long after the City of Toronto announced plans for an extension of the Village of Yorkville Park, which will increase its size by about a third and replace the building at 1240 Bay St. Considered by some to be the heart of the neighbourhood, the Village of Yorkville Park located at 115 Cumberland St., is an eclectic urban public space divided into a

Woman warns others after scare on Beltline Trail

Sheena Sharp

Candidate, Don Valley West

M AY 2 0 2 2

jumped back. At this moment he lunged at me,” she continued.

According to the person, who asked to remain anonymous for this article, she ran as quickly as she could in the opposite direction with the man running after her. She yelled a few times and got the attention of another trail user who turned around and came back as the assailant fled.

“It was very scary and for me a reminder to run in pairs or with the dog. Unfortunately it’s going to ruin my favourite running route, for a while at least, and I will stick to busy roads,” she wrote.

A full report was filed with Toronto Police Service.

Although upset by what happened, she did say she learned a lesson that she will take to heart.

“My big learning was to go with my gut,” she said.

And, of course, run in pairs.”

— Ron Johnson

| POST |

A local resident who had been jogging on midtown’s popular Beltline Trail issued a warning on a Facebook community page after she was confronted and chased by a man in broad daylight on Tuesday, April 5 around 6 p.m.

“Someone tried to grab me as I jogged on the Beltline Trail (Toronto) last night at 6 p.m. (full daylight) near Forest Hill Arena,” she wrote. “While the trail is pretty busy, it happened to be at a time where there was no one else in front or behind of me in view or ear shot. A guy stood in the centre of the trail jumping side-to-side with his arms out as if to jokingly block me but then moved to block the side I was about to run past him on. I had seen what he was doing as I approached but thought he was just being a bit odd and planned to run around him. I was able to recognize the danger about 10 ft from him and

15

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377 SPADINA ROAD

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Each unit boasts over 4,000 sqft, 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms, high-ceilings, open floor layouts, top-of-the-line appliances, private elevator, 2 heated parking spots, classic architectural exteriors by Richard Wengle and bespoke finishes by Wise Nadel Design. Conveniently located at the southern gateway to Forest Hill Village!

JORDAN GROSMAN

PSR PARTNER JG@JORDANGROSMAN.COM 416.723.9851 @JORDANGROSMAN

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DORIAN RODRIGUES

BROKER DR@DORIANRODRIGUES.COM 416.528.9448 @DORIANXRODRIGUES

The building site at 931 Yonge St.

Rosedale site pegged for affordable housing City of Toronto property at Yonge and Rosedale Valley will be redeveloped

| POST | M AY 2 0 2 2

by Eric Stober

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The City of Toronto is considering turning one of its properties in the area near the two upscale neighbourhoods of Yorkville and Rosedale into a new residential building that includes affordable housing.

The site at 931 Yonge St., at the corner of Yonge Street and Rosedale Valley Road, is currently the home of Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC), but it has been identified as one of eight properties to be “modernized” as part of the city’s ModernTO program.

Although the purpose of the program wasn’t initially to create affordable housing, local councillor Mike Layton told Post City that it has adopted that focus, with the Yonge location in particular found to be a good fit for such a use.

“It’s a pretty easy site to develop,” he said. “It’s currently not the highest and best use of the site,” Layton said.

He pointed out that the site is close to the subway station and a public park, which also makes it appealing for housing.

ModernTO calls for at least 33 per cent of the housing in its portfolio to be affordable. At 931 Yonge St., the rest of the units would be market price, which would help pay for the project, Layton said. TCHC will likely have to find a new headquarters.

CreateTO will now begin a rezoning process to figure out

what can be built on the site, with the aim to go to market in 2023 to find a developer to create the new building. Layton said the city is currently envisioning a highrise development on the shorter end of the height range.

“We’re in a housing crisis in our city, and we need to create as much affordable housing as we can and use every lever that the city has to do it,” Layton said.

The Greater Yorkville Residents’ Association (GYRA) board member Paul Bedford said there hasn’t been any community consultation yet and without concrete plans of what the building may look like, it is too early to comment on the idea.

However, Neil Travis, a nearby resident and board member of the Davenport Triangle Association, said the site makes sense given the proximity to transit — whether it can handle extra riders, though, is a concern.

When asked how lower-income residents might adapt to living in the pricey area, Travis said the transit and the bike lanes on Yonge Street could help them find affordable amenities if needed.

Layton also highlighted the inclusion of market-priced units in the project to avoid “silos based on income.”

“It’s good to have [diverse] people living in the same space together,” he said. “It just creates a healthier society.”

NEIGHBOURHOOD

NEWS

City councillor Jaye Robinson is pushing for change on vacant homes

Specialized treatment for Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Separation/Divorce Counseling, Eating Disorders, Addictions and Sleep Disorders

Vacant properties a big problem violations, with no response from the owner.

The property is held under Ashmichan Properties Holdings and has been issued 11 violations by the City of Toronto, according to public data visualizer Tableau Public.

The anonymous resident is not satisfied with the action the city has taken. Since the City of Toronto’s hot real estate market has heated up even further, investors are seemingly buying up properties and leaving them vacant while absorbing city fines as the property value continues to escalate sharply.

“It’s just not worth it for them to come by and clean up the property because they’re actually making so much money on the property itself,” the resident said. “That to me is the issue and the city has not been able to get ahead of it.”

City councillor Jaye Robinson told Post City that vacant properties are a big problem in Toronto now, and there are other similar cases throughout her ward, but the city doesn’t have enough punitive bite to fight it.

Robinson hopes that will soon change, though. She said city staff is preparing a report on a property standards bylaw review that will “include options to enhance the city’s response and enforcement of these properties.”

“It feels like this has gone on for a long time,” she said. “It is frustrating.”

The city currently has a vacant property tax and a foreign owner tax that Robinson said will also help with the issue.

For now, though, the residents near 460 Heath St. E. said they will keep contacting the city, hoping for more action.

Hospital set for massive expansion Ontario Minister of Health Christine Elliott, announced that the province is investing an additional $3 million to study the modernization and expansion of North York General Hospital (NYGH).

The redevelopment is said to improve access to care for patients by adding new patient beds, building an emergency department, and creating more operating room space.

“By investing in the expansion and redevelopment of North York General Hospital, we are delivering on our government’s commitment to build a stronger, more resilient health care system and end hallway health care,” said Elliott.

Plans include a new inpatient care tower with new and expanded operating rooms, a new emergency department, and the addition of over 100 new inpatient beds, which will bring the total number of

beds at the hospital to more than 500.

Renovations to the existing building will also expand key services, including medical device processing, laboratory, and pharmacy.

“With the generous support of the Ontario Government, NYGH is moving forward with the largest hospital expansion since we opened our doors more than 50 years ago,” said NYGH President and CEO, Karyn Popovich.

The province also announced that it would be building a new 384-bed long-term care home at NYGH as part of the government’s $6.4 billion commitment to build more than 30,000 net new beds by 2028.

Construction is expected to begin in spring 2024 and be completed in summer 2026.

—Jennifer Schembri

For more information, please contact Dr. Randy Katz:

99/101/107 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON M5R 1V4 416 R 515 R 2649 www.theclinicondupont.com info@theclinicondupont.com

PROJECTS IN PROGRESS: • 369 Lake Promenade • 11 Berkindale • 47 Astor • 710 Hillsdale • 22 Astor • 45 Rumsey • 67 Sutherland • 29 Ava • 32 Ardmore • 76 Brunswick

RECENTLY COMPLETED: • 6 Marmion • 15 McGillivray • 26 St. Hildas • 137 Chiltern Hill • 662 Hillsdale • 131 Alberta • 402 St. Clements • 7 Holland Park

COMING SOON: New Builds: 59 Lake Promenade Addition/Renos: 561 Briar Hill

M AY 2 0 2 2

Despite an ongoing housing crisis, there are many vacant buildings across the city that are being allowed to sit unused for years.

Residents of Leaside are taking matters into their own hands after one particular local property has been left derelict and in disrepair for too long.

The property at 460 Heath St. E. has been empty for about twoand-a-half years, according to a local resident who asked not to be named, and has become a magnet for trash and vandalism, not to mention a safety concern during the winter.

“It was a skating rink for weeks,” the resident told Post City.

Local residents have banded together to call on the city to take more action regarding the property, and a bylaw officer has paid a visit there and issued multiple fees and notices of

by Eric Stober

| POST |

Derelict Toronto homes sit idle during housing crisis

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NEWS

NEIGHBOURHOOD BUSINESS

Famous Bathurst Street deli celebrates 65 years in business Plus a new comedy club arrives on Bloor West, a French bistro closes and more Bloor Street has just welcomed a new hot spot for late night laughs and cheap drinks. From the comedy duo Bubbies Boys, Back Room Comedy Club is now open to keep audiences entertained. The schedule for May hasn’t been released just yet, but April’s lineup included shows such as Drake Night Comedy and the “Wyrdo Carnival.” With a small bar located outside the main seating area, Back Room Comedy Club is located downstairs at the Christie Pits Pub at 814 Bloor St. W.

After 43 years on Bloor Street, the beloved Remenyi House of Music has been relocated to 109 Vanderhoof Ave. The music store has been in the business of selling string instruments, guitars and pianos for 132 years now, since opening in Budapest in 1890. The move to Leaside was made to accommodate more parking and a larger space for the store. With the move comes new inventory, as Remenyi now offers Yamaha products.

in Bayview Village Shopping Centre. This chic boutique is home to more than 400 perfumes from across the world, including brands like Amouage, Xerjoff, Puredistance, MDCI, Masque Milano, Nasomatto, Orto Parisi and the House of Oud. The bottles that hold these high-end perfumes are almost as beautiful as the scents themselves!

While Tabule’s midtown location is closed to get a fresh new look, you won’t have to go long without these delicious Middle Eastern comforts. A pop-up location has opened just a few doors down, at 1992 Yonge St., and although it’s mainly used for pickup and delivery, it does include a second-floor dining room with the same flair you can find at Tabule. Although the menu has been reduced temporarily, customers can still order Tabule’s Middle Eastern classics like baba ghanouj and ma’anek.

Family-owned restaurant Jacques Bistro du Parc was a Yorkville landmark for over four decades, offering guests the opportunity to step into a “corner of France in Toronto.” Located at 126A Cumberland St., the second-floor restaurant served up traditional French cuisine courtesy of chef Jacques Sorin for 43 years. But in April, the restaurant bid the area adieu.

According to the restaurant’s website, the landlord made it impossible for the owners to sign a new lease.

When it first opened in 1957, Pancer’s Deli immediately became a go-to spot for Toronto’s Jewish community. The legacy continues with the store celebrating its 65th anniversary last month. After three generations in business at 3856 Bathurst St., the Pancers have perfected plenty of Jewish comfort foods, like knishes, their legendary pastrami and matzo balls.

With the demand for Pancer’s, it wouldn’t be much of a surprise if it were around another 65 years.

Niche Essence has just opened its flagship boutique

Pancer’s Deli owner Lorne Pancer

by Megan Gallant

416-960-9995

Sales Representative

Broker, Senior Vice President, Sales

Sales Representative Senior Vice President, Sales

| POST | M AY 2 0 2 2

46 Teddington Park Ave. | Lawrence Park | $14,980,000 5 + 2 Bedrooms | 9 Baths

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Built upon the architecture of luxury, this isn't just a home, it's an expression of perfection in its purest form. Crafted from the finest materials from around the world, where even the most minute details were obsessed over.

416-960-9995

NelsonDenhamBrown.com | @nelsondenhambrown 676 Richmond St. West Suite 802 | Queen West | $1,798,000 1 + 1 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Car Parking A masterful renovation One of the best suites at the former Decca Records building.

Featuring exposed brick, double height ceilings in the open concept living area, a wood burning fireplace in the living room, ductwork & steel girder.

Sotheby's International Realty Canada, Brokerage | 416-960-9995 | 1867 Yonge St., Suite 100, Toronto ON

CRIME

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CITYWIDE BREAK-INS APRIL 2022 WHERE

WHEN

TIME OFOF DAY TIME DAY

BAYVIEW AVE. AND ARJAY CRES.

APR. 1

2 P.M.

SOUTHVALE DR. AND MALCOLM RD.

APR. 2

3 A.M.

BEDFORD RD. AND TRANBY AVE.

APR. 2

7 A.M.

ANTIBES DR. AND CONEFLOWER CRES.

APR. 2

7 A.M.

ELMWOOD AVE. AND KENNETH AVE.

APR. 3

12 P.M.

We welcome you to book a private tour.

Please call the school

FOREST LAND DR. AND VAUGHAN BLVD.

APR. 4

10 A.M.

BRECKONWOOD CRES. AND WILLOWBROOK RD.

APR. 7

8:30 A.M.

ERSKINE AVE. AND REDPATH AVE.

APR. 9

7 P.M.

LORD SEATON RD. AND COTSWOLD CRES.

APR. 9

9 P.M.

BATHURST ST. AND NEPTUNE DR.

APR. 11

12 A.M.

SOUDAN AVE. AND DUNFIELD AVE.

APR. 11

2 P.M.

PLEASANT BLVD. AND AVOCA AVE.

APR. 12

1 A.M.

HARLANDALE AVE. AND BEECROFT RD.

APR. 13

2 A.M.

CONLEY ST. AND MCCABE CRES.

APR. 14

3 P.M.

SOUDAN AVE. AND HOLLY ST.

APR. 14

4:30 A.M.

Celebrating 42 years

CRIME BRIEFS police responded to a carjacking robbery that occurred in the Proudfoot Avenue and Hillhurst Boulevard area. It is alleged that the victim was sitting in a parked car with two friends when two male suspects driving in an SUV stopped in front of the victim’s car and the suspects immediately jumped out and ran toward the victim’s car. Police stated that the two male suspects forced the victim to the ground as one suspect pulled out a handgun and held it to the victim's neck and demanded the car keys. The victim’s friends were able to run away from the scene. The suspects took the victim's keys and fled the scene, with one driving their SUV and the other driving the victim's car. The victim's car is a 2021 white Mercedes Benz GLC 300. The suspect's SUV is described as a newer model slate grey Subaru Crosstrek SUV. Both suspects should be considered armed and dangerous, if located do not approach and immediately call 9-1-1.

Anyone who may have security camera video or has any further information is asked to contact Toronto Police Service.

On Friday, April 15,

an arrest as part of a stabbing and robbery investigation after several incidents in the area of Yonge Street and Finch Avenue West. On Sunday, April 17, at 2:30 p.m., two males were involved in a dispute when it is alleged that a male suspect brandished an edged weapon and stabbed a 35-year-old male victim twice in the chest before fleeing the area on foot. The victim was transported to the hospital by ambulance in life-threatening condition. The next day,

on Monday, April 18, at 2 p.m., the same suspect was once again in the Yonge Street and Finch Avenue West area when it is alleged he approached a 38-yearold male victim, produced an edged weapon and demanded the victim’s cellphone. The victim complied and no injuries were reported. On Tuesday, April 19, the suspect, a 28-year-old of Toronto, was located and arrested. He faces numerous charges, including aggravated assault, assault with a weapon, possession of property obtained by crime and four counts of failure to comply with a probation order.

York Regional Police are seeking three suspects as well as witnesses after an armed robbery of a convenience store in Vaughan. At approximately 7:40 p.m. on Saturday, April 16, police were called to a store on Steeles Avenue West for a report of a robbery. It is alleged that three male suspects entered the store, and one suspect held a firearm and pointed it at the employee and demanded money. The suspects obtained cash and food before fleeing the scene in a vehicle.

| POST |

for the public’s help identifying a suspect in an assault investigation at Bayview subway station. Officers were called to the station on Monday, April 4, at approximately 5:30 p.m. It is alleged that a male suspect and a 40-year-old female victim were in an elevator at the station when he assaulted her. Police have released security camera images of the suspect.

Police are asking

M AY 2 0 2 2

Police have made

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| POST | M AY 2 0 2 2

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REAL ESTATE

NEWS

THORNHILL RELAX TO THE MAX

The four-bedroom, nine-bathroom mansion at 163 Arnold Ave. has resort-style living written all over it. From the pool and massive surrounding patio to the indoor/outdoor solarium to the barbecue station, the homeowners of this residence would never get tired of it. The inside is just as pretty as the outside, too, with soaring ceilings, a glass-encased wine cellar and designer lighting. It’s listed for $10.5 million with Roland Kogan of Alan Newton Real Estate.

