North York Post November 2021

NY-NOV-21-OFC_Layout 1 2021-10-21 12:54 PM Page 1

2021 TOP LAWYERS LIST THE MOST RESPECTED COUNSEL IN TORONTO AS SELECTED BY THEIR PEERS

Did your lawyer make the list? homicide up 10%

auto theft up 8%

robbery down 28%

break-ins down 18%

PLUS OUR BATHURST MANOR WILLOWDALE & LEDBURY CRIME REPORT

T.O. was recently ranked the 2nd safest city in the world out of 60 major hubs, but do we have a problem with homicides and auto thefts?

NOVEMBER 2021 · VOLUME 23 · ISSUE 2

PLUS OU WILLO P

NY-NOV-2021-IFC_IFC 2021-10-21 1:48 PM Page 1

*Offer applies to regular price of all TELUS SmartHome Security (SHS) plans excluding Smart Camera. SHS plans require either a 3-year or 5-year term, except Smart Camera and Smart Automation Plus plans, which only qualify for a 3-year term. Available to existing TELUS or Koodo Mobility post-paid customers, and who have not subscribed to SHS services in the past 90 days. Customers with an active TELUS or Koodo Mobility post-paid account will receive a discount of $10/mo. for the duration of the service agreement. Discount is applied on the SHS plan and TELUS reserves the right to remove mobility discounts if customer no longer meets eligibility requirements.

Regular price of SHS applies after 36 or 60 months. Current regular pricing can be viewed at telus.com/homesecurity.

Offers and regular pricing subject to change without notice. Cannot be combined with other SHS promotional offers. Minimum system requirements apply. Equipment may not be as shown. Final eligibility for the services will be determined by a licensed and certified TELUS technician. A cancellation fee applies for early termination of the 3-year or 5-year service agreement equal to $10/mo. for the Smart Camera and Smart Automation Plus plans, and $35/mo. for the Secure and Control plans, multiplied by the number of months remaining in the service agreement (with a partial month counting as a full month), plus applicable taxes. Rental equipment must be returned in good condition upon cancellation of service, otherwise the replacement cost will be charged to the account. Installation feeof $100 applies for all customers. Additional installation fees may apply for extra equipment.

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CONTENTS NOVEMBER 2021

Welcome to this month’s Post.

Sit back & enjoy.

T.O.’S CULINARY POWER COUPLE The duo behind Fonda Balam on their first date and chefing together

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LUG OF MY LIFE Jeanne Beker on the season’s hottest chunky boots

DYNAMIC DIWALI DUO Joshna Maharaj and Sangita Patel on the most delicious way to celebrate

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@maguireshoes.com

OUR ANNUAL CRIME REPORT T.O. was recently ranked the 2nd safest city in the world out of 60 major hubs

THE GIFT OF A DOWN PAYMENT One-third of homebuyers are getting parental financial help

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NEWS

CITYSCAPE

TORONTO THE GOOD

Four-storey work of art for charity

© Niki Lundquist

Plus a giant walkable map to support culture and a rare lobster is saved

A rare orange lobster saved and now living at Ripley’s Aquarium

Canadian artist Daniel Mazzone unveiled Maria – a captivating fourstorey art installation depicting a woman fighting to be heard. The large-scale portrait is in support of the Shoebox Project for Women, aiming to help bring compassion and dignity to local women experiencing homelessness. The activation kicks off the Toronto-based charity’s holiday fundraising campaign, which collects gift-filled shoeboxes and messages of support, distributing them to local women impacted by homelessness. Mounted on the front of Klick Health’s Toronto HQ at the corner of Bloor Street East and Church Street, the activation is complete with a QR code that directs individuals to the Shoebox Project website for more information and/or to make donations. The artwork will be up through the end of the year.

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Toronto Alliance for the Performing Arts (TAPA) is giving Torontonians the chance to put themselves on the map and mark their place in the city through a new art installation outside the CN Tower.

The TO BigCity Stage is a large 30-by-30-foot walkable map of Toronto that acts as a celebration of the diverse opera, dance and theatre happening across the city. The interactive map is part of TAPA’s All the City’s A Stage program. The initiative calls for people to reengage with the city’s culture after the pandemic halted all in-person performances. This initiative is a citywide celebration of dance, opera and theatre and features pop-up performances and immersive experiences from September through December.

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A rare orange lobster residing in a Toronto grocery store was saved

from an untimely death by Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada recently. The aquarium posted a photo of “Pinchy” the lobster on Facebook. It turns out these types of lobsters are rare — only around one in 30 million are bright orange due to a genetic mutation. This kind of colouring would also make them an easy target in the wild for predators, so hopefully Pinchy is set for a long life at Ripley’s! Despite the rarity, strangely enough, the same kind of lobster was discovered at an Arizona restaurant just days later. The lobster also found a home at the local aquarium. There’s just something in the water!

CITYSCAPE

THE POST INTERVIEW

Randy Bachman’s true T.O. crime story

NEWS

BY THE NUMBERS

We intro our crime issue with the legendary guitarist from The Guess Who and BTO who made headlines recently with the incredible tale of being reunited with his first Gretsch guitar, with the help of YouTube, Google and a Japanese musician named Takeshi

45 The number worn by Toronto Raptors rookie Dalano Banton, the number of the Kipling bus he would ride from his Rexdale home.

10,000 The number of downloads, and counting, for Pawmates, a Tinder-style meet-up app for dogs created by a Toronto resident.

Randy Bachman with a Gretsch guitar he plans to trade to Japanese artist Takeshi for one that was stolen from him 45 years ago

basically Googled every orange Gretsch guitar sold in the world over the Internet in the last 20 years. And he said he’d found it in Japan belonging to a guy named Takeshi.

How did they do it?

And how did he react when you told him?

They said there was a gang that had been hitting all the motels. They made a deal with the hotel maid. They go into your room to clean it, and if you're down having your free breakfast, you have an extra key in the room, and they throw it out the window. The gang gets the key and goes to the front lobby. He phones the room. If it rings and rings and rings, he knows you're either paying your bill or you're having your free breakfast. He's got an opportunity to go to your room, knock on the door. If you're checking out, everything's at the door, your suitcases, your briefcase or your guitar. They open the door, grab whatever is close to the door, walk out to the end of the hall downstairs, and it's into their truck and gone.

So we emailed them. This guy is quite famous in Japan. He's written songs for all the Japanese idols and he’s sold like 30 to 40 million records, and it took a few months before they read it. Then we get a note back saying, “Well, is this really your guitar? We know who you are, Randy Bachman. Tell me what songs this was on.” I told him and he goes, “My goodness, this is amazing. And so we do a Zoom, and he brings the guitar into the zoom camera, just like about a year ago. When I see the guitar, I can't move. I'm basically … I'm in tears.

And someone stole it in Toronto?

So what happened recently?

We were at a studio in Toronto, I think Phase One. We were doing BTO’s, I think, seventh album in 1977, and the guitar was stolen out of the hotel room, and it absolutely shattered me because I'd had this since I was a young kid. So when it was stolen, I called the Toronto police. I called the OPP, the Mounties. I checked every pawn shop on Yonge Street. There was no Internet or anything. So you basically had to go there. I went and did it, and all they said was, “Look we're gonna

I was doing a YouTube live with my son Tal, and you know there are comments that come up on the side of the screen, and one read, “I found your Gretsch guitar.” So we get this guy’s name, William Long, who lives in White Rock, and we got a hold of him.

How did he find it?

He told me that he was working out of his house and had some free time so he started doing facial recognition of the Gretsch. So he

He agreed to sell it back to you?

Well, I said the guitar was stolen in ’77. And he goes, “I was born to get your guitar and look after it for you. I will trade it back to you.” He said, “I don't want a new guitar, I want his [Gretsch] sister. We are guitar brothers.” So when I go there to meet Takeshi, we're going to go to the Gretsch factory there and do a concert. Then I'm going to go to the nightclub where he plays in a video that led to us finding the guitar and do a performance and trade the guitars. Then I am going to bring the guitar home. It's a real Cinderella story.

—Ron Johnson

1 Toronto’s ranking in a list of the most rat-infested cities in Ontario, surprising no one.

70 The height, in feet, of Untitled, a new public art installation unveiled at the corner of Bay and Adelaide last month as part of ArtworxTO.

30 The date in November by which Toronto police officers must be vaccinated or be placed on indefinite unpaid absence.

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And where did you get it?

I would go downtown to Portage Avenue.

Everybody went to the Bay and walked along Portage to Eatons. In between there were clothing stores, record stores and music stores.

And I would go and look in the window and look at this orange Gretsch guitar that Chet Atkins played, Duane Eddy played, Eddie Cochran played, Chuck Berry even played one on American Bandstand. And I would stand there next to Neil Young and look at this orange guitar and dream about having an orange guitar like that. Finally, I had enough money to go and buy the guitar, and Neil Young bought one at the same place.

tell you the truth about your guitar. It’s probably out of the country driven over to Buffalo or Rochester or something, and it's gone. It wouldn't be around here.”

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So tell us about the guitar.

I bought it way back in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

I must have been about — I don't know — 18 or 19. And that guitar was my guitar. For everything I wrote and played: “Laughing,” “These Eyes,” “American Woman.” It’s on every one of those songs.

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People often ask me if I feel safe in Toronto The answer is very, even though I grew up in a much smaller town

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destinations en masse as the city takes another big step toward a new normal.

First, it was MLSE and its sporting franchises that announced an opening of the gates, then more and more concert announcements began trickling in and finally theatres.

Toward the end of last month, I sat, masked and slightly nervous, in a fullcapacity theatre to watch the first indoor stage production I’ve seen since very early 2020.

It wasn’t as strange as I thought it might be. It wasn’t as glorious. But it was something, and when it was over and we were back on the streets heading home, I was beaming.

Often, people talk about how hard it has been for restaurants during the pandemic, and that is quite true. But it has also been awful for artists, musicians, actors and the infrastructure that supports their work.

Artists, musicians, actors, dancers and other creative forces are what makes this one-of-akind city so special. When the doors open again, I hope we do our best to support them as we have our restaurants.

Go and see a show, take in a concert, remember what it feels like to live in a world-class city like Toronto. Welcome home.

Kristine Hughes

IVE

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One of the first things that comes up when speaking with relatives and friends from far outside the city, or my significantly smaller hometown, are questions about the safety of Toronto. How can you feel safe when there are so many people around and you always hear about shootings and things like that? But compared to most cities of its size and even smaller ones Toronto is doing very well.

This month, we put together a crime feature story highlighting changing trends and developments in this area.

We know many types of crimes are down and some are up. Some of the statistics are impacted by the pandemic.

Home break-ins are down because so many people are working from home. But car thefts are up because of advancing technology and an eager market for vehicles overseas.

In addition to stats and personal tales, we also feature an interview with Canada’s top organized crime expert and a few other articles offering different sides of the local situation. We kick things off with a true crime story featuring music icon Randy Bachman.

With the city coming back to life, the knowledge that it is safe is paramount.

November is often a dreary, cold rain–soaked month of yesteryear. But this month it will be defined by a return to the theatres, arenas, music venues and other entertainment

Erin Neilly

NR DO

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Toronto ranks highly when compared to other large cities

Dorothy Chudzinski Lindsay Low

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NEWS

Toronto is in the grip of a flower shortage. Facing a surge in demand with the country reopening and weddings quickly piling up, florists are finding it impossible to bounce back to pre-pandemic levels — and the problem is supply. The primary reason for the shortage cited by most florists is that not enough bulbs were planted for 2021. During the disastrous events of last year, farmers — not

just those in the flower industry — disposed of much of their unused product.

Predicting that this year would follow suit, they sowed far fewer bulbs in an attempt to avoid composting flowers and produce needlessly. However, their predictions were incredibly off-base. The shortage has ultimately caused flower prices to skyrocket, and predicting a return to pre-pandemic levels is not easy.

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The great Toronto flower shortage

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© Alisa Anton / Unsplash

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NEIGHBOURHOOD

A 39-storey condo proposed for Yonge and St. Clair

Residents upset over loss of century-old store One of the last remaining old-time hardware stores in midtown could be lost

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by Ron Johnson

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A large development has been proposed for Yonge Street north of St. Clair Avenue that will mean the destruction of a stretch of low-rise storefront buildings including the home of the century-old Deer Park Home Hardware.

The plan calls for a 39-storey building along the stretch of the west side of Yonge at addresses 1406-1408, 1414 and 1418–1428 with 406 condo units.

The size as well as the loss of the historic store are of concern to local residents, according to Cathie Macdonald of the Deer Park Residents Group.

“The proposal is too high and its relationship to the building to the north needs improvement,” said Macdonald. “There is much concern about the loss of our neighbourhood Home Hardware — we were told it was going anyway.”

According to the manager of the Home Hardware, the store has been in the area in some form or another for more than 100 years. But if the development goes through, it will have to close.

The problem with relocating, according to the contact, who asked to remain anonymous, is that there is so much construction in this neighborhood, and there isn't enough space available for floor plates that can accommodate a

Home Hardware store.

Unfortunately for local residents, that is likely to mean a trip outside the neighbourhood to a big box store in the future.

According to information provided by the developer of the site to the City of Toronto, the ground floor of the proposed development “has been designed to ensure an active frontage along Yonge Street, which will provide both retail activity and eyes on the street.”

It’s a new proposal, and local city councillor Josh Matlow is looking ahead to November when city planning staff will bring a preliminary report on the development to Toronto City Council.

“Certainly, just off the cuff, though, I can tell you that a proposal for another very tall tower at Yonge and St. Clair is of concern to the community,” said Matlow. “The community is worried about what impact this development in combination with the many other developments will have cumulatively on their quality of life,” he added. “So, you know, what I recognize is that the city doesn't have control over its own land use planning. It's the province, and as long as that is the case, we need to find ways to ensure that any new developments leave the place better than when it was found.”

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Geri Berholz, co-chair of the Republic Residents’ Association

Yonge and Eg at the tipping point?

Two towers equal to 70 storeys may challenge infrastructure

“The community has an absolute right to be upset.”

“Then, when everything is completed, with thousands of unit holders pouring onto the streets … think of what it’s going to mean for those corners,” she said. “It’s a tipping point for our community.”

The proposal for 2345 Yonge can’t be viewed on its own, though, but as the latest entry in a number of development applications for the area, including a five-tower proposal at Canada Square that features heights between 45 and 70 storeys and up to 2,700 condos.

The concern is that the infrastructure will not be able to keep up with the density,

according to local councillor Josh Matlow.

“The growth has exceeded the pace of social services, parks and infrastructure in that neighborhood,” he said, noting that schools in the area are hitting capacities.

Matlow said the root of the problem lies with provincial legislation, which doesn’t ensure that infrastructure will keep up with the growth after the city’s Midtown in Focus plan was changed by Premier Doug Ford’s government in 2019.

“They took out a lot of core focuses of ours on quality of life,” he said. “The community has an absolute right to be upset.”

Matlow is concerned that the area will become a “condo canyon” and places the blame squarely on Ford for putting the interests of developers before the communities. He said the province trumps the city in final say for planning, something that is baked into Canada’s constitution.

“It’s a screwed up system, and it doesn’t work,” he said.

The height at 2345 Yonge has even outstripped the expanded height guidelines of 30 storeys that the province set.

“They're already ignoring even the provincial version of the secondary plan, never mind the city’s version,” Matlow said. “So that's not a good start.”

When asked what can be done to fix these problems, Matlow had a simple answer.

“Get rid of Doug Ford.”

—Eric Stober

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said. “We’ve reached a breaking point.”

She said that the shadows cast from the two towers, along with two other towers proposed for 2323 Yonge St., will blanket the field from noon onwards — one of the few green spaces in the neighbourhood for residents.

She also has no idea where construction trucks will go during the building phase, predicting they will end up on Roehampton and Broadway, which she said are already very narrow.

| POST |

A new two-tower development is being proposed in the quickly densifying Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue neighbourhood, but residents say the area is at a “tipping point” due to the number of condos planned.

The proposal from developer RioCan for 2345 Yonge St. is for two towers standing at 34- and 36-storeys and connected by a seven-storey podium with a curved “central oculus” design.

The towers would hold 648 residential units, 312 of which will be rental units and the rest condos, and there would be 12,610 square metres of nonresidential gross floor area, according to the application.

The development would replace a Shoppers Drug Mart facing Yonge Street and a 10storey office building setback and would loom over the North Toronto Collegiate field to the east.

Residents, though, are worked up over the proposal and the growing number of developments in the area.

Geri Berholz is the co-chair of the Republic Residents’ Association (RRA), which represents the vertical communities at 25 Broadway Ave. and 70 Roehampton Ave., as well as North Toronto Collegiate Institute (NTCI) students, parents and staff and the interests of residents at buildings adjacent to NTCI. “No one could have anticipated the extent of development that has ensued over the last eight years,” Berholz

11

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London Mayor Sadiq Khan has also tackled iceberg homes

City tries to chip away at iceberg home trend Hogg’s Hollow issue inspires local councillor to take action

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by Eric Stober

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Toronto City Council has voted to further investigate the impacts of “iceberg homes,” a new trend in Toronto real estate.

Council voted in favour of a motion from councillor Jaye Robinson for a report on “strategies to address the impacts” of iceberg homes, including a review of how such developments affect soil permeability and erosion, mature trees, storm water drainage and neighbouring properties.

