December 12 by The East York Mirror

: ckup Che th n stow o wi Cros o’s wh LRT/3 Wh linton Eg the

City Councillor Ward 29

Committed to making our community vibrant, liveable, green, and prosperous

www.eastyorkmirror.com inside David Nickle on the city hall beat / 17

MARY FRAGEDAKIS

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MPP Prue seeks more development powers for cities

Leafs captain visits

Events listings / 6

REBECCA FIELD eym@insidetoronto.com

Ontario’s municipalities might gain more time to make zoning decisions with regards to new developments if a new bill introduced by Beaches-East York MPP Michael Prue comes into effect. The bill seeks to change the amount of time allowed for cities to approve development applications before developers can make an appeal with the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB). The current amount of time allowed between a development application and an appeal to the OMB is 120 days. Prue’s Private Member’s Bill proposes that

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this timeline be extended to 365 days to allow more time for studies and communication with the public, which generally can take more than nine months. “The developers, of course, if they even get the slightest whiff that the city is looking at it or may be looking at (their development), they run right off to the OMB, leaving out all of the public input, leaving out the city to make a decision,” Prue said. Prue noted a shorter time frame leaves the city without the ability to communicate properly with engineers, transit, schools and anything else that may factor into a new development >>>PRUE, page 16

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Danforth Holiday Festival slated for East Lynn Park

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ON TARGET: Simon Rodas, left, gets to meet Toronto Maple Leafs captain Dion Phaneuf at the Shoppers World Danforth Target store Tuesday evening. Phaneuf and his wife Elisha Cuthbert made a promotional visit to the store to meet fans, shop and sign some autographs.

The second annual Danforth Holiday Festival is set for this Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. at East Lynn Park. The event will feature the turning on of Christmas lights in the park. Families are invited to park on Danforth Avenue just west of Woodbine Avenue, meet with Santa, sing carols and take in

entertainment by Zero Gravity Circus. Jason Manos, chair of the Danforth Mosaic Business Improvement Association, will flick the switch to turn on the lights. Many local stores and volunteers from the Danforth East Community Association have helped organize the event.

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CROSSTOWN our continuing look at the Eglinton LRT

Underneath Eglinton Avenue work is progressing on the city’s first major transit expansion in decades. The Eglinton Crosstown light rail transit (LRT) proj-

ect is expected by 2020 to transform 19-kilometres of Eglinton Avenue from Black Creek Drive in the west to Kennedy Road in the east into a major artery for transit.

The line will be served by a three-car, Bombardiermanufactured light rail vehicle (LRV). The Crosstown promises reduced traffic congestion and re-imagined road space

from Mount Dennis to the Golden Mile, as well as the potential for re-developing Eglinton into an engine of economic growth for the entire city. The following is a break-

down of the major players responsible for bringing about the Eglinton Crosstown LRT: who’s responsible for what, and who residents can turn to with their questions:

WHO’S PAYING?

WHO IS DESIGNING THE STATIONS?

WHO’S OPERATING?

Provincial Government / Ministry of Transportation

Metrolinx (www.metrolinx.com)

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), www.ttc.ca

◗ The cost to build the Crosstown is $4.9 billion, as part of a $8.2 billion city-wide light rail network. Metrolinx is the provincial transit planning agency responsible for design, construction and maintenance. Metrolinx is the owner of the Crosstown. The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) will operate service on the line. It has yet to be decided who will pay the operating costs once the line is running. An agreement between Metrolinx and the TTC has to be reached by 2018 on operating costs. ◗ Budget includes 54-acre maintenance and vehicle storage facility in Mount Dennis and the order of 76 three-car LRVs to be delivered by Bombardier before 2020.

◗ Through the alternative financing and procurement (AFP)

◗ A recent “master” agreement between the city, TTC and Metrolinx ensures the transit commission will operate the Crosstown for an initial period of 10 years starting in 2020.

◗ The underground stops will be designed by private sector

firms that have bid on the process. The design contracts are still being tendered.

◗ TTC will co-ordinate the running of the service and will have final say on vehicle movement and suspension of service due to emergency or other reasons

WHO DETERMINES THE FARES?

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS, SUCH AS NO LEFT TURNS?

WHO’S RESPONSIBLE FOR REDEVELOPMENT PLANS ALONG THE ROUTE?

Metrolinx and the TTC together will decide the fare, subject to approval by the provincial government. Fare amounts, revenue sharing arrangements and the level of operating subsidy needed from the province to run the LRT are to be decided at least two years before the start of service.

◗ Fares will be collected by the TTC through the Presto

smartcard. Presto ‘tap in’ portals are to be located on LRVs and at station and street-level stops.

WHO DECIDES THE ROUTE, UNDERGROUND AND AT STREET-LEVEL? ◗ Metrolinx. The 25 stations and stops were approved as

part of a 2010 provincial Environmental Assessment (EA), which includes 12 new underground stations between Keele Street and Laird Avenue. The remaining stops are located in a median lane at street-level on Eglinton. The stop at Kennedy Station will be located within the existing property.

◗ While the number of stations

could still change it would require an amendment of the 2010 EA. While Metrolinx has in the past proposed removing some stations from the Crosstown map, it now says there are no plans to alter the existing route alignment due to construction timeconstraints.

process, which is managed by provincial procurement agency Infrastructure Ontario, Metrolinx awards contracts for station design to be delivered at specific times.

◗ There are 25 stops along the route. The 13 above-ground stops are basically like streetcar stops, but longer and with a covered portion.

Metrolinx, in consultation with the City of Toronto, will establish traffic rules for the portion of the line running above ground. If there are major disagreements between Metrolinx and the city, they will go to a Dispute Review Board. The three-member board will be selected from a list of qualified experts.

