Volume 49 No. 6
BEACHMETRO.COM
May 12, 2020
Shelter set up at former hotel site By Alan Shackleton
THE FORMER Days Inn Hotel on Queen Street East in the Beach has been leased by the City of Toronto for one year and will be operated by the YWCA Toronto as an emergency shelter for homeless single women. Due to the COVID-19 crisis, and the need for city shelters to be able to provide accommodations that stop the spread of the virus, a number of options for providing alternate homeless shelter space have and are being explored. “The city is leasing it for us so we can move people out of our shelter in another part of the city,” said Heather McGregor, Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA Toronto. The emergency homeless shelter at the hotel site (1684 Queen St. E. just west of Kingston Road) is for single women age 16 and over, and will have 35 beds available. It started operation on May 4. The shelter it is replacing in the Davenport and Dupont area had dorm-style rooms and shared bathrooms. While social distancing space was being maintained between the beds in that shelter, the Days Inn site provides a much better and safer environment in which to stop the spread of COVID-19 as those there will have their own rooms and bathrooms. “The city has to find appropriate and safe shelters for the homeless during this virus,” said McGregor. “For the women, this is a much better situation. In this one they will have their own separate rooms and it will be so much better.” The YWCA Toronto runs four shelters in the city. Two of them are emergency homeless shelters for women ages 16 and over. The other two are for women escaping violence at home and provide shelter for the women and their children. Those staying at the YWCA’s Queen Street East site will be referred to it by the City of Toronto. “The city has a system, and it knows where free shelter beds are available,” said McGregor. She said the YWCA has lots of experience running the shelters, and she does not anticipate any issues with residents in the area to its presence at the hotel site for the next 12 months. Continued on Page 2
PHOTOS: SUSAN POTTS
Local fundraising event helps support Food Banks Canada The hair, and the snow, was falling on Saturday, May 9, during a fundraising event for Food Banks Canada as Upper Beach resident MacKenzie Sharp shaved his head. Doing the barbering honours was his dad Michael. The event, which saw Sharp get his head shaved while sitting on his front porch so people could watch from a safe social distance, raised more than $1,000.
Future of The Beacher Cafe not yet decided By Alan Shackleton
AS RUMOURS were flying in the community about the imminent closure of The Beacher Café’s doors for good, owner Peter Martineau said a final decision has not been made on the restaurant’s future. ‘We have no idea if we are going in business or out of business,” he told Beach Metro News on Friday, May 8. Martineau said the future of the beloved community restaurant at Queen Street East and Maclean
Avenue, is now in the hands of his landlord. “I’ll see if maybe there’s some political solution,” said Martineau. He said he had talked to BeachesEast York MP Nathaniel ErskineSmith earlier on May 8, and he was hoping for some political help with his landlord situation. “He said he would try and help,” said Martineau of Erskine-Smith. Erskine-Smith confirmed he had spoken with Martineau and that he was making landlords aware of the supports being offered to them by
the federal government during the COVID-19 crisis. “I am looking into it and I have been speaking to a number of landlords including his,” said ErskineSmith. “I’m making them aware of the kinds of programs available.” He said that he was “relatively confident” that most local landlords, especially those with roots in the community, were onboard with helping local businesses stay open. “In terms of the specific negotiations (regarding The Beacher Café), I don’t know how that one
will go,” said Erskine-Smith. Martineau said the latest he’s heard from his landlord is that he is expected to pay his rent for the restaurant, either now or as a deferred payment once the COVID-19 crisis has passed and businesses such as restaurants are allowed to re-open again. The landlords of The Beacher Café building are Frank and Rick Gabriele. In an interview Friday, Rick Gabriele said he is perfectly willing to work with tenants and Continued on Page 2
Residents urged to find ‘creative’ ways to celebrate Victoria Day LOCAL RESIDENTS are being encouraged to find creative ways to celebrate Victoria Day this coming Monday, May 18, as fireworks displays in public parks such as the one put on annually by the City of Toronto at Ashbridges Bay Park have been cancelled for this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “While we’re starting to see some light at the end of this tunnel,
the city’s Victoria Day celebrations are still cancelled,” Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford said in a statement to Beach Metro News. “Gatherings of more than five are still banned in the province, and that’s unlikely to change before the long weekend.” The fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay on Victoria Day, and
also the one on Canada Day, traditionally draws huge crowds to the area. What also tends to happen at these events is many people bring their own fireworks and set them off in parkland and on the beaches in the area prior to and after the city’s display. Setting off fireworks on public property requires a permit at all times, Bradford reminded resi-
dents, and the city will not be issuing permits for any kind of park uses until at least after June 30. “We’re hoping community members can find creative ways to celebrate Victoria Day with the advice changing from ‘stay home’ to ‘maintain physical distance’. Some ideas I’ve heard include picnics on the porch, and front yard light shows Continued on Page 2
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Landlord says he will work with tenants Continued from Page 1 use the programs available during the COVID-19 to help keep them in business. “I care about the Beach and our tenants,” he said. Rick said he is waiting for the final terms of the federal government’s rent-relief programs to be officially released. “I can’t commit in writing until we see the details. Once we have the details, we’ll be fine and we should see those by May 15 I hope.” A director with the Beach Village BIA and a long-time member of the community who holds the leases on a number of well-known local businesses, Rick said he absolutely wants to help his tenants get through the COVID-19 crisis. “I have no problem helping them out. They are like family,” he said. Rick said he will be participating in pandemic rentrelief programs offered by the government as “a willing partner” for as long as they last. Martineau and his family have run The Beacher Café since 1999. The restaurant was originally opened in 1981. Martineau said his latest discussion with his landlord was being told “to go and get a lawyer.” Martineau has also made
the statement about being told to get a lawyer in Facebook posts as well. Rick Gabriele said that he did advise Martineau to seek legal advice, but that was over a specific point of the lease called a Force Majeure which deals with “unforeseeable and irresistible events”
with external causes beyond the control of either a tenant or a landlord. “I can’t give him legal advice on that, so I told him to get a lawyer.” The news of The Beacher Café’s possible closure was sparked by a resident who saw Martineau taking down
the sign last Thursday. At this point, Martineau said he is just doing some refurbishment work during the ordered COVID-19 closure, and the taking down of the sign should not be viewed as a permanent closing down of the business being imminent.
City officially cancels permits for Canada Day celebrations Continued from Page 1 for neighbours to enjoy from their doorsteps.” The COVID-19 pandemic has also forced the cancellation of Canada Day celebrations across the city. That city-wide cancellation includes the parade, community festival and fireworks display at Stan Wadlow Park in East York, and the fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay on July 1. The organizing committee of the East York Canada Day celebrations announced earlier this month that all events would have to be cancelled for this year due to the pandemic. Instead, alternative celebrations for the community will take place virtually on Wednesday, July 1 for what will be the 63rd annual East
York Canada Day. This year’s event will be known as Canada Day Celebrations – At Home in East York. The announcement by the Board of Directors of the East York Canada Day Committee was released on May 1. Although the parade through the community and festivities in Stan Wadlow Park will take a hiatus this year, Kathy Johnson, Chairperson of the East York Canada Day Festival, said that there will still be an exciting home-based opportunity to mark Canada’s 153rd birthday. “East York has a proud tradition of celebrating Canada Day together” said Johnson. “Unfortunately, hosting an event that draws close to 20,000 people to a parade and
festival won’t be possible this year. But we’ll make sure this important community celebration still happens, but in a different form.” More details on the alternative celebration for East Yorkers will be available later this month. Please go to www.eycdc.ca for more information on the plans for July 1 this year. East York’s Canada Day celebrations are organized and presented by community volunteers in partnership with the City of Toronto and local sponsors. On the same day the East York organizers said they would be cancelling, the City of Toronto also announced that permits for Canada Day parades, festivals, picnics and fireworks displays on city property would not be issued.
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
PHOTO: DONNA BRAYBROOK
Balcony dancing concert
The Neighbourhood Group recently hosted a balcony dancing concert last Thursday at its Neighbourhood Link seniors’ building on Coatsworth Crescent. The band Evolution, made up of members Howard Rabkin, Evelynne Ross and Henry Lees, donated their time and talents to entertain the seniors, bring a smile to their faces and give them a chance to take part in an activity while observing safe social distancing.
Bigger barricade installed to protect Beach fox family THE TORONTO Wildlife Centre and the City of Toronto have put up a larger barricade to make sure people walking on the Boardwalk do not interact with a family of foxes who have made a den in the area. As reported by Beach Metro News last month, a mother fox and her kits have been seen in the area playing and living under the Boardwalk. On April 23, the city erected a barrier around the area to discourage people from interacting with the fox family. However, since then there have been a number of incidents in which people have been gathering in the area to take photos of the kits, which are admittedly extremely cute, and also of people feeding the animals. In at least one case mentioned on social media, someone had reportedly picked up one of the fox kits. According to the Toronto Wildlife Centre, the constant interaction is making the foxes too tame and they are losing their fear of humans. “If foxes learn to trust people, which these babies already have, their lives are in danger now and in the future,” said Toronto Wildlife Centre in a statement. “Not all people are animal lovers and some may harm or kill a fox who acts strangely. Feeding foxes or exposing young foxes to people during this important stage of development may permanently affect them. This will change their natural behaviour, and may ultimately cause their death.” The same information is now included on a sign by the larger fox barrier on the Boardwalk. People are encouraged to keep moving, make sure
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Toronto Wildlife Centre and the city installed a new and larger barricade last week to protect a fox and her kits that have made a den under the Boardwalk. their dogs are leashed, and not to interact with the foxes. There is also a notice that the area is under camera surveillance to make sure people do stay away from the foxes. The camera is mounted in a nearby tree. Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford said that people have been captivated by the foxes in these relatively depressing COVID-19 times, but the wellbeing of the animals must be the priority and that means leaving them alone. “Especially at a time like this it’s great to have little stories to help get everyone’s mind off things. That’s how this started and it was nice to see the excitement and enthusiasm,” he said. “Like many good news stories, I think we got a little too much of a good thing.” He said people are not banned from walking by the area, just from feeding or interacting with the foxes. “Of course if you’re out for a walk, you might hope to catch glimpses from afar but we shouldn’t be seeking
them out or interfering with the den,” said Bradford. While some may feel the installation of a camera, now being called the fox-cam, is an intrusive level of surveillance the situation dictates it to keep the animals and people safe. “In an ideal world, this wouldn’t be necessary but with the foxes getting attention from across the GTA and beyond, they might be a little too popular for their own good,” said Bradford.
