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North Runnymede gets defibrillator MPP Laura Albanese comes bearing gift LISA RAINFORD lrainford@insidetoronto.com It’s a gift that North Runnymede United Church congregants hope they’ll never have to use.

York South-Weston MPP Laura Albanese, in partnership with the Insurance Bureau of Canada, helped to deliver an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to the Runnymede Road and St. Clair Avenue West-area church on Monday morning.

“We’re so happy to have it,”

said Charles Gregory, a North Runnymede Road United Church board member. “Most of our congregation is elderly.

This is a Godsend.”

The quest for an AED began three years ago after a church member collapsed during Sunday morning service. The senior had difficulty in the snow and by the time she arrived at the church on Pritchard Avenue, her commute had taken its toll.

“Her heart stopped,” Gregory recalled. >>defibrillator, page 5

Presto integration is on track for new year: TTC JUSTIN SKINNER jskinner@insidetoronto.com With Presto devices already installed on more than 100 streetcars and more on the way, the TTC is on track to have the electronic readers on all its streetcars by the end of the calendar year.

At an announcement at Bathurst subway station last Thursday, TTC chair Josh Colle, TTC CEO Andy Byford, Metrolinx president and CEO

Bruce McCuaig, provincial Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca and Spadina-Fort York MP Adam Vaughan noted the rollout, which will modernize and integrate fare payment across Toronto transit systems, is moving ahead smoothly.

The readers, which will allow riders to enter subways and subway stations with the tap of a card, are already in place at 26 subway stations, with the remaining stations also >>presto, page 11

merry christmas from The Guardian

2 YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

community

Celebrate contributions to military by black Canadians in Weston

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former minister of defence Peter MacKay. T h i s y e a r ’s e v e n t includes special guests MPP Patrick Brown, MPP Laura Albanese and York SouthWeston Councillor Frances Nunziata.

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Former Weston Collegiate Institute student Julie Le made a series of paintings of winter scenes in her Grade 12 visual art course during the 2012 to 2013 school year.

Through this painting project she completed a series of painting exercises that introduced her to three different techniques: Impressionism, Tom Thompson’s techniques and Gordon Harrison’s tech-

niques. Le also studied colour theory in preparation for this painting project.

Her visual art teacher at Weston Collegiate was Irene Faiz.

Le is presently in her third year of the creative industry degree program at Ryerson University. Her artwork appears on the front cover of the Dec. 24 edition of The York Guardian.

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2015 REPORTER RECALLS YEAR ON ‘YORK’ BEAT DOMINIK KUREK dkurek@insidetoronto.com

Clockwise from left, artist Adrian Hayles worked on a reggae mural on a building at Eglinton and Oakwood avenues this past summer; Weston residents discuss their ideas for the future Artscape Weston Hub during a community workshop hosted by Artscape at the York West Active Living Centre earlier this year; and Weston native Elliot Madore performs on an opera stage.

As a resident of Toronto, I have to tell you, I knew little about York when I began covering it last January, other than I avoided driving through it because of the traffic.

Chances are, driving on York’s collection of old and/ or one-way streets and roads shared with light-rail transit will never be something I look forward to. But, it’s the things that go on here once you step out of your car that I appreciate most.

It’s an area of the city with a distinct character and that is something that will hopefully be maintained and should be celebrated.

So, here are some of my favourite stories from the past year in York.

Photos by (clockwise from left): Staff file photo/DAN PEARCE Staff file photo/DOMINIK KUREK Courtesy file photo

REGGAE LANE Situated behind a row of stores on the southeast side of Eglinton Avenue West and Oakwood Avenue, this unassuming laneway was named by Toronto City Council in 2014 to celebrate the area’s rich Jamaican history and as an homage to the area’s musical past.

In 2015, the community interest had grown and even attracted visitors from beyond our borders.

The laneway is not much to look at; it is an access road to the backs of the stores that face Eglinton and the apartments above them. In fact, one could argue that if the best place to celebrate Jamaican culture is a dirty, old laneway, then why bother at all?

I say this is wonderful.

The laneway is not much, sure, but the interest it has garnered has been phenomenal, and has spread well beyond the intersection of Eglinton and Oakwood.

This isn’t about the city council who approved the name or the councillor who pushed for it; it’s not about the business organization

that supported its naming, or the Toronto initiative that is trying to change the way we see laneways.

It’s about the community that is now inspired to celebrate the once-vibrant Jamaican village along Eglinton West, the current and former residents who want to see more celebrations of Jamaican and reggae culture. It’s about artists like Adrian Hayles and organizations like StART Toronto that painted an adjacent mural, and musicians like Jay Douglas, who recorded the Reggae Lane song.

