AX-APR-2022-OFC_Layout 1 2022-03-23 3:07 PM Page 1
IRON CHEF ENCORE HOW CULINARY ICON SUSUR LEE AND HIS SON HAVE GARNERED MILLIONS OF NEW FANS ON TIKTOK
15 TH ANNUAL REAL ESTATE ROUNDTABLE
MICHELE ROMANOW
BRIAN GLUCKSTEIN
ODEEN ECCLESTON
BENJAMIN TAL
T.O.s PUZZLING HOUSING MARKET ’
OUR ANNUAL UNSCRIPTED & UNREHEARSED DISCUSSION FEATURING 10 OF THE CITY’S TOP REAL ESTATE EXPERTS
APRIL 2022 · VOLUME 5 · ISSUE 4
AX-APR-2022-IFC_IFC 2022-03-23 3:40 PM Page 1
NISSAN MICHAEL BROKER
YORK VILLE | FOREST HILL | ANNEX | ROSEDALE
CELEBRATING CELEBR RATING 18 18 + SUCCESSFUL SUCCESSFUL YEARS YE EARS IK>LB=>GM L < BK< E> > AWA A WA R D R E C I P I E N T
Email me to receive a complimentary GG magazine: nissan.michael@evrealestate.com +1 (416) 318-6604 | @mr.yorkville
TO R O NTO C E NT R A L , B R O KE R A G E
Happy April Fools Day! FROM
AND
Powered by Post City
Powered by Post City
630
00
0
FOLLOWERS!
LIKE YOUR MONTHLY ISSUE OF THE POST? THEN WE THINK YOU’LL LOVE FOLLOWING US ON INSTAGRAM, FACEBOOK & TWITTER!
4,410 likes
2,183 likes
2,523 likes
2,945 likes
1,426 likes
1,683 likes
1,285 likes
4,864 likes
Follow @StreetsOfToronto for all the best in curated events, stunning streetscapes, gourmet food & restaurants, street fashion and breaking news.
| POST |
APRIL 2022
2,574 likes
3
BIG BRANDS. SMALL PRICES! 88 YORKVILLE the Big or small, uys CASHMAN b ll! and sells it a ELLERY.CA
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
OLIVERJEW
4
CONTENTS APRIL 2022
Welcome to this month’s Post. Sit back & enjoy. SPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER Forget tiny cookie-cutter condos, here are three units with ample private space
21
SUNNY WITH A CHANCE OF LOVE Meteorologist Ross Hull on how an Instafamous dog helped him find his match
33
ROLL INTO SPRING DaiLo chef Nick Liu samples the city’s best spring rolls
35
THE SEASON’S TOP SHOE TRENDS Jeanne Beker’s affordable and luxury footwear picks for warmer weather
29
| POST |
APRIL 2022
2022 REAL ESTATE ROUNDTABLE An unscripted and unrehearsed discussion with 10 of T.O.’s leading real estate experts
17
5
PUBLISHER
Lorne London
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER-IT
Ron Johnson Jarrod Daley
EDITORIAL SENIOR EDITOR FOOD EDITOR
Julia Mastroianni Erica Commisso
ART ART DIRECTOR MANAGING ART DIRECTOR SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER GRAPHIC DESIGNER/ PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR
Dorothy Chudzinski Lindsay Low Erin Neilly Kristine Hughes
SALES VP OF SALES DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING MEDIA ADVISORS
Lisa London Lynne London
ACCOUNT CO-ORDINATORS
Carly Roebuck George Redak
Clara Strebel Rachel Roth Jo-Anne Craine
ADMINISTRATION CONTROLLER GENERAL MANAGER DISTRIBUTION CO-ORDINATOR/ CLASSIFIEDS MANAGER
Tina Trevellin Laurie McGillivray Lance Garvey
DUFFERIN
BAYVIEW
Sarah Ives Paula Torneck-Richie
PROOFREADER EDITOR EMERITUS
Thornhill Post
LESLIE
YONGE ST
North Toronto Post
DON VALLEY
YONGE
ALLEN ROAD
EGLINTON
DAVENPORT
BLOOR
Yorkville Post
YONGE
MARLBOROUGH
AVENUE RD
Annex Post
AVENUE RD
DUFFERIN
YORKVILLE POST (CONDO EDITION)
COLLEGE
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
R
LAWRENCE
Village Post
Find us under the canopy at 18 Hazelton Avenue
6
Bayview Post
AVENUE
North York Post
IVE NR DO
NEW SEASON NEW ENTRANCE
DUFFERIN
STEELES
BLOOR
1256 YONGE ST., TORONTO, ON M4T 1W5 TEL 416.250.7979 WEB POSTCITY.COM FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION PLEASE EMAIL advertising@postcity.com
GET THE LATEST ON EVENTS, TRENDS AND CULTURE AT YORKVILLEVILLAGE.COM The Fine Print: The contents of Post City Magazines Inc. are copyright 2022, all rights reserved, and may not be reproduced in part or in whole without the written permission of the Publisher. The contents of all ads are subject to the discretion of the Publisher.
CITYSCAPE
THE POST INTERVIEW
Toronto’s favourite April fool Howie Mandel has been judging America’s greatest performers across the border for over 10 years. Now, the comedian is back in his home country for the start of Canada’s Got Talent, and he’s more excited than ever. by Julia Mastroianni
NEWS
BY THE NUMBERS OPENING DAY EDITION
8 The date in April of the Toronto Blue Jays home opener versus the Texas Rangers.
16 The jersey number of new Jays pitcher Yusei Kikuchi, also his 2022 salary in millions of dollars. L-R: Howie Mandel, and the cast of ‘Canada’s Got Talent’
Well, I love the show, and I love talent. But most importantly, I’ve always resented the fact that I had to leave Canada to go do what it is that I love to do. Any opportunity I have to come back and do what it is that I do, I’m always there for it. And I also resent the fact of being on AGT and seeing that some of my favourite moments are Canadians who ended up showing up. When performers tell me they’re Canadian, I’m a huge cheerleader for that and I'm very proud of that fact. So when they decided to do CGT, I was thrilled. And when they asked me to join it, I was even more thrilled. As someone who has worked in both Canada and America, is there a difference in the talent coming out of both places?
This has always been a little soapbox of mine — I don't think the world knows how much
What can we expect from this season?
other kind of act. Because after every couple of sentences, you’re asking them to laugh. And as somebody who has continued to have their roots in live performing, I get nervous every time somebody steps out on that stage because you are going out on that stage to ultimately be judged. What’s one of your best memories of growing up in Toronto?
“I can honestly say between AGT and the CGT season, this is the best season I’ve had as a talent judge in the last five years as far as the level of talent, the surprises, the moments. This is not a secondary version of the big show. This show is as big and as exciting as Got Talent is supposed to be. And I think there’s going to be some stars coming out of here as big as, if not bigger, than the ones we’ve seen before. I think there are going to be viral moments coming out of this show that people are going to go, “Oh my god, that’s from Canada’s Got Talent.”
The moment that changed my life forever: April 19 ,1977, sitting in the audience at Yuk Yuk’s, at the corner of Bay and Yorkville and hearing Mark Breslin say, “if you think that you can do what you just saw, you should try this and get up for amateur night.” Everybody at my table said I should go. I didn’t aspire to be a comedian. I didn’t aspire to be in show business. But I just said, “OK.” And that OK changed my life forever.
As a comedian yourself, when comedians cross the stage, are you harder on them or more empathetic?
Well, ultimately I didn’t have to, but it beckoned me. I had done spots at Yuk Yuk’s, and when I was in California on vacation, I got seen at the Comedy Store, and that gave me the opportunity to do a show called Make Me Laugh. Mike Douglas saw that and called me to do The Mike Douglas Show and The Merv Griffin Show. There, I got seen by Gene Simmons and his girlfriend at the time, who was Diana Ross, and she asked me to be her opening act.
I’m the most empathetic when it comes to comedians. And that’s because I believe that the audience and my fellow judges don’t realize how much harder that is than most other acts. As a comedian, you have to go out there with your own sensibility, your own sense of humour, and it’s kind of like standing there naked and you’re just baring your soul, and you need more from that audience than any
23 The number of saves for Jays closer Jordan Romano, a Markham native who took over the role last season.
70 The number of rooms at the Rogers Centre hotel that overlook the baseball field.
You say you resent having had to go to the U.S. to start your career. Why do you think it happened that way?
30 This year marks the 30th anniversary of the last Blue Jays world championship. Good time to win it all again!
APRIL 2022
Fans were excited to hear you’d be joining the CGT judging panel. What compelled you to come back across the border to join the show?
entertainment they consume that has roots in Canada. Whether it’s comedians, writers, directors, actors, some of the most iconic roles and movies and comedies have been based in Canada. I think that’s just by virtue of how our culture is. We just do our work and quietly enjoy and succeed at what we’re doing without saying, “yeah, that’s Canadian.”
| POST |
Howie Mandel has been making us laugh — whether it’s on TV, the big screen or on stage — for decades. But, he might be best known most recently for his run as the longesttenured judge on reality competition show America’s Got Talent (AGT). When Mandel got the call to be a judge on Canada’s Got Talent (CGT), which is returning to air a decade after its one-season run in 2012, he was thrilled. The show premiered March 22.
7
8
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
FEATURE
Strengthening the rules around tree protection is paramount especially in older neighbourhoods such as Hogg’s Hollow and Lawrence Park by Jennifer Schembri One of the best ways to fight the climate crisis and maintain a healthy local environment is through maintaining a healthy network of trees. So why does it seem so easy to cut trees down that took more than a hundred years to grow? Sky-high real estate prices encourage speculation, and those looking to flip houses might not see the value of keeping trees in place. Instead, it all too often seems to be about building back bigger to make more money, and if a few beautiful and environmentally significant trees have to be axed in the process, so be it. Located in the Don Valley, Toronto’s Hoggs Hollow neighbourhood is known for its luxury homes, impeccable landscape and picturesque treelined streets. But a series of “infuriating incidents” prompted residents Shannon Rancourt and Laura Lamarche to spring into action with an overwhelming need to protect their tree canopy before it happens again. “The trees overhang until they
meet in the middle on some streets and literally create a lush, green tunnel,” said Rancourt. “To nature lovers like us, we felt like it was worth the time, the effort, the headaches, the push back to fight for our trees and we actually like the ‘crazy tree ladies’ moniker some have given us.” Last year, over a holiday weekend, a heritage home located on Plymbridge Crescent was demolished and several mature trees were felled without a permit. The house, which backs onto a ravine, is on a flood plain in a designated environmentally sensitive area. According to Rancourt, the developer has continued to work on the property, despite a stopwork order, and additional trees have been damaged or taken down. The second incident involved the felling of three large healthy, and extremely old pine trees from a neighbour’s backyard. “He didn’t have a permit. He was unafraid of any real financial penalty from the city. He didn’t care how he was affecting his
neighbour’s property, which is now completely exposed, and he wanted a swimming pool,” Rancourt said. “The workers who removed the trees had the name of the company on the side of their truck covered up and when questioned by neighbours as to what they were doing and if they had a permit, they became combative and aggressive.” And then, Rancourt and Lamarche discovered that a new
Urban Forestry, too, became involved, writing a compelling report in hopes of saving the tree; however the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) seemed unconcerned. “This all added up to the feeling that our neighbourhood was under siege,” said Rancourt. Out of frustration, Rancourt and Lamarche started the Stop the Chop campaign, with local kids handing out flyers and
“This all added up to the feeling that our neighbourhood was under siege.” build had been approved at an abandoned home located at 7 Knightswood Rd. It would include the destruction of a healthy 250-year-old sugar maple tree and had been approved by the city. “We learned from neighbours that the Committee of Adjustment’s online meeting was a farce,” said Rancourt.
distributing more then 100 lawn signs in the neighbourhood. Despite these efforts, the tree was taken down. “Although many of Toronto’s older trees are not designated or recognized as heritage trees under the Heritage Act or the Forests Ontario program, including those in Hoggs Hollow, their removal or injury is still regulated under
APRIL 2022
The city needs to stop allowing property owners to cut down one-hundred-year-old trees
the city’s tree bylaws,” said Kim Statham, director of Urban Forestry, City of Toronto. The story received nationwide coverage after it was discovered that the new home set to replace 7 Knightswood would accommodate an enormous twostorey basement — a new housing trend called an iceberg home. The mandate of the Hoggs Hollow Tree Watch (HHTW) is to not only save the trees in their own neighbourhood, but protect the rest of the tree canopy throughout the GTA. “We have been told that the provincial government has decimated environmental protection legislation and that is why it is so much easier to destroy the canopy,” said Rancourt. “Development at any cost is the mantra of the provincial government and one of the costs is our trees.” The city has tree protection bylaws in place, but any homeowner can apply to chop down any tree if the homeowner gets an arborist’s report, which is a pretty giant loophole and makes one wonder how difficult it is to obtain an arborist report citing the need for tree removal. Often city arborists’ findings contradict those of private tree companies, or property owners are allowed to replace large trees providing a valuable ecological function with replacement trees that need to be grown again. Motions have been passed in Toronto City Council by Jaye Robinson with the hopes to further tree protection and impact the city’s planning process. The most recent motion was to add recommendations to Actions to Reaffirm Toronto’s Tree Canopy Target (a 40 per cent tree canopy cover by 2050), to study the correlation between parcels of land with building permits and those exhibiting canopy loss and also to review the minimum diameter a tree must be in order to be protected under Toronto’s tree protection bylaw. “This whole endeavour has really brought us closer as a community and made us feel like we all have a common cause — the protection of the tree canopy in our wonderful neighbourhood,” said Rancourt. “That is our mission in a nutshell.” Loss of tree canopy is a major issue in the city of Toronto, and it is up to residents to keep a watchful eye and speak up to preserve what’s left. 9 | POST |
Clockwise from left: Hogg’s Hollow residents took to protesting local tree cutting, an ancient maple that was not saved, and a rendering of an iceberg home
NEWS
NEWS
NEIGHBOURHOOD
Midtown’s latest park is tiny but very welcome Pop-up market set for the site this summer as work proceeds
Debbie Pila from the UACA and councillor Mike Colle at the site
by Eric Stober
After years of community effort, a derelict TTC bus loop off of Avenue Road will finally be turned into a new parkette — but work may not start until 2024. Toronto City Council passed a motion in early March to transfer ownership of the Roe bus loop at 1870 Avenue Rd., between Lawrence Avenue West and Wilson Avenue, from the TTC to the city. Previously used by the TTC to turn buses around, the land was declared surplus in 2017 and transferred to City of Toronto, Real Estate Services. However, that exchange may not happen until 2024 as the TTC is doing “accessibility improvements” at Lawrence station and may need to continue to use the loop for buses until that work is done, according to the city. That puts another two-year delay on an effort to convert the loop that has been ongoing for years. Local city councillor Mike Colle told Post City that he’s been working on the land transfer for three years as the TTC has been reluctant to transfer the last loop on Avenue Road after another one was also turned into a park. However, Colle’s research found that the loop was only used 16 times a year, he said, and he has since been able to whip up the votes in city council to approve the land exchange. “It really wasn’t an essential part of their service requirements,” he said. “It’s basically a concrete wasteland.”
In a statement, TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said the agency is now “supportive” of the motion and will work with the city to ensure the decision is implemented. Colle’s motion proposes to use Section 37 of the Planning Act money gained from developers to build the parkette, and he noted that the decision means no new condos will go in the space, which there are plenty of plans for elsewhere in the area, he said. In the meantime, the bus loop is set to be used for
“If you walk by there, the space looks not great, [It] certainly is not inviting.” a pop-up market every Thursday from 3 to 7 p.m. from May to October, according to France Rochette, chair of the Avenue Community Association. The market briefly appeared last summer beginning in late August, but now it will have a full season to offer local goods and fresh produce to hungry shoppers. For the other six days of the week, Rochette is hoping a pop-up park can be established to make use of the space until an official land transfer. “If you walk by there, the space looks not great,” she said. “[It] certainly is not inviting.”
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
Lamp 10
O 50 Over 500 Styles!
ROYAL LIGHTING .
For Proper Fit, Bring In Your Lamps!
1549 Avenue Road
(North of Lawrence)
416 . 782 . 1129
Sun. 11:30 am - 5 pm, Mon. - Sat. 9:30 am - 5 pm
royallighting.com
Photos may not depict exact product. While quantities last. *An amount equivalent to the sales tax will be deducted from the purchase.
Sale Ends April 17, 2022 While Quantities Last . Free Parking sales@royallighting.com
SEWELL ON CITY HALL
NEWS
Plans for the Ontario subway line will lead to extensive above ground disturbance
Are we stuck with the Ontario line? onto Richmond and Adelaide streets, and vehicular traffic will be in a mess. Various other parts of Queen will find lane reductions from Bathurst to Sherbourne, and one can only sympathize with those unfortunate enough to be trying to run a business on Queen. It would have made sense to run the subway under Richmond, a block south of Queen, just as the Bloor-Danforth subway was built a block north of those streets. But city council
“Apart from sections the line will be underground. But the intrusions above ground are extensive.” apparently never considered that option. Metrolinx plans have been completed and work will begin later this year. A serious missed opportunity. This mistake was not made on Pape Avenue, where the line runs a block east or west of the street, protecting the retail storefronts. And there are other problems with the Queen Street alignment. The interchange with the Yonge line will be convoluted. At University Avenue, the station is planned on the Law Society lawn, one of the primary heritage spaces in the downtown.
