PORT CREDIT
VILLAGE TIMES Putting Port Credit First!
Vol u m e 08 • Is s u e 02 • Apr il / M ay 2 0 1 4
www.portcredit.com
In This Issue Spring is here
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Grocery delivery battle
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Why olive oil?
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Councillor Jim Tovey
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Community Corner
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The Royal Treatment
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Inspiration Lakeview
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Exciting services
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Harming my child’s eyes
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Value for Money
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CameronHelps
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L-R: Don McVie, Chair of the Port Credit Community Foundation, Julie Mitchell, Manager Clarkson and Port Credit Facilities, Ellen Timms, General Manager of Port Credit BIA and Ward 1 Councillor Jim Tovey
A Planned Collaborative Partnership to Re-Animate Clarke Hall A movement is underway to move the office of the Port Credit Business Association (PCBIA) to Clarke Hall’s top floor later this year. Orginally built in 1923 this historic site once served as a church hall and, from 1941-1974, as the Port Credit Municipal Offices. Upon the amalgamation of Port Credit with the City of Mississauga, the building was converted into a community centre. During the 1970s it also housed the offices of the Mississauga Symphony. Today, it remains a City-owned property used for events and meetings. This rectangular, two-and-a-half storey building is constructed of red brick upon a stone foundation and is a fine example of Spanish Colonial Revival popular in the 1920s for public buildings. “We’re very excited about the move,” said Ellen Timms, General Manager, “but at the same time we’re sorry to leave the Lighthouse.” The BIA have been the sole tenants of the Port Credit Lighthouse since it was built in 1991 but as Ellen tells us they are bursting at the seams. “Our staff has grown, our activities have multiplied and the space just doesn’t suit our needs anymore.” Moving the PCBIA into Clarke Hall meets the desire of the City to see the building become a busy community centre. One of the biggest advantages the building has to offer is a new separate board room that will be offered for approved groups to use as meeting space. The PCBIA will manage the use of the room while offering it out to groups and committees without meeting space. The building will require some lease hold improvements to accommodate the PCBIA including basics like new carpeting, washroom and kitchenette space. These costs will be shared by the PCBIA, the Port Credit Community Foundation and the City. continued on page 04
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Spring is here! Spring is here and I love it!
Port Credit Village Times
Port Credit’s Community Newspaper Volume 08 | Issue 02
I am reflecting on spring and the beauty that is beginning to bloom. If we look close we can see the tiny buds that are preparing to bloom. After this harsh winter, it has taken a long time for these tiny buds to emerge. Everything is new and fresh.
Bi-monthly Publication ~ Circulation 25,000 Delivered by Canada Post
For advertising information, please contact Toby Gardiner at 416-875-1409 or by e-mail at toby@rjentertainmentpublishing.com www.rjentpub.com
It is a nice feeling to prepare ourselves for the fresh air that is coming. We have the chance to start fresh and new with each “spring”. When we take that deep breath and smell the fresh air, we smell new life! It is beginning all around us……we can to embrace it. Take a look outside and dream of the new life that is beginning. I enjoy the fresh new things that are coming!
The Port Credit Business Improvement Association
Enjoy this spring issue of the Village Times. It’s been a long harsh winter and many small businesses have had a difficult time. Take the time to support small business in the Village.
105 Lakeshore Road West Port Credit, ON L5H 1E9 Tel: 905-278-7742 • Fax: 905-278-8864 Email: info@portcredit.com www.portcredit.com
Editorial Contributors: Julie Knox • Lindsay Howe
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 Port Credit Village Times is printed on 100% recycled fibre. Please recycle.
www.rjentpub.com
ClassiCal MusiC Wine & Cheese Tuesday, April 29th • 2 - 4pm Enjoy refreshments and hors d’oeuvres with live performances by pianist Nicole Anastasopoulos and classical guitarist Trevor Burt.
BlaCk & White Movie night Thursday, May 22nd at 6pm We’re rolling out the red carpet and showing “It Happened One Night”. Enjoy a special cocktail, appetizers and triva before the show! RSVP to Lisa or Laura for either event as seats are limited!
Liz and Frank never missed a beat... And now they’re ready for the next step. They took their first whirl around the dance floor over 50 years ago and have been kicking up their heels ever since. When they started looking for retirement living options, they were pleased to find out that Chartwell Retirement Residences offers active lifestyle programs like their signature Rhythm & Moves class.
And while they are enjoying a busy lifestyle today, they appreciate the peace of mind in knowing that Chartwell offers flexibility and choice to help with changing care needs in the future. Until that time, they’ll continue to follow where the music leads in their new Chartwell home.
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Call 905-891-2422
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Port Credit Village Times_04_2014.pdf
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Grocery Delivery Battle Comes To Port Credit
Clarke Hall Revitalization continued from front cover
The PCCF has long desired seeing Clarke Hall brought back to a busy, functioning community space and may make funds available for a complete renovation of the entire building that would include lowering the stage, adding retractable theatre seating and updating both the main and lower floors.
With juggernauts like Amazon and Google entering the online grocery space and new entrants closing sizeable funding deals, the world of click-to-buy food shopping has been receiving a lot of attention lately.
“We see this project as a perfect collaboration between the City, the PCBIA and the Port Credit Community Foundation. It’s wonderful when groups can come together to make an impact in the community!” declared Ellen.
In looking at some recent stats, the opportunity is readily apparent: 2012 saw Canadians spend $18.9 billion online (up 24% from 2010), however relatively few of those shopping online are buying food or alcohol. It’s just this kind of room for growth that has big players and local companies alike vying for a piece of the action.
Port Credit Business Owners to spend $818,948 in 2014 The Port Credit Business Association (PCBIA) held its annual Budget meeting the end of January to approve a 2014 operating budget of $818,948.00 for programing including regular maintenance, landscaping, improved streetscape and cultural programs, special events and promotions. The PCBIA Board of Management establishes a budget every year which is approved by City Council. Every business within the boundary of the Business Improvement Area is automatically included in the membership and contributes to the budget through a special levy collected through property taxes. In addition to the business contribution, the PCBIA also raises funds through grants, vendor fees and sponsorship.
One such company is Organics Live. The Toronto based co., launched in 2012, is making its mark on the GTA delivering (exclusively) certified organic fruits, vegetables and grocery items to homes and businesses in all corners of the region. As of April 1st., the agile upstart will expand operations to include the Port Credit area with deliveries set to begin May 1st.
All BIAs have the same goal – to encourage more traffic and ultimately increase economic health in their business area. The PCBIA acts as a unifying body for its membership – working to make Port Credit a “destination” not only for retailers and restaurants but for professionals as well.
Organics Live claims to offer a better variety of fresher, certified organic foods for up to 20% less than the cost of shopping for comparable foods at retail. When no-charge delivery is taken into consideration, this sounds like a heck of a deal. The question remains: Will the offer be enough to pull shoppers out of the grocery aisle? The Organics Live team thinks so.
The day-to-day operation of the Port Credit BIA is conducted by General Manager, Ellen Timms and Business Development Coordinator, Beatrice Moreira. Karen Cecy is the Farmer’s Market Manager and Busker Fest Producer. A new member was added to the staff in January, local resident Trevor Gordon is now the first Port Credit Marketing and Special Events Coordinator. Nick Marcinkiewicz, the BIA’s Maintenance and Logistics Manager can be seen on the street every morning doing his rounds.
Ben Scavuzzo (himself, an aspiring organic farmer) has been with the company for 6 months and is leading the firm’s expansion into Port Credit. Scavuzzo says “The online grocery space is booming. When combined with incredible growth in the demand for organic foods, we’re very optimistic.” In a phone conversation, an enthusiastic Scavuzzo notes that sales in organic product have grown 300% over the past 6 years, a trend he attributes to worries over pesticides, general health, and broader concerns for the natural environment. “We solve for the big three challenges in the organic food space: freshness, price and selection. When you can improve those conditions across the board and make it more convenient, you have a lot to offer the marketplace.”
