December 20 by The City Centre Mirror

Ha ppy Hol idays

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

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Merry Christmas from The Mirror

City skate: For more information about Anna Clarey, the artist who painted this image of the Harbourfront ice rink from a photograph by Tim Fraser, turn to page 10.

Bay and Bloor

Thursday 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm Friday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm

163 King Street W. Monday 10:00 am to 2:00 pm Thursday 10:30 am to 6:30 pm Saturday 7:30 am to 11:30 am

67 College

Thursday 11:00 am to 7:00 pm

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 20, 2012 |

Community

Photo/courtesy

Gabrielle Zilkha is currently raising funds to create a documentary titled The Jews of Ghana: From the Four Corners of the Earth, which will show the story of the Sefwis, a small tribe in Ghana that practices Judaism.

CHRISTMAS CHEER FOR REFUGEE CHILDREN SANTA: World Vision Gifts hosted a holiday party for families from the Christie Refugee Welcome Centre on Christie Street as well as students from a nearby school last Thursday. The party included a petting zoo, live holiday music, and a visit from Santa. Above, one lucky goat gets fed by kids. Goats are one of the most popular gift items selected in World Vision Gifts. At right, Santa dropped by to visit with the kids.

Courtesy/WORLD VISION CANADA

‘Lost tribe’ helps filmmaker reconnect with her faith JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com

hile working overseas on a volunteer placement with a human rights organization in Ghana, downtown Toronto filmmaker Gabrielle Zilkha found herself longing to connect with her own faith. Zilkha, who is Jewish, asked around to find anyone with whom she could share Rosh Hashanah and, after some research, learned of Sefwi Wiawso, a small and remote village of Jewish Ghanaians living in a country dominated by Christians and Muslims. “I didn’t believe it at first, but I figured I had nothing to lose,” Zilkha said. “I arranged to stay there for two days and wound up staying a week.” While there, Zilkha discovered the villagers followed many of the Jewish traditions such as celebrating the Sabbath and sticking to a kosher diet, but also had other rituals dating back to the pre-Rabbinical days, with

similarities to the teachings of the Old Testament. She was struck by the strangeness of seeing a relatively small group of people – known as the Sefwis – practicing a religion when virtually no one else around them was practicing it. “What I believe, and what the Ghanaians believe, is that they’re one of the lost tribes of Israel,” she said. “Jacob’s 12 sons each led an Israelite tribe and while two of the 12 tribes remained in the southern part of Israel, the other 10 tribes have been largely unaccounted for.” The Sefwis did not even know their traditions and beliefs were shared by others anywhere on Earth until some 20 years ago, making their devotion to Judaism all the more incredible. Now, Zilkha is working on a documentary titled The Jews of Ghana: From the Four Corners of the Earth, which will examine the journey the Sefwis have made toward self-discovery while aiming to connect them with the larger Jewish community.

“The movie will look at what it meant for them to go from being isolated and worshipping something no one else does to realizing they’re part of a global religion,” she said. “I want to bring eight members of the community to Israel to give them the opportunity to reconnect with their Jewish roots and history.” While focusing on the Sefwis, the film will serve as an examination of faith as a whole, showing how beliefs can bring and keep people together. Zilkha is looking to fund the project through an online Kickstarter fundraising campaign, with a goal of raising $15,000 by Saturday, Dec. 22. That funding will send a small, two-person crew to Ghana for the first phase of filming, which will tell the Sefwis’ story and showcase their traditions in their own village. To learn more about the project or make a donation, visit www.kickstarter. com, and search ‘The Jews of Ghana’.

| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 20, 2012

ccm@insidetoronto.com

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 20, 2012 |

Opinion The City Centre Mirror is published every Thursday at 175 Gordon Baker Rd., Toronto, ON, M2H 0A2, by Toronto Community News, a Division of Metroland Media Group Ltd. Ian Proudfoot Marg Middleton Peter Haggert Antoine Tedesco Warren Elder Angela Carruthers Debra Weller Mike Banville

ccm@insidetoronto.com

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Celebrating the season – and our artists

t may be green. It may even be warm. But warm weather won’t change the true spirit of the Christmas season. On the front page of The Mirror and the eight other Toronto Community News newspapers we publish today, we feature seasonal art with a local connection. The holiday season is underway and we thought featuring good works from the community would be a welcome change from tough issues, tough headlines. You can see the complete set of art from our front page photos in our online photo gallery found at bit. ly/TCN_holidayart You will see snow scenes. our view Stained glass. Classic and contemporary art. Artists show You will quickly see this community is rich in artistic talent glimpse of and that our artists have a flair for understanding and reflecting communities the neighbourhoods of Toronto. Art offers the same kind of experience as a newspaper. An artist chronicles a special place at a special time – and you can refer to that piece of work far into the future. A photo, a story or a piece of art can convey our history, our culture, our past, present or future. It’s fascinating how the warmth of a piece of art can melt the cold of a true winter day. To all of our readers, our online users, our advertiser partners and all community members, we wish you the best of the holiday season. Whether a Christian celebrating Christmas or not, this season offers time and opportunity to reflect on all that is accomplished, and offers the chance for us all to take steps to make the year ahead even better. In this space on the page, we often charge or challenge people to do something – and try to send a message you won’t see in other publications. Today, we’d like to challenge you during the year to buy a work of local art. We all need to encourage the efforts of our community’s artisans. That one small purchase, supports a local artist – and turns you automatically into a community builder. That piece of local art can be enjoyed by you, or give a whole younger generation a view of what was important to their ancestors’ culture, life and community. Encourage artists. And keep the spirit of the season alive in their continued good works. newsroom

Write us The City Centre Mirror welcomes letters of 400 words or less. All submissions must include name, address and a daytime telephone number for verification purposes.

