THURSDAY FEBRUARY 23, 2017
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WAITING GAME
In Pictures
Navigating health care’s lists, lineups
See the best snaps from our photographers in our online galleries. www.insidetoronto.com/photos
Events Calendar
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LISA QUEEN lqueen@yrmg.com TAMARA SHEPHARD tshephard@insidetoronto.com Anne Robinson, 55, is eagerly anticipating her double hip-replacement surgery later this
month after living in “excruciating pain” since 2013. “I’m so thrilled. I can’t wait. It truly is a miracle,” she said. Robinson’s road to surgery has been long, frustrating and emotionally and financially taxing. Diagnosed with osteoarthritis
three years ago, Robinson had first noticed pain in her knees in her 40s. In 2012 while teaching in China, Robinson felt pain in her hip during exercise “almost like it had dislodged,” she said. Then, a brain bleed forced her to fly home to East York in September
2013. An orthopedic surgeon had her hips X-rayed. The doctor’s interns said they saw nothing unusual. Robinson was told she was “too young” for surgery, and prescribed pain medication. l See WAIT, pagexx 3 O See WAIT, page
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Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017 |
2
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3
Wait times ‘defining feature’ of health care system l Continued from page 1
O Continued from front
“I became so angered, so frustrated,� she recalled. “My pain is excruciating, and they’re telling me nothing is wrong. My life is hijacked. I can’t work. I can’t walk without help. I’ve gone through a lot of my savings.� A new family doctor referred Robinson to a new orthopedic surgeon. “’You have the hips of a 90 year old,’� he told her and quickly booked her surgery. “I want to live a rich, healthy life like everybody else,� she said. “People need to advocate for themselves or have someone represent them. You are the one in pain. You know you’re not imagining it. If one doctor says no, get that second or third opinion.� Robinson is one of thousands of Canadians on waiting lists for medical procedures. There’s “no question� wait times are a concern, said Michael Decter, chair of patient advocacy group Patients Canada and
coauthor of Navigating Canada’s Health Care published in 2006. “The most important thing for me to say is patients don’t have an easy way of measuring a lot of things in health care but they do know how long they wait,â€? he said. “It’s not just that waiting is ďŹ lled with fear for patients and sometimes accompanied by a great deal of pain but there is also, in a signiďŹ cant number of medical conditions, a worsening outcome if you wait.â€? While there is a patchwork of impressive initiatives aimed at improving wait times, overall there has been “slippageâ€? following initial progress following the 2004 federal-provincial health care accord, Decter said. “We think the Canadian system can be ďŹ xed. We’re optimistic about that,â€? he said. “But there’s a lot of rhetoric about patient-centred (care) and a lot of the things that are being done in the name of making the
system more patient-centred are really reorganizing the provider side without much patient involvement.� Ontario’s Ministry of Health is committed to improving access to surgical services and Diagnostic Imaging, spokesperson David Jensen said. “Ontario has invested over $1.9 billion for more than 3 million additional procedures to help reduce wait times since 2003/04,� he said in an email, adding the government is investing $77.89 million a year to add 6,468 surgical procedures and 237,250 hours of operation for MRI and CT tests. Ontario has also been recognized as a “strong performer� on wait times for hip replacement surgery, knee replacement surgery, cataract procedures, cancer radiation and coronary artery bypass graft, he said. Bacchus Barua, senior economist with the Fraser Institute and coauthor of last November’s
Waiting Your Turn: Wait Times for Health Care in Canada, isn’t impressed with wait times trends. “Unfortunately, when we look at Canada as a whole, this is the longest wait time that we’ve ever recorded in Canada in the history of the survey (which began in 1993),â€? he said. “I think medical wait times in Canada have become the deďŹ ning feature of Canada’s health care system.â€? The average wait time from referral from a family doctor to treatment is now 20 weeks, 115 per cent more than in 1993 when it was 9.3 weeks. While Ontario has the shortest average wait time at 15.6 weeks, that’s not a laudable standard when measured against other jurisdictions with universal health care such as Switzerland, Sweden and Germany, Barua said. Other countries offering universal health care at less expense and shorter wait times have wel-
You’re sick. Now what? From your ďŹ rst visit with your family doctor to treatment, here’s how long you can expect to wait for procedures in Ontario, based on median wait times from 2016: Neurosurgery: 44.8 weeks Orthopedic surgery (such as hip and knee replacements): 29.7 weeks Ophthalmology (eye surgery): 29.4 weeks Gynecology: 14.7 weeks General surgery (such as hernia repair or appendix or gall bladder removal): 7.6 weeks Cardiovascular surgery: 5.5 weeks Radiation oncology (cancer treatment): 3 weeks Medical oncology: 2.9 weeks Source: Waiting Your Turn: Wait Times for Health Care in Canada, The Fraser Institute, 2016
~ 3^]{c V^ X]c^ cWT WTP[cW RPaT system by yourself. Have a friend or relative present who can help you navigate the system and advocate for the best possible care. ~ 3^]{c QT a passive patient. Ask questions and follow up. For example, ask if you can travel to another community with shorter wait times. Visit the Ministry of Health’s ontariowaittimes.com to ďŹ nd wait times for different procedures at various Ontario hospitals
~ =Tcf^aZ Ask friends and family if they know of any health care providers with short wait times. ~ 8U h^d WPeT WTP[cW QT]T cb make sure you know what you are covered for. You may be en-
THESE TIPS CAN HELP YOU BETTER MANAGE YOUR HEALTH CARE JOURNEY:
titled for accelerated services. ~ BTT XU _PhX]V U^a _aXePcT WTP[cW insurance is right for you. ~ ATbTPaRW _aXePcT R[X]XRb Qdc QT prepared to pay out of pocket. ~ 2^]bXSTa bTTZX]V \TSXRP[ attention outside Canada, also
known as medical tourism. Be aware it is your responsibility to investigate foreign standards of care. Visit the Canadian government’s travel. gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/ care-abroad for information you should consider.
