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inside ACORN, politicians crack down on pay day loan sites / 3

City deal with CUPE phases out ‘jobs for life’ / 4

Crosstown backup generator concerns residents

RAHUL GUPTA rgupta@insidetoronto.com

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Residents remain sceptical of Metrolinx’s plans to build a backup generator for the Eglinton Crosstown LRT powered by natural gas. The provincial transit planning agency said the generator, to be located at the planned Mount Dennis LRT light rail maintenance and storage facility site on the former Kodak lands, would only be operated to provide reserve power for the Crosstown a maximum of five to 10 days a year – typically hot summer days when power consumption is at its highest – for a few hours each time. Despite assurances from Metrolinx, several residents at a public meeting at the York Civic Centre Monday said they weren’t ready to sign off on the project. “I have to be convinced, and I think most of the residents who live in this community would say the same,” said Al Farrington of Weston to Metrolinx representative Jamie Robinson. “I am not convinced what you have told us tonight about power generation is in fact true.” >>>natural, page 11

Staff photo/ANDREW PALAMARCHUK

Ujima House community facilitator Zakiya Tafari, left, and interim managing director Jason Johnson lead Ujima House’s strategy to help fathers.

Ujima House makes family its focus Organization offers free parenting programs for dads

ANDREW PALAMARCHUK apalamarchuk@insidetoronto.com Every child should have an active father, and a York group wants to make that happen.

Ujima House, at 1901 Weston Rd., runs free parenting programs for dads and is Canada’s first father-focused family centre. Founded in 2011, the orga-

nization works primarily with young dads who are new to parenting and who may not have had an active father in their lives. >>>swahili, page 7

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 3, 2016 |

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

IN THIS ISSUE

Useful gifts for new parents Build better bones Fortify your child against Osteoporosis Spring forward, stay sane: dealing with daylight savings March Break Events + MORE

Planning a party? Check out City Parent’s new online party planner at cityparent.com

community

For Youth Initiative seeks advisors York-based For Youth Initiative (FYI) is seeking young people between the ages of 13 to 29 to be a voice in its program development. The non-profit organization has issued a call out for members to join its Youth Engagement Advisory (YEA) Committee. The committee will be an advisory group to FYI staff, board of directors, and community partners on challenges that affect youth in the community.

The committee is open to current FYI program participants or to those who have participated for at least six months in the past. Potential committee members must be available for bi-monthly meetings, and be available for one-on-one meetings with fellow YEA members and FYI staff. FYI is at 1652 Keele St.,The organization formed in 1995 as a community space for recreational activities for youth

MARCH BREAK PROGRAMS Activities for school-age kids and teens. Check out these free programs and many more at your local library branch.

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Saturday, March 12, 2 pm Amesbury Park Branch 1565 Lawrence Ave. West

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and has grown into a multiservice agency that offers programs to thousands of young people living across Toronto. Its programs include settlement services that support newcomer youth, violence prevention programs supporting youth involved in the criminal justice system and youth leadership programs. The application deadline is Friday, March 4. For details and to apply, visit ow.ly/YHHpk

Tuesday, March 15, 2 pm Evelyn Gregory Branch 2 Elmbrook Cres.

Thursday, March 17, 2 pm Oakwood Village Library & Arts Centre 341 Oakwood Ave.

Reptilia Would you like to meet an alligator? Reptilia features “Mister Toothy” along with a tortoise, lizards, and of course, SNAKES! For all ages. Friday, March 18, 2 pm Weston Branch 2 King St.

Arms Length Puppets present The Spider Prince Prince Harry, who discovers Mizard the Wizard’s greediness for the king’s gold, is transformed into a spider and depends on Princess Margaret and the children in the audience to save him. To register, call 416-394-1000. For all ages. Wednesday, March 16, 2 pm Maria A. Shchuka Branch 1745 Eglinton Ave. West

Space is limited and for some locations tickets may be required for admission. Tickets are free and can be picked up at the branch.

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Bidding Goodwill goodbye TARA HATHERLY thatherly@insidetoronto.com Goodwill Industr ies of Toronto, Eastern, Central a n d No r t h e r n O n t a r i o (Goodwill TECNO) will not restructure and reopen, CEO Keiko Nakamura announced Monday, along with her resignation. On Feb. 8, Nakamura announced Goodwill TECNO had filed for bankruptcy in the hopes of restructuring and reopening some stores. In the Feb. 29 statement, she said the defunct company is too deep in debt to claw its way out. “After an exhaustive analysis and search for investors, I have concluded that there is no viable option that allows the organization to reemerge from the bankruptcy process,” she said. “A revival plan to reopen profitable stores, although feasible, cannot be achieved without significant financial investment. The present lack of security for a loan is an untenable risk for potential investors.” Along with investor hesitation, she cited debt, lack of assets and “the challenges in meeting expectations of a unionized workforce” as barriers to restructuring. A lack of assets meant borrowing rates were too high for the organization to get the funds needed

LISA RAINFORD lrainford@insidetoronto.com

Staff file photo/DAN PEARCE

Keiko Nakamura, CEO of Goodwill Industries of Toronto, Eastern, Central and Northern Ontario makes a statement to the media in January regarding the closing of 16 stores, 10 donation centres, and two offices, leaving hundreds of workers suddenly without a job.

to restructure, she said, adding Goodwill Industries International’s decision to cut ties with Goodwill TECNO was another factor scaring away potential investors and donors. Several of Goodwill TECNO’s leases have already been terminated by property owners, further adding to the difficulty of reopening, she noted. The organization is $6 million in debt, she shared, $4.2 million of which is owed to former employees for vacation and severance pay. The

bankruptcy trustee, Pollard and Associates Inc., held a meeting on the weekend for creditors. Nakamura announced her resignation along with the news the bankruptcy process would proceed. She said she has been assisting the bankruptcy trustee on a volunteer basis since Feb. 7 and will continue to do so.. She expressed gratitude to former staff who helped work on a restructuring plan and to Team Renew the Good, a group of former employees

who came together to support some of their most vulnerable colleagues by raising emergency funds and offering job search and emotional support. She also thanked advisors who volunteered time and expertise “to help me exhaust all avenues before reaching this conclusion.” Goodwill TECNO’s 16 stores, 10 donation centres and two offices in Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Newmarket, Barrie, Orillia, and Brockville closed Jan. 16.

