December 24

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

50% off

zoo admission on Boxing day! offer valid december 26, 2015

thurs dec 24, 2015

inside Be a Santa to a Senior event brings joy to isolated seniors / 3

Meet one of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guards / 7

Plenty of things to do in the city over the holidays / 12

shopping wagjag.com amazing deals on group discounts

shop.ca

shop and earn, every time!

save.ca

coupons-flyers-deals-tips

keep in touch @CCMirror www.facebook.com/ CityCentreMirror

more online

insidetoronto.com

www.citycentremirror.com

®

from The City Centre Mirror

consumer feature

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

2

community

Youth shelter almost ready to move into new home Eva’s Phoenix capital campaign close to $11.2M fundraising target JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com

ShopperS Drug Mart SupportS woMen’S health at St. Michael’S

on Dec. 16, employees from Shoppers Drug Mart located at 10 Dundas St. e., presented a cheque for $51,130 to St. Michael’s hospital. the group of stores collected donations as part of the growing women’s health campaign (formerly tree of life). with the donations from Shoppers Drug Mart, St. Michael’s will purchase a new da Vinci robotic surgical system that will positively impact the health of women undergoing rare surgical procedures to their reproductive systems.

ON NOW AT THE BRICK!

SAVING YOU MORE For more details go instore or online @thebrick.com.

With but a few months to go before it is scheduled to move into its new location on Brant Street, Eva’s Phoenix is looking to the public to help it reach its $11.2 million capital campaign fundraising target.

For years, Eva’s Phoenix has offered shelter, employment training, life skills training and other programming for homeless youth aged 16 to 24 out of a space at King and Strachan. When that land was sold off to developers, the shelter was forced to start looking for a new location, finally settling on the Brant Street site.

Eva’s director of development Alanna Scott said the new site will serve its clients well, with townhomestyle housing with private rooms and shared common spaces.

“It’s right downtown, so it’s convenient for (homeless youth) to get to by transit,” she said. “The building will be able to house up to 50 residents at any one time, and over the course of the year, we’ll probably have more than 100 youth staying there.”

The Eva’s Phoenix Rising capital campaign has already raised some $9.6 million toward its $11.2 million goal, which will allow the space to provide the same vital programs as the former site.

A $5 million grant from the City of Toronto by way of Build Toronto and developer DiamondCorp got the campaign off on the right foot, and donations have been streaming in ever since, though there is still more than $1.5 million to go before the organization reaches its target.

Particularly generous benefactors will even have a chance to be recognized.

In addition to providing housing, the Eva’s Phoenix offers three employment training streams: building maintenance and construction, sales, and the fundamentals of print.

“While we might have 100

people living in our residence over the year, we have about 150 who take our employment training courses,” she said.

The organization also offers harm reduction, counselling and its Family Reconnect Program, which works to bolster ties between at-risk and homeless youth and their families when it is safe to do so.

“

I could have died, 100 per cent, but I didn’t – I was given a second chance.

– Emily Wright

Emily Wright knows full well the benefits Eva’s provides. As a youngster attending private schools and living with a supportive family in Rosedale, she certainly did not fit the stereotypical image that most have of at-risk youth.

However, after enduring years of bullying in school – she switched schools several times during that time – and being raped, she eventually fell in with a dangerous crowd at Rosedale School of the Arts.

RELAPSES That group introduced her to ecstasy and, despite counselling and stints in rehab facilities and 12-step programs, Wright relapsed on more than one occasion.

She finally found herself living on the streets after being kicked out of a sober living facility for breaking its zero-tolerance policy toward drugs, and her parents told her she had to keep clean because they could no longer abide her behaviour.

Life on the streets was harrowing, and Wright began smoking crack and servicing johns for her dealer/ boyfriend.

When he was arrested, she began dealing drugs for a group she knew only as “The boys,” who suggested she give Eva’s a chance.

“I truly believe that deci-

sion helped save my life,” she said. “I could have died, 100 per cent, but I didn’t – I was given a second chance.”

Wright was reluctant to get truly involved in life at Eva’s, preferring to keep to herself. After a short while, however, she began to open up and avail herself of the many services on offer.

‘LIFE SKILLS TRAINING’ “For me, the life skills training was huge – we learned how to plan a meal on a budget, how to save our money, how to handle ourselves with police and how to have a voice,” she said.

“The employment program helped me get a paying job and I learned to save 30 per cent of every paycheque in a bank account they set up for me. And there were tests and workbooks to help us learn what skills we have and what careers to pursue.”

Even after leaving Eva’s in 2005, Wright often called to speak with counsellors there, particularly when she wound up in an abusive relationship and needed someone outside the situation to convince her the treatment she was enduring was not acceptable.

“Even though I wasn’t living there anymore, I still got support every day,” she said.

Now, she is working as an early childhood educator and trying to drum up support for the Eva’s Phoenix Rising campaign.

She hopes her story shows while some homeless youth are fleeing abusive homes or come from positions of poverty, there is no one-sizefits-all definition of what an at-risk youth is.

“It could be anyone’s daughter, sister or brother who winds up on the street,” she said.

“I came from a wealthy family in Rosedale and yes, my own choices played a big part in my becoming homeless, but I still deserved a chance to live.”

For more information on Eva’s and its services, or to donate to the capital campaign, visit www.evas.ca

i

3 | CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 24, 2015

community

Eponine Lee, 8, already a theatre vet JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com At the tender age of eight, downtown Toronto resident Eponine Lee is already a theatre veteran, adding a new starring role to her rapidly growing CV. The young actress is currently starring in Tails from the City, an outdoor play being staged by Common Boots Theatre at Evergreen Brickworks. She plays the lead role of Billie, a young girl who is having a particularly bad Christmas Eve. “Her mommy’s gone and she doesn’t want Christmas to happen,” she said. “Then she sees a family of raccoons and follows them and her night gets better.”

The raccoons are but a few of the wild animals – played by actors in costume – which accompany young Billie on her Christmas Eve journey, which includes a feast and plenty of fun and games.

Tails from the City marks a departure for the young actress given its outdoor location and the fact it isn’t confined to a single stage.

“There’s lots of travelling – we don’t stay long in one place,” she said. “We walk, we run, we play hockey as well.”

It also gave her a chance to enjoy some summer activities while she acts.

Photo/NEIL SILCOX

Eponine Lee, 8, left, is currently starring in Common Boots Theatre’s, 'Tails from the City', alongside Kate Walker and the rest of the Common Boots cast. The play will run until Dec. 30 at the Evergreen Brick Works.

“Riding my bicycle (in the play) is kind of special because you can’t ride your bicycle in the winter,” she said. “That was really fun, because I also get to kick the bicycle and scare the raccoons with the bicycle bell.”

There was one more perk that she pointed out to her role as Billie.

“I get to be a bit bratty as well,” she said.

Tails from the City is the latest in a line of stage productions for Eponine. The precocious young star has already appeared in the Governor General’s Award-winning play Carried Away on the Crest of a Wave at the Tarragon Theatre

and a production of Peter Pan. For the former, she was able to work with her father, Richard Lee on a play penned by her mother, renowned playwright and dramaturge Nina Lee Aquino. Her family’s theatrical roots have certainly helped fuel young Eponine’s passion for the stage.

“I like acting and daddy likes acting as well,” she said.

“My whole family is a theatre family.”

Tails from the City will run through Wednesday, Dec. 30 at Evergreen Brickworks.

i

For more information on the play or to buy tickets, visit www.commonbootstheatre.

ca

Artist Anna Clarey paints cover picture JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com Our cover photo this week is a painting by Toronto artist Anna Clarey.

Titled Harbourfront Ice Rink (painted from a photograph by Tim Fraser), the acrylic painting showcases the downtown rink in all its vivid-hued glory.

While Clarey typically works from photographs she takes herself, she was struck

by Fraser’s shot and immediately wanted to paint it.

“I loved it so much – the way he captured the scene and the way the light reflects off the ice,” she said. “I got in touch with him and told him I was an artist and would love to paint that picture.”

Clarey loved painting up through her teen years, but life and work got in the way of

Anna Clarey painted Harbourfront Ice Rink from a p h o t o g r a p h b y Ti m Fraser.

her pursuing it much further.

About 12 years ago, she was inspired to pick up a brush again after going on an art tour.

