Leaside Life Issue 123 August 2022 by Leaside Life

AU G U S T 2022

Leaside Life leasidelife.com

No. 123

Terry Fallis packs up the car cottage style Pg 10

Leaside students celebrate in-person grad! MEET OUTSTANDING STUDENTS AND SEE CELEBRATORY PICS! STARTING ON PAGE 12

LOCAL B US TING IN OR E PP

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Editor’s Welcome

Leaside Life • August 2022

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The kids are all right, 2022 edition

Jane Auster

Imagine spending half your high school career under the shadow of a pandemic. Imagine having your in-person learning interrupted and disrupted and then having to pivot to online learning. Imagine returning to school, but to a hybrid model of education with only the hint of normality and only at the end of your high school career. Leaside students don’t have to imagine. This has been their reality for the past couple of years. Despite these extraordinary circumstances, a number of young people have thrived. Four in particular, at Leaside High, are stellar examples of achievement and strength under adversity. At Leaside Life we are honoured to highlight four outstanding LHS graduates in a feature by our regular schools columnist, Janis Fertuck. Michael Cassidy won the prestigious Schulich Leader Scholarship valued at $80,000 to study computer science at Queen’s University. Yousra Lakhani will be studying health sci-

ences at McMaster University after receiving the McMaster Health Science Achievement Award. Armiti Zarbakhsh earned a scholarship to the Pearson Stream at Victoria College, University of Toronto, to complete a double major in political science and neuroscience. Mikela Scharlach has chosen a program in biomedical engineering at the University of British Columbia. And you’ll be able to learn more about one of these outstanding grads – Yousra Lakhani – in another feature in Leaside Life. Yousra is the winner of our very own Ruth and Harry Goldhar Journalism Award, honouring her work as editor-inchief of the newspaper, the Leaside Chronicle. The future looks bright with Leaside students like these leading the way. Enjoy the issue! n

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The Bells of Leaside: Remembering the Canada Varnish Carillon

Leaside Life • August 2022

by TED DEWELLES, Leaside Heritage Preservation Society

THE TORONTO STAR, APRIL 9, 1959

From 1924 into the 1970s, Canada Varnish Ltd. was among Leaside’s most established companies. The firm manufactured paints and varnishes at its plant on Canvarco Road off Laird Drive, and its founder/ president, Rupert E. Edwards (1894-1967), is still remembered today as the man who sold to the City of Toronto (at a bargain price) his massive estate – now known as Edwards Gardens. Mr. Edwards was also an ardent lover of music. Through his company, he regularly sponsored radio broadcasts of organ music, was an organist himself, and became a major benefactor of the University of Toronto’s faculty of music. Unfortunately, his passion for music had negative consequences for the town of Leaside and some

BELLS Page 26

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MEET A LEASIDE BUSINESS: HOLLYWOOD GELATO 4

We all scream for Hollywood Gelato Asked to name one enduring business on Bayview, chances are many Leasiders will answer Hollywood Gelato. That’s because this gelateria has been satisfying palates for more than two decades and is often voted Toronto’s finest gelato emporium. The man behind the creamy gelato is Dino Carella, who got his start making and selling gelato in Bari, Italy, as an 18-year-old. At 33, he came to Canada, looking for a new start. He scouted a number of neighbourhoods, but felt that the Bayview strip was home to businesses that would be compatible with his, and he loved the overall feel of this neighbourhood. Gelato and ice cream are related products. Ice cream has higher fat from cream, is “airier” because of its fast churning, and is kept at a low temperature. Gelato uses milk to start, and its churner moves more slowly than an ice cream machine

Dino Carella outside his shop.

Leaside Village Medical Clinic

The new Leaside Village Medical Clinic is thrilled to provide many medical services for our Leaside Community. We offer Family Medicine, Dermatology, Cosmetic Services, Cardiology, Urology, IV Iron Infusions and Orthopedic services in our newly built, comfortable and easily accessible medical clinic. In addition, we offer Physiotherapy and Orthotic services powered by the experienced team from Foundation Physiotherapy. We are honored to welcome psychologist Dr. Jennifer Brownstein, who now offers individual and group therapy to increase your overall well being. Check out our website at www.LVMC.ca or call us at (416) 487-2442. We look forward to serving our community! Leaside Village Plaza, Unit 206, 25 Industrial St., East York, Ontario (above the Shoppers Drug Mart/PetSmart)

ROBIN DICKIE

Leaside Life • August 2022

by LORNA KRAWCHUK

and thus makes a product that’s softer and more dense. Dino and his cousin Enzo are the main staffers, along with a manager and part-timers as needed. Some come first as students and stay on through university breaks. A perk of working at Hollywood Gelato is the obvious: you can eat all the gelato you want! Dino encourages that, as it helps his employees to better help customers with those difficult threescoop choices. Why the name Hollywood? Dino’s original thought was to name the various flavours after movies he loved or particular stars, but a friend told him he would have serious copyright difficulties if he went that route. But since he had already fallen in love with the name Hollywood Gelato, the name stayed, even without the movie star flavour names, and he’s still here 21 years later. They may not be movie stars, but prominent food critics have made a point of visiting and extolling his tasty delights. James Chatto, for instance, kept asking why the mango gelato tasted more real than an actual mango. All down to Dino’s wise choice of prime ingredients. Dino makes a point of buying the