City’s fraud and waste hotline exposes big losses: report DAVID NICKLE dnickle@insidetoronto.com City employees have been caught faking their time sheets, cheating on their benefit claims and using city resources to work on a second job, according to the Toronto Auditor General’s annual report on Toronto’s Fraud and Waste Hotline. The hotline is a way for employees and members of the public to alert the Auditor General’s office about inefficiencies and corruption in the civil service. In 2015, the office received 572 complaints with a total of 800 allegations – the lowest number since 2007, and 17 per cent less than in 2014. But the Auditor General’s office was only able to inves-

ACORN, Nunziata call on government to limit predatory lenders

Staff file photo/NICK PERRY

The city’s Auditor General is investigating fraud committed by Toronto employees.

tigate or refer 233 of those complaints. And of those, only a quarter have so far been substantiated. In total, the Auditor General has so far been able to quantify actual losses to the city at $209,000, but that number is expected to rise as

more of the complaints are investigated through 2016. So far, the city has been able to recover just $1,800. In one case, a now-former city employee allegedly made a series of fraudulent health care claims, totalling $23,000. The employee was fired and is under police investigation, the report said. A group of former employees have been fired for allegedly submitting fraudulent extended health care benefits over several years, costing about $102,000. The employees were fired and are facing criminal charges, the Auditor General’s report said. Anonymous complaints revealed that an employee was allegedly conducting personal business on city time and with city resources.

The employee was fired, the report said. The hotline also exposed three members of the public who’d allegedly fraudulently claimed subsidies: to the tune of $89,000, $16,000 and $55,000 each. Employee time theft was also flagged in the Auditor General’s report, and one worker was fired for not completing their full shifts, but saying they had. In total the city lost $40,000 for 800 hours of time theft. Another person is alleged to have fraudulently claimed 44 days of jury duty while the court was in recess, costing the city $11,000. The report also notes the city lost about $700,000 buying incorrect software licenses.

York South-Weston Councillor Frances Nunziata admitted she has been a victim of a predatory pay day lending company when her house was burglarized a few years ago. The alleged thief made off with her jewelry and a police officer told her if she went to the local pay day lender she would likely find her stolen pieces there, she said. That’s because these establishments also serve as pawn shops, Nunziata pointed out. “It’s always been a concern with residents the number of pay day loan centres opening up in the area,” she told The Guardian. “They target the most vulnerable. Every block has about two to three.” The Ward 11 councillor, who has been working on combating the issue for several years, was one of a number of special guests at an ACORN (Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now) Canada-hosted fair banking forum in Weston on Saturday afternoon. As many as 80 people attended the event at the Weston King Neighbourhood Centre, as did York South-Weston MP Ahmed Hussen and MPP Laura Albanese. ACORN’s campaign is calling on the government to limit the number of predatory lenders – companies that lend its customers small amounts of money at high interest rates with the agreement that the loan will be repaid when the borrower receives his or her

next pay cheque. These such businesses include, cash-forgold and rent-to-own furniture stores, among others, pointed out ACORN leader Donna Borden. “These companies are very aggressive,” she said. ACORN has been working alongside Nunziata and her colleague, Toronto CentreRosedale Councillor Kristen Wong-Tam, on a motion that is expected to go to Toronto City Council this month that would create a bylaw to prohibit pay day lending companies from opening up so close to each other. “Right now in one block, you can have two to three,” Nunziata said. “They are not regulated or licensed.” The councillor is encouraging her constituents to attend the council meeting to make deputations, she said. Nunziata said she’s received support from both Hussen and Albanese. “Whatever the city does, we need support from the federal and provincial governments,” Nunziata said, adding she is working to ensure pay day lenders are licensed. “This is an issue in Weston-Mount Dennis.” Borden herself said ACORN is “very, very excited” about the possibility of a ‘minimum distance separation bylaw.’ “It would limit these organizations from opening up in close proximity,” she said. “People have gone bankrupt because they’ve taken out up to 10 pay day loans.” To find out more, visit www.acorncanada.org

Courtesy photo

Toronto Centre-Rosedale Councillor Kristen Wong-Tam speaks at Toronto ACORN’s Fair Banking Forum at Weston King Neighbourhood Centre Saturday.

| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 3, 2016

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YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 3, 2016 |

opinion Dana Robbins John Willems Georgia Balogiannis Cheryl Phillips Braden Simmonds Mike Banville

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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City correct to regulate use of chewing tobacco

