fro pag Tu nt e t rn t Yo pag o se he rk e o e t Gu f t he ard od ian ay’s
Serving WESTON, MOUNT DENNIS, OAKWOOD VILLAGE, EGLINTON WEST and CALEDONIA-FAIRBANK
thurs march 31, 2016
www.yorkguardian.com
Weston to Union in 16 min. Speed up your commute from Weston UP/GO Station to Union Station. New low fares and one-stop express trains that leave every 15 minutes!
one-way
5
$ 02 with PRESTO
See over for details... and see you on board!
n
UPexpress.com
Hop On The UP! • • • •
16 minutes to Union Station, one stop! Trains leave every 15 minutes. $5.02 one-way with a PRESTO card. Children 12 and under ride FREE.
HOW TO FIND UP EXPRESS AT WESTON STATION. The UP Express station is located at 1865 Weston Road, close to the main intersection of Lawrence Avenue West and Weston Road.
one-way
5
$ 02 with PRESTO
Get started at UPexpress.com
Download the Free UP App. The fastest way to get on board.
Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.
Why Rent When You Can Buy This Home Today?
Serving WESTON, MOUNT DENNIS, OAKWOOD VILLAGE, EGLINTON WEST and CALEDONIA-FAIRBANK
Massive Home - 3 apartments – Rare Find! $839,900 St. Clair & Dufferin
Call CinTia De aguiaR
thurs march 31, 2016
416-654-7653 Cint
a
www.yorkguardian.com
This is A True Gem You Don’T WAnT To miss!
inside Finding a way to forgive Rob Ford / 4
Could the rideshare woes of the city soon end? / 10
Testicular a hairy good time cancer survivor pedals for a cure ®
ANDREW PALAMARCHUK apalamarchuk@insidetoronto.com online Discover what your city has to offer at insidetoronto.com/ enjoytoronto
To shopping wagjag.com
amazing deals on group discounts
shop.ca
shop and earn, every time!
save.ca
coupons-flyers-deals-tips
keep in touch @YorkGuardian www.facebook.com/ YorkGuardian
more online
insidetoronto.com
Adam Armeland’s brush with cancer is ironically “a story of everything going very right.” The 29-year-old York resident was living in Calgary, completing his MBA and law degrees, when he felt a lump on his testicle one night in December 2010. The next morning, he went to a walk-in clinic at the University of Calgary where Dr. Lois Milne raised concerns and sent him for an urgent ultrasound. Armeland was scheduled to write law exams that day, so he initially wanted to delay the medical test. “I called my wife, who at the time was my girlfriend, and she said, ‘You’re crazy. Go get it done right now,’ so we actually rearranged everything,” he said. After the ultrasound, Armeland was told he had testicular cancer. Milne arranged for Armeland to have surgery the next morning. Armeland’s mother as well as his now wife got on the first flight out of Toronto and were >>>annual, page 9
Photo/PETER C. MCCUSKER
braidathon: Janneika Japp, left, and Chrisilin Tucker-Gayle apply hair extensions as they get ready to braid Samantha Frederick’s hair, seated, during the BrAIDS for AIDS event held Saturday at Ujima House to benefit AIDS research.
YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 31, 2016 |
2
The average Toronto household generates 15 kilograms (33 lbs) of waste a week.
THIS SPRING THE COLOURS & TRIPLE GLAZING ARE FREE! HURRY!
OFFER ENDS
APRIL 24TH
Let’s work together to to reduce this. EASY FINANCING AVAILABLE OAC!
DESIGNER COLOURS COMBINED WITH INCREASED ENERGY EFFICIENCY!
HAVE YOUR SAY!
FREE COLOUR UPGRADE
PLUS
With Any Window Purchase*
FREE TRIPLE GLAZING On All Windows*
*Promotion applies to new orders only. Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle: Waste Diversion in Houses, Apartments, and Condos Monday April 4. 6:30 - 9:00 p.m. Presentation and Workshop at 7:00 p.m. Central YMCA, Auditorium, 20 Grosvenor St. (Wellesley Station) Diversion Opportunities: Businesses and DIY Home Renovators Thursday, April 7. 2:00-3:30 p.m. WEBINAR: www.toronto.ca/wastestrategy Waste Recovery and Residual: How to Handle Remaining Materials Tuesday, April 12. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Presentation at 7:00 p.m. City Hall, Committee Room 2, 100 Queen St. W. (Osgoode Station) LIVE WEBCAST: www.toronto.ca/wastestrategy
ENTRY DOORS
WINDOWS
Over 25 years experience, over 70,000 installs and 1000s of satisfied customers.
PATIO DOORS
GARAGE DOORS
2 016
WINNER 7 YEARS
* Special accommodation and translation services can be made available if requested 5 days before public meeting.
Public Meeting RSVP: wastestrategy.eventbrite.ca More information:
Our Staff of 100 is The Most Trusted Team in the GTA
wastestrategy@toronto.ca | 416-392-3760 | #TOWasteStrategy
BOLTON • BRAMPTON • BURLINGTON • GEORGETOWN • MARKHAM • MISSISSAUGA NEWMARKET • OAKVILLE • ORANGEVILLE • OSHAWA • PICKERING • TORONTO
toronto.ca/wastestrategy
CALL BROCK TODAY!
1.800.449.3808
SHOWROOM HOURS:
Mon-Fri 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Sat 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
BROCKWINDOWS.COM
3 | YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 31, 2016
rob ford: 1969-2016
A FINAL FAREWELL
Photos/ANDREW LAHODYNSKYJ
Above, a woman places her hand on the casket of former Toronto mayor and Etobicoke North councillor Rob Ford during public viewing at Toronto City Hall on Monday. At right, Kenny Neville shows his support for Ford Nation while waiting in line to pay his respects. Neville worked closely with Ford and Ford Nation, and said that was his proudest moment. At right, an honour guard surrounds Ford’s casket. He was laid to rest yesterday.
