January 31 by The City Centre Mirror

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Free family skate at Christe Pits on Sunday

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Get to know the wildlife living just beyond your backyard. Read our special feature on page 11

Trinity-Spadina councillor Mike Layton is inviting the community to lace up for a free family fun skate this Sunday. The party will take place at the Christie Pits Skating Rink near the northwest portion of Christie Pits Park. Those who come out to enjoy a little winter fun will be treated to cookies and coffee supplied by Layton, hot chocolate from the local Tim Horton’s and music provided by the Bob Abate Community Centre. The free skating event will take place Feb. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m.

n Tea time at library

Tea lovers will be able to sip some new flavours and learn from experts in the field in the comfort of the Toronto Reference Library this weekend. The Toronto Tea Festival is open to all, whether they’re new to tea culture or a tea aficionado. With hundreds of different teas available to be sampled, as well as tea, teaware and tea-related products on sale, the exhibit will have something for all levels of tea lover. There will also be a silent auction and raffle, and experts speaking on tea culture and Korean and Chinese tea ceremonies. The Toronto Tea Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Toronto Reference Library’s Appel Salon on Saturday, Feb. 2. For tickets or information, visit www.teafestivaltoronto.com or call 647-868-9858.

IN THE CITY Rathnelly residents tidy up neighbourhood JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com With a long-standing mural in their community defaced by tagging, residents in the self-titled Republic of Rathnelly are looking for new solutions to beautify the site. The mural, on a railway overpass on McPherson Street near Dupont St. and Avenue Rd., was tagged by

vandals last year. Once the tagging began, it became notably worse as more graffiti was added to the overpass. At a community meeting, residents from the area discussed ways of refurbishing the mural and may also look into the possibility of installing a living wall replete with greenery to help improve the appearance of the overpass.

“I don’t get the sense that there’s a strong bias for or against the living wall,” said Rathnelly Area Residents Association president Pam MacDonald. “Someone spoke to me about a combination that includes actually framing parts of the existing mural and letting vines grow around it so it looks like you’re looking through a window.”

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A working group with members of the association will look into various options, including the feasibility of installing a living wall, which they hope would both add some greenery to the site and deter further graffiti. The group is looking to work with the City of Toronto, which has a fund for streetscape enhancement that >>>working, page 10

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, January 31, 2013 |

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People

Concussed teen behind brain injury initiative JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com

ust over a year after a debilitating concussion derailed her promising athletic career, North Toronto resident Allison Haggart is looking to do something about the growing problem of brain injuries. Haggart was snowboarding with her Lawrence Park Collegiate Institute school team at Mount St. Louis Moonstone when she collided with a teammate. She ended up hitting her head on a patch of ice resulting in a concussion – despite wearing a helmet. “When it happened, my first worry was ‘am I going to be late for school’ but then later, it was ‘oh my God, I can’t read anymore,’” she said. Alarmingly, she was immediately cleared to continue snowboarding. Fortunately, however, as an athlete, she knew better. “I had a headache and right away I knew something wasn’t right,” she said. “I had sound and light sensitivity, headaches and then the dizziness started to progress.” Haggart’s symptoms worsened, prompting her mother to take her to the emergency room at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. A CAT scan showed no hemorrhaging or skull fractures, but

such news does not preclude a concussion. For months, Haggart had problems focusing and balancing, to the point where she needed help navigating stairs. As much as the concussion impacted her climb up the snowboarding ranks – she was a provincially-ranked boardercrosser and had won the Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSSA) giant slalom snowboarding championship – even more frightening was the fact that her symptoms put her school year in jeopardy. “I wasn’t able to go back to school even part-time until April (the injury occurred on Jan. 11),” she said. “I missed quite a bit of my Grade 12 year, so it was a big deal.” Haggart was able to see Dr. Charles Tator of Toronto Western Hospital’s neurosurgery division, who did what he could to help explain her condition. “He answered all my questions as well as he could, so after a while I realized I should really give back and do something,” she said. She started the Allison Project (www.allisonproject.com), a fundraising initiative that aims to establish a research fellowship at Toronto Western Hospital revolving around the issue of concussions. The researcher selected to fill

Photos/COURTESY

After a debilitating concussion derailed her promising athletic career, North Toronto resident Allison Haggart established a research fellowship at Toronto Western Hospital revolving around the issue of concussions.

the role will focus on the early stages of assessment and care, essentially within a week of the injury occurring. “That was the time when I felt most vulnerable, when I needed answers and couldn’t get any,” Haggart said. The Allison Project aims to raise $100,000 to establish the fellowship and must meet its target by the end of April. Donations will go to the Toronto General and Western Hospital Foundation

and will be tax deductible. The North Toronto teen is hoping the funds raised will help shed new light on concussions, their diagnosis and their treatment. As she knows all too well, there is not nearly enough known about brain injuries. “The only cure we know of right now is time,” she said. While Haggart is mostly asymptomatic now, she still suffers from headaches as a result of

her concussion. She managed to graduate from Lawrence Park on time and plans to study science in university next year. In the meantime, she is focusing much of her energy on spreading the word regarding the Allison Project. “It seems like a lot of money to raise, but (the response) has been bigger than I thought it would be,” she said. “I hope we get to our goal.”