We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject letters. Copyright in letters remains with the author but the publisher and affiliates may freely reproduce them in print,

electronic or other forms. Letters can be sent to letters@insidetoronto.com, or mailed to The City Centre Mirror, 175 Gordon Baker Rd. Toronto, ON, M2H 0A2.

Re: ‘Look at strike from teachers’ point of view,’ Letters, Dec. 13. Yes, teachers deserve to be well paid, but not overpaid. Teachers deserve to have the same quality of benefits as the private sector, but no more than that. Teachers are salaried employees and as such, the extra hours grading, assessing, preparing and upgrading has already been taken into account when they instruct their union to negotiate their remuneration. However, unlike the private sector, teachers currently have a monopoly within their profession and despite calling their bargaining sessions “negotiated agreements”, they essentially hold school boards, the provincial government and students hostage every time their contract comes up for renewal and the boards and province cave in to the union’s expensive demands. Teachers’ pensions, sick days, pay levels and tenures need to be reformed. The costs are unsustainable. Clifford J. Layne

Council has never seen a year like 2012 There has never been a more interesting year in the history of amalgamated Toronto council than 2012, and that’s saying something. Toronto, after all, has had some interesting times in its short history since megacity amalgamation took effect at the start of 1998. We’ve lived through epic corruption scandals, high comedy from goofball mayors, endless battles with the provincial and federal governments, riots and mass arrests and stinky, stinky garbage strikes. But 2012? You have outdone yourself, o waning year. The one interesting thing that didn’t happen this year was a garbage strike, and that’s something. But over the past 12 months, it has been a wild, realityshow-worthy ride: Toronto

THE CITY

david nickle

has seen nothing less than a seismic shift of power and influence away from a mayor who was just two years ago elected with a very powerful mandate. Mayor Rob Ford’s fall from grace, such as it was, was a constant narrative through the year – and not just because we scribes made it so. The year began on an optimistic note, as the mayor and his brother, Etobicoke North Councillor Doug Ford, started on what seemed like an easy, humanizing and healthful project, to drop a few

pounds (well, 50) over six months. The mayor’s faltering diet and exercise regime would become an all-to-apt metaphor for his faltering control of council. In the early months of 2012, councillors took matters into their own hands. The 2012 budget was re-made on the floor of council, to the mayor’s chagrin. And council didn’t stop there, voting to kill Ford’s dream of a subway to Scarborough and restore the light rail transit plan that he’d campaigned against. One could go on all column about the indignities that council heaped on the mayor’s office. But at least half of the fun of this reality show of a year comes from the mayor himself. As early as February, Ford sowed the seeds of

what might be his political downfall, when he spoke and voted on an integrity commissioner report demanding he repay $3,150 in donations to his football charity. As a result, Ford finishes the year awaiting an appeal of a judge’s ruling that will see him removed from office if it’s upheld. In between February and today, the mayor’s been called to the carpet for reading while driving, chasing a reporter, and skipping council meetings to coach high school football, among other things. In 2013, all of this could culminate in something even more interesting: a mid-term mayoral byelection, in which Toronto voters are asked to come in and pronounce judgement on the wild, precipitous year that’s just now passing.

416-493-4400 | distribution ph: 416-493-4400 fax: 416-495-6524 | display advertising ph: 416-493-4400 fax: 416-495-6629 | classifieds ph: 416-493-4660 fax: 416-495-6629 | administration ph: 416-493-4400 fax: 416-495-6629

Community

JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com Even before eight-year-old Lilah Petersiel was born, her parents knew the youngster was set to face a tough road. The Petersiels knew from ultrasounds she was going to have only one kidney, which would not necessarily cause problems, but on the day she was born, the Petersiels got some more bad news. “She had an ultrasound and when the G.P. read the results, he said ‘the kidney’s fine, but there’s something else here and it’s something I can’t treat here.’” said Lilah’s father, Eric Petersiel. She was transferred to the Hospital for Sick Children and within two weeks she was diagnosed with neuroblastoma – an aggressive cancer most common among young children – and had surgery to remove a tumour from her adrenal gland. A few short months later, a routine CT scan showed she had early stage liver cancer and Lilah had to undergo additional surgery to remove part of the organ and eight months of chemotherapy. “We’re so thankful that we had SickKids to take care of our daughter and our family,” Petersiel said. “It was quite an ordeal, but we were incredibly lucky to have this institution in our community.” While Lilah has shown no evidence of

BOXINGWEEK

It’s Happening in City Centre n Friday, Dec. 21

cancer for years – the family celebrated her eighth anniversary with no evidence of disease Dec. 8 – the Petersiels have not forgotten the care she received while at SickKids. The Forest Hill family started Lilah’s Fund (www.lilahsfund.com), which has raised some $700,000 in funds to help

