Beach Metro Community News May 16, 2023

120th anniversary celebrations at Malvern C.I.

Police put safety plan in place for Victoria Day long weekend

By Alan Shackleton

TORONTO POLICE say they will be deploying a “variety of resources” to ensure public safety in the Woodbine Beach area this upcoming Victoria Day long weekend.

“Although we do not share detailed information about our operational plans, we can tell you that there are a variety of units across the (Toronto Police) Service working with our city partners on community safety plans for the Victoria Day long weekend,” said Toronto police in response to questions last week from Beach Metro Community News

“We expect large crowds and we want to assure the public there is a policing plan in place to support the city, with public safety at the forefront,” said police.

The past two Victoria Day long weekends have seen huge crowds in the Woodbine Beach and Ashbridges Bay Park area and numerous incidences of rowdy and violent behaviour. Last year, on the

Sunday night leading into the holiday Monday morning, large groups of young people flooded into the area after being encouraged to do so by social media posts. Fireworks were being used as weapons as groups were firing them back and forth at each other, at buildings in the area, at passing vehicles and at police. By the time the dust had settled, seven police officers had been injured, a shooting and a stabbing reported, two armed robberies at gunpoint and multiple people arrested.

An area resident called the night “horrific”. Further adding to last year’s frustration by residents was that similar, though not as bad behaviour, had taken place on two long weekends (including Victoria Day) in 2021.

After the violence of last year’s Victoria Day, police put in a large and visible presence in the Woodbine Beach area for the Canada Day long weekend and there was not a repeat of the bad behav

Continued on Page 3

Protection from off-leash dogs sought for beach area

By Alan Shackleton

LOCAL RESIDENTS looking to

protect an area at the far west end of Woodbine Beach that has become home to nesting and migrating birds are finding themselves in conflict with some dog owners.

The situation escalated recently when one of the people trying to protect the birds from dogs that are let off leash and then run through the area said he was assaulted by a dog owner.

The victim of the reported assault does not want to be identified due to fear of the dog owner(s).

“I now fear visiting Ashbridges Bay Park and Woodbine Beach.

Unacceptable!” said the victim in a note to Beach Metro Community News last week.

“Some off-leash dog owners are verbally abusive and sometimes physically threaten anyone who challenges their unlawful behaviour in a public park,” said the victim’s note. “Myself and many of my friends fear them.

“Some dog owners continue on a daily basis to deliberately let their dogs chase and harm wildlife on Woodbine Beach. These people are repeat offenders, they know full well what they are doing. Hunting.”

Toronto police confirmed to Beach Metro Community News last

Continued on Page 4

PHOTOS: ALAN SHACKLETON

Photo above, Jen MacKay, Kate MacKay, Joanne Vickery, and Raj Sharma stand in front of their Class of 1992 photo during the 120th anniversary celebrations at Malvern Collegiate Institute on Saturday, May 13.

Photo at left, Ruth Chadwick Holz (Class of 1946) smiles after receiving a gift in the auditorium during the 120th anniversary celebrations at Malvern Collegiate Institute on Saturday, May 13. Photo above, Elma Bowbrick Riches (Class of 1939) with her gift.

SIU investigating after Toronto police fatally shoot man behind Shoppers World

THE PROVINCE’S Special Investigations Unit is looking into a fatal shooting involving a Toronto police officer that took the life of a 40-year-old man last week in the Victoria Park and Danforth avenues area.

The shooting took place just after noon on Wednesday, May 10 behind the Shoppers World Plaza.

The shooting victim was taken to hospital by emergency run but died later that afternoon.

The Special Investigations Unit (SIU) said on the afternoon of May 10 that it had invoked its mandate and taken over the investigation of the fatal shooting.

The SIU is an independent government agency that investigates the conduct of police officials in incidents that may have resulted in death, serious injury, sexual assault and/or the discharge of a firearm at a person.

In a statement on May 10, the SIU said preliminary information about the shooting suggested the following:

“Shortly after noon on May 10, 2023, an individual flagged down a Toronto Police Service officer after encountering a man in distress at the rear of the Shoppers World located at 3003 Danforth Avenue. It was believed that the man was in possession of an edged

weapon.

“The officer located the man. An interaction ensued, and the officer discharged his firearm. The man was struck.

“He was transported to hospital where he was pronounced deceased.

“Five investigators and two forensic investigators have been assigned to the case.

“The SIU is urging anyone who may have information about this investigation, including video or photos, to contact the lead investigator at 1-800-7878529 or online at: https://siu.on.ca/en/ appeals.php.”

R. H. McGregor school marks 100th anniversary on May 27

EAST YORK’S R.H. McGregor Elementary School will be celebrating its 100th anniversary with an Open House on the afternoon of Saturday, May 27.

The school, at 555 Mortimer Ave. just west of Coxwell Avenue, first officially opened its doors in September of 1922.

While the original McGregor school building has since been replaced and the neighbourhood around it has grown, the school is still in the same location.

For 100 years McGregor has been welcoming local elementary school students.

The Open House celebrations will take place from 1 to

4 p.m. on May 27 and will include historical displays and “quarter-century rooms” for former students and staff to visit in.

The celebrations will also include tours of the Century School House located at Sammon and Durant avenues, just southwest of the McGregor building.

The Century School House was built as part of an East York Bicentennial Project. It was not actually a real school, but was built in the style of one to show what many such schoolhouses built in the late 1800s across

the province once looked like. The building is used for historical lessons for modern-day students.

On May 27, at 2 p.m. there will be a ceremony at the back of the R.H. McGregor school building (in the gym if raining) that will feature speeches, musical performances by current students, a time capsule presentation and a cake cutting.

For more information on R.H. McGregor’s 100th anniversary celebrations, please go to https://sites.google. com/view/rhmcgregor100/ home

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

This archival photo shows an R.H. McGregor class from what is believed to be the 1950s. The East York school hosts its 100 anniversary celebrations on Saturday, May 17.

City fireworks display slated for night of Monday, May 22

iour and violent incidents.

‘Police’ from Page 1 “We want everyone to celebrate safely and responsibly.”

As is usual, except for the COVID-19 cancellations for 2020 and 2021, the annual Victoria Day fireworks display will be taking place at Ashbridges Bay on the night of Monday, May 22. This event always bring large crowds to the area as well.

Police told Beach Metro Community News that officers will be present in the area for the entire long weekend.

“A variety of resources will be in the area from Friday, May 19, to Monday, May 22, to ensure everyone can safely enjoy events in the Ashbridges Bay area. This will include our Mounted Unit, and officers on foot, ATVs and bikes. Fire services and EMS personnel will also be in attendance.”

Police said they will monitoring the situation in the area on a constant basis over the long weekend and will make adjustments to their safety plans as needs be.

“We will be closely monitoring security issues and will make the appropriate adjustments to mitigate any potential risks to public safety. If there is a threat to public safety, or obstruction of officers or other emergency services, officers will use their discretion –depending on what is safe in the moment –to disperse or lay charges. If appropriate, we may also continue to investigate and make arrests or lay charges after an event has concluded,” said police.

Parking enforcement in and around Woodbine Beach and beyond will also be stepped up over the long weekend, police said, and road closures should be expected. “Drivers can expect traffic delays due to road closures in the area on Sunday and Monday, including Lake Shore Boulevard East, and parking will be restricted,” said police.

Those attending events in the area over the long weekend, and especially Monday night’s fireworks display, are advised to take public transit.

Police are also reminding people that alcohol is not permitted in public parks. People attending the fireworks display on Monday, or on other days/nights during the long weekend, are also being reminded by police that the lighting of fires and personal fireworks is not permitted in city parks or beaches. Violators can be fined and have their fireworks/ alcohol seized.

There are multiple City of Toronto signs at the entrances to the Woodbine Beach area explaining the rules regarding the use of alcohol and personal fireworks in public parks and beaches.

The official fireworks display presented by the City of Toronto is at 10 p.m. on Monday, May 22, in Ashbridges Bay Park. It can be viewed from sites all along the Beach and is expected to last approximately 13 minutes.

Local buildings among Doors Open sites

By Kaden Campbell

DOORS OPEN Toronto will return on Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28, with more than 150 sites to explore across the city.

The free weekend-long celebration of architecture and public space will incorporate this year’s theme City of Sound, celebrating the influence of music on Toronto’s most significant buildings and sites.

A number of locations in the East Toronto area will be taking part in Doors Open

including the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant (which will have South Asian instruments and dance practices by the Tawoos Initiative) located at 2701 Queen St. E.

Other local sites are the Danforth Mennonite Church (2174 Danforth Ave.); Atura Power - Portlands Energy Centre (470 Unwin Ave.); Danforth Garage/TTC Barns (1627 Danforth Ave.); and the Glen Rhodes Campus (1470 Gerrard St. E.)

“The annual Doors Open weekend is a great way for residents and visitors to visit

buildings across Toronto and to understand the architecture found within our city,” said Deputy Mayor Jennifer McKelvie of ScarboroughRouge Park in a news release about the events.

“This unique behind-thescenes experience offers a chance to discover and explore our buildings and vibrant neighbourhoods.”

The City of Toronto said it is grateful to sponsors Great Gulf and City Hall Hub and Schlage for their support of Doors Open Toronto 2023. The media partners for the

event are the Toronto Star and ZoomerMedia.

Since its inception in 2000, Doors Open Toronto, Canada’s largest Doors Open event, has attracted more than two million visits to 800 unique locations across the city.

The event is dedicated to celebrating built heritage, architecture, and design of buildings in the City of Toronto.

For a full list of Doors Open Toronto locations for this year, please visit www. toronto.ca/doorsopen

Assault reported to police as tensions increase

‘Protection’ from Page 1 week that the assault had been reported to them. Police added that the investigation is now concluded because the “complainant did not want to proceed further”.

The area is question is at the far west end of Woodbine Beach close to Ashbridges Bay Park. In an earlier Beach Metro Community News story, the area was identified as being home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, some of it very rare, and as a developing site for birds such as plovers to nest and other migratory birds to use as a rest stop. Local environmentalists and birdwatchers refer to the area as the Dune and Meadow Habitat and are calling for the City of Toronto and the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to designate and protect the area.

In particular, they want to see the city enforce its existing bylaws that prohibit

any dogs on the beaches of Woodbine, Kew and Balmy between March 31 and Nov. 1 and also prohibit unleased dogs on the beaches at all times unless in a designated off-leash area.

The city has been working on improving signage regarding the rules for dog owners in the area, and has stepped up the presence of bylaw officers.

