Village Post January 2022 by Post City Magazines

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MAGNIFICENT MULLET HOMES HERITAGE IN THE FRONT, MODERN IN THE BACK

What Chefs

Dutch-Indonesian inspired dishes at Little Sister

Want to Eat Right Now!

OUR JUDGES MASSIMO CAPRA, NUIT REGULAR, CRAIG WONG, JANET ZUCCARINI, ROGER MOOKING, ANNA CHEN, JULIE MARTELEIRA, ELIAS SALAZAR, ANN KIM AND MORE ON THEIR 2022 MUST TRYS

JANUARY 2022 · VOLUME 31 · ISSUE 5

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FROM POST CITY & STREETS OF TORONTO

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36 HAZELTON AVE. #6A

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217 LYTTON BLVD.*

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23 BARWICK DR.

437 FAIRLAWN AVE.

277 CRANBROOKE AVE.

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60 CODSELL AVE.

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345 BROOKE AVE.*

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546 MELROSE AVE.

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CONTENTS JANUARY 2022

Welcome to this month’s Post. Sit back & enjoy.

A LOVE STORY FOR THE AGES TallBoyz’s Franco Nguyen on falling in love with his elementary school crush

SNOW BOOT COUTURE Top fashion brands dip their toes in the snow with these splurge-worthy boots

CROQUE AND DAGGER French chef Didier Leroy goes on a quest for the perfect croque monsieur

JANUARY 2022 | POST |

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WHAT CHEFS WANT TO EAT NOW The city’s top chefs let us in on their must try tastes for 2022

MULLET HOMES These homes are heritage in the front and modern in the back

NEWS

CITYSCAPE

TORONTO THE GOOD

T.O.’s Erika Casupanan wins Survivor

Plus sculptor’s shrine to storied building and Raptors star starts scholarship

Surviving Toronto put Erika Casupanan in a position to kick ‘Survivor’ butt this season

Not only was she the first woman to win Survivor in four years,

Toronto’s Erika Casupanan made history, becoming the first Canadian to become Sole Survivor in the show’s 41 seasons. And, really, it’s no surprise to anyone who has had to survive in the concrete Toronto jungle for any significant period of time. You have to be tough and savvy to handle The 6ix. The 32-year-old communications manager went head-to-head in the show’s gruelling three-hour season finale, beating out Deshawn Radden, Xander Hastings, Heather Aldret and Ricard Foyé to take home the $1 million prize. When it came down to the final tribal council, it was an almost unanimous decision that saw Casupanan receiving seven of the eight votes.

Toronto sculptor John Clinton created what he calls a shrine to one

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of Toronto’s most storied buildings at 306 Davenport Rd., slated to be demolished to make way for another condo development. The twostorey building at the corner of Davenport and Bedford dates back almost a century and is the former home of Buckingham Cigarettes, a historic ghost sign for which has long clung to the side of the building and caught the eye of many passersby. The 306 Davenport bronze sculpture will be featured in his upcoming April 2022 exhibit at the Canadian Sculpture Centre.

Toronto Raptors star Fred VanVleet and the University of Toronto

announced the new Fred VanVleet Scholarship in December. The scholarship is available to students enrolled in the Rotman Commerce program and will be awarded to an “incoming domestic Black student or Indigenous student based on financial need, with preference given to a student with an interest in the Management specialist.” The scholarship will provide tuition plus a $1,000 stipend for books each year to the tune of $7,100 in the first year and $16,900 in the three subsequent years.

CITYSCAPE

THE POST INTERVIEW

Toronto needs more like Haviah Mighty On the heels of her new album and and appearance at the Grey Cup, one of the city’s most influential artists took her good fortune and paid it forward helping young Black entrepreneurs byJennifer Schembri

NEWS

BY THE NUMBERS KEANU REEVES EDITION

1984 The year Keanu Reeves had his professional acting debut on stage in a Toronto production of Wolfboy directed by Brad Fraser.

4 © Yung Yemi

The number of high schools Reeves attended in Toronto, including De La Salle and North Toronto Collegiate Institute. L-R: Haviah Mighty founded a grant program for Black entrepreneurs following her winning the Prism Prize; the album cover for ‘Stock Exchange’, Mighty's new album

I was inspired by wanting to always give back but never having the means to do that. Over the years, I was making music but not really making any money off of it, and now, I’ve reached a point where I’m blessed enough to be a full-time musician and continuing to grow in chaotic, difficult times where restrictions have made it more difficult for musicians. I’ve still been very lucky to have the opportunity to keep growing my craft and keep growing my business. What are you hoping the grants will accomplish?

Winning the Prism Prize earlier this year was kind of the turning point for me. Part of that prize was $10,000. It was unexpected capital and a big amount, and I thought, “Why don’t we just take this money and divide it and use

spired out of me putting these songs out from month to month. Initially, I didn’t want to put out an album. I just wanted to put songs out because it was hard for me to conceptualize an album in such unprecedented times. The idea was to put out these songs, and the way the songs were being received each month was what inspired the title of Stock Exchange and was what inspired [me for] them to come out as a collective.

1888 The year Keanu Reeves’s childhood Hazelton Lane home was built in Yorkville.

What has the reception been like?

We’ve received so many submissions, and the reception has been really good. I’m nervous to have to go through them all and not be able to give everybody something. It’s a bit overwhelming, actually, but it’s also exciting. It means that the word is getting out and that, hopefully, people are getting that encouragement. I’m hoping that even for the people that don’t get any monetary compensation through this giveaway, that there are ways that we can still provide encouragement. Sometimes, it’s not just money that can provide that. Just having more people follow you or are aware of you can serve as encouragement, so I’m still thinking of ways to award people who may not be the winners. We’ve had almost 100 people reach out, so I’m super excited. I understand the pandemic played a big role in making your new album.

Stock Exchange is my latest entrepreneurial installment, and it focuses on the concept of the entrepreneur trying to navigate in this time of digital perception only, and so it was in-

You’re a role model for many. Can you speak to what that’s like?

I recognize that there’s a responsibility in what I do, and being a role model is important because people look up to you and they may follow what you do or listen to what you say or take what you say as something that they can carry with them. So, from that perspective, I feel that it’s important to be aware of how people perceive me because they’re getting that impact from me.… I’m happy because I wrote these songs with the intention to have an impact on other people so that in itself is what a role model is.

194 Reeves’s’ listed weight as a six-foot-one elite hockey goaltending prospect with De La Salle college in 1981.

What do you have in store this year?

I have the tour with the Arkells in the month of February, which I’m really excited about. It will be good to get back onstage. That’s something that I’ve dabbled in, but I’ve never done a “tour, tour”: being on the road and not being able to go home for over a month. This will kind of feel like that but not for so long, so it will be nice to get my feet wet in that way.

2633 The Yonge Street address of Pastissima, a former Italian restaurant in which Reeves worked before pursuing his acting career.

JANUARY 2022

What gave rise to your idea of supporting Black-owned businesses?

it toward this idea that I had been thinking about.” And what’s behind the initiative is just wanting to give back. As a Black entrepreneur that’s young and literally never fathomed being in this position, it’s trying to find ways to transfer that excitement and encouragement that I’ve received that’s allowed me to believe in myself enough to do this to other people.

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Two years after breaking boundaries and winning the Polaris Prize for her breakthrough album Thirteenth Floor, Toronto native Haviah Mighty is back with the highly anticipated follow-up Stock Exchange, a collective of singles she’s been steadily releasing over the last year. And as a way to give back for all her success, Mighty recently launched a BlackOwned Business Giveaway, with plans to donate $10,000 to help entrepreneurs get the financial injection they need to help them grow. We caught up with Mighty — fresh off her electric performance at the Grey Cup — to learn more.

Just one New Year’s resolution for 2022

We all know what it is, and we can all work together to make it happen PUBLISHER

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And we’ve done an incredible job coming together. But more can be done. Sure, stick on social media long enough and you won’t be sure whether we live in Communist-era Russia or hippie Yorkville in the ’60s, but most of us are looking out for each other. There is an old motto that says something akin to judging a society by the condition of its poorest and most vulnerable. It’s a good guide to use now. We are only as safe and as secure as our most vulnerable, whether elderly and in a longterm care home or experiencing homelessness or working three jobs while taking public transit to support a growing family. There are people experiencing this pandemic in a very serious, life-threatening way unlike many of us who simply need to hunker down and stream endless reruns on Netflix and order pizza to survive. When those people feel safe and secure, we’ve won. Until then, it’s up to us to work to make it so. Let’s help where we can and when we can with reckless abandon. Heading into 2022, there is only one resolution and we all know what it is. Here’s to a healthy and happy pandemicfree new year for all of us.

Lisa London Lynne London

Well, that was a year. And it looks like we will be living under a similar scenario for a while yet. So what do we do? Someone posted a note to social media the other day. It was an appeal to those who work from home, collect a salary and are able to avoid the financial pitfalls of the pandemic. It said simply: buy art, buy music, support artists in any way you can. It isn’t mentioned enough during the pandemic, but one of the hardest-hit groups in this city are the very same people responsible for making it such a wonderful place to live. There are so many people, so many groups, in need, but I thought it worth noting. For me, it’s my joy to sit in a theatre and watch a play or crowd into the back of the Horseshoe Tavern to listen to a band. In fact, I was days away from attending my beloved Lowest of the Low when the Omicron wave hit and plans were scuttled — postponed thankfully, not cancelled. When I attend in a few months, I’ll be buying up some shirts and vinyl as a small token of appreciation for a band that has given me so much joy. I’m sure there are myriad ways to support artists this year. And when they are up and running, let’s make sure those theatres and dance studios, galleries and live music venues are packed. We have a lot of practise at helping others during the pandemic. This whole awful period has been a rallying cry.

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Ron Hawkins and the Toronto band Lowest of the Low

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NEWS

Now into the 11th year of construction, there is hope that this year commuters will finally be able to step onto the shiny new Crosstown LRT for the first time. Sure, there have been delays, and further delays, but we are talking about one of the biggest transit projects in North America, which was finishing up when a massive global pandemic hit. So, we will excuse some tardiness. But we all have

our limits. We need some good news, and the completion of this line is surely good news. Running straight across the city’s midriff, the Crosstown will ferry thousands of residents at relatively high speeds, 60 per cent faster than before, from Mount Dennis to Kennedy across 25 stations. It will, and already is, transforming communities and breathing new economic life into the city.

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Crosstown LRT may provide some much-needed good news in 2022

JANUARY 2022

SECTION

NEWS

NEIGHBOURHOOD

Another large-scale development is causing concern over local infrastructure

Davisville condo puts pressure on local schools Residents have questions about continued development without infrastructure by Eric Stober

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A new development is being proposed for next to Davisville subway station that would add to the continuing densification of the area. Developer Davpart is proposing to build two 45-storey towers with a 10-storey podium connecting them both at 1910 Yonge St., at the northwest corner of Yonge Street and Chaplin Crescent. The two towers would contain 880 condo units and 102 rental units, whereas the podium would host 13,315 square metres of office space and 1,692 square metres of retail space. Residential units would be a mix of 60 studios, 520 onebedrooms, 305 two-bedrooms, and 97 three-bedroom units. Local councillor Josh Matlow’s chief of staff, Andrew Athanasiu, said that the application has come as a surprise. He added that it seems like it was rushed in order to get ahead of the city’s new inclusionary zoning policy that would require developments to include affordable housing, which this does not. “We heard nothing about it, and then it sort of came out of the blue,” he said. Athanasiu said the application is a “bit of an overdevelopment” and that the area doesn’t have the services in place to accommodate the extra people.

The new Davisville Public School recently opened in the area but he said it is already close to being full, leaving a concern over where additional children would go to school, as well as daycare. There already is a two-tower 30- and 45-storey development in progress across the street at 1951 Yonge St., which Athanasiu said has set a precedent that this application is now picking up on. “There’s very little within our toolbox, given the provincial regulations, that we can do about it,” he said. Resident group Oriole Park Association’s board member Lynne Frank said residents are concerned about the lack of schools but also a lack of green space in the area. “It’s pretty cramped,” she said. “I didn’t see any room for grass or trees or for people to walk their dogs.” Frank has watched as the area has been changing from quaint mid-rises and locally owned stores to being filled with huge developments that will likely host big box stores. Frank would prefer to see the area be more pedestrian-friendly where people would like to linger. “The nature of the area has changed,” she said. “It seems to be overbuilt.”

NEIGHBOURHOOD

NEWS

Jaye Robinson is pushing for new developments to conform to the Laird in Focus guidelines

Influx of thousands in Leaside Sleepy Toronto nabe soon to be very busy A proposed development in Leaside will transform the site currently home to the Hyde Park Plaza, at the southeast corner of Eglinton Avenue East and Brentcliffe Road. The new plan includes four condominium towers of 16 to 28 storeys, two new public roads and two new privately owned, publicly accessible open spaces (POPS). The site, which is on the route of the Crosstown Eglinton LRT, housed a longtime Staples store, as well as a piano store, and other retail amenities. “While this application was only submitted a few weeks ago and is at the early stages of the city's planning process, I am very concerned by the proposed tower heights,” said local city councillor Jaye Robinson. Approximately 937 parking spaces for residents, visitors and

commercial patrons will be provided in a two-level underground garage. An off-site public parkland dedication (3,378 square metres) and westerly expansion of the existing public park (Leonard Linton Park) to approximately Aerodrome Crescent is proposed adjacent to the redevelopment site on the south side of Vanderhoof Avenue. The development will require both an official plan and a zoning bylaw amendment. Robinson said the properties are also subject to the new Laird in Focus Secondary Plan, which city council approved two years ago. She said Laird in Focus anticipates maximum heights of 12 to 16 storeys for the site. “Despite the clear policies in place, all but one of the proposed towers in this application exceed

by Ron Johnson the maximum permitted height, ranging from 16 to 28 storeys,” said Robinson. “It's frustrating to see developers continue to disregard new municipal planning policies. This approach is not conducive to good planning and does not respect the efforts of city staff or the community members who put countless hours into developing a comprehensive, communitybased plan for this fast-growing area of the city.” There are now three largescale, multi-building developments currently being planned or proposed along Eglinton, from the southeast corner of Laird Drive to the southeast corner of Brentcliffe, which will completely transform the area. The developments will bring thousands of new residents.

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setback from the road will create an “increased pedestrian realm.” The chair of the Bloor Annex BIA, Brian Burchell, said the development company only consulted with the local BIA. “We have not had the benefit of any consultation with the developer in advance of them submitting their application,” he said. “This is regrettable, as we are left reading tea leaves.” Burchell said that the neighborhood would prefer a design that incorporated the amenities that existing retail, restaurant and services provide. “If the point of putting up a large residential tower at Bloor and Spadina is so people can live in 'the heart of things,' why take out elements which make the community so livable?,” said Burchell. — Emma Johnston-Wheeler

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A large new development has been proposed for the corner of Bloor Street West and Spadina Avenue that includes a 37-storey mixed-use tower. Last November, developer First Capital REIT submitted a zoning bylaw amendment, which would see the existing buildings on the site demolished to make way for a 37-storey tower above Bloor-Spadina subway station containing a total of 366 units. The rectangular site would be designed by BDP Quadrangle and includes three specific lots — 320, 328 and 332 Bloor St. W. The anticipated demolition would include the Scotiabank presently located on the northeast corner; multiple restaurants/retail spaces, including Pizza Pizza, Fresh, Second Cup, Noah’s and Wine Rack; and a small parking lot along Spadina. According to the planning rationale submitted to the City of Toronto by the developer, the tower’s

JANUARY 2022

37-storey tower proposed on Bloor

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Donate Your Used Bicycles We’ll pick them up for free! canadianbicyclerecycling.ca Be sure to let us know which magazine you saw our ad in! Knowing which neighbourhoods respond, helps us help others!

Proposed upgrades on Sheppard between Bonnington and Leslie

North York has something to look forward to Cycle tracks coming to Sheppard Avenue will complete first bicycle loop by Ron Johnson

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Despite the onset of winter, the city of Toronto just approved a massive expansion to its cycling network, and it looks like Willowdale will soon have its first separated bicycle loop. Markus O’Brien Fehr, chief of staff to city councillor John Filion, said advancing suburban cycling projects is rarely easy, but growing the local cycling network is a critical step toward getting the community moving better, more safely and with fewer greenhouse gas emissions. But it’s not without its challenges. “Growing the cycling network in North York is a challenge because it's an exceptionally polarizing issue,” he explained. “Many residents are upset that a better network wasn't delivered decades ago. Others have chosen suburban living because its infrastructure has been traditionally more conducive to a car-centric culture and are not willing to give up their space on the road.” According to Fehr, the city will resurface Sheppard Avenue East in 2022, starting with the stretch between Bonnington Place and Bayview Avenue. The road will maintain the same number of traffic lanes but with a smoother surface and redesigned turn lanes, making it more efficient for cars. New sidewalks, new pedestrian crossings and a new cycle track will also make it a critical part of

encouraging more active trips through the neighbourhood. This project presents an opportunity to efficiently complete the cycle track started on Willowdale Avenue two years ago. When the Sheppard project is completed east of Bayview, a complete cycling loop will be in place composed of Sheppard East, Willowdale Avenue, the Finch Hydro Corridor and East Don River Trail. “In the case of Sheppard East, the staff have done a good job of coming up with a proposal for cycling infrastructure that has a minimal impact on lanes for motor vehicles,” Fehr said. “In cases where lanes aren't lost, cycling becomes an easier sell to the public. The project also creates a natural loop in central North York, which hopefully increases numbers using the network. As bike networks become better connected and better used, they will in turn likely also become more accepted by the public as a whole.” Fehr said, with the pace of growth, especially along Sheppard, alternative transportation options are key. “The suburbs are rapidly intensifying, and the ability to add road capacity is limited,” Fehr said. “This requires a better balance between many types of transportation, including walking, cycling and public transit, to maximize efficiency.”

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City councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (centre) and MPP Jessica Bell (second from left) at press conference

Who owns Mt. Pleasant Cemetery? Bill would see province return site to public trust Last month NDP MPP Jessica (University-Rosedale) Bell tabled a bill to enshrine Mount Pleasant Cemeteries as a public trust, the latest chapter in a saga to decide who actually controls a group of GTA cemeteries. The Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries (MPGC) owns and controls 10 cemeteries in the GTA, covering 1,222 acres of land, including Mount Pleasant Cemetery. It was created by a special act of the legislature of Upper Canada in the 1800s. It has been involved in a legal fight since 2013 with citizens group Friends of Toronto Public Cemeteries (FTPC) and city councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam, acting as a private citizen. They contend that MPGC should be considered a public trust and the group’s board members should be publicly elected according to an

1849 statute. In December 2018, the Ontario Superior Court of Justice ruled that MPGC was a charitable trust and thus subject to public financial scrutiny and that none of MPGC’s directors had been appointed according to the 1849 rules. MPGC appealed the ruling on the grounds that an 1871 act that incorporated MPGC negated the election provisions in the 1849 act and that MPGC was not a charitable trust due to not serving a charitable purpose. In May 2020, a court of appeal panel overturned the lower court’s decision but noted that since MPGC is a trust created by the province it could be relegislated if the province saw fit. Bell held a press conference on the day she tabled the bill, alongside Wong-Tam and Pamela Taylor, co-chair of the

by David Olsen

Council for Consumer Industry Fairness in Bereavement. “The courts have confirmed that the province has the power to ensure Mount Pleasant Cemeteries remain in public hands,” said Bell. "The Ford government should enact its power and restore this valuable public asset to the citizens.” Wong-Tam, who along with FTPC pursued an appeal to the Supreme Court of Canada after the provincial court’s initial ruling was overturned, expressed gratitude to Bell for bringing the bill forward. “This issue demands that we ask critical questions about our public space and whether we believe that a charitable, publicly funded cemetery trust should be able to unilaterally declare itself to be a private enterprise,” said Wong-Tam.

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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.

the table.” Spice Cart had intended to create 17 units in the building, but hit roadblocks working with the city in zoning the property. It is currently zoned for two homes after efforts from its previous owner to create two large homes out of the old apartment building. The building is still set up for 17 units, though, Glina said. Despite having support from the City and Matlow to rezone, Spice Cart deferred its meeting with the city’s committee of adjustment in August 2021 and put the property back on the market. Matlow said that, if the city decides to rezone the property, it won’t restrict any owner as the owner could just try to zone it again. “I’m clearing the runway for somebody to move ahead with the project,” he said. — Eric Stober

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This one has it all, 1,479 sq ft of perfectly designed space, 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, kitchen pantry, 2 parking spots and 2 lockers. You can't find a more complete package. Coming Soon in Bloor West Village - Large 2.5 Storey Detached with 2 Car Garage and Fully Underpinned Lower Level. Steps to Bloor St. and Subway.

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A Toronto city councillor is proposing a heritage building in Forest Hill be returned to its original use as rental housing after years of sitting dormant. Councillor Josh Matlow has put forward a motion to rezone 467 Spadina Rd. to allow 17 rental units, for which the building was built in about 1923. “We want this to return to be part of a rental housing supply, which is so desperately needed,” Matlow said. The site has been owned by Spice Cart Investments for the last two years, and the owners are currently exploring its “options” for the building, according to founder Avi Glina. Glina said the property is currently on the market and a sale is in consideration given the real estate market is “on fire.” “We’re just opportunistic,” he said. “No option is off

JANUARY 2022

Historic Forest Hill apartment back on market

NEWS

STINTZ ON MIDTOWN

City is finally stepping up to help small businesses Now, local residents need to do their part to ensure the survival of main street retailers Main street retailers are vital to the city and have been severely impacted over the past two years. As part of a recovery effort, Toronto City Council has approved a 15 per cent commercial tax cut for small businesses that have an assessed commercial tax rate of $7 million or less. This is a welcome relief to many small business owners who will most likely be struggling with cash flow and worrying about the pending increase to interest rates that will increase the cost of managing the debt that was accumulated to make it through months of closures. However, it will take more than government tax policy and forgivable loans to help small businesses. It will be up to members of the community to make sure that local retailers survive and return. It is up to each and every one of us to make a concerted effort to buy local and return to our local shops. Although ordering from

The city is offering main street retailers a 15 per cent tax cut

Amazon may have been a necessity during the pandemic, it is now becoming a significant threat to small business. Consider that during the pandemic small retailers were closed for many months to stop the spread of the pandemic, whereas Amazon distribution centres only had to close for 10 days after repeated COVID outbreaks amongst

employees. Even though pandemic restrictions are easing and shops are open to the public, Amazon continues to negatively impact small business. Although everyone notionally supports the idea of buying locally, the reality is that many of us prefer the ease of shopping through scrolling and clicking instead of by

strolling down the street. Although some shops have tried to develop an online presence, it is just not possible to compete with Amazon ads. Also, small shops are not in a position to offer free shipping, so the best way to shop locally is to go to the store. Buying locally is not just important for main street business, it is also important for the environment. In 2019, the amount of CO2 emitted by Amazon was the equivalent of 13 coal-burning power plants running for a year. Although the Seattle-based company made pledges to reduce its carbon footprint, its CO2 emissions rose another 19 per cent in 2020. The company can make pledges to reduce its carbon footprint in warehouses, but the reality of its distribution is that it relies on planes, trucks and automobiles to move goods from its warehouses to the consumer, using vast amounts of non-renewable resources in the process.