Highlights of the 2014 initiatives include: A new Port Credit MiWay bus wrap. • A new Port Credit website • The move of the Port Credit BIA office to Clarke Hall • New decorative banners and refurbished street lighting. • 75 additional flower sidewalk planters. • Increased flowers, landscaping and litter clean up. • Continued financial support of festivals and events. • Social media strategy and training for business owners. • A stronger Busker Fest, Farmer’s Market and Art Show. • Membership education through networking meetings and seminars.
At the core of the company’s mandate is the support and expansion of local food systems, a goal it intends to achieve by improving the ways that smallscale local producers and growers access the market. Though the quantity of fresh local produce varies by season, at the height of Ontario’s harvest, the Organics Live team says that over 80% of the contents in their deliveries are produced in the province.
Ellen Timms, BIA General Manager said, “We are excited about 2014 and feel we have some strong programming in place to continue to support our local businesses and residents. It’s going to be a fantastic year.”
You can learn more about Ben and Organics Live at OrganicsLive.com, or you can give them a call at (855) 674 - 5483 ext 204.
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Why olive oil? By J. Knox
My Olive store owners Robert Pineau, an avid cook and Sandy Pretty first discovered their passion four years ago during a family trip to PEI where by fate they came across an olive oil tasting bar. “We couldn’t believe how amazing it was, how fresh it was. All of the product was just so flavorful and so pure, we fell in love with how good it was,” said Sandy. My Olive is an Olive Oil and Balsamic Tasting Bar and the only one of its kind in Mississauga. Robert and Sandy have been greeting and educating food enthusiasts, health conscious consumers and the curious since the store opened in Port Credit in December of last year. In a time where informed consumers are looking for healthier options beyond the traditional supermarket brands, My Olive is catering to this need by providing a high quality, natural product and the rare opportunity to sample several oils at the same time.
My Olive encourages people not to buy more olive oil then they will use in 2/3 months “We don’t even carry an oil that long. You want your olive oil fresh, we keep it fresh in here. It stays cool day and night and no light or air gets into the fustis. Buy what you are going to consume and then come back and purchase fresh, maybe try a different olive oil or the same olive but from a different region” says Robert.
“The concept here is built on tasting. Everyone has a different pallet and so we encourage people to taste the product from either a sample cup or from the bread we have out. You can sample a pairing with one of our several Balsamic products from Modena Italy or just taste an oil pure to get an idea of what you like, enjoy and just have a good time” says Sandy. “We have a variety of Extra Virgin olive oils as well as basil, butter, garlic, wild mushroom and sage flavored olive oils that are great for salads, dipping or marinates. My Olive carries over 10 varieties of Extra Virgin olive oil, 15-20 flavored olive oils and over 25 varieties of Balsamic.
On Saturday, April 12th, Robert and Sandy will formally introduce My Olive to the area during their Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony. There will be cake, snacks and popcorn (made with butter flavored olive oil), prizes and of course the opportunity to sample a wide variety of extra virgin olive oils, flavored olive oils and balsamic. My Olive will be offering a 10% discount on items during the grand opening and up until April 17th.
The oils and balsamic products are bottled for you, fresh from the protective fustis into 60, 200, 375 or 750 ml bottles. Each olive oil fusti is labeled indicating olive variety, origin, crush date, flavor characteristics and chemistry including the polyphenol count. Polyphenols account for much of the flavor in olive oil and is also the chemical that research suggests may aid in lowering cholesterol levels and risk of heart disease.
My Olive also carries pure specialty oils such as almond, sesame seed, walnut and white and dark truffle oils. The Store also carries complimentary premium items like pesto’s, jams and salts and all natural rubs. For more information visit their location at 114 Lakeshore Rd. E., in Port Credit, call 905-891.2222 or visit www.myolive.ca.
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Finally! Springtime on the waterfront By Councillor Jim Tovey, Ward 1
It was a long cold winter in Port Credit; fortunately many memorable moments got us through. The ‘Twas the Bite Before Christmas, held for the Mississauga Food Bank and our own Compass Food Bank, brought the community together for a vital cause. Lighting up the lighthouse with families and friends was great fun and kick started the festive season. Carolling in the Park hosted over five hundred voices who gathered to celebrate Christmas and enjoy the Lions Clubs special hot cider. Our churches were busy, Windmill Theatre put on a fabulous evening of holiday classics at the Unitarian Congregation as did the Mississauga Choral Society in concert at St. Andrews. Warm, wonderful memories of a community that cares. Then entered the New Year and Port Credit was turned on, and electric, as the Blues and Roots Society rocked in New Year’s Eve with Chuck Jackson and Johnny Max at the PC Legion. It was hot music all winter long in the village. We are fortunate to be able to enjoy great restaurants and great entertainment in the New Year, and all year. Just when we thought the winter would never end, along came the Port Credit Comedy Festival. Flat out hilarious. Laughter has the same way of melting the winter blues as music does to warming the soul. The Business Improvement Association should be congratulated for instituting another signature annual festival for the village. OK, enough of winter. Finally, spring time on the waterfront. Time for sunglasses and patio afternoons in Port Credit. Time to soak up the sun. Time for festivals, fun, and time to celebrate our incredible community.
www.themwf.com
905-891-0002 • info@themwf.com 6
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A SHAVE-A-BRATION
Port Credit BIA wins $10,000 in Shop the Neighbourhood Initiative
By Marion Klinnert, Owner Private Moments Lingerie and Ladies Wear
November 30, 2013, marked the launch of the Yellow Pages sponsored event; Shop The Neighbourhood – to encourage local shopping and promote support for local small businesses. Shoppers came out in the masses to take advantage of exclusive local savings. On that day, one of Canada’s busiest shopping weekends, business owners, shoppers, BIAs came together to underscore the importance of shopping locally and supporting the local economy.
For many years now I have been serving clients that have suffered from BreastCancer, all of whom who have become dear to me. My personal fundraising efforts have always been to the wonderful Betty Wallace Women’s Health Center at the Trillium Hospital-Queensway site. It has served many of my clients well. But the dollar amount that I contributed just didn’t seem enough, at least not for me!
Whether it was rallying their members or producing their own video featuring Minister of Finace Charles Sousa for the campaign, the PCBIA demonstrated exemplary participation in the Shop The Neighbourhood program and were awarded a $10,000 cheque.
I decided to raise the bar and thought that $5000 seemed like a nice amount. But how do I raise it? I talked about this idea many years ago but have never followed through. So now is the time! On Saturday, April 26th, I will shave my hair off to pay homage to all my clients, neighbors, friends and family who have lost their hair involuntarily because of cancer treatments. Sounds brave? Not really. Those that have fought the battle are the brave ones, not me. This shave-a-thon will take place in front of my store at 259 Lakeshore Rd. East at 12 noon sharp! If anyone wants to join in this celebration of hair, please do not hesitate to step forward Or just give generously. Please contact Private Moments Lingerie and Ladies Wear at 905-278-8055 for pledge forms. Tax deductible receipts will be issued. Looking forward to the day and hoping that our little community will come out and support this worthy cause!
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In support of Sponsor A Child A Special Evening “Light Hearted Roast” In Honour of our Beloved
MAYOR
HAZEL McCALLION
e s a h c r u P w o N s t e Tick t
Ou d l o S % 80 nt by: inme Entertad Winning Awar Dance l e 2 i r 2 A AD pany m o C e Cirqu
THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2014, 5:30 PM
(Doors Open for Cocktails & Networking)
LO CATI O N: Le Treport Banquet & Convention Hall, 1075 The Queensway East, Mississauga LIST OF PANEL INCLUDES: The Honourable Charles Sousa - MPP/Minister of Finance Chief Jennifer Evans - Peel Regional Police Jake Dheer - Station Manager, Rogers Communications Inc. Ron Lenyk - CEO, The Living Arts Centre Ted Woloshyn - Toronto Sun Columnist & Host, News Talk Radio 1010 TI CKETS: $93.00 Per Person or $930.00 for a Table of Ten
For tickets call the 905-891-0002 Reserved tables of 10 available.
