The Bloor West Villager, February 16, 2017

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Images are part of Toronto photographer’s project AARON D’ANDREA adandrea@metroland.com Britney Spears has become a regular at the Bloor Mini Mart in Bloorcourt Village.

She’s been seen smiling at the side of the building since the beginning of February - in fact, several celebrities like Justin Bieber and Sandra Bullock have also been spotted in the area.

"It’s great," Simon Hong, manager of the Bloor Mini Mart, told The Bloor West Villager. "This one is good."

There’s a catch though they haven’t been seen in the area in person, but headshots of their wax figures fill some of empty billboard space in and around Bloorcourt.

The photos of their respective wax figures are part of Toronto photographer Peter Andrew Lusztyk’s "Uncanny Valley" project.

Lusztyk, 34, who lives in the Junction Triangle, travelled to Madame Tussauds in Las Vegas in July 2016 with his assistant to capture the images.

"I kind of sparked this idea that maybe it would be interesting to shoot celebrities without actually ever meeting them," Lusztyk told The Villager. "I had an idea of how I wanted to light it and wanted to sort of trick people and make them appear as lifelike as possible so they thought they were actually looking at the real thing."

Bullock has found a home at Foto Grocery on Ossington Avenue near Hallam Street. An employee at the store, who didn’t want her named published, told The Villager she wasn’t even aware

Dan Pearce/Metroland

Toronto photographer Peter Andrew Lusztyk has filled Bloorcourt, and other west-end nieghbourhoods empty billboards with portraits of celebrities wax figures. The pictures have been turning heads in the neighbourhoods, but have also proven to be very popular as Andrew said some of his work has been stolen.

Bullock was on the side of the building.

She has since become

an attraction on Instagram with people trying to get a shot with her.

"I thought it would be neat to introduce them into the public’s daily visual

environment forcefully, and these advertisement boards are normally empty ... I had one print of Evel Knievel up in the studio and I sort of realized that it’s almost the same size," Lusztyk said. "I kept finding these boards everywhere, and so we printed I think five or six more, but this time we printed them exactly the size . the response has been tremendous."

The portraits have become so popular, Lusztyk said they have been disappearing but he’s not upset about it.

"It’s inevitable," he said. "You can’t put something out in the public sphere and expect it to last forever."

Furthermore, Hong said someone graphiti-ed over the Spears picture, but somebody later came to clean it.Looking forward, Lusztyk said he is hoping to expand the project and shoot at other wax museums.

| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 16, 2017

Celebrity portraits pop up around west end

Clay and Paper Theatre hosts fundraiser Fundraising event taking place on Feb. 18 at its studio AARON D’ANDREA adandrea@metroland.com

us," she said. "We were able to welcome a lot of groups into the space."

Since the move, the company has found it hard to find an affordable studio, and has been discussing with colleagues across the city to find a new home.

"We’re extremely active at looking at other options," she said. "We’ve been speaking with other theatre organizations over the past three months that are in the same boat, we’re examining different space sharing models and that might be a solution, but we don’t know if that’s practical."

Clay and Paper Theatre is also looking at partnering with community-based groups to house a new studio, and will be creating a GoFundMe page to help with its situation, Anderson said.

For more information about the fundraising event, visit: www.facebook.com/ events/1405862692820290/.

Staff/Metroland

David Anderson is the founding artistic director of the Clay and Paper Theatre.

The company will be hosting a fundraising event on Feb. 18.

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The Clay and Paper Theatre is facing a crisis, its directors say.

The long-standing notfor-profit arts company is finding it tough to find affordable and sustainable rental spaces in Toronto due to the surging market.

As a result, the company has been spending up to 60 per cent of its basic operating funds on rent, Tamara Romanchuk, the theatre’s co-artistic director, told The Bloor West Villager.

"In dollar figures, that’s $16,000 less that we have for our signature community events," she said. "We are struggling to keep our heads afloat right now."

On Saturday, Feb. 18,

Clay and Paper Theatre is hosting a fundraising event, The Big Smooch, at its studio at 300 Campbell Ave., near Dupont Street and Symington Avenue in the Junction Triangle.

However, the money raised will go toward supporting the theatre’s programing, David Anderson, the company’s founder, said.

"The reason why we do this (put on shows) is so that we can bring people together in public space," he said. "That’s our big focus."

Clay and Paper Theatre was founded in 1994, and occupied space at Dufferin Grove Park. The theatre produces plays, pageants and parades within the community.

It was located at 35 Strachan Ave. for the past five years, Romanchuk said, before being given notice to leave last year due to a condo development.

"It became home, and it became a home not just for

Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 16, 2017 |

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EDITORIAL | OPINION

• OUR VIEW •

ABOUT US

Small, local efforts can make a big impact miles away Stories of crime, tragedy and hate often dominate the headlines and while it’s our job to accurately report on these events, the effect of its continual presence on readers is not lost on us.

That’s why this week we’re sharing a story across all our newspapers. Inspired by the efforts of residents in Etobicoke, it serves as a shining example of the good that exists in this world - and how seemingly small, local initiatives can make the greatest difference in the lives of others living thousands of miles away. Those are the stories worth celebrating.

Local hockey families donated gently used hockey gear to a collection by Rotary Clubs of Etobicoke and Palgrave, destined for First Nations youth in six northern Ontario reserves. Only in its second year, the drive netted 25 times more equipment than the first - a whopping 40,000 pounds of gear, thanks to the generosity of parents and kids here in Toronto.

Our reporter Cynthia Reason covered those initial efforts and was extended a special invitation to see the story through to its conclusion. She traveled with Rotary representatives and Etobicoke-Lakeshore Councillor Mark Grimes to one of the reserves at Sandy Lake where 16 skids of hockey equipment was delivered to eagerly awaiting children. The detail that completed the experience? The Stanley Cup came too.