A United Kingdom website, treatmentabroad.com, which provides information about travelling overseas for health care, shows a range of prices for medical procedures performed in countries around the world. Fees listed in British pounds were converted to Canadian dollars. For example, a knee replacement in the United States could cost you $41,000, while in Spain it could cost $14,668 and in Latvia it could cost $1,968. The price for heart bypass surgery in Lithuania is $16,567, while in Turkey it’s $6,486. If you need surgery for breast removal due to cancer, you could expect to pay $4,945 in Poland and $3,109 in Thailand. In vitro fertilization fertility treatments comes with a price tag of $10,385 in the United Arab Emirates, $6,181 in the United Kingdom and $3,679 in Russia.
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~ 5^[[^f d_ 3^]{c Pbbd\T XU h^d haven’t heard back about a test that you are in the clear. There may be a number of reasons why you weren’t contacted. If you haven’t heard from a specialist about an appointment, call and make sure they received the referral.
comed the private sector working as a partner in the system, charge patients a co-payment to help temper demand and pay hospitals based on the procedures they perform rather than a global budget, Barua said. “There are a lot of countries with universal health care. But we are one of the more expensive systems, we’re among the top spenders on health care but we have some of the longest wait times in the world,� he said. “Personally, I do think it is quite remarkable that we expect patients to endure these long wait times without having any form of recourse within the country and in many situations it can mean patients being in pain for years, it can lead to loss of income and in some cases, it actually leads to a deterioration in the condition. When you consider all that together, it is worrying, especially since it doesn’t have to be that way. It’s not the price we have to pay for universal health care.�
| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017
THE WAITING GAME
Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017 |
4
EDITORIAL | OPINION
• OUR VIEW •
ABOUT US
Time to make case for city’s fiscal needs When Toronto Council debated its budget last week, Mayor John Tory felt like the loneliest mayor ever. At least that’s what he said, in his speech capping the daylong debate on the 2017 operating and capital budgets. "I can tell you, it’s been pretty lonely so far," Tory told his colleagues - many of whom were critical of his decision to keep the property tax increase relatively low at 2 per cent. Tory pointed out that marginally higher tax increases on Torontonians’ homes won’t make much difference to Toronto’s larger fiscal difficulties. What would make a difference, he said, was a few more voices turned toward Ottawa and Queen’s Park, to press the case that he has been pressing: Toronto needs more money, and perhaps more powers, to finance its many needs and aspirations as the largest city in Canada. It is a compelling case, and Tory has not been alone in making it. Mel Lastman, amalgamated Toronto’s first mayor, made it most bluntly, when he called Premier Mike Harris a "liar" for promising that the amalgamation of Toronto and provincial downloading of bigticket services would be "revenue neutral" for the city and the province. His method brought in a number of one-time fixes, but was largely a rearguard action. Lastman’s successor, David Miller, made the case with slightly more gentility, and did indeed manage some successes: a gas tax federally, transit infrastructure funding provincially, and, locally, new powers to tax under a new City of Toronto Act. The late former Mayor Rob Ford had little time for intergovernmental relations, but even he did his bit attracting some federal investment from the Ford-friendly Harper Conservative government to build a subway in Scarborough. So it falls on John Tory, and Toronto Council, to continue to make the case for further support and revenue powers. And if the fight is not lonely, it is uphill. Toronto Council’s initial foray - to impose tolls on the Gardiner Expressway and Don Valley Parkway - went nowhere with Premier Kathleen Wynne. The mayor has shifted his demands - that the province put money into transit infrastructure, housing, maintenance of those two highways and port lands flood protection. Tory is relying on the federal government to help secure this money - specifically, that federal funding for local projects be tied to provincial cost-sharing. Will it work? In politics, that’s always up in the air. But like his successors, Tory is in the right. It should work. For Toronto’s sake, it must.