Plus HST
Ticket Includes: 4 Course Dinner Door Prize Entertainment P R E S E NTE D BY
www.themwf.com
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COMMUNITY CORNER Canadian Cancer Society 9th Annual Spring Garden Tour Rattray Marsh area of Mississauga Homeowners in the Rattray Marsh Area have graciously agreed to open their beautiful spring gardens to the public for viewing on Sunday, May 25 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. to support the fight against cancer.
Spring Boat Show Canadian Yachting Magazine presents the Port Credit Spring Boat Show to be held May 23-25, 2014 at the Credit Village Marina. Set for the traditional kickoff weekend to the boating season, you’ll find:
A guest speaker will enlighten garden tour visitors in the grounds of the Bradley House Museum. As well, to further enhance our visitors’ experience, local musicians will perform instrumental music in selected gardens throughout the day. Advanced tickets are $15 and the day of tour $20.
A display of new & used power and sailboats up to 55’ and everything in between from tenders to cruisers. A wide assortment of boating related products, accessories & services. Live entertainment all weekend long. Credit Village Marina is located in the heart of Port Credit at the mouth of the Credit River in Mississauga. The harbour has been redeveloped into a dynamic public waterfront facility with a first-class transient marina, waterfront cycling and pedestrian trail and picturesque parks. The marina provides only transient docking from May to October.
For further information please contact the Canadian Cancer Society at 905-6088411. Genealogy Workshop This workshop will take place on Saturday, April 12, 2014 from 10:00 am - 3:00 pm at Heritage Mississauga, 1921 Dundas Street West, Mississauga. Speaker Ruth Blair will discuss the topics “The Genealogy Organization Top Ten List” and “Five Things You Need To Know Before Writing Your Family History”. For more info please call 905-828-8411 Ext. 0.
Compass Donation MPP Charles Sousa and BIA Manager Ellen Timms delivered a cheque to the Compass Food Bank of over $5000 this month . The money was raised through a variety of campaigns during and after the holiday season including Charles Sousa’s turkey drive, donations from individual business owners and money raised at the Port Credit Comedy Festival.
Mississauga Choral Society Chorus The Mississauga Choral Society Chorus will present Gloried Voices- Music for unaccompanied choir - from the Renaissance to the 20th century, on Saturday April 26, at 7:30pm at Sts. Martha and Mary Catholic Church, 1870 Burnhamthorpe Rd. E Mississauga. Tickets $20 & $10 for youth to 18, www.mcschorus.ca or 905-278-7059. Today’s Digital World A technology workshop and learn about using social media, tablets, eReaders, computer skills in partnership with the Elder Technology Assistance Group will take place on April 25, 2014 from 1 – 4 pm. The workshop will take place at the Lorne Park Library 1474 Truscott Dr. Mississauga. To register, call 905-615-4845. Youth vocalists compete at Windmill Theatre Gala for title of ‘Next Voice’ Top youth vocalists battled for the chance to win the title of “the next voice” at Windmill Theatre’s annual Pat Anderson Vocal Scholarship. After rigorous preliminary auditions, the exciting final round of this fierce competition took place during Windmill Theatre’s Gala Fundraiser and Silent Auction on Saturday, March 29th, 2014. This year’s Pat Anderson Vocal Scholarship Vocal Finalists include Jeremy Scinocca, Laura Falco, Martina Myskohlid, Miliza Boljevic and Sarah DaCunha.
Call for Volunteers: Would you like an opportunity to give back to the Community and have some fun at the same time?
The Inside Ride Port Credit Secondary School will host the Inside The Ride on Tuesday, April 8th at 10:30 am in the school gym at Port Credit Secondary School. Register you r team of 6 online at www.warriors.theinsideride.com. For more information contact Erika.proctor@peelsb.com.
Volunteers are required for Port Credit BIA events - Mississauga Waterfront Festival (June 13-15), Canada Day July 1, and Buskerfest (August 15-17). Set up and teardown, hospitality, Parade captains, Kids crafts, stage hands and more! Students can earn Community hours. You can become part of a great team! If you are interested, contact Brenda at: pc-volunteer@bell.net, call 905-271-4247 or go to https://app.volunteer2.com/ to sign up.
Arts on the Credit A fine craft and art show will take place April 12th and 13th from 11 am to 5pm at the Waterside Inn, 15 Stavebank Road South in Port Credit. Arts on the Credit is a juried invitational event meant to provide a venue for the fine artists to show and sell their exquisite art. Admission is $5 at the door. Visit www.artsonthecredit.ca
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Check out the websites for more information about these events: www.themwf.com www.paintthetownred.ca www.portcreditbuskerfest.com.
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The Mississauga Symphony Orchestra presents: The Royal Treatment
Celebrating Our Earth: Earth Day 2014 By: Lindsay Howe
Think Globally, Act Locally Earth Day takes place on Tuesday, April 22. Each year on Earth Day people all over the world are challenged to make positive changes to their daily habits. We all share the same planet and are each responsible for what we use and how we us it. When we use less natural resources, we help to ensure there are enough resources to go around, therefore future generations won’t run out of essential things such as clean water, air and soil.
The first time they played with us, you roared your approval and begged us to invite them back, so we did! The oldest permanently organized band in the Canadian Armed Forces, the Band of the Royal Regiment of Canada, will be joining Maestro Denis Mastromonaco and the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra on stage at Hammerson Hall on May 10th for a rousing finish to our 2013/14 season. Our guests will play a selection of their favourite pieces for band, as well as joining the symphony for some well-loved orchestral works.
While Earth Day happens only once a year, we should celebrate our Earth on a daily basis and treat every day as though it were Earth Day. Making Earth-Friendly Choices Earth Day is the time to start making more environmentally conscious choices to keep our planet clean and fix some of the damage that has been done to our environment. Easy Earth-friendly changes include: switching to energy efficient light bulbs, using less water, walking or cycling more and buying local produce and foods. Avoid bottled water by buying and using a reusable water bottle. Recycling is a simple yet important way to reduce the pollution caused by waste. When we recycle we save energy, reduce pollution and preserve our natural resources. By creating a compost pile for our food scraps we reduce the amount of trash that goes into landfills. Composting also helps create rich soil for gardening.
1877 was a difficult year for Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. His short-lived marriage ended, and he was sick and depressed. A wealthy patroness, Mme de Meck, came to his rescue with the proposal to support him with a monthly allowance that freed him from money worries and enabled him to compose in freedom. His mood lifted and among the works he wrote that year was the magnificent Symphony no. 4. The lush, swooning melodies of the fourth movement are sure to make your heart soar with delight.
A popular Earth Day experience for all ages is planting trees. Not only do trees improve biodiversity and provide habitats for wildlife, trees also help keep the air clean by absorbing carbon dioxide and producing oxygen. Another way to get involved is to join a community initiative to pick up litter, helping to keep the environment free of contaminants.
The Pines of Rome, written in 1924, is the second of Italian composer Ottorino Respighi’s trilogy of symphonic poems about his beloved Rome. The exciting final movement, “The Pines of the Appian Way”, depicts the arrival of a Roman legion as it enters the city at daybreak. Cymbals crash, trumpets sound, and you will hear the thunder of the soldiers’ feet as they march triumphantly into the city between the rows of pine trees that line the road.
Be Part of the Solution Earth day serves as a reminder to think about how we can help resolve environmental challenges by taking action to protect our planet. It is our responsibility to learn about biodiversity and take measures to help preserve the plants and animals around us. It is imperative that we rethink the way we use things and make it our objective to use less.
For a quiet change, the orchestra strings will play the first movement of Antonin Dvorak’s enchanting Serenade for Strings, written in 1875. The exciting finale will be excerpts from Pirates of the Caribbean. The massed sound of the band and orchestra will raise the roof of the hall!
The lifestyle choices we make are most often based on habit and convenience. We all have bad habits to break when it comes to living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. Something as simple as leaving reusable grocery bags in your car so you don’t forget to bring them to the grocery store can go a long way to help erase your carbon footprint.
