Beach Metro News February 18, 2025

Year of the Snake welcomed

in the East Chinatown area.

Candidate lists finalized as Ontario election date of Feb. 27 approaches

THE FINAL lists of candidates running in the ridings of Beaches-East York, Scarborough Southwest and Toronto-Danforth in this month’s provincial election has now been finalized by Elections Ontario.

The deadline for candidates to register to run was the afternoon of Thursday, Feb. 13.

Here are the updated lists of candidates registered to run:

BEACHES-EAST YORK Party.

Mary-Margaret McMahon - Liberal Party.

Anna Michaelidis - Progressive Conservative Party.

Jack Pennings - Green Party.

Paul Stark - Ontario Party. Bahman Yazdanfar - Canadians’ Choice Party. SCARBOROUGH SOUTHWEST

Doly Begum - NDP.

Conservative Party.

Qadira Jackson - Liberal Party. TORONTO-DANFORTH

Stephen Graham - New Blue Party.

Adam Ratkowski - Progressive Conservative Party.

Peter Tabuns - NDP.

Connor Taras - Liberal Party.

Orlando Wright - Green Party.

Provincial election day in Ontario will on Thursday, Feb. 27.

East Toronto councillors in heated exchange over proposed city budget change

By Matthew Stephens

MAYOR OLIVIA Chow’s 2025 operating budget has been approved by Toronto Council despite some councillors’ disapproval of a 6.9 per cent tax increase to sustain the $18.8 billion operating budget and the $59.6 billion capital plan.

The latest tax increase will provide the city with a $1.8 billion increase compared to last year’s operating budget.

During the Budget Meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11, Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford called for a 25 per cent property tax cut for city industries and small businesses to sustain the city’s industrial economy in light of recent tariff threats from the United States.

To make his motion possible, Bradford’s proposal sought to dip into the tax stabilization reserve to reduce industry and small business taxes by 25 per cent.

“Colleagues let’s be very clear, President Trump has initiated a trade war with Canada. His announcement of a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian goods poses an enormous threat to our economy right here in Toronto,” said Bradford as

he addressed city council.

“At five o’clock yesterday, that threat became real when he introduced a 25 per cent tariff on Canadian steel and aluminium, while doubling down on his threat to make Canada the 51st state.”

His proposal sparked a heated debate with Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher, who made the distinction between manufacturing and warehousing, and raised concerns that a cut so steep could benefit U.S. warehouse retailers such as Amazon.

She questioned Bradford’s suggestion of how many jobs could be lost by mentioning to council that tariffs would only affect manufacturing industries and not warehousing facilities.

“I’m just clearing up because the city puts manufacturing and warehousing together, and would you agree with me that the tariffs are on manufacturing, they’re not on warehousing,” said Fletcher to Bradford during the meeting.

Bradford reiterated the looming existence of the 25 per cent tariff “levied on steel and aluminium.”

“So, with your motion, you would be giving a 25 per cent cut to Ama-

Beaches-East York candidates meetings slated for this Tuesday and Wednesday

VOTERS IN the Beaches-East York riding will have two opportunities this week to meet their provincial election candidates.

On Tuesday, Feb. 18, the Parkview Hills Community Association hosts a candidates meeting at Presteign Heights Elementary School, 2570 St. Clair Ave. E.. The debate starts at 7:15 p.m. and the doors will open at 6:30 p.m. For more information

send an email to parkviewhills@ outlook.com

On Wednesday, Feb. 19, the Balmy Beach Residents Association is joining with Beach Metro Community News to host a candidates meeting at Kingston Road United Church.

The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. and the church is located at 975 Kingston Rd. Submit questions for

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

The Chinese Chamber of Commerce of East Toronto hosted a Lion Dance and Parade to Welcome the Year of the Snake on Saturday, Feb. 8. The event started at the Zhong Hua Men Archway on Gerrard Street East by Broadview Avenue then made visits to local businesses

Harsh realities and systemic challenges facing the homeless discussed at meeting

By Matthew Stephens

COMMUNITY MEMBERS

filled the pews of Glen Rhodes United Church (1470 Gerrard St E.), to honour the life of Mary, (also known as Rita), and address the pressing homelessness crisis in Toronto.

“This meeting came out of a tragedy. A tragedy that has happened over and over again,” said East End United Church Lead Minister Rev. Bri-anne Swan said as she opened the community meeting at Glen Rhodes on the evening of Monday, Feb. 3.

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life expectancy now standing at 50 years for males and 36 years for females.

“When I noticed the heartbreak of so many that was being expressed, it was very clear that something needed to happen, and we just happened to be fortunate enough to have the space and the connections with the various outreach workers,” said Swan, emphasizing that lasting change often begins at the grassroots level.

Back in December, Rita died while sleeping in a makeshift shelter in the parking lot of a Shoppers Drug Mart just east of Coxwell and north of Danforth avenues. Although no official cause of death has been released, it’s believed she may have frozen to death.

She often volunteered her time to help at the Glen Rhodes food bank and became well known within the community as a compassionate individual who will be missed dearly.

“She would come and offer what she could to the community,” said Swan. “The volunteers miss her, and the community misses her.”

Death within the homeless community is not an uncommon occurrence. From January to June 2024, Toronto Public Health (TPH) reported 135 deaths in the unhoused population.

“How many of you have a garage?” shouted one member of the community during the meeting’s Question and Answer panel. “For those of you who do, your car has better shelter and accommodation than people living on the streets.”

The community meeting underscored TPH’s data of disproportionately high mortality rates amongst the unhoused community, with

Rita’s passing inspired the public meeting, which focused on addressing systemic issues that force people into the shelter system and onto city streets.

“We were invited to talk about what the system is like. To open up for people the common misconceptions around people ‘Not choosing to do certain things,’ as opposed to the reality of the system being so overloaded and in crisis that people don’t have the options that we think they do,” said United Church of Canada community organizer Angie Hocking in an interview after the meeting.

Hocking joined community organizers and members of the Toronto Underhoused Homeless Union for a visual presentation and Q&A panel at the meeting to discuss the harsh realities and systemic issues afflicting unhoused individuals. The community meeting sought to inform residents and break down the barriers between those experiencing homelessness and the general public.

“The regular person doesn’t even know how somebody accesses shelter, or what that means to access shelter, or where the shelters are,” said Hocking. “There’s just shocking basic information. So, raising awareness of that I think is the first step because it really puts things in perspective.”

Toronto-Danforth Member of Parliament Julie Da-

brusin attended the meeting to show her support for the unhoused community.

She praised the meeting’s organizers for highlighting some of the key issues contributing to the city’s ongoing homelessness crisis.

“I thought it was really good to bring the community together and to hear directly from people who are working to support people who are experiencing homelessness, and also from people who have that experience directly,” said Dabrusin in an interview with Beach Metro Community News the day after the meeting.

“They pointed to a lot of the problems that exist, and it’s good for the community to come together to try and better understand what the challenges are for housing in our city and in accessing benefits,” she said.

Issues detailed in the presentation included data and statistics highlighting the city’s overwhelmed shelter system, unaffordable market rent, oppressive landlord practices, inadequate Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Programs (ODSP), and long wait lists for subsidized housing.

According to Toronto’s Shelter System Flow Data, there were 11,144 people actively homeless within the last three months – a number which has already exceeded the city’s 2024 Capital

and Operating Budget plan to increase the number of beds in the shelter system to 10,600.

The city’s budget notes say, “even with a proposed increased service level of 10,600 beds per night, the gap between shelter service levels and unmet shelter demand is expected to continue to widen in 2024.”

In a report from CBC last year, the city sheltered 9,969 people and turned away approximately 178 visitors daily due to capacity constraints between the months of January and April.

To combat skyrocketing rent prices and alleviate the pressure faced by at-risk individuals, the City of Toronto intends to implement increased access to RentGeared-to-Income (RGI) subsidized housing in Toronto. However, wait times for access to these services can range between eight to 15 years depending on the unit size.

During the Feb. 3 meeting, public speakers addressed the widely known, rule of thumb “30 per cent of income” concept for paying rent through both personal means and subsidized housing. However, they believe this rule has become unrealistic in today’s economic climate.

In Ontario, minimum wage workers take home an

Continued on Page 3

PHOTO: MATTHEW STEPHENS

A meeting on homelessness in the community was held at Glen Rhodes United Church on the evening of Monday, Feb. 3.

‘Harsh’ from Page 2

annual salary of $35,984.

According to the City of Toronto’s website, average market rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $20,496 annually – which means minimum wage worker would be paying more than half of their annual income to afford a one-bedroom apartment in the city; assuming they’re able to find a place at the average cost.

Even a hostel/dwelling room priced at an average market rent of $13,404 would still see a minimum wage worker paying more than 37 per cent of their wages to afford a home. For those receiving Ontario Works (OW) or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) payments, the gap between income and rent is even wider.

Dabrusin didn’t have an opportunity to speak at the Feb. 3 meeting, but in her interview with Beach Metro Community News she called on all levels of government to step up on the homelessness issue.

She also mentioned ways the federal government has been doing its part to support the homeless community.

“As a federal MP, I would have liked to have a conversation that touched on some of the federal programs that have been created

over the past several years, and what people would want to see as changes or increases in those existing programs,” said Dabrusin.

She also praised efforts led by Indigenous organization Na-Me-Res, which has been collaborating with the federal, provincial, and municipal governments to build 20 affordable housing units for Indigenous people in East Toronto.

Dabrusin also mentioned the Rapid Housing Initiative: a federal program that has supported the city and the Indigenous and non-profit sectors to create new affordable supportive housing.

Most recently, the initiative has been working to build affordable housing for East Toronto seniors.

“On the Danforth there’s housing being built for seniors experiencing homelessness through the rapid housing program, and there’s more affordable rentals that’s being built down at Queen and Coxwell,” said Dabrusin.

“Those are examples of where you can actually see physical buildings going up, and there’s been funding provided by the federal government to the city to help with providing support for people experiencing homelessness and living in encampments.”

Calvary Baptist Church seeking support for repairs after flooding causes severe damage

By Matthew Stephens

AFTER MORE than 100 years of dedicated service to the community, the Calvary Baptist Church at 72 Main St. is seeking assistance from area residents to repair critical structural damage to the historic landmark.

“I’m asking for a community understanding that the building is the basis on which social programs happen,” said Rita Shelton Deverell, a trustee of the church for more than 50 years.

Every year, the church hosts a Christmas dinner event for the local community, providing individuals and shelters with more than 200 prepared meals. However, just a week before the 2024 event, the church sustained significant damage that resulted in severe flooding and sewage backup due to collapsed drainpipes, which then progressed into the building’s fire alarm, electrical, and structural systems.

“As we were making preparations for the food, the pipes burst in the building. And it’s an old building so there’s always ongoing maintenance, for which we financially plan as best we can,” said Deverell. “However, everything that happened several days before Christmas was unexpected.”

These issues worsened when, upon further inspection, it was discovered that flaws in the building’s infrastructure would require “mandatory remediations” to ensure visitor safety; costing the church upwards of $25,000 in nondeferable, unexpected, un-budgeted maintenance fees.

Although the church was able to restore most of the urgent critical systems to an operational state in time for Christmas, there are remaining priority repairs to be completed in the coming weeks. Calvary Baptist Church is now actively seeking help from the immediate and extended community to raise funds for the necessary repairs.

Deverell said she appreciates the efforts of the community to support the church and get the word out about its much-needed repairs thus far.

“Our relatively small congregation is doing what it can, but as well, people who are not part of the congregation,” said Deverell. “And a partner that we’ve always had which has also helped to spread the word is Centre 55 community centre on Main Street.”

The church is seeking donations, preferably before the end of February to ensure donators fit into the Canadian government’s extended deadline for charitable tax receipts for 2024, which is a result of the country’s recent postal strike. According to the church, many charities around the country have seen their donation revenues crippled by not being able to receive mailed donations for their end of the year campaigns.

“Many charities were not able to do their end-of-the-year ‘giving’ campaigns, as they would normally want to. These are all kinds of charities nationwide and what Revenue Canada decided to do as a result was to extend the deadline for charitable giving, so it’s now until the end of February,” she said.

For those who may not be able to donate, Deverell hopes members of the community will spread the word about the church building’s condition.

“Things are up and running again, but we have a financial shortfall that is pretty serious, and I wanted to get in touch with people about this,” said Deverell.

The Calvary Baptist Church has served the East Toronto community since 1893. Conceptualized by Architects Bruce Brown & Brisley, the 5,000 square-foot building’s exterior is crafted from Credit Valley limestone (grey and buff), which was brought to the property in cut blocks and faced by hand on site.

The stones of the building were laid by skilled Italian stone masons. The window and door framing is crafted from grey Indiana limestone, with a vibrant memorial window designed by Scottish artist Ernst Archibald Taylor.

There are numerous community programs and services run out of the church building and the attached Grace Pascoe Centre.

Working with the centre, the church provides food bank services on Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

“Food access is in a state of crisis. It’s very much something that is needed in the community at this time,” said Deverell. “That is why we have gotten in touch with the community far and wide, who may be affected by the slowdown in the activities at the church.”

For more info, go to www.calvarybaptist-church.ca

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Councillor calls for Metrolinx

safety review of Ontario Line after woman is struck by dump truck

By Alan Shackleton

METROLINX HAS confirmed that an investigation and internal review are underway after the driver of a dump truck connected to Ontario Line subway construction work on Pape Avenue struck and seriously injured a woman in East York on Thursday, Feb. 6. Toronto police are also investigating the collision that took place in the intersection of Pape and Mortimer avenues at 1:54 p.m. A woman walking north on Pape and crossing Mortimer was struck by the driver of a northbound dump truck making a right turn from Pape to head east on Mortimer.

The 46-year-old woman who was struck is in hospital with life-threatening injuries, police said. The 34-year-old driver of the dump truck remained at the scene, police said. The investigation by police is ongoing.

On Sunday, Feb. 9, Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher issued a news release calling for a review of safety measures in the area by Metrolinx, the provincial transit authority that is building the Ontario Line subway in East Toronto.

“I was saddened and shocked to hear that a woman was hit by a Metrolinx subcontractor’s dump truck on Thursday while crossing the Pape-Mortimer intersection. My thoughts are with the victim and her family. I hope she makes a full and speedy recovery,” said Fletcher in the release.