I anticipate the new year will be an exciting one for the little laneway that could. For more information, visit www.reggaelaneproject.com Read more online at http://bit.ly/1NzAGae

WESTON HUB York’s multicultural mosaic that is Weston is an area of the city where cultural celebration certainly needs a boost. Luckily, this is in the pipelines.

A cultural hub is pegged to open at Weston Road and King Street, likely in 2018, to be headed up by Artscape, which operates numerous cultural hot spots throughout Toronto already.

While Weston’s cultural hub has been in the works for about half a decade, 2015 saw some great momentum toward its creation, which will be built as part of a 30-storey apartment building development. Toronto City Council gave its official stamp of approval for this development in December.

City staff and York South-

Weston Councillor Frances Nunziata have been working with developer Rockport Group for several years to make it happen.

Area residents have asked for a safe and welcoming place that could become an incubator for local arts, and a space to celebrate all local cultures.

The hub will feature 26 affordable live/work spaces for artists and will also house an outdoor gathering area. The outdoor space will continue to be used for the Weston Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, but the community has been vocal they want more community events there, too.

This cultural hub can’t come too soon in Weston and I’m looking forward to seeing it open.

For more info, visit www. artscapeweston.ca

See the story online at http://bit.ly/1QPjm5J

THE ARTISTS York is certainly not Toronto’s arts district; you have to head south of Bloor Street for that. Yet, there is something special happening here.

Both Eglinton Avenue and St. Clair Avenue are places where artists are cultivating their work.

Chances are, you’ll have to head downtown to see their work, but at night, when it’s time to check in, there are some creative people in your neighbourhood.

I can’t mention them all in this space, but here are a few who impressed me.

To start, I want to mention two musicians who stood out this year.

One is Amanda Martinez, a first-generation, Torontoborn Canadian of South African and Mexican descent, with a successful Latin jazz career. This year, she was a major part of the city’s Pan Am/Parapan Am Games celebration.

She was honourary co-chair of the Games’ Ignite program that linked Games-related events throughout the city, performed at celebrations, and was a torchbearer.

For more, visit www. amandamartinez.ca Also check out http://bit. ly/1lTjkP5 The other musician I wish to tell you about hails from Weston. Baritone Elliot Madore sees little time now in the community where he was born and raised as he’s busy flying between Europe and New York performing on the world’s best opera stages.

Earlier this year, however, he returned to the city for an intimate solo performance, where unlike on the big stage, he had a room full of friends and relatives among his listeners.

For more, visit www. elliotmadore.com Read more at http://bit. ly/1IWylK2 How about Oakwood Village Anishinaabe artist Isaac Narciso Weber? He faced many challenges growing up, but had art to help him through. Now, a grown man with a family, art is still a major part of his life. For more on the artist, visit www.odinamaad.com Also see http://bit. ly/1P98UnE There’s Oakwood Villagebased ChiZine, an indie publishing house that printed an unauthorized collection of James Bond stories by professional authors a few months ago.

Read more at http://bit. ly/1RU7XCk Creativity is abundant in York and if you know where to look, it’s easy to spot. I certainly enjoyed seeing it.

i

Follow Dominik Kurek on Twitter at @DominikKurek or the York Guardian newsteam at @YorkGuardian

3 | YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, December 24, 2015

year in review

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

4

opinion Ian Proudfoot John Willems Georgia Balogiannis Cheryl Phillips Braden Simmonds Mike Banville Warren Elder

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Find what’s really important this holiday season

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

T

oday is Christmas Eve and we’re hoping our readers are able to slow things down a bit and start enjoying some holiday time with family and friends. Though we’re sure there will still be lots of last-minute shoppers rushing around this afternoon and early evening getting the final perfect gifts, and we wish them luck, the holiday season is when residents would do well to step back from the hustle and bustle of their busy daily lives and find some time to focus on what’s really important to them.

Spending time with loved ones, whether they be immediate family or not, is such a valuable thing; and for anyone with children, it is the best gift that can be given.

Those who observe Christmas, either as a religious or secular celebration, and those who don’t, and everyone our view of all faiths or none can certainly use the fact that school is Give the gift closed and statutory holidays of time during are taking place to spread some cheer and just plain have some the holidays fun with those who are closest to them.

For many, that will mean family gatherings over the next few days, while for others it’s the chance to hit the Boxing Day sales or spend an afternoon or evening at the movies.

