December 5 by The City Centre Mirror

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Serving THE ANNEX, MIDTOWN, ROSEDALE, CABBAGETOWN and THE DOWNTOWN CORE

Spadina Museum presents

A LIVE 1930s Radio Show! December 8 12 - 5 pm

thurs dec 5, 2013

INSIDE GBLT-friendly rec centre proposed for West Donlands / 3

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ILLUMINITE

The City with David Nickle /4

Regent Park residents lived through displacement and the transformation of their neighbourhood. Last weekend, they were invited to enjoy a special multimedia show recapping the community’s long history and the changes it has undergone.

TTC’s Andy Byford vows to take funding fight to Ottawa / 12

Dubbed The Journey, the show featured professional musicians, actors and spoken word performers both from within Regent Park and from outside the community, with youth from the neighbourhood also taking part. It was based on a number of songs conceived by Mitchell Cohen, president of the Daniels >>>INPUT, page 13

Residents share their vision for improving neighbourhood

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Show chronicles Regent Park’s transformation JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com

IT’S HAPPENING Lots of holiday events to enjoy / 5

/SpadinaMuseum

WINTER MAGIC: An aerialist performs aboard The Dream Engine’s Heliosphere during the Illuminite holiday lights event at Yonge-Dundas Square recently. The Downtown Yonge BIA’s Winter Magic events came to a close this week, but the area is still filled with festive fun.

A small group of hardy midtown Toronto residents took to the streets despite brisk weather and biting wind recently to hear about preliminary plans for improving their community’s public realm. The walk, facilitated by former Jane’s Walk executive director Jane Farrow, featured

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a look at some of the potential sites where green space needed to be preserved or improved. Gerardo Paez and Marc Ryan of design studio Public Work, who are crafting a study of the area with community consultation, spoke of possibilities throughout the area. “You could create a green line like Cumberland Park (in Yorkville),” Paez said. “It’s a way >>>DESIGN, page 10

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LGBT-friendly recreation centre proposed for West Donlands JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com A proposal put forth by the 519 Community Centre could see a new sports and recreation facility designed to focus on the needs of the Lesbian Gay Bi Transgender (LGBT) community opened in the West Donlands. The proposal is still in its preliminary stages, but it calls for the construction of a new building on the Wheel and Foundry site next to Corktown Common. Maura Lawless, executive director of the 519, said the facility would be open to all, but would place a priority on ensuring teams and leagues catering to the LGBT community would be given priority. “There’s no facility right now in the city committed to catering to the LGBT community,” she said. “We want it to foster equity and inclusion and welcome all Torontonians, but we want a place for members of LGBT sporting leagues to feel safe.” Lawless likened the proposed facility to the 519 itself as a place that offers space both to LGBT groups and to

“

We always try to find a safe environment for people. – Eddie Coleman

straight groups. She said the facility would ideally serve as a destination for major international sporting events and would feature more than just sports areas. “It’s important to create it with a community centre aspect or some community space and retail,” she said. “It would be a place where people could go play or they could go and have a bite to eat and watch a soccer game.” Public consultation While specifics have yet to be determined – the plan still needs city approval and must go through a public consultation process – Lawless said the plan does not currently include a pool. “There are a number of pools within the surrounding areas,” she said. “We need to do a full scan of the facilities that are in that area or are going to be in that area and see what needs there are.”

Eddie Coleman, president of the Toronto Spartans Volleyball League – Canada’s largest LGBT sports organization – said his group and many others of its ilk would welcome a facility catering to LGBT sports leagues. ‘Discomfort for some’ “We always try to find a safe environment for people,” he said. “Right now, we use schools and in a lot of cases, we’re not the only permit holders on a given night. Depending on who we’re sharing the space with, it can cause discomfort for some.” Coleman added an increased comfort level would be especially welcome for members of the LGBT community who are just coming out of the closet. “It’s hard enough on their own without feeling that other people are looking at you,” he said. The 519 has already secured a large donation from an anonymous donor and will be undertaking a capital campaign once the process is further along.

More info at www.the519. org/newsfeed/the519sportandrecreationproject

Rapper drops the Peter Pan at Casa Loma TDot on the world Kensington Market dancer draws inspiration from classic tale - not Disney movie

JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com While his music has made its biggest splash south of the border, midtown resident and rapper Aspektz’s music has a definite Toronto flavour. The artist (given name Chad S. Morgan), who lives in the Yonge and Eglinton area, is set to drop his fourth album and first full-length effort, Academic Probation 3, which shows his growth as an artist. “This album’s definitely a more cohesive effort than the other ones,” he said. I’ve been working on “Sonically, crafting a sound that t h e r e ’s a theme to it. can be attributed to I ’v e b e e n the (hip hop) scene and working on crafting a culture in Toronto. sound that – Aspektz can be attributed to the (hip hop) scene and culture in Toronto.” He said his tunes, which make use of catchy drum and bass beats, are reminiscent of “the vibe you get rolling through the city on any given weekend – the party vibe of the city.” His local roots shine through, with his track ‘In the TDot’ reaching number three on U.S. college radio. Other Aspektz tracks released over the years, ‘Swivel’, ‘Snowday’ and ‘Gametime’ have also hit the top five, while a fifth track, ‘I Love Your Style’, recently slipped into the top 10. ‘In the TDot’ also made waves overseas, having been used in the popular video game DJMax Technika. “That game sold platinum over there, so I’m trying to focus on a few markets right now,” he said. “The next market I want to hit is in Europe.” Aspektz said the Toronto scene is thriving even beyond international superstar Drake and a few other breakout artists thanks to a newfound determination on the part of local rappers to nurture the city’s own distinct sound. “Toronto’s really drawing the eyes and the attention of the (music) industry because there are people working to build it up and create a sort of infrastructure that the hip hop scene in Canada has lacked for a long time,” he said.

JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com

“

Photo/COURTESY

Midtown Toronto rapper Aspektz drops his latest album, Academic Probation 3, on the world Dec. 10.

