LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:24 PM Page 1
No. 31 • September 2014
Leaside Life
WILL ASHWORTH
leasidelifenews.com
The man behind the signs Page 37
CHERYL VANDERBURG had a brain wave after reading Leaside Life
She wants a litter-free Leaside HER PLAN IS WORKING ITS WAY THROUGH CITY HALL Whether it’s on Bayview, Laird, along Eglinton or into the Leaside Business Park, cleaner surroundings both inside and outside a business help improve the image that the particular business is trying to project. The same holds true for a neighbourhood or community. Rumsey Rd. resident Cheryl Vanderburg recently started working on a litter abatement program with the Leaside Library at the Trace Manes Park children's playground and wading pool adjacent to the library. Li-
Will Ashworth The business of Leaside
brary staff pick up litter on Monday, Wednesday and Friday and she does the same on Tuesday, Thursday, and the weekend. The improvement was immediately noticeable to everyone involved. Then she got a brain wave.
After reading in Leaside Life’s June issue about two young Leasiders who cleaned up the area immediately surrounding the Talbot Park baseball field after finding it overrun with garbage this spring, due to all the snow we got this past winter, Cheryl Vanderburg thought to herself, “Why can’t we create a litter abatement program [like the one at the library] for parks and roadways?” Currently, the city has no such program. LITTER-FREE, Page 6
WE ARE GETTING CLOSER TO A BIA ON BAYVIEW, PAGE 9
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The free library in Leaside
Ontario’s Best Source For Birding and Nature Products
The Free Little Library idea started in Wisconsin in 2009 spread to Toronto a couple of years ago, and is now in Leaside. It is on Southvale Dr. just west of Hanna Rd. Leasider Mary Nicholl got the idea when her boss’s wife put one up in Rosedale. She inveigled her dad, Ian Nicholl, to make the box, and the library was up and running in August. You can take any book that appeals to you. You can also leave books. There is no charge, no card needed, and no need to return the book you borrowed, although that would be fine too. The Free Little Library will have children’s as well as adult books. ■
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Leaside Life, September 2014
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Four candidates: two slamming incumbent local of the Alliance of Canadian Cin- 3 ema, Television and Radio Artists. He has appeared in over 80 film and television roles including Star Trek: Voyager and Shall We Dance and worked with stars like Julie Andrews and Richard Gere. On stage, he has performed in productions from coast to coast and as a writer has written films, TV pilots, sketch comedy, a children's book, a play and short stories. Before winning his first municipal election in Don Valley West in 2006 Parker had been an MPP from 1995 to 1999. His provincial riding was abolished during a reduction of the number of seats and he had to face another MPP in the new Eglinton-Lawrence riding. He lost to Mike Colle. He is a founding board member of the Bessborough Child Care Centre and has coached community baseball, soccer and hockey teams. He served on the board of the Leaside Hockey Rink and chaired the East York Committee of Adjustment. In 2001, he helped found the Ontario Association of Former Parliamentarians and serves on the board of the Churchill Society for the Advancement of Parliamentary Democracy. ■
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What would you like us to ask the four candidates? We’ll pick the best questions and ask them for the next issue. leasidelife@gmail.com
Her father is Murad Velshi, a former MPP for Don Mills riding. Burnside was a Toronto policeman for 10 years from1991 and then went into business and community service. In 2001 he launched Healthy Heart Meals delivered to homes across Ontario. He now owns three other companies. He is also a member of the Flemingdon Neighbourhood Service Board and Ontario Government Trillium Grant Review Team, convenor of Leaside Girls' Softball, founder of the Flemingdon Park House League Hockey Program and recipient of both the Kathleen Wynne Community Service Award and the Toronto Police Community Service Award. Last year Sparrow, an unsuccessful candidate for the New Democratic Party in the 2008 federal election in Don Valley West, was elected president last year of ACTRA Toronto, the largest
Leaside Life, September 2014
There are four candidates for Ward 26 councillor in the municipal election in October: the incumbent, one candidate who lost to the incumbent in the last election and is slamming him, a new municipal candidate who is also slamming him, and a newcomer who used to work for him. John Parker is running for a third term. Jon Burnside was a close second in the last election. In filing as a candidate he said, "Our ward deserves better. We need a champion for our communities, someone who will listen to us and work with us, not against us. We need better results for our community." David Sparrow, a new candidate, said at his fundraising affair at the Leaside arena, “For too long… we’ve watched a councillor who stands on all sides of an issue and then celebrates with the winners. We instead need to have an advocate who will stand with the community.” Ishrath Velshi was Parker’s executive assistant before leaving to do the same work for North York Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong. She also worked for two former cabinet ministers at Queen’s Park.
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LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:25 PM Page 4
leasidelife@gmail.com Letters may be edited.
Leaside Life, September 2014
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LETTERS
Two Gurkha films in the archives Lorna Krawchuk reports (July) that Gurkha Welfare Appeal (Canada) archives have been housed in the Tanager Ave. home of the late Major Michael Burke and his widow, Carol. Two items in that archive may be videos of films that I blocked out and scripted, following conversations with Major Burke. The producer and cameraman, Vic Sarin, was born in northern India and had a Gurkhali amah (nanny) in his childhood. Sarin, whose film credits must cover several thousand items for CBC, as well as features for independents, shot 1,120 minutes of 16 mm film at his own expense to make those Gurkha-related films. I hope the archives house them. Few prints were made, so copies are rare. Robert Fripp, Southvale Dr.
More on noise - 1 John Parker’s column “Make some noise to fight the airplane noise” requires some additional information to understand better how aircraft and the air traffic control system function. Flights arriving in Toronto are flying a flight plan approved before
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 EDITORIAL: Harry Goldhar ADVERTISING: Ruth Goldhar GRAPHIC DESIGN: L. Choy
416‐486‐7387 leasidelife@gmail.com www.leasidelifenews.com
LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:25 PM Page 5
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More on noise - 2 This is a reply to Councillor Parker's column on aircraft noise over Leaside. Despite your discussion of agencies like NAV Canada, they derive their authority from the federal government that is responsible for air traffic issues. The provincial government is involved because of significant health problems being generated. In general, noise control is a municipal matter. The Leaside Property Owners' Association, Toronto Aircraft Noise Group and many local residents (3,500 signed a petition) have tried to modify this situation. Politicians consulted include Lisa Raitt (federal transport minister) who is the key person. Air traffic at the Toronto Island Airport is voted on by Toronto City Council, with much debate. Do Leasiders not deserve similar consideration, especially since we chose to live 30 km from Pearson? There is a direct conflict between the financial interests of commercial airlines and Leasiders' right to live in a healthy and reasonably quiet environment and we sure are not winning. Dan Buckley, Roxville Ave.
