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Improved retail, food experiences could arrive at Union DAVID NICKLE dnickle@insidetoronto.com

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Toronto’s Union Station could become a “unique destination” with improved spaces for retail, dining and cultural experiences as soon as 2018 if Toronto council agrees to open its lease with Osmington Inc., the station’s main lessee. Osmington proposed the change to the city’s Government Management Committee on Monday. It would see Osmington put an additional $37 million into enhancing the public spaces in the renovation of the venerable train station. The city would, on paper, be responsible for 40 per cent of those costs, but the proposed lease would see Osmington front the entire amount and recover the city’s share by withholding leasing fees on the new spaces. That would still leave the city with slightly more revenues than it would receive without the enhancements. And city real estate officials agreed that doing so would turn the site into a destination as well as a transit hub. “This was seen as a transportation hub, slash, mall,” said >>>one-stop, page 12

Staff photo

Weston King Neighbourhood Centre volunteer and client Carl Tebo takes a moment in the centre's food bank on Monday. Increased food prices are having an affect on those in need in Weston.

Shelf stocks dwindle as food costs rise Drop-in meal programs at Weston King Neighourhood Centre under pressure as more and more residents seek its services LISA RAINFORD lrainford@insidetoronto.com It’s only the beginning of the new year and the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre’s drop-

in meal program is already feeling the effects of rising food costs. A spokesperson for the Weston Road and King Streetarea community centre, Ken

Theobald, said that its charitable food sources, such as Second Harvest and the Daily Bread Food Bank, are under an increased demand and so “the dollars we do have aren’t going

as far as they used to.” At the same time, he added, the number of residents who are reliant on its drop-in breakfast, lunch, and community dinners >>>CENTRE, page 13

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 7, 2016 |

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warm returns: Barb Gill walks her dog through Eglinton Flats near Topham Pond, on Saturday afternoon. Following a chilly few days to start the week, Torontonians can expect temperature to stay above 0 C the rest of the week, with a chance of rain on the weekend.

Know your gym membership rights when signing up Ten-day cooling off period ensures you find a place that is right for you, no reason needed to cancel With 2016 just days old, many people will use this time to make resolutions for the new year, which might include joining a gym or signing up for fitness classes. But before contracts are signed, the provincial government is reminding consumers about rights protecting them under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act. • You have a 10-day cooling-off period. You have the right to cancel a membership within 10 days of receiving a written copy of your contract. You don’t need a reason to cancel. All you need to do is give notice to the business, preferably in writing. Use this 10-day cooling-off period to test out the facility to see if it’s right for you. • You have the option to pay monthly. You can choose to pay month-tomonth instead of paying up-front for the whole year. The business can charge up to 25 per cent more for monthly payments than the total cost of the annual, up-front fee. However, monthly payments provide

Courtesy photo

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

flexibility and convenience. • All contracts must end after a year. Ask about the club’s renewal policy and how you will be contacted

to renew. The gym or fitness club must send you a renewal notice between 30 and 90 days before your contract expires, listing any changes to your new contract. If

you received a renewal notice and do not respond to it, the club has the right to renew and bill you under the renewed contract. “Making the decision to join a gym or fitness club can be challenging when you feel pressured to sign up before a promotion ends,” David Orazietti, minister of government and consumer services, said in a release. “Consumer Protection Ontario offers resources to help you ensure you’re asking the right questions and keep you informed about your consumer rights.” Contracts for a gym or sports club membership or for classes such as martial arts or dance are called personal development services under the Consumer Protection Act. The rules apply where pre-payment for more than $50 is required. The Ministry of Government and Consumer Services dealt with more than 710 gym and fitness clubrelated complaints and inquiries in 2015, most commonly contract cancellations, billing disputes and the 10-day cooling off period.

Mount Dennis Legion, 1050 Weston Rd., is hosting a Giant Open Cribbage Tournament, Sunday, Jan. 17, starting at 12:30 p.m. The entry fee is $25 per team (2 players). Registering by Jan. 8 guarantees ‘sitting’ team placement. Registration also takes place on tournament day, from 11:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. A perfect hand (28 or 29) in the tournament will receive a $50 prize; the player with the most ‘24’ hands will win $25. There will be cash prizes for high hands in all games. There will be food available and a cash bar. For an entry form or for more information, e-mail legionbr31@ yahoo.com your concerns at POLICE LIAISON MEETING wdiscuss

Thirteen Division police hosts its Police Liaison Committee meeting, Monday, Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m. The meeting takes place at the John Howard Society, 1669 Eglinton Ave. W. Attendees will have the chance to discuss community concerns. To learn more, call 416-8081319. for chance to win movie, dinner gift cards wenter

