The annual Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade took place along Queen Street East
on Sunday afternoon. Sunny weather brought out big crowds to welcome the Easter Bunny. For more photos from the parade, please see Pages 12, 13 and 16.
in the East Toronto area are calling for increased access to playing spaces at the Ashbridges Bay volleyball courts on Woodbine Beach.
With the majority of the 103 courts at the west end of the beach requiring a permit to use, only eight are reserved for public use. However, these “public” courts are likely to be unavailable if volleyball players get to the beach after office hours, according to Sarah Khoo, a member of a local volleyball group.
Khoo’s group was advised by the City of Toronto that the only solution was to get a permit for the courts to guarantee space would be available to play.
“I thought this was silly because
we’re residents and in order for us to do some recreational exercise, we have to get a permit,” said Khoo.
Upon getting their application for the $3,000 permit approved, however, Khoo’s group was assigned just two courts (Courts 38 and 39) in the south side of the beach area. She said those two courts have been rejected by other groups and are often littered with bird feces, are rocky, and sometimes wet as a result of high water and flooding.
These two courts were to be shared amongst about 25 members of her group, said Khoo.
“To be honest, half of last year we couldn’t even use the courts,” said Khoo. “Why are we paying for courts that are at the end for the same price as courts that are nearest to the Boardwalk with great sand and no issues with rocks and
everything else?”
Khoo and her friends were able to get a small portion of their money back after complaining to the city about the state of those two courts they were given permits for.
She said she feels her small nonprofit group is being treated unfairly and that larger organizations get the prime courts for their permits.
“Why is the city giving the prime courts to only profit-making entities,” she said.
Although the permit cost was partially refunded, Khoo is still unsatisfied as she believes that the permit-based courts should be accessible to all residents and not just the organizations that currently hold claim to the lion’s share of spaces.
She escalated her concerns to
Continued on Page 9
THE BEACH BIA will be brightening up the neighbourhood through its Beach GLOW initiative, a series of interactive light art installations. The project, which has been in the works since 2022, is funded by the Government of Canada through the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario’s Tourism Relief Fund.
Beach GLOW aims to brighten up life in the community with hopes of inspiring residents and tourists to spend more time on Queen Street East following the hardships caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the height of the pandemic, small local businesses had the highest level of restrictions placed on them which resulted in a lot of
business turnover, according to The Beach BIA Executive Director Paul Bieksa.
“It was unprecedented times,” said Bieksa. “There was a lot of forced isolation. Plus our area is also susceptible to tourism dependency because of the fluctuation of the seasons.”
With most people opting to visit the area in the summer while foot traffic tapers off in the winter months, coupled with much of the summer visitors choosing to spend most of their time on the beach itself, Bieksa said he believes that beautifying the neighbourhood will “give people more of a reason to come up to Queen Street.”
There are currently five installations across Queen Street. They are located on the southeast corner of
Continued on Page 5
The fight for local journalism continues, and advertising alone will no longer solely support this publication. Your donation helps our paper to continue to provide the community news that is important to you. Please use the QR code at right or visit www. beachmetro.com/support to read the letter from journalists in the community who are showing their support for Beach Metro Community News.
Thank you again for supporting local journalism. There is no Beach Metro Community News without you, our readers.
SHOREVIEW VETERINARY Hospital, set to open its doors later this spring on Kingston Road, plans to be a leading provider of modern veterinary care for the East Toronto community.
Led by Dr. Nigel Skinner, a veterinarian with more than 20 years of experience, and his wife, Tracy MacTaggart, who brings a wealth of management expertise from her previous career in the television industry, Shoreview embodies the passion and commitment of its founders.
For Skinner and MacTaggart, the journey to opening Shoreview has been both a professional endeavour and a personal mission.
Having resided in the Beach neighbourhood since 2006, they have deep roots in the community and a profound understanding of the needs of its residents, both human and four-legged.
Skinner’s previous experience operating a veterinary clinic on Queen Street East provided invaluable insights into the local landscape and shaped the vision that he and MacTaggart have for Shoreview.
After selling their practice in 2019 and taking some time to travel, including indulging Skinner’s passion for scuba diving and underwater photography, they were inspired to start a new chapter with a new clinic and a renewed focus on innovation and employee well-being.
“People who work in this
industry do so out of a real love and affinity for pets,” said Skinner. “At Shoreview, we plan to prioritize rewarding our staff for their care and commitment and ensure they find joy and fulfillment in their roles.”
The veterinary industry in Canada, like many other sectors, has undergone significant transformations in recent years.
The rise of digital healthcare, telemedicine, and the COVID-19 pandemic have reshaped the landscape, presenting challenges and opportunities.
One pressing issue is the alarming burnout rate among veterinarians, exacerbated by staff shortages
and the demanding nature of the job.
A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association revealed that veterinarians in Canada were disproportionately affected by mental health issues.
“People might not realize the challenges facing our [veterinary] industry and those who work within it,” said Skinner.
“So we really want to prioritize putting our staff first because we know from our own experience that their well-being directly impacts the quality of care we can provide to our patients.”
