TORONTO COUNCIL gave the final stamp of approval for the contentious Murphy’s Law development proposal at its meeting on Thursday, March 26.
A motion moved by Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford sought to refuse the developer’s 10-storey application for the site at the northwest corner of Queen Street East and Kingston Road on the grounds that he was “not personally satisfied” with the outcome.
“It’s been a long and difficult journey on this one. It goes back to my first term when council actually approved what was a six-storey building on this site,” Bradford told members of Toronto Council prior to the vote.
conversation and community at Beach Metro Café Day
It was a full house inside and out at Judy’s Beach Café on Queen Street East on Sunday, with readers, supporters, volunteer carriers and familiar faces connecting with our team and the community during Beach Metro Café Day.
As we enter our 55th year of publishing, we’re especially grateful to everyone who came out, shared stories and helped make the day a success. Your support and volunteerism keep local journalism brewing. Read more about what your support helps us achieve on Page 6.
Council approves 10-storey Murphy’s Law project
“Unfortunately, after lots of work with both the applicant and the community, I am personally not satisfied with the outcome here, which is why I will be voting to refuse this application.”
Parkdale-High Park Councillor Gord Perks warned that council’s failure to approve the application would result in a hearing at the Ontario Land Tribunal, where developer Sud Group would likely be approved to build the proposed 10-storey building.
“What Councillor Bradford is moving will send us to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT), where we will lose,” said Perks. “We have a staff report that recommends accepting this application. And you all know what happens when we turn down staff recommendations.”
City staff told councillors the applicant planned to appeal to the OLT “immediately” if the proposal was not approved by council.
Perks said that when appealing to the OLT, developers can call on city staff to testify as witnesses at the hearings, even if councillors refused the application.
“The applicant can actually call city staff as witnesses, hostile to whatever position we take. It’s a mug’s game; it’s not a winning game,” said Perks.
Bradford’s motion to refuse the application lost on a vote of 19-5. The councillors voting with Bradford were Shelley Carroll (Don Valley North), Lily Cheng (Willowdale), Rachel Chernos Lin (Don Valley West), and Stephen
Continued on Page 4
By Matthew Stephens
Scarborough Southwest election debate slated
IN ADVANCE of the upcoming federal byelection in Scarborough Southwest, Daily Bread Food Bank is teaming up with community partner Bluffs Food Bank to host a candidates’ debate on the evening of Thursday, April 2.
“The election comes at a critical juncture, as Canadians grapple with soaring living costs, unaffordable housing, inadequate income supports and precarious work,” said a news release from the organizers.
The debate will take place on April 2 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at
Continued on Page 4
60th Easter Parade set to roll on Sunday
THE TORONTO Beaches Lions Club annual Beaches Easter Parade takes place this Sunday, April 5.
Celebrating its 60th year, the parade starts at Queen Street East and Victoria Park Avenue at 2 p.m., travels west along Queen Street East, and ends at Kew Beach Avenue on Woodbine Avenue.
A Beach tradition since 1967, the parade has been organized by the Lions Club since 1973.
Expect road closures on Munro Park Avenue to Fallingbrook Road (partial, 10 a.m. to noon); Woodbine Avenue to Fallingbrook Road (full, 1:30 to 4:30 p.m.); Woodbine Avenue from Queen to Lake Shore and Lake Shore Boulevard East from Coxwell to Woodbine (full, 2 to 4:30 p.m.).
Along with Sunday’s parade, a Good Friday Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt is planned for April 3.
For more on Sunday’s parade and Good Friday’s Egg Hunt, go to www.beacheseasterparade.ca
PHOTOS: JESSICA SHACKLETON
We Sell Ontario
New Diabetes Canada clothing donation drop-o centre opens on Kingston Road
DIABETES CANADA has unveiled its first staffed clothing donation drop-off centre in Toronto, giving Beach and east-end residents an easy way to support people living with diabetes while slashing landfill waste.
Located at 334 Kingston Rd. just northeast of Woodbine Avenue, the new Diabetes Canada Clothing Donation Drop-off Centre swung open its doors this month, gearing up for a spring-cleaning blitz.
The storefront donation drop-off centre joins the organization’s national network of donation bins and home pickup routes, but is the first fully staffed, walk in location of its kind in the country.
Open daily 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., it’s a true “drive-up, drop-off and go” setup: haul bagged or boxed clothing, shoes, linens and small household goods curbside, pop your trunk, and staff whisk it away.
“We’re excited to welcome our neighbours in the Beach and east Toronto to our new Diabetes Canada Clothing Donation Drop off Centre,” said Sean Shannon, president and CEO of National Diabetes Trust.
“This centre makes it easier than ever to donate your items, support people living with diabetes and keep textiles out of landfills.”
more than 100 million pounds of textiles and small household items from landfill each year and has collected over three billion pounds since it launched.
Funds raised from the donated items help to support diabetes research, education and care for more than 11 million Canadians with diabetes or prediabetes, including D-Camps that have reached 30,000 kids with Type 1 over four decades.
The Kingston Road location will act as a local hub for Diabetes Canada’s long-running clothing collection program, which began in 1985 and now operates across the country.
Nationally, the program diverts
Diabetes Canada says spring is one of its busiest seasons for donations as households clear out closets and storage spaces.
“This is a community that already cares deeply about the environment,” Shannon said.
“It’s a quick stop on the way to work, school drop-off or weekend shopping. If you’ve got a bag of clothes in the hallway or the trunk, this is the place to bring it.”
Ready to declutter? Swing by 334 Kingston Rd. with that bag of clothes on your next outing.
Your donations will help your community neighbours living with diabetes and keep textiles out of landfill. Please visit www.declutterfordiabetes.ca for more details.
As people declutter around the house, Diabetes Canada staff hope East Toronto residents will add the new clothing donation drop-off centre to their regular errand routes.
The Diabetes Canada Clothing Donation Drop-off Centre opened earlier this month on Kingston Road, just north of Woodbine Avenue.
Registrations for the Beaches Spring Sprint to begin this week
THE BEACHES Recreation Centre Advisory Council hosts the 40th Annual Beaches Spring Sprint on the morning of Saturday, April 11.
A timed five-kilometre walk or run, the Beaches Spring Sprint gives serious runners the chance to use their time in other runs. But it is also for anyone who would like to participate recreationally as there is a twokilometre kids run, and a two kilometre walk.
Starting and finishing in front of the Leuty Pavilion, the event takes place along the Boardwalk and has been a fundraiser for Beaches Recreation Centre since 1986.
Previously named The Beaches Splash and Dash, the first event was held on June 8, 1986. It later evolved into the Beaches Spring Sprint, with more than 590 participants last year.
The event is sponsored by local businesses and community members including Norseman Construction, Boardwalk Run-
ning Club, Beaches N’ Cream ice cream cafe, Daniela Kim at Royal LePage, as well as Giselle Vidad and Heather Kerr of the Beaches Recreation Centre.
Registration takes place in person only at the Beaches Recreation Centre on April 1 and 2, and April 7 and 8.
The Beaches Recreation is located at 6 Williamson Rd. Registration times are 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Upon registration, participants will receive a coupon for a burger or hot dog at Beaches N’ Cream as well as a T-shirt for the event, while supplies last. Registration is only available at the listed times and dates, and not on the day of the event.
The registration fee is $30, in cash or by cheque. For more information on the Beaches Spring Sprint, please call 416-3920740. To volunteer or become a sponsor, please email the Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council at beachesspringsprint@ gmail.com
St. Clair O’Connor Community yard sale slated
THE ST. CLAIR O’Connor Community (SCOC) Living Home is hosting a yard sale on Saturday, April 25, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The sale will be held in the meeting room at 2701 St. Clair Ave E.
Items that can be donated to be in the sale include small furniture, dishes, cutlery, mugs, glassware, jewelry, clothing and wall hangings. All proceeds will go towards community projects sponsored by the SCOC’S Residents Council. For further information on donating or attending, please contact the SCOC receptionist at 416-757-8757, or visit the website https://scoc.ca
Complete your final arrangements now and save with today’s guaranteed low price. Planning is easy with your choice of budget and monthly terms.
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Beaches-East York Councillor Bradford votes against 10-storey building proposal
‘Council’ from Page 1
Holyday (Etobicoke Centre).
In another motion at the March 26 meeting, Bradford was able to convince the majority of Toronto Council to support an agreement that he had reached with the developer for more affordable rental units to be included in the building at Queen Street East and Kingston Road.
The Murphy’s Law application, which was initially approved for a sixstorey building in 2022, has a long history in the community.
However, the application faced controversy two years later, when the developer backed out of their initial plan, proposing an 11-storey building in its place.
Following a community consultation meeting last October, the final proposal brought before Toronto and East York Community Council on Feb. 19 called for a 10-storey mixed-use residential building with 168 residential rental dwelling units, 56 vehicular parking spaces and 186 bicycle parking spaces.
In addition to lowering the building’s height by one storey and removing 48 units from the previous 11-storey proposal, the updated application also removed balconies on the north
facade of the building to prevent overlook impacts, and increased the percentage of two and three-bedroom units to 42 per cent two-bedroom and 21 per-cent three bedroom units.
During the application process, many local residents expressed confusion over how the city balances its allencompassing 2024 Mid-Rise Building Design Guidelines in conjunction with the local 2012 Queen Street East Urban Design Guidelines (UDG).
The Queen Street East UDG limits building heights along Queen Street East in the Beach to six storeys between Coxwell and Neville Park avenues, and also set design standards to preserve the area’s character.
In contrast to the Queen Street East UDG, the city’s guidelines define a mid-rise building as a residential structure between five to 14-storeys in height.
During the March 26 council meeting, Bradford reiterated a final query into the Queen Street East UDG and its relevance when city staff reviewed the Murphy’s Law application, given it exceeded the height restrictions of the UDG.
“City-wide guidelines generally take precedent. They reflect the city’s current direction, and they are the pri-
mary basis on which the city reviews new mid-rise buildings,” said city staff in answer to Bradford’s question.
“However, local guidelines continue to be relevant in supporting local special character that they are often specifically designed to consider. Specific examples of how the local Queen Street guidelines continue to be impactful in our review of this proposal are with respect to the Queen Street streetscape and setbacks, and the street wall height along Queen Street.”
In a “rhetorical” line of questioning, Bradford asked whether city staff have recognized a pattern of developers across the city applying for taller buildings in light of changes to the mid-rise guidelines, and asked if any regulations exist to prevent that from happening.
“We have no ability to compel a developer to build what was already approved, and they do have the ability to make new applications,” city staff told Bradford.
Despite his disapproval of the application, Bradford said he was thankful for the opportunity to work with the developer to provide “in-kind affordable housing” on the site, as well as “exploring additional parking,” to prevent an overflow of vehicles on local roads.
Parkview Hills neighbourhood ready for annual Easter balloon displays
By Natasha Jackson
On Easter Sunday morning (April 5), Parkview Hills residents will set up their annual festive balloon display on Marilyn Crescent.
The street is off St. Clair Avenue East, just north of O’Connor Drive, and will feature various Easterthemed balloon art displays in front of local houses.
Organizers Patti Callahan, Sarah Albany and Angela Gibson have been doing these displays for more than six years in the Parkview Hills community.
Gibson, who creates these displays, started during the COVID-19 pandemic to make things more lively
and happy for people on her street.
“Angela is a balloon wizard, and she started and did a little bit during Covid just to make people on our street happy,” said Callahan. “It just evolved from there.”
This year, Callahan said there will be new wooden
cutouts alongside the balloon displays. This will include wooden cutouts of eggs and bunnies. “But this year we’re doing some wooden cutouts as well.
I’ve been working for two weeks on eggs and wooden bunnies and other kinds of things,” said Callahan.
‘Scarborough’ from Page 1
Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd.
The federal byelection comes following a slew of political moves ignited by Scarborough Southwest MP Bill Blair, who announced his resignation from the position on Feb. 2 after being appointed as Canada’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
The riding’s current MPP Doly Begum gave up her seat at Queen’s Park and her position as Deputy Leader of the Ontario NDP Party to run in the Scarborough Southwest federal byelection as a member of the Liberal Party.
Other candidates in the April 13 byelection are Diana Filipova of the Conservative Party; April Francisco, Independent; Peter Koubakis, People’s Party of Canada; Pooja Malhotra from the Green Party; Lyall Sanders for the Centrist
In 2024, the community had the idea to raise money for the Thorncliffe Food Bank and collected $150 in donations and filled the entire back of a car with nonperishable food items as part of the Easter displays. Last year, food was donated to the Salvation Army.
This year, Callahan says they’ve already collected more than $700 to go towards buying the balloons and wood for their wooden cutouts, and additional funds raised, and food donations, will go towards local food banks and other charitable organizations.
Residents can see the displays from at 6 a.m. on Easter Sunday until the end of the day on Easter Monday.
Party; Fatima Shaban from the New Democratic Party; and David Vedova of the Christian Heritage Party.
During Thursday’s debate, community members will have an opportunity to hear from the candidates and learn more about their vision for Scarborough Southwest in advance of the April 13 byelection.
Voters in the Scarborough Southwest byelection are also reminded that advance polls will be open April 3, 4, 5 and 6 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For information on how to vote in this byelection please visit the Elections Canada website at www.elections.ca/home.aspx
For more information about the April 2 debate, please go to www.eventbrite.ca/e/candidates-debate-scarborough-southwest-ridingtickets-1985158765306
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
This year’s Easter balloon displays in the Parkview Hills neighbourhood of East York will include wooden cutouts.
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Ed Pottinger, the co-founder of The Real Jerk restaurant, is being remembered for his generosity and dedication to community. Pottinger died on March 11 at the age of 69 after a long illness.
Ed Pottinger brought warm hospitality to The Real Jerk
By Matthew Stephens
EARLIER THIS month, Toronto’s east end lost Ed Pottinger, co-founder of the community’s iconic Caribbean restaurant The Real Jerk.
Pottinger, who was battling long-term illness, passed at his north Etobicoke home on March 11 at age 69 surrounded by members of his family.
He was born on April 9, 1956, in Kingston, Jamaica. In a country well-known for its vibrant, bold, and diverse dishes – it’s where the popular restaurateur developed a “lifelong” passion for Caribbean cooking.
