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Volume 50 No. 1
BEACHMETRO.COM
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March 9, 2021
Beach Metro News begins its 50th year A
s the last person standing, who has been continually involved with this paper since it began, (well, since its fifth issue in May 1972), it is my pleasure to welcome you to the beginning of its 50th year. The impetus to start a local paper was the lack of community coverage by the main media. People wanted to know what was happening in their own neighbourhood, and what their politicians were doing. At the same time there was a plan for a network of expressways linking the growing suburbs to the old city of Toronto. It was generally opposed in Toronto. In the east end the proposed Scarborough Expressway would follow the rail line along Gerrard down Coxwell and link up with the Gardiner. The initial plan called for demolishing 1,200 homes, later changed to 706 in this neighbourhood. What better way to rally the citizens of Ward 9 and keep them informed and ready to act, than their own newspaper? (In 1971 the Spadina Expressway was cancelled, in 1974 the Scarborough
Sheila Blinoff Beach Metro News Special Advisor
Expressway was cancelled, and then it was curtains for the rest.) Like several current institutions that started here in the 1970s, Ward 9 News began at the old YMCA at 907 Kingston Road. That building had been shut down for a while when two Scarborough Road neighbours, Betty Stephen and Lenore Diaz, offered to keep the Y presence alive without recompense by running a drop-in for local groups if the Y would cover the utilities. Among those drawn to the building was a varied group of people interested in starting a paper. Eight came to the first meeting. A thousand flyers went out before the second meeting, and a crowd came. There were another six public meetings, and many informal ones behind the scenes. Towards the end of 1971, the group had a name for the paper
to reflect its local agenda and the current municipal district (Ward 9 Community News), and a constitution. It was to be not-forprofit and non-partisan. It would be distributed without charge to homes and businesses in the area by volunteers. Financing would come from the sale of advertising. Volunteers would be encouraged to get involved. A young engineer from Bingham Avenue, Doug White, was entrusted with overseeing the new venture. Doug had been hired on a recycling grant run out of the YMCA. He was re-directed to organize the paper while others washed bottles, crushed cans and cardboard, and promoted recycling on his behalf. All seemed well until two days before the first issue was due off the press on March 1, 1972. Norm Houghton, one of the founders and one of the most important leaders in the early years, had been talking to the staff at Seven News, the Riverdale paper that had been a template. He and they suggested there were Continued on Page 10
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
40 years and counting of cartooning with Bill Suddick
Beach Metro News cartoonist Bill Suddick is in his 40th year with the paper. Here he is with some of his calendars from decades past and his first cartoon from April of 1981. To find out more about Bill and his cartooning, please see our story on Page 10.
Concern and confusion over planned 17-storey building By Ali Raza, Local Initiative Reporter
Journalism
A NEW development proposed for Queen Street East and Coxwell Avenue is too tall for the neighbourhood and will set an unwanted precedent, some Beach residents are saying.
Residents are “concerned and confused” regarding a 17-storey development coming to 1631 Queen St. E.- despite guidelines that restrict height. Many who participated in the creation of the Queen Street East Urban Design Guidelines for the Beach in 2012 - guidelines that re-
stricted building heights to maintain a district agreed-upon character - are wondering what to make of a new Housing Now mixed-use development. “We’re somewhere on the spectrum between concerned and confused,” Jeffrey Levitt said. “It was kind of surprising to see the city
come out with this proposal.” Levitt was involved in developing the Queen Street East Urban Design Guidelines. He is supportive of the affordable housing initiative, stressing that is not the cause of concern among residents. The proposed height is the “elephant in the room,” he noted.
The site is located southeast of Queen Street East and Coxwell Avenue, and falls within the Queen Street East Urban Design Guidelines which cover building heights along Queen Street East in the Beach from Coxwell to Nursewood Road. Continued on Page 19
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BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Residents upset with location of modular housing for people exiting homelessness The Macey Avenue building had its own local opposition – several area residents LOCAL RESIDENTS are wrote letters expressing conupset over the city’s modular cerns with “social problems housing proposal at Tren- associated with vagrancy ton Avenue and Cedarvale and public intoxication.” Avenue in East York citing With the Trenton Avenue concerns of appropriateness site, a number of residents of the area and community are speaking in opposition. safety regarding the future Global News covered a looccupants of the building. cal protest near the Trenton The concerns prompted parking lot recently, where an online community meet- residents referred to the lot ing on the evening March 8, as a community “hub.” and another meeting set for Resident Steve Bland told March 17. Global News he’s not against The project is part of the providing affordable housCity of Toronto’s Housing ing, but noted that increasNow initiative to make use ing the population density of city-owned lands to ad- in the area by adding the dress the lack of affordable Trenton site “may not be the housing. The modular hous- appropriate place” for “peoing proposal for Trenton and ple going through the most Cedarvale aims to create a troubling and difficult times three-storey building with 64 of their lives with addiction studio apartments, self-con- and mental health issues.” tained with a private kitchen The city-wide initiative to and bathroom each. It’s de- construct modular housing signed to help individuals ex- for people exiting homelessiting homelessness, and will ness is being released in be administered by a local phases. The Macey Avenue non-profit housing provider site was included in the projunder a city agreement. ect’s Phase 1, and now TrenIt’s not unlike the modu- ton – which was approved lar housing proposal at 11 just a few weeks ago – is part Macey Ave. in southwest of Phase 2. Scarborough that includes In a letter to Beach Metro 56 studio apartments. That News, resident Lars Bot, exbuilding – also designed to pressed concerns about the assist people exiting home- building’s proximity to Parklessness – opened on Dec. 19, side Public School and Stan 2020, eight months after city Wadlow Park. “The simple council approval. The “mod- fact that a homeless shelular” part of the term means ter is planned across from pre-fabricated components a public school and park… of the building arrive on site. shows how poor this proThis allows the city to build gram is planned,” he wrote. the affordable units within Beaches-East York Counthe span ofDESMOND_BMN months, and not cillor Brad Bradford AD_MARCH.pdf 3 2021-03-04 2:18 PM and years. Beaches-East York MP NaBy Ali Raza, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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thaniel Erskine-Smith have also received correspondence from residents. They both reminded residents that the modular housing buildings are housing and not shelters. “I want to acknowledge that the engagement with the community did not start well enough,” Bradford said of the Trenton site. “The proposed Phase 2 sites were announced with the positive and significance that it deserved for an effort like this to house our city’s most vulnerable.” “But the city was too slow to have information ready for residents to understand the process and what it all meant,” he added. Even signs at the site informing residents of the project were delayed, Bradford said. That is why a community meeting was scheduled for March 8, in addition to the March 17 meeting. “With the strong response, I quickly realized that was too far away,” Bradford said. “There are lots of valid questions that need answering.” Bradford stressed he supports affordable housing but says there are real impacts regarding parking in the busy area and traffic congestion. The Trenton site was chosen from a list of 40 cityowned land plots. Bradford moved a motion at the most recent Planning and Housing Committee meeting that final recommendations come forward only after community consultations. He also asked a Community Liaison Committee to be set up to
“improve lines of communication.” But he reminds residents that the city is in the midst of both a pandemic and a housing crisis. “We have to move ahead. We have people in encampments – we have people dying on our streets. We need to stop building shelters and start building housing.” Erskine-Smith has also responded publicly on Twitter to residents’ concerns. “I strongly support the city’s modular housing initiative,” he wrote. “Too many people are on the streets or in the shelter system. Permanent solutions require stable homes.” The federal government’s homelessness strategy includes $203 million coming to Toronto from its Rapid Housing Initiative. ErskineSmith reiterated that these modular buildings are “real homes, not shelters.” In addition to the studio apartments, the building offers 24/7 support for its residents via administrative offices, program space, a common room, and a dining room. Erskine-Smith added that through his conversations with local charity The Neighbourhood Group, these modular sites “are a great model” and “many other experts have called for an expansion of these initiatives.” For info on the March 17 meeting, go to www.toronto. ca/community-people/community-partners/affordablehousing-partners/modularhousing-initiative/
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Tuesday, March 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
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Moez and Marissa Kassam donate $1 million to hospital By Jayson Dimaano
MICHAEL GARRON Hospital has received a donation of $1 million, courtesy of Moez and Marissa Kassam. They are a Toronto couple who support quality healthcare for diverse and vulnerable populations. East Toronto, which is served by Michael Garron Hospital in East York, has 22 neighbourhoods and five are identified as priority neighbourhoods. It is considered one of the most diverse communities in Canada. The hospital serves more than 400,000 people. According to a press release from Michael Garron Hospital, 40 per cent of East Toronto residents are newcomers. Poverty and isolation are two challenges many people in East Toronto face, said the release. Moez and Marissa have supported a number of organizations including the Toronto Public Library, the Canadian Olympic Foundation, Ryerson University and food-related causes and initiatives. “My parents are immi-
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Moez and Marissa Kassam recently made a $1 million donation to Michael Garron Hospital. grants so I know firsthand Moez & Marissa Kassam the challenges of establish- Food Court. This will seat up ing oneself in a strange land, to 200 patients, visitors, and and it can be daunting,” said staff. Moez Kassam, Hedge Fund The donation from the Manager and Co-Founder of Kassams will support both Anson Funds in Toronto in the redevelopment and the the press release. creation of a grassroots ini“Our hope is that by shin- tiatives fund to expand the ing a light on these crucial hospital’s capacity for comneeds, it will inspire others munity programming and to contribute in any way they inclusive and accessible can. Supporting our most healthcare. vulnerable communities is “Moez and Marissa have paramount to strengthening tremendous compassion our societal fabric, and we and we are deeply grateful firmly believe this invest- for their commitment to exment in our great city’s fu- pert and quality healthcare ture will pay great dividends in East Toronto,” said Mitze to all its residents.” Mourinho, President of MiIn honour of the donation, chael Garron Hospital Founthe hospital will set up a new dation, in the press release.
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BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Obituary
Joe Cirone, The King of Queen Street, loved the Beach KNOWN AS The King of Queen Street and the Mayor of Balmy Beach, longtime Beach resident and business owner Joe Cirone passed away on Feb. 26 at the age of 81. He ran Cirone’s Fine Foods grocery, convenience store and garden centre on Queen Street East in the community for more than 50 years, before retiring in 2015 due to Alzheimer’s. He started the business in 1965, shortly after he and his wife Grace were married. The store was truly a family affair with Grace and their children Mike, Angela, Frank and Julie all having worked there. “Joe kept the store going seven days a week up until he was 75,” said Angela in a note to Beach Metro News. “Everyone in the Beaches knew him and looked for his bright red apron.” She said he was always available to help customers with their questions and gardening needs. “Need help with deciding what plants to grow and how to take care of them? Joe was there at his Garden Centre every spring until pumpkin season in October. At Christmas time, he sold tons of Christmas trees.” Joe was also deeply involved in the community. Beach Metro News columnist and local historian Gene Domagala said Joe was an
Joe Cirone, centre with coffee, is seen surrounded by many of his family members. He ran Cirone’s Fine Foods on Queen Street East in the Beach for 50 years. active volunteer at St. Denis Catholic School and Corpus Christi church. “He did everything,” said Domagala. “He really did personify the Beach. He was always there at events wearing his red coat.” Joe was also on the organizing committee for the first Easter Parade in the Beach, and was featured in an ad campaign by the Beaches Business Association in which his photo was on a bus shelter.
“An active participant in the area, he always took a keen interest in what was goes on in the area, always trying to improve things,” said Angela. “If not for the Alzheimer’s he would still be running the store with love and devotion to the community.” Domagala said Joe helped people in numerous ways. “He would help people out every way he could. If he knew someone had had some trouble, he was always
there for them. I called him the Mayor of Balmy Beach.” Joe loved Canada and living in the Beach, Domagala said. Growing up in the area of Modugno, Italy, Joe had early experience in the food business. His father ran a wholesale store, and local farmers would bring in their cherries, walnuts, olives and olive oil to sell. In a 2014 Beach Metro News story, Joe said he remembered his father hiring
people to crack the walnuts by hand and also seeing his future father-in-law deliver barrels of olive oil on a huge cart pulled by three horses. Joe came to Canada in 1956 as a teenager with his brother Dominic, and they moved in with their father who was living in an apartment in the Upper Beach. Joe soon got a job painting cars, something he had also done in Italy, and then another job at a car wash on Danforth Avenue. “We made do,” he said in the 2014 story, adding that on days off they sometimes fished near the docks at Leslie Street and sold baskets of smelts to their neighbours for a few dollars. They also picked dandelions along the railway tracks north of Gerrard. “We cooked them,” Joe said. “Hey, Vitamin C! Even back home we did that.” Eventually, Joe got a job as a mover with TippetRichardson and finished his Grade 13 in night school. “I couldn’t keep going,” he said. “I worked, and I gave all my money to my father.” The daughter of the man who used to deliver the barrels of olive oil in Madugno had also moved to Toronto, and Joe met up again with Grace. After they were married they lived above the store on Queen Street East, but eventually their family became
too large for the apartment and they moved to a house in Scarborough. Joe said in the 2014 story that he always loved the view from the rooms above the store as it looked straight south down Munro Park Avenue to the lake. “I look at the lake and say, ‘Hey where’s God? Walking on the water.’ I say my prayers there, and He listens.” Angela said her father is now “forever in his happy place at the store in the sky looking over his people in the Beaches.” Joe is remembered by his wife Grace of 56 years; his kids Mike (Oriana), Angela (Joe /John) Frank (Susie) and Julie (Peter) and his nine grandchildren and great grandchild. He is also missed by his brothers and sister and the many nephews and nieces. Angela said messages of sympathy have been pouring in from many of his old customers and staff from as far back as 50 years to new friends that met him at the store right before closing. “The family wants to let everyone know that they really appreciate the messages and are very touched by all the love for their dad and by how many lives he touched in The Beaches.” Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private visitation and funeral was held for Joe Cirone on March 4.