In Toronto, there’s never a shortage of activities to take part in over the holidays and most of them are very family friendly.

And there’s also no need to spend a lot of money to enjoy yourself with family and friends over the next few days. Lots of events, such as skating at one of the city’s many rinks, are free of charge and a great way to enjoy the season – though this year’s warm and wet weather is taking a bit of an edge off traditional winter activities such as tobogganing and skiing.

The milder temperatures, though, open the door to other outdoor activities such as a walk through one of Toronto’s many parks, ravines or along the waterfront. Also, a visit to the zoo or a petting farm is always a fun family activity at this time of year. On Boxing Day, the Toronto Zoo hosts its annual Treats Walk for the animals.

If you’re looking to find some other fun activities in Toronto over the holidays, you can visit us online at www.insidetoronto.com and click on our events calendar.

column

Tory succeeds in restoring professionalism to Toronto It’s unlikely that 2015 could have been anything other than what was at Toronto City Hall: a lengthy period of detoxification from the awful years leading up to it.

At the beginning of the year that was, Mayor John Tory and Toronto council may have had a lot of very practical tasks ahead of them, but the one that mattered for most of us was maybe the simplest: to restore a sense of professionalism, consideration and, dare we say it, sobriety, to the business of municipal public life.

Those of us whose job it was to report on this place heard it again and again, at parties where a year earlier conversation would shift around to questions about the fascinatingly terrible circus that was the Rob Ford administration. In 2015, all anyone wanted to hear was that the new mayor was as dull, wellmannered and moderate as he appeared on television.

It was a low bar, and with

david nickle the city a few notable exceptions, Tory and Toronto council were able to meet and exceed it.

There was some trouble at the Licensing and Standards Committee, where newcomer Councillor Jim Karygiannis and veteran trouble-maker Giorgio Mammoliti raised a ruckus with about the taxi industry. But generally, city hall business proceeded with shaky caution. There was a bit more trouble with the 2015 budget, when Tory learned that a good relationship with Premier Kathleen Wynne didn’t mean as much as he’d hoped, and city finance staff scrambled to balance the budget in the face of an unexpected download of social housing costs. But it all worked out, at least for now.

There were few serious

battles at council. The Gardiner Expressway’s future was one of those.

The question of whether to tear it down in the east or build a new elevated highway was debated, and the mayor – who wanted that new highway – prevailed narrowly. After, he sat down with opponents to see what could be done to mollify them. It’s ended if not happily, then at least peaceably.

There might have been more trouble had Tory decided to get behind a bid for the Olympics, in the wake of a stint at hosting the Pan Am Games.

Previous mayors might have been tempted by the promise of Olympic gold, and we could tell Tory was thinking about it. But in the end, the steady hand prevailed and we let the bid go.

There was enough sensible and mundane work to be done already, without that distracting excitement.

There might’ve been some fun fighting over the prospects of jets at Billy

Bishop Airport, but that was shut down by the new federal government, who made it clear they had no interest in opening the tripartite agreement on the waterfront, and that a longsimmering debate about jets was now over. There were few tears shed at our post-traumatic city hall.

By the end of this so very peaceful year, everyone was relaxed enough that Tory could drop what otherwise would have been a bomb, and announce he was going to ask council to add a property tax levy for infrastructure. It landed with barely a muffled thud.

Maybe we were all just too distracted, watching Donald Trump climb in the polls to the south of us – and understanding, maybe like nobody else, just how that sort of thing can turn out.

i

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

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5

Defibrillator accessible to many at church, senior centre

“

>>>from page 1 Fortunately, because of the quick-thinking parishioners and the arrival of emergency crews, she not only survived, but went on to have a full recovery.

“She was at church two weeks later,” Rev. Kathryn Ariss-Pater said.

We are proud to partner with MPP Laura Albanese to help save lives at North Runnymede United Church.

two medical emergencies The woman was only the second person at the church to suffer a medical emergency. Years ago, Gregory said, a man collapsed during a Sunday night church service. If it wasn’t for the skill of another congregant who was a nurse, the outcome could have been dire.

“It took the ambulance 15 minutes to get here,” Gregory said.

Partly because of these incidents, Gregory sought the MPP’s help in securing an AED for the church.

Ariss-Pater and Gregory were two members of a small group of people who gathered to accept the donated AED Monday in the sanctuary of the church with Pete

• LOWER PRICES • LOWER PAYMENTS • 5 YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

– Doug DeRabbie, Insurance Board of Canada

members and visitors to the centre.