The tunes rely on classic drum and bass beats and samples from collaborators such as Triple A (who produced Aspektz’s upcoming album,) Bangladesh and Rich Kidd. He loves the midtown community he calls home. “It’s a youthful place where I can draw a lot of inspiration,” he said. “Most of what Toronto has to offer, you can find up at Yonge and Eglinton. There’s a lot of young people in the area.” Academic Probation 3 will be released Dec. 10 on the rapper’s own True Thorobredz label.

For more information on the Aspektz or listen to some of his tracks visit www.aspektz.com

The boy who wouldn’t grow up is making a pit stop at Casa Loma as part of the historic castle’s holiday programming. Peter Pan, starring ballet dancer and Kensington Market area resident Jeremy Nasmith in the title role, draws inspiration from J.M. Barrie’s classic tale. The original story’s Edwardian tones fit perfectly with its castle setting. “The performance isn’t based on the Disney movie; we’ve gone back to the old book,” Nasmith said of the piece, which is being staged by Hit and Run Productions. “It’s nice to have an anachronistic staging so audiences can see how theatre was enjoyed at the time when (Peter Pan) first came out.” The staging includes narration by Tinkerbell, portrayed by aerialist Jamie Holmes, followed by dance numbers and a choreographed fight scene. As a veteran of the dance scene, Nasmith helped choreograph the battle between Peter Pan and Captain Hook. “I have some experience with that so I got to work on that aspect of it,” he said. “As for flying, it’s through dance (steps) and a few lifts where I lift Wendy to show that she’s flying.” While many elements of the story will be familiar to modern audiences, some elements will add a new twist to a story they thought they knew. “We tried to keep the sound tech and the dancing based on tradition to give people watching the show a sense of time travel, especially in Casa Loma, where it feels like you’re in a different time,” Nasmith said. “I’m not against modern or contemporary work, but I’m a big proponent of presenting (shows) the way they were meant to be presented.” Nasmith is a veteran of the ballet scene, joining Opera Atelier as a boy soprano at the age of 10. He started dancing at 14 and joined the National Ballet of Canada after high school. In recent years, he has performed various shows but has avoided joining established companies, preferring instead to choose his roles, do freelance work as a choreographer and teach ballet both in Canada and in Japan, from where his wife hails.

Your Community. Your Newspaper.

Photo/COURTESY

Kensington Market area resident Jeremy Nasmith stars as Peter Pan at Casa Loma.

“After freelancing and traveling for my career, being locked into a company felt like it would be a step backwards for me,” he said. While his career takes him on the road, Nasmith has called Kensington Market home for the past 15 years. “The shopping’s fantastic – you can get vintage clothing, organic produce and Chinatown’s right there,” he said. “I can bike or take the TTC anywhere and it’s close to the National Ballet at Queen’s Quay and Spadina or the Elgin Theatre where I do a lot of work.” The staging of Peter Pan is but one of a variety of holiday events hosted by Casa Loma. The venue will also host carolers, visits from Santa Claus and other family events throughout the month of December.

For more information on Peter Pan or the other holiday events happening at Casa Loma, visit www.casaloma.org

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| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 5, 2013

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CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 5, 2013 |

opinion

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Take advantage of grants to support Toronto’s youth

Write us

t may be an obvious point to say our children are our future, but it’s one that bears repeating so that we do what’s necessary to ensure the youth of today are prepared for tomorrow’s challenges. Just this week, two opportunities came to light for organizations and businesses to play an influential role in the lives of our city’s youth. In helping remove obstacles to success, and providing critical work experience, we can create positive connections to a city they may one day help define. Though it’s December, it’s already time to think about summer job opportunities. Giving a student a summer job is a great way to get them on the road to one day contributing to our city’s economic growth and stability. They need a solid foundation of work experience to build upon. Local who want to open that our view companies door for them can do so with the of a Canada Summer Jobs Students need help grant – but they need to apply now. solid work The federal government makes foundation it easy to create new positions for summer students, with non-profit organizations eligible for up to 100 per cent coverage of the minimum hourly wage and private companies eligible for up to 50 per cent of the same wage. Be the difference in a student’s life that gets them closer to achieving their full potential. It’s an unforgiving job market, so any work experience and mentoring opportunities your company can offer may be the one thing that secures them gainful employment after they have finished their education. The Ontario Trillium Foundation also recently announced a $5 million/year grants program to give community organizations the power to improve outcomes for youth facing multiple barriers to economic and social well-being. Called the Youth Opportunities Fund, it will provide grants to grassroots, youth-led and community-based organizations to create programs that will engage and benefit young people aged 12 to 25 who are marginalized, who are at-risk or in trouble with the law, have experience in child welfare services, come from a low-income situation, and/or have dropped out of school. Equal opportunity, regardless of background or socio-economic circumstance, is the least our city’s youth deserve. The application deadline for both programs is in January. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/IpuDdD and http://bit.ly/X68xZ

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

Rob Ford’s ‘outsider’ game is getting old

n Tuesday morning, Mayor Ford arrived – late – for the kickoff of the Mayor’s Annual Christmas Toy Drive. It was OK, though; the only people kept waiting were a few television cameras and reporters, some city staff and the city manager. In other years, there were children at the launch, and the mayor would crouch down and chat with them as they played with toys. This time, a city spokesperson said protocol staff made the call to not have children because of “scheduling” issues – it was awfully close to lunchtime – and because of the crush of cameras. If anyone was concerned about the lesson sent, having small children photographed with an admitted illegal drug user...well, no one was saying. About an hour later, Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly emerged from a meeting with Ontario Premier

david nickle the city Kathleen Wynne, where they spoke about matters of transit and housing and other topics of mutual interest. Mayor Ford was not invited, an omission which Wynne explained succinctly: “I’m meeting with the deputy mayor because he is the representative of Toronto City Council.” It’s hard to argue otherwise. Mayor Ford and his brother Doug characterized council’s startling repudiation of the mayor as a “coup d’etat.” It’s not quite that – the mayor’s still the mayor, after all, and the only tank that has moved at city hall is a fish tank, from the deputy mayor’s office to the mayor’s. But it is in real terms a vote of non-confidence, as councillors have

