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INSIDE Boxing mentors looking for a home of their own / 3
www.citycentremirror.com
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Free youth programs at risk
MAKING A SPLASH AT REGENT PARK
Edible tree tour and much more in our community calendar / 6
JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com
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SUNDAY IN THE PARK: Elliott Shnier, 4, left, plays on the water pad during the celebration held Sunday marking the newly-renovated Regent Park. For more photos from this event, see page 6.
Food Forward fills gap for residents JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com Though they’ve only had a storefront in the Cabbagetown area since late last year, food security agency Food Forward has plenty on the go in the downtown core.
The grassroots organization opened its community food hub on Homewood Avenue, near Carlton Street, last November and has been working to bring food education and awareness, economic opportunities and more to those both in the community and across the GTA.
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It started four years ago due to the closure of a No Frills in St. James Town. “There are often issues of accessibility and affordability when it comes to getting quality food,” said Food Forward co-director Darcy Higgins. “You look at Regent Park and
the social development that’s gone on there, the residents identified the need for a grocery store. For so many people, the access isn’t there.” A lot of the group’s initiatives take place in dense communities where food access is limited. >>>PLANS, page 2
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Faced with a cut in City o f To ro n t o f u n d i n g , t h e Cabbagetown Youth Centre (CYC) is scrambling for ways to keep its programs intact. CYC executive director Spiros Papathanasakis said the city’s decision to lop off $100,000 in funding from the centre has left the organization in dire straits. “The last couple of years, we’ve been in serious trouble,” he said. “We’re going from week to week and there’s not a lot of money we bring in here.” The CYC’s financial situation is tied largely to its longstanding policy of not charging for its programming, a feature that has made it an invaluable part of the downtown community, where many families are strapped for money. “We’ve always tried to run our programs so as not to embarrass kids whose families might not be able to afford to send them to camp or to lessons,” Papathanasakis said. “We have to have barrier-free programs for these kids.” Some of the centre’s programs >>>SUMMER, page 13
CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, August 14, 2014 |
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>>>from page 1 For instance, Food Forward is working with residents at a Toronto Community Housing building near Davenport and Avenue roads to have a community kitchen installed there. One of Food Forward’s key initiatives close to home is to find more uses for Allan Gardens. “We’re thinking of ways we can benefit the community and users of the park,” said Higgins, who noted an Urban Harvest event is planned for the park on Sept. 28. “We’re looking at having food vendors, urban agriculture demonstrations, music and children’s activities there.” Food Forward is also taking the lead on a new food market at 11 Wellesley St. W., on a patch of land the community fought valiantly to save from developers. When the battle resulted in a compromise that includes both towers and open space, it opened the door for a market. “There will be a lot of start-up businesses there – pretty diverse food businesses, mostly with prepared foods – and some artisans and craftmakers,” Higgins said. Another burgeoning initiative is Food Forward’s Building
Staff photo/JUSTIN SKINNER
Food Forward staff from left, Vanessa Ling Yu, Darcy Higgins, Lisa Kates, Lisa Duke and Hillary Connolly stand outside the Homewood Avenue location of the Food Action Hub.
Roots campaign, which trains residents in dense communities such as St. James Town and Thorncliffe Park to become food advocates. “We’ve worked with groups like the St. James Town Youth Council teaching them how to do some advocacy work,” Higgins said. The Food Action Hub serves largely as a headquarters for the time being and is being used to host panel discussions, meetings and workshops. There is even a small growing space in the back. Food Forward is also helping foster economic security through caterToronto, a
support network for up-andcoming food businesses. caterToronto offers workshops and networking opportunities for a wide array of businesses that showcase the city’s diversity through their products. Food Forward is holding a fourth anniversary celebration from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at its new home at 2 Homewood Ave., today. The Wellesley Street West market will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting tomorrow and run through September. For more information on Food Forward and its initiatives, including caterToronto, visit www.pushfoodforward.com
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Boxing mentors looking for a home of their own JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com After years of working out of schools and other venues, the Mentoring Juniors Kids Organization (MJKO) is looking for a home of its own. The organization was founded by downtown Toronto residents Ibrahim and Miranda Kamal, a couple who met at the Cabbagetown Boxing Club through their shared love of boxing. MJKO leans on that passion, teaching youngsters discipline and boosting their self-confidence largely through boxing instruction. “We’ve been doing this for a while out of other locations so we wanted to have a place of our own,” said Ibrahim Kamal, who recently retired from his own 18-year professional boxing career that saw him compete for Canada
ing of a new centre would obviously allow them to do more. “When school’s out in the summer, we’re only around for kids once a week, and during the school year it’s twice a week,” Kamal said. “Once the centre’s up and running, we’ll be able to offer programming every day.” Crowdfunding campaign
Photos/RICK BENDER
Ibrahim Kamal, a former national team boxer, works with local youth. Kamal and wife Miranda run a boxing mentoring program.
on multiple occasions at the Commonwealth Games, Pan Am Games and World Championships. “We want to keep it somewhere in 14 division (based on
Toronto police boundaries) because we’ve been to every high school in that area and there are a lot of kids we’ve worked with there.” In addition to their work
in schools in the west downtown area, the Kamals hold weekly events Saturdays at Harbourfront Centre. While their work is certainly beneficial, the open-
Festive Friday Grange Park festival: Grange Park had its annual festival Friday. Top left, Clay & Paper Theatre stilt walker Anna Sapershteyn greets visitors. Above, children play with giant chess pieces. At right, Echo Buswa performs First Nation’s traditional dances. Far right, Kaede Peters has his face painted. At left, members of the Brampton Acro Ropers perform. Photos/EDUARDO LIMA
They have started a crowdfunding campaign and have set a goal of $50,000, which they plan to use to set up the MJKO Champion Centre. The facility would be more than just a boxing facility. “It won’t just be a boxing gym – there will be computers and things of that nature for kids to do their homework on,” Kamal said. “It will be a full wellness centre with a boxing compo-
nent added, whether it’s for kids going into a competitive stream or just boxing for fitness. It’s going to be MJKO’s home.” The centre would also give kids volunteer opportunities and nutrition training among its many features. The organization has long relied on volunteers for its success. It recently began a six-week “Hearing the Deaf” program, led by former MJKO student and current volunteer Anya Karir, who is teaching non-contact boxing to students with special needs at CultureLink Toronto, Brighton School and Parkdale Public School. For more information about the organization, visit www.mjko.ca
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To donate to the crowdfunding campaign visit http:// mjko.causevox.com
| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, August 14, 2014
community
CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, August 14, 2014 |
4
opinion
The City Centre Mirror is published every Thursday at 175 Gordon Baker Rd., Toronto, ON, M2H 0A2, by Metroland Media Toronto, a Division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.