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departure. To some extent, these procedures take into account the economics of aircraft operations – keep airplanes higher rather than lower to conserve fuel (jet engines are more efficient at altitude) and allow planes to land promptly for the same reason. As a general rule, the closer you are to the airport, the shorter the flight will be. If the standard arrival were out over the lake, turning north up the Don Valley, airplanes would be in the air longer and more fuel would be burned. This has environmental and cost consequences. In clear weather with no traffic, you could keep the aircraft high and close to minimize the noise footprint. Lastly, although overnight operations are permitted, noise abatement procedures are in place so that, winds and weather permitting, runways are used to minimize noise for people living near the airport. And every departure, day or night, flies a path and requires engine settings to minimize noise. Tony Koch, Randolph Rd.
LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:25 PM Page 6
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Litter-free From Page 1
Rather than reinvent the wheel, she conducted a little online research to see if any Ontario municipalities already operate park/roadway adoption programs. She found that Ottawa has operated a successful Adopt-a-Park/Roadway initiative for the past 13 years with 120 parks and 60 roadways covered. While Ottawa’s proven success provides a template for something similar here, Vanderburg envisions a more communitydriven endeavour where the city provides support but generally remains in the background. Excited about the possibilities for Leaside, Vanderburg immediately contacted Councillor John Parker, who passed the idea on to Roger Macklin, parks supervisor for Ward 26. Both men support the idea. The Leaside Property Owners’ Association has promised to bang the drum on Vanderburg’s behalf. Her proposal is currently making its way through the city bureaucracy. Hopefully, something concrete can be announced in September. The goal of the program is to cre-
ate a litter-free Leaside where businesses, residents, municipal employees and everyone else who contributes to the fabric of our community works together to make this a reality. Can you help? The first step is to adopt a park or roadway in Leaside that you care about. Ideally, somewhere near your home. You can do this by yourself or with a group of neighbours or friends. The important thing is that you adopt a distance or space that is manageable based on the number of people involved who’ll be doing the garbage collection, etc. If you’re just one person I wouldn’t suggest adopting Trace Manes Park. Unofficially Vanderburg already has done so but I’m sure she’d love some help. Rather you should consider the sidewalk or roadway directly in front of your house, apartment, business or institution. In Ottawa the city provides free
LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:25 PM Page 7
Leaside Life
To find out how you can get involved in the Adopt-a-Park/Roadway program, please contact:
has a web site too
www.leasidelifenews.com
Cheryl Vanderburg 416-425-3022 cheryl.vanderburg@hotmail.com
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corner waiting for the light to change. It’s human nature. Clean neighbourhoods are proven to increase the quality of life of its residents, engender social pride, add vibrancy to local businesses, reduce crime and antisocial behaviour, and most importantly from a dollar and cents perspective, increase home prices. Little by little, Vanderburg believes, Leaside can become a model of cleanliness in a city where massive growth seems to be sacrificing Toronto’s long-standing reputation as tidy and clean. Every stakeholder in Leaside has something to lose if we allow litter to overrun our parks and roadways. Let’s all take responsibility for our own little part of the city. If we do this, the Adopt-a-Park/Roadway initiative has every chance for success. It will probably all begin this fall. ■
Leaside Life, September 2014
garbage bags, gloves, yard waste bags, graffiti removal supplies as well as any small tools needed for any clean up undertaken by community volunteers. While it’s likely Toronto would follow Ottawa’s lead, Vanderburg believes that donations/sponsorships from local businesses (just like those we’re seeing for lawn signs asking motorists to slow down on our streets) would help broaden the scope of the program to include flower planting and other useful beautification tools. City booster Jane Jacobs used to say, “People don't litter where there is no litter.” She believed peer pressure is a contagious universal force. Not so sure? Go to the intersection of Fleming and Bayview and watch the pedestrians crossing against the red light when headed north or south on Bayview. They’re less likely to do so if another person is standing at the
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LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:25 PM Page 8
Proposals for traffic
Leaside Life, September 2014
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By WILL ASHWORTH
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Councillor John Parker introduced five motions August 12 and 13 at North York Community Council that address escalating traffic in Leaside. The following outlines what he would like to see. – The implementation of a 30kilometre per hour speed limit throughout most of Leaside with the exception of major arteries such as Bayview and Laird south of Eglinton; – Toronto Police Services stepping up speed enforcement in Leaside, taking particular care at Millwood & McRae; – An all-way stop at the intersection of Vanderhoof and Brian Peck Cres.; – The installation of either a pedestrian crossing or traffic control signal on Bayview at Sutherland; – Increasing signage (if warranted) in Leaside, prohibiting heavy truck usage; – The introduction of weekday turn restrictions in the morning (7 to 9 a.m.) and afternoon (4 to 6 p.m.) rush hours at various key intersections (e.g. Laird and Parkhurst ) that lead to increased traffic on Leaside streets; – The installation of a no-stopping rule (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) on Hanna TRAFFIC, Page 10
LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:25 PM Page 9
We are one step closer to a BIA The proposed Business Improvement Area on Bayview took another big step forward earlier in the summer towards joining the 77 existing Toronto BIAs by the end of the year. On July 3, 77 eligible landlords and business owners showed up at St. Cuthbert’s Church to vote on whether the city should undertake a formal 60-day polling period to approve the creation of a BIA by the city. To move forward at least 40 yes votes were needed. There were 52 yeses. The report recommending balloting was to be considered by the city’s Economic Development Committee on August 19. The committee was to make a recommendation at the August 26-27 council meeting. If this gets a rubber stamp (there’s nothing to suggest it wouldn’t), the city will mail out notices in early September of the proposed bylaw creating the BIA to all the eligible property owners between Parkhurst and Davisville. They must then provide copies within 30 days to their commercial and industrial tenants. The day the notices are mailed
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Suggestions from our readers I love Leaside and grew up in the area. In the past I have often enjoyed shopping at the various shops on Bayview. However, and much to my surprise, I find myself as well as many others now shopping at the Big Box Mall. I would love to support the shops on Bayview but the variety offered is not fulfilling for our needs. However, I do find myself frequenting Bayview to dine out. We have quite a variety of restaurants available to us and some are fabulous. My suggestion would be to focus
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I am a resident of the north side of Leadside. I shop and visit Bayview Ave. on a weekly basis and I am in favour of the beautification on Bayview. But it does not reflect the beauty and charm of the high value of homes in the neighbourhood. BIA, Page 10
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on turning Bayview into Restaurant Row. We have Ossington Ave. in the west end and many restaurants downtown. Bayview would become a destination. "Build it and they will come." Why do I need to go to Shops of Don Mills to have a great time and food at McEwan's Fabbrica? We need a variety of food styles and cost to fit every palette, from the quick cheap eats to a five-star restaurant. It is no secret the area is very affluent and we love to dine out. It has no choice but to be successful. Picture all the patios, music and the crowds. Can we say Tastes of the Tri-Village? Allison Clarke, Vanderhoof Ave.
