Beach Metro Community News March 19, 2025

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Join these local journalists in fighting for our Beach Metro

Dear Neighbours,

We are a group of journalists and communicators who share your love of the Beach, because it’s our community, too.

Many of us began our careers in community news, and although we may have practised our craft elsewhere, our belief in the importance of local stories to a community — to our community — has never wavered.

That’s why we’re stepping up in support of Beach Metro Community News, the outlet that shares stories and builds connections for and about all of us who live, work or play in the Beach.

We hope you’ll join us in supporting Beach Metro’s March fundraising campaign and show that you care, too. Beach Metro is a non-profit business that incurs expenses. Advertising alone can no longer support it.

Without our help, Beach Metro’s ability to share the news and information we want and need will be compromised.

Without an independent, locally run and reliable source of trusted community journalism, our democracy will be threatened.

So please join us to thank and support the Beach Metro team and the more than 200 volunteers who deliver the paper to your doorstep every two weeks.

Join us and together, let’s show we care.

Local Journalists in Support of the Beach Metro,

Alan Carter

Alison Redmond

Andrew Lawson

Angela Yazbek

Anton Koschany

Austin Delaney

Brad Fay

Brenda Irving

Caroline Cameron

Caryn Lieberman

Chris Knight

Chris Young

Christian Bonin

Christine Dobby

Cynthia Mulligan

Dana Flavelle

David Cooper

Deidre Marinelli

Derek Hooper

Desmond Brown

Douglas Kelly

Grant Jennings

Jamie Campbell

Jennifer Hedger

Jon Woodward

Ken Hunt

Ken Reid

Ken Volden

Kevin Boland

Kirby Miller

Laura Di Battista

Laura Pedersen

Linda Oland

Malcolm Johnston

Mark Kelley

Mark Milliere

Mary Ormsby

Matthew Bingley

Nancy White

Paul Hunter

Paul Romanuk

Rob Granatstein

Robert Cribb

Sam Pazzano

Scott Russell

Stephen Knifton

Talia Ricci

Tim Doyle

Tony Chapman

Warren Kinsella

Toronto Beaches Lions Club Easter Parade takes to Queen Street East on Sunday, March 31

LOCAL RESIDENTS are invited to welcome the Easter Bunny at the annual Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade on the afternoon of Sunday, March 31.

The parade starts at 2 p.m. in front of the R. C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, at the foot of Victoria Park Avenue, and then heads west along Queen Street East to Woodbine Avenue.

A Beach tradition since 1967, the Toronto Beaches Lions Club has been organizing the parade since 1973.

Numerous participants will be taking part in this year’s parade including representatives of local businesses and community organizations. There will be floats, marchers and musical entertainment for those gathering along Queen Street East for the parade. The Easter Bunny will of course be at the parade waving to children along the route.

Also, members of the Toronto Beaches Lions Club will be at the parade collecting donations of eyeglasses for its Recycle for the Gift of Sight program. One of the Lions Club’s pillars of service is helping provide vision care to countries and people in need. Also, donations to the local Lions can be made along the parade route in either cash or by tap to club members.

Residents are reminded Queen Street East will be closed to vehicle traffic between the R.C. Harris plant and Woodbine Avenue for the duration of the parade which is expected to take approximately two hours.

The parade is part of a number of Easter celebrations locally including the annual Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt on Good Friday, March 29.

For more information, including how to take part in the parade, please go to www.beacheseasterparade.ca

Local garden suite dispute puts focus on city’s notification rules

By Alan Shackleton

THE REALITY of garden suites and the impact they will have is sinking in for residents of an Upper Beach neighbourhood.

A garden suite under construction at a house on Eastwood Avenue between Woodbine and Coxwell avenues has raised a range of emotions for both those who initiated the process and those who found themselves affected by the structure.

For the neighbours surrounding the property, they said news that a garden suite was being built in the backyard of one of the houses on the street came as a shock and they are not happy about it at all.

On the other hand, the property owners feel they are being unfairly treated by some of the other residents in the neighbourhood because of their decision to build the garden suite.

In this story, Beach Metro Community News has decided to put the focus on the rules surrounding garden suites, and the rights of the property owner and their neighbours when one gets built. As for the relationship between the neighbours, it is accurate to say it has “soured” because of the garden suite.

Garden suites and laneway suites were declared as legal “asof-right” for property owners to build by the City of Toronto in a bylaw that passed in early 2022.

The bylaw means that as long as a proposed suite meets the criteria for size and location and is not requiring any zoning changes or “variances” it is automatically allowed. The property owner building it is under absolutely no obligation to inform or consult with neighbours about it.

The garden suite being built on the Eastwood Avenue site meets

the city’s criteria. The neighbours said they were not informed in advance about it.

In this case, the garden suite is a two-storey one with the living space being over a garage. It meets all the legal and building code requirements and is allowed to be built – whether the neighbours like it or not.

What’s generating a lot of the frustration over the Eastwood project for the neighbours who don’t like it are the city’s rules on the suites and lack of mandatory notification in advance.

The neighbours directly to the west of the Eastwood project have a sign on their front lawn objecting to the “monstrosity” of a garden suite being built beside their backyard.

Part of the reason for putting up the sign was to make other residents aware of what they consider

Continued on Page 17

PHOTOS: ALAN SHACKLETON

It was a happy St. Patrick’s Day on Sunday for dogs and their owners as they set out for a walk along the Boardwalk by the Silver Birch Off-Leash Dog Park. Photo at left, Rufus, a nine-year-old Maltese/Yorkie is ready for the walk with owners Rodger and Penny. Photo in centre, Cookie, an 11-year-old Jack Russell terrier, is joined by owners James and Katie. Photo at right, owners Richard, Addison and Riley prepare to take their one-year-old rescue dog Pepper on the walk. The St. Patrick’s Day Dog Walk along the Boardwalk was organized/sponsored by Paul Ryu of Timmie Pet Supplies in Leslieville.

The Raymond Chang Foundation makes $2-million donation to WoodGreen’s Homeward Bound program

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

TO HELP commemorate

International Women’s Day, WoodGreen Community Services received a $2 million donation from The Raymond Chang Foundation to support the Homeward Bound Program which helps single mothers experiencing homelessness or other inadequate housing to achieve financial stability.

“WoodGreen Community Services sincerely thanks The Raymond Chang Foundation for this generous donation for Homeward Bound and for being long-term supporters of the program,” said WoodGreen Community Services President and CEO Anne Babcock of the donation which was presented

during a ceremony on Friday, March 8 (International Women’s Day).

Babcock said the donation will enable WoodGreen to further help single mothers “earn college diplomas, start careers, and achieve self-sufficiency”.

Based in East Toronto, WoodGreen plans on using the new funding for programs such as youth tutoring; college preparation skill training; as well as family, financial, and nutritional counselling.

“Through (The Raymond Chang Foundation’s) investment in education and empowerment, they are creating opportunities for brighter futures for hundreds of women in the Homeward Bound program,” said WoodGreen Foundation

Chair Bill MacKinnon.

Homeward Bound was created in 2004 as a four-year education and employment program intended to elevate single mothers from the grips of poverty.

The wrap-around services provided through this program include academic upgrade programs to ensure college entrance; a fully funded two-year college education in a marketable field; child care and after-school programs; mental health, parenting and family counselling; a 14-week unpaid internship to gain work experience; affordable housing; and job search programs.

Since its launch, Homeward Bound has ensured that 92 per cent of individuals who entered the program with no permanent shelter “now live in market rental, subsidized housing, or own a home”, according to a WoodGreen news release.

With 94 per cent of the program’s graduates reporting being “stably housed”, Homeward Bound has proven to be a beacon of hope for struggling mothers.

Aware of the barriers faced by the women in the

program on their paths towards financial stability, The Raymond Chang Foundation hopes the financial support it has provided will ease the lives of many women in Toronto.

“Our father believed in helping others to be their best selves, and we are proud to be continuing his legacy,” said Brigette Chang, President of The Raymond Chang Foundation.

“During these challenging times, we encourage others to join us in becoming changemakers and supporting those in need in our community to thrive.”

The Raymond Chang Foundation’s donation to WoodGreen was presented at CIBC Square in downtown Toronto at an event where professionals gave newly graduated Homeward Bound participants career mentorship advice.

– 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.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

WoodGreen Community Services President and CEO Anne Babcock, centre, was joined by Andrew Chang and Brigette Chang for the presentation of a $2-million donation from The Raymond Chang Foundation to Woodgreen’s Homeward Bound program. The donation ceremony was on Friday, March 8.

