Run Myles Ahead in support of youth mental health slated
By Deborah McNorgan
THE SIXTH annual Run Myles Ahead event will bring together runners and walkers of all ages on Sunday, Oct. 6, to promote child and youth mental health, and help prevent suicide.
The five-kilometre run will start at 10 a.m. at the Leuty Boathouse at the foot of Leuty Avenue, near the Boardwalk, and head west to Ashbridges Bay.
Leslie Kulperger founded Myles Ahead, Advancing Child & Youth Mental Health, in memory of her son, Myles, an artistic child, keen runner and devoted animal lover who died by suicide six years ago at the age of 11.
Suicide is the leading healthrelated cause of death for youth in Canada. Kulperger established Myles Ahead in response to the challenges she faced when trying to get help for her child.
“We are dedicated to working
Continued on Page 10
Leslieville bids farewell to Bertmount Avenue Dollhouse
Bradley Sutherland, the new owner of the home known as The Leslieville
on Sunday during a charity event to say farewell to the doll and toy decorations. For some
owner
had been decorating the front of the house and yard with toys and dolls. Sunday’s event allowed area residents to say goodbye to the decoration while also being able to buy what they liked from the collection in support of the Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Change the Game campaign which helps young people reach their potential by breaking down systemic barriers.
Shahaddah Jack set to become city’s first Youth Poet Laureate
EAST TORONTO’S Shahaddah
Jack is set to become the City of Toronto’s first Youth Poet Laureate.
Jack, who was named the BGC Canada (Boys and Girls Club of Canada) National Youth of the Year in 2022 for her work with the club in the Eastview community, is expected to be officially appointed to the position at Toronto Council’s October meeting.
The groundbreaking role of Youth Poet Laureate will see the 20-year-old Jack take on the role of literary ambassador for Toronto’s youth, empowering young voices through poetry and spoken word,
JACK FLAWLESS East Toronto’s Shahaddah Jack, 20, is set to become Toronto’s first Youth Poet Laureate.
said a city news release. Jack’s term as Youth Poet Laureate willbegin on Oct. 15 of this year and run through until Dec. 31, 2026. The Youth Poet Laureate Pro-
gram was launched in November 2023 at the recommendation of the Toronto Youth Cabinet (TYC) to mark its 25th anniversary, said the city’s news release. The Program aims to uplift young writers and foster greater involvement of youth in literary arts, encouraging them to share their stories and perspectives.
A bilingual spoken word poet, performer and human rights activist from Tkaronto, Jack is making waves with her impactful work and is known for addressing human rights, the Black experience and
Continued on Page 10
Night Light Walk to raise funds for Nellie’s shelter
By Alan Shackleton
NELLIE’S SHELTER in East Toronto is one of the organizations being supported by the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation Night Light Walk in the Beach this month.
The three-kilometre fundraising walk is slated for the night of Thursday, Oct. 24, in Kew Gardens.
Local residents are invited to take part in the walk to raise funds for Nellie’s shelter and Red Door Family Shelter, both of which are located in East Toronto.
Hosted by Royal LePage Estate Realty in the Beach, the Kew Gardens walk will also raise aware-
ness about the issue of family and gender-based violence.
Participants are asked to gather in Kew Gardens (2075 Queen St. E.) at 6:15 p.m. for opening ceremonies and the Night Light Walk through the neighbourhood will be begin at 7 p.m. Those wishing to take part can find more information on registering, volunteering or making a donation by going online to www. nightlightwalk.ca and clicking on Toronto.
Chris Dunlop, Broker of Record and Owner of Royal LePage Estate Realty, said it’s important to raise awareness about the issue of inti-
Continued on Page 17
PHOTO:
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Dollhouse on Bertmount Avenue, stands outside the house
20 years, former
Shirley Sumaisar
Concerns over lack of parking raised at meeting on plans for Queen and Lee
By Amarachi Amadike
THE CITY of Toronto hosted a virtual Community Consultation Meeting for a development proposal at 2026-2040 Queen St. E. (northwest corner of Queen Street East and Lee Avenue) on the evening of Monday, Sept. 16.
In attendance were Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford, City of Toronto planning staff, as well as representatives of developers Crombie Limited Partnerhip and Sobeys Capital Incorporated.
Together, they presented residents who attended online with more information about plans to demolish the two-storey mixed-use building which currently hosts the Foodland grocery store (and two other buildings to the west) and build a six-storey residential condominium building which will also include a new and much larger grocery store at street level.
“What’s interesting about this application is it’s almost an as-of-right application which means it is in keeping with the 2012 urban design guidelines and zoning for this stretch of Queen Street East Coxwell over to Nursewood,” said Bradford in his
opening remarks.
The Queen Street East Urban Design Guidelines set standards for the area including a maximum building height of six storeys and angled plane design so as not to create a “street wall” on the sidewalk.
The proposed 5,728-squaremetre building will provide the neighbourhood with 60 additional residential units that include 40 one-bedroom units, 14 two-bedroom units, and six three-bedroom units.
Hailey McWilliam, Senior Planner at Bousfields, told the meeting that the range of units is intended to “contribute to the mix of housing in the neighbourhood.”
“We know that a lot of the housing in the immediate vicinity is detached and semi-detached dwellings, so we think it’s an asset that we can contribute to the range of the housing options in the area,” said McWilliam.
However, East Toronto resident Mark Richardson (who is the HousingNowTO Technical-Lead) said he was disappointed that the development was for condos only and not purpose-built rentals. HousingNowTO is a volunteer advocacy group calling for the creation of more new and affordable rental housing in the city.
Richardson said that the 40 one-bedrooms (728 square feet each) will individually be priced at about $900,000 in today’s market. The 1,300 square-foot three bedroom condos are expected to be about $2 million each “at construction cost”.
“I would highly suggest –given the fact that we have empty lots down at Murphy’s (Queen Street East and Kingston Road)… and we have some other places where condo proposals that try to conform to these guidelines are struggling –that both the city and the developer create a more sensible built form here,” said
Richardson.
Although highly unlikely, Richardson suggested the developers explore the idea of making their project 100 per cent purpose-built rental comprising smaller units that are more “cost efficient” in order to get more people into housing.
“Generally, this is good. But it’s a good idea for 12 years ago,” said Richardson. “It makes no sense, particularly if you’re not looking to move ahead very quickly on this site. You should be building a building for 2030, not 2012.”
Representatives for the developer said they would take the suggestions into consideration.
The application reserves 1,140 square metres of the property for a retail space that will front Queen Street East. The applicants believe that replacing the existing Foodland grocery with a larger grocery store will also create a number of new jobs on site.
“Our vision is to provide a development that will include a new, modern food store to better serve the residents,” said McWilliam.
Although this comes as a positive for the neighbourhood, some community members criticized the development’s lack of parking to satisfy the increased traffic in the surrounding area as a result of the grocery store’s larger footprint.
“The reality is that a much larger grocery store will mean much more pressure on parking,” said resident Michael Blecher. “When people (visit) big shops, I appreciate some people would take the TTC…., but I think the reality is most people wouldn’t. They would drive. When they’re carrying six to eight bags of groceries, they would drive. So, where are they going to park?”
The development plan provides 33 parking spaces
for residents of the condo. That number of parking spaces conforms to the existing rules regarding parking for new residential building proposals.
In response to concerns expressed at the meeting about residents of the new condo who are unable to secure one of those 33 spots trying to get street parking permits in the neighbourhood, Councillor Bradford confirmed that future condo residents would be ineligible for street permit parking due to its location in what is known as parking zone 9C in the City of Toronto. He said that condition would need to be written into the purchase agreements of those buying units in the building.
“Everyone who’s familiar with zone 9C understands the challenges there,” said Bradford of the high demand for street parking permits in the area. “Basically, what we do is that it’s part of the site plan agreement. So, ultimately, that will be noted in your condo documents.”
Bradford said adding this information in the site plan is to create a “full line of transparency” for incoming unit owners in the proposed building that in zone 9C they cannot get on-street parking permits. “That’s how it works,” he said. “We’ve done it at all the developments in Beaches-East York since 2018 and it hasn’t been a problem.”
As for customers who would be driving to the grocery store, it was suggested that the community would have to absorb the need for those shoppers’ parking places since there does not appear at this time to be a provision for customer parking.
LEA Consulting Ltd’s Joseph Doran told the meeting the development site’s size led to the decision to utilize a car lift instead of a ramp
Continued on Page 3
Community input to be discussed
‘Concerns’ from Page 2 in order to maximize retail space for the grocery store, an enclosed loading area for deliveries and collections, and underground parking availability for residents.
Due to the car lift, there is no provision for visitor or customer parking underground at this time. “The provision of a car lift makes it impossible for visitors to utilize the elevator due to safety regulations on the usage of elevators,” said Doran.
