Santa in the Beach set for Saturday
KEW GARDENS will be the place to be this Saturday for the Santa in The Beach and Christmas Tree Lighting celebrations.
The event is presented by The Beach BIA and sponsor Shea Sells Boutique, and will feature a visit from Santa, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, live music, holiday treats and much more.
The event is also a key part of Centre 55’s Share a Christmas campaign as donations of new unwrapped toys for those in need will be collected on Saturday.
Santa in the Beach takes place on Saturday, Nov. 30, from 1 to 6 p.m., and includes the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies from 5 to 5:30 p.m.
The annual event will allow those taking part to have photos
Continued on Page 23
‘Golden’ celebration welcomes Santa Claus to the Beach
PHOTOS: ERIN HORROCKS-POPE
The annual Beaches Santa Claus Parade was held along Kingston Road on the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 17. Photo above, Parade
Marshal Aaron Brown shows the gold medal he won as a member of the Canadian men’s 4x100-metre relay team at Paris Olympics this summer. Photo at right, Santa Claus waves to the crowds along Kingston Road. The Beaches Santa Claus Parade is presented by Centre 55. For more photos from this year’s parade, please see Page 22.
Councillors hold opposing views on removal of some bike lanes
By Amarachi Amadike
TORONTO IS losing some of its major bike lanes and the majority of city councillors are furious about it.
On Oct. 21, the Ontario government introduced Bill 212 (Reducing Gridlock, Saving You Time Act, 2024) which partly aims to address traffic congestion experienced in the province’s municipalities.
The Bill, amended to require Ministry of Transportation approval before municipalities can construct bicycle lanes “in certain circumstances,” has received push back from Toronto Council which put forward motions that clearly separated the city from the province’s position.
Toronto-Danforth Councillor
Paula Fletcher told Beach Metro Community News that she opposes Bill 212 because the lane removals would reduce road safety and cause years of delays due to the construction that would be required to remove them.
“The province’s recent decision to force the city to remove bike lanes on Bloor Street West, University Avenue and Yonge Street is very troubling and I have heard from hundreds of residents expressing their concern,” said Fletcher.
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Toronto Council passed a motion – Standing up for our City: Protecting Safe Cycling Infrastructure – highlighting concerns that Bill 212 contradicts the City of Toronto Act
Continued on Page 24
Alma Florists is saying goodbye after 72 years in the community
By Blythe Higginson
AFTER SEVEN decades of vibrant blooms and cherished memories, Alma Florists, a beloved family-run floral shop, is set to close its doors at 886 Kingston Rd. for the last time on Dec. 31.
The announcement has left the Higginson family reflecting on the shop’s deep-rooted presence and the impact it has had on generations of customers over the years.
Founded in 1952 by Matthew Higginson, the shop began as a small storefront offering locally sourced flowers and unique arrangements. Over the years, it blossomed into a cherished institution, known not only for its exquisite floral designs
but also for its personalized service and strong community ties.
In 1972, Matthew handed over the business to his son Jack who kept the business a cut above the rest for close to 21 years, with his wife Sandra working alongside him.
Jack and Sandra retired and passed the ownership to their youngest son and current owner, Brad, who has created stems of opportunities for Alma within the past 31 years while keeping true to its original charm.
As a family run business, friends, family and long-time team members have supported and contributed to the business by greeting customers, taking orders, cleaning flowers, wrapping packages, mak-
ing deliveries and stringing thousands of lights on Christmas trees.
“Everyone who has worked with Alma has made it what it is today,” said Brad.
Alma has been a place for the community to order flowers for many holidays including Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Passover, weddings, and to send condolences when times were tough.
As the business grew, it ventured into decorating corporate lobbies for the holidays and designing works of art for floral shows and conventions, including the 2016 Juno Awards, one of the highlights in Brad’s career.
The shop’s dedication to sup-
Continued on Page 14
Family of Rachel Turner calls for school bus safety recommendations to be implemented
By Alan Shackleton
THE FAMILY of Rachel Turner, the young Beach woman who died after being hit by the driver of a school bus last month, made a plea for school bus safety recommendations to be enforced during a news conference last week.
Story idea? News tip? Let us know!
editor@beachmetro.com www.beachmetro.com
Turner, 22, was struck by a small school bus making a left turn from Kingston Road to head north on Kingswood Road on Oct. 9. Turner was legally crossing Kingswood within the pedestrian area when she was struck by a mirror on the bus. She died in hospital of her injuries on Oct. 13.
At a news conference in front of their Beach home on the morning of Nov. 20, Turner’s boyfriend Matthew Davis, her father Leon and her mother Susan spoke about the need to improve school bus safety measures. They were accompanied at the news conference by lawyer Michael Smitiuch of the firm Smitiuch Injury Lawyers, who is representing the Turner family.
In the last five months, between June and November, three pedestrians including Turner have died as a result of being struck by a school
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ing kids back and forth,” he added.
bus.
“The frequency of these trips, along with increased traffic congestion in urban areas, inadequate training of drivers and the failure to implement safety measures on buses is a recipe for death and serious injury,” said Smitiuch.
“The combination of insufficient technological upgrades and the lack of rigorous driver training means that, each year, 792 million trips carry a real possibility of risk. The risks of injuries and deaths involving school buses increases without these recommended improvements and we’re seeing such an increase with the three most recent fatalities in the GTA,” he added.
On June 19, a six-year-old boy died after being struck by the driver of school bus in Vaughan. And less than a month after Turner’s death, an 84-year-old woman died after being struck by a school bus in Richmond Hill on Nov. 5.
Speaking at the news conference, Leon Turner said it was important that Rachel not be just a “statistic” of pedestrians killed by school buses.“Nobody should have
to go through what we’re going through,” he said.
“Rachel had a great and bright future. She was very intelligent and creative, and now we’re never going to see her full potential reached. We just want to see some changes so we’re not doing press conferences like this anymore,” said Leon of the need for improvements to school bus safety.
Smitiuch said that in 2019 a Federal Task Force on School Bus Safety made a number of recommendations to increase the safety of the vehicles. On the issue of making school buses safer for pedestrians, the task force recommended the installation of exterior 360-degree camera systems and automatic emergency braking systems (AEB) operated by sensors. So far, the exterior camera and braking systems have not been made mandatory in school buses.
“The sad truth of this is that this death may have been preventable,” said Smitiuch.
“The other sad reality of this is that the governments involved with school buses have recognized the dangers involved with transport-
“The actual regulations and laws concerning school buses is multi-layered, it starts at the federal government with Transport Canada and it goes down to the provincial government down to school boards and bus companies. The sad reality is as early as 2019, the federal government had commissioned a task force, a task force to look into school bus safety. Just like many task forces, nothing has been done, literally, since this task force report was completed. Some of the recommendations included having sensors on buses, just like we do on cars, having cameras on school buses so they can see what’s around them, and having automated braking systems as well.
“None of these measures that were recommended have been implemented. We have them in our cars and they’re required but not on school buses. We are calling on all levels of government today to immediately to enact and move on the recommendations of the task force.”
The Strengthening School Bus Safety in Canada Task Force began in 2019 and released its report in February of 2020. It can viewed at https://publications.gc.ca/ collections/collection_2020/ tc/T22-243-2020-eng.pdf
Along with technology based safety features, the report also called for mandatory training regulations for school bus drivers. Smitiuch said these have also not been implanted nationally, and each province has different regulations regarding what qualifications are needed to drive a school bus.
“The other area we are calling on the government to make changes are the requirements to become a school bus driver. If you dig
Continued on Page 15
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Lawyer Michael Smitiuch, left, speaks at a news conference at the home of the Turner family on Wednesday, Nov. 20. Rachel Turner, 22, shown in the photo on the stand, died after being struck by a school bus at Kingston and Kingswood roads on Oct. 9. Also speaking at the news conference were Rachel’s parents Leon and Susan, and her boyfriend Matthew Davis.
Reflecting on the Beach’s great restaurants
Gene DomaGala Beach Memories
was doing a story recently on a new restaurant opening up on Queen Street East when I noticed something about the restaurants in our area.
There is no written history of those restaurants. I then took it upon myself to rectify this.
We’ll start this by going back to 1989, which was 35 years ago, and see what was what. I looked up information about that year and found there were about 200 restaurants in the Beach and East End area.
I have to admit I rarely if ever have eaten in any of our most noted restaurants, so I will leave it to our local residents to let me know more information on the restaurants, types of food they serve and their owners.
We will keep those locations to Queen Street East for now, even though I know there are numerous great restaurants on Gerrard Street East, Kingston Road and Danforth Avenue to name but a few other streets.
I will say there are about 32 restaurants on Queen Street East that were around in 1989. Let’s see what you the readers answers are about these “food factories”.
What were your favourites? Send me your favourable or otherwise comments about restaurants you remember from that time.
These restaurants were of different types and included Chinese, Greek, Jamaican, Italian and other types of foods.
Of course there were hamburger restaurants, pizza places, Canadian, breakfast joints and more; pretty much every type of delicacies you can think of.
Queen Street East had restaurants that catered to every type of society in those days, and you (dear Beachers) were that society 35 years ago.
Many owners of these restaurants were residents who lived in the Beach for decades, some for all their lives.
There were many different names of the restaurants and some were around for only a short time while others are still here.
For example, the Honey Bee which recently closed down was in business for more than 60 years.
Now, some of the restaurants were
located where thousands of people could be guaranteed to gather – close to the old Woodbine racetrack when it was around. There were two restaurants located across the street from the track and were frequented by all kinds of customers.
There was Diamond Steak House on Queen Street East west of Coxwell Avenue, and there was the Mecca tavern on the east side of Coxwell.
The owner of the Mecca was Alex Christie, a person who did more volunteer work than any person I can remember for many charitable causes.
The city even named the bandshell in Kew Gardens park after him.
There was also a popular restaurant named Lido’s in The Beach. It’s named after Lido Chilelli who founded and still runs the Beaches International Jazz Festival.
Of course we also have the legendary Garden Gate restaurant which is known far and wide as The Goof.
A lot of these restaurants held large numbers of people and were used for community meetings by many local groups. There were and are also restaurants that mostly served students from local schools as their main customers. Beach Memories
Continued on Page 11
In Memoriam: Joan Latimer 1931-2024
A strong and independent woman remembered
By Sheila Blinoff
JOAN LATIMER, the editor of this paper from 1973 to 1994, died in Collingwood on Nov. 11.
I was able to speak to my friend a few days earlier, and recall bygone times. I thanked her for being a mentor to me and to others.
“I always tried to be a good teacher,” she said.
By December, 1972 the paper, then known as Ward 9 Community News, appeared to be on its last legs. The small staff that nursed it through its first year, were burned out and moved on.
Before leaving, they applied for a federal government grant under the Local Initiatives Program. This became available on March 1st 1973 to run for four months, and was later extended to the end of August.
