Beach Metro Community News October 29, 2024

Murdoch Mysteries fundraiser for Beach Metro News planned

FANS OF local journalism and the hit television show Murdoch Mysteries are in for a special treat on Monday, Nov. 25.

The executive board of Beach Metro Community News and the members of the Balmy Beach Club are hosting An Evening with Inspector Brackenreid in support of the Beach Metro Community News, with proceeds directly benefiting and sustaining the publication’s commitment to serving the community.

The event kicks off with a cocktail reception from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. where guests will be treated to a specialty drink and appetizers, with a cash bar available throughout the evening. A screening of the holiday episode of Murdoch Mysteries will follow at 7:30 p.m., culminating in a Q&A with local Beach resident Thomas Craig who plays Inspector Brackenreid, moderated by award-winning CBC journalist and fellow Beacher Mark Kelley.

Now in its 18th season, Murdoch Mysteries continues to be an international hit, reaching audiences across Canada and beyond.

Craig’s portrayal of Inspector Brackenreid has been a fan favourite on the show from the start. His wit and no-nonsense approach to policing have made him an iconic

Continued on Page 4

Halloween fun, food and frights

There were lots of fun

Beaches Santa Claus Parade set for afternoon of Nov. 17

THE BEACHES Santa Claus Parade will be taking place along Kingston Road on the afternoon of Sunday, Nov. 17.

Queen and Lee proposal approved despite developer seeking deferral

By Alan Shackleton

The parade starts at 1 p.m. on Nov. 17 at Kingston Road and Victoria Park Avenue. For more info, go to www.centre55.com/beachessanta-claus-parade

Sponsors and volunteers are now being sought by parade organizers Community Centre 55. The parade also marks the start of fundraising for Community Centre 55’s Share a Christmas program that helps out families in need over the holidays.

THE NEXT steps regarding a development plan to build a six-storey mixed-use building including condominium residences and a large grocery store on the northwest

corner of Lee Avenue and Queen Street East in the Beach seem unclear after the applicant asked for a deferral to the project’s approval at a meeting of Toronto and East York Community Council last week.

The proposal, by Crombie REIT

and Sobey’s Inc., was seeking to replace the existing two-storey building that includes the Foodland grocery store and two other buildings to the west with the new development. The proposed condo would

Continued on Page 5

PHOTOS: CATHERINE MWITTA

at the Beaches Recreation Centre

Festival. Photo top left, Suzanna and George Tatsis were in costume at Variety Village on

Photo top right, Hannah White-Halliwell and Reid Milley visited the Fear Factory on Saturday. Photo above left, members of

Fear Factory haunted house team helped make the event a success. Photo above right, Johnny and Mason Williams and Saul and Miguel Pichardo enjoy

Local Remembrance Day ceremonies set for Nov. 11

REMEMBRANCE DAY ceremonies are being planned for the Beach, East York and southwest Scarborough on the morning of Monday, Nov. 11.

The Beach ceremony is at the Kew Gardens cenotaph on Queen Street East. The ceremony begins with a parade of veterans from Corpus Christi Church on Lockwood Road at approximately 10:30 a.m. to Kew Gardens.

The official ceremony at the cenotaph starts at 10:55 a.m.

In East York, the ceremony takes place at the East York Civic Centre’s Memorial Gardens, 850 Coxwell Ave., starting at 10:45 a.m.

There will also be a march of veterans and Royal Canadian Legion members south on Coxwell Avenue to the Memorial Gardens as part of the East York ceremony.

Southwest Scarborough residents can observe Remembrance Day at the Scarborough War Memorial cenotaph, located at the meeting point of Kingston Road and Danforth Avenue, beginning at 10:45 a.m.

Shelley Lyons, President of Royal Canadian Legion Baron Byng Branch 1/42 on Coxwell Avenue, said resi-

From left, Shelley Lyons, President of Royal Canadian Legion Baron Byng Branch 1/42; Margot Rockett, maker of the door poppies; and Kim Monckton, Second Vice President of Branch 1/42, show some of Rockett’s large tissue paper door poppies while standing in front of the Branch’s cenotaph on Coxwell Avenue. For the fifth year in a row, Rockett is selling the door poppies to raise funds for the Legion Branch Poppy Fund.

dents are welcome to join Branch members at a luncheon and ceremony after the Kew Gardens service on Nov. 11.

“Everyone is welcome to attend, and Community Centre 55 helps organize it,” said Lyons.

Branch 1/42 is located at 243 Coxwell Ave.

East Toronto residents are also reminded that members of local Royal Canadian Le-

gion branches are now selling poppies with proceeds going to the Poppy Fund that helps veterans and their families who are in need.

Also, Beach resident Margot Rockett is once again selling her popular door poppies for Remembrance Day. Proceeds from the sale of the large tissue paper door poppies will go to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 1/42 on Coxwell Avenue.

The cost is a donation to the Legion Branch Poppy Fund. “People love them, they are handmade and I’m staying up late making them because I believe it’s important to remember and raise funds for the Legion,” said Rockett who is in her fifth year of making the door poppies locally.

Her door poppies are being sold under licence from the Royal Canadian Legion. The Poppy Design is a trademark of the Royal Canadian Legion (Dominion Command) and is used under licence.

Lyons said proceeds from the sale of poppies, including Rockett’s door poppies, go to support a number of programs aimed at helping local veterans and their families. Some of those programs include support for veterans facing homelessness, service dogs for those dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and donations to veteran’s homes and care facilities to name but a few, said Lyons.

This year, Rockett is making 500 of the door poppies, so those wishing one are asked to contact her as soon as possible by email at doorpoppies@gmail.com

Rock With Love honours legacy of Sarah McComb

By Matthew Stephens

EACH YEAR, cancer takes the lives of thousands across the country. For Katie McComb and her family, honouring their mother Sarah’s memory and raising money for cancer research is what makes the Rock With Love charity event such an important part of the Beach community.

“We were trying to think of a good way to bring people together and really celebrate her life,” said Katie. “We wanted to make a big impact because she was such an amazing person.”

At 7 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9, the Rock With Love char-

ity organization will host its third annual benefit concert at The Opera House, 735 Queen St. E.

As a member of the planning committee, Katie hopes the lively nature of the event will inspire visitors to celebrate her mother’s life without brooding over the negative impacts of cancer.

“It’s a celebration and a party, rather than a sad outlook on what cancer does and the impact that it has,” said Katie.

In honour of Sarah McComb, the charity event will be a celebration of her life and impact on the Beach community and beyond.

Tickets are $66 plus tax for ages 19-30, and $200 for general admission. General admission purchasers will receive a $150 tax-break receipt at the end of the event, and all proceeds will support cancer research at St. Michael’s Hospital. Tickets can be purchased on Live Nation or by clicking the link on Rock With Love’s Instagram bio.

The concert will feature live music from an undisclosed but well-known cover band in the city. Visitors will have to attend the event to find out who.

Hosting the event at The Opera House has become a staple for Rock With Love – one that Katie hopes will continue in future years.

“The Opera House holds such a special place in our

hearts. It was our first venue, and it turned out so successful. It’s just a perfect place,” said Katie.

Established the same year as her passing, the Rock with Love charity event has raised more than $500,000 for the Sarah McComb Fund at St. Michael’s Hospital.

“Rock With Love is so im-

pactful in the fact that cancer really touches everyone. We can all join together and raise money for cancer research,” said Katie. “In honour of my mom, it’s really special. Although my mom had cancer and she’s gone now, she still gets to keep having this impact to help other people in the future.”

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

The Rock With Love fundraiser in memory of Beach resident Sarah McComb will take place on Saturday, Nov. 9, at The Opera House on Queen Street East.

Family that saw Kippendavie home destroyed by fire says thank you for support of ‘incredible neighbours’

THE FAMILY that saw their home on Kippendavie Avenue destroyed earlier this month in a house fire are saying thank you for the support they have received from the community.

The fire at the home on Kippendavie Avenue, just south of Queen Street East, broke out at approximately 3:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 18. No one was injured in the fire as all the residents were able to get out safely.

However, the home where the fire started was destroyed and two other homes were damaged.

Leslie Wilson said in a note to Beach Metro Community News this week that her family is grateful for the support they have been shown since this devastating fire took place.

“To say we are overwhelmed by the love and support we have received would be an understatement,” she wrote.

“We knew we lived in a special place here in the Beach, but it is not an exaggeration to say that the reason we are able to keep going in this moment is because of our incredible neighbours and the Kew Beach school community.

“We have had so many offers of support, from clothes, books and toys for the kids, to dog walks to places to stay, to so many hugs and kind words. Our insurance agent was with us at the house last week and saw first hand how wonderful the community is and said he had never in his life seen such a response from neighbours like the one we have had here.

“The emergency response was far and away the most heroic I’ve ever witnessed.

The sheer number of firefighters who worked tirelessly over more than 30 hours to make sure the fire was out and everyone was safe. The police and para-

medics were extremely kind and helped us with blankets and access to a phone and a warm place to wait.

“In our darkest hour we felt that people truly cared about us and I will be forever grateful.

“While we are reeling from this experience, we see so much light at the end of the tunnel knowing that we are surrounded by a caring, kind and loving community.

“This place is more than special and as we rebuild we will absolutely be staying as close as we can — this place is home and we look forward to being part of the community for many years to come and for the chance to support our neighbours in any way we can should they ever need it.

“Much love to all. It is so life affirming to know that Toronto is more than gridlock and bad news! There is so much heart in our people!”

“I have been an advertiser with Beach Metro for over 25 years. The paper has contributed greatly to my success in this area. Because of Beach Metro I have gained a fantastic customer base.”

Declan O’Meara, Master Electrician

If you wish to increase your business presence in the Beach, Leslieville, South Scarborough and East Danforth, the Beach Metro classifieds are an excellent option! We’ve been the gold standard for 50 years.

For more information, contact Carolin Schmidt at carolin@beachmetro.com

‘Renoviction’ bylaw for Toronto moving closer to final approval

By Amarachi Amadike

THE CITY of Toronto’s Protection of Affordable Rental Housing Subcommittee was created in 2019, but there appeared to be a lack of progress in handling the increasing number of renovictions city residents were experiencing.

This changed after Toronto councillors decided to adopt a Hamilton-style strategy in their battle against unlawful evictions following the neighbouring municipality’s successful campaign to do so.

unit must be vacant in order to undertake renovations or repairs.