Fletcher said she was “outraged” that the driver of the dump truck was “not using the approved ‘haul’ route for Ontario Line construction vehicles” when the woman was struck. “Specific haul routes were designed

to limit travel through dense, residential streets and minimize risks to pedestrians and other road users,” said Fletcher in the news release. “There should be no surprises about the routes Metrolinx construction vehicles take in our community.”

The intersection where the woman was struck is just two blocks north of the Ontario Lines construction site on the southeast corner of Pape and Sammon avenues, and Fletcher called for an immediate safety review of that site since the scope of construction has been increased.

“I’m calling on Metrolinx to work with local residents and schools to immediately review safety requirements based on this expanded construction site and to add more local residents to its Community Liaison Committees,” she said.

“Now, one of the worst possible incidents has happened, all because Metrolinx’s contractor was not following the designated haul route. This is unacceptable,” she said. “Metrolinx needs to investigate its contractors and take action to ensure vehicles entering and leaving all its work sites use the approved routes.”

In a statement to Beach Metro Community News on Monday, Feb. 10, Metrolinx said:

“Our thoughts are with the individual who was injured and their loved ones.

“An investigation is underway and we are reviewing internally. We will continue to work with our partners at the City of Toronto to ensure the safest and most appropriate routes are being used at all times.

“As this matter is under investigation, we are not able to comment further at this time.”

Hunger is a policy choice and it’s time for Ontario to act

Suman Roy Guest Column

Hunger in Ontario is not an accident. It is not a natural disaster or an unavoidable consequence of the economy. It is a direct result of policy choices that have left too many people struggling to afford basic necessities.

As we approach another provincial election, it is time for Ontario’s political leaders to recognize that food insecurity is not a charitable issue—it is a policy failure that demands bold action.

Food insecurity is not just about food banks and meal programs; it is about wages, housing, healthcare, and social support.

At Scarborough Food Security Initiative, we see firsthand the

impact of policies that have failed to keep up with the realities of life in Ontario.

The people who walk through our doors are not just statistics— they are parents working multiple jobs who still can’t afford rent and groceries, seniors who must choose between food and medication, and students who go hungry while trying to get an education.

The System is Broken—Here’s How We Fix It

If Ontario’s leaders are serious about tackling food insecurity, they must address the root causes. This means shifting from short-term fixes to systemic change.

Here’s what needs to happen:

1.) Increase Social Assistance Rates – Ontario Works (OW) and the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) are so low that

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Letters to the Editor

recipients are left well below the poverty line. People cannot afford both rent and food. Raising these rates to reflect the actual cost of living is essential.

2.) Ensure Affordable Housing – One of the biggest reasons people rely on food banks is that housing costs eat up almost their entire income. If we want to solve food insecurity, we must address the housing crisis by increasing social housing, enforcing rent controls, and protecting tenants from unfair evictions.

3.) Raise the Minimum Wage –No one working full-time should be unable to afford food. A true living wage—one that reflects inflation and real costs of living—is critical to keeping people out of poverty.

4.) Invest in Local Food Systems – Food insecurity isn’t just about affordability—it’s about access. Strengthening local food production, supporting urban ag-

riculture, and funding community food programs can help ensure that everyone has access to fresh, nutritious food.

5.) Expand Mental Health and Addiction Services – There is a strong connection between food insecurity, mental health, and addiction. Ensuring easy access to affordable, stigma-free support services is crucial in breaking the cycle of poverty.

6.) Implement a Basic Income Pilot – A guaranteed basic income could help ensure that no one falls below a subsistence level. The previous pilot program in Ontario showed positive results before being cancelled. It’s time to bring it back and expand it.

7.) Address Systemic Inequalities – Indigenous communities, racialized women, and people with disabilities experience higher levels of food insecurity. Targeted policies that acknowledge and ad-

dress these disparities are necessary to create meaningful change.

A Political Litmus Test

This election, voters need to ask candidates one simple question: Will you commit to ending hunger in Ontario?

Anything less than a firm commitment to policy change is not enough. We cannot keep relying on food banks and charities to do the government’s job.

The solutions are clear, and the need is urgent. This is not about charity; this is about justice.

Ontario’s next government must take responsibility for ensuring that no one in this province goes hungry. The choice is theirs—and ours.

- Suman Roy is the President & CEO of Scarborough Food Security Initiative.

Mikael’s Steak & Burger memory is one of love at first sight and site

Re: ‘Memories of Mikael’s Steak & Burger’, Deja Views, Beach Metro Community News, Jan. 21. Here you go! My memories of Mikael’s Steak & Burger.

My husband and I met in February 1981.

The weeks prior to our meeting, we had a love at first sight/site moment as we smiled and eyed one another in the fruit and vegetable section of the Foodland grocery store (on Queen Street East in the Beach).

Apparently we both left the store that day telling ourselves; I am go-

ing to find that person again. Within the weeks that followed, my husband saw me get off a streetcar near Mikael’s but since he was driving he was unable to know where I had gone.

Afterwards, he thought, if I plant myself at the table by the window in Mikael’s, I would eventually see her. Apparently for the week that followed he spent all of his free time sitting at that table to no avail.

Rob lived by the waterworks, and his route to work as a bartender at the Balmy Beach Club led him right past my apartment. I lived directly

across the street from Mikael’s.

While looking out my apartment window, I saw my shopper walking by and ran out the door as fast as I could!

We were married in November 1982.

We currently live in the Bluffs and spend a lot of our time in grocery stores. Our comfort zone.

The Deja Views photo you shared is one we most definitely value and will frame.

Rob

happily married for 42 years.

Reader saddened to read of opposition to homeless shelter

Re: ‘Community concern over planned homeless shelter in southwest Scarborough remains’, News, Beach Metro Community News, Feb. 4.

I was saddened to read of the opposition to the planned homeless shelter on Gerrard Street East, which seems to be based on the assumption that unhoused people are inherently dangerous.

Instead of picturing these people as menacing, maybe we should remember the woman widely known

as Rita who froze to death recently very near here.

Homeless people with mental health problems may in fact occasionally be dangerous. But how are we safer leaving them to sleep in the park or the bus shelter?

Before we say “not in my neighbourhood” let’s consider the very real consequences of that response. (By the way, I live a few blocks from the site.)

Anne Erickson

Judy and

Cockell,

Let’s Talk About Mental Health

Mindless or Mindful: The Science of Awareness

ation and mindfulness.

ILet’s

n today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to feel like time is slipping by. Whether driving while listening to music or showering while mentally juggling a to-do list, we often disconnect from the present moment. We multitask to cope with life’s demands, but how does this affect our mental well-being? Let’s dive into the science of mindfulness.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a practice rooted in Buddhist philosophy and has become a cornerstone in modern psychology. Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn, a leading mindfulness researcher, defines it as “the awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose and non-judgmentally.”

Essentially, mindfulness means being fully present in the moment, observing without judgment.

Mindfulness has been shown to improve happiness, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being.

However, the practice can be challenging—our minds often wander, distracted by thoughts, worries, and external stimuli (a phenomenon known as “monkey-mind”). Yet, with practice, mindfulness can be cultivated into a habit that positively impacts our lives.

What is Mindlessness?

In contrast, mindlessness is the state of operating on “autopilot.”

You’ve probably experienced it: driving without remembering how you got there or eating a meal without noticing the flavours.

These automatic behaviors occur when we’re not fully aware of our

thoughts, feelings, or surroundings.

Mindlessness often arises when we rush through tasks or multitask. It’s linked to higher stress, a lack of emotional connection, and missed opportunities for positive experiences.

Practicing mindfulness can help break this cycle and bring us back to the present.

Why Does It Matter?

The distinction between mindfulness and mindlessness is crucial because it affects how we experience life.

Mindfulness fosters calm, connection, and improved well-being, while mindlessness can lead to stress, disconnection, and burnout.

By cultivating mindfulness, we can enhance our mental and emotional health, leading to a more fulfilling life.

How to Practice Mindfulness

1. Mindful Breathing: Focus on your breath for a few minutes each day. This simple practice can help reduce stress, calm your mind, and bring you back to the present moment.

2. Mindful Eating: Choose one meal each day to eat slowly, paying attention to the taste, texture, and aroma of your food. This can help prevent overeating and increase body awareness.

3. Mindful Meditation: Set aside time for a short meditation practice daily. Even a few minutes can reduce anxiety, improve focus, and increase overall well-being.

4. Single-Tasking: Instead of multitasking, focus on one task at a time. This reduces cognitive load and helps prevent overwhelm. For example, when spending time with family, put away your phone and give them your full attention.

5. Body Scan: Take a few moments to mentally check in with your body, noticing areas of tension and releasing them. This practice promotes relax-

Why Be Mindful?

The benefits of mindfulness are well-documented. Research shows that mindfulness can:

• Reduce Stress: By focusing on the present, mindfulness breaks the cycle of anxiety and stress, allowing for greater emotional regulation.

• Improve Emotional Health: Mindfulness enhances emotional resilience, making it easier to navigate difficult emotions and respond to challenges more calmly.

• Boost Cognitive Functioning: Studies show that mindfulness improves attention, memory, and decision-making skills.

• Enhance Physical Health: Regular mindfulness practice has been linked to better sleep, lower blood pressure, and a stronger immune system.

• Increase Happiness: Mindfulness helps us savour positive experiences, leading to higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being.

By practicing mindfulness, we can improve our mental clarity, emotional stability, and overall health. It’s a simple but powerful tool for navigating life’s ups and downs.

Final Thoughts

Mindfulness isn’t just a trend—it’s a proven practice that can transform our mental health. It helps us become more present, reduce stress, and cultivate deeper connections with ourselves and others. Whether through mindful breathing, eating, or meditation, incorporating small moments of mindfulness into your day can make a big difference. Start small, and over time, you’ll experience the benefits of living more mindfully.

-- Dr. Divi Tara (Supervised Practice). Main St. Psychological Centre.www.mspc.ca

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Community Calendar

FEB. 18: Beaches-East York All-Candidates Debate at Presteign Heights Elementary, 2570 St. Clair Ave. E., 7:15 p.m. (doors open 6:30 p.m.). Moderated by Jessica Smith Cross, editor-in-chief of thetrillium.ca. Hosted by Parkview Hills Community Association. Info and questions for candidates: parkviewhills@outlook.com

FEB. 19: Beaches-East York All-Candidates Meeting at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 7:30 p.m. Hosted by the Balmy Beach Residents Association, Beach Metro Community News and Community Centre 55. FEB. 20: Pitch & Dine at The Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard St. E., 6:30-9:30 p.m. Six female food founders showcase their brands in a 5-minute pitch slam to a panel of mentor-judges with a live & cheering audience. Tickets $50 at www.canadianwomeninfood.ca/event-details/ pitch-dine-2. Event catered by Lazy Daisy’s Café. FEB. 21-MARCH 21: Baby Connects at EarlyON Family Resource Connection, 184 Main St., Fridays 1-3 p.m. This 6-week registered program is for babies from birth to one year to explore and make connections with their growing world. Info and registration: Jennifer.hooker@familyresourcecentre-dcc.net, 416-6900102, daycareconnection.net/family-resource-centre

FEB. 22: A Senior Moment Luncheon for Ladies at The Stone Lion, 1958 Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m. We are proud to announce that we have reached our one-year anniversary. We have planned a surprise! Look forward to seeing you all there. Please R.S.V.P. by text to Colleen at 647-829-8042

SENIORS LUNCH

FEB. 22: The Textile Show Reception at Gerrard Art Space / GAS INC., 1475 Gerrard St. E., 3-6 p.m. This show is geared towards celebrating textile arts and local artists that practice this unique artform. The event is free & refreshment will be served for a small donation. The exhibition runs to March 9. Children and pets welcome. Info: 416-778-0923, Gerrardartspace@gmail.com

FEB. 23: Young People’s Concerts & Instrument Petting Zoo at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Bassoon and friends! Pay what you can, $5 suggested donation. This monthly series of informal concerts features exceptionally talented players from Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra. Each concert also showcases a specific instrument, or group of instruments. Info: www.kruc.ca

FEB. 23: Concert “The Wildflute” at Hope United Church, 2550 Danforth Ave., 3 p.m. Featuring Rikki Lacoste. An immersive drum experience!

FEB. 23, MARCH 2: Scarborough Model Railroaders Train Show at 17 Jeavons Ave., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit our two floors of Model Railroads. Our 1500 square foot 1980’s era HO scale layout set in Southern Ontario that features freight and passenger train operations with full sound effects. Our 1300 square Foot N scale layout features more than 100 scale miles of double track mainline running through mountain scenery. Watch 60 to 80 car freight trains and full-length passenger trains operate through the old and new sections of the layout. A fun event for families and kids of all ages. Large amounts of HO & N Scale Equipment for sale. Tickets: Adult $10, Children $5, CASH or Etransfer

FEB 24: Author Reading with Roxana Spicer at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 7:30 p.m. Roxana Spicer will be reading from her book, The Traitor’s Daughter, with a Q&A to follow. We will also be giving away one copy of the book at the event! Pay-what-you-can. Info: beachunitedchurch.com

FEB. 24: East York Garden Club meeting at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, 373 Cedarvale Ave., 7-9 p.m. Speaker: Helen Battersby on Garden Walk Buffalo: North America’s biggest, annual (and free) garden tour. Free. FEB. 25: Seniors Lunch at RCL Branch 1/42, 243 Coxwell Ave., 1 p.m. Music by The Barons. Info: 416-465-0120

FEB. 26: Winter Landscapes Watercolour Workshop at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 1 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Led by Linda Boris. Register at beachessandbox.com.

FEB. 27: Soup Supreme Competition hosted by Community Centre 55 at CC55, 97 Main St., 5 p.m. For a $5 admission at the door, vote on the winner of this year’s Silver Ladle as you taste the best soup offerings from local chefs and restaurants. All proceeds support community programs! Info: www.centre55.com

MARCH 1: Jazz & Reflection at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. We are excited to present local jazz vocalist Sheila Brand, joined by Beach United’s Music Director Dr. Steven Webb on piano, and Malcolm Connor on bass as they present a selection of vocal jazz favourites to welcome in the start of spring. Info: beachunitedchurch.com

MARCH 1: Community Dance with the Uptown Swing Band at Hope United Church, 2550 Danforth Ave., 8-11 p.m. Tickets $30. Ticket info: hopeunited.ca

MARCH 2: Wonder Church at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 2423 Queen St. E., 4 p.m. Wonder Church is a new service designed for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary children and their families. The 30-45 minute service includes puppets, music, and prayers. Coffee and treats are provided. All are welcome. For more information, contact children’s minister Elizabeth at children@staidansinthebeach.com

MARCH 4: Pancake Supper at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 5-7 p.m. Adults $10, Kids $5 (incl. pancakes, sausages, drinks). Info: 416261-4222, admin@stpaulsscarborough.org

MARCH 4: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 2423 Queen St. E., 5:30-7 p.m. $10 for adults, $5 for children. Proceeds benefit our community outreach ministries. All are welcome.

