December 17

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inside David Nickle is on the city hall beat / 4

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Santa’s Frozen Festival

Events listings / 5

Toronto police have launched an initiative aimed at addressing a number of recent suspicious incidents – some of which are potentially sex-crime related – along Broadview Avenue from Eastern to Danforth avenues.

Called Operation Broadlight, police introduced the threemonth investigation to the community at recent town hall at Bridgepoint Active Heathcare.

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Police beef up patrols along Broadview Ave. JOANNA LAVOIE jlavoie@insidetoronto.com

inside Hampers help Riverdale families at Christmas / 12

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FUN IN PHIN PARK: Lindsay and Bella Costard play together at the crafting table, during Santa’s Frozen Festival at Phin Park, held on Saturday afternoon. For another photo from the festival, please see page 9.

Nellie’s fundraising auction nears end The fifth annual online holiday auction for Nellie’s Shelter for Women and Children will wrap up for the season this Friday.

The fundraiser for the local shelter features a wide and

eclectic array of gifts including novelty and household items, dinner and entertainment to gift certificates, event tickets, gift baskets and services, and much more. New items are

being added daily at www.nelliesmarketplace.com All proceeds are used to buy food, and pay for transportation and other necessary supports to help Nellie’s clients.

“We want to shine a light on the information we have and bring awareness to the community so people can come forward with more information,” said Det. Yoshi McCausland of 55 Division’s Criminal Investigation Bureau during a recent interview.

“Since the beginning of the year until now, we’ve seen a cluster (of incidents) we’re a little bit concerned about and we’re still investigating all of these occurrences.”

McCausland said police have had an ongoing investigation since early 2015 and have

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made several arrests and laid charges.

Teams of officers from 55 Division, Toronto Police Service’s Transit Patrol Unit as well as the Sex Crimes Unit are part of Operation Broadlight, which also includes steppedup police patrols of the area by officers.

Information McCausland said the goals of Operation Broadlight are to get people in the area sharing more information with the local police and creating more awareness about criminal activity in the community.

Officers from 55 Division are available to speak with concerned residents in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese.

And while local police don’t want to alarm the community, McCausland said investigators believe there may be more incidents that have not been reported.

For more information or to directly report an incident of suspicious behavior, such as someone peering into a window or a suspicious person on your property, call the hotline at 416808-5516.

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EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015 |

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Barry’s Bears shares cheer over the holidays Const. Barry Small’s family and co-workers at 55 Division continue the generosity following his death JOANNA LAVOIE jlavoie@insidetoronto.com While this holiday season won’t be an easy one for Danielle Small and her daughter, Molly Rae, the Richmond Hill residents will find comfort in knowing the memory of their late father and grandfather will live on through the 500-plus teddy bears they’ve helped collect and donate to the Hospital for Sick Children and four Toronto women’s shelters in his honour.

“It’s awesome and it’s in memory of my Papa,” said 12-year-old Molly Rae Tuesday, Dec. 14, while packing stuffed animals into large bags inside the lobby of 55 Division police station.

“I love him and this is a nice thing to do for the kids at Christmas.”

Const. Barry Small, a life-long Scarborough resident who worked the majority of his 40-year career at the east-end Toronto police division, died of lymphoma on Monday, Aug. 3. He was 67.

For nearly 20 years, Small handed out thousands of teddy bears to hospitalized children and seniors during the holiday season. The initiative was known as Barry’s Bears and he was affectionately known as the “Teddy Bear Police Officer.”

Shortly after his death, officers and staff members from 55 Division collected and donated about 150 teddy bears to the Hospital for Sick Children on his behalf.

In early November, Small’s former colleagues and friends at the station

Staff photo/Joanna Lavoie

At left, Molly Rae Small, granddaughter of the late Const. Barry Small, helps deliver gifts from the joint Small family/55 Division toy drive to the division on Tuesday. Above, Danielle, left, and Molly Rae Small, daughter and granddaughter respectively of Barry Small with a couple of the donated bears. The stuffed animals will be distributed to children at local family shelters and the Hospital for Sick Children.

launched a second teddy bear drive in his memory to complement the efforts of his daughter, Danielle.

It’s the least 55 Division could do, said Const.

Christian Emond, who helped co-ordinate both teddy bear collections.

“For Barry’s funeral (and visitation), I suggested people bring a teddy bear in his honour. It was just an idea to take care of one of our own,” Emond said Tuesday morning.

“This helps Danielle and Molly Rae get through

PLUS HST

a tough time of the year.

Just seeing them smile today means we’ve done our job,” said Emond, who had worked with Small on C Platoon and, like many at 55 Division, was both shocked and deeply saddened by his death.

Supt. Barbara McLean of 55 Division was also on hand Tuesday morning for the teddy bear packing.

“This is just a small example of the heart and soul of this division. I’m so proud of them,” said McLean, who challenged

her team to fill up a large wrapped box in the station’s lobby with teddy bears in Small’s honour.

“This box is a symbol of all of the things that are amazing in this building and it all started with Barry. We’ve got some amazing people who work here and who want to help out the community.”

McLean had known and worked with Small, whom she called a “fixture” at 55 Division, some years ago when she was a detective there.

For the last five or so months, Danielle has been working to raise funds and solicit teddy bear donations from companies and organizations in her father’s memory.

“I’ve probably collected about 300 (stuffed animals) on my own. It’s been a lot of work,” she said during a recent interview, thanking Richmond Hill’s My Gifted Child, Mastermind Toys, PetSmart, TJX as well as scores of individuals for their donations.