Described as a ’historic first’ by Chief Bart Meekis, the Cup’s arrival in the remote community served as a reminder to local youth that opportunity exists for them, to "be all you can be." And certainly, receiving hockey pads, helmets, skates, sticks and jerseys helped fuel local hockey dreams. Something that may have seemed out of reach is now possible for these kids, thanks to the generosity of Toronto residents. It was also made possible by one Sandy Lake teacher who connected with Rotary to facilitate the donation.

So we share this story to warm hearts. We share it to demonstrate how a small initiative can have a big, lasting impact in the lives of others. Those children will not forget the day the Stanley Cup arrived in their community, along with hockey equipment they couldn’t have afforded otherwise.

These are the kinds of efforts we like to celebrate when they come across our news desks, because Toronto’s got more than its share of bad news. The good is also there, but sometimes it needs a little help getting up into the spotlight.

The Bloor West Villager, published every Thursday, is a division of the Metroland Media Group Ltd., a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. The Metroland family of newspapers is comprised of more than 100 community publications across Ontario.

The Bloor West Villager is a member of the National NewsMedia Council. Complainants are urged to bring their concerns to the attention of the newspaper and, if not satisfied, write The National NewsMedia Council, Suite 200, 890 Yonge St., Toronto, ON M4W 2H2. Phone: 416-340-1981 Web: www.mediacouncil.ca

newsroom@insidetoronto.com facebook.com/InsideToronto @InsideTOnews

Toronto’s immigrants learn their working rights When Pragosh Antonipillai was young, he and his cousins worked well over 40 hours a week at Tim Hortons.They didn’t get overtime, and didn’t ask. They worked 12 or 24 hours at a stretch when their downtown Toronto stores were short-handed.

"We would sleep on sugar bags in the back because that’s what we thought it means to be a good worker," Antonipillai recalls. For a first-generation Tamil-Canadian, this was normal, even expected, he says.

Antonipillai’s parents were proud; at 15 and 16 he was making more than his dad as a Canadian Tire cashier. But working 30 hours a week while in high school tired him out.

"People would assume I’m just this terrible stu-

MIKE ADLER Edges of Toronto dent," says Antonipillai, who now volunteers with Tamil employees in Greater Toronto, including youth going through what he once did.

His small group is a "diversity network" for the Toronto and York Region Labour Council, which also has volunteers from the Filipino, Chinese, Somali, Ethiopian and Eritrean communities.

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CONTACT US Bloor West Villager 175 Gordon Baker Road Toronto, ON M2H 0A2 Phone: 416-493-4400 Fax: 416-774-2070 Web: www.insidetoronto.com

Letters to the editor All letters must be fewer than 200 words and include your name and telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters.

The networks formed because unions weren’t getting into ethnic communities, and people from these ethnicities could sidestep communication barriers and suspicions, says Ram Selvarajah, a member of the Tamil network.

Concerns about New Canadians working in Toronto are well-founded: in a 2013 survey 20 per cent of Mandarin-speaking recent immigrants here weren’t paid minimum wage, and only half received paid public holidays.

"The myth immigrants are brought up to believe is you work 80 hours," says Selvarajah, adding young Tamils arriving here in the 1990s felt extra pressure to work.

There were Tamil gangs in Toronto then, Selvarajah

says, so parents thought, "you were working or you were in trouble."

Antonipillai and Selvarajah say Toronto employers still "pit" recent immigrants who won’t insist on their rights against other Canadians.

They know immigrant women, in particular, "have less resources to fight back," adds Antonipillai, who argues 90 per cent Toronto’s kitchen staff are Tamil for the same reason.

Selvarajah meets seniors working in Tamil stores for $5 an hour, under the table, looking on their employers as friends. He tells them standing up for yourself, "isn’t a betrayal, it’s actually the right thing to do."

Reach Mike Adler at madler@insidetoronto.com

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COMMUNITY

5

Yellow lab helps victims of crime and sudden tragedy AARON D’ANDREA adandrea@metroland.com Dandy is not your ordinary yellow Labrador retriever.She’s fun to be around but when it comes time to work she’s a professional. Dandy is the newest member at Victim Services Toronto (VST). She’s the new pooch that will be helping victims of crime and sudden tragedy in the non-for-profit agency’s new trauma dog program.She’s gone through two years of intensive training, according to the program’s creator, Bobbie McMurrich, VST’s associate executive director."I’ve been thinking about using therapy dogs in a variety of sectors to support patients, and in the mental health

professional setting it’s been used to support clients for some time, and I thought it would be fabulous to provide that comfort to our clients," McMurrich told The Bloor West Villager. "We decided to pursue training her to a higher standard as a trauma dog."Dandy has been trained to stay with her handler at all times, and to provide comfort to clients by lying at their feet, hugging them, allowing them to pet her and more, McMurrich said."It’s a normalizing mechanism, so they’ll be able to focus on things that need to be done," she said. "Dandy is being used to reduce clients’ anxiety and stress levels."Meagan Phelps, Dandy’s handler, told The Villager she has been working with Dandy since October."She’s a great dog," she said. "She’s really smart."In addition to helping clients across Toronto, Dandy has been given a room, dubbed "Dandy’s Of-

Dan Pearce/Metroland

Dandy, a trauma dog, recently completed her training and will be helping victims of trauma for the Victim Services Toronto’s new program. fice," at 11 Division near Davenport and Old Weston roads.She will use the office, which has a kennel, to get some quiet time and rest in between calls.She will also be trained to work

with detectives to help victims relax when they give their initial statements at the division."What the dog will be able to do as a trauma dog is we introduce the dog to the client, which is

the victim, and that dog creates a boundary of safety, warmth and well-being," Supt. Heinz Kuck told The Villager.

