April 4 by The Parkdale Villager

Serving RONCESVALLES, TRINITYBELLWOODS, and LIBERTY VILLAGE

thurs april 4, 2013

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inside New churches sprout in wake of downtown condo conversions / 3

real balancing act

the city

David Nickle believes the city lacks maturity / 4

inside Our community calendar is filled with lots of things to do this week / 10

Trinity tightrope: Nyima Lobsang, left, sits on a tightrope while Ben Iseman , above, steadies himself. The two men and their friends strung a tightrope between trees in Trinity Bellwoods Park on Saturday.

Vivek Shraya changing the dialogue for LGBTQ

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Electrification of air-rail link could become election issue ERIN HATFIELD ehatfield@insidetoronto.com

Local residents against using diesel-powered trains along 25km route

Residents in Roncesvalles Village are drawing a line in the sand and vowing to make electric trains the hot button issue during the next provincial election. At a meeting of the Roncesvalles-Macdonell Residents’ Association (RMRA)

last week Doug Bennet, the director of the Clean Train Coalition and the Chair of the Wabash Building Society, gave the nearly 50 residents in attendance an update on the issue. The Union Pearson Express will operate on a 25-kilometre rail route, the bulk of which

will share Metrolinx’s upgraded Kitchener GO rail corridor (formerly the Georgetown corridor). Trains will depart Union Station and Toronto Pearson International Airport every 15 minutes and will make stops at Bloor and Weston GO sta-

tions. The point of contention between Metrolinx and the community is the air-rail link will use diesel trains to transport passengers. Bennet said 300,000 people, who live along the Kitchener rail corridor, are concerned

about their health and quality of life with the use of diesel trains on the Union Pearson Air Rail Link. “Why is this government building diesel trains when every other jurisdiction in the world is either using electric or >>>social, page 10

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community

Parkdale in brief

THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Thursday, April 4, 2013 |

ETHE G O T O T TORON

streetcar service suspended wRoncesvalles

Ward 14 Environment Day set April 6 wfor

Streetcar service in both directions on Roncesvalles Avenue is suspended from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. until Friday to accommodate repairs currently being done on the sidewalks between Queen Street West and Dundas Street. The work began on April 1 and should be completed by April 12, according to the city. The sidewalk repair work is part of the two-year warranty associated with the construction of the TTC tracks, road, sidewalks and associated streetscaping on Roncesvalles Avenue. The contractor, Sanscon Construction Ltd., will generally work from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday. Bus service will be provided to accommodate transit users. Where a section of sidewalk is under construction, a portion of the road will be cordoned off for temporary use by pedestrians. Access to businesses will be maintained at all times, according to the city.

Councillor Gord Perks and the City of Toronto will hold the annual Ward 14 Community Environment Day Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Sorauren Park, along Wabash Avenue. On hand will be a limited supply of free compost for pickup as well as exchange of green bins and kitchen containers. Residents can also drop off old materials for recycling such as small electronics and household hazardous waste or donate supplies such as fabric, art supplies and dress-up clothes for schools and Goodwill. For details, visit www.gordperks.ca

wDufferin Road reconstruction on Street April 8

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kicks off Week of Pink tour wConcert

To kick of his Week of Pink tour of Toronto schools, award-winning songwriter and family folk singer Andrew “Too Tall” Queen will perform at the Gladstone Hotel’s Acoustic Family Brunch Sunday. The concert is at 11 a.m. and everyone is encouraged to wear pink or purple. International Day of Pink, celebrated this year on April 10, is an annual event to celebrate diversity and stand together against bullying. Register for youth festival wSpring Splash, a Parkdale Youth

As of April 8 work on Dufferin Street between Queen Street West and the Liberty Street intersection will resume. The work will involve road reconstruction and resurfacing, construction of curb and sidewalk areas and streetscape. One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained on Dufferin Street between King and Queen Street. There will be parking restrictions within the active work zone and some left turn restrictions may be required. TTC buses will operate on regular routing in both directions. Construction is expected to be complete by May 15.

Recreation Festival, is looking for area organizations to participate and promote services that benefit youth, families and the community. The festival i s p re s e n t e d by Masar yk Cowan Community Recreation Centre and Smoke Free Heroes Project (https://sites. google.com/site/ smokefreeheroes/). The deadline to register is April 19. For details, contact either Kalsang Dolma at kalsang@pcic.ca or Franz Thomas at fthomas@toronto.ca

film screening at Revue Cinema wFree

artists can apply for StreetARToronto by April 15 wMural

Join Parkdale-High Park politicians Peggy Nash (MP) and Cheri DiNovo (MPP) and the Roma Community Ce n t re a t a free screening of Gypsy Caravan: When the Road Bends at the Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave. April 8. The film is from 7 to 9 p.m. with music and dancing to follow at Ciros Restaurant and Bar at 1316 Bloor St. W. This event is to celebrate Romani culture and raise awareness of the issues and challenges facing the Roma people.

StreetARToronto is looking for mural artists who want to make the city beautiful. StreetARToronto aims to develop, support, promote and increase awareness of street art and its role in adding beauty and character to neighbourhoods across Toronto, while counteracting graffiti vandalism and its harmful effect on communities. Murals can be located on public and private property (with approval by the site’s owner). This year’s proposals are due April 15. Visit www.facebook.com/ StreetARToronto or follow at https:// twitter.com/StART_Toronto for details about the organization.