Happy 98th birthday Hazel!

The owners of the The Garden Gate Restaurant (better known as The Goof) hosted a 98th birthday party for their legendary waitress Hazel Hoeg (centre) on the afternoon of Monday, March 4.

Hazel, who is not one for talking about herself, first started working at the Garden Gate back when it opened back in 1952. That was before it got its nickname The Goof due to some burned out lights in the Good Food sign out front.

Hazel continued to work at the Queen Street East restaurant in the Beach for the next 68 years before announcing her retirement in 2020.

Loved by generations of Beachers, many friends and customers turned out to wish her the best at the party including Pamela, left, and Anne, right.

The birthday party was hosted by restaurant owner Keith Chau. “So many generations know and love her,” he said of Hazel. “They love to come in and see her and wish her well.”

Familiar Faces

Keeping in touch with Tex Thomas as Pro League Sports leaves the Beach

By Erin Horrocks-Pope

In our beautiful little East Toronto communities, familiar faces become synonymous with comfort, community, and the vibrant spirit of our neighbourhoods.

Tex Thomas, the man behind the counter at Pro League Sports Collectibles, is one of those faces. Tex was a fixture in the Beach for an impressive 32 years.

His sports merchandise shop was an integral part of the Queen Street East strip until the end of last year when new building owners had a different vision for the space. The closure was a sad moment for many locals, including myself.

“It’s sad, you know, after 32 years of business in the Beach, the uncertainty that came after COVID and the building being sold… driving by the old shop now and seeing the cardboard on the windows – it definitely hurts,” shared Tex.

“Getting the news that we would have to relocate was hard. I knew I would probably never be able to recreate the friendships, and the neighbourhood vibe is just so unique,” he added.

get hand-drawn cards from all these local kids saying things like ‘Sorry ’bout the flood’ and ‘Hope you get cleaned up soon,’ it’s those things that are just so special,” he added, reminiscing about the bond he shared with the community.

started – get in touch today.

Although Pro League Sports has moved to a new, bigger location in Regent Park, the magic of Tex’s presence in the Beach will be near-impossible to recreate. “When you’re part of the community like we were, it’s not just a small business anymore – you actually know your neighbours. I knew all the faces – I remember watching you go to school with your sister, just like so many kids over the years. I’ll always miss that,” Tex fondly recalled.

“I remember years ago the shop had a flood, and I was so overwhelmed to

Tex’s journey has come full circle in a beautiful twist of fate. He spent his formative years in Regent Park, the same neighbourhood where Pro League Sports 2.0, as he laughingly refers to it, operates today. It’s a poetic connection that emphasizes his deep roots in both communities.

“You know, as hard as it was leaving the Beach, coming back here to where I grew up – it’s bittersweet. I want to be a positive in this neighbourhood, just like I tried to be in my last one. I think a big part of our jobs as small-business owners is providing and creating something positive in our communities,” said Tex.

Despite not knowing Tex

personally the way many locals did, his shop was an important part of my life, and of course, when the occasion arose to purchase sports merchandise for loved ones, Pro League was my go-to spot.

But Tex’s shop was so much more than just a place to buy sports gear; it was a cornerstone of the community – a gathering place where memories were made and friendships forged.

One excruciatingly hot day last summer, while I was heavily pregnant, I found myself walking past Tex’s old shop on Queen Street East. A walk I’ve done countless times over the years.

Sticky heat and swollen feet had me stop that day, and I found myself reminiscing about the lifetime of smiles I had received from Tex over the years. It struck me that my mom would have walked past Tex’s shop when she was pregnant with me – a full-circle moment

that resonated deeply.

Watching Tex sweep the stoop from the bench outside Book City across the street, I couldn’t help but feel a surge of nostalgia – a reminder of the connections we form with the places and all those within them that we hold dear.

Visiting Tex at his new shop this February, on my 30th birthday, no less, to chat for this article… well, I couldn’t have imagined a better interview to have on such a significant birthday.

Stepping into the new but somehow familiar space filled with floor-to-ceiling sports merchandise, I was reminded of the countless glances into and pop-ins I made at his old shop over the years. It was a moment of closure and reflection and a chance to honour the memories we each have in the Beach.

Tex’s move to Regent Park marks the end of an era, but it’s also the beginning of a new chapter. His commitment to creating positive community spaces remains unwavering, no matter where he sets up shop.

So here’s to Tex Thomas –a cherished member of our community whose constant smile and the warmth that exuded from that old sports shop will be missed in the Beach but remembered fondly as he continues to spread joy in his new neighbourhood. You can visit

Tex Thomas at the new Pro League Sports location at 136 River St.

— Familiar Faces is an occasional column written by Erin Horrocks-Pope, a lifelong east ender and frequent Beach Metro Community News contributor. If you know a Familiar Face you’d like to see featured in this column, you can reach Erin at erin@beachmetro.com

PHOTO: ERIN HORROCKS-POPE

Tex Thomas at his new location of Pro League Sports Collectibles now located in Regent Park at 136 River St.

Lack of affordable housing among concerns raised over three-building proposal for Amroth Avenue site

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A COMMUNITY pop-up meeting hosted by CreateTO at the Danforth Mennonite Church on March 14 gave local residents a chance to learn more about the proposed development on the Green P parking lot at 72 Amroth Ave., just southeast of Danforth and Woodbine avenues.

As housing affordability in Toronto continues to plague renters, CreateTO, the city agency tasked with managing Toronto’s housing portfolio, is hoping to counteract this trend by reinforcing the city’s “missing middle”. Missing middle refers to lowrise buildings with multiple units – typically with a density somewhere in between that of a single family home and mid-rise apartment building.

With developers more often embarking on larger scale condo developments, many Torontonians have been pushed out of neighbourhoods as rental costs skyrocket.

The BEY (Beaches-East York) Pilot Project – an extension of the City of Toronto’s Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) Program – aims to create more housing options such as detached and semidetached houses, triplexes, fourplexes, townhouses, stacked townhouses, lowrise hybrid buildings, as well as low-rise apartment buildings.

Although the EHON program isn’t directly attached to creating affordable housing, CreateTO is hoping that diversifying housing options in neighbourhoods, especially transit-oriented neighbourhoods, will in turn have a positive impact on housing affordability within these ar-

Local Journalism Initiative

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.

eas.

The development at 72 Amroth Ave. will serve as a demonstration project for the impact missing middle projects can have.

“We’re coming up with some prototypes and some models that could be replicated on other sites across the city,” said Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford who attended the March 14 pop-up event.

“I think that’s a great role for CreateTO –the City of Toronto – to demonstrate leadership and create a model that would work for the nonprofit sector, market builders, or anybody else who wants to take up these types of projects.”

According to CreateTO staff, a major reason neighbourhoods are losing residences of this size is due to many developers viewing such projects as “high risk-low reward”. They are hoping that the BEY Pilot Project can demonstrate otherwise and encourage more developers to take on such “missing middle” projects.

The proposal at 72 Amroth Ave. is for a six-storey building that faces Amroth Avenue coupled with two three-storey buildings behind it. These buildings will have a total of 34 units and 18 bicycle parking spaces.

With the development still in its early stages, it is currently unclear whether the City of Toronto or a nonprofit organization will take on the role of builder. However, Bradford is hoping for the latter.

“I’m not a proponent of the public builder model,” said Bradford. “I don’t think there’s any example that you can point to where the government has done things faster and for less money.”

Although the aim of this project is to showcase the importance – and potential cost effectiveness – of missing middle developments in Toronto’s quest for housing affordability, some residents are uncertain about the plan for this particular proposal.

Rick and Sheryl, longtime residents of the neighbourhood, told Beach Metro Community News that they hope the building will come with security due to the planners tightly packing two more properties behind the larger six-storey building of this proposal.

They say that due to the high volume of unhoused people in the neighbourhood, this “hidden area” might become an issue in the future.

But their main concern revolved around the lack of assurances for affordable housing in the proposal.

“I’m just concerned about the building itself. I don’t care if there’s a building there, but I’d rather it be something affordable or run by the government so that people can actually afford to live there,” said Sheryl. “Because they’re doing another one across the street with condos which you know will be stupidly priced.”

With the area now set to lose a major parking hub, Sheryl said she is also worried about the increased density in the area that already lacks in parking availability.

“Sure you’re encouraged to take TTC, but there are many people who have kids,” she said.

But with Toronto in desperate need of affordable housing, CreateTO staff highlighted the importance of utilizing all available plots of city-owned land to densify neighbourhoods in an attempt to battle housing affordability by providing Torontonians with a wider range of housing options.