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VE Day 75th Anniversary
Readers share their Second World War memories GEORGE ALEXANDER McNICOLL GEORGE ALEXANDER McNicoll, born April 28, 1925 in Capreol, Ontario was a man to be remembered. Having worked as a fireman on the railroads in Northern Ontario prior to his early enlistment at the age of 17, George trained in Shilo, Manitoba and Northern England for two years before becoming a paratrooper with the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. During the war, he and his battalion dropped into France the night before D-Day with the primary goal of blowing up bridges to prevent the Germans from retreating or sending reinforcements towards the beaches during the invasion of Normandy. Injured twice during his service, George fought in part of D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and helped liberate the citizens of Wismar, Germany with Canadian forces on May 2, 1945. For his service, George received the 1939-1945 Star, the France and Germany Star, the Canadian Voluntary Service Medal, the Defense Medal, the War Medal 19391945 and the rank of Knight of the French National Order of the Legion of Honour for his involvement in the liberation of France during the Second World War. Following his service, George moved to Toronto and became a
moved into the nearby town of Renfrew where he spent his days before passing away on Sept. 15, 2015. His family, and all who George influenced, will remember him fondly with respect and endearment for his involvement in their lives. There is a book entitled Out of the Clouds, written by John Willes that details the work and dedication of service to country by the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. Submitted by his great grandson Grant Shantz AUBREY WAUTHIER SERVED IN RCAF’S DEMON SQUADRON
George Alexander McNicoll served in the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion in the Second World War. member of the Baron Byng location of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 001 on Coxwell Avenue. In Toronto, George worked as a milkman for Borden’s Dairy, a taxi driver and a machine operator with the City of Toronto at the Keele Street. Transfer Station and met his wife Evelyne (Lynn) Giroux, whom he married on June 13, 1953. Fathering two daughters, George and his family lived in a loving home on Rhodes Avenue. Simply put, George could be described as a hard worker, a dedicated friend and neighbour with a sense of humour who was kind to children and
loved animals. A generation of East Enders will remember George as the man who would bring home hockey sticks and toys for them, providing childhood enjoyment they may not have had otherwise. Later retiring to a lake side cottage that he and his wife built on Big Yirkie Lake in Denbigh, Ontario, George lived out his days in comfort while watching and being highly involved in the lives of three grandchildren and two great grandchildren, many of whom, along with their families, still reside in the neighbourhood today. With growing age, he and Lynn
MY FATHER, Aubrey Wauthier, was born and raised in Caledonia, Ontario and served in the Royal Canadian Air Force, Squadron 407, the “Demon Squadron”, as a wireless navigator and bomber. He mostly flew in Hudson, Vikor Wellington and Lancaster aircraft and was stationed in England. In June of 1942, he bombed a medium size enemy vessel in the “face of heavy opposition” (Hamilton Spectator). In the late 1980s, I discovered that our Scarborough next door neighbour, Eric Tipping, was an air mechanic in dad’s squadron and although they didn’t think they knew each other, they figured that they probably would have met at some point during the war. Later, Eric was also the Presi-
Aubrey Wauthier served with the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Demon Squadron in the Second World War. dent/Secretary of the Demon Squadron organization’s Reunion Committee and over the years, he happily arranged to have my parents attend a couple of their annual reunions in Comox, British Columbia. Dad rarely spoke about his war experiences but when he did, he spoke with enthusiasm and pride. I wish that I had taped one such time when he spoke at great length, especially about a ‘near-miss’ bombing mission. He was lucky to come home alive, after three years away from my Czech mom, whom he had just married prior to leaving. Submitted by Lillian Wauthier Continued on Page 5
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
VE Day 75th Anniversary
Williamson Road school teacher told students the war was over Continued from Page 4 I REMEMBER that day as though it was yesterday…..I was sitting in Mrs. Kelly’s Grade 7 class on the third floor of Williamson Road School. A telephone call came to the black phone box situated on the wall beside the door. Mrs. Kelly hurried over to answer as if she was expecting a very important call. There was silence in the room as she listened to the message. She paused with her back to the class for a minute or
two before she turned to face us. Her eyes were glistening with tears as she said: “The war is over. Class is dismissed”. We all shouted “Hurrah” and rushed out of the door… I heard later that Mrs. Kelly’s husband had been killed overseas. I also heard that her father, Dr. William D. Young, was the well-known pediatrician, whose beautiful memorial still stands in Kew Gardens. Mrs. Kelly was a fine person and a wonderful teacher. Submitted by Valerie King
The Kew Gardens War Memorial was built to remember all those who served their country. For more on the memorial, please read Gene Domagala’s Beach Memories column on Page 10.
FAMILY WERE REFUGEES HERE IS a story of the Second World War in Europe. My family and I were in Germany when the war ended. I have many vivid memories from that time, even though I was only six years old. At that time, we were refugees in Germany, having escaped the Soviets who had taken over our native country Estonia. Many Estonians who did not leave ended up in prison
camps in the Soviet Union. We lived in Bavaria, Germany then until the war ended. After the war we ended up in a D.P. (Displaced Persons) camp. Some time after that we had the chance to emigrate to Canada. My dad was so very happy to have the chance for us as a family to come to Canada. Eventually we became Canadian citizens. We have been thankful ever since. Submitted by Livia Thoeny
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BEACHMETRO.COM
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
In My Opinion
Small businesses at heart of our neighbourhoods Paula Fletcher Toronto-Danforth Councillor
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hank you all for your tremendous efforts to keep you and your family and our communities safe during the pandemic. It is an unprecedented time that has brought out the best in our communities – from staying home to keeping safe space when we go out, to sewing masks, to dropping off groceries and supplies, to keeping in touch with seniors and to banging pots and pans each night
at 7:30 p.m. Let’s salute all of our heroes - from our front line health care workers to those who keep us safe and fed every day. You make us all so proud. We wonder what it will be like and look like when the restrictions are lifted and we go back to a ‘new normal’. Vibrant retail main streets – like the Danforth and Queen Street – are at the heart of our safe, walkable and prosperous neighbourhoods and an important part of our “normal”. These local restaurants and shops are woven into our lives like old friends. Since the lockdown began I have been working closely with
businesses who have been hardest hit by the restrictions related to COVID-19. It remains a tough time for them. Doors closed, no income and still rent to pay. An April survey developed by the Broadview Danforth BIA was answered by 561 businesses and 137 landlords across Toronto. It revealed that 50 per cent of tenants had trouble paying their April rent. As well 75 per cent of tenants and 55 per cent of landlords said that rent relief was the only truly effective way to save main street businesses. The new Canadian Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CE-
CRA) was just announced. While well intentioned it is not effective in staving off the collapse of our main streets. Currently, it is left entirely up to landlords to apply and administer the program. It needs to be urgently fixed so it can become an important part of saving Main Street. Main street businesses have said that on top of rent relief, they need a temporary ban on commercial evictions to give them some breathing space and to encourage their landlords to participate in the CECRA program. Our neighbour, New York State, implemented such a ban early in this health crisis.
Toronto-Danforth MPP Peter Tabuns and I have written a letter to Premier Doug Ford asking for an immediate moratorium on commercial evictions and stronger supports for small businesses. In April, at its first virtual meeting ever, City Council made a similar request. If like me, you love strolling on our main streets for ice cream, sitting on a patio for a drink and a meal, grabbing that coffee and a pastry, picking up your paint, buying that birthday present or browsing in a book shop then you know how important it is to our health and our neighbourhoods for small business to keep the lights on.
SERVING THE BEACH, BEACH HILL, BIRCH CLIFF, CLIFFSIDE, CRESCENT TOWN, EAST DANFORTH, GERRARD INDIA BAZAAR, LESLIEVILLE AND UPPER BEACH Beach Metro Community News, published by Ward 9 Community News Inc., is a non-profit, non-partisan community newspaper founded in 1972 and published 23 times a year. It is distributed free by volunteers in East Toronto and Southwest Scarborough and paid for by our advertisers.
2196 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON, M4E 2C7 PHONE: 416-698-1164 FAX: 416-698-1253 beachmetro.com PUBLISHER Susan Legge (ext. 24) susan@beachmetro.com EDITOR Alan Shackleton (ext. 23) alan@beachmetro.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Mark Ireland (ext. 26) mark@beachmetro.com PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Melinda Drake (ext. 27) melinda@beachmetro.com ACCOUNTS MANAGER Hope Armstrong (ext. 21) hope@beachmetro.com NEXT ISSUE: Tuesday, May 26 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 3 p.m., Tuesday, May 19 VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE: Desmond Brown, president; Debbie Visconti, past president; Mary Beth Denomy, secretary; Doug Black, treasurer; Paul M. Babich, special advisor; Sheila Blinoff, special advisor. This newspaper accepts advertising in good faith, but does not endorse advertisers or advertisements. All submitted editorial material is subject to editing.
ISSN #0838-2956
Letters to the editor
Local councillor’s column raises reader’s ire Re: ‘Time to move from analysis to action’, In My Opinion, Beach Metro News, April 28. Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford’s self-serving reconstruction of being a small business supporter has reached new heights of hypocrisy in the mentioned column - and invokes new heights of disgust for his deceptions. In 2018-2019 Bradford led the rescinding of a Vacancy Tax Rebate (VTR) wherein Toronto City Council gave some tax relief to commercial property owners when their stores were vacant. This relief was a small reduction; not a forgiveness of realty tax. But Council eagerly swallowed the specious argument that owners were deliberately refusing to rent their stores (deliberately losing revenue!) in order to gain this small reduction
- an argument even an idiot would reject. Council embraced it because it saved them money. Bradford, lobbied by lefty ratepayers, led this attack against property owners, further injuring those who could not rent their stores. The fact that Council has annually preyed on businesses with oppressive taxation (while blaming MPAC – the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation) was conveniently ignored. When your commercial taxes are egregious, how can you rent your store at a reasonable rate? The irony is that Bradford is a director with several Business Improvement Areas (including the Beach Village BIA and the Danforth Village BIA) which represent the commercial property owners and merchants and which “are intended to enhance the business environ-
ment and increase prosperity”. By rescinding the VTR, Bradford backstabbed 50 per cent of the members he was supposed to support! Not content with the damage he visited on small business owners with the VTR attack, Bradford introduced a motion to Council this February to add another tax against the same commercial property owners by charging them a further levy while their stores remain closed; a tax per linear foot of frontage. (California has such a tax at $250 per foot for empty stores.) This is another blow against the BIA members whom he’s “helping!” In other words, Bradford is hurting the small business community while pretending he’s ‘concerned’ by issuing press releases unctuously preaching for Strong Main Streets, and eager to “help” their revival.