Be sure to arrive at 7:15pm for Maestro Mastromonaco’s pre-concert “Meet the Maestro” session in the atrium of the Living Arts Centre. The presentation will include a description of the rich history behind each piece to be performed, and a personal story about why each piece was chosen. Maestro Mastromonaco’s presentations are a fantastic opportunity for music lovers to enhance their concert experience, and a perfect chance to meet your Maestro.
We can all do our part to help ensure a healthy planet for generations to come.
Tickets start at $30, and can be purchased by calling: 905-306-6000, or by visiting the MSO website at: www.mississaugasymphony.ca. As always, the MSO will perform within the world class acoustics of the Living Art Centre’s Hammerson Hall. 4141 Living Arts Dr., Mississauga ON.
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Inspiration Lakeview By J. Knox
On Tuesday, March 18th, the City of Mississauga’s Ward 1 Councillor Jim Tovey hosted an Inspiration Lakeview Community Workshop as part of a series of initiatives for the development of the projects Master Plan. The workshop took place at the Mississauga Senior Centre and was attended by area residents, business owners and stakeholders. Also in attendance were MP Mississauga South Stella Ambler and MPP Charles Sousa who actively support the project.
Project partners Pino Di Mascio of Urban Strategies Inc., and Barry Lyon of N. Barry Lyon Consultants Ltd., spoke during a visual presentation of the Emerging Master Plan. The presentation was followed by an interactive workshop where attendees were invited to complete and submit a 13-page workbook designed to gather feedback from residents. The Emerging Master Plan to date is the result of over 4 years of community led effort to revitalize a 250 acre site in southeast Mississauga that spans north and south Lakeshore Road to the shore of Lake Ontario and from east to west between the G.E. Booth Wastewater Treatment Facility and the Lakeview Water Treatment Facility. The majority of the land on this site is owned by the province of Ontario and is the former site of the Ontario Power Generation coal-burning station. outdoor cultural and recreational possibilities, east and west public access to the waterfront and a new street network that would support a transit system.
The termed “Sustainable Waterfront” plan includes housing units for 7,000 to 7,500 people achieved predominantly (55%) through mid-rise (5-9 story) buildings. 20% of the area’s housing would to be provided by townhomes, 20% provided by buildings up to 15 stories high and 5% with buildings up to 22 stories high. Plans for the area also include a Post Secondary institute, a re-located employment and innovation corridor, retail and commercial districts, indoor and
The next Master Plan Community Presentation is tentatively scheduled for May of this year. The Final Master Plan public presentation is schedule for June. For more information please visit www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/inspirationlakeview.
Port Credit Lawn Bowling Club celebrating 100 years The Port Credit Lawn Bowling Club will be proudly celebrating its centennial this year. The club is located within the beautiful and attractive surroundings next to the Senior Centre within the Carmen Corbasson Centre in Mississauga. All the plans are in place for a very special anniversary year. In support of its plans, the 100th Anniversary Committee has received major support from within the community where Port Credit Residences have been named the title sponsor for the club’s milestone anniversary year. Other community sponsors and supporters of the centennial include W.E. Enterprises, Avenue Moving, A2Z Branding, Rogers TV and The City of Mississauga. The 100th Anniversary Committee is very appreciative of this support to help the club celebrate its centennial. The club is looking forward to receiving visitors during its Open House on May 3, 2014. With sessions at 10 am and 1 pm, visitors will be welcomed to learn about the club, give lawn bowling a try if they wish and enjoy some snacks at the same time. An official anniversary celebration will be held for its members and invited guests at the beginning of the lawn bowling season. The committee is hopeful that Mayor Hazel McCallion, a honourary member of the club since 1983, will be in attendance with other invited dignitaries for the official centennial celebrations. Past members are also being invited to be a part of this celebration. Later in the year, the public is also invited to come to watch some competitive lawn bowling (with no admission fees) as Port Credit Lawn Bowling Club will be proudly hosting the Provincial Mixed Pairs Championship on August 9-10, 2014. During this event the club will be welcoming 16 district- winning mixed bowling teams from across Ontario to determine a provincial champion. Port Credit last hosted this event in 2002. The club welcomes new members and provides programs for new bowlers to become adjusted to an environment that offers a social, recreational and, for those so inclined, competitive environment. For further information about Port Credit Lawn Bowling Club refer to their web site www.pclbc.ca.
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Which end of a multiple offer could you be on this year? By Theresa Baird
Toronto and Vancouver are two hot markets, where bidding wars are an everyday occurrence. Areas in Mississauga have seen a small jump this year as well, due to the low inventory of available homes. In Toronto, the local newspapers and The Toronto Real Estate Board have reported that the numbers of offers being presented on a single property have been anywhere from 2 to as many as 20. The big concern is, many buyers are putting offers in without conditions or they would never even be considered. If you have large pockets that could protect you against the unknown this might be okay, but certainly not for others. Do your homework before and be sure you are pre-qualified and that you have conducted a pre-offer home inspection. A lawyer who writes for The Toronto Star; Mark Weisleder stated this past month that he has heard from many of his clients that they had lost 5 times in bidding wars before they finally got the home they wanted. “Realtors and Lawyers will suggest you do your own pre-offer home inspection so you truly understand what it is you’re buying. Be cautious about pre-home inspections done by the seller. The interior may look great but the shell/foundation could be cracking. If there are too many offers on a home you might even consider passing on it and set your sites on the next one.
• Determine what closing date is important to the seller. They may be looking to move into their next home on a specific date or schedule a closing after the school year for their kids. Being able to accommodate the sellers closing may make a world of difference and win you their home! • Show the sellers you are qualified. To stand out, ask your lender for a loan pre-approval letter, which is different than a pre-qualified letter. Being pre-approved makes you a stronger buyer in the seller’s eyes.
Get committed to the process and work with a top realtor who can find you a home where offers are not being held off. There are lots of anxious buyers waiting for the right home to hit the market so sellers prepare your home and buyers do your homework, hire a good Realtor and Happy House hunting!
• Pre-home inspection. Offers are typically conditional on a home inspection, by completing it before an offer is submitted will provide you with a clear understanding as to the condition of the home. This may make your offer more attractive than competing offers.
How to prepare for multiple offers • Submit a large deposit. Many sellers are worried that once they commit to an offer, the winning buyers might back out of the transaction or default on the contract after all the other buyers have disappeared. The deposit is part of your down payment. By making a larger than normal deposit you are showing the seller you are very serious about buying their home. The money is held in trust but the seller sees you’re prepared to put more money upfront a little sooner rather than later, it speaks volumes.
• Shorten or waive your conditions. If you have already done your homework to ensure that your financing is in place and your home inspection has been completed then you can present what is known as a “Firm Offer”. This is a 100% guarantee to the seller and yourself that once the offer is accepted then the home is as good as yours! Once the deposit cheque is received, SOLD can go on the sign. • Write your best offer. Don’t hope for negotiations; offer your highest price which maybe over list price. Sellers sometimes deliberately set their asking price below comparable home sales in the area in efforts to generate multiple offers, so paying over asking price does not necessarily mean you are paying over based on market value. (But you should know the difference.) • Prepare for a counter offer. You can write the best offer and an experienced agent is likely to advise the seller to counter all of the offers. This gives competing buyers a second opportunity to increase their original offer in the event that the original offers do not appeal to the seller.
Restyling • Repairs • Storage • New Leather and Shearling Jackets Gloves • Handbags • Wallets
• Share the love. Most sellers have an emotional attachment to their home and want to see it fall into the hands of an acceptable buyer. Be that acceptable buyer; write the seller a brief letter explaining why you love the home and why you deserve to be chosen as the winning offer. It’s worth it to be sappy and sincere.
Do not dispose of your used or inherited fur coats or jackets. This long time Mississauga Furrier will bring new life to them. We saw an older mink coat, sheared and remodeled into an elegant reversible raincoat.
For more information contact Theresa Baird – Broker, The Baird Team at Keller Williams Realty Solutions. Call 647-298-0997 or visit www.tbaird.com.