The March 14 event was a casual pop-up, but residents can expect official community consultation meetings starting in July. Following public engagement, Toronto Council is expected to make a decision on the proposal by December of this year.

For more information about the BEY Pilot Project, contact CreateTO’s Manager of Community Engagement, Asha-Keyf Dahir at adahir@ createto.ca or 437-239-5214.

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Residents speak with a City of Toronto official during a community pop-up meeting on development plans for 72 Amroth Ave. on Thursday, March 14.

Your support helps keep the doors open at Beach Metro

your response is what keeps us going.

Publisher & General Manager Beach Metro Community News

In

Each March since 2022,

This year, we rallied local journalists in our community to underscore the important role local journalism plays in our collective narrative, and they certainly rose to the occasion. Fifty journalists lent their names to our fundraising drive.

Thank you!

As we navigate the everchanging media landscape, let’s not forget the irreplaceable role of local journalism. It’s more than just headlines; it’s about empowering people with information, and ensuring transpar-

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PHONE: 416-698-1164 FAX: 416-698-1253 beachmetro.com

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Letters to the Editor

A friend of ours, 78 years young, lost her partner last year.

While grieving her partner’s passing, a relative made demands she give up her cats. This demand was made before the relative would be willing to visit her to be by her side.

Grieving the loss of her feline friends (her only companions) and grieving her partner, the relative took power of attorney.

Within three months our friend was moved out and moved more than three hours away, into a care facility amongst residents who actually need constant care. She was taken away from her familiar surroundings, friends and community.

Our friend did not want to move but felt overwhelmed at the time and concerned of losing her relative as a result if she didn’t do as asked.

All while grieving she was taken out of her apartment that she was capable of managing fi-

ency and integrity in our local affairs. Reflecting on moments, big or small, captured in our pages, we’re reminded of the close connection we share with our readers.

Our newsroom welcomes not only wandering cats but a diverse array of individuals and groups with stories to share — local business owners, non-profit organizations, BIAs, artists, musicians, authors, teachers, sports clubs, tradespeople, professionals, and more, walk through our door daily.

We also welcome student jour-

nalists every year, and value their fresh insights and perspectives. Amidst the closures of countless news outlets across Canada, including 70 Metroland community newspapers last year, we’re proud to report we posted a modest profit in 2023. This achievement is a testament to the dedication of our volunteers, board of directors, interns, and staff, as well as the unwavering support of our advertisers, readers, and supporters. We hope we can count on you again this year, and thank you for keeping local journalism alive in the Beach.

nancially, physically and emotionally.

Our friend’s mind is clear and she misses her walks down Queen Street East to do her shopping.

This situation would shake the most of us. We decided to form a gathering of ladies on the 22nd of each month at 1:30 p.m. for luncheons, to simply support one another.

When one has more eyes open to a situation, we feel this wouldn’t have happened to our friend.

She is doing the best she can to make the best of her now living arrangements, but she dreams of being back in the Beach where she lived for decades. She dreams of winning the lottery so she can move back to the Beach area to feel as she puts it, “normal again.”

With genealogy and family research on the rise, Ontarians with Cornish heritage are beginning their experience of things Cornish. To help them, the Cornish Society of Durham Region is hosting a heritage event in Bowmanville from May 31 to June 2.

Friday, May 31 evening will be the registration event featuring a barbecue at St. John’s Anglican Church in Bowmanville. On June 1, participants will have a number of options to take part in. Also, on June 1 there will be a traditional Cornish pasty supper followed by Cornish/

Celtic entertainment at the Bowmanville Legion. On June 2, there will be a commemorative plaque ceremony.

Between the 1830s and 1880s many people of Cornish descent settled in Ontario, including those who called Toronto and York County their new home.

To take part in the heritage celebration, please contact cornishconference2024@ gmail.com. Or visit the Facebook page: facebook.com/cornishconference2024.

Sher Letooze, Chair, Cornish Society of Durham Region

PHOTO: SUSAN LEGGE

Thanks to your support, our doors are open at Beach Metro, welcoming visitors like this friendly kitty who strutted into our newsroom unannounced for a visit with our editor before his owner was quickly found.

SuSan legge

Fearless Meat to hold fundraiser for Beach Metro News on Good Friday

Good Friday (March 29), Fearless Meat will be holding a fundraiser for Beach Metro Community News.

FEARLESS MEAT on Kingston Road will hold its third annual Easter fundraiser is support of Beach Metro Community News at the end of this month.

On Good Friday (Friday, March 29), Fearless Meat will be donating all proceeds from the sale of its regular size Breakfast Peameal Bacon, St. Lawrence Market Style Sandwiches to Beach Metro Community News

The sandwiches will be sold for the price of $3.99 and include loads of free toppings, said Fearless Meat owner David Brown.

This is the third year in a row Fearless Meat, at 884 Kingston Rd., has held a fundraiser at Easter for this newspaper.

Last year, proceeds from the sale of peameal bacon sandwiches on Good Friday were donated to the paper, and that event proved extremely popular with local residents.

In 2022, Fearless Meat donated the proceeds of its Easter Sunday sales from its Mother Clucker chicken sandwich to the paper.

“Beach Metro News is such an important part of our community,” said David Brown, owner of Fearless Meat.

“I hope what Fearless Meat is doing will act as an inspiration to other businesses to help you out with fundraisers and more advertising.”

Fearless Meat will be open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m. on Friday, March 29.

Beach Metro Community News is a non-profit community newspaper run by a volunteer Board of Directors. Established in 1972, the paper is currently holding a fundraising drive as part of its 52nd anniversary, and is asking for the support of residents to keep local journalism strong in the community.

To become a Beach Metro Community News Supporter, please go to https://beachmetro.com/donations/ support-beach-metro-news/

The Period Purse to host screening of movie My Girl, product drive at the Fox Theatre

THE TORONTO-BASED menstrual equity charity The Period Purse will be hosting a screening of the 1991 film My Girl at the Fox Theatre on Queen Street East in the Beach on Saturday, March 23.

A percentage of the ticket sales from the showing of the movie will go towards The Period Purse.

Also at the screening, a period product collection drive will take place for Dr. Roz’s Healing Place in Scarborough.

The event takes place from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and the organizers said there will be some “period positive trivia” prior to the screening of the movie.

The Period Purse charity creates menstrual equity by ensuring sustainable access to period products for all, and by ending the stigma associated with periods through education and advocacy.

For more information on The Period Purse, please visit the website at www. theperiodpurse.com

Dr. Roz’s Healing Place in southwest Scarborough is a centre for empowerment and healing that works towards

the eradication of violence against women and their children locally, nationally and globally, with a special focus on systemic anti-Black racism.

For more information on Dr. Roz’s Healing Place, please visit the website at www.drrozshealingplace.com.

Ticket’s for The Period Purse screening of My Girl at the Fox can be purchased by going the movie theatre’s website at www.foxtheatre.ca/movies/ period-positivity-screening-my-girl-wthe-period-purse

My Girl is a PG movie telling the story of an 11-year-old girl. It stars Anna Chlumsky, Macaulay Culkin, Dan Aykroyd, Jamie Lee Curtis and Richard Masur.

Art show set for St. Clair O’Connor Community

AN ART exhibition featuring members of the St. Clair O’Connor Community (SCOC) and local artists is slated for next month.

The show is titled Celebrate Art and is presented by the SCOC Residents’ Council and Art Committee.

The SCOC is located at the intersec-

The Market is Blooming

Spring is in the air, and the real estate market is in bloom. Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or stay informed, we’re here to help you make the most of this flourishing market. No matter where you are in the process, we’re always happy to talk real estate. As we say, real estate starts here!

tion of St. Clair and O’Connor avenues in East York.

A Mennonite project, the SCOC is a on-profit organization dedicated to creating a safe and caring environment for gracefully aging seniors. SCOC is an intergenerational community where families both young and older live in a congregated setting. While being able to enjoy an intimate and private living, residents are also provided with resources to engage with the community and foster relationships with other residents and staff.

The Celebrate Art show will take place on Saturday, April 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and everyone is welcome to attend. Artists taking part in the show include Marlene Barnett and Soledad Avellaneda. Barnett, who creates stained glass artwork, has lived at SCOC for five years, but spent much of her life in the Beach. Avellaneda, a recent resident of SCOC, has been sketching and painting since her childhood in Spain. Her favourite medium is oil.

For more information on the show, please contact SCOC at 416-757-8757.