Sacred Circle Dance WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Saturdays WHERE: Bloor Street United Church, 300 Bloor St. W. CONTACT: Joan Warren, 416-466-9292, ejoan.warren@ gmail.com, Dance traditional and modern dances to a variety of world music. No experience or partner is needed and all dances are taught. Suggested donation of $8.

n Wednesday, Dec. 26

“If you look back, 30 years ago, the cure rates for leukemia were under 10 per cent and now they’re over 90 per cent,” Petersiel said. Lilah’s story will be told as part of a two-hour special called Believing in Heroes, which outlines the stories of many of the children who have been treated at SickKids. The program takes an in-depth look at the difficulties many children face and how the care provided at the hospital helps them and their families during difficult times. Believing in Heroes will air on CTV from noon until 2 p.m. Saturday.

The story of Lilah Petersiel’s battle with neuroblastoma will be told in ‘Believing in Heroes’, which will run on the CTV network at noon Saturday. Lilah is now eight and celebrated being eight years cancer-free Dec. 8.

Eglinton Community Centre Eglinton Community centre, 160 Eglinton Ave. E., offers a variety of courses. Contact www.centraleglinton.com

Annual Boxing Day Hike of The Toronto Islands WHEN: 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: Toronto Island Ferry, 9 Queens Quay W. CONTACT: Toronto Bruce Trail Club, 416763-9061, www.torontobrucetrailclub.org COST: Hike is free. Ferry price varies The trail is 12 kilometres, about four kilometres an hour with flat terrain. Meet at 9:30 a.m. inside waiting area for ferry docks at the foot of Bay Street.

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n Ongoing

‘Messiah’ - Ontario Philharmonic & Amadeus Choir WHEN: 8 to 10 p.m. WHERE: Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St. CONTACT: Bonnie Booth, 416-443-9737; www.ontario.phil.ca COST: $25 to $45 A great way to get in the spirit of the holidays.

neuroblastoma research. Money raised through Lilah’s Fund goes directly to SickKids to fuel research into childhood cancers. “It’s amazing to me that they have the world’s leading scientists and clinicians (at SickKids),” Petersiel said. “They are literally on the edge of breaking through and finding out so much more about the sources and cures for kids’ cancer.” While SickKids was able to save Lilah’s life, many others are not so fortunate. Petersiel said Lilah has had five friends die, whom she had met over the course of her treatment, and the family hopes Lilah’s Fund can help bring about the necessary breakthroughs.

Compassionate Friends Support Group Toronto Chapter WHEN: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the second Monday of the month WHERE: Calvin Presbyterian Church, 26 Delisle Ave. A support group for people who have lost a child. Compassionate Friends works like a 12-step program, although it is not actually a recovery program. Counsellors will sometimes join.

n Thursday, Jan. 10

Scottish Country Beginner Classes WHEN: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. WHERE: St. Leonard’s Anglican Church, 25 Wanless Ave. CONTACT: Sue Anne Brice, 416266-5423 COST: Free Scottish country beginner classes run Thursdays.

DOWNTO OWNHYUNDAI

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| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 20, 2012

Young cancer survivor’s story on TV special

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 20, 2012 |

Education

Students protest at Queen’s Park over Bill 115 JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com Thousands of high school students gathered Thursday outside Queen’s Park holding up banners and placards and chanting “Kill the Bill” and other slogans to show their displeasure with the provincial government’s Bill 115. Students from across the city staged a walkout Dec. 13, leaving their schools to speak out against the bill, a point of contention in ongoing labour relations between teachers and the province. In response to the bill, which was dubbed “Putting Students First” and hindered the teachers’ ability to strike, the Ontario Secondar y Schools Teachers’ Federation ordered teachers to put a halt to extracurricular activities. “There are a lot of students who depend on sports scholarships who won’t be able to get them,” said Etobicoke School of the Arts Grade 11 student Lorina Hoxha, one of a large group who rallied students to protest through

social media. “Students who need extra help can’t have that, either.” Fellow Etobicoke School of the Arts Grade 11 student Sia Katsoupa noted the turnout exceeded the organizers’ already-lofty expectations. She said that while much has been made of the battle between the province and teachers, the students have not had much chance to speak out. “We’re just trying to get the students’ perspective across,” she said. “We want to see some real negotiation going on.” She added that her school relies largely on extracurriculars. “Our school is an artsbased school, so it really comes alive after hours,” she said. “The school spirit has dropped completely.” Students were also collecting signatures on petitions to prompt the province to reconsider Bill 115 and handing out literature encouraging their fellow students to contact their MPPs and

‘I think (Bill 115 is) really unfair to teachers and they’re in a holding pattern.’ – Harbord Collegiate student, Kieran Ball informing them as to how to deal with police should the need arise. The rally was peaceful, with student leaders marshaling their peers and ensuring they maintained a safe distance from Queen’s Park. A contingent of police officers guarded the building, though the rally went on without incident. Harbord Collegiate Grade 9 student Kieran Ball attended to ensure his voice was heard among those of thousands of his peers. “I think (Bill 115 is) really unfair to teachers and they’re in a holding pattern,” he said. “They’ve had their rights