WHO’S BUILDING? Metrolinx. The provincial transit planning agency has been tasked by the province to oversee design, construction and maintenance of the Crosstown (www.thecrosstown.ca)

◗ The province owns all Crosstown infrastructure but relies

on private sector companies chosen by Metrolinx through the AFP process to complete the construction.

◗ Metrolinx must also acquire all necessary real estate required for LRT station construction by 2015. ◗ During construction Metrolinx is also responsible for

seeing to necessary relocations or renovations of cityowned utilities such as hydro water mains in the event of conflicts with construction; removing materials left over from the cancelled Eglinton subway project; public relations; issuing regular construction updates; organizing community consultations; promotional materials and staffing a community office. Metrolinx must also replace any trees removed.

◗ Metrolinx must also consult with local elected officials as well as city and TTC staff to resolve construction-related disputes.

◗ Under the agreement, TTC will

operate the LRVs, handle security and staff all 12 underground Crosstown stations.

The City of Toronto (www.toronto.ca)

◗ The city’s planning department has launched a planning study called Eglinton Connects examining how to best redevelop the avenue to improve streetscaping, employment and commercial opportunities, and create more greenspace once the Crosstown starts running.

WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR MAINTENANCE FOLLOWING THE COMPLETION OF CONSTRUCTION? Metrolinx is responsible for future maintenance of all LRT infrastructure including LRVs, tunnel sections, tracks, signalling and communication systems. Metrolinx is also responsible for repairing, replacing or relocating city infrastructure such as watermains, storm and sanitary sewers if required.

What do residents want? At a series of public meetings organized by Metroland Media Toronto on how the Crosstown will benefit local communities, residents in York, Midtown and Scarborough expressed the desire for more local employment, public spaces and creating an attractive streetscape among other concerns. See more on the meetings at http://bit.ly/1anrXVF

This is part of a continuing series looking at the Eglinton Crosstown LRT and its impact on our communities.

| THE MIRROR e | Thursday, December 12, 2013

WHO’S WHO?

AN EGLINTON CROSSTOWN LRT CHECK-UP

THE MIRROR e | Thursday, December 12, 2013 |

opinion

The East York Mirror is published every Thursday at 175 Gordon Baker Rd., Toronto, ON, M2H 0A2, by Metroland Media Toronto, a Division of Metroland Media Group Ltd.

Ian Proudfoot Marg Middleton Peter Haggert Alan Shackleton Warren Elder Angela Carruthers Debra Weller Mike Banville

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East York Mirror City of Toronto

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Keeping kids active demands a smart strategy

Write us The East York 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 East York Mirror, 175 Gordon Baker Rd. Toronto, ON, M2H 0A2.

he Toronto District School Board is faced with a stark reality: a declining student population, while its hard costs continue to grow. But, in an attempt to rein in some of these growing costs, the province is contemplating selling $60 million worth of school properties this year. The loss of such valuable community space will not only impact students but the city as a whole. Where will not only students, but sports and community organizations, hold their events – sports or otherwise? How will we keep students active if there is no place to play sports or participate in outdoor activities? In a time when more and our view more community organizaare looking for comExplore creative tions munity space, to sell off these properties is, in the words of solutions in Karen Pitre, Toronto Sports partnerships Council chair, “mind-boggling.” There is a truth that some school populations are shrinking, and keeping schools open just for the sake of a small student body is not economical. Some schools will need to close, but community space is at a premium in Toronto. Neighbourhoods across the city are trying to carve out small parcels of land for community space, and with large playing fields already in existence, it begs the question: Why sell such valuable real estate? How will the community as a whole benefit by the selling of a field? Why not look to partnerships with organizations to help preserve fields? Give the space over to the city to manage as a park or sports field. Take a different direction – create a covered skating rink like that at Greenwood Park, which can be used year-round for other things, including concerts and other sports. This is a time for creative thinking, not a time when it’s easier to just sell off a commodity. It’s important for the community – politicians included – to look at the community space that’s currently there, and think of ways to keep it there or make it better. Some properties will have to be sold, but others should be preserved, improved, and become places that build community rather than divide it.

column

Right equipment key to winter cycling

was out during a frosty evening with the family this week and one of the things that I noticed was the number of people out on bicycles. Despite the fact that the wind child was a good minus 15 Celsius and there was a damp breeze blowing off the lake, the numbers on bikes were still significant. More impressive was the number of people who were using the Bixi rental bikes which does not shut down in winter. In fact the company makes a special effort to ensure that their bicycles are not covered with snow or blocked if there is a big snowstorm. The reality is that even when there is snow, bicycles today are better equipped with special snow tires, winter brakes and other accessories that make them safer than before. Winter clothing for cyclists has also come a

joe cooper watchdog

long way, being both warm and breathable, plus many companies are providing change areas for cycling employees. Likewise the indoor parking lots of many office buildings are setting up special safe areas where cyclists can park their bikes where they can be watched. Theft biggest problem The biggest problem for cyclists is not the weather but theft, though having a place where the salt and slush can melt off is definitely a benefit. You might be surprised to know that snow is not a big issue with bikes as there are winter tires available and even ice can be managed with studded tires. Cars and trucks remain

a big problem, particularly in the early morning and evening darkness. Most winter cyclists have lots of lighting on their bikes as well as reflectors, but still many motorists are not expecting cyclists this time of year. Just as it is with cars and trucks, it takes longer for cyclists to stop and with the bulkier clothing their vision can be blocked slightly. This does not mean that cycling needs to be banned or restricted, simply all users of the roads need to be more cautious. There is also the additional users of the roads today – the electric scooters – who travel faster and are using the roads in the winter. While still having a slight acrimonious relationship with bicyclists for using bicycle lanes (which they are not permitted to do) they are now additional two-wheel users of the road.

