AU G U S T 2026
No. 171
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Leaside High’s Athletes of the Year
GTA SPORTS PHOTOGRAPHY
MEET THEO GUIDA AND LEAH PINELLIS PAGE 22.
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Leaside Life • August 2026
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Editor’s Welcome August is our young achievers’ issue In June Leaside Life featured our first ever Youth issue – written, edited and illustrated by under-25s. Our August issue could easily be the Young Achievers issue, where we profile a number of talented youth. It’s packed with outstanding kids, whose achievements are setting them up for bright futures. Every year columnist Janis Fertuck, a former Leaside High teacher, interviews and profiles LHS’s outstanding students. Their achievements are not just academic – they are already community leaders with wide interests extending beyond school grounds. Take the time to learn more about Knox Creber, Logan Embir, Valerie Korolyov, Ethan Lau, and Eva Lucero. But that’s not all. This issue Susan Scandiffio, who often covers sports for Leaside Life, introduces us to LHS’s athletes of the year – Leah Pinellis and Theo Guida. Their achievements are taking them both off and on the field.
Jane Auster Editor Leaside Life
Carmen Fejer spoke with our June Youth issue cover designer Ellie Dewsberry to find out what’s next for this creative talent. Design is clearly in her blood, so it’s no surprise that Ellie will be furthering her education at OCAD University. We are also thrilled to feature the fifth annual Ruth & Harry Goldhar Journalism Award winner, presented at the Leaside High commencement ceremonies in June. This year the honour goes to Emma McGratten. Leaside Life is proud to sponsor this $1,000 scholarship named in recognition of the founders of our publication. Early on, the Goldhars recognized the power of local journalism and supported its growth. Against all odds, local publications like ours continue to thrive as the voice of the community. Recognizing young people’s achievements is another way to connect with our changing community. n
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I’m regularly astounded by the wealth of great stories waiting to be discovered in Leaside. Here’s one I found by accident while researching another topic. It’s the story of Donna Sansone, who was born in the mid 1940s. She grew up in North Leaside at 15 Craig Cresc. and attended Leaside High School, graduating in 1963.
Beauty queen In 1963, Donna married fashion photographer Tim Saunders and shortened her first name to the Spanish version, Dona, saying it sounded “prettier.” Committed to becoming a model and actress, Dona Saunders (as she was now called) took a job the following month modelling sweaters for the Kitten Sweater Company at the CNE. To her surprise, she was unanimously chosen Miss CNE for 1963 – the first winner of what became an annual contest at the Ex for many years thereafter.
Ted DeWelles
Leaside Heritage Preservation Society
Budding dancer Attractive and talented, she took up dancing at an early age and was a student of Willy Blok Hansen, one of Toronto’s best-known dance instructors. By the time she was 10, Donna was performing at major venues such as the Eaton Auditorium and the Promenade Concerts at Varsity Stadium. In early 1961, she performed a “Candle Dance” before 800 spectators as part of a spectacular variety show at Leaside High.
Rising actor Her big break came the following year. Dona had joined the New Play Society (NPS) Theatre School, founded by legendary Canadian theatre advocate, Dora Mavor Moore. NPS staff were impressed by her ability and recommended her for the lead role in a National Film Board production about
Right: Dona as a cover girl, Montreal Star, September 9, 1967.
SAUNDERS Page 35
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Leaside Life • August 2026
The amazing career of Donna Sansone-Saunders
Bobbi Cochar’s adventures – Figure skating to FIFA Not many people can say their family has lived in the same Leaside house since 1938. But 62-year-old Bobbi Cochar can. She resides in the home originally bought by her Robertson grandparents, then lived in by her mother, and now by Bobbi herself. Bobbi’s particular story intertwines her love of figure skating with her skill in handcrafts and her enthusiasm for finding new adventures.
Most special was a small square of synthetic moose hide pinned to an information postcard explaining “the Moose Hide Campaign is an Indigenous-led grassroots movement of men and boys – and all Canadians – who are standing up
Lorna Krawchuk Publisher Leaside Life
LEASIDE PEOPLE
Enthusiastic FIFA volunteer When the call came last December for volunteers to attend at the Vancouver or Toronto sites for FIFA in June and July, Bobbi Cochar leapt at the opportunity to help. Of the hundreds of thousands who wanted to volunteer, only about 5,000 were selected, Bobbi among them. She thinks that what won her a place was her answer to why she wanted to be involved: “to trade pins with people from all over the world.” When I talked to her, she had an array of pins on her identification lanyard, all ready to go.
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Leaside Life • August 2026
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against violence towards women and children.” A young child, visiting the Leaside Library along with her parents from Philadelphia, recognized that Bobbi was wearing the official FIFA volunteer kit, because her Philadelphia teacher was also volunteering – and had shown her class her kit. The manufacture and bright design – primarily neon green and purple – came from Adidas, with the three Adidas stripes prominent on the pants, shorts, t-shirts, jacket, hat, rain jacket, socks, fanny pack, and of course, shoes. Niloo Saiy PharmD, CDE, RPh Associate-Owner
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Figure skating memories It will take some doing to match Bobbi’s mementoes from attending figure skating competitions as a fan over many years, including 25 Nationals, nine Worlds, including one in Dortmund, Germany, 14 Skate Canada, two Skate America and one U.S. National. With her cross-stitch-on-plastic canvas skills, she makes special “skates” to give away to each competitor at each event. For the Nationals, 189! Bobbi’s love of skating started when her grandmother first took her for skating lessons at the Leaside Gardens when she was 5, while her mother was teaching at the Thistletown
COCHAR continued
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Leaside Life • August 2026
Regional Centre. This was in the days when Osborne Colson and Andra McLaughlin Kelly, well-known professional skaters, were among the teaching staff. Ice dance became her favourite, and by the time she was 20, she had achieved bronze, silver and gold status. When Bobbi’s mother, Pat Cochar, retired from teaching, she decided to take up ice dancing for recreation as well. From then on, Bobbi and her mother became stalwart attendees at any ice dancing events they could attend, either as skaters or off the ice. This has led to friendships with Canadian elite skaters, including ice dance pair, Shae-Lynn Bourne and Victor Kraatz, World Champions in 2003. When Pat was ill, Kurt Browning, four-time World Champion skater, and his wife, U.S. national figure skating champion Alissa Czisny, visited her at home. Now that FIFA is over, Bobbi is back on the ice for summer skating at several arenas where she’s a program assistant with young skaters. Plus, with a partner, she’s pursuing the Diamond level in ice dance. n
Just Chicken Portuguese BBQ’s secret sauce Suzanne Park Columnist
Five years ago, Tiago Jesus dreamed of becoming an entrepreneur and opening his own restaurant. Brainstorming with his brotherin-law saw the pair mulling over just the right name and brand. At the time, Tiago had a well-paying banking job that provided great benefits and long-term security. Despite doubts over losing this security, he resigned from the bank to turn his dream into reality. Thus was born Just Chicken Portuguese BBQ, at 1703 Bayview Ave. Like most dreams, Tiago sighed, “Building the restaurant required lots of time, effort and acquiring new skills including being the general manager of all the trades and specialized suppliers. The restaurant’s
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exhaust system was the biggest single expense and took the longest for specialists to design and complete. The installation and venting required 25 feet of ducting from the grill to exiting at the roof, plus numerous City inspections before being approved. That said, from start to finish, we opened June 22nd, 2025, just seven months after getting the keys to the Bayview retail space.” Takeout is king Although there are bar stools for eating-in, Just Chicken is predominantly a takeout spot that is truly a family affair. In the open-conceptkitchen, visible from the customer counter, you’ll see Tiago’s very experienced dad, Carlos, manning the grill. He worked in many Portuguese restaurants before and after immigrating from Coimbra, Portugal to Toronto in 2012. Meanwhile, Tiago’s mom, Carla, ensures flawless order preparation fit for a Toronto food inspector. She oversees the side dishes including delicious potatoes meticulously seasoned for 24 hours. She also ensures the popular Portuguese tarts stay stocked. You’ll see them on the counter, displayed and protected under glass. Counter staff, referred to as ‘collaborators’ in many Portuguese restaurants, round out the team, with Tiago filling in. A point of immense pride for Tiago, in addition to making his dream come true, is confirming “everything
SUZANNE PARK
Leaside Life • August 2026
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is prepared and served fresh every day, nothing is ever frozen. We’re healthy eating advocates.” As the business has continued to grow, Tiago enjoys seeing it bring the family together and enables his wife, Lillian, to focus on the home front, caring for their two children, three-year-old Oliver and eightmonth-old Victoria. During your next visit, you might just catch the trio popping into the restaurant. Asked how he chose Leaside for his fledgling business, Tiago declared, “I had a large portfolio of clients at the bank. Many of them were from Leaside and raved about the lifestyle and community feel of Leaside. So, it was the only neighbourhood I considered.” There is no point asking about Just Chicken’s 24-hour chicken marinade that is added right before the chicken hits the grill. The recipe is a tightly held family secret. In fact, it’s so tight even Tiago doesn’t know it. Only Carlos has access to the secret sauce behind Just Chicken’s success. n
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Leaside Life • August 2026
Plan Your Next Chapter, The Future Starts Here.