“I just started teaching myself – painting flowers, a lot of local scenes and Beach stuff,” she said.

Four or five years ago, her painting changed from a hobby to a full-time vocation. She quit work and began

painting more regularly in her home studio.

“Working, painting and managing family life all at once was too hard,” she said.

“But by focusing more on my painting, just by doing it every day I found my technique really improved.”

Acrylics are her medium of choice, in part because they dry quickly and allow her to work fast and partly because they are safer than oils when she is working from home.

Now, Clarey primarily paints scenes from rural Ontario, making her oeuvre more cohesive and better suited to gallery shows.

Her next scheduled public exhibit will be as part of The Artist Project at Exhibition Place from Feb. 18 to 21.

i

For more information on the artist, visit www.annaclarey. com

Staff photo/JUSTIN SKINNER

Natalia Raducanu, right, presents Mimi Littman with a Christmas present during the 'Be a Santa to a Senior' event held Wednesday at the Rekai Centre.

Be a Santa program brings joy to seniors living in midtown JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com While the holidays are often a time to spend time and exchange gifts with loved ones, for others, this season brings a reminder of just how isolated they are.

For the 10th straight year, Home Instead Senior Care is helping to brighten the lives of those seniors and others in long-term care facilities, nursing homes and supportive housing through its Be a Santa to a Senior program. This year, the organization is planning to donate more than 1,000 gifts to isolated seniors and others in long-term care centres in the midtown area, and tens of thousands more across North America.

“For some people, that’s the only gift they’ll receive

that year,” said Home Instead managing director Bruce Mahony. “We’ve visited some (gift recipients) the next year and the card we gave them is still up because it meant that much to them.”

Be a Santa to a Senior allows gift recipients to ask for one special present that will bring a smile to their faces, and their wishes will be placed alongside ornaments on trees set up in select locations. Donors to the program can custom select which gift they would like to purchase and donate, and volunteers will then collect, wrap and deliver the gifts to the recipients. “(Recipients) ask for a huge variety of things – everything from books of stamps to lottery tickets to DVDs of classic movies, slippers, apparel or blankets,” Mahony said.

Over the past 10 years, Home Instead has donated roughly 1.2 million gifts across all its locations.

Mimi Littman, one of several gift recipients at the Rekai Centre on Wellesley Street East, said getting a present helped many folks in her building feel the holiday spirit.

“For residents who don’t have family or friends nearby, an event like this really helps make them feel loved, appreciated and cared about,” she said. “It’s a special event with music, gifts from our wish list and everyone all together.”

Be a Santa to a Senior will see volunteers working until Christmas to distribute gifts.

i

To contribute to the program, visit www.homeseniorservice.ca

Give a gift to an isolated senior Seniors in North Toronto will get a little holiday cheer thanks to a partnership between Ultramatic and Sprint Senior Care.

Ultramatic is collecting non-perishable gifts to the Ultramatic showroom at 508 Lawrence Ave. W. in

the days leading up to Christmas.

Those gifts will be given to midtown-based Sp r i n t S e n i o r Care, which will then distribute them among isolated seniors

in the area.

Gifts will be collected until Wednesday, Dec. 23.

For more information on the program, visit www.ultramaticsleep.com/help-lonelysenior

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

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 John Willems Clark Kim Warren Elder Cheryl Phillips Anne Beswick Mike Banville

WHO WE SERVE

Publisher General Manager Managing Editor Regional Dir. of Distribution Sales Regional Dir. of Advertising Retail Sales Manager Director of Circulation

The Mirror is a member of the Ontario Press Council. Visit ontpress.com

Proudly serving the communities of Annex • Bay Street Corridor Cabbagetown-South St. James Town Casa Loma • Church-Yonge Corridor Forest Hill North • Forest Hill South Kensington-Chinatown • Lawrence Park South • Mount Pleasant East Mount Pleasant West • Moss Park North St. James Town • Palmerston-Little Italy • Regent Park • Rosedale-Moore Park University • Waterfront CommunitiesThe Island • Yonge-St.Clair • YongeEglinton

Find what’s really important this holiday season

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 press@ insidetoronto.com, or mailed to The City Centre Mirror, 175 Gordon Baker Rd. Toronto, ON, M2H 0A2.

T

oday is Christmas Eve and we’re hoping our readers are able to slow things down a bit and start enjoying some holiday time with family and friends. Though we’re sure there will still be lots of last-minute shoppers rushing around this afternoon and early evening getting the final perfect gifts, and we wish them luck, the holiday season is when residents would do well to step back from the hustle and bustle of their busy daily lives and find some time to focus on what’s really important to them.

Spending time with loved ones, whether they be immediate family or not, is such a valuable thing; and for anyone with children, it is the best gift that can be given.

Those who observe Christmas, either as a religious or secular celebration, and those who don’t, and everyone our view of all faiths or none can certainly use the fact that school is Give the gift closed and statutory holidays of time during are taking place to spread some cheer and just plain have some the holidays fun with those who are closest to them.

For many, that will mean family gatherings over the next few days, while for others it’s the chance to hit the Boxing Day sales or spend an afternoon or evening at the movies.

In Toronto, there’s never a shortage of activities to take part in over the holidays and most of them are very family friendly.

And there’s also no need to spend a lot of money to enjoy yourself with family and friends over the next few days. Lots of events, such as skating at one of the city’s many rinks, are free of charge and a great way to enjoy the season – though this year’s warm and wet weather is taking a bit of an edge off traditional winter activities such as tobogganing and skiing.

The milder temperatures, though, open the door to other outdoor activities such as a walk through one of Toronto’s many parks, ravines or along the waterfront. Also, a visit to the zoo or a petting farm is always a fun family activity at this time of year. On Boxing Day, the Toronto Zoo hosts its annual Treats Walk for the animals.

If you’re looking to find some other fun activities in Toronto over the holidays, you can visit us online at www.insidetoronto.com and click on our events calendar.

column

Tory succeeds in restoring professionalism to Toronto It’s unlikely that 2015 could have been anything other than what was at Toronto City Hall: a lengthy period of detoxification from the awful years leading up to it.

At the beginning of the year that was, Mayor John Tory and Toronto council may have had a lot of very practical tasks ahead of them, but the one that mattered for most of us was maybe the simplest: to restore a sense of professionalism, consideration and, dare we say it, sobriety, to the business of municipal public life.

Those of us whose job it was to report on this place heard it again and again, at parties where a year earlier conversation would shift around to questions about the fascinatingly terrible circus that was the Rob Ford administration. In 2015, all anyone wanted to hear was that the new mayor was as dull, wellmannered and moderate as he appeared on television.

It was a low bar, and with

david nickle the city a few notable exceptions, Tory and Toronto council were able to meet and exceed it.

There was some trouble at the Licensing and Standards Committee, where newcomer Councillor Jim Karygiannis and veteran trouble-maker Giorgio Mammoliti raised a ruckus with about the taxi industry. But generally, city hall business proceeded with shaky caution. There was a bit more trouble with the 2015 budget, when Tory learned that a good relationship with Premier Kathleen Wynne didn’t mean as much as he’d hoped, and city finance staff scrambled to balance the budget in the face of an unexpected download of social housing costs. But it all worked out, at least for now.

There were few serious

battles at council. The Gardiner Expressway’s future was one of those.

The question of whether to tear it down in the east or build a new elevated highway was debated, and the mayor – who wanted that new highway – prevailed narrowly. After, he sat down with opponents to see what could be done to mollify them. It’s ended if not happily, then at least peaceably.

There might have been more trouble had Tory decided to get behind a bid for the Olympics, in the wake of a stint at hosting the Pan Am Games.

Previous mayors might have been tempted by the promise of Olympic gold, and we could tell Tory was thinking about it. But in the end, the steady hand prevailed and we let the bid go.

There was enough sensible and mundane work to be done already, without that distracting excitement.

There might’ve been some fun fighting over the prospects of jets at Billy

Bishop Airport, but that was shut down by the new federal government, who made it clear they had no interest in opening the tripartite agreement on the waterfront, and that a longsimmering debate about jets was now over. There were few tears shed at our post-traumatic city hall.