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
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Scarborough’s subway, still so insecure They held a byelection in Scarborough this month. The subway won. You might hear a man called Neethan Shan won, but the subway got more votes. In Toronto, some people believe governments do nothing but fill bags with money, which they throw into holes in the ground. The point most candidates in Ward 42’s byelection made is Scarborough never gets its fair share from those bags. And for a fair share, think subway to Scarborough Town Centre. Sure, many wanted more than that, but Scarborough’s one-stop subway extension has grown to be what matters most.Scarborough’s councillors, MPPs, and Mayor John Tory have
MIKE ADLER Edges of Toronto staked so much on the subway, so many times, it just must happen. It’s become the area’s main goal. So, on the night of the byelection, Tory made it clear Shan’s victory was also the subway’s. "The voters in Ward 42 have sent a strong message that they want a councillor who supports the Scarborough subway extension," he
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said, pledging "to push ahead on the project that the people of Scarborough have voted for time and time again." These are anxious months for the subway. No matter how many votes it wins, whenever Josh Matlow, a Scarborough subwayhater, goes on television, or the Toronto Star trash-talks it, the subway is insecure. A third-party cost review, long delayed, comes out this year. There’s fear in Scarborough about that. A new group, ConnectScarborough, has given out flyers at Scarborough Town Centre since January, signing people to a pro-subway petition it will give councillors when cost estimates are public. In a Valentine’s Day release, Scarborough Com-
munity Renewal Organization, born from a grassroots campaign to revitalize Scarborough on many fronts, announced its "strategic partnership" with ConnectScarborough.Pressure for the subway must continue until construction actually starts, says SCRO’s interim chairperson Jennifer McKelvie. The cost review also covers the Eglinton East lightrail line. That line can bring development and jobs back to East Scarborough, maybe break the back of poverty in five neighbourhoods. Tory promised it. ConnectScarborough and SCRO say they support it. It’s "shovel ready." But it’s not a subway. It has no chance. Reach Mike Adler at madler@insidetoronto.com
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CANADA 150
Write your six-word story about ’The Six’
HEADLINES The latest news delivered daily to your inbox
Toronto residents are invited to take part in a massive art project describing the Six using their own six words. The My City, My Six (MCM6) initiative asks participants to come up with a sixword story that highlights what Toronto has to offer. MCM6 will be part of the city’s "TO Canada with Love" contri-
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on Twitter using the #MyCityMySix hashtag.Six local arts service organizations - Arts Etobicoke, East End Arts, Lakeshore Arts, North York Arts, Scarborough Arts and UrbanArts - will offer workshops and word-a-thons around the concept from March through May.Select submissions will be displayed at an exhibition which
butions to the nationwide Canada 150 celebration, and will also be part of this year’s Cultural Hotspot, which takes place in east Toronto. Toronto poet laureate Anne Michaels has already contributed her own six-word story - "We belong where love finds us" - to the collection of stories. Others have already begun chiming in
will be shown at various sites across Toronto, including City Hall, TTC stations, the six local arts service organizations, and other public spaces. Those looking to get involved can send their six-word story to culturalhotspot@toronto.ca through May. For more information on the project, visit www.toronto.ca/culturalhotspot.
| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017
TODAY’S
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VISIT CHOOSENISSAN.CA OR YOUR LOCAL RETAILER • OFFER
ENDS FEBRUARY 28TH
Offers available from February 17 – 28, 2017. ∞The additional rebate of $500/$1,000 (including a dealer participation of $50/$250) is valid when leasing or financing through Nissan Canada Finance (NCF) (at inception) one of the following select new models: 2017 Rogue/2017 Sentra Turbo. This offer is valid from February 17 – 28, 2017. The offer is available to eligible customers for a limited time on approved credit only. The discount will be deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes. Applicable to NCF contracts only. Not combinable with fleet discounts and not applicable to cash purchase buyers. This offer is for units in participating Ontario Nissan retailers’ stock only. Offer not eligible for program protection. Certain conditions apply. See your Ontario Nissan Retailer today. **$2,200 No Charge All-Wheel Drive upgrade is available on new 2017 Rogue (excluding S FWD and SV special edition FWD) models purchased or financed with NCF at standard rates and delivered between February 1 – 28, 2017. Offer consists of a discount that can only be used at the time of initial purchase/finance and applied towards: (i) the purchase of an All-Wheel Drive system from an authorized Nissan dealer; and/or (ii) the purchase price of the vehicle. Payments cannot be made on a weekly basis, for advertising purposes only. *Representative monthly lease offer based on a new 2017 Rogue S FWD/2017 Sentra SV CVT at 0.99%/1.99% lease APR for 60/60 months equals monthly payments of $258/$214 with $1,495/$0 down payment, and $0 security deposit. Lease based on a maximum of 20,000 km/year with excess charged at $0.10/km. Total lease obligation is $16,952/$12,859. Lease Cash of $500/$2,275 is included in the advertised offer. ▲Models shown $38,024/$28,029 Selling price for a new 2017 Rogue SL Platinum (PL00)/2017 Sentra SR Turbo CVT Premium (RL00). All Pricing includes Freight and PDE charges ($1,795/$1,600) air-conditioning levy ($100), applicable fees, manufacturer’s rebate and dealer participation where applicable. License, registration, insurance and applicable taxes are extra. Offers are available on approved credit through Nissan Canada Finance for a limited time, may change without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers except stackable trading dollars. Vehicles and accessories are for illustration purposes only. See your participating Nissan retailer for complete details. Certain conditions apply. ©2017 Nissan Canada Inc.
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HIGH PARK NISSAN 3275 DUNDAS STREET WEST, TORONTO TEL: (416) 762-7537
Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017 |
6
WANTED
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Qualified Participants Needed for Technology Field Test
We’re looking for people like you, who may be experiencing difficulty hearing in noisy environments to evaluate a remarkable new digital hearing aid and a rehabilitative process that could be the solution to your difficulties. There’s no cost or obligation to participate! Call us toll-free today to see if you qualify for this Field Test. Potential candidates will be given a FREE hearing test to determine their candidacy. Selected participants will be given a FREE in-office demonstration and the opportunity to evaluate the latest, most advanced hearing aid technology for 30 days. This latest digital technology solves the biggest challenge for hearing aid wearers – hearing well in noisy environments. Nobody will notice it because of its minute size, fitting snugly and comfortably just behind the ear. Everything works automatically, so you can get back to enjoying your relationships, rather than thinking about your hearing. Following your 30 day Field Test, these hearing aids will be available for purchase, including everything you need for 3 full years.
Dan Pearce/Metroland
Superintendent Heinz Kuck will be doing 150 km by dog sled in Algonquin Park for Canada 150.
11 Division cop embarking on Canada 150 trek Kuck will spend four days dog sledding in Algonquin Park AARON D’ANDREA adandrea@metroland.com
CALL NOW - Candidates are being selected. The selection process for this test period will end March 31st, 2017.
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Eleven Division Supt. Heinz Kuck will be celebrating Canada’s 150th birthday by doing another physically demanding adventure. The division’s top cop will be embarking on a 150 kilometre dog sled trek in the wilderness of Algonquin Park on Feb. 27 for an awareness campaign for Canada 150. "I want to do something that not only brought that awareness of confederation to youth . but, I want to do it in a way that will capture the public’s imagination," he told The Bloor West Villager. "It’s a way to symbolically reconnect with my roots. but I also want to bring it forward as an experiential aspect for some of the kids that will follow me." Kuck will be spending three nights and four days in the park. He will be joined by a guide and two
dog teams with roughly 600 pounds of gear between the two of them, he said. The group is aiming to travel 35 to 40 kilometres per day, depending on the weather, trail conditions and physical conditions of the dogs. "We’re going to focus on harder trails, and trails that haven’t been as well manicured and even create some of our own trails," he said. "We’re going to be using older equipment and older sleds in an effort to symbolically have this dog sled event as close to the historic journeys the pioneers may have done." Once he returns, Kuck will be doing blog posts on 11 Division’s social media pages and will be sharing stories of his journey with local schools. "There has been, overtime, a true loss of patriotism and nationalism about Canada and our beginnings," he said. "To be able to go to a number of schools and talk to students and share the story with them, what I want to be able to do is instill in these young people a rejuvenated sense of pride in Canada." This isn’t Kuck’s first rodeo. He has done several
fundraisers for charity throughout his tenure as a Toronto police officer. In 2015, Kuck spent 10 days dog sledding for charity in James Bay. In June 2016, Kuck pushed a weighted down 90-pound steel sled three kilometres to the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club from 11 Division. "I found out that when a police officer is able to put together a cause with a physical endurance event where there are some trials, tribulations and some hardship, it really captures the public’s imagination," he said. But, with this event being hooked around Canada 150, Kuck said it stands out from the rest. "In my eye, there’s this historical checklist on how we’ve moved forward as a country going through from 1867, going through the turn of the century, the First World War where through the battlefields of France, we became this wonderful nationalistic society, the Second World War and moving through the years into what we have right now," he said. "Every kilometre is a benchmark as that moving clock going through to our 150th year."