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The Leaside Outdoor Pool not meeting Thorncliffe’s summer needs
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What would summer in Toronto be without extreme heat advisories? A lot more comfortable certainly, but also a little less enjoyable for those of us who enjoy taking the plunge into one of the City of Toronto’s 58 outdoor pools. That includes Thorncliffers, Leasiders, and East Yorkers who live for summer at the Leaside Outdoor Pool, at 5 Leaside Park Dr., in Thorncliffe Park but also feel that a major renovation is overdue to bring the facility up to modern standards. One longtime resident, who grew up in a Thorncliffe Park Drive apartment, told me that while the City has spent money to repair the pool basin over the years, including sandblasting it this spring, they couldn’t recall the facility ever being renovated since its opening nearly 60 years ago. A Thorncliffe Park parent I spoke with agreed, telling me their child, who is an avid swimmer, stopped
JASON ASH
Leaside Life • August 2026
By JASON ASH
going to the Leaside Outdoor Pool because they complained the change rooms are too old, too cramped, and they did not feel safe. Leaside Outdoor Pool will still be
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buzzing this summer though, despite its shortcomings. Why? Because it is one of the only ways Thorncliffers have to beat the heat without leaving their neighbourhood. No AC in apartments With a few exceptions, Thorncliffe Park apartment buildings do not have air conditioning. And Toronto renters are still not protected by a maximum indoor temperature bylaw, after the latest vote failed at City Council, in May, with 16 councillors voting against it. Thorncliffe Park no longer has any indoor swimming pools either. All the apartment building pools have been shut down and, in most cases, physically removed, despite continuing to be an attractive amenity for renters. Even the City’s public recreation centre on Thorncliffe Park Drive does not have an indoor pool. At least the City keeps the Leaside Outdoor Pool open late whenever a heat wave has been declared. Right? Unfortunately, no. Despite Leaside Park having bright ballpark lights that can be seen from down the DVP, six well-lit outdoor tennis courts, and walkway lighting throughout, the City has repeatedly failed to install lighting for the outdoor pool. Everyone must be out when the sun sets, even if it is still hot outside. The pool’s condition does not sit well with Thorncliffers, who have witnessed numerous improvements
POOL Page 33
Leaside’s own manor house and its millionaires: Part 1 by MITCH BUBULJ I met her in the summer of ’78 and even though she had seen better days, she stole my heart. I got to know her well, both inside and out. By that winter she was gone forever. She went by a few different names, the last – Diva – short for Divadale. She was first known as York Lodge, less sexy but more practical. The metaphorical “she” here some of you with long memories may also remember. This “grande dame” of a mansion, built in 1913 by entrepreneur Joseph Kilgour, stood proudly at the valley ridge in what are now the institutional lands northwest of Brentcliffe and Glenvale. In 1978, when I explored the abandoned greenhouses, grounds and house, from attic to indoor marble swimming pool, “she” was boarded up, awaiting the wrecker’s ball. This three-part series is the story of the three millionaires – Joseph Kilgour, David Dunkelman and James Flanagan – who all left their mark.
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Leaside Life • August 2026
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Joseph Kilgour, York Lodge Born in 1852, in Montreal’s South Shore, Joseph established a paper manufacturing business with his older brother Robert, eventually buying Canada Paper Company, of which Joseph became president. They capitalized on a recent innovation – the flat-bottom paper bag – which they mass produced. They became so successful they were able to expand their factory on Wellington Street just west of Yonge to include the making of
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cardboard boxes. They also invested in the latest fire safety features – essentially two large water tanks on the roof – which saved their premises during the Toronto Fire of 1904 and prevented flames from moving east to Yonge Street and beyond. Sunnybrook is born At age 57 Joseph decided to buy land from the Burke family. His 200-acre purchase is now Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Sunnybrook Park. He established a working farm complete with barns for dairy cattle, stables for his hunters (show horses), a riding arena and even a piggery. He also constructed several cottages used by the farm hands (still standing today). Three years later he married for the first time. His bride was widow Alice Bright, née Grand. Her first husband, Thomas G. Bright, was a Niagara wine pioneer and co-founder of Bright’s wines, now Arterra, vintners of Jackson-Triggs products. By 1913, the year in which Leaside was incorporated, he had a grand home built on the ridge just west of what is now the Bellwood Centre at 175 Brentcliffe Rd. “Up to his marriage in 1912 he lived at the Queen’s Hotel (located where the Royal York Hotel now stands),” explains Allen Maclure, whose great-grandmother’s sister married Joseph’s brother and business partner Robert. Coincidentally, Maclure lives in the 2008-built Kilgour Estate condos. Kilgour called his new home York Lodge. It was rambling, built in the English Cottage style with a stucco finish, replete with gables, leaded glass, several chimneys and bay windows. Soon after completion he hosted
MANOR HOUSE Page 33
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No ifs, ands or butts! Don’t Mess With Leaside community action is growing by J OHN SCOTT and PAUL BOLTÉ Since launching our Don’t Mess With Leaside (DMWL) email, we’ve been busier than ever. From additional cleanups on Bayview Avenue and weekly litter pickups at Talbot Park to welcoming new volunteers, the momentum to keep Leaside clean continues to grow. Bayview cleanup yields surprising results Maralynn, a Leaside resident for more than 40 years and an enthusiastic DMWL volunteer, joined me (Paul) for a cleanup walk along Bayview Avenue between Millwood and Soudan. Together, we collected three big bags of litter. We even had a little friendly competition and discovered that Bayview East was cleaner than Bayview West. Way to go, Bayview East!
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Maralynn expected we would find more litter, but we were encouraged to see that several Bayview businesses are making a real effort to keep the sidewalks in front of their stores clean. Still, one item stood out everywhere we looked: cigarette butts! They were scattered along the sidewalks and especially concentrated around the beautiful benches donated by the BayviewLeaside BIA. The butt problem After hearing about the number of cigarette butts Maralynn and I collected, John and I decided to return the following week with one mission – pick up cigarette butts. We all know they are a major source of environmental pollution, contaminating our streets, waterways, and ecosystems. Despite enduring temperatures exceeding 35°C, we started at Millwood and worked our way north. After an hour and a half, I (Paul) had reached Parkhurst on the east side of Bayview, starting from Millwood, and collected over 350 cigarette butts. John started late at Millwood on the west side of Bayview and after an hour had only reached Belsize – a distance of less than 100 metres. In that short stretch, John picked up 523 cigarette butts. At least half of them were lying just below the curb, where rainwater can easily wash them into the sewers. In just 90 minutes, we collected nearly 875 cigarette butts. Wow! Few people realize that cigarette filters are made of plastic, not cotton. They take years to break down and contain more than 7,000 chemicals that can leach into the environment. In fact, cigarette butts are the world’s most littered item, comprising tiny plastic fibres that never fully biodegrade. Choosing to smoke is a personal decision. But where the cigarette butt ends up affects all of us. Perhaps the answer is greater awareness and a shared commitment to disposing of cigarette butts
Bob and Judy
responsibly. A small action – like carrying a pocket ashtray or providing more cigarette butt receptacles – would help keep Bayview, our parks, and our waterways cleaner for everyone. What do you think? We’d love to hear your ideas. Let us know: dontmesswithleaside@gmail.com. Talbot Park – thank you, Judy & Bob! With summer in full swing, Talbot Park (Bayview & Eglinton) is bustling with baseball games and community activity. Unfortunately, after many games, litter is often left behind around the diamond and spectator stands. Thankfully, Judy and Bob have stepped up to make a difference. After participating in Leaside Earth Day this past April, Judy and Bob became dedicated DMWL volunteers. Since then, they have taken it upon themselves to visit Talbot Park twice a week, collecting litter and often filling two bags during each cleanup. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Community members frequently stop to thank them for their commitment and leadership. Through their actions, Judy and Bob are setting a powerful example of civic pride and demonstrating that small acts of stewardship can make a meaningful impact. On behalf of Don’t Mess With Leaside and the entire Leaside community, we extend our sincere thanks to them for helping keep Talbot Park clean and welcoming for everyone. We also hope their dedication inspires park users and
JOHN SCOTT/PAUL BOLTÉ
Leaside Life • August 2026
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AND THE WINNER IS... Meghan Cheesbrough
Paul and Maralynn
baseball fans alike to make use of the municipal waste bins and do their part to keep our shared spaces litter-free. If you would like to volunteer with Don’t Mess With Leaside or want to report litter in the community, email us at dontmesswithleaside@ gmail.com. n
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Leaside Life • August 2026
DMWL continued
Holy guacamole! Reverend Paul works his Mexican connection
Leaside Life • August 2026
by MITCH BUBULJ “The smell of lime and cilantro on the fingers is heaven,” confides Paul Kang, investment banker turned Presbyterian minister, describing why he loves guacamole, including the preparation of this cool summer dip. His journey with Mexican food is unique and fateful, as have been the life’s travels which brought him to Leaside Presbyterian Church. “I fell in love with Mexican food in 2001 while living in Chicago, although my initial contact was at 15 as dishwasher after school at the Chi Chi’s on the Queensway!” Paul recounts. Graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in Montreal, he ultimately landed in the Windy City, working at the Deutsche Bank. And while he was adept at executing complex transactions and performing under pressure, Paul admits that the job was “not life giving. … I liked the idea of being an investment banker more than
Find the recipes online by clicking the Leaside Cooks tab.