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There is a fine line between an outsider and a truant, a critic and a vandal, an aggrieved suburban hero and a child in a tantrum. The Fords are crossing that line.....

taken back all the powers that were theirs to give. The mayor and his brother do not appear keen to regain that confidence. Doug Ford spent the first part of the week in budget committee continuing to embellish last week’s allegation that city staff have conspired with a rogue council, to primp up the 2014 budget with wasteful spending and unnecessary tax increases. As for Mayor Ford – in addition to showing up late to one of the few events that are within his more limited purview, he’s so

far snubbed any attempts by Deputy Mayor Kelly to meet and discuss the way forward in the new order of things. Immediately following the non-confidence vote, this strategy might have seemed a winning one. Ford won in 2010 as council’s ultimate outsider, so now that he’s been thrown out, why not play the outsider again? It’s starting to become clear, however, that that game is already a little old. There is a fine line between an outsider and a truant, a critic and a vandal, an aggrieved suburban hero and a child in a tantrum. The Fords are crossing that line; while council, for the first time in three years really, has freed itself to behave like the mature level of government that Torontonians might at one time have expected.

David Nickle is The Mirror’s city hall reporter. His column runs every Thursday.

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city centre happening in

w Friday, Dec. 6

the Gingerbread Build Party with prizes, music, Santa and more.

looking ahead

Holiday Gift Fair WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. WHERE: Central Eglinton Community Centre, 160 Eglinton Ave. E. CONTACT: Nancy Lyon, 416-392-0511, www.centraleglinton.com COST: Free Think globally, shop locally for unique crafts, snowflake cafe, holiday treasures, silent auction, door prizes, bake table and more. Free admission.

w Monday, Dec. 9

A Canadian Christmas Celebrating the Season WHEN: 3 to 5 p.m. WHERE: Grace Church on-the-Hill, 300 Lonsdale Rd. CONTACT: 647-466-7673, www.orianachoir.com COST: $25; senior $20; student $10 ORIANA presents its first concert of the season on a Sunday afternoon. This entire concert features music written exclusively by Canadian composers and arrangers.

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.

w Friday, Dec. 7

WHEN: 8 p.m. WHERE: Grace Church on-theHill, 300 Lonsdale Rd. CONTACT: 416-256-0510 COST: $20 advance, $25 at door, children/high school students free Laurie Evan Fraser conducts the musical fable The Reluctant Dragon & other works by John Rutter, and directs the choir’s accomplished Latin ensemble, Cantemos, in music from Spain and Latin America featured on its new Christmas CD.

The Christmas Story WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. WHERE: Church of the Holy Trinity, 10 Trinity Sq. CONTACT: Susan Watson, 416-598-8979, www.holytrinitytoronto.org COST: Suggested donation: $20 adult, $5 child Professional musicians and a volunteer cast present this charming hour-long Nativity pageant. Upper Canada Choristers & Cantemos in Concert

Habitat for Humanity Toronto’s 11th annual Gingerbread Build WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: Habitat Toronto Gingerbread Build Factory, 19 Waterman Ave. CONTACT: Sally, 416-7557353 COST: Free Help families in need build a home. Get involved by joining

Batik Art Collectif WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. WHERE: Northern District Library, 40 Orchard View Blvd. CONTACT: Larry Freedlander, 416-981-6522 COST: Free Art show and sale. City Carol Sing - 2013 WHEN: 2 to 3:30 p.m. WHERE: Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. CONTACT: E. Burns, 416-2411298, www. yorkminsterpark.com; www. christchurchdeerpark.org COST: Free The fifth annual City Carol Sing in collaboration with Citytv in support of food banks across Canada. Free admission. A collection will be taken for the Churches-

on-the-Hill Food Bank. This concert will be broadcast nationally by Citytv in support of Food Banks across Canada.

citycentremirror.com

a&e

w Sunday, Dec. 8

Blessings ~ Mellow Singers Christmas Concert WHEN: 3 to 4 p.m. WHERE: Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave. CONTACT: Teresa Tang, www.mellowsingers.com COST: $10 Program includes various works including a special appearance of Cat Bent and Colin Bent singing a Christmas vocal duo O Holy Night.

Exploring Sword Lake Hashtag Airbuds goes to the Vietnamese city of Hanoi

food Have a slice of pie or two Gluten-free snickerdoodle pie, egg nog and other pies

get listed! The City Centre Mirror wants your community listings. Whether it’s a music night or a non-profit group’s program for kids, The Mirror wants to know about it so others can attend. Sign up online at citycentremirror.com to submit your events (click the Sign Up link in the top right corner of the page).

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| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 5, 2013

calendar

Canada’s top Rhythmic

Gymnastics Club - who are they?

2013 Pre-Novice Champions 2013 Novice Champions 2013 Senior Champion 2013 6th in the World in AGG 2012 Canadian representative to the Olympics 2011 Youth Olympics Bronze medallists Beautiful youth development centre at Lawrence & Bayview,

looking for new members Junior Girls with a background in Dance and Acrobatics. Great opportunity to work with us for ONE WEEK FREE! Your way to success is to join us in the world of dance, rhythmic gymnastics and aesthetic group gymnastics.

community

city centre in brief

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 5, 2013 |

Other Locations Available Call 905 889 7889! Email: info@kalev.net website: www.kalev.net

hosts budget town hall wLayton Join Trinity-Spadina Councillor Mike Layton tonight for a Ward 19 budget town hall where City of Toronto staff will present the proposed 2014 city budget. The presentation will include details on the property tax rate and funding for public programs and services such as child care, libraries, roads, transit, shelters and more. The town hall is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Bob Abate Community Recreation Centre, 485 Montrose Ave. violence against women event Central Neighbourhood House is hosting an event for the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women. The free event will bring together a variety of women’s service organizations to speak out against violence against women.