By the end of this so very peaceful year, everyone was relaxed enough that Tory could drop what otherwise would have been a bomb, and announce he was going to ask council to add a property tax levy for infrastructure. It landed with barely a muffled thud.

Maybe we were all just too distracted, watching Donald Trump climb in the polls to the south of us – and understanding, maybe like nobody else, just how that sort of thing can turn out.

i

David Nickle is Metroland Media Toronto’s city hall reporter. His column runs every Thursday. Reach him on Twitter: @DavidNickle

newsroom ph: 416-493-4400 fax: 416-774-2070 | circulation ph: 416-493-4400 fax: 416-675-3470 | distribution ph: 416-493-4400 fax: 416-675-3066 | display advertising ph: 416-493-4400 fax: 416-774-2067 | classifieds ph: 416-798-7284 | administration ph: 416-493-4400

5

city centre happening in

w Saturday, Dec. 26

ROM for the Holidays WHEN: 10 a.m. WHERE: Royal Ontario Museum, 100 Queen’s Park CONTACT: https://www. rom.on.ca/en/whats-on/rom-forthe-holidays COST: Free with admission Escape to Planet ROM for the holidays and come on a planetary odyssey through the Milky Way and beyond. Bring your space gear along for this epic adventure as cosmic wonder and intergalactic activities fill the museum’s galleries. With close encounters of the hands-on kind including a Mars rover prototype, courtesy of the Canadian Space Agency, a Space Arcade featuring new video games, and a meteorite you can touch, Planet ROM takes you to a galaxy far, far away while keeping your feet firmly planted on Earth.

Cinderella in Muddy York WHEN: 2:30 p.m. WHERE: Tarragon Extra Space, 30 Bridgman Ave. CONTACT: Ann Powell, 416531-1827 COST: Child/student/ senior $20 adult $25 family pack of four tickets History and fun are integrated in this inventive retelling of the classic tale, set in pioneer-era Upper Canada, ingeniously staged with

looking ahead

to specific realms for specific purposes.

w Thursday, Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Skating Party WHEN: 1 p.m. WHERE: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. CONTACT: www.harbourfrontcentre.com COST: Free Sharpen your skates and skills as Toronto’s best outdoor winter party returns to the Natrel Rink. rod marionettes in a traditional puppet theatre that transforms into scenes evoking early Canada.

Ages five to 105.

w Sunday, Dec. 27

Church Street Comedy: Holigay Edition WHEN: 8 to 9:30 p.m. WHERE: Garage, 477 Church St. CONTACT: Adrienne Fish, adriennefish@hotmail.com COST: Free Church Street Comedy, Toronto’s only LGBTQ monthly showcase is back for a special Christmas edition.

w Monday, Dec. 28

LEGO/K’Nex - Build & Play WHEN: 4 to 5 p.m. WHERE: Lillian H. Smith Library, 239 College St. CONTACT: 416-393-7746 to register COST: Free Build & Play with LEGO or K’Nex at the After School Club. This program is for ages six to 12.

HONOUR. REMEMBER.

END ALZHEIMER’S

Re gis ter Today

Join us on Saturday, Jan. 30 to walk for the people in your life affected by dementia.

Make a difference. Walk to end Alzheimer’s.

w Friday, Jan. 1

A Baroque Start to 2016 with The Musicians In Ordinary WHEN: 2 to 4 p.m. WHERE: Heliconian Hall, 35 Hazelton Ave. CONTACT: www.musiciansinordinary.ca COST: $30, $20 students and seniors The Musicians In Ordinary ease you into the New Year with first compositions

by Baroque composers today and tomorrow at 8 p.m.

w Saturday, Jan. 2

Drum Journey Circle WHEN: 7 to 10 p.m. WHERE: The Life Loft, 390 Dupont St., Suite 201 CONTACT: http://soulpurposehealing.weebly.com COST: Suggested donation $15 or pay what you can With intention you can travel

w Wednesday, Jan. 6

Meditation for Persons with Arthritis WHEN: 1 to 3:30 p.m. WHERE: The Arthritis Society, 393 University Ave., Suite 1700 CONTACT: 416-979-7228, ext. 3381 to register COST: Free By attending this two-session program, you will learn to identify and apply basic principles of mindfulness meditation strategies, to help manage the physical and emotional impacts of arthritis.

citycentremirror.com

pets Saying goodbye Blogger helps people deal with a pet’s death

u

bit.ly/1BmMVVm

food Checking out Pukka

w Thursday, Jan. 7

Gemma Bovery WHEN: 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Alliance Francaise, 24 Spadina Rd. CONTACT: www.alliancefrancaise.ca/en/culture/cinema/ cinema-thursday-gemma-bovery COST: Free The movie will be screened in French with English subtitles.

Blogger Joanna Sable reviews an Indian restaurant

u

bit.ly/1QeJhmN

health Frugal fun Friendly Finance blogger offers 5 ways to have fun in Toronto

get listed!

The City Centre Mirror wants your community listings. Sign up online at citycentremirror.com to submit your events (click the Sign Up link in the top right corner of the page).

u

bit.ly/1987bKh

Social Media

www.facebook.com/ CityCentreMirror

@CCMirror

| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 24, 2015

calendar

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

6

transit

2016 the final year of the Metropass Next year will mark the final full year the TTC will sell its monthly Metropasses as the transit commission prepares to switch its fare system to the Presto card.

To commemorate this milestone, the TTC will sell special passes all through next year, each of which promises to be adorned with an iconic city image.

What’s more, all 12 monthly passes can be combined to form one unified image.

The Metropass debuted in 1980 and cost $26 for one month. Now it’s $141.50 – by far the most expensive travel pass of its kind in North America.

rahul gupta TO in TRANSIT streetcars will still operate, but will short turn once they reach the Fleet loop on Fleet Street near Bathurst Street.

Also during the closure, construction is scheduled for the eastbound platform at GO Exhibition station.

The Exhibition loop will re-open as of August.

RIDES ON THE TTC on new year’s eve wFREE

New Year’s Eve is around the corner and free transit rides are in the offing.

From 7 p.m. Dec. 31 until 7 a.m. New Year’s Day, the TTC will be completely free to use. Most routes, including the subway, will have extended hours until almost 4 a.m. You can also park for free at any TTC lot after 3 p.m.

Corby Spirit and Wine, which is sponsoring the New Year’s Eve free service

STREETCAR LOOP CLOSING wEXHIBITION

The Exhibition streetcar loop will be closed for much of next year for construction.

Starting Jan. 3, buses will replace the 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst streetcar service to Exhibition Place. The

until 2019, is also offering up a draw for a free TTC transit pass for a year for those who take the pledge not to drink and drive.

Check out www.corby.ca/ pledge for more information.

ON HOLIDAYS wTOinTRANSIT

Programming note: This is the final TOinTransit column of 2015.

I’m taking a couple of weeks off for a long-awaited vacation, which means the column is on hiatus until I return. Of course, keep on visiting www.insidetoronto. com for the latest transit developments.

On behalf of everyone at Metroland Media Toronto, have a safe and happy holiday. TOinTransit will return the week of Jan. 11. Until then.

Rahul Gupta is Metroland Media Toronto’s transit reporter. His column appears every Thursday. Reach him on Twitter: @TOinTRANSIT

i

Give Back

Contest Winner

Congratulations to GLENN IWASA who won a $250 President’s Choice® Gift Card.

A $250 President’s Choice® Gift Card donation was also made to Daily Bread Food Bank.

Both prizes were generously donated by:

900 Dufferin Street

2187 Bloor Street West

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest

90

UP TO

%

OFF

THE BIGGEST

BOXING DAY

SALE EVER! TOP DOOR

DEC. 26

20 CRASHERS! 6AM DEC. 26TH 6-8AM

Glenn Iwasa

Jamie Mahase, Database & Donor Srv Srv. Coordinator, Daily Bread Food Bank, accepts the donation

A publication of

SATURDAY 6AM! 6-8AM

42” LED TV 60 Hz | 2 HDMI | 1080p SAVE $410

LOW PRICEST EV ES

ER!

