LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:20 AM Page 1
No. 15 • March 2013
Leaside Life leasidelifenews.com
Leaside100
CYNDA FLEMING
1913-2013
Metrolinx still nixing Leslie By CAROL BURTIN FRIPP Metrolinx, the provincial agency in charge of building the LRT, held a second open house on Jan.31 that didn’t make Leasiders in attendance much happier than at the previous open house. The plan to eliminate a Leslie station that would create a traffic impact at Laird and Eglinton was still intact. Metrolinx however did decide to return a station at Ferrand and Eglinton. Instead of trains emerging from the LRT tunnel just east of Brentcliffe and proceeding on the surface to the Don Mills Rd. area, METROLINX, Page 19
THE KID COMES BACK: Toronto Argos’ Mike Bradwell, former pupil, shows off the Grey Cup to Northlea pupils and gym teacher John Ellis, bottom centre, who remembers him as talented and a well-rounded kid.
Grey Cup comes to Northlea By BETH PARKER When Toronto Argonaut player Mike Bradwell got his turn to take the Grey Cup to his hometown this winter, his first stop was Northlea Public School. Excited students, teachers and local fans crowded into the gymnasium on Jan. 28 to celebrate with their famous Northlea alumnus and the Argos’ victory last November.
GREY CUP, Page 6
ON DEADLINE
City staff OKs new SmartCentre FROM LEASIDE UNITE We regret to inform you all that we're extremely disappointed in the City of Toronto staff reports on the 70 Wicksteed project that were released today. They are almost uniformly in favor of the project as proposed, and include recommendation for approval of rezoning by North York Community Council and City Council. The staff apparently have no concerns over traffic or the impact of the development on surroundLEASIDE UNITE, Page 20
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:20 AM Page 2
20% OFF ALL Droll Yankees Feeders The World's Best Feeders 2
New MC for 100 gala
Leaside100 1913-2013
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
Leasider David Sparrow, a comedian, actor, writer and director, is replacing Colin Mochrie as one of two headliners for the Leaside 100 gala April 27. (See Page 7.)
From Leaside 100
Ontario’s Best Source For Birding and Nature Products 939 Eglinton Ave E. (Brentcliffe and Eglinton)
416- 646-2439
www.UrbanNatureStore.ca
Web: We’ve had terrific support from N49, a web design firm putting together the Leaside 100 web page, with financial help from local businesses who became web sponsors. If you’ve not worked on something like this, you would find it hard to appreciate all the tiny details that need to be worked out. As this is being written, we’re nearly there. I hope when you check www.leaside100.ca, you’ll find it fully operational. Two special sections you’ll want to return to again and again – one on notable Leasiders, (where you are welcome to submit additional biographies), and the other on photos from years gone by. Again, additions are welcome. Archival Exhibit: The Leaside Library is our gracious host for an exhibit with photos and text on The
Layers of Leaside starting on Tuesday, April 23 and finishing on Sunday, April 28. Make sure you take the time to visit this exhibit, which is being produced with help from Ryerson University. Trees: Since most of us see the neighbourhood front yard trees more regularly than we see those in the back, that’s where we’re concentrating our initial efforts to increase the tree canopy in Leaside. Can you say that your entire block has at least one tree in each yard? Can the same be said for your whole street? If you live in an apartment or condo building, have you talked to your landlord or board about increasing the green? Official Ceremony: Tuesday, April 23 at 10 a.m. at the Leaside Library will see the official commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the corporation of the Town of Leaside. This will also be the official opening of the Archival Exhibit. We invite you to join us. More special events are planned for May – keep Sunday, May 5 available to join in on a variety of free local walks and an evening hymn sing at Leaside United Church. See the Leaside 100 Gala ad for details and timing. If you wish to order tickets, and don’t have a computer, please call 416-392-0215. n
285 285 Neighbour Neighbourhood, hood, < <285 285 Realtor ®
3 3HUVRQDO HUVRQDO service, ORFDO H[SHUWLVH ORFDO H[SHUWLVH and a S SURYHQ record URYHQ record of success ZZZ 3DUNKXUVW%OYG FRP
ZZZ &KDSOLQ FRP
62
/'
Gracious Chaplin Estates 3 storey +($7+(5 52$' family home. 4 bedrooms, 3 2QH RI D NLQG /HDVLGH UHVLGHQFH EDWKURRPV IDPLO\ URRP VRXWK JDUGHQ QHVWOHG RQ D PDJQLÀFHQW · [ · GLUHFW DFFHVV WR 2ULROH 3DUN %HOW ORW ZLGHQV WR 6WXQQLQJ JRXUPHW /LQH FDU SDUNLQJ &ORVH WR H[FHOOHQW VFKRROV ÀQH UHVWDXUDQWV DQG 77& NLWFKHQ EHGURRPV EDWKV SULYDWH Call for details! GULYHZD\ ZLWK GRXEOH FDU JDUDJH
Classic South Leaside Gem! Spacious principal rooms, updated kitchen, 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, ÀQLVKHG ORZHU OHYHO :DON WR %D\YLHZ %HVVERURXJK 6FKRRO Call for details!
*RRG WLPH WR PDNH D PRYH" /HW PH KHOS \RX GHFLGH &DOO PH WRGD\
Z ZZZ $W+RPH,Q/HDVLGH FRP ZZ $W+RPH,Q/HDVLGH FRP charlene@charlenekalia.com
Chestnut Park Real Estate Limited, Br Brokerage okerage *Sales Representative. Representative. 33 Heather is Co-listed with Erin Ashby* THIS IS NOT NOT INTENDED INTENDED TO TO SOLICIT SOLICIT SELLERS OR BUYERS CURRENTLY CURRENTLY UNDER CON CONTRACT TRACT WI WITH TH A BROKER
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:20 AM Page 3
So he had 57,000 pennies...
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
3
What would you do with 57,000 pennies? Until Feb. 5 that’s how many Eric Rosen, of Bennington Heights Dr., had stashed away. He’d been collecting them since 1986, just under seven a day for 27 years. How did this hoarding passion start? For the “heck of it” while living in Montreal, he says. Then it became an “obsession,” so much so that if he found a penny on the street he would add it to the collection. Rosen says that he came by all the pennies “honestly”—never exchanging a quarter for 25 pennies or even a nickel for five pennies. “My policy was every penny goes into the bottle. Every penny had to be spon-
ANDREA VILLIERS
By ANDREA VILLIERS
Max and Eric Rosen taneously come by.” Only two pennies did not go into the bottle, and they were used to pay a bill in a store. Rosen stored the pennies in a winemaker’s bottle, which holds about 23 litres. As the collection became bigger the bottle was harder to lift and became a challenge to move to new homes – eight times over the years. Then one day the unthinkable
happened. The gigantic penny bottle broke when it was about 80 percent full! Rosen said he was “sort of heart broken” and realized he had no clear exit strategy for the collection. But the federal government now phasing out the penny presented a “great opportunity” to donate the collection to a charity. PENNIES, Page 5
Leaside/Davisville's Top Realtor* N E I G H B O U R H O O D I N S P I R E D R E A L E S TAT E Why would you entrust the sale of your home to someone with little experience? Call me today to discuss my EXCLUSIVE MARKETING PLAN FOR YOUR HOME AND A COMPLIMENTARY EVALUATION COMING SOON North Leaside 4 Bdrm, 150' Lot Bessborough Dr ---Several Custom Built Homes ---Bayview/Eglinton 3 Bdrm, Private Drive
29 Killdeer Cres
155 Bessborough Dr 487 Sutherland Dr
22 Rumsey Rd
North Leaside 3 Bdrm, Family Room Huge lot. Wow
Premier South Leaside 5 Bdrm, Best Block
Northlea 4 Bdrm, Pool Family room
South Leaside Traditional 4 Bdrm, Family room
$1,279,000
$2,049,000
$1,449,000
$1,349,000
NO ONE SELLS MORE AREA HOMES!* PROVEN RESULTS, OVER 20 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE! Visit www.leasidehomes.com for other current listings
Patrick Rocca broker 416.322.8000 mail@patrickrocca.com www.leasidehomes.com * TREB Stats Not intended to solicit properties already listed.