In this context, Shoreview will be dedicated to not only the well-being of its pet patients and the client experience of their owners but also in prioritizing the well-being and experience of the individuals who serve them.
“It’s not so much that we’re ‘rethinking’ how vets should operate. This is really how it always should have been,” said MacTaggart.
Despite the well-documented shortage of veterinary practitioners, Skinner and MacTaggart have encountered no challenges in assembling their team for the clinic, underscoring the growing need for better work-life balance within the veterinary profession.
Skinner and MacTaggart are committed to creating a practice that prioritizes patient care and employee satisfaction. By offering competitive compensation, flexible schedules, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment, they aim to attract and retain top talent.
As they prepare to open their doors, Skinner and MacTaggart are eager to serve the community they call home and to create new meaningful connections with local pet owners and their furry companions.
The Shoreview Veterinary Hospital will occupy the entire 3,000-square foot ground floor of the newly built The Hunt Club condominium at 1318 Kingston Rd., just east of Fallingbrook Road and directly across the street from the Toronto Hunt Club golf course.
“We don’t just want to be a vet’s clinic ‘in’ the community,” said MacTaggart. “We want to be ‘part of ‘ the community.”
The Shoreview Veterinary Hospital website will be launching soon.
For now, you can follow along for updates on the Instagram account @shoreviewvetstoronto.
PEOPLE INTERESTED in helping to build partnerships between local residents and police officers may find a place to do so with the 55 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC).
The Committees have been part of the policing structure in Toronto for more than 20 years, and each police division has its own CPLC.
Peter Themeliopoulos, chair of the 55 Division CPLC, said the local Committee takes part in a number of events that help residents and police get to know and understand each other.
Those events include taking part in community parades and also the annual 55 Division Community Police Day. This year’s Community Police Day is planned for Jimmie Simpson Park on Saturday, May 11.
Themeliopoulos said one of the other main roles of the CPLC is to serve as a bridge between members of the community and local police officers. “It’s awareness about how to get into contact with the police beyond just calling 9-1-1 for everything,” he said.
Currently the 55 Division CPLC has 19 members but more are welcome. Along with providing a path to communication with police, Themeliopoulos said supporting local youth is also a key priority for the 55 Division
CPLC. They offer a number of scholarships, bursaries and more to support students in the community. One of the key scholarships is the Valerie Mah Scholarship.
The 55 Division CPLC reaches out to local schools to make them aware of the bursaries and also that youngsters can gain volunteer hours helping out at events.
“We want to empower the youth specifically, and that they can learn leadership skills and qualify for the benefits of that,” said Themeliopoulos. “We’re helping disadvantaged kids and getting into the neighbourhoods that need us.”
While 55 Division is a large area with a diversity of people and incomes; it is those differences that make it stronger. That is particularly true since the former 54 Division in East York joined with 55 Division to become one. “We have representatives from all across the division. It was to our benefit when the two divisions joined and we got the best of both,” said Themeliopoulos of the current 55 Division CPLC. “I think the differences in the communities is the beauty of it. People are there from different parts of the city and communities with different concerns, and how do we problem solve.”
For info on how to become a local CPLC member, please visit https://55cplc.ca/home
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Queen Street East and Kingston Road; Kew Gardens park; Ivan Forrest Gardens; the Queen Street East and Kippendavie Avenue intersection; as well as Woodbine Park.
However, the installation process at Woodbine Park has received some criticism from a few locals who are unhappy with a solar panel fixture at the corner of the park.
“The deck is not attractive and is unsightly,” said one Beach resident. “I’m not sure what the point of it is. It doesn’t fit visually in the park.”
Notably, much of the criticism comes as a result of a lack of information about the solar panel’s purpose considering the structure “appeared suddenly, without explanation or communication.”
However, Bieksa told Beach Metro Community News that he believes many residents will appreciate the use of solar panels to power this project. “The area is strongly in favour of any initiative that is environmentally friendly, so the BIA maintains that throughout our work,” said Bieksa.
“We’re always trying to look for avenues of sustainability. We’re using a renewable resource to bring joy to the neighbourhood.”
Light-art installations have gained much popularity since the onset of the pandemic. But unlike other installations which have been temporary, Beach GLOW
is built to last for five to 10 years and will become a part of the neighbourhood.
“You will see variations of these lights throughout the year,” said Bieksa. “And each of these installations will have an interactive component and they should react to the presence of people in some fun way.”
The installations were designed by WeatherstonBruer Associates. The Beach BIA also partnered with ANNEX Industries to bring this project to life.
“We made sure that the contracts were local,” said Bieksa. “We really wanted to support the locals. That’s our initiative so we took that same lens and applied it to how we contracted.”
Beach GLOW was officially launched on March 31.
For more information, please go to The Beach BIA Facebook page at www.facebook.com/makewaves.TO
There’s a few things on my mind on this day after April Fools Day.
Now if you’re expecting an April Fools joke to follow, you will be disappointed. Just as you will probably be disappointed to hear there’s some snow in the forecast later this week. I guess April is actually fooling us.
However, we sure finished March on a positive note as Sunday was a beautiful sunny day.
It was perfect weather for the annual Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade and huge crowds turned out for the event along Queen Street East.