Only trained operators are allowed to use a vehicle elevator and that will be given to new residents but not visitors. “As a result, we anticipate that the visitor parking would still be maintained outside of the site through street parking and other Green P facilities in the neighborhood,” he said. “While that’s not desirable for the city, we don’t think that the increase in the size of the store is going to be that much of an impact (or) change to what it currently is.”
Councillor Bradford was unsatisfied with this response and suggested other solutions should be explored. “That doesn’t work for me,” he said. “So you guys have to think about that. That’s the feedback you’re hearing. You’ve heard it several times in several different ways, not the right answer. So, I’ll be looking for you guys to address that as the application evolves.”
Concerns about unloading and loading of delivery vehicles at the new grocery store were also mentioned given the tight constraints of Lee Avenue, which is a residential street and already sees traffic congestion when trucks stop at the Foodland.
Loading and off-loading of vehicles is proposed to take place from a laneway off Lee Avenue at the northern boundary of the proposed building and it will be done within an enclosed area of the building to limit noise and disruptions, said the applicant. There will not be trucks loading on Queen
Street East in front of the new store, they said.
City staff will continue to discuss the community concerns with the developers before a final application proposal is submitted to Toronto and East York Community Council for further recommendations.
Given the compressed timelines introduced by the Province of Ontario to decrease the amount of time it takes for residential building proposals to be approved or rejected by municipalities (in an effort to get more housing units built faster), it is expected the final plan will be discussed by Toronto and East York Community Council in late October and then moved on to full Toronto Council for a final decision.
The meeting of Toronto and East York Communty Council considering the application will include a statutory Public Meeting, and Beach Metro Community News will keep readers informed on when that will take place.
Return of Malvern’s cheer team to be celebrated at Red and Black Day on Oct. 10
By Aunalya Turner
MALVERN COLLEGIATE
Institute’s annual Red and Black Day celebration is slated for Thursday, Oct. 10.
Events at Red and Black day will be focused on Birchmount Stadium with games being played by a number of the school’s sports teams including girls field hockey, girls ultimate, boys rugby 7’s and boys football.
This year’s Red and Black Day is also special as the Malvern cheer team returns after nearly five years.
to those around.
Malvern team leader Ria Swaminath said, “I have not participated in any school sports at Malvern, as I wanted to play a sport, I knew I would be good at.”
“I always found it super unfair that other sports are represented in school but not cheer,” added team leader Talia Street.
After immense dedication and the invaluable support of many, the students’ vision for the cheerleading team has transformed into a reality.
cheer team leaders, and our first step was to publicize and assemble a team of exceptional students who were ready to become cheerleaders.
When I was eight years old, I discovered and developed a passion for cheerleading. The sense of family, the bonds of friendship, and the valuable life lessons I gained over the course of 10 years in which I was a part of the sport were truly unique.
The leaders of the cheer team conducted tryouts which welcomed 130 students from Grades 9 to 12, with 60 going on to make the team.
“It was amazing to see so many students share the same dream that I do. I was shocked at how many students showed up at our first meeting and I continue to be shocked with how engaged everyone is,” said Street.
When students realized the absence of a cheerleading team at Malvern, they were motivated to initiate one that peers and fellow students could enjoy.
The inspiration to start a cheer team came from amazing experiences which the team leaders had in the sport and aspired to pass on
Malvern principal Aaron Gotfryd spoke about his excitement of having a cheerleading team at the school. “I was surprised we didn’t have a cheerleading team given the amount of school spirit at Malvern. I was eager to find a way to make it happen.”
I (writer of this article Aunalya Turner) am one of the
Cheerleading shapes individuals by instilling qualities like commitment, responsibility, determination, and the ability to cultivate and cherish relationships.
Allowing students a chance to be a part of a team sport as remarkable as cheer not only is a fun way to participate in school but a great way for students to learn qualities to take with them through life.
With a multitude of objectives to achieve throughout the season, the cheerleading team is looking forward to making its debut at Red and Black Day on Oct. 10.
Red and Black Day will host multiple games running from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., starting with girls field hockey and ending with football.
This school wide spirit day will be raising money for the athletics programs at Malvern C.I.
Beach Guild of Fine Art Show and Sale on this weekend
THE BEACH Guild of Fine Art’s fall Art Show and Sale will take place this weekend, starting on Friday.
The show and sale is set for Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. Hours will be Friday, Oct. 4, from 5 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 4, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 6, from 10 a.m.
to 5 p.m.
Celebrating its 30th year, the Beach Guild of Fine Art was formed in 1994 by artists with a connection to the Beach area who support each other and “promote and encourage the appreciation of art in the community”.
The fall Show and Sale will feature works by members in a wide variety of mediums including paintings, note cards and hand-crafted items. Also part of this year’s show will be hand-painted slate roof tiles from Kingston Road United Church.
For more info on the show, please go to www.beachguildoffineart.com
celebrates 30 years during Kingston Road Village Fall Festival
Website celebrates Bengali-Canadian writers
By Tasmina Khan
THE LAUNCH of the Canada Journal website was recently celebrated by the Bengali Canadian community.
The Canada Journal is a meticulously developed platform designed to unite the community of Bengali-born Canadian writers and present their literary contributions.
The bilingual website (at www.c-j.ca) encompasses a diverse array of literary works, featuring books, reviews, and reflections on the Canadian experience in both Bengali and English.
Organized alphabetically, the platform provides about 400 links to individual biographies, literary works, and critiques, thereby establishing a comprehensive collection of Canadian Bengali literature.
The realization of this website was a longstanding aspiration of Subrata Kumar Das, a respected author and literary researcher from Bangladesh, now living in East York.
Following extensive planning, the website was successfully launched through a virtual inauguration on Sept. 6, marking a significant milestone as the first of its kind.
The primary criterion for the inclusion of writers on the website was that they must have at least one published book. Additionally, Subrata extended an invitation to all Canadian Bengali writers to submit their biographies and writings for inclusion if they were not yet featured on the website.
Featuring a user-friendly design, the website comprises six main sections: ‘Home,’ ‘About Us,’ ‘Writers,’ ‘Book Review,’ ‘News,’ and ‘Contact.’
This layout facilitates seamless navigation through the content available in both Bengali and English languages.
Subrata identified a gap in the representation of Canadian Bengali writers in mainstream literary circles upon his arrival in Canada in 2013. He observed a lack of accessibility to the works
of Bengali writers among the younger generation. In response, he conceived the idea of establishing a virtual repository to provide easy access to the works of Bengali writers, ensuring the transmission of literary works from one generation to the next within the Bengali community and beyond.
To realize this initiative, he engaged with past and current Canadian poet laureates as well as dynamic Canadian writers to seek their input and support, thereby laying the foundation for bridging the gap and introducing the rich literary works of Bengali Canadian writers.
The project also garnered substantial support from prominent individuals such as the CEO of NRB TV, Shahidul Islam Mintu, Barrister Omar Hasan Al Zahid, and noted journalist Mahbub Osmani, the sales representative of Right at Home Realty. Their contributions played a pivotal role in realizing Subrata’s vision, deserving acknowledgment.
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
Shoppe on Kingston Road
What has happened to respect and manners in our city?
Clyde Robinson
Guest Column
Ilove Toronto and especially the Beach. I was born, raised and continue to live in Toronto and as I’ve told my wife, they’ll have to carry me out to leave our house in the Beach.
It doesn’t seem too long ago that our fair city was called Toronto the Good. Does it still deserve this title?
With the latest gun violence, I feel like I should be looking over my shoulder. The respect for even life is seemingly now in question.
Traffic violations such as people ignoring stop signs and turning right at red lights without even
slowing down or driving right through red lights are a new trend.
The intersection of Queen St. and Elmer Ave. with traffic lights and a crossing guard during school hours is still a very dangerous intersection with driver’s sometimes driving right through red lights! Please be careful, this is still a dangerous intersection at any time.
Then there’s the idiots who continue looking at their phones while driving and biking!! Why obey the law? Simply, because you can get away with it nowadays. Is this right, is this proper - obviously not. Where is respect for your fellow citizen’s safety?
Even me, a former carpenter and contractor recently got scammed by a roofing company, I won’t go into detail as it would
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Letters to the Editor
take volumes. In the end they were paid according to their substandard work. Where was the respect, pride of workmanship, integrity? Seemingly for them anyway, a memory of the past.
Something that I’ve questioned for years is the off-leash dog situation.
A four-year-old knows a dog should be on a leash. Did you know some dog owners living in the Beach do not take their dogs to our beaches because of off leash dogs?
In 2018 there were approximately 83,000 dogs off leash in the southern part of Ashbridges Bay Park. Many people say oh it’s just my one dog off leash it’s not harming anything.
But what about the other 82,999 events where owners said the
same thing? The damage is accumulative.
Wild animals perceive dogs as predators and a dog’s scent keeps animals away, thereby disturbing their traditional nesting and foraging habits. Can you believe hunting dogs are now purposely killing wildlife at our own backyard park at Ashbridges Bay?