So this winter take additional care when driving, particularly during the dark periods, to keep an eye out for two-wheel vehicles, both bicycles and electrically powered. The law says share the road and that’s what we all must do in order to keep the streets of Toronto safe and sane this winter for all users. There is no use grumbling about who’s right and wrong, just travel with care and try and get home safe without causing any unneeded and unnecessary accident this winter. Just remember that the law says the roads are for sharing and nobody has a monopoly on who can use them no matter what season of the year. Joe Cooper is a long-time East York resident and community activist. His column appears every Thursday. Contact him at eym@insidetoronto.com

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

Answering some fundamental questions Toronto’s ombudsman wants to hear about the Eglinton Crosstown LRT line from residents about red tape in city In recent weeks, The East York Mirror and other Metroland newspapers across Toronto, in conjunction with the Toronto Public Library system, held information panels to discuss how the implementation of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT transit system will affect the lives of those who live near and will be serviced by the line. The Crosstown, with construction underway and a completion date of 2020, will cross more than 54 bus routes within the city and stretch 19 kilometres below ground in the west and central portions and above ground in the east. Our sessions, featuring leaders of community organizations in the surrounding neighbourhoods, were quite fascinating. The thrust of the conversation changed depending on where along the line the meetings were held. w In Scarborough, residents talked about population density and neighbourhoods not wanting to lose their commu-

peter haggert editor’s desk nity character. w In North Toronto, the discussion centered around small business owners who fear losing their customers during any extended construction period. w At Mount Dennis Public Library in York, discussion revolved around making the best use of the opportunity of having an end station as a community hub. Every meeting featured folks concerned about cost, timetables for completion and the confusion of who is making the key decisions on the community’s behalf. Despite all the communications efforts the City of Toronto, Metrolinx, and interested transit advocates like the Toronto Region Board of Trade, Civic Action and very local entities, there were many fundamental questions citizens still have

about the system. In today’s story on page 3, hopefully we’ve captured some of the answers to basic questions surrounding the Crosstown, to set a context for our future stories. All stories written and other information will continue to be provided in our Crosstown hot topic bar (http://bit.ly/1anrXVF) at www.eastyorkmirror.com. Please, we encourage you to send us your questions. We’ll send them to the best possible agency for answers and post them on our website. Please, no loaded, cheeky or obviously political questions. This is all about how the Eglinton Crosstown LRT affects the people who live in the surrounding area. There are other forums for those kinds of questions. Peter Haggert is editor-inchief of Metroland Media Toronto, which includes community newspapers, websites and GoodLife magazines. Contact him at phaggert@insidetoronto.com

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To the editor: Red tape hurts everyone. It is more than an annoyance or an irritation. It is a significant roadblock preventing people from getting the good service they deserve from large institutions. And when it occurs in government, it’s a waste of taxpayer dollars. Red tape can be particularly painful when it happens in municipal government, which does everything from business licenses and social assistance to building permits and zoning variances. Earlier, I announced an investigation to review the extent and causes of red tape. I already have indications there could be a problem, because more than half the complaints received by my office involve, in one way or another, red tape. Consider the difficulties that owners of small businesses face. Did you know you can’t apply for a business

license online? You have to apply in person, at one specific office in the Toronto’s east end. And you may have to close your small business to take the time to do this. Then you have to return and queue again with your criminal background check. Why is it even necessary in some instances to have a criminal check? Or how about the resident of Toronto Community Housing who needs to move to a different unit? The forms are so complicated that staff tell tenants to get help from legal clinics and not fill them out themselves. This is more than just a nuisance or frustration. It’s a barrier to fair treatment that residents deserve from their city government. Just to be clear, I am not talking about getting rid of the rules and procedures that are the backbone of good government.

What I am talking about is eliminating needless duplication and overly complex procedures, as well as the rules and regulations that provide no benefit to the public. It frustrates residents who can get lost in a thicket of rules, it hinders staff’s ability to do their jobs, and it’s a waste of taxpayer dollars. Since this issue of red tape appears to be bigger than any one complaint or any one part of the city government, I am taking a different approach with this investigation. I am asking residents to tell us their stories of dealing with red tape at ombudstoronto.ca. As always, their communications will be treated confidentially.

Fiona Crean, City of Toronto Ombudsman

We love letters to the editor. Please send us yours to letters@insidetoronto.com

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It’ll fit your lifestyle

| THE MIRROR e | Thursday, December 12, 2013

opinion

www.weewatch.com

community calendar

happening in

east york

THE MIRROR e | Thursday, December 12, 2013 |

it’s happening

looking ahead

w Thursday, Dec. 12

w Thursday, Dec. 19

Enter the Temple WHEN: 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. WHERE: Fox and Fiddle, 535 Danforth Ave. CONTACT: Thomas Greiner, thogreiner@aol.com COST: $25 early bird, $30 regular, $35 at the door Enter The Temple: An Exciting Journey into Egypt’s Great Sacred Spaces. A festive happening, combining a presentation by an Egyptologist, and finale belly dancing show. Connecting the Dots WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. WHERE: Red Rocket Coffee, 1364 Danforth Ave. CONTACT: May Chook, www. eastendarts.ca, info@eastendarts.ca COST: Free Share your talents with other artists and community members. A familyfriendly networking event for artists and community members. All creative interests, levels and ages. Bring your artwork and share your thoughts.

w Friday, Dec. 13

Fun at the library: Teen Gaming WHEN: 4 p.m. WHERE: S. Walter Stewart, 170 Memorial Park Ave. CONTACT: 416-396-3975 COST: Free Free Wii, PS3, or 360 game time for teens. Dec 13, Jan. 10, Jan. 24, Feb. 14 and Feb 24. Teens & Tweens Ages: 11-18.

