The Parkdale Villager, January 7, 2016

Serving RONCESVALLES, TRINITYBELLWOODS, and LIBERTY VILLAGE Design, print and distribute direct mail

thurs jan 7, 2016

inside Parents welcome new year baby at St. Joseph’s/ 2

PARC outreach workers draw upon experience / 3

416-774-2363

®

Parkdale kids learn how to play hockey for free HILARY CATON hcaton@insidetoronto.com

Toronto food banks hit hard by rising costs / 10

www.parkdalevillager.com

Every Sunday for the past four weeks, boys and girls seven to 11 are given the opportunity to learn everything there is to know about playing Canada’s national sport — and it’s all free.

Parents don’t pay a penny.

Not even for their child’s hockey gear, which was donated by Canadian Tire’s JumpStart for Kids organization.

happy new year

The program was launched

by Toronto Police Services 14 Division Police Const. Andrea Tristao, who wanted to give Parkdale kids a chance to push past the barrier that sometimes exists between community members and police. So she thought why not break the ice by teaching kids hockey.

“It’s something we can do with the kids and family that’s a positive interaction with the police and the community,” >>>PARKDALE, page 5

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Holiday RIDE program nabs hundreds of drivers ANDREW PALAMARCHUK apalamarchuk@insidetoronto.com

More than 200 people were arrested as a result of Toronto police’s holiday RIDE program, an eight per cent increase over last year.

The program, which ran Nov. 19 to Jan. 3, led to 211 arrests for impaired driving.

Last year, 195 people were arrested in the 45-day project.

In Monday’s news release, police encouraged citizens to join “the war against impaired driving by calling 911 if they believe another driver may be impaired.”

Ending impaired driving will continue to be a goal of the service, the release said.

Chander Chaddah *As recognized by the Superior Court of Ontario

Staff photo/PETER C. MCCUSKER

cold dip: Leonardo Rodriguez prepares to bring in the new year with a dip into Lake Ontario during the 2016 Polar Bear Dip at Sunnyside Pavilion Park on New Year's Day Friday. See more photos from the annual Polar Bear Dip event on page 6.

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PARKDALE VILLAGER | Thursday, January 7, 2016 |

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community

Join the discussion about Toronto’s 2016 Budget The preliminary 2016 tax supported budgets are being considered by the Budget Committee for recommendation to the Executive Committee and City Council.

Review the preliminary 2016 Budget at: toronto.ca/council or toronto.ca/budget2016.

User Fee Town Hall Meeting City Hall, Committee Room 2, January 11, 6 p.m.

Information session on the user fee policy and any proposed fee increases above inflation. No deputations.

To participate in the 2016 Budget discussion: 1. Make a public presentation at one of the Budget Subcommittee meetings on January 12, 13 or 14, 2016.

Register by email to buc@toronto.ca or call 416-392-4666 before 12 p.m. on Monday January 11. Indicate your choice of location, date and session number. Individuals may make only one presentation at any one of the sessions.

City Hall Committee Room 1 100 Queen St. West January 12 Session 1: 9:30 a.m.

Session 2: 6 p.m.

Etobicoke Civic Centre Council Chamber 399 The West Mall January 12 Session 1: 3 p.m.

Session 2: 6 p.m.

Scarborough Civic Centre Council Chamber 150 Borough Drive January 13 Session 1: 3 p.m.

Session 2: 6 p.m.

North York Civic Centre Council Chamber 5100 Yonge Street January 13 Session 1: 3 p.m.

Session 2: 6 p.m.

East York Civic Centre Council Chamber 850 Coxwell Ave. January 14 Session 1: 3 p.m.

Session 2: 6 p.m.

York Civic Centre Council Chamber 2700 Eglinton Avenue West January 14 Session 1: 3 p.m.

Session 2: 6 p.m.

St. Joseph’s Health Centre welcomes first baby of 2016 Teolis Palmer was born in hospital’s new birthing centre Three-year-old Evija is ecstatic to welcome her new baby brother, says her mom Kristina Palmer.

Palmer gave birth to Teolis Palmer at 1:47 p.m.

New Year’s Day. The baby boy was St. Joseph’s Health Centre’s first baby of the new year. Teolis’ Jan. 1 arrival was somewhat of a surprise, Palmer admitted to The Villager.

“We didn’t expect it,” she said. “My first (baby) was two weeks late and had to be induced. I was so happy it happened naturally this time.”

Teolis’ name is Latvian and is inspired by Palmer’s grandfather, who shared the same moniker and was due on his birthday.

Palmer said her contractions began around 3 a.m., but she said she was able to go back to sleep until about 7 a.m.

“It happened so quickly,” she said. “We got to the hospital around 10 a.m. and he was born at 1:47 p.m.”

Palmer and her husband, Daniel, didn’t have to travel

Photo/COURTESY

Kristina Palmer and her husband, Daniel, pose with their new baby boy, Teolis Palmer, their second child. Teolis was St. Joseph's Health Centre's first baby of the new year, born on New Year's Day at 1:47 p.m.

far. The family has lived in Roncesvalles Village for a decade and the couple has owned a house in the neighbourhood for about five years.

Palmer said she was happy to have experienced the hospital’s new family birthing centre.

“It was nice to be in the new facilities,” she said.

Mother and baby returned home by 5 p.m. New Year’s Day. “Our midwives were awesome,” Palmer said, adding that St. Joe’s staff were kind and attentive.

– Lisa Rainford

write on

2. Send your written comments to the Budget Committee.

Email: buc@toronto.ca. Fax: 416-392-1879, or Mail:Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W., 10 West,Toronto, ON M5H 2N2.