I’ve witnessed this and with repeat offenders! Remember a few years ago the fox family living under the Boardwalk were victims of off leash dogs.
Animals such as off leash dogs transmit diseases, transmit plant seeds (non-native invasive plant seeds being the worst) and leave behind feces and urine.
If the off-leash dog problem bothers you, now is the time to
make your opinion heard. Please consider reading this off leash dog petition and sign if interested. Here is the link: www.change. org/p/mayor-chow-stop-the-chaosof-off-leash-dogs-with-real-enforcement-now?source_location=search
Even our very own Beach Metro Community News editor Alan Shackleton was in my mind made a victim of disrespect. He was nice enough to include in print a short letter by someone with the title Leash the Editor.
Come on, be respectful! Yes, we fortunately have Freedom of Speech, but let’s use it properly and wisely. Please all of us, let’s step back, realize and appreciate what we are so fortunate to have and be respectful of others like the old days. We’ll all benefit.
Public consultation on capital gains tax was needed
Re: ‘If capital gains tax was zero, the wealthy would invest in Canadian companies’, Letters, Aug. 20, Beach Metro Community News.
I congratulate the paper for encouraging a discussion about capital gains taxes, a discussion that has to take place somewhere in this country, and I hope you keep it going until some kind of constructive consensus is reached which could be submitted to our federal representatives for a more comprehensive policy in such an important area of the economy.
While it would be hard not to sympathize with your reader who paid double for his home reno due to the tax, I couldn’t help but wonder why he could not have used his stocks from his tax free savings account. I was recently told by a
banking investment rep that I could shelter up to $99,000...of which I was slightly skeptical and would have liked to have seen in writing but seems it seems like one escape from this new capital gains tax.
Going into the letter-writer’s argument that zero capital gains tax may encourage investment in Canadian companies, is definitely an issue that should be explored. It could also possibly translate into another tax free savings loophole, for the conscientious patriotic investor and could maybe be a major stimulus of much needed research and development funding to stay competitive in the world economy.
The arbitrary nature of the imposition of this tax, especially the idea that capital gains can be applied to a profit from selling your primary
dwelling, is definitely going to cause all kinds of opposition from home owners who are not in the real estate game for profit. But even then should we be asking ourselves where the balance lies between taxes and social programs such as our increased pension population and free addictive drug programs?
Pierre Elliott Trudeau, the father of our current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, was very big on public consultations in the form of enquiries regarding such massive policy, such as this arbitrary imposition of the tax structure, when he was Prime Minister. I think it would have been a wiser course of action to have called a commission about new capital gains taxes before implementing such an arbitrary imposition in order to deal with the nu-
ances needed by the primary home owner and others in locked in financial situations.
Yet while we all should be concerned about the development of the bigger picture of our Canadian governmental model, I think it would be wise to be studying foreign governments for innovative ideas especially the American model since their economy has outpaced every other economy in the world at quite an amazing, if not an alarming rate in the last seven years. The United States is the biggest economy in the world by far with an incredible $28 trillion GDP, vastly outpacing China their biggest competitor and likewise still the elephant in the room next to Canada.
Michael Bartholomew
Re: ‘As an editorial cartoonist, I will challenge any and all politicians’, In My Opinion, Sept. 3, Beach Metro Community News. Just a quick note of support for Bill Suddick and his comments. I want to thank him for having the courage and time to write such a well thought out and articulate article.
I have many times tried to write just such a piece and gave up because it is a lot work and takes a lot of thought and skill to write and not come across as a selfish, thoughtless lunatic. But the facts are the facts and
Evangeline Walks fundraiser for Covenant House slated for Thanksgiving weekend
By Isabelle Fernandes
THIS THANKSGIVING weekend, Evangeline Link and some of her family and friends will be walking approximately 100 kilometres to raise money for Covenant House.
The third annual Evangeline’s Walk will travel from Binbrook (just outside Hamilton) to Toronto, a distance of about 100 kilometres.
The walk takes place from Friday, Oct. 11, through to Thanksgiving Monday on Oct. 14.
A Leslieville resident, 12-year-old Link first undertook the fundraising walk in 2022.
Since then the walk has raised more than $18,000 and Link has walked in excess of 191 kilometres.
This year Link is hoping to raise $10,000.
Inspired by wild flower bouquets she made along her walk last year to keep herself motivated in light of an injury and bad weather, Link will be handing out 100
flowers along her walk this year to help spread the word about Covenant House.
She will be handing out one flower for each kilometre walked.
According to her website, ever since she was a young child, Link has been very enthusiastic about helping the homeless.
Whether she helped by donating some spare change, buying some groceries or helping her mother with fundraisers, she always found a way to help out or give back; similar to Covenant House which is one of the largest Canadian agencies who serve the homeless.
Impressed by how Covenant House helps protect and rebuild lives, Link found her own way to contribute to a cause she is passionate about by undertaking the Thanksgiving weekend walk.
For more information on the walk and to support Link’s fundraising, please visit www.EvangelineWalks. ca
Letters to the Editor
Live meetings on issues sought by reader
Re: ‘Questions on Queen and Lee Plan’, Letters, Sept. 17, Beach Metro Community News.
I so thank the writer of the letter regarding the Queen Street East and Lee Avenue proposal.
The letter was so much more lucid than my efforts, especially regarding the consequences of ignoring the water table.
Where is our Conservation Authority
in this process? Where is the environmental assessment? Why is Kew Gardens even a park?
The answers to all those questions relate to the underground (now) streams, lakes, rivers in the area. Does anybody ever question why the Don River floods still? When I lived in Weston we had the very same issues in the 1990s on the Humber River. Now Black Creek floods that area and the
kids in the brand new school can’t play outside in the former protected (precious) little wetland area. Nobody told the spring peeper frogs about this. I will stop here, but it goes on.
I tried to tell our representative that Zoom is not a proper forum for a meeting on this issue. So many of us never had a chance to participate. Live meetings please!
Sandra Richardson
Everyone should be trained on how to share the road
Re: ‘Truck drivers need more training on how to share road with others’, Letters, Sept. 3, Beach Metro Community News.
This is one of the paramount issues we face in day-to-day life.
Sometimes these incidents are caused because of poor training of truck drivers, but not every time.
It is imperative to know the rules are applicable for everyone on the roads, not just for truck drivers.
I agree with the truthfulness of the fact and am saddened to hear of the in-
juries that were mentioned in the letter.
But we should acknowledge how our fellow bike riders are behaving on the roads too.
Every vehicle on the road has the rule to stop at a red light, including pedestrians. But a few of our fellow bike riders don’t.
I’ve also noticed many fellow bike riders going through stop signs and using the crosswalk to cross the road suddenly without activating the signals.
The unpredictable nature of crossing the road by going through a stop sign or
not activating the crosswalk puts drivers and cyclists in a dangerous position.
The rules are there to make everyone safe. Yet, there are many places where I can see the bike riders are not using the bike lane. They are using the road, the sidewalk and the bike lane. The priority should be to use the bike lane if there is one available.
Just like vehicle drivers, bike riders should be given proper education and training on how to share the road.
A. Nazumudeen
Taxing after tax is fundamentally wrong
‘Cartoonist’ from Page 6
the government should have no right to be taxing after tax, second properties or investments that are not run as a business. It has always just seemed fundamentally wrong.
Long before (almost 20 years ago) we bought our cottage and as a young man and father trying to get ahead and build a secure life in Toronto I have always felt that the tax on after tax
gains on private family investments is just so wrong on so many levels. Especially after putting in tens of thousands of hours of hard work into our cottage. Bill said it all, I will not reiterate what he expressed so clearly. It is just bad for the economy and the chance for the average Canadian to get ahead.
Taxes, insurance and maintenance are the sole reasons a cottage costs so
much and are hard to buy and keep up. Not the cottage owners greed. They just want a place to bring and share with their family. I will never be reimbursed for the thousands of hours I have put into our cottage. But they government needs more money, because of complete mismanagement and abuse of our hard-earned tax dollars.
Thank you Bill!
Bradley H. Luft
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Leslieville’s Evangeline Link will be handing out wildflowers for each kilometre she walks of her 100-kilometre Evangeline Walks fundraiser for Covenant House over the Thanksgiving long weekend.
Choir Practice New members welcome!
Seniors Lunch and Learn Topic: Staying Connected!
Danforth Village Children’s Choir Ages 7-13. New members Welcome!
Sunday, Oct. 6 • 1:30-3:30pm
Embraced by the Story of Jesus!
A recitation of the Gospel of Mark by Rev. Dr. Gordon Postill $10 senior/student | $15 adult | $25 family or group
Tickets online: Eventbrite.ca & HopeUnited.ca Reserve: 416-691-9682. Tickets also at the door.