“The flavours, traditions, and spirit of Jamaica shaped not only his recipes but also the warm hospitality he brought to everyone he met. Everything was always Irie,” reads Pottinger’s obituary.
According to a statement from the Pottinger family, Ed was widely known for his charismatic demeanour and warm personality towards the customers he served.
“When Ed opened The Real Jerk, he never saw it simply as a restaurant. To him, it was the Pottinger family dining room — a place where there was always an extra seat at the table,” said the family’s statement.
Pottinger’s wife Lily told Beach Metro Community News that she’s heard “more and more new stories” about her husband since his passing, and that his love for the restaurant never outweighed his love for the community he served.
“He was an honest, hard-working person who lived by the things that he believed was right” Lily said. “He always had this focus on doing the right thing, doing the best you can to help someone else. He did so many great things that he never even talked about.”
However, since his passing, residents across the city have been filling some of those gaps in Pottinger’s altruistic life through the comment section of his obituary, sharing fond memories and offering their condolences to his family.
“Eddie was a man who believed in people, and built not just a renowned restaurant, but a lasting community. His legacy lives on in every life he touched,” said one commenter on Pottinger’s obituary.
For more than four decades, The Real Jerk restaurant served as the lifeblood of Caribbean cuisine in the East Toronto area.
The couple’s first restaurant, which opened in 1984 at the Greenwood and Queen Street East intersection, was a small operation that reaped little return for the
Jamaican immigrants, who moved to Canada just several years prior.
In 1989, The Real Jerk relocated to a larger corner space at Queen Street East and Broadview Avenue. Their new restaurant quickly became known for its vibrant redand-yellow exterior and signature mascot: a giant sun wearing sunglasses.
Lily said the restaurant created many jobs for people of colour in an era where opportunities were limited for them.
“Back in the day, a lot of West Indian people couldn’t get jobs in the front of house at a restaurant, and he gave a lot of people that opportunity,” said Lily. “I find a lot of people saying ‘that was my first job and you guys were so good to us.’”
Amid looming fears of eviction in 2012, longtime family friend and former city councillor Rob Davis helped the Pottingers launch a campaign to mobilize the community and help save the restaurant from closing its doors.
Through those efforts, the restaurant remained at Queen and Broadview for 24 years before moving to its current location at 842 Gerrard St. E. in 2013.
The restaurant received worldwide recognition in 2016, when it appeared as a backdrop for Rihanna and Drake’s Work music video. To this day, photos from the music video can still be seen on the restaurant’s tables.
By 2018, after receiving global acclaim, it only made sense for the Pottingers to open a location in Stratton, England, where Ed was raised from age four to 16.
Since the opening of their Gerrard and Carlaw location, The Real Jerk continued to expand into a long-standing, family-owned restaurant chain in the city, with locations opened in Oshawa, the Upper Beaches, and Little Italy.
In September of last year, the Pottingers sold the business to a longtime manager so Ed could focus on his health. In his free time, Lily said her husband loved to dance, and that he was an avid fan of “every kind of sport,” but tennis was the couple’s favourite.
Pottinger spent three weeks in the hospital before heading home to spend his last days surrounded by his wife, three children and four grandchildren, as well as his mother, sister, and two brothers.
“I had time to cry and mourn with him for three weeks in the hospital,” said Lily. “I feel so good to know that he’s in a better place because he was really in pain.”
A celebration of Pottinger’s life was held in Mississauga on March 26.
Building the next generation o local news
SUSAN LEGGE Publisher and General Manager
Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard from many of you through donations, phone calls, letters, and in-person visits, and it’s made one thing very clear: this newspaper matters to you.
At our Beach Metro Café Day last Sunday, that support showed up in full force.
Our venue, Judy’s Beach Café, was busy inside and out. I want to thank our supporters, volunteer carriers, contributors, and advertisers for stopping in to chat, share stories and tell us the same
message: keep the Beach Metro going.
Volunteers like Mary, who has been delivering the paper for over five decades, dropped by, along with many families and student carriers, reminding us that local journalism connects generations.
The need for local news is greater than ever. According to a recent report from the Public Policy Forum, more than 340 Canadian communities have lost their local news providers since 2008.
In some communities, the only thing left is a “ghost paper” that looks like a community publication but carries little or no original local reporting.
Without on-the-ground local coverage, communities lose a
SERVING THE BEACH, BEACH HILL, BIRCH CLIFF, CLIFFSIDE, CRESCENT TOWN, EAST DANFORTH, GERRARD INDIA BAZAAR, LESLIEVILLE AND UPPER BEACH
Beach Metro Community News, published by Ward 9 Community News Inc., is a non-profit, non-partisan community newspaper founded in 1972 and published 23 times a year. It is distributed free by volunteers in East Toronto and Southwest Scarborough and paid for by our advertisers. 2196 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON, M4E 2C7
VOLUNTEER EXECUTIVE: Mary Beth Denomy, Desmond Brown, David Morrow, Doug Black, Tim Doyle, Daniel Loberto, Sheila Blinoff
This newspaper accepts advertising in good faith, but does not endorse advertisers or advertisements.
All submitted editorial material is subject to editing. ISSN #0838-2956
Letters to the Editor
crucial lens on local government, police, schools and other institutions that affect daily life.
Local news is how a community holds its leaders accountable, shares its stories, and builds trust.
At the Beach Metro, your support helps us fill the gap between advertising revenue and what we need to continue publishing.
The model only works with community support.
That’s why we run an annual fundraising campaign and encourage you to visit our website or office anytime to donate. Your contributions directly fund the journalism you read.
Our non-profit model is unique: combining print and online advertising revenue, the strength of a volunteer carrier
network, and the generosity of local supporters along with funding from the federal government and the Canadian Journalism Collective.
Most of our revenue comes from our local businesses. We must continue supporting these local businesses — shopping, eating, and hiring local services to keep our community strong.
This revenue allows us to keep printing the paper, hire reporters and newsroom staff, fund student internships, and continuously improve both the newspaper and our online platforms to ensure Beach residents have access to reliable, independent news now and in the future.
It’s not just about sustaining what we have, but evolving our print newspaper and digital plat-
forms, such as our website and e-newsletters, expanding multimedia storytelling, and creating spaces where new voices can help shape the stories we tell.
Our experienced staff continue to anchor the newsroom with their knowledge and expertise, while student interns and younger contributors and reporters bring fresh perspectives, explore new tools and gain hands-on experience in print and digital journalism.
We’re planning for what comes next, not just preserving what exists, in order to carry this newspaper forward for years to come.
As we enter our 55th year, thank you for helping us do the work that matters most: telling the stories of our community and keeping local news local.
Former councillor’s take on Beach development
Re: ‘Are the Queen Street East development guidelines now a relic from the past’, Beach Metro Community News, Feb. 3
I am writing to add additional background as well as my perspective on your article, as well as others, about whether or not the Queen Street development guidelines are a relic from the past.
To really understand this issue, you might need a little help from our own local historian Gene Domagala and yes myself as a life time Beacher and former elected representative.
Our neighbourhood would not exist today had the railway gone with a more southern, lake route to Kingston. Similarly, most of the homes in the area above Kingston Road might not have survived had the Scarborough Expressway been built.
In both cases the motivating factor for the change was progress and the need to
accommodate future growth. Lucky for us, enough people objected to those proposals and saved what we now treasure and call one of the most successful neighbourhoods in Toronto if not Canada.
The Queen Street development guidelines did not start in 2012 as you stated in your article. They really originated in the 1980s when I was a Councillor fighting off uncontrolled redevelopment.
I can still recall the community meeting at my alma mater, Kew Beach Public School, where my neighbours and my constituents demanded action. One even went so far as to tie herself to a tree at the Elisa Dolittle Flower shop (now Cobs Bread).
Beach Metro Community News was there. Our local paper covered the anger and determination of a community fed up with what they saw as greed rather than progress.
That is when, and why, I put into law one
of the toughest restrictive bylaws in the city. Heights were caped at four storeys not at six storeys as in the 2012 plan.
We used parking requirements, not to ensure parking, but rather to restrict how much and what you could build. The same bylaw attempted to curb an onslaught of restaurants and bars, which could pay higher rents, and which were knocking out long established and diverse businesses.
My vision and the vision of most Beach residents, was of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Forest Hill Village, or even Port Perry as opposed to the one that was developing on Queen Street West in Toronto.
To put this into perspective, just think about what would happen if someone today, tried to build a 17-storey building on the main street of Niagara-on-the-Lake. They would not have a chance.
Why is our Beach neighbourhood any dif-
ferent?
We, as a neighbourhood, made the wise and democratic choice to save what we had and to build within those historic and meaningful guidelines.
There are countless examples, on Queen Street East, of the buildings that came after the new guidelines and bylaw of 1988. These new buildings ‘fit in’ as opposed to ‘stuck out’.
In every case the density doubled or tripled from what existed. You would think that that would have been enough?
Good for those who wanted to make money and yet still within the fabric of the neighbourhood.
I watch from the side now as people rewrite or miss important parts of our history. This is a neighbourhood, like many others, that has had to fight to protect not simply
Letters to the Editor
A compassionate response to our unhoused neighbours
We are a small group of Beach residents who connected out of mutual concern for the wellbeing of an individual living by the Boardwalk since last summer.
Initially we observed him spending his days sitting quietly on a bench, but as winter took hold he sheltered in a small tent day and night. Concerned for his safety and survival through this extreme winter, like many other Beach residents, we engaged with him in meaningful conversation, bringing him soup, food, blankets, and other basic supplies.
He did not appear to be disruptive in any way; in fact, he was polite and seemed genuinely appreciative of the human contact and practical support.
We all wondered – what was his journey that led him to be unhoused and to camp by the beach; how was his health, both physical and mental; was he aware of outreach services or meal programs?
Through forming relationships with him we learned that he had used city shelters in the past and, like many others, had extremely negative experiences when accessing the shelter system. We all hoped that he could live somewhere more stable, but we recognized how important it was to respect his autonomy and be guided by him as much as possible.
Hopefully he felt the care and comfort from the social interactions with the community.
His eviction from the area on Feb. 13 was, by all accounts, a very distressing experience for him, leaving him visibly distraught.
Not only the nature but the timing
of his eviction raised questions. Was it related to the installation of the annual Winter Stations? Maybe not, but ironically the presence of someone living in a tent, especially through this harsh winter, is as much a symbol of our relationship with the elements as the Winter Stations are intended to be.
In our quest to know whether he was safe, we reached out to local churches, our councillor’s office, cityrun shelters, the Encampment Office, and the police.
We learned, for privacy reasons, how difficult it is to get information about someone who has been evicted. In the end, we did get reassurance that he was safe and accessing available city services, at least for now.
It is evident that there are caring individuals throughout the city— in the shelters, the Encampment Office, the police and other agencies. However, compassion only goes so far when there are protocols that inhibit communications, and not enough resources available.
Homelessness is, as we all know, such a complex problem that needs coordination across multiple systems.
Of course, the drastic shortage of shelter spaces and warming centres is well publicized, as are the conditions in shelters that leave many people feeling unsafe, preferring to take their chances on the streets or in encampments.
With these shortages and the equally critical shortage of truly affordable rental housing, it is not surprising that the public face of homelessness is increasingly present in our city.
This begs the question as to how
we respond as a community— both to people who are unhoused in the neighbourhood, but also in advocating for services and supports and housing options that are so desperately needed.
We wonder if there is a way that city services could identify community members who have built a relationship with individuals living in these precarious circumstances. With a collaborative approach, drawing on the strength of community in the Beach, would there be a greater likelihood of a positive outcome?
No matter who ends up here, they are our neighbours, and we have the chance to play a part in a solution that keeps them and our community safe.
The reality of homelessness is that it is not going to disappear without massive political will and investment from all levels of government.
It is also clear that not everyone who is homeless is a threat to themselves or others, is using substances or has mental health issues. But if they are, then all the more reason to try and find a thoughtful, supportive intervention.
Homelessness in our neighbourhood is a problem, definitely for the people who are homeless. But it is our shared problem.
Surely this means that we have an opportunity to demonstrate compassion and use our connections to be part of a solution that works for everyone.
The five of us were drawn together out of a common desire to help someone. But isn’t that what makes us a community?
Jane, Jai, Tony, Irene and Liz
Queen Street East development guidelines are still relevant and much needed
‘Former’ from Page 6
a sentimental interest, but rather the very fabric of our community.
What I find perplexing are those who once fought, as I did, for these guidelines and who are now demanding that we set them aside in the name, or need for more housing.
City planners who live in the 905 somehow believe that they, rather than our elected representatives, should decide on what happens in our community. They support the Ontario government’s new rules that encourage more housing at any cost.
I do not and neither do most people. So why not fight it?
I am not an anti-development person nor do I have my head in the sand (pardon the pun). I have worked within the development industry for over 20 years and yes built larger homes here in this neighbourhood. I am proud of every project I have
done. They prove that you can build more without killing the neighbourhood.
I also do not differentiate between condo or rental as our planning department does. To me a building that is too big is too big no matter who lives inside.
Are the 2012, as well as the previous guildelines a relic? No, they are not.
They are just as relevant, if not more today, as we look to accommodate a growing population that was caused by a housing crisis largely created by the federal government.
Put the question of how big or how high buildings should be to the people, and not to the developers and civil servants who do not even live here.
Tom Jakobek
No guesswork. Just results.
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Community Calendar
APRIL 2: Scarborough Southwest Local Candidates Debate at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd., 6-7:30 p.m. Hosted by the Daily Bread Food Bank and community partner Bluffs Food Bank. Hear directly from candidates running in Scarborough Southwest’s April 13 federal by-election.