Annual Beaches Easter Parade to take place as a drive-through event this spring THOUGH IT won’t be a march along Queen Street East with hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators, the Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade will take place this spring. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers had to radically change how one of Canada’s biggest and longest-running Easter parades was going to happen in 2021. Last year, the in-person parade and events surrounding it were cancelled due to the pandemic. Instead, vir-
tual events were held. For 2021, organizers are planning a Drive-thru Easter Parade on Saturday, April 3 from 4 to 11 p.m. in the south parking lot of the Eglinton GO station. The event will be similar to the Bluffs Winter Wonderland holiday lights drive-through in the Eglinton GO station parking lot last November and December. For the Easter event, families can drive their cars past floats and themed displays, musical entertainment and,
of course, the Easter Bunny. “As the oldest and largestrunning Easter Parade in Canada, we couldn’t imagine the idea of families and children missing out on the joy and excitement the Beaches Easter Parade brings to the community each year,” said Claire Chilelli. Started as a Centennial project in 1967, the Beaches Easter Parade was originally routed along the Boardwalk for its first seven years. The Beaches Lions Club became actively involved in 1973,
and the next year the parade moved to Queen Street East. By 1981, the Lions had become the parade’s official organizer. Along with the Drive-thru Easter Parade, there are a number of other events also planned for April. There will be a Digital Easter Egg Hunt from April 2 to 4 for kids and their families, and there is a Virtual Fun Run taking place up until April 30. Those wishing to attend the drive-through parade will have to register for a ve-
WE NEED YOUR HELP DURING THIS TIME Beach Metro News strives to provide our readers with the most relevant news in the Beach and surrounding neighbourhoods. For over 40 years, our staff have worked hard to be the eyes and ears in your community, inform you of upcoming events, and let you know what and who’s making a difference. We cover the big stories as well as the little things that often matter the most.
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hicle pass online, which will provide them with a timed entry. All vehicle entry tickets will be $20 plus HST and processing fees regardless of the number of people in the vehicle. To protect everyone from the COVID-19 virus, vehicle passes will have to be printed and displayed in vehicles or saved on a smartphone to be scanned. All vehicles approaching the entry point must have their windows closed, and the event will be contact-free. The Drive-thru Easter Parade will take visitors on “a mesmerizing one-kilometre journey full of Easter cheer, sights and sounds.” Visitors will see a variety of stationary floats showcasing community groups, local businesses, musical entertainment, distanced petty zoo, buskers, antique and rare cars and the Easter Bunny all decorated with lights. To register for a vehicle pass and time slot on April 3, go to www.beacheseasterparade. ca/drive-thru-easter-parade The Digital Easter Egg Hunt will see participants in family-household groups decipher clues leading to 14 different locations in the Beach.
The egg hunt is a contactless event, but there will be a chance to meet the Easter Bunny and perhaps receive a treat. Cost to participate per family is $20 plus HST and processing fees. For more info, go to www.beacheseasterparade.ca/digital-easteregg-hunt The Virtual Easter Fun Run will include a five-kilometre run and a one-kilometre Bunny Hop. Cost is $30 and will include the shipping of an Easter-themed medal. For more on the run, go to https://raceroster. com/events/2021/39607/brcrunning-series-easter-5kand-1k-bunny-hop-2021 Proceeds from this year’s planned Beaches Easter celebrations, will go towards the Toronto Beaches Lions Club and its community initiatives. Community groups wishing to take part and have a float at the parade can find info on how to do so at www.beacheseasterparade. ca/registration Sponsors for the Beaches Easter celebrations are The Richards Group Re/Max/ Hallmark, The Artisans, Metrolinx GO, Beach Metro News, Global TV, and the Toronto Beaches Lions Club.
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
East Toronto COVID-19 vaccination plans include clinics, mobile teams By Ali Raza, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
EAST TORONTO, it’s time to think about getting vaccinated against COVID-19. In Ontario’s Phase 1, you can get the vaccine now if you’re 80 and older, live or work in a retirement home, are a high-priority health care worker, a recipient of chronic home care, or an Indigenous Canadian adult. The federal government, the province, the City of Toronto, and local health partners are working in tandem to secure the vaccine supply and to ensure the proper distribution of the vaccines to communities. Locally, East Toronto Health Partners (ETPH) and Michael Garron Hospital (MGH) in East York have released vital information for residents seeking the shot. In a combined effort, ETHP, MGH, Ontario Health Team, Toronto Public Health, the City of Toronto, and community health centres will be offering COVID-19 vaccinations through immunization clinics, mobile vaccinations teams, and coordination with family physicians in East Toronto. ETHP is developing an on-
line pre-registration form for residents aged 80 or older. Individuals who complete this form will be contacted when vaccine supply is available. For more information, please visit https://ethp.ca/ main/covid19/vaccine “During the pandemic, we’ve relied on our strong partnerships with our ETHP member organizations to deliver an integrated, community-based response to COVID-19 that considers the needs of our most vulnerable populations,” MGH CEO and President Sarah Downey said. “We’re thrilled to continue this collaborative work to ensure East Toronto residents can safely, easily, and quickly receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it’s available to them.” Mobile vaccination teams are meant to reduce barriers for residents experiencing challenges accessing a clinic. The teams deliver and administer vaccines to seniors in congregate care, individuals living in shelters or experiencing homelessness, and clients of community health care centres and family physicians offices who are 80 years or older. The immunization clinics are not open to the public at
Local Legion branches receive federal funding A NUMBER of local Royal Canadian Legion branches have received a funding boost from the Government of Canada to help them deal with the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Beaches-East York MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith recently announced the more than $43,000 in funding so the branches can continue to offer support for veterans. The funding comes from the Veterans Organizations Emergency Support Fund, which is part of the Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan to help protect jobs, provide emergency support and keep businesses afloat. “Our Beaches-East York Legions provide critical support to local veterans, community leadership to remember the sacrifice of those who served, and a space for many organizations across our east end to come together. They need
our help to get through this crisis,” said Erskine-Smith in a statement sent to Beach Metro News. Local Legion branches receiving funding are: Branch 11 at 9 Dawes Rd; Branch 22 at 1240 Woodbine Ave.; Branch 345 at 81 Peard Rd.; and Branch 1/42 (Baron Byng) at 243 Coxwell Ave. Each Legion branch has received $10,845.05 in funding. “Branch 22 is grateful for this government support, said Selena Mackay, Acting President of Branch 22. “This support is paramount to allowing us to support our operating costs, maintain support for our veterans, members and community, and to weather the pandemic until we are able to open again safely.” Across Canada, federal financial aid for Royal Canadian Legions during the pandemic has exceeded $10 million.
Heritage Talk on The Great Escape THE BEACH and East Toronto Historical Society presents a Zoom Heritage Talk on March 23 remembering the Second World War’s The Great Escape. It will be presented by Brian Floody, who will talk about his father Wally Floody who played a pivotal
role in the escape from Stalag Luft 3 in March of 1944. It is famously remembered in the 1963 movie The Great Escape. The online talk is from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Please go to http:// tbeths.com/pdf/2021-mar.pdf for info on how to join in on Zoom.
this time, but are planned to open as the rollout continues and the supply increases. Clinic locations will include Warden Hilltop Community Centre (25 Mendelssohn St.), Michael Garron Hospital (825 Coxwell Ave.), Thorncliffe Park Community Hub (45 Overlea Blvd.) and the Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre (870 Queen St. E.). Once vaccinations are available for the general public, individuals will have to book COVID-19 immunization appointments via the province’s booking system that has yet to be released. Health partners request residents who are not eligible for a vaccine in Phase 1 not call MGH or other clinics as they do not have additional information regarding the vaccine rollout at this time. More information on the provincial vaccine plan is available on the government of Ontario website at https:// covid-19.ontario.ca/gettingcovid-19-vaccine-ontario Ali Raza is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.
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Lucky To Be Alive
by Marie Everatt
Pádraic needs more than luck – he is one of over 10,000 people in Toronto who are homeless on any given night. Before living on the street, Pádraic stayed in a downtown shelter. It was there that he was beaten and robbed. A vulnerable, elder man in his sixties, Pádraic is an easy target. Today, he feels safer living on the side of one of Toronto’s busiest roads, exposed to Mother Nature. Like others in his situation, Pádraic is lucky to be alive. Violence is a constant threat to the health of homeless people. Anyone who is homeless and living on the street is regularly assaulted. Homeless men are about nine times more likely to be murdered than their counterparts in the general population. The number of homeless deaths in Toronto in 2020 doubled over the previous year. Even when elder homeless men can stay under danger’s radar, they still have high levels of morbidity and mortality and often experience significant barriers to accessing health care. People who are homeless are admitted to hospital up to five times more often than the general population and stay in hospital longer. They are also often discharged to shelters where their ability to cope is marginal at best, let alone when they need to recuperate after a stay in hospital. During this current national and international health crisis, people who are homeless are almost 2.5 times
more likely to test positive for COVID-19, ten times more likely to end up in ICU, and five times more likely to die from the virus. For elder homeless men especially, disease severity can be remarkably high due to factors such as extreme poverty, barriers to accessing care, and the adverse health effects of homelessness itself. Older adults face accelerated aging, a prevalence of debilitating diseases and a shorter life expectancy. The physical and mental health of older adults who are homeless are more precarious. Haven Toronto – the only drop-in centre in Canada dedicated to serving elder homeless men – reduces barriers to health care. The centre provides clients with onsite access to a full-time nurse and counsellors and part-time doctor and dental hygienist. Haven Toronto also offers housing help and serves thousands of meals monthly. In 2020, Haven Toronto saw a 92 percent increase in the number of meals served compared to the previous year, plus a 22 percent increase in clients housed year-over-year and a 129 percent increase in mental health supports. Pádraic is a client at Haven Toronto. To him, it is a safe, inviting space where he is treated with respect and dignity. Pádraic is not alone in his thinking and not alone at the drop-in centre. There are 16 other Patricks and Pats at Haven Toronto, and thousands of other elder homeless men in their 60s, 70s and 80s.
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BEACH METRO NEWS
BEACHMETRO.COM
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
In My Opinion
COVID-19 pandemic taking a toll on community’s mental health Brad Bradford Beaches-East York Councillor IT’S BEEN almost a year since Toronto went into lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The last 12 months have brought unimaginable challenges. Nearly 22,000 Canadians have died as a result of this virus. Millions of Canadians lost their jobs. We’ve gone months without seeing our loved ones. The effects of these impacts will go far beyond our economy and deep into our psyches. We need to prioritize the mental health of our community to minimize long-term damage and prevent an echo pandemic from deepening the scars of COVID-19. A recent study from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health found that nearly 25 per cent of
Canadians are experiencing anxiety. Self-medication through alcohol has risen significantly, with 25 per cent of respondents reporting binge drinking that week. From top to bottom we need more investments into basic mental wellness treatments like counselling, addiction treatment, and peer support services. These programs aren’t well covered under Canada’s health system and frequently lead to people never seeking essential help. The needs of 1.6 million Canadians go unmet each year as a result. This is exacerbated by the pandemic taking away many critical supports that people rely on. It’s tough not seeing friends or family to share with and being unable to have those meaningful conversations or those allimportant hugs. There have been pandemic successes worth celebrating. Governments announced more funding and
expanded programs by bringing them online during the pandemic. They developed partnerships with community-facing organizations to get people the help they need. We must keep up this momentum. It isn’t only a moral imperative – it’s an economic one, as well. The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health estimates the economic burden of mental health to be $51 billion each year in health care costs and lost productivity. That’s before considering the 500,000 employed Canadians who are unable to work each week because of mental health troubles. In Toronto we’ve introduced a number of programs to help folks get out of their house safely and enjoy some semblance of normalcy. Programs like CafeTO and ActiveTO were a huge success helping people see friends for a drink on patios or opening up major streets to give Torontonians extra space to
get active. The Welcome TO Winter plan kept that going through the colder months with increased maintenance for parks and keeping more amenities open to the public. More directly, the City is testing out a program to improve our response to mental health crisis calls. We need trained health-care providers and support workers responding to these calls to achieve the best outcomes. These distress calls have increased by 32 per cent over the last five years, highlighting the need to bolster our existing social service providers and move beyond a solely police response. We’re blessed with fantastic local leadership on this file from Michael Garron Hospital (MGH). Many aren’t aware that MGH provides life-changing, best-in-class mental health care and is growing its impact with its redevelopment. We all play a role at the individual level to break the stigma around
mental health. It can be as simple as asking someone how they’re really doing, or as hard as opening up ourselves. One way you can get involved locally is by supporting the CRUSH COVID: Ride for Mind fundraiser to support MGH. On March 12-13, the one year anniversary of Toronto going into lockdown, I’ll be cycling virtually with cyclists from around the world for 24 hours to support CRUSH COVID for my second year. You can find more information on how the funds will help at crushcovid.ca. We’d love for you to join us on our livestream, starting March 12 at 6pm. You can register and join a team here, or participate solo! Any support, whether it’s a donation or telling a friend, is deeply appreciated. No matter what role you want to play, remember that struggling with our mental health does not make us weak or less than anyone else. It makes us human.