It will take place from noon to 7 p.m. tomorrow at 349 Ontario St.

Sunday.

tour of Chinatown wwalking

Scadding Court C o m m u n i t y C e n t re is holding a special Christmas party for seniors. The event will include a turkey lunch as well as singing and dancing performances. It will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13 in the Scadding Court gym. To register, contact Julia at Julia@scaddingcourt. org or 416-392-0335, ext. 233.

A walking tour of Toronto’s Chinatown district will give participants a glimpse into the area and into traditional Chinese culture. The free tour will explore historic buildings, offer information on Chinese herbal medicine and more. It will kick off at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday at Dragon City Mall in the heart of Chinatown. in cabbagetown wCarollers

A festive group of Cabbagetowners will be caroling to help the less fortunate. The group has been carolling in the Winchester Street area for more than two decades and collecting food for the St. Luke’s United Church food bank. This year, they will be singing along Sackville and Winchester streets from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on

party for seniors wChristmas

Winter Wanderland wBIA

Retailers in the Mount Pleasant Village are decorating their storefronts as part of the local BIA’s Winter Wanderland competition. The contest encourages the public to vote for their favourite installation between Dec. 1 and 19. For more information, visit www.mountpleasantvillage.ca

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| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 5, 2013

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LARGE DETACHED 2 STOREY!!

Located in the beautiful town of Erin, great property, large home with spacious principal rooms, plenty of room for large family or potential to generate revenue. Parking for 6 cars, in-ground pool and hot tub, plus many extras, close to all amenities in town, great value for $489,000!!

CUSTOM BUILT RAISED BUNGALOW!!

Large 3 bedroom home in the picturesque town of Lefroy, just North of Bradford. Renovated eatin kitchen, W/O to deck, spacious open concept living & dining room, laminate floors thru-out, large private fenced lot, steps to Killarney Beach, and Lake must be seen for only $349,900!!

COLLEGE/ GRACE!!

Detached brick 2 ½ storey, 5 bedroom in spectacular little Italy spacious living room, formal dining rm, family size kitchen, 2 stair cases to 2nd floor, 3 full bathrooms, separate entrance to bsmnt, ideal for entertaining or possible in-law suite. 3 car parking, high demand nieghbourhood. SOLD IN 1WK FOR 131%OF ASKING!!!

RENOVATED 2 STOREY GEM!!

Fabulous Woodbridge 4 bedroom. Large foyer with circular staircase, renovated kitchen, granite countertop, open concept family room with fireplace, sunroom addition, main floor den, finished basement with 2nd kitchen, ideal for entertaining or in-law suite, steps to school only $649,900

BEAUTIFUL BUNGALOW!! Situated on a quiet cul de sac, premium 50’ lot, gorgeous landscaping brings out its beauty, large patio & pond, renovated kitchen, 3 bdrms, spacious principal rooms, and separate entrance to 2 bdrm in-law suite for only $479,900!!

DETACHED BUNGALOW ON 50’ LOT!!

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SPECTACULAR LOT!! Sprawling Ranch Bungalow on an amazing 108’ x 162’ lot. Open concept living & dining rm, eat in kitchen, separate entrance to bsmnt, double garage, long private drive, interlock patio and much more for only $799,900!!

MAPLE LEAF / KEELE!!

Detached 3+1bdrm, brick bungalow, situated on a premium 50’ lot, in fabulous neighborhood. Large open concept living and dining rm, hardwood floor, separate side entrance to finished bsmnt, ideal for entertaining or in-law suite, thousands spent must be seen. Super Value only $599,900!!

ISLINGTON & NORSEMAN!!

Fabulous Ranch style bungalow in high demand south Etobicoke area. Wide 53’ lot, with concrete double drive, well maintained property, 3+1 bedrooms, 2 kitchens, 2 full baths, separate in-law with 2 entrances, large verandah, deck and interlock patio, new roof (2007), thermal Windows and many extras for $699,000!!

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Detached 3 bedroom, 2 Storey in high demand location. Gorgeous original wood, formal dining room, spacious living room, family size kitchen, detached double garage, walk to amenities, spectacular opportunity only $599,900!!

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SOUTH BEACH LUXURY CONDO!! Trendy 2+1 bdrm, with 2 wshrms, & gorgeous wrap around terrace, floor to ceiling windows, incredible resort style living with indoor /outdoor pool, fitness room, yoga studio, basket ball court, pet day care, 24 hr concierge, and much more.

Detached 3+1bdrm brick home on a quiet crescent, in demand location, updated modern kitchen, open concept living & dining room. Separate entrance to finished basement, gorgeous backyard retreat, huge tiered deck, hot tub, interlock, garage and much more for only.

SCARLETT & EGLINTON!! Incredible 3 bedroom suite, opportunity knocks, great location, well maintained, spacious layout, parquet floors throughout, 2 full washrooms, ensuite laundry, and all amenities, located close to TTC, parks, golf course and all conveniences only $299,000!!

Amazing opportunity, 2 bedroom suite split bedroom plan, 10’ ceilings, huge balcony 2 w/o, fabulous amenities include concierge, gym, aerobics, squash, sauna and outdoor pool, steps to lake, waterfront trails, and all conveniences, just minutes to downtown Toronto. Live the life for only $295,000!!

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Pristine large detached 3 bedroom, all brick bungalow -- Original owner. New garage doors, newer windows and doors, separate entrance to potential In-law suite, 2 kitchens, 3 baths, 2 car garage and many extras! Fabulous Jane and Lawrence location for only $679,900!!

THE BELLARIA RESIDENCE!!

Incredible luxury condo, great location close to Vaughan Mills shopping centre,Canada’sWonderland,restaurants, and all conveniences. Fabulous gated community, 24hr concierge, Fantastic facilities, spacious 2 bdrm condo, stainless steel appl.Granite countertop,gleaming ceramic & hardwood flrs thru-out. A must see for $589,900!!