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anning chewing tobacco in public spaces, arenas and sports fields should be a piece of cake. Given Toronto’s history dealing with tobacco regulation, it’s more likely to be a gooey lump of chaw. Chaw is one of the terms for so-called smokeless tobacco products. Historically popular in the American south and midwest, the product also known as chew, grizzly, skoal and snuff has been spreading in at least visibility thanks to its popularity among professional and semi-professional athletes – in particular, baseball players. The use of the product is extremely unhealthy. It might not get into the lungs, but it’s just as addictive as cigarettes and pipes and it’s associated with mouth, esophageal and pancreatic cancers, gum disease, and heart disease and stroke. Its use is on the rise among young people. In it’s used by six per cent our view Ontario, of students in grades 7 to 12, or 58,200 students (that according Survey finds to the 2015 Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey). That’s up use on the from 4.6 per cent in 2011. The rate is lower for Toronto rise in youth students – the increase is just three per cent here. But without a doubt, the power professional athletes exert as role models is an influence, and a bad one in this case, on any young person. This week, Toronto Board of Health Chair Joe Mihevc announced he’ll be asking the chief medical officer of health to draft a bylaw that would restrict the use of chewing tobacco from city facilities and public venues such as arenas and sports fields – including the Rogers Centre where the Toronto Blue Jays play. Council ought to approve the bylaw when it comes forward, as a matter of responsible stewardship, just as it has approved ground-breaking bylaws preventing smoking in bars and restaurants and bingo halls. Critics might argue a bylaw in this case would differ from one restricting cigarette smoking: there is no issue of second-hand smoke affecting the health of non-smokers. This may be so but it doesn’t mean there’s no second-hand influence. And the influence of celebrity athletes, casually gumming a wad of toxins, is demonstrable and needs to be stopped.

@YorkGuardian

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.

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Union’s ‘job for life’ being phased out Toronto council won a significant victory in its negotiations with the city’s outside workers – no question. Forget about the less costly benefit plan and the meagre pay increases that CUPE Local 416 agreed to. That’s just money. The big, champagnecork-popping win is on something more fundamental. Now that this contract is signed, it won’t be long before Toronto can shed itself of a significant number of unionized garbage collectors by putting out a tender call, having a couple of meetings and contracting out garbage collection in most and eventually all of the city. Conservative members of council and former mayors have been hoping to contract out garbage collection since amalgamation, when former Etobicoke mayor and west-end councillor Doug Holyday came extolling the virtues of old Etobicoke’s contracted-out garbage

david nickle the city collection. Etobians were very happy, thank you very much, with their contractor-delivered household garbage collection. The trucks came on time, picked up the garbage, and if there was ever a problem between the drivers and the owners, well that was their problem. Etobicoke was strike proof. Not so the rest of Toronto. In North York, Scarborough, East York and York and Toronto, city worker strikes meant that garbage moldered in garages and backyards until it got rank enough to heap in city parks and surface lots. CUPE Local 416, the union representing garbage workers, had real leverage at the bargaining table because of that. Former councillor Jane Pitfield put it most nakedly when in the

run-up to her failed 2006 mayoral campaign, she told reporters that she thought it was time to “phase out” unions. Toronto’s outside workers have agreed to something like it, after they ratified the provision in the contract that phased out what another former councillor and deputy mayor Case Ootes dubbed “jobs for life.” That was a provision that former mayor Mel Lastman’s administration agreed to, that prevented the city from replacing workers with more than 15 years seniority in the event their position was contracted out. That provision has been the single barrier to the contracting out of garbage collection citywide. It’s why even uber-conservative mayor Rob Ford could only contract out half the city. It’s why a strike in warm weather would still be a political nightmare for councillors and mayors who want to get re-elected

in wards east of Yonge Street. It’s why CUPE Local 416, whose membership is less than a quarter that of the city’s inside workers’ union CUPE Local 79, has real power in a collective bargaining session. That power hasn’t been removed, but it is, as Pitfield put it, being phased out. In 2019, the final outside worker will cross the line into an inaccurately named “job for life.” He or she will enjoy another decade or two of job protection. The rest of the city’s workers will serve at the pleasure of Toronto council, and the jobs that they have will be as good as Toronto council deems to be their due. No doubt about it. In love, war and contract negotiations, to the victors go the spoils.

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

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Caledonia GO Station The Project

Metrolinx, an agency of the Province of Ontario, has completed an Environmental Project Report (EPR) in accordance with Ontario Regulation 231/08 for the Caledonia GO Station. The new GO Station will be located on the Barrie rail corridor in the City of Toronto and will be integrated with the future Eglinton Crosstown Light Rail Transit (ECLRT) Station at Eglinton Avenue West and Croham Road (west of Caledonia Road), adding regional connectivity to the ECLRT and the Toronto Transit Commission bus network. The Process The environmental impacts of this transit project were assessed and an EPR prepared according to the Transit Project Assessment Process (TPAP) as prescribed in Ontario Regulation 231/08, Transit Projects and Metrolinx Undertakings. The EPR for Caledonia GO Station is now available for a 30-day review period starting February 25, 2016 online at www.metrolinx.com/CaledoniaGO and at the following locations: Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Environmental Approvals Branch 135 St. Clair Avenue West, 1st Floor, Toronto, ON M4V 1P4 tel: 416-314-8001 toll-free: 1-800-461-6290 fax: 416-314-8452 Metrolinx Crosstown Community Office 1848 Eglinton Avenue West (at Dufferin Street) Toronto, ON M6E 2J4 tel.: 416-782-8118 Metrolinx Head Office 97 Front Street – Reception Toronto, ON M5J 1E6 tel: 416-874-5900

Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Toronto District Office Place Nouveau, 9th Floor 5775 Yonge Street, Toronto, ON M2M 4J1 tel: 416-326-6700 fax: 416-325-6345 Maria A. Shchuka Library 1747 Eglinton Avenue West Toronto, ON M6E 2H4 tel: 416-394-1000 Evelyn Gregory Public Library 120 Trowell Avenue Toronto, ON M6M 1L7 tel: 416-394-1006