Send to - Attention: Budget Committee 3. Send a letter or email to your local City Councillor.

For contact information, please call 311,TTY: 416-338-0TTY (0889), email 311@toronto.ca or visit toronto.ca.

Notice: If you write or make a presentation to the Budget Committee, the City will collect and use your personal information in accordance with applicable laws. We also videotape meetings and make recordings publicly available on request. More information about the collection and use of your personal information is available at: http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/privacy.htm.

Staff photo/BENJAMIN PRIEBE

magazine launch: Lauren Kirshner, left, Kate Schneider, Kate Barss and Anna GallagherRoss celebrate the launch of Sister Writes, a magazine which features creative writing from women across Toronto, in partnership with Sistering, on Saturday.

3

Peer outreach workers draw upon experience PARC program pairs workers with clients experiencing similar struggles in life Hilary Caton hcaton@insidetoronto.com The peer outreach workers at the Parkdale ActivityRecreation Centre (PARC) on Queen Street West have been through a lot.

Alcoholism, homelessness and drug addiction are only a few of their shared lived experiences.

But that’s what makes them perfect for the job. It’s their relatability. They’ve battled and conquered the demons some of their clients are gearing up to face.

Eva Scott, a peer outreach worker for Sistering in Parkdale, is a recovered alcoholic who previously drank for 22 years, which eventually landed her on the streets of Toronto. homeless “Queen and Bathurst (Street) was my home for two years,” Scott said.

She was just 11 years old when she began drinking.

She eventually dropped out of school. She never reached out to family for help.

She said she didn’t want to burden her family who didn’t drink with her problems. So the homeless of Toronto became what she calls her street family.

She quit drinking in 2009 after relapsing a few times in the years prior.

“I did it for myself that time. I sat there on the steps of The Meeting Place at Queen and Bathurst and I said, ‘I can’t keep doing this to myself. I got to stop what I’m doing,” she told The Villager.

She said she was fed up with the endless cycle of drunkenness and hangovers, and wanted better for herself.

“Living on the streets, seeing people in the morning; I was all hung over and depressed. Waking up I would see people taking their kids to school or going to work and I thought to myself, ‘I wish I could be like that.’”

Soon after, Scott asked

to be sent to a treatment facility. She was referred to a recovery program in Kenora, Ont., where she spent the next 30 days, and has been sober ever since.

In 2010, she became an outreach worker for Sistering’s Outreach Program in Parkdale.

It runs in partnership with PARC’s program, now in its fifth year, which also has peer workers in West Neighbourhood House.

Combined, the three agencies have about six workers, who have at least 500 hours of peer outreach training.

“It’s brought together a diverse team with a diverse background,” said Maryamm Himid, the peer outreach program coordinator at PARC. “Each member of the team has a unique experience with a range of issues.

“It’s cool to see them work together, and share their experiences and help support people.”

Each worker helps their clients access services in the community from chronic medical care to legal services to navigating the healthcare and social systems by accompanying them to their appointments and advocating for them.

“

Photo/COURTESY

Eva Scott is a trained peer outreach worker with the Peer Outreach Program offered by Sistering in Parkdale in partnership with PARC and West Neighbourhood House. She helps her clients who are struggling with addictions, mental health issues and homelessness seek proper care in the West end.

appearing onto the streets,” Himid said.

The goal of the program is to divert those clients from emergency room visits and to increase their access to primary and psychiatric care.

In 2014, the workers have helped and connected with more than 1,000 clients.

So far for the first nine

I just keep talking to them. Ask questions to get them comfortable talking and once they start talking, I shut myself up and listen. They just need somebody to talk to.

Clients are even provided tokens and taxi vouchers to help with transportation costs.

The program was initially created to bridge a gap in the system for the care of the homeless and marginalized from emergency centres.

“There were no resources for them to access when they came out of that care.

Even in the drop-ins, people were coming, but most of the time they were going to emergency centres and dis-

– outreach worker Eva Scott

months of 2015 they’ve helped 568 clients, Himid said.

I t ’s f u n d e d b y t h e To r o n t o Ce n t ra l L o c a l Health Integration Network (TC-LHIN).

The program is accessed through a referral process from various agencies and organizations including the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), hospitals and the Coordinated Access to Care for the Homeless (CATCH).

Peer workers are paired with a client who is in their catchment area in the west end.

Clients range from men and women in their 20s to well into their 80s with a similar lived-experience as their peer support worker.

While Himid said it’s important clients are paired up with someone who can understand what they’ve been through, it doesn’t work out that way every time.

Different life experiences doesn’t stop Scott from connecting with that person.

“For me, I look at it as equal. Everybody is equal.

All of us may have mental health issues in one way or another,” she explained.

“I just keep talking to them. Ask questions to get them comfortable talking and once they start talking, I shut myself up and listen.

They just need somebody to talk to.”

In addition to helping clients to and from various appointments, Scott also does community outreach at various shelters and agencies in the neighbourhood.

Sometimes it’s dropping

by a seniors home a few times a week, other times it’s popping by her old stomping ground at The Meeting Place.

She often shares her story with clients to establish common ground.

A few years ago, after she opened up about her struggle with alcoholism with a client going through the same thing, he said something to her, she said, she’ll never forget.

“He was so happy after I told him my own struggle with alcoholism and how I overcame it, he said to me, ‘You know what, you just gave me hope,’” she said holding back her emotions.