The column is full of placebos and platitudes such as, ‘grow jobs,’ and ‘go from analysis to action,’ ‘saving livelihoods,’ etc… He includes some misdirection; blaming the province, as if it was Premier Doug Ford who took away the VTR and now is over-assessing mom-and-pop stores whereas we all know the tax rate is set by Toronto - regardless of what MPAC assesses. All this, while shafting small businesses has been his policy. I have a question: “When we’re past COVID-19 and 30 per cent of businesses do not re-open (50 per cent of restaurants), what’s next?” Tax the survivors? What a disgusting, hypocritical column. I only hope the businesses remember this at re-election time. Bianca Curity
Thanks to store workers I’m suggesting that those who can afford it carry extra $5 to give checkout staff and other workers on leaving a store. I gave a woman working at the Beer Store $10, and her megawatt smile warmed my heart. I bought two extra bottles of wine for the staff at our wine store. When their jaws dropped, I knew that this didn’t happen often. I also bought extra shrimp for the grocery checkout girl, who was so grateful. Just saying... Peg Earle
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In My Opinion
Government is rolling out programs, listening to feedback
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he curve is bending and our economy is slowly beginning to re-open, but we need to remain vigilant. As individuals, we need to maintain our determination and keep our physical distance from one another. As governments, we need to move much more quickly to scale up rapid testing and contact tracing efforts. These are issues I continue to pursue on the Industry Committee. To date, our federal government has committed $390 million for vaccine R&D, $662 million to support clinical trials, and $350 million to expand testing and modelling, and established a task force led by five top doctors, including Dr. David Naylor (past chair of the National Advisory Committee on SARS and Public Health). We have also worked hard
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith MP Beaches—East York to expand our social safety net and economic support. In doing so, our government has moved quickly to roll out new programs and, importantly, has listened and adjusted these programs based on the feedback we’ve heard. For example, I pushed hard to expand the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, and it now includes those who lost a significant amount of income but still earn a small amount, up to $1,000 per month. Knowing that the CERB does not help many students, we announced a $9 billion package, including a
$1,250 monthly benefit from May to August ($2,000 for those with dependents or disability), doubled student grants, and a new service grant for those volunteering to address the pandemic. Through the Canada Summer Job program, our local office has been able to deliver $125,000 to create jobs for young Canadians at Michael Garron Hospital in their efforts to support long-term care homes, $50,000 for Shelter Movers to address domestic violence, and much more for other local service organizations. For small businesses, we’ve already seen changes to the emergency business account, and I expect additional adjustments to ensure greater access to the $40,000 interest-free loan ($10,000 forgivable). While commercial tenancies are provincial, and I hope
to see Ontario take stronger action against evictions, our federal government has funded 75 per cent of the rent assistance program codeveloped with provinces. If your landlord won’t participate, I will call them personally. The most significant federal support for businesses and workers continues to be the 75 per cent wage subsidy, and we’ve extended the program beyond its original June deadline. Our government has also supported specific sectors, with $350 million for charities and non-profits that are serving those affected by the pandemic, $500 million for arts, culture and sports organizations, and more for other sectors and through economic development agencies. For essential workers, we’ve guaranteed a wage top-up through
$3 billion in support, to be delivered through the province. All told, the vast majority of the financial support we’ve seen in this crisis has come from our federal government. You can find detailed information about these programs at www. beynate.ca, and I encourage you to sign up for our weekly e-newsletter there as well. You can also join our online Q&A every Thursday at 8 p.m. at fb.com/beynate, and follow my podcast series at uncommons. ca, in which I’m joined by experts and parliamentary colleagues to discuss issues of the day. For example, in a recent episode, Minister Bill Blair answers questions about our recent action to strengthen gun control. In these difficult times, we continue to be here to serve you in any way that we can.
Letters to the editor
Beach residents need to rise up and ‘just say no’ to their leaf blowers Spring is back in our fine neighbourhood. Warm days, the crocuses and forget-me-nots popping up, ours robins and cardinals back from the south. We’ve got it made! Well, almost, until something
comes blasting out of nowhere to spoil the works. Along with the robins, that other harbinger of spring also is back -- the dreaded, industrial-strength leaf blower. Now you remember, right -- that roaring in-
vader throwing up its horrendous clouds of dust. Just what we need in these COVID-19 days – whirlwinds of polluted air! Already we’ve been under attack by the leaf-blowing brigade. Is this some sort of “es-
sential” service? I just watched a team blasting away at a few of last Fall’s leaves, sending up a huge cloud of who-knows-what horrible stuff to breathe. Anyone with a rake and broom could quickly and
quietly have corralled and bagged those leaves. It’s time to just say no to leaf blowers. “Go Green.”. Your place will look beautiful, and your neighbours will be thankful. Larry Milberry
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Community Calendar
proudly presented by Beaches-East
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many community events have been cancelled or postponed. Please visit the groups’ websites or connect with organizers to receive the latest information.
SEPT. 8: Community Centre 55 AGM at 97 Main St., 7 p.m. The Annual General Meeting of the members of Community Centre 55 will be held for the purpose of considering and taking action with respect to the following: to approve the financial statements of Community Centre 55 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019; to receive our Program report; and to fill three vacancies on the Board of Management. For additional information, please contact Debbie Visconti, Executive Director, Community Centre 55 at 416691-1113 ext. 225. Please note we are having a pre AGM barbecue at 6 p.m. sharp and we would love to have you there. BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH LUNCHES for Adults. Bag lunches will be available at 11 a.m. on Tuesdays at St. Nicholas Anglican Church, Wednesdays at Beach Hebrew Institute and Thursdays at Beach United Church, throughout May. St. Nicholas will also be doing lunches each Tuesday during June. Summer lunches are as follows: June 16 - 11 a.m. at St Nicholas; July 21 - 11 a.m. at St. Nicholas; August 18 - 11 a.m. at Beach Hebrew Institute; September 15 - 11 a.m. at Beach United. The form of the lunch will depend on the virus situation at the time. Info: 416-691-6869 GRANT-FULL FOOD & FELLOWSHIP. In view of COVID-19, Grant-full Food & Fellowship Soup Kitchen at 2029 Gerrard St. East is open on Wednesdays from 2:00 to 6:00 pm until further notice. Anyone in need of free groceries is welcome. Please line up, respect social distancing and wait until you are invited in to be served. Info: 416 690 5169. WARDEN WOODS COMMUNITY CENTRE COVID-19 All in One Support Line: 647-327-0206 BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP Info: www.mentalwellness.help DANFORTH MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP Info: www.mentalwellness.help TORONTO SENIORS HELPLINE: 416-217-2077 TORONTO PUBLIC HEALTH: 416-338-7600 TELEHEALTH ONTARIO: 1-866-797-0000 TORONTO COVID-19 INFO: toronto.ca/home/covid-19 MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT: 211 KIDS HELP PHONE: 1-800-668-6868 ASSAULTED WOMEN’S HELPLINE: 416-863-0511 EAST END COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE, 1619 Queen St. E. Info: www.eastendchc.on.ca
York Councillor Brad Bradford GAMBLERS ANONYMOUS. If you or a family member are struggling with gambling, Gamblers Anonymous is there to HELP. Call: 1(855) 222-5542 or visit www.gatoronto.ca AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113 AL-ANON BEACH R&R GROUP meets Tuesdays at St. Aidan’s Church, Queen St. E. at Silver Birch Ave., 7:30 p.m. (newcomers’ meeting 7 p.m.). Use side door in middle of the building. No fees or dues. TORONTO PUBLIC LIBRARIES: torontopubliclibrary.ca BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave. Info: www.beachunitedchurch.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter, & Instagram. HOPE UNITED CHURCH, 2550 Danforth Ave. Info: 416-691-9682, HopeUnited.ca KINGSTON ROAD UNITED CHURCH, 975 Kingston Rd. (3 blocks W of Victoria Pk. Ave.). Info: www.kruc.ca. 416-699-6091 ST. AIDAN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, Qu St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, Queen St. E. at Silver Birch Ave. Info: Church Office 416-691-2222, staidansinthebeach.com ST. SAVIOUR’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 43 Kimberley Ave. (at Swanwick Ave.). Info: 416-699-6512, www. stsaviours.ca, www.facebook.com/churchwithreddoor/ ST. NICHOLAS’ ANGLICAN CHURCH, 1512 Kingston Rd. (one block east of Warden). Info: stnicholasbirchcliff.com BIRCHCLIFF BLUFFS UNITED CHURCH, 33 East Rd. (Kingston Rd. & Warden Ave.). Info: 416-694-4081, www.bbuc.ca ST. PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH, 200 McIntosh St. (W. of Midland, N. of Kingston Rd.). Info: www.stpaulsscarborough.org BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Dr. (S of Queen). Info: www.beacheschurch.org, 416-699-5871 FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. (corner of Kingston Rd. and Wood Glen Rd.). Find us: www.fallingbrookpresbyterian.com or fboffice@rogers.com ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd. (2 blocks E of Main St.). Info: 416-698-1105, www.stjohnsrc.ca, stjohnschurch@bellnet.ca CORPUS CHRISTI PARISH, 1810 Queen St. E. Info: 416-694-0382, corpuschristito.archtoronto.org NEIGHBOURHOOD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION, 79 Hiawatha Rd. (S of Gerrard, W of Coxwell). Info: www.nuuc.ca, 416-686-6809 SALVATION ARMY EAST TORONTO, 107 Cedarvale Ave. Info: 416-467-7416 TORONTO UNITED MENNONITE CHURCH, 1774 Queen St. E. Info: 416-699-6631, www.tumc.ca WAVERLEY ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH, 129 Waverley Rd. (just north of Queen St.). Info: 416694-3054, www.waverleyroadbaptist.ca BEACH HEBREW INSTITUTE, 109 Kenilworth Ave. Info: hebrewbeach@gmail.com. 416.694.7942, www.beachhebrewinstitute.ca
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Reel Beach: Movies in East Toronto
Malvern grad Robert Buckham’s art and war diary remembered Bernie Fletcher “Endurance was our only resource.” Diary entry of Robert Buckham, Feb. 2 1945
THERE ISN’T much to celebrate in these troubled times, but May 8 marked the 75th anniversary of VE Day, Victory in Europe Day. For one Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) pilot it was the end of a desperate and brutal march across Europe by thousands of Allied prisoners of war. Flight Lieutenant Robert Buckham’s illustrated diary would become a book, Forced March to Freedom (1984) and later a documentary film (2001). The flyer was also one of the many young Canadians who helped in the most famous P.O.W. escape of the Second World War. Buckham was born in 1918 in the midst of the terrible Spanish Flu pandemic. Survival would become the story of his life. He grew up on Balsam Avenue and later the family moved to Glen Manor Drive. He attended Balmy Beach School and be-
came one of the many Malvern Collegiate grads who volunteered for the RCAF. Their biggest worries had been final exams and prom night. Now they were going off to war. One 1941 photo in the Toronto Star shows a flight training school group of 13 former Malvern students and two teachers, including J. Leslie Kerr who would later become principal at Malvern. From a young age Buckham showed talent in drawing and attended Saturday classes at the Art Gallery under mentors such as Arthur Lismer of the Group of Seven. Buckham became a graphic artist, but along came the war. He served the dangerous mission of piloting a Wellington bomber in night raids over Germany. His artistic abilities would soon come in handy. On the night of April 8, 1943, Buckham’s bomber was shot down by Luftwaffe fighter planes. The crew bailed out and survived, but Buckham landed in a tree and was seriously injured. Taken prisoner he was sent to Stalag Luft 111, a P.O.W. camp for Allied officers. Another Malvern grad, Hur-
ricane fighter pilot Donald Lush of Pine Crescent was already there. Buckham spent his days sketching and painting everyday life in the camp and forging documents for the flyers who would break out by tunnel in March of 1944. His number was not drawn for the escape, but that likely saved his life as 50 of the 76 men who escaped were executed by the German Gestapo. Hollywood would make an entertaining, but largely fictional account of the event in the famous 1963 film, The Great Escape. Everyone remembers Steve McQueen’s adventures, but no Americans (or motorcycles) were actually involved in the escape. Read the excellent book, The Great Escape: A Canadian Story by Ted Barris. The author signed my copy, “Now you have the true story to go with the Hollywood myth.” The ordeal of the prisoners wasn’t over. In January 1945, with Russian forces advancing and the end of the war in sight, German captors marched 10,000 Allied P.O.W.s across Europe in the dead of winter. Gaunt, exhausted prisoners faced starvation and frostbite, sleeping in barns and fields, scavenging for any food they could find. Buckham kept a diary of his Stalag imprisonment and the desperate Long March until their liberation in May 1945. A villager found and later returned Buckham’s wrist-
watch, broken in the fall the night his plane was shot down. It had been a 21st birthday gift from his dad who would die aged 58 while his son was still a prisoner. After the war Buckham married Marion McLaren of Beaufort Road at Kew Beach United Church and resumed his successful career as a commercial artist. In 1948, after visiting his wife’s parents, Buckham was driving alone on Woodbine Avenue at Gerrard Street East when his car was struck by an eastbound train at a level crossing. He was thrown 25 feet, but survived once more. He would enjoy a long career and life before dying in 2003 in Vancouver. The human spirit endures. If you think being captive to an invisible viral enemy is tough, imagine the suffering that POWs went through. Be thankful for what we have today because of their sacrifices. Buckham survived hardships we can only imagine and left us with a visual record of events we should never forget. He made his last diary entries on May 3, 1945: “A roar of cheers; crudely made flags waving; laughter and tears mingling; the guards running off, weaponless; men climbing the wire to run to the tanks; men embracing each other, shouting incoherently; men kneeling to pray; men staring vacantly, bewildered; thousands of men in a state of hysterical, blessed release. It continued for minutes.”
