Doly Begum MPP for Scarborough Southwest
We are here to help!
3110 Kingston Rd, Unit #5 416-261-9525 • dolybegum.ca DBegum-CO@ndp.on.ca
Volume 49 No. 22
BEACHMETRO.COM
Drop in or make an appointment.
416-690-1032 • beyrima.ca RBerns-McGown-CO@ndp.on.ca
February 9, 2021
Four lives lost in Gainsborough fire remembered THE EAST Toronto community continues to mourn the loss of four lives in a tragic house fire on Gainsborough Road at the end of last month. The fire at 95 Gainsborough Rd., between Coxwell Avenue and Eastwood Road, started at approximately 4:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 29 and quickly spread through the twostorey home. Six people were inside the house at the time of the fire, and four of them died. Killed in the fire were Jana Jansons, her seven-year-old grandson Kai, Amanda Freimanis, 33, and Matthew Zdybal, 31. Injured were Kai’s mother Arija and Jade Jacobis. Arija had suffered smoke inhalation and had been on a ventilator, but was released from hospital on Feb. 2 and is staying with loved ones. Jacobis was able to escape from the house and had minor injuries. A large floral tribute has been set up in front of 95 Gainsborough in memory of those who lost their lives. The fire also caused extensive damage to the neighbouring house at 93 Gainsborough Rd., and some damage to the house at 91 Gainsborough Rd. Community members have started a GoFundMe page to help raise funds for the victims of the fire including the neighbouring residents. The family at 93 Gainsborough consists of two adults and two children. The house at 91 is occupied by a senior citizen. Organizers of the fundraiser said neither of those residents wish to speak to the media at this time about the fire. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Ontario Fire
Marshal’s Office. A planned update on the investigation slated for last Thursday, Feb. 4, was abruptly cancelled and there is no indication of the cause of the fire available as of Beach Metro News’ press deadline. Jana Jansons was a longtime resident of East Toronto, living in the house on Gainsborough Road her entire life. She attended Monarch Park Collegiate and had worked at the University of Toronto. Kai was a Grade 1 student at Bowmore Road Junior Public School. He lived in the house on Gainsborough Road with his mother Arija and grandmother Jana. Zdybal is being remembered as a hero for rushing back into the burning house to try and save Kai. A Facebook tribute to Zdybal said he was a man with a “heart of gold” that was obvious to everyone who met him. “It was hard to find a time where he didn’t have a smile on his face and he will be remembered for his infectious personality. He was a great family member and friend and will be sorely missed by everyone,” said the tribute. Freimanis, a longtime friend of Arija, is remembered as a successful and talented DJ. “Everyone who knew her was touched by her amazing spirit and energy right away. She embodied kindness, self expression and love. She truly was our unicorn…Panda was a selfless woman. She loved her friends and family with every ounce of her being. Panda loved to dance and share the energy of the dancefloor with her tribe. When she started to DJ everyone knew she was going to rock it, and she absolutely did,” said her friend Kimberley in a GoFundMe page post. Continued on Page 2
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Sapphira Charles in front of the Leuty Lifeguard Station in the Beach last week. Charles is the founder of #BeachersForBlackLives Facebook group.
Beachers For Black Lives group confronts racism in community By Ali Raza, Local Initiative Reporter
T
Journalism
he year 2020 will be remembered for the global upheaval caused by an infectious virus - but this last year has also brought a sobering and tragic reminder that racism is alive and well in our communities, and it’s just as infectious. To celebrate Black History Month, Beach Metro News reached out to a Beach resident who has spent the last year fighting the much older virus of racism within the community, and it’s given her a renewed sense of hope, purpose, and optimism for the Beach. Sapphira Charles is an architect, an artist, performer, and an activ-
ist. She’s lived in the Beach for a number of years now, and is active in the community. It was the racist incidents - both globally and locally - this past year that prompted her into action. She has organized and led several anti-racism protests and marches in response to racist incidents in the community to raise awareness and offer support. “Last year was a catalyst,” Charles said. “It started spiralling, the movement became reactivated, but it also empowered a lot of racism.” It began with the viral video of the murder of African American man George Floyd, where a Minneapolis police officer knelt on Floyd’s neck for eight minutes and
46 seconds, causing his death. That incident led to widespread protests against police brutality and racism across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Western Europe. Soon after, more and more racist incidents kept leaving Charles in a state of confusion, anger, and trauma. In Manhattan’s Central Park, a Black man named Christian Cooper had the police called on him for birdwatching, the incident was recorded on video and became viral. While those two known incidents took place in the United States, here in East Toronto there was no shortage of racism. Continued on Page 5
2
BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
For information on Sunday services and other online worship resources, please visit our website at www.stjohnsnorway.com
Photo top left: Arija Jansons and her son Kai. Arija was injured in the Gainsborough Road fire. Kai did not survive. The fire also took the lives of Matthew Zdybal (photo top right); Arija’s mother Jana Jansons (photo at left) and Amanda Freimanis (photo above).
Fundraising campaigns organized for victims of fire Continued from Page 1
@beachmetro @beachmetronews /BeachMetroNews beachmetro.com | 416.698.1164
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith M.P. Beaches-East York info@beynate.ca
416.467.0860
There are two GoFundMe campaigns for the victims of the fire and their families. The fundraiser for the Gainsborough fire is collecting donations to help the families of those lost in the fire, and to support other impacted Gainsborough Road residents. Help will be given to “all 15 people impacted/ displaced BMN across the three Ad FEB 5 FNL.pdf homes” that were damaged.
The organizers of the “Fundraiser for the tragic Gainsborough fire” are Marianna Mitrovic, Katherine L. Harrison, and Dennis Kiriopoulos. They are members of the Gainsborough community and friends of the Jansons family and of Jade. “We are in contact with members of the community and will be also meeting with family members to decide how funds will be 2:42 dispersed as 4 2021-02-05 PM things unfold.”
A GoFundMe by Arija’s cousin Sandra Memenis is collecting to help Arija deal with the loss of her son, mother and close friends. “In a fire you lose everything – after losing a child, material possessions seem so small and insignificant but she’s going to need to start from scratch and if we can help her lift a fragment of that insurmountable burden, please do what you can,” said Memenis.
As of Feb. 7, the GoFundMe organized by Memenis had raised $109,215. It is at https://ca.gofundme.com/f/ fundraising-for-arija-afterthe-fire The GoFundMe for the Gainsborough victims had raised $55,442 as of Feb. 7. It is at https://www.gofundme. com/f/help-the-victims-oflast-nights-tragedy-fire?fbcli d=IwAR1CTKLDwdLlkiPY4 MApBso0HjnShpR7RwUWR exz38uxXdfFlxl-CImbQsE
Lifetime Achievement Award
c 416.464.0060 o 416.699.9292
LD SO
LD SO
SO
SCOTT LYALL
LD
Helping clients achieve their Real Estate dreams for over 30 years
Hall of Fame Member
Hallmark Realty Ltd. 2277 Queen Street East
200 Woodbine
Coming soon to MLS!
2 bedroom, 2 bath stunning corner unit with lake views! Call Scott 416-464-0060 for details.
980 EASTERN AVENUE
real people about Toronto real estate. It's available wherever you listen to podcasts
THE SPECIAL SPACES OF THE LOCKDOWN 2021 Follow Daniela on Instagram - @danikim - for her daily journey through special spaces shared by her family and friends. It will remind you that "Home Is Where The Heart Is".
The Desmond Brown Team TOP 1% PRODUCER IN TORONTO REAL ESTATE BOARD
416-568-1242 | InThe6ixRealEstate.com | des@desmondbrown.ca Desmond Brown | Jennifer Scaife | Daniela Kim
| YOUR PARTNER IN PROSPERITY
388 WOODBINE AVE.
Be sure to tune in to Desmond's new podcast SOLD IN THE 6IX for real stories with
Beech House (YMCA) Occupancy has begun. Wide range of prices and �loor plans. Call Scott 416-464-0060 for more information on other rentals and assignments (resales).
374/376 WOODBINE AVE.
Not intended to solicit anyone under agent contract.
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
3
Council approves motion objecting to cannabis store on leased park land By Ali Raza, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
TORONTO CITY Council ratified its opposition to a cannabis store on leased land in Woodbine Beach Park at its meeting this week. The City will now wait for a response from the Alcohol and Gaming Commission, which can ultimately approve the cannabis shop licence application made by leaseholder Tuggs Inc. for a Miss Jones Cannabis Outposts store. The company submitted its application to the AGCO for a cannabis retail store authorization at 1681 Lake Shore Blvd. E., Unit 1. Tuggs Inc. has leased the site from the City of Toronto since June 2, 2010.
The City says, however, that under the lease agreement terms a cannabis retail store is not permitted on the land. It was on Dec. 29, 2020, the City learned that Tuggs Inc. submitted an application to AGCO for a cannabis shop. On Jan. 7, 2021, Toronto’s Parks, Forestry, and Recreation department sent a letter to Tuggs asking for the application to be withdrawn. Another letter from the City of Toronto, in consultation with Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford, was sent to the AGCO on Jan. 11 reminding them that the cannabis shop was not permitted as per the lease agreement. Tuggs responded that a cannabis shop is permitted
under the lease agreement and asked the City to reconsider its position. At its meeting on Feb. 3, Toronto City Council passed a motion by Bradford officially objecting to the cannabis retail store application at 1681 Lake Shore Blvd. E. The AGCO is yet to decide on the licence application. It had received more than 60 letters from local residents in objection to the store. If the licence is granted, there is a chance the City of Toronto and Tuggs Inc. could end up in court. 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.
CALL MR. BLACKTOPP
DRIVEWAY REPAIRS
416-REPAIRS (737-2477)
Virtual celebration set for Lunar New Year FOR THIS year, the East Toronto celebrations of Lunar New Year (which will welcome the Year of the Ox on Feb. 12) will be going virtual due to the COVID-19 pan-
demic. The Ralph Thornton Community Centre will host a virtual event on Feb. 10 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. to celebrate Lunar New Year.
For more information on the planned online event, please go to www.eventbrite.ca/e/virtual-lunarnew-year-celebration-tickets-138000728895
416-875-2086 emergency calls
#5ST TORONTO
2020 on BlogTO’s
BE
Nick
BURGERS
5
$
.99
100% CERTIFIED ANGUS BEEF BURGERS 6oz
All D ay Br TOAS eakfast
WES TED PEAM TERN EAL B A & EGG CON ON A CE BAKE
$3.99RY BUNS REUN IO COFF N ISLAND EE $1 .25
CHAMPIONSHIP QUALITY
of
11.99
$
15.
• • •
•
Road 884 Kingston 8 647-484-448 meat1.com www.fearless
OPEN D A I- L8 Y pm 11 am
DELIVERY AVAILABLE on UBER EATS & DOORDASH Specials available in store only.
2 Slices Lester’s Old Fashioned Montreal Smoked Beef Brisket
Gift Certificates
2 Slices Canadian Peameal Bacon
COMBO
$
6 oz. Certified Angus Beef Patty
99
•••••
$5 and $10
Slice of Havarti Cheese
includes Fries & Soft Drink
Slice of Cheddar Cheese
Perfect for Lunches!
Loads of Free Toppings
ACE Bakery Bun, Lightly Toasted
NOW Magazine 2020
READERS CHOICE RESULTS NOW Magazine 2.14 million readers
Junior Burger 3 oz Certified Angus Beef $3.99
2nd PLACE
Best Toronto Deli
2nd PLACE
Best Toronto Cheap Eats/ Meals Under $10
Best Toronto Burger - in Toronto’s Top 5 Best Toronto Poutine - in Toronto’s Top 5 NEXT YEAR - Trying our best to be #1
Old Fashioned Milkshakes $2.99
Lester’s old-fashioned hand-cut Montreal Smoked Beef Brisket on Rye or Ace Bakery Bun
$9.99 / Junior Size $5.99
We reserve the right to limit quantities.
ORDER ONLINE
and save time: www.fearlessmeat1.com
•
•
Due to Covid causing supplier issues, different food brands may be temporarily substituted.
4
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
Let’s Connect Virtual Tours Available.
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Delina Restaurant owner Abeba Bayrastion is preparing to open a second location on Kingston Road.
Call to Discover The Delmanor Difference.
Beach’s Delina Restaurant set to open second location on Kingston Road By Amanda Gibb
A Delmanor Resident. Pho
to taken prior to COVID.