Success Starts Here! ere! Kindergarten Registration for September 2013

in Toronto Catholic Schools begins on Tuesday, January 8, 2013 Extended registration hours: Week of January 14, 2013

Contact your local school for specific date and time. Children born in 2009 are eligible for kindergarten. For general information call 416.222.8282 ext. 5314 or visit www.tcdsb.org Bruce Rodrigues, Director of Education Ann Andrachuk, Chair of the Board

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Staff photo/JUSTIN SKINNER

Toronto high school students rally outside Queen’s Park Thursday against Bill 115 and the ongoing labour problems between teachers and the provincial government.

taken away.” For Monarch Park Collegiate Grade 12 student Yasir Batalvia, the action to end extra-curricular activities could not have come at a worse time for his school. “We just got a new dome set up and now we can’t use

it,” he said. “There’s no track and field, no baseball, no sports.” He added that many teachers supported the students in their decision to stage a walkout of schools and was hopeful the large turnout would spark some action

from the province. “The turnout here’s large enough to get our voice heard,” he said. Teachers staged their own protest Tuesday. For more on the ongoing situation visit www.insidetoronto.com

es g n a h c n o i t c e l Col Holiday Season

Household Collection

this

Collection Calendar

There is no garbage/recycling Eve, collection on Christmas Eve, Monday Monday,, December 24 and New Year’s Eve, Monday, December 31. These changes are marked in your collection calendar.

Green G reen Bin, Bin Blue Bin, Garbage Bin &Y Yard Ya arrd d Waste

September 2012 to August 2013

Collection schedules change by moving one day forward.

Usual collection day

Moves to

Monday (nights): Dec 24 and Dec 31

Tuesday: Dec 25 and Jan 1

Wednesday: Dec 26 and Jan 2

Thursday: Dec 27 and Jan 3

Friday: Dec 28 and Jan 4

Saturday: Dec 29 and Jan 5

Christmas tree collection begins the week of December 31 (on garbage collection days). Remember to remove all decorations, tinsel, stands and nails. The City will not collect Christmas trees set out in plastic or in tree bags. There are nine versions of the calendar reflecting different collection schedules. Using online maps, you can determine your local schedule. Full calendars and one-page collection schedules are available online at

toronto.ca/recycle

People

The story of David Zancai JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com Most anyone who spent time in Toronto’s downtown core in the early part of this millennium crossed paths with the goateed, shirtless, Santa Claus hat-wearing, push-up machine Zanta. Very few, however, knew the story that led to David Zancai becoming the character so familiar to so many. Cabbagetown artist Jason Kieffer’s graphic novel Zanta: The Living Legend looks into Zancai’s past, his run-ins with police, the mental health system and his eventual banishment from downtown Toronto, Yorkville and TTC subways. Kieffer said the decision to write about Zanta came naturally. “At first, I found him interesting as a character on the street,” Kieffer said. “When I heard that whole deal about him being banned from the downtown core, it outraged me.” Zancai’s tale begins with a work accident in 2000, when he fell 25 feet and landed on his back while painting a ceiling. A few years thereafter, he began walking around speaking in his familiar mile-a-minute style, which resulted in a stay at the Clarke Institute. When he was released and his girlfriend left with his young daughter, the character of Zanta was born. Zancai became well-known on the subway system and on the streets of Toronto, where he was alternately embraced and reviled by the people of Toronto. He appeared in the background on Breakfast Television daily and frequented Speaker’s Corner. Eventually, he was banned from various parts of the downtown core. “Some people found him aggressive or loud, but that was no reason to ban him,” Kieffer said. Reached a few months back at his home in Etobicoke, Zancai said while the bans keeping him from going downtown or on the subway have been lifted, he no longer has any desire to visit his old stomping grounds or reprise the Zanta character. “I just stay at home now,” he said. “They ruined it for me. They kicked me out of everywhere, banned me from

Courtesy/ROGER CULLMAN

Zanta flexes for his fans at Church and Wellesley during 2006 Pride Day festivities.

everywhere.” Zancai said the persona he portrayed came about as a means of letting people know his story and the loss he suffered. “It started with my daughter’s mother,” he said. “I wanted people to know how she ran off with my daughter.” Kieffer said his first encounter with Zanta came in the mid-2000s, when he was leaving the Eaton Centre. “I was just leaving the mall and he started doing pushups and making sounds,” the author said. “He had stuff written on him and a group of people around him and I didn’t know what to think. Then he walked away and I realized it was an act and that he can turn it off.” While the author admits to having been apprehensive prior to their first meeting, those fears were quickly dispelled. “He was relaxed and friendly and very conscious of the fact that what he was doing was an act,” he said. Zanta: The Living Legend details Zancai’s various run-ins with police and the way he was systematically banished from much of Toronto. Kieffer said he has seen others share the same fate in his own Cabbagetown community. “There should be a bigger discussion around how this kind of thing can happen,” he said. Za n c a i s a i d t h e graphic novel was “amazing” and he was impressed with the amount of work that went into both creat-

ing the book and capturing his own life. He currently lives with his parents, in part for his mother’s sake. “I’m here to keep my mom quiet,” he said. “She thought I was crazy and said ‘they’re laughing at you.’ They weren’t laughing at me. They were laughing with me.” While Zancai has hung up his Zanta hat, it may not be the last anyone sees of his nowfamous character. He said he is meeting with an actor/writer who is looking to make a film detailing his story. The decision to stay at home is certainly not one with which he is entirely pleased. “Now I’m a prisoner in my own city,” he said. Zanta: The Living Legend is available on Kieffer’s website (www.jasonkieffer.com) and at Toronto comic stores The Beguiling and The Silver Snail.

