AS SHE transitions from Queen’s Park in Toronto to the House of Commons in Ottawa, newly elected Liberal MP Doly Begum said her efforts to support Scarborough Southwest constituents will be best served at the federal level.
“I have had the honour of serving our riding for nearly eight years as the Member of Provincial Parliament at Queen’s Park, where I focused on delivering meaningful results,” Begum told Beach Metro Community News in a statement sent the week after she won the Scarborough Southwest federal byelection on Monday, April 13.
“That approach remains the same as I head to Ottawa, but what has changed now is my ability to deliver from within the government. At this pivotal moment
for Canada, I believe that I can make the greatest difference for the people of Scarborough Southwest as a member of (Prime Minister) Mark Carney’s Liberal team.”
Since 2018, Begum served as Scarborough Southwest’s MPP for the New Democratic Party (NDP). She was also a deputy leader for the Ontario NDP and the opposition at Queen’s Park.
In February, Begum announced her transition to the Liberal Party, where she would be running in the federal byelection to fill the vacant seat left by the former Liberal MP Bill Blair, who stepped down to become Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Begum secured a landslide victory over her fellow candidates with 20,114 votes (69.9 per cent of the total votes) in the byelection.
Her victory, alongside Dani-
Dance Off at Notre Dame
elle Martin and Tatiana Auguste – newly elected Liberal MPs for University-Rosedale and Terrebonne, Quebec – propelled the federal Liberals into a majority government position, bringing the party’s total seats in the House of Commons to 174.
Begum said she is committed to working in the Carney government to help build a “strong, resilient economy while delivering real improvements in people’s everyday lives.”
“At a time of growing global uncertainty and real challenges at home, Canadians are looking for steady leadership and a stable government, which Prime Minister Carney represents,” said Begum.
“My primary responsibility now is to turn that trust into action by ensuring that communities like ours see the real, visible results of the decisions made federally.”
In her statement, Begum listed a number of federal initiatives expected to address issues impacting Scarborough Southwest residents, including cost of living, housing, and accessible transit.
“These are all issues I care about deeply — and areas where our government can deliver real change. I am proud of the work that the Prime Minister and the new Liberal team have done over the past year to address these important issues,” she said.
According to Begum, the Build Canada Homes initiative has already taken action in Scarborough Southwest, with “over $291 million invested at 777 Victoria Park Avenue” to provide 705 rental units, including 256 affordable homes, as well as an “additional $137 million” invested to provide 245 rental homes at 2 Dunelm St. Addressing the country’s cost-of-
By Alan Shackleton
MOTORIZED
Motorized watercraft ban o local beaches approved
will be banned within 150 metres of both Woodbine and Cherry beaches this summer.
Toronto Council made the decision at its April 22 meeting. The motion as first presented to council only called for a ban on the motorized watercraft off Woodbine Beach, Hanlan’s Point Beach on the islands and Humber Bay Shores in Etobicoke.
However, a motion by TorontoDanforth Councillor Paula Fletcher to include Cherry Beach and the Outer Harbour on the west side of the Leslie Street Spit in this summer’s ban as part of the
Continued on Page 10
Doly Begum sets priorities as new Liberal MP
living crisis, Begum said she will support initiatives such as middle-class tax cuts, federal funding initiatives to increase housing supply, and the latest Groceries
Continued on Page 10
PHOTO: ALIZÉE LEGRAIN
Notre Dame Catholic High School’s Avidity team performs during the school’s 17th annual Dance Off competition held on Friday night. Avidity finished second in the competition which featured performances from teams representing 12 Toronto Catholic District School Board high schools. The winning team for this year’s Dance Off was Diversity in Sight from Loretto College.
PHOTO: MATTHEW STEPHENS
Doly Begum speaks to supporters at the Qssis Banquet Halls after winning the Scarborough Southwest federal byelection on Monday, April 13, for the Liberals.
Michael Garron Hospital, Garneau students celebrate successful Vital Ventures campaign
By Alan Shackleton
STUDENTS, DOCTORS, administrators and philanthropists gathered at Michael Garron Hospital recently to celebrate the 2026 Vital Venture Fund.
At the event, it was revealed which item of hospital equipment was the winner of a competition featuring videos made by Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute students highlighting the need for the medical equipment in the treatment of patients.
The winning video, which was voted on by members of the community, saw the item of equipment purchased by the hospital through monies made available by the Moez & Marrissa Kassam Equity Fund.
The celebration of the students’ videos, and the announcement of the winner, took place at the hospital on March 5 with medical staff, foundation and hospital officials, students from Marc Garneau and Moez and Marrissa Kassam in attendance.
The winning video, Mission Inner Space, was in support of funding for a dual focus gastroscope and a dual focus colon videoscope which helps diagnose young patients with conditions such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease.
In announcing the winning video, Moez Kassam praised the work of the students and the messages portrayed in the videos.
“What you have taken on and done is a form of mastery,” he said. “Not only were you able to take on a new project
Smoked Salmon stuffed Mini Potatoes with fresh herbs (gluten-free)
and showcase all the great work being done at Michael Garron, you also showed what real advocacy is and it’s a lesson that you can take with you for the rest of your lives.”
He said their fund was started to “dismantle the barriers and keep world-class technology at places like Michael Garron, and to find a way to bridge the gap, to provide equity” to those in need of medical technology services in the East Toronto community.
His family grew up in the Thorncliffe Park and Flemingdon Park area and this was the hospital that served them. “It’s very personal to us, it’s very important to the community at large, and I’m so happy and we’re so happy to be part of it.”
Dr. Kristen Bortolin, pediatric gastroenterologist at Michael Garron Hospital, helped the students on the Mission Inner Space team make their case for the funding of the gastroscope and colonvideoscope. The Garneau students who were members of the winning team are Zaynab Kazi, Lanyue Fu and Inaaya Ahmed.
Garneau principal Gillian Evans said the collaboration between the students and the hospital foundation was an excellent learning experience for all of the Grade 9 and 10 students that took part in creating the videos and learning about local healthcare needs.
“It was enormous success, especially for the students to see how what they have done has made an impact,” she
said. “It also showed the kids how they and the community can advocate for the things they need. It shows they can make a difference.”
Along with the competition-winning video Mission Inner Space, the videos made by the other students also received praise from the hospital staff and Moez and Marrissa Kassam.
So powerful were the videos that the Kassam’s fund and an anonymous donor also decided to fund some of the other items of equipment highlighted in the Vital Ventures 2026 campaign.
“Great news! Even more of the equipment highlighted in the Vital Venture Fund challenge is being purchased for our community,” said the Michael Garron Hospital Foundation in a Facebook post this month.
“Thanks to the Moez & Marissa Kassam Equity Fund and our anonymous donors for their support of: Safety starts with a scan: scanners to assess bladder function and avoid unnecessary catheterization; The difference a signal makes: an EMG Machine for diagnosis of nerve and muscle disorders. Plus, a NIM Monitor that assesses nerves during ear, nose and throat procedures; Surgical stars: a major VATS Tray, which includes a full set of instruments to support life-saving thoracic procedures. As well as ERBE cautery equipment, tools used to reduce bleeding during surgery. We are grateful to the students at Marc Garneau Collegiate Institute for shining a light on our hospital’s vital equipment needs.”
Sandra Urbansky remembered for her kindness, love o dogs
By Matthew Stephens
THOSE WHO had the pleasure of meeting
Sandra Urbansky before her passing know that she was the kind of woman who put the needs of others before her own – a woman with unwavering compassion and love for the Birch Cliff community she called home.
“She was a very bashful woman who had a super kind heart. She was selfless to a fault,” said Sandra’s niece Kristi Holtam in an interview with Beach Metro Community News
Urbansky passed last month at the age of 78. A funeral service was held on April 1 at Beach United Church, where dozens of residents and their canine companions showed up to celebrate her legacy.
“I work with an independent funeral home, and what we created was basically a bespoke service where dogs were invited,” said Holtam. “We had a really beautiful service.”
Holtam said the turnout for her aunt’s funeral far exceeded her expectations.
“The turnout was nuts for a Wednesday afternoon; 60 people. I didn’t realize 60 people knew my aunt, who was solitary and kept to herself. I didn’t realize the sort of impact she had.”
Known for her love of animals, Urbansky and her Havanese-Shih Tzu named Panda built lasting relationships with many of the dog walkers who frequented Blantyre Park and the surrounding Birch Cli community.
“She would sit in the gazebo at Blantyre Park twice a day with the other dog people and it was their community that they created during COVID. It was something that brought the community together, and it was something that I believe was almost a lifeline for my aunt during that time,” said Holtam.
The community her aunt built with the local dog walkers came at a pivotal moment in both hers and Urbansky’s life, following the passing of several family members, said Holtam. “My brother passed at the very end of 2017 and my mother passed at the beginning of 2018, like six weeks later. It was hard on her because my mother was the reason my aunt came back from out west.”