Film Thursdays @ Danforth/Coxwell WHEN: 1 to 3:15 p.m. WHERE: Danforth/ Coxwell Branch Toronto Public Library, 1675 Danforth Ave. CONTACT: 416-393-7783 COST: Free Anna Karenina: Set in late-19th-century Russia high-society, the aristocrat Anna Karenina enters into a life-changing affair with the affluent Count Vronsky. (14A). Check out our complete online community calendar by visiting www.east yorkmirror.com. Read weeks of listings from your East York neighbourhoods as well as events from across Toronto.

Night of Noel WHEN: 8 to 10:30 p.m. WHERE: Presteign-Woodbine United Church, 2538 St. Clair Ave. E. CONTACT: Nicole Strawbridge, 416-577-1344, www.firstactproductions.ca, info@ firstactproductions.ca COST: $15 in advance / $20 at the door First Act Productions will host the evening featuring various performers presenting a variety of Christmas musical selections. Artists include: Nicole Strawbridge, Sam Moffatt, Bruce Scavuzzo, Rosana Filipe and other special guests. $5 of every ticket sold will be donated to Childhood Cancer Canada.

SAVE TORONTO’S WATERFRONT Say NO to Pearson-by-the-Lake. Sign the Petition. www.nojetsto.ca/take-action

w Saturday, Dec. 14

December Family Time WHEN: 11 a.m. WHERE: Pape-Danforth Public Library, 701 Pape Ave. CONTACT: Pape Danforth Library, 416-393-7727, COST: Free Stories, rhymes and activities for ages 2.5 to 6 years with caregiver. Drop in Danforth East Holiday Festival WHEN: 4 to 6 p.m. WHERE: East Lynn Park, 1949 Danforth Ave. CONTACT: Muriel Draaisma, 647203-4199, draaismam@yahoo.ca COST: Free Festivities start by turning on Christmas lights. Evergreen trees closest to the Danforth will be ready with lights

for this big neighbourhood event. Santa Claus will be there. There will be choirs singing Christmas carols and a Fire Eater provided by Zero Gravity Circus. Jason Manos, chair of the Danforth Mosaic Business Improvement Association, will flick the switch to make the trees sparkle with Christmas light.

w Sunday, Dec. 15

Sunday Afternoon Euchre WHEN: 12:30 p.m. WHERE: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 22, 1240 Woodbine Ave. CONTACT: Jim Farrell, 416-425-1714, RCL22.COM, jimb. farrell@yahoo.ca COST: $7 Enjoy playing cards? Come out on Sundady and enjoy a fun early afternoon of euchre. Everyone is welcome. East York Community Kitchen WHEN: 3 to 6 p.m. WHERE: East York Community Centre, 1081-1/2 Pape Ave. CONTACT: Jennifer Kim, 416-532-7840 COST: Free Come join us as we cook and eat a tasty, nutritious meal. Learn new recipes and skills as you socialize with your neighbors. Registration is required and child care is available. Carols Cookies & Candles WHEN: 5 p.m. WHERE: Don Mills United Church, 126 O’Connor Dr. at Pape Ave. CONTACT: Don Mills United Church, 416-425-4950

COST: Free Christmas sing-along. Everyone welcome. Candle Light Service and Tree Lighting Memorial WHEN: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. WHERE: Presteign-Woodbine United Church, 16 Presteign Ave. CONTACT: 416-755 8352, www.presteignwoodbineuc. com, presteignwoodbineunitedchu@ bellnet.ca COST: Free Traditional Candle Light Service and Tree Lighting. The tree is covered in White Lights to honour those we love and Blue Lights to remember those who have passed on. For a suggested donation of $10 per bulb, you can have your loved ones name applied to either a white or blue bulb. Refreshments will be served. .

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

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in brief

EAST YORK

| THE MIRROR e | Thursday, December 12, 2013

community fest returns to the Danforth wWinterfolk

eastyorkmirror.com

Toronto’s Winterfolk music festival is replanting its roots – well, actually its roots music – back on the west Danforth. The 12th annual festival is slated to take place Feb. 14 to 16 in a number of establishments east of Broadview Avenue after spending the last two years at a downtown Toronto hotel. Previous to that it had been held for seven straight years on the Danforth in a handful of establishments, mostly between Broadview and Chester subway stations. A media release from Winterfolk noted that festival founder and director Brian Gladstone “made the decision to revisit the unique club crawl version of the fest citing that in the end the hotel atmosphere did not match the charm, vibrancy and character that the Danforth clubs and restaurants scene can provide.” Visit www.winterfolk.com for more info.

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bear dip Bottle drive local Beer Store watpolar

The Toronto Polar Bear Club hosts a bottle drive in East York to benefit Habitat for Humanity, and its upcoming Polar Bear Dip fundraiser in Lake Ontario. The annual dip takes place Jan. 1 at Sunnyside Beach. The bottle drive, collecting empty b e e r, w i n e a n d liquour bottles and cans to return for deposit, takes place at the Woodbine and Barker avenues Beer Store on Dec. 28 and 29. Rock at TEGH fundraising gala wChris

Comedian Chris Rock will headline a fundraiser for Toronto East General

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Hospital in March. The Laughter is the Best Medicine gala event is set for March 29 at the Allstream Centre. Rock, an Emmy and Grammy award winner, will headline the show that will be hosted by comedian Will Arnett. Proceeds from the second annual event go towards the establishment of TEGH’s Ken and Marilyn Thomson Patient Care Centre. For more info on the show, go to www.foundation.tegh.on.ca/gala

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THE MIRROR e | Thursday, December 12, 2013 |

Eleventh Annual BEARY MERRY Christmas 2013

Metroland Media Toronto is very proud to be the founder of the Beary Merry Christmas Campaign. For the 11th consecutive year, East York Mirror employees will deliver teddy bears to children spending the holidays in our local hospitals. We are so proud to have Samko & Miko as the official sponsor of this year’s teddy bears. As you can see, there are many other community minded businesses in the area that have generously purchased a bear for a needy child this season. We thank all of our partners for helping us put smiles on the faces of so many children this Holiday Season.