Local actors in play on Underground Railroad hero JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com Harriet Tubman’s role in helping hundreds of slaves to freedom via the Underground Railroad has long failed to receive the attention it deserves. Young People’s Theatre (YPT) is doing its part to remedy that with a staging of The Power of Harriet T! as part of its Black History Month programming. The play depicts the story of Tubman, who escaped slavery at 29, yet risked her freedom to transport more than 300 other slaves from the American south to the north and to Canada. The play features a strong cast that includes Cabbagetown resident Matthew Murray and Michael Blake, who also called Cabbagetown home until a couple of months ago. The actors play Man One and Man Two, respectively, and those roles pose more than a few challenges as both actors are forced to play a variety of different characters. “I play Harriet’s overseer, a slave

Michael Blake

Matthew Murray

master, a few slaves, a slave catcher,” Murray said. “The toughest is probably the slave master because the character is very proper so I have to stop from falling into my own habits.” The Detroit-born Murray came

to Toronto at the urging of his high school acting teacher, who saw talent in the young man. “My high school wasn’t big on acting at all,” he said. “I didn’t even know you could pursue acting (as a career) until my acting teacher told

me to get out of Detroit and go L.A., New York or Toronto.” From there, he studied acting at Humber College and has been working in theatre, film and television ever since. Blake also plays a variety of roles, including turns as slave catchers, slaves and an abolitionist who teaches Tubman about the abolitionist movement. A longtime veteran of the theatre scene, his upcoming stint on the YPT stage will serve as a return to his roots. “YPT is where I got my first equity card in theatre, performing in a production of Jacob Two-Two many, many moons ago,” he said. “I even saw my first play in this theatre when I was probably about seven.” Overlooked Both actors said they are excited at the prospect of sharing Tubman’s story with young audiences, with Blake noting her story rarely gets the treatment it deserves and is even overlooked in the school system.

“The story of Harriet Tubman should be part of the curriculum,” he said. “Kids should know the story of this powerful woman.” Burgeoning career For Murray, the play marks yet another step in a burgeoning career that has seen him perform previous shows at YPT, with Obsidian Theatre, and appear in TV series such as the L.A. Complex, Suits and The Firm and perform in the movie The Junction. Blake, meanwhile, considers himself fortunate he is on a break from his current gig in Stratford and is able to take part in the show. The National Theatre School graduate was part of cast for the original Degrassi Junior High TV series and has toured the country with Soulpepper and other companies. The Power of Harriet T! will run from Feb. 4 to 22 at Young People’s Theatre, 165 Front St. E. For tickets or information, call 416-862-2222 or visit www.youngpeoplestheatre.ca

| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, January 31, 2013

ccm@insidetoronto.com

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, January 31, 2013 |

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

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Ensuring residents and wildlife can safely co-exist

While it may be hard to believe, we share Toronto with a large number of wild animals: raccoons, squirrels, geese, deer, coyotes, possums and even wild turkeys. The reasons for this are many. Increasing development in what were once rural areas are forcing animals such as deer and coyotes into the watersheds that run from north of Toronto down to Lake Ontario. The Humber, Don and Rouge valleys are refuges for many animals fleeing the loss of habitat outside the city. Our many rail corridors make for relatively safe pathways. Toronto is also a major source of food for wild animals, much of which is created by people. We all play a role in making the city so desirable, and animals have learned that in Toronto they have little to fear from our view humans and lots to gain. The city is also home to Use common numerous birds of prey including hawks, falcons and owls. sense with But it’s not just in the parks and ravines where they are making wildlife their homes. Downtown office towers and the more built-up areas of Scarborough, Etobicoke and North York have birds nesting on their roofs – or in many cases specially made nesting boxes. Creating new habitats for these birds has helped increase their populations and seen them spread out to locations across Toronto. People are not just helping the wildlife in the city by being sources of food, in the cases of the hawks and falcons, we’re making a direct contribution to their well-being. Not all residents, though, love the idea of sharing our parks and ravine trails with such a variety of wildlife. Concerns about foxes and coyotes have been heard from all parts of the city. According to the experts, we can safely live with these predators. We just need to use some common sense and remember they are not the friendly, neighbourhood dog. As the wildlife numbers grow, Toronto can become an example for other large cities on how residents and wildlife can safely co-exist. We do, however, need to take steps to ensure we continue to live safely together. Too high numbers of any animal can lead to problems. Taking steps such as not making food sources accessible, taking care to protect pets and being aware of how to deal with predatory animals, can make Toronto a great place for people and wild animals alike. 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.