Members of the team from Beach Metro Community News were thrilled to once
again participate in this important community event.
Our thanks to Alice Abbott (wife of local realtor and Beach Metro Community News volunteer board member Desmond Brown) for the use of her 1947 Mercury pickup truck in the parade.
Prior to the parade’s start at the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, the truck drew lots of admiring comments and people taking photos of it.
Also looking back on the final weekend of March, I’d like to thank David Brown of Fearless Meat for hosting their fundraiser in support of Beach Metro Community News on Good Friday. Fearless Meat donated the proceeds from sales of its peameal bacon sandwiches to the paper and we are much appreciative of their generosity and hard work.
Look for photos from the fundraiser on Page 10 of today’s paper.
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I’d like to point out that the “artist’s rendering” of the new building - while looking attractive - has removed all the hydro poles and other electrical wiring that presently exists at the intersection of Queen Street East and Lee Avenue.
I don’t think anyone believes that the hydro poles etc...will actually be removed!
The artwork gives a false impression.
What’s your favourite film musical? This year’s Academy Awards showed a montage of photos from popular musicals, including The Sound of Music (1965). Only one musical has won Best Picture since the 1960s. Oddly enough, Chicago (2002) was filmed in Toronto!
The Sound of Music may be the most beloved of our “favourite things”. The Rodgers and Hammerstein classic became a huge success, running at Toronto’s Eglinton Theatre for 142 weeks.
Sadly, a number of the stars have passed away in recent years, including Christopher Plummer (Captain von Trapp), Charmian Carr (Liesl) and Heather Menzies-Urich (Louisa).
Ten years ago Heather wrote me about her fond childhood memories of living on Fernwood Park Avenue down by the lake.
Plummer’s father, John, spent three decades living near St. Aidan’s Anglican on Queen Street East and writing a history of the church.
The child actors from the cast became like family. The music brought them all together, but what fate led them to the film?
I was surprised to learn the Toronto roots of their own families.
Carr is famed for singing
Sixteen Going on Seventeen in her first film role: “You wait, little girl, on an empty stage for fate to turn the light on.”
She was born Charmian Farnon in 1942 shortly after her family moved to Chicago from Toronto. Robert Wise, the director of The Sound of Music, suggested she change her name.
The Farnons were a
Toronto musical family with three sons becoming renowned orchestra leaders and arrangers.
After the father died in 1924, the Farnons moved to Cassels Avenue near Woodbine Avenue and Gerrard Street East.
Money was tight, but widowed Elsie Farnon (nee Menzies) bought instruments for her kids. Beach
Hill was alive with the sound of music!
Brian Farnon (1911-2010) married vaudeville performer Rita Oehman in 1941.
Daughter Shannon Farnon was born in Toronto before the showbiz family moved south, first to Chicago then to L. A. in 1955.
Youngest sister Darleen sang background vocals on The Sound of Music, even hitting the high notes on Kurt’s So Long, Farewell.
The Second World War disrupted everyone’s lives.
Brian and Robert Farnon (1917-2005) served with the Canadian Forces Band entertaining troops overseas.
All three brothers, including Dennis (1923-2019) went on to stellar careers as composers and music directors with great singers such as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett, Nat King Cole and Lena Horne.
While Charmian Carr loved the filming experience
in Austria and Hollywood, show business also tore her family apart. Her mother was an alcoholic and her parents divorced in 1957.
How do you solve a problem like marriage?
How did Julia Elizabeth Wells (Maria) get her surname Andrews? She was also deeply upset by divorce.
Her stepfather was Ted Andrews (1907-1966), a singer and guitar player from East York (Chester and Fulton avenues.) who moved to Britain and billed himself as the “Canadian Troubadour”.
He was “as colourful and noisy as show business itself,” said Julie.
The Sound of Music is all about love and family in the face of adversity, but Julie’s childhood was turbulent with an alcoholic mother and stepfather.
Her mom was a vaudeville performer who left Julie’s teacher father for Ted Andrews and the three became an act when Julie was very young. Her parents finally divorced in 1943; her mom married Andrews and Julie took on Andrews as her surname.
“Life, however, is not a fairy story.” -- Julie Andrews.
Julie was born in 1935 and survived harrowing nights of the London Blitz. It wasn’t until Julie was 14 that her mother told her that her dad was not her biological father. This is reminiscent of Sarah Polley’s documentary Stories We Tell. Family history can be messy.
Two other von Trapp “sisters” also have roots in Canada.
Angela (Brigitta) Cartwright’s father worked for Eaton’s in Toronto as an artist in the early 1950s, the same job Heather’s father had when the Menzies family lived in the Beach. Heather is also a distant cousin of Charmian, according to imdb.
Debbie (Marta) Turner’s parents were both originally from Manitoba, so you could say The Sound of Music has a maple-flavoured tune.
The music lives on in our hearts.
In her memoir Forever Liesl, Charmian Carr wrote that the wonderful musical helped her through some stormy times in her own life.
“If the film has touched them in some way, it is because it represents the world as they want it to be. If it makes them feel love or happiness or hope, it is because they have these feelings inside them,” she wrote.
