Beach Metro Community News March 21, 2023

St. Patrick’s Day celebrations

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Meeting on Quarry Land development plan for 150 Clonmore Dr. slated for March 23

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A VIRTUAL community consultation meeting to discuss a development proposal at 150 Clonmore Dr. in southwest Scarborough is set to take place on Thursday, March 23, from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

The rezoning application aims to build a 12-storey residential building which includes a rooftop mechanical/amenity floor.

The proposed building will contain 287 residential dwelling units with a total Gross Floor Area (GFA) of approximately 18,350 square metres.

There will also be 158 vehicle parking spaces available.

At the meeting, residents will

have the opportunity to discuss the development application and planning review process with City Planner Samuel Baron and Scarborough Southwest Councillor Gary Crawford.

Those attending will be able to provide feedback and learn more about development on the lands that were once described by Crawford as the “most complicated piece of land development in the east end.”

The Quarry Lands consists of two separate development sites. One is owned by the city while the other, just east of the city’s land and running between the railway tracks and Gerrard Street East—and then a portion of Clonmore Drive—is owned by GCD (formerly known as

the Conservatory Group).

For many years this site received no building applications due to the complexity of the land which made approval more difficult and an expensive process for many developers.

In the past, both lands were used as sand and gravel quarries, a brick-making operation and a former municipal landfill.

Specifically, the quarry on GCD’s land was a municipal landfill. This history has complicated application process as much work must be done to remediate the contaminated land before construction of proposed buildings can be undertaken. Other past concerns about development in the area have been

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Scan this QR code to become a Beach Metro Community News Supporter or visit www.beachmetro.com/support

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PHOTOS: DONNA BRAYBROOK

A St. Patrick’s Day celebration was held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 11 on Dawes Road on Saturday. Photo above right, Sandra and Wendy were dressed up for the celebrations. Photo above, members of the Plummer Dinghy Academy of Irish Dance teach participants some steps.

Abiona Centre for Infants and Early Mental Health in East York recently received federal government funding of more than $300,000.

Abiona Centre receives federal mental health funding for Black community

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

TORONTO-DANFORTH MP Julie Dabrusin and Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, and Associate Minister of Health Carolyn Bennett have announced that the federal government is releasing nearly $3 million in funding for mental health support in the Black community.

The announcement was made on Friday, March 10, at the Abiona Centre for Infants and Early Mental Health in East York, one of six Toronto organizations that will be receiving a share of the funds.

The funding is part of a previous commitment to provide $100 million in support for those most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Supporting mental health and well-being ensures that

those who face systemic barriers have access to the resources they need to thrive,” said Dabrusin.

The Abiona Centre, formerly known as Massey Centre and Humewood House, is a client-centred infant and early childhood mental health organization located on Broadview Avenue.

The organization, a registered charity, supports pregnant and parenting adolescents between the ages 13 and 25 — providing assistance to more than 2,500 mothers and babies each year The centre will receive exactly $399,674 in funding from the federal government that will be used to develop a homevisiting approach using community resources.

“The mental health of young Black mothers has been disproportionally affected by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Abiona Centre’s President & CEO Ekua Asabea Blair in a news release about the federal funding.

“We need to intervene now to stop the negative impacts of the pandemic from being passed down to their children.”

Blair said the funding from the Public Health Agency of Canada will promote positive mental health, resilience, and educational attainment and outcomes for Black adolescent mothers and their children.

Abiona Centre’s funds will be used to “develop a homevisiting approach using community resources.”

Blair added in a response to Beach Metro Community News after last Friday’s announcement that the federal funding will allow the centre to expand its programs and services for young mothers.

“With this funding, we are testing a home-visiting model to promote positive mental health, resilience, and educational attainment and outcomes for Black adolescent mothers and

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PHOTO BY XEENA JAWAD

‘Abiona’

from

their children. It is allowing us to expand our programs to reach some of the hardestto-serve young mothers,” she said.

“Families are supported in their own homes and schools by our staff to offer them the programs and services they need to stay in school, find housing, improve their mental health, and access health care and other critical resources. This work can and will change the trajectory for future generations of Black families.”

Other organizations receiving funding include York University ($400,000); the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Ontario ($398,095); Black Coalition for AIDS prevention ($377,840); and Moyo Health and Community Services ($398,831).

Although the funding was announced during Black Mental Health Week and focussed towards the Black community, St. Michael’s Hospital in downtown Toronto will be receiving the lion’s share of the funds at $1,111,834.

According to the federal government’s press release, St. Michael’s Hospital will be using the funds to “support the mental health and wellbeing of families in eight large racial and culturallinguistic groups in Canada.”

These include Black-African-Caribbean, Arabic, Mandarin, Cantonese, Tagalog, Latinx, Inuktitut, and Ukrainian groups.

“The project will also share culturally-relevant, evidence-based parenting resources for healthcare professionals to provide to their patients to promote mental health and well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery,” read the press release.

The March 10 announcement is an extension of a previous one from the Government of Canada in which it pledged $198.6 billion over 10 years to improve health care services for Canadians.

On Feb. 7, the Government of Canada said that it plans to work with all Canadian regions on shared health priorities in order to improve integrated health care for

Canadians.

This includes, but is not limited to, improved access to quality mental health and substance use services. The focus of this new funding is to promote mental health and mental illness prevention in an attempt to curb the rising demands on the health care system.

For quick mental health assistance, anyone in need can access the Wellness Together Canada portal, or call 1-866-585-0445 or text WELLNESS to 741741 (adults) or 686868 (youth). Kids Help Phone is also available 24/7 with e-mental health service offering free, confidential support to young people in English and French.

For more on the Abiona Centre for Infants and Early Mental Health, please go to www.abionacentre.ca

This image shows proposed (pink), approved (yellow), under construction (blue), and existing (grey) buildings in the Danforth Avenue and Main Street area.

Community concerns highlighted at meeting on Danforth and Main highrises

By Amarachi Amadike, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

A VIRTUAL community consultation meeting to discuss three new development proposals for the Main Street and Danforth Avenue area took place earlier this month.

In attendance at the March 8 meeting were about 109 participants. That number included a panel of 29 officials representing both the City of Toronto and developers for the three proposals being discussed at the meeting. Also in attendance was Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford.

“As a result of Bill 109 (Ontario’s More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022) legislation and our need to hit expedited timelines thrust upon us from the province, we are now stacking planning meetings on specific days in each ward in the city,” said Bradford. “So that’s what we’re doing tonight.”

The first of the three proposals discussed was a rezoning application to redevelop portions of the property on 2575 Danforth Ave. with five new buildings.

Designed by WZMH Architects for Victoria Wood/Main Square LP—with planning by Hunter & Associates—this proposal includes towers which will range from 15 to 55 storeys, creating up to 1,543 additional residential units consisting of both rentals and condominiums.

There are currently 1,113 existing units on site as part of

the Main Square apartment buildings development.

“There have been notable changes around the site’s address since the 2006 approval,” said Benjamin Larson, Planner at Hunter & Associates. “Along Danforth the plan is now for new transit supportive development, ground floor retail space, and overall improved public realm.”

According to Len Abelman from WZMH Architects, an important part of the planning was the ability to have pedestrian flow through the site.

Although the City of Toronto isn’t quite prepared to invest in an underground path that links the Main Street TTC Station just north of Danforth Avenue to the Danforth GO Station to the south, there will be a direct pathway that runs through Main Square, leading to the station.

The second proposal discussed was for two towers at 2681 Danforth Ave. (the Canadian Tire site east of Main Street). They will be 33 and 44 storey mixed-use buildings that will provide 905 residential units.

These buildings will have a total gross floor area (GFA) of 79,854 square metres, including 68,788 square metres of residential GFA and 11,066 square metres of non-residential GFA which will be reserved for Canadian Tires retail operations. The third proposal discussed was a rezoning application by Marlin Spring for a proposed 38-storey mixed-use building at 8 Dawes Rd., just south of Danforth Avenue.

This development will contain 399 dwelling units, consisting of 39 three bedroom, 109 two-bedroom, and 251 one-bedroom units.

Together, the three proposals aim to bring in 7,500 new residential units to the area but, at the moment, none of the

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Affordable housing not in proposals

‘Community’ from Page 4

developers have announced any concrete plans for affordable housing components in their buildings.

“It’s a lot and there’s no affordability provided in that and I just think that’s a shame,” said Bradford at the meeting. “It’s important that we make sure that we’re building complete communities.”

In November of 2021, Toronto Council approved an Inclusionary Zoning framework to require a level of affordability within all new developments. According to Bradford, the city had asked the Province of Ontario for this power “no fewer than seven times since 1999.”

Council’s Inclusionary Zoning framework required up to 22 per cent of units in new condominium developments in growing areas to meet a definition of affordability that is tied to a household’s income and that these units would remain affordable for 99 years.

However, as a result of the provincial government’s Bill 23 (More Homes Built Faster Act, 2022), changes were made to Inclusionary Zoning laws that directly contradicted Toronto’s affordability plan.

“Bill 23 capped the percentage of affordable units required at five per cent, reduced the affordability period from 99 to 25 years, and changed the definition of affordability to one no longer tied to household income,” said Bradford in response to questions from Beach Metro Community News after the meeting.

“However, as of today, there is no Inclusionary Zoning in effect in Toronto given that the Official Plan Amendments needed to implement any new framework are still awaiting Ministerial approval.”

The proposals for the Danforth Avenue highrises are still in the early stages so it is unclear at this time whether the applicants

will make revisions that cater to the City of Toronto’s affordable housing needs.

As a result of the expected increase in residents due to the growing number of approved developments in the area, the Main Square Community Centre would require an expansion.

The future of the community centre emerged as the main point of concern for many in attendance at the meeting.

They insisted that a gap between closing the existing community centre and constructing a new one would be disruptive to those who regularly use the gym and swimming pool at Main Square Community Centre.

City of Toronto staff, however, assured those attending the meeting that a disruption of services will be avoided.

“The community centre lease is set to expire in 2023, but we are in discussions with Talisker about that,” said Andrea Bake, Senior Project Manager for the City of Toronto.

“There is funding set aside in the capital budget for a replacement facility, but the location has not yet been determined.”

The budget, which was approved last month, includes design work set to start in 2028 and construction in 2030. The new lease discussions aim to meet this timeline.

Other concerns expressed by those attending the meeting included safety of the proposed new park; shadowing as a result of tall towers which the developers assured has been dealt with as taller towers will be kept a distance away from Danforth Avenue to mitigate shadowing on street level; and traffic congestion in an already busy area.