The motion comes after an estimated 250-year-old tree was cut down in the Hogg’s Hollow neighbourhood to make room for a new home with a huge, multilevel basement (the iceberg) featuring a basketball court, a karaoke bar, a stage with a golf simulator, three bedrooms, four bathrooms and a five-car garage.

The term iceberg home refers to mansions that have an often massive underground living area that is much larger than the above-ground portion.

Hogg’s Hollow residents protested the project at 7 Knightswood Rd., but the development was approved despite City of Toronto, Urban Forestry Management recommending against it and the fact that Hogg’s Hollow sits within a floodplain.

There are few laws around iceberg homes in Toronto given their novelty, Robinson

explained, which led her to introduce her motion. However, in London, England, laws have been introduced to limit how far they extend underground and to restrict them to a single-storey basement after reports of neighbouring properties’ foundations being affected.

“The city hasn’t sat down and designated any rules for [iceberg homes],” said luxury home developer Paul Miklas of Valleymede Building Corp.

“So right now, the subterranean is wide open — if you’ve got something that works, [the city] is just letting people go.”

Miklas has just finished his first iceberg home in the Bridle Path neighbourhood. For this build, he constructed a golf simulator and a basketball court that were 23 feet below a carport.

He said he was inspired by the trend in England and felt it was necessary to not disturb his client’s backyard.

“I think [iceberg homes] are amazing,” he said. “It really does help add space without actually adding more surface dwellings or structures.”

Miklas said he does feel that the city should introduce laws around them to help protect mature trees and ensure that neighbouring structures aren’t affected, and he said their construction can be “challenging” and require a reputable builder.

NEIGHBOURHOOD

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The Downsview Park area is set to become a massive housing site

Michelle Head Kim, MA, MBA

Local residents have gotten the first look at a potential entirely new community just east of Downsview Park that is shaping up to be one of North America’s largest development projects.

A framework plan for Downsview Parklands was released in early October, which shows how developers Northcrest and Canada Lands hope to build the project over the next 30 years.

Downsview Park is a large urban national park located in the Downsview neighbourhood near the intersection of Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue West.

The site was home to a Canadian Forces base and a former airport as well as an airport manufacturer.

The park is also home to the Toronto Wildlife Centre, the Downsview Park Film and Television Studios and the Downsview Park Arts Alliance.

The idea is to develop on the Bombardier airstrip, which will be vacated in about 18 months, in addition to federally held land in the adjacent area, totalling about 528 acres.

Local councillor James Pasternak said that it is likely the largest development project in North America, if not the western world.

“It’s very difficult to get your head around how large it is,” he said. “It is truly daunting.”

The project would consist of up to 12 million square feet of commercial land, 100 acres of new parkland that would be

added to Downsview Park and a large residential component of which the details have yet to be hammered out.

The lands already have one of its first commercial deals — a $200 million movie studio investment, according to Pasternak.

“What we’re looking for is a development of the future, a transformative development where they’re building livable communities,” he said. “The risk is, if it's not done properly, it's just going to be a condo junkyard.”

“If it's not done properly, it's just going to be a condo junkyard.”

Pastnernak noted that the densification of the area has to be held under control by the city of Toronto. The first step in making all of this possible has already been achieved, Pasternak said.

The city has reached a settlement to rezone the area to mixed use in exchange for the 12 million square feet of employment lands and under the condition that a new community centre will be built.

Now, the next step is to change the area’s 20-year-old secondary plan to allow development on the land, which currently isn’t possible, according to Pasternak.

by Eric Stober

If it can be done properly, the new community would be well served by transit. It is at the nexus of three Toronto Transit Commission stations — Wilson, Sheppard West and Downsview Park — and is near main arterial roads such as Sheppard, Keele and Allen Road, not to mention Highway 401.

However, fatigue is already growing among residents toward the monster plan.

Local resident Patrick O’Neill is a part of the Downsview Lands Community Voice Association, and he said he has been on the file for about eight years. Over that time, his group has grown cynical over the plans, given its size and aspirations, where the residents’ voices can feel lost in all of the chatter.

“There’s no way you can make much sense of it,” O’Neill said.

“There’s so many sides to it. It’s so huge.… It's too much. It would take a lifetime to understand it.”

The residents group is mostly concerned about Downsview Park and hopes to build more access to it and gain the 100 acres, which was originally promised for the park, when it was built, but it never materialized.

As for the plans east of the park, O’Neill said it is too early to give any input.

“It’s a waste of time to say what you would like because it has to undergo so many approvals from so many different sources,” he said. “There’s so many cooks in the kitchen.”

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13

NEWS

STINTZ ON MIDTOWN

One person received 27 speeding infractions in 2020

Photo radar saves lives City has issued 270,000 tickets under new 50-camera program

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L U X U RY M O V E M A N A G E M E N T. C O M

The first time that photo radar was introduced in Ontario it was to ostensibly improve road safety.

The initiative was wildly unpopular.

It could have been because the NDP government was also wildly unpopular, but, more likely, the backlash was due to the fact that the photo radar was on the 400 series of highways, deployed by white vans that would move throughout the day.

The program didn’t last long enough to know whether it improved road safety.

Now, 30 years later, photo radar has been introduced by municipalities to manage excessive speed in certain locations, largely in school zones.

To date, the City of Toronto has implemented photo radar in more than 50 locations and has issued more than 270,000 tickets, but there hasn’t been the same negative response.

The general acceptance of photo radar on city streets likely has to do with the fact that pedestrian safety and cars speeding through residential neighbourhoods is a significant concern to many communities.

The city adopted a Vision Zero strategy, which is a goal to eliminate all serious injuries and fatalities related to traffic accidents. In 2020, there were 126 pedestrians killed by vehicles in comparison to 33 people being killed by gun violence.

The fact the speed traps are

located in school zones and other areas of the city where speed is an ongoing concern is deemed a welcome response.

Study after study reveals that speed is the most significant factor contributing to the death of pedestrians being killed by cars.

The city, to its credit, published a list of locations where the speed cameras are located and posted warning signs, so people know in advance to slow down. Instead of an insidious white van roaming through neighbourhoods, the city has been very transparent with the location of the cameras. This approach makes it clear that the goal is not to collect revenues but to slow down drivers.

During the first round of reporting, 10 per cent of those ticketed were repeat offenders speeding through the same locations. One person received 27 infractions in one year.

However, I am guessing that nobody cares what these people have to say about photo radar. No one should be speeding through a school zone.

KAREN STINTZ

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

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The Pemberton

Toronto needs to look to everything including rooming houses when tackling the housing crisis

Yorkville’s Signature Address

An issue that could derail Tory's run A solution to help combat homelessness that needs consideration 25. Cities like Toronto have no protection against provincial intrusions.

NDP leader Andrea Horwath has promised that if she forms the government she will pass legislation giving Toronto 47 wards, but that misses the point.

She should be talking about making an agreement with Toronto (and other large Ontario cities) about the powers they need and then taking that agreement to the federal government for approval under Section 43 of the Constitution, which permits a single province amendment to be passed with only a majority vote of the Canadian government.

Yet it is not the doomsday scenario. There are eight city councillors, mostly from the former city of Toronto, who can be considered progressive and eager to deal with the issues of both homelessness and city powers. With a municipal election just over a year away, they might be able to cut the issues in such a way as to get someone elected mayor who wishes to lead, as well as more councillors of the same opinion.

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JOHN SEWELL

Post City Magazines’ columnist John Sewell is a former mayor of Toronto and the author of a number of urban planning books, including The Shape of the Suburbs.

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brought in to clear three parks, removing 57 people — a majority of whom have returned to living rough — at a cost of $2 million, or about $30,000 per homeless person, which surely could have been spent in better ways. (In mid-October I counted 11 tents in Allan Gardens.)

And some 300 people have been arrested for opposing those evictions, some for weapons offences, the weapons (according to the police) being bottles of water. There’s a big cost to bringing these people to trial, as well. What a boondoggle.

It might be a sacrilege to mention this idea, but here goes.

Why doesn’t the provincial government pass a Ministerial Zoning Order (as it has done to assist various developers in the province) to put the rooming house bylaw in place throughout the city? It seems the perfect case of intervening in the public interest when the municipal council is shirking its duty.

But the chance of that happening is non-existent. The Ford government seems to disregard the interests of those at the bottom of the economic heap, as seen in its recent move to increase the minimum wage by 10 cents an hour — 80 cents a day or $4.00 a week.

The picture is made even gloomier by the recent Supreme Court of Canada decision on Bill 5, in which the provincial government, in the midst of the 2018 municipal election, chopped the number of wards from 47 to

| POST |

Quote of the month: “What’s the point of being mayor if you are not willing to lead? What is the point of being a councillor if you are not willing to represent and serve everyone in your ward? If you do not take your duty to protect the dignity and human rights of each and every person living in Toronto seriously, you are in the wrong job.”

These words are from Alan Broadbent of the Maytree Foundation, on the motion by Mayor John Tory to yet again push off to 2022 discussion of and decision on a staff report recommending that rooming houses be licensed and permitted in Scarborough, North York and Etobicoke. (Rooming houses are already permitted in the former city of Toronto.)

Rooming houses have two advantages. They provide lowcost housing for small or singleperson households, something very much in demand in Toronto.

And they provide extra income for a homeowner who wants to rent out a room or two. Many councillors appear to think these advantages are outweighed by the fact that it would mean that lower-income residents find their way into middle-income neighbourhoods. The horror!

The mayor and everyone else are clearly aware of the housing crisis in Toronto, such a crisis that there are people living in parks and under bridges and in ravines for fear of the overcrowded and unpleasant shelters. Police were

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FOCUS

NEWS

BY THE NUMBERS

6,681 The number of signatories on a petition to ban twostroke engine leaf blowers in the city of Toronto.

1,100 The number of miles put on a 2016 Toyota Camry equivalent to running a gaspowered leaf blower for one hour, according to California Air Sources Board.

The City of Toronto will soon consider an environmental report on two-stroke gas-powered lawn equipment

2024 SHOULD TORONTO BAN LEAF BLOWERS? Toronto City Council approved a motion by councillor Shelley Carroll to study the impact of two-stroke gas-powered engine leaf blowers and other garden equipment, including the feasibility of a ban. With the report headed to council, we had Caroll and Landscape Ontario’s Tony Digiovanni outline the pros and cons.

The year California officially bans gas-powered lawn equipment such as leaf blowers and mowers.

90 Living in the suburbs during a pandemic, we suddenly find ourselves having to mute our microphones at virtual meetings during a leaf blowing session in the neighbourhood. But beyond noise, what is more jarring is the array of research that has quantified the environmental impacts of gasoline-powered leaf blowers, from carbon emission to air quality to local ecosystems. This begs the question: given what we know so far, are leaf blowers really necessary?

Most leaf blowers are powered by inefficient two-stroke engines and release large amounts of dangerous emissions and particulate matter due to incomplete fuel combustions. To put it in perspective, one hour of leaf blowing equals a 1,700-kilometre car drive in emission.

Due to this polluting factor, Sacramento has prohibited leaf blowers on days with poor air quality.

More recent studies have also linked the global decline of insect populations to habitat loss, with gas-powered garden equipment as a major contributing factor that harms soil biology. Experts have warned that a trend at this rate will lead to the collapse of our terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, with profound consequences on our health and well-being.

The proposal of a leaf blower ban is neither new nor impossible.

California is outlawing the use and sale of new equipment by 2024. It's banned in Vancouver's West End. Portland, Oregon, and Oak Bay, B.C. are asking city departments to phase it out.

We’ve seen an increasing phenomenon of landscapers using leaf blowers outside of the fall season for grass clippings. We need to ask ourselves this: Is it worth the health risk to be exposed to a greater range of air pollutants for convenience while plenty of alternatives are available? That is why we need to start with a seasonal ban to restrict usage and work on a plan to eventually phase it out.

The landscape/horticulture profession comprises over 8,000 companies focused on designing, installing and maintaining the lawns, gardens and green spaces that make the city livable.

We support the need for a quieter city — after all, we are responsible for the green spaces that offer refuge, solace, recreation and beauty. Green spaces also clean the air we breathe, cool the city and trap carbon dioxide Unfortunately we need power tools to do the job. There is no other way — especially because our biggest issue by far is finding employees. Power tools are essential.

Leaf blowers are a labour-saving tool, not only for the landscape profession, but for homeowners, the construction industry and parks and works departments. In fact, the parks department is the largest user of leaf blowers in Toronto. However, much can be done to reduce the negative impacts based on education and courteous use. It is the inappropriate use of leaf blowers that causes a great deal of the problem.

The other positive development is that modern leaf blowers are quieter and cleaner than old models. There are now battery powered blowers that significantly reduce the amount of noise. I predict that the issue will be solved within the next five years because manufacturers are continually improving their products. This is a welcome development for trade as well as the public. It is also important to note that leaf blowers are used by more than the horticultural profession.

Leaf blowers are a noisy but legal power tool. No one enjoys the noise generated by leaf blowers. However, with increased education, consideration and the introduction of newer, quieter technologies, the problem of leaf blower noise can be minimized without considering a drastic, expensive and unenforceable leaf blower ban.

VS.

The number of decibels at which gas-powered leaf blowers operate according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

350-400 The average number of calories burned per hour while raking and bagging leaves.

$449 The average cost of lawn care in Toronto according to HomeStars.

30 The estimated percentage labour cost that can be saved using leaf blowers with routine maintenance.

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

TONY DIGIOVANNI

| POST |

SHELLEY CARROLL

17

NEWS

NEIGHBOURHOOD BUSINESS

An uptown speakeasy Plus a new midnight cookie joint, a famous streetwear shop and more

Plus is known for their exclusive luxury streetwear selection

A hair salon–turned-speakeasy is turning Forest Hill into the coolest area in town. Ergys Studio, at 1005 Eglinton Ave. W., has opened Ergy’s Coffee Till Cocktail, a coffee shop by day, cocktail bar by night. Located at the back of the hair studio, this funky new bar is making the most of its square footage, with three services in one. At night, the entire location, hair salon included, is transformed into a fancy cocktail-serving, fun, music-playing lounge and bar.

Well-known streetwear store Plus, an acronym for People Like Us, opened up its first downtown Toronto location this October. Known for its excellent consignment streetwear selection, including popular brands like Supreme and OffWhite, Plus is a luxury shopping alternative to second-hand shops like F as in Frank and Black Market Vintage. The company has moved into the Eaton Centre, where you can find its sleek white exterior and standout logo.

After American eyewear company See Eyewear closed down its only Canadian store in Yorkville this year, a new brand is coming in to take its place. Moscot Eyewear, a New York–based eyewear company, with shops in the U.S., Italy, France and South Korea, has smartly swept up See Eyewear’s previous location at 153 Cumberland St. and will be officially moving in by the end of the year. Moscot might be able to snatch up some of the previous resident’s customers with that move!

The former Bar Buca has been replaced by everyone’s favourite vegan joint, Fresh Restaurants. The plant-based restaurant chain, which started as a raw and cold pressed juices spot, has opened its newest location at 101 Eglinton Ave. E., right across from the chain’s original location at 90 Eglinton Ave. E. This spot will be offering the same vegan menu, including gluten-free options, remaining one of the ideal spots in the city for food-filled outings with friends with all sorts of allergies!

Upscale skin care store Aesop is making the move from Yonge and Rosedale to a new Yorkville location at 94 Cumberland St. The Australian brand has found great success in Canada so far since its arrival in 2015. Despite the somewhat pricier selection, die-hard fans of the company swear by its vegan formulas. With 25-millilitre serums that cost $73, expect to shell out a fair bit if you’re visiting the new location — but maybe it’s worth it for the neutraltoned, esthetically pleasing labels.

One of the city’s most popular late night cookie shops has opened its very first Toronto storefront in Leaside. Sharing space with Conspiracy Pizza and Churnt Up, the fastgrowing business is now located at 858 Eglinton Ave. E. as part of a new concept shop called East York Eats. For those new to the brand, Midnight Cookie serves up late night snacks from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m., Friday to Sunday, perfect for when those sweet cravings hit.

POST CITY X DIAMOND & DIAMOND

Bullying and Harassment Personal Injury Tips from Jeremy Diamond and Sandra Zisckind of Diamond & Diamond Lawyers

SANDRA ZISCKIND

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Sandra Zisckind is a lawyer who was called to the Bar in 2003 and practices in the area of Plaintiff personal injury litigation in Toronto

18

As we adjust to new normals, whether that means back to school, back to the office, or just back to the busyness of fall, Diamond & Diamond Lawyers wants to remind you that bullying is not only an issue that occurs on the schoolyard — it can be a problem in the workplace too. More often than not, bullying is seen in the form of non-stop harassment, insults, intimidation and even wrongful dismissal.

This kind of mistreatment — no matter the age or gender of the victim — can have detrimental effects that are long-lasting. To help shed light on this very serious issue about which many Canadians are unaware, leading personal injury law firm, Diamond & Diamond, is here to remind you that bullying is never OK and there are things you can do if you find yourself or someone you know being targeted. The firm’s leaders, Jeremy Diamond and Sandra Zisckind, help break down bullying and harassment personal injury: What is bullying?

Bullying can take many forms. It

might be through name-calling, where the person being bullied calls the other person names or tries to hurt them physically. Other times, bullying can occur on social media or through other methods to spread rumors or attack someone directly.