“Under the Parks Bylaw (Municipal Code, Chapter 608) dogs are permitted off-leash south of the snow fence line at Woodbine Beach between Nov. 1 and March 31 inclusively. From April 1–Oct. 31 dogs are not allowed on the beach based on the Blue Flag Beach regulations. However, residents may walk their dogs on the parkland and the boardwalk provided they remain on a leash. Signage is posted on site to reflect the bylaw,” said the city in response to questions from Beach Metro

Community News

“Residents can report a dog off-leash by contacting 311. Bylaw enforcement officers respond to complaints made through 311 and proactively patrol the 1500+ parks in Toronto to educate the public about the Parks Bylaw. The City monitors the volume of complaints and then deploys bylaw enforcement officers based on a priority response model that takes into account the frequency and persistence of complaints and issues in parks. The goal is to resolve issues and ensure that residents are following the bylaw. Each issue is addressed on case-by-case basis to make sure reasonable, fair and appropriate actions are taken.”

Last Wednesday morning, Beach Metro Community News saw a city bylaw officer walking the area at the west end of Woodbine Beach and he told the owner of a

small dog running free that it needed to be leashed and not on the beach.

Beyond the direct threat to nesting and migratory birds from unleashed dogs running through the area, environmentalists are looking for long term plans and solutions to protect the Dune and Meadow Habitat area. They said the birds and their nests in the area are designated and protected under the federal Migratory Birds Convention Act.

“It is the responsibility of the manager of the park, City of Toronto, to protect these birds and their nests from offenders who wish to harm them. If the city is unable to protect these birds then please refer to the owners of the land, TRCA, for assistance,” they said.

Beach Metro Community News reached out to the TRCA on this issue, but did not receive a response in time for press deadline.

Community consultation meeting on Eastern Avenue proposal slated

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A COMMUNITY consultation meeting to discuss plans for a 12-storey mixeduse building at 880-882 & 888 Eastern Ave. and 74-80 Knox Ave. (northwest corner of Eastern and Knox avenues) is set to take place at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, May 24.

The meeting will be at Toronto City Hall (100 Queen St. W.) where Toronto and East York Community Council will review the proposal and make further recommendations for the development if necessary.

The proposed building will have a non-residential gross floor area of 198 square metres, and a residential gross floor area of 13,307 square metres.

There will be 180 residential dwelling units in a range of unit types and sizes. Integrated townhouse units will front Knox Avenue and Sears Street while upper level units will line the central corridor and courtyard.

The application by Mavi Developments Inc was submitted on April 6, 2021 but was revised after City of

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.

Toronto staff’s recommendations to meet Toronto’s Green Standard as well as a requirement to submit a compatibility and mitigation study due to the proposal being located adjacent to lands designated as employment areas.

According to the Public Consultation Strategy Report, the proposal aims to “intensify a site in close proximity to existing services, amenities and transportation options with high quality purpose-built rental housing, community-oriented commercial space, live/ work units and public realm improvements that activate each bordering street”.

Anyone interested in hearing more about this development but unable to attend at

Toronto City Hall in person can live stream the consultation meeting at www.youtube.com/TorontoCityCouncilLive.

Those who wish to voice their thoughts to Toronto and East York Community Council have until noon on Tuesday, May 23 to register via email at teycc@toronto. ca, or by calling 416-392-7033. For more information about the meeting and building proposal, contact City Planner Raymond Tung at raymond.tung@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.

UNMET Gala raises $1.5 million for WoodGreen

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

WOODGREEN FOUNDA-

TION raised $1.5 million at the UNMET Gala on Thursday, May 4.

The black-tie event, at the Royal Ontario Museum, was a major step towards meeting the $25-million goal for the UNMET Needs Fundraising Campaign which began earlier this year.

Presented by Rogers Communication Inc., the gala was WoodGreen’s largest fundraising event in the organization’s history. WoodGreen Community Services has been serving East Toronto and beyond in numerous capacities including seniors’ support, affordable housing and childcare programs for more than 80 years.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support for our UNMET Needs Campaign, which will ensure we can continue delivering high-quality, front-line, positive change in our city,”

stated WoodGreen Foundation’s Executive Director Teresa Vasilopoulos in a news release.

During the event, she announced that all donations will go towards providing much needed affordable housing in the city, as well as funding unemployment services, and women and youth support programs.

With many in the city feeling the hardships of the current affordability crisis, $2.5 million will be set aside for immediate food and financial insecurity.

The UNMET Gala was attended by more than 450 of Toronto’s business and philanthropic leaders, said the news release.

The gala’s success comes just weeks after a record-setting donation by the Sprott Foundation which contributed $4 million to the UNMET cause.

To learn more about WoodGreen’s UNMET Needs Campaign, please visit www. woodgreen.org/unmet

James Dillane Breedon

Peacefully, in his 90th year, James (Jim) Breedon, passed away on Saturday May 6, 2023. Jim was born in Nobleton, Ontario on March 17, 1934. Son of the late Ruth and Alvin Breedon. Brother to the late Dori, Lois and Patricia. Jim grew up in Toronto, where he was a proud member of the Balmy Beach Club and met his lifelong companion Joan (nee Bruce). They married in 1957 and raised 3 children together: Randy (Sandra), Kent ( the late Annelise) and Nancy (Tim) He was a devoted Papa to Christopher, Stephanie, Amy, Lorraine, Tom, Ben, Adam and Jake, and Great Papa to Joey, Eddie, Keyanna, Jacob, Cruz, Cali, Mason, Isla, C.J. and Kyla.

Jim was a presence in the Electronics world for over 50 years; first with General Electric and then as an owner of his own company. He was a passionate coin collector, loved the horse races and made spending time with friends a priority. A life well lived for certain. He will be missed, never forgotten and always in our hearts.

The family wishes to thank the Staff at Tony Stacey Centre and the Doctors and Nurses at Scarborough Centenary Hospital. At Jim’s request, donations in his memory may be made to Tony Stacey Centre for Veterans Care or Scarborough Health Network – Centenary Hospital. Private Family arrangements to take place.

Residents invited to celebrate the great red oak in Kew Gardens

Birgit SiBer Guest Column

How many of you are acquainted with the great red oak in Kew Gardens?

The one with the long limb that reaches down to meet us at ground level?

The huge oak that snaps us out of our thoughts and invites us to pause in awe for a moment under the shade of its branches.

If you are under the age of 20 and visited this park, you may fondly remember clamoring onto its immense limb when you were a youngster.

This very tree has been recognized as a Heritage Tree by Forests Ontario in 2021. And on Thursday, May 25, at 2 p.m. there will be the unveiling of a Heritage Toronto Plaque that commemorates this red oak and its local significance.

We hope that this will capture the imagination and spark curiosity. There is so much that this remarkable tree invites us to consider and explore.

Standing more than 118 feet tall, it is about the height of a 11-storey building. Today this tree, measured at breast height, has a diameter of 169.5 centimetres (five-feet, six-inches) and a 532cm (17-feet, five-inches) circumference. It would take four adults holding hands to encircle this oak.

The age of this immense oak is guesswork at best. Tree experts suspects it took root some 220 years ago. It could be older. Irrespective of precise age, this oak is a link to our history, geography, ecological and cultural roots.

This magnificent red oak was here before colonization. It bordered wetlands, creeks and rivulets that once flowed freely through what is now Kew Gardens, although, these waterways have since been diverted into culverts below the park.

This was once a red oak woodland similar to the woodland enclosures on the west side of the park.

It is fun to speculate on the vegetation and the animals that roamed through here. Per-

haps porcupine, moose, wolf, bear as well as many others.

Indigenous peoples lived on these lands and thrived. The vegetation may have included some of the native woodland plants featured in the recently planted garden under the oak’s immense limb. The garden was an initiative led by Urban Forestry and planted with the support of the Parks department.

In 1805, Treaty 13 was signed by the British Crown and the Mississaugas at the head of Lake Ontario. Colonization parceled off land and in the 1850s what is now Kew Gardens, was part of a farm owned by Joseph Williams.

Williams transformed this 8.4 hectare property into a tourist destination and in 1907 the land was purchased by the City of Toronto. It has been a municipal park ever since.

And what a great park!

A good friend who is a forester enthusiastically shared that Kew Gardens has one of the greatest oak stands in the City of Toronto. In his words “It is a gem”.

This particular oak is an ecological elder in what remains of a red oak woodland that extends through Kew Gardens and the surrounding Beach community. Several large oaks that predate the roads and houses can still be spotted throughout this area.

In 2021, ecologist Douglas W. Tallamy published The Nature of Oaks, The Rich Ecology of our Most Essential Native Trees

He identifies oak as a keystone species stating that “oaks support more forms of life and more fascinating interactions than any other tree genus in North America.”

Oaks provide habitat and nourishment for well over 200 species, large and small. Painstaking research has revealed that the roots extend over three times the breadth of the canopy, intertwined with neighbouring trees and fungal networks. It is mind-blowing to imagine the complex life that flourishes, unseen, below our feet.

I feel fortunate to live close to this oak and appreciate it daily for more than 30 years. A neighbour who grew up here has a name for

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VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE: Mary Beth Denomy, president; Desmond Brown, past president; David Morrow, vice president; Karen Cleveland, secretary; Doug Black, treasurer; Paul M. Babich, special advisor; Sheila Blinoff, special advisor.

the great oak and its sister oak a few feet to the north. So do I! And so might you?

Many of you may have noticed the long limb dropping a foot lower with each passing year, becoming increasingly irresistible for selfies and heaps of attention and love. The time felt right to recalibrate our relationship with this remarkable tree.

I reached out to Urban Forestry who provided very helpful guidance. Then, two years ago, I submitted applications for both Forest Ontario Heritage Tree Recognition (a partnership between Forests Ontario and the Ontario Urban Forest Council) and a

Heritage Toronto Commemorative Plaque. Everyone involved was so supportive and guided these applications through. All to say, this has been a collaboration.

You can now look up this very oak on the Forest Ontario website and Tree Map: https://forestsontario.ca/en/program/heritage-tree.

It was a surprise when in 2022, the red oak was designated the official tree of Toronto! A happy coincidence.

I hope you will join us to celebrate this remarkable red oak and the unveiling of the Commemorative Plaque.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

An unveiling ceremony for a plaque recognizing the history of this red oak tree in Kew Gardens park in the Beach is set for Thursday, May 25 at 2 p.m.

Letters to the Editor

‘Stories or op-eds that dispute the scientific consensus...don’t belong in news outlets’

Re: ‘Hunting down carbon dioxide is of benefit to no one: geologist,’ Letters, Beach Metro Community News, April 18.

We are members of Toronto East End Climate Collective (TEECC), a group of east end residents who are deeply concerned about the environment and the climate crisis. We strive to share climate information with the public, and work to support actions to mitigate climate change.