Urbansky was born Aleksandra Sydoriak on June 30, 1947, in the Ellwangen Ukrainian Displaced Persons Camp in Germany. She immigrated to Canada at the age of five, working on a farm in rural western Ontario with her grandmother before moving to Toronto to be reunited with her mother Julia Sydoriak, who had moved to the country several years prior.
After reuniting with her mother, Sandra
was introduced to Julia’s Ukrainian husband Frank Urbansky. Shortly after, the family of three welcomed two new members to their East York home; Terry and Olga. Sandra Urbansky attended East York Collegiate Institute before beginning her career with the Royal Bank of Canada.
“That was her first and only job,” said Holtam. “She started as a teller and worked her way through the ranks.”
Urbansky’s dedication to the company brought her west to Cranbrook, British Columbia, where she continued to develop lasting relationships and leave an impression on the community. The move was brief, however, as Urbansky returned to Toronto in 1973 to care for her sister Olga after a near-fatal car accident.
“It was an act that reflected Sandra’s enduring sense of responsibility to those she loved,” reads Urbansky’s obituary.
She continued to work for the bank while caring for her sister’s children (Kristi and Rob), becoming a “second mother” and playing a key role in their upbringing.
“She came back to care for my mother and became like a second mother to me and my brother. She was just an incredibly selfless woman,” said Holtam.
Urbansky continued to provide care for her parents in the later years of their lives, serving as a caregiver, translator, and compassionate advisor.
With an altruistic nature that extended beyond the four walls of their family home, Urbansky did whatever she could to assist her friends, neighbours, and members of the community.
“She left a legacy of kindness. She was just so peaceful, kind and sweet,” said Holtam. “The fact that she touched so many lives, I think it’s really important to me.”
In her free time, Urbansky was an avid reader, photographer, and most notably, a large fan of everything British: including literature, architecture, television and film. According to her obituary, Tom Hiddleston had become her British actor of choice in recent years.
Taking after her father and sister, Urbansky also found peace through the serenity of gardening, where her patient and creative nature shined brightest.
Although she was described as “fiercely independent,” Urbansky exhibited a warmth and tenderness that drew members of the community to her.
“Children and animals instinctively trusted her, and those who knew her will remember her calming presence, her benevolence, and her selfless heart,” read her obituary.
Holtam hopes that her aunt’s legacy of kindness and warmth can be used as an example for future generations.
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Sandra Urbansky, in the gazebo at Blantyre Park, surrounded by dogs.
We Sell Ontario
Eight-storey building with affordable rental units set for Kingston Road site
By Matthew Stephens
FOLLOWING A lengthy process to get shovels in the ground at a yearslong empty construction site on the south side of Kingston Road just west of Lee Avenue, Cannect Homes has broken ground on a housing project expected to include affordable units costing less than half of Toronto’s average rental prices.
“As we embark on this journey to create affordable housing in the City of Toronto, at a time where things certainly started off very challenging, I am very excited,” said Marcus Tzaferis, Founder & CEO of Cannect, at a ceremony on April 16, where he announced the new project.
After being passed on to Cannect from a previous developer, the empty site at 511 Kingston Rd. is now proposed to be an eight-storey, 90-unit purpose-built rental building featuring affordable and market-value rental units.
Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford said tenants in the building’s affordable units will be paying as little as $600 per month for rent, just under half the city’s average cost for a bachelor/studio apartment, which currently stands at $1,499 as of this year.
“When I say affordable, that means 600 bucks a month for rent,” said Bradford at the ceremony. “It’s been a long time in Toronto since you’ve been able to have a high-quality, brandnew apartment for 600 bucks a month rent.”
Bradford and the development team said securing affordable units was made possible through several programs, as well as partnerships at the provincial and federal level.
“Working with Marcus, we were able to navigate the city bureaucracy. We were able to push hard to secure funding through the city’s rental housing supply program,” said Bradford.
“Between the City of Toronto, competent builders, people who can do the financing, stacking up the programs –that’s how you do it.”
Working in collaboration with organizations such as Neighbours, Streetcar Developments, and HousingNowTO– and receiving a $7.8 million capital investment from the City of Toronto – the development project is expected to contribute 30 affordable units to the local housing market.
Bradford said delays in development were the result of the previous developer’s inability to complete the project. “Halfway through 2023, the builder fell on hard times, very emblematic of what we’re seeing right now in Toronto’s market. The work stopped, they removed the equipment, and what they left us with was this massive hole in the ground.”
The first zoning bylaw application to redevelop the 507-511 Kingston Rd. site was submitted more than nine years ago, in December of 2016.
By early to mid 2024, the existing buildings on site were torn down and the slope was dug out before work came to a halt on The Condoman De-
velopment’s The View project on the site.
The zoning bylaw amendment to build an eight-storey residential building on site was approved by Toronto Council in July 2024. However, for the last two years, residents have been left with unfavourable views of an empty pit with metal framing and sand, resting at the bottom of a 9.5 metre (just over 31 feet) drop from the end of Wheeler Avenue at the south end up to Kingston Road at the north end.
Tzaferis said Cannect Homes – who originally served as a private money lender for the development – has now assumed the leading role to ensure the project’s completion. “It was left to us to make a decision: whether we were also going to walk away, or roll up our sleeves and finish it,” he said. “We probably would have been OK to just walk from this. But because I have the support of my investors and my team, we decided to try to do something challenging.”
He said the project transitioned from a condominium to rental project due to both market changes and a lack of demand for condominiums in the area.
“This area doesn’t really need condos; it really needs some affordable housing. Even the 60 market rental units are really required in this area.”
After years of uncertainty at 511 Kingston Rd., he apologized to residents who have been left questioning when construction would ever begin at the site.
Liberals and NDP set to select provincial candidates for Scarborough Southwest riding
THE POLITICAL picture in the provincial riding of Scarborough Southwest is set to become a bit clearer in the coming days as both the Liberals and NDP will be choosing their candidates for the upcoming byelection which must take place by Sept. 3.
The NDP will hold its nomination meeting this evening (Tuesday, April 28) at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, and the three candidates seeking the position are Veronica Javier, Khalid Ahmed and Fatima Shaban.
The Liberals nomination meeting is set for Saturday, May 9, at Birchmount Park Collegiate Institute and the four candidates seeking the seat are Nathaniel ErskineSmith, Qadira Jackson, Ahsanul Hafiz, and Mahmuda Nasrin.
Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles will be attending tonight’s nomination meeting which is an important one for the party since the Scarborough Southwest riding had been held by NDP MPP Doly Begum from 2018 to February of this year.
However, Begum left the party and
stepped down as MPP to run federally for the Liberals in the Scarborough Southwest byelection held on April 13. (For more, please see our story on Page 1.)
Begum’s decision to seek the federal Scarborough Southwest seat for the Liberals after former MP Bill Blair stepped down in February of this year to become Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom set off a round of political musical chairs in East Toronto.
After Begum said she was stepping down as MPP, Beaches-East York Liberal MP Erskine-Smith declared the next day that he would be seeking the nomination for his party in the Scarborough Southwest provincial riding.
Erskine-Smith is also eyeing a run at the leadership of the Ontario Liberal Party.
If Erskine-Smith wins the provincial Liberal nomination for ScarboroughSouthwest, he will resign his position as Beaches-East York MP and trigger the need for a federal byelection in what would then be his former riding.
Good Laughs fundraiser for hospital slated
COMEDY BAR Danforth will be hosting the annual Good Laughs fundraiser for Michael Garron Hospital on Thursday, May 21, with shows set for 7 and 9 p.m.
The event features standup comedy performances by Toronto lawyers. Founded by Michael Currie, Good Laughs challenges lawyers to speak publicly in a different way. He said lawyers don’t want a judge to laugh at them in court but they do at a comedy show, making it “a tough and rewarding challenge”.
Comedian Martha Chaves will be the host for Good Laughs. In the last three years, the event has raised more than $60,000 in support of the hospital. To buy tickets for one of the two shows on May 21, please go to http://goodlaughs.ca
New education legislation won’t sta our schools
What is happening in our schools? Last year, the provincial government seized control of Toronto public and Catholic school boards from area elected trustees like myself. They installed supervisors making $2,000/day who answer only to the Minister of Education - not our community.
Since supervision, we learn about new and concerning developments at our local schools only through local parents raising concerns.
St Joseph parents have spoken out about the loss of Educational Assistants; Bowmore Road par-
ents rallied as almost the entire Grade 7 and Grade 8 teaching complement were either removed or suspended without transparency around what was happening. And local parents have raised concerns that Eastdale - a critically important east end school for youth with special needs city-wide - is not offering Grade 9 placements at all next year, a signal the school is in danger of closing.
Before provincial supervision, issues could be raised by members of the public at open meetings of elected trustees, and trustees could respond and take action. But this isn’t happening under supervision.
Instead we see:
• Cuts to teachers and educational staff.