Interested persons are encouraged to review this document and provide comments by March 28, 2016, to the contact below: Caledonia GO Station Project c/o Georgina Collymore Senior Advisor – Environmental Assessment Communications & Community Relations 20 Bay Street, Suite 600, Toronto, ON M5J 2W3 tel: 416-202-4921 e-mail: CaledoniaGOstation@metrolinx.com Minister of the Environment and Climate Change Review There are circumstances where the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change (Minister) has the authority to require further consideration of the transit project, or impose conditions on it. These include if the Minister is of the opinion that: •The transit project may have a negative impact on a matter of provincial importance that relates to the natural environment or has cultural heritage value or interest, or •The transit project may have a negative impact on a constitutionally protected Aboriginal or treaty right. Before exercising the authority referred to above, the Minister is required to consider any written objections to the transit project that he or she may receive within 30 days after the Notice of Completion of the EPR is first published. If you have discussed your issues with Metrolinx and object to this transit project, a written submission can be made to the Minister no later than March 28, 2016 to the address provided below. All submissions must clearly indicate that an objection is being submitted and describe any negative impacts to matters of provincial importance (natural/cultural environment) or Aboriginal rights. Objections must be received within 30 days after the Notice of Completion of the EPR is first published. Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change Environmental Approvals Branch Attention: Adam Sanzo, Project Officer 135 St. Clair Avenue West, 1st Floor, Toronto, ON M4V 1P4 tel: 416-314-8001 / 1-800-461-6290 fax: 416-314-8452 e-mail: EAABGen@ontario.ca If not already provided, a copy of the objection will be forwarded to the proponent by the Ministry. All personal information included in a submission – such as name, address, telephone number and property location – is collected, maintained and disclosed by the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change for the purpose of transparency and consultation. The information is collected under the authority of the Environmental Assessment Act or is collected and maintained for the purpose of creating a record that is available to the general public as described in s. 37 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Personal information you submit will become part of a public record that is available to the general public unless you request that your personal information remain confidential. For more information, please contact the Project Officer or the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change Freedom of Information and Privacy Coordinator at 416-327-1434. This Notice first issued on February 25, 2016. Pour plus de renseignements, veuillez composer le 416 874-5900 ou le 1 888 GET-ON-GO (438-6646).

| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 3, 2016

Notice of Completion of Environmental Project Report

community

Council takes bumps out of Oakwood CYNTHIA REASON creason@insidetoronto.com

On the other side of the debate, bump-out proponents alleged the online survey took into account more than 250 duplicate responses from just a handful of respondents, skewing its results. Alexis Dawson, a 19-year resident of Oakwood Village, who serves as both a director on the Oakwood Village Community Association board and as a Toronto District School Board representative for Rawlinson Community School, expressed her concern with the lack of transparency with the online survey.

Etobicoke York Community Council voted to proceed with plans to resurface and revitalize Oakwood Avenue in Ward 17 without installing contentious curb extensions, also known as “bump outs”, that would have narrowed the street. A two-hour debate on the matter Feb. 23 had residents on both sides of the issue crying foul over community consultation and online survey processes they allege lacked transparency and fairness. On the one side, anti-bump-out residents alleged an online poll on the matter contained language that was biased towards the curb extensions, and one of the community meetings on the matter was lead, in part, by a city staffer who lives in the area and who vocally supported the bump-outs. “It struck me that having a staff person in favour of the (bump out) option that was being presented to the public was a conflict of interest,” Oakwood Avenue resident Margaret Smith, who is opposed to bump outs, said in her deputation.

‘absolute outrage’ “The results of the community survey clearly show that 69 per cent of respondents are in favour of bump outs,” she said. “However, Transportation Services used the raw survey data as the basis for their recommendation, and in that raw survey data, 257 of the 840 responses were duplicate responses from three IP addresses and a single device. These 257 responses were all opposed to bump outs...This is an absolute outrage.” Residents in favour of the bump

outs argued their installation would help slow traffic on the busy section of Oakwood Avenue between Earlsdale and St. Clair avenues and increase safety for students crossing over to get to Rawlinson Community School. Residents opposed to the proposed curb extensions, meanwhile, argued they would needlessly bottleneck traffic and take away from valuable parking spots on the street. In the end, local councillor Cesar Palacio opted to heed Transportation Services recommendations to move ahead with the resurfacing of Oakwood Avenue between St. Clair Avenue West and Rogers Road, without the addition of curb extensions. A number of steps will be taken to address residents’ concerns for the consultation process and the revitalization project. York West Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti added to that a motion calling on the city manager and assistant auditor general to “review the process related to the survey of area residents that was undertaken on this project, specifically as it relates to the role of city staff who live in the subject area.”

Winter Feeding Helps Our Local Birds Survive

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YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 3, 2016 |

Staff photo/BENJAMIN PRIEBE

You’re on camera: Matthew Reid, program co-ordinator at Frontlines Toronto, takes a selfie with a crowd during a Black History Month presentation at the Weston Road-based organization last Friday. The event included a number of guest presenters.

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Search for the source of that cold

history in the making

Photo/ALLEN AGOSTINO

reason to celebrate: Liberal MP Ahmed Hussein (York South-Weston) makes his address during the Black History Month celebration held recently at the Malvern Family Resource Centre.