SERVING THE BEACH, BEACH HILL, BIRCH CLIFF, CLIFFSIDE, CRESCENT TOWN, EAST DANFORTH, GERRARD INDIA BAZAAR, LESLIEVILLE AND UPPER BEACH Beach Metro Community News, published by Ward 9 Community News Inc., is a non-profit, non-partisan community newspaper founded in 1972 and published 23 times a year. It is distributed free by volunteers in East Toronto and Southwest Scarborough and paid for by our advertisers.
2196 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON, M4E 2C7 PHONE: 416-698-1164 FAX: 416-698-1253 beachmetro.com PUBLISHER Susan Legge (ext. 24) susan@beachmetro.com EDITOR Alan Shackleton (ext. 23) alan@beachmetro.com REPORTER Ali Raza ali@beachmetro.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Mark Ireland (ext. 26) mark@beachmetro.com PRODUCTION AND DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Melinda Drake (ext. 27) melinda@beachmetro.com ACCOUNTS MANAGER Hope Armstrong (ext. 21) hope@beachmetro.com
NEXT ISSUE: Tuesday, March 23, 2021 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 5 p.m., Monday, March 15 VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE: Desmond Brown, president; Debbie Visconti, past president; Mary Beth Denomy, vice president; Judith Saunders Allen, secretary; Doug Black, treasurer; Paul M. Babich, special advisor; Sheila Blinoff, special advisor. This newspaper accepts advertising in good faith, but does not endorse advertisers or advertisements. All submitted editorial material is subject to editing.
ISSN #0838-2956
Letters to the Editor
Historical perspective needed on proposal for 17-storey building We have been involved in local history for many years, and would like to offer some historical perspectives about the 17-storey affordable housing complex proposed for 1631 Queen St. E., on the south side just east of Coxwell Avenue. First of all, if the proponents of this scheme had done their homework, they would understand that Beachers do not take kindly to outsiders trying to change their neighbourhood. In our 1988 book, The Beach in Pictures, we stated: “Even after the whole area became part of Toronto [in 1909], the Beach retained its separate identity, partly because of the residents’ consistent opposition
to any development which might detract from the quality of life at the Beach. … So far, Beachers have managed to withstand many of the pressures of a growing city, and to keep railroads, industries, expressways, and tall buildings from cutting them off from the water.” Secondly, they also would have realized that this is not the first time that a multi-storey building has been proposed for the neighbourhood. In our Historical Walking Tour of Kew Beach (1995), we recalled “the scheme to build 17-and 25-storey apartment towers south of Queen Street between Lee and Leuty avenues”. Some neighbours learned
of the plan in early summer 1965, and quickly formed a ratepayers and residents association to fight it. When about 500 of them went to City Hall, wearing their DOWN WITH HIGH RISE badges, they managed to defeat the project. “The scale of buildings and the character of the Beach area might have been very different if it were not for the quick actions of Beachers themselves.” Thirdly, the proponents should have done some research to find out that affordable housing units have been sprinkled throughout the Beach over the years. These have not been highrises; but instead, existing houses or new
low-rise buildings were used. They were designed so that the dwellings blended with the neighbourhood. They also would have discovered that about 20 years ago, the City’s Toronto Housing Co. (Housing Now is presumably the latest iteration) sold many of these units. The most publicized sales were of several of the Price Bros. fourplexes on Wineva, Hammersmith and along the Boardwalk, which were offered well below market value. Finally, the proponents should realize that the Queen Street East Urban Design Guidelines (UDG), which were implemented in November 2012, were developed through the efforts of Beach citizens work-
ing with the City of Toronto Planning Department. The UDG were added to the Area Specific Policy of the Official Plan in July 2014. Not only does this development directly contravene the City of Toronto’s own guidelines for Queen Street East, but it could be a height-setting precedent for future buildings in the neighbourhood. Mary Campbell Barbara Myrvold
For more Letters to the Editor, please see Page 17
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
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Tuesday, March 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
Community Calendar
Custom Pine
Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford During COVID-19, many community events have been cancelled or postponed. Please visit the groups’ websites or connect with organizers to receive the latest information. As events start up again, either virtually or in-person, don’t forget to send your info to calendar@beachmetro.com.
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Don’t forget to
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Sunday, March 14
Story idea? News tip? Let us know! /BeachMetroNews @beachmetronews #beachmetro
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Nathaniel Erskine-Smith M.P. Beaches-East York info@beynate.ca
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MARCH 12, 13: Crush Covid – 24 Hour Ride for Mind Cycling Marathon, in support of COVID-19 relief and mental health. Info and registration: mghf.akaraisin.com/ui/crushcovid/ride MARCH 17: Community Meeting about modular supportive housing development at Trenton and Cedarvale, via Zoom 7 p.m. This is a follow-up meeting with updates from the March 8 meeting. Info: councillor_bradford@toronto.ca MARCH 20: “Light It Up: an East Toronto Lantern Celebration”, 7:30 p.m., presented by East End Arts and Shadowland Theatre. Celebrate the Spring Equinox and the return of the sun. To participate: Make your own lantern, then share the light with your neighbours from your porch, balcony, driveway or window! Info: eastendarts.ca/light-it-up-lantern-celebration MARCH 23: Beach and East Toronto Historical Society (TBETHS) Zoom talk and presentation, 7-8:30 p.m. Brian Floody will talk about his father Wally Floody’s role in the Great Escape. Beach resident Wally Floody had a pivotal role in the daring escape from Stalag Luft 3 during the Second World War and was later an adviser on the well-known Hollywood film starring Charles Bronson and Steve McQueen. Zoom link and info: www.tbeths.com LUMINOSITY ALONG QUEEN STREET, March 13-April 11. Installations transforming familiar spaces into unique works of art will be installed along Queen Street East between Neville Park Blvd. and Coxwell Ave. This COVIDsafe outdoor art exhibition supports the local business and artist community. Info: to-thebeach.com/luminosity BREAKING BREAD TOGETHER in Aid of Food Outreach Programs at Beach United Church, March 12, 6-7:30 p.m. Join Rob St. Pierre of Tre Amici Imports, as we travel via Zoom to meet wine maker William Spinazze of Tenuta Santomè winery located near Venice, Italy. Your ticket includes: A 3 course dinner for two provided by Bistro 238 with vegetarian/meat options, wine pairings from the Santomè Winery (3 bottles: sparkling, red and white), a Zoom Link for the 6 p.m. scheduled virtual tour of Tenuta Santomè winery. Limited numbers – place your order by 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 10. Cost: $150 for two (single option unavailable - share with a neighbour or friend). Breaking Bread Together is a fundraiser in support of Beach United Church’s four food programs run by volunteers that have continued nourishing those in need throughout the pandemic. To view menu, pickup location and to purchase: https://www.eventbrite. ca/e/breaking-bread-together-tickets-143795364807 CONCERTS FROM HOME – A New Virtual Series, March 20-April 20, featuring indie, folk, country music performed by local musicians, along with personal anecdotes and recollections brought to you from their home to yours. We are very pleased to welcome the talented singer/songwriter Belinda Corpuz accompanied by double bassist Malcolm Connor for our first concert of the series. Please register with a donation on Eventbrite to receive the video link: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/ concerts-from-home-with-belinda-corpuz-and-malcolmconnor-tickets-143120293651. Proceeds go to the artists and Beach United’s interfaith take-away lunch program for those in need. Info: https://beachunitedchurch.com/ WEDNESDAYS: GRANTFULL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen at 2029 Gerrard St. E. is open from 3-6 p.m. Registration is required. Please wear a face mask and respect social distancing. Home delivery is available for seniors. Please call to make arrangements for delivery. Info: 416 690-5169 or send an email to grantfullfoodbank@gmail.com. BEACHES DRIVE-THROUGH EASTER PARADE, April 3, 4- 11 p.m. in the south parking lot of the Eglinton GO station. Attendees will be able to drive their cars past floats and themed displays, musical entertainment and, of course, the Easter Bunny. Register for a timed entry vehicle pass online. All vehicle entry tickets will be $20 plus HST and processing fees. To protect everyone from the COVID-19 virus, vehicle passes will have to be printed and displayed in vehicles or saved on a smartphone to be scanned. There will also be a digital East Egg Hunt, April 2-4. Info and ticket purchase: beacheseasterparade.ca
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DANFORTH MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP. Join us most days for a free video support group run through ZOOM. Sign up and get details at https:// www.meetup.com/Mental-Wellness-Peer-to-PeerSupport-Groups/. Info: www.mentalwellness.help BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP. Join us most days for a free video support group run through ZOOM. Sign up and get details at https://www.meetup. com. Ask to join us: Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups. Info: www.mentalwellness.help BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH LUNCH PROGRAM for adults. Bag lunches at the door will be available from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. •Mondays (except holidays) at Corpus Christie Church (16 Lockwood Rd.) •Tuesdays at St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.), co-hosted by St. Aidan’s Anglican Church •Wednesdays at Beach Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.) •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) •Fridays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva), hosted by Kingston Road United Church. 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. Normally we meet at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave (unless specified in program), but due to Covid, we are meeting on Zoom for the time being. Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com CHURCHES CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 72 Main St. (at Benlamond). Sunday service and mid-week study groups by phone. Call 416-691-4721 for more details. For updates about what is open visit www.calvary-bapist-church.ca WAVERLEY ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH, 129 Waverley Road. Spring is right around the corner. Let’s reach out and stay connected with one another, whether online, by phone, messaging, or writing cards & letters. We invite you to join us online for our Sunday Morning Worship Service at www.twitch.tv/waverleyroadbaptist beginning at 11 a.m. We’re continuing our series in The Book of Mark, “Behold, The Servant King!” and we look forward to encouraging and inspiring you as we grow together! Info: 416-694-3054, info@waverleyroadbaptist.ca, or www.waverleyroad.ca. Find us on Facebook & Instagram, too! Check out our IGTV for our Devotional Series (@waverleyroadbaptist), as well! ST. AIDAN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 2423 Queen St. E. (at Silver Birch). Our ministries and programs are continuing, with study groups online, service videos on YouTube, opportunities to meet virtually in small groups, and an eco-spirituality theme for action and learning all year. Find out more on our website: staidansinthebeach.com ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd., 2 blks east of Main St. Peace and blessings to all. Confessions by appt. during Covid. See our website for parish information including weekly videoed homilies and our YouTube channel: www.stjohnsrc.ca, 416-698-1105 BEACH UNITED CHURCH invites you to join minister Karen Dale and music director Steven Webb every Sunday morning at 10:30 a.m. online. Lent theme: Forty Days & Forty Nights - “in the wilderness getting to know the beast” Bruce Cockburn. Schedule: March 14 – Sunday Worship Video; March 21 – Interactive Sunday Session on Zoom; March 28 – Sunday Worship Video. Links will be posted on our website: https://beachunitedchurch.com/ KINGSTON ROAD UNITED CHURCH, 975 Kingston Road. Our weekly worship service is posted on YouTube each Saturday afternoon. Check our website for the weekly link. We have virtual Sunday School each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. Please email the church for the link. Info: www.kruc.ca, kruc.info@gmail.com BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Dr. (S of Queen) in the heart of the Beach. Sunday services are continuing remotely at 10am. To join us on Zoom or by phone please visit the church website for more info: www.beacheschurch.org, 416-699-5871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
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BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Ward 9 News began Bill Suddick on drawing the Beach in March of 1972 By Alan Shackleton
‘Beach’ from Page 1 too many problems and that the whole thing should be scrapped and rethought. Norm was out-voted and the paper went ahead. During that year it published 19 issues with 4 to 12 pages. The great coup of 1972 for Doug was a 20-page election issue, and interviews with the three mayoral candidates, including David Crombie, who became mayor of Toronto for the next six years with a policy of curbing the unfettered development in the city, and bringing in a new official plan imposing height restrictions. He had many supporters in the east end. By the end of 1972 the recycling grant was finished. Doug and his crew were burned out and left. Doug had a hole in his pocket for $1,414 which he had lent to the paper, and never expected to see again. Before moving to P.E.I., Doug successfully applied for a federal grant under the Local Initiatives Program. A new group came forward to administer it. I had been volunteering in a
small way, dropping into the Y to pick up the Community Calendar listings and the Classifieds scrawled on scraps of paper, which I took home to type up on my Smith Corona Portable, and return to Doug to be sent to the printer. I was also a carrier. As I set off on my Balsam north of Pine route, my son asleep in his baby carriage, and a stack of the four-page January 1973 issue before me, I read the magic words “Job Opportunities,” applied and was hired for the next six months. I thought I was one the luckiest people alive. Forty years later I retired. So, that’s how it began. Over the next 12 months we will bring you front page flashbacks, delve into the different decades to find the big stories of the day, and feature some of our long-time columnists, volunteers and staff. And we will be looking into the future with new ideas and features, and as usual bringing you your local news. And in March 2022 (post-COVID-19 pandemic) we will invite you all to a 50th birthday party.
Laura Blatchins, 91, is Beach Metro News Lucky Volunteer for March 9
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Laura Blatchins is the Beach Metro Community News Lucky Volunteer for March 9. She is shown in this photo with her friend Charles.