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"It’s a critical part of VST’s initiative and programing to add a trauma dog to their profile but the program is in its infancy . we’re hoping (Dandy) provides a foundation to expand the program, and maybe getting a second or a third dog," he said. "I’ve seen the temperament of the dog, and she’s wonderful . I really believe over time, the dog will prove itself to be worth her weight in gold and this will be the start of an expanded program."

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Drake Hotel launching Drake Commissary The company that owns the Drake Hotel, a popular Queen Street West establishment, is expanding into the Junction Triangle.

Drake Hotel Properties is set to open a new culinary hub and kitchen, dubbed the Drake Commissary, on Sterling Road in the spring. The Commissary will function as a social neighbourhood hub with a bakery, bar and larder, the company said in a news release.The 8,000-sq. ft. unit will occupy the for-

mer manufacturing building directly across from the Tower Automotive Building, the new home of the Museum of Contemporary Art Toronto Canada, the company added in its news release.

Sarah Lyons, director of food and beverage operations with Drake Properties, will be overseeing the Commissary once it’s open.

She told The Bloor West Villager the venue will be bringing a different "offer-

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"It’s going to be really open and interactive," she said. "When we came across the space, we really felt that it was an incredible location in terms of the neighbourhood surrounding it and it’s really vibrant."The Commissary will also be the new headquarters of Drake Catering, a full service, offsite catering operation. For more information about the Drake Hotel, visit www.thedrakehotel.ca.

Community members are invited to support a Syrian family on Family Day at Revue Cinema in Roncesvalles.The Heintzman Refugee Committee, based in the Junction, is hosting a screening of two Syrian films to help raise funds to sponsor a Syrian

family to come to Canada.

"The funds raised will support housing, school supplies, language classes, health care services, clothing, groceries and other basic necessities during the family’s first year in Canada," the event said on its website.

Two films will be shown at the theatre: Syrian Eagles, a documentary about a soccer team made up of Syrian newcomers, and After Spring, a documentary about the Syrian conflict and the people who fled it.Each ticket costs $25.

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10 Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 16, 2017 |

FRANK LEO OPULENT kINGSWAY RESIDENCE Backing Onto Humber River, Premium 350 Ft Lot, Landscaped Resort Like Oasis, Inground Pool, Cabana, Patio, Amazing Views, Stately Renovated 5 Bedroom 2 Storey, 6 Bathrooms, Exudes Charm, Character & Luxury. Crown Mouldings, Heated Floors, Formal Dining Room, Gourmet Kitchen, Finished Bsmt, Nanny Suite, Master Bedroom Retreat, Walkout to Spectacular Balcony, Elegance Personified, Steps to Amenities & Subway! $3,127,000!

BROKER Sponsor of

Children’s Miracle Network & Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation SPECTACULAR MIDTOWN TORONTO RESIDENCE 6 Lots Combined to Build this Dream Home + Resort-Like Property. 7,500 Sq Ft of Living Space, Bright Open Concept Living Room, Custom Designed Chef’s Kitchen, Custom Loft with 9 Skylights. Walls of glass throughout, Master Bedroom Retreat, Rec Room with Floating Stage, Sound-Proof Theatre Room, 650 LED Pot Lights, Blue Quartz Pool, Plus much more! $2,999,900!

• #1 in Toronto (Central, East and West combined) By Units of Listings Sold for All Companies of All Brokers and Sales Representatives for 2015 and 2016.* • #1 Individual Re/Max Agent in Canada** • #2 Individual Re/Max Agent World Wide***

STEPS TO THE LAkE! Situated on a Magnificent 65 x 152 Ft Lot, Exquisite Custom Built Home, Luxury Appointments, Superb Craftsmanship, Elegant Open Concept Layout, Gourmet Kitchen, Built-In S/S Appliances, Centre Island, Massive Great Room, Stone Fireplace, Master Bedroom Retreat. Spa Like Bathroom, Walk-in Closet of your Dreams! Fully Finished Basement Walkout, Ideal for Entertaining, Large Back Yard! Simply Gorgeous! $2,295,000!

insidetoronto.com

ER ANOTH SOLD

BREATHTAkING CUSTOM ESTATE!!

kING CITY LUxURY!!

Situated on a premium 2.24 acre lot, 4 car garage, long private drive, double door entry, 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, heated floor in huge kitchen, skylight, family room, great room with cathedral ceilings, office, indoor heated salt water pool, wrap around deck & interlock, year round oasis only $1,999,500!

Absolutely Stunning Luxury 4 Bedroom Home Located In Desirable King City!! Approximately 3,800 S/F And Loaded W/ Custom Features. Large Open Concept Kitchen W/ Island, Professional Grade Appliances, Spacious Family Room, Separate Living & Formal Dining Room, Main Floor Library, Custom Mouldings & Feature Ceilings Throughout, W/O Basement W/ 9’ Ceilings! Amazing Property & Location – Must Be Seen, Only $1,998,000!!!

RENOvATED 6 BEDROOM 2 STOREY

AN ENTERTAINER’S DREAM!!

Quiet High Demand Neighbourhood, Situated on 390 ft Deep Lot, Stunning Open Concept Layout, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Gourmet Family Size Kitchen, S/S Appliances, Formal Dining Room, Spacious Bright Large Living Rm, Massive Family Room, Walkout to Deck Overlooking Large Backyard, Finished Basement, Enclosed Sunroom, Double Garage Plus Much More! $1,450,000!