PHOTOS: MITCH BUBULJ
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the actual work of an investment banker. To be honest, the prestige of the job title and the money were draws. But I quickly realized that neither prestige nor money translates into a life of purpose or meaning. So, after four-and-a-half years, I decided to change course.” Finding life’s purpose Coming back to Toronto, Paul by chance met up with his old minister from church. “He told me how he was working in South Africa in a shantytown outside Cape Town. He was helping locals secure loans to start businesses – anything from fruit seller to cobbler.” Paul says the minister was fundraising and hoping to form small co-operatives in the shantytown; he asked Paul if he would like to help. Having just stepped away from his prestige career, Paul decided it was an opportune time to move “out of his comfort zone” and so headed to South Africa. “My banker’s skills
came in handy, but what made me feel most alive was being of service; the world became a lot bigger.” In 2002, Paul combined his affection for Mexican food with a business model, envisioning a chain of burrito fast casual dining outlets with the first restaurant to be on Queen Street West. “At the time there was a dearth of Mexican places in Toronto; I got partners, secured financial backing and was ready to go ahead with the plan,” Paul remembers. But the night before signing the lease he had an epiphany. He explained his decision with his partners, and they were supportive. They understood he needed to follow his heart and serve his community. Paul entered Knox College, the Presbyterian seminary in the heart of the University of Toronto’s St. George campus. Not surprisingly, much of his volunteer work involved working at downtown community facilities feeding marginalized residents. Paul explains that, growing up, for him food had a cultural significance. “For Koreans, food brings people together; I was taught to share and to ensure there was always more than enough food to go around at gatherings.” Finding a favourite dish His choice of guacamole is a good one. It is an Aztec dish that predates the Spanish conquistadors. It roughly translates to be “avocado sauce” since originally it was mashed into a pulp. The Spanish added lime, onion and cilantro. Paul advises not to over-mix the ingredients for best flavour and texture. A restaurant’s guacamole is like a litmus test, Paul says. If it passes muster, you know their food is good. His clear vision and commonsense and caring approach to life guide him at Leaside Presbyterian. Interim minister in 2018 and minister since January 2025, Paul has initiated mindful and engaging offerings.
LEASIDE COOKS continued
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Every Wednesday morning online folks meet up for 20 minutes of silent prayer with a focus on breathing. Known as “centring prayer,” it encourages those involved to be fully present. He also organized a Learn to Play mah jong event in June, which brought together 30 people in the community. Paul’s last tips on preparing great guacamole? Choose ripe avocados; ensure the right balance between salt and lime; and dice fresh plum tomatoes into chunks. And don’t forget to stop and smell the cilantro. n
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Leaside Heritage Preservation Society 2.0 LHPS board members, left to right: Ali Toufighi, Peter Hutcheon, Ted DeWelles, Angela Burley and Mitch Bubulj. Not pictured: Jeremy Hopkin, Lukas Korkuti, John Lea and Louise Sheedy.
MITCH BUBULJ
Leaside Life • August 2026
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by MITCH BUBULJ Your local historical society, the Leaside Heritage Preservation Society, is on the move, with a refined vision and renewed vigour. Created in 2020, the LHPS had a clear focus: to preserve and promote our history. An historical archives collection was created, containing
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documents, photographs and artefacts, including: • Leaside manufactured glassware • A World War I shell made by the Leaside Munitions company • A World War II Research Enterprise Limited (REL) sighting telescope • Historical clothing • A brick from the Bayview Ghost/ White Elephant and • The clock from the old Sunnybrook Plaza. The LHPS also produces stories about Leaside published every month in Leaside Life – over 66 articles so far. Scores of Leasiders have gone on the LHPS Remembrance Day walks. This year the event may even include visits to local churches with memorials to fallen Leaside combatants. Known as “A Fallen Leasider Lived Here,” the walk typically starts at Trace Manes Park and visits homes where local fatalities of war – boys and men – once lived, with their stories told at each stop. Attracting new members Building on these strong historical foundations, the LHPS board – Mitch Bubulj, Angela Burley, Ted DeWelles, Jeremy Hopkin, Peter Hutcheon, Lukas Korkuti, John Lea, Louise Sheedy and Ali Toufighi – is committed to increasing the membership. In the words of board member Angela Burley: “A strong membership is the lifeblood of any historical society.” The LHPS is an inclusive not-forprofit organization which believes whether you have been in Leaside for five months or five decades, your
stories are part of the Leaside story. Larger membership will allow for more social and educational events as well as archival and research opportunities. One exciting change is the introduction of a new junior board position. Lukas Korkuti, a Leaside High School 2026 grad, is the first to take on this role. Readers of Leaside Life may remember his article in the June youth edition, “Why Leaside’s past matters to young people growing up here.” The LHPS believes it is important to bring members together for talks and social time. For example, an event on Sun., Sept. 27th is planned at the Amsterdam Brewhall, which will include a short interactive talk followed by a members’ get-together. More neighbourhood socials, walks, presentations and lectures are planned. The LHPS will also have a presence at local events like the September Corn Roast at Trace Manes Park. In addition, we are working with local schools to make presentations and visits to excite young minds about the many worthy stories in the community. Other initiatives that the LHPS is contemplating include: • Providing members with tools that enable them to research information about their own homes • Creating a Leaside Heritage beer in partnership with Amsterdam Brewery, and • Developing a new LHPS calendar for 2027. It’s clear good things are happening at the LHPS. Consider renewing your membership or joining today. Learn more at leasideheritage.ca. n
LARA CREBER
Leaside Life • August 2026
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Leaside High School’s graduatteams. As well, he served as presing class of 2026 have “performed ident of the Athletic Association many incredible tasks over the past for three years. Logan was also four years,” according to Jonathan the founder and president of the Janis Fertuck LeFresne, guidance counsellor and Jewish Student Alliance. In this chair of the scholarship committee. role, he organized a presentation Columnist These students “have written and by a Holocaust survivor and other performed plays, demonstrated athevents, like Culturefest, with the letic prowess, cooked lunches for the Muslim Student Association and the banking and finance. school, completed science labs, menEquity Committee. Serving as the Investment Club tored younger students through Outside school, Logan taught president and captain of the peer tutoring and clubs, swimming, helped coach a girls’ Student Council helped him supported many charicompetitive volleyball team and develop his public speaktable causes and much works as a camp counsellor at ing and leadership more.” Camp Tawingo. skills. He also took Mr. LeFresne added Logan received both the David part in a business that they are heading Ladkin Trophy and the Principal’s leadership program off to post-secondAward for Leadership at organized by ary destinations “in Commencement. Queen’s University every field imaginable Valerie Korolyov will be attendwhich introduced and are sure to make a ing the University of Toronto him to differbig impact wherever they this fall to study Life ent aspects Knox land.” Sciences after achievof the busiKnox Creber will be studying a final average of ness world. ing business administration at 97.5% and receiving Another highlight of Wilfrid Laurier University this fall. a $5,000 Entrance his school career was His final average of 93% and a wide Scholarship to acting as captain of range of high school experiences Victoria College. Her the football team, have prepared him for this program plans include mediwhich won the city and his future goal of working in cine or research in the championships two future. years in a row. He says Valerie At Commencement, this role further enhanced Valerie also received an his team- and time-manageHonours Certificate in ment skills. Bilingual Studies in Outside school, Knox Extended French, the has a part-time job at Extended French White House Meats on Award and the Bayview where he has Chemistry Award, several responsibilities Our products/services: and gave the including opening and Valedictory Address. closing, meat packing 5” & 6” K STYLE As a member of and preparation and SEAMLESS GUTTERS the Extended French developing customer Program, Valerie won relations. GUTTER/LEAF GUARDS: Logan awards in a wide array of Logan Embir will be Excelsior Leafguard System courses, including History, attending the Smith School Art, Biology and Functions. In of Engineering at Queen’s addition, she won the Leaside STEM University this fall after earning a Award, participated in the OJEN 92% final average. After a general Mock Trial Competition and took program in the first year, he is part in the Waterloo Euclid Math SOFFIT AND FASCIA leaning towards specializing in Contest. chemical engineering. SIDING: At the same time, Valerie was very Many of Logan’s school activities active in extracurricular activities, involved his favourite math and vinyl, aluminum, wood, stone as the president of the Law Club, science courses. He was part of the and composite veneers, an editor and photographer for the Math Contest Team, competing in Meibac™ and Hardie board™ yearbook, a member of stage crew both individual and team contests and a peer tutor. with the University of Waterloo. He Valerie also took part in many participated in a U of T Case Study activities outside school, such as Competition on the science of glow 647 924 1337 courses in first aid and Bronze sticks – his group came in second. Cross Certification. As well, she For extracurricular activities, ktexteriorcanada@gmail.com was a digital transcriber for the Logan was the captain of both the www.ktexterior.ca Smithsonian Institute and a content boys and co-ed volleyball teams and creator for Canadian Parents for coached the junior boys’ and girls’
f
STEPHANIE WING /VYACHESLAV KOROLYOV
Congrats to Leaside High’s top students of 2026!