MARCH 4: Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at Hope United Church, 2550 Danforth Ave., 5-6:30 p.m. $5/person, $15/family.

MARCH 15: Reception for Artifacts, an exhibition by Alan Jon Parker, at Gerrard Art Space / GAS INC., 1475 Gerrard St E., 3-6 p.m. The event is free & refreshment will be served for a small donation. The exhibition runs until March 30. Visit the website to get a preview of this expressive exhibition: www.gerrardartspace.com/artifacts. Children and pets welcome. Info: 416-778-0923, Gerrardartspace@gmail.com

MARCH 28: Jukebox Friday Night with Fraser/Daley and Skylark at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 7 p.m.; doors at 6:30 p.m. Get your song requests ready and dancing shoes on! Fraser/Daley are back by popular demand and they’re taking your song requests. Early bird tickets are $40 until the end of February - tickets go up to $50 afterwards. There will be a silent auction, 50/50 draw, cash bar & sweets table. All proceeds help support Beach United’s year-round community programs. Tickets & more info: beachunitedchurch.com

APRIL 7: The Healthy Brain: Maximizing brain health through diet and supplements with Dr. Aileen BurfordMason, world renowned Orthomolecular Nutritionist, PhD Immunology & Masters in Biochemistry, at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 35 Wood Glen Rd, 7-9 p.m. Register to hear. Reserve in advance at 416-699-3084 or email fboffice@rogers.com. Pay $30 at the door.

MONDAYS: WEE FOLKS DROP IN at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 35 Wood Glen Rd., 9:30-11 a.m. except holidays. Ages up to 3 socialize with nannies, parents, grandparents and other kids. Play-time, stories and snacks provided.

THURSDAYS: GRACE PASCOE CARE CENTRE

Food Bank, 72 Main St., Thursdays, 6:30-9 p.m, by appointment only, through Daily Bread Food Bank. Info: 416-691-2899, gpcc@calvary-baptist-church.ca, www. gracepascoefoodbank.ca/access-our-services

FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOW-

SHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard St. E., 3:30-6 p.m. Registration is required. Time slots are being distributed. Please arrive at food bank the time you have selected. Info: 416-690-5169

SATURDAY CONNECTION Play and Learn Drop-In at EarlyON Family Resource Connection, 184 Main St., Saturdays 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Anyone caring for children from birth to six years old are welcome. Free stay and play early learning program for children, families, and caregivers. Supervising adults must be 18 years+. Info: daycareconnection.net/family-resource-centre, 416-690-0102 BEACHES SANDBOX, 2181 Queen St. E. •Feb. 26: Winter Landscapes Watercolour Workshop, 1 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Led by Linda Boris. •Feb. 27: Just Write! Writers Workshop, 1:30 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Led by Patricia McCully. •March 20: French Cheese and Wine Night Culinary Workshop, 6:30 p.m. All skill levels welcome. Led by Ava Chilelli. •March 23: Watercolour Bouquet Painting, 10 a.m. All skill levels welcome. Led by Linda Boris. Register for all programs at beachessandbox.com

BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. at Swanwick. Info: www.mentalwellness. help. Or join us most nights of the week on Zoom. Go to: https://www.meetup.com. Ask to join us: Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups

A A at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113

AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113

BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP LUNCHES for adults in the community, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.) •Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (2423 Queen St. E.), Feb. 18, March 4, 18; St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) Feb. 25, March 11, 25 •Wednesdays at Beach Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.), •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). No lunch April 9, 16, 21. Lunch format may vary from site to site. Info: 416-691-6869

BEACH PHOTO CLUB. Are you interested in photography? We invite all shutterbugs to check out our local photo club. We offer a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo excursions, competitions, practical seminars and more! We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June, 7-9:30 p.m., at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. (unless specified in program). Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •Feb 25: Seniors E-Connect (Drop-in Tech Help for Seniors), 4-5:30 p.m. Bring your laptop, cell phone or other device, and get tech help from our polite, tech-savvy teen volunteers. Drop-in. •Feb 28: Family Time, 11-11:30 p.m. Stories, songs & instruments for ages 0-5 and parents/caregivers. Stay after to socialize or make a craft. Drop-in. •Feb 28: After School Club, 4-5 p.m. For ages 6-12, after school on Fridays. Parents welcome to stay. Topics vary (Feb 28: Sewing, Mar 7: Robotics). Registration required. Info:

two of six in-

now

The annual outdoor exhibits transform lifeguard stations into imaginative and interactive art installations, offering a fun way to enjoy the winter landscape.

This year’s stations launched on Family Day— catch the installations before they disappear at the end of March.

PHOTOS: SUSAN LEGGE

Slice of Sun (above), designed by Claudia Franc, Mariam Daudali, and Thomas Byrom of Portugal, and Ascolto (left) by French designers Ines Dessaint and Tonin Letondu, are

stallations

on display along Woodbine Beach.

Provincial Election 2025

Beaches-East York candidates answer our questions

QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?

I have been a proud Beaches–East York resident for 15 years. I am a clinical neuropsychologist, a college professor, and a mum to two incredible children. I have always been active in my community, whether on student government in high school, the Psychological Graduate Student Association at the University of Toronto where I earned my PhD, or on parent council at my children’s public school.

I decided to run in this election because I am eager to bring my hardworking spirit and long history of community advocacy to Queen’s Park. I have fought in key sectors- public health, education, elder care, workers’ rights- organizing rallies, creating petitions, hosting and speaking at Town Halls. I am driven to use my occupational background and lived experience to represent our community.

Taking on an incumbent- especially one who has been in politics for so long- can be challenging. I believe that my positive attitude, fresh ideas, and person-centred approach to government, where the MPP serves the people and works hard to address their ideas and concerns, are really resonating with constituents! I am eager to serve as MPP and collaborate with BeachesEast York residents to make real, meaningful, change for our community.

QUESTION 2: Please tell our readers what you and your party will be doing to deal with the lack of affordable housing and homelessness issues in Beaches-East York.

More than 81,000 Ontarians are homeless. In Toronto, there are more than 100,000 active applications for subsidized housing. This is unconscionable.

Housing is a human right and a key social determinant of health. We must elect a government that understands these facts and will support all Ontarians- renters and homeowners - to find affordable housing in the community of their choice. Doug Ford has failed on housing starts, has failed to support those living on ODSP and OW, has failed to support our homeless neighbours.

To make housing more afford

QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?

Growing up in a small town with parents who took me out volunteering every chance they could, taught me first hand the huge benefits of giving back to your community. The more we give, the happier we feel. That mantra has guided me my whole life.

It led me to politics, serving two terms as your City Councillor for beautiful Beaches-East York from 2010 to 2018 where I was focused on getting things done! My experience at City Hall means I can utilize the knowledge I gained to benefit my constituents and advocacy at Queen’s Park.

Since being elected as your Member of Provincial Parliament in 2022, I have put forward legislation and even had Bill 211 passed, a rare feat for opposition members. As your neighbour and your voice, I often oppose Ford’s priorities and actions, but pride myself on working collaboratively across party lines, ensuring Beaches-East York is always heard.

I am running again for the Ontario Liberal’s under Bonnie Crombie because we have to get back to the basics that matter to all of us – healthcare, housing, education, and affordability. I will deliver more for you with endless energy, an open-door policy at our Constituency Hub, and an open-heart at Queen’s Park.

QUESTION 2: Please tell our readers what you and your party will be doing to deal with the lack of affordable housing and homelessness issues in Beaches-East York.

In large, the affordability crisis in Ontario is a result of the lack of affordable housing options. The Ontario Liberals’ plan will slash taxes on new homes, improve renter rights, and save you money. That means eliminating the provincial Land Transfer Tax for first-time homebuyers, seniors downsizing, and non-profit home builders and scrapping development charges on new middle-class housing. For renters, that means fair, phased-in rent control, ensuring Landlord-Tenant Board disputes are resolved within two months, and establishing the Rental Emergency Support for Tenants Fund.

QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?

As an immigrant to Canada, I watched my parents work tirelessly to build a better future for our family. They believed in this country’s promise—that through hard work and determination, anything was possible.

We faced challenges, but those struggles instilled in me resilience, commitment, and an unwavering drive to succeed. I saw firsthand how opportunity—when it exists— can change a family’s future. That belief led me to real estate, where I have dedicated my life to helping families and businesses establish roots in our communities.

As CEO of Royal LePage Urban, I’ve built a thriving brokerage, created jobs, mentored professionals, and helped thousands achieve homeownership. I’ve worked with all levels of government as a Director with TRREB, and Chair of Government Relations, to champion policies that strengthen communities.

Today, Beaches-East York lacks a voice at Queen’s Park. As a mother, I worry about rising crime, affordability, and the future we are building for the next generation. That’s why I’m running—to ensure we have a seat at the table, advocate for real solutions, and deliver results. It’s time for action and strong representation. I ask for your support so together, we can build a safer, more prosperous future for Beaches-East York.

QUESTION 2: Please tell our readers what you and your party will be doing to deal with the lack of affordable housing and homelessness issues in Beaches-East York.

Housing affordability and homelessness are urgent challenges in Beaches-East York and across Ontario. As someone who has dedicated my career to real estate, I have seen firsthand how rising costs have put homeownership and stable housing out of reach for many families. We need real solutions, not just promises.

The Ontario PC government has taken steps to increase housing supply, accelerate construction, and expand rental options. We are cutting red tape to speed up development while working with munici

QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?

I’m from the neighbourhood, bring technology and social policy skills, and believe the Green Party has the best solutions.

I grew up in Scarborough and have lived near Michael Garron Hospital for 22 years. Our family was raised here and we have always felt it to be among the best areas to live in Toronto.

Before entering the field of mobile device security I worked in the areas of addictions, disability rights, and landlord-tenant advocacy.

I joined the Green Party of Ontario (GPO) because high carbon emissions are a problem that must be solved. However, history shows that the traditional parties will at best deliver watered-down results, and at worst oppose progress.

The environment is in the GPO’s DNA. For the others, it is more like a box that needs to be ticked.

So how do we move forward?

The GPO’s recently-released election platform is loaded with solutions for Ontario’s problems that come from connected and involved people at the community level – Ontario’s local heroes.

In my experience, even-tempered, careful listening often brings out solutions. I would be honoured to put these strengths to your service and represent you at Queen’s Park.

QUESTION 2: Please tell our readers what you and your party will be doing to deal with the lack of affordable housing and homelessness issues in Beaches-East York.

In the GPO 2025 platform, comprehensive housing solutions are top priorities for immediate action.

Here are some riding-relevant items from just two of the platform’s sections. I urge anyone to read the platform for more specifics: Security and Support for Renters:

• Place a moratorium on aboveguideline rent increases (AGIs) and create a Rental Task Force to look into the overuse of AGIs;

• Update and strengthen sections of the Residential Tenancies Act that deal with the state of repair for multi-unit buildings to ensure tenants have homes that are safe and kept in a good state of repair;

• Introduce a rental registry and

BAHMAN YAZDANFAR CANADIANS’ CHOICE PARTY

QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?

Born in Tehran, I made a choice of settling in Canada and came to Toronto as an immigrant early in 1986 at the age of 27. Receiving my citizenship in 1990, I traveled from coast to coast to discover Canada and its culture, which was very different from that of Iran, or of Afghanistan, where I attended medical school. One of my most important accomplishments is to have become an autodidact, a person with an ability to discipline myself to contemplate, absorb, process, and learn on my own.

Poverty, poor social services, and health care are the main issues that have motivated me to partake in the electoral process, directly. These are the result of the inadequate government policies and laws that favour some above others, and have led to widespread disparity across Ontario and Canada in general.

Ontarians have been neglected by governments, whether Liberal, Conservative, or NDP, in the last four decades. As a candidate for Beaches – East York I hope to educate and urge my constituents to firstly avoid making the mistake of voting for the three mainstream parties, and secondly, and to vote for a candidate who is part of the suffering population and not a member of the aristocratic oligarchy.

QUESTION 2: Please tell our readers what you and your party will be doing to deal with the lack of affordable housing and homelessness issues in Beaches-East York.

Not including refugee claimants, the City of Toronto spends over $537 Million to accommodate the needs of 5,200 homeless people in Toronto. That is to say, taxpayers cough up over $100,000 annually for each homeless person, without any solution. The only conclusion a reasonable person could draw is either incompetence or lack of political will.

Cities are largely under the control of Provinces. As an MPP, I will be able to present Private Members’ Bills, addressing specific needs of my constituency. While passing a bill can be challenging, it’s a way to spotlight important issues. These bills provide solutions such as: of

KATE DUPUIS NDP

ANNA MICHAELIDIS PROGRESSIVE CONSERVATIVE

MARY-MARGARET McMAHON LIBERAL PARTY

JACK PENNINGS GREEN PARTY

Provincial Election 2025

Scarborough Southwest candidates answer our questions

QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?

I have lived in Scarborough Southwest most of my life, I went to school in Scarborough, made friends in Scarborough. My family is here and this is my home that I love. I was first elected in 2018 and it has been my honour to represent this community for the past 7 years. I have been a strong advocate for my community speaking out at Queens Park about the challenges people in our community face and offering solutions, through several proposed pieces of legislation on health care, making life more affordable, housing, road safety, transit and community safety. I care deeply about this community and I want to continue to be a strong advocate for Scarborough.

QUESTION 2: Please tell our readers what you and your party will be doing to deal with the lack of affordable housing and homelessness issues in Scarborough Southwest, and if you are in favour of the City of Toronto’s plans to build an 80-bed homeless shelter in the Gerrard Street East and Clonmore Drive area?

New Democrats are committed to building at least 300,000 permanently affordable rental homes in non-profit and co-op housing, with our costed Homes Ontario plan.

We will provide real rent control and close the unfair loopholes, legalize more housing and limit short term rentals.