Stunning Custom-Built 4 Bedroom Home!! Amazing Open Concept Main Floor W/ Modern Kitchen, Separate Living & Dining Rooms, Large Master W/Ensuite, Finished Basement W/Sep Entrance, Incredible Backyard & Rooftop Patios Make This Home Perfect For Hosting Summer Parties! Absolutely Must Be Seen, Only $1,379,900!!!

HUGE MONEY MAkING MACHINE! 3000 Sq ft 3 Level Store with Two 2 Bdrm Apts in South Etobicoke + Unspoiled Basement. Current Laundry Business included Earns $100k Net! 11.4% Cap! Successful Owners Retiring. Keep or Rent. Huge Opportunity!

SOLD FAST FOR 100% OF ASKING

MONEYMAkING INvESTMENT PROPERTY! Rare Double Storefront with 2 Apartments above (3 bdrm and 2 Bdrm) plus Tenanted Basement Rooms. $75K in recent upgrades. Large 30x107 Lot. 6 Car Parking, Separate Meters. Approx. 7% Cap Rate! Only $899,000!

FREE PROFESSIONAL BUYER SERVICE:

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• Find out about the newest homes on the market that meet your needs • Get more informed about the specific areas and how to get the best price • Find out how to get the best mortgage rates and saving programs, plus much more - Call today!! *According to a study of MLS data prepared by an independent auditor of Real Estate Statistics. **for # of Transactions 2015. ***for Dollar Volume 2015.

SELL Your Home FASTER and for MORE MONEY! • Your Home Ad ertised 24 Hours a Day Until Sold • Your Home Ad ertised to Millions on www.GetLeo.com • Learn the Secrets of Selling your Home, without ineffecti e Open Houses • Your Home Listed in Full Colour Print Ads Until It’s Sold • Our team of Professionals for the same price as hiring a single bro er • Get up to $10,000 no interest for 60 days****

• Total ser ice guarantee in writing • Your Home Sold Guaranteed, or I’ll Buy it**** • Competiti e Rates, E ceptional ser ice • Award Winning Results!

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ER ANOTH D L SO

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ER ANOTH D SOL

PRIME LOCATION!!

Detached 5 bedroom, 2 Storey With Combined living & Dining Room, Eat-In Kitchen With Walkout to Patio, Huge Family Room, Main Floor Den, Massive Master With Ensuite, Finished Basement Ideal for In-law suite, Pattern Concrete Driveway and Metal Roof.

SOLD IN 1WK FOR 100% OF ASKING!!

PRIME NEIGHBORHOOD

HUGE POTENTIAL! Wonderful 4 Bedroom Detached Home with Great Bones on a 42 x 125 Lot Backing onto Park.

Perfect for Renovators/Developers. Long Private Drive. Detached Garage. 6 Car Parking. Walk to GO and Subway. Incredible Opportunity.

SOLD IN 1 WEEK FOR 113% OF ASKING!

R

ALDERWOOD OPPORTUNITY!

QUIET CUL DE SAC IN PRIME LOCATION!!

Stunning 4 bdrm With Finished Basement. Spacious And Bright Living Room, Separate Family Room With Fireplace And Walkout To Deck, Large Eat In Kitchen, Thousands Spent On Upgrades. Great Opportunity To Own In Very Family Oriented Neighbourhood.

SOLD IN 3 DAYS FOR 113% OF ASKING!!

REBUILT MASTERPIECE! Stunning 5+2 Bdrm Detached 3 Storey Rebuilt from the Ground up with over 400K of Jaw Dropping Upgrades. Glass Balcony overlooks Park. Granite Chef’s Kitchen. 9Ft Ceilings. Full bsmt In-Law Suite.

New 2 Car Garage. 50 Ft Lot. 12 Car Parking. Steps to GO. An Absolute Must See. SOLD FOR 102% OF ASKING!!

YORkDALE-GLEN PARk GEM!!

AMAzING FAMILY HOME!!

HUGE BACkYARD ON PRIvATE COURT!

Large & Well Maintained Detached 3 +1 Bedroom Home – Amazing Location Close To Yorkdale Mall!! Spacious SplitLevel Layout Features Eat-In Kitchen, L-Shaped Living/Dining Room, Master Bedroom W/ Ensuite. Separate Side Entrance (In Law Suite Potential). Many Recent Updates. Quiet Crescent Close To Subway, Highways & World-Class Shopping.

Spacious & Very Well Maintained 4 + 2 Bedroom, 2-Family Home!! Excellent Layout Features Large Kitchen W/ Breakfast Area, Living/Dining Rooms & Separate Family Room, Master Bedroom W/ Ensuite. Separate, Legal 2 Bedroom Basement Apartment Makes This Property An Ideal Investment To Live/ Rent! Amazing Neighbourhood Close To Parks & Schools.

Large 3 Bedroom home on a family friendly court, offered for the first time in 30 Years. Meticulously maintained home with Spacious Eat-In Kitchen, Dedicated Dining Room, Sunken Family Room, Finished Basement. Super Value Only $645,000!

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 122% OF ASKING

SPACIOUS FAMILY HOME

LARGE TORONTO SEMI!!

Bright, Detached 2-Storey Home With 3 Bedrooms and 3 bath. Renovated Kitchen With Granite Countertops, Backsplash, and Pantry. Finished Basement, Freshly painted, New Roof, Patterned Concrete Patio. Perfect location with great neighbours and amenities. Only $699,900.

Spacious & Exceptionally Maintained 3 Bdrm, Danforth-Area Home!! Separate Living & Dining Rms, Eat-In Kitchen, Separate Entrance To Finished Basement (In-Law Suite Potential). Vibrant Area Close To Schools, Subway, Restaurants & Cafes! Amazing Location & Opportunity.