To the editor: I was surprised to hear the TTC is considering limiting the number of baby strollers on the buses. Don’t they know that families use the buses to get to work and the daycare centres? Are TTC drivers going to let a mother with one or more children stand and wait for the next two or three buses until she can get on? Maybe if the TTC purchased a good bus in the first place, we, the riders, would not have to fight for space on them. Years ago when these things came on service, my first impression was the lack of available seating even when the bus was empty. It is a ridiculous compromise design that does not really suit the needs of the people that use it. The design is all about the wheels and once you step inside, you are compressed between them. While it might have been determined to be a good thing to mix the needs of the transit riders, I think these buses were not the solution and it is obvious they are not. One has to wonder why this design of vehicle was selected in the first place. Chris Belfontaine

Students are the real casualties of Bill 115 To the editor: Here is the day in the life of a Bill 115 casualty: 8 a.m.: Arrive at school to see teachers pacing the sidewalk with “Kill the Bill!” signs. 8:30 a.m.: Knock on the office door of the English department with no response. The door is locked and students will be ignored until 8:45 a.m. 8:45 to 8:50 a.m.: is the time slot given for communication with teachers outside of class. 8:55 a.m. (not a minute sooner): Teachers arrive to class wearing black to signify “the death of democracy”. 10:15 a.m.: Music classes are informed the concert they have been preparing for since September has been cancelled. 11:35 a.m.: Lunch period

starts. Classrooms and offices are locked tight and staff members disappear. Noon: The atmosphere in the school is tense. The cafeteria and hallways are filled with frustrated students whose normal lunchtime activities have been cancelled abruptly. 12:25 p.m.: Students prepare for the possibility school may be cancelled next class so the teachers can participate in a “day of protest”. 1:45 p.m.: On the way to fourth period, a gym teacher announces to another staff member: “If they wanted extra-curriculars so bad, they should’ve joined them outside of school”. The other staff member is quick to agree. 2 p.m.: The Grade 12 World Issues class discusses the Bill 115. They are told

about how rough the teachers have it and how horrible the Liberal government has always been to them. They are asked “Well, what would you have done differently?” 3 p.m.: The ski trip that was organized in October is cancelled. Participants are told that they will get their money back soon. 3:15 p.m.: The gym doors are locked and the teachers are gone. All teams have been cancelled indefinitely. On Monday mornings, school is never a particularly welcome thing. But after waking up every day for six months to the sound of your educators protesting coming to teach you, Monday mornings past don’t seem to be complaint-worthy at all. Though students are told that Bill 115 is not an

issue that concerns them, I hope the timeline above shows that it does. This bill is something students can see, feel and hear at school. We can see it in the doors that are closed in our faces after class time, feel it in the frustration and anger that comes with having clubs and sports teams cancelled and hear it in comments like “If they wanted extracurriculars so bad, they should’ve joined them outside of school” from our supposed role models. I understand the frustration toward Bill 115, and I understand it is the union, not the teachers making these decisions. What I cannot understand is comments such as this and the attitudes behind them that are so belittling and disrespectful to students. R McCulloch

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It’s Happening

The Art of Julia Hacker WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. WHERE: Wychwood Barns Gallery, 76 Wychwood Ave. CONTACT: Julia Hacker, 647-999-5130, http://www.artjuliahacker.com A new collection of vibrant and whimsical paintings by Russian born, contemporary mixed media artist Julia Hacker.

World Stage 2013 WHEN: 8 to 10 p.m. WHERE: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. CONTACT: 416-973-4000 COST: $15 to $50 World Stage brings you the best in contemporary live performance. Photos/JOSE ARMANDO VILLAVONA

BROUGHT TO LIFE: Left, William Peterson reacts to the story during the Scaredy Squirrel Family Literacy Fun Night at the Yorkville library Monday. Right, the library’s Elsa Poon becomes Scaredy Squirrel the event.

■ Saturday, Feb. 2

Auditions for the VIVA! Youth Singers of Toronto WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. WHERE: Trinity St. Paul’s Centre, 427 Bloor St. W. CONTACT: Susan Suchard, 416788-8482, info@vivayouthsingers.com COST: $25 Five choirs cater to all levels of experi-

Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball WHEN: 7:30 p.m. to midnight WHERE: Casa Loma, 1 Austin Terrace CONTACT: Danita Bocarro, 416-926-1588, http:// casaloma.kiwanisone.org/public/index. aspx COST: $75 Don your best mask or costume, and win the grand prize.

■ Wednesday, Feb. 6

An Evening with Dwayne Morgan WHEN: 8 to 10 p.m. WHERE: Harbourfront Centre, 235 Queens Quay W. CONTACT: www.readings.org Spoken word artist Dwayne Morgan will release Everyday Excellence, a memoir, as part of the Harbourfront Centre’s Kuumba festivities. The event will be followed by an evening of soul music and spoken word performance. Toronto Tea Festival WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Discover the world of tea from the traditional to the trendy. Sample tea and listen to presentations. Visit http:// teafestivaltoronto.com

Patti Smith, “Just Kids.’

ence and ability. Choral workshop WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. WHERE: Yorkminster Park Baptist Church, 1585 Yonge St. CONTACT: www.tmchoir.org/ education/singsation-saturdays.cfm COST: $10 This cantata was Benjamin Britten’s first professional work intended primarily for performance by amateur musicians.