“I was so happy. That’s the first person that’s ever told me that.” tough days It’s those moments that keep Scott going because some days can be tough.

Some clients are no shows, Himid said, others have no phone or no fixed address so they can be difficult to track.

Sometimes clients don’t

open up at all and refuse help.

However, she said, this program has been able to allow clients to connect to peer outreach workers in ways some can’t with their social worker or case worker.

“It’s friendlier and more laid back, so they open up more,” she said.

“That is one of the key factors as to why this program is still so important.” overcoming hurdles The program aims to help people overcome a hurdle in life that may seem insurmountable without that added help.

It’s a program Scott said she wishes was there for her when she needed it all those years ago.

“I never got this kind of help before,” she said, reflecting on her journey.

“But I really love what I’m doing. Now I get the chance to help people in ways I wished some helped me, which I’m so grateful for.”

i

Check out PARC’s programs at http://parc.on.ca/

| PARKDALE VILLAGER | Thursday, January 7, 2016

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PARKDALE VILLAGER | Thursday, January 7, 2016 |

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opinion WHO WE SERVE

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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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Union Station lease deal seems like it’s good for Toronto

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 press@ insidetoronto.com, or mailed to The Parkdale Villager, 175 Gordon Baker Rd. Toronto, ON, M2H 0A2.

T

oronto might be a city on the move, but a casual observer might wonder whether that movement would be outpaced by a glacier.

When we build something – whether a subway, a highway or a waterfront – we are not inclined much to hurry.

Of all the slow-burn builds, few are slower than the revitalization of Union Station.

The grand old station officially opened in 1927 and was built during the First World War. It was then and remains a vital transportation hub for the largest city in Canada.

It was in 2000 – 16 years ago – that Toronto purchased the station and looked for a private-sector partner to redevelop and renovate the station.

Nearly a decade ago, Toronto and the federal and provincial governments launched a $640-million plan to expand, repair and revitalize the station.

It went over budget, and now our view is going to cost in the neighbourhood of $800 million.

It was supposed to be finished New deal in 2015. brings life to Now, it is expected to be done in 2017. To say the project’s progUnion Station ress has been painful is an understatement.

It was hopeful news, then, when at the Jan. 4 Government Management Committee, councillors considered altering the lease with Osmington, the company that manages the leases in the public space of Union Station.

The lease will see Osmington put another $37 million into the project to enhance the leasable public space, to turn the station into more of a destination.

The deal seems like a good one: Toronto will pay for its portion of the redevelopment by forgoing the incremental revenue it would receive from the new spaces.

In the end, the city projects it will still get more revenue than if the spaces were maintained as-is.

The only money that the city would put up front is $500,000 for lawyers, to make sure the deal is, and stays, as good as it seems.

We sincerely hope that it is.

While it’s difficult to fault the city for the escalating costs of a project that is at once essential and a profound engineering challenge, it would be nice to cap this very tough job with a flourish to make it all look easy.

column

Budget chief Crawford not interested in tax increases It didn’t take long for the fundamental direction of Toronto’s budget to emerge this week.

The Jan. 5 meeting of the budget committee had broken for lunch, after its first foray into the $11-billion worth of unfinished business that is the 2016 operating and capital budget.

The budget, as has been noted, is unfinished by design.

City finance staff made it clear in late 2015 that it is unable on its own to square maintaining existing services and adding the services that council approved last year, and also keeping the property tax increase below the rate of inflation.

Staff, in fact, couldn’t even figure out how to balance the budget without the $67-million worth of enhancements approved by council and its agencies.

The budget will require $23 million of, well, something to balance it without adding a lick of service.

david nickle the city Council has to figure its own way out of this.

There are not really very many routes.

Council could raise property taxes higher than inflation, or find some similar way to bring in extra cash.

Or it could dig into other parts of the budget, either cutting services or trimming staff and resources, expecting more out of what remains.

Or, it could simply refuse to fund some or all of the enhancements it supported through 2015.

At least as far as the budget committee goes, it looks as though this last option is the one that we’re going to be looking at.

Budget chair Gary Crawford spoke with reporters after a morning going over those options with staff, and immediately after council progressives

Joe Mihevc and Joe Cressey had made their pitches for versions of the first option.

And he made it clear over the next month of budget hearings, he’s not going to have much time for tax increases and revenue tools. It’s going to all be about setting priorities, among those $67-million in enhancements, or as Crawford referred to them in scrums, the “wish list.”

We’ll see how all that goes. I don’t recall any of the motions and reports approved at council last year including the term “wish list.” Council debated the poverty reduction strategy last year, for instance, and approved it in principle then sent it along to be funded.

When council partially funded service enhancements at the Toronto Transit Commission in 2015, it didn’t represent the full roll-out of those increases as a “wish” for 2016.

To be fair, it is always the

case that a government has to balance its aspirations with its means, and nothing is guaranteed.

But council and Mayor John Tory ought to have considered affordability in the long term when they approved and promoted those things, during what may well be remembered as the feel-good honeymoon year after the 2014 election.

That was the year when council supported a hugely expensive rebuild of the Gardiner Expressway, and when it approved paying premiums to have city road work finished early, and when it put its stamp of approval on all sorts of enhancements.

This year is shaping up to be a little more sobering.

To paraphrase Mick Jagger: you can’t always get what you thought you voted for.

i

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

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

5

Parkdale division receives $6,000 for inaugural season >>>from page 1 Tristao told The Villager.

“It helps show cops in a different light. We’re not there just to arrest everyone. We’re here to help them.”