“Even to get just two

teddy bears donated takes a lot of running around and effort, but it’s to remember my dad. He used to do 3,000. I don’t know how he did it.”

Danielle, who used to join her father in distributing teddy bears to kids in local hospitals during the holiday season, said the hard work is worth it because it keeps her dad’s spirit alive.

To support the Barry’s Bears Foundation, email Danielle Small at barrysbears6560@ hotmail.com or search for Barry’s Bears on Facebook.

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| EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015

community

EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015 |

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opinion Ian Proudfoot John Willems Alan Shackleton Warren Elder

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.

®

Cheryl Phillips Anne Beswick Mike Banville

WHO WE SERVE

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East York Mirror City of Toronto

The Mirror is a member of the Ontario Press Council. Visit ontpress.com Proudly serving the communites of Blake-Jones • Broadview North Crescent Town • Danforth VillageEast York • Danforth Village-Toronto East End-Danforth • Greenwood-Coxwell Leaside-Bennington • North Riverdale O’Connor-Parkview • Old East York Playter Estates-Danforth • Thorncliffe Park Woodbine Corridor • Woodbine-Lumsden

Citizens must condemn ‘blip’ of gun violence W

hile the recent uptick in gun violence that took place in Toronto this past week shouldn’t be cause for alarm, it should be a call for law-abiding citizens to condemn any violent crimes regardless of where they occur in the city.

Beginning Friday afternoon, a fatal drive-by shooting was reported in the entertainment district downtown, which was followed by a separate shooting incident at a small plaza minutes away from Fairview Mall near Don Mills Road and Sheppard Avenue.

The following night, police responded to a call after gunfire erupted at Keele Street and Eglinton Avenue where a baby shower was taking place in a nearby building. Police Chief Saunders reassured the our view Mark public that Toronto remains one of the safest urban cities in Join groups North America, calling the rash of weekend violence “a blip.” working He added that police will be doing what they can to bring for safe down the number of shooting communities incidents.

But it’s not just a police and law enforcement issue.

Whenever gun violence is reported anywhere in the city, there’s a danger in the complacency felt by residents when they discover such violent acts have taken place in another neighbourhood.

Instead of just reading the headlines in the newspaper and shrugging a shoulder, there may be opportunities to get involved with organizations that are already working to make communities safer through a number of outreach initiatives.

Perhaps more can be done to ensure residents and businesses in at-risk neighbourhoods feel less neglected and isolated by demonstrating any violence in the city is unacceptable.

Torontonians do indeed have the privilege of living in a safe city, but it will take more than just the police doing their jobs to keep it that way.

So while it shouldn’t be a cause for alarm that Toronto streets are no longer safe, it should be a cause for concern that not all violent crimes are taken seriously.

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

column

Former mayor’s tax breeds complacency

L

et us take a moment to sing the praises of David Miller.

This has not been a popular pastime for many years. Indeed, it made one suspect in certain circles from nearly the moment Torontonians decided to elect him mayor in 2003. Try saying a good word about Miller in 2007, the year he strong-armed Toronto councillors into approving the Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT), and you’d be run out of certain parts of town even whistling a happy tune.

Well, that was then.

On Tuesday morning, Toronto’s new city manager Peter Wallace made it clear that everybody – taxa-phobic conservatives and spend-o-philes in the ranks of the municipal New Democratic Party, and everybody in between – owe it all to the blond lawyer from High Park and his notion of raising revenues by taxing real estate trans-

david nickle the city actions.

The Municipal Land Transfer Tax, Wallace explained at the 2016 operating and capital budget launch, is the single biggest factor in allowing Toronto Council to balance budgets with modest tax increases and reasonable service levels. Nothing has saved this city’s bacon like it.

OK, that’s enough singing now.

Miller’s land transfer tax was what you might call an excellent bet in a highstakes game that led to a series of very lucky breaks for the city.

Revenue from the tax that adds a percentage to real estate transactions has grown steadily year by year, just as the value of real estate transactions has increased, in each year exceeding expectations of

finance staff very dramatically.

Wallace laid it bare.

When property tax revenues were increasing by around two to two-and-a-half per cent a year, the city’s revenue was increasing by about five-and-a-half per cent, and that – not service cuts, not operating efficiencies, not the elimination of trains of gravy – were what kept the city afloat. He also pointed out it is unrealistic to expect this to continue.

That’s still not bad, but it also won’t do. In 2016, the land transfer tax revenue will contribute to the $200 million in new revenue, up $50 million from the $150 million of new revenue the city floated on in 2015. In 2017, Wallace figures we’re looking at $100 million.

That means that left on its own, Toronto will not be able to deal with its real inflationary rate – four to four-and-a-half per cent – using its existing revenue tools and keeping property

taxes at historic rates.

Politicians can respond to this in a couple of ways.

One, they can genuinely reduce the size of local government to fall in line with inflationary property tax increases. That will mean cutting services, limiting growth, tough labour negotiations and firing staff.

Or they can go to property taxpayers and tell them to pay more – a lot more – to maintain the city in which they live, and admit that inflation is what the city, not the Bank of Canada, says it is in this town. It will be a job in itself to summon the will to take either course.

Because while Miller’s gift of the land transfer tax has given an ephemeral respite from hard choices, one lasting legacy is complacency.