DON MILLS (416) 331-9797 NORTH YORK (416) 225-9146 delmanor.com
DELINA RESTAURANT in the Beach is thriving amid the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic, enough for owner Abeba Bayrastion to soon open a second location. Bayrastion opened Delina Restaurant at Queen Street East just east of Woodbine Avenue in 2009 after a trip to the area with her family in which she fell in love with the neighbourhood. “After the beach, we said let’s get something to eat for the kids. While we were walking we only saw the Pizza Pizza and nothing else,” said Bayrastion. After that trip, Bayrastion said that she started looking around the area for a building to rent and start her restaurant with her homecooking. “I was raising my kids and I knew I could do more, I grew up cooking and doing all of it from scratch. My mom was a farmer and I have all of those skills inside of me,” she said. Bayrastion is originally from Ethiopia, and fled from war in the country when she was just 16 years old. After spending time in a Sudanese refugee camp, she eventually came to Canada. “When I go back and think
about it, I wonder how I made it from 16 and all that war to ending up here in Canada… I’m learning you don’t know where life will take you, and I ended up here (in the Beach) with all these beautiful people. I love them so much from the bottom of my heart,” she said. Bayrastion said Beach residents have been a driving force behind the success of Delina Restaurant, and the opening of a second location, despite the pandemic creating uncertainty for many local businesses. “I’m not really doing anything, trust me, it’s just happening because of the people in the area. There was one customer that found the new place for me. They have been saying that I should make another location and they keep telling me that I can do it,” she said. The second location for Delina Restaurant will be located at 941 Kingston Rd., and Bayrastion is hopeful that she can open the restaurant by the end of February after renovations are completed. “I’m very excited. It’s just the people around me that make this and my life so exciting and make me think that I can do this,” she said. She said that she is grate-
ful to the community for helping her to find a second location and giving her the resources such as addresses and contacts that she needed to make the expansion a reality. Delina Restaurant offers a range of foods such as falafel, shawarma, wraps, salads, and other Mediterranean options. “We have everything because…there are so many different great foods, and I love all of this food. I grew up doing everything from scratch, I never grew up buying food and not knowing what’s in it,” said Bayrastion. She said that because she loves everything on the menu so much, there was no way that she could pick out a favourite dish. “I’m just a foodie, every dish we love. When you have a background with food you know what things are going to taste like. I do it myself, the ginger is fresh, the garlic is fresh, I know what I’m doing,” she said. Delina Restaurant is currently open for takeout, or through food delivery options like DoorDash and Uber Eats. Bayrastion said she is excited to continue serving food to the community from both of her restaurants.
Meeting on 6 Dawes Rd. development plan slated @beachmetronews beachmetro.com | 416.698.1164
SAFETY
height from 19 to 46 storeys. The meeting is on Feb. 16 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and will discuss updated plans for the development. The January 2021 version of the plan consists of three residential condominium buildings at
46, 44 and 37 storeys, and a rental apartment building at 19 storeys. The new proposal does not include a community centre. For info on how to attend the meeting, go to www.toronto.ca/cpconsultations
TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES
Y LEAKF? ROO QUALITY
THE CITY of Toronto will host an online community consultation meeting for a development at the foot of Dawes Road and the Danforth GO station area that calls for the building of four residential towers ranging in
YOUR LOCAL ROOFING CONTRACTOR Above all, you want the very best!
416-694-0906
torontoroofingindustries.com
PERFORMANCE
EEns FsR pectio
In
PRIDE
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
5
‘There’s no racism in the Beaches, what are you doing?’ Continued from Page 1 As activism against racism grew, it also emboldened racists. In the last year in East Toronto, nooses were found at a Michael Garron Hospital construction site on more than one occasion where Black employees worked. In December, a 34-year-old man was arrested and charged for the incident. In July 2020, a man in Dentonia Park and his wife were allegedly assaulted, he was called a racial slur, and Toronto police arrived at the scene 30 minutes later, allegedly doubting his and his wife’s retelling of the incident. In August 2020, an 11-yearold Black boy playing with a toy Nerf gun in Ivan Forrest Gardens park in the Beach had the police called on him. In September 2020, posters and banners against racism and hate that had been put up in Dentonia Park after a community rally were torn down. And just recently, this month, a Black History Month art installation outside of the 55 Division police station was vandalized. These incidents and their effects may prove as innocuous news for many of the community’s white residents, who may have read about it along with the daily flurry of news stories. But for Charles and other black Beachers it’s an existential crisis. Despite the community not having a large Black population, Charles said she
had to do something. She had attended an anti-racism protest in downtown Toronto shortly after George Floyd’s murder. It inspired her to take over plans for a Black Lives Matter protest in the Beach. Hundreds came out in support, including BeachesEast York Councillor Brad Bradford, and Beaches-East York MPP Rima Berns-McGown. It was a march from Williamson Road Public School to Kew Gardens. Once marchers arrived at Kew Gardens, a handful of Black residents shared their own personal stories with racism. “It was really powerful, and we felt really vulnerable,” Charles said. She received overwhelming support from the community, from residents of all backgrounds. “People were asking me ‘when’s the next protest?” Charles said. “The first one just happened within a day and hundreds of people showed up, the community wanted more.” Motivated by the support, Charles started the #BeachersForBlackLives Facebook group, which serves as a safe space for organizing, discussion, and reflection. “People feel supportive of the BIPOC community here,” Charles said of the Beach. “There’s a lot of progressiveness here, and willingness to take action and make change.” “But it wasn’t without pushback. Some people told
Project looks at ‘missing middle’ of housing in Beaches-East York By Ali Raza, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
BEACHES-EAST YORK has been chosen for a housing pilot project aimed at expanding affordable housing options or the “missing middle” in Toronto. The term is used to describe housing of medium density and affordability. Examples include duplexes, laneway housing, and lowrise walk-up apartments. The project will look at city land in the ward and determine – with consultation from the community and developers – what demonstration projects to build to address affordability issues. The project is part of Toronto’s Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON). Of the land in Beaches-East York, 62 per
cent is designated as neighbourhoods, meaning there are homes on it. It’s among the highest percentage in Toronto. Beaches-East York also has a low proportion of the “missing middle” as more than half of the residences are either detached homes or apartment buildings higher than five storeys. “The reality is, we aren’t building enough options in between,” Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford said. The project is now consulting with residents and further community engagement is expected this spring. 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.
me ‘there’s no racism in the Beaches, what are you doing?’” she added. Following the incidents mentioned above, Charles went out again to protest with local support. Whether a march, a protest, an art installation or a dance rally, Charles has been committed to bringing awareness to not just racism, but also misogyny, homophobia, and other forms of social injustice. “I have a lot of faith in this community that it’s going in that trend,” she said. “In our group we have a lot of people sharing anti-racist resources, people have said thank you for creating the group.” “It’s a safe space for people to have frank conversations about racism. We’ve had some tough conversations in 2020,” she added. Charles has started a newsletter for group members, offering anecdotal reflections, hopeful messages, and a sobering reminder of the realities that still exist for BIPOC Canadians. “There needs to be action,” she said. “That involves changing your thinking, supporting Black people, and it starts with education and awareness.” For Black History Month, Charles affirms a month to celebrate Black history isn’t enough, but it’s an important time to “shatter stereotypes” and “showcase what Black people do, what they’re about,” she said. “We learned more than ever before the power of togetherness and community. We each have a role to play and that is to ensure that where we live and share space is safe, kind, loving, and just for everyone,” Charles wrote in the latest newsletter of #BeachersForBlackLives.
YOUR LOCAL, FAMILY RUN TREE PRESERVATION SPECIALISTS Pruning, Cabling, Planting, Arborist Reports, Removals, Stumping, Milling. FREE QUOTES!
416.546.4889 info@evergreentreecare.ca evergreentreecare.ca
SLoT ‐ Beach Metro ad ‐ 5.07”W x 4”H
Are you looking for ways to stay active in your own home?
The Stretch, Lift, or Tap program will help you “SLoT” more movement into your daily activities!
Are traditional exercise programs too strenuous for you ? We are looking for older adults who receive help with outside activities and housekeeping and some or all personal care needs (bathing, getting dressed etc) to try a series of light physical activities. We are looking for your feedback on the activities after trying them for 4 weeks.
Stretch
Participants who complete the trial period will receive a $10 gift card as a token of appreciation
Tap
Call or e‐mail us for more information:
info@rgptoronto.ca or 416‐480‐6100 ext. 6026
Lift
rgptoronto.ca
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.
You can help us continue to provide you with the best content by becoming a VOLUNTARY SUBSCRIBER. I would like to subscribe in the amount of: ___$25
___$50
___$100
YES, I would like my subscription to renew every year. Name: Address:
Other amount:$_______
PLEASE COMPLETE FORM AND MAIL A CHEQUE OR DROP OFF AT OUR OFFICE: Beach Metro Community News 2196 Gerrard St. E. Toronto, ON M4E 2C7
Email: If paying by Credit Card:
Card number:
___$150
Expiry:
Signature: If you DO NOT currently receive our paper Please mail me a copy of the print paper to the address above (min. $50 subscription)
TO SUBSCRIBE ONLINE OR MAKE A DONATION TO BEACH METRO NEWS, PLEASE VISIT: www.beachmetro.com/donations/ subscribe-beach-metro-news
Please note that Beach Metro News is not a charity, and therefore will not issue tax receipts as this is NOT a donation. All amounts include HST.
6
BEACH METRO NEWS
BEACHMETRO.COM
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
In My Opinion
Development proposals sparking debate among residents Alan Shackleton Beach Metro News Editor
A
s you can tell by our many letters in this week’s edition, the issue of building heights on Queen Street East in the Beach has generated a lot of opinions. At the heart of the debate is a conflict between the need for affordable housing and the need to adhere to planning rules established to protect the character of the Beach neighbourhood as it relates to Queen Street East. This question of development priorities extends far beyond just
the stretch of Queen Street East between Coxwell Avenue and Nursewood Road. It’s an issue across Toronto. This month will see a pair of tenant meetings on plans for a condominium along Kingston Road in Birch Cliff. There will also be a community consultation meeting on March 1. The proposal for the current site of the three-storey Lenmore Court apartments on Kingston Road between Birchcliff and Lakeside avenues is calling for a 10-storey condo in their place. It’s raising concerns about the impact on the residential neighbourhood of single-family homes to the south, the “alley of condos” taking shape along Kingston Road, and the loss of relatively afford-
able housing at Lenmore Court. All valid points which need to be examined. The Lenmore proposal is linked to another one by the same developer at the site of the Days Inn hotel on Kingston Road in Cliffside. That Days Inn proposal is seeking an 11-storey condo at the site. Part of that proposal will include 33 rental units to make up for the loss of the rental space at Lenmore Court. The opposition to the condo at the Days Inn Site seems a lot less than at Lenmore. So, that being said, I’m going to stick my neck out and suggest a possible solution. How about the developer build a 15-storey unit at the Days Inn site (with double the number of rental units at an
affordable price) and downsize the Lenmore building to six storeys? Sounds pretty simple to me, but feel free to share your opinions on this by sending me a letter. The debate regarding building heights on Queen Street East in the Beach has been sparked up again by a proposal for 1631 Queen St. E., a site just southeast of Coxwell Avenue. The plot of land sits between Eastern Avenue on the south and Queen Street East on the north. It is currently home to Beaches Employment and Social Services offices and the Coxwell Early Childhood Centre. This land is owned by the City of Toronto. Housing Now, which is an affordable housing initiative by the city and CreateTO aimed at using city-owned lands to build mixed-
income and mixed-use development, is proposing a development ranging from six to 17 storeys. Now, as you can read more about in the letters in today’s paper, a height of six storeys is the maximum allowed under the City of Toronto’s Queen Street East Urban Design Guidelines. Yet this Housing Now proposal seeks higher buildings in order to provide much needed affordable housing. I’m not the judge or the jury in this, but I will say those design guidelines were the result of a lot of hard work and consultation. We absolutely need more affordable housing, but it has to be done in a way that is welcomed by and integrated properly into existing neighbourhoods.