New churches ready to sprout up in wake of downtown Toronto condo conversions ERIN HATFIELD ehatfield@insidetoronto.com In recent years, a number of Toronto churches abandoned by their congregations have been converted into lofts – The Abbey Lofts on Sunny Side, The Church Lofts on Dovercourt or The Glebe Lofts on Pape Avenue, to name just a few. But, according to the pastors at two new downtown pop-up churches, these conversions don’t mean the search for spirituality has ceased for urban residents. In fact it is quite the opposite and these new churches focus on community and not a physical space. “For a lot of people church equals either a building or a service time, but church really isn’t either one of those,” said Darryl Dash, the Pastor at Liberty Grace Church. “It is actually a group of people who are trying to live in community.” Just a few months old, Liberty Grace Church operates out of Liberty Village. They meet at a dance studio where they rent space for meetings on Saturday nights. Right now there is a group of about 15 people who are essentially the nucleus of what will become the church community, Dash said. “Basically we are sort of organizing right now, gearing up and figuring out what we are all about,” Dash said. “We get together and sing, talk about what kind of church we would like to become and how we can serve the community. And then we just hang out together.” Eventually he sees the members of Liberty Grace gathering in small groups in

there is a certain connotation and socially charged feelings, so a part of my job is to hear the community out and understand if their perception of who we are is really reflective of how we feel,” he said. “From that point, start a church that is more accessible to those who, maybe in the past were a little bit skeptical.” Helps start churches

Staff photo/ERIN HATFIELD

Darryl Dash is the Pastor at Liberty Grace Church, a new church community based out of a Liberty Village dance studio.

homes, renting a space for larger meetings and services, meeting in parks, holding events, but most importantly serving the community. “I would love to see us have a space, but not so that we can assemble once a week and then have it sit empty the rest of the time,” he said. “But to have a place to serve the community and for people to come and be together.” Liberty Grace falls under the Fellowship Baptist umbrella and Dash is the former pastor at Baptist churches in south Etobicoke and the Kipling and Eglinton area. For three or four years leading up to this point Dash said he thought about leaving the suburbs for the city and trying to create a church community from

“

I truly believe Toronto needs more churches and new kinds of churches. ~ Pastor Daniel Yang

scratch. There are no churches in Liberty Village so Dash saw it as an opportunity to start from zero and reinvent what it meant to be a church. “Go back to what the core of a church is, rather than get caught up in all the externals,” he said. Whether people realize it or not there is a spiritual need that people inherently have, Dash said. And he intends for Liberty Grace to address that in a way that is accessible to

young urban professionals in Liberty Village. “Obviously we are not trying to reinvent the faith, we actually take the faith very seriously, but some of the trappings can get in the way of people who are searching,” he said. Daniel Yang also believes there is a need for churches that reach out, in particular, for those with spiritual questions, struggling to find their identity and their community or searching to ground themselves in something. “There is a reason there are a lot of yoga centres in Toronto,” Yang said. “People are looking for a sense of transcendence, a sense of spirituality and yoga provides a physical component, but

also roots the individual to some sort of spiritual nature without any kind of strong commitment to any kind of institution.” Yang, lead pastor at Trinity Life Church, Toronto went on to say his hope is this new church in downtown will draw in a new kind of congregant. “The idea is to reflect who is in Toronto now,” Yang said. “The reason the buildings are being sold and turned into condos is because congregations have died off or moved to the suburbs and left the city.” Trinity Life is Evangelical in denomination, but Yang said how it manifests may be different than people might expect. “With labels like Evangelical

Yang, originally from the United States, lives in the Beach and just moved to Toronto about six months ago. He is an employee of Toronto Church Planting, an organization that helps people start new churches. “I truly believe Toronto needs more churches and new kinds of churches,” Yang said. Trinity Life is in its infancy and Yang said he is currently doing visioning with people in the community who have given up on church and institutional religion, but that have a renewed interest in learning more about Christianity and the Bible. Also with those who have a strong sense to dream up a new church for Toronto. “If you want to dream a little bit with us and begin to envision what it would look like... this might be a great opportunity,” Yang said. Trinity Life hosts launch community gatherings at 5 p.m. on Sundays at Daniels Spectrum in Regent Park and Yang said they aim to officially launch the new church in the fall of this year. Those interested can check out the churches’ websites at www.libertygrace.ca and www.trinitylife.ca

| THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Thursday, April 4, 2013

community

THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Thursday, April 4, 2013 |

opinion

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

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What is in the teacher deal? R

eaching a tentative agreement with Ontario high school teachers has sparked calls for the Kathleen Wynne Liberals to reveal exactly what the two parties agreed to on March 29. For the moment, thanks to a media blackout, that information doesn’t look likely to come until after members of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers’ Federation (OSSTF) vote on those changes. To say this dispute should never have gone this far is an understatement; however, it has and Ontarians deserve to know exactly what was discussed, and what we “may” be on the hook for. Changes to contract conditions the Liberal government imposed on teachers early this year seem to have made a difference, with the labour dispute possibly coming to an end this week. Issues surrounding sick leave, maternity leave, unpaid days and local bargaining appear to have been our view resolved with the OSSTF. However, this does little for a provincial school system that Provincial needs serious rethinking – espesystem needs cially in the City of Toronto. In what seemed to be a whisper re-thinking in the wind, teachers with the Toronto District School Board face layoffs come 2013-2014 as the city’s public schools face another budgetary shortfall. On the chopping block are nearly 250 secondary school teachers, cuts to guidance teachers, clerical staff and even schoolbased safety monitors. These cuts will only slice in half an estimated budget deficit of $50 million. This should raise concerns, and some serious discussions as to where the education system in Toronto, and the province, is heading. That our new premier is from Toronto and a former TDSB trustee raises concerns as well; she should be extremely aware of the ills surrounding the city’s school system. The problems facing the TDSB – low enrollment being the biggest issue – demand attention. That infrastructure and capital repairs are in dire need of attention also demand some focus. Cutting a deal with teachers before these issues are at least discussed is, in some ways, shortsighted. Perhaps it’s time to bring back the controversial Accommodation Review Committees, which began in fall 2009 to address declining enrolment, better use of school facilities, and creating a better learning environment, but with a provincial mandate. That way, we can get education back on track.

