January 3

Serving WESTON, MOUNT DENNIS, OAKWOOD-VAUGHAN, EGLINTON WEST and CALEDONIA-FAIRBANK

thurs jan 3, 2013

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PICTURE PERFECT

Staff photo/Nick Perry

MOUNT DENNIS ON ICE: Skaters take advantage of the temperatures to enjoy the ice rink at Pearen Park Monday afternoon. See more photos on page 2.

Church gives gift of health and charity to vulnerable people in Latin America

First baby arrives at HRRH’s Church site at 9:36 a.m.

HILARY CATON hcaton@insidetoronto.com

Fo r A b d o o l M o r r i s o n a n d Bahunmattie Gajju, Jan. 1 was not only the day they welcomed the new year, but it’s also the day they welcomed new life into their family.

Their baby boy, who has yet to be >>>baby, page 5

The Caravan of Hope was on a mission and no amount of snow or slippery roads would get in its way.

Four ambulances filled with

wheelchairs, walkers, stretchers and medical supplies destined for Ecuador and Guatemala needed to get from Toronto to Montreal last Thursday – the day after the GTA was hit with the first snowstorm of the season that dumped more than 10

centimetre of snow on the city.

But with Father Hernan Astudillo of San Lorenzo Anglican Church and his seven volunteers at the helm, there was never any doubt the precious cargo wouldn’t make it, despite the bad weather and rough road

conditions.

“It was a very intense and risky adventure,” said Astudillo. “Close to Kingston we almost ran off the road because of a large piece of black ice. And at Cornwall the road was >>>father, page 5

Visit our website

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HILARY CATON hcaton@insidetoronto.com

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 3, 2013 |

2

Community

winter wonderland frosty end to 2012: At left, Emmanuel Rambayon plays hockey on the skating rink at Pearen Park Monday afternoon. At right, Kerilee Stone laces them up on the last day of 2012. Far right, Marabelle McTavish, president of the Mount Dennis Community Association (MDCA), takes advantage of the frozen surface. Local residents, with help from MDCA and the city, were able to get the rink up and running. The rink, located west of Weston Road, north of Eglinton Avenue, is open for all to use during daylight hours.

Staff photos/Nick Perry

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Sears Catalogue shopping

Personal shopping only. Savings offers do not include Parts & Service or Sundry Merchandise, Items with #195XXX & Sears ‘Value’ Programs with prices ending in .97. All merchandise sold “as is” and all sales final. No exchanges, returns or adjustments on previously purchased merchandise; savings offers cannot be combined. No dealers; we reserve the right to limit quantities. Prices do not include home delivery. Although we strive for accuracy, unintentional errors may occur. We reserve the right to correct any error. ‘Reg.’, ‘Was’ and ‘Sears selling price’ refer to the Sears Catalogue or Retail store price current at time of merchandise receipt. Offers valid at Sears Rexdale Outlet Store only. ©2013 Sears Canada Inc. Sears® MasterCard, Sears Voyage MasterCard or Sears Card offers are on approved credit. Sears® and VoyageTM are a registered Trademarks of Sears, licensed for use in Canada. ®/ TM - MasterCard and the MasterCard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of MasterCard International Incorporated Sale priced merchandise may not be exactly as illustrated.

Call in to hear our Specials on our ad line at 416-401-4545 or 1-866-516-4500 press “1”

Community

3

Food drive still short of grocery as well as financial donations

score!

Drive continues until Jan. 7

Staff photo/Ian Kelso

GEORGE BELL FINDS THE BACK OF THE NET: Leo Serlin of George Bell sneaks the puck past the Queensway netminder and his shot enters the net during their hockey game at the Faustina Christmas Tournament at the Mastercard Centre in Etobicoke Saturday. The George Bell team won the game by a score of 9-5.

New federal rules on refugee health care putting lives at risk: doctors MIKE ADLER madler@insidetoronto.com Physicians working with refugees in Toronto say the federal government’s move to designate “safe” countries of origin puts lives in danger.

“Pregnant women will no longer have access to essential pre-natal care, and will not be able to deliver their babies in hospital – unless they are able to pay thousands of dollars for it,” Dr. Michael Stephenson, a general practitioner with Access Alliance Multicultural Health and Community Services, stated in a release.

The group operates hubs welcoming newcomers to Canada at AccessPoint on Danforth in southwest Scarborough and AccessPoint on Jane in the former city of York.

“People having heart attacks or diabetic shock will no longer be able to seek even emergency treatment for their conditions. Lives will be lost through this political decision,” Stephenson warned.

Federal Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason

Kenney announced the “safe” list of countries, including the United States, Croatia and 25 countries in the European Union on Dec. 14 as a follow-up to passage of Bill C-31, the Protecting Canada’s Immigration System Act. In a statement, Kenney said designating certain countries safe is “an important step towards a faster and fairer asylum system.”

The act reduced health care benefits for some refugee claimants. Claimants from “safe” countries will now get coverage only in cases where there is a public health or public safety concern.

That means a person showing violent tendencies or an illness endangering others – tuberculosis, for example – will still be treated free, said Dr. Paul Caulford, a family physician who runs a clinic for uninsured patients in Scarborough.

Women in labour or patients with suspected heart attacks won’t be turned away from hospitals, but if it turns out there’s no emergency, they’ll get a hefty bill, he said.

Kenney said the European

‘People having heart attacks or diabetic shock will no longer be able to seek even emergency treatment for their conditions.

Lives will be lost through this political decision.’

– Dr. Michael Stephenson Union “with its democratic tradition of freedom, respect for human rights, and an independent judiciary, has been the top source region of asylum claims made in Canada,” yet 91 per cent of EU claims to the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada were rejected last year.