•
APRIL 6: Scarborough Seedy Saturday & Green Fair at the Centre for Immigration and Community Services (CICS), 2330 Midland Ave., 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Featuring more than 50 exhibitors including the seed exchange, seed vendors, eco associations, gardening groups, the Toronto Master Gardeners, and garden accessories. Kids’ activities, too! Admission $2 or PWC and kids are free. Info: www.facebook.com/SSSGFair or email the organizers at scarboroughseedysaturday@gmail.com
after 3 p.m. except Mondays and at the door on the day of the event. •April 27: Down East Jiggs Dinner with the band Tim Kennedy and the Roadhouse Boys. The cost is $30 per person, doors open at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served around 6:30 p.m., and the band will play from 8 p.m. to closing. Tickets will be available from the bar or by phoning the branch at 416-425-3070 to reserve tickets, however the deadline for tickets or reservations is Friday, April 19. All reserved tickets must be paid in full by April 23.
APRIL 6: Annual Spring Sprint - 2km and 5km run/ walk, organized by the Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council. Volunteers will be needed the day of the event as well as leading up to the event. Please send your contact information to: springsprint@hotmail.ca
APRIL 6: Jazz & Reflection with the OCTOKATS at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Come experience local big band, The OCTOKATS, as they treat you all to an exploration of the music of renowned film composer, Henry Mancini. Entry is pay-what-you-can. Info: beachunitedchurch.com
APRIL 6: Dance with TO Dansin, Toronto’s hottest retro dance night catered exclusively for the 45+ community, at Royal Canadian Legion, 243 Coxwell Ave., 8 p.m.-midnight. An unforgettable evening filled with fun and funky beats. Cash bar only. Tickets: bit.ly/ TODansinApril6. Lnfo: torontodansin@gmail.com
APRIL 6, 7: The Art Guild of Scarborough’s Spring Art Show and Sale at Centennial Recreation Centre – Scarborough, 1967 Ellesmere Rd., Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Show features over 400 original, juried works of art by member artists, many of whom will be in attendance. Free parking, admission, and refreshments. Info: https://theartguildofscarborough.com/upcoming-shows
APRIL 10: Scarborough Garden & Horticultural Society at Scarborough Village Recreation Centre (Kingston/Markham Rds.), 7:30 p.m. “All About Orchids, Repotting and More” by expert Andrew Gelmar. Free. Refreshments included. Guests welcome.
APRIL 11: Legendary River Cruises Sale Event and Travel Experience Sharings at 2035 Danforth Ave. 7-8:30 p.m. Topics: Viking River Cruises. Hosted by Cathy. We welcome first time or avid cruisers to join this meet up and explore more perks and treats from our suppliers and our firsthand sharing. Refreshment available. RSVP at https://promo.expediacruises.com/500080/legendaryrivers, call 647-351-6699 or EastYork@Expediacruises.com
APRIL 13: Celebrate Art Show at St. Clair O’Connor Community Centre, 2701 St Clair Ave E., 10 a.m.4 p.m. Presented by the SCOC Residents’ Council and Art Committee. Info: 416-757-8757
APRIL 15: East York Garden Club members’ monthly meeting: Turn Your Snapshots into Art! Creative Photography with Len van Bruggen at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, 373 Cedarvale Ave., 7 p.m. informal gathering, 7:30 p.m. meeting start. New members and guests welcome.
APRIL 18: Legendary River Cruises Sale Event and Travel Experience Sharings at 2035 Danforth Ave. 3-4:30 p.m. Topics: AmaWaterway Cruises. Hosted by Jerry. We welcome first time or avid cruisers to join this meet up and explore more perks and treats from our suppliers and our firsthand sharing. Refreshment available. RSVP at https://promo.expediacruises.com/500080/legendaryrivers, call 647-351-6699 or EastYork@Expediacruises.com
APRIL 20: Bridge Pub Crawl. Friendly duplicate bridge, rotating through three pubs on Queen St. E. in the Beach. Info: 416-987-1019 or https:// www.beachbridgepubcrawl.wixsite.com/bbpc
APRIL 22: A Senior Moment Luncheon at The Outrigger, 2232 Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m. To R.S.V.P. please text: Colleen 647-829-8042 or e-mail: colleenelizabethtaylor@outlook.com
APRIL 27: Spring Fling with special guest JUNOnominated Barbra Lica, 140 Wineva Ave., 7 p.m. The Beach United Church Choir is excited to present an evening of music, refreshments and community fellowship to welcome in the spring season. $40/ Adult, $15/Child. Info: beachunitedchurch.com
APRIL 27: Historical Walk with Gene Domagala, 1 p.m. This Danforth Avenue walk begins at the northwest corner of Danforth and Woodbine Ave.
MAY 4: EcoFair at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Call for vendors & volunteers! We are looking for vendors with eco-friendly products, as well as non-profit exhibitors/participants. Please email: maryanne.alton@sympatico.ca. Info: beachunitedchurch.com
MAY 25: Artists & Artisans Spring Market at Beaches Presbyterian Church, 65 Glen Manor Drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Vendors wishing to participate please contact Debbie Murray by email at debmurray@rogers.com. Tables available to rent starting at $50.