Write us The Parkdale Villager 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 Parkdale Villager, 175 Gordon Baker Rd. Toronto, ON, M2H 0A2.

column

Letter

City lacks maturity to do what’s needed When Toronto council shut down Mayor Rob Ford’s move to kill surface light rail transit and replace it with a single subway along Sheppard Avenue, it may have seemed to some that this was a modal war: that council simply didn’t want to build subways, preferred light rail transit and didn’t love the former municipality of Scarborough as much as Ford did. What it really was about, though, was money. The Scarborough subway plan Ford put forward came with a promise of unrealistic levels of private sector financing and without a sense of how the city would actually pay to operate the new line. It was really in answer to this, that in the months following the defeat of the mayor’s plan, councillors tried to discuss financing options. It didn’t get very far. Councillors came forward with ideas – parking levies, a complicated business

david nickle the city dubbed “CVA (Current Value Assessment) uplift” – and their colleagues unceremoniously shot them down. It’s the way things go at city hall these days, and one reason why things that one might think are crucial to the future of the city don’t go very far here. That’s why it’s a lucky thing, in retrospect, that former premier Dalton McGuinty thought to take responsibility for transit planning and financing away from Toronto politicians, and hand it off to Metrolinx, the province’s arms-length public transit body. On Tuesday, Metrolinx released the initial foray into what will be a major, and necessary, public debate into how it might fund transit expansion in the Greater Toronto Area, in the form of a list of taxes,

fees and other revenue tools. They are all politically risky, the sorts of things that municipal councils are loathe to approve. They are also, necessarily, regional in scope, recognizing the fundamental truth that the subway along Yonge serves people who live outside Toronto as much as it does Torontonians. The subsidy should come from everyone. It takes a government that is both large and mature to extract that subsidy. Could Toronto do it? We’re certainly big. But as to maturity? Ford provided an eloquent demonstration Tuesday, when asked what he thought of the of revenue tools. He made a retching sound. Then he started talking about casinos again. Hopefully Metrolinx and the Liberal government will prove themselves more up to the job.

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

Guts are needed to get the transit T.O. needs The only thing Toronto needs to get good transit is guts. Guts to say we had a plan called Transit City. Guts to say we are fed up with the bickering on council and we have a plan get it done. Guts to say we need funding now. Guts to say we are going to pay for it ourselves. Guts to say we have wasted enough time and too much money to start again. Most importantly guts to dream and see it come to reality. If you have guts to spare please send them to your local councillor. Glenn Kitchen

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PARKDALE HAPPENING IN

It’s happening

looking ahead

◗ Thursday, April 4

Davenport visioning meeting WHEN: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. WHERE: Mary McCormick Community Centre, 66 Sheridan Ave. CONTACT: 416-5353158, jscheinco@ndp.on.ca MPP Jonah Schein wants to know what you think Davenport should look like in 20 years. A second session is set for Thursday, April 11 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Dufferin/St. Clair Library at 1625 Dufferin St. Call 416-535-3158 or email jschein-co@ ndp.on.ca

◗ Saturday, April 13

Environment Day at Trinity Bellwoods Park WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. WHERE: Trinity Bellwoods Park, 1053 Dundas St. W. The annual Environment Day comes to Trinity Bellwoods Park. Friends of the park will serve up hot dogs for free. Donations accepted.

Wabash Building Society meeting WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Wabash Fieldhouse, 40 Wabash Ave. Participate in the Wabash Building Society annual general meeting. Consider joining the board. Learn what’s new at the park including the town square, proposed Metrolinx noise wall, Fieldhouse mural, sports and more.

Church, 214 Wright Ave. CONTACT: 416-536-1755 COST: $30 The price includes a glass of wine and hors d’oeuvres. Leading up to the event the Roncesvalles church is looking for volunteers to put up posters, sell tickets or contribute auction items.

a-kind work of art. Silent and live auction and raffle. The event raises money for the Parkdale Activity-Recreation Centre and Edmond Place.

◗ Saturday, April 6

Melbourne Parkette “Work Bee” Morning WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon WHERE: Melbourne Parkette, 7 Melbourne Ave. The Melbourne Parkette Community Garden group hosts a garden planter bed construction morning. Visit http:// melbourneparkette.wordpress.com

Design Hope Toronto Art Auction WHEN: 7 to 10 p.m. WHERE: St. John’s Parish Hall, 186 Cowan Ave. CONTACT: Bill Ford, 416-581-1621, www.designhopetoronto.ca COST: $20 or pwyc at the door Design Hope Toronto will once again be hosting a night of fun and the chance to walk away with a one-of-

◗ Friday, April 5 Wine and Cheese Gala WHEN: 8 p.m. to midnight WHERE: Emmanuel-Howard Park United

Racing, cruising, sailing instruction, canoes, dragon boats kayaks, outriggers, regattas, Wayfarers and Olympic classes. Come visit us and see all that this historical club has to offer.