DIVE INTO POOLSIDE PROPERTIES Pools became the new hot commodity throughout the pandemic, and with Toronto's limited real estate supply, it's become almost impossible to snatch up a property with a pool these days. If you're shopping for a home with an extra cool factor, look no further than these residences, from a sunny oasis to a landscaped backyard paradise.

COTTAGE-STYLE RETREAT

The five-bedroom, five-bathroom renovated abode at 13 Hillholm Rd. features an English garden exterior, walk-in wine cellar and a stunning pool and cabana. It’s listed for $6.75 million with Forest Hill Real Estate.

The home at 35 Rollscourt Dr. has five bedrooms, eight bathrooms and all the amenities you could want, from a Jacuzzi to a sauna to a home theatre to the pool of your summer dreams.

It’s listed for $6.8 million with Sotheby’s International Realty.

| POST |

SUN-SOAKED LIVING

M AY 2 0 2 2

NORTH YORK

FOREST HILL SOUTH

21

COVID -19 NOTICE Rest assured, all aspects of my business are conducted with strict safety precautions in place.

Modified COVID-19 related restrictions are done in accordance with the Ontario government's reopening framework. However, we continue to take measures to protect the health and safety of our clients and colleagues.

36 HAZELTON AVE. #6A

$7,495,000. 2 BEDS & 3 BATHS, APPROX. 3,150 SQ. FT. + 420 SQ. FT. TERRACE.

733 WOBURN AVE.

$2,695,000. 40’ x 120’ LOT, 4+1 BEDS & 5 BATHS, APPROX. 3,400 SQ.FT. + BSMT.

$2,399,000. 35’ x 135’ LOT, 3+1 BEDS & 4 BATHS, APPROX. 1,744 SQ. FT. + BSMT. APT.

FOR SALE

SOLD

SOLD

90 EDMUND SEAGER DR.

1717 AVENUE RD. #304

20 NORMANDALE CRES.

$1,498,800. 44’ x 108’ LOT, 4+1 BEDS & 4 BATHS, APPROX. 3,152 SQ.FT.+ BSMT.

REPRESENTED THE BUYER.

SOLD FOR 98% OF ASKING IN 8 DAYS!

SOLD

SOLD

SOLD 253 ST. CLEMENTS AVE.

RECEIVED 7 OFFERS AND SOLD FOR 118% OF ASKING!

| POST | M AY 2 0 2 2

R E A L

22

84 GLENVALE BLVD.

E S T A T E

127 BROOKDALE AVE.

RECEIVED 5 OFFERS AND SOLD FOR 125% OF ASKING!

B R O K E R

18 BURNCREST DR.

REPRESENTED THE BUYER.

REAL ESTATE

NEWS

ANNEX HISTORY MEETS MODERN LIVING

The condo-townhouse at 1-12 Macpherson Ave. is in a building that used to be a Methodist church before its ’90s makeover. Suite 1 was given a back-to-the-studs renovation with help from Los Angeles designer Nicole Sassaman.

High-end luxuries were integrated alongside original church fixtures, including brick walls, cathedral ceilings and wooden beams. It’s listed for $6.595 million with RLP Terrequity Oxley Real Estate.

PREACHING TO THE CONVERTED

RECLAIMED BRICK RENO

AROUND-THE-CLOCK BEAUTY

Unit 607 at 456 College St. was built in the clock tower of a church, and the arched window details are hard to beat! With one bedroom, a den and two bathrooms, it’s listed for $1.049 million with Roxborough Realty.

The church conversion loft at 3-175 Jones Ave. packs in two plus one bedrooms, two bathrooms and a sprawling walk-in closet for under $800,000! It’s listed for $799,000 with Shane Carslake of Royal LePage Real Estate Services.

M AY 2 0 2 2

LESLIEVILLE

| POST |

LITTLE ITALY

©Mitchell Hubble/Modern Movement Creative

Church conversions are in! These renovated units have kept all the best design elements of their original church foundations to transform these spaces into livable pieces of art. From arched entryways to elegant windows to stunning brick exteriors, the residents of these condos will have plenty of religious inspiration right at home.

23

T GH

NEWS

*Represented Buyer

REAL ESTATE

WE ARE YOUR STRATEGIC PARTNERS & TRUSTED REAL ESTATE ADVISORS

U

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194 Erskine Avenue - $2,900,000

LD

Janice, Julie & Katie Rennie

SO

SALES REPRESENTATIVES

Contact us for your real estate inquiries at 250 Briar Hill Avenue - $1,895,000

416.925.9191 www.rennieteam.com info@rennieteam.com

LD

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27 Gibson Avenue - $2,850,000

Chestnut Park's #1 Team* for over 16 years

YOUR DREAM TEAM CHESTNUT PARK REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BROKERAGE This is not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with a broker. *2014-2019

CIBC deputy chief economist Benjamin Tal

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| POST | M AY 2 0 2 2

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Interest hikes could have Torontonians thinking twice about variable vs. fixed The Bank of Canada’s anticipated rate hike last month has raised a few alarm bells, especially for homeowners with a variable rate mortgage.

The federal interest rates went up by 0.5 per cent to 1 per cent in an effort to combat inflation, the highest hike in more than 20 years.

Variable mortgage rates can fluctuate based on the way the index is moving, whereas fixed rate mortgages remain constant. Now, with rising rates, current homeowners and prospective buyers may be wondering whether variable rates are a safe bet anymore.

Vipul Kaushal, a mortgage agent at True North Mortgage who deals with this question every day, has predicted that the Bank of Canada will increase rates by another 0.75 per cent within the next year.

“That would be the bank's goal to bring the variable rate back to pre-pandemic levels for the next 12 to 15 months,” he said.

Kaushal said, in the past, it was often commonly believed that by selecting a fixed term mortgage, Torontonians would end up paying more in the long run. Additionally, they would be stuck with the property for five years.

“Canadians are still choosing variable rate mortgages as we speak, although they understand the rates are going up … on a fixed

rate mortgage the payments are higher from day one,” he said.

Kaushal suggested that those who are on a fixed income and are not expecting their salary to increase any time soon, as well as first-time homebuyers, should opt for a fixed term mortgage due to budgeting.

Similarly, he thinks that those who are experienced homeowners or are investing in properties should look at variable rates, as there are more opportunities to take advantage of low rates.

CIBC’s deputy chief economist Benjamin Tal noted that the fiveyear, fixed term rate is a marketdriven rate, whereas the variable rate is driven by the Bank of Canada. Tal believes homeowners will need to stick to their guns and decide whether or not the variable rate will reach the fixed term rate.

“I can tell you that the gap between the five-year rate and the variable rate will be closed very, very rapidly,” Tal said.

When Tal says rapidly, he means it: “We know that the variable interest rates will be rising very quickly over the next year or so.

And they might be rising by another 100 basis points, maybe 150.”

With variable interest rates on an expected incline, homeowners are being forced to make a decision quickly.

—Marcus Mitropoulos

REAL ESTATE

NEWS

Serving our community since 2010

TORONTO’S LEADING

COMPOUNDING PHARMACY RECOGNIZED FOR OUTSTANDING CUSTOMER CARE

L-R: Blind bidding won’t be the only home buying option by April 2023, GTA broker of record Odeen Eccleston

Will sellers choose transparency?

DELIVERY ACROSS THE GTA AVAILABLE

Ontario homeowners can soon decide to open bidding

“Too many agents, it’s more about winning the bid, and that’s making the client lose.” over asking, in both an open and closed market, overpaying will have the same effect.

Eccleston can see benefits and drawbacks to the policy from both the perspective of a buyer’s agent and a seller's agent.

“The advantage for buyers is that they won’t be wasting time. If the bidding process is open and I can see three people already offered more than I was willing to pay, then I’ll move on,” she said.

“There’s also the benefit that, if I’m willing to pay $1.6 million and I see the other offers are at $1.3 million, then I’ll bid $1.4 million

and save a bit.”

Conversely, if there’s a home a buyer really loves with an open bidding process, and they see the other offers, a buyer might bid more than they can afford due to that extra transparency. “It might all balance out in the end,” Eccleston said.

Daniel Pustil, a real estate agent with Sotheby’s, said he would never advise any of his clients to open bidding even once this policy comes into effect. “I would 100 per cent tell them not to sign off on an open bid. You just don’t want that,” he said.

From his experience in the industry, he doubts that there is a single seller or agent he knows who would open up bidding for transparency. “It’s just an ineffective policy,” he stated.

A report by a Canadian Real Estate Association–funded think tank, the Smart Prosperity Institute, studied countries with open bidding, including Sweden, Australia and New Zealand, and found that bid transparency can lead to higher real estate prices.

“The rules governing real estate bids likely do play a minor role in the average price of real estate, though [a] proposed reform is more likely than not to lead to higher, rather than lower, prices.

Ultimately, the major factor driving up real estate prices is supply not keeping up with demand,” the report states.

—Julia Mastroianni

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Eccleston has seen the way bidding wars and competition encourage certain behaviour among some brokers.

“Too many agents, it’s more about winning the bid, and that’s making the client lose,” she said referring to agents who lead their buyers to overpay.

While this policy does put the power in the seller’s hands, Eccleston said it’s ultimately up to buyers and their agents, and if they’re being advised to bid high

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When the federal government announced a move to end blind bidding as part of the 2022 federal budget and the development of a Home Buyers’ Bill of Rights at the beginning of April, realtors, buyers and sellers were unsure what the future might hold. But just a few weeks following, the provincial government implemented some changes of its own.

The province’s Minister of Government and Consumer Services Ross Romano said in a statement that property sellers will be given the option of an open offer process and disclose the details of other bids, instead of banning blind bidding outright.

The changes, part of the Ontario government’s reform to the Trust in Real Estate Services Act, will come into effect April 1, 2023.

Blind bidding bans have been a controversial topic for years, with some suggesting that a ban would lower housing prices and others arguing that it would make no measurable difference.

Odeen Eccleston, broker of record and owner of Wiltshire Eccleston Realty, said she sees a potential issue with this policy because there’s so little information out there for realtors on it right now.

“Until there’s more information and statistics about how it would be done, I would just recommend for my seller to do it the traditional way because that’s what I have experience in,” she said.

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Disney+ as he reprises the role in a new series, Obi-Wan Kenobi. Hoping to reconnect with your inner Jedi ahead of the release? Brush up on your series knowledge at Hemingway’s Restaurant on May 4 for Star Wars trivia night, join the 501st Canadian Garrison Star Wars costume legion (top right) or get some laughs at FreePlay Toronto’s Star Wars–themed comedy show (bottom right).

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When Star Wars Day rolls around this year, rest assured that there will be plenty of ways to celebrate the occasion in the city — including a Star Wars series release starring one of the GTA’s very own! Thornhill local Hayden Christensen (left) gained international acclaim for his role as Anakin Skywalker/Darth Vader in the Star Wars prequel trilogy. On May 27, keep an eye out for him on

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May the 4th and Revenge of the 5th

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POST CITY X BOMOU ARTISANAL BAKERY

Bomou Artisanal Bakery is bringing French pastries to Leaside Sisters Azar and Negar Sabzevari are combining Persian flavours with French techniques by Alexa Margorian

Sisters Azar and Negar Sabzevari

Around the time of year in 2020 when everyone was getting ready to shut down, Bomou Artisanal Bakery was just about to open up.

“So many customers that have been with us from the beginning call us COVID baby,” Azar Sabzevari, the co-owner of Bomou Artisanal Bakery, said with a laugh.

Bomou’s grand opening was on March 15, 2020, so their regulars aren’t really wrong at all. On the day the province declared the pandemic a state of emergency, Azar and her sister Negar, Bomou’s other owner, were in the midst of

launching the biggest step of their careers. Negar, who studied patisserie at George Brown as well as in France, is the creative mind behind the bakery’s creations, while Azar manages the store with a keen entrepreneurial eye.

Bomou, which is located at 1636 Bayview Ave., specializes in infusing French techniques with Persian flavours, including cardamom, rose water and pistachio, as the starring roles in more traditional pastries. At first, finding the right balance between new flavours was challenging.

“Not everyone wants to try it,” Negar said. But now that customers know the bakery’s quality, there’s a trust she’s developed with them so that they’ve truly embraced the more experimental side of her craft.

Along with churning out delicate pastries, Bomou also produces homemade chocolate, jams and spreads.

Instead of the jelly you’ll find at the supermarket, Bomou’s jam made with locally-sourced fruits has whole chunks of strawberry or sour cherry to savour. No preservatives are used and neither are any unnatural ingredients, so each batch will vary in colour.

“We’re getting some customers [asking] why we don’t have blueberry jam, and I always tell them I will make it if it’s in season in Ontario and I refuse to use the frozen ones,” Negar said.

Her insistence on incorporating the best possible ingredients for her creations extends to finding sustainably-sourced chocolate for her whole chocolate bars and spreads. “I try to fix my recipes to work with those chocolates because I know at the end of the day…I can be a little change to [the farmers’] community.”

The quality of the ingredients, both Azar and Negar contend, is the difference-maker in their products, as they develop recipes to serve as an alternative to overly processed foods we’re all so used to consuming. “I hope I

can be a help for them to understand that what they’re having is good quality and eventually they understand that different taste,” Negar said.

Though they opened without the fanfare they’d planned for, Bomou has a strong client base in the Leaside community and cannot express enough appreciation for the support they’ve received over the past few years.

In the early days of Bomou’s existence, employees from their next-door neighbour, Hollywood Gelato, would stop by and say, “‘Keep it up, keep it up. You’re doing good,” Negar said. “In the summer months, they kept telling us, ‘If you’re not busy, don’t worry, it’s the season.’”

This encouragement extends to their clients as well. “90 per cent of my staff are from the neighbourhood. It’s awesome,” Azar noted. “We always try to have a very friendly and very comfortable environment for our staff.”

As we’re finally emerging from perpetual lockdowns this year, these two sisters are learning what it’s like to run Bomou at full capacity. Negar explained that this is an exciting, exploratory period for them.

“We have a million plans going on and we have to kind of go narrow it down. So that’s a challenge to [figure out] which way to go is better for us and more fun,” she said. “ We just want to understand…how far we can go, then eventually decide what our future is, but we know we want to grow.”

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Canada’s largest lululemon store is coming to Yorkville

L–R: Lisa and Ryan Gozlan, inside the Yorkville showroom

Rosedale jewelry designer on going for gold Lisa Gozlan talks finding a niche in the market and starting her own family business When Lisa and Ryan Gozlan opened their first showroom for Lisa Gozlan Jewelry in 2021 in Yorkville, they already had the reputation to match. Jewelry from Lisa Gozlan had already been seen on the likes of Snoop Dogg and Shay Mitchell. We caught up with the Rosedale local to chat about running a family business, keeping the brand affordable and expanding internationally.

Why jewelry design?

My husband Ryan is a fifth generation jeweler. His family has been in the business for over 50 years. Ryan, being in the business, would always make me special pieces, and when I was out with friends or in public, people would always compliment the pieces I was wearing. Sometimes I would sell things directly off myself! We were both in our respective family businesses but not feeling personally fulfilled. I remember one day I went into his office and saw some 10 karat rings on his desk. We started going through

old rings and other products that Ryan's grandfather Roger was selling in 1970. We gained inspiration for our line from there.

ners in pushing this business forward.

What was your original goal when creating Lisa Gozlan Jewelry?

Ever since I was a little kid, I always wanted to have my own store. As the pandemic sort of took a turn, we went full throttle on a search for a space. We had a lot of demand for it, and we also wanted to create a space where customers could really get a feel for the brand.

Yorkville happened to have the perfect space we were imagining and looking for, so it was a match made in heaven. I have to say, it's probably the best thing we ever did — having people come into my store and browse all the products gives me so much joy.

When we started, our goal was to build a brand and not just a jewelry brand, but also a sort of lifestyle. We found that unique, affordable and good quality jewelry was hard to come by in Canada at the time. Now I think the Canadian jewelry market has really evolved. There are now so many new and cool brands popping up these days.

What is it like working with your spouse?

There are times where it can be difficult, but at the end of the day, Ryan is my best friend and someone I can rely on wholeheartedly. It's nice that we are both looking out for one another's interests at all times. Ryan also brings so much to the table with his knowledge of the industry, so he and I are both equal part-

Why did you decide on Yorkville for your showroom?

What's next for Lisa Gozlan Jewelry?

After successful trunk shows this past March, expansion into the U.S. market is top priority for next year. We definitely have plans to take the Lisa Gozlan Jewelry brand worldwide.

—Julia Mastroianni

Toronto is getting a massive threestorey lululemon flagship store, right at the corner of the city’s bustling Yonge and Bloor core.