7 | Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017
ACTING TODAY CAN PREVENT AN ACCIDENT TOMORROW. At CP, we want to make the safest railway in North America even safer. Changing legislation and regulations to allow the use of video and voice recorders in the cabs of our locomotives could prevent accidents, protect communities and save lives. Find out more at CPRailSafe.ca.
insidetoronto.com
Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017 |
8
COMMUNITY
Become a vendor at the Junction Farmers Market Vendor applications for the Junction Farmers Market are now open. The market is looking for local farmers, wineries or artisan food producers for its 2017 season. The market will be held at the Junction Train Platform, located at 2960 Dundas St. W, near Dundas Street and Pacific Avenue. The farmers market begins Saturday, May 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and runs until Nov. 4. "The Junction Farmers Market pro-
vides local, sustainably produced fresh foods in ways that build community, support local food growers and producers, and promote access to healthy food for all," the market said on its website. For more information about the market and how to sign up to become a vendor, visit docs.google.com/forms/d/ e/1FAIpQLSdprGKbq-EKgfnEEJV2FXM8KfIEYiiKCQP97ThPcpholbKOgg/viewform?c=0&w=1 The deadline to apply is Feb. 28.
The boundary of the Bloor West Village Avenue Study. A public meeting will occur at St. Pius X Catholic School.
Learn about the Bloor West Village Avenue Study
416.532.1137 www.FamousPeoplePlayers.com
MECHANICAL
Gift rt Ce ificate Available
Community members are invited to attend a public meeting regarding the Bloor West Village Avenue Study. The meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27, in the gymnasium at St. Pius X Catholic School, which is located at 71 Jane St. The City of Toronto has initiated a study to assess land uses, transportation, servicing infrastructure, community services, facilities, built form character and
redevelopment potential for Bloor Street West between Keele Street and the Humber River. The study began in Dec. 2016 and is expected to be completed in fall 2017. The city has created a website where the study’s progress can be monitored. For more information, visit: www1.toronto.ca/wps/portal/contentonly?vgnexttoid=a9120643888a9510 VgnVCM10000071d60f89RCRD
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MPP Cheri DiNovo looking for public input regarding OMB Parkdale-High Park MPP Cheri DiNovo’s community consultation to discuss the Ontario Municipal Board has been cancelled, but she still wants to hear from constituents. DiNovo announced on her website the talk, which was scheduled to take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Bishop Marrocco/ Thomas Merton Catholic Secondary School at the corner of Bloor and Dundas streets in West Bend, was cancelled due to "unforeseen circumstances." In 2016, the provincial government announced it will be reviewing how the OMB operates and "its role in the province’s land-use planning system to help make it more efficient and more accessible to all Ontarians," the province said in a news release. Anyone who wants to provide input can send their submissions by March 31 to dinovoc-qp@ndp.on.ca.
Royal Lepage West Realty Group, Brokerage 416-233-6276 5110 DUNDAS ST. W.
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On behalf of Royal LePage West Realty Group, we congratulate our Award Winner NUTAN BROWN for her outstanding accomplishments and wish Nutan continued success throughout 2017
9 | Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017
COMMUNITY
Hilary Caton/file photo
MPP for Parkdale-High Park Cheri DiNovo took her federal NDP leadership campaign to the Parkdale Recreation Centre (PARC).
Real Estate
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10 Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 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!
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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!
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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. SOLD FOR TOP $$!!
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!!!
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!
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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!!!
DEvELOPMENT OPPORTUNITY! Huge 67 x 168 Lot on busy Queen St. W in downtown Brampton. Potential Condo Development Site. Large Bungalow with Circular Drive. 20 Car Parking. 2 Car Detached Garage. Run your business or develop. $999,000.
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| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017
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RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY!!
ISLINGTON vILLAGE!!
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Situated on 50x200 ft lot, Detached Bungalow with finished basement, double garage, long private drive. Immaculately maintained by original owner. Currently residential, easily converted to commercial. Great location minutes to downtown & airport. Amazing value one of a kind for only $899,900!!
HUGE 1/4 ACRE LOT!!
Prime neighbourhood and premium 50ft lot, surrounded by million dollar plus homes. Detached, stucco exterior finish, circular drive, open concept living room, formal dining room, finished basement, huge backyard, fantastic investment only $899,900!!
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!
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 $$!
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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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!!
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!!
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. SOLD IN 1WK FOR 121% OF ASKING!!
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! SOLD FOR 101% OF ASKING!!
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.
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YORkDALE-GLEN PARk GEM!!
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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.
SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 118% OF ASKING
SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 122% OF ASKING
DETACHED $499,900! 4 Bdrm Brick Bungalow with Huge Addition on a Large 40 x 119 Lot. Like 2 Houses in 1! Can renovate, rebuild, or build new. Perfect for Contractors/Builders. Walk to Humber College and Lake. Rare Opportunity!
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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!
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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!!
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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
SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 153% OF ASKING!!
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 $460,000!!
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Spacious 1BR Unit in Prestigious Tridel Hullmark Condo With 5-Star Amenities. Steps to Whole Foods, Indoor Access to Subway, Theatre, Gyms, Popular Restaurants, Hwy 401 & DVP, Walkscore 93! Like NEW, Modern Kitchen with High End Appliances & Quartz Counters, 1 Parking and Locker included for only $449,900.
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.
SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 128% OF ASKING!!
****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
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SEE MORE PHOTOS: www.GetLeo.com Call Today 416-917-LION (5466) and Start Packing!
Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017 |
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The Swansea Town Hall is the former Village of Swansea Municipal Building owned and funded by the City of Toronto. It is managed by a Board of Management appointed by the City of Toronto from the community. The Town Hall is a community resource providing a broad range of community and recreation programs for the benefit of the Swansea catchment area and the greater Toronto community.
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We are currently seeking persons to fill vacant positions on the Board of Directors of the Swansea Town Hall Association and on the Board of Management of the Swansea Town Hall Community Centre.
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We are seeking applicants who: • Have an understanding of and commitment to the neighbourhood and community within the Swansea catchment area; • Reflect the cultural and social diversity of the community; • Have knowledge and understanding of community and public service; • Are team players who possess good communication and decision making skills and • Are willing to serve on Board committees dealing with matters such as governance, finance, community engagement, capital projects and human resources. As of Thursday, February 23rd, 2017, an application package will be available on our website or may be picked up at:
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Swansea Town Hall 95 Lavinia Avenue, Toronto M6S 3H9 Phone (416) 392-1954 Email: app@swanseatownhall.ca Website: www.swanseatownhall.ca Please submit your applications to the attention of the Nominating Committee, Swansea Town Hall, at the above address. The deadline for submission of applications is 12:00 pm Monday, March 20th, 2017.
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13
AARON D’ANDREA adandrea@metroland.com The Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club (DBGC) is proposing to build a garden at its clubhouse in Dovercourt Park. They are leading the development of the project including its design, building and funding. The garden will be located at the southwest corner of the clubhouse, at 180 Westmoreland Ave., on a plot of grass that is currently used as a walkway space through the park. However, its main purpose will be to teach the youth it serves in its after school and summer camp programs about gardening. "It’s just something that not enough kids become involved in," said Sheldon Taylor, the club’s executive director. "We want kids to understand the importance (of gardens) and where food comes from." Taylor added having the garden will teach discipline about how to grow and take care of plants, while having them learn how gardening helps benefit nature. "We will teach them about pollination, blossoming and cross-pollination. All of these things are factors that are very important in the life cycle and nature cycle," he said. "Kids will understand the relationships (between humans and nature)."
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Dovercourt Boys’ and Girls’ Club executive director Sheldon Taylor looks over the details of the group’s proposed teaching garden. The club plans to have kids plant native and edible plants, with an opportunity to integrate the products in food markets and other community activities. At its inaugural Harvest Festival in October, Taylor said children in the area put forward several suggestions for what should be grown, including potatoes, carrots and cauliflower. Once it is complete, the youngsters will be responsible for carrying out ongoing maintenance, programming and caring for the gardens as part of DBGC’s regular programming. "The other aspect of gardening, too, apart from everything else, is it’s pretty," Taylor said. "You’ve got all
these beautiful colours, and it’s nice for neighbourhood when you see the many different colours." Davenport Councillor Ana Bailão said she has been receiving positive feedback from residents. "The community is supportive and there isn’t an outcry against this project," she said. "It seems like the community is excited to see this happening in the park, as well as seeing the children (who) go to the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club and to the park in general to take advantage of this new kind of programming." DBGC is hoping to have the garden ready this spring.
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| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017
Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club proposing new garden
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Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017 |
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EVENTS 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 COST: Authors of "The World Inside & Around a Beehive" invite aspiring beekeepers to afree information session on starting a small scale home apiary. Call to register.
l GET
February Frost WHEN: 8 p.m. - 11 p.m. WHERE: Junction Craft Brewery, 90 Cawthra Ave., Toronto CONTACT: 416-766-1616 COST: $20 Rainhard Brewery and Junction Craft Brewing are offering the public a tasty selection of Craft Beer and three amazing performers at February Frost. Tickets are $20. Purchase tickets at artery.is/ showcases/february_frost.
l Tuesday, February 28 Pancake Dinner WHEN: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. WHERE: Runnymede United Church, 432 Runnymede Rd., Toronto CONTACT: 416-767-6729 COST: Pay at the door Runnymede United Church will be hosting its first pancake dinner in its new kitchen. Tickets $6 U-11, $8 11 and older. Family deals.
l Sunday, February 26 Community Lunch for Seniors WHEN: 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. WHERE: 95 Lavina Ave. CONTACT: 416653-3535 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.