Designating countries, speeding the hearing process and limiting appeals, the minister said, ensures “genuine refugees fleeing persecution will receive protection more quickly, while, at the same time, failed asylum claimants

from generally safe countries will be removed much faster.”

Caulford said he has seen “an unprecedented crisis in numbers of uninsured or underinsured refugee claimants” appearing at his Lawrence Avenue East clinic, adding both patients and community health organizations are confused about who is covered and for what.

“We are seeing newborn babies being denied” health insurance and pregnant patients being told they have to pay $2,700 for an obstetrician and delivery, though hospitals and doctors have often absorbed costs for claimants who can’t pay, said Caulford.

Hospitals and other health care providers in Ontario stand to lose millions because of this “downloading” of costs from the federal government, which is responsible for refugee health, he said.

The federal Conservatives, however, say Canada’s provinces will save on social assistance and education costs under the new processing system.

With just a few days to go, North York Harvest Food Bank (NYHFB) is still significantly short of its goal for the Winter Food Drive.

As of last Friday, 170,000 pounds of food had been donated, along with $211,810, said communications manager Juneeja Varghese.

This year’s goal is to collect 240,000 pounds of food and $240,000.

“The increase in need reflects ongoing, systemic issues,” Anette Chawla, executive director of NYHFB, previously said in a release.

“Many of our clients face unemployment, or parttime and contract work, and struggle to meet the high cost of living in Toronto.

To meet this increased demand, and collect enough food for the winter months ahead, we must raise 240,000 pounds of healthy food and $240,000.”

The food bank, which also serves the former city of York, is facing a 19 per cent increase in demand, which closely reflects postrecession levels of 2008.

NYHFB is the primary food bank in northern Toronto, distributing 1.6 million pounds of food in 2011 to 60 community programs.

The food bank’s catchment area is bounded by Steeles Avenue, Victoria Park Avenue, St. Clair Avenue/ Eglinton Avenue and Hwy. 27.

The Winter Food Drive will end Jan. 7. For a list of suggested food donations, visit www.northyorkharvest. com/donate-food

snow fun

Staff photos/Nick Perry

toboggan time is here! Thalia Rosales, top photo, and Carlos Rosales, above, slide down the hill at Weston Lions Park Friday afternoon.

| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 3, 2013

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YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 3, 2013 |

4

Opinion Ian Proudfoot Marg Middleton Peter Haggert Paul Futhey Warren Elder Alison Fauquier Debra Weller Mike Banville

ykg@insidetoronto.com

Your View

Proudly serving the communites of Briar Hill-Belgravia • BeechboroughGreenbrook • Caledonia-Fairbank Forest Hill North • Humewood-Cedarvale Keelesdale-Eglinton West Mount Dennis • Oakwood-Vaughan Rockcliffe-Smythe • Weston Weston-Pellam Park

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Appointment better than byelection

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Being healthy helps entire community

N

ow that we’re already three days into 2013, a number of our readers may already be struggling with the New Year’s resolutions they made Tuesday morning. Don’t fear, however, as the City of Toronto’s Public Health department is available to offer you some help.

“If your new year’s resolution is to be healthier, Toronto Public Health (TPH) is here to support you throughout our view the year,” said Catherine Clarke, manager of healthy living, in a Take the first press release this week.

That’s good, because healthy step toward a residents benefit the entire community in so many ways. healthy 2013 People who feel better have more energy, and are able to be more involved and effective members of their workforce, their families and their communities. A healthier population as a whole also eases stresses and costs on our health care system.

So often, well-intentioned new year’s resolutions are quickly tossed aside because they are just too hard to accomplish and those who make them become discouraged. That’s where TPH is offering some specific help to local residents.

For those who want to quit smoking, TPH has 1,000 free quit kits available for residents. The kits include sugarless gum, a stress ball, a toothbrush and other items to help those trying to quit smoking deal with their cravings. Those looking for some personal advice, can also call a TPH nurse at 416-338-7974.

There’s more specific information on quitting smoking online at www.toronto.ca/health/smokefree/quittingsmoking There’s also help for those looking to get more exercise or improve their eating habits in 2013.

TPH advises residents to eat healthy by cutting down on portion sizes, reading labels for calorie and sodium counts, and asking restaurant staff for nutritional information when ordering food. Many city restaurants already offer such information online.

There are also TPH registered dieticians available to offer advice by calling 416-338-7600, and more info is online at www.toronto.ca/health/nutrition One of the best ways to start getting healthier is to get more exercise, and TPH says that’s as simple as just getting out into your neighbourhood and taking a walk. For inspiration, there’s a pedometer lending program offered through Toronto Public Libraries.

More info at www.toronto.ca/health/walkintohealth Walking is easy and it’s also a great way to get to know your community better. We encourage all our readers to take that first step to better health in 2013. newsroom

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 letters@insidetoronto.com, or mailed to The York Guardian, 175 Gordon Baker Rd., Toronto, ON, M2H 0A2.

Things are trending upward in 2013

G

ranted, it’s only been a few days and therefore way too soon to jump to any conclusions, but so far things are definitely looking up for the new year of 2013.

Here are just a few examples: Phone bill – up.

Cellphone bill – up.

Cable bill – up.

Internet bill – up.

Hydro bill – up.

Rent – up.

Property taxes – up.

Subscription fees – up.

Annual dues – up.

Annual don’ts – up.

TTC fares – up.

Go transit fares – up.

Gas – up.

Car insurance – up.

Parking – up.

Meat – up.

Eggs – up.

Milk – up.

Juice – up.

but seriously

jamie wayne

Bread – up.

Generally, keeping food on the table – up.

