The Bloor West Villager, March 16, 2017

THURSDAY MARCH 16, 2017

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In Pictures

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North Etobicoke resident and Master Mechanic owner Josie Candito is using her billboard to promote a positive outlook in the community

Events Calendar

See page 14

uReport the news

See what’s happening by visiting our online community calendar. www.insidetoronto.com/events

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HISTORY

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Stories of T. Eaton Co. enlistees sought for Do You Know My Story? initiative CYNTHIA REASON creason@insidetoronto.com When Pte. Henry Agassiz signed up to serve in The Great War in 1916, his proud portrait joined those of more than 2,200 of his fellow enlistees from T. Eaton Company’s Toronto store on the flagship’s walls.

Sadly, the next time Agassiz’s name was inscribed was on the Eaton’s Memorial Plaque as one of 315 company men killed overseas.

Still, his story - like those of each and every one of the everyday working men and women who signed to serve in the First World War - is an integral part of Canada’s history, said Nancy Reynolds, curator of Mackenzie House museum.

"It’s often hard to tell the stories of individuals unless they’re famous or they’ve done something, but that’s what we’re trying to do," she said of Do You Know My Story? - an outreach project being undertaken in partnership between the City of Toronto’s Museums & Heritage Services and the Archives of Ontario.

The goal of the project is to tell the personal stories of those T. Eaton Co. Limited employees like Agassiz who, perhaps enticed by company owner John Craig Eaton’s offer to pay wages to his employee enlistees on top of their military pay, signed up to fight

Dan Pearce/Metroland

Historical interpreter Bruce Beaton holds photos of John Craig Eaton, son of Timothy Eaton, founder of T. Eaton Company Ltd., left, and Henry Agassiz and his family at Mackenzie House for their Do You Know My Story project. overseas.

"We want to tell the stories of ordinary people: how they came to Canada, why they came to Canada, how they ended up at Eaton’s, what happened to them and their families during and after the war," Reynolds said. She noted that, in total, Eaton paid out $2.2 million in wages to his 3,327 Eaton’s employees from across Canada who enlisted.

"It’s those ordinary stories that are so often left untold."

The starting point for the project was compiling

the old portraits - more than 2,000 of which survived to be displayed in Eaton’s Goes to War, an online exhibit created by the Archives of Ontario in 2014.

The next step is outreach, said Bruce Beaton, who’s leading the Do You Know My Story? project.

"This is a history that lives in the families of these men," said Beaton, a historical interpreter at Mackenzie House, calling on the relatives of First World War veterans from Eaton’s to come forward with information.

"One of the questions I

always ask the families is, what does this person mean to you in your life?

And they always have some answer - be it how they sacrificed, or their duty to commit to public service, or perhaps something more personal. Whatever it is, this means something to people; the lives of these people still have meaning within their families - and that’s what I’m trying to access."

So far, however, Beaton said he’s been able to collect life stories to match just 18 of the more than 2,000 Eaton’s portraits - Pri-

vate Agassiz’s among them.

Agassiz’s family history is one Beaton has been able to piece together via a combination of family accounts, his military records, and an expenditure ledger from City of Toronto Archives.

A Nova Scotia native, Agassiz was a 37-year-old husband and father of four - with another baby on the way - when he enlisted on April 3, 1916. Earning just $15 a month as a trimmer at Eaton’s at the time, Agassiz was older than most other enlistees at the time, and

was perhaps enticed to do so by Eaton’s full-wage offer to married enlistees in order to provide for his growing family.

His tragic death in France at the Battle of the Somme less than six months after his enlistment, however, left his wife Eugenie, son Alfred, and daughters Vaudine, Muriel, and Dorothy in such extreme poverty that newborn son Claude died because they were unable to feed him, according his granddaughter.

At 14, Agassiz’s only surviving son Alfred was forced to drop out of high school to support the family.

The Agassiz family story is a valuable piece of Canada’s history, Reynolds said, because it demonstrates the sacrifices made by so many ordinary people in extraordinary times.

"His is an important story of World War I, because that was the first time that you saw such a large domestic army," she said.

"These were not all (career) soldiers, so when they got home, there was that feeling for the first time that the government owed them something; that it owed the families of those killed. And that marked a real change in the way people looked at government and what its responsibilities were."

Beaton is still seeking further story contributions to the Do You Know My Story? project, which will be on exhibit at Mackenzie House starting on Sept. 29.

The names and photos of First World War veterans from Eaton’s can be found at http://bit.ly/2jwvPyE To submit a story, go to www.toronto.ca/mackenziehouse

| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, March 16, 2017

Outreach project seeks stories of First World War veterans

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Bloor West Villager | Thursday, March 16, 2017 |

4

EDITORIAL | OPINION

• OUR VIEW •

ABOUT US

Let registered nurses prescribe medication We’ve almost all been there at one time or another.

Your child has an earache or your parent in a longterm care facility has a bladder infection.

Patients with these conditions can wait hours for treatment, sometimes at an already-busy hospital emergency department.

Could authorizing nurses to prescribe drugs for non-complex conditions make the Ontario health-care system more efficient and effective? The Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO) thinks so, and the Ontario government agrees.

This month, Metroland Media was the only Toronto media outlet to report the Ontario government is preparing to amend the Nursing Act to authorize registered nurses to prescribe certain drugs for non-complex conditions and to communicate a diagnosis. If approved, the changes would also authorize nurse practitioners to prescribe controlled substances.

"Increased access to health care, improved outcomes and a better patient experience - all are direct results on investments we’ve made and hard work done by nurses and others," Ontario Health Minister Eric Hoskins said in a statement to Metroland Media Toronto.

RNAO has been lobbying for years to expand the practice scope of Ontario’s 96,000 registered nurses.

Registered nurses bring a wealth of knowledge gained from years of experience in front-line patient care, and for many, from ongoing continuing education. A 2012 RNAO report concluded the medical knowledge of registered nurses (who have a four-year degree), and nurse practitioners (who have a degree plus postgraduate education) has not been fully utilized.