Beach Memories
Kew Gardens memorial
honours those who served Gene
Domagala
O
n May 8, 75 years ago it was VE Day – Victory in Europe. A few months later, the Second World War ended. We hoped that was the end of war forever. Millions of lives were lost in this war. In the Beach, people were exhausted by this long and terrible war that took so many lives including those of local residents. Many men and women went overseas to fight for the cause of freedom and their country. Some came back. Some did not. The memory of those brave soldiers weighed heavily on the minds of the
people of the Beach. Many were probably asking, “Did they give their lives in vain?” How can we remember them in one form or another so that maybe there would be no more war, and how could we always remember them in our hearts and souls, were the questions being asked. To make sure they would never be forgotten, the people of the Beach came together to honour the memory of their friends, neighbours and loved ones. They put up a symbol in Kew Gardens park, a monument to those to be remembered. Within a year this monument was built in their honour. Their spirit and this symbol lives on then and now.
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In My Opinion
Virus restrictions are breaking city’s urban detachment Patrick Beedling Guest Column A VISIT to Kew Gardens on a weekday morning in April left me with the impression that Toronto had lost its big city feel. Aside from a family of geese and a few people out with their dogs, my four-year-old daughter and I found ourselves alone in the deep outfield of the baseball diamond, playing nonsensical games with a dollar store bouncy ball. With playgrounds and sports facilities closed, and physical distancing in full effect, it was an unusually quiet scene at the park near the lake. The few people that I have encountered on daily walks and infrequent errands in the neighbourhood seem keener to partake in small talk, perhaps motivated
by boredom, a freer schedule, or a chance to show friendliness in a time of collective suffering. A few days after our trip to Kew Gardens a woman approaching my family on the sidewalk stopped for a moment to ponder out loud the hierarchy of physical distancing. Who should have give up their place on the sidewalk, she asked: dog owners or people with young children? She decided that small children should take priority, stepping into a nearby yard and ceding the path to my wife, daughter and me (we made sure to express gratitude and compliment her on her dog). Many Torontonians are now accustomed to a sense of urban detachment. Eyes trained on smartphones in the subway. Greeting-less passes on the sidewalk. Even in the Beaches neighbourhood -- arguably Toronto’s most quaint with its
patchwork of cottagey homes and abundance of park space -- there is a tendency to go about our daily business with few words uttered to those we don’t know. But the pandemic has changed that, slowing down our busy lives and effectively erasing non-virtual social plans. What’s left socially is the chance encounter: a physically distant chat with a community member on the sidewalk, a brief interaction with a neighbour from the porch, backyard, or communal laneway.The other day while talking with an elderly neighbour I remarked on his hilariously DIY hairdo. Surely deprived of his local barber, he had buzzed the sides of his head in the fashion of a Queen West hipster. The lighter side of the pandemic is one that some of us might find difficult to access in these challenging times.
Many of us by now have experienced anxiety-laced encounters with fellow citizens. A woman walking her dog on the Don River Trail barked “Six feet apart!” as I cycled by a few weeks ago, even as I nearly grazed the bushes on the opposite side of the path in an effort to maintain appropriate distance. Evidently she was unconvinced my huffing and puffing would limit the trajectory of those pernicious droplets we’ve all come to fear so much. We do have a choice in how we treat each other during our limited outings, and notwithstanding a few grumpy social-distance warriors, so far what I’ve observed during bouts of exercise and occasional errands tips toward kindness and understanding, In the mental health community we often speak of mindfulness: a sense of awareness within the here-and-now, on what is right in
front of us rather than what lies behind or ahead. Take notice of the wind blowing through the leaves of the trees. Pause for 10 seconds to pay attention to one bite of food. The mindfulness principle can apply equally to our social spheres, and we would do well to apply it. Say hello to a fellow pedestrian instead of looking at the ground on your walk. Chat with a neighbour for a few moments from your porch instead of checking social media. Volunteer to help a community member in need with grocery or medication pick-ups. As the virus and its restrictions wear on, we must consider the strong possibility that the usual frenetic pace of our city—or indeed, of the world—won’t return anytime soon. One possible upside amidst the lost lives and economic woes is that we may come out feeling just a little closer to our neighbours.
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Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Deja Views
Proudly presented by Thomas Neal of Royal LePage Estate Realty
Construction of Queen and Woodbine fire hall began in 1905
By David Van Dyke
In 2005, Fire Station 227, celebrated it’s centennial. This image on the left was taken more than 115 years ago by an unkown photographer and it is plain to see, apart from the construction site, there wasn’t much going on at the intersection of Queen Street East and Woodbine Avenue back then. In fact, the Beach was originally a cottage area and gradually, when residents started to live here full time, the fire hall became a necessity. Do you have an old photo of the Beach you’d like to share? It doesn’t have to be 115 years old. It could be your house when you bought it. Please contact me at gdvandyke61@gmail.com
East Ender-tainment Music Series features local artists in online concerts THE EAST Ender-tainment Music Series online concerts are set for this month. Hosted by Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford, the series will feature different artists on Thursday evenings starting at 7 p.m. for the month of May. The concerts will be shown on Face-
book Live, and will feature a few songs by the featured community artists and some conversation which those watching can interact with. The series kicked off last week with performances by Jen Schaffer & the Shiners, May Akanuma, and TRAINWRECK. Upcoming performances in the se-
ries are slated for May, 14, 21 and 28, all starting at 7 p.m. To watch the online concerts, please go to www.facebook.com/bradmbradford/live For more information including the artists who will be performing in the upcoming concerts, please visit www. bradbradford.ca/eastendertainment
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BEACHMETRO.COM
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY HEALTH DR. KARIN RUMMELL & ASSOCIATES OPTOMETRISTS 1914 Queen St. E. (E. of Woodbine) Mon.- Sat. by appointment
416-691-5757
PSYCHOTHERAPY
ACCOUNTING
LAWYERS/LEGAL
LAWYERS/LEGAL
MASSAGE THERAPY
Tara Shannon
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
Dashwood & Dashwood
QUINN Family Law
Barristers & Solicitors
Shelley C. Quinn,
www.advanced approachesmassage.com
Geoffrey J. Dashwood
LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law)
M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, RP Registered Psychotherapist Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples Insurance clients welcome Evening & weekend sessions available 579 Kingston Rd (corner Main)
416 698-6960 tara@tarashannon.ca
BALSAM DENTAL
416-691-8555
www.balsamdental.com
Complete financial services for the business owner, manager, entrepreneur & self-employed Corporate and Personal Income Tax Services Bus: 416-270-9898 98 Scarboro Beach Blvd.
William F. Deneault
Family Dentistry * Open 6 days a week * * Evening hours available * New patients always welcome 2200 Queen St. East (at Balsam)
Bert van Delft
Beatriz Mendez B.A. B.Ed. M.A. DipTIRP
Registered Psychotherapist Low Fee - High Value Therapy Kingston Rd. at Victoria Park Ave.