It’s time for a Night Out. Metroland Media Toronto is hosting a Night Out contest, which people can enter for a chance to win two Cineplex movie tickets and a $100 Ultimate Dining gift card. No purchase is necessary. The is contest open to Toronto residents 18 years of age or older. The odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries received. One (1) prize will be awarded. The contest closes Thursday, Jan. 21 at 11:59 p.m. To enter and for complete contest rules, visit insidetoronto.com/ contests

| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 7, 2016

community

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 7, 2016 |

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

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

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

Write us The 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.

oronto might be a city on the move, but a casual observer might wonder whether that movement would be outpaced by a glacier. When we build something – whether a subway, a highway or a waterfront – we are not inclined much to hurry. Of all the slow-burn builds, few are slower than the revitalization of Union Station. The grand old station officially opened in 1927 and was built during the First World War. It was then and remains a vital transportation hub for the largest city in Canada. It was in 2000 – 16 years ago – that Toronto purchased the station and looked for a private-sector partner to redevelop and renovate the station. Nearly a decade ago, Toronto and the federal and provincial governments launched a $640-million plan to expand, repair and revitalize the station. It went over budget, and now our view is going to cost in the neighbourhood of $800 million. It was supposed to be finished New deal in 2015. brings life to Now, it is expected to be done in 2017. To say the project’s progUnion Station ress has been painful is an understatement. It was hopeful news, then, when at the Jan. 4 Government Management Committee, councillors considered altering the lease with Osmington, the company that manages the leases in the public space of Union Station. The lease will see Osmington put another $37 million into the project to enhance the leasable public space, to turn the station into more of a destination. The deal seems like a good one: Toronto will pay for its portion of the redevelopment by forgoing the incremental revenue it would receive from the new spaces. In the end, the city projects it will still get more revenue than if the spaces were maintained as-is. The only money that the city would put up front is $500,000 for lawyers, to make sure the deal is, and stays, as good as it seems. We sincerely hope that it is. While it’s difficult to fault the city for the escalating costs of a project that is at once essential and a profound engineering challenge, it would be nice to cap this very tough job with a flourish to make it all look easy.

column

Budget chief Crawford not interested in tax increases It didn’t take long for the fundamental direction of Toronto’s budget to emerge this week. The Jan. 5 meeting of the budget committee had broken for lunch, after its first foray into the $11-billion worth of unfinished business that is the 2016 operating and capital budget. The budget, as has been noted, is unfinished by design. City finance staff made it clear in late 2015 that it is unable on its own to square maintaining existing services and adding the services that council approved last year, and also keeping the property tax increase below the rate of inflation. Staff, in fact, couldn’t even figure out how to balance the budget without the $67-million worth of enhancements approved by council and its agencies. The budget will require $23 million of, well, something to balance it without adding a lick of service.

david nickle the city Council has to figure its own way out of this. There are not really very many routes. Council could raise property taxes higher than inflation, or find some similar way to bring in extra cash. Or it could dig into other parts of the budget, either cutting services or trimming staff and resources, expecting more out of what remains. Or, it could simply refuse to fund some or all of the enhancements it supported through 2015. At least as far as the budget committee goes, it looks as though this last option is the one that we’re going to be looking at. Budget chair Gary Crawford spoke with reporters after a morning going over those options with staff, and immediately after council progressives

Joe Mihevc and Joe Cressey had made their pitches for versions of the first option. And he made it clear over the next month of budget hearings, he’s not going to have much time for tax increases and revenue tools. It’s going to all be about setting priorities, among those $67-million in enhancements, or as Crawford referred to them in scrums, the “wish list.” We’ll see how all that goes. I don’t recall any of the motions and reports approved at council last year including the term “wish list.” Council debated the poverty reduction strategy last year, for instance, and approved it in principle then sent it along to be funded. When council partially funded service enhancements at the Toronto Transit Commission in 2015, it didn’t represent the full roll-out of those increases as a “wish” for 2016. To be fair, it is always the

case that a government has to balance its aspirations with its means, and nothing is guaranteed. But council and Mayor John Tory ought to have considered affordability in the long term when they approved and promoted those things, during what may well be remembered as the feel-good honeymoon year after the 2014 election. That was the year when council supported a hugely expensive rebuild of the Gardiner Expressway, and when it approved paying premiums to have city road work finished early, and when it put its stamp of approval on all sorts of enhancements. This year is shaping up to be a little more sobering. To paraphrase Mick Jagger: you can’t always get what you thought you voted for.