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Leaside Life, September 2014
out the clock starts ticking down from 60. To be successful the vote must be 50 percent plus one in the affirmative based on the city getting back at least 30 percent of the mailed notices . The entire process could be completed in approximately 90 days with the bylaw itself being created in December. While it’s not a sure thing a BIA on Bayview is looking more likely every day.
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LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:25 PM Page 10
Leaside Life, September 2014
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From Page 8
between Field and Sharron on the east side of the street while allowing a maximum of three hours parking on the west side adjacent to Bessborough School, enabling the safe pickup of students by parents; – An all-way stop at the intersection of Crandall and Hanna (Crandall runs perpendicular to Bessborough school) making it easier for children who are walking on their own to school; – No right turns on red lights at all times of the day in all directions for vehicles at the intersection of Millwood and McRae; and – Extending Redway Dr., which currently ends at the back of the Loblaws parking lot, all the way to Bayview somewhere south of Nesbitt Dr., creating a traffic bypass around Leaside’s side streets. With the exception of the Redway Dr. extension, which faces opposition from Ward 27 Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam and Ward 29 Councillor Mary Fragedakis and has met with strong opposition in the past, all of these ideas could be implemented relatively quickly. They were to be presented to city council in mid August. â–
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Beauty is one of the top three factors in creating community attachment, or loyalty, to your particular street, town or city. The BIA can approach existing merchants to donate time and money, for example asking Passion Fruits to donate or to sell some plants at a reduced cost for planters during the four seasons. We can also reach out to the neighbourhood residents or Leaside Garden Society to volunteer for the beautification of Bayview as a team working for the community. It takes an effort from everyone in the community to see positive changes. Just look at Mt. Pleasant. Look at Danforth Ave.’s Greek Town. The planters are beautiful and the neighbourhood is vibrant. An attractive incentive for patrons would be to ask the city parking department to change the hours, for example to create free parking from 7 p.m. The meaning of the word avenue is traditionally a straight route with a line of trees or large shrubs running along each side. That is not the case on Bayview Ave. Bianca Da Costa, Laird Dr.
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SUMMER ROUNDUP 11
Leaside Life, September 2014
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73 Donegall: a big success at the OMB Geoff Kettel
Recall this column in July which bemoaned the unfair treatment of neighbours and the Leaside Property Owners’ Association at the hands of an Ontario Municipal Board chair. The case of 28 Rumsey Rd. involved an appeal of the demolition and replacement of a traditional Leaside detached home on a street with a virtually unaltered streetscape. I am delighted that our recent experience in the case of 73 Donegall Dr. was different. The chair was attentive, bright, efficient and polite to all. But best of all was his decision! He rejected the appeal of the Committee of Adjustment decision to turn down the minor variance application and he cited the garagedominated house design as not fitting into the character of Leaside. In doing so he preferred the evidence of the neighbours and the LPOA about neighbourhood character (and the impact on the neighbour's use of a mutual driveway) rather than that of the expert planning witness for the applicant. While not quite restoring my faith in the OMB it at least satisfied me that there is some justice to be found there. You can read the decision at the OMB web site https://www.omb.gov.on.ca/ english/eDecisions/eDecisions.html
Eglinton Connects Eglinton Connects is the city’s long term vision for Eglinton “to become Toronto’s central east-west avenue, a green, beautiful linear space that supports residential living, employment, retail and public uses in a setting of community vibrancy,” and is driven by the coming of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT. It focusses on three main planning directions: Building: opportunities for midrise intensification and development along the corridor and especially in six focus areas. Greening: including developing EGLINTON, Page 12
KATHARINE TOMKO
Saving old Leaside
The big old tree is safe As Leasiders we value our trees, street trees (front yard) and back yard trees, city trees and private trees. But when anyone wants to remove a tree to extend a deck or demolish and reconstruct a house, the property owner can generally get a permit from the city without difficulty. There may be a complication in the case of a tree that appears to straddle the property line with a neighbour. A well-known recent case that went to the Supreme Court established that where a tree is shared, i.e. the trunk straddles both properties, the approval of both owners is required to remove it. However, this does not appear to have found its way into the city’s policies, at least not yet. The owner of a property on Rumsey Rd. submitted an application to remove a magnificent silver maple tree, a back lot tree but highly visible from the street, which was required to construct a basement walkout as part of a reconstruction project. The city’s Urban Forestry department reviewed this application, based on their criteria, which include “needed for development,” and decided that the tree qualified for removal. At this point there is nothing that can be done legally . The city can issue the permit and the property owner can call the arborist to remove the tree. However, on Rumsey the concerned neighbour spoke to the owner of the tree and eventually the owner agreed to change plans so the removal was no longer required. In this case the tree was spared and the neighbourhood will continue to benefit from its shade, its annual gift of colour, and the year-round visual beauty of its form. But maybe our trees need more protection than an owner who agrees to change plans? ■
LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:25 PM Page 12
Eglinton Leaside Life, September 2014
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Kathleen Kathleen Wynne Wynne MPP Don Valley West
Be Best stt w wishes ishes to all ll s students t udents to a for for the the 2014/15 2014//15 school school year. year.