Swahili word supports mission >>>from page 1 The group’s youngest client was just 15 when he enrolled in its programs. “Whenever you’d hear about shootings, youth violence, youth dropout rates, a lot of times you’d hear these kids don’t have active fathers,” said managing director Zakiya Tafari, a former youth worker. “Our real goal is creating a generational impact, so having children have healthy fathers in their lives, whether those fathers are with mom or not.” Ujima is a Swahili word that means collective work and responsibility, which is one of the group’s guiding principles. “Holding onto African culture is something that’s important to us,” Tafari said. “We took on a name that shows that the role that we play is part of a bigger collective in terms of working with families, working with communities.” Tafari also hopes to ingrain a sense of purpose in young dads. “We get them to understand the importance of the parent-

ing piece and let that be the driving force in terms of all the other supports that they may need ... whether it’s financial literacy, education, housing, employment.” Community facilitator Jason Johnson said the programs aren’t meant to just give over content. “It’s a matter of introducing ideas that fathers may not have thought about,” he said, noting topics such as children’s health needs at different stages of development and effective communication and discipline techniques are addressed. Programs usually run eight to 10 weeks and are held seasonally. And not all are exclusive to dads. A games night is held on alternating Fridays for the entire family. “We really want to get people back to those old times: sit down, play board games, have snacks, meet other people,” Tafari said. The organization also provides one-on-one consultation and coaching. “We serve a wide range

of fathers, from single dads, dads who are having challenges accessing their kids or dads who are involved in healthy families but parenting is new to them,” Tafari said. In addition to programs, Ujima House provides space for supervised access visits. For more information call 416916-2512.

obody ever passes on a cold apparently. It seems quite a few people I have run into lately have come down with a nasty cold. Their stories all have a familiar ring to them, too. They claim they know exactly how they got it: from somebody else. By all accounts none of them have ever passed one on themselves. Nobody ever admits to that. Everybody portrays themselves as unfortunate recipients. Well, I wanted to test that common theory out once and for all. So I asked a co-worker, Tiff, who was so hoarse you could barely hear her. She said she caught her cold after buying some pizza in the food court the other day. I decided to go for a slice and lo and behold the guy there was hacking away. “That’s some cough, man,” I said. “Tell me about it,” he said, reaching for a handkerchief. “With pleasure,” I reiterated. “That’s some cough, man. He groaned. “When some-

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BUT SERIOUSLY body says, ‘tell me about it,’ you’re not supposed to actually repeat it, funny boy,” he said reaching for another hanky. “Tell me about it,” I said. He groaned again. Who would have guessed this would turn into such a fun mission? “I hope you don’t mind me asking, “ I queried. “Where did you get the nasty cold from anyhow?” “The lady in the express checkout at the grocery store downstairs,” he replied. I made a beeline for aisle 12 and put through a few items and sure enough she was coughing up a storm. “That’s some cough, lady,” I said. “I got it at the cleaners when I picked up my shirts,” she moaned. It was more of the same at the cleaners. The guy at the cash register claimed his cold came courtesy of the couple who run the lottery kiosk. So I headed straight there and

when I stepped up to the counter they were sneezing in stereo. And Dolby. “Don’t blame us,” they said in unison. “We got it from our twins.” That’s how the investigation went. The twins got it from their teacher, who got it from the stylist at the salon, who got it from the attendant at the movie theatre, who got it from the pizza cashier. And so on. Hold on. There’s that pizza guy again. You don’t think it really could have been him who started it all? I had to know for sure. So I went back. “That’s some cough, man,” I said. “Tell me about it,” he said, looking me squarely in the eyes. I could tell he knew it was me, so I wisely held off on giving my usual response. “Uh, thanks for the very generous offer,” I replied. “But if it’s all the same to you, I think I’d rather pass on that.” 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

Real Estate

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community

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 3, 2016 |

Frank Leo

Guaranteed OPULENT KiNGSWAY RESiDENCE

Backing Onto Humber River, Premium 350 Ft. Lot, Landscaped Resort Like Oasis, Inground Pool, Cabana, Patio, Amazing Views, Stately Renovated 5 Bedroom 2 Storey, 6 Bathrooms, Exudes Charm, Character & Luxury. Crown Mouldings, Heated Floors, Formal Dining Room, Gourmet Kitchen, Finished Bsmt, Nanny Suite, Master Bedroom Retreat, Walkout to Spectacular Balcony, Elegance Personified, Steps to Amenities & Subway! $3,390,000!

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Stunning Large 2.5 Storey Home with Addition, Steps to Howard P.S., High Park and Subway/GO. Sought After Location, 3 Gorgeous Self Contained Units, Each with Own Laundry and Multiple Decks/Balconies. Detached 2 Car Block Garage, Turnkey Property with Many Upgrades, Use as Single Family or Investment. $1,199,000!

ER ANOTH D SOL

ER ANOTH D L SO

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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!

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ER ANOTH D L SO

BATHURST AND CENTRE

Wiltshire High Demand Location & Neighbourhood Executive Detached Luxury 4+1 Bdrm 2 Storey Plus Finished Bsmt Ideal for In-Law/ Nanny Suite, Marble Foyer, Custom Kitchen, Granite Countertop, S/S Appliances, Interlock Drive, Large Landscaped Lot, Patio, Double Garage, Plus Much More! SOLD IN 1 Wk FOR 129% OF ASkING!

WYCLiFFE ExECUTivE 2 STOREY

Detached Stunning 4 Bedroom with Fantastic Sunroom Addition, Skylights, Gas Fireplace, Renovated Custom Kitchen, Granite Countertop, Main Floor Family Room, Den, Professionally Finished Basement, Large Lot, Interlock Drive, Great Court Location! Amazing Value! SOLD IN 1 WEEk FOR 116% OF ASkING!