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

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

YORK happening in

w Friday, Jan. 8

w Thursday, Jan. 21

Understanding Immigration Law WHEN: 6:30 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Maria A. Shchuka Library, 1745 Eglinton Ave. W. CONTACT: 416-394-1000 COST: Free Are you new to Canada? Are you looking for an overview of the legal aspects of immigration? Guest lawyer, Renatta Austin, will cover issues like: immigration options, citizenship, and sponsoring family members.

w Saturday, Jan. 9

The Stop’s Farmers’ Market WHEN: 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. WHERE: Artscape Wychwood Barns, 601 Christie St., Barn 4 CONTACT: www.thestop.org COST: Free The farmers' market amazes with its array of seasonal Ontario food, supporting local agriculture. Open Saturdays year-round.

w Monday, Jan. 11

HTML and CSS for Beginners WHEN: 7 to 8:30 p.m. WHERE:

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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 browsing and mouse skills.

w Saturday, Jan. 16

w Wednesday, Jan. 13

w Tuesday, Jan. 19

Day Trip - Casino Rama WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. WHERE: York West Active Living Centre, 1901 Weston Rd. CONTACT: Danna McBride, 416-245-4395, ext. 223, danna@ywalc.ca COST: $5 Departs from YWALC at 9 a.m. and at 3:45 p.m. from casino. Receive a $15 slot voucher. Sign up at the front desk.

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

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w Saturday, Jan. 30

featured event

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 aged five years old and under, and their caregivers. Daily

Euchre Game WHEN: 1 p.m. WHERE: Westmount Army & Navy Club, 41 Kingdom St. CONTACT: 416-249-5171 COST: $5 Euchre Game open to all ages. Drop-in. Make Your Own Book WHEN: 6 to 7 p.m. WHERE: Evelyn Gregory Library., 120 Trowell Ave., auditorium CONTACT: 416-3941006 COST: Free Celebrate family literacy month by making your own book. Younger children will require parental assistance. Space is limited. Call to register.

Book Binding WHEN: 2 to 3 p.m. WHERE: Mount Dennis Libary, 1123 Weston Rd., auditorium. CONTACT: 416-3941008 COST: Free Celebrate family literacy month – make your own book.

yorkguardian.com

food Toronto’s Best Greek

w Ongoing

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. 709 Army Cadets registration WHEN: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. WHERE: St Thomas Aquinas School, 636 Glenholme Ave. CONTACT: 647-966-7447, http://www.709cadets.ca COST: Free If you are between the ages of 12 to 15 and looking for fun, adventure, new challenges and making new friends then the 709 Toronto Signals Royal Canadian Army Cadets corps is for you.

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| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 7, 2016

community calendar

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 7, 2016 |

city hall

Join the discussion about Toronto’s 2016 Budget The preliminary 2016 tax supported budgets are being considered by the Budget Committee for recommendation to the Executive Committee and City Council. Review the preliminary 2016 Budget at: toronto.ca/council or toronto.ca/budget2016. User Fee Town Hall Meeting City Hall, Committee Room 2, January 11, 6 p.m.

Information session on the user fee policy and any proposed fee increases above inflation. No deputations. To participate in the 2016 Budget discussion: 1. Make a public presentation at one of the Budget Subcommittee meetings on January 12, 13 or 14, 2016. Register by email to buc@toronto.ca or call 416-392-4666 before 12 p.m. on Monday January 11. Indicate your choice of location, date and session number. Individuals may make only one presentation at any one of the sessions. City Hall Committee Room 1 100 Queen St. West January 12 Session 1: 9:30 a.m. Session 2: 6 p.m.

Etobicoke Civic Centre Council Chamber 399 The West Mall January 12 Session 1: 3 p.m. Session 2: 6 p.m.

Scarborough Civic Centre Council Chamber 150 Borough Drive January 13 Session 1: 3 p.m. Session 2: 6 p.m.

North York Civic Centre Council Chamber 5100 Yonge Street January 13 Session 1: 3 p.m. Session 2: 6 p.m.

East York Civic Centre Council Chamber 850 Coxwell Ave. January 14 Session 1: 3 p.m. Session 2: 6 p.m.

York Civic Centre Council Chamber 2700 Eglinton Avenue West January 14 Session 1: 3 p.m. Session 2: 6 p.m.

2. Send your written comments to the Budget Committee. Email: buc@toronto.ca. Fax: 416-392-1879, or Mail:Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W., 10 West,Toronto, ON M5H 2N2. Send to - Attention: Budget Committee 3. Send a letter or email to your local City Councillor. For contact information, please call 311,TTY: 416-338-0TTY (0889), email 311@toronto.ca or visit toronto.ca. Notice: If you write or make a presentation to the Budget Committee, the City will collect and use your personal information in accordance with applicable laws. We also videotape meetings and make recordings publicly available on request. More information about the collection and use of your personal information is available at: http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/privacy.htm.

Staff photo/DAVID NICKLE

Ward 2 Etobicoke North Councillor Rob Ford works at a committee meeting at Toronto City Hall on Monday. Ford said he is scheduled to start a new round of chemotherapy this Wednesday.