The 91-year-old has been delivering the paper in the Kelvin Avenue area for decades. Laura started back in 1988 as a volunteer with her late husband Ted. She has lived in the Dawes Road and Danforth Avenue area for the past 64 years. She said she enjoys delivering the paper as it gives her a chance to get say hello to all her neighbours. For being selected Lucky Volunteer for March 9, Laura receives a prize of $50 which she will be donating towards breast cancer research.
IN MARCH of 1981, Bill Suddick was hired on as the cartoonist for what was then Ward 9 Community News. His first cartoon appeared in the April 7 edition. It featured what was to become a familiar theme for the local resident who is now in his fifth decade of cartooning for the paper: An offleash dog in the Beach. In a recent interview to celebrate the start of Beach Metro News’ 50th year (the paper changed its name from Ward 9 to Beach Metro in 1988), Suddick said that the animals, both wild and domestic, of the Beach are among his cartooning inspirations. “I have a lot of fun with raccoons, people not picking up after their dogs, minor hockey, the Boardwalk and many other Beachcentric topics,” he said. That can be seen in the cartoon Suddick created for this week’s edition (Page 6). Suddick grew up mostly in Willowdale, and attended Earl Haig Secondary School where he said he “studied football.” He first moved to Courcelette Avenue where he rented the lower level of a house with his fiancé. His future brother-in-law rented the upper flat in the house. “We gradually moved westward. We bought our first house on Malvern Avenue (School dance nights were always interesting.) Then we moved to the Coxwell and Gerrard neighbourhood.” Suddick said he had always been interested in art, and would spend lots of time drawing with his grandfather. As he got older, he started to realize that he could probably make a career from what had been a hobby. “I started to realize that I might be able to make a living doing art. I didn’t listen to well-meaning adults who strongly recommended against art careers in general.” He said he contacted his local newspaper about cartooning on the advice of his wife, and was told he was hired on March 26, his 26th birthday. Suddick said he was in need of a boost of confidence at the time as his talent for drawing caricatures of people had gotten him into some trouble at a previous job with a screen printing business. He had been making the same mistake a number of times, which caused his boss to get angry. “I made this mistake a couple of times and each time he would get redder and louder,” Suddick remembered. “Unfortunately, after one of his outbursts I was inspired to draw a small two-inch caricature of him on a corner of the cardboard covering my art desk. It was dead-on. Little did I know that one of my colleagues decided it might be fun to
Bill Suddick’s first cartoon in the April 7, 1981 edition of Ward 9 Community News. cut out the drawing, blow it up to life-size and mount it on the front door.” Suddick was soon looking for another job. He said applying to do an editorial cartoon for the paper was not a stretch given his drawing talents and admiration for others who did it. “I loved the work of Duncan Macpherson at The Star and many others such as Sid Barron and Aislin and Giles, the British cartoonist. At the time I knew the full-time opportunities were limited to about 15 or 20 major dailies across Canada. Doing a cartoon for the local paper would be an outlet, and a way to see if I could come up with ideas on a regular basis. It would also give me some exposure, I hoped.” It was a move that paid off for Suddick in many ways. “Many creatives, including newspaper people lived in the Beach and they started seeing my work on a regular basis. This exposure really helped when I approached publications such as the Toronto Star and Globe and Mail. I picked up regular work doing a weekly cartoon for The Star’s Wheels section. Dennis Morgan was the creator and editor of the Wheels section. He happened to live in the neighbourhood.” Suddick also did work for The Star’s kids’ page section called Starship, which was put together by another neighbourhood resident named John Robinson. “I discovered he lived one street over from me and we became good friends. One thing led to another, one contract led to another and helped me build my career. I met a lot of amazing, interesting people in journalism, advertising, TV and art in general. A raucous, wacky bunch who I’m sure were told to find a real job at one time or another.” He said his philosophy towards editorial cartooning is one of trying to tell the “unbiased truth with a funny angle’ while combining some opinion. “Most of my stuff is based on ‘slice of life’ situations, but occasionally I’ll go with a political issue.”
Many of the cartoons are also reflections of situations Suddick has seen himself. “I base my cartoons on my own experiences and stuff I see around the neighbourhood. Dogs and people suddenly crossing in front of my bike on the Martin Goodman Trail, two people carrying a canoe, Voyageur style, across Queen Street, a leashed dog pulling a skateboarder along the Boardwalk…a hockey dad yelling and jumping up and down. Sometimes I ask myself ‘what if?’ Such as what if the Beach coyote happened to be wearing an Easter Bunny costume in the Easter Parade?” People were sometimes angered by his cartoons. One situation involved an incident at a café in which some runners had been kicked out because they had not bought anything while waiting for the slowest member of their group. “I did a cartoon indirectly relating the owner to a certain soup-selling character in Seinfeld. I referred to the cafe owner, in good fun, as the ‘Croissant Fascist’, not naming any names of course. Well, the merde hit le ventilateur as it was.” Over the years, Suddick has seen many changes in the way cartoons are produced. “Back when I started, I would ride my bike up to the old YMCA offices and hand deliver an original cartoon. I still hand draw them, then scan them into Photoshop and colour them with a stylus. I just email them nowadays, which is instant but not at all good for my overall physical fitness.” Suddick said he’s thrilled to still be involved with Beach Metro News as it enters its 50th year, though year 49 was challenging due to COVID-19. He also has this message for those who are feeling the impacts of the pandemic, especially those who are in creative fields. “Stay positive. We’ll get through COVID. If you want to get into a creative career, go for it. Make your own mistakes. Help and encourage people along the way.” You can find more on Suddick’s work at www.redbubble.com/people/wally7/shop
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
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BEACH METRO NEWS
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Tuesday, March 9, 2021
The Main Menu
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A pleasure writing food articles for the past 36 years Jan Main is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ yahoo.ca
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FIFTY YEARS! Wow! This is the start of the 50th year for Beach Metro News/Ward 9 News. It seems like such a short time ago, I gathered up my courage, a copy of my resume and my small son, Timothy, for a walk to the Ward 9 News office at the YMCA location on Kingston Road – 36 years ago! How can that be? (Beach Metro News now has its office on Gerrard Street East. The name of the paper was changed from Ward 9 News to Beach Metro News in 1988). “I wonder if you would accept my resume, in the event you may need another food writer in the future? I teach cooking in the area and love to write.” “We’ll keep it on file. Thanks for dropping by.” The telephone rang the following Monday. Ward 9 News needed a writer – starting time – immediate. Hired. I was ecstatic! The articles always seemed like a conversation with my readers. Such a pleasure! I loved bumping into people on my daily walks and getting feedback. Invariably, these conversations led to inspiration for more stories and recipes. Recipes galore! There has never been a shortage. In celebration of the paper beginning its 50th year this month, I have asked readers for their favourite recipes. It was fun and delicious to see and taste once again the ones they chose. Happy eating and happy 50th year to Beach Metro News! Chicken with Honey and Lavender Claudia Wood, an avid cook, met me in Azzarello’s about 34 years ago, “Are you Jan Main? You write for Ward 9 News?” This was the beginning of a wonderful friendship which shares a common passion for food. Claudia says this lavender chicken, an original recipe from Foodland Ontario, is her “Go to” recipe. When asked about her supply of lavender, she suggested ordering it from Weir’s Lane, Lavender Apiary, 105 King St. W. Dundas Ontario, telephone 905-627-9208. Of course, if you grow lavender in your garden, you can dry the blooms and use them provided they are insecticide free!
Marinade 1 tbsp (15 mL) grated lemon rind 1/4 cup (50 mL) fresh lemon juice 3 tbsp (45 mL) vegetable oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 4 tsp (20 mL) food -grade dried lavender 1 tbsp (15 mL) finely chopped fresh rosemary 2 tsp (10 mL) finely chopped fresh thyme 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt 1/4 tsp (1 mL) fresh black pepper Chicken 1/3 cup (75 mL) liquid honey (local) 1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard 2 lbs (1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon rind, oil, garlic, lavender, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper. Remove 2 tbsp (25 mL) marinade and set aside. Add the remaining marinade to a heavy freezer plastic bag then add the chicken thighs massaging the thighs with the marinade. Refrigerate an hour or overnight. Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Remove the chicken thighs to a 13 x 9- inch (3 L) baking dish. Arrange in a single layer, spooning some of the marinade over thighs. Discard remaining marinade. Bake chicken covered for 30 minutes. Baste with pan juices about half way through cooking. In small bowl, whisk the reserved marinade with the honey and mustard until smooth. Reduce oven temperature to 375 F (190 C). Brush the chicken with the sauce and bake about 14 to 20 minutes, uncovered until internal temperature of the thighs reaches 165 F (74 C) or the juices run clear. Serve immediately, or at room temperature. Makes 6 servings. Sherried Mushroom Soup Deb Chapman, lay pastoral assistant at St. Nicholas Church, Warden and Kingston, served this mushroom soup at a course taught at the church. The soup created a hum of contentment as the participants downed the contents of their bowls. 2 tbsp (25 mL) butter 12 oz (375 mL) button mushrooms, sliced 1 onion, diced 1 garlic clove, minced 1/2 tsp (2 mL) leaf thyme 1/2 cup (125 mL) dry sherry 1/4 cup (50 mL) allpurpose flour 4 cups (1 L) chicken stock
1 bay leaf 1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt 1/4 tsp (1 mL) fresh black pepper 1 can (370 mL) evaporated milk, 2 per cent or whole In a large saucepan, melt butter. Cook mushrooms, onion and garlic until mushrooms are softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in thyme and sherry. Cook uncovered until liquid is evaporated about 10 minutes. Sprinkle mushrooms with flour. Stir in to make a smooth mushroom paste Gradually stir in chicken stock; cook stirring over medium heat until soup is thickened. Stir in bay leaf, salt and pepper. Cook about 5 minutes. Taste. Add more salt and pepper if necessary, this will depend on the amount of salt in the chicken stock. Stir in evaporated milk. Discard bay leaf. Soup may be kept for 2 days covered and refrigerated. Makes 4 servings. Oatmeal Chocolate Squares Liz Schumann, a constant reader of Beach Metro News, chose the oatmeal square as one of her fast and tasty favourites. It is one of my most frequently requested recipes and a tribute to my Mother, Daphne Cargill who originated it. Liz suggested grating an orange rind over the square before sprinkling it with the chocolate chips. It transports the squares from yummy to sublime or as my mother would say, “Morish!” 1/2 cup (125 mL) melted butter 1 1/2 cups (375 mL quick oats 1 cup (250 mL) brown sugar 1/2 cup (125 mL) sweetened flaked coconut 1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla Pinch of salt 1 orange, rind grated over the square (reserve orange for other use) 1 1/2 cups (375 mL) semi-sweet chocolate chips Preheat oven to 350 C (180 C). Line an 8- inch or 9- inch square pan with parchment paper. Set aside. In large glass bowl, melt butter, stir in oatmeal, sugar, coconut, vanilla and salt until well combined. Sprinkle evenly over prepared pan and press down lightly. Bake 10 -15 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Remove to cooling rack; immediately sprinkle with grated orange rind( if using); sprinkle evenly with chocolate chips. Allow chips to melt. Spread with knife and decorate with tines of fork. Cool completely before cutting. Makes 16-20 squares.
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
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BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Reel Beach: Movies in East Toronto
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Bernie Fletcher AS BEACH Metro News begins its 50th year, it’s good to look back at the changing face of the Beach. Old photos and movies can help show us the way we were, long lost memories frozen in time. Back in May 1974 Ward 9 News reported on “Murder and mystery in station 55”. The horror film Black Christmas was filming at the recently closed Main Street police station before it became Community Centre 55. The film industry was just getting started in Toronto. My first Reel Beach column (Jan. 23, 2007) was about this heritage building which opened as Station #10 in 1911. No surprise, it became “Bedford” police station in the film. In 1972 I had a summer job near the corner of Main Street and Kingston Road, which has a long history as a busy intersection. Hotels were along Kingston Road for more than a century. Over time horses and inns gave way to cars and service stations and lately to condos. I remember two gas stations at that corner, plus Bowles Pharmacy and who can for-
In May of 1974, Ward 9 News reported on the filming of the movie Black Christmas at the recently closed police station on Main Street. The building is now home to Community Centre 55. get the Benlamond Hotel in all its seedy glory. The “Benny” was demolished in 1989 and replaced by Neighbourhood Link apartments. The southwest corner became Dip ‘n Sip which was a location for a number of films, including Elvis Meets Nixon (1997) and The Captive (2014). Not only has Elvis left the building, but donuts and coffee have given way to The Big Carrot and the Southwood condos. The doctors’ offices and apartments on the northwest corner are also gone for new condos. Does anyone remember the sweet smells wafting from Scott’s Chicken Villa (KFC) at Kingston Road and Malvern Avenue? What was once a lumber yard became a gas station, then fast food as seen in a
1980 episode of The Littlest Hobo set in the Beach. Hobo also walks across the old, wooden bridge near Glen Manor Drive, now replaced. My favourite story about local filming was for the classic movie The Black Stallion (1979). On July 4, 1977 crews were at Kenilworth Avenue and Queen Street East for a difficult scene. A woman who was a teller at the TD Bank (now The Stone Lion) that day wrote that she was startled by “a horse running by the window every now and again until they got it right. A moment in Beach history.” The story was set in 1946 and needed vintage automobiles and a streetcar. Seaway Meat Market at the corner was dressed up as a grocery store. This location became
Lick’s in 1980, but sadly our licks were no more in 2012 replaced by, you guessed it, a condo and a Starbuck’s. Across the street is one of the oldest wooden structures in Toronto, opened as a grocery by Phillip Whitelock in 1908 and later as Whitlock’s restaurant. Whether we like it or not, change is a constant in a big city like Toronto. For over a century our community has opposed developments that would ruin the character of the Beach. Can you imagine a railroad along the beachfront (proposed in 1907) or high-rise apartments by Lee Avenue (1964) or the Scarborough Expressway through the heart of East Toronto (1973)? Director Patricia Rozema filmed scenes for Kit Kittredge: An American Girl (2008) at Corpus Christ School (c. 1920) on Edgewood Ave. (The school was demolished in 2011.) She wrote: “Fictional film is rarely acknowledged as the historical architectural record that it is. So much of what I have shot has since been torn down.” Change can be good or bad, but we need to save heritage buildings to remember our past. What will the Beach look like in another 50 years?