ER ANOTH D L SO

HiGH PARK DETACHED

HiGH PARK iNvESTMENT PROPERTY!

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!

Fully renovated, Completely Turnkey Legal Duplex Plus Nanny Suite! Over 300K Spent on New Kitchens, Bathrooms, Floors, Plumbing & Electrical, 3 Stunning 1 Bdrm Units Each with Ensuite Laundry! Private Double Drive with 3 Car Parking. Steps to Keele Subway, GO, High Park and Great Schools! Only $1,190,000!

STUNNiNG RAviNE LOT!!

EXECUTIVE 2 STOREY $799,900 Detached 4 Bedroom, Main Floor Family & Laundry Room, Formal Dining & Open Concept Living Room, Oak Staircase, Master with Full Ensuite, Spacious Backyard, Double Garage, Fantastic Opportunity, Simply Must be Seen!

ER ANOTH SOLD

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! $999,900

RANCH BUNGALOW ON 2.88 ACRE LOT

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! SOLD FOR TOP DOLLAR!

HEART OF CLARKSON viLLAGE

Renovated Executive 4 Bdrm 2 Storey on a High Demand Court Location, Renovated Modern Kitchen, Quartz Countertop, Heated Floor, Renovated Baths, Formal Dining Rm, Open Concept Living Rm, Open Concept Family Room, Walkout to Backyard Retreat, Pattern Concrete, Inground Heated Pool, Magnificent Master with Walk-In Closet and Full Ensuite. Only $849,900!

Absolutely Beautiful 3 + 1 Bedroom Custom Bungalow Situated On Premium Ravine Lot!! Upscale Neighbourhood Surrounded By Million-Dollar Homes, Spacious And Bright, Features 9’ Ceilings, Crown Moulding, Rich Kitchen Cabinetry W/Granite Counters, Large Master Bedroom W/6 Pc Ensuite. Professionally Finished Basement W/ Full Kitchen & Separate Entrance. Oversized 3-Car garage. Too Many Upgrades To LIst! Amazing Property – Don’t Miss Out!! $849,000!

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PRiME ERiN MiLLS Fabulous Impressive Detached 4 Bedroom 2 Storey with 2 Family Room Layout, Approx. 2,800 Sq. Ft., Formal Living & Dining Room, Family Size Kitchen, 2 Fireplaces, Walkout to 2 Tier Deck, Landscaped Lot, Above Ground Pool, Plus Much More! Only $699,900!

STUNNiNG ExECUTivE TOWNHOME

BUNGALOW WiTH LARGE ADDiTiON Situated on 53 Ft Lot in High Demand Central Location, Gleaming Hardwood Floors, 3+1 Bdrm, Modern Kitchen, 4 Bathrooms, Massive Family Room with Gas Fireplace + Bow Window, Walk Out to Solarium, Separate Side Entrance to Basement Ideal for Entertaining or In-Law Suite, Garage, Interlock Drive. Only $699,900!

STUNNiNG END UNiT TOWNHOME!!

Situated on a Quiet Court Location, Large Foyer, Custom Staircase, Open Concept Layout, Stainless Steel Appliances, Gourmet Kitchen, Open Concept Living Room, Walkout to Deck, Great for Entertaining, Finished Basement, Interlock, Amazing Value, Simply Must be Seen! Only $549,900!

Rare wide unit with 3 stories plus basement and 2 separate entrances. Huge living and dining rooms plus ground floor family room with walkout to fenced yard. Large master with 2 walk-in closets and 5 piece ensuite. Close to Lake, GO station and Port Credit. Must be seen only $549,000!!

ER ANOTH D SOL

ER ANOTH S O LD

LAWRENCE & KENNEDY

GEORGETOWN OPPORTUNiTY!!

Detached 3 Bedroom Bungalow, Updated Maple Kitchen, Open Concept Living & Dining Room, Crown Moulding, Separate Side Entrance to Basement, Landscaped Large Backyard, Large Deck, Shed, Long Private Drive, Fabulous Opportunity! SOLD IN 1 Wk FOR 117% OF ASkING!

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!

ER ANOTH D L SO

METRO PLACE CONDO!

Beautiful South-Facing 1 + 1 Bedroom, 2 Bath Luxury Condo Located At ‘Metro Place’ Just Steps To Sheppard Subway Station!! Spacious And Bright Layout Features 9’ Ceilings, Open Concept Kitchen & Living Area, Granite Counters, Separate Den, Large Master Bedroom W/ 4 Pc Ensuite. Includes Many Upgrades, Oversized Parking Spot, 24 Hour Concierge And All Amenities. An Absolute Must See.

SOLD FOR TOP DOLLAR!

TORONTO BUNGALOW

Detached 2 bedroom, open concept living room, formal dining room, gorgeous original wood trim, separate side entrance, enclosed front porch, large back yard, private front pad parking. Amazing value, simply must be seen. SOLD IN 1 Wk FOR 137% OF ASkING!

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!

GORGEOUS RENOvATED BUNGALOW

Beautiful Detached 3 Bdrm with 2 Full Baths, Open Concept Layout, Custom Kitchen with Island, Granite Counters and Stainless Steel Appliances, Hardwood Floors, Finished Basement with Fireplace, Wonderful Backyard Oasis with Heated Inground Pool, 2 Car Garage, Long Private Driveway, New Furnace, Family Neighbourhood Close to Schools and All Conveniences! An Absolute Must See! Only $499,900!

OAkVILLE 3 BEDROOM CONDO!!