THE ESSEX 2 Tridel built fabulous corner suite 2+1 bedroom, open concept living & dining rm, W/O to balcony fabulous kitchen, granite countertop, breakfast bar, master bedroom with ensuite & walk-in closet, amazing amenities, steps to subway Bloor line/ Kipling Station only $379,900!!

LUXURY SHERWAY GARDENS !!

Spectacular 1 bedroom brand new never lived in suite, open concept layout, gleaming hardwood floors, granite countertop, modern kitchen, new appliances, all amenities, pool , Gym, theatre, and much more, plus 24 hr Concierge, steps to transit & Sherway Gardens Mall, amazing value only $249,900!!

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.

| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 5, 2013

SELL Your Home FASTER and for MORE MONEY!

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 5, 2013 |

Union Pearson Express Electrification Environmental Assessment Transit Project Assessment Study and Class Environmental Assessment Study

NOTICE OF COMMENCEMENT Metrolinx is proposing to electrify the Union Pearson (UP) Express route beginning at the future UP Express Union Station in the City of Toronto and terminating at the future UP Express Pearson Station (Terminal 1, Toronto Pearson International Airport) in the City of Mississauga. The project involves the electrification of approximately 25 kilometres of track along the Union Station GO Rail Corridor and Kitchener GO Rail Corridor to Highway 427, where the route then follows the new UP Express spur line (under construction) into Toronto Pearson (see map below). The purpose of the project is to convert the UP Express route from diesel to electric power. Electrification of the UP Express is part of The Big Move, Metrolinx’s regional transportation plan which will dramatically improve how people move in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton areas. Funding for the electrification is dependent on the Metrolinx Investment Strategy. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT (EA) PROCESS Metrolinx and Hydro One are carrying out a parallel EA process to satisfy both Metrolinx’s requirements under the Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) and Hydro One’s requirements under the Class EA for Minor Transmission Facilities (Class EA). The parallel EA process involves both EAs being completed simultaneously. The Environmental Project/ Study Report will be made available for public review and comment. THE PROJECT Electrification of the UP Express route will be achieved through a Traction Electrification System which will provide electricity to the trains by means of a Traction Power Distribution System (Metrolinx) and Traction Power Supply System (Hydro One). TRACTION POWER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM The proposed Traction Power Distribution System is an Overhead Contact System (OCS) comprised of a wiring system providing power to the trains. The wiring system will be suspended from a number of OCS structures (i.e. portals, cantilevers) placed along and over the track. The Traction Power Distribution System also includes two Paralleling Stations (PS) to boost the voltage along the UP Express route, as well as gantries which provide power to the OCS, and are located in the vicinity of each PS. A new electrified maintenance facility will need to be built to carry out maintenance on the new electric trains. The environmental impact of the Traction Power Distribution System components and electrified maintenance facility is being assessed under the Transit Project Assessment Process, in accordance with Ontario Regulation 231/08 – Transit Projects and Metrolinx Undertakings.

TRACTION POWER SUPPLY SYSTEM Electrification of the UP Express requires a connection to Ontario’s electrical system. It is proposed that the power be supplied from the existing 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line that runs between Hydro One’s Claireville Transformer Station (located near Highway 407 and Highway 27 in the City of Vaughan) and Richview Transformer Station (located near Highway 401 and Highway 27 in the City of Toronto). Cables will deliver power to a new 230 kV Traction Power Substation (TPS). The TPS will convert the voltage from 230 kV, to 25 kV so that it can be used to power the electric trains. The Traction Power Supply system is subject to provincial Environmental Assessment Act approval in accordance with the Class EA for Minor Transmission Facilities. CONSULTATION Members of the public, agencies and other interested parties are encouraged to participate in the EA process by attending consultation opportunities or contacting the project team directly with information, comments or questions. Consultation opportunities are planned and will be advertised on the project websites, in local newspapers and via direct mail. A second round of joint Public Open Houses are planned for winter 2014 to present and seek feedback on both the TPAP (Metrolinx) and Class EA (Hydro One) project components. Consultation with the public, review agencies and First Nations and Métis communities is a key component to the UP Express Electrification EA. If you would like to submit a comment or question, or receive additional information related to the UP Express Electrification Project, please send an email to the project team at: electrification@metrolinx.com or contact: Karen Pitre Executive Director, Electrification Metrolinx-GO Transit 20 Bay Street, Suite 600 Toronto, ON M5J 2W3 tel: 416-874-5910 e-mail: electrification@metrolinx.com www.gotransit.com/electrification

Patricia Staite Environmental Planner Hydro One Networks Inc. 483 Bay Street TCT6 Toronto, ON M5G 2P5 tel: 416-345-6799 e-mail: Community.Relations@HydroOne.com www.HydroOne.com/projects

Pour plus de renseignements, veuillez vistiter le site gotransit.com ou composer un des numéros ci-dessus.

community

Design team showcases potential green space >>>from page 1 to start envisioning a whole new Eglinton.” Public Work foresees a Redpath Avenue that would be more friendly to the public north of Eglinton Avenue. As the only north-south road between Yonge Street and Mount Pleasant, the “closer to Eglinton, we’d like to see more retail activity,” Ryan said. “We could make it a more community-focused, intimate, bustling community hub.” Public Work sees an enhanced Redpath Avenue Parkette at Redpath and Erskine avenues. Currently, the green space there is fragmented, with walls, driveways and fences blocking off certain areas. “We’d like to assemble this into a really public space,” Ryan said at the Sunday, Nov. 24 walk. “We have one really great park (in the area) in Eglinton Park. This could be Redpath Park, and Redpath could be a really interesting neighbourhood-oriented north-south space.” The designers were also concerned with the amount of green space in the area – already at a premium – owned by private corporations. Ryan said while much of it is publicly accessible now, it is important to ensure it remains so. He cited the public square on the northwest corner of Yonge and Eglinton, which is being built on by property owner RioCan, as an example. Along Yonge, Public Work foresees wider street openings, leading to triangular squares of open space for local residents. “We’ve heard that the post office (at Montgomery Avenue) and (Orchard View) library are some of the main public assets in the neighbourhood,” he said. “We want to link this area up so when people are here, they can feel like they’re part of something larger – one district.” Another suggestion made by the design team would see Helendale Avenue closed off to vehicular traffic between Yonge Street and Duplex Avenue. The plan also calls for a redesign of Eglinton Park to add more community uses.

