Celebrating 20 years of community arts in Etobicoke
THE LAKESHORE
VILLAGES Volu me 07 • Is s ue 01 • M arc h / Ap r i l 2 0 1 4
www.thelakeshore.ca
lakeshorearts.ca
IN THIS ISSUE Success in the mail 02 Embracing the season 06 Honoring the deceased 07 Lakeshore Villages update 08 Lakeshore Arts 09 Assembly Hall 10 Sprinklers 12 Councillor Grimes 13 Bernard Trottier, MP 14 Jean Augustine 15
Embrace the Ambiance of the Lakeshore
By: Lindsay Howe
The Lakeshore community is equipped with every shop, restaurant and service available - all in your immediate vicinity. The shops and services offered along Lake Shore Boulevard and Royal York Road cater to the local community and surrounding neighborhoods. The Joint Lakeshore Business Improvement Association continues to work promoting the three ‘B’s’ of success: beautification, branding and bolstering business. Shop One, Shop All All of the amenities you could possibly need are right within the comfort of your own neighbourhood! With over 300 businesses on the Lake Shore and on Royal York Road, all of your shopping and service needs can be satisfied, without having to get in your car and drive to a crowded shopping centre or outlet mall. Shop local and experience the difference quality customer service and expert advice makes. An added bonus, when you shop local you leave with the personal satisfaction of knowing your money is going back into the community. These funds are used to put on events and maintain a clean, vibrant area for your enjoyment. Wining, dining and entertainment South Etobicoke is home to some fabulous pubs, bars, restaurants, coffee houses and bakeries. Whether you are looking for a quick bite, or a more elegant fine dining experience, an array of restaurants will satisfy your taste buds or whatever you are craving. Birds & Beans is a comfortable and quaint café by the lake. Birds & Beans offers the best freshly brewed organic coffee and lattes and delicious home-baked cookies and pastries. Meanwhile, Sweet Olenka’s exquisite handcrafted European chocolates, brownies, natural homemade ice cream, waffles, crepes and desserts are among the tastiest treats in town. continued on page 4
Success is in the mail Canada Post Corporation is a tough topic to write about and very rarely gets a positive note, but I would like to share a few thoughts.
The Lakeshore Villages
The Village Times was launched in 2005, and at the time, it was determined that even though the costs were high, the best distribution for our community papers would be by Canada Post. The decision has proven to be a solid one, providing access to our readers and giving our advertisers maximum results.
Quarterly Publication ~ Circulation 30,000 Delivered by Canada Post
95% of Canadians open their mail the day they get it, making Canada Post one of the most reliable ways to ensure our readers receive our messages. We can reach complete sections of a community, or just one street. Using demographic filtering abilities, we are able to target postal walks associated with the community.
Volume 07 | Issue 01
For advertising information, please contact Toby Gardiner at 416-875-1409 or by e-mail at toby@rjentertainmentpublishing.com Honoured to be awarded the first Timothy Street Medal of Honour award.
Editorial Contributors Lindsay Howe • J. Knox
Canadians are very likely to respond to mail. The return on investment to our advertisers is significant. This has proven to strengthen our readership and advertising base over the years. Recently a customer was scammed a fly-by-night delivery service. These companies are not options for distribution. Canada Post has proven to be reliable and effective for our distribution. Canada Post – not all bad!
www.thelakeshore.ca
Toby Gardiner | Publisher toby@rjentertainmentpublishing.com
Follow us on Twitter @RJentpub and like us on Facebook @RJEntertainmentPublishing. Read all our publications on-line @ www.rjentpub.com The Lakeshore Villages is printed on 100% recycled fibre. Please recycle.
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Embrace the Ambiance of the Lakeshore
Community Corner
continued from front cover
The local bars and pubs are known for their tasty food and lively atmosphere. Both The Maple Leaf House Grill and Timothy’s Pub offer a cozy, low key environment to meet up with friends and enjoy some savory pub food and live musical entertainment. Catch a sporting event at The Blue Goose Tavern and watch the game on the pub’s big screen TV’s. The Blue Goose Tavern has an outstanding line up of live entertainment all weekend long. Don’t miss out on these popular pub events happening St. Patrick’s Day, and all weekend long!
Lenten Services “God for Every Man” Martin Luther Church 2379 Lake Shore Blvd. will host four other Mimico congregations as they jointly present a weekly Wednesday English Lenten Service from March 5-April 16 at 7:30 PM. Each week, images from the Isenheim altar piece (1512-16) will be reflected on for their relevance to our everyday lives. Anyone is welcome!
Ongoing beautification of Lakeshore Villages The Joint Lakeshore BIA takes great pride in developing the neighbourhood, making the area a better place to live, work, shop and visit. Their ongoing efforts are geared at creating an attractive and marketable image for the area. Beautification is a key ingredient to the success of each of the four BIA’s. Lakeshore Village, Long Branch, Mimico-by-the Lake and Mimico Village BIA work to promote community involvement through their streetscape initiatives and community events. Many of their projects are centered on beautifying the neighbourhood and bolstering businesses.
City of Toronto mural program Business associations, including community groups that include strong business participation , can receive funding for outside wall mural projects that help promote a local theme and facilitate positive commercial neighbourhood identity. The city is now receiving applications for the 2014 mural grant program. Contact Michael Saunders at 416-392-1005 for further information.