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MARCHING SANTAS

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ON PARADE: Left, Santas parade along Danforth Avenue during the March of the Santas event held at Alexander the Great Parkette on Saturday. The event was hosted by the Greektown on the Danforth BIA. Right, Justin ‘Santa’ Van Dette, from the Toronto East General Hospital Foundation, right, passes out candy canes to Adriano Marossis and Lia Varelas, both 3, at the event. Photos/NANCY PAIVA

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11 | THE MIRROR e | Thursday, December 12, 2013

of the holidays! Bring one of us u home for For Toronto Animal Services shelter addresses and participating adoption partners, visit toronto.ca/animalservices or call 311. North Animal Shelter, 1300 Sheppard Ave. W. South Animal Shelter, 140 Princes’ Blvd.

THE MIRROR e | Thursday, December 12, 2013 |

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If you’re going out on New Year’s Eve, leave the car at home and take the Better Way. It won’t cost you a dime. From 7 p.m. onwards on Dec. 31, all TTC service will be free until 7 a.m. Jan. 1. The free ride is the result of a three-year partnership between the transit commission and Canadian alcohol distributing giant Corby Spirit and Wine which was announced this week. The TTC also announced that on Jan. 1 subway and Scarborough RT service will run later than usual, past 3:30 a.m., while surface routes will operate until 4 a.m. Blue night service will also be extended. defends GO performance wMcCuaig

Metrolinx’s CEO defended GO Transit’s performance during a series of lengthy train delays last week. Bruce McCuaig said none of the disruptions on Dec. 4 were caused by the transit agency, all of which took place during the

rahul gupta TO in TRANSIT evening commute and left some commuters stranded for hours. He said GO customer service acted quickly to inform customers of the delays and provide updates. He also promised fare rebates for customers affected by the delays. Service was disrupted because of separate incidents, starting with falling debris from a city bridge repair project on to the Stouffville line tracks in Scarborough, followed by a VIA Rail train stalling along the Lakeshore rail corridor which stranded riders headed east and west. If you were affected by the delays, visit www. gotransit.ca to learn how to apply for a service rebate. report to go public this week wGolden

The task force examining future transit funding options is set to make its findings public this week. Recent media reports suggest a higher gas

levy may be one of the dedicated revenue tools recommended by the Transit Investment Strategy Advisory Panel. The group was tasked by Premier Kathleen Wynne in the fall to evaluate how to come up with the entire $50 billion to fund the transit plan Metrolinx must complete within 25 years. Panel chair Anne Golden will announce the final recommendations at the Toronto Region Board of Trade on Friday. want cycling funding wGreens

Count the Ontario Green Party as supporters of expanded provincial funding for cycling. The provincial party, which has no sitting members at Queen’s Park, called on the province to guarantee one per cent of future provincial transportation budgets for cycling and a further one per cent for improving walking infrastructure.

Rahul Gupta is the Mirror’s transit reporter. His column runs every Thursday. Reach him on Twitter: @TOinTRANSIT

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Countermeasure a cappella group releases debut CD HILARY CATON eym@insidetoronto.com

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The a cappella group Countermeasure releases its debut CD 14 Characters and performs in concert at The Factory Theatre tonight.

of influence from things like Glee and the Sing-Off and Pitch Perfect, people are pointing to pop a cappella, exclusively doing very similar covers to the original song,” said Erlendson. “What we like to do is take it a step further and take a twist on pop. We do something really interesting with it that has roots in jazz and in rich harmony.” The album took about a year and a half to complete according to Erlendson because each member had to be recorded individually in order to “get the right kind of sound.” “We’ve been really pushing towards a new professional sound,” said Erlendson. “We’re taking our cool jazz informed harmonies to the maximum and we wanted to make sure we got it right.” Described as “complex, but almost always, very playful” by the group’s musical director Aaron Jensen in a press release, Countermeasure’s medley of pop, jazz, contem-

Made up of teachers, PhD students, consultants and more, this 14-person ensemble works tirelessly by day, but by night they clear their throats and grab a microphone to become the a cappella group Countermeasure. “They’re amazing singers who may have had a potential career in music but chose to be in a different profession and not lose that connection to music,” said John-Michael Erlendson the founder of Countermeasure. “It’s their true love.” The east Toronto-based group is releasing its debut CD, 14 Characters, tonight. The album consists of a cappella covers of songs from a wide range of genres from artists such as The Beatles to D’Angelo to Radiohead. And all are performed with a jazz twist, an element that Erlendson said is the group’s distinguishing quality. “I think today with a lot

porary and original songs makes a musical cocktail rich with appealing sounds that reflect each of the 14

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THE MIRROR e | Thursday, December 12, 2013 |

Nominations Open Become a Candidate

toronto.ca/elections/candidates

Nominations open January 2 for the 2014 municipal election

Nominations may be filed for the A person may be nominated for following offices: office if they are: • mayor • a Canadian citizen • councillor • at least 18 years of age • trustee, Toronto District School • a resident of the City of Toronto, or Board own or rent property in the City of • trustee, Toronto Catholic District Toronto (or spouse of the owner or School Board renter) • trustee, Conseil scolaire Viamonde • not legally prohibited from voting, • trustee, Conseil scolaire de district or holding municipal office catholique Centre-Sud Visit our website for details about qualifications, requirements and other key campaign information.

community

New Dieppe park rinks open RIBBON CUTTING: Former Toronto Maple Leafs David McLlwain and Kevin Maguire help Toronto-Danforth Councillor Mary Fragedakis officially open the new rinks at Dieppe Park on Sunday. There’s a hockey rink and a skating trail at the park. Staff photo/DAN PEARCE

Dentonia Park United Church Hope United Church Invites to

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service December 24

Christmas Carol Sing-A-Long at 7:00 P.M. Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 7:30 P.M.