GELATO Page 17

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Leaside Life • August 2022

LEASIDE

THANKS LEASIDE FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

Leaside Life • August 2022

Gearing up for a big fight at Bayview and Broadway If you want to win, you need to be prepared, and that takes both a plan and resources. “We are working on a plan and now we need people to state their opposition, and invest in our success.” That was the strong message given to those attending the recent meeting of the Bayview Broadway Group (BBG), the residents’ group formed in opposition to the 25-storey tower proposal at the southeast corner of Bayview and Broadway. Participants heard that the group is moving to incorporate as Bayview Broadway Good Planning, Inc., has hired a reputed planning lawyer, and is working to hire a top-notch land use planner. And there may be other experts needed. So, this will cost a couple of six figures – a not insignificant amount of money. The fundraising starts now! First will be the Case Management Conference (CMC) on August 12. This is to establish who will be a “party” with full legal rights to

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speak and be involved at all stages of the process, and who will sign on as “participants,” who have to submit a written statement 10 days before the CMC. The BBG will file as a party, and they want to demonstrate the widespread opposition to the development as reflected by a large number of participants statements submitted. The City is expected to file as a party in opposition, but City Planning’s final report did not make it to committee in this term of council. Because of the municipal election, their final report will not be brought to a committee and council meeting until early 2023. The CMC will establish the hearing date, expected sometime in 2023, and the hearing is likely to take a week or more. The BBG has two critical requests of Leaside residents (and those on the west side of Bayview): first, please consider writing and submitting a participant statement elaborating your concerns; second, and importantly, dig deep with your contribution to the BBG cause. To follow up and get more details on both of these requests, contact Bayviewbroadwaygoodplanning@ gmail.com.

New planning application Finally, a quick mention that a planning application has been submitted to the City for 849 Eglinton Ave. East – the Mercedes Benz dealership (and head office). Proposed are three buildings, including a 32-storey residential mixed-use building, a 21-storey residential building, and a 6-storey office building. If this application is approved and actually gets built, the remaining piece in the Laird to Brentcliffe jigsaw puzzle will be filled. Not even a posh car dealership, in a 15-year-old post-modern building, can resist Leaside East’s (and the LRT’s) allure! n

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Leaside Life • August 2022

Trifecta! Leaside Rugby 7s take three city championships in return to field

by SUSAN SCANDIFFIO Everybody loves a good comeback story. Whether it’s an athlete who has battled back from an injury, a small business that has recovered from bankruptcy, or an author who has faced numerous rejections but gone on to become a bestselling writer,

people are inspired by stories of obstacles overcome. For those of us living in the waning months (touch wood) of a pandemic, comebacks look different for each person. But for Leaside High School’s three rugby 7 teams, a comeback after two years of not being able to play came as full-fledged dominance.

All three varsity teams – the junior boys, the senior girls and the senior boys – won the City Championships on June 16th after a season of early morning practices and tournaments. Jack Bryan, captain of the senior boys’ team, admits that “while not many people were huge fans of the early morning practices (run twice a week starting at 7:15), getting

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RUGBY continued to play rugby for the University of British Columbia next year, notes the enthusiasm of the players. “... through rain and shine players always showed up with a smile on their faces ready to play.” Dylan Hannon, captain of the boys’ junior team, and teammate Spencer King were fired up to be playing again. While Coach Scharlach points out that the boys’ team was an underdog heading into the finals, Hannon and King were determined for their team to come out on top. Using their position as underdogs and the success of the older teams as motivation, the team fought tooth and nail and came out on top in the last play of the game. Many individuals, businesses and other sectors of society are easing back into a (mostly – touch wood again) post-Covid existence at various, often cautious paces. But the three Leaside rugby 7 teams had one speed only. With commitment, determination, great coaching and a lot of skill, the teams forged head-on into seasons which ended in championships for all. Congratulations to both the players and coaches! n

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Leaside Life • August 2022

out for rugby after two years was incredible. It definitely felt like we were getting back to normal having sports back in our school life.” The return of athletics was not only a thrill for the players but also a boost for the school as a whole. Attendance and enthusiasm at games were high, with all celebrating the seeming “normalcy” of sporting events. Head coach Alf Scharlach notes that the team played in every condition from burning heat to heavy downpours but worked extremely hard, determined to succeed. “I was very happy for all the student athletes for having the opportunity to get back to school sports, staying committed over the season and being rewarded by doing so well at the Championships.” And while Scharlach credits the players for their success, Mikela Scharlach, captain of the girls’ senior team, comments that “nothing would have happened without the dedication of our coaches and players.” That coaching team included both Scharlach and assistant coach Clinton Jang-Naruse. Mikela, who has been recruited

Summer means using your “packing gene”

Leaside Life • August 2022

Around the same time our family moved to Leaside back in 1965 or so, my grandfather built our family cottage on Twelve Mile Bay, which flowed directly into Georgian Bay. We knew how lucky we were to have a cottage where we could spend weekends and summer vacations. For nearly 60 years now we’ve been enjoying that same family cottage and we’ve never taken it for granted. But back then, with a family of six, packing the car for a weekend or longer at the cottage was a daunting task requiring special skills that took me a while to procure. My father was born with what I call the “packing gene.” He just seemed to be able to size up the giant pile of debris stacked in our front hall awaiting transport north to the cottage and know exactly how to pack the back of the station wagon. He’d start by spreading out a sleeping bag in what we called the “very back” of our Ford Country Squire. This “floor space” had to be protected as one of the four kids would stretch out in the very back for the two-and-a-half-hour drive. I know what you’re thinking. Was that safe?