See the preliminary draft plan at www.midtowninfocus.com

Central Tech beaten in Bowl game BERT FAIBISH ccm@insidetoronto.com Central Tech closed out last week’s nine-game high school football Bowl series on Friday with a 35-1 loss to Barrie’s St. Joan of Arc Catholic High School. The nine Bowl games, organized by the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA), were held at Etobicoke’s Centennial Stadium from Tuesday to Friday. The remaining eight Bowl games featured three other local teams. E a r l i e r o n F r i d a y, Etobicoke’s Don Bosco defeated Stoney Creek’s Cardinal Newman 21-11. On Wednesday, Richview Collegiate, also from Etobicoke, defeated North Bay’s North Ferris SS while Upper Canada College from midtown lost 42-7 to Windsor’s W. F. Herman Secondary School. A new format this year, all participating teams won their respective league championships except for Richview Collegiate, the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) finalists, who earned a berth as the ‘host’ entry (in order for their to be an even 18 teams for the nine Bowl games). Richview lost the TDSB final 56-36 to Central Tech. Much like two unfamiliar fighters in a fight’s opening round, the first quarter saw both teams attempt to sound one another out and didn’t

Staff photo/IAN KELSO

Central Tech’s Samuel Francis plows past St Joan Arc players during OFSAA football finals on Friday at Centennial Stadium in Etobicoke. Central Tech lost 35-1.

see the game’s first major until 4:24 into the second quarter, as St. Joan of Arc quarterback Adam Zussino found Jesse Alves from eight yards out for the touchdown to put the Knights up 7-1. St. Joan of Arc entered the halftime break with a 14-1 lead after a four-yard Zussino scramble that ended in the team’s second touchdown and never looked back. The smothering Knights’ defence held Central Tech’s speedsters to just 155 yards of net offence on the game, a far cry from last week’s 300plus rushing yards that the

Blues rolled up on Richview Collegiate. Despite a solid effort, the second half played out much like the first, with St. Joan of Arc scoring another 21 unanswered points en route to their first OFSAA football title. Zussino operated the Knights’ offence with the precision of a surgeon, passing for 217 yards and two touchdowns and leading his team in rushing with 66 yards and a score.

More info plus video replays arre at www.ofsaa.on.ca/ boys-football-festival

Caring For Caring For Seniors In Crisis Seniors In Crisis (416) 619-5001 (416) 619-5001 A SERVICE AFREE FREE SERVICE

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| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 5, 2013

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CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 5, 2013 |

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SUPPORT SICKKIDS THIS MONTH BY PARTICIPATING IN THE FOLLOWING EVENTS

MONDAY

TUESDAY

DECEMBE BER R

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

transit

TTC head decries underfunding RAHUL GUPTA rgupta@insidetoronto.com Andy Byford vowed this week to take the fight for better TTC funding all the way to Ottawa. In a fiery display, the TTC CEO defended a decision to hike fares for 2014, stating emphatically he will no longer abide making do with government funding that he said is by far the lowest among major North American transit operators. “We are going to see the province, we are going to Ottawa and we’re going to be banging the table for sustainable funding,” Byford said during a recent town hall meeting at city hall organized by the TTC. While Byford promised service will increase in the face of record ridership – expected to grow to 540 million annually by 2014 – he said the TTC has done all it can to be lean and efficient given its meager subsidy. “We have bent over backwards to contain our costs,”

1 2

DECEMBER 1– 31 : DE SARIO ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DISPLAY

This annual light display has attracted visitors from across the GTA for 14 years. The De Sario family began decorating their home in support of their daughter, who was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes as a child and treated at SickKids. The house is located at 165 Benjamin Boake Trail (Keele and Sheppard) in North York. The lights are turned on every evening around 5:30 p.m. and all donations support SickKids.

DECEMBER 9 – 24: FIRST CANADIAN PLACE HOLIDAY GIFT WRAP CENTRE

During this annual campaign, any sized gift can be wrapped for a minimum donation of $5.00. It is open between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on weekdays from December 9 to 23 and between 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on December 24 on the street level of First Canadian Place (on Adelaide Street between Bay and York Street). All proceeds are donated to SickKids.

– Andy Byford

he said. “If your subsidy is frozen for two years, it’s not a freeze, it’s a cut in real terms, and we’ve had to make do.” Under Byford’s direction the TTC has made steps to addressing its poor reputation for customer service in the last year with the introduction of a host of measures such as hiking cleanliness expectations, hiring managers to oversee stations and debuting service improvements such as station Wi-Fi access to be offered at both Bloor-Yonge and St. George stations starting in December. However, the entire transit system is over capacity and overcrowding exacerbated by frequent service delays continues to characterize the TTC experience. And with the fare hikes, which includes a $5.25 boost to the cost of a monthly

DECEMBER 14: SANTA SPEEDO RUN

This less than three km fun run is a festive opportunity to don red, green and white Speedos while running through the Yorkville neighbourhood. A limited quantity of Speedos will be provided onsite at the start of the race. The run will start and end at Hemmingway’s Restaurant, 142 Cumberland Street at 1:30 p.m. Proceeds raised from this event support the Toys & Games Fund at SickKids. For more information or to register, please visit www.torontosantaspeedorun.com/

For a complete list of all events and to register your own event, visit www.sickkidsfoundation.com/events @sickkids

/sickkidsfoundation

Follow The Mirror’s transit reporter Rahul Gupta on Twitter: @TOinTRANSIT

WIN & GIVE Contest!