The BIA’s are involved in ongoing streetscape beautification projects to improve the overall look and atmosphere of the neighbourhood. Their efforts include adding planters, new street signs and decorating the streets with seasonal banners, trees and luscious flowers. More than 100 trees will be added to the Lakeshore area in an effort to improve the streetscapes and ambiance of the area. Across the four BIA’s you can find vibrant seasonal banners, and the local maintenance crew comes in to change the banners, and keep them clean. The Mimico BIA displays 25 four-foottall hand-painted tulips decorating the planters on Royal York Road throughout the spring and summer season. Visit often to experience the beautiful, streetscapes and lively atmosphere. Shop local and take advantage of everything the community has to offer.
Protect your FAMILY not your BANK Did you know that with mortgage insurance through your lender: X When you die your bank gets paid NOT your family X Just because you pay premiums, it doesn’t mean you’re covered X Your rates change when you refinance your mortgage X Your coverage decreases as you pay down your mortgage X There’s no break for being in good health The answer is personally-owned life insurance!
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Embracing the Winter Season By: Lindsay Howe
Health and Wellness in the Village
Snowshoeing Snowshoeing is a fun, inexpensive, easily mastered activity as well as a great cardio workout. Snowshoeing builds strength, agility, balance and endurance. We can burn more calories snowshoeing than walking, running or even cross-country skiing. Snowshoeing allows us to utilize every major muscle group at a high intensity.
The cold weather and snow should not detour us from reaching our personal health and fitness goals. Winter is a great time to mix up our workout routines, to get creative and experience new and exciting fitness activities. Take the time this winter season to embrace our Canadian climate by engaging in fun, energizing outdoor workouts. Winter exercise requires us to work a lot harder to move the same distance. The added resistance of maneuvering through the snow makes any outdoor exercise a beneficial workout. Lakeshore’s Winter Oasis Residents of the Lakeshore are fortunate to live in an area surrounded by picturesque parks, woodlands and marshes that are open all year round. Take advantage of any opportunity to walk, jog or snowshoe through one of Lakeshore’s outdoor paradises along the Waterfront Trail to experience the beautiful winter scenery.
Snowshoeing is something everyone can try, because the intensity of the workout can be varied. Fewer calories will be burned taking an easy walk on flat packed land. For a more intense workout, go dashing through the powdery snow on a hilly terrain. Moving at a pace of three miles per hour will burn more than 1,000 calories per hour.
Take a pleasurable stroll through the deciduous woodland; experience Humber Trail, Etobicoke Creek Trail and Colonel Samuel Smith Park. For the less adventurous, enjoy a brisk walk through the scenic village along Lake Shore Boulevard West. Walk the strip and admire the streets glistening with snow and the beautifully decorated store windows, and veranda Take Pleasure in the Beauty of Winter Don’t hide from winter weather—embrace it! Winter brings with it a certain quietude, outdoor workouts this time of help restore our mind to a naturally calm and tranquil state. The bright sun and fresh shimmering snow brings us back to joyful experiences as children when we embraced the snow. We are reminded of a time when we looked forward to a day spent outside enjoying the snowy weather: making snow-angels, building snowmen, going sledding, skating and having snowball fights.
Skating Not only is ice skating fun and invigorating, but it also provides cardiovascular benefits. This ice sport aids in building muscle and will help achieve weight loss goals. Skating benefits the leg muscles, particularly the hamstrings and quadriceps. Recreational skating can burn between 250 – 800 calories an hour.
Children engaged in winter activities are so caught up in the merriment of the experience that exercise is the furthest thing from their minds. Participating in winter sports didn’t feel like a strenuous workout when we were kids, nor does it have to as adults. When you are active outdoors stay present and take in the experience; if you are admiring the beauty of the natural scenery, won’t feel like a vigorous workout.
Etobicoke is home to Toronto’s first outdoor skating trail. Colonel Sam Smith Skating Trail is located at 65 Colonel Sam Smith Park Drive (south of Lake Shore Boulevard West at Kipling Avenue). The outdoor skating trail is formed into a unique figure-eight shape that stretches 250 metres long. Along with a picturesque view of the lake, the skating trail has a sound system for playing music and plenty of lighting for night skating. Colonel Sam Smith Skating Trail is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Fun Active Winter Workouts When we are active out in the snow we burn the most calories because greater effort is required to move our feet through the snow, and we must lift our legs higher. There are many effective, low impact, and safe forms of exercise to enjoy during the winter season. The added resistance of trudging through snow results in a high-energy activity.
Tobogganing Tobogganing is a refreshing and joyous activity. Take advantage of the snowfall and head out to a nearby hill and slide to our hearts content. This fun winter activity is not specific to children. Climbing up the hill repeatedly is excellent exercise, and a great leg workout. The thrill of the ride down makes each uphill hike worthwhile.
Experience the mental and physical benefits of getting outdoors and moving this winter. There are a wide variety of activities that are fun and will help keep us in shape including: Jogging, skating, snowshoeing, and tobogganing. These winter activities are safe, low impact, and effective forms of exercise that can burn 500- 1000 calories per hour. Walking and Jogging Winter is a great time to walk or jog off weight because we challenge our muscles in new ways. The invigorating cold air can clear our minds and reduce stress, which aids in weight loss. Getting outside during the daylight hours will increase our levels of serotonin, a hormone that helps reduce cravings. As our body temperature increases, so does our metabolism therefore when our body is cold, it burns more calories.
To avoid injury, check the hill to make sure it’s clear of trees or other obstacles. Avoid hills that end in a road at the bottom. When climbing up the hill, walk up the sides of the hill and keep an eye out for other tobogganers on their way down. Spring will be here before we know it, so take the time to engage in the villages’ natural oasis, and experience the winter wonderland that surrounds us. Winter workouts are not only excellent exercise, but also therapeutic and revitalizing.