Amarachi Amadike is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro Community News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.

MPP’s bill on flooding dangers seeks support

Mary-Margaret McMahon MPP Beaches—East York

HELLO BEAUTIFUL BeachesEast Yorkers!

It has been an honour to represent you at Queen’s Park for the past nine months and I am looking forward to continuing to bring your strong and passionate voices to the Chamber to help build a better Ontario.

I am proud to share my upcoming Private Member’s Bill (PMB) with you and graciously ask for your support!

I jumped back into politics primarily due to the Climate Emergency and to that end my first Private Members’ Bill is centred around Climate Action.

Flooding is the most common

natural disaster in Canada and now costs Canadians more than any other climate issue.

Flooding is the leading cause of public emergency in Ontario. Ten per cent of homes in Canada are no longer insurable relative to flood risk and that number is steadily growing.

Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo found that the average cost of a basement flood totals approximately $43,000!

The Insurance Bureau of Canada found that insurance claims from severe weather have more than quadrupled over the past 15 years. These are cold, hard facts that can no longer be ignored.

In our own community, we have experienced much flooding over the years especially south of Queen Street East.

Many residents have told hor-

rific stories of massive amounts of sewage and water filling their basements. It is heartbreaking to hear about these ordeals and they are happening far too often. The 100year storms are no longer every 100 years.

Fewer Floods, Safer Ontario

That is why I wish to combat these financial, physical, and emotional hardships in one fell swoop with my PMB #56 Fewer Floods, Safer Ontario Act, 2022!

I have been working closely with experts in the field. Essentially, Bill 56 enacts several measures related to public awareness of flooding issues.

My Bill proclaims the fourth week in March each year as Flooding Awareness Week. It also requires the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to publish edu-

cational information on a government website.

Finally, the Bill requires infographics on basement flooding mitigation measures to be sent to taxpayers along with their municipal tax bill. Many of these measures are subsidized by municipalities including Toronto.

It has been found that at least 70 per cent of people who received such a handout in the mail actioned two or more items to fit their home to prevent flooding within six months of receiving it!

There is a high cost to inaction. Colossal price tags attributed to flooding clean-ups across Canada range from $5 billion to $9 billion.

For every $1 invested in climate adaptation, there is a savings of $3 to $8 in cost avoidance and realized locally.

We have been forewarned time and time again to address this cri-

sis by countless provincial and federal organizations.

It’s high time we started listening carefully and taking immediate action.

Emergency preparedness is a non-partisan issue that affects everyone.

The weather of the past is no longer a good predictor of the weather of the present or the weather of the future.

Anywhere it rains, there is a risk for flooding!

If passed, Bill 56 will be a WinWin for everyone.

It would be great to have your support. Please contact my office at mmcmahon.mpp.co@liberal.ola. org or 416 690-1032 to find out how you can get involved and be of help.

P.S. We also should NOT be building on floodplains nor in wetlands, but that is a topic for another day!

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Letters to the Editor

The blessings of a winter’s day seen in Riverdale Park

What a blessing came to this city in the form of one of the worst snow storms we have had in years.

I witnessed a dramatic change in the green valley formed by the Riverdale Farm on the Friday and the Winter Wonderland that greeted residents on the Saturday morning.

The pristine white hills were soon to be visited by hundreds (yes hundreds) of sledders trancing routes from the northeastern tip of the park to the southwestern end.

The walkway leading from the

farm to the maintenance building was filled several times as hundreds of folks came and went, filling spaces as exhausted participants reluctantly left the slopes and new arrivals filled in the vacant sites.

All of the spaces along the pathway showed the starting points of dozens of sledders right to the broad, flat surface below. The more adventurous of the downhillers started away at the top, while parents of the younger children converged to the neighbourhood of the maintenance building.

From my vantage point on the east side of the valley at Bridgepoint Health, memories came back to me of the return trek up the slopes of my youth. Believe it or not, I envied the experience being learned, now, by the little ones on their first steps back up the hill. They will reach the top out of breath…but ready to go again.

The older sledders had an advantage we never had (stairs lining the fence of the farm) providing an easier access to the top. Within minutes eager adventurers were ready

to experience the rushing wind and the snow flying in the face. And the momentary exhaustion at the foot of the hill.

Away from the hill, the park gave itself to pet owners trying to train their dogs to “sit, stay, fetch” and so on.

However, one thing I noticed was the comradeship these dogs showed to each other. No fighting, growling or snapping. Fetching a stick or thrown balls became a practice of racing speed, and the deep snow didn’t seem to hamper

the ability to get the thrown object and return it for another run-andchase.

I know that in the field and slopes north of my position at Bridgepoint, there was another contingent of families and friends enjoying the park off Broadview Avenue with their children and pets of all ages. I know they were there but I couldn’t see them. However, given the chance, I would join them in a flash.

Tim Dineen

Black Lives Here

Understanding diversity of Indigenous communities a first step to showing true support

MiMi LiLiefeLdt mimi@missfit.ca

When you’re a racialized person living in white society, one of the hardest things to do is be yourself. The pressure to assimilate is huge and the systems are set up so that there isn’t room for those who don’t conform. This means many people, often without conscious thought, dampen or completely abandon their cultural or even genetic characteristics.

Thankfully there are people like Sarabeth Metu Alivaktuk Holden, a local Inuit woman, mother, brewery owner, and writer, who has always known how to be herself.

Sarabeth and her husband Sean own Red Tape Brewery on Main Street just south of Gerrard Street East. She also published the first of her three children’s books around the same time as opening the brewery in 2020.

While most of us spent the start of the pandemic eating pizza and watching Tiger King, Sarabeth, a self described “hustler”, was working around the clock making her dreams a reality. The dream was for her and Sean to own their own brewery.

“He (Sean) was a homebrewer. He started brewing before we met. He lived in a condo and had a second washroom that he would use the shower stall to ferment all his beer. It was always a dinner table conversation, ‘wouldn’t it be cool to open our own brewery?’ because we loved it,” she said.

After giving birth to their first child, a series of events presented Sarabeth and Sean with some seed money, and they decided to put it towards their dream.

“It wasn’t house money, it was nice car money, and we were like maybe let’s build a brewery and maybe one day we’ll be able to afford a house. So here we are hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt! Living the dream!” she said with a wry laugh.

Though the stress of entrepreneurship naturally takes its toll, Sarabeth clearly finds joy in being a mother to her two boys.

When I asked what inspired her to write her books she said, “My chil-

dren. I always sing songs and try to make diaper changes a little bit easier. And one day I was like, ‘I need to write that down.’

So, I wrote it down and I hummed and hawed over it for a few weeks, made some edits and read it to friends and family and anyone who would listen. They also thought it was funny, so I emailed Inhabit (an Inuit owned publishing company whose headquarters are in Iqaluit).”

Through the promotion of her books (she has two published with another coming out soon) Sarabeth got connected with CBC Indigenous who reached out to her to do a story for CBC Kids. She was asked to tell a traditional Inuit story.

“CBC is making a lot of effort towards bringing more Indigenous content and diversifying that content because a lot of what’s out there and available to the public is First Nation, they don’t have a lot from Inuit and Metis,” she said.

There is an important distinction that Sarabeth points out, “There’s a lack of understanding. A lot of people want to support Indigenous business or people, but don’t understand the diversity of Indigenous people. And how different we are. This is a lot of land!”

She’s right. I am ashamed to admit being one of those people who wants to support Indigenous businesses and people but didn’t give any thought to the diversity of

every time we went up north to visit my mom’s family (in Pangnirtung) we would go for a few months because it is so expensive to go there.”

Going back and forth was often an adjustment, but what stood out was Sarabeth’s mother’s experience as an Inuit woman in The Maritimes.

Sarabeth shared some of what she knew, “People talk about systemic racism, but I think my mom’s birth experience with my sister was an example of that. My mom was bleeding and she said, ‘something’s wrong’ and the nurse was like, ‘no you’re fine.’ My sister ended up drowning in the birth canal and so she has severe brain damage, cerebral palsy, and epilepsy. She was in NICU (neonatal intensive care unit) for the first three or four months of her life. She survived and is still alive, she’s 44 now but she lives in a long-term care home.”

their cultures, communities, or experiences.

So I looked it up, as you should too, but for general awareness here’s what I learned straight from the Government of Canada’s website: “The Canadian Constitution recognizes 3 groups of Aboriginal peoples: Indians (more commonly referred to as First Nations), Inuit and Métis. These are 3 distinct peoples with unique histories, languages, cultural practices, and spiritual beliefs.”

Of these distinct peoples, “There are more than 630 First Nation communities in Canada, which represent more than 50 Nations and 50 Indigenous languages. Many Inuit in Canada live in 53 communities across the northern regions of Canada in Inuit Nunangat, which means ‘the place where Inuit live.’ According to Statistics Canada’s 2016 Census of Population results, 587,545 Canadians self-identified as Métis.”

Sarabeth’s experience as an Inuit woman is a blend of cultures. Her mother was born in a winter camp on Cumberland Sound and moved to Pangnirtung when she was a small child. Her father was born and raised in Montreal, but his family was from New Brunswick.

“I was born in Halifax and raised between New Brunswick and Nunavut,” she said. “We would go back and forth. My dad was a retail manager for Zellers, so we moved every two years. And

Her mother and sister’s story is heartbreaking but not unusual. It is a well documented fact that Indigenous women repeatedly face discrimination and poor health care. Social inequities and racism are ingrained in our systems, they are so deeply imbedded that for anyone who is not impacted, it barely registers how inhuman it is.

The acts of discrimination range from minor to downright criminal, but even the lesser seeming transgressions are negatively impactful. Sarabeth shared a story from her childhood that stuck with her, “I remember going to a grocery store, a co-op. We’d just moved to a new town. We’re with my mom, who didn’t drive at the time, so my dad dropped us

Continued on Page 9

Hands on Learners

PHOTO: MIMI LILIEFELDT

Sarabeth Metu Alivaktuk Holden owns Red Tape Brewery on Main Street with her husband Sean.

MARCH 21: Seniors Luncheon at Royal Canadian Legion, 243 Coxwell Ave., 12:30 p.m. Doors open at 12 noon to a swing band with luncheon served shortly after. Free to seniors 65 and over and veterans.