416-690-2417
Chartered Accountant • Corporate & Personal Tax • Specializing in small to medium business • Financial advice 21 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 502
Tel: (416) 962-2186
www.East-Toronto-Therapy.com mendez.smith@sympatico.ca
BEACHES OPTOMETRY CLINIC Dr. Linda Chan, Optometrist and Associates
951 Kingston Rd. (West of Victoria Park)
416-691-1991
DR. LINDA WINTER Psychologist
Kriens LaRose, LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
Christina Connell BA, Dipl. TCPP, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Adults, Adolescents, Children 177 Danforth Avenue #301A 416-778-4242 www.christinaconnell.com
Consultations • Therapy Individuals • Couples Over 20 years experience. Located at Queen & Wheeler
416-691-1071
Dr. Linda Iny Lempert Psychologist & Psychoanalyst
Individuals & Couples Services disponibles en français Insurance Coverage 47 Main Street (at Lyall Ave)
Caroline Duetz
Jungian Analyst Registered Psychotherapist 29 years in Private Practice
duetz@rogers.com 416-469-2423
416-694-4380
KEW GARDENS HEALTH GROUP
Beaches Therapy Group 647 484 8622 www.beachestherapy.ca 579 Kingston Rd, M4E 1R3
Massage Therapy • Physiotherapy Osteopathy • Naturopathic Medicine
2181 Queen St. E., Suite 305
416-690-6800
COUNSELLING
Melani Norman
CPA, CMA Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes
Call 416-471-0337
BRAIN AND BODY FITNESS
- Inspiring healthy habits using a holistic approach - Learn the tools for change DIANE MARTY Hons. B.A., M.A., Psych. Health, Wellness and Senior Coach Behaviour Change Coach A.C.E. Personal Trainer A.C.E. Contact bfit.marty@gmail.com
Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd Spiritual Counsellor since 1998
Emily C. Larimer CPA, CGA
BOOKKEEPING & PERSONAL TAX RETURNS Call: 416-693-2274 emily@eclarimercga.com www.eclarimercga.com
416-694-0232
www.energyawakening.com
BeyondTheBlueTherapy.com
2830 Danforth Ave. (East of Dawes Rd.)
416-690-2112
416-829-0527, Main & Kingston
ONLINE SESSIONS LGTBQ+ / Anxiety / Depression
Individual & Couples Therapy
Vaccines, examinations, diagnostics, palliative care, and home euthanasia provided for your pets in the comfort of your own home.
Dr. Barbara Houghton 647-221-5516
DENISE BADLEY-CASTELLO Family • Wills & Estates Real Estate
2069 Danforth Ave. (Woodbine)
416-690-6195
KATHLEEN LAVERICK FAMILY LAW 454 Kingston Road
Tel: 647-963-2234 • Fax: 888-278-1007 kathleen@laverickfamily.law www.laverickfamily.law
Now serving the Beach community. Call or write to book a free half hour consultation
CHIROPRACTORS
Janet D’Arcy
DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A Queen St. East
416 690-6257
Open Saturdays
dbadleylaw@rogers.com
KATHRYN WRIGHT Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848
2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com
Glover & Associates
Therapist-in-Training Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy
barbsaunders.com therapy@barbsaunders.com (Queen & Woodbine location)
NEXT DEADLINE MAY 19
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries
Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate
Hossain Farhad CPA
647-995-7868 info@hossainfarhadcpa.com www.HossainFarhadCPA.com
Beach Hill Bookkeeping
416.262.8422 beach.hill@yahoo.com James Chan Beachhillbookkeeping.com
Specializing in bookkeeping for self-employed professionals and small businesses
Fairtax Accounting & Business Services Inc. 3000 Danforth Ave., Unit 3, Suite 123
Personal & Corporate Tax Returns E-file; Uber HST/GST Returns Business Plans & Projection
fairtax1994@yahoo.ca
Affordable Talk Therapy for Individuals or Couples
GARRY M. CASS
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR Estate Planning/Real Estate/Business House Calls
For your Small Business Self-employed income & investments Real Estate Rentals
An accountant you can count on
M. Shahab 647-836-5779
Dogs, cats, pocket pets. Housecalls available.
HOUGHTON VETERINARY HOUSECALL SERVICES
300 Main Street 416-690-3324
CPA, CA
Patrick Ruiz Professional Corporation
Kirsten Johnson
Therapy with Barbara KATO ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Public
416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garrycass@sympatico.ca
Life & Relationship Issues
VETERINARIANS CHRISTINE KATO, B.Sc., D.V.M.
O’Reilly, Moll & Mian
Barrister & Solicitor
Professional Corporation Year-end Accounting, Cloud Accounting Tax (Personal, Corporate), HST, Payroll
WELLNESS
personal trainer 416 888 6465 mimi@missfit.ca
Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca
Barrister, Solicitor, Notary
416-907-0103
missfit.ca in-home
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9
www.krienslarose.com
647-300-4062 • patrick@prtaxcpa.com
(at Lee)
www.kewgardenshealth.com
Snider & DiGregorio
662 Broadview Ave. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca
Dr. Kelly Robazza Dr. William Chan
Chiropractic • Acupuncture A.R.T. / Laser 2212 Queen St. E.
416-698-5861
ArLinks-Accounting & Tax Services Inc.
3028 Danforth Ave., Unit 204 Toronto, ON M4C 1N2
info@arlinks.ca www.arlinks.ca
EXPERT TAX SERVICES INC.
ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING Personal & Corporation Tax Bookkeeping, Payroll & Business Plans
Office: 416-423-8598 Fax: 416-423-9216
196 Danforth Ave. sheenabhandari@yahoo.com
416-691-3700
Queen and Hammersmith
Paul J. Cahill
Personal Injury Lawyer Car accidents, Slips and Falls, Disability Claims 220 Bay Street, Suite 1400 416-643-3857 pcahill@willdavidson.ca
Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION Linda Bronicheski, J.D.
47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com
Shelly Pereira, Paralegal Small Claims, Provincial/Municipal Offences, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Letters, Mediation etc. Call for a Free 30 min. Consult
John H.
BJARNASON, D.C.
Hills, Salah LLP
Family Law & Estate Planning We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate.
416-752-8128 www.hillssalah.com
KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.
927 Kingston Rd. (W. of Vic Pk)
• Hours incl. evenings & Saturdays •
Voted “#1 Spa in Toronto” - Trip Advisor
416-694-6767
BEACHES MASSAGE CENTRE Randy Groening, RMT
2212 Queen St. E. (at Spruce Hill)
416-690-5185
THERAPY LOUNGE Megan Evans, RMT, CRHP & Associates Massage Therapy • Reflexology 2245 Queen St. East • 2nd floor • Open 7 days per week •
www.therapylounge.ca
416-916-7122
URBAN CALM THERAPEUTICS Stephanie Gage, RMT Kristina Pearsal, RMT 1789 Queen St. East, Unit 6
www.urbancalm.ca 416-698-3157
Jen Goddard, R.M.T. 416-690-6257
Chiropractor
1906 Queen St. E. (1 block east of Woodbine)
416-694-2868
ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN
DEGEN’S HEALTH GROUP Dr. Wade Whitten, D.C. Dr. Tanja Degen, D.C., CPT Dr. Christina Carreau N.D. 1089 Kingston Rd.
Stephen G. King, Architect
(at Victoria Park, next to Tim Hortons)
416-699-5320 • Free Parking BEACHES WELLNESS CENTRE
Dr. Johanna Carlo
B. Arch. OAA, MRAIC “Serving the Beach since 1987” Residential, Restorations, Home Inspections, Commercial, Interiors, Landscapes COMPLETE PROJECT SERVICES FROM DESIGN THROUGH CONSTRUCTION
(416) 694-8181 www.stephenkingarchitect.com
Member Ontario Association of Architects
W. MORRIS DESIGN
2130 Queen Street East
ARCHITECTURAL AND INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANTS DESIGN CONCEPTS AND PERMIT DRAWINGS WESLEY MORRIS, ARIDO, IDC, AATO
416-698-7070
416-261-9679
ASHBRIDGE’S HEALTH CENTRE
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES
Chiropractic &
Registered Massage Therapy
Dr. Emily Howell Jackie Leesun, RMT Dr. Ceara Higgins
Chiropractic, Acupuncture, RMT
Renovations & Additions Structural Design • Building Permit
Local • Affordable 416-200-6300
1522 Queen St. E. 416-465-5575 www.ashbridgeshealth.ca
www.WINTACO.com
INSURANCE
sustainable, modern architecture
647-693-6221 Upper Beaches, TO info@toronto-paralegal.net
Peter J. Salah
Su Willson, B.MUS, R.M.T. & ASSOC.
Neville Park Health Group 2455A Queen St. East
INCLUDING TAXES IN ARREARS
www.drlempert.ca
PHYSIOTHERAPY
• Accounting services for owner-managed businesses. • Personal and corporation income tax preparation. • Audit and consulting services for not-for-profit organizations
961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738
Cont.
Leane Besky Insurance Agency Inc. DESJARDINS INSURANCE
baukultur/ca
RENOVATIONS, ADDITIONS & NEW HOMES Complete Project Services from Design Concepts to Permits & Construction Energy Efficient & Healthy Building Concepts
647-938-6941 www.baukultur.ca
(6)
Auto, Home, Life, Critical Illness, Disability, Financial Services
2243 Queen St. E. 416-690-7900 www.leanebesky.com
We specialize in wealth & retirement strategies, RRSPs, TFSAs, RESPs, Pensions and more. Life Insurance, Disability, Critical Illness
Aldo Lopez-Gil CFPr, CIMr aldo.lopez-gil@edwardjones.com 416-691-8730
FUNERAL SERVICES
eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.
Life Celebrations. Done Differently. In Service with St. John’s Norway Cemetery & Crematorium.