Large ground floor suite perfect for a growing family or downsizing. Approx 1750 sq. ft. of luxury living. Spacious and bright living room with Floor to ceiling windows, formal dining room, 2.5 baths. Renovated kitchen with potlights, backsplash, and stainless steel appliances. Well managed building located close to Oakville Place, Sheridan College, and Transportation. Only $409,900!

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 $249,000!

6TH ANGUS GLEN

Luxurious Resort Style Boutique Championship Golf Course Community, Sub Penthouse 1+1 Bdrm,Thousands in Quality Upgrades, 2 Parking Spaces, Locker, 2 Year Free Maintenance Fee Plus 1 Year Individual Membership to Angus Academy, Set Amidst Million Dollar Homes, 20,000 Sq Ft of Outdoor Amenity Space, Being Sold Under Assignment. Only $688,800!

LOCATiON! LOCATiON! LOCATiON!

2+1 Bedroom Freehold Townhome with 2 Full Baths in Ideal Location! Steps to the Junction! 9 Ft Ceilings throughout, Combined Living and Dining Room, EatIn Kitchen with Walkout to Fully Fenced Backyard, Rare 2 Car Parking, Excellent Transit, Schools and Walk score! Only $499,900!

SUPER VALUE $399,900! Spacious & Bright 3 + 1 Bedroom with 2 Baths on a quiet family friendly street. Separate Entrance to potential in-law suite. Freshly Painted, Newly paved Driveway, New Roof Shingles, Functional Eat-In Kitchen with backsplash, Hardwood Floors throughout. Plenty of parking! Must be seen!

MOvE-iN READY!

Spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath unit with a walk-out to private backyard. Floor to ceiling glass sliding door with customized designer blinds. Kitchen with backsplash, built-in island, and ceramic floors. Renovated bathrooms with new sinks, vanities, fixtures, and ceramic floors. Painted in neutral colours and simply must be seen! Walk to schools, shopping and all amenities. Only $170,000!

LUxURY WATERFRONT CONDO!!

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

ExECUTivE TOWNHOME!!

Rarely Available End Unit in Demand Area 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!

THE HEART OF RiCHMOND HiLL

Fabulous Greenpark-Built 2 Bedroom Suite! Bright, Spacious And Beautifully Upgraded Open Concept Layout Featuring Granite Counters, Stainless Steel Appliances, 2 Full Baths, An Oversized Terrace/Balcony And Much More! Amazing Location Close To Everything – Shopping, Restaurants, Transit, Theatres, Library, And Great Schools! Includes Parking Spot & Locker. Fantastic Value – Don’t Miss Out! Only $399,900!

LARGE 2 STOREY CONDO! Spacious 1,400 Sq Ft Unit Perfect for Family or Investor, Renovated Kitchen with Solid Maple Cupboards and Newer Appliances, Walkout from Dining Room to Huge Balcony with Ideal South View, 3 Large Bedrooms, Steps to Kennedy Subway Station, GO, Shopping and Corvette Public School/ Park! Incredible Value! Only $139,900!

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

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| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 3, 2016

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The Union Pearson Express fare cuts could affect dues-paying taxi drivers

Artist’s rendering/METROLINX

A proposed generator powered by natural gas and located in Metrolinx’s planned LRT facility in Mount Dennis was a source of concern for several residents at a transit public meeting at the York Civic Centre Monday.

Natural gas generator dominates talk at Crosstown public meeting

>>>from page 1 Chief among the residents’ concerns is the use of natural gas to fire the generator. Some suggested making use of green technologies like solar charged batteries, but Robinson, a community manager for the Crosstown, said such energy sources simply do not have the capability to create the necessary 15 megawatts of electricity required to get the 19 kilometre light rail line moving. “If we were to install every inch of that facility roof with a solar panel, we would be able to generate one megawatt,” Robinson said. “At this point in time, we haven’t seen any alternatives (to natural gas) which would give us the

functionality we require at the flip of a switch.” “That being said, we’re totally open to continuing to talk in the future as technologies change and evolve.” The evening was co-organized by York city councillors Frances Nunziata and Frank DiGiorgio, and attended by MPP Laura Albanese as well as recently elected York South-Weston MP Ahmed Hussen. It was billed as an opportunity for residents to provide feedback on city transit plans, including SmartTrack, which planning staff is preparing to incorporate in an upcoming report. But it was the backup generator – which is still months

away from construction and still must undergo a provincial approval process – which dominated discussion. The project was first proposed by Crosslinx Transit Solutions, a private-sector consortium contracted by Me t r o l i n x t o c o m plete construction of the Crosstown. “If at the end of the day there are environmental issues, and I don’t think there are, and the community is really concerned then we won’t build it, it’s as simple as that,” Robinson said. In addition to the provincial review, city engineering staff is expected to release its recommendations for the facility in late spring.

ON NOW AT THE BRICK!