Tristao helped organize the logistics of the program and also got some of her fellow officers, who love hockey, to volunteer their time once a week to help teach kids hockey basics. A similar program runs out of 54 Division, which is where she got the idea.

“I thought it’d be awesome to bring that to one of our neighbourhoods,” she said.

lot of youth “I looked at Parkdale because there’s a lot of youth in this neighbourhood and it’s a tough neighbourhood to grow up in. I always thought a program like this would be so cool to have young kids become interested in hockey.”

The 28 kids who signed up for the program were told about the opportunity through their local elementary schools – Holy Family Catholic School and Queen Victoria Public School.

The entire program is funded by ProAction Cops & Kids, an organization that encourages police to share their passions with youth through local programming that ranges from sports to camping to arts and life skills.

The Parkdale division received roughly $6,000 for its inaugural season to cover everything from ice time fees to snacks to pucks and water bottles.

For the majority of the kids enrolled in the hockey program, this is the only way they’d be able to play the sport, Tristao said.

The price to enrol in a hockey program, plus equipment, can cost $1,666, according to a 2014 Canadian Youth and Sports report.

That’s money that parents such as Jocelyn Sotto, a Queen Street West and Jameson Avenue resident and mother of two just doesn’t have.

“I don’t think he’d (eight-year-old Cedrick Loid-Talavera) have the chance to learn the sport without this program,” she said.

“Equipment is so expensive, so we jumped at the opportunity to enrol him here.”

He can’t wait for Sundays now, she added.

Staff photo/HILARY CATON

Students try shooting the puck during a skills training session at McCormick Arena, in Parkdale Sunday as part of the free hockey program organized

by Toronto Police Services 14 Division called ProAction Hockey LeagueParkdale Division.

They come early so they can squeeze in some extra ice time if the McCormick Arena, 179 Brock

Ave., is empty.

The exposure to the sport has sparked her eight-year-old son

Cedrick’s interest and he’s not the only one.

A handful of kids showed up early Sunday evening and were eager to get on the ice.

For many of them, it’s their first time learning how to skate.

“The first day, most of them were falling everywhere and then by the second session I saw a huge improvement with my son (Bryan Osinde),” Nancy Rodiguez said.

“He still fell down, but not as much. For a kid that’s never been on the ice before, this is a huge improvement and it’s all thanks to this program. I’m just happy and grateful that he’s getting this opportunity.”

For an hour Bryan and Cedrick Loid-Talavera learned everything from how to get up properly from a fall to stick handling and puck control.

“It’s pretty fun,” Bryan said skating off the ice, sweaty and out of breath after the hour-long practice Sunday evening. “I learned how to skate. It felt great learning (how to do that). So it’s pretty good so far.”

i

Visit www.facebook.com/pahlparkdale/ for information about the next session.

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| PARKDALE VILLAGER | Thursday, January 7, 2016

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PARKDALE VILLAGER | Thursday, January 7, 2016 |

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Good day for a (Polar Bear) dip

FREEZING SELFIE: Above, Emily Gallagher, left, and Melanie Silva capture the moment on camera as they join the 2016 Polar Bear Dip off the shores of Sunnyside Pavilion Park New Year’s Day. The event was held as a fundraiser to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Since its inception in 2005, the Toronto Polar Bear Club has raised almost $200,000 for Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area. Its participant numbers have grown since then, when the dip attracted 25 participants and raised $6,000. Last year, about 400 took part, raising more than $50,000.

Photos/PETER C. MCCUSKER

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Prospective gym club members should know their rights With 2016 just days old, many people will use this time to make resolutions for the new year, which might include joining a gym or signing up for fitness classes.

But before contracts are signed, the provincial government is reminding consumers about rights protecting them under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act. have a 10-day coolingoff period wYou

You have the right to cancel a membership within 10 days of receiving a written copy of your contract. You don’t need a reason to cancel. All you need to do is give notice to the business, preferably in writing. Use this 10-day cooling-off period to

test out the facility to see if it’s right for you. have the option to pay monthly wYou

You can choose to pay month to month instead of paying up-front for the whole year. The business can charge up to 25 per cent more for monthly payments than the total cost of the annual, up-front fee.

However, monthly payments provide flexibility and convenience. contracts must end after a year wAll

Ask about the club’s renewal policy and how you will be contacted to renew. The gym or fitness club must send you a renewal notice

“

Consumer Protection Ontario offers resources to help you ensure you’re asking the right questions.

– David Orazietti

between 30 and 90 days before your contract expires, listing any changes to your new contract. If you received a renewal notice and do not respond to it, the club has the right to renew and bill you under the renewed contract.

“Making the decision to join a gym or fitness club can be challenging when you feel pressured to sign up before a promotion ends,” David Orazietti, minister of govern-

ment and consumer services, said in a release. “Consumer Protection Ontario offers resources to help you ensure you’re asking the right questions and keep you informed about your consumer rights.”

Contracts for a gym or sports club membership or for classes such as martial arts or dance are called personal development services under the Consumer Protection Act. The rules apply where pre-payment for more than $50 is required.

The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services dealt with more than 710 gym and fitness clubrelated complaints and inquiries in 2015, most commonly contract cancellations, billing disputes and the 10-day cooling off period.

Photo/COURTESY

Learn about your rights before signing up for a gym membership or fitness class.

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Luxury Custom-Built Home Located On Quiet Cul-De-Sac! Stunning 4 Bed, 5 Bath Open Concept Layout W/ Features That Include High Ceilings Throughout, Superior Finishes, Amazing Gourmet Kitchen W/Viking Appliances, Natural Stone Flooring, Large Master Bedroom W/ Spa-Like Ensuite, Finished Basement W/ Heated Flooring & Walkout, And Much More. No Expense Spared! Only $2,188,000!