"Bullying is a major issue in our schools, communities, and workplaces. As a parent and an employer, it’s important to make sure everyone knows how to identify bullying behaviours so that we can work together to stop it” shares Sandra Zisckind.

Common Types of Bullying • Physical Bullying — This can include any inappropriate physical contact like poking, pinching, coercing, hitting or stealing belongings.

• Verbal Bullying — This form of harassment might include name-calling or making negative comments about someone's race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, etc.

• Cyber Bullying — This form of bullying consists of using the internet, social platforms, or even text messages to hurt or intimidate someone.

•Social Bullying — This can include scapegoating or excluding someone from a group for personal reasons."Bullying can take many forms. If you are the victim of bullying behaviour, speak up. We're here to listen." — Jeremy Diamond.

Personal Injury and Bullying Bullying can have long-term physical and psychological consequences for victims, perpetrators and others involved in the bullying process. No one knows this better than Diamond & Diamond lawyer, Darryl Singer, who defended a victim of racist bullying and harassment in 2019. Some studies show that victims of bullying are more likely to engage in risky behaviour, such as drug use and alcohol abuse later in life. In fact, one in five kids (aged 13 to 17) will be bullied at least once in their lifetime and more than half of them will go on to develop one or more mental health problems, such as stress disorders, depression, eating disorders or anxiety disorders, according to new research.

Take Action Now Bullying is a serious crime and perpetrators can face a fine or even jail time. If you have been on the receiving end of bullying, the time to take legal action is now. Diamond & Diamond has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying or harassment of any kind at their workplace — whether in the office or online.The firm offers multiple services for victims of harassment, including personal injury law help, employment law support, and crisis intervention. Diamond & Diamond fights for anyone who has been victimized due to their size, race, religion, sexual orientation, etc.

If you are being bullied or harassed, help is available. Speak to an expert at Diamond & Diamond anytime at 1-800-567-HURT.

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FEATURE

NEWS

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Feeding birds, even pigeons, is good for mental health

Cater your holiday meals.

Does T.O. have a pigeon problem? common and only feast on one pigeon every few days.

Pigeon populations have been a major discussion point this summer after Ward 13 Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam put forward a motion to ban bird feeding in both public and private spaces in the city. Bylaws prohibit people from feeding wildlife in a city park, though there are no further restrictions on spaces outside of parks.

The motion outlines several concerns with public bird feeding, stating that it causes an interference of enjoyment in a

“The population is just expanding.” public space, the attraction of unwanted wildlife and vermin and property damage and unsanitary conditions.

“Every single bird is going to suffer from this,” said Erika Wilson, pigeon rehabber at the Pigeon Nest, a rescue and rehabilitation organization she founded.

Although the motion only aims to control pigeon populations, Wilson said it will be hard to feed one type of bird and shoo another away. She’s already seen the repercussions and effects on other species just with the cut back in public bird feeding in anticipation of the ban. “[This motion] is not the solution,” she added.

Wilson helped start a petition fighting against the ban.

“In the wintertime, pigeons rely one hundred per cent on humans to feed them,” she said. “Because there’s no food, there’s snow, it’s cold, everything is dead, and they don’t eat berries. So they cannot live without us.”

Bird feeding has also proved to be good for mental health — as seen throughout the pandemic — and for seniors suffering from memory loss and dementia.

Preventative measures will keep pigeons from coming back.

Ismail said restricting pigeon feeding wouldn’t even cause a drastic change in the pigeon population.

For the public areas in the city, Wilson suggests artificial breeding facilities (ABFs) that are used to control dove populations in Europe.

“We don’t want to remove [the pigeons]. We want to reduce them,” says Wilson. “They’re part of our city. In the places where they’re heavily populated and there’s a problem, we can control their populations without harming the entire ecosystem and without stopping people from feeding their birds.”

Other less harmful ways of reducing population, Wilson explained, would be birth control seeds.

“We should try other solutions in reducing populations first before killing off thousands of animals with starvation and harming a lot of humans in the process. Let’s just try,” she said.

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Toronto might just match New York City’s reputation for sharing the streets with an abundance of pests — only our “pests” roam a little higher than N.Y.C.’s vermin.

Dubbed “rats with wings,” pigeons have started overpopulating the city: they waddle around Bathurst subway station, scavenge for crumbs in Queen’s Park and drop feces on just about every balcony in the city. Despite their poor reputation, it’s easy to forget they’re there because there’s so many of them.

It begs the question, does Toronto have a pigeon overpopulation problem?

According to Rui Ismail, it undoubtedly does. Ismail is the CEO of VPRS Toronto, a leading wildlife and bird control service in the city. He cites pigeon problems as accounting for 99 per cent of his business, which doubles in size each year.

“We’re starting to see them in buildings where we haven’t seen them before,” said Ismail. “The population is just expanding.”

Most of Ismail’s work comes from pigeon complaints in residential condominiums where the balconies and construction areas make for a prime nesting location. “It’s a perfect habitat for them because they’re able to enclose themselves from the bad weather and hop on the railings to see their enemies and food sources,” said Ismail.

Additionally, populations continue to grow because the few predators that pigeons have, like the peregrine falcon, are not very

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| POST |

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20

REAL ESTATE

NEWS

Why laneway home prices are on the rise The real estate market is seeing a growing trend as demand picks up

The number of homebuyers being helped by their parents financially has more than doubled in the last five years in Toronto, according to data from CIBC. In 2021, about 35 per cent of first-time homebuyers had financial help from their parents, compared to 16 per cent in 2015.

In addition, about 10 per cent of “mover uppers,” those buying subsequent property after their first purchase, have also been helped by their parents. That is compared to 7.5 per cent in 2015.

This is according to CIBC’s deputy chief economist, Benjamin Tal, who has compiled a report on the data from CIBC’s portfolios.

“This is becoming a significant force,” Tal said. “It’s not on the margin.”

Tal said that from September 2020 to September 2021, the average size of the gift from parents to first-time homebuyers was around $133,000, whereas for mover uppers it was around $200,000.

For about two-thirds of homebuyers who receive a gift, it covers essentially the whole down payment, whereas one-third also contribute their own money.

“Gifting” a down payment refers to a specific kind of transaction to work around lending protocol that would otherwise restrict a prospective homebuyer from being eligible for a mortgage. Gifted funds usually need to come from an imme-

diate family member, and the funds can’t be a loan – a donor will have to sign a letter stating the down payment is a gift and will not have to be repaid. A lender wouldn’t be willing to approve a mortgage for someone who also owes an eventual massive debt to a family member.

Tal said that gift giving to homebuyers has increased because they “simply cannot afford it, they cannot get into the market.”

The average price for all home

“It

would be the difference between getting into the market or not getting into the market.”

types in September 2021 was over $1.1 million, according to the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board — up 18.3 per cent from last year.

The second reason for the gifting is that parents are sitting on a “mountain of cash” due to spending less during the pandemic in 2020, according to Tal, but he noted that about 10 per cent of them are using credit to finance the gift.

Tal said the amount of gift giving is large enough that it likely

has an impact on real estate prices, as it keeps demand high while supply is still low in the market.

“It would be the difference between getting into the market or not getting into the market,” he said. “Without the gift … you are reducing the demand by one-third.

That’s significant.”

Tal also said that this gift giving is increasing inequality and the wealth gap, as those who receive a gift have an advantage over those who don’t. Essentially, the rich keep getting richer.

“Wealth inequality is actually widening,” he said.

Mortgage broker Darin Bauer of Mortgage Architects is not surprised at the increase in gift giving, saying that he has watched it over the last decade and it has “only gotten bigger.”

“It’s just snowballed over the years,” he said. “The parents want their kids to get property.”

Bauer explained that many parents have built a lot of equity over the years as the real estate market has gotten hot, making them more willing to gift down payments to their children.

According to government requirements, down payments must be a minimum of 20 per cent of the property value if it is over $1 million.

“It’s a perfect storm of a market,” he said. “It has just kept going up.”

—Eric Stober

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

One-third of homebuyers are getting parental financial help

| POST |

Parents ponying up to $200K to help kids

© Michael Peart

More parents are gifting an entire home down payment to their kids

Laneway homes are taking off after city guidelines have made them easier to build, and recent market sales show that these density-creating properties are in high demand.

A laneway home in Little Italy has set a new record for the area after selling for $4,985,000. The property at 24 Treford Pl. sold in August 2021 for exactly its asking price, becoming the highest selling price for a freehold, detached, single-family property in the downtown west area of Toronto, according to real estate agent Paul Johnston of Right at Home Realty, who brokered the deal.

“It’s interesting that the most expensive property in the neighbourhood was also the most unique and distinctive,” he said.

Johnston said the property’s uniqueness was a major factor in its sale. The 70-by-103-foot area has three bedrooms, four washrooms, five parking spots and a high-ceiling studio space, as well as a courtyard garden and a sauna.

Meanwhile, Toronto’s most famous laneway house, at 54 Croft St., is back on the market with an asking price more than three times its original selling price back in 2005. The $3.25 million home was a pioneer for Toronto laneway houses, when it was built in 2004, winning a Toronto Urban Design Award and Design Exchange Award in 2007.

Johnston said laneway homes are gaining popularity, and the Treford Place property is set apart from others since it is not an appendage to another property.

“There’s enormous interest in laneway properties, but the vast majority of them are much smaller, rentals and can’t be severed [from the main unit],” he said. “That makes this [property] even more special.”

Real estate agent Philip Kocev with iPro Realty said the selling price makes sense given the size of the property.

He said the property takes up about five typical houses in the area that might be for up to $1.5 million each, so a price tag near $5 million fits the bill considering what the buyer is getting.

But the Croft Street laneway home comes in at just 1,300 square feet — less than a third of the size of Treford Place, yet it’s selling for more than half the price. It seems that, even with greatly reduced square footage, laneways are picking up speed in the market.

—ES

This Little Italy home set a new area record, selling for just under $5 million

21

SOLD!

SOLD!

$

10,985,000

11,995,000

$

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Offering fantastic sunset views and expansive vistas on upper Lake Rosseau. Granite outcrops, majestic windswept pines, 805 feet of West – Northwest frontage, and 7.4 acres make this property the perfect setting to inspire all your cottage dreams. Privacy and stellar views at both the 4 bedroom cottage and the 2 storey boathouse with 650 sq ft of living accommodations. Crystal clear deep water off the dock. A tennis/sports court awaits family and friends. This unique property is one of two separately deeded parcels offering the opportunity for a family compound on one of the most beautiful parts of Lake Rosseau.

NEW LISTING

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1,995,000

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$

| POST | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

$

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LAKE MUSKOKA RETREAT: FOR ALL AGES TO ENJOY

BEAUTIFUL BEACHGROVE ISLAND COTTAGE

Get ready for the 2022 cottage season now and take advantage of this beautifully renovated family cottage offering excellent views and 220 feet of assessed gentle frontage on coveted upper Lake Muskoka. This Muskoka oasis serves up 5 bedrooms, a den & 5 baths with room for all to enjoy! Other features include: 3 Season Muskoka Room, Chef’s Kitchen, Family + Games Room, 2 Slip Boathouse, Heated in-ground pool, Sauna and Tiki Hut! Make plans for 2022 now for your friends and family!

No detail is left undone with this just renovated, must see 3 bedroom cottage on Beachgrove Island on Lake Muskoka. Offering almost 700’ of frontage in a very private 2 acre setting, the cottage is located close to the water’s edge with sunny southern exposure. The lot is gently sloping with level areas for kids to play, a sandy cove with hard packed sand and deep water at the end of the dock. New features include a custom kitchen and bathroom, hardwood flooring, a beautiful wood burning fireplace, new deck and roof plus more! Only minutes to Campbell’s Landing.

GORD WAITES TEAM Luxury Muskoka Properties

Contact: Gord Waites

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Welcome to the second safest city in the world (sort of ) T.O. was recently ranked the second safest city in the world out of 60 major hubs, but do we have a problem with homicides and auto thefts?

About Toronto’s second safest city in the world ranking

Luxury car theft on the rise, one Forest Hiller’s personal story VanNest said that areas along the 401 are mostly targeted by thieves as it provides an easy escape route.

VanNest said it typically takes thieves about seven minutes to take control of a vehicle and many are taking advantage of electronic key fob systems now to get the vehicle started. He said that thieves can get a hold of a “diagnostic tool” that car repair shops carry, plug it into a “diagnostic portal” underneath the dashboard, then override the signal from the owner’s fob to have the car then “talk” to a blank fob they possess.

He recommends preventative measures such as putting your car in a garage whenever possible; using a secondary alarm, as thieves often override the primary alarm, and also to have a secondary GPS system to track the car; and finally, using a good old-fashioned steering wheel club to “slow down” the stealing process.

“They’re going to look at that and say, ‘OK, now I don’t have a hacksaw’ … and so they might move on to another vehicle,” VanNest said. “The best step is to prevent the access to the vehicle in the first place.”

Adam himself is taking that advice — he will now exclusively park his car in the garage.

—Eric Stober

York Regional Police (YRP) made a huge stolen vehicle bust as police warn residents to take precautions with their Local residents have long known that, despite some drawbacks vehicles to avoid theft. such as the high cost of real estate, Toronto is one of the best YRP seized 28 stolen vehicles worth more than $1.5 large cities in the world. The city possesses a unique charm million and charged six people as part of an ongoing inand is home to a diverse population hailing from around the vestigation into car thefts, officials said in a statement on world. And now there is one more thing to crow about.

Oct. 14. The bust came as police said thieves are now using Toronto is also one of the safest cities in the world. more sophisticated methods to retrieve cars.

The Intelligence Unit of the Economist magazine released One Bathurst and Eglinton resident, Adam, who wished the fourth edition of its research project The Safe Cities Index not to share his last name, was the victim of a recent car 2021. The findings rank 60 cities on 76 markers based on digtheft in late September, which occurred around 4 a.m. ital, health, infrastructure, personal and environmental safety.

“The car was parked in the driveway. Two guys rolled Toronto ranks second in the world after Copenhagen. in, just walked up the driveway and had the car out The city scored 82.2 points out of 100, a close runof there in under five minutes,” he said. “They ner-up to Copenhagen’s 82.4 points. Toronto, Amunlocked it immediately, hopped in, pulled out sterdam, Melbourne and Sydney, year after year, the tracker from the trunk and were gone.” figure among the top 10.

Adam said he has heard of many thefts World cities are graded by five pillars of safety THE INCREASE IN AUTO THEFTS happening in his neighbourhood over the last — digital security, health security, infrastructure six months, including one neighbour who had IN MIDTOWN’S 53 DIVISION security and environmental security — that are detwo cars taken and another who lost the same FROM 2020 TO 2021 fined by indicators such as privacy policy, universal car twice after getting it back the first time. health-care coverage, hazard monitoring, threats to “I was really surprised,” Adam said of the theft personal safety such as military conflict or civil unrest of his Range Rover. “My wife felt much more violated and a sustainability master plan. and was sad and upset.”

York Police said that there has been an increase of thefts “There is an increasing whole-of-city approach to safety. of Toyota and Lexus SUVs over the last few years, and One thing we learned during the pandemic is that you can do thefts often occur between midnight and 6 a.m. your most effective job, by far, if everybody is involved in safety Det. Sgt. Jesse VanNest, of Toronto’s 43 Division, which — in particular grassroots community organisations,” Mayor covers just south of Highway 401 in Scarborough, said that John Tory stated in the Safe Cities Index report. car theft in the city “ebbs and flows,” though there was a Toronto placed seventh in health security with 80.0 points. surge over the summer.

The city also performed notably well in the categories infraIn July, Toronto reported 20 car thefts over five weeks, structure security and environmental security, in which the city with 15 of those happening in one week. ranked fourth and second. Toronto comes in at 14 in digital “That gives you an idea how rapid it could be,” he said. security, after Sydney, Singapore, Los Angeles and more.

At that point, VanNest decided to do a media release to —Tara Monfaredi warn the public and give advice on how to prevent a theft.

49%

Lexus SUVS are a sought-after item for car thieves

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(14 & 53 Division)

BANBURY-DON MILLS

(33 Division)

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26

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43

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251

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11

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22

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BATHURST MANOR

(32 Division)

15

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6

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BAYVIEW VILLAGE

(33 Division)

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BEDFORD PARK-NORTOWN BRIAR HILL-BELGRAVIA

(32 & 53 Division)

(13 Division)

BRIDLE PATH-SUNNYBROOK-YORK MILLS (32, 33 & 53) Stats from the TPS Open Data Portal Jan. 1 – Oct. 17 2021

CONTINUED ON NEXT SPREAD

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

CRIME STATS

AUTO THEFT

| POST |

BREAK & ENTERS

23

COVER STORY

CRIME

Toronto's organized crime expert has a warning

Yorkville shop owners on why their storefronts have become targets for vandalism

You could say Peter Edwards is so knowledgeable raphy, and there’s a very strong Ontario, B.C. and about organized crime in Canada that he could author Quebec presence,” said Edwards. “When you see most an encyclopedia on the subject matter, and he did just of the world through a screen, it’s easier to stay anonythat in 2012, teaming up with Michel Auger to pen a mous, which is very hard for the police to fight.”