◗ Monday, April 8

◗ Wednesday, April 17

Gypsy Caravan film screening WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. WHERE: Revue Cinema, 400 Roncesvalles Ave. International Roma Day film screening.

CHECK OUT OUR complete online community calendar by visiting www.parkdalevillager.com. Read weeks of listings from your neighbourhood as well as events from across Toronto.

◗ Thursday, April 4

Safely dispose household hazardous waste, recycle old electronics, pick up new green and blue bins and more. Traffic will be restricted on Wabash Avenue during the event.

Ward 14 Environment Day WHEN: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: Sorauren Park, 50 Wabash Ave.

◗ Saturday, April 13

Fieldhouse painting prep day WHEN: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: Sorauren Fieldhouse, 50 Wabash Ave. CONTACT: Susan, susanvan@rogers. com COST: Free Join the volunteers painting the interior ground floor of the Sorauren Fieldhouse. Contact susanvan@rogers. com to sign up. All supplies provided including coffee, snacks, lunch and tunes. Volunteer for prep day, April 13, and painting day, April 20, or just one day, or just one hour, everything helps. All ages. The event goes from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sorauren Town Square consultation WHEN: 7 to 8:30 p.m. WHERE: Parkdale Community centre, 75 Lansdowne Ave. See the new, revised plans for the Town Square from The Planning Partnership, the design consultancy hired by the city. Add your input before construction starts.

◗ Friday, April 19

Clean up of Liberty Village WHEN: 2 to 2:30 p.m. WHERE: pick up bags and gloves at Liberty Street and Atlantic Avenue or Liberty and Fraser Avenue Clean Liberty Village. Arrange bags and gloves in advance from the LVBIA office. Contact Christine at christine@ lvbia.com or 416-516-1723.

◗ Sunday, April 14

Toronto Sailing & Canoe Club Open House WHEN: 1 to 4 p.m. WHERE: Toronto Sailing & Canoe Club, 1391 Lake Shore Blvd. W. CONTACT: tscc.membership@gmail.com COST: Free

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| THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Thursday, April 4, 2013

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THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Thursday, April 4, 2013 |

community

Liberty Village author’s new book looks to change dialogue for LGBTQ community JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com Tired of the negative selfimage that lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) individuals often feel as a result of homophobia, George Brown College positive space coordinator Vivek Shraya decided to change the dialogue. Shraya created a film, a tumblr website and now a book that asks members of the LGBTQ community what they love about their sexual identity. The book, which was launched at George Brown College in March, is the third element in the What I LOVE About Being QUEER series. “One of the things that I’ve found comes up repeatedly in conversations about homophobia is that it leads to a form of self-loathing,” Shraya said. “I was interested in positive messaging for queer youth especially because a lot of us struggle with being queer when we’re faced with all kinds of homophobia.” Shraya’s film came first and consisted of 34 members of the queer community divulging what they love most about being part of the LGBTQ

Photo/KAREN CAMPOS

Positive Space coordinator at George Brown College and Liberty Village resident Vivek Shraya signs a copy of his new book, What I LOVE About Being QUEER. Shraya edited the book, which asks people what they love about being queer.

community. “The film got a good reception but it didn’t capture enough different voices,” he said. At screenings of the film, Shraya would bring a camera and take photos and get responses from audience members willing to share what they love about being queer. To expand the variety of opinions, he has posted these, along with email submissions, at http://whatil-

oveaboutbeingqueer.tumblr. com The new book, released in partnership with George Brown’s Diversity, Equity and Human Rights Services, takes the initiative a step further with more than 100 additional personal perspectives and experiences, plus essays from George Brown College professors and others. Queer-identified psychotherapist and author Farzana Doctor was one of the book’s contributors and said the

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question it poses is one that has long gone overlooked. “There are so many narratives that talk about the painful things to do with being queer – the discrimination and the alienation,” she said. “It’s important to look at the ways (LGBTQ individuals) have internalized all that pressure and ask ourselves ‘what are the things we gain by being queer?’” The responses range from serious to cheeky, showcasing a broad cross-section of the LGBTQ community, which is often painted with a broad brush. “Some of the things I think we get (out of being queer) is that we have new ways of forming relationships,” Doctor said. “Because we’ve been seen as different for so long, we’re already outside the box and come up with ways of thinking that are outside the box.” Shraya, who lives in the Liberty Village area, hopes the project continues with more people adding to the tumblr page and possibly with another edition of the book featuring more responses. “There are an unlimited number of reasons to love being queer,” he said. Proceeds from the book will go toward the George Brown College Positive Space Award, which goes to LGBTQ George Brown students who show leadership in the classroom and community.

The book is available through the tumblr site, at George Brown College Toronto bookstores or at Glad Day Bookshop.

Photo/DENNIS HANAGAN

THE CIRCLE GAME: Morgan Ross spins hula hoops in Trinity Bellwoods Park on Saturday.