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Gorgeous Original Wood, Filled With Character + Charm, 4+1 Bdrms, Large Living Room, Hardwood Floor, Highwood Baseboards +Trim, Solid Doors, Formal Dining Room, Separate Side Entrance, Spacious Backyard, Rare Private Drive, Garage, Amazing Value + Location, High Demand Neighbourhood!

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Gorgeous Stunning Renovated 4+1 Backsplit, Modern Kitchen, S/S Appliances, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Crown Mouldings, Open Concept Living Room, Huge Family Room, Separate Side Entrance to Finished Basement Ideal for Entertaining or In-Law Suite, Thousands Spent, Beautiful Professionally Landscaped Garden, Double Garage!

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STONE & BRICK EXECUTIVE 2 STOREY!!

Waterfront Location, Totally Redesigned & Professionally Renovated 3 Bedroom, 3,200 Sq. Ft. Suite with Lavish Finishes, Over 350K Spent, No Expense Spared, Top of the Line Appliances, Crown Mouldings, Custom Cabinetry, Gourmet Kitchen, Divine Bathrooms... the list goes on. A Spectacular Lifestyle awaits you. Call for a Confidential Viewing Today!

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Absolutely Gorgeous Totally Renovated 4+1 Bedroom.

Fabulous Open Concept Layout, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Huge Custom Kitchen With Quartz Counter, Centre Island, Stainless Steel Appliances, and Walkout To Deck. Master Bdrm With Full Ensuite & Walk-In Closet, Separate Side Entrance To Finished Basement In-Law Suite. Double Garage, Professionally Landscaped Lot, Large Veranda In Fantastic Location For Only $999,900!!

ER ANOTH D L SO

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SOUGHT AFTER STREETSVILLE

Power of Sale, Approx. 3,000 Sq Ft Plus Finished Bsmt, 4+1 Bedroom 2 Storey, Spacious Principle Rooms, Main Flr Family Room, Premium Lot, Inground Pool, Demand Neighbourhood, Amazing Value!

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JUNCTION DUPLEX!!

Amazing Detached 2 Storey Located In The Junction Triangle!! Very Well Maintained 3+1 Bedroom, Great Curb Appeal, Perfect Turnkey Investment Property, Can Easily Be Converted Back To A Large Single Family Home. Many Recent Updates. 2-Car Garage With B/I Storage. Finished Basement W/ Separate Entrance.

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CABBAGETOWN LANDMARK

Totally Renovated Detached Toronto Home. Bright & Sunlit Architectural Masterpiece will Amaze You! 2 Bedrooms, 3 Bathrooms, Tempered Glass, 3 Balconies, Granite Floor, Custom Kitchen with B/I Appliances, Spacious & Open Concept with Approx. 1,000 Sq. Ft. of Living Space!, Sauna, Finished Basement, Beautiful Deck + Garden, One of a Kind! Simply Must be Seen! Only $699,900!

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PRIME NORSEMAN HEIGHTS

Situated on 50 Ft Lot in High Demand Location, Detached 3+1 Bdrm Bungalow, Live in & Enjoy or Amazing Investment Potential for Renovator, Contractor or Developer. New 2 Storey Recently Sold for $1,490,000 in Area. Finished Basement, Interlock Driveway, Simply Must be Seen! Super Value! $699,900!

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NORSEMAN BUNGALOW

Solid 3 Bdrm Home on a Large Premium Lot with Approx. 50 Foot Frontage, Home in Original Condition, Huge Potential to Renovate/Rebuild, Great for Renovators/Contractors or Developers, Rare Lot in Prime Norseman Area! Super Value!

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 117% OF ASKING!

QUIET COURT LOCATION Detached 4+1 Bedroom 2 Storey, Renovated Kitchen, Huge Family Rm, Fireplace, Open Concept Living & Dining Rm, Gleaming Hardwood Floor, Finished Basement Ideal for Entertaining, Double Garage, Walkout to Fenced Backyard, 2 Tier Deck, Fabulous Family Neighbourhood! $675,000!

CENTRAL ETOBICOKE OPPORTUNITY!!

Detached Bungalow on Large 40x133ft fully fenced lot. Needs some TLC, Huge Potential for Renovators, Contractors or Investors. Updated Windows& Doors, Furnace & A/C, Electrical Panel. Huge Basement, 6 Car Parking, Super Value.

SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 113% OF ASKING!

RIVER OAKS OAKVILLE

Fabulous Opportunity, Detached 3 Bedroom 2 Storey, Quality Built, Large Foyer, Oak Staircase, Large Kitchen, Ceramic Floor, Open Concept Living Room, Formal Dining Room, Walkout to Huge Deck, Large Yard, Master Bedroom, Walk In Closet, 4 Pce Ensuite, Garage, Private Drive, High Demand Neighbourhood!

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| PARKDALE VILLAGER | Thursday, January 7, 2016

Home SellinG SyStem

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PARKDALE VILLAGER | Thursday, January 7, 2016 |

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community

Toronto food banks, meal programs hit by rising costs LISA RAINFORD lrainford@insidetoronto.com It’s only the beginning of the new year and the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre’s drop-in meal program is already feeling the effects of rising food costs.

A spokesperson for the Weston Road and King Streetarea community centre, Ken Theobald, says that its charitable food sources, such as Second Harvest and the Daily Bread Food Bank, are under an increased demand and so “the dollars we do have aren’t going as far as they used to.”