MARCH 23: Healing Mass at St. John’s Catholic Church 794 Kingston Rd. (2 blks. east of Main St.), 7:30 p.m. A traditional Mass during Lent with a focus on healing as opposed to curing. Through prayer and meditation it helps to find healing in any form: physical, emotional or spiritual. The choir will provide the music for this special Mass.

MARCH 24, 25: Rock Fest at Guildwood GO Station parking lot. Presented by Beaches Jazz Festival. Featuring tributes to iconic rock bands such as Pearl Jam, Queen, Aerosmith and more. Free admission.

MARCH 25: Scarborough Seedy Saturday and Green Fair at St. John Henry Newman High School (formerly Blessed Cardinal Newman), 100 Brimley Rd. S., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Over 60 booths featuring seed vendors, a seed exchange, honey vendors, park associations, garden associations, the Toronto Master Gardeners, environmental organizations, gardening info tables and workshops. There is a wonderful KIDS area – so bring the family. Food and refreshments will be available for sale. Admission is $2 or Pay What You Can. Kids are free! (A portion of the proceeds is being donated to the Scarborough Food Security Initiative). Please Like Us and get more info at : https://www. facebook.com/SSSGFair/ or contact us at scarboroseedysaturday@gmail.com

MARCH 26: Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser (option to dine in or take out) at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 5-7 p.m. Cost: $20 per adult, $5 for children (12 and under). Meal includes salad, garlic bread, spaghetti with meat (or vegetarian) sauce, drink, and dessert. Pre-registration/prepayment before March 21, please (cash, cheque, or e-transfer). Tickets: admin@ stpaulsscarborough.org or 416-261-4222

MARCH 31: Breaking Bread Together: A Virtual Wine Tour to Chile, 7 p.m. Fundraiser for Beach United Church’s local outreach and food programs. Join us on a tour of Punti Ferrer Winery in Chile as you sip on wine paired with empanadas and charcuterie. More info: beachunitedchurch.com

APRIL 1: Beaches Spring Sprint. This 2km and 5km walk/run along the boardwalk, hosted by The Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council, returns after a three-year hiatus. Register in person at Beaches Recreation Centre, 6 Williamson Rd., March 21, 22, 29, and 30 from 7-9 p.m. $25. For more information or to sponsor or volunteer: springsprint@hotmail.ca

APRIL 1: Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. First sitting 8 a.m. (8:30 Egg Hunt), second sitting 9 a.m. (9:30 Egg Hunt). Pancakes, crafts and an Easter egg hunt! Suggested donation $5/person. Reservations required. Contact: 416-691-1113, jade@centre55.com

APRIL 1: Jazz & Reflection at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Join the Tom Reynolds Trio for an afternoon of jazz in our warm and inviting main hall. Donations are welcome and proceeds support the Beach United food programs. More info: beachunitedchurch.com

APRIL 6: Children’s Choir Practice at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. Thursdays from 5:30-6:30 p.m., beginning April 6th. Beach United is creating a Children’s Choir and children ages 7-13 are welcome. Choir is being led by Sheila Brand, a former music teacher using the Orff Approach, for vocal, ukulele and drama/dance programs at Williamson Road P.S. Info: beachunitedchurch.com

APRIL 7: Beaches Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Info: www.beacheseasterparade.ca

APRIL 9: Beaches Easter Parade along Queen St. E. from Neville Park Blvd. to Woodbine Ave., 2 p.m. rain or shine. Info: www.beacheseasterparade.ca

APRIL 13-MAY 7: Don Valley Art Club Spring Awards Show & Sale at Todmorden Mills, Papermill Gallery, 67 Pottery Rd.

Opening: April 13 at 7 p.m. Gallery Hours: Wed to Sun 11 a.m.-4 p.m. (closed Mon and Tues). Online: Open 24 hours! Celebrating 75 years in the Valley! Info: www. donvalleyartclub.com/artshowandsale

APRIL 15: Spring Rummage Sale at Scarborough Bluffs United Church,3739 Kingston Rd., 9-11:30 a.m.

APRIL 23: Glen Stewart Ravine Spring Clean Up, 10 a.m.-12 noon. Meet at the Beech Ave. ravine entrance. Please bring your own gloves. Bags and treats will be provided. Info: friendsofglenstewartravine@gmail.com

MAY 6: Environmental Fair at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Save the date! If you’re interested in being an exhibitor or vendor, please contact: maryanne.alton@sympatico.ca

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

BEACH PHOTO CLUB. Are you interested in photography? We invite all shutterbugs to check out our local photo club. We offer a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo excursions, competitions, practical seminars and more! We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June, 7-9:30 p.m., at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. (unless specified in program). Info: beachphotoclub.com or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com

GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP

Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard Street E., will be closed on Friday, April 7, 2023. We will reopen on Friday, April 14, 2023 from 3:30-6 p.m. Info: 416-690-5169

GRACE PASCOE CARE CENTRE Food Bank is open Thursdays, 6-8:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-2899, gpcc@ calvary-baptist-church.ca

BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH

LUNCHES, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.). Sit in. Bag lunch. Chair lift. •Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.), March 28, April 11, 25, May 9. Hot meal. Wheelchair accessible.; St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, (2423 Queen St. E), March 21, April 4, 18, May 2, 16. Bag lunch. Wheelchair accessible. Coffee available. •Wednesdays at Beaches Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.). Bag lunch. No lunch April 5 and 12. •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.). Hot meal. Wheelchair accessible. •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). Hot meal. Wheelchair accessible. Please note: Lunch format may vary site to site. Last lunch is May 19. Info: 416-691-6869

WORDS & MUSIC - Joni Mitchell Lecture Series at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Mondays 10 a.m., April 17 & 24, May 1, 8, 15 & 29. Join Dr. Mike Daley, musicologist and storyteller, with a 6-part lecture series exploring the iconic Joni Mitchell. $120 for all 6 lectures; $30 for single lecture. Tickets and info: beachunitedchurch.com

THE BOOK AND FILM CLUB, presented by the Great Escape Book Store, featuring “The Night of the Hunter” by Davis Grubb. Read it: meet and discuss April 14 at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 7 p.m. Watch it: screening April 20 at The Fox Theatre, 2236 Queen St. E., 7 p.m., followed by Q&A with film critic Bruce Kirkland. Info or sign up: 416-691-7150, www.facebook.com/greatescapebookstore

RCL TODMORDEN BR. 10, 1083 Pape Ave. •Trivia Night: Wednesdays, 7 p.m. We encourage all members and friends to come out, gain some knowledge and have a whole lot of fun. $2 per person. •Drop-In Darts: Thursdays, 7 p.m. $2 per person.

•March 24, April 14: Back by popular de-

mand, Al Jordan will be entertaining members and friends starting at 8 p.m. following Bingo at 6:30 p.m.

•March 31 -The Ladies Auxiliary will be serving Chicken Vegetable Soup with crusty bread for $5 per person. 5 p.m. while quantity lasts. Bingo will follow at 6:30 p.m.

•April 21: Dance to jazz/ swing band, Lenny Graff Orchestra (from Frank Sinatra to the Beatles), 8 p.m. following Bingo at 6:30 p.m. •April 30 - DropIn Cribbage. $10 per person. Prizes to be determined as per number of participants.

CHURCHES BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave. Join us in person every Sunday for our worship service, 10:30 a.m., led by minister Rev. Greg Daly and our music director Steven Webb. Sunday School available on April 2, May 7, and June 4. Good Friday service will be held on Friday, April 7th at 10 a.m. in our Main Hall. We will also have a Sunrise Service at Leuty Station on April 9 (Easter Sunday), along with our regular Sunday service at 10:30 a.m. in our Main Hall. More info: beachunitedchurch.com

BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 64 Glen Manor Dr. We are an inclusive and affirming congregation in the heart of the Beach. BPC has strong commitments to community service and social justice issues. We provide non-perishable food for those in need through our Free Food Pantry located outside the church building. Our Refugee Commitee has been in operation for many years helping families and individuals arrive and start a new life in Canada. On the 2nd Wednesday of every month we host a Coffee Outreach from 1-3 p.m., an opportunity for people in the neighbourhood to gather for coffee, snacks and fellowship. Upcoming special services include April 6 Maundy Thursday Potluck Dinner & Service starting at 6 p.m. April 7 Good Friday service at 10 a.m. and April 9 Easter Sunday at 10 a.m. Info and links: www.beacheschurch.org, 416-699-5871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey FALLINGBROOK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 35 Wood Glen Rd. Please join us Sundays at 10:30 a.m. as we travel through Lent into Holy Week in person, by LIVEstream or phone. •Lenten Worship Services via Zoom ONLY for a time of prayer, song and reflection, Wednesdays 12 noon-12:20 p.m. on March 22, 29 and Apr. 5 led by Rev. Angela. •Stations of the Cross Experience, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. from Monday, April 3 to Saturday, April 8 •Holy Week Worship Services are on Livestream through our website and Facebook and In-Person: Palm Sunday: April 2 at 10:30 a.m., Maundy Thursday, April 6 at 7 p.m. in the Friendship Hall, Good Friday at 10:30 a.m. and Easter Sunday, April 9 at 10:30 a.m. Join us as we journey with Jesus as he travels to Jerusalem to the Cross and to his Resurrection. Videos of the services can be found on our website and on Facebook for later viewing. Zoom link and info: 416-699-3084 or fboffice@rogers.com. More info: fallingbrookpresbyterianchurch.com

ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd. Lent & Easter Schedule: Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent at 4:30pm., Special Healing Mass on Thursday, March 23 at 7:30pm. Confessions: every Saturday 3:45 to 4:15pm. Palm Sunday Masses: (Apr. 1) Sat. Vigil 4:30pm, (Apr. 2) Sun. 9 & 11am. Holy Thursday (Apr. 6) no 8:15am Mass only Mass of the Lord’s Supper and Eucharistic Adoration at 7pm. Good Friday (Apr. 7) no 8:15am Mass only Liturgy of the Word and Communion at 12 noon & 3pm. Holy Saturday (Apr. 8) no 4:30pm Mass only Easter Vigil at 8pm. Easter Sunday (Apr. 9) Masses at 9 & 11am.