APRIL 3: Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Info: www.beacheseasterparade.ca
APRIL 4: Jazz & Reflection at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Don’t miss an afternoon of world-class live jazz featuring the Paul Novotny Trio with Juno-winning pianist Robi Botos, Paul Novotny on Bass and Norbert Botos on drums. Tickets are pay what you can, suggested amt. $20
APRIL 4: Councillor Paula Fletcher’s Bridgepoint Environment Day along Bridgepoint and Blue Rodeo Dr. (by Bridgepoint Hospital), 10 a.m.-2 p.m., rain or shine. Enter onto Bridgepoint Drive via Broadview Ave. Pick up free loose compost (bring your own shovel and container; available as first-come, first-served), and kitchen containers for organics (available for purchase). Drop off electronic waste and household hazardous waste. Info: paulafletcher.ca/bridgepoint_environment_day_2026
APRIL 5: Toronto Beaches Lions Easter Parade along Queen St. E. from Neville Park to Woodbine, 2 p.m. Info: www.beacheseasterparade.ca
APRIL 5: Scarborough Model Railroaders Train Show at 17 Jeavons Ave., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy two floors of HO and N scale train layouts. Admission: Adults $10, Children $5. Info: scarborough-model-railroaders.org
APRIL 12: Join A Senior Moment ‘coffee and dessert’ at The Wolfe Tone Pub, 1:30 p.m. Building friendships and community.
APRIL 15: 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 Bream. Enrollment is free. Please email pat_bream@hotmail.com to sign up.
APRIL 18: Historic Walk through Kew Beach neighbourhood with BMN history columnist Gene Domagala, 1 p.m. Meet at the Beaches Branch Library, 2161 Queen St. E.
APRIL 18: Vendor Call for Spring Market at Farmacia, 2096 Queen St. E., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. No table rental, % based. Info: Steve 416-684-8747
APRIL 18: Music for the Soul at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 pm Singer-songwriter Micaela Rae joins us for an afternoon of Indie folk, and poetry, accompanied by Juno-nominated pianist Steven Noronha. Their music blends lyrical storytelling with expressive piano in an intimate and reflective concert experience. Tickets are pay what you can, suggested amt. $20
APRIL 22: The Beach & East Toronto Historical Society presents historian and award-winning author Greig Stewart “A.V. Roe and the Tragedy of the Avro Arrow” at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7-8:30 p.m. Admission free. All welcome. Info: www.tbeths.com
APRIL 22: A Senior Moment luncheon at The Stone Lion, 1:30 p.m. We have two financial experts joining us to give helpful information. R.S.V.P. Colleen at 647-829-8042
APRIL 25: Yard Sale at St Clair O’Connor Community (meeting room), 2701 St. Clair Ave. E., 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Clothing, household items, books & toys, small furniture, and more. All proceeds support community projects approved by the Residents Council for our nonprofit community. For further info (to donate or attend), please contact the SCOC receptionist at 416-757-8757.
APRIL 25: Cantemus Singers, conducted by Michael Erdman, present “Good Queen Bess” at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 70 Silver Birch Ave., 7:30 p.m. A concert of Elizabethan music for Easter and Springtime, featuring works by Tallis, Byrd, Morley and Tomkins. A performance will also be held at Church of the Holy Trinity, Eaton Centre, on Sunday April 26 at 3 p.m. Tickets at the door (cash), or via Eventbrite at www.cantemus.ca. General Admission $35 / Kids under 12 free. Info/reservations: 416-578-6602
APRIL 25: Once upon a Spring Night, an interactive evening of poetry and music presented by Beaches author and composer Mark Battenberg at Danforth Mennonite Church, 2174 Danforth Ave., 7:30 p.m. Featuring a live reading and symposium of his transcending poetic work A leaf in the Wind, with musical meditations by special guest Shakuhachi Flute Master Debbie Danbrook. You could win a copy of the book A Leaf in the Wind signed by the author. $20 at the door or pay what you can.
MONDAYS: WEE FOLKS DROP IN at Fallingbrook Presbyterian Church, 35 Wood Glen Rd., 9:30-11 a.m. except holidays. For ages up to 3 years old, with care givers. Play and story time with snack. Info at 416-699-3084.
TUESDAYS: BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP, 7 p.m. at Community Centre 55, 97 Main St. at Swanwick. 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 THURSDAYS: GROUP MEDITATION at the Church of St. Aidan, 2423 Queen St. E., 7:30 – 8:15 p.m. All ages and stages of experience welcome! Type of meditation will vary based on the instructor. Email: office@staidansinthebeach.com
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-baptist-church. ca, www.gracepascoefoodbank.ca/access-our-services GRANTFUL FOOD AND FELLOWSHIP Food Bank and Soup Kitchen, 2029 Gerrard St E., is open Fridays 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
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
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.) March 31, April 14, 28; St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (2423 Queen St. E.) April 7, 21, May 5 •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. Are you interested in photography? We invite all shutterbugs to check out our local photo club. We offer a range of activities including guest speakers, mentorship, opportunities to share your work, photo excursions, competitions, practical seminars 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 or email beachphotoclub@gmail.com
GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •April 9: The Cozy Corner Club, 2-4 p.m. Enjoy origami and board games at our monthly library social for adults. Call us or register online. •April 17: Positive Parenting Workshop, 11 a.m.-11:50 p.m. Family Time (stories and songs) 11-11:20, followed by workshop 11:20-11:50 presented by Toronto Public Health. •April 20: Investing Basics, 2-3 p.m. Curious about the world of investing? Learn how to get started. Presented by the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization. Registration required. Info: 416-393-7717
THE CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN (Anglican), 2423 Queen St. E. All are welcome to join us for our Holy Week services. Maundy Thursday (with choir & communion) April 2, 7:30 p.m. Good Friday, April 3, 10:30 a.m. (with interactive reading of the Passion story). Easter Vigil, Sat., April 4, 8 p.m. (with choir & communion). Easter Sunday, April 5, 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. (both with choir & communion). We are an energetic, active faith community committed to following Jesus as we gather for meaningful worship, spiritual growth, and community engagement. We live this out through our vibrant children’s and youth programs, diverse sacred music offerings, and active community outreach and environmental stewardship ministries. 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. ($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. Meditation on Thursdays, 7:30 – 8:15 p.m.
BEACH UNITED CHURCH, 140 Wineva Ave., invites you to share in worship with us each week. We offer a combination of in-person and YouTube livestream opportunities on Sunday mornings at 10:30 am. Please join us for a unique 10:30 am service on Good Friday, April 3rd featuring excerpts from “Jesus Christ Superstar” with special guest singer Robert Ball. Easter Sunday we will celebrate communion together. We are an inclusive, affirming congregation and our building is fully accessible. Rev. Dr. Ellen Redcliffe offers inspirational and thought-provoking reflections, supported by Music Director Dr. Steven Webb and the church choir, which welcomes new members at all times. Nathalie Zeta, our youth coordinator, offers engaging programming for our younger members and guests during the Sunday service. All are welcome! Beach United also offers vibrant music and educational programs open to the entire Beach community. Info: beachunitedchurch.com.
BEACHES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 65 Glen Manor Dr. We are an inclusive and affirming congregation in the heart of the Beach. BPC has strong commitments to community service and social justice issues. We provide non-perishable food for those in need through our Free Food Pantry located outside the church building. Every Wednesday we host a Coffee Outreach from 1-3 p.m., an opportunity for people in the neighbourhood to gather for coffee, snacks and fellowship. A full lunch is provided every 2nd Wednesday of the month. Please join us at 10 a.m. every Sunday either in person or join us on Zoom. Special services upcoming include Palm Sunday on March 29. Maundy Thursday on April 2 includes a dinner at 6 p.m. and Tenebrae Service at 7 p.m. Good Friday service at 10 a.m. April 3rd and Easter Sunday, April 5 at 10 a.m. For a link to the services and more info: www.beacheschurch.org, 416-699-5871. Minister: The Reverend Katherine McCloskey ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 794 Kingston Rd. Pastor is Rev. Fr. Joshua Roldan. Lent & Easter Schedule: Confession available all Friday evenings during Lent from 6pm to 6:30pm. Also on all Lenten Fridays a Holy Mass at 8:15am & 7pm and Stations of the Cross at 7:30pm. Palm Sunday Masses: Sat. Vigil (Mar 28) 4:30pm, Sun. (Mar 29) 9am & 11am. Holy Thursday (Apr 2) no 8:15am Mass, only Mass of The Last Supper at 7pm. Good Friday (Apr 3) no 8:15am Mass, only Passion of The Lord service at 12 noon & 3pm. Holy Saturday (Apr 4) no 4:30pm Mass, only Easter Vigil at 8:00pm. Easter Sunday (Apr 5) Masses at 9am & 11am. Outside of the Lent & Easter schedule regular Mass times are every Sat. (Vigil) at 4:30pm, every Sun. at 9am & 11am and Tue. to Fri. at 8:15am. Info: stjohnsto.archtoronto.org or 416-698-1105
Closing o Grade 9 enrollment has Eastdale C.I. parents worried
By Natasha Jackson
EASTDALE COLLEGIATE Institute, a small specialized high school on Gerrard Street East serving students with intellectual disabilities, will not be admitting a Grade 9 class next school year due to low intake numbers.
While the school remains open, families of students attending the East Toronto school are concerned that stopping Grade 9 intake may gradually destabilize a program that plays a vital role for vulnerable students in the community.
Run by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB), Eastdale offers its 114 students both a regular high school program and a Mild Intellectual Disability (MID) program that many local parents have come to rely on.
Eastdale serves students ages 14 to 21 in Intensive Support Programs (ISP). It ranks among the most challenged schools on TDSB’s Learning Opportunities Index (students’ ability to learn successfully at school). The school provides intensive, relationship-based programming for students who often struggle to succeed or remain enrolled in large mainstream high school environments. The intake closures will affect families who largely depend on these specialized programs for their children and indisputably determine their futures into adulthood, said Andrea Seaborn who is chair of Eastdale’s School Council
Her son, who has an intellectual disability and autism, has been attending the school for three years. She said Eastdale has allowed her son to engage in the classroom and learn essential life skills in a way he wouldn’t be able to in a larger, neurotypical high school environment. “My son right now is in his first year of learning how to take the TTC independently. He’ll do this for a few more years before he’ll hopefully be able to have that life skill,” said Seaborn.
Many Eastdale parents are concerned the enrollment closure will affect the number of teachers at the school. Fewer teachers means reduced programs and class options and could prevent continuing students from graduating. “Teachers are assigned based on headcounts of students, and once we sort of dwindle down to a small population, we will have very few teachers with very few course options. So, in effect, it’s starving the school,” said Seaborn.
She noted that the next-closest high school with a Mild Intellectual Disability (MID) program is Central Technical School on Bathurst Street, which has a population of almost 1,600 students.
“There’s just no way that our kids, who face multiple barriers already, are going to make it in a big, 2,000-student school with
a tiny little program in busy hallways and bullies and all the kind of typical things you imagine in a high school. Those things will not work for our students,” said Seaborn.
Eastdale integrates experiential learning courses such as rooftop gardening, culinary training, and TTC travel training to build independence for students and help them with life skills, co-op, certification completion, and transition planning to adulthood. These are programs that prevent disengagement in the classroom, and what parents say ultimately reduces long-term public costs for the city. “People are just mortified. For most of us that have kids with special needs, it’s already a terrifying prospect to think about how they’re going to go through life,” said Seaborn of the possibility of a school like Eastdale not existing.
Eastdale is the second specialized high school in Toronto that will no longer accept new students come the next school year.
The other is Heydon Park Secondary School on D’Arcy Street in the Dundas Street West and Spadina Avenue area. Parents at Heydon Park have been notified that the Grade 9 and 10 intake will be cancelled for the upcoming school year due to low enrollment.
TDSB Acting Superintendent of Education, Anastasia Poulis, sent a letter to parents informing them about Eastdale’s intake closures. She wrote: “There are currently only four students registered for Grade 9 next year. There are also not enough incoming Grade 9 students in the Mild Intellectual Disability program.”
However, Seaborn said it is too early to make a final decision on what the student numbers will be for the next school year.
“It’s sort of late February to March when we typically host a lot of families or teachers and kids that come in to look at the environment and make sure it’s the right fit for them. So a lot of the offers that had unfortunately gone out already had to be rescinded,” said Seaborn.
She said she wants the TDSB to reevaluate its decision and work with the Eastdale community to understand what the needs of the students and the community are.
“I’m very eager to work with the TDSB and, of course, by extension, the Ministry (of Education) at this point because they’re under supervision. We’d love to look at ways that we could strengthen enrollment for Eastdale for future years,” said Seaborn.
Poulis said discussions about the future of Eastdale “will be continuing,” adding the current provincial moratorium on school closures means the school will remain open next year but with a focus on Grade 10 to 12 students.
For info, go to the Save Eastdale Instagram at www.instagram.com/saveeastdale
PHOTO: D. ALLARD
Andrea Seaborn, Chair of Eastdale’s School Council, and her son in front of the Gerrard Street East school. Chestnut Park® Real Estate Limited, Brokerage | chestnutpark.com | *Sales Representative
Dianne Chaput*† Brian Chaput* Pauline Wong* Colette Chaput-Villamizar*
Beach Memories
Iwill be leading an historic walk on Saturday, April 18, in the Kew Beach area
We will meet at the Beaches Branch Library, 2161 Queen St. E., just west of Lee Avenue at 1 p.m.
On the walk we will visit many sites, buildings and homes, highlighting their connections to local people and happenings that make Kew Beach special. The walk will be approximately 90 minutes to two hours, so bring your walking shoes.
I also have to ask you dear Beach Metro Community News readers, a question. What parts of the Beach would you like me to cover in future historic walks?
I have been doing these walks for years, but I would like to get your opinions and feelings on what you want to hear and see about places in the community. You can contact me through Beach Metro Community News by sending an email to editor@ beachmetro.com, and your suggestions will be passed on to me. Now, I have been asked about why I have such an interest in the history of the Beach and area. I’ve also been asked many times why I haven’t written a history book about it. Well, dear readers, I have been doing historic walks and talks in the Beach area for close to 50 years. And there have been several times when I have attempted to write a book, but for one reason or another I have not done so.
There is one book, however, that I would have loved to have done. Its title was to be From the Bluffs to the Beach. This was nearly done three or four decades ago, and it would have been a really good book on the area.
There was a distinguished architect who was one of the best, if not the best, architect Toronto or Ontario has ever had the honour of living in our city and province and writing about the history of Toronto. He wrote a book called Toronto, No Mean City about the architecture in the city. He was involved in the judging to decide the design of our “new” City Hall back in the 1950s, and numerous other civic projects. His name was Eric Arthur, and he was also a professor at the University of Toronto teaching architecture.
One time I received a call from the professor. He wanted to speak
to me about the Beach area. So for the next few weeks, Professor Arthur and I proceeded to meet and discuss and look over the different parts of the East End.