Ian Proudfoot Marg Middleton Peter Haggert Antoine Tedesco Warren Elder Rob Falbo Gord Paolucci Mike Banville
WHO WE SERVE
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Tapping into city’s citizen engagement
T
he fabulous attendance at this summer’s festivals in Toronto is a great indication of our willingness to participate in community activities. Now the challenge is how to turn those once-a-year adventures into community enrichment throughout the year. The city is rich with artistic, cultural and culinary festivals – a great opportunity for community-building. This past weekend’s Taste of the Danforth, which organizers say attracted a staggering 1.6 million people over three days, is festival participation at its best. Looking ahead to this weekend, there’s the York-Eglinton International Street Festival taking place locally. And, of course, the Canadian National Exhibition kicks off its two-and-a-half-week run tomorrow. Good turnouts mean people are engaged. We see it here at our website, insidetoronto.com, where our our view community calendar of events seen a significant increase in Make the most has events posted by the community in the increased number who of our cultural and have searched the site for events diversity this summer. To see our events listings, to submit an event or find out more, visit bit.ly/torontocalendar for everything you want to know. How do we take that obvious citizen engagement we see and get it applied on a more year-round basis? Imagine the possibilities. Cultural events happen throughout the year. These are opportunities to learn more about the city and the people who live here. It’s more than just festival life – it’s the lifeblood of the city. Now couple that with cooking courses offered in a myriad of locations. So challenge yourself. Pick one culture unfamiliar to yourself and learn to make a meal from that culture. Seek out one artist or musician and become familiar with their style of music. Learn the origin of the peoples and come to appreciate why people of other ethnicities chose to call Toronto home. The exposure that’s taking place right now of different cultures in Canada’s most diverse city is a critical piece of Toronto’s continuing evolution. We are rich in culture. Make the most of the opportunity. Find out more about the communities that make up the city – and find avenues for personal growth in the experiences we share, in the teaching of our children and a growing appreciation of Toronto as the city it is today.
Write us The City Centre Mirror welcomes letters of 400 words or less. All submissions must include name, address and a daytime telephone number for verification purposes. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters. Copyright in letters remains with the author but the publisher and affiliates may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms. Letters can be sent to letters@ insidetoronto.com, or mailed to The City Centre Mirror, 175 Gordon Baker Rd. Toronto, ON, M2H 0A2.
column
Election still very much Rob Ford’s to lose
D
oes anyone in Toronto love Olivia Chow or John Tory as much as Irene Borecky and thousands like her love Rob Ford? That could be the key question in this fall’s election, which is still Ford’s to lose. Standing in line at Ford Fest recently, hearing people seriously compare the man to Jesus Christ, Pierre Trudeau and, strangest of all, David Crombie, I was struck by how unconditional is the love Ford’s fans give him. Some of us want to think politics isn’t a personality contest, and that the person with the best ideas, the best political record, should be elected Toronto’s mayor. That’s not how it works with most people, who vote politicians in because they like them. And Ford’s core supporters love him, many thinking, as Borecky does, that other politicians “are
mike adler the city fakes,” and Ford’s different. “He’s one of us. He’s like us. He’s fallible like the rest of us,” said Borecky’s friend Maria F., who didn’t give her full name. “We’re not judgemental people.” Actually, many Ford fans are judgemental people. They judge him innocent, and others guilty. And many point to transgressions or admissions of drug use by other politicians, seeing a double standard applied to Ford. Standing with Ford Nation flags in her hair at the somehow-nota-campaign-event in Scarborough’s Thomson Park, Borecky called Tory, a man she said she voted for in the past, a “spendand-tax Liberal.” She said the former Ontario Progressive
“
Ford reminds Ford fans of themselves: they feel they’ve been cheated by the city somehow; they’ve made mistakes, battled addictions, or felt pressured to quit something, but kept going.
Conservative leader’s decision to put his campaign headquarters at Bay and Wellesley streets, “where the Bay Street money is,” was stupid. Based on how it looks, she may be right. Other people in the park gave only vague reasons why Ford should be reelected; such as he tries to keep taxes low, or “hasn’t stolen a cent from us.” Mostly, though, you sense Ford reminds Ford fans of themselves: they feel they’ve been cheated by the city somehow; they’ve made mistakes,
battled addictions, or felt pressured to quit something, but kept going. The mayor’s scandals have blurred into a vague smudge that can be dismissed by the faithful as no big deal. Love for Ford will survive an October defeat, since, as Ford Fest-goer Pat Mason explained, none of the man’s opponents, should they beat him, can manage the city without his help. “If he doesn’t win, he’s not going to lose,” Mason predicted. “We will still look at him as the mayor.” Thelma Casimir, holding a hamburger, said she’s praying for him, and pronounced him perfect. “He went through hell. My man is back in shape.” Tory, or Chow, need some of that same adoration if they’re going to win. Metroland Media Toronto reporter Mike Adler is on the city hall beat while David Nickle is on vacation.
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city centre happening in
w Thursday, Aug. 14
Free community connections screening: The Market WHEN: 5:30 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Toronto Reference Library - Beeton Auditorium, 789 Yonge St. CONTACT: info@gat.ca COST: Free The DOC Institute’s Community Connections program presents a free screening of The Market, directed by Toronto filmmaker Rama Rau. The Market delves into the global trade in human organs, one of the most profitable and dangerous enterprises in the world. The one-hour film will screen promptly at 6 p.m. and be followed immediately by a panel discussion and Q&A. Sail-In Cinema WHEN: 6 to 10 p.m. WHERE: Sugar Beach, 25 Dockside Dr. CONTACT: Louise Brooks, 416-863-2004 COST: Free World’s First Two-Sided Floating Movie Experience Returns. Toronto Port Authority Transforms Sugar Beach into city’s largest outdoor theatre. Free. Runs until Aug. 16. The Story of the City in 10 Stops WHEN: 6:30 to 8 p.m. WHERE: various locations CONTACT: email@ heritagetoronto.org COST: $20/per person In 10 brief stops at some of the city’s most celebrated sites, this tour
looking ahead w Saturday, Aug. 23
Edible Tree Tour WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon WHERE: Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St. CONTACT: www.yourleaf.org/node/1330 COST: $5 suggested donation Learn about a fruit picking program and fruit tree workshops. Uncover treats hidden in plain view and discover the edibles in LEAF’s Learning Garden.