C Constituency onstituency O Office ffice 7 795 95 E Eglinton glinton Avenue Avenue East East U Unit nit 1101, 01, T Toronto, oronto, O ON M4G N M4G 4 4E4 E4 416-425-6777 4 16-425-6777 k kathleenwynne.onmpp.ca athleenwynne.onmpp.ca
From Page 11
a trackway with groundcover and growing great trees. Reallocation of the right of way along the lines of the “complete streets” model for accommodating all users, pedestrians, cyclists and motor vehicles. We wrote in November last year that “Density will be increased but not in a wholesale way. From east of Bayview to Laird and north of Eglinton east of Laird, the latest plans now suggest that the zoning may be adjusted, to permit some development. The block from Laird to Brentcliffe south of Eglinton to Vanderhoof is an area of focus.” We got this partly right. This summer (while you were away!) the city approved changes to the official plan to permit townhouses west of Hanna south of Eglinton, and immediate rezoning to permit as-of-right mid-rise development from Sutherland to Laird (both sides). The LPOA opposed outright the townhouse “creep” and recommended more consultation regarding the Sutherland to Laird re-zoning. Meanwhile the focus areas are the subject of further study, and we will hear more about the Laird to Brentcliffe project in the fall. At present both sides of Eglinton from Bayview to Sutherland consist of an intact stretch of two-storey single family houses that is integrated seamlessly into the Leaside built form. The LPOA opposed the proposal to provide for townhouses in the block on the south side of Eglinton, west of Hanna Rd. for the following reasons: • Townhouses, especially the type of stacked ones that are being built as infill projects today, are a very different type of house form both physically and in the way they would function as part of the community (e.g. the possibility of underground parking) than what they would replace. • The current single family houses are largely owner occupied and in good physical shape and not in need of replacement. Why demolish perfectly good homes to end up in landfill? • Further, this block is included in the “area of character” that was identified in the Eglinton Crosstown study, Heritage Analysis – The Metropolitan Avenue, by the consultants ERA Architects last October. And it is within the area recently recommended for a Heritage Conservation District by North York Community Council.
• The city’s apparent support for demolition and reconstruction within the future HCD area may undermine the intent of the proposed HCD and set an unfortunate precedent. • The small amount of additional density to be produced in this short stretch is trivial in comparison to what would result from proposed land use changes in the Bayview or Laird/Brentcliffe focus areas. • While the proposed policy applies to this one small block, potentially it may lead to pressure for land use change in the blocks eastward on either side of Eglinton, creating potential instability for a much larger stretch of Eglinton. Council approved the Official Plan policy changes for west of Hanna at its meeting in July. The LPOA has filed an OMB appeal. The other proposal is for rezoning the stretch of Eglinton between Sutherland and Laird to permit midrise development with allowable buildings of approximately seven storeys on the north side, and eight storeys on the south side. The LPOA is concerned that depending on the detail of angular planes and the like, the project may have negative impacts on the single detached houses fronting on Donlea Dr. north of Eglinton and on Vanderhoof south of Eglinton. On this one our caution was heard and Councillor Parker moved a motion at committee to have additional consultation in our area. Presumably this will have been approved at the August city council meeting, the last before the municipal election.
Garden Court Recall that over a year ago we reported that an application had been made to convert the Garden Court Apartments, 1477 Bayview, to a condominium. This property is widely recognized as an excellent example of garden city planning and quality rental housing in Toronto. It represents an important, indeed likely a unique resource, from both heritage and housing mix perspectives. The LPOA expressed several concerns about the application, such as the loss of affordable rental housing, the destabilization of the rental residential community, and the potential threat to the heritage status. The staff report, which came forward (on the agenda of the North York Community Council for its August meeting) recommends rejection of the various related applications for condominium approval, basically for
LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:25 PM Page 13
Humphrey Humphre y Funeral Home, 1403 Ba Bayview yview Avenue Avenue (att Da D Davisville avisville vi ill Avenue), Avenue), Toronto Tooronto oro
As of August 15, 2014, Murray E. Newbigging Funeral Home will continue to serve you at 1403 Bayview A venue, joining ttogether with Avenue, v Humphrey Funeral Home – A.W W. M Miles Chapel to become: A.W.
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Leaside Life, September 2014
Murray E. Newbigging Funeral Home joins Humphrey Funeral Home - A.W A.W. Chapel W. Miles C
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McRae-Sutherland The townhouse development proposal for the north east corner of McRae and Sutherland brought a large number of Leasiders out to the Willam Lea Room on a cold January night. The sense of that meeting was that the proposed development for 220 McRae and 327-329 Sutherland was too high, and the eight-unit block looked more like a four-storey apartment building, not the threestorey townhouses as described. And with only one parking space per town house, plus one visitor space for all eight units, parking was a concern for neighbours. The two semi-detached houses proposed next door for Sutherland were massive and did not fit the building setback or the roof line of existing homes on Sutherland. The LPOA in its comments recommended that the city demand that the proposed development be substantially redesigned and downsized, and be brought into conformity with
Leaside Life, September 2014
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similar reasons. In a nutshell, the application lacks any apparent public benefits.
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LEASIDE ROTARY CLUB 21st Annual Community Corn Roast
Sunday, September 21st, 2014 12:00 noon to 5:00pm Trace Manes Park (Corner of Millwood Road & McRae Drive) Members of the Leaside community look forward to this annual event each September ~ an
DON’T MISS this fun, family-oriented community corn roast, featuring fresh corn on the cob, BBQ hotdogs, deserts, music, kids games, motor scooters, an obstacle course, bouncy castles and slides, trampolines, face painting, craft tables, live music & plenty of fun for the whole family!!!
opportunity for the neighbourhood to get together and reconnect at the end of the summer!
FREE ON! ISSI ADM
For more information, a map and directions, please check: www.LeasideRotaryCornRoast.com
or contact: Zach Henley at info@LeasideRotary.com or (416) 897-4820
LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:26 PM Page 15
is looking after Leaside’s interests? Is every corner lot to be developed as townhouses? Should we accede to this or fight? What do you think?