I am committed to listening and advocating for concerns brought by residents in our neighbourhoods.

Many neighbours raised significant concerns about the growing population of unsheltered and vulnerable individuals, as well as the lack of immediate supports. Concerns were voiced by area residents about the location for the shelter in our community.

I successfully advocated that the community be consulted and I will continue doing so. I want to share that my team members were present at the community consultation meeting on January 21, and recorded in writing statements, comments and questions local residents shared. There should always be transparency in these matters - the needs of the neighbourhood residents must be considered alongside those of the city’s strategy.

I am committed to advocating for more affordable housing, to demand support and services for anyone facing homelessness as well as consultation with the community. Working together we can ensure the best decisions for all people.

QUESTION 3 - What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP?

We must build permanently affordable housing with Homes Ontario. We are committed to doubling affordable housing by providing funding, low cost financing and public land for nonprofit and co-op housing providers. We’ll bring back real rent control and fix the residential tenancy board so that people can get action on their concerns efficiently and fairly.

We are committed to a $120 per month, per family grant for help with the cost of groceries - not a grant that requires a complicated application process - it will be automatic for every family that pays taxes.

Every person in our province should be able to access good quality health care. The Liberals created hallway medicine and sadly, the Conservatives have made it so much worse. Over 2.5 million people in Ontario do not have access to a family doctor. We will change that. We are committed to an action plan to fix our health care including: recruiting 3,500 new doctors and 15,000 new nurses; expanding residency spaces to allow internationally educated health professionals to be certified in Ontario; creating a centralized referral system to reduce wait times and open underused operating rooms on evenings and weekends to clear surgical backlogs.

QUESTION 4 - How will your party and your party’s leader deal with the economic and other challenges facing Ontario and Canada that are presented by the Administration of U.S. President Donald Trump?

We must strengthen Ontario’s economy in the face of tariffs and defend workers’ rights to tariff proof our province. We are committed to working with industries affected by tariffs to find new export markets for our products. We’ll provide bridging for interruptions in production to protect jobs and launch a new Buy Ontario Plan. Finally, we’ll negotiate a joint federal-provincial income assistance program to support people whose livelihoods are impacted by tariffs.

We’ll also take action by creating a Premier’s task force to work with exposed industries, to provide direct support, create new supply chains and find new export markets. Infrastructure projects will be accelerated on transit, school repairs and home building to keep people working. Finally, we will direct all government-funded agencies to buy goods locally.

I have a track record of hard work and standing up for our community over the past seven years. I am on your side. I will always put you, the people of my community that I love, first in whatever I do. Along with my colleagues we will invest in what matters to average families and we’ll govern with integrity.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Beach Metro Community News sent these questions to candidates we were aware of in the riding Scarborough Southwest. Due to our early print deadline for the Family Day long weekend, not all candidates responded in time for them to be published in this edition. Please visit our website at www. beachmetro.com for more information on the candidates.

QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?

Scarborough Southwest has been my home for 25 years and where we raised our three children.

I have 30 years of real experience in creating government initiatives that provide environmental, economic, and community benefits. After 10 years with Hamilton, I joined the City of Toronto in 1999, working mainly in the Environment Division until retirement in 2019.

As the Manager, I collaborated with councils led by Mayors David Miller, Rob Ford, and John Tory to establish initiatives like Live Green Toronto, TransformTO, the Home Energy Loan Program, and PollinateTO. All of these and other initiatives were adopted unanimously because they were designed to balance fiscal responsibility, provide equitable access, save people money, and create economic opportunities while reducing emissions. After retiring, I worked part-time with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, reviewing funding proposals for programs modeled after Toronto’s.

I am running for election to make decisions that balance economic, environmental, and community well-being. I have successfully created initiatives supported by people from all political perspectives, I will fight for long term sustainable solutions that address the climate crisis while making life more affordable, equitable, and our economy more resilient.

QUESTION 2: Please tell our readers what you and your party will be doing to deal with the lack of affordable housing and homelessness issues in Scarborough Southwest, and if you are in favour of the City of Toronto’s plans to build an 80-bed homeless shelter in the Gerrard Street East and Clonmore Drive area?

Since 1984, housing costs have increased by 1,000 per cent, but income levels have only grown by 200 per cent. This gap started to accelerate in the late 1990s, meaning we have had over 25 years to address it. Over 1/3 of young adults live with their parents. A new approach is needed! The Green Party will:

• Implement regulatory changes and financial supports to create more housing options and make housing more affordable.

• Facilitate the construction of 2 million homes in 10 years.

• Build 250,000 new affordable nonprofit and co-op homes, including 60,000 supportive homes with funded wraparound supports.

• Renew over 300,000 community housing units.

• Reduce your energy bills while reducing emissions.

Regarding the homeless shelter at Gerrard and Clonmore, I understand the residents’ frustrations about the lack of transparency. Without transparency you create an environment of distrust and suspicion. We must work together, and when we do, we will provide the necessary temporary shelters for unhoused folks.

QUESTION 3 - What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP?

Scarborough Southwest is growing rapidly, and it’s important that this new development fits well with our community.

My top priority is to make sure we have the right policies and resources to guarantee new developments:

• Are planned with the people of Scarborough Southwest.

• Provide affordable rental and ownership housing options.

• Are environmentally sustainable and aim for nearly zero emissions.

• Create local employment.

• Are coordinated with investments to meet the need for more school and community resources and manage increased traffic.

Another priority is to secure stable funding for transit. Scarborough residents are being asked to embrace new developments and leave their car at home, but current transit services are not up to the task. For instance, my son, in his last year of high school, had a work experience placement that was a 10-minute drive from home. However, taking transit, which he did, meant a 30-to-40-minute trip with three bus transfers.

We need to improve transit services to make them more reliable and convenient for getting around Scarborough. Without these improvements, new development will lead to traffic congestion, lower quality of life, and hurt our economy.

QUESTION 4 - How will your party and your party’s leader deal with the economic and other challenges facing Ontario and Canada that are presented by the Administration of U.S. President Donald Trump?

First, demonstrate real leadership by building a unified front. All three opposition party leaders see the threat and are willing to work with Doug Ford. However, he refused their offers to collaborate and called an election and would have us believe he is the only one who can negotiate with Trump.

I met Mike Scheiner 16 years ago and I can tell you he is not one to back down. True leadership, especially when facing a threat to all Canadians, means respecting all perspectives and forming a united front.

When elected the Green Party will:

• Immediately set up a ‘tariff task force’ that works across party lines, jurisdictions, and sectors to protect Ontario workers, jobs, and companies in trade negotiations.

• Introduce an investment tax credit to stimulate business investments in Ontario.

• Introduce a “Buy Ontario” strategy and apply public procurement rules that favor Ontario businesses.

• Create a Protect Ontario Fund to support businesses hit hard by tariffs & invest in building new supply chains.

• Immediately move to diversify our trade partners.

• Work with other provinces to remove interprovincial trade barriers.

There is no “I” in team. People expect that all parties are working together to address this and all challenges.

MARK BEKKERING GREEN PARTY

DOLY BEGUM NDP

Reel Beach: Movies in East Toronto

Best Actress Oscar winners with Canadian roots

BeRnie FleTcheR

Toronto often plays an American city on screen. If you saw a Chicago police car on Queen Street East last August, don’t worry, it was just a scene from the show

Accused

Debra Winger’s character is arrested by an officer (and a gentleman) outside the Beach Ballroom beside Jonathan Ashbridge Park. A 2002 documentary, Searching for Debra Winger, explored ageism and sexism in the movie industry. Even today actresses who do well after 50 are said to be making “a comeback.”

In Sunset Boulevard (1950) faded film star Norma Desmond (Gloria Swanson) famously said, “Mr. DeMille, I’m ready for my close-up” as she was taken away to an institution. Swanson was all of 50 years old.

Last month Sunset Boulevard itself looked like a scene out of a disaster movie. Golden statuettes may not mean as much this year in a Los Angeles devastated by fire.

There was a time when Winger was a rising star, then it seemed like she “couldn’t get arrested in Hollywood.”

She was nominated for an Oscar for 1983’s Terms of Endearment, but Shirley MacLaine won the Academy

Award for Best Actress playing Winger’s mother. Alfred Hitchcock once described MacLaine, the 20-year-old star of The Trouble with Harry (1955) as having “the guts of a bank robber.”

Last month I watched MacLaine in The Apartment (1960) and also in Only Murders in the Building (2023). I wondered how many Best Actress Oscar winners were still working.

Oddly enough, three of the oldest winners still going strong all have Canadian family roots. It’s been a long time since a Canadian won the Best Actress Oscar: Mary Pickford (1929), Norma Shearer (1930) and Marie Dressler (1931).

Pamela Anderson (The Last Showgirl) was passed over for an Oscar nom. Her character, Shelly, says, “I’m not that old” and asks, “I just have to disappear?”

“It’s unfortunate but our society is such that, for women in Hollywood, you get to a certain age and just fall off a cliff. But in my case I refuse to die. I will hang on, by a little finger if necessary.”

- Ellen Burstyn.

What do Ellen Burstyn (92 years young), Shirley MacLaine (90) and Jane Fonda (87) have in common besides Oscar wins?

They are all outspoken, free-spirited, social activists with Canadian roots that go back centuries. They don’t suffer fools gladly and would never be “invisible”!

Burstyn has maternal French-Canadian and Indigenous roots. Her mother was Corriene Hamel whose maple-flavoured family tree goes all the way back to Jean Hamel (1652-1712) in Nouvelle France.

Jane Fonda will receive

a Screen Actors Guild Lifetime Achievement Award on Feb. 23. Her mother, Francis Ford Seymour, was born in the Brockville area of Ontario. Fonda’s grandmother, Sophia Bower (18861974) was born in nearby Kemptville. The ancestors of the Bower family were prominent United Empire Loyalists and officer heroes in the War of 1812 defending against Americans attacking Upper Canada.

“The acquisition of Canada this year…will be a mere matter of marching.”

Thomas Jefferson, Aug. 4, 1812.

The United States wanted to annex British North America into the union as the “fourteenth state,” but the war brought Upper Canadian settlers and First Nations together to fight off the invaders. The War of 1812 laid the foundation for

the emergence of Canada as an independent nation.

When Jane Fonda was filming Stanley and Iris (1990) with Robert DeNiro in Kew Gardens, I wonder if she knew her grandmother’s first cousin (Caroline MacGregor nee Bower) once lived nearby on Waverley Road.

Shirley MacLaine and her brother Warren Beatty are also descendants of United Empire Loyalists who settled in the Brockville area. Both were strongly influenced in progressive ideas by their Canadian relatives. Their mother Kathlyn MacLean (1903-1993) was born in Nova Scotia. Their maternal grandmother, Blanche Lehigh (1866-1943) was born near Brockville, studied voice at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto and taught elocution here.

She encouraged her children and grandchildren to pursue the stage. Kathlyn yearned to be an actor and performed in a Toronto production of Twelfth Night in 1925 before getting married and moving back to Nova Scotia where she was the Dean of Women at Acadia University. MacLaine refers to her mom’s family as the “Canadian Redgraves.”

Kathlyn’s sister, Virginia “Ginny” MacLean was an actor in Toronto who married Alexander (A.A.) MacLeod, a prominent member of the Ontario Legislature from 1943 to 1951 for the Labour-

Progressive (Communist) Party. Shirley and Warren often visited their family in Nova Scotia and Toronto when they were young. Warren was especially fascinated by his glamorous aunt and brilliant uncle. Though his own parents were staunch Republicans, Warren’s radical uncle and aunt were an inspiration for Beatty’s acclaimed 1981 film Reds

A. A. MacLeod was called the “Red Tory” for his close friendship with Conservative premiers. When A. A. died in 1970, the Globe and Mail called him the best speaker at Queen’s Park who “dominated the Legislature as a left-wing member”. I might also include Julie Andrews, born 1935, on this list. She gets her Andrews name from her stepfather, Ted Andrews, the “Canadian Troubadour” from East York.

Will things change for actresses “of a certain age”?

The best speech at the Golden Globes was by Demi Moore (The Substance) who is an Oscar frontrunner for playing a TV star fired because of her fading popularity and age.

You can watch the 97th Academy Awards live in the Beach at Oscar Night at the Fox. It starts at 7 p.m. on March 2. Doors open at 6 p.m. It’s free but donations to Cystic Fibrosis Canada will be accepted. For info, go to www.foxtheatre.ca

Actress Debra Winger is ‘arrested’ in this scene from the television show Accused that was filmed along Queen Street East near Jonathan Ashbridge Park last August. Toronto was filling in for an American city, in this case Chicago, during the filming.

Beaches-East York

All-Candidates Debate

Meet your local provincial candidates, hear them debate the issues that matter to our community, ask questions to help you make your choice on Election Day!

Tuesday, February 18, 2025

Presteign Heights Elementary (2570 St. Clair Ave. East) Doors open at 6:30pm, Debate starts at 7:15pm

Moderated by Jessica Smith Cross, editor-in-chief of thetrillium.ca

For more information or questions for the candidates, email parkviewhills@outlook.com

Hosted by the Parkview Hills Community Association

SEAN MADIGAN

PHOTO:

Beach author Spicer shares her mother’s amazing story of survival during Second World War

By Matthew Stephens

DURING THE Second World War, approximately 35 million prisoners of war (POW’s) were held captive by both the Allies and the Axis powers. Among those prisoners was Agnei (Agnes) Rosa Nicolaievna Butorina, member of the military force of the Soviet Union, and mother of investigative journalist, filmmaker, and now author Roxana Spicer.

A Beach resident, Spicer has documented and retold her mother’s triumphant story to overcome one of the biggest hardships in human history in her latest novel The Traitor’s Daughter: Captured by the Nazis, Pursued by the KGB, My Mother’s Odyssey to Freedom from Her Secret Past

“At the core of the story was what happened behind the barbed wire of these Nazi camps. Where did the main character disappear for 1,000 days during the Second World War, and how did she survive?” said Spicer. Her novel is told through the lens of both herself and her mother; following pivotal moments in her journey during the war; her time served in the Red Army; being forced into captivity by the Nazi’s in the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland; working as a slave labourer in Germany; fleeing the country to escape the KGB following the war; and her final days before passing at a hospital in Calgary at the age of 86.

Described by Spicer as a “mystery story,” the novel balances the perspective of both protagonists while exploring the relationship between a mother desperate to bury her past, and a daughter eager to unearth her mother’s story.