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:20 AM Page 4
What’s with that bunch of runners? 4 Have you occasionally come across a large group of runners on a Tuesday night somewhere in Leaside, circling the same residential block repeatedly and wondered, Who are these people? These are the members of the XSNRG (Excess Energy) Running Club doing their weekly interval training. Founded in 1988, XSNRG meets every Tuesday night at Leaside High School at 6:30 p.m. before heading out for that night’s workout. You might see them on Rykert Cres. near the entrance to Serena Gundy Park, or running a loop in the Hanna Rd. and Glenvale area, or in the Mallory Gardens area south of Moore Ave., or at any of about a dozen other regular workout locations around Leaside, Lawrence Park and nearby Sunnybrook Park. About one-third of the 75 club members live in Leaside or close by. Members are of all ages and speeds and about half turn out any given week. “The club is great for anyone who
ALLAN WILLIAMS
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
By ALLAN WILLIAMS
LEASIDE members Shiraz Roberts and husband Nick, a club coach enjoys running and has thought they could get faster,” says Michael Brennan, race director of the Downsview Half Marathon, a leading runner in Toronto and the longest continuous club member (1989), who used to live in the area. The workouts take the form of interval training, which “is based on the idea that the only way to get
faster is by speed work,” says Brennan. “If you always do what you always did, you’ll always get what you always got. This saying definitely applies to running: you need to shake it up. If you can push yourself out of your comfort zone once in a while, you will absolutely get faster.” North Leaside resident Nick Roberts is one of two coaches who share responsibility for leading the club’s workouts. “We alternate between a flat loop one week and an incline the next,’ he says. “Building in hills adds an element of strength training. The benefit of interval training is that in a short period of time (18-22 minutes of hard work) you can get the same benefit as from a longer 1.5 hour run. “This kind of workout is hard to do by yourself, especially in the winter, so running in a group really helps.” Brennan says Terry Fox’s younger brother Darryl Fox, who now heads the Terry Fox Foundation, got his running start here in Leaside and was a member of XSNRG from the early ‘90s until about 2004. www.XSNRG.org/ n
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:20 AM Page 5
Pennies From Page 3
| *RHV DERYH DQG EH\RQG
/\QGD *RUJHV %URNHU
/\QGD *RUJHV#JPDLO FRP ZZZ O\QGDJRUJHV FRP
´/\QGD KDV DOZD\V EHHQ D WUHPHQGRXV KHOS ERWK ZKHQ ZH ZHUH VHOOLQJ RXU KRXVH DV ZHOO DV KHOSLQJ XV ILQG WKH SHUIHFW QHZ KRPH 6KH DOZD\V JRHV DERYH DQG EH\RQG LQ WHUPV RI VHUYLFH DQG KDV UHPDLQHG D JRRG IULHQG , ZRXOG UHFRPPHQG KHU VHUYLFHV WR DQ\RQH ZKR LV ORRNLQJ IRU DQ DJHQW ZLOOLQJ WR JR WKDW H[WUD PLOH¾
3DWULFN 7DUD :LFNHWW
Heating and air conditioning services available
Leaside Life, March 2013
At the suggestion of his branch of Royal Bank of Canada, Rosen contacted Free the Children, which has a penny drive called We Create Change, available until this spring. Elizabeth Kellett, program manager, partner relations, said, “Each $25 increment provides one person a permanent source of water for the rest of their life in the countries we work in.� “What I like is the basic symmetry of a fairly thrown away item to make a meaningful donation,� said Rosen. In early February he turned in his penny collection and got the official amount: $575. But now he’ll have to find something else to collect. In the meantime, though, he thinks he “needs a break from collecting�. But meanwhile, there is more to this story: In a bit of symmetry Kellett lives in Leaside with the family of our former reporter Geoff Davies. And how did Leaside Life hear of this story? Rosen’s eldest son, Max, suggested he call us. Thanks Max! n
5
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:20 AM Page 6
Grey Cup Leaside Life, March 2013
|
6
From Page 1
One of the proudest in attendance was Bradwell’s former gym teacher and coach, John Ellis. Ellis, who’s been teaching at Northlea the past 17 years, remembers Bradwell as a talented and well-rounded kid. “He didn’t talk about a career in professional sports,” says Ellis, “but you could tell he was talented, even when it was just hanging around the gym after basketball practice.” Ellis remembers when Bradwell participated in a school sports day and competed with several grade 7
boys in the running long jump on the Northlea field. “Everyone else just ran and tried to jump as far as they could,” says Ellis, “but Bradwell, he ran, he jumped, and then he totally cleared the pit. In all my years at Northlea, no one has ever come close to doing that!” Ellis also remembers Bradwell participating in the school’s variety night where he and four others played The Backstreet Boys. After Northlea, Bradwell visited Leaside High, where he met up with LHS’s head football coach Jim Georgiadis, and some of the players on the Leaside Lancers. A few years ago, Georgiadis and defensive coordinator Csaba Vegh renamed the
Lancer’s top performer award (for both athletics and academics) after Bradwell. Wearing #88, Bradwell just completed his second year as wide receiver for the Argos. He was born and raised in Leaside, played hockey at Leaside High School and then in grade 12 switched to football. While attending McMaster University he played for the McMaster Marauders, where he distinguished himself as a standout receiver and set several winning records. In 2008 Bradwell was drafted by the Canadian Football League, but delayed joining the team until he completed his degree in civil engineering. n
Awaiting sentence Leaside's 100th Anniversary Celebration Gala Event with celebrity MCs
Sentencing of Paul Hindle, who plead guilty to the second degree murder of Leaside mother Lisa Lebitka in December 2011, was to be announced at the end of February, after the Leaside Life deadline. The crown asked that he not be eligible for parole for 16 to 17 years. The defence asked for 10 to 12 years. n
Check
www.johnparker.ca
for news and updates David Sparrow and Deb McGrath When : Saturday, April 27th, 2013 Start time is 5:30pm Where : All Canadian Self Storage, 1 Laird Drive, Courtesy of Hal Spradling Champagne / Martini Reception with hors d'oeuvres Vintage 1913 Dance demo & lesson Photo op with Leaside built vintage Durant automobile Gourmet Buffet Dinner & Dessert Entertainment provided by The Toronto All Star Big Band DJ and dancing
Councillor
John
Parker WARD 26 · DON VALLEY WEST
councillor_parker@toronto.ca Please call 416-392-0215 or email Virginia at vgallop@toronto.ca for invoicing details and to answer any questions
Toronto City Hall 100 Queen Street West, Suite A13 Toronto ON M5H 2N2 www.johnparker.ca
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:20 AM Page 7
Congratulations to Leasider Dave Sparrow, newly elected president of ACTRA Toronto. "It is humbling and inspiring,” commented Sparrow, who’s been an active member of Canada’s union of professional performers for over 21 years. With a background at The Second City, Sparrow is known on stage, in over 80 films and TV shows where he’s performed, written, produced and directed. For the past three years, he’s hosted the annual Leaside Laugh Out Loud fundraiser. This April, Sparrow joins comedian Debra McGrath as co-host of the Leaside 100 gala evening. Parents from Bessborough Public School, led by Josie Daga and Alison Rockwell, joined forces with Maurice Cody parents to collect gently-used outdoor clothing for students at Gateway Public School in Flemingdon Park. Students from all three schools joined in to sort and distrib-
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
• Men’s Cuts $18 and up • Lady’s Cuts $25 and up
• Permanent Straightening Perm 50% off • 20% off Body Waxing • 15% off Manicure Shellac 939 Eglinton Ave. East (at Brentcliffe Rd.)
IN OUR HOOD, Page 8
7
|
By BETH
Leaside Life, March 2013
In our Hood
ute the clothes for children who are newer Canadians and not always properly prepared for Canadian winter. “There were many touching and teachable moments, as children helped children find clothes that fit,” said Gateway Vice-principal Mikki Hymus. “Gateway is lucky as both Bessborough and Maurice Cody intend to support us with an outdoor clothing drive annually. It’s these moments that make me feel both proud and blessed to be part of a larger community of support.” More kudos for Leaside Synergy Synychronized Skating Teams, junior and novice— both have advanced to the Canadian National Championships being held in Calgary. Despite ongoing construction and the biggest snowstorm in years, the 23rd Annual Leaside Flames Select Invitation Tournament was a big success. Dozens of volunteers participated in donating silent auction items, welcoming visitors and cooking in the Flames Café. Teams participated from around the GTA in what is often referred to as the friendliest “old fashion” tournament in town. And speaking of hockey, the Leaside Hockey Association is celebrating
Tel. (416) 696 -2505
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:20 AM Page 8
In our Hood From Page 7
|
Leaside Centennial Productions Presents:
Leaside Life, March 2013
8
100 Years Inside Leaside T H E D O C U M E N TA RY
A series of ‘Then and Now’ vignettes showcasing the proud history and legacy of the original town of Leaside as it prepares to celebrate its rich heritage Spring 2013!
Get Involved! Got a great story about living or working here in Leaside? Photos of the neighbourhood from ‘back in the day’? Or, you could be a part of our Team on this exciting project!
Contact us today. We would love to hear from you!
its 60 years anniversary this year. One of the most respected associations in the country, the LHA provides house league, select and GTHL programs for over 1,200 players and their families each year. A special heritage shirt has been designed for the teams playing this year. Musician Ron Klusmeier brings his Tour of a Lifetime to the neighbourhood with a concert at Leaside United Church on March 2, as well as two musician workshops. Klusmeier, a Vancouver native, has been composing and arranging church music since the ‘70s. Euchre enthusiasts, here’s your chance. The Euchre group at Trace Manes community centre is looking for players, Wednesday afternoons 12:30 to 3:30. Just show up and they’ll deal you in. And if singing is your passion, join in a community performance of “Oliver! The Musical� done as a concert/cabaret this April 20. Rehearsals in March at Leaside United Church. Contact virginiagallop@gmail.com for details. n
Seniors are invited to join us for lunch. We do the driving and the cooking. YOU do the eating and enjoying!
Leaside Heritage 1913 - 2013 It’s about time! Contact Lea100Productions@gmail.com *Find us on Facebook, Youtube, locallea.com and South Bayview Bulldog Pre-order your DVD copy today for only $20. Limited quantities available.
Small fee. Call for Diners Club information.
*Portion of proceeds will go to support LPOA and Leaside Unite campaign
East York Meals on Wheels 416-424-3322 www.eastyorkmealsonwheels.org
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:20 AM Page 9
GEORGE BELL
Caught by the TTC gap George Bell has lived happily at the corner of Bayview and Moore for the past 10 years, but recently has needed to get to Sunnybrook Hospital for frequent treatments. He has tried for five months with three city councilors, John Parker, Karen Stintz and Josh Matlow, to get a bus route up Bayview from Moore because he can’t walk and parking at the hospital is expensive. He’s had no success. Leaside Life has been told there isn’t enough traffic to justify a change. n
Carol Burtin Fripp Vice-president, LPOA
TTC about moving bus route 11/11C, currently based at Davisville, to a base at the St. Clair subway station instead. Route 11 currently goes along Davisville to Bayview, and then north to Steeles. Route 11C, a shorter version, travels only as far as Sunnybrook Hospital before returning to Davisville. There is room for an additional bus route at the St. Clair subway station, at either the bus bay or the streetcar/bus platform, and the St. Clair station is more user friendly than the Davisville station. It is not exposed to the elements at the subway level and its platforms are wider. Riders currently using Davisville station solely to take route 28 between Davisville and Bayview would be unaffected. FIXING, Page 10
Thinking T hinking Of Of Selling Sellling Your Your Home Home This This S Spring? pring g? t 4VUIFSMBOE %S t 4VUIFSMBOE %S $1,359,000 $1,359,000
t 'MFNJOH $SFT t 'MFNJOH $SFT
tt &HMJOUPO "WF & &HMJOUPO "WF & 4 4VJUF VJUF
PPrime rime location! location! Stunning S t u n nin g SSouth outh LLeaside easide rrecently ecently renovated 5 bedroom bedroom renovated h o m e. G orgeous ppool! ool! home. Gorgeous
Leaside Leaside 11+1 +1 ccondo ondo iinn llowrise owrise boutique boutique building, building, llaminate aminate ooring, ooring, open open cconcept, oncept, JJuliette uliet te bbalcony. alcony.