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St. Aidan’s Out
People from the Beach community have hosted suppers at St. Aidan’s church every week from the first Monday of November, 2025 to the last Monday of April 2026 for people who are food insecure, marginally housed or who want a good meal.
During the 27-week period, groups from seven organizations have hosted 40 plus guests each Monday.
When no group had signed up to prepare the meal, one of four teams from St. Aidan’s cooked, served and cleaned up.
Community groups who served at least one meal were:
• Office of Councillor Brad Bradford, Ward 19 Beaches-East York.
• Community Centre 55.
• DeClute Real Estate.
• Beaches-East York Provincial Liberal Association (Mary-Margaret McMahon).
• Increases to special needs class sizes.
• Less information about staffing and budgeting decisions that affect our children.
A new piece of provincial education legislation has been introduced and could pass very quickly. The bill proposes many concerning changes to how school boards would be governed and run.
The legislation caps the number of elected school board trustees to 12, meaning the elected representatives for the Toronto District School Board—the largest school board in the country— will be nearly halved.
The Minister of Education made clear that supervision could continue beyond the next trustee election. This means the province
expects people to vote for their next school trustees during municipal elections this fall without any clarity on if or when the people they elect would actually start their responsibilities.
The province must end supervision before Ontarians go to the polls and allow their democratically elected school boards to govern from day one.
Meanwhile, we are learning through leaked information that deep staffing cuts are planned for fall.
Our area schools could lose vice principals, office staff, support teachers, language supports, lunchroom supervisors, and more.
The government’s recently announced gift cards for teachers cannot make up for these deep cuts.
Principals are instructed to keep next year’s staffing a secret, and parents are told they’ll “just have to wait” until September. This approach will not help build the relationships principals and schools communities need to support children and workers alike.
The government took school boards under supervision on the premise that they would restore funding to the classrooms, but that is clearly not what is happening.
Children are required by law to go to school, so the public is owed a higher degree of transparency around the affairs of schools.
There are no hard class caps after Grade 3 in Ontario, and unclear requirements for staffing ratios during classroom transi-
• The Naval Club of Toronto.
• The Richards Group.
• Arcadis (Toronto).
Students from Neil McNeil came to the church at 3:30 p.m. each Monday to set up tables and chairs and put on tablecloths before the guests arrive.
Judging from the growing number of guests, the regular returnees and the positive comments, the food was popular.
Originally, the meals were part of the overnight, Out of the Cold program that operated at St. Aidan’s from 2006. If there were more people than beds available at St. Aidan’s, they ate supper while waiting for transportation to another site where they could sleep.
Over the years, the meal part of the program grew and fed as many as 90 people an evening, while there were never more than
25 people staying overnight. The COVID-19 pandemic interrupted the program. During COVID, the city’s shelter services and the public health department made changes, offering stable accommodation in rented hotels and redirected funding for overnight staffing and security to these locations.
But it was apparent that these services did not address all the needs, particularly for meals, so St. Aidan’s reconstituted the supper portion of the program in January, 2023.
It has continued since then, still operating from November to the end of April.
At the end of April the program celebrates all the volunteers, hosts and guests by turning the pews around and setting up tables in the main body of St. Aidan’s church, then ordering dozens of pizzas.
The obvious question has been: what
happens during the summer?
Starting this May and continuing at least until the end of June St. Aidan’s will offer a barbecue on Monday evenings in the West Garden of the church (weather permitting). If it rains, the program will offer take-out sandwiches, fruit and drinks.
Depending on the uptake of the meals and the availability of volunteers during the later parts of the summer, the program may continue.
Meanwhile we thank all the people from St. Aidan’s and the community at large for making the program a success.
And if you’d like to come for a meal or volunteer, you can find us at St. Aidan’s on Monday evenings from 5 to 6 p.m. Michael Van Dusen, Co-Chair of St. Aidan’s Out of the Cold
SARA EHRHARDT Guest Column
In My Opinion
Political rollercoaster set to start
ALAN SHACKLETON Beach Metro News Editor
The political heat is on in Beaches-East York and Scarborough Southwest.
Friday, May 1, is the first day candidates can register for the Toronto municipal election. Voting day isn’t until Oct. 26, but there’s already lots of talk about who will be running for the Toronto Council seat in Beaches-East York.
Current councillor Brad Bradford has said he will be running to be Mayor of Toronto in this municipal election. That means his council seat is open, a relatively rare situation in this city, and interest in becoming the next Beaches-East York councillor is high. Expect there to be a line of people registering to run for the seat on May
1. And as the campaign goes on, expect to learn of some well-known community members who will be throwing their hat into the ring.
At Beach Metro Community News, the newsroom will be working hard to keep readers aware of who has officially registered to run for the seat. What we won’t be doing on our news pages, and I want readers and candidates to clearly understand this, is either cheerleading for or dumping on any of the candidates. I see our role as highlighting issues of importance to the community, and letting our readers know where the candidates stand on them.
That being said, you will be seeing lots of ads from candidates in our paper over the coming months (which is great), but please understand the difference between the content of paid ads and what appears on our news pages.
By our next edition of May 12, the picture of who is running for council in Beaches-East York will be starting to take shape. However, the deadline for candidates to either register or withdraw is Aug. 21 so there’s still lots of time before ballots are finalized.
The municipal election, though, is not our only area of political attention this year. We’re also looking at a mandated provincial byelection in Scarborough Southwest and an expected federal byelection in Beaches-East York. We’ve also just wrapped up a federal bylection in Scarborough Southwest on April 13.
Doly Begum had been the NDP MPP in Scarborough Southwest but she stepped down and ran federally for the Liberals in the April 13 byelection which she won. She decided to run federally for the Liberals after former Scarborough Southwest Liberal MP Bill Blair was
Allow elected trustees to govern
‘New’ from Page 6
tions and breaks; so the province’s supervisors could cut staff without firm guardrails.
We should know how many classes and teachers, office staff and support workers can be expected in our school buildings before we send our children next year.
If you are concerned with what is happening, I would encourage you to contact the Premier [https://correspondence.premier.gov. on.ca/EN/feedback/default. aspx].
The government can choose to fund more staff in our schools at any time, and they can also choose to end supervision so the
people elected in October 2026 can govern.
- Sara Ehrhardt was elected in 2022 as Toronto Danforth’s public school trustee. She helped found the Toronto Education Advocacy Network. She maintains a website at www. SaraEhrhardt.ca and can be reached at SaraTorontoDanforth@gmail.com
named Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
Due to Begum’s move, a provincial byelection in Scarborough Southwest must now take place no later than Sept. 3.
Beaches-East York Liberal MP Nathaniel ErskineSmith is seeking to be the provincial Liberal candidate in Scarborough Southwest, a move tied in to his desire to be the next leader of the Ontario Liberal Party.
The Scarborough Southwest provincial Liberals will hold their nomination meeting on May 9. The NDP’s nomination meeting to select its provincial candidate in Scarborough Southwest is tonight (April 28).
If Erskine-Smith wins the nomination, he will step down as MP for BeachesEast York and there will have to be a federal byelection in the coming months to elect a new MP. Already, (as shown by an ad in today’s paper) contenders are lining up be the next federal Liberal candidate in Beaches-East York. We can expect other well-known candidates to also join in.
Buckle up readers, this ride is just starting.
GRAND OPENING
Community Calendar
APRIL 29: Everyone Has A Story To Tell. An invitation to a small writing workshop at Judy’s Beach Café, 2188 Queen St. E., 2-4 p.m. Enjoy a coffee and write some memories with writer Patricia Brean. Enrollment is free. Please email pat_brean@hotmail.com to sign up.
APRIL 30: YMCA Spring Talks at The Steve & Sally Stavro Family YMCA, 907 Kingston Rd., 3-4 p.m. The Beaches: The Creation of a Unique Toronto Neighborhood, with Richard White, Beach historian and author. Free. Info: 416-928-3362
MAY 2: Spring Fling Craft and Foodie Affair at RCL Branch 345, 81 Peard Rd., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Handmade crafts, foodie treats, door and grand prizes, gift basket raffle draw, book sale, and surprise gift bags. All proceeds support The Fred Victor.
MAY 2: Jane’s Walk, 2-5 p.m. Join Adam Smith for his annual public art Jane’s Walks in the East End, starting at Coxwell Station and ending at Queen St. E./Woodbine Ave. Info: www.janeswalkfestivalto.com/walks
MAY 3: Young People’s Concert and Instrument Petting Zoo at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 12 noon-2 p.m. Featured instruments are flute, bassoon, and violin. Suggested donation $10. Info: www.kruc.ca
MAY 7, 8: Serenata Singers – 50th Golden Anniversary Concerts at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Rd., May 7 @ 2 p.m., May 8 @ 7:30 p.m.Celebrate 50 years of harmony with “The Maple Leaf Forever”, a sparkling program of choral gems by Canadian composers. $25.