His idea was to write a book about the area and he suggested the title From the Bluffs to the Beach. It would be about the area from the Scarborough Bluffs going all the way to Cherry Beach.
So I took Professor Arthur on many a journey through not only the East End, but different parts of Toronto as well. He taught me quite a few points about the different types of architecture and what to look for in the buildings, homes and streets.
At the end of one of our meetings, he said: “Gene, you are going to be the historian and I will be
the architect and the book will be From the Bluffs to the Beach.”
However, the book never happened. After a time, Professor Eric Arthur passed away in 1982 at the age of 84.
So there I was involved with the person who was so well known, but for one reason or another the book never took root. However, there have been many very good books about the Beach and the Beach area by good authors, and maybe one day I will have my chance to do some kind of book publication.
Again, please let me know what type of walk or area you are interested in, or any other historical questions or information that you would like to share with me. Historically Yours!
Historical society hosts presentation on Canadian plane the Avro Arrow
AUTHOR GREIG Stewart will speak about the Avro Arrow during a presentation hosted by The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society (TBETHS) on Wednesday, April 22.
The presentation will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Beaches Sandbox, located at 2181 Queen St. E., just east of Lee Avenue.
An historian and award-winning author, Stewart will talk about his book Shutting Down The National Dream: A.V. Roe and the Tragedy of the Avro Arrow The book is the winner of The National Business Book Award.
The story of the Avro Arrow is considered a Canadian business and technology tragedy by many.
Stewart’s book examines the history of the A.V. Roe Canada company and its subsidiaries Avro Aircraft and Oneida Engines, focussing on the years from 1946 to 1959.
In that time, Avro’s aircraft engineers were considered among the best in the world. By 1958, the Avro Arrow jet interceptor plane was on the verge of going into production, and it was considered “the most sophisticated piece of aviation design and technology the world had ever seen” and it was decades ahead of other designs.
However, in 1959 the Canadian government scrapped the entire Avro Arrow aviation program and ordered the destruction of the six existing planes.
Stewart’s book has been called a story of “the right stuff ” at the wrong time, as it chronicles a “tragedy” of government errors. The book tells the story behind the story and looks into the political, economic and technological reasons behind the plans to stop the production of the Avro Arrow.
Admission to the April 22 presentation is free.
For more information, please visit The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society at www.tbeths.com
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this byelection?
My name is Doly Begum, and I had the honour of representing Scarborough Southwest as your Member of Provincial Parliament from 2018 until February of this year.
I came to Canada from Bangladesh as a young girl with my parents and younger brother, in search of opportunity and a better future – and that experience has shaped my approach to public service.
During my nearly eight years serving as your MPP, I worked to deliver on the priorities most important to you — building a stronger healthcare system, supporting more reliable public transit, building affordable housing, and delivering programs that make life better for everyone. That work also allowed me the privilege of working closely with local leaders – in schools, daycares, small businesses, clinics, community centres, and places of worship – to hear first-hand about the challenges people from across our community are facing head-on.
After meeting with many of you over the last few months and reflecting on how I can best serve during this pivotal moment for Canada, I made the decision to run to become your next Liberal Member of Parliament for Scarborough Southwest. This is a crucial moment for Canada — and a time for us to come together as Canadians. I have been inspired by Prime Minister Carney’s vision for Canada — one rooted in resilience, inclusion, and responsibility towards our nation — and I know that I can make the greatest difference on the challenges Canada faces today as a member of Mark Carney’s new Liberal team.
I’m running to bring Scarborough Southwest’s voice to Ottawa, to help fight for the things I have always believed in — and to build a stronger, more prosperous future for our community.
QUESTION 2: What do you see as the top local issues that will be on the minds of Scarborough Southwest voters as they head into this byelection taking place less than a year after the previous federal election?
The conversations that I’ve been having across Scarborough Southwest over the past number of weeks have been consistent. People are focused on bringing down the cost of living, working and raising a family in a safe community, and building a better future for our next generation. These are all issues I care about deeply — and challenges that I am ready to take on directly. 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. In May, the government expanded the Canadian Dental Care Plan to cover people of all ages, ensuring millions of Canadians can now afford to see a dentist — some for the first time in decades. In July, the middle-class tax cut came into effect – putting up to $840 a year back into people’s pockets. That’s 22 million Canadians taking home more of every paycheque — including many right here in Scarborough Southwest.
In September, Build Canada Homes was launched — a major milestone in the government’s plan to double housing construction over the next decade, and create new affordable homes across the country. And in January of this year, the government introduced the new Canada Groceries and Essentials Benefit to bring down costs for more than 12 million Canadians. This is a strong start, and I know that more work needs to be done. If elected as the next Member of Parliament for Scarborough Southwest, I will make sure we continue delivering tangible results that make a real impact on everyone who lives here. I will be our community’s voice at the decision-making table.
APRIL FRANCISCO INDEPENDENT
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this byelection?
My name is April Francisco. I am running as an Independent candidate because I believe Scarborough Southwest deserves a representative who is truly connected to the people, not a political party.
Scarborough is my first home in Canada. This is where my journey began, it’s where I built my life, where my family lives, and where I’ve had the privilege of serving the community for years and today, I am here to give back.
I come from a background in social work, where I supported families in need, and today, as a real estate professional, I work closely with individuals and families who are struggling with one of the most basic needs, housing.
Every day, I hear their stories: rising costs, uncertainty, and the feeling that no one is truly listening.
I’m not running for a title.
I’m running because I’ve seen the problems up close, and I’m ready to take action.
QUESTION 2: What do you see as the top local issues that will be on the minds of Scarborough Southwest voters as they head into this byelection taking place less than a year after the previous federal election?
The top issues in Scarborough Southwest are clear and they are urgent.
First is affordability and housing. Many families are being priced out of their own community. Young people feel like homeownership is out of reach, and renters are facing constant uncertainty.
Second is the cost of living. Groceries, rent, transportation, everything is going up, but wages are not keeping pace.
Third is community safety and senior and youth support services.
Residents want safer neighbourhoods. There is neglect of seniors and they have limited access to healthcare. They are also impacted by loneliness and isolation, and we should have better access to mental health support. We also need stronger youth programs to prevent crime before it starts.
And lastly, support for small businesses. Local entrepreneurs are struggling with rising costs, and they need real support not just promises to survive and grow.
This byelection is happening quickly, but these problems didn’t start yesterday and they won’t be solved without real leadership.
QUESTION 3: What are the key national issues now facing Canadians and how can you and your party have an impact on them?
Across Canada, people are facing three major challenges: affordability, housing, and economic stability.
Housing is no longer just a market issue, it’s a national crisis. We need faster approvals for housing, smarter development, and policies that prioritize people not speculation.
Families are also struggling with the rising cost of living. Canadians are working hard, but many still feel like they’re falling behind. We need practical solutions that put money back into people’s pockets and support working families. At the end of the day family is the foundation of our community.
As an Independent, I’m not tied to party lines. That means I can work with all sides to push for solutions that actually make sense.
My focus is simple: putting people first, family they are our foundation, do not neglect our seniors they were our first giver, support for small businesses, and real opportunities for the next generation because they are our future.
PETER KOUBAKIS
PEOPLE’S PARTY OF CANADA
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this byelection?
My name is Peter Koubakis, and I have lived in Scarborough my entire life.
I am the closest thing Canadians in Scarborough have to a politician who is just like them. I am neither a career politician nor a rich billionaire. I work in retail and I went to a local high school in Scarborough.
I am running in this byelection because I believe Canadians deserve a fresh start with a fresh new face. Someone who is just like them, and someone who has been and experienced the change that came down from Ottawa.
Currently, the political elites do not care for the average Canadian, because they do not suffer the consequences of their actions. People need someone they can relate to, someone who has ridden the TTC and witnessed homelessness in our city, someone who has walked to school and work in the thick snow during the winter while city hall focused on downtown and left Scarborough in the trenches.
Scarborough deserves better, and it’s time for change.
QUESTION 2: What do you see as the top local issues that will be on the minds of Scarborough Southwest voters as they head into this byelection taking place less than a year after the previous federal election?
Affordability is on the minds of everyone.
Every day, we see it as we drive down the street and see the price at the gas station has gone up since yesterday. The grocery stores, whether you shop at No Frills on Kingston Road, or the all-new Panda Mart on Warden. We have seen prices skyrocket. The people of Scarborough want their prices to go down and they want them down now.
Not even a year has passed since Scarborough Southwest voted the Liberals back into power, and the crisis just hasn’t stopped.
Scarborough is one of the most diverse places in the GTA, and we cannot experience our cultural neighbours if our basic needs to live aren’t even met.
Scarborough needs a candidate that will lower the cost of living, and make the country more affordable.
QUESTION 3: What are the key national issues now facing Canadians and how can you and your party have an impact on them?
My campaign platform focuses on the three major pillars needed today in Canada. Peace, money, and common sense! War is raging on overseas continents, wars not related to Canada. And yet we are sending our hard-earned money to these nations rather than keeping it here for those suffering within our own borders. We have no money to support Canadians living on the streets, but our government sends billions to Ukraine and Israel. “Canada is ready for war” said our top military officials, yet we don’t remember any Canadian families willingly wanting to send their children over to fight in a foreign war.
On top of that, Canada seems to make up more and more laws that provide no benefit to Canadians, and it does nothing but strip us of our rights. Bill C-9 attacks on our speech, attacks on the internet, and attacks on your right to self-defence. Meanwhile criminals get let off on bail!
Common sense has left our country. And if you don’t like any of the horrible things being done, and you just can’t live on the scraps they feed you, then we have ‘MAID’ to help you end it all.
We are living in troubled times, and the PPC is the only party to help you. The only party that will put money back
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this byelection?
I’m Pooja Malhotra, a 34-year-old medical copywriter. While my professional life focuses on precision and clarity in healthcare, my personal life has been defined by an unwavering sense of justice and a drive to ensure that all people are treated fairly and with dignity.
I’m running in this federal byelection because I love this community. Scarborough Southwest is where I found a home when I had no one to support me. The riding gave me security when I needed a stable place to start over. The kindness I’ve received here, often from neighbours who may not have much else to give, has shaped who I am today. I’m running because we deserve more; my neighbours deserve more.
This isn’t an abstract belief for me. I’ve been on the receiving end of political apathy from our “representatives”. I’ve experienced what it’s like to be ignored to the point where I had to take extraordinary measures to have our former MP listen to my concerns.
I’m running to challenge the status quo and that includes our present “representation”. In the past year, the Liberal government has rushed through legislation like Bill C-5, while pushing bills like C-9 and C-12 that raise serious concerns about civil liberties and immigration fairness. Instead of taking accountability for mismanaging our immigration system, they’ve thrown immigrants under the bus. I’m a product of the same system and I know firsthand how these policies affect real lives.
Additionally, this government has been poaching parliamentarians left, right, and centre, trying to piece a majority they weren’t given by the people. A majority government isn’t necessarily a strong government; it’s one that can bulldoze legislation without checks and balances. I’m running to be the voice of accountability so that our concerns aren’t just heard in Ottawa but also acted upon.
QUESTION 2: What do you see as the top local issues that will be on the minds of Scarborough Southwest voters as they head into this byelection taking place less than a year after the previous federal election?
Not much has changed in the past year since the federal election—if anything, it’s gotten worse. Our riding is seeing an unprecedented amount of “development” in the form of unaffordable high-rises proposed across Scarborough Southwest, with little infrastructure to support the growth.
In all my door knocking, the three major local issues that have come up are: Affordability: People are struggling with grocery bills that keep climbing, rents that take up over half a paycheque, and an overwhelming realization that being a homeowner may be a pipedream for most.
Transit: Too many residents spend hours
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this byelection?
As a person who is of Métis descent, whose ancestral roots are in what is now Scarborough (my grandfather owned a pharmacy on Kingston Road) I am pleased to have the opportunity to run to be the Member of Federal Parliament representing our area.
I am a long time teacher, businessman, entertainer and volunteer having spent most of my life attempting to make the lives of others better.
As an MP, my ability to do so would be greatly expanded, assisting the many in my area to improve their day-to-day existence.
QUESTION 2: What do you see as the top local issues that will be on the minds of Scarborough Southwest voters as they head into this byelection taking place less than a year after the previous federal election?
The issues definitely include the affordability of living in our country.
Taxes take a substantial amount of our income, so making the best use of them is important to improve our way of living. Lowering them, but continuing to provide the critical services to the people, is a key to our quality of life.
Security is also of concern, with the ability to provide it for ourselves and those around us including increased public safety.
Creating good opportunities for youth will decrease crime, and ensuring the economy is strong by supporting Canadian industries will mean that jobs are available.
Making sure that our purchasing power reinvests money within Canada, will strengthen the fiscal capacity of our society.
QUESTION 3: What are the key national issues now facing Canadians and how can you and your party have an impact on them?
The Sovereignty and Unity of Canada is important to not only make our country strong and stable, but to then allow us to be of assistance to others when the occasion arises. Your own house must have a good, solid foundation before you can be of help to those around you. Making proper use of our resources, natural and production wise, will provide better prosperity for everyone who lives, works or invests here.
Further, our healthcare system, though “universal” is allowing many to fall through the cracks. People (especially the elderly) are not getting the care that they need. This has to be changed by examining the weaknesses and correcting the problems (excessive wait times and restrictive access to medication to be specific).
By focusing attention on Canadian produced energy, domestically manufactured Continued on Page 27
DEMOCRATIC PARTY
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this byelection?
I came to Canada at 14 with my mother, and Scarborough Southwest is where I built my life. After losing her, this community became my support system, and it is where I am now raising my children.
Like many people here, I have had to navigate systems that do not always work the way they should. My immigration journey was complex and uncertain, and it took years before I was able to build stability.
I have also experienced firsthand the challenges in healthcare, housing, and education, including long wait times, rising costs, and under resourced schools.
Through these experiences, I have seen how easily people can fall through the cracks, but I have also seen the strength and resilience of this community.
I am running in this byelection because I believe Scarborough Southwest deserves strong, present representation, someone who understands these realities firsthand and will advocate for real, practical change.
This community has given so much to me, and I want to give back by making sure its voices are heard and its needs are not overlooked.