Rob Ford starts new round of chemotherapy DAVID NICKLE dnickle@insidetoronto.com Ward 2 Councillor Rob Ford was back at work at City Hall briefly on Monday, Jan. 4 — but he said he will likely be away recovering from a new round of chemotherapy next week. Ford was scheduled to start a fourth round of what he said his doctors call “the juice” yesterday, for a five day process that he expects will keep him from city hall for much of the rest of January. “After one round you have to wait three weeks to do another round,” said Ford at the end of the Monday meeting of the city’s Government Management Committee. “A round is five days in a row and then you have to wait at least three weeks or

a month before your next round. In between rounds of chemo, you’re literally bouncing off the walls. You can’t focus ... you want to vomit but nothing comes up ... you get chills. Chemo is the worst.” Ford is undergoing chemotherapy to deal with a new tumor that doctors found growing on his bladder in late 2015. That tumor follows what was a successful removal of a large tumor in his abdomen that itself had caused him to drop out of the 2014 mayoral race. Ford said he expects to have another MRI following this round, to see what effect the chemo has had on the tumor, but he said he has no clear sense of exactly when that will take place. However, he said that his oncology team seems pleased

“

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

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

7 | YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 7, 2016

community

Good day for a dip

ICE COLD: Above, participants dash into Lake Ontario during the 2016 Polar Bear Dip off the shores of Sunnyside Pavilion Park on New Year’s Day. The event was held as a fundraiser to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Since its inception in 2005, the Toronto Polar Bear Club has raised almost $300,000 for Habitat for Humanity Greater Toronto Area. Its participant numbers have grown since then, when the dip attracted 25 participants and raised $6,000. Now, hundreds participate annually, and this year, the organization raised approximately $40,000 by Dec. 31. At right, Emily Gallagher, left, and Melanie Silva capture the moment on camera, and below participants run back to the beach. Photos/PETER C. MCCUSKER

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Spectacular Stone Mansion Nestled On Sprawling Gated Lot!! Absolutely One-Of-A-Kind, Approximately 5000 sqft, This Grand 5 Bedroom Family Home Sits On Approximately ¾ Acres And Is Surrounded By Mature Trees. 221 ft Frontage Makes This Property Ideal For Potential Future Development With Many New Multi-Million Dollar Homes Already Built In The Area. Very Rare Opportunity – Must Be Seen!

SOLD FOR TOP DOLLAR!

RANCH BUNGALOW ON 2.88 ACRE LOT

RICHMOND HILL MASTERPIECE

Brand New Custom Home, Spectacular Brick & Stone, 4+1 Bedroom, 2 Storey, Situated on Premium 50 x 150 Ft. Lot on End of Cul-deSac, Premium Finishes, Quality Materials, Fantastic Layout, Over 5,600 Sq. Ft. of Living Space, Formal Dining Rm, Crown Mouldings, Coffered Ceilings, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Gourmet Kitchen, Quartz Counter, S/S Appliances, Bright Sunlit, Skylight, Master Bdrm Retreat, Professionally Finished Bsmt, Plus Much More!

SOLD FOR TOP DOLLAR!

ER ANOTH D L O S

ER ANOTH D L SO

Simply Spectacular Renovated Home, Huge Family Room Addition, 3+1 Bdrm, Gourmet Kitchen, Skylights, Formal Dining Rm, Incredible Professionally Finished Basement Ideal for Entertaining, Theatre, Stage, Wet Bar or In-Law Suite, Detached 8 Car Garage, Ideal for Contractor, Warehouse For Home Based Business, Access to Walking Trails, Close to Hwy and Amenities! Must be seen! Only $999,900!

HIGH PARK DUPLEX

Prime Location, Gorgeous Victorian 3+1 Bedroom 3 Storey, Separate Entrances, 2 Hydro Meters, 2 Sundecks, Balcony, Thousands in Upgrades and Updates, Private Drive, Fabulous Opportunity, Close to All Amenities! $1,085,000!

ER ANOTH D SOL

ER ANOTH SOLD

QUEEN/SPADINA Free Standing Building, Multi-Use Zoning Commercial, Retail & Residential 7,000 Sq Ft of Finished Space, Rear Addition, 3 Separate Entrances, Cold Storage Vault (Previous Fur Store) Roof Top Terrace, 3 Car Parking, Fantastic Opportunity & Location! $2,800,000!

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

HIGH PARK DETACHED

Gorgeous Original Wood, Filled With Character + Charm, 4+1 Bdrms, Large Living Room, Hardwood Floor, Highwood Baseboards +Trim, Solid Doors, Formal Dining Room, Separate Side Entrance, Spacious Backyard, Rare Private Drive, Garage, Amazing Value + Location, High Demand Neighbourhood! SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 112% OF ASKING!

PRIME NORTH YORK LOCATION

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

SOLD FAST FOR TOP DOLLAR!

ER ANOTH D SOL

LUXURY PALACE PIER

STONE & BRICK EXECUTIVE 2 STOREY!!

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

Absolutely Gorgeous Totally Renovated 4+1 Bedroom. Fabulous Open Concept Layout, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Huge Custom Kitchen With Quartz Counter, Centre Island, Stainless Steel Appliances, and Walkout To Deck. Master Bdrm With Full Ensuite & Walk-In Closet, Separate Side Entrance To Finished Basement In-Law Suite. Double Garage, Professionally Landscaped Lot, Large Veranda In Fantastic Location For Only $999,900!!