Table – up.

Dog food – up.

Cat food – up.

Generally, keeping food on the floor – up.

Floor – up.

Postal rates – up.

Banking fees – up.

Passport fees – up.

Travel fees – up.

Staying at home fees – up.

Entertainment fees – up.

Miscellaneous fees – up.

Knickknacks – up.

Odds and ends – up.

Notions – up.

Inflation – up.

Debt – up.

Etcetera – up. And so on – up. And so forth – up.

Yup, everything appears to be up alright, alas, everything except salaries, that is, which would really come in handy right about now, given the current trend.

But hey, it’s early in the new year.

And though I wouldn’t exactly recommend holding your breath, there is still plenty of time for salaries to jump on the ole up bandwagon, too.

Speaking of which, up bandwagon maintenance fees – up.

Up bandwagon license renewal fees – up. n 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

To the editor: The appeal of Mayor Rob Ford to be heard ths month is unlikely to change the trial verdict against him.

Under mandatory sentencing laws brought to us all by the Prime Minister Stephen Harper government, judges have no latitude to modify sentences.

If the appeal fails, council will have to choose between appointing a replacement or calling a byelection. Appointment of a moderate, neutral person who would nevertheless move matters forward would be, by far, the better option.

The problem might be finding someone willing to accept the appointment.

A byelection would be a big disruption and could result in a partisan mayor and a continuation of squabbles when we need calm decision-making.

A neutral appointee will not please everyone, but will not arouse the deep antagonisms that a partisan would.

Our councillor has asked for our preference and we have replied. Your councillor may or may not ask for you opinion. There is nothing stopping you from taking the initiative.

A byelection is certainly something to consider. Just remember the price – said to be $7 million or possibly more.

If you opt for a byelection, you might as well also tell your councillor what further taxes you would like to pay and/or services you would like to see cut since the expense is money the city doesn’t have.

Also consider which option, byelection or appointment, is likely to lead to continuation of strife or a calm consideration of the city’s business.

By the time a new mayor is installed by either option, we might have a year or little more of actual mayoral leadership before we are into the distraction of the 2014 civic election.

Bruce Nord

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Community

5

>>>from page 1 covered in a thick layer of snow, you could not see the road. We were driving blind.”

But still they pressed on in spite of seeing roads and highways littered with cars that were not as lucky as Astudillo and his crew.

Once in Montreal, the ambulances were packed into shipping containers set to hit the seas on Monday.

Two of the ambulances will be sent to the province of San Marcos in Guatemala, still recovering from a 7.4-magnitude earthquake that rocked Central America on Nov. 7. The remaining two ambulances are set to go to Morona Santiago in Ecuador as Astudillo’s first step toward expanding his Caravan of Hope initiative.

“One of my personal ambitions is to send at least one ambulance to each country in Latin America in the most vulnerable areas,” said Astudillo, whose church is located near Dufferin Street and Lawrence Avenue.

This trip will be the first time ambulances will travel by boat. For the past 11 years,

‘One of my personal ambitions is to send at least one ambulance to each country in Latin America in the most vulnerable areas.’

– Father Hernán Astudillo

Staff photo/IRVIN MINTZ

Father Hernán Astudillo of San Lorenzo Church clears snow from one of four ambulances heading out from the church last Thursday morning as part of the ongoing Caravan of Hope project. The ambulances were to be driven to Montreal and then loaded on a ship for delivery to Guatemala and Ecuador.

since the Caravan of Hope’s inception in 2001, Astudillo and his band of volunteers have driven ambulances and school buses full of medical

and school supplies themselves to Latin American countries such as El Salvador and Nicaragua, a trip that takes roughly 12 days of driving to

complete.

This trip marks the church’s 14th visit and is its second trip of 2012.

Astudillo plans to fly to both

Guatemala and Ecuador in early February once the ambulances have cleared customs.

It took Astudillo about seven months of raffles and fundraisers to raise the $21,000 needed to buy all three ambulances. The fourth was donated by Elite 911, an authorized used-ambulance dealership at Finch Avenue and Dufferin Street.

“This is the best gift we could give this Christmas season,” said Astudillo.

“To give the gift of charity to our brothers and sisters who are in need in Ecuador and Guatemala.”

>>>from page 1 named, arrived at 9:36 a.m. and weighed six pounds seven ounces. This is the couple’s second child together and Morrison’s third.

A c a e s a re a n s e c t i o n was scheduled for Jan. 1 at Humber River Regional Hospital’s Church Street site, which was coincidentally two weeks before their due date.

The couple’s child was the first baby to be born at the hospital’s Church site.

Morrison admits, although this is his third time being involved in the birthing process, he was still nervous.

“In this situation anyone would be nervous unless you’re a pro,” he said.

During the pregnancy, neither parent wanted to know the sex of the baby beforehand.

“I want a healthy baby and that’s it,” said Morrison.

Both mother and baby are doing well.

The first birth of 2013 at the hospital’s Finch site in North York was at 12:42 a.m.

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| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 3, 2013

Father a man on a mission of charity

Baby boy makes debut at York hospital

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 3, 2013 |

6

It’s Happening in York n Tuesday, Jan. 8

New Year’s Resolution: Get Out of Debt.

WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Maria A. Shchuka Library, 1745 Eglinton Ave. W. CONTACT: 416-394-1000 COST: Free JVS Toronto will lead a workshop on how to get out of debt by providing strategies and addressing the common reasons why we get into debt in the first place. Call to register.

n Thursday, Jan. 10

Junction Residents Association WHEN: 7 to 9 p.m. WHERE: Toronto Police Service, 11 Division, 2054 Davenport Rd. CONTACT: Martin Lennox, 416-769-4239, http://junctionra.ca, info@ junctionra.ca COST: Free The Junction Residents Association hosts its bimonthly public meeting. Meet your neighbours and help to shape the future of the Junction. All persons interested in the Junction area are welcome. Refreshments.

n Tuesday, Jan. 15

Lunch Out at Mandarin Restaurant WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

WHERE: York West Active Living Centre, 1901 Weston Rd. CONTACT: 416-245-4395, info@ yorkwestactivelivingcentre.ca

COST: $8 plus cost of food Trip to the Rexdale location.

Price is $12.99 (seniors 65 plus will receive 20 per cent discount with a valid ID).

New Year’s Resolution: Stress Less WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Maria A. Shchuka Library, 1745 Eglinton Ave. W. CONTACT: 416-394-1000 COST: Free Certified laughter yoga facilitator and trainer Nicole Constant will teach us how to relax and stress less through a lesser known form of yoga. Laughter yoga is appropriate for all fitness levels. Two Sessions are available: today and Tuesday, Jan. 22. Call to register.

n Wednesday, Jan. 16

Casino Rama Day Trip WHEN: 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: Mount Dennis Legion, 1050 Weston Rd. CONTACT: 416-767-0231, legionbr31@ yahoo.com COST: $5 Your $5 ticket includes your transportation and a $15 credit on your Rama Players card. All 19 years and older are welcome.

n Friday, Jan. 18

Van Trip to Eaton Centre WHEN: 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

WHERE: York West Active Living Centre, 1901 Weston Rd. CON-

TACT: 416-245-4395, info@ yorkwestactivelivingcentre.ca COST: $15 Book by Wednesday, Jan. 16.

n Saturday, Jan. 19

Robbie Burns Supper and Dance WHEN: 5:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

WHERE: Mount Dennis Legion, 1050 Weston Rd. CONTACT: 416-767-0231, www.facebook. com/mountdennislegion, legionbr31@yahoo.com COST: $25 Enjoy a traditional Scottish supper with ‘optional’ haggis and a piper. Performance by highland dancers a Toronto Police pipe and drum band, followed by music provided by DJ Rick Gimza. Cash bar. Door prizes.

Tickets must be purchased by Jan. 12.

n Saturday, Jan. 26

Silverthorn Legion Fundraiser WHEN: 1 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Silverthorn Legion Branch 57, 605 Rogers Rd. CONTACT: Sylvia Melanson, 416-653-6757, branch57@gmail.com COST: Free An afternoon of fun and games, silent auction, meat toss, find the joker. A fun day for all ages.

All proceeds going to the Silverthorn Legion.

Family Literacy Day with Patricia Storms WHEN: 2 to 3 p.m. WHERE: Maria A. Shchuka Library, 1745 Eglinton Ave. W. CONTACT: 416-394-1000 COST: Free Celebrate Family Literacy Day at the library. Enjoy the entertaining antics of author/ illustrator Patricia Storms, with a play based on ‘The Pirate and the Penguin’ and a cartooning workshop. Drop-in.

n Tuesday, Jan. 29

New Year’s Resolution: Exploring Self-Employment WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Maria A. Shchuka Library, 1745 Eglinton Ave. W. CONTACT: 416-394-1000 COST: Free Danielle Botterell and Amy Ballon, authors of the book ‘Mom Inc.,’ discuss self-employment and the challenge of balancing work and family. They will be on hand to discuss their secrets to success and will address audience questions. Call to register.

n Thursday, Feb. 7

The Meeting: A Play by Jeff Stetson WHEN: 7 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Maria A. Shchuka Library, 1745 Eglinton Ave. W. CONTACT: 416-394-1000 COST: Free Imagine a meeting between

Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr. What would they say to each other? Join the African Theatre Ensemble for a riveting examination of two powerful philosophies. Call to register.

n Sunday, March 17

Giant Open Cribbage Tournament WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

WHERE: Mount Dennis Legion, 1050 Weston Rd. CONTACT: legionbr31@yahoo.com 416-3941000 COST: $25 per two-person team A giant open cribbage tournament. Entry fee is $25 per team (two persons) Early registration

by March 8.

n Volunteers

York West Active Living Centre WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

WHERE: York West Active Living Centre, 1901 Weston Rd. CONTACT: Monica Sanmiguel, 416245-4395, ext. 233, monica@ yorkwestactivelivingcentre.ca COST: Free Help older adults to improve their lives. No need to sign up for long term commitments.

Sign up for front desk, kitchen server, special events, program convener, library helper and many more.

insidetoronto.com n Ongoing

Weekly Barbecue WHEN: 6 to 7:30 p.m. Fridays WHERE: Mount Dennis Legion, 1050 Weston Rd. CONTACT: 416-767-0231, legionbr31@ yahoo.com Good food at reasonable prices.

Come out and meet some new friends. All 19 and older are welcome. Cash bar.

Weekly Seniors Club WHEN: Noon to 3 p.m.

Tuesdays WHERE: Mount Dennis Legion, 1050 Weston Rd. CONTACT: 416-767-0231, legionbr31@yahoo.com Enjoy a light lunch ($2) and meet new friends. We have snooker, pool, darts, euchre, cribbage, dominoes, table shuffleboard or just good conversation. All 55 and older are welcome. Cash bar.

n Submit Your Event

The York Guardian wants your community listings. Whether it’s a church knitting group or a music night or a non-profit group’s program for kids, The Guardian wants to know about it so others can attend.

Sign up online at insidetoronto. com to submit your events (click the Sign Up link in the top right corner of the page).