TOP STUDENTS continued In addition, Eva has participated in several sports like volleyball, basketball, field hockey and softball, has been chosen Athlete of the Year twice and acted as the Director of Athletic Affairs on the LAA. She was also active as a peer tutor and member of the DECA club. Outside school, Eva has been a private tutor and assistant teacher at Spirit of Math. She has also volunteered at the U of T science mentorship program and at St. Michael’s Hospital. Clearly, the common theme among these students is their appreciation for the excellent learning environment at LHS and the many opportunities to become involved in extracurricular activities. But what is even more important to them is the special support of the people, staff and students alike, working to achieve their goals and enjoy the experience together. Congratulations to all! n
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Leaside Life • August 2026
where she hopes “to make a difference.” This year Eva also received the University of Toronto National Book Award, Grade 12 Mathematics Award, Eva John and Annie Seme Memorial Scholarship, David Stickney Scholarship and Stuart Morrison Award in Science. These awards reflect Eva’s long-time fascination with engineering, which began when she saw a presentation as a child and set up a workshop where she took apart old toys. Many of her academic accomplishments over the years are linked to her interest in STEM, excelling in several courses, achieving top scores in the University of Waterloo’s many math contests and serving as captain of the Contest Team.
ETHAN LAU /MADELEINEFLOWERDAY-WALSH
French, creating tutoring slideshows. When Valerie came to LHS for Extended French, she knew very few people, so made an extra effort to join clubs and participate in events. She made many friends and concluded, “I cannot celebrate my academic achievements without celebrating the people around me who helped me to push through. Ethan Lau, who achieved a final average of 98.5%, is heading to the University of Toronto in Mechanical Engineering. He received an admissions scholarship for the Faculty of Applied Science and Engineering worth Ethan $5,000 and is planning a career in engineering, specifically in the field of robotics or mechatronics. Ethan’s career choice is linked closely to his interests and accomplishments in school where he won several awards in math and science, as well as a STEM award last year and the Stuart Morrison Award in Computer Science this June. In addition, Ethan achieved some of the best scores in the school in the University of Waterloo math and science contests. But perhaps his most significant activity was involvement in Lancebotics, the school’s VEX robotics team, serving as a builder, code lead and captain over the years and winning awards at various competitions. Outside school, Ethan has been a robotics camp volunteer at Holland Bloorview Rehabilitation Hospital where he guided students with various disabilities through the building and coding of LEGO robotics and assisted with other recreational activities. He has also been a peer tutor, private tutor and lifeguard and aquatics assistant. To top it off, he won a King Charles III Award for Excellence in Community Service. Eva Lucero’s final average of 99%, the top average in the school, has earned her numerous awards, most notably, the Governor-General’s Academic Medal and McGill University’s Prestige Entrance Scholarship worth $40,000, which she will use to pursue a degree in bioengineering. She plans on a career in medicine or research
Leaside Life • August 2026
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Creative future: Ellie Dewsberry chooses passion over a traditional path For many high school graduates, the final months of senior year are consumed with a familiar question: What comes next? Some choose university programs with clear career paths; others head into the skilled trades; still others launch their own businesses at a young age. A growing number are following creative instincts that have been quietly shaping their interests for years. One of them, recent Leaside High graduate Ellie Dewsberry, is following her path to OCAD University. Ellie spent much of her high school career immersed in creative projects; from directing plays and designing Leaside Life’s “Youth Issue” cover, to contributing to indie magazines, it seems that what began as a love of making things gradually turned into a vision for her future. “My dad always told me I had an eye for it,” she said. “He said I could always spot good design.” That eye for design became impossible to ignore during Grade 11, when the pressure to make post-secondary
Carmen Fejer
Contributor
Ellie Dewsberry graduating from Leaside High.
decisions began to feel real. “It really set in for me during my communication technology class,
which I found I loved,” she said. “It was such a fun thing, and I felt more free.” While many students spend high school trying to fit themselves into a single category, Ellie saw school as a chance to experiment. She took art classes, photography, communication technology and even coding, not because she planned to pursue every field, but because she wanted to understand what kind of creative process best suited her. “Trying new classes could help me figure out how much freedom versus instruction was right for me,” she added. Each class taught her something different. Art gave her complete creative freedom. Communication technology challenged her to deliver a specific vision. Photography landed somewhere in between. “In design, people had different final projects, but still had to follow the same initial guidelines,” she said. “That was the perfect mix for me.” Ellie represents a broader shift among Ontario students. Whether through graphic design or skilled trades, many are moving toward careers that combine creativity, practical skills and personal interest. For Ellie, that excitement is already taking shape. Before classes even begin at OCAD, she plans to enter a self-portrait competition for incoming students. She is also eager to start firstyear typography courses, which she sees as the foundation of her design education. “It feels like a starting point,” she said. As graduation caps are packed away and the first chapter of adulthood becomes reality, students like Ellie are proving that success no longer follows a single path. Some graduates will build homes, some will launch businesses, still others will build stories through images, colour and design. Their future begins with something they seemed to discover long before graduation: the confidence to choose a path that finally feels like their own. n
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Aiming high: honouring Leaside High’s Athletes of the Year Susan Scandiffio
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ognized as Leaside High School’s graduating class’s Female Athlete of the Year. Pinellis spent all four years of her high school career on the Athletic Council while playing multiple sports for the school. A genuine multisport athlete, she participated in field hockey, indoor and outdoor soccer, badminton and flag football for the school – all while juggling her intense rep soccer schedule outside school. Pinellis notes that she has been lucky to “meet a really great group of people” through the various teams and was honestly “proud to just be nominated” for the athletic honour. In addition to Athlete of the Year award, she received the Gladys Heintz Award for demonstrating excellence in leadership, scholastics, athletics and service to the community as well as the L Award – recognition for outstanding commitment and dedication to athletics and leadership initiatives in and around the school community. Noting that her education comes first, she will be pursuing a degree in psychology at the University of Guelph. But she’ll still leave time for intramurals. As she has learned, it’s a great way to meet new friends. Meet Theo Guida Theo Guida’s athletic career at Leaside High was exceptional. The 17-year-old, who has loved and played sports from an early age, not only won the Male Athlete of the Year award in his last year
at Leaside, but also took home the MVP awards for both boys’ badminton and baseball. Additionally, he received the Jeff Crichton Memorial Award presented to a graduating student who best exemplifies the positive, dedicated spirit and athletic determination that former student Crichton possessed. Guida participated on the school baseball, basketball, volleyball, badminton and tennis teams. Outside school, he played and continues to play Elite baseball for North Toronto.
