Beach Metro News November 18, 2025

Decision on building proposal near Glen Stewart Ravine deferred by council

By Matthew Stephens

TORONTO COUNCIL has deferred an agenda item pertaining to the next steps of a development proposal to build an 11-storey residential building on Kingston Road near the north bank of the Glen Stewart Ravine until its December meeting.

During the Thursday, Nov. 13, Toronto Council meeting, BeachesEast York Councillor Brad Bradford had initially held the item as he awaited legal details. Later in the meeting, he called for a deferral of the item until the upcoming Dec. 16, 17, 18, 2025 meeting of Toronto Council.

In his community newsletter sent out by email on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 15, Bradford said he called for the deferral due to new information he had received from city staff during the meeting.

“I want to thank everyone who

wrote in regarding the development application at 847-855 Kingston Road. Reading all of your messages allowed me to reflect on the wonderful moments I’ve shared in the ravine with my girls, and how we all want to do what we can to preserve the ravine for future generations. Of course, all of this is made more challenging with how provincial planning legislation operates,” said Bradford in the newsletter.

“During the Council meeting, city staff informed me that new information had come forward about the potential use of the ravine as a ceremony site for the Indigenous community. On the advice of city legal, I moved to defer the item to the December Council meeting so staff would have more time to look into this. I will continue working with neighbours and staff to secure the best possible outcome for our

Continued on Page 9

Beach Metro fundraiser with Murdoch Mysteries’ Thomas Craig set for Dec. 1

By Jessica Shackleton

ON MONDAY, Dec. 1, the Balmy Beach Club is hosting a fundraiser for Beach Metro Community News with Beacher and actor Thomas Craig, who plays Inspector Brackenreid on the popular CBC television series Murdoch Mysteries

This is the second holiday fundraiser for Beach Metro with Craig, after last year’s event was a smash hit.

This year’s event will feature a showing of the Murdoch Mysteries Holiday Episode, holiday and general trivia, and other fun activities. The fun begins at 6 p.m. with a cocktail reception, followed by trivia at 7 p.m. and the screening of the holi-

day episode starting at 7:30 p.m. followed by a question-and-answer session. Menus will be available starting at 5:30 p.m.

Beach Metro caught up with Craig at the club ahead of the fundraiser.

“It’s a different episode we’re showing, there will be different guests here, but it was a really fun event last year,” he said. “I’m fun, I’m a good host.”

Along with Craig, some other special guests at the Dec. 1 fundraiser will be Shanice Banton, who plays Violet Hart, the holiday episode’s director Katie Boland, and Gail Harvey, another director.

Before the screening of the 2025

Continued on Page 21

Volunteers sought for Wheels of Hope

By Julia Sawicki

WHEN A cancer patient has no support system, their treatment becomes that much harder.

For many reasons, cancer patients often find themselves in that position, and for people who sometimes need up to six weeks of radiation treatment, a lack of reliable transportation can be an impossible challenge.

This is why the Canadian Cancer Society started the Wheels of Hope program more than 70 years ago.

However, the program has been facing a shortage of volunteer drivers recently.

Beacher Patricia Doane is one of the volunteer drivers. A retired teacher and cancer survivor herself, she wanted to become involved and was looking to give back to her community.

She became a volunteer driver in July, and has since become involved in the recruiting process. The decision came after a conversation with one of her clients, where she revealed that a doctor asked her why she had been missing her treatments. The client replied that she had no way of getting there.

The conversation horrified Doane who realized that

cancer

treatments.

if nobody was picking up the patient, they would miss their treatments.

“There’s a lot of elderly people and even younger people who are on their own and they don’t have family and friends that are close by or who are capable of getting them there.” said Doane.

“This just seems so unfair. It’s just a little shocking that this is…We have great health care in Canada and Ontario, we’re so fortunate. But there’s this little disconnect with getting the patients to where they need to go. And if it’s a financial thing, it can cost a lot of money, to have to get to your appointment for some of them. So it’s an absolutely necessary service.”

It’s satisfying for Doane that she is able to give people the support they need, no matter what it is.

Some of the people she drives open up to her, espe-

cially when learning about her previous diagnosis. Others just need a quiet drive to relax before appointments.

Doane said the most important requirement for the job is to, “have a heart and be willing to listen if they want to talk.”

Doane usually has set passengers that she picks up, and has even been able to forge relationships and connections through her work.

Doane believes that apart from a lack of drivers, it’s been difficult to get the word out that this program is available.

She said she thinks there is a disconnect between the service and the people that need it. The service is open to anybody that has a cancer diagnosis, is undergoing cancer treatment at a hospital or cancer centre, or has received treatment in the last 12 months and is attend-

ing follow-up appointments, with a referral from a healthcare provider.

The program requires a $100 registration fee, but offers programs that assist with payment. It is available on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As a volunteer, it is important that you are available for at least a half day a week, or a few days a month. Volunteers are also able to say what borders of the city they are comfortable driving. A valid driver’s license with three or less demerits is needed, and you may be required to undergo a criminal background check. Of course, drivers are also expected to undergo training, and to follow all Canadian Cancer Society policies and procedures. Mileage reimbursement is given to drivers.

Doane said the program is a way to be there for others, and to offer support during a time that can often be lonely and draining for those going to the treatments.

She said the volunteer work is rewarding and it brings her joy to help the community, and to see the impact of the program firsthand.

However, she does want to get the word out to community members about Wheels of Hope, and urge others to get involved. To become a volunteer driver, register at cancervolunteer.ca or email volunteer@cancer.ca

Santa’s Storytime to take place locally

SANTA’S STORYTIME will be taking place at Loblaws at Victoria Park Avenue and Gerrard Street East from Nov. 28 to Dec. 23.

The interactive meet-and-greet experience with Santa Claus and his elves is a 45-minute event including a sing-along, storytime, and photos with Santa.

Visitors can also send letters to the North Pole using Santa’s mailbox, and they’ll receive a personalized letter back from one of the elves.

Starting Nov. 28, the experience takes place on Fridays from 4 to 7 p.m., and Satur-

days and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. General admission tickets are $17.49, and a $32.49 price includes a gift bag. Donations will also be accepted, and a portion of the proceeds will go to SickKids Foundation. Santa’s Storytime is a family event, and everyone over the age of one requires a ticket. Santa’s workshop will feature decorated trees, reindeer, snowmen, and festive music.

The Loblaws is at 50 Musgrave St. and Santa’s Storytime takes place in the upstairs portion of the store. For more info and to order tickets, please visit www.santastorytime.ca

Caring community’s support of Centre 55’s Share A Christmas helps local families in need

By Matthew Stephens

now

in need this holiday season with access to unwrapped toys, teen gifts, grocery gift cards, and warm meals.

“For over 40 years, the Share A Christmas program has been a cornerstone of community support in the east end,” said Jade Maitland, Program Director at Centre 55.

“Each year, we provide hundreds of families, individuals, and seniors with food/grocery gift cards, toys, and holiday gifts. Many of those we assist are facing financial hardship, living alone, or struggling to make ends meet during what can be an especially difficult time of year.”

From now until Tuesday, Dec. 17, members of the community can contribute to the program by donating unwrapped toys and grocery gift cards, or by volunteering their time to assist with distribution by helping to pack, sort or deliver donated items.

Monetary donations are also important to Share A Christmas and can be made at www. centre55.com

With a long tradition in the community, the program also receives much appreciated support from local organizations, businesses, schools, and community groups.

Community members can also get involved by “adopting” a family or senior as a sponsor, which helps provide individuals with personalized gifts to help make this year’s holiday feel unique to everyone in the program.

To apply for family and senior sponsorship, please head to Centre 55’s website.

Share A Christmas helps residents living between Lake Ontario, south of Danforth Avenue, east of Coxwell Avenue, and west of Victoria Park Avenue.

However, those in need living outside of the program parameters are still eligible to apply for toys for children younger than 12 years old through Centre 55’s Emergency Toy Program.

Community Centre 55’s Share A Christmas program goes beyond the physical act of providing meals and gifts for those in need over the holiday season.

“It’s about connection, compassion, and community spirit,” said Maitland.

“Every donation, every volunteer, and every act of kindness helps create a stronger, more caring community.”

Number of local development proposals on the agenda for community council meeting

By Matthew Stephens

A TOTAL of 147 storeys in building heights, and 1,820 residential units spanning across six proposed development projects in the East Toronto area will be discussed at next week’s Toronto and East York Community Council meeting.

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On Thursday, Nov. 27, starting at 10 a.m., members of the public will have an opportunity to voice their opinions and concerns to their local councillors regarding these proposals as public meetings are set for Toronto City Hall and online via video conference.

The Nov. 27 meeting has a full agenda of development projects, as it’s the final Toronto and East York Community Council meeting of the year. The city typically does not hold community consultation meetings during the summer months, which pushes city staff to meet the provincial statutory timelines later in the year.

Due to a high number of projects, deputation times for members of the public may be shortened, which will only be made apparent on the day of the community council meeting depending on the number of speakers registered.

Here is a list of the projects that will be discussed on Nov. 27, including proposals for Dawes Road just north of the railway tracks and the Sobey’s grocery store site on the south side of Danforth

Avenue just west of Main Street.

6 Dawes Road

This is an application to permit a 39-storey residential building with 452 dwelling unit, 69 vehicular parking spaces, 508 bicycle parking spaces.

As part of the application, the proposal forwarded by real estate company Fitzrovia Real Estate Ltd. includes an amendment to the existing Section 37 agreement, which has been established to allow the city to assist in the project by charging the developer to provide affordable housing community benefits.

2451, 2455, and 2495 Danforth Avenue

This is a proposal by First Capital Realty Inc. for a 13- and 29-storey mixeduse building connected by a two- and eight-storey podium and consisting of 620 dwelling units, retail and a grocery store on the ground floor, and a publicly accessible open space adjacent to Danforth Avenue.

This proposal is for the site currently home to the Sobey’s grocery store on Danforth Avenue just west of Main Street.

1291-1311 Gerrard Street East and 243-247 Greenwood Avenue

This is a proposal for a 12-storey mixed-use building consisting of one level of un-

derground parking with 51 vehicle parking spaces and 322 bicycle parking spaces, retail space on the ground level, and 282 residential units on the upper floors of the development.

The application was submitted by urban planning organization Bousfields Inc. in 2023 for a residential building on the southeastern corner of the Gerrard Street East and Greenwood Avenue intersection, where a number of closed storefronts are currently located.

1012, 1014, 1016, and 1018 Gerrard Street East

This is a proposal to permit a 14-storey mixed-use building with 112 residential units, nine vehicular parking spaces, and 136 bicycle parking spaces.

The application was submitted to the city by urban design firm Walker Nott Dragicevic Associates Limited (WND) back in 2024 on the northeast corner of Gerrard Street East and Marjory Avenue, just east of Gerrard Square.

354-358 Pape Avenue

This is an application submitted by urban planning organization Bousfields Inc. to construct a 10-storey mixed-use building consisting of one level of underground parking, retail space at ground level, office use on the second level, and 41 residential units located in the upper floors on Pape Avenue just north of Gerrard Street

East.