Community Calendar
OCT. 4: Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra presents their 45th season opening concert at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Rd., 7:30 p.m. Featuring the Odin Quartet celebrating their 10th anniversary. Tickets $35, $30, and $15 at www.spo.ca/event/odin-quartet
OCT. 4-6: Beach Guild of Fine Art Show and Sale at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Friday 5-8 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Celebrating 30 years in the Beach!
OCT. 5: Fall Market at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 9 a.m.-1 p.m. BBQ, bake sale, vendors, and face painting for kids! (reminder to bring cash as many vendors do not accept cards). Vendor tables available for $40. Contact admin@stpaulsscarborough.org
OCT 5: Jazz & Reflection with David Occhipinti at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Come experience “Through the Looking Glass” as Toronto guitarist David Occhipinti, joined by a string trio, explores new sounds on the guitar, guided by the theme of Lewis Carrol’s famous work. Pay-what-you-can. Info: beachunitedchurch.com
OCT. 6: Run Myles Ahead 5k Run/Walk at the Leuty Boathouse, Beach boardwalk, 10 a.m. Myles Ahead is a charity focused on preventing child and adolescent suicide by effecting systemic change. Registration: www.mylesahead.ca/activitiesevents/ $50 ($25 w/o TShirt & family discounts)
OCT. 9: Scarborough Garden & Horticultural Society meeting at Scarborough Village Recreation Centre (NE corner Kingston/Markham Rds.), 7:30 p.m. “Horticultural and Forest Therapy by Emma Rooney”, Founder/Creativity Facilitator - Blooming Caravan. Free. Refreshments included. Guests welcome.
OCT. 19: Fall Fair at St. Andrew’s Church, 115 St. Andrews Rd., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Face painting, games for all ages, a delicious barbecue and more! Calling all Chess Players: Come out and try to beat a Canadian-rated Chess Player!
OCT. 19: Acoustic Harvest presents Aleksi Campagne (son of Connie Kaldor) at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets $35 advance, $40 at the door. Tickets and info: www.acousticharvest.ca. More info: www.aleksicampagne.com
OCT 19: East End Music Fest at East End Food Hub, 1470 Gerrard St. E., 7 p.m. Celebrate talented local artists and musicians with live music, silent auctions, food and drink. Performers include Jerry Leger & The Situation, Shakura S’Aida, The Uplifters and Chris Hale & Ozzy Lyall. Tickets $45 available at www.applegrovecc.ca. All proceeds support Applegrove community programs. This is a 19+ event.
OCT. 21: East York Garden Club at Stan Wadlow Recreation Centre, 373 Cedarvale Ave., tea and cookies 7 p.m., presentation 7:30 p.m. October speaker: Dorte Windmuller on Leaves, Soil and Seeds. Parking is limited. Free. OCT. 22: A Senior Moment luncheon for ladies is at Inmigrante, 1959 Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m. To R.S.V.P. text 647-829-8042
OCT 26: Haunted Stops: A Halloween-themed Organ Recital at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. An afternoon of spooktacular organ music with local organist Rashaan Allwood, featuring ghostly favourites from Liszt, to Messiaen, Bach and more. You’re in for a thoroughly bone-chilling and goosebump-inducing concert experience just in time for Halloween! Info: www.beachunitedchurch.com
NOV. 2, 3: Art Guild of Scarborough’s Fall Art Show and Sale at Centennial Recreation Centre, 1967 Ellesmere Rd., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Showcasing over 400 juried, original works of art created by The Art Guild of Scarborough artists. The art is a variety of mediums including watercolour, pastel, oil, acrylic, ink, sculpture and mixed media. Parking, admission and refreshments are free! Info: https://theartguildofscarborough.com/upcoming-shows NOV. 9: Bazaar at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 31 & 35 Wood Glen Rd., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Basket draws, Christmas and everyday sewing, children’s PJs, latest style in scarves, socks, mittens, hats, jewelry, preserves, baking, Toonie table, quilts, silent auction. Meet your friends over a snack and drink. Info: 416-699-3084, fboffice@rogers.com NOV. 9, 10: Craft Fair at Corpus Christi Church, 16 Lockwood Rd., Saturday 10 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. An event for the whole family to enjoy, the fair will include local vendors, delicious treats, handmade items, games, gift ideas, jewelry and more. THANKSGIVING NEIGHBOURHOOD FOOD DRIVE, south of Kingston Road between Blantyre & Wood Glen. Pick-up Oct. 5 between 10-1 p.m. NOTE: Interested in donating outside this area? Call André 416-985-6101 “MEDITATIONS FOR WORLD PEACE” at Atisha Buddhist Centre, 1823 Gerrard St. E., Sundays 10-11 a.m. No charge. Info: www.meditateinthbeaches.org or atisha.epc@gmail.com
BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. Info: www.mentalwellness.help. Or join us most nights of the week on Zoom. Go to: https://www.meetup.com. Ask to join us: Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups A A at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113
AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113
BEACH PHOTO CLUB. We offer a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo excursions, competitions, practical seminars and more! We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June, 7-9:30 p.m., at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. (unless specified in program). Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com
THIS IS MORRIS DANCING! Toronto Morris Men open practices at Trinity St. Paul Church, 427 Bloor St. W. (at
Spadina Station), Thursdays 8 p.m., October 10, 2024-April 24, 2025. English tradition Morris Dancing dates back to at least the 15th Century and is alive and well in Toronto! Come check out the dancing and/or join us in the pub afterwards for a pint and a song! Info: squire@tfmm.ca
BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP
LUNCHES for adults in the community resume Tuesday, Oct. 15, at 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.) •Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (2423 Queen St. E.), Oct.15, 29, Nov.12, 26, Dec 10; St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) Oct. 22, Nov 5, 19, Dec 3, 17 •Wednesdays 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. Lunch format may vary from site to site. Info: 416-691-6869
CHURCHES
TORONTO UNITED MENNONITE CHURCH, 1774 Queen St. E. is a Christian community in the MennoniteAnabaptist “peace church” tradition. We aspire to be a family of faith that welcomes people with diverse backgrounds and stories, worshipping together and supporting one another, while following Christ’s example in working for peace and justice in our urban context. Our worship services are at 11 a.m. every Sunday. Info: www.tumc.ca ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd. Weekend Masses: Sat. Vigil at 4:30 pm, Sun. 9 & 11 a.m. Weekday Masses with Rosary: Tue.-Fri. Doors open and Rosary begins at 7:45 a.m. followed by Mass at 8:15 a.m. Confessions every Sat. 3:45-4:15 p.m. or by appt. Info: stjohnsto.archtoronto.org, 416-698-1105
BEACH UNITED CHURCH invites you to share in worship with us each week. We offer a combination of in person and YouTube livestream opportunities on Sunday mornings at 10:30am. Services are led by our creative and passionate music director Steven Webb and our acting minister Rev. Daniel Benson. In addition to Sunday services, Beach United Church offers a variety of inspirational music and educational programs open to the entire Beach community. Links and info: beachunitedchurch.com BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Dr. We are an inclusive and affirming congregation in the heart of the Beach with strong commitments to community service and social justice issues. We provide nonperishable food for those in need through our Free Food Pantry. Our Refugee Commitee has been in operation for many years. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month we host a Coffee Outreach from 1-3 p.m., an opportunity for people in the neighbourhood to gather for coffee, snacks and fellowship. Sunday morning services are at 10 a.m. Info and links: www.beacheschurch.org or 416699-5871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. Please join us for worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. with the Rev. Angela J. Cluney. All are welcome! Fallingbrook is an affirming congregation and is accessible. Please join us on Live Stream via Facebook or through our church website at 10:20 a.m. for our Prelude with our Music Director Nick Jessome. Weekly Worship services and Special Music selections are posted for viewing on our website. New choir members are always welcomed for our Church Choir with practices on Thursday evening at 7 p.m.. For info about our church activities including: Bible Study, Book Club, Tea Time, Hobby Circle, Wee Folks or other upcoming activities: fboffice@rogers.com, 416-699-3084, www.fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch.com GRANT AME CHURCH, 2029 Gerrard St E., invites you to our Worship Service Sundays at 11 a.m. in person or live streamed on ZOOM, YouTube and Facebook. Bible Study Wednesdays 7 p.m. on ZOOM. Please join us in prayer Wednesday mornings at 6:30 a.m. on our prayer line. DialIn No.: 1 587 405 1252 Access Code: 700 6901#. Info: www. grantame.com, grantamechurch@yahoo.ca, 416-690-5169
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. InPerson for The Table, a contemporary service followed by a simple community supper. Join us on Sunday, Oct. 6 at 5 p.m. for a Blessing of the Animals service outside in the parking lot! This service is open to any and all pets and their owners of all religious backgrounds. Come and see! Info: stjohnsnorway.com, 416-691-4560
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. We welcome you to join us for Sunday worship at 8 a.m. (spoken service) and 10:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs). Our new Gather & Grow hour on Sundays from 9:15-10:15 a.m. provides a chance for further conversation and learning as we grow in our experience of the Christian faith (childcare is available during this hour). 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. The annual Blessing of the Animals is Sat., Oct. 5, from 10-12 outside the church. Weekly euchre begins on Oct. 15, 7-9 p.m., enter from the northeast side door. $5 to play, with all proceeds benefiting outreach. Info: www.staidansinthebeach.com, 416-691-2222
proudly presented by Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford
PHOTO: JOSHUA
Memorial March and Candlelight Service honoured Heroes of Suicide
By Joshua McGinnis
THE ROYAL Canadian Legion Todmorden Branch
No.10 held its ninth annual Heroes of Suicide ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 22, in East York.