With Toronto having no rental vacancy protection in place as a result of decisions made by the provincial government, landlords can then increase a unit’s rental cost once new tenants take over.

This has resulted in the displacement of many tenants across the city as well as the permanent loss of affordable market rental housing.

architect or engineer report which confirms that the home must be vacant for work to proceed.

Landlords would also be required to provide tenant accommodation or a compensation plan which includes moving costs.

“Protecting affordable, rent-controlled units that are the target for renovictions is a major step for our city and shows we can be a leader, not just in building housing, but in protecting the affordable housing we have,” said Fletcher.

In February, Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher (along with Scarborough Southwest Councillor Parthi Kandavel, Eglinton-Lawrence Councillor Mike Colle, and York South-Weston Councillor Frances Nunziata) proposed that the Planning and Housing Committee look into the feasibility of following Hamilton’s footsteps with their strategy for controlling “renovictions” and protecting tenants.

On Wednesday, Oct. 30, eight months after the proposal was introduced to council, Toronto’s Planning and Housing Committee will consider the approval of city staff’s renovictions bylaw which would come into effect on July 31, 2025 if given the green light.

“This is a milestone in our city,” said Fletcher in an Oct. 23 statement.

“Profit-driven renovictions reduce our supply of affordable housing, displace tenants and drive up the price of housing.”

According to the City of Toronto, a renoviction is when a tenant gets evicted due to a landlord’s false claim that a

According to Toronto’s HousingTO 2020-2030 Action Plan progress report, the city’s affordable housing stock has been on a steady decline with only one unit being built for every 18 affordable housing units lost.

“We will never get those affordable units back once they’re gone,” said Don Valley Community Legal Services Community Development Worker Laura Anonen.

“We’ve seen clients lose their homes and tenants displaced from their communities. This renovictions bylaw will make a huge difference for renters across Toronto.”

Once implemented, the new renoviction bylaw will require landlord’s issuing an N13 Eviction Notice to obtain a ‘Renovation Licence’ from the City of Toronto which will cost $700 (plus Harmonized Sales Tax) per each rental unit.

The cost of this licence will be adjusted yearly to keep up with inflation rates.

In order to acquire a renovation licence, landlords must first get an approved building permit as well as an

The City of Toronto’s 2025 budget is now expected to include funding for a communications strategy that includes a multilingual public education campaign for Toronto tenants and landlords, ensuring all parties are aware of the changes and the new renoviction bylaw.

City staff have been directed to present a status update to Toronto Council on the implementation of the Rental Renovation Licence bylaw by July 31, 2027.

According to the city, this status update would include information on “the number of licences issued, tenant inquiries received, enforcement actions taken, communications strategies implemented, and recommendations for any amendments to the by-law”.

In the meantime, however, city staff’s report on the bylaw’s implementation will go to the Planning and Housing Committee on Wednesday, Oct. 30 before being presented at full Toronto Council on Wednesday, Nov. 13, for a final decision.

An Evening with Inspector Brackenreid set for Nov. 25

‘Murdoch’ from Page 1

character in Canadian television.

This fundraising event is a rare opportunity to hear behind-the-scenes stories and interact with the actor. Tickets to the fundraiser are $65 plus HST and include a donation to the paper, event admittance, one cocktail, and appetizers.

The event will also feature a silent auction, with all proceeds going towards supporting Beach Metro Community News’ journalism and ensuring the continued operation of our free, community-focused newspaper.

“The Balmy Beach Club is thrilled to support our community newspaper, which continues to cover our sports stories — from our winning rugby teams to our Olympic paddlers,” said Lisa Lamb, General Manager of the Balmy Beach Club.

in a real-world setting. Through mentorship, interns and students not only learn about journalistic ethics, storytelling, and visual media but also gain valuable insight into how local news impacts the community. This focus on fostering young professionals ensures that local journalism will continue to thrive, with fresh voices and new perspectives shaping the stories that matter to the community.

According to a report from Toronto Metropolitan University’s Local News Research Project, more than 450 local news outlets have shut down across Canada since 2008, with the majority being community newspapers.

As a community-driven publication, Beach Metro Community News is committed to nurturing the next generation of media professionals. By providing handson experience, the newsroom offers young talent opportunities to develop their skills

“Thanks to local advertisers, volunteers, and our supportive readers, as well as government programs, Beach Metro remains a strong voice for the community,” said Mary Beth Denomy, President of the Beach Metro Board of Directors. To purchase tickets, please call the Balmy Beach Club at 416-691-9962 ext. 5 and provide your credit card details.

Beach resident Thomas Craig plays the role of Inspector Thomas Brackenreid in Murdoch Mysteries.

An Evening with Inspector Brackenreid in support of Beach Metro Community News will be held on Monday, Nov. 25, at the Balmy Beach Club.

Amroth Avenue ‘missing middle’ plan to be discussed

By Amarachi Amadike TORONTO’S PLANNING and Housing Committee

will host a Public Meeting to discuss a city-initiated residential development at 72 Amroth Ave. on Wednesday, Oct. 30, at 9:30 a.m. at Toronto City Hall.

CreateTO, a City of Toronto agency, is proposing the amendment of the Official Plan and Zoning Bylaw in order to build a six-storey building fronting on Amroth Avenue (southeast of Woodbine and Danforth avenues).

The proposal also includes two three-storey stacked townhouse buildings that will be built behind the larger development, fronting a central landscaped courtyard.

Together, the buildings will provide 34 additional residential units to the neighbourhood comprising 28 units in the larger build-

ing, and six units in the townhouses.

The larger of the townhouses will have two twobedroom units and two more three-bedroom units, while the smaller townhouse will be made up of one one-bedroom unit and one three-bedroom unit.

There will be 39 bicycle parking spaces available to tenants. However, there so far appears to be no plans for vehicle parking in the proposal. The project is part of the City’s Expanding Housing Options in Neighbourhoods (EHON) initiative which aims to diversify Toronto’s housing options by creating more opportunities for “missing middle” housing across the city. Missing middle refers to low-rise buildings with multiple units ranging from a single-family home to a mid-rise apartment building.

These housing types have

historically been scarce in Beaches-East York. In 2023, Toronto Council allocated 72 Amroth Ave. to the BeachesEast York (BEY) Pilot Project which focuses on residential building on city-owned land.

Officials hope that this development will serve as a demonstration project that can be replicated in other parts of the city.

Following the Oct. 30 meeting (which will take place in Committee Room 1 at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.), the Planning and Housing Committee will make recommendations on the project before forwarding it to Toronto Council for final considerations.

For more information, contact Community Planner Sean Guenther at Sean. Guenther@toronto.ca or CreateTO’s Manager of Community Engagement AshaKeyf Dahir at adahir@createto.ca

Councillor Bradford calls request for a deferral ‘disrespectful’

‘Queen’

from Page 1

feature 60 residential units and significantly increase the size of the grocery store at street level.

Since it conformed to most city rules, including the Queen Street East Urban Design Guidelines, the project was essentially “as-of-right” and its approval was pretty much a foregone conclusion going into Community Council’s Public Meeting regarding the proposal on the morning of Thursday, Oct. 24, at Toronto City Hall.

The proposal was indeed approved by Community Council, but it turned out that was not what the developer wanted to happen after all.

Instead, during a deputation at the start of the Public Meeting the applicant asked for a deferral of the project for a number of reasons including that it wanted more time to work with city staff to address the community’s expressed concerns for more parking for grocery store customers.

“The intent behind our deferral request is to allow us to have more time to work with staff to improve the proposal,” said Hailey McWilliam, Senior Planner at Bousefields on behalf of the applicant. “We want to be confident that we are bringing forward a project that is viable.”

She said an approval at Thursday’s meeting of a project that was not “feasible” for the applicant at that time would be unhelpful and instead asked for the de-

ferral as it “would make the most sense.”

Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford was visibly irritated by the request and during the meeting asked McWilliam a number of pointed questions as to why the applicant was now calling for a deferral so late in the process.

Given that the City of Toronto is bound by the provincial government’s Bill 23 to move through development proposals in a very short time frame, he pointed out that planning staff had worked extremely hard to meet that deadline including holding a virtual Community Consultation Meeting on the project on the evening of Sept. 16 after only officially receiving the application in June of this year.

“Are you suggesting that you guys made an application that’s not viable?” Bradford asked McWilliam.

She said that given a number of iterations of the project, “the owners have been continuing to do the math” and the numbers were no longer working.

Bradford asked McWilliam when the owners did that math since the proposal had seemed on track until before last Thursday’s meeting.

“Why didn’t you do the math before you put in the application?” he said.

The owners had recently been reviewing a number of issues including construction costs, market rates and other items, she said.

In a statement sent to

Beach Metro Community News after Thursday’s meeting, Bradford said he was disappointed by the applicant’s request for the deferral.

“I was disappointed when the developer spoke up at the meeting to request a deferral so they could revise the project – which could involve changes to the height or the number of units,” he said in the statement.

“I was not willing to support this request to defer, as I found it disrespectful to the community who had taken the time to share their thoughts at the public consultation, and to the city staff who reviewed this project expediently. This approval still needs to be confirmed by City Council at our November meeting. If approved, I look forward to hearing from the developer whether they intend to proceed with this project as-is or if they will hold off. Any changes to the approved plan would involve additional community engagement.”

In an extremely brief interview immediately after Thursday’s meeting at City Hall, McWilliam told Beach Metro Community News that the project is still on track. “No, it’s not being pulled. We’re just going to keep working on it,” she said.

Beach Metro Community News is in the process of reaching out to the applicant for further clarification on the proposal given its location in the “heart of the Beach” and its importance to so many residents.

Sacrifice of soldiers remembered as Nov. 11 nears

Gene DomaGala Beach Memories

While walking through St. John’s Norway Cemetery near our War Veterans’ section a thought came to me about Remembrance Day approaching soon.

We recall all the different ways and Peacekeeping events that our fallen were engaged in, but there was something different and perhaps overlooked while I gazed upon the gravestones.

Then it struck me there was something there inscribed on some of the gravestones of our fallen heroes.

Words that were put there from the family and relatives and friends of the veterans. I thought we recall the name but do not put down the written feelings or what regiment or where they worked at so I thought let’s write down some of these words or phrases on some of these gravestones.

Let us first write about the monument in the middle of the soldiers’ grave site at St. John’s Norway Cemetery.