Nunziatia remembers
Colleague says Ford had a ‘passion’ for Toronto DOMINIK KUREK dkurek@insidetoronto.com Toronto has lost a person who fought for the city in councillor and former mayor Rob Ford, said Frances Nunziata, his longtime colleague on council. “They lost someone who had passion for the city, that cared for the city, that cared for the people of Toronto, and a fighter, someone who loved the City of Toronto so much and he gave his life to the city,” the York South-Weston councillor said. Rob Ford died March 22 at age 46, leaving behind a wife and two children. “I feel for the family. He always used to say to me, ‘if anything happens to me, the only thing I’m worried about are my kids, that my kids are taken care of.’ He was a family man. He loved his family,” Nunziata said. The longtime Toronto councillor
had attended Ford’s visitation at Toronto City Hall Monday, March 28 and said she wasn’t surprised to see the crowds that showed up to pay their last respect. Many of those who attended the visitation were tenants of Toronto Community Housing, Nunziata said, buildings that he often visited across the entire city in his time as councillor and mayor. “He would do a walk-through and knock on each of the tenants’ doors, he would ask to come in, he would look to see what condition the units were in and if they needed repairs. He promised the tenants something would be done,” Nunziata said. “They respected him for that, for what he did. He went into Toronto Community Housing and cleaned up what needed to be cleaned up. “When he was mayor, there was a lot of things that he promised voters, and he delivered. He did exactly what he promised to do.”
Bosco football players honour ‘Coach Ford’ DAVID NICKLE dnickle@insidetoronto.com Two days before Rob Ford’s funeral yesterday, the late former mayor’s body lay in repose at Toronto City Hall. As had been the case in life, throngs of people who knew him, worked with him and just knew of him came to pay their respects. The most heart-felt respects came from a group of young men who’d played football at Don Bosco Catholic Secondary School, where Ford had volunteered as a football coach. “It was difficult coming into here,” said Deshawn Stevens, who’d played on the Don Bosco Eagles football team for four years under Ford’s tutelage. “The man meant a lot to us – the time he put in on and off the field. It was truly special and truly valued, and brings back a lot of past memories that hurt. Thank God he can rest easy now.” Ford died March 22 in hos-
pital, after an 18-month battle with a rare and aggressive form of cancer. He was a member of Toronto Council at the time of his death, having served as mayor from 2010-2014, in a tumultuous and controversial term of office that brought international ridicule and finally saw council strip him of his powers. At the request of Ford’s family, his body was brought in a closed casket to Toronto City Hall’s rotunda, where he lay in repose, for two days of visitation before a Wednesday morning funeral. Ford’s family was in attendance, taking condolences from politicians, former colleagues, friends and just ordinary folk. The Bosco team showed up in school jackets, near the front of a line that eventually stretched outside into the damp Nathan Phillips Square. Player Andre Laport said that the Rob Ford known through his behaviour inside and outside the political arena was not the Ford
his players remembered. “Everything that the media put on him was always so bad and no one ever got to see the good he did for us as football players,” Laport said. “He taught us the values of life. What to do after football. How to make it in the world.” Stevens recalled his first day of practice when he came to Bosco in Grade 9. “It was hot summer days,” he recalled. “I remember sitting on the bench and not knowing what to expect, and I remember Coach Ford coming to us on the bench and screaming out: ‘Oh yeah! Feels good!’ I knew then I’d made the right choice.”
ROB FORD 1969 – 2016 For complete coverage of Ford’s funeral, photos and other reminisces, visit us online at: www.insidetoronto.com/torontotopics/6401089-rob-ford-dead-at-46
YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 31, 2016 |
4
opinion
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.
Dana Robbins John Willems Georgia Balogiannis Cheryl Phillips Braden Simmonds Mike Banville
WHO WE SERVE
Publisher General Manager Managing Editor Regional Dir. of Advertising Retail Sales Manager Director of Circulation and Distribution Operations
The Guardian is a member of the Ontario Press Council. Visit ontpress.com
Proudly serving the communities of Briar Hill-Belgravia • BeechboroughGreenbrook • Caledonia-Fairbank Forest Hill North • Humewood-Cedarvale Keelesdale-Eglinton West Mount Dennis • Oakwood Village Rockcliffe-Smythe • Weston Weston-Pellam Park
We welcome budget boost
Write us
M
oney for transit, and possibly more for housing. It was welcome news from Ottawa last week, when newly minted Finance Minister Bill Morneau released the federal Liberal government’s first budget, and it included those two things. Among other things, the budget pledged $3.4 billion in public transit investment across the country over the next three years. And an $11.9 billion infrastructure plan will allow for federal funding of housing. Both of these announcements are good for Toronto, which needs major investment in both areas, and has for many years. With the exception of the late former mayor Rob Ford, everyone occupying the Toronto mayor’s office has agreed that the federal government needs to engage in the direct financing of municipal needs – housing and transit in particular. But mayoral advocacy has our view only ever achieved partial success, and often none at all. Federal Liberals Count this year’s budget as partial win. make good on another Toronto stands to get a sizeportion of the federal transit, housing able transit funding, as the allocation will be based on ridership and the Toronto Transit Commission’s ridership is formidable. But 26 per cent – the share that Mayor John Tory’s office estimates will come to the city on that basis – is still only $884 million. The Toronto Transit Commission’s state of good repair backlog currently sits at $2.7 billion. Similarly, it’s hard to imagine federal infrastructure money, which will be divided more equitably, will get Toronto very far in completing the $2.6 billion repair backlog in Toronto Community Housing. Will there be more money in future budgets? One might hope so, particularly as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Morneau have signalled that they’re not going to be shy when it comes to running deficits higher than usual. But we shouldn’t confuse hope with expectation, and Toronto needs to accept that it will be, at least to some degree, on its own – with maybe, just maybe, a bit more help from the cash-strapped provincial government. That means that later this year, when Toronto considers new revenue tools, councillors will need to look very seriously at the options. We’ve been given a boost. But we’ll have to climb the rest of the way ourselves.