As RNAO CEO Doris Grinspun said,"Now registered nurses and nurse practitioners can become a huge solution to health care access issues, not only for people, but for complications and system ineffectiveness."

In Britain, nurses have been prescribing medication for 15 years, Grinspun noted. Alberta and Manitoba is moving toward developing a prescribing role for registered nurses.

It makes sense for Ontario to do the same.

Registered nurses on social media asked if increased responsibility and liability will be accompanied by a pay raise. Some nurse practitioners argue, since they already prescribe, why not focus on their scope of practice first?

Prescribing medication is a serious responsibility.

The Ontario government’s move to amending the legislation must be met with the education required to protect patient and nurses alike.

Allowing nurses to use their wealth of knowledge could be just the prescription needed to benefit patients and the Ontario health-care system.

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

An ALICE among Toronto’s payday lenders After nine years in Scarborough Village, Maranatha Auguste knows a lot of people who take payday loans, and she considers them "the best business ever."

"It’s an addiction," says Auguste. "There’s people that go there every week."

Friends and acquaintances returning to the cash shops - the bright red, yellow, or green storefronts now so common in Weston, Downsview and other parts of Toronto never get to use their own money.

"By the time they get paid, they don’t have no money left," says Auguste.

The province on Jan. 1 forced payday lenders to cut the maximum $21 interest they charged for a short-term $100-loan down

MIKE ADLER Edges of Toronto to $18.

But imagine that interest piling up if you can’t pay the entire loan back, plus overdraft charges.

That’s what payday lenders want.

A personal support worker and mother of two, Auguste works whatever hours an agency gives her.

For now, that’s two parttime jobs in a North York retirement home.

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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

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A few years ago, she took a payday loan. "I was not making enough hours.

I couldn’t meet the bills."

Auguste borrowed $300. The lender charged her $45 in fees, and she still had to pay back $360, but did.

Auguste now prefers to use her credit card when short of funds, but says some people don’t even have that.

The payday industry describes two customer personalities, the ALICE, or Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed - in other words, the working poor - and the ARTI, Asset Rich, Temporarily Illiquid, who use the loans as "interim financing" for unexpected expenses.

Auguste is an ALICE,

one of many.

Her $11.25 minimum wage comes to $1,500 a month after taxes. Her husband, also working for an agency, gets $11.25 hourly at a food lab. "Our rent is already $1,200.

What can we do to pay the rest of the (bills)?" she asks.

For people offering you work, it’s a game, says Auguste. "While you work like a horse or a donkey," she adds, they’re happy to give you $11.25, "because the government says that’s what your work is worth."

Payday lenders are just a symptom of something larger.

Reach Mike Adler at madler@insidetoronto.com

WHO WE ARE Delivery For all delivery inquiries, please e-mail customersupport@metroland. com or call 1-855-853-5613.

Publisher Dana Robbins General Manager John Willems Director of Advertising Cheryl Phillips

Editor-in-Chief Metroland Central Joanne Burghardt Editor-in-Chief Toronto Grace Peacock Managing Editor Georgia Balogiannis

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EVENTS

l Saturday, March 18 Family Nature Walk - Amazing Animal Adaptations WHEN: 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. WHERE: High Park Nature Centre, 375 Colborne Lodge Dr., Toronto CONTACT: 4163921748 COST: Explore the amazing adaptations the animals in High Park have that help them survive during our harsh Canadian winters.

Powers and Gloria WHEN: 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. WHERE: Village Playhouse, 2190 Bloor St. W., Toronto CONTACT: 416-7677702 COST: $24 regular; $20 over 65 (Wed, Thurs, Sun) and under 3 l Tuesday, March 21 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination WHEN: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. WHERE:

l GET

CONNECTED

Visit insidetoronto.com/events to submit your own community events for online publishing.

Hallelujah Fellowship Baptist Church, 425 Pacific Ave., Toronto CONTACT: Staff Sgt. Jeff Attenborough, 416-808-1183, jeff.attenborough@torontopolice.on.ca Managing anger in the home WHEN: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

WHERE: Swansea Town Hall, 95 Lavinia Avenue, Toronto CONTACT: 416-392-1954 COST: $27 Learn how to avoid common traps and identify triggers to your anger and that of your kids so you can have less shouting and more sharing. l Thursday, March 23 Dufferin Grove Organic Farmers’ Market WHEN: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.

WHERE: Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin St., Toronto CONTACT: dufferingrovemarket.ca COST: Eat local and organic, year-round, at one of Toronto’s oldest farmers’ markets. Every Thursday from 3-7pm l Saturday, March 25 Charity Craft Suplies Swap

WHEN: 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. WHERE: Arts Market, 846 College St, Toronto CONTACT: 647 346 2787 COST: $5 suggested Come out to the Arts Market and swap some craft supplies. Bring any unused or like new craft supplies and trade it for something new. l Sunday, March 26 Friends of High Park Zoo Board AGM WHEN: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. WHERE: Howard Park Tennis Club, 430 Parkside Dr., Toronto CONTACT: N/A COST: Friends of High Park Zoo will be hosting its annual general meeting on Sunday, March 26 at the Howard Park Tennis Club. l Monday, March 27 Introduction to eContent WHEN: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. WHERE: Annette Street Library, 145 Annette St., Toronto CONTACT: 416-393-7692 COST: Introduction to eContent: branch librarian will introduce customers to new technology and answer your questions. Please register

5things to do this weekend l Friday, March 17 National Home Show WHEN: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. WHERE: Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto CONTACT: brittany@punchcanada.com COST: $13-20 Discover everything connected to your home at North America’s largest home and garden event.

March 10-19.

Canada Blooms WHEN: 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. WHERE: Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto CONTACT: 416-447-8655 COST: $0-20 The largest flower and garden festival in the country, Canada Blooms celebrates the very best in Canadian gardening and floral design. March 10-19.