The letter-writer challenges the idea that carbon dioxide (CO2) generated by human-activity is a significant cause of climate change. Questioning the con-

tribution of carbon dioxide to global warming is no longer a subject of serious discussion in fact-based media and the scientific community.

Beach Metro Community News has faithfully served our community for more than 50 years. We hope it will continue to cover items of significance such as climate change, increase environmental education and promote community action to mitigate it.

In this spirit, we would like to refer you to Covering Climate Now’s Best Practices for Journalism https://coveringclimatenow.org/resource/climatereporting-best-practices/) where they

recommend “Stories or op-eds that dispute the scientific consensus ... don’t belong in news outlets.”

With respect and thanks.

Lyn Adamson, Don Booth, Kyle Duncan, Rose Kudlac, Murray Lumley, Janet Nanos, Nicholas Nanos, Cathy Nosaty, Christy Van Sickle For Toronto East End Climate Collective (TEECC)

Climate change is caused by burning fossil fuels

Re: ‘Carbon dioxide letter prompts many responses,’ Letters, Beach Metro Community News, May 2.

Regarding the recent discussion about the effect of volcanoes on climate, the

short answer is that volcanoes cause an overall cooling of the environment.

This has been studied very extensively by climate scientists. The slightly longer answer is that the particulate

matter emitted during an eruption reflect solar radiation back up out of our atmosphere.

For those of us who are old enough to remember the Mount Pinotubo eruption,

Dissent and discussion not welcome

Re: ‘Carbon dioxide letter prompts many responses,’ Letters, Beach Metro Community News, May 2.

Having heard the recent upset reflected in the Letters section of the May 2 edition, I am once more understanding that dissent, discussion,

exploration - and with due respect for the individuals involved - are simply not welcome.

Who can set themself up to declare a matter “settled”?

Only those who are afraid to listen.

I am so sorry to under-

stand that. So sorry.

It must mean that the individual cannot endure examination of those ideas/beliefs.

And then to lambaste the newspaper for daring to offer an open platform for discourse!

Sandra Richardson

How do you show that you love your dog?

Re: ‘Spring returns to the Beach and so do the little bags of dog poo,’ Letters, Beach Metro Community News, April 18.

You say you love your dog !

• You carry treats in your pocket.

• You regularly visit the vet.

• You groom your dog.

• You purchase biodegradable dog poop bags

• You walk your dog on a leash.

• You enjoy visiting dog parks and off leash areas.

• You have dog outfits for every occasion. (Snow! Rain!

Halloween! Christmas! etc...)

• You snuggle up on the couch with your dog.

• You clean up after your dog poops.

• You bag that poop and dispose of it in the appropriate bin.

• You have your dog on a leash in “on leash” areas (schoolyards, parks, cemeteries etc...)

• You curb your dog’s’ enthusiasm for crotch sniffing etc...

• You let terrified people know that your barking, growling, lunging dog is “friendly.” (Sorry, it isn’t and

I’m still scared.)

On a recent morning, after the day before’s all day rain, the sidewalks were clean! Then 10 steps into my walk - yup, you guessed it. Fresh dog poop. Not bagged! Middle of the sidewalk. Not stepped into yet. Just waiting for a fresh pair of new sneakers! So funny! Right?

I don’t love all dogs, but I love the ones I know. They are wonderful, intelligent companions. Family members.

Your dog deserves your love.

H. Lanteigne

you’ll recall that the following summer was uniformly cold and overcast.

For an in-depth answer, any google search will show dozens of reputable sites that go into the mechanics of it all. Climate scientists have, of course, taken this into account in their modelling.

It’s important to understand that the level of uncertainty in climate modelling is actually insignificant.

Climate change is caused by burning fossil fuels but it is possible for us to take measures to successfully stop this trend.

Cathy Lacroix

rban Renewals

Community Calendar

MAY 19, 20: Garage Sale Fundraiser for Bluffs Food Bank at 183 Silver Birch Ave., Friday 1-5 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Large sale, quality goods. Your support helps meet the growing need for food access at the Bluffs Food Bank.

MAY 20: Organ Recital (rescheduled!) with Stefani Bedin at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. ORGAN STOPS - pianist and organist Bedin will perform a beautiful, varied program from Bach & more. Donations are welcome and proceeds support the Beach United food programs. Info: beachunitedchurch.com

MAY 20: Annual Spring Thaw Concert at Beaches Presbyterian Church, 65 Glen Manor Drive, 6 p.m. Featuring eclectic music in the indie pop, folk and jazz genres. Tickets $30, children under 12 free. Ticket includes a beverage of your choice – beer by Leftfield Brewing, wine, coffee and tea. Tickets available at door via e-transfer or cash. Net proceeds go to support the BPC Refugee Fund and ARISE ministries www.ariseministry.ca

MAY 22: Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay, 10 p.m.

MAY 22: Plant and Rummage Sale at Grant AME Church, 2029 Gerrard St. E., 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Veggies, herbs and perennials, books, clothes, baked goods and more. Info and table rentals: 905-391-2087 or 647-709-4096

MAY 24: Watercolour As Meditation Workshop at Gerrard Art Space, 1475 Gerrard St. E., 7-8:30 p.m. Explore the fluid and expressive nature of watercolour painting and its potential as a meditative practice. In-person, preregistration required by May 19. No experience necessary. Instructors: Beth Fanjoy & Paulina Golborne. $45 (includes supplies). Register at www.eventbrite.ca/e/ watercolour-as-meditation-workshop-tickets-633485009717

MAY 25: Unveiling of Heritage Toronto Commemorative Plaque for the Great Red Oak in Kew Gardens, Queen St. E. at Lee Ave., 2 p.m. Info: www. forestsontario.ca/en/program/heritage-tree

MAY 26: Sunday Funday at RCL Branch 11, Clubroom, 9 Dawes Rd. 1-7 p.m. Entertainment: David Wildsmith 2-6 p.m. Dinner 4 p.m. Dinner tickets $15 pp (cut off May 26). Dinner tickets sold at the bar or Susan Squires 647-657-8817. No cover charge. All welcome.

MAY 27: RH McGregor Elementary School 100th year anniversary celebration at 555 Mortimer Ave., 1-4 p.m. School tours, historical archives, light refreshments, student performances and swag available for purchase. Info and RSVP at https://sites.google.com/view/rhmcgregor100/home

MAY 27: Spring Tea at Grant AME Church, 2029 Gerrard St. E., 2 p.m. Tickets $25/person includes sandwiches and a delectable assortment of baked items. Info: 416-690-5169, grantamechurch@yahoo.ca

MAY 27, 28: Doors Open. Info: www.toronto.ca

MAY 29: Caring for Houseplants Workshop at Main Street Library, 137 Main St., 6:30-7:30 p.m. Join a Toronto Master Gardener and discover how to make your houseplants happy. We will discuss watering, repotting, fertilizing, pruning, and more. Presented by Toronto Master Gardeners. Drop-in, Free. Info: 416-393-7700

MAY 29: Music Sunday at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd., 10:30 a.m. The cornerstone for Birchcliff Bluffs United Church was put in place exactly 100 years ago. Come celebrate with a special Music Service featuring multi-instrumentalist Tom Leighton. In-person or online at www.bbuc.ca

JUNE 2-4: Beach Guild of Fine Art Show and Sale at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.5 p.m. Info: www.beachguildoffineart.com

JUNE 3: Acoustic Harvest 25th Anniversary Gala Fundraiser at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets: Tickets: $40 at www. acousticharvest.ca or $45 at door. No Refunds.

JUNE 3: Art as Inspiration for the Mind at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 1-3 p.m. As we age, art provides a buffer against cognitive decline, allowing us to maintain an island of humanity in the face of a sea of mental, physical and brain loss. Free event, with music, dialogue & workshops hosted by Dr. Luis Fornazzari MD, FRCPC, Behavioural Neurology, UofT. Info: www.beachunitedchurch.com

JUNE 6: Community Centre 55 Annual General Meeting 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 Dec. 31, 2022; to receive our Program report; and to fill 1 vacancy on the Board of Management. Additional info: Reza Khoshdel, Executive Director, Community Centre 55 at 416-691-1113 ext. 225

JUNE 7: The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society Heritage Talk at The Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7-8:15 p.m. Local authors, Don Loucks and Leslie Valpy discuss their book: Modest Hopes, Homes and Stories of Toronto’s Workers from the 1820’s to the 1920’s. Info: www.tbeths.com

JUNE 7: Inner Peace Movement – Trust your Angels and strengthen your resilience, at Cliffcrest Library, 3017 Kingston Rd., 2-3:30 p.m. $22. Info: www.innerpeacemovementofcanada.com, ipmwithleslie@gmail.com

JUNE 8: A Tale of Two Villages – History of the Upper Beach, hosted by Mark Battenberg, at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., 7 p.m. Come for a tea and hear about our local history. Info: markbattenberg@rogers.com

JUNE 10: Bowmore Road Jr. and Sr. Public School 100th Anniversary Celebration, 12 noon-4 p.m. Student performances, school tours, refreshments, archives, school swag for purchase, and a carnival in the park. Free takeaway for first 200 visitors. Info and RSVP: https://sites. google.com/view/bowmores-100th-anniversary/home

JUNE 10, 11: Signatures Beaches Arts and Crafts Show at Kew Gardens (Queen St. E. & Lee Ave.), 10 a.m.-6 p.m. rain or shine. Featuring the works of over 150 independent artists, artisans, makers, and designers. Benefiting The Neighbourhood Group Community Services. Info: www.signatures.ca/beaches-arts-and-crafts

JUNE 14: AGM of Ward 9 Community News Inc., publisher of Beach Metro Community News, 7 p.m. Details are on page 18 of this edition. This is a members-only meeting. Cut off date for purchase of $5.00 memberships is June 7 at 5 p.m., at the Beach Metro News office, 2196 Gerrard St. E. Deadline for nominations for the board is May 26 at 3 p.m.