It reads:

Designed and erected to the memory of our departed comrades resting here

By the members of BRANCHES

1-42-93-299-321-331

Comprizing zone D-G

Royal Canadian Military SEPT 1967 We Shall Remember Them

EAST DANFORTH, GERRARD INDIA BAZAAR, LESLIEVILLE AND UPPER BEACH

2196 Gerrard St. E., Toronto,

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

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NEXT ISSUE: Tuesday, November 12, 2024

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VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE: Mary Beth Denomy, Desmond Brown, David Morrow, Doug Black Tim Doyle, Sheila Blinoff

These are some of the companies, regiments, naval and land forces that are recognized on the grave markers in the War Veterans’ section.

• Royal Regiment of Canada

• R.C.N.R . H.M.S - Carleton

• Toronto Scottish Regiment

• Canadian Women - Army Corps

• Royal Canadian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers

• Queen’s Own Rifles

• R.C.A.F.

• Royal Canadian Dragoons

• Royal Canadian Signal Corps

• Veterans’ Guard of Canada

• Canadian Forestry Corps

• 42 Wing R.C.A

• Canadian Railway Troop

• Canadian Army Service Corp

• Canadian Field Artillery

These are some of the inscriptions left by friends and family members on the tombstones:

“I love you more than yesterday less than tomorrow.”

“Someday we’ll understand.”

“Peace will be this sleep.”

“To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die.”

“God be with you Daddy Dear.”

“Till we meet again, Beloved by all.”

“Thy last sleep free from care.”

“Peace Perfect Peace.”

“To rest to wake, Not again to Labour”.

“Blessed are the Peace in Heart.

They shall see God.”

“He gave his life to save his comrades.”

“Until the Day breaks.”

“Soldiers now of Christ the Great

King of Kings.”

“Where the dawn breaks and the shadows fly away.”

“Fondly remembered by Family in Scotland.”

These are just some of the different parts of our armed services inscriptions showing that they are being remembered by friends, relatives and family.

Let us remember they gave their time, life and honour for their country and they were and are a part of our community in the Beach and East End.

To all of you in the soldiers area, R.I.P - People of the BEACH!

A reminder that Remembrance Day services in the Beach are set for 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Beach cenotaph in Kew Gardens on Queen Street East.

PHOTO: SUSAN LEGGE

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

The 25th anniversary of the incorporation of the condo at 1797 Queen St. E. was celebrated on Oct. 19. On hand were (from left) Tanveer Shahnawaz, representing Beaches-East York MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith; Ginette Purser, president of the condo board; Anne Paynter, condo resident; and Beaches-East York MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon.

More than $50,000 raised at Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Night Light Walk

By Erin Horrocks-Pope

ON THE evening of Oct. 24, Kew Gardens in the Beach became a beacon of hope as community members gathered for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Night Light Walk.

The three-kilometre fundraising walk was in support of Nellie’s Shelter and the Red Door Family Shelter, both vital local resources for women and children escaping domestic violence.

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow kicked off the evening with a heartfelt speech, sharing her personal experiences with domestic violence. Her presence underscored the event’s significance, especially following a recent city council declaration recognizing gender-based and intimate partner violence as an epidemic in Toronto.

“A home is only a home if it’s a safe place to live,” noted Chris Dunlop, Broker of Record and Owner of Royal LePage Estate Realty in the Beach, who organized the local walk. He emphasized the need for community support in addressing this critical issue.

The event attracted a diverse and excited crowd of local residents, advocates, and leaders committed to shining a light on the realities of intimate partner violence.

Scarborough Southwest Councillor Parthi Kandavel and Mitzie Hunter, former Ontario Liberal MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood and current President and CEO of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, were also in attendance at the walk.

Marissa Andersson, Board Chair for Red Door Family

A cheque for more than $50,000 was presented to representatives from Red Door Family Shelter and Nellie’s at the Royal LePage Shelter Foundations Night Light Walk in the Beach on Thursday, Oct. 24. On hand for the presentation were (from left) Philip Soper, President and CEO of Royal LePage; Marissa Andersson, Board Chair for Red Door Family Shelter; Ingrid Graham, co-Executive Director at Nellie’s; and Chris Dunlop, Broker of Record and Owner of Royal LePage Estate Realty in the Beach.

Shelter, expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation. “We are so grateful for all its work in helping raise money and awareness for women experiencing gender-based violence and families really feeling the brunt of the housing crisis in Toronto,” she said.

The need for such events is underscored by alarming statistics. According to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, 44 per cent of women in Canada have experienced intimate partner violence at least once in their lives.

Caitlin FitzGerald, manager of community engagement at Red Door Family Shelter, said to this point, “We are all connected, either directly or indirectly, to gender-based violence.”

The Night Light Walk

serves not only as a fundraiser but also as a platform for awareness.

The funds raised will directly support shelters that provide crucial services to those in need, allowing organizations such as Nellie’s and Red Door Family Shelter to continue their mission of empowering women and children. As of the night of Oct. 24, the walk had raised more than $50,000.

As participants walked through the neighbourhood, carrying lights to symbolize hope and solidarity, they collectively took a stand against domestic violence and the stigma surrounding it.

Dunlop was inspired to create a local version of the walk after attending a similar event in Burlington last year.

“The impact of the walk last year moved me so much

that the same night I planned a local route and drafted this idea to do one locally.”

The Night Light Walk is part of a broader effort to tackle the pervasive issue of intimate partner violence in Toronto.

Throughout Thursday night’s event, participants reflected on the importance of community involvement and the critical role everyone plays in supporting survivors of domestic violence.

Ingrid Graham, Director of Development and acting co-Executive Director at Nellie’s emphasized, “Unfortunately, we’ve been working in this sector for 15 years at Nellie’s. It’s a job we’d all love to see disappear, and that continues to be our mission—to help build a society where this kind of abuse doesn’t happen and people can be safe in their homes.”

PHOTO: ERIN HORROCKS-POPE

PHOTOS: ERIN HORROCKS-POPE

Photo above left, members of Darlene’s Toronto Camino Group participated in the Night Light Walk in the Beach on Oct. 24. Photo above, Mayor Olivia Chow speaks to the crowd at Kew Gardens park prior to the start of the walk. Photo at left, the Night Light Walk lit up the Beach community on Oct. 24, including along the Boardwalk by the Leuty Lifeguard Station.

Community Calendar

OCT. 29-31: Halloween Haunted House at Nana’s Creperie, 1917 Queen St. E., 7-10 p.m. Costume contest, and a spooky after-party with crepes and drinks. Tickets: early bird $25, at door $30. Purchase at www.nanascreperie.ca or in store.

NOV. 1: Pumpkin Parade at Ed McCleverty Playground (a.k.a. Ted Reeve Playground), 6:30-8:30 p.m., rain or shine. Bring your pumpkins to the wading pool area for a final lighting with other neighbourhood pumpkins. Drop and go or stay for the last “spooktacular” lighting. Pumpkins will be disposed of in a City-provided bin at the end of the night. Hosted by Friends of Ed McCleverty Playground. See story on page 20 for more pumpkin parade locations. NOV. 1-3: Danforth Bible Conference at Danforth Gospel Hall, 2237 Danforth Ave. This year we are marking 125 years of assembly testimony (1899-2024) in east Toronto. All are welcome, no collection. For times of meetings visit our website: www.danforthgospelhall.ca

Unwanted Resilient Path’ at Gerrard Art Space / GAS INC., 1475 Gerrard St E., 3-6 p.m. New work on paper, wood & stone. Event is free & refreshment will be served for a small donation. Pets and children are welcome. Info: 416-778-0923, Gerrardartspace@gmail.com

NOV. 16: Arts and Crafts Sale/Show (formerly known as Peppermint Fair) at St. Clair O’Connor Community, 2701 St. Clair Ave. E., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Hosted by the Residents’ Council, the event features baked goods, ornaments, cards, gift items and clothing, prepared by residents at the community, along with products from small, local businesses. Lunch and coffee are available for purchase. Info: www.scoc.ca

NOV. 2: Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra presents ‘Autumn Colours’ at Scarborough Salvation Army Citadel, 2021 Lawrence Ave., 7:30 p.m., featuring Beethoven’s Triple Concerto. Tickets: $35, $30, $15 available at www.spo.ca/event/autumn-colours NOV 2: Jazz & Reflection with The Larry Bond Quartet at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Featuring local jazz favourite Larry Bond and his quartet, as they explore the changing seasons in an afternoon concert featuring classic jazz and blues tunes. Pay-what-you-can. Info: beachunitedchurch.com NOV. 2, 3: Day of the Dead at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E. Various free activities for all ages. Info: beachessandbox.com/dayofthedead 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 3: All Souls Evensong, commemorating all the departed, at St. Nicholas, Birch Cliff, 1512 Kingston Rd., 4 p.m. Featuring the joint choirs of St. Aidan’s in the Beach and St. Nicholas Anglican Church, Birch Cliff. For more information, contact music@staidansinthebeach.com NOV. 3: Kingston Road Village Concert Series presents ‘Une Journée Dans La Vie d’un Ours’ at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 2 p.m. A blend of folk, traditional, jazz and baroque with Simon Proulx and Etienne Lafrance. Tickets: $35 advance, $40 at door. Tickets and info: www.kingstonroadvillageconcerts.eventbrite.com NOV. 6: Danforth-Main Community Development Action Plan Workshop at Bangladesh Centre and Community Services, 2670 Danforth Ave., 6-8 p.m. Engage with community members, share insights, and contribute to the development of actionable strategies that will enhance the neighbourhood. RSVP: www.eventbrite.ca/e/danforth-maincommunity-development-action-plan-tickets-1045004615937 NOV. 7: Dementia Overview Workshop at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7 p.m. This workshop will provide an overview of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Presented by the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. Free. Register at www.beachessandbox.com

NOV. 17: Kingston Road Village Concert Series presents ‘Strings Collide’ at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 2 p.m. A concert of loops and pedals like you’ve never heard before, with Cris Derksen (cello) and Ryan Davis | Radia (viola). Tickets: $35 advance, $40 at door. Tickets and info: www. kingstonroadvillageconcerts.eventbrite.com

NOV. 17: Beaches Santa Claus Parade, along Kingston Rd. from Victoria Park Ave. to Wayland Ave., 1 p.m.