Check out our complete online community calendar by visiting www.citycentremirror.com. Read weeks of listings from your neighbourhood as well as events from across Toronto. WHEN: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. WHERE: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. Enjoy a range of culinary delicacies, as well as hot rhythms and spicy grooves from the past and present.
will give you a ‘big picture’ overview of Toronto’s history. Summer Music in the Garden presents Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Toronto Music Gardens, 475 Queen’s Quay W. CONTACT: 416-973-4000, info@ harbourfrontcentre.com COST: Free Five of North America’s most distinctive and creative roots musicians come together to celebrate the work of famed folklorist and field recording pioneer Alan Lomax.
w Saturday, Aug. 16
Yogapalooza WHEN: 9 a.m. WHERE: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. CONTACT: 416-973-4000 COST: Free Today and tomorrow, enjoy a celebration of music, movement and meditation, workshops, demonstrations and a wellness-based marketplace.
w Friday, Aug. 15
Hot & Spicy Food Festival
Sketch Toronto Harbourfront WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. CONTACT: www.facebook. com/groups/KWUrbanSketchers COST: Free Join KW Urban Sketchers and Toronto Urban Sketchers at Toronto’s Harbourfront. All ages and skill levels.
w Sunday, Aug. 17
Remaking Toronto: Animals and Office Towers in the Downtown Core WHEN: 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. WHERE: various locations in Toronto CONTACT: heritagetoronto. org COST: Free Walk among Toronto’s skyscrapers and through their big, hidden back yards and visit the animals that ‘live’ there. Learn about the people and ideas that shaped the buildings and public art, the old city they replaced, and the new city they’ve helped to create.
citycentremirror.com
food Glamping in style New trend in camping complete with recipes
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| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, August 14, 2014
calendar
CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, August 14, 2014 |
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community
Renovated Regent Left, Michael Ke, 6, rides an inflatable slide during the celebration held Sunday marking the newly renovated Regent Park. Below, Nritha Kala Kendra Dance School member Yindra Kar, 5, performs during the celebration. Right top, Vanna Perera, 13 months, tries out the swing. Right below, Blues in Troubles performs. Photos/MANNY RODRIGUES
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7
Regent Park Film Festival and Black Daddies Club look at what it means to be a black father JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com The Regent Park Film Festival and the Black Daddies Club are taking a closer look at what it means to be a black father. The two organizations are partnering to create a digital storytelling project and documentary film that will bring black fathers and their kids together to take part in a photography workshop.
The dads and kids will learn photography, filmmaking skills and interviewing skills while contributing to an overall project that seeks to change the common perceptions surrounding black fathers. “L a s t y e a r, w e w e re approached by a father in the community who wanted to tell his story,” said Regent Park Film Festival executive director Ananya Ohri. “We got to thinking about ideas around fatherhood and masculinity
and decided we wanted to re-frame how fatherhood and blackness are themed together.” Oh r i p o i n t e d t o t h e common stereotype of black dads as being non-nurturing or entirely absent as part of the reason behind the program. “Blackness and masculinity can still apply to someone who’s nurturing, caring, supportive and present,” she said, adding that while the stigma surrounding black fathers per-
sists, they often have their own struggles, particularly when raising children alone. “There are a lot of services for single moms, and that’s a great thing because so many people need those services, but it puts single dads at a disadvantage,” Ohri said. The photography workshop will be led by artist Ella Cooper, who will also helm the filmmaking process. Fathers and children participating in the pho-
tography workshop may be documented as B-roll for the documentary, with some fathers eligible to work on the film itself. Participating dads will also get TTC fare, lunch and a $100 honorarium. While there are definite perks for those who take part, the hope is that the project will have a greater impact on others by dispelling myths and showing young people that fatherhood is something to aspire to.
“Young men need examples, and since these examples already exist, we need to show them,” Ohri said. There is limited space in the project, with spots open for eight dads, each of whom can bring up to two children aged 10 and up. The workshop will take place on Sept. 6 and 7, and participants must attend both sessions.
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To sign up for the project or to learn more visit www. regentparkfilmfestival.com
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2015 NISSAN M MICRA ICR A
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GREAT CAR, SHOCKING VALUE FEATURES INCLUDE: • AVAILABLE REARVIEW MONITOR • 60/40 SPLIT FOLDING SEATS • IPOD®/USB INPUT
FREIGHT & FEES
STARTING FROM
WHICH MEANS YOU PAY
9,998 + $1,434 = 11,432
$
$
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HURRY, OFFERS END SEPTEMBER 2
ND
FIND YOUR ADVANTAGE AT CHOOSENISSAN.CA OR YOUR LOCAL RETAILER
*Offer available to all qualified retail customers who lease or finance (and take delivery) of a new 2014 Versa Note/Sentra/Altima/Rogue/Pathfinder/Titan models on approved credit, through Nissan Canada Finance from a participating Nissan retailer in Canada between Aug.1-Sept. 2, 2014. Not available for cash purchase buyers. 1$750 Bonus Cash applicable to customers who lease or finance any new 2014 Versa Note/Sentra/Altima/Rogue/Pathfinder/Titan models through Nissan Canada Finance on approved credit on units in stock. The $750 additional Cash Bonus consists of $750 NCF cash and will be deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes. Offer available for qualified customers only. Offer available from Aug.1-Sept. 2, 2014 inclusively. Offer not available for cash purchase buyers. Conditions apply. Qualifying customers must be approved to lease or finance through Nissan Canada Finance. 2First four (4) semi-monthly lease payments and first four (4) bi-weekly finance payments of a new 2014 Versa Note/Sentra/Altima/Rogue/Pathfinder/Titan (including all taxes) will be waived, up to a maximum of $750/$750/$900/$900/$1,200/$1,200 for the 2 months or 4 semi-monthly payments. Consumer is responsible for any and all amounts in excess of $750/$750/$900/$900/$1,200/$1,200 (inclusive of taxes). After four (4) semi-monthly payments, consumer will be required to make all remaining regularly scheduled payments over the remaining term of the contract. This offer is applicable to NCF contracts only. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer. 3No charge extended warranty is valid for up to 60 months or 100,000 km (whichever occurs first) from the warranty start date and zero (0) kilometers. Some conditions/limitations apply. The no charge extended warranty is the Nissan Added Security Plan (“ASP”) and is administered by Nissan Canada Extended Services Inc. (“NCESI”). In all provinces NCESI is the obligor. NCESI offers a Gold and Platinum level of coverage. This offer includes the Gold level of coverage, be sure to see your local Dealer to identify the difference in coverage from a Gold to the Platinum level. Retail value of added security plan based on MSRP. $1,440/$1,380/$1,380 for a new 2014 Nissan Sentra/2014 Versa Note/2015 Micra®. Dealers are free to set individual prices. ††CASH DISCOUNT: Get $2,250/$1,850 cash discount on the cash purchase of any new 2014 Sentra models (except Sentra 1.8 S MT, C4LG54 AA00)/2014 Versa Note models (except 1.6 S MT, B5RG54 AA00). The cash discount is based on non-stackable trading dollars when registered and delivered between Aug. 1-Sept. 2, 2014. The cash discount is only available on the cash purchase, will be deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes and cannot be combined with special lease or finance rates. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Conditions apply. ≠Representative semi-monthly lease offer based on new 2014 Sentra 1.8 S (C4LG54 AA00), M6 transmission. 0% lease APR for a 39 month term equals 78 semi-monthly payments of $69 with $0 down payment, and $0 security deposit. First semi-monthly payment, down payment and $0 security deposit are due at lease inception. Prices include freight and fees. Lease based on a maximum of 20,000 km/year with excess charged at $0.10/km. Total lease obligation is $5,391. $2,100 NCF Lease Cash included in advertised price, applicable only on 2014 Sentra 1.8 S (C4LG54 AA00), M6 transmission through subvented lease through Nissan Canada Finance. $300 Dealer Participation on 2014 Sentra 1.8 S (C4LG54 AA00), M6 transmission included on advertised price, only available on base model on a 39 month term. ±Representative finance offer based on a new 2014 Versa Note 1.6 S (B5RG54 AA00) manual transmission. Price is $14,949 financed at 0% APR equals 182 bi-weekly payments of $74 for an 84 month term. $1,499 down payment required. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $14,949. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer. Conditions apply. ≠MSRP starting from $9,998/$15,748 for a 2015 Nissan Micra® 1.6 S (S5LG55 AA00), Manual Transmission/2015 Micra 1.6 SR (S5SG55 AA00), manual transmission excluding Freight and PDE charges and specific duties of new tires. � $11,432 Selling Price for a new 2015 Micra® 1.6 S (S5LG55 AA00), Manual Transmission. Conditions apply. �Models shown $25,899/$20,719/$17,28 Selling Price for a new 2014 Sentra 1.8 SL (C4TG14 AA00), CVT transmission/Versa Note 1.6 SL Tech (B5TG14 NA00), Xtronic CVT® transmission/2015 Micra® 1.6 SR (S5SG55 AA00), Manual Transmission. �±≠�Freight and PDE charges ($1,567/$1,630/$1,400), air-conditioning levy ($100) where applicable, certain fees (ON: $5 OMVIC fee and $29 tire stewardship fee), manufacturer’s rebate and dealer participation where applicable are included. License, registration, insurance and applicable taxes are extra. Lease 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. Retailers are free to set individual prices. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Vehicles and accessories are for illustration purposes only. Offers, prices and features subject to change without notice. Offers valid between Aug. 1-Sept. 2, 2014. #Offer is administered by Nissan Canada Extended Services Inc. (NCESI) and applies to new 2014 Nissan Sentra models (each, an “Eligible Model”) leased and registered through Nissan Canada Finance Services Inc., on approved credit, between Aug. 1-Sept. 2, 2014. from an authorized Nissan retailer in Canada. Offer recipient will be entitled to receive a maximum of six (6) service visits (each, a “Service Visit”) for the Eligible Vehicle – where each Service Visit consists of one (1) oil change (using conventional 5W30 motor oil) and one (1) tire rotation service (each, an “Eligible Service”). All Eligible Services will be conducted in strict accordance with the Oil Change and Tire Rotation Plan outline in the Agreement Booklet for the Eligible Vehicle. The service period (“Service Period”) will commence on the lease transaction date (“Transaction Date”) and will expire on the earlier of: (i) the date on which the maximum number of Service Visits has been reached; (ii) 36 months from the Transaction Date; or (ii) when the Eligible Vehicle has reached 48,000 kilometers. All Eligible Services must be completed during the Service Period, otherwise they will be forfeited. The Offer may be upgraded to use premium oil at the recipient’s expense. The Eligible Services are not designed to meet all requirements and specifications necessary to maintain the Eligible Vehicle. To see the complete list of maintenance necessary, please refer to the Service Maintenance Guide. Any additional services required are not covered by the Offer and are the sole responsibility and cost of the recipient. Offer may not be redeemed for cash and may not be combined with certain offers NCESI reserves the right to amend or terminate this offer, in whole or in part, at any time without prior notice. Additional conditions and limitations apply. Ask your retailer for details. °Nissan is the fastest growing brand in the non-luxury segment based on comparison of 12-month retail sales from July 2013 to June 2014 of all Canadian automotive brands and 12-month averages sales growth. †Based on GAC (AIAMC) Compact segmentation. All information compiled from third-party sources, including AutoData and manufacturer websites. July 30, 2014. ^Based on 2014 Canadian Residual Value Award in Subcompact Car segment. ALG is the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data, www.alg.com. +Based on GAC (AIAMC) Compact segmentation. All information complied from NR Can Fuel Economy data and third-party sources, including manufacturer websites. Gasoline engines only, excludes hybrids, diesels and electric vehicles. July 30, 2014. iPod® is a registered trademark of Apple Inc. All rights reserved. iPod® not included. Offers subject to change, continuation or cancellation without notice. Offers have no cash alternative value. See your participating Nissan retailer for complete details. ©1998-2014 Nissan Canada Inc. and Nissan Financial Services Inc. a division of Nissan Canada Inc.
ALTA NISSAN RICHMOND HILL 11667 Yonge Street Richmond Hill, ON Tel: (905) 780-7771
ALTA NISSAN 7625 Martingrove Road, Bldg B Woodbridge, ON Tel: (905) 851-1279
AVENUE NISSAN 1661 Avenue Road Toronto, ON Tel: (416) 783-3303
WILLOWDALE NISSAN 7200 Yonge Street Thornhill, ON Tel: (905) 881-3900
NISSAN DOWNTOWN 508 King Street East Toronto, ON Tel: (416) 975-3800
| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, August 14, 2014
community
CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, August 14, 2014 |
8
Frank Leo
GUARANTEED H SPECTACULAR LUXURY ESTATE!
Incredible Royal York/Edenbridge 5bdrm 2 storey on beautifully landscaped 100’ x 210’ ravine lot. Resort-like terraced back garden, waterfall pond, gazebo and in-ground pool. Gorgeous 2 storey foyer, fabulous gourmet kitchen, main floor billiard room w/ English style bar, Stunning 2 storey family rm with huge custom library wall and ladder rail. Spacious large lower level rec. rm with w/o absolutely a must see $2,400,000
1.4 ACRE ESTATE
Gorgeous custom built bungalow with over 5000 sq. ft. of living space. Vaulted ceilings, open concept layout, luxury appointments, professionally finished basement, walkout to spectacular fully fenced backyard resort style retreat, 20x40 salt water pool, patio, 3 car garage, fabulous curb appeal only $1,429,000!!