The brand, which hails from Vancouver, will occupy roughly 12,100 square feet and span three floors, a huge upgrade from its current, much smaller 3,067-square-foot space at 153 Cumberland St. The store will have concourse and street level access, including a direct connection to the TTC. You won’t be able to miss the new store, which features wraparound glass.

KingSett Capital, the real estate investment firm that owns the building, shared the news last week, noting that the flagship store will be part of a “significant podium renovation.”

The space was previously occupied by Talbot and Swarovski, both of which have already moved out ahead of the extensive renovations that will be taking place.

The 2 Bloor St. W. spot is set to open in 2024, and when it does, it will be one of the company’s largest retail locations, second to Chicago’s 20,000-square-foot location in Lincoln Park. The new Toronto store will be the largest one in Canada, beating out its over 6,000square-foot Vancouver flagship location.

This massive lululemon won’t be the only yoga retailer on the block, with Alo Yoga, a Los Angeles-based company, opening up shop just down the street at Yonge and Bloor — a former Gap location.

The Yonge and Bloor area is growing fast. Currently, the southeast corner is home to a Nordstrom Rack and the southwest corner is the site of the much-awaited One Bloor building, a multi-use condo project that might be housing a new Apple flagship at its base.

—Raquel Farrington

Yorkdale mall just got its first vintage shop

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trying to understand our demographic by offering social media polls and asking them what they’re looking for. It will be a nice curation of everyone’s favourite pieces from the ’80s, ‘90s and 2000s,” he says.

Clarendon Trading Co. caters to “generation Z,” Francis explains.

“They place real importance on sustainability and just the environmental impact that fashion does have on our earth.”

As seen on their Instagram, a majority of their pieces are related to infamous cartoons, luxury brands popular among youth streetwear trends and athleisure.

Like many other small business owners, the COVID-19 pandemic originally stunted the company’s growth, but Francis attributes their impressive mid-pandemic rise to the fact that people were at home.

“We were stuck at home, so it allowed us to really focus on our ecommerce and that allowed our business to grow even more,” he says.

© Lindsay Rosset

Second-hand store The Clarendon Trading Company just moved into Yorkdale Shopping Centre this April — the vintage shop to be getting a permanent spot in the upscale shopping centre.

The Clarendon Trading Company was conceived seven years ago, initially as a vintage furniture store. When resources were scarce, coowners and partners Johnnel Francis and Colette Liburd pivoted to the curation of vintage clothing. They first started selling their garments on e-commerce websites such as Etsy and eBay, and consistent growth led them to purchase the company’s first storefront in 2019.

For Francis, having this new location in Yorkdale is a dream come true.

“We always thought of Yorkdale mall as a premier mall because of all the amazing stores that are in there.”

Francis says they’re focused on curation right now. “We’re really

by Marcus Mitropoulos

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Clarendon Trading Co. is all about catering to generation Z

Rendering of the new location

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T.O.’s favourite TV surgeon Caterina Scorsone on missing Toronto and her exciting new Grey’s Anatomy love interest

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When Grey’s Anatomy star Caterina Scorsone picks up the phone, the first thing she says is: “You’re calling from Toronto?

That’s nice even to know!”

It’s clear from the start that Scorsone is missing her home — even though she’s probably stopped calling Toronto that years ago and has been living in Los Angeles for even longer. “I have very fond feelings about Toronto,” she says.

Most of her family still lives here, though she says she hasn’t been back to visit them since the pandemic hit. Scorsone grew up all over Toronto, in the Annex and then Queen West, balancing a work schedule, which started at the age of eight on CBC’s Mr. Dressup, with school. When reflecting on her time in Toronto, she says she remembers many things — Trinity Bellwoods Park, strolling Trinity College, hanging on Queen and College streets — but she says what she misses most about the city are the “social conversations.”

“While you're living there, you kind of take it for granted, but when you leave, you realize what a beautiful job Canadians, and specifically Torontonians, have done to foster diversity in their community,” she shares.

Scorsone says this has been especially apparent as someone with a child who has a disability.

“I think Toronto is doing a good

job of trying to hold itself accountable when it comes to awareness of disability and conversations around disability,” she says, “though obviously there’s still work to be done in Toronto as well.”

These social conversations are something she’s proud of being able to channel through her role as Amelia Shepherd. When viewers of Grey’s Anatomy first met Toronto’s own Caterina Scorsone, she played opposite Patrick Dempsey as his character Derek Shepherd’s unpredictable and unmistakably brilliant little sister. But upon Amelia’s return as a series regular in season 11, she had already grown immeasurably from her first appearance. That growth is something Scorsone admires about her character, especially this season.

In season 18, Amelia strikes up a relationship with Kai, a neuroscientist at a partnering hospital who is the show’s first non-binary character. Scorsone describes this as marking Amelia’s first queer relationship.

“It’s an amazing unfolding for Amelia on the screen,” Scorsone says. “I think one of the things people don’t realize about Amelia is that she was originally conceived as a queer character.”

When Amelia’s character first appeared on Grey’s spinoff Private Practice, Scorsone says a storyline where Amelia was dating a

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Caterina Scorsone says her character Amelia Shepherd is growing into her own this season

that, when we were doing scenes and Amelia was out of the hospital and with her son, it felt very natural to sink into that blissful fatigue,” she says.

Being part of a big family is something Scorsone shares with her character. Although Amelia is the youngest of five, Scorsone is the middle of five with three sisters and a brother.

But she says that her relationships with her real-life siblings more closely resemble

• Special attention to your children’s needs

much been her experience” as a parent. “That dynamic of being in this bustling household with a bunch of kids and supporting each other and showing up to do child care, weaving community with the women in your life so you can pull off the magic of pursuing career goals, that is something that’s a priority for me,” she says.

She makes a point of talking about this dynamic, especially with other women.

“We have a super supportive network of womanhood in my family.”

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“I want to encourage other women to reach out and find the supportive people in their lives that can break them out of the isolation of the nuclear family idea and product of capitalism that is the modern family in North America,” she shares.

“All of the characters on Grey’s who have children, the time management that we magically are able to pull off in this hospital is unreal,” she quips. “Being able to fly back and forth to Minnesota and take part in groundbreaking research in surgeries on Parkinson's disease would probably be slightly more difficult in the real world. But this is movie magic!”

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that of her character’s chosen family, sister-in-law Meredith Shepherd (Ellen Pompeo) and Meredith’s half-sister Maggie Pierce (Kelly McCreary).

“I’m very tight with all of my sisters, and we have a super supportive network of womanhood in my family.

Everybody shows up for each other in really beautiful ways, whereas I think the Shepherd family has a little bit more toxicity going on,” Scorsone says.

Amelia, Meredith and Maggie have created a chosen family unit on Grey’s Anatomy, taking care of each other’s children and living in the same house together.

Scorsone says that has “very

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woman with whom she was doing a fellowship was cut for time.

Scorsone says that, for Amelia, whose love life has been “fraught” in the past, this love story with Kai has been especially beautiful.

“The writers allow it to unfold so organically. It’s a complex story and also super romantic and hot.

This connection with Kai has offered her a perspective on herself and a mirror of herself that no one else has offered her,” she says.

Scorsone suggests that Amelia’s new relationship with Kai reflects her character growth as a whole.

The Grey’s Anatomy finale is set to air on May 26 from 8 to 10 p.m., and Scorsone isn’t sharing any spoilers. But, she says, “One of the things I would hope for the next year is that this all coincides with her coming into her authority as a woman, as a surgeon and as an expert in her field. I hope we’ll see the full development of her maturation as a human being, stepping into fully realized motherhood and the role as a surgeon, mentor and teacher.”

Motherhood is a new journey for Amelia, who gives birth to her son in the season 16 finale. But for Scorsone, who is a mother to three daughters, Eliza, Pippa and Lucky, stepping into the role onscreen was old hat.

“One of the nice things was

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In 2015, Canada’s new government quickly moved to gender equity in cabinet, expanded the Ministry of the Environment to include climate change and offered a bravura performance at the climate talks in Paris. But now, seven years later, Canada has failed to reach its own climate targets and has become the worst performer of all G7 nations since the landmark Paris Agreement on climate change was adopted in 2015, according to a media statement from Jerry V. DeMarco, commissioner of the environment and sustainable development. Will Canada’s environmentalists ever be able to close up shop and stop worrying?

Of course not. The nature of politics includes constant tradeoffs, compromises and disagreements. Even with a government sympathetic to environmental issues, we wouldn’t act deeply and quickly enough or prevent new problems because we haven’t addressed the root of our environmental devastation. The ultimate cause isn’t economic, technological, scientific or even social. It’s psychological. We see and interact with the world through perceptual lenses, shaped from the moment of conception.

Our notions of gender, ethnicity, religion, socio-economic status and the environment we grow up in all limit and create our priorities.

If we were to examine the

anatomy of human brains, the circuitry and chemistry of neurons or the structure of our sense organs, nothing would permit us to distinguish gender, ethnicity or religion because we all belong to a single species. But if you were to ask a man and a woman about love, sex or family, answers could be quite disparate.

A Jew and Muslim living in Israel might respond differently to questions about Gaza, the West Bank or Jerusalem. A Catholic and Protestant living in Northern Ireland might hold radically different outlooks about their country’s history.

We learn how to see the world.

That, in turn, determines our priorities and actions. The world has been overwhelmed by the belief that our species stands at the pinnacle of evolution, endowed with impressive intelligence and able to exploit our surroundings as we see fit. We feel fundamentally disconnected from nature and therefore not responsible for the ecological consequences of our actions. Even at the 2021 UN Climate Change Conference of the Parties, the sense of urgency about climate change was dampened by the perceived equal need to protect jobs and to consider the economic costs of aiding vulnerable nations and even ways to continue exploiting fossil fuels, the very agents of the crisis.

We can’t just look at the world

as a source of resources to exploit with little or no regard for the consequences. When many Indigenous people refer to the planet as “Mother Earth,” they are not speaking romantically, poetically or metaphorically. They mean it literally. We are of the Earth, every cell in our bodies formed by molecules derived from plants and animals, inflated by water, energized by sunlight captured through photosynthesis and ignited by atmospheric oxygen.

Years ago, I visited a village perched on the side of an Andean mountain in Peru. People there are taught from childhood that the mountain is an apu, a god, and that as long as that apu casts its shadow on the village it will determine the destiny of its inhabitants. Compare the way those people will treat that mountain with the way someone in Trail, B.C., will after being told for years the surrounding mountains are rich in gold and silver.

Is a forest a sacred grove or merely lumber and pulp? Are rivers the veins of the land or sources of power and irrigation? Is soil a community of organisms or simply dirt? Is another species our biological relative or a resource? Is our house a home or just real estate?

Once we learn that our very being, essence, health and happiness depend on Mother Earth, we have no choice but to radically shift the way we treat her.

When we spew our toxic wastes and pesticides into the air, water and soil, we poison our mother and ourselves. When we frack our wells, we contaminate the air and water on which we depend. When we clear-cut forests, dump mine tailings into rivers and lakes and convert wilderness into farms or suburbs, we undermine the ability of the biosphere to provide the necessities of life.

Is this how we treat our source of survival? Until all of society understands this and then acts on that understanding, we will not be able to act fully to protect a future for ourselves.

DAVID SUZUKI

David Suzuki is the host of the CBC’s The Nature of Things and author of more than 30 books on ecology.

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Enjoy treetop views and ultimate privacy at FORT Treehouse Co.

Your magic Ontario tree house awaits

Cottage country with unbeatable sky-high views

With beautiful fairy lights illuminating the forest at night, a cedar wood fire hot tub and a wraparound tree house deck, the Baltic — Luxury Treehouse at FORT Treehouse Co. in Minden is the epitome of glamping.

Nestled away in the heart of cottage country, the tree house combines the creature comforts of a boutique hotel with a nest-like experience. The Haliburton Highlands’ iconic evergreens and mixed hardwood forests offer the most awe-inspiring views, which

can be taken in from any direction — even within the tree house, as windows surround on all sides.

This two-storey home away from home offers a kitchen with all the amenities, a comfy lounge area and open concept loft bedroom. The absolute pinnacle of forest bathing can be experienced two ways here: in the rain shower on the main floor or in the hot tub down below.

No matter the season, there are a ton of fun activities to do, whether you’re looking to relax in the tree house or get out and explore the Minden area. A short drive will bring you to hiking, biking and cross country skiing trails; a river floating experience; lakes galore; and so much more. www.forttreehouseco.com Serenity by suspension bridge

Only an hour and a half from Toronto, the wilderness retreat at Whispering Springs in Grafton houses a variety of exciting accommodation experiences, including the stunning treetop tents. Looking to elevate traditional camping and offer a new way of experiencing the great outdoors, Whispering Springs trades sleeping bags for king-sized beds, flashlights for mood lighting and canteens for wine glasses.

Sitting two storeys high amongst the treetops are three safari tents sharing a central common area with a barbecue, kitchenette, outdoor shower and private hot tub — all high above the forest floor.

Accessible by suspension

bridges, this treetop experience is elevated off the ground, bringing about inspiring views of Whispering Springs’ spring-fed pond and forest canopy.

“It's not quite Never Never Land, but it's pretty darn close,” reads the website — and I can’t help but agree. www.whisperingsprings.ca

HOL A! Nelly Aguilera SPANISH TEACHER

www.holanelly.com | Info@holanelly.com | 647-522-5003

Starry getaway where adventure awaits

A spiral staircase leads you to Evergreen Forest’s Treetop Suite in Tobermory and the coziness it offers. With beautiful forest views, this private suite is the perfect escape, tailor made for two. In case the 30-step climb wasn’t high enough, hanging from the ceiling is the ultimate hideaway for sleeping — a suspended bed.

If you’re lucky, you might book this stay during a night of clear skies — the site offers free telescope nights to take a look at all the stars, depending on the weather conditions.

Located on the Bruce Peninsula, this treetop experience is the perfect homebase for exploration. Heated in the winter and air-conditioned in the summer, whether you’re looking to snowshoe the surrounding paths or swim the beautiful shores, when you retreat back to base, you’re sure to be comfortable. Adventures await in the surrounding areas with Lion’s Head Provincial Nature Reserve, Greg’s Caves and Devil’s Monument Loop only a short drive away. www.evergreenforest.ca

For the distinguished doggo...

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Growing up, I used to love fairy tales of magical forests and the friendly creatures that inhabited these green spaces. When I was old enough to walk, run and play, my favourite things to do were climbing trees, playing in tree forts and exploring forested areas. Now, as an adult, my love for our Earth’s green landscape hasn’t diminished but, rather, grown into a new appreciation. To relax, unwind and escape the busy city life, I find myself craving to retreat to the comfort of nature. Here, surrounded by tall trees, I feel a sense of serenity and my childhood curiosities come out to play.

Tree houses bring my childhood dreams to life — and, as an adult, that’s about as magical of an experience as you can get.

With spring in the air and summer fast approaching, we’re rounding up Ontario’s best tree house experiences.

by Kaitlin Narciso

1198 Yonge Street • 647 330 4209 www.debonairdogsdaycareandgrooming.com

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Reconnect with your childhood dreams

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CURRENTS

LOCAL GRADUATES

Juno nominated at last Rock artist SATE on her new album and her mother’s musical legacy by Megan Gallant

REPORT CARD STUDENT:

SATE HIGH SCHOOL:

Earl Haig Secondary School BEST SUBJECT:

© Richard Ashman

Arts, English WORST SUBJECT:

Math CURRENT JOB:

Singer-songwriter

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SATE wrote or co-wrote all 12 songs on her new album

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After years of growing up in the entertainment industry, singersongwriter SATE has finally been nominated for her first Juno Award, and it likely won’t be her last. Her sophmore album, The Fool, is nominated alongside records including Mustafa’s When Smoke Rises and Ruby Waters’s If It Comes Down To It for Alternative Album of the Year.

“To sate” means to fully satisfy a desire or hunger, which is what the Toronto performer aims to do, both on and off stage. With that, she also aims to be satisfied herself.

“It’s a give and take,” she says.

And there’s no denying that SATE, with her electrifying voice and powerful stage presence, does exactly that — she satisfies.

Though she paves her own path, blending punk with rock and blues, her natural talents prove that she has music in her blood. “I literally was born into this,” she says. After all, her mother is “Canada’s First Lady of Blues,” Salome Bey. Before her 2020 passing, Bey blessed Toronto with her soulful voice as a jazz and blues icon. Alongside her appointment as an honorary member of the Order of Canada and her more recent induction into Canada’s Walk of Fame, Bey was monumental in providing music and theatre opportunities for Toronto’s Black community. In April, Bey was commemorated with a new Canada post stamp.