QUESTION 2: What do you see as the top local issues that will be on the minds of Scarborough Southwest voters as they head into this byelection taking place less than a year after the previous federal election?
I think the top issues on the minds of voters in Scarborough Southwest are housing, affordability, and access to healthcare.
Housing continues to be one of the biggest concerns. While there have been promises to increase supply, many people in this community are still struggling to find housing they can actually afford.
It is not just about building more units, it is about making sure those homes are truly affordable for working families, renters, and young people trying to stay in their communities.
Affordability more broadly is also a major issue. The rising cost of groceries, rent, and everyday essentials is putting real pressure on families.
People are working hard but still finding it difficult to keep up, and that is something I hear consistently from residents.
Healthcare is another key concern, and one that is very personal to me.
My mother had aggressive cancer, and she passed away after facing long wait times for care. That experience showed me how serious the gaps in our system can be. We need stronger federal investment in healthcare and better coordination to make sure people can access timely care when they need it.
Overall, people are looking for practical so -
Continued on Page 27
QUESTION 1: Please tell our readers a little bit about yourself and why you are running in this byelection?
I am, first and foremost, a servant of my community—a dedicated volunteer and committed supporter of charitable causes. My decision to run in this byelection was not born out of ambition, but out of a deep and growing concern for the future of our country.
At hundreds of doorsteps, I have listened. I have heard the strain in the voices of parents choosing between groceries and rent, the uncertainty in young people who no longer believe hard work guarantees a future, and the quiet fear of seniors who wonder if they can afford to live with dignity in the country they helped build. There is a shared grief—a sense that something precious is slipping away, that the Canada we once knew is becoming harder to recognize with each passing day.
After a decade of Liberal leadership, Canadians are facing the consequences of policies that have weakened our economic foundation. Our national debt has exploded to nearly $1.48 trillion—more than the combined total of all generations before us—and we are now paying approximately $146 million every single day just to service that debt. This is not just a statistic—it is a burden being placed squarely on the shoulders of our children and grandchildren.
Even more troubling is the growing unease that our fundamental freedoms—the rights that define us—are no longer secure. From legislation that raises profound ethical concerns to measures that spark fears about freedom of expression, religious liberty, and personal privacy, there is a growing concern that the balance between government authority and individual rights is shifting in the wrong direction.
I am running because Canadians deserve better leadership and a renewed commitment to the values that built this nation. This is about restoring hope, rebuilding trust, and ensuring that opportunity, dignity, and freedom are realities for every citizen.
QUESTION 2: What do you see as the top local issues that will be on the minds of Scarborough Southwest voters as they head into this byelection taking place less than a year after the previous federal election?
Scarborough Southwest deserves more than promises—it needs a focused, results-driven plan that delivers real change quickly and responsibly. As your MP, I support and fund municipal and provincial projects through a combination of structured transfer payments, specific infrastructure programs, and direct advocacy as a coordinated approach that tackles housing, mobility, and community safety together.
We would help launch a “build fast, build smart” initiative that cuts through delays and gets homes built where they are needed most. Continued on Page 28
POOJA MALHOTRA GREEN PARTY
LYALL SANDERS CENTRIST PARTY
FATIMA SHABAN NEW
DAVID VEDOVA
CHRISTIAN HERITAGE PARTY
Neighbourhood Stops and Shops
In neighbourhoods like the Beach, many homes have been lived in for decades. They hold furniture, collections, fine china, artwork, tools, books and the quiet accumulation of a lifetime. When it’s time to move, downsize or manage an estate, that volume of belongings can feel overwhelming.
That’s where Nancy Cottenden and Downsize Helpers are able to help .
“Our job is to help people make decisions about the contents of their homes,” says Cottenden.
“When we find there’s a whole house full of items, we’re a local Maxsold partner, and we manage the entire sale of the contents.”
Maxsold is an online auction platform designed to sell large volumes of household contents quickly.
As a local partner, and expert, Downsize Helpers curates and administers the sale on behalf of families.
“We go into the home, photograph and catalogue the items, curate the auction, manage all the little details, and then we come back for pickup day so everything leaves on schedule,” Cottenden explains.
Unlike listing individual pieces on Facebook Marketplace and coordinating dozens of messages and no-shows, a Maxsold auction runs for a set period, often seven to 10 days.
Once bidding closes, pickup happens within a tight window, and the home can be cleared in about two weeks.
“If you’re working with a long lead time, a Maxsold auction can be a great option to clear a large amount quickly, and it’s hasslefree because payments are handled before buyers arrive,” she says.
That timeline proved critical for former Beach resident Heather Moore.
Her parents, well-known antique dealers in the community, recently transitioned into a memory care residence. Moore was
tasked with preparing the family home for sale.
“As the only child of antique dealers and lifelong collectors, I knew I couldn’t handle everything on my own in the time we had,” Moore shared in a testimonial.
“Using Maxsold with Nancy and Downsize Helpers made the process manageable, respectful, and much less overwhelming than trying to sell things piece by piece.”
For Cottenden, that balance of practicality and care is central to the work.
“When you’re dealing with an estate, it can be emotional,” she says.
“People want to do justice to the contents, because their family kept those things for a reason.”
Maxsold auctions operate through competitive online bidding, meaning items sell at fair market value; what buyers are willing to pay.
Some families hope to offset costs. Others simply appreciate knowing treasured items will be reused rather than sent to landfill.
“It’s also a great place to shop,” Cottenden adds.
“Auctions can have everything from fine art to garden tools. It’s fun to browse and bid, and young families furnishing a home can find quality pieces at accessible prices.”
For those unsure where to begin, Downsize Helpers offers free consultations by phone, video or in person.
“One of the biggest challenges is simply where to start,” says Cottenden.
“We come in, build a step-by-step plan, and simplify the decisions.”
To learn more or to book a consultation, visit www.downsizehelpers.com or browse a local Maxsold auction at www.maxsold. com and see what treasures might be waiting nearby.
Downsize Helpers assists local residents in selling home contents and other items when it is time to downsize. The items are listed through the online auction site Maxsold.
Neighbourhood Stops and Shops
Dot & Bea makes secondhand shopping feel intentional on Queen Street East
Closets are fuller than ever. It’s something most people notice in small ways; pieces worn a handful of times, things that quietly pile up. What’s less visible is where it all ends up. Every second, the equivalent of a garbage truck of clothing is sent to landfill.
On Queen Street East in the Beach, Dot & Bea is offering a different way forward.
Opened last July by longtime East End resident Alison Palmer, the shop offers a curated approach to preloved and vintage clothing, focusing on quality, accessibility, and extending the life of garments that might otherwise be discarded.
“I really felt like I needed to do something tangible for the environment,” she says. “This was a way to actually keep clothing in circulation and out of landfill.”
Before opening a storefront, Palmer launched Dot & Bea online in early 2020, building a following through Instagram and pop-ups across the east end. After several years of operating in temporary and shared spaces, including an upstairs studio on the Danforth, she began looking for a permanent, street-level location in a walkable neighbourhood.
“The Beach was always somewhere I wanted to be,” she says. “It has that sense of community, and people are out walking, exploring local shops.”
The Queen Street space offered the opportunity to create a more curated and personal retail experience, something Palmer felt was missing from traditional thrifting.
“I wanted it to feel approachable,” she says. “A place where people don’t have to dig or feel overwhelmed. Everything here has already been chosen because it’s worth wearing again.”
Each piece in the store is sourced personally, often from small towns and independent shops across Ontario, where Palmer spends hours searching for garments that stand out for their personality, construction, fabric, and longevity.
“You can feel the difference in older clothing,” she says. “It’s made better, it lasts longer, and it deserves another life.”
Once sourced, all items are sanitized, laundered and sometimes repaired before being brought into the shop, part of an effort to make preloved shopping feel just as reliable as buying new.
Unlike consignment stores, Dot & Bea
does not purchase directly from individuals. Palmer instead takes a hands-on approach, travelling far and wide to find one-of-a-kind pieces, often overlooked items that just need a bit of attention to be worn and loved again.
Affordability is also central to the model.
“If we want people to move away from fast fashion, preloved has to be an affordable option,” Palmer says. “It has to work for people’s everyday lives and budgets.”
The shop’s name, Dot & Bea, reflects that philosophy. Named after Palmer’s grandmothers, it’s inspired by a time when wardrobes were smaller, clothing was cared for, and pieces were worn repeatedly and well.
That same thinking extends beyond the clothing itself. Much of the shop, from hangers and shelving to tags and packaging, is made up of recycled materials, with the long-term goal of creating a fully circular retail space.
Dot & Bea offers clothing, accessories, jewellery, handbags and footwear for both men and women, along with additional services like rentals for formal events and personal shopping or styling appointments. A small portion of the shop is also dedicated to local artists and makers, featuring items like handknit toques, reusable textiles, and original artwork.
Palmer regularly collaborates with other neighbourhood businesses, including recent events with the Fox Theatre such as a Valentine’s market and an Oscars-themed “Best Dressed” promotion, helping to further connect the shop within the local community.
While the storefront remains at the heart of the business, online shopping at dotandbea.com is set to launch soon, expanding on its existing Instagram sales and allowing for shipping beyond the neighbourhood.
As the seasons shift and foot traffic along Queen Street East picks up, Dot & Bea will continue to grow alongside it, with extended hours and private shopping appointments available by request; perfect for one-on-one styling, event outfitting, or even a low-key outing with friends.
Dot & Bea is located at 1926 Queen St. E, just east of Woodbine, making it an easy and worthwhile stop to add to your next walk through the neighbourhood.
Alison Palmer, owner of Dot & Bea, invites shoppers into her Queen Street East store where she and her staff, including Chelsea Grant (background), help bring carefully sourced pieces back into rotation.
Jaye Sherry’s Memoirs o a Lash Artist set for release in April
By Natasha Jackson
JAYE SHERRY a long-time Beach resident who has lived in the community for more than 23 years, will be celebrating the release of her book Memoirs of a Lash Artist next month.
The book follows her journey managing her business and the hardships she faced to get where she is now.
It took Jaye seven months to complete her memoir because of a number of personal life challenges she recently faced.
She has had two open-heart surgeries for the condition Quadracuspid Aortic Valve, which is an extremely rare heart condition. After facing a near-death experience from one of the surgeries, Jaye said it triggered a spiral of post-traumatic stress and mental health struggles that kept her isolated and prevented her from living life normally.
Memoirs of a Lash Artist is a raw and heavy testament to Jaye’s life, and all the pain and resilience it took her to move forward. After her second heart surgery and almost dying, it became a turning point for her to start a path of healing both spiritually and emotionally.
Born and raised in the East End, Jaye moved with her three-year-old daughter to Vancouver and lived there for seven years.
Upon returning to Toronto in 2011 and settling near Kingston Road, she took a lash course and also an entrepreneur course. After completing her courses Jaye set up her own aesthetics business, offering multiple services at a number of local salons where she was able to foster meaningful relationships with her clients.
A number of those clients were teenage girls, some of whom were dealing with troubled home lives, and Jaye became a lifeline for many of them.
“That job, that business—it became a way for me to give back. I wanted to help these girls, and I did. Whether it was just listening, giving them a hug, offering some advice, or sharing my own experiences. I recognize now—with these girls—I was, for them, the person I wish I had. The person I needed in my life,” wrote Jaye in Memoirs of a Lash Artist
The cover of the book represents the two sides of Jaye’s life. A butterfly with one dark wing and one colourful wing to show that although people in the community perceived her as a happy and healthy person, there was a darkness that she was fighting on the inside that nobody knew about.
“Black wing and a colourful wing because I was dark, and I didn’t even know I was dark. I just kept schlepping through life,” said Jaye in an interview with Beach Metro Community News.
“I don’t have time to cry in a corner, just get up and keep going.”
Jaye is no longer a lash artist and has changed her career path to become a writer full-time.
She said she plans to make this memoir a five-book series where each book focuses on different parts of her first memoir.
For example, the next book will solely be focused on what it was like having two open-heart surgeries and surviving a neardeath experience. The book, after that, will delve more into detail about how she overcame her mental health struggles.
“The first one is the memoir, and then there’s four after it,” said Jaye. “It’s an evolving, nonfiction memoir series. It’s called a pentology. Five pieces, five parts.”
Jaye is also launching a podcast titled Truth Serum: Real women. Raw stories. She wants the podcast to be a space for stories and unfiltered conversations with women
Artist will celebrate its release on April 21.
who have survived trauma and abuse, and to have an outlet to speak freely on.
Her only support system, she said, was the community at Captain Jack’s pub in the Beach. She mentioned the names of bartenders Zoe, Jax, Ness and Jenn, who she said were there to listen to her story when
nobody else did.
“I wouldn’t have made it without them. They’re servers, but they ended up being more than that to me,” said Jaye.
For those who don’t know Jaye and will read this memoir, she said she wants them to not just see her as a survivor but as an ally to the community.
But for those who do know her, she said the message is to never read a book by its cover.
“I want people to know that if they have anything that they need to talk about, that they feel scared to talk about or nobody wants to hear, call me up,” said Jaye. “I want them to know that they’re not alone.”
The book launches on Tuesday, April 21, with a pair of events.
The first celebration is a private, RSVPonly, event at The Beech Tree restaurant at, 924 Kingston Rd. To RSVP, contact Jaye at her email, msjayesherry@gmail.com or email The Beech Tree at helderca@yahoo. ca Later, on April 21, starting at 8 p.m., there will be a launch celebration open to the public at Captain Jack’s, 2 Wheeler Ave. just north of Queen Street East, and everyone is welcome to attend.
For more on Jaye Sherry, please go to www.hearttoheartjaye.com/about-1
Cantemus Singers concert in the Beach slated for April 25
WHEN THE word “Elizabethan” is used in reference to music, one almost automatically thinks of the fun and accessible madrigals and dance music that were largely from the end of the reign.
However, her life began in a period when music was very different. And from her childhood, eventual coronation, and through to her maturity, momentous changes entirely changed the musical landscape.
Cantemus Singers invites music lovers to attend its concerts on April 25 and 26 concerts Good Queen Bess slated for the Beach and downtown Toronto respectively.
The Singers will present selections illustrating the shifting tides of vocal music during the Elizabethan times.