The development proposal was submitted back in 2014, and a community consultation meeting was held in 2016.

According to the City of Toronto application information website, the revised proposal is still in contemplation of the building design, which is expected to be triangular in shape. For more information on this proposal, head to www.toronto.ca/354PapeAve.

1099 Broadview Avenue

This a proposal for a Cshaped residential building with a 14-storey building element to the north and a 16-storey element to the south connected by a fivestorey podium.

It will include 313 residential units and approximately 630 square metres of non-residential space on the ground floor, as well as 363 bicycle and 213 vehicle parking spaces. The development site is presently home to the Dollarama north of Westwood Avenue.

At the request of TorontoDanforth Councillor Paula Fletcher a community consultation was held on Nov. 12 after some changes from the original proposal were noticed. It will now be discussed again at the Nov. 27 meeting.

To address Toronto and East York Community Council regarding any of the applications, please register by email to teycc@toronto.ca or by phone at 416-392-7033 no later than 12 p.m. on Nov. 26.

Santa in the Beach, tree lighting set for Nov. 19 in Kew Gardens

THE BEACH BIA’s annual Santa In The Beach and Tree Lighting celebration will take place on Saturday, Nov. 29, at Kew Gardens park from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Along with a chance to have a photo with Santa, the event will feature carollers and music in the park, and a countdown to the lighting of the Christmas Tree between 5 and 5:30 p.m.

The photo sessions with Santa will take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Alex Christie Bandshell at Kew Gardens park, 2075 Queen St. E. Due to the popularity of the photos with Santa, the line will close at 3:30 p.m. so arrive early to avoid disappointment.

There will also be carollers and music in the park from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Santa will also be helping with the tree lighting ceremony at the entrance to the park off Queen Street East between Lee Avenue and Waverley Road.

Residents attending are reminded that the event is also a toy drive for Centre 55’s Share a Christmas program. Those attending to have a photo with Santa are asked to bring a donation of a new, unwrapped toy for distribution by Centre 55 to local families in need this holiday season.

Sponsor for Santa In The Beach is the Shea Sells Boutique real estate office of local realtor Shea Warrington.

For more information on the celebrations set for Nov. 29, please go to The Beach BIA’s Instagram page.

Afro-Metis Nation’s album Anthem celebrates heritage

By Matthew Stephens

IN 17TH and 18th century Canada, European settlers would frequently enter relationships with Indigenous women as a social and economic strategy to secure trade routes, enhance regional access, and foster alliances between European and Indigenous peoples.

From this distinct union, a mixedancestry community emerged with its own unique culture, traditions, and language – forming what is now known as the Métis Nation of Canada.

During that same time, African slavery was still ongoing in Canada, particularly amongst the fur trade community in the Great Lakes region.

Slaves who had escaped bondage at the time also found themselves forming relationships with Indigenous women, resulting in what Leonard “Sugar Plum” Woodworth Croxen calls the Afro-Métis.

The term also serves as the name for an ensemble of multicultural Canadian musicians who celebrate the legacy of people with mixed Black, Indigenous, and Nova Scotian ancestry; of which Croxen is a part of.

Alongside Croxen, Canadian poet, playwright, musician, literary critic and East Toronto resident George Elliott Clarke is another member of the harmonious ensemble known as The Afro-Métis Nation. Other members of the group include Linda Carvery, Karen Ash-

ton, Sheila White and Shelley Hamilton.

Earlier this year, the group released their second full-length album Anthem – a project Clarke said was a follow-up to their 2019 album

Constitution

The 2019 album saw members Croxen, Hamilton, and Clarke nominated for Indigenous Songwriter of the Year honours at the 2020 Canadian Folk Music Awards.

Through descriptive and heartfelt lyrics, Anthem is a 16-track album that puts storytelling on full display with songs that invite listeners to reflect on the group’s Black and Indigenous lineage.

“It is important to be able to verify exactly what your roots are,” said Clarke. “In my case, my matrilineal great grandmother was

a woman by the name of Emma Gibson. She lived in a place called Gibson Woods, where there was a lot of interconnections between Indigenous and Black in that part of Nova Scotia.”

Clarke said it was vital for the group to cohesively blend the differences and similarities between the Black and Indigenous experience in North America throughout history.

“The balance struck is reflective of who we are: Most folks see us as Black – and we grew up in Black communities, mainly. So, the poems and songs reflect our experience as visibly Black, but less visibly Indigenous,” said Clarke.

“On Anthem, we decided to just do the songs and poems that interested us, knowing that our very

voices and instrumentation embody or project our mixed-race experience.”

With songs such as Raised in The Lost and Found and Surviving the Storm, the album utilizes themes of oppression, struggle, and perseverance to encapsulate the Black and Indigenous experience across North America throughout history.

Clarke puts his poetic mastery on full display when he’s front and centre on songs such as Homecomin’ Roam-No-Mo’ Blues and Letter from Department of Indian Affairs Ottawa 1921, which evoke sounds reminiscent of spoken-word poetry.

Clarke developed an affinity for lyricism and music at an early age, which later translated into an amalgamation of passions.

“On July 1, 1975, at the age of 15, I decided I should be a pop song lyricist, following in the footsteps of Elton John’s lyricist, Bernie Taupin. I began to write four song lyrics a day. However, in reading books about being a lyricist, I kept receiving the advice that the best lyricists are poets,” he said.

“So, I switched from writing song lyrics to writing four poems (usually ‘free verse’) per day. I began to mix Allen Ginsberg with Bob Dylan; that is to say, I began to understand that a good poem is always close to being a good song.”

The next step in Clarke’s journey took him to the University of Waterloo, where he focused on British literature and began honing his craft as a poet.

Following studies at several universities, including Waterloo, Dalhousie, and Queen’s, as well as writing several poetry books – Clarke turned his attention to music in 2016 and co-founded The Afro Métis Nation, which originally went by the name Can (Canadian) Roots.

Clarke was the Poet Laureate of Toronto from 2012 to 2015 and the Canadian Parliamentary Poet Laureate from 2016 to 2017.

For those longing to experience Clarke’s spoken word poetry in its purest form, on Anthem he delivers track 15 titled Everything Is Free #1 in the spoken word format.

For Clarke and The Afro-Métis Nation, Anthem is a way of emphasizing their continued fight to establish those with Black and Indigenous roots as members of the Métis Indigenous community.

“Our historical connections are very deep, but have also been strongly repressed in Canada for various reasons,” said Clarke.

“According to the Government of Canada, the official definition of Métis is that you have to be descendant of European and Indigenous people involved in the fur trade, only as prosecuted between Ontario and British Columbia, which is completely ludicrous.”

“The best way to oppose governmental injustice is by satire and art,” he added.

For more information about The Afro-Métis Nation, please visit https://afrometis.ca

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Removing speed cameras will make city roads less safe

In recent years, speed camera vandalism has become common place in the City of Toronto, with the camera along Lake Shore Boulevard East being cut down twice since it was installed back in April, and another on Parkside Drive near High Park cut down seven times.

The situation reached a tipping point earlier this year, after 16 Automated Speed Enforcement cameras were vandalized across the city overnight on Tuesday, Sept. 9. (including the Lake Shore and Parkside cameras), an incident which seemed to have caught the attention of the provincial government.

Later that month, Premier Doug Ford announced he would be introducing legislation to ban speed cameras across the province, stating that they were “gouging” taxpayers. That legislation came into being at the end of last week. While an argument could be made that speed cameras “gouge” taxpayers, I question whether Ford’s stance is rooted in logic or emotion.

During a press conference to unveil the Lake Shore Boulevard East speed camera in the spring, General Manager for Toronto’s Transportation Department Barbara Grey said speed cameras collected a whopping $40 million in revenue for the city in 2024.

As much as my blood boils whenever I receive a picture of my car’s rear-end attached with a hefty fine in the mail, I’ve always felt like the situation would have

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Canadian flag a source of pride, joy

We

we are still here enjoying it. O Canada!

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Most gratefully.

been significantly worse if I’d been pulled over by a police officer for driving a few kilometres over the speed limit.

It might sound evasive and somewhat devious, but the ironic beauty of speed cameras was that they couldn’t actually determine who was driving the vehicle at the time, which meant no police pullovers, and no subsequent demerit points, insurance hikes, and risk of license suspension.

However, despite not being able to put a name – or rather, a car –to a face, there’s no doubt speed cameras could catch reckless drivers and minimize speeding far more efficiently than Toronto police ever will, regardless of how much revenue the city collects in the process.

Considering the police simply cannot be at every school, daycare, and pedestrian-dense area across

the city, I will also fear for the safety of children and pedestrians in light of Ford’s new legislation.

In place of speed cameras, he said municipalities will be increasing speed bumps, roundabouts, and flashing signs to indicate when a driver is going too fast.

While these new (or old) measures may help to mitigate reckless driving in certain areas, there’s a reason why the City of Toronto transitioned to speed cameras in the first place.

Speed bumps are only effective on residential roads. And on busy arterial roads, flashing signs that come with no repercussions can be easily ignored by reckless drivers.

I understand where Premier Ford is coming from in trying to protect our wallets with this new legislation, but his response to ban speed cameras altogether is going to end up doing more harm than

good – for everyone.

A study published by Injury Prevention to monitor the impact of mobile ASE cameras across 250 Toronto school zones between 2020 and 2022 showed a 10.7 km/ hr decrease in maximum speed travelled by 85 per cent of vehicles. And for drivers travelling at higher speeds, the study showed even greater reductions, with an 88 per cent drop in vehicles travelling faster than the speed limit by 20 km/hr or more.

There’s no doubt that speed cameras work, and if the city has to “gouge” taxpayers to ensure safety in areas where outdated speed mitigation measures are ineffective, it’s a worthy sacrifice in my opinion.

I think another misleading narrative is what the city is actually doing with the millions of dollars

Continued on Page 7

I’m fortunate, as many of us are, that we can choose the foods we eat. Many of our animal friends, especially the birds and insects, no longer have this choice as their preferred selection of sustenance that Mother Nature provided is being depleted. I’m referring to the loss of native plants that once thrived here.

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) gets the picture, but when will the City of Toronto see the light? With the upcoming shoreline rehabilitation work at Ashbridges Bay Park starting up in early 2026 our birds and insects will benefit from TRCA’s new plantings, as they will all be native.

I was curious as to what plants would be installed at the new garden at the Beaches Library, so I asked some questions. I was told that when the City of Toronto has new plantings they install only 50 per cent native plants. These new plantings at the Beaches Library will be close to that 50 per cent native mark, but the rest are non-native and some invasive!? Why?

I was also curious as to who was going to care for the new garden.

City must protect Glen Stewart Ravine

What is the point of having environmental, climate, and ravine policies if developers can simply appeal to the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and be handed exceptions?

Too often, the City of Toronto declines to fight, and by appealing, developers get exactly what they want: permission to build anywhere and everywhere.

A development on the slope of the Glen Stewart Ravine came to Toronto Council last week. It is not OK to

sacrifice our shrinking green spaces in the name of development.