A committee, which included Joan, took over and hired a staff of three at $100 a week each. As stipulated in the application, there would be a business manager, a distribution manager, and a coordinator of volunteers. Rev-
enue would come through a commissioned advertising salesperson. There was no provision for a paid editor, a role that could be filled by a volunteer! Joan, who was a journalism graduate from Ryerson P.I., and had recently been working from home writing the T. Eaton Company’s employees’ newsletter, stepped up.
I met Joan when she was on the committee that hired me to be the business manager. By May 1973 there was a change in staff. I was now in charge of the grant, and was able to hire Joan as a paid editor.
When the grant ended in August, the paper had once again run out of money as any profits that it had earned had to be returned to the government. However, we now had some practical expertise to build on.
Joan suggested that since we both had husbands who would support us and our children, we two were in a position to continue working on the paper without pay until the next grant. This was a crucial moment in the Ward
9 News’ survival. There were also many others who took on smaller tasks to help us keep the paper viable.
Six months later it became apparent that there would be no more grants, so Joan led our deputation of two to the newspaper board asking for a solution. The board
organized a fundraiser. The carriers went door-to-door on their routes asking each household for a two-dollar donation. They collected $6,000, and we were back to being paid.
In time, under Joan’s editorship, the paper flourished.
Continued on Page 5
PHOTO: BEACH METRO NEWS FILE PHOTO
Joan Latimer, seen here working on the paper’s layout boards, was editor of Ward 9 Community News/ Beach Metro Community News from 1973 to 1994.
A friend and inspiration
‘A strong’ from Page 4
The number of pages, advertising, circulation and readers grew. The staff increased to five. Joan used to say, “We’re the only game in town.”
We were unique as a non-partisan, not-forprofit newspaper that was now covering all its costs. We had the infamous Waiting List. We had so many advertisers waiting a couple of issues until we could find room for them, and still maintain a balance between news and advertising. (Yes, we did increase the number of pages.) How times have changed in the print world!
Joan felt that readers had more trust in what was published in their community paper than in any other media. Therefore, we had to be vigilant in protecting them from scams and misinformation.
The story that is making me laugh out loud as I write this is the one about the Australian Fruit Cake.
A man came to the office carrying a sevenfoot cylindrical musical wind instrument. He wanted Joan to publish his cake recipe but to leave out a vital ingredient so that readers would phone him and pay him to divulge what was missing. I can still hear her voice – what a way she had with words: “I cannot tantalize our readers this way. Now leave, and take that didgeridoo with you.”
Joan was an alpha woman with an A-type personality, decisive, quick thinking and with strong opinions.
Her vocabulary was extensive and her writing crisp, although she had an aversion to commas. She tried to eliminate them as she felt they slowed down the word flow. We had spirited discussions on this as I was one of her proofreaders.
Her conversations were peppered with wit and humour. She adored puns and many ended up in headlines. Some of the best were not for publication.
She was against the use of a thesaurus, claiming that it encouraged the misuse of words by those who did not understand nuances. If there was a Roget’s in the newspaper office, it was hidden from view.
From the time Ward 9 News was founded and during Joan’s tenure, there were important local issues such as the proposed Scarborough Expressway, for which there was almost universal opposition in our catchment area. There were many stories on such topics submitted and printed. Joan’s theory was that if you kept hitting people on the head with a hammer, they soon lose interest.
There had to be something for everyone, and some levity. She had a couple of photographs which she used as fillers, chortling as she wrote new cutlines. One was a cat with rimless glasses reading a copy of Ward 9 News. The other was a golden retriever sitting in my chair, its paws on my Selectric
keyboard and staring at a story on canines in the Beach.
Another of her characters was El Muncho, the paper’s anonymous restaurant reviewer, only identified in a photo with a brown paper bag over the head, and holding a knife and fork ready for action. El Muncho received a meal paid for by the paper, and in return wrote a review.
Once El Muncho was greedy and then went back for a second supper, and submitted another invoice. Joan was outraged as a guardian of the paper’s finances. She also felt our columnist was already overweight, and made El Muncho pay for himself. Or was it a herself?
A popular feature she introduced was the “What is it?” This was a highly-magnified shot of a household item (toothbrush bristles, fork tines, a broccoli floret, etc.). The part that Joan liked best was writing a cutline where she included phrases and puns to help solve the puzzle. Often the correct answers were sent in by children who would have no idea of her wit, but could recognize the picture better than many adults.
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MarianneMiles.com | 416.925.9191
Joan was a longtime Beacher, and for her it was definitely Beach not Beaches. She was the third of five generations of her family to live in a house on Nursewood Road, looking out on the Waterworks. She attended Balmy Beach and Williamson Road schools, and Malvern C.I.
She was a teenage page at the Beaches Library, and later a member of the Kew Beach Bible Club. There, as well as spiritual guidance there was lots of socializing, and many members in the 1950s and 1960s met their future spouses, including Joan.
She was a keen skier, cyclist, swimmer and curler, a member of the Beaches Ski Club, the Royal Canadian Curling Club, and at times Variety Village. In 1997 she was inducted into the Beach Roll of Honour in recognition of her outstanding achievements as a Beach resident.
After 22 years as editor, Joan retired in 1994. She moved downtown for a while and then to a condo in the Collingwood Shipyards, not far from Craigleith where she had earlier spent many weekends and summers in a family ski chalet. She continued her active life biking the Georgian Trail, swimming, playing bridge, joining Probus and book clubs, never missing an Elvis Festival, and delighting in the lives of her grandchildren.
Joan was in good shape and spirits until August when she fell and broke her hip. Her health rapidly declined. She will be remembered as a strong and independent woman who did it her way, and a friend and inspiration to many.
Our condolences go out to family and those who were fortunate to call her a friend.
Rest in Peace, Joan.
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Share a Christmas fills essential need in community
Reza KhoshDel Executive Director Community Centre 55
As the holidays draw near, many of us eagerly prepare for the festive season— decorating our homes, planning family gatherings, and carefully choosing gifts for loved ones. But for some in our community, this time of year brings worry instead of joy, as they struggle to provide the basics, let alone celebrate the season.
It is in moments like these that
programs like Share a Christmas become not just meaningful, but essential. None of this would be possible without the incredible generosity and sacrifice of our community, whose unwavering support each year helps us bring hope and joy to those who need it most.
Recently, I heard a story from a long-time supporter of Centre 55 that perfectly illustrates why this program matters so much. As a child, she and her siblings faced a difficult reality after her father lost his job due to illness. The family barely had enough to get by, and the holidays were shaping up to be no different — until a knock came at their door. It was a neighbour
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In My Opinion
with a box of groceries, a few wrapped toys, and a kind word.
What stuck with her wasn’t just the gifts, though they brought happiness, but the overwhelming relief and gratitude her parents felt. It was a powerful reminder of how a single act of kindness can make an extraordinary difference.
That gesture, she said, transformed what could have been a bleak holiday into one filled with laughter, love, and the comforting knowledge that their community cared. Today, she volunteers with Centre 55 to share that same message of hope and compassion with others who need it most.
Programs like Share a Christmas embody the spirit of hope and
the timeless principle of neighbours caring for one another.
At Centre 55, we’re proud to support families in need by providing grocery gift cards, toys for children, and gift cards for teens. This initiative goes beyond meeting immediate needs—it’s about affirming to our neighbours that they are valued and supported, especially during challenging times.
This year, as we continue to grapple with the rising costs of food and housing, the demand for our Share a Christmas program (now in its 43rd year) has reached unprecedented levels. Your generosity will help ensure that no family in our community feels forgotten this holiday season.
Here’s how you can make a difference: consider donating unwrapped toys for children under 16, gift cards for teens, or making a monetary contribution to support the program. For those who want to give their time, we’re also seeking volunteers to help sort and deliver gifts on Dec. 17 and 18. Your kindness has the power to create lasting memories and remind families facing hardship that they are not alone. Together, we can make this holiday season a little brighter for everyone.
From all of us at Centre 55, thank you for your generosity. Wishing you and your loved ones a season filled with happiness, health, and the spirit of giving.
Thank you for caring and donating to the Grace Pascoe Food Bank
much to support its neighbours who are food insecure, and many of you work so hard every year to support us.
Our community needs you!
This winter will be our third since we re-opened the GPCC (Grace Pascoe Care Centre) Food Bank at Calvary Baptist Church.
We are a volunteer-run food bank, supported by Daily Bread and Second Harvest, that can only do our work serving neighbours who are food insecure with the help of the community, including the church who donates the space, the volunteers who show up every single week, and the donations and understanding of the Beach community.
This community has done so
We have local schools who do food drives, and small businesses who have promotional proceeds come to us.
You also ask questions about food insecurity and share in our frustration that people in the Beach cannot access their right to food without great difficulty. You make us so proud to be a part of this community.
We’d like to take a moment here to give you some facts about food insecurity as described by the Daily Bread Food Bank in their latest annual report “Who’s Hungry”:
• In the last year, there were 3.49 million client visits to Toronto food banks – nearly 1 million more
visits than the year prior and a 273 per cent increase since prepandemic.
• It is unfathomable that the number of client visits to food banks is now higher than the City of Toronto’s entire population.
• In the midst of crushing rent and food prices, and an unsustainable cost of living, our neighbours are struggling to meet their most basic needs.
• Every food bank visit is a policy failure. Who’s Hungry 2024 is a call to action from real individuals trapped in poverty. Together, we are calling on all levels of government to create real long-term solutions to end poverty and food insecurity.
• Stronger policies around affordable housing, decent wages, newcomer supports, and higher
social assistance rates will help to ensure that every Torontonian is able to live a life of dignity and realize their right to food.
We see this every week at our food bank, with a growing number of people coming to see us each year, many of them seniors and children.
We believe they have a right to food and that no one should have to stand in line and rely on charity to exercise this human right, so again we are asking for the help of the community.
There are a few ways you can help:
We welcome donations of non-perishables such as canned beans and meat, canned fruit and vegetables, including pasta sauce, and cereal. We are also always in need of diapers and wipes for our
smallest neighbours. If you would like to make a financial donation, please email us at gpcc@calvarybaptist-church.ca and we’ll let you know available options.
We also ask that you continue to think of your neighbours who are food insecure and help advocate for policies to end poverty and food insecurity. You can find more information on Daily Bread Toronto’s website, including a form to contact your local politicians: www.dailybread.ca/get-involved/ demand-action
Our neighbours deserve to go through their day at work, school and out in the community without worrying about how they will meet their basic need for food, just like many of us are lucky enough to do. Thank you so much, and all the best for the coming holiday season.
Debbie Visconti
Grace Pascoe Food Bank
If we keep changing the rules, Toronto will never solve its homelessness crisis
amaRachi
amaDiKe
In My Opinion
There has been much discourse about the proposed 80-bed shelter at 2535 Gerrard St E. It’s got Mayor Olivia Chow exchanging fighting words with councillors about confidentiality agreements, further emphasizing the disconnect between City Hall and the streets of Toronto.