MAY 9: Artists & Artisans Spring Market at Beaches Presbyterian Church, 65 Glen Manor Drive, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Handcrafted items and beautiful works of art including bags, crochet, jewelry, home decor, woodcrafts, books, baked goods, and lots more. Take a break in the cafe and enjoy sandwiches, baked treats and refreshments.
MAY 9: Beach Bridge Pub Crawl. Friendly duplicate bridge, rotating through three pubs on Queen St. E. in the Beach. Info: 416-987-1019 or https:// beachbridgepubcrawl.wixsite.com/bbpc
MAY 9: I Love to SING! at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Kids from 8 to 16 are welcome to this free program that is fun, empowering, and great music instruction from some of top singing teachers in Canada. No experience or commitment necessary. Info: singtoronto.com/i-love-to-sing
MAY 9: Mother’s Day Tea at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 12:30-2:30 p.m. Traditional high tea includes sandwiches, scones, cookies, squares, coffee and tea. $35 per person. Tickets: 416-261-4222 or admin@stpaulsscarborough.org before May 3.
MAY 10: Mother’s Day Fundraiser for The Love Club at The Fox Theatre, 2236 Queen St. E., 12:45 p.m. Enjoy a screening of Mamma Mia! and support babies in need, with a portion of proceeds from the “Momosa” bar benefiting the cause. The Love Club creates its own line of baby clothing specifically for women’s charities and shelters. Info: www.theloveclub.ca
MAY 29-31: Beach Guild of Fine Art ‘Art in The Beach’ Spring Show & Sale at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., Fri 5-8 p.m., Sat & Sun 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See original artwork in a variety of mediums, sizes and subjects. Something for everyone! Info: beachguildoffineart.com
MAY 30: Calling all Vendors and Artisans! Spring Outdoor Sale at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 904 Coxwell Ave. (at Cosburn), 8 a.m.-3 p.m. (rain date June 6). Table Rental $60. Call the office at 416-421-6878 extension 21 to reserve your table. This is a long-running and wellattended sale. We look forward to welcoming you!
JUNE 18: Annual General Meeting of the members of Community Centre 55 at CC 55, 97 Main St., 7 p.m., for the purpose of considering and taking action with respect to the following: to approve the financial statements of Community Centre 55 for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2025; to receive our Program report; and to fill vacancies on the Board of Management. For additional information, please contact Reza Khoshdel, Executive Director, Community Centre 55 at 416-691-1113 ext. 225 or email reza@centre55.com or visit www.centre55.com
THURSDAYS: CONTEMPLATIVE AND MINDFULNESS MEDITATION at the Church of St. Aidan, 2423 Queen St. E., 7:30 – 8:15 p.m. All ages and stages of experience welcome! Free. Type of meditation will vary based on the instructor. Just drop in or email office@ staidansinthebeach.com for more information.
THURSDAYS: CALVARY GRACE FOOD BANK, 72 Main St., Thursdays, 6-8:30 p.m, by appointment only, through Daily Bread Food Bank. Info: 416-691-2899, gpcc@calvary-baptistchurch.ca, www.gracepascoefoodbank.ca/access-our-services
FRIDAYS: GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP
Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard St E., is open from 3:30-6 p.m. Registration is required. New clients must present identification for members in their household on their first visit and annually thereafter. Time slots are handed out and clients are encouraged to arrive at the food bank the time slot they have selected. Info.: 416-690-5169
BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets each Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. at Swanwick, and each Monday at 7:15 p.m. at East End United Church, 310 Danforth Ave. Info: www. mentalwellness.help. Or join us most nights of the week on Zoom. Go to: https://www.meetup.com. Ask to join us: Mental Wellness Peer-to-Peer Support-Groups A A at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Saturdays 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Info: 416-691-1113
AL- ANON at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St., Wednesdays 7:15 p.m. Alateen members are welcome to attend. Info: 416-691-1113
MAY 10: Leslieville Farmers’ Market Opening Day at Greenwood Park, 150 Greenwood Ave., 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: leslievillemarket.com
MAY 12: A Senior Moment coffee and dessert at The Stone Lion, 1958 Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m.
MAY 12: East York Farmers’ Market Opening Day at East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave., 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
MAY 14: Guitar Play-Along Class, hosted by Rob Hiemstra, at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 7-9 p.m. Join the fun and improve your playing in a large group setting, low pressure environment. Pay what you can: suggested $7-15 cash or card. Classes held every second Thursday of the month. Info: 416-839-1351, robhiemstraguitar@gmail.com
MAY 16: Spring Thaw Jazz Concert at Beaches Presbyterian Church, 65 Glen Manor Drive, 7-9 p.m. An evening of incredible music with jazz and folk musicians: Julian AndersonBowes, Leland Whitty, Marta Solek, Eric West, Emily Schultz, Tara Kannangara, Chris Pruden and Benton Roark. Tickets $25 (or pay what you can). Proceeds go to support the work of BPC. Info: www.beacheschurch.org, 416-699-5871
MAY 21: Good Laughs Comedy Show – Fundraiser for Michael Garron Hospital, at comedy Bar Danforth, 2800 Danforth Ave., 7-10 p.m., with emcee Martha Chaves. Tickets $75 at www.goodlaughs.ca
MAY 22: A Senior Moment luncheon at La Sala Ristorante, 1975A Queen St. E., 1:30 p.m. R.S.V.P. Colleen at 647-829-8042
BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP LUNCHES for adults in the community, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.). Closed April 6 •Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) April 28, May 12, 26; St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (2423 Queen St. E.) May 5, 19 •Wednesdays at Beach Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.). Closed April 1 and April 8 •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.) •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). Lunch format may vary from site to site. BEACH PHOTO CLUB offers a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo excursions, and more! We meet the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from September to June, 7-9:30 p.m., at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave. (unless specified in program). Info: beachphotoclub.com, beachphotoclub@gmail.com
DANFORTH/COXWELL LIBRARY, 1675 Danforth Ave. •May 12: How Pleasant to Know Mr. Lear, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Discussing the genius of Edward Lear as a painter and poet, the great joiner of oil painting and printed nonsense. Registration is recommended. •May 13: Community Writing Workshop, 6-8 p.m., a Writers Collective of Canada (WCC) workshop. No experience required. Materials provided. Beginners welcome! •May 27: Birding 101 – Tips for Bird Watching in Toronto, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Choosing binoculars, when and where to bird, clubs and field trip info, and more. Info: 416-393-7783
GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •May 2: Writers Workshop, 10-11:30 a.m. Led by the Writers Collective of Canada. Registration required. •May 2, 9: Chess Club, 1-4 p.m. For all ages and levels, drop-in. •May 9: Mother’s Day Craft 2-2:45 p.m. Paint a jewelry box for mom. For ages 3-12. Registration required. •May 14: Cozy Corner Club. 2-4 p.m. A casual monthly social gathering. Make origami or play board games and meet neighbours. Registration required. Info: 416-393-7717
MAY 23: Spring Yard Sale at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 5 Wood Glen Rd., 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Outdoors and inside. Jewelry, novels, CDs, games, puzzles, purses, bags, fabric scarves, small household items, baking. MAY 23: Councillor Fletcher’s Dieppe Park Environment Day at Dieppe Park, 455 Cosburn Ave., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. rain or shine. Info: paulafletcher. ca/dieppe_park_environment_day_2026
MAY 23: Acoustic Harvest presents Healing Garden Music Fest featuring Dave Gunning with opening set Taivi & Garth at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Tickets: $35 advance or $40 at the door: https://www.ticketscene.ca/events/53319/ahnews/. Info: acousticharvest.ca
MAY 23, 24: Open House at Kew Beach Lawn Bowling Club, 12 Lee Ave., 10 a.m.-4 p.m., a welcoming spot for lawn bowling, croquet, and off-season socials like table tennis and game nights. Visit our Open House as part of Doors Open Toronto! Learn more at www.kewbeachlbc.ca or email kewbeachlbcinfo@gmail.com
MAY 23, 24: Doors Open, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. East End locations include Danforth Mennonite Church, Fool’s Paradise, Kew Beach Lawn Bowling Club (see listing above), R.C. Harris Filtration Plant, Riverdale Hub, St. Barnabas on the Danforth, and Todmorden Mills. Info: www.toronto. ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/doors-open-toronto/
MAY 25: East York Garden Club presents ‘All About Peonies’ & Flower Show at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, 373 Cedarvale Ave., 7-9 p.m., with horticulturalist Dugald Cameron.