“The book is about a journey. It’s about a search for answers. It’s about a daughter’s search for the truth about her mother,” said Spicer.

Getting her mother to share her story with

her was no easy task. Known for her quietness, Spicer had to be patient and wait for her mother to open up about the events that transpired in her past, rather than prodding her for answers.

“It was really impossible to do a deep dive into her story while she was alive because she was so resistant to revealing her deepest darkest secrets. So, I still persisted in interviewing her over the years, trying to get a few pieces of information,” said Spicer. It wasn’t until the passing of her mother and the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 that Spicer felt comfortable to actively pursue the story.

“I didn’t really start in earnest until two things happened, both of them were tragedies, but they were both opportunities. One was the death of my mother, but the first one was actually the death of the world’s first communist country, and that was the death of the Soviet Union,” said Spicer.

“Once the Soviet Union fell apart, I was able to get access to people and documents that had been kept hidden away behind the iron curtain for so many decades.”

Since the age of 10, she had been documenting fragmented pieces of her mother’s past, which had been sparingly revealed to her in the midnight hours at their home in rural Saskatchewan.

“This music and alcohol and this atmosphere in the midnight hours of Saskatchewan she would begin to reveal bits and pieces of her story,” said Spicer during an interview with TVO Today.

Although she and her two brothers shared an interest in their mother’s past, only Roxana took it upon herself to dive deeper to uncover and document the whole story. However, without every piece of the puzzle, Spicer looked to her skills as a former journalist and

Continued on Page 15

NOW IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD 1886 QUEEN

SUBMITTED

Roxana Spicer will read from her book The Traitor’s Daughter at Beach United Church on Monday, Feb. 24.

Her life was a ‘miracle’

‘Beach’ from Page 14 all kinds of intrigue happening behind the official stories,” said Spicer.

travelled to Russia to uncover as much information as she possibly could.

“I had the benefit of a very good education at Carleton University, and very good training at the CBC as a journalist. That gave me the courage and the skills to be able to ask direct questions,” said Spicer.

In addition to details shared by her mother, Spicer used the help of historians, eyewitnesses during the Second World War, and her aunt (Agnes’ sister) to help bring the story together.

During her time in the Moscow in 2012, Spicer spoke with Irina Lazarevna Scherbakowa, recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize and the founder of Memorial: one of Russia’s largest human rights organizations. After asking about the set of numbers tattooed on her mother’s arm, Scherbakowa confirmed that Spicer’s her mother was in fact an inmate at Auschwitz; adding a new layer to her traumatic tale.

After seven years of compiling suppressed memories, historic details, and eyewitness accounts, Spicer had all she needed to cohesively share her mother’s journey with the world.

When asked what her mother would have thought of the book, Spicer said she believes the book would have given Agnes a new perspective on her life story.

“If she were to take this big fat book and read it, I think she would have come to realize that I was right when I first suggested to her that her life story was a miracle,” said Spicer. “I think she would come around to acknowledge that her life was a miracle, and that’s really something.”

Due to Russia’s strict regulations on recounting events from the Second World War, Spicer has not returned to the country since completing her novel. She mentions that, similar to her mother’s life story, she too feels uncomfortable returning to Russia, out of fear for her own safety.

“It’s really hard to wrap my brain around it, but my book would actually be illegal in Putin’s Russia because the book challenges his vision of World War Two, and Putin has made it a criminal offence to challenge his version of the heroic Red Army and how the Second World War was won by the Russians,” said Spicer.

“I have made 13 trips to Russia to do the research for this book – I won’t be making a 14th trip. It would be dangerous for me as a journalist to go back.”

While reflecting on the story, Spicer discovered familiar parallels between her life and her mother’s, despite all the years that have passed. “The parallels between what’s happening today in 2025, the extent to which Russia once again has become this closed off hermetically sealed off secret country with

Spicer grew up in Netherhill, Saskatchewan. While the rest of her family stayed in the province, her pursuit to become a journalist brought her to Ontario, where she studied at Carleton University.

As a natural-born storyteller, she has worked for a number of publications and production teams, most notably, as a documentary producer and investigative journalist for CBC, where she produced award-winning works across the country. She also worked as an executive producer and writer for TVO. Spicer has lived in Toronto for the last 35 years, most of that time in the Beach near Queen Street East and Lee Avenue.

“My parents are buried out west, my two brothers still live out west, and I’m the renegade that came out to Toronto and settled here,” said Spicer.

During a book tour for the novel, Spicer returned to an old community hall in her hometown of Netherhill. She recalled the event as being a cathartic moment following the publication of her mother’s life story, and how her contribution to the community brought traffic to her small town like she had never seen before. “I was able to go back to my tiny little village of Netherhill Saskatchewan, which Google calls a ‘ghost town.’ Bringing the book back to Saskatchewan in a way was almost like a homecoming for my mother,” said Spicer.

“To do the book presentation at the old community hall was an incredible experience because I can say it is the first time in the history of that village, as far as I know, that there’s ever been a traffic jam.”

This is not the first time Spicer has covered her mother’s story. Back in 2017, she released a short film of the same name which covered her trip to Russia to uncover more details about her mother’s life.

Currently, Spicer is developing a new CBC investigative documentary, titled Abducted, a Family Story, for the flag-ship network series First Hand

Spicer will also be hosting a public author reading event for her book at Beach United Church on Monday, Feb. 24, at 7:30 p.m.

With the release of The Traitor’s Daughter, Spicer hopes readers will resonate with the novel’s overarching themes of love and perseverance through overbearing hardship.

“Love conquers all. Love will carry you through the darkest, grimmest days. Whether it’s love of family, of homelands – and the belief in yourself that you can persevere,” said Spicer. “I hope that’s the message that inspires young people to sit with this book and really think about what that experience would have been like for somebody under the age of 22 years old to have persevered and conquered that.”

Provincial Election 2025

Toronto-Danforth candidates answer our questions

QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?

I’ve been the MPP in Toronto-Danforth for nearly 19 years. Before that, I had the pleasure of serving as the Executive Director of GREENPEACE as well as the Councillor for our community.

I’m seeking re-election because TorontoDanforth is my community and nothing makes me prouder than fighting for the people in this riding. I know just how destructive Doug Ford can be. His record is nothing to run on. I’ve been fighting him for seven years at Queen’s Park and with good reason. His changes to the Greenbelt boundaries were so scandalous that the RCMP has launched a corruption probe.

His government lurches from crisis to crisis while starving health care, education and the services we all need. His government is more interested in gimmicks and headlines than in doing the hard work necessary to truly serve all Ontarians.

I don’t know how everything is going to turn out down South, but I do know, that no matter what, I want to keep fighting for this community.

QUESTION 2: Please tell our readers what you and your party will be doing to deal with the lack of affordable housing and homelessness issues in Toronto-Danforth.

Home ownership is increasingly out of reach for all but the wealthiest Ontarians and tenants are at constant threat of being evicted through no fault of their own.

Under the last two years of the Doug Ford government, homelessness has seen a 25 per cent increase and the services that people who are struggling, rely on to survive, have been gutted. Seniors in particular, have seen huge increases to their risk of homelessness.

The NDP believes housing is a human right. Every Ontarian should have access to adequate housing, regardless of income, age, ability or family size. Reliance on the private market alone hasn’t delivered the housing we need. We’ll provide grants, low-cost financing, public land and other resources to public, non-profit and co-op housing providers to quickly increase the supply of permanently affordable non-market homes serving a mix of low-to-moderate income households.

We will build or acquire 300,000 new affordable homes within 10 years, delivering both affordable rental and ownership housing, while providing good, unionized jobs and access to skills training for Ontario workers. And we’ll increase protections for tenants to put a stop to unfair rental increases and renovictions. You can read more about this and other commitments at https://www.ontariondp.ca/commitments.

QUESTION 3: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP?

The last Liberal government brought us hallway medicine and rather than keeping his promise to end the crisis in healthcare, Doug Ford has only made it worse. We have seen huge nursing shortages, a record num-

ber of Emergency room closures and 2.5 million Ontarians without access to family doctors.

Without a strong defence of our public healthcare system, we know where this is heading - to an unaffordable, private healthcare system where working conditions and quality of care suffer. Defending and expanding our public healthcare system is one of the most important things I can do as your MPP.

Let’s work together to ensure that everyone in Toronto-Danforth has a family doctor, access to medication that is affordable and where possible, produced right here in Canada.

Let’s clear the path for the 13,000 internationally trained doctors ready to serve Ontarians and train more medical students by increasing the residency spots province-wide.

QUESTION 4: How will your party and your party’s leader deal with the economic and other challenges facing Ontario and Canada that are presented by the Administration of U.S. President Donald Trump?

We do know that we must stand up to bullying by the Trump government and that we’ll have to support those workers, families and communities most affected by the Trump tariffs.

To do that we’ll need strong, experienced MPPs at Queens Park working with Canadians across the political spectrum. Here is some of what I personally commit to doing:

• Working with the federal government to develop and put in place strong counter-tariffs over the coming months.

• Supporting Canadian jobs by restricting provincial contracts to Canadian firms and launching a Buy Canadian media programme to encourage consumers to do the same. Collaborating with the Ontario hospitality industry and promoting staycations.

• Partnering with business and labour to find new markets for our goods and services.

• Greening our Economy while investing in our community by retrofitting houses and businesses to make them more energy efficient; repairing our crumbling schools, roads and hospitals; and, building a better future for all Ontarians.

• Investing in our people by expanding training and skills upgrading opportunities.

• Creating good public-service jobs to make our lives better.

QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this election?

I’m a 2SLGBTQI+ former professional athlete, and I’m running to bring a new generation of leadership to Queen’s Park. Too many young people in Ontario are being shut out— shut out of homeownership, out of opportunity, and out of the Canadian dream. That’s not right, and I refuse to accept it.

We need a government that works for us—a government that actually makes life affordable and invests in young people instead of leaving them behind. Right now, wages aren’t keeping up with the cost of living, housing is out of reach, and healthcare wait times keep growing. People are frustrated, and they should be.

I’m running because I believe we can build a better future—one where no one is forced to put their dreams on hold because of affordability or a lack of opportunity. I will be a voice that never backs down. Not to Doug Ford. Not to anyone.

QUESTION 2: Please tell our readers what you and your party will be doing to deal with the lack of affordable housing and homelessness issues in Scarborough Southwest, and if you are in favour of the City of Toronto’s plans to build an 80-bed homeless shelter in the Gerrard Street East and Clonmore Drive area?

Housing affordability is one of the biggest challenges we face in Toronto-Danforth. People who grew up in this community are being forced out, and too many who want to build a life here simply can’t afford to. That needs to change.

I’m part of an Ontario Liberal team with a plan to lower costs and remove barriers to building housing faster. We will scrap development charges on homes under 3,000 square feet so young families and first-time buyers aren’t priced out before they even start. We will also eliminate the provincial Land Transfer Tax for first-time homebuyers, seniors downsizing, and non-profit home builders—removing a large financial burden to homebuyers.

For renters, we’ll establish the Rental Emergency Support for Tenants (REST) Fund—a provincial rent bank that provides short-term, interest-free loans to tenants facing financial hardship. Keeping people housed during tough times prevents evictions and homelessness, which is not only the right thing to do but also saves costs in the long run.

We can make Toronto-Danforth a community where people of all income levels can afford to live and thrive. But that takes real leadership—leadership that’s ready to take bold action to tackle the housing crisis headon.

QUESTION 3 - What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP?

The cost of living—especially housing affordability—is the biggest issue I hear about at the doors. People in Toronto-Danforth feel like the dream of homeownership is slipping away, that rent is eating up too much of their paycheques, and that wages just aren’t keeping up.

shortages are unacceptable. We need to invest in more long-term care beds in Toronto’s East End and expand community-based care so seniors can age with dignity and continue to live in our community.

We also need to integrate mental health care into the broader system so everyone has access to the support they need.

People are tired of being told change isn’t possible. I’m running to prove that it is.

QUESTION 4 - How will your party and your party’s leader deal with the economic and other challenges facing Ontario and Canada that are presented by the Administration of U.S. President Donald Trump?

We must take bold, decisive action to protect Ontario workers and businesses in the face of unfair trade policies. The Ontario Liberals have a plan to protect our economy and create good jobs while keeping Ontario competitive.

We will launch a Fight Tariffs Fund, giving businesses access to government-backed, lower-than-market interest rates so they can invest in their operations and workforce without being crippled by tariffs.

At the same time, we will prioritize infrastructure investments, ensuring stimulus spending goes toward the projects Ontarians need most—hospitals, schools, roads, and transit.

We’ll also take necessary approaches to government procurement, directing funds away from American companies and reinvesting those savings into projects that support Ontario workers.

Finally, we will work with other provinces to eliminate outdated interprovincial trade barriers, creating a stronger, united pan-Canadian approach to economic growth.

Ontario’s economy is strong, but we need leadership that will stand up for workers and invest in our province’s future. That’s exactly what I’ll do.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Beach Metro Community News sent these questions to candidates we were aware of in the riding of Toronto-Danforth. Due to our early print deadline for the Family Day long weekend, not all candidates responded in time for them to be published in this edition.

Please visit our website at www.beachmetro.com for more information on the candidates.

Also, please remember that Election Day in Ontario, Thursday, Feb. 27. Don’t forget to vote!

As your MPP, I will push for bold, immediate action on housing. That means scrapping unfair development charges that drive up costs for buyers. It means protecting renters with stronger tenant rights and emergency support to prevent evictions.

I will also fight for a healthcare system that actually works. Long wait times and staff

CONNOR TARAS LIBERAL PARTY

PETER TABUNS NDP

Coldest Night of the Year walk on Feb. 22

THE BLUE Sea Foundation will be bringing communities across Canada together this week to walk in solidarity and raise funds for families, youth, and adults experiencing hurt, hunger, and homelessness.

Known as Coldest Night of The Year (CNOY), the annual walk takes place on Saturday, Feb. 22.

In East Toronto, the event will be hosted by Kennedy House Youth Shelter (1076

Pape Ave.). Registration is from 4 to 4:45 p.m., and the route will start and end at St. Barnabas Anglican Church on Danforth Avenue. The CNOY website posts updates to display information on the number of walkers, teams, and volunteers for each hosting organization, as well as a scoreboard to highlight how much money each team has raised.