7 | YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 3, 2013

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Large restaurant with drive thru on a ¾ acres lot, in the heart of Bolton, zoned for fast food national chain, completely renovated (09) seats 75, 35 parking spaces, currently very successful business also included for $1,975,000!!

Situated on a quiet court location. Mississauga/Etobicoke border. Backing onto ravine, totally renovated detached 2 storey 4+1 bedroom is simply amazing, gorgeous gourmet kitchen, s.s appliances, Granite countertop, main flr family room gas fireplace, formal living & dining room, prof finished basement. Backyard paradise, heated inground saltwater pool, jacuzzi, pattern concrete patio, solarium plus much more.

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Fabulous design, great curb appeal, Large 4 bdrm with 4 washrooms, finished basement.

Stunning classic combination of hardwood, marble & ceramic floors, high ceilings, skylight, Oak stairs, family size kitchen with breakfast area, granite countertop, centre island, stainless steel appliances & many extras for $888,800!!

KEELE & 401!!

Fabulous detached 4+1 bdrm 2 storey, double garage, interlock, large verandah, double door entry, centre hall plan, 4 washrooms, combined living and dining rm, cathedral ceiling, gas fireplace, gleaming hardwood floors in family rm, wonderful family size kitchen, w/o to large deck & heated inground pool, gorgeous prof. landscaped lot, finished bsmnt and many extras for only $799,000!!

Gorgeous 4+2 bdrm 2 storey, beautiful custom kitchen, granite countertops, s.s appliances, gleaming hardwood floors, 9’ ceilings, crown moulding, California shutters, gas fireplace, main flr. laundry, huge master with 5 pc ensuite and professionally finished basement, ideal for In-law suite, + much more for $785,900!!

FABULOUS VELLORE VILLAGE OPPORTUNITY!!

BURNHAMTHORPE/PONYTRAIL!!

Rare 5 bdrm 2 storey on a beautiful lot. Just steps to Gametwood Park along the Etobicoke boarder. Gorgeous family rm with w/o to private fenced lot 20’x40’, inground pool. Huge bedrooms and principal rooms, renovated baths, fabulous country kitchen with s.s appliances and breakfast area, large finished basement 2nd kitchen & 2 bedrooms, gleaming hardwood flrs. and much more. $739,000

THE VICTORIAN! 2790 sq ft classic custom built 2 storey all brick semi detached luxury homes. Located in the Long Branch area, Newly built, select your luxurious finishes starting from $799,000

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Incredible totally renovated 4 bdrm, 2 storey, gleaming hardwood floors, spacious principle rms, gourmet kitchen, granite countertop s.s appliances, large family rm addition, walkout to amazing prof. landscaped lot, interlock, inground salt water heated pool, patio, stupendous perennial garden, plus finished basement. Simply must be seen only $649,900!!

80 X 150 FT LOT!

Detached 3 bedroom bungalow with gorgeous brick & stone exterior, on a huge premium lot in Royal York/Dixon area, long private double driveway with garage. Large open concept living and dining room, 2 renovated bathrooms, walk-out to spacious serene back yard, huge workshop, fabulous opportunity only $639,900.

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In the heart of Woodbridge quiet enclave, steps to Market Lane. Totally renovated open concept living room, gleaming hardwood flr, walkout to patio, formal dining, amazing custom kitchen granite countertop, stainless steel appliances, California shutters, potlights, finished basement, truly a masterpiece, must be seen only $499,900!!

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Wonderful detached 3 bdrm raised bungalow with pie shaped lot, quiet court location, in East Mississauga.Fabulous potential In-law suite, finished basement with separate entrance. Upgraded family size kitchen with s.s. appl., huge combined Living & dining rm with walk out to balcony, renovated bsmnt with fireplace and w/o to yard, gleaming hardwood flrs & much more.

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YONGE & SHEPPARD CONDO!!

Rare huge 1,590 sq. ft. 2 + 1 bdrm corner unit in the exclusive Manhattan Place. Spacious open concept layout, gleaming parquet floors, Large master bedroom with gorgeous 5 piece ensuite & walk- in closet, modern family size kitchen, unobstructed South West view, voted North York Condo of the Year in 2009, a must see for $499,000!!

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HE R T O N A SO LD ROYAL YORK/EVANS!!

Wonderful detached brick 2 storey full of charm and character. This home has been totally renovated, new electrical, plumbing, insulation, drywall, nicely finished trim & hardwood thru-out! Finished basement with bar, new roof(2011), new windows(2011) furnace(2009) fully fenced yard with Gazebo, and many extras.

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THE JAMES CLUB!!

Prime Kingsway/Edenbridge neighbourhood.

Fabulous layout, 2+1 bedroom suite, open concept living and dining rm, w/o to private balcony/terrace, thousands spent on upgrades, granite countertop, breakfast bar, high ceilings, steps to transit, Humbertown Plaza, & amenities only $469,900

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Surrounded by Thistletown Plaza, 3+1 bedroom Semi-detached bungalow on a 35’x183’ lot (3 adjacent lots also) providing over 20,000 sq ft for all kinds of development potential, $449,900!!

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Totally renovated 4+1 bdrm 2 storey, gorgeous Cartier kitchen, s.s. appl., porcelain tile, gleaming hardwood flrs., finished basement with separate side entrance to In- law suite with second kitchen. Large California style deck, renovated bathrooms, & many upgrades, located close to all convenience.

Spacious 3 + 1 bedroom bungalow. Updated kitchen, Corian countertop, open concept living & dining room, updated bathroom, separate side entrance to finished basement ideal for entertaining or in-law suite with 2nd kitchen. Long driveway only

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THE R O N A OL D S WESTON/LAWRENCE!!

