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Updating city’s downtown growth plan St. James Town diversity JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com With downtown Toronto’s population more than doubling since 1976 – and more development on the way – the City of Toronto is looking to devise a long-term strategy to help ensure the continual growth in the area is sustainable. The city is in the midst of a five-year study, TOcore, which examines the pressures faced by residents in the downtown area

and looks at ways to ensure the quality of life in the area does not suffer. The study covers an area stretching from Bathurst Street to the Don River and from Lake Ontario to the CN Rail Corridor and Rosedale Valley Road, encompassing large swaths of Wards 20, 27 and 28. “Community council requested that we look at the amount of growth in the downtown core and the infrastructure needed to support

that growth,” said Greg Lintern, director of community planning for Toronto and East York. “Downtown is the fastest growing part of the city, growing four times faster than the rest of the 416. It’s the place where we see all the cranes and all the buzz.” The city has been using the Central Area Plan to govern growth in the core since the 1970s, though there is no doubt conditions in the area have >>>TWO, page 12

on display Saturday

JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com As Canada’s most densely populated neighbourhood and a popular landing place for new Canadians, St. James Town boasts more diversity than virtually anywhere else. That diversity will be on display when the third annual Cultural Collage comes to 260

Wellesley St. E. The event, run by Community Matters Toronto and St. James Town Arts, offers a chance for artists in the community to showcase their talents while giving guests a chance to enjoy a cornucopia of styles, genres and flavours. “There’s an art exhibit with a lot of artists from different >>>CULTURAL, page 2

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Cultural Collage 2015 runs 1 to 4 p.m. >>>from page 1 countries who have recently started making inroads into the art scene,” said event organizer Michael Cavanaugh. “It’s a synthesis of the arts and culture of people’s home countries and western art.” The art on display includes henna art, both on paper and on skin, banner-making activities visitors can take part in, colouring books, face painting and more for kids, as well as food from around the world. “I kind of consider food art you can eat,” Cavanaugh said. Other draws include classic Indian and Bollywood dancing demonstrations, a Bengali singer, games and activities and more. The event serves as more than an art exhibit, offering a chance for artists in the densely-populated community a chance to learn about one another’s cultures, meet their neighbours and find an outlet through which they can express themselves and destress. The latter is extremely valuable to newcomers to Canada.

Photo/COURTESY

A young dancer performs during the St. James Town Cultural Collage arts event in celebration of the community’s diversity.

“There’s a real mental health aspect to it,” Cavanaugh said. “People living here can have a lot of stress between trying to find work on the job market, learning English, learning the culture, upgrading computer skills...” St. James Town resident Poonam Sharma, who moved to the area a year and a half ago from India, said the Cultural Collage and St. James Town Arts have helped her get accli-

mated to her new city. A folk/ tribal artist, she was depressed when she came to Canada in the winter of 2013. “The weather was bad, I didn’t have any friends yet and I was lonely,” she said. “Fortunately, I met Michael at St. James Town Art and he encouraged me to explore and go ahead and work on my art.” Now, she is working with a group of local women to create a folk art mural in the community, coaching the others on how to create great works while honouring their own cultures. That piece is expected to go up on a building, at 650 Parliament St., in July. Sharma hopes this year’s Cultural Collage provides a springboard for more aspiring artists, just as last year’s event gave her own career a boost. Cultural Collage 2015 will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday at 260 Wellesley St. E.

For more information, visit www.facebook.com/stjamestownarts

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Sleepover puts Pan Am Athletes’ Village to the test JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com When some 7,000 athletes descend on the city for the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/ Parapan Am Games, they’ll find the athletes’ village ready and waiting. Many of the village’s features were on display at a special sleepover event on Friday. The event gave a group of volunteers and members of the media a glimpse into the village while also serving as a test run for the facilities, which have been designed with an Ontario cottage country flair. The athletes will pack into dormstyle rooms, which will be converted into private residences and student residences for George Brown College following the games. While their primary focus will be bringing home gold, they will have plenty of facilities to ensure they are able to relax. One such area is the “Cabin”, a lounge area with couches, hammocks and a bar serving a wide selection of mineral waters, where athletes can socialize and unwind. Across Front Street, a large greenspace boasts plenty of Muskoka chairs to give the competitors an outdoor area to relax, while a games room will offer video games, table tennis, air hockey, foosball, pool and other games. “There’s a lot of pressure on the athletes to perform and represent their country,” said Allen Vansen, executive vice president of the Toronto 2015 Games. “These spaces are incredibly important to those athletes.” Nearby Corktown Common will be closed to the public throughout the games, giving those participating in the games yet another peaceful space to call their own. The athletes will also have no shortage of food options, with the dining hall offering a wide variety of meals and snacks at four stations

named for distinct Toronto neighbourhoods. The Little Italy station will serve pizza and pasta dishes, the St. Lawrence Grill will serve grilled meats and vegetables, the Spadina station will offer Asian fare, and the Kensington Power Market will serve up salads. That will not be the only food on offer, however. “We have an outdoor barbecue pit, which is classic Ontario cottage country, where the athletes can pick up a hamburger or hot dog, take in the outdoor grilling experience and enjoy the weather and scenery,” Vansen said. The village’s polyclinic will provide comprehensive medical support in an array of specially-arranged trailers. Doctors on hand will be able to prescribe medication, which will be available at an on-site pharmacy, while sponsor-provided X-ray, ultrasound and MRI equipment and sports physiotherapy facilities will serve more urgent needs. “There’s a sports and physio rehab area that has everything from massage therapists to orthopaedic surgeons,” said polyclinic manager Ben Adley. “There’s a family practice zone that’s like a typical doctor’s office, and that doctor will be able to write prescriptions and set up imaging.” “There’s also an emergency department that will be open 24/7 that’s Ministry of Health-approved...” Athletes will also be able to work out in the new Cooper Koo Family YMCA, located on the village grounds. Toronto 2015 taekwondo athlete Yvette Yong said the village offers everything she could want and more. “I’m so impressed with everything here,” she said, noting the village far outshines similar facilities she has lived in while competing in the World Military Games in Brazil and in

Staff photos/JUSTIN SKINNER

The view from a room inside the Pan Am Games Athletes’ Village.

university competitions. “It feels like a whole new city and it’s right beside the Distillery District, which is one of my favourite places in Toronto.” The athletes’ rooms themselves may be sparsely-decorated – in addition to single beds, they feature lockboxes for valuables, end tables, lamps, fold-away cubbies for clothes and drying racks – but they should meet every athlete’s needs. “The thing that excited me most (when seeing the room) was the drying rack,” said former Canadian Olympic swimmer Julia Wilkinson, who now works with the Toronto 2015 Games. “It seems like just a little thing, but as a swimmer, I know when you’re in a room with a few other girls, you can see (bathing) suits hanging everywhere. That’s something that the swimmers will really appreciate.” The beds are surprisingly comfortable, given they are only expected to be in use for a short time. Longer beds are available for taller athletes. While the village still needs a few finishing touches, the project was done on time and on budget. Toronto Mayor John Tory, who dropped by Friday’s event, said the village will

Pan Am Path

Staff photos/ANDREW LAHODYNSKYJ

Clockwise from left: Paralympian Adam Lancia, centre, takes on three challengers during a pick-up wheelchair basketball during the Pan Am Path Art Festival Saturday afternoon at Underpass Park; Ty Ashton Sim pulls off a 5-0 grind while Nedo sits in front of a mural he and co-artist Flips were working on.

serve as more than a home away from home for the Pan Am Games competitors. “The legacy is going to be this incredible space,” he said. “There will be substantial affordable housing, market housing, the YMCA, George Brown College residences. That’s a truly mixed-use community and something that’s going to be truly iconic in the City of Toronto.” Athletes will start coming into the city from throughout the Americas in early July.