Christmas Story Telling Service

December 29 at 10:00 A.M 2550 Danforth Ave. Toronto, ON (Main St & Danforth Ave.) Telephone: 416 694 2095 (DPUC) 416 691 9682 (HUC) www.dpuc.org www.hopeunitedchurch.wordpress.com

TORONTO EAST GENERAL HOSPITAL

You can have a true impact in your community through a gift of stock and securities to Toronto East General Hospital Foundation. Toronto East General Hospital has served generations of families throughout all stages of life. Your donation will allow us to continue providing compassionate patient care in one of the most diverse communities in the world. Donations may also result in significant tax savings for you, depending on individual circumstances. Be sure to make your gift by December 31st.

825 Coxwell Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4C 3E7 | Tel (416) 469-6003 | Fax (416) 469-6605 | foundation.tegh.on.ca | Charitable BN 11925 9448 RR0001

15 | THE MIRROR e | Thursday, December 12, 2013

community

Riverdale Share hopes to top $30,000 A capacity crowd enjoyed plenty of holiday cheer at the 21st annual Riverdale Share concert Sunday at the Danforth Music Hall. The parade of entertainers had the jam-packed audience alternately listening intently (such as to Blue Rodeo frontman and Riverdale resident Jim Cuddy singing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas) or, when the situation demanded it, enthusiastically joining in (such as for the always boisterous Twelve Days of Christmas led by the first two-thirds of iconic family entertainers Sharon, Lois and Bram. For added measure they ended

with their Skinnamarink song). The sold-out show, back-stopped by the volunteer Riverdale Share house band, will no doubt help the entirely volunteer-led organizers achieve their goal of raising more than $30,000. And it’s all donated to community support groups that primarily work in Riverdale and surrounding east Toronto neighbourhoods. For more on Riverdale Share and how you can help in the future, visit http://riverdaleshare.com/ Meanwhile, a couple of eastend groups are preparing for their

upcoming holiday concerts: EAST SIDE PLAYERS: • East Side Players present a reading of A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens at their home at the Papermill Theatre at Todmorden Mills on Sunday, Dec. 15, 2 p.m. Visit http://www.eastsideplayers.ca TORONTO CHORAL SOCIETY • and the Toronto Choral Society is presenting Handel’s Messiah Wednesday, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. at Eastminster United Church. Visit http://www.torontochoralsociety. org

Staff photos/DAN PEARCE

Above, the Frankland School Choir performs at the annual Riverdale Share concert Sunday, while, right, QuiQue Escamilla performs. To see more photos from this event, visit http://bit.ly/IFaVL3

Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo performs during the annual Riverdale Share concert Sunday at the Danforth Music Hall.

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community

Phin Park in The Pocket hosts Prue questions OMB process photos with Santa Claus event Phin Park, in The Pocket neighbourhood, hosts a Picture Taking with Santa event this Sunday from 1 to 3 p.m. The event will raise funds for local charities. The idea for the event came from area residents Dean Miller and Jeff Otto, with the help of the Pocket Elves who include local real-

tor Donna Lee, with Royal Lepage Signature. Sunday’s photo event is a community event to promote fun for neighbourhood residents, especially children, while giving back to the community and helping those less fortunate at this time of year. Area businesses including

Starbucks, providing coffee, and Number One Chinese Food, with food samples, are also taking part in Sunday’s event. The Pocket neighbourhood is in the area south of the Danforth, near Phin Park, at 115 Condor Ave. For more info, visit www. thepocket.ca/

>>>from page 1 entering a neighbourhood. “It’s very hard for the city or the public to go and say ‘Why are you appealing to the board?’...because nothing concrete is there,” Prue said. Situations where a developer has prematurely gone to the OMB have happened in the Beach, Prue said, citing the development proposal on the northeast corner of Queen Street East and Woodbine Avenue, which was brought in front of the OMB Oct. 21. Residents are still waiting for the results of that hearing. “They (developers) run there because they know they’re going to get a more sympathetic hearing at the OMB than they’re going to get from the city,” Prue said. “It’s very unfair to a neighbourhood to be subjected to that kind of thing at the whim of a developer who doesn’t want to use the process and who uses this hole in the law.” Prue introduced the bill concurrently with a review of

the OMB, which is being done by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing. Prue hopes the review will bring more attention to the bill than it would if he proposed it on its own. “Developers have lawyers, they have planners, they have engineers, they have everybody at their beck and call,” Prue said. “I don’t feel sorry for them. It might take a little bit longer for them to get a decision made, but they have to be patient because in my view the community has every right to be heard.” Bill 20, called the Respect for Municipalities Act (City of Toronto), and introduced by Trinity-Spadina MPP Rosario Marchese, passed its second reading March 7. This bill proposes that Toronto be removed from the OMB altogether. If Prue’s bill is passed, it will apply to cities all over Ontario, not just Toronto. “This is where it stands a chance of passing – it’s not just a Toronto-only bill,” said

Brian Graff, a Beach resident who approached Prue with the idea of changing the number of days from 120 to 365. Graff was actively involved in opposing the development that took over the iconic Licks that once stood on Queen Street East. It’s through this that he became familiar with planning and legislation relating to new developments. “Like many people, I’d like to see the OMB changed or abolished and replaced with something else,” said Graff, who is a member of the Beaches Residents Association of Toronto (BRAT) but approached Prue as a private member instead of as a part of the group. “People I know have been frustrated with the whole process and the OMB,” Graff said. Prue and Graff will have to wait until early spring to find out if the bill will be selected for a second reading.