WIN A $250 GROCERY GIFT CARD FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

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DECEMBER 10: WINTER DREAMS

This inaugural fundraising event at the Rosehill Venue (Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue East) is a night of winter indulgence surrounded by a rustic and chic ambiance. The evening will consist of a fashion show, a raffle, special performances and dancing. Proceeds will support SickKids. For more information or to buy tickets, please visit http://winterdreams.edzin.com/#nav-header

Holiday

DECEMBER 1 – 31: HOLIDAY GIVING CAMPAIGNS

We wouldn’t be able to bring holiday magic to The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) without the help and support of our community and corporate partners. This year, you can help make SickKids a little brighter for patients and their families by taking advantage of some of our festive shopping opportunities. For more information, please visit http://www.sickkidsfoundation.com/news/newsHolidayGivingGuide.asp

“

adult Metropass, riders will be paying more to use a service next year that is a strong source of daily frustration for many of them. The town hall inside the city council chamber was billed as an opportunity for riders to provide feedback or ask questions of Byford and TTC staff either in person or through social media. Tweets from the event using the hashtag #ttctownhall became a local trending topic on Twitter. A steady line of transit riders stepped up to the microphone, sometimes more than once, to offer their input. Some vented about TTC service, others suggested “free money” ideas such as posting ads all over station walls or ramping up enforcement of smoking and fare-evasion. Many of the criticisms stemmed from riders’ frustration with the worsening of service by streetcars and buses.

... we’re going to be banging the table for sustainable funding.

Trivia Question A 46%

This holiday season enter for your chance to WIN a $250 grocery shopping spree! IN ADDITION to our winner’s prize, a grocery basket worth $250 will be donated to the Daily Bread Food Bank.

Each week, there will be a new trivia question in your newspaper. Visit bit.ly/1cPErrh with your answer for your chance to WIN! Each correctly answered question gets you a ballot in our random draw! Remember to check back each week for your NEW Trivia Question for another chance to WIN!

According to the Daily Bread Food Bank, what percentage of adults have given up food in order to pay rent?

B 12%

No purchase necessary. Contest open to Ontario residents 18 years of age or older. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. One (1) grand prize will be awarded. Approximate retail value of the grand prize is $250. Entrants must correctly answer, unaided, a mathematical skill-testing question to be declared a winner. Contest closes December 15, 2013 at 11:59 pm. To enter and for full contest rules visit bit.ly/1cPErrh

32%

13 | CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 5, 2013

community

Input from the community helped shape The Journey >>>from page 1 Corporation, the company that led the revitalization. “He’s been a basement musician and songwriter for a long time and I got involved because he needed someone to help get his songs out of the basement and ready for an audience,” said The Journey’s musical director Henry Heillig. “The whole show turned out incredibly well, but the nine songs started with him.” While the songs showcase the area’s revitalization in a largely positive light, input from the community helped shape the show as a whole. Spoken word artist Trevlyn Kennedy, one of the show’s narrators, noted she took part to show another side of the revitalization as someone who was displaced when older Toronto Community Housing apartments were being torn down to make way for newer buildings.

“I think it speaks a lot of truth, but one of the things that made me want to get involved was to get the truth of the community out,” she said. “The story was that the revitalization saved Regent Park and things are all fixed now, but as much as we gained some things, there are also things we lost.” Kennedy noted, as isolated as it was from the rest of the city before, Regent Park always had a strong sense of community that has not fully returned even after many of its original residents have moved back. “If you consider your community to be your support system, imagine that being destroyed,” she said. “I see hopes of it being restored, but it’s not back yet.” As a result, the show offered an at-times unflinching look at the community, from its negative reputation to some of the uncertainty felt by

residents. In addition to the musical and spoken word performances, The Journey included video and photo snippets detailing much of the community’s road from its inception through some lean years up to the present. “We even got National Film Board footage of Regent Park in the 1940s,” said The Journey artistic director Anne-Marie Woods. While the production itself was slated to be staged twice – once for donors who support youth programming at Daniels Spectrum and once for Regent Park residents – Heillig hopes it will be revived at some point. “We’ve done all the hard work with staging and working out the details,” he said. “I think it captures a lot of the community.”

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www.insidetoronto.com

Saturday, December 7th 10:30-2:30 1 Glenview Avenue, Toronto

(3 Blocks South of Lawrence, West Side of Yonge St.) Baking, Jams, Crafts, Gifts and Children’s Activities Come and enjoy coffee and a treat, and get some Christmas shopping done!

www.glenviewchurch.ca

Real Estate Misc./Services

Articles for Sale (Misc.)

CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE. NO RISK program. STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Consultation. Call us NOW. We can Help! 1-888-356-5248

HOT TUB (SPA) Covers Best Price, Best Quality. All shapes & Colours Available.

Mortgages/Loans

Home Renovations

$$MONEY$$

BUILDER/ GENERAL CONTRACTORS RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL. Finished basements. Painting. Bathrooms. Ceramic tiles. Flat roofs. Leaking basements. Brick/chimney repairs. House additions 905-764-6667, 416-823-5120

CONSOLIDATE Debts Mortgages to 90% No income, Bad credit OK! Better Option Mortgage #10969 1-800-282-1169 www.mortgageontario.com

C a l l 1-866-652-6837. w w w. t h e c o v e r guy.com/sale

CEILINGS repaired. Spray textures, plaster designs, stucco, drywall, TRUE PSYCHICS For An- paint. We fix them all! swers, CALL NOW 24/7 w w w . m r s t u c c o . c a Toll FREE 416-242-8863 General Help 1-877-342-3032 Mobile: #4486 Waste Removal HELP WANTED - LOCAL www.truepsychics.ca PEOPLE NEEDED!!! Simple & Flexible Online Building Equipment/ PETER’S Work. 100% Genuine Materials DEPENDABLE Opportunity. F/T & P/T. JUNK Internet Needed. Very STEEL BUILDINGS/METREMOVAL Easy... No experience AL BUILDINGS UP TO 60% OFF! 30x40, 40x60, Required. Income is From home or 50x80, 60x100, 80x100 Guaranteed! www. business, sell for balance owed! ezComputerWork.com including Call: 1-800-457-2206 furniture/ www.crownsteel HELP WANTED! Make buildings.ca appliances, $1000 a week Working construction From Home! Genuine waste. Opportunity. NO experiArticles for Sale Quick & careful! ence required. Start im416-677-3818 mediately! www.themailinghub.com Rock Bottom