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| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 20, 2012

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CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 20, 2012 |

PROVEN RESULTS!!! Frank Leo Custom built Classic Victorian inspired all brick 4 bdrm homes in south Etobicoke. Incredible imported high end finishes thru-out, state of the art automation system. Definitely a must see located just minutes to the airport or downtown Toronto from $928,888 & $958,888!!

INCREDIBLE 82’ X 208’ ESTATE!!

Prestigious executive 5+2 bdrm 2 storey, gorgeous stone & brick exterior, professionally landscaped lot, backing onto Conservation lands, absolutely a must see, beautifully finished thru-out, Jatoba hardwood & granite flrs, custom kitchen inground pool, & much more for $1,990,000 Call to view!!

BROKER

PREMIUM RAVINE LOT!!

Gorgeous Property 90’ x 143’ lot backing onto the Humber River & situated on quiet dead end street. Custom built 2 storey with addition & walkout bsmnt. Fabulous layout, granite countertop & floors, 5+1 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms, finished basement with second kitchen ideal for entertaining or nanny suite, w/o to professionally landscaped lot with inground salt water pool, patio, deck, & spectacular ravine views. Meticulously well maintained property offered at only $1,699,900!!

HE R T O N A OLD S

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

FANTASTIC BUSINESS $249,000!!

Large restaurant with drive thru on a ¾ acres lot, in the heart of Bolton, zoned for fast food national chain, completely renovated (09) seats 75, 35 parking spaces, currently very successful business also included for $1,975,000!!

2 STOREY MASTERPIECE!

CUSTOM BUILT ALDERWOOD 2 STOREY!!

Custom built 4+2 bdrm 2 storey with addition, gorgeous renovated kitchen & baths, granite counter tops, gleaming hardwood floor, 4 full baths, main floor. Family room & den, 2nd floor laundry, finished basement with separate entrance, quality craftsmanship through-out, thousands spent must be seen for $1,100,000!!

Situated on a quiet court location. Mississauga/Etobicoke border. Backing onto ravine, totally renovated detached 2 storey 4+1 bedroom is simply amazing, gorgeous gourmet kitchen, s.s appliances, Granite countertop, main flr family room gas fireplace, formal living & dining room, prof finished basement. Backyard paradise, heated inground saltwater pool, jacuzzi, pattern concrete patio, solarium plus much more. SOLD FAST FOR TOP $$$!!

Fabulous design, great curb appeal, Large 4 bdrm with 4 washrooms, finished basement. Stunning classic combination of hardwood, marble & ceramic floors, high ceilings, skylight, Oak stairs, family size kitchen with breakfast area, granite countertop, centre island, stainless steel appliances & many extras for $888,800!!

BACKING ONTO GOLF COURSE!!! Large detached 4 bdrm 2 storey, finished basement, huge 50’ x 199’ lot! Located close to all conveniences, quick access to Hwys, many upgrades thru-out, Well maintained home Must be seen for $799,900!!

KEELE & 401!! Fabulous detached 4+1 bdrm 2 storey, double garage, interlock, large verandah, double door entry, centre hall plan, 4 washrooms, combined living and dining rm, cathedral ceiling, gas fireplace, gleaming hardwood floors in family rm, wonderful family size kitchen, w/o to large deck & heated inground pool, gorgeous prof. landscaped lot, finished bsmnt and many extras for only $799,000!!

Gorgeous 4+2 bdrm 2 storey, beautiful custom kitchen, granite countertops, s.s appliances, gleaming hardwood floors, 9’ ceilings, crown moulding, California shutters, gas fireplace, main flr. laundry, huge master with 5 pc ensuite and professionally finished basement, ideal for In-law suite, + much more for $785,900!!

FABULOUS VELLORE VILLAGE OPPORTUNITY!!

THE VICTORIAN! 2790 sq ft classic custom built 2 storey all brick semi detached luxury homes. Located in the Long Branch area, Newly built, select your luxurious finishes starting from $799,000

BURNHAMTHORPE/PONYTRAIL!!

Rare 5 bdrm 2 storey on a beautiful lot. Just steps to Gametwood Park along the Etobicoke boarder. Gorgeous family rm with w/o to private fenced lot 20’x40’, inground pool. Huge bedrooms and principal rooms, renovated baths, fabulous country kitchen with s.s appliances and breakfast area, large finished basement 2nd kitchen & 2 bedrooms, gleaming hardwood flrs. and much more. $739,000

SHERIDAN HOMELANDS!

Incredible totally renovated 4 bdrm, 2 storey, gleaming hardwood floors, spacious principle rms, gourmet kitchen, granite countertop s.s appliances, large family rm addition, walkout to amazing prof. landscaped lot, interlock, inground salt water heated pool, patio, stupendous perennial garden, plus finished basement. Simply must be seen only $649,900!!