In recent months, Yorkville’s Lisa Gozlan Jewellery, SoulCycle book that looked at everyone from Captain Kidd to Back in 2012, the Wolfpack Alliance made headand Kiton Toronto have all had their storefront windows Mom Boucher. lines when its members were involved in the execusmashed in acts of vandalism. Why does there seem to be an He’s also been a reporter with the crime, courts and tion-style murder of Johnny Raposo at the Sicilian emerging pattern in this Toronto neighbourhood that is home justice team at the Toronto Star for the last 30 years Sidewalk Café on College Street in Toronto. Since to some of the city’s wealthiest people and where luxury-good and has authored 16 books, then, the group has continued stores line the streets? most of them bestsellers to wreak havoc across the “It wasn’t someone who was coming to rob us,” said Ryan with a few even country as well as overseas Gozlan, co-owner of Yorkville’s Lisa Gozlan Jewelry. “He adapted for the with some members found wanted to wreak havoc.” small screen. (alive or dead) as far away as Gozlan said he believes increased vandalism in the And sure, writColumbia, Germany and community is a symptom of the pandemic. ing about Greece.

As Gozlan related, at 8:42 p.m., after the store was THE INCREASE IN TOTAL CRIME Canada’s dead“There’s a hitman in the locked up on Sept. 11, witnesses saw a man throw a IN THE YONGE & ST. CLAIR liest Mafia famiWolfpack who is just a bored large rock through the window of Lisa Gozlan JewNEIGHBOURHOOD FROM lies, Hells Angels, kid from the Toronto suburbs,” elry at Bay Street and Bloor Street West.

2020 TO 2021 gangsters and susaid Edwards. “Back in the The man was seen “running in and out of the street perspies might be a ’80s, Mafia homes were quite and knocking over Canada Post boxes,” said Lisa Gozlan. little dangerous, but modest, but now they want to “I feel like we were just in his line of fire.”

Peter takes it all with ease. live like rock stars.”

The couple described the experience as scary and inconvenient.

“Growing up in the small Although the police have “Being new to retail, this was a new experience for us,” said [250 residents] village of picked off some of the smartest Lisa. Ryan added that they have heard from friends, family and Lytton, B.C., I never thought and most dangerous members, community members that having their storefront window vanthat anyone was ever going and rivals have picked off dalized in this way was a “rite of passage into Yorkville.” to do anything all that bad to many more, Edwards believes They expect it to me and I sort of just kept that the Wolfpack is the model happen again and are that feeling,” he said. for a new generation of mobbetter prepared now Well, there was that one sters, one that ignores borders, that they have installed time a razor blade showed up is Internet driven and is very a film on the window.

Peter Edwards new book at the Toronto Star Building good with encryption.

“We’re really lucky on organized crime after Edwards had written “In the past, police would try they replaced our glass about an illegal business that and dry up their money, but in a matter of days. A cost a big mafia family a government grant. Not how do you do that today when money can be translot of people struggled frightening at all. ferred so quickly.” because it takes forever His latest offering, The Wolfpack: The Millennial On a personal level, what Edwards said what he to get your windows reMobsters Who Brought Chaos and Cartels to the Cana- would like to see come from the book is more money placed,” said Lisa. dian Underworld, which he co-authored with Mexican going into drug treatment.

Lisa and Ryan journalist, Luis Nájera, is a fascinating read about an “We wrote this book during the pandemic, and I filed a report with alliance of young gangsters who are far different than thought (rather naively) that since the borders were Toronto Police Service’s their predecessors: multi-ethnic and more educated, shut down, the drugs would just stop, and the addicts 53 Division. this tech-savvy association is impulsive and has a sense would have time to get their lives under control,” he — TM of entitlement. said. “And that just didn’t happen. These guys are too Yorkville is dealing with a spate “They connect through the Internet and not geog- good at what they do.”

—Jennifer Schembri of smashed store windows

85%

BREAK & ENTERS

CRIME STATS

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(13 & 32 Division)

FOREST HILL NORTH & SOUTH HUMEWOOD-CEDARVALE LANSING-WESTGATE

(13 & 53 Division)

(13 Division)

(32 Division)

LAWRENCE PARK NORTH & SOUTH LEASIDE-BENNINGTON

(53 & 32)

(53 Division)

Stats from the TPS Open Data Portal Jan. 1 – Oct. 17 2021

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85

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21

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COVER STORY

CRIME

Toronto’s true crime podcaster generating leads in local cold cases

Local popularity of FB Marketplace creates need for safe zones

Police units across the GTA are establishing safe zones for residents True crime podcasting continues to prove not only popto safely exchange goods when buying or selling to someone met onular, but at times effective. For instance, Toronto’s David line.

Ridgen has helmed numerous investigations for CBCThe zones have been established to curb the chance of theft or fraud TV news segments, and for the past several years, via and are monitored by surveillance cameras. Typically, the zones are set podcasting. up in the parking lots of police stations in the GTA. His latest project is the CBC podcast The Next Call.

Some participating police services include Vaughan, Peel and HalThe format has Ridgen unspool cold cases through good, ton — the latter only establishing their buy and sell exchange zone old-fashioned phone calls from one person to the late this summer. next. The first season, an investigation into the One of the first police forces to pioneer the system was 25-year-old disappearance of Ontario woman Peel Regional Police. Running at each Peel Police facility Melanie Ethier has produced numerous tips in Mississauga and Brampton, the zones are used widely to the police, including one that had the by those seeking to safely sell to people they meet online.

OPP combing through a wooded area lookAccording to Const. Akhil Mooken, the exchange THE NUMBER OF HOMICIDES ing for evidence just last month. zones are utilized by members of the community and IN YORK UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, “When COVID came along, it kind of have generally been very successful among residents in THE MOST OF ANY TORONTO offered the perfect moment to pitch the idea Peel. “It has worked tremendously for us,” he said.

NEIGHBOURHOOD [for The Next Call] because everybody was on He added that sometimes buyers and sellers can be victhe phone anyway,” said Ridgen. “I think people tims of fraud when participating in transactions from online have now become more open on the phone. So it's sales even at regular public exchange locations such as a coffee been quite successful on that front in the first season.” shop.

Although Ridgen doesn’t refer to The Next Call as true “There were some unfortunate incidents where people were victims crime, he said he understands the enduring popularity of of a crime as a result of people trying to steal their property, not pay, the genre and the benefits of social media when it comes whatever the case may be,” said Mooken. “So we set these up as a soto cold cases. But it’s a double-edged sword. lution to try and alleviate those types of issues.”

“I think that there can be benefits to social media inHe said that the vast majority volvement, that sort of citizen sleuth business and people of these sales do not usually end getting out and trying to solve cases on their own,” he exup in fraud but that the zones plained. “But sometimes it can get in the way of things provide extra safety to avoid any too. It can lead to false leads, false tips.” misconduct. But there’s one For season two of The Next Call, Ridgen will investigate crime that Const. Mooken said occurs more often than others: the buying and selling of cellphones.

He added that people are being victimized less and less as word gets around about the poAccording to Toronto Police Service (TPS), in the lice-run zones. evening hours of Oct. 21, a man suffering from gun“The police facilities always shot wounds was located in the parking lot of a plaza have police officers in them, near Highway 401 and Morningside Drive. It’s an 24/7,” he said. “We have had no area where there is a popular cinema as well as an incidents, so it’s clearly a safe LCBO store amongst other amenities. place for people to do their transSafe zones in Peel have Although TPS offices arrived on the scene and peractions.”

—Keena Alwahaidi proven successful formed life-saving measures before the victim was

5

The second season of David Ridgen’s podcast ‘The Next Call’ premieres this month

the 2002 murder of Terrie Ann Dauphinais, a Métis, 24year-old mother of three young children.

He said the rewards for his work come in a lot of unexpected places.

“I find rewards in lots of places in all the cases I’ve worked on, from the relationships with the family members to the courage that I’ve seen in people coming forward and speaking the truth that they know,” he said.

“Watching somebody who was afraid to talk immediately sort of open up and seem to see the life change happening in them as they talk to me.”

Season two of the The Next Call premieres on Nov. 9.

—Ron Johnson

Heading for a record? City records 66th homicide.

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(53 Division)

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(53 Division)

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Stats from the TPS Open Data Portal Jan. 1 – Oct. 17 2021

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

CRIME STATS

AUTO THEFT

| POST |

BREAK & ENTERS

transported to a local hospital, the victim was pronounced deceased.

Craig Macdonald, 43, was identified as the city’s 66th homicide.

TPS crime stats indicate homicides in the city of Toronto are up 10 per cent and quickly approaching the 71 murders on record in 2020 with two months left of the year.

—RJ

25

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| POST | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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Out with the new, in with the (renovated) old! Toronto’s most iconic music venues have been reopening, and everyone, from the grunge lovers to the music purists, is rejoicing. After a few soft launches of the renovated venue, El Mocambo’s grand reopening is scheduled for Oct. 30, featuring alternative rock band Our Lady Peace, where fans will be greeted by those famous neon palm trees if

lucky enough to grab one of the much-desired tickets. The Danforth Music Hall is also ready to go, with an exciting November lineup that includes Tennis on Nov. 3 and Giveon on Nov. 29. Don’t forget Lee’s Palace, which has come out fast and furious with fabulous artists since the recent reopening of the live room.

The city streets are truly alive with the sound of music!

| POST |

Music halls and juke joints strike the right reopening chord

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

© Jaden D

© Michael_Swan / Flickr

SECTION

27

NOVEMBER SHOPPING GUIDE Open Sunday - Thursday 1-10pm | Friday ay & Saturday 1-11pm

Proudly Serving

We Deliver!

Happy November at WOW WOW WOW the Winter fashions at Peppertree are AMAZING Favorites from FDJ, TRIBAL , Parkhurst, Charlie B and more …. See you soon for Best Selection of sizes

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| POST | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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FASHION NEWS

CURRENTS

Owner behind new vintage shop is building an empire

Channa Francis upcycles Raptors jerseys into swimwear, track pants and more

Turning old Raptors gear into streetwear Toronto designer is giving pre-loved sportswear a makeover Toronto-based fashion designer Channa Francis isn’t making your typical Raptors swag. Exuding effortless “cool” with thickframed, yellow-tinted aviator shades, a red cropped windbreaker and chunky gold hoops, she spoke to Post about the latest collection for her streetwear brand, Channa Karasi.

Francis started upcycling vintage Raptors jerseys back in 2019 after she was commissioned to create a custom bodysuit for Killa Kels, the resident DJ for the Toronto Raptors Jurassic Park. People loved it, and the interest sparked an idea in Francis to create a larger collection. She got to work sketching concepts, sourcing materials from Kijiji, eBay, Facebook Marketplace and local shops and grafting and sewing the pieces to create the Deconstructed Collection.

The four-piece drop included a long and short sleeve bodysuit, a skirt and track pants in sizes ranging from XS to XXXL. She also launched face masks at the beginning of the pandemic, bralettes and a swimwear capsule

collection in collaboration with plus-sized influencer and fashion designer Sasha Ruddock of Flaws of Couture. It immediately sold out.

Francis’s eye for design started young. Her earliest memory is flipping through her mom’s Victoria’s Secret catalogues, copying the designs to create pint-sized versions for her dolls. Over time she taught herself to sew and began upcycling clothes for fun, turning jeans into shorts and buying basics from the Gap she worked at in high school.

“When I was a kid, I was really into sports, but I was also really into fashion, makeup and hair. For me, streetwear for ladies allows me to blend my interests into a style that really expresses who I am. When I create a piece, I’m designing for creative, confident women who want to be comfortable but also make a statement,” says Francis.

Initially self-taught, she took some sewing classes in high school and then later pursued fashion design at George Brown College and fashion management at a private college in

by Raquel Farrington

New York City.

Francis started her brand seriously as a business back in 2013, selling unisex silk chiffon T-shirts boasting colourful prints.These styles leveraged bright colours and intricate patterns to create an atypical streetwear-inspired look that could be seen on the likes of Grammy Award–winning singer Lizzo and TV host Angela Simmons.

Her designs and personal style pull inspiration from music; culture and family, in particular late ’90s and early aughts R & B and hip hop; her Jamaican roots; and designers like Alexander Wang.

“People want a piece of old, authentic culture,” she says of the appeal of using vintage jerseys for the looks in her collection.

For those looking to cop the entire Raptors collection — you’re out of luck. The highly coveted line has sold out, but Channa does take custom commissions if there’s a piece you’re dying for.

Since its opening three years ago, Final Touch Vintage has spent almost twothirds of that time in a pandemic, but that hasn’t slowed down founder David Cho’s vision at all. The company’s new location opened at 687 Bloor St. W. only a month ago, beating out some larger corporations to the highly coveted Bloor West lease since the landlord was partial to local small business owners. Cho is planning for another store in 2022.

“I’m going to take it one store at a time, but, you know, eventually, I want to open 10 to 15 stores.”

Final Touch Vintage launched in 2018 at 1269 Bloor St. W., and the vintage clothing selection is more highly curated than other second-hand shops out there.

You likely won’t have to spend hours sorting through endless racks and piles of clothes to find the perfect pair of jeans or a unique new dress to add to your collection – and you also won’t have to spend an arm and a leg either. The shop found its footing after Cho developed a friendship with a fellow vintage seller.

Cho met Sam Kauffman, another vintage seller, while working with Kauffman at Cho’s father’s clothing store. They had worked together a few times when they realized they got along really well, not only from a business perspective, but also as friends, prompting them to open Final Touch Vintage three years ago. Kauffman departed during the pandemic, leaving Cho as the sole owner.

The store, with its bright interior and colour-coded racks, prices its clothes competitively: items range between around $15 to $40, with special deals for two items with the same colour tag. The deliberate simplicity of the store, in its design and in its curation, is exactly what Cho wanted to accomplish. Having seen both the good and bad in the industry while working with his father, he didn’t feel the need to reinvent the wheel.

—Alexa Margorian

Need a trench coat with COVID-killing style?

Nonie notes its antiviral fabric is different, as it’s woven into the fabric rather than sprayed on top. Nonie’s technology has been certified antiviral by the Centre for Disease Control and Protection and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration so far.

When asked if antiviral materials will become a mainstay in fashion design, Nonie founder Nina Kharey is hopeful: “Clothing needs to be functional. It has a role in protecting us.”

Experts have stated that COVID-19 mostly spreads through airborne respiratory droplets and rarely spreads through surfaces.

So it’s likely COVID-killing technology in clothing fabric will only do so much to stop the spread. Retailing at $790.67, the trench definitely comes at a price but may provide some stylish peace of mind for the more COVID-conscious shopper. —RF

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© Lindsay Rosset

You’ve got your masks, you’ve got your vaccine, but don’t forget … your trench coat? That’s what Canadian brand Nonie, worn by the likes of Meghan Markle, is suggesting with its new antiviral trench coat that has the potential to stop the spread of COVID19 and SARS viruses.

The fully recyclable, sustainable womenswear brand has partnered with athletic scrubs brand Folds to make patent-protected nanotechnology to fuse every fibre of the garment with silver and carbon ions. This purports to kill COVID-19 immediately, preventing it from multiplying on the fabric.

Nonie isn’t the first to bring pandemic-conscious antiviral technology into the fashion scene (Prada and Armani have used a Viroformula fabric that uses silver to kill the virus upon contact), but

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This Canadian brand’s new design claims to kill the virus on contact

This coat features antiviral tech

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FASHION PROFILE

© Bryan Whitley

The GTA’s new generation of models

CURRENTS

Mannequins no longer: the Gen Z of fashion comes with fresh looks, an impeccable sense of style and a ton of personality

Instagram modelling is changing the face of the industry

The twins suggest that being scouted on Instagram is a reflection of the future of the modelling industry as a whole, one that is leaning away from a models-as-mannequins ethos and toward a desire for models with their own personalities.

The key to Instagram scouting, too, is that prospective models can take a different and notably more accessible path into the industry.

Modelling previously would have been a realistic career path for only a select few, namely those with wealth and connections. But as

more modelling agencies are looking to social media presence and personality to scout new models, a noticeably more diverse generation of models is forming.

It’s a long overdue development in one of the most notorious industries for touting rigid beauty standards that exclude almost anyone who is not white, thin, cisgender, older and non-disabled.

“We had the supermodels of the ‘90s, and then I feel like we got to a point in the 2010s where models became like mannequins again,” Whak says. “Now we're having a resurgence of models having personality. The world wants more than people with a pretty face.”

Tré Akula, a model with Niwa Models in Toronto, says that she’s recently been able to use modelling as one of her most secure streams of income. That has come with more control over her career and where she wants to take it.

“For me, that kind of took me out of the passenger seat and put me into the driver's seat. I'm steering my own career,” she says.

Models in the past might have felt obligated to effectively be mannequins out of a desire to keep their careers moving forward. But the consequences of being seen as objects first, people second are obvious — placed in uncomfortable scenarios or facing discrimination, they would feel the pressure to keep quiet and just deal with it.

“In the past, I would go on set

and it would be a majority white people and that would make me uncomfortable thinking about how they might be expecting me to act as a model,” Akula says.

“Now, I can make the choice to step onto sets where I feel more seen; the hairstylists there will know how to lay down my edges and work with Black hair.”

Agencies are looking to recruit the cool kids with personalities

Newer models are allowing themselves to “be their own bosses,” resulting in a greater sense of self — something agencies are actively looking for.

The Nyongs say their agency is looking for something specific as they recruit new models — the cool kids.