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| THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Thursday, April 4, 2013

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| THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Thursday, April 4, 2013

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THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Thursday, April 4, 2013 |

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PRA meetings back on: chair ‘Social justice issue’: Bennet ERIN HATFIELD ehatfield@insidetoronto.com Attendance was dwindling at the Parkdale Residents Association (PRA) meetings, so they were axed in favour of events. But one year after that decision was made regular bi-monthly meetings are back on the table. Andrew Emery is the new chair of the PRA, which incorporates the areas of South Parkdale and Roncesvalles Village between Roncesvalles Avenue and Dufferin Street, from Lake Ontario north to Pearson Avenue, and from Macdonell east to the railway tracks. He took the helm of the association in February and said one of his main focuses in the year ahead will be to grow the PRA membership. “We’re going to look at all aspects of what we do and how we do it – from the membership dues themselves, to our on-line

presence and our outreach (and) connection with the community,” Emery said in an email. “It’s a big challenge in Parkdale with such a diverse set of stakeholders.” A part of the growth and renewal strategy is to get back to a regular meeting schedule. It was roughly one year ago the PRA decided to stop holding regular meetings. The chair at the time, Roger Riendeau, said attendance was dwindling so the PRA was shifting its focus away from general meetings and toward events. But meetings are back on and will happen every other month. They will focus on issues brewing in the community, for example the April 24 meeting will be on the topic of the Western Waterfront Master Plan. In the months when there isn’t a major issue to discuss then the meeting can simply be a working session or consultation on some of

the committee work that is happening. The PRA has a newlyformed Communications and Social Media Committee to look at renewing the PRA brand and on-line presence. “I’m excited about the prospects for a site that allows for member participation with blogs, surveys and the like,” Emery said. “We’ve also got some new members on board who are plugged into the social media scene and are working to grow our following and make all these channels work together seamlessly.” Also new to the PRA is a Membership Committee to focus on actively building the membership and pool of volunteers. The April 24 meeting of the PRA will be held at 7 p.m. at May Robinson Auditorium, 20 West Lodge Ave.

Visit the PRA website http://parkdale.to for more information.

>>>from page 1 switching to electric trains,” Bennet said. Currently the plan calls for 5,000 riders per day paying a one-way fare of between $20 and $35, according to Bennet, although Metrolinx says the fare structure has not been determined. Bennet compared that to Vancouver’s Canada Line to their airport, which carries 110,000 riders per day paying a one-way fare of $3.75. “How come Vancouver gets this fabulous transit system... and we get a dirty diesel train with four stops that no one can use except the downtown business class,” Bennet said. Bennet went on to say there is great potential for this rail link, if modelled more like Vancouver, to serve as a much needed west-end downtown relief line integrated with the TTC. “I see this as a social justice issue for priority neighbourhoods like Mt. Dennis, Weston and Rexdale where people could use this line to

“

How come Vancouver gets this fabulous transit system... and we get a dirty diesel train with four stops that no one can use except the downtown business class. ~ Doug Bennet

get downtown to jobs,” he said. Bennet said he’s also concerned about Metrolinx’s plans to build a 16-foot-high noise wall, along the entire corridor because of the increased noise from diesel train traffic. This wall, Bennet said, would not be necessary if Metrolinx were to use electric trains on the line. Chander Chaddah, a member of the RMRA and area real estate agent told residents they need to start acting on the issue and in a more focused manner than

just putting a sign on their lawn. “We need you to make noise on this issue,” Chaddah said. “We will have an election in the province sometime in the next few months or so. The drums are beating.” Chaddah told residents to reach out to friends and family in all of provincial ridings that abut the rail corridor including: Etobicoke Centre, Etobicoke North, York South–Weston, Davenport, Parkdale–High Park and Trinity–Spadina. “We need to start activating our lists of contacts and have them make some noise too,” Chaddah said. “This is about letting politicians know that there necks are in the noose on this issue. They need to know that they will lose your vote over this issue.” RMRA chair Brian Torry said Metrolinx was invited to attend the meeting, but declined. Visit the RoncesvallesMacdonell Residents’ Association (RMRA) at http:// www.rmra-to.org/

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| THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Thursday, April 4, 2013

TTC chair surprised by Metrolinx transit fare increase proposal RAHUL GUPTA rgupta@insidetoronto.com Metrolinx’s shortlist of recommendations to fund transit expansion in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond was met with surprise by the chair of the TTC. K a re n St i n t z w a s a t Metrolinx’s downtown offices Tuesday morning to hear the announcement by Metrolinx CEO Bruce McCuaig of 11 funding tools it will consider for inclusion in a forthcoming report due in June on paying for the Big Move transit plans for the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). While she declined to comment specifically on the recommendations, Stintz said she was dismayed to hear Metrolinx is considering

transit fare increases as a portion of the two billion dollars needed in yearly capital costs to pay off the $50 billion Big Move. “I would not advocate for that to be the solution for increased capital improvements,” said Stintz following the announcement. She said the TTC, which relies on fares to fund around 80 per cent of its operating budget, the largest such percentage among North

American transit agencies, would never consider using such revenues to pay for capital projects – not even a proposed downtown relief subway line which Metrolinx has highlighted as a priority for Toronto. A spokesperson for the TTCriders advocacy group called the idea of raising transit fares “ridiculous”. “People who take public transit already pay a huge amount of money around the GTA,” said Jessica Bell, a member of the group’s steer-

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ing committee. Despite comments from Metrolinx CEO Bruce McCuaig that consideration was given to people’s ability to pay more for better transit, Bell said she would wait to see Metrolinx’s specific revenue projections. “There’s no doubt fare increases would hurt people who are already struggling to get around,” she said. A representative from environmental research group Pembina Institute said she wasn’t surprised by the shortlisted recommendations. “For us the bottom line

is about choosing a suite of tools that are fair across the tax base and implementing in ways that are equitable and won’t put too much pressure on one single sector of society,” said Burda, director of Pembina’s transportation program. Steve Munro, the longtime transit watcher, said the inclusion of fare increases was a “political move” on the part of Metrolinx to convince skeptics that transit riders will also be on the hook for funding. But he said residents living outside Toronto may be more willing to pay higher fares if it

HURRY Nominations end at midnight on April 14th!!

