December 26 by The Parkdale Villager

Ha ppy Hol idays

Serving RONCESVALLES, TRINITYBELLWOODS, and LIBERTY VILLAGE

wed dec 26, 2012

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‘The Force’ is strong with Parkdale toy drive ERIN HATFIELD ehatfield@insidetoronto.com

board games, gift cards and, of course, lots of Star Wars merchandise. The force was with them when “There is something special about being able to come over to an employee at Tucows noticed earlier this year the domain name the centre and interact and bring the DarthVader.com was set to expire toys. It makes it more meaningful,” and the company grabbed it up. Goldstein said. “Domain names come up that The Parkdale Early Learning should rightfully belong to a particuCentre is one of five early learning lar brand or intellectual property,” centres run by Child Development said Michael Goldstein of Tucows Institute. It provides subsidized Inc., a global Internet services comchild care for families in need of pany. assistance in the They contacted Parkdale neighbourhood. G eorge Lucas’ Sophia Creary, the Lucasfilm Ltd. and gave them the child-care director DarthVader.com at the Parkdale Early domain name, free of Learning Centre, charge, in exchange explained the notfor a donation to for profit centre – Michael Goldstein offers high quality the Tucows’s annual Elves Project. care for 49 children, from birth to six years of age. The “It was cool. We have such sci-fi geeks at our company that everyone children are from the diverse neighwas just thrilled that we were such bourhood of south Parkdale and heroes,” Goldstein said. Creary said it is traditionally a higher “It is a good example of global need community. industries working together for local “The parents take the gifts home causes.” and many of them save them for Each year employees at Tucows Christmas morning because they host a toy drive for the Parkdale Early want it to be a surprise,” she said. Learning Centre on Close Avenue. “They are all very grateful for (the They raise the money to purchase toys). toys through the regular channels: For some of the families it is the bake sales, barbecues and interofmain gift the children will receive,” Creary added. fice carolling. Where possible, the children’s But this year, the toy drive got a major boost thanks to the donation siblings are also given a gift and gift by Lucasfilms. cards so they too will have a nice “We’re thrilled to be the new present on Christmas morning. owners of DarthVader.com,” said “Child Development Institute is Miles Perkins, spokesperson for pleased to once again be chosen Lucasfilm. “And we are even more as a recipient for the Tucows Elves excited about supporting such a Project, and we are very grateful worthy cause.” for their support,” said Tony Diniz, On Dec. 18, Goldstein and his coCEO of CDI. worker Debbie Browning delivered “The toys and gifts delivered about $3,000 worth of toys to the today will help make the holiday Parkdale Early Learning Centre. season brighter for the children There were nearly 200 toys, bags and families at our Parkdale Early of action figures, stuffed animals, Learning Centre.”

St. Joe’s names clinic exam room after former patient LISA RAINFORD lrainford@insidetoronto.com

‘It is a good example of global industries working together for local causes.’

Staff photo/ERIN HATFIELD

A group of three year olds from the Parkdale Early Learning Centre (left to right assending the steps) Brooklyn, Joanne, Elijah, Mikayla, Shamar, Tyson and Lara, get a sneak peek at the toys delivered to them by the Tucows Elves Project, run by a Liberty Village global Internet services company.

No longer with his family and friends in body, 16-year-old Andrew Olynyk lives on in spirit in the new Just for Kids clinic at St. Joseph’s Health Centre. On Wednesday, Dec. 19, those closest to the teen gathered at the hospital to see for the first time ‘Pediatric Exam Room 1’ and plaque named for the boy who was known for his empathy and for inspiring those around him. “Andrew is smiling,” said his mom, Daria, who had gathered at St. Joe’s new Our Lady of Mercy wing in which the kids’ clinic is located. “If it had been one of his friends who had passed away, Andrew would have been doing the same thing.” In October 2009, Andrew succumbed to hydrocephalus, a condition that causes a build-up of fluid inside the skull that leads to brain swelling, and an inoperable brainstem tumour about two years after his diagnosis. His death has left a hole in the lives of so many, especially his friends who first met Andrew in senior kindergarten at Rosethorn Jr. School near Rathburn Road and Kipling Avenue. Even though the group went its separate ways in Grade 6, all the kids stayed in touch. Jacqui Sirois, Jenna Boccia, Kayla Sabharwal, Lauren Howe, Teresa Haney, Sam Day, Patricia Batten and Natalia Lioutaia banded together to organize a fundraiser in memory of their friend. >>>fundraiser, page 8

THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 |

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Community

Construction underway on Fort York visitor centre $18-million centre due for completion in 2014, designed to be a community hub ERIN HATFIELD ehatfield@insidetoronto.com

he 43 acres in Toronto’s downtown west end that make up the Fort York National Historic site is of huge civic significance in Toronto’s founding landscape. Built in 1793, the site remains Canada’s largest collection of original War of 1812 buildings. But despite it being considered the birthplace of urban Toronto, it isn’t the easiest place to get to. “It is glaringly obvious how difficult it is to find Fort York and it has been like this for years,” explained David O’Hara, Museum Administrator at Fort York . But, with construction underway on a new visitor centre at the site, that is set to change. The new building, O’Hara said, will enhance the visitor experience and elevate the site to become the key part of the broader public realm in Toronto’s parks system. The new visitor centre will serve to orient visitors and expand public programming by providing enhanced facilities. O’Hara said the building will also open space to the public in the historic structures, which were being used for administration. The building will house washrooms, a gift shop, food service, and multi-purpose rooms. It will contain multimedia programming, permanent and changing exhibits, a Battle of York immersion experience, as well as facilities for education, research, staff and community use. community hub “It’s a museum and a visitor orientation centre, but it’s also meant to be a community hub or a community centre in nature,” said O’Hara, adding the building is designed so after hours, when the museum is closed, the building can still be used by community groups. “The site is located outside the fort walls so as not to negatively impact the collection of historic buildings, but also to give it a street presence on Fort York Boulevard with 200 Fort York Boulevard, as its municipal address. The entrance of the building will be along what would have once been the original shoreline of Lake Ontario. To the north of the visitor centre, a 13-acre open space known as Garrison Common will be significantly improved. The surface parking, which is currently sitting on the original battleground, will be gone, making way for more green space. “We are trying to clear parking and everything else out to make this into usable space for interpretive purposes, for programming related to the fort and also for programs like concerts and community festivals,” O’Hara said. The need for a visitor centre has been talked about for more than 30 years, he continued.

‘(The visitor centre) will make the site and the history and the museum much more porous. It opens the whole site up to the city and the fort embraces the city now.’ – Karen Black, the city’s manager of Museums and Heritage Services “But we really started to move into major planning five years ago with a needs assessment, to determine exactly what it is the site needs with a visitor centre,” O’Hara said. When the city moved into the design competition for the building there were a number of architects short-listed who submitted their designs anonymously and a jury unanimously selected the winning design. The building was designed by Patkau Architects of Vancouver with Kearns Mancini Architects of Toronto. “It was the one scheme that interpreted the landscape in the site on its own,” O’Hara said. “It is meant to pick up on the fact that there was a 15 to 18 foot clay bluff in the area. It essentially picks up on the original shoreline and the colour and the texture of the clay.” The $18-million construction contract was recently awarded to Harbridge + Cross. Karen Black, the city’s manager of Museums and Heritage Services, said she believes it will be Toronto’s greatest new public space. “It has been one of these hidden places for years and years and is just now emerging out of its cocoon,” Black said. “(The visitor centre) will make the site and the history and the museum much more porous,” Black said. “It opens the whole site up to the city and the fort embraces the city now.” Black explained Fort York, like most museums, only has about 10 per cent of its collection on display at any one time.

Staff photo/ERIN HATFIELD

Images courtesy/CITY OF TORONTO

Ladies of York The new space will allow them to display the militia colours, the flags sewn by the Ladies of York and presented to the militia unit in March of 1813, just a month before the invasion. “This is going to be amazing to be able to show them,” Black said. Expected to take about 18 months to build, the new Fort York Visitor Centre is scheduled to open in 2014. Access to Fort York (at 250 Fort York Blvd.) by car during the period of construction must be done via Fleet Street and Garrison Road. For more details regarding site access or any other enquiries, call 416-392-6907 or visit www.toronto.ca/fortyork

Top photo: Karen Black, the City’s manager of Museums and Heritage Services, and David O’Hara, Museum Administrator at Fort York National Historic Site, stand where the entrance of a new Fort York Visitor Centre will be upon completion in 2014. Images: an artistic rendering of the new Fort York visitor centre and an artistic rendering of inside the new Fort York visitor centre.

| THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Wednesday, December 26, 2012

plv@insidetoronto.com

THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 |

Opinion

plv@insidetoronto.com

Your View

Proudly serving the communites of Little Portugal • Niagara Palmerston-Little Italy • Roncesvalles South Parkdale • Trinity-Bellwoods • Liberty Village Ian Proudfoot Marg Middleton Peter Haggert Antoine Tedesco Warren Elder Alison Fauquier Debra Weller Mike Banville