For more information on the Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, visit www.toronto2015.org

Events now underway for Pride Week With the Rainbow Flag flying in Nathan Phillips Square and a series of shows and parties already taking over the Church-Wellesley Village, things are gearing up for Pride Toronto’s big weekend. “Happy Pride ladies and gentlemen,” Mayor John Tory, festooned in rainbow tie, told the big crowd on city hall’s green roof. “Welcome to your city hall, our city hall.” This year, the lesbian, gay, bi, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) festival is offering a variety of new events to highlight diversity of all kinds, starting with a series of gatherings related to the Trans March Friday, June 26. “We’re holding a Trans Fair and it’s the first time we’re doing that,” said Pride Toronto Co-Chair Aaron GlynWilliams. The fair, which will take place Friday through Sunday at the corner of Dundonald and Church streets, will be complemented by the Transforming Pride celebration at Yonge-Dundas Square Friday night, with Chaz Bono and other acts. “It’ll be the biggest trans celebration in North America,” GlynWilliams said. Saturday will feature the Dyke March complete with a massive afterparty at Allan Gardens, a #Dykeversity women’s dance party and a drag event at Yonge-Dundas Square from 2 to 11 p.m. “It’s a nine-hour drag marathon and we’ve already gotten 4,000 RSVPs on our facebook page,” GlynWilliams said. “We’ll have some local (performers) who have a real cult following along with some stars from (TV’s) RuPaul’s Drag Race.” GlynWilliams noted Yonge-Dundas Square will be open to all, whereas in the past, events in the square have been ticketed. Cultural diversity will be showcased with a Friday night Bollywood party and a massive Pan-American party Saturday. “The (LGBTQ) community covers all cultures so this year we wanted to do a lot of themed and multicultural stages to make sure there’s something for everyone.” Sunday will feature Pride’s signature event, the Pride Parade. This year, the Pan Am torch will have a place of honour in the parade. “Along with the parade, we have Blockorama, which is one of the longest-running Pride events,” GlynWilliams said. “The parade itself will have Pussy Riot as Grand Marshals...” For a full schedule, visit www. pridetoronto.com – Justin Skinner

| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, June 25, 2015

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CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, June 25, 2015 |

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uilding an environment where Toronto’s immigrant entrepreneurs succeed is just good business sense. And the City of Toronto, through an enhanced procurement policy, has an opportunity to improve outreach and to really tap into the talents of immigrant entrepreneurs. In this month’s exclusive feature on pages 14 and 15, we take an in-depth look at the experience of the immigrant entrepreneur in Toronto. Being an entrepreneur can be a struggle. Being a newcomer to Canada can be a struggle. Put those experiences together and one our view can imagine the complications. Later this year, city counEnsure equal cil is expected to consider being called a Social opportunities what’s Procurement Framework, one for newcomers that provides “diverse businesses with equal opportunities to share in the city’s growth and prosperity.” Among the possible features: more online posting of smaller contracts (under $50,000), actively soliciting bids on projects below $10,000 and more education on how to respond to documents such as Request for Proposals (RFPs). Concentrating on the many talents newcomers could bring to our economy can only build a stronger city. Nearly half of Toronto’s residents are foreignborn. Sound policy reflects a community’s make-up. But even so, such a policy must be complemented with more outreach to ethnic business groups – to help dispel the perception in some quarters that there is an uneven playing field when it comes to municipal procurement and also to remove some of the mysteries around dealing with government. A flourishing entrepreneurial environment means new jobs and a better overall economy. It can also mean less reliance on social supports. Last November, we listed a number of items Mayor John Tory needed to make a priority during his tenure. Diversity – which included the issue of procurement – was one of them. There’s an opportunity to establish this as a priority, to craft policy that is inclusive, reflective of the community and beneficial to its citizens. Visit insidetoronto.com/diversity for coverage on this issue as well as other stories from Toronto’s diverse neighbourhoods.

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Speed limit decision at community council best for Mayor Tory to leave alone One might choose to look at the Toronto and East York Community Council’s move to slow down traffic in the city core as a bit of a retaliation. The June 22 vote came just a few weeks after Toronto councillors not in the Toronto and East York Community Council area voted to rebuild the eastern part of the Gardiner Expressway in the middle of it, against the wishes of every councillor elected there. So there is something of a statement in this vote: anyone who wants to drive on one of the city core’s well-treed, compact little residential streets will have to slow down now: what was 40 kilometres an hour is now 30 kilometres an hour. As retaliations go, this one’s fairly benign.

david nickle the city Slower speeds on residential streets will almost certainly result in fewer deaths and serious injuries from collisions between cars and pedestrians and cyclists. But it is also an historic exercise of power. Community councils have, since the former mayor David Miller years, had the power to make decisions on stop signs and speed on local roads without need for ratification from mayor or council or anyone else. Usually, those decisions are deeply local: in Toronto and East York, councillors routinely reject one request for a parking pad or a tree removal at a time.

Not this time. The reduction of speed limits will cost more than $1 million to implement, and it will have a lasting, if incremental, impact on a vast and contained area of the city. Toronto and East York has, in making this decision, effectively treated itself as not just a community, but a municipal jurisdiction all its own. Council could squash it all eventually – at some point, at least part of that $1.1 million bill will have to come before the budget committee and council for its 2016 allocation. On Tuesday, however, Mayor John Tory indicated to reporters that although he disagreed with the decision, he wasn’t going to do anything to mess with it. That is a sensible retreat for a couple of reasons.

First: the community council move may play as retaliation, but it is also a good public response to the rash of cyclist deaths that have helped define the late spring of 2015 in the city core. Getting into a pedantic fight over the best way to manage pedestrian safety in local councillors’ wards is a losing battle for a mayor, and also for other councillors. And second, it does Tory no good to get into a fight over safety with the 12 downtown councillors, whose constituents largely voted for Tory in 2014. It is a long ride to 2018, but even at this slightly reduced speed, it’s not that long.

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

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Jazz musician Oscar Peterson honoured with a plaque JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com Legendary jazz musician Oscar Peterson is well-known for the impact he had on his genre of music, but the impact he had on up-andcoming jazz musicians through teaching is less well known. His work in that field was recognized last Thursday with a plaque presentation outside a building where he and fellow jazz greats Phil Nimmons and Ray Brown ran the Advanced School of Contemporary Music in the 1960s. The school started out in the basement of Peterson’s Scarborough home before moving into a site at 21 and 23 Park Rd., near Bloor and Church streets, where the plaque stands. “It was brought about by Oscar, Ray and myself because we’d been badgered with questions while performing – ‘how did you do that? How did you do that?’” Nimmons said at the plaque unveiling. The school originally featured Peterson, Nimmons and Brown as teachers, focusing on piano, clarinet and bass. In subsequent years, they added horn and guitar. “I think the school was unique

at that time – it was probably the first of its kind that had practicing professional musicians teaching,” Nimmons said. “Especially a trio that was at such a high level internationally.” Nimmons noted Peterson pushed students to apply the knowledge they learned through “playing forms,” putting together pieces immediately after learning bits of music theory. The legendary teachers would then offer critiques of the performances, and the instructors pulled no punches. “Hospitals have recovery rooms after you come out of surgery,” he said. “We had to have a recovery room for the students after they were critiqued.” Prior to becoming a music school, the building at 21 and 23 Park Rd. was a boarding house. Currently, it serves as a base for the City of Toronto’s Shelter, Support & Housing department. The plaque presentation came about through a partnership with Heritage Toronto and the Toronto Legacy Project, the latter of which was the brainchild of former Toronto poet laureate Dennis Lee. The Legacy Project aims to recognize great people with Toronto connections

Staff photo/JUSTIN SKINNER

Jazz legend Oscar Peterson’s daughter Celine, left, son Nathan and widow Kelly gather around a plaque honouring Peterson outside 21-23 Park Road, where Peterson cofounded the Advanced School of Contemporary Music.

at locations that were important in their lives. “Our goal is to provoke that little fugue state you can enter when you realize ‘a person I’ve always looked up to, who seems almost mythic, lived or worked right here. I’m standing where a giant once stood,’” Lee said.

The Montreal-born Peterson lived in the GTA from 1958 until his death in 2007, including 19 years in the city itself. His widow, Kelly Peterson, who attended the plaque ceremony along with Peterson’s son Nathan and daughter Celine, said the late jazz great would have been thrilled with the recognition. “What was most significant to him was being at home and being honoured at home and I know he would just be thrilled, especially with the location that’s been chosen,” she said. “Education was so important to Oscar and he wanted to make sure everyone had a good education no matter what, but especially in music.” “He loved to encourage young musicians and continued to do that his entire life, so I think it’s especially fitting to have this be the spot that’s marked with the legacy plaque.” Peterson’s plaque was the 34th installed throughout the city through the Toronto Legacy Project, with others honoured including Amelia Earhart, Lester Pearson, Northrop Frye, Frederick Banting, Jane Jacobs and others.

For more information on the program, visit www.heritagetoronto.org/ toronto-legacy-plaques-program

THE PAN AM GAMES TORCH RELAY IS COMING TO TORONTO!

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TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Torch Relay May 30 - July 10, 2015 Celebrate and Share.