David Brown, left, of Fearless Meat on Kingston Road presents a cheque for $1,300 to Emily Bird of the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation. The money was the result of a fundraiser held at Fearless Meat in February for the hospital. On

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Community Calendar

MARCH 19: Climate-Friendly Solutions at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 7 p.m. Come join our retrofit group of neighbours helping neighbours make our homes part of the climate solution. Learn more from guest speaker Paul Dowsett that evening. Info: beachunitedchurch.com

MARCH 20: The Beach & East Toronto Historical Society presents author, travel writer and historian Ron Brown at The Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7-8:15 p.m. Admission free. All welcome. Info: www.tbeths.com

MARCH 22: Cheese and Wine Tasting Featuring Wines from Australia and New Zealand at Gerrard Art Space / GAS Inc., 1475 Gerrard St. E., 7-8:30 p.m. Indulge your taste buds with the finest flavors these regions have to offer. RSVP on The Pantry Eventbrite page. Info: 416-778-0923, gerrardartspace@gmail.com

MARCH 22-APRIL 26: Presanctified Liturgy followed by vigil for peace at St. John The Compassionate Mission, an Orthodox Apostolate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, 155 Broadview Ave., Fridays, 7 p.m.-midnight. All welcome. Info: 416-466-1357, info@stjohnsmission.org

MARCH 23: The Period Purse Tea Chats presents “My Girl” Film Screening at the Fox Theatre, 2236 Queen St. E., 3:30-6:30 p.m. Period products will also be collected in support of Dr Roz’s Healing Place. A percentage of ticket sales will be donated to TPP. Info: @theperiodpurse

MARCH 30: Historical Walk with Gene Domagala, 1 p.m. This Kew Beach neighbourhood walk will visit the Beaches Branch Library, Beach United Church, the Beach Hebrew Institute, and more. Walk begins in front of the library, 2161 Queen St. E.

MARCH 31: Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade along Queen St. E. from Nursewood Rd. to Woodbine Ave., 2 p.m. Info: www.beacheseasterparade.ca

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

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 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.

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 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

EAST END COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE, 1619 Queen St. E. •Last Thursday of the month: Brain Games, Virtual over zoom and In-Person Group, 2-3 p.m. for fun brain games and activities. Learn how memory works, improve it, and keep your brain healthy! Info: Justin 416-778-5805, ext. 212 •March 27: Caregiver Empowerment (virtual session over zoom), 7-8:30 p.m. Learn simple ways to feel stronger and better able to take care of yourself and your loved one. Find financial help, free trainings, and support groups. Info: Natalie at 416-778-5805, extension 629 •April 4: Women Empowerment Self-Defense In-Person Group, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stay Safe, Stay Strong: Simple Self-Defense! with Nellie’s Shelter. All that identify as female are welcome. Info: Makeda at 416-778-5805, extension 216. More info: www.eastendchc.on.ca/calendar

BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP

LUNCHES for adults in the community, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.). No lunch April 1. •Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.), March 19, April 2, 16, 30, etc.; St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, (2423 Queen St. E), March 26, 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

CHURCHES

ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST NORWAY Anglican Church, 470 Woodbine Ave. We are a growing community which enjoys the Anglican expression of the Christian faith. Join us for Holy Week & Easter with services on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Saturday Great Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday. Info: stjohnsnorway.com, 416-691-4560

THE CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN (Anglican), 2423 Queen St. E., welcomes you to join us for Sunday worship at 8:30 a.m. (spoken service) and 10:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs). All are welcome to join us our Holy Week services. Palm Sunday (Liturgy of Palms and communion), 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Maundy Thursday (with foot washing & communion) March 28, 7:30 p.m. Good Friday, March 29, 12 noon (Liturgy of the Passion). Holy Saturday, March 30, 9 a.m. (solemn spoken service). Great Vigil of Easter, Sat., March 30, 7:30 p.m. (with choir & communion). Easter Sunday, March 31, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. (with choir & communion). Weekly euchre Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. (enter from the northeast side door, $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

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

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. More 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

RCL TODMORDEN BR. 10, 1083 Pape Ave. •Drop-In Weekly Euchre, Wednesdays, 7 p.m. Cost is $10. Prizes determined by number of players. •March 24: Drop-In Cribbage, 1 p.m. Cost is $10. Prizes determined by number of participants. •March 28: Big Bingo, 8 p.m. Karaoke follows (to closing), hosted by AJ. •April 5: Bingo only, 6:30 p.m. No entertainment. •April 6: Fundraiser - available to all Legion members and their families only, Membership cards will be checked at the door. A two-hour live Stompin Tom tribute show to help raise funds for the fire suppression system. Doors open 1 p.m., show begins 2 p.m. The cost is $10. Tickets available at clubroom bar any time after 3 p.m. except Mondays and at the door on the day of the event. ‘A SENIOR MOMENT’ LUNCHEONS. Thank you to all the ladies who attended at ViVetha Bistro, February 22, for a time to gather, socialize and laugh. We had a blast. A raffle of prizes for fun. Empowering us with friendships and support. Next luncheon: March 22 at The Wolf Tone, 1961 Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m. RSVP: text Colleen 647-829-8042 or email colleenelizabethtaylor@outlook. com. Next luncheon: Aug 22, venue to be announced.

GRANT AME CHURCH, 2029 Gerrard St E., invites you to our Worship Service Sundays at 11 am in person or live streamed on ZOOM, YouTube and Facebook. Bible Study Wednesdays 7:00 pm on ZOOM. Please join us in prayer Wednesday mornings at 6:30 am on our prayer line. DialIn No.: 1 587 405 1252 Access Code: 700 6901#. Info: www. grantame.com, grantamechurch@yahoo.ca, 416-690-5169.

BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave., invites you to share in worship with us each week. We offer a combination of in person and YouTube livestream opportunities on Sunday mornings at 10:30 a.m. Services are led by our creative and passionate music director Steven Webb and our minister Rev. Greg Daly. In addition to Sunday services, Beach United Church offers a variety of inspirational music and educational programs open to the entire Beach community. Links and info: beachunitedchurch.com

FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. Please join us for our Holy Week services and activities, including Easter on Sunday, March 31 at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome! Holy Week Activities: Stations of the Cross: Monday, March 25 to Thursday, March 28 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. then Friday, March 29 from 12-2 p.m. Holy Week Services: Maundy Thursday Worship, March 28 at 7:30 p.m. – Taize, Handwashing and Communion. Good Friday Service, March 29 at 10:30 a.m. – We bring our burdens to the cross. On Easter Sunday, we will have special music from our cellists and choir. We celebrate Christ’s rising! Info: fboffice@rogers.com, 416-699-3084,www.fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch.com ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd., 2 blks. east of Main St. Lent & Easter Schedule: Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent 4:30 pm. Confessions: Wed. Mar. 20 - 8:45 to 9:15am & 11:45am to 12:30pm & 6 to 7:15 pm & every Saturday 3:30 to 4:15pm. Palm Sunday Masses: (Mar. 23) Sat. Vigil 4:30pm & (Mar. 24) Sun. 9 & 11am. Holy Thursday (Mar. 28) no 8:15am Mass only Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Eucharistic Adoration at 7pm. Good Friday (Mar. 29) no 8:15am Mass only Liturgy of the Word and Communion at 12 noon & 3pm. Holy Saturday (Mar. 30) no 4:30pm Mass only Easter Vigil at 8:30pm. Easter Sunday (Mar. 31) Masses at 9 & 11am. Easter Monday (Apr. 1) Mass at 9am.

Public meeting on development, park plans for 6 Dawes Rd. set

TORONTO

East York

Council is host-

a public meeting early next month to discuss for plans to divide the lands at 6 Dawes Rd. into four separate blocks including mixed use development blocks (West and East Block), a public park, and lands that will allow Dawes Road to be extended.

The meeting will take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 3, at Toronto City hall in Committee Room 1.

With the application set to alter the lands owned by Ontario Holdings Ltd, other applications have been simultaneously submitted for 6 Dawes Rd.

A zoning bylaw to change the overall height and parking standards, as well as to permit washrooms within the mechanical penthouse of the West Block development was approved with conditions after a public meeting last October.

This development consists of three towers having heights of 29, 39, and 37-sto-

reys with a proposed residential gross floor area of 71,340 square metres (nonresidential gross floor area of 2188 square metres).

The project is expected to provide 923 rental residential units with 103 parking spaces available for its residents.

Located between Main Street and Dawes Road (south of Danforth Avenue and just north of the railway tracks), this site is currently vacant as the portion of the land that was previously a self-storage facility was recently demolished.