Canada Day fireworks displays cancelled due to COVID-19 By Ali Raza, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TORONTO HAS cancelled all in-person major events until July 1 to reduce the spread of COVID-19. The cancellations will have a big impact on a number of events that annually take place in East Toronto including Canada Day celebrations and fireworks displays. Cancelled for the second year in a row due to the pandemic will be the East York Canada Day celebration which traditionally includes
a large parade, a community festival and a fireworks display. Also cancelled will be the Canada Day picnic that takes place in Woodbine Park in the Beach and the fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay. Also cancelled is the fireworks display that takes place at Ashbridges Bay on Victoria Day. For those events it is also the second year in a row they have been cancelled due to the pandemic. Events may be held virtually and several in-person events have already shifted
their plans to such a model. The City of Toronto announced the cancellations on Feb. 24. The announcement was made this week as major festivals and events require lots of advance planning time and rely on city sites with associated permits and other logistics. The major driver of the cancellations is the need to maintain physical distancing to reduce exposure of COVID-19, which also forced cancellations of major in-person events last year. The decision was made in
consultation with the city’s medical officer of health, the emergency operations centre, the Toronto Police Service, and major event organizers. Other major upcoming events included in this cancellation of in-person gatherings are the Toronto Marathon, Ride for Heart, Luminato, and the Trans March, Dyke March and Pride Parade. The most recent announcment follows an extension of previous cancellations of inperson events up to March 31.
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
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WE’RE OPEN FOR YOU! ONLINE, PHONE, DELIVERY, CURBSIDE, ONSITE VIC M. SARJU
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BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY HEALTH DR. KARIN RUMMELL & ASSOCIATES OPTOMETRISTS 1914 Queen St. E. (E. of Woodbine) Mon.- Sat. by appointment
416-691-5757
BALSAM DENTAL Family Dentistry * Open 6 days a week * * Evening hours available * New patients always welcome 2200 Queen St. East (at Balsam)
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BEACHES OPTOMETRY CLINIC Dr. Linda Chan, Optometrist and Associates
951 Kingston Rd. (West of Victoria Park)
416-691-1991
PSYCHOTHERAPY
ACCOUNTING
LAWYERS/LEGAL
LAWYERS/LEGAL
Tara Shannon
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
Dashwood & Dashwood
98 Scarboro Beach Blvd.
961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738
KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.
William F. Deneault
Snider & DiGregorio
QUINN Family Law
M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, RP Registered Psychotherapist Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples Insurance clients welcome Evening & weekend sessions available 579 Kingston Rd (corner Main)
416 698-6960 tara@tarashannon.ca
Beatriz Mendez B.A. B.Ed. M.A. DipTIRP
Registered Psychotherapist Low Fee - High Value Therapy Kingston Rd. at Victoria Park Ave.
416-690-2417
www.East-Toronto-Therapy.com mendez.smith@sympatico.ca
Christina Connell BA, Dipl. TCPP, RP
Registered Psychotherapist
Adults, Adolescents, Children 177 Danforth Avenue #301A 416-778-4242 www.christinaconnell.com
Bert van Delft
Complete financial services for the business owner, manager, entrepreneur & self-employed Corporate and Personal Income Tax Services Bus: 416-270-9898
Chartered Accountant • Corporate & Personal Tax • Specializing in small to medium business • Financial advice 21 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 502
Tel: (416) 962-2186
Kriens LaRose, LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants • Accounting services for owner-managed businesses. • Personal and corporation income tax preparation. • Audit and consulting services for not-for-profit organizations
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Consultations • Therapy Individuals • Couples Over 20 years experience. Located at Queen & Wheeler
416-691-1071
Dr. Linda Iny Lempert
Lisa Romano-Dwyer BSc, MSW, PhD, RSW
Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
Lakeside Wellness Therapy Affiliates Individual & Couple Care Child & Adolescent Counselling Services Wellness Life Coaching 1755 Queen St. E. • 416-951-8280
416-694-4380
www.drlempert.ca
Kari Gregorio Batterton
Experienced Registered Psychotherapist, Masters in Counseling Psychology, offering Cognitive Behavioural and Narrative Therapies on a sliding scale. Also clinical supervisor for Registered Psychotherapists needing supervision hours. Willing to offer this service on a sliding scale to RPs from underrepresented groups to increase the diverse of the profession. All sessions through video conferencing only.
647-967-2659 karigregorio@hotmail.com
Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd
Melani Norman
CPA, CMA Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes
Call 416-471-0337
Emily C. Larimer CPA, CGA
BOOKKEEPING & PERSONAL TAX RETURNS
INCLUDING TAXES IN ARREARS Call: 416-693-2274 emily@eclarimercga.com www.eclarimercga.com
Life & Relationship Issues www.energyawakening.com
Retired Psychotherapist Finding meaning in your life 20 years experience
BeyondTheBlueTherapy.com
Peg Earle M.A., M.Div., RMFT 647-970-6807
Kirsten Johnson
CHRISTINE KATO, B.Sc., D.V.M.
KATO ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2830 Danforth Ave. (East of Dawes Rd.)
416-690-2112
Dogs, cats, pocket pets. Housecalls available.
HOUGHTON VETERINARY HOUSECALL SERVICES Vaccines, examinations, diagnostics, palliative care, and home euthanasia provided for your pets in the comfort of your own home.
Dr. Barbara Houghton 647-221-5516
NEXT DEADLINE MARCH 15
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Public 300 Main Street 416-690-3324
Barrister, Solicitor, Notary
Family • Wills & Estates Real Estate
2069 Danforth Ave. (Woodbine)
416-690-6195
dbadleylaw@rogers.com
Barrister & Solicitor
Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848
2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com
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For your Small Business Self-employed income & investments Real Estate Rentals
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR Estate Planning/Real Estate/Business House Calls
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647-300-4062 • patrick@prtaxcpa.com
Glover & Associates Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries
GUARDIAN MORTGAGES
Therapist-in-Training Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy
(Queen & Woodbine location)
Dominion Lending Centres Clear Trust Mortgages Inc. (Lic#12806)
LAURA DENT, BA, MA IN COUNSELLING
LEE JAMES BOWES CIM, PFP
Counsellor since 2001. Specialize in Problem Solving EFT acupressure tapping for pain & stress Free 15 minute consultations; Face Time or Skype appointments. Kingston Rd and Beech Avenue
416-315-4591 LDENT@ROGERS.COM
Serving the Beaches & GTA
Financial Planning & Investment Services
Randy Groening, RMT
2212 Queen St. E. (at Spruce Hill)
416-690-5185
THERAPY LOUNGE
416-916-7122
INSURANCE
URBAN CALM THERAPEUTICS
Leane Besky Insurance Agency Inc. DESJARDINS INSURANCE
Massage Therapy • Reflexology 2245 Queen St. East • 2nd floor • Open 7 days per week •
Stephanie Gage, RMT Kristina Pearsal, RMT 1789 Queen St. East, Unit 6
www.urbancalm.ca 416-698-3157
Auto, Home, Life, Critical Illness, Disability, Financial Services
2243 Queen St. E. 416-690-7900 www.leanebesky.com
We specialize in wealth & retirement strategies, RRSPs, TFSAs, RESPs, Pensions and more. Life Insurance, Disability, Critical Illness
Jen Goddard, R.M.T. Neville Park Health Group 2455A Queen St. East
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DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A Queen St. East
416 690-6257
Open Saturdays
John H.
BJARNASON, D.C.
B. Arch. OAA, MRAIC “Serving the Beach since 1987” Residential, Restorations, Home Inspections, Commercial, Interiors, Landscapes COMPLETE PROJECT SERVICES FROM DESIGN THROUGH CONSTRUCTION
(416) 694-8181 www.stephenkingarchitect.com
Member Ontario Association of Architects
W. MORRIS DESIGN ARCHITECTURAL AND INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANTS DESIGN CONCEPTS AND PERMIT DRAWINGS WESLEY MORRIS, ARIDO, IDC, AATO
416-261-9679
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES Renovations & Additions Structural Design • Building Permit
Local • Affordable 416-200-6300 www.WINTACO.com
Chiropractor
47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com
1906 Queen St. E. (1 block east of Woodbine)
Shelly Pereira, Paralegal
BEACHES WELLNESS CENTRE
416-694-2868
Dr. Johanna Carlo
True to Form Design Inc. Specializing in residential projects Permit drawings, Interior alterations, Additions, Laneway suites and more Mitch Hardeen, Arch. Tech., BCIN www.truetoformdesign.ca Instagram | designtruetoform
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Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation
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647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net
2130 Queen Street East
FUNERAL SERVICES
Peter J. Salah
ASHBRIDGE’S HEALTH CENTRE
eco Cremation &
Finding meaning in your life
Assante Capital Management Inc. 101 - 952 Kingston Road, Toronto
20 years experience
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Assante Capital Management Ltd. 101 - 952 Kingston Road, Toronto
LEE JAMES BOWES CIM, PFP
Peg Earle M.A., M.Div., RMFT 647-970-6807
Linda Bronicheski, J.D.
416-694-6767
Commissioner/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation.
SPIRITUAL ADVISER Retired Psychotherapist
Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION
• Open 7 Days a week •
Voted “#1 Spa and Best Massage Therapist in Toronto”
www.therapylounge.ca
Janet D’Arcy
FINANCIAL SERVICES
927 Kingston Rd. (W. of Vic Pk)
416-915-3173
M. Shahab 647-836-5779 fairtax1994@yahoo.ca
Su Willson, B.MUS, R.M.T. & ASSOC.
downeylaw.ca • briar@downeylaw.ca
Paul J. Cahill
416-691-3700
advancedapproaches massage.com
Megan Evans, RMT, CRHP & Associates
CHIROPRACTORS
Kinga and Allen Chin 416-315-0355 955A Kingston Rd, Toronto, M3E 1S8 info@guardianmortgages.ca www.guardianmortgages.ca
barbsaunders.com therapy@barbsaunders.com
DOWNEY LAW
MASSAGE THERAPY
Your Personal Family Law Lawyer Specializing in out-of-court settlement & collaborative practice Free Initial Consultations (Zoom or in-person) Conveniently located at Queen & Woodbine 1860 Queen St. E., Suites 1 & 2
Queen and Hammersmith
3000 Danforth Ave., Unit 3, Suite 123
ONLINE SESSIONS
Affordable Talk Therapy for Individuals or Couples
662 Broadview Ave. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca
Personal & Corporate Tax Returns E-file; Uber HST/GST Returns Business Plans & Projection
Car accidents, Slips and Falls, Disability Claims 220 Bay Street, Suite 1400 416-643-3857 pcahill@willdavidson.ca
Therapy with Barbara
LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law)
Fairtax Accounting & Business Services Inc.
Personal Injury Lawyer
Individual & Couples Therapy
Shelley C. Quinn,
Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate
416-829-0527, Main & Kingston LGTBQ+ / Anxiety / Depression
VETERINARIANS
Patrick Ruiz Professional Corporation
Spiritual Counsellor since 1998
416-694-0232
SPIRITUAL ADVISER
O’Reilly, Moll & Mian
GARRY M. CASS
COUNSELLING
personal trainer 416 888 6465 mimi@missfit.ca
Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca
DENISE BADLEY-CASTELLO
WELLNESS
missfit.ca in-home
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9
KATHRYN WRIGHT
Psychologist & Psychoanalyst
Individuals & Couples Services disponibles en français Insurance Coverage 47 Main Street (at Lyall Ave)
Geoffrey J. Dashwood
416-690-6800
DR. LINDA WINTER Psychologist
Barristers & Solicitors
Cont.
EstatePlanning & Insurance Services
647-276-0072 lbowes@assante.com bowesfinancialgroup.ca
Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate 416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca
Chiropractic & 416-698-7070
Dr. Emily Howell Jackie Leesun, RMT Dr. Ceara Higgins
Chiropractic, Acupuncture, RMT
1522 Queen St. E. 416-465-5575 www.ashbridgeshealth.ca
Burial Services Inc.
Life Celebrations. Done Differently. In Service with St. John’s Norway Cemetery & Crematorium.