80 X 150 FT LOT!

Detached 3 bedroom bungalow with gorgeous brick & stone exterior, on a huge premium lot in Royal York/Dixon area, long private double driveway with garage. Large open concept living and dining room, 2 renovated bathrooms, walk-out to spacious serene back yard, huge workshop, fabulous opportunity only $639,900.

FREE Confidential Home Evaluations WEST REALTY INC., Brokerage

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“The Name Friends Trust & Recommend” Experience and Service you can count on!! HER T O N A SO LD

HER T O N A SO LD KINGSVIEW VILLAGE!!

THE BELLARIA RESIDENCE!!

Incredible luxury condo, great location close to Vaughan Mills shopping centre, Canada’s Wonderland, restaurants, and all conveniences. Fabulous gated community, 24hr concierge, Fantastic facilities, spacious 2 bdrm condo, stainless steel appl. Granite countertop, gleaming ceramic & hardwood flrs thru-out. A must see for $619,900!!

Totally renovated Etobicoke beauty, gorgeous stone exterior finish & curb appeal. Custom kitchen, granite counter top, stainless steel appliances, skylight, gleaming hardwood flrs, prof. finished basement with separate in-law suite, garage, large back yard. SOLD FAST FOR TOP $$$!!

TOMKEN/DUNDAS!!

SPECTACULAR TOWNHOME!!

In the heart of Woodbridge quiet enclave, steps to Market Lane. Totally renovated open concept living room, gleaming hardwood flr, walkout to patio, formal dining, amazing custom kitchen granite countertop, stainless steel appliances, California shutters, potlights, finished basement, truly a masterpiece, must be seen only $499,900!!

Wonderful detached 3 bdrm raised bungalow with pie shaped lot, quiet court location, in East Mississauga.Fabulous potential In-law suite, finished basement with separate entrance. Upgraded family size kitchen with s.s. appl., huge combined Living & dining rm with walk out to balcony, renovated bsmnt with fireplace and w/o to yard, gleaming hardwood flrs & much more.

SOLD FAST FOR TOP $$$!!

THE R O N A OL D S

ER ANOTLHD SO ROYAL YORK/EVANS!!

Wonderful detached brick 2 storey full of charm and character. This home has been totally renovated, new electrical, plumbing, insulation, drywall, nicely finished trim & hardwood thru-out! Finished basement with bar, new roof(2011), new windows(2011) furnace(2009) fully fenced yard with Gazebo, and many extras.

SOLD FAST FOR TOP $$$!!

THE JAMES CLUB!!

Prime Kingsway/Edenbridge neighbourhood. Fabulous layout, 2+1 bedroom suite, open concept living and dining rm, w/o to private balcony/terrace, thousands spent on upgrades, granite countertop, breakfast bar, high ceilings, steps to transit, Humbertown Plaza, & amenities only $469,900

PRIME DEVELOPMENT LAND!! Surrounded by Thistletown Plaza, 3+1 bedroom Semi-detached bungalow on a 35’x183’ lot (3 adjacent lots also) providing over 20,000 sq ft for all kinds of development potential, $449,900!!

YONGE & SHEPPARD CONDO!!

Rare huge 1,590 sq. ft. 2 + 1 bdrm corner unit in the exclusive Manhattan Place. Spacious open concept layout, gleaming parquet floors, Large master bedroom with gorgeous 5 piece ensuite & walk- in closet, modern family size kitchen, unobstructed South West view, voted North York Condo of the Year in 2009, a must see for $499,000!!

ER H T O N A LD SO JANE/WILSON!!

EGLINTON/WESTON!!

Totally renovated 4+1 bdrm 2 storey, gorgeous Cartier kitchen, s.s. appl., porcelain tile, gleaming hardwood flrs., finished basement with separate side entrance to In- law suite with second kitchen. Large California style deck, renovated bathrooms, & many upgrades, located close to all convenience.

Spacious 3 + 1 bedroom bungalow. Updated kitchen, Corian countertop, open concept living & dining room, updated bathroom, separate side entrance to finished basement ideal for entertaining or in-law suite with 2nd kitchen. Long driveway only

SOLD FAST FOR TOP $$$!!

ER AN OTH SO LD WESTON/LAWRENCE!!

Spacious 3 bdrm detached 1 1/2 storey, on a large 40’ x 136’ lot, finished basement, separate entrance, hardwood floors, crown moulding, wainscoting, detached garage, long private drive and many extras, located close to all amenities. SOLD FOR TOP $$$!!

OAKWOOD & VAUGHAN!!

Rare Investment opportunity, at affordable price. Store with a 2 bdrm apt, above. Previously a convenience store, 4 car parking & lrg basement, high traffic area, great central location, close to all conveniences & transportation for $349,000!!

LIBERTY VILLAGE!! Beautiful Dufferin/King 2+1 bdrm condo townhouse, open concept living & dining rm with fireplace, gleaming laminate floor, separate Den, w/o balcony from mstr bedroom, great view of the city. Fabulous location the best of city living, close to all conveniences for only $334,900!!