Giant Panda Cub Interpretive Station WHEN: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. WHERE: Toronto Zoo, 2000 Meadowvale Road, Toronto CONTACT: 416392-5929 COST: Regular Zoo admission Check out the new Toronto Zoo Connecting With Wildlife Conser-

| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, March 16, 2017

l Friday, March 17 You Can Write!

WHEN: 2 p.m. - 3 p.m.

WHERE: Jane/Dundas Library, 620 Jane St., Toronto CONTACT: 416-394-1014 COST: Award-winning author, Mahtab Narsimhan shares tips and tools to make your writing shine.For teens ages 12 and up. Call to register.

5

Metroland file photo

The Toronto Zoo is inviting all to check out its Giant Panda Cub Interpretive Station.

vation - Giant Panda Cub Interpretive Station at the Panda Interpretive Centre. March 11-19.

ROM’s Big Blue March Break WHEN: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. WHERE: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park, Toronto CONTACT: 416-586-5797 COST: Free with Museum admission March 11-19, drop-in activities run from 10:30 a.m. to 30 minutes before closing unless otherwise

noted, free with Museum admission.

The Gem Expo WHEN: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. WHERE: Hyatt Regency Toronto, 370 King Street W., Toronto CONTACT: 416-996-2583 COST: Toronto’s hottest gem show for top local jewellery designers and artisans. Friday - 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday - 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday - 10 a.m.-5 p.m

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Kristen Fahrig, artistic director, Botanicus Art Ensemble, has been givien support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation of the Fieldhouse Feasibility Study Friday, March 3.

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The goal of having the field house at MacGregor Playground in Brockton Village become operational year-round is one step closer to becoming a reality.

A feasibility study done by landscape architects DTAH, Integral Group engineers, and quantity surveyors A.W. Hooker has been completed. The purpose of the study was to investigate how the building could become a year-round community hub supporting park use and community programming.

The study was commissioned by the not-for-profit arts group Botanicus Art Ensemble, which occupies half of the field house along with the City of Toronto.

Kristen Fahirg, Botanicus’ artistic director, told The Bloor West Villager they spent a portion of a $75,000 grant made by the Ontario Trillium Foundation toward the study.

"In order for us to grow with the community, we

need to provide programming year-round, and that’s where the building has become more of an issue," she said. "It’s chaotic in here, and we’ve never really done programming inside the building . but the building really does need to work better for the community."

The field house was constructed in 1934 as a park washroom and change room building, serving the teams that used the nearby playing fields.

Currently, the building is unheated and is closed down six months of the year, Fahrig said.

Megan Torza, DTAH’s lead architect for the study, told The Villager they came up with three options that would make the field house accessible all year.

The first option would be to renovate the current area for programming.

"What we would do here is renovate the space into a true commercial kitchen," she said. "The area used by Botanicus would be transformed with additional built-in storage and working surfaces to be a more effective and efficient space for community programming."

The second option would include the additions made in option one, but would add a new entrance that would be locat-

ed on the building’s west end.

The third option would include everything proposed in the previous options with an addition of a multi-purpose community hall.

Ana Bailao, councillor for Ward 18 Davenport, told The Villager the city has funding in its 2018 capital budget to do renovations in the field house.

"That’s the target (for 2018). We have to start construction here in this building, but I want to make sure we can continue to have that date, given that there will probably be some changes in the plans," she said. "There’s three options, and if we had money for option three in day one, you could do that . but if you start with option one, there’s actually a path to option three. Nothing says you can’t do option three eventually; it’s actually a path forward."

The projects are estimated to cost from $255,000 to $550,000, depending on the scope of work in each option, the study said.

Bailao added the proposed changes will benefit the community.

"It will grow as the community is growing," she said. "It will grow as the community gets more funds and gets more involved in the park."

COLUMN

7

It’s not often Kellie Leitch and transit funding come up in the same sentence - or in this case the same tweet - but we live in exceptional times.

Leitch of course in her zeal to lead the Conservative Party of Canada has drawn no small amount of notoriety. She’s pledged to vet immigrants, even though they are already quite heavily scrutinized, and subject them to a Canadian values test - whatever that means. Last week, Leitch promised via Twitter to withhold transit funding from any locale designated as a "sanctuary city" if she becomes PM. Sanctuary cities in the U.S. example provide a safe haven for undocumented immigrants. Toronto designated itself as a sanctuary city in 2013 but whether it actually is a refuge for illegals is a matter of debate.

Be that as it may, Leitch seems quite content to take a page from her chief inspiration Donald Trump and

RAHUL GUPTA TO in Transit use social media like a cudgel (and like Trump subject herself to much ridicule in the process). If she thinks Toronto will cower under the threat of no funding, she’s due for disappointment.

Let’s put aside the fact Leitch is threatening to cripple transit in Canada’s financial capital during a time when economic recovery remains modest at best.

The reality is historically Canada hasn’t considered it a priority to fund transit on a scale comparable to other G8 countries like France and Great Britain, both of which have nation-

al funding strategies.

Funding remains in many cases politically-driven, limited to a project-by-project basis. Rarely is the city given a blank cheque for its transit needs; in most cases it must hope Ottawa finds the project enticing enough to (partially) pay for. That’s changing slowly with the federal Liberals splashing some cash. By no means is it assured the money will continue to flow.

In fact, it’s likely Justin Trudeau, citing fiscal constraints, turns off the financial taps well before the end of his first term.

Leitch’s pledge, however mean-spirited, is an empty threat. There just isn’t enough money for transit coming from the feds to feel the pain of possibly losing it.