“Right now, they’re doing a great job of getting the new cool kids in Toronto,” Mo explains.

What’s a cool kid, you ask? The Nyongs say it’s people with a real sense of style and a passion for fashion.

“Most of the newer models we know, they were fashionheads first before they even started working,” Mo says.

“We actually care about the clothes, and we’re friends with the designers. There’s more of a genuine connection than I think there was in the past,” Mo says.

Opening up the industry to “fashionheads” has also expanded the definition of a model and, crucially, has begun to include a

more diverse range of faces and bodies.

With greater creativity comes greater diversity

Akula, who moved from Vancouver to Toronto over a year ago, notes that this is a major difference she’s seen between the two cities. “There's more diversity in Toronto and there's also more people of colour in higher places,” she says. “There's still a lot of white people in powerful positions, but I find that there's at least someone holding the gate open for others of colour to come in.”

But Brittnee Blair, a plus-sized model who has been in the industry since she was as young as seven and has modelled in both Canada and the U.S., says that diversity in Toronto is limited in some ways, at least in comparison to cities like New York.

“The reason I went to the U.S. is because, to this day, there aren’t a ton of plus-sized brands that hire curvaceous models,” she explains.

“I think Canada still has that highfashion mentality, that there has to be a certain look and a certain size to a model.”

Of course, the industry as a whole has certainly come a long way from even just five or 10 years ago. This year, Aaron Rose Philip, the first Black, trans and disabled model to sign for a leading agency, made her runway debut for Moschino. Precious Lee broke barriers as the first plus-sized

model, along with Jill Kortleve and Alva Claire, to ever walk the runway for Versace in 2020. And although the examples are still few and far between, individual agencies are taking notice and attempting to diversify their rosters from the start.

Toronto-based model Mars Alexander was signed this year to one of the first dedicated nonbinary rosters in North America with B&M Models, a sign of a slowly shifting awareness of the need for gender diversity.

Alexander, who is trans and uses they/them and she/her pronouns, says they originally felt unwelcome in the industry as a young queer person who didn’t see herself in the fashion models on screen.

“But when I entered the industry, it was kind of a moment of clarity for me because it was around the time diversity was becoming a real conversation, and I thought maybe I could actually do this,” they say.

Alexander credits this new conversation to an acknowledgement of a constantly expanding definition of beauty.

“People are generally realizing that there's such a wide lens to beauty, more than just skinny, tall, cis white people in weird positions,” they say.

“As long as we keep pushing for diversity, navigating this industry won't be as difficult as it was for people as opposed to maybe three, four years ago,” Alexander says.

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If you happen upon Mokutimabasi Nyong and Uwakmfonabasi Nyong’s Instagram (also known as Whak and Mo, respectively), the first thing you’ll see is their bio: “Shifting Paradigms.”

A quick scroll through their photos will prove exactly what they mean by that. It’s their active and unconventional social media presence that got them scouted by their current agency, Next Models Canada, one of the biggest modelling agencies in Toronto.

The duo was declared Best Dressed by the Globe and Mail’s annual Best Dressed list in 2021, and a recent shoot they did with artist Jorian Charlton was featured on a massive 70-foot-tall art installation in the Financial District as part of Toronto’s ArtworxTO project.

Clockwise from left: Models Whak and Mo, Mars Alexander and Brittnee Blair

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© Trudie Lee

by Julia Mastroianni

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CURRENTS

GREAT ESCAPES

Anchor Bar is home to the original Buffalo wings

The Buff is back baby From art to food, four great spots for a gentle return to the U.S.A. The U.S./Canada land border opens in November for nonessential trips by vaccinated travellers, and for many, it can’t come soon enough. For those in search of a short trip stateside, Buffalo, New York, is an ideal destination. Shopping, the Buffalo Bills and the Cheesecake Factory aside, there are many reasons to visit our neighbour to the south.

Tour Frank Lloyd Wright’s Martin House

Internationally known as one of the most important figures in 20th-century architecture and design, Martin House in Buffalo is a prime example of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s work. Martin House highlights Wright’s ability to beautifully connect the natural world to built structures.

Martin House, designed between 1903 and 1905, offers guided group tours and selfguided tours, as well as virtual tours, architectural photography workshops and, seasonally, candlelight tours.

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Enjoy the original Buffalo wings at Anchor Bar

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Anchor Bar is home to the original Buffalo-style chicken wing. When bartender Dominic Bellissimo and his mother, Teresa, deep-fried wings and coated them with homemade hot sauce in 1964, they had no idea that they were creating a worldwide phenomenon. People have been flocking to Buffalo’s Anchor Bar ever since to devour what have

been called the “Best Wings in The World.” Since then, the secret sauce has been bottled and distributed worldwide. But nothing can top the original.

Take in world-renowned art at the Albright-Knox Art Gallery

As one of the oldest art galleries in the United States, the AlbrightKnox is known as a museum collecting, conserving and exhibiting modern and contemporary art. The museum works with artists to display unique pieces from the last 150 years.

Peruse beautiful impressionist and postimpressionist work from Degas, Renoir and Monet or take in the work of 20th-century revolutionary artists like Kahlo, Matisse and O’Keefe. Even current artists such as Tara Donovan, Cindy Sherman and Jeff Wall can be seen here.

Admire Horseshoe Falls

As Canadians, we know that Horseshoe Falls is the superior of the Niagara Falls. The best view of said waterfall, however, is from Buffalo. Enjoy the majesty of our unrivalled waterfall from the U.S. of A. NATALIE PREDDIE

Natalie Preddie is a travel and lifestyle writer, speaker and guest expert on Cityline, Your Morning and Global’s The Morning Show.

David Suzuki on the great CBD gummy scam Media literacy must combat misinformation Would you buy cannabis gummies from me? Apparently, hundreds of people would. Only trouble is, I don’t sell them, and I’m not looking for business opportunities. But recent online memes, stories and other disinformation had me selling and endorsing CBD gummies.

People see the bogus information, click through to a realistic product page, submit their personal and financial information and order the products. It appears they most often find the pitches on Facebook.

I’m saddened that anyone would spend money hoping to purchase products they thought I manufactured or recommended.

The scam is still tricking innocent people. They contact the David Suzuki Foundation daily.

This got me reflecting on how and where people receive and process information. I’ve been a science communicator for more than half a century, so I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how to get through to people. How do we ensure as many as possible have access to accurate, credible information so we can make informed decisions on issues that matter?

I’ve been fortunate to have worked many years at the CBC, and as a public broadcaster, it has helped me earn credibility as a communicator.

Today, I compare that type of

relationship — one based on accurate and fair communication of relatively diverse types of evidence and viewpoints — to what I see online, on social media, and it’s shocking. False information and scams abound, along with the worst political polarization in recent memory.

Fraud and misinformation have been around as long as we have, and perpetrators have always seized on the best available technologies to reach people. But in under 30 years, the Internet has become our main information source, and the ubiquity of social media has given rise to effective, inexpensive ways to spread information, from bad to good and everything in between.

Close to 60 per cent of the world’s population — 4.66 billion people — are active Internet users, most accessing it through mobile devices. It infiltrates and informs every aspect of our lives.

As these systems evolve and become more powerful, complex and efficient, so, too, must our collective ability to understand and use them.

As we receive more information online — from recipes to weather forecasts, product info to politics — how can we make sure it’s reliable, that we can trust it enough to make good decisions? If we’re wrong, what’s at stake? Many

people search for or are fed information that confirms their beliefs rather than that which could help them better understand an issue. And, as recent vaccine opposition reveals, much of it promotes “personal freedom” while ignoring the responsibility that goes with it.

In today’s digital society, media literacy levels must match the sophistication of mass communication methods and big tech. But this isn’t the case, and we’re seeing the consequences, from increasing polarization to revelations about how platforms like Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp foment division and conflict in the name of profit.

Environmentalists encounter the misinformation problem often. In 2021, a dwindling minority still reject the validity of climate science, despite an astounding amount of evidence proving the crisis is upon us and massive international scientific consensus regarding the urgent and necessary path forward.

How can we come together, have informed conversations and enjoy the benefits of evidencebased decision making? It’s clearer than ever that a democracy works best when people have access to accurate, credible information.

We must see our information systems — news media, social media, etc. — as the foundations of democracy that they are, and we must insist on keeping them, and the people who use them, healthy.

We should invest more public resources in ensuring our media industry is healthy, social media is properly regulated and most people are media literate enough to consume online information safely and responsibly. And we must take responsibility and get better at synthesizing information, considering various perspectives and uniting behind solutions to the world’s biggest problems.

It all begins with productive, respectful conversations based on good information. (And maybe some CBD — but not from me!)

DAVID SUZUKI

David Suzuki is the host of the CBC’s The Nature of Things and author of more than 30 books on ecology (with files from Brendan Glauser).

Thank you so much for all of your help, guidance, patience, and advice with my house hunt. You were an absolute pleasure to work with.

Go raibh mile maith agat.

— Stephen Moroney

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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David Suzuki is not, in fact, selling and endorsing CBD gummies

CURRENTS

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DAILY PLANET

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CURRENTS

LOCAL GRADUATES

Joining the ranks of Erica Ehm and Strombo Meet the VJ with 3.3 million TikTok likes who is ushering in the new era of MuchMusic

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Toronto-born Kwesi Kwarko-Fosu is living a dream he didn’t even know he had. This summer, he was added on as one of the VJs for the iconic Canadian MuchMusic network, which was relaunched back in July. As a VJ, Kwarko-Fosu will be hosting the program’s Intimate and Interactive concert series while also creating content for the network’s multiple social media platforms.

Kwarko-Fosu got the role of a lifetime through his own viral posts on TikTok. He has been on the platform since March of 2020, posting music and relatable Toronto lifestyle content. His videos have gained him 75.2 thousand followers and 3.3 million likes.

But if you had asked him while he was growing up what he wanted to be, his first answer wouldn’t have been a content creator.

“I've been creating content for years,” he says. “But it's funny because you never really think about that as content creation back

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REPORT CARD STUDENT:

Kwesi Kwarko-Fosu GRADUATED:

York Mills Collegiate Institute BEST SUBJECT:

Music WORST SUBJECT:

Biology CURRENT JOB:

MuchMusic VJ

Kwesi Kwarko-Fosu will host MuchMusic’s new socials-only platform

in the day. You're just uploading videos to YouTube but never really take it as a career because it wasn't really seen as a career until recently.”

That’s why being a VJ is different now than it was during MuchMusic’s original run from 1984 to 2011 when the network officially rebranded and dropped

the “Music” in its name. Although the content will be much like what we saw in the good ol’ days of the early 2000s, with popular segments like MuchMusic Spotlight, this time MuchMusic will be exclusive to social media platforms instead of on TV. “It’s the same exact format as it was back in the day,” Kwarko-Fosu

says, “just condensed for a new generation. There’s so much information that we consume so fast nowadays, especially for youth.

We don’t know if they’ll stay tuned in for an hour-long show.”

Kwarko-Fosu recalls growing up on the original MuchMusic network, where he particularly enjoyed episodes of RapCity battles and Video on Trial. Now that he’s creating his own content, he still can’t quite believe it.

“I never thought I would be in this position,” he says. “You watch it back in the day and think they’re so cool for doing that — and then boom.”

At the same time, while attending high school at York Mills Collegiate, Kwarko-Fosu was creating content without knowing what content creation was. He recalls making viral dance videos like the trendy Moving Like Bernie dances. In the days before TikTok, Kwarko-Fosu was making six-second clips on Vine and reacting to music videos on

by Megan Gallant YouTube. He says he got up to 24,000 subscribers before his account was shut down.

Even while attending the University of Toronto, KwarkoFosu organized and planned a school-wide production of the Harlem Shake dance for a YouTube video.

He says he’s excited to get out and work in the studios once the pandemic restrictions lift.

“We’re only at 10 per cent of our potential right now because we’re working from home. So once we’re able to get real access, we’re going to get crazy videos and crazy interviews. I’m excited. I’m just very excited.”

Kwarko-Fosu will be hosting the Intimate and Interactive concert series, a 30-year-old program, which will include a lineup of performances from iconic Canadian artists. The show will be featured on MuchMusic’s TikTok account, which has become the number 2 most followed Canadian brand on the platform.

HOW THEY MET

CURRENTS

Laguna de Bacalar in Mexico. He gave me a beautiful Mexican fire opal ring. The second was at Ek Balam, an ancient Mayan archeological site. This time we were both there, and it was a beautiful place and moment.

That is part of the reason we decided to call our brand Balam.

Serving our community since 2010

The cats

Julio Guajardo and Kate Chomyshyn just opened their fifth Toronto restaurant

Meet Toronto’s culinary power couple The duo behind the new Fonda Balam talk the first date and working together under pressure In the Toronto food scene, Kate Chomyshyn and Julio Guajardo are pretty much royalty. They’ve been behind some of the best Mexican restaurants the city has seen, including Quetzal, Rosalinda, pop-up Birria Balam and their new permanent location, Fonda Balam, in partnership with Matty Matheson. We spoke to the pair about how they met and the joys and challenges of working together so closely.

How they met

We met at cooking school in Ottawa, Le Cordon Bleu, in 2004. He was talking to one of my friends, so I went over to chat and introduce myself because I thought he was handsome. As I walked away they started speaking Spanish, and I realized Julio was Mexican. I remember that moment very clearly. I had no idea that this handsome man would change my life or how much Mexican culture would enrich my life.

The first date

One night we were at a party at a

small club and we danced together all night. Julio is a very good dancer (I am not). As we were leaving, he asked me to go home with him in Spanish (sorry, not very romantic!) and we have never really left each other’s side since then. We were really young,

“I had no idea that this handsome man would change my life.”

19 and 21 years old, and we moved in together really quickly!

When cooking school was over, we moved to Montreal and cooked there for 12 years before coming to Toronto to open restaurants.

The proposal

Julio has actually proposed twice and we aren't officially married! I said yes both times, obviously, and one day we'll throw a big party to celebrate our love! The first was a video he made for me at La

Working together

I think a big part of our success in our industry is that we are both competitive perfectionists and we have always pushed each other to be better. We started our first company, a small paleta (Mexican popsicle) company called LA CaTRINA out of our apartment while both working 60-hour-a-week cook jobs out of our need to express our creativity.

That need brought us all the way to Toronto and now to opening Fonda Balam. I don't think either of us would have made it here without the support of the other.

We really balance each other in the kitchen. Julio is very organized, clean and meticulous, while I'm a little more hectic and love building flavour and technique into food and sourcing great products. Together we come up with all of our menus and are each other’s harshest critics. Since that paleta company, our shared goal of representing Mexican culture in Canada has been at the core of everything we do.

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Balancing career and marriage

It’s a loaded thing to think about three weeks into opening a new restaurant. Balance is a hard thing for all chefs, but when you share all your projects, it's definitely hard to take any time off. I would say it's not easy, and the fact that we have just opened our fifth restaurant in Toronto together and are still best friends is a testament to how much we like each other. There are definitely tough moments, but in the end we just try to focus on our shared goals.

TORONTO’S LEADING

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No kids, just two cats named Tepeztate and Tobala (after wild agaves used to produce Mezcal).

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POST CITY X TWO SISTERS VINEYARDS

This Canadian winery is inviting wine lovers to ‘Open Up’ with a bottle of wine and card game to inspire meaningful conversation

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Sisters Angela and Melissa, coproprietors of Two Sisters Vineyards in Niagara, founded their premium winery on the principle of bringing people together. As mothers & wives who work with their family (both literally and metaphorically - they work alongside their relatives, and their small, close-knit staff have become kin in their own right), the sisters’ approach to wine is unlike any other premium winery: the bottle is as much about the people you’re drinking it with as it is about what’s inside.

As a predominantly COVID-safe option for those eager to resume their pre-pandemic activities, winery tours saw increased foot traffic over the summer season and have given Ontario’s wine regions a welcome boost in tourism. Two Sisters Vineyards in Niagara-on-the-Lake has gained popularity as a premium offering in the area with a beautiful, Italian-inspired backdrop and a wealth of outdoor terraces and patios sprinkled

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throughout, making it the perfect place to enjoy award-winning wines and superior culinary experiences.

online as a gift with purchase while quantities last at twosistersvineyards.com/openup using code TSVOpenUp.

Two Sisters Vineyards introduces ‘Open Up’, the first card game designed to enhance the wine drinking experience After a year and half in isolation, many Canadians have reported experiencing anxiety over a return to 'normal life' and reconnecting with others. As experts in the art of bringing people together, Two Sisters used the pandemic as a time to regroup and reflect on what they truly want wine lovers to experience when they uncork a bottle - opening up in an entirely new way. The Open Up card game encourages wine drinkers to create meaningful conversations, where reconnection is the name of the game, to open up to each other.

Without giving too much away, this game is perfect for your next night in with friends and family.

The card game is now available

Plan a visit to the winery If you are planning a trip to the Niagara region, the vineyard is a must-visit. Whether it’s an elaborate wedding set against a gorgeous vineyard backdrop, an intimate family dinner to celebrate a milestone anniversary, a customized corporate dinner or simply a Wednesday evening where friends are coming together to catch up, the sisters prioritize a premium experience for guests. A variety of tasting options are available throughout the vineyard. This fall they are also launching an exciting masterclass series, including one with Canada's premier cheese expert Afrim Pristine on November 20, tickets available online at twosistersvineyards.com/events.