For more local news, visit us at www.eastyorkmirror.com

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Rob Ford: beyond the absurd From the ridiculous, to the absurd – and past that, to the slanderous, paranoiac and delusional. That is the route of discourse, coming from the office and family of the titular mayor of Toronto these days. On Monday, Vision TV aired an interview between Lord Conrad Black and Mayor Rob Ford astonishing in its scope. In the interview, Ford alleged Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair had used Ford’s friend Sandro Lisi as a “prop” to get at him in the course of the police investigation into Ford’s alleged crack use – because, Ford said, the chief was cross at having been asked to curtail his budget. He made really unconscionable allegations about Star reporter Daniel Dale – allegations that were dismissed by the police when they were first made – about his 2012 visit to public land behind the mayor’s house. Without going into detail for fear of repeating them,

david nickle the city one can only characterize the allegations as a vicious slander that Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly wasted no time in calling “beyond the pale.” The previous Friday – as the Black-Ford interview was taking place – the mayor’s de-facto deputy, city councillor and brother Doug Ford, let loose his own litany of fabrications and contradictions. In a 10-minute encounter with reporters, the city councillor suggested the generally Ford-critical media was practicing journalism in the manner of the Soviet state-supported (and generally state-supporting) Pravda. Outdoing his little brother on the police-baiting front, he suggested that Blair, the judiciary and the media were all conspiring to release police documents in such a way as to slowly

destroy the mayor and drive him from office. The media, he was sure, was murderous enough that they would be happy to drag Rob to the square, and hang him by the neck, if we were only provided a suitable length of rope. It’s hard to know how to respond to all of this. Lord Black exhibited his characteristic nerves of steel, chuckling supportively as the mayor burbled on with a list of dubious assurances, and unsupported assertions. Clearly, his time in prison has made stronger stuff of him than we in the city hall press gallery, faced with the wrath of Doug. The best that we could manage was to ask questions, challenge obvious falsehoods, and attempt to clarify outrageous-sounding conspiracy theories. And for all that, the Fordian discourse barely wobbled.

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

17 | THE MIRROR e | Thursday, December 12, 2013

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416-798-7284

798 7284

to plan your advertising campaign.

Astrology/Psychics TRUE PSYCHICS For Answers, CALL NOW 24/7 Toll FREE 1-877-342-3032 Mobile: #4486 www.truepsychics.ca

Articles for Sale

HOT TUB (SPA) COVERS. Best Price, Best Quality. All Shapes & Colors Available. Call 1-866-652-6837 www.thecoverguy.com/ newspaper HOT TUB (SPA) Covers Best Price, Best Quality. All shapes & Colours Available.

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Adult Personals

Carpet & Upholstery

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

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

Cars for Sale

TOP CASH For Scrap Cars. Call 647-702-6501. We pay top cash for your junk car and we tow it away for free. 416-834-4233.

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

Flooring & Carpeting HARDWOOD FLOOR sanding. Specializing in stain/ refinishing. Call for Free Estimate! Reasonable rates. Paul 416-330-1340 pager. NESO FLOORING Carpet installation starting from $1.19/ sq.ft. Hardwood, laminate at low prices. 27 yrs experience. Free Estimates. Best Price! 647-400-8198

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

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

Apartments & Flats for Rent

Waste Removal

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

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

416-677-3818 Rock Bottom Rates! Plumbing

RAY PLUMBING Service Repair/ replacement, faucets, sinks, toilets, drains, main valve, leaky STEEL BUILDINGS/MET- pipes, drain cleaning. LiAL BUILDINGS UP TO censed and insured. 60% OFF! 30x40, 40x60, 24/7. 416-880-4151 50x80, 60x100, 80x100 sell for balance owed! Handy Person Call: 1-800-457-2206 www.crownsteel buildings.ca ALL TYPE of wood flooring installation, sanding, refinishing for hardwood floors, tile work. 905-901-4664

Building Equipment/ Materials

fax: 905

853 1765

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.

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD Phone: 416-798-7284 Fax: 905-853-1765

Holiday Worship Westview Presbyterian Church Sunday, December 15th 10:00 A.M. Advent 3: We light the candle of Joy Sunday School Christmas Concert Wednesday, December 18th 7:30 P.M. Longest Night Service - A service of healing and hope for those who are finding Christmas difficult Tuesday, December 24th 7:30 P.M.

Carols by Candlelight 233 Westview Boulevard, East York (behind O’Connor Bowl)

416-759-8531

www.wvchurch.wordpress.com

Whatever you are looking for...

it’s here!

your news with friends and family!

You are invited to join us in celebrating the birth of Christ, and the lighting of the advent candles. St Columba & All Hallows Church 2723 St Clair Ave. East Sunday Dec. 15th 8:30 & 10.00am with Holy Communion Sunday Dec. 22nd 8:30 & 10:00am Sunday Dec. 29th 8:30 & 10:00am The naming of Jesus

Call us at

416 798-7284

Info.416-755-0301 or 416-698-2508

and we’ll show you how!

BUSINESS Directory CHILDSPACE DAY CARE CORP

search, sell, save!