Apparently Metrolinx (and city council) didn’t consider putting it on the southwest corner, where the existing, six-storey structure is about to be substantially rebuilt. Another missed opportunity. To the east, as the line will burrow under the site of the first parliament building in the old town of York — the building torched by the Americans in the war of 1812. But the site will not be respected: the province plans three high-rise structures there. The at-grade section of the line in Leslieville has caused serious concern. The existing three tracks on a berm beside Jimmy Simpson Park will be further elevated and expanded to six tracks. Residents can expect a train to whistle through every minute or so. Sounds like fun. In Thorncliffe Park, the abovegrade line will take out a mosque and more than a dozen businesses, while a station yard will use a big hunk of land. We will live with bad decisions for the life of the subway, which will certainly survive the lives of many of us. Will the provincial election in June give us a government that will reconsider these mistakes?
JOHN SEWELL
New Store Hours: 11am - 5pm
110 Yorkville Ave. 416 961 9589
opticaloutlook
www.opticaloutlook.ca • opticaloutlooktoronto@gmail.com
PROJECTS IN PROGRESS: • 369 Lake Promenade • 11 Berkindale • 47 Astor • 710 Hillsdale • 22 Astor • 45 Rumsey • 67 Sutherland • 29 Ava • 32 Ardmore • 76 Brunswick
RECENTLY COMPLETED: • 6 Marmion • 15 McGillivray • 26 St. Hildas • 137 Chiltern Hill • 662 Hillsdale • 131 Alberta • 402 St. Clements • 7 Holland Park
COMING SOON: New Builds: 59 Lake Promenade Addition/Renos: 561 Briar Hill John Sewell is a former mayor of Toronto. His most recent books are How We Changed Toronto and Crisis in Canada’s Policing.
APRIL 2022
Toronto certainly needs more rapid transit but, as we have learned from the Crosstown link on Eglinton, construction can cause significant problems over many years. And it seems that the Ontario line subway will cause even more difficulty. The Ontario line will run from Don Mills and Eglinton, down through Thorncliffe Park, Pape Avenue to Gerrard Square, then along the rail tracks to the Don River and Lakeshore Boulevard. It then heads west through the Distillery District and across Parliament Street, then up to Queen Street, running along Queen to almost Bathurst, then dipping down to Ontario Place. Apart from sections along the railway and through Thorncliffe Park, the line will be underground. But the intrusions above ground are extensive. The intersection of Queen and Yonge, usually considered the main intersection of downtown Toronto, is planned to be closed from 2023 to 2029, but eight years is the more likely time frame. When it was suggested that Bathurst and Eglinton would be closed for six months to speed construction of the Crosstown, there was such a loud public uproar that the idea was quickly abandoned. About the closure of Queen and Yonge, there has barely been a peep, and city council consented to it with hardly a murmur. The Queen streetcar, a major transportation resource for many people, will have to be diverted
| POST |
Or will the provincial election enable mistakes to be fixed
11
NEWS
NEIGHBOURHOOD
ON ON ALL ALL LL 2022 20 02 22 OUTDOOR O TD OU T OO OR FURNITURE FU F UR RN NIT ITUR URE FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL FOR T FO TH HE MONTH F APR PRIIL L
2794 Yonge Street, Toronto • 416-488-2118 • thesigntoronto.com
The facility includes three one-storey buildings in the Don Valley
Will Metrolinx bring ‘devastation’ to the Don? Metrolinx’s train layover facility will be built on parkland beloved by locals by Eric Stober
Tax Smart Planning Michael specializes in creating advanced tax-efficient wealth accumulation and retirement income plans to help clients enjoy more of their wealth. How would you like to enjoy more of your wealth? Contact us today for a free tax-smart and performance evaluation of your plan. Michael Marcovitz MBA, LL.B. Senior Investment Advisor
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
TD Wealth Private Investment Advice 79 Wellington Street West, 11th Floor, Toronto, ON M5K 1A1 T: 416 308 9084 | F: 416 982 8624 | E: michael.marcovitz@td.com
12
TD Wealth represents the products and services offered by TD Waterhouse Canada Inc., TD Waterhouse Private Investment Counsel Inc., TD Wealth Private Banking (offered by The Toronto-Dominion Bank) and TD Wealth Private Trust (offered by The Canada Trust Company). The Marcovitz Group is a part of TD Wealth Private Investment Advice, a division of TD Waterhouse Canada Inc. which is a subsidiary of The Toronto-Dominion Bank. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. ® The TD logo and other trademarks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank or its subsidiaries.
The Don Valley to many Torontonians is a special place that should be protected, so when a new facility from Metrolinx was proposed within its boundaries, there was resistance. Metrolinx is proposing to build a “layover facility” right below and adjacent to the Prince Edward Viaduct (or Bloor Viaduct), the bridge near the Evergreen Brick Works. The agency says the facility is a necessary part of its plans to improve and expand its services. The facility, which includes three one-storey buildings, in the Don Valley would clean and repair trains stored on a track that hasn’t been used for the last 20 years, Metrolinx officials told Post City during a tour of the proposed location. The officials said that up to three trains totalling about 900 metres could park on the existing rail track during peak periods between the morning and afternoon. The trains would slowly enter the area in the morning after rush hour and go back to service in the early afternoon, according to the officials. The plans would require fencing to be established along the trains to protect them from intruders, as well as three onestorey facility units that would be the size of portables, such as the ones used at schools. Metrolinx
also plans to build a retaining wall to the west of the facility as the natural landscape slopes downward and create an access road to the facility. The plan would require the removal of “invasive” trees, which Metrolinx hopes to replace. “We are really keen on making sure that we put a minimal footprint of this facility in this area,” Metrolinx spokesperson Matt Llewellyn said. However, the plan has received strong opposition from community group Don’t Mess with the Don. Representative Floyd Ruskin said the project will bring “devastation” to the Don Valley that will take away access to the parkland and provide an eyesore with the possibility of barbed wire fencing. “It does affect hundreds of thousands of people who live and enjoy the Don Valley green space,” Ruskin said. He said there are other locations Metrolinx could have chosen instead, such as a portion of the Don branch track south of the preferred location, just east of Bayview Avenue, but Llewellyn said that site is not an option because it is in a flood zone. Metrolinx asserts its chosen site is the “most environmentally friendly,” given its use of existing infrastructure. Ruskin laughed at that notion: “It’s absolutely ludicrous.”
NEIGHBOURHOOD
NEWS
Quality care since 1989. Now in a new location.
Chiropractic Care | Registered Massage Therapy Acupuncture | Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dr. Lynette Nissen
Dr. Paul Rankin
1033 Bay Street #314, Toronto www.bachiro.com | 416.920.2468
A rendering of the proposed club on Leslie Street near Lawrence Avenue East
Massive private club slated for area “1123 Leslie Street was constructed for the William Wrigley Jr. Company. Built at a cost of $3,500,000, the factory was one of two factories built as part of an international expansion (a sister plant was built in West Germany) (Associated Press 1962). The William Wrigley [ Jr.] Company began in 1891 and is the largest manufacturer of chewing gum in the world. Wrigley remained on the property until the factory closed in March 2016.”
“There are certain landmarks or facilities in communities that add luster and prestige to neighbourhoods.” Phase 1 of the project will see the removal of most of the factory building while retaining the original office structure. Additions to the existing facility include a central courtyard area and a rooftop terrace, and a new three-level underground garage will be available for club members and office employees. Various social and recreational uses for club members will include basketball, tennis, badminton and pickleball courts, as well as a gym, swimming pools
and an ice rink. There are also plans for a children’s play area and an auditorium, as well as the construction of ancillary banquet halls and dining areas. “It’s an interesting proposal that will be really good for the neighbourhood, and I think it has the potential to be a landmark in the same way as the Granite Club,” said Denzil Minnan-Wong, city councillor for Ward 16, Don Valley East, in whose ward the new club will be located. “There are certain landmarks or facilities in communities that add luster and prestige to neighbourhoods, and I think this [club] has the potential to have the same impact.” The Granite Club, located on nearby Bayview Avenue near Lawrence, is a well-known neighbourhood landmark a short distance away from the site of the Phoenix. The project will be helmed by the esteemed architectural firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, which has been involved in the design of some of the world’s tallest buildings, including the Lotte World Tower in Seoul, South Korea. Toronto-based firm B+H Architects, known for its bold designs, including the Metro Toronto Convention Centre’s South Building, will also be involved in the project. Design and project details of the Phase 2 development will be outlined at a later date in an additional application.
We welcome you to book a private tour. Please call the school
Celebrating 42 years
APRIL 2022
There’s an exclusive private members club coming to Toronto and it involves a starstudded development team. Joining the growing list of members-only private clubs in and around the city, is the Phoenix Centre, in Toronto’s Don Mills neighbourhood. Part office complex, part social club, the property is situated on a whopping 4.6 hectares of land, with plans for the development to occur over two phases. Located at 1123 Leslie St., near the corner of Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue East, the club will replace an existing office building and factory complex, and the space currently occupied by OTT Financial will remain. OTT Financial is a financial services company founded in Toronto in 2006. The developer of the club is OTT Properties. The club will be owned and operated as a not-for-profit and include a variety of recreational, social, dining and business functions. The scope of the development is huge, with a total gross floor area of approximately 24,834 square metres — or 6.1 acres — consisting of the existing and retained 4,530 square metres of office uses, with an additional 23,114 square metres designated for club use. In 2019, the office building, which was originally constructed in 1962, was recommended for inclusion on the City of Toronto Heritage Register. According to a city report,
by Jennifer Schembri
| POST |
Phoenix to rise at old Wrigley plant
13
NEWS
NEIGHBOURHOOD BUSINESS
A designer consignment pop-up shop is here for the long run Plus a burger shop owner with a worthy mission, a coffee bar with ‘Gilmore Girls’ vibes and more by Megan Gallant Luxury retailer Oliver Jewellery has recently opened an all-new two-level flagship store at 88 Yorkville Ave. Russell Oliver (better known as “The Cashman”) first founded this family-run business in 1971. The first level is the showroom where customers can find bags, jewelry, watches and accessories in the world’s biggest brand names, whereas the second floor gives customers the chance to meet with a representative to trade in gold and silver for money.
Johnny Prassoulis donated 2,000 burgers to esential workers
The mother-daughter duo behind Grounded. Coffeebar is giving off Gilmore Girls vibes with their infectious friendship and their love for coffee. Located at 3454 Yonge St., the name “Grounded” comes from the homey vibe of this café, which offers a concession stand of local goods including Tonica Kombucha and Tori’s Bakeshop. Alongside the specialty coffee menu, you’ll find sandwiches, soups and baked goods homemade by Momma herself.
Since the start of lockdowns two years ago, the owner of Holy Chuck Burgers at 1450 Yonge St. has done all he could to bring a smile to the face of those most affected by the pandemic. Johnny Prassoulis estimates he donated up to 2,000 burgers as he drove around to health-care workers, grocery store staff and other essential workers. Prassoulis even donated his hand-rolled patties to entire hospital wards.
A local company is fighting back against the number of bicycles that end up in landfills across the country. Canadian Bicycle Recycling has been encouraging people to donate their bikes at three drop-off locations in the Junction, Bellwoods and Riverside neighbourhoods, which can then either be repaired and sold for a reasonable upcycled price, stripped for usable parts or given to a local charity who puts it in the hands of those who need it.
If you’re looking to get rid of a designer bag or looking for a designer bag on a budget, Collectif Consignment is the place to go. This second-hand designer boutique featuring Gucci, Prada, Chanel and Fendi opened as a pop-up shop at 1132 Yonge St. months ago to sell the best in designer handbags, jackets, dresses and footwear, but it just announced it’s here to stay.
Promenade Shopping Centre just welcomed a new designer and formal wear store that gets kids looking their very best. The Thornhill store is the second location of Paparazzi Kids and offers an on-site stylist to assist in finding the right clothing, footwear and accessories for any occasion. Isaac Mizrahi, Polo, City Ink, Air Jordan and Nike are just some of the must-have brands offered by this one-stop shop.
1132 BAY ST SUITE 1201
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
Amazing Yorkville location with unheard of $ per sq ft. 2120 sq ft. SE corner suite with S,E & W views. Wood burning fireplace! Indoor gym & swimming pool. Wonderful boutique building! Don't miss this! $2,088,000
14
64 RUSSELL HILL RD
CRIME
NEWS
CITYWIDE BREAK-INS MARCH 2022 TIME OFOF DAY TIME DAY
THORNWOOD RD. AND ROWANWOOD AVE.
MAR. 1
4 P.M.
YORKVIEW DR. AND SENLAC RD.
MAR. 3
2 P.M.
BERNARD AVE. AND ST. GEORGE ST.
MAR. 4
12 A.M.
ROSEDALE RD. AND AVONDALE RD.
MAR. 4
5 A.M.
HENDON AVE. AND KENSINGTON AVE.
MAR. 4
3 P.M.
GREY RD. AND WOBURN AVE.
MAR. 4
7 P.M.
BYNG AVE. AND WILLOWDALE AVE.
MAR. 6
4 A.M.
BEECROFT RD. AND NORTH YORK BLVD.
MAR. 6
3 P.M.
ROXBOROUGH ST. E. AND CHESTNUT PARK RD.
MAR. 8
1 P.M.
WOODWARD AVE. AND DUDLEY AVE.
MAR. 9
12 A.M.
CLARK AVE. W. AND JOANNA CRES.
MAR. 9
2 P.M.
ORIOLE PKWY. AND WILBERTON RD.
MAR. 11
11 P.M.
HORSHAM AVE. AND TAMWORTH RD.
MAR. 12
10 P.M.
ST. CLAIR AVE. E. AND AVOCA AVE.
MAR. 14
12 A.M.
YONGE ST. AND MEADOWVIEW AVE.
MAR. 21
6 P.M.
416-960-9995 Sales Representative
suspect of Toronto is facing multiple charges in connection with three retail store robberies. On Feb. 8, police responded to a convenience store robbery in the area of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue, where it is alleged the suspect entered the store, approached an employee at the checkout counter and pulled out a handgun while demanding cash. He took a quantity of cash and fled the scene on foot. Police responded to two more incidents on Feb. 10 and March 7. In these incidents, it is alleged the suspect entered the store, took items off the shelf and attempted to leave the store without paying. When confronted by an employee, the suspect pulled out a handgun, threatened the employee and fled the scene on foot. After the March 7 robbery, responding officers located the suspect and took him into custody and executed a search warrant at the suspect’s home. He faces 18 charges, including three counts of robbery with a firearm, three counts of carrying a concealed weapon and six counts of failing to comply with probation.
A 51-year-old male suspect of Toronto has been charged in connection with sexual assaults committed at a massage clinic in Thornhill. On March 10, York Regional Police received information that a victim was sexually assaulted during a session with a registered massage therapist at a clinic on Promenade Circle. During the police investigation, a second victim came forward and reported a sexual assault at the same clinic on March 5. The suspect
was arrested on March 14 and has been charged in connection with both incidents. Police are asking any additional victims to come forward. is seeking public assistance with a robbery investigation after an incident in the area of Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue. On March 13, at 5:43 a.m., a victim was waiting for a bus when a male suspect assaulted the victim with a weapon and demanded cash. The suspect then hailed a taxi and left, while the victim was treated for injuries at the scene.
Toronto Police Service
Police have released pictures of a suspect wanted as part of an anti-Semitic graffiti investigation. On Wednesday, March 2, police responded to a call for a hate crime in the area of Bathurst Street and Bloor Street West. It is reported that between 4 and 5 a.m., the suspect entered the grounds of Central Technical School and spray-painted a number of anti-Semitic messages on the school property. The investigation is being treated as a suspected hatemotivated offence. Police have released an image of a male suspect wanted in connection with a sexual assault in the area of Bathurst Street and Finch Avenue West. On Sunday, March 20, at 9:34 a.m., an 18-year-old female victim entered the elevator of a building. A male suspect also entered the elevator and sexually assaulted the victim.
Sales Representative Senior Vice President, Sales
NelsonDenhamBrown.com @nelsondenhambrown 46 Teddington Park Ave. | Lawrence Park $14,980,000 | 5 + 2 Bedrooms | 9 Baths Built upon the architecture of luxury, this isn't just a home, it's an expression of perfection in its purest form. Crafted from the finest materials from around the world, where even the most minute details were obsessed over.
CRIME BRIEFS A 22-year-old male
Broker, Senior Vice President, Sales
676 Richmond St. West Suite 802 $1,849,000 | 1 + 1 Bedrooms | 2 Baths | 1 Car Parking A masterful renovation One of the best suites at the former Decca Records building. Featuring exposed brick, double height ceilings in the open concept living area, a wood burning fireplace in the living room, ductwork & steel girder.