DANNY GUIDA
While kids continue to soak in the dog days of summer, many are preparing to head off to their first year of post-secondary education. These high school graduates will be leaving their alma mater with memories of time in the classroom, on the stage, in the gym and on the fields. As the school year ended this past June, two of these graduates were named Leaside High School’s male and female Athletes of the Year. Meet Leah Pinellis and Theo Guida.
MARTIN CHESKI
Columnist
KELLY PINELLIS
Leaside Life • August 2026
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While he notes how proud he is of receiving the award, he also mentions the role sports has played both as something he truly loves and also something that takes his “mind off when other things are going on.” And other things were definitely going on. While juggling multiple sports, Guida also worked tirelessly to achieve a 98% average in his top six Grade 12 courses – earning him the Norman McLeod Scholarship for the highest average in the class. In the fall Guida will be heading to Queen’s University to study engineering. Congratulations to both these outstanding athletes! n
by NAMYA MILLER Congratulations to Emma McGratten, recipient of the fifth annual Leaside Life Ruth & Harry Goldhar Journalism Award! This $1,000 scholarship, sponsored by Leaside Life, goes to a talented young writer at Leaside High School to put towards post-secondary education. This year’s scholarship recipient is a creative writer who plans to study English Literature at McGill University and hopes to write a novel in the future. Emma McGratten is a proud Leasider who has been writing her whole life, a passion that came in part from her joy of being able to “create something out of nothing.” She also acknowledges consistent support from her family in nurturing her aspirations. Emma finds inspiration in the landscape of Leaside. “It is interesting to see the older bungalows and reflect on how time has passed,” she says. She thinks that writing is very important for Leaside in the way it preserves the past and helps
future generations reflect on the way Leasiders used to live. “I find it interesting how previous generations had similar emotions to people now, despite living in a completely different time.” Emma finds it very important to take inspiration from the world around us, something she has learned from being involved in theatre and from creative friends. In her short story, Chasing Peas, about an ordinary morning of swan-watching that quickly turns into something more meaningful, Emma drew inspiration from her grandparents, and how in her grandparents’ community, the hatching and watching of cygnets is a very important event. Jonathan LeFresne, a guidance counsellor at Leaside High School, describes Emma as an excellent student who is an important member of several clubs. She is the leader of Leaside High School’s Classics Club and brought the club to the Ontario
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Student Classics Conference, even receiving recognition in a writing contest there. Emma has also co-directed and stage-managed several school plays. At one point, she even co-directed a Leaside High play for the National Theatre School’s DramaFest. Emma hopes to improve her writing skills further and increase her charity work. When asked about her advice to other aspiring writers, she said, “Start in a place where you feel comfortable.” She added that she used to publish under an anonymous name that helped her feel more confident and comfortable publishing her work. To read Emma’s short story, look at Leaside Life online! Namya Miller is an 11th grade Leaside High School student and summer intern for Leaside Life. n
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by SUSAN SCANDIFFIO When Jared Wontorra was 5, he wanted to be a Jedi like Luke Skywalker when he grew up. At 11, he wanted to be a spy like James Bond. Like Skywalker and Bond, Wontorra, now 23, is resourceful, resilient, adaptable, highly intelligent, and now attaining great success. Just neither as a Jedi nor a spy. As a student at St. Anselm Catholic School and Leaside High School, Wontorra loved sports and played hockey, basketball and volleyball. When his Grade 7 teacher told him that she could see him becoming a sports agent, he began considering the idea of sports as a future career. After taking the sports marketing course at Leaside High, Wontorra enrolled in the Honours Bachelor of Sport Management program at Brock University. While completing the degree, he took a job with Stathletes, a hockey analytics company, and worked as an analyst of NHL, European and Junior games. He was interning with the oper-
ations department with the Peterborough Petes junior hockey team when he discovered his love of sales. For Wontorra, this was a bit of a surprise as he describes himself as someone who was “very shy” when he started university. But a career in sales is where he has landed with an impressive role with the rapidly growing Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) and its new team, the Toronto Tempo. Wontorra is now the account coordinator for ticket sales and service for the professional squad. As part of the Tempo organization in its inaugural season, he is a strong and effective coordinator and part of a group that is rapidly developing a following. He might not be wielding a light saber or introducing himself as Wontorra, Jared Wontorra. But he is a young professional who has worked diligently and determinedly and found growing success with an exciting new professional sports franchise. May the force continue to be with him! n
Leaside Life • August 2026
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St. Augustine of Canterbury’s eight decades of evolution St. Augustine of Canterbury has stood at its corner of Broadway and Bayview in North Leaside for 80 years. Sometimes noticed, sometimes passed by, but never standing still. To longtime parishioner Tim Willis, who arrived with his family in 1958, the message after eight decades is simple. “We’re open,” says Willis, longtime volunteer, fundraiser and one time teenage acolyte. The church has weathered the changing face of Leaside, shrinking congregations and shifting attitudes toward religion. Its doors, tucked around the side rather than at the front, have long caused passersby to wonder what exactly happens behind the beautiful stained glass windows. The answer is – far more than just Sunday worship. Over its eight decades St. Augustine has become home not only to religious services but also to youth groups, hockey teams, Girl Guides, Cubs, Scouts, food drives, community events, and more recently, The Groove Room, a live music
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STEVE HARDY
Leaside Life • August 2026
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Left: the Rev. Megan Jull came to St. Augustine of Canterbury in 2018.
night that has brought new people through the doors. “I think Groove Room has grown out of the type of church that we are,” says Mike Rapson, a senior member of the church’s leadership team. “We’re not doing it just to recruit people. It’s something we like to do as a congregation, and something we think we should be doing as Christians.” That spirit, members say, was born in the church’s earliest years. Avril Cude of the anniversary committee, whose family has a decades long history with St. Augustine, remembers Rev. H. Newman Bracken, the church’s longtime rector, as a warm and steady presence who visited families in their homes. When Avril was four years old and seriously ill with pneumonia, he came to her house so her exhausted mother could sleep. “He was with me, reading books to me, for about four or five hours,” she recalls. Changing time Today, the church’s leadership reflects a different era. Rev. Megan Jull, who joined St. Augustine in February 2018, notes that worship once centred on a single ordained male voice, with physical barriers between clergy, altar, and congregation. Now, lay people lead prayers and
readings, the congregation gathers around the altar, and the worship space is more flexible. “There’s a different type of Christianity that people don’t always realize exists in this place,” Rev. Megan says. She describes St. Augustine as an expression of progressive Christianity, a congregation that welcomes LGBTQ+ people, supports refugees, embraces women in leadership and engages with social issues. “When I introduce myself as a priest in the world, some people sort of look at me and go, ‘So do you believe in science?’” she says. Her answer: Yes. Faith and reason, she adds, are not mutually exclusive. The building itself reflects that evolution. Pews have been replaced with movable upholstered chairs, creating a flexible layout for services, concerts, weddings, funerals and community events. The church’s role has also shifted with the needs around it. Parishioners support food banks, collect bread from a local bakery, host a Swedish congregation and rent space to help keep the building financially viable. “We’re not just here on Sundays,” Willis says. After 80 years, the message from St. Augustine is clear: the doors may be on the side, but they are open and not going anywhere. n
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Leaside Life • August 2026
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What’s the latest? A summer update Things have not been quiet on the development front. 712 Eglinton Ave. East My May 2026 column (“Garden Suite Application Withdrawn”) referenced the applicant’s withdrawal from the Toronto Local Appeal Body (TLAB) appeal hearing of their garden suite application with seven variances. Meanwhile the main building – the multiplex – was close to completion. Good news about the withdrawal? Sure, but any joy was short-lived, as the applicant then submitted an “as of right” application (i.e. with no variances), which the City accepted. And today a garden suite is under construction behind the four-unit multiplex. Was the effort (and expense) of an appeal to TLAB worthwhile? I think so; for while there will be a second building on the lot, the garden suite will be about 20 per cent smaller, and will be lower than the original application approved by the Committee of Adjustment. But more than the resulting project downsizing, the community showed its resolve to
work together for good planning. BTW City News has had a continuing interest in this story. See their latest piece on this issue.1
Geoff Kettel Saving Old Leaside
DEVELOPMENT
CHRISTINE SIMMONS
Leaside Life • August 2026
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The proposed building will extend to the shed and up 7 storeys, blocking light from the lane and the 16 units at the back of 928 Millwood Rd.