Spacious 3 bdrm detached 1 1/2 storey, on a large 40’ x 136’ lot, finished basement, separate entrance, hardwood floors, crown moulding, wainscoting, detached garage, long private drive and many extras, located close to all amenities.

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OAKWOOD & VAUGHAN!!

Rare Investment opportunity, at affordable price. Store with a 2 bdrm apt, above.

Previously a convenience store, 4 car parking & lrg basement, high traffic area, great central location, close to all conveniences & transportation for $349,000!!

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Beautiful Dufferin/King 2+1 bdrm condo townhouse, open concept living & dining rm with fireplace, gleaming laminate floor, separate Den, w/o balcony from mstr bedroom, great view of the city. Fabulous location the best of city living, close to all conveniences for only $334,900!!

CALL

416

As Another year comes to a close, we hope that your home will be filled with Happiness, Good Health and Prosperity for the year 2013!

THE WESTWAY/MARTINGROVE

Totally renovated 3+1 bdrm 2 storey, Stucco & Stone exterior, Spacious open concept living & dining rm, gorgeous kitchen with granite countertop, s/s appl, ceramic & laminate floors thru-out finished basements, new 2 car garage, plus many extras, new roof, new washrooms, New oak staircase with steel rail, hi-eff. furnace & much more.

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Happy New Year

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Spacious 3 bdrm townhouse, 4 bathrooms, large combined living and dining room, bright family size kitchen, finished basement w/ kitchenette & bath, w/o to backyard, garage access door, and many extras, located close to all conveniences for $329,900!!

Fabulous 2 bedroom suite over 1000 sq. ft, open concept living & dining room, walkout to large balcony. Updated kitchen ceramic floor, renovated bathroom, spacious bedrooms, includes parking & locker only $165,000!!

917

(L (L

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5 4 6 6

SEE MORE PHOTOS : www.GetLeo.com 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, January 3, 2013

SELL Your Home FASTER and for MORE MONEY!

9

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 3, 2013 |

10

City Hall

Municipal voting system under scrutiny MIKE ADLER madler@insidetoronto.com If a mayoral byelection looms in Toronto, people may warm up to a different – and some say, less divisive – way to vote for city officials, called ranked balloting.

And last month, supporters of the concept were claiming they could swing Toronto Council to their cause, making city elections “way more interesting and fair” a few years from now.

“This is winnable. We’ve actually got a majority of councillors supporting this,” Dave Meslin said during a presentation of his civic engagement campaign, The Fourth Wall, at the East Scarborough Boys and Girls Club.

“I think we’ll get it.”

On its website, the Ranked Ballot Initiative of Toronto (RaBIT) claims 19 sitting councillors plus Mayor Rob Ford as supporters, not enough to carry the 45-member council. But Meslin and Scarborough East Councillor Paul Ainslie both say they have found enough “soft” support in the rest of the ranks.

Interestingly, TrinitySpadina MP Olivia Chow, touted by many to run against the mayor, is in the RaBIT camp.

According to the site (www.123toronto.ca), so are Karen Stintz and Adam Vaughan, other councillors spoken of as contenders for Ford’s chair.

Meslin said fear of votesplitting often pushes challengers off the ballot, particularly first-time candidates who are women or visible minorities.

“I want to see them all run. I want to have choice,”

he said.

Though Queen’s Park must first approve them, a switch to ranked ballots would give voters the option of naming second and third choices. If no candidate gets 50 per cent of the votes, candidates with the least votes drop off and their second-place support is transferred to others.

These “instant runoffs” continue until one candidate is shown to have majority support, though some comes from being a second- or third-best choice.

Meslin argues this encourages candidates to be nicer as they hope to pick up second-place votes.

T h e i d e a w a s we l l received by some of Ainslie’s constituents at a town hall meeting.

“I’ve always thought that the way elections are run is kind of stupid,” said Vince Puhakka, who declared he likes the ranked ballot after seeing Meslin and Ainslie explain it.

“I think it means you get less polarization.”

Dennis Reinsborough, another resident, said he’d be against having a separate run-off election, but noted Ireland has instant run-offs, and “if you don’t get a majority, you go to the second round.”

A F o r d s u p p o r t e r, Reinsborough admitted to thinking the mayor would probably benefit from votesplitting if he ran again. “I think he would lose, but then the majority of the voting clientele have truly chosen what they want.”

Ainslie, who has caused many Fourth Wall proposals to be studied through the city hall committee he chairs, said he likes RaBIT because “one of my col-

City committee to look at Gardiner options DAVID NICKLE dnickle@insidetoronto.com

Staff photo/MIKE ADLER

The Fourth Wall creator Dave Meslin, left, and Toronto Councillor Paul Ainslie explain proposals for boosting public participation in the city’s governance to local residents.

leagues in the last election won with 18 per cent of the vote,” meaning James Pasternak of York Centre, adding Pasternak “often gets heckled” when he claims at council meetings to speak for people in his ward.

Pasternak, who in 2010 scored the most votes of 12 contenders after the ward’s longtime incumbent Mike Feldman retired, said he’s “quite reluctant” to support ranked ballots.

“It would create enormous confusion among candidates and the voting public at a time when we’re trying to increase voter participation, not decrease it,” Pasternak said, adding once ranked balloting starts, Toronto will have “de facto political parties” muscling into municipal politics.

In an interview, Willowdale Councillor John Filion, who isn’t counted among ranked ballot supporters, said he

would be “leaning that way” if it came to a vote.

Filion said he would prefer to stage separate run-off elections, but that may not be practical because of the cost.

It’s “pretty absurd” that some councillors have been elected with around 20 per cent support, and most people would support changing how our mayors, and possibly our councillors, are selected, said Filion, adding if someone wins a byelection for mayor with a low percentage of votes, “there’ll be a lot more of a clamour for some kind of reform.”