Terry Fallis Columnist

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Certainly not by today’s standards. But back then, there weren’t even seatbelts in the backseat so lying in the very back seemed no less safe. Dad would then play a vintage version of Jenga crossed with Tetris to orient and position each bag, cooler, cardboard box, and the dozens of other items, in just the right way. He had an instinct – perhaps a gift – for choosing the perfect spot so everything miraculously fit. I assumed I had inherited my father’s packing gene, but when I was 15 years old, we discovered the hard way that perhaps I had not. My mother, my twin brother Tim, and I were about to embark on an epic journey from Toronto to Winnipeg to drive our grandparents out for a family reunion. I can’t remember why, but my father was out of town and would not be making the voyage. Excellent planning on his part. Because Tim and I were still a year away from getting our drivers’ licences, our mother had to handle all of the driving. But what we could do was shoulder responsibility for packing the car. Dad had prepared us well and we felt ready. We reserved one side of the station wagon’s very back for the sleeping bag where Tim or I would rest while the other entertained our grandparents. We carefully experimented with the most effective and efficient configuration for the 12 tons of luggage we had to pack. I should point out that my grandmother was infamous for bringing dozens of small, oddly shaped individual objects that had to be packed separately. We’re talking about things that didn’t exactly seem critical for such a long road trip, including a single coffee mug, a stapler, a couple of ceramic figurines known as Hummels, a jar of mayonnaise, a tin of Humbug candies, a handful of pens, finishing nails, a small hammer, and multiple boxes of Kleenex to keep Gramma’s sleeves replenished. And that’s just a partial list. But we somehow managed and stuffed the car to the gunnels in a very thoughtful and organized manner. We thought Dad would have been proud. And Tim and I were immensely pleased with our packing job and already felt we were ready and worthy heirs to our

FALLIS Page 22

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Leaside Life • August 2022

The inaugural Ruth & Harry Goldhar Journalism Award awarded at LHS by STAN FLEMMING Yousra with Ruth Goldhar

For the first time in three years, on June 28th, Leaside High School held an in-person commencement ceremony for the Class of 2022. The event was attended by the 236 graduating students, teachers, school administrative staff as well as friends and family members. MP Rob Oliphant and MPP Stephanie Bowman were also in attendance to celebrate the special day. Oliphant challenged the graduating class to find one societal issue or situation that enrages them and then to go out into the world and make a difference on that issue, while Bowman reflected on her own path from small town New Brunswick to becoming the newly elected MPP for the riding. Many scholarships, bursaries and awards were presented at the ceremony, and Leaside Life was proud to be a part of the event with the presentation of the inaugural Leaside Life

STAN FLEMMING

Leaside Life • August 2022

Ruth & Harry Goldhar Journalism Award. The $1,000 award is presented annually to an outstanding LHS student who has demonstrated an interest in journalism and shown excellence in the written word. The award is named in honour of Ruth and Harry Goldhar, who for over 40 years were a driving force in creating and championing local news publications, including the Town Crier and more recently Leaside Life.

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“Oliphant challenged the graduating class to find one societal issue or situation that enrages them and then to go out into the world and make a difference...” This year’s recipient was Yousra Lakhani, a French immersion student graduating with a top six average of 98%, who is planning to attend McMaster University in the fall. Yousra was the editor-inchief of the school newspaper, the Leaside Chronicle, a leader in the Science Club, and an active participant in several projects in support of student mental health. Congratulations to Yousra and to all the graduating students! n

Congratulations to Leaside’s outstanding graduates of 2022!

Leaside Life • August 2022

Last summer, he worked as an MICHAEL CASSIDY won the prestiintern for a professor in Queen’s gious Schulich Leader Scholarship The 2022 graduates of Leaside Computer Science Department. His valued at $80,000 to study computer High School have faced more project was “to develop and test science at Queen’s University. challenges than any other algorithms for categorizing study He was the school’s nominee class after their school resources for students.” for the award based on careers were upended by Michael has also worked for a his leadership, creativity, the pandemic. But they private robotics club, RoboEDU, career path and excellent have also shown more as a teacher and curriculum writer academic record, which resilience as well, accordsince Grade 9. He served as team culminated in a 95% ing to Carolyn Singer and captain there this past year while average this year. Michael Cassidy Christina Meyer, guidance coaching three other teams and the Michael started computer counsellors and co-chairs of two teams at LHS. programming at a summer the scholarship committee. He says the robotics team changed camp when he was 9, and has As restrictions lessened, the students his life, providing him with a comprogrammed everything from robots embraced leadership roles, joined munity of friends as well as many to his own video games. He joined teams, added renewed spirit to the opportunities to work and compete the robotics team, LanceBotics, community, participated in various in the field. He plans to pursue in Grade 9 and became the school events and forged ahead with a PhD in the new field of captain in Grade 11. In their academics, said Singer and quantum computing. all four years of compeMeyer. The staff, they added, are “so Outside of robotics, tition, Michael qualified proud of all the students have accomMichael played baseball for the VEX Robotics plished and look forward to hearing for several years, includWorld Championship of their future successes.” ing the last two on the and in his final year, Here are four outstanding repreEast York select team. Yousra Lakhani won in the Provincial sentatives of this dedicated and enerYOUSRA LAKHANI, boastChampionships. getic class: ing a final average of 98%, will be studying health sciences at McMaster University after receiving the McMaster Health Science Achievement Award. She chose McMaster over other schools because of “its inquiry-based learnI’m Tom Toth, your local ing system” and interdisciplinary approach, which “helps students fitness specialist! develop skills in collaboration, critical thinking and research.” Yousra has already displayed these skills in her diverse interests at LHS. 20 years of success with: She served as co-leader of the Law • Post-rehab recovery Club, the Science Club and the Peer • Weight-loss and muscle building Tutoring program. She was also a • Athletic conditioning member of the Mental Health and Wellness Committee, the Athletics (golf, hockey, soccer etc.) Association and the robotics team. • Posture and ergonomics In addition, she was editor-inchief of the newspaper, the Leaside Chronicle, a position which earned her the Ruth and Harry Goldhar Journalism Award, sponsored by Leaside Life. (Read our tribute in this issue.) As well, she won the Extended French Award. Outside of school, Yousra developed her passions for equity and mental health advocacy in several projects. She is a peer leader for the TDSB’s “Students 4 Well-being” www.leasidetrainer.com Always available to where she worked to launch initomtoth.iron@gmail.com answer fitness questions! tiatives on the board level and was 416-528-5463 by JANIS FERTUCK