JUNE 12: Annual General Meeting of the members of Community Centre 55 at 97 Main St., 7 p.m. for the purpose of considering and taking action with respect to the following: to approve the financial statements of Community Centre 55 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023; to receive our Program report; and to fill 1 vacancy on the Board of Management. Info: Reza Khoshdel, Executive Director, Community Centre 55: 416-691-1113 ext. 225 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION at Gerrard Ashdale Library, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •May 11: ‘How GE Came to Be’ historical talk by local historian Joanne Doucette, 3-4 p.m. •May 15 (the actual 100th anniversary date): Unveiling of the 100th anniversary history plaque for the branch, and cake, 4-5 p.m. Info: 416-393-7717
RCL TODMORDEN BR. 10, 1083 Pape Ave. •April 6: Fundraiser, 1-3 p.m., for all Legion members and their families. Duncan Fremlin – Whiskey Jack Presents “Stories and Songs of Stompin’ Tom”. Doors open at 1 p.m., show begins at 2 p.m. The cost is $10.00 and all proceeds will go towards the Fire Suppression System. Tickets for this event are available at the clubroom bar any time
THE BOOK AND FILM CLUB, hosted by Great Escape Book Store, presents “The Natural”. Read the 1952 novel and discuss April 4 at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 7 p.m. Watch the 1984 movie, followed by Q&A with film critic Bruce Kirkland, April 11 at the Fox Theatre, 2236 Queen St. E., 7 p.m. Info: 416691-7150, www.facebook.com/greatescapebookstore TREEMOBILE 2024 ordering open until mid-April. It’s never been easier to grow your own fruit! Our volunteer not-for-profit group stocks everything from apple trees to asparagus at great prices. We also award plants to community gardeners. Visit www.transitiontreemobile.org to order now for delivery May 4 and 5.
ORTHODOX EASTER SERVICE at St. John the Compassionate Mission, 155 Broadview Ave., May 5 at 6 a.m. All services are in English. All welcome.
BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. at Swanwick. Info: www.mentalwellness. help. Or join us most nights of the week on Zoom. Go to: https://www.meetup.com. Ask to join us: Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups
A A at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113
AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113
BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP LUNCHES for adults in the community, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.)
•Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.), April 2, 16, 30, etc.; St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, (2423 Queen St. E), April 9, 23, May 7, etc. •Wednesdays at Beaches Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.). No lunches April 17 and April 24.
•Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.)
•Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). Lunch format may vary from site to site. Last day of program this year is Friday, May 17. Info: 416-691-6869
BEACH PHOTO CLUB. Are you interested in photography? We invite all shutterbugs to check out our local photo club. We offer a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo excursions, competitions, practical seminars and more! We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June, 7-9:30 p.m., at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. (unless specified in program). Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com
CHURCHES
THE CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN (Anglican), 2423 Queen St. E. Sunday worship at 8:30 a.m. (spoken service) and 10:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs). On April 20, from 1-3 p.m., we will host an outdoor, familyfriendly Earth Day Celebration with stories, crafts, and activities for children of all ages. Weekly euchre is Tuesdays 7-9 p.m. $5 to play, all proceeds go to outreach. Beginners welcome. Out of the Cold dinners are served Mondays 5-6 p.m. Info: www.staidansinthebeach.com, 416.691.2222
BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave., offers a combination of in person and YouTube livestream opportunities on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Services are led by our creative and passionate music director Steven Webb and our minister Rev. Greg Daly. Beach United Church offers a variety of inspirational music and educational programs open to the entire Beach community. Links and info: beachunitedchurch.com
BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Drive. We are an inclusive and affirming congregation with strong commitments to community service and social justice issues. We provide non-perishable food for those in need through our Free Food Pantry. Our Refugee Commitee has been in operation for many years. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month we host a Coffee Outreach from 1-3 p.m. Sunday morning services are at 10 a.m. Links and info: www.beacheschurch.org, 416-6995871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd. Weekend Masses: Sat. Vigil at 4:30 pm, Sun. 9 & 11 am. Weekday Masses with Rosary: Tue.-Fri. Doors open and Rosary begins at 7:45 am followed by Mass at 8:15 am. Confessions every Sat. 3:45 to 4:15 pm or by appt. Info: https://stjohnsto.archtoronto.org, 416-698-1105
THE MEETING HOUSE EAST TORONTO is a Christian Church in the Anabaptist tradition, part of the Be In Christ family of churches. We meet Sundays 10-11 a.m. inside The Beach Cineplex, 1651 Queen St E. Join us for contemporary music, Jesus-centred teaching, and great discipleship programs for children and youth. Info: bit.ly/tmheasttoronto NEIGHBOURHOOD UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CONGREGATION, 310 Danforth Ave. Weekly Sunday services begin at 10:30 a.m. We are a vibrant, familyfriendly, and welcoming community of individuals all on the same path. Our Lifespan Learning program offers engaging and age-appropriate programs that nurture our children’s sense of wonder, exploring spirituality, values, and the world around them through storytelling, arts and crafts, and interactive discussions. Info: www.nuuc.ca
Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford who acknowledged that demand for playing space “far outstrips supply at the Ashbridge’s Bay volleyball courts”.