Publisher General Manager Editor-in-Chief Managing Editor Regional Dir. of Advertising Retail Sales Manager Regional Dir. of Classified, Real Estate Director of Circulation

Everyone benefits from unions: reader

The Liberty-Villager is a member of the Ontario Press Council. Visit ontpress.com

I find it interesting that people are against unions. Years ago, when I started working, there were no unions and when men tried to unionize a company, they were often beaten for the attempt to do so. These brave men brought about wonderful changes for many of the workers.

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

Lots of things to do in Toronto over the holidays

Unions not to blame

ow that the rush toward Christmas Day has passed, we’re hoping our readers can take some time over the next few days to enjoy their community with family and friends. For many, that enjoyment means hitting the stores today and over the next few days for the sales that come with Boxing Day. Have a great time and we hope you find some bargains. Once the shopping is done, take a breath and try and take part in some of the many other fun events going on this week. The kids are out of school, many parents are taking time off from work, college and university students are home for the holidays and it’s a wonderour view ful chance for families and extended families to reconnect Strap on your with each other. Traffic is lighter on the roads, skates this it’s easier to get around and there’s lots of events scheduled vacation over the holidays – many of them with a family focus. In Parkdale, there’s no shortage of family activities to take part in be it a stroll along the lakeshore, a visit to Fort York or a skate at one of the city’s outdoor rinks including. For details on local rinks, visit http://bit.ly/TZbJK6 If you are sports fans or participants, the next few days can be busy ones. The holidays are the traditional time for highlevel hockey tournaments in Toronto including the Toronto Marlboros Holiday Classic, which brings in some of North America’s top teams from bantam through midget. For details on the tournament, visit http://torontomarlboros.com/ Also, there will be lots of indoor soccer action for local fans and players alike as Downsview Park’s The Hangar hosts its Youth Holiday Classic Tournament today until Jan. 4 for both boys and girls teams. The holidays are also when people can slow down and savour the special things. Take some time to meet and talk with the neighbours, visit a relative who may live alone or renew an old friendship. We hope all our readers are able to take some time over the next few days to focus on what is important to them, enjoy themselves and reflect on the wonderful city we live in. newsroom

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.

No more 60-hour weeks with poor pay. No more overtime with maybe $1 for supper money. The union would defend a worker if they were fired for no reasonable reason. It is not the unions that are causing the upset in today’s economy. If union jobs are wiped out, people would be surprised at the change back to the “good old days” of long hours and low wages – not only in union jobs. Joy Taylor

Budget leaves police chief with limited options

t the centre of the debate over freezing the Toronto Police Service budget is the question of whether residents will remain safe. Police Chief Bill Blair originally thought limiting his budget expenditures to last year’s level would have consequences. But the Police Services Board unanimously voted to approve the budget without an increase. Afterwards Blair was quoted as saying: “I’d keep Toronto safe if it was just me and two other guys. Whatever is available to us, we’ll just go out and do our best.” Although Torontonians are grateful for the enthusiasm, fortunately we have more than three police officers. Chief Blair still commands 5,320 uniformed officers and a budget of almost $930 million. Yet given his earlier concerns, residents may wonder whether they will remain safe, and how he plans to keep them so.

Beyond the headlines

david soknacki

Toronto’s backdrop of declining crime rates is promising. The most recent data show substantial decreases in all forms of crime, with the exception of a minor jump in the murder rate. Part of the reason is demographics, since the section of population most engaged in crime, young men, is declining. Part of our crime reduction is due to the intelligent use of technology. And part of the reason is smarter policing. Yet the Police Services Board, in combination with city council, has given Chief Blair a tough assignment. With a budget consisting of more than 90 per cent in labour

costs, he must look at the number and productivity of his staff. He begins from a difficult position, since the board agreed to a collective agreement that keeps Toronto’s officers the highest paid in Canada. It follows that Chief Blair must get more out of his workforce. He will probably start with reviewing his organization, and work to reduce the practice of two-officer patrols. Although these and other changes are essential, it’s easier said than done. The biggest challenge to achieving enough productivity gains is due to the size and power of the police union, the Toronto Police Association. While Blair can do his best to increase productivity, the Toronto Police Association is vigilant, well-financed and accustomed to grievances. The Police Services Board is already anticipating legal chal-

lenges should Blair downsize his organization or attempt productivity gains contrary to union wishes. Under the rigid labour system now in place, change will probably come at the pace of retiring officers. As individuals leave, Blair will then have some ability to redeploy officers. However, it is in the union’s interest, and also within its ability, to limit productivity increases generated by these changes. And so we come back to questions of whether Torontonians will remain safe, and how Chief Blair can make that assurance with constrained resources. Thanks to fewer young men in our population, adequate investment in technology and a history of smart policing, Torontonians will be safe. But due to inflexibility in labour relations, Chief Blair’s options are limited.