JUNE 17: Slobberfest at the Leuty Pavilion on the Boardwalk, foot of Lee Ave., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Hosted by Community Centre 55. Join the Pack Parade at 9 a.m. for a chance to be crowned Slobber King or Queen. Contests, vendors and more. Dogs must be leashed. Info: Jade 416-691-1113 ext 224, jade@centre55.com

KEW BEACH LAWN BOWLING CLUB & Croquet

Open Houses will be held May 28, June 3 and June 17, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Try it for free. Coaching and equipment provided. All ages welcome. Info: kewbeachlbcinfo@ gmail.com, 416-694-4371, www.kewbeachlbc.ca

BARD IN THE PARK presents “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Norwood Park, June 1-3, and Kew Gardens, June 12-18. Performances Mon-Sat 7 p.m., Sat-Sun 2 p.m. ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION, 243 Coxwell Ave. •Seniors Luncheon (please note time change): Swing band, 1 p.m. and luncheon served also at 1 p.m. $5 for lunch, free for seniors 65 and over and veterans. May 16, May 30 and June 13 •B. I.N.G.O every Sunday 2-5 p.m. in the Club Room. Please arrive 10 minutes earlier to get your cards and a seat. •May 20: Live Band - Reckless, 8 p.m. No cover charge. Info: 416-465-0120

CHURCHES

ST. AIDAN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 2423 Queen St. E. Sunday worship 8:30 am in person, or 10:30 am (with children & youth programs) in person or on Zoom

•Wednesdays: Mid-week service, 10:30 am. •Supper at St. Aidans – Join us Thursday, May 18 at 5:45 pm. It’s free and all are welcome! Our energetic, active church offers varied opportunities for spiritual growth, vibrant Children’s and Music programs, Youth activities, and a strong commitment to action on social justice and environmental issues. Info: www.staidansinthebeach.com, 416-691-2222

BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave. Join us in person every Sunday for our worship service led by minister Rev. Greg Daly and our music director Steven Webb. Our Sunday service starts at 10:30 a.m. We will be celebrating our Affirming Ministry at a special service on Sunday, June 4 at 10:30 a.m. with light refreshments afterwards. More info: beachunitedchurch.com

FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Angela J. Cluney. All are welcome. There is a welcoming service. Join on Live Stream via Facebook or access Live Stream on our church website. For details about Wee Folks, Book Club, Tea Time, Hobby Circle and Bible Study, email fboffice@rogers.com or call 416-6993084. Info: www.fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch.com

BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Drive. We are an inclusive and affirming congregation in the heart of the Beach. BPC has strong commitments to community service and social justice issues. We provide non-perishable food for those in need through our Free Food Pantry located outside the church building. Our Refugee Commitee has been in operation for many years helping families and individuals arrive and start a new life in Canada. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month we host a Coffee Outreach from 1-3 p.m., an opportunity for people in the neighbourhood to gather for coffee, snacks and fellowship. Spring Thaw concert May 20th at 6pm. Sit back with a beverage and enjoy an evening of jazz and original songs. Proceeds go to support BPC’s Refugee Ministry and ARISE Ministry. The jazz musicians will be returning to the church Sunday May 28 at 10 am to host a Jazz Service. Links and info: www.beacheschurch.org or 416-699-5871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey GRANT AME CHURCH, 2029 Gerrard St E. All are welcome Sundays from 11 a.m. to worship service in-person, Facebook, ZOOM, or YouTube livestream with Pastor Kenesha Blake-Newell. Join us on our prayer line Wednesdays 11 a.m.-12 noon. Bible study on ZOOM Wednesdays 7 p.m. We provide non-perishable food, fresh fruits and vegetables on Fridays from 3:30-6 p.m. at our food bank. Registration is required. New clients must present identification for each household member. Links and info: www. grantame.com; grantamechurch@yahoo.ca; 416-690-5169

KIMBOURNE PARK UNITED CHURCH, 200 Wolverleigh Blvd. All are welcome! •Sunday Worship Service: 10:15 a.m. in-person & via Zoom •Yoga (indoors): Sundays 2:30 p.m. for people of all abilities (pay what you can) •Free Community Meal: May 21, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (3rd Sunday of every month) •Volunteers needed.

Start today! •Games Night: 5-10 p.m. (second Sat of every month) pizza & pop for purchase •Garden Together: Wed@6pm & Sun@2pm (volunteer based) •Traditional Skills 2pm-4pm (2nd Sat of the month) •Messy Church: May 28, 5:30-7 p.m. Fun for the entire family-includes a meal together •Food Drive: Donation baskets outside main doors 24/7-given to Nourish East End Food Bank

•We have office furniture available for quick sale-must go ASAP! •Buzzin Bees Summer Camp Ages 5-12 (July 31-Aug 4) half days •Inquiries: Church office (Mon/Tues/ Fri) 416-461-7200, office@kpuc.org •Info: kpuc.org ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST NORWAY Anglican Church, 470 Woodbine Ave. Welcome to St. John the Baptist Norway! We are a growing community which enjoys the Anglican expression of the Christian faith. We gather to connect with one another and worship God on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. In-Person/Livestream and at 5 p.m. In-Person for The Table, a contemporary service followed by a simple community supper. We have a Food Pantry open on Monday mornings from 10 a.m.-12 noon. Info: stjohnsnorway.com, 416-691-4560

Letters to the Editor

Closure of Secret Beach supported by Toronto Lakefront Community

Statement from Toronto Lakefront Community on Secret Beach Closure:

The Toronto Lakefront Community (TLC) advocates for the clean, safe access to and enjoyment of the waterfront. Since its inception, members of TLC have been advocating for safe public access to Secret Beach.

However, TLC supports the City of Toronto’s recent decision to close Secret Beach at this time.

Secret Beach is part of a parcel of land that is owned by the Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), but managed by the City of Toronto under contract.

Over the years, Secret Beach’s “unofficial” routes of access have become worn and eroded, and are not stable. The site is now at an inflection point: access points are dangerous to use for the public, police, first responders, and Parks Forestry and Recreation Staff.

It would be irresponsible for the city to put its staff at risk to manage the beach in its current state.

It’s unreasonable to put police and first responders at

risk should an incident occur on the beach, as they would be obligated to respond. The City’s resources are already limited and jeopardizing their health and safety needlessly puts additional strain on those resources.

The TRCA Environmental Assessment currently underway will include an evaluation of improved access to the site.

Members of TLC have been actively engaging with the TRCA’s Scarborough Bluffs West Environmental Assessment Team to advocate, in part, for the creation of safe interim access to Secret Beach during the ongoing EA process.

Our efforts to fight for the public’s right to clean, safe access to Secret Beach will continue. But until such time as safe access is provided, we believe the city is taking the most reasonable course

of action.

TLC does not view the city’s decision as an attempt to deny public access to public spaces.

We see it as a necessary, reasonable step to protect the public, first responders, and City staff. It is also a necessary and reasonable step to protect this environmentally vulnerable site, which has only become more vulnerable as a result of increased public use without the benefit of proper and consistent management. Once safe access is provided, it can be enjoyed by all for years to come, and we will continue in our efforts until that occurs.

We hope that those taking issue with the closure will join in our ongoing efforts to advocate for creating safe public access to Secret Beach for all.

If you are interested in learning more about TLC’s advocacy efforts, both past and current, to create safe public access to Secret Beach, please do not hesitate to reach out to us at www.tlfcommunity.ca TLC Working Committee

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Local candidates among the 102 people registered to run in mayoral byelection

By Alan Shackleton

WITH THE registration deadline of May 12 now passed, a total of 102 candidates are running in Toronto’s mayoral byelection.

The date of the byelection is Monday, June 26.

Beach Metro Community News is aware of three candidates with links to the Beaches-East York area who are running for mayor in the byelection.

With 102 candidates registered, there are no doubt others from the area as well. But at this time we are aware of Brad Bradford, Anthony Furey, and Brian Graff as they are the ones who have reached out to us.

Please note that Beach Metro Community News does not endorse candidates. Who you vote for is entirely your choice. All we ask is that you please vote.

Here is some information on these three local candidates (in alphabetical order) so that voters can gain a deeper understanding and insight into what the candidates are proposing and ways in which to find out more about them.

Beach Metro Community News presents this as way to help voters make an informed decision.

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rals rather than the solutions we need right now. A next generation leader, he has the energy to hustle, roll up his sleeves and get stuff done,” said his campaign website.

For more information on Bradford’s campaign and his policies, please visit his website at www.votebradford.ca

ANTHONY FUREY

An Upper Beach resident who grew up in East York, Furey is a newspaper columnist and radio show host.

Furey writes as a political columnist for Postmedia and is a Sirius XM Radio talk show host.

“My expertise in analyzing issues that impact Toronto, such as public safety, infrastructure, and government accountability, will allow me to bring unique solutions to Toronto’s challenges and opportunities as the next mayor,” he said on his website.

Some of his key issues are public safety, infrastructure and government accountability.

“As the father of three small kids, I understand what families are going through,” he said in his campaign literature.

He also vowed to support small businesses and the restaurant industry in Toronto by scrapping fees and red tape.

agenda on his website at www.BrianGraff.net

In a letter to Beach Metro Community News in response to a May 2 column, Graff wrote:

“I happen to be a candidate for Mayor, and I disagree with Amarachi Amadike’s comment that “Voters lean towards candidates whose mission aligns closest to their own interests.” Well, that would be a shock to the authors of books like What’s the matter with Kansas? because recent voting patterns are hard to explain and often go against the voters’ economic interests, particularly low-income people who can least afford to sacrifice their own interests.

“Safety, food or housing? Amadike is partly correct that it doesn’t matter who becomes mayor, because even with the authoritarian Strong Mayor powers, the mayor is still just one vote of 26. He/she can veto some things but can’t go to war against council and expect to govern. But mainly, so many issues require all three levels of government to work to the same ends.

ary zoning and other policies that the province or planners are pushing will not increase affordability when the federal government is increasing demand by doubling immigration to 500,000 in 2025 and in fact we let in 1.05 million people last year.

“The 416 had 50 per cent of GTA housing completions last year, up from under 25 per cent in the 1990s – so maybe any supply problem is the 905 and not the 416.

“And the City is broke – with a huge hole in the budget we have to fill. Road tolls or a sales tax might just drive jobs and people away to the 905.

BRAD BRADFORD

First elected in the 2018 municipal election, Bradford is the sitting City of Toronto Councillor for Beaches-East York.

He was re-elected to the councillor seat in the 2022 municipal election.

Prior to his election, Bradford worked as an urban planner.

In his announcement that he would be running for mayor, Bradford said he would be a “strong mayor of action” for Toronto if elected. His campaign slogan is Less Talk, More Action.

Bradford’s priorities in the campaign include TTC safety, increasing affordable housing and diversifying the type of housing available in the city, ending traffic gridlock and improving city services and making the delivery of them more accountable.

“Brad knows first-hand that City Hall is obsessed with talk, debate, and defer-

He is also against road tolls and a municipal sales tax.

Furey said he will champion policies that respect taxpayers, promote economic growth, and enhance public safety.

“My focus as the next mayor will be to enhance public safety, respect taxpayers, and foster economic growth to make Toronto a better place for everyone to live, work, and thrive,” he said on his website.

Among his policies is a plan to enhance Toronto’s competitive edge against other jurisdictions when it comes to attracting and increasing the number of businesses and industries in the city to help create jobs.

For more information on Furey’s campaign and his policies, please visit his website at https://furey.ca

BRIAN GRAFF

A Beach resident, Brian Graff outlines his election

“Food banks aren’t going away until we have higher incomes and less inequality – minimum wage and union rules are provincial, and a UBI, EI and pensions are federal.