This building would cut into the slope, harming the ecological integrity of an old-growth Carolinian forest—one of the last remaining in the city. In summer, these mature trees moderate extreme temperatures and measurably improve air quality. And this is a designated Environmentally Significant Area (ESA)!

Council’s decision (which has now been deferred until

its December meeting) will set a precedent for green spaces across Toronto. The city’s own policies and strategies say this development should be denied. A settlement would create exceptions for the developer.

Yes, resources are finite and outcomes at the OLT are uncertain, but using that uncertainty to pre-emptively hand out exceptions, again and again, makes our city policies meaningless.

There should be places where we consider future

value honestly. We must compare the value of the ravine with and without this building. Our dense oldgrowth forests and climatecooling, air-filtering, stormwater-managing ravines are worth more to Toronto than this 90-unit building.

Toronto Council will now be voting on the settlement for the Glen Stewart Ravine edge in December. Tell your councillor to uphold ravine protections and say no to exceptions here.

Jennifer Pilkington

Native plants neeed for library’s new garden

‘Who’ from Page 6

Unfortunately, years ago, our Beaches Garden Society shut down. But some former members continue to volunteer their free time to take care of both the Main Street and Beaches Library gardens. We are so fortunate collected from speed camera fines.

to have these volunteers help our community and thank you for those involved. Please give them a shout out as you pass them by – they’ll appreciate it.

I found that this new garden (albeit it small) will not, at least at this time, be

tended to by our Parks Dept., mostly as I assume because they are woefully understaffed as it is. Is it to be assumed that our community volunteers should take this task on?

When it comes to planting in your own garden, please

Have questions about

Real Estate?

Message LTHome to chat about what’s happening in your neighbourhood and how we can help you achieve your real estate goals!

consider following in TRCA’s footsteps and plant some native plants, so that our birds and insects can have a fighting chance to live and dine on their proper food. Our fauna will thrive and appreciate it.

Clyde Robinson

‘Gouged’ money from fines helps reduce speeding

‘Removal’ from Page 6

And the truth is that only a portion of the revenue earned actually goes back into the city’s pocket.

To break it down: according to the City of Toronto’s ASE Program Inquiry from 2025, the city’s gross ASE fine revenue in 2024 was $37.3 million.

Of the fine revenue received, roughly 35 per cent is expected to fund the city’s administrative costs, and

approximately 24 per cent of fine revenues are remitted annually to the province.

The document further states that the remaining 41 per cent ($15.293 million) is used for the Vision Zero Road Safety Plan, a city initiative focused on reducing traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries on Toronto’s streets. This initiative includes the speed camera program.

So, if the money “gouged” from reckless drivers is going right back into the

system to ensure reckless driving is mitigated and safety improved, how can Ford justify that it’s a waste of taxpayers’ money? Especially considering only a portion of taxpayers drive, and an even lesser portion drive recklessly.

I do believe, however, that maybe the province should have revisited the cost of speed camera fines, considering many Ontarians are navigating a cost-of-living crisis.

I understand the goal is

to deter people from driving recklessly, but perhaps if fines had been lowered, vandals may have never cut down the cameras, Ford may have never caught on and banned speed cameras, and the program would have continued to operate smoothly, albeit with smaller profit margins.

As much as I share Premier Ford’s concerns about costly fines, banning speed cameras across Ontario will cost us far more — in safety, accountability, and lives.

Giving Tuesday: ‘Twice As Nice’ Campaign Doubles the Impact

of Every Donation

Giving Tuesday is a global movement that inspires acts of kindness and giving following the shopping frenzy of Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s a reminder that the holiday season isn’t just about buying — it’s about giving.

For Red Door Family Shelter, Giving Tuesday is an opportunity to shine a light on families facing homelessness and food insecurity, while offering the community a chance to help meet those needs directly.

This Giving Tuesday, the spirit of generosity will go twice as far at Red Door Family Shelter. Through the Twice As Nice matching campaign, every dollar donated to Red Door on December 2 will be matched — helping twice as many families find safety, stability, and hope.

“This is the magic of Giving Tuesday,” said Catherine Moore, a longtime Red Door advocate and the matching donor behind this year’s campaign. “When we give together, we lift twice as many families and make twice the difference.”

Red Door is Toronto’s largest family shelter. On any given day, 60 percent of its residents are children. The organization provides emergency housing, food, counselling, and other essential supports to families escaping homelessness, abuse, or crisis.

In recent years, Red Door has served hundreds of thousands of meals and continues to operate a food bank that helps families who have transitioned out of shelter keep food on the table — a key step toward stable housing.

Donations made to Red Door on Giving Tuesday will be matched by Moore, making each contribution go twice as far.

“Your gift is twice as nice this Giving Tuesday,” said Caitlin FitzGerald, Red Door’s Manager of Community Engagement. “It means twice as many full fridges, warm dinners, and happy, healthy children and families.”

Those wishing to participate can donate to Red Door Family Shelter at www.mycanadahelps.org

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Community Calendar

NOV. 19: The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society (TBETHS) presents Writer and Historian Jamie Bradburn at the Beaches Sandbox, 2181 Queen St. E., 7-8:15 p.m. Admission is free. Info: www.tbeths.com

NOV. 20: Strategic Semi-Retirement Seminar at BMO Bank of Montreal, 2183 Queen St. E., 7:158:30 p.m. An in-depth discussion about transitioning from full-time work to semi-retirement. Free. Register: lakesidewellnesstherapy@gmail.com

NOV. 22: A Senior Moment luncheon at the Beacher Café, 2162 Queen St. E.), 1:30 p.m. For our December luncheon we will be meeting at the Stone Lion, 1958 Queen St. E., on Dec. 12th at 1:30 p.m. to start off the holidays. Please R.S.V.P. by text to Colleen at 647-829-8042.

NOV. 22: Kingston Road Village Concert Series presents Callista Trio at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd., 7:30 p.m. One of Canada’s most dynamic chamber ensembles.Tickets $35 advance, $40 at door. Info: kingstonroadvillageconcerts.eventbrite.com

NOV. 22: Hollyberry Christmas Market Vendors Call at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 904 Coxwell Ave., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Seeking makers and bakers and crafters and creators of lovely things. To reserve a table (only 20 available), call 416-421-6878 extension 21. Rental cost $60. NOV. 22: Crescent Town Club Craft Sale at 2A The Marketplace, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Find the perfect gift or treat yourself to something handmade by one of these local artisans. Info: crescenttownclub.com

NOV. 23: Benefit Concert for Centre 55’s Sharea-Christmas – Cantemus Singers, directed by Michael Erdman, at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 70 Silver Birch Ave., 3 p.m. Fundraiser for Centre 55’s Share-a-Christmas campaign. Tickets at Centre 55 and at the door. General Admission $35. Kids under 12 free. Info: 416-578-6602, www.cantemus.ca

NOV. 24: Canadian Jesuits International (CJI) screening of ‘The Illusion of Abundance’ at Carlton Cinema, 20 Carlton St., 6-8 p.m. Tickets: $35 on EventBrite. All proceeds go to support the work of Canadian Jesuits International with land defenders in Latin America. Info: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/in-solidarity-withland-defenders-in-the-amazon-tickets-1743609696539

DEC 6: Jazz & Reflection with Red Hot Ramble at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 4:30 p.m. Roberta Hunt and Red Hot Ramble bring the vibrant spirit of New Orleans to our Main Hall with a special Christmas show that blends traditional jazz, blues, funk and more! Pay what you can at our doors - suggested minimum $15. Info: beachunitedchurch.com

DEC. 6: Christmas Cookie Crawl at St. Nicholas Anglican Church, 1512 Kingston Rd., 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Buy an empty box and fill it with delicious homemade cookies! 1 box $20, 2 boxes $30.

DEC. 6: Christmas Marketplace at Kimbourne Park United Church, 200 Wolverleigh Blvd., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Admission is free, food donations would be greatly appreciated. 20+ vendors, bake sale, jams, jellies and preserves, raffle table, hot cocoa stand. We are an affirming church & fully accessible – absolutely everyone is welcome! Vendors & info: www.kpuc.org

DEC. 6: Acoustic Harvest presents “It’s Good To Be Canadian” Celebration with John Prince & A Piece of the Rock at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 8 p.m. Blending East Coast energy with folk, roots, and blues, this holiday-season concert will lift your spirits and warm your heart. Tickets $35. Info: acousticharvest.ca

DEC. 6: Christmas Market at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Vendors, BBQ, Bake Sale! Christmas shopping, food, vendors! Info: admin@stpaulsscarborough.org

DEC. 7: Riverdale Share Holiday Concert - A Festive Benefit Concert for Families at Danforth Music Hall, 3 p.m. Tickets on sale at The Big Carrot & Treasure Island Toys for $25 (no fees) or through Ticketmaster. $28 (plus fees) with a non-perishable food item. Info: riverdaleshare.com

DEC. 9: Carolling in the Park at Glen Stewart Park (Queen St. E. at Glen Manor Dr.), 7:30-8:30 p.m. Featuring the Salvation Army Band, choirs, refreshments, and a special visitor. Dress warmly and bring a flashlight. Donations can be made at www.scarboroughcitadel.ca. Info: David Breech 416-578-0656

NOV. 26: What You Need to Know About Tax at Danforth/Coxwell Library, 1675 Danforth Ave., 7-8 p.m. Join us for a practical session designed to help you understand Canada’s tax system and how to make it work for you. Info: 416-393-7783

NOV. 29: Santa in The Beach and Christmas Tree Lighting at Kew Gardens, 1-6 p.m. Photos with Santa 1-4 p.m., tree lighting 5-5:30 p.m. Hot drinks, candy canes, live music. Donate an unwrapped toy for Centre 55 Toy Drive. NOV 29: Christmas Market at Beach United Church, 140 Wineva Ave., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Over 50 local artisans and vendors - bake table, jewelry, knitted toys & ornaments, ideas for gift giving, and so much more. Entry is free & our building is fully accessible. Info: beachunitedchurch.com

NOV. 29: Cliffcrest Artists’ Christmas Market at Birchcliff Bluffs United Church, 33 East Rd., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy a free coffee, tea or hot chocolate while you browse an amazing variety of vendors in this 4th annual event. Info: www.facebook.com/events/669659276195465

NOV. 29: Operation VetBuild at RCL Branch 10, 1083 Pape Ave., 12-4 p.m. This Royal Canadian Legion peer-to-peer program by veterans for veterans includes RCMP and allied veterans, run by the RCL’s BSO/OSI Special Section, with an objective to help improve mental health through hobby and in this case, model building. Free to veterans. No experience is necessary! All materials are supplied. Meetings are the last Saturday of the month. Info: James Le Roy torontoopvetbuild@gmail.com, 416-735-7362

NOV. 29, 30: Bundle Up at St. Dunstan’s Catholic Church, 3150 Danforth Ave. Collecting donations of clothing, towels, drapery, sheets, blankets, footwear, and new toys. Saturday, before and after the 5 p.m. Mass, and Sunday, before and after the 10 a.m. and 12 noon Masses. Info: ssvpdunstans@hotmail.com NOV. 30: Wonder Church at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church, 2423 Queen St. E., 4 p.m. This service, designed for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary children and their families, is a 30-45 minute service that includes puppets, music, and prayers. Coffee and treats are provided. All are welcome. For more information, contact children’s minister Elizabeth at children@staidansinthebeach.com

NOV. 30 & DEC. 7: Scarborough Model Railroaders Train Show at 17 Jeavons Ave., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Two floors of layouts – HO scale of Southern Ontario through the ages, and N scale through mountainous scenery. Admission $10 adults, $5 children. Cash and e-transfer. Info: scarborough-model-railroaders.org

DEC. 1: Beach Metro News Holiday Fundraiser with Inspector Brackenreid at the Balmy Beach Club, 360 Lake Front, beginning at 6 p.m. Join Thomas Craig and Friends from ‘Murdoch Mysteries’ for a screening of the 2025 Holiday episode. Evening includes cocktail reception, holiday trivia, silent auction, cash bar, and screening followed by Q&A. Tickets $65 + HST, available from the Balmy Beach Club, 416-691-9962 x 5.