ABOUT FUR STORAGE Fur hates heat. It is not the actual hair that is affected, it is the hide or leather that can dry out, become stiff and crack. The optimum storage temperature is 45 degrees F. and 50% humidity. In Bazinas Furs’ storage vaults, the room is dark which prevents bleaching and fading of the colour. Moths and insects cannot survive at that temperature. Furs that are properly stored during hot weather can last up to fifty years or more. If you decide not to use a professional storage facility, do not store your coat in a cedar closet or chest. The oils can harm the fur. Keep the furs in the coolest closet possible and always in the dark. Check frequently for insect activity - especially moths.
269 Lakeshore Road East Mississauga, Ontario L5G 1G8 T. 905.278.1345
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New exciting services in Lorne Park Beauty and the Spa Beauty and the Spa provide painless laser hair removal, laser skin tightening, facials, glycolic peels, microdermabrasion and waxing. Customer safety is a primary concern. The Soprano Xli Laser they use is FDA and Health Canada approved. It has been providing safe and successful hair removal to millions of men and women since 2005.
Spring is just around the corner, and now is the time for a new you! Tony Morra’s Hair Salon has exciting new services that will have you feeling trim and brand new. Even though the salon has been a landmark in Lorne Park for over 30 years, owner Tony is always looking into new technologies and services to offer in his salon. The recent additions of Slimming Paradise and Beauty and the Spa will keep you feeling great inside and out.
Soprano Xli is a revolutionary Laser Hair Removal system, which provides virtually painless treatments. It uses non-invasive laser energy to gradually heat hair follicles until they can no longer produce new hair.
Tony Morra’s Hair Salon Tony Morra has been a professional stylist for over 40 years. He has provided the Lorne Park community with stellar service and hair styles and his reputation is golden. The salon provides a friendly and relaxing atmosphere. Their stylists take pride in providing the absolute best quality services and allow their clients to feel and look their absolute best.
Visit www.beautyandthespa.ca or call direct at 647.988.7645. For monthly specials on the above services visit www.tonymorrahair.com.
sign up for our
You can experience a new “you” courtesy of their highly-trained and professional stylists. They specialize in an EXCLUSIVE Italian colour line from Parma, Italy called Compagnia Del Colore. The salon also carries an extensive variety of hair care products, including Redken, and Moroccanoil.
ART
The salon is located in the heart of Lorne Park just north of Lakeshore in the Lorne Park Plaza at 1107 Lorne Park Road. Call 905.278.2355 to make an appointment.
CLASSES!
Slimming Paradise Slimming Paradise offers a new way to lose inches and weight loss with noninvasive procedures. They know it is hard for some of us to lose those extra pounds. Their weight loss methods have no down time, no needles and no anaesthetic. They can help you reach your goals to feel better and confident. They offer fat freezing, Laser Slim and Slimming Capsules. Drop in and they will customize a package for you. For more information visit www.slimmingparadise.ca or call direct at 905.891.1918.
TODDLER & KIDS SESSIONS THE ANT AND THE GRASSHOPPER Kids Boutique
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151 Lakeshore Rd E., Mississauga, ON L5G 4T9 905-271-5858 info@theantandthegrasshopper.ca
Fitness boutique vs big box gym By: Crystal Mallari
Big Box Gym
R3 Evolution is Mississauga’s 1st fitness boutique. R3 Evolution encompasses the ideal member experience. First and foremost, we are a fitness community. We are the “cheers” of fitness, where everybody knows your name! As an R3 member, you are a part of an exciting and innovative fitness community. To be a part of our community means to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who will motivate you to live a healthier lifestyle, to evolve from an “impossible” mindset to “I’m Possible!” We keep each other accountable. We specialize in one-of-a kind fitness classes, such as Bellyfit and Intensati. We also offer world class small group training, life coaching and nutrition coaching. Our holistic programs will “Renew, Refresh & Restore your mind, body & spirit”.
• Due to larger number of members, instructors may not know you on a first name basis and will be unaware of your specific fitness goals. • Workout areas may be unkept because of the high volume and size of the facility. • Classes are standard, may lack variety. Have a tendency to be monotonous and repetitive. • A mandatory commitment of one year may be required when hiring a personal trainer; lowest prices begin at $50 up to $100 per session. • Registration fees are generally required. Class passes may not be offered. • Kids Karate programs are not offered at most big box gyms. Kid’s birthdays may not be offered. • Big box gyms do not host bachelorette or birthday parties for adults. • Monthly workshops are generally not offered on a regular basis at big box gyms. • Life coaching is not readily available. • Exercise machines are glorified.
So how are we different from a “big box gym?” Read on.
R3 Evolution Fitness Studio is located at 3065 Ridgeway Drive, Unit #50, Mississauga, L5L 5M6. We are conveniently located off of Dundas Street and the 403, across the street from Costco. R3 Evolution is also available to rent. The studio space is perfect for private training sessions, semi-private training sessions, dance rehearsals, fitness/dance/yoga classes, meetings, community gatherings, seminars, workshops and special events. For more information, visit www.R3Evolution.com.
Fitness Boutique • Ideal member experience including fewer members, more individualized attention from Instructors and other members; a community-based atmosphere. • Impeccably clean, safe space to train. • Affordable Group Training sessions led by a Certified Personal Trainer. Prices as low as $30 per session are offered and smaller packages are available. • Multiple, flexible class passes, month-to-month and annual membership are available to satisfy every budget and commitment level. No registration fee required. • Kids Karate programs for children ages five and up and Fitness for Kids Summer Camps are available. These programs teach kids to be active, learn healthy eating habits and live healthier lifestyles. Kids Karate and Zumba birthday parties are also available. • R3 offers Divagirl Workshops which include Strip Tease and Chair Dance classes. Perfect for Bachelorette and birthday parties. • Monthly health, wellness and beauty workshops and seminars are offered to educate our members • Life Coaching is offered by Certified Life Coaches to help direct, achieve and maintain your goals in fitness, career and relationships. • Fitness equipment such as dumbbells, stability balls, Lebert Equalizers, the Buddy System, Gliders and more importantly body weight exercises are highly demonstrated and prove to achieve better overall results than standard exercise machines.
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Feeling Dry this Long Winter
Take for Granted
By: Dr. Justine Fung, OD
By Ric Cooper, Ric’s Recollection
Dry eyes are one of the most common concerns when a patient comes in to see me for an eye examination.
Almost every day something comes to mind that we take for granted and pay little or no attention to until it’s either too late or it doesn’t work.
This long and cold winter, there was a significant increase in the number of patients with dryness. Just like our skin and hair, our eyes can be more prone to dryness during the winter season. Some symptoms a patient with dry eye may notice are burning, grittiness, redness, watering and fluctuating blurred vision.
Last week it was the key to the front door, the week before the car wouldn’t start. I’m sure you get my drift. It can be annoying, an inconvenience or even dangerous. This past winter has been one of the worst in recent memory and we all took for granted the heating for our homes and businesses and our electricity. We’re even taking for granted that spring will eventually arrive (it had better!!!) We are very fortunate that we live or work in Port Credit but we are guilty of taking our village for granted. Things like safety, cleanliness, events and beautification just don’t happen. I find it rather funny and dismaying at the same time, how shops open and take for granted that the customers will just come. You can tell the ones who care about their business and Port Credit in general just by looking at the up-keep of their storefronts. Some don’t even have store signs or names? If they don’t care enough about the appearance, maybe we should just pass them by?
Dry eyes can occur when the composition of tears in our eyes is imbalanced or when the eye is not producing enough tears. The purpose of the tear film is to completely cover the front part of the eye (known as the cornea) in a smooth and uniform distribution and keep the eye coated until the next blink. The human tear film is actually made of multiple layers that are responsible for different properties of the tears. For example, deficiencies in the base layer of tears may cause them to bind poorly to the eye. Or, an imbalance in the aqueous layer may cause them to evaporate off the eye too quickly. Another cause of dry eye could be due to the function of the eyelid instead of the eyeball. An optometrist is able to determine the root of the dry eye by using a slit lamp, a high-powered microscope for the eyes, to evaluate the quality of the tears, their distribution, and their effectiveness.