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GRADUATES Page 16

Leaside Life • August 2022

MP Rob Oliphant (far right) and MPP Stephanie Bowman (second from right) joined Ward 11 Superintendent Andrew Howard, Principal Barb Nixon and other Leaside High staff on the podium.

 Jane Withers, from the Canadian  Federation of University Women presenting a scholarship award to LHS graduate Alisha Ahmed.

Proms happened too!

Leaside’s outstanding graduates...cont’d

Leaside Life • August 2022

16 interviewed by CTV about her peer tutor who served as the In the future, Mikela hopes involvement. She also worked with co-leader of that program to combine an engineerHarvard University in this field. this past year. She received ing internship with travel Yousra is grateful to her mentors, an honours certificate in and also play rugby at a school and outside projects for French Immersion and higher level. contributing to her growth and the Alumni Association ARMITI ZARBAKHSH’S enabling her to “make a difAward for outstanding remarkable Grade 12 Armiti Zarbakhsh ference.” This is a goal she academic achieveaverage of 99% earned her plans to pursue in her ment and contribua scholarship to the Pearson medical career, where she tion to school life. Stream at Victoria College, hopes to “spearhead new Mikela’s other passion University of Toronto, to complete developments to mitigate is athletics, especially a double major in political science the inequities of social rugby. She won two and neuroscience. determinants of health.” MVP awards and a Her focus on life science was Mikela Scharlach MIKELA SCHARLACH has trophy at school as well strengthened by her experience always wanted to be an as an OFSAA award for last summer doing a one-month engineer, so it’s no surprise she rugby and her participation observership and fellowship at has chosen a program in biomediin the school’s athletic association St. John’s Hospital in California cal engineering at the University of promoting school spirit and fundwhere she carried out rotations in British Columbia, which allows her raising activities. She also plays radiology, surgery, pathology and to combine her desire to help others club rugby with the Toronto City oncology. with her love of B.C.’s scenery. Amazons. At LHS, Armiti was involved in With a Grade 12 average of 97%, Other activities outside school several clubs, often in leadership Mikela’s favourite courses are include working as an instructor at roles. She served as senior editor of maths and sciences, earning 100% the Toronto Climbing Academy, volthe yearbook and, with her love of in both computer science and calunteering at city summer camps and public speaking, became the co-presculus along with awards in those joining OneProsper International ident of the Law Club, which partictwo subjects. She has also been a where she was an English Learning ipated in competitions such as mock member of the math club and a Buddy for a student in India. trials and a Twitter debate. In addition, Armiti was the co-president of the Science and Health Science Clubs, and enjoyed leading Adolescents for Community Teamwork, which organizes community initiatives including food and clothing drives. She had a busy schedule outside of school as well, volunteering at various food banks, Meals on Wheels and local elementary schools. She spent the weekends at CNIB running a digital arts class for visually impaired students and at Holland Bloorview working in a Music, Art and Respite program. Finally, Armiti won school awards for citizenship, the highest marks in English, history and science and Leaside Village Medical Clinic and for the highest overall average. Her many diverse achievements have Dermatologist Dr. Matthew Sandre helped to prepare her for her ultimate goal of assisting displaced and are offering free 15 minute suffering people around the world cosmetic consultations! with Doctors Without Borders. All of these exceptional students expressed their deep appreciation Services include Botox, fillers and cosmetic lesion for Leaside’s supportive staff and removals. Male and female patients are welcome! students who encouraged everyone to achieve their best, and the many opportunities to explore and Please contact us at (416) 487-2442 or email develop interests in both academinfo@leasidevillagemedical.ca for more information. ics and extracurricular activities. We wish them every success in the future. n

GELATO From Page 4

Leaside Life acknowledges we are hosted on the lands of the Mississaugas of the Anishinaabe, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy and the Wendat. We also recognize the enduring presence of all First Nations, Métis and the Inuit peoples. We also recognize our responsibility in respecting and protecting the land and water systems that surround us in the east end of Toronto, that being the Don River, or Wonscotonach in Anishinaabemowin, so that these resources can be enjoyed and flourish for all life and for generations to come.