DEC. 5-7: Karen Franzen and Friends Holiday Show at 3 Wembley Dr., Friday 6-9 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Featuring artists Karen Franzen, Fred Franzen, Sandy Galloway, Irene McRae, Sunny Mills, and Leslie Songer Terry. Info: karenfranzen.ca

DEC. 6: Breakfast with Santa and Clothing Thrift Sale at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, 904 Coxwell Ave., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (Breakfast ends at 1 p.m.). Bring your camera for a picture with Santa. Admission to Breakfast: Adults $8, Children $6, Family of 6 $30. Admission free for Clothing Sale. Tops, skirts, and pants $5; Dresses $10; Coats and Jackets $15-$20; Shoes and Purses $10.

DEC. 13: Community Pancake Breakfast and Social at Beaches Recreation Centre, 6 Williamson Rd., 9:30-11 a.m. Hosted by the Beaches Recreation Centre Advisory Council. Please bring a non-perishable item or new unwrapped toy for donation.

DEC. 13: Scarborough Harmony Chorus presents “Snow Day - An A Cappella Concert”, an afternoon of popular and holiday music at Scarborough Bluffs United Church, 3739 Kingston Rd., 2 p.m., doors open at 1 p.m for craft and bake sale. Tickets $25 online at www.scarboroughharmonychorus.com or at the door (14 years and under free). SHC is a non-profit, women’s community chorus singing a cappella music in four-part harmony. ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS SPECIAL MUSIC with Guest Musicians at St. Paul’s United Church, 200 McIntosh St. •Nov. 30: Advent 1 “Hope” - Meditative Evensong, 7 p.m. Hildegard von Bingen chant; Rachmaninoff Vocalist. •Dec. 14: Advent 3 – “Joy” – Magnificat Sunday, 10:30 a.m. “Mary did You Know?”, Bach, Britten and Leontovych. •Dec. 24: Christmas Eve – “Love”, 7 p.m. Carols by Candlelight. “O Holy Night” – Adolphe Adam. Info: 416-261-4222, admin@stpaulsscarborough.org

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

BEACHES MENTAL WELLNESS GROUP meets each Tuesday at 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 BEACH INTERFAITH OUTREACH FELLOWSHIP LUNCHES for adults in the community, 11 a.m. •Mondays at Corpus Christi Church (16 Lockwood Rd.). Closed Feb 15 and April 6 •Tuesdays – alternating locations: St. Nicholas Anglican Church (1512 Kingston Rd.) Nov. 25, Dec. 9, 23; St. Aidan’s Anglican Church (2423 Queen St. E.) Nov. 18, Dec. 2, 16 •Wednesdays at Beach Hebrew Institute (109 Kenilworth Ave.). Closed April 1 and April 8 •Thursdays at Beach United Church (140 Wineva Ave.). Closed Dec 25 but open Jan 1 •Fridays at Kingston Road United Church (975 Kingston Rd.). Closed Dec 26 and Jan 2. Lunch format may vary from site to site. GERRARD ASHDALE LIBRARY, 1432 Gerrard St. E. •Nov. 27: Adult Book Club, 7-8 p.m. Join us for a lively discussion on “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” by Lisa See. We are now accepting new members. Registration required. Info: 416-393-7717

BEACH UNITED CHURCH invites you to share in worship with us every Sunday at 10:30am. All are welcome to join our special Christmas-related worship services in December. Our contemplative Blue Christmas service will be held on Dec. 20th at 7pm, and our 10:30am service on Dec. 21st will feature our annual Christmas Cantata performed by the Beach United Choir. On Dec. 24th at 7pm, we will celebrate Family Christmas Eve together (no communion). Info: beachunitedchurch.com

THE CHURCH OF ST. AIDAN (Anglican), 2423 Queen St. E., is an energetic, active faith community committed to following Jesus as we gather for meaningful worship, spiritual growth, and community engagement. On Sundays, we welcome you to join us for worship at 8:30 a.m. (spoken service) and 10:30 a.m. (with music and children’s and youth programs). Wednesdays please join us for the Eucharist Service at 10:30 a.m. Weekly euchre Tuesdays, 7-9 p.m. (enter from the northeast side door, $5 to play, all proceeds go to outreach). Busy Bees dropin playgroup for ages 0-3 and caregivers features stories and

on Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m. in the Parish Hall.

Concerns over environmental impacts of proposal raised

‘Decision’ from Page 1

community.”

Prior to last week’s council meeting, it had been expected that councillors would make a decision on giving “further directions” to the city’s legal staff in advance of an Ontario Land Tribunal hearing slated for April of 2026 regarding the Kingston Road proposal.

Prior to the meeting, the item was deemed to be “urgent” and it was stated that it could not be deferred due

to the contents of a Confidential Agreement. The fate of the project proposed for 847-855 Kingston Rd. has been a contentious one among many residents, including those with the Friends of the Glen Stewart Ravine, who have expressed concerns regarding the environmental impacts to the area.

Concerns have also been expressed regarding a zerometre setback for the proposed building from the

long-term stable slope at the ravine’s northern edge.

In August, a confidential mediation meeting was held between the City of Toronto, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the developer, to determine if an agreement could be reached prior to next April’s OLT review. Due to the confidentiality of the meeting, results were not made available to the public and officials are limited in what they can say publicly about it.

Carolling in the Park planned for night of Tuesday, Dec. 9

THE ANNUAL Carolling in the Park celebration in the Beach is set for the evening of Tuesday, Dec. 9, at Glen Stewart Park.

The event goes from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Carolling in the Park has been a Beach tradition since 1989, bringing residents together to celebrate the holiday season.

The Salvation Army Band will be playing to accompany the community members who come out to sing carols.

There also will be a collection for the Salvation Army at the event.

Along with the carol singing and music, there will be refreshments and a special visitor who is often known to wear a red suit.

Everyone is welcome to attend Carolling in the Park, but participants are reminded to dress warmly for the weather and to bring a flashlight.

Glen Stewart Park is located north of Queen Street East, east of Glen Manor Drive and south of the wooden bridge.

For more information on this year’s Carolling in the Park, please call David at 416-5780656.

Donations on behalf of Carolling in the Park can also be made to the Salvation Army’s Scarborough Citadel by going to www. scarboroughcitadel.ca and clicking on the donate button.

Fundraiser

Inspector Brackenreid

Menus are available during Cocktail Hour. Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Kingston Road Village Concert Series welcomes The Callista Trio on Nov. 22

THE KINGSTON Road Village Concert Series continues this Saturday night with a performance by The Callista Trio.

The Nov. 22 concert will take place at 7:30 p.m. at Kingston Road United Church, 975 Kingston Rd.

The Callista Trio is made up of Elizabeth Dolin (on cello), Laurence Kayaleh (on violin), and Lucas Porter (on piano).

The trio is considered one of Canada’s newest and most exciting ensembles, and this Saturday’s concert marks their Toronto stop on their current Ontario tour.

Cellist Elizabeth Dolin shares how it all began:

“We first performed together when Lucas replaced another pianist at the very last minute. Laurence and I have been playing together for 22 years, and the chemistry among the three of us was instantly magical,” said Dolin on how the trio formed.

“The ideal piano trio starts with a virtuosic, sensitive pianist and two string players who match stylistically—I must say, we fit the bill.”

Dolin said they chose the name The Callista Trio from the Greek word for ‘most beautiful.’

“Since then, we’ve performed throughout Quebec and Ontario, and this year we’ll appear in Nova Scotia as well. It’s especially meaningful to play in the Kingston Road Village Concert Series because Tim Dawson, the series director, is an old university friend and fellow musician,” said Dolin.

The program for Saturday’s concert will include Rachmaninoff’s Trio Élégiaque No. 1, Beethoven’s Trio Op. 70, No. 2, and Schumann’s Trio No. 3, Op. 110

Tickets for the Nov. 22 concert are $35 in advance, and $40 at the door. To order online, please go to www.kruc.ca/concert-series

For the past 13 years, the Kingston Road Village Concert Series has been a labour of love—run entirely by volunteers who believe in the power of live music to build community.

J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio - Eat, Drink and Be Merry

As part of this year’s Christmas celebrations, the Series has joined forces with the Amadeus Choir of Greater Toronto to present J.S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio - Eat, Drink and Be Merry on Sunday, Dec. 7.

The event features performances of the oratorio along with dinner at one of six Kingston Road restaurants.

The three-hour masterpiece by J.S. Bach will be performed in two parts with a dinner break in between.

Audience members will attend both concerts and enjoy a

full restaurant meal as part of the ticket package.

The first half of the oratorio (cantatas one through three) will be performed from 4 to 5:30 p.m. There will then be a dinner break followed by the performance of cantatas four to six starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for this special combination of music and a fine meal are $100.

Kingston Road restaurants taking part in the event are The Porch Light, Feathers Pub, The Lighthouse 971, Cafe Parmesan, The Beech Tree, and The Kingston House.

The $100 ticket cost includes the performances and dinner -- excluding alcohol, taxes and tip.

As part of the event, trumpeters will call back the restaurant patrons to the church for the second half of the concert.

Tim Dawson of the Kingston Road Village Concert Series said the plans for Dec. 7 are extra special.

“We don’t know if we’ll ever be able to do this again — so grab your ticket now! It’s stunning music, lovingly played, combined with the warmth of a shared meal at our wonderful local restaurants. If you’re going to attend one Christmas event this year, make it this one,” he said.

Tickets must be purchased in advance due to the need to co-ordinate with the restaurants. Tickets will not be available at the door on Dec. 7.

For more information on the Dec. 7 event, or to order tickets, please go to christmasoratorio.eventbrite.ca

Author T.J. Derry celebrates release of Carried Away

By Jessica Shackleton

LOCAL FILMMAKER, television ad creator and now author T.J. Derry’s first novel, Carried Away, was released just last week.

Derry said he came up with the idea for the book while he was travelling and became tired of staring at screens and the backs of seats.