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, February 23 ADVERTISING DEADLINE: 5 p.m., Tuesday, February 16 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
Queen Street East building maximums are in Official Plan Re: ‘Build higher to increase affordable housing,’ Letters, Jan. 12; and ‘Skyscrapers will mean goodbye to the Beach,’ Letters, Jan. 26. The proposed redevelopment of the City-owned property at 1631 Queen St. E. has focused attention on the role played by Urban Design Guidelines (UDG) in the land use planning process. This is because it is the first development proposal for buildings that exceed six storeys, which is the maximum building height permitted under the current Queen St. E. (Coxwell Avenue to Nursewood Road) Urban Design Guidelines (Queen St. UDG), as adopted into the City of Toronto’s Official Plan in an Area Specific Policy. A preliminary concept plan for
1631 Queen presented at a Dec. 7, 2020 Community Consultation meeting showed an eight-storey building fronting on Queen Street, a 17-storey building fronting on Eastern Avenue and a 12-storey building between the other two buildings. Recent letters to Beach Metro News show there is uncertainty in the community about how the City’s proposed development of 1631 Queen can be reconciled with the Queen St E UDG. In order to provide context for this issue, it is useful to review how the Queen St. E. UDG were created. At the request of then BeachesEast York Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon, the City in January of 2012 initiated a Visioning Study of
Queen Sreet East between Coxwell and Neville Park Boulevard (later changed to Nursewood Road), as the existing UDG for the area (adopted in 1987) were thought to be out-of-date. The Visioning Study was to be undertaken by the City Planning Division “in consultation with the Ward Councillor, local community and other appropriate City Divisions, to develop appropriate Design Guidelines that balance the policies of the Official Plan with the desire of the local community to maintain the existing character of this portion of Queen Street East.” Over the summer of 2012 the City held three community workshops open to everyone, and four Stakeholder Advisory Committee
meetings (in which I participated on behalf of Greater Beach Neighbourhood Association). These meetings led to a draft set of UDG. The UDG resulting from the Visioning Study were approved by City Council in November of 2012. A Report from City Planning Staff described the role of the UDG: “The proposed Design Guidelines comply with the policies of the Official Plan and will form part of the City’s planning framework. They will ensure that new development on Queen Street East in the Beach is carefully designed and shaped to reflect the character of Queen Street East. The Guidelines will be applied to all development applications on this portion of
Queen Street East to ensure that change is managed appropriately as this main street continues to evolve over time.” The City in July of 2014 adopted an Area Specific Policy of the Official Plan which, among other things, stated that the Queen Street East UDG “will be used as a tool to evaluate proposed development in the area and ensure that such development is consistent with the Official Plan”, and that the overall height of new developments will be limited to six storeys in the Woodbine Precinct of the study area (which includes 1631 Queen St. E.). As a result, the six-storey maximum is contained in both the UDG and the Area Specific Policy of the Continued on Page 7
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
7
Letters to the Editor
Design and build better bike lanes: former councillor Please do not take this as an antibike rant. On the contrary it is in many ways the opposite. The other day I was driving my car on Woodbine Avenue. To be more accurate I was parked on Woodbine, along with many others, including many passengers in two TTC buses that were also waiting for traffic to get moving again. The bike lanes, that were put in a few years ago, have been an absolute disaster no matter who you are or how you look at it.
Later I managed to have an informative conversation with our hardworking Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford, a committed cyclist who was not responsible for the mess but who is trying his best to find a solution, without simply going back to bikes in mixed traffic. For the record, I agree with Councillor Bradford that going back is not the solution. Having had a lot of experience in capital budgets and construction, I can tell you that the real problem on Woodbine Avenue and all over
the City of Toronto is that the new bike lanes are being put in as a ‘“cheap” solution. Poor planning and lack of vision has resulted in a consistent reduction in road capacity in an expanding city that needs more room for more transit and yes more vehicles (not just personal cars). Lucky most of our roads were built with large right of ways so that they could either be expanded or utilities erected or buried. What we need to do is accept that the accommodation of bicycles
is a given. Since they are here to stay, they must be treated with and given the same respect as any other vehicle. That’s why a more permanent solution is needed. New bike lanes need to be ‘built’ into our city not simply painted on the road with plastic cones. How do we do that? Easy. We just need to reconstruct front walkways, lawns and sidewalks of those properties that face these arterial roads. That way we can add the space we need for bike
lanes without taking away road capacity. That is not a cheap solution, but it is a far better long-term solution which everyone will benefit from 50 years or more from now. We need to think out-of-the-box and keep the vision for this city within our sights. How will it look many years from now in an evergrowing landscape? Tom Jakobek Former Councillor and proud Beach resident
Better understanding of planning Blaming immigrants for lack process needed by community of housing is mind boggling Continued from Page 6
Official Plan which apply to 1631 Queen St E. There is a clear disconnect between the permissible height of buildings under the applicable UDG and Area Specific Policy of the Official (six storeys), and the preliminary concept plans for 1631 Queen St. E. Mark Richardson, in his letter, believes the height and angular plane provisions of the Queen St. E. UDG should be given little weight, because he views them as impeding an important social objective (increasing affordable housing). Scott Bullock, in his letter, believes that the UDG should be applied, given that the City initiated their development, and adopted them after an intensive community consultation process. An additional factor is that the City reinforced the importance of the Queen St. E. UDG by passing an Area
Specific Policy of the Official Plan mandating their use “as a tool to evaluate proposed development in the area” and adopting the six-storey height limit. These differing points of view appear to arise from a lack of clarity about the role that UDG play in evaluating development applications. Must they be complied with in all cases, or are they to be applied, as may be considered appropriate, on a caseby-case basis? It would in my view be helpful for the City of Toronto to educate the community about the importance given to UDG (as adopted in an Area Specific Policy of the Official Plan) in the evaluation of development proposals. The City should also explain the factors which it believes justify exceeding the six-storey limit on building height of the UDG and Area Specific Policy of the Official Plan (one of which, clearly, is
provision of affordable housing). The factors which justify exceeding the maximum building height limits of the UDG are important. The community has an interest in hearing from the City how it will distinguish the 1631 Queen St. E. development from future development proposals, which may be expected to seek similar treatment. A better understanding of the planning process will enable the community to have a more informed discussion about the proposed development at 1631 Queen. It will also help the community to understand the extent to which they may rely on the Queen St. E. UDG to ensure that new development on Queen Street in the Beach is designed and shaped to reflect the character of this part of Queen Street East Jeffrey Levitt
Please protect defenceless wild animals by keeping dogs leashed There is nature in the Beach. Yes, right outside our back door. But for how long? COVID-19 has further proven we are all drawn to the outdoors in search of relaxation. Why can’t our furry and feathery friends who were here thousand of years before us, be allowed the same respect as to simply be able to relax? Ashbridge’s Bay Park, south of the boat launch, is the area of concern. In the park we have black, gray, and red squirrels, minks, groundhogs, rabbits, muskrats, beaver, the odd fox, coyote and birds. When was the last time you saw any of these terrestrial animals? If every dog owner used their leash you would see them, and in more abundance, just like being at a zoo. Three weeks ago, I wit-
nessed a dog hunting down and killing a squirrel. Two weeks ago, I found a dead mink with puncture marks from teeth. Our two resident mink families appear now to have been killed off. Can someone please explain to me why irresponsible dog owners think it is a good thing for their dogs to hunt down and kill wildlife? Would you want to be hunted down? This is no different than last year when the fox kit was killed by an off-leash dog, under the Boardwalk. This incident got worldwide attention. The killing continues. It is the fault of the dog owner. It is not the dog’s fault. As dog’s are descendants of wolves, it is in their blood to hunt and kill. If I were a dog, I would want to run free, wouldn’t you? This is why Toronto taxpayers like you and I have
helped in paying 18 million dollars for dog parks. Our 70 dog parks require maintenance which costs an average $10,000 per park which works out to another $700,000 a year. What is being done to protect our wildlife? City councillors have told me that Ward 19 (Beaches -East York) has more than its quota of off-leash dog parks. Bylaw requests you call 311, anonymously if you prefer, to alert them of these offleash dogs so that they have a record of it. Please respect and obey the off-leash bylaws. We could then all benefit from what nature is attempting to provide for us. This is called biodiversity. Thanks to all responsible dog owners following the law, by using their leash. In doing so, we protect our defenceless animals. Clyde Robinson
Re: ‘Non-profit developments must follow same planning rules as other buildings,’ Letters, Jan. 26. As immigrants, we find the above referenced letter to the editor personally insulting and generally offensive. It boggles one’s mind how a local planning matter on waving height restrictions to accommodate affordable housing is the fault of immigrants. Aside from a flawed assumption that all growth in
Toronto results from an influx of immigrants, there is no acceptable logic for how many fewer immigrants it would have taken to avoid Toronto’s affordable housing crisis; or how United States of America levels of immigration become the solution for Toronto. The danger of the assertion made by the letter writer that immigrants generally are the cause of unaffordable housing is that the next even more offensive discussion is about how only certain im-
migrants are at the root of the problem. We also wonder what else immigrants could be blamed for – traffic congestion, pressure on public transit, the need for food banks, etc.? The letter’s position is not only misguided but also alarming. Cloaked as a concern about immigration policy, the message promotes the vilification of immigrants. Uwe Sehmrau and Christine Stanger
Welcome affordability to area Re: ‘Toronto needs to build up, not out,’ Letters, Jan. 26; and ‘Non-profit developments must follow same planning rules as other buildings,’ Letters, Jan. 26.. I was encouraged to see at least one letter in the Jan. 26 edition of Beach Metro News in support of the concept of increasing residential density in the Beach in order to accommodate more affordable housing. It is disingenuous to suggest that an increase in cur-
rent density would result in 17-storey highrises on every block. In fact, density could be increased dramatically by allowing one or two-storey additions to the current streetscape and confining new builds to a five-to-sevenstorey limit. More disturbing is the letter that depicts the xenophobic, closed minded nature that characterizes the Beach. This is a neighbourhood where we see cultural diver-
sity displayed in all its glory from A to B. Honestly, suggesting cutting immigration levels as a means of solving the affordable housing problem? And what evidence is there that the Greater Toronto Area is growing at an unsustainable rate? Come on Beachers, get on board and join the rest of the world in welcoming affordability and cultural diversity from A to Z, not A to B. Danny Bourne
Avoid the building mistakes of the past Proposals, such as the one to build a 17-storey tower on Queen Street East to house low-income residents, were shown to be unworkable as far back as the mid 1960s. Case in point is in New York when Robert Moses removed people to such “housing projects” as part of his slum-clearing and expressway-building vision in the 1950s. At first things were fine but soon stable income people moved elsewhere, replaced by poor people. The towers were not easy to police, invited the criminal element in, and trapped seniors, single parents, their children. The last highrise public housing project built in New York was 1972. The claim that highrise
low-income public housing doesn’t equate to warehousing the poor is to ignore the well-documented failing of such an approach over the last 70 years in all major North American cities, including Toronto. Moses’ antithesis, Jane Jacobs, said (and I paraphrase) that the solution to effective urban housing is to bring people closer to the street. People need to be part of the fabric of the neighbourhood, not removed from it. Jacobs said you need “eyes on the street.” Highrise dwellers cannot see the street, feel no ownership of it and ultimately remove themselves both psychologically and physically. Is it happenstance that
Moses and Jacobs would battle over 1631 Queen St. E.? The site sits adjacent to the what might have been the Scarborough Expressway, another development folly fought and defeated by community-minded locals including Jane Jacobs. Robert Moses would not agree with stopping the expressway but he was amenable to stacking the poor in concrete towers. Jacobs would say this project displays an “anti-urban bias”. I’m baffled as to why we are debating this when history shows that highrise towers for the poor are not the answer. Let’s build correctly and avoid the mistakes of the past. Mike Montgomery
8
BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Community Calendar proudly presented by
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. VIRTUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR CELEBRATION with Ralph Thornton Community Centre, Feb. 10, 4:30-5:30 p.m. Virtual dragon parade, stories, crafts, cooking, lucky draw, and New Year greetings from local VIPs. Register at www.eventbrite. ca and search ‘virtual lunar new year celebration’ SONGS OF LOVE ORGAN RECITAL, Feb. 14. Video Link through Eventbrite (Donation). Join Rashaan Allwood on organ with special guest Nadine Anyan, vocals, as they perform Songs of Love on Valentine’s Day. Allwood is a dynamic and multifaceted musician based out of Toronto, and recipient of the 2022 Marilyn Mason Award in Organ Composition from the American Guild of Organists, who have now commissioned him to compose a new piece for solo organ to be premiered at the 2022 AGO convention in Seattle, Washington. www.rashaanallwood.com/. Anyan has performed several operatic roles including: Micaëla in Carmen, Musetta in La Bohème, Chocholka in The Cunning Little Vixen, Lady in a cake box in Postcards from Morocco. In February 2019, Nadine was selected to perform at the Toronto Reference Library during the week of celebrations for American opera singer Jessye Norman. VIRTUAL SEEDY SATURDAY, Feb. 27, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at www.seedysaturday.ca/toronto Presented by Seeds of Diversity Canada, Toronto Urban Growers and Seedy Saturday organizers from across Toronto. Find links to companies selling seeds and gardening tools online; learn about seeds and gardening through webinars and videos with gardening experts; ask gardening questions in online meeting rooms with exhibitors; find local seed exchanges; find activities for kids; ask questions about the event at a welcome table with a live person. Info: scarboroseedysaturday@gmail.com
MEDIATION and COLLABORATIVE Linda Bronicheski
Lawyer, Mediator
47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith M.P. Beaches-East York info@beynate.ca
416.467.0860
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 COVID-19 SUPPORT GROUP for folks with longlasting symptoms, virtual meeting with East End Community Health Centre, Mondays (Feb. 8-April 5), 1-3 p.m. Connect with others who have been experiencing similar COVID-19 symptoms, both physically and mentally; learn about mental health challenges and develop coping strategies; get support from a team of health care professionals. This program is free. Space is limited. Registration (until Feb. 22): Marilyn VanDerKooi 416-778-5805 x 204, mvanderkooi@eastendchc.on.ca CARING FOR THE CAREGIVER during COVID, March 6 & 13, 1- 2:30 p.m. Whether you are caregiving at home, at work or from a distance. Whether you are tending to a family member, friend or neighbour, student, client, patient or another. Through reflection and conversation, as well as self compassionate, practical, and supportive strategies, this 2-part series is intended to provide you with a soft place to land, inviting you to tend to yourself while tending to others. Contact Christine at https://www. christinegraceandcommunity.com/ to receive Zoom link. 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 WEDNESDAYS: GRANTFULLL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen at 2029 Gerrard Street East is open from 2-6 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 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 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 AL -ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113 AL-ANON BEACH R&R GROUP meets Tuesdays at St. Aidan’s Church, Queen St. E. at Silver Birch Ave., 7:30 p.m. (newcomers’ meeting 7 p.m.). Use side door in middle of the building. No fees or dues. CHURCHES 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 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: Feb.21 – Interactive Sunday Session on Zoom; Feb.28 – Recorded Worship; March 7 – Sunday Worship Video; March 14 – Sunday Worship Video; March 21 – Interactive Sunday Session on Zoom; March 28 – Sunday Worship Video. Links will be posted on website: https://beachunitedchurch.com/. If you have any questions please email karen@beachuc.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 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. 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 11:00 am. We’re continuing a new series, “Behold, The Servant King!” and we look forward to encouraging and inspiring you as we grow together! Info: (416) 694-3054, admin@waverleyroadbaptist.ca, or www.waverleyroad.ca. Find us on Facebook & Instagram, too! Check out our IGTV for our Devotional Series (@waverleyroadbaptist), as well! 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 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
Are you getting
home delivery
of the Beach Metro News?