The City of Toronto is hosting ﬁve community celebrations for the Pan Am Games Torch Relay: • SATURDAY, JULY 4: Prince Edward Viaduct (Bloor Viaduct), including the lighting of the Luminous Veil, 5 to 11 p.m. • SUNDAY, JULY 5: Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre (known as the CIBC Toronto Pan Am/Parapan Am Aquatics Centre and Field House during Games time), noon to 4 p.m., 875 Morningside Ave. • TUESDAY, JULY 7: Albion Arena, 5 to 9 p.m., 1501 Albion Rd. • WEDNESDAY, JULY 8: Mel Lastman Square, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 5100 Yonge St. • THURSDAY, JULY 9: Nathan Phillips Square, 5 to 9 p.m., 100 Queen St. W. All community celebrations are free, accessible and family-oriented: • music and atmospheric performances • sports activities for all ages • food trucks • sponsor activations, and • the arrival of the Pan Am ﬂame and lighting of the community cauldron

FOLLOW THE CITY OF TORONTO: @TorontoComms

TOHostCity2015

More information is available at

toronto.ca/panam2015

| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, June 25, 2015

entertainment

6 CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, June 25, 2015 |

community guitar at Lee’s Palace wAir

on your head for Nicaragua wStand

fundraise for St. Joe’s wSolstice

A lack of real musical talent won’t stop a slate of performers from rocking the stage at Lee’s Palace this weekend. The Toronto Air Guitar Championships will once again hit the stage, with competitors fake-strumming their imaginary instruments in a bid for glory. The event kicks off at 9 p.m. on Saturday. For tickets or information, visit www.airguitarcanada. org

The world record for most people doing a headstand in one location at one time could fall this weekend. Headstands for Humanity aims to get 300 people to do handstands in Ramsden Park to raise funds to build homes in Nicaragua. It takes place in Ramsden Park from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. For information, visit www.facebook.com/ events/391342634389488

Some 900 Bay Street executives will ditch their suits for summer whites to raise funds for St. Joseph’s Health Centre. Fr o n t St re e t Ca p i t a l Charitable Foundation’s Summer Solstice event will feature a country and western theme.It takes place at the Liberty Grand at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 25. For more information, visit www.solstice.frontstreetcapital.com

CONSUMER FEATURE

Tips for seniors to keep active June is Senior’s Month and a it’s great time to remember the importance of being active, particularly for those in their advanced years. Many seniors want to become involved in activities where they can socialize and engage with others, but often don’t know how or where to go to do so. With health concerns often top of mind and not knowing where to turn to find out about senior-related programs, many seniors feel frustration about their limited access to community supports. The Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) provides seniors with healthcare within the home that they require, but also works with a variety of external community agencies to provide external help to seniors as well. For those who are willing and able to get out into the community (with

assistance, if required), there are a number of adult day programs and seniors groups that they can attend. Visit the Toronto Central Healthline for more information or call the main number for assistance. Other options for seniors who want to stay active include: 1. Keep Your Mind Working – Read a book, do a crossword puzzle, practice memory games. The more you use your mind, the stronger it will become. 2. Socialize – There are many activities that can support an active social life, especially for seniors. Day programs, regular phone calls with relatives and friends, online socializing via email or other methods are just some of the ways for the elderly to keep connected. 3. Engage in Light Exercise –

Physical activity has been proven to have positive effects for those of all ages. For seniors, who may have more difficulties exercising, something as simple as a short walk or light stationary exercise can make a world of difference to their physical and mental health. 4. Eat Healthy Foods – “You are what you eat”so make sure to fuel your body with the foods that will support greater energy and better health. Wherever possible, eat a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables and proteins to keep your body and mind on track. Toronto CCAC supports seniors in many ways and can provide referrals to a variety of day programs and activities. Visit www.healthcareathome.ca/ torontocentral, or call (416) 5069888 for more information.

NOW MORE PLASTICS WANT IN. Good news – now you can recycle more plastics. Like bread bags (non-foil), sandwich bags, fresh produce and bulk food bags, dry cleaning bags, frozen fruit and vegetable bags, newspaper/flyer bags and more. Remember to empty or rinse all bags to remove residue before they go into your Blue Bin. Still not sure what goes where? Find out at Waste Wizard at toronto.ca/recycle

Space provided through a partnership between industry and Ontario municipalities to support waste diversion programs.

7 | CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, June 25, 2015

Swap your plastic bags for ones you can reuse. Plus, enter to win $1,0001 towards your grocery bill!

TD Grocery Giveaway Event

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Friday, June 26, 11 am – 7 pm Saturday, June 27, 10 am – 4 pm

Drop off your plastic bags on Friday, June 26 from 11 am – 7 pm or Saturday, June 27 from 10 am – 4 pm and we’ll replace them with environmentally friendly, reusable ones.2 Then grab

Market Square Branch 80 Front St. E.

a ballot and you could win $1,000 of groceries during our Grocery Giveaway Event. Plus, ask us how to get the latest 8" Samsung Tab A FREE.

Visit for your chance to win 1 Contest ends on July 25, 2015 at 3:59 pm ET. No purchase required. There is one prize of one thousand Canadian dollars (CAD$1,000) available to be won. Odds of winning depend on the number of entries received. Skill-testing question required. Full Contest Rules available at the branch located at 80 Front St. E., Toronto, ON. 2 While quantities last. 3 Offer available through July 31, 2015 but may be changed, extended or withdrawn at any time without notice. Conditions apply. See us for details. Samsung and Samsung Galaxy Tab are registered trademarks of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., used with permission. ® The TD logo and other trade-marks are the property of The Toronto-Dominion Bank.

calendar

happening in

city centre

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, June 25, 2015 |

it's happening w Saturday, June 27

Care Essentials: Full Day Training WHEN: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. WHERE: Alzheimer Society, 20 Eglinton Ave. W. Suite 1600 CONTACT: bit.ly/1K8bFnQ COST: Free This workshop is open to people caring for a person with dementia. The WoofJocks Canine All Stars WHEN: noon to 5 p.m. today and tomorrow WHERE: PawsWay, 245 Queens Quay W. COST: Free Dog trainers and dogs offer 30-minute, variety-type shows.

w Monday, June 29

School Accommodation Review WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. WHERE: St. Raymond Catholic School, 270 Barton Ave. CONTACT: emmy.szekeresmilne@tcdsb.org COST: Free TCDSB invites the community to the fourth and final public meeting regarding the School Accommodation Review of St. Bruno and St. Raymond Catholic Schools.

w Wednesday, July 1

Canada Day at Harbourfront Centre WHEN: 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. WHERE: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens

Quay W. CONTACT: http://bit. ly/1NgDaLP COST: Free Celebrate the music, food and ideas that make Canada, and Toronto in particular, one of the most diverse places on the planet. Experience and help shape the ways we celebrate our nation’s birthday going forward. Bad Ass Canucks, EH? - Art show for Canadians. By Canadians WHEN: noon to 6 p.m. WHERE: Steam Whistle Brewing, 255 Bremner Blvd. CONTACT: http://bit.ly/1LiUaBY COST: Free On display at Steam Whistle Brewing for the month of July, Bad Ass

Public Notice 2015 Final Property Tax Bills

highlighted w Wednesday, July 1

Canada Day at Queen’s Park WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: Queen’s Park, 111 Wellesley St. W. CONTACT: www.citizenship.gov.on.ca/english/ citizenship/honours/canadaday.shtml COST: Free Come and celebrate Canada’s 148th birthday at Queen’s Park with free fun for the entire family, including stage shows, meet and greets with performers, live music, roaming performers, interactive and educational workshops, and more. Attend the official ceremony at noon, which will include a 21-gun salute and remarks by provincial dignitaries. Canucks, EH? is a tribute by emerging Canadian artists to the less obvious staples of Canadian pop

culture and entertainment, ranging from books and films to music and television.

We’regivingawayupto

The City of Toronto has now mailed the final property tax bills for 2015. Property owners are responsible for paying property taxes by the due dates listed below.The final bill is the second of two tax bills to be mailed this year.The interim tax bill was mailed in January. If you have not received your property tax bill, please contact us to obtain a copy. 2015 Payment Due Dates • For the regular instalment plan: July 2, 2015; August 4, 2015; September 1, 2015. •

foryourtwocents.

For Pre-Authorized Tax Payment Programs: - 2-Instalment Plan: July 2, 2015. - 6-Instalment Plan: July 2, 2015; August 4, 2015; September 1, 2015. - 11-Instalment Plan: July 15, 2015; August 17, 2015; September 15, 2015; October 15, 2015; November 16, 2015; December 15, 2015.