CALVARY BAPTIST CHURCH, 72 Main St. Sunday Morning services at 10:30 a.m. - in-person, online, by phone, and on our Facebook page “Calvary Baptist Church Toronto on Main Street”. Good Friday Evening “Tenebrae” Service April 7, 7:30 p.m. at the church. You are invited to share in a service of spoken word poetry, choral readings, and meditation at Calvary from 7:30 to sunset. 55+ Board Games and

Cards Afternoon (First Saturday of every month: 1:30-4 p.m.). Info: 416 691-4721, calvaryonmain@calvary-baptist-church.ca

WAVERLEY ROAD BAPTIST CHURCH, 129 Waverley Rd. Join us either In-Person or On-Line for our Sunday Morning Worship Services (twitch.tv/waverleyroadbaptist or Instagram Live) beginning at 11 a.m. for the upcoming Passion Week! Join us for Palm Sunday and Easter Sunday at 11 a.m., as well as our Good Friday Morning Service at 10 a.m. Info (especially to familiarize the songs we’ll be singing during those Services): waverleyroad.ca, 416-6943054, info@waverleyroadbaptist.ca. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram, also. And, let us know how we may pray for you! (Just click the PRAYER button on our website.)

BIRCHCLIFF BLUFFS UNITED CHURCH, 33 East Rd. Sundays @ 10:30 a.m. We are a diverse, open and inclusive Christian community. Join us on Sundays as we journey through Lent. Our Music program offers special monthly Music Sunday services on the last Sunday of each month. Our next Music Service is in Celebration of Spring on March 26 @ 10:30 a.m. Lenten Season continues with a Lenten Study Series hosted on Zoom by our minister Rev. Dr. Ellen Redcliffe on Wednesday evenings @ 7:30 p.m. Easter Holy Week Services are as follows: April 2 @ 10:30 a.m. Palm Sunday in person or online; April 6 @ 7:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday online; April 7 @ 10:30 a.m. Good Friday Service online; April 9 @ 10:30 a.m. Easter Sunday in person or online. Info: 416-694-4081, www.bbuc.ca

GRANT AME CHURCH, 2029 Gerrard St. E. All are welcome every Sunday from 11 a.m. to worship service in-person, Facebook, ZOOM, or YouTube livestream with Pastor Kenesha Blake-Newell. Our Good Friday Service is on April 7 at 6 p.m. Join us on our prayer line every Wednesday from 11 a.m.-12 noon. Bible study on ZOOM every Wednesday at 7 p.m. on ZOOM. We provide non-perishable food, fresh fruits and vegetables on Fridays from 3:30-6 p.m. at our food bank located in our fellowship hall. Links and info: www.grantame.com, grantamechurch@yahoo.ca, 416-690-5169 ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST NORWAY

Anglican Church, 470 Woodbine Ave.

Welcome to St. John the Baptist Norway! We are a growing community which enjoys the Anglican expression of the Christian faith. We gather to connect with one another and worship God on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. In-Person or on Livestream and at 5 p.m./with our new, contemporary relaxed service The Table. We have a Food Pantry open on Monday mornings from 10 a.m.-12 noon. Info: 416-691-4560

CHURCH OF THE RESURRECTION

(ANGLICAN), 1100 Woodbine Ave., is a historic Anglican church situated on busy Woodbine Avenue in East York, at the bustling heart of the Danforth-Woodbine neighbourhood. Our congregation is mostly local, markedly intergenerational, imperfect yet caring. Everybody is welcome. Holy Week and Easter Services (at 1100 Woodbine Ave unless listed): April 2 Palm Sunday with neighbourhood palm procession, 10:15 a.m. followed by worship; April 6 Maundy Thursday Communion, 7 p.m.; April 7 Good Friday Service, 10:30 a.m.; April 9 Easter Sunrise service at Woodbine Beach Park, 6:30 a.m.; April 9 Easter All Ages Communion, 10:30 a.m. Info: https://resurrectiontoronto.ca/

ST. AIDAN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 2423 Queen St. E., welcomes you to join us for Sunday worship at 8:30 a.m. in person, or at 10:30 a.m. (with children & youth programs) in person or on Zoom.

Mondays: Out of the Cold, doors open at 5:30 p.m., hot dinner at 6 p.m. Tuesdays: Euchre at 7 p.m. Wednesdays: Mid-week service, 10:30 a.m. Our energetic, active church offers varied opportunities for spiritual growth, vibrant Children’s and Music programs, Youth activities, and a strong commitment to action on social justice and environmental issues.

proudly presented by Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford

Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade set for afternoon of April 9

THE TORONTO Beaches Lions Easter Parade will take place on the afternoon of Sunday, April 9, this year.

The parade, which first took place, in the Beach area in 1967, will travel west along Queen Street East from the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant to Woodbine Avenue.

It will start at 2 p.m. on Easter Sunday, April 9.

Registration is now open for groups wishing to participate in the parade.

For information on how to register to take part in the parade, please go to www. beacheseasterparade.ca/parade-info

Along with the parade, the Beaches Easter Weekend Celebration will also include an Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt on Good Friday (April 7) from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The scavenger hunt will see participants visit a number of locations in the Beach area to find the hidden Easter Eggs.

For more information, please go to www.beacheseasterparade.ca/eggscavengerhunt

The Beaches Lions Club has been organizing the parade since 1973.

Encouraging Indigenous people to be comfortable in own skin

‘Understanding’ from Page 7 cially in my case, conversations with young Indigenous people, is teaching them to be comfortable in their own skin and healing that intergenerational trauma. Encouraging them and telling them they can do whatever they want to do, to have that self confidence.

off. There’s a woman standing at the membership table, and my mom was like, ‘I’d like to sign up’ and (the other woman) she’s like, ‘We don’t have any memberships.’ . . . We left the grocery store. We couldn’t join. This was 1990. . . I was confused. What do you mean we can’t get a membership? Why are you sitting there with all these applications?”

In this story there may have been no physical injury, but the result was still harmful. The confusion of a small child and a grown woman’s humiliation add up to the strong message that you are not worthy. This pain lives inside. People who are constantly marginalized don’t have to have the painful thing happen to them directly. The pain can be passed down, witnessed, or imminent –the fear of knowing it can happen to you at any time.

Knowing your worth from birth, to be able to walk in confidence and have it validated by society is a luxury. When in fact what it should be is a basic human right, but in reality, it is reserved for the lucky few.

So, what can we do to repair the damage? Sarabeth had some insight, “The great thing about having more conversations, espe-

“I think that that’s something that was destroyed with residential schools, institutions telling our people that they’re dirty Eskimos or dirty Indians and that their ways are wrong. That everything they’ve learned up to that point is wrong and this is the only thing that’s right. In such a way that it changes the way that they thought about themselves. We need to heal that, and you can’t expect one person to do it all on their own.”

And again, Sarabeth is right. No one can do it on their own. No one’s intergenerational trauma was created on their own so why would we expect it to be resolved that way?

Most people now understand that though we might not have been the ones to directly inflict the harm, we have benefited from its results. It is with this acceptance of responsibility that we need to move forward together so that Indigenous people can stand tall and proud in their individualities. Being able to be your full self is a basic human right.

The Easter Bunny waves to the crowds during the 2022 Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade along Queen Street East. This year’s parade is on Sunday, April 9.

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Toronto Veterinary Rehabilitation Centre helps dogs with treatments such as aquatic therapy and acupuncture

By Alan Shackleton

WHILE A relatively new concept for some dog owners, many others are turning to veterinary rehabilitation services for their older or injured pets suffering from mobility or pain issues.

At the corner of Queen Street East and Northern Dancer Boulevard in the Beach, dog owners and pedestrians walking by are getting a first-hand view of what these services consist of by looking through the windows of the Toronto Veterinary Rehabilitation Centre.

The centre, run by veterinarian Dr. Sarah Thornton, opened in November of last year and quickly attracted the attention of neighbourhood dog owners.

“I love the Beach so much. Most of the clients are local, some came from word of mouth and some people see us in the window,” said Thornton in an interview with Beach Metro Community News.

Rehab services for dogs offered at the centre include aquatic therapy (in which the dogs walk on a treadmill is a small pool), acupuncture, physiotherapy, and T.E.N.S. – which is transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Other services are weight management, laser therapy, assistive device and chronic pain consultations.

Toronto Veterinary Rehabilitation Centre is Toronto’s first accredited veterinary rehabilitation practice. It is accredited by the Col-

Veterinarians

A graduate of the University of Guelph’s veterinary program in 2008, Thornton said she had always been interested in how rehabilitation therapy could help dogs with mobility issues and sore joints.

Her experiences with her own chronic pain led her to look into ways that some of those treatments might be applied to pets, she said.

“I had a great chiropractor that helped fix my issues, and I thought there was a way this could work for pets as well.”

Nine years ago Thornton became

involved in providing rehab treatments for dogs. She learned about dog acupuncture and became certified in the practice. Thornton is also certified as a dog rehabilitation therapist.

She started a service in January of 2020 in which she would visit the dogs at their homes for treatments.

That service began shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Thornton said it was a challenging time during the first months of the pandemic, but being able to bring the service to people’s homes proved to be an advantage.

“It actually worked in our favour. A lot of people didn’t want to go out and bring their dogs to treatments, and the mobile service came to them at that time.”

However, it was her goal to establish a rehabilitation therapy centre, and the Beach was the area in which she wanted to do so.

Thornton said the location on the south side of Queen Street East, just east of Northern Dancer Boulevard, features a number of other pet-related businesses and was the ideal spot to open up in.

“We wanted to be in this part of

the city. There’s a lot of pet owners in the Beach and there’s also a lot of pet-related business here as well,” she said.

“We thought this would be a very good location. When it came down to it, we just loved the space and all the light…We’ve had people just walk in with their dogs. People were looking in the windows and saw what was happening.”

For many of those people looking into the centre’s windows, they are seeing pet rehabilitation therapy taking place for the first time.

“It’s still new enough that there’s a lack of general awareness among dog owners and even some vets as to what we offer,” said Thornton.

In the past, many dog owners might have felt their only option to manage the pain and limited mobility faced by their older or injured dogs was with pain killers.

“Some dogs can’t tolerate the medications and some owners prefer a more natural method of treatment,” said Thornton of the reasons owners decide to use the rehabilitation therapy services.

She said for some dogs, they are at the limit of what pain medications can do to help them and rehab is a good option to help them further deal with their issues.

“We have targeted therapies based on the situation,” said Thornton.

For instance, acupuncture can help stimulate nerves and also re-

Continued on Page 11

PHOTOS: ALAN SHACKLETON

Dr. Sarah Thornton, of the Toronto Veterinary Rehabilitation Centre in the Beach, gives Great Dane Moby an acupuncture treatment with assistance from Jenna at left. lege of

of Ontario.