For example, Amazon currently has 73 planes and has purchased 11 more for next year to keep up with demand for shipping goods. The Amazon fleet is more than Porter and Sunwing combined. Our local shops and restaurants are so important for our communities. The next time you are thinking about scrolling and clicking, take a stroll instead. Walk to the shops to see what they have in-store. This season will be hard because supply chains have been disrupted everywhere, and so it is all the more reason why we need to continue to support the shops that keep our communities vibrant.

KAREN STINTZ

Karen Stintz is a former city councillor, elected in 2003, and was a chair of the TTC. She lives in Ward 8.

Wishing a Happy & Healthy 2022 to all. | POST | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

With thanks for another record breaking year!

SEWELL ON CITY HALL

NEWS

A century of success , isn’t a trend it’s a legacy. With John Tory, there are many good qualities but also flaws

Who should be our next mayor? It’s a good question to consider heading into the new year would bill customers unless they responded that they did not wish to be billed for a particular service. After an outcry, Rogers abandoned that approach. With these mistakes, one can see why John Tory shies away from making strong statements which would put him in a position of leadership on important issues: he is very worried he might get it wrong. But a person cannot be judged simply on mistakes and missed opportunities, and as noted Tory has other positive attributes. However, what Toronto needs at the moment is strong leadership. The provincial government of Premier Doug Ford seems to have little interest in providing the city with the tools it needs to provide effective local government, and that’s something the next Toronto mayor needs to address in a powerful manner. There’s a strong constituency that longs for such a mayor for the city. Which is why we need to focus on the next mayor of Toronto who has those skills. That person, whether or not it is John Tory, must provide us with the leadership that we need. JOHN SEWELL

Post City Magazines’ columnist John Sewell is a former mayor of Toronto and the author of a number of urban planning books, including The Shape of the Suburbs.

416-322-8000 B O S L E Y R E A L E S TAT E . C O M Bosley Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage respects the contracts of our competitors.

JANUARY 2022

big issues. He has difficulty providing leadership on them, and his record is lamentable. You may remember 2016 when, without warning, he convinced the Toronto Police Services Board to have police officers continue to card young people, particularly Black youth, after a decision had been made to abandon the practice. The outcry was so significant that Kathleen Wynne’s provincial government intervened and stopped the practice throughout Ontario. When he first ran for mayor against David Miller in 2003, he accepted an endorsement by the Toronto Police Association. That endorsement sank his campaign. When he ran as leader of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario against Kathleen Wynne in 2007, he said, if elected, his government would fund faithbased schools. That announcement was considered the reason for his personal defeat. In 1993, as chair of the federal Conservative Party campaign, Tory defended the decision to run television advertisements mocking Jean Chretien’s facial paralysis. Chretien responded, "God gave me a physical defect, and I have accepted that since [I was] a kid." Conservative party leader Kim Campbell immediately apologized and withdrew the ads but the damage was done, and the party elected only two MPs in all of Canada. In the 1990s, he was involved in the negative billing fiasco at Rogers, when the company said it

| POST |

The next mayor of Toronto? That’s a key question as we embark on a new year with a municipal election just over 10 months away. Prospective candidates should be getting their ducks in a row to wage a successful campaign. Except it is difficult to see any prospective candidates out there. No city councillor seems prepared to make the leap. The most likely ones — Josh Matlow or Mike Layton, for instance — are all based in the central city, making it difficult for them to secure the much-needed suburban votes. Nor do any outsiders seem ready to throw their hats in the ring. Perhaps the next mayor of Toronto will be the same as the current mayor — John Tory. At the time of publication of Post City, he has carefully not excluded that possibility in his forays into his future, and some will undoubtedly encourage him to continue on. John Tory does offer some advantages as mayor. He’s very approachable and hard-working. He shows up at many events and says the right things even if sometimes in a bland tone. He has created a much-needed sense of civility at City Hall, turning down the confrontational heat. He is friendly and tries to find common ground on issues. He has a strong sense of integrity. He manages to straddle the inner city/outer suburb cultural divide, which is no mean feat. What he is not good at is the

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A framework plan for Downsview Parklands was released in early October, which shows how developers Northcrest and Canada Lands hope to build the project over the next 30 years. Downsview Park is a large urban national park located in the Downsview neighbourhood near the intersection of Keele Street and Sheppard Avenue West. The site was home to a Canadian Forces base and a former airport as well as an airport manufacturer. The idea is to develop on the Bombardier airstrip, which will be vacated in about 18 months, in addition to federally held land in the adjacent area, totalling about 528 acres. The project would consist of up to 12 million square feet of commercial land, 100 acres of new parkland that would be added to Downsview Park and a large residential component of which the details have yet to be hammered out. Clockwise from left: Renderings of Studio Gang's stunning tower set for Yonge and St. Clair, Jennifer Keesmaat's Tyndale Green community and the flatiron building at the redevelopment of Galleria Mall

Keesmaat’s big North York move

These developments are cleaner and greener, more affordable, architecturally relevant and contribute to complete communities. It’s about time. by Ron Johnson Toronto seems forever stuck in a housing crisis. There isn’t enough housing supply, the homes aren’t affordable enough, they aren’t green enough to deal with the climate emergency, there aren’t any purpose-built rentals to add balance to the market. To that end, Post City took a look to find a number of key developments on the horizon north of Bloor that will revolutionize that part of the city in a myriad of ways. A rental community with vision Neighbourhood:

Mirvish Village Stats: 900 rental units, 100 affordable Developer: Westbank In the works since 2015, Mirvish Village is Westbank’s massive redevelopment project located at the former site of Honest Ed’s at Bloor Street West and Bathurst Street. The large-scale project will completely transform the area and includes six residential buildings, townhomes, 21 heritage buildings peppered throughout the site and a

new public park. The good news is that it is a 100 per cent rental development and will provide nearly 900 units of much-needed housing, 100 of which will be affordable, secured at 80 per cent of average market rent for the City of Toronto. The development, which includes a 13,000-square-foot park and other pedestrian and public space amenities, is the first rental community of this magnitude in the city for a long time. World-class architecture north of Bloor Neighbourhood: Deer Park Stats: 44 storeys, 293 unites Developer: Slate

If someone tells you all the good design and architecture in the city can be found downtown, just point them to the stunning work at One Delisle coming soon to Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue. A building that should be held up as an example to every developer across the city to make buildings that matter, not just ones that turn a tidy profit.

For the building at One Delisle, Slate Asset Management, which owns 10 properties in the area, brought in renowned architectural firm Studio Gang and turned in a design for a mixed-use condominium tower that has the entire city buzzing. A unique piece of architecture, the 16-sided building is designed to reduce shadows on the surrounding neighbourhood and focuses on increased outdoor living spaces for its inhabitants with large balconies or terraces for each unit. The team said this tower is a new model for sustainable urban growth. We hope others are taking note.

heritage. At 31 storeys, the flatiron building is the tallest of the three planned residential buildings — Galleria I and Galleria II stand at 29 and 24 storeys respectively. In total, the three condominiums will host up to 2,900 residents. Galleria III, for its part, has 426 condo units, ranging from studios up to three-bedroom units. Galleria III will act as the entryway to the master-planned community that includes a new eight-acre city park, a revamped Wallace Emerson Community Centre and up to 300,000 square feet of retail space.

Creating complete communities connected to the past

The biggest development in North America?

Neighbourhood: Annex Stats: 3 towers, 426 condo units Developer: Elad Canada

Neighbourhood: Downsview Stats: 528 acres Developer: Northcrest and

A third condominium has been revealed for the Galleria on the Park super-development at Dufferin Street and Dupont Street. The dramatic tower features a flatiron design in a nod to the area’s unique industrial

Canada Lands Local residents have gotten the first look at a potential entirely new community just east of Downsview Park that is shaping up to be one of North America’s largest development projects.

| POST |

Five key developments north of Bloor that will revolutionize the city

JANUARY 2022

Neighbourhood:

Bayview Woods Stats: 15 buildings, 1,504 units Developer: Markee One of the keys for the growth of the city of Toronto is to create complete communities outside the downtown core, and that is exactly what former chief city planner Jennifer Keesmaat, has in store for the community in northeastern North York. Keemsaat, co-founder of Markee Developments, has revealed the details for her new community development in North York on the site of historic Tyndale University on Bayview Avenue. The project on the 22-acre site includes 15 buildings (with 19 building components). Most of the buildings range in height from five to eight storeys, with three buildings from 12 to 20 storeys. These buildings will accommodate 1,504 units, comprising 752 affordable units (the remaining at market rates) that will remain affordable in perpetuity. There will be a slew of neighbourhood amenities built into the site with everything within walking distance. There is rapid transit nearby on Sheppard, and the hope is that a separated bicycle lane on Bayview will usher people down to the subway line to be whisked off to work. The twin pillars of the plan are affordability, with 50 per cent market rentals, as well as sustainability.

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NEIGHBOURHOOD BUSINESS

An iconic Toronto deli lives on at a local gourmet food shop Plus an anime-inspired chicken wing spot, a beloved Seaton village institution closes and more by Megan Gallant

| POST | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

Recipes from Yitz’s deli are now available at Summerhill Market

In 1972, Yitz’s Delicatessen opened at the corner of 346 Eglinton Ave. W., and for almost 50 years it was a staple in the community. When owner Barry Silver chose to retire, closing the deli for good in December of 2019, his dream was to see the Yitz’s legacy of authentic Jewish foods live on. Now, in honour of the late Silver’s wishes, Summerhill Market has purchased the recipes to ensure the Yitz’s favourites, from beef brisket to potato latkes to matzo ball soup, are always available to the neighbourhood.

Can you think of a better name for a place that serves 150 unique flavours of chicken wings? Located at 557 Eglinton Ave. W., Crave Wings will be serving up the hand-breaded favourites in a joint decorated by animeinspired murals. The more inventive flavours on the menu include lemon pepper, peppercorn ranch and spicy plum. They offer other comfort foods like quesadillas, build-your-own fries, burgers and crispy bites. Although no grand opening date has been set yet, Crave Wings is already available for order online.

Smythe was created by two best friends who were on a mission to perfect a fitted woman’s blazer. After 15 years in business, the brand has expanded to include all kinds of contemporary business casual wear and is preparing to open its first brick-and-mortar location at 1116 Yonge St. in Rosedale. The shop will include the fur collars, skirts and classic tuxedo blazers found in Smythe’s fall collection. Stay tuned for an opening date!

A beloved Seaton village shop is closing after 40 years in business. When Marlene Krybus and her late husband Manny opened Marlene’s Just Babies in 1975, it was primarily a furniture store, but it quickly evolved into a baby specialty shop. Although there has been no final closing date announced, the store, located at 637 Dupont St., will be shutting its doors for good in the spring of 2022 after a closing sale.

Yorkdale Shopping Centre is now home to luxury brand Alexander McQueen’s first Canadian storefront. Though the UK-based brand has locations across the globe, until now the designs were only available in a few upscale department stores in Canada. Now, McQueen’s lineups of clothing, footwear, bags and accessories are displayed by the store's headless mannequins that dangle from the ceiling.

Madras Kaapi Coffee House has just brought a touch of south India to Little Italy. After five years of operating online, Madras Kaapi opened a location at 870 College St. in December. The strong filter coffee, which has a nutty chicory flavour, can be enjoyed in a colourful seating area where the coffee house also hosts their own classes to teach those interested how to prepare this traditional coffee.

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CRIME BRIEFS

A 28-year-old male victim of Toronto is dead and a 30-year-old male suspect of Toronto has been arrested and charged after police discovered a body in an apartment in the area of Yonge Street and Eglinton Avenue. On Dec. 9, at 2:04 p.m., police attended to a complaint of a suspicious incident in an apartment unit at 88 Redpath Ave. Officers were met at the door of the unit by a male who refused them entry. Officers gained entry to the apartment and located a deceased person inside. After an autopsy was conducted on Dec. 10, the death was deemed a homicide. The 30year-old male suspect has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder.

an arrest as part of an aggravated assault investigation following an incident at the Bloor-Yonge subway station. On Nov. 26, 2021, a 36year-old male victim was carrying a large box on the subway platform when he accidently made contact with another male. An argument ensued and the 36year-old victim was pushed and fell on the subway tracks as a train approached. The victim was struck and dragged by the train and was treated in hospital for his injuries. The male suspect ran out of the subway station. On Dec. 1, a 26-year-old male suspect of Toronto turned himself in to police. He has been arrested and charged with aggravated assault.

Police have made

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JANUARY 2022

Anyone who recognizes the person in the video is asked to contact police.

| POST |

Toronto Police Service has released a video of a person identified as a suspect in the deaths of Barry and Honey Sherman. The two billionaires and philanthropists were found dead in their North York home in December of 2017. The cause of death was determined to be ligature neck compression, and the TPS Homicide Unit took charge of the investigation. The video, recorded by a home security camera, was released by police on Dec. 14, 2021. It shows a man walking down the street in the evening hours of Dec. 13, 2017, the night of the murders. Police say numerous attempts at identifying the person in the video, including obtaining judicial authorization to collect data from nearby cellphone towers, have not resulted in the positive identification of the person in the video. "We have remained steadfast in our commitment to bring closure to the Sherman family, their friends, loved ones and the community," said Det. Sgt. Brandon Price, lead investigator from Homicide. "Through our investigation, we have determined that this individual’s purpose in the neighbourhood is unexplained. The timing of his appearance is in line with when we believe the murders took place. Based on this evidence, we are classifying this individual as a suspect. It is our hope that someone will come forward with a name when they recognize the individual’s walk, the way in which they kick up their right foot with every step, knowing that the person was or is connected to the Sherman family or the area on that day, at that time."

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Wealthy Vancouver neighbourhoods saw an impact on home prices

Laneway homes may reduce property values

| POST | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

UBC study shows these units decreased neighbouring home prices in Vancouver

In June of 2019, Post City reported that two of Toronto’s wealthiest neighbourhoods, Yorkville and Summerhill, had successfully petitioned for exemption from a citywide policy to expedite laneway housing builds to help with densification. Now, a UBC study found that properties neighbouring homes with laneway units decreased in value anywhere between 2.8 per cent at the lower end and 4.8 per cent in more affluent areas in Vancouver. Notably, the value decrease was only reported in wealthier neighbourhoods. The report might have piqued the interest of Yorkville and Summerhill residents, though their arguments against laneway housing development notably did not cite concerns about decreasing property value. The residents association responsible for the two neighbourhoods, ABC Residents Association (ABCRA), asserted exemption on the basis that a neighborhoodspecific plan would be more accommodating of their unique needs. ABCRA member Mary Helen Spence is adamant that density and property values were never ABCRA’s foremost concern in seeking exemption from the Changing Lanes bylaw. “I think you misinterpreted what our concerns were,” she said.

“[ABCRA’s] primary concern from the beginning has been the lack of individual planning for neighbourhoods.” Spence pointed to an increase in density in these neighborhoods as evidence. “You can see the amount of developments we’ve accepted over the past few years.” However, architect and senior manager of laneway design and build team Lanescape, Tony Cunha, maintained that ABCRA’s move for exemption was problematic. He said the neighbourhoods should have just accepted the new policy. “I’ve had at least 20 or 30 residents [in the Yorkville/ Summerhill neighbourhoods] who have reached out to us and said, ‘Hey, I’d like to build a laneway suite.’” Spence has challenged Lanescape’s argument that laneway homes “maximize sunlight penetration into backyards and ensure there would be no loss of green space.” She pointed to a photo of a laneway unit near Christie Pits that is visibly lacking in green space as proof that the neighbourhood’s specific needs would not be met under the citywide policy. It remains to be seen whether Toronto will see a similar effect on the property value of homes surrounding laneway units. —Emma Johnston-Wheeler

REAL ESTATE

NEWS

L-R: Multi-property owners are taking up more and more of the buyers market, professor Nathaniel Baum-Snow

Growing market has no end in sight Professor says investors are just one part of the housing puzzle

I do think it is important to recognize that “investors” includes many groups. The type of investors we probably worry about the most are those who buy up real estate properties and leave them empty or turn them into short-term rentals (Airbnbs). These practices can reduce housing affordability. But I have seen no evidence that such practices are big enough to be driving much of the recent price growth we have seen in the Toronto or Vancouver markets. There are a few factors that make these big city markets appealing to international investors. They are places with a well-functioning legal system where property rights are well protected. They are also places where real estate is expected to generate a good return on investment. These are cities with fundamentally strong and growing economies.

Anytime we are talking about cost of living, renters with the lowest incomes will be negatively affected the most. The tax and regulatory environment in Ontario incentivizes the construction of small luxury condominiums rather than rental buildings oriented at middle income families. Rather than worry so much about the negative impacts of outside investors, however, the main issue Toronto is facing is just that it is a booming city that has a quickly growing associated demand for housing. With the GTA expected to grow about one per cent per year into the future, we have to recognize that housing will get more expensive and more people will be living in smaller housing units. That is the only way for the city to continue to grow. Where do foreign investors fit into the issue?

Statistics Canada has recently started collecting these sorts of data, indicating that about eight per cent of Toronto condominiums and three per cent of all residential properties are owned by foreigners. All of the publicly available evidence is that less than five per cent of individual home purchases in Toronto and Vancouver are made solely for investment purposes with no intention of rental or use by a family member. If there is an issue, it is the individual

foreign investors looking to shelter income in a safe place like Canadian real estate. It is important to recognize that, if we want to develop new housing, we need people willing to invest and looking to turn a profit. This is the main way new housing gets built in Canada. Where do we go from here?

It is telling that the imposition of the foreign buyers’ tax in Ontario (2017) did little more than pause the growth in these markets for about one year each time. It seems difficult to attribute recent price increases in the Toronto market mostly to foreign buyers, as with the pandemic people have been looking for more space and this has driven up prices, especially in the single-family home market segment. Ontario’s speculation tax also did not appear to have a permanent impact on home price growth. One option would be to reduce the number of exemptions for this tax and broaden it to include Canadians. At some point, prices get high enough that people stop wanting to move to Toronto for cost, and the market naturally cools. There may well be temporary corrections in prices, up or down, but there is nothing that says the GTA housing demand will not continue to steadily grow. Buy tickets to the 2022 Real Estate Roundtable at rotman.force.com/events. — Julia Mastroianni

JANUARY 2022

Why are investors taking up so much space in the market?

Who is being affected the most by this change?

| POST |

Recent data suggests that investors make up the largest segment of the Ontario real estate buyers market, prompting a warning from the Bank of Canada that the rush of investors is driving up prices and could risk a correction. We spoke with Rotman School of Management economics professor and upcoming member of Post City’s Real Estate Roundtable, Nathaniel Baum-Snow, about Ontario’s investor problem.

POST CITY X THE IVY DAY CAMP & CAMP TIMBERLANE

Join us in 2022!

| POST | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

The way summer camp was meant to be.

theivy.ca

camptimberlane.ca

Pictured: The team of eight

Summer 2022: 10 Months in the Making How Camp Timberlane and the Ivy Day Camp became the perfect summer camp team Day camps and overnight camps operating under the same corporate banner is a relatively rare phenomenon in the camping industry. These businesses are used to seeing each other as competitors rather than partners. However, the Ivy Day Camp and Camp Timberlane have joined forces to create a brand new relationship that provides an exciting and dynamic environment where both camps are able to leverage each other’s ideas and strengths. Founded in early 2020, the Ivy Day Camp is run by co-directors Dara Kahane and Benji Roy. As part-time educators, their work with children in the classroom offers them a unique perspective on how to help children succeed. The Ivy’s primary goals are to help both campers and staff develop independence, self-confidence and leadership skills in a fun, safe and supportive environment. “We have a finger on the pulse of current trends affecting education, child development and the current well-being and mindset of both campers and staff,” says Benji Roy. “Covid-19 has changed the way kids develop.” “They’ve lost out on so much,” adds Ali Nagthall, assistant director at the Ivy. “We want to do everything we can to give them back every experience and chance for growth.” Working alongside Camp Timberlane, the full-time team spends their days meeting, preparing, recruiting and collaborating to make summer 2022 the best it can possibly be. There’s no real off-season. “The camping business is unique,” says Dara Kahane, codirector of the Ivy Day Camp. “We spend 10 months of our year ensuring the other two months are

perfect.” Established in 1958, Camp Timberlane’s vision has always been to create a community where children could spend their summers, connect with nature, learn new skills, become part of a family and express their individuality. The core values, spirit and integrity of Timberlane continue today under the leadership of owner and director Corey Mandell. “We want to see all of our campers and staff excel this summer,” says Mandell. “Our two camps really do have a great deal to learn from each other.” Mandell is one of four directors of Camp Timberlane, alongside Brit Lowes, Ida Gold and Harley Hayman. The team see themselves as lifelong learners and as such, spend much of their off-season seeking out opportunities to reflect on past summers, identify areas for improvements and change and update future programs and training. Collaboration is what truly sets both camps apart. The entire two-camp team meets every Wednesday where the agenda is set, the phones go to voice mail and, most importantly, snacks are always provided. The Ivy team deeply values their connection with Camp Timberlane. “I feel grateful for Timberlane’s insight” says Jess Katzman, unit head at the Ivy. “Weekly meetings help keep us connected and together. We’ve come up with new programs and ways to help foster independence and confidence in our campers.” “I think our younger campers and staff will benefit from the added Ivy team’s background in day camping,” says Gold, who has been a director at Timberlane for over 15 years. “We’ll be able to

further enhance our programming and planning for our youngest campers, ensuring they feel safe to take risks in a new environment.” New for 2022, the camps will be offering the ultimate overnight experiences, helping to facilitate the transition from day camp to overnight camp. The Overnighters and Travellers programs offer campers the chance to immerse themselves in everything Camp Timberlane has to offer while supported by the friends and staff members they’ve bonded with at the Ivy. With the combined years of camp experience along with the expertise of this team of eight, campers are sure to feel s upported and confident as they venture into the overnight world. “We’re excited to offer these unique overnight experiences to help campers explore their options when and if they are ready,” says Hayman. It’s clear that both camps appreciate and respect each other and together will create summer camp experiences that have a lifelong impact on campers. With Timberlane’s years of overnight experience, and the Ivy’s day camp viewpoint, the team has really aided each other. “We are lucky to have each other,” says Lowes. “This really is the way summer camp is meant to be.”

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The three-storey home at 114 Cluny Dr. embraces tradition without sacrificing modern amenities. With high-end updates throughout, multiple fireplaces and large principle rooms, everything about it seems ideal for a growing family. It also comes with a sauna and quaint backyard that will be a haven in the summertime. Inside, you’ll find five bedrooms and four bathrooms. It’s listed for $5.495 million with Royal LePage Real Estate Services Heaps Estrin Team.