For a refreshing change of pace and a revitalizing experience, try winter jogging. Visit the Waterfront Trail to experience Canada’s rugged wilderness. Bring a neighbour or canine friend along and enjoy a morning or midday stroll through nature’s wonderland together.
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Take a stroll down Lake Shore Boulevard or wander along the Waterfront Trail. Keeping active during the winter months will powerfully lift our mood and boost your energy.
Honoring the deceased while consoling loved ones
The South Etobicoke Youth Assembly
Submitted by Brad Jones
The South Etobicoke Youth Assembly is hosting its first FREE March Break Youth leadership camp for high school students
A eulogy is often the last publicly spoken words about someone who has died. It is a written piece of work commemorating and praising the passing of a loved one. Most people, when asked to deliver a eulogy, can have feelings of both being honored and a little anxious with such a responsibility. In order to write a proper eulogy, there are some basic principles that one should keep in mind to ensure that all the information of the deceased’s life is recited and their life’s story is told. The easiest way is to compile information as if you were profiling a stranger. Be sure to answer the W5 (who, what, when, where and why) about the person’s life. Gathering information this way will ensure you build a concise and relevant speech structure that touches on all major aspects of the person’s life.
Students can gain some volunteer hours needed to graduate and learn about youth engagement. Workshops and interactive activities will focus on team building, leadership, youth development, respect and tolerance, equity, arts and culture and recreation. The series of events are led by youth for youth. Included in the staffing will be Focus on Youth students from the Toronto District School Board. This initiative, in partnership with Lakeshore Collegiate Institute, will employ 6 high school students full time for their March Break. For most of these students it is their first job. LAMP Community Health Centre is leading the way in employing students through this program and others like the Youth Employment fund through the province of Ontario to reverse the record youth unemployment levels.
As with any composition, give a start, middle and an end. Knowing your beginning and your end will build your confidence as you practice your eulogy. Your beginning is your introduction – so introduce yourself.
A free summer camp for teens will be offered as well in July and August. Last summer LAMP hosted students from the TDSB, TCDSB, and through the federal government’s Summer Jobs programme for students. This year LAMP will also employ students through the provincially funded youth employment fund. Jasmin Dooh LAMP’s Community Relations Specialist helps to create these initiatives to enrich the lives of others. By contributing to their community these youth learn the importance of making a difference. They also build their capacity and possibilities for the future. For more information on these camps and other FREE march break activities for 10-13 year olds call 416-252-6471 ext. 308 or ext. 310.
Explain who you are and how you fit into the deceased person’s life. Acknowledge the deceased person’s family, express a word of sympathy for their loss and even, if you want, express your own sadness. Your middle should convey relevant material. Describe the deceased but don’t simply list their qualities. Stick to key traits and characteristics, share stories and achievements and include family stories that are heartwarming and offer insight into the deceased person’s good nature. Be cautious, and do not be detract from your eulogy with overt humor and/or wild stories.
The South Etobicoke Youth Assembly was established in 2000 and exists to provide youth with a safe and supportive space for them to discover, express create and contribute towards a healthier society.
While laughter is the best medicine, those in mourning might not appreciate a lot of jokes when they are overcome by grief. Knowing your audience means respecting your audience. Conclude the eulogy with how you, and all people in attendance, have been enriched by knowing and loving the person being celebrated and mourned. One simple rule is that you won’t fail or embarrass yourself. This may be one of the hardest things to write in your life. You are sad and emotions run high. People in the audience are not judging. If anything, they too, are emotional and will understand if you were to cry and or take extended pauses to compose yourself during the eulogy. Brad Jones is a licensed funeral director and manager at Ridley Funeral Home, 3080 Lake Shore Blvd. West Toronto, Ontario M8V 1K3. To learn more about preplanning or any questions regarding the funeral industry please feel free to contact Brad directly by phone 416.259.3705 or BradJones@RidleyFuneralHome.
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Lakeshore Villages Update New Toronto Scottish Regiment mural
New businesses in Lakeshore Village
On Saturday, Dec 14th community members and dignitaries gathered at the corner of Lake Shore Boulevard West and 6th Street for the official dedication ceremony of the New Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Own) mural located on the Konrad Lounge building’s East exterior wall.
Goodlake Goodlake will be opening in Lakeshore Village mid-March and will be an excellent addition to the growing diversity of great restaurants in the area. Goodlake will offer a small bistro-style menu with a focus on innovative seasonal features as well as dynamic wine, beer and cocktail selections. They are in the process of completing some major renovations to their space on Lake Shore Blvd West between Eighth and Ninth and will announce their opening date on their website and social media channels. Chef and owner, Doug Sabine, grew up in Oakville and has worked in fine dining restaurants in Etobicoke, Toronto, downtown Oakville, and Mississauga. He has certifications from George Brown College and Le Cordon Bleu in Australia where he received his Blue Ribbon Superior de Cuisine. He has also done demonstrations and appearances for the LCBO cooking classes and Food Network Stage at the Gourmet Wine and Food Show. The inspiration for Goodlake’s menu comes from Doug’s classical French and fine-dining background while aiming to simplify and present great quality dishes in a casual and rustic fashion. A small, focused menu featuring some favourite staple dishes will be supplemented by a chalkboard menu of features that will highlight seasonal, local ingredients and inventive dishes. The restaurant will feature reclaimed wood tables, old barn board, copper wall tiles and rustic farmhouse style chairs. Owners Alex and Doug, a sister-brother duo, had been looking for spaces in various west-end neighbourhoods for about a year before deciding on Lakeshore Village. After moving to the area, they fell in love with the parkland along the lake, the skate path, and the lovely streets and houses. They felt it was a great spot to open a neighbourhood bistro-style restaurant where people can go without having to head all the way into the city core while still experiencing the best of the city. Be sure to make Goodlake a destination when they open and stay on top of their renovation updates on Twitter (@Goodlake) and Facebook! Visit them at 2976 Lake Shore Blvd W and Goodlake.ca
The mural photographically depicts the Scottish Regiments long history of service during wartime, conflict and peacekeeping and also features their regimental cap badge with the inscribed motto ‘CARRY ON’.