100 Belmont St. | Yorkville $2,929,000 | 2 Bedrooms | 2.5 Baths | 1 Car Parking
LD O S
For those who eschew the ordinary, this one of a kind Brownstone inspired townhome will take your breath away. Straight out of Architectural Digest, it feels like an original hard loft with its 14’ ceilings & spacious rooms.
416-960-9995 Sotheby's International Realty Canada, Brokerage 416-960-9995 | 1867 Yonge St., Suite 100, Toronto ON
APRIL 2022
WHEN
| POST |
WHERE
15
2022
PROFESSIONAL REGISTRY
T.O.’S TOP PROFESSIONALS
REAL ESTATE IN FAMILY LAW – MATRIMONIAL HOMES
Cheryl Goldhart – Expert Family Law Lawyer, Mediator and Arbitrator
BIO Cheryl Goldhart is a certified specialist in Family Law with over 30 years of experience practicing exclusively in the field. She specializes in complex, high conflict and high net worth cases. She is an accomplished lawyer, OAFM accredited family law mediator and a certified family law arbitrator by the ADR Institute of Ontario.
The matrimonial home is often a family’s most significant asset and can become one of the most contentious issues upon the breakdown of a marriage. A matrimonial home is the home ordinarily occupied by spouses as their family residence at the date of separation. You can have more than one matrimonial home (ex: a house and a cottage). The law has unique rules for a matrimonial home, which apply only to married parties. These include (a) both spouses have an equal right to possession of the residence (i.e. neither spouse can change the locks without giving the other a key); and (b) neither spouse has the right to sell or mortgage the residence without the consent of the other.
However, if the parties lived in the same house on the date of marriage and date of separation, then the homeowning spouse will not be able to deduct the value of the residence from their net family property.
There is a very common misconception that each spouse is automatically entitled to 50% of the value of the matrimonial home, which is incorrect. The law provides for an equal right of possession, not ownership. The ownership of the matrimonial home is determined by which spouse holds title.
To avoid unexpected results on separation, many homeowners opt to enter into a Marriage Contract to modify the legislated property regime and ensure that the matrimonial home is dealt with as the spouses intend upon a separation.
Another common issue arises when spouses use a gift or inheritance from a 3rd party to buy a matrimonial home or pay down the mortgage. Typically, gifts and inheritances from 3rd parties to a spouse are excluded from sharing with a spouse on separation, however, if the gifted or inherited money is put into a matrimonial home, the exclusion is lost.
Generally, upon separation, spouses are entitled to deduct the value of their assets on the date of marriage from the value of their assets on the date of separation to decrease their net family property.
CONTACT Goldhart & Associates 20 Eglinton Ave. W. Suite 1305
416-967-6111 www.goldhartlaw.com
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
TREATMENT OF TONGUE AND LIP TIES FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN
16
Dr. Deborah Aber and Dr. Vandna Sharma
BIO Dr. Deborah Aber and Dr. Vandna Sharma are co-owners of Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry. Dr. Aber received her dental degree from New York University College of Dentistry and her specialty training at St. Barnabas Hospital in Bronx, New York. Dr. Vandna Sharma received her dental degree from the University of Saskatchewan and her specialty training and Masters Degree from the University of Toronto.
Q: What are tongue and lip ties? A: Tongue and lip ties are membranous tissue (frenums) restricting the movement and function of the tongue and lip. All children have frenums, but only some restrict movement and function, thereby requiring release. Up to 20% of newborns have tongue ties. Q: Why is it important to know if my baby or child has a tongue/lip tie? A: Muscular restrictions caused by ties can create disruption in nursing, feeding, dental development, speech, sleep, and breathing. Q: How are tongue and lip ties diagnosed? A: Taking a detailed history about nursing, bottle feeding, eating, sleep, and speech habits. Performing a thorough head and neck exam. Q: What are the signs and symptoms of tongue and lip ties? A: Infants may exhibit: noisy suckling, popping on and off the breast/bottle, leaking on the sides of the mouth during feeds, poor weight gain, frustration at breast/bottle, frequent or prolonged feeds, coughing or gagging during feeds, lip blisters, gas pain, reflux or colic symptoms. Children may exhibit: poor weight gain, gagging on food, picky eating, slow eating, pouching food in cheeks, speech delay, difficulty with certain sounds,
lack of speech clarity, mouth breathing, restless sleeping, snoring. Mothers may experience: painful nursing, flattened nipples after breastfeeding, nipple pain and damage, prolonged feeds, poor breast drainage, decreased milk production, need for a nipple shield Q: What is the treatment for tongue and lip ties? A: The removal of a tongue or lip tie is called a frenectomy. In some instances, frenectomies can help improve feeding, speech, digestion, hygiene, and/or tooth alignment. Frenectomies can be done with scissors, a scalpel, or a laser. The advantages of performing frenectomies with the LightScalpel CO2 laser include reduction in treatment time, minimal discomfort, minimal bleeding, faster healing when compared with other lasers or using scissors or scalpel. Q: What is the treatment outcome managed? A: Stretching exercises performed at home help the healing process. In addition, paediatric dentists work closely with lactation consultants, speech therapists, myofunctional speech therapists, body workers to coordinate the best possible outcomes for patients.
CONTACT Little Pearls Pediatric Dentistry 81 Billy Bishop Way Unit D2, North York
416-960-4422 www.littlepearls.ca • info@littlepearls.ca
REAL ESTATE
NEWS
CASA LOMA DOUBLED-UP SUITE
At G1-1 Benvenuto Pl. this is as rare as they come in the Toronto market. Located on its own entire private floor in a prestigious luxury residence building, this 2,440-square-foot property is a recently renovated double unit. That becomes clear once you step inside and take a look at the sprawling layout, complete with a wall-to-wall kitchen, panoramic city views and two stunning terrace balconies. It’s listed for $4.2875 million with Forest Hill Real Estate Inc.
SPACE, THE FINAL FRONTIER What is the promise of private space worth to you? In a condo market where tiny cookie-cutter units are the norm, you might be willing to go the extra mile for these units with a little extra seclusion built in. From a rare double unit occupying its own floor to an over 1,000-square-foot private courtyard, you can’t put a price on this kind of peace and quiet.
VACATION-READY TERRACE
This lower penthouse condo at 1122-7905 Bayview Ave. covers 3,169 square feet alongside a 550-square-foot terrace and includes three bedrooms and four bathrooms. It’s listed for $2.199 million with RE/MAX Crossroad Realty.
The three-level property at 3-78 Lowther Ave. was converted from an original Eaton coach house and features a garden terrace that spans a whopping 1,132 square feet. It’s listed for $4.295 million with Sotheby’s International Realty.
| POST |
COACH HOUSE COURTYARD
APRIL 2022
ANNEX
THORNHILL
17
SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS Bayview Glen Camp Since 1962, we have created unforgettable Summer memories for thousands of children as one of Toronto’s longest-running day camps. Bayview Glen offers enriched age-appropriate programs for campers 4-6, specialty camps for campers 7-12, and a Leadership program for campers 14 & 15. We also offer an inclusion program for campers requiring additional support. 1-Week or Multi-Week registration packages are available to join us on the centrally located, secure, leafy, and air-conditioned campus of Bayview Glen School. Campers will enjoy sports fields, a theatre, tech/robotics labs, art studios, gymnasiums, outdoor space, and more. Specialty camps include art, basketball, soccer, musical theatre, dance, magic, coding, and robotics. We even offer off-site specialty camps like sailing and lake days! Convenient bus depot pick-up & drop-off points in the GTA ensure seamless arrivals and departures to and from camp each day. Snacks and a hot lunch are provided as part of our camp fees. Join us and make unforgettable Summer memories!
Power of Words Academy Developing excellent communication skills is essential to effective leadership. Power of Words Academy is committed in providing the highest quality of written and oral communication training to children in a fun and nurturing environment. Students receive personal attention and ongoing feedback in a small class that is taught by a qualified teacher. Our camps provide an active and engaging week of creativity for kids, building their story writing skills, their confidence in performing for an audience and debate skills. All courses/camps are offered in-person at our North York and Mississauga Campuses and online using the Zoom platform and google classroom. Courses: Enrichment Writing, Public Speaking, Preparation for High School English, English Prep Course for Entrance Exam [IB, SSAT, UTS, TOPS, MaCS] Camps: Creative Writing, Drama Using Tech and Debate Camps
CAMP TYPE: Day Camp AGE RANGE: 4-13 TOTAL ENROLMENT: N/A CAMPER/STAFF RATIO: 4:1 (average) SESSION LENGTH: Weekly & Multi-Week SESSION COST: Varies
CAMP DIRECTOR: Daniel Garfinkel
CONTACT: 416-449-7746
www.bayviewglencamp.ca
CAMP TYPE: Day Camp AGE RANGE: 7 - 14 TOTAL ENROLMENT: 250 CAMPER/STAFF RATIO: 6:1 SESSION LENGTH: 1 or 2 weeks SESSION COST: $250 – $450 per week
FOUNDER & CAMPUS DIRECTOR: Hafsa Esmail
(2nd from right)
CONTACT: 674-285-4499
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
powerofwordsacademy.ca
18
SUMMER CAMPS & PROGRAMS Central Montessori School (CMS) At CMS we are proud to offer dynamic summer programs at 4 convenient locations throughout Toronto/North York. Our SPECIALTY program (6-12 years old) provides options for exciting 2-week session programs which include Science, Art, Coding/ Robotics, STEM, Drama, Dance, Outdoor Gardening, Indoor & Outdoor Sports to name a few. Our VARIETY program (3 - 6 years old) offers opportunities for participation in a variety of activities such as Drama, Dance, Science, Arts & Crafts, Cooking, Yoga, Outdoor Water Play, and Sports. The FRENCH VARIETY program (3-6 years old) at our Maplehurst Campus provides opportunities for children to build & develop basic French communication skills while participating in an array of activities as offered in our English program. We believe fun and learning go hand in hand as we strive to provide the perfect balance of physical, mental & creative challenges to keep our campers happily engaged! Open House Every Thursday at all locations!
Global Summers Academy “Over my 46 year career, I have witnessed tens of thousands of students travel and study in 35+ countries and accumulate a raft of memories, friendships, and not to mention high school credits. Many students describe it as the best summer of their lives and the top learning experience of their high school years.“ - Founder and Chair, Sam Blyth. Global Summers Academy provides students with the opportunity to travel and discover the world while earning a high school credit, all within a safe, structured and supported framework. Earn a high school credit while enjoying your summer with Global Summers Academy. Programs are available in July or August. Sign-up for a Virtual Information Session to learn more at globalsummersacademy.com
CAMP TYPE: Specialty and Variety Day Camps AGE RANGE: 3 – 12 years old TOTAL ENROLMENT: Varies CAMPER/STAFF RATIO: 1:12 to 1:20 SESSION LENGTH: 2-week sessions SESSION COST: Varies per location
CAMP DIRECTOR: Ms. Roshi Ansari
CONTACT: 647-219-7428,
info@cmschool.net • www.cmschool.net
CAMP TYPE: Specialty Camp AGE RANGE: 13 - 20 years AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: 11 students per class CAMPER/STAFF RATIO: 7:1 SESSION LENGTH: 17-24 days per session SESSION COST: Please visit website
HEAD OF SCHOOL/CHAIR: Sam Blyth
CONTACT: 416-357-2621 • 1-844-357-2621 globalsummersacademy.com
SUMMER DAY CAMP AT CMS The perfect balance of physical, mental & creative challenges!
SPECIALTY PROGRAM (6 - 12 years old) ▪ Coding/Robotics ▪ Science & Art ▪ Dance ▪ Drama ▪ STEM ▪ Indoor & Outdoor Sports (Basketball, Soccer, and more)
VARIETY PROGRAM (3 - 6 years old) ▪ Arts & Crafts ▪ Sports ▪ Drama ▪ Cooking
▪ Science ▪ Yoga
▪ Music & Dance ▪ Montessori Work...and more!
FRENCH VARIETY PROGRAM (3 - 6 years old)
WWW.CMSCHOOL.NET
info@cmschool.net
| POST |
APRIL 2022
(At our Maplehurst Campus!)
19
20
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
REAL ESTATE ROUNDTABLE 15th ANNUAL
What follows is an unscripted and unrehearsed discussion involving 10 of Toronto’s leading experts on real estate In partnership with the Rotman School of Management | Moderated by Julia Mastroianni & Nathaniel Baum-Snow Special thanks to our incredible sponsor The RE/MAX Collection
ODEEN ECCLESTON Co-founder, Wiltshire Eccleston Developments HILARY FARR President, Hilary Farr Designs BRIAN GLUCKSTEIN Principal, Gluckstein Design; Author MICHAEL KALLES President, Harvey Kalles JENNIFER KEESMAAT CEO, The Keesmaat Group MICHAEL LONDON Founder, Michael London Design JEANHY SHIM President, Housing Lab Toronto Partner, PMA360 MICHELE ROMANOW Dragon on CBC’s Dragons’ Den; Co-founder & President, Clearco BENJAMIN TAL Deputy Chief Economist, CIBC Capital Markets
POST: We traditionally like to start things off with a state-of-the-market update from the CIBC deputy chief economist, Benjamin Tal. BENJAMIN TAL: Thank you very
much. So, the state of the market, well, it's strong, it's very strong. Maybe too strong. And it will slow down. That's definitely going to happen because it's unsustainable, and we want it to slow down. I would suggest that the next two years will be a major challenge for the housing market, a challenge that this housing market hasn't seen since the 2008 recession or since the '91 correction. I'm not saying that something bad will happen, but it's a test. And this housing market will have to pass this test. We are talking about a significant increase in interest rates, and we don't know how quickly interest rates will be rising. The market is pricing in a significant increase by the Bank of Canada, and this suggests that the Bank of Canada would go very fast. I suggest that every housing market crash
POST: We see prices going up quickly, we see constraints in supply. Barry Cohen, with boots on the ground, what do you see happening to the market for single-family homes?
BARRY COHEN: Well, this is un-
precedented. We are inventory challenged. We have not seen a slow inventory in two decades. January started off very low with just over 2,000 listings. But when you look at the sales and what was consumed and what’s coming back on the market, you’re finding now that you have a listing inventory of less than one month. And what that means to the buyers, the term we always use is less than one month means that if no new listings came on the market, we'd be sold out in three weeks. Now, of course, new listings come on the market. That's not the case, but Toronto is not used to one month of listing. So prices are going to continue to rise. Buyers are challenged. They're facing now the threat of higher interest rates. They're scrambling to buy, and it's not going to look good for buyers in the short term because they have to qualify at much higher rates. MICHAEL KALLES: I was just going
to say quickly, there's a great concept my kids taught me, it's called FOMO, fear of missing out. And we're seeing that right now in the real estate market because, when the Bank of Canada did not
driving the prices up. POST: Great. Thanks. Jennifer Keesmaat, you have your hand up. Go ahead. JENNIFER KEESMAAT: Well, I was
just going to really pick up on the point that Michael made linking together both Benjamin's comments and Barry's comments, which is, when you take the conversation about potentially rising interest rates and then you link that together with a lack of supply, you take those two things and you put them together, and what do you get? You get FOMO, and the whole cycle starts to convulse on itself, and you get this crazy dynamic that we see today. And really, one of the challenges here that's underlying all of this is having a shortage of supply. And the shortage of supply, the conversation has to keep coming back to that, and we've been talking about that for a couple of years in the context of this roundtable. But this challenge of a shortage of supply is what makes us vulnerable in this moment in history when you have supply challenges, when you have interest rates potentially going up. We actually should be in a situation if we want everyone to be housed, if we want to
“Our enemy, the real estate market's enemy is not higher interest rates, it's rapidly rising interest rates, and we are now going to —BENJAMIN TAL test this theory.” increase interest rates, it got people of the mindset, "Hey, boy, I don't wanna miss out. I wanna qualify now. I wanna get in before the rates do go up." And I did a quick number in my mind. You know, if the average price of a home is $2 million and there's a 75 basis point increase in interest rates, if the market even went up 10 per cent, that means 12 months from now, a buyer's looking at a home instead of $2 million, at $2.2 million and an increase of payments of an extra $20,000. And if it's a central core, singlefamily detached home, that's $3 million. So now, it's $3.3 million. And when these buyers pay an inflated price today, it sets the floor for the future. So, a buyer can say, "Well, you know, that house next door sold for $3 million three months ago." Well, that house is gone and so was the one that just sold for $3.3 million. That's the new floor and it goes up from there." So it's just buyers who are desperate to get into the market. And as Barry said very well, the supply is at an alltime short, and it's basic microeconomics. Major demand and very short supply are
continue to have incredibly aggressive immigration in this country — which we're on the cusp of seeing coming out of the pandemic — we actually should be in a position where we're trying to overachieve on the amount of housing that we're providing. And I think you could argue, it was a moment in the past, probably 60, 70 years where we did that. And so we have this incredible reckoning that's happening and we very quickly have to increase the amount of available housing across the entire country. BENJAMIN: Yeah. If I may address two quick
things, first of all, the supply issue, of course, all of us, we know about the supply story, so there's no need to repeat that. But I think that the point here is that for the first time, and that's a good thing, governments at all levels are starting to talk about supply as opposed to demand. That's a good thing. We are starting to move in the right direction. Two other things happen. First of all, we have to realize that what happened during the pandemic is not normal. You cannot see
APRIL 2022
BARRY COHEN Luxury Homes Specialist; Principal, Barry Cohen Homes Inc.