Therapy helps with pain, mobility issues

‘Toronto’ from Page 10

duce pain, she said. The aquatic therapy is an excellent way for the dogs to exercise as the warm water helps relax sore muscles and joints.

“The buoyancy of the water takes the weight out of the equation and they can work without stressing the joints,” she said.

The aquatic therapy pool can take dogs of all sizes as the depth of water it is filled to is changed for each treatment.

On the day Beach Metro Community News visited the Toronto Veterinary Rehabilitation Centre, a small Boston terrier named George, age 15, was wrapping up his aquatic therapy treatment which he takes for general health.

Right after George, the pool was emptied and refilled with a much greater volume of water for an enormous Great Dane by the name of Moby. At the age of 10, Moby has back pain and some neurological issues that can affect his back legs.

Moby walks on the treadmill in the pool, while some other smaller dogs will sometimes swim in it depending on their treatment. When dogs are swimming, there is an attendant in with them for safety purposes.

The dogs are motivated to walk on the treadmill by treats.

“There’s lots of snuggles and treats for the dogs and it’s a physically fun environment,” said Thornton.

Moby, a very large dog, calmly and quietly

underwent his acupuncture treatment and then was happy to get into the aqua pool as it was slowly filled with warm water.

“The older ones know the routines and are usually pretty chill,” said Thornton.

However, Thornton said they have strategies to deal with dogs that are not as laid back as Moby.

“There’s not very many dogs that we can’t get to sit still. We can give them a licking (tray) of peanut butter…If food motivates them, we can get them distracted with the food and they will stay there.”

The clinic buys tubs of the extra large peanut butter containers so there’s never a shortage of available treats (and motivation) for the dogs undergoing therapy.

Along with the physical benefits, Thornton said coming to the centre is also good for the mental health of the dogs.

The centre is a place of socialization and fun activities, especially for older dogs who may not be able to run around in the park like they once used to.

“Senior dogs are seeing mobility declining. They are no longer able to do things they used to do. They come in here for the socialization, the mental enrichment and a lot of physical activity they can do that won’t hurt them,” said Thornton.

For more information on the Toronto Veterinary Rehabilitation Centre, located at 1735 Queen St. E., please visit www.torontovetrehab.com

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON

George, a 15-year-old Boston terrier, walks on the treadmill in the therapy pool at the Toronto Veterinary Rehabilitation Centre in the Beach.

PHOTO: ALAN SHACKLETON Moby, a 10-year-old Great Dane, stands in the therapy pool as it fills with warm water at the Toronto Veterinary Rehabilitation Centre.

On The Wild Side

Time to talk about the terrible toll window strikes take on birds

ann BrokeLMan

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

I’ve decided to take some time to write about a difficult, but necessary topic today: Window strikes.

I’ve wanted to discuss this for some time, but I’ve always struggled to find the right words. Well, I’ve waited long enough. If these aren’t the right words, hopefully they are close enough to get some useful information across.

How many of you readers have had a bird hit one of your windows before?

Between all the houses and apartments I’ve lived in, I don’t believe I could count all the strikes.

But, think about that for a few moments. If most people have had at least one bird hit one of their windows, wouldn’t that mean… millions of strikes? Of course, not all the impacts are fatal, but we’re probably not aware of all the strikes either, if they occurred while we’re out of the home, for example.

I took a minute to Google this, and I found a shocking Government of Canada article that estimated that, every year across Canada

and the United States, between 400 million and 1 billion birds die from window strikes. Every year. (Those numbers are big enough that I put the link at the bottom of the article for you to double check)

The rest of the information, about preventing window strikes, in this article comes from my conversations with Paloma Plant and Heather Smith from Fatal Light Awareness Program (FLAP) Canada.

They told me that in the spring migration alone, millions of national birds will hit private homes, low to mid-rise, high rise office towers, cottages, and even clear railings and fences.

Why does this happen?

Many of you have probably seen, an online video of some poor person accidentally walking into a glass door. I know I have. The poor victim had no idea the glass was there.

The most important idea from my conversations with Paloma and Heather was most of these strikes are preventable.

When windows reflect shrubbery, trees, and especially empty blue sky, it’s almost inevitable that a bird will eventually hit it.

There are, however, many products off the shelf which

can be applied to windows, glass doors, and other clear or reflective surfaces. The key is to do just a little research to know what makes the most sense for the outside of your windows. Luckily, if you go to the FLAP website (FLAP.org) you’ll see and learn about a wide variety of products, including how to install them yourself, to help protect our avian friends.

To help the birds all that is required was a few simple sticker-markers on the glass. To be effective, these markers were placed on the outside surface of the window, and the gaps between them were no larger than 5cm x 5cm (2” x 2”). Multiple markers are essential – a silhouette of a single bird is not going to prevent birds from hitting that window.

So, what do you do if you have a bird strike your window before you can put up your own markers?

Assuming the bird survived the impact, try to safely contain it in a nonwax-paper bag. Alternately, you could put the bird in a butterfly tent, or even a small box with a paper towel on the bottom. The bags are porous which allow the bird to breathe without punching holes in them. Then call your closest wildlife centre, such as the Toronto Wildlife Centre at 416-631-0662 and ask them for next steps or leave a message.

If you’re waiting for them to call back, please do not open the paper bag or box. The bird may try to fly out and hurt itself even more. Just put it in a dark and quiet room until you hear

back from the wildlife centre. Also, whether the bird is dead or alive, go to the Global Bird Collision Mapper to post the impact info at www.birdmapper.org.

To date, FLAP has recorded the window/impact deaths of 176 species of birds, from hummingbirds to hawks and owls, including more than 20 species that are considered At Risk.

A final note from John Carley, Board of Directors at FLAP: Toronto with its Planning Department created the Bird-Friendly Development Guidelines, which were adopted by City Council in March 2007. At that time, these were guidelines only. However, with the establishment of the Toronto Green Standard in 2010, the guidelines became mandatory.

Through successive years, the Toronto Green Standard has been updated so that now it is in Version 4 with quite strict requirements for many aspects of planning and construction, including bird-friendly measures. For details, visit www. toronto.ca/city-government/ planning-development/official-plan-guidelines/torontogreen-standard

Let’s do our part to keep our feathered friends safe. Here’s where you can buy the bird friendly tape: www.featherfriendly.com/ residential

Also here is more info from the federal government: www.canada.ca/en/environment-climate-change/ services/avoiding-harmmigratory-birds/faq-birdcollisions-glass-windows. html

PHOTOS: ANN BROKELMAN

Photo above left shows a barred owl that was injured after flying into a window. Photo above right shows the same owl being released into the wild after being treated for its injuries.

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Malvern girls win city hockey crown, playing in OFSAA finals this week

By Kaden Campbell

THE MALVERN Collegiate Institute

Black Knights girls varsity hockey team have gone back-to-back as city champions with a 5-3 win over Lawrence Park Collegiate in the title game on Thursday, March 2.

The championship game was held at the Scotiabank Pond arena in Downsview in front of a big and enthusiastic crowd consisting of family and friends from both teams.

Malvern came out of the gates early with Morgan Lille scoring twice to put the Black Knights up by two to end a strong first period.

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In the second, after a quick goal by Lawrence Park, Celena Mickevicius stormed through the defenders to slide one in the five-hole with a strong individual effort to re-establish Malvern’s two-goal lead.

Lawerence Park closed the gap to one goal once again in the second, but Hannah Longley then found the back of the net on a feed from Mickevicius on the powerplay to put Malvern up 4-2.

The game was capped off with Lille completing the hat trick and the Black Knights killing a penalty in the final minutes of the third to win the championship.

The Black Knights success in the finals and throughout the season was in part due to the goaltending from Grade 9 player Jamie Sanford who developed herself into the No. 1 goalie and a player the Malvern team is thrilled to have in net for years to come.

“As a coach, working with this group of girls has been one of my, if not my most favourite hockey team to ever be a part of,” said Malvern head coach Korey Brand.

“Our Grade 12s and leadership group has created a fun and welcoming environment for all of the team members to be a part of. Their love for the game, friendship for one another and positive energy will never be forgotten. It is never a dull moment at one of our practices or before and after our games. I am so proud of each and every one of them.”

After a strong season in the Toronto District Secondary School Athletic As-

sociation (TDSSAA) Tier 1 league, the Malvern girls will now compete at the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championships in Windsor on March 21 to 23.

Malvern will be competing at the AAA level at the OFSAA championships. The AAA level is the highest for OFSAA and is for teams from schools that have a student population of more than 950.

Black Knight team members include: Celena Mickevicius (C), Kate Custance (C), Abby Calvert (A), Caitlin Rother (A), Téa Lavallée (A), Jamie Sanford, Rachel Aziz, Morgan Lille, Sophie Larkin, Lily Branton, Eden Doty, Camille Cummins, Charlie Holmes, Mary MacDonald, Avery O’Neill, Hannah Longley, Ruby Wood, Allison O’Leary and Jade Vachon.

Coaches are Korey Brand (Head Coach) and Carter Livingstone (Assistant Coach).

For updates on how the Malvern team is doing at this week’s OFSAA championships, please visit us online at www. beachmetro.com

Toronto Beaches to play home lacrosse games in Scarborough

By Jack Skinner

THE TORONTO Beaches Junior A Lacrosse team reported recently that it will be playing its upcoming home games at Scarborough Centennial Arena ahead of the 2023 season’s start in May.

The move east is due to renovation work being done this summer at the team’s regular home of Ted Reeve Arena, said Toronto Beaches in a news release.

The scheduled renovation was supposed to take place last summer, however, the Ted Reeve Arena Board set the work dates for this year instead, said the release.

That decision allowed Toronto Beaches to play their 2022 regular season home games in the Ontario Junior Lacrosse League (OJLL) at Ted Reeve Arena, at Main Street and Gerrard Street East.

After cancelling the 2020 season due

to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a reduced 2021 season due to the pandemic as well, Toronto Beaches returned to Ted Reeve Arena, (which the team calls The Sand Box), and won nine out of 10 games there during the 2022 OJLL regular season.

Toronto Beaches were able to play their first 2022 playoff series home games against Peterborough at The Sand Box last July, but then had to relocate to Pickering and Whitby for their remaining playoff series home games.

In their second OJLL playoff series last summer, Toronto Beaches beat the Burlington Chiefs to secure a spot in the OJLL championship series against the Whitby Wildcats.

Whitby won that series to claim the OJLL championship.

However, the season wasn’t over for the Toronto Beaches as they were one of four teams that qualified for the national junior lacrosse championship tournament, the Minto Cup, which was

held in Brampton in August.