There may be a volunteer opportunity in your neighbourhood! Join our team and help us get the printed word out. Contact melinda@beachmetro.com
Beach Metro Community News is a free, non-profit newspaper established in 1972 /BeachMetroNews @beachmetronews #beachmetro
www.beachmetro.com
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
9
10
BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
KINGSTON ROAD VILLAGE Give a Sweet Escape this Valentine’s Purchase a MASSAGE GIFT CARD and receive a Box of Chocollata Gourmet Brigadeiros*
FREE
SHOPS
Your Trusted Local Framer
FRAMING • great selection of custom frames • experienced framers • reasonable rates • ready-made frames • mounting & laminating on various materials • canvas photo transfers
Call today! Curbside pickup available!
921 Kingston Rd. | 416 792 8460 | yellowhousegallery.ca
416.901.8626
974 Kingston Rd., Toronto, ON *While supplies last. Offer expires February 15, 2021. Valid in-store at Beaches location only. Call spa for full details.
Your Hearing is Essential ANTI-COVID MEASURES IN EFFECT
Call today to book your FREE Hearing Test! 1089 Kingston Rd. Unit 3, Scarborough, Ontario
416–698–9600
Located beside The Beer Store in Henley Gardens We accept WSIB, ODSP, DVA and all major insurance providers.
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
11
Deja Views The perfect balance between your life's philosophy & your budget
eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc. Proudly serving The Beach • Leslieville • Riverdale
647.660.5056 24/7
ecofuneral.ca
Experiencing a Wellness Challenge? Worry • Anxiety • Stress • Depression OCD • Bipolar • PTSD • Sadness PHOTO: CHRIS NICHOLLS
We’ve been there...we can help! Sign up for FREE & CONFIDENTIAL peer support
By David Van Dyke
It is with some regret that I share Chris Nicholls’ Iast submission. The Bessborough Mansions (above) on Queen Street East, just past Silver Birch Avenue were photographed in 1982. When Chris was a photo arts student in the 1980s, he documented many of the storefronts in the Beach. Luckily for us, he kept the negatives and prints. It has been delightful for me to rediscover businesses that long ago have left, but for many are still remembered. Thank you Chris for sharing this incredible body of work. If you want to see more of Chris’s work, check out chrisnicholls.live Do you have an old photo of the Beach that you’d like to share with our readership? Please contact me at gdvandyke61@gmail.com.
VIRTUAL PEER SUPPORT GROUPS! Join us most days for a FREE video support group run through ZOOM. Sign up and get details at: www.MeetUp.com Look for: Mental-Wellness-Peer-to-Peer-Support-Groups
www.MentalWellness.help
Boo, my beautiful sunrise seeker, you are the light of my life. I love you completely and forever. Please be my Valentine, M.
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith M.P. Beaches-East York info@beynate.ca
416.467.0860 PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE
Winterfolk festival goes virtual later this month By Jayson Dimaano
THE 19TH annual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival is going virtual for this year. Like many other events, it has been forced to go the online route due to COVID-19. For Winterfolk founder Brian Gladstone, going virtual will be a new experience “It’s a massive learning curve. My plan was to stream it live. By the end of November into December, streaming it live was not going to work,” said Gladstone. “The pandemic numbers were getting worse. I made a judgment call a few months ago.” Instead of live streaming,
all the artists taking part have produced and submitted their own videos, under a few technical specifications. Many of the artists recorded their submissions in their homes, which gives a glimpse into their daily lives, said Gladstone. “You actually get a slice of the artist’s way of life, rather than their stage personality. To my ears, it’s a different and interesting sound.” Gladstone said the reason he chose to have the festival in February was because there was nothing else happening in the city at that time. Winterfolk first took place in the College and Spadina
area downtown, but they moved to the Danforth in 2005 and have been there since. All the area venues participating in Winterfolk were packed during the festival, said Gladstone, and owners had their best weekends of the winter. The virtual Winterfolk is free, but the festival has teamed up with the Daily Food Bank and participants are encouraged to make donations if they wish to. The Virtual Winterfolk Blues and Roots Festival XIX is on Feb.19 and 20 from 7 to 10 p.m. each evening. Register at www.winterfolk.com/ registration-is-free/
12
BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Custom Pine We are taking online and phone orders for our custom pine furniture: info@seagullclassics.com 416-690-5224 Stay healthy. Stay safe.
1974 Queen St. East
416-690-5224
...in the Beaches, 7 days a week www.seagullclassics.com
Book an estimate today!
24 HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE • 7 DAYS A WEEK Residential • Commercial Furnaces • Boilers • Air Conditioning Preventative Maintenance & Safety Inspections Repairs • Installations All Makes and Models • Licensed and Knowledgeable Technicians Call us:
416•556•8368
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith M.P. Beaches-East York info@beynate.ca
416.467.0860
Reel Beach: Movies in East Toronto
Toronto locations stand in for Virginia and Washington D.C. in new series Clarice Bernie Fletcher M A D E - I N -T O R O N T O CRIME dramas are all over the television dial this month. Despite the pandemic, cameras have been rolling again on a number of shows, including a slew of new sleuths. Clarice (10 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 11) has been heavily promoted by Global and CBS. It tells the personal story of FBI agent Clarice Starling and picks up one year after the scary events of The Silence of the Lambs, the intense 1991 thriller which starred Jodie Foster and won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. “What do you do with all your rage?” Once again Clarice is troubled by her past and chasing down killers, but this time Toronto stands in for Virginia and Washington D.C. The Rouge River Valley near the Zoo in Scarborough is a beautiful place for hiking in nature, but it’s also a favourite filming location for terrible events.
On Clarice, a body is found in Little Rouge Creek near Zoo Road at the identical spot where scenes from the horror movie It (2017) were filmed. The Queen’s Gambit (2020) staged a tragic crash at a bridge over the same creek. Few people get to visit the nearby Valley Halla Estate built in 1936, but you can see the mansion in a number of films and TV shows, including In the Mouth of Madness (1995), Grey Gardens (2009), Orphan Black (2013-2017) and A Simple Favor (2018). He who shall not be named: Hannibal! The TV series Hannibal (2013-2015) also used Valley Halla as a psychiatric facility. If you’re wondering whether or not you’ll need to break out a little Chianti for Clarice, no, there will be no mention of Hannibal Lecter in the new drama due to complicated “rights” issues. Hannibal used the University of Toronto’s Scarborough campus as the FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia, as well as filming scenes at Bluffer’s Park beach. If that’s not enough murder and mayhem, there’s also Coroner (8 p.m. on Wednesdays) and the new buddy cop
In the television series Clarice, Rebecca Breeds plays the role made famous by Jodie Foster in the movie The Silence of the Lambs. show Pretty Hard Cases (9 p.m. on Wednesdays) joining the CBC’s detective lineup of Murdoch Mysteries (Mondays, 8 p.m.) and Frankie Drake Mysteries (Mondays, 9 p.m.). If you spy a vintage Porsche parked by a home on Balsam Avenue, that 1969 silver 911S belongs to Matt Shade (Jason Priestley) from Private Eyes which has moved to Thursday nights at 10 p.m. for Season 5 on Global. Other shows filmed in the Toronto area recently include Dan Brown’s intrepid scholar Langdon (NBC) forced onto a CIA task force
(sorry, no Tom Hanks) and supernatural sleuths Locke and Key. Chris Rock solves grisly crimes while driving a 1975 Camaro in the horror feature Spiral (May 2021). Do detectives really own vintage muscle cars? The silence is over Spotting FBI and Washington, D.C. police cars around town? Don’t worry, it’s just Clarice filming here until March 23. I’ll have a nice Chianti please, but hold the fava beans and be sure to get a mask on Hannibal Lecter if he ever shows up for dinner.
Scarborough Southwest MPP Begum named to new critic position by NDP By Ali Raza, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
THE ONTARIO NDP has appointed local MPPs to critic roles in its position as the official opposition at Queen’s Park. A critic role is when a member from the opposition
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.
party caucus is chosen to serve for that portfolio, and it is part and parcel of building an official opposition in the Ontario legislature and other Westminster parliamentary systems. Elected officials in the Beach and East Toronto area are serving in vital roles with the newest appointments. Toronto-Danforth MPP Peter Tabuns continues to serve as a critic for energy and climate crisis and Beaches-East York MPP Rima Berns-McGown continues to serve as the critic for poverty and homelessness. Scarborough Southwest MPP Doly Begum was appointed critic for citizenship, foreign credentials, and immigration services. It’s a new portfolio that includes a look into foreign credentials held by many new Canadians seeking employment for which they are qualified, instead of taking on underemployed work. Begum’s appointment to the new critic role comes as the NDP warns of a dire shortage of healthcare professionals during the pan-
demic. “As a Bangladeshi-Canadian immigrant whose family moved here to seek a better future, I have seen firsthand the struggles that our immigrant communities face – be it navigating various systems, or even finding opportunities to flourish in their new home country,” Begum wrote in her announcement. “It’s deeply important to me that we create an Ontario that provides equal and equitable opportunities for those who are newcomers and immigrants,” she added. Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath said Premier Doug Ford’s cuts to longterm care, education, and public health, combined with the pandemic response following those cuts is what prompted her to assign NDP MPPs new portfolios. “Ontarians elected an official opposition that’s full of everyday people who are deeply caring, diverse, rich in real-world experience and hard-working,” she said. Unlike ministers, critics from the official opposition are not given additional pay, benefits, or new budgets.
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
13
WE’RE OPEN FOR YOU! ONLINE, PHONE, DELIVERY, CURBSIDE, ONSITE Children’s French Book Corner
NEW
2205 Danforth Ave.
to
the
UR HOOD!
O NEIGHB
French Bookstore - Librairie Francophone In response to COVID-19 lockdown WE ARE TEMPORARY CLOSED FOR IN-STORE SHOPPING. Accepting orders by email. Pick up at the door of the bookstore at a pre-arranged time. 416-788- 8978 childrensfrenchbookcorner@gmail.com Lynda Grimard-Watt
WE ARE OPEN
and also providing CURB-SIDE PICK UP or DELIVERY!
2136 Queen St. E.
416.699.3747 beaches@hoopershealth.com
Store Hours
Mon. – Fri. 9 – 7 Sat. 9 – 5 | Sun. 11 – 4
VIC M. SARJU
Preserve and share your family memories with expert image scanning, photo restoration, and video digitization. Visit MemorySaver.ca or call 647-615-1543
ONLINE ADULT
Financial Advisor & Life Insurance Advisor
DANCE/FITNESS CLASSES
“Independent advice matters” Investment - Retirement - Insurance - Estate Consideration
Proudly Serving The Neighborhood For Over 93 Years Home Service – Major Appliances Parts Radio/TV Appliances 249 Coxwell Ave - Ph: 416 463 1164 www.butlersapplianceservice.com
Guaranteed Investment Funds (GIFs) - Segregated Funds, Annuities GIFs offers growth potential of mutual funds plus security of principal guarantees, estate planning benefits and potential creditor protection. Insurance: Life - Critical Illness - Disability - Travellers & Visitors Health & Dental Plans - Mortgage Insurance - Key Person Insurance RESP • TFSA • RRSP • RRIF • LIRA • LIF & Non-Registered Accounts GICs available from major Insurance Companies Cell: 416 560 0985 • mvsarju@gmail.com
Mondays 10-11am Dance/Fitness Wednesdays 10-11am Rhythmic Yoga Fridays 10-11am Dance/Fitness One class per week: $25 per month Unlimited classes: $50 per month
VIA ZOOM
stewart.moracen@gmail.com 416-323-3646
All classes begin on the first of each month and are payable by Interac eTransfer
Ma Premiere Ecole French Preschool
All Linguistic Backgrounds Welcome! 2.5 to 6 years old
visit us online at: https://ma-premiere-ecole.ca/
Join us for
• Full-time and part-time programs • French immersion preparation • French summer camps
contact us at: 416 671 4367 email: ma.premiere.ecole.toronto@gmail.com beach metro FINAL.pdf 1 20-04-06 11:27
we are open online! ONLINE CLASSES
AM
Enroll now at desantos.ca
gluten free low-carb vegan keto-friendly options available
CURBSIDE PICK-UP and DELIVERY!