Much of the discourse surrounding 2535 Gerrard St. E. is in general support of the idea of more shelters in Toronto. However, people don’t want the shelter built at this location as “there aren’t enough amenities”.
In one article, a resident spoke about how they “supported building shelters, but in places with more transit options and social services than exist near the Gerrard Street site”.
Over the years, I’ve been part of many discussions where this same sentiment is echoed.
But, the fact that this particular discussion has become as fiery as it’s become prior to information about
whether the site will be a transitional shelter with health services, case management, and other social supports, leads me to believe that the problem was never about amenities.
“I just don’t want homeless people around my neighbourhood,” said nobody.
But, I always wish we’d just be honest so that Toronto Council can make quicker decisions, rather than hiding true feelings within the shadows of altruism.
“The transit isn’t good enough to have a shelter here,” we say instead.
But the site is located a 15 to 20 minute walk or 13-minute bus ride from Victoria Park Station. I don’t know how much easier the city needs to make it to get around before a shelter gets royal assent from the community.
If you speak to people experiencing homelessness – individuals who’ve sustained hardships that our sheltered minds can’t phantom – they’ll most likely tell you that they wouldn’t mind having to walk 15 minutes to the nearest train station in exchange for a warm place to sleep every night as well as access to assistance from trained professionals.
“The site is close to a daycare,” we say.
OK, now the conversation is mimicking that of the safe consumption sites. But I’m almost certain that this scenario is entirely different. This isn’t a case of drug deals being made or people smoking crack on residential doorways. This is a case of people looking for somewhere to sleep.
If we keep changing the rules as to where a shelter can or can’t be created, frankly, we will never meet the needs of a city with as many homeless people as Toronto.
There is no perfect location.
We often bring up the idea of sending the homeless population to a different community better equipped to handle their needs. But rarely, if ever, do we entertain the idea of bringing some of those missing amenities into our communities in order to create an environment that better nurtures the needs of those experiencing homelessness.
Because if we do that and Toronto Council actually gets the necessary funds from mom and dad, then the homeless people get to stay in our community. And that’s a problem.
The real crisis is that we all know that there’s a homelessness crisis in our city but nobody is willing to look
Continued on Page 9
Community Calendar
proudly presented by Beaches-East York Councillor
Brad Bradford
NOV. 29, 30: Artists & Artisans Christmas Market at Beaches Presbyterian Church, 65 Glen Manor Dr., Friday 2-8 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Handcrafted unique gift items and beautiful works of art including Christmas decorations, bags, crochet, jewelry, candles, paintings, plants, hair & body products, wellness products, pottery, novels, woodcrafts, leather goods and more! 50/50 draw, cafe. Photos with Santa on Saturday. NOV. 30: Santa in the Beach and Christmas Tree Lighting in Kew Gardens, 1-6 p.m., tree lighting 5-5:30 p.m. Snacks, hot drinks, candy canes, live music, raffle prizes. Donate an unwrapped toy for Community Centre 55’s Toy Drive. NOV. 30, DEC. 1: Bundle Up at St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church, 3150 Danforth Ave., Saturday before and after the 5 p.m. Mass, and Sunday before and after the 10 a.m. and 12 noon Masses. Collecting donations of clothing, towels, drapery, sheets, blankets, footwear, and new toys. Info: ssvpdunstans@hotmail.com
DEC. 1: Kingston Road Village Concert Series Presents The String Quartet - Quator Magenta at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 2-4:30 p.m. Experience the music of Haydn, Schumann, and Ligeti performed by four of the finest string players in the world. Tickets $40. at the door, $35. in advance. Info: www.kruc.ca/concert-series
DEC. 5: The Holiday Show Reception at Gerrard Art Space / GAS INC., 1475 Gerrard St. E., 3-6 p.m. Our final reception of the year is geared towards celebrating art and mostly local artists. Event is free and refreshments will be served for a small donation. Children and pets welcome. Info: 416-778-0923, Gerrardartspace@gmail.com
DEC. 5: Senior’s Active Living Health Fair at Access Point on the Danforth, 3079 Danforth Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. (no parking on site – parking available across the street in the mosque, or street parking as available). Informative presentations, entertainment and information tables from local agencies and businesses, free refreshments. Hosted by The Neighbourhood Group Community Services, in partnership with OACAO and funded by the Ontario Government. Info: Joyce MacDonald 416-925-2103 ext. 5411, joyce.macdonald@tngcs.org
DEC. 6: Wine & Cheese Tasting by The Pantry at Gerrard Art Space / GAS Inc., 1475 Gerrard St. E., 7-8:30 p.m., featuring wine from Northern Italy. RSVP on The Pantry Eventbrite page. Info: 416-778-0923, gerrardartspace@gmail.com
DEC. 6, 7: Christmas Market at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., Friday, 5-8 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Christmas shopping, food, vendors! Info: admin@stpaulsscarborough.org
DEC. 7: Christmas Miracles – Peace on Earth at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd., 7:30 p.m. An entertaining evening of stories read by Avis Favaro, John Vennavally-Rao, Daniel Giverin, Doly Begum & Parthi Kandavel and wonderful Christmas music. Proceeds support Birchcliff Bluffs United Church & Bluffs Food Bank. Online show: Dec. 12 to Jan. 2. Ticket info: www.bbuc.ca
DEC. 8: Acoustic Harvest presents The Barrel Boys (Christmas Concert) with opening performance by Nicholas Campbell at St. Paul’s United Church 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets $35 advance https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/48738/, $40 cash only at the door. Info: acousticharvest.ca
DEC. 8: Kingston Road United Youth Concert and Instrument Petting Zoo at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Featuring musicians from The Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra. After the concert you can handle and learn all about the featured instrument, which this month will be the fantastic oboe! Instruments are supplied courtesy of Long & McQuade. Suggested donation $5. Info: www.kruc.ca/concert-series
DEC. 10: Carolling in the Park at Glen Stewart Park, Queen St. E. and Glen Manor Dr. (south of the bridge), 7:30-8:30 p.m. Sing along with the Salvation Army Band and choirs. Special visitor and refreshments. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Donations can be made at www. scarboroughcitadel.ca. Info: David Breech 416-578-0656
DEC. 11: The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society (TBETHS) presents author and historian David McPherson, talking about his book “Massey Hall”, at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7-8:15 p.m. Admission is free. Info: www.tbeths.com
DEC. 12: A Senior Moment luncheon for ladies at Vi Vetha Bistro, 2485 Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m. Ladies with Christmas and Hanukkah around the corner, more than a raffle is planned. R.S.V.P. a must, please text 647-829-8042 to join us. Only 35 can attend.
DEC. 12: Memory Boost Workshop for Seniors at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 1 p.m. If you forget where
you put things, errands, people’s names, dates or some routines, this workshop is for you! Learn some easy to apply techniques to sharpen your skills and confidence! $10 + HST. Register at beachessandbox.com
DEC. 13: Tot Holiday Pajama Party at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 10 a.m. Little ones and their caregivers are warmly invited to this joyful holiday party! Crafts, cookie decorating, story time, and free play—plus, maybe even a special visit from Santa Claus himself! Pay-What-You-Can. Register at beachessandbox.com
DEC. 13: Seniors Holiday Party Extravaganza at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 1 p.m. Celebrate the season with a potluck lunch, festive ukulele performance by the talented Seniors Ukulele Program, a holiday craft session and more! Register at beachessandbox.com
DEC. 14: Scarborough Harmony Chorus presents “Voices of Joy” at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Rd., 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. for craft and bake sale. Toiletries drive in support of local shelters. Tickets $25 online at ticketstripe.com/ shc2024 or at the door (14 years and under free). More info: www.scarboroughharmonychorus.com
DEC. 14: Pancake Breakfast with Santa and his Elves at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 904 Coxwell Ave., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Adults $8, children $6, family of 6 $30. Advance tickets: 416-421-6878 ext. 21
DEC 14: Holiday Jazz & Reflection with Joe Sealy, Paul Novotny and Special Guest Heather Bambrick at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Performing songs off their recent Christmas release, ‘The Man in the Red Suit’, as well as well-known holiday classics. Pay-what-you-can. Info: beachunitedchurch.com
DEC. 14: St. Nicolas Family Party at St. John The Compassionate Mission, 155 Broadview Ave., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Nativity play with live animals!! Live music, pageantry and gifts for children. Lots of food! Info: 416-466-1357, info@stjohnsmision.org
DEC. 15: Community Christmas Program and Lunch at Danforth Gospel Hall, 2237 Danforth Ave., 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. A time of carols and a Christmas messaged followed by a free community lunch. All welcome. No collection taken. DEC. 20: Winter Solstice Concert ‘Love beneath the Moon’, written by Mark Battenberg, at St. Saviour’s Anglican Church, 43 Kimberley Ave., 7:30 p.m. Featuring guitarist/composer Battenberg, Shakuhachi Master Debbie Danbrook, violinist Shay Steinberg and cellist Cheryl Ockrant. Admission is free. Please bring a food donation for the community pantry. DEC. 22: Dramatic Reading of Dylan Thomas’ ‘A Child’s Christmas in Wales’ at Beaches Presbyterian Church, 65 Glen Manor Dr., 3:30-5:30 p.m. Featuring Tom Allen, Lori Gemmell, Patricia O’Callaghan, Wes Allen, Julia Aplin, John Gzowski, and more. Tickets $30 with all proceeds to the Daily Bread Food Bank. For tickets: 416-699-5871, office@beacheschurch.org
FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard St E., is open from 3:30-6 p.m. Registration is required. New clients must present identification for members in their household on their first visit and annually thereafter. Time slots are handed out and clients are encouraged to arrive at the food bank the time slot they have selected. Info: 416-690-5169
GERRARD ART SPACE/GAS INC. If you are an artist and looking for ways to exhibit your artwork, please visit our website gerrardartspace.com. We offer many ways to exhibit at our gallery, including Open Call Submissions (non-juried), window display exhibitions and full membership opportunities. Info: 416-778-0923, gerrardartspace@gmail.com 115 TORONTO BILINGUAL GIRL GUIDES meets at Ecole Elementaire Georges-Etienne-Cartier, 250 Gainsborough Rd., Thursdays 6:15-8 p.m. Guides offers a fun and educational experience where girls in grades 4, 5, and 6 develop leadership, teamwork, and life skills. Through hands-on activities like crafts, outdoor adventures, and community service, they build confidence and make lasting friendships. Info: 115bilingualguides@gmail.com, https://register.girlguides.ca/web/en/unit-single/8443?tnjl=false BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. at Swanwick. Info: www.mentalwellness. help. Or join us most nights of the week on Zoom. Go to: https://www.meetup.com. Ask to join us: Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups A A at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113
AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113
RCL TODMORDEN BR. 10, 1083 Pape Avenue
•Nov. 29: Live Entertainment from 8 p.m. to closing. Come party and dance the night away to tunes performed by Blaze and Glory. BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP LUNCHES for adults in the community, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.) •Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (2423 Queen St. E.), Nov. 26, Dec 10; St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) Dec 3, 17, 31 •Wednesdays (including Jan. 1) at Beach Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.), •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). No lunch Dec 24, 25, Feb 17, April 9, 16, 21. Lunch format may vary from site to site. Info: 416-691-6869
THE CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN (Anglican), 2423 Queen St. E., is an energetic, active faith community committed to following Jesus as we gather for meaningful worship, spiritual growth, and community engagement. Advent Lessons and Carols service is Dec. 14, at 4 p.m. All are welcome. On Sunday mornings, we welcome you to join us for worship at 8 a.m. (spoken service) and 10:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs). Nursery care for infants and toddlers is available during the 10:30 service. Busy Bees drop-in playgroup for ages 0-3 and caregivers features stories and crafts on Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. Out of the Cold dinners are served Mondays from 5-6 p.m. Weekly euchre on Tuesdays 7-9 p.m. $5 to play, with all proceeds benefiting outreach. Info: www.staidansinthebeach.com, 416-691-2222
BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Drive. (S of Queen). 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. 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. Come celebrate the first Sunday of Advent with a jazz service Dec. 1 at 10 a.m. Info: www.beacheschurch.org, 416-699-5871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey GRANT AME CHURCH, 2029 Gerrard St E., invites you to our Sunday Worship Service at 11 am in person or live stream on ZOOM, YouTube and Facebook. Bible Study Wednesdays at 7 pm on ZOOM. Please join us in prayer Wednesday mornings at 6:30 on our prayer line. Dial-in No.: 1 587 405 1252 Access Code: 700 6901#. Info.: www. grantame.com, grantamechurch@yahoo.ca, 416-690-5169
ST. JOHN THE COMPASSIONATE MISSION, an Orthodox Apostolate of the Ecumenical Patriarchate, 155 Broadview Ave. •Dec. 24: 8:30 p.m. Orthros, 9:30 p.m. Christmas Divine Liturgy •December 25: 5 a.m. Open for Breakfast for the homeless. All welcome. Info: info@stjohnsmission.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. Our Food Pantry is open Mondays 10 a.m.-12 noon. Info: stjohnsnorway.com, 416-691-4560 HOPE UNITED CHURCH, 2550 Danforth Ave., welcomes you for worship at 11 a.m. each Sunday. Following the service, we offer hospitality and time to chat. •Nov. 28: Seniors “Lunch and Learn”, 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by New Horizons. Admission is free. •Dec. 7: Christmas Music and Caroling, 7:30 p.m. Featuring the choirs of Bloor St. & Hope United Choirs, Sarah Isles- Soprano, Edward MoroneyOrganist, Uptown Swing Band, Tapestry of Love Singers - Beachside Brass. Admission free, suggested donation $20. All donations will support the “Let Your Light Shine” campaign to restore Hope United’s stained-glass windows. •Dec 8: Danforth Village Children’s Choir Carol Sing-a-long in the Garden by Hope Centre, 1:30 p.m. •Dec 12: Danforth Village Children’s Choir Concert, 5-5:30 p.m. Admission is free. All donations will support the “Let Your Light Shine” campaign to restore Hope United’s stained-glass windows. •Dec. 18: Christmas Messy Church, 5:30 p.m. Join us as we create the characters of the nativity story, then share the story, music and a meal. Admission is free. •Dec. 19: Christmas Seniors “Lunch and Learn”, 12:30 p.m. Sponsored by New Horizons. Admission is free. Info: 416691-9682, HopeUnitedChurch@gmail.com, HopeUnited.ca
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Join the Beach Metro News distribution team as a volunteer carrier on one of the following streets:
Rainsford Road | Columbine Avenue
Boardwalk Drive | Kippendavie Avenue
Scarborough Road | Wheeler Avenue
All are welcome to apply!
High school students can earn community service hours. Contact melinda@beachmetro.com
Pro-homeless infrastructure needed
‘If’ from Page 7
at it. We want to scold councillors for not doing enough for the homeless population, but the moment they take action – like creating a shelter – we tell them that we don’t feel safe about the migration of the new guests into our communities.
We criticize from afar but don’t want to look at the problem directly.
But the reality is this: On an average night this year, there are 12,200 people in Toronto experiencing homelessness.
Perhaps this statistic isn’t as jarring as numbers experienced in other major cities like New York City which has 350,000 homeless with a total population almost three times the size of Toronto’s, but considering it is a 14 per cent increase from the 10,700 homeless people reported in 2023 – an increase that has resulted in Toronto’s shelter system turning away hundreds of people seeking beds nightly – it’s safe to say we shouldn’t wait for things to reach a seemingly helpless
Letters to the Editor
point before taking strong action.
Rather than getting in the way of the councillors who are in fact on the side of actually helping – there are a few– referring shelter proposals to areas with an already established prohomeless infrastructure, we need to invite councillors to build more of these much needed “amenities” in our neighbourhoods.
Afterall, it isn’t as though many city neighbourhoods would reject the creation of more amenities.
Councillor’s bike lane vote disappoints reader
I am writing to express my disappointment that our Beaches-Eat York Councillor Brad Bradford was one of four councillors to oppose Mayor Olivia Chow’s motion to oppose Bill 212 which would allow Premier Doug
Ford to decide where bike lanes should be built in Toronto, and remove existing ones. Fortunately, the motion passed without his vote. Bike lanes are essential to keep the city moving. Drivers need to pack their patience. The Memorial at Queen’s Park on Nov 17 remembering cyclists who have been killed by cars was chilling.
Donna Keystone
Thanks for coverage on nomination candidates
Re: ‘Nudel, Shahnawaz seek nomination to be new federal Liberal candidate for Beaches-East York riding’, News, Nov. 12, Beach Metro Community News. Thank you for bringing to our attention the federal Liberal candidates.
It is invaluable that Beach Metro Community News ran this story as we should know about these candidates and their credentials and experience - one day they could be representing Beaches-East York in Ottawa! This is the value of the Beach Metro Community News, bringing us political updates that affect us locally. Well done! Abhay Sharma
• For more letters, please see Page 29.
Arts & Entertainment
Quatuor Magenta to perform Sunday as part of Kingston Road Village Concert Series
THE KINGSTON Road Village Concert Series will present a performance by a sting quartet this Sunday af-
The concert takes place at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., on Sunday, Dec. 1, starting at 2 p.m.
Quatuor Magenta (Magenta Quartet) will be making its Canadian debut at Sunday’s concert.
The quartet is known for its “technical discipline, elegance, and musical excellence.”
Founded in 2021, the quartet includes Canadian cellist Fiona Robson alongside Ida Derbesse, Elena WatsonPerry, and Claire Pass-Lanneau.
Sunday’s program features Haydn’s Quartet Op. 76 No. 3 Emperor, Ligeti Quartet No. 1 Métamorphoses Nocturnes, and Schumann’s Quartet No. 1.
Quatuor Magenta has participated in international
The Kingston Road Village Concert Series will present Quatuor Magenta on the afternoon of Sunday, Dec. 1.
competitions (finalist Haydn Competition in Vienna, March 2023), played concerts throughout Europe (most recently in collaboration with the Kronos Quartet at the String Quartet Biennale at the Philharmonie de Paris) and are currently engaged in graduate studies with the Ébène Quartet in Munich.
The Kingston Road Village Concert Series is a com-
munity-based, volunteer-led concert series in the Upper Beach, now in its 11th season. These concerts are organized by Timothy Dawson, a Toronto Symphony Orchestra bassist (now retired). Tickets for the concert are $35 in advance or $40 at the door.
To order online, please go to https://quatuormagenta. eventbrite.com
Christmas music, carol sing at Hope United
A NUMBER of Christmasrelated events and celebrations are set for Hope United Church this December.
On Saturday, Dec. 7, the church will host An Evening of Christmas Music and Community Carol Sing starting at 7:30 p.m.
The evening will feature Edward Moroney on the organ; the choirs of Bloor Street United Church and Hope United Church; soprano Sarah Iles; and members of the Uptown Swing Band, the Beachside Brass, and the Tapestry of Love Singers.
Admission is free to the Dec. 7 evening, though suggested donations of $20 will be gladly accepted.
All donations go to the Let Your Light Shine Campaign to assist with the restoration of Hope United’s stainedglass windows.
Other upcoming events next month include A Caribbean Christmas Service with Dwight Belgrove on steel drums on Sunday, Dec. 15, starting at 11 a.m.
On Friday, Dec. 20, at 5:30 p.m., Hope United hosts Christmas Messy Church –Christmas Crafts, Story and Music and a Turkey Supper.
This is a great event for the whole family to enjoy.
Admission is free, but a suggested donation of $20 per family will be gladly accepted.
On Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, at 4:30 p.m., the church hosts A Jazzy Family Christmas featuring an interactive telling of the Christmas Story along with some jazzy Christmas carols. Later on Dec. 24, Hope United hosts a traditional Christmas Eve service of lessons and carols starting at 7 p.m.
Featured at the Dec. 24 service will be Adam Scholey on trumpet On Dec 25 there will be a Christmas morning service starting at 11 a.m.
Hope United Church is located at 2550 Danforth Ave. For more info, please go to www.hopeunited.ca
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Information sought on favourite Beach restaurants of the past
‘Reflecting’ from Page 3
In my humble opinion, there was one of the best fish and chips restaurants in the entire city in the Beach and it was Nova Fish and Chips.
There was also a great family restaurant called Karas.
Other restaurants also featured entertainment as well, or they had dancing or comedy nights or other fun things going on.
Here are some names I’ve been made aware of and please let me know of others. There was Loon’s, The Parts Restaurant, the Beach Bar, the Beach Tree Café, Lake Breeze Restaurant, Il Fornelo and so many more.
As I said, I know very little of their menus and I would like to know more about them from you, dear readers. Please contact me through a note sent to Beach Metro Community News
with any information you have to share.
I will also soon be finishing a story on a new restaurant that’s opening up in an historic area near Greenwood Avenue, and I will be patronizing that restaurant.
Please also remember that many great local restaurants did, and still do, advertise in Beach Metro Community News and I urge you to support our local businesses.
Riverdale Share slated for Sunday, Dec. 8
By Isabelle Fernandes
THE 31ST annual Riverdale Share Concert will take place on Sunday, Dec. 8, at 3 p.m. at the Danforth Music Hall.
Performers and bands will include Julie Michels, DALA, the Frankland School Choir, Sproai, Teddy Hawkins, and many more. Santa with his
elves will also make an appearance.