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

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EAST YORK happening in

it’s happening w Friday, Dec. 18

Community Carol Sing WHEN: 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. WHERE: Withrow Park, 725 Logan Ave. south of Danforth Avenue CONTACT: www.torontochoralsociety.org/ childrenschoir COST: Free Neighbours will be joined by the Toronto Choral Society’s Young Children’s Choir for singing carols in the park.

w Saturday, Dec. 19

Christmas Gift Wrapping WHEN: Noon to 5 p.m. WHERE: St. Columba & All Hallows Church, 2723 St. Clair Ave. E. CONTACT: Matt Bacalla, 647-575-0222, www. refuelchurch.org, matthew@refuelchurch.org COST: Free Refuel Church is giving back to the community by wrapping Christmas gifts for free.

Community Skate Day WHEN: 2 to 4 p.m. WHERE: Ted Reeve Arena, 175 Main St. COST: Free Join Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon for a fun afternoon on the ice. Consider bringing an unwrapped adult or child’s item for Community Centre 55’s Share a Christmas.

featured

w Thursday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve Service WHEN: 7 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Presteign-Woodbine United Church, 2538 St. Clair Ave. E. CONTACT: 416755-8352, www.presteignwoodbineuc.com, presteignwoodbineunitedchu@bellnet.ca COST: Free Connect with the true meaning of the season on Christmas Eve. All are welcome.

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.

w Sunday, Dec. 20

Euchre WHEN: 12:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 22, 1240 Woodbine Ave. CONTACT: Jim Farrell, 416-425-1714 COST: $6 All are welcome.

Karaoke WHEN: 5 to 9 p.m. WHERE: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 22, 1240 Woodbine Ave. CONTACT: Jim Farrell, 416-425-1714 COST: Free Bring your singing voice or come out to listen. All are welcome.

w Monday, Dec. 21

Cribbage WHEN: 7:15 p.m. WHERE: Royal Canadian Legion Branch 22, 1240 Woodbine Ave. CONTACT: Jim

Farrell, 416-425-1714, jimb.farrell@ yahoo.ca COST: $6

w Tuesday, Dec. 22

Christmas Kids’ Club WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and Dec. 23 WHERE: Leaside Presbyterian Church, 670 Eglinton Ave. E. CONTACT: Rev. Angela J. Cluney, 416-422-0510, www.leasidepresbyterianchurch.ca, admin@leasidepresby-

get listed!

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

terianchurch.ca COST: $30 to $70 Activities, Bible stories, music, crafts, and baking. Call the church to register by Dec. 17. Cost: $30 per child per day, $40 for two days, $50 per family for one day or $70 for two days. Includes snacks and lunch.

eastyorkmirror.com

a&e Q&A with Emil Sher Blogger interviews Toronto author

w Wednesday, Dec. 23

PAIL Network Leaside Peer Support WHEN: 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. WHERE: Don Mills and Overlea area CONTACT: Lynn Davis, 1-888301-7276, www.pailnetwork. ca, support@pailnetwork.ca COST: Free Volunteers support families who have suffered pregnancy and infant loss. Inquire about the organization’s one-to-one telephone support.

u

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food Cooking with Joanna Sable

Blogger cooks up tamales with hot sauce

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history

w Thursday, Dec. 24

Christmas Eve Communion and Candlelight WHEN: 7:30 to 9 p.m. WHERE: Leaside Presbyterian Church, 670 Eglinton Ave. E. CONTACT: Phyllis Spence, 416-422-0510, www.leasidepresbyterianchurch.ca, admin@leasidepresbyterianchurch. ca COST: Free Due to renovations in the sanctuary the service will be held downstairs in Silverthorn Hall.

The Toronto Time Capsule Discover local history and genealogy online

u

insidetoronto.com/ history

Social Media

www.facebook.com/ EastYorkMirror

@EastYorkMirror

Santa is coming to the Danforth Friday December 18th, 5:00 to 8:00 Saturday December 19th, 12:00 to 3:00 Sunday December 20th, 12:00 to 3:00 • bring your camera & take a picture ....receive a candy cane & enter our colouring contest

Christmas

2681 Danforth Avenue at Main Subway, Toronto 416-690-6069

| EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015

community calendar

EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015 |

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opinion

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HOLIDAY CRAFTS & SANTA

Time to celebrate light over darkness No matter what culture you come from, or which religion you practice, this time of year needs a festival of reassurance to remind us that things will be better, no matter how dark they appear to be today.

It does not matter if you celebrate with Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, or any other festival where light and goodness over comes darkness and despair.

The important point is that you are re-affirming the need to be optimistic about life through a community celebration of positive values.

Many choose this time of year to go into the community and help bring happiness to strangers through acts of kindness and donations, particularly towards children, the elderly and those in need. There are several ways in which you can participate this year in the East York community to help make this season of darkness a little brighter.

True Davidson Meals on Wheels can always use a bit

joe cooper watchdog of help around Christmas with their deliveries or other duties. You can call them at 416-752-9667 or send them an email to info@tdmow.ca.

The Toronto EMS paramedics service is hosting a program called “Wrap it up Red” where they are sponsoring blood donor clinics throughout the city.

You can give the “gift of life” by checking out the website at www.torontoparamedicservices.ca Don’t forget that your company and conversation can be a wonderful gift to someone who needs companionship during the holiday season, and the rest of the year too. WoodGreen Community Services is looking for people to spend on hour a week visiting with a senior in their homes and you can volunteer by calling Corinne

Willis at 416-467-1166.

These are only few suggestions for how you can help make this holiday season a happy one for you and your friends this year.