S. S. LLeaside easide 4+1 4+1 bbedroom, e d r o o m, 4 bbathroom athroom hhome. ome. Renovated kitchen kitchen & Renovated bathrooms. bathrooms. D Detached etached garage! garage!
#FTTCPSPVHI %S #FTTCPSPVHI %S $1,349,000 $1,349,000
t 3ZLFSU $SFT t 3ZLFS U $SFT $1,549,000 $1,549,000
tt 4PVEBO "WF 4PVEBO "WF $ $549,000 549,000
North Nor th LLeaside easide 5555 bbyy 1160 60 ft. f t. pool pool size size lo lot! t! Unique U ni q u e 3 level level sside ide ssplit. p li t . D Double ouble pprivate rivate drive drive + 11.5 .5 ggarage. a r a g e.
R Rarely arely ooffered f fered pprime rime rravine avine lot lot on on Cul Cul De De Sac. S a c. R Renovate enovate oorr bbuild uild ccustom. ustom.
D Davisville avisville Village Village rrenovated enovated 3 bedroom bedroom ssemi emi on on corner corner lo lott w with ith 2 ccar ar pparking. arking.
Royal Royal LLePage e P ag e C Chairman’s hairman’s C Club lu b R Recipient ecipient ((T (Top Top 1% 1% in in Canada) Canada) 2011/2012 2011/2012 Top Top Royal Royal LePage L ePage Individual Individual Sales S ales Rep Rep in in Ontario Ont ario 2011/2012 2 011/2 012
ShereeCerqua ShereeCerqua Sales Sales R Representative epresentative
MOB I L E 4416 16 275 275 5224 5224 MOBILE
FFIC E 4416 16 4443 43 00300 300 OOFFICE
www.shereecerqua.com www.shere eecerqua.com
|
For many years the LPOA has received complaints from Leasiders about the missing link in TTC service along Bayview Ave. between Sutherland Dr. and Davisville, particularly from people needing to get to Sunnybrook Hospital for appointments. Unless they drive (and pay hefty parking fees at Sunnybrook) they must catch the South Leaside 88 bus to first go west to St. Clair subway station, then take the subway north to Davisville station and wait for the Bayview bus there. A very time consuming process, and physically challenging for the ill or infirm. As for South Leasiders who want to take transit to Bayview’s shops and restaurants, they must currently go through the same routine. Not an incentive to give their business to our Bayview merchants! In the 1990s, the TTC briefly discussed (and rejected) complicated changes to the South Leaside 88 bus route to close the service gap. However, I now propose a different, simpler approach to this service gap, and have requested Councillor Parker to consult the
9
Leaside Life, March 2013
ANDREA VILLIERS
Fixing the big TTC gap
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:20 AM Page 10
Fixing From Page 9 Growing G rowin ng y young oung n m minds inds around aroun nd the the world. world.
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
10
Join
for cla us ss today es ! gymboreeclasses.com
Try TTr ry A Class FFor orr FFree! ree!
Plus, Save Save $20 Off Months 1, 2 and 3!
1213 BA BAYVIEW YVIEW AAVE VE · SECOND FLOOR · TORONTO ON · M4G 2Z8 · 416.410.6386 Offer expires 3/31/2013. Offer valid for new and returning families at your local participating Play & Music locations only. Offer is not valid for currently enrolled customers or customers who have been enrolled during the past ninety (90) days. Offer valid for first three (3) months of enrollment. $20 off each month. You may enroll at any participating Gymboree Play & Music location or online at gymboreeclasses.com. Enter the promotion code below to enroll online and take advantage of this offer. Start classes anytime, space permitting in class. Offer is not redeemable for cash or credit. Gymboree Play & Music may change or cancel this promotion at any time in Gymboree Play & Music’s sole discretion. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Void where prohibited by law. Online Code: PLA AYNW Y
"You were a joy to work with...you showed true professionalism...taking into account all my needs and desires when showing properties. Your tremendous market knowledge, coupled with an innate instinct and good judgement provided the necessary guidance to (be) successful. I will recommend you to anyone looking to purchase or sell their home." Jean W .
The advantages would be considerable: South Leasiders would be able to get easily BY TRANSIT to Sunnybrook Hospital, avoiding expensive parking or taxi costs. It would also assist them and those from Bennington Heights and Moore Park to get to the Bayview commercial area and shop locally BY TRANSIT, freeing up scarce Bayview parking spots for those coming from further afield, a welcome economic boon for Bayview merchants. More and more, our population is aging and needing ready access to Sunnybrook, as do young and growing families. More and more, our local shops face competition with big box chains providing free parking. I believe this proposal merits serious consideration. It is a relatively simple, low cost solution to a major problem. Thank you to Leasider Michael Bell, with whom I discussed this problem. I would be interested to hear from other readers about this! n
What I love about Real Estate is finding that perfect home for Buyers, or helping Sellers with the sale of their home and making that as smooth a transaction as possible. Meeting people and getting to know them makes the job enjoyable. Contact me if I can be of Service - I would love to hear from you!
KAREN BRINKHOF RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd 723 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Toronto, ON, M4S 2N4 416‐486‐5588 (Office) 416‐629‐5323 (Cell) 416‐486‐6988 (Fax) karenbrinkhof@gmail.com
www.EveryoneKnowsKaren.com
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 11
20 Y YEAR EAR GUARANTEE GUARANTEE on on waterproofing waterproofing Un d e rp in n in g - B ench Footings Footings - Concrete Concrete Floors F lo o rs Underpinning Bench
C Contact ontact u us s to today day fo forr F FREE REE e estimate! stimate! Voted Best Voted Best of of 2010 2010 in in the th e Waterproofing c a te g o ry Waterproofing category costumer reviews reviews at Read our costumer www.MudMonkeys.HomeStars.com www.MudMonkeys.HomeStars.com
Darby Darby Braun Braun T o r o n to - 4 16-891 891-8884 Metro 416-891-8884 Me tro Toronto 891 8884 dar bybraun@rogers.com darbybraun@rogers.com www. m u d m o n k e y s .c a www.mudmonkeys.ca
| Leaside Life, March 2013
11
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 12
MEET YOUR NEIGHBOUR
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
12
He’s 82 and at his peak By BETH PARKER GORDON CHAMPION
He may live in a one of Leaside’s senior retirement condominiums, but at 82 Gordon Champion isn’t ready to give up work. In fact, Champion figures he’s still at the peek in his career as a professional engineer. He still works part time as one of Toronto’s foremost marine engineering consultants, on staff at the engineering construction firm SNC-Lavalin, and for the past 20 years has been the marine engineering advisor for the City of Toronto’s fleet of five ferry boats. And just this past year Champion was hired by the internationally-recognized consulting firm Hatch for a special project, passing on his immense knowledge of thermal and marine engineering to two top engineering students . “I’m teaching them everything I’ve learned about diesel engines from 67 years of practical experience” he says. “They’re bright and hungry for knowledge—it’s a fantastic job for me.” His biggest claim to fame? There are several, but for many, Champion is known as one of the key drivers behind the restoration of
Toronto’s heritage paddle wheel ferryboat, The Trillium. Now over 100 years old, the Trillium was once retired and rotting after serving Toronto’s harbour from 1910 to 1956. In 1976 the boat was put back into service, largely because of the effort of two men who recognized it’s value: Tommy Thompson, the parks commissioner at that time, and Champion, hired as the consulting engineer and project administrator. He worked tirelessly to return the boat to its original condition as authentically as possible, “a true labour of love,” he says. Much of Trillium's original appearance was recaptured by Champion’s work, which reproduced in accurate detail countless structures (both working and decorative), including railings, pillars, brass fittings, doorways and wood facings. All was done to meet current safety regula-
tions. Champion arrived in Canada at 21 from England. He joined the Canadian Merchant Marine in Montreal after a brief stay in Newfoundland. Working on ships, he trained as a first class engineer, which qualified him in Ontario as a professional engineer, then came to Toronto. Champion and his wife settled in Bennington Heights where they lived almost 30 years. Today they are residents of Leaside Gate, a development built for retired seniors who wanted to remain in the community. Where were you born? In Sherwood Forest (yes, the forest of Robin Hood fame). To be more exact, I came from the wee village of Rampton in Nottinghamshire. My dad was the village blacksmith. NEIGHBOUR, Page 22
Leaside Landscaping Inc. Celebrating 30 years of service in Leaside and surrounding area
Winner of two 2013 Landscape Ontario Awards of Excellence
Landscape Design Walls and Patios Natural Stone Fences and Decks Outdoor Kitchens
``
Garden Maintenance Spring Cleanups Planting Sodding and Seeding Lawn Cutting Grading
Leaside Landscaping Inc. Tel: 416-421-9019 www.leasidelandscaping.com
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 13
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
13
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 14
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
14