MULLET HOMES These homes are business in the front, party in the back! Their heritage-style exteriors are paired with upgraded, renovated and fully modernized interiors. Homeowners will get the best of both worlds, with traditional details, including an original fireplace mantle and Victorian layout alongside modern perks, such as an indoor sauna and private terrace.

BRIGHT AND AIRY

The brick-clad home at 129 Holland Park Ave. features four bedrooms, two bathrooms and an open concept floor plan. The property comes with perks, including a private second floor terrace. It’s listed for $1.599 million with 2% Realty Ideal.

14 Brownridge Dr. N. was renovated from top to bottom in 2017, transforming the interior into a modern and spacious haven that includes four bedrooms and four bathrooms. It’s listed for $2.2 million with Sutton Group-Admiral Realty Inc.

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JANUARY 2022

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Toronto celebrity photographer Caitlin Cronenberg (left) is about to give the Cronenberg last name a whole new filmmaking reputation. She is set to make her directorial debut with a new thriller called Humane. The eerie plot follows a family at dinner after environmental collapse where the world has lost 20 per cent of its population. The film will take an even darker twist when the family’s father an-

nounces he plans to enrol in the new government euthanasia program. The dark and psychological runs in the family — Cronenberg teamed up with her father, filmmaker David Cronenberg (right), earlier this year to release a short film called The Death of David Cronenberg, which featured a corpse replica of Cronenberg himself. Filming for Humane will begin in spring of 2022 in Hamilton and Toronto.

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Caitlin Cronenberg to follow in Horror King father’s footsteps

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SNOW BOOT COUTURE

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With companies like Mackage and Canada Goose releasing high-fashion footwear lines that just happen to be warm and waterproof, luxury brands are starting to dip their toes in the snow. Jeanne Beker has got you covered with the best splurge-worthy boots out there to make it through the winter.

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Intermix: Valentino

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“If I could have my take of any luxurious snow boot of this nature, I would go for the Valentino. I love that signature ‘V’ logo at the back.”

"I absolutely love these boots; they look very, very divine. They've got a huge lug sole, so they're very sturdy, and the way they lace up is such a classic look. They just look absolutely cosy, and they're real shearling of course." $1,034.67, Intermixonline.com

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“I love the islets on this Cougar boot; it has a sort of retro ski boot vibe. This could be your everyday boot.”

"The red is very uplifting and dynamic. They are going to be incredible quality."

"These are great if you want utility but in a very fashionable way, and I love the plaid."

“I’m so glad the moon boots are coming back. They're whimsical and fun while keeping all the snow out.”

"There’s something so luxurious about these boots. These are cosy and give lots of stability."

JANUARY 2022

AFFORDABLE LUXURY WINNER

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"I just look at this boot and I think of myself walking up toward some fabulous winter chalet, so these will put you in the headspace of that and help you look the part,” says Jeanne.

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"Cougar is a fabulous Canadian brand that has been around for a long time, and it's a great price point for the quality you get. This looks like a no-nonsense boot; it's very durable.” $240, Gravitypope.com

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FASHION NEWS

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Q&A

Ellie Mae on the ethics of fashion We spoke with Toronto designer Ellie Mae about her path to success, founding her brand and the value of sustainability. What inspired you to get into fashion?

As a kid, my parents always said, “Wear whatever you want.” I used to wear my Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle pyjamas everywhere. It was when I moved to London to take a few fashion courses that I really fell in love with the creative process of making clothes. How did the Ellie Mae brand start?

Melanie Auld’s new Toronto studio offers custom engraving and ‘zapped’ bracelets

Get zapped at T.O.’s trendy new jewelry shop This Vancouver-born brand is bringing welded bracelets to Toronto by Erica Commisso custom welded items and custom engraving to ensure that each piece perfectly captures the spirit of the wearer. Upon entering the shop, you’ll be greeted by cases of the jewelry collections, and the back of the shop houses a piercing room, engraving desk and welding desk for those permanent zapped bracelets. The Ossington location is joining an array of trendy apparel stores like Area +001, Lost & Found, Annie Aime and more. The Queen West area is one of the city’s trendiest outposts for clothing, food and other cultural landmarks, and Melanie Auld has come to the neighbourhood right as it’s showing post-lockdown signs of life. “We just love the energy of Ossington; some of the retailers who have opened in this area and the restaurants are great,” Auld says of the location choice for the new boutique. “It just kind of had an energy all its own.”

Did Gucci graffiti Balenciaga’s Yorkville store? The two brands featured faux vandalism for their new collab

I sometimes feel it’s impossible for sustainability to go hand in hand with a fashion company. For us, it was far more important to be an ethical fashion house than a sustainable one — making sure everyone is paid properly and treated properly, sourcing our materials from Europe. We don’t make thousands of pieces. I don't believe that having hundreds of stores all over the world is very sustainable. What inspired your vintage line?

My dad was big into music, so when we would go to the vintage stores, he would explain the history of all these T-shirts to me. So I wanted to sell vintage pieces, and we started sourcing them from New York and L.A. People seem to love anything vintage; it’s this emotional connection. I think it’s going to have a huge place in fashion moving forward. When you look at brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, craftsmanship has always been important to them, which is why it can still live on as vintage.

by Julia Mastroianni

terfeit culture, in the fashion industry. The collection from the collaboration includes hybrid designs, featuring iconic prints and silhouettes from both brands — such as a signature Gucci bag emblazoned with the Balenciaga logo over top. Items from the collection are priced similarly to equivalent items from each brand, so buyers who are lucky enough to get something from this limited edition collection can tell themselves they’re getting two for the price of one. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so the Gucci and Balenciaga creative teams should be proud — according to Retail Insider, the graffiti added to the Yorkville pop-up was spraypainted over by a bona fide graffiti artist in pink just one day before the official opening on Monday, and it all had to be removed and redone. © Lindsay Rosset

If you passed by the new Balenciaga store in Yorkville this month and thought a die-hard Gucci fan or graffiti artist with a sense of humour had visited recently, you’re not alone. Stores across the continent were faux vandalized as part of a collaboration between Gucci and Balenciaga, and it’s so realistic that it even had security guards patrolling Madison Avenue in New York City concerned. The collab, cleverly named The Hacker Project, includes 74 activations in cities all over, including the new Balenciaga pop-up in Yorkville, open until Jan. 15. If spray-painting entire storefronts seems a little elaborate, it’s for a reason — the collection, created by Balenciaga’s creative director Demna Gvasalia and Gucci’s Alessandro Michele, is supposed to explore ideas of “authenticity and appropriation,” including coun-

What does sustainability mean?

JANUARY 2022

she started the company, at first she had major success selling to bigger retailers, including Nordstrom and Anthropologie. And although it may seem like a no-brainer to stick with wholesale, Auld realized that a more personalized relationship with customers made more sense for the brand, and she couldn’t achieve that through retailers. “We made a very difficult decision to actually pull out of all our retailers and sell directly to our consumer ourselves,” Auld says. “I think it was the best decision we made for our brand.” The idea for MA Studio, the name for the experiential side of the Ossington store (an experience-centred boutique will be opening in Vancouver soon as well) was partially inspired by the disconnect of the pandemic. “It just feels like connection is so important. People being able to get out together and do something is important,” she says. The studio offers pieces for piercings,

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A well-known jewelry brand hailing from the West Coast of Canada has chosen Toronto to open its first experience-centred boutique featuring the big permanent “zapped” jewelry trend. Melanie Auld Jewelry opened at 54 Ossington Ave. on Dec. 4, and the boutique offers on-the-spot piercing, permanent bracelet welding and engraving along with a wide selection from its jewelry collections. Melanie Auld Jewelry was founded in 2013 as a one-woman show in Vancouver, B.C., inspired by travels across Canada and around the globe. Known for its initialbased Adorned collection, the brand opened a flagship storefront in Vancouver in 2019. Today, the Melanie Auld team includes over 30 women dedicated to crafting rings, necklaces, pendants and more. There are also specialty items such as jewelry travel cases and ceramics, as well as lip and eye masks for travellers and people on the go. Founder Melanie Auld says that, when

In 2015, I started out small and decided I’d just do jackets, which I thought would be the hardest to do. I figured if I could do that, I could make a clothing line. But the start of Ellie Mae was such a dumpster fire. I was just working with the wrong people and getting taken advantage of. In the last four years, we’ve started to surround ourselves with the right people.

The Ellie Mae brand started in 2015

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Muskoka, that will guide groups of hopeful mountaineers through this thrilling sport. Outings usually last six to eight hours and include exploring a few local ice formations, meals, drinks and, most importantly, equipment. Some say that the best ice climbing is on the rock faces and ice falls of northern Ontario, but others say that Bracebridge’s granite cliffs and the 60-foot ice climbing routes of the Elora Gorge cannot be topped. This winter, try them all and you can decide.

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Caving, surfing and climbing in Ontario Winter sports for fun New Year’s resolutions As we learned last year, Ontario is home to some fantastic winter activities. If you didn’t get around to it last year, maybe 2022 is the year you strap on snowshoes, check out some winter festivals, skate at Nathan Phillips Square or spend a night ice fishing. However, if you’ve “been there, done that” and are in search of something new, have no fear: Ontario has winter-focused fun that you likely haven’t tried yet. This year, try something different and take advantage of the unique outdoor activities our province has to offer. Winter surfing

If you cringed the moment you read winter surfing,” you are not alone. This sport is not for the faint of heart. According to a team of diehard “breakers,” winter is prime time to surf the Great Lakes, with 30 km/h winds generating a lot of great swells, especially around the Beach, Lake Huron and even Fort Erie. Throughout the winter, catch up to two dozen surfers in the water waiting for the next big swell. It is not uncommon for surfers to encounter snow, sleet or freezing rain while paddling on their boards, but the extreme weather brings the best Great Lakes surfing conditions. As with surfing in general, there can be a lot of waiting, but the waiting is worth it for the thrill

of the right wave. The key to winter surfing is wearing the right gear: wetsuits are the most important piece of equipment. From November to April, surf experts demand a thick neoprene suit (5/4 mm or 6/5 mm) paired with boots and mitts (5 to 7 mm each). A foamfriendly board is recommended for lake surfing, although the professionals at Surf The Greats surf shop suggest a variety of boards that will weather the many conditions. Surfers have social feeds focused on the best way to dry out cold, wet boots; the most efficient ways to read the wind; and how to forecast the waves. The Great Lakes surfing community is passionate and resolute about their sport, and they’re waiting to welcome you in. Ice climbing

Made popular in western Canada, ice climbing has become a hit here in Ontario too. Only in winter do massive cliffs and ledges within the Canadian shield create 100-foot natural ice towers and gigantic frozen waterfalls. These stunning formations are just waiting to be scaled by those in search of true adventure. Regardless of skill level, there are many climbing companies, such as One Axe Pursuits in Elora or Liv Outside in

The Scenic Caves in Blue Mountain are famous for sculptured cliffs, overhanging rock formations, distinctive chambers, tight passageways and unique natural crevasses. Exploring these spaces while frosted with snow and ice makes for an even more spectacular outdoor adventure. This unique part of the Niagara Escarpment is situated on 370 acres within one of Canada’s 18 UNESCO biosphere reserves. Here you will find reliable snow conditions and regular temperatures all season long. Caving equipment can be rented, and an experienced guide will take you safely through captivating twists and turns. With so many other outdoor activities at the Scenic Caves, caving will only be a part of your winter journey. Wander through 27 kilometres of hiking trail or take in sweeping views from the 420-foot suspension bridge. Connect with over 200 species of wildlife as you snowshoe through 12 kilometres of forest or join in a family scavenger hunt. This winter wonderland is perfect for families, couples and, of course, an awe-inspiring solo adventure. In addition to classics like cross-country skiing and hiking, winter in Ontario offers so many exciting and adrenaline pumping ways to enjoy the season. This year, challenge yourself to try something new and explore the province like never before.

NATALIE PREDDIE

Natalie Preddie is a travel and lifestyle writer, speaker and guest expert on Cityline, Your Morning and Global’s The Morning Show.

No, wild animals do not make good pets Let Tiger King be a lesson to us all Most of us believe wild animals, such as tigers and wolves, shouldn’t be kept in basements or backyards as pets — even if we haven’t seen Tiger King! Fortunately, most municipalities have bylaws to prevent this. Those laws don’t extend to all wildlife, though. People can still own “exotic” wild animals, including all shapes and sizes of reptiles and amphibians — lizards, snakes, turtles, tortoises, frogs, salamanders. Animals deprived of their natural habitat are no longer “wild,” though; they’re artifacts. In Ontario, for example, six out of seven native turtle populations are already at risk. Some Canadian provinces, such as Prince Edward Island and Saskatchewan, have exotic animal laws and regulations, but in many, the responsibility for regulation lies primarily with municipalities. More than 200 municipalities in Canada have prohibited-animal lists. Most are mammal centric and feature relatively few birds, even fewer reptiles and amphibians and, only rarely, any fish or invertebrates. The vast majority of non-mammal species are underregulated or unregulated. Life isn’t fun for animals confined or alone in small cages in someone’s home, imprisoned for human enjoyment. But what most pet owners don’t realize is that the exotic pet trade also has significant ecological impacts. A serious environmental

problem is created when exotic pets are released or dumped into natural environments by people who never realized how big they’d grow, how long they’d live or how expensive they’d be to keep. Some take the time to look up adoption facilities, but there are few for exotic animals. Many naively think that releasing their pet into the wild is a humane option. Ontario conservation biologist Marc Dupuis-Desormeaux says, of 1,000 turtles he’s trapped for study — often working with the Toronto and Regional Conservation Authority — five to six per cent were non-native redeared sliders released by pet owners (or were descendants of discarded pets). Red-eared sliders are more frequently found in urban centres (where people are also more often found). Released non-native species such as red-eared sliders can compete with native turtle species for prime habitat, like basking sites, and have the potential to modify natural environments. Released goldfish and koi have also wreaked ecological havoc in waterways. The pervasiveness of invasive species, including those from the pet trade, is one of the drivers of wildlife decline in Canada. Collecting animals from the wild for commercial use, including for sale as food or pets, is also a factor in depletion of wildlife populations, most of

which are already facing a variety of threats to their numbers and habitats. Legal and illegal collection from the wild for the pet trade is a pressure few species can tolerate. Further, many wild creatures die during capture or while being transported for sale as pets. Exotic wild animals can also be disease vectors. Wildlife in Canada is already stressed by multiple infectious diseases transmitted by invasive species, such as the ranavirus and the fungus-borne chytridiomycosis, which is affecting amphibian populations globally. With increased numbers of exotic pet animals, both wildcaught and captive-bred, come increased chances of their being released into the wild and new diseases being transferred to native wildlife species, as well as to humans (particularly if there is physical contact). The risk of new epidemics or pandemics of animal origin is also increased — a Pandora’s box we all surely want to keep the lid on. Exotic pets have become normalized — as have exotic petting zoos and birthday party appearances — but they don’t make sense. Turtles, snakes, lizards, amphibians and other wild animals are amazing creatures worthy of our admiration and wonder, but they should not be taken from their homes for our entertainment, to keep us company or as status symbols. These creatures have evolved physical and behavioural attributes over thousands or millions of years that allow them to survive in specific habitats and conditions that can’t be replicated in a glass or plastic container in someone’s home. And they are essential components to the functioning of natural ecosystems. If they are removed, the environment is diminished. If you have patience and, ideally, a pair of rubber boots, you can fairly easily spot and appreciate many snakes, turtles and frogs even in our cities and towns — in the local meadows, ponds, rivers, fields, forests, lakes and streams, where they belong.

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Ontario animals like the northern ribbonsnake should be left in the wild

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Acapulco’s breakout star Eliana Jones on her big break as Becca in the Apple TV comedy by Megan Gallant

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The actor filmed ‘Acapulco’ in Mexico

Although Eliana Jones didn’t appear on screen until she was 12 years old, she had been a performer her entire life. Before landing roles in Hemlock Grove, Heartland and, most recently, Apple TV’s Acapulco, Jones was convinced she was going to be an Olympic gymnast. But, when a back injury left her with bruised tissue around her spinal cord, Jones had to find a new hobby. Jones’s mother took her to a commercial acting class at age 10 shortly after she quit gymnastics. “Ever since I was little, I’ve been putting on shows for my family,”

“I don’t think 12-year-old me would ever believe me.”

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says Jones, recalling that she would sit her family down to watch her perform the soundtrack to The Lizzie McGuire Movie. Although she missed the sport of her youth, it didn’t take Jones long to become devoted to her new hobby. “As soon as I found that same feeling of being a part of something with acting, I was lost in it and never looked back.” After appearing onscreen in a KFC commercial, Jones’s first major role was in the actionthriller Nikita. Even though she was originally booked for a single line in a single episode, she recalls being in awe as she sat on the set of the show for 12 hours that day. After being called back for a few more episodes, 12-year-old Jones

was hooked. “I really enjoyed performing, and creating a story was something that I really liked about acting,” she says. “You create an entirely different character that people will be able to relate to in their actual everyday lives. And I think that’s really special.” After this first role, she attended high school at Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts. Although she was enrolled in the drama program, she admits that she didn’t take her courses very seriously since she was also spending most days filming on sets after class. After all, at this point, she had a main role in the 2013 film Step Dogs and several television appearances, including recurring roles in Hemlock Grove and Lost Girl. Although Jones has landed plenty of roles, she’s careful not to take her talent for granted, joking that she’s been to every acting coach in the GTA. “You can never get enough practice.” Jones currently stars in Apple TV’s rag-to-riches show Acapulco, a prequel to the hit film How to be a Latin Lover. She plays Becca, a character who has a “whirlwind romance” with the male lead Maximo. Getting to film Acapulco in Mexico, shortly after filming the upcoming Lamborghini movie in Rome, was a dream come true for Jones, who didn’t see her life playing out this way. “It was unbelievable,” she says. “I woke up every morning and I’d think, ‘I’m in Rome filming a Lamborghini movie.’ I don’t think 12-year-old me would ever believe me.”

HOW THEY MET

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nice to just kick it under the moonlight in our elementary school courtyard.

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The courtship

I’d like to believe it was 20 years in the making. I vaguely remember slow dancing with someone during the Grade 4 dance. I am certain it was Thao — Thao is not as certain. When we were in our “crushing” stage, a month before our first date, we went to the CNE with friends, whom we quickly “lost” and were therefore “forced” into an impromptu “date.” At one point, we approached that giant swing ride, where you’re essentially being twirled 60 feet above the ground, and your fate is being suspended by not-so-regulation chains. We were both scared, but we both just said, “Let’s do it!” It was the best time.

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The proposal

TallBoyz’s Franco Nguyen on falling in love with his elementary school crush When TallBoyz premiered on CBC in 2019, it was hailed as the fresh and modern comedy that Canada needed. It didn’t hurt that the sketch comedy show, created by Guled Abdi, Vance Banzo, Franco Nguyen and Tim Blair, was being directed by Kids in the Hall alum Bruce McCulloch. Ahead of the premiere of the show’s third season on Jan. 25, we asked Franco Nguyen to share the details of how he and his partner, Thao Vu, grew from kindergarten friends to soulmates for life. How they met

We kind of met when we were five. She was in Mrs. Cameron’s class and I was in Mr. Decker’s class. It was like kindergarten’s Montagues and Capulets. But we actually met in Grade 1 when we were both in Mrs. Bobier’s class. The first date

We started at Starbucks and then got some road beers. Then we drank and strolled through memory lane… er … Parkdale. We walked the neighborhood, walked past the old convenience store called Theresa’s and then snuck

into our old elementary school. We played in the old gymnasium/auditorium. We talked about our old gym teacher, the game “doctor doctor” and singing “Nuoc Viet Cua Em” during a school concert. We looked at the tiny kindergarten courtyard and remembered how big it used to feel.

“It was nice to just kick it under the moonlight in our elementary school courtyard” We ended up outside on the playground. In fourth grade there was this big concrete cube that was impossible to climb up. But as adults you could get on it with one small bounce. We both got on top and cracked open another couple of road beers. We reminisced and chatted about how surreal it was to hang out with each other after all these years, how our parents used to go to ESL class together. It was

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The honeymoon

We are not married. But you don’t need to be married to go on a honeymoon! We’ve taken several trips together. The last one was in March of 2020. And it was the last one! We went with our baby Felix, but it was unfortunately cut short due to, you know, that global pandemic-thingy.

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The kids

We have one boy, Felix, and we’re expecting another one in April. Balancing careers and marriage

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We try to make sure only one of those things is falling apart at a time. The secret to success

You have to like each other, have fun with each other and make fun of each other. Love each other at your best, and love each other at your worst. Just because you’ve seen each other without clothes doesn’t mean you’ve seen each other naked. So look at each other naked.

pacepharmacy.com 416-515-PACE (7223) Our 2 locations: 40 Laird Drive (Leaside) 14 Isabella Street (Downtown)

JANUARY 2022

A T.O. neighbourhood love story for the ages

DELIVERY ACROSS THE GTA AVAILABLE

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Franco Nguyen and Thao Vu met in kindergarten in the same school

Once we started dating, we just spent all our time together. It was tax season 2019, and we were sitting down and sorting our receipts. Thao was helping me, and by that I mean she was doing all the taxes while I was trying my best to not have a complete meltdown. As she was filling out my tax forms, she looked in my eyes and said, “Should we put ourselves under common law”? And that’s when I asked the big question… “Can you just do it? It [the tax] is really stressing me out.”