Take some time to give your neighbour an honest and heart felt season’s greetings and thank them for whatever good deed they did for you. If you are in a spat with them, try to give the gift of forgiveness and start the New Year off with a fresh beginning.

Likewise, tell a local business that you have patronized this year that you appreciate their contribution to East York’s quality of life.

Better still; drop off a Christmas card to our local firefighters and police officers, telling them that you respect and appreciate their effort in keeping this community safe.

Joe Cooper is a long-time East York resident and community activist. His column appears every Thursday. Contact him at eym@insidetoronto.com

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Consumer Feature

New Year’s Eve at

December 5 - 6, 12 - 13, 19 - 20 & 23 - 24

Melanie’s Bistro at 1870 Danforth Ave. is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a bang!

Melanie and her staff at the neighbourhood bistro will be celebrating the best way they know how - with delicious food and champagne to toast!

Guests will receive a three-course meal and a glass of bubbly each for just $49. Reservations can be made now for 5 or 7 p.m. and those interested in the menu selection are encouraged to call for details. The bistro holds the New Year’s Eve event annually and has always sold out.

Melanie is also inviting you to take a break from cooking for a special brunch on Dec. 24

12pm - 4pm in Centre Court

Join us in the festive fun with Holiday Crafts* and don’t forget to visit Santa. *While quantities last.

STORY TIME WITH MRS. CLAUS

and 26 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Brunch is normally reserved for the weekends, but has been extended for the holidays.

The popular neighbourhood bistro is a family business, run by a husband and wife team. It’s been serving an eclectic menu to Torontonians for almost eight years. Diners return for the good food, wide selection of wines and spirits, and friendly service. The bistro also features BYOW (bring your own wine) everyday with the corkage fee waived on Wednesdays.

For more information on Melanie’s Bistro, visit www.melaniesbistro.ca or call 416-422-1870.

December 5 & 19

12pm, 1pm & 2pm in Centre Court Locally Owned and operated Bistro

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O Y

1870 Danforth Ave., 416-422-1870 www.melaniesbistro.ca Toronto (West Of Woodbine)

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Book Your NEW YEAR’S EVE Prix Fixe Dinner $49.

3 Course with Glass of Bubbly Surf & Turf as Main is $59.

Special Brunch on Dec. 24th 10 to 2:30 and Dec. 26th 9:30 to 2:30

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Brunch Sat-Sun 9:30am-3Pm Lunch tueS-Fri 11am-2:30Pm Dinner tueS-Sun 5Pm onwarD

7 | EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015

transit

All aboard the streetcar from all doors Transit riders now have the option to board a TTC streetcar from any door.

The practice has been in place during peak hours on the busy 501 Queen, 504 King and 510 Spadina lines.

Now all streetcars will allow riders to board from any door at any time or day provided they have a valid proof of payment, such as a transfer or a Metropass.

Anyone who needs to purchase a fare will still have to enter at the front of the vehicle, with the exception of the new streetcars that have vending machines on board.

LAUNCHES FIXEDFARE COMMUTER OPTION wUBER

The announcement Uber is planning to launch a fixed-fare commuter option for Liberty Village may have reminded some of an ill-fated enterprise that promised the same type of service just last year.

UberHop will allow groups of five to use the service for morning and afternoon trips from Liberty Village and other downtown neighbourhoods

rahul gupta TO in TRANSIT into the Financial District for $5. That’s reminiscent of Line 6, which had planned to run a chartered bus service serving Liberty Village.

TAXI APP BILLS ITSELF AS ALL-IN-ONE SERVICE A new mobile app promises to make it easy to order a cab right from your smartphone.

Developed by Cellwand, The Ride bills itself as an all-in-one service for hailing taxis as well as locating carshares and planning transit trips.

According to a press release announcing its launch, the app is directly linked to 6,000 taxis across the country, with plans to add 3,000 more.

The Ride also promises to allow access to a cab dispatcher should an e-hailing option be unavailable.

Currently there’s no way arrange payment directly through the app a la Uber, and a “convenience fee” of

w

around $2 is assessed for ordering cabs through the service.

You can download the app for either Android or iOS (sorry Blackberry users).

For more information, visit www.gettherideapp.com CLOSURES OF YONGE LINE to end wNIGHTLY

For some weeks, this column has breathlessly counted down the impending end of the early Yonge line subway closure for service north of Eglinton Station.

For well over seven years, anyone who needed to travel in between Eglinton and Finch Station six days a week after 12:30 a.m. was forced to board a bus so TTC work crews could have enough time each night to carry out essential tunnel repairs.

Now it can be announced: the practice will officially end as of 2 a.m. Friday. Good times are (almost) here again.

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

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community

Man ‘not criminally responsible’ in stabbing death Firefighter killed at Danforth café A 26-year-old Toronto man has been found not criminally responsible for the September 2013 death of off-duty firefighter Dominic Parker at a Danforth Avenue establishment.

Parker, a 45-year-old Beach Triangle resident who

worked as a firefighter in Markham, was off-duty when he was stabbed to death at the former Rotana Café at 1530 Danforth Ave., west of Coxwell Avenue.

Nabil Huruy, who has a mental disorder, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Parker’s death, which Superior Court Justice Ian Nordheimer made clear was not provoked.

The court heard Huruy and the victim did not know each other, but that Huruy repeatedly stabbed Parker after he sat down next to him at the café before fleeing in a taxi.