With the legendary Bey for a mother and restaurateur, club owner and music collector Howard Matthews for a father (who was the owner of Toronto’s first soul food restaurant, the Underground Railroad), going into music and

performing was for SATE like going into the family business.

“This was always my life. I didn’t see anything different,” she says.

Growing up, she was constantly attending concerts and was even onstage at Massey Hall at six years old while her mother performed.

“She put me in dance as soon as I could walk and onstage as soon as I could talk,” she says.

Music wasn’t SATE’s only artistic talent, as her devotion to the stage led her to major in dance while at Earl Haig Secondary School. There, she experimented with everything from ballet to modern, tap and West African.

Since then, all her focus has gone into her music. Now, SATE’s Juno nomination for The Fool is well-deserved and long overdue after 10 years of being a creative force in the industry. The album, all 12 tracks of which were either written or co-written by her, was inspired by The Fool tarot card.

“It’s just realizing, after being a student of tarot and numerology and astrology and all the cosmic arts, that I’m very much The Fool, as we all are,” she says. “We’re all on The Fool’s journey, figuring life out, up and down.”

SATE says it was “emotional” to be back onstage in Toronto last month after a pandemic hiatus. For SATE, being onstage “is like riding a bike. It’s like breathing.”

From performing to songwriting and singing, SATE says everything she does comes from her mother.

“It’s always been an ancestral, spiritual, intentional act of communicating with music and art and God energy, Goddess energy, magic. All of these things — it’s all legacy work.”

HOW THEY MET

CURRENTS

The courtship

It was all memorable. Trip to New York City for our second date, picnics at Trinity Bellwoods, trying each other’s favourite Toronto eats. What was most memorable, though, was the level of comfort I felt straight away. It was a feeling that I’ve always looked for and longed for. A feeling of belonging, a feeling of home. I felt safe.

Playing the romantic lead on and off screen Netflix’s Alex Mallari Jr. shares the details of his grand gesture proposal to his fiancée It’s been a banner year for Alex Mallari Jr. He played the villain opposite Ryan Reynolds in Netflix feature film The Adam Project in March and was tapped to play the romantic lead in the CBC web series Hello (Again), co-created by Marvel star Simu Liu. But before that, you’d likely recognize him from one of a handful of successful shows, from Toronto sci-fi series Dark Matter to Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia to a new love interest on Workin’ Moms. After playing a CBC rom-com lead, Mallari shares the behind-the-scenes of his real life romance with his fiancée, Ashley Snook.

there. I took her to BarChef because they serve the most beautiful and elaborate drinks, and I wanted to not only get to know Ashley, but give her a new experience. We were supposed to go eat somewhere afterwards, but there came a point where

“She said yes, and right when we kissed, fireworks began to go off.”

How they met

Ashley and I met online (dating app for the win!).

The first date

‘Twas the eve of Feb. 2, 2019, the night before I left for L.A. for my first-ever pilot season. I picked up Ashley near her old apartment in Little Italy. More specifically, on the corner of College Street and Palmerston Avenue. There’s a little Structube

nothing else mattered. Where we were didn’t matter, what we were doing, nothing. We were so lost in conversation, so in love with each other’s company. In fact, we were so lost in each other’s company that I had to rush home because I had just a little over two hours to get home, pack my bags and get to the airport. Yes, I made my flight.

The future

Not married yet. Still enjoying the engagement! My beautiful fiancée is currently in her last year of her PhD. We’ll get to the wedding conversation soon enough.

Balancing their careers and relationship

We make sure to listen, validate, empathize, support.

!

N E P O W NO

Shared hobbies and interests

We’re both artists, so most of our hobbies and interests are either the same or they, at the very least, are related to hobbies and interests the other one digs.

The secret to success

We choose our family, each other, our relationship and love all the time. Even when it’s difficult. The grass ain’t greener on the other side. It’s green where you water it. Nourish yourself, nourish the other and nourish each other.

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Alex Mallari Jr. and Ashley Snook got engaged on New Year’s Eve

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© Robert Mauriell

The proposal

Remember that first date story?

Fast-forward to New Year’s Eve 2021. We left our place to go to BarChef. Due to the pandemic, I couldn’t propose there at midnight like I initially intended to, but the team at BarChef still made the night special for us despite the last-minute changes set out by the province. After leaving, I decided to drive Ashley around to our different little spots throughout the city — unplanned, but I was so grateful that we got to do that.

When it was time, I drove back to where I first picked her up, where it all began, at the corner of College and Palmerston. We got out of the car, and as the countdown finished, I got down on one knee and asked her if she’d marry me. She said yes, and right when we kissed, fireworks began to go off. It was perfect. I take zero credit for the fireworks though!

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CURRENTS

FILM

Separation with Integrity.

Helping you make the best decisions for your family.

Katherine MacDonald Family Lawyer and Mediator 10 Alcorn Avenue, Suite 201

647 694 9001

www.kmacdonaldlaw.com A scene from documentary film ‘Batata’

Toronto filmmakers taking over Hot Docs From an ode to Kids in the Hall to the Yorkville Swindler by Ron Johnson The venerable Hot Docs film festival is on until May 8 at the Hot Docs Cinema on Bloor Street West in the Annex. This year’s festival is overrun by talented Toronto filmmakers taking centre stage. Here is a rundown of just some of the local talent on display.

Kids in the Hall: Comedy Punks, directed by Reg Harkema

The true story of Toronto’s beloved sketch comedy kings, featuring interviews with Fred Armisen, Jay Baruchel and others. Good timing, with the Kids releasing a new season on Amazon Prime this month.

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And Still I Sing, directed by Fazila Amiri

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since before Syria’s civil war who now find themselves stranded in a refugee camp, giving us an unparalleled perspective on the ongoing plight of millions of displaced Syrians.

Beautiful Scars, directed by Shane Belcourt

After decades of rebellious, hard living, Canadian singer-songwriter Tom Wilson uncovers the family secret underlying his mysterious upbringing — he is Mohawk — and he embarks on a journey of self-discovery to find his place in his new community.

Category: Woman, directed by Phyllis Ellis

Here, the Afghani-Canadian director looks at young female singers whose lives are dramatically upended due to Taliban takeover, with a special focus on a singer from Afghan Star (a show like The Voice).

This film looks at three female athletes whose excessive testosterone puts them at risk for competing — Phyllis is a former member of Canada’s Olympic Hockey Team so has an insider’s perspective on gender politics of professional athletic competition.

The Talented Mr. Rosenberg, directed by Barry Avrich

Eternal Spring, directed by Jason Loftus

This documentary looks at the notorious Yorkville Swindler who somehow convinced banks, art galleries, investors and even his own family that he was a successful tycoon.

After meeting a survivor of an activist group that boldly hacked Chinese state television to protest human rights violations, exiled illustrator Daxiong recreates the events through his art and thrillingly captures the inspiring tale of defiance in the face of injustice.

For a full rundown of all the great films go to Hotdocs.ca.

Batata, directed by Noura Kevorkian:

This story unfolds over a decade and focuses on the lives of migrant workers toiling in Lebanon’s fields

THEATRE

CURRENTS

North Toronto’s

Fine Arts Community

FINE ART TOUR & SALE June 4th & 5th 11:00 to 5:00

L-R: Oyin Oladejo with co-star Vanessa Sears

Toronto’s Oyin Oladejo hits stage in the Tarantino-esque Is God Is

visit us at NTGA.CA for more details

Star Trek star in daring new theatre production by Jennifer Schembri their father who left them disfigured in a fire when they were babies. The play is a mash up of Greek tragedy, the spaghetti western, hip hop and Afropunk and has been called “terrifyingly funny and absurdly violent.”

Oladejo says she’s always been drawn to mythological tales and Greek mythology but never heard the Black voice in these stories until she read the Is God Is script.

“Usually Black women, we’re prided on being strong and resilient, and this play is saying, what if we don’t hold back, what if we get revenge on everything we’ve been through,” she says. “As Black women, we carry generational pain and we are told to be quiet, or if you show anger, it doesn’t belong in this world. So where does that anger go?”

Oladejo has had to step out of her comfort zone to play the role of Racine.

“Racine has been a fun character to play because I am the cheesiest person you will ever meet,” she says. “I love rom coms. I’m a lover not a fighter, so being able to go to the depths of rage that we all suppress and being able to bring it out and make it authentic and have it be rooted in truth has been really cathartic.”

Is God Is runs May 3 to May 22 at the Berkeley Street Theatre.

Come and see what’s happening at Central Eglinton Community Centre!

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Space is limited.

Phone 416-392-0511 ext. 0 or email info@centraleglinton.com for more information 160 Eglinton Avenue East, steps from Yonge & Eglinton Visit us at www.centraleglinton.com

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heritage, and one of those things was my accent,” she says. “I hired a coach to help, but I felt like I was giving up too much of myself to be an actor.”

On the verge of quitting, she landed the role that would change her life — playing Joann Owosekun on the hit television series Star Trek: Discovery.

“I didn’t understand the magnitude of what I was a part of until I went to Comicon — I didn’t even know what Comicon was,” she says. “I thought, ‘We’re just acting; this is not a big deal,’ but I soon realized it was a big deal. Star Trek was so groundbreaking on so many levels and we were telling stories and bringing things to the forefront that may help save people’s lives or give them hope or just entertain them — that’s what we do as performers..”

Is God Is, she says, is “unapologetically violent.” Think a stage version of a Quentin Tarantino film. And although this is not something she condones, Oladejo says the violence in the play is rooted in “something real, in deep pain.”

Written by Aleshea Harris, the plot concerns twin sisters Racine (played by Oladejo) and Anaia who, upon the request of their mother, journey to the California desert to exact revenge against

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“When I got the script I was like, ‘Oh, shoot, I really like this,’ which I realized might be a problem if I didn’t get the part,” says Oyin Oladejo of the new play Is God Is, in which she will soon appear at Toronto’s Berkeley Street Theatre.

Oladejo, who originally hails from Nigeria, moved to Toronto when she was 16 years old, and although she originally thought she would study law, it was while working as a supervisor at the Canadian Opera Company when she saw her first opera and became captivated.

“They seemed like they were having fun and I thought, ‘I want to do that. I want a job that allows me to play and have fun,’” she says.

She attended the theatre arts program at Humber College and Toronto’s SoulPepper Academy, and it wasn’t long before she took to the stage, landing roles in theatrical productions, including an adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, and the male role of Lopakhin in Anton Chekov’s The Cherry Orchard.

While Oladejo found theatrical success, she became increasingly frustrated at the lack of film offers and was told she wasn’t booking roles because of her accent.

“In order to fit in on some level, I felt like I would have to give up a certain part of my African

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SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS Bayview Glen Camp

CAMP TYPE: Day Camp AGE RANGE: 4-13 TOTAL ENROLMENT: N/A CAMPER/STAFF RATIO: 4:1 (average) SESSION LENGTH: Weekly & Multi-Week SESSION COST: Varies

Since 1962, we have created unforgettable Summer memories for thousands of children as one of Toronto’s longest-running day camps. Bayview Glen offers enriched age-appropriate programs for campers 4-6, specialty camps for campers 7-12, and a Leadership program for campers 14 & 15. We also offer an inclusion program for campers requiring additional support. 1-Week or Multi-Week registration packages are available to join us on the centrally located, secure, leafy, and air-conditioned campus of Bayview Glen School.

Campers will enjoy sports fields, a theatre, tech/robotics labs, art studios, gymnasiums, outdoor space, and more. Specialty camps include art, basketball, soccer, musical theatre, dance, magic, coding, and robotics. We even offer off-site specialty camps like sailing and lake days! Convenient bus depot pick-up & drop-off points in the GTA ensure seamless arrivals and departures to and from camp each day. Snacks and a hot lunch are provided as part of our camp fees. Join us and make unforgettable Summer memories!

CAMP DIRECTOR: Daniel Garfinkel

CONTACT: 416-449-7746

www.bayviewglencamp.ca

Central Montessori School (CMS)

CAMP TYPE: Specialty and Variety Day Camps AGE RANGE: 3 – 12 years old TOTAL ENROLMENT: Varies CAMPER/STAFF RATIO: 1:12 to 1:20 SESSION LENGTH: 2-week sessions SESSION COST: Varies per location

At CMS we are proud to offer dynamic summer programs at 4 convenient locations throughout Toronto/North York. Our SPECIALTY program (6-12 years old) provides options for exciting 2-week session programs which include Science, Art, Coding/ Robotics, STEM, Drama, Dance, Outdoor Gardening, Indoor & Outdoor Sports to name a few. Our VARIETY program (3 - 6 years old) offers opportunities for participation in a variety of activities such as Drama, Dance, Science, Arts & Crafts, Cooking, Yoga, Outdoor Water Play, and Sports. The FRENCH VARIETY program (3-6 years old) at our Maplehurst Campus provides opportunities for children to build & develop basic French communication skills while participating in an array of activities as offered in our English program. We believe fun and learning go hand in hand as we strive to provide the perfect balance of physical, mental & creative challenges to keep our campers happily engaged! Open House Every Thursday at all locations!

CAMP DIRECTOR: Ms. Roshi Ansari

CONTACT: 647-219-7428,

info@cmschool.net • www.cmschool.net

SUMMER DAY CAMP AT CMS The perfect balance of physical, mental & creative challenges!

SPECIALTY PROGRAM (6 - 12 years old) ▪ Coding/Robotics ▪ Science & Art ▪ Dance ▪ Drama ▪ STEM ▪ Indoor & Outdoor Sports (Basketball, Soccer, and more)

VARIETY PROGRAM (3 - 6 years old) ▪ Arts & Crafts ▪ Sports ▪ Drama ▪ Cooking

▪ Science ▪ Yoga

▪ Music & Dance ▪ Montessori Work...and more!

FRENCH VARIETY PROGRAM (3 - 6 years old)

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(At our Maplehurst Campus!)

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OPEN HOUSE: Wed. May 11, 5 - 7 p.m.

WWW.CMSCHOOL.NET

info@cmschool.net

KIDS

CURRENTS

A foolproof family plan is one made together Letting the kids set the guidelines makes it more likely that they’ll follow them It’s so wonderful to know for sure — and finally — that old women get ignored. By pretty much everybody. I like knowing for two reasons: One, I’m not paranoid, it’s real. Two, you hear interesting things when you’re being ignored.

I was sauntering through the Village the other day and decided on a bagel sandwich for lunch. Yes, that Village. Forest Hill Village. Where lunchtime is a blood sport in the bagel place, thanks to teenage elbows and their apparent inability to actually notice anybody over 30. The lineup was very long, which gave me a golden opportunity to eavesdrop. Since they didn’t seem to know I was there, they clearly didn’t care that I could hear their every word.

“Oh my god, you wouldn’t believe how annoying my parents are. They’re fully off the deep end. They want me to wear a mask all the f–ing time.”

“That’s wack. My parents are so chill about all that s–.”

“Nice for you. Wanna chill at my place tonight?”

“Your parents gonna make me wear a mask?”

“Yeah but in my room you can take it off.”

“But what if they find out?”

“Told ya they’re stupid. They knock before they come in my room.”

And so it goes.

Since public health divorced the good people of Ontario and told us we’re on our own with COVID, all notions of community solidarity are up in smoke. Being on our own means that parents have to choose how cautious — or not — their families will be.

Would that it were that simple. There

are three broadly stated (oversimplified) strategies regarding COVID: 1) Parents are hard core careful. Masking in all indoor spaces except home, and in others’ homes with testing.

2) Parents have decided not to worry.

No masks.

3) Parents are somewhere in the middle between 1) and 2): Going to indoor restaurants but masking in crowded stores.… A little of this, a little of that.

But these three game plans leave out the kids. Any child over 11 has enough freedom to do pretty much what they want concerning COVID precautions. Some of them think it’s fun to drive a truck through our expectations. And why not?

They’re invulnerable.

Take the widely diverging COVID precautions found in any three families, throw in a dash of adolescent rebellion and a smidgen of, “Rachel’s parents don’t give a s– about your stupid COVID rules so why should I have to?” And what are you facing? Mutiny!

It’s not pretty.

The only solution is to put your “I” statements into heavy rotation and to foster your kids’ use of “I” statements too.

Every family is bound to have friends and relatives who are charting a different course through the sixth wave. It’s so tempting to judge and lecture — but we’re not going there. Instead, when our kids kvetch because we have stricter COVID rules than their friends’ parents, we’re going to say: “Tell me what you’re thinking about all this. I’m interested in what you think. Really.” And then we use that time-honoured practice of sitting on our hands, shutting up and really listening. We throw in a, “Tell me more” whenever they

go silent. We say, “Uh huh” a lot. We thank them for telling us their thoughts. We do not say what we’re thinking (they’re idiots, do they want to kill the grandparents?).