647.660.5056 www.ecofuneral.ca
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
17
Beach Memories
Paying tribute to African Canadians locally and nationally Gene
Domagala This column is dedicated to my great-granddaughter Nahla, 5. Let me make this clear. Yes, there was Black History Month in February but in my humble opinion it should be called African Canadian Month. Lately there have been articles and statements about the racial inequality in different sectors of society, and they are true. Let me now bring you some historic facts about African Canadians. There have been great achievements made in Toronto, in Ontario and in Canada in the past 120 years by African Canadians. Some are well-known achievements and others are daily things. I am not going to give too many names in this article, only in a few cases. The rest is up to you to find out who they are and learn more about them. In all sectors of society there are people who stand out.
Let’s take a look at our legal profession as one of our first African Canadian lawyers was more than 100 years ago. Did you know that one of our hard-working African Canadian doctors from the Beach area received an African Canadian Achievement Award a couple of decades ago? I bet you didn’t know there was an African Canadian Achievement Award. It was awarded for 33 years until 2018. One of the greatest African Canadians in the history of Ontario was awarded one for his commitment to his country and his province. His name is Lincoln Alexander, and he served as Ontario’s Lieutenant Governor from 1985 to 1981. He was also Canada’s first Black MP (1968) and first Black federal cabinet minister (1979). Going into the Beach area about 115 years ago, there was an African Canadian lifeguard who stood out head and shoulders above the rest. He was said to have saved more than 100 people from drowning in Lake Ontario. In those days, shipwrecks were common
and many times this man risked his life to save others. He was recognized by Mr. Ward (who Ward’s Island was named after) as one of the best swimmers and lifesavers he ever met. In the field of politics we have African Canadians on Toronto City Council. In our local area there are two African Canadians who have done outstanding jobs for parks and recreation. One is a man who many know for his good works, and the other is a superachieving lady. I have had the pleasure of working with both of them. In the music industry, there is a man who has lived in the Beach for decades who is well known for performing his songs and as a songwriter. His dad was a great historian and Ontario Ombudsman. There are so many professions that African Canadians have excelled in that I could not possibly name them all. I encourage you to look into it. In the police service we had a great and considerate superintendent at the 55 Division station who lived in
our area but went on to become Police Chief in another Ontario city. In the parking control unit, I had the pleasure of knowing the head of the unit. He has now been retired for many years and was a great man. One of the challenges we face is finding volunteers. In our area I have had the privilege and honour of working with a wonderful African Canadian woman who dedicated a good part of her life to helping others. She was one of our Women of Distinction and had one of the greatest smiles you have ever seen. Going into the head of companies, where there are not enough African Canadians, let me give you the example of one of the hardest working people I have ever heard of. His energy and time-saving routines were legendary in his day, and no one was his equal. He had a street named after him in the Beach. He is Frederick Langdon Hubbard, the son of Toronto’s first Black politician. He worked for the Toronto Street Railroad Co. and was also responsible for
looking after Scarborough Beach Amusement Park. The Toronto Transit Commission came into being 100 years ago, in 1921, and Frederick Hubbard was at the top of this transit system. He became the first African Canadian to sit on the TTC as a commissioner, and helped it become of the great transit systems in North America. I will now come back to our present day in the Beach, and give you an example of one our hardest working volunteers in the Rotary Club. If I gave you his name, he wouldn’t speak to me. He is one of so many African Canadians who give their time without looking for credit. I will now go over to the military and the Second World War and the First World War, and those who bravely served. There is one African Canadian woman who has risen through the ranks and become one of Canada’s top soldiers. She also does not seek recognition. In the educational field, so many African Canadian teachers have taught stu-
dents. In the Beach, an African Canadian was principal of one of our schools. I’m sure many people remember him. I could go on and on, but these are just some examples of those who have contributed to Canada’s way of life by their unselfishness and ability to help others. There is, however, an organization of African Canadians who, in my opinion, are worthy of a special mention. They are those who have opened their church doors and their hearts to help our homeless and seniors by providing lunch, clothing and other services. I encourage you to do some research to find out more about some of the people I have talked about in this column so you can find out more about them yourself. To give you a bit of help as you start your research, here are some (but not all) of the names you could look up: Wilson O. Brooks, Julia May Blake (Kirkwood), Dan Hill, Peter Sloly, Yvonne Walmsley, Michael Thompson, and Grant African Methodist Episcopal Church.
Letters to the Editor
MPP telling it like it is when it comes to tenants’ issues Re: ‘MPP served notice of pending litigation over comments about landlord’s dealings with tenants,’ Beach Metro News, Feb. 23. Let me come out squarely on the side of Rima Berns McGown, our courageous Beaches-East York MPP . Threatening legal action for telling it like it is – is surely the height of hypocrisy for landlords. Under Premier Doug Ford’s Bill 184, tenants who sign up for repayment plans do forfeit the right to bring evictions before the Landlord and Tenant Board
once the pandemic deals them a second blow. At a time of runaway rents for scarce affordable apartments their landlords’ mortgage rates are tumbling to new lows. Overlooked too is the fact that real estate market values for multi-residential ‘doors’ have also skyrocketed. A double bonus for the landlords but a double whammy for the tenants. No, we’re not all in this together -- at all! Stick to your guns, Rima! Hans Modlich Small Landlord
We Love Letters Send your letters to us by email to editor@beachmetro. com or by regular mail to our office at Beach Metro News, 2196 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON, M4E 2C7.
SAFETY
I would like to honour a small business person at the Beech Pharmacy on Kingston Road. Pharmacist Caroline Chu helped me to better support a senior amid the COVID-19 outbreak. This senior (84 years old), fled a precarious situation that threatened her safety and welfare. Her prescriptions needed to be moved to her new temporary
residence. I had no idea when I walked into the drug store with her that she would be treated as a existing respected account. Not only did Caroline Chu handle the transfer of a very long pharmaceutical account at another pharmacy, she also let us know that my friend is most likely eligible for a prescription drug pro-
gram offered by the Ontario government. Caroline gave me the application and then faxed it for us when completed. Now my friend pays $6 a month instead of $40. If this education was not enough, later the same pharmacy called me to check if my friend received her flu shot, and if not they had one for her. We went the next
day. This pharmacy took a new client and treated her like a old one. I don’t know how much this happens any more but my hat goes off to the fantastic staff and outstanding community outreach being done behind the scenes at the Beech Pharmacy. Jessie MacRae
Looking forward to second year of Destination Danforth As the weather turns warmer, many residents are looking forward to participating in the great ActiveTO program, especially the Destination Danforth initiative along Danforth Avenue. I found it a real pleasure cycling and shopping along this “complete street” last
year. It was vibrant and full of life, people were enjoying meals on sidewalk patios and the roadway felt safe for everyone, whether they were walking, riding a bike or driving. The Destination Danforth/ ActiveTO program now ends
at Dawes Road. In 2021, why not extend it to Victoria Park or even further? The extension would be popular -- a 2020 EKOS poll found 73 per cent of East York residents want ActiveTO expanded. It’s no wonder. Expansion would mean greater safety for all road
users and more business for local merchants. When we find a program that works, we should widen its rollout. Gideon Forman Climate Change and Policy Analyst, The David Suzuki Foundation
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In the last issue of Beach Metro News, I introduced Ann Patterson. Ann and her husband ran a camera shop on Queen Street East. There were times when Ann’s lunch break was a short walk on Queen with a camera in tow. Ann’s photograph of the firehall was taken more than 40 years ago. It truly reveals a Beach landmark that has been swallowed up by a neighbouring development. Thank you Ann, for sharing this wonderful image. Do you have an old photo of the Beach, or your house or even yourself, when you were a kid in the neighbourhood or in front of your house? Let’s take that photo again! Contact me gdvandyke61@gmail.com
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City has ‘blown through’ Queen Street East height limits ‘Concern’ from Page 1 The current occupants of the site are the Beaches Employment and Social Services Centre and the Coxwell Toronto Early Childcare Centre, as well as a closed road allowance. The redevelopment aims to bring a mix of retail and residential areas, including affordable housing units via the city’s Housing Now initiative, as well as an expansion of the
Local Journalism Initiative
Ali Raza is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.
childcare centre. At a community meeting on Dec. 7, 2020, most residents in attendance expressed support for the affordable housing initiative and the other redevelopments on the site. The main concern since that meeting has been the 17-storey height of the residential units, which significantly exceeds the height limits established in 2012. “In the absence of an explanation from the city as to why they think these designs are appropriate we no longer know what to make of the guidelines, and we don’t know what the guidelines means for the next development on Queen Street East,” Levitt explained. In the designs shown then, the building frontage on Queen Street East would be just over six storeys while in the middle of the lot, and the 17-storeys would front Eastern Avenue. While not quite 17-storeys fronting Queen Street East, residents say it still sets a precedent for developers. “The main height for this proposal would be based on the Eastern Avenue frontage,” Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford said. “This site is quite large and not typical of other lots on Queen.”
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
The proposal for the southeast corner of Coxwell Avenue and Queen Street East includes a 17-storey building which will face onto the Eastern Avenue side (seen in this photo) of the site. From Levitt’s understanding, the building will be eight storeys fronting Queen Street, 10 storeys in the middle, and 17 facing Eastern Avenue, exceeding the guidelines’ six-storey limit. The city’s agency, Housing Now, says an exception to the Queen Street East Urban Design Guidelines to exceed the height limit would support 25 per cent more affordable housing at the site. It adds this possibility for the site was raised when the guidelines were first developed in 2012. Levitt said the city has not addressed or adequately explained to residents why it’s
“blowing through the height limit.” In a letter to Beach Metro News, residents Mary Campbell and Barbara Myrvold noted the exception seemed unnecessary. “The proponents should have done some research to find out that affordable housing units have been sprinkled through the Beach over the years,” they wrote. “These have not been high-rises; but instead, existing houses or new low-rise buildings were used. They were designed so that the dwellings blended with the neighbourhood.” They also raised concerns regarding the “height-set-
ting precedent” for future buildings. Bradford is largely supportive of the initiative, and doesn’t believe it will change the neighbourhood’s character. “A proposal that exceeds the general six-storey recommendation won’t set a negative precedent for all of Queen Street,” he said. “Height and density has to make sense in context, and I certainly wouldn’t support 17-storeys anywhere along Queen Street.” Levitt and other residents believe more dialogue is needed with the city to completely understand why
the planning decisions were made. Bradford has noted that there are more community consultation meetings to come, but since the Dec. 7 meeting, residents have been waiting for more answers. “We went into this process with some element of confidence in the guidelines,” said Levitt. “Coming out of this because of the lack of dialogue and justification for departure, then there’s less confidence.” “People aren’t confused if they have an explanation,” he added. “They’re usually confused when they don’t.”
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Garden Views
Some tips on pruning as March Madness for gardeners begins Mary Fran McQuade Mary Fran McQuade is a local writer specializing in gardening and lifestyle
EVERY GARDENER I know is aching to plant something or to get out in the garden right now. Long days and comparatively warmer temperatures are tempting, but it’s still just a bit too early to start your summer plants indoors. A few clipped words One truly garden-y thing you can do now, though, is grab your secateurs and get out there and prune. “Secateurs” is the $50 word for garden clippers, but you knew that already, didn’t you? They come in all shapes, sizes and price points, from dollar store bargains to mid-priced hardware store name brands to top-of theline garden store gems. It all depends on your budget and how serious you are about gardening. Dollar store clippers are fine if you’re a beginner and aren’t sure how far you want to go with gardening. They’ll probably last you a few years
of light use, while you make up your mind. Just try not to drop them on hard surfaces and don’t tackle any old tough shrubs with them. Experienced gardeners and professionals swear by Swiss-made Felco pruners. They come in a zillion configurations to fit different hand sizes and uses, and you can buy replacement parts for every part of them, from the razor-sharp blades to the tiniest screws and bolts. A few notches down in price and quality are Fiskars pruners. Mine have lasted several years with average use. I’ve dropped them a few times and gotten them stuck in small branches too big to cut through, but they keep on snipping. Why and when Whatever you prune, you should do it to improve the plant: open the air flow, give it a better shape, trim back an old/overgrown shrub, encourage blooming. Most plants have a best time for pruning. Late winter and early spring is prime time for cutting back old, heavy, overgrown vines like wisteria or
even clematis. Cut out thick or weighty branches to help control these monsters. You can also clip back the wispy, straggly bits from the very top of clematis vines now. That will save you time and energy when, later in spring, you’ll want to cut back to the lowest sprouting green buds. Another timesaving tip is to lightly prune oversized plants that bloom in summer: big floppy Annabelle hydrangeas, panicle hydrangeas, potentillas and rose of Sharons. When they start to start to sprout in spring, you can clip them back further, to a low pair of green buds. If you have sprawling or flattened ornamental grasses, give them a haircut. Gather up the loose ends and tie them together with some cord, then cut them off close to the ground. Of course, if your grasses are just drooping prettily, leave them alone and enjoy their winter look. Do not cut back any vines or shrubs that bloom in springtime. No forsythias; lilacs; elderberries; rhodo-
dendrons; mophead, mountain or oakleaf hydrangeas. All these pretties bloom on the branches and stems they made last summer. If you cut them before they bloom, you’re cutting off this spring’s flowers. There’s nothing sadder than a naked forsythia cut back before its days of golden glory. General how-to’s • Use sharp bypass pruners (the blades cross like scissors) on live plants. • On large plants, begin by trimming back the longest branches so you can get closer to prune properly without getting stabbed in the eye. • Prune stems back to just above a fat node, where new branches will sprout. Think of the shape you want when you cut. Try not to make all the branches the same length. That just looks weird. • Except for very vigorous plants (AKA thugs), avoid cutting into thick woody stems, which may not have enough energy to make new sprouts. • Cut stems straight across, not at an angle, to help the cut heal over quickly. • Watch your fingers!