In his Dec. 10 ruling, Nordheimer found that Huruy is not criminally responsible for Parker’s death and experts concluded the accused did not know his actions were morally wrong, and that he likely suf-

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fers from schizophrenia.

Huruy had previously made statements about people and the government being after him, Nordheimer wrote.

“Mr. Huruy was paranoid, had armed himself with two knives and was the subject of delusions, including hearing voices,” Nordheimer wrote.

“He believed there were people, apparently on behalf of the government, who were intent on causing him harm, if not death.”

Huruy’s behaviour was also abnormal just days before the incident, Nordheimer wrote in his ruling.

The accused was found on the roof of a school with bags of clothing he had taken from a mosque. He told police he had been on the roof playing soccer. Police gave him a trespass notice.

That same day, Huruy was found standing on an overpass above Hwy. 401, with a large ring around his neck. He told police the ring was part of him, wrote Nordheimer, and said he had a special attraction to the

Photo/Facebook

Dominic Parker, 45, died after an unprovoked attack at a Danforth Avenue cafe.

highway because it was called the Highway of Heroes.

Given the verdict, he will now fall under the jurisdiction of the Ontario Review Board, which will decide in which mental health institution he will be kept in custody.

Nordheimer acknowledged at the end of his ruling that the verdict will bring little comfort to Parker’s family.

“Here the family and friends of Dominic Parker are left to

know that they lost their loved one for no reason, other than he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time,” he wrote.

Parker’s widow, Zilla, posted a statement on Facebook indicating this case highlights the need for more understanding of mental health issues.

“We need more funding in our healthcare system, more funding for research, more education and awareness,” she wrote.

“There is obviously a huge need for improvement on our current system. This is the conversation I believe we should be having. Maybe we can prevent this tragedy from happening to another family.”

Jeremy Acton, president of the Markham Professional Firefighters Association, called Parker’s death a loss to the entire department.

“He truly was a wonderful guy,” he said.

– Joanna Lavoie with files from Torstar News Service

SALE

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FROZEN FEST VOLUNTEERS: Justin Floirendo, left and Julian W, volunteers, sort through donations to the food bank, during Santa’s Frozen Festival at Phin Park, held on Saturday.

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| EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015

community

EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015 |

10

VISIT WITH SANT Follow us on Facebook for your chance to win 1 of 24 daily prizes Bring your Gerrard Square receipts totalling $25 to the Lotto Booth for a ballot to WIN the grand prize of $300 in Gift Certificates

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Current as of December 1, 2015. Offer ends December 31, 2015. Available to new residential customers in select areas of Ontario where access and technology permit. The Bundle Program may be changed/terminated at any time. Bell is not obligated to provide the Bundle Discount for the duration of term; see bell.ca/bundledetails.

Subject to change without notice; not combinable with other offers. Taxes extra and restrictions apply. For certain offers, customer must select e-bill and create MyBell profile. Early termination charges may apply. Internet Modem rental required; one-time modem rental fee waived for new customers. Actual speeds will vary depending on the distance between the customer’s modem and switching equipment from Bell. Speeds on the Internet may vary with your configuration, Internet traffic, server or other factors; see bell.ca/internet. Home phone available where not CRTC-regulated. Service area charge ($4/mo.) may apply; see bell.ca/ serviceareacharge. (1) Available with select channels/content, excluding US networks and non-local content, and subject to viewing limitations. (2) $10/mo. based on $30 monthly fee, less a $20 monthly credit (included in advertised price, see note 5 for details). Available to Internet customers with continued subscription to an eligible Internet and TV bundle; see bell.ca/bundledetails. Subject to your compliance with the Bell Terms of Service; bell.ca/agreements. (3) Applies to traditional copper-based (excluding fibre-based) wireline telephony; compared to cable telephony and based on continued service during extended power outages at customer’s home. (4) Available to customers who continuously subscribe to three select services. Applies to direct-dialed outbound calls to Canada and the U.S. (including Alaska and Hawaii, but excluding other U.S. territories), excluding toll-free calls. Calls to certain conference or adult services or to high-cost areas may be restricted, and subject to other use restrictions in Terms of Service; see bell.ca/legal. (5) Available to new customers who continuously subscribe to Bell TV, Internet and Home Phone and to current Home Phone customers who add Fibe TV and Internet. $99.85 promotional monthly price is based on a promotional credit applied to regular price as follows: Bell TV Good package: $45.95/mo. ($47.95/mo. as of Feb 1), plus $3 Digital Service Fee, less $22/mo. ($26 as of Feb 1) credit for 12 full billing periods, less $7/mo. bundle discount; and Fibe 25: $65.95/mo. ($69.95/mo. as of Feb 1), plus $10/mo. for unlimited Internet usage, less $39/mo.($43 as of Feb 1) credit for 12 full billing periods; and Home phone Choice with unlimited Long distance calling to Canada and US: $51.95/mo. ($53.95/mo. as of Feb 1), less $9/mo. ongoing discount. All prices are subject to change. Promotional price will apply to your first full 30-day billing period and for each full billing period after that, for the duration of your promotion. Your billing period may not start on the day you subscribe to our services. Regular price will apply for services delivered prior to your first full 30-day billing period or if Bell terminates your services during a 30-day billing period. (6) $0 rental based on $15 monthly rental fee, less a $15 monthly credit. Available to new Bell TV subscribers with continued subscription to three eligible Bell services; see bell.ca/bundle. The receiver remains Bell’s property. You may terminate your rental at any time provided you return the receiver (early termination fees on programming may apply). Receivers may be new or refurbished at Bell’s choice. (7) Fibe TV installation charges are $199.95 with no contract term. Includes installation of modem, Whole Home PVR and up to 2 additional HD receivers; see bell.ca/fibetvinstall for details. $50 installation fee for each additional receiver. Internet: Conditions apply; see bell.ca/fullinstall. Home phone installation includes one jack at the service entry point where none present; installation fee is $75 for the 1st additional jack, $50 for every subsequent jack. Fibe is a trademark of Bell Canada.