Last year marked Toronto Beaches first ever appearance in the Minto Cup. The tournament was a success for the Beaches as they made the semifinals, but lost to the Edmonton Miners to finally end their 2022 season.

In the news release, Toronto Beaches head coach Reilly O’Connor commented on the relocation to Centennial Arena in Scarborough for this season’s home games.

“We are excited to have a permanent home for the summer of 2023. Centennial Arena will allow us to remain in the Beaches community where we are looking forward to playing in front of all our fans and future Beaches Junior A players.”

Scarborough Centennial Arena is located on Ellesmere Road just west of Markham Road.

Toronto Beaches first home game of the 2023 season will be May 18 against Whitby.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Members of the Malvern Collegiate girls varsity hockey team celebrate their city championship win on Thursday, March 2, at Scotiabank Pond. This is the second Toronto District Secondary School Athletic Association (TDSSAA) Tier 1 hockey championship win in a row for the Malvern girls. The team is now in Windsor competing in the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) girls hockey championships from March 21 to March 23.

Neil McNeil set to defend OFSAA title

By Kaden Campbell

THE NEIL McNeil Catholic High School

Maroons senior boys hockey team won the Toronto District Catholic (Colleges) Athletic Association (TDCAA) championship with a 3-2 victory over Michael Power Catholic High School at the Ford Performance Centre in Etobicoke on Friday, March 3.

The Maroons finished with a 7-1 record in the regular season in league play. Winning the city crown qualified Neil McNeil for the first OFSAA hockey championship tournament since 2019 (cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic for the last three years). The Maroons are the defending OFSAA champs, having won the title in Barrie in 2019.

The win over Michael Power was also the second TDCAA title for Neil McNeil this decade as the team took the championship in early 2020 as well but was unable to defend their crown from the previous season at OFSAA since that tournament was cancelled due to COVID-19.

Neil McNeil goals in the March 3 TDCAA championship game were scored by Connor Irwin, Brandon Gill, Fin Donnelly. A local player from the Ted Reeve Hockey Association, Donnelly’s marker was the game-winning goal.

Goaltender Nate Gillis stood strong between the pipes to record the win for the Maroons. Some key players that led the Maroons to success this season were offensive threats such as team captain Gill, who leads the team with 17 goals and 12 assists, and playmaker centre Dylan Coyle with five goals and 17 assists. Connor Irwin, with his speed and physicality; Ethan Nobes, with his versatility and high hockey IQ; and the defensive group of Louie Mele and Garrett Nystrom were other key players for the Maroons this season, said coach Eric Naranowicz in a note to Beach Metro Community News

Their strong play was backed by goalie Gillis who is also one of the team leaders.

“Gillis possesses the size and strength to restore confidence in the rest of the team especially in huge pressure situations,” said Naranowicz. “Gillis is a strong leader and while a goalie having a letter on their jersey is rare, he has proved to be a core leader on the team.”

The coach said the depth of the roster is one the team’s assets. “The senior Maroons this year are incredibly deep with the entire team, from top to bottom, is filled with high level hockey talent and character.” said Naranowicz.

He said the players are looking forward to facing the top teams at this week’s OFSAA AAA championship tournament which takes place in Windsor from March 21 to 23.

“As competitive hockey players, I think, the one thing you want is to see just how good you are and to prove that you are the best. There will be other very high-level hockey teams from all over the province at this event, which excites us as a group to have earned a rite to play in such an environment,” said Naranowicz of OFSAA. “The senior Maroons want to repeat as the province’s best in order to bring pride to the school, its alumni, and its community.”

Members of the Neil McNeil senior boys hockey team are Brandon Gill (C), Dylan Coyle (A), Ethan Nobes (A), Garrett Nystrom (A), Nate Gillis (A), Connor Irwin, Jesse Miller, Jacob Owsicki, Nate Dugwell, Lucas Codinera, Romeo Lini, William Pancharovski, Finn Donnelly , John Moncada, Evan Vukicevich, Louie Mele, Carter Seto, William Millar, Ryan Scott, Russell Mackrell and Rohan Soreng.

Coaches are Eric Naranowicz and Peter Ranson.

For updates on how the Maroons are doing at OFSAA, visit us at www.beachmetro.com

MP for Beaches-East York

Toronto Premier Gymnastics

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

The Neil McNeil Catholic High School senior boys hockey team recently won the Toronto District Catholic (Colleges) Athletic Association city championship. The win qualified the team for the OFSAA championships this week in Windsor.

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

HEALTH

DR. KARIN RUMMELL & ASSOCIATES OPTOMETRISTS

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

BALSAM DENTAL

BEACHES OPTOMETRY CLINIC

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

DR. LINDA WINTER Psychologist Consultations • Therapy Individuals • Couples Over 20 years experience. Located at Queen & Wheeler 416-691-1071

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

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Tara Shannon M.Ed. Counselling Psychology, RP Registered Psychotherapist Psychotherapy for Individuals and Couples Insurance clients welcome Evening & weekend sessions available 579 Kingston Rd (corner Main) 416 698-6960 tara@tarashannon.ca

Lisa Romano-Dwyer

BSc, MSW, PhD, RSW Registered Social Worker & Psychotherapist Lakeside Wellness Therapy Affiliates Individual & Couple Care Child & Adolescent Counselling Services Wellness Life Coaching 1755 Queen St. E. • 416-951-8280

Carolyn Dallman Downes

Registered Psychotherapist Depression, Anxiety, Grief, Relationships. www.CarolynDallmanDownes.com 416-363-0065

Kirsten Johnson B.Sc, DipTIRP, RP

Psychotherapy for Individuals/Couples

LGTBQ+ / Anxiety / Depression more...

Insurance welcome BeyondTheBlueTherapy.com

WELLNESS missfit.ca

SPIRITUAL

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT

Bert van Delft

Complete financial services for the business owner, manager, entrepreneur & self-employed Corporate and Personal Income Tax Services Bus: 416-270-9898 98 Scarboro Beach Blvd.

William F. Deneault Chartered Accountant

• Corporate & Personal Tax • Specializing in small to medium business • Financial advice 21 St. Clair Avenue East, Suite 502 Tel: (416) 962-2186

Kriens LaRose, LLP Chartered Professional Accountants • Accounting services for owner-managed businesses. • Personal and corporation income tax preparation.

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

CEP-CSEP girlonbike1@gmail.com

COUNSELLING

Catherine Allon, BSc, MEd Caring Solutions for Relationship Issues 416-694-0232

www.energyawakening.com

Spiritual Counselling

Leane Besky Insurance Agency Inc.

Glover & Associates

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

Queen and Hammersmith

Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION

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

Shelly Pereira, Paralegal

PARLIAMENTARIAN

Difficult Meetings?

A Professional Parliamentarian can help with training and advice. MichaelMouritsen.ca

LAWYERS/LEGAL

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

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

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

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

Snider & DiGregorio Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9 Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca

O’Reilly, Moll & Mian Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Public 300 Main Street 416-690-3324

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

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

KAMRULHAFIZAHMED

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

QUINN Family Law

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

Real Estate, Wills & Estates

Alessandra P. Goulet Barrister

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

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

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

ASHBRIDGE’S HEALTH CENTRE

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

MASSAGE THERAPY

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

THERAPY

Evans, RMT, CRHP

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

DENISE BADLEY-CASTELLO

Barrister, Solicitor, Notary Family • Wills & Estates Real Estate 2069 Danforth Ave. (Woodbine) 416-690-6195 dbadleylaw@rogers.com

KATHRYN WRIGHT

in the comfort of your own home.

Dr. Barbara Houghton 647-221-5516

Toronto, M3E 1S8 E: info@guardianmortgages.ca W:www.guardianmortgages.ca

Serving the Beaches & GTA Powered by Mortgage Architects License #12728

Aldo Lopez-Gil, CFP, CIM

We specialize in wealth & retirement strategies, RRSPs, RRIFs, TFSAs, RESPs, Pensions and more.

Life Insurance, Disability, Critical Illness aldo.lopez-gil@edwardjones.com

416-691-8730

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

Kerry Bowser WEDDING OFFICIANT kerry@kerrybowser.com www.kerrybowser.com

416-807-3094 Free Consultation Available

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

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

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

www.stephenkingarchitect.com

Member Ontario Association of Architects

URBAN CALM THERAPEUTICS Stephanie Gage, RMT Kristina Pearsal,

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

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

Local realtor Chris Dunlop presented with Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s award as Philanthropist of the Year

By Alan Shackleton

LOCAL REALTOR Chris Dunlop was recently presented with the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Philanthropist of the Year Award.

Dunlop, 53, is the owner broker of record for Royal LePage Estate Realty on Queen Street East in the Beach.

The award is presented annually by the Foundation, which helps provide funding for women’s and family shelters and domestic violence prevention across Canada. The Foundation is in its 25th year and has raised approximately $41 million in support of 200 shelters and programs to help those experiencing domestic violence.

Dunlop, who has been a realtor since 2005 and the sole owner of Royal LePage Estate since 2018, said he felt extremely honoured to be presented with the Philanthropist of the Year Award.

“It was total surprise. I was not expecting it,” he said of hearing his name called out as the recipient of the award at the Royal LePage conference at the Beanfield Centre in Toronto earlier this month.

“We were sitting at the awards table with the team (of Royal LePage Estate realtors) to celebrate success. Then as they were describing the philanthropist award winner I thought they’re talking about me.”

“The reaction of the agents was just so awesome and that made it extra special,” added Dunlop.

“I don’t do it for recognition. I do it because I believe its important and a way to serve our community. I have won many sales related awards over the years, but have never won something so important. Being able to contribute to this means so much.”

He said fundraising and financial support, along with raising awareness of the Shelter Foundation, were some of the reasons cited for his winning of the award this year.

Royal LePage had a conference last year in Winnipeg where Dunlop had a chance to host an event at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights which helped raise funds for the Shelter Foundation. “We held a reception and tour of the museum for agents at the conference,” he said. “It’s an incredible space. Very powerful and touring it puts things in perspective.”

The event also raised more than $20,000 for the Shelter Foundation.

Dunlop said he always supports Royal LePage agents who are holding fundraisers for the foundation anywhere across the country. He also personally contributes a significant amount to the Foundation.

Those working at Royal LePage Estate office also support the Foundation. “As a company we have a donor

program where agents and staff can donate a portion of their pay or commission, and 100 per cent of them do that. It’s a part of our culture. That amount of participation really stands out.”