647.660.5056 www.ecofuneral.ca
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Arts & Entertainment
Beach resident Nancy Leach writes The Mindful Boomer safe, you have to like where I’m coming from and the type of therapy that I give.” The Mindful Boomer provides 15 guided meditations to help readers strengthen consciousness, sensory clarity and mental columns of composure. It can also help people come to peace with themselves, their pasts and their relationships with others, she said. “I practise mindfulness because it makes me feel more alive. I don’t want to walk around in a daze,” said Leach For more information on The Mindful Boomer and Leach, please visit www.themindfulboomer.ca
By Alana Rayman
BEACH RESIDENT Nancy Leach has recently released her latest book, The Mindful Boomer: Skills for Aging and Dying. A Toronto psychotherapist with degrees in teaching and psychology, Leach is also a mediator, yoga practitioner and former director of the Hope Spring Cancer Support Centre in Waterloo. She is also the author of the book The Body Means Well. Leach said The Mindful Boomer is a guide for Baby Boomers who are entering their senior years on how to benefit from mindfulness. “Baby Boomers will tell you that sometimes it feels more like rusting as chronic conditions make themselves known and felt,” said Leach of learning how to deal with the aging process. She said that through mindful meditation, people can learn how to manage stress, anxiety and aches and pains associated with their aging bodies. Just a few hours a week of quiet reflection can have significant mental health benefits, she said. Studies using MRIs have
The Mindful Boomer: Skills for Aging and Dying is written by Beach resident Nancy Leach. shown that just eight minutes of mindful meditation training can shrink the area of the brain that triggers the “fight or flight” response that leads to anxiety and depression, said Leach. The Mindful Boomer offers guidance on how to teach yourself to sit right,
how to breath, notice the environment and be in the present. “Each of us is unique, something might work for one person and something might work for another,” said Leach. “The single most important thing is you have to feel
Beach United, Dr. Mike Daley team up to present The Mowtown Story online BEACH UNITED Church plans to host another online musical lecture series this month. Presented by Dr. Mike Daley, the latest edition of the series will feature a look at The Motown Story. “In this 80-minute entertaining and informative video lecture, (Daley) tells the incredible story of Motown/Tamla Records, the independent Detroit-based record company that revolutionized popular music in the 1960s and ’70s,” said the website on the lecture. “Featuring the music of the Miracles, the Supremes, the Temptations, Stevie Wonder, the Jackson 5 and more, The Motown Story is an inspiring tale of resourcefulness and
determination.” A musicologist and lecturer on music history, Daley is also a longtime professional musician who has worked with Jeff Healey and the Travellers. The Motown Story lecture will be available to download from May 18 to June 1. Along with the lecture, Daley will also will answer questions in a livestream on YouTube on Thursday May 28 at 11 a.m. Earlier Daley and Beach United teamed up to present online lectures on Bob Dylan, and Simon and Garfunkel. There is a $10 minimum per person donation required to access the link to The Motown Story lecture. Once people have registered,
the link will be sent to them as will the access for the Q and A session on May 28. Proceeds go to cover costs and towards community initiatives such as providing hot take-out hot meals for those in need during the COVID-19 crisis; Spirit Connect, which is an online webpage with programs, podcasts, videos, reflections and prayers; Music for the Soul, which is an online page offering inspirational music and videos to engage and connect people during this time of physical distancing; and Children & Youth, an online webpage. To sign up, go to www. eventbrite.ca/e/the-motownstory-an-online-video-lecture-with-dr-mike-daleytickets-103526147494
BEACH METRO NEWS
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BEACH METRO NEWS
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Sports
Documentary tells story of Beach resident, hockey player Rich Clune By Alan Shackleton PRO HOCKEY player Rich Clune knew that when he was asked to take part in a documentary film about athletes overcoming addiction and mental health issues, there was no question that the skating scenes would be shot at Ted Reeve Arena – the place he first learned to skate and play the game. “It was non-negotiable that those scenes be shot at Ted Reeve,” Clune, 33, said in an email interview with Beach Metro News recently. “It holds a special place in my childhood.” An East Toronto native, Clune is a 14-year pro hockey veteran, having been drafted by the Dallas Stars 71st overall in the 2005 National Hockey League Entry Draft as a forward. During his career he has played for the Los Angeles Kings, the Nashville Predators, and the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League. He has been a member of the Leafs’ American Hockey League team the Toronto Marlies since 2015, though
PHOTO: UPPER CANADA FILMS
Rich Clune being interviewed for the documentary film Hi, My Name is Dicky. no pro hockey is currently being played due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, Clune’s hockey career and his personal life has had its challenges as he dealt with drug and alcohol addiction and mental health issues. Last year, a mutual friend connected him with filmmakers Taylor Prestidge and Haris Usanovic who were interested in making a documentary on Clune’s experiences and his road to recovery which has seen him clean and sober for the past 10 years. The result is the film, Hi, My Name Is Dicky. The documentary takes an unvarnished look at Clune’s career and his personal challenges through interviews and other scenes including the on-ice shots from Ted Reeve Arena. “They had an interesting idea with how to approach my story,” said Clune. “Our hope is that we achieve awareness surrounding addiction and mental illness, while also inspiring people to work hard and
to lead happy lives.” Clune grew up on Keystone Avenue in the Woodbine and Danforth area and now lives in the Beach near Queen Street East and Lee Avenue. Growing up he and his brothers (Matt and Ben) took skating lessons and hockey school taught by his dad Tom Clune at Ted Reeve Arena. Tom Clune had an impressive hockey career himself, having played U.S. college hockey and then in a semipro league in Sweden. Clune said he has nothing but fond memories of his times playing with the Ted Reeve Hockey Association as youngster. “I loved having an orange soda after scoring a hat trick, that was my reward,” he remembered. “Playing with my brothers were some of my favourite memories to this day, and going to the hockey school at Ted Reeve where my dad coached at.” As his hockey skills developed, Clune went on to play minor hockey with the Toronto Marlboroughs Minor
Midget AAA team, and then Major Junior in the Ontario Hockey League with the Sarnia Sting and Barrie Colts. From Grade 7 on, Clune attended St. Michael’s College School. Prior to that he was a student at St. Brigid Catholic School. Clune’s advice to young athletes, and to all people, who are facing difficult challenges in their life is to not be afraid to ask for help. “There’s no shame in asking for help, with whatever it is you’re struggling with,” he said. Like millions of others around the world dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, Clune is now in a waiting game at home until he can get back to his job which in his case is pro hockey player. “I’m continuing to train hard on my own at my house and will pick back up with hockey in Toronto once the economy opens back up,” he said. For more information on Hi, My Name is Dicky, and to see a trailer, please go to www.youtube.com/ watch?v=tduucbjqeXQ
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
In Memoriam
A look at the legacy of Eddie Lynch on first anniversary of his death By Allan Dickie
ONCE A lifesaver always a lifesaver. That was Eddie Lynch. “Eddie helped make the world a better place for a lot of people,” said Jocelyne, his wife and companion of 30 years, in marking a year since he passed. Edmond Francis Lynch was born in Toronto and lived most of his 83 years in the Beach. An excellent athlete, he played rugby out of the Balmy Beach Club and also was an accomplished squash player. His life work and his passion were as a Toronto firefighter. On June 17, 1981, 22 years into his career, he was on the fourth floor of a burning building when it exploded and Eddie and two of his colleagues plunged 80 feet into the rubble below. “In the blink of an eye, my life changed forever,” he recalled. In addition to smoke inhalation, his injuries included fractures to the upper and
The legacy of Eddie Lynch, a longtime Beach resident and firefighter who is shown here with wife Jocelyne, is honoured as the one-year anniversary of his death approaches. lower spine and crushed ligaments in his left leg. He and his two brother firefighters spent a lengthy period in rehab, Eddie the longest at 15 months. He had at least 20 operations over the course of his life, most related to the fateful fire. When he went back to work in 1983, he was addicted
to painkillers and battling an alcohol problem. He entered a treatment centre shortly after, which would begin what was to be his enduring legacy. “I learned there was virtually no support within the department for firefighters with my kind of problems,” he said. “A group of us with similar problems decided something needed to be done.” More than 30 years later, the now Peer Support Team is still running, assisting firefighters in the most traumatic of jobs. Eddie took addiction counselling courses and continued to work with firefighters after his retirement in 1991. He extended his mission to counselling people with addictions outside the department, especially in his Beach neighbourhood. He was a familiar face at self-help groups and on Queen Street East. “Eddie’s work in the community was phenomenal,” a longtime friend of Eddie’s recalled. “There are people around today who wouldn’t
be if it wasn’t for him.” Eddie continued to endure the effects of his injuries and underwent heart surgery and kidney treatments. Undaunted and still competitive, late in his life, he took up lawn bowling at the Balmy Beach Club. When he died of kidney failure last May 15, Lynn Sciberras, editor of The Mask Newsletter, published in the Toronto FF FireWatch Magazine, dedicated the last issue to Eddie and wrote: “I believe as a result of Eddie’s subtle ways, many brother and sister firefighters are alive today or have been able to survive life’s challenges.” And many recovered Beachers who are also a part of Eddie’s legacy would echo: “amen to that.” Eddie’s name will be added to the Firefighters’ Memorials at City Hall, Queens Park, Ottawa and IAFF in 2021, acknowledging his contributions. Allan Dickie is a former Beacher and longtime friend of Eddie Lynch
YWCA will operate homeless shelter Continued from Page 1 “We have very good relations with our neighbours, and they are welcoming and understanding of what we do,” McGregor said. “I’m assuming that in that neighbourhood there will be welcoming people. We are always happy to answer questions from residents.” Anyone with questions, can contact the YWCA To-
ronto by sending them an email at info@ywcatoronto. org. For now, McGregor said the shelter at the former hotel will run with 35 beds available for those who are in need although there is the capacity for 50 maximum. The Days Inn closed as a hotel on April 1 of this year. The site is slated for redevelopment in the future.
It had been empty since it was closed, and was expected to stay that way until demolished once rezoning and development approvals were given by City of Toronto officials. “This is a good use of this building, and we were lucky it was available,” said McGregor of the city being able to find an available hotel that had just recently closed and
had not started demolition. The zoning bylaw change for redevelopment of the site is being sought by Queen Kingston Holdings Inc. and Penny Lane Holdings Inc. to build a six-storey, 110-unit residential building at 16841702 Queen St. E. To view the redevelopment plans, go to www.app. toronto.ca/AIC/index.do and type in 1684 Queen St. E.
BEACH METRO NEWS
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BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
BEACHMETRO.COM
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TIM O’MEARA TAX ACCOUNTANT
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(7r)
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(w. of Midland) (r)
www.hardingandking.com
BLIND AMBITION
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WAYNE’S
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Tutoring HELP WITH MATH & ENGLISH call ALBERTO 416 690 9389 for • COVID CATCH-UP • • in-depth homework/test help • • essay-writing + study skills • • numeracy + literacy support • INDIV/GRP TUITION IN YOUR HOME QUALIFIED + EXPERIENCED TEACHER, K-12 PROVEN SUCCESS - REFS AVAILABLE (10r)
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TO SERVE AND RESPECT
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RILEYS’ WINDOW CLEANING
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HELP FOR STRUGGLING READERS
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BEACHES PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
A fully-qualified special education specialist is available to support elementary students. Let me help your child reach their full potential. Homework help and enrichment are also available. Please contact me at
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EUROPEAN CLEANING LADIES
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Child Care Available BALMY BEACH COMMUNITY DAY CARE We provide a positive, encouraging environment for children 2 1/2 yrs to 12 yrs in a licensed, non-profit, parent-board day care. Info. or to register
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• Small and Big Moves • All Kinds of Delivery Services incl. cottage country • Junk and Rubbish Removal
Green Apple Landscaping
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416-830-8183
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STONEHENGE LANDSCAPE • DESIGN & BUILD
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www.kimpricelandscapedesign.com (4/21)
BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
LAWN CUTTING *(weekly, bi-weekly, & one time visits available) 416-414-5883
(6r)
“General Outdoor Stonework” RETAINING WALL SPECIALIST Contact: JB Barton
647 679 3282
TORONTO DISCOUNT LAWN CARE
info@blpm.ca
(6r)
(6r)
Professional work at a reasonable rate *Seniors Discounts* *Spring Cleanups*
416 830 9305
Larry’s Painting & Repairs 416-690-3890
sales@larryspainting.ca www.larryspainting.ca
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PAINTING & DECORATING
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416-414-5883
Painters
PROWAY
Landscape Design 647-545-5143
EXTREME CLEANING
(7)
(7r)
Family owned & operated 26 years in business
KIM PRICE
info@blpm.ca
STUDIO 1
CARTAGE & STORAGE 2 Men + Truck $59/hr Office • Apt. Deliveries
www.beachbuilds.ca
Contact Martha @ Cell: 647-206-1415 Home: 416-449-0171
647 606 0970
freshgreenlawncare (17)) @gmail.com
“Always on Time and on Budget”
Garden & Tree -Lawn Cutting / Aeration/ Overseeding/Fertilization -Fall Property Clean-Ups -Hedge Trimming - Mulching
GRASS CUTTING & GARDENING
Movers
(6)
FREE ESTIMATES • 437-370-5574 www.cometjanitorial.com (6.r)
I provide excellent cleaning services for residential homes and condos.