“I was looking for a book to read, but nothing was really hitting me, so I thought to myself, maybe that book I want to read doesn’t exist, so, as an experiment, I thought maybe I would try to write it,” he said. “Which is pretty much what led me to get started with it.”

Derry said he considers authors to be incredibly talented geniuses and he had to convince himself that he could actually write a book.

“I don’t have a process, is my process. I would just open the laptop and read what I wrote,” he said. “The more you stop procrastinating and actually do something, that’s 90 per cent of it. A lot of it is a tennis match in your mind. Just open the thing up and try; maybe something will happen.”

It took more than six and a half years for Derry to finish the story. He said that while the COVID-19 pandemic may have helped some people with productivity, it slowed him down.

Now, he said, having Carried Away ready for people to read

Taking a look back along Woodbine Avenue in 1955

By David Van Dyke

This grouping of semi-detached houses sits on Woodbine Avenue, just a little south of Kingston Road. The year is 1955.

Let’s do a comparative cost-of-living analysis taken from the middle of the 1950s. Petrol was seven cents a litre. A bag of groceries was under 10 dollars. Property taxes were 1.5 percent of the assessed value of your home and the average cost of your Toronto, semi-detached house was $15,000 to $17,000. Do you have an old photograph of Woodbine Avenue? Please consider sharing it with our readership. Contact me at gdvandyke61@gmail.com

Scarborough Model Railroaders set to host pair of open houses

THE SCARBOROUGH Model Railroaders will be hosting open houses on Sunday, Nov. 30, and on Sunday, Dec. 7.

The open houses will take place at the Scarborough Model Railroaders clubhouse, 17 Jeavons Ave., in the Birchmount and Danforth roads area.

The open houses will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days.

Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children, either cash or e-transfer.

The Scarborough Model Railroaders’ setup features one of the largest model train layouts in Ontario, including two floors of model railroads at the clubhouse.

5 Northview Ave

Grieve & Kelsey Grieve Real Estate Starts Here.

The club features a 1,500-square-foot HO scale layout that models Southern Ontario through different time periods, with a mixture of passenger and freight trains, and a 1,300-square-foot N scale layout running through mountain scenery.

At the upcoming open houses, the Scarborough Model Railroaders will also be selling large numbers of HO and N Scale equipment, including engines (DC and DCC) and freight cars.

For more information on the open houses being hosted by the Scarborough Model Railroaders, please go to https://scarboroughmodel-railroaders.org/loom

St. Clair O’Connor ’s Compassion Pathways helps people dealing with homelessness

By Natasha Jackson

RESIDENTS AT the St.

Clair O’Connor Community (SCOC) are assembling care bags with daily essentials to support unhoused people across the city.

Compassion Pathways is a grassroots initiative founded by Rebecca Freeman, Director of Programs and Community Development at SCOC.

Freeman started the initiative in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic out of her own home.

She wanted to find a way to give back to her community by helping those who were homeless while also building connections with residents at SCOC who feel isolated and can’t volunteer themselves.

“Because I go and distribute the bags myself, I’ve had a lot of conversations with the people who are unhoused and I’ve heard a lot of their stories, and some of them had just fallen through very difficult times,” said Freeman.

man wanting to have different pathways for reaching out to those in need. So, the initiative provides not just the Blessing Bags but also by giving the SCOC residents a chance to volunteer and help others.

Freeman and residents at SCOC create what they call Blessing Bags with essential items such as winter clothing, oral hygiene products and snacks, to donate to the homeless across the GTA. They will assemble the bags, and the SCOC residents will write letters to the homeless to include in the Blessing Bags, providing words of encouragement.

The name Compassion Pathways comes from Free-

“This project allows seniors to be able to refine a sense of purpose within their community. We are a community hub so we’re not a retirement home, but there are residents here that are not as independent as some of the others,” said Freeman.

“It kind of bridges that gap, and so I find it to be very impactful for them. They’re able to do something that’s good that makes them feel good without necessarily having to leave the building.”

Freeman has seen the positive impacts the initiative has made on senior volunteers’ physical and mental well-being.

Beach Metro Community News spoke with two residents who volunteer with Compassion Pathways and heard from them about what it is like to give back to their community at this stage of their lives.

“Oh, it’s something special, because I’m more or less tied here to the building. I get out once in a while with my daughter, so I’m not complaining. But it’s a little more difficult at this time in your life to get out and do things with other people,” said Winnifred McCarthy of why she volunteers.

She first heard about Compassion Pathways at one of her adult day classes at SCOC.

When Compassion Pathways first started, McCarthy and some other residents would only write the encouragement cards. They wanted to make sure what they were writing was compassionate and supportive.

Like many of the other residents, she wanted to feel connected to her community and volunteering was a way to do that without having to leave home.

“So this made it a lot easier and we were all talking about that, too. How we could let people know that other people were thinking of them,” said McCarthy.

Anne Pomeroy said she heard about Compassion Pathways at one of SCOC’s town hall meetings. She has done previous volunteer work with a church as a missionary for 40 years, so she was glad to find out that she could give back to her community with some of her neighbours.

“Doing something like

this nowadays, it does your heart good. It makes you feel good inside that you’re helping a little bit. That’s why I got involved,” said Pomeroy.

Compassion Pathways is funded by donations from community residents. Those wishing to help, can drop off any unused items, living essentials or food to SCOC throughout the year to help contribute to the program.

For specific information on how to support Compassion Pathways, please go to www.instagram.com/compassionpathways/ and click on the Wish List link.

The St. Clair O’Connor Community is a non-profit organization, with historical links to East Toronto Mennonite churches, that is dedicated to creating a safe and caring environment for aging seniors, and is an intergenerational community where families both young and older live.

Francesca Rea’s Divine Wealth a story of real-life financial advice, power and growth

By Julia Sawicki

BEACH RESIDENT and veteran financial advisor Francesca Rea is releasing her first book, Divine Wealth, a blend of fiction and financial guidance inspired by a transformative trip to Bali.

A mother of two and a seasoned financial advisor with more than 20 years of experience, she is now adding “author” to her portfolio.

With a release date of Tuesday, Nov. 18, Divine Wealth splits fiction with real advice and tips that blend femininity and finances, brazenly diving into what Rea called a taboo topic for women.

The book follows eight women on a retreat, sharing stories that explore money, power, and personal growth.

Rea described it as a book for anyone who’s ever felt burned out or boxed in by the topic of finances, saying it’s, “a cross between The Wealthy Barber and Eat Pray Love.”

After facing some great personal challenges in her life, Rea embarked on a journey of rediscovery and growth.

Through travel, reflection, and self-discovery, she realized that wealth is not just about dollars and cents, but about identity, selfworth and purpose.

At the heart of Divine Wealth is the idea that finances carry both masculine and feminine energy. The feminine side covers the visions you have for life, your desires and purposes, and balancing them alongside the daily responsibilities and guilt that can come with chasing what you want.

“I grew up thinking you had to work hard to make money. And that’s what I did for a very long time. And I lost myself in that. And so that’s the piece that I worked through and realized that what I do as a wealth advisor, which is the structure, the masculine side of money, goes together with the feminine side of money,” said Rea.

“And that’s what this book does ... it blends the two. And it allows you to stand in the middle of that and balance both sides.”

According to Rea, the book itself combines the two sides of finances in eight steps.

Each of the book’s chapters explores one of these concepts through storytelling and reflection. Readers are guided through journal prompts and exercises that encourage them to take action and rethink their own beliefs about money.

Rea took from her own personal experience and the research she did on the most common concerns, issues, struggles and challenges faced by women surrounding money, and formed a story that encompasses the lives of women across various age groups

and circumstances.

“These eight women are bits and pieces of myself. Some are also clients or friends stories,” explained Rea.

“I would just say, OK one person is the overgiver, right? That’s one of the characteristics that most women carry. And so I thought, who is that person, what’s her story? What’s her beliefs around herself and money?”

Rea’s career was kick-started by watching her own financial advisor, a support she never had before, guide her through difficult situations and options she never considered. Rea realized she had someone helping her for the first time, someone who was answering questions she couldn’t find answers to.

She said she wanted to be that person for others. Decades later, she still loves her job and the feeling it gives her.

And after years of seeing the same worries and concerns come into her office, Rea said the book felt natural to write. Her clients have been there for her every step of the way. As first readers, they saw themselves in the characters, and realized how much resonated with them.

“I’ve had clients for the whole journey. So it’s exciting to see them grow, and to see me grow within that,” said Rea.

Among the many challenges that Rea helps her clients solve, she said the biggest one women face right now in managing money is confidence.

She said many feel they are not smart enough, informed enough or confident enough to make financial decisions for themselves. This is something Rea said she had to unlearn herself early on, and what inspired a lot of her work.

“I went on this journey and realized, wow, I didn’t have confidence in who I was personally. I did in my business. When I realized that, I started diving deep into my purpose in life, which is to empower women to be financially savvy,” said Rea.

She also wants to de-mystify talking about money, a topic that she feels many people still are uncomfortable discussing.

Rea said she believes that conversations about finances need to start happening again, within couple settings and within groups, as it’s the only way to get a firm control and understanding of how your life is being impacted.

Divine Wealth will be available locally at The Great Escape Book Store on Kingston Road and online on Amazon.

Rea will host a launch party for the book tonight (Nov. 18) at the Balmy Beach Club, 360 Lake Front, from 7 to 10 p.m. For more on Divine Wealth, and to purchase tickets, go to https://francescarea.com/divine-wealth

Syd Bleicher, certified pro 416-939-2853 freshpuppy.ca

Arts & Entertainment

Scarborough Players’ production of A Christmas Story opens Dec. 5

SCARBOROUGH PLAY-

ERS are inviting the community to celebrate the holidays with Jean Shepherd’s classic tale, A Christmas Story.

Taking the stage at the Scarborough Village Theatre from Dec. 5 to 20, the play follows the story of Ralphie Parker and his Christmas quest for a Red Ryder BB gun.

Based on Shepherd’s memoir of growing up in

the Midwest in the 1930s, A Christmas Story is filled with nostalgia, humour and heart, and is perfect for families wanting to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit!

Shepherd’s story was also told in the iconic holiday movie A Christmas Story in 1983.

Along with Ralphie’s attempts to secure the BB gun as a Christmas gift, the audience will also experience his adventures including tongues frozen onto lampposts, a meeting with a department store Santa and his father’s beloved leg lamp.

Award-winning director Sheila Gatensby feels her most important responsibility in presenting this production by Scarborough Players is to be the caretaker of this beloved tale that enchants with its nostalgia for a simpler time but also reflects the reality that some things don’t change.

“A Christmas Story is my favourite Christmas film! I was 16 years old when the film came out and there is so much I identified with when I first saw it and still do, every year when I watch it,” said Gatensby.

“We had the same radio in our house! I remember longing for an easy bake oven and being thrilled when it was under the tree on Christmas Day.”

She said Shepherd’s adult Ralph as narrator conveys a world view that embraces the foibles of his family and acknowledges them lovingly.

“Childhood is a time for rich imagination, but it’s harsh – there are bullies, and consequences,” said Gatensby.