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Community

ERIN HATFIELD ehatfield@insidetoronto.com From sprucing up small green spaces to one day creating a botanical garden in Parkdale, a newly formed community initiative aims to fight Nature Deficit Disorder in South Parkdale. Nature Deficit Disorder is a hypothesis affecting people, especially children who spend less time outdoors, which results in a range of behavioural problems. It’s not currently recognized in any of the medical manuals. Where the Children Play in South Parkdale is a recently formed partnership between Nancy McGee, Staff photo/ERIN HATFIELD education programs services supervisor at the Toronto and Region Carolina G’ala, Newcomer Youth Environmental Programs Developer at CultureLink Settlement Services, is one of two women behind Where the Conservation Authority (TRCA), and Carolina G’ala, newcomer youth Children Play in South Parkdale, which aims to increase and optimize the environmental programs develgreen space in Parkdale. oper and counsellor at CultureLink Settlement Services. Avenue. Perks said money is earon what improvements could be The partnership aims to help marked for in 2014. made to West Lodge Park. transform Parkdale’s parks and green “Our involvement will be the com“West Lodge is a fantastic space spaces into creative natural spaces munity engagement part, not only that could be transformed into for children to play and learn. for West Lodge Park, but two other something that the community The women met in August at green spaces,” G’ala said. “It will not could really benefit from,” she only be a revitalization project, but said. a conference about Children’s also a beautification project.” But G’ala said the new group won’t Environmental Health Equity in The other two green spaces stop there. They aren’t just looking at Vancouver. Their shared desire, passion and commitment to healpublic spaces, but also searching for being looked at are Melbourne ing and preventing Nature Deficit Avenue Parkette and Beaty Avenue private front and backyards people Disorder lead them to collaborate Parkette. can share, supporting schools to and create Where the Children Play Fifteen girls, between 14 to 16, all build community gardens. in South Parkdale. newcomers who live in Parkdale, will “We want to use any existing “We understand there are not be trained in community engagegreen area and develop it into ment. Where the Children Play just enough green spaces existing in something for the community,” Parkdale,” she said. received a grant from the Canadian G’ala said adding they would like Where the Children Play is folInstitutes of Health Research via the to recreate the Stop Community lowing up on the research done Knowledge Leaders in Children’s Food Centre’s “Yes in My Back Yard” by the Centre for Environmental Environmental Health Project, program, which connects people Health Equity (CEHE) released in which will provide an honorarium who would like to garden, but don’t 2011, which looked at Parkdale and have the space, to people who have to the girls. found it lacking access to nature, Slug Information: Lastman’s Bad Boy “They will be the ones starting the space in their yards they are willing open natural spaces, accessible and conversation in the community,” to share. Project : gathering Dec Wk 4 ADareas. Ad Size : 5.145 girls in x 3.062 friendly G’ala said. “These are ingoing G’ala said eventually the group Where the Children to bringPublication us back information about would like to create a children’s Client : Lastman’s Bad Boy Play con: Community News nected with Councillor Gord Perks why theInsertion community is in need.” botanical garden in Parkdale. File Name : BB_Community_Teaser_Dec24 Date : Monday, December 24, 2012 about the future redevelopment Beginning in January, the women For details about the organization, of West Lodge Park on Lansdowne will help gather community input visit http://on.fb.me/QTTNTX

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It’s Happening n Thursday, Dec. 27 to 31

Gingerbread Make And Bake Kids WHEN: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. WHERE: Historic Fort York, 100 Garrison Rd. Gingerbread Make And Bake Kids four and up to bake traditional gingerbread cookies. Free with admission. Call 416392-6907 to register.

Polar Bear Dip WHEN: 12:30 p.m. to WHERE: Coronation Park, 711 Lake Shore Blvd. W. Polar Bear Dip (World Vision) fundraising dip in the lake with music, a costume contest and post-dip party. Event begins at 12:30 p.m. Cost, $25, plus pledges. Visit www.polarbeardip.ca

Robin Hood and the Dragon Puppet Show WHEN: 2 to 2:45 p.m. WHERE: Parkdale library, 1303 Queen St. W. Applefun Puppetry has been performing interactive puppet shows for libraries throughout Ontario for more than 12 years.