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ARTS

CURRENTS

Not your parents’ suburbs T.O.’s Andrew Phung stars in Run The Burbs

Toronto’s Queen Priyanka ready for her close-up by Jennifer Schembri You would think that being crowned Canada’s first Drag Superstar after a 10week cutthroat competition would be the moment Priyanka knew she had made it. In 2020, the inaugural season of Canada’s Drag Race aired and quickly became the most-watched series on Crave and the best performing original series in the platform’s history. Not only was she the first person of Indian descent to win in the franchise’s global history, Whitby-born, Torontobased Priyanka (the drag persona of Mark “Suki” Suknanan) has gone on to smash doors and break barriers all while doing what she loves — entertaining. In just the last year, the former YTV host has appeared on magazine covers, served as a brand ambassador, hosted a weekly podcast and completely immersed her stilettos in the music industry (she’s racked up over two million streams on Spotify alone). But it wasn’t until she took the stage at the Canadian Country Music Association Awards (CCMAs) just a few weeks ago and opened the show singing three iconic words: “Let’s go Girls” that country music and Priyanka have never been the same again. “This was the moment everyone realized I was famous,” she says. “I told myself, I don’t want to be nervous in this performance. I want Shania Twain to see this performance and be, like, ‘Damn, she did the damn thing.’” And did the damn thing she did. Not only was it the first time Priyanka had

ever sung live, but she made history yet again, co-hosting the awards ceremony alongside singer Lindsay Ell. Oh, and there was also that congratulatory tweet from the Canadian country icon herself. “I was in shock!” Priyanka says. “I tweeted back, ‘This performance is my love letter to you. Before any of us come out of the closet, we’re screaming, “Man! I Feel like a Woman!” at queer bars all over the world.’” During the show, Priyanka performed an original song, “Country Queen,” a departure from the pop-infused ditties featured on her debut EP, Taste Test, released earlier this year. An EP that just so happened to reach number five on the iTunes chart. “It was one of the highlights of the night,” she recalls. “It was shocking for the audience and the world because I got to bring drag elements to the CCMAs and show that Priyanka is not only a great musician but also a great entertainer.” The transition from children’s television host to drag queen extraordinaire might seem like a stretch for some, but for Priyanka, it was a natural evolution. When a drag queen by the name of Ecstasy Love performed at her 26th birthday in 2017 and suggested she try drag, something clicked. “It was really a godmother moment. I was feeling unfulfilled at work and wanted to be doing something more creative as an artist, so I thought, ‘Let me just try it.’ I auditioned for [drag bar] Crews & Tangos,

and that’s how it all began.” Children’s host by day, drag queen by night, Priyanka continued to work both jobs simultaneously for the next three years. “YTV was on eggshells because it was scary for them to have a host who is the face of the brand appearing at bars, dressed up as a woman performing to songs with swearing and about sex,” she says. “I remember having many stern conversations with my executive producer, Daniel, who is also a queer guy, and I just said, ‘Listen, there’s no reason why I can’t be a drag queen and a kids TV host. It’s 2017, like, get over it.’” It was only when she learned she would be a contestant on Canada’s Drag Race, that she left YTV and said goodbye to the children who had been watching SpongeBob SquarePants with her over the last six years. “It was so wild being the face of a national network. I was in the closet at the time, and I just cherish kids and I want to encourage them to not hide who they are because I had to do that growing up,” she says. “It’s nice to be a mentor and guide people and let people be unapologetic.” With all of her musical success, Priyanka is hoping to release a full-length album that will incorporate country elements — live instruments and storytelling. “I am such a mashup of things: I’m a brown person, I’m queer, I’m a drag queen and an ex–kids’ TV host. I want that to speak in my music, too, and include elements of all of the different genres.”

JANUARY 2022

From kids TV host to a drag queen taking over country music

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Toronto Drag Superstar Priyanka is prepping a country album

One of the walls on display behind actor Andrew Phung, sitting in his home office deep in the heart of East York, is dedicated to sneakers, hundreds of sneakers. The other, wrestling belts. And it’s the latter that gives an indication of the direction of Phung’s new show Run The Burbs, premiering on CBC-TV this month. It is over-thetop in the best possible way. Phung will be well known to fans of the hit comedy Kim’s Convenience, on which he played best buddy Kimchee. A role that earned him four Canadian Screen Awards (2017, 2018, 2020 and 2021). On the new show, Phung portrays, well, Andrew, a stay-at-home dad, who is married to Camille and lives in the suburbs with their kids. “Andrew embraces that stay-at-home dad role,” Phung says. “And they are an inseparable couple. They found each other at such a young age. They're best friends, they make each other laugh, but they've had to grow up together.” In the first two episodes alone, there are both serious and silly subjects, including a speed limit drag race, sleepaway camp parenting anxiety and getting hip-hop icon and neighbour Kardinal Offishall to play a community backyard BBQ. Phung and family embrace suburban life with gusto. Like Kim’s Convenience, the show is at once very suburban Toronto but also has that universality that any good sitcom needs. And make no mistake this is a good sitcom. Phung says he takes a lot of inspiration from his own life as a parent, as well as growing up in the suburbs of Calgary, where he cut his teeth as a comedic actor for years. He was still working in Calgary when Kim’s Convenience creator, Ins Choi, came to see him in a Fringe Festival show. It took him a couple of seasons before he and his family made the leap to Toronto. “We rented a spot in Toronto and to give it a go, and [the family] all fell in love with the city,” Phung says. “We felt so comfortable here.” Run The Burbs premieres on CBC-TV on Jan. 8. —Ron Johnson

Comedic actor Andrew Phung

PROFESSIONAL REGISTRY

2022

T.O.’S TOP PROFESSIONALS

urinary obstruction. Eventually, most men’s symptoms will advance until they (or their partners) are so bothered that they will want some kind of treatment. Medications are available to relax the muscles within the prostate and bladder neck or shrink the prostate over time, but these medications need to be taken daily for life to benefit from their effects. Many men will experience negative side effects from these medications including loss of ejaculation (dry or retrograde), erectile dysfunction, lightheadedness or dizziness, and drops in blood pressure. If these side effects cannot be tolerated or their symptoms worsen, then surgery is the next step. Get back to living your normal life

NO PILLS OR SURGERY FOR BPH? An enlarged prostate is more a matter of when, not if. Approximately 50% of men aged 50, and up to 90% of men by the age of 80 will have benign prostate enlargement or BPH. As the prostate gland grows over the course of an adult man’s life, and as the number of cells in the prostate increases, the prostate may become enlarged. For most men, dealing with an enlarged prostate is simply a matter of time. While the BPH condition or enlargement is unrelated to cancer, it can impact a man’s quality of life. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate may include:

• Frequent and/or urgent need to urinate, day and night. • Difficult or delayed start to urination. • Weak or slow urinary stream or one that stops and starts. • A sense that you’ve not fully emptied your bladder. • Complete inability to urinate. The enlarged prostate without any symptoms is relatively harmless. However, if BPH progresses, it can wear out the bladder, lead to chronic UTIs, bladder stones, kidney damage, and eventually to

The most widely available surgery for BPH has been the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). TURP cuts away tissue using electrocautery with men typically staying in hospital 1-3 nights. While effective, men require 6 or more weeks of recovery with long term expected side effects also including loss of ejaculation in up to 70% of men. Unlike medications and TURP, new minimally invasive technologies exist that preserve sexual and ejaculatory function. These novel treatments are not covered by OHIP or private insurance plans. The newest treatment available in Canada for the first time is Rezum, a water vapor treatment where energy stored in the heated water is released into the prostate tissue for 9 seconds causing cell death and tissue shrinkage. The second treatment available is the UroLift system which uses a few small implants to pull apart the obstructing lobes of the prostate.

Clinical studies have shown Rezum and UroLift to have safe and durable outcomes. Many men are choosing to not take daily medications or have more invasive surgery, but rather have a minimally invasive, office-based treatment. These new options afford men the choice of a treatment which preserves sexual function, come with a short waitlist and minimal downtime compared to traditinal TURP surgery. Get effective and lasting relief for your BPH symptoms and request a consultation.

Dr. Dean Elterman, MD, MSc, FRCSC

Our academic urologists specialize in benign prostate enlargement and functional urology. We are the most experienced surgeons in Canada performing the minimally invasive treatments of Rezum and UroLift. Our clinic (Dr. Dean Elterman) is the first outside of the USA to become a Designated Centre of Excellence for Rezum Water Vapor Therapy.

University Urology Associates 123 Edward Street, Ste. 1401 (416) 979-9000 uuaurology.com rezum.ca • urolift.ca

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GETTING RICHER BY THE DAY

Wills made today actually speak from the date of your death. With our explosive markets, assets and debts you had yesterday may not be the same today or the next or even next year. That will apply also when you die. Your assets and debts may be more or less, and some assets and debts may not even exist at all.

Trustee to pay your debts, your funeral expenses, income tax, cash legacies and residue. But as life goes on and you sell your house, you spend significant money on health care costs or just on your own personal enjoyment, your assets may dwindle. Or you may be lucky enough to see them even increase.

It is common for people when creating a Will to want to tailor it to the assets you have now. For example, you have a house worth $1,500,000.00; $1,000,000.00 in investments which may be bouncing up, down or sideways; household furnishings; and a car. You provide a lawyer with instructions that you want to leave $10,000.00 to each grandchild (there are 10), $25,000.00 to 5 charities and $100,000.00 to one of your children. You then leave the remainder (or residue of your estate as it is called) to your spouse or children or both.

Some people guided by the provisions in their Will don’t live their lives fully afraid to spend their money because of it. Others could care less and spend it all. You forget to update your Will which is now clearly outdated. You die. There may not be enough left to pay for all those cash legacies, your funeral expenses, debts and income tax and certainly nothing is left for your spouse or children.

So, you should review your Will at least every 5 years. Pull out your list of assets and debts with current values. Look at the economic climate and ask yourself: Does everything that I said in my Well that’s fine for today. Maybe you have existing Will make sense now. If not, do a new one. enough money if you die tomorrow for the Estate This applies no matter how old you are. Mary Anne Shaw, B.A., LL.B.

BIO Mary Anne Shaw is an established lawyer whose law practice focuses on Wills and Estates, Residential Real Estate and Family Law. Mary Anne Shaw is very active in the community, and has served on many boards and foundations in the not-for-profit arts and health sectors. She provides personal service and practical solutions.

CONTACT Mary Anne Shaw - Barrister and Solicitor 1366 Yonge Street, Suite 308

Toronto, Ontario, M4T 3A7 Tel: 416-968-0096

2022

PROFESSIONAL REGISTRY

T.O.’S TOP PROFESSIONALS

LIFE INSURANCE THAT WILL REWARD YOU FOR HEALTHY LIVING

Madison Bongard and Jaymie Bongard

BIO Involved in the financial industry since the late 1970s, Jaymie co-founded Independent Financial Concepts Group (IFCG) in 1995 and belongs to Top of the Table, which accepts fewer than 1% of financial planning professionals worldwide. A graduate of Western University, Madison joined IFCG in 2014. Together, they support clients with tax-advantaged wealth accumulation and preservation strategies.

You now have the opportunity to save on life insurance premiums for your lifestyle choices. When it comes to the long-term health of Canadians, recent news has been mixed. On a positive note, we’re living longer – Canadians now have an average life expectancy of 81.7 years, an increase of 24.6 years since 1921. The bad news is we’re not necessarily living healthier during the years we’ve gained. According to the Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, heart disease, stroke and other chronic conditions will cause the average Canadian to live his or her final decade with sickness or disability. Rewarding Positive Choices Insurance companies have long been supporting Canadians’ efforts to make healthy choices, reducing premiums for non-smokers, for example. But what about other lifestyle choices that can make such a big difference to health in later years? New trends in the insurance industry are trying to address this very issue, to support – and recognize – healthier lifestyle choices. Already introduced in the United Kingdom, the United States and Asia, there new types of insurance programs provide immediate and long-term rewards and incentives for individual healthy behaviours, such as going to

the gym, making a healthier food choice or getting an annual physical. These new insurance programs break down long-term health goals into smaller, achievable steps – and provide immediate reinforcement in the form of lower price. In some cases, they even give you a free Garmin device to monitor your success. Participants not only get the most out of their life insurance protection but also receive encouragement to make lifestyle choices that could lead to lasting health benefits. Along with the reward of reduced premiums for good lifestyle choices, many Insurance companies have finally eliminated medical requirements, such as blood tests or other invasive testings for policies that are one million dollars or less depending on your age. If you have not looked at your life insurance for a while, and you are in good health, it could definitely be to your advantage to explore new opportunities.

CONTACT Independent Financial Concepts Group www.ifcg.com

416-484-1011 | jbongard@ifcg.com 416-849-1341 | mbongard@ifcg.com

PASSIVE INDEX INVESTING IS THE RAGE – SHOULD IT BE?

JANUARY 2022

BIO Erin Greenfield has 25 years of accounting and investing experience. He is President and Portfolio Manager at Greenfield Investment Management Limited. Based in Forest Hill, the firm offers portfolio management to individuals and families with a focus on capital preservation and long-term wealth creation. The firm is registered with the Ontario Securities Commission as a Portfolio Manager in Ontario.

attention to valuation. You might feel better knowing your investments are guided by a portfolio manager that seeks to keep your entire portfolio invested only in profitable companies, and only in companies with safe amounts of debt. You might prefer a portfolio manager that invests in companies with long histories, and avoids stocks swept up in fads, trends, and short-term sentiment. It might pay off to use a portfolio manager that seeks attractive opportunities that do not represent a high proportion of prominent stock indexes. No style of equity investing is guaranteed. Both passive and active investments are subject to risks and may lose value. And regardless of the approach you follow, you need to understand the fees and costs. All things considered, despite the popularity of passive index investing, it might make sense to talk to a traditional value-oriented portfolio manager before deciding what approach is right for you.

CONTACT Greenfield Investment Management erin@greenfieldinvestment.ca

www.greenfieldinvesetment.ca 647-636-2119

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Erin D. Greenfield, BBA, CFA, CPA, CA, CMA

In recent years, many investors have increasingly moved their investment portfolios towards passive index investing. This means they own every company in a stock index, including the good, the bad, and the ugly. So, if some stocks become overvalued, the investors own them. If some companies are not actually earning any profits, the investors own them too. The same goes for companies with declining revenues. When your portfolio mimics a broad stock index, you own any companies swept up in overexuberance around fads and trends. And with passive investing, you own any companies using excessive debt to fund their operations and growth. Few investors notice these problems when stock markets are doing well, and the rising tide lifts all boats. There is no denying that for the last decade, passive index investing has performed better than the average investment manager. But this has not always been the case, and this will not necessarily be the case going forward. There will be times when the tide goes out. Some portfolio managers do not believe in passive index investing. Rather than blindly own the whole market, some prefer to pick each company based on fundamental merits, while paying close

POST CITY X CAREGIVER SERVICES

There are No Right Answers, Just Trade-Offs When it comes to caring for aging loved ones, for most, there are a myriad of very stressful discussions and decisions that seem to involve a trade-off between safety and quality of life. Typically, the children or spouse falls on the safety side, while the loved one with the health issues, falls on the quality of life side. One of the key sources of the stress these decisions generate is the idea that there is a “right” answer, if we can only find it. In the vast majority of situations, however, there is no “right” answer, just the trade-offs different options present. Reframing these decisions as trade-offs, and recognizing that different people will credibly see things differently, is key to prioritizing and moving forward. Almost all the families I work with are trying to figure out how to help their aging parents deal with similar decisions:

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• Should our parents get on a plane to go to Florida or Arizona this winter where Covid-19 vaccination rates and controls are much lower than

Ontario; or stay at home bored, far less social and afraid to go out on the icy sidewalks? • Should we move to a condo or retirement facility; or stay in the home and outfit it to meet the needs of aging? • Should we get professional caregivers or try to have family provide what is needed? • Should the caregivers visit for a few hours each day or do we get live-in care? • Should we use a firm to help manage the caregivers and the requirements of being an employer; or likely pay less and hire privately and manage the care team ourselves? • How hard do I push my parent to eat and drink what they should versus what they want? Discussing these issues within a family can be tough, but needs to be done. It may be helpful to consider the following before promoting your point of view too adamantly:

1. If you need to be persistent because the risks or concerns are very real and very serious, focus on: i) reducing the risk of falls; ii) curbing behaviours that put more than just your loved one at risk; iii) paying attention to medication adherence; and iv) making decisions now for things that will be needed once your loved one may not be able to make the decision themselves. Everyone benefits from getting their “legal” house in order sooner than later, but keep in mind that it often takes many months to organize - so be patient. 2. People rarely change because you ask them or tell them to especially those who have already accomplished so much in life doing it “their way”. These individuals typically need to get there themselves - accelerated by some well meaning pressure or, unfortunately, a dangerous event. They rarely make changes until they’re ready. For many, as they age, quality of life, dignity and independence outweigh playing it safe. If you’re 70 or 80 or 90, especially given

how Covid-19 has affected everyone’s quality of life, what do you think you would prioritize? If there is one thing that Covid-19 has revealed to me, it is that everyone, every family, every generation, has a different perspective on the level of risk they are prepared to take with their health. We may not agree with them, but we must find a way to respect their choices. Families are made out of well meaning people, doing the best they can to make tough decisions. So next time you find yourself arguing with your parent or sibling about making “the right decision”, remember to focus on the trade-offs not the right answer, and prioritize the things they value most.

Owner/Operator of Caregiver Services Ltd.

FOOD

A new location of Aloette, the neighbourhood diner/bistro that puts a comforting spin on haute cuisine, is set to open at Yonge and Eglinton in spring 2022. The new eatery is helmed by chef Patrick Kriss, who is behind French contemporary spot Alo, Yorkville cocktail spot Alobar and a private dining spot called Salon. Aloette first opened its doors in 2017 at Queen and Spadina and was known as the more casual

sister to Alo’s highly coveted fine dining spot. Although Aloette was the more casual iteration of Alo, it was never meant to be a takeout spot. But when COVID-19 ravaged the city, Kriss knew he had to acquiesce. Patrons can expect to find all the cult favourites from the Liberty Village location, like the burger dressed with Beaufort cheese, onion, lettuce and Aloette aïoli and the ever-popular lemon meringue pie.

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Chef Patrick Kriss is bringing his gourmet diner to midtown

JANUARY 2022

SECTION

What Chefs Want To Eat Right Now! Hundreds of new restaurants have popped up in the city since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. From old haunts to never-before-tried eateries, we recruited Toronto’s best chefs and asked them a simple question: what’s the top taste on your 2022 must-try list?

TEN

ATAI BISTRO JUDGE MASSIMO CAPRA

POST CITY’S TAKE: Serving 10 people at a time

“I am intrigued by the Moroccan/French cuisine, and I noticed that they are breaking barriers in their flavour profile and ingredients. The menu looks interesting, and I am always looking for a new culinary experience.” POST CITY’S TAKE: At Atai Bistro, chef de cuisine

Meaghan Foster is putting her own spin on traditional regional Moroccan recipes using French cooking techniques. The menu at the inviting Junction area restaurant emphasizes sharing-style meals, including beautiful mezze platters; savoury flatbreads, such as the Bresaola topped with fennel, harissa, ricotta, za’atar and pomegranate; and dips like hummus with Urfa chili oil. Cocktails also draw inspiration from the north African nation with the Aube Marocaine, for example, made with a blend of light bourbon, mint, spice syrup, Moroccan tea and Peychaud bitters. There’s also a brief list of French wines, local and international beers and, true to Morocco’s dining culture, plenty of loose leaf tea options. In addition to its dine-in menu, Atai Bistro also offers an extensive selection of house-made pantry items like a za’atar spice blend, chili oil and smoked almonds. 3047 Dundas St. W., takeout options available.

The classic mezze platter and cocktails at Atai

from a 10- (or sometimes five-) course tasting menu, Ten is a vegetable-forward restaurant located in the heart of the Brockton village neighbourhood of Toronto. This Canadian restaurant, helmed by chef Julian Bentivegna, brings a progressive approach to fine vegetarian dining with a menu that is constantly changing, accounting for the seasonality and availability of ingredients. No matter what time of the year it is, though, Ten Restaurant will always be vegetable forward, with some fish options served. The space has an enviable esthetic with a white exposed brick wall behind the chef 's counter, which has just ten seats, and a mosaic mural of flowers on another wall. Ten Restaurant has achieved its goal of unpretentious fine dining that is both intensely creative and delicious while being sustainably sourced. Currently, Ten offers a tasting menu priced at $140 per person. Some of the dishes on offer include a roasted carrot crudo infused with flavours of orange and chestnut and the grilled rutabaga and romesco. Even the dessert menu is vegetable focused, with the introduction of unconventional sweet treats like the new beet and lime tart. 1132 College St., takeout options available.

PAI UPTOWN JUDGE CRAIG WONG

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“When you come across people as genuine and kind [as Jeff and Nuit] that produce such delicious food, it’s an honour to call them friends," says Wong. “I love spicy flavours, and at Pai, they do it right, serving up authentic spicy Thai flavour.

Pad Thai lobster

POST CITY’S TAKE: With more than five successful restaurants under her belt, Pai Uptown is the latest culinary venture from Thai chef Nuit Regular and her husband and business partner, Jeff Regular. The original Pai restaurant, located at 18 Duncan St., is named after a small town in northern Thailand where Nuit and Jeff met. Pai Uptown is bold and bright and represents the culinary couple’s biggest restaurant to date, with a 12,000square-foot space that is spread across two storeys. Despite the new neighbourhood, the menu at the midtown spot still features the unadulterated version of Thai cooking that Regular is known for. Expect to find a selection of delicious curries, like the gaeng kiaw wan (green curry), served with bamboo shoots, makrut lime leaves, basil leaves and coconut milk, and other Thai staples like chef Nuit’s famous pad Thai, cooked in her house-made tamarind–palm sugar sauce, and the khao soi (fresh egg noodles stirred into a thick, golden coconut curry). 2335 Yonge St., takeout and delivery options available.

From top: Roasted carrot crudo; chef Julian Bentivegna (centre) and team

THANK YOU TO OUR JUDGES!

Zach Kolomeir Dreyfus

Nuit Regular PAI Uptown

Didier Leroy Domaine Mamo

Rob Rossi Giulietta

Romain Avril formerly Neruda

Massimo Capra Capra's Kitchen

Curt Martin General Assembly

Elias Salazar Waska Peruvian Chicken

Suzanne Barr Wall of Chefs

Haan Palcu-Chang SoSo Food Club

Rosa Marinuzzi 7 Numbers

David Salt Drifter’s Solace

Victor Barry Piano Piano

Kate Chomyshyn Fonda Balam

Julie Marteleira Leña Restaurant

David Schwartz MIMI Chinese

Mitch Bates Oji Seichi

Anna Chen Alma

Laura Maxwell Drake Hotel

Jordan Sclare Chotto Matte

Michael Bonacini O&B Restaurants

Craig Harding La Palma

Roger Mooking Food Network Canada

Tricia Soo Soos

Stuart Cameron Azhar

Elia Herrera Colibri

Ryusuke Nakagawa Aburi Hana

Rafaelle Ventrone Oretta

Ryan Campbell Il Covo

Michael Hunter Antler

David Neinstein Barque

Craig Wong Patois

Zane Caplansky Caplansky’s Deli

Ann Kim Donna’s

Matthew Ravenscroft Gia

Janet Zuccarini Top Chef Canada

AFROBEAT KITCHEN JUDGE SUZANNE BARR “The flavours stand tall and intentional as they represent the power, tradition and essence of Nigerian cuisine. Afrobeat Kitchen is a movement that brings you to the table.” POST CITY’S TAKE: Specializing in modern west African

cuisine with a particular spotlight on Nigerian food, Afrobeat Kitchen is a Black-owned business and private catering project from chef Victor Uguweke. Although this tiny eatery is slightly hidden from view, as it’s located inside the Caravan Cafe & Tea House, the menu from this popup kitchen is anything but shy, featuring bold flavours and colourful ingredients known to traditional west African cuisine. Popular dishes include the party jollof, a mashup of sensationally spicy, smoky paella-style rice that’s slow cooked in a sofrito reduction with lemon grass, star anise and smoked crayfish. Plenty of light bites, like the kelewele tostones, featuring twice-cooked smashed plantains tossed in thyme and spices or the sticky suya chicken wings tossed in hot honey with yaaji spice (ginger peanut BBQ rub) also make for the perfect afternoon snack. 1165 Bloor St. W., takeout and delivery options available.