At the same time, he added, the number of residents who are reliant on its drop-in breakfast, lunch, and community dinners are steadily increasing from about 65 to 100 people daily.

In a recently released study, the University of Guelph Food Institute predicted food inflation rates to hit anywhere between two to four per cent across Canada, exceeding the general inflation rate. This,

after a year in which food prices in grocery stores rose by 4.1 per cent.

“In dollar terms, we can anticipate based on historical data, the average Canadian household will spend $8,631 on food, of which $2,416 will be outside the household (restaurants),” stated the study.

“This means our forecast predicts the average household could spend up to $345 more on food in 2016.”

For most people in Toronto, this expenditure is frustrating, but will likely only take a small bite out of their income.

However, those on fixed incomes will feel the brunt of these increases. Weston resident Carl Tebo is one of those people. He was more than happy to chat on a bitter cold early January afternoon at the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre.

“The impact is dramatic,” he said. “I’ll eat fewer meals at home, more at places like these.”

Drop-in centres, like Weston’s, ensures that Carl

Staff photo

Daisy Burns works in the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre food bank on Monday. Increased food prices are having an affect on those in need in Weston.

and those like him don’t go hungry – “that’s number one,” he said. “And, I shouldn’t have to. I shouldn’t have to miss meals because I can’t afford them. I shouldn’t have to eat unhealthy food, full of carbs and fats.”

Weston King’s menu, Carl said, is varied.

“There are days that are better than others, but the demand is great and their

budget is small,” he said.

“They do perform miracles with the relatively small budget that they do have. I commend them for that.”

Carl relies on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). He said he took his January payment that arrived in December and went to No Frills where he was only able to purchase three days’ worth of meat.

“That’s all I’d have for the month if it wasn’t for this place,” he said.

Carl’s monthly ODSP income is $600, an amount he said he could spend in a week at the grocery store when he was working.

T h e We s t o n K i n g Neighbourhood Centre has seen the largest increase in the number of seniors who are now feeling the pinch more than ever – because they are on a fixed income, Theobald said.

“It’s sad,” he said.

Distribution centres, like the Daily Bread Food Bank, are hit double in situations like these, said its executive director Gail Nyberg.

“First, we’ll see an increase in member agencies because people are being pushed to the edge. As prices increase, we’ll see the need increase,” she said.

On top of that, much of Daily Bread’s food is purchased and prices on such items as rice, beans, and lentils will increase, Nyberg

pointed out.

“Our buyers’ dollar shrinks as their need grows,” she said.

Not only is it crucial to donate to the Daily Bread Food Bank during non-holiday periods, it is important that we look at the way we store food, Nyberg said. For example, vegetables will keep much longer if they are washed and trimmed and wrapped properly.

“I read a report that people like me throw out in excess of $1,000 worth of food a year.

We need to do better as a society,” she said.

What the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre is lacking is fruits, vegetables and dairy.

“In the long run, what’s really needed are policy changes,” Theobald said.

“People on fixed incomes have been living at the same levels for years.”

For further information and to find out how to donate, visit www.wknc.ca and www. dailybread.ca

Interactive BE

FROM THEIR HOUSE, TO YOUR STORE Metroland Media Toronto provides flyer distribution services landing your products right to the consumers front door.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL

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WITH YOUR COMMUNITY SITE

Parkdale happening in

w Wed. Jan. 13

Death Cafe - Toronto West WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. WHERE: Belljar Cafe, 2072 Dundas St. W. CONTACT: Linda Hochstetler, 647-328-1263, lindahochstetler@lindahochstetler.com COST: Free At a Death Cafe people drink tea, eat snacks and discuss death. Our aim is to increase awareness of death to help people make the most of their (finite) lives.

w Thursday, Jan. 21

Parkdale Village BIA anniversary WHERE: Parkdale Village BIA, 1313 Queen St. W. CONTACT: http://parkdalevillagebia.com/2015/12/ parkdale-village-celebrates137th-year-anniversaryin-2016/ for details Although Jan. 1 marks the date that Parkdale became a village, the Parkdale Village BIA (PVBIA) celebrates the rich history of Parkdale Village from Jan. 21 to 24 by inviting residents and visitors to take a stroll down memory lane, explore the many businesses who will be celebrating in their

highlighted w Saturday, Jan. 23

Queen Charlotte’s Birthday Ball WHERE: Fort York, 250 Fort York Blvd.

TIME: 2 to 10:30 p.m. CONTACT: 416392-7484 to register COST: $100 plus tax Queen Charlotte’s Birthday Ball recalls a ball offered by officers of the Garrison at York (Fort York) on Jan. 23, 1817. The event is a costumed ball recreating an early 19th century social gathering. It includes instruction in period dance, an authentic Georgian dinner and an evening of English country dancing. own ways and admire the Victorian architecture within Parkdale Village. The fourday celebration kicks off with an evening reception Jan. 21 in Parkdale.

w Saturday, Jan. 23

Snaggle’s Pre-recording show live at May Cafe!

WHEN: 9 to 11 p.m.

WHERE: May Cafe, 876 Dundas St. W. CONTACT: Snaggle, www.snagglemusic.com, snaggle251@gmail. com COST: $10 At the end of January, Snaggle is heading into the studio to record their second album. This is your last chance to see the band before they record.

w Wed., Jan. 27

Parkdale Residents Association AGM WHERE: May Robinson Auditorium, 20 West Lodge Ave. CONTACT: http:// parkdale.to/contact/ for details including the time/ Parkdale Residents Associations hosts its AGM, which is open to the public.

get listed!