“Crime rates are still low but have been increasing all across North America since 2014. There’s no easy explanation. Guns and opioids come across our borders, which is a federal responsibility, as is social media which might be having an impact on teen behaviour. Most of the police budget is wages so cutting that mostly means fewer cops. The most common crime locally is likely packages stolen from doorsteps!

“If you already own a home or live in a rent-controlled building, affordability is not likely impacting you, unless you get ‘renovicted’, which the City should address. Yet Toronto has record numbers of cranes, 200,000 units rezoned in the last five years but not yet built, and 400,000 more units at the application stage (all those mandatory rezoning signs!) so the problem is not zoning and missing middle, ending exclusion-

“Former Mayor Miller blames John Tory’s passivity in not standing up to Ford, and Miller thinks the key is for a mayor to develop the ‘big stick’ of uniting Torontonians behind a common vision. My vision includes reducing the population growth of the GTA because it is growth that is causing higher housing prices, pushing down wages and creating congested roads and our infrastructure and parks are inadequate for more population growth.

“We need to make other major reforms, but they won’t happen unless the new mayor is strong in fighting Ford and Trudeau instead of fighting council.”

Now that nominations have closed, the next step of the mayoral campaign will see candidates be allowed to put up election signs starting on June 1.

Advance voting begins on Thursday, June 8, and will be available to eligible voters until Tuesday, June 13. Information on advance poll locations will be included on Voter Information Cards.

Voters will also be provided with the option to vote by mail if they are unable to vote in-person.

For more information on voting in the mayoral byelection, please go to www. toronto.ca/city-government/ elections/by-election/byelection-voter-information/ myvote-by-elections/

For the list of candidates in the Toronto mayoral byelection, please go to the city’s election website at www. toronto.ca/city-government/ elections/by-election/byelection-candidate-list/

Pattylicious on Kingston Road and the sharing and adaptation of culinary cultural traditions

MiMi LiLiefeLdt mimi@missfit.ca

Toronto is a city overflowing with tantalizing food options from around the world. And almost every culture has some type of meat “pocket”. The variations of meat wrapped in dough are delicious and seemingly endless: samosas, dumplings, empanadas, gyoza, pierogies, tortellini… the list goes on and on.

One snack that has always been a convenient favourite for many on the go is the Jamaican patty. With its flaky crust, and hot and spicy meat filling it satisfies most savoury cravings.

In 1985, the Jamaican patty was involved in some unexpected controversy. Essentially Canada’s Meat Inspection Act classified a “patty” as the meat part of a hamburger and so the Jamaican “patty” didn’t qualify.

The story was so remarkable that the CBC actually made a documentary about the “Toronto Patty Wars” called Patty vs. Patty. Spoiler alert, the opposing parties eventually came to a

compromise and the “patty” was to be called a “Jamaican Patty” henceforth.

Roy Huang, co-owner of Pattylicious on Kingston Road just east of Victoria Park Avenue has also faced some controversy over the authenticity of his Caribbean restaurant.

He said, “When I started my business, I found out not everybody especially Black people, they don’t like Asians to do this business . . . they say, ‘since you’re Asian, your food is not

authentic’ . . . If you go onto our Google (reviews), you will see a lot of people will complain about, ‘Why are Asian people making this? You’re a cultural insult to us. You’re doing something you’re not supposed to do, you’re Asian.’”

This is a delicate and important subject that has come up more recently as the world becomes more socially conscious.

Where does appreciation of a culture’s cuisine end and appropriation of that culture’s cuisine start? Is fusion food cultural appropriation? Not only do I not have a precise answer for you, but there are differing and very personal opinions on the matter.

What I can say is this, when you take the time to learn, appreciate and respect the culture whose food you are cooking, it is a step in the right direction.

Another undeniable aspect is who is profiting and how? The best example and explanation of this is the real story behind Taco Bell.

In 1937, Salvador and Lucia Rodriguez, immigrants from Jalisco, Mexico, opened a restaurant in San Bernadino, California called Mitla Café. Across the street from them was a man named Glen Bell who owned a flagging burger business. Everyday he would look across and see the long lines of the Mexican restaurant. Curiosity brought him into Mitla Café and over time he asked a lot of questions about making the tacos and was eventually shown how.

He then took this knowledge and reproduced it at his own spot and after a few different names settled on calling his new venture,

Taco Bell. The most astonishing part of this story is not that Bell exploited his well-intentioned immigrant neighbours but that more remarkably, the Rodriguez family (who still run the restaurant to this day after eight decades) don’t seem to hold any resentment.

They understood what Bell was up to, but they wanted to help him; they were running a successful business. What they are happy about is that now their story is part of the fabric of Mexican American history.

Which brings us back to the present and how we reconcile the sharing of culinary traditions with modern day adaptations.

What Roy and his partner Ian wanted to do was honour Jamaican food and bring back the clean, unadulterated flavours of original homestyle cooking.

Having said all that, what most people don’t realize is that Roy’s business partner Ian, is Jamaican. Ian was the one who introduced Roy to Caribbean cuisine when they became friends after meeting at one of Roy’s previous restaurants.

Roy shared a little of Ian’s history: “He and his family have been making patties for over 40 years. They are the first generation that made patties back in Jamaica. They moved to England and then Toronto. The patties they make are the authentic recipe.”

Roy himself came to Canada in 1999 on a student visa to study business when he was 19 years old. Though he didn’t know exactly what he wanted to do when he left his home city of Guangzhou

PHOTO: MIMI LILIEFELDT

Roy Huang is the co-owner of Pattylicious on Kingston Road near Victoria Park Avenue.

Community Centre 55’s AGM slated for June 6

THE ANNUAL General Meeting (AGM) of the members of Community Centre 55 will be held on Tuesday, June 6, at 7 p.m.

The meeting will take place at Community Centre 55, located at 97 Main St.

The purpose of the AGM is considering and taking action with respect to the following: to approve the financial statements of Community Centre 55 for the fiscal year ended Dec. 31, 2022; to receive the Program report; and to fill one vacancy on the Board of Management.

The meeting will be preceded at 6 p.m. by a Volunteer Appreciation Barbecue for the volunteers at Community Centre 55.

For additional information on the Community Centre 55 AGM, please contact Reza

Khoshdel, Executive Director, Community Centre 55 at 416-691-1113 ext. 225.

Live album recording at Comedy Bar STAND-UP COMEDIAN Darryl Purvis will be recording his second live album at the Comedy Bar, 2800 Danforth Ave. near Dawes Road, on the evening of June 10.

Titled Darryl Purvis...It’s A Terrible Name, the album recording session goes from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Purvis has been a stand-up comedian for more than 25 years. Joining him for the June 10 show will be Monty Scott, Karen O’Keefe and Nick Durie. The show and album recording is an age 19-plus event. Tickets are $20 and can be ordered at https://comedybar.ca/ shows/darryl-purvis-album-recording

Trust and respect keys to creation of all relationships

‘Pattylicious’ from Page 12

in China, he knew going out of the country to gain more experience was a good move.

He said, “especially at the time, if you go out of the country to study, you can get we call it, ‘Golden Diploma’ that will help you to get a better job in China. That was the plan . . . most of the companies in China they like new technology, English (the ability to speak it) that’s what I saw when I was 19. But then I chose to stay here. I like the lifestyle. There was less competition (the city of Guangzhou has a population of over 15 million) and also, it’s peaceful and you can really have a diversified life. In China it’s 9 to 9. And yes, I’m doing that here now, but it’s different, that’s for myself.”

For many years postgraduation, Roy worked at various restaurants.

He did everything from waiting tables, to managing popular food chains and eventually owned two large and very busy restaurants. He did this right up until COVID-19 hit and shut everything down. Though it

was difficult to be unable to work, the timing worked in Roy’s favour.

“During that year, I found that there was a different mindset to the business, my partner (in his previous restaurant) and I had separate ideas or goals for the business. That’s why we separated. So, I decided to partner with my friend (Ian) who makes the patties.”

When Ian and Roy met, Ian took him to various Caribbean restaurants.

“He taught me about the history of Caribbean food and how it’s supposed to be natural and clean. It’s supposed to be flavourful . . . Also, at that time I was working on my smoked meat project. I tried Texas BBQ in Toronto; it was crazy busy. . .

“People lined up for it. Once I tasted it, it was like ‘Oh my god! This is the way to go.’ It’s so good and so popular. Everybody loves it and the food itself; they turned cheap food into tasty food. And with a lot of flavour, so I decided to study that.”

Together Ian and Roy worked to create a healthier,

less salty smoking process which they use in their jerk chicken and beef ribs. After three years of research and development, they opened Pattylicious in 2022. Keeping their food healthy and clean is very important to Roy.

“My partner (Ian) is Jamaican, his dream was to fulfill his father’s dream to have a restaurant that does good jerk chicken, and jerk meat, and also the patties. We put the healthy concept throughout the whole restaurant, because we use less salt, we don’t use refined sugar, we don’t add oil, and we don’t use fire (their meats are cold smoked). There are no artificial flavours.”

The time, energy and care that has been put into delivering healthier Jamaican food is reflective in their product. But more importantly the relationship between Roy and his partner and mentor Ian is one of great respect and trust. When you create anything, whether it be a friendship, business, or a cultural dish, there should always be trust in knowing that it is handled with great respect.

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Danforth Collegiate art students present annual art exhibition at Papermill Gallery

By Jack Skinner

STUDENTS IN the visual arts department at Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute (C.T.I.) will host their XHIBITART23 show until June 4 at the Papermill Gallery in Todmorden Mills.

The annual art exhibition will showcase the work of senior visual art students at the school.

“We have been exhibiting senior student artwork at Todmorden Mills since 2008,” said visual arts teacher Carol Jokinen in a note to Beach Metro Community News

This will be the 12th annual art show by Danforth C.T.I. The show could not take place in 2020 and 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are all very excited to once again be able to showcase all the impressive work created by Danforth students,” said Jokinen.

There are expected to be close to 300 works exhibited in the show ranging from paintings, photography, printmaking, ceramics, digi-

tal media and drawings.

The Papermill Gallery is located within Todmorden Mills, 67 Pottery Rd. The gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 5

p.m. Wednesday to Sunday.

For more on XHIBITART23, contact Danforth’s visual arts department at 416-393-0620.

Beach Edible Garden seeks volunteers, donations

WITH FOOD insecurity issues on the rise, the Beach Community Edible Garden is looking for both fundraising and volunteer support.