DOWNTOWN SEMI! Large 3 Bdrm Semi in Prime Location, Perfect for Starter Family, Investor, Or Renovators. Currently divided into Three 1 Bdrm Apts - Can Convert easily to Single Family. Great Walking Score. Incredible Value.

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 110% OF ASKING!

ER ANOTH S O LD

ER ANOTH D L O S

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 153% OF ASKING!!

ER ANOTH D L SO

SUPER vALUE!!

Wonderful Spacious 3 Bedroom Family Home With Finished Basement On Amazing Large Lot Nestled in a quiet neighborhood Close to shopping centres, medical centre, schools, and an anchor transit hub.

Incredible Opportunity.

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 132% OF ASKING!!

ER ANOTH SOLD

SPECTACULAR 2-STOREY

AMAzING vALUE

Situated on a premium pie shaped lot, large bright foyer, custom kitchen with centre island, stainless steel luxury appliances, spacious open concept living and dining room, gas fireplace, walkout to back yard oasis, pattern concrete, hot tub with cabana cover, professionally landscaped, master bedroom, walk in closet, full ensuite. Gorgeous Décor. Plus much more. Simply Must See!

Quaint 3 bedroom, 2 storey home. Hardwood floors throughout. Spacious eat-in kitchen with breakfast area and walk-out to backyard.

Excellent location close to all amenities. Great opportunity!!

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 137% OF ASKING

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!

Gorgeous fully renovated 2 storey home. Beautiful custom kitchen with granite counters and s/s appliances. Walk-out to huge backyard from dining room. Crown mouldings, handcrafted woodwork and pot lights throughout. Separate entrance to stunning basement with kitchen, bedroom and huge living room. Double Car Garage, New furnace, new a/c, new stucco, New Windows and Doors, Only $799,900!!

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SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 118% OF ASKING

HUGE 1/4 ACRE LOT!!

Very Large & Superbly Maintained Custom 3+1 Bedroom Bungalow In Prime Location!!

Eat-In Kitchen, Combined Living & Dining Room, Separate Family Room. Separate Side Entrance To Massive Family-Size In-Law Suite.

Many Recent Updates. Loads Of Potential!!!

SOLD FAST FOR TOP $$!

E ANOTH D L O S

Detached brick & stone, 3 bedroom bungalow with addition. Situated on a 156ft lot, large porch, open concept living & dining room, huge kitchen with walkout to sunroom, large finished basement rec room, gas fireplace, walkout to large backyard, private drive, high demand neighbourhood. Simply Must Be Seen Only $799,900!!

ER ANOTH S O LD

ER ANOTH D L SO

Situated on premium 50 x 147ft lot surrounded by million dollar properties. Detached bungalow with same owner for over 50 years. Ideal opportunity for 1st time buyers, retirees, renovators or builders. 3+1 bedroom with finished basement, ideal location close to all amenities, amazing value, must be seen!!

SOLD IN 1 WEEK FOR 169% OF ASKING!!

ER ANOTH S O LD

| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 16, 2017

GUARANTEED HOME SELLING SYSTEM

11

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 113% OF ASKING!!

CARRINGTON TOWER! Fabulous South view, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, with open concept living & dining rooms and walkout to balcony. Low maintenance fee is all inclusive utilities & parking. Great Yonge & Steeles location. Amazing opportunity & Value Only $419,900!!

LUxURY GUILDWOOD TERRACE

SUPER vALUE

Spacious 2 bedroom + solarium. Almost 1200 Sq. ft. Modern eat-in kitchen with granite. Open concept Living & Dining Room with crown moldings. Master with ensuite, walk-in closet & balcony. Excellent amenities and great location. Only $269,900!!

Large 3 Br, 2 Bath suite, Renovated Kitchen with Granite Counters and S/S Appliances. Large Master With Walk-In Closet And Ensuite. Open Balcony With Unobstructed Views. Close To All Amenities: Shopping, Transit, Schools, Easy Highway Access, All Inclusive Maintenance Fees.

SOLD FOR TOP $$!!

****Certain Conditions may apply. Not intended to solicit persons under contract. ReMax West Realty Inc. does not guarantee the sale of your home. Exclusively offered by Frank Leo. Copyright© 2009 Frank Leo

insidetoronto.com

SEE MORE PHOTOS: www.GetLeo.com Call Today 416-917-LION (5466) and Start Packing!

Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 16, 2017 |

12

Your Neighbourhood Realtor

of Bloor West & Parkdale

HIGH PARK

PARKLAWN

BABY POINT

“SOLD BY JEANETTE” Proud to serve my clients, neighbours and friends in

JUST LISTED!

the gorgeous Baby Point neighbourhood we love.

How can I help? Need a home evaluation? Reno strategy? Custom staging to sell?

Thinking about a condo or investment property for the kids? Drop me a line! I'm at your doorstep!

Humber Valley Masterpiece 43 Hilldowntree Rd. Exquisite designer home in coveted Humber Valley!

A statement in luxurious elegance coupled w/ modern functionality created through outstanding craftsmanship.

This 4 bdrm home features a heated driveway, 9’ ceilings, designer finishes, custom gourmet kitchen w/ lg island & wet bar, Spacious master with spa-like ensuite. Basement includes a separate suite, rec room & bonus room/gym.