Open Doors: Spiritual Matters
BEACH METRO NEWS
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Let’s take time to nurture “laugh-out- loud” moments Rev. Karen Dale Beach United Church
I
f ever there was a year to skip over Lent and move right into Easter this would be it. In this time of lockdown and isolation due to a death-dealing virus and made worse by rampant inequality; we long for relief and look for signs of new life. Lent is part of the Christian year and is traditionally known as a time of giving up things such as chocolate or wine; so that we can focus on our spiritual journey of prayer and meditation. Some of us “take up” certain practices during this season. At Beach United Church we are doing both, by reducing the amount of meat in our diet and adding more plant-based meals. We are doing this to lower our carbon footprint and move closer to living with respect in creation. So does all of this seem a bit heavy for such challenging times - where might the relief we long for come from? Should I lighten the mood and tell a joke? But did you know that only 10 per cent to 20 per
cent of “laugh out loud” moments follow anything that even remotely resembles a joke. Laughter is a hidden language that we all speak; it is part of our genetic code. Typically we laugh when we are in the grip of strong emotions. That is why we might laugh at seemingly inappropriate times, such as a funeral. However laughter helps to diffuse tension and eases stress and anxiety. What actually makes us laugh is another person, not a joke. Even if we feel happy, we rarely laugh when no-one is around. So despite feeling “Zoom fatigue” it is helpful to see people’s faces, it
brings out the smile within and eventually the laughter. It is difficult for me to genuinely laugh when I am alone recording a worship service on my laptop. The Sundays I am together with people via Zoom, the laughter regularly ripples out from the boxes showing the faces of those people I know and care for. It is a cathartic experience. Let’s learn from comedians such as Trevor Noah, who use humour to point out injustice. Noah grew up in Soweto, South Africa with a white father and a Black mother, and so confronted prejudices on both sides. His family taught him not to be quick to anger, but rather
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find a way to laugh about it or to minimize it using humour. Humour can help to sustain optimism that change is possible, even in the most difficult circumstances. So, let’s tune into our funny bones and “take-up” laughter. I have found myself laughing out loud at dogs jumping in the snow; a big smile spreads across my face at the sound of birds chirping away in the bushes and I love seeing smiling eyes above a mask. What brings a smile to your face or laughter to your lips? Perhaps the spiritual practice we can all take up this Lent is to nurture our “laugh out loud” moments.
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(r)
PROWAY
PAINTING & DECORATING Interior • Exterior Residential • Commercial Plastering • Drywall
416.797.6731
proway.painting@gmail.com (r)
LANDSCAPE • DESIGN & BUILD
thetwofours@eol.ca • 416-690-5442
647 679 3282
416-690-3890
25 years Experience Read our reviews on Homestars.com One-of-a-Kind Outdoor Living Spaces
piano, guitar, voice, violin, drums & more
Get ready to rock when the time comes (again). Stay well. Stay home. Stay tuned.
(1r)
Family owned & operated 26 years in business
Award Winning Design & Build
STONEHENGE
THE TWO FOURS
416-265-6674
Larry’s Painting & Repairs
Green Apple Landscaping
JOY OF MUSIC
joyofmusictoronto.com 416-269-8109 (1.)
www.thestoneporch.com thestoneporch@gmail.com
Painters
Landscapers
Scarboro Music
WE ARE NOW OPEN!
Finely Finished Stone Work
2 Men + Truck $85/hr Call Byron at
Front yard parking pads Drawings • Permits • Build 416-288-1499
Plexiglass screens, masks, sanitizing hands & keyboards.
THE STONE PORCH LANDSCAPING
Junk and Garbage removal Cottage country services
GARDENING
Green Apple Landscaping
Music Lessons
(1r)
(1r)
416-288-1499
(r)
647 679 3282 www.beachbuilds.ca
Movers
647 679 3282
Bach to ROCK 416-699-8333
“save your sunken stone”
Relevelling of: -Driveways -Walkways -Patios -Retaining walls
437-774-6300
beachlawncare2020@gmail.com (1r)
www.greenapple.ca
Kingston Rd/Vic Park
THE STONE SAVIOUR
Servicing residential and commercial
EXTREME CLEANING
Happy New Year from your local Rock ‘n’ Roots Revival Band
CALL MAT NOW!! 416-888-8462
416-414-5883
EVERGREEN TREE CARE
Rock, Roll, Roots, Blues, Country & Random
Reasonable Rates.
BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
A perfect lawn instantly
Contact Martha @ Cell: 647-206-1415 Home: 416-449-0171
(1r)
Garden & Tree
offer complete and thorough cleaning service for your house • office • condo Call Ilona 416-427-3815 (1$)
I provide excellent cleaning services for residential homes and condos.
“General Outdoor Stonework” RETAINING WALL SPECIALIST Contact: JB Barton
Flatten out your uneven... -Driveways -Walkways -Patios
*STARTING AT $20
(1r)
(1r)
Sunken Interlock Repair
LAWN CUTTING SERVICES
LAWN CUTTING
info@blpm.ca
416-690-6116 www.thestudystudio.com (4r)
Andrew English B.Ed.
Beach Lawn Care
We teach it all!
416-820-1527 (5)
www.beachmetro.com
BEACHES LAWN MAINTENANCE
ASHBRIDGES CLEANING SERVICES
Struggling to connect online? Need a hand with your groceries & shopping? Or a ride to medical and personal appointments? RideSafe Transport helps seniors & their families lead connected, active lives in their communities.
Call Max
(r)
(1.)
(1$)
Individualized tutoring and programs for grades 3-12 in all subjects. Proven success with thousands of Beach area students for 20 years. On Kingston Rd. just east of Vic Park
-Spring/Fall Property Clean-Ups -Hedge Trimming
416 421-5758
416 414 5883 info@blpm.ca
THE STUDY STUDIO
-Lawn Cutting
Window & Eaves Cleaning Gutter Filter Installation rileyswindowcleaning.com
(3r)
(1r)
(1)
WINDOW CLEANING General Services RILEYS’ A family business since 1956
WAYNE’S
INDIV/GRP TUITION IN YOUR HOME QUALIFIED + EXPERIENCED TEACHER, K-12 PROVEN SUCCESS - REFS AVAILABLE (1r)
Helping the student in your house adapt to the new educational reality.
• Bio-degradable, non-allergenic products used • Drying time 3-4 hours • Bonded, insured, certified Free At Home Estimates!
416-414-5883
647 679 3282
Currently offering SKYPE/FACETIME SESSIONS
HEALTHY HOME
LAWN CUTTING
www.beachbuilds.ca
Head Start Tutors
PEST CONTROL
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
Call Juan 647 518 1179 www.ridesafetransport.ca
Income Tax Preparation
HELP WITH MATH & ENGLISH
SQUIRREL REMOVAL
BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Beach Builds
(1)
BLIND AMBITION
RideSafe Transport
PETER STIEGLER
647-557-7932
Cleaning Services
Call Greg 437 230-4824
(r)
Tutoring
WWW.RACCOONCONTROL.CA
(r)
416-698-9000
20 yrs exp. Quality work. Good prices.
1232 Kingston Rd., Suite 5 Toronto, ON M1N 1P3
416-694-6241
(w. of Midland)
Leaves, Yard Cleanup Garage Cleanups & Junk Removal Other various jobs Scrap metal removal
Business & Personal Income Tax Computer Bookkeeping & Accounting
Online teaching available Ines 416 726 5729 (1$)
Humane removal of raccoons and babies from ATTICS, DECKS, PORCHES, GARAGES, SHEDS
647-496-2211
2358 Kingston Rd.
*** SNOW SHOVELLING ***
Financial Services
HELLARRA SERVICES INC.
Apartment/ Home for Rent
Large One Bedroom
On-Site & Remote
RACCOON CONTROL
• Mice • Cockroaches • Rats • Bed Bugs • Ants • Wasps • Centipedes • Spiders • more THEEXTERMINATORS.CA
EXPRESS JUNK REMOVAL
Commercial Space for Rent McArthur & Son Business Centre Air conditioning, boardroom, kitchen area, copier, etc. Individual offices from $425/mth. 577-579 Kingston Rd. @ Main St.
(r)
Vienna Upholstery
Newly renovated, painted 2 BDRM, 1 BATH bright, clean basement Apt.
We share our love of music using the Suzuki Method by providing gentle encouragement, inspiration, and musicianship in Violin and Piano.
www.SquirrelControl.ca
Home Decor
Deadline for March 23rd issue is March 15th
Routes available throughout the Beach, Upper Beach, Danforth, Birchcliff STUDENTS EARN COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS
(r)
KLEEN WINDOWS
Ads must be paid for at time of placement. Classified ads also appear on our website: www.beachmetro.com classifieds@beachmetro.com | 416-698-1164 x 22
Beaches Suzuki School of Music
Pest Control
REG’S APPLIANCE
BLOCK AD
00
BEACHMETRO.COM
416-467-6059 www.stonehengedesignbuild.com (r)
Free Estimates & References Available
(3)
SERENITY PAINTING Beach resident with over 30 years exp Interior / Exterior Work Proper Drywall & Plaster Repairs No job too big or small Have the job done right the first time. Referrals & Free Estimates
Steve 647-853-6420
(3)
KIM PRICE
‘As Promised’ Painting
Creating Award Winning Gardens
We stand by our contracts, big or small. Also do Drywall and Plaster Repairs and more
Landscape Design 647-545-5143
*** Free Estimates ***
• Design and Construction •
www.kimpricelandscapedesign.com (4)
Dianne 416 699 5070
(19)
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
23
Arts & Entertainment
Music video of residents in windows drawing lots of attention AS THE COVID-19 pandemic continues it is becoming more and more important to support local artists. This is what Ryerson University second-year film students Max Mezo and Charlie Hill recently did with band The Neighbourhood Watch. “The Neighbourhood Watch came up on his (Hill’s) Spotify,” explained Mezo. “We realized they were a local band. We reached out to them, told them we’re interested in shooting a music video.”
The band members were up for the project, and so was created The Neighbourhood Watch’s 20 Year Dream music video. The video films numerous Toronto residents through the windows of their homes while the band plays its song. “We asked them to gaze out silently for a moment or so, and then to dance along to the music,” said Hill in a note sent to Beach Metro News. “It allowed us to work safely around COVID-19 restrictions, but we also wanted to show how music has the power to spread joy and
form connections even in difficult times.” Band members in their own windows are also seen singing. “We wanted the video to be fun, but in the edit we realized there was also something truly poignant about the glimpses of Toronto people living in lockdown at a time when the city’s vibrant live music scene is in enforced hibernation. Max and I were so touched by how many people agreed to help out a couple of strangers with a camera and we feel this really says something incredibly positive
PROFESSIONAL PAINTER
TOM DAY
MASTER
By Jayson Dimaano
Richard Durocher Interior & Exterior Small to Mid-size jobs
647 401 7970
(1.)
WG PAINTING INTERIOR PAINTING
All work guaranteed Fully insured • Free estimate
416-322-7692
warren_gamey@yahoo.com (1r)
(4r)
All Plumbing, camera inspection, power washing, snake drain cleaning, sump pumps, drainage systems, and back water valve installations. Great affordable rates. Fully licensed.
Contact us at 416 602 2128 (1r)
MASTER PLUMBER
BEACH HILL
PAINTING
INTERIOR, EXTERIOR QUALITY PAINTING; KITCHEN CABINET REFINISHING & CUSTOM PAINT; STAINING & WATERPROOFING, DECKS & FENCES
25 years • Free estimates
Dave 416 694 4369
dave@beachhillpainting.com (6r)
PLUMBER CONTRACTOR Fully licensed & insured. Lic #T94
George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872
Local resident w/32 yrs. exp.
INTERIOR PAINTING
&
All work guaranteed Fully insured • Free estimate
DRAINS Dishwasher & Gas Repairs
Heating, Boilers & Radiator Repairs Reno, Repairs - LICENSED
416-322-7692
(1r)
NEWBRIGHT PAINTING
NO MESS, NO FUSS, JUST SUPERIOR WORKMANSHIP INTERIOR • EXTERIOR FULLY INSURED, 30 YRS EXPERIENCE, BEACH RESIDENT
CALL SEAN FOR AN ESTIMATE
416-985-8639
newbrightpainting@gmail.com
(1)
BEACHCOMBERS
416-265-4558 Cell 416-727-1595
(1..)
Mark The Plumber Master Plumber • Lic. & Ins.
Complete Bathrooms Small Repairs Renovations 416-456-9999 Follow on Facebook
(3)
Electricians
PAINTING
*SPRING PROMO*
LOCAL ELECTRICIAN (1.)..