Chef Yasuhisa Ouchi uses only the freshest seafood

Chef Victor Uguweke brings a taste of west African food to T.O.

CROSLEY’S POST CITY’S TAKE: Run by internationally renowned

chef and sommelier J. P. Adamo (co-owner of Bar Piquette), Crosley’s restaurant officially opened in January 2021. The changing menu of small share plates is simple and distinctly Canadian with a European-inspired twist. Chef Joachim ( Joe) Hayward previously worked as the head chef at the now-closed Brothers Food & Wine in Yorkville, where he met fellow Crosley’s chef Myles Harrison. Their partnering with J.P. and Laura Adamo has the end result of a personalized approach to fine dining. The seasonal menu is rife with distinctly Canadian, nationally sourced items with an international twist, courtesy of tasting trips to London, Italy and Paris. Recent dishes have included Albacore tuna filet topped with caper berries, bone marrow croutons guindilla peppers, tomato and fresh rosemary, as well as the treviso radicchio salad mixed with grilled grapes, chestnuts and ricotta salata with a red wine vinegar dressing. In true Canadian fashion, less commonly seen meats have also made their way onto the menu, with dishes like the rabbit terrine and sweetbreads done with sun choke and onion soubise, pickled maitake mushrooms and roasted pearl onions glazed in chicken stock recently on offer. 214 Ossington Ave., curbside pickup available. Seasonal ingredients and Canadian fare are always on the menu

CONTINUED ON NEXT SPREAD

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POST CITY’S TAKE: Earning its stripes as Canada’s first-ever omakase sushi bar, Yasu is a prix fixe Japanese restaurant that is committed to using only the finest, freshest fish that’s flown in from fish markets from around the world. Yasu takes pride in using simple, traditional cooking methods that draw out the natural umami (flavour) profile of each fish. On any given night, patrons seated at the sushi bar will find head chef and owner, Yasuhisa Ouchi, expertly slicing each piece of fish by hand before carefully balancing it atop a warm bed of rice. Yasu only offers one menu, which is done omakase style. Omakase is a Japanese tradition which can be loosely translated as “chef ’s pick.” Using what’s freshest and most readily available, chef Ouchi, who was born in Osaka, Japan, and opened Yasu in 2014, creates a unique tasting menu that changes daily and features beautiful cuts of fish that can be enjoyed simply as sushi or sashimi or in rolls that are often garnished with edible flowers or other intricate ingredients. Previous menu items have included the toro roll (fatty tuna) anago (saltwater eel), sablefish and uni (sea urchin). 81 Harbord St., takeout options available.

JANUARY 2022

YASU

What Chefs Want to Eat Right Now!

LITTLE SISTER FOOD BAR

ANTLER

JUDGE ROGER MOOKING POST CITY’S TAKE: Drawing inspiration from

his childhood spent in the Canadian wilderness, wild game hunter and chef Michael Hunter opened Antler Kitchen and Bar in 2015 with the goal of bringing forest-to-table dining to fruition. Focusing on ingredients that honour the age-old traditions of hunting, fishing and foraging, Hunter has designed a seasonal menu that celebrates the culinary delights of Canada year-round. Entrees shine a spotlight on plenty of Canadian game meat, seen in popular dishes like the game burger, made using a three-mix blend of freshly ground wild boar, bison and venison and garnished with pickle, tomato, lettuce and cheddar. As well there are more recent menu features like the bison filet mignon served with pommes boulangère (crispy sliced potatoes) crispy ox tongue, sauteed chanterelles from British Columbia and house-made jus. Plenty of fresh pastas are also available, including the pappardelle with braised rabbit, buttered leeks, verjus apricot preserve and Parmesan cheese, or the bison tenderloin ragout made from hand-cut pappardelle, chanterelles and spinach and finished with red wine, cream and Parmesan cheese. For lighter bites, there are such offerings as Antler’s nose-totail charcuterie boards. Antler’s cocktail program focuses on foraged cocktails made with aromatic ingredients like sprigs of fresh cedar, rhubarb bitters and edible florals. 1454 Dundas St. W., takeout and delivery options available.

Foraged cocktails and game meats are the stars of Antler's menu

CHEF’S DINE-IN PICKS | POST | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

MIMI CHINESE MIMI Chinese is the newest restaurant to open in Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood. The sophisticated eatery is the brick-and-mortar sister restaurant to wildly popular pop-up Sunny’s Chinese. The menu features a selection of small and large sharing plates that are a nod to the southern regions of China. 265 Davenport Rd. 44

“I grew up eating krupuk [a type of deep-fried prawn cracker] as a snack while waiting for the rest of the meal. It is not only a delicious treat, but a cherished memory, which I look forward to every time.”

Daily features and cocktails are always on offer

POST CITY’S TAKE: Dutch-Indonesian fare can be quite hard to find in Toronto, and after opening its doors for the very first time back in 2014, owners Mike Van Den Winkel and Jennifer Gittens have also successfully opened a location on Portland Street. All of the dishes at both locations shine a light on cuisine that’s enjoyed on the Indonesian islands. The menu is expertly divided into satay skewers, snacks and sides, most of which can be eaten with one’s hands in street food style. The Sumatra spiced beef croquettes and the babi guling (a crispy Balinese pulled pork lettuce wrap), for example, are perfect for sharing, and larger traditional dishes, like the udang kari (a turmeric coconut shrimp curry), make for a hearty main. Although grilled meats, like chicken and beef, dominate the menu, Little Sister also has plenty of vegetarian options on offer as well, like the refreshing urab salad, done with green beans, Chinese broccoli, coconut sambal goreng and lime leaf. 2031 Yonge St., takeout and delivery options available.

MAMAKAS TAVERNA POST CITY’S TAKE: Founded in 2014 by owner and operator Thanos Tripi, Mamakas Taverna is a Mediterranean restaurant that serves up authentic Aegean cuisine with a modern twist. Using only the freshest available ingredients, the menu at Mamakas takes an elevated, rustic approach to Mediterranean cuisine using tried-and-true recipes passed down from generations gone by. Starters like the spanakopita, for example, use traditional ingredients like feta cheese and spinach wrapped in a spiral phyllo pastry, but the addition of honey on top gives this snack a sweet finish. House-made dips, like tzatziki, and other small plates like olives and keftedes (lamb meatballs), make for the perfect sharing plate, as do a selection of house salads, like the horiatiki, which features tomato, cucumber, red onion, olive tapenade and oregano. A selection of grilled meat and seafood can be ordered as entrees or plates. Popular dishes include the oktapódi (grilled octopus served with Santorini fava and caper leaves, the lavraki (whole grilled Mediterranean sea bass) and païdakiá (grilled Ontario lamb chops) done on an open flame. For dessert, don’t miss the traditional baklava topped with walnuts and pistachios and served with vanilla bean ice cream or the galatopita (semolina custard with mulled wine–poached pear, rose hazelnut nougat and raspberry rose salt). 80 Ossington Ave., takeout and delivery options available.

Elevated Aegean cuisine awaits at Mamakas Taverna

These are the six top restaurants selected by our chef/judges, that as of press time oﬀer only a dine-in option

CANOE

PINK SKY

Found on the 54th floor of the TorontoDominion Centre, Canoe has been a fixture in Toronto’s high-end culinary scene for more than two decades. Run by chefs John Horne and Ron McKinlay, Canoe focuses on contemporary Canadian cuisine with a menu that draws inspiration from the nation’s land, history and culture. 66 Wellington St. W.

Pink Sky is a buzzy new sea-to-fork restaurant that shines a spotlight on the natural flavours of its high-quality ingredients. With stunning raw bar platters and handsome decor balanced by an old school rock soundtrack and comfort foods like beer-battered fish and chips, Pink Sky exudes easygoing elegance. 480 King St. W.

Sea-to-fork specialties at Pink Sky

What Chefs Want to Eat Right Now!

OSTERIA GIULIA JUDGE JULIE MARTELEIRA “I’m used to working in a large restaurant, so I usually tend to gravitate toward smaller and more intimate places when I go out. From what I’ve seen online, the dishes look classic, approachable but still very elegant.” POST CITY’S TAKE: Osteria Giulia, owned by former Top Chef

Chef Rob Rossi puts a modern twist on northern Italian favourites

Canada contestant and chef Rob Rossi, brings coastal northern Italian fare (and flair) to Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood. Designed by Guido Costantino, Osteria’s interior is hyper minimalist, featuring natural wood and wicker dining chairs, pale hardwood floors and a modern wood-panelled bar that’s stocked with spirits from around the world. According to Rossi, the inspiration for the seasonal menu was to breathe new life into some classic Italian dishes but still keep them very simple and honest. The anchovy and whipped butter toast, for example, is a nod to traditional bruschetta and is topped with roasted garlic and crispy capers instead of diced tomatoes. Over at the bar, Iain Codona has created a cocktail program that aims to highlight the same fresh approach Rossi has taken with the food menu. The Messicano, for example, Osteria Giulia’s top seller, is a tequila-based cocktail that blends green Chartreuse, mint and basil cordial, a hint of lime juice and a refreshing piece of sliced cucumber. 134 Avenue Rd., takeout options available.

CÀ PHÊ RANG JUDGE NUIT REGULAR “Jeﬀ and I often go out for Vietnamese food, so I really want to try this new spot. Their beef and brisket pho looks so appetizing and comforting — it'll be perfect to warm me up this winter!" POST CITY’S TAKE: Located in Chinatown at the corner of Spadina Avenue and Richmond Street West, Cà Phê Rang is Toronto’s newest bánh mì restaurant. The humble Vietnamese eatery is a new collaboration between renowned chefs Matty Matheson, the familiar face behind smash burger spot Matty’s Patty’s Burger Club and Maker Pizza, and Rang Nguyen, former head chef at Le Sèlect Bistro. With winter weather in full swing, Cà Phê Rang is the goto spot for warm pho soups and bánh mì sandwiches. Start by sipping a savoury bowl of beef and brisket pho garnished with crisp bean sprouts, diced green onions and red chilies. Next, bite into a slow-cooked beef brisket topped with fresh slices of cucumber and sprigs of parsley, and don’t forget to dunk it in one of the eatery’s many homemade sauces. Like any good snack bar, Cà Phê Rang also serves a small selection of sides, like bite-sized khai vi (spring rolls) that can be ordered in prawn or shiitake mushroom varieties, among others. 147 Spadina Ave., takeout options available.

WHITE LILY DINER POST CITY’S TAKE: Combining a respect for local provenance with greasy spoon ambitions, the White Lily Diner has been serving up doughnuts, brunch and classic diner fare from its humble Riverside abode since 2016. Back in the summer of this year, owners Ben Denham and Ashley Lloyd purchased a 40-acre working farm in Uxbridge, Ont., and ever since, a great deal of the produce found on the menu at the diner comes from the newly christened White Lily Farms. The diner’s all-day menu features a great range of shareables, like the buttermilk biscuits or the pimento cheese and cracker spread, as well as a selection of refreshing salads, like the White Lily Farms salad, which features seasonal greens, radish, fermented onion, cucumber toasted hemp seed and a soft-boiled egg finished with a house dressing. The all-day menu also includes all-day breakfast with favourites like triple-stack buttermilk griddle cakes or the Southern breakfast (eggs, bacon, grits and gravy, fermented greens and a buttermilk biscuit) available any day of the week. Classic sandwiches, like the turkey bacon club, grilled cheese and pastrami on rye, make the White Lily Diner the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, or anywhere in between. The White Lily Diner is currently offering its all-day menu as well as alcohol, fresh bread and provisions. 678 Queen St. E., takeout options available.

20 VICTORIA

FRILU

FONDA BALAM

Restaurant 20 Victoria marks the return of Chris White and Jonathan Nicolaou, who closed their restaurant Brothers Food & Wine in 2020. Expect the sixcourse set tasting menu to build upon the style of cooking that Brothers was known for, which means a focus on seasonal ingredients and plenty of topnotch wine. 20 Victoria St.

Frilu’s contemporary Canadian cuisine draws inspiration from Asian-inspired ﬂavours. The 10-course tasting menu at Frilu is currently set at $140 per person and features small plates that give a harmonious nod to the season. All of the ingredients for the new tasting menu reﬂect what’s available this time of year. 7713 Yonge St., Thornhill

Fonda Balam is a reincarnation of the former Birria Balam and was recently opened by former Quetzal chefs Julio Guajardo and Kate Chomyshyn, alongside celebrity chef Matty Matheson. The trendy Mexican eatery specializes in serving up a daily dose of birria-style tacos, which originate from the Mexican state of Jalisco. 802 Dundas St. W.

JANUARY 2022

(continued)

| POST |

CHEF’S DINE-IN PICKS

Rang Nguyen (L) and Matty Matheson are behind the city's newest Vietnamese joint

All-day breakfast and classic sandwiches make this spot a top pick

Birria-style tacos at Fonda Balam

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TASTE TEST

FOOD

CROQUE & DAGGER

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French chef Didier Leroy of midtown’s Domaine Mamo searches the city’s finest bakeries in his quest for the perfect croque monsieur, a delicious Parisian breakfast staple that’s made with ham, Gruyere cheese and buttery béchamel sauce.

L-R: Chef and owner of Gôuter Rodney Alleguede, fresh bread from Gôuter, inside Thobors and Marc and Sylvie Thobor of Thobors Café

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“Everything was nicely balanced and it tasted very good. They did an excellent job on toasting the bread.”

“The balance between the cheese, ham and bread was very good, and the melted cheese on top had great flavour.”

“The addition of the tomato makes this one more like a sandwich than a traditional croque monsieur.”

“This croque monsieur looks very good. They could have used a different bread, but overall, they did a really great job.”

“They used a croissant instead of bread, and as a result, the butter in the croissant brings out a very different flavour.”

Didier Leroy | Chef Didier Leroy is one of five Master Chefs in Canada and one of about 550 worldwide. He is currently head chef at Italian-French fusion restaurant Domaine Mamo.

| POST |

THOBORS Thobors.ca, $7.75

JANUARY 2022

TIE

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FEATURE

Today’s special: inflation Rising food costs have forced some of the city’s best chefs to rethink their menus by Caroline Aksich

| POST | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

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Saeu-jeot, the salted fermented shrimp paste used to make Michelle Lee’s famed kimchi, has nearly doubled in price this year. “It used to be $75, now $145,” explains the Kimchi Korea House owner in a recent Instagram post alerting patrons to the rationale behind the recent price increase. But it’s not just imported specialty items that cost more these days. Lee holds up a bag of peeled garlic cloves: “$25, now $80; sometimes, if I’m lucky, $78.” When the person filming asks Lee if this means she’ll be cutting back on garlic her face furrows. “No, I cannot. You have to have garlic in Korean food.” After weathering three lockdowns, reduced capacity and predatory delivery apps, restaurants are grappling with a new bottom line–munching foe: inflation. This October, Canada’s inflation rate hit an 18-year high of 4.7 per cent. Although the cost of living is rising across the board, food — particularly meat — has seen some of the sharpest price increases. Compared to last year, beef prices are up a whopping 14.4 per cent, pork 8.8 per cent, and chicken 8.3 per cent. Fresh vegetables, meanwhile, are the only food category not increasing in price. Food cost inflation can be attributed to a conflation of causes: pandemicdisrupted supply chains,

backlogged ports, abattoir shutdowns, prairie province droughts and rising gas costs, which directly impact food transport costs. Even interventionist federal policies will have a hard time keeping prices in check over the short- to mid-term — it’s an economist’s Gordian knot. So it’s unlikely Ottawa will step in to tamp down grocery bills. Restaurant owners, meanwhile, have two main tools when it comes to battling inflation: they can pass the price increases onto consumers, or they can rethink their menus. Richmond Station co-owner Carl Heinrich has no interest in letting inflation dictate what’s on his menu. “If prices need to go up, then they have to go up, and frankly, they should probably go up. Not only because hospitality staff should be paid a living wage, but because a lot of the inflation we’re seeing is due to an increase in the price of oil and gas,” he says. Heinrich’s endorsement of paying more for things that negatively impact the environment isn’t surprising. Richmond Station has always worked to keep a small carbon footprint. The restaurant sources predominantly from small Ontario farms, abides by a noseto-tail ethos, grows a number of its own crops at its regenerative

FEATURE

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restaurants. Roger Yang, the owner of Avelo (upscale plant-based tasting menu on St. Nicholas St.), just launched a new high-end Italian spot on Queen West, Osteria Du, and he’s seeing prices increase across the board. “Olive oil is about twice as much as what it cost last year— even pizza boxes and flour are about 20 per cent higher," says Yang. Supply cost increases aren't the only thing impacting menu prices. Labour, too, has become more expensive. The increase in wages from every supplier inevitably affects prices. “We're always trying to increase wages for staff, too, which is the bulk of the restaurants' expenses," he says. "With the constant increase of cost of living in Toronto, we want to do everything we can to keep wages comfortable." Over at Oliver & Bonacini (O&B), district executive chef John Horne has seen high-end cuts and imported delicacies jump in price at a much faster rate than other food categories. “If customers want premium items like beef tenderloin, halibut, or truffles, they’re going to have to pay for them,” says Horne. “That being said, in the mid range, there’s room for creativity.” Horne oversees two of the city’s finest kitchens, Auberge du Pommier and Canoe, alongside

some of O&B’s more casual restaurants, such as Maison Selby. There, culinary creativity is keeping menu prices from climbing. Beef bourguignon has long been one of the bistro’s star mains. Recently, Horne swapped out showy short ribs for ultra-tender beef cheeks. “Short ribs have a wow factor when they hit the table, but the cheeks are staying — even once beef prices come down.” At Rabbit Hole, O&B’s new downtown British gastropub, Horne’s chefs have been revisiting retro recipes that use offal and mid-range beef cuts. “I wouldn’t say the creativity I’m seeing is entirely driven by inflation, though. Old school techniques and dishes — pithivier, pâté en croûte, beef Wellington and savoury pies — are coming back because kitchens want to offer people things that they can’t make for themselves at home.” Although the cooks at Rabbit Hole look back in time for inspiration, Richmond Station’s dining room feels trapped in time. And that — after a bleak last 19 months — is a compliment. On a Tuesday, the lo-fi room is buzzing with a warm energy not felt since 2020. And as you tuck into the artful (always excellent) tasting menu, you almost forget we’re still in the tail end of this hopefully soon-to-end nightmare.

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JANUARY 2022

garden and limits imports. “Imported foods are going to be more expensive because it takes a plane, barge and truck to get here,” says Heinrich. “Food we can pick up directly from a farm, with fewer inputs, won’t increase in price as much.” This year, Richmond Station grew 45 different crops on a oneacre plot of land in Simcoe County. Their bounty included conical cabbages, badger flame beets and koginut squash, all hard-to-find items that Heinrich couldn’t source elsewhere. Richmond Station has used these rare veggies in its multi-course tasting menus that have changed weekly for the past decade. “When you’re just paying for the cost of the labour, the cost of the ingredients can be quite low,” says Heinrich. Don’t mistake frugality and farming for parsimony, though. Locally reared animals (purchased whole) and Ontario-grown produce cost a premium that Heinrich has happily paid for years. It just so happens that buying local is currently protecting Richmond Station from some of the price spikes others are enduring. Although locavore destination Richmond Station might be less impacted by inflation than a restaurant that deals in imported high-end beef, everyone is feeling the squeeze, even vegan

| POST |

Clockwise from left: Michelle Lee of Kimchi Korea House; Richmond Station’s farm; The Rabbit Hole’s steak and mushroom pie

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RESTAURANT DELIVERY GUIDE

www.cestbonrestaurant.com

www.karbouzi.com

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2685 YONGE STREET • 416 932 2811

2048 AVENUE ROAD • 416 483 3846

1450 YONGE STREET • 416 962 4825

OPEN FOR DINE-IN, TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

OPEN FOR TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

OPEN FOR PICK- UP, TAKE-OUT & DELIVERY

Pictured: Sweet and Sour Pork

MENU HIGHLIGHTS Dinner For Two 2 Spring Rolls, Chicken Chop Suey, Fried Chicken Wings, Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls, Chicken Fried Rice and 2 Fortune Cookies Deluxe Dinner for Two Mango Salad, General Tsao’s Chicken, Beef with Broccoli, Special Fried Rice and 2 Fortune Cookie Dinner For Three 3 Spring Rolls, Chicken Chop suey, Fried Chicken Wings, Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls, Beef with Broccoli, Chicken Fried Rice and 3 Fortune Cookies Deluxe Dinner for Three Mango Salad, General Tsao’s Chicken, Beef with Broccoli, Prawns with Cashew Nuts, Special Fried Rice and 2 Fortune Cookies

| POST | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

C’est Bon would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support during this period. All our staff are taking additional safety measures to ensure the safety of both staff and all of our customers.

Order Direct Online

www.cestbonrestaurant.com

Holy Chuck burger

Pictured: Pork Souvlaki

TRADITIONAL GREEK DELICACIES Appetizers: Pork, Chicken, Lamb or Beef Souvlaki Stick Spanokopita, Shrimp, Pita Bread Fried Calamari, Dolmades, Greek Salad Tzatziki, Hummus, Taramosalata Entrees: Pork, Chicken, Lamb or Beef Souvlaki Dinnerserved with rice, roast potatoes and tzatziki Moussaka - potato, eggplant, zucchini, ground beef topped with béchamel sauce and served with rice and vegetables

SPECIALTY BURGERS The Holy Chuck (our signature): Double cheesburger with bacon & carmelized onions Please don’t put on any toppings! NEW The Holy Cluck: House-breaded crispy chicken thigh, lettuce, tomato, pickle, mayo NEW The Big Yianni: Maple smoked bacon, cheese, panko crusted onion rings, chipotle mayo NEW The Wagyu Weiner: 7” of gluten free wagyu beef, warm bun, your choice of toppings

Gyros on a Pita topped with marinated tomatoes, onions and tzatziki

The Holy Duck: A single beef patty topped with seared Quebec foie gras, double smoked bacon, white truffle oil, pure Canadian maple syrup

Check out our full menu on-line!

FRIES & POUTINES

There is no need to travel to Greece for the authentic cuisine, simply go online to www.karbouzi.com. A Toronto restaurant tradition for over 50 years, Karbouzi Greek Taverna has become a staple on Avenue Road known for the warm atmosphere, the friendly service, and of course, the delicious home cooking! Karbouzi boasts a menu filled with traditional Greek delicacies from Souvlaki to Moussaka to flaming Saganaki. And don’t forget to try our much loved Tzaziki!

Hand Cut Crispy Fries | Crispy Sweet Potato Fries Creamy Feta Fries | Panko Crusted Onion Rings NEW Waffle Fries Plus shakes, desserts, extras and add-ons Vegan and vegetarian burgers available. Menu is 100% Certified Halal. New Menu Coming Soon!