To learn more about Metrolinx and its funding ideas visit www.metrolinx.ca

Del Grande moves to resume Gardiner EA DAVID NICKLE dnickle@insidetoronto.com Toronto’s budget chief Mike Del Grande moved a motion to resume the environmental assessment on the possible tear-down of the Gardiner Expressway. But that’s not to say that Del Grande, a longtime opponent of plans to tear down the Gardiner Expressway, has changed his tune. Del Grande said the environmental assessment, which was halted early in Mayor Rob Ford’s term, should be completed as a way to take some of the partisan bite out of the debate on the future of the elevated highway. “I’m all for a fair and reasonable review and an environmental assessment – I am,” said Del Grande, at Tuesday’s budget committee meeting to finish off the city’s 2013 budget before sending it to executive

committee. “But it just seemed no matter who is in power, left and right, one side is suspicious of the other. There’s this notion that in order to have our wonderful lakefront we’ve got to tear down the Gardiner. That was when the buzzword was the ‘war on the car.’ One of the viewpoints was that you make it so difficult to drive that you can’t drive.” Del Grande made the comments after Toronto councillors went over a briefing note, explaining how it was that the environmental assessment approved under Mayor David Miller was effectively halted after Mayor Rob Ford was elected, without council’s approval. According to the briefing note, the environmental assessment first came up in March of 2011, when the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee chair asked the

deputy city manager to draft a letter detailing the implications of canceling the environmental assessment. The letter was to have been submitted to Executive Committee but was not. In 2011, Waterfront Toronto re-allocated the remainder of the funding for the environmental assessment to deal with other issues: notably, George Brown, Queens Quay and East Bayfront Revitalization Projects. Councillors who had supported the original plan to tear down the eastern portion of the Gardiner Expressway raised questions as to why council wasn’t informed, and as to whether council would even be able to decide to tear the Gardiner down. Toronto’s 2013 budget includes $500 million in its capital budget to repair the crumbling elevated highway.

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means strengthening meagre transit links compared to the TTC. Munro was also concerned the list of tools simplify projected future transit costs and don’t take into account operating expenses. “There are operating costs for other parts of the network including all the improvements to local service that will be needed to feed into the regional network,” said Munro. “A lot is being assumed.”

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No purchase necessary.The Contest is open to residents of Toronto, Ontario 18 years of age or older. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Two (2) grand prizes will be awarded. Approximate retail value is $500. Entrants must correctly answer, unaided, a mathematical skill-testing question to be declared a winner. Contest closes at 11:59pm on April 14, 2013. To enter online and for complete contest rules visit www.insidetoronto.com and click on CONTESTS under Local Interest. your source for FREE coupons

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| THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Thursday, April 4, 2013

It’s FREE!! Visit us today at www.wagjag.com

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175 Gordon Baker Road, Toronto, Ontario M2H 0A2 www.insidetoronto.com | Circulation: 416 493 4400

call: 416

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

Technical/ Skilled Trades

Calling all...er, some... Gas Fitters

Looking for a Gas Fitter to join our progressive pool business. Must have current G2 Gas Fitters License together with mechanical abilities to mesh with those of our pool service team. Attitude to fit together with that of everybody else around here, i.e. to finish each day feeling good about our work - and ourselves. If you think this is for you, then we want to hear from you. Fax resume to: 905-845-9571, or Email: david@targetconstruction.ca

General Help

Up to $400 CASH Daily FT & PT Outdoors Spring / Summer Work Hard working Guys'n gals! PropertyStarsJobs.com

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

General Help CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE. NO RISK program. STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Consultation. Call us NOW. We can Help! 1-888-356-5248 HELP WANTED!!! $28.00/HOUR. Undercover Shoppers Needed To Judge Retail And Dining Establishments. Genuine Opportunity. PT/FT. Experience Not Required. If You Can Shop - You Are Qualified! www.MyShopper Jobs.com HELP WANTED! Make up to $1000 a week mailing brochures from home! Helping Home Workers since 2001! Genuine Opportunity!! No experience required. Start immediately! www.MailingCo.NET

General Help HELP WANTED!!! UP TO $1,000 Weekly, Paid in Advance!!! Mailing our Brochures/Postcards or Paid Bi-Weekly!! Typing Ads for our company. PT/FT. Genuine Opportunity! No Experience Needed! www.FreeToJoinHelp Wanted.com MANUFACTURING POSITIONS Available in London, Woodstock, Delhi and Tillsonburg. Temporary positions. Electricians, Millwrights, CNC Operators, Assemblers, Hoist Operators, Tool Setters, Paint Sign Tenders, General Labour, Forklift Operator, Injection Mould Technician. Apply now! Send resume to: j o b s @ p a t r i o t source1.com

Technical/ Skilled Trades CNC MACHINIST for StackTeck Systems in Brampton. We are looking to establish a new weekend shift. FridaySunday 4PM-4AM. 5+years experience required. Must be able to set up and work close to tolerances. Various positions available. Send resume: Gene Massa gmassa@stackTeck.com

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

Apartments & Flats for Rent

3RD FLOOR bachelor in demand area of Roncesvales Village. $800 all inclusive. 416-910-1978

798 7284

Articles Wanted

ANTIQUES

& Collectibles Wanted Cash for Older: Coins, Jewelry, Military, Watches, Toys, Barbies, Silver, Gold, Records, Guitars, Old Pens, Lighters & Old Advertising etc.