Fault Finding Knob & Tube Rewiring Service upgrades Insurance certificates
ELECTRICIAN
ESA LIC# 7002668
CEJA ELECTRIC
CANADIAN CONTRACTORS
CANPRO MECHANICAL
Plumbers
LICENSED
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Panel & sub panel upgrades Knob & tube & aluminum rewiring Free estimates LED light & pot light installations 100A & 200A service upgrades Electrical problem solving ECRA/ESA # 7010497
MASTER ELECTRICIAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Fully licensed & insured. ECRA/ESA #7008706
George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872
416 691-3555
50 years in the Beach
(r)
ONTARIO WATER PLUMBING
LTD
Professional Quality Service Repairs-Renovations-Installations
Mobile: 416-834-8474 Office: 416-757-6537 (r)
NEIGHBOURHOOD PLUMBING
Beach resident for 50 years. Discount for seniors and single parent. Lic. Master Plumber • Free estimates Patrick 647-404-7139 patrickj480@gmail.com (6)
Shingles • Flats • Cedar Free Estimates Residential & Commercial Tel: 416-752-6453 Cell: 416-788-9020
Carpenters CARPENTRY by Kevin
Lic# B16393
Fences, Decks, Porches Flooring, Windows, Doors, Trim, etc. Kitchens & Bath • Garage Restoration Serving the Beach for 15 yrs.
Kevin 647 282 8375
(2)
CUSTOM CARPENTRY IN THE BEACH
INTERIOR, EXTERIOR CARPENTRY QUALITY PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL DESIGN + BUILD Mario 416-690-1315 www.friedrichbuilds.com (1..)
Carpenter, 30 yrs experience No job too small Trim, doors, windows decks, millwork, design in interior trim custom cabinets, mantles cliffsidecarpenter.blogspot.ca gibsonpeterk@gmail.com Peter Gibson 416 578 3755 (4)
MBX ELECTRIC Residential • Commercial - Knob & Tube Wiring - Service Panel Upgrades - Renovations & Alterations
Call Marc 416-910-1235
(1r)
ELECTRICAL WORK
(r)
THOSE ROOFERS Don’t call them, call those roofers ALL TYPES OF ROOFS
ESA/ECRA 7002084
Doug 416-871-1734 Jeff 647-686-8103 Lic - Insured • Free Estimate
(r)
Residential/Commercial
CITY WIDE ROOFING
For all your roofing needs In the Beaches since 1974 FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED
416-690-1430 • 416-266-8953 quotes@citywideroofing.ca www.citywideroofing.ca (1.)
(2r)
Gus:
416-910-8033
HANDYMAN SERVICES “No Job Too Small”
•CARPENTRY •PLUMBING •ELECTRICAL
•PAINTING •STAINING •DRYWALL REPAIR •PARGING •DECK & FENCE BUILD & REPAIR •INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REPAIRS (r)
WET BASEMENT ?
(4r)
(1r)
Professional drywall and plaster work. Renovation and Repair. Very clean. No job too small.
Call C.J. 647 222 5338
(2)
Marc 416 419 4281
For all your reno needs, no job too small.
JOHN CLARKE
BEACHES HANDY WORKS
marcangelointeriors@hotmail.com (1r) Cell 416 434-2762 Painting - Basement Renos Plaster & Stucco • Interior & Exterior Small Renovation Jobs & Indoor/ Outdoor Spray Painting 35 Yrs Exp • Refs upon request (3) Free Estimates
MAYFAIR HEATING & COOLING
Metro lic #B531 • All Work Guaranteed • Free Estimates
mayfairHEATINGandcooling.com
Maurice (Cell) 647.638.8441
416-659-7003
CJ DRYWALL & PAINTING
KEW BEACH
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
FAIRNEY & SONS LTD.
Call Sergio 416 873 9936 (1)
MARCANGELO INTERIORS
Foundation Repair/Waterproofing
GENERAL CONTRACTING Kitchens - Bathrooms Basements - Doors, Windows Garages - Fences, Decks Metro lic
416 824-7901
(1.)
Dedicated precise worker. All your build and repairs. Indoor or outdoor: dry-wall, flooring, built-in, landscaping, interlocking, sheds, fences, decks, etc. at a reasonable price!
Call Hamid at 647-300-2462
(1)
Next Deadline March 15
(1$)
www.webuildit.ca Serving Your Community Since 1971
(r)
Cable & Telephone Wiring Telephone Systems
THE STONE PORCH MASONRY Brick • Block • Concrete Steel • Stone www.thestoneporch.com thestoneporch@gmail.com
416-265-6674
(r)
FOUNDATION
WATERPROOFING/ REPAIR UNDERPINNING Fully Licensed Contractors Guaranteed
416 467 6735
stonehengefoundations.com (r)
UNDERPINNING & WATERPROOFING
Maximum General Contracting Inc. “Your basement lowering specialists”
416-826-3918 John www.mgcunderpinning.com maximumgen@gmail.com MET# B16348
Since 1998
Drywall, Plastering, Taping 20 yrs Experience • Excellent Job Call Mike 416-854-7024 647 833 7024 (17r) Fax 647-341-6104
(11r)
• chimneys & foundations • parging & tuck pointing • arches, lintels & sills • door & window rough-ins • foundation waterproofing
416 988-2589 danielmccaf@gmail.com
(1r)
Jack of all Trades
FLOORING SPECIALIZING IN SANDING & STAINING
Basements, Kitchens, Bathrooms Fences, Decks, Drywall, Carpentry
JIM 647 405 8457 416 691 8457
HANDYMAN SERVICES
No job too small. Free estimates. Serving the Beaches for 15 years.
(1$)
QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS by Jim Ferrio
Call Jim for a free estimate
416 660 4721
(1..)
416-278-5328
(13)
FURNITURE REFINISHING + REPAIR Classic Restoration & Woodworking 38 Years experience
416 759-8878
416 876-4986
(2.)
JDB MASONRY • Brick / Foundation • Concrete / Stone • Chimney & Parging
Restoration & Build www.jdbuild.ca
416-738-2119
(2r)
POPCORN CEILING REMOVAL 25 years experience removing popcorn & refinishing it with a perfectly smooth plaster ceiling.
SILVERBIRCH
HARDWOOD
JUST DRYWALL AND TAPING Sam Capetanu
(1r)
MASONRY by Daniel
YOUR STUCCO Stucco • Moulding Wall Systems
- Shingles & Flats- Repair & Tune ups - Cedar & Slate - Re-roofs & new work
Flat and Shingle Roofs Re-roofing, Repair Eavestrough, Soffit & Fascia Workmanship Guaranteed
416-694-6673
Trades
Alan Burke 416-699-4350
LANIGAN’S
ROOFING & SIDING? SOLUTION!
100/200 AMP Service Upgrades • New Wiring New Homes/Additions Lighting Installations Troubleshooting
(1..)
Marc Text/Call 416-617-7205
www.canpromechanicalgroup.com
Drywall, Taping Trim, Tiles, Painting
Residential, Commercial, Retail, Home Offices Senior Rates
(9r)
Master Electrician Lic. ESA ECRA #7000314
MET LIC P18238, BBB A+, WSIB Master Plumber: Franc Zamernik www.ontariowaterplumbing.com
(r)
416-606-4719 (2r)
J. BROW ROOFING
416-569-2181
CARL 647-787-5818
Small Repairs to complete houses Renovations
(1)
Steve 416-285-0440 cell 416-605-9510
(1r)
Air Conditioning & Heating Experts HVAC / Repair / Maintain / Install Residential / Commercial Rental programs now available
Shingles • Flats Roof Repairs • Metal Work Eavestroughing & Siding Waterproofing • Since 1984 Met. Lic. B-16-964
Frank 647-889-5537
*Ask For Photo I.D.*
BEACH PLUMBING
(1$)
www.laniganscontracting.ca
free estimates
Chimneys, Concrete, and all masonry repairs
Painting, tiling, fencing, drywall, flooring, siding, vanities & much more.
647-771-0227 jeff@heyhandyman.ca www.heyhandyman.ca
An honest family service in the heart of The Beaches
Knob & tube rewiring Service Upgrades
Brick, Block, Stone,
416 694 0906
Lic: 7006786
get to them all,” said Mezo. “After people responded, we plotted their addresses on a map and we figured the best way to go house to house.” They filmed 15 houses a night for four nights. Their video has been getting lots of attention on social media. Mezo said they weren’t expecting so many people to see it, but added he is happy people are fond of the idea and that it brings positive feelings to people’s lives. To view it, please go to https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=PRD3Cv4_NEg
S.A.C Masonry
SERVICES
15 yrs exp No job too small! Free Quotes, satisfaction guaranteed - Lic & Ins
torontoroofingindustries.com (1r)
Roofing & Aluminum
ECRA/ESA LIC#7001069
HEY HANDYMAN
VISA / MC / AMERICAN EXPRESS
Roofers
(22/22)
by Japanese photographer Shizuka Yokomizo and her project, Dear Stranger. “She printed out flyers and delivered them to houses, and it said that she is a photographer doing a project and if you are interested in participating, stand at your window at this time, and these really powerful images came out of these people standing out their window” said Mezo. They shared their plans in community Facebook groups and received an overwhelming response. “There were so many people we couldn’t use everybody. We couldn’t
Big or small we do them all
DECLAN O’MEARA 416-698-6183
Next Deadline March 15
Local • Reliable • Professional Servicing the beach for 15 years.
416-833-3006
GREEN ISLE ELECTRIC CELL 416-875-5781
TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES LTD.
COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SERVICES RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL
(9r)
ATLANTIS PLUMBING
WG PAINTING
Satisfaction guaranteed! Call Jeff today for free estimate. 416-910-6302 beachcombersgc.com info@beachcombersgc.com
24 hr. - lic# P1624
Cascade Plumbing GTA
Local resident w/32 yrs. exp.
warren.gamey@yahoo.com
Plumbing & Drains All types of plumbing work. Smallest leak - complete bath reno. Internal & external drain excavating. Call the professionals 416-480-0622
about the community spirit of people in the city.” A resident of Coxwell Avenue and Gerrard Street East area, Mezo said he always had a camera in his hand when he was a kid. He never saw himself as a filmmaker, but more as an athlete. In his junior year of high school, he said he realized he was not going to become a professional athlete so he thought about what things he liked to do and how much he was interested in the film industry. He said the idea for 20 Year Dream was inspired
classicrestoration@outlook.com (1$)
MR. SKIMCOAT 416-322-2899 mrskimcoat@gmail.com
(11)
BRIAN MAHON MASONRY • Brick • Stone • Porches • Parging
• Block • Chimneys • Concrete • Tuckpointing
98% Homestars rating brianmahonmasonry@gmail.com
647-962-9226
(1..)
JASON THE MASON TUCKPOINTING • CHIMNEYS CONCRETE WORK WINDOW CUTOUTS WATERPROOFING REGISTERED & INSURED 416-580-4126 cell
(8)
24
Tuesday, March 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE DO.TM Residential & Commercial Services
estaterealty.ca | 416.690.5100
2301 Queen St. East | 1052 Kingston Rd | 517 Parliament St.
SOLD. JUST 12 HRS ON THE MARKET
95 Hollis Avenue
Dianne & Brian Chaput Sales Representatives Royal LePage Estate Realty
416.690.5100 | chaputliving.com
BEACH HOUSE
Beautiful 2+2 Beds/1+1 Baths, Renovated Throughout w/Lovely Finishes. Basement Unit W/Separate Entrance, Spacious Backyard, Large 4 Car Driveway, In A Quaint Birchcliffe Neighbourhood. Contact Lainey to Start Owning Your Dreams!
www.bonsellhomes.com
Happy Birthday to a fabulous woman!
Women Supporting Women! Kerry Jackson Royal LePage Estate Realty, 2301 Queen St. E. Direct 416.571.2181 | Office 416.690.5100 Kerryjackson@gmail.com Tobia Homes MARCH_BMN_AD.pdf
4
2021-03-04
5:56 PM
Spending lazy afternoons on the front porch, or canoeing to the Spit on a whim are a few of the attractions of this waterside location. Multiple decks embrace cool lake breezes while the fieldstone fireplace warms the open concept interior. Approach your detached 2 car garage with workshop from the private drive, park, unwind, and embrace the lakeside lifestyle.
In 2020 our team was thrilled to donate over $3400 in support of our local women's shelters and violence prevention programs.
Proud Supporters of
416.690.5100
TORYBROWN.CA
$2,389,000
Last week I helped a client purchase 137 Boardwalk Ave. in Woodbine Park. I am thrilled to introduce them to our neighbourhood as I’m sure they will love it as much as we do. If you are thinking of selling, let Tobia Homes help you get the highest price, while you enjoy a seamless real estate experience.
ROUGEMONT BUILDING LOT Attention Builders & Investors!
Land value only. 65 feet by 163 feet level lot. Rare opportunity to build your dream home on a beautiful treed lot in a prime location in the prestigious Rougemount area of Pickering. R eLovely side n t i a l &andCquiet omm e r ccommunity ial Services established family with easy access to Rouge Park trails, schools, 2301 Queen St. Eastshopping, | 1052 Kingston Parliament St. estaterealty.c parks, Rd 401| &517 more. Asking $799,900.
HELPING YOU IS WHAT WE
Diane Tobia | Broker
PATTI TANNER Sales Representative 416-690-5100 ptanner@royallepage.ca pattitanner.ca
m:416.998.4302 e :diane@tobiahomes.com
Great service comes from the he rt!
INTRODUCING
KG
Tory Brown Team
Grieve Signature Label REAL ESTATE. REDEFINED.
It runs in the family. Rooted in the east-end, we’re a fatherdaughter pair bringing over 35 years of experience and a refreshing approach to the market.
KEN GRIEVE & KELSEY GRIEVE Royal LePage Estate Realty
Sales Representatives
grievesignature.com