Our location at 1450 Yonge Street is now open for Pick-Up, Take-Out & Online Delivery. Holy Chuck would like to thank all of our loyal customers for their support over the past few months. All of our locations are taking additional safety measures to ensure the safety of all of our customers and employees.

or call 416-932-2811

Call direct or order online at www.karbouzi.com

or Call Us Direct for Pick-Up & Take Out

NEWS

FOOD

Two friends grow backyard BBQ sandwich shop into Portuguese emporium

L-R: The sleek interior of Kome Yogurt and owner Andy Shi

Yogurt bar with secret speakeasy lands in T.O. Kome brings Asian-inspired yogurt cocktails to Canadian market by Christine Hogg A specialty yogurt bar turned cocktail speakeasy is heading to Toronto at the start of the new year. After spending his childhood in Asia, Andy Shi, owner of the soon-to-be-opened Kome Yogurt, says he became exposed to an impressive selection of fermented yogurt drinks and dairy products that, upon returning to Canada, were nowhere to be found in grocery stores or specialty shops. “There’s a significant gap in the market in Canada,” Shi says. “The whole idea was about bringing a variety of yogurt into the hands of consumers in Canada. ” Opening the first week of January 2022 at Queen Street West and McCaul Street, all of the shop’s specialty yogurts are made using only 100 per cent Canadian milk and non-GMO ingredients and are free of artificial colouring as well as artificial sweeteners. Unlike typical frozen yogurt bars in the city, Kome Yogurt’s products all come in a cup and are meant to be sipped through a

straw, like a smoothie. And all yogurt drinks have a chewable component, thanks to natural ingredients like fruits and grains. Kome Yogurt’s flagship Toronto store will also be home to a second concept — at the very back of the store, a speakeasy lounge will offer some of the best spirit-forward cocktails the city offers. Staying true to the brand, the speakeasy, named After Seven, will be serving yogurt-infused alcoholic cocktails. To enter, guests must walk through an unassuming vending machine with a glass panel, where a display of prepackaged yogurt bottles available for purchase from the yogurt bar will be held. Shi says he’s looking to bring a more refined approach to drinking culture to the city, one that’s often found in other global cities around the world. “We seek to offer guests a unique experience where the menu changes quarterly, featuring seasonal, local ingredients,” says Shi. “Gin and tonics and old-fashioneds are sta-

ples in this city, but we’re changing the ingredients. Ingredients and presentation are big in Japanese mixology, where the bartenders are proficient in the pouring and the storytelling, and that’s what we want to show.” The Rum Raisin, for example, will use house fermented yogurt, aged rum, Korean crystal grape and raisins, whereas the Bedtime Story will feature coffee-infused rum, single malt whisky, milk, citrus, tamari (a Japanese sauce made from fermented soybeans) and cacao nibs. After Seven will also serve several preliminary cocktails that do not contain yogurt or dairy, but still incorporate Asian spirits and seasonal ingredients and spices. An assortment of Asian-inspired snacks and small plates will also be on offer at the speakeasy, all of which were designed to pair well with the cocktails. Kome Yogurt will be located at 10 Stephanie St. and is set to open officially on Jan. 7, 2022.

What started as a backyard BBQ venture has moved into the sprawling Assembly Chef ’s Hall, a chef-driven community market that’s currently home to more than 15 restaurants. Doing one thing extremely well has proved to be the key to success for Bear Steak Sandwiches founders, Ricardo Barrientos and Aki Erenberg. The duo began whipping up flank steak and chimichurri sandwiches (named The Sammy) back in spring 2021 for friends, family and neighbours in their Little Italy neighbourhood before expanding to offer online pre-orders. “When we began this operation out of Ricardo’s backyard, we intended to stick with what we knew best and keep our menu streamlined,” says Erenberg. “Now that we’ve moved into a legitimate space, we wanted to use this opportunity to bring another sandwich to the menu, as well as offering fries. You can’t have a sandwich without fries, right?” Bear’s new and improved menu still offers the fan favourite that shot it to sandwich stardom, in addition to a new creation, called The Tosty (pronounced “Toasty”). The pair describe the Tosty as a revamped Tosta Mista ham and cheese sandwich popularized in Portugal. The Tosty is packed full of bold flavour, featuring red pepper jelly, mortadella, provolone, cheddar and caramelized onions, piled onto a Portuguese roll and then toasted on a panini grill. Although Erenberg and Barrientos are trying to take things one day at a time, they are hopeful a permanent spot at Chef ’s Hall may be on the horizon. “Right now our main focus is absolutely killing it at Chef ’s Hall. The ultimate goal is to become a mainstay at Chef ’s Hall in the new year and begin to expand from there.” —Raquel Farrington

New Japanese fusion spot opens in Forest Hill (seaweed) tacos are stuffed with delicate chunks of tuna sashimi and fresh pico de gallo on top of a bed of rice that’s drizzled with salty soy sauce. After much success with the tuna tacos, Hay Sushi now offers a spicy salmon or regular salmon sashimi version, as well as a vegetarian option that’s done using fried eggplant, diced tomato, fried onions and a secret veggie sauce. More than 15 different kinds of sushi and sashimi can be ordered à la carte or in sets. Hay Sushi also offers a wide selection of sushi, sashimi or maki party trays, ranging from 27 to 100 pieces. If you’re in the mood for something a little bit different, don’t miss Hay Sushi’s sukiyaki pasta, which is a rich garlic oil pasta with mixed mushrooms, green onion, egg yolk and thinly sliced beef brisket. Hay Sushi’s new location is located at 530 Eglinton Ave. W. —CH

| POST |

Hay Sushi is a Japanese restaurant and izakaya bar that’s known for its creative approach to Japanese cuisine. First coming onto Toronto’s culinary scene in September 2020 with the opening of its first location at 41 Spring Garden Ave. in North York, Hay Sushi recently opened its second location in Forest Hill. Hay Sushi’s fusion menu includes popular Japanese favourites like assorted sushi and sashimi sets, healthy poke bowls and steamy, comforting bowls of ramen soups. Hay Sushi has also added Japanese tacos to the menu, using crispy seaweed (nori) as a base instead of the traditional Mexican method, which features ingredients enveloped in a corn or flour tortilla. Hay Sushi’s signature tuna nori tacos were the first ones on the menu. Merging both Japanese and Mexican flavours, the crispy nori

JANUARY 2022

Hay Sushi serves up crispy seaweed tacos, unique pastas and more

The chimichurri and flank steak sandwich

FOOD

NEWS

Tasty vegan pizzeria and pasta spot opens on Queen Street Osteria Du puts a plant-based spin on classic Italian pies by Christine Hogg

Osteria Du uses cashew ‘cheese’ for its plant-based pizzas

Osteria Du, which operates out of vegan pizza takeout spot Pizzeria Du, recently opened at 536 Queen St. W., bringing plant-friendly pies and pastas to the downtown core. The prix fixe menu offers four courses (a starter, pasta, pizza and dessert) and is priced at $50 ($60 on weekends). Diners can choose between at least two options for each course from the carefully curated menu. Some of the dishes include the mezza luna rossa — a house-made pasta filled with beet, potato and ricotta, in herb-infused butter sauce and poppy seeds — or the insalata di cachi, a salad that spotlights persimmon, mixed greens, house-made feta, pomegranate seeds, pine nuts and sherry vinaigrette. Of course, there are also plenty of pizzas to choose from, including the classic pepperoni or the margherita, or funkier flavours like the barbecued jackfruit pizza, which features barbecue sauce, pulled barbecue jackfruit, cashew cheddar, grilled pineapple, green onion and ranch dressing. The drinks menu boasts an extensive wine, beer and cider list,including plenty of vegan options. For those opting for non-alcoholic options, standout items include Osteria’s take on the Italian classic Pirlo (Rhubarb Stappi, Gruvi Bubbly Rose and grapefruit) or a selection of teas. At a time when many restaurant workers have left the industry or are considering a new career, Osteria

Du, owned by founder of Awai Hospitality Group Roger Yang, has hired multiple chefs in an attempt to eliminate outdated hierarchical practices from the kitchen. “Our kitchen defies the traditional hierarchical system by replacing one headline chef with a whole team of chefs with collaborative spirit in their DNA,” says Yang. “It nurtures a culture of creativity and sincere cooperation, and it shows in the exceptional food and the team morale. And ultimately our guests benefit.”

“Our

kitchen defies the traditional hierarchical system by replacing one headline chef with a whole team of chefs.”

Osteria Du has also done away with tipping, replacing it with a service charge to level the playing field — a practice that’s already been rolled out at Avelo, another of Yang’s restaurants. Additionally, Osteria pays both front- and back-of-house staff on the same compensation scale — creating an equitable environment. Osteria Du is located at 536 Queen St. W. near Portland and is open from Wednesday to Saturday, 5 to 10:30 p.m.

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HOMES

One Bloor has made headlines over the past few years since it was announced to be the second-tallest tower in all of Canada after Toronto’s CN Tower. Now, it’s breaking more records: The combined residential and retail building is offering up world-class penthouses, and LP7900 is on the market for a current Toronto high of $34.7 million! With 8,752 square feet of living space, sunlight

from every angle and elegant marble and wood interiors, it’s not hard to guess why. And when your only neighbour in the sky is the CN Tower, it comes with an extra dose of privacy. Listed with Katy Torabi with Royal LePage Real Estate, it comes with perks — the lucky buyers will have the option to customize the layout of this room with a million dollar view!

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Canada’s second tallest tower also home to Toronto’s most expensive unit

JANUARY 2022

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HOMES & INTERIORS

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DESIGN

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The top design trends of 2022 to spruce up your home Go modern with bronze tones, printed wallpaper and digital upgrades in the new year Ringing in the new year might make you want to make some changes — find a new hobby, set a resolution for the year or switch up your style. Whether you’ve lived in the same place for years or have just moved in, maybe you’ll want to do the same for your home. Toronto luxury interior designer Michael London shares his best tips for sprucing up your home for the new year and what trends he predicts will be big in 2022. What are some home design trends that are on their way out?

Greys, greys and more greys are making their way out in 2022. After year two of pandemic living, greys feel colder and lacking in distinction. The use of colours like beiges, off whites, golds mixed with light browns and caramels are warmer, cozier and a classic neutral base option for accent colours and accessories. What trends are here to stay?

Mid-century modern design and furniture are here to stay due to the

Bronze-toned metals, faucets and hardware will be popular in 2022

clean lines and style elements. Those who prefer a more transitional space are finding modern spaces easier to transition to, as it’s less fussy, and some traditional or transitional elements can be added as accents to the space. Sustainability is also a trend moving closer to the forefront in

interior design. Creating luxurious, high-quality design with low environmental impact is key. What are the top trends of 2022?

Digital environment: Certain luxuries that seemed to be only “wants,” like intelligent toilets, smart home systems for lighting, blind controls and digital locks, are

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now becoming “needs.” All of which are providing forms of personal comfort, stress relief and the ease of life. Bronze tones: We’re looking toward one more year of light bronze tones in metals, faucets and hardware. We are slowly seeing the shift back to the classic chrome, brushed nickel and even polished nickel, which is subtle and still lends well to the warm tones. Home offices: The shift to work-from-home spaces in 2021 will carry over to 2022, as the work from home option has become essential. Those with both smaller closet-style work spaces or larger dens are opting to have the ability to close off the space to hide work after hours. Converting guest rooms or bedrooms into offices or homework rooms for the children is also essential. Custom printed wallpaper: Subtle graphics in custom wallpaper makes an impact, which helps to show personality in the space, similar to adding artwork.

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What are the best ways to keep your home design up to date but timeless?

Keep away from trendy finishes and details. Decoratively, homeowners can paint walls in more neutral tones that can adapt to either a warm or cool palette. Accents and accessories can always be updated, but having the mindset of keeping the home livable will help in having a classic environment. Architecturally, adjusting structural elements can become costly, but adding applied mouldings to walls in a dining or living room adds details and gives the room character.

MICHAEL LONDON

Michael London is the founder of Michael London Design and has worked on a portfolio of high-profile residences and luxury properties in Toronto, New York and more.

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DECOR

HOMES

HGTV’s resident stylist on adding warmth to your space Transform your home into a cozy casa for the winter with these quick tips

You probably remember your mom telling your younger self to, "Layer up. You never know what nature has in store." Well, mother knows best and this principle applies to decorating your home, too.

Accessorize

Soft and cozy fabrics can make all the difference in warming up a space

Let's start with the obvious — textiles. Fabrics and soft elements such as blankets, pillows and throws add physical warmth while creating a casual, cozy aesthetic. Look for rich fabrics and colours. Focus on rooms like the living area, den and bedroom, and dress

them up in heavier materials such as wool, velvet, fleece and faux fur. Layer an extra area rug or two to create warmth and softness underfoot. On the walls, consider hanging a traditional (and temporary) tapestry to add vibrancy. Then, add heavier

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No, I don't mean a hat and mittens. Look to decor to create a cozy ambiance. This temperature tactic is purely aesthetic, but highly effective nonetheless. Crank up the eclectic vibe in your home by mixing materials such as natural wood, a variety of metals and add some shimmer. Mirrors reflecting a simple string of white lights and flickering candlelight go a long way! On the move

Reposition your existing items. I really love this because it can be done without spending a dime or leaving your house — which bodes well, come the wicked weather!

Re-evaluate your home and take stock of your inventory. Can you move furniture around to refresh the space for the season? Consider relocating seating, side tables, art and accessories. Focus some extra seating near the fireplace to draw the eye and welcome visitors to this cold-weather comfort. Then, light it up! As the song goes, winter is (arguably) the most wonderful time of the year — provided you have a warm place to cozy up in and loved ones to cozy up to. Let the snowflakes, long nights and below zero temperatures inspire a space that serves not only as home, but as a warm and welcoming escape.

RED BARRINUEVO

Red Barrinuevo is the Principal Designer at Redesign4More and an award-winning property stylist and interior decorator based in Toronto.

JANUARY 2022

Layer up

window drapes to enhance privacy and hold warm air in while keeping cold air out. These simple additions won't cost you an arm and a leg, and at the earliest sign of spring, just pack up these winter wares and replace them with lighter linens, cottons and sheets.

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Canada is a country of four seasons: almost winter, winter, still winter and at long last, summer. I'm kidding of course, but there's some truth to my humour. Winter can be long and gruelling, and summers always end too quickly. But there’s so much to love about the cooler months of the year. Snow swirling outside and the image of family and friends gathered indoors around a crackling fireplace with steaming cups of cocoa and blankets piled high. It's almost Norman Rockwell-esque. Get inspired by this beautiful season and warm up your world, from the inside out. Here are some of my favourite tips to keep handy — because you never know when those flurries may start to fly!

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KIDS

Zach Hyman (pictured above) will be returning (COVID shutdowns notwithstanding) to his old stomping grounds, the Scotiabank Arena, on Jan. 5, to play against his former Leafs teammates after his move to the Edmonton Oilers. The new year will also bring the former Leafs player a challenge of a different kind. In 2014, Hyman released his first children’s book, The Bambino and Me, followed

by Hockey Hero in 2017 and The Magician’s Secret in 2018. Now, he’ll have to warm up those writing muscles for his upcoming fourth book. Hyman has remained tight-lipped about the new story, though we know he’s returning back to the sports theme with a basketball focus this time. A release date has yet to be announced, but stay tuned for more information in 2022!

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The return of Zach Hyman, author and left-winger

JANUARY 2022

SECTION

KIDS

FEATURE

There’s no shortage of exciting winter activities to entice your kids

Steer the kids outside How to make outdoor play fun again for children this winter by Jessica Padykula

Dr. Peter Christakos and Associates

Caring Professionals Committed to Excellence

Even before we found ourselves knee-deep in a pandemic that refuses to quit, most kids were already spending a lot of time in front of a screen, whether playing video games online with friends, scrolling through social media or watching YouTube videos. Now though, after nearly two years of varying forms of social distancing, Zoom school and limited interactions with others, screens have even more of a hold on kids. So how do we mitigate this and encourage kids to trade screen time for outdoor fun? There are a few tactics to try over the holidays and beyond. Schedule regular “no tech” time and stick to it

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It may sound simple, but sometimes implementing a new routine comes down to scheduling. Parenting expert and bestselling author of three parenting books, Alyson Schafer suggests building “no tech time” into your daily schedule and keeping to it. “Establishing routines and habits helps,” she says. “Kids have forgotten they like being outdoors, so create a list of activities with them that they can do with their friends or as a family. When it’s no tech time, you can refer to the list and see what they would like to do from the items you’ve already generated,” she explains. Take advantage of the season

Winter may not have the same

cachet as summer when it comes to favoured seasons, but it’s actually the perfect time to get the family outdoors. There are a host of free or low-cost activities to choose from, including ice skating, tobogganing, crosscountry skiing, winter hikes, snowball fights, fort building and more. A fresh snowfall combined with a bit of imagination can equal a fun afternoon outdoors for kids of all ages. Use technology to your advantage The goal here may be to limit screen time, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use technology as a helping hand. “For those who hate the outdoors and are seemingly tech addicted, you could try using apps that get kids outside,” Schafer suggests. “For example, Earth Rangers is an app about nature conservancy, and the app delivers activities that are conducted outside, mostly.” Make it a joint effort

Depending on the age of your kids and how well you know their friends’ parents, getting kids off screens this winter can become a joint effort. “Kids want to be social, they want to go where the action is. Work with some of their friends’ parents to co-ordinate outside activities together,” Schafer says. Group activities like a toboggan party, an outing to a skating rink for shinny hockey or even a scavenger hunt on a hiking trail can all be simple ways to build in some much-needed time away from technology.

Device overuse is a family problem and project Decide to limit screen time as a team I am an addict. It has been seven minutes since I last checked my email and texts. I no longer get pings when texts come in because the noise was driving my husband crazy. So now I have to check for them. Sometimes I tell myself not to check for emails and texts or the latest news updates and COVID numbers. I do tell myself these things — all the time — but I never listen to that voice. It’s no fun. Pretty much everybody I know is like me that way. COVID changed this for the worse. Having to live and work largely online gave us permission to indulge in our device addiction more freely. The problem is: What now? How can we possibly tell our kids to limit their screen time when we can’t (won’t) limit our own screen time? It’s nobody’s fault that COVID drove kids further down the rabbit hole of life on screen and that during lockdown, school closures and the loss of extracurriculars parents were unable to create limits to screen time. But even now, with kids back in school, they’re still down that screen rabbit hole. Rogers confirmed in December that internet use has increased by more than 50 per cent

during the pandemic. And we know it wasn’t all Zoom meetings. What are parents to do about that, given that we know the pernicious effect of screen overuse on kids? We haven’t forgotten what we knew before COVID — the studies showing the loss of self-esteem, the increased depression and anxiety that comes with social media. What to do? We all know that humans take better care of what they create. We also know that “monkey see, monkey do.” Which is a simple way of reminding ourselves that what we role model is about a hundred times more powerful than what we say. Which is why my screen addiction matters to my kids. A lot. If I answer the phone or check Instagram during dinner, so will they. I’ve given them tacit permission. If my phone comes to bed with me, so will theirs with them. Don’t kid yourself: they see it. So step one is that we have to include ourselves in the household device contract. Yup, a contract. If we’re not included, it smacks of unfairness and crappy role modelling — two factors that guarantee failure. It’s like parents who decry bullying and then dad bullies mom. You know what

happens downstream: somebody learns to bully. Thus we need to work on family-wide screen use reduction. Which starts with a family meeting. Ask everyone what they want on the agenda. They may add other items. Good. When the screen use item comes up, lead with your problem, not theirs. Kids respond better when grown-ups take responsibility for our own failings. Own up to your overuse of screens and what worries you about that. Do not mention the kids. If you do that, you might as well end the meeting, because it’ll make the kids defensive. Then ask the kids what they think about screen use in the family. Sit on your hands. Listen. Don’t interrupt. Don’t lecture. This is way harder than it sounds. Then ask the kids to propose ways for everyone in the family to reduce screen use at home. See the paragraph above this one for guidance on when to talk. Their proposals will likely be sensible, useful and maybe even a little strict for your taste. Which will be good for all of you. It won’t be the rules you would have chosen. And that’s the point. These are the kids’ rules. And those are the only ones they’ll respect. And break. Everyone breaks rules, especially rules limiting activities we’re addicted to. Expect rulebreaking. Do not punish it. Do not chastise anyone. Be as compassionate to the other rulebreakers in your family as you are to yourself. Laugh about it. This is hard! Save it. Which isn’t exactly hard. We never forget stuff that annoys us. Book a follow-up family meeting for a week hence. Begin with each person talking about when and how they fell off the wagon and what caused that slip. Don’t lecture. Listen. Then each person talks about how and why they want to work on this challenge over the coming week. All of which telegraphs to the kids that we’re all in this together, and that they have as much power as we do regarding this challenge. Which empowers the kids. They need that more than we can ever know. Especially now.

JOANNE KATES

Parenting columnist Joanne Kates is an expert educator in the areas of conflict mediation, self-esteem and anti-bullying, and she is the director of Camp Arowhon in Algonquin Park.

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JANUARY 2022

Parents need to model good screen use behaviour for kids to pick up on

KIDS

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PARENT TO PARENT

2022 SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE GUIDE Discover what these distinguished schools have to offer with their open houses and info sessions this winter and spring

Bannockburn School 416-789-7855 Visit bannockburn.ca for info on our Virtual Open House: Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 10am - 2pm

Northmount School 416-449-8823 x 112 Visit northmount.com/admissions/ open-house-tours/ for info on our Virtual Open Houses: Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at 10:30am Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at 10:30am Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at 10:30am

Bayview Glen 416-443-1030 Visit bayviewglen.ca to find out more about our school.

Prestige School 416-250-0648 Please call to book a tour.

Central Montessori School 416-222-9207 Visit cmschool.net to find out more about our school.

St. Clement's Early Learning School 416-489-0822 Contact us to book a tour or visit scels.ca to learn more about our school.

The Country Day School 905-833-1972 Visit cds.on.ca/planyourvisit for info about our Virtual Open House: Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10am

St. Michael’s College School 416-653-3180 x 500 Visit stmichaelscollegeschool.com to find out more about our school.

Academy for Gifted Children - P.A.C.E. 905-773-0997 Visit pace.ca to find out more about our school.

Crestwood School 416-444-5858 Please call to book a private tour.

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The Giles School 416-446-0825 Please call to book a personal tour.

Toronto Prep School 416-545-1020 Please call to book a personal tour. Toronto Waldorf School 905-881-1611 Please call to book a personal tour.

Metropolitan Preparatory Academy 416-285-0870 Visit metroprep.com for info on our Virtual Open Houses: Thursday, February 10, 2022 from 3 - 7pm Thursday, April 21, 2022 from 3 - 7pm

WillowWood School 416-444-7644 Visit willowwoodschool.ca/ open-houses-and-interviews for info on our Virtual Open Houses: Tuesday, January 11, 2022 from 2 - 3pm Saturday, February 12, 2022 from 10am - 12pm Tuesday, March 1, 2022 from 2 - 3pm

Montcrest School 416-469-2008 Visit montcrest.ca for info on our Virtual Open Houses: Wednesday, April 6, 2022 from 9 - 10am Thursday, April 7, 2022 from 9 - 10am Friday, April 8, 2022 from 9 - 10am

Yamaha Music School Markham 416-224-5590 Visit yamahamusicschool.ca to find out more about our school.