Ember Hot Stove & Social House Ember Hot Stove & Social House serves up modern Canadian comfort food at their newly renovated location on the Lake Shore Blvd between Tenth and Eleventh. Councillor Grimes cut the ribbon at their grand opening on February 20th and the celebration was a huge success. They had a packed house, full menu service and excellent entertainment by Reno Silva.
Sponsored by The City of Toronto and the Lakeshore Village BIA, the mural is a testimony from the Scottish Regiment of their continued commitment to the community. Additional sponsors of the mural project are Pattison Outdoor Advertising, Diane (Danuta) Gumienik, Zbigniew Korwin-Kuczynski, Christopher Korwin-Kuczynski and Randy Melchior.
When owners Sean and Troy were looking for the perfect location for their new restaurant, they were thrilled to find that Lakeshore Village is an up and coming neighborhood and felt the demographics were a perfect place to bring their upscale comfort food to. Dustin Vickers, Ember Hot Stove’s chef, is heading up the kitchen and his background clearly defines the menu. Dustin was raised in Quebec and has worked across Canada at many excellent restaurants. He is a Red Seal chef and a graduate of the culinary program at George Brown College. Customers are loving Ember’s hearty venison stew, decadent lobster mac & cheese and their traditional Tourtière with a twist. Ember Hot Stove is the perfect place to celebrate a special event, have a delicious meal, or grab a craft beer or Canadian-inspired cocktail and should be on any local foodie’s list! Visit them at 3039 Lake Shore Blvd West, emberhotstove.com
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Lakeshore Arts upcoming events
2422 Lake Shore Blvd. West, Tues-Friday 11am-5pm, Sat 11am-2pm www.lakeshorearts.ca 416.201.7093 Artist Reception “People in Places” – March 1 from 12-2pm. Join Lakeshore Arts and artists James Dean, Peter Watson, and Rick Koroll to celebrate the opening of the new People and Places photography exhibit. Artists will be in attendance. YAM (Youth.Arts.Movement) – March 4, 18, 25 from 6:30 – 8:30 YAM is an arts group for ages 13-18! Work with professional artists, meet new friends and learn new skills. FREE! ALL WELCOME. Pizza and TTC fare provided. Bring your friends; it’s going to be a lot of fun! March 4 – YAM DOCS A new series running once a month at YAM. Members of YAM will select a film in advance that will screen in our Lakeshore Arts studio. March 18 – Drama & Improvisation with Brigid Tierney (Part 1 of 2) Have fun with improvisational games and learn about Theatre of the Oppressed in this exciting workshop!
Artist Talk with Rick Koroll, James Dean and Peter Watson – April 5 - 12-2pm Join the three photographers of our “People in Places” exhibit and listen to them discuss their most recent work, techniques and artistic career.
March 25 – Drama & Improvisation with Brigid Tierney (Part 2 of 2)
NEW SESSION: Creature Creations: Illustration Class – 8 week class beginning April 7 A fun and excited class where you learn the basic of illustration and cartooning techniques, then turns your characters into your very own comic book! Work with artist Shira Haberman, meet new friends and have fun! Classes for ages 7-10 (4:30-5:30pm) and 11-14 (6:00-7:00pm).
LIFE DRAWING – March 6, 13, 20, 27 from 7:30-10:00pm Drop in sessions held on Thursdays at Lakeshore Arts. Bring your own supplies. $10. FeMail – March 8 from 11:30 – 1:30 Celebrate International Women’s Day by writing, designing, and co-creating postcards to the most influential women in your life!
Artist Reception for LCI CyberArts Exhibition – April 12 – 12-2pm Join Lakeshore Arts as they present the new work from Lakeshore Collegiate Institute’s CyberArts Class. Meet these emerging local artists at the reception and learn what inspires them and where their loves of the arts will lead them.
Application Deadline to Exhibit at Smith Zone Gallery Space – March 28th 5pm Call to members of Lakeshore Arts to submit proposals for upcoming juried exhibition space at the Smith Zone. The Smith Zone is a free exhibition space for members, with exhibits being mounted for 1 to two months. Please contact bebhinn@lakeshorearts.ca for more info or an application form.
Through the Eyes of The Artist – Opening Reception – April 24 – 6pm Location: The Assembly Hall (1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive) Join Lakeshore Arts for our 21st Through The Eyes of the Artist show! This juried exhibition features the work of over 50 artists and juried awards. The show runs until May 15.
BOTTLE DRIVE PICK-UP – March 28 Last chance to arrange a bottle pick up! Lakeshore Arts will be accepting beer cans and beer and wine bottle donations to help support our programming! Empties can also be dropped off at 2422 Lake Shore Blvd. West, from 11-5pm Tuesday – Friday. Call 416-201-7093 for more details.
Loved and Local – May 2 Location: The Assembly Hall (1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive) Screening of Toronto filmmakers and student submissions! See www.lakeshorts. ca for more details.
YAM (Youth.Arts.Movement) – April 1, 8, 15 from 6:30 – 8:30 YAM is an arts group for ages 13-18! Work with professional artists, meet new friends and learn new skills. FREE! ALL WELCOME. Pizza and TTC fare provided. Bring your friends; it’s going to be a lot of fun!