221 Donlea Drive (at Don Avon) This multiplex and garden suite application was refused by the Committee of Adjustment, but appealed to TLAB by the applicant. Further to a meeting with residents in the area, the Leaside Residents Association (LRA) was asked, and agreed to be a Party, joining the City in opposition. And a residents’ committee has agreed to canvass the neighbourhood to communicate the issues and request residents to file Participant Statements to the TLAB. Importantly, they will establish a GoFundMe account to raise funds to defray the LRA’s costs of lawyer and planner for the appeal. The TLAB hearing is set for August 28. 922 Millwood Rd. The July Leaside Life issue discussed the issues with the 922 Millwood Rd. application, leading up to the critical vote at North York Community Council on July 7th. That day turned out to be an endurance exercise – with over 100 items on the agenda and 922 Millwood eventually dealt with in the early evening session. Deputing from the community in opposition to the application were Christine Simmons from 928 Millwood, Rod Holme from Randolph Road, and yours truly from the LRA. The Committee “forwarded the item to City Council without recommendations.” A disappointment was that the staff report was in favour of the application, which makes things a bit more complex, even if City Council refuses the application on July 29th. In the meantime, discussions are being arranged between the Councillor’s office, the applicant, and resident representatives. However, my sense is that likely this application will ultimately be decided at the Ontario Land Tribunal. This application has unique and valid concerns around massing, access, and impact, given its small lot, use of Krawchuk Lane, and joining to the four-storey building next door. 20 Brentcliffe and 100 Vanderhoof The other Leaside item on the July 7 NYCC agenda was 20 Brentcliffe
DEVELOPMENT continued
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Leaside Life • August 2026
and 100 Vanderhoof, previously discussed in Leaside Life in June 2025. A revised application with reduced number of storeys (from 39 to 32) was recommended for approval by staff, and Committee adopted the staff recommendations. Despite the reduction, the application does not respect the Laird in Focus principle of decline in height from Laird to Brentcliffe. It likely will also be precedential, encouraging other residential applications in the zone north of and fronting on Vanderhoof. And it will shadow the new Legacy Park (set to open on July 21st). 105-109 Vanderhoof Stay tuned for the September issue where I will discuss this development. Please continue your support for the LRA’s efforts to protect Leaside and get planning that respects the neighbourhood character, neighbours, green space, and livability. n Developer starts building garden suite where tree was cut down illegally https://toronto.citynews. ca/video/2026/06/25/developer-starts-buildinggarden-suite-where-tree-was-cut-down-illegally/.
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What was a local child’s life like a century ago? time? So many Leasiders today think this area is a wonderful place to raise children. But what was it like to be a child in those long-ago days? An early project undertaken by the Leaside Heritage Preservation Society was preparing an inventory of the Arthur Sellers Library in St. Cuthbert’s Church. One exciting find was a document entitled Memories of My Childhood by Patricia (Mary) Oldfield, née Foden. When I first encountered Mary’s essay, I was quite excited. Not only is it a delightful read, but it also gave me additional insight into the childhood days of my maternal grandparents and great aunts and uncle, who were neighbours of the Foden family and likely had very similar experiences.
Leaside Life • August 2026
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by SUSAN PARR Perhaps you have seen old photos of Leaside and the surrounding area as it was a century ago. Have you ever wondered what it might have been like to live here during that
Early days Patricia Mary Foden was born to parents Thomas and Sarah on March 15, 1914. At the time, the family resided at 389 Merton St. While Leaside officially became a town in 1913, few people in the first decades of the 1900s lived there as it was mostly still farmland. Mary’s memories provide a glimpse of life as it was in our area at that time. Mary writes, “We were a happy rural community, and the city seemed very far away.” The people who lived in and around Leaside had to rely on each other. “Telephones were practically non-existent … and emergencies were always shared by neighbours, who quickly rallied to any cause, and gave gladly, freely, and generously of their help.…” Mary tells how she experienced her physical surroundings as a child. “The road...which is now known as St. Cuthbert’s Road, was, in those early days called ‘Lea’s Lane’…. It was a beautiful country lane – fairly narrow, slightly winding, trodden down dirt pathway through the orchards… and along the edges of the lane wild roses, honeysuckle, lilacs and wildflowers grew in profusion. The fragrance was incomparable.” When Mary was growing up, there were no stores in the district. “A trip downtown to the big stores was a rare excursion and necessitated a walk along dusty dirt roads to Yonge Street just below St. Clair for transportation.…” Mary’s family got their milk and eggs from the nearby Doughty farm, which
stretched “eastward from Bayview and bounded on the north side by McRae Drive, which was then a winding dirt lane.” Off to the Doughty farm Each day after school, Mary would walk to the Doughty farm “...equipped with a scoured-out lard pail and a note from Mother for whatever her requirements were. … Mrs. Doughty would greet us ... and off she would disappear into the mysteries of the milk house. ...she returned with a brimming pail of frothing milk … of a golden hue which smelled fresh and sweet. … from great baskets in a large pantry she would count out the eggs, many of them still warm. … Quite often, to my delight, she would pop in an extra duck egg as a special treat for me.” Despite admonitions to go straight home, Mary was sorely tempted by the various wonders and adventures to be found in the fields. “…on a bright summer’s day... Rabbits and field mice were scurrying around … crickets and beetles clicked … grasshoppers jumped ... bees hummed and darted … the meadow larks soared .. .in the distance the cows were grazing. All this was made for loitering and dreaming.” Fun and adventure were also around in winter “...what fun we had making the first tracks across the newly fallen snow ... making snow angels ... or rolling a huge snowball. … We never thought of the cold, we were having too much fun.” The Don Valley beckons Further to the east was the Don Valley, which was also full of things to do. “In those days the Don River was a sparkling stream, and we used to be able to swim at the old swimming hole. … We hiked and picnicked throughout the valley and learned more about nature study than any school can teach you. We gathered leaves… chestnuts, acorns and flowers, and made all kinds of wonderful things out of them.” To read the full documents, visit the Leaside Heritage Preservation Society website: www.leasideheritage.ca. Susan Parr is a fourth generation Leasider and a founding member of the board of the Leaside Heritage Preservation Society. n
st AuguEvents
ST. CUTHBERT’S, LEASIDE ANGLICAN CHURCH
1399 Bayview Avenue 416 485 0329 stcuthbertleaside@toronto.anglican.ca www.stcuthbertsleaside.com Gard’n Angels gather every Wednesday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. – noon. Come garden with us! For info, email gardnangels@ gmail.com Lemonade on the Green Drop by again this summer, any Wed. morning between 10:00 a.m. and noon for a cold drink, a cookie and a chat. Treats for dogs too. Tai Chi is on summer break. Resumes in September. Weekly services of Evening Prayer every Friday @ 7:00 p.m. on the Green. Join us!
SUMMER WORSHIP AT NORTHLEA UNITED, LEASIDE PRESBYTERIAN & LEASIDE UNITED
All services are at 10:30 a.m. Sunday mornings. Contact each individual church office for their specific online attendance info, otherwise we will see you at 10:30 a.m. Sunday mornings! Northlea United @ 125 Brentcliffe Road. September 6, 2026 Live Streamed at northleaunited. ca and on YouTube all summer. For information email office@ northleaunited.ca. Leaside Presbyterian @ 670 Eglinton Ave E. August 2, 9, 2026. Call 416 422 0510 or admin@leasidepc.ca for information. Leaside United @ 822 Millwood Rd. August 16, 23, 30. Call 416 425 1253 or robert@leasideuc.com for info.
LEASIDE LIBRARY 165 McRae Drive 416 396 3855 For a list of programs at the Leaside branch, visit www.tpl.ca/leaside.
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As summer winds down, I hope you have enjoyed the season and had the chance to spend time with family, friends, and our wonderful community. It has been a pleasure connecting with so many residents at local events throughout the summer. As we prepare for the busy fall season, please remember that my constituency office is here to help with any provincial matters. Wishing you a wonderful end to the summer!