Tickets start at $25, all are welcome. The Danforth Music Hall is located at 147 Danforth Ave. All proceeds from this year’s concert will go towards charitable organizations within the community. For the past three decades the Riverdale Share Concert
has brought together many local talented bands, artists and residents for what is said to be a “wonderful way to start the holiday season” that helps many community members at this time of year. Tickets are available at the Big Carrot, Treasure Island Toys or by going online to www.riverdaleshare.com
Lions support St. John’s Food Pantry
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
The Toronto Beaches Lions Club recently made a donation of $1,000 to the St. John’s Norway Anglican Church’s Food Pantry program. The money for the donation was raised at the recent Ghost Walk hosted by the Lions. On hand for the presentation were (front row from left) Lions Club member Summer Nudel; historian and walk leader Gene Domagala; Joanne Hincks, co-ordinator of the Food Pantry; John Quaggin, deacon at the church; and (back row) Justin McCartney, of Crew and Co. Royal LePage Estate Realty in the Beach who sponsored the walk; and Lions Club member Bob Norman. Donations of non-perishable food items to the Food Pantry at St. John’s Norway, which helps those in need in the community, can be made at the church (470 Woodbine Ave.) on Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Financial donations are also accepted and can be made at the church or by going online via Canada Helps at www.canadahelps.org/en/ dn/50931?v2=true and writing ‘Food Pantry’ in the message box.
Alma Florists has flourished along Kingston Road for decades
‘Alma’ from Page 1
porting local farmers has resonated with customers, who appreciated their commitment to quality.
While in recent years, the challenges facing small businesses intensified, Alma Florists remained open and committed to delivering high-quality products and customer service.
Customers have often taken the time to express how happy they are to see Alma remain where it has always been, at the northwest corner of Kingston Road and Pickering Street, after so many years.
It is one of the very few businesses that has remained and flourished in the community for more than 70 years.
Customers have expressed their appreciation for the decorative storefronts, always changing with the seasons and holidays. Many commented on the enjoyment of seeing jolly old Santa in the window in years past.
The outpouring of love and support has been a touching reminder of the shop’s impact on its customers.
Alma Florists will be merging their business with Canadiana Flowers at 3087 Kingston Rd. in Scarborough. Customers can be assured that their floral needs will still be taken care of with a call to the same phone number: 416-6999669.
To commemorate the shop’s legacy, Alma will be having a moving sale and invites the community to stop by over the next few weeks for one last send off.
“We want to thank everyone for their support over the years. It has been a joy to serve this community” said Brad.
As Alma Florists prepares to move, the community is left with fond memories of beautiful arrangements, heartfelt gestures, and the unwavering commitment of a family that dedicated its life to spreading joy through flowers.
The shop may be closing, but its legacy will undoubtedly live on in the hearts and homes of those it reached.
PHOTOS: SUBMITTED
Photo above, Alma Florists during a celebration in 1980. Founded in 1952 by Matthew Higginson, the family-run business will be closing at the end of this year. Photo below left, Brad Higginson shown recently at Alma Florists. Photos below centre and right, the exterior of shop in 1960 and how it looks today.
Improvements to safety sought
‘Family’ from Page 2
into this, you’ll be shocked to know that the requirements are pretty lax. Especially when compared to other provinces. You only have to be 21 years old to drive a school bus. Part of the training at least can be done online, and I know Susan was shocked to hear that,” said Smitiuch.
“In Ontario, school bus drivers only need a Class B or E driver’s licence, which can be obtained at age 21. After receiving a temporary licence, drivers must complete the School Bus Driver Information Course (SBIC), a program that requires just a minimum of 6.5 hours of training.”
A news release distributed at the press conference said that school bus companies in Ontario do not mandate prior experience.
The School Bus Driver Requirements for Ontario only require that drivers have held a valid licence for one year.
In Alberta, one to two years of driving experience and completion of a 53.5 hour Mandatory Entry Level Training Program are required to be a school bus driver, said the news release.
“And the other shocking part, and we were all surprised to learn, is that you
can have six demerit points and drive a school bus which is absolutely outrageous… These drivers are transporting our precious cargo, and to have six demerit points would shock anyone. So we’re calling on the government to also make changes to what’s required to be a school bus driver,” said Smitiuch.
“It’s our view that if these changes had been made five years ago, that possibly Rachel would still be here today and so would the two others who were also killed in the last five months,” he added.
Turner’s boyfriend Davis said at the news conference that he and the Turner family were hoping the media could “amplify” the message of how urgent it is to make safety measures on school buses mandatory.
“It’s important that Torontonians understand this could happen to anyone. Rachel was doing nothing wrong, she was walking through a crosswalk in broad daylight on her way to get the streetcar,” he said.
“It’s important that we listen to what some of these reports have said about school buses.”
Those speaking at the Nov. 20 news conference wore green ribbons to show support for organ donations.
Turner’s death also resulted in the gift of a better life, or the chance for the continuation of life, for five people due to the donation of her organs. Her father Leon said that will be one of her legacies.
The Rachel Turner Legacy Fund has also been set up to support causes that were important to Rachel.
For more information on the fund, please go to www. gofundme.com/f/RachelTurner-Legacy-Fund
“We hope to carry on some of the things that were important to her,” said Leon of the fund.
Making school bus safety a priority is one of the issues Turner would have taken a stand on, said her mother Susan.
“She would have been the first to say this doesn’t make sense and she’d be looking at ways…she’d be calling the media and say we have to make changes. She’d be writing the politicians…This is what she would have done,” said Susan.
“This is the hardest thing a parent has to do, to stand up and talk about their child, but this is for her. This is to honour what she would do if she were here because she doesn’t have a voice so we are now her voice, so hopefully something changes.”
By David Van Dyke
McPherson
PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE
Former Beaches Lacrosse Club players help their teams win titles
By Chris Kidd
LACROSSE HAS been played in the Beach for more than 100 years.
Lacrosse is different than many local sports in that teams are based in our community. Kids who live in the Beach play for the Beach, building long-term friendships and a strong sense of community/responsibility.
Hundreds of kids have grown up in the game and have moved on to post-secondary school programs and the professional leagues.
On Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 – 13 local players (having moved on to play at Canadian universities) won their respective championships.
The OUA (Ontario Uni-
versity Athletics) women’s lacrosse champion Queen’s Golden Gaels have five local Beaches Lacrosse Club young women on their team.
The CUFLA (Canadian University Field Lacrosse Association – Ontario and Quebec) men’s lacrosse champion Western University Mustangs have six local young men playing for them.
Also, the Dalhousie Tigers recently won the MUFLA (Maritimes University Field Lacrosse Association) men’s lacrosse championship with two local Beach players.
The Queen’s University women’s team defeated Ontario Tech 15-4 to win the OUA crown.
After a bitter loss in the 2023 championship game,
Queen’s was determined to redeem themselves in 2024. They went undefeated all season and outscored their opponents in the four games over the championship weekend by a margin of 77-11.
Beachers Kiara McKelvey, Leah Quinn, Aria Ruscitti, Jordyn Van Vliet and Sophia Wilson have been playing together as a group since the age of 10. With Queen’s graduating seven seniors, the local Beachers will be core leaders on the team next season as Queen’s look to repeat their championship run in 2025. This group of former Beaches Lacrosse players makes up 20 per cent of the Queen’s team (the most of any Ontario club).
Continued on Page 19
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Former Beaches Lacrosse and now Queen’s University players Kiara McKelvey, Jordyn Van Vliet, Leah Quinn, Aria Ruscitti, and Sophia Wilson with the OUA championship trophy.
PHOTOS: SUBMITTED
Photo above left, Former Beaches Lacrosse player Aiden Pitbaldo of Dalhousie with the Maritime lacrosse championship trophy. Photo above right, Former Beaches Lacrosse player Quinn Perren of Dalhousie with the Maritime lacrosse championship trophy.
SPEECH LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGIST reg. Casplo
All ages, early language, L.D., articulation, reading, apraxia Leslie Rennie 647-994-8255 leslierennie@gmail.com
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
Lisa Romano-Dwyer BSc, MSW, PhD, RSW Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist Lakeside Wellness Therapy Affiliates Individual & Couple Care Wellness Life Coaching 416-951-8280 www.modernsocialworker.ca
Dashwood & Dashwood
Barristers & Solicitors Geoffrey J. Dashwood 961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738
Snider & DiGregorio
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
Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd Caring Counselling for Life & Relationship Issues 416-694-0232 www.energyawakening.com Spiritual Counselling
KATO ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2830 Danforth Ave. (East of Dawes Rd.) 416-690-2112 Dogs, cats, pocket pets. Housecalls available.
HOUGHTON VETERINARY HOUSECALL SERVICES Vaccines, examinations, diagnostics, palliative care, and home euthanasia provided for your pets in the comfort of your own home. Dr. Barbara Houghton 647-221-5516
Melani Norman CPA, CMA Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes Call 416-471-0337
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
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
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
Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com
Shelly Pereira, Paralegal
Commissioner/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation. Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation 647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net
Peter J. Salah Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate 416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca
KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH AVE.
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Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 2 - 921 Kingston Rd. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca
Local lacrosse players earn honours
‘Former’ from Page 17
The Western men’s team won their second of backto-back championships 11-3 over Queen’s.
Michael Orlando and Kyle Irvine played with Western in the past and were part of the coaching staff this year.
Aidan McLaughlin, Ethan Gomes, Daniel Park and Jacob Hickey all played a significant role in Western’s success.
Jacob led all scorers with 14 goals in the three games during championship weekend and was named MVP of the 2024 CUFLA Championship weekend (Baggataway
Cup).
The Dalhousie Tigers –after being unbeaten during the regular season – repeated as champions with an 8-6 win over Saint Francis Xavier. Quinn Perren and Aiden Pitblado were second and fourth in league goal scoring over the entire season.
During the championship weekend they continued finding the net combining for 40 per cent of the goals in the Tigers semifinal (12-7) and championship (8-6) wins.
Along with the 13 champions, Beaches Lacrosse also has many players on other Canadian university teams.
These include 11 players and coaches on the University of Toronto women’s team who finished third, and four players on the Queen’s University men’s team who finished second.
Canadian university lacrosse is over for the season, and many of our local players will be spending the winter training and playing in other leagues in both the United States and Canada.
- Chris Kidd is with the Beaches Lacrosse Club. For more information on the club, please go to https:// beacheslacrosse.com
“My husband Jim and I created a beautiful life together in East Toronto. I miss him every day. What better way to honour his memory than ensuring our community can receive compassionate, world-class healthcare for generations to come? That’s why I decided to leave a gift in my will to Michael Garron Hospital.”
- Pat Stark
Michael Garron Hospital has cared for people in East Toronto during life’s most crucial moments for nearly 100 years. Generous supporters made our hospital what it is today. And future gifts planned now will help us continue to serve our community’s evolving needs. Join Pat and create a legacy to support the health and well-being of your family, friends and neighbours.
Scan to learn more or contact Laura Byl, Legacy Giving Manager 416-469-6580 ext. 2322 laura.byl@tehn.ca
Create a legacy that supports healthcare in our community
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Former Beaches Lacrosse players Kyle Irvine, Aidan McLaughlin, Jacob Hickey, Michael Orlando, Ethan Gomes and David Park (not in photo) helped Western win the recent men’s university lacrosse championship.