Cook’s Wallpaper & Paint
OPEN for PICK-UP 2672 Danforth Ave. | 416.699.2669 Strength in Customer Service. Since 1949.
THE FOOT GUY
David Allison, D. Ch.
CHIROPODIST
416.691.4348
952 Kingston Rd., Suite 207 info@thefootguy.ca www.thefootguy.ca
The Artisans Imported Gifts & Sterling Silver Jewellery Family Owned and Operated since 1990!
1656 Queen St. E. (at Coxwell) Call or email us with your order! petvalubeaches@outlook.com 416-694-8176
Redefining the customer experience™️ Hardwood, Luxury Vinyl, Carpet, Laminate, Bathroom Vanities and Kitchens
416 755 6555 143 Bermondsey Road info@flooringandhome.com
Valentine’s Day is Sunday, Feb. 14 Place a phone order for pickup for something ‘Special’ for that ‘Special’ someone.
Stay Safe and Healthy 1974A Queen Street East | 416.690.1663
Jade and Indigo Designs Affordable, simple and impactful ideas for your home
PREPARED FAMILY MEALS
plus Fresh Produce, Meat, Dairy & Bread arriving daily
Monday-Friday 9-6 Saturday 10-4 Order online: fallingbrookmarket.ca
Safe • Contactless • Convenient
No design challenge too small
Declutter * Colour * Design www.jadeandindigo.com
Call Sue 416 890 5301 or Pam 647 218 8373
Balmy Beach Pet Hospital
Providing a variety of veterinary medical services for small animals in Toronto & surrounding areas! Tel. 647-983-2400 email: balmybeachpets@gmail.com
14
BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY HEALTH DR. KARIN RUMMELL & ASSOCIATES OPTOMETRISTS 1914 Queen St. E. (E. of Woodbine) Mon.- Sat. by appointment
PSYCHOTHERAPY
COUNSELLING
LAWYERS/LEGAL
LAWYERS/LEGAL
Tara Shannon
LAURA DENT, BA, MA IN COUNSELLING
Dashwood & Dashwood
KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.
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)
Cont.
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
Barristers & Solicitors
Geoffrey J. Dashwood
416-691-5757
416 698-6960 tara@tarashannon.ca
416-315-4591 LDENT@ROGERS.COM
961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738
BALSAM DENTAL
Beatriz Mendez
SPIRITUAL ADVISER
Snider & DiGregorio
Registered Psychotherapist
Finding meaning in your life
Family Dentistry * Open 6 days a week * * Evening hours available * New patients always welcome 2200 Queen St. East (at Balsam)
416-691-8555
www.balsamdental.com
BEACHES OPTOMETRY CLINIC Dr. Linda Chan, Optometrist and Associates
951 Kingston Rd. (West of Victoria Park)
416-691-1991
DR. LINDA WINTER Psychologist
Consultations • Therapy Individuals • Couples Over 20 years experience. Located at Queen & Wheeler
416-691-1071
B.A. B.Ed. M.A. DipTIRP
Low Fee - High Value Therapy Kingston Rd. at Victoria Park Ave.
Psychologist & Psychoanalyst
Individuals & Couples Services disponibles en français Insurance Coverage 47 Main Street (at Lyall Ave)
416-694-4380
www.East-Toronto-Therapy.com mendez.smith@sympatico.ca
Christina Connell
ACCOUNTING
BA, Dipl. TCPP, RP
Adults, Adolescents, Children 177 Danforth Avenue #301A 416-778-4242 www.christinaconnell.com
Lisa Romano-Dwyer Lakeside Wellness Therapy Affiliates Individual & Couple Care Child & Adolescent Counselling Services Wellness Life Coaching 1755 Queen St. E. • 416-951-8280
Online Psychotherapy Services for Adults Evening & Weekend Sessions
416-275-3735 www.drpaulamiceli.com
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.
COUNSELLING
SPIRITUAL ADVISER
Life & Relationship Issues
Finding meaning in your life
www.energyawakening.com
BeyondTheBlueTherapy.com
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
416-690-6800
Melani Norman
CPA, CMA Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes
LGTBQ+ / Anxiety / Depression
Therapy with Barbara Affordable Talk Therapy for Individuals or Couples
Emily C. Larimer BOOKKEEPING & PERSONAL TAX RETURNS
(Queen & Woodbine location)
Call: 416-693-2274 emily@eclarimercga.com www.eclarimercga.com
Patrick Ruiz Professional Corporation For your Small Business Self-employed income & investments Real Estate Rentals
647-300-4062 • patrick@prtaxcpa.com
February 16
300 Main Street 416-690-3324
advancedapproaches massage.com Su Willson, B.MUS, R.M.T. & ASSOC. 927 Kingston Rd. (W. of Vic Pk) • Open 7 Days a week •
Voted “#1 Spa and Best Massage Therapist in Toronto”
416-694-6767
BEACHES MASSAGE CENTRE Randy Groening, RMT
2212 Queen St. E. (at Spruce Hill)
416-690-5185
Downey Law
Your Personal Family Law Lawyer
416-915-3173
downeylaw.ca • briar@downeylaw.ca Free Initial Consulations by Video 2 LOCATIONS: Beaches - 1860 Queen St E, 2nd Floor Downtown - 2 Bloor St E, Ste. 3500
THERAPY LOUNGE Megan Evans, RMT, CRHP & Associates Massage Therapy • Reflexology 2245 Queen St. East • 2nd floor • Open 7 days per week •
www.therapylounge.ca
416-916-7122
DENISE BADLEY-CASTELLO Barrister, Solicitor, Notary
Family • Wills & Estates Real Estate
2069 Danforth Ave. (Woodbine)
416-690-6195
dbadleylaw@rogers.com
KATHRYN WRIGHT Barrister & Solicitor
Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848
2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com
GARRY M. CASS
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR Estate Planning/Real Estate/Business House Calls
416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garrycass@sympatico.ca
Glover & Associates Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries
416-691-3700
Queen and Hammersmith
INSURANCE Leane Besky Insurance Agency Inc. DESJARDINS INSURANCE Auto, Home, Life, Critical Illness, Disability, Financial Services
2243 Queen St. E. 416-690-7900 www.leanebesky.com
We specialize in wealth & retirement strategies, RRSPs, TFSAs, RESPs, Pensions and more. Life Insurance, Disability, Critical Illness
Aldo Lopez-Gil CFPr, CIMr aldo.lopez-gil@edwardjones.com 416-691-8730
Best of Both Worlds.
Same returns as the underlying fund/portfolio. Same MERs as the Mutual Fund. 100% Death Benefit Guarantee based on all contributions made before age 75. Learn more!
Vic M. Sarju 416 560-0985
CHIROPRACTORS
URBAN CALM THERAPEUTICS Stephanie Gage, RMT Kristina Pearsal, RMT 1789 Queen St. East, Unit 6
www.urbancalm.ca 416-698-3157
Jen Goddard, R.M.T. Neville Park Health Group 2455A Queen St. East
416-690-6257
ARCHITECTURE/DESIGN
Stephen G. King, Architect 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
Paul J. Cahill
Personal Injury Lawyer Car accidents, Slips and Falls, Disability Claims 220 Bay Street, Suite 1400 416-643-3857 pcahill@willdavidson.ca
Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION Linda Bronicheski, J.D.
Fairtax Accounting & Business Services Inc. 3000 Danforth Ave., Unit 3, Suite 123
Personal & Corporate Tax Returns E-file; Uber HST/GST Returns Business Plans & Projection
M. Shahab 647-836-5779 fairtax1994@yahoo.ca
FINANCIAL SERVICES
GUARDIAN MORTGAGES
NEXT DEADLINE
O’Reilly, Moll & Mian
662 Broadview Ave. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca
MASSAGE THERAPY
INCLUDING TAXES IN ARREARS
Therapist-in-Training Toronto Institute for Relational Psychotherapy
barbsaunders.com therapy@barbsaunders.com
Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca
Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law)
Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate
ONLINE SESSIONS Individual & Couples Therapy
2830 Danforth Ave. (East of Dawes Rd.)
• Accounting services for owner-managed businesses. • Personal and corporation income tax preparation. • Audit and consulting services for not-for-profit organizations
An accountant you can count on
416-829-0527, Main & Kingston
KATO ANIMAL HOSPITAL
Kriens LaRose, LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
CPA, CA
Kirsten Johnson
CHRISTINE KATO, B.Sc., D.V.M.
Tel: (416) 962-2186
416-694-0232
20 years experience
VETERINARIANS
Chartered Accountant • Corporate & Personal Tax • Specializing in small to medium business • Financial advice 21 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 502
CPA, CGA
Spiritual Counsellor since 1998
Peg Earle M.A., M.Div., RMFT 647-970-6807
William F. Deneault
Call 416-471-0337
Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd
Retired Psychotherapist
98 Scarboro Beach Blvd.
www.krienslarose.com
647-967-2659 karigregorio@hotmail.com
personal trainer 416 888 6465 mimi@missfit.ca
Bert van Delft
Complete financial services for the business owner, manager, entrepreneur & self-employed Corporate and Personal Income Tax Services Bus: 416-270-9898
Registered Psychologist
Kari Gregorio Batterton
missfit.ca in-home
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT
BSc, MSW, PhD, RSW
Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Public
Registered Psychotherapist
www.drlempert.ca
WELLNESS
20 years experience
Peg Earle M.A., M.Div., RMFT 647-970-6807
416-690-2417
Dr. Paula Miceli, C.Psych.
Dr. Linda Iny Lempert
Retired Psychotherapist
Cont.
Kinga and Allen Chin 416-315-0355 955A Kingston Rd, Toronto, M3E 1S8 info@guardianmortgages.ca www.guardianmortgages.ca Serving the Beaches & GTA
Dominion Lending Centres Clear Trust Mortgages Inc. (Lic#12806)
Janet D’Arcy
DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A Queen St. East
416 690-6257
Open Saturdays
Chiropractor
Shelly Pereira, Paralegal
BEACHES WELLNESS CENTRE
Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation
Registered Massage Therapy
647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net
2130 Queen Street East
Peter J. Salah
ASHBRIDGE’S HEALTH CENTRE
416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca
416-261-9679
John H.
1906 Queen St. E. (1 block east of Woodbine)
Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate
ARCHITECTURAL AND INTERIOR DESIGN CONSULTANTS DESIGN CONCEPTS AND PERMIT DRAWINGS WESLEY MORRIS, ARIDO, IDC, AATO
BJARNASON, D.C.
47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com
Commissioner/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation.
W. MORRIS DESIGN
416-694-2868
PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES Renovations & Additions Structural Design • Building Permit
Local • Affordable 416-200-6300 www.WINTACO.com
Dr. Johanna Carlo Chiropractic &
FUNERAL SERVICES
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
eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.
Life Celebrations. Done Differently. In Service with St. John’s Norway Cemetery & Crematorium.
647.660.5056 www.ecofuneral.ca
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
15
The Main Menu
This year we need to make a splash on Valentine’s Day Jan Main is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ yahoo.ca
THIS VALENTINE’S Day, more than ever, has to be special! Family’s working at home with school-aged children, singles isolated, essential worker’s having to go out to work and those without work or good health – so many negatives. This is the time to Put on the Ritz, make a splash and have a night out – at home – in style! It can be done. Why not dress up? Set the table? Decorate if you wish with a Valentine’s theme, and conjure up a menu of delights to share with those in your bubble. If alone, reach out to a friend by email or telephone to suggest having a glass of bubbly and a tasty meal together – on line. Best of all, share friendship! People love appetizers and dessert! Don’t worry, you can keep it simple and tasty. Not all items have to be homemade, select recipes or foods you love. The goal is to enjoy! All the recipes chosen are straightforward, some child friendly and quickly made. They can be prepared in stages - in advance, refrigerated or frozen- to be hassle free. Happy Valentine’s Day! Heart-Shaped Cheese Shortbread You can never go wrong if you have a batch of these mouth-watering “cookies” in the freezer. They can be refrigerated ahead or frozen and go from freezer to oven. A perfect nibble with a glass of wine or punch! (Recipe follows.) 1 cup (250 mL) all-purpose flour 1 cup (250 mL) grated old cheddar cheese 1/2 cup (125 mL) butter, softened Pinch of cayenne pepper Place flour, cheese, butter and cayenne pepper in a food processor or mixing bowl. If using a food processor, pulse until mixture forms a ball. If using a mixing bowl and electric mixer, beat until mixture comes together. Form into a ball. Lightly sprinkle with flour and place between 2 sheets of parchment paper or waxed paper. Flatten slightly with hand
and roll out with rolling pin away from you to ¼ inch (6 millimetre) thickness). Carefully remove top layer of parchment paper. Using heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out cookies, slipping metal spatula under cookies place on parchment paper lined baking sheet leaving ½ inch (1.2 cm) space between cookies. Place baking tray in refrigerator until ready to bake or pre-heat oven to (350 F) 180 C; bake 8 – 10 minutes until golden and just beginning to brown around edges. Serve immediately or at room temperature. Makes about 24 depending on size of cookie cutter. Recipe doubles easily. In the Pink Punch Serve this pink punch in a stemmed glass garnished with an orange slice and a cranberry on a toothpick, with ice. 1 L cranberry juice 1 bottle ginger ale 1 can frozen lemonade Ice cubes Pour cranberry juice into a large jug or punch bowl. Make lemonade using ginger ale instead of water and pour into cranberry juice. Add ice-cubes just before serving and several handfuls of whole, fresh cranberries. Serve at once. Makes about 8 cups (2 L). Pesto Croustades These “mini pizzas” are a delectable appetizer made with commercial or homemade pesto. They can be assembled ahead, refrigerated or frozen ready to pop into the oven just before serving.