“My approach as a director for this show is to be a loving caretaker for the story – deliver those precious moments as we have come to know them: the school room, the leg lamp and play Ralphie’s dreams with joyous melodrama, and capture that nightmarish department store scene with comic, absurd flair.”

Gatensby is returning to Scarborough Players taking a turn to comedy after her

and

stunning, award-winning production of Les Liaisons Dangereuses in January of this year.

The talented cast for this Scarborough Players production includes veterans and newcomers.

Returning to the stage are Victoria Badham as Mother, last seen as Natalie in Lunenburg; Neil Kulin as the Old Man, last seen as the Ghost of Christmas Present in A Christmas Carol; and Valerie Courville as Miss Shields, most memorable as Annelle in Steel Magnolias

Welcomed to the Scarborough Players stage for the first time will be Fred Kuhr who becomes the narrator as the adult Ralph Parker.

This production also welcomes an extraordinary young cast – William Baker as Ralphie; Finn Taylor as Randy; Adam Xie as Flick; Elijah Grote as Schwartz; Trent Murray as Scut Farkas; Sofia Flores as Esther Jane; and Avery Gouge as Helen Weathers.

A dedicated team is supporting the production including Mary Nowlan, producer; Ian Handscomb, master carpenter; Bodene and Dave Corbitt, sound designers; Jennifer Bakker,

lighting designer; Mercedes Davy, fight director; Taylor Markwell and Mary Nowlan as costumers; and Eileen Dalton, props coordinator/ creator.

Jamie Obregon has created the hair and make-up stylings from 1939 for this production.

Stage manager is Luisa Hoffman, with help from her assistant stage managers, Evan MacDonald and Aiden Oak.

A Christmas Story promises to get audiences into the holiday spirit from the moment the lights come up.

Scarborough Village Theatre is located at 3600 Kingston Rd., at Markham Road.

To order tickets for A Christmas Story, or for more information, please visit www.theatrescarborough. com/scarboroughplayers or call 416-267-9292.

In the spirit of the season, Scarborough Players will collect food donations for The Deacon’s Cupboard Food Bank during the run of A Christmas Story and Scarborough Music Theatre’s Christmas Cabaret Audiences are asked to bring non-perishable food, hygiene products, re-usable shopping bags and sealable bags.

Franzen and Friends Holiday Show slated

22ND annual Karen

Friends

The show will feature a variety of artworks from six talented local artists.

The works of artists Karen Franzen (ceramics); Fred Franzen (fine art); Sandy

Galloway (hand-woven tote bags); Irene McRae (gemstone and eco-friendly jewelry); Sunny Mills (fine art, cards and tea towels); and Leslie Songer Terry (handmade baskets) will be featured at the show.

The show takes place at Franzen’s studio located at 3 Wembley Dr., two blocks east of Coxwell Avenue. Admission is free.

The opening reception is on Friday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m.

The show continues on Dec. 6 and 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on each of those days. For more information on the upcoming Holiday Show, visit https://karenfranzen. ca

PROFESSIONAL DIRECTORY

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Bert van Delft

Complete financial services for the business owner, manager, entrepreneur & self-employed Corporate & Personal Income Tax Services Bus: 416-270-9898 98 Scarboro Beach Blvd.

Kriens LaRose, LLP

Chartered Professional Accountants • Accounting services for owner-managed businesses. • Personal and corporation income tax preparation.

• Audit services for not-for-profit organizations www.krienslarose.com kriens@krienslarose.com

Melani Norman CPA, CMA

PSYCHOTHERAPY

Dashwood & Dashwood

Barristers & Solicitors

Geoffrey J. Dashwood 961 Kingston Rd. Tel. 416-690-7222 Toronto, M4E 1S8 Fax. 416-690-8738

Snider & DiGregorio

Barristers, Solicitors, Notaries. 978 Kingston Road, Toronto, Ont., M4E 1S9 Tel: 416-699-0424 Fax: 416-699-0285 Email: info@sdlegal.ca

DENISE BADLEY-CASTELLO Barrister, Solicitor, Notary Family • Wills & Estates

Accounting Issues and Systems, Bookkeeping, Personal and Corporate Taxes Call 416-471-0337

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

SPEECH LANGUAGE

PATHOLOGIST reg. Casplo

All ages, early language, L.D., articulation, reading, apraxia Leslie Rennie 647-994-8255 leslierennie@gmail.com

Toronto Kids OT

Occupational Therapy for kids of all ages. Fine motor, school readiness, self-regulation. TorontoKidsOT.ca 416-391-6179

CHRISTINE KATO, B.Sc., D.V.M. KATO ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2830 Danforth Ave. (East of Dawes Rd.) 416-690-2112 Dogs, cats, pocket pets. Housecalls available.

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

FUNERAL SERVICES

eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc. Life Celebrations. Done Differently. In Service with St. John’s Norway Cemetery & Crematorium. 647.660.5056 www.ecofuneral.ca

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

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.

QUINN Family Law

Shelley C. Quinn, LL.B., LL.M. (Family Law) 2 - 921 Kingston Rd. t. (416) 551-1025 www.QuinnFamilyLaw.ca

Beaches Family Law and MEDIATION

Linda Bronicheski, J.D. 47 Main Street (at Lyall) 416-763-6884

Linda@BeachesFamilyLaw.com

Janet D’Arcy DC, FRCCSS (C) Chiropractor Sports Injury Specialist 2455A Queen St. East 416 690-6257 Open Saturdays

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

Thomas Craig, who plays Inspector Brackenreid on Murdoch Mysteries, will be at the Balmy Beach Club on the night of Monday, Dec. 1, for a holiday fundraiser in support of Beach Metro Community News.

PHOTO: JESSICA SHACKLETON

Holiday fun and conversation with Thomas Craig and Friends at Balmy Beach

holiday episode, there will be a trivia session hosted by QuizMaster Mike McLaughlin. Along with Murdoch Mysteries trivia, there will be categories such as Toronto, mysteries, and Christmas.

Craig hasn’t seen this year’s holiday episode; the actors don’t get to watch episodes before they air, but he could tell us a bit about what to expect, including a special guest.

“We’ve got Steven Page from the Barenaked Ladies, he wrote a song especially for Murdoch, a Christmas song,” said Craig. “He’s in it playing Steven Page, and he sings a song at the end. It’s quite a good song.”

Murdoch Mysteries has been on television since 2008. Filming of Season 19 wraps in December, and the rest of the 21-episode season will air in the new year.

Production recently moved studios from Scarborough to Etobicoke. That move suggests that the series will keep going, something Craig is looking forward to, both to reach a milestone 20 seasons and be in Toronto for the World Cup.

Murdoch Mysteries is known for its legendary run of guest stars and historical crossovers.

As for why people should attend the Dec. 1 event in benefit of Beach Metro Community News, here’s what

Craig had to say:

“I love the local newspaper. I always used to have one in my back pocket when I was in drama school. You can always get it online, but physical is so good,” he said.

Dec. 1 will be an evening of holiday fun and conversation, all in support of your community newspaper. As part of the fundraiser, a silent auction with terrific tickets and prizes will also be held. It’s the perfect way to kick off the season!

Tickets are $65 and the price includes a donation, event admission, and one specialty cocktail. To purchase, please call the Balmy Beach Club at 416-691-9962 ext. 5.

Neighbourhood Stops and Shops

FURRR brings fun, friendship, and furry faces to Queen Street East

If you’ve walked past 2207 Queen Street East lately, you’ve likely noticed a cheerful new addition to the neighbourhood. FURRR, the community-minded pet shop that’s quickly winning hearts (and tails) across the Beach.

Opened at the end of September by Jennifer Pau and Scott Jeong, FURRR is more than just a pet store.

The couple designed the space to feel like a gathering spot for animal lovers, complete with tunnels for dogs to play in, treats at the ready, and even a small set of steps leading up to the cash for pups who like to be part of the family finances.

“We wanted it to be a place people and pets actually look forward to visiting,” says Jenn with a laugh.

“Why can’t picking up a bag of litter be a joyful experience?”

Speaking of litter, FURRR’s sense of fun is matched by practicality. Though Jenn and Scott don’t have cats themselves, they’ve set up an interactive testing station featuring the litter brands they sell.

“We really wanted to make sure we could stand behind every product we carry,” Jenn explains. “Testing them ourselves seemed like the best way, and it’s been a useful exercise for others too.”

Scott, a polar-plunge enthusiast, first got to know the area through his weekly dips by the Leuty Lifeguard Station - yes, even in the dead of winter.

“Coming here and seeing the community, the energy, and how much Beachers love their pets, it just made sense,” he says.

That connection to the neighbourhood helped inspire the couple to open FURRR right here in the Beach, where the passion for animals and small businesses go hand in hand.

Jenn and Scott, who live in Leslieville, have already become familiar faces in the community.

They’ve built close ties with both customers and neighbouring business owners, and their grooming studio downstairs has been especially popular.

The space is run by Kris , a former master groomer from The Dog Market, a beloved local institution that closed last year after two decades in business.

Jenn and Scott have also formed a lasting friendship with The Dog Market’s former manager, Tricia, who has shared her insights and community knowledge as they put down roots in the Beach.

Inside FURRR, the shelves reflect the same thoughtful approach. Products range from locally sourced toys, carriers, and design-forward accessories to Toronto-founded favourites like Barkus dental hygiene products from Cabbagetown, and Dandylion, a Corktown-based line of gentle, skin-focused grooming items.

“We only showcase brands we trust,” says Scott. “As pet owners, these are the things we stand behind.”

That dedication also extends to pricing.

“We always source the best we can find,” Jenn adds. “But we also make sure high-quality products are fairly priced and accessible for families.”

Beyond retail, FURRR is cultivating community in creative ways.

A cozy sunroom lounge at the back welcomes anyone who wants to relax with a coffee while their pet gets groomed, or simply pop in for a chat. Jenn and Scott have partnered with the local BIA and plan to host neighbourhood events throughout the year.

On the 15th of every month, FURRR celebrates Seniors Day, open to people 60 and over, or pets 10 and up (and really, everyone’s welcome).

Their grooming services are in high demand, using only top-standard products and gentle techniques. Appointments are currently booked about two to three weeks in advance, so be sure to text FURRR at 416 677 7832 to reserve your spot.

And for those who’d rather not carry a hefty bag of dog food or cat litter down Queen Street East, FURRR offers free local delivery within the area bounded by the Don Valley, O’Connor Drive, Kennedy Road, and the lake.

Warm, welcoming, and whimsical, FURRR is exactly the kind of business that makes East Toronto special, one built on connection, quality, and community care.

Whether you’ve got a playful puppy, a senior cat, or just a soft spot for animals, this is one shop worth making part of your walk.

BMN Sponsored Content

Beaches Santa Claus Parade fun

Author J.D.M. Stewart’s The Prime Ministers looks at Canada’s 24 leaders

By Jessica Shackleton

EAST TORONTO author J.D.M. Stewart

will be celebrating the release of his new book about Canada’s leaders at an event this month.