Reel Beach: Movies in East Toronto
Saturday Night Live’s links to local sports legend Bruce Kidd
beRnie FletcheR
“Live from New York. It’s Saturday Night!” Jason Reitman’s film Saturday Night recreates the chaos behind the scenes in the 90 minutes leading up to the very first show on Oct. 11, 1975.
Toronto-born Lorne Michaels was the creative force and producer for NBC’s Saturday Night. Reitman credits the success of SNL to the show’s Canadian influence with our perspective on the world and our humour (with a u) woven into its DNA.
Many of the film’s dramatic moments involve less well-known talents who had their roots in the Toronto comedy scene.
Gifted writer Rosie Shuster is the glue that holds the sinking ship together backstage with the quiet gift of handling the show’s tempermental stars.
The two-time Emmy-winner was also dealing with her own love triangle, torn between her husband Lorne Michaels and Dan Aykroyd the youngest performer in the troupe. Lorne keeps asking her what name she wants to use in the credits.
Michaels hired his 20-year-old cousin Neil Levy to be his production assistant. Neil has quite the introduction to show biz, getting too “high” and talked
down by Aykroyd. Sleeping on Lorne’s couch in New York, Levy came home one day to find Mick Jagger on his “bed.”
Michaels had a knack of finding terrific performers from the Second City improv group as well as the Toronto production of Godspell (Gilda Radner, Andrea Martin and later Martin Short).
Jason Reitman’s director father Ivan (Ghostbusters) was a friend of Dan
Aykroyd who was part of a comedy duo with Valri Bromfield. Both joined the first cast of Toronto’s Second City. In Saturday Night we see Bromfield’s monologue cut to two minutes while Billy Crystal is bumped off the first show entirely.
“Lorne had this genius about him.” Billy Crystal
What do runner Bruce Kidd, Lorne Michaels, Rosie Shuster and Superman all have in common? It’s all in the family…the Shuster family.
Flashback to the 1960s. Rosie Shuster tells the story of Lorne Lipowitz (later Michaels) following her home from school just to meet her father, Frank Shuster, half of the famed comedy duo Wayne and Shuster who performed on the Ed Sullivan Show more than any other act (67 times).
As a young teen Lorne had lost his own dad and Frank Shuster became a father figure to him. Lorne married Rosie in 1967 and worked on hits like Laugh-In in Los Angeles before returning home for the CBC’s Hart and Lorne Terrific Hour.
Rosie Shuster has said, “Something about the show came from inside my family. My dad really mentored Lorne in terms of comedy. I saw the whole thing unfold and felt like SNL was so Continued on Page 21
Bruce Kidd’s book A Runner’s Journey features a quote by Lorne Michaels on the cover.
Malvern C.I. and Shuster family connections
‘Saturday’ from Page 20 age of Bruce Kidd.”
much a part of something that grew from my home.”
Frank Shuster was also very close with his double first cousin Joe Shuster who co-created the Superman comic. (Brothers Julius and Jack Shuster married sisters Bessie and Ida and they all lived together for a time).
Joe drew “Metropolis” from memories of the Toronto skyline before his family moved to Cleveland. In 1941 Joe was best man at Frank’s wedding.
Future Oscar-winning composer Howard Shore was Lorne’s buddy at high school and at Timberlane summer camp where they put on shows. Shore joined SNL as music director along with keyboard player Paul Shaffer.
“Every Canadian parent in the 1960s expected their children to live up to the im-
Lorne Michaels (quoted on the cover of Kidd’s memoir A Runner’s Journey, 2021)
Malvern Collegiate’s
Bruce Kidd was the middledistance running sensation of the early 1960s, twice named Canada’s Male Athlete of the Year as well as being school valedictorian. Like me, Kidd remembers Mr. Gilmore and Les “no jeans” Kerr, our principal.
In his memoir Bruce Kidd writes that Lorne’s genius was “in recruiting and coaching a team of very talented” people.
“I got to know Lorne well in the late ’60s and early ’70s because we were married to first cousins and we all spent a lot of time together. We’ve stayed in touch ever since,” wrote Kidd in his memoir.
In 1967 both married into
the Shuster family. Bruce married Varda Burstyn (or Burston), Frank Shuster’s niece. Kidd met Varda in line for a Gordon Lightfoot concert at the Riverboat in Yorkville. What could be more Canadian?
Both marriages ended in divorce. “We burned out like crazy,” said Rosie Shuster.
The Kidd family lived on Kingston Road near Main Street then moved to Neville Park Boulevard where Bruce ran on the Boardwalk and played at the nearby R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant. The Commissioner of Public Works R. C. Harris himself had lived in a beautiful home just a few doors down on Neville.
Can you believe Lorne Michaels turned 80 last week?
Where have the last 50 or 60 years gone?
In 1964 the Beatles created a stir on the Ed Sullivan Show, Bruce Kidd ran in the
Tokyo Olympics and Lorne Michaels directed the U.C. Follies satirical sketches at U. of T.
The Sixties were a turbulent time of chaos and rebellion. Music and comedy evolved with the arrival of long-hair and the counter culture.
In 1975 Lorne Michaels shook up television and changed the face of laughter.
Where were you in October 1975? I was taking guitar lessons from Frank Shuster’s son, the late comic and musician Steve Shuster.
It’s a small world after all. Maybe we are ships passing in the night, but we are somehow connected by six degrees of separation.
Saturday Night Live will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a three-hour live primetime special that will air Sunday, Feb. 16 at 8 p.m. on NBC. Yes, “Live from New York, it’s Sunday Night!”
Scarborough Model Railroaders host open house on Dec. 1
AN OPEN house presented by the Scarborough Model Railroaders is set for Sunday, Dec. 1.
The event will take place at the Scarborough Model Railroaders clubhouse, 17 Jeavons Ave., in the Birchmount and Danforth roads area. The open house goes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Dec. 1. Cash only admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children.
The Scarborough Model Railroaders set up features one of the largest model train layouts in Ontario, including two floors of model railroads at the clubhouse.
The club features a 1,500-square foot HO scale layout that models Southern Ontario through different time periods,
EAST TORONTO BASEBALL
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Thank you to all our sponsors, volunteers, and parks and recreation for making 2023 possible for over 300 participants
Please support our sponsors and all local businesses. They are the backbone of our community!!
Actual Media
Allgold Creative
Balmy Beach Club
Beach Metro
Comedy Bar
Convertible Heating and Air Conditioning
Cumberland Private Wealth
DeClute Real Estate
Duntrune LLP
Eagle Beaver Sports Edward Jones, Sarah Newburgh
Frechette Lawncare
Gildemon Designs
Good Behaviour Ice Cream
Hammer’s Angels
Jakobek Jets Kal Tire
Meirovici Zywot LLP
Mitchell’s Scouts
Nabor’s Paint
New City Electric
O’Keefe Project Management
Penguins
Play It Again Sports
Quarry Dental
Roblin’s Rebels Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11
ShandyMan Contracting Inc
Steve Thomas Mustangs
Tasios Orthodontics
The Quarry Cafe
with a mixture of passenger and freight trains; and a 1,300-square foot N scale layout running through mountain scenery.
For more information on the Dec. 1 open house being hosted by the Scarborough Model Railroaders, please go to https://scarborough-model-railroaders.org/loom
Annual Beaches Santa Claus Parade sees big turnout of participants and spectators
PHOTOS: ERIN HORROCKS-POPE
The annual Beaches Santa Claus Parade presented by Centre 55 took place along Kingston Road on the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 17. Photos (clockwise from top left) - Santa waves to the crowds on Kingston Road; youngsters wave back to Santa; members of the Malvern Collegiate marching band perform in the parade; youngsters take in the parade (and parents take some photos); Beach Metro Community News took part in the parade featuring Alice and Desmond’s 1947 Mercury pickup truck; Centre 55’s Hamper the Reindeer is joined by Lexi Rhule; local realtor Shea Warrington and her team from the Shea Sells Boutique on Kingston Road hand out holiday treats to parade spectators; Aly Ramji marches with the Toronto Fire Service Pipes and Drums.
Carolling in the Park slated for the evening of Dec. 10
THE ANNUAL Carolling in the Park celebration in the Beach is set for the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 10, at Glen Stewart Park.
The event goes from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Salvation Army Band will be playing to accompany the community members who come out to sing carols. There will be a collection for the Salvation Army at the event.
Along with the carol singing and music, there will also be refreshments and a special visitor who is often known to wear a red suit.
Everyone is welcome to attend Carolling in the Park, but participants are reminded to dress warmly for the weather and to bring a flashlight.
Glen Stewart Park is lo-
cated north of Queen Street East, east of Glen Manor Drive and south of the wooden bridge.
For more information Carolling in the Park, please call David at 416-759-9997.
Donations on behalf of Carolling in the Park can also be made to the Salvation Army’s Scarborough Citadel by going to www.scarboroughcitadel.ca
Number of tree lightings slated for East Toronto
EAST TORONTO residents will have a number of opportunities over the coming days and weeks to attend tree lighting ceremonies welcoming the holiday season.
Those attending are asked to bring donations of nonperishable food or personal hygiene supplies for Community Fridges TO. East Lynn Park is located at 1949 Danforth Ave.
On the evening of Thurs-
On Saturday, Nov. 30, a tree lighting ceremony is slated for East Lynn Park. It will take place from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. and is hosted by the Danforth East Community Association.
day, Dec. 5, the Withrow Park Tree Lighting will be held at 5:30 p.m.
Withrow Park is located between Logan and Carlaw avenues just south of Danforth Avenue.
Those attending on Dec. 5 are asked to bring donations of non-perishable food items for local food banks.
Saturday’s Santa in the Beach and Christmas Tree Lighting, please visit The Beach BIA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/makewaves.TO.
For more information on Centre 55’s Share a Christmas campaign, please see the In My Opinion column on Page 6 of today’s newspaper, or go online to www.centre55.com/programs/sharea-christmas
City’s
‘Councillors’ from Page 1
which allows the city “to determine what is in the public interest of the city.”
bike lane approach criticized
will cost $48 million for their removal.
“I was pleased to support Mayor Chow’s motion that makes the city’s positions clear: the city opposes the attempt to remove these bike lanes, the city should not bear the costs and, once the regulations are enacted, the city should consider a legal challenge,” said Fletcher.
Mayor Olivia Chow’s motion strongly disapproved of Ontario’s proposal, particularly the requirement that the City of Toronto provide support to the province when the bike lanes on Bloor Street, Yonge Street, and University Avenue are removed.
Although the bike lane infrastructure cost Toronto $27 million to install, a City of Toronto staff report said it
According to Chow’s motion, on top of plans to legally challenge Bill 212, the City of Toronto “won’t cover any costs related to removal of the bike lanes, including materials, staff time, planning, design or traffic management.”
Chow, with support from Toronto Council, also requested the province release results of the Transportation Tomorrow Survey which the city said contains “more accurate information about the number of people who cycle in Toronto.”