Apartments & Flats for Rent

Glenview’s Christmas Fair & Advent Festival

RETIREMENT APARTMENTS, ALL INCLUSIVE Meals, transportation, activities daily. Short Leases. Monthly Specials! Call 877-210-4130

Astrology/Psychics

Flooring & Carpeting NESO FLOORING Carpet installation starting from $1.19/ sq.ft. Hardwood, laminate at low prices. 27 yrs experience. Free Estimates. Best Price! 647-400-8198

Appliance Repairs/ Installation Professional Repairs of all brands of: Refrigeration, Stoves, Dishwashers, Washers, Dryers, Air Conditioning, & Heating. Free Estimates. Warranty, Credit cards accepted. Seniors discount. 416-616-0388

Adult Personals LOCAL HOOKUPS BROWSE4FREE 1-888-628-6790 or #7878 Mobile HOT LOCAL CHAT 1-877-290-0553 Mobile: #5015 Find Your Favourite CALL NOW 1-866-732-0070 1-888-544-0199 18+

LTEPD E H WAN Call (416) 798-7284 to plan your advertising campaign.

HOME IMPROVEMENT Directory

HOME RENOVATIONS

ELECTRICAL

Burton Electric Inc. 416 419-1772

Knob and tube replacement LED Lighting Aluminum wire reconditioning Permits and inspections

Pot lights Service upgrades Breakers/Panels FREE ESTIMATES

Master Electrician * License # 7001220 * Insured www.burtonelectric.ca mark.burton@burtonelectric.ca

PAINTING & DECORATING

Rates!

“BUTCHER SUPPLIES, Leather + Craft Supplies and Animal Control Products. Get your Halfords 136 page FREE C A T A L O G . 1-800-353-7864 or Email: order@halfordhide.com. Visit our Web Store: www.halfordsmai lorder.com”

Tree/Stump Service WINTER TREE cutsTrimming, pruning, safe branch removal by Steve the Arborist. Fully insured. 647-656-2311

Handy Person ALL TYPE of wood flooring installation, sanding, refinishing for hardwood floors, tile work. 905-901-4664

Carpet & Upholstery

PLUMBING BaySprings Plumbing Ltd. SERVICING ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS HOLIDAY SPECIAL

25OFF

WITH THIS AD VALID UNTIL DEC. 31, 2013

CARPET UPHOLSTERY steam cleaning any 4 rooms, hallway and stairs $90. Sofa set $60. Extra rooms $20. Free d e o d o r i z i n g . 416-879-4751

10% SENIORS DISCOUNT

416-427-0955 Metro Lic. #P20212 - Fully Insured

FREE ESTIMATES

24/7 No Extra Charges for Evenings, Weekends or Holidays

diversions

Sudoku (moderate)

| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 5, 2013

YOUR Weekly Crossword

last week’s answers

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.

w See answers to this week’s

puzzles in next Thursday’s edition

Driven to exceed your expectations. Ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with the Auto Insurance Claims Experience” by J.D. Power. To get your quote visit an RBC Insurance® Store, call 1-877 ROYAL 4-3 or go online at rbcinsurance.com/exceed In Queen’s Quay Terminal – Lobby Level 416-955-2550 At Bloor St. E & Yonge St. – Lower Concourse 416-974-2760

At Leslie Street & Lakeshore Blvd. E 416-461-3970 At Bay Street & Wellington St. W 416-955-5115

At Wellington St. W. and Simcoe St. 416-955-6286

I HOME I AUTO I LIFE I HEALTH I TRAVEL I BUSINESS I RETIREMENT I

Home and Auto Insurance is underwritten by RBC General Insurance Company.

® / ™ Trademark(s) of Royal Bank of Canada. Used under licence. RBC Insurance ranks highest in the proprietary J.D. Power 2013 Canadian Auto Claims Study SM. Study based on 2,458 total responses, ranking 8 insurance providers. Excludes those with claims only for glass/windshield, theft/stolen, roadside assistance or roadside assistance claims. Proprietary results based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed April-June 2013. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

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UP TO 69% OFF A GOLF AND WINE PACKAGE FOR 2 AT ROCKWAY VINEYARDS

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$39 FOR A 2�MEAL GROCERY BOX FOR 2 PEOPLE, RECIPE E�BOOK AND $10 TOWARDS YOUR NEXT PURCHASE FROM FRESH CANTEEN �AN $80 VALUE�

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 5, 2013 |

Look great all winter long!

5OFF 10OFF

Parkdale

*Before taxes

OR MORE* ON DRY CLEANING

Not valid on same day service, pickup & delivery, leather, suede, laundered items, alterations and household items. Not in conjunction with any other offers. Coupon must be presented with incoming orders. Some restrictions may apply. One coupon per customer per visit. Exp: December 31, 2013

SPOTLESSDRYCLEANERS.COM 75 HANNA AVE (LIBERTY VILLAGE)

Parkdale

OR MORE* ON DRY CLEANING

Not valid on same day service, pickup & delivery, leather, suede, laundered items,alterations and household items. Not in conjunction with any other offers. Coupon must be presented with incoming orders. Some restrictions *Before taxes may apply. One coupon per customer per visit. Exp: December 31, 2013

(416) 534-7575

389 FRONT STREET (FRONT & SPADINA)

(416) 623-0927

We accept gently used clothing to donate to The Good Shepherd We recycle hangers at all of the above locations Specializing in: Uggs, Purses, Area Rugs, Wedding Gowns, Down Pillows, Leather and Suede, Alterations and More!