The Parkdale Villager wants your community listings. Sign up online at parkdalevillager.com to submit your events (click the Sign Up link in the top right corner of the page).

u O t t h g i N Contest HAVE A NIGHT OUT ON US! Enter for your chance to WIN a $100 Ultimate Dining® Gift Card & 2 Cineplex® admission tickets!

To enter the contest, visit insidetoronto.com/contests

No purchase necessary. Contest open to Toronto residents 18 years of age or older. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. One (1) prize will be awarded. Retail value of prize is approximately $146. Contest closes Sunday, January 24, 2016 at 11:59pm. To enter and for complete contest rules visit insidetoronto.com/contests A publication of

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PARKDALE VILLAGER | Thursday, January 7, 2016 |

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Taxi owners and drivers should get a small break on their licensing fees until Toronto’s new ground transport regulations are ready, Mayor John Tory said last week.

The city’s taxi license holders are “in a particularly unique and challenging position,” Tory added in an open letter to Gary Crawford on Dec. 29, Toronto’s budget chief.

Cab drivers, complaining the ridesharing service Uber and UberX are eroding their business, have lately blocked Toronto traffic in protests.

License fees for cabs rise in January, but the mayor suggested Crawford freeze them at 2015 levels, offering “modest relief” until new regulations for both taxis and rideshare drivers go before Toronto Council sometime

Staff file photo/DAVID NICKLE

Mayor John Tory suggested freezing license fees for cabs set to rise this month at 2015 levels until new regulations for taxis and rideshare drivers go before council this winter.

this winter.

Tory said he expects fees under the new regulations will cost taxi drivers and owners less.

Kristine Hubbard, operations manager at Beck Taxi, said freezing fee increases “is a first step in acknowledging taxi drivers in Toronto are facing undue financial burdens and are being asked to compete against an illegal operator.”

The iTaxi Association, how-

ever, said Tory’s gesture “is a drop in the bucket and will make no significant difference to the lives of the frontline drivers.”

The industry “has been suffering for a year and a half now, and unfortunately we haven’t seen the political leadership required to halt the illegal, unlicensed and uninsured operation,” said a statement from Sajid Mughal, president of the group representing independent drivers.

C A N A D A ’ S L A R G E S T R E G I O N A L M O N T H LY PA R E N T I N G P U B L I C AT I O N

IN THIS ISSUE

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Make super baby food Helping children with IBD thrive in the classroom Get there this holiday season.

Get the best hand-picked holiday travel deals on vacations, flights, hotels, and more – just for Canadians!

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ForeverYoungInformation

Brief visit to city hall for Ford prior to fourth round of chemo

ARY 2016 | NEWS.COM | JANU WWW.FOREVERYOUNG

Ward 2 Councillor expected to have MRI after latest chemo round DAVID NICKLE dnickle@insidetoronto.com Ward 2 Councillor Rob Ford was back at work at City Hall briefly on Monday – but he said he will likely be away recovering from a new round of chemotherapy next week.

Ford said he was slated to start a fourth round of what he said his doctors call “the juice” yesterday, for a five day process that he expects will keep him from city hall for much of the rest of January.

“After one round you have to wait three weeks to do another round,” said Ford at the end of the Monday meeting of the city’s Government Management Committee.

“A round is five days in a row and then you have to wait at least three weeks or a month before your next

Staff photo/DAVID NICKLE

Former Mayor Rob Ford at City Hall on Monday.

round. In between rounds of chemo, you’re literally bouncing off the walls. You can’t focus ... you want to vomit but nothing comes up ... you get chills. Chemo is the worst.”

Ford is undergoing chemotherapy to deal with a new tumor that doctors found growing on his blad-

der in late 2015.

That tumor follows what was a successful removal of a large tumor in his abdomen that itself had caused him to drop out of the 2014 mayoral race.

Ford said he expects to have another MRI following this round, to see what effect the chemo has had on the tumor, but he said he has no clear sense of exactly when that will take place.

However, he said that his oncology team seems pleased with the results so far.

“They think it’s working great,” he said. “They call it ‘the juice’ — and the juice is taking to me. There are so many cocktails they could give to me and they said, ‘let’s go with the first cocktail.’ And this time, I’m not losing my hair. Last time I lost my hair.”

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APPLY BY PHONE:

1-877-233-4045

APPLY IN PERSON: Call for our address and then come by to meet us!

Must be at least 21 years of age, have a valid A,B,C,D,E,F, or full G licence, and be proficient in english.

AZ Delivery Driver for Summit Food Service in Mississauga. Hand bomb product off truck. 4-5 days/week. Valid AZ license, customer service skills and able to lift 50lbs. Competitive wages.

Full description: http://bit.ly/1Q83Ovl Resume to: 816C55731C@jobs.workablemail.com or fax: 905-795-2708

Classifieds

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

Travel & Vacations

Travel & Vacations

REAL ESTATE. NW Montana.

Tu n g s t e n h o l d i n g s . c o m 406-293-3714

CRIMINAL RECORD? Canadian Record Suspension (Criminal pardon) seals record. American waiver allows legal entry. Why risk employment, business, travel, licensing, deportation, peace of mind?

Free consultation: 1-800-347-2540

Articles Wanted

Articles Wanted

ANTIQUES

& Collectibles Wanted Cash for Older:

Coins, Jewelry, Amber, Ivory, Military, Watches, Toys, G.I. Joe, Star Wars, Cups & Saucers, Silver, Gold, Records, Old Postcards/Photos, Guitars, Old Pens, Lighters & Old Advertising etc.