He said that realtors know the importance and value of a safe home and that’s why he and so many others in the profession are so supportive of the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation.

“Working in real estate we have the privilege of helping people find a place to live and call home, but we also realize that it can’t be called a home if it’s not safe.”

And that’s why working with the Foundation is so important, said Dunlop.

“We do have some power to be of help to the shelters. The reality is domestic violence’s victims are mostly women and children and it’s a very serious issue. I don’t know what would happen to people if they did not a have safe place to go,” he said.

Locally, Royal Le Page Estate Realty supports the Red Door Shelter, Nellie’s Shelter and the Scarborough Wom-

en’s Centre.

“They are doing very important work, and this is our way of giving back to the community,” said Dunlop.

Making the presentation of his award an even more special event was that Royal LePage Estate realtors Tory and Jess Brown were presented with the Team Award for their support of the Shelter Foundation.

“That made the whole night so special,” said Dunlop. “For the same company to win two awards that night…Tory and Jess are so humble in what they do for the Foundation. To see them recognized for it was awesome.”

Before becoming a realtor, Dunlop worked for the YMCA in the Ottawa area. In the spring of 2006, he and his family moved to the Beach after relocating to Toronto shortly before that. “It’s an awesome community. We love it because it is like a small town in a big city,” he said. “There’s lots of great stuff to do close by. We just love our neighbourhood so much.”

Historical Society hosts in-person lecture next week

THE BEACH and East Toronto Historical Society will be hosting an in-person lecture with local author Scott Kennedy on Wednesday, March 29.

The lecture will be the first in-person event hosted by the Society since

the COVID-19 pandemic began in the spring of 2020.

Taking place at The Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., the event takes place from 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Kennedy will be talking about his

new book on Toronto history titled Tales from the Hollow: The Story of Hoggs Hollow and York Mills

The lecture is free to attend and is presented in partnership with The Beaches Sandbox.

PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Chris Dunlop, centre, is presented with the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Philanthropist of the Year Award at a ceremony held recently at the Beanfield Centre in Toronto.

next month.

Colin Thomas to represent Canada at PanAm Under-17 water polo tournament

By Emmy Curtis

AFTER A hiatus since 2019, the PanAm Aquatics Water Polo U17 Championships are making a comeback, and local student Colin Thomas will be there competing.

Thomas is a member of the Team Canada squad that will be taking part in the tournament in Bauru, Brazil from April 2 to 8.

Thomas, a Grade 11 student at Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute, is in the school’s Birchmount Exceptional Athlete Program (BEAP). This program offers a unique approach to the athletic development of students, with a strong focus on education as the top priority.

BEAP provides its student-athletes with a supportive environment that includes an aca-

demic staff, coaching team, parent contributions, and community partners. The program is designed to teach athletes about a range of important topics such as education, training, mental preparation, nutrition, and goal setting.

Thomas’ journey in the sport of water polo began at the age of seven. Prior to discovering his passion for the game, Thomas had been taking swimming lessons. As fate would have it, his parents noticed his talent for swimming and suggested enrolling him in the water polo program to enhance his skills as a swimmer. Little did they know that their suggestion would lead to a remarkable journey for their son, a member of the Shadow Water Polo Club, who will now be representing Canada at the PanAm Aquatics Water

Continued on Page 19

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PHOTO: SUBMITTED

Birchmount Park Collegiate student Colin Thomas has been named a member of the Canadian Under-17 water polo team competing in the PanAm championships in Brazil

Greek Independence Day Parade set for March 26 on Danforth Avenue

GREEK INDEPENDENCE

Day will be celebrated by Toronto’s Greek community with a parade along Danforth Avenue on the afternoon of Sunday, March 26.

The parade begins at 1:30 p.m. at Donlands and Danforth avenues and will head west along Danforth Avenue to Broadview Avenue.

The annual parade marks the Greek War of Independence against the Ottoman Empire in the early 1800s which ultimately led to Greece’s formation as a independent state. The day is

celebrated on March 25, and Toronto’s Greek community holds its parade on the Sunday closest to that date.

As part of the Greek Independence Day events, there will also be a wreath laying ceremony taking place after the parade (at approximately 3 p.m.) on March 26 at the Alexander The Great Parkette at Logan and Danforth avenues.

A number of local road closures will along Danforth Avenue for the parade.

Those attending the parade are urged to take public tran-

sit if possible.

Virtual wine tour supports food programs

THE BREAKING Bread Together, virtual wine tour of Chile, on March 31 will support local outreach and food programs at Beach United Church.

The virtual tour on Zoom begins at 7 p.m. and includes two bottles of wine, and empanadas with charcuterie. Cost is $100. The tour’s host is Rob St. Pierre of Tre Amici Wines. To order tickets go to www.beachunitedchurch.com

PanAm water polo tournament in Brazil

‘Colin’ from Page 18 Polo U17 Championships.

The top five men’s teams from that competition will qualify for the World Aquatics 2024 World Youth Championships.

The PanAm event next month in Brazil will see 12 countries representing the four zones of the Americas.

Thomas told Beach Metro Community News he is eager to contribute to his team’s success and is excited to be taking part in next month’s event.

“It is an honour to have been chosen to represent my

country. The training, and dedication over the years has paid off,” he said.

Canada’s best-ever performance at the PanAm Aquatics Water Polo U17 Championships was third place on the men’s side, which they earned in 2013, 2015 and 2017.

Thomas said this year’s Canadian team will be looking to improve on those past performances with an even higher finish.

He was asked how growing up in the Greater Toronto Area impacted his career as a water polo player, and said being able to get high

quality training at a world class facility was one of the key reasons. “We lived less than 10 minutes from the training facility, the Toronto Pam Am Sports Centre. Which was very convenient as high-performance training is scheduled five to six times a week,” said Thomas

This regular access to training facilities at the PanAm pool has contributed to his success in the sport of water polo by providing him with the necessary resources and opportunities to improve his skills and performance, he said.

For the holidays, we will have FRESH run-free Turkeys, Capons, Mennonite-raised Chickens, and old-fashioned bone-in Hams

Also Acadian Tourtiere Meat Pies, Steak & Kidney Pies, Chicken Pot Pies, Scotch Pies, Shepherd’s Pies and Cornish Pasty

Certified Angus Beef & Mennonite raised Chickens ORDER

TUES, WED, SAT THURS & FRI SUNDAY CLOSED MONDAY

9AM-6PM 9AM-7PM 10AM-4PM

2476 KINGSTON RD. (WEST OF MIDLAND) 416-901-3149

The view looking north on Bellefair Avenue in March of 1917

By David Van Dyke

The archival photograph above was taken in March of 1917. We are looking north on Bellefair Avenue, before Bellefair extended up to Juniper Avenue. At this time Norway Avenue (which is the cross street directly behind this viewpoint) was not a street but a footpath.

I would like to ask our readership what task the surveyors are implementing with these cylindrical objects? If you know, please contact me gdvandyke61@gmail.com

Good Grief Support Group Sessions

Register for our Good Grief

Facilitated by Patti Atkinson & Judi Clarke

Easter Bunny breakfast slated

COMMUNITY CENTRE 55 hosts its Breakfast With The Easter Bunny event on Saturday, April 1.

There will be two sittings for the breakfast. The first will be at 8 a.m. for breakfast, followed by an Easter Egg hunt beginning at 8:30 a.m. The second will be at 9 a.m., followed by an Easter Egg hunt at 9:30 a.m.

Pancakes are on the menu, and there will also be crafts.

Those attending must register in advance for one of the two sittings. To register, please contact Community Centre 55 at 416-691-113 or send an email to jade@centre55.com. There is a suggested donation of $5 per person for the breakfast.

Local Journalism Initiative

Residents can learn more about Clonmore Drive plan at meeting

‘Meeting’ from Page 1

about potential rush hour traffic increase on Gerrard Street East and Clonmore Drive.

It can be expected that these issues will be further discussed during Thursday’s consultation meeting.

As of now, the land to the west of 150 Clonmore (northeast of Victoria Park Avenue and Gerrard Street East) is in the early stages of being developed as Birchley

Park with a mix of mid-rise apartments and townhouses creating 1,052 new residential units. That plan also includes two new roads and a public park of approximately 2.4 hectares.

Anyone interested in participating in the meeting can access the event link by visiting the City Planning Consultation webpage at www. toronto.ca/cpconsultations

Residents who are unable to participate in the meeting

but have comments or questions are encouraged to contact Samuel Baron (Samuel. baron@toronto.ca), or Councillor Crawford (councillor_crawford@toronto.ca) in order to ensure their voices are heard.

For more information on how to participate in the meeting, please visit www. toronto.ca/communitypeople/get-involved/publicconsultations/participate-invirtual-engagement-events

Beach Metro Community News Lucky Volunteer for March 21

Amarachi Amadike is a Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for Beach Metro Community News. His reporting is funded by the Government of Canada through its Local Journalism Initiative.

Community News Lucky Volunteer for March 21 is Peggy Roach, who has been delivering the newspaper to the residents of Ferncroft Drive since December 2020.

Peggy said she decided to volunteer to deliver the Beach Metro as a way of service to her community.

“Beach Metro has always been a source of local community information for me and my family and this is our way of contributing. My husband, daughter and grandchildren all help when available.”

For being named Lucky Volunteer for March 21, Peggy receives a prize of $50.

If you would like information on available delivery routes, please email our Distribution Manager, Melinda Drake at melinda@beachmetro.com.

C L A S S I F I E D S

DEMOLITION EXPERTS

(includes HST) for the first 20 words, plus 35¢ each extra word.

Ads are available in two sizes: WORD AD BLOCK AD 1.5” wide x 1” deep (includes HST)

BEACHES LAWN MAINTENANCE LAWN CUTTING

TOP TEACHER TUTORING

Fully qualified and experienced Special Education Specialist is available to provide expert and effective language instruction to elementary students. References available.

25$16. 00$25.

Contact: carolin@beachmetro.com or 416-698-1164 x 22 Ads must be paid for at time of placement. Classified ads also appear on our website: www.beachmetro.com The advertiser is responsible for checking the accuracy of the advertisement after the first insertion. Beach Metro News is not liable for errors and non-insertions in subsequent issues. Beach Metro News accepts advertising in good faith and does not endorse any advertisers or advertisements.

or Deadline for April 4 issue is March 27

HALL RENTALS AVAILABLE

Please contact the branch for further info: R.C.L. Oakridge Branch 73 2 Robinson Ave., Toronto 416-691-4763 Website: rcl73.com Email: rcloakridge73@gmail.com Legion hours: Wednesday 7pm - 11pm; Friday 1pm - 6pm; Saturday 1pm - 6pm. (3)

Apartment/ Home for Rent

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

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

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

2

KLEEN

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sarah.wu@torontohousing.ca

416-698-9000 (r)

BLIND AMBITION

CustomWindow Coverings Drapes, Blinds, Valances Also Duvet Covers, Shams, etc. For estimate call 647-899-9074 (2!)