2022 PRIVATE EDUCATION GUIDE SPECIAL FEATURE

Our 33rd annual Private Education Guide features top private schools & extracurricular programs, including an easy-reference information bar containing class size, student–teacher ratios & real tuition costs.

Northmount School Northmount School is Toronto’s only independent, JK to Grade 8, Catholic boys’ elementary school. A Catholic education provides the foundation and purpose to our school’s everyday life, leading us to an understanding that we have a responsibility to prepare our students to build a better world. Thus, our students learn and grow in a community that places great value on the God-given dignity of each person, individuality, self-discovery and kindness, while immersed in a strong academic program.

Philosophically, we understand that education alone is not enough. It is education with values that matter. Our creative, stimulating, and accelerated curriculum is open to families of all faith backgrounds, and because great minds do not think alike, our small class sizes and specialist teachers mean that individual strengths are identified and nurtured. This is Northmount School.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 1990 GRADES: JK-8

ENROLMENT: 135 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 8:1 TUITION: $19,600 – $23,900

Bannockburn School A leading independent Montessori school for over 25 years, Bannockburn is recognized throughout and beyond North Toronto for outstanding academic standards, steadfast commitment to Montessori education, and deep respect for the potential in every child. Bannockburn’s Toddler, Primary and Elementary Montessori programs offer an enriched curriculum that exceeds provincial standards and nurtures a love of learning. Children ages 18 months to 12 years flourish in a child-centered community that cultivates

independence, imagination and intellect. Located in a beautiful facility, Bannockburn provides an ideal setting for inspired learning, with brilliant Montessori classrooms, ample outdoor space, a full-size gymnasium, and Music, Art and French specialty teachers. Every family at Bannockburn is proud to call it home: a warm, welcoming place where children love to learn, and where they thrive as creative, confident and compassionate individuals. Please visit www.bannockburn.ca to learn more.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 1993 GRADES: Toddler to Gr. 6

ENROLMENT: 200 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: Varies by Age TUITION: $16,700 - $26,250

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 1961 GRADES: JK-8

ENROLMENT: 334 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 8:1 TUITION: $33,260 - $44,160

www.montcrest.ca admissions@montcrest.ca Montcrest School - You’ve got this.

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Our broad aspiration is to be recognized as the leading elementary school community in Canada in realizing the unique potential of each child. Please visit our website or contact our admissions team to learn more about the Montcrest experience for your child and family.

JANUARY 2022

Montcrest School Montcrest School is a welcoming community that specializes in cultivating incredible young people. We believe in small class sizes and unparalleled student-teacher relationships. We believe individuality is something to protect, not suppress. And we believe in meeting our students with the ideal supports — and perfect challenges — for each age and stage, so they emerge as secure, self-directed young people who excel in academics and in life. Simply put, Montcrest helps children become who they’re meant to be.

Metropolitan Preparatory Academy Metro Prep Academy is a semestered, co-ed, university prep school for students in Grade 7 to 12. The academics are structured and challenging yet the environment is supportive and nurturing. Faculty and administration doors are open, encouraging strong relationships with students and their families. No uniform means young men and women can express their individuality. In this setting, Metro Prep’s students are taught to trust their instincts, think both critically and creatively, ask questions and seek the help they need to succeed. Extensive athletic and extracurricular opportunities foster the physical and social potential of each child. For over 35 years, Metro Prep has been preparing children for the academic demands of university as well as teaching them the skills needed for lifelong success. In 2018, Metro Prep introduced a new specialized arts initiative, SMITH, which offers students the opportunity to explore their creative talents. For more information, visit www.metroprep.com.

ENROLMENT: ### AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: ## TUITION: $##### SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 1982 GRADES: 7-12 ENROLMENT: 250 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 10:1 TUITION: $23,960 - $31,500

St. Michael’s College School

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Since 1852, St. Michael's College School has been educating and forming young men in goodness, discipline, and knowledge for lives of leadership and service. We are Canada's only Catholic, Basilian, faith-based independent school, educating young men from Grades 7 to 12 in a university-preparatory programme. Under the direction of the Basilian Fathers, our students discover the courage and develop the faith to be a modern man of St. Michael's: free in mind, body, and soul to pursue truth, choose goodness, create beauty, and build a civilization of love and care in service to our community and the world. Our students unleash their passion for meaning and curiosity by embracing Deep Learning, an inquiry-based learning pedagogy. In graduating young men who change the world through lives of faith, character, and service, St. Michael's College School brings integrity, unity, and healing to a fractured and uncertain world.

ENROLMENT: ### AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: ## TUITION: $##### SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 1852 GRADES: 7-12 ENROLMENT: 1,000 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 14:1 TUITION: $21,500

“The cure for boredom is curiosity. There is no cure for curiosity.” — Dorothy Parker

WillowWood School

SCHOOL TYPE: Private School YEAR FOUNDED: 1980 GRADES: Foundation 1-2, 3-12

ENROLMENT: 250 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 10:1 TUITION: Approx. $23,000

COME THRIVE WITH US

Bayview Glen Bayview Glen is an academically invigorating, co-educational independent school for students from age 2 to Grade 12. Situated on two closely connected campuses in North York, our vibrantly diverse community is inspired by expert teachers and fuelled by a forward thinking curriculum. Bayview Glen welcomes all students into a nurturing community that allows inquisitive minds to flourish. Our broad offering of curricular and co-curricular activities ranges from Drama to Design Thinking, Robotics to Round Square,

Music to Model United Nations, Athletics to Advanced Placement. We value collaboration, problem solving and academic risktaking to foster the entrepreneurial mindset and respect for diverse viewpoints that are essential for success in the 21st century. Bayview Glen students graduate as compassionate cosmopolitans, fully prepared for top ranked universities at home and abroad. Equally important, they step forth with the skills and attitudes needed to embrace and influence a world of accelerating change.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 1962 GRADES: Age 2 - Grade 12

ENROLMENT: 1,000+ STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: Call for details TUITION: $19,050 - $28,300

Small class siz sizes es Individualized Individualiz ed learning Supportive Supportiv e community

OPEN HOUSES WINTER WINTER 2022 Jan 1111 | F Feb eb 12 | Mar 1

for for more more inf information ormation

Willo WillowWoodSchool.ca wWoodSchool.ca | 416-444-7644 416-444-7644

JANUARY 2022

nesses, and maintain their dignity. Classes are small, the atmosphere is warm, and the pedagogical approach is holistic. Our effective teaching strategies, enthusiastic staff members and innovative programs bring out the best in students, build self-confidence and inspire a love of learning. If your family is seeking a new style of school with a strong history of inspiring students, we’d love to meet you. Visit www.WillowWoodSchool.ca for more information and to set up your in-person or online interview and tour.

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A co-ed independent school for diverse learners, WillowWood was founded in 1980 based on the core value that all students have a right to learn with dignity, that a warm and nurturing school can serve as a foundation for remarkable lives and that it is the whole person who matters. We have a long tradition of delivering targeted, personal education that considers each student's needs, inclinations and strengths. This individualized approach ensures that students are able to discover and embrace their strengths, address their weak-

St. Clement’s Early Learning School

COLLABORATE EDUCATE GRADUATE St. Clement’s Early Learning School

70 St. Clements Avenue, Toronto M4R 1H2

Toronto, T oronto, Ontario O M4S 1H2

Phone: P hone: 416 416.545.1020 6.545.1020 www.torontop www.torontoprepschool.com prepschool.com m

The Toronto Prep School is an independent, co-educational, university preparatory school for discerning students and parents.

Visit our website www.torontoprepschool.com for more information and be sure to click on the links to our FaceBook and Instagram pages. Contact: Fouli Tsimikalis, Director of Admissions at ftsimikalis@torontoprepschool.com

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ENROLMENT: ### AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: ## TUITION: $##### SCHOOL TYPE: Private School YEAR FOUNDED: 1955 GRADES: N to 2 ENROLMENT: 150 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: Low TUITION: $10,000-$21,000

416-489-0822 or www.scels.ca

250 Dav Davisville visville Avenue, A Suite 200

Environmental Science

As the leading benchmark for Early Childhood Education since 1955, SCELS has stuck to its promise. Our promise is to provide an exceptional, individualized program that works best for your child. With an intimate staff of twenty, and small class sizes in one of Toronto’s historic landmark churches, we’ve developed a reputable program that encompasses a balanced academic and social/emotional curriculum. As you walk into our school, you feel instantly welcomed by our devoted team and outstanding students all flourishing together in a structured, academic, and play-based environment. At SCELS, each child has their own Individual Program Plan that we put in place to support positive growth every term – from Nursery through to Grade 2. Come and see for yourself! Contact us at admissions@scels.ca to book a tour or visit www.scels.ca to learn more about us. Be a part of our community, be a part of SCELS.

At TWS, our rich Waldorf curriculum is a unique and integrated program where walls between subjects disappear. We are a school where students learn through experience and discovery, and where inspiring academics, human connection and artistic expression are foundational.

Grade 1 spots available for September 2022 admissions@torontowaldorfschool.com

torontowaldorfschool.com 905-881-1611

Toronto Prep School A combined 60 years of teaching experience has prompted Steve and Fouli Tsimikalis to create an environment that promotes learning, develops leadership and awakens social consciousness through the employment of energetic and hand-picked experienced faculty and staff. Toronto Prep offers a rigorous academic curriculum with the opportunity for students to participate in a variety of school clubs and athletics. Each student will receive a MacBook 13" with an extended warranty. Steve and Fouli have determined that it truly takes a village to raise a child. “A faculty working closely with parents/ guardians, smaller classes, supervised extra help before and after school and on Saturdays help students reach their personal potential for success,” notes Fouli. Their passion for teaching is evident: “The opportunity to contribute to the development of young men and women is a privilege,” says Steve.

ENROLMENT: ### AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: ## TUITION: $##### SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 2009 GRADES: 7-12 ENROLMENT: 430 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 10:1 TUITION: $29,450-$30,650

Toronto Waldorf School For 90+ years Waldorf graduates have gone into the world and made real, positive change. 94% attend university and an astounding 50% pursue post-graduate studies. Research shows Waldorf graduates have rewarding careers, lasting friendships and remain independent, ethical and hopeful. At Toronto Waldorf School students are presented with educational experiences when they are physically, emotionally, socially and intellectually ready for them — the right thing at the right time. Maths, sciences, arts, languages, humanities and movement are integrated, often into a single lesson, to fully engage the students. This approach fosters a deeper mastery of the material and a lifelong love of learning. Despite ever-changing educational trends, Toronto Waldorf School continues its emphasis on a values-oriented, child-centered environment that teaches students how to think, not just what to think. Our graduates are creative thinking, confident, centred and feel a strong connection to the people and the world around them.

ENROLMENT: ### AVERAGE CLASS SIZE: ## TUITION: $##### SCHOOL TYPE: Independent YEAR FOUNDED: 1968 GRADES: Parent/Infant–12 ENROLMENT: 350 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: N/A TUITION: $21,750

Snider School of Music Learn what you always wanted to learn in a relaxed, music-minded atmosphere in the heart of North Toronto. All of our music lessons are private (1 on 1) and are held in our newly renovated, spacious studios. There’s no registration fee for new students, and all levels and ages are welcome. Snider School of Music has evolved from its inception in 1949 when Dave Snider opened his first music studio near Bathurst and Bloor. Now, we are proud to teach over 750 students a week and take

pride in our dynamic and diverse teaching staff. Browse through our teacher list at www.sniderschoolofmusic.com and find one who’s right for you!! Our lessons are: packaged in sets of 5, 1⁄2 hour or 1 hour in duration, private (1 on 1), same teacher every week, customized lessons for every level, late night classes available (suitable for working adults), ages 5 and up. Be sure to check out our Rock Band program at sniderschoolofmusic.com/rockband

SCHOOL TYPE: Extracurricular YEAR FOUNDED: 1949 GRADES: 5 & up

ENROLMENT: 700 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 1:1 TUITION: $30–$32 per 1⁄2 hour

Fit Learning Fit Learning provides the best learning foundation for every child, regardless of age, disability, challenge or label. By combining the latest in behavioural and cognitive sciences, Fit Learning offers completely individualized programs that transform children as learners.Fit Reading, Fit Logic, Fit Math, Lil’ Fits and Fit Homeschool are all of our subject areas, each uniquely designed to help all kids. Our homeschool program provides homeschool support and supplementation in core skill

areas. Children attend Fit sessions from two to six hours per day three to five days per week and receive intensive one-on-one academic and cognitive training.We are unlike any learning experience your child has encountered. A Fit Learning session is a fast-paced, goal-oriented, high-energy instructional interaction with a Fit Learning Coach. Just as an athlete or musician trains, we focus on repetition, endurance, accuracy and performance. Kids leave full of confidence and ready to tackle their worlds!

SCHOOL TYPE: Tutoring Program YEAR FOUNDED: 1998 GRADES: K-12

ENROLMENT: Varies STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: Varies TUITION: Varies

Students consistently make 1-2 years of growth in 40 Hours of Instruction

virtual and in-person sessions!

Regardless of age, disability,challenge or label, Fit Learning provides the best learning foundation for every child “Thank you. I am blown away by her attention and reading. Her work ethic has improved since she started Fit, and it's transferring into her school work.” − Michelle, North York Parent & School Teacher

READING COMPREHENSION MATH LOGIC & PROBLEM SOLVING

2044 Avenue Road, 2nd Floor. North York www.fitlearningtoronto.ca

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 1989 GRADES: Pre-K to Gr. 8

ENROLMENT: 125 students STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 6:1 TUITION: $19,900 - $23,705

“Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” — Plutarch

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School offers small yet inclusive classes. Your child has access to a solid bilingual education in French and English as well as deep exposure to Mandarin and an introduction to Spanish. In addition, STEAM, coding, robotics, chess, music and student leadership are included in our curriculum. Call us at 416-446-0825 to book your private tour, or visit us at www.gilesschool.ca

JANUARY 2022

The Giles School The Giles School is a French immersion independent school for students from Pre-Kindergarten (starting at age 2) to Grade 8. Located in Uptown Toronto, The Giles School serves a diverse and international community to guide our future generation to become world-ready citizens. By being “World-Ready”, we prepare our students to develop a global mindset and to understand different perspectives through culturally diverse learning environments. Ensuring a quality education for all students, The Giles

The Country Day School Situated on a 100-acre campus north of Toronto among the rolling hills of King Township, The Country Day School is a leading JK-12 co-ed, non-denominational independent school. Since 1972, the dynamic and friendly CDS community has been nurturing student talent and fulfilling promise. Our innovative approach to learning integrates leading-edge technology, sophisticated facilities and exceptional teaching. We offer a superior educational experience that is sensitive to individual needs, enables learning

and equips students for life. Emphasizing education with balance, CDS provides diverse opportunities in academics, athletics, and visual and performing arts. Plus, students of all ages also love to explore our sprawling campus for outdoor education activities. This is a place of possibilities where students unearth their passions and everyone feels known, supported and inspired. This is a school where each graduate can answer the biggest question of all: Who will you be? Learn more at www.cds.on.ca.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 1972 GRADES: JK-12

ENROLMENT: 780 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 8:1 TUITION: $31,250

Greenwood College School At Greenwood, we believe every student can venture further. Our small, co-ed community allows students to feel positive and engaged each day, while our trailblazing approach to personalized education helps every student to realize their full potential. Greenwood’s teachers get to know their students not only as learners, but as people. With this foundation in place, our progressive approach to learning challenges students based on what they need to stretch themselves, whether that’s a personalized extension project or

support from the Student Success Centre. Outside of the classroom, Greenwood offers an array of high-calibre athletics, arts and extracurricular programs. Experiential learning opportunities, including outdoor education and service learning, encourage students to find new depths of perseverance and to build connections with the broader Toronto community. When our alumni leave Greenwood, they’re ready to thrive in highly selective postsecondary programs, and to explore what excites them.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 2002 GRADES: 7-12

ENROLMENT: 500 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 7:1 TUITION: $38,800

Central Montessori School (CMS) At CMS, we believe in the importance of building strong educational foundations during children’s most formative years. This has been our sole focus for over 25 years. Operating at 4 convenient locations in central North York and Thornhill, CMS is committed to providing outstanding, accredited Montessori education that is accessible and affordable. CMS recognizes each child’s unique learning style and supports them towards reaching their full potential. Our renowned Casa program helps children build a solid

foundation and equips young minds with skills needed for future success. Our Elementary program features an enriched curriculum that develops higher level thinking skills while nurturing individual strengths, encouraging innovative thinking and fostering a uniquely global perspective. Our students achieve superior results in math contests, spelling bees, sporting events and the Canadian Achievement Test, which go well beyond the average of students nationwide. French Immersion is also available.

SCHOOL TYPE: Private School YEAR FOUNDED: 1995 GRADES: Infants to Gr. 6

ENROLMENT: 900+ STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 3:1-16:1 TUITION: $900 - $2000

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www.cmschool.net

Building Strong Foundations since 1995.

The Dunblaine School The Dunblaine School is a not for profit school in midtown Toronto dedicated to providing supportive, individualized education for students with a variety of learning challenges. While following the Ministry of Education guidelines, the goal of the school is to foster a positive work ethic, increase confidence and to challenge all students to realize their greatest potential. The school addresses the academic, social and emotional needs of children with a variety of ability levels and learning styles with

differentiated instruction and individualized support. Additional professional services include occupational therapy, speech language therapy and social work. If your child is struggling in large classrooms, requires individualized attention and/or special education resources and remedial support, contact us at 416-483-9215 or email cpryke@dunblaineschool.com for more information. Due to COVID-19, school tours may be conducted virtually or after school hours.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 1969 GRADES: 1-8

ENROLMENT: 34 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 5:1 TUITION: $25,100

The Beez Kneez Nursery School The value and desirability of nursery school is widely recognized not only on educational grounds but also for developing social skills and self-confidence. Established in 2000, the Beez Kneez Nursery School provides a warm and creative atmosphere to foster young children’s imagination, curiosity and intellect. Our programs facilitate children’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual growth through an enriched curriculum, which includes French and dance classes

taught by our own specialty teachers. Most importantly, the children benefit from a high degree of individual attention from dedicated, professionally qualified teachers. All of our teachers hold Ontario teaching certificates and/or early childhood education diplomas, and the majority of our teachers also hold university degrees. Morning, full day, and extended programs available. Lytton Park * Davisville Village

SCHOOL TYPE: Private School YEAR FOUNDED: 2000 GRADES: PS to Kindergarten

ENROLMENT: 75 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 8:1 TUITION: $4,250-$20,000

Through individualized special education instruction, we enable each student with a learning disability to succeed.

Because at Dunblaine, we understand.

21 Deloraine Avenue Toronto Ontario Telephone 416 483 9215 www.dunblaineschool.com

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.

Crestwood School Crestwood School practises the traditional art of teaching by challenging young minds to learn and by structuring experiences that make learning possible. The school’s philosophy is based on tried-and-true methods of teaching the basics, thus providing students with a solid foundation in the three Rs. Homework and development of students’ organizational skills and good work/study habits are an integral part of the program. At the same time, Crestwood School is concerned with the “whole child”

— striving to maintain the balance of a child’s physical, social and emotional development. Each teacher is the key. With a well-planned program, a positive rapport with each and every student and a sense of commitment and dedication, Crestwood School’s goals are met! Crestwood is located in the beautiful wooded valley at Bayview Avenue and Lawrence Avenue.

SCHOOL TYPE: Independent School YEAR FOUNDED: 1980 GRADES: JK-6

ENROLMENT: 350 STUDENT/STAFF RATIO: 8:1 TUITION: $19,000-$29,500

Due to Covid we are presently not holding open houses. We welcome you to book a private tour.

Celebrating 42 years

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“The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you.” — B.B. King

JANUARY 2022

Please call the school

Henry Cuesta, cleaning neighbourhood carpets for more than 18 years

Jennifer MacLean, beautifying area gardens for over 10 years

Joanne Sallay, helping people learn for more than 30 years

Tom Day, keeping pipes and drains clear for over 26 years

Steven Benoit, over 15 years of cleaning carpets

Carol Roberts over 30 years of painting homes

John Bell, adding colour to Post City readers’ homes for more than 26 years

January Featured Classifieds Next issue deadline: Jan 18th by 5 p.m. TRADES & SERVICES ADS NOW ONLINE at postcity.com

PROFESSIONAL DUCT CLEANING Toronto's most respected cleaning service!

• CARPETS • DRAPERY • AREA RUGS • FURNITURE

416- 461-4006 info@reliablecarpet.ca www.reliablecarpet.ca

Junk Removal and disposal, big or small! We get rid of all your junk and unwanted clutter! • • • • •

Household items. Yard waste. Renovations debris. Office furniture removal. Electronic waste, etc.

POWER VAC OFFERS A VARIETY OF INDOOR AIR QUALITY SERVICES

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE

Professional Duct Cleaning since 1966

• NADCA Certified Air Systems Cleaning Specialists on staff • Indoor Air Quality Testing by Professional Engineer • Certified Mold Remediators and Ventilation Inspectors • State of the art Air Filtration Systems

416-245-5120 WWW. POWERVAC . CA

CALL US TODAY!

PAVING www.ccsrenovationsandmasonry.com

admin@ccsrenovationsandmasonry.com

Tel: 647-726-0030 • Fax: 905-248-1160

ASPHALT • INTERLOCK • CONCRETE

(647) - 482 - 7444 residential/commercial contact@junkmagic.ca

VISITUS AT: WWW.RADEFF.CA

AARON FELDMAN FULLY INSURED & LICENSED

FIXALL

416-402-4787 www.fixallmechanicalservices.com

• Electrical • Drywall Repairs • Plumbing • Garage Door Repairs • Appliance Installation

Free estimates

Low Commitment Consulta on by a Licensed Architect for all your home/co age or renova on needs. Municipal approvals and permits. Energy eﬃcient approach. Call or E-Mail Constan te at 416-481-4087; info@radeﬀ.ca

Insured & Bonded • 15 years’ experience

416-701-1881

info@epicpaving.ca www.epicpaving.ca

Commercial/Industrial/Residential FREE ESTIMATE 24 Hour Service aaronfeldman@bell.net

TERRAFORM | POST | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

CONTRACTING

Design

Build

Renovate

Renovations Additions Renovations Additions Project Project Management Masonry Masonry W Work ork New New Home Construction Construction Design Design & Permit Services Bonded Bonded & Insured WSIB WSIB Registered All All W Work ork Guaranteed

416.564.0149 pawconstruction.ca Providing Professional & Quality Construction Services for over 20 years

Spring Clean Ups Lawn Fertilization Lawn Mowing Spring Clean Ups Garden Clean Ups Lawn Fertilization Lawn Mowing Hedge & Garden Clean Ups Shrub Trimming Hedge & Shrub Trimming Leaf LeafRaking Raking

FREE ESTIMATES

Stone Work & Landscaping

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416-848-0978 7(55$)250 &$

HEALTHCARE

LEARNING 1. Tutoring

TUTORING 1 MATHEMATICAL TUTORIALS Private tutoring in mathematical subjects from refresher courses to advanced levels for all ages. Call George Giordano, B.Sc., M.A. bbgeorgebb@gmail.com or 416-545-1937.