The ceremony took place to honour first responders and veterans who committed suicide due to Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD) and to raise awareness surrounding the mental health of first responders and those serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.
The event kicked off at 6:30 p.m. with a march along Pape Avenue and ended with a candlelight vigil to remember those who have died and was then followed by a moment of silence.
A number of service members and first responders attended, including from the Canadian Armed Forces, Toronto Police Service, Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Paramedic Services, and the Toronto Transit Commission as well as friends and family.
According to the Canadian
government, the Canadian Armed Forces face a higher risk of suicide compared to non-service members. Between 2012-2021, there was 143 suicided related deaths, according to government statistics.
Also in attendance was Julie Dabsrusin, Liberal MP for Toronto-Danforth, as well as Peter Tabuns, NDP MPP for the Toronto-Danforth region.
According to Dabrusin, who spoke with Beach Metro Community News, events such as Sunday’s ceremony offer support to Canadians suffering from PTSD as well as their families
“I think that events like this help to reduce the stigma and help for us to reinforce that it’s real and that we care as a community for our service members who are suffering from PTSD and that we support their families too,” said Dabrursin.
At the moment, the Canadian government and Veterans Affairs Canada offers several different services aimed at supporting vet-
erans. However, Dabrusin thinks that there is always more that can be done.
“There’s still more work to be done. I think it’s a big issue. First part has been to recognize that it’s an issue and there are already some programs and services that are being put into place,” she said.
“But I’ll never say that there’s enough done. You always have to do more.”
Const. Joel Main, who is a Neighbourhood Community Officer at 55 Division who was also present, said the community support is important with issues such as this one.
“I think supporting events like this and honouring the officers that have fallen before us and to remember them and show respect to them, I think that’s something we can do,” he said.
“The community and police work best when we’re a team. So, when we suffer a loss, the community suffers a loss, when the community suffers a loss, we suffer a loss. We’re in this together.”
Centre 55’s Classic Car Show cancelled for this year
DUE TO ongoing construction work at Bob Acton Park, Community Centre 55’s Classic Car Show slated for this
weekend has been cancelled.
The annual show had originally been planned to take place on Oct. 6 but due to the
construction work and the impact it would have on the vehicles on display, the show has been cancelled.
MCGINNIS
Cadets and members of the TTC Honour Guard take part in the Heroes of Suicide Memorial March and Candlelight Vigil ceremony on the evening of Sunday, Sept. 22. The march and vigil was organized by Royal Canadian Legion Todmorden Branch 10
Management Specialists in Toronto.
Your Real Estate 2255 B Queen Street East #363 - Phone: 647 850 6180 www.ashbridges.ca
Run Myles Ahead set for Oct. 6 in the Beach
‘Run’ from Page 1 collaboratively on systems where children and youth can access the support and services they need, when they need it,” said Kulperger. “Our goal is to equip healthcare workers, families, educators, and communities with the tools to promote mental wellness and resiliency and reduce the risk of suicide.”
One of her organization’s flagship initiatives is SafER Space, a framework and toolkit designed to improve emergency department visits for young people in mental distress. Research shows that for more than half of all young people accessing mental health supports, their first experience is through emergency departments at hospitals, which is a problem because “ERs are not designed for mental health,” said Kulperger. She added that long wait times and other stresses in the ER can exacerbate a
young patient’s distress to the point where they may need to be restrained, which can make things worse.
“Evidence came out in 2020 that shows the risk of suicide actually increases two to eight times if a young person has an adverse mental health experience in the emergency department,” said Kulperger, adding “when you leave emergency there’s no plan for follow-up. There’s a real gap.”
She said the SafER space initiative reimagines the emergency department in terms of the people, the process, the place, the technology, and the services beyond “so there’s a plan in place for support and they do feel the adults around them are really caring and listening.”
Six years after her son’s death, Kulperger said long wait lists and lack of funding remain the biggest challenge when it comes to addressing the mental health of children and young people.
“We’re not valuing the experts and the clinical professionals who are supporting our children, and that’s a problem,” she said. “There aren’t enough clinical psychologists and social workers available to support the number of cases, which we know is just growing and growing.”
“Six months, one year, 18 months, depending on where you live, the wait lists are long, and when your child is needing help, now, those wait lists can feel like a death sentence.”
Run Myles Ahead will raise funds to directly support Myles Ahead’s work in helping create systems-level changes in child and youth mental health by working with partners and government to address gaps in services and resources for children, youth, and their families.
This year’s Run Myles Ahead will feature the return of the Lemonade Stand and
Bad Jokes, hosted by Myles’ cousin, and Baked Goodies, hosted by Myles’ best friend, along with a new arts and crafts area.
Sponsors include Gyro Auto Group, Michelle Walker Team (RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd.), Broadview Psychology, Seeline Group, and Meridian Credit Union.
Local businesses contributing prizes include The Little Kitchen Academy, Fearless Meat, The Running Room, and more. There will also be a silent auction, including four tickets for the Toronto Maple Leafs versus the Buffalo Sabres.
Toronto-Danforth MP Julie Dabrusin is scheduled to participate in the run and deliver opening remarks.
About 120 runners and walkers participated last year. Organizers hope to see about 150 this year and raise $50,000.
To register, please go to www.mylesahead.ca/activities-events/
Poet Jack to amplify voice of city’s young people
‘Shahaddah’ from Page 1 the complexities of adolescence in her work. She has performed at more than 100 events in the city.
“I am deeply honoured to serve as Toronto’s first Youth
Poet Laureate,” said Jack. “Poetry has always been my way of sharing stories that reflect the struggles and joys of young people, especially those from equity deserving communities. I hope to
inspire others to use their voices for change and I look forward to working with the city and community organizations to amplify youth voices through the arts.”
Jack will collaborate with
the City’s Poet Laureate, Lillian Allen, to engage youth in poetry, participate in civic events and create art that reflects the voices and experiences of Toronto’s young people.
SEAN MADIGAN
Sales Representative
By David Van Dyke
The Sept. 17 edition of Deja Views featured the photo at right from a home on Beech Avenue that was taken in the 1970s. The huge oak tree in the driveway had never been hit by a car in the time the Kowalskyj family lived there, said Susan Kowalskyj. The tree is no longer in the driveway, which did make us wonder what exactly happened to it. And now we know.
Beech Avenue resident Brian Floody sent us the above photo from November of 1997 showing that while a car never hit the tree, the tree certainly hit a car. “I thought you might like to see why the ‘driveway tree’ is no longer a parking problem,” wrote Floody in a note to David Van Dyke.
PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE
PHOTO: KOWALSKYJ FAMILY PHOTO
PHOTO: BRIAN FLOODY
Legacy of Christopher Hope celebrated at Dip of Hope swim
By Sam Heffer
ONCE AGAIN this year, a group of more than 35 people gathered on the beach at the foot of Silverbirch Avenue to celebrate the legacy of Beacher, adventurer, and cold water enthusiast Christopher Hope. Chris remains an inspiration for many of us who love the lake, and who dip and swim in it year round as he did.
Last September, his close friend Carlos Yu invited us to meet for a dip in Chris’ honour. Sadly, Chris passed away at age 85 in the summer of 2023. He went for a dip in the ocean near West Vancouver, and never returned.
Christopher inspired all of us to embrace his Morning Dip routine – directly or indirectly.
For several years, he was
a familiar figure walking the short distance from his home to the lake in every kind of weather!
He wore his navy blue bathrobe, sometimes a bathing cap, and his water shoes. It bears repeating that Chris often said, “I am the happiest person alive, because this moment is the happiest moment of my life.”
Gathering to dip and honour Chris’ legacy has become an opportunity for connection and celebration — a meaningful tradition.
As Carlos said: “Even though Chris is no longer with us, his spirit and his commitment to building community remain strong. I’m so grateful that we’re able to carry that forward together… Christopher’s spirit is smiling upon us.”
Chris’ daughter joined us
on the beach and agreed.
“One of Dad’s hobbies was cold water dipping, and he would be so thrilled to see so many people enjoying what he enjoyed and making use of the lake in Toronto…”
Chris used to say, “We have one of the greatest recreational areas in the world along this Boardwalk. This country is beyond belief. It’s got everything everybody ever wanted…Every day is the best day ever!”