Lakeshorts Gala – May 3 Location: The Assembly Hall (1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive) The 4th wave is coming! Selected films for the 2014 Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival will be announced in early April. Check the website, www. lakeshorts.ca, for more information.
April 1 – Book Making with Kim Dayman (Part 1 of 2) Make your own paper from pulp! Using the paper you’ve created, you’ll learn the art of bookbinding to create your own sketchbook.
LIFE-DRAWING – May 8, 15, 22, 29 from 7:30-10:00pm Drop in sessions held on Thursdays at Lakeshore Arts. Bring your own supplies. $10.
April 8 – Book Making with Kim Dayman (Part 2 of 2)
YAM (Youth.Arts.Movement) – May 6, 13, 20, 27 from 6:30 – 8:30 YAM is an arts group for ages 13-18! Work with professional artists, meet new friends and learn new skills. FREE! ALL WELCOME. Pizza and TTC fare provided. Bring your friends; it’s going to be a lot of fun!
April 15 – YAM DOCS NEW!!! Walk in Wednesday! – April 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 from 12-4pm Feeling Crafty!? Stop by Lakeshore Arts between 12 and 4 every Wednesday to take part in FREE community arts projects! Artist facilitator Leianne McGrath will lead different activities suitable for all ages and skill levels. Can’t wait to see you there!
Walk in Wednesday! – May 7, 14, 21, 28 from 12- 4pm Feeling Crafty!? Stop by Lakeshore Arts between 12 and 4 every Wednesday to take part in FREE community arts projects! Artist facilitator Leianne McGrath will lead different activities suitable for all ages and skill levels. Can’t wait to see you there!
LIFE-DRAWING – April 3, 10, 17, 24, from 7:30-10:00pm Drop in sessions held on Thursdays at Lakeshore Arts. Bring your own supplies. $10. Call for Entry Application Deadline : Through the Eyes of the Artist April 7 – 5pm This juried exhibition features work of over 50 artists and juried awards. Don’t miss your chance to exhibit in the 21st show! Through the Eyes of the Artist runs from Applications can be found at www.lakeshorearts.ca or contact bebhinn@ lakeshorearts.ca.
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Upcoming Events at Assembly Hall
RRSP or TFSA One question that often comes up at the beginning of the year is whether to put money into a registered retirement plan or increasingly popular tax free savings account. There are several differences between these two investment concepts that need to be pointed out. 1. RRSP is a tax deferral method. You do not pay tax on RRSP contributions in the year you contribute, but you will eventually have to include these funds in your income and pay tax on them. This will happen either at retirement or when you choose to withdraw from RRSP. TFSA is a way to shield your investments from tax on interest, dividends, or capital gain. Funds put into TFSA are your after tax dollars. But any increase on the value of your investment is tax free.
Insight Youth Art Show: presented by the Assembly Hall Show runs until March 6 The Assembly Hall is pleased to present our fourth collaborative youth art show featuring student works from Father John Redmond Catholic Secondary School and Regional Arts Centre and Lakeshore Collegiate Institute. Admission is free and everyone is welcome! Gallery hours are Mon to Fri: 12 to 5 pm and Sat: 10 am - 1 pm. For more information, please email assembly@toronto.ca or call 416338-7255.
2. Money contributed to RRSP by March 3 2014 will be counted as direct deduction from income earned in 2013. Money put into TFSA will not be treated as deduction from income earned, and as such will have no effect on your income tax return. 3. Income or gain generated by your RRSP is not taxable as long as funds remain within RRSP. Once paid out (at retirement or before) it will be taxed at your marginal rate as regular income. Investment income or gain in TFSA is not taxable whether within the plan or when paid out.
Find Your Voice: Youth Vocal Workshop!: presented by SEYA/LAMP and the Assembly Hall Saturdays, 11 am – 1 pm This workshop is an outlet for youth (ages 14 to 19) to learn about themselves creatively through youth leadership, community and modern-day music. Instructed by emerging vocalist Rainey J Smith, participants get to explore their own voice, learn how to sing with technique, sing in harmony with others and have fun. No experience needed. Registration is required. To register and for more information, please call 416-252-6471 ext. 308 or email jasmind@lampchc. org.
A balance between RRSP and TFSA depends on your current income vs. future income expectation. If you are in a higher income position now and expect to make less while at retirement, then RRSP saves you more on taxes. You will be including your RRSP or RIF withdrawals in the future, when your income from other sources will be significantly lower, as will be your tax. TFSA, on the other hand, will only shield capital appreciation in the future, but since you do not expect to earn a lot at retirement, additional investment income may not add a lot in extra tax. However, once you start drawing on your RRSP, you may lose your entitlement to the guaranteed income supplement available to seniors whose income does not exceed 16.7K (for a single senior).
Yoga Meditation: presented by SAHAJA Yoga March 5, 12, 19 and 26, 6:15 – 7:30 pm Come experience a true form of meditation - Yoga. Feel the spiritual energy and peace within by Kundalini awakening. Classes are free. For more information, please call 416-201-7649 or visit www.freemeditation.ca.
If you expect your income from before and after retirement to be in a similar tax bracket, then RRSP will not have a significant advantage over TFSA, other than time delay in paying tax. TFSA on the other hand will save you tax on investments which will hopefully appreciate in the future and will generate significant income stream.
Too Many Cooks: presented by Theatre Etobicoke March 20, 21, 22, 28, 29 at 8pm and Sunday March 30 at 2pm A 1930’s farce set in Niagara Falls, Canada, where the rum-running business is at its peak. Irving Bubbalowe and his daughter, Honey, have risked everything they have to open a new gourmet restaurant. Madness ensues when Bubbalowe and the others create a hornet’s nest of fabricated stories and identities as they try valiantly to save the restaurant, and themselves, from both the gangsters and the law. Tickets: $22 per person, $19 Seniors (65+). For more information or to purchase tickets please call 416-246-1889 or visit www.theatre-etobicoke.com.