Councillors believe the province has understated the number of cyclists in Toronto. Another major concerns by councillors who supported Chow’s motion includes the decreased safety of cyclists if Bill 212 is approved.
to protect Toronto’s bike lanes received support from most councillors, a surprising critic of the idea was Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford who has been a strong advocate of bike lanes in the past.
He told Beach Metro Community News that he believes the city needs to build safe and sensible infrastructure “in places where they make sense.”
“At last week’s Council meeting, the Mayor introduced an eight-part motion at the last minute,” said Bradford. “I believe it presented an ineffective approach to stand up for the city’s jurisdiction, particularly when it refused to acknowledge valid questions and concerns from many residents. That is why I voted against it.”
Although Bradford’s history includes facilitating changes made to fix the Woodbine bike lanes as well as advocating for the Danforth bike lanes, he said that the city needs to “have the humility to admit when we’ve gotten something wrong.”
“I ride my bike a lot around Toronto,” said Bradford. “I’ve ridden the Bloor West bike lanes in Etobi-
Although Chow’s motion
coke, which is how I know they’re not well-designed or working well. I’ve also heard those same concerns loud and clear from local residents and businesses there.”
A subsequent statement from Bradford’s office explained why he supported the Danforth and Woodbine bike lanes but rejected the Bloor, Yonge, and University ones. It highlighted that “in some areas these bike lanes are wider than the vehicle lane.” The statement also noted that due to insufficient consideration and design work on parking and accessibility access, other parts of the Bloor bike lane route “swerve in and out of former parking laybys which creates worse terrain for cyclists to traverse.”
A skeptic of Toronto’s leadership when dealing with bike lanes, Bradford said that he still supports Toronto’s push to protect local democracy from other levels of government.
“I do not believe that the provincial government should be overruling municipal jurisdiction on issues like bike lanes – whether that is making us put them on every street, or directing us to remove them,” he said.
In My Opinion
Province’s bid to remove some bike lanes puts focus on East Toronto
By Adam Smith
ON THE sunny Sunday afternoon of Nov 3, BeachesEast York MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon held a rally at Main Square protesting the proposed legislation by Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s government to unilaterally remove bike lanes from Toronto streets and dictate the conditions under which a bike lane can be installed.
Around 70 participants cycled from Main Square, travelling west to Coxwell Avenue, turning east to then stop at East Lynn Park, and back to Main Square.
Ford intends to impose the removal of all or part of the Bloor, University, and Yonge bike lanes, continuing his late brother Mayor Rob Ford’s tradition of further dismantling Toronto’s already disjointed and piecemeal cycling network.
While the Woodbine and Danforth bike lanes are to be left intact for the moment, they are an ongoing bone of contention with locals, and the calls to remove them have not relented in the seven years since the Woodbine lanes went in.
The short-sighted rationale of locals who wish to tear out the Woodbine bike lanes has never changed, nor have the unsubstantiated claims of lack of use abated.
The only reasons ever given to remove the Woodbine Avenue bike lanes are to make room for more car traffic and to disincentivize the use of side streets for northbound cut-through traffic between Corley Avenue and Gerrard Street East.
The changes to the Woodbine bike lanes in 2021, by narrowing the lanes and restricting parking during rush hour, has achieved all that can be done for the latter, but the former persists without any consideration of why Woodbine Avenue was the only viable choice for a north-south bike lane in Beaches-East York.
Critics cite many seemingly logical but ultimately specious reasons why Woodbine is unsuitable for bike lanes, from the loss of an arterial road, to winter conditions, to lack of use, to the fact it has a hill, to the viability of other routes. None of which hold water upon closer inspection and only reveal that the vast majority of these critics have never attempted to bike on Woodbine Avenue nor bike anywhere at all.
Woodbine Avenue is the only north-south road in Beaches-East York without streetcar tracks that fully connects Lake Shore Boulevard East to O’Connor Drive, and connects to four east-west bike routes in the process: Dundas, Danforth, Cosburn, and indirectly to the Martin Goodman Trail.
Any farther east and those connections cannot be made. Some have suggested Coxwell Avenue should have had the bike lanes, but the streetcar tracks from Gerrard down to Queen Street East would mean the permanent loss of street parking, not to mention running bike lanes parallel to streetcar tracks is never ideal, especially on such a relatively narrow street.
Coxwell Avenue is also too close to the Greenwood Avenue bike lanes, which from
a network perspective would leave the centre of BeachesEast York bereft of a northsouth bike route and make either Coxwell or Greenwood needlessly redundant.
Perhaps the most strange assertion is that Woodbine Avenue is not appropriate for a bike lane simply because it has a hill. This is just the topography of Toronto, by that logic Toronto would never have any north-south bike routes merely because Toronto happens to slope uphill as you go farther north.
While not even seasoned cyclists relish having to bike uphill, that is just the reality of Toronto’s geography, in particular as Queen Street East and Kingston Road is the beginning of what becomes the Scarborough Bluffs and the streets just get steeper and steeper the farther east you go.
The hill up Woodbine may seem daunting while sitting in a car, but it’s not nearly as steep as Southwood Drive for example. In a low gear it takes less than 10 minutes to cycle from Kingston Road to Danforth Avenue up that hill. And it gets easier every time you do it.
Anyone living right on Woodbine and being honest will begrudgingly attest that the use of the bike lanes has undeniably increased
since their installation. Sure, they’re not even close to the bike traffic on Richmond or Adelaide streets downtown, and considering the lower density of the area they can never be expected to be, but it’s far more than there would be without them and it increases every year, especially Bike Share riders going to and from the beach.
The most encouraging sight is how often families with young children can now be seen using the bike lanes. I myself use them to bike my son to school at Norway Junior Public School.
An oft-trotted out reason against bike lanes in Toronto in general is the fact we have winter. Not only have bike lanes, and snow removal in bike lanes, made winter cycling more viable, a rare benefit of our warming climate is the increasing number of days one can safely winter cycle.
Last winter snowfalls never lasted more than three or four days before melting, ice on streets never got the chance to build up, and there were only a small handful of days where cycling was out of the question.
Winter cycling is increasing across the city and it’s a direct result of bike lanes and their maintenance.
Continued on Page 27
PHOTO: ADAM SMITH
A recent rally organized by Beaches-East York MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon saw cyclists ride from Main Square to East Lynne Park in support of bike lanes.
Purpose of bike lanes is to get cyclists safely to their destinations
There is one fact that can never be argued against however: that the Woodbine bike lanes constricted a once-arterial road.
latest legislation is just another example of provincial overreach and undemocratic interference with Toronto.
The loss of two driving lanes has undoubtedly slowed traffic and increased car congestion.
‘Province’s’ from Page 26 There is also the call for bike lanes to be relegated to side streets, which is less applicable to Woodbine as it is to Danforth, as north of Danforth there are plentiful parallel routes. But this ignores the whole purpose of a bike lane: to get cyclists safely to their destinations.
But there is a simple solution to this in Coxwell Avenue.
Currently Coxwell has a patchwork of rush-hour parking restrictions that stymie the flow of traffic in the direction of rush hour.
Were these restrictions to be unified the whole length of Coxwell from Lake Shore Boulevard East to O’Connor Drive, the loss of Woodbine as an arterial route would be mitigated and traffic flow would greatly improve. Southbound street parking should be restricted from 7 to 9 a.m., and northbound from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The timing could be adjusted as necessary, and would provide for an unimpeded and direct route for through traffic to get from O’Connor to Lake Shore and vice versa, replacing the lost volume on Woodbine.
Whether a car driver, transit rider, cyclist, or pedestrian, the vast majority of people’s destinations are on major avenues.
If bike lanes are primarily on side streets then they can never get a cyclist safely to their final destination on a major avenue.
A cycling network is not viable if it only protects cyclists on residential side streets that become little more than inefficient timeconsuming detours and never takes cyclists where they actually need to go.
Any car driver who is wary of navigating a major avenue with cyclists weaving amongst cars to reach their final destinations should be in favour of separated bike lanes to keep bicycles out of their space.
Regardless of one’s views on bike lanes, Premier Ford’s
Premiers Mike Harris and Doug Ford both showed their disdain for democracy with their respective impositions of amalgamation and the mid-election halving of city council.
Harris filled in the Eglinton Avenue West tunnel just for Toronto to go dig it out again over a decade later to build the Crosstown LRT. And it’s not just the Ontario Progressive Conservatives! Under the Liberals and catering to 905 voters, Premier Kathleen Wynne denied Toronto much-needed revenues by preventing tolls on the Gardiner Expressway.
This is why Charter City Toronto was formed by a group led by former mayor John Sewell, so hopefully Toronto could become the master of its own affairs and gain some sovereignty free of provincial meddling.
In moving to a sustainable future Toronto needs as much multimodal transportation as possible, and a safe and highly connected cycling network is key to cycling as
a viable mode of transportation.
We cannot expect cycling to pick up if we keep ripping out bike lanes in an already barely connected network.
While there are many glaring flaws to the highly inconsistent, confusing, and convoluted design of bike lanes in Toronto, and Woodbine and Danforth are no exception, that is no reason to toss them out completely. There are solutions to improving traffic flow without removing bike lanes, and there are ways to make Toronto’s bike lanes more intuitive and better integrated with car traffic.
All that said, bike lanes are not the biggest part of what we need to transition into a sustainable future.
The debate of the future of transportation is not cars versus bikes nor gas versus electric; it’s personal vehicles versus mass transportation.
And the most efficient non-car way to get around is a combination of bicycle and public transit. We can only hope for a future provincial government who understands that dynamic.
For the holidays, we will have FRESH free-run Turkeys, Capons, Mennonite-raised Chickens, and old-fashioned bone-in Hams Also Acadian Tourtiere Meat Pies, Steak & Kidney Pies, Chicken Pot Pies, Shepherd’s Pies and Lasagna
Your Full Service General Contractor
Neighbourhood Stops and Shops
Bad Egg goes far beyond breakfast, bringing Korean-inspired flavours to Queen Street East
A new restaurant has landed on Queen Street East, and it’s already creating buzz in the community. Bad Egg, an internationally acclaimed franchise, specializes in Koreaninspired fusion, blending bold flavours into classic North American and global dishes such as breakfast sandwiches, burgers, bao buns, and tacos.
Bad Egg Canada co-owners David Polny and Karim Virani are on a mission to redefine the franchise experience, and they’ve chosen Toronto as their starting point. The two first met while working for a major restaurant chain—Polny as an Executive Vice President and Virani as a franchise owner.
Over time, their professional relationship blossomed into a friendship, and they decided to combine Polny’s 30 years of restaurant industry experience with Virani’s 10 years to create a unique experience for franchise owners, customers, and staff alike.
Their journey to find the right brand to launch in Canada took them to Dublin, Ireland, where they met the founders of Bad Egg.
“We just loved it,” Polny said, reflecting on their experience tasting the menu and immersing themselves in the brand. That enthusiasm solidified their decision to bring the concept to Canada.