Leaside in the really good old days. By BETH PARKER When Walter Naulls and his wife Evelyn decided to buy a house in Leaside, they figured that since the new homes in the town were all about the same price, why not take more than one? The year was 1937. So with $500 down and a price of around $5,000 for each one, the Naulls got into the rental business. They purchased five homes, scattered about open fields and dirt roads in South Leaside. Some were on Bessborough Dr., another on McRae which was one of the few paved streets that provided main access through the neighbourhood. “The idea didn’t work out,” says their son, John Naulls, who still lives in Leaside with his wife Julie. “During the war there was a rent freeze, so my parents sold all but one after the war was over, convinced that real estate investment in Leaside wasn’t such a good idea.” Walter Naulls kept the home at 168 McRae and looked again for ways to supplement the family income. Budgies were considered more acceptable pets than dogs at the time. “I remember 500 budgies in our basement on McRae,” says Naulls. Then the family moved once more, this time “over the back fence” to a house on Crandall. They removed the fence so they could carry their furniture and belongings, including their feathered friends, from one house to another. “There was my father at the end of the day,” says Naulls. “He was walking across the backyard into the new house with the last two birds, one in each hand.” Breeding birds eventually became a hobby (there are no birds in the home today) and Walter Naulls played an important role in the growing town. Up until the early 1940s, Leaside just had one policeman (an elderly gentleman called Sandy Bruce who rode about on a motorcycle). When the town council realized it was time to put together a proper force in
1944, Walter Naulls responded to an advertisement and became one of five Leaside policemen. When the Town of Leaside was amalgamated into the City of Toronto in 1957, the police forces John Naulls remembers 500 budgies in were combined. Naulls the family home on McRae served 27 years. Memories of living with his dad of his influence.” Lefty particularly as a policeman are vivid for John, recognized John’s interest in flying who was born in 1944 and grew up and promised to take his student for with his brother Donald, first in the his first plane ride if he achieved a McRae and then the Crandall home. good mark. “I remember one day, my dad acThe ride in a two-seater plane intually put me into the old jail on cluded roll-overs and flying upside McRae” (in the basement of the fire down. “It made me really sick,” hall). On other occasions his father Naulls says, “and my ears rang for would take him along while he dithree days.” But the experience was rected traffic at the entrance to the so powerful that by 18 he had his own Thorncliffe Race Track. John hid in pilot’s licence. the bushes to watch but was warned When he married, Naulls gave up never to take his bike near the flying and worked as a cartographer “shady” illegal gamblers who gathfor 30 years. When his parents put ered along the southern edge. their home up for sale in 1979, Naulls During the 1930s small rivers, and his wife bought it and moved into called “riverlets,” were not uncomCrandall where they raised their son mon in the town. “Our neighbour David and daughter Patricia. used to tell us that she caught frogs Many in the neighbourhood reand small fish in her backyard,” remember Naulls on staff at the Bessmembers Naulls. But these riverlets borough Day Care (my own son still were filled in as houses were built. By quotes from the wisdom of what “Mr. the ‘40s almost all the structures in Naulls” would have said), or teaching town were in place. local history to the grades 7 and 8 “Every house was occupied by classes. young families,” recalls Naulls. “Our In the late ‘90s, Naulls was one of a backyards were separated by short group asked to compile research for a wire fences and us kids were conbook on Leaside by Jane Pitfield. Alstantly scrambling over them to play though initially assigned to work on with each other.” policing and firefighting in the area, A favourite spot was Millwood Naulls uncovered a treasure of research Park (now known as Trace Manes), hidden in old town council notes. where there was a small library, a For two years, he read and comtreed area with tall fir trees along piled what he found in the Leaside McRae Dr., a massive swing set, one Town Council records, 1913-1967, to tennis court, a wading pool and in provide content for the book, winter two outdoor rinks—one at the So strong was his interest that he baseball diamond and another in the drafted his own map to attempt to open area. place various interest points of 1934, As a student at both Bessborough including how Laird Dr. was origiand Leaside High, Naulls has memonally the main street and where the ries of many influential teachers, inoriginal farms were located. cluding “Lefty” Baggs, a retired World Modestly, Naulls claims he did War II fighter pilot who taught grade 7. what “anyone could have done,” but “Lefty was kind, understanding his work is a testament to one man’s and fair,” notes Naulls, “and everyimmense interest and contribution thing I ended up doing was because to his community. n
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 15
CANADA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY MUSEUM
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
15
1911: The Canadian Northern Railway ran through what is now Leaside Village. At top left, the two-storey building that is now Longo’s.
Longo’s site is older than Town of Leaside By BETH PARKER While shopping at the new Longo’s on Laird, it’s hard not to notice that you’re in a restored heritage building. The store, in fact, used to be an old locomotive shop for the former Canadian Northern Railway. What you might not realize is how closely connected the site is to the founding of Leaside. Leaside was a real estate venture of two Toronto entrepreneurs, Sir William Mackenzie and Sir Donald Mann, who established the Canadian Northern Railway (CNoR) in 1899. As they grew their railway “empire,” CNoR at one point owned not just steam and electric railways, but a network of streetcars, hotels, mines and even a steamship company. At the height of their success the two business partners faced a challenge—they needed more terminal facilities to repair and store their trains. So they bought 1,000 acres of farmland in and beyond the area we now know as Leaside. This would give them space so they could build storage and other facilities, e.g. offices, repair shops, marshalling yards, even employee housing. A landscape architect from Montreal was hired to design the town and the community, of course, became incorporated as the Town of
Leaside in 1913. The dream of a large terminal, however, never fully materialized. By 1919 the two faced financial trouble and the CNoR was absorbed into the new Canadian National Railway. When the Leaside yards and repair shops were completed in 1920 they were almost redundant (especially after the Spadina yards were opened seven years later). They were closed in the 1930s and the locomotive repair building eventually purchased by the ES&A Robinson company, which made packaging materials. ES&A changed owners a couple of times, known by many in the neigbourhood first as Norampac, then Winpak. Vacated in 2005, the site sat vacant and vandalized until it was bought by a car dealership, then sold to First Capital for Leaside Village. Moving into the restored railway building held special meaning for Anthony Longo, who opened his 25th store on the site late last August. “We love its historical significance,” he says. “ And we’re proud of the way in which the designers transformed a 1919 building into a modern supermarket, but still keeping the character. It creates a real market feel.” SITE, Page 16
Making the most of the inside The challenge when redeveloping the Longo’s building and accompanying site was how to better feature the heritage building. The Leaside Village proposal was brought before the City of Toronto's Design Review Panel for review and analysis in accordance with a process reserved for the city's most significant development projects. Comprised of experts in areas such as architecture, engineering and city planning, the volunteer board was invited to provide direction for featuring Longo’s building and the site. The panel sent it back to the drawing board. Recommendations for Longo’s included mounting individual lettering on the front wall instead of erecting a single large sign, and limiting new construction on the front wall to a glass vestibule. In addition, the panel adopted the local councillor's recommendation that materials such as red brick and sandstone be featured in all the new buildings on the site to INSIDE, Page 16
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 16
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
16
Site
Bayview Bayview & Fleming F le m in g 1601 Bayview Bayview Ave Ave Toronto Toronto ON ON M4G M4G 3B5 3B 5 416-489-1873 416 489 1873
From Page 15
Restoring and refurbishing an older building had its challenges, especially when it came to the 40-foot wooden ceiling, caked in dirt, smoke and dust. “The project had some surprises,� he notes. “For example, it took a lot longer to clean the original wood ceiling than expected, adding four weeks to the project and delaying the opening. “The result,� he says, “was well worth it.� Longo’s is a family business success story. Anthony is the son of one of the original founders, his father and two uncles who set up their first family-run store at Yonge and Castlefield in 1956. Today, 14 members of the family still work in the business. n
BRIAN MOK
Inside From Page 15
reflect the themes of the existing building and neighbouring vintage structures. An optional challenge that Longo's decided to take on voluntarily was, What can be done about the inside? Although the outside of the old locomotive facility was designated under provincial heritage legislation, the inside (not designated) had also suffered much damage over the years with graffiti and even smoke from “camp fires�. Longo's paid for thorough and careful restoration of the building inside and out, including the lengthy and expensive process of cleaning the wooden ceiling and bringing it up to “food grade�. The result has been called “amongst the most innovative in design in the GTA�. n
Leaside Life Published once a month in Leaside,Toronto ON, by Ruth G. Publishing Inc., 66 Donegall Drive, Toronto ON, M4G 3G5 Circulation 8,500 to every door in M4G PUBLISHER:
Lorna Krawchuk Harry Goldhar, Andrea Villiers ADVERTISING: Ruth Goldhar TYPESETTING: L. Choy
EDITORIAL:
416�486�7387 leasidelife@gmail.com www.leasidelifenews.com
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 17
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
17
% off ad s i h t with
10
eD r. Ra Mc
ve. ie w A Bayv
d
ve. le A
Roa
Ample parking available
M il ls
416-422-0004 • www.redmulberry.ca
Don
322 Sutherland Drive, Toronto
is v il
D r. L a ir d r. nd D
Dav
e. n Av
e rl a
nto
Suth
E g li
M illw oo
d Rd
Pk
w
.
y.