(6r)
Greg 416-693-8678
Excellent pruning and trimming of shrubs, hedges and small trees. Planting and soil amendments. Butterfly gardens. Maintenance, mowing etc. Environmentally friendly!
Beach Builds
Christine 416-698-5668
www.beachbuilds.ca 647 679 3282
Jacqueline’s Garden/Yard Care Cleanups/maintenance, planning, planting, shrub and small tree care, grass cutting, and more! jdtgardening@gmail.com 647-214-3337 facebook.com/Jacque(6.) linesGardenAndYardCare.
(r)
Reasonable Price Math G4-G12 8+ years experience Master (Applied Math) Contact: Inspire Math (Naoki) inspiremathcanada@gmail.com (11v))
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www.stonehengedesignbuild.com
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- Stonework • - Mulching - Clean ups - CURB APPEAL!
416-467-6059
416-884-1402. References avail. (6r)
(16)
LANDSCAPE STAGING
Green Apple Landscaping
THE STUDY STUDIO
(7)
647-545-9561
Your local tree experts! Fallen Trees, Damaged Limbs, Chipping & Removal.
References available upon request
• Bio-degradable, non-allergenic products used • Drying time 3-4 hours • Bonded, insured, certified Free At Home Estimates!
Call 416-783-3434
(9)
Award Winning Design & Build
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
(6.)
IN THE BEACH LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE SPECIALISTS
(Beach area) by high school teacher. 14+ years experience in Public School Board, including AP French. German can be taught as well (native speaker)
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437-774-6300
ROCKWOOD TREE SERVICES
Landscapers
TUTOR FOR FRENCH & FI
• Lawn Maintenance & Fertilizing • Fall/Spring clean ups • Snow removal Call today for a free quote
dave@writteninstonelandscapes.com (6r)
437-345-9858
SKYPE/FACETIME SESSIONS
(5r)
(6r)
Driveways • Patios • Steps Retaining Walls • Planting Interlocking & Natural Stone Repair
Gardening
www.carbontip-toe.com
Proudly serving the Beach for over 20 years Neil Bennett B.Ed./OCT Sally Vickers B.Ed./OCT
STEAM CLEANING LTD.
416-265-6674
WRITTEN IN STONE
james@mrtreeman.ca 416 436 5821 www.mrtreeman.ca
One on One Tutoring Grades 3-12
Currently offering
www.thestoneporch.com thestoneporch@gmail.com
Servicing residential and commercial
(6r)
- Clean Up - Trimming - Seeding, planting, etc.
www.headstarttutors-ca.com 416-272-9589 • hstarttutors@gmail.com
& Remediation Services
(r)
WANTED: Somone to help in my garden for 3 hours/week. Days & hours flexible. Tasks would include lawn edging & weeding.
Cleaning Services
Comet Janitorial
For estimate call
647-899-9074
(12)
416-414-5883 info@blpm.ca
2358 Kingston Rd. 416-698-9000
Call Candy at 416 691-3170
- Property Cleaning - Lawn Cutting - Aeration/Overseeding /Fertilizing/Mulching
Vienna Upholstery
LANDLORDS For Peace of Mind Call
Veterinary Technician with 20 yrs experience provides excellent care - Home visits - Boarding in my home - Experienced in giving oral, I.V. and sub-Q medications - Nail trims - References
A family business since 1956
Cleaning specialists •Windows •Eavestroughs •Decks •Siding 416-706-7130 905-706-7130 www.kleenwindows.ca
(6r)
CAT CARE SERVICE
416-567-3205
•Fast friendly service for 40 years •CESA certified
pmcarthur577@gmail.com www.mcarthurbusinesscentre.com
416 389 9234
BEST JOB & PRICE GUARANTEED
McArthur & Son Business Centre Air conditioning, boardroom, kitchen area, copier, etc. Individual offices from $425/mth. 577-579 Kingston Rd. @ Main St.
Paul McArthur 416-821-3910
is an essential service and under new ownership! We are available for dog walking and for owners in quarantine, boarding and in-home training programs. We observe sanitary protocol. We are accepting new clients in the beach and South Etobicoke!
www.beachpuppylove.com
416-691-7556
Bach to ROCK
Finely Finished Stone Work
HOWELL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
647 679 3282 beachbuilds.ca
Professional Arborist
THE STONE PORCH LANDSCAPING
(6r)
James Clarke
THE TWO FOURS
BEACH PUPPY LOVE
info@blpm.ca
Mr Tree Man
416-699-8333
INDOOR / OUTDOOR
416-414-5883
Music We teach it all!
Peter the Handyman
Volunteers
(5)
(6r)
Backyard Basement Garage cleanups Rubbish Removal Small Demolitions Free Estimates
LAWN CUTTING *(weekly, bi-weekly, & one time visits available)
“Sodding/seeding done quick and easy at a reasonable rate”
Bessie 416-831-6279
B&W DISPOSAL
BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Beaches Sod & Seed Co
CLEANING LADY
PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS
Deadline for May 26th issue is May 19th
(9)
(r)
MR. FIX-IT
Call Bob 416-699-5306 cell 416-459-4137
Who has the time to clean anymore? I have the time, so give me a call. Roxanne 647 886 8303
(6r)
Interior • Exterior Residential • Commercial Plastering • Drywall
416.797.6731
proway.painting@gmail.com
Free Estimates & References Available (12)
SERENITY PAINTING Beach resident with over 30 years exp Interior / Exterior Work Proper Drywall & Plaster Repairs No job too big or small Have the job done right the first time. Referrals & Free Estimates
Steve 647-853-6420
(8)
‘As Promised’ Painting *** Free Estimates *** We stand by our contracts, big or small. Also do Drywall and Plaster Repairs and more
Dianne 416 699 5070
(19)
PROFESSIONAL PAINTER Richard Durocher Interior & Exterior Small to Mid-size jobs
647 401 7970
(6$)
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
BEACH HILL
CANADIAN CONTRACTORS
Electricians
PAINTING
INTERIOR, EXTERIOR QUALITY PAINTING; KITCHEN CABINET REFINISHING & CUSTOM PAINT; STAINING & WATERPROOFING, DECKS & FENCES
25 years • Free estimates
Dave 416 694 4369
dave@beachhillpainting.com (8r)
LOCAL ELECTRICIAN Fault Finding Knob & Tube Rewiring Service upgrades Insurance certificates
Met. Lic. B-16-964
CELL 416-875-5781
(19)
ESA LIC# 7002668
INTERIOR PAINTING
CEJA ELECTRIC
All work guaranteed Fully insured • Free estimate warren.gamey@yahoo.com (6r)
BEACHCOMBERS
Knob & tube rewiring Service Upgrades
416-466-9025
(c)
All work guaranteed Fully insured • Free estimate (6r)
(8r)
Residential • Commercial - Knob & Tube Wiring - Service Panel Upgrades - Renovations & Alterations
(r)
ONTARIO WATER PLUMBING
LTD
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Mobile: 416-834-8474 Office: 416-757-6537 www.ontariowaterplumbing.com
Call Marc 416-910-1235
TOM DAY
Plumbing & Drains All types of plumbing work. Smallest leak - complete bath reno. Internal & external drain excavating. Call the professionals 416-480-0622 24 hr. - lic# P1624
(9r)
Cascade Plumbing GTA All Plumbing, camera inspection, power washing, snake drain cleaning, sump pumps, drainage systems, and back water valve installations. Great affordable rates. Fully licensed.
PLUMBER CONTRACTOR Fully licensed & insured. Lic #T94
George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872
Master Plumber • Lic. & Ins.
Complete Bathrooms Small Repairs Renovations 416-456-9999 Follow on Facebook
Power washing, snake drains, Backwater installation. Renovations, warm floors Boilers, Design build.
Call Bob 416-821-8438
(6)
ATLANTIS PLUMBING &
DRAINS Dishwasher & Gas Repairs
Heating, Boilers & Radiator Repairs Reno, Repairs - LICENSED
416-265-4558
Cell 416-727-1595
NEXT DEADLINE MAY 19TH
(7)
Foundation Repair/Waterproofing
FAIRNEY & SONS LTD.
(6..)
CUSTOM CARPENTRY IN THE BEACH
Serving Your Community Since 1971
LANIGAN’S
Roofing & Aluminum
An honest family service in the heart of The Beaches
www.laniganscontracting.ca
416-569-2181
YOUR STUCCO
(r)
(6r)
(11)
Call today for free estimate (10r)
(r)
For all your roofing needs In the Beaches since 1974 FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
416-690-1430 • 416-266-8953 quotes@citywideroofing.ca www.citywideroofing.ca (6$)
(6r)
ROOFING & SIDING? SOLUTION! Flat and Shingle Roofs Re-roofing, Repair Eavestrough, Soffit & Fascia Workmanship Guaranteed
(9r)
TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES LTD. Local • Reliable • Professional Servicing the beach for 15 years.
416 694 0906 torontoroofingindustries.com (10r)
www.jdbuild.ca
(8r)
CANPRO MECHANICAL Air Conditioning & Heating Experts HVAC / Repair / Maintain / Install Residential / Commercial Rental programs now available
416-606-4719 (6r)
MARCANGELO INTERIORS Drywall, Taping Trim, Tiles, Painting
Marc 416 419 4281
416 824-7901 437 999-1011
(6$)
SJS Projects 20 yrs exp
Specialize in Fences, Decks, Foundation repair, Landscaping, Sheds, Flooring, Drywall, Bathrooms and much more! Handyman Services Free estimates
Spencer 807 633 3025 647 327 5609
(7)
Call Peeter
416-565-0487
(6)
Brick, Block, Stone,
Restoration & Build
www.canpromechanicalgroup.com
Metro lic
S.A.C Masonry
• Brick / Foundation • Concrete / Stone • Chimney & Parging
416-738-2119
All classified ads may also be viewed at www.beachmetro.com
HOME REPAIRS
JDB MASONRY
CITY WIDE ROOFING
(6$)
IN THE BEACHES
Painting, tiling, fencing, drywall, flooring, siding, vanities & much more.