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REGULAR MALL HOURS December 27-30 NEW YEAR’S EVE Thursday, December 31 9AM - 6PM NEW YEAR’S DAY 2016 Friday, January 1 CLOSED

EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015 |

12

community

Volunteer helps Riverdale families JOANNA LAVOIE jlavoie@insidetoronto.com

Staff photo/JOANNA LAVOIE

Queen Alexander Middle School staff member Brenda Hind is leading a hamper campaign at the school to benefit 16 local families.

This holiday season will be an extra special one for 16 lower-income families whose children attend Riverside’s Queen Alexandra Middle School.

Thanks to the anonymous efforts of the school’s teachers and staff members, the eastend families will be receiving two or three boxes filled with gifts, toys, non-perishable food, and clothing just in time for Christmas.

Brenda Hind, a long-time Leslieville resident who moved to Scarborough two years ago, has worked at Queen A for the last nine or so years as a lunchtime supervisor.

She’s also the founder and co-ordinator of the school’s breakfast/snack program, which feeds upwards of 120 children every day.

Having grown up in a lowincome, single-parent family of five children, Hind said she can clearly see the signs when

families of students at Queen Alexandra are struggling to make ends meet and could use a little hand up.

Just like the breakfast/ snack program, Hind launched the school’s Secret Santa campaign after observing a clear need for it about eight years ago.

Christmas hampers “ Fo r t h e C h r i s t m a s hampers, it’s all really last minute. I don’t even tell the families,” said Hind, adding in most cases students aren’t even aware their family has been selected to receive a hamper.

“It’s literally a few days before the Christmas break that I call up the families and we deliver a few boxes to them.”

The process actually starts months earlier as Queen A teachers and staff members identify families in the school community who could most benefit from a Christmas care package and work to assem-

ble gifts and non-perishable food items for them.

“It’s all hidden. The kids don’t even know it,” said Hind, who has also organized an annual coat drive for students as well as a yearly Thanksgiving meal at the school, which is on Broadview Avenue, north of Queen Street East.

Throughout the year, she manages to get corporations and organizations to donate all kinds of free event tickets and passes so children, who might not otherwise have the chance to experience The Ex, for example, can enjoy a fun day out with their friends.

‘School mom’ “I call myself the school mom,” said Hind, adding she feels like all of the students at Queen A are her own.

“I solicit everybody and anybody for anything and everything I can. I’m not scared to ask for help for people. There’s no harm in asking.”

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Appreciated Hind said she didn’t know how much the pupils at the school appreciated her efforts until the shooting death of her brother, Ryan, last March at the McDonalds at Danforth and Coxwell avenues.

Shortly after her brother’s death, Queen A held an assembly for Hind where many students offered kind words and gave her hugs of support.

“I didn’t realize how much I impacted them until my brother’s death,” she shared during a recent interview.

Principal Emma Nichols can’t say enough about Hind’s generous spirit.

“She has a massive heart, a heart of gold. She does it all.

Brenda is a powerhouse of energy,” Nichols said earlier this week.

“She spends a lot of time with the kids and they confide in her and she does her best to meet their needs.”

Anyone interested in helping Hind with her efforts can email her at Brenda.Hind@ tdsb.on.ca

i

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

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It also helps that Hind, a huge animal lover who has adopted and fostered rescue cats and dogs over the years, is a long-time Canadian Red Cross volunteer who has cultivated a wealth of contacts and resources to help people in need.

She first started volunteering at Queen A when her nowadult daughter, Danielle, was a student there.

Get to a better State™.

13 | EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015

• aluminum trays, pie plates,

roasting pans, cookie tins • soft & stretchy plastics

(bags, overwrap) • plastic disposable cups, plates • foam food containers &

protective packaging

• meat, including bones

• black coloured plastics

• breads

• bubble wrap

• cakes, cookies

• foil gift wrap

• fruits, vegetables

• ribbons, bows

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Curbside collection changes this Holiday Season There is no curbside recycling/organics/garbage collection on Christmas Day, December 25 and New Year’s Day, January 1. Check your calendar for Friday collection schedule changes.

toronto.ca/recycle

community

Skate day set for Ted Reeve Beaches-East York Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon will host her annual skate day Saturday.

The free event will take place from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Ted Reeve Community Arena, 175 Main St. at Gerrard Street East.

All are welcome to attend the skate.

Those attending are asked to Bring an unwrapped adult or child gift for Community Centre 55’s Share-A-Christmas program.

Call 416-392-1376 for details.

Macphail nominations sought wAgnes

Do you know an East Yorker whose outstanding contributions to the community deserve to be honoured?

Nominations are now open for the 23rd annual Agnes Macphail award.

The award recognizes East York residents who make significant community contributions through volunteer work to support women’s rights, fairness to seniors, criminal justice, penal reform, and international peace and disarmament, as well as access to education, housing and health care, among other areas.

Candidates should embody Macphail’s motto, “Think globally, act locally.”