NOV. 18: Jam Nite at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave, 7 p.m. Bring your voice, your instrument, a song to share, and join us for a fun, relaxed jam session. All skill levels and ages are welcome – even complete beginners; all you need is enthusiasm to make music together. More info: beachunitedchurch.com

NOV. 21: Holiday Cookie Workshop at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St E., 6:30 p.m. Join us for a jolly and creative evening where you’ll learn to make and decorate a variety of festive cookies. Register at www.beachessandbox.com

NOV 23: Annual Christmas Market at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Featuring a variety of local artisans along with their baked goods, jams and jellies, handmade jewellery, and so much more. Info: beachunitedchurch.com

NOV. 23: Jewellery and Bake Sale at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Pre-loved jewellery plus scarves and purses. Homemade baking, hot apple cider, tea and coffee. Proceeds to KRU’s new roof fund.

NOV. 23: Christmas Fair at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 904 Coxwell Ave., 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. To reserve a table, call 416-424-6878 x 21. Rental cost $55. Setup begins at 8 a.m. Hope to see you in November!

NOV. 23: Acoustic Harvest presents Bill Garrett & Sue Lothrop, with opening performance by Jim Armour, at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets $35 advance at www.ticketscene.ca/events/48740/, $40 cash only at door. Info: acousticharvest.ca

BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. at Swanwick. Info: www.mentalwellness. help. Or join us most nights of the week on Zoom. Go to: https://www.meetup.com. Ask to join us: Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups

A A at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113

AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113

BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP

NOV. 9: Bazaar at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 31 & 35 Wood Glen Rd (at Kingston Rd.), 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Shop for Christmas at our many interesting tables. 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: Scarborough Vendor and Community Fair at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Hosted by Rainbow Community Places (Toby’s Place + Dorothy’s Place). Food, stickers, jewellery, art, and more! Free admission. Accessible venue. No ATM on site. NOV. 9: Name Your Emotion: Story Stick Workshop for Families at Gerrard Art Space / GAS INC., 1475 Gerrard St. E. You and your child will create an Emotion Story Stick by wrapping colorful yarn around sticks, with each color representing different feelings. Workshop fee Is $45 for parent & child. Info: Pamela Schuller at Pamelaschuller8@gmail.com NOV. 9, 10: Craft Fair at Corpus Christi Church, 1810 Queen St. E., 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. NOV. 10: A Senior Moment Luncheon for Ladies at Inmigrante, 1959 Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m. NOV. 11: Remembrance Day Services. For locations and more information, see story on page 2. NOV. 13: The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society at Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7-8:15 p.m. Author Sheila White will discuss her book “The Letters”. The book describes the challenges and triumphs of her remarkable, interracial family history. Admission is free. Info: www.tbeths.com NOV. 13-DEC. 1: Ontario Mosaic Artists presents Reflections, a contemporary fine art mosaic exhibition, at Leslie Grove Gallery, 1158 Queen St. E. Opening reception: Nov. 14, 6-8 p.m. Info: lesliegrovegallery.ca, ontariomosaicartists.ca

NOV 16: Music for the Soul with Shawna Caspi at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave, 4:30 p.m. Featuring acclaimed singer-songwriter Shawna Caspi as she offers a transformative musical experience in her unique and poetic musical style. Paywhat-you-can. Info: beachunitedchurch.com NOV. 16: Celebrate the artwork of Jyne Greenley ‘The

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. 29, Nov.12, 26, Dec 10; St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) Nov 5, 19, 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. Lunch format may vary from site to site. Info: 416-691-6869 KINGSTON ROAD UNITED CHURCH, 975 Kingston Rd., welcomes you to our weekly 10:30 a.m. Sunday service. We are a warm, vibrant and affirming community with various programs for people of all ages. Children and youth are an integral part of our community’s life. We offer weekly Sunday School programs, a children and youth choir, and a Youth Group that meets every other week. Music is another important part of our community life - including an adult choir that sings weekly in our worship services and a number of music concerts throughout the year. We recently welcomed our new minister, Rev. Lauren Hodgson, who brings a passion for connecting with people at all stages of life and all moments on their faith journey. She cares deeply about offering creative, meaningful worship experiences. Rev. Lauren, along with her wife and their daughter, lives in the Upper Beaches community and is loving getting to offer ministry in the community where she lives. She would be delighted to meet you!

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 live this out through our vibrant children’s and youth programs, diverse sacred music offerings, and active community outreach and environmental stewardship ministries. 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.

Beaches Sandbox to host numerous Day of the Dead events this weekend

By Aunalya Turner

THE BEACHES Sandbox will present a series of workshops and events this weekend to mark the Day of the Dead.

Presented in partnership with Pancho’s Bakery, local Mexican business owners, artists and performers have been brought together by Silvia Sanchez, curator for Day of the Dead at Beaches Sandbox, to celebrate and share this tradition with the community.

“Day of the Dead is a day where we get together as a family to honour the memory of our loved ones who have passed away, by sharing stories about them, building an altar with their

mementos and favourite food and drinks. It is a celebration of their lives. It is our way of showing them that we have not forgotten them and that they are still important in our lives,” said Sanchez.

“Day of the Dead is a holiday that anyone can celebrate, regardless of cultural heritage. Ideally, it should remind us of our commonalities as humans.”

Sanchez is originally from Mexico and grew up immersed in Mexican traditions, including family gatherings, cooking, culture, and crafts. Having raised her two children in different countries, she is dedicated to keeping her heritage alive and sharing it with them.

In addition to 10 free work-

shops, Beaches Sandbox will also be hosting a ticketed family friendly performance by Tonatiuh Folk Dance Group & Viva Mexico Mariachi on Saturday, Nov. 2, evening.

Beaches Sandbox, at 2181 Queen Street East, will be presenting events for the Day of the Dead including:

A Mexican Heritage Talk with Christian Clay; Bread of the Dead Cooking Workshop; a Mexican Folk Dance Workshop by Luz Castillo; a Traditional Mexican Papel Picado Workshop facilitated by Ruth Marmolejo; a Day of the Dead Yoga Class; and much more. See the full event listings at www. beachessandbox.com/dayofthedead

Bill Garrett and Sue Lothrop at Acoustic Harvest

ACOUSTIC HARVEST will present Bill Garrett and Sue Lothrop in concert on the night of Saturday, Nov. 23, in southwest Scarborough.

The opening performance will be by Jim Armour.

“Two Voices in perfect harmony.” That’s how one music writer described the Montreal-based duo of Garrett and Lothrop.

They have a rich vocal

blend that is the hallmark of their folk-music partnership that celebrates fine songwriting and a shared history growing up in a rural Quebec.

They began their musical relationship after recording Garrett’s solo album, Seems to Me. The vocal magic and the distinctive musical approach that resulted continued to evolve and led to the

duo recording Red Shoes.

The Nov. 23 concert will take place St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., and doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $35 in advance if bought online and $40 if paid by cash at the door. Admission is free to those under age 16.

For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit https://acousticharvest.ca

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please call

Deja Views

Glen Stewart Park in 1933

By David Van Dyke

I am hoping that our readership could inform me what the men in the archival photograph above are working on in Glen Stewart Park.

Perhaps a storm sewer line, but I am not sure. The image was taken in 1933! Did you know that decades before this area was a pond? This park has a great winter vibe, with easy slopes for children tobogganing and big flat surfaces for a large ice skating rink. Do you have any old photos of Glen Stewart Park you’d like to share? Please contact me at gdvandyke61@gmail.com

THE BEACH Photo Club hosts its annual autumn exhibition of members’ work from Nov. 2 to 28. The Eclectic Eye exhibit will be held at the Clark Centre for the Arts, 191 Guildwood Pkwy. The exhibit will showcase nearly 70 images from 22 club members highlighting their creativity and their passion for exploring the Beach neighbourhood, Toronto and beyond.

The Opening Reception is on Saturday, Nov 2, from 1 to 3 p.m. A Meet the Photographers Reception will take place on Sunday, Nov 17, from 1 to 3 p.m.. Exhibition hours are Monday to Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, please visit the Beach Photo Club at www.beachphotoclub.com

Beach Photo Club exhibit slated for November

PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE

PHOTO: CITY OF TORONTO ARCHIVES

Toronto Waterfront Marathon runs through the Beach

PHOTOS: ALAN SHACKLETON

The Toronto Waterfront Marathon made its way along Queen Street East in the Beach on Sunday, Oct. 20. Thousands of runners took part in the run which saw its far east-end turning point on Queen Street East just east of Balsam Avenue. Photos (clockwise from left) - Asefa Uma Mulugeta of Ethiopia, the winner of the men’s marathon in a time of 2:07:16, makes the turn; runners head west along Queen Street East after making the turn; Canadian Joshua Cassidy, who was the winner of the wheelchair marathon in a time of 1:38:09, heads west on Queen Street East early on the morning of Sunday, Oct. 20; runners head east on Queen Street East towards the turning point. The winner of the women’s marathon was Mekasha Waganesh of Ethiopia in a time of 2:20:44.

Neil McNeil wins 16th straight overall city cross country championship

FOR THE 16th year in a row, Neil McNeil

Catholic High School’s boys cross country team are the Overall Champions of the Toronto District Catholic (Colleges) Athletic Association (TDCAA).

And for the fifth year in a row, Neil McNeil won the title by sweeping all of the age divisions at the TDCAA cross country championships held on Oct. 25 at Sunnybrook Park.

The Neil McNeil runners will now go on to the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championships set for next week in Ottawa.

At OFSAA on Nov. 4, Neil McNeil will be looking to win its fourth straight Overall Championship in the boys division.

At the Sunnybrook meet last Friday, Neil’s Novice, Junior and Senior boys all won the team titles.

Leading the Novice team was bronze medalist Ben Devine. He was followed by Liam

Batchelor in fourth; Lucas Haden in fifth; Jack McLaren in seventh; and Joseph Skilicorn in ninth. In the race, Neil McNeil had nine of the top 20 placings.

In the Junior race, Neil was led by Emmett Karim who was the silver medalist. He was followed by Jack Cowan in fourth; Max Ramsay in fifth; Matteo Cuesta in sixth; and Josh Duhamel in 10th. In the race, Neil had 11 of the top 20 placings.

Xavier Gordon, with a gold-medal winning run, and bronze medalist Finn Veale led the Senior team to victory. They were followed by Kebron Seyoum in fourth; Ian Yusti fifth; Cecil Jenkins in sixth: and Owen Mielniczuk in eighth.

Head Coach Jason Wood and assistants, Abigael Layton, Anne Buckley, Ashley Masterson and Steve Masterson are now preparing the team for next week’s OFSAA meet at the Terry Fox Athletic Facility in Ottawa.