Leaside Life • August 2022

best ingredients he can find, whether the dairy from his milk supplier, or various fresh fruits from the Ontario Food Terminal, Valrhona chocolate from France, or Bronte pistachios. The Bronte pistachios are a story in themselves. They come from the slopes of Mount Etna in Sicily, Italy, in the town of Bronte. They are referred to as “green gold” and are Dino’s most expensive ingredient. Dino starts work at 6 a.m. and often works until after 2 p.m. Gelato doesn’t have a long shelf life, so he’s continually replenishing stock. He has about 18 flavours on tap all the time, including top-selling Ferrero Rocher, cookies and cream, chocolate, and of course, pistachio. He usually has about four rotating flavours. Some come about because of customer feedback and others that he thinks will please his customers. He tries particularly hard to please the kids. He’s dedicated to making and selling a product that is affordable and tastes great. To do that, he says “I need to buy smart, keep an eye on competitors, and be always looking for that superior taste to

keep my customers coming back.” Regular customers include the local schools and churches with their various fair

E-bikes rev up the fun for Leaside locals 18

by HOLLY REID

HOLLY REID

Mastering the hills As a year-round bike commuter and recreational mountain biker, conquering the Niagara Escarpment in Collingwood was what motivated Carmen Jones to give an e-bike a try. She rode a few at The Midtown E-Bike Fair in June and was immediately sold. “I was looking for a car alternative when I was up in Collingwood for the weekend, and this seemed like the perfect answer. I can bike into town for groceries, ride over to Thornbury for dinner, get to the beach without being lined up for parking, and, because we stay near the top of the escarpment, I always have the power to get me home,” she says.

Carmen Jones uses her e-bike as a car replacement on weekends.

Going for distance Leo Johnston had always loved getting out on the trails with his mountain bike, but years of competitive sports had taken their toll, so when a former partner rented him an e-bike to try, he rekindled his love of trail riding. “I had so much fun that I extended the rental for the rest of the year,” says Leo. “Contrary to what people think, it’s great exercise, good for the environment and

Leo Johnston has been exploring trails all over southern Ontario on his e-bike.

gets you out of the house.” As Leo explains, previously he might be out for an hour and a half on his mountain bike, but on his e-bike he can head out for four or five hours. On one recent excursion, he started in Omemee and rode the rail trail to Peterborough, ate lunch, explored the lift-locks and biked back – a 40 km journey. An avid birder, he values the quiet ride of an e-bike, allowing him to hear the species he’s observing. And at 6’5”, Leo appreciates the comfort of a customized fit. “Try it and you’ll like it” Carmen and Leo are customers of Zygg, an e-bike subscription service that aims to offer affordable access to electric bikes. Purchasing an e-bike can be more expensive than conventional pedal bikes so renting is often the first step for people considering a permanent purchase. Depending on the package you choose, subscription fees at Zygg can be less than a monthly transit pass. And the bikes they rent are of good quality, valued around $3,000, and available with dual system lock, maintenance and repairs as well as insurance options for theft and damage. Asked for their advice for anyone considering an e-bike, Carmen and Leo say to definitely give the e-option a try. “I don’t understand why everyone wouldn’t want to try one,” says Carmen. “It is such a great experience and makes biking accessible for anyone.” n

GRAHAM WELSH

Leaside Life • August 2022

E-bikes are predicted to be the future of low-carbon mobility, but for locals Carmen Jones and Leo Johnston, they are the present, and they are all about the fun! Just to be clear, we’re talking about the pedal-assist e-bikes that are allowed in bike lanes and on trails in Toronto, not the mini-motorcycle variety. And more of them are popping up as people are discovering the fun factor that Carmen and Leo rave about.

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Leaside Life • August 2022

Leaside Children’s House

The Leaside Gardener Debora Kuchme Columnist

a clear message. ‘Say goodbye to monoculture, say hello to plant diversity!’ For the love of birds, bees and butterflies Our interest in using native plants and creating pollinator gardens has

to grow a bit of fruit and veg. I loved hearing the stories about how many birds, bees and butterflies visit their gardens. Lessons from other lands Some of our local gardeners are more inspired by faraway places, and I’m sure a few faithful readers of this column will be surprised when I say...that’s not such a bad idea. With climate change upon us, there’s a lot we can learn from other, hotter locales and from drier and wetter lands. And by using some ancient techniques, we can learn

Bonsai Bonanza

KAREN KEAY

When I moved to this ’hood 40 years ago, every Leaside garden looked pretty much the same. The star was the manicured lawn and the only difference between gardens was the choice of foundation plants or the colour of impatiens. Oh, how things have changed! The Leaside Garden Society brought back their self-guided garden tour in June, and if you missed it, you missed a doozy! With 11 addresses listed on their passport (more than any year before) there was no shortage of inspiration from our local green thumbs. After two years of lockdowns, these proud gardeners were eager to connect and show off their patches of paradise. And with high expectations, local garden lovers, plant enthusiasts and nosy parkers (I’m all three) were just as eager to check them all out. Though every garden on this tour was as unique as the owners themselves, there was a common thread weaving a beautiful tapestry with

been growing steadily for some time now. Every year we see a few more front gardens being transformed. But who knew how much of this was going on in Leaside back yards and not just front yards? Almost every gardener on this tour brought our attention to their pollinator plants along with their ability

to make better gardens in smaller spaces. Here are three gardens from the tour that took inspiration from afar and offer important information to inspire us: Some like it hot By using their large collection of exotic plants, Anthony and Heather

GARDEN TOUR Page 22

Some like it hot!