ER ANOTH D L SO

SOUGHT AFTER STREETSVILLE

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

JUNCTION DUPLEX!!

Amazing Detached 2 Storey Located In The Junction Triangle!! Very Well Maintained 3+1 Bedroom, Great Curb Appeal, Perfect Turnkey Investment Property, Can Easily Be Converted Back To A Large Single Family Home. Many Recent Updates. 2-Car Garage With B/I Storage. Finished Basement W/ Separate Entrance. Private Backyard! Incredible Opportunity – Won’t Last!! SOLD FOR TOP DOLLAR!

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Spacious 4+1 Bdrm 2 Storey Masterpiece With Premium Finishes. Exceptional Craftsmanship, Open Concept Layout, Crown Molding ,Pot lights, Hardwood Floors, Gourmet Kitchen, Granite Counter Tops, Marble Floor, S/S Appliances, Master Bdrm Retreat, Luxurious Ensuite, W/I Closet, Prof Finished Basement, Ideal For Entertaining Or Nanny Suite. Close to all amenities, Steps to Vaughan Mills, Transit, Go, School, Future Subway & Hospital. Simply Must be seen! Amazing Value! SOLD FOR TOP DOLLAR!

CABBAGETOWN LANDMARK

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

ER ANOTH S O LD

PRIME NORSEMAN HEIGHTS

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

ER ANOTH D L SO

NORSEMAN BUNGALOW

Solid 3 Bdrm Home on a Large Premium Lot with Approx. 50 Foot Frontage, Home in Original Condition, Huge Potential to Renovate/Rebuild, Great for Renovators/Contractors or Developers, Rare Lot in Prime Norseman Area! Super Value! SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 117% OF ASKING!

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

CENTRAL ETOBICOKE OPPORTUNITY!!

Detached Bungalow on Large 40x133ft fully fenced lot. Needs some TLC, Huge Potential for Renovators, Contractors or Investors. Updated Windows& Doors, Furnace & A/C, Electrical Panel. Huge Basement, 6 Car Parking, Super Value. SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 113% OF ASKING!

RIVER OAKS OAKVILLE

Fabulous Opportunity, Detached 3 Bedroom 2 Storey, Quality Built, Large Foyer, Oak Staircase, Large Kitchen, Ceramic Floor, Open Concept Living Room, Formal Dining Room, Walkout to Huge Deck, Large Yard, Master Bedroom, Walk In Closet, 4 Pce Ensuite, Garage, Private Drive, High Demand Neighbourhood! SOLD FAST FOR 100% OF ASKING!

HUGE PREMIUM PIE SHAPED LOT

LUXURY WATERFRONT CONDO!!

Spacious open concept suite with 10ft ceilings, modern kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances, Elegant Laminate Floors, Floor to ceiling Windows, Walkout to Gorgeous 370sqft Terrace with Views of Lake and Park. Fabulous Amenities and Steps to Transit, Must Be Seen Only $549,900!!

GEORGETOWN OPPORTUNITY!!

VELLORE VILLAGE 4+1 BDRM!!

Gorgeous 2-Storey Semi Detached With Walkout Bsmt Linked Only By Garage! Open Concept Living+Dining Rms, Spacious Eat-In Kitchen, Master Bedrm W/Full Ensuite & W/I Closet, Finished Basement With Spacious Rec Rm, Office, Kitchen & Bedrm, potential in-law suite. Landscaped Lot, Deck, Private Drive, Fabulous Neighbourhood, Steps To All Amenities! Incredible Value. SOLD FAST FOR 113% OF ASKING!

E ANOTH D L O S

DETACHED BUNGALOW

Immaculately Maintained, 3+1 Bedrooms, Open Concept Living Rm, Formal Dining, Updated Family Size Kitchen, Separate Side Entrance to Finished Bsmt Ideal for In-Law Suite, Huge Rec Room, 2nd Kitchen Situated on Spacious Lot, Garage, Private Drive. SOLD FAST FOR 104% OF ASKING!

ER ANOTH D SOL

Detached 3+1 Bedroom 2 Storey, Simply Fantastic Lot Professionally Landscaped Pattern Concrete Patio, Walkway & Driveway, Professionally Landscaped Garden, Custom Large Shed, Open Concept Living Room, Hardwood Floor, Family Size Kitchen, Walkout to Patio, Professionally Finished Bsmt, Close to Amenities! Only $549,900!

E ANOTH D L SO

BRAMPTON RANCH BUNGALOW

Stunning Home with Double Car Garage on a Large Lot Backing onto Park Near Bramalea City Centre, Renovated Top to Bottom including Brand New Kitchen and Main Bath, Professionally Finished Bsmt, New 24 x 12 Deck, Fabulous 32 x 16 Salt Water Heated Pool, Updated Roof/Windows/Furnace, Parks 8 Cars, Stunning Curb Appeal! Close to 410/Transit! SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 108% OF ASKING!