Work is currently taking place on the land in advance of the construction of the buildings.

In 2019, a zoning bylaw application for the development of two mixed-use buildings comprising 1,425 residential dwelling units was also submitted and has since been approved.

With a number of highrise buildings planned for the area southeast of Danforth Avenue and Main Street, there is much public interest about the development process for 6 Dawes Rd. and

other proposals including the Canadian Tire and Main Square sites. Development south of Danforth Avenue and East of Dawes Road is also set to take place.

Anyone who would like to learn more or voice their opinions about the ongoing projects can send written comments by email to teycc@toronto.ca up until Toronto Council gives final consideration to the proposal.

Following the April 3 public meeting, Toronto and East York Community Council will make recommendations on the application that will then be sent to Toronto Council for final considerations.

For more information, contact City Planner Helen Song at 416-392-5606, or by e-mail at Helen.Song@toronto.ca

– 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.

Menus

All meals are served with your choice of protein, featuring:

Sugar & Spiced Glazed Baked Ham (GF/DF)

Honey Mustard & Apple Cider Sauce (V/GF/DF)

Or Traditional Roast Turkey (GF/DF)

Celery, Onion & Mixed Herb Bread Stuffing

Traditional Pan Gravy (DF)

Homemade Cranberry Sauce (V/GF)

All meals are accompanied with:

Or

Rosemary & Garlic Roasted Leg of Lamb (GF/DF)

Lamb & Shallot Au Jus (DF)

Starter Easter Bonnet Devilled Eggs with dill & radishes (V/GF) 2 pieces per person

Salad Spring Kale & Quinoa Salad chopped kale, quinoa, cucumber, feta cheese, chickpeas, scallions, fresh mint & parsley with lemon vinaigrette (V/GF)

Potato Duck-Fat Roasted Smashed New Potatoes with fresh herbs (GF/DF)

Vegetable Side Dish Creamy Cauliflower & Broccoli Casserole with mixed cheese (V/GF)

Dessert Torched Lemon Meringue Tart (V) 1 individual tart per person

Minimum order of 2 people

Serving 2, 3, 4 or more people

Turkey 2 people $115

Ham 2 people $110

Lamb 2 people $120

Delivery and Pick-up options available Subject to HST & Delivery Fee

All food is fresh, fully prepared, packaged and provided with re-heating and serving instructions.

You are gonna love living here!

Deja Views

Remembering Selwood Avenue and Glen Manor Drive in 1955

By David Van Dyke

There are more than 15,000 images of his in the City of Toronto Archives. Most of his work was shot in the mid half of the last century, including this photo, in 1955. His main focus was “old Toronto” but I am glad that he, on occasion, ventured into the Beach.

Do you have an image of the Beach that you’d like to share with our readers? Why not contact me gdvandyke61@gmail.com

Author of Toronto’s Lost Villages to speak at historical society event

AUTHOR, TRAVEL writer and historian Ron Brown will be the guest speaker at an event presented by The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society on the evening of Wednesday, March 20.

Brown is the author of Toronto’s Lost Villages

The book examines the histories of the hamlets and villages that over the years have been swallowed up by the City of Toronto.

“Over the course of more than two centuries, Toronto has ballooned from a muddy collection of huts on a swampy waterfront to Canada’s largest and most diverse city,” reads a summary of the book. “Amid (and sometimes underneath) this urban agglomeration are the remains of many small communities that once dotted the region now known as Toronto and the GTA. Before Eu-

ropean settlers arrived, Indigenous Peoples established villages on the shore of Lake Ontario. With the arrival of the English, a host of farm hamlets, tollgate stopovers, mill towns, and, later, railway and cottage communities sprang up. Vestiges of some are still preserved, while others have disappeared forever. Some are remembered, though many have been forgotten.”

Brown’s book brings them back to life. Over his career he has written numerous books including Backroads of Ontario and The Train Doesn’t Stop Here Anymore

Tomorrow’s free presentation is from 7 to 8:15 p.m. at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E. For more on The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society, please go to the website at http://tbeths.com/ or contact the Society by email at contactTBETHS@gmail.com.

This image above of the northeast corner of Selwood Avenue and Glen Manor Drive was taken by well-known photographer of the City of Toronto, James Victor Salmon.

PHOTO: CITY OF TORONTO ARCHIVES -- JAMES VICTOR SALMON

PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE

Virtual meeting on plans for Villiers Island in the Port Lands set for the evening of March 26

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

THE CITY of Toronto is hosting a virtual community meeting on Tuesday, March 26, for the upcoming developments at Villiers Island in the Port Lands which aims to provide between 6,000 to 7,000 units of housing to the area.

Last June, officials said they were exploring several approaches to achieve this goal including increasing density on the northern blocks (south of the Keating Channel); increasing density on the western blocks with tall towers along New Cherry Street gateway and west blocks; and a centralized intensification focussed around New Cherry and New Munition streets.

Following last June’s public meeting, Waterfront Toronto engaged with residents to learn about their preferences for housing options and how best to embark on the project.

According to the City of Toronto, there were follow-up surveys taken to determine how best to “incorporate more homes in this new neighbourhood”.

City of Toronto officials, along with Waterfront Toronto, are now expected to present updates on the precinct plan along with the approach they have decided upon following a Density Study.

Those in attendance at the virtual meeting on March 26 will also be looking forward to hearing more about the affordable housing

options for the area considering TorontoDanforth Councillor Paula Fletcher’s declaration during the last meeting that development applications submitted by private owners have so far lacked affordable housing components.

The March 26 virtual meeting will take place from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Anyone hoping to participate is encouraged to register for the event at https://www. eventbrite.ca/e/villiers-island-public-meeting-tickets-861095177857?aff=oddtdtcreator

There will also be an in-person meeting on May 2 in which the same material will be shared with residents who could not attend the upcoming virtual meeting.

Waterfront Toronto is a partnered corporation created by the City of Toronto, Province of Ontario and the Government of Canada to oversee and deliver the revitalization of Toronto’s waterfront. The Port Lands initiative aims to transform 800 hectares of brownfield lands on Toronto’s waterfront into sustainable mixed-use communities while also naturalizing the mouth of the Don River as it meets Lake Ontario.

For more information on the Villiers Island development, visit https://www.waterfrontoronto.ca/our-projects/villiers-island

– 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.

Scarborough Seedy Saturday & Green Fair slated

THE SCARBOROUGH Seedy Saturday & Green Fair is set for Saturday, April 6.

The event will take place at the Centre for Immigration and Community Services (CICS) at 2330 Midland Ave. from 10 a.m. to

2 p.m. There will be a seed exchange, gardening groups, master gardeners and much more. Admission is $2 (or pay what you can) and children are admitted for free. For more info, go to www.facebook.com/SSSGFair.

Soup Tasting Competition at Community Centre 55

The Natural steps up to the plate at The Great Escape Book and Film Club

THE GREAT Escape Book Store on Kingston Road will be celebrating the start of the baseball season with an upcoming Book and Film Club event.

The book and movie the club will be celebrating in early April is Bernard Malamud’s 1952 baseball novel The Natural. Club members are invited to read the book and then meet and discuss it at an event set for Thursday, April 4, at 7 p.m. at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd.

The next week, on Thursday, April 11, club members are invited to watch the movie The Natural (directed by Barry Levinson and starring Robert Redford) at the Fox Theatre on Queen Street East starting at 7 p.m.

The Natural tells the story of fictional baseball player Roy Hobbs and his self-made bat Wonderboy. Hobbs is an aging rookie who plays for the fictional New York Knights team.

The Great Escape’s Book and Film Club sees members meet once a year to discuss a classic work in a semiacademic manner and then watch the classic film, based on that work, at the Fox Theatre the following week.

Residents are welcome to sign up to become a club member at any time, and copies of the book can be purchased at the store at 957 Kingston Rd.

For more information on The Great Escape’s Book and Film Club and how to join, please visit www.greatescapebookstore.com/book-film-club or call the store at 416-691-7150.

PHOTOS: ALAN SHACKLETON

Community Centre 55 held its annual Soup Tasting Competition which sees local restaurants vie for the coveted Silver Ladle Award while helping raise funds for the centre. Taking part in the Feb. 29 event were (clockwise from left) Krishna from The Kingston House; Corbin and Chichi from Corbin Catering and Food; chef Ava Chilelli; and Stan and Jacob from Fearless Meat. The Silver Ladle was won by Corbin Catering and Food.

Donations of used eyeglasses accepted and appreciated

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

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Garden/laneway suites can sometimes bring ‘difficult’ change

‘Local’ from Page 1 to be the city’s flawed bylaw allowing such suites.