“While many of the court bookings go to larger organized leagues, it’s important that individuals, families and groups still get a chance to get out and play,” said Bradford.
‘Allocation’ from Page 1 However, with the lack of non-bookable courts leading to some altercations amongst locals, according to Khoo, her group would prefer to simply be granted access to the better conditioned courts that require permits.
“We are OK with paying to rent them, but we cannot even get them,” she said.
He said the city’s parks department has been adding additional non-bookable courts for residents “while also managing conditions like high water levels last summer that made some courts unplayable”.
“We just need two to three courts on certain days. If we have to pay, we will do so.”
Khoo was critical of the city giving the majority of the permits to groups making money from the use of the courts.
“This is just frustrating and unjustified,” she said.
The city policy on permits leaves “no courts for the residents of the community at all,” said Khoo. With the matter still unresolved, Bradford told Beach Metro Community News that he will continue to work with residents and city staff to “maximize opportunities for everyone to get out on the sand”.
– Amarachi Amadike is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro Community News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.
THE CITY of Toronto’s five municipal golf courses, including Dentonia Park in southwest Scarborough, are open for the season.
Dentonia Park is located at 781 Victoria Park Ave., just north of the Victoria Park subway station.
Toronto’s other four municipally run golf courses are Tam 0’Shanter in Scarborough, Don Valley in North York, Humber Valley in Etobicoke and Scarlett Woods in the Jane Street and Eglinton Avenue area. Toronto’s
golf courses are affordable, high quality and TTC-accessible. Each course has unique characteristics and offers something for all skill levels. According to a city news release, golf at the municipal courses continues to grow in popularity with an increase of nearly 15,000 more rounds played last year than during the previous year. A record high of more than 240,000 rounds were played in 2023.
For more info, go to www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/recreation/golf
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Peter J. Salah Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate 416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca
KAMRULHAFIZAHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.
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AFTER FINISHING third in their four-team pool, the Neil McNeil Catholic High School Maroons Senior boys’ hockey team did not advance to the second round of the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFFSA) AAA championships held last month.
Other teams in the Maroons division at the tournament that took place in Durham Region from March 19 to 21 were Uxbridge, St. Michaels (Niagara), and St. Peter’s (Barrie). Those teams all played each other in the first-round to see which teams would earn one of the top two spots and move on to the medal round.
The Maroons finished the three-game round-robin with a win, a tie and a loss. The two teams advanced to the medal round from the division were St. Peter’s and Uxbridge.
Uxbridge went on to win the bronze medal at the tournament. The gold medal went to St. Martin Catholic Secondary School from Mississauga.
Neil McNeil started the tournament with a 1-1 tie in their first game against St. Michaels on the morning of March 19. That was fol-
lowed by a game against St. Peter’s the same afternoon which resulted in a 4-1 loss for the Maroons.
Going into the second day of the tournament on March 20, Neil McNeil needed a win against Uxbridge and a loss for St. Peter’s to advance the Maroons into the quarterfinals.
The Maroons did their part by beating Uxbridge 7-2. However, St. Peter’s faced off against winless St. Michaels which resulted in a 5-2 win for St. Peter’s — pushing them and Uxbridge into the quarterfinals and ending Neil McNeil’s hockey season.
In the first game against St. Michaels, the lone Neil McNeil goal was scored by Finn Donnelly.
In the following game against St. Peter’s Matthew Dymond scored the only for the Maroons in the 4-1 loss.
In the last game against Uxbridge, Neil McNeil saw Finn Donnelly, Hunter Peyton and Riley Misa all score two goals each while Noah Mcpherson notched one.
Neil McNeil qualified for OFSAA by winning the TDCAA (Toronto District Colleges Athletic Association) city championship with a 3-0 victory over Bishop Allen Academy earlier this month.
THE EAST York Hockey Association’s Little Stanley Cup will be presented on the afternoon of Saturday, April 6.
The championship game is set to begin at approximately 12:15 p.m. at East York Memorial Arena, 888 Cosburn Ave.
The Little Stanley Cup is presented to the
East York house league Pee Wee champ, and has been a tradition since the 1954-55 season.
The East York Hockey Association is the only minor hockey league sanctioned by the National Hockey League to use a replica of the “Stanley Cup”. Permission was granted by then NHL President Clarence Campbell.
A RECENTLY founded youth flag football league in the Beach is preparing to start up again for its second season in late spring of this year.
The Beaches Flag Football League will start on May 12 and run through to June 30, with two age groups U6/7 and U8/9.
Dominick DeVastey, the founder and director of Texas7’s Football, started the local flag football league in the fall of 2023 to provide an opportunity for very young players to learn the game. “I decided to start the Beaches Flag Football League because my then sixyear-old son was interested in playing football, however, the nearest league for his age group was about a 30-45 minute drive on the weekends,” said DeVastey who has more than 15 years experience coaching a variety of sports at high schools in the Greater Toronto Area and in Texas where he grew up.
When asked about why he loves football, he said: “I like football for the beauty of it. The beauty of sacrificing for the team. The beauty of working together as a team to accomplish a common goal.”