Since 2011, CNOY has raised more than $70,312,000

in support of 182 communities and charity partners. According to the website, 100 per cent of net proceeds stay local to support CNOY charity partners.

For Kennedy House, the event raises critical funds to provide shelter, warm meals, and essential support for youth experiencing homelessness. To register for CNOY at Kennedy House, go to https://cnoy.org/location/ torontodanforth

Proposal had called for reduction to city’s industrial property tax rate

‘East’ from Page 1

zon...that will be covered under your motion. Am I correct?” Fletcher said to Bradford.

The debate reached a tipping point when Council Speaker Frances Nunziata interrupted Bradford and Fletcher, who were speaking over one another to accentuate their points.

“My motion states very clearly, I am having a proposed budget reduction of $30.4 million reflective of a 25 per cent reduction in the industrial property class tax rate to support the 125,000 jobs here in the City of To-

ronto,” said Bradford in a final response to Fletcher.

Fletcher, who still felt as though her answer had not been sufficiently answered, raised her voice on the point of how the tax cut would impact U.S. warehouse retailers.

Bradford responded by saying: “The hysteria of my council colleague aside, that has nothing to do with the motion.”

This sparked further tension between the two, who exchanged words before being momentarily muted by Nunziata.

Bradford’s motion to dig into Tax Stabilization re-

serves to cut industrial taxes by 25 per cent was defeated by a vote of 22-3.

Bradford took to social media following the meeting to underscore his disappointment in the decision.

“Unfortunately, the Mayor and Council decided not to have Toronto’s back in the middle of an economic hurricane of Trump tariffs,” said Bradford in an Instagram post following the meeting.

“During this unsettling moment for Toronto, I will continue to fight for a stronger economy and the workers who power it,” he also said in the post.

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

Your gateway to connecting with skilled professionals in our community

Interested in advertising your business in our Professional Directory? Contact carolin@beachmetro.com or 416-698-1164 x 22 for rates. Your Professional Directory ad also appears on our website: beachmetro.com

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Bert van Delft Complete financial services for the

COACH JAZZ

Holistic Fitness Coach! Forget rigid programs; let’s create a balanced, empowering routine that cooperates with your body. hello@coachjazz.com www.coachjazz.com

Cynthia McGilvray Reg’d Acupuncturist Acupuncture, PEMF, electrical acupuncture, cupping, pain relief, meridian balancing, preventative health care covered by most insurance plans. 1716 Queen St. E. @Kingston Rd. cynthiamcgilvray.com 647-378-3182

DEADLINE

PATHOLOGIST reg. Casplo

All ages, early language, L.D., articulation, reading, apraxia Leslie Rennie 647-994-8255 leslierennie@gmail.com

DR. PAULA MICELI

Clinical/Health Psychologist Consultations • Individual Therapy Virtual & In-person Services Over 9 years experience. 416-275-3735 www.drpaulamiceli.com

Lea Konforte Registered Psychotherapist Qualifying RP (Q) DOG ASSISTED PSYCHOTHERAPY In-person & online for Individuals, couples & families Anxiety, Relationships, Grief, Trauma, Stress www.holisticmindcare.ca

Kriens LaRose, LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants • Accounting services for owner-managed businesses.

• Personal and corporation income tax preparation. • Audit services for not-for-profit organizations www.krienslarose.com kriens@krienslarose.com 416-690-6800

Melani Norman CPA, CMA Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes Call 416-471-0337

Patrick Ruiz Professional Corporation CPA, CA An accountant you can count on For your Small Business Self-employed income & investments Real Estate Rentals 647-300-4062 • patrick@prtaxcpa.com

Accepting New Clients Professional accounting and bookkeeping services tailored to your needs. I provide expert financial solutions for individuals and small businesses. www.magnoliabizsolutions.ca Email: magnolia_mbs@outlook.com

Dashwood & Dashwood

Barristers & Solicitors

Geoffrey J. Dashwood 961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738

Snider & DiGregorio

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9 Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca

Shelly Pereira, Paralegal Commissioner/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation. Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation 647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net

Peter J. Salah Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate 416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca

KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED

Ave. (Woodbine) 416-690-6195 dbadleylaw@rogers.com

KATHRYN WRIGHT

Barrister & Solicitor Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848 2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com

GARRY M. CASS

BARRISTER & SOLICITOR, TEP Wills/Estate Administration/Advice to Estate Trustees 416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garry@garrycass.com

Glover & Associates

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate 416-691-3700 Queen and Hammersmith

REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.

QUINN Family Law

Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 2 - 921 Kingston Rd. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca

WEEK

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FEBRUARY 24

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Lonny’s Smile Fearless Hearts concert slated

By Vincent Lin

LONNY’S SMILE

Founda-

tion is hosting its Fearless Hearts 2 event — A Tribute to Elton John and Miley Cyrus — in East Toronto later this month.

The second annual allages concert raises funds for children with congenital heart disease (CHD).

“In Canada, one in every 80 to 100 children is born with CHD, and many are excluded from traditional camp experiences because they’re considered ‘too sick’ to attend. At Lonny’s Smile, we believe every child deserves the chance to attend camp,” said Tamara Doerksen, chair and founder of Lonny’s Smile Foundation.

Helping make that happen is the goal of the Fearless Hearts Tribute Concert on Thursday, Feb. 27, at the Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard St. E., from 7 to 10 p.m. The concert aims to raise funds to send children with CHD to Camp Oki, Canada’s premier cardiac camp.

Lonny’s Smile Foundation was founded in 2010 by Doerksen, in memory of her brother Lonny Doerksen who was a child with CHD. Despite his condition, Lonny found happiness and joy from riding his red tricycle. Lonny died in 1971 at the age

of five after a surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children to try and correct his CHD.

In memory of Lonny, the foundation has made it their mission to give children with CHD the opportunity to experience the joys and freedoms that kids their age should be experiencing.

“One of his greatest joys was riding his red tricycle, a simple pleasure that made him feel just like any other kid,” said Doerksen when talking about her brother Lonny. She described the Fearless Hearts Tribute Concert as “an extraordinary evening of music, philanthropy, and star-studded performances, all in support of sending kids with CHD to Camp Oki.”

This year’s concert will celebrate the music of popular artists Elton John and Miley Cyrus, and will be hosted by Stu Jeffries from Boom 97.3 and Liz West from Zoomer Radio. The concert will feature performances from many talented Canadian artists including Barry Canning, Devin Cuddy, Stephen Lamb and Bexy Ashworth from the band Old Man Flanagan’s Ghost, Nickola Magnolia, and many others.

“Run entirely by volunteers, our foundation, and this event, are fueled by

heart disease.

generosity. Every performer, host, and organizer is donating their time and talent to make this night possible,” said Doerksen.

Outside of enjoying the live performances guests can support the cause by participating in live and silent auctions held at the event. Tickets for the concert can be found on the Eventbrite website at “Fearless Hearts 2 - A Tribute to Elton John and Miley Cyrus - All Ages” and are priced at $54.58.

Purchasing tickets supports the event and helps Lonny’s Smile Foundation send 10 kids with CHD to Camp Oki. Beyond attending the concert, residents can show their support by making a donations to the Lonny’s Smile Foundation through their CanadaHelps page, or by volunteering at the foundation. For more information on volunteer opportunities, please send an email to the foundation at info@lonnyssmile.org

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Tamara Doerksen with a tricycle her brother Lonny used to ride before he succumbed to congenital

Winter’s icy fury hits the shoreline

To W hom I t Ma y Co ncern: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on behalf of A Antonio Va lerio He nriques application will be made to the Legislative Assembly of the Province of Ontario for an A Act to re vive 1 9 55274 Ontario I nc

The application may be considered by the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs.

Any person who has an interest in the application and who wishes to make submissions, for or against the application, to the Standing Committee on Procedure and House Affairs should notify, in writing, the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly, Legislative Building, Queen's Park, Toronto, Ontario, M7A lA2.

Dated at Scarborough, Ontario this 12th day of December 2024.

Antonio Valerio Henriques

Next advertising deadline is Monday, Feb. 24

By David Van Dyke

Ann Gotfryd has been living on Leuty Avenue since June 1974. In her first winter here, she captured this amazing image (shown above) of winter’s icy fury to the lakeshore by the Leuty Lifeguard Station.

Thank you so much Ann for sharing with our readership. Do you have an old winter photograph you’d like to share? Please contact me gdvandyke61@gmail.com

Scarborough Model Railroaders open houses Feb. 23, March 2

THE SCARBOROUGH Model Railroaders will be hosting open houses this weekend and next.

The open houses are set for Sunday, Feb. 23, and Sunday, March 2.

The open houses will take place at the Scarborough Model Railroaders clubhouse, 17 Jeavons Ave., which is located in the Birchmount and Danforth roads area.

The open houses will take place from

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both Feb. 23 and March 2.

Admission to the open houses is cash or e-transfer only with a cost of $10 for adults and $5 for children.

The Scarborough Model Railroaders set up features one of the largest model train layouts in Ontario, including two floors of model railroads at the clubhouse.

The club features a 1,500-square foot

HO scale layout that models Southern Ontario through different time periods, with a mixture of passenger and freight trains; and a 1,300-square foot N scale layout running through mountain scenery.

For more information on the open houses being hosted by the Scarborough Model Railroaders, please go to https://scarborough-model-railroaders. org/loom

PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE

PHOTO: ANN GOTFRYD

PHOTOS: ALAN SHACKLETON

& Entertainment

Community Dance at Hope United Church to feature music by the Uptown Swing Band Arts

A COMMUNITY Dance is planned for Hope United Church on Saturday, March 1.

Music will be provided by the Uptown Swing Band, and the dance takes place from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Local residents are invited to come out for a great evening of dancing.

The event takes place at Hope United Church, 2550 Danforth Ave.

The dance is a fundraising event which will assist with the restoration of the stained glass windows at Hope United.

As well, this is the first

The Uptown Swing Band will provide the music at a Community Dance set for Hope United Church, at Main Street and Danforth Avenue, on the night of Saturday, March 1.

event of several that will take place in celebration of the 125th anniversary of Hope Methodist; the very first church constructed on the corner of Main Street and Danforth Avenues.

Tickets for the March 1 dance are $30 per person and are available from the church office, online at www.HopeUnited.ca and at the door.

The ticket price includes an appetizer plate. There will also be a cash bar at this event.

For more information on this event, please call 416-691-9682 or visit www. HopeUnited.ca

Black History Month celebrations set for Eastview Community Centre this Sunday

FEBRUARY IS Black History Month, and the Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre/BGC (Boys and Girls Club of Canada) Eastview will be holding a celebration event on Sunday, Feb. 23. This year’s event will be the community’s 30th annual celebration of Black History Month.

Young people from across Toronto will be taking part in the event which will fea-

ture a fashion show, food, entertainment and performances in spoken word, rap, and singing. The celebration is for those ages 13 to 20, and is organized by a youth planning group with links to the Eastview Neighbourhood Community Centre. The event will take place from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the centre which is located at 86 Blake St. For more information, please go to www.eastviewcentre.com

Jazz & Reflection, Jukebox Friday Night slated for Beach United

THERE WILL be music during the month of March at Beach United Church.

On Saturday, March 1, the Jazz & Reflection concert will feature performances by Sheila Brand (vocalist), Steven Webb (piano) and Malcolm Connor (bass).

The will present a selection of vocal jazz favourites at the concert which will (hopefully) welcome spring’s upcoming arrival.

The concert begins at 4:30 p.m.

On Friday, March 28, Beach United will present Jukebox Friday Night with Fraser/Daley and Skylark.

Starting 7 p.m. (doors

open at 6:30 p.m.), those attending are reminded to put their dancing shoes on.

“Get your song requests ready,” said the organizers as Fraser/Daley are back by popular demand.

Early bird tickets for Jukebox Friday Night are $40 and can be purchased until the end of February. After that, tickets are $50. There will be a silent auction, 50/50 draw, a cash bar and sweets table at this event.

For more information on upcoming events at Beach United, please visit www. beachunitedchurch.com

The church is located at 140 Wineva Ave.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Arts & Entertainment

Singer/songwriter Ally Cribb’s heartfelt music connects with listeners

By Matthew Stephens

WITH TWO EPs, an original music collection with more than 500,000 streams and counting, and several accolades including winner of the U.S. Write Out Loud contest; 20-year-old Beacher Alexandra (Ally) Cribb is establishing herself as a standout artist with a catalogue of impactful, heartfelt music.

“I write all my own music. Songwriting has always been my favourite part of the whole process. I don’t think that I would be able to really sing at all if I wasn’t able to write my own music and tell my own stories,” Cribb told Beach Metro Community News recently.

Cribb’s music takes storytelling a step further; focusing on relatable narratives which establish an authentically emotional connection to listeners both old and young. She blends pop, country, classical, and soul to produce music that feels both familiar and uniquely distinct.

“Something I always want to think about when I’m writing songs is how do I take an experience of my own or something that has happened to me and turn it into a story that is going to be relatable to any listener,” she said.

At the core of Cribb’s music are overarching themes of vulnerability, love, introspection, and hope – all of which is anchored under harmonious lyrics that put her paradoxically soft, yet powerful voice front and centre, which is most notable on her many acoustic performances.

“I think it’s a lot easier to be vulnerable when I’m talking about something in song rather than just talking about it in my dayto-day life. And I think it’s been a very impor-

tant part of my songwriting so far. If you’re able to be vulnerable and tell a story, that’s how you’re going to draw listeners in and find people who connect with you and connect with your music.”

Music has been a significant part of Cribb’s life. Since the age of eight, she has been practicing and honing her craft as a musician. Her father (Toronto Star reporter Robert Cribb), who is also a musician and writer, instilled within her what it means to be a storyteller – which she weaves together with a harmonious voice and critical musical techniques to craft quality songs with genuine depth.

“I’m lucky to have a dad who is also a really incredible songwriter and has always had really good music taste. He definitely put me onto some of his favourite albums when I was younger,” said Cribb.

She has lived in the Beach her whole life. While she studies music and business at Dalhousie University in Halifax, she describes how living in the Beach has shaped the tone of her artistic sound.

“Now that I live in Halifax, it’s the best feel-

ing coming home because we all say that living in the Beaches is kind of like living in a small town within a big city. Living in that environment is nice because I get to come home to a quieter place. I’ve written a lot of songs about the feeling of being away for months at a time and then coming home.”