Family and friendship is the thread that THE WESTWAY/MARTINGROVE

Totally renovated 3+1 bdrm 2 storey, Stucco & Stone exterior, Spacious open concept living & dining rm, gorgeous kitchen with granite countertop, s/s appl, ceramic & laminate floors thru-out finished basements, new 2 car garage, plus many extras, new roof, new washrooms, New oak staircase with steel rail, hi-eff. furnace & much more.

SOLD FAST FOR TOP $$$!!

CALL

416

NUVO 2!! Luxurious Tridel built, immaculate 1 bedroom plus den, bright open concept layout, French doors, laminate floors, W/O to balcony, modern kitchen granite countertop, breakfast bar, 24 hr concierge, world class amenities, steps to Subway and Go Train, only $289,900!!

Merry Christmas!!

HER T O N A SO LD DAVENPORT / SYMINGTON!!

WESTON RD/BUTTONWOOD!!

Spacious 3 bdrm townhouse, 4 bathrooms, large combined living and dining room, bright family size kitchen, finished basement w/ kitchenette & bath, w/o to backyard, garage access door, and many extras, located close to all conveniences for $329,900!!

Fabulous 2 bedroom suite over 1000 sq. ft, open concept living & dining room, walkout to large balcony. Updated kitchen ceramic floor, renovated bathroom, spacious bedrooms, includes parking & locker only $165,000!!

917

keeps us all connected. With warmth and sincerity, we hope that your home will be filled with happiness, good health & prosperity!! (L (L

I I

O O

N N) )

5 4 6 6

SEE MORE PHOTOS : www.GetLeo.com Not intended to solicit persons under contract. *Certain Conditions May Apply. ReMax West Realty Inc. does not guarantee the sale of your home. Exclusively offered by Frank Leo.

| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 20, 2012

SELL Your Home FASTER and for MORE MONEY!

Slight boost to city budget DAVID NICKLE dnickle@insidetoronto.com

Downtown

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won’t have me again as the budget chair,” Del Grande told reporters following Monday’s penultimate budget committee meeting. The city’s capital and operating budgets will have one more go-around at the budget committee Jan. 8, before being sent off to executive committee and then Toronto Council for final approval. The $9.42 billion budget has been under consideration at the budget committee for about a month, and last week, more than 200 deputations came to raise various issues with programs. Del Grande said he’d spent the weekend trying to figure out which of those requests could be accommodated, and how that might happen. He said his solution amounted to “tinkering” and dealt with various problems, at least in part.

Toronto’s budget chief Mike Del Grande offered up some “tinkering” to the city’s 2013 operating budget – adding back some funding for children’s nutrition programs, the Toronto Botanical Gardens, local arts organizations and various other programs, to the tune of $1,150,000. But the largest comes at a price: $1.30 for the average Toronto homeowner next year, in the form of a two per cent property tax increase not 1.95 per cent. And Del Grande warned his colleagues if councillors try to add back anything more, he won’t be around to shepherd the next two budgets. “If at the end of the day council wants to blow $25, $50 million more – I can tell you, guarantee for sure, they

ANIMAL HOSPITAL

For instance, he will restore $300,000 in funding to local arts organizations in the city’s inner suburbs, and $30,000 to cash-strapped lawn bowling clubs. The Toronto Botanical Gardens had asked for $160,000 in funding to keep going; Del Grande offered $75,000. To fund it, he said the 0.05 per cent additional property tax increase is the way to go. “I’m going against the grain of what the mayor’s request was, but I just can’t accommodate everything,” said Del Grande, who later was unclear about whether he had discussed his plans with Mayor Rob Ford before bringing them to committee. The amended budget will mean an effective 2.5 per cent property tax increase, because of shifts in tax burdens as a result of the latest round of MPAC current value assessment.

Anna Clarey started her art career late in life Anna Clarey’s Harbourfront Ice Rink was painted from a photograph by Tim Fraser. Born in England, Anna B:10”showed an interest in art from an early age. She rediscovered T:10” her art about 10 years ago, S:10”while taking a career break to

raise her family. Completely self taught, she started selling her art around 5 years ago and is now a full time artist. Anna specializes in vivid, acrylic landscapes and floral studies. Most of her inspiration is from her home city of

Toronto, her travels and her neighbour’s gardens. Since she works from photographs, you will often see her with digital camera in hand. You can see more of Anna’s art on her website at www. AnnaClarey.com

A funny thing happens when you tell kids they matter. They believe you. TM

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An alarming 40,000 kids drop out of high school every year. Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada are committed to changing that. They provide a safe and supportive place where kids can develop confidence and life skills. They offer programs like Rogers Raising the Grade to help kids with their studies. The Club is a place where kids can drop in, so they’re less likely to drop out.

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CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 20, 2012 |

11 | CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 20, 2012

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CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 20, 2012 |

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AG’s report critical of Metrolinx

SANTA SIGHTING

RAHUL GUPTA rgupta@insidetoronto.com

Photo/NANCY PAIVA

HAPPY HOLIDAYS: Hugh Sinclair, 6, shows off his Santa colouring during the St. Lawrence Market’s Market Gallery holiday event on Saturday.