Ideas being sought for Toronto’s FIFA World Cup 2026 Host City poster

By Amarachi Amadike

IT’S A rare occasion that a local resident can have an opportunity to associate themselves with the most viewed sporting event in the world – the FIFA World Cup.

But that’s exactly the opportunity the City of Toronto is offering local artists and designers as it is giving them a chance to design the official FIFA World Cup 26 Host City poster.

Along with the bragging rights associated with showcasing their art in the lead up and during the World Cup, the selected artist will receive $8,000.

To be eligible for this opportunity, an artist must be 18 years of age or older as of Tuesday, Oct. 15. They are also required to live in the City of Toronto.

The process gives applicants the option of representing themselves as a non-business professional artist or to further showcase what Toronto has to offer by applying as a professional artist representing a business.

With Toronto’s World Cup theme being The World in a City, artists are encouraged to create a piece that represents Toronto’s cul-

ture as well as making sure to “encapsulate the spirit” and identity of the city in order to maximize their chances of winning.

“This is a unique opportunity for local talent to be showcased on a global stage – and we can’t wait to see how our artists bring Toronto’s spirit to life,” said Sharon Bollenbach, Executive Director of the FWC26 Toronto Secretariat.

Artists must express their interest in submitting by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29. The submission must include a 250-word biography and up to 10 examples of their previous work. For more information, please visit www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivalsevents/fifa-world-cup-26/poster-artist-opencall

According to the City of Toronto, design proposals are not required at this stage.

Toronto secured a spot as one of 16 host cities for the 2026 World Cup which will be played in Canada, the United States, and Mexico. As a host nation, Canada automatically qualified for the competition and will play their first game at Toronto’s BMO Field on June 12.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Members of the Neil McNeil Catholic High School cross country team celebrate their 16th straight Overall Championship at the Toronto District Catholic (Colleges) Athletic Association (TDCAA) meet held last Friday at Sunnybrook Park. The team is now preparing for the Ontario championships next week in Ottawa.

Soccer player Cole Harmer now training in Italy with Juventus Residency Academy

By Matthew Stephens

FROM TFC (Toronto Football Club) to Cantalupa, Italy and the famed Juventus club; 16-year-old Beacher Cole Harmer is taking his passion for soccer to new heights and greater lengths.

Before moving to Italy to further his soccer career, Harmer had always called the Beach home.

He attended Williamson Road Junior Public School, Glen Ames Senior Public School, and Malvern Collegiate Institute.

Harmer was at the local high school for Grade 9 to Grade 11. Since mid-August, though, he has been studying online and training at the Juventus Residency Academy in Cantalupa; a small town outside of Turin near the Swiss border.

He plans to return to Canada next May to complete his high school studies at Malvern.

As he acclimates to life in a new country, Harmer said he is thankful for the opportunity to improve his soccer skills at a prestigious academy like Juventus.

“Being away from home and friends is an adjustment, but the training he is receiving from Juventus is excellent,” Cole’s mother Liz told Beach Metro Community News recently.

Harmer will be under a rigorous training regimen while he plays in Italy: with one to two training sessions per day with Juventus coaches, games every week against other Italian teams, and Italian classes and cultural excursions.

Harmer’s passion for the sport started at four when he was enrolled in the Beach Community Soccer league. His soccer skills would later bring him to the Cherry Beach Soccer Club, where he played for five years. For the last five years, Harmer has attended

the TFC Academy and played in both the MLS Next and OPDL (Ontario Player Development League) leagues.

Harmer believes that his beginnings in the Beach community helped his soccer career to develop and flourish as he grew up.

“Starting out at Beach Community Soccer was a great start,” he said in a recent interview with Beach Metro Community News.

“Beach Community Soccer was all about having fun and being with friends and family.

I think it’s important to have fun when you’re just starting out.”

After five years at TFC, Harmer and his family decided that it was time to move on. Through connections in the local soccer network, they discovered the Juventus Residency Academy where Harmer was offered a scholarship to attend.

Liz Harmer believes that the transition to playing in Italy – a country with a strong soccer culture – will have a positive impact on Cole’s career in the sport.

“It’s a great learning experience. Soccer is deeply ingrained in the Italian culture. It helps the boys focus,” she said.

Looking back on his career thus far, Harmer mentioned some of the coaches who pushed him to be the best player he could be. He said coaches such as Dimitri Evdoxiadis and Damian Gray at Cherry Beach, Dino Lopez at TFC, and Arman Mohammadi, all stood out as prominent figures on his path to success.

For Harmer, “complexity, strategy, and being part of a team” are what draw him to the sport. To be involved in something globally celebrated is what makes soccer such an important part of his life, he said.

“There is a reason why soccer is the most popular sport in the world. It’s played everywhere in so many countries,” said Harmer.

PHOTO: VALERIO PENNICINO - JUVENTUS FC/JUVENTUS VIA GETTY IMAGES

Beacher Cole Harmer is shown training at the Juventus Residency Academy in Turin, Italy, last month.

Lola’s Dip participants greeted with sunny skies, warm day

By Jessica Shackleton

IT WAS the perfect time for a dip in Lake Ontario. And with the weather on Saturday, Oct. 19, being sunny and warm at 16 degrees Celsius, that’s exactly what more than 100 people did as they took a plunge into the lake for the annual Lola’s Dip.

Community members had gathered in the Beach to honour Lola Bower. Lola lived for 16 days in 2015 and the family is celebrating her ninth birthday this year. The dip raises money for Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children.

Before the ‘dippers’ ran into the water, there was time to socialize, eat, and enjoy the beautiful day. After the dip, there was a sauna to warm up in.

Lola’s parents, Geoff and Ofelia, and her older sister Mar live in the Beach and enjoy spending time at the waterfront.

“It’s our beach, and Lola is wherever we are,” said Ofelia to the crowd.

As per tradition, everyone sang Happy Birthday and blew bubbles and Mar, now almost 12, sang her original song which she debuted at last year’s dip.

This year’s Lola’s Dip took place just to the west of the Balmy Beach Club and was smaller than in past years.

“It’s a smaller group this year to really lean into these moments and feel the emotions,” said Ofelia, in her address to the crowd.

Dad Geoff highlighted the impor-

tance of encouraging one another in the water.

It’s about community and getting out of your comfort zone, he told the group.

“We can do hard things,” he said and hopes that the sentiment of getting through things together resonates with people and what-

ever their lives may throw at them.

“Grief is only gigantic love and the love will never go away,” said Ofelia. “It’s hard but beautiful.” Hard but beautiful is the perfect way to describe the dip. The water is cold, and thinking about going in can be overwhelming for participants but the sun shimmering off

the water makes it inviting. Once you get in and see everyone around you, it isn’t so bad.

Lola’s Dip was sponsored by local real estate agent Shea Warrington of Shea Sells Boutique and was made possible by donations from Spaccio-Terroni, Limon Restaurant, Cobs Bread, Hajime Sushi, Is-

abella’s Donuts, Remarkable Bean, and Your Independent Grocer. Through the SickKids Foundation, In Honour of Lola has raised almost $75,000.

To find out more about Lola’s story and fundraising information please visit https://fundraise.sickkidsfoundation.com/lola

PHOTOS: JESSICA SHACKLETON

Photo above left, Lola’s parents Geoff and Ofelia and big sister Mar after Lola’s Dip into Lake Ontario on the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 19. Photo above right, participants in the annual Lola’s Dip in the Beach take to the lake.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

QUINN Family Law

Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 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

www.beachmetro.com/support

HONOURING VETERANS

The 2024 Poppy Campaign

Starts Friday, October 25th, 2024, through to Sunday November 10, 2024 November 11th is Remembrance Day. Veterans, Legionnaires, Cadets, and Volunteers Will be out with Poppies... Please say "Hello!"

Counter boxes will be delivered to those businesses that Supported the Campaign in previous years.

If you do not have a Poppy counter box at your business location and would like one, please contact me; I will make arrangements to get one delivered.

You May also Donate to the Poppy Campaign via Email at: donation@rcl11.com

Please specify “Poppy” in the memo.

Mike Turner (Retd), 2024 Poppy Chair Royal Canadian Legion Branch #11 9 Dawes Rd. Toronto, ON. M4C 5A8 firstvice@rcl11.com | 416.699.1353 Branch

Thank you for your continued support!

The 2023 Poppy Campaign. Branch #11 collected: From Poppy Donations: $44,943.10 Branch #11 donated $20,065.59 to Veterans, Veteran organizations and Programs

If you have any questions on the donation process or inquiries about the Funds collected feel free to call or email.

SEAN MADIGAN

Upcoming Rugged and Fragile exhibition to feature works by Beach artist Elizabeth Berry

RENOWNED BEACH artist Elizabeth Berry will launch her latest exhibit in early November.

The Rugged and Fragile: Northern Landscapes and Florals by Elizabeth Berry exhibition is presented by the Kidner Gallery and will take place at the offices of local realtors The Wright Sisters on Queen Street East in the Beach.

The exhibit runs from Nov. 7 to 9 in the Union Realty building at 2234 Queen St. E., on the northeast corner of Beech Avenue.

An artist for more than 40 years, Berry has been a longtime Beach resident who often paints local scenes.

She divides her time now between her Beach studio, Georgian Bay, Muskoka, the Caribbean, and Europe.

The Rugged and Fragile exhibit will feature her latest series of florals and landscapes, “inspired by the enduring and timeless beauty of Ontario’s lakes, trees and rocks, and the fleeting elegant beauty of exotic and garden flowers.”

Berry is a “bona fide outdoor artist” often seen painting around the Beach area with her portable easel, folding table and umbrella.

Her works are found in private collections and corporate offices across Canada and

around the world.

She is also an active member of the Beach community.

Berry played a key role in stopping the building of a five-storey condominium near the foot of Neville Park Boulevard on the shores of Lake Ontario a number of years ago. Her painting called Stop the Neville Lakefront Condo Development was critical in highlighting the beauty of the area where the building was being proposed and galvanized community and political support against the project.

Berry has also painted numerous other well-known Beach area scenes including the exterior of the Kingston Road Flower Market and the Leuty Lifeguard Station to name but a few.

The opening wine and cheese reception for Rugged and Fragile is set for Thursday, Nov. 7, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., and everyone is welcome to attend and meet with Berry.