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 18
Free concert Leaside Life, March 2013
|
18 SECOND CUP, 1595 Bayview, free concert Friday night, March 1, by guitarist Phillip Brown. LEASIDE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 670 Eglinton East, March Break Kid’s Club Tuesday-Thursday March 12-4, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. for children JK-grade 7. Grade 8 youth and up appreciated as helpers. Music, crafts, baking, outside play and more. Rev. Angela or Phyllis at the church office, 416-422-0510. $30/child per day or $75/child for 3 days; $50/family per day or $125/family for 3 days. Special assistance and subsidized spaces are available strict confidentiality. NORTH LEASIDE WOMEN’S GROUP, Eglinton Community Centre, 160 Eglinton East, March 5. Learn about this local facility. March 12 & 19, no meetings – school breaks. March 26, beekeeping. Gurushabd
Deadline for April, March 10 leasidelife@gmail.com Khalsa, an urban beekeeper, was featured in the Toronto Star last summer. LEASIDE GARDEN SOCIETY, Leaside Library, Thursday, March 14, refreshments 7 p.m., meeting 7:30. Growing cacti and other succulents, David Naylor. Visitors and new members welcome. www.leasidegardensociety.org LEASIDE LIBRARY, 165 McRae, 416-3963835 - Art Exhibit: Reflections, by Alan Breeze, Fridays March 1-31, Community Room. Chess in the Library, Saturdays March 230, 12–1:30 p.m. For children, teens and
THE CHURCH OF ST AUGUSTINE OF CANTERBURY
NOW
NOW
under New Management! (well, middle management) Father David Montgomery, parish priest Deacon Beth Nelson, family ministry coordinator Come and experience a faith community that’s biblically, socially and liturgically progressive and genuinely friendly! Sundays at 10:30am Contemporary worship with Bible readings, songs, a thought-provoking sermon and our creative childrenʼs program, Wonder Kids!
10:30am
7pm
Palm Sunday, March 24 Procession with palms as we begin Holy Week Maundy Thursday, March 28 Commemoration of the Last Supper
Good Friday, March 29 10:30am The Solemn Liturgy of the Cross 3pm Stations of the Cross Holy Saturday, March 30 7pm The Great Vigil of Easter Wonderful stories told by candlelight, the ringing of bells to celebrate Jesusʼ resurrection, and the renewal of baptism vows Easter Sunday, March 31 10:30am Celebrate Easter with beautiful music, exquisite lilies and holy communion!
Bayview at Broadway www.SaintAugustine.ca 416 485-2656
adults. Drop in. - Afternoon Book Club, Monday March 4, 2 p.m. Rush Home Road by Lori Lansens. Drop in. - Author Talk, Wednesday March 6, 7 p.m. Rob Laidlaw, founder of Zoocheck Canada, Author of No Shelter Here: Making the World a Kinder Place for Dogs and On Parade: the Hidden World of Animals in Entertainment. - Monday March 25, 7 p.m. Ava Homa, author of Echoes from the Other Land, a short story collection about modern Iranian women and resistance. Nominated for the world’s largest short story award. Thursday March 28, 2 p.m. Sharon Crawford, author of Beyond the Tripping Point, mystery short stories. All drop in. - National Film Board film: A Drummer’s Dream, by John Walker highlights a unique assembly of some of the world’s greatest drummers. Friday March 8, 2 p.m., 85 minutes. Drop in. - Movie Matinee, Monday March 11, Thursday March 14, 2 p.m. For children of all ages. Drop in. - Afternoon Storytime, Tuesday March 12, 2 p.m. Stories and a movie for children of all ages. Drop in. - Games Night for Teens, Tuesday March 12, 6 p.m., board games. Drop in. - Mad Science, Wednesday March 13, 10 a.m. Foggy dry ice storms, hovercraft, magic mud, and more for children 6-12. Space limited. Free tickets 30 minutes before the show. No day camps or daycares. Teen Movie Night: Snow White and the Huntsman, Wednesday March 13, 5:30 p.m. An evil queen out to destroy Snow White is unaware the huntsman she dispatched has traded sides. PG 13. Drop in. Duct Tape Craft for Teens, Thursday March 14, 5 p.m. Drop in. - So You Want to Drive? Saturday, March 16, 2 p.m. Jim Kilpatrick, regional trainer for Young Drivers of Canada, for a free workshop on the G1 exam, the graduating licensing system, car insurance, the road test, and collision free driving. Space limited. 416-396-3835. - Save the Bumblebees! Monday March 18, 2 p.m. Lecture by Sheila R. Colla, PhD candidate at York University. Drop in. - Abbeyfield Canada, Thursday March 21, 2 p.m. Bill Statten on non-profit housing option to provide elders a home in their local community. Drop in. - Youth Advisory Group meeting, Wednesday March 27, 4 p.m. Planning for Leaside 100. - Student Success Series, Wednesdy March 27, 6:30 p.m. 416-245-2076 or angelo@ careerdynamics.ca. Limited seating. CANADIAN FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN LEASIDE-EAST YORK, monthly meeting Northlea United Church, 125 Brentcliffe, Thursday March 21, 7.30 pm. Mya Sangster, heritage chef, Fort York, on heritage cooking in the 18th and 19th centuries. Visitors and new members welcome. www.leaside.org/cfuw ST. CUTHBERT’S CHURCH, 1399 Bayview, ecumenical World Day of Prayer, Friday March 1, 2 p.m. Pray and act in solidarity with the men and women of France. ST. AUGUSTINE OF CANTERURY, 1847 Bayview, Nordic Opera Canada presents The Little Matchgirl featuring Brigitte Bogar, Friday, March, 8 p.m. $20. 416-270-0333. LEASIDE UNITED CHURCH, Thursday March 7, 7:30 p.m. screening of new NFB film Status Quo? The Unfinished Business of Feminism in Canada, followed by a panel discussion. Welcome and reception 7 p.m. All welcome, no charge. n
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 19
Metrolinx From Page 1
19
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
Metrolinx still proposed extending the underground tunnel from Laird to Don Mills, eliminating the station at Leslie. It would be too expensive to build a Leslie station if the LRT were underground, said Metrolinx. In the absence of that station, attendees at the open house said, Leslie buses would have to deliver thousands of riders to the sidewalks at Laird instead. Many people asked Metrolinx to go back to the drawing board and consider the surface/viaduct approach, which would permit a Leslie station to be built. Some expressed a preference for giving priority to the Downtown Relief Line, to connect with the Don Mills station. More community participation was called for, in a more transparent process. Metrolinx officials said they would continue to consider comments from the public, but no subsequent open houses are planned. The subject will go to a committee of city council and then to city council as a whole in the spring. n
Family & Cosmetic Dental Care Dr. Jennifer Hittner Dr. Jessica Kudlats
Next to RBC at Laird SmartCentres ie St Leslie
Eglinton Ave East
Laird Dr
Bayview Ave
Vanderhoof Ave
Wicksteed Ave Ra Mc
r eD
FREE WHITENING with every new patient exam
w w www.leasidedentistry.com 416-422-0220 45 Wicksteed Ave Unit 220, Toronto, ON • M4G 4H9 45
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 20
Leaside Unite From Page 1
20
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
ing small retailers. As most of you know, the staff recommendations are extremely important, as they tend to very strongly influence the direction of the City Council votes. It should be noted that the developer has included, under Section 37, $500,000 in funding for the Leaside Arena expansion, as well as funding for an extension of the median on Laird. At this time, we are not sure of our approach going forward and will be consulting with our lawyers to explore our options. FROM THE CITY STAFF REPORT Conclusion The applicant’s proposal for a new large-format retail store on a portion of the property and plan of subdivision including provision of new public roads is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and in conformity with the Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The proposal also conforms to the general objectives of the Official Plan. LEASIDE UNITE, Page 21
,
ORIENTAL & PERSIAN RUG CLEANING
We clean wall to wall carpets and furnishings. *New Stock Just Arrived* A SHOWROOM FULL OF HAND-KNOTTED INVENTORY Your ON I FACT SATIS our is L GOA
______________
FREE PICK‐UP & DELIVERY
1215 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON M4G 2Z8
416.424.1822
www.bayviewruggallery.com
CALLA MAKEUP by
Kestra
home sweet homecare
Local makeup and hair artist KIDS/YOUTH BEAUTY PARTIES including manicures makeup application and dress-up fun for kids ages 5-16
30% off until MARCH 15TH any Gift Certificate or Makeup Tutorial
416-433-6111 makeupbycalla@gmail.com “I will travel to you”
www.makeupbycalla.com
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 21
Leaside Unite From Page 20
21
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
It is recommended that Council approve the rezoning application and that prior to introducing the necessary Bills for enactment that the owner be required to enter into agreements and secure approvals as outlined in this report. _______ The city staff recommendation was to go to North York Community Council on Feb. 26. It will then be considered by city council on March 21, subject to the actions of the community council. You can see the full staff report at http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/ mmis/2013/ny/bgrd/backgroundfile-56048.pdf n
Leaside Life Our next issue will celebrate Leaside’s Centenary. To advertise 416-486-7387 www.leasidelifenews.com Deadline March 10.
B R AV O A C A DE MY
EARLY BIRD DEADLINE APRIL 1
e Register today to sav your place!
March Break & Summer Camps MARCH BREAK CAMP
Harmony High March 11-15, Monday to Friday, 9am - 4 pm* A rockin' musical filled with energy and fun! Similar in style to High School Musical
SUMMER CAMPS
The Little Mermaid Jr 2 week camps through July & August, Monday to Friday, 9am - 4 pm* A musical everyone loves! Extended care available. No audition required.
*
$25 OFF WHEN YOU MENTION THIS AD* Bravo Academy specializes in high quality performing arts education and is committed to the development of theatrical and musical skills of students of all ages and levels. Instructors are both professional performers and highly qualified educators. Voice • Piano • Guitar • Violin • Theory • History Musical Theatre • Acting • Dance *Not available in conjunction with other offers
1 5 0 L A I R D D R I V E I N L E A S I D E • 6 4 7 3 5 0 7 4 6 4 • W W W. B R A V O A C A D E M Y. C A
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 22
Neighbour Leaside Life, March 2013
|
22
From Page 12
What brought you to Canada? I saw Canada as having so much more natural resources than England, and was fascinated by the network of waterways created by the Great Lakes and the fact you could travel through the Welland Canal to the Lakehead by water. Why Leaside? When Marlene and I got married we lived in the apartments at Bayview and Moore. Then we moved briefly to a bungalow in Scarborough -- boy, that was a mistake. At Leaside Gate we are surrounded by friends in the building and family -- one son lives on Rutherglen, another on Sutherland Dr. How lucky is that? What has kept you connected to the community? Well, for about 28 years I was president of the Bennington Heights Property Owners Association. What do you like best about Bennington Heights and Leaside? I was born in a village, and where I live now still has a village atmosphere. n
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 23
Promote in Your Neighbourhood!