Sarah Christina Steinert
15
In May, the last time we talked about the Elgie farmhouse in this column, the story was about how the developer had applied for a demolition permit and many folks, including several members of the Elgie family, came out to North York Community Council to oppose this. Fast forward to July and we are sitting at the OMB with a mediator, not battling with planning experts before an adjudicator. How did that happen? Well, city council refused the demolition permit and the developer appealed to the OMB. No surprise there, but what happened at the OMB? Instead of a three-day adversarial hearing there was a two-day mediation. Suffice it to say the mediation reached a tentative settlement, but the results are confidential until an agreement is signed. Hopefully more details can be given for the October edition of Leaside Life. I am dying to tell you! ■
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Elgie farmhouse
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the character of the area within city planning guidelines. The project came back to North York Community Council at its August meeting with an “approve” recommendation from staff. But has anything changed? The current application has made minimal changes. There is one single detached house instead of two semi-detached houses, and overall density has been reduced slightly. But the key concerns of the height, massing and transition from the neighbourhood have not been addressed. The townhouse complex is too tall, much taller than the existing townhouse development at Randolph and McRae. The single detached house on Sutherland would be massive compared to the existing houses on Sutherland, yet would occupy a grossly substandard lot, and ignore all transition rules to existing housing. The LPOA in its letter to the North York Community Council requested that they recommend to city council that the zoning by-law amendment be refused. However, the staff report is supporting the development. The question therefore is – who
LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:26 PM Page 16
Save The date
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6th Annual Ghoulish Giveaway Hosted by: Charlene Kalia
Leaside Life, September 2014
Fall Family Fun Day! Saturday October 25, 2014 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Outside Pawsitively Pets 202 Parkhurst Blvd • FREE Pumpkin • FREE Family Portraits • FREE Face Painting • FREE Candy Floss
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Second Sports Hall of Fame induction on Nov. 21 The second annual Leaside Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony and reception will be held on Friday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m. in the William Lea Room at Leaside Gardens, the organizing committee has announced. The evening will honour this year’s inductees and the Leaside Athlete of the Year, whose names will be announced later in the fall. “We hope that the Hall of Fame reception will become an annual celebration of sport in Leaside and that the whole community will want to be a part of it,” said Allan Williams, chair of the committee. Tickets for the event will be available for sale at the arena and through any of Leaside’s main sports associations, such as curling, hockey, lawn bowling, soccer and tennis. Additional details at www.leasidesports.com/. ■
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FREE LISTING SERVICE
HAVE A LOCAL EVENT TO PROMOTE? SEND US THE DATE, TIME, LOCATION AND EVENT NAME BY THE 10TH OF EACH MONTH
LEASIDE LIBRARY, 165 McRae, 416-3963835 ADULT AND TEEN PROGRAMS ACCESSIBLE GETAWAYS, by Access Holidays: destinations, travelling smart, insurance issues and slow-walkers vacations. No registration required. Wednesday, Sept. 10, 7-8 p.m. CALLING ALL SNOWBIRDS! Workshop on cross-border tax issues between Canada, the U.S. and China. No registration required. Wednesday, Sept .17, 6-8 p.m. PROSTATE CANCER AWARENESS. Lecture by Prostate Cancer Canada Network. No registration required. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 7-8 p.m. YOUTH ADVISORY GROUP MEETING: Receive community hours for volunteering. Wednesday, Sept. 24, 4-6 p.m. ACRYLIC PAINTING, TIPS AND TRICKS: Interactive learning session by Maggie Doswell of Karma Creative Art Studio. All supplies provided. No registration required. Friday, Sept. 26, 2-5 p.m. FALL BOOK SALE: Funds raised support Toronto Public Library literacy programs. Saturday, Sept. 27, 11a.m.-3 p.m. CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS PAWS 4 STORIES: Reading to a dog can improve reading skills and increase confidence, interest and enjoyment in reading. The dog is trained to listen quietly. For children 6 to10 (grades 1-4). Registration required. Saturdays 10:30-noon, Sept. 6, 20 and Oct. 4, 18. OUTSIDE GROUPS LEASIDE GARDEN SOCIETY: Planting for fall colour with Frank Kershaw. Thursday, Sept. 11, 7:30-9:30 p.m. ANNUAL FLOWER SHOW at Leaside Library, Saturday, Sept. 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m. ________________ NORTH LEASIDE ANNUAL FALL BARBEQUE, Wednesday, Sept. 3, 6-8 p.m. Everyone welcome, rain or shine. Bring chairs, blankets, salads and desserts. $5 per person, $20 per family, tickets at the BBQ. CANADIAN FEDERATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN LEASIDE-EAST YORK monthly meeting 7:30 p.m. beginning Thursday, Sept. 18, Northlea United Church,125 Brentcliffe. Visitors and new members welcome. A university degree not a prerequisite for membership. www.leaside.org/cfuw/. Pat Price 416 385-1055. ď ľ
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leasidelifenews@gmail.com
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Deadline for October, September 10
LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:26 PM Page 18
Leaside Life, September 2014
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Ba Bayview yview & Fleming F le m in g 1601 B Bayview ayview Ave Ave Tor Toronto onto ON ON M4G M4G 3B5 3B 5 416-489-1873 416 489 1873
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ST. ANSELM 75TH ANNIVERSARY: Mass, Friday, Sept. 26, 1 p.m., Open house and BBQ Saturday, Sept. 27, noon-3 p.m. Richard Walo, principal St. Anselm Catholic School, richard.walo@tcdsb.org/. NORTHLEA UNITED CHURCH Blessing of the Animals service, Sunday, Sept. 28, 10:30 a.m. Bring your pets, all welcome. 416425-5252. www.northleaunited.ca. NEIGHBOURHOOD BBQ to kick off the school year, Sunday, Sept. 14, 11:30 a.m., St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church, 1399 Bayview. No charge but please RSVP for numbers to expect, 416-485-0329, stcuthberts@bellnet.ca before Sept. 11. FAMILY ITALIAN DINNER, refreshments and entertainment. Saturday, Sept. 27, 6:30 p.m., Adults $20, children $10, family of 4 or more $50. Tickets at St. Cuthbert’s Anglican Church. 1399 Bayview. PARTY TIME FOR THE MOROCCO 5 VILLAGES PROJECT, Saturday, Sept. 20, 8:30 p.m., the Leaside Pub, 190 Laird. Money raised to install a fresh water well at a health clinic in Northern Morocco. Live music (Bad Habits Band), dancing, cash bar, silent auction. $20 in advance. robertrbrown@gmail.com/, 416-429-1895. 21ST ANNUAL CORN ROAST, Leaside Rotary Club, Trace Manes Park, Sunday, Sept. 21. 12-5 p.m. Barbeque, desserts, kids games, face painting, live music, etc. leasiderotarycornroast.com/.
LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:26 PM Page 19
around the corner.
Inviting Leaside... Friday, September 12th at 8:00 am 147 Laird Drive
| Leaside Life, September 2014
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LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:26 PM Page 20
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Leaside Life, September 2014
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Leaside Life, September 2014
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LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:26 PM Page 22
LEASIDE STOCK INDEX
It was a great summer, with a 3.89% rise
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Leaside Life, September 2014
By WILL ASHWORTH Leaside Life took a hiatus in July for some much needed R&R. We do it every year in the middle of the summer. Apparently, the Leaside Stock Index didn’t get the memo. In the two months since our last issue the index really took care of business, gaining 3.89 percent, its best result yet, pushing it into positive territory year-todate for the first time since its creation in February. Mind you, it’s still getting trounced by the SPY and XIC, its ETF benchmarks, but in this two-month period, at least, the LSI prevailed by 74 basis points. It might not seem like much but it’s a start and that’s all that matters. Momentum has finally taken hold. Highlights Almost 70 percent of the LSI stocks delivered positive returns in June and July, an accomplishment that hadn’t been achieved up to this point. Although some of the U.S.
LEASIDE STOCK INDEX 2014 YTD Performance through July 31, 2014
Leaside Stock Index American Stocks - including currency - excluding currency Canadian Stocks ETF Benchmarks SPDR S&P 500 ETF - including currency - excluding currency S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index Fund
stocks struggled, it was generally a good two-month performance on both sides of the border. Down south, three stocks stood out in June and July: PetSmart (PETM), Best Buy (BBY) and Starbucks (SBUX), up 19, 8 and 6 percent respectively. PetSmart gained on news its largest institutional shareholders were pushing the company to put it-
Total % Return June/July
Total % Return YTD
3.89%
0.38%
2.92% 2.27% 4.99%
-7.10% -9.41% 10.26%
3.15%
10.99%
1.33% 0.69% 5.38%
8.20% 5.51% 14.48%
self up for sale or merge with its biggest rival, Petco. The people working in the stores aren’t the problem, it’s the corporate higher-ups who can’t seem to understand that its prices need to be lower and its stores spruced up a little. Best Buy’s gains came on the back of a 12 percent increase in its
ON YOUR SIDE You deserve a passionate political leader with positive, proactive solutions.
With his experience as a former police officer, a successful business owner and a lifetime of community commitment, Jon will be a hardworking, effective Councillor who will re-establish a powerful voice for Ward 26. On October 27, VOTE Jon BURNSIDE for Councillor, Ward 26
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LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:26 PM Page 23
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Leaside Life, September 2014
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quarterly dividend in mid-June to 19 cents per share, a sign the company is generating more than enough cash to operate its multichannel business model. CEO Hubert Joly has already made the tough choices in order to keep Big Blue open and now it’s up to the company to perform. Electronics are selling poorly these days so it’s not going to be easy. In the July issue I explained why Best Buy should remain in the index. On balance I feel nothing’s changed to alter my opinion. Lastly, what can I say about SBUX that hasn’t already been said? The Seattle company continues to grow same-store sales (year-over-year comparisons of stores open at least 13 months) at breakneck speed, putting McDonald’s (MCD) completely to shame. Possibly with the exception of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B), SBUX is my favourite U.S. stock in the LSI. If you’ve owned it long-term you’ve done very well. When it comes to the Canadian holdings the big winners were the grocery stores: Loblaws (L.TO) and Empire Company (EMP-A.TO) saw double-digit returns in June and July with both delivering 18 percent over the two-month period. Loblaws is benefiting from the purchase of Shoppers Drug Mart and Empire Company (it owns Sobey’s) from
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We need more data about our traffic Leaside Life, September 2014
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26 Leaside is caught in a perfect traffic storm: LRT construction and Eglinton Ave. lane closures, the lure of big box retail along Laird, road repairs everywhere. And now the tragic death of a child, which shocked our community and reminded us all of the fragility of life. It also reminded us that our streets, busy or quiet, everywhere in Leaside, need to be made safer. Our traffic-related problems fall into two categories: long term but temporary (related to the construction of the Eglinton rapid transit line and stations), and more permanent (our traditional flow-through patterns, which have steadily worsened over the years). Readers of this column know that the Leaside Property Owners’ Association has been very concerned about our traffic problems for many years. With the funds received from our settlement with SmartCentres we can now afford to undertake a traffic study to come up with measures which will make a real difference. We will be looking at measures for now, and for the long term. We all know that flow-through traffic has increased. Speeding has increased. Cars roll through stop signs. Many of you are calling for more signage and more enforcement. Once upon a time it was only the “busy” streets like Southvale, McRae, Broadway and Glenvale that carried the traffic burden, but anyone who lives on the so-called “quiet” streets will know that speed-
Carol Burtin Fripp Vice-president, LPOA
ing and traffic volume are everywhere. Whether it’s a commuter in a hurry to get to work, or a shopper in a hurry to get home, or a Leasider hurrying to get to hockey, it’s still speed, and, too often, carelessness or inattention. It is possible to design measures on a neighbourhood-wide basis that work. Incremental changes can be very effective, in the right spots. Collecting data which identify problems and their locations is key to finding solutions. Your comments, suggestions and eventual support for those measures will be essential to the success of any plan. While we must pay particular attention to locations like schools where children are numerous, we really have to look at improving safety throughout Leaside. A few years ago, the LPOA traffic committee created intersection designs to reconfigure the main points of automobile entry into/exit from Leaside. The net effect of these designs would reduce traffic flow and traffic speed, while at the same time improving Leaside’s landscaping and branding. We’ve presented these proposals at two LPOA annual general meetings and as well to our councillor on more than one occasion. We