Late Payment Penalties A late payment penalty of 1.25% on the unpaid amount of an instalment will be added on the first day after the instalment due date. A further 1.25% of the outstanding amount will be added as interest on the first day of each month thereafter, as long as taxes remain unpaid. Monthly interest charges are also imposed on any unpaid taxes from prior years. Penalty and interest rates are set by City by-laws, pursuant to the City of Toronto Act, 2006. Penalty and interest charges on overdue amounts cannot be waived or altered. New Online Lookups The City ofToronto has launched online lookups for utility, property tax, and parking ticket information. By visiting the City's website, at toronto.ca/revenueservices, residents can quickly, easily and confidentially view their account details or parking ticket information anytime, anywhere.Try the secure lookup today from your PC or mobile device to see your billing information, payment details and important dates. CALL: 416-338-4829 TTY: 416-392-0719

FAX: 416-696-3605

WRITE: City ofToronto, Revenue Services Division, 5100Yonge Street,Toronto, Ontario, M2N 5V7 Email: propertytax@toronto.ca VISIT: toronto.ca/taxes/property_tax

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No purchase necessary. Contest open to Ontario residents 18 years of age or older. Odds of winning depends on the number of eligible entries received. Six (6) prizes are available to be won: (i)One (1) Grand Prize of $5,000.00 CDN (FiveThousand Dollars CDN) in cash; (ii) Two (2) second place cash prizes in the amount of $1,000 CDN each (OneThousand Dollars Canadian); and (iii) Three (3) third place cash prizes in the amount of $500.00 each CDN (Five Hundred Dollars Canadian). Entrants must correctly answer, unaided, a mathematical skill-testing questions to be declared a winner. Contest closes July 20th 2015 at 11:59 p.m. To enter and for complete contest rules visit www.pulseresearch.com/Metroland.

9 | CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, June 25, 2015

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TASTE THE CHIN PICNIC GAME DAY: Ank, right, and his son Henry, 4, try to win a carnival game prize during the Taste of Little Italy/CHIN Picnic event on College Street Saturday afternoon. Photo/ALESSANDRO SHINODA

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CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, June 25, 2015 |

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Situated on premium lot over ½ an acre! Quiet enclave of Multimillion Dollar Homes, Over 5,000 Sq Ft, 5 Bdrms, Finished Basement, Indoor Pool, Walkout to Huge Deck overlooking Golf Course, Spectacular Backyard, Thousands spent on Renovations and Upgrades, Bright Sunlit, 3 Skylights, Circular Staircase, Formal Rooms,3 Car Garage, Plus much more! Only $1,599,900!

VALES OF CASTLEMORE

Situated on a Premium 3.1 Acre Lot, Detached 4 Bedroom 2 Storey with 3 Car Garage, Circular Driveway, Fabulous Corner Location, Sewer and City Water, Large Sunroom Addition, Interlock Patio & Gazebo, Steel Roof (Lifetime Warranty) Amazing Value! Only $1,100,000!

BREATHTAKING RAVINE VIEW

Custom Built Luxury 4 Bedroom Bungalow on 80 Ft Frontage, Quiet Cul-de-sac + Backing onto Ravine, Walkout Basement, Gorgeous Open Concept Layout, Gourmet Kitchen, Granite Counters, Beautiful Cabinetry, 10 Ft Ceilings, 8 Ft Doors, Crown Moulding, 3 Car Garage, Your Opulent Dream Home! $1,999,900!

CALEDON 12 CAR GARAGE

Situated on 2 Acre Lot, Detached 6 Bedroom 2 Storey, Floating Circular Staircase, Renovated Kitchen, Granite Countertops, Vaulted Ceilings, Finished Walkout Basement, Ideal for Entertaining plus a 2 Bedroom In-Law Suite, Amazing Property & Opportunity! Only $1,200,000

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! Only $1,050,000!

MOUNT PLEASANT & LAWRENCE

Absolutely Stunning Custom-built Lawrence Park Home Featuring The Finest In Modern Finishes & Amenities Throughout!! Luxurious Open Concept Layout, Smart Home Technology, Gourmet Kitchen W/Island, Heated Floors, White Oak Hardwood, Open Staircase, Large Family Room With W/O To Deck. Master Bedroom Features Amazing Ensuite & Wraparound Deck. Finished Basement W/ Wetbar. Walk To Schools, Shops, Transit. Truly Amazing Property…Must Be Seen! $1,795,000

LUXURY CUSTOM BUILT

Executive Stunning 4 Bedroom 2 Storey Situated on Premium 177 Ft Deep Lot, Gorgeous Curb Appeal, Stone & Interlock Driveway, Fabulous Layout, Gourmet Kitchen, Granite Countertops, Centre Island, S/S Appliances, Master Bedroom Retreat w/ Ensuite & Walk-In Closet, Gorgeous & Simply Must be Seen! $1,179,900!

AMAZING LOCATION & INVESTMENT PROPERTY!!

3 in One, 60 Yr Established Automotive Shop with 5 Bays, 16ft Ceiling, Access From Front and Back Lane, Turn Key, All Equipment & Business Included, Commercial Unit at Front (Previously Used as Auto Parts Store) Plus 2 Bedroom Apartment Above, High Demand Location Bloor/Lansdowne/Dupont, Only $950,000!

R ANOTHE SOLD COLLEGE AND UNIVERSITY

Impressive Victorian 4+1 Bedroom 2 Storey in the heart of Baldwin Village, High Demand Location, 11 Ft Ceilings, Crown Mouldings, Large Living Room, Formal Dining Room, Hardwood Floor, Thousands Spent on Upgrades, Fenced Backyard, 2 Car Parking, Steps to U of T, Hospitals, AGO, Queens Park & Subway! Spectacular Opportunity! Only $999,900!

SOLD IN 1WK FOR 111% OF ASKING!!!

AMAZING 80 X 222 FT LOT

Detached Toronto Bungalow with 3+1 Bedrooms, Stunning Lot, Backing onto Ravine, Long Private Drive, Garage, Huge Shed, Large Garden, Finished Basement Ideal for In-Law Suite or Entertaining, Only $774,900

APPLEWOOD 2 STOREY

Large Renovated Detached 4 Bedroom Home On Quiet Crescent , Located On One Of The Best Streets, This Property Has It All - Amazing Curb Appeal, Spacious Living/Dining Rooms, Gourmet Kitchen, Large Bedrooms, Newly Finished Basement, Private Backyard W/Heated Inground Pool. 2-Car Garage W/ Ample Driveway Parking. Close To Schools And Amenities. Absolutely Stunning - Don’t Miss Out!! Only $889,000!

CUSTOM 2 STOREY

Gorgeous Curb Appeal, Stucco Exterior 2 Storey, Modern Open Concept Layout, Custom Kitchen Overlooking the Formal Dining Room & Spacious Living Room, Master Bedroom Retreat, 6pc Ensuite, Walk-in Closet, Finished Basement with 2 Bedroom In-Law Suite, Simply Must be Seen! Close to Amenities! Only $699,900

ROYAL YORK & EGLINTON

Stunning Euro designed 4 bdrm. Gorgeous 5 level backsplit Situated on a Quiet Court on A Premium Pie Shaped Lot, Thousands Spent on Updates and Upgrades, Separate Side Entrance, Ideal for Entertaining or In-Law Suite, Huge Family & Rec Rooms, Steps to Amenities & Transit, High Demand Neighbourhood! Only $879,900!

PELHAM PARK

Spacious 4+1 Bedroom 2 Storey Open Concept Living Room, Formal Dining Room, Huge Kitchen, Walkout to Backyard, Finished Basement with Separate Entrance Ideal for Entertaining or Possible In-Law Suite, Double Garage, Close to Transit & Amenities! $649,900!

SOUGHT AFTER RIVER OAK NEIGHBOURHOOD!!

Executive 4 bedroom, 2 storey! Thousands spent on upgrades, double door entry, large foyer, high ceilings, living room combined with conservatory, modern kitchen, formal dining room, main floor family and laundry room, walkout to custom deck and landscaped lot, double garage, fabulous opportunity, only $849,900!!

1700SQFT LUXURY WOODBRIDGE CONDO!!

Spectacular 3 bedroom Ambria Condo. Luxurious European style low rise in high demand location. Custom built and designed, upgraded and professionally decorated open concept suite. Gourmet kitchen, massive centre island, granite countertop, formal dining room, crown mouldings, 2 balconies, loaded with upgrades, 2 parking spots, simply must be seen only $649,900.