On the other hand, if you have many names on the ballot, “I think a lot of people have a tough enough choice deciding who their first pick is,” let alone a second or third, Filion said, suggesting voters may just pick a name they recognize as

second choice.

“It would be a big name recognition factor.”

In 2010, during the last days of the previous city council, Case Ootes, another retiring councillor, called for a report “on alternative methods on the election of the mayor for the City of Toronto for 2014” so that councillors could discuss options before going to the province for approval.

Ootes, now listed as a RaBIT supporter, proposed the race for mayor “should be decided by a form of voting that represents a result of 50 per cent plus one,” ensuring the new head of council “has a mandate and the support of a majority of those who voted.”

Toronto’s voting machines, however, are not set up for ranked ballots and would cost the city millions to replace before 2015, Ainslie said.

Toronto’s budget committee has asked for reports on the pros and cons of selling or leasing the Gardiner Expressway rather than trying to manage and repair the crumbling elevated highway using taxpayers’ money alone.

The city is looking at spending more than half a billion dollars to rehabilitate the highway after engineering studies indicated it is nearing the end of its useful lifespan, and will only be safe to drive on for the next six years.

The motion to look at privatizing the highway came from an unlikely source: Trinity-Spadina Councillor Adam Vaughan, a left-of-centre critic of Mayor Rob Ford who is contemplating a run for the mayoralty himself.

Vaughan brought the motion to the committee with the idea of selling the highway to a private operator, who would set tolls and use that money to keep the road standing – and also provide money to the city.

Members of the budget committee were cautiously supportive of the idea, although not all keen to actually sell the highway.

“Creative ideas are good, but it’s a risky game when we talk about selling the DVP or the Gardiner Expressway,” said York Centre Councillor James Pasternak. Pasternak said leasing might be an option, something that others, including Etobicoke North Councillor Doug Ford, echoed.

“I’m not comfortable with selling off the Gardiner,” he said, suggesting the city look for foreign investors worldwide for a partnership arrangement.

Budget chair Mike Del Grande said the issue ultimately needed to go to council.

“The whole issue of the Gardiner should take place at full council,” he said. “It needs a full whatever... drag-it-out discussion.”

11

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12

Around the city

Carroll more skeptical about byelection David Nickle dnickle@insidetoronto.com

I

t had only been weeks earlier that Don Valley East Councillor Shelley Carroll announced she would take on Mayor Rob Ford in any byelection that might come should the courts decide Ford should be thrown out of office.

But in the days leading up to Christmas, Carroll said council should think carefully about what happens with the vacant mayor’s seat in that event and possibly not hold one at all.

“I spent a lot of time at the Scarborough Town Centre last weekend,” said Carroll, “and there and everywhere I go, when people come up to me and say, you’re councillor Carroll, when they get into the byelection question, they say it’s a lot of money, isn’t it? And it’s 2013 coming up, and when’s the real election? People say that 2014 isn’t that far away.”

Carroll said she’s been hearing from members of the public that council should really forgo holding a byelection, which could cost as much as $9 million, and opt to make an

appointment to fill any vacancy in the mayor’s office.

That vacancy could occur as early as next week Ford is appealing a conviction under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, that orders him to be removed from office.

Under the original conviction, Ford would have the option of attempting to win back his seat, and he could also be reappointed by council if council opts against a byelection.

Council will have 60 days after the office is vacated to decide

which way to go.

Carroll has been openly considering a run for mayor in 2014 – the next regularly scheduled election – and in early December, she told reporters she would absolutely face down Ford and any other contenders in a byelection, should that be necessary.

Public opinion polls, however, have not given Carroll, who was budget chief under former mayor David Miller, great hope.

She has consistently trailed other candidates including Ford

with most recent numbers showing she would only garner 16 per cent of the vote.

She said early polling data wasn’t what prompted her new skepticism about holding a byelection.

“David Miller was a guy who six months before the election (in 2003), if he walked into a room of 100 people he could be sure that two people knew him,” she said.

“The most recent polls say that there are 16 people who know who I am.”

Learn more about French immersion programming Parents wishing to send their children to one of the six Catholic schools in Toronto offering French Immersion are invited to attend one of four remaining upcoming information meetings, including one in York.

The remaining meetings will be held in January at the following locations and times: n Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. at York’s James Culnan, 605 Willard Ave., 416-393-5325 n Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 7 p.m. at North York’s St. Cyril, 18 Kempford Blvd., 416-393-5270 n Wednesday, Jan. 16 at 6 p.m. at Scarborough’s Our Lady of Wisdom, 10 Japonica Rd., 416-393-5273 n Thursday, Jan. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Scarborough’s St. Agatha, 49 Cathedral Bluffs Dr., 416-3935302 Registration at all Toronto Catholic District School Board elementary schools begins Tuesday, Jan. 8. For information about the various French as a second language programs, go to www. tcdsb.org or call 416-222-8282 ext.

2540.

Top minor midget prospects gathering in Toronto for hockey showcase Fourth annual game slated for Herb Carnegie Arena in North York The Greater Toronto Hockey League’s fourth annual top prospects game will be held Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., at Herbert Carnegie Centennial Arena in North York.

The game will showcase the top 40 minor midget-aged players from the GTHL, which serves Toronto and surrounding municipalities.

The game will be broadcast on Rogers TV cable 10/63 in Toronto and will air on Sunday, Jan. 13 at 8 p.m.

This year’s four celebrity coaches feature three former NHLers from Toronto – Nick Kypreos, Adam Graves

and Kris Draper – and one former NHL general manager and coach, Doug MacLean.