To receive updates from the vineyard and invitations to all exciting upcoming events, be sure to sign

up for the Two Sisters newsletter.

Enjoy Two Sisters Vineyards wine from the comfort of your home For the committed wine drinkers, Two Sisters Vineyards offers a twotiered wine club service - VIP Club and Cellar240 - that gives you a mixed, six or twelve-bottle case per quarter along with exclusive privileges including complimentary tastings, special pricing on winery tours and events, unique opportunities to receive special releases and winemaker blends, and invitations to Wine Club exclusive events. For those who prefer to stay true to their favourite varietals and blends, Two Sisters also offers monthly subscriptions by which wine lovers can receive three bottles of premium rosé, red or white shipped to their door every month.

Whether you choose to enjoy the vineyard in person or sip Unoaked Chardonnay with your family and friends at home, opening up with a bottle of Two Sisters is this fall’s can’t-miss experience.

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THE BIG TICKETS

CURRENTS

FALL FILM FESTIVALS FOR MOVIE BUFFS Toronto Silent Film Festival Founded in 2009, the Toronto Silent Film Festival returns to Revue Cinema, showcasing adored and acclaimed silent films.

Unlike previous years, where the festival ran from Friday to Monday, the event will comprise three minifestivals over three weekends in November, December, and January. The six screenings will be accompanied by live music in the cinema. On Nov. 6, the festival will showcase 1000 Laffs Comedy Shorts, featuring the works of Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. On Sunday, Nov. 7, the festival will be screening Moulin Rouge (1928 UK).

L-R: Picasso’s ‘The Blue Room,’ one of many works on display at the AGO’s new Picasso: Painting the Blue Period; Gordon Lightfoot will reopen Massey Hall

From masterful artists and Massey Hall moments to immersive experiences Six of the best shows to check out in Toronto this month Picasso is a fascinating figure, and the Art Gallery of Ontario has created an enjoyable and immersive deep dive into an important period in his life. Picasso: Painting the Blue Period runs until Jan. 16, 2022.

2. Gordon Lightfoot

More than three years ago, the venerable Massey Hall shut down for a massive renovation that happened to coincide with a global pandemic. Now, the grand old dame of Shuter Street is set to reopen this month with a series of concerts featuring the same artist that played the last shows before it closed — Gordon Lightfoot. The iconic folk musician returns to the Massey Stage for three shows Nov. 25–27.

3. No Change in the Weather

The first fully staged musical since the start of the pandemic to hit the CAA Theatre in downtown Toronto is No Change in the Weather: A Newfoundland Musical. The Terra Bruce Productions hit show unwinds the tale billed as the “personal and political shenanigans of Canada’s youngest province.” The Canadians cast includes a slew of seasoned East Coast artists. No Change in the Weather runs from Nov. 19 to 27 in a limited run of 10 performances, so get your tickets now.

4. Klimt Immersive

The immersive and large-scale arts thing continues this month with the opening of

Immersive Klimt: Revolution. Produced by the team behind Immersive Van Gogh, the show follows Klimt’s evolution as an artist, showcasing everything from a series of handdrawn sketches to his best-known works such as The Kiss and Tree of Life. Immersive Klimt: Revolution will be on display at the Lighthouse Immersive Art Space at 1 Yonge St. until Nov. 28.

5. Draw Me Close

Toronto’s Soulpepper Theatre Company and the National Film Board of Canada (NFB) are presenting the Canadian premiere of Draw Me Close, a critically acclaimed immersive experience by award-winning playwright and filmmaker Jordan Tannahill. Draw Me Close will be the first opportunity for audiences to return to Soulpepper’s theatre since the industry shut down. The show runs from Nov. 2 to Dec. 12.

Sci-Fi Film Festival The Great Canadian Sci-Fi Film Festival is part of a series that runs at the Royal Cinema on College St. Watch their self-proclaimed “out of this world” short films and take photos on the red carpet on Nov. 5.

Toronto Irish Film Festival This festival, which celebrates Irish cinema in Canada, is holding a pop-up event at Bell TIFF Lightbox on Nov. 20. Details will be announced soon.

6. The Spectator’s Odyssey

T.O. Live and DopoLavoro Teatrale present The Spectators’ Odyssey, billed as an immersive, contemporary multimedia theatrical experience inspired by Homer’s Odyssey and Dante’s Inferno. Two shows take the audience behind the scenes of two of Toronto’s most iconic buildings: backstage at the St. Lawrence Centre for the Arts and through neighbouring streets to after-hours St. Lawrence Market.

Audiences can choose one adventure or do both in one night. It runs Nov. 2 to 14.

Image above left: Pablo Picasso, The Blue Room, 1901, Oil on canvas, 50.5 x 61.6 cm. The Phillips Collection, Washington, DC. Acquired 1927 © The Estate of Pablo Picasso / SOCAN (2021)

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As far as exhibitions go, Picasso: Painting the Blue Period is a very big deal. The AGO's hotly anticipated new show is open now to gallery members and will open to the general public on Oct. 26.

Picasso: Painting the Blue Period has more than 100 objects from 15 countries and is coorganized by the AGO and the Phillips Collection, Washington, D.C., with the support of the Musée national Picasso-Paris.

Picasso is, without dispute, one of the most influential artists of the 20th century and is well-known for his founding of the cubist movement. This exhibition takes a look at the early works of the master concentrating on his Blue Period, in the very early 20th century from 1901 to 1904 as the artist was just starting out and developing his characteristic style.

The show begins with two rooms dedicated to Picasso's early works: Becoming a Modern Artist and Depicting the Nude, both with works from 1901. The signature work in the first segment of the exhibition is The Blue Room.

The exhibition kicks it up a notch over the next few rooms when the significant works of the Blue Period come to bear, including pieces such as Woman in Blue Shawl (1902), Two Women at a Bar (1902), Barcelona Rooftops and La Soupe, all from 1902. The final rooms show Picasso's progression as an artist and his burgeoning interest in issues related to the plight of humanity.

Reel Asian Film Festival’s ‘Excuse Me, Miss, Miss, Miss’

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1. Picasso: Painting the Blue Period

Reel Asian Film Festival The 25th Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival takes place Nov. 10-19. The opening night presentation is an in-person screening of Islands on Nov. 10 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema. Head down early for pre-screening music provided

by Ricky Tillo at 7 p.m. For the full lineup, check the festival site at Reelasian.com.

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KIDS

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Point out specific dangers and ask questions instead of lecturing

Turning kids into their own risk managers Let’s remove the useless phrase, Be careful!, and let kids learn by experience

Due to Covid we are presently not holding open houses.

We welcome you to book a private tour.

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Please call the school

38

Celebrating 42 years

If I had a toonie for every time I said, “Be careful!” to my kids, it could add up to a long weekend in Paris. And I haven’t stopped.

With two adult offspring who both have their own kids and have so far neither set fires nor crashed cars, I still harass them to be careful.

Do they listen?

Never.

Did they ever listen to that?

Never.

And yet I persist. Let’s name that for what it is: Parental anxiety. From the moment our kids are born, we worry for their safety. And speak to them based on that worry. Not based on what they might be able to actually hear, take in and act on. We know that starting soon after the terrible twos, kids tend toward self-determination and autonomy. Which are both fancy words for not wanting to do what their parents tell them.

How, then, can we be heard by our kids when we fear for their safety? First off, let’s expunge

those two words from our kid lexicon. No more, “Be careful.”

Because it’s too general, lacking specifics, and to them it sounds like: “I don’t trust you to make good decisions.” Because there’s no other info coming with that injunction. It would be far more useful to say, “Please don’t jump off the roof! You could get really hurt.” At least that’s specific.

But as a parental instruction, it doesn’t go far enough into the territory where kids will be able to learn from it. If, before we instruct our kids, we stop and think about how kids learn best, we might strive for a more respectful way of warning them about dangers. Like asking questions: how we would say it to a peer. In my experience, that language lands better with kids.

And helps them think. An important goal.

For example, if a small child is running fast on the sidewalk, and you fear they may run onto the street into the path of cars, instead of “Be careful,” what

happens if you say, “Can we talk a second? I notice you’re running really fast and I’m worried if you ran on the road, a car might come and hit you. What do you think about that?”

Or let’s say when snow happens your child wants to toboggan down a hill that you think is too steep or has a fence to bang into? Let’s think longer term than today. How about growing a child who is a semiprofessional risk manager? As in: you teach them to assess their own risk and make appropriate decisions.

On the tobogganing hill, this parenting pedagogy sounds like: “Do you feel safe going down this hill? How about that fence down there? Do you think you can stop before it?”

Then close your mouth. Zip it.

In my experience as a mother, grandmother and camp director, this is the hardest thing to do. I love to lecture. Because I desperately want to keep them safe — all of them — by telling them what experience has taught me. But over and over, I am reminded by their behaviour that most humans have to learn the hard way — by experience.

It seems to help them learn when we introduce them to the idea of risk, and of consent, by gently pointing out specific dangers and asking questions.

Let’s say they’re playing with hockey sticks. You could say, “That hockey stick is pretty long.

Do you have enough room to swing it without hitting anyone?”

Or they’re playing a little rough: “Are you still having fun, or is this a little too rough? If it feels too rough, make sure you tell the other kids.”

It’s ironic that the hardest thing to do in so many of these parenting situations is to use our own impulse control and struggle to say less. Ironic why? Because the very thing we’re trying to teach our kids is to stop and think before they act. So it’s just another parenting opportunity to practise that old adage: Monkey see, monkey do.

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.

GEAR

KIDS

CHILDREN’S GEAR THAT’S KNITTED HERE Check out these knitwear options to keep your kids warm, cosy and stylish this winter, all designed and handmade with love here in Ontario

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Winding a long scarf around a restless kid can be a pain, and these knit neck warmers take all the stress out of bundling up — plus the patterns are extra fun!

These perfectly perky pom-pom toques come in a variety of sizes and styles, including these beautifully woven patterns.

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Made for your littlest of little ones, this hat and mitten set is the perfect gift for any new parent families in your life.

Seamless on the inside, made of baby-friendly yarn and just so darn cute, this set can’t be beat!

SOCKS WITH STYLE Muttonhead store.com, $22

These red and black socks are made of merino wool, nylon and lycra to perfectly stretch to your growing kids’ feet and keep them toasty whether they’re going for a walk or bundling up on the ice rink.

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These precious boots for newborns are hand crocheted, unbelievably warm and feature 100 per cent Peruvian wool and genuine leather soles.

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There are many potential health risks that lurk in a wet basement. The goals of Royal Waterproofing are to stop the water-flow into your home, eliminate mold, mildew and possible allergy triggers and repair and prevent further damage to your home's foundation, resulting in a dry basement. Whether the water seepage is due to deterioration of existing materials, blockage of foundation drains, breakage, clogging or lack of weeping tiles or cracking caused by thermal contraction and natural shrinkage, we tackle the problem where it begins - outside your home. Lifetime guarantee! Family owned since 1985.

| POST |

IS YOUR BASEMENT WET?

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FOOD

On Oct. 21, Sunny's Chinese opened a sister restaurant serving similar fare, Mimi Chinese, which is located at 265 Davenport Rd. in Toronto’s vibrant Yorkville neighbourhood. Mimi Chinese brings a high-end service style while still embodying the fun and playful energy we all know and love from its sister restaurant, Sunny’s Chinese. The plush red velvet booths evoke memories of one

of the first big restaurants in Chinatown, Lichee Garden, which came on scene in 1948 and closed in 2009. Large sharing plates dominate the menu, and all of the dishes can be expertly paired with wine, sake, and signature cocktails. Mimi Chinese’s restaurant concept and menu places emphasis on the southern regions of China, particularly Guangdong, Sichuan, and Hunan.

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Memories of Lichee Garden at Mimi Chinese

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All photos © Gabriel Li / MIMI Chinese

SECTION

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POST CITY X CAREGIVER SERVICES

How Family Dynamics Affect Caregiving We all have unique family dynamics. When one of our loved ones needs a caregiver, and multiple family members are involved in the process, these unique dynamics can make managing care dayto-day very challenging.

Every care situation is unique as well, and there is rarely a perfect care solution. Families are making decisions between imperfect options which always include trade-offs: do they need 24-hour awake or live-in care; overnight, full daytime care or just a visit for the afternoons? Would a facility be better than home given the care needs? How hard do you push if your relative resists care but really needs it? How many trips to the hospital after a fall before you insist they have home care?

In many cases, Power of Attorney for Property and Personal Care are with different family members which means one decides on care and another decides whether to pay for it or not. This can be challenging to manage.

Another, often more serious complication, is that one or more of the family members helping may have cognitive, emotional or physical difficulties as well, which

can have significant impact on managing care needs.

Needing care also brings forward financial concerns: how to share responsibilities among family members, disagreements on what is best for the person needing care, and different perspectives on whether the caregivers are a good “fit”.

As a hands-on owner of a caregiving business, helping to manage family dynamics is critical to what we do, particularly when care is starting or when there are crises that must be dealt with.

One of the key benefits of working with an owner operated firm is that the owner is fully involved in managing the care as well as finding ways to work productively with all family members. There is no answering service. There is the owner and his key staff who can be reached 24/7.

There are a number of things you can do, however, to reduce the risk that family dynamics complicate the care plan.

Talk with your care provider about the types of decisions that are typically needed throughout the caregiving process so the family can discuss them up front.

Waiting until the next crisis means making decisions under pressure

which few of us respond well to.

• Is the home they live in appropriate for the future if mobility or cognitive issues become serious. If not, what are their wishes and are they affordable?

• If care is needed 24/7, can the family provide some of that care or is the expectation to hire professional caregivers and how will it be paid for?

• How will supplies, food and household needs be managed?

Discuss with your loved one what their wishes are for care, treatment and related financial issues so that when the time comes, and they may not be able to share their wishes, you and your family only need to agree on what your loved one wants, not what each other thinks is best.

Make clear who the POAs are and what process will be used to make decisions that affect care and finances if there are disagreements between family members.

Make sure there is a Living Will and a decision on a Do Not Resuscitate order.

Given any physical, cognitive, emotional or time limitations that

family members may have, agree upfront who is involved in what parts of the care process.

Develop a daily care journal to track how each day is going, to learn about your loved one’s needs and to have an objective record of what actually goes on when family isn’t around. Clients receiving care often behave differently when they are alone or with a caregiver than they do when they are with family.

Providing care for a loved one is a serious undertaking with very unique needs for each situation.

Making sure you ask the right questions now and have a plan in place with your family can help ease the transition to care for your loved ones and help manage any challenging family dynamics.

Owner/Operator of Caregiver Services Ltd.

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TASTE TEST

FOOD

DYNAMIC DIWALI DUO To celebrate the start of Diwali on Nov. 4, chef and author Joshna Maharaj samples several bowls of butter chicken, while ET Canada weekend host Sangita Patel tastes some of the city’s best vegetable samosas.

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“The dried fenugreek leaves give this a distinct, speckled look. The magic is in the gravy. This is the most homestyle-tasting one.”

“The chicken is perfectly tender with a good, solid marination. The entire dish is harmonious.”

“You can taste the melted down onion, garlic and ginger.

This is a very good butter chicken that’s thick enough to dip naan into.”

“That creamy, reddy-pink colour we know and love in tandoori food is here. The sauce is great, with lots of flavour.”

“There’s a lot of sweetness in this butter chicken, with big chunks of meat.

I like the generosity of this dish.”

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“These samosas take me back to the way my mom used to make it! You can smell the cumin in these right away.”

“These have a balanced mix of vegetables and a little ‘kick,’ which I love. The pastry is softer with a subtle flavour.”

“These were the smallest of the samosas with a much thicker pastry. They had less filling, but they’re still very tasty.”

“There were such big portions for these, it was practically a meal! They creatively put the chutney on the samosa, so you don’t need to dip them.”

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WINNER

| POST |

“The filling for these samosas seemed to focus on cubed potatoes and not the conventional smashed vegetables.

They have a mild flavour.”

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Dollar Sales

FOOD © Jenna Marie Wakani

PROFILE

Drinks with T.O.’s most influential restaurateur Jen Agg thinks the restaurant scene is going through a changing of the guard, how she’s coping and where we’re headed

by Ben Kaplan

leaving the business. The bad behavior in the industry, most recently exemplified in the Buca empire — where bad pay, brutal hours and demeaning bosses were tolerated, if not exalted, for years — has cast a dark spell over the once-glamorous profession. In addition, the recent bankruptcy filings of major multimilliondollar corporations, like the McEwan Group, show that restaurants aren’t really doing that well.

“Turns out, they’re not that good businessmen. Maybe that’s the problem. Maybe the finance bros made some bad bets,” says Agg, who uses the term “bro,” dismissively, to describe the abusive culture and people she’s been rallying against for years.

“If a company is $46 million in debt, maybe they’re not that good at this, but the fact that they could blatantly get away with it for so long is proof of what we value culturally and the kind of people we’re willing to support and lift up. For a long time, it was white dudes — especially in this industry.”

The industry is no doubt going through changes, and this is both a response to COVID-19 and a changing of the guard.

Popularized by Anthony

Bourdain, who loved Agg’s restaurant and whom Agg loved — she can recite his writings by heart — the rock star chef created a new food culture. Agg benefited, as did Bourdain, but the imitators dragged restaurants down and brought with it — or made more pronounced — a toxic stench. Agg knows that culture shifts. Perhaps restaurants were always due for a comeuppance.