Postcard Specials! Offer includes Design, Print* and Door to Door Distribution to: Leaside or Davisville 4000 Homes
$499
Leaside + Davisville 8000 Homes
$848 * 4-1/4’ x 5-1/2�, Full Colour, 12pt, 2 sides
Accurate Distributing Your door-to-door distribution and in-house printing specialist www.accuratedistributing.com
416-429-9102 In the Leaside Neighbourhood Since 1995
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
23
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 24
LETTERS 24
THE CANADIAN AEROPHILATELIST
December 2012, Page 30
What event does this photograph show?
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
leasidelife@gmail.com
Nice photo but... That’s an interesting photograph last month of the first airmail delivery in Canada to the Leaside aerodrome. But there’s something about it that doesn’t ring right. The date in the paper is June 24 and everyone there is dressed for the middle of winter. William Lennon, McRae Dr. The photo on the cover of the February issue was the subject of a question in December’s The Canadian Aerophilatelist, the quarterly journal of the Canadian Aerophilatelic Society. (See at right. The type has been reset for easier reading.) I believe that the photo was taken May 6, 1928 for the beginning of airmail service from Rimouski, Quebec, where British ships would offload mail and parcels for Toronto, via Montreal, thus saving a day over rail time. The Post Office quickly unloaded mailbags from a Fairchild monoplane that Sunday. These packages were probably posed with another plane because the crowds at Leaside aerodrome were milling about the Fairchild. Barry Countryman, Sutherland Dr. I wonder if all the JN4 ("Jenny") aircraft flying out of the Leaside Aerodrome during WW I in Alan Redway's article were actually American-made. In 1916 the British Imperial Munitions Board had founded Canada's first airplane factory, Canadian Aeroplanes Ltd., in Toronto. It was brillliantly managed by the Canadian industrialist Sir Frank Baillie, and produced Jennies both for the Royal Flying Corps and for export. By the end of the war CAL was making very large planes under contract to the U.S. government. I imagine the skies over Leaside were constantly noisy thanks to its Aerodrome. As I listen to the airplanes flying over us these days (and nights), I find them less obtrusive than the helicopters going into Sunnybrook, the
The photograph has led to an enjoyable correspondence between Peter Dance, Terry Judge, Ian MacDonald, Christ Hargreaves, Georg Topple, and Sheldon Benner. The original photo is in the City of Toronto Archives, (Fonds 1244, Item 4631). It recently appeared on various Wikimedia pages, where it illustrated accounts of the first Canadian airmail service at Leaside aerodrome in Toronto. At one time the site http:commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:LeasideAirExpressEaton%27sPackages.jpg used the photo with a comment: Date 1918 (despite the 1928 notation on photo). However, there are many accounts of the First Air Mail Flight in Canada, by Captain Brian Peck from Montreal to Leaside aerodrome in 1918. He did not carry parcels for Eatonʼs! The image was uploaded by Wikimedia Commons User and Administrator who is a Toronto resident. It seems that he/she read the 1918 account at the English Wikipedia article for Leaside, and mistakenly connected the image with that in a well-meaning attempt to apply a meaningful description! But what precidely does the image show? 1918 saw the beginning of both a twice weekly air mail service between Montreal and Toronto in May, and a daily except Sunday air mail service between Montreal and Toronto on the 1st October 1918. But photos taken to show the start of airmail services generally emphasize the mail bags. Since there are no mail bags, it doesnʼt appear to be the start of one of these air mail services either. (There is also no headrest behind the rear cockpit. Most mailplanes of the period had them.) Sheldon has checked the original print in the Toronto Archives, and there was no additional information there. The description of the photo on Wikipedia has now been changed to, “The first regular air express mail delivery in 1928”. But there are still questions as to when was the photograph taken, which type of aircraft is shown, who is the pilot, and what exactly was the event? If anybody can provide any information about this photograph, please send it to the editor: Chris Hargreaves, 4060 Bath Road, Kingston, Ontario K7M 4Y4.
trains rumbling through the ravine, and the ambulance and police sirens that go off at all hours. I can understand that other Leasiders might be more disturbed, but wonder about the many thousands of homeowners in the residential areas between our town and Pearson who must hear substantially more noise. Surely our little community is comparatively fortunate, as it is in so many other ways. Suppose the Leaside Aerodrome had evolved into Toronto's principal airport . ... Michael Bliss, Bessborough Dr. In 1917 there were only two airfields in Toronto, Leaside and Long Branch, both built and operated by the British Royal Flying Corps.
In December 1917 the legendary British secret agent Sidney Reilly trained in Toronto with the Royal Flying Corps at both Leaside and Long Branch airfields, before being sent to Russia where he was instrumental in the 1918 plot to overthrow the recently established Bolshevik government of Lenin and Trotsky. Reilly, born in Tsarist Russia as Salomon Rosenblum, is the subject of many books and the relatively recent TV series on the History channel: Reilly: Ace of Spies. In the TV series he describes himself as Captain Sidney Reilly of the Royal Canadian Flying Corps. The author of the James Bond books, Ian Fleming served in the British Intelligence Service during LETTERS, Page 25
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 25
Letters From Page 24
Loblaws date I have confirmed with the staff that Loblaws at Bayview and Mooreopened in 1951. The opening was delayed because of a steel strike so the roof structure was finished with laminated wood beams. I know that as a fact because I worked there during the summer of 1952, my first paying job, for 40 cents an hour.
Proudly serving the Leaside and surrounding community for over 75 years. ♦
We have a strong commitment to customer service and satisfaction. ♦
Specializing in redesigning, custom orders and repairs of your jewellery. 1597 Bayview Avenue 416-481-9084
www. belljewellers.com
LETTERS, Page 26
LEONARD TAM
YOUR LEASIDE
Certified General Accountants
Our Vision: Your Success & Peace of Mind
PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
Tax & Business Accountants
1670 Bayview Avenue, Suite 306 Toronto, Ontario Canada M4G 3C2 T: 416-783-2222 F: 416-783-4521
TAX PREPARATION & STRATEGIES
www.leonardtam.com info@leonardtam.com
ACCOUNTING & BOOKKEEPING
Plan now & benefit!
LATE TAX FILING Get help without attitude, judgement or guilt!
Do what you do best - Let us do the rest!
SOLUTIONS FOR MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS
CALL NOW FOR A FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CONSULTATION
Helping you achieve breakthroughs: Professionally and Personally
SMALL BUSINESS START-UPS & CONSULTING Get direction: Know your rights, obligations and options!
Leaside Life, March 2013
World War II where he had access to Reilly's files. Fleming says his hero, Agent 007, James Bond, was inspired by the exploits of Sidney Reilly. Some say that Fleming, who also spent time in Toronto during World War II at the RCAF base on Avenue Rd. just north of Eglinton, got the name of his hero from St. JamesBond United Church, which then stood on Avenue Rd. almost directly across from the RCAF base. Alan Redway, McRae Dr.
|
25
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 26
Letters From Page 25
26
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
WEEKLYSPECIALS! WEEKL LY YSPECIALS! SPECIALS!
CED:7O $1 CED:7O $1 OFF TETLEY JK;I:7O $1 CANADIAN JK;I:7O $1 OFF CANADIAN J>KHI:7O $1 J>KHI:7O $1 OFF GROLSCH IKD:7O $1 IKD:7O $1 OFF COORSLIGHT 7<J;H '&FC :7?BO 50¢ 7<J;H '&FC :7?BO 50¢ WINGS WITH THE PURCHASE OF A BEVERA BEVERAGE GE
COME JOIN DURING ST. PATRICK’S WEEK (FRI, SAT, SUN) 6H@ NDJG H:GK:G ;DG BDG: 9:I6>AH#
ENJOY GUINNESS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A GIFT CARD FOR THE LEASIDE FOX EVERY WEEK UNTIL END OF MARCH!
CATCH CATCH A ALL LL T THE HE S SIX IX N NATIONS ATIONS 68I>DC JCI>A B6G8= &+I= 68I>DC JCI>A B 6 G8= &+I= ALL LL YOUR YOUR FAVOURITE FAVOURITE SPORTS SPORTS IN IN Hi-DEF! Hi-DEF! C=A! C76! HZiVciV! J;8! 7dm^c\ C=A! C76 ! HZiVciV! J;8! 7dm^c\ LOOKING LOOK ING FOR A HEALTHY HE A LT H Y CHOICE? CHOICE? T TRY RY OUR OUR SALAD S A L A D MENU ME NU
ASK ABOUT UT O OUR UR E EXTENSIVE X TENSIVE C CATERING ATERING M MENU ENU &.% AV^gY 9g^kZ Vi BXGVZ I# )&+#)+,#-+-' AV^gY 9g^kZ Vi BXGVZ I# )&+#)+,#-+-' l l l#[dmVcYÃYYaZ#Xdb lll#[dmVcYÃYYaZ#Xdb
The present staff tell me that they don't get much more than that today. Before this store opened Loblaws had a smaller store on our side of Bayview just north of where the Dollarama store is today. Loblaws had another small store on the south west corner of Eglinton and Laird. The Dollarama store was originally a Kresges and the present Shoppers Drug Mart was originally the Bayview Theatre where Mel Lastman sometimes appeared in his younger days giving a yo-yo demonstration between the feature movie and the second feature at the Saturday afternoon matinees. Alan Redway, McRae Dr.