Community Yoga with Caitlin WHEN: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. WHERE: Annette Street Library, 145 Annette St., Toronto CONTACT: 416-393-7692 COST: One hour community yoga class with Caitlin on the last Tuesday evening of the month for free. This class is designed for all levels. Witness Deception and Its Collateral Effect WHEN: 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. WHERE:
l Monday, February 27 Bloor West Village Avenue Study
CONNECTED
Visit insidetoronto.com/events to submit your own community events for online publishing. public meeting WHEN: 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. WHERE: St. Pius X Catholic School, 71 Jane St., Toronto CONTACT: N/A COST: Public meeting regarding the Bloor West Village Avenue Study.
Brentwood Library, 36 Brentwood Rd. N., Toronto CONTACT: 416394-5240 COST: Senior deception analyst Brian Leslie will discuss topics such as racial profiling, implanted memory in witnesses, the Mr. X theory, and wrongful convictions. l Wednesday, March 1 Fundance for Seniors WHEN: 10 a.m. - 11 a.m. WHERE: Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavinia Ave., Toronto CONTACT: 416392-1953 COST: $48/13 weeks Instructor-led weekly Wednesday sessions let you learn the salsa, foxtrot, waltz and others. Beginners welcome, no partner needed.
Swansea Historical Society Mar 2017 Meeting WHEN: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. WHERE: Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavina Ave, Toronto CONTACT: 647-8593901, swancnews@gmail.com COST: SPEAKER: Rona Arato - "The Exodus 1947 - The Ship to Nowhere". Visitors Welcome! Light Refreshments!
5 things to do this weekend l Friday, February 17 Canadian International Auto Show WHEN: 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. WHERE: Metro Toronto Convention Centre, 222 Bremner Blvd., Toronto CONTACT: autoshow.ca/ COST: Various prices The Canadian International Auto Show is the country’s largest consumer show - a leader in lifestyle, technology and all things automotive. Feb. 17-26.
insidetoronto.com
l Monday, February 20 Winter Stations 2017 WHEN: 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. WHERE: The Beaches, - From Woodbine to Victoria Park along the Waterfront CONTACT: info@winterstations.com COST: Winter Stations is now in its third-year, bringing temporary public art installations to The Beaches, Feb. 20 to March 27. l Thursday, February 23 The Artist Project WHEN: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. WHERE: Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place, 195 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto CONTACT: info@theartistproject.com COST: Various prices
Justin Greaves/Metroland
A dog walks past one of the exhibits called "North" during the 3rd annual Winter Stations event.
Visitors can explore and discover works of art from over 250 top contemporary artists from Canada and abroad. l Friday, February 24 38th Rhubarb Festival WHEN: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m. WHERE: Buddies in Bad Times Theatre, 12 Alexander St., Toronto CONTACT: (416) 975-8555, http://buddiesinbadtimes.com/rhubarb COST: Various prices Canada’s longest-running new works festival is a hotbed of
experimentation. Feb. 15-26. l Saturday, February 25 Bloor-Yorkville Icefest WHEN: 12 p.m. - 11 p.m. WHERE: Village of Yorkville Park, 115 Cumberland St., Toronto CONTACT: biamember@bloor-yorkville.com COST: Bloor-Yorkville neighourhood transforms into a showcase of incredible ice sculptures and live ice carving demonstrations for the entire family to enjoy, Feb. 25, 26.
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March 1, 7 pm
ASH WEDNESDAY Holy Communion with Imposition of Ashes
Sunday services at 8:30 & 10:30 (with nursery & kids’ program)
March 5, 4 pm
CHORAL EVENSONG FOR LENT I Featuring Schola Ecclesiam Choir, followed by Afternoon Tea and at 5 pm, MONTEVERDI 450 with Clem Carelse
March 8, 15, 22 & 29, 6 pm
ENTERING THE WILDERNESS Join us for Evening Prayer followed by a light supper and at 7, St. Olave’s Rector, the Rev’d Rob Mitchell, leads a four-part Lenten series of discussions.
