SPRING 2016
ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE PRESS print
digital
social
LIVE LOCAL Real Estate Update p6
Moving Made Easy p8 Spring Cleaning p10
Mimico Lacrosse p12
Profile: Chris Logan p13 PLUS: What’s New p14
HUMBER BAY . MIMICO
NEW TORONTO . LONG BRANCH . ALDERWOOD
THE QUEENSWAY . ISLINGTON VILLAGE . THE KINGSWAY
CONNAUGHT MASONIC HALL 23 SUPERIOR AVE, MIMICO
LONG BRANCH LODGE NO. 632 MEETS 1ST TUESDAYS, 7:30PM
LAKE SHORE LODGE NO. 501 MEETS 1ST MONDAYS, 7:30PM
ANTHONY SAYER LODGE NO. 640
MEETS 3RD FRIDAYS, 7:30PM
CONNAUGHT LODGE NO. 501 MEETS 2ND THURSDAYS, 7:30PM
VISITORS WELCOME
(416) 788-0716
LONGBRANCHMASONS@GMAIL.COM
MASTHEAD
Spring 2016 Real Estate Edition On the Cover: “Live Local”
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Your South Etobicoke real estate specialist and neighbour! “Call me today and I would be happy to provide you with a complimentary and confidential evaluation of the market value of your property!”
INGRID LARA
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Sales Representative www.ingridlara.com REALTY SOLUTIONS
Copyright 2015 Keller Williams® Realty, Inc. If you have a brokerage relationship with another agency, this is not intended as a solicitation. All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. Each office is independently owned and operated.
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ETOBICOKE - LAKESHORE PRESS
photo: bysummerleigh.com
EDITOR’S NOTE
We did it! We made it through another winter. Perhaps not as grueling as previous winters, but a long one, nonetheless. What’s on your mind as we step into spring? For some, it’s the warmer weather, blooming flowers, and longer days. For others, it’s the notion of getting back to business after a period of hibernation, which could include their fitness regimes.
Our feature this month focuses on a pair of organizational experts who have teamed up with a local realtor to help their clients manage the otherwise overwhelming experience of moving.
In preparation for this issue, I spoke with some of my neighbours to understand why they moved to South Etobicoke and what keeps them here. Their responses were surprisingly similar. Most moved In this issue, we’ve approached here because it’s so accessible to springtime from the perspective of the city. Everyone stays here bethe home. With that in mind, this cause of the sense of community. issue is centred around living local. Thanks for reading and check out In it, we profile two local realtors our new Live Local section on p14. to get their thoughts on what drew them to Mimico and what keeps so many interested in moving to Roger Tumminieri, Editor etobicokelakeshorepress@gmail.com the area. We’ve also highlighted 416.788.0716 a range of property values which reveal the relative affordability of homes and condos in South Etobicoke. WHERE TO FIND US print: free for pick-up at local merchants in Etobicoke-Lakeshore digital: issuu.com/the_el_press social: @the_el_press #LiveLocal #Etobicoke
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REAL ESTATE UPDATE SOUTH ETOBICOKE
AVG SALE PRICE BY NEIGHBOURHOOD HUMBER BAY Condo: $415,964 Townhome Condo: $601,778 MIMICO Detached: $689,586 Row Townhouse: $724,000
As a Realtor®, I’ve noticed a steady increase in the number of clients interested in viewing properties in South Etobicoke. They’re attracted to the waterfront, parks, schools, local businesses, and community services. They’re also pleasantly surprised by the quick commute into the downtown core given the access to major highways and transit options. Here are some highlights from the average sale prices by neighbourhood for the last quarter of 2015. All data is sourced from the Toronto Real Estate Board. What’s your home worth?
