Serving WESTON, MOUNT DENNIS, OAKWOOD-VAUGHAN, EGLINTON WEST and CALEDONIA-FAIRBANK
thurs jan 10, 2013
Bell tolls for local church
www.yorkguardian.com
snow fun
Westminster United to close ‘with a flourish’ FANNIE SUNSHINE fsunshine@insidetoronto.com
A church that can trace its origins back more than 150 years is shutting its doors come spring. With deep regret, Westminster United Church will hold its last service June 16 at 69 William St., said life-long member Mary Louise Ashbourne. “Membership has been dropping,” she said. “There comes a time where you have to think seriously of the viable number of congregants attending Sundays. We need a number of people to not just sit in pews but to do things. The church is largely run on a volunteer basis. The numbers just aren’t growing.” After meeting with the congregation, it was decided in October to close the church for good instead of merging with another, she said. “It didn’t seem like a viable thing,” Ashbourne said of a possible merge. “As for the building itself, the plan is to sell it or have another church congregation willing to buy it.” Ashbourne, a third-generation member, said she feels sad about the end of Westminster United Church, but realistically understands the need for the decision. “We’re not unique, so many are facing the same situation,” she said. “We were a viable congregation and >>>congregation, page 5
Staff photo/Nick Perry
sledding sisters: Sisters Ava and Lily-Rose Barkas toboggan on a hill at Cedarvale Park Saturday afternoon.
‘Big changes’ in store for West Park Healthcare Centre HILARY CATON hcaton@insidetoronto.com West Park Healthcare Centre will be hosting a public meeting regarding its expansion project Monday, Jan. 14 at 6:30 p.m.
“There are big changes happening from the original application,” said York South-Weston Councillor Frances Nunziata, who will be in attendance. “We want the community to know there are changes from the
first phase, so when construction starts people will be aware.” Also on the agenda is a discussion about new signage for the West Park hospital that will help direct residents to the health care centre.
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“West Park hospital is a real jewel, but the problem is it’s hidden,” said Nunziata. “So, we’re finally getting a visual of where it is (with the new signage).” >>>west, page 2