in history was helped, if not caused, by a monetary policy error in which central bankers raise interest rates way too quickly. And here, we have to realize that central bankers at the end of today are human. They can make mistakes. We are facing inflation and, unfortunately, the situation with Ukraine is making the picture even more foggy given the fact that there is some inflationary aspect in the commodity space. So, if the market was toying with the idea that the Bank of Canada will raise interests by 50 basis points next week, that's not going to happen now because of the situation in the Ukraine. But the big picture is that inflation is rising. And we are talking about numbers that we haven't seen in a long, long time. Now, a lot of it has to do with COVID but not all of it. The labour market is very tight, wages are rising, and we don't know how long it will last. So the way I look at this situation is the following: when I meet with the Bank of Canada — and I meet with the Bank of Canada very often, unfortunately — I tell them, "listen, go baby steps, go slowly because we have a situation in which you are risking raising interest rates way too quickly if you listen to the market." But again, mistakes can be made because they were made in the past. And I suggest that we have to look at these inflation numbers very closely, not in the next few months because they would be very high. But if they don't start to rise, if they don't start easing in the second of the year, namely in August, September, October, if we don't see inflation easing, if it's still there, the Bank of Canada will have to raise interest rates or at least will think that they have to raise interest rates to catch this lagging indicator we call inflation, and then you overshoot. And when you overshoot, you cause the recession, and you plant the seed to a 2023–2024 recession with major negative implications for the housing market. So I believe that the housing market is very strong. We are all familiar with the fundamentals. We all know that we are undersupplied. We all know that the fundamentals are very strong. We live it again today. But even an undersupplied market can correct if interest rates rise way too quickly. So I say go baby steps, start moving, start raising interest rates but don't shock the market. Our enemy, the real estate market's enemy, is not higher interest rates. It's rapidly rising interest rates, and we are now going to test this theory.
| POST |
2022 PANELLISTS
21
COVER STORY
2022 REAL ESTATE ROUNDTABLE
prices rising by 40 per cent in two years and continue to go like nothing happened. What we have seen here is something that we haven't seen before. We have seen a situation in which homebuyers got the benefit of a recession because of the extremely low interest rates without the cost of a recession.…We have never seen anything like that. Usually, when interest rates go down, it is because of the fact that the unemployment rate goes up and everybody is impacted. But most homebuyers and potential homebuyers, their job was there. They were Zooming. Their income was there because it was asymmetrical. We all know the story. So this is something that will disappear the minute interest rates go up, and therefore, we borrowed a lot of activity from the future. We have to realize that. People accelerated front-loaded activity. It's happening now, as well as people starting to realize that interest rates are rising, and we see this nonlinear relationship between interest rates and activity. It's happening now as we talk. That will come to an end in the second half of the year. So a lot of activity is being borrowed from the future. That's why I believe that this market will slow down in the second half of the year, and that will be a very, very good thing. We need to slow down. POST: Thanks. Hilary? HILARY FARR: I think I'm probably
the least informed in how the financial machinations turn away behind the scenes. It's just not my area, but.… So, as a financial layman, I have to ask a question that may sound idiotic. But why, when prices are so temptingly high for homeowners that could completely change a life by selling now at the top of the market, why is the supply so low and has been so consistently low?
they're shocked when they see the condominium is the same price as their house. And they're like, "Why am I giving up my house for this?" And then people aren't upgrading because the cost to go to the next level is so significant. They'd rather renovate the house and just stay where they are because it used to be, if you had a house for $1 million, if you went to $1.3 million, it was a significantly different house. Now, if you have a house for $1 million, you have to go to a $2 million house to make a significant difference. So people are saying, "I'm not going. I'm just going to stay where I am and renovate the house." So we're seeing a lot of people just stalled where they are and saying, "I'm just staying put because I don't have that many options." And then that just compounds, I think, this whole supply issue. POST: Our next question is about what the government could be doing to create more affordable housing. Brad Lamb couldn't join us this year, but I interviewed him and he suggested the answer is deregulation coupled with increased density. Jennifer? JENNIFER: Well, it's kind of an ironic comment because, you know, we've actually built a significant amount of housing over the course of the past 10 years, and prices have gone nowhere
but up. There's no example in the world where affordable housing has been secured simply by building more housing. It's only ever secured by having very specific programs and policies in place that result in the specific building of affordable housing. The example I'd love to use is New York City because we think of New York City as this great bastion of capitalism, which I guess it is. But New York City works because there's so many rent-controlled apartments in New York
“But why when prices are so temptingly high for homeowners that could completely change a life by selling now at the top of —HILARY FARR the market, why is the supply so low?” City. There's a tremendous amount of affordable housing in New York City that has been either built as affordable housing or secured as affordable housing. So it's been delinked from whatever is happening in the market. So I would say, you know, we've been through this process, really, since 1970, when we stopped building any kind of social housing and we stopped building co-ops. That kind of ended more toward the middle of the '80s, and we really assumed that all housing needs would be captured through market home ownership. That was really the assumption. Whereas prior to that, we were
SOLD OVER ASKING
From a stone cottage estate to a modern custom build, you won’t believe how much these home sold over asking in these Toronto neighbourhoods! By Zakiya Kassam
JEANHY SHIM: Yeah. I mean, we
you have to live somewhere. HILARY: But people do downsize. I under-
stand that.
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
move elsewhere. And they actually do that. The numbers are big, but at the same time, people believe the prices will continue to rise. So why do it now if you can do it a year from now. At the same time, most people don't want to downsize. So that's the reason. But I believe that supply will rise over the next year or so as people start realizing that maybe this trajectory of prices will not continue. POST: It's a great question and we're gonna come back to talk more about supply later in the discussion. Brian? BRIAN GLUCKSTEIN: Well, I was in line
with Hilary's question where we find … when talking about supply, we find that people aren't moving and the cost to move laterally or down is as much as the house they live in. So they have this incredible house, 22 and then they look at a condominium, and
agree with Benjamin's comment that this is the first time that we actually have all levels of government talking about the importance of more housing supply that's significant. But there's another piece to layer on to that, which is we also need to be building housing that is affordable and that will stay affordable in perpetuity. You know, kind of like all of our favourite characters on Friends. You know, they were living the life in New York City because of a rent-controlled apartment. That's not a new idea, that there needs to be housing that is separated from the market for young people, for newcomers, for people who are in sectors where they're never going to make a wage that's going to be able to respond to a tremendous market demand for housing, which typically exists in cities. So, you know, it's not a hard thing to fix really. You need public policy that will drive forward affordable housing in the development process and it can easily be delivered in partnership with private sector partners. POST: We can go to Jeanhy and then Brian.
BENJAMIN: Well, the answer is that because
BENJAMIN: Some people do that and they
building a much broader band of types of housing. We had affordable rental housing, we had market rental housing, we had co-operatives, we had community land trust. It was really a diverse suite of different housing types that appealed to different income levels and people who had different needs at different stages of their life. We sort of stopped that, and we only built housing for a really significant period of time. And now, we're backpedalling. You know, I
L-R: 7 Rosedale Rd. and 75 Macpherson Ave. both recently sold for well over asking
Summerhill — Out of a storybook The home at 75 Macpherson Ave. is Annex adjacent and packed with designer details. It was listed for $2.695 million on Feb. 9, 2022, and sold a week later for $3,702,075. That's just over $1 million over asking.
Rosedale — Country cottage charm This quaint stone home at 7 Rosedale Rd. has curb appeal in spades. It was listed for $4.5 million on Sept. 27, 2021, and was sold for $6.6 million a week later. That's $2.1 million over asking.
York Mills — Modern showstopper 12 Pembury Ave. W. is brand-new, customdesigned and ultra modern. The home was listed for $3.898 million on Feb. 23, 2022, and sold six days later for $4.77 million — $872,000 over asking.
Forest Hill — Backyard with potential 33 Hawarden Cres. sat on the market for two months, but it was worth the wait. It was listed on Dec. 6, 2021, for $2.998 million and sold on Feb. 4, 2022, for $5 million — more than $2 million over asking.
Vaughan — Luxury estate 150 Israel Zilber Dr. sold in just 10 days. The luxury property was listed for $1.699 million on Feb. 5, 2022, and sold for $2.52 million on Feb. 15. That's $821,000 over asking.
Lawrence Park North — Sun-kissed semi This extra-wide semi-detached at 50 Bedford Park Ave. was listed at $1.699 million on Feb. 28, 2022, and sold for $2.51 million on March 7. That's $811,000 over asking.
know decades ago, as Jennifer said, the government used to supply all the affordable housing needs. It was then downloaded onto the private sector and provincial governments and municipal governments. And I think what we're seeing here is that, you know, it's not capturing all of the affordable housing needs. We have to always ask ourselves, when we say the words “affordable housing,” it's who's affordability are we talking about? And the private sector and the private development community, and that's the world I come from, has a role to play. And the government has seized on that and there's inclusionary zoning and other kinds of tools and carrots and sticks that they're using to incentivize and to compel the private sector to deliver affordable housing, but we have to remember that it's only kind of a certain segment. It's kind of what I call the least affordable definition of affordable housing, according to the CMHC definitions. So we can't forget that the affordable housing crisis is much broader. That's a legitimate need and the private sector will kind of fill that end of the
2022 REAL ESTATE ROUNDTABLE
BRIAN: Well, a lot of what we've seen over the last number of years, and we've been involved in some of the largest developments in the GTA, is that we're building enormous amounts of units, but they're not family-oriented units. They’re small units. You know, it satisfies a market that can afford them and that wants to live in 500 square feet or 600 square feet, and some of them are even two bedrooms at 600 square feet. That is not a family residence. Also, it's not secure living. It's not secure housing because, you know, with the prices going up, the owner might say, you know what, I'm going to cash out. I'm just going to sell this. So you don't have secure rental stock in that. And everybody says, well, we're building all these condos and they're all rentals. You know, all these buildings are rentals so that's not really secure housing. But we worked on a project that was launched as a condominium. It stopped and it was relaunched as a rental building. The building is almost finished. And if it’s purpose-built rentals, small units, some larger units, but the rents are so high that it's very specific by a renter, and is not going to help housing. I mean, purpose-built rentals now are luxury rentals. They are not affordable rentals, and they are not big rentals. Even their biggest units are not big units. So could you fit a family in? Maybe, but it would not be great living.
JENNIFER: It's happening. It's happening. BARRY: OK, great. Good, good, good. And
so maybe, you know… JENNIFER: On the waterfront. BARRY: There you go. Good. So maybe with
these office towers that are vacant, maybe there'll be some conversions into residential platforms and things like that. POST: Benjamin?
arrived from Canada because they were in Canada already. There were students, They were non-permanent residents. For them, it was a change in status, not a change of address. So that's something that we have to realize, and the goal is to keep this ratio of people arriving to Canada from Canada relatively high. And that's actually something that will increase their employability because they're young, they are students, they're ed-
ucated, they speak the language, they have the job experience, all this business. So it's actually positive for the housing market. But one thing is, if you look at how many people arrive, 400,000, how many of them are in construction? How many of them are trade? Zero. So we have to fine-tune the skillset of new immigrants, not to be just computer engineers, but also construction workers and trades, because we desperately need them. By the way, it's also the case for nurses. We need nurses like oxygen. We got zero new nurses from 400,000 new immigrants. Another point.
TORONTO VS. EVERYBODY
Think Toronto’s market is bad? See how we compare up against some of the biggest cities worldwide, based on the average home price in each. Averages are based on the most recent housing data available in each city (converted to Canadian dollars).
TORONTO $1,334,544
SAN FRANCISCO $1,870,066.32
SYDNEY $1,509,571.20
VANCOUVER $1,313,400
LONDON $1,103,086.40
NEW YORK $1,074,534.07
MICHAEL K.: One thing we should
BARRY: I don't know if it was Jennifer years
ago who talked about condos, maybe dedicating a level floor to a school, you know, so you can bring families into these condos,
LOS ANGELES $999,128.17
there were rate hikes that were supposed to be coming this quarter and next quarter. I think, given the recent news
—BRIAN GLUCKSTEIN
POST: Let's move on to Michael Kalles, and then we can go to Barry.
focus on is that in the city of Toronto, there was 9.8 billion worth of land sales in 2021, a record, and there's 272,000 units built in the GTA. And by the way, the 10-year average is around 215,000, so things are moving in the right direction. The problem is it's not moving fast enough. With immigration numbers, people are shocked to hear that Canada had over 400,000 new immigrants during the pandemic in 2021, again, driving up the demand.
MICHELE ROMANOW: I think that
“You can drive through neighbourhoods and you would be shocked at the percentage of [empty] homes and condos of people that are at their cottage, people that are in Florida.”
BENJAMIN: Two points. First of all, regard-
ing supply: So yes, we know that we have to build more if it's a public, private or PPP. One issue that we have with supply, and it's becoming a major issue, is labour. We simply cannot find people. Good luck finding a plumber. Speak to any developer, they will tell you we cannot find people. So it's not just completion. It's how long it takes to complete a project. It takes much longer because we don't have the people. Brings me to immigration: Yes, we got 400,000 new immigrants, but 70 per cent of them came from where? Where did they come from? From Canada. Seventy percent of new Canadians
POST: With such an active market, what does the federal government need to do, particularly in terms of interest rates to cool off the market? Michele, what do you think?
MONTREAL $550,000
CHICAGO $420,872
about Ukraine and Russia, that might be held off another quarter. I think Canada often follows the U.S., and it looks like the feds are going to hold the rates again for another quarter in the U.S., or at least that's the rumours right now. I can't see another way to cool down this market. I think people made some really good points around, I mean, if Canada was the most locked-down place, you really only had your home to be in. And so, the idea of trading down or actually trading at all or leaving your home during a period where you literally couldn't go to a restaurant in January of this year, it was just, I'm not sure that was realistic. And so I think this is going to be a combination of seeing how Canada is going to treat COVID regulations going forward. I think rate hikes will certainly cool down the market. They're going to move very slowly. So they probably won't do very much. And then I'm surprised that we are still seeing the level of price increases in the low supply, even though we have seen two behaviors that I think I've seen in the tech industry. The first is that many people have moved. They've moved out of Toronto, they've moved to other places, they've moved into suburbs, they've moved into other countries. I literally now have … I had a team that was 100 per cent based in Toronto and many of those people have left. And the second factor that is going to be here is this idea of the great resignation. Many people have resigned from their jobs, but they didn't stop working. They actually became [business] founders. And so, it will be interesting to see where they end up going because they will largely have control over where they live versus an employer historically dictating them. But I think on the rates issue, I think we might have another quarter or two to see this, and then I think it will still be slow. POST: I'm curious about the great resignation you bring up, as we still see the Toronto market booming. How can we understand that? MICHELE: So you think when people resign,
APRIL 2022
POST: Brian, please go ahead.
right? Was that right, Jennifer? I think so, but I never saw that happen.
| POST |
spectrum, but we can't forget about, especially on the renting side. And that's where I find that, in the affordable housing discussion, there's a lot of focus on affordable ownership and for, you know, people who can afford kind of slightly higher affordable rents. But the real crisis that we have yet to tackle is the deep affordable side, which no one has really cracked that, not yet. I know with myself and our team, we're kind of not satisfied with the current solutions. They're just not enough. And that's where we're looking forward. I think there's a lot of opportunities, but the private sector still certainly has a role to play.
COVER STORY
they don't wanna live in a city anymore? Is that kind of the assumption? 23
COVER STORY
2022 REAL ESTATE ROUNDTABLE
BENJAMIN: Yes. I think that this
business of people fleeing Toronto, the Toronto refugees, I think it's much ado about nothing quite frankly. I think that, if you look at the numbers, only five per cent of the activity was actually more than 200 kilometers away from Toronto. So this is not really a big story, and it's starting to reverse because all those people that moved, they realize that, you know what, their employers actually want them two or three days a week in the office. The IT sector is an exception, but the whole economy is not just IT. It's much more than that. Now, second, interest rates. Very exciting. Of course, it is exciting. So let's talk about interest rates. And I think that the Bank of Canada will move. They will move next week. They will move in, you know, early March because they have no choice. They have no choice because inflation is way too high, and they cannot not do something about it. Even with Ukraine and what's happening with Russia, they're going to raise interest rates. The only question is how quickly they will raise interest rates because they have to protect their reputation. And remember, at the end of the day, because people are talking about inflation of 10 per cent, 15 per cent, and this is very important for people who care about mortgage rates, this is not about inflation. This is about the cost that it'll take to bring inflation back to two per cent in terms of higher interest rates. For 50 years, the Bank of Canada and the feds were building their reputation, their capability as inflation fighters. They're not going to toss it away. They will do whatever it takes. The hope is that it'll not take too much in a way that we will derail the housing market. That's where we are.