General Services

WAYNE’S

RUBBISH REMOVAL & DEMOLITION SPECIALIST RECYCLING 416-264-1495

CELL 416-567-4019 (2r)

MR. FIX-IT

Demolition & Removal of Garages, Porches, Fences & Concrete. Howard 416 565 8569 (2.)

Well Trained Handy Husband

CTD Handyman Services

General repairs indoor/outdoor. Drywall, painting, carpentry, pressure washing. Demolition and waste removal. Call or text: 647-336-8030 (3)

HANDYMAN / HELPER

*

SCRAP CARS

Call me 416-521-6287

We Pay Top Dollar For Unwanted CARS, VANS, TRUCKS & SUVs

AFFORDABLE

JUNK REMOVAL

Same day - We take everything Furniture - Junk - Garden Waste Construction Waste Blake 416 873 0205 (2.)

Old School Exterior Home Repair & General Maintenance Spring & Summer Special Curb side disposal Waste containers

Power washing, sanitizing & debugging flies & maggots, etc. 647-656-3846 (3)

Unwanted vehicles to be picked up and paid for in cash in a professional manner. Call Len 416-819-8464 (2r)

Pet Services

Kuri K9 Massage

I am a mobile Certified Canine and Feline Massage Therapist working in the Toronto area since 2013. I offer Swedish massage and other massage therapies and modalities to your fur babies in the comfort of your home. Phone/Text 416-471-3955 kurik9massage.com (2)

Pest Control

RACCOON CONTROL

Humane removal of raccoons and babies from ATTICS, DECKS, PORCHES, GARAGES, SHEDS WWW.RACCOONCONTROL.CA 647-557-7932 (22/24)

SQUIRREL REMOVAL

We remove squirrels in a humane way from attics, walls, sheds, decks, etc. 647-496-0815 www.SquirrelControl.ca (22/24)

PEST CONTROL

• Cockroaches

• Mice

• Bed Bugs

• Ants

416 414 5883 info@blpm.ca (2r)

Who has the time to clean anymore?

I have the time, so give me a call.

Roxanne 647 886 8303 (1.)

EXTREME CLEANING

I provide excellent cleaning services for residential homes and condos.

Contact Martha @ Cell: 647-206-1415 (2..)

EUROPEAN

CLEANING LADIES offer complete and thorough cleaning service for your house • office • condo Call Ilona 416-427-3815 (4)

CLEANING SERVICE

25 yrs experience

References Available Free Estimate Call 647 824 1254 (2)

Irene Seliotis

Quality House Cleaning

Telephone: 416.690.3739

Cell: 647.278.7490

Dependable service for over 20 years (3)

Shine & Sparkle

Home & Office Cleaning Solutions 416-831-6279

ImpressYourMotherInLaw@gmail.com

We’ll Make It Sparkle!

Family Owned & Operated (3)

Music

Beaches Suzuki School of Music

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

Online teaching available

Ines 416 726 5729 (2.r)

THE TWO FOURS

Join Your Local Rock & Roots Band’s Book your event now!

thetwofours@eol.ca • 416-690-5442

https://facebook.com/thetwofoursband

Tutoring

HELP WITH MATH & ENGLISH call ALBERTO 416 690 9389 for

• COVID CATCH-UP •

• in-depth homework/test help •

• essay-writing + study skills •

• numeracy + literacy support •

INDIV/GRP TUITION IN YOUR HOME

QUALIFIED + EXPERIENCED TEACHER, K-12

PROVEN SUCCESS - REFS AVAILABLE (2r)

Head Start Tutors

Please call 416-884-1402 (4)

Garden & Tree

BEACH PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

-Lawn Cutting -Spring/Fall Property Clean-Ups -Hedge Trimming 416-414-5883 info@blpm.ca (2r)

Beach Lawn Care LAWN CUTTING SERVICES

*STARTING AT $20 416-691-8503 beachlawncare2020@gmail.com (2r)

FOUR SEASONS SERVICE

• All tree work • Gardening • Hedge Cutting • Leaf Raking • SNOW REMOVAL Steve 647-216-8588 (3)

EVERGREEN TREE CARE

YOUR LOCAL, FAMILY RUN TREE PRESERVATION SPECIALISTS Pruning, Cabling, Planting, Arborist

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

UPPER BEACHES

OFFICE SPACE

Ideal for medical professionals, lawyers or accountants 416-690-2880 (r)

CHURCH RENTAL SPACE AVAILABLE!

Affordable & Accessible Spaces including large office space from 2502000 square feet! Danforth/Coxwell. Workshops, Events, Kitchen, Programming, Concerts. www.kpuc.org/event-spaces (3). www.beachmetro.com

PROFESSIONAL, MATURE, RELIABLE RENOVATIONS AND REPAIRS 20+ years experience Plumbing, Electrical, Carpentry, Painting, and Handy Work. Randall 416-450-0599 torontomrfixit@gmail.com (2r)

Peter the Handyman

• Rats

• Wasps

• Spiders

• Centipedes

• more THEEXTERMINATORS.CA 647-496-2211 (22/24)

Cleaning Services

HEALTHY HOME CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

• Bio-degradable, non-allergenic products used

• Drying time 3-4 hours

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

RILEYS’ WINDOW CLEANING

A family business since 1956

Window & Eaves Cleaning

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

One on One Tutoring Grades 3-12

Keeping the Love of Learning Alive

Sunday tutoring available.

www.headstarttutors.ca

416-272-9589 • hstarttutors@gmail.com

Proudly serving the Beach for over 25 years

Neil Bennett B.Ed./OCT Sally Vickers B.Ed./OCT (2r)

THE STUDY STUDIO

Individualized tutoring and programs for grades 3-12 in all subjects.

Proven success with thousands of Beach area students for 20 years. On Kingston Rd. just east of Vic Park

Andrew English B.Ed. 416-690-6116 www.thestudystudio.com (2r)

TUTOR FOR FRENCH & FI (Beach area) by

Spring Sprint registrations begin this week in advance of April 1 event

THE 2023 Spring Sprint will be hitting the Boardwalk on Saturday, April 1.

Since its inception back in 1987, the Spring Sprint has been a major fundraiser for the Beaches Recreation Centre.

The event is organized by the Beaches

Scotstone

Recreation Centre Advisory Council, and money raised goes to programs at the Williamson Road centre.

Registration for this year’s Spring Sprint takes place in person at the Beaches Recreation Centre, 6 Williamson Rd., on March 21,

22, 29 and 30 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Cost to register is $25. Registration is done in person so participants can have a chance to see the facility they are helping to raise funds for.

The event usually draws hundreds of run-

Roofers

LANIGAN’S

Roofing & Aluminum

An honest family service in the heart of The Beaches www.laniganscontracting.ca

416-569-2181 (r)

THOSE ROOFERS

Don’t call them, call those roofers ALL TYPES OF ROOFS - Shingles

CEJA

ROOFING

ners, and as such the Beaches Recreation Centre is in need of volunteers to help out with this year’s Spring Sprint -- both on race day and with registrations. For more info, visit the Beaches Recreation Centre - Advisory Council Facebook page.

KEW BEACH

GENERAL CONTRACTING

Kitchens - Bathrooms Basements - Doors, Windows Garages - Fences, Decks

For all your reno needs, no job too small. Metro lic 416 824-7901 (5)

ALANO TILE & RENO

• Expert Installation of Porcelain, Marble, Mosaic • Over 25 years experience

• Total Kitchen & Bath Reno

• Plus Tile Repairs 416-561-8713 (15)

PORCH MASONRY

Brick • Block • Concrete Steel • Stone www.thestoneporch.com thestoneporch@gmail.com 416-988-2589 (2r)

TORONTO

416-333-3773

BEACHCOMBERS GC Painting All work 100% guaranteed Beachcombersgc.ca 416-910-6302 (2..)

PERFECT

Painting & Repair John 647-702-9502

Plumbers

BEACH PLUMBING

Small Repairs to complete houses Renovations 416 691-3555 50 years in the Beach (r)

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLUMBING

Beach resident for 50 years. Discount for seniors and single parent. Lic. Master Plumber • Free estimates Patrick 647-404-7139 patrickj480@gmail.com (6)

TOM DAY

Plumbing & Drains

All types of plumbing work. Smallest leak - complete bath reno. Internal & external drain excavating. Call the professionals 416-480-0622 24 hr. - lic# P1624 (2r)

MASTER PLUMBER PLUMBER CONTRACTOR

Beach

UNDERPINNING & WATERPROOFING

Maximum General Contracting Inc. “Your basement lowering specialists” 416-826-3918 John www.mgcunderpinning.com maximumgen@gmail.com

MET# B16348 Since 1998 (2r)

Beaches Brickworks

• brick restoration

• arches, lintels & sills

• openings & enclosures

CHIMNEY SPECIALISTS 416 988-2589 danielmccaf@gmail.com (2r)

S.A.C Masonry

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

Call Sergio 416 873 9936(2)

K.

CJ DRYWALL & PAINTING

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

Call C.J. 647 222 5338 (2.)

BEACHES HANDY WORKS

Dedicated precise worker.

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

Call Hamid at 647-300-2462 (2r)

JDB MASONRY

• Brick / Foundation

• Concrete / Stone

• Chimney & Parging

Restoration & Build www.jdbuild.ca

416-738-2119 (2r)

BRICK SPECIALIST

Masonry & brickwork.

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

Can Pro Mechanical

Heating cooling service & install Hvac ductwork

Furnace, boiler, hydronics

Large and small jobs 416 606 4719 (2r)

BLANK SLATE RENOVATIONS

Kitchens & bath, basement apts, doors, trim, crown molding, shelving, paint, drywall repair, tile, hardwood, fences, decks, interlock and more.

Lic. & Ins.

416.274.5929 (2r)

DRYWALL Replacement and repair. Small to medium jobs only, please. Clean. Professional. 43 yrs experience.

I won’t leave until you are 110% satisfied Please call Colin at 416-347-0974