This is not the first donation that the Insurance Board of Canada has made to the York community. It donated significant funds to local

food banks following the ice storm of December 2013.

It has also donated more than 5,000 carbon monoxide detectors to residents through fire departments across Ontario.

“We are proud to partner with MPP Laura Albanese to help save the lives of those who attend North Runnymede United Church,” Doug DeRabbie, the insurance board director of government relations for Ontario, said in a statement.

i

For more information on North Runnymede United Church, visit www.northrunnymedeunited.org

Courtesy photo

Rev. Kathryn Ariss-Pater, left, presbytery representative Tim Pater, official board chairperson Norm Alexander, church board member Charles Gregory, congregant and chaplain of the Toronto Police Service Ojo Tewogbade, the Insurance Board of Canada’s Pete Karageorgos and MPP Laura Albanese (York South-Weston) take part in the presentation of a defibrillator to North Runnymede United Church on Monday thanks to the Insurance Board and MPP Albanese.

Karageorgos, an Insurance Board of Canada representative, and Albanese.

The church is connected to the

Syme Senior Centre, which sees hundreds of people through its doors each week. The AED will not only serve church congregants, but

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| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, December 24, 2015

community

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

6

community

Tickets for Winterlicious culinary series now on sale Tickets to the Winterlicious culinary series are now on sale.

The culinary series is part of the City of Toronto’s Winterlicious promotion, which runs from Jan. 29 to Feb. 11.

It features more than 200 restaurants.

The culinary series also features 11 one-of-a-kind, ticketed cooking and dining experiences hosted by some of Toronto’s top restaurants and chefs. These tickets are now on sale.

The chefs and restaurants include: • A Culinary Journey on the Canadian Palais Railway (Palais Royale Ballroom) – Friday, Jan. 29; • High Tea at Casa Loma – Saturday, Jan. 30; Sunday, Jan. 31; Saturday, Feb. 6; and Sunday, Feb. 7; • Four-Hands Dinner with

Chefs Vikram Vij and Miheer Shete (Arcadian Studio & Arcadian Loft) – Saturday, Jan. 30; n A Demonstration of Charcuterie and Curing (Rosewater) – Wednesday, Feb. 3; n Savour São Miguel (Malaparte) – Wednesday, Feb. 3; n Bangkok Nights (Bangkok Garden) – T h u r s d a y, Fe b. 4 a n d Thursday, Feb. 11; n Date Night (Gossip Restaurant) – Thursday, Feb. 4; Friday, Feb. 5; Saturday, Feb. 6; and Thursday, Feb. 11 n Uptown Abbey ( My s t e r i o u s l y Yo u r s ) – Friday, Feb. 5 and Saturday, Feb. 6; n Wok N’ Roll (Spice Route) – Monday, Feb. 8; n An Evening Inspired by Song Dong (Frank At The

Art Gallery Of Ontario) – Wednesday, Feb. 10; n Pasta Making with Chef Saverio Macri (Cibo Wine Bar) – Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Reservations involved with Winterlicious will be accepted as of Jan. 14.

Three-course prix fixe lunch menus are priced at $18, $23 and $28, and dinner menus are priced at $25, $35 and $45.

“The Winterlicious and Summerlicious programs were recently ranked in the top three all-time favourite festivals, fairs and events in Field Day’s fourth annual Toronto entertainment survey,” said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), chair of the city’s Economic Development Committee.

i

For more information about Winterlicious, visit www. toronto.ca/winterlicious

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A publication of

Another hockey season is in the bag Act 1, Scene 1: Cedarvale Outdoor Arena Mike is bending over his very worn out hockey bag in the corner of the change room and about to reach inside. His nervous friend, Jamie, looks on.

Jamie: “Before you do that, Mike, will you run that by me once again?

How long did you say it has been?”

Mike: “Twenty to 30 years, man. Somewhere in there. My memory ain’t what it used to be. Wait a minute. That’s a ridiculous statement. How would I know my memory isn’t what it used to be, if I can’t remember what it used be?

Suffice it to say, it has been ages since I’ve been on the ice.”

Jamie: “That’s what I thought you said. I was afraid of that.”

Mike: “Relax. You don’t have to be concerned. I’ll be alright. Once I get out on the rink it’ll all come back quickly. Trust me.”

Jamie: “It isn’t the skating

jamie wayne BUT SERIOUSLY and playing hockey part that I’m worried about.

It’s the opening up the bag part, considering you said you hadn’t looked in there during all that time.”

Mike: “So, let’s put an end to this gripping suspense once and for all, shall we? Can I have a drum roll, please? On the count of three: 1, 2, 3. Voila!”