Nominations must be received by Jan. 28 at midnight. Visit www.toronto. ca/macphail_award for nomination forms, or East York libraries and community buildings.

Award winners will be honoured on the anniversary of Macphail’s birthday, March 24, at the East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave. For more information, or to request a nomination form, contact Lorna Krawchuk at 416-425-4431.

Donations in support of the award can be made through The East York Foundation, addressed to G. Piercey, 55 Merritt Rd., East York, M4B 3K6.

Receipts will be issued for donations, which will be directed to registered charities chosen by recipients.

The first woman to serve in the House of Commons and Ontario Legislature, Macphail (1890-1954) was a strong supporter of equality and social justice.

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EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015 |

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community

Beer sales launched at two area grocery stores

Harmony Hall party

Pair of east-end Loblaws start selling suds Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne visited an east-end Toronto Loblaws Tuesday morning and bought a sixpack of beer.

Wynne stopped by the grocery store at Leslie Street and Lake Shore Boulevard East to launch the sale of beer at 19 Ontario grocery stores.

Five of the locations are in Toronto: w The Loblaws at 50 Musgrave St. in the Danforth Village area w 17 Leslie St. at Lake Shore Boulevard East in Leslieville w The Burnhamthorpe Market at 380 The East Mall in Etobicoke w Real Canadian Superstore locations at 2549 Weston Rd. at Hwy. 401 and 51 Gerry Fitzgerald Dr. near Dufferin and Steeles avenues.

“We have embarked on the

biggest shake-up to alcohol sales in Ontario since the end of Prohibition,” Wynne said to applause from a crowd of Ontario craft beer representatives, store officials and provincial politicians.

“Craft brewers can now grow in a fair and efficient beer market.”

The stores will eventually stock hundreds of beer varieties, including Ontario and local craft beers. As the assortment and display space expands into January, the largest-format beer sections could include more than 200 varieties of import, domestic and Ontario craft beer.

Loblaws intends to allocate 50 per cent of allocated shelf

space to local or craft beer, and will provide additional opportunities for regional favourites on a store-bystore basis.

“Our customers shop with us for all the flavours and ingredients of great meals and today we can better serve that demand with the announcement that beer is here,” said Grant Froese, chief operating officer of Loblaw Companies Limited, in a Tuesday media release.

Beer sales in grocery stores will eventually be rolled out to 450 eligible stores across Ontario.

– Joanna Lavoie with files from Hilary Caton

Photo/COURTESY

CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION: Catherine Bartholomew, left, Raymond Dwarte, and Susan Bassett take part in the Harmony Hall Seniors Centre Christmas party on Monday in East York.

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| EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015

Classifieds

Business Services

4x10

Home Improvement Directory

Holiday Happenings

home renovations

Westview Presbyterian Church

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

chimneys

Bricks & Chimneys ccjemmett@rogers.com

plumbing

BaySprings Plumbing Small Job Specialists

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

CHRISTMAS SPECIAL

35OFF

$

EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 2015

10% SENIORS DISCOUNT

BASEMENTS, ENT DECKS & FENCES, ENTS, FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETION. CUS M MILLWO CUSTO LL RK LLWO 15 YEARS EXPERIENCE. SMALL & LARGE REPAI REP RS

LISCENCED & INSURED KITCHENS, BATHROOMS. BASEMENTS, DECKS & FENCES, FROM CONCEPTION TO COMPLETI LE ON. LETI MILLWORK 15CUSTOM YEARS EXPERIENCE. SMALL & LARGE REPAIRS

electrical

Licenced & Insured

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

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

FREE ESTIMATES

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

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

• All plumbing work over replacement (single/double) Garages rebuiltto atsubstantial substantial savings Garages rebuilt at savings Ready fall over? over replacement (single/double) over replacement (single/double) • Faucets, toilets, sinks, etc. installed No Permit Required • No TaxatReassesment • No Set Back Issues Garages rebuilt substantial savings over replacement (single/double) No Permit Required • No Tax Reassesment • No Set Back Issues Just a nice garage at theTax fraction of the cost of replacement.

NoJust Permit Required • No Reassesment • No Set Back Issues over replacement (single/double) aRequired nice garage the fraction of the cost No Permit • at No Tax Reassesment •ofNoreplacement.

Set Back Issues Backed up drains, blocked toilets, basement Of course we also do General Home Renovations Just a nice garage at the fraction of the cost of replacement.

SALE! No Permit Required backups, external/internal drain excavating.

Tax • NoofSet Back Issues Of courseat•weNo also do Reassesment General Home Just a nice garage the theRenovations cost replacement.

Of course we alsofraction do Generalof Home Renovations Just a nice atalso the do fraction the cost of replacement.

• Video Camera Drain Inspection Ofgarage course we GeneralofHome Renovations

SALE! SALE!

416-706-9861

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

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

waste removal ALWAYS CHEAPEST!

All Garbage Removal!

Home/ Business.

Fast Sameday!

Free Estimates!

Seniors Discounts.

We do all Loading & Clean-ups!

Lowest Prices.

Call John: 416-457-2154 Seven days

www.insidetoronto.com

Call us at:

Call CallPeter: Peter: 416-554-3517 416-554-3517

RENT-A-HUSBAND Home Improvement Services • Plumbing • Electrical • Drywall • Carpentry • Ceramic Tile • Flooring

416-693-6169 Small Job Specialist

SALE!