For Cribb, storytelling has always been at the forefront of her creative process. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Joni Mitchell, Shawn Colvin and Taylor Swift, her music incorporates her own personal experiences, grounding her sound in the realm of sensitivity and emotional resonance.

“I learned a lot about songwriting just from listening to really great writers like them,” said Cribb. “You can just tell that they put a lot of thought into their craft, and they’ve been working at it for so long.”

In 2019, Cribb emerged onto the music scene with a piano cover of Radiohead’s song Creep, which amassed more than 200,000 views on YouTube and quickly highlighted her ability to think freely and craft unique music. With her first original release in 2021, titled Bigger, Cribb fully embraced her versatility as an artist, emphasizing underlying messages rooted deeply within her songwriting process. The track delves into the nature of facing adversity and finding resilience from within.

“I started writing Bigger right in the middle of COVID. It was a pretty lonely time for me. My family and I were living at our cottage and Lunenburg, (Nova Scotia) and it really felt like the middle of nowhere. I had a piano in my room that I would sit at every single day because there was nothing else to do, and so I just was writing constantly all the time,” said Cribb. “I remember I’d

I played the piano line of Bigger. I kind of just stumbled across it And I really liked it. I started playing the chords and forming the song, and I called my dad into the room, and I played it for him, and he was a fan. And so, we just kept building on it every day.”

She followed up the single in 2022 with Unbroken; a seven track EP that unearths the suffocating grief of losing her mother while navigating the lonesome isolation of the pandemic – and the strength she found within to overcome hardship. The profoundly vulnerable project earned her two top finalist spots in the 2022 and 2024 Song Academy Competition’s international category.

In 2024, Cribb released California, which delves into the inner conflict of giving up on the one you love in order to pursue your dreams. The song won the grand prize in the Write Out Loud songwriting contest and followed up with a revamped recording of the song by Broadway singer Taylor Louderman (Known best for Mean Girls) and a live performance in New York.

Her latest EP, Now, is an emotionally vulnerable project that puts Cribb’s experience with relationships on display. The country inspired EP manifests her affinity for acoustic sets and allows her melodic voice to shine through the soothing sounds of guitar and soft percussion. “All the songs I wrote myself from the age of 16 to 18. I had been writing a lot because I feel like there’s so much growth you go through at that time. I wrote about 10 to 15 songs for the EP, and I could only pick five, so the five that I picked were my favourite ones, and the ones I thought would be the most relatable to listeners,” she said. Listen to Ally Cribb’s music on all music streaming services, or at www.allycribb.com

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Singer-songwriter Ally Cribb in performance.

Provincial Election 2025

Answers from Beaches-East York candidates

Kate Dupuis

Continued from Page 10

able, we must build more homes.

The NDP’s “Homes Ontario” plan will provide grants, low-cost financing, public land and other supports to build or acquire at least 300,000 new permanently affordable public, non-profit and co-op homes within ten years.This includes at least 60,000 supportive housing units, with access to mental health care and treatment for substance use.

To protect affordability in East Toronto, we will introduce real rent control (vacancy control), where rent increase guidelines apply to the unit, not just the tenancy. Landlords will no longer be able to squeeze out existing tenants so they can raise the rent on a new tenant.

QUESTION 3: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP?

At the doorstep in Beaches-East York, community members are sharing their healthcare concerns. As a psychologist who has worked in healthcare under both Liberal and Conservative governments, I am uniquely poised to bring my own training, experience, and insights to the role of MPP.

I fundamentally disagree with Doug Ford’s treatment of workers - Bill 124 suppresses wages for Ontario’s healthcare heroes, including nurses. In my own work, I have seen the devastating consequences of Ford’s inaction in long-term care: residents dying in horrific ways, staff experiencing trauma and burnout.

I also fundamentally disagree with Bonnie Crombie’s claims that her party historically invested too much money in healthcare. The next Ontario government must invest wisely in public healthcare, especially as our population ages.

As Official Opposition, the Ontario NDP has fought back against Ford’s destruction of public healthcare. Our party’s plan includes working to recruit and support 3,500 new physicians and cutting red tape so they can spend more time with patients. We will also create safer nurse-to-patient staffing ratios, and hire more nurses so all Ontarians can get the care they deserve. As MPP, I would work with our caucus to address the healthcare crisis in Ontario.

QUESTION 4: How will your party and your party’s leader deal with the economic and other challenges facing Ontario and Canada that are presented by the Administration of U.S. President Donald Trump?

Community members here in Beaches-East York are expressing anxiety over Trump’s threats against Canada. They are worried about what tariffs will mean for their families, for affordability of goods, for their jobs, and for our province.

Mary-Margaret McMahon

Continued from Page 10

I am proud of the housing projects that I was able to spearhead as your City Councillor, offering many people options to live in our beautiful Riding. In addition, I have a strong working relationship with BEY MP Nathaniel Erskine Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, and through collaborative work, we will deliver the best for you.

My team and I provide crucial services, including offering housing resources, preventing evictions, and starting tenants associations. We have experienced our share of recent tragedies in BEY; unhoused neighbours who are greatly underserved. They deserve more. I will continue to work on sustainable solutions, including the Ontario Liberal promise to double ODSP and invest in our communities to help forge a path out of homelessness.

QUESTION 3: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP?

In my time serving as your MPP for Beaches-East York, I heard so many stories about our dilapidated healthcare system. 23,000 BeachesEast Yorkers are in need of a family doctor and face the alarming consequences of the loss of access to essential medications and care. It can be nearly impossible to find a new family doctor. Fixing family medicine will be a top priority of an Ontario Liberal government and I will work tirelessly to ensure everyone in Beaches-East York has access to the care they need and deserve.

I have met with medical professionals to understand their challenges and have proposed solutions here in Beaches-East York, including hosting a community panel discussion with Michael Garron Hospital.

My Ontario Liberal colleagues and I have a plan to educate, attract and retain thousands of new domestic and internationally trained family doctors, improve the Ontario Health Team network, modernize family medicine, and stop penalizing patients and doctors if they seek care at walk-in clinics. This will take pressure off of hospitals and urgent care and be the first step in improving our healthcare system – one that should always be public and paid for by your OHIP card, not your credit card.

QUESTION 4: How will your party and your party’s leader deal with the economic and other challenges facing Ontario and Canada that are presented by the Administration of U.S. President Donald Trump?

We need strong leadership during this time of uncertainty, not a Premier who calls an unnecessary election in the face of tariff threats from our biggest trading partner. The Ontario Liberals have a four point costed economic plan to ad-

Anna Michaelidis

Continued from Page 10

palities to create more affordable housing.

But Beaches-East York is a vibrant, historic community, and we must balance smart growth with character preservation. I support development where infrastructure already exists—such as along the Ontario Line—ensuring better transit access while protecting our neighbourhoods.

To address homelessness, we are investing in supportive housing and expanding mental health and addiction services. My office will work to connect residents with Ontario Works, business grants, and housing supports to ensure help reaches those in need.

Beaches-East York needs a strong advocate to bring these investments home. I will fight to increase affordable housing, protect tenants, and support long-term homelessness solutions. It’s time for action, and I’m ready to deliver real results.

QUESTION 3: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP?

The most pressing issue in Beaches-East York is the affordability crisis — housing costs, rising rents, and the increasing difficulty for families to stay in the community they love. Beyond affordability, the core issue is representation — a seat at the table where real decisions are made.

Since Beaches-East York is currently represented by a member of a minority government, our leadership lacks the power to influence provincial decisions on infrastructure, housing, and local funding. This lack of representation has hindered our ability to secure the necessary resources and investments our community deserves.

Despite this, the Ontario PC government has continued to deliver for our riding. Michael Garron Hospital is undergoing a $560 million modernization and expansion, including a new eight-storey facility with 215 beds, 80 per cent of which being single-patient rooms.

The Ontario Line expansion will improve transit access for residents of Scarborough, North York, and Markham, while reducing congestion on our local streets. Additionally, replacing Toronto’s oldest underground water infrastructure will mitigate basement flooding and prevent Don Valley Parkway closures—saving residents from costly disruptions.

A representative that can build consensus around the issues that matter to us, as part of a majority government, will allow us to start addressing our unique needs.

Jack Pennings

Continued from Page 10

strengthen rules and penalties for renovictions and bad faith evictions.

To end homelessness:

• Immediately support people living in encampments with their housing and support needs until permanent housing solutions are built;

• [Province-wide,] Work with nonprofits to build 250,000 new affordable non profit and co-op homes and 60,000 permanent supportive homes with guaranteed funding for mental health, addictions and other supports;

• Deploy temporary and permanent supportive modular housing projects on provincially owned land as quickly as possible. Create tax credits and investment funds to help advance these housing technologies

QUESTION 3: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP?

In short, fairness for both individuals and small business.

Based on previous experience working at an east-end community legal clinic, I think I can have the most impact working toward fairness for lower-income residents.

Income disparity has become worse. Something I want to highlight is the absolute nightmare of people with disabilities dependent on insufficient ODSP benefits. In 2022 the GPO was the first to propose that ODSP be doubled as a first step toward basic decency in this area.

The 2025 GPO election platform describes some loopholes and rules that disproportionately benefit the very wealthiest Ontarians and that we would end.

Tax cuts are to be targeted toward low and middle income earners.

The minimum wage is to be raised to $20 per hour. Grocery gouging is to be fought with anti-gougin and anti-collusion laws.

The platform also describes how temp and gig workers’ rights and protections would be strengthened.

Sometimes “fairness” seems to be code for taxing businesses. The 2025 GPO platform has items which I like to support and protect small businesses and entrepreneurship: an increased Employer Health Tax exemption, a Commercial Renter’s Bill Of Rights, affordable insurance, and a review seeking red tape to weed out.

QUESTION 4: How will your party and your party’s leader deal with the economic and other challenges facing Ontario and Canada that are presented by the Administration of U.S. President Donald Trump?

The GPO wants all of Ontario to pull together, urban and rural.

First: at a time of tariff-related challenges and chaos, the Green Party of Ontario will not add elec-

Continued from Page 10

as: offering mental health services, addiction counseling, and case management alongside a Housing First model in order to address homelessness. And to push for affordable and accessible housing, Private Members’ Bills can pressure other MPPs to support ideas such as: building more low-income housing units and implementing policies to prevent rapid rent increases to alleviate the housing crises. I can only speak for myself, since the party is too small to form a government or even an opposition. However, an MPP can educate constituents about the root causes of these issues and how they can help, encouraging them to get involved in order to bring Governments, charities, and the private sector to work together to mitigate these problems.

QUESTION 3: What do you think is the issue in your riding that you can have the most impact on if you are elected MPP?

In addition to the housing crises, inaccessibility to health services in a timely manner, poverty, lack of purchasing power for basic needs such as groceries, excessive costs of gas, heating and hydro bills, high taxes, and a messy educational system are affecting every resident of Beaches – East York. These complex and chronic challenges require multifaceted solutions.

Besides Private Member’s Bills, if elected, I can raise these pressing issues during parliamentary sessions, where I can question ministers and participate in debates. I can join and influence parliamentary committees to push for investigations and policy recommendations. An MPP can organize town halls, consultations, and campaigns to involve citizens, start petitions and raise awareness, introduce motions for debate on petitions from constituents to pressure decision-makers. I can expose government inefficiencies and corruption to build pressure, file legal challenges or support public interest litigation, as well as using formal and informal channels to ensure that government programs are implemented effectively.

QUESTION 4: How will your party and your party’s leader deal with the economic and other challenges facing Ontario and Canada that are presented by the Administration of U.S. President Donald Trump?

Although I believe that the recent back and forth threats of tariffs are blown out of proportion, dealing with them if they are imposed by the new US administration can be tricky. An MPP from a small party can provide suggestions to the parliament, without seeking any credit.

Here are a few ideas that might be accepted and implemented by the sitting government:

Baham Yazdanfar

Answers from Beaches-East York candidates

Kate Dupuis

Continued from Page 26

The Ontario NDP has a plan to protect Ontarians, fight back against Trump’s threats, and build a resilient, more tariff-proof Ontario. We will work with Ontario employers and industry and labour unions to defend every job, help industries find new markets, promote Ontario-made goods, and direct the government to procure locally- ensuring that we are supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs, in addition to tradeexposed industries like automotive manufacturing.

To make sure we aren’t in this vulnerable position again, Marit Stiles, Leader of the Ontario NDP, will better tariff-proof our economy by supporting industries in finding new markets, and invest in retraining, and accelerate local infrastructure projects to keep people working. We will fight back with Team Canada, working alongside other provinces and territories and the Government of Canada, speaking with one voice and acting collaboratively to protect jobs and our economy.

You can read more about our tariff response plan here: https://www.ontariondp.ca/ news/stiles-unveils-plan-defendworkers-fight-back-and-Buildmore-tariff-proof-ontario

Mary-Margaret McMahon

Continued from Page 26

dress these challenges:

Backstop Ontario businesses with a new Fight Tariffs Fund with access to lower-than-market interest rates (at government rates) allowing our businesses to protect and create jobs by reducing the cost of borrowing money to operate or invest in their businesses and workers.

Ensure stimulus spending on infrastructure focused on the projects communities in Ontario need the most – hospitals, schools, roads, and transit.

Lead an across-government effort to ensure we spend taxpayers’ money wisely – directing departments and agencies to exclude US companies like Elon Musk’s Starlink from procurement opportunities.

Work with other provinces to eliminate nonsensical interprovincial trade barriers and build a truly Team Canada approach to growing our economy.

In Beaches-East York, I will continue to champion our incredible small businesses, encouraging our community to shop local at every opportunity. The Ontario Liberals have proposed cutting the small business tax rate in half, 3.2 per cent to 1.6 per cent, and increasing the eligible income threshold, saving our irreplaceable small business owners up to $18,000 a year.

Anna Michaelidis

Continued from Page 26

QUESTION 4: How will your party and your party’s leader deal with the economic and other challenges facing Ontario and Canada that are presented by the Administration of U.S. President Donald Trump?

In response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposed 25 per cent tariffs on Canadian imports, Premier Doug Ford and the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party have outlined a comprehensive strategy to protect Ontario jobs, businesses, and workers, ensuring our economy remains strong and competitive.

Key measures include investments in manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and education to keep Ontarians working. Financial support has been prioritized for small businesses, including main street shops, restaurants, and cafes, and bars. Premier Ford has been clear: “We must do whatever it takes to support Ontario workers and businesses.”