Jamie: “Oh, man. I knew it.”

Mike: “Knew what, Kreskin?”

Jamie: “That it might smell like a 20- to 30-yearold salami sandwich in there.”

Mike: “Really?

Jamie: “Your bag reeks.

In case you hadn’t noticed, the whole room cleared the moment you unzipped it.”

Mike: “Have a look for yourself.”

Jamie: “Well I’ll be darned. That odour isn’t

from your old skates and equipment after all. It is indeed from a 20- to 30-year-old salami sandwich.

“I have to ask, Mike, where the heck is the mustard? And how come it’s not in a Ziploc bag, yet your skates and equipment are both wrapped up in them for heaven’s sake?”

Mike: “I wish I could tell you. Like I said, my memory ain’t what it used to. Can we discuss all this later? I’m itching to get out there.”

Jamie: “Sure. Just promise me something.”

Mike: “Anything, Jamie.”

Jamie: “For your safety on the ice and the safety of those in the change room, before you head out onto the rink, you might want to take those Ziploc bags off your skates and put them around that sandwich.”

Jamie Wayne is a lifelong columnist who takes writing very seriously. The topics?

Not so much. His column appears every Thursday. Contact him at jamie.wayne@sympatico.ca

i

7 | YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, December 24, 2015

community

BOUNTY OF HELP COMMUNITY SUPPORT Dean Colling works to seal up boxes of donations, during the North York Harvest Food Banks volunteer sort, which saw nearly 4,000 kg processed by volunteers on Sunday.

Staff photo/BENJAMIN PRIEBE

Photos/PETER C. MCCUSKER

hip kids

moving to the music: Above, children take to the floor during a hip-hop dance workshop held last Thursday at the Maria A. Shchuka Library. Below, Culture Shock Toronto’s Jennalee Dejardins, left, and Alan Faigal groove with participants.

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Time goes by so quickly, yet another year has passed. This season may you be blessed with good health and a chance to appreciate all the positives in your life while surrounded by family and friends. Warmest Thoughts and Best Wishes for the Holiday Season & A Wonderful New Year.

SEE MORE PHOTOS: www.GetLeo.com Call Today 416-917-LION (5466) and Start Packing!

Not intended to solicit persons under contract. *Certain Conditions May Apply. ReMax West Realty Inc. does not guarantee the sale of your home. Exclusively offered by Frank Leo.

Copyright© 2009 Frank Leo

| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, December 24, 2015

Home SellinG SyStem

9

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

10

transit

2016 the final year of the Metropass Next year will mark the final full year the TTC will sell its monthly Metropasses as the transit commission prepares to switch its fare system to the Presto card.

To commemorate this milestone, the TTC will sell special passes all through next year, each of which promises to be adorned with an iconic city image. What’s more, all 12 monthly passes can be combined to form one unified image.

The Metropass debuted in 1980 and cost $26 for one month. Now it’s $141.50 – by far the most expensive travel pass of its kind in North America.

rahul gupta TO in TRANSIT to Exhibition Place. The streetcars will still operate, but will short turn once they reach the Fleet loop on Fleet Street near Bathurst Street.

Also during the closure, construction is scheduled for the eastbound platform at GO Exhibition station.

The Exhibition loop will re-open as of August.

RIDES ON THE TTC on new year’s eve wFREE

New Year’s Eve is around the corner and free transit rides are in the offing.

From 7 p.m. Dec. 31 until 7 a.m. New Year’s Day, the TTC will be completely free to use. Most routes, including the subway, will have extended hours until almost 4 a.m. You can also park for free at any TTC lot after 3 p.m.

Corby Spirit and Wine, which is sponsoring the

STREETCAR LOOP CLOSING wEXHIBITION The Exhibition streetcar loop will be closed for much of next year for construction.

Starting Jan. 3, buses will replace the 509 Harbourfront and 511 Bathurst streetcar service

New Year’s Eve free service until 2019, is also offering up a draw for a free TTC transit pass for a year for those who take the pledge not to drink and drive.

Check out www.corby. ca/pledge for more information.

ON HOLIDAYS wTOinTRANSIT

Programming note: This is the final TOinTransit column of 2015.

I’m taking a couple of weeks off for a long-awaited vacation, which means the column is on hiatus until I return. Of course, keep on visiting www.insidetoronto. com for the latest transit developments.

On behalf of everyone at Metroland Media Toronto, have a safe and happy holiday. TOinTransit will return the week of Jan. 11.

Until then.