Rahul Gupta is Metroland Media Toronto’s transportation and infrastructure reporter. Reach him on Twitter @TOinTRANSIT

| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, March 16, 2017

Leitch’s promise an empty threat

insidetoronto.com

Bloor West Villager | Thursday, March 16, 2017 |

8

COMMUNITY

Combat racism at event in the Junction

Stair work at Wallace Avenue bridge set to start

Event happening at Hallelujah Fellowship Baptist Church Hallelujah Fellowship Baptist Church in the Junction will be hosting an event March 21 to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The event is being organized by the church, Toronto police’s 11 Division and 11 Division community police liaison commit-

forms of racial discrimination, and in 1979, March 21 was chosen as the date to combat the issue.

The event starts at 7 p.m. and ends at 9 p.m.

For more information, contact Staff Sgt. Jeff Attenborough on 416-808-1183 or email jeff.attenborough@torontopolice.on.ca.

tees.

On March 21, 1960, in Sharpeville, South Africa, police opened fire and killed 69 people at a demonstration against apartheid ’pass laws’.

In 1966, the United Nations General Assembly called on the international community to stand up and fight to eliminate all

Wallace Pedestrian Bridge will be closed starting March 20 due to the installation of new stairs.

The City of Toronto has approved Somerset Wallace Developments Inc.’s application to install new stairs on the pedestrian bridge at the terminus on Wallace Avenue.

According to the work notice, the stairs need to be realigned to accommodate construction of a mixeduse development at 362 Wallace Ave., community centre and the completion of Sousa Mendes Street.

This project will involve construction and testing of the new staircase, closure

of the existing staircase and connection of the existing bridge to the new staircase and demolition of the existing staircase, the work order said. As a result of the construction, the bridge will be closed from March 20 to 28.

For more information, visit bit.ly/wallacestairs

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Offers available from March 1 – 31, 2017. 1Bonus cash discount of $3,500/$1,500/$1,250/$1,500/$1,500/$1,000 will be deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes and is applicable to customers who lease, finance or purchase any 2017 Titan/2017 Rogue/2017 Sentra/2017 Pathfinder/2017 Murano/2017 Micra. Certain conditions apply. 2Nissan parts and accessories credit (“credit”) is available on select new and previously unregistered 2017 Nissan models purchased/leased/financed and delivered between March 1, 2017 and March 31, 2017. Maximum $4000 credit available on 2017 Titan models only. Other models qualify for lesser credit amounts as follows: $1,300 (2017 Micra, Versa Note)//$1,625 (2017 Altima, Sentra)//$1,950 (2017 Maxima, Juke, Rogue, Murano, Pathfinder, Armada).

Credit consists of a discount that can only be used at the time of initial purchase/lease/finance and applied towards the purchase of Nissan accessories from an authorized Nissan dealer. Credit cannot be used towards the costs of installation of Nissan accessories and cannot be deducted from the negotiated selling price of the vehicle. Credit will be deducted from the price of Nissan accessories after taxes. Any unused portion of this credit will not be refunded and may not be banked for future use. Customer is responsible for all costs not otherwise covered by credit. Credit has no cash surrender value and cannot be applied to past transactions. Conditions apply. Offer is subject to change or cancellation without notice. See your participating Nissan dealer or visit Choosenissan.ca for details.

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 Style Package at 0.99%/0.99% lease APR for 39/39 months equals monthly payments of $254/$214 with $1,495/$995 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 $11,403/$9,357. Lease Cash of $0/$1,760 is included in the advertised offer. My Choice Bonus Cash of $1,500/$1,250 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.

HIGH PARK NISSAN 3275 DUNDAS STREET WEST, TORONTO TEL: (416) 762-7537

9 | Bloor West Villager | Thursday, March 16, 2017

Real Estate

Bloor West - Parkdale Villager t 1SFTT 3VO t t homefinder.ca

5 simple tips for loving your laundry room Considering how many hours you dedicate to washing load after load of clothes, its a surprise that more time and effort is not spent on the design and decor of your laundry room. Looking to update your space? Try these five simple tips:

3. All in the details. Bring items that you love and cherish from throughout your home into your laundry space for an added personal touch. Try elegant decanters filled with laundry detergent or vintage laundry baskets as decor items.

1. Unique Flooring. Flooring does not have to be dull or boring. Use your laundry room floors to make a statement with fun pattern tiles or — for a quick-fix — use a chic area rug to give the space added warmth.

4. Beautiful storage. Incorporate design-friendly storage throughout your laundry room that delivers on both style and function. Try adding a sophisticated armoire with interior shelving, or install a built-in ironing board that can easily be tucked away.

2. Consider colour. Do not be afraid to bring colour into your laundry space with a fresh coat of paint, fun accessories, or even the appliances themselves. GE Appliances recently launched their GE Designer Line laundry pair in diamond grey — a beautiful dark grey finish that can bring classic sophistication to any laundry space.

5. Think sink. If you are renovating your laundry room, now is the time to think about plumbing. Consider installing a beautiful utility sink alongside your washer, for easy access. In addition to being functional, a beautiful sink can become a laundry room showpiece.

Find more information online at geappliances.ca. —NewsCanada

OPEN HOUSE SAT & SUN 2-4PM 00 9,0 9 $7 SHARON MCGUIGAN Broker

416

938-5667

sharonmcguigan@trebnet.com

Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage

98 WATSON AVE.

Congratulations to

Home Sweet Home! Warmth and character abound in this detached home in the Humbercrest/Baby Point neighbourhood. Generous living and dining rooms, updated kitchen, sunny main floor den/ office, 2 big bedrooms & 2 full baths. A must see! Call Sharon for details. www.98Watson.com

Niraj Sharma Salesperson 2016 Royal LePage Lifetime Award of Excellence & Director’s Platinum Award Winner Serving The Community with 38 Years of Award Winning Service!

416-729-5252 nsharma@trebnet.com nirajsharma.ca

www.177Humbercrest.com

Royal LePage Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage

Open House Sat & Sun 2 - 4 $998,000 Lovely family home in Upper Baby Point on prestigious street. Walking distance to Humber River trails, Humbercrest School, transit and shopping. Gracious principle rooms. Large kitchen. Beautifully renovated baths and updated lower level. Hardwood flooring on main and upper levels. Sunroom with walk-out to deck and mature garden.