The pair didn’t waste time, opening their first location in downtown Toronto in June and following up with a second location, in partnership with franchisee Nazim Somani, in the Beach in November.
“Boy, have we been well received by the community,” Polny said, sharing that the response from the Beach neighbourhood has been especially rewarding.
“The people are just amazing,” Polny said. “We feel so bonded already, and it’s just a pleasure to come to the restaurant every day.”
When customers arrive at Bad Egg, they might think “breakfast,” and they wouldn’t be wrong to do so. While the menu features items like The Classic Bad Bun (egg, cheese, Bad Egg sauce, and parsley) and the indulgent Posh Mess French Toast, a milk bread delight served with chocolate sauce, condensed milk, and pistachios, breakfast is only the beginning.
The menu goes far beyond traditional morning fare, offering a unique fusion of Korean-inspired flavours that can be enjoyed any time of day.
A standout on the menu is the brand’s unique Egg Drop sandwiches. A popular
Korean street food, Egg Drop sandwiches are made with soft, toasted bread filled with creamy scrambled eggs and a variety of toppings. At Bad Egg, the Egg Drops include the Meat My Lover (beef patty, cheese, bacon), Bad Bubba Shrimp (garlic prawns, egg, cheese), and the local favourite, Get Laid, which features buttermilk fried chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and cheese. All Egg Drops are drizzled with the house-made Bad Egg sauce and garnished with fresh parsley.
“We like to say our menu is ‘Koreankissed,’” Polny laughed.
“We wanted to truly create a unique experience for customers and give them something they’re not going to see on many other menus,” Virani added, highlighting their passion for fusing traditional global flavours with modern twists.
Beyond the Egg Drops, other local favourites include the Kimchi Poutine, Bao Buns, and Korean Boneless Wings. Another standout feature of Bad Egg’s menu is its affordability.
“We know we have a great product here; we don’t need to upsell it,” Polny explained when asked about the competitive pricing.
“Having great prices means making our food more accessible to the people we want to build lasting relationships with, like students and young families who deserve something delicious as much as anyone else,” Virani added.
The Juice To Go stand at Bad Egg adds to the fun, modern atmosphere. It offers freshly squeezed juices, vibrant smoothies, and other refreshing beverages.
The overall experience is further enhanced by a friendly, welcoming staff dedicated to providing top-notch service while building lasting connections with the community.
With two locations opened in just six months, Polny and Virani have no plans of slowing down.
The duo is already in the process of opening two more locations within the next few months. Based on their commitment to quality and creating meaningful franchisee and customer experiences, it seems likely that Bad Egg will soon be a beloved brand across the country.
Drop by today for an Egg Drop and see for yourself what makes Bad Egg such a unique addition to the Beaches.
As Polny and Virani proudly say, “We’re here in the Beach to stay.”
BMN Sponsored Content
David Polny and Karim Virani at the order counter of Bad Egg, 2214 Queen St. E., showcasing one of the brand’s internationally acclaimed Egg Drop sandwiches.
Letters
to the Editor
Province’s plans for bike lanes condemned
I am an 83-year-old bicycle rider from East York. I use a bike for shopping errands and recreation, riding with a group of seniors once a week for a distance of 20 to 30 kilometers. We use both park trails and protected bike lanes and some roads without protected bike lanes.
My wife and I oppose Ontario’s Bill 212 to remove bike lanes for the following reasons;
1.) Removing bike lanes in Ontario’s cities and towns will do nothing to improve traffic congestion or gridlock. The reason is that people who are now using their bicycles for 5km to 10km shopping trips or other errands or the ‘last kilometer’ to and from a subway station safely inside a protected bicycle lane, will now resort to driving a car out of fear of injury or death which will just increase the gridlock. Every person riding a bike is a person who isn’t in a car, or a taxi or Uber, contributing to congestion. And almost all cars we have observed whether on the city streets, have only one occupant, the driver. This is completely inefficient. There needs to be more mandated HOV lanes and education to encourage road users to carpool when driving to and from work. This by itself would relieve congestion without any government spending on expensive new roads such as the proposed Hwy. 413. Is Ontario’s government interested in moving more people or more single occupancy cars? Filling our roads and highways with cars will not move more people. And there are no bike lanes on 400 highways, the worst congested roads in the province.
2.) Bike lanes are not a problem because there are so few of them in Toronto or any other city or town in Ontario. There is no evidence these few bike lanes are causing congestion. Bike lanes are a non-problem. Cyclists risk their lives by riding beside cars in order to use less fossil fuel energy, take up less space than single occupancy cars and live healthier than car drivers, using less health care resources. We cyclists love riding because it is such a healthy and enjoyable way to do our errands and have recreation at the same time. And for this we are treated as second or third class citizens whose lives are not worth protecting from fast moving tons of steel. My wife and I have travelled to the Netherlands, and noticed especially in Amsterdam the enormous number of people going to and from work plus the use of cargo bikes. And the bicycle parking infrastructure at bus/train stations is just unimaginable here in Ontario. We understand that this is the case in other European cities such as Copenhagen.
3.) In response to critics who say bike lanes have reduced emergency vehicle response times - according to Deputy Fire Chief Jim Jessop, emergency response times have *improved* since the Bloor bike lanes were installed.
4.) Bike lanes are good for business, they save cities money, they help people live happier, healthier, more connected lives. The Bloor Annex BIA (the BIA represents business and property owners on Bloor Street from Madison Avenue to Bathurst Street) said that since the creation of bike lanes on Bloor Street in 2016, cyclists have contributed to lower car congestion and improved business in the local stores.
5.) This threat to not allow creation of new bike lanes and remove present ones is not about bike lanes and congestion. It is about the current provincial government trying to create a wedge issue, to seem to take the side of car drivers over bicycle users. It is about trying to receive more votes in the upcoming election, some time in 2025, a year ahead of the scheduled provincial election in order to achieve another majority result under our ‘first pass the post’ elections where the majority of citizens do not get what they voted for. I think to create a wedge issue on the backs of vulnerable cyclists is despicable. We cyclists are truly treated as lower class citizens whose lives are not cared for by this government. We cyclists, if we don’t own a car, are also treated with disrespect when it comes to Ontario government finances. Car drivers, not cyclists receive great benefits. Car drivers have been made exempt from paying registration fees. In addition gasoline taxes have been lowered for drivers and I heard that that will continue next year, no doubt through any election call.
6.) There is a larger set of issues with the private auto when it comes to destruction of the environment. The province’s road building projects such as the unnecessary Hwy. 413 which will remove the habitats of countless animals, birds and insects. We are currently in the midst of the largest mass species extinction of living creatures in millions of years. We need to protect every one we have left. Living in a city such as Toronto, it is impossible to escape the influence of the private automobile. It is allowed to be everywhere. The private auto is also a major contributor to air pollution and the release of greenhouse gases. Just imagine a city with cars banned from many downtown streets. Why can’t we have what most of us want - healthy, non-polluting human powered transportation?
Murray Lumley
Notice of Completion of a Screening Report
Portlands Energy Centre Upgrades
Atura Power, a subsidiary of Ontario Power Generation, is planning to make e ciency upgrades at the Portlands Energy Centre (PEC) that will allow the station to generate more electricity using the same amount of fuel.
Project Description
PEC is a combined-cycle natural gas-fueled electricity generating station with an electrical output capacity of 550 megawatts (MW). The station is in the Port Lands industrial area at 470 Unwin Ave., Toronto.
The upgrades project is not an expansion of the existing facility. The upgrades will involve replacing internal parts of the natural gas- red combustion turbines with more e cient parts. This will increase the facility's generating contract capacity by an average of 50 MW to achieve a total average contract capacity of 600 MW. All upgrades will take place within the existing facility, and there will be no changes beyond the existing PEC footprint.
The Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) quanti ed the near-term additional electricity supply need in Ontario, stating that an additional 4,000 MW of new capacity is required by May 2027. Procurements for projects capable of meeting the increased electricity demand in 2027 will need to be completed in the short term. Atura Power is prepared to help meet that need and support Ontarians through upgrades that will optimise and increase electricity generation at PEC.
Environmental Screening Process
Given that the upgrades will result in a 50 MW increase in the nameplate capacity (electrical output) of PEC, the upgrades are subject to the Environmental Screening Process for Electricity Projects pursuant to Ontario Regulation (O.Reg.) 50/24, under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.
Atura Power prepared and released a Screening Report according to the Environmental Screening Process for Electricity Projects (pursuant to O.Reg. 50/24) in March 2024. The purpose of this Notice of Completion is to share that Atura Power prepared a revised copy of the March 2024 Screening Report for public review. This revised November 2024 report contains additional information, speci cally a new Appendix D: Air Quality Assessment Information.
The Screening Report documents the results of the Environmental Screening Process taken to identify whether any potential environmental e ects of the PEC upgrades project would occur (‘Yes’ or ‘No’). The Environmental Screening Process determined that all Screening Criteria scored ‘No’ and, without any mitigation, all regulatory requirements will be met. Atura Power intends to move forward with the upgrades subject to other approvals.
Indigenous communities, agencies, municipal sta , elected o cials, and members of the public are invited to review the revised November 2024 Screening Report beginning Nov. 13, 2024, online at aturapower.com/portlandsupgrade. The last day comments can be submitted is Dec. 13, 2024.
Any outstanding concerns about the project should be shared with Atura Power by emailing portlandsupgrade@aturapower.com. If the matter cannot be resolved, the concerned individual may submit a written request to the Minister, copying the Director of the Environmental Assessment and Approvals Branch, Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and Atura Power, to elevate the project to either an Environmental Review or to a Comprehensive Environmental Assessment. Elevation requests must be made in accordance with the provisions set out in the MECP’s Environmental Screening Process for Electricity Projects.
Note that elevation requests must be submitted to the Minister and a copy sent to the Director and Atura Power within the 30-day review period. The last day to submit an elevation request is Dec. 13, 2024.
Project Contact Information
More information including other project-related documentation is available online at aturapower.com/portlandsupgrade
If you require assistance regarding accessibility concerns or wish to share questions or comments, please email us at portlandsupgrade@aturapower.com
For more information: https://aturapower.com/
Comments and information regarding this project are being collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of meeting environmental assessment requirements.
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Public Meeting on proposal for 90 Eastdale set for Dec. 4
A PUBLIC Meeting on a proposed 40-storey residential apartment building at 90 Eastdale Ave. in East York will take place on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Held by Toronto and East York Community Council, the meeting is set for 10 a.m. at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W., in Committee Room 1.
The proposed building will have 546 residential units, of which 35 will be replacements for existing rental units already on the site. There will be 304 vehicle parking spaces and 598 bicycle parking spaces in the proposed building. To take part in the Public Meeting, which
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Dec. 5 to 15 at the Red Sandcastle Theatre (922 Queen St. E). The show is written and directed by the company founder Catherine Maleikova, A preview will be available on Thursday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. and opening will be on Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. Tickets begin at $24.99. To order, go to www.twisteddog.ca