1 baguette, cut into 24 (1/2 inch/1.2 cm) slices 1 cup (250 mL) winter pesto (recipe follows) or commercial pesto 3/4 cup (175 mL) oil packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained 2 cups (500 mL) shredded mozzarella cheese Spread each of the 24 slices with about 2 tsp (10 mL) pesto. Cut sun-dried tomato into 1- inch (2.5 cm) pieces and arrange in center of slice. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Place on baking sheets. Cover and refrigerate or freeze until ready to heat. To serve: Pre-heat oven to 350 F (180 C). Bake croustades for 8-10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately. Makes 24.
Winter Pesto 1/4 cup (50 mL) toasted pine nuts (optional) (toast on baking sheet at 350 F for 6-8 minutes) 2 cups (500 mL) packed fresh Italian parsley leaves 1/2 cup (125 mL) grated Parmesan cheese 2 tbsp (25 mL) dried basil 3 cloves, crushed garlic 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt 1/4 tsp (1 mL) fresh black pepper 1 cup (250 mL) extravirgin olive oil In food processor, pine nuts (if using), parsley, Parmesan cheese, basil, garlic, salt, pepper until finely chopped. With motor running pour oil through feed tube. Makes 1 1/3 cup (300 mL). Strawberry Crisp There is something truly luxurious about a hot crisp from the oven with the seductive fragrance of “just ‘picked’ berries. Strawberries in February! The perfect treat for Valentine’s Day, served with quality strawberry or vanilla ice-cream. Yum! Topping 1/2 cup (125 mL) butter melted 1 cup (250 mL) each, all-purpose flour, quick oats and brown sugar, lightly packed 1 tsp (5 mL) cinnamon Strawberry Base 6 cups (1 1/2 L) frozen strawberries, sliced 1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar Pre-heat oven to 350 F (180 C). Spray 13x9 inch (3 L) baking dish with baking spray. In an oven proof bowl, melt or microwave the butter to melt. Stir in flour, oats, brown sugar and cinnamon; mix well to combine evenly. Set aside. Arrange strawberries in single layer in baking dish and toss with sugar to evenly cover. Sprinkle crumb mixture evenly over strawberries. Bake in pre-heated oven 35 -40 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly. Serve hot or at room temperature with ice-cream. Makes 6-8 servings. Tip: At this time of year, frozen strawberries are a better choice than fresh; they were picked at their peak quality in the summer and flash frozen.
Offering Individualized Programs In-Centre or Online Tutoring for K-12. All Subjects.
Book a Free Trial or Assessment
•••••••••••••••••••••••• BEACHES (416) 694-2000 Queen / Wineva, Beaches
NEW LOCATIO N
Beaches@ScholarsCanada.com ScholarsCanada.com
“It feels good to know it’s all taken care of.” By pre-planning your final arrangements today, you can save time and money - and provide greater comfort and convenience to your family.
Get organized now: Call Planning Specialist Ryan Horvath for a FREE Planning Kit!
416-267-4656
mcdbrownscarb.ca
McDougall & Brown Funeral Home Scarborough Chapel by Arbor Memorial
2900 Kingston Road, Scarborough ON Family Owned. Proudly Canadian.
Arbor Memorial Inc.
Ad size: 5.06” x 3” h, BW Publication: Beaches Monitor Contact: Elizabeth W. Format: PDF 300dpi Due: July 30
NATHANIEL
ERSKINE-SMITH
Ad#: PRT-054-S-It feels good AD (from Bishop Gr.) ©Arbor Memorial Inc., 2015
MP Beaches-East York
Benefit Program Questions? beynate.ca info@beynate.ca 416.467.0860
16
BEACH METRO NEWS
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
THE BEST BUILDERS AND RENOVATORS ARE ALL RIGHT HERE
Est. 1988
“Design/Budget Development”
www.totalrenovations.com
416-694-2488
Complete Restoration Services Keeping your family safe and your valuables dry
• • • • • • •
Waterproofing Underpinning Brick Repair Porches Foundation Excavation Concrete
ntlcontracting.com | 416-850-4022
Quality Workmanship Customer Service
Maycock Contracting Fred 647-341-6129 maycockcontracting@gmail.com
The Beach Metro News proudly supports our Builders and Renovators. If you wish to have your company featured in this section, please contact: Mark Ireland – Advertising Manager mark@beachmetro.com
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
Open Doors: Spiritual Matters
BEACH METRO NEWS
17
HEAT WITH STYLE
ACCESSORIES | GAS, ELECTRIC & WOOD | MANTELS & DOORS
YOUR LOCAL YOUR LOCAL FIREPLACE FIREPLACE SHOP SHOP
www.classicfireplace.ca www.classicfireplace.ca
IMAGE: SUBMITTED
This artist’s conception shows what the front of St. Aidan’s church facing Queen Street East will look like once ongoing renovation work is complete.
Renovation work at St. Aidan’s will make it easier for church to welcome all visitors Church of St. Aidan in the Beach
I
f you’ve been down to the east end of Queen Street East in the last few months you’ll have seen a construction fence up all around St Aidan’s church, and heavy vehicles working on it. Maybe you’ve had to put up with the sound of their reversing beeps if you live nearby. Maybe you’ve wondered if we’ve sold the church and it’s going to be turned into something else. Well we haven’t sold it, but it is being transformed in significant ways. After standing for more than a century on the corner of Queen and Silver Birch it needs a major overhaul and modernization, so that it can continue to be a place
ary and in the lower level will be flexible, allowing for use of different kinds on different occasions: worship services, concerts, community events, kids’ and youth programs. We’ll continue to open our doors to those without homes or living close to the edge, offering meals, shelter, companionship and support. And the building will be more environmentally sound, with better insulation, removal of toxic materials, and more efficient heating and lighting. It’s perhaps advantageous that this renovation is being done during the COVID-19 pandemic, when we had to close the church anyway. And like many who want to see our communities build back better after the pandemic, addressing the urgent social and environmental needs facing us, we at St Aidan’s want to build
back better too. We want to face outwards not inwards. We want to be a neighbourhood church where everyone feels at home, no matter where they are on their faith journey. We want to be engaged in the issues that cry out for attention, whether local, civic, national or global. And we want to be an engaged, diverse, welcoming face of God in this little corner of the city. Building back better is something we will all need to do. We need to build back with more justice, more equity, more care for the vulnerable and unheard. May our church’s rebuilding symbolize a process we all take part in.
She has had her route in the Swanwick Avenue area for about 18 years. “I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that I have
info@beynate.ca
416.467.0860
Better things with a Desjardins Agent My service extends far beyond an initial conversation - I’m here for you every step of the way as your life and your needs change. Come see why life’s a little better with a Desjardins Agent. Stop in, call or click. Leane Besky Insurance Agency Inc Leane Besky CIP, Agent 2243 Queen St E Toronto ON M4E 1G1 416-690-7900 www.leanebesky.com
The Rev. Canon Lucy Reid is from the Church of St Aidan in the Beach.
Beach Metro News Lucky Volunteer Janis Mitts is the Beach Metro Community News Lucky Volunteer for Feb. 9.
Beaches-East York
had some assistance with my paper route over the years,” said Janis. “My husband, Trevor Squires, our daughter Hannah, and our neighbour and friend, Sara Nicholson, have all helped me out over the years.” For being selected Lucky Volunteer for Feb. 9, Janis received a prize of $50 which she has donated to Community Centre 55.
1410005CN.1
Rev. Lucy Reid
that people come to for worship, community, spiritual refreshment, and learning. And so that it can continue to be a place from which people go out into the world around them to meet its needs and be of service. Built on the slope that runs down towards the lake, the church was full of stairs accessing the different levels. Many parts of it were not accessible to those with mobility challenges. So an elevator and platform lift are being installed, and a ramped entrance. Where there were only side doors to the building before, a new glass front entrance will be added facing Queen Street East, leading into a welcoming foyer and reception area, with clear sightlines all the way down the aisle to the altar and choir stalls at the far end. The space in the sanctu-
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith M.P.
Desjardins Insurance refers to Certas Home and Auto Insurance Company, underwriter of automobile and property insurance or Desjardins Financial Security Life Assurance Company, underwriter of life insurance and living benefits products. Desjardins, Desjardins Insurance and related trademarks are trademarks of the Fédération des caisses Desjardins du Québec, used under licence.
Sandra Bussin
Sales Representative
Real Estate Homeward
416-786-4603 sandra.bussin1@gmail.com
416-698-2090 We sell Ontario
LOOKING FOR NEW REAL ESTATE AGENTS AND REAL ESTATE STUDENTS BASE STARTING SALARY. WORKING AS PART-TIME ADMIN + COMMISSION ONCE LICENSED • Mentoring from Experienced Brokers • Complimentary Weekly Training • Leads Provided • Complimentary BUSINESS CARDS, FOR SALE SIGNS, OPEN HOUSE SIGNS + more
Roger Gallibois
Mark Battenberg Sales Representative
647-858-9708 markbattenberg@rogers.com Real Estate Homeward 1858 Queen St. E. 416-698-2090
Broker/Owner, B.Sc. P. ENG. PHOTO: SUBMITTED
www.homeward.info
www.homeward.info
18
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
ABSTAX
CLASSIFIEDS
HOME CALLS & PICK-UP SERVICES AVAILABLE E-FILE PERSONAL & BUSINESS TAXES
416-699-6641
BLOCK AD
$13.00
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY 161 Main Street, Toronto M4E 2V9 Serving the Community for Over 40 years (17/21)
EXACT TAX SERVICES
1.5” wide x 1” deep
$20.
for the first 20 words plus 35¢ each extra word
00
TIM O’MEARA TAX ACCOUNTANT
(includes HST)
Personal • Small Business Corporate • Back Filing (11) Expert Bookkeeping, Small business specialists, Strong on QuickBooks, Simply Accounting, “cloud computing”.
The advertiser is responsible for checking the accuracy of the advertisement after the first insertion. Beach Metro News is not liable for errors and non-insertions in subsequent issues. Beach Metro News accepts advertising in good faith and does not endorse any advertisers or advertisements.
A la carte services. Affordable rates. Antonella 416-464-2766
Apartment/ Home for Rent
Announcemnet Happy Valentine’s
416-691-6893
www.regsappliance.com
•Fast friendly service for 40 years •CESA certified
Harding & King
R.E. Services Inc. Brokerage We make owning real estate & being a Landlord painless, easy & profitable. Call now 416-699-9714 x8
www.hardingandking.com
Volunteers Volunteers Needed to deliver BEACH METRO NEWS
Routes available throughout the Beach, Upper Beach, Danforth, Birchcliff STUDENTS EARN COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS or
416-698-1164 x 27 melinda@beachmetro.com
RED DOOR FAMILY SHELTER seeks individuals to serve on its Board of Directors. Please visit our website www.reddoorshelter.ca for more information or email
nominatingcommittee@reddoorshelter.ca Deadline for applications is no later than February 19, 2020, 5:00 pm.
Photo/Art Do you enjoy taking photos? Visit BEACH PHOTO CLUB
Meeting on Zoom for now, but still full program. Be inspired by prominent presenters, improve your skills, share your passion & meet new friends.
Beachphotoclub.com beachphotoclub@gmail.com
(22.)
Personal Care Botox: Facial, squint, and/or forehead. $10 per unit. 416-699-0589 Dr. Cathy Andrew (r)
Employment Wanted Construction labourer/Carpenter’s helper/Painter/Mover/Landscaper/ Cleaning, etc. PT/FT. Brad, own tools. 416-466-1649 (22)
Commercial Space for Rent
OFFICE SPACE
McArthur & Son Business Centre Air conditioning, boardroom, kitchen area, copier, etc. Individual offices from $425/mth. 577-579 Kingston Rd. @ Main St.