Invitation I am not sure what magic fairy waved its wand and I started getting Leaside Life on my doorstep, but I am eternally glad for the happening. It is without a doubt one of the best LETTERS, Page 27 LETTERS, Page 28
GREAT ENERGY + GREAT MARKETING = GREAT RESULTS... Since 1984!
416-487-4311
www.LizTaylorRealtor.com
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 27
local papers I have ever read and with a very comprehensive and professional website to its credit also. I would like to add my reaction to comments in the December and January editions regarding air traffic noise. I happen to live right in the eye of the storm -- Brentcliffe and Eglinton -- and I can assure you that there are times I think the plane must be flying right through my living room. That is a bit of an exaggeration of course, but when my windows start to vibrate and I hear the scream of the jet passing overhead, I don't have to be "listening for the sound of the plane," it takes over any other thought or conversation I may be having. This is winter with doors and windows closed and the furnace running. I can't help but shudder at what the summer will bring when I want to enjoy having my windows open or to sit on my deck and enjoy the air. I don't think the idea, as was
La Roche
27
QUALITY LEATHER GOODS
|
From Page 26
Leaside Life, March 2013
Letters
Designer Suitcases, Briefcases and Bags from Canada (Quebec and Calgary), Italy, Germany and Argentina
Brands such as Le Sportisac, Sports Bug, Baggallini, Peter Kent, Jack Georges and more
1519 Bayview Ave. | 416‐485‐6860 larochebags@hotmail.com
LETTERS, Page 28
HELLO SPRING Follow us by Twitter for an exclusive offer in March show us your Twitter ID, we offer your another half price deal!
@YEH!BAYVIEW
Coupons expires Expiry date June 30, 2013. Limit one coupon per customer. Good for one item of each coupon. Can’t be combined with any other offers. No real money value. Non transferable.
6 years in business
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 28
Letters From Page 27
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
28
Relax, R eellax, Revive Reeevvivive & Rejuvenate R R juuvvenat Rej atet ! ! "
"
! # ! #
$%& ! ' ( ) ''' * ) +,-./ ,0. 1 .23% $%& ! ' ( ) ''' * ) +,-./ ,0. 1 .23%
suggested in Mr. Ashworth's letter, was to have the planes fly over a lesser neighbourhood, rather to have them fly north over the Don Valley Parkway and turn left over the 401, where there may be less residential areas to be disturbed. I would be very happy to host a deck party in the summer and invite Will Ashworth and E.J. Ward over for coffee and gentle conversation, if they can hear over the din of the planes flying overhead, sometimes three within five minutes, and always frequently/constantly, well into the late hours of the night. I had occasion just today to be at Parkhurst and Bayview and it is quite far from my area and the planes are definitely higher and less noisy. Depending where on Broadway someone may live, it also can be far from the hub flight path and again less noisy. To suggest that one may be selfish or elitist is quite judgmental and very far from the truth. Margo Holland, Thursfield Cres.
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 29
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
29
Leaside Paint Centre 1525 Bayview Avenue Toronto ON M4G3B5 416 489 7900
Paint and move in on the same day! With Natura you can paint your bedroom in the morning, sleep in it the same evening! No odours!
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:21 AM Page 30
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
30
Changes for Elgie house, Rumsey Rd. Updates on 262 Bessborough Dr., Parkhurst Blvd. and a concern about the sudden appearance of a “tower home“ at 153 Rumsey Rd. The Elgie family home, 262 Bessborough, one of three remaining Leaside settler homes, has now been conditionally sold following a bidding war in January. The new owners are Renaissance Fine Homes. Matthew Garnet, vicepresident of development, addressed the Feb. 6 LPOA directors meeting with their draft proposals, accompanied by representatives from ERA (heritage) Architects. Garnet told the meeting, that included several residents of Parkhurst whose homes back onto 262 Bessborough, that his company is currently working on a heritage rescue project for John Lyle-designed 7 Austin Terrace in the Casa Loma area. This property was in the news over a year ago when the previous
153 Rumsey Rd.
Geoff Kettel
Saving old Leaside owner had started to demolish it, but was stopped by the intervention of the city and province. Having established his heritage credentials, Garnet said Renaissance is proposing to preserve the original Elgie house, but demolish the later additions, moving the original structure forward to enable the severance of two new lots. The company would construct two new houses on either side, but maintain the prominence of the original house by setting back the
HEIKKI PELLIKKA, DD YOUR DENTURE SPECIALIST
Yonge & Davisville Cosmetic Denture Clinic www.denturestoronto.com Full & Partial Dentures Implant Retained Dentures Repairs & Relining Lab on Premises
416.485.0067 1962 Yonge St., Suite 202, Toronto ABOVE TD CANADA TRUST
new houses. It would add to the rear of the original structure. Moving the house obviously represents a major risk to the property; that was a concern from several neighbours. Renaissance indicated that the heritage property would be secured by a heritage easement agreement which involves the developer having to set aside funds which would be lost if an accident were to occur. However, unless the house is designated there can be no such protection for the heritage property. As a result, after the presentation the LPOA directors voted to ask Councillor Parker to intervene to expedite the heritage assessment by city staff. KETTEL, Page 32
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:22 AM Page 31
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
31
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:22 AM Page 32
THINKING OF BUYING OR SELLING?
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
32
GET OUR FREE APP! Download the app that reflects the real estate market you’re in for FREE! It features “FULL ACCESS” TO ALL the Toronto MLS listings from the Toronto Real Estate Board in “REAL TIME” With over 130 agents, we are the largest RE/MAX office in Central Toronto. For full details, contact your RE/MAX Ultimate Sales Representative or start your search at TorontoHomesForSale.com
416-487-5131 www.torontohomesforsale.com Independently Owned and Operated
“Serving our Leaside community since 1985”
Kettel From Page 30
There were also planning concerns expressed about the mass of the new houses, the number of zoning bylaw variances required, and the lot severances that would be needed. It was also pointed out that the heritage value of the property is not just the house, but also in the landscape features like the circular driveway, the large grassed area and the mature trees, which would be lost as a result of the development. In the end it was proposed, and Garnet willingly agreed, to present his plans to a future public meeting, which is expected to be planned in conjunction with the councillor’s office for the end of February or early March. Meanwhile, residents in the Rumsey/McRae/Sharron area have noticed the sudden emergence of a “tower house” just north of McRae on Rumsey. Many are wondering how this happened and are worried about he threat to the streetscape of Rumsey. It appears this is the result of a KETTEL, Page 33
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:22 AM Page 33
Kettel
Kindergarten Kinde dergart de e rtte erga ten
H Half alf aand nd Full Full Days, Days, P Pre-K, re-K, JJK, K, S SK K M Music, usic, A Art, rt, P Phys hys E Ed, d, C Cooking, ooking, D Daily aily F French rench E Early arly M Morning, orning, A Afterschool fterschool and and Lunch Lunch Program Program A Available vailable 2454 B 2454 Bayview ayview A Avenue, venue, 4 416-425-4567 16 -425-4567 www.junioracademy.com w w w.junioracademy.com
|
successful appeal to the Ontario Municipal Board, which overturned a decision by the Committee of Adjustment to reject the variance application for the development, which included demolition of the original property. The LPOA opposed the variances a year ago, and would have expected to be informed about the appeal of the Committee decision. The LPOA has asked Councillor Parker to investigate how this happened and why there was no representation from the city at the OMB hearing. One would have expected city legal staff to have been present to defend the city’s Committee of Adjustment decision. For now the street has a house that towers above the general height line, and may represent an unfortunate precedent, inviting more projects that do not fit the street. Finally, some good news about Parkhurst Blvd. On Jan. 22 North York Community Council passed a resolution for the initiation of a process aimed at obtaining Part V Heritage Conservation District status on Parkhurst. n
33
Leaside Life, March 2013
From Page 32
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:22 AM Page 34
John Parker
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
34
ENJOYED
Councillor, Toronto Ward 26 Don Valley West
Give lights a chance It has been a few months now since the new traffic signal lights went in at the intersection of Laird and McRae/Wicksteed but I continue to receive calls and messages about them. Some people think they are not functioning properly. Others argue that they make a bad intersection worse. The matter is made no less complicated in that the lights did in fact function improperly for the first few days after they were installed, leading some to the conclusion that the change that was later made to the operating mode was a breakdown whereas it was actually a fix. To understand the situation, begin with the reality that the interPARKER, Page 35
PARALLELE INTERIORS
WALLPAPER ON SALE NOW - 15% off *ALSO SELECTED ITEMS - 50% off PICTURE FRAMING AVAILABLE 1717 Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON M4G 3C1 ph 416-481-7207 | fax 416 481-7208
www.paralleleinteriors.com
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:22 AM Page 35
Parker From Page 34
Katherine Housez Mortgage Specialist 416-886-3885 katherine.housez@rbc.com
Penny Boundy Mortgage Specialist 416-931-0065 penny.boundy@rbc.com
Switch your mortgage to RBC Royal Bank® and save. It’s easy and I can show you how.
Switch today! We’ll pay your switch-out fees*!
All personal lending products and residential mortgages are offered by Royal Bank of Canada and are subject to its standard lending criteria. *Offer may be withdrawn, extended or changed at any time, without notice. Not available in combination with any other rate discounts, offers or promotions. Applicable to residential mortgages only. RBC will pay up to a maximum $300 switch out fee charged by your current financial institution. RBC will not pay any prepayment charge levied by your current financial institution. Minimum $100,000 mortgage ($75,000 in Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Atlantic Provinces) to qualify for this offer. Other conditions apply. ® Registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. RBC and Royal Bank are registered trademarks of Royal Bank of Canada. TM Trademark of Royal Bank of Canada. 45810 (07/2011)
PARKER, Page 36
HIGH QUALITY With every PEDICURE booking in March receive a complimentary moisturizing paraffin treatment With every CUT and BLOW DRY booking in March receive a complimentary moisturizing spa hair treatment
Mention this ad when booking.