In many situations, contributing to both RRSP and TFSA may be a good strategy. You will be taking advantage of time delay in paying tax on RRSP contributions while not paying tax on investment income shielded within TFSA. For people with employment income only, RRSP and TFSA are among very few tax savings strategies available.
Planning your New Farm Business: presented by Farmstart March 22 and 29, 10am – 3pm The Digging into Farming Course is intended for prospective farmers who are ready to stop dreaming and start developing realistic goals, clarify their farm vision, evaluate their options, and to begin identifying the resources and knowledge they already have and those they need to acquire. You will come out of the course with a greater understanding of the different assets, skills and resources needed to launch a new farm business, access to a range of available resources and learning opportunities, and a broader peer group as well as connections to local and technical coaches, mentors and advisors. This course is for people who have already made a commitment to start farming in the near future. For more information please visit www.farmstart.ca
Eva Kupiec, CM and Beata Kurpiewski, CGA, Principals of Professional Accounting Office at 3461 Lake Shore Blvd. W. ; www.beaccounting.ca; 416 521-9188
1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive • 416-338-7255 10
Gems of Etobicoke-Lakeshore 2014 The Gems of Etobicoke-Lakeshore are a great opportunity to recognize an outstanding business or organization in our community. The small businesses and groups unique to this area provide incredible service and we want to celebrate those making this community a more vibrant place to live!
Who can recognize a Gem? The general public. Anyone in Etobicoke-Lakeshore is free to nominate their favourite small business or organization. Help us recognize those who make our community stand out!
For more information please contact the office of Bernard Trottier MP Etobicoke-Lakeshore 416-251-5510
What are the criteria for a Gem’s selection? The business or organization must be within the riding of Etobicoke-Lakeshore. The Gems of Etobicoke-Lakeshore Awards aim to recognize those that provide outstanding customer service. Nominate your favourites!
How will the Gems be selected? The Gem nominations will be reviewed by a community panel in partnership with Etobicoke-Lakeshore BIAs.
or Doug Holyday MPP Etobicoke-Lakeshore 416-325-5551
When is the deadline to submit the nomination forms? Forms are available for download at: www.BernardTrottierMP.ca and will be accepted until noon on April 21st, 2014.
Please send completed Gem of Etobicoke-Lakeshore forms to The Office of Bernard Trottier, MP Etobicoke-Lakeshore 700 Kipling Ave. Suite 200 Etobicoke, Ontario M8Z 5G3 By e-mail to: Bernard.Trottier@parl.gc.ca Or Fax to: 416-251-2845
Sprinklers in Seniors’ Homes
By Gary Hepworth, Chair, CARP Etobicoke The fatal fire that destroyed a seniors’ home in rural L’Isle-Verte, Que., has brought attention to whether automated sprinkler systems should be required in all parts of seniors’ homes. Changes to the fire and building codes in Ontario took effect in 2013, but the Ontario government gave retirement homes time to comply. Licensed retirement homes and private care facilities have up to five years to install sprinklers, while publicly owned nursing residences have until 2025. The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs lauded the government’s move when it was announced last May, saying it was the most important fire-safety improvement since smoke alarms became mandatory. Most nursing homes built since 1998 were required to install sprinklers, but many older facilities don’t have them. Ontario has witnessed several horrific nursing home fires. Over the past three decades, nearly 50 seniors have died in blazes in retirement residences without sprinklers, including 25 in Mississauga in 1980. Ontario is the first province to regulate the retrofitting of sprinklers in care homes for seniors and individuals with disabilities – people who have difficulty moving quickly. CARP wants other provinces to require operators of seniors’ homes to retrofit their facilities with sprinklers. But we also contend that the Ontario government should move much more quickly than its current timeline. Cost should not take precedence over protecting lives. www.carp.ca/etobicoke
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Etobicoke Community Arts Organization Receive Support for engaging youth
Councillor Mark Grimes, Ward 6 Etobicoke-Lakeshore update
Successful OTF Grant to help increase accessibility to arts programming!
2014 Budget
This summer, the Lakeshore Arts (LA) received a three-year, $222,100 grant from the Ontario Trillium Foundation to help it continue to enhance arts, culture and leadership programming for children and youth in the community. On Saturday, November 23rd local MPP Doug Holyday and Fatih Stanley, a volunteer with the Foundation, were on hand to deliver their congratulations and hear more about what LA has in store for the funds.
On January 30th City Council approved the 2014 Operating and Capital Budgets which features a 2.73% residential property tax increase. The average increase for non residential properties, including apartment buildings and commercial properties is 0.30%. The combined, or blended, tax increase is 1.14% which is well below the expected rate of inflation.
The new funds will support three youth initiatives; a literacy through the arts, a weekly youth-led, artist facilitated youth drop-in and summer art camps/programs including youth leadership.
While no budget is perfect, I strongly feel that this budget addresses the infrastructure and programming needs of Torontonians while keeping tax rates reasonable. Toronto still enjoys the lowest residential tax rates in the GTA. Additionally, we are gradually bringing our commercial property tax rates in line with other municipalities making Toronto a more competitive place to own and operate a business.
“The support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation will benefit hundreds of youth in our community. The wonder and magic of using the arts as the hook is that learning new skills, building self-confidence, exploring career paths and developing leadership traits is all done under the guise of fun. We are mentoring the artists and art aficionados of the future,� Susan Nagy, Executive Director, Lakeshore Arts.