The garden, located in Ashbridges Bay Park, was the brainchild of Beach-born Alex Rochon-Terry, and was created seven years ago

to grow food for local food banks, and to teach children about how food is grown. Fresh produce is hard to come by at food banks, and the Beach Community Edible Gardens was intended to fill that gap.

The garden is 100 per cent volunteer-run with 100 per

cent of produce going to Nourish East End.

The city donated the land, and it was built partly with private donations and partly with contributions from the city like the round planters and the fence.

The garden runs entirely on donations, Volunteers are needed for a variety of roles, from planting, to watering, to harvesting and delivering.

The cleanup of the garden is planned for May 21 at 2 p.m., and then planting will be done on May 28.

If you are able to donate your time or some funds, please email the beachcommunityediblegarden@gmail. com and be part of the solution to both food security and food insecurity in the East End.

Anya Krylova’s Morning Cottage will be among art works exhibited by Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute students during the XHIBITART23 show taking place until June 4 at the Papermill Gallery in Todmorden Mills

Friday Teen Nights now on at Steve & Sally Stavro Family YMCA

By Kaden Campbell

THE STEVE & Sally Stavro Family YMCA on Kingston Road has started a Teen Night program on Friday evenings.

The free program is for youth between the ages of 13 to 18 and participants do not have to be YMCA members.

“Our mission is to create a safe space for the youth on a Friday night, they can have deeper social ties with peers, improved sense of belonging to their community, healthier habits and more,” said Emilia Quiroz of the YMCA of Greater Toronto in message to Beach Metro Community News

The Teen Nights have already started to

take place from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Friday nights at the Steve & Sally Stavro Family YMCA, 907 Kingston Rd.

Thank You

North American VOLT hockey tourney set for Variety Village

By Kaden Campbell

VARIETY ONTARIO will host the inaugural North American VOLT Hockey Tournament on Saturday, May 27, and Sunday, May 28.

Taking place at Variety Village in southwest Scarborough, the tournament is presented by the Toronto Maple Leafs Alumni Association and the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL).

The tournament will include teams from Alberta, London, Manitoba, Ontario, and Boston.

VOLT hockey is an inclusive, accessible form of hockey, with a specifically designed hockey sport chair played by people with a variety of disabilities, particularly those with limited upper mobility.

“We are excited to be hosting this tournament and providing an opportunity to kids of all abilities to play Canada’s national sport,” said Karen Stintz, President and Chief Operating Officer of Variety Village.

“We are grateful to the GTHL and the Maple Leafs Alumni Association for their support and commitment to get kids off the sidelines and into the game.”

Canada’s first VOLT hockey team began

in 2016 with a handful of donors and sponsors at Variety Village in Scarborough. Since then there have been new teams started in London, Niagara, Newmarket and soon to be Barrie.

The league is also growing nationally with two teams in Alberta, one in Edmonton and one in Calgary.

Variety Village is located at 3701 Danforth Ave., just east of Birchmount Road.

The tournament will be open to the public to attend at no cost with spectators being asked to register via Eventbrite at https:// www.eventbrite.ca/e/volt-hockey-tournament-spectator-tickets-tickets-617922321297

The winning team will receive the opportunity to travel to Denmark to participate in the VOLT Hockey World Championships.

In 2022, members of the Variety Village’s team representing Ontario played in the VOLT World Cup in Sweden, winning a silver medal.

For more information on the upcoming May 27 and 28 North American VOLT Hockey Tournament at Variety Village, please go to https://gthlcanada.com/article/variety-ontario-to-host-inaugural-north-american-volthockey-tournament

Gradale Academy students are Happier, Healthier and Smarter

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Cherry Beach (grey and white) and Unionville (red) play in the Under-11 Girls Division at the Cherry Beach Soccer Club’s Admiral Festival on Saturday, May 6, at the Cherry Beach Sports Fields.

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

HEALTH

DR. KARIN RUMMELL & ASSOCIATES OPTOMETRISTS

1914 Queen St. E. (E. of Woodbine) Mon.- Sat. by appointment 416-691-5757

BALSAM DENTAL Family Dentistry * Open 6 days a week * * Evening hours available * New patients always welcome 2200 Queen St. East (at Balsam) 416-691-8555 www.balsamdental.com

BEACHES OPTOMETRY CLINIC

Dr. Linda Chan, Optometrist and Associates 951 Kingston Rd. (West of Victoria Park) 416-691-1991

DR. LINDA WINTER Psychologist Consultations • Therapy

Individuals • Couples Over 20 years experience. Located at Queen & Wheeler 416-691-1071

Dr. Linda Iny Lempert Psychologist & Psychoanalyst Individuals & Couples Services disponibles en français Insurance Coverage 47 Main Street (at Lyall Ave) 416-694-4380 www.drlempert.ca

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Tara Shannon M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, RP

579 Kingston Rd (corner Main) 416 698-6960 tara@tarashannon.ca

Kirsten Johnson B.Sc, DipTIRP, RP

Psychotherapy for Individuals/Couples

LGTBQ+ / Anxiety / Depression more... Insurance welcome BeyondTheBlueTherapy.com

WELLNESS missfit.ca

in-home personal trainer 416 888 6465 mimi@missfit.ca

CHARTERED

Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION

Linda Bronicheski, J.D. 47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com

Shelly Pereira, Paralegal

William F. Deneault Chartered Accountant

• Corporate & Personal Tax

• Specializing in small to medium business

• Financial advice 21 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 502 Tel: (416) 962-2186

Kriens LaRose, LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants

• Accounting services for owner-managed businesses.

• Personal and corporation income tax preparation.

• Audit and consulting services for not-for-profit organizations www.krienslarose.com 416-690-6800

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

COUNSELLING

Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd Caring Solutions for Life & Relationship Issues 416-694-0232 www.energyawakening.com Spiritual Counselling

CHRISTINE KATO, B.Sc., D.V.M.

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

in the comfort of your own home.

Dr. Barbara Houghton 647-221-5516

Emily C. Larimer CPA, CGA BOOKKEEPING & PERSONAL TAX RETURNS INCLUDING TAXES IN ARREARS Call: 416-693-2274 emily@eclarimercpa.com www.eclarimercpa.com

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

Dashwood & Dashwood Barristers & Solicitors

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

Snider & DiGregorio Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9

Tel: 416-699-0424

Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca

O’Reilly, Moll & Mian Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Public

300 Main Street 416-690-3324

DENISE BADLEY-CASTELLO

Solicitor,

KATHRYN WRIGHT

Barrister & Solicitor Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848

2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com

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

Glover & Associates

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

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

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

KAMRULHAFIZAHMED

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

QUINN Family Law

Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 662 Broadview Ave. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca

Janet D’Arcy DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A Queen St. East 416 690-6257 Open Saturdays

John H. BJARNASON, D.C. Chiropractor 1906 Queen St. E. (1 block east of Woodbine) 416-694-2868

BEACHES WELLNESS CENTRE Dr. Johanna Carlo Chiropractic & Registered Massage Therapy 2130 Queen Street East 416-698-7070

ASHBRIDGE’S HEALTH CENTRE

Dr. Emily Howell & Associates Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Orthotics ashbridgeshealth.janeapp.com 1522 Queen St. E. 416-465-5575 www.ashbridgeshealth.ca

MASSAGE THERAPY

advancedapproaches massage.com Su Willson, B.MUS, R.M.T. & ASSOC 927 Kingston Rd. (W. of Vic Pk) • Open 7 Days a week • Voted “#1 Spa and Best Massage Therapist in Toronto” 416-694-6767

Stephen G. King, Architect B. Arch. OAA, MRAIC “Serving the Beach since 1987”

Residential, Restorations, Home Inspections, Commercial, Interiors, Landscapes

COMPLETE PROJECT SERVICES FROM DESIGN THROUGH CONSTRUCTION (416) 694-8181

www.stephenkingarchitect.com

Member Ontario Association of Architects

Jen Goddard, R.M.T. Neville Park Health Group 2455A Queen St. East 416-690-6257

FUNERAL SERVICES eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc. Life Celebrations.

Summer Camp 2023

Beach Metro Community News Annual General Meeting set for June 14

THE ANNUAL general meeting of Ward 9 Community News Inc, the publisher of Beach Metro Community News, will be held on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, starting at 7 p.m., for the purpose of receiving the financial statement and reports of the officers and staff, to elect officers for the coming year, and to deal with any new business.

The meeting is open to members of the above association and will take place at the Beach Metro Community News office, 2196 Gerrard St.

E.

MEMBERSHIP is outlined in the newspaper’s Constitution, as follows:

“ 1. Any member of the community where the newspaper is distributed, who is willing to support the aims and objectives of the organization, will be accepted on payment of the current year’s fees ($5.00), and will be a member in good standing, and is eligible to vote if in attendance at the annual general meetings, as long as the current year’s fees are paid.

2. No member shall be under the age of sixteen.

3. No membership will be sold within seven days before the annual meeting (cut off date June 7, 5:00 p.m.).

4. All members of the distribution team, who have worked with the team for a minimum of six months in the year (continually since Dec. 22, 2022), shall be given an automatic membership in Ward 9 Community News Inc for the current year. There are two provisos:

a) Where the distributor is under age, the membership will be in the name of a parent or guardian.

b) Only one free membership will be allowed per family.”

(Distributors may check their status by contacting Melinda at 416-698-1164 ext.27 or emailing melinda@ beachmetro.com).

ELECTIONS are outlined in the newspaper’s Constitution as follows:

“1. Election of officers shall be held at the annual meeting.

2. Nomination for officers of the organization shall

be received in writing, addressed to the secretary by Friday, May 26, 2023 at 3 p.m. Nominations should be accompanied by a description of the nominee’s background with regard to the organization and the general community. The names of those seeking office, together with a brief biography, will be published in the issue of Beach Metro Community News immediately preceding the annual meeting (May 30 issue) in order that the membership be able to weigh the merits of each candidate and vote accordingly. Notice for the final date for receiving nominations shall be published in the two issues immediately preceding that date (May 2, and May 16, 2023).

3. Where more than one person is nominated for any office, the chairperson of the meeting shall count the ballots and declare the nominee receiving the most votes elected.

4. Nominees for the board and nominations shall be members of the Ward 9 Community News Inc. (See paragraphs on membership).

Open Doors: Spiritual Matters

St. John’s Norway doing new things including Parents Night Out events and The Table service

rev. Yohan duMpaLa MccLoSkeY

the Baptist Norway

What a year it’s been so far! Here at St. John’s Norway, located at 470 Woodbine Ave, we’ve been busy doing new things and exploring creative ways of doing ministry.

In February of 2023, after putting our ears to the ground, we offered parents of our parish and our neighbourhood an opportunity to unwind and get some muchneeded R&R. We called it Parents Night Out (PNO). The event was four hours long for children and youth to gather in our lower hall, watch movies and play

video games and board games while their parents or guardians did whatever their hearts desired.