Adult Writers’ Group WHEN: 7 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. WHERE: Parkdale Library Basement Auditorium, 1303 Queen St. W. Adult Writers’ Group meets once a month to discuss current writing projects. Register at the Information Desk for this self-guided group.

n Friday, Dec. 28

n Thursday, Jan. 3

Crafts at the library WHEN: 2 to 3 p.m. WHERE: Parkdale library, 1303 Queen St. W. An afternoon of crafts for six to 12 year olds. Drop in.

n Saturday, Dec. 29

Saturday Stories WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. WHERE: Parkdale Library Basement Auditorium, 1303 Queen St. W. Saturday Stories takes place every Saturday. Thrift Shop WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. WHERE: Emmanuel Howard Park United Church, 214 Wright Ave. CONTACT: Megan Kallin, 416-536-1755, www.ehpunitedchurch.ca COST: Items $ and up Enter at south door closest to Roncesvalles Avenue. The store is open every Saturday. Proceeds go to Outreach meals. Items include gently used: clothes, shoes, dishes and household items. Stock replenished weekly.

n Sunday, Dec. 30

Sunday Outreach Program WHEN: 2 to 6 p.m. WHERE: Emmanuel Howard Park United Church, 214 Wright Ave. CONTACT: Megan Kallin, 416-5361755, www.ehpunitedchurch.ca Lunch, coffee and snacks, worship service, community dinner with the last meal served at 6 p.m. Vegetarian meal available on request.

n Tuesday, Jan. 1

Watch ‘Operation Antarctica!’ WHEN: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. WHERE: Parkdale Library Basement Auditorium, 1303 Queen St. W. Watch ‘Operation Antarctica!’, a holiday film rated G. Roncesvalles Village Historical Society WHEN: 6:30 to 8 p.m. WHERE: High Park Library, 228 Roncesvalles Ave. CONTACT: , 416-393-7671 The RVHS documents, preserves and promotes the history of the Roncesvalles area. New members welcome.

n Wednesday, Jan. 9

City budget meeting WHEN: 6:30 p.m. WHERE: Parkdale library, 1303 Queen St. W. CONTACT: www.anabailao.ca Ana Bailao invites the community to budget townhall.

n Wednesday, Jan. 23

Parkdale Residents Association Annual General Meeting WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: May Robinson Auditorium, 20 West Lodge Ave. Business includes the election of new board members and will be followed by a panel discussion on the process and community response to the Queen West Restaurant Study and Interim Control Bylaw.

n Submit your events

Email events to letters@insidetoronto. com

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

HERE’S YOUR CHANCE to appear in the pages of GoodLife Magazine WE WANT TO SEE IT! Send us your fantastic before and after photos to: goodlife@insidetoronto.com

| THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Wednesday, December 26, 2012

Where the Children Play aims to improve Parkdale green spaces

Community

Family skate Everyone hits the ice: Left, Santa makes an appearance during the West Toronto Skating Club’s family skate at McCormick Arena on Saturday. Left below, Veronicka spins at centre ice during the family skate. Below, coach Liliane Nguyen, right, joins her skaters on the ice. Right, Dave and Zivana dress for the occasion during the event.

Photos/MARK A. CADIZ

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THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 |

Health Friends of Andrew Olynyk joined his mother Daria, left, at St. Joseph’s Health Centre in the room named after Andrew who died in 2009. Pictured are, back row left: Daria Olynyk, Lauren How, Teresa Haney, Natalia Lioutaia, Patricia Batten; and from left front: Kayla Sabharwal, Jacqui Sirois, Jenna Boccia, and Sam Day.