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Leaside Life • August 2022

The LGS Garden Tour 2022 was a green showcase to remember

Leaside Life • August 2022

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Leaside Life • August 2022

Smith created a tropical paradise in their Bayview backyard. The hot coloured blooms, tiki umbrella and pink flamingos complete the look. But that’s not all. With four distinct levels in this garden, one tier is an espaliered orchard with 20 apple, pear and plum trees. In the lower level, native and exotic plants mingle among the rocks and pea gravel. East meets west with a bonsai bonanza There was so much to learn and absorb from the gardens that Anne Koresaar and Tõnu Altosaar created on Airdrie Road. And it’s not just about the magnificent collection of over 100 (yes, 100!) bonsai. By layering trees, shrubs and evergreens and making use of dwarf plants, they have transformed the entire garden into a mini forest. Ooh la la! There’s a little piece of Provence in Bennington and it’s in the garden that Jodi Altman and John DeBoer created on Brendan Road. This garden is simply stunning with the classic and quiet Mediterranean mix of green and grey, along with evergreens, trees, shrubs and herbs. And by making good use of gravel and stone (including their boules court) who needs a lawn? C’est si bon! Visit leasidelife.com for the extended version of this article with more photos! n

FALLIS From page 10 father’s car-packing crown. We all piled into the car. Well, we helped our grandparents into the backseat using a well-oiled process that only took about 35 minutes. Then Mom slipped behind the wheel, Tim jumped into the front passenger seat, and I assumed my horizontal position on the sleeping bag for my first shift in the very back. And then...on our very first righthand turn from Donegall Drive onto Parkhurst Boulevard. Not on the fourth or fifth turn, or the second day of driving. No. On our very first turn — while we were still in front of our house — the entire load toppled onto me. A well-trained St. Bernard rescue dog could not have found me beneath the rubble. While the Jaws of Life were not required, they were on standby. The trip resumed an hour later after my exhumation from the pile. We did make it to Winnipeg on time. And we learned a bit more about packing the car, a gift I’ve now passed on to our sons. Happy motoring! A two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, Terry Fallis grew up in Leaside and is the award-winning writer of eight national bestsellers. His most recent, Operation Angus, is now in bookstores. You can also subscribe to his newsletter: https://terryfallis.substack.com. n

Leaside Life • August 2022

THE

Curious Idler

Unibrew in the Americas region. The transaction is expected to finalize later in 2022 with the purchase price being reported as 44 million dollars CAD.

Presto pesto! Brew news – Amsterdam Brewery acquired After 36 years, Toronto-based Amsterdam Brewery Company has entered into an agreement to be acquired by Royal Unibrew of Denmark. Originally established in 1986, Amsterdam Brewery relocated brewing operations to the Industrial Park in Leaside in 2012. It later expanded its Leaside operations with the opening of a full-service restaurant, the Amsterdam Barrel House, on Laird. Now the company behind “Amsterdam good beer” is starting a fresh chapter with its new Danish owner. Citing high international freight costs, supply chain challenges and a hope to lower their CO2 footprint, CEO of Royal Unibrew Lars Jensen stated that “the acquisition we are doing today is very important for the future growth of Royal

The Leaside Garden Society is continuing its speakers’ series with special guest Yvonne Tremblay, hosting an online Zoom meeting on September 8th at 7:00 p.m. Tremblay is a noted food nutritionist, author, and editor who will share the secrets to cooking with fresh herbs from the garden to the table. The evening will include a demonstration on how to turn one of her favourite herbs, basil, into a delicious pesto. The Leaside Garden Society always welcomes guests and new members. Visit leasidegardensociety.org for more information.

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The $5.5 billion headache So, what can you buy these days with 5.5 billion dollars? How about a 19 km, 25-stop LRT line and about 10 years of traffic headaches for anyone trying to travel across the city via Eglinton Avenue? With the construction expected to be substantially complete later this year and an operational date sometime in 2023, the line will be serviced by Bombardier’s low-floor Flexity Freedom trains. With communities across the city inconvenienced for so many years, the Idler hopes that Metrolinx and the TTC will consider providing all residents within 2 km of the construction chaos a free one-month Presto pass. It would give us an opportunity to confirm their claims that transit times across the city will be cut by an estimated 60%.

A fond farewell Green-thumbed Leasiders will be sad to learn that Davenport Garden Centre, at 1466 Bayview Ave., has closed. For years this green oasis provided a wide assortment of green goodies, from annuals and perennials to native plants, along with essential garden supplies. As many of you will know, 1466-1500 Bayview is slated for a new development that will also see the (we hope temporary) closure of ValuMart. For those already missing Davenport Garden Centre, you can catch part-owner Carla, a popular figure at 1466 Bayview, at one of Davenport’s other locations, the nearest being at 368 Davenport Rd.