BOXING

288

$

#98434

FIRST 50 CUSTOMERS CHAINWIDE

378

$

see our flyer in today’s paper or online at badboy.ca

” LED TV 50 60 Hz | 2 HDMI | 1080p

SALE

DAY

Staff photo/JUSTIN SKINNER

MP Adam Vaughan (Spadina-Fort York), left, Councillor Josh Colle, TTC CEO Andy Byford, provincial transportation minister Steven Del Duca and Metrolinx president and CEO Bruce McCuaig help announce Thursday at Bathurst subway station, that the Presto card will be accepted on all TTC streetcars and subways by year’s end.

Presto on track for subways, streetcars JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com With Presto devices already installed on more than 100 streetcars and more on the way, the TTC is on track to have the electronic readers on all its streetcars by the end of the calendar year.

At an announcement at Bathurst subway station last Thursday, TTC chair Josh Colle, TTC CEO Andy Byford, Metrolinx president and CEO Bruce McCuaig, provincial Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca and Spadina-Fort York MP Adam Vaughan noted the rollout, which will modernize and integrate fare payment across Toronto transit systems, is moving ahead smoothly.

The readers, which will allow riders to enter subways

and subway stations with the tap of a card, are already in place at 26 subway stations, with the remaining stations also expected to be outfitted by the end of 2016. Newer streetcar models are all equipped with the devices, and more and more of the “legacy” fleet of older vehicles are getting readers each day.

Colle noted the new system will streamline matters for the TTC and for riders alike.

“We’re undergoing a dramatic shift in all of our fare policies and how people actually pay,” he said. “If you imagine right now... we collect cash, we store it, we transport it, we have to secure it.

“It’s an inefficient way for us to operate and at the same time far less convenient for our customers, so we think

it’s a significant saving across the board.”

He added the system would make the transit system far more user friendly, allowing passengers to move easily between TTC and GO systems.

The move could come with a shift in pricing policies – already the TTC has proposed eliminating student and senior discounts and charging more for riders travelling during rush hours.

The Presto system will be deployed on buses and WheelTrans vehicles throughout 2016, which would facilitate different payment schemes, including increased peak fares and a system in which riders could be charged based on how far they travel on the system, both of which have been discussed.

3rd

ANNUAL

E SAVATE!

THE

D

R OU HY T C A E G RE TAR KET! R MA

REGISTER ONLINE TODAY!

CAREGIVERSHOW.CA

Friday May 6, 2016 • Hours 10am - 5pm Ontario Science Centre - Toronto

SAVE $620

Sponsor or Exhibitor information, please contact

RONIT WHITE at rwhite@metroland.com or 416-774-2247

FIRST 50 CUSTOMERS CHAINWIDE #98435

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: &

SpOnSOREd BY: &

LEARN. CONNECT. REJUVENATE.

7 | CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 24, 2015

community

Swaran Singh wins Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guard award JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com For more than two decades, a familiar bearded face has greeted students and parents on their way to and from Bedford Park Junior Public School in the mornings and afternoons.

Crossing guard Swaran Singh has manned the intersection of Mount Pleasant Road and Ranleigh Avenue for 23 years, and his years of dedicated service have earned him the title of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guard, which is handed out by safety organization Parachute and FedEx Express Canada.

Singh was nominated by Bedford Park kindergarten teacher Elaine Hargrave and her class, though they did so on behalf of the school’s entire student body.

Hargrave noted the winning crossing guard goes above and beyond in his duties, staying later than required to ensure all students get to school safely.

“He stays there to make sure the kindergarten class get to school safely in all kinds of weather, when he could be heading inside,” she said.

“School starts for most students at

“

All the kids like me and I like them.

– Swaran Singh

8:45, but for kindergarten it’s 9, and he stays for a little bit after that.”

Beyond that, he always offers a smile and a wave, brightening the days of those who pass by his intersection.

“Even in a busy metropolitan city, there’s a bit of a small-town feel having Mr. Singh there for 23 years,” Hargrave said.

Singh’s most notable service as a crossing guard came when a six-year-old girl darted away from her mother and into the path of a driver who had disobeyed a traffic signal.

Acting quickly, he pulled the girl out of the path of the car to safety.

“That is probably my best memory,” he said, adding the key to his longevity is that “all the kids like me and I like them.”

The title of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guard, for which Singh was one of three national winners, came with a maple leaf trophy and a

cheque for $500, plus an additional $500 for Bedford Park.

He had previously won the Toronto police Long Service Award, a citation from St. John’s Ambulance and a Certificate of Merit from the Royal Canadian Humane Association.

Local author and educator Mary Anne Boeckh Macleod even used him – with his permission – as the protagonist in her children’s book Caribou Crossing.

“I was just deeply impressed by how carefully he did his job,” she said. “In the rain, snow, sleet – he’s there every day.”

Alex Kelly of Parachute noted the work crossing guards do is often

overlooked, but that those who do the job well contribute greatly to both the safety of youngsters and the fabric of the community.

She commended Singh for his dedication to the job, which was evident in the nomination package Hargrave sent in, which featured messages from students throughout the school.

“If there were more people like Mr. Singh, the world would be a safer and happier place,” she said.

Following an award ceremony at the school last Wednesday, Singh said he was “very happy – it’s a very nice award” before heading out to man the intersection of Mount Pleasant and Ranleigh.

Photo/COURTESY

Swaran Singh recived his award as one of Canada’s Favourite Crossing Guards during a ceremony held Wednesday at Bedford Park.

We are unable to offer the CHI limited edition professional ceramic hair styling iron at $99, select CHI professional shampoo and conditioner at $24.99 and BLOWPRO titanium blow dryer with blowout travel kit at $99 in store and online as advertised in our BOXING DAY flyer (Friday, December 25 to Thursday, December 31), page 10.

We apologize for any inconvenience this error may cause.

The Unlimited Everything Plan

CARRIERS

• Unlimited Data • Unlimited calls to Canada and the USA

WANTED REWARD! EXTRA MONEY

MEET NEIGHBOURS

TIME AND

MONEY MANAGEMENT

AMAZING TEACHES EVENTS RESPONSIBILITY PRIZES

GREAT CARRIER

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

416-774-2284

• Unlimited Global Text • Voicemail+ • Low International calling rates starting at 1¢/min • Reduced roaming rates in over 50 countries • Call Control features (Caller ID, Conference Calling, Call Forward, and Call Waiting)

$39

/mo

Offer ends soon

$0

on WINDtab™

Visit a store below for details and exclusive giveaways Eglinton & Bathurst: 862 Eglinton Ave. West, Toronto, ON, M6C 2B6 Pickle Barrel Plaza: 5887 Leslie St. North York, M2H 3R9 Skymark Plaza: 3555 Don-Mills Rd. - Unit 12, North York, M2H 3N3 Learn more at windmobile.ca. Offer is valid as of December 11, 2015 and is subject to change or cancellation without notice. All unlimited plan features in Canada are from anywhere on our network, otherwise long distance and roaming rates apply. Eligible devices may be activated for $0 phones with WINDTab. WINDTab terms and conditions apply. All services subject to WIND’s Terms of Service, Fair Usage Policy and Internet Traffic Management Policy and are for personal use by an individual. Applicable taxes extra. Additional terms and conditions apply. Samsung and Samsung Galaxy Grand Prime are trademarks of Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and/or its related entities used with permission. Screen images simulated. WIND, WIND MOBILE and TRUE MOBILE FREEDOM are trademarks of Wind Telecomunicazioni S.p.A and are used under licence in Canada by WIND Mobile Corp. © 2015 WIND Mobile

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

8

Frank Leo

Guaranteed oPULent KInGSway ReSIdenCe

Backing Onto Humber River, Premium 350 Ft. Lot, Landscaped Resort Like Oasis, Inground Pool, Cabana, Patio, Amazing Views, Stately Renovated 5 Bedroom 2 Storey, 6 Bathrooms, Exudes Charm, Character & Luxury.

Crown Mouldings, Heated Floors, Formal Dining Room, Gourmet Kitchen, Finished Bsmt, Nanny Suite, Master Bedroom Retreat, Walkout to Spectacular Balcony, Elegance Personified, Steps to Amenities & Subway! $3,390,000!

FaBULoUS LoCatIon!!