This sophisticated family friendly home is a must see! $2,990,000

38 BEAVERDALE RD. Executive townhome near Parklawn and Queensway. 2+1 bedroom with many upgrades. Newer hardwood floor and new broadloom. Walk out from basement to landscaped fenced yard. Gas fireplace. Open concept living and dining area. Potential 3rd floor loft space 20x16 x8 ft. Ideal for large master. 2 car parking plus B/I garage. $699,000

JEANETTE GRANT Sales Representatives

416.737.9999 416.236.1392

jeanette@myultimateplace.com

www.Lizannedobson.com

BLOOR WEST VILLAGE

Thinking of Selling?

We put the WOW into your home and get you results! Call us, and find out how.

We will introduce you to our team of professionals: Matthew fixes Tanya paints Josie packs Amanda stages

Coming Soon: Bloor West Village Semi-detached, 3 bedroom family home Coming Soon: The Junction Detached, 3 bedroom family home

insidetoronto.com

Red Square Realty Gillian Ritchie, Marcia Martin and Heather Kennedy Sales Representatives

647.618.0619 redsquarerealty.ca

Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage

SWANSEA

BILL MOHAN Sales Representative 416.762.4200

Sutton Group Realty Systems Inc., Brokerage

PARKDALE

R FO R LD VE O S %O G 42 SKIN A SWANSEA LIVING

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NEIGHBOURHOOD REALTY, BROKERAGE Independently Owned & Operated.

Cell: 416-788-1823 Office: 416-530-1100

BOSLEY REAL ESTATE LTD,. BROKERAGE

EVENTS

The World of Bees WHEN: 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. WHERE: Jane/Dundas Library, 620 Jane St., Toronto CONTACT: Nicole, 416-394-1014 The authors of "The World Inside and Around a Beehive" book series invite aspiring beekeepers of all ages to this free info session on starting a small scale home apiary. l Sunday, February 19 First Signs of Spring in High Park WHEN: 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

WHERE: High Park, 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto CONTACT: highparkwalkingtours@yahoo.ca Toronto Field Naturalists’ Bob Kortright explores spring awakening. Meet at the benches across from the Grenadier Restaurant.

l GET

CONNECTED Natural, earth-friendly clothing for women

Visit insidetoronto.com/events to submit your own community events for online publishing. l Monday, February 20 Support a Syrian family on Family Day at Revue Cinema in Roncesvalles WHEN: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. WHERE: Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave., Toronto CONTACT: Revue Cinema, 416-531-9950 COST: $25 The Heintzman Refugee Committee is hosting a screening of two Syrian films to help raise funds to sponsor a Syrian family to come to Canada. l Wednesday, February 22 Fundance for Seniors WHEN: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. WHERE: Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavinia Ave., Toronto CONTACT: Swansea Area Seniors Association, 416392-1953, swanseaareaseniors@gmail.com COST: $48 for 13 weeks Instructor-led weekly Wednesday sessions let you learn the salsa, foxtrot, waltz and others. l Saturday, February 25 The World Inside & Around a Beehive WHEN: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. WHERE:

Annette Street Library, 145 Annette Street, Toronto CONTACT: 416-393-7692 Authors of "The World Inside & Around a Beehive" invite aspiring beekeepers of all ages to the free information session on starting a small scale home apiary. Call to register. l Sunday, February 26 Community Lunch for Seniors WHEN: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. WHERE: Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavina Ave, Toronto CONTACT: West Toronto Support Services, 416653-3535, swanseaareaseniors@gmail.com COST: $5 per lunch West Toronto Support Services and SASA present the Swansea Community Lunch for adults 55 years and older. Reserve by Feb. 23. l Monday, February 27 Bloor West Village Avenue Study public meeting WHEN: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. WHERE: St. Pius X Catholic School, 71 Jane St., Toronto Public meeting regarding the Bloor West Village Avenue Study.

"Natureal is my go-to sh I love that I can find everything I want there.

- Ann, a Natureal customer We carry Made in Canada

| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 16, 2017

l Saturday, February 18 Pawsitively Pets Drop In WHEN: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. WHERE: Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavinia Avenue, Toronto CONTACT: Pawsitively Pets, 416-901-4776, info@PawsitivelyPetsKidsCamp.com COST: $10 Pawsitively Pets encourages all children to explore their love of pets and animals. Event to take place at Swansea Town Hall.

13

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Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 16, 2017 |

14

MISSION TO SANDY LAKE 2017

Cynthia Reason/Metroland

Two busloads of children from Thomas Fiddler Memorial Elementary School braved the -34C weather to greet the arrival of the Stanley Cup at Sandy Lake First Nation air field. The banner they’re holding, written in Oji-Cree, reads ‘Welcome to Sandy Lake. Thank you for bringing the Stanley Cup’.

Bringing the hockey dream to Sandy Lake Stanley Cup, mountains of hockey equipment delivered to remote First Nations reserve CYNTHIA REASON creason@insidetoronto.com

SANDY

insidetoronto.com

LAKE

There was a buzz in the arctic air at Sandy Lake First Nation last Tuesday that not even the -34C polar chill could numb – word had it that Lord Stanley was about to land in town.

On the local radio station, Chief Bart Meekis issued an urgent plea for all 3,500 residents of the remote northern Ontario reserve to “Let’s all get to the airport now and show our hapToronto piness!”

At Thomas Fiddler Memorial Elementary School, students put the last-minute

touches on a colourful banner written in their native Oji-Cree, welcoming the Stanley Cup and its contingent of carriers from Etobicoke.

And at the landing site itself, dozens of pick-up trucks and school buses packed with excited hockey fans of all ages ringed the airstrip in anxious anticipation of the Holy Grail of hockey’s arrival.

“The gravity of it all didn’t really hit me until we were landing in Sandy Lake and I looked out the window and saw the whole community out there in the cold waiting for us,” said Etobicoke-Lakeshore Councillor Mark Grimes, who used his connections at the Hockey Hall of Fame to arrange the

Cup’s visit to coincide with the delivery of 5,500 pounds of Rotary-donated hockey equipment to Sandy Lake – even successfully outbidding Justin Trudeau for the honour.