“It’s a warning to all, that inappropriate, ill-considered, and ill-approved garden suites will have negative impacts on you and your neighbourhood,” said those neighbours in a statement to Beach Metro Community News. “And if they come to your neighbourhood, know that city planning people and your city government are not on your side. Expect to be dismissed and ignored.”

They also expect to be called NIMBY’s (Not In My Backyard) and face criticism from those who strongly support the need for more types of housing in the city including garden and laneway suites, multi-unit and higher densities in what were traditionally considered to be residential neighbourhoods made up only of single-family detached or semi-detached homes.

The neighbours understand the bylaw is what it is, but they want the city rules on when and if the community should be notified changed.

“The members of the community know that they can’t stop the building of this ‘garden suite’. However, they want to change the bylaw to ensure that future ‘garden suites’ can’t be built without community consultation and an environmental assessment,” said a news release from a number of residents in the area that was sent to Toronto media outlets including Beach Metro Community News last week.

The homeowners of the Eastwood property where the garden suite is being built said they gave their immediate neighbour “a heads up” about their plan to build the garden suite which is to be for their widowed mother-in-law.

They said in an email to Beach Metro Community News that they looked into the garden suite bylaw and if it would be possible to build one on their property. “Once we had a better idea of what this would look like we informed our immediate neighbour of the proposed design and invited them to meet with our architect in case they had any questions.”

They said they have been “open and transparent” through the process.

The community members who want changes to the bylaw so that mandatory community consultation is included in it have a meeting set up with Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford in the relatively near future to talk about their concerns in person.

Bradford told Beach Metro Community News in an interview this week that the garden and laneway suite bylaw was set up as it was so that community opposition (and the implied political pressure it puts on local councillors who need to be re-elected every four years) to projects that increase density and provide more housing in residential neighbourhoods is not a factor.

“That was another reason to set up as-of-right provisions. It takes the element of the councillor’s subjectivity and opposition out of the equation,” he said.

Prior to the 2022 bylaw, such suites would have had little chance of success if the majority of neighbours objected.

“The city is in a housing crisis and the old system of proposals would see people jumping through hoops, and it didn’t work,” said Bradford.

“We did a prolonged public consultation and it is informed by lots of public input and we are certainly not the first city in North America to be doing this,” he said of the city’s garden and laneway suite bylaw. “My position is I’m pro-housing and I’m all about the YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard). We need to be adding gentle density in our city with housing options at all price points for people in all of Toronto.”

That being said, Bradford acknowledged that there are going to be conflicts and frustration as people get used to these new rules. “What I would say is change is always difficult… there will be situations where a garden suite is going up and folks are not aware of the policies.”

According to the City of Toronto in an email to Beach Metro Community News last Friday, a total of 15 garden suites have been built so far in the city and there are 297 applications in the works for them.

“The Chief Building Official is obligated to issue a building permit when an application meets the Ontario Building Code and all applicable laws, including zoning. The permit provides permission to commence construction,” said the city.

If a variance to the bylaw is needed for a proposed garden or laneway suite, the application would then go to the local Committee of Adjustment where members of the public can make comments on it, said the city.

If there is a case where construction begins without a permit, or the actual suite ends up not conforming to the bylaw, the city said it has “a number of strategic actions aimed at preventing problems from occurring on residential infill construction sites…as well as creating an effective and streamlined enforcement system to respond to issues when they do occur.”

The garden suite at the Eastwood property is being built by a company called Densecity. About 50 per cent of the company’s projects consist of garden or laneway suites, said managing partner Joaquim Peixoto in an email to Beach Metro Community News

Peixoto is aware that some of the neighbours are not happy about the Eastwood project, which is further complicated by a shared driveway between the property and its neighbour to the west which is the only access to both backyards.

“The garden suite being built on Eastwood fully conforms as-of-right to the City of Toronto bylaw. Drawing from all our projects, there is some sense that people feel unhappy with suites adjacent to their yard as potential blockage of sun or as infringement on their privacy,” he said.

“We find these same concerns arise with a garden suite or any typical construction project. There have been more neighbours interested and excited in our builds rather than opposed to them. Every construction site will have some issues with noise, dirt, equipment load/unload – construction is notoriously not the cleanest and quietest activity. We do our best to work as quickly as we can to minimize the drag of the disruption to the neighbours. We have an open line of communication and do our best to accommodate everyone while moving the job along for the homeowner.”

First-rate care on a first-name basis –today and always.

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

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

The garden suite under construction in the backyard of an Eastwood Avenue home.

Sports

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

The Neil McNeil Catholic High School swim team celebrates its third straight overall boys TDCAA city championship last month in Etobicoke. Neil McNeil sent 14 swimmers to the recent OFSAA championships and were led by Albert Boulay who won gold in the 50-metre freestyle and bronze as a member of the 200m medley relay team.

Neil McNeil swim team takes third city championship in a row; goes on to win medals at OFSAA meet

THE NEIL McNeil Catholic High School swim team recently won the overall boys title at the Toronto District (Colleges) Athletic Association (TDCAA) championships.

The Neil McNeil swimmers on the Senior team also won the first overall title at the city championships meet held on Feb. 15 at the Etobicoke Olympium. The victory marks Neil McNeill’s third TDCAA swimming championship in a row.

The Novice, Junior and Open swimmers from Neil McNeil put on an incredible performance in both individual and relay events, obtaining second place for their respective divisions.

The Novice, Junior and Senior relay swim teams also won gold medals for 200-metre medley relays and 200m freestyle relays.

These great efforts in Etobicoke led to Neil McNeil

qualifying 14 swimmers in various relay and individual events for the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championships which were held last week.

That was a record-breaking number of swimmers for Neil McNeil with the most ever qualified for OFSAA.

Taking place on March 5 and 6 at the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre in Scarborough, the swimmers representing Neil McNeil at OFSAA were Bishan A., Albert B., Brandon B., Simon D., Marshall D., Jackson F., Lucas H., Ty M., Griffin O., Jamie P., Emmett S.-P., Winston S.-P., Justin V. and Finn V.

At the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, the OFSAA Neil McNeil swimmers made a noteworthy splash with their inspiring team efforts.

In particular, Albert Bouley earned two medals (a

gold and a bronze) at OFSAA.

He won a gold medal in the 50m freestyle Open division race with a time of 23.04 seconds.

Also, an OFSAA bronze medal was won by the 200m medley relay race team of Bouley, Griffin Oldman, Winston Steinwall-Pennington and Brandon Brock in the Open division.

Neil McNeil also earned the third place overall title in the Open division at the OFSAA meet.

All 14 athletes made their school community proud at OFSAA for their outstanding races, effort and team camaraderie, said Laura Ferreira who is one of the swimming team’s coaches.

It was an incredible season and coaches A. Layton and Ferreira are very proud of the team’s hard work, dedication and sportsmanship this year.

Neil

By Jack Skinner

THE NEIL McNeil Catholic High School Maroons Senior boys hockey team has advanced to the Ontario championships after winning the city crown earlier this month.

The Maroons won the TD-

CAA (Toronto District Colleges Athletic Association) city championship with a 3-0 victory over Bishop Allen Academy.

The city championship game was played at the Ford Performance Centre in Etobicoke on Friday, March 1.

Leading the Maroons to

the city title in the game against Bishop Allen were goal scorers William Millar, William Joyce and Ryan Yankowich.

Goalie Ethan Parks earned the shutout for the Maroons. Neil McNeil won their fourth consecutive city

Continued on Page 19

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

The Neil McNeil Catholic High School Senior boys hockey team celebrates after winning the TDCAA (Toronto District Colleges Athletic Association) city championship with a 3-0 victory over Bishop Allen Academy on March 1 in Etobicoke.

McNeil hockey team wins city title; heads to OFSAA this week

Annual Beaches Spring Sprint on April 6 to start at the Leuty Pavillion this year

By Chris Zdravko

THE ANNUAL Beaches Spring Sprint is taking place on Saturday, April 6, on the Boardwalk. And this year it will be following a new path.

The Spring Sprint is a fundraising event for the Beaches Recreation Centre (BRC) where participants run a course through the area. This year will see some changes to the route including that the run starts and finishes at the Leuty Pavillion on the Boardwalk.

The starting/finishing point is basically even with the foot of Leuty Avenue, just east of Lee Avenue on the northside of the Boardwalk.

The race takes place by the shores of Lake Ontario, and has been a staple of Beach culture for more than 30 years.