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

i

GO Transit adds free parking spaces at Weston commuter lot There are now more spaces to park for free at Weston GO Station.

As of this past Monday the station has 126 more spaces at its commuter lot, located at 1731 Weston Rd., added to the previous total of 144 spots.

GO Transit has also leased about 110 spaces in a parking lot operated by the Toronto Parking Authority, located at nearby John Street.

Over the last decade, GO has added some 2,500 spaces per year at its stations.

Metrolinx, which operates the service, has so far resisted calls to charge a parking fee on the grounds it would create a disincentive for commuters. Critics say GO could use the revenues to help pay for improving and expanding transit service.

According to a past GO planning study, the percentage of commuters driving to the station as opposed to another transportation

Staff file photo/IAN KELSO

GO Transit has added 126 new parking spaces to the Weston GO Station commuter lot.

option was very low, 41 per cent compared to other stations like Etobicoke North, which has had 73 per cent of commuters arriving by car.

The move is part of a wholesale renovation of Weston GO station which was largely completed in the

summer, including a new station building as well as a stop for the Union Pearson (UP) Express air rail link which opened in June.

The new look for Weston, which opened in 1974, also includes a pedestrian tunnel and a ramp.

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11

Presto will streamline system for TTC, riders >>>from page 1 expect to be outfitted by the end of 2016. Newer streetcar models are all equipped with the devices, and more and more of the “legacy” fleet of older vehicles are getting readers each day.

Colle noted the new system will streamline matters for the TTC and for riders alike.

“We’re undergoing a dramatic shift in all of our fare policies and how people actually pay,” he said. “If you imagine right now... we collect cash, we store it, we transport it, we have to secure it.”

“It’s an inefficient way for us to operate and at the same time far less convenient for our customers, so we think it’s a significant saving across the board.”

He added the system would make the transit system far more user friendly, allowing passengers to move easily between TTC and GO systems.

The move could come with a shift in pricing policies – already the TTC has proposed eliminating student and senior discounts and charging more for riders travelling during rush hours.

Colle said a peak pricing policy

Staff photo/JUSTIN SKINNER

MP Adam Vaughan (Spadina-Fort York), left, Councillor Josh Colle, TTC CEO Andy Byford, provincial transportation minister Steven Del Duca and Metrolinx president and CEO Bruce McCuaig help announce at Bathurst subway station, that the Presto card will be accepted on all TTC streetcars and subways by 2016 year’s end.

to “try and get some people out of those busy rush hour times onto buses and subways and streetcars are less crowded” could be in the works, following recommendations

from staff.

The Presto system will be deployed on buses and Wheel-Trans vehicles throughout 2016, which would facilitate different payment

Local Events Find Fin

schemes, including increased peak fares and a system in which riders could be charged based on how far they travel on the system, both of which have been discussed.

Woman who to fell to death was pregnant

The woman who died after a fall from a Bathurst Street and St. Clair Avenue-area apartment building balcony was nine weeks pregnant, Toronto police say.

Her husband also fell to his death.

After further investigation, cops say Precious Charbonneau, 33, was stabbed several times before she fell. Her husband, Robert Giblin, 43, whom Charbonneau recently married, is responsible for her death, according to investigators.

While the police are not pursuing anymore suspects, they are continuing to interview witnesses.

Charbonneau and Giblin, both of Toronto, were found dead behind an apartment building at 111 Raglan Ave. just before 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

HONOUR. REMEMBER.

END ALZHEIMER’S

WITHIN YOUR COMMUNITY

Re gis ter Today

Join us on Saturday, Jan. 30 to walk for the people in your life affected by dementia.

Make a difference. Walk to end Alzheimer’s.

www.insidebrockville.com

| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, December 24, 2015

city

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

12

community

There’s plenty to do in Toronto over the holidays The holiday season is here, and in a city the size of Toronto that means there’s plenty to see and do.

Throughout December, the city is promoting a variety of options from visiting historical sites to going for a skate.

Here’s a rundown: ALLAN GARDENS & CENTENNIAL PARK Check out what’s blooming during daily Christmas Flower Shows taking place at two of the city’s conservatories. The shows take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

There’s no admission to attend and it’s suggested to give a donation to the Daily Bread Food Bank. Until Sunday, Jan. 10. Visit www.toronto. ca/conservatories RIVERDALE FARM Featuring ducks, goats, sheep and other barnyard creatures in the heart of Cabbagetown, the 7.5-acre farm is open year round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission is free. For more information, visit www.toronto. ca/parks/featured-parks or call 416-392-6794.