This was the third time we had done PNO, and it is clear that many parents and guardians need the time, albeit four hours, to attend to their own well-being and mental health.

Please watch our website, www.stjohnsnorway.com, for updates regarding this event, as we cannot wait to host this event again this summer!

In the spirit of doing new things, we launched a contemporary worship service called The Table in March.

After listening to our neighbours and understanding our parish area’s demographics and psychographics, it was clear that a new

evening service was needed for those seeking to understand the Christian faith while providing a safe space as they explored their faith and the big questions about God and what it all means to us as created beings living in a complex world.

The Table takes place every Sunday at 5 p.m. and is followed by a simple meal that brings the community together and provides an opportunity for fellowship.

Compared to our 10:30 am service, The Table is quite different in its liturgy and has been described by some as “earthy.”

We encourage all who attend to participate musically or by sharing their thoughts during the reflection.

If this sounds intriguing and exciting, you are most

Dreamland concert by Beach pianist Jonathan Kravtchenko set for May 20

BEACH PIANIST and composer Jonathan Kravtchenko, 18, will be premiering new chamber music and piano solo compositions at Calvin Presbyterian Church 26 Delisle Ave., on May 20.

Kravtchenko’s compositions have gained a loyal following. The May 20 concert starts at 8 p.m. and is titled Dreamland.

It features Kravtchenko on piano and other talented young Toronto musicians: Nadine Bargout, violin, Caara Yeung, flute and Barbie Fong, piano.

To order tickets for this concert, please go to www.eventbrite.ca and search Dreamland.

Kingston Road United celebrates new roof

AS PART of the Kingston Road Village Business community’s Spring Fest on Saturday, June 10, Kingston Road United Church will be celebrating its new roof.

The church will be participating in the festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a quilt show, roof tile painting/sales, hot dogs, bird house painting, bazaar items, and a Raise Our Roof table.

In the process of replacing the roof of the church at 975 Kingston Rd., 9,000 square feet of 100-plus-year-old 12-inch-by-20-inch slate tiles were salvaged from the removal of the

old roof. The church partnered with local artists, many of them OCAD (Ontario College of Art and Design) students, to transform the tiles into beautiful works of art.

Residents can now own a piece of local history, support young artists and enjoy a unique piece of original art as these tiles are available for purchase. Tiles are $100. Proceeds are split 50/50 between the artist and the church’s Raise Our Roof Project.

In advance of the events at the Kingston road Village Spring Fest, the church will also be holding a Blessing of the Roof ceremony for Kingston Road United Church parishioners on the morning of June 4.

Bard in the Park planned for Norway and Kew Gardens parks BARD IN the Park will be holding local performances of William Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream next month.

Presented by The Panopoly Theatre Collective, performances are at Norwood Park June 1 to 3; and Kew Gardens from June 12 to 18. Performances are pay-what-you-can, but donations are strongly suggested. Seating is not provided and those attending are advised to bring their own chairs or blankets. For more details and performance times, go to https://panoplycollective.com/summer-2023

welcome to join us on Sundays at 5 p.m. Enter through the doors on the north side of the church from our sprawling parking lot, and you will find us eager to get to know you. We hope to see you soon!

Over the past few years, our Food Pantry has been consistently open and available on Mondays to many struggling in our community to put food on their tables. This is made possible by the generous donations of our parishioners at St. John’s, the Scouts and Cubs, and some of our local businesses, such as COBS Bread and The Big Carrot.

If you’d like to donate or help at our Food Pantry, you can reach us by phone at 416-691-4560 or by email at admin@stjohnsnorway.com.

We are so blessed to be a part of the Beach community, and we look forward to seeing you either at our mid-week service on Wednesdays at noon or our Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. or 5 p.m.

With blessings from all the people of St. John’s Norway.

The Reverend Yohan Dumpala is Assistant Curate, St. John the Baptist Norway Anglican Church.

St. John

and Queen in the 1970s

Beach Guild of Fine Art Show and Sale slated for weekend of June 2

By Jack Skinner

THE BEACH Guild of Fine Art (BGFA) is hosting an art show and sale from June 2-4.

Founded in 1994, The Beach Guild of Fine Arts is a small group of artists who are Beach residents with a passion for art.

The art show and sale is a three-day event starting on Friday, June 2, followed by Saturday, June 3, and wrapping up on Sunday, June 4.

The event will take place at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., just north of Queen Street East.

Friday’s show and sale will run from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday will be day events

starting at 10 a.m., and finishing up at 5 p.m. BGFA currently has 60 members and has been around for close to 30 years, and their goal of promoting art throughout the Beach neighbourhood has not changed to this day.

The show and sale will include various original paintings, including acrylic, oil, mixed media, watercolours, cards, and gift items.

“Our mandate is to support each other as artists and to promote and encourage the appreciation of art in the community,” said the Beach Guild of Fine Arts website.

For more information on the upcoming Beach Guild of Fine Art Show and Sale, please visit www.beachguildoffineart.com

PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE

Eye on Business

Wedlocks in the Beach offers welcoming atmosphere

By Ahmed Dirie BEACHER, ENTREPRENEUR, florist and do-it-all owner of Wedlocks, Michelle

Slota is welcoming residents to her jazz piano lounge and restaurant ahead of the annual Beaches Jazz Festival in July.

Located at 1961 Queen St. E., Wedlocks stands out for its upscale indoor and outdoor aesthetic.

The piano lounge restaurant and event space is open Tuesday through Sunday. The restaurant’s hours are noon to 11 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday, 12 p.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday and slightly abbreviated on Sundays from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Following a thorough renovation, Wedlocks opened its doors last October, said Slota. Although she doesn’t like to be referred to as the owner, Wedlocks is owned through Slota’s corporation and she takes on a plethora of roles to make sure the

lounge runs smoothly. “I do everything,” she said. “I’m the chef. I help out in the front and I step in to be a mentor as the business requires.”

Flanked by her husband Brandon Mincoff, who brings 25 years in the restaurant and hospitality industry and a wealth of connections, and her musically-talented son Kai who is known to play the piano at the entrance of Wedlocks, the establishment provides a family-friendly environment.

The name Wedlocks is a nod to the previous owners of the building, longtime Beaches brunch hub Whitlock’s that served the community for 27 years before closing in 2018.

Like most that have spent as long as they have in the Beach, Slota and Mincoff are aware of the location’s history dating back to its roots as both a post office and cheese factory more than a century ago. Having lived in the Beach for more than two de-

Michelle

cades, Slota and Mincoff are very familiar with the community’s wants and needs as well as how to service them.

“We know a lot of features, we love the Beach and having this corner,” said Mincoff.

Furthermore, the renovation of Whitlock’s into Wedlocks has also been a boon for the nearby neighbourhoods.

The ‘Wed’ in Wedlocks should not have patrons thinking the space is all

about weddings. While Slota is ordained and has performed marriages, she said the environment is casual.

In addition to referencing Whitlock’s tenure and importance in the community, the name Wedlocks also refers to Slota “marrying” all her channels together and putting it under one umbrella.

That said, for those looking for an event space with top-of-the-line restaurateurs

and beverages, Wedlocks fits the bill. Along with the classy lounge in front, the back half opens up into a cozy dining area perfect for a private dinner party or reception.

The welcoming atmosphere also extends to Wedlocks’ staff. Mincoff prides himself on his eye for talent, so applicants are encouraged to apply regardless of their background and experience in the restaurant and hospitality industries.

That is exactly how Roman Shvedchvenko came to work at Wedlocks.

Having recently arrived from Ukraine with little experience, Shvedchvenko impressed Mincoff and Slota with his initiative. “He went around looking for a job which nobody would give him because he didn’t work in the industry,” said Mincoff.

Mincoff ignored that and after obtaining his Smart Serve certification, Shvedchvenko was hired and has

grown into one of Wedlocks’ strongest servers.

Wedlocks has also partnered with John Morrison and beach volleyball institution We The Beaches.

Old friends with Slota, Morrison will sell apparel from the We The Beaches clothing line out of the back of the restaurant, adding to Wedlocks’ “business in the front, party in the back” motif.

“The concept is come by, feel at home, enjoy the atmosphere and take somebody home with you,” said Morrison.

“We’ve all been a part of this community for a long time,” he continued. “We see great things and hopefully the community will come together and rally around that.”

To view Wedlocks’ menu and reserve the space for an event please visit their wedlocks.ca.

To view and purchase We The Beaches apparel please visit wethebeach.com.

PHOTO: AHMED DIRIE

Slota, Kai and Brandon Mincoff at Wedlocks on Queen Street East in the Beach.

C

L A S S I F I E D S

CTD Handyman Services

General repairs indoor/outdoor. Drywall, painting, carpentry, pressure washing. Demolition and waste removal. Call or text: 647-336-8030 (6.)

SCRAP CARS

Call me 416-521-6287

We Pay Top Dollar For Unwanted CARS, VANS, TRUCKS & SUVs FREE TOW in 2 HRS • 24/7 (6r)

Contact:

Announcement

Grantful Food & Fellowship Food Bank & Soup Kitchen NEEDS DONATIONS OF EMPTY EGG CARTONS to help its clients take home eggs. Donations of empty cartons can be dropped off at Grant AME church, 2029 Gerrard Street East on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Fridays between the hours of 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. For more info on the food bank which opens on Fridays from 3:30 to 6:00 pm, please call 416 690 5169 or visit www.grantame.com (6)

Communicating with your angels and strengthening your resilience, practical solutions. INNER PEACE MOVEMENT SEMINAR June 7th • 2 - 3:30 pm Cliffcrest Library 3017 Kingston Road - Cost $22 www.innerpeacemovementofcanada.com facebook.com/IPMCanada ipmwithLeslie@gmail.com (7)

Volunteer

Opportunities

Volunteers Needed to deliver BEACH METRO NEWS

Routes available throughout the Beach Upper Beach, Danforth, Birchcliff STUDENTS EARN COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS Contact: melinda@beachmetro.com

Employment

Opportunities

General Help HIRE A STUDENT

•Yard are •Dog walking •Pet sitting •Child minding Main & Gerrard area Call/text: 647-648-5525 (6v)

Business Partner Wanted

Entrepreneur seeks M/F biz partner who is “computer savvy” and has a true passion for viewing motion pictures.

Kevin 416-463-6301 (6)

Commercial Space for Rent

OFFICE SPACE

McArthur & Son Business Centre

Air conditioning, boardroom, kitchen area, copier, etc. Individual offices from $425/mth.

577-579 Kingston Rd. @ Main St.