Luxury Custom-Built Home Located On Quiet Cul-DeSac! Stunning 4 Bed, 5 Bath Open Concept Layout W/ Features That Include High Ceilings Throughout, Superior Finishes, Amazing Gourmet Kitchen W/ Viking Appliances, Natural Stone Flooring, Large Master Bedroom W/ Spa-Like Ensuite, Finished Basement W/ Heated Flooring & Walkout, And Much More. No Expense Spared! Only $2,188,000!

eR anoth d L o S

eR anoth d L So

RIChmond hILL maSteRPIeCe

Broker Sponsor of

Children’s Miracle Network & Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation

Brand New Custom Home, Spectacular Brick & Stone, 4+1 Bedroom, 2 Storey, Situated on Premium 50 x 150 Ft. Lot on End of Cul-deSac, Premium Finishes, Quality Materials, Fantastic Layout, Over 5,600 Sq. Ft. of Living Space, Formal Dining Rm, Crown Mouldings, Coffered Ceilings, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Gourmet Kitchen, Quartz Counter, S/S Appliances, Bright Sunlit, Skylight, Master Bdrm Retreat, Professionally Finished Bsmt, Plus Much More!

SoLd FoR toP doLLaR!

CooKSvILLe eState!!

Spectacular Stone Mansion Nestled On Sprawling Gated Lot!! Absolutely One-Of-A-Kind, Approximately 5000 sqft, This Grand 5 Bedroom Family Home Sits On Approximately ¾ Acres And Is Surrounded By Mature Trees. 221 ft Frontage Makes This Property Ideal For Potential Future Development With Many New MultiMillion Dollar Homes Already Built In The Area. Very Rare Opportunity – Must Be Seen! $2,100,000!!

hIGh PaRK dUPLeX

Prime Location, Gorgeous Victorian 3+1 Bedroom 3 Storey, Separate Entrances, 2 Hydro Meters, 2 Sundecks, Balcony, Thousands in Upgrades and Updates, Private Drive, Fabulous Opportunity, Close to All Amenities! $1,085,000!

LUXURy PaLaCe PIeR

Waterfront Location, Totally Redesigned & Professionally Renovated 3 Bedroom, 3,200 Sq. Ft. Suite with Lavish Finishes, Over 350K Spent, No Expense Spared, Top of the Line Appliances, Crown Mouldings, Custom Cabinetry, Gourmet Kitchen, Divine Bathrooms... the list goes on. A Spectacular Lifestyle awaits you. Call for a Confidential Viewing Today!

SoLd FoR toP doLLaR!

eR anoth SoLd

Stone & BRICK eXeCUtIve 2 StoRey!!

hIGh PaRK detaChed

#1 in West and Central Toronto combined by units of listings sold for all Companies of all Brokers & Sales Representatives 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 according to a study of MLS data prepared by an independent auditor of real estate statistics.

Absolutely Gorgeous Totally Renovated 4+1 Bedroom.

Fabulous Open Concept Layout, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Huge Custom Kitchen With Quartz Counter, Centre Island, Stainless Steel Appliances, and Walkout To Deck. Master Bdrm With Full Ensuite & Walk-In Closet, Separate Side Entrance To Finished Basement In-Law Suite. Double Garage, Professionally Landscaped Lot, Large Veranda In Fantastic Location For Only $999,900!!

Simply Spectacular Renovated Home, Huge Family Room Addition, 3+1 Bdrm, Gourmet Kitchen, Skylights, Formal Dining Rm, Incredible Professionally Finished Basement Ideal for Entertaining, Theatre, Stage, Wet Bar or In-Law Suite, Detached 8 Car Garage, Ideal for Contractor, Warehouse For Home Based Business, Access to Walking Trails, Close to Hwy and Amenities! Must be seen! Only $999,900!

Gorgeous Original Wood, Filled With Character + Charm, 4+1 Bdrms, Large Living Room, Hardwood Floor, Highwood Baseboards +Trim, Solid Doors, Formal Dining Room, Separate Side Entrance, Spacious Backyard, Rare Private Drive, Garage, Amazing Value + Location, High Demand Neighbourhood!

SoLd In 1 wK FoR 112% oF aSKInG

eR anoth d L So

eR anoth d SoL

eR anoth d SoL

eR anoth d SoL

PRIme noRth yoRK LoCatIon

Gorgeous Stunning Renovated 4+1 Backsplit, Modern Kitchen, S/S Appliances, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Crown Mouldings, Open Concept Living Room, Huge Family Room, Separate Side Entrance to Finished Basement Ideal for Entertaining or In-Law Suite, Thousands Spent, Beautiful Professionally Landscaped Garden, Double Garage!

SoLd FaSt FoR toP doLLaR!

eR anoth d SoL

SoUGht aFteR StReetSvILLe

Power of Sale, Approx. 3,000 Sq Ft Plus Finished Bsmt, 4+1 Bedroom 2 Storey, Spacious Principle Rooms, Main Flr Family Room, Premium Lot, Inground Pool, Demand Neighbourhood, Amazing Value!

SoLd FoR toP doLLaR

eR anoth SoLd

CaBBaGetown LandmaRK

Totally Renovated Detached Toronto Home. Bright & Sunlit Architectural Masterpiece will Amaze You! 2 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Tempered Glass, 3 Balconies, Granite Floor, Custom Kitchen with B/I Appliances, Spacious & Open Concept with Approx. 1,000 Sq. Ft. of Living Space!, Sauna, Finished Basement, Beautiful Deck + Garden, One of a Kind! Simply Must be Seen! Only $699,900!

JUnCtIon dUPLeX!!

Amazing Detached 2 Storey Located In The Junction Triangle!! Very Well Maintained 3+1 Bedroom, Great Curb Appeal, Perfect Turnkey Investment Property, Can Easily Be Converted Back To A Large Single Family Home. Many Recent Updates. 2-Car Garage With B/I Storage. Finished Basement W/ Separate Entrance.

Private Backyard! Incredible Opportunity – Won’t Last!!

SoLd FoR toP doLLaR!

eR anoth SoLd

RIveR oaKS oaKvILLe

Fabulous Opportunity, Detached 3 Bedroom 2 Storey, Quality Built, Large Foyer, Oak Staircase, Large Kitchen, Ceramic Floor, Open Concept Living Room, Formal Dining Room, Walkout to Huge Deck, Large Yard, Master Bedroom, Walk In Closet, 4 Pce Ensuite, Garage, Private Drive, High Demand Neighbourhood!

SoLd FaSt FoR 100% oF aSKInG

veLLoRe vILLaGe 4+1 BdRm!!

Gorgeous 2-Storey Semi Detached With Walkout Bsmt Linked Only By Garage! Open Concept Living+Dining Rms, Spacious Eat-In Kitchen, Master Bedrm W/Full Ensuite & W/I Closet, Finished Basement With Spacious Rec Rm, Office, Kitchen & Bedrm, potential in-law suite. Landscaped Lot, Deck, Private Drive, Fabulous Neighbourhood, Steps To All Amenities! Incredible Value.

SoLd FaSt FoR 113% oF aSKInG!

RanCh BUnGaLow on 2.88 aCRe Lot

veLLoRe vILLaGe SUPeR vaLUe!

Spacious 4+1 Bdrm 2 Storey Masterpiece With Premium Finishes.

Exceptional Craftsmanship, Open Concept Layout, Crown Molding ,Pot lights, Hardwood Floors, Gourmet Kitchen, Granite Counter Tops, Marble Floor, S/S Appliances, Master Bdrm Retreat, Luxurious Ensuite, W/I Closet, Prof Finished Basement, Ideal For Entertaining Or Nanny Suite. Close to all amenities, Steps to Vaughan Mills, Transit, Go, School, Future Subway & Hospital. Simply Must be seen! Amazing Value!

SoLd FoR toP doLLaR!

PRIme aLdeRwood oPPoRtUnIty

Amazing Opportunity to Live/Work In Alderwood!

Modern & Well Maintained Corner Store-Front Complete W/ Two Large Self Contained 2 Bed/2 Bath Apartment Units. Retail Area Features Large Foyer/Reception, Huge Open Workspace, Separate Office, 2 Washrooms, Recently Finished Basement & Rear Entrance. Great Location Close To Hwys & Transit. Won’t Last Long!!!

SoLd FoR toP doLLaR!

eR anoth SoLd

noRSeman BUnGaLow

Solid 3 Bdrm Home on a Large Premium Lot with Approx. 50 Foot Frontage, Home in Original Condition, Huge Potential to Renovate/Rebuild, Great for Renovators/Contractors or Developers, Rare Lot in Prime Norseman Area! Super Value!