Two car garage off laneway. Opportunity knocks to live in this upscale neighbourhood.

177 Humbercrest Blvd

Andrea Streich Liz Stevenson Sales Representatives 647.567.1181 416.817.6643

hello@stevensonstreich.com www.stevensonstreich.com

Real Estate Services Ltd., Brokerage

Complete redesign 3 unit SHOWSTOPPER!

416 762-8255 Royal LePage Real Estate Services Inc., Brokerage

COMING NEXT WEEK

phone (416) 769-1616 | email info@hprg.ca Tracey Logan Sales Representative

David Bailey Sales Representative

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 2-4PM

JUST LISTED - PARKDALE Spacious five bedroom Victorian semi-detached home, currently set up as two units. Prime opportunity for someone looking to live in and rent out. Keep as an investment or renovate and restore back into a spectacular family home. Charm and character throughout: soaring ceilings, bay windows, and hardwood floors.

Parking. Premier location steps from shops, restaurants, schools, parks, community centres and transit.77 O’Hara Avenue - $995,000

HighParkRealEstate.com

RoncesVallesRealEstate.com

ParkdaleRealEstate.com

insidetoronto.com

SUSAN GINOU Sales Representative

Thoughtfully planned & tastefully decorated. Here’s your op to live in a vibrant ‘hood-co buy, live in & collect rent or extended family solutionmany options/superb income!

Relaxed living hugging Bloor & High Park. Exclnt TransitScore-2 minutes to subway! All units have separate: laundry, outdoor space, bbqs & more!

- call me today for more details.

The High Park Real Estate Group

10 Bloor West Villager | Thursday, March 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 MINUTES FROM GTA Large And Completely Renovated 2-Storey Home Nestled On Gorgeous 12+ Acre Property Located In Caledon!! Open Concept Main Floor Features An Amazing Custom Gourmet Kitchen Designed For Entertainment, Great Room With Vaulted Ceiling, Master Bedroom With W/O To Balcony. Municipal Water Recently Connected! Future Potential…Must Be Seen Only $1,999,000!!

• #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***

AN ENTERTAINER’S DREAM!!

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!!!

ER ANOTH D L SO

ISLINGTON vILLAGE!!

PRESTIGIOUS YORKvILLE/ROSEDALE NEIGHBOURHOOD!

SPECTACULAR MIDTOWN TORONTO RESIDENCE

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 $1,250,000

Luxury 2 Bedroom Plus Den Corner Suite With Thousands In Upgrades. Open Concept Living And Dining Rooms, Walkout To Large Balcony, Fabulous South East Views, Gorgeous Floors and Finishes, Modern Kitchen With Stainless Steel Appliances, Steps To Subway, Shops, Restaurants, Entertainment, Schools, Universities, Parks & All Amenities.

Prime Location, Fabulous Opportunity, Excellent Investment, Only $964,900!!

SOLD FOR TOP $$!!

ER ANOTH D L SO

ER ANOTH D L SO

RENOvATED 6 BEDROOM 2 STOREY

HUGE LOT STEPS TO AvENUE RD

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!

Attention builders, renovators and end-users!! Charming bungalow on huge 50 X 115 ft lot in Bedford Park. Amazing opportunity to live in one of Toronto’s most prestigious neighbourhoods. Move in now or build your dream home. Situated among multi-million dollar custom homes. Excellent location close to Hwy, TTC, schools, parks, shopping and more only $1,199,000!!

SOLD FOR TOP $$!! insidetoronto.com

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!

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, Walkin Closet of your Dreams! Fully Finished Basement Walkout, Ideal for Entertaining, Large Back Yard! Simply Gorgeous!

SOLD FOR TOP $$!!

FREE PROFESSIONAL BUYER SERVICE:

WEST REALTY INC., Brokerage Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

• 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 broker • 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!

• In Depth Neighbourhood Report for each Property We Sell

| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, March 16, 2017

GUARANTEED HOME SELLING SYSTEM

11

FREE Confidential Home Evaluations.

ER ANOTH D L SO

ER ANOTH D L SO

KING CITY LUxURY!!

KLEINBERG OPPORTUNITY!

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,

Finished Walkout Bsmt Ideal for Entertaining or Nanny Suite.

Premium Finishes & Exceptional Craftsmanship, Astonishingly Spacious Detached 4+1 Bdrm 2-Storey, Open Concept Layout, Premium Hardwood Flrs, Iron Railing Staircase, Gourmet Kitchen With Granite Countertops & S/S Appliances, Master Retreat With Luxurious Ensuite & W/I Closet. Interlock and much more, Close To Amenities, Steps To School, Must Be Seen,

SOLD FOR TOP $$!!

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 124% OF ASKING!!

ER ANOTH D L O S

ER ANOTH D SOL

ABSOLUTELY STUNNING!!

ALDERWOOD OPPORTUNITY!

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.

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.

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 115% OF ASKING!!

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 104% OF ASKING!!

R

R

E ANOTH D L O S

E ANOTH D L O S

HUGE MONEYMAKING MACHINE!

RENOvATION OPPORTUNITY!

RESIDENTIAL / COMMERCIAL OPPORTUNITY!!

2 Homes in One! Rare 3110 Sq Ft 5+1 Unit Multiplex with 2 Storey Semi in Front and Huge 2 Storey 2nd Home in Back. 6 Entrances. Earns Amazing 95k/yr with Potential 123k/yr. 7.1% Current Cap could be 10%!

2 Bdrm Detached Bungalow on a 30 x 100 Lot Steps to Riverdale, Leslieville, The Beach, and Ashbridges Bay Park. Perfect for Renovation/ Rebuild/New Build. Park at end of Street.

Explosive Growth Area. Only $999,000!

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.

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 120% OF ASKING!

R

E ANOTH SOLD

ER ANOTH D L SO

DETACHED BUNGALOW 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!

SOLD IN 1WK FOR 156% OF ASKING!!