And when they’re done telling us what they think and feel, we ask if they want to hear what we feel. If — and only if — they say yes, we use our “I” statements. We restrict ourselves to what we feel. I’m scared.

I‘m angry. I’m frustrated. I’m worried.…

We neither lecture nor judge. At least not out loud.

We then wrap this convo up with a red ribbon, by asking our kids: “Do you think we can come up with a family policy on COVID precautions for now? Do you want to do that together now?” If they assent, let them lead the discussion. This will be hard. We do know more than them. But only they know what they’re willing to sign up for — and actually commit to.

When they bring up the difficulties of being with friends whose families roll differently, empathize: “Yeah, that’s really hard.” And instead of lecturing, ask them to come up with a plan. The only plan they’ll follow is the one they create. So support them to do that, and then validate their good thinking.

A lot of COVID nowadays is about doing not what’s perfect, but what we can manage.

JOANNE KATES

Parenting columnist Joanne Kates is an expert educator in the areas of conflict mediation, self-esteem and anti-bullying, and she is the director of Camp Arowhon in Algonquin Park.

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Kids have agency, let them use it to lead the entire family

Whether the kids are going down the street, across the province, staying for the day or sleeping over for the month, getting them ready for summer camp can be both a physical and mental challenge for parents.

As a mom who has sent four kids to pretty much every type of camp, here are some “camp hacks” to make it easier.

1. Take time to review the camp equipment and supplies list well in advance.

Some camps require T-shirts to be ordered or specialized items. From experience: finding a mesh laundry bag at the last minute can be tricky.

2. Buy a new knapsack or identify a particular trunk for each child to take to camp.

From experience: kids fight over everything. What makes you think they won’t fight over who gets the blue trunk?

3. Get the kids involved in the packing of clothing and supplies, particularly for sleep-away camp. They should be responsible for checking off all the items on their list and packing them. From experience: my 12-year-old son neglected to pack pants last summer. I shipped his pants. He won’t forget this year.

4. Label everything. Order pre-named labels in every size, and label every sock, shoe and pencil. From experience: Have you been to a school lost and found? Camp ones are the same, only covered in dirt.

5. Pre-address and stamp envelopes so the kids can easily write to you if they will be sleeping away at camp. From experience: pre-write, “Dear Mom. I am having a great time.”

6. Stick to the camp hours. If kids are supposed to arrive and leave at a certain time or have parents visit at a certain time, show respect for the camp counsellors by being on time. From experience: parents who show up unannounced always result in tears one way or the other.

7. Review the camp agenda with the kids before they go. Ask them if they have any particular concerns about certain activities, and try to alleviate the concerns before they go. From experience: not all kids like horseback riding. Enough said.

8. Avoid tears and disappointment before you get to the camp by reviewing the policy on technology and phones. Most sleepaway camps will not allow them. From experience: heard of a mom trying to sneak one into camp, inside her child’s teddy bear.

Not cool.

9. At the end of the season, make the kids empty their knapsacks or trunks and wash clothes, water bottles, etc. Put them away for the next camp. From experience: Mould. Mildew. Febreze.

10. Above all, consider each child and the type of camp each will learn from and enjoy. Camp is not one-size-fits-all. Neither were the pants I sent my son.

—Kathy Buckworth

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A mom’s top tips for prepping the kids for camp now

45

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| POST | M AY 2 0 2 2

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46

Realtron Realty Inc.., Brokerage

FOOD SECTION

Clockwise from left: Nobu Matsuhisa with Robert De Niro, Masaki Saito and Daniel Boulud

eateries. As well, Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino, of Don Alfonso 1890, have already brought their talents to Toronto, and soon, Nobu Matsuhisa will join the growing list of chefs, all at the helm of Michelin-starred restaurants that have come to the city. Although the Michelin guide hasn’t discovered Toronto yet, chefs with Michelin-starred restaurants elsewhere seem to be very aware of our incredible dining scene.

| POST |

Rumours have swirled for years that the Michelin guide would finally make its way to Toronto. With no plan for it in sight, the city’s food scene still boasts some topnotch, internationally acclaimed chefs. These are many of the top culinary names responsible for Michelin-starred restaurants in New York, Italy and other food hot spots across the globe: Daniel Boulud, Masaki Saito, Akira Back, all with eponymous

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Michelin star–crossed

47

CHEFS PICK TORONTO’S

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our ES G D U J

48

David Adjey Nectar Tony Andrady Petros82 Michael Angeloni Amano, Union Chicken Romain Avril Neruda Arron Barberian Barberian’s Victor Barry Piano Piano, Café Cancan Mitch Bates Oji Seichi Francis Bermejo Mother Tongue Hemant Bhagwani Goa, Good Karma Michael Bonacini O&B Restaurants Daniel Boulud Café Boulud Stuart Cameron Bocado Ryan Campbell Il Covo Zane Caplansky Caplansky’s Deli Massimo Capra Capra’s Kitchen Haan Palcu Chang SoSo Food Club Marc Cheng Clio Kate Chomyshyn Fonda Balam Darren Cuoto Oretta Midtown Jennifer Coburn Gia Ted Corrado Toronto Beach Club Justin Cournoyer Actinolite Anna Chen Alma Jennifer Gittins Little Sister Julio Guajardo Fonda Balam Michael Hunter Antler Zach Kolomeir Dreyfus Patrick Kriss Alo, Aloette, Alobar Nick Liu DaiLo Trevor Lui Joybird Chris Locke Marben Frank Martin Ink Rosa Marinuzzi 7 Numbers Vito Marinuzzi 7 Numbers Laura Maxwell Drake Hotel Roger Mooking Food Network Canada David Neinstein Barque Adrian Niman Food Dudes Laura Petracca Lena Matthew Ravenscroft Gia Nuit Regular Kiin, Pai David Rocco Bar Aperitivo Javier Romero Flor Mexicana Anthony Rose Rose and Sons Deli, Fet Zun Elias Salazar Waska Peruvian Chicken David Salt Drifter’s Solace Jordan Sclare Chotto Matte Chantana Srisomphan Khao San Road Kamen Sun Tachi John-Vincent Troiano Frilu Rafaelle Ventrone Oretta Cory Vitiello Flock Anthony Walsh O&B Restaurants Craig Wong Patois

No

10

pompette "The menu at Pompette comes across as honest and seemingly effortless. It is always nice to find a place in which good food comes naturally."

JUDGE DAVID SALT OF DRIFTER’S SOLACE POST CITY’S TAKE: Little Italy’s Pompette is a

feat of contemporary design with a distinctly European flair. The French word “pompette” itself signifies a state of bliss, the overwhelming feeling of joy a person feels when all of the senses have been satisfied. Maxime Hoerth and husband-and-wife team Martine and Jonathan Bauer, all Parisian expats, mind every little detail at Pompette, crafting their dream space from the white-washed exposed brick to the contemporary bar. The food is the kind of fare that pulls international inspiration into French cuisine, a nod to the team’s diverse backgrounds that span from Mauritius to Colombia and incorporate local, New World tastes. The extensive, top-notch cocktail program and more than 350 names of the globally sourced wine list complement the ever-changing menu that sees cheese, meat and pasta dishes come to savoury life from locally sourced ingredients. Head to Bar Pompette, the sister cocktail bar around the corner, for a nightcap.

597 College St.

BEST RESTAURANTS

2022

by Erica Commisso and Jennifer Schembri

No 9

NOBLO GETS ITS DUE

BAR ISABEL

Dining north of Bloor hits new heights

"When you provide high quality preparation, great ingredients in a comfortable setting with great service consistently, you get the nod."

Auberge du Pommier / No. 14 French country vibes take on an elevated, upscale cuisine with oneof-a-kind caviar service delivered with white gloves.

4150 Yonge St.

JUDGE ROSA MARINUZZI OF 7 NUMBERS

POST CITY’S TAKE: Owned by restaurateur and chef Grant van

Gameren, Bar Isabel has been a staple on the Toronto food scene since opening its doors in 2013. It can be credited with establishing van Gameren as a unique creative force at the pinnacle of the city’s culinary scene following his rise in the kitchen of the legendary Black Hoof. Van Gameren has since gone on to open many of the city’s favourite eateries including El Rey and Bar Raval amongst others. More than that, though, Bar Isabel — currently helmed by chef Carol (pictured far right) — single-handedly turned the city of Toronto into a population salivating for grilled octopus.

The Spanish-inspired cuisine is met with a dimly lit interior, casting the share plates, deemed “essentials,” in a moody light. Cheese and meat plates are paired with Manzanilla olives and almonds alongside a selection of jamónes, conservas and vegetables. It’s the kind of place that is trendy regardless of fad or opinion, that doesn’t need word of mouth to let you know that it’s cool. Takeout packages were introduced as a result of the pandemic and have become a permanent fixture on the menu, offering guests the opportunity to take a slice of the magic home, in the form of a tapas box or full dinner for two.

797 College St.

Mineral / No. 19 A mix of Filipino comfort food with a contemporary spin, serving dishes like glazed pork neck (pictured below) that are big on flavour in an upscale, fine dining environment.

1027 Yonge St. Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto / No. 20 For just three tables, chef Kaiseki serves an authentic Japanese multi-course meal alongside an intricate tea ceremony.

6 Garamond Crt.

No 8

IMANISHI “I love the food and ambience. It’s one of the most reliable and consistent restaurants in Toronto. Every time I eat at Imanishi I leave feeling a little inspired.”

JUDGE NICK LIU OF DAILO

Saigon Star / No. 53 An authentic yet unique southeast Asian culinary experience, with a mouth-watering Dungeness curry crab dish that shot it to fame.

330 Hwy 7.

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POST CITY’S TAKE: The

| POST |

casual atmosphere at Imanishi makes guests feel even more welcome. The smell of homestyle, Tokyoinspired cooking wafts between the exposed brick walls bearing coat hangers from donated skateboard decks and between lowkey wooden seating areas. Potted plants hang from exposed wooden beams to add pops of colour. Yuzu karaage and monkfish liver pâté top the list of unique offerings at this modern Japanese restaurant, a must try for culinary junkies. The menu is a marvel in unconventional dishes that work perfectly together, and the eye-popping list of hard-to-find sakes and cocktails crafted with Japanese whisky only adds to the allure. The menu is intended to be shared, piled high with small plates begging to be paired together. A true menu standout is the sweet corn, served tempura style to mix crunch, sweetness and spiced batter into one unforgettable dish. Traditionally, the delicacy, called kakiage, is only served when sweet corn is in season, but it is offered full-time at Imanishi.

1330 Dundas St. W.

Oretta Midtown / No. 49 The latest iteration of the trendy King West spot features a massive seafood bar and bright Italian decor with Instagram-worthy cocktails.

2131 Yonge St.

49

CHEFS PICK T.O.’S BEST RESTAURANTS

50

75. The Ossington Stop 1543 Dundas St. W. 74. Philoxenia 8199 Yonge St. 73. Cibo Wine Bar 133 Yorkville Ave. T.O.’s best 72. Gusto 501 Greek 501 King St. E. seafood 71. Maple Leaf Tavern 955 Gerrard St. E. 70. Pho Tien Thanh 57 Ossington Ave. 69. MotiMahal Restaurant 1422 Gerrard St. E. 68. Sakai Bar 1576 Dundas St. W. 67. Azhar Kitchen & Bar 96 Ossington Ave. 66. House of Gourmet 484 Dundas St. W. 65. Congee Queen 895 Lawrence Ave. E., #8 64. Sushi Kaji 860 The Queensway, 63. Melrose on Adelaide 270 Adelaide St. W., #300 62. Good Fork 1550 Dundas St. W. 61. Kintaro Izakaya 459 Church St. Small 60. George plates & cocktails 111C Queen St. E. 59. 7 Numbers 516 Eglinton Ave. W. 58. Patois 794 Dundas St. W. 57. La Palma 849 Dundas St. W. Adrian Niman’s 56. Côte de Boeuf first and 130 Ossington Ave. best 55. Café Boulud 60 Yorkville Ave. 54. Rasa 196 Robert St. 53. Saigon Star 330 Highway 7 52. Actinolite 971 Ossington Ave. 51. Tutti Matti 364 Adelaide St. W. 50. Quetzal 419 College St. LIST CONTINUED ON NEXT SPREAD

No

7

mimi chinese "We recently had such a great meal at MIMI. Every dish was delicious and service was soigné (elegant) but comfortable.”

JUDGE KATE CHOMYSHYN OF FONDA BALAM POST CITY’S TAKE: You

can find MIMI Chinese, an upscale — you guessed it — Chinese restaurant in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood. Co-owner and executive chef David Schwartz (Sunny’s Chinese), channelled his childhood love for Asian cuisine into this hot spot with a menu that highlights dishes from the Guandong province, located in southeast China. The menu is split into five sections, raw and cooling, savoury and warming, chef’s specials, noodles and rice, and vegetables, to encourage sharing.

Along with an impressive selection of sake and wine, there are standout signature cocktails, like the Jungle Panda, made with rum, elderflower, Campari and baijiu, “one of the most complex and interesting spirits in the world,” according to Schwartz. The interior features seductive red velvet booths set against black walls and a lotus flower mural.

Perpetually booked, MIMI Chinese is fit for the foodie looking for a culinary adventure and is primed to become more than just the next new buzzy place to dine.

265 Davenport Rd. © Gabriel Li

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THE LIST

CHEFS PICK T.O.’S BEST RESTAURANTS

No 6

ALO "I love seeing how chef Patrick Kriss takes traditional French cuisine and elevates it with modernity, seasonality and his own creativity."

JUDGE DANIEL BOULUD OF CAFÉ BOULUD POST CITY’S TAKE: Situated

atop a heritage building at Queen Street and Spadina Avenue, Alo is one of those names that makes foodies stop in their tracks. Helmed by chef Patrick Kriss, one of the hottest names in the city’s food scene, the classically prepared, contemporary French cuisine and the ambience, alongside the exclusive nature of the reservations, make it the home of the most coveted seats in town. “Its tasting menus aim to make luxuries approachable while elevating time-honoured favourites,” says operations manager John Bunner. The menus change depending on the seasonality and availability of ingredients, ensuring that each dish is fresh. “Alo offers its guests a continuing relationship in spaces where the deliciousness of the fare is met with a passion for hospitality,” he says. The interior, a modern masterpiece, is in stark contrast to the Victorian building that houses it, but the contrast furthers Alo’s allure.

The food is so good that reservations are made months in advance for two month blocks. Kriss’s culinary empire also includes Alobar in Yorkville, and Aloette in multiple locations.

163 Spadina Ave.

No 5

No 4

canoe "The service is impeccable, the view, atmosphere, drink selection and the way the kitchen team moves is amazing to see."

JUDGE ELIAS SALAZAR OF WASKA

JUDGE HEMANT BHAGWANI OF GOA POST CITY’S TAKE: Show-stopping skyline views accompany

the newly merged dining space (the two rooms including the main dining area and the former pasta bar are now one streamlined whole), nestled in a unique location: the top floors of a condo complex. For its entire 30-year tenure, the restaurant has been loved by Torontonians and is considered by many to be the height of culinary sophistication and elegance. The modern French menu boasts thoughtful interpretations and creative spins on classics from land and sea, from plump decadent scallops thoughtfully paired with spicy cauliflower tempura to roasted duck breast and shredded duck confit leg drizzled with foie gras jus and a pasta dish of peppercorn fettucine with beef tenderloin and oyster mushrooms swimming in Madeira cream as a nod to the glory of the former pasta bar. At every turn, Keith Froggett’s sizable skills are always on display. Malbec, Côtes du Rhône Sablet and Bourgogne meet sparkling wines on a huge wine list that’s paired with cocktails like the longtime favourite Benvenuto Martini, which blends Absolut Citron vodka with a splash of elderflower cordial to give it, as the menu promises, “an exotic lift and spiciness.”