SoLd In 1 wK FoR 117% oF aSKInG

QUIet CoURt LoCatIon Detached 4+1 Bedroom 2 Storey, Renovated Kitchen, Huge Family Rm, Fireplace, Open Concept Living & Dining Rm, Gleaming Hardwood Floor, Finished Basement Ideal for Entertaining, Double Garage, Walkout to Fenced Backyard, 2 Tier Deck, Fabulous Family Neighbourhood! $675,000!

free professional buyer service:

WeST reALTY INC., Brokerage Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

• Find out about the newest homes on the market that meet your needs • Get more informed about the specific areas and how to get the best price • Find out how to get the best mortgage rates and saving programs, plus much more - Call today!!

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!

• In Depth Neighbourhood Report for each Property We Sell

FREE Confidential Home Evaluations. eR anoth d L So

eR anoth d SoL

CentRaL etoBICoKe oPPoRtUnIty!!

Detached Bungalow on Large 40x133ft fully fenced lot. Needs some TLC, Huge Potential for Renovators, Contractors or Investors. Updated Windows& Doors, Furnace & A/C, Electrical Panel. Huge Basement, 6 Car Parking, Super Value.

SoLd In 1 wK FoR 113% oF aSKInG!

detaChed BUnGaLow

Immaculately Maintained, 3+1 Bedrooms, Open Concept Living Rm, Formal Dining, Updated Family Size Kitchen, Separate Side Entrance to Finished Bsmt Ideal for In-Law Suite, Huge Rec Room, 2nd Kitchen Situated on Spacious Lot, Garage, Private Drive.

SoLd FaSt FoR 104% oF aSKInG!

R

e anoth d L So

BRamPton RanCh BUnGaLow

Stunning Home with Double Car Garage on a Large Lot Backing onto Park Near Bramalea City Centre, Renovated Top to Bottom including Brand New Kitchen and Main Bath, Professionally Finished Bsmt, New 24 x 12 Deck, Fabulous 32 x 16 Salt Water Heated Pool, Updated Roof/Windows/Furnace, Parks 8 Cars, Stunning Curb Appeal! Close to 410/Transit!

SoLd In 1 wK FoR 108% oF aSKInG

R

hUGe BUILdInG Lot

GeoRGetown oPPoRtUnIty!!

Wonderful Family Neighborhood! Directly Across From Park. Detached 3 Bdrm Fernbrook Home On 54 x 120 Lot. Open Concept Living/Dining Room With Dark Laminate Flrs. Updated Kitchen with Walkout To Fully Fenced Backyard. Private Double Drive, Walking Distance To Schools/Shopping, Amazing Opportunity To Own! Must Be Seen! Only $485,900!!

e anoth SoLd

RemInGton BUILt

Fabulous Freehold 3 Bedroom in Credit Valley Neighbourhood, Large Foyer, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Open Concept Living & Dining Room, Granite Countertop, Stainless Steel Appliances in Family Size Kitchen, Walkout to Spacious Yard, 4 Bathrooms, Finished Basement, Simply Must be Seen!

SoLd In 1 wK FoR 100% oF aSKInG

eR anoth SoLd

mISSISSaUGa BUnGaLow!!

oCean CLUB CondomInIUmS

Spacious & Well Maintained 3+1 Bedroom SemiDetached Raised Bungalow!! Perfect For First Time Home Buyers And Large Families. Plenty Of Living Space, Separate Entrance To Finished Basement In-Law Suite, Large Backyard And Ample Parking.

Close To Schools, Shopping & Transit. Amazing Value, Only $399,900!!

Brand New Luxurious Waterfront Resort Style Living, Fabulous 1+1 Bedroom Suite Loaded with Upgrades, Hardwood Floor, Built-in Appliances, Mirror Closet, Granite + Quartz Countertops, Large Balcony, Clear Gorgeous Views of Lake + Toronto Skyline, Amazing Value & Opportunity, Must Be Seen! Only $369,900!

amazInG oPPoRtUnIty!!

amazInG vaLUe In weSton!!

Bright And Charming 2-Storey Stacked Townhouse!! Very Well Maintained 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Perfect For First Time Buyers And Investors. Many Recent Updates. Includes Parking And Locker. Close To Transit. Shows Amazing And Priced To Sell, Only $249,900!

Beautiful & Very Spacious 2-Story, 3 Bedrm Condo In The ‘Heart Of Mississauga’!! This Amazing Layout Is The Largest In The Building Featuring Approximately 1,750 S/F Of Living Space Plus 3 Separate Balconies! Panoramic Views Of The Lake And Downtown T.O.! Very Well Maintained – Newly Painted, Recently Refinished Floors, In ‘Move-In’ Condition. Large Bedrooms (2 Ensuites) And Living Room W/ Real Wood-Burning Fireplace.

Perfect For First Time Buyers or Downsizers Looking For Amazing Location and Space -- Don’t Miss Out!! $249,900!

LUXURy wateRFRont Condo!!

Spacious open concept suite with 10ft ceilings, modern kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances, Elegant Laminate Floors, Floor to ceiling Windows, Walkout to Gorgeous 370sqft Terrace with Views of Lake and Park. Fabulous Amenities and Steps to Transit, Must Be Seen Only $549,900!!

R

e anoth SoLd

50 x 116 Ft Lot Near Port Credit, Current 3+2 Bdrm Bungalow with Basement Apt, Needs Some TLC. Comes with Huge 2.5 Car Detached Garage Built in 2012 with Furnace, Hydro and Washroom. Long Private Double Drive, Perfect for Builders or Renovators! Steps to Lake, Park and All Conveniences. Only $549,000!

hUGe PRemIUm PIe ShaPed Lot

Detached 3+1 Bedroom 2 Storey, Simply Fantastic Lot Professionally Landscaped Pattern Concrete Patio, Walkway & Driveway, Professionally Landscaped Garden, Custom Large Shed, Open Concept Living Room, Hardwood Floor, Family Size Kitchen, Walkout to Patio, Professionally Finished Bsmt, Close to Amenities! Only $549,900!

one PaRK toweR

Luxury Daniels Built almost 1,000 Sq Ft! Stunning 2+1 Split Bedroom Layout, Granite Countertop, Stainless Steele Appliances, Gorgeous Floors, Open Concept Living & Dining Room, Walkout to Balcony, Master Bedroom, Walk-in Closet + Ensuite, 24 Hr Concierge, Amazing Amenities!

SoLd FoR toP doLLaR!

$119,900 - 3 BEDROOM CONDO!!

Large Corner Suite Complete With 2 Bathrooms & 2 Parking Spots! Located On A Quiet Street Surrounded By Green Space, Many Upgrades Including Renovated Kitchen, Renovated Main Bath And 3 Piece Master Ensuite. In-Suite Laundry/ Storage, Spacious Master Bedroom, Living & Dining Rooms. Priced To Sell -- Must Be Seen!!

ISLInGton/ QUeenSway Prime Etobicoke Location, Quiet Executive Townhome, 3 Bedrooms, Huge Living/Family Room, Formal Dining, Needs TLC, Amazing Value + Opportunity!

SoLd In 1 wK FoR 103% oF aSKInG!

eXeCUtIve home

Rarely Available in Demand Complex Near Etobicoke Creek, Renovated Modern Kitchen, Formal Dining Room, Spacious Open Concept Living Room, Walk Out to Large Deck Overlooking Tranquil Greenspace, Professionally Finished Basement, Wet Bar & Rec Room Ideal for Entertaining, Master Bedroom Retreat, High Demand Location! Only $479,900!

eR anoth SoLd

Renovated 2 StoRey townhome!!

Beautiful & spacious 3 bedroom plus den on ground floor. 3 baths, Private gated patio.

Great location close to TTC, shopping, hwys, parks, schools. Excellent amenities. Shows very well. Must be seen.

SoLd FaSt FoR toP doLLaR!

LUXURy Condo aCRoSS FRom LaKe

Stunning 1 Bdrm Unit Across from Humber Bay Park in South Etobicoke, Wide Layout with Unobstructed West View, Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Counters, Upgraded Cabinets and S/S Appliances,Two Walkouts to Huge Balcony, Large Master, 9 Foot Ceilings, World Class Amenities, 10 Min to Downtown, TTC at Door, Parking and Locker Included! Only $269,900!