will be doing so again in this election season, to all Ward 26 council candidates, with the intent of finally moving ahead. *** Here are two important dates to put into your calendar. The LPOA is hosting a Mayoral Candidates Debate on Tuesday, Oct. 7 at the Leaside Gardens’ William Lea Room. We have had confirmations that Olivia Chow, Rob Ford, David Soknacki, Karen Stintz and John Tory will attend. And on Tuesday, Oct. 21 we present our Ward 26 Council Candidates Debate, also in the William Lea Room. Jon Burnside, John Parker, David Sparrow and Ishrath Velshi have confirmed that they will be there. The meetings both begin at 7:30 p.m. *** The LPOA Board of Directors has regular meetings at 7:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month in the Trace Manes building. These meetings are public and we invite you to join us with your questions, any concerns, or just plain interest. The next meeting takes place on Wednesday, Sept. 3. ■
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LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:26 PM Page 27
Numerous new shops popped up on Bayview over the summer. Included should be the newly named McDowell’s valu-mart, owned by Chad McDowell. Jumping immediately into the community spirit, McDowell was one of the sponsors for the Leaside Wildcat’s annual banquet. New eateries include Leaside’s first tapas bar, Tinto Bar de Tapas. Owner Otta Zapotocky, also owns L’Avenue Bistro. Zapotocky figured the bite-size, sharing tapas tradition was perfect for Leaside, given the number of people who wander over to “the strip� in the evening to dine with friends and family. Tokyo Sushi was to reopen this summer following renovations necessary after a fire last winter. Welcome also to ReFuel Juice and Salad Bar. Must Boutique is now located where Chai used to be, nicely renovated as a women’s clothing boutique. There are two
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Feel good about voting this October. Together we’ll build a happier, healthier, and more engaged community.
Candidate for Ward 26 Councillor
DAVID SPARROW
Sean Schumacher Mortgage Agent Lic. #M10001161 SAFEBRIDGE Financial Group Mortgage Broker # 10524 Direct: 416-859-2914 Sean@SafeBridgeFinancial.com
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By BETH
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Leaside Life, September 2014
In our Hood
other Must stores in Montreal by the same owner. Icewire Makerspace (Bayview and Belsize) has set up an open working space equipped with computer equipment, exotic software, robotics, and 3D printing for entrepreneurs looking to develop that next great “app�. Look up – they’re on the third floor. Members pay for a day or a monthly pass to use the equipment. And speaking of the Bayview strip, the special porous asphalt around the new trees turned out to be a bad batch. It has now been dug up and replaced (at the supplier’s expense)—no tax dollars to worry about. Congratulations to the owners of the newly branded The Leaside Pub. Leasiders Jeff Hohner and Sue Barrett joined Pram Ratna as owners a few years ago when it was the Fox and the Fiddle. This historic public house and restaurant goes back to the days when one of the buildings on the corner was the old Leaside Tea House. Seven Leaside eateries that make great burgers were participating in August in a Leaside Burger
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Leaside Life, September 2014
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Battle. They were Against The Grain Urban Tavern, Grilltime, McSorley’s Saloon and Grill, Originals Bar, Shoeless Joe’s, South St. Burger Co. and The Leaside Pub. The idea was the brainchild of Andy Elder, owner of Grilltime. For a week customers were to vote for their favourite. A dollar from every Leaside Burger sold is being donated to the Hospital for Sick Child in memory of Georgia Walsh. Since 2009, over half a million dollars has been raised for cystic fibrosis through Summer Nights lawn bowling events held at venues in Toronto, including our own Leaside Lawn Bowling Club. Sponsored by KPMG, this year’s event in Leaside raised $4,295. One eager supporter wrote, “Just remember team that lawn bowling is a full contact sport just like rugby!”(Now that’s a little hard to believe.) A Leaside mom of two boys has transformed an idea into a successful venture. Nicole Maunder, frustrated with changing bed sheets when her kids were toilet training, developed a line of waterproof, environmentally-friendly protectors she named Yippie Sheets. Maunder grew up in St. John’s but moved to Toronto after graduating from Memorial University to pursue a career in marketing. The sheets are 100 percent cotton and made in Canada! Yippie! Rolph Road Public School is getting ready for its 100th anniversary celebration this Oct. 24, 25. Anniversary volunteers are still looking for stories, photos and memorabilia. Dig into those attics and basements to look for an old award, a school document, photo or a news clipping. Or send a comment or story. What teacher most influenced you? Do you know a student who’s become famous? Contact Petra Grantham, rolphroad75@gmail.com/. Leaside’s Morning Glory Clycing Club and our local Gears Bike store are joining forces once again to donate bikes to Thorncliffe Park kids. Any used bicycles dropped off at Gears on Vanderhoof will be tuned up and made street-worthy. Distribution of the bikes takes place at the Morning Glory Rally Oct. 5 in the parking lot at the East York Town Centre. When the second rink opened at Leaside Gardens last fall it was apparent that the lighting system in the old rink needed attention. As of this fall, lights in Bert F. Grant Rink HOOD, Page 32
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36 Donlea Dr.
35 Heather Rd.
Photographs by Barry Schneider except 1 Kenrae Rd., Bernice Holman
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They were placed on six great front gardens in our hood that were named Gardens of Distinction this July. It’s a new initiative by the Leaside Garden Society, reviving the idea from the 1990s when the garden societies of both Leaside and East York partnered in Have you spotted the Mayor’s Annual Blooming Contest the six signs (mayor of East York that is). This year’s among the winners were selected by a volunteer committee from the LGS, led by volunteer flowers? and Leaside resident Barry Schneider. They are 1 Kenrae Rd., 35 Heather Rd., 34 Parkhurst Blvd., 5 Divadale Dr., 36 Donlea Dr. and 142 Glenvale Blvd.
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Leaside Life, September 2014
Awards for the great gardens of Leaside
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34 Parkhurst Blvd.
142 Glenvale Blvd.
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5 Divadale Dr.