As the charter flight carrying Grimes, Rotary representatives, a documentary film crew from Etobicoke-based Fifth Ground Entertainment, and the official “Keeper of the Cup” Howie Borrow touched down, the subzero temperatures seemingly melted away on a wave of enthusiasm that drove a flood of excited bodies from the warmth of their vehicles and onto the airfield – Chief Meekis one of the first among them.

O Continued on page 15

Rotary-led equipment drive prompted visit O Continued from page 14 “To actually see it here in Sandy Lake, it brings so much hope and so much joy to my community. That the Stanley Cup would come to a remote place like this, it’s the first time I’ve ever heard of it,” Meekis said shortly after parading the Cup around Sandy Lake on the back of his pick-up truck, trailed by an escort of 16 flag-waving, skidoo-driving members of the Sandy Lake Canadian Rangers.

While Lord Stanley’s 22-hour stay in Sandy Lake was widely celebrated as a “historic first”, Meekis pledged it most certainly won’t mark the Cup’s last long voyage to the remote fly-in community nearly 1,500 kms northwest of Toronto.

“It will be back up here again in 2020, but next time it will be one of our young hockey players bringing it north as a Stanley Cup champion – hopefully with the Canadiens,” the Montreal fan said with a determined grin.

“To us, the Stanley Cup promotes education, it promotes discipline, and it also promotes that you can be all you can be – and that’s something our kids need to see.”

While the Cup’s arrival provided plenty of incentive to young hockey players in Sandy Lake to strive for NHL greatness, the accompanying delivery of 16 skids of gently used hockey gear collected by the Rotary Clubs of Etobicoke and Palgrave – and

shipped free-of-charge courtesy Wasaya Airways and the Grimes’ brothers Etobicoke-based logistics company, MGA International – brought with it the means with which to fulfill a hockey dream that, for many, would’ve otherwise been out of reach.

Freight costs to communities like Sandy Lake, which are only accessible by land via ice roads for a few short weeks in the winter, drive the price of even the most basic of goods up at least threefold. In a community where even a 24-case of no-name bottled water sells for $27.79, that means the price of already-costly hockey equipment becomes prohibitively expensive for most families.

“A lot of our youth want to get on the ice, but can’t afford the skates, which is sad because people here go hard for hockey – they absolutely love it,” said Jenn Elwell, the now “super famous” teacher who arranged the hockey donation with Rotary Etobicoke’s Laura Latham after stumbling upon a story about the club’s hockey drive on Facebook.

“So for me, seeing my kids walk out of the gym today with skates in their hands and big smiles on their faces just melted my heart. It was so beautiful, because I know how much it

means to them.”

Pittsburgh Penguins superfan Derek Monias, 13, not only walked away from the distribution event at Thomas Fiddler Memorial Elementary School last week with a hockey bag stuffed with new gear, he was also able to cross a key item off his bucket list.

“I’ve always wanted to see the Stanley Cup in person and now I have. It’s every hockey player’s dream to one day achieve winning it,” he said with a shy smile.

“This day, we all feel happy. The people that brought the Cup here have put a smile on everybody’s faces here in Sandy Lake and made them feel good inside.”

15 | Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 16, 2017

MISSION TO SANDY LAKE 2017

Above right; Hundreds of Sandy Lake First Nations residents braved the -34C weather to greet Howie Borrow, Keeper of the Stanley Cup, and of course Lord Stanley himself at the Sandy Lake air field. Right; a young hockey player gets fitted for new blades while, below, members of the Sandy Lake First Nations hockey team tried out of some their near gear donated by the Rotary Club of Etobicoke during a pick-up hockey game at the local arena.

Cynthia Reason photos

insidetoronto.com

16 Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 16, 2017 |

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Drop in at Pawsitively Paws at Swansea Town Hall enhances their imagination." It added.

The cost of the event is $10.

For more information, visit: pawsitivelypetskidscamp.com/highPark/, call 416-901-4776 or email info@PawsitivelyPetsKidsCamp.com.

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courages all children to explore their love of pets and animals, the company said in a post on Swansea Town Hall’s website.

"Working with animals is not only a great learning experience for children, it allows them to build confidence, self-esteem and a sense of compassion and

Children can explore their love of pets and animals at the Pawsitively Pets drop-in event.

The event takes place Saturday, Feb. 18 at 10 a.m. at Swansea Town Hall, located at 95 Lavinia Ave. near Deforest Road, and will end at 11 a.m.

Pawsitively Pets en-

The Service Ontario office is NOW OPEN for all of your support needs in the Canadian Tire - Stockyards

2129 ST. CLAIR AVE. W

Join us @ Sunday, Feb 26, 10:30 am Join us for our annual THINKING DAY service for Young People in honor of our Scout troops and Guide units.

Then stay for PANCAKE LUNCH! In advance of Shrove Tuesday we get ready for Lent with a traditional pancake feast.