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
JEANHY: I wonder how much im-
24
pact this interest rate increase is going to have. Normally, it does, obviously. You know, we're going to have the rush of people who want to get in before rates go up, but, to Benjamin's point, I mean, it's not going to go up a point overnight. It should go slowly, but you kind of wonder, it may take a bit of froth off the top of the market, but if you think about kind of who has been buying, what's been driving this, certainly on the condo market pre-construction investors, there's a lot of money out there, people who perhaps saved money because they couldn't travel and spend money during COVID. And Benjamin and CIBC did that great study on the gifting. And it's incredible the percentage of people who are buying, first-time buyers and move-up buyers, and the size of the gifts that they're getting from their parents who are anxious for them to get in. And perhaps even if rates go up, like I said, that always impacts affordability, but, you know, if you've got your parents who are kind of baby boomers who are saying, "I remember paying 18 per cent interest. So whether it's three per cent or four per cent, it's still relatively affordable." And there is that perception that prices are just going to continue
to increase. So it'll be interesting to see the impact. Certainly, there will be. And I think that governments here. I mean, they're kind of limited in their tools. They can impose foreign buyer taxes, and they always seem to focus on the demand side. But a lot of the demand is driven by demographics. You know, we are all aging, kids want to move out of their parent's homes. Never mind immigration and people moving in. So there are a lot of reasons why demand is always going to be there because people need to be housed. So I think the government should really focus more. You asked a question about regulations, I really focus on the supply side. What can they do to unblock supply? In Ontario, we had the task force come up with a bunch of suggestions, and I would just add on there that, how can we stimulate more of the affordable rental housing construction as well. But yeah, I guess it'll be an interesting year to see what happens. BENJAMIN: If I can just say one thing on
that, because that's important, for just one second. You're absolutely right. If interest rates go up slowly, the market can take it. It will not be 20 per cent a year. It will go down to something normal, stable because this market is extremely strong when it comes to the fundamentals. However, if you have a
monetary policy error and you raise interest rates way too quickly, you cause a recession, and the recession can lead to some pressure in the housing market because of the unemployment rate. So that's more or less where we are. But you are absolutely right: if interests go up very, very slowly, even if they go up 200, 300 business points, the market can take it, and that would be a good thing. BARRY: So we keep talking about supply and immigration quotas, but there's this signifi-
cant wealth transference as referenced by the baby boomers. They're passing millions off to their kids, and I think that's what's fuelling the market, right? And even, you know, I talk about somebody who bought their home, a professional plumber bought his home for $35,000 in the '70s, now has a house where $2.5 million can give each child a quarter-million dollars to buy a house. So, I mean, that's fuelling it too. And you also have to look forward. We've been in quarantine. What about all the people that got … the immigrants that got taken
With home prices on the rise, first-time homebuyers in Toronto have had to get creative with financing their purchases.
$10 BIL
27%
Average down payment gift size in Toronto during the first three quarters of 2021 for first-time homebuyers.
Estimated amount of down payment gifts given in Canada in the past year, which accounts for 10 per cent of total down payments.
Amount of Toronto gen Z adults expecting a financial gift from family to be the primary source of their down payment.
$82,000
$52,000
>30%
Average down payment gift size in Canada in 2021.
Average down payment gift size in Canada in 2015.
Share of first-time homebuyers that received help from family in 2021.
36%
26%
12%
Amount of gen Z Torontonians expecting to purchase their home in the next five years.
POST: Now that we're through the first two years of the pandemic, what is the best way for homeowners to add value to their properties in 2022?
“Over the past 14 years, I've seen the homebuying experience go from sort of generally excitable and this fun experience to now it's —ODEEN ECCLESTON almost foreboding.
GIVING THE GIFT OF A NEW HOME
$130,000
out by that? And now we've lifted the quarantine, that's your next flood of people returning to the market. So we've got to think quick about how to supply this market, and I think it's just happening too slow at all levels.
Amount of gen Z Torontonians expecting to co-own their home with family.
Amount of gen Z Torontonians expecting to co-own their home with friends.
MICHAEL LONDON: I think, over-
all, just to add value to your property is just looking at classic design, neutral timeless, I think just to add impact, a little bit of a wow. You want, when potential purchasers, homebuyers, come to look at your home, that it has to trigger curiosity. Just things that are different will tend to add value to the space. What we're doing now with our clients is we're adding minor renovations as well. And I think that minor renovations, when it comes to the impact, all of that as a whole will trigger curiosity and raise the value of your home. HILARY: I would say that, if you are renovat-
ing to sell, you have to take a very hard look at the home in which you live because the simplest things like grubby grout is enough to put the buyer off. That's a simple little thing. But a non-functioning kitchen, a nonfunctioning bathroom, that you've put up with for the last 12 years, because it's very easy to get used to whatever it is, you will also not be able to get the value out of your home. And those are major renovations. Those are the renovations that will take your house from having multiple offers and multiple buyers, potentially, if you have a well-updated kitchen and bathroom, and it will change your life as the people living within those four walls. If you just want to put lipstick on the house, I won't call it a pig, but if you have lived with a house that has become dingy and rundown, you won't fool the average buyer. I just don't think it's the way to go. I also think that you have to look ahead and embrace what has happened with the way we live in our houses, which we've all touched upon on different levels with COVID. I think that is going to be a specter in our lives that's not going to go away. POST: Odeen, go ahead. ODEEN ECCLESTON: To echo Hi-
—From CIBC’s Gifting for a down payment 2021 report & Mustel Group and Sotheby’s International Realty Canada Generation Z Trends Report
lary's sentiment, I agree, function is key, and then as Michael London mentioned, impact can also improve value. And then from a practicality and pragmatic
2022 REAL ESTATE ROUNDTABLE
thing? Right now as.… Oh, I think it was Benjamin who was talking about it, the real problem with finding contractors and people who will actually do the work for you dependably and actually see it, just even see it from beginning to end is so difficult right now. For example, the danger you can run into is that you will find somebody, and they will probably start the job and they may or may not finish the job, and it may not even be their fault. It may be that the plumber just simply has gone that they were depending on. BRIAN: I am finding that it's become a
nightmare as far as renovations and building. It has just become impossible. The stress level on the homeowners, we try to minimize it to sort of hide the disasters behind the scenes, but everything from the trades to the products, everything, you can't get a refrigerator, you can't get fabric, you can't get tile. You really want to hold on to the relationships you have. POST: We're going to have to move on to the next question. Odeen, I wanted to ask you about those ideas of housing migration and urban spread. What are you seeing outside of the Toronto area?
MICHAEL K.: Hey, just a quick
point, and that is that, you know, I spend a big part of my week online with our international affiliates, and the story of Toronto is the story of every city, small and large: low supply, major demand. So, Michele, I liked what you said, and it's so true. Today, you're hearing about people going to Florida etc., but when things were really locked down and, you know, a car was your really only … your number one form of
transportation, people were going outside of Toronto and working remote. We actually opened an office in Prince Edward County because of the demand there. And what's really unique is when you look at prices in Toronto, they're being dwarfed by price increases outside of the city. Just a quick statistic: So I'm speaking to our Chicago affiliate. Guelph is now twice the
“What's really unique is when you look at prices in Toronto, they're being dwarfed by price increases outside of the city. Just a quick statistic, Guelph is now twice the price on average than Chicago.”
—MICHAEL KALLES
price, on average, of Chicago. Guelph. I mean, just … so it's just incredible what's happening around the world. It's not just the city of Toronto. It's all over the world. JENNIFER: When my parents bought their
first home back in 1970, that home cost two times my dad's salary. Now, my dad at the time was an entry-level blue-collar worker, and he was able to buy a home because his home was two times the annual salary. And his salary was actually an average salary in 1970. Today, it's multiples. It's getting up to 16 times the average salary to buy a home. Well, it just holds to reason that the average person coming out of
THE GREAT TORONTO EXODUS
ODEEN: Well, I wanted to speak a little bit.
I don't think I've heard much of the perspective of first-time homebuyers that don't have the privilege of bank of Mom and Dad. And you know, the purchasers — or wouldn't be purchasers that don't have their foot in the door yet — because I think a lot of them are watching and we need to represent them here. And what we're seeing is that, although they would love to be in the metropolis closer to where they work, they simply don't have that option. And it's interesting because over the past 14 years, I've seen the homebuying experience go from sort of generally excitable and this fun experience to now it's almost like foreboding. It's almost like we have to prepare.… But, yeah, so as a result, yes, people are… especially first-time home-buyers, the only solution a lot of them have is to move as far away as they can kind of qualify. But even then, it's been a terrible struggle the past couple of years where, as I said, it went from an excitable process to now it's either kind of, frankly, just like a frustrating process or to the point where some people are giving up. And they're giving up not only on Toronto. They're giving up on the GTA and that's … you know, I think Benjamin mentioned that
Brant Street pier in Burlington, Ontario
Once the pandemic began, work-from-home led to reports of Torontonians fleeing the city to enjoy the countryside without having to worry about the commute. But, for many residents, the choice to leave was a question of affordability. “I would have been really happy to stay in Toronto,” former Toronto resident Kimberly says. “But my marriage ended, and we had to look at where was the best place for our kid. Our options were a one bedroom plus den condo on my street or a three bedroom townhome in Burlington for the same price.” Burlington made sense for Kimberly and her child, as it was walkable to the GO station and an hour’s ride into Union Station if a job required her to be in-office. “I bought here knowing I was a 20-minute walk downtown. I can walk to a performing arts centre, a museum. I can pretend I’m in the city,” she says. “We really love Toronto,” Kimberly says. “But it is not a place anymore where two sin-
school, moving into this country from another country or even from another province is not going to be able to access housing. So, we really … when we talk about … you know, I talk a lot about supply — and my work right now is focused on, specifically, building affordable rental supply — but we also have to talk of this challenge of how we've made it very easy to treat housing like
gle-parent families can raise a kid and give them a good quality of life very easily.” Justin* and his wife moved from Toronto to Simcoe in 2021. The move was prompted by a similar sentiment to Kimberly’s. “It was the realization that we were never going to own anything here,” he says. Justin, whose workplace’s office is still located in the city, was able to co-ordinate a schedule that often only required one day a week of commuting into Toronto. “Because [my wife and I] grew up in small towns, we realized that moving back out to small towns wasn't a scary thing,” he says. Both Kimberly and Justin have experienced comments from residents about Torontonians jacking up prices in their towns, but Kimberly says this is likely the future of Ontario. “The density I love about Toronto is now going to be a potential feature in some parts of our small and mid-sized suburban cities.” *Readers note, Justin is a pseudonym
a financial tool and a financial asset instead of treating housing as a home. And if we assume that every home is going to have a family in it — and, you know, a dinner table at night where homework is spread out and kids are eating their dinner and chitchatting — instead of sitting empty, then we need to look at things like capital gains taxes, and we need to look at other ways that, currently, we actually incentivize people to use real estate as a financial tool. And I'll just say, you're crazy not to, in this market, to look at housing in that way because it's proving to be incredibly lucrative. But the fact that it's incredibly lucrative is tied to the fact that so many people cannot even dream of accessing a home. And if I think we go back, and we think back to the vision that we have of our country, I think the vision of our country isn't that two per cent of the population gets stinking rich off housing. I think we're a bit bigger than that. We want to be a country where people can come and work hard and build a life and, you know, be able to meet their needs rather than worrying about shelter. But we've sort of incentivized that by making housing a really powerful financial mechanism for generating wealth instead of treating housing as a home, which is that old, very naive approach that I learned in planning school to how you plan for housing supply. And in that work, 20 years ago when I was doing my master's in planning, no one was saying, “Well, hold on a minute. People might start parking their money in houses and not even living there.” That wasn't part of the projection process, and that's part of why we have this incredible problem on our hands right now. So I do think we have to really tackle that issue as a country.
POST: Talking about housing as an investment, Brian, which segment of the market do you see as having the best returns right now? BRIAN: I don't think there's a bad location
APRIL 2022
HILARY: Can I just say one more
it's only five per cent of purchasers moving 200 kilometres outside of Toronto. But within our brokers, we've seen quite a few people just decide, "You know what? The GTA is no longer for me. It's out of my affordability. It's out of what I envisioned my adulthood to look like." So, they are opting for Prince Edward Island and for Calgary and the other places where they can kind of live that Canadian dream. And a lot of them are able to do that, again, because of remote work. And then actually, as Michele said, because they've decided to just endeavour into their own sort of entrepreneurial endeavours where they can start startups. So, back to your point: yes, the 905 is a solution for some, but it still isn't sort of the end all, be all for the people who can't afford the 416.
anywhere. So you don't have to be a genius to make money in real estate, it appears, today. One of the things I was, you know, I was thinking when Jennifer was speaking is that people would be shocked if they knew how many homes are empty most of the year and condos are empty most of the year. You 25 | POST |
standpoint, to increase value right now, buyers, to get into the market, a lot of them are relying on secondary suites. They're relying on income from basements or even some people are even doing loft extensions. Just anything to get whether it be in-laws in to pool their resources or to actually get extra income from a student or from a tenant.
COVER STORY
COVER STORY
2022 REAL ESTATE ROUNDTABLE
p drive through neighbourhoods and you can would be shocked at the percentage of homes and condos of people that are at their cottage, people that are in Florida. They may not own in Florida. They may be renting in Florida, but they are not here. And there is so much inventory that is just sitting here empty. I have three properties. I haven't been to my apartment in New York in two years because of COVID. So that's a big complaint in New York that they're talking about that and how to deal with that. You could throw a dart at a map and you would make money if you held onto it for the next few years. So there's no bad area. POST: Do you think we should start thinking about interest rates going up? Do you see a risk in any segment of the market that might be particularly difficult? BRIAN: You know, I remember
when I was so excited when the interest rate on my first house went down to nine per cent. I was so excited. It was 11 per cent, it went to nine per cent. I thought I had struck … like, I couldn't believe that it was only nine per cent. Now, that interest rate, it's, like, zero. So, from that standpoint, I really don't see interest rates slowing anything down. I just think our market is so strong. This city is so strong, and there's this appetite of risk that people are investing probably much more than they should be spending on houses. They're going into multiple bidding situations bidding much more than they ever should have. POST: With the run-up in housing prices in the U.S. in ’05–’06, many people said, "maybe my income is uncertain, but it's OK because, if I lose my job, I can sell my home." And that didn't turn out so well. Benjamin, do you have thoughts on whether there’s a risk of that happening here? BENJAMIN: The short answer is no, because
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
the current situation is not even remotely close to the subprime crisis that we have seen in the U.S. Back then it was the creative imagination of American bankers that came up with all those mortgages. Here we have stress test, we have all kinds of other things that clearly are a factor that will protect you from that. Having said that, I agree with the point that was made about too much investment. And I'm sensing, I'm sensing that some of the recent increase in investment activity is more speculative than before. I'm starting to sense it from talking to people in the market. And I worry about it because those people will be the first to sell when interests rise or there is any issue. We have to remember that the significant segment of investors are doing it not for the money. They are doing it for their kids, really. We did focus groups and people were telling me, "you know what? I have a 10-year-old. I 26 want him or her to have a chance to live in
Toronto 10 years from now. I am buying now, although I am in a negative cash flow situation." Many of them are. And that's fine. And they are right to suggest so because, quite frankly, 10 years from now, Toronto will be less affordable, not more affordable. Having said that, I'm sensing that there is some speculation. I totally agree that some people are overinvested in too many properties with modest income. I worry about it. This is not the U.S. in 2007, but it's something that will increase the sensitivity of this market to higher interest rates. POST: Great. Let’s go over to Barry. BARRY: I agree with Benjamin. You know, it will come to an end, but I think it won't be long-lasting because you have all these forces, lack of supply, and if you can go back to the correction that I think Benjamin referenced, even it was in '89, I think, real estate fell 28 per cent. Who would've thought that, right?
But that was an economical correction. Everything since then was just intervention, media, Y2K, 2006. We thought things were going to go the other way. We're U.S.'s little sister. The mortgage rules, I was in favour of that. Keeps us safe. Anyway, onward and on: immigration, what was the foreign buyer tax? But these are, like, just temporary stops. We're still dealing with the supply issues. I mean, look at these investors. When this correction does come as, again, Benjamin talked about, that there's too much speculation. They're buying houses with five per cent and 10 per cent down, and they're not … they don't know what we know: that real estate can fall 28 per cent. You know, that's the stuff that sinks the boat. So, as long as people are safe investing and not … I don't think we're at the end of this. As long as you're safely investing, I think real estate is the best game in town.
STORIES FROM A RUNAWAY MARKET
BUYING, THEN SELLING
FROM CONDOIn TO TOWNHOMEBUYING, THENthe SELLING today’s market in Toronto, thought of buying can be daunting.