The Prime Ministers: Canada’s Leaders And The Nation They Shaped is the first book in more than 25 years to chronicle the history of all of Canada’s prime ministers.

Stewart said it’s vital to have a fresh look at our top decision-makers as historical perspectives change with time.

“It’s always important to have a reassessment of important historical topics because the way we look at history changes over time,” he said.

“For example, in previous books about prime ministers, there’s nothing about their Indigenous policy, nothing about their environmental policies, and those are pretty important issues in our time.”

Stewart’s The Prime Ministers takes a chronological look at each of Canada’s 24 leaders over our country’s 158-year history.

He said most Canadian prime ministers have at least one book written specifically about them, but bringing them all together in one book makes the history and them and their stories more accessible.

“This makes it easily digestible for the average citizen. It also makes it very useful as a handy research tool for high school students, university students, and journalists,” said Stewart.

“Maybe somebody doesn’t want to read a whole biography of one of these prime ministers, so they can pick up this book and have a nice sampling of everybody.”

Stewart wrote Being Prime Minister in 2018, and it was a behind-the-scenes look at what daily life as prime minister was all about. The Prime Ministers is a more academic approach and examines the legacies of each prime minister, including how they are (or may be) remembered by Canadians.

In preparation for the book launch party at Noonan’s Pub, 141 Danforth Ave., on Thursday, Nov. 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Stewart has been in Montreal, Halifax, and other events around Toronto talking about The Prime Ministers

“We’ve been having conversations about why the history of prime ministers is important, because in recent times there has been an inclination to dismiss prime ministers because they’re white men, but I’m trying to argue here that that kind of stuff doesn’t matter,” he said. “We’ve been having conversations about people who make decisions at the highest level and about the importance of understanding Canadian history.”

As a former high school history teacher, Stewart taught about prime ministers in his class but acknowledges that there is always pressure in a history class to cover so many

different topics that it is difficult to teach about every prime minister in depth.

“My introduction is about some high school students who didn’t know who Lester B. Pearson was, and the teacher in charge of the event said, ‘Oh, we don’t really teach about prime ministers anymore,’ and I was taken aback by that,” said Stewart.

In Ontario, only a Grade 10 history credit is required to graduate from high school. Most universities offer more focused history courses, specifically on political history, but not everyone is interested enough to take them.

Stewart is also passionate about the importance of understanding one’s own history.

“How do you understand the country in which you live if you don’t know what happened before, if you don’t have any sense of why the country is the way that it is. Right now, we’re in this moment where our sovereignty is being threatened by the United States. It’s hard to have sovereignty if you don’t understand what your history is,” he said.

“It’s part of being an active, engaged citizen, having some familiarity with your past. An understanding of history helps you understand the present.”

Stewart said his goal is to have The Prime Ministers as a book in every high school’s history curriculum. It features a detailed index, photographs, and sections for each leader.

“It’s an accessible entry point into the great themes, people, and events in Canadian history in an era where people are looking to find things that band people together,” said Stewart. “It’s the Goldilocks of Canadian history; just right.”

Published by Sutherland House, a Canadian non-fiction publisher, The Prime Ministers is available at most book stores. For more info, go to www.jdmstewart.ca

Cantemus Singers to perform concert in the Beach

THE CANTEMUS Singers will perform a pair of concerts featuring Tudor motets and carols for Advent and Christmas this coming weekend.

In Gloria in Excelsis, the singers will explore the shift in music style that accompanied England’s move from Catholicism to its unique form of Protestantism.

The core ensemble of the Cantemus Singers is comprised of Chloe Matamoros,

soprano; Clare Tremain, alto; Valdis Jevtejevs, tenor; Ian Speck, baritone; and Paul Oros, bass. The concert will be presented this weekend, with performances downtown and in the Beach.

On Saturday, Nov. 22, the concert will be performed at the Church of the Holy Trinity, 10 Trinity Sq. (behind the Eaton Centre), at 7:30 p.m.

On Sunday, Nov. 23, the concert will be performed at St. Aidan’s Anglican Church,

Queen Street East at Silver Birch Avenue in the Beach at 3 p.m. The St. Aidan’s concert is a benefit to raise money for Centre 55’s Share A Christmas program. Tickets are available at the door for $35 general admission, with children under 12 free; or call 416-578-6602 to have tickets set aside for pick-up/ payment by e-transfer.

For more info, please visit the website at www.cantemus.ca

November 18, 2025

Notice of Commencement of Environmental Assessment

Scarborough Bluffs West Project

The City of Toronto and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) are beginning an Environmental Assessment under the Environmental Assessment Act , which will explore the enhancement and protection of sensitive shoreline and natural areas, in addition to opportunities for improved waterfront experiences and access to and along the shoreline between the Eastern Beaches (Silver Birch Avenue) and Bluff er’s Park along Lake Ontario.

The project will consider opportunities to:

 Improve how people access, move through, and experience the waterfront

 Preserve and enhance the natural environment, including the cultural significance of the Bluffs

 Minimize natural hazards and risks to public safety caused by erosion

STUDY AREA

toronto.ca/ScarboroughBluffsWest

Carried Away an adventure and a reflection on life

‘Author’ from Page 10

after all that time is a special feeling.

“There’s a little bit of trepidation at first because you’re putting yourself out there. In TV ads, it was other people’s work, but in this case, it’s all about what you wrote and what you’re putting out there. It’s liable to be criticized, so after the first couple of reviews, I felt better,” said Derry.

In October, Derry was looking for unique and cheap ways to promote Carried Away.

“How do you advertise without paying for big billboards? The idea of the Little Free Library came up because it’s really popular, especially in Toronto. We originally started by dropping unreleased copies in the boxes with surfboard-shaped bookmarks. We filmed a lot of dropping them off and doing a treasure hunt,” he said.

As they were working on that, Derry had another idea to take it a step further and build a box based on the theme of the book. This led to a custom-built beach hut Little Free Library on the Boardwalk at Woodbine Beach.

Derry put unreleased copies of the book, a notebook, and a message in a bottle. It asked people to write something about what makes their life meaningful.

“The amount of people who were not just open to this but wanted to write and tell us things that were personal or things that have affected them in their lives was honestly overwhelming. We probably heard from 50 people. I have pages and pages of that journal filled with people’s biggest fears, hopes, and dreams,” said Derry.

“It was just an incredible thing that made me feel like there’s something about the cultural moment right now that people really need that outlet right now.”

Derry has lived around both Spruce Hill Road and Queen Street East, and Coxwell and Queen in the Beach.

He said he has learned a lot about how much work it takes to be a writer throughout the process of creating Carried Away. He said it wasn’t always easy to write the book, but it was worth it.

“If you’re going to commit to something of this size, just make sure it’s something you really want to do. A lot of the writing was done while travelling, so that gave me something to focus on,” he said.

“Even when I thought I was done with the first manuscript, I was 12 iterations away from it being finished, so it takes a lot out of you,” he said. “If you want it enough, you’ll figure out a way to do it. You can do it; there’s nothing special about me.”

Carried Away is “your next adventure, no passport required,” and the story follows character Cole’s unexpected encounter with a tsunami on a surf trip to Indonesia. Readers can expect rich scenery and a survivor-thriller experience. The first half even feels like a fun vacation.

“If you want to go on an adventure and see life through a little more of a clear lens, this would be the book for you because it allows you to exogenously go through something most people will never go through,” said Derry.

“It reflects to you what you have to be grateful for, the meaning of your life, and all of the things in your world that we shouldn’t take for granted because they can be stripped away in the time it takes for a wave to hit.”

Carried Away was officially released on Nov. 11, and is now available at most book stores. To learn more, please visit www.readcarriedaway.com

City newspapers focus of historical society talk

THE BEACH and East Toronto Historical Society will host a presentation by writer and historian Jamie Bradburn this Wednesday night.

Bradburn will present an illustrated talk titled Three Forgotten Toronto Newspapers: The Mail/Mail and Empire, The News and The World.

The history of The News goes back to its founding in 1881 through to 1919. T

he World lasted from 1880 to 1921. The Mail/Mail and Empire is now known as The Globe and Mail

Bradburn’s presentation will take place on Wednesday, Nov. 19, between 7 and 8:15 p.m at the Beaches Sandbox at 2181 Queen St. E.

Admission to the presentation is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

For more information about the event, please visit The Beach and East Toronto Historical Society’s website at www. tbeths.com

Neighbourhood Stops and Shops

La Sala brings the Beach together over great food

In a beautiful old yellow house on Waverley Road just south of Queen Street East, La Sala has quietly become one of the Beach’s most beloved dining spots.

Inside, the atmosphere is cozy and unpretentious, soft lighting, slow lounge music, and the comforting rhythm of a kitchen that feels like it’s been part of the neighbourhood forever.

For nearly nine years, Chef-Owner Mohamed Hameem has poured his passion and personality into every corner of the restaurant.

After decades cooking in kitchens across Toronto, he found his purpose here: creating food that feels special, yet entirely accessible.

“This isn’t just a restaurant,” he says. “It’s my home, and I want people to feel like they’re part of it.”

That spirit shines through in La Sala’s year-round prix fixe menu, an unbeatable midweek offer, four courses with wine for $29 every Monday to Thursday, and Friday to Sunday for $37.

Each dish balances Italian tradition with heartwarming familiarity, think linguini frutti di mare, rack of lamb, penne arrabbiata, or Hameem’s favourite, zuppa di pesce, a rich seafood soup that regulars call a must-try. Meals often finish with a complimentary sip of limoncello, a small gesture that captures the restaurant’s signature hospitality.

La Sala is open every day, including

holidays, serving brunch on weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and dinner nightly until 10 p.m.

For those planning a gathering, the restaurant offers a semi-private back room for 10-12 guests and a private upstairs dining room for up to 50. There’s no rental fee to book either space, menus can be customized to each group, making La Sala a favourite for birthdays, family dinners, and office celebrations.

Looking ahead, La Sala will participate in Winterlicious 2026, but for Hameem, the restaurant’s everyday purpose remains the same: to bring people

together. “Food has a way of connecting people,” he says. “That’s what I love most about this place, it brings people together.”

Book a reservation, drop in for a meal, or pick up a gift card to give the gift of good food and good company this holiday season.

For reservations or takeaway, call 416-694-0004. For catering and group booking inquiries, email hameem_61@ yahoo.com. Follow @LaSalaToronto on Instagram for menu updates and upcoming specials.

BMN Sponsored Content

St. John Catholic School wraps up cross country season with 22nd city title

ST. JOHN Catholic School on Kingston Road, east of Main Street, is a vibrant school with different activities happening all the time.

These outside of the classroom “extras” enhance the educational experience of the students. From year to year there are different opportunities to take part in, and one of the constants that has been happening every year for more than 35 years is cross country running.

Cross country is a part of the culture of the school and many students and staff participate.

This year, more than 160 students from Grade 2 to 8 ran, four students helped and 12 staff coached.

At St. John, cross country is a schoolwide activity that invites anyone who wants to join the team to participate.

Recently, the students and coaches celebrated a successful cross country season with a luncheon. The celebration was for all of the students who

raced in various competitions this year.