Pagnello’s – tiny perfect! Dan Tanenbaum recently wrote in LinkedIn: “Last year my favourite antique store closed. As a retirement gift to the couple who ran this store for nearly 50 years, I commissioned a miniature to be made of the façade of their beloved antique store.” With apologies for the long URL, here’s a miniature version of Pagnello’s to bring back fond memories: https://www. linkedin.com/posts/dan-tanenbaum-96053229_last-year-my-favourite-antique-store-closed-ugcPost-69515973571342295044j7p/?utm_source=linkedin_ share&utm_medium=member_ desktop_web

Leaside Life now available at… If you are reading this, we assume you’ve already received your free monthly issue of Leaside Life, but if you are ever looking for additional copies or we missed delivering to your door, you can now pick up extra copies from our new magazine racks throughout the neighbourhood. Racks are located at the following locations: • Bank of Montreal – 1670 Bayview Ave. • The Bagel House – 1548 Bayview Ave. • TD Canada Trust – 1511 Bayview Ave. • Leaside Pub – 190 Laird Dr. • Sobey’s – 147 Laird Dr. • East York Eats – 858 Eglinton Ave. East n

by KEN MALLETT The average single-family home in Leaside sells for $2.1 million, which is 26% higher than the average for the GTA, according to statistics compiled earlier this year by Zolo.ca. When one house goes on sale – and relatively few do – it typically lingers on the market for all of nine days, then sells for about 10% more than the asking price. And of the 144 neighbourhoods in the GTA defined by the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB), Leaside ranks 16th – not the most expensive place to live in Toronto, but the nicest (in our opinion). But that’s all on the surface. The important stuff is behind the scenes: how does a house get on the market, and how does it get sold? One person who knows the answers is Howard Drukarsh, of Right at Home Realty, a Leaside native who is also a director of the largest independent real estate brokerage in Canada. Right at Home Realty started with Howard and his business partner, who lived in Markham. Their head office, however, was and still is located at 895 Don Mills Rd. From quiet beginnings, now the company has more than 5,800 agents across Canada. In a typical year, the brokerage accounts for about 3,000 sales of real properties worth more than $2.3 billion in the GTA alone, something close to 2% of all real estate sold in the city. In addition, the company has been the top brokerage in unit sales for nine years in a row at the TRREB. That kind of success doesn’t happen by accident. It came because Howard and his two partners, Ron Peddicord and the late Arthur Bartram, found a different way to do real estate. In a model they discovered was thriving in the U.S., they started charging less for their services. “We were a disrupter to the industry,” says Drukarsh, who also hosts a popular podcast. “Since the 1920s the real estate brokerage business operated on a commission split model. The seller offered a commission to the real estate brokerage based on the

selling price. That model existed throughout the industry until my co-founders, Arthur Bartram and Ron Peddicord and myself, opened Right at Home Realty in 2004. “Up to that point agents split their commission with their brokerage. In our model the agent keeps 100% of the commission they earn and pay our

REAL ESTATE

brokerage a small transaction fee. There is also a small monthly fee.”

While competitors thought the approach would fail, it did anything but. “Our business plan was a scale concept,” says Drukarsh. “Earn a low fee from each agent but grow the model. What the agents could do is use the money they would have paid the broker to promote their clients’ listing better or to market their services better.” Howard retired from management at the end of 2020 but maintains a seat on the company’s board of directors. So, what’s ahead? “Leaside has always been a stable housing market,” says Drukarsh. “That is to say, when other neighbourhoods experi-

DRUKARSH Page 27

Leaside Life • August 2022

Howard Drukarsh’s Right at Home Realty is an industry disruptor

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Leaside Life • August 2022

of its residents. The problem started when Edwards installed a carillon at his Leaside factory in 1958. Carillons are complex musical instruments comprising at least 23 bells, played by manipulating levers and pedals. They are considered by many to be one of the loudest musical instruments in the world. They are also expensive, and this one, according to the Toronto Star, cost $66,000 – equivalent to over $600,000 today. Assuming the community would appreciate his investment, Edwards allowed the carillon to be played quite often – so often, in fact, that its chimes rang out every 15 minutes from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. While many Leasiders enjoyed the bells, they proved unbearable for nearby residents, who in April 1959 filed a complaint against Canada Varnish under Metro Toronto’s anti-noise bylaw. One said his house shook from the noise. Another, who worked nights, said that the constant bell ringing made him so tired from lack of sleep that he feared he might cause a work-

place accident. A third blamed it for family arguments. And a frustrated father claimed that his young daughter now walked around the house repeatedly crying “ding, ding, ding.” In response, Edwards solic ited the opinion of famed musical director Leslie Bell, who testified that the carillon “constitutes a musical performance” and was therefore exempt from the city’s antinoise laws. Donald Graham, the magistrate hearing the case, disagreed. He fined Canada Varnish five dollars for creating “unnecessary noise.” Graham did not, however, forbid playing the carillon altogether. Rather, he advised company and community to work out a mutually beneficial agreement. Whether that happened or not is unclear. Indeed, much is unclear about what happened after that. Rupert Edwards died several years later and donated most of his fortune to eventually create the Edwards Charitable Foundation, which remains one of Canada’s most prominent philanthropic institutions. But the carillon itself seems to have slowly faded from the scene. Its memory, however, lingers. As Leaside Life publisher Lorna Krawchuk wrote in this publication back in December 2015: “Fortysomething years ago you could still hear the carillon from Canada Varnish several times a day. Now it [Canada Varnish] is gone, as is its carillon. …” Gone, but evidently still remembered by at least one Leasider – and perhaps others. n