“Please come and join us for a glass of wine and meet the artist – that’s me,” said Berry in a statement to Beach Metro Community News

For more information on the Rugged and Fragile exhibit, including registering to attend the opening reception, please go to www.kidnergallery.com

Artist Elizabeth Berry’s acrylic painting Birch and Pine Lake of Bays will be among her works featured at the Rugged and Fragile: Northern Landscapes and Florals by Elizabeth Berry exhibition slated for the Beach in November.

Arts & Entertainment

Laurie Love Musical Memorial Tribute set for The Hideout

By Wally Hucker

THE LATE Laurie Love, a frequent jam session drummer in East Toronto clubs, will be remembered and honoured with a rocking musical tribute this Friday, Nov. 1, at The Hideout in the Beach.

Local musicians Tony “TonyO” Oldland and Max Brand will be among nine bands performing for Laurie, her friends and fans, and the public. Doors open to The Blue Room, upstairs at 2282 Queen St. E., at 6 p.m. Music begins at 7 p.m. sharp. There is no cover charge.

Laurie Love, the stage name of Laurie Landrigan, died in June 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although her passing at age 55 was due to a chronic condition, not COVID, it was the result of a sudden turn for the worse, and a shock to her friends and fellow performers, and her two sons, Mike Shepherd and William Beckman.

Gerard Myers, a high school buddy and most recently a bandmate of hers in the group Crowd Control, said that “Laurie was so very bubbly and positive.”

TonyO concurs. “Her lively character and glowing smile made her many friends quite easily.

“A late starter on the drums, she blossomed very quickly, and played with several bands. She loved to go to jam sessions and sit in with different bands to test her skills,” Oldland said, attempting songs she had never tried before.

“Her lively character and glowing smile made her many friends quite easily.”

He played with Love at venues in the Beach, Leslieville, and East York such as the Salty Dog, The Beach House, The Duke, and the Frog & Crown.

Myers added that he and other close friends had no forewarning that Love’s con-

dition had suddenly become critical. “She seemed so positive at the time, buying a truck, and cases for her drum kit.”

The shock and grief of her passing was compounded by the restrictions COVID placed on mass gatherings, and the musical scene took some time to gel again. So recently, singer Max Brand suggested to TonyO that they hold a belated musical memorial for Love this Halloween.

Myers recalled that “Laurie loved Halloween. It was a big deal to her, and combined with a celebration of her birthday, October 29.”

Oldland, veteran performer and promoter and Love’s guitarist in Crowd Control, arranged The Blue Room upstairs at The Hideout for the memorial, and rounded up local bands and musicians who knew Love. The local acts will be performing half-hour sets from 7 to 11:30 p.m.

One performer at the Nov. 1 show who will be extra special is drummer Rob Latimer. He tutored Love when she first started playing.

“She was a shining personality,” he remembered. “She would light up a room.”

Cliffside poet A. Garnett Weiss to launch book at Nov. 3 event

By Isabelle Fernandes

LOCAL AUTHOR A. Garnett Weiss will be launching a book of poetry titled Life, after–from epitaph to epilogue at The Free Times Café (320 College St.) on Sunday, Nov. 3, from 7 to 9 p.m.

Excerpts from the book will be presented by guest readers Donna Langevin and Kate Rogers.

Start time is promptly at 7:30 p.m. and reservations are strongly recommended.

Printed locally by Scarborough’s Hume Media;

published by Aeolus House (Thornhill); and designed by long-time Beach resident Julie NcNeil (McNeil Design Arts); this book is a local collaborative effort.

The book is said to be an “unusual, compelling book of short poems which use words drawn from obituaries.”

According to Weiss, it “represents the culmination of years of work developing the 60-plus poems.” which she describes as “small poems with a big heart and high hopes.”

JC Sulzenko, pen name A. Garnett Weiss, is an Ottawaborn author and a recent Cliffside resident.

She was a 2022 finalist for the Fred Kerner Award, and is a member of both the League of Canadian Poets and the Board of Ontario Poetry Society.

Her poetry has put her writing in many diverse forms.

For more information, and to reserve a spot for the launch, please visit www. freetimecafe.com or 416-9671078.

Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra performs Nov. 2

THE SCARBOROUGH

Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) continues its 45th anniversary subscription series with a concert on Saturday, Nov. 2.

The full orchestra concert is titled Autumn Colours, and will take place at the Scarborough Salvation Army Citadel (2021 Lawrence Ave. E.) from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Beethoven’s much loved Triple Concerto will be

performed by guest soloists Jacob Clewell (violin), Christopher Hwang (cello) and Sasha Bult-Ito (piano) alongside the Scarborough Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Ronald Royer.

The Nov. 2 concert program will also include Beethoven’s Egmont Overture, Op 84a, Canadian composer John S. Gray’s Introduction and Autumn Prelude, and Zoltán Kodály’s Dances of Galanta.

Tickets are $35 for adults, $30 for seniors over the age of 60, $15 for students over 14 (with ID) and free for children under 14 with adult or senior ticket purchased. To order, go to https://spo.ca

The SPO was founded over in 1980 and its mandate is to offer high-quality, affordable orchestra and chamber ensemble concerts to the Scarborough community, and to support Canadian composers.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

musical memorial for local drummer

Love will take place on Friday, Nov. 1, at The Hideout in the Beach.

Local Pumpkin Parades slated for this Friday

By Aunalya Turner

THE ANNUAL Pumpkin Parades will be coming to more than a dozen parks in East Toronto on the day after Halloween.

All of the Pumpkin Parades will take place on Friday, Nov. 1, beginning at 6 p.m. rain or shine.

Residents are welcome to attend the parade at their local park by bringing their carved pumpkins for one more chance to be displayed at night and enjoyed by others before composting.

Locally, Pumpkin Parades will be taking place at De Grassi Street Par-

kette, 125 DeGrassi St.; Leslie Grove Park, 1158 Queen St. E; Withrow Park, 725 Logan Ave.; Phin Avenue Parkette, 115 Condor Ave.; Felstead Avenue Playground, 60 Felstead Ave.; Moncur Playground, 38 Robbins Ave.; East Lynn Park, 1949 Danforth Ave.; Cassels Avenue Playground, 69 Cassels Ave.; Norwood Park, 16 Norwood Rd.; Ed McCleverty Playground, 2230 Gerrard St. East; Dentonia Park, 80 Thyra Ave.; Oakridge Park, 3459 Danforth Ave.; and Sandown Park, 50 Natal Ave.

The Pumpkin Parade tradition started in 2004 at Sorauren Park in Parkdale, where community members gathered

at night to showcase their carving skills and admire each other’s jack-o’-lanterns before disposing of them.

The parades offer residents a final celebration of Halloween while promoting eco-friendly practices by repurposing their used pumpkins.

After the event, all the collected pumpkins are processed as yard waste by the City of Toronto and transformed into compost.

Participants at the Pumpkin Parades are encouraged to carry a flashlight or wear reflective tape or clothing. It’s also important to be ready for wet weather and potentially slippery terrain.

Fearless Meat honours veterans during Remembrance Week

LOCAL RESTAURANT Fearless Meat on Kingston Road will be honouring local veterans next week in the lead up to Remembrance Day on Nov. 11.

From Sunday, Nov. 3, through to Monday, Nov. 11, the restaurant at 884 Kingston Rd. will be offering free burger combos for all veterans and their spouses.

Corpus

If the veteran is no longer with us, the spouses still qualify, said Fearless Meat owner David Brown in a note to Beach Metro Community News.

“We appreciate all they have done for us,” said Brown of the Remembrance Week event.

No purchase is necessary for the vet-

Christi Church Craft

CORPUS CHRISTI Catholic Church in the Beach is slated to host its annual Craft Fair next month.

The church is located at 1810 Queen St. E. The Craft Fair takes place on the weekend of Nov. 9 and 10. Hours will be

Fair

erans or their spouses to qualify.

Brown is also reminding local residents that on Halloween (Thursday, Oct. 31), Fearless Meat will be welcoming all trick-or-treaters with free kiddie cones. Again, no purchase is necessary. For more information, visit Fearless Meat on Facebook.

slated for Nov. 9 and 10

Saturday, Nov. 9, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

An event for the whole family to enjoy, the fair will include local vendors, treats, handmade items, games, gift

ideas, and jewelry.

For more information, please go to https://corpuschristito.archtoronto. org/en/parish-life/calendar-of-events/ event-listing/parish/christmas-craftfair

St. Clair O’Connor Community Arts and Crafts sale planned

THE ST. Clair O’Connor Community will host its Arts and Crafts Sale/Show on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2

p.m.

Hosted by the Residents’ Council, the event features baked goods, ornaments,

cards, gift items and more. The St. Clair O’Connor Community is located 2701 St. Clair Ave. E.

Lazy Daisy’s Cafe’s Breakfast Sandwich charity fundraiser slated

LAZY DAISY’S Cafe on Gerrard Street East will be holding a charity fundraiser next week.

On Monday, Nov. 5, the popular cafe will be offering its famous Rise n’ Shine and Veggies Rise breakfast sandwich for a cost of $10, with all proceeds going to the Red Door Family shelter and to the Downie Wenjack Fund.

Lazy Daisy’s Café is located at 1515 Gerrard St. E., just west of Coxwell Avenue. For more information on next Monday’s fundraiser, please visit https://lazydaisyscafe.ca

The Red Door Family Shelter helps families, refugees and women who are fleeing violence. The Downie Wenjack Fund helps build a path toward reconciliation between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.

PHOTO: JOSHUA MCGINNIS

Balmy Beach Hockey’s master’s league lets older players stay in the game

By Joshua McGinnis

THE BALMY Beach Club has recently started a new men’s “masters” hockey league as a new option for some of its older players looking to stay in the game.

The master’s league was founded by a group of Balmy Beach Hockey executives to encourage more play for older players. The league is also called the men’s over-50 league; however, it is meant for anyone interested in playing at a slower pace than the general men’s hockey league that the Balmy Beach Club offers.

This new league’s first skate was on Sept. 20. It plays weekly with a 2 p.m. time-slot every Friday.

Sign-ups have steadily increased over the last few weeks. Currently, the league has three teams, with 16 players per roster.

The Balmy Beach Club and Balmy Beach Hockey have long-standing ties to the community. Balmy Beach hockey came to be more than 75 years ago, and the men’s general house league has existed for more than 50 years.

According to Harris Bundy, one of the league’s organizers, it was started to lessen the skill gap between the younger guys joining now and the older guys.