■ Sunday, Feb. 3

Aboriginal Education for Non-

Aboriginals WHEN: 1:30 to 4 p.m. WHERE: Sagatay, 26 Vaughan Rd. CONTACT: MP Carolynn Bennett, 416-952-3990 Panel will discuss the need for education for all Canadians about both positive and regrettable aspects of our shared history with the First Peoples of Canada.

■ Tuesday, Feb. 5

Messy Church-An All Ages Event WHEN: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Manor Road United Church, 240 Manor

Rd. E. CONTACT: E. Macdonald, 416483-0695 COST: Donations welcome Kids (accompanied by a guardian) are invited the first Tuesday of every month for games, crafts, storytelling, brief interactive worship periods and a communal supper. Older Lesbians Book Group WHEN: 1 to 3 p.m. WHERE: 519 Community Centre, 519 Church St. CONTACT: Eleanor Batchelder, 647-2350843, eob62@yahoo.com COST: Free The group discusses the biography by

■ Saturday, Feb. 9

Bus Tour: Discover Black History WHEN: 9 a.m. to noon WHERE: 10 Adelaide St. E. CONTACT: Rachel, 416338-1339 COST: $40 The tour that will explore where people of African descent lived, worked and made contributions to the city. Trivia Night at Wychwood Barns WHEN: 7 to 11 p.m. WHERE: Wychwood Barns Gallery, 76 Wychwood Ave. CONTACT: wychwoodopendoor@ gmail.com COST: $30 A great community event in support of Wychwood Open Door Drop-In Centre, a day-time drop-in for homeless and socially isolated people. Six rounds of trivia, food, drink and more.

ATTENTION CONTRACTORS Do you have a project that you think should be showcased?

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| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, January 31, 2013

FAMILY LITERACY NIGHT

■ Friday, Feb. 1

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, January 31, 2013 |

Community

After-school programs receive RBC Foundation donation JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com Children and families in a number of communities across Toronto received some good news when the RBC Foundation announced support for 14 after-school programs throughout the GTA. The funds came as part of the RBC After School Grants Project, which has seen the company donate more than $27 million in grants to 248 community-based afterschool programs across Canada since 1999. “We asked some of Canada’s top education experts where we could make a real difference,” said RBC regional vice president Niranhan Vivekanandan during the Monday, Jan. 28 event. “They came back with one answer – after-school programs.” Youngsters from St. James Town Family Literacy Services, the Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office, Warden Woods Church and Community Centre and Toronto Council Fire Native Community Centre attended the ceremony, which included a Samba Squad drum performance, a reading by Toronto author Adrienne Kress and an inspirational speech from two-

Photo/JUSTIN SKINNER

Youth from community organizations dance along with the Samba Squad following the announcement that RBC is donating money for Toronto after-school programs at Regent Park’s Daniels Spectrum on Monday.

time World Sledge Hockey Challenge champion Kevin Remple. “The grants are part of our commitment to education,” Vivekanandan said. “After-school programs help accelerate and amplify what kids learn in school beyond school time. They also help them with self-esteem and social interaction and keep them safe.” Shabana Sohail of St. James Town Family Literacy Services noted sup-

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port for after-school programs was necessary in ensuring all children have opportunities. Her organization gets kids in the downtown core to engage in physical activities, offers healthy snacks and more. “Parents get the benefit of knowing their kids have somewhere to go after school,” she said. “We serve an area with a lot of working families and immigrant families who can’t afford daycare. Almost all of our

parents are working parents.” Habiba Abowath of the Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office was also thrilled to receive the grant, which will allow her agency to offer homework support, field trips, workshops and more to children five days a week. “It really opens their horizons,” she said. “We’re lucky, because our homework program was initially funded by RBC and they’re still supporting us.” The organizations selected offer structured and supervised activities for children between six and 17 years of age and focus on safety, social skills and self-esteem. In addition to the agencies that attended the funding announcement, this year’s Toronto recipients include the Community Action Resource Centre in Toronto, the Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood Centre, Native Child and Family Services of Toronto, the Ralph Thornton Community Association, the San Romanoway Revitalization Association, the St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club, the St. Leonard’s Society of Metropolitan Toronto, St. Stephen’s Community House, the Toronto Foundation for Student Success and the YMCA of Greater Toronto.