follow us on twitter for news and events
@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.
column
Trying to find forgiveness for Rob Ford I’ve been thinking a lot about forgiveness lately. Generally, the act of forgiving is a healthy one. Carrying grudges, nursing old wounds, maintaining rifts is bad for the soul if you believe in that kind of thing, and for the digestion whether you do or don’t. It feels good to let go. But in the case of Robert Bruce Ford, interred yesterday after his untimely and awful death at age 46, forgiveness becomes… problematic. It’s not that he didn’t beg our forgiveness. When he was still mayor, before cancer struck him, Rob Ford offered a fulsome apology for the behaviour he exhibited while under the influence of his alcohol addiction. He went so far as to apologize on television, in the summer of 2014, where he accepted “full responsibility” for his “poor judgement.” During that time, he’d been recorded saying an awful thing about his mayoral rival, city councillor Karen Stintz,
david nickle the city and he apologized for that. With that done, of course, he launched into an eyebrowraising stump speech for his bid to be re-elected mayor then left without taking questions. But still: an apology is an apology, and it’s only good manners to accept it. And even if he hadn’t apologized, there is still the generosity we all feel toward the terminally ill. Imagining ourselves at a dying man’s bedside, a long-held grudge becomes an unimaginable burden. And so it feels good for us to absolve: to recall Rob Ford as a good bloke after all, whose sins were egged on by the demon rum; to conclude that he was simply the mayor that loved Toronto too much; and that through it all, returning phone calls and posing for selfies, coaching grateful high school footballers and hobnobbing with celebrities,
he somehow did great good for the city. That this doesn’t square with the historical record is problematic. Indeed, it is significantly problematic, as our consideration of the Ford years is not simply a matter of the historical record. In addition to a widow and two children, Ford leaves behind a political machine, in the form of Ford Nation: tens of thousands of people who supported him unquestioningly, and a political heir, in the form of his brother, former councillor Doug Ford. Earlier this week, Doug was front-and-centre at the visitation that the family requested be held in the Toronto City Hall rotunda, greeting wellwishers, embracing supporters, and posing for the selfies with those in line to visit his brother Rob’s flag-draped casket. We all grieve in different ways, but to onlookers, it seemed an awful lot like campaigning. And in the context of campaigning, the narrative
of what really happened between 2010 and 2014 in the mayor’s office matters. The truth of that is that Rob Ford stepped off a wellrun campaign and into a job that he bungled from nearly the beginning. At some point, booze and other drugs overtook him and made things worse. But there is little evidence that he loved Toronto enough, never mind too much, and plenty of evidence that drunk or sober, he despised significant elements of the city. His accomplishments – abolishing the car tax and the contracting out of some garbage collection – are few. The damage he did – to public transit, to the simple level of discourse – is considerable. And for that, and many other things, he never once apologized. As good as it might feel to grant, forgiveness is really not an option. David Nickle is Metroland Media Toronto’s city hall reporter. His column runs every Thursday. Reach him on Twitter: @DavidNickle
i
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
Frank Leo # #
BROKER Sponsor of
Children’s Miracle Network & Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation
1 2
WEST REALTY INC., Brokerage Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
Individual RE/MAX Agent in Canada* Individual RE/MAX Agent Worldwide**
Frank Leo’s commitment to getting results for his clients has made him a household name in Toronto and the GTA. For 21 consecutive years, he has been the number 1 Top Producer, Company Wide for Re/Max West Realty Inc. 2015 marked another record breaking year for Frank achieving the number 1 Individual Re/Max Agent in Canada for Number of Transactions and the number 2 Individual Re/Max Agent World Wide for Total Sales Volume. Since joining Re/Max West Realty Inc. in 1993, Frank has continued to look for ways to gain a marketing edge to achieve the best possible results for his clients. In doing so, he has attained every award that Re/Max has to offer. As a realtor, Frank believes the most important part of his job is taking care of his clients and establishing lifelong relationships. Frank advises his clients on how to make a good investment when buying and ensures his clients get the best value for their biggest asset when selling. To do so, Frank created a strategic home sale system to generate an incredible amount of exposure for his clients’ properties. His Guaranteed Home Selling System is in place to help his clients sell their property the way they want to — stress-free. Advertising is an integral part of the home selling system that drives Frank’s business. A large part of that advertising is through Metroland Media, which has been delivering Frank’s message to the doorsteps of the public for more than 20 years. Frank leverages Metroland’s reach and connection with the community to give his clients a competitive edge and it is a part of the reason he has been so successful.
*# of Transactions 2015 **Total Sales Volume 2015
| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 31, 2016
Partner in Success
5
Candido faRia, hon. B.a Broker
416 459-2007
Independently Owned and Operated
RogeRs and Caledonia
319 Gilbert Ave - Beautiful Detached 4-bedroom Home, in a great location, featuring Top Quality Finishes and Hardwood Floor Throughout. This jewel is move in ready, boasting a modern kitchen with granite counter tops and large Principal Rooms, Stunning Custom Recessed Ceilings and Crown Molding as well. Separate Entrance to Finished Basement with A Full Basement Suite With Kitchen, Living Room, Utility Room And 2 Bedrooms. This home has lots of light and great Curb Appeal! A detached car garage with Lane way access. This home is close To All Schools, Shops, TTC (including new LRT) And Highways. For More inForMAtion or A privAte AppointMent ContACt Me At 416 459 2007
ON NOW AT THE BRICK!