1 Benvenuto Pl.

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"It has recovered the fastest from COVID, with great food and service."

than a quarter of a century in, Canoe remains a critical darling and a place where people still want to be seen. Located on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, the restaurant serves up striking views of Lake Ontario and the cityscape, and has long been considered one of the city’s most romantic dining spots. Executive chef Ron McKinlay has put together a fine, yet unpretentious menu that celebrates refined and innovative Canadian cuisine, creating fresh dishes that are true to their own taste. Diners can choose from a nine-course tasting menu, ranging from oysters to foie gras, in addition to à la carte. Menu highlights include the Tamarack Farms lamb, served nose-tail, and the crispy pork jowl served with Ontario rhubarb and baby beetroot.“That degree of creativity and out-of-the box thinking has stayed with us as we’ve transitioned back to traditional in persondining,” says Jane Suh, Canoe’s associate director of operations. “We continue to work as a team and lean on each other to stay inspired and motivated to go the extra mile and create truly memorable experiences for our guests.”

66 Wellington St. W., 54th Floor

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scaramouche

POST CITY’S TAKE: More

51

CHEFS PICK T.O.’S BEST RESTAURANTS

No 3

THE LIST

dailo "Food is an evolving art form in real time and few restaurants step in and out of this authenticity and evolution dynamic as gracefully and tastefully as DaiLo.”

49. Oretta Midtown 2131 Yonge St.

JUDGE ROGER MOOKING OF FOOD NETWORK CANADA POST CITY’S TAKE: Chef

48. Terroni 57 Adelaide St. E. 47. The Haifa Room 224 Ossington Ave. 46. Dog and Tiger Kitchen & Bar 537 College St.

Palestinian

45. El Rey Mezcal Bar & Israeli 2A Kensington Ave. influences 44. David Duncan House 125 Moatfield Dr. 43. ODDSEOUL 90 Ossington Ave. 42. Allen’s 143 Danforth Ave. 41. Maha’s 226 Greenwood Ave. 40. Baro 485 King St. W.

Nick Liu, the genius behind the critically lauded DaiLo, takes his inspiration from classic dishes and ingredients and adds creative twists. Located in Little Italy, the restaurant has garnered rave reviews since opening in 2014. Following in the French tradition, Liu riffs on Chinese-Canadian classics, remixing them, combining different textures and flavours for a modern interpretation. The fried watermelon has been called “mind-altering” for good reason. Bean sprouts, basil, pickled melon rind and pork floss make for a mouth-watering contrasting dish steeped in family tradition. “Dai lo” means “big brother” in Cantonese and is considered to be a term of respect and love for an elder. Liu continually manages to deliver quality food that is as creative as it is traditional: his love letter to the Chinese dishes he grew up eating. “The lockdowns gave us the opportunity to re-evaluate all aspects of our business in a time of uncertainty,” says DaiLo’s general manager, Trevor Chen.

“We also discussed our dine-in format, expanding our à la carte and tasting menu seating to our second floor.”

503 College St.

39. Peter Pan Bistro 373 Queen St. W. 38. The ONE Fusion Cuisine 9019 Bayview Ave., Unit 9 T.O.’s best Korean tasting menu

No 2

37. King’s Taco 1190 St. Clair Ave. W.

osteria giulia

36. Sorrel 1158 Yonge St.

"Osteria Guilia is my go-to restaurant for all special occasions! It’s a modern evolution of an upscale Italian restaurant.”

35. Domaine Mamo 581 Mt. Pleasant Rd. 34. Orote Restaurant 276 Havelock St.

JUDGE JENNY COBURN OF GIA POST CITY’S TAKE: At

33. Alobar Yorkville 162 Cumberland St. 32. Omai 3 Baldwin St. 31. Famiglia Baldassarre 122 Geary Ave. 30. Le Baratin Chef Craig 1600 Dundas St. W. Wong’s 29. Emmer 161 Harbord St.

latest spot

52

27. Bar Mignonette 794 Dundas St. W., 2nd Floor 26. Enoteca Sociale 1288 Dundas St. W. 25. Momofuku 190 University Ave.

© Rick O’Brien

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28. Amal 131 Bloor St. W., 2nd Floor

Osteria Giulia, a luxurious little dinner spot with a focus on northern Italian cuisine, chef Rob Rossi (L’Unità, Giulietta) puts forth a menu of dishes made from seasonal ingredients. The 66-seat interior yields a contemporarily rustic vibe with honeyed tones, limestone and wood-panelled walls and folded ceilings. Among the house specials is the focaccia di Recco, a cheese-stuffed flatbread from the Ligurian town of Recco that dates back to the 12th century. Pasta dishes include the ravioli Girasole, filled with crab and mascarpone and topped with Meyer lemon, butter and chives, and picagge “paglia e fieno,” which translates to “straw and hay,” with rabbit ragù and a leek soffritto. Ambitious desserts like the millefoglie al pistachio top off the meal. The restaurant is home to over 300 bottles, a robust cocktail menu and a selection of grappa that will have you dreaming of a beach in Cinque Terre. With the fanfare that sister restaurant Giulietta receives, it’s no wonder that reservations at Giulia are hard to snag — they currently book two weeks in advance.

134 Avenue Rd.

CHEFS PICK T.O.’S BEST RESTAURANTS

THE LIST

edulis "Edulis for me is the full package. The food, wines and service are super sophisticated but so comfortable at the same time, which is not the easiest thing to do.”

JUDGE RYAN CAMPBELL OF IL COVO POST CITY’S TAKE: To visit Edulis is to feel immediately like a friend, ushered to a convivial dinner party that celebrates authentic cooking. The ever-changing, made-from-scratch menu highlights and celebrates seasonality, but does not veer from its cornerstones: seafood, vegetables and wild mushrooms. The no-tipping eatery was deemed the best new restaurant in Canada, when it opened in 2012, and is a staple on the Canada’s Top 100 list. Husband-andwife owners Michael Caballo and Tobey Nemeth celebrate love in every form at Edulis: the love of food, the love of good company, and their own labour of love with the restaurant. They transformed Niagara Street Cafe’s 30-odd seat space into one of the city’s top culinary gems in an intimate, unpretentious setting, spread over two twin dining rooms.

169 Niagara St.

9. Bar Isabel Over 35 797 College St. years of excellence 8. Imanishi 1330 Dundas St. W. 7. MIMI Chinese 265 Davenport Rd. 6. Alo 163 Spadina Ave. 5. Scaramouche 1 Benvenuto Pl. 4. Canoe 66 Wellington S. W., 54th Floor 3. DaiLo 503 College St. 2. Osteria Giulia 134 Avenue Rd. 1. Edulis 169 Niagara St.

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1

| POST |

No

24. Bernhardt’s 202 Dovercourt Rd. 23. Alma 1194 Bloor St. W. 22. Giulietta Chef Anna 972 College St. Chen’s modern 21. Sushi Masaki Saito Chinese 88 Avenue Rd. opus 20. Kaiseki Yu-zen Hashimoto 6 Garamond Crt. 19. Mineral 1027 Yonge St. 18. Restaurant 20 Victoria 20 Victoria St. 17. Sugo 1281 Bloor St. W. 16. White Lily Diner 678 Queen St. E. 15. Donna’s 827 Lansdowne Ave. 14. Auberge du Pommier 4150 Yonge St. 13. Pai 18 Duncan St. 12. Il Covo The top- 585 College St. rated 11. Akira Back Thai on 80 Blue Jays Way the list 10. Pompette 597 College St.

53

POST CITY X CAPLAN'S APPLIANCES

Cooking outdoors this spring with celebrity chefs Rob Rossi and Craig Harding teaspoon of dijon into the bowl and whisk 3/4 cups of high-quality olive oil slowly. Add 1 teaspoon of lemon juice and continue to whisk. Keep some of the aioli as a reserve for the garnish.

• In the aioli bowl, add the crab and a small amount of fresh chopped tarragon. Add some salt, pepper, and a few dashes of Old Bay seasoning. Add a handful of panko crumbs, which acts as a great filler and keeps the crab mixture together.

• Shape the crab cakes in your hand and sprinkle more panko on both sides. In a pan add some olive oil on medium heat. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side.

• Chop some pieces of asparagus and cook lightly in a pan with salt and pepper and some olive oil for 4 minutes. While they cook, chop a small amount of sundried tomatoes and add to the reserved aioli and add four dashes of tabasco and a sprinkle of Spanish paprika.

• To assemble, place the crab cakes on a plate or platter and add some asparagus pieces on top then add a nice dollop of the tomato aioli with a squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of salt.

L-R Open Fire hosts Chefs Rob Rossi and Craig Harding, Crab Cakes with Tomato Aioli

It’s the perfect time to fire up the grill and enjoy the warmer weather with family and friends. A family-run business for over 75 years that is renowned as the destination for delivering dream kitchens – both indoor and outdoors – Caplan’s has sponsored a new cooking series that focuses on cooking simple and delicious recipes outdoors. Hosted by acclaimed chefs Rob Rossi and Craig Harding, Open Fire creates delicious, innovative dishes, and one of their favourite recipes is shared with you here.

Ideal for spring, this recipe is light, fresh and versatile. It can be a main dish or served as a fun appetizer. The tomato aioli takes the dish to the next level as it adds a depth of flavour that brings it all together, both as a base for the crab cakes and for the finishing garnish.

Crab Cakes with Tomato Aioli Ingredients: Tomato Aioli: - 3 egg yolks - 3/4 cup Olive Oil - 1 Clove of garlic - 1 tsp Lemon juice - 1 tsp Dijon Mustard - Sun dried tomatoes - Tabasco - Spanish paprika Crab Cakes: - 2 x tins of high-quality cooked crab - Fresh tarragon

- Old Bay seasoning - Panko breadcrumbs - 6 Spears of asparagus

Be sure to tune in to Open Fire, airing weekly on TLN, for more recipes.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

• Add 3 egg yolks in a bowl and microplane or finely chop a small clove of garlic into the bowl. Scoop a

S E E T H E CO L L E C T I O N AT T O RO N T O ’S P R E M I E R K A L A M A ZO O D E A L E R

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1111 WE STO N ROA D, TO RO N TO, O N M6N 3S3 CAPLANS.CA

54

FIVE HUNDRED POUNDS OF STEEL. ONE THOUSAND DEGREES OF INTENSE HEAT.

DISCOVER THE NEW 2022 LINEUP

THE REST OF THE WORLD DISAPPEARS.

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TASTE TEST

FOOD

KING OF THE GRILL Grant van Gameren is one of the most creative and talented chefs the city has ever produced whose restaurants such as Bar Isabel put the Toronto culinary scene on the map. We asked the chef, now living in Prince Edward County, to check out the goods from the city’s indie butcher shops and give us his honest take on the best steak to take up to the cottage or throw on the backyard barbie this season.

BESPOKE BUTCHERS

All six are available for pickup, walk-in or pre-arranged at the local butcher shops.

@bespokebutchers

www.bespokecraftfoods.com, $74.98/kg

@bespokebutchers

@bespokebutchers

With locations across the city, Bespoke Butchers caters its offerings at each outpost to the neighbourhood around it, and offers wholesale and catering options as well. This strip loin steak in particular is perfectly thick and perfectly aged, according to van Gameren, who grilled all six in his own backyard: “Best tasting of the bunch!” he says. “Juicy and tender with just the right amount of age.” Bespoke carries a wide range of meat products at each of its locations, as well as a grocery selection that perfectly complements the offerings and turns any backyard barbecuer into a grill master.

RUNNER-UP

BESPOKE

CAPRAE & SUIDAE

BARBERIAN’S

EATALY

STOCK IN TRADE

BROTHERS

bespokecraftfoods.com, $74.98/kg

capraesuidae.com, $66.11/kg

barberiansbutchershop.com, $44/lb

eataly.com, $42.90/kg

stockintradeto.com, $31/lb

“I appreciate a cut of meat that doesn’t skimp on the thickness.

Juicy and tender.”

“One of the best aged steaks. Fat ratio on point and great marbling.”

“I like when a high-quality steak is kept on the bone. Just the right amount of funk.”

“Grass fed and pretty lean. Make sure you cook it quick as it’s easily overcooked!”

“Nicely aged with some good funk. Some delicious marbling and a good proportion of fat to meat ratio.”

brothersbutchershoppe.com, $22.99/lb

“A pretty lean cut and grass fed to boot.

Reminds you what beef is supposed to taste like.”

| POST |

WINNER

M AY 2 0 2 2

L-R: Bespoke's zero carbon nrbi bikes used for delivery, a selection of steaks, a dish from Bespoke's catering menu

55

Canadian Bicycle Recycling

Donate Your Used Bicycles We’ll pick them up for free! canadianbicyclerecycling.ca Be sure to let us know which magazine you saw our ad in!

Knowing which neighbourhoods respond, helps us help others!

FOOD

PROFILE

The dirt on the Big Apple Chef Amanda Cohen grew up in Rosedale and has taken NYC by storm

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by Ben Kaplan

56

Amanda Cohen knew she had an uphill battle with her restaurant concept. “Getting people to eat their vegetables is not the easiest thing. Moms around the world will tell you that,” says the James Beard Award–nominated chef who grew up in Rosedale and has operated the successful Dirt Candy restaurant for the past 14 years.

“I come from a big hectic family where my mom had to chase around five very active kids.

I’m the youngest, and by the time everyone went off to college, I made my way into the kitchen and made my way into food.”

Cohen’s way into food began when New York City was the mecca of a new type of chef: the celebrity rock star. There was Keith McNally, at Balthazar and the Odeon, and Bobby Flay getting ready to become famous on something called the Food Network. Cohen, now 48, who cut her teeth at the Avenue Diner and Pink Pearl on Spadina Avenue, arrived in New York at 18 and says she negotiated the city through its glamorous bars.

She never thought about opening a restaurant. She just needed the work.

“Anthony Bourdain was cooking at the time, but he wasn’t “Anthony Bourdain” [of Kitchen Confidential fame] then — he was just a cook,” says Cohen, who says her decision to elevate the

vegetable almost came to her like an epiphany. It was just something that hadn’t been done and she knew in her bones could work.

“When I first started cooking in Manhattan, chefs as celebrities weren’t a thing yet, and even though I spent my early years soaking up the nightlife, the way I grew up in the kitchen was working at every big and small vegetarian restaurant that would take me in town.”

The town, like everywhere, has been up and down after COVID. There were the gruesome first days of the pandemic when makeshift morgues were arranged out of nowhere and then the trials and tribulations of tourism stopping, people fleeing the service industry and restaurant doors closing like so many dominoes falling down. Through it all, though, she missed her family back in Toronto. Cohen kept running Dirt Candy, erected a wooden shed in front of her restaurant for patio service and flirted with delivery, even after she still had to lay off most of her staff. Today, Cohen says you can see the tourists are back in Manhattan and her restaurant is doing its best numbers while she’s unveiling new menu options.

Cohen didn’t only welcome back her employees — she also gave them a raise.

“It’s been a rocky couple of

PROFILE

FOOD

Clockwise from left: Chef Amanda Cohen, vegetarian fare at Dirt Candy

T.O. GOES PLANT-BASED

Cauliflower tacos at Rosalinda

TEN Ten offers an intimate dining experience of a 10-course “plantforward” tasting menu for only 10 diners at a time. Helmed by chef Julian Bentivegna, each dish promises to be more intricate than the last.

AVELO You can opt for five or eight courses at Avelo — but you won’t know what you’re getting until it’s in front of you. With innovative plant-based dishes created by a team of chefs, the surprise will certainly be worth it.

ROSALINDA This upscale, seasonally informed Mexican restaurant serves tacos, burgers, bowls and plates that are so flavourful people don’t believe they’re vegan.

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outside our means,” says Cohen, who, despite the attention she received competing on Iron Chef (and the first vegetarian chef to do so), she never capitalized on her moment by opening locations in Las Vegas, Forest Hill or Miami.

“I think we probably lost out on some chances, but it’s exhausting enough to run a restaurant, and I find so much satisfaction in it that I think I’d rather be known for my one success than having had a string of failures.”

Cohen failing seems highly unlikely. With a new spring menu unfolding, featuring elevated, original takes on cauliflower, fennel and asparagus, the chef from Leaside seems poised to elevate vegetables for at least another 14 years, or however long the business continues giving her pleasure.

“We like to have a lot of fun here. We take the food very seriously, but more than people enjoying the food, we want them to have a nice time,” Cohen says.

“Over the years the reason I think our guests come back over and over again is it’s almost like they’re looking forward to being welcomed into our home.”

It was a home in Rosedale that started Cohen out cooking. Now her New York kitchen feeds diners all over the world.

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years, and January and February were really rocky, but the dining rooms across the city today all are open and the city feels bustling,” says Cohen, who upgraded her digs in 2015 by moving Dirt Candy into a larger space and simultaneously instituting a new policy: she eliminated tipping and shared the restaurant earnings with her employees.

“I think I was a pioneer in what we’re doing, and I like to think for myself and make my own decisions, just what feels right to me,” she says. “I think, in essence, it’s less about being trendy and more about continuing to learn — I see the kitchen as a laboratory and every day we go in to experiment.”