QUIET COURT LOCATION

Detached Spacious 4+2 Bedroom 2 Storey in Etobicoke, Double Door Entry, Circular Staircase, Family Size Kitchen, Pantry, Granite Countertop, W/O Deck, Main Floor Family Room, Formal Dining Room, Professionally Finished Basement, Gorgeous 2nd Kitchen, Ideal for In-Law Suite or Entertaining! Large Lot! Only $799,900!

PRIME MIMICO MULTI-UNIT!

Investment Property with Large Addition, Steps to Lake, 2 Bdrm Apt Upstairs, 2 Bdrm on Main, Bachelor in Bsmt, Old World Charm includes High Baseboards, French Doors, Wood Trim, Large Rear Addition with W/O to Deck and Storybook Shed, 3 Separate Entrances, Updated Roof, Great Investment! Only $649,000!

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GORGEOUS ETOBICOKE SEMI

Large 9 Yr Old, 1670 Sq Ft Brick Semi with Rare Double Garage, Gourmet Kitchen with W/O to Deck, Great Den/Family Room on Main Floor, 9 Ft Ceilings on 2nd Floor, Near Centennial Park, Michael Power and Community Pool! A Rare Find! Only $599,900!

KING WEST

Stunning 2 Storey Townhome, Newer Large 2+1 Bdrm End Unit with Huge 200 Sq Ft Private Rooftop Terrace and View of CN Tower, Gourmet Kitchen with Granite Counters and S/S Appliances, 17 Ft Ceilings in Den, Approx. 1,100 Sq Ft, Steps to Queen West and Liberty Village! Only $489,000!

ICONIC MARILYN MONROE TOWERS

Wonderfully Spacious 2 bdrm + den, Beautiful Panoramic views from the 285 Sq Ft Wrap Around Balcony. Floor to Ceiling Windows, Rich Dark Floors in Open Concept Living/Dining Room, Granite Kitchen Counters, Huge Master Bdrm with Ensuite. Luxurious Amenities. Great Location! Amazing Value!!! Only $389,900!

MONARCH CONDO

Large gorgeous one year old 1+1 bdrm unit next to Scarborough Town Center with fabulous unobstructed south view, granite counters, s/s appliances, large balcony, walk to McCowan Rapid Transit, ymca, theatres, go. Includes parking and locker! Super value! Only $299,000!

YONGE AND FINCH!

Location, Location, Location! Rarely Offered 3 Bedroom Suite At Tridel’s Luxurious ‘Meridian’! Very Nice Layout Featuring A Large Balcony W/ South View, Kitchen w/ Granite Counters, Spacious Bedrooms, Master Ensuite, New Flooring, Locker And 2 Parking Spots!! Steps To Finch Station, Schools and All Amenities. Amazing Value – Must Be Seen!! Only $569,900!

DAVENPORT VILLAGE!! Spectacular 2+1 Brdm townhouse with 1,195 sq ft +rooftop terrace. Park view, sun-filled west exposure, hardwood floors, granite countertops, parking, locker, walk out to large private rooftop with BBQ gas hook up. Only $450,000!!

4 BDRM ON HUGE LOT

Wonderful Bramalea Semi with Functional Layout and Large Kitchen, Updated Bath, Newer Laminate (2013) Newer Windows (2012) New Furnace (2013) Updated Roof, Requires Your Personal Touch but Huge Potential! One of the Largest Lots in the Area, Steps to Schools, Park, City Center. A Super Value! Only $339,000!

HEART OF RICHMOND HILL Stunning 688 SqFt 1 + Den with unobstructed views, Rare Oversized Den can be 2nd Bdrm, 2 Walkouts to Large Balcony, Granite Counters and Marble Vanities, Newer Building at Yonge/16th. World Class Amenities! Only $289,000!

GORGEOUS GEORGETOWN FAMILY HOME!!

Spacious 3 plus 1 bdrm, detached 2 storey home, 2040 Sq ft of comfort with convenient 2nd floor family room and walk-out to balcony. Potential 4th bdrm! Finished basement with extra space great for small kids room or home office plus a large rec room! Simply move in and enjoy! Only $549,900!

STUNNING EXECUTIVE TOWNHOUSE

Elegant and Spacious 2 Bedroom, 3 Bathroom in High Demand Neighbourhood. Professionally Renovated with Functionality in mind. Large Eat-In Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances, Quartz Counter and Ceramic Floors, Walk-out to Deck. New Roof (2014) and New Furnace/AC (2015). Just Move In and Enjoy! Only $449,900!

FULLY FURNISHED 2 BDRM CONDO

Large Newer Corner Unit Luxury Building with Rare Oversized Terrace Plus Balcony next to Scarborough Town Centre and McCowan Rapid Transit, Approx. 1,000 Sq Ft with Ideal Split Bdrm Design, Most Furniture Included, Large Living Room/ Dining Room Plus Huge Master with 4 Pc Ensuite! A Rare Find! Only $339,000!

RENOVATED SQUARE ONE CONDO!!

Stunning 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom corner unit with great views in luxurious Tridel building. Everything new from top to bottom in 2012. Granite kitchen, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, huge open concept unit approximately 1050 sqft, large master with ensuite, a gem for only $279,900!!

ICE 2

Brand New Corner Suite, 2 Bedrooms, 753 Sq Ft on 20th Floor, Fabulous Layout, Walk out to Balcony, Parking & Locker Included, Fabulous Location Directly Connected to Maple Leaf Square, Fabulous Amenities, Amazing Value! Being Sold Under Assignment. Only $549,900!

METRO PLACE

Luxury 2 bedroom suite, thousands spent on upgrades, 9ft ceilings, open concept layout, laminate floor, walkout to balcony clear south view of city, Master Bdrm retreat with W/I closet, fabulous amenities inground pool, concierge, party room. Steps to subway, easy access to Hwy, close to all conveniences & Yorkdale mall! Simply must be seen! Only $423,000!

HEART OF THE KINGSWAY!

Fabulous Penthouse Suite At “The Essence”! Luxury Boutique Condo Living! Beautifully Appointed 1 + 1 Bedroom Suite – Approximately 800SqFt. Extra-High Ceilings, Rooftop Terrace, Kitchen W/ Granite Counters, Hardwood Floors And Walkout To Large Terrace. Close To Transit, Schools, Amenities And Million Dollar Homes! Absolutely Beautiful!!! Only $329,900!

ACROSS FROM SQUARE ONE!

Stunning 5 Year Old 1+1 “Widesuites” Condo with Rare Parking and Locker on Same Floor! Custom Fully Enclosed Den could be 2nd Bedroom, 9 Ft Ceilings, Gourmet Kitchen w/ Granite Counters & S/S Appliances, Huge Open Balcony, World Class Amenities! Close to GO Station! A Rare Find! Only $269,900!

LAKESHORE & PARKLAWN

Wow!! Fabulous Open Concept Suite with Breathtaking Panoramic Views of The Lake & City From Every Room!! Bright & Spacious Condo Features 1,128 Sq Ft of Luxury Living, 2 Bedroom Split Layout w/ Stunning Wrap-around Terrace (Approx. 450 S/f), 9’ Ceilings, 7’ Windows Throughout, Huge Master Bedroom w/Ensuite! Steps to Lake, Parks, Trails & Transit! Truly Spectacular – Must Be Seen!!! Only $549,900!

OCEAN CLUB CONDOMINIUMS

Brand New Luxurious Waterfront Resort Style Living, Fabulous 1+1 Bedroom Suites Loaded with Upgrades, Hardwood Floor, Built-in Appliances, Mirror Closet, Granite + Quartz Countertops, Large Balconies, Clear Gorgeous Views of Lake + Toronto Skyline, Amazing Value & Opportunity, Must Be Seen! Only $369,900 & $399,900!

THE ROCKEFELLER

Luxury Condo Built by Daniels in Prestigious Bayview Village, 1 Bedroom Plus Spacious Den, 9 Ft Ceilings, Italian Marble Floor, 2 Full Baths, Chestnut Oak Floor, Modern Kitchen, Granite Countertop, Parking & Locker Included, Steps to Bayview Subway & All Amenities! Live in Luxury! Only $319,900!

YORK MILLS!

740 Sq Ft 1 Bdrm with Unobstructed East View, Close to Highway 401 & DVP, Great Layout with Sunken Living Room and W/O to Large Balcony, Includes Parking and Locker, Ensuite Laundry, Maintenance Includes Everything! Incredible Value! Only $159,900!