“The regular league is getting faster and still aging, so the skill level dips and the skill from the young guys continue to improve, so

we started the league, so we don’t have this big variance between the older players that have been here playing for 30 years and some of the young guys, who are just lightning fast,” said Bundy.

Andrew Wells, one of the players in the master’s league, joined after not playing organized hockey for years.

“I used to play in the regular league. This came up, and I thought it would be fun to play organized hockey again, which I haven’t done in years; this league is not as speedy, and you get to play with your peers, which is great,” he said.

According to the Government of Canada, adults aged 18 to 64 should be active for at least two and a half hours per week. This leads to a healthier overall lifestyle and reduces the risks of various diseases and health issues.

“It’s great for cardio, mentally you are going to be way sharper on and off the ice, hockey is great for your cardiovascular health, and the Beaches population is aging, so it is important to get that physical activity and also have that camaraderie with your teammates as well,” said Bundy.

The league is currently looking for more goalies and a timekeeper. However, anyone who is interested in playing should visit the Balmy Beach Club website for more information about the league or contact Bundy directly at harrisbundy@gmail.com.

Gallery Wall group art show at Might and Main

THE GALLERY Wall Annual Group Art Show is set for next month at the Might and Main Cafe on Main Street.

The show is returning for its 16th anniversary.

The opening ceremony is set for Friday, Nov. 8, from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Might and Main cafe is located at 126 Main St., just south of Gerrard Street East.

The group show will feature the work of artists who have shown on the wall of the local cafe in the past three years.

The Gallery Wall is a community art initiative that brings abstract art and photography to non-traditional gallery settings. The artists featured on the Gallery Wall hail from across the

Greater Toronto Area and have collectively exhibited in major art fairs and galleries throughout Canada. Their work is also represented in collections across North America and internationally. For more information on the upcoming show, please visit @gallery_wall_at_ mightandmain on Instagram.

Sunday, Nov. 17 | 2:00 pm Sunday, Nov. 3 | 2:00

Une Journée Dans La Vie d'un Ours

Simon Proulx, guitar and E�enne Lafrance, double bass

A blend of folk, tradi�onal, jazz and baroque by two fabulous Quebec ar�sts.

Strings Collide

Cris Derksen (cellist and composer) and Ryan Davis (Radia), viola Witness their kine�c energy as they create an unforge�able concert of loops and pedals - cello and viola like you’ve never heard before.

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Ontario Mosaic Artists show in Leslieville

ONTARIO MOSAIC Artists (OMA) opens its third contemporary fine art mosaic exhibit next month in Leslieville.

The Reflections show runs from Nov. 13 to Dec. 1 at the Leslie Grove Gallery, 1158 Queen St. E.

The opening reception is Thursday, Nov. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. All are welcome to attend. The exhibit showcases the work of mosaic artists, internationally acclaimed as well as emerging, from across Ontario. Artworks will in-

clude wall hangings, sculptures and feature a wide variety of materials from glass to stone to metal and more. For visitors who are unable to attend in person, mosaics can be viewed and purchased online at www. lesliegrovegallerystore.ca

Players in Balmy Beach Hockey’s new master’s league chase a loose puck during recent action at Ted Reeve Arena.

On The Wild Side

Discovering the world of katydids and treehoppers

ann Brokelman

is an avid birder and nature photographer naturephotosbyann.blogspot.ca

This year I stumbled down a rabbit hole of learning about, and taking pictures of, small arachnids, insects, and other bugs.

Though I felt like Alice, exploring a wonderland of new creatures, I’m sure my husband and kids would have likened me more to the Mad Hatter! Today I thought I’d share a few of my findings with you all, starting with the fascinating buffalo treehopper.

I thought that spotting a buffalo treehopper would be like finding a needle in a haystack, given their tiny size. Maybe it was just beginner’s luck, but I actually managed to find two, recently, in a single day.

your ears as they make quite a cacophony, writes Brokelman.

sound they make is a very high-pitched vibrato. From mid-September to the end of October, I hear them constantly in the various wetland areas around Lake Ontario.

They like to eat flowers, goldenrod, and even cattails, so if you know where to find those plants, you now know where to find katydids. They aren’t big, though four times larger than the treehoppers, but if you follow your ears, I’m sure you’ll find a few.

They belong in the Hemiptera (half winged) order and Membracidae family of bugs that includes close relatives like cicadas, aphids, and leafhoppers, as well as some more distant cousins such as bed bugs.

If you’ve never heard of this bug before, I suspect you’re in the majority. These vibrant green insects get their buffalo name from their hump-backed shape, and certainly not from their size. Can you believe the big ones are only two centimetres long, and the little ones can be just two millimetres?

Treehoppers feed on the sap of various plants, such as goldenrod, willow, and clover, and they produce honeydew in the process. They transition through three main life stages: egg, nymph, and adult. What I thought was also neat is that, like moths, they go through five molts (called instars), growing larger each time until they finally form their wings.

While they are considered pests by many gardeners, are on the menu of many of our local birds and other insectivores, playing an important part in the local food web.

Moving on to my next sixlegged sighting: katydids! Did you know that there are around 8,000 types of these bugs?

Ontario has a few types of katydids, though it’ll take

you a bit of practice to differentiate them from their grasshopper and cricket cousins.

How do you find them? I’d suggest you do what I did: take your kids or grandkids outside, and let their ears track them down. I’m being serious! They can make a true cacophony.

The photo with this column is of a black legged meadow katydid. The

Spiders are one of their main predators, and the last time I went out with my granddaughters, we saw a spider wrapping one up in a web. It was a little sad and gross for them, but the girls understood that spiders have to eat too.

The world of tiny creatures is full of surprises, and there’s always more to discover. Keep your eyes open, don’t forget to listen closely, and who knows what little wonders you can find in your own backyard. Happy hunting and let me know what you see.

PHOTOS: ANN BROKELMAN

Photo above left shows a black legged meadow katydid. The photo above right shows a buffalo treehopper. Both were found by columnist Ann Brokelman and her granddaughters. The way to find katydids

Reel Beach: Movies in East Toronto

Toronto has been home to the filming of some now classic horror movies

Bernie Fletcher

Halloween on Oct. 31 is a time for frightful films.

Halloween is a fun night, but All Hallows’ Eve once was a time of year to remember lost souls and the dearly departed. People celebrated by wearing costumes to ward off ghosts and evil spirits.

If you passed the Ashbridge Estate on Queen Street East last spring, you may have seen a graveyard spring up overnight, complete with crypts and headstones. Don’t worry, no one was dying to get into “Roosevelt Cemetery.” It was just one of many film sets in the city.

This was for the batty vampire mockumentary

What We Do in the Shadows (Mondays on FX) which premiered its sixth and farewell season on Oct. 21.

It may be Halloween, but for vampires every day is “Fangs-giving”. Get out your wooden stakes and cloves of garlic!

Oddly enough there once was an actual Ashbridge burial ground at Queen Street East and Woodfield Road.

Sets for the Emmywinning comedy included a mansion and weird topiary on Eastern Avenue in the Studio District. Filming took place in Leslieville, at Woodbine Beach and on Kingston Road. The original vampire lair was filmed at historic Cranfield House (circa 1902) on Pape Avenue which was also a location for Stephen King’s killer clown movie It (2018).

Pennywise the evil clown is back in the It prequel Welcome to Derry (HBO, 2025) set in the 1960s and

recently filmed in Port Hope and Toronto.

What is it about clowns?

Just don’t say “Beetlejuice” three times.

Director David Cronenberg is the father of “body horror” with films like The Fly (1986) and Dead Ringers (1988). His new film, The Shrouds, deals with loss and grief. A high-tech cemetery allows mourners to see their loved ones, a “tomb with a view.” Remains to be seen? Beethoven decomposing?

At this year’s TIFF, Cronenberg was presented with the Norman Jewison Career Achievement Award. In his memoir Jewison himself wrote, “I love cemeteries. Whenever I travel, I search them out. Most of my movies have a cemetery in them or a funeral or at least a body…In Moonstruck, my directing credit appears over a shot of an old man laid out in his coffin—an inside joke appreciated by all.”

The late director always liked a good “plot.”

As a kid growing up in the Beach, Jewison loved to act out death scenes, “maybe everybody is fascinated by death.”

His father, Percy, would sometimes ride around in a hearse with his friend William Sherrin of Sherrin Funeral Home on Kingston Road at Beech Avenue (now the site of the YMCA).

Toronto has long been home to horror movies. Black Christmas (1974) filmed at the old police station on Main Street which is now Centre 55. In Prom Night (1980) a fiery van crashes over the Bluffs. Dawn of the Dead (2004) had a boat explosion at Ashbridges Bay as the undead chased Sarah Polley.

You may have spotted St. John’s Norway Cemetery in

Cocktail (1988), The Virgin Suicides (1999) or To Die For (1995) where David Cronenberg makes a lethal cameo.

Guillermo del Toro loves monsters, carrying on the scary tradition with films like The Shape of Water (2017). Watch out for the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant in Mimic (1997) and Nightmare Alley (2021).

The director’s latest project is Frankenstein (Netflix, 2025) which just wrapped filming. Mary Shelley’s gothic Frankenstein (1818) is his favourite novel. Just don’t call the lurching creature Frankenstein. That’s actually the name of the doctor who created him.

One of the sets is a massive, 19th century sailing ship in the water beside the studio. Del Toro tweeted a photo of the ship, joking, “Looks like somebody parked on my spot.”

Del Toro’s favourite part of the city is the east end. He has lived in the Beach and Leslieville and often tweets about local businesses with shout-outs to The Great Escape bookstore on Kingston Road (“fun and guided by love of books”) and the Fox (”I love repertory theatre”).

The Mexican filmmaker has said there are enough monsters out there in the real world these days.

The nightly news is scary enough for me. If you want to see the real-life creation of a “monster” catch the made-in-Toronto film The Apprentice about ruthless Roy Cohn mentoring a young Donald Trump. Yikes! There is one scene filmed outside at the Main Square apartments at Main Street and Danforth Avenue.

Off in the distance a wolf howls—or maybe it’s just a dog barking. This is the Beach after all.

Happy Halloween!

Nicole Kidman holds her dog during a scene from the 1995 movie To Die For that was filmed in the St. John’s Norway Cemetery.

Historian examines how the Beach came to be in recently released book

By Alan Shackleton

WHY IS the Beach neighbourhood the way it is?