The first race was the St. John Eagles Classic, which is a race for all of the runners who train who wish to compete, and 130 did this year. It was held on Sept. 29 at Ted Reeve Athletic Fields.

The Classic had 88 students qualify for the TCSAA (Toronto Catholic Schools Athletic Association) South Region Division 1 race on Oct. 7 at Earlscourt Park. The Eagles were very successful, bringing home the championship and advancing 69 runners to the TCSAA South Regionals.

At Regionals, St. John continued on top, winning the Regionals once again. The Regionals were held at Earlscourt Park on Oct. 17.

At both the Divisional and Regional meets there were many great individual and age group team performances, and this led St. John to tie for advancing the most runners to the TCSAA City Championships of any school.

The large contingent of 45 runners

at the city meet and their quality performances led to St. John winning the TCSAA Cross Country Championship for the 22nd time in a row.

The Grade 3-and-under girls and the Grade 6 boys were gold medal teams.

The Grade 8 boys won the team silver medal, and the Grade 5 girls, Grade 6 girls and Grade 7 boys brought back the bronze.

Individually Lyle R. and Arianne M. won silver medals, and Rose E. won a bronze. Top ten finishers at city championships were Lane C. (fifth), Spencer S. (sixth), Madyn K. (eighth), and Fiona W. (10th).

Cross country is part of the fabric of the St. John community.

The championships are great, but the participation, camaraderie and good times are what stands out.

There were 160 students who ran all season, and more than 90 students consistently ran for two months from the first day to the last.

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KLEANCARE CLEANING

We offer: • Commercial & Residential • Deep Clean

Regular Cleaning Call Erika 647-989-5188 (17r)

HNC HOME SERVICES

Eavestrough Cleaning, Gutter Guards & Christmas Lighting & more 10% promo code: Metro10 www.hnchomeservices.ca 647-568-8698 (17r)

EXTREME CLEANING

I provide excellent cleaning services for residential homes and condos. Contact Martha @ Cell: 647-206-1415 (17)

CLEANING FAIRIES Your house has never seen such magic! Two sisters will: Clean houses, Apartments, Deep Cleanings, Move in & out, and more... Call or text Sandra 647-289-2982 Sonia 647-216-5464 (18) Pat’s Cleaning Services. Honest. Hardworking. Reliable. Over 20 years experience. Condos only. $30/hr. Cats & Dogs OK. Daytime Mon-Fri 647-208-8999

THE TWO FOURS

(17r)

Beach Lawn Care

416-414-5883 info@blpm.ca (17r) EVERGREEN TREE CARE YOUR LOCAL, FAMILY RUN TREE PRESERVATION SPECIALISTS Pruning, Cabling, Planting, Arborist Reports, Removals, Stumps, Milling Free Quotes! 416.546.4889 info@evergreentreecare.ca evergreentreecare.ca (r)

GREENWOOD TREE COMPANY Another Local Arborist Tree Pruning & Trimming, Tree Removals, Arborist Reports, Stump Grinding, Tree Planting Free Tree Evaluations, Quotes & Permit Assistance Mike - 416 992 7963 mike@greenwoodtree.ca www.greenwoodtree.ca (17r)

AMELIA ROSE

GARDENING & DESIGN Spring & Fall cleanup. Maintenance. Garden design & plant installation. Seasonal/special occasion planters. Free consultation. Contact Deb 416-804-0646 deb@ameliarosegardendesign.ca www.ameliarosegardendesign.ca (19r)

LOCAL TREE SERVICE

Tree pruning • Tree trimming Problem trees • Tree Removal Seniors Discounts Call Dave 416-948-7633 (17r)

Magnolia Tree Care

GROWING TOGETHER

Meeting on development plan for Victoria Park and Danforth area set for Nov. 20

AN IN-PERSON community consultation meeting on a proposal to build residential towers of 39 and 16 storeys in the Victoria Park and Danforth Avenue area will be held on Thursday, Nov. 20, in Scarborough.

The proposal is for two mixed-use residential buildings consisting of 39 and 16 storeys atop a shared L-shaped podium at the site of 507-513 Victoria Park Ave. and 4,6,7,11,14 Thora Ave. The location is on the east side of Victoria Park, south of Danforth Avenue.

opportunity to view presentations, provide comments, ask questions, and speak with members of the project team.

(20)

Thursday’s meeting will take place at the West Scarborough Neighbourhood Community Centre (313 Pharmacy Ave., Activity Room 1 and 2) from 7 to 8:30 p.m. During the meeting, members of the public will have an

Heather Feather Painting, Design and Wallpaper Installation Experienced, reliable, and detail-oriented painter & wallpaper installer based in Toronto. Specializing in all styles. 20 years professional experience. Clean work, timely service, and satisfaction guaranteed. Colour consultations available! www.heatherfeather.ca 905-923-0156 (17)

Plumbers

BEACH PLUMBING

Small Repairs to complete houses Renovations 416 691-3555 50 years in the Beach (r)

NEIGHBOURHOOD PLUMBING

Beach resident for 50 years. Discount for seniors and single parent. Lic. Master Plumber • Free estimates Patrick 647-404-7139 patrickj480@gmail.com (9/26r)

TOM DAY

Plumbing & Drains

All types of plumbing work. Smallest leak - complete bath reno. Internal & external drain excavating. Call the professionals 416-480-0622 24 hr. - lic# P1624 (19r)

MASTER PLUMBER PLUMBER CONTRACTOR

Fully licensed & insured. Lic #T94

George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872 (17r)

Marc The Plumber Master Plumber • Lic. & Ins. C������� B�������� S���� R������ R���������� 416-456-9999 Follow on Facebook (17 )

Electricians

LOCAL ELECTRICIAN Fault Finding EV Charger Wiring & Install Service Upgrades Potlights & Lighting GREEN ISLE ELECTRIC DECLAN O’MEARA 416-875-5781 ESA LIC# 7002668 (1/26)

CEJA ELECTRIC

ECRA/ESA LIC#7001069

MASTER ELECTRICIAN INSURED CARL 647-787-5818 (r)

MASTER ELECTRICIAN ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR

Fully licensed & insured.

ECRA/ESA #7008706 George: 416-278-7057 or Gabston Reno: 647-342-2872 (17r)

MBX ELECTRIC

Carpenters

CARPENTRY

The application for the site was submitted to the city in January. The site is situated in Scarborough Southwest City Councillor Parthi Kandavel’s ward and he will be attending the Nov. 20 meeting.

CITYWIDE

ROOFING

416-690-1430 647-898-1440

Serving the Beaches since 1974 Family owned & operated (17$)

CANADIAN CONTRACTOR

Shingles • Flats Roof Repairs • Metal Work Eavestroughing & Siding Waterproofing • Since 1984 Met. Lic. B-16-964 Steve 416-285-0440 • 416-605-9510 (17 )

Beach Co Roo ng

Your neighborhood at roo ng specialist.

647-309-8056 (17r)

SMALL ROOFING JOBS REPAIRS EAVESTROUGH CLEANING & FIXING • YARD CLEANUP No Money Up Front NEWFIE TONY 647-462-3556 (17)

Masonry

GREAT WOOD SOLUTIONS

• Renovations

• Carpentry

Your Project is our Passion 647-207-0124 patrick@greatwoodsolutions.com (19)

AFFORDABLE DECKS & FENCES

Repair, Stain & Build Call or Text 647-463-3436 (17.)

Roofers

LANIGAN’S

Roofing & Aluminum

An honest family service in the heart of The Beaches www.laniganscontracting.ca 416-569-2181 (r)

ROOFING & SIDING? SOLUTION!

Flat and Shingle Roofs

Re-roofing, Repair Eavestrough, Soffit & Fascia Workmanship Guaranteed Gus: 416-910-8033 (17r)

TORONTO ROOFING INDUSTRIES LTD.

Local • Reliable • Professional

Servicing the beach over 20 years. 416 694 0906 torontoroo ngindustries.com (21r)

ROOFING, REPAIRS

DUN-RITE

Shingles, Flats, Eavestroughs Fascia & Soffit

Chimney tuck pointing 15% off for Seniors • All work guaranteed 647-857-5656 (21/26r)

J. BROW ROOFING

Shingles • Flats • Cedar Free Estimates

Residential & Commercial Cell: 416-788-9020 Lic# B16393 (17....)

Along with 578 residential units, the site proposal also calls for 412.7 square metres of retail space, 149.9 square metres of Montessori School/daycare space, 1,432.7 square metres of park space, 2,344 square metres of indoor and outdoor amenity space, 638 bike parking spaces, and 122 vehicle parking spaces.

BEACHES BLUFFS MASONRY

Brick • Block • Concrete • Stone www.beachesbluffs.com beachesbluffs@gmail.com 416-988-2589 (17...r)

BRICK SPECIALIST

Masonry & brickwork. Experts at matching existing brick. New builds, tuckpointing, colour matching, parging. Stone & Block. scotstonecontracting@gmail.com www.scotstonecontracting.ca Call Scott 416.858.2452 (17$)

GEORGE’S MASONRY AND STONEWORKS

Flagstone patios • Retaining walls • Porches brickworks • Masonry restoration • Fireplaces rebuild Cell: 647 - 280 - 1827 wonderstone1004@gmail. com 19)

OTTO’S MASONRY

Your neighbour for over 45 yrs!! Chimneys.Brickwork.Interlock Pavers Concrete.Porches.Stone To BOOK NOW Call: 416 467 1717 Email: info@ottosmasonry.ca Website: www.ottosmasonry.ca (15/26)

JDB MASONRY

• Brick / Foundation • Concrete / Stone • Chimney & Parging Restoration & Build www.jdbuild.ca 416-738-2119 (17r)

YORK MASONRY

S pecializing in: - Chimneys - Tuck-pointing - Brick/block repair - Patios Serving the Beaches for over a decade. Adam 416-895-1186 yorkmasonry@gmail.com yorkmasonry.com (17.e)

Trades

Block, Stone, Chimneys, Concrete, and all masonry repairs Call Sergio 416 873 9936(16e)

Professional drywall and plaster work. Renovation and Repair. Very clean. No job too small. Call C.J. 647 222 5338 (17

BEACHES HANDY WORKS

Dedicated precise worker. All your build and repairs. Indoor or outdoor: dry-wall, flooring, built-in, landscaping, interlocking, sheds, fences, decks, etc. at a reasonable price! Call Hamid at 647-300-2462 (17.r)

BLANK SLATE RENOVATIONS

Kitchens, bath, basement, doors, trim, paint, tile, ooring, fences, decks, interlock & more. Insured • Lic. B27597 Hello@blankslaterenos.ca 416.274.5929 (17r)

ALANO TILE & RENO

• Expert Installation of Porcelain, Marble, Mosaic

• Over 25 years experience • Total Kitchen & Bath Reno • Plus Tile Repairs 416-561-8713 (17.)

647 542 4995 abannerconstruction@gmail.com Since 2017 (19) WATERPROOFING Act Fast Waterproo ng 647-993-3466 www.actfastwaterproo ng.ca Licensed, local, award winning (17) BEACHES