Spaces Available! New Center #2 - Ages 18mo - 12 years Toddler 690 Carlaw Avenue ~ 416-469-0560 Room Centre #1 - Ages 3.8 - 12 years 50 Woodmount Avenue ~ 416-425-7763 Centre #3 - Ages 0 - 6 years 49 Felstead Avenue ~ 416-469-9766

Delivery questions?

Call us at:

416-493-4400 or Email:

distribution@insidetoronto.com

HEATING & COOLING

RENT-A-HUSBAND

SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE!

Home Improvement Services • Plumbing • Electrical • Drywall • Carpentry • Masonry • Basement Conversions

Complete Renovations

416-693-6169

FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION. 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE. LISCENCED & INSURED

CHIMNEYS

Bricks & Chimneys Repaired and rebuilt Bricks + mortar colour match House-front, pillars, bricks repaired or replaced

Tuckpointing Chris Jemmett Masonry 416-686-8095

ELECTRICAL JORDAN D. ELECTRIC

MASTER ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR ECRA/ESA LIC 7004913 RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • • • •

SERVICE UPGRADE 100, 200, 400 AMP KNOB & TUBE REMOVAL/REWIRING 24/7 TROUBLESHOOTING & REPAIRS SERVICE POT LIGHTS INSTALLATION

(416) 887-6819

jordanelectric@sympatico.ca

SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE!

KITCHENS, BATHROOMS. BASEMENTS, DECKS & FENCES, CUSTOM MILLWORK SMALL & LARGE REPAIRS

HOME RENOVATIONS

New Installations $

from 1999 FURNACE SERVICE OR CLEANING

We Service All Makes & Models

AND we do ALL Gas Piping Jobs & Duct Work (BBQ hook-ups, Stove Hook-ups, Dryers, Fireplaces, Pools, etc.)

Larry’s Air Care

Heating & Air Conditioning

416-706-9861

PLUMBING SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE!

SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE!

PAINTING & DECORATING

PLUMBING

R&Z PLUMBING, HEATING & A/C

BEST RATES AND SERVICE IN TOWN

Replacement & Repairs Faucets, Sinks, Pipes, Drains Etc. Furnace, A/C, Water Heater, Gas 28 Years Experience • 24/7

416.661.9393

Metro License #PH23521

BaySprings Plumbing Ltd. SERVICING ALL YOUR PLUMBING NEEDS HOLIDAY SPECIAL

25OFF

WITH THIS AD VALID UNTIL DEC. 31, 2013

#1 Readers Choice Diamond Award

• Senior Discount • Free Estimates

416-422-3532

Check Out:

Metro Lic# P1538

For all your plumbing needs

• New Work • Replacement, Repairs and Renovations - Faucets, Sinks & Toilets • High Pressure Flushing • Camera Inspection and Pipe Locating • Lead & Galvanized Piping • Plugged Drains & Backed-Up Sewers Quality and Service at Our Best

Call for a FREE estimate (416) 738-0274

BANWELL PLUMBING

SERVICE, NEW INSTALLATIONS, BLOCKED DRAINS, WATERPROOFING

Fast Response Time • Seniors Discount • Over 30 Years Experience

www.banwellplumbing.com 647-378-3063

FREE ESTIMATES

TREE/STUMP SERVICES

Metro Lic. #P20212 - Fully Insured

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

• Interior & Exterior • Paper Hanging

Auburn Plumbing Inc.

416-427-0955

10% SENIORS DISCOUNT

english painter.ca TOM DAY PLUMBING & DRAINS with over 30 years experience

Diamond #1 Readers Choice Award Winner!

• All plumbing work • Faucets, toilets, sinks, etc. installed Backed up drains, blocked toilets, basement backups, external/internal drain excavating. • Video Camera Drain Inspection Damp Basement, Complete Waterprooﬁng Service

416-480-0622

Metro License #PH15982 • MASTER PLUMBER

GTA TREE SERVICE

Quick Service!!! • Experts in Removal of Dangerous Trees • Trimming, Pruning • Stump Removal • Ash Borer Treatment • $2 million Liability + WSIB SUMMER SAVINGS 10% OFF! .Call Bobby 416-828-TREE (8733) www.GTAtree.com

www.insidetoronto.com

Advertise in the Classifieds Call 416.798.7284 YOUR Weekly Crossword

Sudoku (difficult)

How to do it: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 by 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.

last week’s answers

diversions

HOME RENOVATIONS

w See answers to this week’s

puzzles in next Thursday’s edition

| THE MIRROR e | Thursday, December 12, 2013

HOME IMPROVEMENT Directory

THE MIRROR e | Thursday, December 12, 2013 |

MARCH BREAK CAMP March 10 – 14, 2014 ½ day AM: 9:00 – 12:00 ½ day PM: 1:00 – 4:00 Full Day: 8:30 – 4:30 ½ day - $30 per day, $150 week Full Day - $65 per day, $300 week Full day 5 yrs + ½ day 3 yrs + e fts cs n i a i t l r s o p na &C m m s a t y r r T G A

HOLIDAY CAMP The holiday season is a busy time of year. Let us help you!

While you work or finish your shopping the kids can tumble, twist and turn the day away with friends or siblings!

+ 5 yrs

Full Day 8:30am- 4:30pm $65 per day

+ 3 yrs

Dec 23, 27, 30 Jan 2, 3

Half Day 9am-12pm or 1-4pm $30 per half day

East East York York Gymnastics Gymnastics Phone 416-759-6823 * www.eastyorkgym.com * info@eastyorkgym.com fax 416-759-6973 6 Dohme Ave, Toronto, Ontario M4B 1Y8