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.

| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, June 25, 2015

HOME SELLING SYSTEM

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, June 25, 2015 |

community

Two community consultation meetings have been held, third one on tap June 29 >>>from page 1 changed immensely since then. In more recent years, many applications have been approved or nixed based on their own merits, with TOcore aiming to put an end to that patchwork method. Two community consultation meetings have already taken place, on Thursday, June 18 and Tuesday, June 23. A third is scheduled for Monday, June 29. Ward 27 councillor Kristyn

Wong-Tam, who moved the motion that led to TOcore in 2012, said the study’s findings will be critical in ensuring the quality of life for downtown residents. “There’s a huge shortage already of long-term care facilities, daycare spaces, vibrant green spaces and open parkland downtown in addition to the fact that we have aging (physical) infrastructure,” she said. “Do we have the necessary hydro capac-

ity? Can our sewer and water lines handle the additional loads?” Wong-Tam said she had more than 100 development files in her ward alone, with one recreation centre for some 90,000 residents, two universities and some of the busiest subway stops in the city. In short, the infrastructure is nowhere near where it needs to be to accommodate growth in any number of areas. “We have the narrowest

sidewalks along Yonge Street – they’re substandard – yet we have the highest pedestrian volumes across the country,” she said. “We’re literally playing catch-up with our infrastructure.” With more and more families moving into small condo spaces without family rooms and with tiny dining spaces, the councillor said, the need for social infrastructure is even more acute. To ensure a high quality of life, however,

she noted that public spaces must be more than simply utilitarian. “Our sidewalks are now public amenities, our parks are now public amenities,” she said. “We have to make sure they’re spectacular – better than what we’ve built in the past.” Wong-Tam said with the amount the downtown core contributes to Toronto’s GDP – roughly 51 per cent of the city’s GDP, one third of its jobs

and a quarter of its tax base come from three per cent of its land – makes it essential to ensure the core is wellserved. The third public meeting on TOcore will take place at Jarvis Collegiate Institute, 495 Jarvis St., on Monday, June 29. July will feature a series of pop-up information sessions on the study.

For more information on TOcore, visit www.toronto. ca/tocore

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LOYALTY CURRENT NISSAN OWNERS THAT QUALIFY ARE ELIGIBLE FOR UP TO AN ADDITIONAL $1,000 LOY ALTY CASH ON SELECT MODELS ††

VISIT CHOOSENISSAN.CA OR YOUR LOCAL RETAILER • ENDS JUNE 3OTH Equivalent lease payments of $59/$84/$36 on the 2015 Rogue/Pathfinder/Sentra must be made on a monthly basis and cannot be made weekly. Weekly lease payments are for informational purposes only. Offers available from June 2, 2015 to June 30, 2015. 1My Choice Bonus Cash is applicable to customers who purchase, lease or finance a model year 2015 Micra® (excluding S trim)/Versa Note/Sentra/Altima Sedan/Juke®/Rogue/Pathfinder. The $500/$700/$1,000/$1,000/$750/$1,000/$1,500 My Choice Bonus Cash consists of $350/$500/$750/$750/$500/$700/$1,200 NCI cash and $150/$200/$250/$250/$250/$300/$300 dealer participation which will be deducted from the negotiated selling price before taxes. 2“2 monthly Payments on Us” is available to customers who lease or finance any new model year 2015 Micra® (excluding S trim)/Versa Note/Sentra/Altima Sedan/Juke®/Rogue/Pathfinder through Nissan Canada Inc. and Nissan Canada Financial Services Inc. (collectively, “NCF”) and refers to the first two (2) monthly lease payments or first two (2) monthly finance payments. A customer’s first two monthly payments (inclusive all taxes) will be waived, up to a maximum of $225/$250/$375/$400/$375/$400/$600 per month tax inclusive. After two months, the customer will be required to make all remaining regularly scheduled payments over the remaining term of the contract. Customers must be approved to lease or finance through NCF. Cash purchase buyers or buyers who finance outside of Nissan Finance are also not eligible for this choice. 3No charge extended warranty is valid for up to 60 months or 100,000 km (whichever occurs first) from the warranty start date and zero (0) kilometers. Some conditions/limitations apply. The no charge extended warranty is the Nissan Added Security Plan (“ASP”) and is administered by Nissan Canada Extended Services Inc. (“NCESI”). In all provinces NCESI is the obligor. This offer includes the Gold level of coverage. Retail value of ASP is based on MSRP $1,200/$1,400/$1,500/$1,500/$1,700/$1,700/$2,000 for a new 2015 Micra®(excluding S trim)/Versa Note/Sentra/Altima Sedan/Juke®/Rogue/Pathfinder. Dealers are free to set individual prices. ≠Representative monthly lease offer based on any new 2015 Rogue S FWD CVT (Y6RG15 AA00)/ 2015 Sentra 1.8 S M6 (C4LG55 AA00)/Pathfinder S V6 4x2 (5XRG15 AA00) CVT transmission. 0.99%/0.99%/0% lease APR for a 60/60/60 month term equals 60/60/60 monthly payments of $256/$364/$158 with $0 down payment, and $0 security deposit. First monthly payment, down payment and $0 security deposit are due at lease inception. Prices and payments include freight and fees. Lease based on a maximum of 20,000 km/year with excess charged at $0.10/km. Total lease obligation is $15,345/$21,845/$9,336. $1,000/$1,500/$1,000 My Choice Bonus Cash included in advertised offer. Conditions apply. †Representative finance offer based on any new 2015 Sentra 1.8 S M6 (C4LG55 AA00). Selling price is $16,199 financed at 0% APR equals 84 monthly payments of $193 monthly for a 84 month term. $0 down payment required. Cost of borrowing is $0 for a total obligation of $16,199. This offer cannot be combined with any other offer. $1,000 my choice bonus cash is included in advertised offers. Conditions apply. ▲Models shown $36,732/$48,802/$26,099 Selling price for a new 2015 Rogue SL AWD Premium (Y6DG15 BK00)/ 2015 Pathfinder Platinum (5XEG15 AA00)/2015 Sentra 1.8 SL (C4TG15 AA00). *�±≠▲Freight and PDE charges ($1,750/$1,720/$1,567) air-conditioning levy ($100) where applicable, applicable fees (all which may vary by region), manufacturer’s rebate and dealer participation where applicable are included. License, registration, insurance and applicable taxes are extra. Lease offers are available on approved credit through Nissan Canada Finance for a limited time, may change without notice and cannot be combined with any other offers except stackable trading dollars. Retailers are free to set individual prices. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Vehicles and accessories are for illustration purposes only. Offers, prices and features subject to change without notice. †† The Nissan Loyalty Offer (“Offer”) is available only to eligible customers who (as of Feb, 1, 2015) lease/leased, finance/financed or own/owned a 2009 or newer Nissan brand vehicle (an “Existing Vehicle”). Eligibility for the Offer will be determined by Nissan Canada Inc. (“NCI”) in its sole discretion. Proof of current or previous ownership/lease/finance contract will be required. Offer is not transferrable or assignable, except to a co-owner/co-leasee of the Existing Vehicle who resides within the same household as the intended recipient of the Offer. If the eligible customer elects to lease or finance a new and previously unregistered Nissan brand vehicle (excluding NV, Fleet and daily rentals) (an “Eligible New Vehicle”) through NCI and Nissan Canada Financial Services Inc. (collectively “NCF”), then he/she will receive a specified amount of stackable loyalty dollars (“Loyalty Dollars”), as follows: (i) Micra/Versa/Sentra ($500); (ii) Juke/Altima/Rogue ($600); (iii) Frontier/Xterra/Leaf/Murano/Pathfinder ($800); and (iv) Maxima/Z/Titan, Armada/GT-R ($1000). Loyalty Dollars will be applied before taxes which means they are inclusive of all applicable taxes. Alternatively, if the eligible customer elects to purchase or lease/finance an Eligible New Vehicle (excluding GT-R and Leaf) other than through NCF, then he/she will receive a three-year/48,000 kilometers (whichever comes first) Oil Change and Tire Rotation Plan which consists of a maximum of 6 service visits, each consisting of 1 oil change (using conventional 5W30 motor oil) and 1 tire rotation. For complete details on the Oil Change and Tire Rotation Plan, ask your dealer. Offer has no cash redemption value and can be combined with other offers. Offer valid on Eligible New Vehicles purchased/leased/financed and delivered between June 2 – June 30, 2015. For more information see IIHS.org. **Ward’s Large Cross/Utility Market Segmentation. MY15 Pathfinder vs. 2015 and 2014 Large Cross/Utility Class. ^Ward’s Large Cross/Utility Market Segmentation. MY15 Pathfinder and Pathfinder Hybrid vs. 2014 competitors. Offers subject to change, continuation or cancellation without notice. Offers have no cash alternative value. See your participating Nissan retailer for complete details. ©2015 Nissan Canada Inc. Nissan Financial Services Inc. is a division of Nissan Canada Inc. �

ALTA NISSAN RICHMOND HILL 11667 YONGE STREET, RICHMOND HILL TEL: (905) 780-7771

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Having some sweet fun at Redpath Waterfront Festival Transformed Queens

Quay officially opens

Festivities at Sugar Beach: Below, street performances were one of the many things to see at the Redpath Waterfront Festival on Sunday afternoon. Right, spectators watch as Kai leaps for a ball during the DockDogs Canada finals at Corus Quay during the festival. Below right, crowds gather at Sugar Beach for the Sweetness Pride Beach party.