WILLIAM LEA ROOM Sports Card Show Sunday, August 30, 10:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m. Duplicate Bridge Games and Lessons Wednesdays August 5,12,19, 26 Duplicate Bridge Games and Lessons Thursdays August 6,13, 20, 27 For more info please visit www.Torontobridge.ca. n
Constituency office 795 Eglinton Avenue East Unit 101, Toronto, ON M4G 4E4 416-425-6777 Stay Connected Sign up for our newsletter to receive updates sbowman.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Leaside Life • August 2026
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Leaside Life • August 2026
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Young Poet’s Corner
THE FOUR SEASONS Summer It’s hot It’s happy Fire burns in our hearts When all the flowers are brightly in bloom When spring has since sprung and we dance beneath the stars The stars and the moon All troubles float away And laughter stays put But troubles still float just like the wind on these hot summer days And the ice cream truck’s here and there’s sand on my foot Now my arms taste like chocolate from the warmth of the sun And the water is clear, ‘There’s a fish, look right here!’ When the day stretches on and you run, run and run When you sprint with the breeze and summer’s end is near But it’s not quite over yet, there’s time for one more One more sunset alone on the shore And as you watch the sun sink and be put to rest You think about this summer and how it was your best Autumn A season of warmth, of laughter and love A time to be thankful for gifts from above And there’s joy in each leaf, each pocket of flame But the feeling in the air is not quite the same It’s different to summer, it’s quiet but strong Rich beauty in nature, when the nights become long As the leaves float downward with the utmost care You suck in a long breath of the crisp, cool air The orange and red and yellow and brown Under a sky of fire, with flames for a crown Each twinkle in your eye brings a promise of warmth You spin around slowly and from your heart, pure joy pours forth The spark in your heart shines a million times more brightly When you are surrounded by falling fire, descending lightly As you sink into a carpet of brown, orange and red A fantasy of flame swirls around in your head A time to pause, reflect and breathe Beneath the shade of the fiery autumn trees
Winter You gaze out over the skeletal scene, blanketed in fluffy ice Each brown bone encased in thick snow Only the whisper of the ghost of a leaf remains of the vibrance of summer The wind’s icy breath burns your face as *crunch, crunch, crunch* You pull your numbing legs through the wistful wonderland of winter Then you sit and wonder at the stars They seem to be smiling down upon you Alone in this world, you seem to sense the promise of life Yet for now, calm Peace Quiet The only sounds you hear are your deep shaking breaths and your dull thudding heartbeat As your breath clouds through the air, all emotion leaves you And you seem to be drifting Far Far Far Away Then snapped back to life by the cry of a cardinal A vibrant flame among endless white beauty Spring Tiny suns sprout from the earth, Signalling the season of new birth Rows upon rows of colourful flowers, I could sit in the shade with this breeze for hours Joyful songs of life from feathered creatures As they flit on swift wings, one of the season’s favourite features Tulips: a sign of spring which reach for the sky Reawakening when red robins fly The sun casts down golden rays On small happy children and the memory that stays The promise of summer hangs in the air But today I’m content with the breeze in my hair — Adele Hawke
My name is Adele Hawke, and I am 13 years old. I have lived in Leaside for the past year, and it is my third year in Canada. I was born in Australia. I love to dance and sing. I am a member of the Toronto Children’s Chorus and I am a part of the Accelerated Training Program at the Canadian Contemporary Dance Theatre. I have always loved to write and am deeply inspired by the beauty of nature.
Joseph Kilgour with one of his prized horses circa 1916.
the first province-wide plowing match and over the years opened his home and farm to host many charitable events. An avid equestrian and gentleman farmer, Kilgour transformed the rural property where he often hosted fox hunts, serving 50 riders breakfast on the estate. Kilgour died in Florida in January 1925; Alice stayed on till 1930 when she moved back to the city. With over 50 rooms and on 30 acres of land, York Lodge was isolating for her. After all, the Town of Leaside had only 325 residents; her closest neighbour to the south was the Leaside Aerodrome.
POOL From Page 8 In 1928 she gifted 175 acres, everything but York Lodge and its gardens, to the City of Toronto. It was valued at the time at $350,000 and was the biggest land gift in Toronto’s history, larger by 10 acres than the gift of High Park by John and Jemima Howard. At the time it was called a “Picnic Park”; a May 12, 1928, Toronto Star article describes the charm of the park’s “rolling knolls, spacious meadowland, running river and trees in which hundreds of birds sing,” features park goers still enjoy today. Alice sold York Lodge to Tip Top Tailors president David Dunkelman in 1930. Later in the ’30s, acreage close to Bayview was transferred to the federal government for construction of a veterans’ hospital, originally called the Sunnybrook Military Hospital, opening in 1948. All that’s left of the York Lodge residential complex are the gates and gatehouse located at the end of Sutherland Dr., south of the Lyndhurst Centre. Both are listed on the City of Toronto’s Inventory of Heritage Properties. Next month be sure to read about the Dunkelman years. n
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over the years to Leaside Park’s sports field and tennis courts. Approved by Leaside Town Council under the leadership of Mayor Beth Nealson in 1966, the park was the town’s farewell project ahead of amalgamation. While it wasn’t Leaside’s Centennial project – that distinction belongs to Trace Manes Community Centre – the pool is significant because Mayor Nealson lived at 54 Thorncliffe Park Dr., Apt. 408. Popularly known as “Mrs. Leaside,” the mayor was also a Thorncliffer, and she cared about Thorncliffe Park. Sixty years later, we can honour Mayor Nealson’s legacy by joining together to renew her gift to Thorncliffe Park, so today’s kids have a great place to swim. n
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Leaside Life • August 2026
CITY OF TORONTO ARCHIVES
MANOR HOUSE From Page 10
Gardens OF DISTINCTION by LILY PETICK
The Leaside Garden Society’s 2026 Gardens of Distinction celebrates the beauty and abundance of gardens in full radiant summer bloom. In late June, our dedicated committee members walked the streets of Leaside and Bennington Heights, discovering front gardens alive with vibrant colour, rich textures, and flourishing plant life. Despite our stifling hot summer thus far, homeowners once again demonstrated remarkable creativity and care in their gardens. From sculpted topiaries to lush tapestry gardens and curated designed landscapes, neighbourhood streets were transformed into inspiring showcases of horticultural excellence. Many gardens also provided valuable habitat and food sources for bees, butterflies, and other important pollinators. Working in teams of two, members covered six designated areas, each nominating their top selections for final judging. In selecting this year’s gardens, the committee considered overall design,
creative use of colour and texture, diversity of plant material, maintenance, support for pollinators, and that unforgettable inviting factor that makes a garden truly exceptional. We are delighted to recognize the following 2026 Gardens of Distinction: 36 Rykert Cresc., 2 Roxville Ave., 24 Leacrest Rd., 291 Sutherland Dr., 106 Airdrie Rd., 351 Bessborough Dr., 98 Parklea Dr. and 36 Macnaughton Rd. As you stroll through Leaside and Bennington Heights this summer, we encourage you to seek out these beautiful gardens and celebrate the passion and dedication of the homeowners (the gardeners!) who help make our community such a wonderful place to live. A heartfelt thank you goes to our incredible committee members whose enthusiasm, keen eyes, and dedication made this year’s program possible. Their commitment to recognizing and encouraging gardening excellence is deeply appreciated. Lily Petick is chair of the Leaside Garden Society Gardens of Distinction Awards 2026. n
291 Sutherland Dr.
11 Roxville Ave.
36 Macnaughton Rd.
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BECOME A VOLUNTEER BRAILLE TRANSCRIBER Help make written information more accessible to people who are blind or have low vision. CNIB is seeking sighted volunteers to learn how to convert print materials into braille and support greater access to literacy, information, and independence. Volunteers receive a free, intensive eight-month contracted braille transcription course. Classes run Tuesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., September through April, at CNIB, 1929 Bayview Ave. in Toronto. Classes may move to Zoom during inclement weather. Weekly assignments require approximately 15 hours of independent work. Applicants should have strong English skills, enjoy working with words, and be comfortable using a computer. Access to a Windows PC, printer, and email is required. Volunteers should also be organized, dependable, self-motivated, and committed to ongoing learning. After completing the course, volunteers must commit to at least three years, including one weekly shift from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in CNIB’s Braille Room. Ready to help expand access to braille? Scan the QR code to get started! Applications close at the end of August 2026.
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Circulation 10,000 to every home and business in Leaside & Bennington. No part of the editorial content of this publication may be reprinted without the publisher’s written permission. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publisher. No liability is assumed for errors or omissions. All advertising is subject to publisher’s approval. Such approval does not imply any endorsement of the products or services advertised. Publisher reserves the right to refuse advertising that does not meet the standards of the publication.