The RBC Foundation is now accepting applications for the 2013-14 year. Organizations can apply at www.rbc.com/donations/ after-school.html

Organizations • Community Action Resource Centre in Toronto - $32,000 • Davenport-Perth Neighbourhood Centre - $39,000 • Native Child and Family Services of Toronto - $20,000 • Ralph Thornton Community Organization - $20,000 • San Romanoway Revitalization Association - $25,000 • St. Alban’s Boys and Girls Club - $26,000 • St. James Town Family Literacy Services - $30,000 • St. Leonard’s Society of Metropolitan Toronto - $20,000 • St. Stephen’s Community House - $20,000 • Thorncliffe Neighbourhood Office - $20,000 • Toronto Council Fire Native Cultural Centre - $30,000 • Toronto Foundation for Student Success - $32,000 • Warden Woods Church and Community Centre - $40,000 • YMCA of Greater Toronto $20,00

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Politics

Pleased their MPP is about to become Ontario’s new premier, Don Valley West residents are urging Kathleen Wynne to make repairing the province’s standoff with teachers her top priority. “Whatever she needs to do to fix it with teachers will fix it with kids. The kids are the ones suffering,” Angela Barnard, a Leaside mother of two elementary school children, said in a coffee shop at Eglinton Avenue and Laird Drive Tuesday morning. “Our kids are losing out on everything (extra-curricular activities). I’m not a political person, I’m not a teacher, I just see how it affects the kids. The premier needs to fix it with the teachers, bottom line. Whatever

you have to do, fix it.” Wynne won the Ontario Liberal party leadership on the third ballot at a convention at the Mattamy Athletic Centre (formerly Maple Leaf Gardens) Saturday night, Jan. 26, which automatically made her the premier-designate. Yet to be sworn in as premier, Wynne has identified reducing gridlock as the “number one condition that we need to get right” for the Greater Toronto Area. Coming out of a drug store at Bayview and Eglinton avenues with her husband, 86-year-old Gloria Way said she is thrilled Wynne won the Liberal leadership. “I’m elated. I’m just so glad. I pulled

for her all along,” she said. “She has the experience and I think she is giving a woman’s perspective that is needed.” Although Wynne’s critics say the veteran cabinet minister will have to take responsibility for Liberal scandals, Way disagrees. “I think we’re wiping the slate clean (with Wynne as the new premier),” she said. “It’s time to start again.” Way was disturbed by a phone call she received Monday night asking her how dissatisfied she is with Wynne’s lifestyle. Wynne is Ontario’s first openly gay premier. “I said I couldn’t care less,” she said.

“It steamed me up.” While the caller didn’t identify themselves, Way is worried another political party is assessing voters’ attitudes about Wynne’s homosexuality to use in an attack ad. Walking through Flemingdon Park Plaza holding the hand of his fouryear-old daughter, Anthony Makula wants Wynne to rebuild the province’s relationship with teachers because they are they ones who guide children towards opportunities of the future. A Roma who has been in Canada for five years, Makula and his wife have five children. He is hoping Wynne will also focus on issues affecting immigrants such as job creation, training and educa-

tion. As the father of four daughters, Makula is pleased Wynne is Ontario’s first female premier because it demonstrates women are capable of performing any job. There is a good chance Wynne will appoint fellow Liberal leadership candidates Toronto Centre MPP Glen Murray and St. Paul’s MPP Eric Hoskins and to cabinet positions, according to reports. Murray dropped out of the race earlier this month and backed Wynne. Hoskins endorsed Wynne at the convention after dropping off the ballot with the fewest number of delegates after the first round. – Lisa Queen

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Don Valley West residents applaud Wynne victory

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, January 31, 2013 |

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CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, January 31, 2013 |

Community

Working group to discuss best course of action at May meeting >>>from page 1 can put money toward whatever they choose. “We have, in the past, provided grants for murals and other small landscaping projects,” said Robert Mays of the City of Toronto’s Public Realm Department. “We’re always looking for some form of partnership with community organizations on projects like this.” MacDonald said the working group will likely start discussing options over the next few weeks and will present whatever they decide is the best course of action at a larger meeting in May. “This is a neighbourhood that really works well together, so we’ll find something the whole neighbourhood will like,” she said. Area councillor Josh Matlow has agreed to help the working group at least at the outset, ensuring they have access to city resources for the project. He noted while he will sup-

Staff photo/JUSTIN SKINNER

The mural, on a railway overpass on McPherson Street near Dupont Street and Avenue Road, was tagged by vandals last year.

port whatever the residents choose, there are various other considerations to be taken into account. “(The community) needs to decide what they’re doing and then look at issues of liability, maintenance and durability,” he said. Whatever the residents decide, MacDonald said it

should serve as an incentive for locals to keep their neighbourhood clean. “It will provide a perfect opportunity for the neighbourhood to be part of an annual tidying up there,” she said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for all of us to get out in April as a group and (clean the area.)”

Special Report

Born to be wild in the city Wildlife thriving in Toronto

Toronto Wildlife Centre has admitted for care and rehabilitated in its hospital more than 70,000 wild animals representing 270 different species. Some of the animals Toronto Wildlife Centre has treated include: PEREGRINE FALCON Peregrines are a species at risk in Canada. The falcons are known for returning to their favourite nesting sites. They can dive at more than 300 kilometres per hour when attacking. Peregrines inspired conservation efforts after DDT was banned.

JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com While Toronto has its share of wildlife corridors for a big city, the largely built-up downtown core is obviously less critterfriendly than most areas and midtown Toronto is also lacking in green space. Intensification has led to a lack of contiguous green space and has pushed many animals to the suburban areas of the city and beyond. The intensification of Toronto poses real problems to some species, according to Nathalie Karvonen of the Toronto Wildlife Centre. “I’m really disappointed to see more and more glass buildings going up,” she said, noting that migratory birds will often fly into such structures. “A lot of the birds who fly into them are already endangered or on their way to becoming endangered.” Downtown Toronto’s wildlife population could be growing - at least to some degree - thanks to the revitalization of the Toronto Waterfront. While turning the Lake Ontario shoreline from a concrete factory-laden zone into a greener area is unlikely to attract many mammals, it is serving as a boon for birds and, as a result, bird-watchers. “There’s not as much wildlife as we’d like to see downtown, but there’s more than before because of all the lakefilling that’s going on,” said Bob Kortright of the Toronto Field Naturalists. “What’s happened is it’s created a lot of beaches, and that attracts birds.” Birds tend to be more evident during migratory times of the year, often alighting on the Toronto Islands or on the beach. “They’re concentrated along the lakeshore and up the valleys, and both birds and butterflies - which also migrate - will be tired and looking for somewhere to set down after crossing the lake, sometimes in large numbers,” Kortright said. Overall, 399 species of birds have been spotted in the Greater Toronto Area since records were kept accord-

Did you know...

Staff file photo/IAN KELSO

The city’s ravine system tends to attract larger animals including foxes, coyotes and this pair of white-tailed deer.

‘There’s not as much wildlife as we’d like to see downtown, but there’s more than before because of all the lake-filling that’s going on.’ Bob Kortright of the Toronto Field Naturalists ing to the City of Toronto Biodiversity Series, a series of booklets available at Toronto libraries that look into the city’s wildlife. Kortright noted that there are times when the lakefront comes alive with gulls, cormorants and other bird species. “The island in May can have a lot of birds, so that can be really impressive to see,” he said. Midtown Toronto fares slightly better than the downtown core in terms of green space, with areas such as the Belt Line Trail, Nordheimer Ravine, Cedarvale Park, Mount Pleasant Cemetery and other swaths. Even there, however, there is a dearth of larger wildlife. “You don’t see a lot of it because of traffic,” said Donna Koegl of Friends of the Belt Line. “When it’s getting dark, you can see raccoons, but as for rabbits, foxes or deer, you don’t really see that.” She noted that people

looking to catch a glimpse of interesting critters are likely to have more luck just outside the midtown area. “You can go up to the Don Valley Golf Course and see red foxes everywhere,” she said. “I’ve seen them on Bayview near Sunnybrook. I think they come from Serena Gundy Park (Trail).” Based on her experience and from what she has heard from other Friends of the Belt Line members, the wildlife scene in midtown Toronto consists predominantly of animals many consider pests. “The wildest thing I’ve seen is raccoons - they’ll take you on,” she said. “They don’t run away anymore. They’ve become part of the community.” Karvonen added that the city’s ravine system tends to attract larger animals such as foxes, coyotes or whitetailed deer, pointing to the Don Valley as one such locale near the midtown and downtown area. Even those who do not venture into the ravine system can catch a glimpse of some more majestic creatures if they know what they’re looking for. “The animals people see most commonly are those that are acclimated (to people) like Canada geese, grey squirrels and raccoons,” Karvonen said. “But there are a ton of wild animals people don’t notice. I see red-tailed hawks on my way to work all the time, but a lot of people won’t notice them.”

GREAT BLUE HERON It is among the species at risk in Canada and is the country’s largest heron. Adults show brighter colours during the breeding season and change to duller colours in winter. Some live as long as 17 years.

‘When it’s getting dark, you can see raccoons, but as for rabbits, foxes or deer, you don’t really see that.’ Donna Koegl of the Friends of the Belt Line She added that added that owls are also abundant throughout the city but are often overlooked as they tend to camouflage themselves during the day. Kortright said avid nature enthusiasts may occasionally see larger animals in David A. Balfour Park, near St. Clair Avenue East between Yonge Street and Mount Pleasant Road. Given that the Toronto Field Naturalists conduct some 150 TTC-accessible nature walks in the city every year, that area has proven the most fruitful in terms of spotting larger critters. “You might not see them often, but you can sometimes see deer, foxes or coyotes in there,” Kortright said. While larger wildlife may be a rarity in midtown and downtown, there are more than just birds for avid animal-watchers. Butterflies are also common in the summer in many parts of the city, with as many as 120 species spending at least some time in Toronto.

COYOTE Coyotes are being increasingly reported along waterways and hydro corridors across the city. It can run at speeds up to 40 kilometres per hour. Coyotes do not usually prey on domestic animals or pets. Residents who see a coyote are urged to report it to Toronto Animal Services at 416-338-7297. GREAT HORNED OWL One of Canada’s most common large birds of prey is known for its “horns” or tufts and enormous yellow eyes. Great horned owls are regularly seen throughout woods in the city.