25 years experience. Richard & Janet 416-431-7180 416-566-7373 Legal Services CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let your past limit your career plans! Since 1989 Confidential, Fast Affordable - A+ BBB Rating EMPLOYMENT & TRAVEL FREEDOM Call for FREE INFO BOOKLET 1-8-NOW-PARDON (1-866-972-7366) www.RemoveYour Record.com

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

Home Renovations BUILDER/ GENERAL CONTRACTORS RESIDENTIAL/ COMMERCIAL. Finished basements. Painting. Bathrooms. Ceramic tiles. Flat roofs. Leaking basements. Brick/chimney repairs. House additions 9 0 5 - 7 6 4 - 6 6 6 7 , 416-823-5120 CEILINGS repaired. Spray textures, plaster designs, stucco, drywall, paint. We fix them all! www.mrstucco.ca 416-242-8863

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.

Home Renovations HOME RENOVATIONS & Repairs. From backyard clean-ups to trash removal, all your home needs and repairs. Call John: 647-467-9976 STUMPO CONTRACTING. General Contractor. Renovations, basements, bathrooms, kitchens, additions. Plumbing, Electrical. Decks, fencing, concrete. All Flooring. Seniors Discount. Licensed/ Insured. Free estimates. Call Gino 416-524-2168

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

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

416-677-3818 Rock Bottom Rates!

CHEAPEST Garbage Bin Rental! House hold junk, reno waste, dirt. Fast, Friendly, Reliable. Demolition. Pool fill-ins. www.rapidwasteand disposal.com

HOME RENOVATIONS

Basements, kitchens, bathrooms. Small repairs. Drywall. Hardwood/laminate flooring. Tiles. Painting. Plumbing. Electrical. Quality work. Please call George 416-906-0623

Masonry & Concrete

BRICK, BLOCK & NATURAL STONEWORK Chimneys, Tuck Pointing, Brick, Concrete Windowsills and Much More! For Free Estimate Call Peter: 647-333-0384 www. stardustconstruction .com

Painting & Decorating

A HIGH quality professional painter. Plaster, repair, wallpapering and carpentry. 25 years experience. Free estimates, reasonable rates, references. David 416-732-6951

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

Furniture Repair

ANTIQUE FURNITURE Repair. Make the old look like new. Call John: 416-906-5601

416-984-0044

Appliance Repairs/ Installation

Plumbing

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

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

Free estimate James Chen

647-519-9506

HOME RENOVATIONS

Handy Person

HOME IMPROVEMENT Directory

THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Thursday, April 4, 2013 |

Adult Personals

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+

ALL-SEASONS Home Improvements

• • • • • • • •

Waterproofing Chimneys Concrete Roofing Bathrooms Drywall Basements Garages

• • • • • • • •

2009 Winner

Foundations Brickwork Stonework Siding Kitchens Painting Electrical Permits

Fast – Efficient Service – Guaranteed Seniors 416 B-12561

761-9700

Discount

PLUMBING

PLUMBERS DIRECT

• licensed • honest • reliable • local • experienced • insured • quality workmanship • seniors discount • references

P 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE e 416-997-3063 t www.plumbersdirect.ca e Financing Available r: (Met Lic #P20579)

IDEAL PLUMBING

· 24 Hour Emergency Service · Plugged Drain Repair •Backflow Prevention · Service Specialist · Flat Rates · Fully Insured · No Extra Charge for Evening & Weekends

Master Lic.# 20557

www.idealplumbingdrain.com SASHA 416-371-7137 ALI 416-828-6611

GARAGE LEANING? Ready to fall over?

Garages rebuilt at substantial savings over replacement (single/double) No Permit Required • No Tax Reassesment • No Set Back Issues Just a nice garage at the fraction of the cost of replacement. Of course we also do General Home Renovations

Call Peter: 416-554-3517

CHIMNEYS

Bricks & Chimneys

ROOFING DUN-RITE REPAIRS • SIDING/FASCIA • EAVESTROUGH 24 HOURS • TUCKPOINTING EMERGENCY REPAIRS • VENTING • GUTTER GUARDS • ANIMAL REMOVAL

• SHINGLES • FLAT ROOFS • SKY LIGHTS • CHIMNEY’S • VALLEY’S • ANIMAL PROOFING 15% Senior’s Discount

ALL TYPES OF ROOF REPAIRS 647-857-5656

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

Tuckpointing Chris Jemmett Masonry 416-686-8095

ELECTRICAL

Burton Electric Inc. 416 419-1772

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

ROOFING

Pot lights Service upgrades Breakers/Panels FREE ESTIMATES

CANADIAN

• Shingles • Flat Roofs • Skylights • Chimneys • Eavestroughs • Repairs • Free Estimates

Save UP TO 15% OFF Lic. # B21358

Fully Licensed & Insured

416-626-0777

www.canadianroofmasters.com

TREE/STUMP SERVICES

Jacob Tree Service

est. 1997

• Tree & Shrub Removals • Pruning • Planting

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

ALL TECH ELECTRIC Contact: Jason Sa

ROOF

MASTERS

Landscape Design • FREE ESTIMATES 24hr Emergency Service

(416) 417-TREE (8733)

Master Electrician

(416) 723-1169

Specializing in removal of Knob & Tube & Electrical upgrades.