RAHUL GUPTA rgupta@insidetoronto.com Critics called it one of the city’s ugliest streets, a leaden, concrete barrier to the water. Now after years of planning and construction, Queens Quay has undergone a substantial transformation intended to turn it into a prime destination and the centerpiece of Toronto’s waterfront. Last Friday the street officially re-opened with a ceremony which saw hundreds of people unfurl a 650-metre blue ribbon stretching the length of the new-look Queens Quay symbolizing its rebirth. From east of Bay Street to west of Lower Spadina Avenue 1.7 kilometres of the street is completely re-made and now includes a widened pedestrian promenade made of two million pieces of “maple” red granite, new greenery and benches, a streetcar right-of-way re-located to the centre of the street and a paved extension of the Martin

Staff photos/ANDREW LAHODYNSKYJ

TICKETS FROM

Goodman trail. For waterfront supporter Paul Bedford, the finished Queens Quay is well worth the wait. “This is where a lot of people are going to discover their waterfront because so many people who I’ve dealt with over the years haven’t been down here in ages, and they’ve ignored it,” said the former chief city planner for Toronto. “And I keep telling them, just wait until this opens you’ve got to come down and walk it, see it, experience it, and starting this weekend we’ll see that.” It took six years of planning and approvals dating back to 2006 followed by three years of construction for Queens Quay to be completed. Once the work began residents and businesses alike had to deal with road closures, noise and dust from construction and other impediments. Waterfront Toronto CEO John Campbell said he was both proud and relieved the day had finally come for the street to re-open.

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| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, June 25, 2015

community

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, June 25, 2015 |

special report

City hall reaches out to minority-led companies MIKE ADLER madler@insidetoronto.com

oronto is edging closer to being a city where more than half of residents are foreign-born and more than half are non-white. But many first- or secondgeneration Canadians who own companies here think they are at a disadvantage getting business from city hall. “They feel there’s an unequal playing field,” said Zubair Patel, community relations director for the Toronto Network of Indian Professionals. This “long-held sentiment” among minority-led businesses covers not just municipal procurement, but hiring for city jobs, Patel said. When city hall and its contracts reflect the city, he argued, “it creates a greater sense of belonging,” but if not, “it slows down the process of integration.” Mayor John Tory is aware of the perception minorityled businesses don’t get a fair share. It’s true, but there’s nothing sinister behind it, he said. “The city just doesn’t know who these people are.” As long as minority-led companies know they’re free to bid on contracts, the mayor said, “that shouldn’t be an obstacle.” social procurement To change the playing field, city council started experimenting with a “social procurement framework” before Tory was elected last fall. The mayor said it could lead by next year to a policy ensuring one of three short-listed bids for each city contract comes from a minority-led or “diverse-led” company. “They will win or lose on their own merits after that.” The city started posting contracts worth $10,000 to $50,000 online, and soliciting some bids for smaller projects worth $3,000 to $10,000.

It’s too early in these experiments to say if they’ve made a difference. Not enough people know about them, and the city hasn’t posted as many contracts as was hoped, said director of procurement Michael Pacholok. “I feel we need to be a little more proactive.” City hall doesn’t have a closed list of vendors, he said, but speculated many small and medium-sized companies could be daunted by large contracts or think working with government, “generally seen as very rigid,” is too difficult. Pacholok said the city wants them to know they’re free to compete, and if a company is small, sub-contracting is an option. In recent years, applying

“

The city just doesn’t know who these people are. – mayor john tory

for city projects as a “diverse” company seems a sound strategy: in 2012, just seven per cent of bidders were “selfdeclared” as minority-led or controlled – which includes women, aboriginals, and gay and lesbian people – but they got $339 million in city business. In 2013, $434 million went to a self-declared five per cent. “There might be more out there that just didn’t tell us,” said Pacholok, who said his staff is planning more outreach to ethnic business groups on how to do business with the city.

“I think it comes down to using technology and using our connections,” said Tory, adding many large private firms are “doing a better job than the city on this,” and its government can learn from them. The mayor dismissed arguments adding a social procurement policy will increase the city’s costs or slow things down. free enterprise By broadening the nature and number of bidders, you can get a better price and quality, plus benefits you didn’t know about, he said. “To me, it’s a very freeenterprise way of doing it.” Courtney Betty, founder of the Diversity Business Network, said the biggest challenge for minority-led businesses “really is the lack of connections,” and providing opportunities for them will make us all wealthier. With a social procurement policy, “no one’s going to lose, but it will require courage to move this forward,” said Betty, a lawyer. “It’s the right business thing. It’s the right social thing.” He has faith Tory will make the right changes happen. “He’s a believer,” Betty said. Patel also welcomed the pilot projects in procurement, saying while the city should do more outreach, minority-led companies should do more research themselves on how to apply. A report on social procurement is expected to lead to a draft policy by the end of this year.

CITY CONTRACTS, 2013 % of contract bidders self-identified as minority-owned or controlled: 5 $ awarded to those businesses: $434 million

Help building a business FANNIE SUNSHINE fsunshine@insidetoronto.com

mmigrant entrepreneurs often come to their new country armed with a strong work ethic and grand ideas, but without the knowledge of what’s involved in making their dreams reality. That’s where organizations geared towards helping this targeted group come into play, with programs and service referrals available to assist those hoping to launch a business in the city. L a u r i e Fl e m i n g , c o ordinator of The Learning Enrichment Foundation’s (LEF) Emerging Entrepreneur Program, said the majority of the immigrant entrepreneurs she has worked with aspire to get into the food business, replicating what they did in

their home country. “The restaurant business in Toronto is hard,” she said. “Often they don’t have the culinary skills or the financial resources. Finances is the biggest barrier they face. Lots of people think the roads are paved with gold and the government hands out money.” While there are government grants available to entrepreneurs, often they will have to take second jobs to help finance their business, Fleming said, adding a restaurant idea might turn into a catering business. LEF offers two free components to its Emerging Entrepreneur Program: a two-week course testing the viability of an idea, making

tweaks and adjustments along the way, followed by a six-week program that involves taking their research and building a business plan. The entrepreneurs come from across the globe, Fleming said, adding her program has seen large numbers of participants from Central and South America, Eastern Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. “We have one engineer whose family has a clothing business in Pakistan and his family wants to sell their goods here,” Fleming said. “There is definitely family pressure.” Participants in the Emerging Entrepreneur Program will go on trips to Toronto Reference Library to get help with research, and LEF will bring in accountants, lawyers and mentors to help budding >>>newcomers, page 15

15 |

special report

w For more information on Connect Legal and its programs www.connectlegal.ca w For more information on Skills for Change, its locations and services www.skillsforchange.org

w For more information on programs at the Learning Enrichment Foundation www.lefca.org w For more information on Access Employment www.accessemployment.ca w For more information on procurement at the City of Toronto bit.ly/1ddYSDh

CYNTHIA REASON creason@insidetoronto.com

n 2003, when Carolina Velez immigrated to Toronto from her native Colombia she had dreams of making her mark on corporate Canada. A 21 year old armed with a business degree from a top-tier Colombian business school, she didn’t know her lack of Canadian experience would hold her back from climbing the corporate ladder. She’d spend the next eight years toiling in reception and clerical jobs, for which she was over-qualified, at companies where she had no real chance of advancement. “I’m not sure if things have changed for professional immigrants now, but for me it was very difficult because I didn’t have the experience (Canadian companies) wanted. I thought I was going to be able to find a managerial position Carolina Velez launched a now-successful business importing exotic fruit like this pitahaya.

like all my friends from university, who started working right away with multi-nationals in Colombia,” said Velez, who studied economics and international business at Icesi University, one of Colombia’s top-tier business schools.