The Port Credit BIA spends a lot of time and resources cleaning up, planting flowers and nurturing a great environment to work and play but we need the business (who care) to help maintain the overall appearance. If the restaurants swept up cigarette butts and provided ash trays and store owners picked up litter, the whole village will shine even brighter! We have to stop the attitude of “let someone else do it” and start taking more pride in our part (the best) of the city! The late John Denver had a great idea, one that I plan on adopting and I urge you to as well. He basically said “if every person picked up just one piece of litter each and every day, their city will look fantastic.”
Unfortunately, there is no single treatment to cure dry eye. There are, however, many eye drops on the market known as artificial tears. Artificial tears are made to mimic the natural tear layer and provide temporary relief of dryness. By diagnosing the cause of the dryness, the optometrist would be able to assist the patient in narrowing down which artificial tear eye drops may be most beneficial.
Another thing that is being taken for granted is music. Illegal downloads and coping of CDs has put the music industry on its knees. Sales of CDs have dropped so drastically that many stores are discontinuing them! With terrestrial radio stations playing very little new music by established artists, how are we to know what is coming out and what is actually worth buying if you can find it? How is a musician supposed to make his living?
Patients with advanced dry eye may require more aggressive treatments such as gels, ointments, or medicated drops. For some cases, small plugs can be inserted into the tear drainage ducts to slow the loss of tears from the eye. Other patients may have underlying diseases that are attributing to dryness, which need to be addressed. In most cases, winter dry eyes are easily treated and often resolve as the air warms and humidity increases. However, it is important to treat the dryness, even if it is temporary. Excessive dry eye may damage the tissue of the cornea and could lead to scarring that could affect vision. Also, dry eyes in contact lens wearers can be both irritating and increase risk of infection. A visit to the optometrist can keep the eyes clear and comfortable all year long.
Port Credit has always had a thriving live music scene which is starting to “wilt” and I guess we are taking that for granted as well. Recently I overheard a guy at the Comedy Fest bragging that he bought 10 “burnt” DVDs for twenty bucks. Shame on him. If more people adopt that attitude it will only be a matter of time till movie theatres start closing their doors. April 19th is the seventh annual Record Store Day celebrating independent stores like mine. This was created to draw attention to stores that keep music alive and chain stores are not allowed to be involved. I will be stocking lots of rare items made exclusively for the day so if you still value your music, try and stop by. There may even be a few surprises involved.
Ask me about your eyes! Visit www.mississaugaoptometrist.com/contact.html and send in your questions! Dr. Fung will answer as many questions as possible in the next Port Credit Village Times. Dr. Justine Fung is located at 102B Lakeshore Rd E in Port Credit and offers comprehensive eye exams for patients of all ages. Patients younger than 20 years old and older than 65 years of age are covered by OHIP.
I guess my point is; stop taking Port Credit and it’s natural beauty for granted and start showing some pride. Support live music and go out to local shows whether at a bar or the legion but just show you care!
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MAY 10, 2014
THE ROYAL TREATMENT 8:00PM
TCHAIKOVSKY
FINALE FROM SYMPHONY No. 4
SIBELIUS FINLANDIA
WALTON
CROWN IMPERIAL MARCH
BADELT/ZIMMER
HIGHLIGHTS: PIRATES OF THE CARRIBEAN
WILLIAMS RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK - RAIDERS MARCH
WITH: MAESTRO DENIS MASTROMONACO &
GUESTS: THE BAND OF THE ROYAL REGIMENT OF CANADA BROUGHT TO YOU BY: Join us for a night of wonderful symphonic music experienced in the world class acoustics of Hamemrson Hall - Living Arts Centre Tickets on sale NOW - 905.306.6000 - mississaugasymphony.ca
Music for unaccompanied choir
Gloried Voices
from the Renaissance to the 20th century
Mervin William Fick Artistic Director
Saturday, April 26, 7:30 pm
Sts. Martha & Mary Catholic Church 1870 Burnhamthorpe Rd. E. Mississauga
Tickets: $20 & $10 Youth (up to 18) www.mcschorus.ca 905-278-7059 info@mcschorus.ca
In support of Sts. Martha & Mary Church
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Are Video Games Harming my Child’s Eyes?
TMFB Gatsby Event
By Silvia Yeomans, Queen Spectacle
An evening of glamour and excitement for The Mississauga Food Bank will take place June 12th at the beautiful Holcim Waterfront Estate.
Children have all sorts of handheld devices; from their iPods and smartphones to their different gaming devices that they bring, everywhere. Even to their eye exams.
Guests are encouraged to wear period clothing and upon arrival, have their photos taken with a display of Gatsby era vintage automobiles in front of the main building. Dinner will be served in a unique outdoor setting, encouraging guests to enjoy the beauty of the 1937 era estate.
The consensus still remains among most eye care professionals, that video games will not harm your child’s eyes or their vision as long as you follow some simple rules.
Master of Ceremonies Mike Bullard, radio host and all around amazing entertainer, will keep the action flowing and the guests laughing! The 27 member Toronto All Star Big Band will have toes tapping while guests dance under a huge marquee. The evening will end with a spectacular fireworks display set to music on the shores of Lake Ontario.
Even children with great vision sometimes complain of blurred vision when playing video games. That’s because of the prolonged focusing they do when staring at their screens. Even with all that starring, there is usually less strain involved in gaming than in doing close up work such as sewing or reading. Sitting in front of a screen for long periods can leave your eyes feeling dry and strained. If your child has uncorrected hyperopia, myopia or astigmatism, your child’s eyes could be forced to work harder to maintain a clear image when viewing the screen.
All proceeds will go directly to the purchase of milk for The Mississauga Food Bank , supplied at cost, by Rabba Fine Foods. 31,000 children use food banks every month and milk is an essential part of their diet. Thank you to Lead Sponsor, Mississauga Honda, for launching this year’s event as well as our other key sponsors: Mattamy Homes, Tim Hortons, Precise Parklink, Sedona Lifestyles, Waste Management and Queen Spectacle. Special patrons include Annie Capponi and Robert Butt as well as the Meadowvale and Streetsville Rotary Clubs.
Your child’s visual skills are necessary for reading and learning. To help ease the strain of video games on your child’s eyes, consider the following tips: • REDUCE GLARE: Make rooms more comfortable by reducing glare and offering soft overall lighting.
To purchase one of the few remaining tickets, or to make a donation to the Milk Fund, please contact Carolyn Parrish, V.P. Of The Mississauga Food Bank at cparrish@rogers.com or 905 896 0330.
• REST: Encourage them to take breaks from games and computer monitors to give eyes a break. Balance their video game time with creative play (not stimulated by a screen).
Charles Sousa, MPP
• 20/20 RULE: We went to a seminar where the guest speaker taught us the 20/20 rule. It is great even for people who spend all day on the computer. Every 20 minutes, look away from the screen and blink 20 times. This will give their eyes a break from staring. Did you know that on average we blink 12 times per minute, but when we’re in front of a screen, we only blink 5 times per minute? Final result: dry eyes. Reminding your child to blink.
Mississauga South
• TURN ON THE LIGHTS: If the room is too dark, there is too much contrast between the screen and the surrounding area for comfortable vision. If the room is brighter, the contrast is kept to a minimum.
Please join us for
Tea With Charles
• MOVE BACK: Sit away from the screen. Looking at a screen from a distance allows for picture details to appear sharper and better defined and the screen lines and defects will be less apparent. This is a great opportunity to see how your child reacts. If your child insists on playing video games close up, book an eye examination for them with your optometrist; children who like to sit too close to the screen may be nearsighted (myopic).