And now, it’s 7:40 a.m. and the call goes out on the beach: It’s “Chris Time.” Into the lake we go.
The water isn’t cold yet, but like Chris, we will continue to embrace the lake as the seasons change, reminded by him that “There’s nothing better than right here, right now. This is it!”
Thank you Christopher.
Recital of Gospel of Mark slated for Hope United
THE REV. Dr. Gordon Postill will be reciting the Gospel of Mark in its entirety by memory on Sunday, Oct. 6, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary at Hope United Church (2550 Danforth Ave),
Tickets are $10/senior or student, $15/adult and $25/ family or group. Tickets are available online at either www.Eventbrite.ca or www. HopeUnited.ca, at the door or by reservation at 416-691-
9682. The presentation will be two hours long with a 15-minute intermission.
All proceeds are to support the Let Your Light Shine Campaign to restore the church’s vintage windows.
PHOTO: CARLOS YU
Christopher Hope is shown swimming in Lake Ontario near the foot of Silver Birch Avenue in this photo by his friend Carlos Yu.
Open Doors: Spiritual Matters
Helping others to have the opportunity to be thankful
Rev. AngelA j. Cluney Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church
Irecently took a trip to Chicago to see it in its glory. I admired its beautiful architecture, walked along the water on the famed River Walk, saw my image in the landmark Cloud Gate (the Bean), and tried deep dish pizza.
It was a beautiful city, definitely worth visiting.
When I look back on the trip, I will have a lot of wonderful memories from my time there.
They will make me smile when I am having one of those days when I need a reminder to be thankful for what I have in my life.
One of the experiences that stands out for me is my discoveries at the Chicago Cultural Center on 78 E. Washington St. which reminded me how blessed I am to live the life that I have.
Sometimes we need that gentle nudge to remind us of those blessings. For it is not always this way for many in
our world.
The Cultural Center is filled with exhibits and displays which depict the hardships and realities of life that has affected many over time and continues to daily.
The exhibits I believe are intended as a way of studying the cultural experiences to help us work towards building a better future for all.
We can learn from each other’s experiences if we take the time to learn about each other’s lives, including the life altering ones.
Those times in our lives that we never can fully escape from: including monetary debt, being homeless, fighting hunger or going without a job.
The displays also brought me to faraway places, such as Ukraine and to the nearby alley outside the building. There were depictions of the terror and violence of war, but also that there are wars going on in our own cities, where people are harmed without cause due to societal imbalances.
Some exhibits showed
isolation as families were separated, their only connection a secret phone line in a cemetery.
The pain of being excluded from society due to one’s skin colour, one’s gender or one’s sexual orientation was painted showing the diversity of this world which makes us stronger not weaker. All of these, reminders that we are but one amongst the billions in our world.
I walked away from my time at the Chicago Cultural Center thinking not only about my own blessings, but also how can I be involved in doing more for the causes I learned about there in my very own city of Toronto. My goal as I go into the time of Thanksgiving is to go beyond counting my blessings but by taking time to learn more about my neighbour, my community, my city, my country and my world; so that I can do what I can so that others may also have an opportunity to be thankful just as I do.
-- Rev. Angela J. Cluney is the Minister at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church.
Beach Memories
Indigenous history needs to be better recognized and honoured
gene domAgAlA
Beach Memories
Alittle while ago I was researching a number of historic plaques in the East End that depicted the different places, people and events that shaped the early development of our area.
I then recalled that several years ago I had written an article on historic plaques, similar to what I was working on at this particular time with my recent research.
Then I noted something on all these different plaques – something that should be written about it isn’t.
The plaques were depicting people, events and places going back only 400 years or so ago.
The problem was they represent people from other lands and countries, and there was very little about our original Indigenous people.
Having spoken to many people on my historic walks, there was concern about there not being enough information and recognized history of our Indigenous people even though they had been on the land for thousands of years.
Yes, you could go to the Royal Ontario Museum and see how First Nations people lived and also you could read some history books, but where are the historic plaques in the community devoted to Indigenous history?
I then realized there is an historic plaque dedicated to First Nations people located at the First Nations Ossuary in the neighbourhood of Tabor Hill.
Lions host mushroom-themed meal, talk at The Kingston House
THE TORONTO Beaches Lions Club is hosting a mushroom-themed meal and information night later this month.
Taking place on Oct. 22 at The Kingston House, 676 Kingston Rd., the evening feature a talk on foraging mushrooms by Lions club member Nick Trainos and a mushroom-themed meal at the restaurant.
Cost to attend is $15.
For more information, contact the Toronto Beaches Lions Club at 416-693-5466.
For more on Nick Trainos and wild mushrooms, please
see our story later this week on our website at www. beachmetro.com, or in the Oct. 15 edition of the paper. Blessing of the animals services slated THE CHURCH of St. Aidan (Anglican) in the Beach hosts its Blessing of the Animals service on Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 to noon outside the church. St. Aidan’s is located at 2423 Queen St. E. St. John The Baptist Norway Anglican Church, 470 Woodbine Ave., hosts its Blessing of the Animals service on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 5 p.m. in the parking lot.
It was erected by the Scarborough Historical Society and reads:
“A village inhabited by the early Iroquoian stood on the north bank of Highland Creek Valley about 1250 A.D. This site was excavated by University of Toronto students in 1956. Numerous projectile points, tools, fragments of pipes and globular pottery with simple geometric line decorations were discovered. Inside a palisade, the people of the village dwelt in large multiple family longhouses, constructed of slender poles covered with white slabs of bark. Down the centre of
each house was a long line of fireplaces used for cooking and heating. The inhabitants lived by fishing, hunting and agriculture, growing corn, beans, squash and pumpkins. The bones of their dead were buried in mass graves on a hill top a short distance away east of the village at ‘Tabor Hill’, where two ossuaries containing the remains of 472 individuals were discovered in August 1956.”
With the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation having taken place Sept. 30, this column is dedicated to the First Nations, Inuit and Metis people.
SPEECH LANGUAGE
PATHOLOGIST reg. Casplo
All ages, early language, L.D., articulation, reading, apraxia
Leslie Rennie 647-994-8255 leslierennie@gmail.com
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
Your gateway to connecting with skilled professionals in our community
Interested in advertising your business in our Professional Directory? Contact carolin@beachmetro.com or 416-698-1164 x 22 for rates. Your Professional Directory ad also appears on our website: beachmetro.com
Dashwood & Dashwood
Barristers & Solicitors
Geoffrey J. Dashwood 961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738
Carolyn Dallman Downes Registered Psychotherapist Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Relationships. www.CarolynDallmanDownes.com 416-363-0065
Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd Caring Counselling for Life & Relationship Issues 416-694-0232 www.energyawakening.com Spiritual Counselling
Kriens LaRose, LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants • Accounting services for owner-managed businesses.
• Personal and corporation income tax preparation.
• Audit and consulting services for not-for-profit organizations www.krienslarose.com 416-690-6800
Melani Norman CPA, CMA Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes Call 416-471-0337
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
Snider & DiGregorio
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9 Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca
O’Reilly, Moll & Mian
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Public 300 Main Street 416-690-3324
Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION
Linda Bronicheski, J.D. 47 Main Street (at 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.
QUINN Family Law
KATHRYN WRIGHT
Barrister & Solicitor Family Law & Mediation 416-699-8848 2239 Queen Street East www.kathrynwrightlaw.com kathrynwrightlaw@gmail.com
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
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
Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 2 - 921 Kingston Rd. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca
DR. JOYCE FU
Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Yoga Perinatal & Pediatric Wellness https://jfuchiropractic.janeapp.com/ 1755 Queen St. E. 647-271-9020
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Enjoy spending this holiday with your families.
Nellie’s was one of the first women’s
‘Night’ from Page 1
mate partner violence in Canada.
“The data is stark, and it isn’t an issue of wealth or not wealth as it impacts all communities,” he said. According to statistics from the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, of which Dunlop is a member of the national board, half of all women have experienced at least one form of violence or sexual violence since the age of 16. On a daily basis, there are 3,000 women and 2,500 children living in emergency shelters in Canada trying to escape family violence. Every six days a woman is murdered by an intimate partner. Beach Metro Community News recently spoke with Ingrid Graham, Director of Development and Acting Co-Executive Director of Nellie’s; and Jennifer Burns, Senior Development Officer of Nellie’s; in advance of the Oct. 24 Night Light Walk. (In our Sept. 17 edition, Beach Metro Community News profiled Red Door Family Shelter.)
Started in 1973, Nellie’s was one of the first women’s shelters opened in Toronto. It now serves a dual purpose as a shelter for women and children escaping family violence, and as a shelter for homeless women.