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LONG BRANCH Detached: $911,116 Condo: $340,925 Townhome Condo: $418,500 ALDERWOOD Detached: $766,862 Semi-Detached: $692,200 THE QUEENSWAY Row Townhouse: $682,500 Condo: $334,333 ISLINGTON VILLAGE Detached: $643,333 Row Townhouse: $728,250 Townhome Condo: $406,526 THE KINGSWAY Condo: $712,686 Elliott Slocombe is a resident of Long Branch and works as a Sales Representative for Keller Williams Realty Solutions, Brokerage 416.836.6066
digital: issuu.com/the_el_press
Not intended to solicit Real Estate buyers or sellers that have a current agency agreement
It’s no secret anymore that South Etobicoke is a great place to live. What people may not know, however, is how reasonable it is to purchase a house or condo in this area compared to other great neighbourhoods in Toronto.
NEW TORONTO Detached: $662,145 Semi-Detached: $616,875 Condo: $227,667 Townhome Condo: $523,500
Gordon Prior, Owner
LONG BRANCH OPTICAL Serving our community since 1972
REPAIRS DONE ON PREMISES 3348 LAKE SHORE BLVD W
416.255.0445 WHAT’S NEXT?
Combining therapy and fitness to help you achieve optimal health
BootCamp Yoga Interval Training Dance Kids’ Fitness Registered Massage Therapy Physiotherapy Acupuncture Holistic Nutrition
We’re serving up our Food & Drink Edition
www.mibody.ca | 2788 Lake Shore Blvd W | 416.301.7586
social: @the_el_press
Call for ad rates: 416.788.0716 7
EASY DOES IT MOVING MADE EASY
The thought of moving can be overwhelming. There’s so much involved in the process; from finding the right realtor, to staging, purging, packing and physically moving to your new home. Thankfully, the ladies pictured above have joined forces to make the experience of moving easier.
equity in their property for future living expenses.”
The process of moving brings about the need to organize and declutter one’s home. That’s where Ease Up’s Lindsay Whisen (centre) and Pauline Duhart (right) come into the picture. They’ve teamed up with Quaglieri to provide Long-time Etobicoke resident, professional move-management Susan Quaglieri (left), has been services, including staging, packpracticing real estate since 1985 ing, and estate clearing. They will and is an Accredited Senior Agent. even help you unpack and get This designation enables her to organized in your new home. help clients confidently navigate the downsizing process of buying “For us, it’s all about taking the and selling homes. stress out of moving,” notes Whisen. “We help make moving “With an aging population in easier,” adds Duhart. “And we help Etobicoke, I do a lot of work to you get and stay organized in your support the ‘Sandwich’ generanew home.” tion,” explains Quaglieri. “The term refers to those who care for their susanqhomes.ca aging parents, as well as their own 416.524.0401 families. I help them make sure the downsizing process is as seamless easup.ca as possible and work with their 416.898.5316 other advisors to help leverage the 8
digital: issuu.com/the_el_press
This is not intended to solicit property under contract with another Brokerage or a Buyer Representation Agreement
Moving? Downsizing? Clutter getting you down? Then it’s time to Ease Up. move management simplifying downsizing decluttering organizing staging
SUSAN QUAGLIERI Sales Representative
IT CAN BE EASIER. easeup.ca 416.819.1576
Brokerage Independently Owned and Operated
YOU’VE DECIDED TO SELL YOUR HOME EASE UP PREPARES HOME FOR STAGING EASE UP HELPS YOU PACK
SUSAN PARTNERS WITH EASE UP
YOU LIST IT WITH SUSAN
SUSAN SELLS YOUR HOME EASE UP HELPS YOU MOVE AND UNPACK
YOU ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME
SPRING CLEANING FOR BODY, MIND & SOUL BY: MARLENE SAMMY As winter wanes and we emerge from energetic hibernation, you may notice the urge to purge, cleanse and rejuvenate your inner and outer environments. Start afresh by trying the three yoga postures below to spring clean your body, mind and soul. Find a comfortable spot on the floor to relax in a seated or reclining position and begin to deepen your breathing. Downward Dog Start in table top on hands and knees. Keeping your feet hipswidth distance apart, press into your palms to float your hips and tailbone high. Lightly relax your shoulders and spread all 10 fingers on your mat. Keep your neck soft as you mindfully breathe into the length of your spine. Hold for 10 deep breaths to decompress and flush blood and nutrients towards your brain.