SAVING YOU MORE For more details go instore or online @thebrick.com.
column
Your primer for April Fool’s Day A number of people I’ve spoken to this week said that though they’ve never orchestrated an April Fool’s Day prank, they were planning on hopping on the bandwagon this year. Now you’re talking my kind of language, I told them all. When it comes to the being silly business, the more the merrier. I meticulously went through all the tricks employed on the famous day that have stood the test of time. Then I zeroed in on the ones that would be the easiest for neophytes to employ to help them get in the game on Friday. So, rookies, nice to finally have you on board. What follows are the perfect larks for you. I guarantee they’re 100 per cent April Foolproof. w Arrange A Wild-Goose Chase For A Rival If you can, choose somebody who gets your goat. That will make it twice as sweet because your goat will get a real kick out of it, too. w Deceive Your Best Friend With A Very Clever Hoax If you don’t hang out with
BUT SERIOUSLY any clever hoaxes, a hoax with a vivid imagination will do. If there are none of these in your life either, you’re on your own, pal. w How Does A Spoof Sound? You wouldn’t have to ask if you took off those ridiculous headphones once in a while. w Par take In A little Tomfoolery When you gain your confidence, feel free to try a little bit more tomfoolery. Once you’ve mastered that, you’ll be ready for a lot of tomfoolery. w Engage In Some High Jinx Just don’t rush right into it if this is your first April Fool’s gambit. Start with some low jinx then work your way up. w Take A Co-worker For A Ride Ironically, the best example of this gag is to offer to pick them up in your car to drive them to the office and then not
show up at their house. w A Practical Joke Is Just What The April Fool’s Day Doctor Ordered Alas, nobody can read their hand-writing, so that’s why I’m telling you. And no, it’s not covered by OHIP. w Shenanigans Never Fail To Hit The Spot Same goes for henanigans. But ladies first, please. w Pull Someone’s Leg Just make sure said leg is not on somebody bigger than you and/or named Bubba. w Pull The Wool Over Someone’s Eyes Just make sure those eyes also don’t belong to somebody bigger than you and/or named Bubba. w Pull A Fast One On second thought, better make it an extremely fast one. Just in case. Let’s face it, in your haste, you might accidentally pick Bubba by mistake. Jamie Wayne is a lifelong columnist who takes writing very seriously. The topics? Not so much. His column appears every Thursday. Contact him at jamie.wayne@sympatico.ca
i
NTO! O R O T , Y HE FOR IT’S TIME SPRING E M o O t S n Toro ER . CLEANING TO G E T H RON
TO’S ANNUAL
Clean TO
“My life is busy. I need a trusted pharmacist to help manage my health.’’
jamie wayne
SPRING CLEAN-
UP
keover 20-Minute Ma d School Corporate an
22
Community s Clean-up Day APRIL
open house sat/sun 2-4 pm
APRIL
YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 31, 2016 |
8
23&24
Who cares? We do. Visit us today and receive great discounts by enrolling in our Shoppe Rewards Program.
For your nearest location, visit medicineshoppe.ca
Register at livegreentoronto.ca
Lead Sponsor
Broadcast Sponsor
Sponsors
Program Partners
Annual Ride takes place in June >>>from page 1 by his side when he woke up. “Ever since then, it’s really just been a lot of check-ups and follow-ups and the build up to each one of those,” Armeland said. Because the cancer was caught early, it didn’t spread and Armeland didn’t need further treatment. He’s now celebrating being five years cancer free. “This is a story of everything going very right,” he said. “I have been extremely lucky in my experience, and I find it hard to put myself in the category of survivor because I don’t think I experienced the same type of struggle as a lot of other people do.” Armeland said he hopes his story would raise awareness of testicular cancer, a subject not many are comfortable talking about. The disease is the most prevalent cancer in males aged 15 to 29, and it’s also among the most treatable when caught early. “You can detect it yourself before it gets to a point where it’s too late,” Armeland said. “In the shower once a month just take a feel. Discuss it with someone if you think there’s a problem, and don’t be ashamed.” In June, Armeland will take part in the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, one of the top five cancer research centres in the world. The two-day, 200-kilometre cycling journey from Toronto to Niagara Falls is expected to raise $19 million. “It’s a lot of fun. It tests all your limits. It pushes you,” Armeland said. “It’s a really
Spring Feeding Helps Our Baby Birds Survive
Locally Owned Proudly Canadian
Etobicoke North - Vaughan 200 Marycroft Ave.(Hwy 7, West of Weston Rd.) 289-474-5282
Etobicoke South 100 The East Mall (at North Queen St.) 416-491-1417
www.UrbanNatureStore.ca
Staff photo/ANDREW PALAMARCHUK
Adam Armeland, a testicular cancer survivor, will particpate in the Ride to Conquer Cancer in June.
“
This is a story of everything going very right.
– Adam Armeland, cancer suvivor
great cause that is worth donating to or participating in, and if anybody needs a team to join, mine is open.” The ride, which this year takes place June 11 and 12, has raised $138 million over its eight-year history. “The ride is really geared towards all levels of cyclists,” said Ramona Oss, director of the Ride to Conquer Cancer. “We absolutely have the uber cyclist...and then we also have people who perhaps have been personally touched by cancer and this is their way
to give back and they dust off their bike after not riding for 20 years.” Nearly 5,000 riders, including many cancer survivors, are expected to participate in the event. “It really is an inspiring weekend, even for those people who perhaps don’t have a lot of cycling experience,” Oss said. Finishing the ride will not be the only celebration for Armeland this summer. He and his wife are expecting their first child in August. “We definitely cannot be happier,” he said. Visit bit.ly/1XZWBxd to join or support Armeland’s team on the ride or visit bit. ly/1USV5Pl to learn more about early detection of testicular cancer.
This month, we’re celebrating those who’ve celebrated us. A heartfelt thanks to all the children and families who support SickKids by hosting their parties through ECHOage. To date we’ve raised $1 Million and given children the best gift of all: the gift of a healthier future. And ensured children, like Gabriel, will put on smiles and party hats for many birthdays to come. For over eight proud years, SickKids and ECHOage have been partners, enabling kids, families and friends to choose SickKids as their charity of choice. Here’s to you, our ECHOage family – hip, hip hooray!