Adults $6, Kids $3, Family (up to 2 adults and 3 young children) $15 St. Olave’s Anglican | 360 Windermere

@StOlavesTO

Find yourself here Winter Feeding Helps Our Local Birds Survive

insidetoronto.com

LOCALLY OWNED PROUDLY CANADIAN

Toronto East – Leaside 939 Eglinton Ave. East (at Brentcliffe Rd.) 416-646-2439

Toronto West – Etobicoke 100 The East Mall (near 427 & Queensway) 416-491-1417

www.UrbanNatureStore.ca

@stolavesevents

17 | Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 16, 2017

insidetoronto.com

DIVERSIONS

Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 16, 2017 |

18

YOUR WEEKLY CROSSWORD

SUDOKU (DIFFICULT)

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS

insidetoronto.com

How to do it: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 by 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

Z See answers to this week’s

puzzles in next Thursday’s edition

19 | Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 16, 2017

MARCH 6th -12 th

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20 Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 16, 2017 |

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ANDROID AUTO® Ω REARVIEW CAMERA AIR CONDITIONING HEATED FRONT SEATS KEYLESS ENTRY 6-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION DRIVE MODE SELECT (ECO/NORMAL/SPORT) AUTOMATIC HEADLIGHTS FOG LIGHTS CRUISE CONTROL EXPRESS POWER FRONT WINDOWS

Kia’s new Customer Friendly Pricing includes delivery and destination fees, dealer admin. fee up to $399 and all mandatory government levies. Prices do not include licensing or applicable taxes.

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Offer Ends Feb 27th

Offer(s) available on select new 2016/2017 models through participating dealers to qualified retail customers who take delivery from February 16 to 27, 2017. Dealers may sell or lease for less. Some conditions apply. See dealer for complete details. Vehicles shown may include optional accessories and upgrades available at extra cost. All offers are subject to change without notice. All pricing and payments include delivery and destination fees up to $1,740, $10 OMVIC fee, $29 tire fee, and $100 A/C charge (where applicable). Excludes other taxes, paint charges ($200, where applicable), licensing, PPSA, registration, insurance, variable dealer administration fees, fuel-fill charges up to $100, and down payment (if applicable and unless otherwise specified). Other lease and financing options also available. §The $750 AutoShow Bonus can be used towards the purchase or lease of any new 2016 Optima (non-hybrid models), 2017 Optima Hybrid, 2016 Forte Koup, 2017 Forte Koup, 2016 Forte5, 2017 Forte5, 2017 Forte Sedan, 2017 Sportage and 2017 Sorento models. This offer is combinable with all other Kia offers. Discount will be deducted from the negotiated price before taxes. Some restrictions apply, please see dealer for full details. Offer valid ONLY IN ONTARIO from February 16 to 27, 2017. This offer is available only at participating dealers and is subject to change without notice. ΦRepresentative Financing Example: Financing offer available on approved credit (OAC), on a new 2017 Sorento 2.4L LX FWD (SR75AH)/2017 Sorento 2.4L LX AWD (SR75BH) with a selling price of $28,324/$30,024 is based on a total number of 364 weekly payments of $76/$81 for 84 months at 0.9% with $1,595 down. Offer includes $1,250/$750 loan credit and $0/$1,000 All-Wheel Drive Bonus†. *Cash Purchase Price for the new 2016 Optima LX AT (OP741G) is $19,644 and includes $5,000 cash discount and $750 AutoShow Bonus §. Cash discounts available on the cash purchase of select 2016 models only vary by model and trim and are deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes. Some conditions apply. See your Kia dealer for complete details. †Up to $1,000 All-Wheel Drive Bonus amounts are offered on select new, in-stock 2017 Sorento and Sportage models and are deducted from the negotiated cash purchase, finance or lease price before taxes. Offer available from February 1 to 28, 2017 only while quantities last. Amounts vary by trim and model. Offer may be combined with other offers. Certain conditions apply. See your dealer for complete details. ≠Representative Leasing Example: Lease offer available on approved credit (OAC), on the 2017 Forte LX MT (F0541H)/2017 Forte LX+ AT (F0743H)/2017 Sportage LX FWD (SP751H)/2017 Sportage LX AWD (SP752H)/2017 Sorento 2.4L AWD (SR75BH) with a selling price of $17,094/$21,694/$26,774/$29,074/$31,774 is based on a total number of 169/169/208/208/156 weekly payments of $39/$49/$65/$68/$86 for 39/39/48/48/36 months at 0%/0%/2.9%/2.9%/0% with $0 security deposit, $499/$499/$1,595/$1,595/$0 down payment and first payment due at lease inception. Offer includes $0/$0/$0/$1,000/$1,000 All-Wheel Drive Bonus† and $2,020/$2,500/$500/$0/$500 lease credit. Total lease obligation is $6,559/$8,301/$13,512/$14,0 59/$13,454 with the option to purchase at the end of the term for $8,016/$10,394/$13,368/$14,808/$16,820. Lease has 16,000 km/yr allowance (other packages available and $0.12/km for excess kilometres). ‡Model shown Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for 2017 Sportage SX Turbo AWD (SP757H)/2017 Forte SX AT (FO747H)/2017 Sorento SX Turbo AWD (SR75IH)/2016 Optima SX Turbo AT (OP746G) is $39,595/$27,295/$42,495/$35,195.The 2016 Sportage received the lowest number of problems per 100 vehicles among small SUVs in the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Initial Quality Study. 2016 study based on 80,157 total responses, evaluating 245 models, and measures the opinions of new 2016 vehicle owners after 90 days of ownership, surveyed in February-May 2016. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. ΩCompatible smartphone required. Data rates may apply, please check with your wireless service provider. Google, Google Play, Google Maps, and Android Auto are trademarks of Google Inc. Google Maps ©2016 Google. The Bluetooth® wordmark and logo are registered trademarks and are owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Government 5-Star Safety Ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA’s) New Car Assessment Program (www.SaferCar.gov). #When properly equipped. Do not exceed any weight ratings and follow all towing instructions in your Owner’s Manual. Information in this advertisement is believed to be accurate at the time of printing. For more information on our 5-year warranty coverage, visit kia.ca or call us at 1-877-542-2886. Kia is a trademark of Kia Motors Corporation.