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 108% OF ASKING!!

ER ANOTH D L SO

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.

SOLD IN 1WK FOR 121% 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.

ER ANOTH SOLD

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 153% OF ASKING!!

R

E ANOTH D L O S

SPACIOUS 4 BEDROOM HOME

MONEYMAKING INvESTMENT PROPERTY!

DOWNTOWN SEMI!

UNIqUE LOW-RISE 3 BDRM CONDO

LARGE 4 BEDROOM!!

Extremely large detached home. Gorgeous family room. Separate formal dining room. Spacious eatin kitchen with walk-out and opening to living rm.

Huge master with 4pc ensuite and w/in closet.

All rooms excellent size. Double car garage. 40 X 109 ft lot. Excellent location 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!

Amazing 2 Storey Brick 3 Bdrm on a Large 20Ft Wide Lot in Hillcrest Village. Rare Private Drive with Garage. Professionally Finished Walkout Basement.

Newer Roof & Windows. Private Backyard with Deck. Steps to St. Clair. Super Value.

Absolutely gorgeous 3 bd condo, filled with old world charm & many upgrades. Beautiful reno’d kitchen, new bathrm. Spacious living rm. Rarely available low-rise on Oriole Pkwy! Heritage site with only 31 units. Locker included. Incredible Yonge/Eglinton location with all conveniences. Very unique only $699,900!

Spacious & Well Maintained Semi-Detached Bungalow With Huge Potential!! Open Concept Living & Dining Rooms, Eat-In Kitchen, Large Bedrooms, Separate Entrance To Finished Basement (In-Law Suite Potential). Convenient West Toronto Location Close To Schools, Transit & Highways. Incredible Opportunity, SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 138% OF ASKING!!

ER ANOTH S O LD

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 117% OF ASKING!!

ER ANOTH D L O S

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.

SOLD FAST FOR 100% OF ASKING!!

RICHMOND HILL 2 BDRM CONDO Beautiful 900 sq ft Unit in Immaculate Condition with Unobstructed Views. Large Master with WI Closet & Ensuite. Two Parking Spots & 1 Locker! Steps to Theaters, Great Schools, and 407. Only $369,900!

ER ANOTH D L O S

ER ANOTH D L O S

SPACIOUS CITY CENTRE CONDO!!

PRIME LOCATION!

LUxURY GUILDWOOD TERRACE

Bright & Beautifully Maintained 2+1 Bdrm Condo In “The Heart Of Mississauga”!! Open Concept Living & Dining Rooms, Eat-In Kitchen, Large Bdrms + 2 Solariums, Master Ensuite! Convenient Location Close To Transit, Highways & Square One! Amazing Value.

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 109% OF ASKING!!

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.

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 107% OF ASKING!!

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

insidetoronto.com

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

Bloor West Villager | Thursday, March 16, 2017 |

12

L D! A N FI KEN E E W

St. Patrick’s Day SALE up to

50

% off

Plus!

Instant Rebates up to $300 on all Chairs, Sofas and Sectionals!*

compare at $5099 · sale $2498

save $

2701

BECKETT leather seated reclining sofa 2 Leather Colours Available at the Sale Price Power Recline now $3398 After Instant Rebate!*

save

$

701

now only

$

2398

After $100 Instant Rebate!*

ACE fabric recliner

save

$

602

DOLCE fabric stationary sofa

compare at $1399 sale $748

now

DEAL A

UT

RILEY high leg fabric lounger

compare at $1899 sale $1098

997*

Available in Chocolate Brown at the Sale Price (Not As Shown)

D

After $50 Rebate!*

901

$

CTOR FA

Y

698*

save

$

compare at $1599 sale $1399

$

now

*

HO RIZE

4 Colours Available at the Sale Price

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After $100 Rebate!* Available As Shown at the Sale Price

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DO NOT PAY for 12 Months!* · PLUS! Save the HST on all regular priced tables, lamps & accessories!* NEWMARKET 181 Green Lane East (East of Yonge St., Beside Best Buy), East Gwillimbury 289-841-3300

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MARKHAM 3083 Highway #7 East, East of Woodbine 905-479-0199

KITCHENER 4300 King Street East, At Sportsworld 519-650-4300

HOURS: Mon - Fri 10-9 · Sat 10-6 · Sun 11-6 (Kitchener/London 11-5)

SCARBOROUGH Scarborough Town Centre, Hwy 401 at McCowan Rd. 416-296-9111

MISSISSAUGA/OAKVILLE 2657 Dundas St. W. at Winston Churchill 905-569-0046

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*See store for details. Cannot be combined with any other offers. No further discounts on Factory Authorized Deals. Products may vary store to store. Although every precaution is taken, errors in price or specification may occur in print. We reserve the right to correct such errors. Offer valid until Sunday March 19th, 2017. While supplies last.

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13

six

BEST REASONS TO CHOOSE CONDOMINIUM RETIREMENT LIVING

| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, March 16, 2017

Are you experiencing hearing loss?

Visit the Hearing Experts during a special one day event!

Free Hearing Screening Event Wednesday, March 29th 9:30am to 5pm 3 Free examination of

your ears to check for wax build-up

and professional recommendation

3 Free hearing screening 3 Doctor of Audiology to determine level of hearing loss

onsite answering your hearing questions

Plus, enjoy refreshments, giveaways, and enter for your chance to win a $100 gift card!+

Space is limited.

Call 416.639.1094 to book today!

Drop-ins are welcome based on availability.