Paul McArthur 416-821-3910 pmcarthur577@gmail.com www.mcarthurbusinesscentre.com (r)

UPPER BEACHES OFFICE

SPACE

Ideal for medical professionals, lawyers or accountants

416-690-2880 (r)

Healthcare Professionals

Clinic space available

www.fallingbrookwellness.com

Email: Nicola@fallingbrookwellness.com or call: 416-737-0046 (6)

Apartment/ Home for Rent

LANDLORDS For Peace of Mind Call Harding & King R.E. Services Inc. Brokerage

We make owning real estate & being a Landlord painless, easy & profitable. Call now 416-699-9714 x8 www.hardingandking.com

BEACHES LUXURY APTS

High-Rise - VIEWS - Some New Reno Studio,1,2 Bed, Lake/Gardn/City views. Some Granite Kit & Bath, A/C, Jacuzzi, Micro, Dishwr, Balc, Marble/Hardwd, Sep. liv.& din. CCTV & Card Access. TTC. Lndry. Walk to Kew Beach & Queen St! Limited on site PARKG. Fr $1250 Inc ht & ht wtr. 416-693-5229 (6.)

2 Bedroom Apartment in a very quiet building without pets or smoking, south of Queen Street. Porch on the ground floor, dining room, 1 bathroom, laundry in building. $2,550/month, some utilities included. 416-751-7621 (6)

MAN WITH

PICK-UP TRUCK

EUROPEAN

CLEANING LADIES offer complete and thorough cleaning service for your house • office • condo

Call Ilona 416-427-3815 (6.)

Irene Seliotis

Quality House Cleaning

Telephone: 416.690.3739

Cell: 647.278.7490

Dependable service for over 20 years (6)

CLEANING SERVICE

25 yrs experience

FOUR

EVERGREEN

GARDENING

INVESTMENT ADVICE & FINANCIAL PLANNING

Michael Haier, CFA, CIM, FCSI Raymond James Ltd. 647-289-7191 michael.haier@raymondjames.ca Honest, affordable advice. Expert Bookkeeping, Small business specialists, Strong on QuickBooks, Simply Accounting, “cloud computing”. A la carte services. Affordable rates. Antonella 416-464-2766 (6r)

Household

Services

REG’S APPLIANCE

KLEEN WINDOWS

For light moves/deliveries, junk removal, cleanups, etc. Efficient. Best rates.

647-806-7620 (6..)

Unwanted vehicles to be picked up and paid for in cash in a professional manner. Call Len 416-819-8464 (6r)

Pet Services

Kuri K9 Massage

I am a mobile Certified Canine and Feline Massage Therapist working in the Toronto area since 2013. I offer Swedish massage and other massage therapies and modalities to your fur babies in the comfort of your home. Phone/Text 416-471-3955 kurik9massage.com (7)

Pest Control

RACCOON CONTROL

Humane removal of raccoons and babies from ATTICS, DECKS, PORCHES, GARAGES, SHEDS WWW.RACCOONCONTROL.CA

SQUIRREL

References Available Free Estimate

Call 647 824 1254 (6)

Music

Beaches Suzuki School of Music

We share our love of music using the Suzuki Method by providing gentle encouragement, inspiration, and musicianship in Violin and Piano.

Online teaching available

Ines 416 726 5729 (6.r)

THE TWO FOURS

Your local Rock ‘n’ Roots Revival Band

Is ready to rock your party or event.

Book your spring or summer date now. thetwofours@eol.ca • 416-690-5442 https://facebook.com/thetwofoursband

Tutoring

HELP WITH MATH & ENGLISH call ALBERTO 416 690 9389 for

• COVID CATCH-UP •

• in-depth homework/test help •

• essay-writing + study skills •

• numeracy + literacy support •

INDIV/GRP TUITION IN YOUR HOME

QUALIFIED + EXPERIENCED TEACHER, K-12

PROVEN SUCCESS - REFS AVAILABLE (6r)

Head Start Tutors

One on One Tutoring Grades 3-12

Keeping the Love of Learning Alive Sunday tutoring available.

www.headstarttutors.ca

416-272-9589 • hstarttutors@gmail.com

Proudly serving the Beach for over 25 years

Neil Bennett B.Ed./OCT Sally Vickers B.Ed./OCT (6r)

THE STUDY STUDIO

General

WAYNE’S

RUBBISH REMOVAL & DEMOLITION SPECIALIST RECYCLING INTERIOR & EXTERIOR CLEANING 416-264-1495 CELL 416-567-4019 (7r)

MR. FIX-IT

PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS 20+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work. Randall 416-450-0599 torontomrfixit@gmail.com (6r)

Peter the Handyman

INDOOR / OUTDOOR

General repairs: Drywall / Caulking / Painting / Decks / Fences Odd jobs: Fixtures, TV, Shelf & Picture install / Furniture assembly (IKEA)... & much more! Call/text Peter 416 577 4252 (6)

EXPRESS

JUNK REMOVAL

Best Prices/Free Estimates 647-235-6690 (6.)

DEMOLITION EXPERTS

Demolition & Removal of Garages, Porches, Fences & Concrete. Howard 416 565 8569 (6.)

Well Trained Handy Husband

Catering to small jobs around your home that others won’t do! Reliable & trustworthy with returning happy customers. $60 hour, one hour minimum. Call, email or text to discuss. Glenn 416-709-2930 superglenn@bell.net (6r)

Cleaning Services

HEALTHY

• Drying time 3-4 hours

• Bonded, insured, certified Free At Home Estimates! Call 416-783-3434 (23/24)

RILEYS’ WINDOW CLEANING

A family business since 1956 Window & Eaves Cleaning

Gutter Filter Installation 416 421-5758 rileyswindowcleaning.com (r)

BEACHES LAWN

MAINTENANCE LAWN

CUTTING

416 414 5883 info@blpm.ca (6r)

Who has the time to clean anymore?

I have the time, so give me a call.

Roxanne 647 886 8303 (6.)

EXTREME CLEANING

I provide excellent cleaning services for residential homes and condos.

Contact Martha @ Cell: 647-206-1415 (6$)

Individualized tutoring and programs for grades 3-12 in all subjects. Proven success with thousands of Beach area students for 20 years. On Kingston Rd. just east of Vic Park Andrew English B.Ed. 416-690-6116 www.thestudystudio.com (6r)

TUTOR FOR FRENCH & FI

(Beach area) by high school teacher. (dept head) 20+ years exp. in Public School Board, incl. AP French. Tutor for French/FI & Gr. 10 History.

German can be taught as well Online Tutoring Available 647-406-4681

References available upon request (6.)

Math Tutor for Grades 11-12

I’m JP, live in the Beaches and can tutor in my home, one-on-one. I am a retired Math Teacher with a rich and wide experience.

Email jpginestier@gmail.com

Cell 647-284-9264 (6r)

TUTORING

• OCT qualified • K-10, all subjects

• High school Student Success Teacher (25 years experience)

• Available evenings & weekends

• Focus: homework help; numeracy & literacy support

• Time management, organization & testtaking strategies embedded throughout 416 805-3708 (6)

Garden & Tree

BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

-Lawn Cutting -Spring/Fall Property Clean-Ups -Hedge Trimming 416-414-5883 info@blpm.ca (6r)

Beach Lawn Care LAWN CUTTING SERVICES

*STARTING AT $20 416-691-8503

beachlawncare2020@gmail.com

Green Apple

BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

Scotstone

CEJA ELECTRIC

MASTER

THOSE ROOFERS

ROOFING & SIDING?

SOLUTION!

Flat and Shingle Roofs Re-roofing, Repair Eavestrough, Soffit & Fascia Workmanship Guaranteed Gus: 416-910-8033 (6r)

TORONTO ROOFING

INDUSTRIES LTD.

Local • Reliable • Professional Servicing the beach for 18 years. 416 694 0906 torontoroofingindustries.com (6r)

CANADIAN CONTRACTORS Shingles

BEACH

K.

basement lowering specialists” 416-826-3918 John www.mgcunderpinning.com maximumgen@gmail.com

MET# B16348 Since 1998 (13r)

Beaches Brickworks

• brick restoration

• arches, lintels & sills

• openings & enclosures

CHIMNEY SPECIALISTS

416 988-2589 danielmccaf@gmail.com (6r)

S.A.C Masonry

Brick, Block, Stone, Chimneys, Concrete, and all masonry repairs

Call Sergio 416 873 9936(6(

CJ DRYWALL & PAINTING

Professional drywall and plaster work. Renovation and Repair. Very clean. No job too small.

Call C.J. 647 222 5338 (6.)

BEACHES HANDY WORKS

Dedicated precise worker.

All your build and repairs. Indoor or outdoor: dry-wall, flooring, built-in, landscaping, interlocking, sheds, fences, decks, etc. at a reasonable price!

Call Hamid at 647-300-2462 (6r)

JDB MASONRY

• Brick / Foundation

• Concrete / Stone

• Chimney & Parging

Restoration & Build www.jdbuild.ca

416-738-2119 (6r)

BRICK SPECIALIST

Masonry & brickwork.

Experts at matching existing brick. New builds, tuckpointing, colour matching, parging. Stone & Block. Call Scott @ Scotstone 416.858.2452 scotstonecontracting@gmail.com (7)

Can Pro

Mechanical

Heating cooling service & install Hvac ductwork

Furnace, boiler, hydronics

Large and small jobs 416 606 4719 (6r)

BLANK SLATE RENOVATIONS

Kitchens & bath, basement apts, doors, trim, crown molding, shelving, paint, drywall repair, tile, hardwood, fences, decks, interlock and more. Lic. & Ins. 416.274.5929 (6r)

KEW BEACH

GENERAL CONTRACTING

Kitchens - Bathrooms

Basements - Doors, Windows

Garages - Fences, Decks

For all your reno needs, no job too small. Metro lic 416 824-7901 (6)

ALANO TILE & RENO

• Expert Installation of Porcelain, Marble, Mosaic

•

(6.)

Purdy Home Improvements Decks • Porches • Fences * Home Improvements * TRUSTWORTHY & LOCAL CALL OR EMAIL RYAN 647-355-3096 www.purdyhomeimprovements.ca info@purdyhomeimprovements.ca (6r)

Jack of all Trades HANDYMAN SERVICES Basements, Kitchens, Bathrooms Fences, Decks, Drywall, Carpentry No job too small. Free estimates. Serving the Beaches for 15 years. 416-278-5328 (9)

$16.25 for 20 words or fewer extra words are 35¢ each AND/OR $25.00 for a block ad (1 column wide x 1” high) no more than 40 words Our Classified ad section also appears on our website.

How about a COLOUR AD? Call 416-698-1164 ext 26 for ‘Display’ ad rates.

CLASSIFIED ADS are available in two sizes: 2196 Gerrard St. E. 416.698.1164 beachmetro.com