The shelter is named after Canadian feminist Nellie McClung, who was part of the Famous Five group that brought the Persons Case in 1928 and 1929 challenging the assertion that women were not
shelters to open in Toronto
“persons” according to the British North America Act and a ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada.
Vicki Trerise, a 23-year-old law student at the time who was involved with the YWCA’s Stop 158, was instrumental in getting the shelter started back in 1973 and she was a founding board member. At the time there were very few shelter options for women in Toronto.
“She got together with some women from the Y and some women from Interval House (that was the first shelter for women) that
were victims of intimate partner violence and some other women in the community and they formed the Women’s Housing Committee in 1972. In May 1973 they applied for funding from Metro Toronto Social Services and Housing,” said Burns.
“It was to address a problem of young transient women in the city who had nowhere to go. The committee felt they were vulnerable and they needed somewhere to stay that was safe. They were coming to Toronto from all over.”
That was the motivation to start
the shelter, and once it got going Nellie’s saw that it needed to adapt to meet the needs of the women it was actually seeing, said Burns. “It was not only young women but older women leaving abusive relationships. They had nowhere to go so they came to Nellie’s.”
When the shelter first opened in the early 1970s the policy was that it would not admit women with their children. But Nellie’s “very quickly realized they had to, we must, do this as there was such a big need.
Nellie’s has always adapted itself to the needs of the community,” said Burns.
Providing space and support for both women and children became a pillar of what Nellie’s does, and the current 38-bed shelter is very family-friendly with many services and activities for children. The shelter is almost always at capacity, and there are presently 11 children staying at Nellie’s.
“We’re a crisis shelter, we work with women and children who are in emergency situations,” said Burns. “But there’s another part of our work which is empowerment to prevent those situations from happening in the first place. We’re trying to move beyond crisis. We can’t always be in this reactive mode, which is obviously not stopping violence from happening.”
“Every once in a while we’ll get this question as to whether we allow boys in the shelter and of
course we do. We have teenage boys here,” she said. “One of the reasons we have such strong children’s programs is because when the kids, boys and girls, come here some of them are already presenting with issues you have to address if you want to stop the cycle of violence repeating. We have ageappropriate programming for toddlers all the way up to teens. We need them to stay in school, have as much support as possible and address the trauma.”
Graham said the children have often witnessed the violence and abuse taking place in the family before fleeing to the shelter with their mothers, and Nellie’s needs to make sure those boys and girls learn what “healthy relationships” look like.
“We find at Nellie’s that while shelter is our core, we have to do more to help the individuals and that’s why we have so many programs,” said Graham. “While the shelter is what we’re known for I don’t think enough people realize all the other things we do. Those are the other things that impact a woman’s ability to be successful when she leaves a shelter. You still have to have active-care support. We call them wrap-around services and they are there because we hope you don’t come back.”
“It’s really about building the community of care and support
Continued on Page 19
PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON
From left: Ingrid Graham, Director of Development and Acting Co-Executive Director of Nellie’s; Jennifer Burns, Senior Development Officer of Nellie’s; and Chris Dunlop, Broker of Record and Owner of Royal LePage Estate Realty; stand on the Glen Manor Bridge. The bridge is on the route of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Night Light Walk in the Beach on Oct. 24.
Arts & Entertainment
Centennial College’s Story Arts Centre to feature Nuit Blanche exhibitions
By Matthew Stephens
CENTENNIAL COLLEGE’S School of Communications, Media, Arts, and Design is preparing for the 18th annual Nuit Blanche allnight celebration of contemporary art
From Friday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. to Saturday, Oct. 6, at 7 a.m. the Peace Building exhibit at Centennial’s Story Arts Centre, 951 Carlaw Ave., will feature as a multidisciplinary art instillation that explores this year’s Nuit Blanche theme of Bridging the Distance.
By drawing connections between creativity, unity, and change, Peace Building aims to rebuild, heal, and transform its audience through unifying works of art.
down interpersonal barriers to bring about freedom of expression and creativity throughout and beyond the City of Toronto.
On the college’s second floor, The Together Project will take place in the Collaboratorium area and will give audiences a chance to witness Centennial’s fine arts students come together to paint a large mural over the course of the evening.
Themes of unity, collaboration and togetherness will be on full display in one big collaborative work of art.
Eutierria: Becoming One with Nature will be the first time the college features an installation in the building’s centre courtyard. Hosted by theatre students, the series of outdoor performances will explore the relationship between peace and nature while immersing the audience in nature itself.
Centennial College’s Event Coordinator and faculty member John Caffery expressed his excitement for visitors to get involved in this year’s collection of interactive art.
“It’s always a priority that there are opportunities to not just be a spectator, but to participate in the art making and experience ways in which those lines are blurred between artist and visitor,” said Caffery.
In recent years, community engagement has been the cornerstone of Story Arts Centre exhibitions at Nuit Blanche. This year’s overnight installation welcomes visitors to engage and reflect on the ways art breaks
Visitors will experience a range of interactive installations encompassing themes of peace, harmony, and justice; brought to life with iconic works from musicians Sam Cooke and Joni Mitchell, photographer Nan Goldin, and visual artist David Wojnarowicz.
With Peace Building, students, alumni, and staff of Centennial encourage the community to create and contribute to this year’s artistic exhibitions.
Centennial’s Free as a Bird exhibition will be the college’s first time using the library to display interactive artwork. The exhibition involves the creation of more than 1,000 origami doves to be set free above the college, to serve as a metaphoric safe space to land, grow, and peacefully unify.
One by one, doves will be released to amass the skies and circulate the college for the entire 12–hour event.
Say Your Peace is a speaker’s corner project facilitated by Centennial’s journalism and production design students.
The interactive installation gives audiences a chance to voice their opinion about what peace means to them.
Your Voice Matters is a sing-along activity that invites visitors to join music students performing in a live concert that covers 10 distinct songs; each from a different decade within the last 100 years that exemplifies what it means to spread messages of peace throughout history.
Song lyrics will be projected to unify audiences and encourage visitor collaboration.
Since 2006, Toronto’s award-winning overnight art spectacle Nuit Blanche has featured almost 1,600 art installations by approximately 5,800 artists.
The Bridging the Distance theme invites audiences to think about the way they perceive and experience distance. When speaking about the city’s overarching theme and its connection to Centennial College’s installation, Caffery mentioned why this year’s Nuit Blanche stands out. “It is an important time in our world to talk about peace building,” said Caffery. “I think this is a theme and focus that is timely.” For more on Nuit Blanche, go to https://bit.ly/3zow8s5
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
One of the origami doves making up the Centennial College - Story Arts Centre’s Nuit Blanche exhibit Free as a Bird.
Support of community appreciated
‘Nellie’s’ from Page 17 around the residents,” said Burns.
When a woman fleeing violence in the home arrives at Nellie’s, they are assigned a worker to help them with housing, assistance at school for their children, court and other needs.
The housing situation in Toronto makes finding a safe and affordable place for the women and their children to move into once they are ready to leave the shelter a major challenge, said Graham, and that is resulting in long stays for some families.
“We’re a home and we’re becoming a home for families for a very long time. The average length of stay at Nellie’s is almost pushing four months, and we have families here past six months,” she said.
“Women and children should not be staying here past three months. But we live in the City of Toronto where housing is very difficult. If a woman comes in with two or three children, trying to find safe, affordable housing is very difficult,” said Graham.
“A lot of the women and children who come to Nellie’s are not only victims of domestic abuse, but it’s domestic abuse in all its forms such as financial abuse. Some of their partners have all of their documents. It takes time to get documentation and without documentation you can’t rent an apartment, you can’t apply for services. There are a lot of things that make finding a home very difficult. If you want subsidized housing, the wait list for that at times is more than 10 years. Our housing workers do work to help women gain housing in just the regular market. But a lot of our clients also qualify for special assistance. There’s lots of reasons why, but it’s Toronto and the GTA in general. It’s expensive.”
Nellie’s receives funding from the Ontario Ministry of Children and Community So-
cial Services to run its shelter for women and children fleeing intimate partner violence. The homeless women’s shelter receives funding from the City of Toronto and clients are referred to it through the city’s shelter program. Nellie’s also receives some funding from the United Way of Greater Toronto, but that money goes towards its community programs and not the shelter specifically.
This year Nellie’s has a fundraising goal of $1,050,000, said Graham.
The Royal LePage Shelter Foundation Night Light Walk in the Beach is one of the ways to help not only with fundraising directly but in raising awareness about the work Nellie’s does, she said.
“As a small organization, and Nellie’s is a small organization, we could never mount anything like the walk ourselves. To have a national organization as well as their local team wrap themselves around this organization allows us to communicate our message to the community.”
Burns said working with Dunlop and the team of agents at Royal LePage Estate Realty on the walk has been inspiring.