THE CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN (Anglican), 2423 Queen St. E., is an energetic, active faith community committed to following Jesus as we gather for meaningful worship, spiritual growth, and community engagement. On Sundays, we welcome you to join us for worship at 8:30 a.m. (spoken service) and 10:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs). Wednesdays please join us for the Eucharist Service at 10:30 a.m. Weekly euchre on Tuesdays from 7-9 p.m. (enter through the glass doors, $5 to play, all proceeds go to outreach). Busy Bees drop-in playgroup for ages 0-3 and caregivers features stories and crafts on Thursdays, 10:00-11:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall. ST. SAVIOUR’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 43 Kimberley Ave. at Swanwick. All are welcome. Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. - both in person and via Zoom. Call the church for info 416-699-6512 or visit www.stsaviours.ca or www. facebook.com/churchwithreddoor. Sermons available on Proclamation! Podcast (now available for free on iTunes). FORWARD BAPTIST CHURCH, 1891 Gerrard Street E. Sunday •Worship @10:15 a.m. •Above the Beach: Tuesdays @ 9:30-11:30 a.m. Drop-in for kids age 0-4 and their caregivers. •Youth Group: Wednesdays @ 7 p.m. Grades 6-12.
Walk on May 9 to support adolescent and young adults cancer program
By Jessica Shackleton
CANCER CAN TOUCH anyone at any age, and the Adolescent & Young Adults (AYA) Program at the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre works to make sure there is tailored care for everyone.
To raise money for the AYA Program, a walk will be held on Saturday, May 9, in the Beach. The three-kilometre walk begins and ends at the Leuty Pavilion, foot of Lee Avenue.
Beach resident Jennifer Catsburg is an advanced practice nurse at the AYA Program. She has been at Princess Margaret for 16 years and with AYA for five. She said much of the funding for the program is philanthropic, but the group wanted to hold a fun fundraising event of its own.
“A lot of the work that we do is bringing people with cancer together so they can have some fun, so they can meet someone else who also lost their hair from chemo because their friends don’t understand,” said Catsburg. “So the compromise was a walk. Twenty dollars to register, raise money if you can, kids are free, bring your dogs, bring your strollers. We’re going to have music and face painting.”
This 3K for AYA is extra special for Catsburg, as the program has helped a fellow Beacher. Catsburg met Beth Johnston when she was a patient diagnosed with leukemia, and they quickly realized they lived in the same neighbourhood and had daughters the same age who went to the same school. Johnston is now in recovery, and has helped to support and spread the word
about the walk.
“We’re two Beach parents. I work in healthcare, she’s a cancer survivor, and she’s benefited from our program and is now sharing awareness. So that’s a really special piece of all of this,” said Catsburg.
The AYA program is for people between the ages of 18 and 39 diagnosed with cancer. It is an in-between age when patients are no longer pediatric but require different care than older people.
“It’s quite rare to be under 60 with a cancer, so these folks are isolated, and it’s an enormous disruption to your life, at any point, but if you’re in school or if you have a young family, or you’re busy with your career, and you have a cancer diagnosis as a young person, it’s devastating,” said Catsburg.
“These folks need tailored support like a counsellor to help them stay in school or update their resume to find a job after cancer,” she said.
AYA supports all aspects of the cancer journey, said Catsburg. The program is not limited to those receiving treatment at Princess Margaret. It’s open to anyone across the province, so the services need to remain accessible.
Funds raised at the May 9 walk will go towards mental health resources and peer support. Local businesses, including Paper Route Café and Cobs Bread, are providing refreshments at the walk. The event goes from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., with the walk starting at 9:30 a.m. The $20 registration fee serves as a donation. To register, please visit https://supportthepmcf.ca/ui/AYA3K
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City vows to be ‘relentless’ in shutting down illegal jet ski rental companies
‘Motorized’ from Page 1
Toronto Personal Watercraft Safety Plan was also approved by council.
Personal watercraft (jet skis) and the irresponsible use of them and illegal renting of them around city beaches was the motivation for the plan.
The issue came to the forefront last summer at Woodbine and other city beaches due to numerous incidents of unsafe operations of the jet skis and the proliferation of businesses and individuals renting them out without licences and without permission to be on city property.
While local councillors are pleased the city is taking the safety concerns seriously and implementing the plan for this summer, a number of concerns remain. Among them is who will cover the cost of buoys set up in Lake Ontario off the areas where the motorized watercraft will be banned, and how the Toronto Police Marine Unit will effectively enforce the ban.
“The swimming and non-motorized water-sports users are encouraged by the city’s leadership and the adoption of the PWC (Personal Watercraft) Safety Plan, including Motorized Watercraft Exclusion Zones (MWEZs) at key swimming beaches. Waterfront councillors deserve real credit for listening to the community and acting on what they heard - public input clearly shaped both the direction and the urgency of these measures,” said a spokesperson for Toronto Beaches Open Water Swimmers in a statement sent to Beach Metro Community News
However, the group said it must be clear that the exclusion zone covers the length of the Eastern
Beaches from Ashbridges Bay to the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, including Woodbine, Kew/ Balmy and Scarborough beaches. If it does not, the ban will be “ineffective” and “just move the problem eastward” down the beaches, said the group.
The group also stressed the importance of the exclusion zones being clearly marked by buoys in the lake.
“Waterfront organizations have confidence in the (Toronto police) Marine Unit’s commitment and responsiveness. However, enforcement will depend almost entirely on whether those zones are clearly marked. If visible marker buoys are in place, enforcement is realistic. Without them, it will be very difficult in practice…At this point, there is still uncertainty about whether those buoys will be installed in time for the summer,” said the group.
“The immediate priority is resolving the buoy issue - both installation and funding - between the City and the Toronto Port Authority. These markers are essential to making the plan work.”
Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford, who successfully pushed for an exclusion zone last July off Woodbine Beach after numerous safety incidents and illegal rental operations, echoed the concerns about the placement of the buoys and their importance.
“Physical buoys are essential so that everyone understands where the line is, and so the Toronto police Marine Unit can enforce the no-go zone,” said Bradford in a statement to Beach Metro Community News
“The city is asking the Toronto Port Authority (TPA) to fund the purchase and installation of the
buoys, but the TPA has not yet agreed to cover the costs. I believe having the buoys installed at Woodbine is non-negotiable, so at Council I moved a motion to direct the City Manager to report back to Council at our next meeting if there is a financial gap to fill. This is a key priority for me, and I’ll use every tool at our disposal to keep the waterfront safe and enjoyable for everyone in our community.”
While the exclusion zone in the waters off the beaches is intended to keep motorized watercraft out of those areas and improve safety for swimmers and the users of nonmotorized watercraft, the issue of illegal jet ski rentals taking place on city properties near Lake Ontario is also an ongoing concern.
Last July, an enforcement blitz among a number of city departments including bylaw and parking the police Marine Unit resulted in numerous charges and fines. Bradford said that level of attention from the city towards illegal rental businesses is expected to be the norm for this summer.
“City staff have assured me there is a much stronger enforcement plan for this summer, but I’m looking for results – not promises,” he said.
“We will be watching closely to see if these actions are enough to deter the rental companies, and make changes to the plan if illegal operations continue.”
Bradford also issued a warning to those running illegal watercraft rental businesses on city property. “To these companies thinking of pulling these stunts again, let me be clear: we will be relentless to shut you down and keep Woodbine Beach safe.”
Community needs to see real results o federal decisions
‘Doly’ from Page 1
and Essentials Benefit, which rolls out in July of this year.
Begum also announced her support for an increased allocation of federal funding to support TTC infrastructure in Scarborough Southwest.
“On public transit, I will advocate for specific TTC funding for Scarborough – building on the $183 million the federal government has just given to the City of Toronto for the 2025-26 fiscal year through the Community stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund,” said Begum.
She added that the Liberal government is also working to improve public safety across the board by introducing new legislation to “make bail stricter and toughen sentencing laws.”
Begum also said working with the federal leadership will allow her to advocate for creating more jobs, protecting workers, and strengthening the economy.
“As I have said before, the Prime Minister and our new Liberal government are working to make sure we are building a resilient economy that creates good-paying jobs and real opportunities for people here at home.”
When asked if she would be seeking appointment as a cabinet minister in Carney’s government, Begum said she would be ready if the opportunity presents itself. “If I am given the opportunity to take on greater responsibility, I will be ready to do so,” said Begum. “But regardless
of the role, my priority remains the same: to ensure the voices of my community are heard and reflected in federal decisions, while working together as part of Team Canada.”
Now serving her constituents at the federal level, Begum said it is important for Scarborough Southwest residents to feel the impact of her voice in the House of Commons. “In Scarborough Southwest, residents gave me a strong mandate in the recent byelection to represent them in Ottawa and to get things done. My primary responsibility now is to turn that trust into action by ensuring that communities like ours see the real, visible results of the decisions made federally.”
Here are the results for the April 13 Scarborough Southwest byelection:
Doly Begum – Liberal – 20, 114 votes, 69.9 per cent.
Diana Filipova – Conservative – 5,300 votes, 18.4 per cent.
Fatima Shaban – NDP – 1, 714 votes, 6 per cent.
Pooja Malhotra – Green Party – 711 votes, 2.5 per cent. April Francisco – Independent – 432 votes, 1.5 per cent.
Peter Koubakis – People’s Party of Canada – 265 votes, 0.9 per cent.