DISCOVERY WALKS Want to know more about the city and get some exercise? Discovery Walks highlights notable downtown parks, historic sites and popular gathering spots by plotting out a walking route on your smartphone.

The site also suggests special offers from well-known bars and eateries such as the Irish Embassy. Available at www.discoverywalks.ca

Staff file photo

Four-year-old Cole Piche shares a moment with a llama at the High Park Zoo and feeds him some tasty leaves on March 1, 2014.

FLEMINGDON PARK COMMUNITY CENTRE Playground Paradise, within the Flemingdon Park Community Centre at 150 Grenoble Dr., is running a drop-in holiday schedule for families with children 12 years old and under. There’s plenty of activi-

ties for the little ones, from swings to a spiral slide and a ball pit with thousands of colourful balls.

You can drop in anytime until Sunday, Jan. 3 and it costs $2.50 per child for two hours.

Closed on Christmas, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.

HIGH PARK ZOO Llamas, peacocks, even yaks are part of the collection of animals located right within High Park. The zoo is open 365 days a year starting at 7 a.m. and you can visit for no cost of admission. Visit www.toronto.ca/ parks/zoo to find out more.

HISTORIC SITES Nine of the city’s historic destinations, including Fort York, Gibson House, Colborne Lodge, Mackenzie House and Market Gallery are offering special programs for the holidays. There’s a variety of activities from excursions with the family to more adult offerings. Holiday rates are in effect. The locations will be

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closed Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1. For more information visit www.toronto. ca/holidays SKATING AND SWIMMING City-operated rinks and swimming pools will be open during the holidays. You can find out when pools are open at www.toronto.ca/ swim. For skating, there are indoor and outdoor options, but keep in mind some rinks are unsupervised.

Indoor rinks are closed on Christmas Day. Visit www.toronto.ca/skate NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATIONS Join the festivities at Nathan Phillips Square Dec. 31, featuring fireworks, music and performances, and of course the countdown to midnight. Also planned is a DJ skating party and everything gets underway at 8 p.m. Visit www.toronto.ca/ newyearseve for more details.

online calendar

There are lots more events to check out at our online events calendar. Visit Metroland Media Toronto’s website to get started.

 www.insidetoronto.com

13

YORK happening in

w Wednesday, Dec. 30

Healthy Eating and Fitness WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

WHERE: North York Women’s Centre, 116 Industry St. CONTACT: North York Women’s Centre, 416781-0479, info@nywc.org COST: Free Free eight-week workshop series for women on nutrition, exercise and healthy eating.

w Saturday, Jan. 2

Progressive Euchre WHEN: 7 to 10:30 p.m. WHERE: Mount Dennis Legion, 1050 Weston Rd. CONTACT: 416-767-0231, legionbr31@yahoo.com COST: $10 Progressive Euchre held on the first Saturday of the months. Registration at 7 p.m. Play (10 games) begins at 7:30 p.m. Cash prizes. All 19 or older are welcome.

w Thursday, Jan. 7

featured event w Thursday, Dec. 31

New Year’s Eve Dinner & Dance WHEN: 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. WHERE: Mount Dennis Legion, 1050 Weston Rd. CONTACT: 416-767-0231, legionbr31@yahoo.com COST: $40 The Legion hosts a New Year’s Eve dinner and dance with a cash bar, buffet dinner catered by Chef Gerry McElvanna, music, door prizes, party favours and dance prizes. Purchase tickets in advance at the clubroom bar. All 19 and older are welcome. ties, health issues, and more.

browsing and mouse skills.

w Friday, Jan. 8

w Ongoing

Family Time WHEN: 10:30 to 11:45 a.m.

WHERE: Evelyn Gregory Library, 120 Trowell Ave. CONTACT: Richard, 416-394-1006 COST: Free Stories, songs and rhymes for children age five and under, and their caregivers.

w Monday, Jan. 11

HTML and CSS for Beginners WHEN: 7 to 8:30 p.m. WHERE: Maria A. Shchuka Library, 1745 Eglinton Ave. W. CONTACT: 416394-1000 COST: Free Get an introduction to basic HTML and CSS. During this session we will be using a tool from Mozilla called Thimble. This class is meant for the true beginner. No experience needed except basic web

Social Transportation For 55 Years Of Age And Over WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. WHERE: York West Active Living Centre, 1901 Weston Rd. CONTACT: Danna McBride, 416-245-4395, ext. 223, danna@ywalc.ca COST: Please contact us Do you need to get to the hair dresser? Have a group that would like to go out for lunch and can’t get to the restaurant? Single rides or groups up to five.