While numbers can be helpful, sometimes it’s better to hear it straight FROM CONDO TOthe TOWNHOME from the source — the buyers themselves. By Julia Mastroianni
2022 PREDICTIONS POST: We're going to have to move on to our final, crystal ball question. What are your predictions for the year ahead? BRIAN: I see the market staying extremely strong, the supply very limited because I'm seeing more of our clients are not moving, and they're staying put where they are, and they're working on the homes that they have and the condos that they have. And it's getting harder because they're buying multiple homes. And great for our business, but it's also depleting the inventory in other areas because a lot of these houses are staying empty a lot. But a strong market and the appetite to own a house — one, two or three houses, investment houses like we've never seen — it is just accelerating, and there's no end in sight. So next year and the year after, there's going to be very little change, except for costs going up. POST: Michael London? MICHAEL L.: The end to COVID. You heard it here first. That's it. BRIAN: From your mouth. MICHAEL L.: From my mouth. I
FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYER ON INVESTING IN A FIXER-UPPER
BUYING, THEN SELLING FROM CONDO TO TOWNHOME
Ty, a 25-year-old who lives and works downtown, says the decision to buy wasn’t an easy one. “I definitely made sacrifices,” he says. For the past three years, Ty was living in a two-bedroom condo with two other roommates, and his bedroom was the living room with a curtain rod — allowing him to pay $550 a month in rent. Buying a place on his own meant Ty needed to think strategically. “I needed to have that second room and a roommate,” he says. “All those fees are a lot to take on if you’re not sharing them with a partner, so having a roommate paying rent made it possible for me to buy.” He ended up purchasing a one-bedroom plus den, at Spadina and Fort York, and smashed out a wall and built another one to turn the den into its own room. “Going for a fixer-upper has so much value to it,” he says. The unit wasn’t staged, and there were no other bidders for the place, resulting in a price reduction in the end. “I’ve done substantial renovations since then, and now if I wanted to list it, I know I could get a large amount more.”
Steve had been eyeing a new townhome development at St. Clair and Caledonia for him and his husband for years. In March of 2021, the pair saw there were just a few units left and decided to put down a deposit. “We went in on a Sunday to finalize everything, and the following day, they increased the purchase price on the remaining units. So we sort of lucked out in that sense,” he says. But, the concern was then having to sell their current Yonge and Eglinton condo after buying. “The nervousness came from the fact that we didn't know what we were actually going to sell this for and could that potentially have an impact on what we would be approved for.” They listed the unit in March of 2022, and had over 25 showings in the span of a week. “We ended up in a bit of a bidding war, with eight offers, including one pre-emptive bully offer that came in two days after we listed,” Steve says. Their place ended up selling for almost $1.25 million. “My husband would have wanted to sell, then buy, but I’m a bit more of a risk taker,” he says. “But in this market, it paid off in the end.”
think, overall, we have a number of projects that are coming up, that are high-end, luxury projects. I think we're going to see a lot more of that happening. I think the market is still strong, as Brian was saying. I think that, when it comes to, given COVID, those who … in the past, we had our certain needs that we wanted, and the wants were sort of luxuries, and now those luxuries are musthaves. I think that's what we're going to find more of happening. Those must-haves, the luxuries, the must-haves, that's what we're going to see more of in the coming year. POST: Jennifer, any predictions? JENNIFER: Well, I always think this
is a dangerous exercise. And I do remember two years ago when you asked us this question, and COVID was just starting to hit, and I think almost all of us had no idea, and in fact, a lot of people were predicting a downturn. Someone had just come out and said, "oh, you know, the market is going to go down by 20 per cent." But I look at the data around supply. I always listen to what Benjamin has to say around where interest rates are going. I think you have to take those two things together. The demand isn't going anywhere, and the supply isn't going to be produced fast enough. I hear what Brian is saying about people holding on to properties. So I think it's going to continue to be very strong for at least another 12 months. As long as we don't see some really drastic move around interest rates, as long as it's baby steps, there might be … If there is a little bit of cooling, it won't be sustained because over the long term … if you look over a five-year
2022 REAL ESTATE ROUNDTABLE
POST: Michele, what about you? MICHELE: Yeah, I think this is going
to really depend on interest rates. I think what a lot of the panel has said: that it doesn't look like we're solving a supply problem. And I don't think we are going to change the demand problem with the amount of immigrants. I genuinely feel like people are going to be living in very different places and wanting very different things in their homes. You know, I've now decided I cannot stay in a hotel room with my partner that's not two rooms because you cannot do a call with someone else. Like, this is very new. This was never something I think any of us thought about before: that we need literally enough call rooms for people because you cannot work from home and listen to someone else's Zoom call, that you literally just want to poke your eyeballs out. So I think we're going to change the way we build homes and the things we want in those homes. And I liked what people said about, you know, people are creating new amenities. But look, I think that the demographic and the tech demographic is going to be working from home for a very long time. They're going to want different things in those homes. I don't know if all those are going to be in Toronto. I still think Toronto is a great city, but we're going to see a lot more people spreading out of here for part of the year, and maybe that will create some interesting opportunities and then a lot more founders. And I hope this version of the great resignation we're seeing is some founders that go into, I think, a lot of the problems we've identified, which is there's got to be ways to create supply that aren't just, you know, regulating that creation of supply, which creates its own series of problems or it could at times. So I think it's going to be another very interesting year. And I always enjoy this panel because it was my first moment where we were like, "Is COVID going to happen or not?" And it's been interesting to see how both right and wrong a lot of our predictions have been over the years. POST: Benjamin? BENJAMIN: Yes, intercessory-wise. And this
means that the housing market should slow down a little bit. And that's good because I don't want to see another 20 per cent increase in the average house price next year. I really don't want that. So we need to put it under
POST: Barry, go ahead. BARRY: Yeah. So tight inventory levels ex-
pected to characterize 2022, prices will rise. There will be a small correction as interest rates rise but it will be temporary. I don't think it's going to bring on a full boom correction because there's been too much money coming into Canada and not enough supply. What we're going to see is … the domestic buyer fueled this market of '20 and '21, and now we're going to see the foreign buyer come back. And I think that's going to sustain the price escalations that we're seeing. Thank you. POST: Let's go to Michael and then Odeen.
MICHAEL K.: Firstly, I'm flattered to be in-
cluded again on the panel. So, thank you. You know, it's funny, I did a small study years ago and found out that anyone who bought and held real estate for seven years, made money, and that's for over half a century. So if you think about it for a moment, when you walk by homes or condominiums and you think to yourself, "Where are your regrets?" It's not for what you bought. It's for what you didn't buy. And that's really where I see everyone wanting to get into the real estate market at last.… ODEEN: I hope that with the inter-
est rising a little bit, it'll cool, but I don't think that it'll be significant, but at least it won't be the unsustainable growth that we saw in this past year. But I think unless we can somehow do something to incentivize sellers to sell instead of just really collecting properties — which, I mean, a lot of us are guilty of because, again, it just makes sense — but I think with the increased sort of information being wide-
7 GOLDEN RULES FOR CONDO BUYING AVOID CONDOS WITH INDOOR POOLS
All pools leak eventually. It’s far more costly to manage an indoor pool than any other amenity. Security and elevators also mean high maintenance costs; all of that can add up quickly. IDEAL SQUARE FOOTAGE
Ideal investor units are 450 to 650 square feet based on their saleability, and they earn the most rent per square foot. Another tip: buy in the middle. You’ll pay substantially less. WHEN TO BUY
I only buy from floor plans in new developments at the earliest opportunity. If you wait until it’s built there’s no ideal age, but keep in mind that consumer design tastes greatly change over a 10-year period. WHEN TO SELL
Two years after a building is completed is generally the point of the highest rate of return based on appreciation, assuming you bought from floor plans four years prior to completion. GET THE LOCKER
Lockers for apartment spaces are good, smart and useful buys because they eventually sell out. In large cities, parking is a dying part of the housing complex, and more and more buildings will have less and less parking. Always buy the locker. The parking space? That’s up to you.
We are mindful that the pandemic has severely impacted many people across our city. With that in mind, a donation has been made to our sponsor, The RE/MAX Collection’s charity of choice,the Children's Miracle Network. Post City Magazines and
Brad Lamb 25 YEARS IS THE MAGIC NUMBER
Generally speaking, whether you buy it in a downturn, an upturn or flat market, hold the property for at least 25 years. The returns on invested capital will be 15 to 25 per cent a year. PICK YOUR EXPOSURE CAREFULLY
People often want south exposure, but south exposure can be hot year round. West is the worst exposure because the sun bakes you six hours a day. For me, the best is northern exposure, because you get reflected light and brightness. —Brad Lamb, developer and founder of Brad J. Lamb Realty
the Rotman School of Management have also donated a further amount raised from ticket sales to The Centre for Women and Trans People at the University of Toronto on behalf of our panellists and you, our incredible readers.
spread about the advantages of owning multiple properties, people are going to be hardpressed to sell, and then that's like a fundamental part of the inventory issue that we're going to continue to have. POST: Let's go to Hilary and then we'll finish with Jeanhy. HILARY: Well, I have really been astounded
by the fact that we have all of these extraordinary buildings downtown that are now empty commercial buildings. And I'm wondering at what stage — when we're talking about a lack of supply, and Jennifer is talking about the New York model of rentals where the majority of people in New York actually don't have an expectation of ownership — [people] have a hope for a good apartment at an affordable rent, knowing that they do have protections, which are there for the tenant without completely being one-sided and making it not work for the landlord. I think if we can get to that mentality in Toronto, I think it would solve an enormous amount of the housing issues, if we can get the mindset to change from there being a sense of entitlement to ownership of properties within what is a major city. It isn't like that in most major cities. It just isn't. People rent. And there are all these magnificent buildings in the core of our city just sitting there empty. And will they or will they not ever be populated the way they were before? Will it make sense to bring people back simply because the buildings exist? Can those buildings be evaluated in what it would take to turn them from commercial into residential? I just think it's a massive possibility of solving a lot of issues. No idea what really is going to happen. Nobody does. COVID will end. Will that bring everybody back to the office in droves? I'm not so sure. POST: And Jeanhy, the final word. JEANHY: Well, I think I agree with
my fellow panellists. I think though we have a tale of two markets here, I think on the private sector side or the ownership side. I agree with what everyone has said. But I'm optimistic. My prediction is optimistic that perhaps we're at a tipping point this year, where, finally, we are going to see people more open to new ideas on how to increase affordable housing, rental supply in particular. Perhaps we're at that tipping point. COVID exacerbated a lot of the issues that were already there. So that's my optimistic prediction for the upcoming year: is that financial institutions, investors, private investors, philanthropists perhaps will be a bit more open to some new ideas and new approaches to tackling some of the other affordable housing issues in our city.
Download and listen to the Roundtable podcast on iTunes
APRIL 2022
period, we will continue to be a wonderful place to live, and we will continue to have a shortage of supply, and we simply cannot build fast enough. No matter what happens, we won't be keeping up with demand. Although interest rates are a really big variable.
control. And I think that the higher interest rate is growing slowly will slow the market. But I agree with Jennifer, the market is so undersupplied that the fundamentals are so strong. So you're not going to see a decline in prices, but you're going to see them moderating. And that would be a very good thing.
| POST |
PREDICTIONS CONTINUED
COVER STORY
27
28
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
FASHION
CURRENTS
SHOE TRENDS TO KICK OFF SPRING @TSC
Spring is here, and there’s nothing better than a new pair of shoes to get ready for the warmer weather. Whether it’s heels, clogs or a fresh pair of sneakers that you’re looking for, Jeanne Beker has affordable and luxury options for them all.
SPLURGE CHANEL $1,250 “This block heel pump is to die for. It's gorgeous. It looks incredibly comfortable, very practical, very timeless. This shoe is very feminine and delicate and just classic Chanel.” Chanel.com
Sling-ba s
SAVE
BANDOLINO $110 “It’s so great to see that Heel Boy has this style at a fraction of the price. It’s faux leather with a little kitten heel, which is very on trend. It looks very rich, elegant and high fashion.” Heelboy.com
SPLURGE WANT LES ESSENTIELS $425 “These have a great platform of a sole. They’re very sporty, but also very artful with the detailing on the side. These shoes are built for comfort as well as style.” Wantlesessentiels.com
Sneakers SAVE CALL IT SPRING $44.99 “The mesh here is really stylish and on trend, and will make for a more lightweight shoe. I love the styling of the arched platform here as well.” Callitspring.com
Clogs MIU MIU $1,250 SPLURGE “You're looking at a big fashion statement with these. They’re very trendy with the big, bulky chain on the front and the studs.”
RUN PONY PONY $280 “I like the modernity and the minimalism of the very sleek upper on these go-anywhere clogs, and they’re handmade to order in Toronto so you’re getting a really exclusive look.” Runponypony.com
Jeanne Beker | One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on fashion, Jeanne has covered the industry for more than 30 years. Now watch her on TSC’s Style Matters with Jeanne Beker or tune into her new podcast Beyond Style Matters.
| POST |
SAVE
APRIL 2022
Ssense.com
29
CURRENTS
DAILY PLANET
Undermining science in defence of Canadian oil The Ukraine war is not an opportunity to tout fossil fuel misinformation It’s a tragic truth that some people are willing to inflict unfathomable suffering and death for the sake of power and wealth. From Russia’s aggression in Ukraine to the push for continued climate-altering fossil fuel expansion, selfish gain means more to some than the health and well-being of our children and grandchildren and those yet to be born. Take the decades-spanning efforts to downplay and deny the evidence of human-caused climate disruption — efforts that have accelerated in recent days, as the fossil fuel industry and its political and media allies cynically use the Russia-Ukraine crisis to advocate for increased development and expansion of the products and infrastructure they tout. Alberta’s premier tweeted, “Now if Canada really wants to help defang Putin, then let’s get some pipelines built.” He fails to acknowledge that the pipes are largely being made by a company 60 per cent owned by Russian
The fossil fuel industry’s own scientists have warned against pipelines
oligarchs — one with close ties to Putin — and that the Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo) owns half a million shares of a Russian investment fund the largest holdings of which are in Russian fossil fuel companies Gazprom, Sberbank and Lukoil. The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report,
Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, explains the dangers of deception: “Rhetoric and misinformation on climate change and the deliberate undermining of science have contributed to misperceptions of the scientific consensus, uncertainty, disregarded risk and urgency, and dissent.” It’s not that everyone who denies or downplays climate science is
We’re welcoming a new look. We’re updating our look with a fresh, new feel. Combined with a host of amenities and personalized services, there has never been a better time to explore retirement living with us.
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
Don’t wait to discover The Annex. Call today to book your tour and ask about our exclusive offers, personalized to you!
30
The Annex
123 Spadina Rd., Toronto 416-961-6446 • reveraliving.com
uncaring or, worse, sociopathic. Those with power often exploit the uneducated and uninformed to further their own ends — and in many cases work to degrade education systems to prevent people from acquiring critical thinking and logic skills. The fossil fuel industry’s own scientists accurately warned about the climate consequences of profligate fossil fuel burning 45 years ago. Most opinion writers who sow doubt, confusion and misinformation about climate disruption aren’t ignorant enough to outright reject mountains of accumulating evidence — including what people everywhere are plainly experiencing! So why do they oppose what is clearly necessary? Part of it may be fear — fear of change, of losing illusory power and wealth, of having to think differently. Much of it’s rooted in selfishness, of taking what they can while they can, under the assumption that negative consequences won’t affect
them, either because their wealth and power will insulate them or because impacts won’t kick in until after they’re gone. It’s profoundly sad that we’re being led by so many shortsighted, narrow-minded people. It’s time for a radical shift. Interested in learning more about David Suzuki? Toronto author Elizabeth MacLeod recently published Meet David Suzuki, a Scholastic Canada Biography for readers ages 6 to 10. The book details his experiences as a young boy in British Columbia, his education and his work to bring attention to climate change. You can find it at your local bookstore! DAVID SUZUKI
David Suzuki is the host of the CBC’s The Nature of Things and author of more than 30 books on ecology (with contributions from senior editor and writer Ian Hanington).
GREAT ESCAPES
CURRENTS
The BEEZ KNEEZ Nursery School FOR CHILDREN 18 MONTHS - 4 YEARS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SEPTEMBER 2022
Morning, afternoon, full day or extended programs available from 7:45 am - 5:00 pm Visit www.Beezkneez.ca or call 416 487 8847 for a tour.