Time goes by so quickly, yet another year has passed. This season may you be blessed with good health and a chance to appreciate all the positives in your life while surrounded by family and friends. Warmest Thoughts and Best Wishes for the Holiday Season & A Wonderful New Year.

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

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, December 24, 2015

Home SellinG SyStem

9

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

community

Family fun

DELICIOUS EVENT: Clockwise from left, Marlene Faulkner, left, shows Aven Courville how a spectroscope toy works during a family fun event, held upstairs in the St. Lawrence Market Saturday. Harry and Ellie Engelstad build cupcakes as does Mary Catherine Anderson.

Staff photos/BENJAMIN PRIEBE

‘‘

‘‘

10

Our customers are important to us! With Metroland flyers they know what we are offering each week to take advantage of our great prices

FLYERS DRAW IN FAMILIAR FACES EVERY WEEK

Since Fresh Value Supermarket opened their doors in 2006, they’ve been keeping the community informed of their weekly specials on fresh produce, fish and meat by sending out flyers with Metroland. The Asian supermarket relies on Metroland to provide advice on areas to focus on and dependable service.

“Metroland makes sure my flyer is delivered to our customers every week, which is very important to us and helps our business grow,” says store manager, Tim Chen.

80

%

WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY

OFF

King Size regular $2500

ON SALE for

$249 80% OFF

LIMITED QUANTITY. ONE PER CUSTOMER.

Available in Queen Size, Double and Single Size!

LA MATRESS 750 Warden Avenue, Unit #2, Scarborough

ON M1L 4A1 • Tel: (416) 752-7500 * All overstock, Floor Models or Factory defects.

Hours of Operation: Monday- Friday 11am-8pm, Saturday & Sunday 11am-5pm © Johnson & Johnson Inc. 2015 To be sure this product is right for you, always read and follow the label.

www.insidebrockville.com

OFF THE PURCHASE OF MOTRIMAX™ 12 HOUR PRODUCTS

04396420

TO THE DEALER/RETAILER: McNeil Consumer Healthcare, division of Johnson & Johnson Inc. (McNeil) will reimburse you for the coupon’s face value plus our specified handling fee provided your customer redeems it at the time of purchase of any item(s) specified. Limit one coupon per purchase and per person, and may not be combined with any other offer.

Other applications may constitute fraud. In Quebec, do not redeem this coupon for your customer. McNeil, in its sole discretion, may refuse reimbursement where it suspects fraudulent redemption has occurred or where applications for reimbursement are received more than one month from the expiry date indicated on the coupon. Failure to send in, on request, evidence that sufficient stock was purchased in the previous 90 days to cover coupons will void coupons. Coupons submitted become McNeil property. Reproduction of this coupon is expressly prohibited. For redemption, mail to: McNeil Consumer Healthcare, division of Johnson & Johnson Inc., P.O. Box 3000, Saint John, N.B. E2L 4L3.

NOT VALID FOR REDEMPTION IN ANY STORE OR PHARMACY IN QUEBEC. TO THE CUSTOMER/CONSUMER: Provincial Law may require the retailer to charge the applicable tax on the full value of the purchase(s) before the redemption in coupon value. GST, HST, QST and PST are included in face value, where applicable. Coupon is void if reproduced or altered from original. Any other use constitutes fraud. Limit one coupon per purchase and per person, and may not be combined with any other offer. No facsimiles. Offer valid only at participating retailers in Canada excluding Quebec. Available while quantities last. COUPON EXPIRY DATE: December 31, 2015 © Johnson & Johnson Inc. 2015

| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 24, 2015

Local Events Find Fin

SEALy FActOry LiQuiDAtiON cENtrE Annual Sale

11

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

12

���������

Lots to do in Toronto over the holidays The holiday season is here, and in a city the size of Toronto that means there’s plenty to see and do.

Throughout December, the city is promoting a variety of options from visiting historical sites to going for a skate.

Here’s a rundown: GARDENS & CENTENNIAL PARK ◗ALLAN

Check out what’s blooming during daily Christmas Flower Shows taking place at two of the city’s conservatories. The shows take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Allan Gardens and Centennial Park. There’s no admission, but a donation to the Daily Bread Food Bank is suggested. It is open until Sunday, Jan. 10.

Visit www.toronto.ca/conservatories SEE THE ANIMALS AT HIGH PARK ZOO Llamas, peacocks, even yaks

◗

are part of the collection of animals located within High Park. The zoo is open 365 days a year starting at 7 a.m. and it’s free. Visit www.toronto.ca/ parks/zoo to find out more.

PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE ◗FLEMINGDON

Playground Paradise within the centre, at 150 Grenoble Dr., is running a drop-in holiday schedule for families with kids 12 years old and under.

There’s plenty of activities for the little ones from swings to a spiral slide and a ball pit with thousands of colourful balls.

You can drop in anytime until Sunday, Jan. 3 and it costs $2.50 per child for two hours. Closed on Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

gathering spots by plotting out a walking route on your smartphone. The site also suggests special offers from well known bars and eateries such as the Irish Embassy.

Available at www.discoverywalks.ca HAVE FUN AT THE RIVERDALE FARM Featuring ducks, goats, sheep and other barnyard creatures in the heart of Cabbagetown, the 7.5 acre farm is open year round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit www.toronto.ca/ parks/featured-parks or call 416-392-6794

◗

DISCOVERY WALKS ◗DOWNTOWN NINE OF THE CITY’S HISTORIC SITES ◗VISIT Want to know more about the city and get some exercise?

Discovery Walks highlights notable downtown parks, historic sites and popular

Nine of the city’s historic destinations, including Fort York, Gibson House, Colborne Lodge, Mackenzie House and

SANTA PAWS

Market Gallery are offering special programmes for the holidays. Holiday rates are in effect. The locations will be closed Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1. For more information, visit www.toronto.ca/holidays OF SKATING AND SWIMMING ◗PLENTY

Both city-operated rinks and swimming pools will be open during the holidays. You can find out when the pools are open by checking out www. toronto.ca/swim For skating, there are indoor and outdoor options, but keep in mind some rinks are unsupervised. Indoor rinks are all closed on Christmas Day. For a full list of locations, visit www.toronto.ca/skate YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS ◗NEW

Join the festivities at Nathan Phillips Square Dec. 31, featuring fireworks, music and performances, and of course the countdown to midnight.

Visit www.toronto.ca/newyearseve for details.

Staff photo/BENJAMIN PRIEBE

SMILE: Ruby sits for a photo with Santa Claus during a charity event at the Purina PawsWay, which raises money for the Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides program Sunday.

Design, print, and distribute direct mail starting at just 12¢ per piece.

Design

Print

Distribute

Create Your Flyer

Select Distribution Area

Customize a free template, upload your own flyer design or create a flyer from scratch.

Select desired quantity, pick delivery dates, and place your order.

in partnership with:

13

Young activist gives meals to those in shelters, on the street Hannah Alper partners with Donnie Blais of Rancho Relaxo to distribute hot meals JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com With a loaded food truck and a small team of volunteers, 12-year-old Hannah Alper spent Monday brightening the lives of hundreds of Toronto’s most vulnerable.

The young activist and blogger (www.callmehannah. ca) teamed up with Toronto restaurateur Donnie Blais of Rancho Relaxo to help raise awareness around the issue of hunger in the city, while making a small dent in the problem herself.

Hannah rode around the downtown core with her father and a team from Rancho Relaxo in the Rancho Relaxo To Go food truck, distributing free hot meals to people in shelters, missions and on the street. At lunch, the team stopped in Liberty Village and offered pay-what-you-can

burritos, tacos and quesadillas, with all proceeds going to the Daily Bread Food Bank.

“I learned about the problems people face – there are 10,000 youth who are homeless throughout the year and 2,000 who are homeless on any given night, and those are big, overwhelming statistics,” Hannah said. “My family and I had the idea we could do something to get the word out about the issue and feed some people.”

While Hannah acknowledged the food donations alone would serve as little more than a temporary BandAid for those who often go hungry, she noted handing out the free meals “will definitely make someone’s day happier.”