25 years experience 416-431-7180 416-566-7373

Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking

$100-$10,000

Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking

Cash 4 Cars

Dead or alive Same day Fast FREE Towing 416-831-7399

Home Renovations

Home Renovations

Delivery Classifieds questions? GarageSales Call us at:

416-493-4400

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

or Email:

distribution@insidetoronto.com

PACKED ESTATE SALE 52 Valecrest Drive (Royal York/Eglinton)

Friday & Saturday January 8th & 9th - 10am-2pm

BUILDER/ GENERAL Contractors LIC# T85-4420956 Residential/ Commercial. Complete Restoration. Finished Basements. Painting.

Bathrooms. Ceramic Tiles. Flat Roofs. Leaking Basements. Brick/ Chimney Repairs. House Additions 905-764-6667, 416-823-5120

CEILINGS REPAIRED. Spray textures, plaster designs, stucco, drywall, paint. We fix them all! www.mrstucco.ca 416-242-8863 SUPERHANDYMAN ROUGH and finish carpentry, dry walling, painting, electricity, plumbing, tiling, kitchens, bathroom, decks. Serving 20 years in Bloor West. Call Chris 416-654-2439

Waste Removal

Waste Removal

PETER’S DEPENDABLE JUNK REMOVAL

From home or business, including furniture/ appliances, construction waste.

Quick & careful!

416-677-3818 Rock Bottom Rates!

Flooring & Carpeting

Childhood home of longtime film critic and current film producer. Furniture (some mid century), china, crystal, books, costume jewellery, clothing/accessories, ping pong table, tools, collectibles, much more.

Info & photos at: www.TheGreatEstateSale.com

Check Out: Home Improvement

Directory

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

chimneys

Bricks & Chimneys ccjemmett@rogers.com

Flooring & Carpeting

NESO FLOORING

Carpet installation starting from $1.19/ sq.ft. Hardwood, laminate at low prices.

27 yrs experience. Free Estimates. Best Price!

647-400-8198

Appliance Repairs/ Installation

Appliance Repairs/ Installation

electrical

100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE

416-639-2288 www.plumbersdirect.ca

9.5 Check out our reviews on RATING www.homestars.com

Financing Available (Met Lic #P20579)

www.insidetoronto.com

SEARCH HUNDREDS OF LOCAL JOBS

• licensed • honest • reliable • local • experienced • insured • quality workmanship • seniors discount • references P e t e r:

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

Work Where You Live

plumbing

BaySprings Plumbing Small Job Specialists

Burton Electric Inc. 416 419-1772

4 Knob and tube replacement 4 Service upgrades 4 Aluminum wire reconditioning 4 Breakers/Panels 4 Electrical Home Inspections 4 Pot Lights 4 FREE ESTIMATES Master Electrician * License # 7001220 * Insured www.burtonelectric.ca mark.burton@burtonelectric.ca

Servicing All Your Plumbing Needs

35OFF

$

WITH THIS AD

EXPIRES JANUARY 31, 2016

10% SENIORS DISCOUNT

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

FREE ESTIMATES

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

waste removal ALWAYS CHEAPEST!

To h i g h l i g h t yo u r

Home I m p rove m e n t Business call

1-800-743-3353

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

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

last Week’s ansWeRs

diversions

15 15

sUdOkU (mOdeRate)

| PARKDALE VILLAGER | Thursday, January 7, 2016 | PARKDALE VILLAGER | Thursday, January 7, 2016

YOUR WeeklY CROssWORd

w See answers to this week’s

puzzles in next Thursday’s edition

Local Events Find Fin

WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY

Visit activities events restaurants travel more! www.insidebrockville.com

PARKDALE VILLAGER | Thursday, January 7, 2016 |

16

CLEARANCE

SALE!

Voyageur Small Semi Flush Mount Ceiling Fixture 2x60w

Happy New Year! We are clearing out last year’s inventory at Living Lighting Etobicoke-Kingsway! Hurry in to SAVE UP TO 70% on in-stock chandeliers, fixtures and more!

SALE

99

$

179

SAvE:

70%

259

$

REG:: $309 SAvE::

40% 5 Light Richmond Chandelier Available in Pewter and Oil rubbed Bronze SALE

149

$

REG: $299 SAvE:

50%

Danbury 8 Light Chandelier

499

$

Broadview Transitional Mini Pendant Light by Steven and Chris Polished Nickel SALE

249

$

REG: $655 SAvE:

25%

REG: $438 SAvE:

Castello ello - 4 Light Chandelier SALE

318

$

40%

EG: $399 REG SA AvE:

42” Vision Fan an b

by Monte Carlo LED litekit and remote r included vailable in various colours Available

SALE

3 Light Richmond Inch Semi Flush Ceiling Light SALE

99

$

399

$

60%

Hendrik 4 Light Bath Bar

by Kichler SALE

SALE

SAvE:

REG: $339

Vintage e 4 Light Chandelier Antique White

$

REG: $144

4 Light Open Frame Foyer Hall Fixture - Forest Hill Collection Clear Glass and Antique Finish.

Sale Ends January 10, 2016

SALE

59

$

SALE

REG: $665 SAvE:

40%

REG: $179 SAvE:

45%

www.livinglightingetobicoke.com Sale ends January 10, 2016 or while quantities last. Bulbs extra. Only available at Living Lighting Etobicoke-Kingsway.

20%

REG: $429 SAvE:

40%