For details visit us on
@stolavesevents or
| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017
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Thanks to the support of donors like Wilfred and Carol Chung - whose gift in appreciation of their son Gregory’s own cardiac treatment established the Dr. William G. Williams Research Directorship in Cardiac Data Analytics – SickKids leads the fight against cardiac disease. Our cardiac surgical survival rate is 98.5%. Which means kids like Jadon, who received groundbreaking treatment at SickKids, can go home to their families. fundthefight.ca insidetoronto.com
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Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017 |
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17 | Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017
insidetoronto.com
Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017 |
18 COMMUNITY
Gay Fathers of Toronto help men come out FANNIE SUNSHINE fsunshine@insidetoronto.com Paul Carr was married with three children when he decided he couldn’t suppress his sexual orientation any longer. "It was time to figure out what it was all about," he recalled of that lifechanging moment when he came out to his family as gay in 1996. The man he started seeing suggested Carr join Gay Fathers of Toronto, a downtown peer support group. Gay Fathers of Toronto was formed in 1978 as a way to help gay men who were fathers and married to women. The group doesn’t pass judgment or tell members what to do. It simply offers support and shares stories to assist others in similar situations. Carr, who now sits on the group’s steering committee, said members are typically 40 years old, with
one to three kids in elementary or high school. Their wives may or may not know their sexual orientation. He recalled an email he received from a man in December who simply, yet poignantly, wrote "Why can’t I be normal?" Carr suggested the man attend a meeting, which he did. The man was concerned how his teenage child would react to his homosexuality. "Typically, children today don’t see it as a big deal to be gay," he said. "Talk to your kids, and be prepared for unexpected questions." The man came out to his child, who was accepting, Carr said. But Carr acknowledged things don’t always go smoothly. "There are still lots of men who, for whatever reason, don’t come out," he said. "Or they deal with their sexual orientation issues later in life."
Dan Pearce/Metroland
Paul Carr, a long-time member of Gay Fathers of Toronto, at his downtown home. The group is trying to reach gay fathers in the city’s suburbs, areas that typically don’t have the same support networks as downtown, he said. Chris Gongos was married for 20 years with two
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Five years later, Gongos is a group facilitator. "I had suspicions of my sexuality but was not ready to acknowledge them," he said of his younger self, adding his marriage ended when he came
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kids when he decided "it was time to move forward and live my life as it was meant to be." He learned of Gay Fathers of Toronto after telling his therapist he was gay and in need of help.
clean about his true sexuality. Gongos said he went to a Gay Fathers of Toronto meeting because "I wanted help from men who had gone before me." "There is a sense of community, we are a special subset of the gay community," he said. If he has any advice to share with men who are thinking of coming out of the closet, it’s this:"Your life will not completely fall apart if you come out," he said. "In Toronto we’re very fortunate, we live in a very accepting society." Gay Fathers of Toronto drop-in support group meetings are held on the second and fourth Thursday of each month at The 519 Community Centre, 519 Church St. Registration is not required. For information visit www.gayfathers-toronto.com/ or email info@gayfathers-toronto.com
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TRANSIT
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Fess up on fare integration In a little less than a year, Metrolinx will unveil a new plan which promises to revolutionize transit in the Toronto region. I’m not talking about a new subway plan, shiny new vehicles or even some much-needed sustainable funding. But if fare integration succeeds in dismantling existing barriers for taking transit - such as the need to pay an additional cost when crossing from the 905 into the 416 - the payoff for Toronto riders in particular could be quite sweet. Of course, details on the various charging models under study by Metrolinx zones, by distance, some hybrid of both - need more than a little firming up. After committing to have at least a framework for a policy unveiled by last fall, Metrolinx now says it needs until the end of 2017 to make a firm recommendation for how to proceed. Well ahead of then, riders will hopefully get a clear sense how the agency in-
RAHUL GUPTA TO in Transit tends to proceed. While a change in how fares are calculated would affect all transit operators throughout the region, it’s safe to say the impact would disproportionately affect Toronto, rather than, say, Orangeville. TTC riders, after all, can travel from one end of North America’s fourth largest transit network to the other for the same flat fare. Will such a structure continue to exist in light of a new fare arrangement? Will riders from Scarborough or Etobicoke, as an example, face higher fares calculated under a GO Tran-
sit-style distance scheme for the same trip downtown? Conversely, will taking short trips cost much less than they do today? Then there’s the question of jurisdiction. Would Toronto readily accept a new fare structure which costs more for its riders, or cuts into existing revenue streams to provide discounted trips? It’s hard to see how the TTC, which liquidates savings accounts just to trim budget deficits, could accept such an arrangement without some compensation. There are many questions Metrolinx still needs to answer about fare integration. Such a plan could well prove a revolution for transit, but first we need more details. Rahul Gupta is Metroland Media Toronto’s transportation and infrastructure reporter. Reach him on Twitter @TOinTRANSIT
| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, February 23, 2017
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