“Royal LePage and especially Estate Realty and Chris Dunlop, they’ve been working with Nellie’s for so long. From a fundraising point, they are the easiest group to work with because they don’t ask, they just do. They are wonderful to work with and they want to better their community,” said Graham. “It’s great that they’ve chose to support east end Toronto organizations with the walk… They help put roofs over the heads of lots people but they also recognize that there’s a group of people who need some help.”
Burns said intimate partner violence happens in isolation and an event such as the walk brings it out into the open.
“It happens in our commu-
nity, and the solution is community. Bringing us together as a community to raise awareness and hold a light to this is so important, and we could not do it alone.”
The walk will also help to break the stigma of intimate partner violence and abuse that many victims feel, said Graham. “The more people who talk about it and spread awareness, the less stigma there is if you yourself are dealing with it.”
The theme of Nellie’s 50th anniversary is Moving Forward, said Graham, and the walk fits into that philosophy of putting one foot in front of the other to keep on going to a better place. “This walk in a way moves forward. We certainly can’t go backwards, but we need a group of people to help move us forward and hopefully one day these type of events will be something of the past. But until that day we need organizations to help get the message out and also to help us fundraise.”
Graham and Burns said Nellie’s is appreciative of the support of the Night Light Walk by Beach residents.
“People in the Beaches know of all the issues that affect the city,” said Graham. “Violence doesn’t distinguish between socioeconomics or education. It’s everywhere. It’s behind all those doors. People in the Beaches should know there are organizations within their own neighbourhoods that support women and children. Any support they give us will help their neighbours and make for a better city.”
“We’re part of the community and I’m sure, like us, you want to build a better community,” added Burns. “Let’s build that bridge from where we are now to where we all want to be; where women and children can live free from violence, homelessness and oppression.”
For more information on Nellie’s, please go to www. nellies.org
Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra concert slated
By Aunalya Turner
THE SCARBOROUGH
Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) plans to host a special evening celebration Friday, Oct. 4, at the Scarborough Bluffs United Church.
The concert will celebrate the SPO’s 45th anniversary, and the 10th anniversary of the founding of the Odin Quartet. Members of the Odin Quartet are Alex Toskov, Tanya Charles, Matthew Antal and Samuel Bisson.
Doors open for the concert at 7:30 p.m. and will feature quartets from the Romantic period of chamber music, in addition to new listenable string quartet compositions.
For tickets, go to https:// spo.ca/event/odin-quartet
illness. He is survived by his wife Valerie. He had lived in the Upper Beach all his life. He was well known throughout his neighbourhood by his old blue truck, interesting front yard items and his own creative artwork most often made on or out of old scrapped boards. Roland liked comic book characters which were often reflected in his art. He was a regular visitor to the Main Street Library where he researched different subjects that he would apply in his art. One of his more prominent pieces stands outside his house, a replica of the spire of St. Saviour’s Anglican Church. Roland was a well known neighbourhood handyman who busied himself doing various jobs for many in the area. He was a kind hearted fellow who was always ready to lend a helping hand.
Rest in peace Rolly.
beRnie FletCheR
On Monday night (Sept. 30), Murdoch Mysteries premiered Season 18 on Gem. (Full CBC premiere will be Oct. 7.) To celebrate the upcoming 300th episode, here’s a look back at just a few of the colourful characters and events from the CBC series.
The writers cleverly weave famous people of the late 19th and early 20th century into fictional stories.
When I spoke to Thomas Craig (“Inspector Brackenreid”), he mentioned that he learned a lot about Toronto history. The episode Great Balls of Fire included archival newsreel footage from the Great Toronto Fire of 1904, possibly the oldest surviving film about our city.
Elementary my Dear
Murdoch
At right, Det. William Murdoch (played by Yannick Bisson) prepares to take flight in an episode of Murdoch Mysteries. The popular show premiered its 18th season on the night of Sept. 30.
Toronto and Murdoch seeks his help in solving a murder.
The author really did visit our city on a speaking tour to deliver a lecture at the newly-built Massey Hall on Nov. 26, 1894.
opinion.”
dressed like a man and later confessed to the crime but was acquitted. One of her attorneys was W. G. Murdoch! Real or Reel History?
Detective Murdoch may be a genius, but his Murdoch Air flying machine jaunt over Toronto in 1900 is a pure flight of fancy.
At the turn of the century, Orville and Wilbur Wright were still flying gliders.
If you are strolling along the Boardwalk one day, stop and check out the historical plaque that marks the site of the Scarboro Beach Amusement Park (1907-1925). It reads in part:
“The first public exhibition flights in Canada were made here by Charles Willard in September 1909. The Amusement Park closed on Sept. 12, 1925.”
William Murdoch is a genius detective, a man ahead of his time with his keen observations, brilliant deductions and amazing inventions. He’s our Sherlock Holmes, the famous fictional sleuth created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
In a Season 1 episode, Doyle himself comes to
In October 1894, Toronto the Good was shocked by the sensational Parkdale Mystery murder of a young man at his front door. The Toronto World newspaper sent a message to Doyle asking for his advice. From Chicago the author wrote back, “I shall read the case, but you can realize how impossible it is for an outsider who is ignorant of local conditions to offer an
Doyle thought “it was a strangely absorbing mystery”, but told a reporter that he was the last man in the world to offer solutions in murder mysteries because in the Holmes stories he always had his solutions ready-made before he started to write and constructed his narration backward from that point.
Fiction writers “were not good judges of evidence because they create facts to suit themselves whereas detectives have to take them as they were”.
The actual Parkdale Mystery killer, Clara Ford, had
Willard flew out over the lake for about five minutes. When he tried to land on the sandy beach, there were throngs of spectators and he had to ditch his Golden Flyer aeroplane in the lake.
In the late 1800s the Beach was mostly a resort community with a number of amusement parks, including Victoria Park (1878-1906) which Murdoch visits in one episode. The park is now the Continued on Page 21
Show is a fun look at city’s history
‘Murdoch’ from Page 20
site of the R.C. Harris Filtration Plant. Nearby Munro Park (1896-1906) showed moving pictures as early as 1900.
Colour Blind
After Scarboro Beach Park closed in 1925, new homes and streets were built. Hubbard Boulevard. was named after Frederick L. Hubbard, a pioneer of public transit.
His father, William Peyton Hubbard (1842-1935), was the first Black politician elected to office in Toronto (Season 9).
His parents escaped from slavery via the Underground Railway. He petitioned the province for Toronto’s legal right to acquire land for city parks. When Riverdale’s Hubbard Park opened in 2016 on Gerrard Street East. near his Broadview Avenue home, Toronto-Danforth
Councillor Paula Fletcher said that “it’s very exciting to have living history.”
Other authors who became murder suspects for Station House #4 in Murdoch Mysteries included Mark Twain (played by Wil-
liam Shatner trekking back in time) and Bram Stoker, famous for writing the Gothic horror novel Dracula in 1897. In Season 4 (set in 1898) Constable George Crabtree believes vampires may be on the loose! Stoker really did work in Toronto as a stage manager for a touring theatre company and reportedly went tobogganing at Riverdale Park.
Buffalo Bill and Annie Oakley did bring their Wild West Show to Woodbine Race Course and also fished near Ashbridges Bay.
There’s Something about Mary Murdoch investigates the suspicious death of a stage manager (no, it wasn’t Bram Stoker) after a going-away party for Mary Pickford.
The silent movie star was born Gladys Smith in Toronto in 1892 and did perform at the Royal Alexandra Theatre in 1909.
One fascinating Toronto story is about Florence Nightingale Holmes who seemed destined for a career in nursing, but dropped out of nursing school here and later headed to New York
City where she became Elizabeth Arden, cosmetics magnate and one of the wealthiest entrepreneurs in the world.
In Season 12 Crabtree talks to her about facial creams for burns…an “aha” moment for Holmes (not Sherlock)!
Crabtree isn’t the best at giving advice. He tries to convince Lucy Maude Montgomery to make Anne of Green Gables a boy! The author did live in Toronto in her later years.
Sorry, Frank Lloyd Wright didn’t design any buildings in Toronto. The home of William and Julia is actually in Hamilton with interiors filmed at the studio backlot in Scarborough near St. Clair and Warden avenues.
It is an amusing conceit of the series that almost every famous person in the western world crosses paths with William Murdoch. (Watch free on CBC Gem.) The writers often have their tongues firmly in cheek, but it is fun to look back at some of the events that formed our city. Who says history is boring!
Historical society to host talk on Norman Jewison
AUTHOR IRA Wells will present a heritage talk for The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society on Oct. 16. From 7 to 8:15 p.m., Wells will talk about his book Nor-
man Jewison, A Directors Life, at the Beaches Sandbox. (2181 Queen St. E.) Admission is free and all are welcome. The book was released in 2021, prior to Jewison’s
death in January of 2024. According to his own autobiography, Jewison has many “fond memories of growing up in the Beach.” For more info, visit www.tbeths.com
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