ER ANOTH D SOL

REMINGTON BUILT

Wonderful Family Neighborhood! Directly Across From Park. Detached 3 Bdrm Fernbrook Home On 54 x 120 Lot. Open Concept Living/Dining Room With Dark Laminate Flrs. Updated Kitchen with Walkout To Fully Fenced Backyard. Private Double Drive, Walking Distance To Schools/Shopping, Amazing Opportunity To Own! Must Be Seen! Only $485,900!!

Fabulous Freehold 3 Bedroom in Credit Valley Neighbourhood, Large Foyer, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, Open Concept Living & Dining Room, Granite Countertop, Stainless Steel Appliances in Family Size Kitchen, Walkout to Spacious Yard, 4 Bathrooms, Finished Basement, Simply Must be Seen! SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 100% OF ASKING!

OCEAN CLUB CONDOMINIUMS

AMAzING VALUE IN WESTON!! Bright And Charming 2-Storey Stacked Townhouse!! Very Well Maintained 2 Bedroom, 2 Bath, Perfect For First Time Buyers And Investors. Many Recent Updates. Includes Parking And Locker. Close To Transit. Shows Amazing And Priced To Sell, Only $249,900!

ISLINGTON/ QUEENSWAY Prime Etobicoke Location, Quiet Executive Townhome, 3 Bedrooms, Huge Living/Family Room, Formal Dining, Needs TLC, Amazing Value + Opportunity! SOLD IN 1 WK FOR 103% OF ASKING!

ER ANOTH D SOL

EXECUTIVE HOME

Rarely Available in Demand Complex Near Etobicoke Creek, Renovated Modern Kitchen, Formal Dining Room, Spacious Open Concept Living Room, Walk Out to Large Deck Overlooking Tranquil Greenspace, Professionally Finished Basement, Wet Bar & Rec Room Ideal for Entertaining, Master Bedroom Retreat, High Demand Location! Only $479,900!

MISSISSAUGA BUNGALOW!!

Spacious & Well Maintained 3+1 Bedroom SemiDetached Raised Bungalow!! Perfect For First Time Home Buyers And Large Families. Plenty Of Living Space, Separate Entrance To Finished Basement In-Law Suite, Large Backyard And Ample Parking. Close To Schools, Shopping & Transit. SOLD FAST FOR 113% OF ASKING

Brand New Luxurious Waterfront Resort Style Living, Fabulous 1+1 Bedroom Suite Loaded with Upgrades, Hardwood Floor, Built-in Appliances, Mirror Closet, Granite + Quartz Countertops, Large Balcony, Clear Gorgeous Views of Lake + Toronto Skyline, Amazing Value & Opportunity, Must Be Seen! Only $369,900!

$119,900 - 3 BEDROOM CONDO!!

Large Corner Suite Complete With 2 Bathrooms & 2 Parking Spots! Located On A Quiet Street Surrounded By Green Space, Many Upgrades Including Renovated Kitchen, Renovated Main Bath And 3 Piece Master Ensuite. In-Suite Laundry/ Storage, Spacious Master Bedroom, Living & Dining Rooms. Priced To Sell -- Must Be Seen!!

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.

| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 7, 2016

Home SellinG SyStem

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 7, 2016 |

community

Drone pizza delivery set to take off

It’s a boy!

Photo/WILLIAM MEIJER

Congrats: Carmela and Steve Mantia welcome their baby boy, Nolan, on New Year’s Day at Humber River Hospital at 2:30 a.m. weighing 3.3 kilos, which is a little seven pounds and four ounces.

Winter Feeding Helps Our Local Birds Survive

Locally Owned Proudly Canadian

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BUT SERIOUSLY recharged my batteries. Q. What should I say when they want to know what my best quality is when it comes to working for a company in this particular industry? Dmitry Drone, Dalegrove Crescent A. That you enjoy taking directions and always make sure to follow them to a T. Q. I know they’re going to want me to describe my longrange pizza delivery goals. What to do I tell them? Divinia Drone, Davisville Avenue A. Reply confidently, and without hesitation, that they’re very much up in the air. Q. The companies getting into this field are not exactly household names, probably not even in their own households. So what on earth am I supposed to say when they ask how I heard about them? Deepti Drone, Devonshire Place A. That you most certainly

didn’t hear it on earth. The correct answer? A little birdie told me. Q. I don’t want to be merely a pizza delivery drone. I want to be the first one ever in Toronto? Do you think that’s an unrealistic goal? Dominic Drone, Dufferin Street A. Absolutely not. What’s more, it’s a goal well worth pursuing according to legendary psychic Claire Voyant. Claire boldly predicts there will be considerable fringe benefits from being the initial one here. She says the lucky drone will be invited to appear on the Judge Judy show to sue the first-ever customer for failing to give it a tip. Judy will rule in its favour. The clip will go viral on YouTube leading the lucky drone to be invited to host Saturday Night Live the following week. After which it will be rumoured to be dating a Kardashian. 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

u O t t h g i N Contest

HAVE A NIGHT OUT ON US!