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Leaside Life • August 2026
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SAUNDERS From Page 3
False start/fresh start By the end of the decade, Dona had grown disillusioned with modelling (“I hated being treated like a piece of meat.”) and returned to Canada. By now she was separated from her husband and a single mother. She decided to resume acting and appeared in a CBC comedy-drama called Fringe Benefits. Televised in November 1969, it unfortunately received mixed – and some quite negative – reviews. The experience may have prompted her to leave acting and embark on yet another career – fitness instructor. Building on her training as a dancer, Dona developed a unique ballet-based exercise program aimed at improving the physiques of outof-shape individuals. By 1978, she operated her own studio – called Images. Perhaps as a nod to her previous success, it was located on Phoebe Street in Toronto. She later renamed it Changing Images and relocated to Lombard Street. Her clients included athletes, musicians, models and housewives. By the early 1980s, Dona had become a well-recognized fitness expert. A frequent guest on Toronto TV talk shows, she was often quoted in articles about health and fitness. The Toronto Sun, for example, made
Saunders receiving an award for best actress in a short film at the Montreal Film Festival.
her the subject of a full-page feature in its March 10, 1981, edition. For the next 10 years, Dona apparently continued to operate her successful fitness business. Then this item appeared in the Toronto Sun: [Notice is hereby given that Changing Images Ltd. intends to dissolve pursuant to the Business Corporations Act. ...Dona Saunders, President.] An extraordinary life Following this statement, Dona
seemed to fade from public view. Her parents, Ivy and Robert Sansone, continued to live on Craig Crescent until the mid 1980s and are buried in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery. But subsequent details about their daughter are scarce. Dona Saunders nevertheless achieved much. She remains one of the many Leasiders whose extraordinary yet often unsung lives deserve to be recognized, celebrated and remembered. n
Leaside Life • August 2026
Fashion model Armed with this success, Dona, her husband and their two children briefly moved to England in 1966 to enable her to expand her modelling career. As a fashion model, she appeared in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, The London Observer Review, the Toronto Telegram, the Globe and Mail, and was on the cover of the Montreal Star Weekend Magazine. At one photo session – shot along London’s famed Carnaby Street – she was photographed with iconic American singer, Tony Bennett.
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MONTREAL STAR, AUGUST 13, 1965.
teenage pregnancy, entitled Phoebe. Filmed in Montreal, the film depicts a young girl’s struggle to cope with the challenge of having a baby but afraid to tell people – her parents, teachers, boyfriend – about it. [See the film here: https://www.nfb.ca/ film/phoebe/]. The film received huge critical praise, winning best short film honours at the 1965 Montreal Film Festival. For her part, Dona was named best actress at the same festival and awarded a cheque for $500.
Spring forward. Fall down. Continued…
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Leaside Life • August 2026
by DAVID CRICHTON Last month’s column experienced an unexpected interruption following a disagreement between the author’s skull and a sidewalk. The remainder of the story has now been recovered. SYSTEM RESTART Retrieving previous session… Last saved memory: “…I just hope I can remem…” Recovery successful. As the mist lifts from the moors of my hippocampus, my first thoughts aren’t of the growing pain inside my temple, or the blood on my hands, or how just one arm of my eyeglasses is somehow staying stuck on my right ear. No, my first thought is whether I have ruined my pants…in more ways than one. Relieved to not be relieved, my second thought is how well Jerry the Wonder Mutt is behaving. The leash is no longer in my hand and yet, there he sits, looking at me with
a cocked head. Is that the look of temple to her face. empathy? Or is he thinking, “See, “Do I need stitches?” I ask. this is what happens when you have She tilts her head up and looks only two legs.” Where is this placid, through the bottom of her glasses, thoughtful dog when a squirrel pres“Mmmm, no. You’re fine.” ents itself across the road? I tell her, I plan to call the City and As I pick up Jerry’s leash and I ask for her email address in case I gather the sad pocket-evidence need a witness to what happened of my last week’s life from for any reason…like dropping the sidewalk, a lady, with a dead from an aneurysm, say. THE broom in her hand, walks up With that, I decide that LEASIDE between the parked cars and OBSERVER my full motion TV mount approaches me. waiting to be picked up at “You know, you’re the third Best Buy can wait another day person to trip and fall on that and I head back home to tend to thing in the last two days.” my wounds, and ego. When I arrive, I look down to where she is pointI sit down with a pad and pen and ing and see that the sidewalk is call 3-1-1. A very helpful woman heaved up on one corner by at least named Jana walks me through the two and a half inches. Faint, orange process of how I might get compenspray paint can still be seen in the sated for my glasses, but not without crevices and pits of the concrete’s suggesting I see a doctor first. edge. Clearly, this has been a hazard Over the course of the next few for some time. days, I am back at Bayview Vision “Someone’s going to kill themshopping for new looking-ball aids, selves. I don’t know why the City and in to see my doctor. By this doesn’t fix it,” she continues. point, I’ve told my fall story to six I just turn my head and tilt my or seven people. And in nearly every case, they wince, breathe in through their teeth, and make comments like, “Yikes…. falls aren’t good” …and other comments that are just slightly higher on the scale of communication effort above dead-eyed nods of boredom. Also followed closely by their own story of how they fell or someone they knew had fallen. Each story a little more morbid than the last, with the implied message being that I was lucky and things could be worse. My most recent telling of the story is by email, to the City of Toronto insurance and legal representative. So far, no reply emails with wincing emojis…. To be continued…n
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Leaside Life • August 2026
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More bus fuss When the new Line 5 came into service several months ago, we all looked forward to improved public transit and to more reliable connections between rapid and surface transit. Specifically, in our part of Toronto, we expected that Leasiders would be able to continue using the direct 88A and 88B South Leaside routes between St Clair station on Yonge St. and Thorncliffe Park, and to transfer directly with Line 5. When it was also announced that construction for the Ontario Line would require closing a key stretch of Beth Nealson Drive for two years, we were relieved to learn that the TTC had agreed to supply a new temporary bus. The 156 Millwood route is intended to provide and supplement that part of Route 88B’s service in the affected area. So far, so good. But as my Leaside Life column reported last month, while Route 88B had been a daily route, running approximately every eight minutes and on evenings as well as during daytime, the 156 is only a limited-service route, running every
Carol Burtin Fripp Co-president LRA
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Leaside Life • August 2026
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Service is Our Specialty half hour, and only in daytime. Not a reliable enough substitute. This reduction in service seriously
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complicates the travel of residents, employees, and customers of businesses in the heavily transit-dependent neighbourhoods of Leaside and Thorncliffe Park, an area dependent on major industrial and retail activity. It’s good timing the TTC’s annual city-wide Service Standards Review process is beginning once again, as there is lots to discuss. For instance, can we seek more effective ways of actually preventing congestion, especially in locations where construction activities slow surface transit? How much congestion is actually controllable by adjusting route additions or frequency? Creative ways to handle gridlock? Are there creative ways of correcting or reducing gridlock which are transit-positive? The Service Standards Review process, supported by the TTC and made up of volunteer representatives from across Toronto (including myself for the Leaside Residents Association), provides a very useful forum for ideas. Ask yourself: what kind of city do you want Toronto to be? For instance, in recent years, the province has taken over many previously municipal functions and policies, especially affecting zoning powers. How do you want to be governed? What can you do? You can write to the TTC and its board. You can let our mayoral candidates know what matters to you. You can let our MPP Stephanie Bowman know that you want her to monitor municipal issues at the provincial level. You can share your own experiences, and suggestions. Local points of view on local policies and performance are an important way of telling all levels of government how we want them to lead. There is no better time than now, as we approach municipal elections this autumn. The next monthly meeting of the LRA board will be on Wed., Aug. 5th, at 7:30 p.m., on Zoom. These are public meetings and you are invited to join us! Email us at leasideresidents.ca/contact us for Zoom contact details. n
DID LEASIDE YOU RESIDENTS KNOW? YOUSURVEY HAD YOUR SAY! From the 2026 Leaside Residents Survey: Nearly two-thirds of survey respondents were interested in community volunteerism. While 18.7% said they currently volunteer, 35.1% said they are interested, but not yet involved, and another 29.9% said they are not aware of available opportunities. Together, these findings suggest that many Leasiders may be willing to contribute their time – but need clearer invitations and better information about how to get involved. Leaside’s community organizations depend on volunteers. Making opportunities easier to find could help turn this interest into greater participation across the neighbourhood.
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In response to these findings, commencing on September 1st – Leaside Life will be setting up a volunteer portal on our website to act as a clearinghouse to connect those who’d like to volunteer and our local organizations looking for volunteers. Explore the complete 2026 Leaside Residents Survey findings at LeasideLife.com.
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