Are you an Internationally Educated Nurse who wants to work in Ontario? CARE Centre can help you pass exams and become licensed to practice! We hold regular free information sessions at these locations: Toronto: 620 Wilson Avenue, Suite 200 Brampton: 21 Nelson St West (Suite #1a, Skills for Change) Pre-register on our website at
www.care4nurses.org
ECHOage your party in support of SickKids at http://echoage.com/ charities/sickkids Metroland Media Toronto is proud to be a media partner for SickKids.
9 | YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 31, 2016
community
YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 31, 2016 |
10
% OFF
UP TO
ALL SECTIONALS! SAVE $450
FIRST TIME EVER!
1498
$
Planned regulations could end city’s Uber-taxi wars RAHUL GUPTA rgupta@insidetoronto.com
RECLINING SECTIONAL #907356
DROP DOWN TRAY AND EXTRA STORAGE SPACE!
SEE OUR FLYER IN TODAY’S PAPER OR ONLINE AT BADBOY.CA
3rd
ANNUAL
WHO IS A FAMILY CAREGIVER?
ARE YOU A dAUGHTER, HUSBAnd, WIFE, FATHER, SOn, MOTHER OR FRIEnd OF SOMEONE WHO NEEDS YOUR CARE?
Are you?
FREE ADMISSION!
• Speakers • Prizes • Free Massages • Tea Sampling • Movie Screening
Y ES , I A M THIS SH ! IS FOR Y OW OU!
Come to the show and get the help you need! REGISTER FOR YOUR CHANCE
TO WIN A SPECTACULAR CAREGIVER PAMPERING BASKET!
VISIT:
CAREGIVERSHOW.CA
SAVETE! Friday May 6, 2016 •Hours 10am - 5pm
THE
community
DA
Ontario Science Centre - Toronto
LEARN. CONNECT. REJUVENATE. BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
&
SpOnSOREd BY:
®
&
Sponsor or Exhibitor information, please contact RONIT WHITE at rwhite@metroland.com or 416-774-2247
New regulations to govern rideshare services are coming, bringing hope of a possible truce to Toronto’s taxi wars. Rideshares like UberX, operated by Uber Canada, have led to a revolution in the transportation marketplace: using a smartphone, one can summon a ride within minutes and travel across the city for less than the price of a traditional taxi cab. While proponents of the so-called sharing economy hail rideshares for their innovation, the services have met considerable resistance from taxi drivers, both internationally and locally, not to mention from government. The taxi drivers claim they are being pushed out of the market by being forced to follow strict regulations governing who can or cannot provide transportation services. “Drivers’ livelihoods are being taken away from them,” said Kristine Hubbard, operations manager for Beck Taxi, which is one of the city’s largest licensed cab companies. “For them there’s a real urgency here and it’s hard to listen to conversations on the city council floor as if it’s an abstract concept and not affecting real people with real families.” Meanwhile, rideshare providers for the most part have been able to continue operating despite the city’s attempt to halt them, either by court actions or bylaw enforcements. While hundreds of UberX drivers have received tickets since last year for operating illegally, proponents for rideshares say such services shouldn’t be seen as invaders, but as welcome solutions for travelling in an increasingly congested city. “With crippling congestion, no one can get where they want to go,” said Francis Scherer director of partnerships and communications for BlancRide, a Torontobased carpooling service which matches prospective drivers to anyone seeking a ride via its mobile application,
Staff file photo/DAVID NICKLE
Planned regulations to govern rideshare services in Toronto could help end the Uber-taxi wars and the protests by the city’s taxi drivers such as this one at Nathan Phillips Square last December.
whether a one-off or part of a daily commute. “We’re providing an ethical and social alternative for getting around the city.” L i k e U b e r, u s e r s o f BlancRide can order a ride directly from their smartphones; but unlike their much larger competitor, Scherer insists the service isn’t breaking any laws. While the costs of using a ride arranged through BlancRide are relatively affordable – a listing on the platform asks $30 for a one-way trip from Toronto to Montreal for example – he says drivers aren’t out to make a buck by undercutting traditional competition. ‘friendly conversation’ “We’re not trying to void people’s insurance and sell rides and have the driver be a capitalist by every sense of the word,” he said. “We just want him to offset his vehicle costs and maybe have a friendly conversation (on the way to his destination).” The advance of rideshares has resulted in taxi drivers battling, almost literally, to stop the operation of their new competition. Taxi drivers have held protests tying up downtown streets, been accused of accosting Uber drivers all to push the message their occupations are in peril. While the drivers have received a level of notoriety and perhaps some sympathy thanks to a steady stream of media headlines spotlighting their grievances,
it hasn’t succeeded at all in halting UberX. Come April, Toronto’s Municipal Licensing and Standards department will issue recommendations for regulating rideshares like Uber, but also covering other services which fall under the same banner. While the contents of the regulations aren’t yet known they’re widely expected to mirror those of other cities like Edmonton – such as requirements for commercial insurance and driver background checks. It remains to be seen how Uber will respond to new rules intended to reduce the competitive edge it has over cab companies. But Hubbard dismisses the idea rideshares have created much needed employment by allowing individuals, who never operated such a service, to make additional money. “First, you follow the rules, and then you try to change them,” she said. “Bandit cabs have been around for a long time, and truly that’s all they are.” Even with regulation of rideshares, Hubbard points to other jurisdictions such as San Francisco, where Uber drivers recently threatened to disrupt Super Bowl celebrations as a way to protest workers’ benefits similar to traditional ground transportation providers, as evidence the new technology services aren’t going to be able to last. Uber Canada did not respond to requests for comments
11
YORK happening in
w Friday, April 1
Open House/Fair WHEN: 10:30 a.m. to noon WHERE: Weston King Neighbourhood Centre, 2017 Weston Rd. CONTACT: Liza, 647-678-3446, liza.hammada@ gmail.com COST: Free See organizations from the community showcase their services and persons showcase their handicrafts.