BEAVER The largest rodent in North America, an adult beaver weighs between 16 and 32 kilograms. Slow on land, the beaver is a graceful, strong swimmer that can use its tail as a rudder. Its most common habitat is forested areas. Beavers only build dams when they need to enlarge the underwater habitat open to them in winter. TRUMPETER SWAN Well adapted to the harsh environments in which they live with an unusually dense layer of down. They are found in Canada year-round. In summer, trumpeters feed on leaves and roots of aquatic plants. When freshwater areas freeze, swans congregate on estuaries. RED FOX Red foxes inhabit home ranges of four to eight square kilometres around den sites. From autumn until March, foxes take shelter in thickets and heavy bush. Red foxes eat small mammals, including voles, mice, squirrels and rabbits. They hunt by smell, sight and sound.

COOPER’S HAWK Nests primarily in deciduous woodlands in the hardwood forests of southern Ontario. The hawks return to traditional nesting areas of tall, mature trees in mid-April to early May. Densely foliaged trees hide their nests.

Courtesy photos/TORONTO WILDLIFE CENTRE Source of animal natural history details: Hinterland Who’s Who

| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, January 31, 2013

ccm@insidetoronto.com

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, January 31, 2013 |

Community

Kensington Market counsellor behind new drop-in centre ERIN HATFIELD ehatfield@insidetoronto.com The creator of a new men’s drop-in program in Parkdale said he hopes the social program will grow into a force for positive change. Sriram Ananth is a mental health and addictions counsellor at the Parkdale Community Health Centre (PCHC) at Queen Street West and Dufferin Avenue. The program started on the first Thursday in January and Ananth said there were so many men in attendance the room was bursting at the seams. A n a n t h , w h o l i ve s i n t h e Kensington Market area, took on his role at the health centre in mid-December, but based on his initial outreach, he quickly learned there was a significant demand for a men’s drop-in program. “Although programs like this have been run in the past at the centre, getting that going again seemed like a good idea,” Ananth said. The weekly drop-in is geared to men of any age group who are dealing with or who have a history of dealing with homelessness, substance abuse and mental health issues. At least 30 men attended

Staff photo/ERIN HATFIELD

Sriram Ananth, a mental health and addictions counsellor at the Parkdale Community Health Centre, has started a weekly men’s drop-in program at the centre, which he said he hopes will eventually grow into a selfdirected space that works to create positive change.

the first session. The focus on men was something that was identified as a need, Ananth said, adding staff

also identified PCHC would be a useful space. “(The men) wanted a safe space to be able to socialize, but also work

on developing this group in a way they want to go. I am hoping it will be self-directed eventually.” In addition to a social space, Ananth said there has been interest in making it a community work group where the men get together and give back through volunteerism. “There could also be workshops on social assistance or health access, topics identified by the members of the crew,” Ananth said. On their second meeting, held Jan. 17, the group went on a Parkdale history walk where the participants shared their personal history with the area. “Some of the guys have been here so long they know so much about the area,” Ananth said. “There is a lot of talent and amazing resources amongst the men. I am hoping a lot of that will be channeled into the group.” Amazing stories Many of the men are knowledgeable about the community and have amazing stories to tell about their life journeys, Ananth said. “Many of them are active in different community advisory groups and are active as volunteer peer

support, they are the ones who help out their own friends on the street... and they get helped by their friends as well.” Ananth said his dream for this men’s drop-in program is to grow it into an active community group where the men are engaged in changing the marginalization they face. ‘Positive change’ “Eventually I would like it to be a group that organically develops into a source of positive community change,” he said. “It could become a network that identifies gaps in access, identifies areas that need to be worked on in terms of health access, in terms of social assistance and various things and takes action on that.” The men’s drop-in takes place Thursdays in the board room at PCHC, 1229 Queen St. W. from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. The budget for the drop-in isn’t much, Ananth said, but it is enough to buy some food and supply a few tokens. n For details, contact Ananth at 416-537-2455, ext. 308 or via email at sriram.ananth@pchc.on.ca

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HigHligHts • Supplier: Ocean Seafood • 1 x 5 lb bag • Min. 10 oz per piece • Product of Canada • Product is fully cooked, individually frozen • Compare at $17.99/lb retail

call: 416

798 7284

fax: 905

853 1765

175 Gordon Baker Road, Toronto, ON M2H 0A2

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.

Career Development

Drivers

Articles Wanted

ANTIQUES

& Collectibles Wanted Cash for Older: Coins, Jewelry, Military, Watches, Toys, Barbies, Silver, Gold & old advertising etc. 25 years experience. Richard & Janet 416-431-7180 416-566-7373

Moving & Storage APPLE MOVING and Storage. Residential/ office moving. Packing services. In business 30 years. Reliable & courteous. Insured & licensed. 416-533-4162

Plumbing

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

Free estimate James Chen

Flooring & Carpeting NESO FLOORING Carpet installation starting from $1.29/ sq.ft. Hardwood, laminate at low prices. 26 yrs experience. Free Estimates. Best Price! 647-400-8198

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647-519-9506

Career Development MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION RATED #2 FOR AT-HOME JOBS Convenient online training. High graduate employment rates. Student loan options available. Don’t delay! Enroll today. 1-800-466-1535 www.canscribe.com admissions@ canscribe.com