Resting Diamond Return to your back and slide the soles of your feet together to widen the knees into a diamond. Let your arms rest above your head or by your sides. Bring greater awareness to your breath as we remind our body, mind and soul we’re safe and calm here. Participate in a deeper spring clean by joining Branch Yoga & Wellness for our March 30-Day Yoga Challenge! Marlene Sammy is co-owner at Branch Yoga & Wellness. 3301 Lake Shore Blvd W branchyoga.com | 647.348.3301
Reclining Twist From Downward Dog, return to a table top position. Roll onto your back and hug your knees towards your chest. Widen your arms to a ‘T’ shape and gently topple both legs off to one side. Inhale and exhale in your twist as long as you like. This pose is great for the internal organs and to improve digestion and elimination. You’ll also get a great stretch through the lower back. Repeat on the other side. 10
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KEEP IT SIMPLE BY: JONATHAN NHAN, RPh, CDE
Do you take three or more daily medications? Have you ever run out before you got your refills? Is it sometimes difficult for you to get to your local pharmacy? If so, we’re here to help.
have them when you need them. It’s called MedSync, and it simplifies your medications so you can focus on living life well. Please speak with a pharmacy member for more details.
We have a system designed to help relieve the stress associated with keeping all your medications organized and making sure you
Jonathan Nhan is a Pharmacist and owner of the Shoppers Drug Mart in Long Branch. @nhanjonathan | 416.255.5243
social: @the_el_press
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PEOPLE IN THE ‘HOOD DANIEL DEIANA, REALTOR®
“I live, work, and play in Mimico. Since I moved here in 2012, I immediately fell in love with it. What attracted me to this area and kept me here are the proximity to the water and the incredible views of the lake as well as the city. The lake has a calming effect on me and makes me feel at home. My kids and I like to go for walks along the waterfront trails and explore Humber Bay Shores Park. We often play at Amos Waites Park and cool off in the outdoor community pool next to it.
I believe that Mimico is still a hidden gem in Toronto, but not for much longer. It is one of my top recommendations for home buyers looking for the best value in the city. Nowhere else in Toronto can you buy a condo on the waterfront, or steps to it, in luxurious buildings with hotel-style amenities, steps to the streetcar and easy access to major highways for these prices.” daniel@danieldeiana.com mimicohomesandcondos.com 416.903.2224
LOCAL SPORTS MIMICO LACROSSE
The Ontario Lacrosse Association recently approved the Mimico Minor Lacrosse Club’s request to reclassify the annual invitational tournament to reflect the Club’s recent success at the ‘A’ level. The Mimico tournament has traditionally been open to C/D rated teams across the province showcasing the club’s second rep teams. In 2012, the Mimico Minor Lacrosse Club voted unanimously to rename the tournament to commemorate longtime volunteer, coach, teammate 12
and friend, John “JR” Robinson. The JR Tournament will take place May 27 to 29, as the Mountaineers play host to some of the best minor lacrosse teams in the province. Volunteers are needed. Sign up at mimicolacrosse.com.