To Discuss Seniors’ Issues
Thursday May 8, 2014 2:00 pm Mississauga Seniors Centre 1389 Cawthra Road
Symptoms like headaches, eye strain, double vision, excessive tearing, pain in the eyes or excessive blinking or squinting can be effects of playing video games, any time you experience these symptoms, you should visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination. Eye exams are covered by OHIP annually for children until they are 20 years of age. Eye examinations are recommended if these symptoms arise. These may also be symptoms of more serious vision problem.
ere! h t ou y e e s o t e op h e W
This is an article that was requested by a client. If you have any questions or would like me to write about a specific topic, email me at silvia@queenspectacle.com. Silvia Yeomans is the owner of Queen Spectacle. Queen Spectacle has locations in Streetsville, Port Credit and The Kingsway. They are a Full Eye Care Team recognized for their service excellence. For more information visit their website: www. queenspectacle.com.
Constituency Office: 120 Lakeshore Road West, Unit 1 & 2 | Mississauga, Ontario L5H 1E8 Tel: (905) 274-8228 Fax: (905) 274-8552 | Email: csousa.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org www.charlessousa.ca
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m FINANCE Value For Money Investing Get value from your advisor. Cost do matter! I am not a farmer...so why do I have silos? they believe is best for you. In other words, they need not help you with advice about a particular security, since they is going to buy it for you. Unfortunately, portfolio managers have traditionally only been available to those households with assets in excess of one million dollars to invest, so the majority of households in this country get ALL their investment advice from SALESPERSONS. To make matters worse, because of the siloing, the salesperson’s advice is only able to consider the security types they are registered for within these self containing channels. Why is all this important? Well, if you are speaking to a financial planner that is licensed as an insurance representative, do not be surprised that the ideal solution for your situation is an insurance product. It is what they are licensed to sell. If talking to a broker about your financial planning needs, do not be surprised that they do not suggest discretionary money management. They are licensed otherwise. And do not expect to be passed easily to a different advisor in a different silo, since controlling the client is the source of the revenue to the advisor.
Many clients first approach us because they are unhappy with their current investment situation. Sure, they have concerns about when they can retire, how much should they be saving, or if they are minimizing their tax liability each year, but invariably, they are very concerned about what investments they have and what they should have. It is this need to discuss their investments that leads to an important challenge. To offer advice on an investment security in Ontario (for all effective purposes, this means all of Canada as well), you must be registered. An unapproved person cannot comment on a specific security, to a specific individual, since it might lead to a buy or a sell of the investment. You must be registered to give ADVICE about a specific investment. In Ontario (Canada) there is no securities registration available for Advice Only, so in most cases your advisor must be prepared to buy and sell as well. This situation is aggravated by your advisor needing to register in a certain category of securities or services.
Since you have less than one million to invest, you look for a “financial planner” in one of three retail channels accessible to you. Understanding the salesperson quandary, you may also consider a fee-only planner, who is proudly not registered to provide security specific advice.
‘Silos’ is the description I have for the vertical sales channels in the investment world through which advisors are registered. In the simplest terms, at the retail level, let’s consider there to be four silos with four regulators: Mutual funds, Brokerage, Insurance and Portfolio Managers. Your advisor must belong to a company or organization that is in itself registered with the four regulators. Your advisor has a duty to their sponsor organization before and above their duty to you.
The mutual fund registered advisor, the “financial planner”, can thus comment on any and all mutual funds sold in Canada, but not any other securities. Insurance agents, as the “financial planner”, have a broader hand in providing nonsecurity related financial planning, since the Insurance regulators allow financial plans to be charged for. However, non-insurance related products like mutual funds, stocks, bonds and ETFs cannot be discussed. Brokers, the IIROC “financial planner”, on the other hand may discuss, stocks, bonds, ETFs and mutual funds but not insurance products unless they are also licensed. Thus, brokers have good breadth compared to mutual fund and insurance only advisors. However all three suffer three fatal flaws. 1) Their primary responsibility is to their sponsor not their client; 2) Their sponsor is a sales organization; and 3) Their test of suitability of the investment for you does not preclude them from seeking the best for them as well.
The regulators are the only path for registration. You may have noted that three of the four channels are thus “Salespersons”. So again, in order to be able to discuss an investment security with you, the advisor must be registered to sell you something. The only exception to this, is a portfolio manager, who is not registered to sell to you, they are approved to take over your assets and do what
Advice For A Fee
tirement liabilityere
An Advice for a Fee or your Fee-only planner cannot discuss any type of individual security with you, even if fully qualified to do so, due to lack of registration. Their solution is usually to manage the relationship with the registered securities person to access all the advice you need on individual securities, without exposure to a sales process, ensuring you obtain investments good for you, not them and do so at a price reflective of the value received.
Increase your income through intelligent financial planning decisions.
At EWM, we go one step further. After completion of a complete financial plan, for clients with $100,000 or more, we access for you the services of a Portfolio Manager, who is not in sales and by law must put your interest above their own. Sounds like a winning combination, doesn’t it.
Gordon is the Vice President – Financial Planning at Efficient Wealth Management Inc., a leader in cost efficient financial planning. He has taught at local colleges in both Financial Services and Accounting areas. He is also a frequent guest on television and has written numerous articles on investing and financial planning. See our ad “the Harvest is under way!” in this issue.
Gratifying Harvest is a dynamic withdrawal strategy Total wealth framework before Asset Allocation We encourage guaranteed income products We design for the retirement liability Tax‐efficient portfolios
We are money coaches. We created a new coaching program called The Gratifying Harvest. The program helps you enjoy your future by carefully harvesting cash flow from your lifetime of savings or preparing you to do so. The Gratifying Harvest is an advanced program that takes everything to a much higher level and is only available from Efficient Wealth Management.
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Often forgotten items on your tax return
CameronHelps The 6th Annual Unbreakable Father’s Day 5k Run/Walk supports programs promoting teen mental health
Yes, it’s April and you start gathering papers which tell your tax story for 2013. While many forms are familiar, such as T4, T3, T5, there are other, often forgotten, documents that you may be able to use to claim deductions or tax credits. Here is a list of less known items that you may consider putting on your tax return:
Teen mental health charity CameronHelps is gearing up for its 6th Annual Unbreakable Father’s Day 5k Run/Walk happening Sunday, June 15, 2014 in Port Credit, Ontario.
Investment fees – paid for investment advice, portfolio management, or accounting services. The condition here is that you generate significant passive income from investment. Although there is no specific guidelines in terms of percentages, if investment income represents significant portion of your total income than your claim will be eligible. Some brokerages specify their fees directly on T5s or T3s issued, other prepare statements detailing their charges, yet some do not provide anything unless you specifically request a statement of fees. It is definitely worthwhile to get one, as some of the fees are significant and are a direct deduction from your income.
The Unbreakable Father’s Day 5k Run/Walk has grown significantly over the past years and this year organizers are expecting over 500 participants from across Ontario, many from the Team Unbreakable youth run programs held at Peel and Halton Region High Schools.
Professional fees – annual dues paid to professional organizations, trade unions and the like. The requirement is that your membership in a professional or trade organization is critical or necessary to your employment or business.
The run starts and finishes at the Port Credit Lighthouse (105 Lakeshore Rd. West) and follows a picturesque route along the Mississauga waterfront trail. Event day registration starts at 7:30 a.m. with the run beginning at 9:00 a.m. Participants can also pre-register on-line at www.fathersday5k.ca.
Claim for infirm dependants– credit for caring for infirm relatives who have low income. The relative must live in Canada and be dependent on you for support. Claim for elderly dependants – credit for caring for elder parents, grandparents (including in-laws), who are over 65 year of age and live with you in the same household. The dependant’s income must not exceed $19,824.
“This is the sixth anniversary of our run, and so much has happened with our charity over this short time. We are expanding our programs all across Ontario, we have research support from McMaster University The support from Peel and Halton schools has been tremendous and we expect even more teen participants this year,” says David Harris, Founder of CameronHelps.
Modifications to your home to make it safer and more accessible for the elderly - you may qualify for refundable healthy home renovation tax credit, up to $10,000 if you are a senior of a family member living with a senior.