“How the art world dominated pop culture in the ’80s happened

she says, to prophesize what’s next, she believes that neighbourhood spots are in danger.

“Fine dining is busier than ever.

Grey Gardens is packed every single night, and rich people are still rich, maybe even richer, but it’s the smaller restaurants that are in trouble,” she says, citing the local pub or great Ethiopian place as smaller businesses who might miss out on the new dining trend.

“I’m really worried about the

“If one person quits at any of our restaurants, we’re so close to the precipice that everything would fall apart.” with restaurants in the early 2000s,” explains Agg, “but there was always going to be a time when people were rolling their eyes at chefs they used to think were cool. I’m rolling my eyes and have been for a long time.”

Heading into the holiday season in unprecedented times, Agg thinks the big dining trend will be luxe. She says her average bills per table are going up — “People are balling out on wine” — and although it brings her no pleasure,

casual restaurants, but I’m not worried about the chains — they’ll be fine, a few of those links will always stay floating around.”

Trends that Agg sees floating around in the Toronto dining ether are sweetbreads and less of an emphasis on vegetables. As she once made charcuterie ubiquitous in Toronto, she now says that overall food programs have evolved.

“Vegetables were ignored for a long time and then vegetarian

food was cool and good for the planet and everyone’s serving plates of vegetables, which is wonderful, but it was a trend vibe and I feel like that’s waning,” she says. “This decade, we’re moving away from that and, sadly, I think luxury and opulence are the next big thing.”

As big things come and go, Agg remains dedicated to her passion, despite bad actors, for restaurants and food. Later this evening, she’s going to Scaramouche, Keith Froggett’s fine dining restaurant that she used to enjoy with her parents and where she hosted a reception after losing her mom.

Restaurants still mean everything to her. She goes to Foxley and Imanishi, often by herself, and she sees opening places as her lifeblood.

“I don’t have active plans to open another restaurant, but I always want to open another restaurant,” she says, with a laugh.

Next up for Agg could be another book, another restaurant or shepherding in the next great food star, trend or pop culture moment. But she’s not changing her approach.

“Are there any other patios you could recommend?” the man in front of Vendetta asks her. “No,” she says, “Only this one.”

| POST |

Jen Agg sits on the patio outside her Bar Vendetta and, when a guy walks by asking her if the food here is any good, she says, “It’s OK. I think there’s a few good things on the menu.”

What Agg doesn’t do — what she never does — is pander, not to the press, not to her colleagues and not to potential customers. Agg is arguably the most influential, and most famous restaurateur in Toronto. Author of I Hear She’s a Real Bitch, Agg launched the Black Hoof in 2008 and has since launched Rhum Corner, Cocktail Bar and Grey Gardens. Along the way, she helped make Grant van Gameren, her original chef, into a star.

Today, sitting out on her patio over a glass of wine, Agg says the restaurant scene in Toronto is in dire straits.

“There’s no shortage of people who want to dine in restaurants right now, but there’s a huge staffing problem,” she says, mentioning the roughly 180,000 people in Canada who’ve left the restaurant industry since the start of the pandemic in March 2020.

“If one person quits at any of our restaurants, we’re so close to the precipice that everything would fall apart.”

There are reasons why folks are

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Clockwise from left: Bar Vendetta in before COVID times; Jen Agg says staffing is such an issue that her restaurants are one resignation away from serious trouble; Bar Vendetta’s spaghetti pomodoro

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RESTAURANT DELIVERY GUIDE

www.holychuckburgers.com

www.karbouzi.com

www.cestbonrestaurant.com

1450 YONGE STREET • 416 962 4825

2048 AVENUE ROAD • 416 483 3846

2685 YONGE STREET • 416 932 2811

OPEN FOR PICK- UP, TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

OPEN FOR TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

OPEN FOR TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

Holy Chuck burger

SPECIALTY BURGERS The Holy Chuck (our signature): Double cheesburger with bacon & carmelized onions Please don’t put on any toppings!

NEW The Holy Cluck: House-breaded crispy chicken thigh, lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo NEW The Big Yianni: Maple smoked bacon, cheese, panko crusted onion rings, chipotle mayo NEW The Wagyu Weiner: 7” of gluten free wagyu beef, warm bun, your choice of toppings

MENU HIGHLIGHTS House Pan Fried Dumplings

Appetizers: Pork, Chicken, Lamb or Beef Souvlaki Stick Spanokopita, Shrimp, Pita Bread Fried Calamari, Dolmades, Greek Salad Tzatziki, Hummus, Taramosalata Entrees: Pork, Chicken, Lamb or Beef Souvlaki Dinnerserved with rice, roast potatoes and tzatziki Moussaka - potato, eggplant, zucchini, ground beef topped with béchamel sauce and served with rice and vegetables

BBQ Pork Spare Ribs Crispy Ginger Beef Spicy Peanut Chicken General Tsao's Chicken Basil Chicken House Mix Vegetable House Chili Prawn

Gyros on a Pita topped with marinated tomatoes, onions and tzatziki

Seafood Cantonese Chow Mein

FRIES & POUTINES

Check out our full menu on-line!

Also Wide Selection of Vegetarian and Tofu Dishes

Plus shakes, desserts, extras and add-ons Vegan and vegetarian burgers available.

Menu is 100% Certified Halal. New Menu Coming Soon!

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TRADITIONAL GREEK DELICACIES

Pictured: Black Bean Basil Chinese Eggplant

The Holy Duck: A single beef patty topped with seared Quebec foie gras, double smoked bacon, white truffle oil, pure Canadian maple syrup

Hand Cut Crispy Fries | Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Creamy Feta Fries | Panko Crusted Onion Rings NEW Waffle Fries

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Pictured: Pork Souvlaki

Our location at 1450 Yonge Street is now open for Pick-Up, Take-Out & Online Delivery. Holy Chuck would like to thank all of our loyal customers for their support over the past few months. All of our locations are taking additional safety measures to ensure the safety of all of our customers and employees.

There is no need to travel to Greece for the authentic cuisine, simply go online to www.karbouzi.com.

A Toronto restaurant tradition for over 50 years, Karbouzi Greek Taverna has become a staple on Avenue Road known for the warm atmosphere, the friendly service, and of course, the delicious home cooking! Karbouzi boasts a menu filled with traditional Greek delicacies from Souvlaki to Moussaka to flaming Saganaki.

And don’t forget to try our much loved Tzaziki!

Special Fried Rice

C’est Bon would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support during this period.

All our staff are taking additional safety measures to ensure the safety of both staff and all of our customers.

Order Direct Online

www.cestbonrestaurant.com or call 416-932-2811

or Call Us Direct for Pick-Up & Take Out

Call direct or order online at www.karbouzi.com

FEATURE

2

1

FOOD

3

4

MEATBALLS ARE HAVING A MOMENT The city’s chefs are reinventing meatballs and the public can’t get enough.

Check out our guide to four fab creations.

2

MEATBALL FRITES

THE BIG BALL

Open since the summer of 2020, Street Kitchen by Basil Box has been bringing yummy Thai-inspired eats to the streets of Toronto. The Thai beef meatballs (a blend of beef and cheese) are no exception, and can be loaded onto a plate of fries with your choice of sweet chili mayo or yuzu mayo, then loaded with pickled veggies, crispy shallots, super seeds and fresh herbs. If french fries aren’t your thing, you can order the same Thai beef meatballs with all the fixings as a bao bun for $11.45. Each order comes with two baos. $8.95, streetkitchenbybasilbox.com 5607 Yonge St.

Scaddabush’s Straight Up Meatball is just that — one big, saucy meatball served in a simmering red tomato sauce and basil oil and topped with fresh mozzarella, shaved Grana Padano and fresh basil. If you’re not too full from this signature dish, mop up the leftover sauce with the included focaccia crostini. Get it as a starter to share with your table, or have it all to yourself as a main. Another option is to add it to an order of any one of Scaddabush’s fresh pastas, like the San Marzano Spaghetti, which can be ordered as a regular portion ($18.87) or a social portion ($35.95). $15.23, scaddabush.com 200 Front St. W., Unit G001

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SWEDISH SAMMIE

MEATBALL ’ZA

European snacks are all the rage at the Alpine, located in the Junction neighbourhood. So it goes without saying that the meatball sandwich isn’t anything like your regular meatball sub. The Alpine's Swedish meatball sandwich ditches the rules for the classic Italian meatball version, instead using a mix of pork and beef meatballs, melted Gruyere cheese and sour cream gravy. This sandwich is definitely a two-hander and comes served on a freshly baked pretzel bun that’s slathered in cranberry spread and served with your choice of fries, green salad or a heaping portion of potato salad. $20, thealpine.ca 2872 Dundas St. W.

It’s not uncommon to find spaghetti and meatballs in Little Italy. Seeing a meatball lasagna is slightly less common, but a meatball pizza is almost too good to be true! At Ferro Bar Café in Little Italy, the restaurant’s meatball bianco pizza swaps a traditional red tomato sauce for bianco sauce and is done with creamy fior di latte mozzarella, slow-cooked braised veal meatballs, pickled jalapeno and diced white onions. Available in one size only, you can also substitute the bianco sauce for a spicy diavolo sauce or add vegan mozzarella for an additional charge. $18.95, ferrobarcafe.ca 769 St. Clair Ave. W.

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Sharing plates a plenty at the Wood Owl

The Wood Owl might be the city’s cosiest new wine bar It’s run by owners of sister resto, The Wren

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A new wine bar has made its way to Owl has an impressive wine list Toronto’s east end. that includes international white The Wood Owl is the latest next and red wines from Italy, France, door venture from the same team Spain, Austria and Germany. behind Danforth favourite the Orange wine, sparkling wines and Wren. The cosy interior of the new rose wines by the glass and bottle spot has a retro feel to it, thanks to are also available, as are three the wood-panelled walls signature cocktails: The Girona reminiscent of the 1970s. There’s Spritz ($16, grapefruit, sweet also burgundy velvet patterned vermouth, simple syrup and cava), wallpaper. A series of tan-coloured the Negroni Bianco ($14, gin, leather bar stools are stationed at lilliet, Veccio Amara del Capo); and the bar, which is also done in wood the Adonis ($14, Oloroso sherry, panelling. Colourful glass lamps sweet vermouth, orange bitters). that are suspended from brass There’s also a rotating selection chains cast a warm glow in of draught beer from Ontario the evenings, and, true to breweries that can be the restaurant’s name, found posted on the ON THE MENU brass owl lamps have mirror board.

Light bites, nestled their way into “These lists will also charcuterie boards, the decor. constantly be in flux. sharing plates and All of the food on But here’s where we’re imported wines. the Wood Owl’s starting. Darryl’s made compact menu was a solid list that’s a nice designed to complement the reflection of his philosophy wine list. It features seasonal light as a sommelier and wine lover,” the bites and mains, as well as nightly Wood Owl writes in an Instagram specials. For those looking for a post. “They’re bottles from quick bite to eat, the ever-changing producers just off the beaten path, cheese and charcuterie boards from slightly lesser-known regions, should do the trick. Or, for because he’s confident he can find something different, try the the same quality wines you’d find in eggplant frites served with tahini more famous regions, but for better and onion jam. According to a value.” recent post on the restaurant’s The Wood Owl is located at Instagram page, the dishes will 1380 Danforth Ave. and is change depending on the seasonal currently open at 5 p.m. from availability of the ingredients or Tuesday to Thursday. No when the chef thinks the menu reservations are available, as it’s needs a fresh approach. walk-in only and on a first-come, As far as the drinks go, the Wood first-served basis. —Christine Hogg

NEWS

FOOD

Tomyum is a Thai fusion– inspired wine bar

Oretta Midtown likes the new youthful vibrancy happening in North Toronto

Midtown is getting a giant new Italian eatery The doors will open at Yonge & Eglinton in mid-autumn by Christine Hogg Opening mid-November or early December of 2021, Oretta Midtown will be located in the lower level of the Art Shoppe Lofts and Condos. The new spot will feature a patio on the south side, complete with heaters for comfortable outdoor dining when autumn evenings turn chilly.

“Opening Oretta at the Art Shoppe was a leap of faith that I truly believed in,” says owner Salvatore Mele (who also owns Capocaccia Trattoria in Summerhill). “The last 19 months have been challenging for everyone in the hospitality space, but Oretta has managed to forge ahead. I am excited about our brand and our new location.” The increase in condo development has brought an influx of young people and families to the area, which brand manager for Oretta, Ana Altamira, says is one of the reasons the team decided on this new spot.

“Yonge and Eglinton has turned into more of a family area, and a lot of young people have moved here, and we thought it was the

perfect spot for a second location,” she says.

Once again, the team at Oretta has enlisted the help of Commute Design (who designed the first location), the same team behind restaurants like Byblos, Patria, Tabüle and Little Sister. Guests can expect to find soaring archways and an abundance of vivid colours throughout the restaurant, starting with the tiled floors which will showcase warm salmon pinks and vibrant mustard yellows, all the way to the private wine cellar, which will house a large selection of bottles imported from Italy.

Heading up Oretta Midtown’s kitchen are executive chef Gabriele di Marco and chef de cuisine Darren Couto. Although the new menu won’t be an exact replica of Oretta King West, much of the signature pizzas and pastas will remain.

“We are working on a few surprises at the moment and testing dishes at our King Street location,” Altamira says. “Guests can look forward to grigliata mista, which is a mixed

grilled board to share.”

A selection of signature cocktails will also be available, as will be a selection of beer on tap and by the bottle.

Oretta Midtown will feature an open concept kitchen, so that guests are front and centre for a memorable dining experience and can watch Oretta’s pizza chefs toss pizza dough by hand. servizio al tavolo will also be available, where pasta for two is served tableside and a server brings the Parmesan wheel right to the table and mixes the dish. Another addition to the midtown location that Oretta King currently doesn’t have? A projector for showing all of the major sports games throughout the year.

“We’re Italian, and during the Euro Cup, we had a lot of people calling the King Street location and asking if we had a giant TV to watch the game,” Altamira says. “Now, we have one, and while it won’t be on every day, it will be there for when all of the sports fans need a place to go.”

Currently in soft-launch mode, the grand opening of Tomyum Wine Bar was tentatively set for Oct. 20. Located at 21 Grenville St. near College subway station, former accountant-turned-chef and owner, Andy Page, was inspired to open Tomyum after living in Europe and travelling across Southeast Asia.

He’s joined by sous chef Carl Recolaso, from wildly popular Saskatoonbased restaurant Ayden Kitchen and Bar; Jonathan Kim, former lead bar chef at Toronto’s JaBistro, a sushi spot in the Entertainment District; and Petra Taylor, who handles all things front of house. The chef trio takes popular Eurocentric dishes, like Spanish garlic shrimp, fusing them with staple Asian spices, garnishes and sides, like Thai basil, green curry, tom yum and rice.

Swing by for small plates stacked with southeast Asian flavour, like the whimsical sounding Wizard of Oz dish. Aptly named for its multi-dimensional green hues, this unique twist on a standard seaweed salad includes beans, house-made yuzu cream and chia seeds. Looking for something heartier? Tomyum’s most popular dish, Little Bird Nest is inspired by traditional Thai dish pad krapow moo and is artfully plated to show off a colourful mosaic of pink running eggs, purple rice and ground pork.

Dining is indoors only but features a highly Instagrammable interior, blending street art with southeast Asian influence through several mural-adorned walls. When you’re done snapping pictures, order a glass of ultra-exclusive Old World wine like the Black Mont Rubi, a young and lively sip with an intense purple hue and blackberry finish. There are only five cases of this Spanish red available in Canada, and Tomyum scored four of them. You can come by for a dimly lit dinner Tuesday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to late. —Raquel Farrington

Pink Sky is King West’s new Milos-style resto Feast on a mix of raw bar platters and fresh fish

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mussels, lobster and other off-the-boat fare, served either raw or grilled with a simple finish of lemon, olive oil and sea salt. The menu is rounded out by delicately flavoured desserts. Many cocktails, like Pink Sky’s Caribbean Sazerac, are a playful spin on classic drinks.The approachable wine list is designed to pair well with seafood. There are also a handful of international beers on tap.

Pink Sky’s roomy interior is sophisticated yet welcoming. Large windows running along the front of the restaurant offer views of the King West strip, and the rear of the space features a sparkling open kitchen framed by a display of fresh seafood. There’s a private dining area on the second level that overlooks the main floor.

Live DJs perform on Friday and Saturday nights.

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© Lindsay Rosset

Pink Sky is an inviting seafood restaurant that takes over the King West home of Weslodge, another Scale Hospitality venture that’s set to reopen in a new location. Co-founder Hanif Harji says Pink Sky draws inspiration from the sea-to-fork restaurants that are ubiquitous across the eastern coasts of Canada and the U.S. “I fell in love with the fresh seafood and their approach to food,” says Harji of visiting these shoreline destinations. “Charles [Khabouth, co-owner] and I both felt that Toronto could use a really fresh, casual seafood restaurant in the downtown core.”

Pink Sky’s thoughtful, pared-down approach to seafood shines the spotlight on the natural flavours of its high-quality ingredients.