“

Even if you’re not finding your way right away, don’t give up. Follow your dreams and your passions and everything else will follow. – carolina velez

“I thought I was going to have the same luck here in Canada, but that was far from reality, so I started thinking, if nobody’s going to hire me to be a manager, I will hire myself.” So in October 2011 the entrepreneurial seed for ColombiaExotic – Velez’s now-thriving import company dealing in exotic fruits from Colombia – was planted. Velez was struck by inspiration in the form of a spiky yellow fruit from back home. “I was assisting at a business match-making forum

Photo/Peter C. McCusker

Carolina Velez visits Vista Cargo in the Pearson Airport district, where she receives her merchandise.

in Toronto organized by the Government of Colombia and we were sent a basket with a bunch of fruit. When I tried the yellow pitahaya, I fell in love with it, it was fantastic,” said Velez of the fruit that would become the cornerstone of her start-up, which she describes as a “sweeter, more delicate

and refreshing” version of the dragon fruit. “I was filled with all these ideas on how to market it. I couldn’t sleep, I couldn’t think about anything else. I wrote my business plan in a week.” While the business struggled in its fledgling years after

Newcomers have places to go for advice, support

Photo/Peter C. McCusker

Surranna Sandy is the executive director of Skills For Change.

>>>from page 1 entrepreneurs in their quest for success, she said. As for how the city benefits from immigrant entrepreneurs, Fleming said if their business brings in even an extra $100 a month, it means they don’t need to rely on things like food banks. Starting in 2013 as a pilot project, the Entrepreneur Connections program run by Access Employment has served about 90 people a year who are looking for ways to bring their business ideas to fruition on Canadian soil, said Irene Sihvonen, director of services and organizational development programs. “They learn about the market in Canada and develop and refine their business plan and idea,” she said. The free four-week program

touches on legal considerations when starting a business, employment standard law, Canadian workplace culture, networking and business communication, Sihvonen said, adding participants often arrive in the city without business contacts, which is critical for success.

“

Some need a business plan, access to grants and funding. But they all have passion for starting a business. – Surranna Sandy

While the entrepreneurs run the gamut from arts and entertainment, education, health and medicine, 66 per cent ran a business outside of Canada and most seek help

with learning how things are done in their new country, she said. “The lack of knowledge of the Canadian market place, the legal requirements, accessing loans and funds,” said Sihvonen of the areas participants need the most assistance with, adding if immigrant entrepreneurs are successful, that means new jobs for the city and a better economy. And Entrepreneur Connections participants have been successful, with 61 businesses registered and 37 generating sales, she said. Surranna Sandy, executive director of Skills for Change, said some of the immigrant entrepreneurs who access their programs have strong business ideas, while others aren’t so certain.

“Some need a business plan, access to grants and funding,” she said. “But they all have passion for starting a business.” Most of the entrepreneurs come from South Asia, Africa, the Middle East, South America and Mexico and arrived in Canada within three to six months of reaching out to Skills for Change, she said. The biggest barrier they face is accessing financial support, she said. “They don’t have the broader networks yet, the social connections,” she said. By creating jobs and generating incomes, immigrant entrepreneurs are contributing to the city’s economy, which is a win-win situation, Sandy said.

launching in 2012 – Velez’s parents even sold their car after the banks refused to give her a loan – the one-woman start-up has expanded nationwide and, last year, saw its sales double. With Loblaws as its primary customer, ColombiaExotic now imports six varieties of fruit to the grocery giant’s stores in Quebec, Ontario, Newfoundland and New Brunswick. In recognition of her company’s strides, which Velez still runs almost single-handedly, she was named as one of the city’s Most Promising Immigrant Entrepreneurs in 2013 by Connect Legal, a registered charity that aims to foster entrepreneurship in the immigrant community. She was also honoured in March as one of Canadian Im m i g ra n t m a g a z i n e’s Five Immigrant Women of Inspiration in a cover story intended to motivate other newcomer women to reach for their dreams. To fledgling entrepreneurs, Velez offers one simple piece of advice. “Even if you’re not finding your way right away, don’t give up. Follow your dreams and your passions and everything else will follow.” WHAT’S YOUR

If you feel strongly

one way or another about our feature, tell us! Email press@insidetoronto. com or send a letter to 175 Gordon Baker Rd., Toronto, ON, M2H 0A2

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DIVERSITY OUR STRENGTH:

in news, events & resources insidetoronto.com/ diversity

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, June 25, 2015

Entrepreneurs advised to ‘never give up’

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, June 25, 2015 |

pan am/parapan am games team named wTheRoller to Pan Am Games Canadian roller sport

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team has been announced. The Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and Roller Sports Canada announced the four roller speed skating and one figure skating athlete to the Games. Athletes include Jordan Belchos, of Scarborough, Morgane Echardour, Christopher Fiola and Valérie Maltais in roller speed and Kailah Macri in roller figure. Roller speed skating competitors wear fourwheeled skates in which the wheels are aligned in a single row. Roller figure skaters compete in traditional four-wheel skates aligned in pairs at the toe and heel. Visit www.toronto2015. org/roller-sports-figureskating Table tennis team wTable named Tennis Canada

FOOD NETWORK is a trademark of Television Food Network G.P.; used with permission.

RELAIS DE LA FLAMME PRESENTED BY PRÉSENTÉ PAR

selected eight athletes to represent Canada at the Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games, includ-

michele mclean pan am/parapan am ing 2011 Parapan Am Games gold and silver medallist Ian Kent (Eastern Passage, N.S.) and 2011 Parapan Am Games silver medallists Stephanie Chan and Masoud Mojtahed. Other athletes include Martin Pelletier, Asad Hussain Syed, Asad Murtaza, Steven Dunn and Mikhail Drozdowski. For more information, visit www.toronto2015.org/ parapan/table-tennis Am Games judo athletes named wParapan

Judo Canada announced athletes Tony Walby, Justin Karn, Priscilla Gagné and Alex Radoman are going to the Parapan Am Games. Visually impaired judo is a contact combat sport. Key elements include balance, touch and combative instinct, all of which are highly developed qualities possessed by elite athletes with a visual impairment. Judo demands extreme

physical and strategic performance and competitors must use different techniques to overcome or immobilize their opponent. Visit www.toronto2015. org/parapan/judo athletes named wsoccer

The Canadian Olympic Committee and Canada Soccer announced the men’s and women’s soccer teams for the Pan Am Games. The men’s team include Toronto players Kevan Aleman, Manuel Aparicio, James Manjrekar, Chris Manella and Jonathan Grant. The women’s team includes Toronto player Rebecca Quinn. Both the men’s and women’s football (soccer) tournaments run from July 10 to July 26 and will be played at CIBC Hamilton Pan Am Soccer Stadium. Visit www.toronto2015. org/football-soccer Michele McLean’s column on the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/ Parapan Am Games appears every second week. Reach her at mmclean@insidetoronto.com

THE PAN AM FLAME IS COMING TO TORONTO!

Join us to celebrate and share the Pan Am spirit.

Free Family Fun! Saturday July 4th, 2015

5:00 - 11:00 p.m. Prince Edward Viaduct with lighting of the Luminous Veil

Sunday July 5th, 2015

12:00 - 4:00 p.m. CIBC Pan Am Aquatic Centre 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Afrofest

Monday July 6th, 2015

12:30 - 2:30 p.m. Ontario Science Centre 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Humber College Col. Sam Smith Park, performance by Quique Escamilla

Tuesday July 7th, 2015

1:30 - 3:30 p.m. Montgomery Inn 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Albion Arena

Wednesday July 8th, 2015

11:00 a.m - 3:00 p.m. Mel Lastman Square 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. Earlscourt Park, performance by Conjunto Lacalú

Thursday July 9th, 2015

1:15 - 3:15 p.m. Christie Pits 5:00 - 9:00 p.m. Nathan Phillips Square with Team Canada Rally

Friday July 10th, 2015

2:00 - 2:30 p.m. Ontario Celebration Zone, Queens Quay Terminal

To learn more, visit: TORONTO2015.org COMMUNITY PARTNER PARTENAIRE COMMUNAUTAIRE SOCIO COMUNITARIO

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