The concert starts with the pre-Reformation period when, as a child, Elizabeth undoubtedly heard Thomas Tallis’s monumental Missa Salve Intemerata, composed
in the late medieval style of counterpoint. The Singers will then sample works by relatively unknown composers of the mid-16th century – including Taverner’s Christe Jesu, Pastor Bone, Tye’s joyful Omnes Gentes and the serene Lamentations of Jeremiah for Holy Week by Robert White.
The program is rounded with a collection of spritely end-of-century madrigals for springtime by Byrd, Morley and Tomkins. Fa-la-la’s galore.
The concerts are on April 25 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church in the Beach, Silver Birch Avenue at Queen Street East; and on April 26 at 3 p.m. at The Church of the Holy Trinity (Eaton Centre).
Tickets are $35, with children under 12 free. Tickets are available at the door; reserved for pick-up by calling 416-578-6602; or ordered online via Eventbrite at www. cantemus.ca.
PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Beach author Jaye Sherry’s Memoirs of a Lash
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
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
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 AVE.
Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION
Linda Bronicheski, J.D. 47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884 Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com
Janet D’Arcy
the Beawch since 1987” Residential, Restorations, Home Inspections, Commercial, Interiors, Landscapes COMPLETE PROJECT SERVICES FROM DESIGN THROUGH CONSTRUCTION (416) 694-8181 www.stephenkingarchitect.com Member Ontario Association of Architects
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
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SERVICES
Cremation & Burial Services Inc. Life Celebrations. Done Differently. In Service with St. John’s Norway Cemetery & Crematorium. 647.660.5056 www.ecofuneral.ca
Neighbourhood Stops and Shops
Dazzling Divas brings birthday magic to local families
Birthday parties are meant to be joyful celebrations, but for many parents, they can quickly turn into a stressful day of planning, organizing, and entertaining a roomful of energetic kids. That’s exactly the challenge the team behind Dazzling Divas aims to solve.
Operating across the GTA since 2012, the mobile party company was taken over last year by Dré and Melaina, two professionals with strong backgrounds working with children and youth. Now leading the business, they’re excited to connect with more families across Toronto’s east end.
“We love working with children and youth, and empowerment is a big theme in everything we do,” said Melaina.
“This business really aligned with where we were already headed in our careers.”
Melaina has a background in summer camps and child and youth studies and is currently studying to become a child psychologist.
Dré has spent years mentoring young people across the GTA as a motivational speaker and now works in law enforcement in a community-focused role.
Together, they saw an opportunity to continue the legacy of Dazzling Divas while expanding its focus from girl empowerment to celebrating kids of all personalities and interests.
What makes their business stand out is its mobile model. Instead of parents hauling supplies or coordinating entertainment, the Dazzling Divas team arrives directly at the home, condo party room or event venue with everything needed to run the celebration.
“We come right to your doorstep with all our equipment,” Melaina explained.
“We arrive about an hour ahead of time to set everything up, host the party, and then pack everything away when we’re done.”
They offer several themed party packages, including spa parties, karaoke celebrations, princess experiences and high-energy “Minute to Win It” games. Most popular are their spa parties, often featuring manicures and creative add-ons like chocolate facials, lip gloss making or body glitter.
Karaoke parties are another favourite, with professional microphones, speakers
and accessories creating a mini stage for young performers.
The team says their goal is to create an atmosphere where kids feel celebrated and confident.
“We come in with high energy and positivity,” said Melaina.
“We want the kids to feel like the whole day is about them.”
Before each party, the hosts connect with parents to learn about the birthday child’s interests and personality, often incorporating small details like favourite colours, themes or playful touches that make the celebration feel personal.
Those thoughtful moments sometimes lead to emotional reactions, particularly during the spa party’s closing fashion show. Kids choose a word that describes their inner qualities before walking the runway, a moment Melaina says often leaves parents tearing up.
Looking ahead, the pair is developing new party experiences designed to appeal to older kids and boys, including gaming and competition-based themes like Nintendo Switch parties and high-energy challenges. The idea grew from a desire to expand the original vision of Dazzling Divas, which began with a focus on empowering girls, into something that celebrates all kids and interests.
For Dré and Melaina, the mission remains simple: show up with energy, create a welcoming atmosphere and make sure every child feels special on their big day.
“We come, we make your day,” Dré said. “Then we pack up and let the celebration continue.”
By bringing the party directly to families’ homes or chosen venues, the Dazzling Divas team aims to take the pressure off parents while creating a celebration that feels special for every child.
“At the end of the day, we just want kids to feel celebrated,” Melaina said.
“If they leave the party feeling confident, happy and special, then we’ve done our job.”
To explore party packages or book a celebration, please visit dazzlingdivastoronto. com
Dazzling Divas brings themed birthday parties, including spa, karaoke and princess celebrations, directly to families’ homes. Images sourced from dazzlingdivastoronto.com.
By David Van Dyke
When I first came across this archival photograph (above) of the intersection at Kingston Road and Woodbine Avenue (taken in 1910), I realized the unknown photographer would have had to have been on the roof of the bell tower of St. John the Baptist Norway Anglican Church to get this shot. I got in touch with Edward Cockerton, the Parish Administrator, for permission to get up top of the old tower. Thankfully, there wasn’t a problem. A date was set that I was to meet with Marion Crosberry who would be my guide. On the day, I was visiting my son and asked him if he wanted to join me. It’s not everyday you get to see an amazing viewpoint of the Beach. Happily, Michael tagged along. After we arrived I had this idea of us climbing stairs to a door that would open onto an incredible scene. But I was sadly mistaken. After Marion led us to the base of the tower, it became obvious that the journey to the top did not include stairs but two vertical 20-foot ladders with two different hatches. The latter hatch, which led to the roof, was so small that my six months of dieting wasn’t going to get me through. But how wonderful it was to have taken along my skinny son. Without hesitation, Michael took my camera, climbed up the last ladder and squeezed through the opening and took the fantastic image below. I want to thank Marion, Edward and Michael for all their help towards this issue of Deja Views.
PHOTO: MICHAEL H. VAN DYKE
The Main Menu
After the (Easter) party is done, it’s time for leftover recipes
JAN MAIN
is an author, cooking instructor and caterer janmainskitchen@ gmail.com
AStory idea? News tip? Let us know!
editor@beachmetro.com www.beachmetro.com
fter the party is over, Easter (that is!) –with any luck there are leftovers- delicious leftovers from the special feast – be it salmon, turkey, ham, veggies or dessert –any or all are important for the second or third feast.
Here are some tempters which may become alltime favourites! So good in fact, that you will have to make planned overs for next time!
Kedgeree
What a great word! But what does it mean?
Originally it was a spiced East Indian dish of lentils, rice and onions but the English made their own version with flaked smoked fish or salmon, hard-cooked eggs in a cream sauce with curry.
It became a popular English breakfast food during Victorian times then later
kedgeree translated to dinner fare.
You wondered what you would do with all those leftover hard cooked Easter eggs and bits of smoked salmon or fresh salmon, not to mention cooked rice (if you have it). Kedgeree will use them all!
Such a great dish and such a great word!
2 – 3 cups (500 – 750 mL) cooked basmati or long grain rice
2 tbsp (25 mL) butter
2 onions, finely chopped 4-6 hard cooked eggs
6 oz (175 g) leftover smoked salmon or cooked salmon
1/4 cup (50 mL) finely chopped fresh dill or parsley
2 tbsp (25 mL) fresh lemon juice and grated rind of lemon
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
1-2 tsp (5 mL) curry powder (optional) 3/4-1 cup (175 mL) sour cream or plain 4% yogurt
If you have leftover rice from dinner then you can use it (it should not be more than 2 days old). However, if not, cook, preferably basmati rice, its nutty flavour is delicious in this.
While the rice is cooking, melt butter and cook onions over gentle heat until tender, about 5 to 8 minutes.
Peel and coarsely chop the hard cooked eggs and coarsely chop the salmon into about ½-1- inch pieces. Finely chop dill or parsley, measure salt, pepper and curry powder and measure out the sour cream or yogurt.
Once the rice is ready, combine it with the chopped cooked onions, the chopped hard- cooked eggs, salmon, chopped dill, lemon juice and grated rind then fold in the sour cream or yogurt, salt, pepper and
curry powder. Taste. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
Spoon into a 6-cup (1 ½ L) baking dish and bake covered in a preheated 350 F (180 C) oven for 35-40 minutes or until heated through.
Serve with a salad –recipe follows. Serves 4.
Scalloped Potatoes with Cheese and Ham
Those bits and pieces of the Easter ham are a great addition to scalloped potatoes with cheese. Just add a salad and you have dinner!
6 (about 2 1/2 pounds) potatoes. Peeled preferably Yukon Gold but any potato will do, peeled and thinly sliced. Cheese and Ham Sauce
1 onion, chopped 1/4 cup (50 mL) butter 1/4 cup (50 mL) allpurpose flour
1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt, black pepper and thyme
3 cups (750 mL) milk
1 1/2-2 cups (375 -500 mL) grated old cheddar 1-2 cups (250-500 mL) chopped cooked smoked ham
In a steamer, cook potatoes just until tender. Cool then slice into ¼ inch thickness.
Meanwhile, prepare cheese sauce. Over medium heat melt butter in saucepan. Add onion and cook until tender about 5 minutes. Stir in flour and cook until flour pulls away from the side of the saucepan. Stir in salt, pepper and thyme; gradually stir in the milk and cook over medium heat stirring until thickened.
Stir in cheese and cook stirring until it melts. Stir in ham. Taste. Adjust seasoning.
Preheat oven to 350 F.
Gently fold potatoes into sauce then fold in chopped ham.
Spoon into a 13x9 (3 L) baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until bubbly.
Serves 4-6.
Salad with Spring Flavours
There are two flavours which say “spring” to me. They are lemon and maple syrup. These two combine to brighten and enliven a salad as you will taste in this combination.
Salad
2 heads, Boston lettuce, washed and dried
1 cup (250 mL) sliced red pepper
1 cup (250 mL) sliced English cucumber, in season in our greenhouses
1/2 cup (125 mL) thinly sliced fennel
1-2 oranges or mandarins, peel removed and oranges thinly sliced or mandarin segments. Or carrots, steamed until tender crisp, or new potatoes or asparagus cooked until crisp tender Maple Syrup Lemon Vinaigrette
3/4 cup (175 mL) vegetable oil
1/4 cup (50 mL) each, fresh lemon juice and maple syrup
2 tsp (10 mL) grated lemon rind (optional)
1 tbsp (15 mL) Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp (5 mL) salt 1/4 tsp (1 mL) black pepper
In a food processor or blender, combine oil, lemon juice, lemon rind, maple syrup, mustard, garlic, salt and pepper. Pour into jar and refrigerate until ready to use.
Salad: Tear salad greens into bite-sized pieces and place in a bowl or platter with red pepper, cucumbers, fennel and oranges or carrots, potatoes and asparagus.
Just before serving toss salad with just enough vinaigrette to lightly coat salad.
Upcoming concerts and song performance planned for Beach United Church in April
BEACH UNITED Church will be hosting a pair of concerts in April.
On Saturday, April 4, the Jazz & Reflection concert will take place. On Saturday, April 18, Music for the Soul will be performed. Both concerts will start at 4:30 p.m.
The Jazz and Reflection concert will feature a performance from the Paul Novotny Trio with Novotny on bass, Norbert Botos on drums, and JUNO Award winning pianist Robi Botos.
Music for the Soul will feature singersongwriter Micaela Rae, accompanied by Juno Award nominated pianist Steven
Noronha. Their music blends indie folk, poetry and lyrical storytelling with expressive piano for an intimate and reflective concert experience.
Beach United Church is located at 140 Wineva Ave. Tickets for both concerts are paywhat-you-can. The suggested amount is $15 to $20. To book tickets in advance, please go to https://beachunitedchurch.com.
Also, on April 3 the church’s Good Friday service will feature guest singer Robert Ball singing excerpts from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. The service starts at 10:30 a.m.
Y Spring Talks Program to host events this April
By Kat Bergeron
THE STEVE & Sally Stavro Family YMCA on Kingston Road will be hosting a lecture series called Y Spring Talks Program this April.
A local committee of volunteers has organized the weekly lecture series on topics of interest in the community, and they will take place on Thursdays from 3 to 4 p.m. in the Studio Room.
The first talk will take place on Thursday, April 9, and the topic is Canada’s Immigration Debate.
The discussion will include author Tony Keller from The Globe and Mail, University of Toronto Professor and author Phil Triadafilopoulos, and Daniel Bernhard, Chief Executive Officer of The Institute for Canadian Citizenship.
They will discuss the question “What is the right strategy for Canadian immigration in the coming decades?”
Keller was an editorial writer at The Globe and Mail going back to 1991, and has also been editor of The Financial Post magazine, managing editor at Maclean’s magazine, and a news anchor on BNN-Bloomberg (formerly BNN). From 2013 to 2022 he returned to The Globe and Mail to take on the role of editorials editor. Nominated three times for the National Newspaper Award, he won in 2016.
Triadafilopoulos is an Associate Professor of Political Science at University of Toronto’s Munk School of Global Affairs. Triadafilopoulos teaches courses in Political Science and Public Policy, conducting research on immigration and citizenship policy across Europe and North America. Additionally, he is the author of Becoming Multicultural: Immigration and the Politics of Membership in Canada and Germany for UBC Press.
Bernhard is a first-generation Canadian who has dedicated his career to public benefit following a short stint in corporate consulting. He holds degrees from Cambridge University and the London School of Economics, has led and advised charities, foundations and government agencies in North America, Europe and the Middle East.
The April 16 talk will discuss the topic How AI (Artificial Intelligence) Will Revolu-
tionize Healthcare.
The talk will provide insight into how AI is affecting healthcare and treatment, and will be moderated by YMCA volunteer Sandra Gionas.
Discussion panelists will be Dr. David Rosenstein from Michael Garron Hospital, University of Toronto Associate Professor Jay Shaw, and Dr. Angela Dong of the Investigative Journalism Bureau.
The specific focus of the talk will be on AI use in medical research, clinical application, pharmaceutical development and health administration, as well as the ethical concerns and ongoing developments in the field. The panel discussion will continue for 40 minutes and questions from the audience will be allotted 20 minutes.
The April 23 talk is called Health: Active Aging, and it will discuss ways that adults can live well physically, mentally and socially as they age. The speaker is still being confirmed.