The raw bar menu, which changes daily based on what’s freshest, features beautiful platters and towers piled with oysters, shrimp,

by Jessica Huras

Spanish garlic shrimp at Tomyum

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100-year-old noodle chain comes to the 905 Du Hsiao Yueh specializes in dazzling danzai noodles

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Du Hsiao Yueh has been doling out delicious noodles for 126 years

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by Christine Hogg

On Sept. 18, Du Hsiao Yueh Canada opened time the concept of Du Hsiao Yueh was born. in Markham, marking the 126-year-old noo- Sometimes called Slack Season Ta-a Noodles, dle chain’s first venture into the Canadian the general recipe calls for bean sprouts, garlic, market. coriander, and seasoned shrimp in a shrimp Located at 7040 Warden Ave., the first-ever broth. The dish is usually served as a snack, but Du Hsiao Yueh was originally founded in can be eaten in larger portions as a main.

1895 by Hung Yu Tou, an ancestor of the Currently still in soft opening mode, Du Hung clan. Yu Tou invented a new style Hsiao Yueh has limited indoor seating of noodles during the low season, available. No official grand opening has when the seas were rough, and Yu yet been announced. On the menu, Tou could not go fishing. Collecyou can expect to find a selection of ON THE MENU tively, the fishermen referred to shareable favourites, including meat The Da-a Noodles this time period as “Hsiao yueh”, dishes like the Tainan minced pork features seasoned hence the name of the eatery. taro cakes, torched Taiwanese shrimp, noodles, bean What started out as a onesausage, red Vinasse fried chicken, sprouts and garlic. person operation selling homeand the Du Hsiao Yueh braised made noodles on the streets of ham hock, as well as a selection of Taiwan has evolved into a successful vegetarian dishes like the stir-fried garfourth-generation business. There are six lic pea shoots, or the marinated squash in Du Hsiao Yueh locations in Taiwan, including passionfruit syrup. Of course, there are plenty of the original restaurant, and roughly 30 franchises danzai noodle dishes to choose from, including scattered throughout North and Eastern China. the Da-a Noodle which highlights the classic inCurrently, Canada is the only international mar- gredients of shrimp, minced pork, garlic sauce, ket for the brand. bean sprouts, and noodles.

The reasonably-priced menu offers a wide Du Hsiao Yueh is currently open Thursday to range of traditional Taiwanese dishes, but high- Tuesday from 11:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and is lolights danzai noodles, which is a type of Chinese cated inside the T&T Supermarket. As space is wheat noodle soup that originated in Southern limited, booking a reservation in advance is Taiwan roughly 130 years ago, around the same recommended.

NEWS

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FOOD

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Fresh fish daily!

Oysters • Lobster • Smoked Fish Chef Rob Rossi of Osteria Giulia says his favourite new drink is the Marsala Cobbler

New Italian osteria opens in Yorkville Rob Rossi’s menu charms with classic dishes Following the massive success of opening their first restaurant together, Giulietta, in the spring of 2018, chef Rob Rossi has once again partnered with David Minicucci to bring a taste of Northern Italian fare to Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood.

Osteria Giulia opened on Oct. 2 at 134 Avenue Rd. Designed by Guido Costantino, Osteria’s interior is hyper minimalist, featuring natural wood and wicker dining chairs, pale hardwood floors, and a modern woodpanelled bar that’s stocked with spirits from around the world.

“Osteria Giulia is a Northern Italian coastal restaurant that’s very heavily focused on seafood, pastas, vegetables and risotto,” Rossi says. “We wanted to keep the restaurant very simple, minimalist and clean and let the room speak for itself, with the

food and the people being the accents. The inspiration for the food was to bring back some Italian classics, breathing new life into the dishes but still keeping them very simple and honest,” Rossi says.

The menu will also rotate different dishes, as ingredients come and go with the seasons.

"Cooking Italian is all about using local ingredients, so we try to do that as much as possible here to create great Italian dishes,” Rossi said.

The grilled calamari is one of Osteria Giulia’s most popular dishes. It brings some heat, thanks to a sauce that blends chilli garlic, white wine, parsley, oregano, lemon and capers.

Over at the bar, which seats eight, bartender Iain Codona has created a cocktail program that aims to highlight the same fresh

approach Rossi has taken with the food menu.

“It’s definitely in keeping with Rob’s philosophy of taking good ingredients and treating them with respect and preparing them simply with the guest in mind,” Codona says. “There’s a lot going on in our cocktail program, but they’re all plays on classics,” Rossi adds. “My favourite is actually the Marsala Cobbler: it’s fresh and classic, with beautiful flavours.”

The Messicano, Osteria Giulia’s top seller, is a tequila-based cocktail that blends white tequila, green Chartreuse, mint and basil cordial, a hint of lime juice and served with refreshing sliced cucumber.

Osteria Giulia is open Tuesday to Saturday from 5:30 to 10:30.

Walk-ins are limited, so be sure to book a reservation in advance.

—Christine Hogg

3303 Yonge St. (at Glenforest) 416-901-3474 www.faircatch.ca

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Starting with dinner service and moving to offer brunch and lunch in early 2022, the new spot is spacious, with 90 seats indoors and up to 130 available on the patio. Neon Tiger echoes the same chill energy you would find at OddSeoul, with good music and that relaxed, effortlessly cool feel you might find at a dive bar – but now with a ton more space.

As far as food goes, eager patrons can expect a carefully curated menu of fun and approachable food and drink options that fuse Asian flavours with classic comfort food staples. Executive chef and food industry veteran Wes Haines, whose culinary credits include Gusto 101, Mildred’s Temple Kitchen, Bar Centrale and Little Portugal pizza place Prohibition Pie, is running the show in the Neon Tiger kitchen. He hopes the new spot serves as a nod to the hipster charm of OddSeoul, bringing some of that same energy just north of Bloor.

—Raquel Farrington

1414bayview.com

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Neon Tiger opened on Oct. 28 at 14 Dupont St., offering a Korean-inspired menu complete with boldly flavoured snacks and fun cocktails.

The new spot comes from the same owner of OddSeoul, a staple on the Ossington strip that’s known for its small plates and chill vibe.

You may recognize the new venue as the former Playa Cabana Hacienda, a popular two-storey taco place known for its massive 90-seat patio and festive decor. David Sidhu of the Playa Cabana empire became a good friend of the OddSeoul team during the height of COVID-19, prompting the sale of the venue.

“We were waiting for the right time and the right climate to open. Our hope is to create a new legacy for this legendary location and make Playa Hacienda proud,” says Naveen Chakravarti, owner of OddSeoul and Neon Tiger.

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T.O.’s coolest Korean resto goes big in midtown

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  

LICENSED ELECTRICIANS

HomeStars best of

2018-2021 Reader s Choice 2020

LANDSCAPING 8

ELECTRICAL 6

s 30%#)!,):% ). +./" 45"% 7)2).' s 3%26)#% 50'2!$).' !-03 s 2%0!)23 #/-0,%4% 2%7)2).' s &5,,9 ).352%$ "/.$%$ ,)#%.3%$

Lic. # 7003478

        

  

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

416-876-6679

MILE S PAINTING

Over 20 Years Experience!

Interiors & Exteriors.

Professional, Clean & Timely Work.

Fully Insured References Available.

• Demolition • Painting

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.

647-894-1673

Tom Day Plumbing & Drains

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

External & internal drain excavating. Complete washroom renovations.     

 24 hr. service 

Yonge / Eglinton LOW RATES

416-819-8888

PLUMBING 7 Call For a Free Estimate

416-303-3276

BWM

| POST | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

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 56

25 Years Experience

Varnishes

416 821 0448

Toronto’s Trusted Plumbers Since 1979 2000+ Reviews 9.7/10

         



WaterWorks Plumbing and Drains

Waterproofing Drains Fixtures -Waterproofing -Drains -Plumbing

40+ years experience Upfront Pricing Seniors Discount Michael Yuffa Master Plumber

  



416-489-9633 WaterWorksCanada.com

Specialist in Hazardous Tree Removal & Ornamental Pruning

416-522-7288 Free Consultations shastagardens@hotmail.com

Hersey Tr Tree ee Ltd.

Professional Professional Arborist t

Pruning P r uning

t

Removal Removal

t

Planting

Local (Teddington (Teddington Park) Business

Gr Great eat Job

Great Gre eat VValue alue Call/Text Call/T Text David:

• Gardening • Disposal • Decks and Fences

Design & Installation Planting & Pruning Garden Maintenance Complete Garden Makeovers

~Fully Insured~ Insured~

CALL ANTHONY

416-704-4990 alcelectricinc@gmail.com

SHASTA

GARDEN DESIGN

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

- Pruning - Removals - Planting - Arborist Reports -

647-741-7036

416-462-0007

Email: info@herseytr ee.ca info@herseytree.ca Herseytr ee.ca Herseytree.ca

www.kellytree.com

CITY TROPICALS INC.

INTERIORS & UPHOLSTERY 9

MARCANTONIO FURNITURE Living Plants for Public and Private Spaces Tropical Plant Maintenance/Sales Tropical Consultation, Design & Installation Pruning & Synthetic Plants

FREE ESTIMA ESTIMATES AT TES Bus: 416-422-4707 Fax: 416-422-4701

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

cti@citytropicals.com 593 Mortimer Ave. Ave. Toronto Toronto M4C 2J6

SERVICES What does your garden need this season?

Grandma s Garden Winter Arrangements Fall Clean-Ups Blueprint Design Decorative Planters Landscape Lighting Garden Makeovers & Maintenance

Vision. Design. Build.

grandmasgarden.ca

10. Cleaning 11. Computer Services 12. Appliances 13. Art & Design

CLEANING 10 CLEANING LADY AVAILABLE Experienced, insured, honest and hard-working. Attention to detail. maidforyoutorontoltd.com.

Call Tanya at 416-897-6782.

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

t .BDJOUPTI t .BSBOU[ t 'JTIFS t Tanoy t )BNNPOE 0rgans t 3FDPrE $PMMFDUJPOT

CLEANING LADY WANTED Same dependable cleaner weekly for Summerhill area. Must be flexible, meticulous and cat friendly. References required.

Text contact info to 647-558-8645

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

WANTED A Collector Trying To Recreate An Old Time General Store

mollymaid.ca

Dependable Cleaning from the Professionals you can Trust!

MARKETPLACE

14. For Sale/Wanted 15. Real Estate/Rentals

855.223.5851 DRY TECHNOLOGY

FOR SALE/WANTED 14

DRY EXTRACTION

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.

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

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

w w w. d r y t e c h n o l o g y. c a

COMPUTER SERVICES 11 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 12 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.

ART & DESIGN 13

EXPERIENCE THE

REAL ESTATE/ RENTALS 15

Quality antiques Sterling, Silver Plate Chinese, Japanese,

M A R C D AV I S & ASSOCIATES

Fine Art - Antiques Estate Sales - Appraisals Family Division

Professional & Courteous 30 Years Experience Call David

416 781 8800

416-231-9948

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS FOR 44 YEARS

TOP CASH

PAID • Gold • Coins • Figurines • Bronze • Jewellery • Instruments • Silver • Porcelain • Paintings • Watches • China

Tibor: 647-866-5040

Bachelor apartments

www.marcdavis.ca

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

SINGING LESSONS!

ESSAY WRITING/ ENGLISH MATH/SCIENCE CHEMISTRY/PHYSICS/BIOLOGY STUDY SKILLS/EXAM PREPARATION FRENCH

416-573-0274 tutorship.ca

-53)#!, 4(%!42% s 0/0 s *!:: s #,!33)#!, 30 years + teaching/performing experience including solo work with the major Canadian Symphonies, Opera Companies & TV Networks (Canadian Opera Company, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, CBC TV/Radio...)

IN /PERA /RATORIO -USICAL 0RODUCTIONS

STUDENT PERFORMANCE CREDITS: s 3TRATFORD 3HAW #HARLOTTETOWN &ESTIVAL 3OLOISTS s "ROADWAY .9 -USICAL 4HEATER 3OLOISTS s 7EST %ND ,/.$/. -USICAL 4HEATRE 3OLOISTS s )NTERNATIONAL 2ECORDING !RTISTS #APITOL 2ECORDS %-) s 4ORONTO #HILDREN S #HORUS 3OLOISTS s #ANADIAN #HILDREN S /PERA #HORUS 3OLOISTS s 2#- +IWANIS -USIC &ESTIVAL -EDALISTS

PREPARATION FOR: Auditions, RCM Exams, Competitions, 0ERFORMING !RT 3CHOOLS 5NIVERSITY %NTRANCE ALL AGES/LEVELS WELCOME!

THE SKY S THE LIMIT

www.brendabergestudios.com

CALL: 416-761-7520

Drum L Lessons essons

LEARNING

Learn Learn Jazz, Jazz, R Rock, ock, Funk Funk and Mor More! e! e Private, P riva r te, one on one, drum lessons att my loca a location tion OR your home

16. Tutoring 17. Music Lessons

MATHEMATICAL TUTORIALS Private tutoring in mathematical subjects from refresher courses to advanced levels for all ages.

Call George Giordano, B.Sc., M.A. bbgeorgebb@gmail.com or 416-545-1937.

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www.teachersoncall.ca

416-519-8335 905-881-1931

 

! ( % ( ' * ' " ! ( % ( ' * ' " Performance Drum P erformance from from York York U. U. ! #% , (%% ( (! #) %&

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NEW HORIZONS MUSIC NORTH YORK Group Group Lessons for Adults Ukulele and Concert Band

                

IMPROVE YOUR FRENCH!

call Andrew Plum

English Gentleman Buyer

For more information, please call

plumsfineart.com

Our expert tutors provide the personal instruction & constant support that improves grades, builds study skills, increases self-confidence, reduces stress & prepares students for University.

We tutor online, all grades (Primary-University) & all subjects including:

www .skypminc.com

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

416-669-1716

MUSIC LESSONS 17

ADVANTAGE!

Mt Pleasant Rd, South of Eglinton.

Please Contact (416) 228-0000

TUTORING 16

WANTED

& Asian wares Bronze Paintings Old jewellery, watches, coins & medals Military items Teak Furniture Fancy cups & saucers

NOW AVAILABLE FOR RENT One Bedroom &

TUTORSHIP

Qualified Experienced Teacher

416-488-4908

SPECIALIZED TUTORING 30 YEARS TUTORING

Specialities: Dyslexia, Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities & More Cert. Orton-Gillingham Practitioner Remedial/Enrichment Instruction Teaching All Subjects, K-Grade 9

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

arteach@rogers.com (416)-487-5095 Zoom Tutoring Available Covid-19 Protocols Followed

0 " ' ) $ '( % - "" $ 0 $ + * " / $ %# *)%' $ 0 "" * )( ' ( )%

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416 - 721 - 2748

nhmnorthyork@gmail.com newhorizonsmusicnorthyork.ca

POST CITY MAGAZINES NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE

November 18 416-250-7979 x270 classifieds@postcity.com

N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR

| POST |

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.

57

LOOKING BACK You’ve reached the end of the November 2021 issue. Before you go, don’t forget to set your clocks back on Nov. 7.

Of note, Ontario’s attorney general says this may be our final daylight savings time if other jurisdictions, like Quebec and New York State, agree.

Imagine how relieved the people in charge of adjusting the time on the city’s historical clocks, shown below, will be.

| POST | N OV E M B E R 2 0 2 1

NOVEMBER 2021 EDITION

58

Old City Hall has Toronto’s second oldest clock. At three hundred feet above the city street, it has been telling time and making its mark on the city’s skyline since 1900.

Kents Jewelers, which specilized in both jewelry and watches, had a beautiful clock outside of their store located at 168 Yonge St. seen in this photo taken in 1923.

Torontonians have been keeping time with Yorkville’s fire hall clock since 1889. The clock was originally part of the Yorkville town hall until a fire destroyed the building in 1941.

Thornhill’s earliest public clock was a bell atop the Thornhill Hotel in 1891, which rang at 7 a.m., noon and 6 p.m., to let locals know when to wake up, eat and end their workday.

O’Keefe’s Beverages Limited kept the city safe and on time with its neon rooftop sign that both sported a helpful reminder and housed a digital clock.

Constructed in 1850, the Gothic Revival– styled St. James Cathedral, on the corner of Church and King streets in downtown Toronto, houses the city’s oldest clock.

This iconic clock, situated in front of Union Station when it opened in 1927, now sports the words ‘Union Station’ on its face instead of numbers after its restoration in 2015.

North York’s oldest clock, built in 1942, was once part of North York’s first fire hall. The clock tower and archway entrance are all that remain at Yonge and Empress Avenue.

NY-NOV-2021-IBC_IBC 2021-10-21 1:49 PM Page 1

NY-NOV-2021-OBC_OBC 2021-10-21 1:50 PM Page 1

COMING SOON TO THORNHILL

THE DEFINITIO TION OF D DISTINC NCTION Welcome to Thornhill s most prestigious new community. Striking design ! " !

Interior Design, creating a remarkable array of co c ntemporar y townhomes designed for modern n living.

Undergr g ound 2-car a parking with direct unit acce cess Stunning metal roof design with bright oversized windows Private backyards &/or rooftop terraces w w//bbq spa p ce Chef-style kitchen with h enormous isla l nd & high-end applian l ces

room for or work/study Optional elevators, as per plan

From the Mid $1.3M

RE REGISTER GISTER T TODAY ODAY A AT T ROSEPARKTOWNS.COM ROSEPARK TOWNS.COM FOLLOW FOLLOW U US S

!

!

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