DeVastey’s background in football started in his small hometown outside of Austin, Texas. He went on to play football at the University of Kentucky which furthered his love for the game. “Regarding my football career,
I simply got a free education out of it with a full football scholarship. Although I didn’t play as much as I would’ve liked, I was able to learn from Hall of Fame coaches and play with future NFL players, those of whom I still talk to to this day,” said DeVastey.
The Beaches Flag Football League will play at Neil McNeil Catholic High School on Sunday mornings The league’s format consists of a six-week regular season and a one-day playoff, along with weekly tailgating before and after the game.
“My goals for the league are to increase the interest in playing football properly, and building a strong community atmosphere with the youth in the area,” said DeVastey.
He said the weekly tailgating will happen Texas style, with food and games such as ladder toss, corn hole, and fun for the families participating. The playoff celebration tailgate on June 30 will be sponsored by the Beach Hill Smokehouse.
DeVastey is looking for high school and college students who want to volunteer their time to be coaches in the league as they earn community service hours in the process.
He said he would consider expanding the league into higher age groups in the future. “I would love to have the opportunity to grow to higher age groups. As long as the demand in the area justifies doing so.”
For more info, visit www.texas7s.ca
Vincent Carrol, born on Leuty Avenue in The Beach, Toronto, September 7, 1938.
Surrounded by his loving family, Ralph passed away peacefully on March 12, 2024 in his 86th year.
Ralph was married to his beloved wife, Jill (née Ewart), for 64 magical years. They first met at The Prince of Wales Theatre at Woodbine and Danforth through mutual friends. Together, they raised three children: Denise, Leslie (Ross), and Greg (Sinthia).
Ralph was also a loving brother to Ruth, Barry, and Sue. Ralph delighted in being grandfather to Zachary, Dominique, Georgeanne, Lachlan, Stephanie, and Samantha and recently welcomed great-grandson, Alex. Ralph was also excited for the arrival of a great-granddaughter in April.
A life-long subscriber to National Geographic, Ralph was endlessly curious about the world and its occupants- a wonder he shared with his children and grandchildren.
A keen gardener, Ralph loved designing, building and maintaining gardens for the family. Listening to, singing with, and dancing to Bob Marley, Harry Belafonte, and The Five Satins, was nirvana for Ralph.
A long-distance runner, who was a Julia Child-worthy chef, Ralph was happiest hanging out with his wife and family or portaging into Ontario’s Provincial Parks. Ralph was a life-time fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Pittsburgh Steelers. His passion for Formula 1 Racing, with a special love for the McLaren Team, was second to none.
Ralph could frequently be found canoeing in Lake Ontario in his beloved cedar strip canoe.
Endlessly photographing The Beach, Ralph also painted many Ontario scenes which were meaningful to family and friends.
Baby/Dad, we’ll see you on the other side- count on it.
The Carrol family wish to extend their sincere gratitude to the nurses, doctors and other Care staff of the Geriatric and Palliative Wards of Michael Garron Hospital for their compassionate care.
Cremation has taken place. Donations to Michael Garron Hospital Foundation, www.mghf.ca/ways-give, would be appreciated and expressions of sympathy may be made online at Giffen-Mack and Trull Funeral Home (Danforth).
From new babies to cancer treatments and life-saving surgeries, Michael Garron Hospital has always been here for you and your loved ones. And we always will be.
One great way to say thank you is with a gift in your will to our hospital. You can create a legacy of care and compassion that will benefit the people you love, and the generations that follow.
To learn more, go to mghf.ca/gift-in-will or contact Yolanda Bronstein at 416-469-6580 ext. 2161
farewell
9 Dawes Rd. that has been home to Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 for more than 50 years. The building is going to be demolished and replaced by a condo in which Branch 11 will be given new space.
ROYAL CANADIAN Legion Branch 11 said farewell to the building it has called home at 9 Dawes Rd. for more than 50 years.
An open house was held on Saturday, March 30, for any residents and members who wanted to take one last look the 9 Dawes Rd. building before it is demolished and replaced by a condominium building.
However, Saturday’s event did not mark the end of Branch 11 as part of the Royal Canadian Legion. It was just goodbye to the current building.
Once the new condo is built, Branch 11 will have a large new space on the ground floor and second floor to continue its service to Canadian veterans and the community as a whole.
It’s going to be a number of years, though, before that new condo is completed and Branch 11 can move back into its space on Dawes Road. While waiting for the new space to be finished, Branch 11 is being hosted by the members of Royal Canadian Legion Branch 22 on Woodbine Avenue.
Branch 11 has called the Dawes Road building just south of Danforth Avenue home since 1971.
It is a big building that has hosted more community and social events than anyone can remember. There’s a large main hall with a stage on the ground floor and a big clubroom (bar) for members with its own entrance on the lower level that backs out onto a small patio and the parking lot. Offices are upstairs in the building.
Prior to opening at 9 Dawes Rd., Branch 11 had been located at the corner of Dawes Road and Coleman Avenue (one block north of Danforth Avenue) since 1927. For almost 10 years before that though, a group of First World War veterans from the immediate area had established the East Toronto Branch of the Great War Veterans Association of Canada.