EY HL AS

D ROA

HUMBERTOWN SHOPPING CENTRE ET HR OA D

D ROA

MB

SWAY KING

LA

LCBO

#

02

because nobody wants to eat every meal for the rest of their life at the same table in the same dining room

#

04

because nobody wants to live the rest of their life in a 400 square foot bed/sitting room

RK L YO ROYA

THE

SECOND CUP LOBLAWS

#

3 Free hearing consultation

BULK BARN

ROAD BETH LAM STREET DUNDAS

WEST

Vivienne Saba-Gesa Hearing Instrument Specialist

Allison Wheatley-So BC-HIS Hearing Instrument Specialist

Humbertown Shopping Centre 270 The Kingsway, Etobicoke Call 416.639.1094 | Visit hearforlife.ca

#

06

because nobody wants to pay for services they don’t need, until they need them

01

because nobody wants to give all their money to a retirement living company

#

03

because nobody wants to move to the assisted living floor just because they need a little more service

#

05

because no couple wants to be separated after 50 years because one person needs some extra service

Celebrating

YEARS 1988

Call us at 416 259 4466 hearthstoneetobicoke.ca

+No purchase necessary to enter or win. Contest closes on March 31st, 2017. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Correct answer to skill-testing question required. Rules and regulations in clinic.

insidetoronto.com

29

Bloor West Villager | Thursday, March 16, 2017 |

14 COMMUNITY

Auto shop owner finds different use for billboard Residents inspired by messages at Master Mechanic High Park AARON D’ANDREA adandrea@metroland.com When you pass by Master Mechanic High Park, you won’t see the usual sales pitch on its billboard.

Instead, you’ll find messages that are meant to make your day a little bit better.

"To me, it’s more important to help other people feel good about themselves," said Josie Candito, 44, the shop’s owner. "To me, it’s all about what you do for other people to make them feel good."

She’s been running the mechanic shop, which is lo-

cated at the corner of Dundas Street and Howard Park Avenue, for 18 years.

She told The Bloor West Villager she started using the sign to promote good messages roughly two and a half years ago.

"I search a lot online, or somebody will say something and I’ll manoeuvre the words around," the north Etobicoke resident said of how she gets her ideas for sayings. "There’s also a lot of dog messages because I love animals."

Regardless of what the messages are, Cathy Katrib-Reyes, who lives nearby the shop, told The Villager it’s great to see them after a long day.

"It just kind of makes you feel like the neighbourhood is more welcoming," she said. "It’s like this warm hug around the neighbourhood."

Parkdale resident Michelle Polak told The Villager she first discovered

Justin Greaves/Metroland

Chris Dasilva places a letter on the Master Mechanic billboard. Master Mechanic High Park started writing messages two-and-half-years ago to promote good messages within the community. the messages when she was driving by.

"I believe that any little boost is helpful along the way," she said. "If you’re driving, walking or biking, now you know there’s this touchstone there and you can count on a little pick-

Royal York

Meat Market

me-up."

Candito’s sign gained popularity in December 2016 after she taped scarves to its base for anyone to take.

"It (the saying) was something like, ’I’m not lost, please take me if

you’re cold,’" she said. "We gave close to 1,000 scarves away."

Candito added she never expected her sign to gain popularity, but she’s glad that it has a positive effect on people’s days.

"In the world we live in

right now, just remember that some kind words, a smile or a hug can make a difference in somebody’s day," she said. "We need it in these times and there are good people out there, and just keep paying it forward."

Wouldn’t it be great if you owned your own bank!

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You’d get FREE banking* with no monthly fee • FREE debit card purchases • FREE chequing with 100 FREE cheques • FREE deposits and withdrawals via Canada’s second largest ATM network • FREE bill payments • FREE mobile banking with remote deposits • Come in and open an account with us today!

For more about member-owned banking visit parama.ca/join * Full chequing and debit card privileges with free account access through 3,000 ATMs across Canada.

Competitive fees on e-transfers and cash withdrawals from ATMs that are not part of the Exchange Network.

For more information, visit parama.ca/fees or just ask.

home healthcare equipment

Student wins award for battery recycling A student at St. Cecilia Catholic School in High Park North is being recognized for recycling batteries at her school.

Honora, a Grade 6 student at the school, was presented with a family trip to Great Wolf Lodge in Niagara Falls for her participation in the Ontario Schools Battery Recycling Challenge.

The challenge involves hundreds of schools across Ontario.

As part of the challenge, students complete missions for a chance to win individual prizes.

Honora’s name was selected on Family Day and she was presented with her prize at a school assembly on March 9.

The challenge is put on

by Raw Materials Company, a battery recycling facility in Port Colborne, Ont. The purpose of the challenge is to teach students

Silver Cross Toronto is your go to source for sales, installation and service of home medical when available. We are ADP authorized.

• stairlifts • porch lifts • ceiling lifts • hospital beds

• wheelchairs • walkers • bath safety • daily living aids

Call us today!

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

COMMUNITY

225 The East Mall, Unit 16 Toronto Ontario M9B 6J1 416.915.4479 | silvercross.com

OLD MILL TORONTO EST. 1914

SATURDAY APRIL 8TH & 9TH 2017 The Girls’ Great Escape is a fun, fitness and spa retreat that takes you away from life’s daily responsibilities while indulging in a new adventure. A perfect weekend for mothers and daughters, sisters, girlfriends and a solo getaway to share some quality girl time together.

Staff/Metroland

St. Cecilia Catholic School student Honora accepts a hug and the Ontario Schools Battery Recycling Challenge grand prize of a visit to Great Wolf Lodge from lodge mascot Wiley the Wolf. and their families about the proper way to handle, store

and recycle household batteries.

We encourage all ages and fitness levels.

Girl’s Great Escape includes, premium continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, luxury room accommodations, one hour spa service and all workshops...

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Stay healthy this nutrition month March is nutrition month, and St. Joseph’s Health Centre is providing tips on how you can maintain a proper diet.

Melissa Murray, a dietitian at the hospital, has some suggestions on how to feel your healthiest.

Eat breakfast "Eating within an hour of waking is a great way to signal to your body that the day has started, refuel after fasting overnight and kick start your metabolism."

Eat more fruits and vegetables "Bring a couple pieces of fruit and some cut up vegetables to snack on at work when you

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get hungry, add kale or spinach to smoothies and if you’re making a multi-food dish like pizza, pasta, omelettes, soups or stews, add extra veggies for nutritional value."