More importantly, Hannah said she hoped her initiative, which she promoted on social media using the hashtag

#FeedTO, would serve to show that anyone can make a difference in the lives of others provided they have the will and the means to do so.

“My motto is: the little things add up to make a big difference,” she said. “I’m hoping to inspire others to realize they can do something like this so easily – when you go buy yourself a lunch, buy an extra one for someone who needs it.”

Hannah’s father, Eric Alper, said he hopes the day-long food initiative will serve as an example to others.

“Even if it’s just a handful of people who get inspired to do something and pass it on, it will be a success,” he said.

“There are big problems out there, but people don’t have to solve big problems to make a difference.”

Rancho Relaxo owner Donnie Blais, who has owned the restaurant near College and Spadina for 17 years, said he was happy to have a chance to give back to the community.

When the Alpers approached

Staff photo/JUSTIN SKINNER

Yurgo Alexopoulos, left, Hannah Alper, 12, Donnie Blais and Angela Blais from Rancho Relaxo hand out meals to those in need on Monday in the Liberty Village district.

him with their idea, he jumped at the chance.

“The community’s been good to us, and this is a chance to give back something good,” he said.

Given the happiness the Rancho team and the Alpers

brought to hundreds of people Monday, Blais said he is more than willing to do it again.

“It doesn’t have to be Christmas – this is the kind of thing we’d be happy to do every year, or a couple of times a year,” he said.

Hannah said she also hopes to reprise the food truck giveaway idea in future years.

“I definitely want to keep this going,” she said. “It’s a fun thing to do and if it helps other people, it’s so much more special.”

What are you

crowdfunding for? fuellocal.com is an online platform to raise money through crowdfunding: an opportunity for a collection of individuals to make donations in support of a cause.

Create your fundraising campaign or help fund local initiatives at fuellocal.com

Start your campaign now!

.com

| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 24, 2015

community

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

14

Classifieds

Home Improvement Directory

LocalWork.ca

Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm • 905-853-2527 • Toll Free 1-800-743-3353 • Fax 905-853-1765 For delivery questions, please contact 416-493-2284

Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm • 905-853-2527 • Toll Free 1-800-743-3353 • Fax 905-853-1765 For delivery questions, please contact 416-493-2284

electrical $20+ PER HOUR Burton Electric Inc. 55 •POSITIONS Account Manager 416 419-1772

• Senior Sales Reps • Field Manager •Labour • Sales Call today 416-840-7717 Ontariojobs2015@gmail.com

Classifieds

Gottarent.com

Business Services

Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm • 905-853-2527 Toll Free 1-800-743-3353 • Fax 905-853-1765 For delivery questions, please contact 416-493-2284

Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm • 905-853-2527 Toll Free 1-800-743-3353 • Fax 905-853-1765 For delivery questions, please contact 416-493-2284

Travel & Vacations

Travel & Vacations

REAL ESTATE. NW Montana.

Tungstenholdings.com 406-293-3714 Real Estate Misc./Services

Real Estate Misc./Services

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

Mortgages/Loans

Mortgages/Loans

MONEY

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

Mortgages & Loans

4 Knob and tube replacement 4 Service upgrades 4 Aluminum wire reconditioning 4 Breakers/Panels 4 Electrical Home Inspections 4 Pot Lights 4 FREE ESTIMATES Master Electrician * License # 7001220 * Insured www.burtonelectric.ca mark.burton@burtonelectric.ca

Plumbing

RAY PLUMBING Service Repair/ replacement, faucets, sinks, toilets, drains, main valve, leaky pipes, drain cleaning. Licensed and insured.

24/7. 416-876-6679

$500 loans and more No credit checks 1-877-776-1660 Apply at moneyprovider.com

Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking

Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking

$100-$10,000 Cash 4 Cars Dead or alive Same day Fast FREE Towing 416-831-7399

Flooring & Carpeting

MAINLY FLOORS Carpet, hardwood, tile from $1.79/sq.ft. installed. Free estimate in GTA. Holiday special! Call 416-873-8043 www.megafloors.net

waste removal

BaySprings Plumbing Small Job Specialists

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

35OFF

$

WITH THIS AD

EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2015

10% SENIORS DISCOUNT

416-427-0955 Metro Lic. #P24654 - Fully Insured

FREE ESTIMATES

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

Appliance Repairs/ Installation

Plumbing

Flooring & Carpeting

plumbing

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

Waste Removal

Waste Removal

PETER’S DEPENDABLE JUNK REMOVAL

NESO FLOORING

From home or business, including furniture/ appliances, construction waste.

647-400-8198

416-677-3818 Rock Bottom Rates!

Carpet installation starting from $1.19/ sq.ft. Hardwood, laminate at low prices.

27 yrs experience. Free Estimates. Best Price!

Legal Services

Legal Services

CRIMINAL RECORD? Canadian Record Suspension (Criminal pardon) seals record. American waiver allows legal entry. Why risk employment, business, travel, licensing, deportation, peace of mind?

Free consultation: 1-800-347-2540

waste removal

ALWAYS CHEAPEST!

All Garbage Removal!

Home/ Business.

Fast Sameday!

Free Estimates!

Seniors Discounts.

We do all Loading & Clean-ups!

Lowest Prices.

Call John: 416-457-2154 Seven days

Home Renovations

Home Renovations

BUILDER/ GENERAL Contractors LIC# T85-4420956 Residential/ Commercial. Complete Restoration. Finished Basements. Painting.

Bathrooms. Ceramic Tiles. Flat Roofs. Leaking Basements. Brick/ Chimney Repairs. House Additions 905-764-6667, 416-823-5120

CEILINGS REPAIRED. Spray textures, plaster designs, stucco, drywall, paint. We fix them all! www.mrstucco.ca 416-242-8863 Articles Wanted

Articles Wanted

Quick & careful!

Domestic Help Available

Domestic Help Available

ABSOLUTELY BEST cleaning ladies available.

Honest & hard working, insured/ bonded. 416-897-6782. www.maidforyoutorontoltd.com

DO YOU FIND GOLF BALLS OR COLLECT THEM? We would like to purchase all of your golf balls.

We will purchase all types of qty. No min. qty. No max.

We pay between $0.10 to $0.25 per golf ball Don’t worry, keep collecting, as we buy all year long even after the season is over!

Contact Peter direct 416-889-9365 or 905-542-0825

Work Where You Live SEARCH HUNDREDS OF LOCAL JOBS

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

15

Sudoku (moderate)

| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 24, 2015

YOUR Weekly Crossword

w See answers to this week’s

puzzles in next Thursday’s edition

.ca d Wheels n a s le ic eos Art vison Vid Browse le e T g in e Driv s and exclusiv roadtrip , s w ie v e rt r e for expe cting th ies refle r o t ers s r s d w ne dian iv a n a C f so Lifestyle

on omparis C d n a h the Researc Use our and find t u o b a style learn your Life r tools to o f t h hat’s rig vehicle t

Canada’s Automotive Lifestyle Destination

16 CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

Sign up Online Visit

Buy Online:

36% off

$29.00

guiDeD snoWshoeing, falls anD Wine tour in collingWooD snoWBound ontArio

Buy Online:

51% off

$29.00

$29 for MYWhiskY Bootlegger kit & MeMBership (a $59 Value) MYWhiskY

Buy Online:

39% off

$31.00

up to 45% off tickets to salute to Vienna at the haMilton place theatre AttilA GlAtz ConCert ProduCtions inC. Brought to you by

Buy Online:

58% off

$25.00

up to 68% off archerY or sWorDplaY lessons silver sWords ArMouries

Buy Online:

52% off

$20.00

$20 for a 2-hour snoW tuBing pass for 2 With hot BeVerages (a $42 Value) the roC

Buy Online:

31% off

$59.00

up to 27% off tickets to see sMash hit Musical kinkY Boots the roYAl AlexAndrA theAtre

WagJag.com

Buy Online:

50% off

$25.00

$25 for a coupon Book With $500 Worth of Discounts for skiing anD snoWBoarDing for the 2015-2016 season (a $50 Value) lAkeridGe ski resort

Buy Online:

50% off

$20.00

$20 for 2 crepes anD BeVerages (a $40 Value) krepesz

Buy Online:

Buy

$71.00

saVe on tickets to see cirque Du soleil toruk in toronto seAtGiAnt