Larry’s Air care Heating & Air Conditioning

SALE!

SALE!

(BBQ hook-ups, Stove Hook-ups, Dryers, Fireplaces, Pools, etc.)

SALE!

SALE!

SALE!

AND we do ALL Gas Piping Jobs & Duct Work

Call Peter: 416-554-3517 416-554-3517 Call Call Peter: Peter: 416-554-3517 Of course we also do General Home Renovations

he Handy C uple Plumbing / Electrical / Carpentry / Ceramic Tiling Painting (int. & ext.) / Drywall / Windows & Doors Bathrooms • Kitchens • Basements • Complete Renovations And All Home Repairs • We are Fully Insured No job is too BIG or too SMALL. We are the Handy Couple, we do it ALL! Reasonable Rates... Free Estimates

CALL JOANNE 416-714-0740

WINTACO Inc.

Structure Specialist W Home P.Eng Owned & Supervised FOUNDATIONS RENOVATIONS ADDITIONS BUILDING PERMITS

www.WINTACO.com

Damp Basement, Complete Waterproofing Service

416-480-0622

Metro License #PH15982 • MASTER PLUMBER

roofing Low Cost Repairs $ Low Cost Repairs

ROOF REPAIRS • Roof repairs from $49

• Leaks & replacement • Eaves trough cleaning, repair & replacement • Chimney cleaning, tuck pointing & rebuild • Animal removal, repair & prevention

FALL SPECIAL

Eaves or chimney cleaning from $39*

416.802.9909

Free estimates ~ Seniors discount Licensed & insured

Thursday, December 24th 7:30 P.M. :

Carols by Candlelight 233 Westview Boulevard, East York

Classifieds

Lifenews.ca

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

Parents & Grandparents!

You paid how much!?

Babies of 2015

Announce the arrival of your new baby, or use this special keepsake to recognize a baby born in the past.

BABIES OF 2015 are scheduled to appear in COLOUR on

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015

$

Only

39

95 PLUS HST

✔Order a laminated keepsake of your announcement for only $5, 2 for $7 or 3 for $10 plus HST ✔Double your spot for an additional $19.99 + HST To meet our publishing deadlines, all requests and photos must be submitted no later than MONDAY, DECEMBER 21. Please allow extra time for the mail.

Baby’s First an d Last Name Daug hter of (Parents’ Names) Born January 1, 2015

For details and email information please call: 1-800-743-3353 or 905-853-2527

#ShouldaUsedToronto

416 200 6300

Want to get your business noticed?

Delivery questions?

416-493-4400

or Email

(behind the Lanes at O’Connor Bowl)

416-759-8531 www.wvchurch.wordpress.com

This is your opportunity to celebrate ALL BABIES born this year or in the past!

$ Low Cost Repairs $ Low Cost Repairs $

99

SALE!

79

$

We Service All Makes & Models

SALE!

FurnAcE SErvicE or cLEAning

SALE!

SALE!

SALE!

SALE!

SALE!

SALE!

SALE!

SALE!

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

TOM DAY PLUMBING & DRAINS

Diamond #1 Readers Choice Award Winner!

$ Low Cost Repairs $ Low Cost Repairs $

heating & cooling

Garages rebuiltto atLEANING? substantial savings GARAGE Ready fall over?

Ready fall over?

Garages rebuiltto at substantial savings

Advent 4 The candle of love

Showcase your event here 1-800-743-3353

Metro License #PH23521

GARAGE LEANING? LEANING? GARAGE GARAGE GARAGE LEANING? Ready to toLEANING? fall over? over?

Ready fall

Sunday, December 20th 9:30 A.M. :

WITH THIS AD

Low Cost Repairs $ Low Cost Repairs

EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015 |

18

distribution@insidetoronto.com

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Call 1-800-743-3353 to plan your advertising campaign today!

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| EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015 | EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015

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20 EAST YORK MIRROR | Thursday, December 17, 2015 |

TeutaGuci.ca

416.364.2036 TeutaGuci@yahoo.ca

Sales Representative

Benefits of Listing with Teuta....

- Open House -

√ Free Painting

√ Free Staging

277 Chisholm Ave.

Sat &Sun, December 18th &19th from 2-4 pm.

Listed at $849,900

Spectacular 3 Bedroom 4 Bathroom Quality Built Home In Quiet Family Neighbourhood. Open Concept Main Floor With 9’ Ceilings On The Main And Second Floor. Amazing Custom Features. Hardwood Floors On Main And Second Floor. Finished Basement With 8’ Ceilings. Extra Bedroom In The Basement. Elegant Space For Entertaining. Spectacular Glass Railing.

Granite Countertop. Deck. Pot Lights Throughout. Large Closets In The Master Bedroom. This Is A Beauty! ****Must See****

ve.

A e dal g n i pr S 5 23

Sold for $132K over the asking price

Seller Testimonial

Amazing results! Teuta Guci is exactly what you want in a realtor. She’s a true professional, alleviated any of the stress I had, managed her incredible team to present her vision and was very skilled at the negotiating table. When I decided to sell I knew right away that I wanted her to represent me. I was impressed when I first bought my home from her and even more impressed through the entire process of selling the same home. Teuta took the reins from day one and orchestrated the minor repairs, painting and staging, she was involved in the entire process. Can’t say enough about the experience, I will definitely recommend her to anyone.

416.364.2036 • TeutaGuci@yahoo.ca

Robert Samaroo Not intended to solicit buyers or sellers currently under contract with brokerage