The retired players all came up through local city hockey organizations: Kypreos with Wexford and Toronto Flames; Draper with the Don Mills Flyers; and Graves with the Young Nationals and the North York Civics.

Tickets are $5 in advance or $6 at the gate. Advance ticket purchase is recommended to avoid line-ups at the arena.

“We are looking forward to this

year’s event,” said GTHL president John Gardner, in a press release.

“We are very pleased to have this group of celebrity coaches involved and we anticipate an exciting game as we have seen for the past three seasons.

“This will be a great opportunity for these young players to display their talent against the other top players in their age group. They will also have the opportunity to gain valuable experience from their coaches who have been in their position before.”

Catholic board holds kindergarten registration Parents wishing to register their children in kindergarten at one of the Catholic board’s 167 elementary schools in Toronto can do so starting Tuesday.

The Toronto Catholic District School Board (TCDSB) invites new families with children born in 2009 to register for kindergarten.

To accommodate parents’ schedules, the board will also host evening registration sessions during the week of Jan. 14. Parents are asked to phone their local Catholic school for specific dates and times.

“Kindergarten is a time of wonder, awe and learning,” TCDSB board chair Ann Andrachuk said in a statement. “It is an exciting time for children and their families and represents a major threshold in a child’s life at a critical stage of development.”

The full-day early learning kindergarten program is set to be fully implemented in all TCDSB schools by 2015-2016.

During its first year of implementation in 2010, the province funded 63 full-day classrooms for 1,638 students in 28 schools across the TCDSB. Now in its third year of implementation, the board offers the program in 199 classrooms, serving 5,714 students in 83 schools.

“We are dedicated to nurturing our students spiritually, academically, physically, socially, and emotionally through a faith-based curriculum in a caring, Catholic environment,” TCDSB director of education Bruce Rodrigues said in a statement.

“This is a critical period when a child has the highest capacity to learn that will impact positively on their future participation in society.”

The TCDSB also offers a number of specialized kindergarten services: the kindergarten intervention and needs program (KIND) is provided for students who are having difficulty adjusting to school and supports a child’s ability to follow classroom routines, develop social skills, and strengthen academic abilities; the kindergarten language program delivers intensive language and literacy support to students in senior kindergarten who have delayed oral language development.

Parents or guardians wishing to register their kids at a TCDSB are required to bring the following documents to registration: the child’s birth certificate (Certificate of Citizenship or Landed Immigrant Status); the child’s Catholic baptismal certificate (or other proof of Catholicity); the child’s Ontario health card and Immunization Record; proof of residency in Toronto.

For more information, call 416222-8282, ext. 5314 or go to www. tcdsb.org

Opinion

13

A

mid all the handwringing about vacant mayors’ offices and crumbling highways, one might be forgiven for missing one of the most reliable news stories of the winter months. Toronto is making a budget, and over the next few weeks, will be performing the final pieces of the ritual to make it complete.

Late last year, the city’s budget committee finished their tinkering with the $9.4-billion budget. It was (and remains) a plan designed to attract a minimum of tinkering at council.

Budget chief Mike Del Grande moved at the end of the process to increase property taxes a sliver more than the original proposal had intended – they’re going up two per cent rather than 1.95 per cent – and allocated the $1.15 million to restore services in areas where citizens had made what he considered a good case.

That didn’t happen last year, and when the budget proceeded to council, councillors tore it to pieces and rebuilt it – $15 million fatter – pulling money from reserves to do so. Del Grande doesn’t want to see that happen again this year; so much so

that he’s vowed to quit if council does anything else with the plan he’s presented.

Some of his colleagues have snickeringly suggested this might be an excellent way to find themselves a new budget chief.

But really, the budget going forward will be difficult to make changes on. The budget cuts firefighter positions, and as a policy move council might reverse that.

Similarly, the trimmed police service budget approved by the Toronto Police Services Board and scorned by Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair might get another look.

Council could look at restoring money to child care, homeless shelters and other pieces of social infrastructure.

And there are some on council, like ParkdaleHigh Park Councillor Gord Perks, who are concerned the city is paying too much cash for capital projects such as road work, comparing the move to buying a house with all the money up front.

Mayor Rob Ford (because he’s the kind of mayor he is) might, if still in office by the time the budget’s debated mid-January, take issue with that property tax

THE CITY

david nickle

hike.

And on the matter of the Gardiner Expressway, the budget debate could take an off-ramp into a long discussion over whether it’s worth the $500 million the capital budget’s allocated over the next decade to repairs to the elevated highway, or to just go down the road the last council started on, to tear a large portion of it down.

But is council going to come together, as it did around Eglinton-Lawrence Councillor Josh Colle last year, and actually change any of these things?

Nobody ever made any money betting on peace at Toronto Council, and I won’t now.

But it’s going to take a pretty significant effort by Ford opponents to get under the hood of the 2013 budget and make serious changes. n David Nickle is The Guardian’s city hall columnist. His column appears every Thursday.

Contact him at dnickle@insidetoronto.com

Give. Go. Find out how at WeDay.org

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The City ofToronto is looking for public input before making a decision on the establishment of a new casino. What do you want the City to consider? Learn, discuss and provide your views and feedback.

Join us online: www.toronto.ca/casinoconsultation Download a workbook and/or complete an online feedback form.

Come to a Community Discussion Join us at a community open house and discussion to learn more about the process and issues, talk with City staff, and join discussion groups on key topics. Drop-in anytime during one of the events below: Wednesday January 9

Saturday January 12

Monday January 14

Thursday January 17

Saturday January 19

One Number To Call To Help You Access Crisis Services:

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| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 3, 2013

Betting on peace at Toronto council a long shot for 2013

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