David Vedova – Christian Heritage Party – 142 votes, 0.5 per cent.
Lyall Sanders – Centrist Party – 100 votes, 0.3 per cent.
Elections Canada said the voter turnout was 33.54 per cent.
Neighbourhood Stops and Shops
Two years in, Tiarré’s Brunch & Bistro is ready to celebrate
There’s something about Tiarré’s Brunch & Bistro the moment you walk in. It might be the attention to detail, the warmth of the welcome, or the easy flow of conversation across tables.
Whatever it is, it keeps people coming back, and keeps the restaurant full, even on a weekday morning.
That kind of consistency doesn’t happen by accident.
As Tiarré’s marks its two-year anniversary this Mother’s Day weekend, owner Anotha Thamesh and her husband Tam Thiyaga are celebrating more than a milestone. They’re celebrating the community that’s shown up, again and again.
“The support has meant everything,” Anotha says.
“People keep coming back, and we don’t take that lightly.”
That appreciation is shaping how Tiarré’s approaches Mother’s Day.
Instead of focusing everything on a single Sunday, the restaurant is inviting families to celebrate across the full weekend.
“Mother’s Day shouldn’t feel rushed,” she says. “You have the whole weekend to enjoy it.”
From Friday through Sunday, Tiarré’s will offer thoughtful touches that elevate the experience.
Friday evenings feature beer sampling from 4 p.m. to close, while Saturday brunch includes complimentary sparkling wine from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The restaurant’s popular high tea (available by reservation only) runs all weekend as an elegant option for celebrating moms.
High tea has become a favourite in the community, not just for its presentation, but for its accessibility.
At $69.99 per person, it offers a more approachable alternative to hotel experiences, without cutting corners. Guests are served unlimited premium tea alongside a curated selection of sweet and savoury bites, plus scones with jam and cream.
“We have generations coming in together,” Anotha says.
“Everyone dresses up and makes it an experience.”
That same intention carries across the entire menu. Tiarré’s blends global inspiration with a strong focus on quality, drawing from Anotha’s travels to create dishes that stand out along Queen East.
Brunch highlights include Banana Foster French Toast inspired by New Orleans and Shakshouka rooted in North African and Middle Eastern traditions.
Dinner features like Caribbean Curry Goat, Spanish Paella, and Southern Cajun Catfish offer something not easily found elsewhere in the Beach.
“There’s no compromise on quality or what we offer,” Anotha says.
That shows up in the details; free-run omega-3 eggs with rich golden yolks, thickcut bacon, macarons flown in from Paris, and locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.
Much of the menu is made in-house, including fresh-squeezed orange juice that regulars now pick up by the jug.
As patio season approaches, Tiarré’s continues to build on that experience. The covered patio will be open throughout the weekend, weather permitting, and Saturday evenings feature live music from local artists between 4 and 7 p.m.
There’s also a growing focus on dinner, with weekly features like half-price bottles of wine, kids-eat-free nights, and new shareable options designed for groups.
Looking ahead, Tiarré’s is introducing inhouse Italian gelato, available to enjoy in the restaurant or take to go along Queen Street East.
For those planning a visit over the anniversary weekend, reservations are recommended, especially for high tea, though walk-ins are welcome. It will be busy, but that’s part of what makes it worth it.
Tiarré’s Brunch & Bistro is located at 1980 Queen St. E in the Beach.
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PHOTOS BY PERSPECTIVE FILM BY KLAJDI
Guests settle into high tea service, left, while hands-on owner, Anotha Thamesh, moves between tables serving brunch on the patio, right. Images provided by Tiarré’s Brunch & Bistro.
It”s sad to see someone destroying the historical facade of one of very few Art Deco buildings (1931) remaining in our area, as is happening on the northeast corner of Kingston and Scarborough roads!
Part of the west wall has already had its Flemish Bond brickwork (every second brick turned sideways) plastered over, along with one of the grooved concrete pillars set into the wall.
Some of the decorative concrete frieze banding has also been chipped away!
The Beach and East Toronto Historical
Society has recognized this whole structure (continuing up Scarborough Road and along Kingston Road) as architecturally and historically significant; but the City of Toronto has been slow to grant official protection to such gems. I would like to encourage everyone who cares about the preservation of our local history to communicate their concern to their local councillor, and to heritageplanning@toronto.ca
Mary Campbell
Please send your letters to us by email to editor@beachmetro.com
A look back along Queen Street East in 1939
By David Van Dyke
Queen Street East you’d like to share with our readership? Please contact me at gdvandyke61@gmail.com
Spring Fling Craft and Foodie Affair on May 2
have an ATM on site.
THE SPRING Fling Craft and Foodie Affair is set to take place at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 345 in East York this Saturday.
The community is welcome to shop between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., and students looking for volunteer hours are invited to help out.
The Saturday, May 2, Spring Fling is a community-driven fundraiser in support of the Fred Victor social service and charitable organization.
All proceeds from the affair will go to the charity, with a goal of reaching $15,000.
Fred Victor is a charitable organization that works toward positive change in the lives of homeless and low-income people living across the city. The organization provides many programs, including affordable housing, food, and job training.
This Saturday’s Spring Fling will feature 35 artisan and food vendors, surprise gift bags, a book sale, door prizes, raffles and more.
Visitors to Spring Fling will find unique handmade crafts, delicious treats, and more.
The event is fully accessible, and will
The Spring Fling is a great opportunity to shop for Mother’s Day and also to welcome the spring season by giving back to an essential community service.
RCL Branch 345 is located at 81 Peard Rd. in East York, near Victoria Park and St. Clair avenues.
Please visit the Spring Fling Craft and Foodie Affair Facebook page for updates and more information on the event and its vendors at www.facebook.com/The4thOfItsKindSpringFlingCraftAndFoodiesAffair
Mackenzie
PHOTO: DAVID VAN DYKE
PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY
Your gateway to connecting with skilled professionals in our community
Interested in advertising your business in our Professional Directory? Contact carolin@beachmetro.com or 416-698-1164 x 22 for rates. Your Professional Directory ad also appears on our website: beachmetro.com
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Kriens
LaRose, LLP
Chartered Professional Accountants
• Accounting services for owner-managed businesses
• Audit services for not-for-profit organizations kriens@krienslarose.com krienslarose.com 416-690-6800
Shelly Pereira, Paralegal Commissioner/Notary, Small Claims, Landlord & Tenant/other Tribunals, Municipal Offences, Letters & Mediation. Call for a Free 30 min. Consultation 647-693-6240 Toronto info@toronto-paralegal.net
Peter J. Salah Family Law Lawyer 124 Merton Street, Suite 300 We Collaborate, Negotiate & Litigate 416.752.8128 peter@salahlaw.ca www.salahlaw.ca
KAMRUL HAFIZ AHMED REAL ESTATE LAWYER 416 690 1855 [P 416 690 1866 [F 2972 DANFORTH
HOUGHTON VETERINARY HOUSECALL SERVICES Vaccines, examinations, diagnostics, palliative care, and home euthanasia provided for your pets in the comfort of your own home. Dr. Barbara Houghton 647-221-5516
Patrick Ruiz Professional Corporation CPA, CA
An accountant you can count on For your Small Business Self-employed income & investments Real Estate Rentals 647-300-4062 • patrick@prtaxcpa.com
G. King Architect B. Arch. (U of T) OAA “Serving the Beach since 1987” Sustainable Design, Residential, Restorations, Home Inspections, Commercial, Interiors, Landscapes COMPLETE PROJECT SERVICES FROM DESIGN THROUGH CONSTRUCTION (416) 694-8181 • sgkarch@gmail.com www.stephenkingarchitect.com Member Ontario Association of Architects
Jon Cummings Architecture Residential new build, renovations interior/exterior, garden suites, lane way houses, multiplexes. Commercial interiors jcarc.ca office@jcarc.ca 647-864-8370
GARRY M. CASS
BARRISTER & SOLICITOR, TEP
Wills/Estate Administration/Advice to Estate Trustees
416-767-CASS (2277) x 207 416-795-4899 (cell) 416-491-0273 (fax) garry@garrycass.com
Glover & Associates
Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries Real Estate, Family, Litigation Wills & Estates, Corporate 416-691-3700 Queen and Hammersmith
Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION
Linda Bronicheski, J.D. 47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com
ARISE Legal Services PC Ayesha (Emma) Abbas Barrister, Solicitor, Notary Wills & Estates • Real Estate Family • General 437-992-1267 info@ariselegalservices.com ariselegalservices.com
FUNERAL SERVICES
eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc. Life Celebrations. Done Differently. In Service with St. John’s Norway Cemetery & Crematorium. 647.660.5056 www.ecofuneral.ca
The Main Menu
Celebrate the special days o May with these recipes
JAN MAIN
is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ gmail.com
The merry month of May is a time of celebrations starting with Mother’s Day on May 10 and concluding with our first long weekend -- Victoria Day. This year’s celebration of Queen Victoria’s birthday is on Monday, May 18. In between, there are a number happy times – weekends away at the family cottage, birthdays, anniversaries and simply a time to enjoy sunny days – especially after a long cold winter. It is also when our gardens come alive, flourishing with new crops. May includes the weekend when we can finally plant our gardens and watch them materialize from drab brown to vibrant green full
Crossword
of vitality. With these new beginnings, we celebrate outof-doors with meals and recipes to reflect this joy.