The experiments Cohen has authored have become legendary.

With her trademark wit and kitchen flare, her concoctions, like the hot dogs made of broccoli and lox reinterpreted with onion and brined with garlic coriander for its kick, have earned her worldwide accolades. And her cookbook, from 2012, is in its seventh printing. Cohen takes her success lightly and says she still measures her success one customer at a time.

“For better or worse, I’m a cautious restaurant owner — not a cautious chef, but cautious restaurant owner. I haven’t expanded, and we don’t spend

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excellent results

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The wait is officially over! Situated on a magnificent 37.5' x 120' property is where you will find your next place to call home. Located on a cul-de-sac on one of the best streets in Upper Forest Hill is where you will find 255 Old Forest Hill Road. Rarely does a property in such a desirable location on a special street come along like this. Picture your family strolling down this mature treed canopied street, riding bikes, playing freely and safely with no worries of endless traffic to deal with. Fronting on the north side of the street with a private drive, the opportunities are endless. Renovate, add on or build new and start fresh with a blank canvas on a delicious piece of property as this. Steps to schools, future LRT system (almost here) restos, shopping and the glorious beltline. West Prep Elementary/Forest Hill Intermediate and Secondary schools. Do not miss this!!

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FEATURE

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ROAD TRIP-WORTHY RESTAURANTS

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PEARL MORISSETTE

CROSSROADS

BOCADO

GREYSTONES

Deemed one of Canada’s culinary gems, Pearl Morissette is both a winery and a restaurant. It’s all about authenticity at this buzzy space, where some of the country’s most unique wines meet an exquisite fine dining experience. Open for lunch and dinner, the eatery boasts an evolving, prix fixe menu inspired by French cuisine. The offerings are designed to complement the wines on hand (some of which are no longer available to the general public), which include Pearl Morissette’s own creations, as well as a curated menu of international wines. A daytime bistro is coming soon.

3839 Main St., Jordan

Carefully curated meat and seafood populate the land- and water-based menu at Crossroads, an upscale Rousseau restaurant.

Located right on the bay, the simple menu is sure to tempt taste buds. To match the braised lamb shank, steamed PEI mussels, scallops and warm duck salad, there’s an equally appealing cocktail list. Drinks include unique options like a lavender sour, a blueberry and cucumber gin smash and a rhubarb mojito. It’s all served in a relaxed, casual atmosphere, too, perfect for a weekend staycation or a day trip.

2 Cardwell Rd., Rousseau

Celebrated chef Stuart Cameron took his culinary talent to the trendy Prince Edward County to open Bocado. On the menu, there’s an array of seasonal and Spanish-inspired food, alongside perfectly paired cocktails and regional wines. Spanish influence seeps into more than just the tapas-style menu, finding its way into colourful decor, like warmhued tiles and banquette seating, alongside artwork that dots the walls. Cameron created a warm space with a curated, fresh menu, and it’s definitely worth making the trip.

252 Picton Main St., Picton

Housed in a rustic, historic building, Greystones has three distinct spaces that come together to create an old-meets-new vibe. The restaurant, lounge and café have modern details, including a handpainted mural, complementing some of the building’s original features. At the culinary helm is Scaramouche’s Keith Froggett, so house-made pasta, Mediterraneaninspired shared plates and meat and seafood dishes come together to create a menu that’s sure to make any foodie’s mouth water.

The whole experience is, as the eatery boasts, unlike any other.

63 Broadway, Orangeville

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These cottage-country eateries are definitely worth the drive. From breathtaking views of nature to menus crafted by celebrity chefs, four hot spots across cottage country are a must try for those looking to combine food and adventure. By Erica Commisso

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Don Alfonso 1890’s Nova Scotia lobster

T h e S m a r te r S U V.

The best Italian food outside of Italy is in T.O.

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Don Alfonso 1890 wins Prosecco DOC and Meal of the Year Awards by Erica Commisso

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It’s been a big spring for one of the restaurant has the best Italian Toronto’s most prestigious food in the world outside of Italy. restaurants, Don Alfonso 1890. That means it beat out major Already known within the city as culinary cities such as New York one of the finest restaurants, it City and London, which is a big was honoured for its quality deal. overseas and it also announced a Most of the other restaurants new permanent location at the awarded are in the United States Westin Harbour Castle following and France, but Cioppino’s in a recent pop-up at Casa Loma.

Vancouver cracked the list, too, in “Located on the edge of Lake the 49th spot.

Ontario, our new location will Don Alfonso 1890 also offer stunning views of received the Meal of the the city skyline and Year Award, which Toronto’s harbour. was given to the We look forward to restaurant’s multiA SLICE OF ITALY sharing more course, prix fixe Executive chef details about this tasting menu.

Daniele Corona moved project very soon,” The experience to T.O. from the Amalfi reads an is a mouthCoast to oversee the announcement on watering, modern restaurant. the restaurant Mediterranean website. masterpiece that, The international naturally, transports diners restaurant concept is helmed by to Italy with fresh ingredients two Michelin-starred chefs, and luxe European decor.

Alfonso and Ernesto Iaccarino, The menu has featured dishes with locations in Italy, New such as organic seasonal Zealand and China. The Toronto vegetables, risotto, wagyu beef, location, run by executive chef Nova Scotia lobster and Daniele Corona, is the only traditional Italian desserts.

North American outpost.

Don Alfonso 1890 was open Recently, the restaurant has as a limited run pop-up inside received recognition in the form Casa Loma following the closure of the Prosecco DOC Award. of its original space. Casa Loma The prestigious honour is is managed by the Liberty presented by the 50 Top Italy Entertainment Group, which guide, and basically signifies that brought the concept to Toronto.

NEWS

FOOD

L-R: Pitas from Miznon, chef Eyal Shani

Famous Israeli resto comes to T.O. Miznon is bringing Middle Eastern street eats to Yorkville An Israeli restaurant popular across the globe is opening its first Canadian location in the Yorkville neighbourhood near the Four Seasons Hotel this summer, and Torontonians are already showing their excitement.

“Miznon” is a Hebrew term meaning “kiosk,” which accurately fits the restaurant’s concept of taking Mediterranean street food and giving it a modern take. The first Miznon opened in Tel Aviv in 2011 before rapidly expanding to cultural hubs across the world, such as New York, Paris, Vienna, Melbourne and Singapore.

Behind the successful chain is chef Eyal Shani. The Jerusalemborn chef has opened more than 25 fine dining establishments worldwide, and has become well known for his cuisine as a judge

on the last six seasons of the Israeli version of MasterChef.

At Miznon, the self-taught chef practises a farm-to-table approach and prioritizes using only local, seasonal vegetables.

Each of the Miznon locations has a slightly different menu that uses distinct ingredients and flavours to represent the city and make each location one of a kind.

At the other locations across the globe, Miznon offers pitas stuffed with chicken, steak, lamb, fish and beef. For meatless lovers, Miznon provides plenty of vegan- and vegetarian-friendly pita fillings including falafel, hot chickpeas and eggplant.

The Miznon Toronto Instagram already hints at serving up its claim to fame, chef Shani’s signature original whole roasted cauliflower, which has become a customer favourite at

several locations.

Toronto’s foodies have already shown plenty of anticipation for the new location.

“This looks fantastic! Can’t wait to try it!” read some of the comments below a post from Miznon Toronto’s Instagram account. “Israel has the best food and [we’re] thrilled to see this Israeli mainstay making its way to Toronto.”

“Dreams coming true,” comments the account for Dragon Acres Farm in Brechin, Ont., on the same post.

With no set opening date in place yet, fans of the restaurant and chef Shani will have to wait until the summer to see exactly how the Yorkville location will make the restuarant’s signature pitas distinctly Canadian and bring the “magic of Miznon” to Toronto.

—Megan Gallant

head office where pre-ordered desserts are available for pickup.

According to reports, the acclaimed local patisserie will find its way into the Annex by moving into the corner space at Bloor Street and Albany Avenue, taking over a former Starbucks space, across from a former Aroma Espresso Bar and Second Cup. Nadège will join a slew of other casual, bakery-style eateries in the area, including Fuwa Fuwa Japanese Pancakes, Victory Cafe, Slanted Door and, just around the corner on Bathurst, Mallo Coffee & Bar. Although the exact opening date is not yet confirmed, Nadège is already causing those sweet sweet cravings with news of the upcoming 494 Bloor St. W. location.

—Erica Commisso

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French patisserie Nadège is expanding, taking pastry chef Nadège Nourian‘s delicately crafted cakes, macarons and chocolate to the Annex.

The latest location sees Nourian build on her patisserie locations, offering Instagram-worthy mini cakes and themed collections that are sure to impress around every holiday season. The most recent offering, the Easter collection, offers “whimsical chocolate sculptures and Easter eggs,” crafted with tiny butterfly and ladybug decals, mini macarons and traditional dessert ingredients like vanilla panna cotta, almond biscuit and milk chocolate.

Nadège already has boutiques in Rosedale, Queen West and the PATH, all offering delectable French desserts that are both picturesque and decadent. The Toronto-based bakery also has a

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Acclaimed local patisserie comes to the Annex

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FOOD

NEWS

The Food Network’s Project Bakeover comes to the 905 Hosts Tiffany Pratt and Stephen Hodge revamp Cake Your Way by Megan Gallant

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L-R: Tiffany Pratt and Steve Hodge

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DENNIS PITINO

Project Bakeover is back to introduce some delicious treats from bakeries across Canada, as they get an expert menu and interior design revamp. Season two of the hit show premiered on the Food Network and, if you have a true sweet tooth, you might just recognize the Woodbridge custom cake shop that gets its 15 minutes of fame in episode three.

On Project Bakeover, pastry chef and chocolatier Steve Hodge and HGTV host Tiffany Pratt combine their expertise to turn struggling bakeries into oneof-a-kind hot spots. The classically trained chef uses his experience operating Vancouver’s Temper Chocolate & Pastry to help the bakery owners gain more profit from their treats without compro- mising on taste.

Meanwhile, Pratt, who we usually see redesigning residential spaces on shows like Canada’s Home to Win and Family Home Overhaul, shows us her knack for using local products to design inviting commercial spaces that customers won’t want to leave.

The fun-loving duo have learned to work together to make the bakery owners proud of their businesses in a time when they may need it most.

“Everything about the show is real,” says Hodge.

“Tiff and I are working together to create something special for these bakery owners that prob- ably thought this would never happen to them. It’s a fun show.”

Sharing a story is something that both Hodge and

Pratt often prioritize when implementing their redesigns. “I always have one thing, that’s my most important thing of all,” adds Pratt, “which is to have something to say. And if having something to say is your branding, is colour, is your product — you have to have something to say, and it has to happen right from the street. From the moment that somebody is walking through your doors, they’re already beginning the experience of your bakery.”

Hodge and Pratt visit bakeries from British Columbia to New Brunswick and everywhere in between.The two agree that each bakery’s location must be considered when overhauling both the menu and the interior design.

On Project Bakeover, viewers see Hodge and Pratt as they work with Whitney from Cake Your Way, a custom cake bakery in Woodbridge. Although they keep their lips sealed about the details, they do reveal that they were very proud to have incorporated a “must-see design element.”

“There were some design elements that were included in her bakery that I’ve never done before in my life,” says Pratt.

Hodge gives high praise to the “amazing” Cake Your Way while Pratt shares she had visited the bakery that morning to get cupcakes that featured her and Hodge’s faces on them.

Cake Your Way is located at 7007 Islington Ave. in Woodbridge.

HOMES SECTION

extravagant perks, including a movie theatre room, a full lower level bar and a walk-in closet larger than most Toronto apartments. Sellers of this stately manor packed in all the luxuries you could dream of before listing it in April — let’s see which lucky buyer with a few million dollars to spare will snatch it up. It’s listed with Nancy Saedi and Katy Torabi of Royal LePage Real Estate Services.

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In 2017, the North York mansion at 88 Forest Heights Blvd. was destroyed by a three-alarm fire while under construction. Five years later, the home is back on the market for $29.8 million after being completely redesigned by architect Richard Wengle — earning it the title of Toronto’s most expensive home for sale right now. The mansion features six bedrooms, 11 bathrooms and some pretty

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Fire-ravaged Toronto home gets a $30 million resurrection

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Reno expert Sebastian Clovis is bringing the outside inside These tips will help you make the most of your outdoor spaces all year round There’s been an increased interest in outdoor spaces, and it’s been catapulted throughout the pandemic. Backyards, front yards and patio spaces have all become premium square footage because we’ve been confined to our houses more. The pandemic has shown us that we really need that connection to the outdoors and the healing force that is Mother Nature. Here are some tips to do so.

Major upgrades to transform indoor/outdoor spaces

One of my personal favourite ways to create an indoor/outdoor space would be installing a top floor deck from the main bedroom, or any top floor room, with big sliding doors or California doors that open up to the walkout deck. This creates a nice elevated space, and, if there are trees on the property, might almost feel like a tree house.

It’s such a peaceful panoramic view that people might not be used to and is a very smart way to create a non-traditional connection to one’s outdoor space. To me, that’s money well spent.

Lower-cost renos to add a transitional element

Replacing a home’s back walls with windows so that the backyard can be seen from inside of the house, or even installing California doors (hinged, wholly glazed doors), are great transitional elements one can add. Even creating a solarium or installing south-facing windows can bring in a lot of natural light and allow you to incorporate indoor plants that will add vibrancy to the home.

Skylight technology has also

Sebastian Clovis suggests replacing a back wall with windows

Weatherproofing for year-round usage

come so far in the last couple of years. Now we have doublepaned skylights that are also energy efficient in the same way newer windows are. This is very important because the sun is beating directly down on top of them. But also, they have skylights now that can be charged

through solar panels and come with rain sensors so they’ll open and close automatically if it’s raining. Even retrofitting a new skylight onto your existing skylight can make a massive difference in terms of the quality of light that’s coming into the house.

In the wintertime, you can disconnect the propane tank from your outdoor BBQ and connect it to an overhead heater or an overhead umbrella heater to create a very comfortable patio set up despite the cold weather. This can allow homeowners to enjoy their outdoor space while drinking a cup

of coffee. It’s something that can be put up and taken down as the seasons change over.

Extend your indoor space to connect to the outdoors

Anything that can be done to create sightlines to outdoor spaces will help. So if there are solid doors, change those out with doors that have portioned glass, so light can pass through. This might not necessarily be cheap, but many old lights that have a yellow glow can be switched to daylight bulbs (that imitate the glow of the sun), so when you turn them on, it lights up the space and provides the same quality light as a summer’s day.

With those types of light bulbs and a good amount of windows and natural light, it can really feel like the light is stronger coming in through the window than it actually is.

Catch Sebastian Clovis on HGTV Canada’s Home to Win and as a host on the channel’s new show Save My Reno.

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RENOVATIONS • 35 years experience • Bathroom/Kitchen Renovations • Tiling/Flooring/Carpentry • Wall Repair/Painting • Free Written Estimates Geoffrey 647-342-6804 E-Mail: scgfacl@gmail.com

With Dump Truck

• Renovation • Repair • Electrical

• Plumbing

• Carpentry • Drywall • Demolition • Painting • Gardening • Disposal • Decks and Fences Yonge / Eglinton

647-767-0164 BRIANJPARKER

Handy man

LOW RATES

ROGERS COM

WWW PARKERRESTORATIONS COM &ULLY )NSURED ,IC 4

416-819-8888

BWM

CONSTRUCTION INC. Flagstone & Stone Work Brick Restoration & Masonry Retaining Walls Concrete Work & Steps Rebuild Walk Out Basement Excavating & Addition

Call John: 416-827-8397 bwmconstr@hotmail.com

Perfect

Fences & Decks Adam (416) 889-6449 avsold@aol.com 20 years experience Licence # B10111

Quick Turnaround Bathtub Caulking Spring Special Only $125!

Peter Topp @

416-460-2250 Serving South of Steeles

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FINLAY TOPP CONTRACTING

GARAGE LEANING? Ready to fall over?

Garages rebuilt at substantial savings over replacement (single/double) • No Permit Required • No Tax Reassessment • No Set Back Issues Just a nice garage at a fraction of the cost of replacement

$ ECKS $ECKS &&ENCES ENCES " ASEMENTS "ASEMENTS ' AZEBOS 'AZEBOS 00ERGOLAS ERGOLAS ETAL 7OOD -ETAL 7OOD &RAMING &RAMING

IS IT LOOSE, WOBBLY, STICKING, CROOKED, LEAKING, CRACKED OR BROKEN? DOES IT NEED REPAIR??