The final talk of the series will be on April 30 and will feature local author and historian Richard White discussing his book The Beaches: Creation of a Unique Toronto Neighbourhood.
The talk will focus on how the neighbourhood turned into the community that it is from its earlier 19th century lakeside cottages.
White was a University of Toronto Research Associate and Lecturer on Canadian History from 1995 to 2015 and History of Urban and Regional Planning from 2015 to 2022.
He wrote Planning Toronto, The Planners and The Plans and Their Legacies for UBC Press in 2016 and The Beaches: Creation of a Toronto Neighbourhood for University of Toronto Press in 2024. He has also won the 2017 Ontario Historical Society’s Fred Landon Award for local and regional history.
All of the Y Spring Talks Program events are free to attend.
However, space is limited to 80 people per event so those wishing to attend a specific talk are asked to register in advance at the YMCA desk, through the Y App, by calling 416-928-3362.
The Steve & Sally Stavro Family YMCA is located at 907 Kingston Rd.
Environment Day set for Saturday
TORONTO-DANFORTH Councillor
Paula Fletcher will be hosting a pair of upcoming Community Environment Days this spring.
The first one is set for this Saturday, April 4, and will take place at Bridgepoint Drive and Blue Rodeo Drive, near Bridgepoint Hospital. It goes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Fletcher’s second Community Environment Day will be on May 23 at Dieppe Park, 455 Cosburn Ave., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Residents are invited to drop off items at the events for either recycling or safe disposal. For a list of items that can and cannot be dropped off, please go to www.
A compost hill will also be available for people to collect and bag for free. Residents can either bring their own shovel or a volunteer will help them collect compost to take home.
One of the most popular perks at Environment Day is the paper shredding truck that is run with vegetable oil.
Fletcher pays for the truck herself because she knows so many people in the community rely on it every year to dispose of their old paperwork safely.
For more info on these events, please go to www.councillorpaulafletcher.ca
each day on overcrowded TTC buses and trains or waiting for connections that are too infrequent and unreliable.
Healthcare: While primarily a provincial issue, people are extremely worried about the underfunding of public healthcare services by the Ford government and its privatising agenda, and a lack of action on the federal government’s part when it comes to enforcing the Canada Health Act. Additionally, there are concerns around trust and accountability. Many voters see recent floor crossings by MPs (or MPPs) as a betrayal of their mandate. They want politicians to answer to the electorate and not use their position as a bargaining chip to help a government scrambling for majority.
QUESTION 3: What are the key national issues now facing Canadians and how can you and your party have an impact on them?
Canadians are facing interconnected crises: affordability, climate emergency, and a strained healthcare system. If elected, I will use private member’s bills, committee work, direct advocacy and any leverage our party might have in parliament to push for concrete solutions:
• Introduce Zero Food Waste legislation modeled on France’s law that requires grocery stores to donate unsold food, cutting waste and helping families.
• Introduce Right-to-Repair legislation so products sold in Canada are built to be fixed, not thrown away, savings money and reducing waste.
Crossword
Mirror, Mirror ...
Across
1 Party leader
5 Czech capital 11 Texter's "I did NOT need to know that!"
14 Part of CAA, briefly
15 ___ rod (flowering plant)
16 Keep from squeaking
17 Gibraltar and Juan de Fuca: Abbr.
18 Uses Clearasil, maybe?
20 Orange pekoe, for one
22 16-Across-rich prov.
23 Where teachers keep stars and stickers?
27 Horse gambler's hangout, for short
28 "___ Father, who art in ..."
29 "Losing My Religion" band
30 Canada's capital?
33 "___ homo" (Pilate's words)
35 Bland poet?
37 Poet Pound
39 Blue Jays, on a scoreboard
40 Blue-and-white clad CFLer
41 Boast about one's attire?
44 Pacific cod
46 Catch sight of
47 Loose with the rules
48 Dusk, to Donne
52 Student's mistake?
55 Close at hand
58 "See you then!"
59 Had to go with joltless java?
63 Get ___ years (age)
64 Beach raid boat: Abbr.
65 "La Isla ___" (Madonna hit)
66 Editor's "no dele"
67 "The shakes"
68 Geese a-laying group
69 Veal dish ___ buco
Scrabble game maker 2 Plug-in receptacle
Shortcake fruit 4 Puccini opera about a diva
5 Subject to a late fee
• Push for the enforcement of the Canada Health Act, withholding federal funding to provinces trying to create a two-tier system.
• Push for Community Benefit Agreements as a mandatory requirement for all federally funded infrastructure projects, ensuring local hiring, fair wages, and environmental protections.
• Advocate for a National Transit Plan with stable funding, starting by restoring the $5 billion cut from transit investments.
• Push for expansion of housing co-operatives by working with CMHC to scale up permanently affordable, communityowned homes.
• Work with the Office of Consumer Affairs and partners across all levels of government to reduce junk fees, helping make life a little more affordable.
QUESTION 4: How can and will you work with the provincial government and Toronto’s city government to make life better for Scarborough Southwest residents?
For Scarborough Southwest, working across all three levels of government must deliver measurable results.
Affordability: I will work with both the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario to address the rising cost of everyday life. That includes pushing for coordinated action on rent stabilization, creation of a coordinated community food program with a city-supported community fridge network connected to Zero Waste policies and a provincial cap on hydro rate increases to residential consumers.
Transit: I will push for federal funding tied to real service improvements such as increased bus frequency and reduced
by Barbara Olson
wait times in transit-dependent Scarborough. I will work with the city to ensure local routes are prioritized where demand is highest, and with the province to align regional transit planning so Scarborough isn’t left behind.
Healthcare: I will push for federal health transfers to be tied to clear outcomes like shorter wait times and better access to family doctors in Scarborough. I will also advocate for increased investment in community-based care, including mental health and addiction services in Scarborough. I will push for evidence-based, community-informed solutions that prioritize both public health and community safety.
Our Waterfront: From Rosetta McClain Gardens to Bluffer’s Park and beyond, this is an area where Scarborough families find respite from their busy lives, where they can relax, enjoy the beaches, picnic and engage in recreational activities. I will demand the federal government use the tripartite agreement to ensure Scarborough citizens have their say on any expansion of the Toronto Island Airport. I will fight for the right of Scarborough families to enjoy their waterfront by the Bluffs without the constant disruption of jets flying overhead. Greens will always stand up for our natural gems—the Scarborough Bluffs and Lake Ontario waterfront among them.
Prom for Shelter fundraiser slated for Coxwell Legion
By Natasha Jackson
THE LTHOME Collective is hosting its second-annual Prom for Shelter event on Saturday, April 11, from 8 p.m. to midnight, at the Royal Canadian Legion, 243 Coxwell Ave. All proceeds from the event will go to the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation, which benefits East Toronto”s Red Door Family Shelter supporting families and refugees fleeing domestic violence and housing insecurity.
Prom for Shelter is a fun, nostalgic, 19+ dance night featuring decorations with a prom theme.
Guests can dress up or down. Dressing up could be wearing old prom and wedding dresses, or suits and tuxedos.
The evening features a DJ, photo booths, interactive stations and a silent auction. There will be a cash-only bar, and food and drinks will be provided.
Lainey Bonsell, Teresita Link and Karen Temple are real estate brokers with Royal LePage Estate Realty and are the organizers for the event. In 2025, they were able to raise just over $6,800 for the shelter, and this year they’re hoping to raise up to $7,500.
“It is an incredibly fun night out in support of a cause that is close to our hearts,” said Bonsell.
There are many local businesses that help sponsor the event and cover some of the costs. Also, many local residents who provide items for the auction.
“We have a number of businesses and individuals who have provided items for the silent auction, and of course, the cost of the tickets all raise money for the charity,” said Bonsell.
Containing steamy scenes, maybe
Advance ticket sales are now closed, but those wishing to attend can still purchase single tickets at $35 until April 10. Discounts are added to a ticket purchase of one or more. For more information, please go to https://lthome.ca/promforshelter.html
East York Historical Society to host presentation tonight by cartoonist Bill Suddick
BILL SUDDICK, the editorial cartoonist for Beach Metro Community News, will be the guest speaker at tonight’s meeting of the East York Historical Society.
The meeting is set for the evening of Tuesday, March 31, at S. Walter Stewart Library, 170 Memorial Park Ave., starting at 6:30 p.m.
Suddick has been creating editorial cartoons for more than 40 years and will speak about his many experiences. Along with creating cartoons for Beach Metro Community News, Suddick has also worked with the Toronto Star, The Globe and Mail, Reader’s Digest and Chickadee magazine. The presentation is free and everyone is welcome to attend.
For more information on tonight’s presentation, please visit the East York Historical Society at www.eastyorkhistoricalsociety.com
QUESTION 3: What are the key national issues now facing Canadians and how can you and your party have an impact on them?
Canada is facing a hinge moment, and people across our community and around the country are focused on two national imperatives: building a strong, resilient economy and protecting our sovereignty in an increasingly uncertain world. At the same time, all politics is local – major national issues have big local impacts. When I speak with residents in Scarborough Southwest, these issues feel very personal.
During his speech in Davos earlier this year, the Prime Minister accurately described the current world order as a “rupture” rather than a transition, marking the end of the opentrade era amid increasing uncertainty in the world economy.
In such a time of profound crisis, global instability affects the cost of living here at home – from higher grocery bills to rising gas prices – and families feel those pressures immediately. There is a real desire for stability and serious leadership. People across the country want to know that Canada is strong; that we’re protecting our workers and industries, driving down costs, and building a resilient economy that creates good-paying and stable jobs. Mark Carney is the trusted leader we need. He and the new Liberal government bring the experience and steady approach needed to navigate these challenging times – whether by strengthening our economy through domestic policies, removing trade barriers, or by successfully negotiating international agreements. He is the right person for the job – and many of you have told me you agree.
This byelection is about making sure Scarborough Southwest is part of that bigger picture. If elected, I want to be a part of Team Canada, connecting a national vision to the everyday realities of the people I hope to have the privilege of serving.
QUESTION 4: How can and will you work with the provincial government and Toronto’s city government to make life better for Scarborough Southwest residents?
Throughout my time in Queen’s Park, I always focused on being a bridge-builder – because for local communities, success depends on all orders of government working together.
As the MPP for Scarborough Southwest, I worked with municipal, provincial and federal officials, community representatives, and many other partners to deliver real results. Whether it was advocating for affordable child care and healthcare, supporting transit improvements, pushing for better wages for frontline Personal Support Workers, or fighting for wider recognition of foreign credentials – I have a record of working well with my counterparts. As a member of Ontario’s opposition, I also spent years holding governments accountable when projects and services weren’t being delivered properly.
More recently, I pushed for accountability and answers regarding delays on the Eglinton Crosstown that directly impacted people in my community and across the city. I believe my experience has taught me to both challenge and collaborate effectively, raising my community’s voice at all levels of government in Canada.
At the federal level, my approach will remain the same. Ottawa helps fund key provincial and municipal services, and shapes the future of our country through crucial investments in national and local infrastructure ,social programs, housing, safer communities, and more. However, these policies and investments only matter if they create real change on a local level.
My priority will be to ensure the people of Scarborough Southwest share in the opportunities delivered by our Liberal government. I’ve built strong relationships not only within the community but also across different orders of government through a foundation of mutual respect, and I believe I have an opportunity to directly drive better results for our community members. I’ve always delivered results for our community with one goal in mind: real, meaningful change for the people of Scarborough Southwest. That goal and those values will never change.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Beach Metro Community News reached out to all eight candidates registered to run in the Scarborough Southwest federal byelection. We have printed the answers from the candidates who responded our questions by our print deadline. The eight candidates running are Doly Begum – Liberal Party; Diana Filipova – Conservative Party; April Francisco – Independent; Peter Koubakis – People’s Party of Canada; Pooja Malhotra – Green Party; Lyall Sanders – Centrist Party; Fatima Shaban – New Democratic Party; and David Vedova – Christian Heritage Party.
APRIL FRANCISCO INDEPENDENT
QUESTION 4: How can and will you work with the provincial government and Toronto’s city government to make life better for Scarborough Southwest residents?
Through collaboration because real change does not happen in isolation.
I will actively work with both the provincial government and the City of Toronto to address issues that overlap across all levels
For housing, that means pushing for faster approvals and better coordination between federal funding, provincial policies, and city zoning
For community safety, it means working with local programs, schools, and law enforcement to support prevention, not just reaction
For small businesses, aligning support programs so entrepreneurs aren’t buried in issues but are actually empowered to grow, have easier access to funding, lower barriers for startups and entrepreneurs, support local businesses not just the big corporations, and encourage people to shop local and invest within Scarborough Southwest.
And most importantly, I will be present and accessible, bringing the real voices of Scarborough Southwest directly to decision-makers at every level. Because at the end of the day, government should work together, not pass responsibility, and I will be the bridge that makes that happen.
NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY
‘Fatima Shaban’ from Page 13
lutions and consistent follow through. They want to see real improvements in their daily lives, not just promises, and they want to feel that their concerns are being heard and acted on.
QUESTION 3: What are the key national issues now facing Canadians and how can you and your party have an impact on them?
I think the key national issues facing Canadians right now are the rising cost of living, the housing crisis, and the strain on our healthcare system. Across the country, people are feeling squeezed. Even those who are working full time are struggling to keep up with the cost of groceries, rent, and basic necessities. This is creating a growing sense of instability for many families.
The housing crisis is also being felt nationwide. While there has been a focus on increasing supply, we need to make sure we are building housing that is truly affordable, not just increasing the number of units. At the same time, our healthcare system is under real pressure, with long wait times and staffing shortages affecting access to care across provinces. I believe my party can make a difference by pushing for stronger federal leadership in these areas, including investing in affordable housing, protecting and strengthening public healthcare, and addressing the cost of living in a way that supports working people. These are not isolated issues, they are connected, and addressing them requires a coordinated and people focused approach.
QUESTION 4: How can and will you work with the provincial government and Toronto’s city government to make life better for Scarborough Southwest residents?
Making life better for residents in Scarborough Southwest requires strong collaboration between all levels of government. Many of the issues people are facing, like housing, healthcare, transit, and community safety, do not fall under just one level of government, so we need to work together to deliver real results.