Simnel Cake
Simnel cake traditionally is a fruit cake made to celebrate Mothering Sunday in England, the fourth week in Lent. It was a time when children who worked away from their homes returned on that Sunday to visit their mother with this cake.
If you love fruit cake as I do, it is the perfect dessert for our Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 10, or that special event: a birthday, anniversary, wedding or shower. It is a cake for a joyous event! It is rich and delicious. I thought many of you may enjoy this cake too! Like all good fruit cakes, it freezes well and can be baked, well-wrapped and frozen ahead of serving time - ideal for entertaining!
Elizabeth Brown, a won-
derful baker at St. Nicholas church makes this regularly for special events at St. Nick’s. She helped me with the research for this recipe. She soaks her dried fruit in ½ cup Grand Marnier. I use dry sherry. Both add a depth of flavour to the cake but if you prefer, orange juice may be substituted.
1 cup (250 mL) butter, at room temperature, softened
8 oz-1 lb marzipan (available at Bulk Barn) Preheat oven to 325 F (160 C). Line the bottom of a deep 8- inch (20 cm) cake pan with parchment paper and spray sides with baking spray or wipe with salad oil. Wash, dry and soak dried and candied fruit overnight in the liqueur, sherry or orange juice. The next day pre-measure dry ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, using electric mixer, beat butter until soft and fluffy, beat in eggs one at a time. Sift dry ingredients with spices and salt gradually into creamed mixture
then add the soaked fruit and liquid combining well. Prepare marzipan: sprinkle parchment paper with sifted icing sugar and roll out marzipan as thin as you can to make 2- 8inch (20 cm) circles of very thin marzipan to cover the middle and top of cake. Spread half the cake batter in prepared cake-pan then top with one of the marzipan layers. Cover with remaining batter and top with last marzipan layer. Bake in oven about 1 ½2 hours or until toothpick inserted in centre comes out clean. Cool on rack. Once cool may it may be wrapped in plastic wrap and overwrapped with aluminum foil then frozen for up to 3 months or simply refrigerated until ready to serve. If you wish, top layer of cake may be frosted with a lemon butter cream over marzipan layer and decorated with edible flowers such as pansies. Serves 8-12.
Asparagus on Greens with Orange
the grated rind of 1 lemon
3/4 cup (175 mL) vegetable oil
In a food processor combine garlic, salt, honey, lemon juice and oil. Combine. Pour into jar and store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Enough for several salads.
For Salad: Break lettuce into bite sized pieces; toss gently with fennel and asparagus. Toss with enough dressing to coat leaves and arrange orange slices on top. I like to display salad on a large platter for visual appeal.
Fresh Salmon or Trout
One of my favourite meals is so simple but wonderful – fresh fish – usually Atlantic salmon or trout from Seaport on Victoria Park at St. Clair (416-7559960).
Like asparagus, salmon or trout is simple to cook but do not overcook! Allow 6-8 oz / person
Drizzle of olive oil
Fresh lemon juice
1 Spruce (up)
6 House divisions: Abbr.
9 Crook's "bracelets"
14 "By the ___ Get to Phoenix"
15 Help for a bad hair day
16 Set for simmering, as a burner
17 Former spouse in a contemplative mood?
19 "You could ___ pin drop"
20 Steak order specification
21 Beer head
22 Stallone and Stone
23 Jailbird's side of the story?
27 Tick off
29 "Rabbit ears" component
30 Talk trash about swearing?
35 Topaz or turquoise, e.g.
36 "___ that back" (retractor's words)
37 Film buff's network
38 "Ready or not, here ___!"
40 Zero, in soccer
41 Terrific sunshade?
43 Big buyer of concert souvenirs, maybe
46 Netanyahu's ctry.
47 "About stopping over", in a memo?
50 April summers?: Abbr.
54 Author's reps: Abbr.
55
57
59
60 Oodles
62 Turn back to
One of the pleasures of May is our own homegrown asparagus! It is a simple thing to cook but must not be overcooked. To prepare asparagus, break ends off where they break easily – discard ends or use for vegetable stock.
2 containers Boston lettuce (serves 4-6) from an Ontario greenhouse.
Increase containers as needed, break into bite sized pieces
4 navel oranges, rind cut away and thinly sliced horizontally about 6 thin slices/ orange 1/2 fennel bulb, thinly sliced
2 bunches of asparagus, cooked in a large pot of boiling water. Cook for 2 minutes. Immediately refresh under cold water. Do not overcook!
Lemon Vinaigrette
1 clove garlic crushed
1 tsp (5 mL) salt
1 -2 tbsp (25 mL) liquid honey
1/2 cup (125 mL) fresh lemon juice and
Sea salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 425 F (220 C). Arrange boneless, skinless fillets on parchment paper lined baking sheet. Drizzle with a little olive oil and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. Place lemon slice on top. Bake 15 minutes. Serve immediately on warm plates or cover and refrigerate to serve cold later on with dill sauce or lemon aioli.
Dill Sauce
1 bunch dill, fronds removed from stem. Stems discarded 1/4 cup (50 mL) granulated sugar 1/4 cup (50 mL) white wine vinegar 1/2 cup (125 mL) imported Dijon mustard 3/4 cup (175 mL) vegetable oil
In a food processor combine sugar and fronds to chop; add vinegar, mustard and oil. Combine until smooth. Store in jar refrigerated up to 3 weeks. Makes 2 cups/500 mL.
Parse and Parcel
by Barbara Olson
ClassiCanadian Crosswords
Welcome to Poetry Corner
By Alexander Montgomery
My name is Alexander Montgomery. I’m a local poet and writer with a keen interest in the community. Four times a year I will curate a poetry section in Beach Metro Community News for your reading pleasure.
The chosen poems will be relevant to local events and will deal with local concerns in a poetic way. In addition, we will be telling you about local poetry events you can attend to deepen your sense of belonging and your interest in the literary community.
UPCOMING EVENTS: There are several poetry nights, including a featured artist and an open mic at Outer Haven Poetry Night at CeCe’s Bar and Grill (1564 Danforth Ave.) on April 30 at 7 p.m.
On the second Friday of every month at Old’s Cool General Store (250 Westlake Ave.) at 6:30 p.m. There is also an open mic the third Wednesday of every month at The Only Cafe (966 Danforth Ave.), at 8 p.m.
There are many other events in the area as well, but that is a small sample of some of the more popular events.
Think about joining us for one of the events, as a spectator or even as a participant.
Our first poem is written by Alexander Thorburn Junior, a 15-year-old student at UTS, whose poem, Blue Jays in the Park describes an imagined game between the New York Yankees and our beloved Blue Jays.
In his imaginary matchup, the local team emerges victorious!
Blue Jays in the Park by Alexander Thorburn Junior
Coulda been a double if he had of hit it better
But at least he got a single and Guerrero is at bat.
This game just got exciting And the umps are out there fighting
Over whether he is safe at first Or out here in the sixth.
Santander’s on second and Guerrero is on first, Okamoto is at bat
And that is where we’re at tonight.
The bases now are loaded and the place is going crazy In the bottom of the sixth
The Jays are finally on their game.
A couple more hits later
And the Jays are leading three-to-one; The Rogers Centre’s thrumming with The fans who are all having fun.
The seventh inning stretch is on, distraction is the action
That we get for five more minutes Until Jays are back at bat.
Good old Lukès got a triple And Guerrero’s at the plate For another rbi up the middle, ain’t that great?
The player we’re aware of On the New York Yankees team: Judge is what they call him But he’s running out of steam.
The crowd is loudly cheering For another Jays’ home run
Their lead is up to seven
Soon the Yanks will all be done.
Braydon Fisher’s out there pitching In the top of inning eight Curveball buckles Chisholm’s knees
The Jays are doing great.
The Yankees now are rallying but they just can’t break through Now it’s two outs and they’re heading For their baseball Waterloo.
But the game is still exciting
And both teams are still out fighting
Yet they can’t get any traction In this final inning action.
Aaron Judge is on our mind With two outs in the final frame
Even if he hits a homer It won’t be a crying shame
Cuz no matter what he’ll do He can’t change the win for Blue Jays who are saving their best pitcher Just in case he’s at the bat.
-- To contact Alexander Montgomery for more on upcoming events or on how to submit a poem for consideration, please email wildetees@gmail.com
Mondays, from 7:15 to 8:15pm. 310 Danforth Avenue (East End United Church). Cost:
Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council sincerely thank all sponsors supporting our annual community event.