“For some it’s an introduction to the neighbourhood,” said Sarah Hendershot,

a member of the Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council.

“For locals, it’s a fun family event. It’s also a longstanding yearly tradition, and one of the first big community events in the spring.”

She mentioned some notable participants who have been taking part in the Spring Sprint for years.

Local teacher and running coach, Jimmy Semes is the head of the Boardwalk Running Club, and a former BRC associate.

He is an annual runner and supporter of the Spring Sprint, said Hendershot.

Other regular participants are Advisory Council member Joann Knox and has provided invaluable support to the event for several decades; and BRC Community Recreation Programmers Frank Domagala and Roland Roushias “who are the heart of Beaches Recreation

Centre…Frank does the MCing at the event and Roland helps with his role behind the scenes,” said Hendershot.

Clarisse Tatro is also a regular volunteer and participant in the Spring Sprint, said Hendershot.

First started in 1987, this April’s run will be the second Spring Sprint in a row since its three-year hiatus that it had to take during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Beaches Spring Sprint fundraiser raises approximately $5,000 a year for the BRC.

The Beaches Spring Sprint features the following categories: a five-kilometre run; a five-kilometre walk; a twokilometre run for kids; and a two-kilometre walk.

The cost of entry is $30, cash or cheque. Runners will receive a race T-shirt and a hamburger coupon to redeem at the Beaches N’

OFSAA hockey championships taking place this week in Whitby

‘Neil’ from Page 18

championship this year dating back to 2019.

The Maroons also won the city crown in 2020, but then high school sports shut down in 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Maroons, though, picked up where they left off once high school sports returned by winning the city hockey championships

in 2023 and once again this year.

The city championship win this year was sweet for the Maroons as they had finished second in regular season play to Bishop Allen, even though the teams were even in points.

Neil McNeil coach Eric Naranowicz said this year’s team relies on its speed and physical play and the

boys are looking forward to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championships in Whitby from March 19 to 21.

“This year’s version of the Maroons features a fast and physical team,” said Naranowicz.

Please visit www.beachmetro.com this week for updates on the Maroons at OFSAA.

Cream concession stand.

Registration takes place in person at the BRC, 6 Williamson Rd., on March 25, 26, and April 3, and 4, between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. There will be no race-day registration available, so those planning to take part must sign up on one of the days listed above.

Residents are reminded that the Spring Sprint needs volunteers to help with setting up, taking down, supporting runners, and other tasks. It is a great way for teens to accumulate volunteer hours.

Anyone looking to volunteer is asked to contact the Beaches Recreation Centre by an email to springsprint@ hotmail.ca

For more information on the Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council, please go to www.facebook.com/ people/Beaches-RecreationCentre-Advisory-Council/100057641762082

PHOTO: BEACH METRO COMMUNITY NEWS FILE PHOTO Runners take off from the starting line at last year’s Beaches Spring Sprint along the Boardwalk. The 2024 version of the Spring Sprint is slated

point at the Leuty Pavillion along the Boardwalk.

I’m looking at a photo of a young Black man dressed in blue, the colour affiliated with his gang; his face bares a blank expression and a distant stare. It’s hard to believe he is a younger version of the man sitting across from me in this nondescript local café.

A month ago I met Timothy Abbey, a local school crossing guard. Timothy is soft spoken, highly intelligent, and has a warm calm energy.

He is acutely aware of how fortunate he is to have been able to turn his life around. He wanted to share his story with our community in hopes of inspiring someone who may be struggling like he once did.

When Timothy was born, his Ghanaian parents moved from Regent Park to Dixon Road and Islington Avenue area. Timothy describes the area he grew up in as, “a gang affiliated neighbourhood”.

on in their lives and things became more complicated when he started school.

do what they do so that I can get a better lifestyle and such. That was my thought pattern at that time.”

At this point Timothy showed me the photo of himself from that time.

The realities of gang life are not something most of us can ever imagine, but listening to Timothy’s story and how he arrived at that point in his life were sadly easy to understand.

In Grade 10, Children’s Aid visited his home and deemed it unfit for him to continue living there.

As Timothy described it, “My household was a rough state. There was mental illness, poverty, crime in the neighbourhood, divorced parents, a lot of different things going on and I was literally suffering when I was there. Sometimes we didn’t even have food. So, I went through a lot there. . . I remember the day before they came, I was weeping about something that happened in the household. I remember opening the Bible, I was reading it, and my tears were falling onto the page. The very next day is when Children’s Aid came.”

The neighbourhood had a lot of influence over Timothy who was the youngest of his siblings. His older brothers and sister had a lot going

“When I was six years old, my mother developed schizophrenia, a mental health issue. And my mom and dad started to argue a lot and they split up. My dad wasn’t in the house with us

much, so I didn’t have my dad around to help mentor me when I was young,” he said.

By the time Timothy reached middle school he was feeling in his own words, “troubled and I got pretty violent when I was really young at school and such. I was going through a lot. I had a very tough Grade 6 year.”

When high school started Timothy’s life went down a more sinister path.

He describes those years: “There was a season when I was in Grade 9 that I went through some dark times. I got more ‘thuggish’ or ‘gangster-ish’. I remember looking at myself in the mirror one day and I didn’t even recognize myself.”

I asked for clarification on what ‘gangster-ish’ meant and he simply said, “I was in one.”

Having zero personal experience in this world, Timothy was patient in his explanation on how he became a member of his gang.

“When I was 14 there were some guys from my neighbourhood, and they moved to another place, and I would go visit them each weekend to chill with them. And then eventually I thought to myself, you know what? I’m tired of poverty, and not having enough to do what I want to do. Not having the status, not having the lady that I want and all these different things. And I decided to join them and

There are many notable things about Timothy, but the two strongest ideologies that have pulled him through are his dedication to education and his belief in God.

Life in foster care wasn’t perfect but as Timothy said, “To be honest, even though I love my family and such, I was ready for a new beginning. I’d been through a lot there.”

About the foster home he said, “It wasn’t the best, but it was OK. I still appreciate what they did.”

Shortly after moving to the foster home, Timothy woke up from a disturbing dream to discover that he was hearing voices and was admitted to hospital for psychosis.

“They put me on medication, and they treated me pretty well. I went through some tough times for sure. I was there (in the hospital) for four months,” he said.

As difficult as it was for Timothy to make it through his time in the hospital, he eventually came home and finished Grade 10.

When I asked how he had the capacity to keep going and continue attending classes he said, “I knew I wanted to finish school.”

After Grade 10 he moved from the foster home to a group home in Scarborough and then started Grade 11.

Continued on Page 21

PHOTO: MIMI LILIEFELDT Timothy Abbey shares the story of how he was able to turn his life around.

Historic Walking tour of Kew Beach area set for March 30

gene doMagala Beach Memories

My first Historic Walk of this year will take place in the Kew Beach area on Saturday, March 30, starting at 1 p.m.

Kew Beach is the central part of the Beach area, historically and geographically, with the main intersection being Queen Street East and Lee Avenue.

The Kew Beach district was started by Joseph Williams, a retired English army veteran, around 1853. This makes the area more than 170 years old.

Williams was born in London, England near the world-famous Kew Gardens, the Royal Botanic Gardens. His dream was to have something like it in his newfound country.

On our walking tour we will visit many historic sites such as the Beaches Branch library; and Beach United Church which is one of the oldest church locations dating back from 1882.

We will also see the Beach Hebrew Institute on Kenilworth Avenue which dates back to 1919, a designated historic site that originally was known as the Kenilworth Avenue Baptist Church.

Many Beachers think that the Fox is the first motion picture theatre in the area, but that is not so. There was a theatre called the Coliseum a few years before the Prince Edward (the Fox) theatre. Kew Beach is a “theatrical” area and we will certainly visit the birthplace of possibly one of the greatest motion picture directors and producers of all time – Norman Jewison who grew up in the area.

We will also visit the historic Kew Williams house in Kew Gardens during our walking tour.

Some other locations on the tour will include what was the first Royal Canadian Legion in the area; our Beach cenotaph in Kew Gardens; and historic plaques.

Everyone is welcome to attend the walk. We will meet to start the walk in front of the Beaches Branch library at 2161 Queen St. E., just west of Lee Avenue on the south side.

Along with the March 30 tour, I also

have a number of other Historic Walks planned for this year.

They are as follows:

• On Saturday, April 27, at 1 p.m. I will lead the Danforth Historic Walk. Please meet at the northwest corner of Danforth and Woodbine avenues.