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

Sponsor or Exhibitor information, please contact RONIT WHITE at rwhite@metroland.com or 416-774-2247 BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

jamie wayne

Enter for your chance to WIN a $100 Ultimate Dining® Gift Card & 2 Cineplex® admission tickets! To enter the contest, visit insidetoronto.com/contests

3rd

E SAVATE!

There are those who believe this could be the year we’ll finally be able to get pizza delivered by drones. Sensing a market about to take off, I figured I’d do what I could to help interested drones, so I decided to contact the best person I know to give advice to prospective employees seeking a job. None other than my good friend HR (no, not her real name) who just happens to work in human relations (yes, her real profession). HR was kind enough to sift through mailbox queries from eager applicant drones to provide a helpful Q & A list. Q. What’s the best reason to give when I’m asked what made me choose this line of work? Darryl Drone, Dixon Road A. That it really gets your motor running. Q. What’s my response when they inquire as to why I picked this specific company out of all the others? Desiree Drone, Don Valley Drive A. Just the thought alone of being hired here automatically

LEARN. CONNECT. REJUVENATE.

A publication of

@MetrolandTO ®

Metroland Media Toronto

Public Meeting Notice

Project Update Davenport Diamond Grade Separation Metrolinx, an agency of the Province of Ontario, is working to transform the way the region moves. As part of plans to use GO rail corridors as the backbone of an electrified rapid transit network that connects communities and people through a reliable, frequent rail and light rail service, we are looking at ways to remove the Davenport Diamond rail-to-rail crossing to increase reliability and safety. Staff photo/BENJAMIN PRIEBE

Spreading holiday warmth Metroland Media Toronto staff Zoie Tassone, centre, Jesse Hayer, Monica Augustyniak, Anil Ramcharan and Nidhi Chopra cheer up Humber River Hospital patient Modeburn Twahiry, left, with presents of stuffed animals, as part of The York Guardian’s Beary Merry program, over the holidays.

Former naval officer ends career by helping students TAMARA SHEPHARD tshephard@insidetoronto.com Susan McLennan celebrated the last day of her Canadian naval career by paying it forward to her Dixon Grove Junior Middle School students. The now-retired chief petty officer, second class recently gifted grades 4 and 5 students in the school’s weaving club with nearly 900 milk bags donated by naval colleagues at her lakefront post, HMCS York, near Ontario Place. “It’s great to see them taking on civic responsibility and being citizens of the world,” she said of the students. Twice a week, students meet to cut the milk bags into strips,

weave them on a loom and make bed mats to donate to Sleeping Children Around the World. The Etobicoke-based registered charity helps children in developing countries get a good night’s sleep. McLennan has taught core French to Dixon Grove students since 2000, and heads the school’s annual Remembrance Day ceremony, for which she wears her naval uniform. She first learned of the milk bag project in The Guardian a few years ago. Then last year, MILKBAGSunlimited made a school presentation on how the durable, washable milk bag mats provide an alternative for children who otherwise sleep on the ground.

Project Update As a unique piece of rail infrastructure, options to remove the crossing have been reviewed and the public meeting focused on the feasibility or technical study outlining the community impacts of the options. This meeting builds on the feasibility report and provides an opportunity to view and provide feedback on the design work that has been completed to support Metrolinx’s commitment to design excellence and community building. Come and Learn More In preparation for the commencement of the Transit Project Assessment Process in January 2016, this meeting will include a presentation on preliminary design work on options to remove the crossing and provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions in advance of the start of the formal 30-day public consultation period. Date: Monday, January 18, 2016 Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Location: Davenport Perth Neighbourhood Centre* 1900 Davenport Road Toronto, Ontario * This location is accessible. Stay Connected All comments and feedback received will be documented and will help inform the Transit Project Assessment Process and the report that will be submitted to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change. Stay up-to-date on the project by connecting with Metrolinx by: • Visiting metrolinx.com/RERDavenport • Contacting us at RERDavenport@metrolinx.com and signing up for the electronic

project newsletter For more information or to be added to the mailing list, please contact: Davenport Diamond Grade Separation c/o Georgina Collymore Senior Advisor – Environmental Assessment Communications & Community Relations Tel: 416-202-4921 E-mail: RERDavenport@metrolinx.com Pour plus de renseignements, veuillez composer le 416 869-3200 or le 1 888 GET ON GO (438-6646). Metrolinx is working to provide residents and businesses in the GTHA with a transportation system that is modern, efficient and integrated. Find out more about Metrolinx's Regional Transportation Plan for the GTHA as well as GO Transit, PRESTO, and Union Pearson Express, divisions of Metrolinx, at www.metrolinx.com.