Long Point’s wilderness suites offer a sustainable glamping experience
4 eco-resorts to celebrate Earth Day Take a walk on Ontario’s wild side this spring
Located in a little valley amongst the rolling hills of beautiful OroMedonte, Glen Oro Farm offers a stunning eco-retreat that allows you to sleep under the stars in a bubble dome. Surrounded by ancient hardwood forest, it’s easy to spend hours wandering the trails and taking in the sights. To further unwind, the property houses a cedar barrel sauna heated by a Finnish wood stove. But the real magic comes at night, when the
Zipping over the trees at Long Point
With the goal of allowing guests to appreciate the natural beauty of Long Point, while also sustaining the ecosystems and habitats that thrive in the region, Long Point Eco Adventures has built out an incredible — and sustainable — glamping experience. The wilderness suites, cabins and pods allow for a memorable stay amongst the flora, fauna and unique shorelines of the Biosphere Reserve. The pods offer an amazing opportunity for guests to come and stay in groups, sharing a private fire pit and outdoor shower with their cluster, while still having individual units to retire to at night. With a restaurant overlooking Turkey Point Marsh, a winery just off the property and activities like zip lining and paddle boarding, there’s no shortage of things to do at this retreat. www.lpfun.ca
An off-the-grid tree house camping retreat in Muskoka
Nestled away in Muskoka, Retreet offers rustic cabin experiences that truly allow you to immerse yourself in nature. With an assortment of lowimpact, self-sustainable ecocabins, this is a nature enthusiast’s paradise. From off-the-grid tree houses to stunning A-frames, the property extends over 12 acres and is a haven of stunning greenery, a meandering river and plenty of wildlife. To add to the experience, there’s also axe throwing, archery, hiking trails, a sauna and more, all on property. www.retreet.info
www.chocolatecharm.ca (416) 787-4256 Closed Saturdays • Open Sundays Delivery • Visa, MC & Amex 3541 Bathurst Street (Across from Baycrest)
Hanging out with alpacas and goats in Niagara
Riverside Oasis Farm offers a unique glamping experience where you can stay in a traditional Mongolian yurt and hang out with the alpacas, goats and sheep at the farm. With an emphasis on respect for the land, for community and for the utilization of local resources, this destination allows you to connect with a more traditional way of life. Whether you’re learning about and feeding the animals or cosying up by the wood-burning stove with a book, the peacefulness of the property is sure to bring you some serenity. This retreat is perfect for couples or for families with young kids with a passion for nature. www.riversideoasisfarm.ca
Specialized treatment for Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Separation/Divorce Counseling, Eating Disorders, Addictions and Sleep Disorders
For more information, please contact Dr. Randy Katz:
APRIL 2022
A stargazer’s delight in a bubble in Oro-Medonte
sun goes down and the moon and stars have their moment to shine. There’s nothing quite like looking up at the stars on a clear night, when you’re just far enough from the city to escape the light pollution and truly witness the magnificent night sky — and within the comfort of a king-sized bed, all cosied up in the loft of the Stargazer Dome. Well, that’s simply spectacular. Make sure you’re comfortable with heights before booking this loft space! www.glenoro.com
Kosher for Passover under COR Gift Baskets, Trays and Platters Chocolate Matzahs and Seder Plates Pareve Chocolates, Bark and Mints
| POST |
The sound of birds singing at dawn. The smell of campfire. The way the stars illuminate the night sky. These are a few of my favourite things. Our beautiful Earth is filled with so many wonders that are so easy to take for granted as we go about our day-to-day lives. Reconnecting with nature brings me to a place of peace — and it is within these smaller moments that I feel most serene. Thankfully, Ontario is filled with so many incredible outdoor experiences that allow for just that: reconnecting with nature. From zipping from tree to tree in Long Point to going off the grid in a tree house in Muskoka, I’ve fallen in love with eco-retreats. Not only are they incredibly fun and naturally beautiful, but these accommodations focus on sustainability. In honour of Earth Day this year, I’m rounding up my favourite eco-retreats around Toronto.
by Kaitlin Narciso
Passover Gifts Made Deliciously Easy!
99/101/107 Dupont Street, Toronto, ON M5R 1V4 416 R 515 R 2649 www.theclinicondupont.com info@theclinicondupont.com 31
CURRENTS
LOCAL GRADUATES
Big Brother Canada’s Arisa Cox on her path to the top The reality TV host has already made an impact as one of the show’s new executive producers by Julia Mastroianni
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
If you’ve tuned into the newest season of Big Brother Canada since it premiered on March 2, you’ve seen Arisa Cox working her magic as the host of the reality show. Cox has been there from the start, 10 years ago, when she began as the host, and has since added executive producer to her title. But Cox says the path to where she is now was anything but linear. “I wish I could say I planned every step of the way – but I didn’t!” she says. “As a kid I wanted to be a fashion designer and [U.S. fashion journalist] André Leon Talley’s bestie, obviously.” As a student in the Claude Watson Arts program at Earl Haig Secondary School since Grade 4, Cox says she was a jack of all trades, enjoying making art, singing, dancing and performing. “I had a lot of friends that were working actors. I was not! It
32
REPORT CARD STUDENT:
Arisa Cox GRADUATED:
Earl Haig Secondary School BEST SUBJECT:
Writer’s Craft WORST SUBJECT:
Finite (Math) CURRENT JOB:
Host and Executive Producer
Cox became an executive producer on the show in 2020
wasn't until later in life I began to understand how my collection of talents, interests and knowledge was a strength,” she says. After high school, Cox entered journalism school at Carleton University. It was there that she fell in love with TV journalism. Cox’s career after that became
a who’s who of Canadian television’s iconic moments: she ended up a cast member on Canada’s first big reality show U8TV: The Lofters, a host on E! (Canada), an on-air CTV Ottawa reporter and even an actor in Disney’s Camp Rock. Then, in 2013, she was named
the host of Big Brother Canada ahead of its inaugural season, 13 years after the U.S. original franchise debuted. “Sometimes, if you surrender to enjoying the moment you're in — really staying present — the future opens up in ways you couldn't have predicted,” Cox says of the opportunity. That has been true for her role on Big Brother Canada, especially since her new position as executive producer on the show. “That evolution is the highlight of my career. Hosting the show while also having a big hand in casting and editorial decisions has felt so right,” she says. Cox has been outspoken about increasing diversity on the show, and her influence has clearly made an impact. This season features 10 of 16 house members who are people of colour, including Jay Northcott of Toronto. (Last season, Toronto’s
Tychon Carter-Newman made history as the first Black winner of the show.) “The cast this season is incredible and has provided a lot of firsts,” Cox says. “That includes our first Acadian house
“I wish I could say I planned every step of the way — but I didn’t!” guest and our first doctor — our first Afro-Indigenous doctor at that! The range of backgrounds is making for really rich stories.” Cox’s secret to making this job work? “A deep sense of curiosity and wonder at the human spirit — If you have that, journalism and its fun little sister reality TV is probably for you.”
HOW THEY MET
CURRENTS
After the trip, we were both sad to see each other go. I was hesitant about starting a long-distance relationship, and after visiting each other back and forth, it became clear that one of us would have to move to keep what we had going.
L-R: Rodson Garcia and Ross Hull with Instagram’s favourite CanadianBros
Sunny with a chance of love at first date Global News meteorologist shares how an Instagram-famous dog helped him find love
We like to believe it was actually Rodson’s first pet ( Jasper the Pomsky) who brought us together! Rodson travelled with Jasper from Calgary to Toronto in July 2016 for a social media pet influencer event. While he was in the city, we connected online and had a great chat, but by that point, Rodson was already returning to Calgary, and we weren’t able to meet in person. We remained in contact online, and we both felt there was
The pets
If you are looking for your next home or real
In the end, we like to say it’s the CanadianBros [influencers] who played a key role in bringing us together. By 2018, Rodson not only had Jasper [the pomsky], but he had added Louie [the eskiemute] to his pack, so double trouble! The Bros’ followers on Instagram were on the rise, and Rodson saw new opportunities to expand their brand in Toronto. That coincided with him looking to make a change in his own personal career as a project manager. So in August of 2018, Rodson decided to make the big move to Toronto! I had met the boys during my visits in Calgary and fell in love with them, but all of us being together in Toronto on a regular basis really cemented my role in the pack as daddy number two. Now it’s hard to imagine life without them — in fact, they’ve even dug into my work life by regularly appearing on Global News in my at-home segments and in-studio. You can learn more about their howling ventures on Instagram @CanadianBros or watch them on Wildlife Wednesdays on Global News.
estate investment, you need a trusted Broker
The first date
Balancing a career and relationship
I had always wanted to do a road trip through the Maritimes, so I booked some time off in 2017 to do just that. After a year of getting to know Rodson virtually, I knew he also wanted to see that part of the country, and he had some friends in Toronto to visit. What
The pandemic certainly brought this relationship challenge to the forefront — Two Men and Two Fur Babies would be the name of the sitcom. Rodson’s work turned fully work from home, while I’ve been on a hybrid schedule with Global. Trying to manage his
“We like to say it’s the dogs who
with access. At Harvey Kalles Real Estate, we have been working with the best builders and brokers in the New Homes & Condos sector for decades, and have your key to the city.
The Pemberton Yorkville’s Signature Address Register for access.
The Penthouse Collection at One Delisle Call today for your private preview.
The Briar by PlazaCorp Luxury Towns in Lytton Park. Register for details.
played a key role in bringing us together.” better way to get to know someone than to do something we both enjoy — exploring new places and creating travel adventures. So, I casually asked if he’d be interested to go on the trip with me, leaving from Toronto (fully expecting him to politely decline). Surprisingly, he said yes! So we set off on our nine-day “first date” road trip headed toward our first stop, Quebec City — where we finally were able to have our first real sitdown dinner together.
meetings with my shoots, while also making sure Jasper and Louie’s playtime/walk needs are being met, all in the relatively confined space of a one-bedroom downtown condo, has led to some hilarious yet sometimes stressful behind-the-scenes chaos. For the record, to date we have both never missed a deadline and no wardrobe malfunctions either, except trying to get Jasper into his many outfits when he is growing his fluffy winter coat.
REGISTER NOW vipaccess@harveykalles.com 416.441.2888 | harveykalles.com
Harvey Kalles Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage and its representatives make no representation as to the accuracy and will not be held responsible for any discrepancies. We do not represent the builder, we represent you. All renderings, pricing, incentives and other information are subject to change without notice. Renderings are artists concept. E&O.E.
APRIL 2022
How they met
something worth exploring . A year later, we finally met in person in Toronto for our first date!
The GTA condo market is hotter than ever.
| POST |
For over 20 years, Ross Hull has been delivering to Canadians the weather news they need as a meteorologist for the top news outlets across the country. Since moving to Toronto, Hull has worked at Global News. If his face looks familiar while sharing the chance of precipitation on your TV, there’s a reason. You might recognize him from his starring role in YTV’s 1990s horror anthology series Are You Afraid of the Dark? Hull shared the details of his and his partner Rodson Garcia’s serendipitous meeting and how their Instagram-famous dogs reunited the pair.
REGISTER FOR VIP ACCESS
33
SPRING SHOPPING GUIDE
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
Rolex • Patek • Cartier • Omega • Breitling • Audemars Piguet • IWC
34
Since 1985 90 Eglinton Avenue East
info@workspacegroup.ca
416-440-0123
Visit us online: www.vanrijk.com
Estate Jewellery and Watches
Tues. Wed. Fri. 10:30am–5:30pm Thurs. 10:30am–6:30pm Sat. 11:00am–5:00pm Sun. Mon. Closed
TASTE TEST
FOOD
ROLL INTO SPRING With warm weather approaching, we had DaiLo chef Nick Liu, best known for his unique, updated takes on Chinese cuisine, sample spring rolls from across the city. He took a tour across Asian cuisines and flavour profiles to find his favourite, with just the right crunch and spice.
All six spring rolls are available on Uber Eats, Ritual and DoorDash, as well as phone and online delivery and for dine-in.
@kwandimsumgta
kwan-dimsum.com, $5.95/3
@kwandimsumgta
What drew Liu to these spring rolls was the shrimp they’re made with. “This is the way I like it,” he says. “These are the things that I love,” he said. The dim sum restaurant, located in York Mills Gardens, crafts modern takes on traditional Chinese cuisine and has garnered high praise for its use of fresh ingredients in every dish. Three shrimp rolls come in every order, making them the perfect shareable starter for a dim sum experience. The three-piece spring roll appetizer is one of Kwan Dim Sum’s bestselling items, and it’s easy for Liu to see why. He couldn’t get enough of them.
@kwandimsumgta
KWAN
KWAN
DYNASTY CHINESE
C’EST BON
RIZ
CYNTHIA’S
PAI
kwan-dimsum.com, $5.95/3
dynastyyorkville.com, $3.95/1
cestbonrestaurant.com, $3.35/1
rizonyonge.com, $13/4
cynthiaschinese.com, $6.50/3
paitoronto.com, $12/3
“It’s really beautiful on the outside, really well rolled. The flavour is amazing.”
“This one is trying to be a vegetarian spring roll, I’m pretty sure. It tastes like tinned mushrooms, not fresh ones.”
“It’s a little on the blander side. It could use more seasoning. But I like that it has a lot of different textures.”
“I like the crispiness. The flavour is appealing to me, and the balance of seasoning is solid.”
“I like the size. I like the shape. It looks like a good roll. Very simple but kind of nostalgic.”
“The texture is unique, because it’s got glass noodles and woodier mushrooms. It’s well rolled.”
| POST |
RUNNER-UP
WINNER
APRIL 2022
L-R: Kwan Dim Sum's shrimp spring rolls, dim sum options at the North York restaurant, the shrimp spring rolls
35
SPRING SHOPPING GUIDE
SPECIALIZES IN AGING & SUN-DAMAGE TIRED OR ANGRY EXPRESSION LOOSE & SAGGY SKIN LINES & WRINKLES BROWN SPOTS & FACIAL VEINS ACNE & ROSACEA STUBBORN FAT DEPOSITS
To book a consultation please call: 416.483.4541 www.GidonAesthetics.com
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
1849 Yonge St., Suite 307 Toronto
36
P
PROFILE
FOOD
Iron Chef encore How culinary icon Susur Lee and his son have garnered millions of new fans on TikTok by Ben Kaplan
L-R: Kai Bent-Lee, Jet Bent-Lee, chef Susur Lee and Levi Bent-Lee
right now,” Chef tells Jet, who loves good-naturedly ribbing his famous dad. The videos work because Chef is brilliant, the concept is hilarious and Jet brings out his dad’s warmth. Susur Lee is not involved in the video’s editing and it wasn’t his idea. But to see him play around with his boy in the kitchen is so compelling that the Starbucks clip has been viewed more than 17 million times. Chef sounds dismayed and delighted by its surprise success. “It’s serious, but funny, and Jet knows how to capture me just right,” says Susur Lee, who also appeared on a little show called Iron Chef, where he battled American celebrities like Bobby Flay. “I think Jet’s going to help bring in a new generation to Susur [restaurant], I told my staff: it’s time to start checking ID.” One thing it’s definitely time for is a return to fine dining in Toronto and, with the warmer weather coming, Lee says that the city is hungry for indulgent fun. He says his focus this spring is on pampering his guests and making sure the room feels vibrant and cool.
“We’re doing old school, seven-course tastings with wine pairings but really good cooking — reduction of sauces — and the whole restaurant has a buzzy excited vibe,” says Lee, adding that he’s incorporating dishes like roasted oysters and braised beef to a menu already laden with standouts like French and Chinese tong yuen, signature sla, and his infamous cheeseburger spring roll. “This season, it’s all about bringing Susur back to the old days — decadent, delicious, gourmet food.” Chef isn’t sure, beyond lowering the average age of his tables, how his popularity on TikTok might impact his business, but he readily admits that his latest dalliance with fame — alongside his celebrity son — is giving everyone an adrenaline jolt just at the exact moment the city is craving some buzz. “I’m in a happy place and really just want to be creative and focus on the vibe of the city and making things great,” he says. “I want people to get excited and, if the TikToks help do that, I’m happy — cooking, like family, is my life.”
A TIMELINE OF SUSUR LEE’S SUCCESS 1978 Susur Lee emigrates from Hong Kong to Toronto. 1987 Acclaimed restaurant Lotus opens at 108 Chestnut St. 1997 Susur Lee takes his family to Singapore to consult for TungLok Group. 2000 Chef Lee returns to Toronto and opens the eponymous restaurant Susur. 2004 Lee, Susur’s high-energy sister restaurant, is unveiled. 2014 Luckee opens, Lee’s restaurant with partner Henry Wu. 2015 Lee Kitchen, a bistro-style eatery, opens at Pearson Airport.
APRIL 2022
admire that. Like, even with me, when he told me that the Panda Express video was one of my best, it touched my heart. To get praised by Jet is very cool.” Lee has been cool since he opened Lotus, his first restaurant in Toronto, in 1987. To own and manage a restaurant group that’s been setting trends in each of the last five decades is an accomplishment that’s nearly unequalled, not just in Canada, but around the world. To speak to Chef — who laughs often and still works the line most nights at Lee, his flagship, upscale King Street restaurant, which aims to bring luxury back to our postCOVID city — is to feel inspired. He’s not exactly humble, but he’s hungry. Watch the TikTok videos he made with Jet, and you can see someone comfortable both in front of the camera and in his own skin. When, wearing socks, he turns a caramel frappuccino and a cake pop into a gourmet dessert, it’s a marvel of cooking — the reduced sauce, the spontaneous innovation, the exploratory lemon zest and surprise vanilla extract — and a charming glimpse into a warm family life.
| POST |
Chef Susur Lee is amongst the most acclaimed artists to ever don an apron in this country. Winner of nearly every accolade a chef can earn and the recipient of praise from every esteemed publication that writes about food — one of the first Torontonians to receive international raves for his eclectic, fusion cuisine — Lee, long hair flowing, is a fixture in magazines and on TV. Lee was gracious enough to chat with Post City Magazines, where he’s been a longtime friend, about his recent celebrity turn on TikTok, the youthcentric social media app that’s seen him explode due to his hilarious, mind-blowing remixes of food from Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, Panda Express and Starbucks. His son, Jet Bent-Lee, however, was too busy for the interview. “Jet went to better schools and uses bigger words than my other two boys, and he’s just very … unique,” says Lee with an admiring laugh, adding that his youngest son’s cool is part of the intergenerational appeal of the 2022 TikToking Susur Lee. “He doesn’t like to say too much and I
37
Real Estate Tips: Nicola Wealth Shares its Rewarding Approach to Real Estate Investing Nicola Wealth clients enjoy the benefits of investing in real estate without some of the stress and headaches They seem to be doing something right at Nicola Wealth. The firm’s dedicated real estate division, Nicola Wealth Real Estate (NWRE), led by Mark Hannah, Managing Director, has seen some positive performance from their real estate portfolio regardless of the volatility of the pandemic. Their in-house acquisition and asset-management specialists attribute this success to the diversity of their portfolio, their ability to keep their finger on the pulse, and ultimately being able to act quickly on opportunities in major markets. Taking an entrepreneurial approach to investing in real estate through which their team of more than 50 professionals employs; NWRE monitors industry trends and acts quickly. Preferring off-market opportunities, they use a creative lens to find opportunities to add value instead of just buying existing real estate to clip a rental coupon. The firm has applied this strategy for years; boasting 19 acquisitions over in 2021 alone, adding to their Canadian income properties, US income properties, and value-add/development opportunities. While almost everyone can agree that real estate is an attractive investment these days, the team at Nicola Wealth has a few words of advice to help avoid common mistakes that can have significant impacts on your outcome. For example, Alex Messina, Director of Acquisitions at NWRE, warns against treating real estate as anything less than an active business.