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>>>from page 1 An evening for Andrew took place at Earth Bloor West, at Bloor West and Jane streets, on July 26. The red carpet, starthemed event featured several of Andrew’s performer friends, fellow classmates at the Etobicoke School of the Arts and fellow singers with the Canadian Children’s Opera Company. It was decided the proceeds would go toward the Just For Kids clinic where Andrew was treated and cared for. The goal was to raise $2,500, however, the event brought in $10,000. “I still can’t believe we raised $10,000. So many people knew Andrew and know his story and have some kind of connection to it,” said Sirois. “And, it seems everyone knows someone who’s been affected by cancer.” Sirois, Sabharwal and Boccia agreed Andrew would be “thrilled” with

‘I still can’t believe we raised $10,000.’ ~ friend Jacqui Sirois the room and plaque in his honour. “He would be happy knowing he could be a part of helping people get the help they need,” said Sabharwal. Said Sirois, “He’d be smiling ear to ear.” Maria Dyck, president of the St. Joseph’s Health Centre Foundation praised the group for their “excellent support” of the hospital. “I heard it was such a great night. Everyone said it was a wonderful night,” she said. “It’s lovely that people want to do something in memory of their loved ones. You should be proud. We are so grateful.”

| THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Wednesday, December 26, 2012

THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 |

Community

Budget committee to look at Gardiner Expressway options

Showing support

DAVID NICKLE dnickle@insidetoronto.com

Staff photo/MARY GAUDET

Right to strike: Grade 5 and 6 students from Queen Victoria Public School walked out of class at 11 a.m. on Wednesday to support their teachers’ right to strike. The student-organized protest was discouraged by staff at the school, but a few kids headed out anyway to tell the public that while they are sorry to lose out on extra-curricular activities, they stand with their teachers.

Toronto’s budget committee has asked for reports on the pros and cons of selling or leasing the Gardiner Expressway rather than trying to manage and repair the crumbling elevated highway using taxpayers’ money alone. The city is looking at spending more than half a billion dollars to rehabilitate the highway after engineering studies indicated it is nearing the end of its useful lifespan, and will only be safe to drive on for the next six years. The motion to look at privatizing the highway came from an unlikely source: Trinity-Spadina Councillor Adam Vaughan, a left-of-centre critic of Mayor Rob Ford who is contemplating a run for the mayoralty himself. Vaughan brought the motion to the committee with the idea of selling the highway to a private operator,

who would set tolls and use that money to keep the road standing – and also provide money to the city. Members of the budget committee were cautiously supportive of the idea, although not all keen to actually sell the highway. “Creative ideas are good, but it’s a risky game when we talk about selling the DVP or the Gardiner Expressway,” said York Centre Councillor James Pasternak. “If those were offloaded to private hands, it could strangle decision-making for the city for decades. It would affect our ability to structure a regional transit system, it would strangle us in planning and building.” Pasternak said leasing might be an option, something that others, including Etobicoke North Councillor Doug Ford, echoed. “I’m not comfortable with selling off the Gardiner,” he said, suggesting the city look for foreign investors

worldwide for a partnership arrangement. “All over the world they’re getting the government involved with the private sector. I don’t see the harm in at least looking into it.” Budget Chair Mike Del Grande said the issue ultimately needed to go to council. “The whole issue of the Gardiner should take place at full council,” he said. “It needs a full whatever... dragit-out discussion.” Del Grande said any discussion on the future of the Gardiner shouldn’t pre-empt the necessary repair work going forward now. “I want to assure Torontonians: we are going to fix whatever needs to be fixed on the Gardiner,” he said. “I don’t view it as good money after bad money, because the Gardiner is the only structure we have. We have to do what we have to do.”

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THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 |

Transit

TOinTRANSIT

Auditor General critical of Metrolinx for cost overruns on projects RAHUL GUPTA rgupta@insidetoronto.com A spending report on provincial agencies released last week by the Ontario auditor general (AG) criticizes Metrolinx for “overly optimistic” projections for annual ridership on the upcoming Union Pearson Express air rail link (ARL). Metrolinx, which is building the link connecting Union Station with Pearson International Airport, estimates the 1.8 million riders who will take the line during 2015 - its first year of existence - will increase to three million by 2018. But AG Jim McCarter’s report, released Dec. 12, questions those estimates given the link’s potential high fare cost of between $20 and $30 for a one-way ticket compared to similar North American air rail connections that range from $1.60 to $13. While Metrolinx has not finalized fare costs, the report says the provincial transit planning agency failed to take into account negative feedback from residents during a 2011 study, which indicated 75 per cent of the respondents wouldn’t use the service if it costs more than $22.50. “We believe that the ARL’s high fare will negatively affect the pro-

Staff file photo/NICK PERRY

The extra costs associated with restoring Union Station were mentioned in the Auditor General of Ontario’s report.

jected ridership capture rate,” states the report. The report also questions preliminary estimates on the ARL’s annual operating budget, suggesting the $30-million figure provided by Metrolinx could increase to an estimated $50-million if the provincial government seeks to recoup capital costs. Metrolinx also faced criticism for cost overruns associated with the