Beaches Fully Furnished Bachelor Basement Apt. $1,200/month includes heat/hydro/internet/cable. Angelo 416 698 9595 or 647 607 7067 (22) Upper Beach: Bright, large, open concept TWO BEDROOM APARTMENT located in the basement of a detached home. Stunning mature, tree lined street. Completely renovated space with friendly neighbors. New bathroom, new hardwood floors, freshly painted. Wood burning fireplace, several above grade windows, private entrance, large rear patio deck. Laundry facilities. Close to all Beach amenities, TTC. No smoking $1575/month all inclusive. Available February 1st or March 1st. Contact Paul 416-890-4644
(r)
UPPER BEACHES OFFICE SPACE
St. John’s Norway Cemetery Do you own a plot at St. John’s Norway Cemetery you’ll never use? We can buy this privately from you. Email or call today
info@ecofuneral.ca or 647 660 5056
416-690-2880
(r)
OFFICE SPACE
Exceptional office for rent in a newly renovated landmark heritage building, suitable for professional, medical or commercial use. Bay windows, recessed lighting, hardwood floors, wood wainscoting. Great visibility, close to TTC, GO.
416-271-5203
(r)
BUYING SPORTS MEMORABILIA
Hockey, Baseball, Basketball, Football cards, game programs, ticket stubs, pucks, hockey sticks, baseball bats, balls, autographed items, oddball related items. Call Grant 289-314-3533 or email bretsky@rogers.com (2)
Computer Services
(22)
www.beachmetro.com
KLEEN WINDOWS
Cleaning specialists •Windows •Eavestroughs •Decks •Siding 416-706-7130 905-706-7130 www.kleenwindows.ca
(r)
Home Decor 2358 Kingston Rd.
On-Site & Remote
IT Support
Call or text 416-801-6921 computer-assist@outlook.com
(23r)
Financial Services
(w. of Midland)
416-698-9000
BLIND AMBITION Custom Window Coverings Drapes, Blinds, Valances Also Duvet Covers, Shams, etc. For estimate call
(r)
416-694-6241
RUBBISH REMOVAL & DEMOLITION SPECIALIST RECYCLING 416-264-1495 CELL 416-567-4019
(r)
PETER STIEGLER
2462 Kingston Road Scarborough, ON M1N 1V3 Call our New # for an Appointment: More than 30 years in the Cliffside/ (23r) Bluffs Neighbourhood
(3r)
MR. FIX-IT
EXPRESS JUNK REMOVAL
BEACHES LAWN MAINTENANCE
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
LAWN CUTTING
Andrew English B.Ed. 416-690-6116 www.thestudystudio.com (22.r)
416 414 5883 info@blpm.ca
(22r)
EUROPEAN CLEANING LADIES
offer complete and thorough cleaning service for your house • office • condo Call Ilona 416-427-3815 (22$)
(22..)
Who has the time to clean anymore? I have the time, so give me a call. Roxanne 647 886 8303 Have you seen your floors lately?
THE CLEANING SERVICES OF STEVEN PICTON Personalized Residential Housekeeping 35 yrs. experience. References bspw.me@gmail.com
647 980 4973
HANDYMAN / HELPER Snow Shovelling Leaves, Yard Cleanup Garage Cleanups & Junk Removal Other various jobs Scrap metal removal 20 yrs experience Quality work. Good prices.
(22$)
Garden & Tree BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE -Lawn Cutting 416-414-5883
(22r)
(23)
Special for first-time clients. For your home/condo/office. Reliable, trustworthy, efficient cleaning service. COVID MINDED. (22..)
We are a local Beach Property Management company now offering COVID safe residential cleaning for all your cleaning needs. We specialize in move in/move out deep cleanings. Contact Casey at 416-886-6934 or casey@ashbridges.ca (22)
416-699-8333
416-691-8503
beachlawncare2020@gmail.com (22r)
BEACHES STUMP GRINDING SERVICE (22r)
EVERGREEN TREE CARE YOUR LOCAL, FAMILY RUN TREE PRESERVATION SPECIALISTS
Pruning, Cabling, Planting, Arborist Reports, Removals, Stumps, Milling Free Quotes! 416.546.4889 info@evergreentreecare.ca evergreentreecare.ca (22.)
JOY OF MUSIC Music Lessons
piano, guitar, voice, violin, drums & more
WE ARE NOW OPEN!
Plexiglass screens, masks, sanitizing hands & keyboards.
joyofmusictoronto.com 416-269-8109 (22)
THE TWO FOURS Rock, Roll, Roots, Blues, Country & Random
Happy New Year from your local Rock ‘n’ Roots Revival Band
Landscapers
(22r)
Sunken Interlock Repair Flatten out your uneven... -Driveways -Walkways -Patios
647 679 3282
(22r)
HOWELL PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Servicing residential and commercial
437-774-6300
(11)
“Always on Time and on Budget”
Delivery Service Available Junk and Garbage removal Cottage country services
2 Men + Truck $85/hr
416-830-8183
(22.r)
Painters
Larry’s Painting & Repairs Family owned & operated 26 years in business
416-690-3890
(r)
PROWAY
Green Apple Landscaping
PAINTING & DECORATING Interior • Exterior Residential • Commercial Plastering • Drywall
Award Winning Design & Build 25 years Experience Read our reviews on Homestars.com One-of-a-Kind Outdoor Living Spaces
416-288-1499
www.greenapple.ca
416.797.6731
proway.painting@gmail.com Free Estimates & References Available
(3)
(r)
SERENITY PAINTING
Green Apple Landscaping
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
(r)
Steve 647-853-6420
(3)
STONEHENGE
‘As Promised’ Painting
LANDSCAPE • DESIGN & BUILD
We stand by our contracts, big or small. Also do Drywall and Plaster Repairs and more
www.stonehengedesignbuild.com (r)
KIM PRICE
*** Free Estimates ***
Dianne 416 699 5070
(19/21)
PROFESSIONAL PAINTER
Landscape Design 647-545-5143
Creating Award Winning Gardens • Design and Construction •
www.kimpricelandscapedesign.com
Richard Durocher Interior & Exterior Small to Mid-size jobs
647 401 7970
(23)
(4)
BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
Get ready to rock when the time comes (again). Stay well. Stay home. Stay tuned.
LAWN CUTTING
https://facebook.com/thetwofoursband
info@blpm.ca
thetwofours@eol.ca • 416-690-5442
416-265-6674
sales@larryspainting.ca www.larryspainting.ca
416-467-6059 (r)
www.thestoneporch.com thestoneporch@gmail.com
www.thegoodmoves.com 899-3980 (22.)
www.greenapple.ca
Bach to ROCK
Finely Finished Stone Work
Call Hakan: 416
*STARTING AT $20
Front yard parking pads Drawings • Permits • Build 416-288-1499
Music
THE STONE PORCH LANDSCAPING
• Small and Big Moves • All Kinds of Delivery Services incl. cottage country • Junk and Rubbish Removal
LAWN CUTTING SERVICES
647 679 3282 beachbuilds.ca
(22r)
Movers
-Spring/Fall Property Clean-Ups -Hedge Trimming info@blpm.ca
Relevelling of: -Driveways -Walkways -Patios -Retaining walls
• Lawn Maintenance & Fertilizing • Fall/Spring clean ups • Snow removal Call today for a free quote
Beach Lawn Care
Kingston Rd/Vic Park
Times are harder than ever Stop paying the big guy’s prices We will beat any written estimate up to 20% because at the end of the day, it’s all just garbage Call today for your free estimate (22.) 416-270-0879
(23r)
THE STUDY STUDIO
Scarboro Music (1)
Helping the student in your house adapt to the new educational reality.
Proudly serving the Beach for over 20 years Neil Bennett B.Ed./OCT Sally Vickers B.Ed./OCT
We teach it all!
+ SMALL JOB HANDYMAN
Head Start Tutors
(r)
(22r)
647 679 3282 www.beachbuilds.ca
www.headstarttutors.ca 416-272-9589 • neil@headstarttutors.ca
ASHBRIDGES CLEANING SERVICES
General repairs: Drywall / Caulking / Painting etc. Odd jobs: Fixtures, TV, Shelf & Picture install / Furniture assembly (IKEA)... & much more! Call/text Peter 416 577 4252 (22)
• COVID CATCH-UP • • in-depth homework/test help • • essay-writing + study skills • • numeracy + literacy support •
Window & Eaves Cleaning Gutter Filter Installation rileyswindowcleaning.com
647 679 3282 www.beachbuilds.ca
“save your sunken stone”
A family business since 1956
647-550-4043
(3r)
THE STONE SAVIOUR
Currently offering SKYPE/FACETIME SESSIONS
For more info, call Beata at
PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS
Call Greg 437 230-4824
RILEYS’ WINDOW CLEANING
All Day Cleaning
BEAR’S GARBAGE REMOVAL & DEMO
Income Tax Preparation
416-261-1112
WAYNE’S
647-235-6690
1232 Kingston Rd., Suite 5 Toronto, ON M1N 1P3
(22)
(23)
647-899-9074
Tutoring
Online teaching available Ines 416 726 5729 (22.)
INDIV/GRP TUITION IN YOUR HOME QUALIFIED + EXPERIENCED TEACHER, K-12 PROVEN SUCCESS - REFS AVAILABLE (22r)
(r)
Best Prices/Free Estimates
HELLARRA SERVICES INC.
Call 416-783-3434
“General Outdoor Stonework” RETAINING WALL SPECIALIST Contact: JB Barton
call ALBERTO 416 690 9389 for
• Bio-degradable, non-allergenic products used • Drying time 3-4 hours • Bonded, insured, certified Free At Home Estimates!
Beach Builds
We share our love of music using the Suzuki Method by providing gentle encouragement, inspiration, and musicianship in Violin and Piano.
HELP WITH MATH & ENGLISH
CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING
Contact Martha @ Cell: 647-206-1415 Home: 416-449-0171
INDOOR / OUTDOOR
Computer Professional
Cleaning Services
I provide excellent cleaning services for residential homes and condos.
Vienna Upholstery
10+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work. Randall 416-450-0599 torontomrfixit@gmail.com
(22.)
EXTREME CLEANING
Peter the Handyman
Business & Personal Income Tax Computer Bookkeeping & Accounting
Ideal for medical professionals, lawyers or accountants
(r)
General Services
Burial Plots
Paul McArthur 416-821-3910 pmcarthur577@gmail.com www.mcarthurbusinesscentre.com
Repairs to fridges, stoves, washers, dryers, dishwashers
(23)
Wanted
Call Juan 647 518 1179 www.ridesafetransport.ca
416 421-5758
REG’S APPLIANCE
LANDLORDS For Peace of Mind Call
to Avondale Nursing Home Residents
(3r)
Household Services
Deadline for February 26th issue is February 16th
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.
HEALTHY HOME
416-691-7556
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
RideSafe Transport
SPECIALISTS IN CDN AND U.S. TAXES GOV’T GRANT & LOAN APPLICATIONS
Ads are available in two sizes:
WORD AD
BEACHMETRO.COM
WG PAINTING Local resident w/32 yrs. exp.
INTERIOR PAINTING
All work guaranteed Fully insured • Free estimate
416-414-5883
416-322-7692
(22r)
warren_gamey@yahoo.com (1r)
Tuesday, February 9, 2021
BEACH METRO NEWS
19
Online food bank opens in southwest Scarborough By Jayson Dimaano
LATE LAST month, Feed Scarborough, part of the Scarborough Food Security Initiative (SFSI), started an online food bank. Serving a number of Scarborough communities including Cliffside and Oakridge, the initiative has been running a number of food banks since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The move to also offer an online option was made to make the service accessible to everyone in the community. That came on the heels of converting their food banks to more of a grocery-store style facilities in the fall of last year. In a press release, Feed Scarborough said that with support from Daily Bread Food Bank and Toronto Foundation, it converted three of its existing food banks into grocery stores in November of 2020. Previous to that, clients of the
food banks were offered a prepackaged hamper of food (fresh and non-perishable). They are now invited into the Feed Scarborough food banks and/ or online store to select which fresh and dry groceries they will bring home to their families, said the press release. During the first wave of the pandemic, many food banks closed, due to COVID-19 health regulations and concerns. This meant many people who relied on these food banks could not access them. Suman Roy, the founder of SFSI and a few volunteers, thought about coming up with a solution for the 350 households in the area that needed food bank services. “Ultimately, clients’ safety, choice, and dignity inform operations at Feed Scarborough. Witnessing growing lines is daunting, especially with the cold weather, making it all the more important to
MASTER PLUMBER
BEACH HILL
PAINTING
PLUMBER CONTRACTOR
25 years • Free estimates
George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872
INTERIOR, EXTERIOR QUALITY PAINTING; KITCHEN CABINET REFINISHING & CUSTOM PAINT; STAINING & WATERPROOFING, DECKS & FENCES
Dave 416 694 4369
dave@beachhillpainting.com (6r)
(22r)
ATLANTIS PLUMBING
WG PAINTING Local resident w/32 yrs. exp.