“During the early years meetings were held in individual members’ houses and subsequently at Secord Public School,” reads the Branch 11 history. “In January 1924 the original McPherson Presbyterian Church building at 65 Dawes Road was purchased for $9,500.00. The first meeting at the new hall – renamed the East Toronto Veterans Memorial Hall – was held on November 11, 1924. On September 17, 1927 the corner stone for a two storey extension at the rear of the old church
this extension was 103 Coleman Avenue.”
In February of 1927, the Branch was granted a charter as East Toronto (Ontario No. 11) Branch of the Canadian Legion, B.E.S.L. (British Empire Service League). In 1952, the designation Royal was given to Canadian Legions and they have since been referred to as the Royal Canadian Legion with Branches in communities across the country.
On May 1, 1971, the Branch 11 building at 9 Dawes Rd. was opened. Dignitaries that attended the opening included Toronto Mayor William Dennison and local Alderman Tom Wardle.
Jeff Paulin, President of Branch 11, said the cornerstones from both of the previous Branch 11 buildings will be incorporated into the new site when it is built.
Beach Metro Community News met with a number of members including current and former Branch 11 presidents to talk about some of their memories of the building on 9 Dawes Rd.
Many of them remembered the busy days and nights in the clubroom in the 1970s and 1980s, and just how much the majority of people back then smoked.
“The smoke was just terrible,” remembered June Smith. “You could not see from one end of the room to the other.”
The clubroom would also be packed full of members, and Doug Smith said he would go out to get some fresh air from the smoke and then have trouble getting back in.
In those days, there were still Branch members alive who were Second World War (or even First World War) veterans and for many of them smoking was the same as breathing. In the 1990s, Ontario and other provinces started banning smoking in public places such as bars and restaurants and it is now possible to go out for an evening and not come home smelling like an ashtray.
Like most other Legions (and taverns in general), the
clubroom at Branch 11 had a clear divide as to who could be where. The veterans had their own area and you had to be one to sit there. Also, there was an area for ladies and their escorts, and an area for the women’s auxiliary. Many taverns were once also separated between the area for men and the area for ladies and escorts.
“The old school had their ways and that was the way it was back then,” said Joe Calderone. “If I went the wrong way or went to the wrong place, I’d hear about it.”
However, the modern Royal Canadian Legion is nothing like that. Membership is open to all, there are no separated areas in the clubrooms and of course there’s no smoking.
The focus, however, does remain on supporting veterans and playing an active role in the community. Branch 11 is extremely active in those roles, supporting numerous charities including those supporting younger veterans facing homelessness or unemployment issues. “We have a Veterans Service Officer who is there to provide help for those needing it,” said Paulin.
Branch 11 also holds public speaking contests for young people; Remembrance Day essay and art contests; the Poppy Campaign, and a Legion Week display for school children to visit. That will be continuing while they are hosted at Branch 22. Also continuing will be the Ulster Accordion Band which is connected to Branch 11. The band has a history going back more than 70 years and takes part in both the Branch 11 Remembrance Day parade and the Remembrance Day service at the Beach cenotaph in Kew Gardens.
Over the years Paulin said Branch 11 has received wonderful support from local politicians including former East York Mayor Michael Prue.
June Smith remembered that Prue was famous for making banana bread for the annual Christmas bake sale that was extremely popular. “He would come over with the banana bread and it was still warm from the oven. People were waiting for it and it would be gone like that,” she said.
For more info on Branch 11, go to https://rcl11.com
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Garden & Tree
BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE
-Lawn Cutting -Spring/Fall
THE ANNUAL Spring Sprint hosted by the Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council takes place this Saturday, April 6.
The race will go along the Boardwalk and will be made up of a fivekilometre walk/run for the more competitive athletes, and a twokilometre walk/run for youngsters and seniors. This year the run starts and finishes at the Leuty Pavilion on the Boardwalk.
Taking place since 1987, with a
three-year gap due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Spring Sprint helps raise funds for the many community activities at the Beaches Recreation Centre.
Those wishing to take part must register in advance and in person at the centre, 6 Williamson Rd., on April 2 or 3 from 7 to 9 p.m. Registrations will not be available on race day.
For more information, or to volunteer or sponsor, please email
springsprint@hotmail.ca
Never the Same
exhibition at The Beacher Cafe POET AND photographer Carole Wilson will present her Never the Same exhibit at The Beacher Cafe this month.
The exhibit features poems and photos by Wilson.
The photos and poems will be framed together, with the photo connected to the theme of the
poem, and they will be available for sale.
Wilson, who lived for decades in the Beach and was the former president of the Balmy Beach Residents Association and also a food columnist for Beach Metro Community News in the early 1980s now resides in Etobicoke, but still close to Lake Ontario in the Humber Bay area. She said her poetry and photography was first inspired by her views of the lake and then to other
places she has visited. “When I really started writing the poems was during COVID. I started writing to make people feel that there were still things to do while waiting for things to improve,” she said in an earlier interview with Beach Metro Community News
The Beacher Cafe is located at 2162 Queen St. E. The exhibit runs until April 30. For more info, please go to www.facebook.com/neverthesamepoetry.
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