CUSTOM BUILT CASTLEMORE 2 ACRE ESTATE
Stunning Euro designed 4 bdrm raised bungalow. Gorgeous kitchen with granite floors & countertops, top line built-in appliances, quality finishing & craftsmanship throughout. Large combined living & dining room, marble floors, huge family room, gas fireplace, den, gleaming hardwood floors, 5 washrooms, incredible master bedroom, 6pc ensuite & W/I closet, beautifully landscaped property. Must be seen for $1,750,000
OPULENT SOUTHAMPTON PENTHOUSE!!
One-of-a-kind Tridel-Built South Kingsway & Queensway opportunity, approximately 1800+ of living space extensively renovated with the very best finishes, bright & spacious, 9’+ ceilings, 3 skylights, stunning gourmet kitchen with high-end appliances, granite counters, rich Mahogany & Maple floors, crown moulding, large master bedroom, with spa-like 6 piece bath, floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking fabulous 1350 sq ft. terrace with panoramic city & lake view for $1,295,000!!
SPECTACULAR TORONTO BEAUTY!!
Totally renovated executive home over $500K spent! Situated on a premium 100’x216’ lot, tranquil treed backyard, new salt water in-ground pool & interlock stone, modern kitchen, granite countertop, new baths, balcony walkouts, fire places, beautiful master bedroom retreat, main floor library & family room, professionally finished basement, and much more for $1,500,000!!
INCREDIBLE RAVINE LOT!!
Beautiful National built luxury 5+1 bedroom 2 storey located in Westmount, Oakville. Approximately 3482 sqft home. Well layed out, gorgeous gourmet kitchen, chef desk, island breakfast room & W/O to tiered deck, main floor family room & den, open concept living & dining room, gleaming hardwood floors, 5 washrooms, 9’ ceiling, and incredible high-end features throughout. Situated on a premium professionally landscaped lot backing and siding on lush ravine & pond. A must see for $1,200,000!!
BROKER Sponsor of
Children’s Miracle Network & Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
ROSEDALE GLEN
Private luxury residence, spectacular totally renovated by designer Bruce Budway. Approximately 1500 sq ft, 2+1 bedroom, gorgeous kitchen, custom cabinetry, quartz counters, premium B/I stainless steel appliances, 2 full baths, heated floors, upgraded fixtures, master suite, parking locker & 24 hr concierge. Steps to shops, restaurants + amenities for $1,049,900!!
#1 in in West West and and Central #1 Central Toronto Toronto combined combined by by units of listings sold for all all Companies Companies of all Brokers 2007, 2008, 2008, Brokers & & Sales Sales Representatives Representatives 2007, 2009, 2012 and and 2013 2013 according according 2009, 2010, 2010, 2011, 2011, 2012 to a study of MLS data prepared by an to a study of MLS data prepared by an independent auditor of real estate statistics. independent auditor of real estate statistics.
LOVE HORSES, AMAZING VALUE
3 fabulous acres, stunning detached 2 storey home, family size kitchen, granite countertop, plank flooring, charm + character, crown mouldings, double garage plus barn, 3 stalls, 2 paddocks, & hay elevator. Great location, save big! Board your own horses, only $850,000!!
WESTMOUNT SPECTACULAR 4 BEDROOM
Designer decor, open concept layout, over 60K in upgrades, maple hardwood floor, custom kitchen, granite, S/S appliances, crown mouldings, smooth ceilings, California shutters, master bedroom with W/I close, ensuite with Jacuzzi sunken tub, walkout to backyard retreat, gas BBQ hook up, professionally landscaped. Great neighbourhood, quiet cres, only $849,900!!
WEST REALTY INC., Brokerage Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
SPECTACULAR 4 BEDROOM 2 STOREY
Double door entry, soaring 18 ft ceilings in foyer, thousands spent on upgrades, open concept layout, crown mouldings, gleaming hardwood floors, main floor den + family room, custom kitchen granite countertop, breakfast bar, W/O to patio, master bedroom retreat with ensuite + W/I closet, ensuites in all bedrooms, stunning curb appeal, pattern concrete drive + patio, professionally landscaped. This is the home of your dreams! Simply must be seen, only $899,900
HUGE VACANT LAND!!
Fabulous South Thornhill, prestigious location amongst multi-million dollar homes, two 44’x297’ lots, can purchase both or separate, gorgeous lots with majestic trees. Steps to schools, synagogues, churches, TTC + all conveniences for $799,000 or with permit, ready to go for $849,000!!
ROYAL YORK / NORSEMAN Custom built 4 + 2 bdrm 2 storey with addition, gorgeous renovated kitchen & baths, granite counter tops, gleaming hardwood floor, 4 full baths, main floor. Family room & den, 2nd floor laundry, finished basement with separate entrance, quality craftsmanship throughout, thousands spent must be seen for $1,100,000
RENOVATED SUNNYLEA BEAUTY
Situated on a premium 53 ft lot fabulously landscaped with in-ground pool, ideal retreat, 4+1 bedrooms, open concept living + dining room, professionally finished basement, thousands spent on upgrades, double garage, high demand neighbourhood for only $899,900!!
MISSISSAUGA GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
Ranch bungalow on a premium 130 ft lot, prestigious neighbourhood surrounded by million dollar properties. Double door entry, open concept living + dining rooms, finished basement, professionally landscaped lot, flagstone patio, in-ground kidney shaped pool, double garage. Simple must be seen only $799,900!!
GORGEOUS ESTATE HOME BACKING ONTO GOLF COURSE!!
Stunningly renovated from top to bottom with the finest finishes! Approx 3000 sq ft, grand 4 bdrm 2 storey on approx 1.25 acre lot. Amazing Gourmet kitchen w/ granite countertops and high-end appliances, beautiful hand-scraped hardwood flrs, spacious master retreat w/ spa-like ensuite, sprawling property w/pond & picturesque views, a must see for $1,099,000!!
LUXURY BRAND NEW 2 STOREY!!
Fabulous Long Branch area, beautifully finished custom Asbury Victoria built 3 bedroom detached home, imported quality finishes and fine craftsmanship from top to bottom. Great south Etobicoke location close to all conveniences for only $898,000!!
JUST MOVE IN & ENJOY!!
Beautiful and spacious 4 bedroom home in Woodbridge, impeccably well maintained! Approx. 3000 sq ft of living space, large foyer with open centre staircase, large master with 5 piece ensuite, gleaming hardwood throughout, fireplace in main floor and basement, main floor laundry, separate entrance to finished basement, landscaped lot, interlock drive and many extras for only $769,900!!
FREE Confidential Home Evaluations Call Today And Start Packing!!!