IMPROVE YOUR FRENCH!

Our expert tutors provide the personal instruction & constant support that improves grades, builds study skills, increases self-confidence, reduces stress & prepares students for University. We tutor online, all grades (Primary-University) & all subjects including: ESSAY WRITING/ ENGLISH MATH/SCIENCE CHEMISTRY/PHYSICS/BIOLOGY STUDY SKILLS/EXAM PREPARATION FRENCH

2. Personal Training 3. Health Programs 4. Senior Services

SENIOR SERVICES 4

PERSONAL TRAINING 2 Personal Certified Fitness Trainer

Active Aging Certified Trainer In Your Home or Office Fitness Equipment Supplied First Session FREE Workouts include stretching, resistance, core, cardio and balance training. Exercise keeps you youthful, healthier, stronger longer!

Professional Care For Seniors Companions/Homemakers Personal Support Workers Caregivers Full Time Long Term Your Employee Highly Personalized Service

HOME

5. Home Improvements 6. Painting 7. Electrical 8. Plumbing 9 Landscaping 10. Interiors & Upholstery

HOME IMPROVEMENTS 5

OVER 30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN

Heating, Air Conditioning, Fireplaces, Hot Water Tanks and Boilers. Rental Programs also available.

CALL: 416 930 5371

Call Lori 416-616-1797

Join our lively and congenial

daytime conversational French

inhomefitnesstrainertoronto.ca

classes for adults. All Levels. Qualified Experienced Teacher

Personal Trainer Online Train with me on: FaceTime Whatsapp Zoom

SPECIALIZED TUTORING 30 YEARS TUTORING

arteach@rogers.com (416)-487-5095 Zoom Tutoring Available Covid-19 Protocols Followed

HEALTH PROGRAMS 3

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www.teachersoncall.ca

416-519-8335 905-881-1931

LOOK NO FURTHER! - WE WILL COME TO YOU

• English / ESL / Essay Writing • Math / Chemistry / Physics / Biology • French / Hebrew / Mandarin • Study Skills / Exam Preparation

A $20 membership gives es you y access to 7 LIVE yoga oga classes week ly, y,, plus taped classes weekly, on YouTube. Yo it Be partt of it.

Select Your Your Caregiver Careeggiiver Up to 24 hour care care Meal Preparation Preparation Errands/Shopping Hygiene Assistance Light Housekeeping Respite Care Care for Families Palliative & Chronic Chronic Care Care Joyful Companionship Alzheimer/Dementia/Parkinson/Diabetes and Cancer Care Care Provider Provider for Veteran Veteran Independent Program Program Weekends/Holidays Weekends/Holidays TTemporary/Long-term eemporary/Long-term Live-in,, Live-out Care Day/Night, Live-in Care FREE in-Home Consultation

416-398-4663 www.seniorhomecarebyangels.com/toronto1 www.seniorhomecarebyangels.com/toronto1

TUTORSHIP Educational Services

for Tranformational Breakthroughs

ONLINE PRIVATE TUTORING

• Digestion • Anxiety • Mobility • Depression • Complex Issues

Elementary • Secondary • College University • Adult • ALL SUBJECTS • ALL GRADES 5 Star Google Reviews GET IN TOUCH TO SEE HOW WE CAN HELP!

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ADAM

thehealthguy22@aol.com

(416) 889-6449

s "RICK 2EPLACEMENT s 0ARGING 2EFERRALS !VAILABLE #ALL "RIAN

647-767-0164 BRIANJPARKER

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Peter Topp @

416-460-2250

Shower Restoration of Toronto U ` ,i Û> U À ÕÌ ,i«> À U Ã viVÌÉ ii« i> U ,i« >Vi >Õ } U >ÀL i * Ã } H Àii ÃÌ >ÌiÃH

Please Call David

416-787-8084

showerrestorationtoronto.com info@showerrestorationtoronto.com

Serving South of Steeles

Health Programs

tutorship@rogers.com

www.XtraLearn.com 800-716-9525

Yoga oga Classes LIVE on ZOOM

s 4UCK 0OINTING

FOR MORE INFORMATION

(416)573-0274

XtraLearn@XtraLearn.com

ALL MASONRY

s 0ORCH 2EPAIR 2EBUILD

personaltrainerlaurie.com

/LYH 9LGHR :KLWHERDUG Are you looking for a tutor who: • Is qualified & dedicated; • Assessess & then implements a plan for success; • Promotes critical thinking & study skills; • Provides encouragement & guidance?

3INCE

416-884-1882

Specialities: Dyslexia, Non-Verbal Learning Disabilities & More Cert. Orton-Gillingham Practitioner Remedial/Enrichment Instruction Teaching All Subjects, K-Grade 9

Arlene T., B.Sc., M. Ed., O.C.T.

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IRA’S HANDYMAN SERVICES FINLAY TOPP CONTRACTING

• Picture Hanging • Fixture Installations

Care At Home

GARAGE LEANING? Ready to fall over? Garages rebuilt at substantial savings over replacement (single/double)

9 Service in over 70 languages 9 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 9 Accredited by Accreditation Canada

9 Award Winning Agency 9 NHI is proud to serve Toronto

• No Permit Required • No Tax Reassessment • No Set Back Issues Just a nice garage at a fraction of the cost of replacement

• Deck & Fence Repair • Painting • Furniture Assembly • Interlock Repair • Shingle & Flat Roof Repair

Of course we also do General Home Renovations

“Small Job Specialist”

and the GTA since 1985

416-754-0700

nhihealthcare.com

• Plumbing & Electrical

irathehandyman@hotmail.com

Call Peter:

416-554-3517

416-274-6942

JANUARY 2022

416-488-4908

| POST |

For more information, please call

Perfect

IS IT LOOSE, WOBBLY, STICKING, CROOKED, LEAKING, CRACKED OR BROKEN? DOES IT NEED REPAIR?

Adam (416) 889-6449 avsold@aol.com 20 years experience Licence # B10111

CALL DAVE! @ 416s222s7583

Fences & Decks

Quick Turnaround

For Minor Household Repairs s (OME 2EPAIRS s 0AINTING s $RYWALL s 3HELVING s /DD *OBS s %LECTRICAL &IXTURES s NO JOB TOO SMALL s AFFORDABLE s FAST s RELIABLE & PROMPT s SENIORS’ DISCOUNT s YOUR SATISFACTION IS GUARANTEED

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• Renovation • Repair • Electrical

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PROFESSIONAL

ROOF REPAIRS • Roof Repairs • Roof Maintenance • Missing Shingles • Major/Minor Leaks • Eaves and Downspout Repair • Raccoon Problems • Squirrel and Bird Problems

Free Estimates • Licensed Seniors’ Discount

416-820-3852 '(&.6 )(1&(6 325&+(6 6+('6 'HFN )HQFH 3RUFK FRQVWUXFWLRQ DQG UHSDLU &XVWRP JDUGHQ VWRUDJH VKHGV 5HVWRUH \RXU H[LVWLQJ JDUDJH RU EXLOG QHZ Call

Peter Topp @

416-460-2250 Serving South of Steeles

416-248-0211

FINLAY TOPP CONTRACTING

WILDLIFE EXPERTS Squirrels

| POST | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

Raccoons

Birds sProfessionally Repaired sRoof Repairs

HomeStars best of

2018-2021 Reader’s Choice 2020

Yonge / Eglinton

Ready to fall over?

CONSTRUCTION INC.

Garages rebuilt at substantial savings over replacement (single/double)

Flagstone & Stone Work Brick Restoration & Masonry Retaining Walls Concrete Work & Steps Rebuild Walk Out Basement Excavating & Addition

• No Permit Required • No Tax Reassessment • No Set Back Issues Just a nice garage at a fraction of the cost of replacement

Repairs to Leaky Skylights New Installations High Quality Workmanship & Excellence

OFFERING:

•DRYWALL/TAPING •EMERGENCY REPAIRS

• Decks and Fences

416-830-6492

LICENSED Eletrical Contractor

PLUMBING 8

Of course we also do General Home Renovations

Call Peter: Call John: 416-827-8397 bwmconstr@hotmail.com

ROOF REPAIR EXPERTS ROOF REPAIR ROOF MAINTENANCE

416-554-3517 PAINTING 6

JOHN BELL PAINTING

“Thank you for what most painters promise but few deliver.” R.L.

MISSING SHINGLES MINOR/MAJOR LEAKS EAVES & DOWNSPOUT REPAIR

RACCOON PROBLEMS SQUIRREL & BIRD PROBLEMS FREE ESTIMATES NO JOB TOO SMALL SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT LICENSED

416 820 3852

s 0AINTING s 0APERING s $RYWALL s 3TUCCO s &AUX Clean & efficient work done on time.

416-491-1010 Eavestroughing & Siding Experts

Quality Workmanship Guaranteed

5” Seamless Eavestrough Soffit / Fascia & Siding

Free Estimates s Licensed Seniors Discount

Free Estimates Seniors’ Discount Licensed

416-248-0211

416-820-3852

ELECTRICAL 7 APPLIANCE REPAIRS Professional repairs of all brands of refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, dryers, washers, heating and air conditioning. Warranty. Credit cards accepted. Seniors’ discount. Please call Fred 416266-6122.

LICENSED ELECTRICIANS s 30%#)!,):% ). +./" 45"% 7)2).' s 3%26)#% 50'2!$).' !-03 s 2%0!)23 #/-0,%4% 2%7)2).' s &5,,9 ).352%$ "/.$%$ ,)#%.3%$

Repair & Replacement Faucet Sink Toilet Shower Laundry Main Valve Leaking Pipe Backup Drain FULLY LICENSED & INSURED 24HR. SERVICE MET. LIC. # PH23521

416-876-6679

Lic. # 7003478

Tom Day MILE’S CALL ANTHONY 416-704-4990 Plumbing & Drains PAINTING alcelectricinc@gmail.com

Over 20 Years Experience!

Interiors & Exteriors. Professional, Clean & Timely Work. Fully Insured References Available.

FREE ESTIMATES Service Upgrades Troubleshooting Ceiling Fans Pot Lights Lighting Designs LED Retrofits Nest Thermostats Pools / Hot Tubs Generators

Faucets, toilets, sinks, etc. installed. Blocked toilets, backed up drains, basement back ups. External & internal drain excavating. Complete washroom renovations. "

Call For a Free Estimate

416-303-3276

24 hr. service

Toronto’s Trusted Plumbers Since 1979 2000+ Reviews 9.7/10

INTERIORS & UPHOLSTERY 10

WaterWorks Plumbing and Drains

MARCANTONIO FURNITURE

Waterproofing Drains Fixtures -Waterproofing -Drains -Plumbing 40+ years experience Upfront Pricing Seniors Discount Michael Yuffa Master Plumber

CITY TROPICALS INC.

WaterWorksCanada.com

LANDSCAPING 9

A Wo man’s TTouch ouch La ndscaping Woman’s Landscaping Overgrown...out control garden? Overgrown...out ooff co ntrol ga rden? morere co costst eeffective IItt mmay ay be mo ffective to redesign redesign yyour our lalandscape. ndscape.

Living Plants for Public and Private Spaces Tropical Plant Maintenance/Sales Tropical Consultation, Design & Installation Pruning & Synthetic Plants

FREE ESTIMA ATES TES ESTIMATES Bus: 416-422-4707 Fax: 416-422-4701

What does your garden need this season?

Grandma’s Garden Winter Arrangements Fall Clean-Ups Blueprint Design Decorative Planters Landscape Lighting Garden Makeovers & Maintenance

Vision. Design. Build.

grandmasgarden.ca

e. Wee provide W provide full servic service. Please see see our website. website. Please

416-427-3367 • www.awtl.ca

SHASTA

Restoration & Repair

Restoration of antique & modern furniture. In-home touch-ups of dining room sets, bedroom sets & kitchen cupboards. Gluing & general repairs.

35 years’ experience

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING SINCE 1997

FOR AN ESTIMATE CALL HENRY CUESTA

416-882-2942

Area Rugs C l e a n e d i n Yo u r Home/Condo R e p a i r s Av a i l a b l e

w w w. d r y t e c h n o l o g y. c a

SERVICES 11. Cleaning 12. Computer Services 13. Appliances 14. Art & Design

CLEANING 11 CLEANING LADY AVAILABLE Experienced, insured, honest and hard-working. Attention to detail. maidforyoutorontoltd.com. Call Tanya at 416-897-6782.

SHINY CLEAN HOUSE An Experienced European cleaning lady will keep your house clean. Our company is fully Insured & Bonded. Call Inna or Inga, 416-929-5777. www.shinycleanhouse.ca.

HOUSEKEEPER Specialist in Hazardous Tree Removal & Ornamental Pruning

without the use of water

416-654-0518

THOROUGH, METICULOUS

GARDEN DESIGN Design & Installation Planting & Pruning Garden Maintenance Complete Garden Makeovers

DRY EXTRACTION

GREEN, CLEAN & DRY

cti@citytropicals.com 593 Mortimer Ave. Ave. Toronto Toronto M4C 2J6

416-489-9633

DRY TECHNOLOGY

COMPUTER SERVICES 12 COMPUTER AND IT SUPPORT Set-up, Tutoring, virus removal, troubleshooting, networks. House calls or remote support. Patient, references available. Your questions? My answers! David Block: 416-830-6160; Email: dblock@sympatico.ca.

APPLIANCES 13 APPLIANCE REPAIRS Professional repairs of all brands of refrigerators, stoves, microwaves, dishwashers, dryers, washers, heating & air conditioning. Warranty. Credit cards accepted. Seniors’ discount. Call Fred 416-266-6122.

ART & DESIGN 14

Sunny Disposition Quickly Learns Your Preferences Anticipates & Solves Problems

416-522-7288

& Asian wares

Bronze Paintings Old jewellery, watches,

coins & medals Military items Teak Furniture Fancy cups & saucers Professional & Courteous 30 Years Experience Call David

416-231-9948

COLLECTOR LOOKING FOR Old Tube Hi Fi Components and Speakers. 40 Years or Older.

t .BDJOUPTI t .BSBOU[ t 'JTIFS t Tanoy t )BNNPOE 0rgans t 3FDPrE $PMMFDUJPOT

Call: 519-853-2157 1-800-947-0393

WANTED A Collector Trying To Recreate An Old Time General Store is looking for items found in a General Store before 1960. Eg. Tea tins, tobacco tins, post cards, bottles, magazines, old paper items, comic books, signs, toys, advertising, old store stock, etc.

WANTED A collector recreating an old time General Store is looking for items found in a store before 1960. Tea tins, tobacco tins, postcards, bottles, magazines, old paper items, comic books, signs, toys, advertising. CASH PAID. 416-745-4981 or 416-953-6219

TOP CASH

PAID • Gold • Coins • Figurines • Bronze • Jewellery • Instruments • Silver • Porcelain • Paintings • Watches • China

Tibor: 647-866-5040

WANTED! FINE ART & ANTIQUES

Chinese Japanese Asian Porcelain Jade Bronze etc. Canadian art & fine paintings Inuit sculpture Sterling & jewellery China & porcelain Moorcroft Doulton Art glass

call Andrew Plum

416-669-1716

English Gentleman Buyer

plumsfineart.com

416-745-4981 or 416-953-6219

10-YEAR CLIENTS

shastagardens@hotmail.com

Quality antiques Sterling, Silver Plate Chinese, Japanese,

CASH PAID

Impeccable References from

Free Consultations

WANTED

PLEASE PHONE

GILLIAN

Tree ee Ltd. Hersey Tr

416 234-5500

Professional Professional Arborist t

Removal Removal

Planting

Local (Teddington (Teddington Park) Business ~Fully Insured~ Insured~

Gr Great eat Job

Great Gre eat VValue alue Call/Text Call/T Text David:

647-741-7036 Email: info@herseytr info@herseytree.ca ee.ca Herseytr Herseytree.ca ee.ca

We are a full service tree care company that promotes tree preservation with an ethical approach to caring for trees.

mollymaid.ca

Dependable Cleaning from the Professionals you can Trust!

- Pruning - Removals - Planting - Arborist Reports -

& ASSOCIATES

MARKETPLACE 15. For Sale/Wanted

Fine Art - Antiques Estate Sales - Appraisals Family Division

416 781 8800

416-462-0007 www.kellytree.com

M A R C D AV I S

FOR SALE/WANTED 15

855.223.5851

POST CITY MAGAZINES NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE

www.marcdavis.ca

January 18

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS FOR 44 YEARS

416-250-7979 x270 classifieds@postcity.com

JANUARY 2022

Pruning Pr uning

| POST |

LOOKING BACK Before you go...take a gander at these five historic events from Januarys of years past JANUARY 2022 EDITION

| POST | J A N U A R Y 2 0 2 2

You would be hard-pressed to find a mayor more in love with his city than Mel Lastman. Sure, he had some memorable missteps, like calling in the military after a snowstorm in January, 1999. But when it mattered he always put his community first. RIP Mayor Mel.

Before Leylah, even before Bianca took the tennis world by storm, there was Toronto native darling Carling Bassett-Seguso, one of Canada’s most successful female tennis players in history, who turned pro on Jan. 3, 1983.

The Peter Witt streetcars were the original workhorses of T.O.’s streetcar fleet, especially along the Bay and Yonge lines. With the opening of the Yonge subway line in 1954, the Peter Witt streetcars slowly disappeared and were officially retired on Jan. 1, 1965.

On Jan. 21, 1922, one of Toronto’s most revered residents, Lincoln Alexander, was born. He went on to become the country’s first Black member of Parliament and so much more.

Before the company first owned the Toronto Blue Jays, Labatt had a deal in January 1976 to purchase the San Francisco Giants, led by future Hall of Famer Willie McCovey. MLB scuttled the deal.

V-JAN-2022-IBC_IBC 2021-12-15 1:46 PM Page 1

COHEN H O M E S & E S TAT E S

REALTRON REAL TRON BARRY BARRY COHEN COHEN HOMES HOMES INC., INC., BROKERAGE BROKERAGE | www.BARRYCOHENHOMES.com www. BARRYCOHENHOMES.c o m

V-JAN-2022-OBC_OBC 2021-12-15 1:48 PM Page 1

ELISE KALLES proven performance makes the difference! At Harvey Kalles, our most important responsibility is to protect the safety of our clients, as well as our agents, colleagues, and the general public. We are using virtual showings and digital marketing to facilitate your real estate needs. Stay safe. Stay healthy.

416.441.2888 x291 | elisekalles@harveykalles.com | elisekalles.com

SOLD BY ELISE KALLES IN 2021

33 JACKES AVENUE #304 Summerhill Condo. Direct elevator to 2,812 sf NE corner suite. 2 BRs + den, 3 baths. Wall-to-wall wndws thruout & sliding glass drs from kit & 2nd BR to terrace. 2-car prkng, 2 lockers. Steps to David Balfour Park & transit. Elise Kalles** Ext 291

77 CHARLES STREET WEST #701 Urban chic. 1,569 sf. 2 BR, 2 bths. Oak hdwd flrs, Calacatta & crèma marfil marbles, Kofler fixtures. 2 balconies offer N, E & W views. Viking stainless-steel appls. Walk to public transit, shops, restaurants, galleries of Bloor/ Yorkville. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291

50 YORKVILLE AVENUE #4001 Four Seasons Private Residences. 2,874 sf. 2 BRs + den, 4 baths. Miele appliances. Spacious master w/ w/i dressing room. 2 gas fireplaces. Electronic shades. Spectacular west (lake & sunset) views. Access to all hotel amenities. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291

Listed at $3,998,000

153 LYNDHURST AVENUE ~ CASA LOMA Sited with 75’ frontage on edge of Nordheimer ravine. Mansion subdivided into 3 townhouses. Orig character of house maintained. 4 BRs, 4 baths. W/o from gallery, living & sunroom to terrace, exquisite gardens & ravine. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291

SOLD

Listed at $2,650,000

Listed at $7,500,000

SOLD

15 SCARTH ROAD # 3 Rosedale century-old home transformed into 2,385 + 265 s.f. balcony, contemporary condo suite designed by Tara Fingold. 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, elevator, 2-car parking. Walk to Branksome Hall & Mooredale House. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291

Listed at $4,995,000

SOLD

Listed at $2,795,000

10 BELLAIR STREET #2408 Heart of Yorkville. 5,309 sf. 3 BRs, 4 bath. Family rm, office & guest suite w/ sep entrance. 3-prkng spaces, 2 lockers. 4 terraces w/unobstructed panoramic views. Superb amens. Walk to 5-star restaurants, boutique shops & galleries. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291

SOLD

1 POST ROAD #308 Bridle Path. Direct elevator to 2,775 sf, 2 bdrms, den & 3 baths, 2-car parking, 1-locker. French drs from dining rm & kitchen w/o to 2 private terraces overlooking ravine. Spacious living & dining rooms. 24/7 valet & concierge. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291

36 HILLHOLM ROAD Beautifully sited on quiet tree-lined street in prestigious Forest Hill. 4+1 BRs, 5 baths. French doors from breakfast area walk-out to terrace. 3rd level office. LL wine cellar & entertainment rm. Enclosed gardens w/pool & cabana. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291

SOLD

SOLD Listed at $3,498,000

Listed at $6,880,000

Listed at $7,980,000

SOLD

2 MONTCLAIR AVENUE Forest Hill Classic elegance sited at end of cul-de-sac. 5’, ¾ cut oak hdwd flrs throughout. 5+1 BRs, 9 baths. 3rd level entertainment rm. LL rec rm w/ wet bar, exercise rm. O/s garage, heated driveway. Delightful enclosed gardens. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291

125 BEDFORD ROAD ~ ANNEX Heart of the Annex. Victorian home restored & transformed to perfection. 10’ clngs, expansive windows & Fr. doors allow light to cascade throughout. 4+1 BRs. 5 baths. Elevator, new wdws, generator, control 4 Smart Home. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291

SOLD

SOLD Listed at $6,980,000

Listed at $8,980,000

SOLD

42 PARK LANE CIRCLE Resplendent Bridle Path mansion. 9 bdrms, 10 baths. 19,000+ sf including LL. Grand princ rms. Wealth of Fr drs open to gdns. Atrium w/ vaulted skylight. Self-contained guest ste w/priv entrance. Reg-size tennis court. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291 Stephanie Adams*

SOLD

SOLD Listed at $18,000,000

Listed at $2,249,000

38 AVENUE ROAD #310 Bridle Path. Rarely available suite in prestigious bldng. Direct elevator to 2,775 sf, 2 BRs, den & 3 bths, 2-car prkg, 1-locker. French drs from dining rm & kit w/o to 2 priv. terraces o’looking ravine. 24/7 valet & concierge. Elise Kalles** Ext. 291

A name you can trust since 1957