Lic - Insured • Free Estimate
JUST DRYWALL AND TAPING
HANDYMAN
SERVICES
647-771-0227 jeff@heyhandyman.ca www.heyhandyman.ca
(6r)
NO JOB TOO SMALL OR BIG (FOR ALL YOUR NEEDS)
Competitive prices • Satisfaction guaranteed
15 yrs exp No job too small! Free Quotes, satisfaction guaranteed - Lic & Ins
416 988-2589 danielmccaf@gmail.com
HANDYMAN SERVICES
PLS Masonry offers over 20 years home repairs experience in the GTA
ALL TYPES OF ROOFS
Don’t call them, call those roofers
• chimneys & foundations • parging & tuck pointing • arches, lintels & sills • door & window rough-ins • foundation waterproofing
TWO BROTHERS
CHIMNEY REPAIRS • TUCKPOINTING BRICKWORK • PARGING CONCRETE • INTERLOCKING
HEY HANDYMAN
(6c)
Sam Capetanu
FLOORING SPECIALIZING IN SANDING & STAINING
416-999-2333
DRY WALL - LAMINATE FLOORING - PLUMBING ROOFING - EAVESTROUGH SIDING, CARPENTRY + MORE WATERPROOFING • LICENSED
416 876-4986
Stucco • Moulding Wall Systems
THOSE ROOFERS
416-910-8033
(r)
stonehengefoundations.com (r)
JIM 647 405 8457 416 691 8457
(10r)
MASONRY by Daniel
SILVERBIRCH
(6$)
Since 1998
437-999-1011
HARDWOOD
Roofers
Gus:
(r)
FOUNDATION
Drywall, Plastering, Taping 18 yrs Experience • Excellent Job Call Mike 416-854-7024 647 833 7024 Fax 647-341-6104
416-826-3918 John www.mgcunderpinning.com maximumgen@gmail.com
* ALL JOBS *
416 467 6735
Fences, Decks, Porches Flooring, Windows, Doors, Trim, etc. Kitchens & Bath • Garage Restoration Serving the Beach for 15 yrs.
“Your basement lowering specialists”
35 YEARS EXP. IN THE BEACHES
Fully Licensed Contractors Guaranteed
by Kevin
Maximum General Contracting Inc.
MET# B16348
WATERPROOFING/ REPAIR UNDERPINNING
Doug 416-871-1734 Jeff 647-686-8103
PLUMBING CAMERA INSPECTIONS
Master Plumber P-1736
(6)
- Shingles & Flats- Repair & Tune ups - Cedar & Slate - Re-roofs & new work
(6$)
WET BASEMENT ?
Alan Burke 416-699-4350
CARPENTRY
QUALITY WORKMANSHIP CEDAR, DECKS, FENCES INTERIOR, EXTERIOR DESIGN + BUILD Mario 416-690-1315 www.friedrichbuilds.com
(r)
Residential, Commercial, Retail, Home Offices Senior Rates
Carpenters
Kevin 647 282 8375
ED GODFREY
Telephone Systems
ESA/ECRA 7002084
(6..r)
UNDERPINNING & WATERPROOFING
•NO JOB TOO SMALL• Metro Lic. #B9948
416-524-1124
Brick • Block • Concrete Steel • Stone www.thestoneporch.com thestoneporch@gmail.com
416-265-6674
Cable & Telephone Wiring
416-694-6673
(12r)
Mark The Plumber
(r)
416-659-7003
100/200 AMP Serice Upgrades • New Wiring New Homes/Additions Lighting Installations Troubleshooting
Contact us at 416 602 2128 (6.r)
MASTER PLUMBER
Marc Text/Call 416-617-7205
www.webuildit.ca
(6r)
Residential/Comercial
Beach resident for 50 years. Discount for seniors and single parent. Lic. Master Plumber • Free estimates Patrick 647-404-7139 patrickj480@gmail.com (7)
THE STONE PORCH MASONRY
(6$)
Metro lic #B531 • All Work Guaranteed • Free Estimates
ELECTRICAL WORK
(r)
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLUMBING
•PAINTING •STAINING •DRYWALL REPAIR •PARGING •DECK & FENCE BUILD & REPAIR •INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REPAIRS
Complete Kitchen, bathroom & basement. Interior/Exterior Painting & Carpentry. Doors, Windows, Siding, Fences, Decks, Patios
Master Electrician Lic. ESA ECRA #7000314
50 years in the Beach
mayfairHEATINGandcooling.com
Fully licensed & insured. ECRA/ESA #7008706
BEACH PLUMBING MBX ELECTRIC Small Repairs 416 691-3555
SERVICES “No Job Too Small”
GODFREY RENOVATIONS & REPAIRS LTD.
(12r)
to complete houses Renovations
(6..)
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
MASTER ELECTRICIAN George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872
Plumbers
416 824-7901
•CARPENTRY •PLUMBING •ELECTRICAL
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR
416-322-7692
warren.gamey@yahoo.com
Metro lic
ECRA/ESA#7004508
ELECTRIC Cell 416-529-5426
INTERIOR PAINTING
For all your reno needs, no job too small.
MURPHY 647-529-2972
Local resident w/32 yrs. exp.
Kitchens - Bathrooms Basements - Doors, Windows Garages - Fences, Decks
Maurice (Cell) 647.638.8441
(r)
Knob & tube • No job too small
WG PAINTING
GENERAL CONTRACTING
HANDYMAN
CARL 647-787-5818
Satisfaction guaranteed! Call Jeff today for free estimate. 416-910-6302 beachcombersgc.com info@beachcombersgc.com
KEW BEACH
MAYFAIR HEATING & COOLING
*Ask For Photo I.D.*
*SPRING PROMO*
(17)
Cell 416 434-2762 Painting - Basement Renos Plaster & Stucco • Interior & Exterior Small Renovation Jobs & Indoor/ Outdoor Spray Painting 35 Yrs Exp • Refs upon request (6..) Free Estimates
Trades
free estimates
PAINTING
Shingle & Flat Specializing in Flat Roofs All Work Guaranteed 35 yrs. experience
ECRA/ESA LIC#7001069
416-322-7692
(6.)
BERGERON ROOFING
DECLAN O’MEARA 416-698-6183
Local resident w/32 yrs. exp.
Shingles • Flats Roof Repairs • Metal Work Eavestroughing & Siding Waterproofing • Since 1984
Steve 416-285-0440 cell 416-605-9510
GREEN ISLE ELECTRIC
WG PAINTING
JOHN CLARKE
marcangelointeriors@hotmail.com (7r)
Chimneys, Concrete, and all masonry repairs Call Sergio 416 873 9936
(6)
baukultur/ca
sustainable, modern architecture
RENOVATIONS, ADDITIONS & NEW HOMES Complete Project Services from Design Concepts to Permits & Construction Energy Efficient & Healthy Building Concepts
647-938-6941 www.baukultur.ca
JASON THE MASON
(6)
TUCKPOINTING • CHIMNEYS CONCRETE WORK WINDOW CUTOUTS WATERPROOFING REGISTERED & INSURED 416-580-4126 cell (6..)
BEACH METRO NEWS
19
Letters to the editor
Dog owners need to show respect for natural areas
Re: ‘Schoolyard is not for dogs’, Letters to the editor, April 14. Just like the writer of the above mentioned letter, I was recently reading the No Dogs sign on another schoolyard when a man exited the schoolyard with his young children behind him, followed by their unleashed dog. What kind of a lesson is this sending his children? Yes, it can be a terrifying experience having an animal that behaves aggressively and is not under control, be it for an adult but especially for our children. It is not the dog’s fault. The owner is responsible for this behaviour. If I were a dog, I’d want to run free, wouldn’t you? Dogs should be unleashed only in off leash dog parks. When you say, “It is the height of stupidity, rulebreaking and poor judgement”, it is also against the law. There are laws in place, be it in the schoolyard, the Boardwalk as you mentioned or anywhere. More tickets for these offences are now being handed out. Dogs are viewed as predators in the animal world. Unleashed dogs that are off paths can transmit diseases, and spread the seeds from invasive plants killing our native areas that have no protection. They leave excrement and urine behind. Even the scent of a dog will stop wildlife from visiting that area. This stops our furry wildlife friends from foraging in that area, and thereby frustrates their normal feeding habits and locations. Off leash dogs can harm and kill wildlife. Yelling or whistling to corral an off leash dog is dis-
turbing for anyone using the park. Another reason or example to keep your dog on a leash is when I recently witnessed a young woman that was screaming and becoming frantic as her off leash dog couldn’t resist swimming after a swan, which was getting further away and into deeper water at Ashbridges Bay. This time of year is especially important to be a respectful citizen and more so in our parks, as wildlife and migratory birds need landing and resting spots and areas to raise their young. Did you know that Ashbridges Bay Park has listed 250 different types of birds and is considered one of the top 10 birding sites in Toronto by the Toronto Ornithological Club. The City of Toronto’s bylaw department wants to hear the complaints for any dog related incident so you should call 311, anonymously if you prefer. Is it too much to ask that dog owners be responsible and obey the law? Neighbourly cooperation is good for everyone, and appreciated by all. Our flora and fauna will benefit and rebound if given a chance, as what’s being seen nowadays, in our new COVID-19 world. One thing I’ve always wondered is, since dog owner’s love their dogs so much, why is it that they don’t seem to care or maybe they don’t realize the damage that off leash dogs do to our wildlife friends. Wildlife is the natural and indigenous species. For further information please refer to the ProtectNatureTo.org website, select Projects, then select Dogs in Natural Areas. Clyde Robinson
Thanks to person who returned lost credit card I recently lost my credit card, but, on retracing my steps and phoning around, I located it at Presse Internationale on Queen Street East. Someone had picked it up off the street and handed it in to the nearest store. Luckily, it was the right one, one of the two stores I had been in over the last two weeks.
Many thanks to Presse Internationale for holding onto it (they even tried, and failed, to locate me on Facebook and Instagram). And many, many thanks to that honest and thoughtful someone who braved my germs and handed it in to the store. Luke Mastin
20
BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, May 12, 2020