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A spending report on provincial agencies released this week by the Ontario auditor general criticizes Metrolinx for “overly optimistic” projections for annual ridership on the upcoming Union Pearson Express air rail link (ARL). Metrolinx, which is building the link connecting Union Station with Pearson International Airport, estimates the roughly 1.8 million riders who will take the line during 2015 – its first year of existence – will increase to three million by 2018. But auditor general Jim McCarter’s report, released Wednesday, Dec. 12, questions those estimates given the link’s potential high fare cost of between $20 and $30 for a one-way ticket compared to similar North American air rail connections which range from $1.60 to $13. While Metrolinx has not finalized fare costs, the report says the provincial transit planning agency failed to take into account negative feed-

‘There were a lot of challenges dealing with that very old infrastructure.’ ~ David Salter, provincial transportation ministry back from residents during a 2011 study, which indicated 75 per cent of the respondents wouldn’t use the service if it costs more than $22.50. “We believe that the ARL’s high fare will negatively affect the projected ridership capture rate,” states the report, which recommends Metrolinx should regularly update its forecasting to ensure the most accurate ridership estimates. The report also questions preliminary estimates on the ARL’s annual operating budget, suggesting the $30-million figure provided by Metrolinx could increase to an estimated $50-million if the provincial government seeks to recoup capital costs

– estimated to be $456 million by the report – for the project. Metrolinx also faced criticism for cost overruns associated with the Presto fare system which have ballooned to more than $700 million, from an estimated $250 million, if costs for developing next-generation card readers are considered. The auditor general’s report, which is released annually and looks at the spending history of various Crown agencies, also listed as a concern costs associated with ongoing renovations to Union Station, such as the restoration of the train shed roof covering passenger platforms and tracks. The price tag for the renovations could reach $270-million which would be 25 per cent more than what Metrolinx originally estimated. A recently completed project to replace more than 100 rail switches for changing tracks in the Union Station rail corridor has ended up costing taxpayers $87-million

in your home.

The Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit can help. Seniors 65 years and older and their live-in family members are eligible for a tax credit of up to $1,500 on home modifications that improve safety and accessibility – regardless of income. Eligible improvements include things like support bars, ramps or walk-in bathtubs. To claim your credit, keep your receipts for when you file your taxes. ontario.ca/healthyhomes • 1-866-668-8297 • TTY 1-800-263-7776

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– more than double initial projections of $38-million. David Salter, press secretary for provincial transportation minister Bob Chiarelli, said Metrolinx had already addressed several concerns stated in the report, including securing the Canadian intellectual property rights for Presto from developer Accenture, which will hold on to the international rights for the technology. Salter said cost overruns from the Union Station revitalization could be attributed in part to the need to replace dated technology from the past century. “There were a lot of challenges dealing with that very old infrastructure,” said Salter last Thursday. “When you’re dealing with plans from the 1920s, some of them could be wrong, so the project was more expensive than anticipated.” While no final decisions have been made regarding fares for the ARL, he said the eventual ticket price would be comparable with other services around the world.

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call: 416

798 7284

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175 Gordon Baker Road, Toronto, ON M2H 2N7

Business Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm Telephone Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am – 5:30 pm Cash & Interac Transactions: 9 am - 5 pm

www.insidetoronto.com | Circulation: 416 493 4400

Adjustments: Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of your ad. Please check your ad on the first insertion. For multiple insertions of the same ad, credit will be made only for the first insertion. Credit given for errors in connection with production on ads is limited to the printed space involved. Cancellations must be made by 2 p.m. one business day prior to publication date. Cancellations must be made by telephone. Do not fax or e-mail cancellations.

Domestic Help Available A-1 MAID Service. Clean Houses, Condos. Experienced Cleaners. Bonded, Insured, Low Cost. Call 4 1 6 - 7 4 2 - 0 0 8 2 www.a1maids.ca

Tax/Financial $$$NEED MONEY$$$ Do you have a pension plan from an ex-employer? (LIRA) or (locked in RRSP). Call NOW! 1-416-357-9585

Mortgages/Loans $$MONEY$$ CONSOLIDATE Debts Mortgages to 90% No income, Bad credit OK! Better Option Mortgage #10969 1-800-282-1169 www.mortgage ontario.com

Medical & Dental Services NEED A Shrink? Lets talk! Call 416-347-6564.

Articles for Sale

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Dogs

Home Renovations

Moving & Storage

PUPPIES FOR sale! Beagles, females, tri colours. Ready Jan. 1 2013. 250.00 Call 416-533-2466

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

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Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking

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647-861-7399 1-888-989-5865 Home Renovations BUILDER/ GENERAL CONTRACTORS RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL. Finished basements. Painting. Bathrooms. Ceramic tiles. Flat roofs. Leaking basements. Brick/chimney repairs. House additions 9 0 5 - 7 6 4 - 6 6 6 7 , 416-823-5120

Waste Removal PETER’S DEPENDABLE JUNK REMOVAL From home or business, including furniture/ appliances, construction waste. Quick & careful!

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EMERGENCY? Clogged drain, camera inspection Leaky pipes Reasonable price, 25 years experience Licensed/ Insured credit card accepted Free estimate James Chen

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Flooring & Carpeting

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Monday, December 24 Christmas Eve by Candlelight at First Unitarian 7:00pm

“Phoenix People”

Sunday, December 30 10:30am Reflection, ritual and re-commitment to mark the New Year

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CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 20, 2012 |

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| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 20, 2012

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, December 20, 2012 |