Those who register will receive a huge 6th Anniversary finisher’s medal, a technical event shirt, and special Father’s Day breakfast for only $35. Families or groups of four or more that register are only $25 each. Following the run is the popular breakfast at the Port Credit Legion (35 Front Street). The breakfast starts at 9:30 a.m. and additional tickets are available for purchase at the door for only $10.
Medical premiums –paid to a private health plan either directly or through your employer. Some employers provide the total of your contributions in box 85 on your T4, yet many do not report your payments at all. In that case, you can verify your last paystub’s year to date amount for your own contributions to a private health plan.
About CameronHelps: CameronHelps was founded by David Harris in 2005 after the suicide death of his son Cameron, who was 19 years old. The Unbreakable Father’s Day 5K run/ walk is a major fundraiser for the charity, which has three main objectives: teen mental health advocacy, youth outreach and clinical support.
Legal fees – paid in divorce proceedings to obtain rights to support payments (child or spousal). You should ask your lawyer to prepare a letter detailing fees paid. Given the amounts that are usually in question, you may need to send supporting documents to CRA. If you think that you may have omitted one of these important deductions or tax credits consider filing an adjustment for prior years. And for the current year, review your files one more time to see if there is anything from the above list that you may claim.
CameronHelps’ has over 30 Team Unbreakable teen run programs in Ontario through their program partners and this includes a research partnership with McMaster University. In 2012, the charity initiated a pilot project with both Peel School Boards to develop the Team Unbreakable high school run program.
Eva Kupiec, CMA and Beata Kurpiewski, CGA - Principals of Professional Accounting Office at 3461 Lake Shore Blvd. W. Visit www.beaccounting.ca
David Harris has been a featured speaker at the Canadian Association of Suicide Prevention (CASP) Annual Conference. Harris is also a regular speaker at high schools, parent groups and Team Unbreakable teen run groups.
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Walk with Nancy
Walden Circle Retirement Community
Nancy Da Costa, local resident, was diagnosed with Glioblastoma in March of 2013.
On February 14th Walden Circle residents, staff and supporters celebrated Valentine’s Day with a special party. Birthday girl Mayor Hazel McCallion was the guest of honour at the Walden Circle Retirement Residence for a toast and cake cutting ceremony in celebration of her 93rd birthday.
This tumour is a dangerous type of brain tumour and unfortunately not operable. After 8 long months of radiation and chemotherapy, in hopes of the tumour reducing in size or at minimum remain the same in size, the tumour has unfortunately grown and Nancy’s life expectancy has been shortened. Nancy’s oncologist has advised that the best treatment possible is a medication called AVASTIN. Although not a cure, the hope is that it will extend Nancy’s life. This medication however, is not funded by the Ontario government and Nancy’s private insurance has denied the claim for coverage. As a result of no other public or private funding, Nancy and her husband Joe are faced with the astronomical cost of almost $10,000 a month for this life extending medication indefinitely. Nancy’s family and friends have chosen to help raise funds for Nancy and her Husband, Joe to offset the cost of this necessary, life extending medication. On February 22nd 2014, at South Common Mall in Mississauga, Nancy’s friends and family held a Walk With Me, Walk-A-Thon in support of Nancy Da Costa’s, Avastin Fund. Nancy and her husband Joe would like to extend their sincere gratitude to each and every individual who pledged, walked, and/or provided raffle prizes in support of Nancy. “The response from the community has been overwhelming, thank you from the bottom of our hearts” says Da Costa. They would like to further thank Councillor George Carlson (City of Mississauga Ward 11) for being the event’s Master of Ceremonies. “We continue to hear such great reports from those in attendance” (Heather Byce). Thank you for making the time to attend the event. Finally, to Nancy’s work family at Mainway Hunter Creighton Insurance Inc. (MHC)... a special thank you to Nancy’s employers who matched all employee donations raised, resulting in a $10,000 donation collectively. Nancy’s Walk With Me, Walk –A-Thon raised $25,765. What a tremendous success! Since November, they have raised $71,035, through the Walk-A-Thon and online donations. These funds will enable Nancy to have 16 treatments or 8 months of treatments. Nancy says, “Thank you to everyone who has a continued to support my Avastin Fund, I can’t believe the generosity of my family, friends and those I have never met before.... the support and love people have demonstrated is truly amazing.... Thank you from the bottom of my heart”. Nancy further states, “The WalkA-Thon was one of the best days I have had in a long time; it was nice to be able to re-connect with my family and friends”. To make a donation visit www.gofundme.com/Nancys-Avastin-Fund
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42nd Annual
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Memorial Park • Streetsville
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BREAD HONEY FESTIVAL 2014
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The Streetsville Founders’
www.breadandhoney.ca
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Farmers Market Saturdays / June 7 – October 11
Select from the finest produce right here in Port Credit, weekly demos, live entertainment and crafters at the corner of Elmwood Ave. & Lakeshore Rd. E. www.portcredit.com
2014 EVENTS CALENDAR Arts on the Credit / Apr. 12 – 13
An annual fine craft and art show held at the Waterside Inn. www.artsonthecredit.ca
Port Credit’s Easter Fair / Apr. 18 – 20
Join the Easter Fair & Carnival rides at the Port Credit Lighthouse. Enjoy loads of Easter activities for everyone. Pictures with the Easter Bunny, It’s going to be a weekend full of fun for the whole family. www.portcredit.com
Mississauga Marathon / May 2 – 4
www.mississaugamarathon.com
The Port Credit Spring Boat Show at Credit Village Marina / May 23 – May 25
www.portcreditspringboatshow.com
The Mississauga Waterfront Festival / June 13 – 15
This award-winning event will feature 3days of exciting interactive and experiential entertainment and culinary extravaganzas for family and friends. www.themwf.com
“Paint the Town Red” Canada Day Celebration & Parade – July 1
Celebrate Canada Day! “Paint The Town Red” with a Town Parade, Giant Birthday Cake, live entertainment, family fun and Fireworks at Port Credit Memorial Park. www.paintthetownred.ca
Music at the Port Street Market Saturdays & Sundays July – August
Enjoy live music at the Port Credit Street Market located on the south/west corner of Lakeshore Rd. E & Hurontario St. from 2pm- 5pm. www.portcredit.com
Sunset Concert Series / Sundays July – September
Enjoy live music by the water all summer at Port Credit Memorial Park Sunday evenings 6:30 p.m. to sunset. www.mississauga.ca/culture
Rotary Movies in the Park / Fridays July – August
Bring your family and friends to FREE movies under the stars! Port Credit Memorial Park www.rotarymovienights.com
Port Credit Outdoor Art Show / July 18 – 20
Artists from all over southern Ontario showcase and sell a variety of media in the beautiful Waterfront setting of the Credit Village Marina, live entertainment! www.portcredit.com
Port Credit’s Busker Fest / August 15 – 17
Enjoy an eclectic cast of characters from the worlds stage, circus-style entertainment on the street with an “Xtreme Finale” at Port Credit Memorial Park. www.portcreditbuskerfest.com
Tim Hortons Southside Shuffle Blues & Jazz Festival September 5 – 7 Canadian and International acts perform at the 4 Stages in Port Credit Memorial Park and local bars and restaurants. Enjoy the Trinity Street Shuffle Saturday on Lakeshore Road. www.southsideshuffle.com
Port Credit’s In-Water Boat Show / September 12 – 14
Climb on board New and used Power and Sail boats on display at Port Credit Harbour Marina. On-shore exhibitor booths with all types of marine products. www.portcreditboatshow.ca
Lighting of the Lighthouse / Dec. 2
Join your neighbours for an evening of festive fun for the whole family including a visit from St. Nick. Free crafts & refreshments. Bring a donation to the Food Bank or a new pair of Mittens for the Mitten Tree! www.portcredit.com
Twas the Bite Before Christmas / Dec. 9
The Port Credit Business Community comes together To Fight Hunger and Feed Hope. Together we will make a difference. www.twasthebitebeforechristmas.com
For more information on Port Credit Historic Walking Tours & other events please visit our website www.portcredit.com or call 905.278.7742
Port Credit BIA