TTC Transit Meeting Recap
For more 20 years, Lakeshore Arts has offered programming and services that increase accessibility, appreciation and support for the arts in a non-discriminatory manner, with a particular focus on expanding youth programming and arts education. They have leveraged limited resources by strengthening community partnerships, developing sustainable programming with member organizations, and incorporating diversity within their programming, volunteers and Board.
I would like to thank the community for the great turnout on a cold February evening at my Community Transit Meeting. TTC CEO Andy Byford, TTC Chair Karen Stintz and the Metrolinx/GO Transit Director of Policy and Planning Daniel Haufschild were on hand to answer a wide variety of questions from members of the community. The chief concerns revolved around frequency and reliability of service, especially on the 501 Queen streetcar route. The TTC feels strongly that the introduction of the new low floor high capacity streetcars will go a long way towards increasing reliability and on time service when they are introduced in 2015 and 2016. In the meantime, the TTC is making an effort to make better use of the street cars they have now. On street supervisors are being reintroduced to help address issues with bunching and short turned streetcars.
A leading grant-maker in Canada, the Ontario Trillium Foundation strengthens the capacity of the voluntary sector through investments in community-based initiatives. An agency of the Government of Ontario, OTF builds healthy and vibrant communities. For more information, please visit the website at: www. otf.ca
Mark
Questions were also answered about the future of GO Transit and TTC fare integration. With the wider implementation of Presto, a payment card that works on multiple transit services in the GTA and Ottawa, users of multiple services will be able to receive a discounted fare when transferring from one service to the other. The TTC and GO Transit are currently undertaking a pilot project which will pave the way for more seamless integration in the future.
Grimes
A more detailed summary of both the 2014 Budget and the Community Transit meeting are available online at markgrimes.ca
Revitalizing our Community
Phone: 416-397-9273 Fax: 416-397-9279 Email: councillor_grimes@toronto.ca Web: markgrimes.ca 13
Ensuring Canadians Have a Say on Cell Towers
Community Updates
By Bernard Trottier MP Etobicoke-Lakeshore Canadians depend on reliable wireless service now more than ever before. As a result, we are seeing an increasing number of new cell towers being built in Etobicoke and across Canada.
URGENT! Volunteers needed! Help seniors in your community! Interested in volunteering with seniors in the Etobicoke community? Join our team as an Adult Day Service Volunteer to assist with kitchen tasks and provide social interaction to our clients. We are currently in need of volunteers at our South (Browns Line/Horner Ave.) location on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10-2:30pm. ESS Support Services is a not-forprofit agency committed to supporting seniors in their desire to remain in their own homes and community.Please call 416-243-0127 ext. 242 or visit www. esssupportservices.ca to join our team of volunteers!
The placement of these towers is often a divisive issue. Increasingly, we have seen an alarming number of cell towers built in neighbourhoods when there has simply been an inadequate level of consultation with homeowners. This is especially true of cell towers under 15 metres, where until now no consultation was required at all.
Did you know Did you know that 22 Division CPLC (Community Police Liaison Committee) initiated a Bursary program in 2008, giving a $500.00 Bursary to a graduating student at 4 of the 10 High schools in 22 Division. The same was done in 2009. In 2010 and following years, we were able to give a $500 Bursary to all 10 High schools in the division. The funds are raised by the CPLC through various fundraising events. To date, we have given $24,000 in bursaries. For 2014 bursaries, we are planning to do a “Bowling for Bursaries” event in early May.
Rightly, people have expressed their frustration to me about not having a say in the cell tower placement process in areas where they live, work, and play. Homeowners and municipal governments should be at the forefront of the process whenever a new cell tower is built, and it is up to wireless companies to ensure this occurs. Previously, builders of cell towers were only required to consult communities on towers above 15 metres high. When advising local homeowners, the consultation notices were not clearly explained, or plainly marked. What was missing was that there were no rules on the visibility of this package. Cell companies often addressed consultation packages generically to the “occupant” and residents often mistake them for junk mail. And if approval was granted, wireless companies were known to wait years before building that tower, even as the tower site and the neighborhood surrounding it went through fundamental change. This resulted in many companies constructing smaller towers, with inadequate consultation.
The graduating student shall: • Demonstrate outstanding and consistent outreach to their community. • Have been accepted for entrance to and enrolled in an accredited Canadian University or community college in the coming year • Shall write an essay up to 2 pages describing his/her community leadership activity; what they have accomplished; the meaningful contribution that has been made to the community and what he/she has learned from the experience. • Request two letters of support or confirmation from the community group(s) or individuals who have been the focus of the student’s involvement. • Maintain a minimum of 60% average until and including graduation
Our Government’s changes will close these loopholes and ensure that local residents and municipal governments are at the centre of the cell tower placement process in three important ways. Effective immediately, wireless companies will now be required to: • consult communities on all new cell towers, regardless of height;
The CPLC is made up of civilian members who either live or work within 22 Division. Most of the members also represent another community group such as ratepayers, BIA, business etc. The mandate of the CPLC is: To work together in identifying, prioritizing and problem-solving of local policing issues by being pro-active in community relations, crime prevention, education, mobilization and communication issues and acting as a resource to the police and the community.
• ensure residents are clearly informed of upcoming consultations with wellmarked consultation notices delivered to their homes with relevant details on how to particpate; and • if approval is granted, company must build that tower within three years. Our Government’s objective is to strike a balance between local concerns and the increasing demands consumers place on wireless networks. Most of all, it is to ensure Canadians have a say on where new cell tower towers are being built in their neighbourhood.