SELL Your Home FASTER and for MORE MONEY! • Your Home Advertised 24 Hours a Day Until Sold • Your Home Advertised to Millions on www.GetLeo.com • Learn the Secrets of Selling your Home, without ineffective 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 service guarantee in writing • Your Home Sold Guaranteed, or I’ll Buy it* • Competitive Rates, Exceptional service • Award Winning Results!
“The Name Friends Trust & Recommend” Experience and Service you can count on!! HHEERR AANNOOTT SSOOLLDD
GORGEOUS CEDAR BEACH BUNGALOW!!
Detached 3+1 bedroom on a premium 75’x160’ lot backing onto green space & shadow lake, just steps to Musselman Lakes. Fabulous renovated home, large living & dining room, spacious family size kitchen, stainless steel appliances, updated bathrooms, Jacuzzi tub, finished basement and many extras must be seen for only $599,900!!
HEART OF YORKVILLE
Chic and sophisticated New York style Loft, Exclusive Boutique Building, luxury 2 bedroom, Soaring 17 ft ceiling, open concept living area, granite countertop, stainless steel appliances, 2 balconies, parking, step to Yorkville shops, cafes, restaurants, and subway. Only $499,900!!
LUXURIOUS HARBOUR VIEW ESTATES!!
Spectacular open concept layout, 1134 sq. ft., including balcony, sun filled modern kitchen, granite countertop, 9’ ceilings, 3rd level views, spacious living + dining rooms, split design bedrooms plus den, 2 full baths in this fabulous corner suite, close to superb amenities, 24 hour concierge, walk to lake, CN Tower, Rogers Centre, plus all amenities for only $499,900!!
HHEERR AANNOOTT SSOOLLDD
HHEERR AANNOOTT SSOOLLDD
FABULOUS WOODBRIDGE LUXURY CONDO!!
Gorgeous & new ‘Very Boutique Condo’, spacious & bright 2+1 bedroom corner suite overlooking ravine. Approx. 1000 sq. ft. of luxury living featuring 9’ ceilings, rich hardwood floors, beautiful trim work, premium kitchen w/granite counters, upgraded stainless steel appliances, master bedroom w/ensuite & huge W/I closet, granite counters in bathrooms, large west-facing balcony w/gas BBQ hook-up. Amazing opportunity for $489,900!!
MAIN/DANFORTH
Detached bungalow situated on 146’ deep lot, large bright sunlit front porch, open concept living + dining room, separate entrance to finished basement, huge deck, eat-in kitchen, renovated bathroom, great high demand neighbourhood, only $499,900!!
OAKVILLE FABULOUS FALGORWOOD
Wonderful high demand neighbourhood, immaculate ranch style bungalow 65 x 122 ft lot, gleaming hardwood floor, open concept layout, updated kitchen, finished basement, gorgeous landscaped lot, huge deck, garage, long drive, close to school, park + amenities. Amazing value!! Sold in 1Wk for 122% of Asking!!!
HHEERR AANNOOTT SSOOLLDD
RENOVATED BUNGALOW
BACKSPLIT 50X150 FT LOT
Simply must be seen, 4+1 bedroom, open concept living + dining rooms, large family room, finished basement ideal for entertaining or possible in-law suite, garage converted to office / den easily converted back, fabulous deck, and huge backyard. Amazing value for $449,900!!
LUXURY WATERFRONT CONDO!!
Spectacular clear view of lake! Award winning harbour side, amazing suite over 60K spent on renovations, open concept layout, floor to ceiling windows, magnificent master with W/I closet & lake view! Fabulous amenities. Sold fast for 100% of Asking!!
Detached 3+1 bedroom, double door entry, open concept living + dining room, separate entrance to finished basement in-law suite, open concept layout. Situated on a spacious lot, garage parking for 7 cars. Steps to transit, shopping, school, and amenities. Sold in 1wk for 105% of Asking!!
STEPS TO LAKE
Gorgeous renovated 3 bedroom 2 storey in South Etobicoke, high demand neighbourhood “Beaches West”, open concept living + dining room, fabulous modern kitchen, main floor sunroom, hardwood floor, walkout to huge deck, large fencedin backyard. Amazing location close to amenities, park, walking trails, transit, plus more!
Sold in 1wk for 107% of Asking!!
HHEERR AANNOOTT SSOOLLDD
TOTALLY RENOVATED BUNGALOW!! Charming detached home must be seen, professionally finished from top to bottom. Modern kitchen, gleaming hardwood flrs, crown moulding, finished basement rec., 2 bathrooms,andmanyextrasforonly$419,900!!
ST CLAIR & RUNNYMEDE 2 properties side by side in fabulous neighbourhood,ideal opportunity for renovator, investor, or builder. 3 bedroom 2 storey homes, amazing value at only $399,900 each, plus possible assembly with corner property. Spectacular opportunity!!
YONGE & 16TH AVE CONDO!!
The Heart of Richmond Hill! Well maintained building and grounds, very bright and spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom unit W/ master ensuite & walkout from sunken living room to over-sized balcony, use of ‘Club 66’ recreation centre, steps to Yonge St, transit, & Hillcrest mall. Amazing value for only $349,900!!
LUXURIOUS BELLARIA TOWER 3!! Gorgeous builders model loaded with upgrades, large 1 bedroom + den, gourmet kitchen with granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, marble baths, laminate floors throughout, 4pc ensuite, 9’ ceilings, many extras & amenities for only $349,000!!
FABULOUS CENTRAL ETOBICOKE TOWNHOME!!
Stunning renovated 3 bedroom home, great location, custom gourmet kitchen, stainless steel appliances, tumbled marble backsplash, under cabinet lighting, combined living + dining room with walkout to patio, gleaming hardwood floors, + much more. Sold in 1wk for 100% of Asking!!
FREE PROFESSIONAL BUYER SERVICE:
ONE VALHALLA!!
Incredible custom upgraded unit. 1 bdrm + den, beautifully renovated kitchen, granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances, laminate floors, undermount sink, pot lights, crown moulding, custom B/I shelves, and much more, plus all amenities. Must be seen for only $299,000!!
IMPRESSIVE CENTRAL ETOBICOKE CONDO
Large 2+1 bedroom suite, fabulous designer decor throughout, spacious open concept layout, gleaming hardwood floors, combined living & dining room with enclosed sunroom. Amazing unit overlooking park, must be seen for only $229,900!!
CALL
416
STOP PAYING RENT, OWN FOR LESS Renovated 1 bedroom, modern kitchen, granite countertop, open concept layout, renovated bathroom, large windows, sun lit, laminate floors, only $129,900. Don Mills + Eglinton location must be seen!!