As a federal representative, I would focus on building strong working relationships with provincial and city leaders, regardless of political differences, and advocating for the needs of this community in those conversations. That includes working with the province to strengthen healthcare and reduce wait times, and partnering with the city to support affordable housing, improve transit access, and invest in safer, more connected communities. It is also important that federal funding is tied to clear outcomes, so that investments in housing, transit, and community programs actually benefit residents in a meaningful way. For me, this is about putting people first and making sure governments are not working in silos. Residents do not experience these issues separately, and our approach should reflect that. My priority would be to ensure that Scarborough Southwest is not overlooked, and that all levels of government are working together to improve people’s everyday lives.
into Canadians’ pockets, keep our resources and your wallets here, and not send anything abroad. We are the only party to give Canada common sense, and fight for your rights and freedoms.
Just lowering taxes, reducing reckless spending, and letting Canada mind its own business will make a big difference. This is just the beginning.
QUESTION 4: How can and will you work with the provincial government and Toronto’s city government to make life better for Scarborough Southwest residents?
The people of Scarborough deserve better. And that can’t only happen at the federal level, but also at the provincial and city levels as well.
Working with the province on giving the private sector more wiggle room to help with hospital wait times. Toronto experiences some of the longest wait times in the country, and many people die just waiting for something as simple as a bedroom.
Working at the city level to fix our congested streets. For too long, Scarborough is stuck with the TTC’s horrible transit system, and the mayor’s extended bike lanes that increase traffic.
Dealing with both the city and the province, in regards to our immigration issues and housing crisis. Too many people are entering the city and yet there are not enough houses being built.
Deportation of illegals and preventing the city from sending money out to these criminals who provide little yet expect everything. These are just some of the things we will all work on together, making Scarborough better.
LYALL SANDERS CENTRIST PARTY
‘Fatima Shaban’ from Page 13
goods and improved healthcare, we will increase the quality of life in Canada.
QUESTION 4: How can and will you work with the provincial government and Toronto’s city government to make life better for Scarborough Southwest residents?
The provincial government must return appropriate funds to Toronto to support not only our everyday citizens, but those who live outside the city and work here.
In addition, our healthcare system has to be fixed by properly funding care and treatment.
Toronto must become more fiscally responsible thereby guaranteeing that the entire city, including Scarborough as a whole and Scarborough Southwest specifically, gets the money required to grow and prosper.
The end goal is to support business, provide excellent services for the residents (such as building and maintaining efficient transportation) as well as making sure that we work together to produce the best results for everyone concerned, young and old.
I will work hard, putting all of my effort into accomplishing these crucial goals.
Please remember to vote!
Election Day in Scarborough Southwest is Monday, April 13. Voting hours are 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Advance polls will take place on April 3, 4, 5 and 6. Voting hours will be 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
PETER KOUBAKIS PEOPLE’S PARTY OF CANADA
‘Doly Begum’ from Page 12
‘April Francisco’ from Page 12
‘Peter Koubakis’ from Page 12
FATIMA SHABAN
GRAND OPENING
Open 7 days a Week!
From 9:30am to 7:00pm! Plenty of parking! No appointment needed for haircuts!
If you live on, or near, one of these streets, consider becoming a volunteer house-to-house carrier: Glen Manor Drive Winners Circle Hammersmith Avenue Cavendish Street Victoria Park Avenue Crossovers Street
Anyone is welcome to apply. High school students can earn community service hours. Contact melinda@beachmetro.com for details!
By introducing pre-approved modular apartment designs, we can reduce construction timelines dramatically while maintaining quality. Underused office and retail spaces will be converted into affordable housing, revitalizing neighborhoods while increasing supply. I will advocate expanding co-operative housing and community land trusts to keep homes permanently affordable. Cutting red tape for family-sized units— not just small condos—will ensure housing reflects the needs of real families.
Commuters cannot wait years for relief. Enhance and expand services like RapidTO Routes. Increase Smart signal systems to improve transit reliability and traffic flow. At the same time, I will push for strict accountability on major infrastructure projects, with clear timelines and consequences for costly delays. Encouraging flexible work hours through targeted tax incentives will help reduce
congestion without massive new spending.
Safety must be both proactive and preventative. Strengthen targeted policing to address serious crime while investing in community-based solutions. Expanding crisis response teams will ensure mental health and addiction emergencies receive appropriate care. At the same time, creating more youth hubs with mentorship, skills training, and recreation to address the root causes of crime and build stronger, safer neighbourhoods.
This is a practical, balanced plan - focused on action, accountability, and results for Scarborough Southwest.
QUESTION 3: What are the key national issues now facing Canadians and how can you and your party have an impact on them?
erations to pay the bill. We must restore fiscal discipline by focusing on core priorities—housing, infrastructure, and economic growth—while cutting waste and demanding full transparency in how public funds are used. Every dollar spent must deliver real value for Canadians.
balance: responsible government, protected freedoms, and policies grounded in common sense. I will stand firmly for transparency, liberty, and accountability—because in Canada, government must answer to the people, not the other way around.
QUESTION 4: How can and will you work with the provincial government and Toronto’s city government to make life better for Scarborough Southwest residents?
A space for remembrance and memory sharing. We publish Obituaries and In Memoriam notices online and in print. For details, email mark@beachmetro.com or call 647-988-1835
Canada stands at a crossroads. Families are feeling squeezed by rising costs, while confidence in government is eroding under the weight of record spending and debt. This is not sustainable—and it is not acceptable. Canadians deserve leadership that restores discipline, defends their freedoms, and governs with integrity.
Reckless spending fuels inflation, drives up interest rates, and leaves future gen-
At the same time, Canadians are increasingly concerned about the erosion of fundamental rights. Legislation such as Bill C-7 raises profound ethical questions about how we protect the most vulnerable. Proposals like Bill C-22 have intensified fears about privacy, surveillance, and the unchecked expansion of state power. These concerns cannot be dismissed—they must be confronted. I will fight for strict safeguards: clear legal thresholds, independent judicial oversight, and absolute accountability for any government authority that seeks access to personal data or expands its reach into Canadians’ lives. Bill C-9,the socalled “Combating Hate Bill” is not about protecting Canadians from hate; it is a weapon wielded by ideological extremists to intimidate, silence, and punish those who hold to Christian faith, pro-life convictions, and traditional family values. Efforts to combat hate must never come at the expense of lawful speech or deeply held religious beliefs. A free society depends on the ability to speak openly, think freely, and live according to one’s conscience without fear of punishment. This is about restoring
At present, after Premier Doug Ford’s 14-week Christmas recess—following an earlier 19-week summer break—it is difficult to have confidence that meaningful, timely progress can be achieved with the provincial government as currently practised. That reality demands a pragmatic shift in strategy. Rather than waiting on inaction at Queen’s Park, we must focus our energy where results are still possible: building strong, productive partnerships at the municipal level. Cities are on the front lines of housing, transit, and community safety, and they cannot afford delay. By working closely with local leadership, aligning federal resources with municipal priorities, and cutting through bureaucratic barriers, we can still deliver tangible improvements for residents. Progress should not be held hostage by provincial inertia. It must be driven by those ready to act.
Once Upon a Spring Night slated
AUTHOR AND composer Mark Battenberg presents Once Upon a Spring Night on Saturday, April 25, at 7:30 p.m. at Danforth Mennonite Church, 2174 Danforth Ave. There will be a live reading and symposium of Battenberg’s A Leaf in the Wind, and musical meditations by Shakuhachi Flute Master Debbie Danbrook. Tickets are $20 at the door, or pay-what-you- can. For more info, please visit www.markbattenbergcreations.com
‘David Vedova’ from Page 13
Sports
Neil McNeil wins city hockey title, takes part in OFSAA tourney
THE NEIL McNeil Catholic High School Maroons Senior boys hockey team took part in last week’s Ontario Federation of School Athletic Associations (OFSAA) championships.
The Maroons earned the trip to the provincial championships by winning the Toronto District Catholic (Colleges) Athletic Association (TDCAA) crown late last month.
In the city championship game on Feb. 27, Neil McNeil beat Father John Redmond of Etobicoke 1-0. The game-winner, and only goal of the contest, was scored by Remi Kishk.
“It was a great game as both teams played incredible,” said Maroons coach Eric Naranowicz of the city championship tilt.
He had praise for all of the team’s players, and in particular the shut-down line of Ryder Chang, Nikhil Soreng and Chris Kyriazis (all products of the Ted Reeve Hockey Association) along with the outstanding goaltending by Jacob Gorny who earned the shutout for the Maroons and was named the game’s MVP.
“He made important saves in big moments and
helped steady the team with his calm demeanour in between the pipes,” said Naranowicz.
Both goalies, Jacob Gorny and Quinn Charles, were outstanding this year, he said.
Gavin Matthews, Sam Alderdice and Keaton Oldman led the defensive effort for the Maroons in the city championship game, said the coach.
Prior to the tournament, Naranowicz said the Maroons players were looking forward to taking part in this year’s OFSAA championships which were held in LaSalle, just outside Windsor.
The tournament took place from March 24 to 26.
The Maroons competed in the AAA hockey division of OFSAA, which is the highest level in the province, and a total of 16 teams took part.
It marked the sixth appearance for the Maroons at the OFSAA championships, and the fourth time this decade the team had qualified.
The Maroons took part in the OFSAA tournament in 2023 and 2024. The team also qualified for OFSAA in 2020 by winning the city
of the Neil McNeil Catholic
District Catholic (Colleges) Athletic
in the provincial championships last week
championships but that year’s tourney was cancelled due to COVID-19, as were the tourneys in 2021 and 2022. In 2019 in Barrie, Neil McNeil won the OFSAA hockey championship.
“The group of young men have worked so hard on preparing themselves for this tournament all year. It is a tight-knit group with many student/athletes being lifelong friends, playing the game of hockey together now for many years,” said Naranowicz.
At last week’s OFSAA, the Maroons (who were seeded seventh) won two of their
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three preliminary round games and qualified for the tourney playoffs.
The Maroons were in a preliminary round division with Lo-Ellen Park Secondary School from Sudbury; Cobourg Collegiate; and Brooklin High School. The Maroons beat Lo-Ellen Park 6-3 in their tourney opener. In their second preliminary game, the Maroons fell 3-2 to Cobourg Collegiate. The third and final preliminary round game saw Neil McNeil beat Brooklin 4-2.
In their quarterfinal playoff game against St. Aloysius Gonzaga Catholic
Secondary School (of Mississauga), the Maroons lost an extremely tight contest by a score of 3-2. St. Aloysius Gonzaga went on to win this year’s OFSAA title.
Naranowicz said the closeness of the team’s players on and off the ice contributed to the Maroons’ success throughout the entire hockey season.
“The character of the group for me, is what really stands out. Each member of the team is really committed to the team’s success. It shows in the way they play on the ice but more so how they are with each other off
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the ice,” said Naranowicz. The team is made up of three Grade 12 students, 12 Grade 11 students, five Grade 10 students and one Grade 9 student.
“As a teacher and coach it’s really inspiring to see a group of young men come together, from all different grades, and everyone pulling in the same direction,” said Naranowicz. “Neil McNeil has a motto of ‘Brotherhood’. This group really embodies that motto. They want to see how far they can go if they completely commit themselves to playing a certain way for each other.”
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My wife and I read the Beach Metro when it arrives in our mailbox. Having a local news source is important. Thank you Beach Metro.
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PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Members
High School Senior boys hockey team celebrate winning the Toronto
Association city championship recently. The Neil McNeil boys took part
in LaSalle.
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Notre Dame students’ play advances to DramaFest showcase
By Jessica Shackleton
THE NOTRE Dame High School Drama Collective is preparing for the Regional Showcase of the 2026 National Theatre School (NTS) DramaFest.
After moving on from the district competition, they will present their original play, Ellipsis, at the University of Toronto’s Hart House on April 11.
Written by Grade 11 students
Matilda Klose, Alliah Palmes, Ava Posteraro, and Mariposa LunaTrzcinska, the play has been in the works since September.
Sara Pedrosa is the drama teacher and has been involved in the NTS Dramafest for over 10 years.
“The idea starts as everybody’s, then it’s in the hands of the direc-
tors and designers, and then the actors,” she said. “We work together to create a play that everyone has a hand in.”
At the district competition, Notre Dame took home Outstanding Production, Outstanding New Play, Outstanding Student Design Team, Adjudicator’s Award for Technical Excellence, and three Adjudicator’s Awards for Acting/ Performance.
Seeing the play finally come together is one of the best parts, regardless of accolades.
“It’s a nice feeling to have a project that doesn’t suck,” said Posteraro.
The acting awards went to Sarah Leishman for her role as Aurora, Posteraro as Eleni, and LunaTrzcinska as Aurora’s mom, Julie.
Julie is deaf, so the girls playing the family members learned ASL. It was important for Luna-Trzcinska that Julie’s character was beyond just being deaf, and she impressively embodied the mom character for a 16-year-old.
Ellipsis is a play about ghosting, which is when communication is cut off with no explanation. It’s an experience that everyone, particularly high school students, can relate to with a layer of magical realism.
It follows a teenage girl named Aurora and her best friend Eleni. When Eleni suddenly stops talking to Aurora, she becomes a ghost and sees the people she ghosted in the past.
The title comes from the dots that appear when someone on the
other end of the line is typing a message.
“(Aurora) is like Scrooge, if Scrooge decided to kick Tiny Tim’s crutch the next day,” said Pedrosa.
Once they had the story settled, one of their big challenges was figuring out how to end it.
“We had a lot of back and forth on what we wanted our ending to be. In my heart, I wanted them to reconcile completely at the end,” said Klose.
The process was very collaborative, with each writer given a scene to work on over the winter break and coming back together.
“The biggest divide was that Matilda had this idea of reconciliation and wanting a true confrontation at the end, but Ava, Alliah, and Mariposa felt that could never
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Notre Dame is no stranger to the NTS DramaFest, having made it to Hart House the past three years in a row and submitting a play for many years.
Other local schools competing include St. Patrick Catholic Secondary School, East York Collegiate, Danforth Collegiate, and Neil McNeil Catholic High School. For updates on the Toronto Regional Showcase, visit https://sites. google.com/tcdsb.ca/toronto-ntsdrama-fest/home?authuser=0
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