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PROFILE CHRIS LOGAN, REALTOR®
It’s been almost 10 years since Chris Logan and his wife, Jennifer, moved to Mimico. “We had been looking to buy a home and found the available properties in the Roncesvalles neighbourhood to be very expensive and usually in poor condition within our price range,” shares Logan. Having become familiar with South Etobicoke while working in the area, he suggested the two look west – specifically to Long Branch, New Toronto and Mimico. All three neighbourhoods, the couple discovered, checked off many of the items on their wish list. Great transportation links with a short commute to downtown, proximity to the lake, ample green spaces, and that small community feeling were at the top of their list. “We got a lot more house for our dollar,“ Logan recalls. “And the bonus: most of the homes we were looking at came with a yard and a driveway!” Logan and his wife ultimately purchased a house in Mimico. “Once we bought our home, we did an
extensive renovation and have never looked back,” he exclaims. “For us, it was a smart decision and we’re proud to call Mimico home.” Real estate in South Etobicoke has out-performed many neighbourhoods in Toronto. The couple’s home, for example, has nearly doubled in value in under a decade. And, even though homes are still very expensive in the GTA, Logan believes South Etobicoke will continue to increase in value. According to him, “The Lake Shore has gained so many great businesses since we moved here and, at the same time, retained some of the gems that have been around even longer than us. As the neighbourhood develops and would-be homeowners discover the area, we’ll continue to see growth and a regeneration of vitality. It’s an exciting time to be living in South Etobicoke.” chris@chrisloganhomes.com chrisloganhomes.com 647.204.2039
social: @the_el_press
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LIVE LOCAL WHAT’S NEW
Put your brand on a cookie at The Mix Bake Shop in Alderwood. If you’re in the real estate business, this is a great idea for open houses or gifts for your clients. Register for The Mix’s March Break classes and learn how to make your own goodies, starting March 15. The Mix Bake Shop 374 Brown’s Line | 647.686.2253 themixbakeshop@gmail.com themixbakeshop.com ENJOY BRUNCH AT SUGAR FOR MY HONEY AUTHENTIC AUSTRIAN & GERMAN CUISINE reservations: 647.933.2099 - ask for Will 3399 lake shore blvd w / sugarformyhoney.ca
GRO
OMI
NG!
good food & fun stuff for dogs and cats
SPAW GROOMING SERVICES Now Available!
Rub-a-dub-dub...check out Long Branch’s newest luxury grooming sPAW for the pampered pet at Bone Appetit. Call ahead for an appointment. Special rates for first-timers apply. While you’re there, spring clean your furbaby with the FURminatorŽ. It claims to reduce shedding by up to 90%. Owner, Melodee Matthews also recommends you let sleeping dogs lie in these custom-made beds. Choose your style & colour.
Call Us @ 647-748-2663 to book an appointment for your dog or cat! Prices Available Online www.boneappetitlb.com 3428 Lakeshore Blvd. W. Etobicoke (Between 29th & 30th Streets)
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Bone Appetit Long Branch 3428 Lake Shore Blvd W 647.748.2663 boneappetitlb.com
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647.686.2253
FEATURED IN APRIL’S FOOD & DRINK EDITION
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UNDER THE HOOD SPRING AUTO MAINTENANCE
Andrew Norris, Owner
We caught up with our local auto experts, Andrew Norris and Allan Mallouk, from Active Green+Ross to get their recommendations on spring maintenance for your vehicle. “Even though we didn’t get that much snow this winter,” Mallouk explains. “It was still pretty severe in terms of temperature shifts which take a toll on your car.” “Getting ready for spring is just as important as getting ready for winter,” adds Norris. “Our vehicles were just exposed to three months of extreme driving conditions. It makes sense to get them checked out. Here’s what we recommend...”
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Allan Mallouk, Manager
your brakes. They’ve 1 Service been exposed to salt and ice.
your snow tires. They 2 Change lose their effect once the temperature is consistently above 7ºC.
your fluids. It’s part of 3 Check your normal maintenance. your winter tires. It’s 4 Store convenient as well as safer for
those who have difficulty lifting tires on their own.
your A/C. Check for 5 Inspect leaking gas. It’s environmentally unsafe.
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Active Green+Ross 5517 Dundas West 416.239.7775
Travis Perraton Financial Planner Investment and Retirement Planning 416-579-3023 travis.perraton@rbc.com
Define Retirement Your Way. Start the Conversation Today.
Financial planning services and investment advice are provided by Royal Mutual Funds Inc. (RMFI). RMFI, RBC Global Asset Management Inc., Royal Bank of Canada, Royal Trust Corporation of Canada and The Royal Trust Company are separate corporate entities which are affiliated. RMFI is licensed as a financial services firm in the province of Quebec. ® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. ©2011 Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. 45808 (09/2011)
5517 DUNDAS WEST AT SHORNCLIFFE
Andrew Norris, Owner
(416) 239.7775
Allan Mallouk, Manager
CHRIS LOGAN SALES REPRESENTATIVE
647.204.2039 chris@chrisloganhomes.com
PROUD MIMICO RESIDENT Specializing in South Etobicoke Real Estate