Presto fare system, which have ballooned to more than $700 million, from an estimated $250 million, if costs for developing next-generation card readers are considered. According to the report, the “tap on” fare card for the Greater Toronto Hamilton Area (GTHA) is now among the most expensive in the world. The report also says Presto’s current limitations prevent municipal

transit agencies from eliminating old fare systems, resulting in a mere 18 per cent usage rate among GTHA transit services. At a recent board meeting, Metrolinx officials said a majority of GO riders, around 400,000, now use Presto. The TTC recently signed an agreement with Metrolinx to install Presto next generation card readers on all vehicles by 2016. The AG’s report, which is released annually and looks at the spending history of various Crown agencies, also listed as a concern costs associated with ongoing renovations to Union Station, such as the restoration of the train shed roof covering passenger platforms and tracks. The price tag for the renovations could reach $270-million, which would be 25 per cent more than what Metrolinx originally estimated. A recently completed project to replace more than 100 rail switches for changing tracks in the Union Station rail corridor has ended up costing taxpayers $87-million – more than double initial projections of $38-million. Metrolinx Spokesperson Anne Marie Aikins said the planning agency accepted the findings of the report. “Metrolinx has already imple-

mented many of the AG’s recommendations and will have completed the remainder as quickly as possible.” David Salter, press secretary for provincial transportation minister Bob Chiarelli, said cost overruns from the Union Station revitalization could be attributed in part to the need to replace dated technology from the past century. “There were a lot of challenges dealing with that very old infrastructure,” Salter said . “When you’re dealing with plans from the 1920s, some of them could be wrong, so the project was more expensive than anticipated.” He said Metrolinx would engage in more pilot projects to gain a better understanding of the costs and risks entailed before approving a multiyear commitment. Even with the cost overruns, Salter said Metrolinx as an organization has consistently stayed within its capital budget. While no final decisions have been made regarding fares for the ARL, he said the eventual ticket price would be comparable with other services around the world. n To read the auditor general’s report, visit www.auditor.on.ca

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| THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Wednesday, December 26, 2012

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THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 |

Police

Three-week, street-level investigation in west end nets $5,000 in illicit drugs Community concerns prompted 14 Division police to undergo a three-week street-level drug investigation in Toronto’s downtown west end. On Nov. 26, 14 Division’s Major Crime Unit started Project Open Concept, which focused on eight areas within the division: • Queen Street West and Dowling Avenue; • Queen Street West and Jameson Avenue;

• Queen Street West and Bathurst Street; • King Street West and Dufferin Street; • King Street West and Strachan Avenue; • Dundas Street West and Spadina Avenue; • College Street and Spadina Avenue; • and Bloor Street West and Ossington Avenue. The project was started in response to community concerns about drug

‘We have and will continue to increase uniform patrols in these neighbourhoods.’ ~ 14 Division media release dealers and users in those areas as well as analysis of complaints from the com-

munity, Crime Stoppers tips, occurrence reports, records of arrest, previous drug projects and statistics provided by the 14 Division crime analyst. DIRECT RELATIONSHIP In many of these areas, the sale and use of illicit drugs has a direct relationship with levels of robberies, assaults and break-and-enters, police said.

According to a press release on Project Open Concept, undercover officers made 14 opportunity drug purchases, 26 people were arrested, 87 charges were laid and police seized crack cocaine, marijuana and Psilocybin with a total street value of about $5,000. “The end of the project does not mark the end of our officers’ commitment to improve the quality of life for all who reside, work or conSales Opportunities

duct their legal businesses in the division,” the 14 Division release said. “As part of the maintenance program, we have and will continue to increase uniform patrols in these neighbourhoods. “Officers will be conducting compliance checks on any of those arrested who were released on bail to ensure they are abiding by the conditions set out in their releases.”

Sales Opportunities

CLASSIFIED/ TELEMARKETER/ INSIDE SALES REPRESENTATIVE

call: 416

798 7284

fax: 905

853 1765

175 Gordon Baker Road, Toronto, ON M2H 2N7

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

www.insidetoronto.com | Circulation: 416 493 4400

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

Careers

General Help

CONTRACTORS WANTED

Job Title: Department:

Advertising Clerk Metroland Media Corporate Sales 10 Tempo Ave, North York

Metroland Media Group is a dynamic media company delivering vital business and community information to millions of readers across Ontario each week. Metroland is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Torstar Corporation. Key Accountabilities: • Calculate commissions for department and complete commission report • General accounting reporting in balancing the G/L’s credit and debit adjustments • Intercompany communications • Provide Reception duties • Sort incoming and stamp outgoing mail and couriers • Ordering department supplies Competencies: • Action oriented, Customer Focus, Business Acumen, Quantity of Output of Work, Quality of Work Output What we’re looking for: • Two to Three years relevant experience • Post secondary education in accounting • Thorough knowledge of Word and Excel • Must be exible and adaptable with the ability to multi-task • Detail-oriented with a high degree of accuracy • Strong organizational skills • Must be a team player • Knowledge of MPE would be an asset What’s In It For You: • Work for a well-established and respected company that is immersed in its communities • Work with a strong team of successful professionals • Fabulous paid-training and extensive ongoing development seminars • Individualized career plans and opportunity for advancement • Benet program, including RRSP and 3 weeks vacation per year • Company that is committed to a healthy and safe work environment • Free parking, ofce conveniently located near highways 404 and 401 at the North end of the city If working with a highly energized, competitive team is your ideal environment, please email your resume to cgray@metroland.com by January 4, 2013.

Toronto Community News has an area available for distribution of our TCN News Bags. Deliveries consist of picking up our pre-inserted ﬂyer packages (TCN News Bags) and distribute them to addresses within an area/zone in the lobbies of apartment buildings within the City Centre area. (Please see map of area coverage) Area’s Available: M4N; M4P; M4S; M4T; M4W; M4Y; M4X; M5A; M5B; M5C (Approximately 38,088 TCN News Bags and approximately 321 drops) Contracts commence on Monday, January 7th, 2013. To apply for this area and submit your pricing, please come into either of our ofﬁce listed below. Fill out the bid packages. A vehicle is required for this distribution.

Phone: 416-798-7284 Fax: 905-853-1765

Bid packages are available at the reception at 175 Gordon Baker Road Toronto On M2H 0A2 Tender due date: Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013. By 5 pm To the attention of: Arlene Del Rosario Distribution Department

Lowest or any bid not necessarily accepted.

Carpet & Upholstery

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CARPET UPHOLSTERY steam cleaning any 4 rooms, hallway and stairs $90. Sofa set $60. Extra rooms $20. Free deodorizing. 416-890-2894

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Join a winning team with unprecedented success! If working with a highly-energized, competitive team and market is your ideal environment, please email your resume to: jkopacz@metroland.com

Thank you for your interest. Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Job Category: Admin/Acctg.

HOW TO PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD

York Region Media Group, a division of Metroland Media Group (a wholly-owned subsidiary ofTorstar Corporation), is a dynamic media company delivering vital business and community information to millions of readers across Ontario each week. With over 100 newspapers, countless advertising venues, numerous distribution networks, and the Internet and web publishing, no target is unreachable. The Classified/ Inside Advertising Sales Representative is responsible for servicing and growing our client base and will increase sales revenue through new business development. This is an inside sales position that is responsible for taking incoming sales calls and making outbound sales calls for our numerous advertising opportunities. Position Accountabilities: • Provide our valued customers with creative and effective advertising solutions and play a key role in the overall success of our organization • Responsible for ongoing sales with clients and able to concurrently manage both sales and administrative processes • Handle incoming sales calls • Prospect for new accounts including researching advertisers in competing publications and reviewing new businesses in the area • Create proposals for prospective advertisers through compelling business cases • Assist clients in ad designs and co-ordinate the execution of these ads with the Production department • Attain and/or surpass sales targets • Address client concerns in a timely and professional manner • Contribute to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed Competencies, Skills and Experience: We are looking for someone who is action-oriented, driven for results, able to learn on the fly, customer-focused, composed and creative. In addition, the ideal candidate will have the following skills: • Excellent product and industry knowledge • Superior customer service skills • Ability to build and develop effective relationships within the team and with clients • Strong sales and telephone skills • A proven history of achieving and surpassing sales targets, with an unprecedented drive for results • Solid organizational and time-management skills with the ability to multi-task • Ability to work in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment • Ability to concurrently manage both sales and administrative responsibilities • Previous experience in a sales position would be an asset What We Offer: • Development and opportunities for advancement • Base rate plus commission structure, unlimited earning potential, sales incentives & contests • Benefit program, including pension and competitive vacation/paid time off provisions

Call (416)

798-7284

Metroland is an equal opportunity employer. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

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| THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Wednesday, December 26, 2012

THE PARKDALE-LIBERTY VILLAGER | Wednesday, December 26, 2012 |