917
(L
• 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!! I
O
N)
5466
SEE MORE PHOTOS : w w w. G e t L e o . c o m Not intended to solicit persons under contract. *Certain Conditions May Apply. ReMax West Realty Inc. does not guarantee the sale of your home. Exclusively offered by Frank Leo.
Copyright© 2009 Frank Leo
| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, August 14, 2014
HOME SELLING SYSTEM
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CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, August 14, 2014 |
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11
Committee rejects ranked balloting, and new voting machines MIKE ADLER madler@insidetoronto.com A City of Toronto committee has sidetracked the next step in starting a new municipal voting system most city councillors had supported last year. Council voted in favour of ranked balloting, a system in which voters can record their top three choices for a political post. If a candidate doesn’t have a majority of first-choice votes, there are “instant run-offs” in which the second-rank, and if necessary, third-rank choices are added, until one candidate shows at least 50 per cent support. Last year’s motion asked the provincial government to let the city try the new system to elect its mayor in 2018, and all council members, including the mayor, in 2022. Mitzie Hunter, a Liberal MPP from Scarborough, then introduced a Private Member’s Bill to allow the change. Though details
weren’t available on Monday, the new Liberal majority government is expected to re-introduce the bill, broadened to include all Ontario municipalities, through the office of Municipal Affairs Minister Ted McMeekin. Council also decided Toronto needs new voting machines – the equipment it bought in 1999 was said to have a 15-year lifespan – and asked the committee to ensure those machines can handle ranked balloting. On Monday, however, the Government Management Committee decided any moves to purchase new equipment should wait until staff investigate the costs of extending the current equipment’s use for one, two or three council terms – the next 12 years – and to report on this in 2015. Despite last year’s 25-to-16 vote by council – which could overturn the committee’s decision during its final meeting later this month – the committee was not convinced. Etobicoke Councillor Doug
Ford, brother of Mayor Rob Ford, said it was “hypocritical” for councillors “to target one office” – the mayor’s – for ranked ballots, while not changing the voting system for their own. Two other Etobicoke councillors on the committee, Vince Crisanti and Peter Leon, agreed with Ford. Most other city councillors had supported ranked ballots for Toronto, an initiative known as RaBIT, because they thought the new system, among other things, “would promote positive campaigns,” and encourage a wider discussion of municipal issues during campaigns. Scarborough Councillor Paul Ainslie, a supporter of RaBIT, said council made its decision after hearing from the public and debating the issue at city hall. Why try to extend the life of 15-year-old voting machines, Ainslie asked, when the life of a tablet computer, “is eight or nine years, tops.” Ranked ballots, Dale
argued, would make it harder for “minority voices” to get elected. He added that, in practice, “19 times out of 20 the first-round leader wins,” which is almost always the
incumbent. On Monday, a spokesperson for McMeekin, Yanni Dagonas, said the government will not introduce a bill allowing ranked balloting this
fall, but added afterwards “the ministry will consider options for giving municipalities the tools they need to consider and conduct ranked ballot elections.
On Now at The Brick! For more details go instore or online @thebrick.com.
PIZZA PARTY!
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slices for
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| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, August 14, 2014
city hall
CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, August 14, 2014 |
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entertainment
Make cash not trash!
Cabbagetown Youth Centre hosts annual summer showcase
#ShouldaUsedToronto
JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com
In partnership with
7TH ANNUAL
SUMMER
LOOT BAG
EXTRAVAGANZA! City Parent will be visiting Southern Ontario events this summer and handing out FREE
LOOT BAGS full of lots of
great stuff for active families!
FIND US AT THESE SUMMER FUN SPOTS: HARBOURFRONT Friday August 15, 2014
TORONTO ZOO
Saturday September 6, 2014
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inexperience of the performers, many of whom have never been onstage before, Kids from the Cabbagetown they have worked hard to Youth Centre’s Performing ensure the multi-disciplinary Arts Camp will show off the show makes for top-notch skills they’ve learned when entertainment, said Monique the centre hosts its annual Caine, who has led the parSummer Showcase. ticipants through the camp. An impressive roster of 117 “They’ve been learning the youngsters aged six through material for seven weeks and 16 will take the stage for we’re putting it all together,” Spotlight! A Musical Journey of she said. “They’ve been Courage & Personal Discovery exposed to different types on Thursday, Aug. 14. of dance, vocals, drama and The musical production art.” follows the tale of Georgia, While Georgia starts out a young girl who feels selfunsure of herself as she goes doubt as she prepares for a through the audition process, big audition. she learns from her fairy godDespite the youth and mother that she has what it takes to succeed. “He r f a i r y g o d FUTURE SHOP CORRECTION NOTICE mother teaches her NEWSPAPER RETRACTION FOR THE FUTURE SHOP AUGUST 8 CORPORATE FLYER Please be advised that in the August 8 flyer, page 24, the Coaster Contemporary Writing Desk (WebID: 10297058) that all the qualities will not be available for purchase due to an inventory delay. Also on page 25, the VTech Three-Handset Cordless Phone With Bluetooth® (WebID: 10249386) was advertised with incorrect specs. Please be advised she needs for her audithat this product DOES NOT have voicemail, as previously advertised. Finally, on page 26, the Olympus tion are in her,” Caine TG-850 16.0 Megapixel Digital Camera With Case (WebID: 10299221) may experience a small leak around the Mode dial when used underwater. Olympus is offering a free inspection and repair program for the said. “That’s something products within the affected serial numbers. Please see a Sales Consultant for details. we want these kids to We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our valued customers.
“
Everyone has that voice inside them sometimes that says ‘I can’t’ but these kids have created a voice that tells them they can. – Spiros Papathanasakis
learn, too.” The show leans on traditional show tunes throughout, which brought the youngsters outside their comfort zone but exposed them to a new type of art. C a b b a g e t ow n Yo u t h Centre executive director Spiros Papathanasakis said he is always impressed when he sees the kids’ talents on display. “I talked to some of them and they said it was hard and scary at first, but I’m amazed at how they found the courage to do something new,” he said. “Everyone has that voice inside them sometimes that says ‘I can’t’ but these kids have created a The Pampers or Huggies Giant box diapers featured in the voice that tells Household Essentials section of the August 15, 2014 Target flyer them they can.” consists of 76- to 156-count boxes in sizes 1 to 6. All sizes and Spotlight! takes place at 7 p.m. on counts may not be available at all locations. Thursday, Aug. 14 at the Rosedale The Pull-Ups, Easy Ups or GoodNites jumbo-pack training pants Heights School featured in the Household Essentials section of the August 15, of the Arts, at 2014 Target flyer consists of 11- to 26-count bags in sizes 2T to 711 Bloor St. E. XL. All sizes and counts may not be available at all locations. Tickets are $7 each or $21 for a We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. family of four and can be purchased at the door.