w Saturday, April 2
Comedy Hypnosis Show & Dinner WHEN: 6:30 p.m. to midnight WHERE: Mount Dennis Legion, 1050 Weston Rd. CONTACT: legionbr31@ yahoo.com COST: $25 Adam Graeme’s comedy hypnosis show with dinner at the legion. Purchase tickets in advance at clubroom bar. All 19 and older are welcome. Jane & Pinehill Cleanup WHEN: 10 a.m. to noon WHERE: Jane Street at Pinehill Crescent CONTACT: 416-550-2683, cleanups@ mountdennis.ca COST: Free Mount Dennis Community Association invites you to help clean up the ravine edges. Helpers receive supercoffee vouchers.
w Sunday, April 3
Giant Open Cribbage Tournament WHEN: 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. WHERE: Mount Dennis Legion, 1050 Weston Rd. CONTACT: 416-767-
featured event
seniors who are visually impaired.
Through the Lens WHEN: 4 to 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Evelyn Gregory Library, 120 Trowell Ave. CONTACT: 416-394-1006 COST: Free Participants will create their own paintings, as they learn various techniques from emerging local artists. The program will focus on Canadian Second World War artists for inspiration. Participants will go on a field trip to the Art Gallery of Ontario to see first-hand how famous Canadian artists documented their realities through painting. Finished paintings will be displayed in a temporary art gallery in the library, and then participants will be able to take them home. Call to register.
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 Come ask about immigration, family and criminal law. Services offered by lawyers who speak English, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, French, Russian and Polish. By appointment only.
w Friday, April 8
0231, legionbr31@yahoo.com COST: $25 per two person team Registration on tournament day from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Play (10 games) begins at 12:30 p.m.
w Monday, April 4
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
Cancer Recognition by the Immune System WHEN: 6:30 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Maria A. Shchuka Library, 1745 Eglinton Ave. W. CONTACT: 416-394-1000 COST: Free Graduate students from the University of Toronto will discuss how the immune system distinguishes healthy and unhealthy cells in our body. Call to register.
w Tuesday, April 5
Low Vision Support Group WHEN: 1 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: Free This group supports and encourages
WANTED
w Wednesday, April 6
yorkguardian.com
life Operation Happiness Blogger interviews Kristi Ling about book
u
bit.ly/booktimeReviews
health Year of the Monkey
w Thursday, April 7
ESL Conversation Circle WHEN: 6:30 to 8 p.m. WHERE: Maria A. Shchuka Library, 1745 Eglinton Ave. W. CONTACT: 416394-1000 COST: Free Improve your English speaking skills. Come and practice with a friendly group.
Blogger talks about the year ahead
u
bit.ly/taowellness
history The Toronto Time Capsule
w Tuesday, April 12
Ask An Expert : Garden Wise: Organic & Sustainable Methods WHEN: 6 to 7 p.m. WHERE: Oakwood Village Library and Arts Centre, 341 Oakwood Ave. CONTACT: 416394-1040 COST: Free Learn about smarter and safer ways to garden and key elements of organic and sustainable gardening.
Discover local history and genealogy online
u
insidetoronto.com/ history
Social Media
www.facebook.com/ YorkGuardian
@YorkGuardian
30 PEOPLE WITH HEARING LOSS Qualified Participants Needed for Technology Field Test
We’re looking for people like you, who may be experiencing varying levels of hearing loss to evaluate a remarkable new line of digital hearing aids and a rehabilitative process that could be the solution to your difficulties. There’s no cost or obligation to participate! Call us toll-free today at one of the numbers below to see if you qualify for this Field Test. Potential candidates will be given a FREE hearing test to determine candidacy. Participants will be a given a FREE in-office demonstration, as well as the opportunity to evaluate and report their experience wearing the latest, most advanced hearing aid technology for 30 days. A full range of styles are available in this new technology, including the exceptionally discreet open-fit and invisible-in-the-canal models shown here:
It’s almost a shame this technology isn’t more visible! Open-fit and IIC hearing aids are smaller and more sophisticated than ever, striking the perfect balance between size and performance. The elegant and highly discreet open-fit hearing aid fits perfectly on top of your ear, and the thin tube in your ear canal is designed to disappear against your skin. The new IIC hearing aid–now with wireless technology–provides all of the outstanding features and benefits you want in a digital hearing aid, minus the stigma that came with wearing one in the past.
CALL NOW - Candidates are being selected. The selection process for this test period will end March 31, 2016. • Bay Street | 322-790 Bay Street | Call Liliana at 1-888-449-7139 • Bloor Metro | 205-2150 Bloor Street West | Call Wendy at 1-888-449-7287 • Bloor West Village | 2390 Bloor Street West | Call Erika at 1-888-450-1152 • Don Mills | 103-1262 Don Mills Road | Call Jolene at 1-888-450-4233 • Dufferin | 2700 Dufferin Street | Call Paulette at 1-888-450-5261
HURRY
Only 1 w eek to qualify left this sess for ion!
• Dundas West | 304-2333 Dundas Street West | Call Monica at 1-888-450 0-6952 • Rexdale | 123 Rexdale Boulevard | Call Arezo at 1-888-450-7121 • Yonge & Lawrence | 3217 Yonge Street | Call Peatra at 1-888-450-7193 • Yonge & St. Clair | 1493 Yonge Street | Call Kiran at 1-888-450-7292 • York Mills | 208-300 York Mills Road | Call Reem at 1-888-450-8769
Hearing tests are provided free of charge for adults ages 18 and older. Some conditions may apply. Please see clinic for details.