INTERIOR PAINTING
& DRAINS Dishwasher & Gas Repairs Heating, Boilers & Radiator Repairs Reno, Repairs - LICENSED
All work guaranteed Fully insured • Free estimate
416-322-7692
416-265-4558
warren.gamey@yahoo.com
(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
Satisfaction guaranteed! Call Jeff today for free estimate. 416-910-6302 beachcombersgc.com info@beachcombersgc.com
Cell 416-727-1595
(22)
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 (23)..
Fault Finding Knob & Tube Rewiring Service upgrades Insurance certificates
Fences, Decks, Porches Flooring, Windows, Doors, Trim, etc. Kitchens & Bath • Garage Restoration Serving the Beach for 15 yrs.
Kevin 647 282 8375
(22)
ESA LIC# 7002668
CEJA ELECTRIC
CUSTOM CARPENTRY IN THE BEACH
INTERIOR, EXTERIOR CARPENTRY QUALITY PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL DESIGN + BUILD Mario 416-690-1315 www.friedrichbuilds.com (22)
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)
LTD
MASTER ELECTRICIAN
(r)
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Fully licensed & insured. ECRA/ESA #7008706
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)
TOM DAY
George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872 (22r)
MBX ELECTRIC Master Electrician Lic. ESA ECRA #7000314
Residential • Commercial - Knob & Tube Wiring - Service Panel Upgrades - Renovations & Alterations
Call Marc 416-910-1235
Plumbing & Drains All types of plumbing work. Smallest leak - complete bath reno. Internal & external drain excavating. Call the professionals 416-480-0622
100/200 AMP Service Upgrades • New Wiring New Homes/Additions Lighting Installations Troubleshooting
Cascade Plumbing GTA
MASTER
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 (22r)
THOSE ROOFERS Don’t call them, call those roofers ALL TYPES OF ROOFS
- Shingles & Flats- Repair & Tune ups - Cedar & Slate - Re-roofs & new work
Trades
Doug 416-871-1734 Jeff 647-686-8103 (r)
SERVICES “No Job Too Small”
•CARPENTRY •PLUMBING •ELECTRICAL
•PAINTING •STAINING •DRYWALL REPAIR •PARGING •DECK & FENCE BUILD & REPAIR •INTERIOR & EXTERIOR REPAIRS (r)
WET BASEMENT ?
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 (22$)
Flat and Shingle Roofs Re-roofing, Repair Eavestrough, Soffit & Fascia Workmanship Guaranteed Gus:
ESA/ECRA 7002084
(2r)
ELECTRICIAN
COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SERVICES RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL
416-833-3006
416-910-8033
(r)
Cable & Telephone Wiring
(22.r)
TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES LTD. Local • Reliable • Professional Servicing the beach for 15 years.
MAYFAIR HEATING & COOLING
(22$) (r)
YOUR STUCCO Stucco • Moulding Wall Systems
Brick • Block • Concrete Steel • Stone www.thestoneporch.com thestoneporch@gmail.com (22r)
UNDERPINNING & WATERPROOFING
Maximum General Contracting Inc. “Your basement lowering specialists”
Drywall, Plastering, Taping 20 yrs Experience • Excellent Job Call Mike 416-854-7024 647 833 7024 Fax 647-341-6104 (17/21r)
416-826-3918 John www.mgcunderpinning.com maximumgen@gmail.com MET# B16348
Since 1998
(22r)
MASONRY by Daniel
SILVERBIRCH
HARDWOOD
• chimneys & foundations • parging & tuck pointing • arches, lintels & sills • door & window rough-ins • foundation waterproofing
FLOORING SPECIALIZING IN SANDING & STAINING JIM 647 405 8457 416 691 8457
THE STONE PORCH MASONRY
416-265-6674
416 467 6735
(22.)
QUALITY HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS by Jim Ferrio
416 694 0906
Call Jim for a free estimate
torontoroofingindustries.com (22r)
416 660 4721
(22)
S.A.C Masonry Brick, Block, Stone, Chimneys, Concrete, and all masonry repairs Call Sergio 416 873 9936 (22)
CJ DRYWALL & PAINTING Professional drywall and plaster work. Renovation and Repair. Very clean. No job too small.
KEW BEACH
Cell 416 434-2762 Painting - Basement Renos Plaster & Stucco • Interior & Exterior Small Renovation Jobs & Indoor/ Outdoor Spray Painting 35 Yrs Exp • Refs upon request (3) Free Estimates
Maurice (Cell) 647.638.8441
FOUNDATION
416 759-8878
classicrestoration@outlook.com (22$)
JOHN CLARKE
mayfairHEATINGandcooling.com
Alan Burke 416-699-4350
38 Years experience
Call C.J. 647 222 5338
Residential, Commercial, Retail, Home Offices Senior Rates
VISA / MC / AMERICAN EXPRESS (22$)
Marc 416 419 4281
Classic Restoration & Woodworking
marcangelointeriors@hotmail.com (23r)
INDOOR AIR QUALITY
Big or small we do them all Lic: 7006786
(22r)
Telephone Systems
stonehengefoundations.com (r)
CITY WIDE ROOFING
www.canpromechanicalgroup.com
Drywall, Taping Trim, Tiles, Painting
Fully Licensed Contractors Guaranteed
Lic - Insured • Free Estimate
CANPRO MECHANICAL
MARCANGELO INTERIORS
HANDYMAN Marc Text/Call 416-617-7205
(1r)
416-606-4719
(22)
WATERPROOFING/ REPAIR UNDERPINNING
ROOFING & SIDING? SOLUTION!
416-694-6673
Residential/Commercial
(r)
(22r)
ELECTRICAL WORK
(22.r)
Lic# B16393
647-771-0227 jeff@heyhandyman.ca www.heyhandyman.ca
Air Conditioning & Heating Experts HVAC / Repair / Maintain / Install Residential / Commercial Rental programs now available
www.webuildit.ca
Roofing & Aluminum 416-569-2181
CARL 647-787-5818
MET LIC P18238, BBB A+, WSIB Master Plumber: Franc Zamernik
Shingles • Flats • Cedar Free Estimates Residential & Commercial Tel: 416-752-6453 Cell: 416-788-9020
Serving Your Community Since 1971
www.laniganscontracting.ca
(r)
Professional Quality Service Repairs-Renovations-Installations
J. BROW ROOFING
Metro lic #B531 • All Work Guaranteed • Free Estimates
LANIGAN’S
free estimates
ONTARIO WATER PLUMBING
(2r)
FAIRNEY & SONS LTD.
An honest family service in the heart of The Beaches
ECRA/ESA LIC#7001069
*Ask For Photo I.D.*
50 years in the Beach
(22.)
Steve 416-285-0440 cell 416-605-9510
416-659-7003
Knob & tube rewiring Service Upgrades
416 691-3555
Painting, tiling, fencing, drywall, flooring, siding, vanities & much more.
Met. Lic. B-16-964
Roofers
CELL 416-875-5781
Small Repairs to complete houses Renovations
24 hr. - lic# P1624
by Kevin
FURNITURE REFINISHING + REPAIR
SERVICES
15 yrs exp No job too small! Free Quotes, satisfaction guaranteed - Lic & Ins
Shingles • Flats Roof Repairs • Metal Work Eavestroughing & Siding Waterproofing • Since 1984
CARPENTRY
The initiative also advocates for services for those in need in the southwest Scarborough area. As part of that advocacy, they will be holding the online Feed Scarborough Summit 2021 on Poverty, Inequity and Hunger on Tuesday, Feb. 9. The summit will take place from 5 to 9 p.m. Issues to be discussed will include systemic barriers to necessities such as food, housing, and water, and what solutions exist. Scarborough Southwest MP Bill Blair, Scarborough Southwest MPP Doly Begum and Scarborough Southwest Councillor Gary Crawford will be among those taking part in the summit. To register to participate in the summit, or for more information, please go to www. eve n t b r i t e . c a / e / 2 0 2 1 - su m m i t o n - p ove r ty - i n e q u i ty - h u n g e r feed-scarborough-tickets134552262439?ref=ecount
HEY HANDYMAN
Foundation Repair/Waterproofing
DECLAN O’MEARA 416-698-6183
BEACH PLUMBING
Harvest, friends, and volunteers, they have kept Feed Scarborough open consistently since the pandemic began. The press release added that Feed Scarborough hopes the success of the online store launch will encourage other food banks across the country to move in this direction as well. “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to push more people into poverty, food banks will play an even bigger role in the food system. The conversation around dignity and choice needs to be central if we are going to meet the increased demand for food assistance with compassion and solidarity,” the press release said. To shop their online store, please visit https://scarboroughfoodsecurityinitiative.myshopify.com/ For information on the Scarborough Food Security Initiative, please visit https://scarboroughfoodsecurityinitiative.com/home
CANADIAN CONTRACTORS
Carpenters
GREEN ISLE ELECTRIC
Plumbers
www.ontariowaterplumbing.com
Fully licensed & insured. Lic #T94
develop solutions,” said Roy. “We hope that the launch of our online food bank will grow our capacity by 40 per cent to meet the growing demand for food assistance due to COVID-19 in Scarborough southwest.” SFSI did a two-week pilot project of the online food bank and it was a success. They found that their online store was more accessible to people who either have limited free time, are unable to travel outside their home, and/or felt the stigma of accessing a food bank in person. On top of that, they were getting new clients; people who never used their food assistance program before. SFSI needed to think creatively, work with limited resources, and prepare for worst possible case scenarios in order to faithfully serve their community. But thanks to sponsors such as the Daily Bread Food Bank, Second
416 988-2589 danielmccaf@gmail.com
GENERAL CONTRACTING Kitchens - Bathrooms Basements - Doors, Windows Garages - Fences, Decks
For all your reno needs, no job too small. Metro lic
416 824-7901
(23)
Next Deadline February 16 BEACHES HANDY WORKS 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)
JUST DRYWALL AND TAPING Sam Capetanu
416 876-4986
(2.)
JDB MASONRY • Brick / Foundation • Concrete / Stone • Chimney & Parging
Restoration & Build (22r)
Jack of all Trades HANDYMAN SERVICES
Basements, Kitchens, Bathrooms Fences, Decks, Drywall, Carpentry No job too small. Free estimates. Serving the Beaches for 15 years.
416-278-5328
(2)
(13)
www.jdbuild.ca
416-738-2119
(2r)
JASON THE MASON TUCKPOINTING • CHIMNEYS CONCRETE WORK WINDOW CUTOUTS WATERPROOFING REGISTERED & INSURED 416-580-4126 cell
(8)
20
Tuesday, February 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.
KG Dianne & Brian Chaput Sales Representatives Royal LePage Estate Realty
416.690.5100 | chaputliving.com
DESIGNED TO DELIGHT
photo: Richard Lautens
Happy ! y a D y l Fami
ARE YOU MISSING OUT? Email me to receive market updates for your street.
KEN GRIEVE
Kerry Jackson
(416) 587-7522
Sales Representative
Royal LePage Estate Realty, 2301 Queen St. E. Direct 416.571.2181 | Office 416.690.5100 Kerryjackson@gmail.com
Royal LePage Estate Realty Putting you first since 1985.
kengrieve@royallepage.ca kengrieve.com
A stunning location on a coveted street in the Beach neighbourhood certainly charms, but architecture steals the show.The home’s spacious layout offers flexibility in a variety of public/private areas. Options for home office,studio space, additional bedrooms, or a private sanctuary are here. A sweeping staircase leads to the mezzanine and overlooks the main living room with its 22 foot ceiling. An open concept chef’s kitchen, another outdoor kitchen and terrace, parking and 81 ft. frontage are a few of the features of this light filled home.
YOU ISWE WHAT WE DO.TM HELPING HELPING YOU IS WHAT DO.TM e smi deer n i$3,089,000 al l S&e C R e s i d e n t i a l & C oRm c ti a r voim c emse r c i a l S e r v i c e s
estaterealty.ca | 416.690.5100 estaterealty.ca | 416.690.5100
2301 Queen St. East | 1052 Kingston Rd | 517 Parliament St.
2301 Queen St. East | 1052 Kingston Rd | 517 Parliament St.
Proudly Helping You ‘Own Your Dreams’ While Staying Safe and Exceeding Expectations!
1256 Kingston Rd is a rarely offered 3-bedroom bungalow in the sought after Hunt Club neighbourhood! Contact us for more information about this property
Tory Brown Team 416.690.5100
416.526.9970 bonsellhomes.com lainey@bonsellhomes.com
TORYBROWN.CA
JessBrown ToryBrown SALES
REPRESENTATIVE
BROKER
Your non-profit community resource since 1972 www.beachmetro.com /BeachMetroNews
@beachmetronews
beachmetro
The Beach | Upper Beach | Beach Hill | Crescent Town | East Danforth | Birch Cliff | Cliffside | Gerrard India Bazaar | Leslieville