Add another barrier to the pressures preventing Toronto cabbies from making a decent wage: the Union Pearson Express. Representatives from the iTaxi Association, representing dues-paying taxi drivers, said the recent fare cuts to UP, which go into effect next week, will have a disastrous effect on their bottom lines, as more riders rely on public transit rather than a cab to get to the airport. As an alternative, the group is suggesting the city ease current restrictions prohibiting carpooling, which would at least allow for cabbies to pick up multiple fares on the same ride – something customers of taxi arch-rival Uber currently enjoy. VISION EXHIBIT CLOSURE wTUNNEL

The subway exhibit Tunnel Vision could be a casualty of labour unrest. The exhibition, tracing over a hundred years of local

rahul gupta TO in TRANSIT subway planning and construction, is on display at city-owned Market Village Gallery, inside St. Lawrence Market, until June. But it could be forced to close indefinitely should negotiations between the city and inside workers, represented by CUPE Local 79, fail. THE UNDER GARDINER PROJECT wNAME

The Under Gardiner public installation needs a new name. The project to create multiple public spaces under the elevated section of the Gardiner Expressway, linked by a multi-use trail, is holding a naming contest. Reclaim the Name invites Torontonians to send their ideas by April. Then a special jury will create a shortlist of three to five options, which will be nar-

rowed down through a public vote and presented to Toronto Council in May. The winning entry plus a project logo will be revealed in late June or early July. Check out www. undergardiner.com for more information. ONTARIo Liberals GIVE a boost wtechnology

There wasn’t any new investment in public transit for the Toronto region in this year’s provincial budget, but the Ontario government is clearly interested in boosting support for autonomous or self-driving vehicles. The 2016 budget granted $10 million to the Canadian Urban Transit Research and Innovation Consortium for a partnerrship with the federal and Quebec governments to further research autonomous vehicle technology. Rahul Gupta is Metroland Media Toronto’s transportation and infrastructure reporter. His column runs every Thursday. Reach him on Twitter: @ TOinTRANSIT

We Want to hear from you!!!

2016 Readers' Choice

Nominations

Don't D nomIn eLay! atIon CLoSe S at m marCh IDnIGht 30th

Do you have a restaurant you love going to every week? Is there a nail salon you can’t live without? Now is your chance to let your entire community know what your favourite local hotspots are! Nominations are now open....vote now and vote often!

To nominate your favourite businesses visit:

SAVING YOU MORE For more details go instore or online @thebrick.com.

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Thank you for your participation!

| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 3, 2016

transit

community calendar

happening in

YORK

YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 3, 2016 |

w Saturday, March 5

Progressive Euchre WHEN: 7 to 10:30 p.m. WHERE: Mount Dennis Legion, 1050 Weston Rd. CONTACT: 416-767-0231, legionbr31@yahoo.com COST: $10 Progressive euchre is held on the first Saturday of the month. Cash prizes. All 19 and older are welcome.

w Monday, March 7

w Wednesday, March 9

featured event w Tuesday, March 8

Weston Collegiate Alumni Foundation Annual General Meeting WHEN: 6 to 7 p.m. WHERE: Weston Collegiate Institute, 100 Pine St. CONTACT: Jane Ross, rosscjr@hotmail.com COST: Free The Weston Collegiate Alumni Foundation will hold its annual general meeting at the school.

Massage Clinic WHEN: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. WHERE: York West Active Living Centre, 1901 Weston Rd. CONTACT: Danna McBride, 416-245-4395, ext. 223, danna@ywalc.ca COST: $35 Massage services are offered by Registered therapists from West Park Health Care Centre.

WHEN: noon to 3 p.m. WHERE: North York Women’s Centre, 116 Industry St. CONTACT: Constance, 416-781-0479, www.nywc.org, constance@nywc.org COST: Free Bring your friends and family to celebrate the achievements women have made throughout history. Hear empowering stories.

Income Tax Clinic WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Evelyn Gregory Library, 120 Trowell Ave. CONTACT: Richard, 416-394-1006 COST: Free Certified Professional Accountants help you fill out your 2015 income tax returns. For single persons without dependants with an income under $30,000 and people with dependants with an income of less than $40,000. Bring all necessary documents. Call to register.

Leading to Reading WHEN: 5 to 6 p.m. WHERE: Evelyn Gregory Library, 120 Trowell Ave. CONTACT: Richard, 416-394-1006 COST: Free Students from grades 1 to 6 requiring help with reading, homework, and study skills receive individualized help. Registration is required.

w Tuesday, March 8

International Women’s Day

French Conversation for Kids WHEN: 5 to 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Maria A. Shchuka Library, 1745 Eglinton Ave. W. CONTACT: 416-394-1000 COST: Free Practice your French, learn and have

fun. For ages six to 12, Drop-in. All levels welcome. Tax Preparation Assistance WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Oakwood Village Library, 341 Oakwood Ave. CONTACT: 416-394-1040 COST: Free An income tax service provided by Chartered Professional Accountants for single persons with incomes under $30,000 or families with an income of under $40,000. Bring all necessary documents.

PRESENTS

T O R O N T 0

Legal Clinic WHEN: 2 to 5 p.m. WHERE: Community Action Resource Centre, 1652 Keele St., Unit 110 CONTACT: www.communityarc.ca, 416-652-2272 COST: Free Immigration, family and criminal law. Come an ask about the issues on your case. Services offered by lawyers who speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, Russian and Polish. By appointment only. Call to book appointment.

yorkguardian.com

food Restaurant Review

Joanna Sable checks out Lisa Marie Restaurant bit.ly/1QeJhmN

a&e Talking style and fashion

Blogger speaks with Canadian Kim Appelt

bit.ly/1524k50

pets Let the dog drive

w Friday, March 11

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

Voted Toronto’s # 1 Food + Wine Event!

Casino Rama Trip WHEN: 8:30 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: $5 Enjoy a five hour visit to Casino Rama and receive a $15 slot voucher.

Karaoke WHEN: 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. WHERE: Mount Dennis Legion, 1050 Weston Rd. CONTACT: 416-767-0231, legionbr31@yahoo.com COST: Free Barbecue from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Karaoke begins at 8:30 p.m. Cash Bar. Everyone 19 and older is welcome to attend.

Watch and learn about your pet while walking

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