LUC17
NSP-WNTD-YORG
| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 31, 2016
community calendar
YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 31, 2016 |
12
Classifieds
Legal Services
LocalWork.ca
Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm • 905-853-2527 • Toll Free 1-800-743-3353 • Fax 905-853-1765 For delivery questions, please contact 416-493-2284
INTERIOR HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR SCHOOL
Hands-On tasks. Start Weekly. GPS Training. Funding & Housing available. Job Aid. Already a HEO? Get certification proof! Call 1-866-399-3853 or iheschool.com
To h i g h l i g h t yo u r
Home I m p rove m e n t Business call
1-800-743-3353
Work for the City You Love Do you have a valid AZ or DZ Driver’s Licence? The City of Toronto is hiring:
Solid Waste Collection Operators
(DZ Licence Required) $23.86/hour, starting wage
Heavy Equipment Operators (AZ Licence Required) $28.51/hour
We offer: • Many opportunities for growth • An inclusive work environment • Excellent benefits • Competitive pay
For more information and to apply, please visit toronto.ca/jobs (ongoing opportunities) The City of Toronto has just been named one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for 2016 for the second year in a row. Join the award-winning Toronto Public Service!
Legal Services
CRIMINAL RECORD? Don’t let your past limit your career plans! Since 1989 Confidential, Fast Affordable - A+ BBB Rating EMPLOYMENT & TRAVEL FREEDOM Call for FREE INFO BOOKLET 1-8-NOW-PARDON (1-866-972-7366) www.RemoveYourRecord.com Domestic Help Wanted
Domestic Help Wanted
WANTED PERSONAL Care Attendant wanted personal Care Attendant for Elderly in Woodbridge ON, completion of High School is required. Provide Companionship and cooking; Salary:CD14/hr. Optional accommodation available at no charge on a live-in basis. Email your resume to Danilo at rawycoco@gmail.com
Articles Wanted
Articles Wanted
ANTIQUES
& Collectibles Wanted Cash for Older:
Coins, Jewelry, Amber, Ivory, Military, Watches, Toys, G.I. Joe, Star Wars, Cups & Saucers, Silver, Gold, Records, Old Postcards/Photos, Guitars, Old Pens, Lighters & Old Advertising etc.
25 years experience
COLLECTIQUES 416-431-7180 416-566-7373
WANTED: MOVIE projector.
Classifieds
Gottarent.com Monday to Friday 8:30am to 5pm • 905-853-2527 Toll Free 1-800-743-3353 • Fax 905-853-1765 For delivery questions, please contact 416-493-2284
Cottages for Rent
Cottages for Rent
LAKEFRONT 3 BEDROOM COTTAGE (sleeps 6)
Availabity at DISCOUNTED RATES for the months of MAY, JUNE, SEPT & OCT. (SUMMER sold out). This pet friendly cottage is situated in Haliburton Highlands, with 4 piece bath, living/dining area, well equipped kitchen and attached screened-in Muskoka room. Well looked after grassy grounds on a gentle slope down to a 300 sq ft dock on a very peaceful NO MOTOR lake. Great swimming, fishing, with 1 canoe, 3 kayaks, a peddalo, lifevests, fire-pit and games. Please email patrick@nemms.ca for rates, full photos and details. 416.564.4511
8mm and Super 8mm. Please call 416-282-3622 Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking
$100-$10,000
Cash 4 Cars
Dead or alive Same day Fast FREE Towing 416-831-7399
Home Renovations
Home Renovations
CEILINGS REPAIRED. Spray textures, plaster designs, stucco, drywall, paint. We fix them all! www.mrstucco.ca 416-242-8863 Waste Removal
Travel & Vacations
Vehicles Wanted/Wrecking
Waste Removal
Travel & Vacations
REAL ESTATE. NW Montana. Tungstenholdings.com 406-293-3714
PETER’S DEPENDABLE JUNK REMOVAL
From home or business, including furniture/ appliances, construction waste. Quick & careful!
Registration
Real Estate Misc./Services
Real Estate Misc./Services
CANCEL YOUR TIMESHARE. NO Risk Program STOP Mortgage & Maintenance Payments Today. 100% Money Back Guarantee. FREE Consultation. Call Us NOW. We Can Help! 1-888-356-5248
Mortgages/Loans
Mortgages/Loans
LARGE FUND --- Borrowers Wanted. Start saving hundreds of dollars today! We can easily approve you by phone. 1st, 2nd or 3rd mortgage money is available right now. Rates start at Prime. Equity counts. We don’t rely on credit, age or income. CALL ANYTIME 1-800-814-2578 or 905-361-1153. Apply online www.capitaldirect.ca
Legal Services
Legal Services
CRIMINAL RECORD? Canadian Record Suspension (Criminal pardon) seals record. American waiver allows legal entry. Why risk employment, business, travel, licensing, deportation, peace of mind? Free consultation: 1-800-347-2540
Mortgages/Loans
Mortgages/Loans
MONEY CONSOLIDATE Debts Mortgages to 90%
No income, Bad credit OK! #10969 Better Option Mortgage 1-800-282-1169 www.mortgageontario.com
Registration
Casa Vera
Montessori School
(CCMA accredited Montessori school)
16 months to 6 years Half/Full Day Program Extended Care 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Piano/Violin (group and private lessons) French-Drawing-Pottery-Yoga Swimming and Dancing courses
To register please contact us at
416 850 9705
www.casaverams.com
416-677-3818 Rock Bottom Rates! ALWAYS CHEAPEST!
All Garbage Removal! Home/ Business. Fast Sameday! Free Estimates! Seniors Discounts. We do all Loading & Clean-ups! Lowest Prices. Call John: 416-457-2154 Seven days
Plumbing
Plumbing
EMERGENCY?