Courtesy photo

Retired Chief Petty Officer, Second Class Susan McLennan, right, Dixon Grove Junior Middle School’s core French teacher, presents nearly 900 milk bags to the weaving club with help from principal Neil Quimby.

| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 7, 2016

community

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 7, 2016 |

community

Interactive BE

WITH YOUR COMMUNITY SITE

Staff file photo/NICK PERRY

Lease renegotiation could add more retail, dining and cultural amenities to Union Station.

One-stop shopping at Union considered >>>from page 1 Toronto Real Estate Director Joe Casali. “Now it’s seen as a destination that could fuel the downtown.” Local councillor Pam McConnell was supportive of the plan to beef up the public space at the station. “This is a way that people can get their groceries on the way home, get their dinners,” McConnell said. “We

have very busy people here so we have to make it very easy. (Enhancing) this kind of central iconic place says to me we are proud of what we have at the City of Toronto.” Only Etobicoke North Councillor Rob Ford, back after enduring his third round of chemotherapy, voted against the plan. He said that he did so to be consistent, insisting that he had opposed the Union

Station redevelopment every step of the way and wouldn’t change his position even faced with an enhancement that seemed to cost Torontonians nothing. “I never voted for it,” he said. “It started off as a mess and I’m not going to be hypocritical and jump in and say it’s a good deal.” The lease renegotiation will be decided by Toronto council at its meeting on Feb. 4.

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Centre has seen increase in seniors using service >>>from page 1 are steadily increasing from about 65 to 100 people daily. In a recently released study, the University of Guelph Food Institute predicted food inflation rates to hit anywhere between two to four per cent across Canada, exceeding the general inflation rate. This, after a year in which food prices in grocery stores rose by 4.1 per cent. “In dollar terms, we can anticipate based on historical data, the average Canadian household will spend $8,631 on food, of which $2,416 will be outside the household (restaurants),” stated the study. “This means our forecast predicts the average household could spend up to $345 more on food in 2016.” For most people in Toronto, this expenditure is frustrating, but will likely only take a small bite out of their income. However, those on fixed incomes will feel the brunt of these increases. Weston resident Carl Tebo, who prefers only to go by his first name, is one of those people. He was more than happy to chat on a bitterly cold early January afternoon at the Weston King Neighbourhood

Staff photo

Daisy Burns works in the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre food bank on Monday. Increased food prices are having an affect on those in need in Weston. Centre. “The impact is dramatic,” he said. “I’ll eat fewer meals at home, more at places like these.” Drop-in centres, like Weston’s, ensures that Tebo and those like him don’t go hungry – “that’s number one,” he said. “And, I shouldn’t have to. I shouldn’t have to miss

meals because I can’t afford them. I shouldn’t have to eat unhealthy food, full of carbs and fats.” Weston King’s menu, Tebo said, is varied. “There are days that are better than others, but the demand is great and their budget is small,” he said. “They do perform miracles

with the relatively small budget that they do have. I commend them for that.” Tebo relies on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). He said he took his January payment that arrived in December and went to No Frills where he was only able to purchase three days’ worth of meat. “That’s all I’d have for the month if it wasn’t for this place,” he said. Tebo’s monthly ODSP income is $600, an amount he said he could spend in a week at the grocery store when he was working. The Weston King Neighbourhood Centre has seen the largest increase in the number of seniors who are now feeling the pinch more than ever – because they are on a fixed income, Theobald said. “It’s sad,” he said. Distribution centres, like the Daily Bread Food Bank, are hit double in situations like these, its executive director Gail Nyberg said. “First, we’ll see an increase in member agencies because people are being pushed to the edge. As prices increase, we’ll see the need

increase,” she said. On top of that, much of Daily Bread’s food is purchased and prices on such items as rice, beans, and lentils will increase, Nyberg pointed out. “Our buyers’ dollar shrinks as their need grows,” she said. Not only is it crucial to donate to the Daily Bread Food Bank during non-holiday periods, it is important that we look at the way we store food, Nyberg said. For example, vegetables will keep much longer if they are washed and trimmed and wrapped properly. “I read a report that people like me throw out in excess of $1,000 worth of food a year. We need to do better as a society,” she said. W h a t t h e We s t o n K i n g Neighbourhood Centre is lacking is fruits, vegetables and dairy. Produce can be donated to the centre as well as cash. “In the long run, what’s really needed are policy changes,” Theobald said. “People on fixed incomes have been living at the same levels for years.”

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

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

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Make super baby food Helping children with IBD thrive in the classroom A below-the belt-guide for girls

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| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 7, 2016

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YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, January 7, 2016 |

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Mortgages/Loans

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Mortgages/Loans

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Legal Services

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Articles Wanted

ANTIQUES

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Flooring & Carpeting

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Appliance Repairs/ Installation

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Classifieds

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Travel & Vacations

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Home Improvement