Drink water "Sometimes when we feel hungry it’s really just our bodies telling us we need water.

When you get that peckish feeling in the afternoon, try having a glass of water first and see if that helps. You can also have a glass of water before eating a meal to help fill you up so you eat what you physically need, rather than what you feel you should have. The goal for most people is eight cups a day, unless your doctor has told you otherwise."

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Get your taxes done at Arif Virani’s tax clinic Parkdale-High Park MP Arif Virani will be hosting his next tax clinic in the community to help low-income families and individuals file their taxes on March 25.

In a post published on his website, Virani said single Canadians with in-

comes below $30,000, couples with incomes below $40,000, adults with a dependant with an income below $35,000 with an additional $2,500 added for each additional dependant qualify to have their taxes prepared at the clinic.

The clinic is happening

at Parkdale Intercultural Association, located at 1257 Queen St. W, near Queen and Dufferin streets, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, call Virani’s community office on 416-769-5072.

The deadline to submit 2016 tax returns is April 30.

Learn about Lichen at High Park Nature Centre High Park is home to hundreds of habitats, including Lichen, and High Park Nature Centre is holding a session on March 18 where you can learn about them.

Lichens are composite organisms comprised of fungus and other elements, and they act as an air filter

as they absorb everything in the atmosphere.

"Like ocean coral, this unique relationship results in a wide variety of rich colours, diverse forms, and they are sensitive to pollution," the nature centre said on its event page. "Their intolerance to air pollution means you will not see them

Bad things

in many areas of Toronto, but you will in High Park."

The centre added there will be a presentation, field time and lab time on how to identify Lichens in the park.

Registration is $50.

For more information, visit: guestlist.co/ events/448833

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When you throw the wrong items (like clothing, curtains, blankets, etc.) in your Blue Bin, they can get tangled in sorting machines, damage equipment and cause workplace injuries at the recycling facility. Last year, an estimated 45,000 tonnes of garbage was mistakenly put into recycling. That’s a big problem you can help fix.

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Bloor West Villager | Thursday, March 16, 2017 |

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Tell us what you think Visit toronto.ca/stormwatercharge to: • Learn more about the proposed stormwater charge • Get a complete list of the public consultation dates and locations • Complete the survey What is stormwater?

Stormwater is rain and melted snow.

When not absorbed into the ground, it runs off properties onto streets, down storm drains and through a complex network of pipes that carry it into local waterways or, in some cases, wastewater treatment facilities. Generally, the more hard surfaces a property has the more stormwater it adds to the stormwater system.

RESIDENTIAL Assumes annual water use of 265 cubic metres and a lot size of 0.037 ha (approx. 4,000 sq ft)

An increase in extreme storms, combined with more hard surfaces in the city is resulting in more water making its way into the stormwater system. Too much water can overwhelm the system leading to flooded basements and poor water quality in local waterways, including Lake Ontario.

How is stormwater managed?

Making infrastructure improvements is necessary to manage the impacts of stormwater. To help manage stormwater, the City is creating new holding ponds, tanks and tunnels, and overhauling some sewer infrastructure that is more than 100 years old.

The proposal is to remove the portion paid for stormwater – currently embedded in the water rate – and show it as a separate charge on the bill. The water rate will decrease and a stormwater charge will be added. The amount paid for stormwater will be based on property size and the average amount of hard surfaces on properties of a similar size. Some bills will go up and some will go down.

The examples on the right use proposed 2019 water rates. They are examples only, because water use and lot size differ for all properties.

Why is a stormwater charge being considered?

There is a growing need for new and upgraded stormwater infrastructure.

Toronto City Council will be considering the stormwater charge in the spring of 2017.

APARTMENT & CONDO BUILDINGS Assumes annual water use of 2,557 cubic metres and a lot size of 0.088 ha (approx. 9,500 sq ft) PROPOSAL: CURRENT LOWER WATER RATE + STORMWATER CHARGE Water rate charge: Water rate charge: $7,771 $10,018 Stormwater charge: $860 Total annual bill: Total annual bill: $8,631 $10,018 Per day: $27.45 Per day: $23.65 Annual difference: -$1,387 -13.8% INDUSTRIAL, COMMERCIAL & INSTITUTIONAL Assumes annual water use of 532 cubic metres and a lot size of 0.052 ha (approx. 5,600 sq ft) PROPOSAL: CURRENT LOWER WATER RATE + STORMWATER CHARGE Water rate charge: Water rate charge: $1,617 $2,084 Stormwater charge: $530 Total annual bill: $2,084 Total annual bill: $2,147 Per day: $5.71 Per day: $5.88 Annual difference: $62 3.0%

Meet with City re presentatives by attending one of our formal presentations* • Scarborough Civic Centre Tu esday, March 7 • East York Civi c Centre Monda y, March 20 • Etobicoke Civi c Centre Thursd ay, March 23 • York Civic Ce ntre Tuesday, M ar ch 28 • Metro Hall Th ursday, March 30 (4 p.m. to 9 p.m.)

• North York Civi c Centre Tuesda y, April 4 * Events start at 6 p.m. (except w here noted otherwise) and pr esentations begi n at 7 p.m.

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* Artwork depicted is for advertising purposes only. Prices displayed may not reflect actual prices in-store. For current prices, please consult your nearest Walmart or Linen Chest location.

PROPOSAL: LOWER WATER RATE + STORMWATER CHARGE Water rate charge: Water rate charge: $805 $1,038 Stormwater charge: $225 Total annual bill: $1,038 Total annual bill: $1,030 Per day: $2.84 Per day: $2.82 Annual difference: -$8 -0.8% CURRENT

What is the challenge?

How will a stormwater charge affect water bills?

| Bloor West Villager | Thursday, March 16, 2017

The City of Toronto is considering a stormwater charge

Bloor West Villager | Thursday, March 16, 2017 |

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