Clogged drain, renovations, camera inspection, leaky pipes. Reasonable price. 25 years experience. Licensed/ Insured, Credit card accepted. Free estimate. James Chen 647-519-9506
Decks & Fences
Decks & Fences
0 ALL Decks built in 1 day. Highest quality. Spring discount! Free design and estimates. Call Mike 416-738-7752 www.griffindecks.ca
Masonry & Concrete
Masonry & Concrete
Brick ~ Blocks ~ Stonework Chimney’s ~ Tuck Pointing Porches ~ Flagstone Window Sills. All masonry work. Insured & Licensed. For free estimates call Roman
416-684-4324
www.fadomconstructioninc.com BRICK, NATURAL STONE & CHIMNEY WORK Tuck Pointing, Crack Repair, Flagstone, Windowsills and Much More! For Free Estimate Call Peter:647-333-0384 www.stardustconstruction.com
Flooring & Carpeting
Flooring & Carpeting
HARDWOOD FLOOR sanding. Specializing in stain/ refinishing. Call for Free Estimate! Reasonable rates. Paul 416-330-1340 pager. NESO FLOORING
Carpet installation starting from $1.19/ sq.ft. Hardwood, laminate at low prices. 27 yrs experience. Free Estimates. Best Price!
647-400-8198
Appliance Repairs/ Installation
Appliance Repairs/ Installation
Professional Repairs of all brands of: Refrigeration, Stoves, Dishwashers, Washers, Dryers, Air Conditioning & Heating. Free Estimates. Warranty, Credit cards accepted. Seniors discount. 416-616-0388
Delivery questions? Call us at:
416-493-4400 or Email:
distribution@insidetoronto.com
Monday Monday toto Friday Friday 8:30am 8:30am to 5pm to• 905-853-2527 5pm • 905-853-2527 • Toll Free 1-800-743-3353 • Toll Free 1-800-743-3353 • Fax 905-853-1765 • • Fax For deliver 905-853-1765 y questions, please contact 416-493-2284
Call for for aa FREE FREE estimate estimate (416) (416) 738-0274 738-0274 Call Check us out on www.homestars.ca
electrical
• licensed • honest • reliable • local • experienced • insured • quality workmanship • seniors discount • references
chimneys
Bricks & Chimneys ccjemmett@rogers.com
P e t e r:
100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE
$ Low Cost Repairs $ Low Cost Repairs $
(416) 426-9549
For your plumbing plumbing needs needs For all your
Replacement, Repairs Repairs and and Renovations Renovations New Work Work •• Replacement, ••New Toilets •• High Pressure Flushing Flushing••Camera Camera Faucets, Sinks Sinks && Toilets High Pressure --Faucets, Locating •• Lead Lead && Galvanized GalvanizedPiping Piping Inspection and and Pipe Pipe Locating Inspection Plugged Drains Drains && Backed-Up Backed-Up Sewers Sewers •• Plugged Quality and and Service Service at at Our Our Best Best Quality
Low Cost Repairs $ Low Cost Repairs $ Low Cost Repairs
ROOFING REPAIRS Co. LOW COST REPAIRS
EAVESTROUGH CLEANING FROM $20 ALL TyPES Of ROOf REPAIRS
• AnimAl DAmAge • AnimAl Proofing • gUTTer gUArD • TUCK PoinTing • CHimneYS • SKYligHTS • flAT roofS • VAlleY rePAirS • All VenTing WorK• eAVeSTroUgH rePAirS • SHingleS• SoffiT & fACiA • WinDoW CAUlKing • DoWnSPoUT DiSConneCTion • mAjor & minor rePAirS • liCenSeD AnD inSUreD 26 SENIORS SAME DAY SERVICE years of DISCOUNT Service
647-235-8123
BaySprings Plumbing Small Job Specialists
Servicing All Your Plumbing Needs
416-639-2288
$
www.plumbersdirect.ca
35
OFF WITH THIS AD EXPIRES MARCH 31, 2016
10% SENIORS DISCOUNT
9.5 Check out our reviews on RATING www.homestars.com
416-427-0955
Metro Lic. #P24654 - Fully Insured
Financing Available (Met Lic #P20579)
since 1990
Low Cost Repairs $ Low Cost Repairs $ Low Cost Repairs
Metro Lic# P1538 Metro
roofing
roofing
FREE ESTIMATES
24/7 No Extra Charges for Evenings, Weekends or Holidays
$ Low Cost Repairs $ Low Cost Repairs $
Inc. Auburn Plumbing Inc. Metro Lic# P1538 • chimneys • parging • tuckpointing • brick replacement
roofing
plumbing
masonry & concrete
Roofing Systems Plus
ROOFING
www.roofingsystemsplus.ca
416-857-0730 *Flats * Shingles * Roof Repair $300 * Eaves Cleaning $150
NA ROOFING North AmericAN Best roofiNg iNc • Shingles • Flat • Eaves • Soffit & Fascia • Skylight • Repair NA roofing
647-447-7743
| YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 31, 2016
Home Improvement Directory Classifieds Gottarent.com
13
15%
DIS
COU
www.naroofing.ca info@naroofing.ca
NT
home renovations SUMMER RENOVATIONS Build / Repair Fences Build / Repair Decks BIG OR SMALL GIVE US A CALL!
647-894-2268 (Free Estimates)
DIVERSIONS
.... . . . y u
..b
YOUR WEEKLY CROSSWORD
SUDOKU (MODERATE)
... l l e s . . . .... ... . . . . t ..ren ... t s o .....p Do it all in the classifieds.
to plan your advertising campaign today!
Call
1-800-743-3353
How to do it: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column, and every 3 by 3 box contains the digits 1 through 9.
LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS
Call 1-800
743-3353
◗ See answers to this week’s
puzzles in next Thursday’s edition
YORK GUARDIAN | Thursday, March 31, 2016 |
14
Weston to Union Station in 16 min.
one-way
5
$ 02 with PRESTO
UP Express trains leave every 15 minutes, every day.
Hop on the UP! Get started at UPexpress.com
Download the Free UP App. The fastest way to get on board.
Apple, the Apple logo, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android, Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google Inc.