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13
Summer support from TDSB >>>from page 1 have been run through partnerships and donations, but there is always the need for more. “We spend around a millionthree ($1.3 million) and a million four ($1.4 million) a year, and when you haven’t got any core funding, you’re in trouble,” Papathanasakis said. He noted a lot of funding is based on projects as opposed to programs. While there is merit to funding new initiatives, that can leave those that are more established in the lurch. “When you do get funding for a project, you have to find a way to sustain that project and sometimes that’s without the funding that helped you get it started,” he said. This summer, the CYC has benefited from a partnership with the Toronto District School Board for its summer programming. “The TDSB has been a life saver and trustee Sheila Ward really came through for us,” he said. Papathanasakis said the struggles are particularly vexing given the centre started out of nothing, growing slowly, but surely, to become the neighbourhood fixture it is today.
Punch buggies raise funds for SickKids
“In some ways, it’s like starting over again,” he said. While it may become necessary to chop some programs, he hopes it does not come to that. With the opening of new facilities in Cabbagetown and St. James Town in recent years, the need – and the demand – is still there for the CYC. “There are still a lot of kids in this community who love our programs and who need our programs,” he said, pointing to the CYC’s upcoming youth performing arts showcase as a prime example. “If a lot of these kids had had to pay, they would never make it,” he said. “It’s a hard time for the centre right now, but when you see these kids perform, it’s unbelievable.” The CYC will get a fundraising boost through the annual Blair’s Run, which takes place in early September as part of the Cabbagetown Festival. Beyond that, the organization will continue to do what it must to survive. “Despite struggling, we seem to be able to stay alive,” he said.
Beetles on display: Top, Christina Cavuso displays her vintage Beetle convertible during the Punch Buggy 4 Kids event held at Yonge-Dundas Square on Sunday morning. The event featured an array of vintage and rebuilt Volkswagen Beetles and was put on as a fundraiser for SickKids Hospital. At left, Boris Yvchenski takes a closer look at the interior of a vintage Beetle.
For more information on the CYC including programming, events and making a donation, visit www.cabbagetownyouth.ca
Staff photos/BRIAN B. BETTENCOURT
i
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Public space activist wants Metrolinx to scrap proposed digital billboards RAHUL GUPTA rgupta@insidetoronto.com
re-invested into improving service. “Metrolinx has extensive property holdings along its railway corridors and leveraging these assets in a sociallyresponsible manner is one of several innovative ways we’re generating non-fare revenue,” Aikins said by email Tuesday. Aikins also said Metrolinx is working with the Ministry of Transportation, as well as Allvision, to ensure any approved billboards are safe. While the billboards have already been approved by a majority of city council – over the objections of city staff as well as the signs and variances committee – Meslin said he and other public space activists are concerned a precedent could be set allowing for the proliferation of the billboards on Ontario highways. “There’s reasons why we regulate signage on roadways both municipally and provincially.”
YOUR Weekly Crossword
DAVID NICKLE dnickle@insidetoronto.com Toronto’s top transportation bureaucrat is defending a staff decision not to physically separate bike lanes in a council-approved separated bike lane project along Adelaide and Richmond streets. Transportation Director Stephen Buckley has come under fire from cycling advocates over the new bike lanes, which are separated by painted lines only, rather than physical objects such as bollards or planters to keep traffic apart. Cycle Toronto, a city-wide cycling advocacy group, issued a statement Wednesday decrying the department’s “apparent lack of commitment to physical separation.” The news release noted Richmond and Adelaide streets are sufficiently high volume to warrant separation. “Without physical separation, the City is welcoming cyclists into dangerous conditions,” the statement reads. “Cabs, cars and delivery trucks
are routinely using the cycle tracks on Adelaide, which forces cyclists to swerve out into the roadway. There are also early anecdotal reports of fast cars using the cycle tracks as a passing lane.” Buckley however maintained the pilot project starting this summer is an information gathering exercise and staff are monitoring conditions there. “I’ve been in consultation with councillors who are interested in this project, and council did give direction to do a pilot to look at different ways of doing things,” he said. Buckley maintained there are issues with placing planters and bollards for snow clearing in the winter, and that bollards can create a pedestrian tripping hazard when they break off. “Bollards were the solution of last resort,” he said. “They do improve visibility of the facility but they don’t offer any real protection.” Buckley said at some point during the pilot it is possible that bollards will be installed
along the route. “But let’s be clear, there are driveways all along this corridor so it won’t be bollards end to end,” he said. Buckley added his experience laying in cycling infrastructure is that the first week is often the worst. “The first week is always a mess. We always see drivers not recognizing the change. This went in last week – folks are coming back from their summer vacations and adjusting to the new road conditions,” he said. P u b l i c Wo r k s a n d Infrastructure Committee Chair Denzil Minnan-Wong said he wasn’t pleased with word that motorists aren’t respecting the painted lines. “I think Transportation Services has to talk to our colleagues in enforcement to see whether they should be significantly bumping that up,” he said. “We’re in the second week of this thing. We know it’s a problem. But I think it could get better. We have to wait and see.”
Sudoku (difficult)
How to do it: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 by 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.
last week’s answers
diversions
A public space activist is calling on Metrolinx to withdraw a plan to erect eight digital billboards along both Hwy. 401 and 427. Dave Meslin believes the LED ads, which must be approved first by the Ministry of Transportation before they are installed, are unsafe and will prove too much of a distraction for drivers compared to less obtrusive traditional billboards. He wonders why Metrolinx, which stands to generate some $3 million in annual ad revenue from the billboards, is going along with the proposal even though it seemingly violates the province’s stated intention to make highways free of distractions for motorists. “Why would you put something on the highway which is explicitly designed for the sole purpose of distracting drivers away from the road?”
asked Meslin who is also a founding member of the public space advocacy group Scenic Toronto on Tuesday, Aug. 12. The group has put together a website (www.mixedmessage.ca) to publicize its concerns over the eight billboards to be located in some cases 10 metres from the roadway on railway corridor lands now owned by Metrolinx at various points along the 401 and Hwy. 427 stretching through Scarborough, North York and Etobicoke. Metrolinx spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins said the billboards proposal originates from a private advertising company, Allvision, as part of a commercial partnership inherited by the provincial transit planning agency when it acquired the rail lands in question from former owner CN Rail. Aikins said Allvision will bear all installation costs and Metrolinx’s share of the ad-revenue generated will be
Separation anxiety engulfs bike lane
w See answers to this week’s
puzzles in next Thursday’s edition
| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, August 14, 2014
transit
CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, August 14, 2014 |
16
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