Call Peter:

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Peter Topp @

416-460-2250 Serving South of Steeles

marqchar.drywall@gmail.com

647-770-5886

647-962-3146

Of course we also do General Home Renovations

416-554-3517

OFFERING:

•DRYWALL/TAPING •EMERGENCY REPAIRS

OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN Heating, Air Conditioning, Fireplaces, Hot Water Tanks and Boilers.

Rental Progams also available

SKYLIGHT PROFESSIONALS

CALL: 416 930 5371

4 16 - 27 4 -6 9 42 www.buildbrigade.ca

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For Minor Household Repairs

• NO JOB TOO SMALL • AFFORDABLE • FAST • RELIABLE & PROMPT • SENIORS’ DISCOUNT • YOUR SATISFACTION IS GUARANTEED

• Residential • Office • Condos • Retail Stores

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CALL DAVE! @ 416•222•7583

• Home Repairs • Painting • Drywall • Shelving • Odd Jobs • Electrical Fixtures

High quality home renovations & improvements

416-830-6492 Repairs to Leaky Skylights New Installations High Quality Workmanship & Excellence Free Estimates • Licensed Seniors’ Discount

416-820-3852

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Shower & Bath Clean & Grout Tile Repairs Sealing & Caulking Bathroom Remodeling

416-826-0574 ROOF REPAIR EXPERTS ROOF REPAIR ROOF MAINTENANCE MISSING SHINGLES MINOR/MAJOR LEAKS EAVES & DOWNSPOUT REPAIR

RACCOON PROBLEMS SQUIRREL & BIRD PROBLEMS FREE ESTIMATES NO JOB TOO SMALL SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT LICENSED

416 820 3852

FINLAY TOPP CONTRACTING

Please Call David

416-787-8084

showerrestorationtoronto.com info@showerrestorationtoronto.com

• Picture Hanging

Quality Workmanship Guaranteed

• Fixture Installations • Plumbing & Electrical • Deck & Fence Repair • Painting • Furniture Assembly • Interlock Repair • Shingle & Flat Roof Repair

“Small Job Specialist” irathehandyman@hotmail.com

Tyton Homes is built on the principle that every customer is a client for life.

Over 25 Years Experience providing a full range of renovation and building solutions FREE KITCHEN DESIGN Renovations • Additions • Basements • Kitchens • Bathrooms • Project Mangement • Design & Permits •

www.t y tonhomes.com

416-274-6942

647-688-3310

5” Seamless Eavestrough Soffit / Fascia & Siding

PROFESSIONAL

ROOF REPAIRS • Roof Repairs • Roof Maintenance • Missing Shingles • Major/Minor Leaks • Eaves and Downspout Repair • Raccoon Problems • Squirrel and Bird Problems

Free Estimates Seniors’ Discount Licensed

416-820-3852

WILDLIFE EXPERTS Squirrels Raccoons Birds sProfessionally Repaired sRoof Repairs Free Estimates s Licensed Seniors Discount

416-248-0211

416-248-0211

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Eavestroughing & Siding Experts

IRA’S HANDYMAN SERVICES

| POST |

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LANDSCAPING

JOHN BELL PAINTING

“Thank you for what most painters promise but few deliver.” R.L.

CITY TROPICALS INC.

Living Plants for Public and Private Spaces

HomeStars best of

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2018-2021 Reader’s Choice 2020

MILE’S PAINTING

Professional, Clean & Timely Work.

Fully Insured References Available.

416-491-1010 ELECTRICAL

APPLIANCE REPAIRS Professional repairs of all brands of refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, dryers, washers, heating and air conditioning. Warranty. Credit cards accepted.

Seniors’ discount. Please call Fred 416266-6122.

LICENSED ELECTRICIANS Call For a Free Estimate

416-303-3276

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Lic. # 7003478

CALL ANTHONY

416-704-4990 alcelectricinc@gmail.com Read Our Clients Clients·· R Reviews eviews on Homestars.com

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Best of 2021 & 2022 Award!

FREE ESTIMA AT TES ESTIMATES Bus: 416-422-4707 Fax: 416-422-4701 cti@citytropicals.com 593 Mortimer Ave. Ave. Toronto Toronto M4C 2J6

Clean & efficient work done on time.

Over 20 Years Experience!

Interiors & Exteriors.

Tropical Tropical Plant Maintenance/Sales Consultation, Design & Installation Pruning & Synthetic Plants

0AINTING 0APERING $RYWALL 3TUCCO &AUX

Repair & Replacement Faucet Sink Toilet Shower Laundry Main Valve Leaking Pipe Backup Drain FULLY LICENSED & INSURED 24HR. SERVICE MET. LIC. # PH23521

416-876-6679

WaterWorks Plumbing and Drains

Drains -Waterproofing -Drains -Plumbing 40+ years experience Upfront Pricing Seniors Discount Michael Yuffa Master Plumber

WaterWorksCanada.com

416-410-0164

Service Upgrades Troubleshooting Ceiling Fans Pot Lights Lighting Designs LED Retrofits Nest Thermostats Pools / Hot Tubs Generators

| POST | M AY 2 0 2 2

Vision. Design. Build.

647-274-2048

grandmasgarden.ca

Featured Featured On: Servicing g North North To Toronto Toronto Years for 20 Ye Y ears

SHASTA

GARDEN DESIGN Design & Installation Planting & Pruning Garden Maintenance Complete Garden Makeovers

416-522-7288

FULL SERVICE ELECTRICIAN

PLUMBING

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24 hr. service

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CLEANING LADY AVAILABLE Experienced, insured, honest and hard-working. Attention to detail. maidforyoutorontoltd.com.

Call Tanya at 416-897-6782.

SHINY CLEAN HOUSE An Experienced European cleaning lady will keep your house clean. Our company is fully Insured & Bonded. Call Inna or Inga, 416-929-5777. www.shinycleanhouse.ca.

DRY TECHNOLOGY

Free Consultations

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SINCE 1997

GREEN, CLEAN & DRY without the use of water FOR AN ESTIMATE CALL HENRY CUESTA

416-882-2942

Area Rugs C l e a n e d i n Yo u r Home/Condo R e p a i r s Av a i l a b l e

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shastagardens@hotmail.com

THOROUGH, METICULOUS

HOUSEKEEPER

We are a full service tree care company that promotes tree preservation with an ethical approach to caring for trees.

Sunny Disposition Quickly Learns Your Preferences Anticipates & Solves Problems

Impeccable References from

10-YEAR CLIENTS

416-462-0007

PLEASE PHONE

www.kellytree.com

GILLIAN 416 234-5500

TREE REMOVAL Faucets, toilets, sinks, etc. installed. Blocked toilets, backed up drains, basement back ups.

External & internal drain excavating. Complete washroom renovations.

CLEANING

DRY EXTRACTION

Hendrik Tom Day Tree Service Plumbing & Drains FREE ESTIMATES

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Blueprint Design Decorative Planters Landscape Lighting Seasonal Clean-Ups Garden Makeovers & Maintenance

Ple Please ase C Call all Dar Daron on

- Pruning - Removals - Planting - Arborist Reports -

416-489-9633

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Grandma’s Garden

Customizing in Small Projects: Landscape P rojects: Perennial Gar dens Perennial Gardens F ences & Deck Fences Deckss Care Lawn C are & Garden Rejuventation Gar den R ejuventation

2000+ Reviews 9.7/10

647-894-1673

Serving Toronto Since 1989 WSIB & Insured

What does your garden need this year?

Toronto’s Trusted Plumbers Since 1979

Waterproofing Fixtures

Lucomm Electric Inc. is a fully licensed and insured electrical company.

As an Electrical Safety Authority Licensed Master Electrician, Przemek Podruczny is ready and able to take care of all your Commercial and Residential electrical needs.

Welcome Spring!

A WOMAN'S TOUCH LANDSCAPE DESIGN Overgrown out of control garden? It may be more cost effective to redesign your garden space. Please fill out our online contact form.

Call: 416-427-3367 or Visit: awtl.ca

services

PAINTING

Tree Trimming DEEP ROOT FERTILIZING Rejuvenate Your Trees SPRAY FOR GYPSY MOTH CONTOL

647-238-2661

COMPUTER SERVICES

INTERIORS & UPHOLSTERY

MARCANTONIO FURNITURE Restoration & Repair

Restoration of antique & modern furniture. In-home touch-ups of dining room sets, bedroom sets & kitchen cupboards.

Gluing & general repairs.

35 years’ experience

416-654-0518

COMPUTER AND IT SUPPORT Set-up, Tutoring, virus removal, troubleshooting, networks.

House calls or remote support.

Patient, references available.

Your questions? My answers!

David Block: 416-830-6160; Email: dblock@sympatico.ca.

APPLIANCES APPLIANCE REPAIRS Professional repairs of all brands of refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, dryers, washers, heating & air conditioning. Warranty.

Credit cards accepted. Seniors’ discount. Call Fred 416-266-6122.

learning

COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR

HEALTH PROGRAMS

HARD TO INSURE? Had Cancer, Heart Attack?

NEW

No Medical Life Insurance.

No Exams or Needles.

Easy Process Non Face to Face.

TUTORING

All levels. Qualified Experienced Teacher For more information, please call

416-488-4908 Frustrated Student?

WE CAN

HELP!

Call: 519-853-2157 1-800-947-0393

30 YEARS TUTORING

Health Programs

Arlene T., B.Sc., M. Ed., O.C.T.

• Digestion • Anxiety • Mobility • Depression • Complex Issues

A Collector Trying To Recreate An Old Time General Store

Specialities: Dyslexia, Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities & More Cert. Orton-Gillingham Practitioner Remedial/Enrichment Instruction Teaching All Subjects, K-Grade 9 arteach@rogers.com (416)-487-5095 Zoom Tutoring Available Covid-19 Protocols Followed

You deserve a great tutor who: t *T RVBMJmFE EFEJDBUFE t "TTFTTFT JNQMFNFOUT B QMBO GPS TVDDFTT t 1SPNPUFT DSJUJDBM UIJOLJOH TUVEZ TLJMMT t 1SPWJEFT FODPVSBHFNFOU HVJEBODF

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WANTED

PERSONAL TRAINING

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(416)573-0274 VISIT TUTORSHIP.CA

TUTORSHIP

for Tranformational Breakthroughs

ADAM

thehealthguy22@aol.com

(416) 889-6449 SENIOR SERVICES

FOR SALE/WANTED

Select Your Your Caregiver Careeggiiver Up to 24 hour care care Meal Preparation Preparation Errands/Shopping Hygiene Assistance Light Housekeeping Respite Care Care for Families Palliative & Chronic Chronic Care Care Joyful Companionship Alzheimer/Dementia/Parkinson/Diabetes and Cancer Care Care Provider Provider for Veteran Veteran Independent Program Program Weekends/Holidays Weekends/Holidays TTemporary/Long-term eemporary/Long-term Live-in,, Live-out Care Day/Night, Live-in Care FREE in-Home Consultation

416-398-4663

Educational Services

marketplace

Join our lively and congenial daytime conversational French classes for adults.

Companions/Homemakers Personal Support Workers Caregivers Full Time Long Term Your Employee Highly Personalized Service

MIKE 416-602-4622

SPECIALIZED TUTORING

health care

IMPROVE YOUR FRENCH!

Professional Care For Seniors

Old Tube Hi Fi Components and Speakers. 40 Years or Older.

TOP CASH

PAID *ROG 6LOYHU &RLQV 3RUFHODLQ )LJXULQHV 3DLQWLQJV %URQ]H :DWFKHV -HZHOOHU\ &KLQD ,QVWUXPHQWV Tibor: 647-866-5040

WANTED A collector recreating an old time General Store is looking for items found in a store before 1960.

Tea tins, tobacco tins, postcards, bottles, magazines, old paper items, comic books, signs, toys, advertising.

CASH PAID. 416-745-4981 or 416-953-6219

is looking for items found in a General Store before 1960. Eg. Tea tins, tobacco tins, post cards, bottles, magazines, old paper items, comic books, signs, toys, advertising, old store stock, etc.

Bespoke Selling Service

Fine Art ࠮ Antiques ࠮ Silver ࠮ Asian ࠮ MCM ࠮ Jewelery …and all things fine.

Complementary Consultation

CASH PAID 416-745-4981 or 416-953-6219

ART & DESIGN

WANTED! FINE ART & ANTIQUES

Chinese Japanese Asian Porcelain Jade Bronze etc.

Canadian art & fine paintings Inuit sculpture Sterling & jewellery China & porcelain Moorcroft Doulton Art glass

call Andrew Plum

416-669-1716

English Gentleman Buyer

plumsfineart.com

www.seniorhomecarebyangels.com/toronto1 www.seniorhomecarebyangels.com/toronto1

WANTED

Quality antiques Sterling, Silver Plate Chinese, Japanese,

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& Asian wares

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www.teachersoncall.ca

416-519-8335 905-881-1931

Personal Trainer Online Train with me on: FaceTime Whatsapp Zoom

416-884-1882 personaltrainerlaurie.com

9 Service in over 70 languages 9 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 9 Accredited by Accreditation Canada

9 Award Winning Agency 9 NHI is proud to serve Toronto and the GTA since 1985

416-754-0700

nhihealthcare.com

coins & medals

Military items Teak Furniture Fancy cups & saucers Professional & Courteous 30 Years Experience Call David

416-231-9948

POST CITY MAGAZINES NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE

May 24 416-250-7979 x270 classifieds@postcity.com

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Care At Home

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Bronze Paintings Old jewellery, watches,

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LOOKING BACK Before you go ... take a gander at some of our latest T.O. throwback pics!

Follow along on Post City’s Instagram @streetsoftoronto every Thursday for more.

MAY 2022 EDITION

5,030 likes

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Yorkdale Shopping Centre opened to the public on Feb. 26, 1964. It was Canada’s largest mall and the largest enclosed shopping mall in the world at the time! At 18 million annual visitors, it is one of the country's busiest malls today.

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1,535 likes On Aug. 18, 1969, Led Zeppelin performed at the Rock Pile, a music venue located at Yonge and Davenport, for a hefty price of $2.50 per ticket! Not only were the two shows sold out, over 2,000 people were turned away at the doors.

1,808 likes Kensington Market is an older neighbourhood and one of the city's most well-known. Pictured here in 1974, the Market was and still is a place where authenticity and change coexist, and it is filled with eclectic shops, cafés and other attractions.

2,540 likes likes The original SkyDome officially opened on June 3, 1989.

The 53,000-seat stadium with a retractable roof was the cutting edge of tech at the time. It took three years to complete the structure with a total cost of $570 million.

750 likes Toronto’s Pearson International Airport wasn't always the bustling hub we see today. Back in the ’50s, when it was known as the Malton Airport, a single building served as a terminal, operations and the administrative centre all in one.

1,183 likes In 1978 the second Hard Rock Cafe opened in Toronto on Yonge Street. It became a popular destination to eat, drink, watch a show and dive into music memorabilia. In 2017, the building changed over to a Shoppers Drug Mart.

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ROYAL LEPAGE Real Estate Services Heaps Estrin Team, Brokerage 1391 Bayview Avenue, Toronto 416-424-4910

www.NorthTorontoLiving.ca Buying Selling Renting Investing Exceptional Waterfront Custom Built Home/Cottage - French River Area Stunning Private 4 Season Custom Built Waterfront Home that checks all the boxes!

Generous frontage on Trout Lake w/ Sunrise & Sunset views from your dock. 400 sq ft Bunkee w/ Sauna. Multi level 3 bedroom/2bth home/cottage with high end finishings sold with furnishings/toys & avail for you to start making memories this summer! Contact Jennifer for more details!

Jennifer Williams, Broker K AR

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Direct: 416-419-8611 jenwrealestate@gmail.com IG: @northtorontoliving

Belinda Lelli

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Sales Representative

416-457-4407 43 Bowood Ave SOLD OVER ASKING

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90 Stadium Rd | Just Listed

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190 Glenforest Rd SOLD OVER ASKING

43 Kappele Ave SOLD OVER ASKING

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4A Doncliffe Dr | SOLD

ROYAL LEPAGE Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage 4025 Yonge Street, Suite 103 Toronto 416-487-4311

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BelindaLelliTeam.ca info@BelindaLelliTeam.ca

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Sylvia Wolff

Belinda Lelli

Suzanne Stephens

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28 Foxtrail Cres SOLD OVER ASKING

2111 Lakeshore Blvd W, TH 2 17 Bayview Ridge | Just Listed

LEASED