Bowling for Bursaries … BOWLERS NEEDED Community Police Liaison Committee is hosting Bowling for Bursaries on Sunday, May 25th, 2014 from 11:30 am – 3:00 pm at Bowlerama, 5429 Dundas St West, Etobicoke (parking located in rear). Registration for this fun community event is $300 for a team of 6 players ($50 per person) $50for individual. Registration includes 3 bowling games, shoe rental and refreshments/ snacks. You can also consider a $200 Corporate Lane Sponsorship. For those wishing to participate please contact via email at 22DIVCPLC@gmail.com. Thank you for supporting your community.
We are listening, and ensuring that with these changes to our cell tower policy, we are working with residents and municipalities to make sure their voices are heard.
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Local Community Champion inspires Etobicoke Lakeshore youth who are involved in community work and civic life Jean Augustine Legacy Scholarship
ing. Jean Augustine served as the Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Jean Chrétien from 1994 to 1996, and was the Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women until 2004. She is presently the Fairness Commissioner of Ontario. She is an energetic advocate of social justice and youth; she was a principal of an elementary school before entering federal politics.
Black history month hosted a lively celebration at Humber College in February that put the spotlight on Jean Augustine and officially launched a new scholarship in her honor. The Honorable Jean Augustine was appointed the first Fairness Commissioner for Ontario in March 2007, a position she still holds today. Jean cares passionately about education and challenges faced by newcomers in the province.
This scholarship is open to a student from the Etobicoke-Lakeshore area, who is entering any Humber post-secondary program for the first time. The successful recipient must demonstrate good academic standing, how they are working to overcome obstacles in the pursuit of their educational goals as well as participate in his or her local community. Last fall, Jean and Wanda had the pleasure to present the “Jean Augustine Legacy Scholarship” to its first recipient - Sarah Gribeauval at LAMPs AGM at the Assembly Hall.
At Humber, being able to present this scholarship is an opportunity to acknowledge a student that has excelled in their studies and an opportunity to recognize the work they have done in their communities according to Wanda Buote, Principal of Lakeshore Campus, Humber College Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning Humber is a big part of the Lakeshore Etobicoke community and we like to see our students engaged and giving back through volunteer work in their community. This is just one way to recognize our students efforts.” Humber’s mission is to develop “broadly educated, highly skilled and adaptable citizens who significantly contribute to the educational, economic, and social development of their communities”. I believe that this too is Jean Augustine’s mission. She has worked tirelessly throughout her career to create opportunities for individuals and in turn has contributed to the educational, economic and social development of our country. Humber is honoured to support a scholarship in Jean’s name as it will aid others to continue on her legacy.
For more information on this scholarship visit www.humber.ca/financial-aid/humber-scholarships
The Jean Augustine Legacy Award Social Justice is an important value of LAMP Community Health Centre and Jean Augustine has made major contributions in this area. As an MP for Etobicoke Lakeshore a position she held for four terms federally, she initiated a motion that declared February Black History month across Canada. Her dedication and service to help youth, single mothers and Newcomers has earned her Canada’s national civilian award, the Order of Canada. Jean has a history of community activism and has overcome many obstacles along the way. Another hard fought achievement to celebrate women’s rights in Canada can be found thanks to Jean on Parliament Hill. Her persistence despite being told that it could not be done, is on display via the famous five statues in Ottawa. This monument entitled “Women are persons “ is a tribute to five Canadian women who won a 1929 court ruling which legally declared women as persons under the British North America Act. All these women were suffragettes, fighting for women’s rights.
In 2012, this scholarship was established in consultation with LAMP Community Health Centre, one of Humber’s Community partners, in honour of Jean Augustine. In 1993, Canadian politician Jean Augustine became the first Black woman elected to the Parliament of Canada representing the Etobicoke-Lakeshore rid-
To build on Jean’s work, LAMP’s community relations committee came up with the idea of creating a Jean Augustine Legacy Award to inspire others to make a difference. Jean has overcome adversity while improving the lives of others. Her achievements and contributions reflect a life of passion and conviction, dedication and service that serve as an inspiration to us all. And despite all the awards she has received she maintains a humble and personable disposition. Jean always greets people in the community with a warm smile and friendly conversation. LAMP is launching the Jean Augustine Legacy Award as part of LAMP’s Annual Awards of Merit. The June celebration recognizes people, organizations and businesses who go beyond the call of duty to help improve the lives of others. This year we are looking for someone with traits that emulate Jean herself. Courage and spirit to overcome barriers against all odds, while enriching people through their contributions to their community. The nominees must live, work or volunteer in the Etobicoke Lakeshore Area. This March you can nominate someone by filling out An Awards of Merit form which can be found online at www.lampchc.org or you can email or drop off in writing, the name address and contact information of who you would like to nominate, and details on their contributions to the Etobicoke Lakeshore Community. Email jasmind@ lampchc.org. Please also add your contact information. The winner of the Jean Augustine Legacy Award will be recognized at LAMP’s Awards of Merit June 3, 2014.This honour is our community’s way of showing Jean our deepest respect, admiration and appreciation for her ongoing personal dedication to improving our society. LAMP Community Health Centre and Humber College celebrated a community champion and trailblazer Saturday night, the Honorable Jean Augustine, Ontario’s first Fairness Commissioner. The event marked the launch of LAMP’s Jean Augustine Legacy Award and to introduce Humber College’s new Jean Augustine Legacy entry scholarship. Jean was honored for her efforts to invest in others and to recognize the woman who championed February Black History Month across Canada. Celebrities Eddie Bullen and Liberty Silver entertained the crowd of over 150 people. For more information call Jasmin Dooh at 416-252-6471 ext. 308.
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