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DRUKARSH From Page 25 27

Leaside Life • August 2022

enced elasticity in property values Leaside has had fewer fluctuations. To some degree it may be because of the excellent amenities: schools, parks, walking distance to shops on Bayview. In addition to that, the variety of housing stock makes it an interesting neighbourhood. It offers options for home ownership including small bungalows and semi-detached properties that can be an entry level option for families and individual buyers.” He also points to growing interest in buying homes for their lots and adding new construction. The changes in the industry are also affecting commercial real estate. “Businesses on Bayview Avenue have gone through a transition,” he adds. “The turnover of retail tenants hasn’t led to long-term empty stores. The demographic can support a variety of restaurants, clothing shops and other interesting businesses.” Leaside remains a great place to live – and buy. n

Traffic and transit and gridlock – oh my!

Leaside Life • August 2022

When the Leaside Residents Association recently learned that Eric Chan, manager of the Leaside Neighbourhood Transportation Plan (NTP) since early 2019, had left the City of Toronto and moved to a job in Oakville, I immediately contacted Councillor Jaye Robinson to ask what this might mean for the future of neighbourhood traffic control in Leaside. You will recall that long before the NTP process began there were years of local meetings and consultations, involving Leaside residents and the LRA’s professional traffic engineer, to define traffic trouble spots and, just as important, propose solutions. Is it any wonder that Leasiders have been wondering if a neighbourhood traffic plan would ever happen. I am assured by Councillor Robinson and her staff that a new manager for our district has been appointed, and we can hope for more information and activity after the October municipal election on next steps. Perhaps there will even be a timeline? Councillor Robinson’s column in this edition of Leaside

Carol Burtin Fripp Co-president, LRA

Life provides more detail. I urge you to read it, and to support action and results achievable in the near, not just the indefinite, future. TTC’s Annual Service Plan (ASP) I represent the LRA at TTC stakeholder meetings, discussing the TTC’s Annual Service Plan (ASP). These meetings are an opportunity to play a role in shaping and setting priorities and goals. They also provide a holistic view of the TTC, helping to build policies affecting diverse communities across the city. Transit ridership is increasing, although it’s not (yet) at pre-pandemic levels. System-wide ridership is at 57% of what it was, although bus ridership is at 75% and expected to rise once secondary schools reopen in the fall, and more workers return to their offices fulltime or in a hybrid model. Buses are still the backbone of Toronto’s transit system, more flexible and less costly than LRTs or subways. Their routes can be redesigned and amended as situations and transit needs change. Looking at the ridership pattern maps, I find it interesting, though not too surprising, that wealthier parts of the city use transit less. This has repercussions. Statistically, Leaside is one of the neighbourhoods where a high proportion of travel is by car (or bicycle), not the TTC. Aside from causing traffic gridlock, this trend, if it continues, might encourage transit planners to redirect bus routes to other areas, away from communities like Leaside which don’t “need them” as much, meaning less TTC service (fewer buses, with longer waits in between). This is an important situation to monitor as we move forward. Join us! The Leaside Residents Association hopes you are all enjoying good health and the many benefits of summertime. Our monthly board meetings continue via Zoom, as it is not clear that local facilities are available or that Leasiders are sufficiently at ease with attending in person. Yet! In the meanwhile, we do invite you to attend and participate, raise questions, share your concerns and opinions. All you have to do is tell us, and we’ll send you the connection details. Our next board meeting is on Wed., August 3rd at 7:30 p.m. We really do want to hear from you. Contact us at www.leasideresidents.ca.n

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Leaside Life • August 2022

Update – Road safety and the Leaside Neighbourhood Transportation Plan Earlier this year, Transportation Services hosted the first public consultation meeting for the Leaside Neighbourhood Transportation Plan (NTP). Using a combination of traffic data and community feedback, City staff will develop a multiphased plan to address road safety issues in Leaside that reflects the neighbourhood’s concerns, ideas, and priorities. At the meeting, we heard from many residents about problem streets and intersections, potential solutions, and the desire for the NTP to consider longterm community needs. I am pleased to advise that updated traffic data collection is now underway. As the next step in the community consultation process, Transportation Services is launching an online mapping tool

Jaye Robinson

Councillor, Ward 15, Don Valley West

where residents can leave comments about neighbourhood traffic issues for City staff to review. All feedback shared through the map will be publicly viewable, so residents can see the suggestions made by other neighbours. The map will be active until September 3, 2022, and you can access it at www.toronto.ca/ LeasideNTP. A public notice will be mailed out to the neighbourhood with more details.

At the June North York Community Council meeting – the last of the term – I moved a motion directing Transportation Services to report back at the beginning of next term with an update on the Leaside NTP. In the report, staff will provide an overview of the public engagement undertaken to date, future consultation plans, and an implementation timeline for the first phase of the NTP. I know Leasiders are eager to move forward with strategies to address local traffic infiltration, vehicle speeds, and congestion issues, and I look forward to receiving this important update from City staff. If you have any comments, concerns, or suggestions for the Leaside NTP, I encourage you to share your feedback with Transportation Services by visiting www.toronto. ca/LeasideNTP and leaving a comment on the map. Alternatively, residents are invited to contact the project team directly by emailing LeasideNTP@toronto.ca or calling 416-338-3033. n

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