Fearless Meat
Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, MP
Many thanks to the St. Aidan’s and community volunteers who have supported our Out of the Cold Monday Evening Supper program with their time, talents and hospitality throughout the year.
And a big Thank You to the groups who cooked and served suppers with us! • Office of Councillor Brad Bradford • Community Centre 55 • DeClute Real Estate • Beaches-East York Provincial Liberal Association (Mary -Margaret McMahon)
The Naval Club of Toronto
The Richards Group
Arcadis (Toronto)
ATTENTION VESSEL OWNER
Notice of intention to dispose of a vessel under section 39 of the
This notice serves as official notice of the Minister’s intention to dispose of this vessel after 30 days from the date which this notice was posted.
Should you have any questions, please contact the Navigation Protection Program: NPPONT-PPNONT@tc.gc.ca 519-383-1863
Ted Reeve Thunder U18 AA team wins Ontario Hockey Federation championship
THE U18 AA Ted Reeve Thunder hockey team are Ontario champions.
The team won the Ontario Hockey Federation (OHF) crown with a 5-3 victory over the Burlington Eagles on the afternoon of Sunday, April 19, in Kitchener.
Scoring for the Thunder in the championship game were Trevor Cotton (with two goals), Landon Kim, Jared Seto, and Ryder Harris. Between the pipes for Ted Reeve in the title game was goalie Quinn Charles.
Andy Johnstone, general manager of Ted Reeve Thunder, said the team members showed what can be accomplished when commitment and belief come together.
“Every player contributed to the journey, embracing their role and pushing one
another to improve each day. It wasn’t just talent that carried this team—it was their dedication to development, their trust in each other, and their shared goal of reaching the very top,” said Johnstone in a statement sent to Beach Metro Community News. A key factor in the team’s success was the leadership behind the bench, he said. With a new and exciting head coach (Kevin Webster), the Thunder found fresh energy and direction, and the coaches instilled confidence, discipline, and a system that
allowed players to thrive, said Johnstone. He said the guidance of the coaches helped turn the players’ potential into performance, and shaped a team that played with both structure and heart.
“Winning the provincial championship is more than just a title—it’s a testament to years of sacrifice, growth, and unity. The Ted Reeve Thunder has had four team make it to the OHF over the past 10 years and have set a standard for what it means to compete with integrity and pride,” said Johnstone.
At the five-team Ontario Hockey Federation championships, the Thunder opened the preliminary round with a 6-2 win over the Brantford 99ers on Friday, April 17.
They followed that up with a 4-0 win over the Burlington Eagles later that day. On Saturday, April 18, the Thunder beat the Soo Jr. Greyhounds 7-5, and then wrapped up the preliminary round later that day with a 1-0 loss to the host Kitchener Jr. Rangers. The Thunder’s strong showing in the preliminary round set the team up for a semifinal showdown with the Soo Jr. Greyhounds on the morning of Sunday, April 19, which Ted Reeve won 4-0.
The Thunder earned their trip to the OHF championship tournament which took place from April 17 to 19 in Kitchener by winning the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL) title earlier this month.
The U18 AA Thunder took the GTHL crown with a 1-0 Game Five championship series win over the Mississauga Beast in a game that was played on Friday, April 10.
Scoring for the Thunder in the semifinal victory over the Greyhounds were Ryder Chang, Nikhil Soreng, Owen Simpson and Trevor Cotton. In the net for Ted Reeve, and earning the shutout victory, was Victor Duncan-Surkos.
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Members of the Ted Reeve Thunder U18 AA team celebrate winning the Ontario Hockey Federation championship on April 19 in Kitchener.
A visit with a White-winged Scoter by Tommy Thompson Park On The Wild Side
If I asked you to picture a duck, what would come to your mind? You’d picture a green headed Mallard. Or would you think of a large white duck wearing a blue sailor’s shirt and cap?
Do you know the one I mean; the one always hanging out with a particularly famous mouse?
While these are the ones that many people would think of first, you might be amazed at the variety of ducks in Ontario, let alone throughout the world.
In winter, Lake Ontario becomes home to several species of sea ducks that migrate south from the Arctic.
These birds spend most of their lives on open water and have incredible shapes, colours, and behaviours that make them quite unique.
One of the most striking of this past winter’s visitors was the White-winged Scoter. Last month, at the base of Tommy Thompson Park, I was lucky enough to spot one swimming just off the shore. Scoters are large members of the duck family, measuring about 48 to 58 centimetres long and weighing between 950 and 1,800 grams.
The tip of the bill is orange, and the males also have striking orange-red feet. This robust sea duck has a thick neck, a large head with a sloping forehead, and a sturdy bill. Male scoters have a rounded knob at the base of the bill and glossy black plumage. When I saw the white on his wings and around his eyes it made me realize how special the duck is.
Another interesting detail, which I learned later, is that male scoters take about three years to develop their full adult plumage.
Female and juvenile Whitewinged Scoters also show the distinctive white wing patches, although their overall colouring is a bit on the dull side: darker brown with lighter bellies.
Females often have two faint white facial markings and darker bills, which helps distinguish them from the younger males. These ducks nest far in the north, usually on the ground and are well hidden in vegetation near water.
These ducks seldom come close to shore, so I was quite lucky with the one I saw. When they dive for shellfish you never quite know where they will surface again, or what they will bring up from the depths.
Because they are such large sea ducks, they can stay underwater for quite a long time while searching for food. Their diet varies depending on where they are
feeding. In freshwater areas they often eat crayfish and aquatic insects, while in coastal waters they prefer mollusks and other crustaceans.
Tommy Thompson Park also hosting another remarkable sea duck this winter. A mature adult King Eider was spotted in the area.
Unfortunately, my knee did not let me walk far enough into the park to see him. I have been fortunate enough to see a young King Eider in the past, but its plumage could not compare to that of a full adult.
If you’ve never seen one before, please take a moment to look up a picture now.
I’d love to share one of mine, but I don’t have one! It’s on my list, and hopefully one day I’ll get to share the story of finally capturing one on camera.
If you have the chance, take a walk down by the lake. You still might just spot some of these amazing ducks visiting us from the far north.
IA tribute to Lester B. Pearson
He was sent to England, Europe and other countries where he saw first hand corruption, dictatorship, and aggression during the 1930s and 1940s.
n these troubled times we have in the world with wars, economic problems, social injustice, and the United States led by a President and his eccentric shenanigans the world has never seen the likes of, I would like to talk about the person who I think was Canada’s best Prime Minister.
There comes a time when governments, and especially Canada’s, have to stand up to Donald Trump who is an usurper of peace and justice.
Our government is now led by a majority Liberal Party with Prime Minister Mark Carney, and I don’t think they are doing much against President Trump and his cronies!
But at one time we had a Prime Minister who in my humble opinion would not only stand up for Canada and the rest of the world, but would teach Trump a political and economic lesson from the country to the north. Lester B. Pearson was one of my favourite, if not my favourite, Prime Minister – the best Canada ever had.
He was born just north of Toronto on April 23, 1897. He died on Dec. 27, 1972. I remember his death personally because I went to his funeral in Ottawa.
He was a politician who served his country in many ways.
Pearson served in the First World War, was a teacher, a historian, a football coach, civil servant, and family man before going into the government. He worked for the Canadian government before entering the Liberal Party and politics.
Pearson went to many parts of the world on behalf of Canada.
He was also once Canadian ambassador to the United States, and he was instrumental in the creation of the United Nations in 1945. He was very interested in the United Nations and was also involved in the creation of NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) in 1949.
When in government, Pearson was Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs. He served as Prime Minister of Canada from April of 1963 to April of 1968.
Pearson’s issues with the United States were in 1952 when he was President of the United Nations General Assembly. The U.S. was angered by his criticism of American policies in Asia and the Korean War, which created friction with U.S. officials.
Now we have war in the Middle East with the United States, Israel, Iran, and other countries involved. In my opinion this is being led by President Trump. So what would Pearson say and do about this if he were still alive today?
In 1956 there was also war in the Middle East and it seemed there was no solution in sight. But Pearson proposed that the United Nations send a peacekeeping force to the Middle East, and the United Nations did as he requested.
And for his great diplomatic efforts, Lester B. Pearson was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1957. There has never been another Canadian to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
Pearson was a great Canadian. In my mind he was the best Prime Minister Canada has had.
PHOTO: ANN BROKELMAN
A White-winged Scoter is seen in Lake Ontario near Tommy Thompson Park earlier this year.
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Beach Edible Community Garden set to start
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As part of the Beach Community Edible Garden’s 10th anniversary last season, a number of new planters were built to replace some of the aging planters and to also expand the garden’s growing
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The City of Toronto was generous in providing fresh top soil for the planters.
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Apart from the usual request for donations and volunteers at this time of year, the Beach Edible Community Garden also has another need for this growing season.
Help with succession planting is
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