ECRA/ESA Lic.#7006706

Want to get your business noticed?

EAVESTROUGHS 416-878-4731 EAVESTROUGH BY DESIGN We Accept Intallment Payments Professional Installation Seniors Discount

Call 416-798-7284 to plan your advertising campaign today!

EAVESTROUGH • SIDING

DOWNSPOUT DISCONNECTION WWW.CANATASK.COM BONDED AND INSURED

FREE ADVICE AND ESTIMATE

TO BUY MORE BIG BUSES ◗TTC The TTC’s board of commissioners approved the purchase of 126 more articulated buses to run on high ridership routes, at its meeting last week. The 60-foot vehicles, which are also known as artics, have separate sections divided by a pivoting middle hinge and can hold up to 112 riders total. The high-passenger capacity makes them ideal for rush hour service, says the TTC. SHARE PROGRAM RATES RISE ◗BIKE

The popular bike share program Bixi is raising membership rates for 2013. Beginning this week, it will cost $97 plus tax to purchase a one-year membership, $41 for a monthly pass, to access Bixi’s 80 stations and 1,000 bicycles available year-round through the program. That’s an increase of two per cent. This is the first time costs have risen since its debut in Toronto two years ago. Bixi says the price hike is due to inflation and increased

�� TO �� TRANSIT operating costs. CONSTRUCTION ROAD CLOSURES ◗GO

West-end road closures are planned for two weekends in April due to GO Transit construction work. Beginning this Friday at 8 p.m. and lasting until 5 a.m. Monday, April 8, Martin Grove Road will be closed to traffic between Bethridge Road and Vulcan Street. Then on Friday, April 19, Kipling Avenue will remain closed all weekend before re-opening 5 a.m. Monday, April 22. The closures are because of girder installation for rail bridges going up in the area as part of Metrolinx’s GO Georgetown South expansion project. POWER LINE WORK THIS MONTH ◗STREETCAR

Also in April, the TTC will conduct night work on the overhead power lines at the Bingham streetcar loop. Though the TTC prom-

ises minimal noise from the construction to take place Monday to Friday between 1 and 6 a.m., residents living around Kingston Road and Victoria Park Avenue may hear beeping sounds coming from the hydraulic trucks during the work period. The work, which is part of upgrades required for the TTC’s new streetcars, is expected to last six weeks. FUNDING OPEN HOUSES ◗TRANSIT

CodeRedTO will hold a series of open houses across the city to weigh in on the question of funding transit expansion. The non-partisan group is asking residents to chime in on transit funding and other issues. City councillors and representatives from Metrolinx are expected to participate. The meetings take place during April and May beginning at Thorncliffe Public Library on April 13. For a full list of dates visit www.coderedto.com Rahul Gupta is The Villager’s transit reporter. His column runs every Thursday. Reach him on Twitter: @TOinTRANSIT

Board of Health calls for reduced TTC fares for low income earners RAHUL GUPTA rgupta@insidetoronto.com If not for having access to transportation, James Kilmartin believes he would never have gotten off the street. Speaking before the Toronto Board of Health Kilmartin, who was homeless until last year, called for TTC fares to be offered at a discounted rate to charitable groups and organizations to help more lowincome people like him. “These shelters are very important and when they have to turn someone down because they can’t give a token to someone who needs to get to an appointment it’s more stressful to the person on the street,” said Kilmartin who was speaking on behalf of the Fair Fare Coalition. Kilmartin was at city hall March 25 to speak in favour of recommendations by the city’s chief medical officer on incorporating fare affordability into

transportation planning. He said as a homeless person he was denied entry to the TTC for not having a token despite a badly infected foot. He called an ambulance. “ The conductor saw how bad shape I was in, but he wouldn’t let me on,” recounted Kilmartin during his five minute deputation to the board. Sheryl Lindsay of the coalition, which was launched by Sistering women’s shelter in response to the 2010 TTC fare hikes, said the high cost of transit plays a negative impact for people with no other means of transportation. She said the group collected feedback from more than 200 low-income individuals who receive social assistance, who highlighted the importance of transit for them. Despite paying $25,000 per year on TTC tokens to distribute to its clients, Lindsay said rising fares was limiting how much help Sistering could

offer. “We’re one of many organizations across the GTA trying to offset this high price of transit for individuals,” said Lindsay, Sistering’s executive director. A majority of the board approved a motion from chair Joe Mihevc to have the city’s community development committee work with the TTC on potentially reducing fares for low-income people, which was approved by a majority, but not all, of the board. One of the dissenting votes was cast by Gord Perks. The Parkdale-High Park city councillor said making the TTC provide discounted fares would mean potential cuts in service. “If the TTC takes money out of service to provide a free fare to someone else, the only way they can do that is to not run a bus somewhere else,” said Perks.

For more on the Toronto Board of Health, visit www.toronto.ca/health

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| THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Thursday, April 4, 2013

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THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Thursday, April 4, 2013 |