On Saturday, May 25, at 1 p.m. I will lead the Kingston Road Historic Walk. Please meet at the southeast corner of Victoria Park Avenue and Kingston Road.

• On Saturday, June 29, at 1 p.m. I will lead the East Toronto (Main Street) Historic Walk. Please meet at the northwest corner of Main Street and Danforth Avenue.

• On Saturday, July 27, at 1 p.m. I will lead the Balmy Beach Historic Walk. Please meet at the northwest corner of Queen Street East and Glen Manor Drive.

• On Saturday, Aug. 31, at 1 p.m. I will lead the St. John’s Cemetery Historic Walk. Please meet at the northwest corner of Kingston Road and Woodbine Avenue.

I am looking forward to seeing you on one or more of the walks.

Historically yours!

Abbey’s spirit is ignited by music

‘Timothy’ from Page 20

“To be honest I kinda went a little bit back into negativity in a sense. Even though when I was in the hospital, I wanted to do better and I drew closer to God at that time because I needed him to help me through what I went through. But when I was in Grade 11, I did my due diligence to still do well in school and I went to Grade 12.”

During this time Timothy met a friend “a brother in Christ” at the rec centre he went to who brought him into his church and helped him, even though he was still going through his “challenging experiences”.

Around this time Timothy received a call from a friend from his old neighbourhood who invited him to “chill” with them. Against his better judgement Timothy went to hang out with his old acquaintance and their friends, but when he got there, he realized that he’d made a mistake going by himself. “I could tell they were planning some stuff, so I knew I had to leave,” he said. He was chased and attacked but ultimately man-

aged to get away.

“When I finally got home, I was so happy because I know God saved my life. When I came inside the group home the woman staff said, ‘Timothy, you’re different’ and that’s when I knew I wanted to repent. So, I repented all the old stuff that I used to do, and I dedicated my life to God.”

At age 17, with renewed commitment to his faith, Timothy told his gang that he wanted to serve God and they respectfully let him go.

Against all odds, Timothy graduated from high school with honours and received the Christian Flame Award, “for rising to the challenge of education and seizing the day.”

The years following were challenging financially and he was still struggling with his mental health. “When I was 15 I was diagnosed with psychosis, but the time I was 18 it had developed into schizophrenia. Like my mom. I have to take medication for it. From 15 to 18, those three years were very, very tough for me. . . From 20 to 23 (years old) I went through a lot of poverty. I couldn’t get a good job.”

During a few of his post college years Timothy walked for hours everyday, hours walking and contemplating his life. As he said, “walking with God. It was powerful”.

On one such walk he saw a sign for a crossing guard company that was hiring and thought to pursue it. “It was a perfect job for me. I could be in the area and stand guard and have time to reflect and think and pray. I worked with that company for three to four years and I joined a new company last year,” he said.

Though Timothy enjoys his job, what really ignites his spirit is his music. He has been making music since he was 17 years old and has written hundreds of songs and recorded many under his YouTube name Lyrical Disciple.

Admittedly I don’t have any religious leanings myself, and yet I was moved by Timothy’s purposeful music. His earnest voice sings and raps about his life, where he’s been and what’s important to him. He is serious and sincere, but equally compelling is that whether you are interested in his

message or not, his talent shines through.

Even with all his creative gifts Timothy wants to expand his education and career potential.

He told me, “I’m going to go back to school this year. When I was 22, I went to George Brown College, St. James Campus for a year in Media Foundations and I graduated their one-year certificate course. . . I’m going to go back for Business Administration and Project Management. I feel like it would be a great course for me.”

What matters most to Timothy now is doing as he said, “anything positive for the community, for the world, things that are inspirational.”

In my time with Timothy, what I took away most was that regardless of what we’ve been through, if you have community, support, and hope you can move forward with grace through this life. We can, as he says in one of his songs, “Level Up”.

— Mimi Liliefeldt is a Beach resident and business owner. She can be reached at mimi@missfit.ca

The Main Menu

Hamming it up for an Easter dinner

Jan Main is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ gmail.com

Wstock for split pea soup!

Most ham available in the grocery store is fully cooked. Be sure to check the label for cooking instructions. For

added convenience, you can buy a pre-sliced ham. Local butchers are also an excellent option for highquality ham.

Yes, ham has withstood the test of time – it produces a mouth- watering main course for a special occasion with numerous meals to be enjoyed later!

Glazed Ham

A glazed ham is both decorative and enticing. If you have never made one, here are the steps:

• Place a fully cooked (ready to eat) whole or half ham, fat side up, on a rack in a shallow roasting pan.

• Insert meat thermometer into the thickest part of ham being careful that it does not rest in fat or on bone.

• Do not cover or add water. Roast in a 325 F (160 C) oven for 12-15 minutes per pound or until the internal temperature reaches 140 F (60C)

To Glaze Ham: Thirty minutes before the

ham is finished cooked, using a sharp knife, cut the fat of the partially heated ham in a cris-cross pattern to make diamonds. In the centre of each diamond, insert a whole clove. Return ham to oven for the remaining half hour of cooking and brush frequently with a glaze.

Suggested glazes:

Orange Glaze

1/2 cup (125 mL) orange marmalade

2 tbsp (25 mL) orange juice

1 tbsp (15 ml) Dijon mustard

In a small saucepan over medium heat stir in marmalade, orange juice and mustard.

Cook, stirring until marmalade is melted and ingredients are combined about 3-5 minutes. Spoon or brush glaze over ham.

Apple Glaze

3/4 cup (175 mL) apple jelly

2 tbsp (25 mL) apple

juice

1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard

In a small saucepan over medium high heat, stir in apple jelly, apple juice and mustard.

Cook stirring until jelly is melted and ingredients are combined about 3-5 minutes. Spoon or brush glaze over ham.

Ham and Cheese

Quiche Lorraine

This popular dish is an ideal way to use bits and pieces of leftover ham combined with an egg and cheese mixture for a satisfying luncheon or supper dish – all it needs is a green salad.

1 9-inch (23cm) pastry shell, homemade or frozen

1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard

1 cup (250mL) chopped cooked ham

2 cups (500 mL) shredded Swiss or cheddar cheese or combination

4 eggs

1 cup (250 mL) milk or light cream

1/2 tsp (2 mL) freshly grated nutmeg

1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 F (200 C). Prick bottom of prepared pastry shell all over with tines of a fork.

Lay a piece of parchment paper in the bottom of pie shell and fill with pie weights (if you have them or dried beans or rice – this will keep the pastry shell lying flat as it cooks in the oven for 15-20 minutes and will prevent it from becoming soggy with the filling mixture. Remove weights and parchment paper.

Spread Dijon mustard evenly over pastry. Sprinkle ham over the bottom of the pie then cheese. Beat eggs, milk, nutmeg and salt and pepper together.

Pour into prepared pie shell and bake at 375 F (190C) for about 35 minutes or until the centre is set (knife inserted in centre comes out clean.)

Let cool at least 10 minutes before cutting into 4-6 wedges.

May be served warm or at room temperature. Makes 4- 6 servings.

Ham Stock from the bone for Split pea or Vegetable Soup

1 ham bone (ham bits attached)

1 each, onion chopped, carrot chopped, celery chopped 1 bay leaf

Cold water to cover (about 6 cups)

In a large saucepan combine ham bone, onion, carrot, celery and bay leaf then cold water to cover. Bring to a boil; reduce heat and simmer about 1-1 ½ hour. Strain liquid and discard vegetables. Let stock cool, covered and refrigerated. Skim off any fat; discard. Use to stock to make split pea soup.

Stock may be frozen for up to 3 months for future use. Makes about 6 cups/ 1 ½ litre.

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Acoustic Harvest set to host Boreal’s Spring Show

ACOUSTIC HARVEST will present the Boreal’s Spring Show next month in southwest Scarborough.

The concert takes place at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., on Saturday, April 20, at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Boreal is the musical collaboration of Tannis Simmon, Katherine Wheatley and Angie Nussey. The three singer-songwriters (each with their own longstanding and award-winning careers) love to play music together.

With spring officially arriving today (March 19), many people’s thoughts turn to warmer weather in the months to come. Boreal’s Songs of Renewal Spring Show will feature music celebrating the sun-loving, moon-watching, finer-

snapping and heart-touching times to come.

Boreal combines humour, storytelling and honesty in their music. The Acoustic Harvest concert is part of Boreal’s spring tour which kicked off this month with the

Mariposa Folk Concert Series performance.

Tickets are $35 in advance ($40 at the door).

To order tickets for the April 20 concert, please go to www.acousticharvest.ca/concerts.html

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