Volunteer Positions Available WHEN: 8 to 10 a.m. WHERE: York West Active Living Centre, 1901 Weston Rd. CONTACT: Allegra Marchesin, 416-245-4395, ext. 233, allegra@ywalc.ca COST: Free York West Active Living Centre is

709 Army Cadets registration WHEN: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. WHERE: St. Thomas Aquinas School, 636 Glenholme Ave. CONTACT: 647966-7447, http://www.709cadets.ca COST: Free If you are between 12 to 15 years of age and looking for fun, adventure, new challenges and making new friends then the 709 Toronto Signals Royal Canadian Army Cadets corps is for you.

Winter Programs Registration WHEN: 2:30 p.m. WHERE: York West Active Living Centre, 1901 Weston Rd. CONTACT: Danna McBride, 416-245-4395, ext. 223, danna@ywalc.ca COST: Free Register now for winter programs that begin on Monday, Jan. 4.

yorkguardian.com

pets Saying goodbye Blogger helps people deal with a pet’s death

u

bit.ly/1BmMVVm

food Checking out Pukka Blogger Joanna Sable reviews an Indian restaurant

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bit.ly/1QeJhmN

health

get listed!

The York Guardian wants your community listings. Sign up online at yorkguardian.com to submit your events (click the Sign Up link in the top right corner of the page). Check out our complete online community calendar by visiting www.yorkguardian.com

Frugal fun Friendly Finance blogger offers 5 ways to have fun in Toronto

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© Johnson & Johnson Inc. 2015 To be sure this product is right for you, always read and follow the label.

Let’s Keep Talking WHEN: 10:45 to 11:45 a.m.

WHERE: York West Active Living Centre, 1901 Weston Rd. CONTACT: Danna McBride, 416-245-4395, ext.

223, danna@ywalc.ca COST: $18 Join this group for a short meditation and share the challenges of maturity. Topics of conversation may include grown children issues, maintaining a home as you age, giving up a home, memory difficul-

currently seeking volunteers for a variety of positions.

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Other applications may constitute fraud. In Quebec, do not redeem this coupon for your customer. McNeil, in its sole discretion, may refuse reimbursement where it suspects fraudulent redemption has occurred or where applications for reimbursement are received more than one month from the expiry date indicated on the coupon. Failure to send in, on request, evidence that sufficient stock was purchased in the previous 90 days to cover coupons will void coupons. Coupons submitted become McNeil property. Reproduction of this coupon is expressly prohibited. For redemption, mail to: McNeil Consumer Healthcare, division of Johnson & Johnson Inc., P.O. Box 3000, Saint John, N.B. E2L 4L3.

NOT VALID FOR REDEMPTION IN ANY STORE OR PHARMACY IN QUEBEC. TO THE CUSTOMER/CONSUMER: Provincial Law may require the retailer to charge the applicable tax on the full value of the purchase(s) before the redemption in coupon value. GST, HST, QST and PST are included in face value, where applicable. Coupon is void if reproduced or altered from original. Any other use constitutes fraud. Limit one coupon per purchase and per person, and may not be combined with any other offer. No facsimiles. Offer valid only at participating retailers in Canada excluding Quebec. Available while quantities last. COUPON EXPIRY DATE: December 31, 2015 © Johnson & Johnson Inc. 2015

| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, December 24, 2015

community calendar

Classifieds

Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking

Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking

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Legal Services

Articles Wanted

DO YOU FIND GOLF BALLS OR COLLECT THEM? We would like to purchase all of your golf balls.

We will purchase all types of qty. No min. qty. No max.

We pay between $0.10 to $0.25 per golf ball Don’t worry, keep collecting, as we buy all year long even after the season is over!

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Legal Notices

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND OTHERS ALL CLAIMS against the Estate of Margaret Skorupa, late of the City of Toronto, who died on September 16th, 2015 must be filed with the undersigned by the 15th day of January, 2016, after which date the Estate will be distributed having regard only to the claims then filed.

Dated at the City of Toronto, this 10th day of December, 2015.

Michael J. McDonald Professional Corporation, Barrister & Solicitor 2100 Lawrence Avenue West, Suite 101, Toronto, ON M9N 3W3 Solicitor for the Estate Trustee Tel: 416-247-5327

You paid how much!?

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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

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YOUR Weekly Crossword

Sudoku (moderate)

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

Travel & Vacations

diversions

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

14

w See answers to this week’s

puzzles in next Thursday’s edition

15 | YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, December 24, 2015

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YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, December 24, 2015 |

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