864 Millwood Rd., Toronto, ON M4G 1W6
416-485-2807
bellarouge.ca
Reasonable prices A great variety of fresh fish Fresh fish arrives 3 times a week from Japan
FUKUI SUSHI 1612 Bayview Avenue Toronto M4G 3B7
(416) 487-3388
Leaside Life, March 2013
section is a bad one to begin with. The oblique angle at which McRae approaches from the west creates an odd situation both for drivers headed east from McRae across Laird towards Wicksteed and for drivers headed west from Wicksteed across Laird towards McRae. Not to mention drivers turning left in either direction. In the past there was an attempt to address the situation with painted "skip lines" on the road surface. The goal, of course, was to direct the flow of traffic safely. Or so one would have hoped. The actual experience was that the lines directed traffic from the west turning north and traffic from the east turning south head on into each other. After a few close calls the lines were removed. My hope immediately after getting elected in 2006 was to acquire a portion of the corner of the then vacant property owned by Smart Centres and make use of it to reconstruct the intersection altogether with conventional 90 degree angles.
|
35
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:22 AM Page 36
Parker From Page 35
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
36
Amber, Nancy, Jessica
Absolute Beauty by Nancy Penny has been part of the fabric of the Leaside community for over 20 years. Nancy, Jessica and Amber are certified skin care professionals who love to provide outstanding service and products to our valued customers 7 days a week. Try our award winning facials, manicures, pedicures, waxing, electrolysis, lash extensions, cosmetic tattooing (eyebrows and eyeliner), etc. in a friendly, clean safe environment. Gift certificates available. Absolute Beauty by Nancy Penny • 1517A Bayview Ave., Toronto, ON • 416-932-3970
zAfternoon Activities zWeekend Trips zAcademics
Learn more about the life-changing Gow experience at www.gow.org/leaside or call 716.687.2001
My idea was squelched when I learned that plans had already been approved to allow the owner to develop the portion in question. The new Royal Bank branch sits there now. The existing three-phase traffic signal is the latest attempt to address the hazards inherent in the geometry of the intersection. Most drivers have come to recognize that traffic approaching from the east and from the west now encounter two distinct green light phases: The first is a dedicated left turn light. It clears accumulated left turn traffic in each direction. The second phase is a dedicated "through" light. It permits traffic to head east or west but prohibits left turns in either direction. By splitting the phases the signal avoids the predicament of left turn traffic from either direction colliding with oncoming through traffic. It works if everyone obeys the lights. It doesn’t if drivers disobey them. Some drivers clearly think that the left turn light is a conventional "advanced left" signal, and that left turns are OK as long as one of the lights is green. That's not how these lights work. These lights separate left turn traffic and through traffic into distinct phases. The purpose is not to make the traffic flow more readily but to get it through a bad intersection more safely. I have asked staff to monitor things to see how it's working. I welcome your comments on the matter at councillor_parker@toronto.ca. n
Video about Leaside history Leaside residents Barry Samuel and Anthony Regan are looking for sponsors for a video to celebrate Leaside’s 100th birthday. It will feature 50 minutes of about 10 vignettes highlighting aspects of Leaside’s history, including the Lea family, the original Official Plan, the war effort and Canada Wire and Cable. Some has already be shot. Google 100 years inside Leaside. n
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:22 AM Page 37
We all regret that the east side of Laird has come to be a magnet for retail development in recent years. I personally regret that the developer in this case has repeatedly declined to give me assurance that its anchor tenant won’t in fact be a Walmart. …development applications of this sort are governed by the provincial Planning Act and by the city’s Provincial Plan and zoning bylaws… where the existing bylaws are out of line with the Official Plan, it is the Official Plan that has priority. It is on that basis that applicants such as SmartCentre apply for rezoning with some degree of confidence of success, in that the rezoning that they seek is intended to reflect the vision set out in the Official Plan. (It is to be remembered that the existing SmartCentre stands out as an exception in that regard: it resulted from a combined rezoning and Official Plan amendment, both of which were willingly approved by the municipality at the same time at the request of the developer. I cannot for the life of me understand how that happened.) I have also imposed some demands of my own on the applicant... These demands have led to significant concessions and enhancements in areas of traffic management, streetscape improvement, pedestrian realm, landscaping, parking management, choice of materials, positioning of buildings and doorways, and overall design excellence. In response to the priority that I have placed on matters of design, the developer retained the architectural firm of Diamond & Schmidt - architects of the Four Seasons Opera House in downtown Toronto and recent renovations to the interior of the Legislature Building at Queen's Park - to design the proposed site and its structures. The result is a proposal that will be substantially more satisfactory than anything that this developer has produced before. n
HOMES MUST SELL • Fixer Uppers • Bank Foreclosures • Company Owned Properties • Power of Sales • Distress Sales
37
To receive a FREE list with pictures, visit www.TorontoDistressSalesList.com Beata Kosc, Sales Representative Re/max Ultimate Realty Inc., Brokerage
PANASONIC SAMSUNG TOSHIBA SHARP SONY JVC LG
BOSTON ACOUSTIC POLK AUDIO MARANTZ YAMAHA ONKYO BENON SANUS
Professional Service for over 35 Years
KATHRYN L. SMITHEN Barrister, Solicitor & Notary Public
DIVORCE
Your neighbourhood travel agency Tours, cruises, travel insurance 1569 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4G 3B5 (416) 485-5057
CUSTODY/ACCESS
FAMILY MATTERS SUPPORT
PROPERTY
Free ½ Hour Consultation 201-27 Yorkville Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4W 1L1 Tel: 416-925-2123 e-mail: kathy@kathrynsmithen.ca
www.kathrynsmithen.ca
|
The following comes from two letters that Councillor John Parker distributed publicly a month ago.
Leaside Life, March 2013
Excerpts from Parker letters
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:22 AM Page 38
Numbers down, but clubs still do good Leaside Life, March 2013
|
38 Rotary, the world’s first volunteer service organization, began in Chicago in 1905. The Toronto-Leaside Club was formed in 1940. In its heyday, there were close to 100 members from the local community who met for their weekly lunches in Lamb Hall at St. Cuthbert’s Church. Various women’s groups from the church catered a set menu each week. Now, at the weekly Monday lunch meetings at the Fox & Fiddle on Laird, there are about 20 participants and the menu isn’t as restrictive. The motto for Rotarians is “service above self”. To be able to provide services, you need to raise money. The big Rotary fundraiser is the Corn Roast, held at Trace Manes Park every September. Over the years, this club has raised and donated more than $1.5 million. Most recently, there was a $50,000 donation towards the second ice pad for Leaside Memorial Community Gardens. A few years ago, there was furniture for the new Leaside Library. All along, there are smaller needs filled – hearing tests
Lorna Krawchuk Publisher Leaside Life
that run about $700 are provided when finances are a problem for a family, and uniforms for an indoor soccer league in Thorncliffe Park are just two examples. A prominent international Rotary project is PolioPlus, matching funds with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to help the fight for polio eradication. To learn more about TorontoLeaside Rotary, call President George Hurst at 416-421-6491, or write georgehurst@sympatico.ca. It was Toronto-Leaside Rotarians and Leaside Lions who did the major fundraising to build Leaside Memorial Community Gardens in 1952. I’ll leave the story of Leaside Lions for Alan Redway to tell in some future issue. You’ll need to read Alan’s explanation as to why the Leaside Lions still meet, but in west end Toronto. There was a Leaside Kiwanis
Club between 1949 and 1967. When the club disbanded, members joined East York Kiwanis, which still has some Leaside members. The children’s parkette over the brow of the Bessborough Dr. hill above Leaside Lawn Bowling was originally furnished by them. All of these clubs were originally for men only, with a separate organization for women (mostly wives) who wished to be affiliated. Now both women and men are in the same clubs, eligible for the same jobs. We’ve all driven past the corner of Millwood Rd. and Overlea Blvd. and seen the name York Masonic Lodge there. And yes, there really is a Masonic lodge in this building owned by the Masons. The lodge was open to the public a few years ago during one of the Open Doors weekends. Maybe it will be again, and you can get a look at the special decorations. As Bryan Pyper, a Mason says, “It’s not a secret society, but we do have our secrets.” To become a Mason, you need to “ask one to be one”. n
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:22 AM Page 39
FRASER HUNTLY
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
INTERNATIONAL
39
OFFICE FURNITURE SUPERSTORE O
32,000 SQUARE FEET NEW AND USED BIGGEST SEL LECTION LOWEST PRICES
CHAIRS DESKS FILING CABINETS MEETING TA ABLES BOARDROOM RECEPTION WHITE BOARDS
20 RESEARCH ARC ROAD A ( IN THE PA PARKHURST KNITTING BUILDING)
905 272 2772-9436
LeasideLife issue 15 rev_LeasideLifev1 13-02-19 11:22 AM Page 40
C
40
ORTINA
Leaside Life, March 2013
|
CURTAINS & SHADES
2 Brentcliffe Road, Toronto, Ontario M4G 3Y2 TEL:
416-636-9295 | FAX: 416-636-8511
We come out to your home 7 days a week morning, noon or night, we offer no charge and no obligation Consultations. We produce most of our own products in house, install our own products and offer worry free warranty.
H MARC S ECIAL SP
FREE Installation on any and all orders • $100 discount on orders over $500 • $250 discount on orders over $1,500 • $500 discount on orders over $2,700
Family run window covering business with 3 generations of expertise.