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
“It’s not as simple as clicking a button to buy a property and letting a property manager take it from there,” he says. “There is a lot of work that goes into underwriting good investment opportunities, completing due diligence and
38
closing. From there, the real work begins where you need to understand mortgage financing, asset management, and leasing to maximize value. We have a team with specialists in all of these disciplines.” It appears that diversity is key. Avoid putting all of your real estate “eggs in one basket,” opting instead for variety by asset class and geography, and watching for opportunities that are open-ended, which essentially equates to liquidity. Preparing for volatility in the market means conservative underwriting—don’t get trapped into thinking that prices will just keep going up; make sure the numbers work based on today’s value. “It also means investors need to be disciplined in their approach to acquisitions,” Messina says. “We take the view that if we can’t get a deal at the right price, there is always another bus coming. We also look for multiple ways out of the room.” For example, if you buy raw land and the development is delayed or stalled, you’re stuck. But if there are existing buildings with holding cash flow income, you can continue to lease those buildings. “We like to have back-up plans,” Messina says. From a leasing perspective, NWRE always looks at buildings with good leasing appeal that will attract a wide variety of tenants. Remember that when markets turn, premier locations will typically offer more flexibility from leasing, sales, and liquidity standpoints.
“We can’t control if lease rates in the market soften, but we want to make sure that we have properties that will attract strong interest from tenants so we can ensure cash flow,” Messina says. Finally, investors need to be prepared for the inevitable rise in interest rates. NWRE has been proactive at locking in mortgage rates for the company’s long-term leased assets to hedge against higher interest rates in the midterm. “This also impacts our acquisition strategy as we look for assets where we can increase rents in the future to offset rising interest rate costs, instead of acquiring assets that are leased longterm at fixed rents,” Messina says. While investing in hard-asset real estate can reap rewards and tips from professionals can help you on your way; remember, it requires significant time,
capital, expertise, and good ol’ hard work. It might be best to leave it to the experts – and that’s where Nicola Wealth comes in. Messina says. “Our end goal is to relieve our clients of the burden of sourcing and managing properties, while striving for the best possible returns.” This material contains the current opinions of the author and such opinions are subject to change without notice. This material is distributed for informational purposes only. Forecasts, estimates, and certain information contained herein are based upon proprietary research and should not be considered as investment advice or a recommendation of any particular security, strategy or investment product. All investments contain risk and may gain or lose value. Nicola Wealth is registered as a Portfolio Manager, Exempt Market Dealer and Investment Fund Manager with the required provincial securities commissions.
FEATURE
FOOD
$75 noshow fees? Restaurants are charging huge per-head cancellation fees. Is anyone complaining? by Erica Commisso
Osteria Giulia is one of several T.O. restaurants that have introduced cancellation fees
the simple pleasures again and feel freedom to dine as they once did with friends and family when they want,” he continues. “The apps we use, like OpenTable, have great reminders and cancellation notifications set up that allow proper notice, so we are easily able to rebook the table. I am confident our clients will rebook again and will appreciate our flexibility.” Il Covo’s Ryan Campbell is somewhere in the middle, understanding and relating to both sides of the decision.
cited, very real consequence that will affect restaurants and businesses in the city for an extended period of time, even though restaurant restrictions have been virtually lifted. With food shortages driving up the price of produce and operations costs increasing, Uber Eats still raised its delivery cut back to its pre-pandemic rate, meaning it will take an even bigger cut and drive restaurant profits down again.
“It’s really just an incentive for people to show up. Nobody wants to lose their money. It makes the guest take responsibility for their reservation.” “It’s a tough one,” he says. “We are in hospitality, offering the best of ourselves to our guests every single day we step up to the plate. Certainly no restaurant looks to create distance between themselves and their guests, so when restaurants do charge that no-show fee, it’s because the business cannot sustain the no-show.” “Wages are higher, ingredients cost way more these days, and rent is no cheaper than it was,” Campbell says. The implication that these factors offer no post-pandemic relief to restaurants is an often-
“So many restaurants are on there just to be seen and stay relevant, not to make profits,” Campbell says. With the food industry hit as hard as it was over two years of lockdowns, profits from takeout and delivery operations were not enough to sustain reduced capacities and empty tables. So requiring a credit card to reserve on reservation sites like OpenTable allows restaurant owners to manage expectations and adjust accordingly. It also ensures that they are making — or at least coming close to making — the
profits they need to stay open. The pandemic and years of lockdowns saw many businesses permanently close their doors, unable to overcome the rising fees and lack of profits as a result of mandated closures. The cancellation fee model, as Liu argues, incentivizes guests to show up for their reservations, ensuring that more restaurants do not become COVID casualties. Alternatively, though, Eliopolous argues that it’s an isolating experience for the customers who, like the business owners, often have had their livelihood affected by the pandemic, with reduced hours and temporary layoffs spreading across the city and forcing many into debt. Restaurant fees have been debated for years, with American news outlets like Slate, Eater and Business Insider publishing pieces on the fees as early as 2013. But in a post-pandemic world, they seem to be on the rise, at least in the city of Toronto. But there is some hope that, as COVID-19 cases slip, the world recovers and whatever version of normalcy cities can endure becomes a sustainable reality, restaurants and businesses can recover — though it may take months or even years — and return to a place where an empty table may not mean a risk of closure. Until then, some will use fees to make sure the seats are full. 39 APRIL 2022
to lose their money. It makes the guest take responsibility for their reservation,” he says, noting that the 24-hour grace period gives people the opportunity to cancel for pandemic-related reasons. “Most people that cancelled because of COVID-19 have been within the 24 hours,” he says. By and large, no one has given Liu and DaiLo any trouble for the $20 cancellation fees. “For the most part, our guests are understanding. We are pretty understanding that things change, people get sick and life happens. All we ask for is 24 hours so we can rebook the table,” he says. “In my opinion, the only reason there would be any pushback is if they’re making a reservation with the intention of maybe not showing up.” Conversely, other restaurants have decided to skip on the cancellation fees entirely. Petros82, for example, has opted against the reservation cancellation fee. “Everyone has been hit so hard by COVID-19, and it goes without saying that the hospitality industry was one of the hardest hit; however, we are so grateful for our clients support, so to charge people during these still uncertain times, if they are unable to make a reservation or to secure a reservation, seems simply like another restriction or obstacle we don’t need,” says owner Peter Eliopoulos. “I want people to enjoy
| POST |
With the hospitality industry trying to revive itself after nearly two years of pandemic-related closures, restaurants across Toronto have come up with a new way to ensure that people are not skipping out on their reservations. Cancellation fees have started to pop up across the city, with some restaurants, like Little Italy’s Giulietta and its sister restaurant Osteria Giulia, charging as much as $75 to cancel a reservation. Alo, too, charges $50 cancellation fees. These fees apply for both noshows and reservations cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled time. But, none of the restaurants’ patrons seem to have any issue with it. Other restaurants are charging cancellation fees with a smaller price tag. “We are charging $20 per head with a 24-hour grace period. It’s essential for restaurants right now not to lose tables,” says DaiLo‘s Nick Liu. “Lots of people make multiple reservations at different restaurants, and we just need people to be responsible for noshows. If a table doesn’t show up, that’s a possible $200 loss in income.” Liu says he settled on $20 as it was enough to make people not want to lose the cash, but not enough to seem greedy or offensive. “It’s really just an incentive for people to show up. Nobody wants
FOOD
NEWS
17 Bayview Ridge, Bayview/York Mills
$10,800,000. Luxury appointed 11,000 sq. ft. Living Space 7+1 bedroom, 7 bathroom boasting a pool, cabana, sport court, 3 car garage. French Provincial palatial estate overlooking Rosedale Golf Course. Co-Listed with Belinda Lelli, Sales Representative.
Steven Green
Saman Motahari
steven@homesweethometoronto.com
Saman.motahari@royallepage.ca
Sales Representative
416-990-2313
Broker
416-824-3929
Royal LePage Real Estate Services, Ltd., Brokerage
Oretta Midtown’s arancini alla ‘nudja
New Yonge & Eg eatery serves up rustic Italian Oretta Midtown offers seafood alongside classic southern cuisine by Raquel Farrington
WHO WE ARE We are the GTA’s most trusted move managers. We’ll coordinate and oversee all your move related logistics...so you don’t have to! Our all-female team of packers is discreet, dependable and will pack your home so you remain organized during this big transition.
PACKING SERVICES SALE & DISTRIBUTION OF FURNITURE
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
ESTATE CLEARING
40
DOWNSIZING & NEW HOME SETUP
416-937-0499
L U X U RY M O V E M A N A G E M E N T. C O M
Oretta opened its second location rustic, southern Italian cuisine. on Feb. 3, serving up classic The kitchen is helmed by chef de Italian fare and modern day cuisine Darren Couto, the former classics in the bustling Yonge and Oretta King sous-chef. The interior vibes are as Eglinton area. The reimagined Oretta Midtown is a seafood immaculate as the menu, with the lover’s paradise with options like same trendy, art deco interior as the branzino alla puttanesca the King West outpost. Awash in (Mediterranean sea bass, caper purple, orange, pink saffron, blue berries, olive, chili and oregano) and olive green, bold geometry or the involtini di pesce and beautiful detailed wall spada (sliced swordfish art will have you roulade, caciocavallo, snapping pics of pine nuts, focaccia more than just your STAR crumble, capers, meal. With large CONNECTION fennel salad and w i n d o w s Former Leaf Tomas salmoriglio). surrounding the Kaberle and his wife For something restaurant, Oretta Julia are Oretta to share as you and Midtown is a investors. your friends sip on brighter, airier space, Gran Paradiso complemented by an cocktails, Oretta has just open-concept kitchen. the thing to transport you to the “Midtown is the perfect fresh air of northwestern Italy’s location due to the upcoming and Piemonte region. Opt for the developing Yonge and Eglinton Grigliate Miste section, with two area,” says a representative from different kinds of grilled meat Oretta Midtown. “We want to boards: the di pesce (a mixture of bring the Oretta experience closer different kinds of seafood) or the to those who live on the outskirts di carne, which includes grilled of the city, and Midtown has veal, lamb and pork. Tons of shown to be vibrant and pizzas and pastas are available welcoming.” too. Oretta Midtown also offers Oretta Midtown offers a menu brunch every weekend from 10 of pretty, IG-worthy cocktails and a.m. to 3 p.m. Swing by 2131 some of the popular dishes from Yonge St. Monday to Sunday for the King West location, with a seafood and rustic Italian eats. few additional items inspired by
NEWS
FOOD
L-R: Chef and owner Ben Slan, a Texas-style platter with all the fixings
Midtown’s latest and greatest BBQ spot Benny’s Barbecue took over the former Alleycatz space When popular jazz bar Alleycatz closed down in the summer of 2020, it left a gaping hole in the Yonge and Eglinton live music scene. But now, a new locally owned restaurant, Benny’s Barbecue, is giving the space some life again. On Wednesdays through Sundays, the craft smokehouse serves up carefully smoked goodness, from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., or until the restaurant runs out of meat. Menu options include barbecue platters, brisket (both lean and fatty and a combination of the two), pulled pork, smoked turkey breast, ribs and more. And each order comes with a side of pickles, coleslaw and fresh buns, with all Texas barbecue recipes crafted by chef Ben Slan himself, with assistant pitmaster Andrew Golden helping to manage the
barbecue reins. In May 2021, Benny’s Barbecue started as a catering and delivery business with weekly pickups out of Slan’s parents’ basement. But with success, it has expanded to include a dine-in and a takeout option at the new 2409 Yonge St. space, where the building is tucked into an alley and surrounded by other eateries (of course, this setup is where Alleycatz got the name). The new space officially opened on March 9 (after a soft launch about a week earlier), and will feature rotating dine-in specials as time goes on. For savoury sweet treats, Benny’s Barbecue hired a baker, whose expertise brings goods like cheesy jalapeno cornbread and s’mores pie to the Benny’s menu, adding a decadent finish to Texas barbecue.
To turn Alleycatz into Benny’s Barbecue, the space underwent some renovations, including changing the flooring and adding some bright paint colours to the walls to create the feeling of a more open space. But odes to the Mediterranean eatery and live jazz club still remain in the new barbecue restaurant, like the massive wood bar and the stone wall. Of course, it’s an entirely different life for the former Alleycatz space, with smoky scents and the sounds of sizzling grills wafting from the building instead of jazz tunes and Mediterranean eats. But the local element remains, and the intimate neighbourhood feel of Benny’s Barbecue fits the brand’s come up story. Ben Slan made his dream come true. —Erica Commisso
of friends and order the fan-favourite Bomb Lati, a humongous, $23 sandwich that feeds two to three people and comes stuffed with a beef hot dog, shaved chicken, fried sausage and mozzarella cheese, with fresh veggies and hickory sticks for a salty fresh crunch. Wash it all down with Istak, a non-alcoholic malt beverage that comes in peach, lemon and mint flavours. You can also opt for plates and bowls, like Topol’s mexican corn or its sosis plate, piled high with Persian sausage and fries and then smothered in cheese. The family behind Topol Sandwich runs several restaurants across the GTA with over 15 years of experience and no plans to slow down. Swing by the 8 Kingsdale Ave. eatery every day from 11:00 a.m. to midnight for takeout, or cosy up inside the intimate indoor dining space. —Raquel Farrington
| POST |
Looking for a huge, sub-style sandwich for lunch or dinner? Topol Sandwich has you covered with massive submarines chock full of fresh veggies, assorted meats and tangy sauces. And, Topol is all 100 per cent halal, inspired by the bold flavours of Iran. Topol Sandwich has been a mainstay in Richmond Hill and, in 2020, opened a new location in North York. Grab a classic sandwich, like chicken, beef or mortadella, or select something from the hot sandwich menu. Try the Zapata, a sub with Angus beef steak, topped with freshly sliced mushrooms, mozzarella cheese, tomato, pickle, parsley, hickory sticks and house-made Topol sauce. Or opt for the Bandari, a Persian sausage sub with all the fresh veggie fixings. Topol also offers signature Bomb sandwiches, which are stuffed submarines. Bring a small group
APRIL 2022
Fully loaded Persian subs come to Yonge & Shep
41
LOOKING BACK Before you go ... take a gander at some of our latest T.O. throwback pics!
Follow along on Post City’s Instagram @streetsoftoronto every Thursday for more. APRIL 2022 EDITION
1,032 likes
| POST | A P R I L 2 0 2 2
Initially known as A&A Books, the retail chain turned its focus to music in the ’60s, becoming A&A Records, one of the largest distributors of vinyl records in Toronto. Sadly the chain went bankrupt in 1993 after opening 260 franchises.
42
1,202 likes Pier 6, pictured in June 1973, is the oldest surviving building on Toronto’s present waterfront. Cut in half and relocated to the York Street slip in 1922, it now resides on Queens Quay with a bright red exterior as a souvenir and sweet treat hub.
763 likes ‘The Flatiron Mural,’ by renowned Canadian artist Derek Michael Besant, was unveiled in 1980. With the use of a technique called ‘trompe l'oeil,’ the wall appears to have more windows than it does, and its edges are 'fluttering' away.
1,116 likes Toronto was bustling in the 1950s as people were moving here from all over the world. This photo, looking north on Bay Street from King Street, shows the modern city that planners had envisioned, before glass and steel facades took over.
2,267 likes The Queens Quay and Spadina streetcar loop provides a lovely view of some major T.O. landmarks. This photo was taken shortly after the crisp, white cladding had been installed on the roof of the SkyDome in 1989.
1,927 likes This photo of Yonge Street looking northbound toward College Street was taken in 1972 by the City of Toronto Planning and Development Department, capturing the busy city streets of the early ’70s.
AX-APR-2022-IBC_IBC 2022-03-23 3:41 PM Page 1
/spiritofmath
AX-APR-2022-OBC_OBC 2022-03-23 3:38 PM Page 1