Drivers AZ DRIVERS Many fleet options at Celadon Canada. DEDICATED lanes; LIFESTYLE fleet with WEEKENDS OFF: INTRA-CANADA or INTERNATIONAL. O/O and LEASE opportunities. Join our Success. Call 1-855-818-7977 www.celadoncanada.com

General Help CADRAIN FARMS www.cadrainfarms.ca. Leask, Sask, Canada Farm HIRING Full-Time Permanent, (NOC#) Farm Supervisor (8253) Oversee operations, agronomics , manage 1A Drivers (7411) Trucking Grain, Inputs Equipment Operators (8431) Operation, Maintain farm machinery. Wages $18-$25 hour. Email resume: cadrainfarmsinc@ yourlink.ca

CUSTOM CUTTERS & Upholsters required for Quality and Company in Concord. Upholsters wages $20-$25/hr + benefits, Cutters $22-$27/hr + benefits. Full & permanent positions available. Call 905-660-6996 ext 247.

Mortgages/Loans

Astrology/Psychics

Home Renovations

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

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

Articles for Sale

Waste Removal

General Help

Business Services

GARAN FARMS LTD. Cutknife, Saskatchewan, Canada – HIRING FullTime Permanent Careers, (NOC#) Farm Supervisor (8253) Oversee all operations, agronomic advice. Equipment Operators (8431) Operation, Maintenance, upkeep of all farm machinery. Wage Range $18-$25 hour by position and experience. Email resume to: garewerts@sasktel.net

HAVE YOU BEEN DENIED Canada Pension Plan Disability Benefits? The Disability Claims Advocacy Clinic can help. Contact Allison Schmidt at:1-877-793-3222 www.dcac.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

HOME IMPROVEMENT Directory

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, January 31, 2013 |

Pools, Hot Tubs, Supplies HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best Price, Best Quality. All Shapes & Colors Available. Call 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/ newspaper

Butcher Supplies, Leather + Craft Supplies and Animal Control Products. Get your Halfords 128 page FREE CATALOG. 1-800-353-7864 or Email: order@halfordhide.com. Visit our Web Store:

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HOT TUB (SPA) Covers Best Price, Best Quality. All shapes & Colours Available. Call 1-866-652-6837 w w w. t h e c o v e r guy.com/newspaper

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

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Birthday? Call (416) Anniversary? 493-4400 Memoriam? Let your community know with a personal message.

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ELECTRICAL

Burton Electric Inc. 416 419-1772

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

Pot lights Service upgrades Breakers/Panels FREE ESTIMATES

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

PLUMBING

WITH THIS AD

VALID UNTIL FEB. 28th, 2013

| CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, January 31, 2013

CITY CENTRE MIRROR | Thursday, January 31, 2013 |

COMPANY DEMO SELL-OFF LOW KM.

2012 CHRYSLER 200

2012 MODELS

2012 DODGE JOURNEY

STK# N9595A - “S” Model Hardtop Convertible, Leather Seats, Navigation, Automatic, The Presidents Demo Only 5,000 kms

38,987

STK# N9275A - Canada Value Package, Our Best Seller, Full Power Group,5 Pass Seating, Keyless Entry, 3 Available At This Price of Only

18,587

2012 JEEP COMPASS

2012 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

STK# N9769A - Latitude Edition 4x4, Full Power Group, Automatic, Nicely Equipped, Only 432 kms

STK# N9578A - Limited, Loaded, Hemi, Engine, Navigation, Panoramic Sunroof, Chrome Package, Only 659 kms

24,587

48,587

DOOR CRASH ER

2011 JEEP PATRIOT SPORT Nicely equipped with a 2.4L 4 cyl engine, autostick, 17 inch tires, tilt steering, only 2,000 kms

THIS IS NOT A MISPRINT!!

ONLY

N6796A

2009 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE

2012 KIA SOUL

STK# P3268 - Leather Sunroof Navigation Chrome Rims 6 Cyl Only 49,000 kms

24,988

STK# N9534A - 4u Model Sunroof Rear Back Up Camera Automatic Lots Of Warranty Only 27,000 kms

19,988

13,987

2012 CHRYSLER TOWN AND COUNTRY

2012 CHRYSLER 300

STK# P3255 - Touring Model, Navigation, Dual Dvds, Power Sliding Doors And Tailgate Power Sunroof, Nicely Equipped, Only 19,000 kms and

STK# P3234 - Limited, A True Sports Sedan, Rear Camera, Panoramic Sunroof, Leather Seats, Chrome Rims, Only 19,000 kms WOW!!!

PRICED AT ONLY

24,988

ALL SALE PRICES ARE PLUS HST. ONLY LIC, GAS ARE EXTRA. LOW RATE FINANCING IS AVAILABLE ON OAC. CALL FOR MORE DETAILS.

321 FRONT STREET EAST @ PARLIAMENT

416-368-7000 OPEN 24/7 @ www.torontochrysler.com