This approach has garnered unprecedented support from major labour unions, including LiUNA, Unifor, IBEW, the Ontario Professional Firefighters Association, and the OSMWRC. These organizations recognize the PC government’s commitment to protecting workers and industries across Ontario.

It’s time for Beaches-East York to have a seat at the table - to advocate for our interests. Let’s make sure these incoming provincial investments reach our riding where it’s needed most: schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and the protection of jobs and businesses.

Trust that we will protect Beaches-East York as we protect Ontario. I humbly ask for your vote on Feb. 27—let’s stand united in securing our future.

Continued from Page 26

toral politics or expensive gimmicks to the mix.

In a tariff plans statement released Jan. 31, Mike Schreiner included these specific points:

• Immediately create a ‘tariff taskforce’ that works across party, jurisdictional and sectoral lines to defend Ontario workers, jobs and companies in trade negotiations;

• Create an investment tax credit to unlock business investments in Ontario;

• Develop a “Buy Ontario” strategy and implement public procurement rules that support Ontario businesses;

• Create a Protect Ontario Fund for businesses disproportionately impacted by tariffs and make the investments needed to build new supply chains;

• Immediately move to aggressively diversify our trade partners; and

• Work with other provinces to remove interprovincial trade barriers.

I will highlight that working across party lines has been the GPO approach on many issues over the years, and the public procurement rules are also longstanding policy.

Additionally the party has long aimed to protect Ontario’s farmers and farmland. Farmland preservation means greater food security at a time when food imported from the US will be rising in price.

Continued from Page 26

a) Negotiate a reduction or removal of the tariff through diplomatic channels.

b) Leverage international organizations, engaging them in trade negotiations to help resolve the issue.

c) Substitute non-tariff-barrier quotas, licensing restrictions, or subsidies to be used in lieu of tariffs, where they are possible.

d) Provide subsidies, tax incentives, and other help to support local industries to become more competitive, investing in innovation and infrastructure.

e) Increase and develop more competitive finished goods, since tariffs mostly target raw materials.

f) Shift trade to countries that have favourable agreements and/or lower tariffs. Canada and its second-largest province, Ontario have relatively good relations with other nations.

g) Impose calculated retaliatory tariffs with a focus on not escalating tensions.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Beach Metro Community News sent these questions to candidates we were aware of in Beaches-East York. Due to our early print deadline for the Family Day long weekend, not all candidates responded in time for them to be published in this edition. Please visit our website at www.beachmetro.com for more information on the candidates.

citizens aged 18 and older. For those looking to get started ahead of the election, here’s everything you need to know.

Voters will need to register before voting by mail or in person.

Voters living in Ontario will need to add their name and details to the Permanent Register of Electors for Ontario. For those temporarily living outside the province who are planning to return to Ontario need to add their name to the Register of Absentee voters.

Voters looking to register will need to provide their name, ad-

dress, contact information and other personal details, along with a piece of ID, such as a driver’s licence or photo card.

Voting at advance polls in electoral districts will take place on Feb. 20 to 22, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

In Beaches-East York, advance polls will be located at the Beaches Library, 2161 Queen St. E.; the Main Square Community Recreation Centre, 245 Main St.; and the Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, 373 Cedarvale Ave.

In Scarborough Southwest, advance polls will be located at the Birchmount Community Centre, 93 Birchmount Rd.; Cliffcrest Library,

3017 Kingston Rd.; and Don Montgomery Community Recreation Centre, 2467 Eglinton Ave.

In Toronto-Danforth, advance polls will be located at East York Community Centre, 108 1/2 Pape Ave.; and Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre, 870 Queen St. E.

To vote by mail, voters must apply before the deadline on Feb. 21 at 6 p.m., eastern time, to receive a voting kit by mail which will need to be filled out and mailed back so that it’s received by Elections Ontario before the deadline of Feb. 27 at 6 p.m. Voting in person on election day can be done at your assigned voting location from 9 a.m.

to 9 p.m. eastern time. Remember to bring ID when heading to the polls.

For more information, please visit the Elections Ontario website at www.elections.on.ca

The Elections Ontario Returning Office for the Beaches-East York riding is located at 2575 Danforth Ave.

The Elections Ontario Returning Office for the Scarborough Southwest riding is located at 468 Danforth Rd. in the former Sun Valley grocery store building.

The Elections Ontario Returning Office for the Toronto-Danforth riding is located at 606 Danforth Ave.

Scarborough Southwest candidate forum set for Feb. 18

A CANDIDATES forum for voters in Scarborough Southwest will be held on the evening of Tuesday, Feb. 18.

The forum takes place at the West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre, 313 Pharmacy Ave., from 7 to 9 p.m. Capacity is limited at the centre but the forum will also be available to be viewed on Facebook.

Voters are invited to take in the event in person or online and learn more about the candidates running for the riding in this month’s provincial election. For info on how to view the meeting online, go to www.facebook.com/ events/1087869496443987

Notice

NOTICE is hereby given that in accordance with the City of Toronto’s real estate disposal By-law, on February 3, 2025, portion of the property municipally known as 996 Woodbine Avenue, being Part of Lot 29 on Plan 550E, City of Toronto, being part of PIN 10423-0232 (LT), and generally shown as Parts 1 and 2 on Sketch No. PS-2018-096, was declared surplus. The surplus portion has a total area of approximately 213.5 m2 (2290 ft2)

The City proposes that the intended manner of disposal to be by way of an offer to purchase the subject property from 2-Spirited People of the First Nations

The following City official has information about the proposed disposition: Mr. Robert Patterson, Senior Project Manager, Real Estate Services, Tel: 416-392-1851, Metro Hall, 55 John Street, 2nd floor, Toronto, Ontario M5V 3C6. Enquiries may be made of the said official until February 27, 2025

Dated this 12th day of February 2025.

John D. Elvidge City Clerk

Mental Wellness Group marks 10 years of service to East Toronto community and beyond

By Matthew Stephens

BACK IN January of 2015, after enduring 10 years of depression, Upper Beach resident Jason Balgopal sought to create a safe space for members of the community to come together and get support from peers experiencing similar mental health challenges.

“I had suffered from depression for a while; from 2004 to about 2014. I got a lot of support and a lot of help, but one of the things that I was missing was the support of peers – that is, people who had walked a mile in my shoes, people knew what it was like to experience depression.” said Balgopal.

After noticing a lack of peer-to-peer mental health support within the community, Balgopal organized and established the Mental Wellness Group in the Beaches: a small collection of like-minded people who gathered for what was intended to be a monthly meeting at Community Centre 55 (97 Main St.).

However, what started out as a monthly meeting quickly gained momentum within the community – and by March of that same year, the Mental Wellness Group had quickly established itself as a weekly gathering of peer-to-peer support.

Since its establishment at Community Centre 55, the group had branched out to other facilities outside of the East End.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges with in-person meetings and forced the group to shift their gatherings to Zoom – which proved to be beneficial for the organization’s universal reach across the globe.

“We still have a location at Community Centre 55, but over the years we’ve had various other locations as well,” said Balgopal.

“Unfortunately, when the pandemic came through, that posed a lot of challenges for the physical in-person locations. But at the same time, it offered us a lot of benefits. We pivoted to Zoom, and it’s been great. We have actually expanded because of that.”

The Mental Wellness Group has since become a dedicated support system that offers daily Zoom meetings for people around the world to receive free “empathetic” support from like-minded peers.

“The group was supposed to be a once-amonth group that met, but the people were so excited about the group they wanted it to continue weekly,” said Balgopal. “And now we’ve grown to offer support groups almost every night of the week by Zoom, so anybody in the world can get the support.”

In recent years, the Mental Wellness Group has expanded their services for regular visitors to include five free sessions of professional therapy with a licensed professional, as well as continued sessions beyond the first five, offered at a significantly lowered rate compared to traditional therapy services.

“We offer professional therapy, and we offer our regular members five sessions of professional therapy with a licensed therapist for free.” said Balgopal.

“Once the first five sessions are done, the client is able to continue on with the same therapist for an extremely low rate. We flow through the charge and its $100 a session, which, if you know anything about therapy, is really cheap.”

Depending on several factors, therapy session fees can generally range in cost anywhere from $250 to $500 per hour without insurance or coverage, according to the Toronto Psychological Services and Research Centre.

Balgopal said seeking support from those suffering from similar issues helps to alleviate pressure on those seeking support from

family and friends who may struggle to relate or provide effective feedback.

“For a lot of people, it’s difficult. They overwhelm their family and friends, and they want to help, but they just don’t know what to say,” said Balgopal.

“The people who come to the groups want to help the other people because they’ve been through this themselves, so they’re willing to listen.”

When asked how the Mental Wellness Group manages to operate and provide a cost-effective service for patrons, Balgopal mentioned that many of those working within the organization started out as visitors themselves.

“People have gone through the program and recognize the value of the program, and they too want to give back,” he said.

“And so, all of the facilitators or people who help run the meetings are all themselves members who have gone through the groups, and so they both have an understanding of how important it is, and they are also willing to give up their time.”

For Balgopal, providing an overlooked, yet essential service is his way of providing a meaningful contribution to the community and abroad.

“It’s extremely meaningful. It really gives me a sense of knowing that I’m doing something good for the community and giving back,” he said.

“I think there’s been a societal shift in acknowledgment of the challenges that people are facing – that includes mental wellness challenges. And when it becomes more normalized, people are more willing to reach out and get support.”

Members of the community continue to gather Tuesday nights from 7 to 8 p.m. at Community Centre 55 to discuss mental health challenges and get support from others seeking guidance.

“We have really grown to be quite a good community, both with the facilitators and the people that run the groups – but also the clientele,” said Balgopal.

“It’s fantastic to see that we provide each other help and support to make each other’s lives better, but at the same time, that we are also there for each other.”

For more information about the Mental Wellness Group, to make a donation, or to sign up for a Zoom or in-person meeting, please go online to https://mentalwellness. help

Jason Balgopal is seen in this Beach Metro Community News file photo. Ten years ago Balgopal organized and established the Mental Wellness Group in the Beaches.

Beach Memories

Remembering a great Canadian family and their caravan as they travelled Ontario in the 1880s

Gene DomaGala Beach Memories

While driving along the streets of our area with the cold weather, snowy and icy roads, I thought this is terrible. Then I thought again about how they had to travel in the olden days before we had cars and nice paved roads looked after by people with snowplows and trucks spreading salt to make our roads safe and passable.

It got me thinking about how people used to travel around.

I thought about the family caravan travelling through the hinterlands or our province in the 1880s.

Since Family Day took place yesterday, I will share the story of one hardy pioneer family.

In this case, that family was the Hinchley Family

and they were called by some The Ashbridges Bay Sleigh Caravan when they came through our area in the 1880s.

Mr. Hinchley came from Wolfe Island near Kingston, Ontario.

Winter and summer

He travelled through Ontario and parts of the United States in a “sleigh caravan” suited for both winter and summer weather. It was, of course, a horse-drawn vehicle.

His caravan had both winter sleigh runners and wheels for the warm weather. It had a waterproof canvas to protect the family from different types of weather.

Inside the caravan, there was a stove for cooking meals, furniture for eating and sleeping, and everything a pioneer family needed in those days.

The Hinchley family apparently travelled on long

trips in all types of weather.

Perhaps he was one of the most hardy travellers in the province. They were the stuff our pioneers were made of.

The family included Mrs. Hinchley and their four children.

As I mentioned, Wolfe Island was their home base but they travelled hundreds and hundreds of miles in their caravan. Why is a mystery to me.

Just try to imagine the size of the caravan with all its furniture and room for six people.

They were a great Canadian family that makes history interesting.

I would have loved to have seen that caravan and the family when they were travelling around the Province of Ontario.

Good luck to the Hinchley family and all you dear readers.

I hope you enjoyed your Family Day holiday on Monday.

Private House Sale

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Household Services

Steve’s

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General Services

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RUBBISH REMOVAL & DEMOLITION SPECIALIST RECYCLING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR CLEANING 416-264-1495 CELL 416-567-4019 (3r)

MR. FIX-IT

PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS 20+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work. Randall 416-450-0599 torontomrfixit@gmail.com (1r)

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General repairs: Drywall / Caulking / Painting / Decks / Fences Odd jobs: Fixtures, TV, Shelf & Picture install / Furniture assembly (IKEA)... & much more! Call/text Peter 416 577 4252 (23)

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Tutoring

Canadian Women in Food host Pitch and Dine

By Matthew Stephens

PITCH MEETINGS are often anxiety inducing, judgement-filled, brutally honest experiences most people wouldn’t want to be on the giving or receiving end of. However, for those who just want to kick back and observe constructive criticism first-hand, Canadian Women in Food (CWIF) presents Pitch & Dine on Thursday, Feb. 20, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at the Redwood Theatre, 1300 Gerrard St. E..

Tickets for the live event will be $50 and can be purchased on the CWIF website at www.

canadianwomeninfood.ca/event-details/pitchdine-2

Among the contestants is Dawn Chapman, founder and CEO of Lazy Daisy’s Cafe (1515 Gerrard St. E.) and Lazy Daisy’s Foods. She will be catering the event and pitching for the first time ever in front of a live audience.

“We’re going to be practising our pitches in front of six judges, and the whole mission is to give women more confidence, more practice, and support from the community so that we can in turn have the confidence to go outside of our network and grow our business.” said

WG PAINTING

MBX ELECTRIC

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A1 STAIN

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Plumbers

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Chapman.

Pitch & Dine is a “pitch meeting” styled event where six female food founders have five minutes to showcase their brands in a pitch slam to a panel of mentor-judges, with a live audience behind it all. The event hopes to empower female entrepreneurs in a safe and fun environment.

Founded in 2014 by Cheryl Appleton, CWIF was established as a national association to help amplify the voices of female food entrepreneurs and to create an inclusive space for all women in the food industry..

K. R. ROOFING

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Roofers

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Flat and Shingle Roofs

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Masonry

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Centre 55 to host Soup Supreme competition

CENTRE 55’S annual Soup Supreme Competition will take place on Thursday, Feb. 27.

Doors open for the event at Centre 55, 97 Main St., at 5 p.m. Those attending can try a number of soups from the chefs at local restaurants who are competing for the Silver Ladle award. The event raises funds for Centre 55 programs. Admission is $5.

(23$)