That was the question local resident and historian Richard White asked himself, and it led to his recently released book The Beaches: Creation of a Toronto Neighbourhood

White, who has lived on Willow Avenue in the Beach for more than 25 years, takes a historian’s approach to discovering how the neighbourhood came to be what it is today. He has a PhD in history from the University of Toronto, is an author, a parttime professor and lecturer of history at U of T.

In an interview with Beach Metro Community News, White said his book is written with a historian’s eye and not from the perspective of preservationist looking to keep the neighbourhood exactly the way it is.

“I think a historian is someone who investigates the past and tries to understand it. I don’t think a historian necessarily wants to preserve things.”

White grew up in London, Ontario, then lived in Edmonton for a number of years before moving to To-

ronto about 35 years ago with his family. White and his wife and two daughters lived near the U of T campus downtown for about 10 years before moving to the Beach in 1997.

“When we moved here we did not have a particular sense of what it was,” he said.

White said his earliest impression was that the area was “covered with trees and oddly close to the lake.”

His book examines how the neighbourhood, its styles of housing, street layouts and parks came to be. It also looks at how all of that has shaped and defined the ‘character’ of the Beach.

Readers may note this story calls White a Beach resident, but his book is titled

The Beaches: Creation of a Toronto Neighbourhood. The Beach or Beaches debate is seemingly endless, and White has chosen to go with Beaches.

Knowing it’s a hot topic among residents, here’s his explanation for that decision:

“One cannot write about Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood without commenting, and taking a position, on its name – the singular Beach or plural Beaches, a matter of serious dispute among many residents, and a cause of serious eye-rolling among many non-residents. This study stands firmly on the side of the latter name, as its title shows, and does so for mostly historical reasons.”

shore of Lake Ontario had been lived on for centuries by First Nations peoples.

“There can be no doubt that the roughly two kilometres of shoreland, from the sandspit enclosing Ashbridge’s marsh in the west to the towering Scarborough Bluffs in the east, has long been travelled through, gathered from, hunted on, fished along, and probably at times settled upon by Indigenous inhabitants,” wrote White in the book.

How the area developed after the arrival of European immigrants is the focus of the book and that began in the late 1700s and early 1800s.

to create and sustain a colonial elite, and what we know of initial ownership in the Beaches district certainly demonstrates this.”

And for many years the land stayed with some of those original owners as its geography of being steeply sloped, of sandy soil, and featuring small creeks, and the large ravine that is now Glen Stewart, made it unsuitable for most large-scale farming which would have been the main usage desired by settlers in the early 1800s.

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Asking Price: $1,879,000.00

However, White acknowledged in the book’s introduction that the Beach “singular name was common enough in the formative years of the current generation of aging, historically minded residents, that they demanded it be made official, and they have partially succeeded.

“Though I too am an aging, historically minded resident, I have not been persuaded. For this history, which covers the genesis and growth of one neighbourhood out of multiple beaches, Beaches seemed right, on account of both basic logic and historical usage.”

The book also defines the neighbourhood as being bound by Woodbine Avenue to the west; Victoria Park Avenue to the east; Kingston Road to the north; and Lake Ontario to the south. It is the changes, development and creation of the community in that area which the book examines.

Land ownership and geography played key roles in how the Beach evolved into the neighbourhood it now is, said White.

It’s important to remember that land on the north

“The history of an urban neighbourhood such as the Beaches is thus, in short, a chronicle of the thoughts and actions of the interlopers who comprised the settler society, and its history thus begins with their arrival,” wrote White. “As questionable, even unjust as the entire colonial endeavour now appears to many historians, these thoughts and actions have shaped, in this case, the living conditions and lives of tens of thousands of residents for over a hundred years, right through to the present day.”

Right from the establishment of Upper Canada in 1791 and the Town of York, surveying of the surrounding land had started and its ownership was being assigned by the British government. Once surveyed, the lots were granted to private owners.

“A full slate of grantees and subsequent purchasers of Beaches lots has never been compiled, but most whose names have come to light were members of the colony’s early political, military, and business elite,” wrote White. “Upper Canada’s initial land grants are known to have been done

The geography, with the bluffs at the far east end and some of the land viewed as swampy, also made the area one in which the building of major east-west roads along the lakeshore difficult. So the Kingston Road turned north at the area of Ashbridge’s swamp and ran along the elevated plain of the land.

“This bypassed triangle of land between the Kingston Road and the lake would become the Beaches,” wrote White.

The Grand Trunk Railway (GTR) also took the same decision as the builders of Kingston Road to run their tracks well north of the lake and avoid the difficult landscape east of Woodbine Avenue, thus preventing a rail line along the shores of Lake Ontario as is often seen in other parts of Toronto and Ontario.

“Railways invariably had a large impact on land ownership and development patterns in pioneer settlements. This decision by the GTR to veer inland rather than continue along the lake made the district the only part of Toronto with a lakeshore not used for shipping or industry,” wrote White.

Those moves meant that in the coming years, the community would grow only as a residential (and recreational) area with some Continued on Page 25

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

Author Richard White with his book The Beaches: Creation of a Toronto Neighbourhood.

The Beaches: Creation of a Toronto Neighbourhood examines area’s growth

‘Historian’ from Page 24

small service businesses along Queen Street East and Kingston Road, but with no major industrial or farming uses. “The neighbourhood was entirely residential and that’s another aspect of its social character,” said White. “There were no barber shops or corner stores in the residential fabric. It’s pure residential except for Queen Street.”

Things didn’t really start happening in the Beach until around the middle of the 1800s when most of those original 200 acre lots were broken up.

It was once the city around the Beach started to grow that the community took steps towards becoming what now is.

The first major influence was in the later 1800s and early 1900s as the area’s proximity to the lake and beaches saw it become a place of leisure and recreation for those living in other parts of the city. There were cottages built right up to the lakefront, large country estates, and amusement parks.

The first amusement park to open was the Victoria Park, on what is now the home of the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, in 1878. Other commercially run parks in the area including Kew Gardens, which was owned by the Williams family and was opened in 1879, were also established. In 1896, Monro Park amusement park opened and four years later its owners took over control of the neighbouring Victoria Park. It was followed by the Scarboro Beach Amusement Park which opened in 1907 and closed in 1925.

In the late 1800s, electrification was reaching the area, and that would lead to the building of more and more houses. One of the main reasons for that “building boom” was that the Toronto Street Railway became electrified and streetcars were serving the Beach, as they still do today.

White wrote that prior to 1900, the main

appeal of the area was the lake. After that, as the electric streetcar service became more reliable the growth took on “a more conventional suburb-building” process.

“There had been these horse-drawn streetcars before, but they weren’t very reliable and they were surprisingly expensive and people didn’t use them. Once electrified, it became a viable technology and the city was expanding,” said White. “The fact they were growing and they were served by electric streetcars opened up ‘distant’ areas for residential development all at once.”

Owners of large sections of land began to develop them for housing, or sell them off to others who would sometimes then subdivide the land yet again. And it was all done with little co-ordination between land owners and no central planning authority in charge of what was built where or how.

“I didn’t realize how unplanned the neighbourhood was until I started working on this,” said White of his book.

White also writes about the creation of some planned neighbourhoods within the community – including Glen Manor (or Stewart Manor as it was first known). The development in the west side of the community is generally more unplanned than the homes built further east, he said.

“For the physical character, it’s compact,” said White of the neighbourhood. “The character was created by the private entrepreneurs, they squeezed in as many houses as they could to maximize their profit. There’s considerable density, small lots, narrow streets, minimal setbacks.”

And since most of that building was done before automobiles, much of the Beach sees houses very close together with no space put aside for driveways. “Since it was preautomobile, most of it, there’s not as much space between houses which increased

density. There’s also a lack of sophisticated design…it’s a fact that almost none of the houses in this neighbourhood were architect designed.”

For Glen (Stewart) Manor, Pine Crescent and the Price Brothers’ four-plexes on the site of the old Scarboro Beach Amusement Park, more thought was put into the design of the homes, said White.

The Price Brother’s homes were designed to be rental housing, he said. “Those fourplexes were rentals. They weren’t sold…It was for lower middle-class renters. The strategy of sorts was to sell the lower land (south of Queen Street) at a lower price point.”

White said in those days of Beach residential development, builders knew exactly who their customers were. “The builders built for low-income people. That’s the thing I find so interesting. The proximity to the lake, which people value so much now, that’s where the lower-value housing was put. The higher-value housing was built north of Queen Street on the hill.”

Another reality of the Beach’s growth is the number of small apartment buildings, he said. “I think the prevalence of apartment buildings is more an essential part of this neighbourhood than people realize. Queen Street does have a small-town feel because of them, and that’s part of the physical characteristic.”

By 1951, approximately one-third of the dwellings in the neighbourhood were classed as apartments, said White. “South of Queen Street more than half of the residences were classed as apartments” so that certainly played a part in establishing the social character of the neighbourhood, he said.

A huge influence on the community was, of course, the amount of land purchased or expropriated from private owners to create the enormous lakefront park and Boardwalk.

The waterfront cottages were taken down and a public park with access for all was instead created by the City of Toronto.

“The lake, maybe more than the beach, is the strongest natural continuity in the Beaches’ history,” wrote White.

He wondered, however, if it would be possible for city politicians to take such action to build parks along the waterfront today. “Imagine it being done now. There’s no way it could be done now but it was a major step forward for the city’s public realm,” said White.

As for the future and how the neighbourhood’s ‘character’ evolves, White said he’s curious to see what happens.

“The character of the neighbourhood that we see is not the way it was given. The character of the neighbourhood was once junky shacks. They were demolished and turned into permanent residences. Should they have been preserved? Characters of urban areas change as the economy and culture evolves,” he said. “I don’t see why ‘character’ has to be frozen in place. So I feel that building should be allowed to reflect the present values and design principles. I’m not a preservationist, I just can’t be. Though maybe the character of a neighbourhood is persevered by attracting people who like the character.”

White said readers of his book may find the neighbourhood’s history a bit of a revelation. “I think they just might realize that the history of the neighbourhood is more complex than they had thought. There are many factors in it. It’s gone through various stages. It certainly was not built as an elite neighbourhood at all. I guess some people do have the impression it’s an elite neighbourhood. It never was.”

The Beaches: Creation of a Toronto Neighbourhood is available at local book stores and online at https://utorontopress. com/9781487526467/the-beaches

Create a legacy that supports healthcare in our community

“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

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