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Leaside Life, September 2014
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are now new T5s, which are significantly brighter and more energyefficient. “We’re thrilled that we’ll be bringing the lighting in the Bert F. Grant Rink up to the high standards of the new rink,” said Ray White, chair of the arena board. The ice in the new rink is now in year round and has been open all summer. The Bert F. Grant rink opens to the groups the day after Labour Day, Tuesday, Sept. 2. Now in its fourth generation of ownership, Humphrey Funeral Home-A.W. Miles Chapel recently amalgamated Murray E. Newbigging Funeral Home into the business. Both family-run businesses have operated in Toronto for a combined 199 years. Originally established on Yonge St. in 1879, Humphrey expanded to various locations in the city before settling in its current Bayview Ave. location in 1955. At one point, the funeral home was forced to move from 466 Church St. when Conn Smythe purchased the location to make room for Maple Leaf Gardens. ■
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LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:27 PM Page 33
Karen Fraser graph! The tutor hired by my distraught parents only made it worse. His searing body odour certainly created math anxiety; my marks went lower. Our doctor suggested tranquilizers to lower stress during exams. On my personal doomsday, floating on chemical calm in spite of my father’s prediction that I would end up in the gutter without math, I signed my name at the top of the aptly named foolscap. I stuck the compass point into the paper and the screw holding the pencil fell out. I spent the next hour in giggly focus trying to fix it. When the paper was returned my now sober self received the white sheet with my name at the top and a pinhole. One math class there was a light
(or right) at the end of my failure tunnel. Mr. Patterson started each class with a difficult problem on the board. One stumped the entire class, even the usual showoffs. In the expanding silence and increasing teacher irritation I glanced at the board and my brain decided that it knew the answer. I went back to looking out the window but my inner self would not let the possibility go. Timidly I raised my hand and Mr. Patterson said, “Do you need to leave the room, Karen”? No, I whispered, I think I know the answer. His stifled laughter contorted his face as he squeaked, “Go ahead.” I began: if A is to B…. I did it! The teaching achievement of the century! Papers would be written! Awards! It never happened again. In Grade 10 Mr. Allen placed all math failers near his desk. Obviously we just needed discipline. My fellow failers were all male and class clowns.
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In September I will be a presenter at the Leaside High Class of ‘59 reunion. The time of Margaret Atwood, then known as Peggy. The cultural myth of that era told us that there was a straight string tying together your education and your career success. Boys knew their list of acceptable careers and girls could select jobs that prepared them for marriage (nursing or typing that you could always fall back on). Peggy shocked her schoolmates by stating that she wanted to be a writer. When the dream persisted her parents asked a family friend in journalism to explain to her that newspapers would only let her write obituaries. The myth was that fitting in was security. People from across Canada will be attending this reunion. Their LHS memories must be very strong to bring them back. My strongest high school memory is the surprise of failing math. Actually failing is not an adequate description. On my aptitude test the bar for math was penciled under the
Leaside Life, September 2014
The myth information at Leaside High
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Myth Leaside Life, September 2014
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REAL ESTATE SALES
From Page 33
What fun I had. That year all eight classes took the final exam together in the cafeteria monitored by student teachers. As I had nothing to do I watched one of the clowns cheating. After removing papers from his shirt he buttoned it crookedly. I guess I was staring in horror as a hand grabbed my shoulder and a voice yelled, “Stop the exam, send for her teacher!” Mr. Allen soon burst into the room tie flapping, a picture of fury. “Who was it?” he yelled. The monitor pointed at me. “Don’t be ridiculous,” he bellowed, turned on his heel and left. Our class cracked up, the clown blew me a kiss, the rest of the room was bewildered. I have run a successful business for over 30 years. I can add a deposit list of cheques upside down faster than the teller can do it with a calculator. One of the clowns became a very successful stockbroker. The myth did not mention that there was more than one string. ■
Semi-detached prices may be losing steam By JETHRO SEYMOUR For a while, the falling number of semi-detached homes for sale in Leaside and Bennington Heights was raising prices faster than those of detached homes. But the tide may be turning. The MLS year-to-year figures for semi-detached homes, from July last year to the end of July this year, show 41 sales, a 2.4 percent decrease in sales volume, and a 10.5 percent increase in average value over the same previous 12 months. And the figures for the first seven months this year, to the end of July, show a big change, from 26 sales, a 27.8 percent decrease in volume, compared to the same seven months in 2013, and a 13.5 percent gain in average value, up to $814,435. Detached home prices rose during the year-to-year 12-month period, but not as much. There was a 6 percent rise to $1,456,254. And the sales volume rose instead of dropped, up 6.9 percent to 171 sales. But June this year saw a major shift: a 138 percent increase in detached home sales (31 homes) over June last year with the average value up 13.7 percent to $1,457,925. July saw a smaller increase in volume, 9 homes sold for a rise of 12.5 percent, and a decrease in value, down 13.8 percent compared to last July. But summer is usually a slow month, and putting June and July together shows a possible new trend.■ Jethro Seymour is a broker at Johnston & Daniel. All figures are from the Toronto Real Estate Board’s Multiple Listing Service.
See accompanying graph at www.leasidelifenews.com
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LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:27 PM Page 35
Alan Redway Former East York mayor and federal cabinet minister
will establish the extent and the method of public notification and the means by which Council will confer with the public on applications for a development permit, in a manner that in the opinion of City Council is at least as effective to that available for zoning and minor variance applications in areas where a development permit by-law does not exist.” This means that Leasiders will receive notice of development permit applications but although the developer will have a right to appeal the decision concerning the application, most likely made by a city planner, an affected Leasider will have no right of appeal. The amended Official Plan goes on to state:
“Where a development permit by-law has been enacted, Council may delegate its decision making authority respecting development permit applications and its authority to execute, amend and release development permit agreements to a Committee or body appointed by Council or an employee of the City of Toronto. However, despite the delegation, the Ward Councillor may require that the development permit application be submitted to the appropriate Community Council and to Council for a decision.” This means that city council may or may not appoint a city planner to approve development permit applications in Leaside. However if council retained this authority either in a committee of council or by appointing a body of citizens such as now exists with the Committee of Adjustments, city council would be defeating the intended purpose of
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On July 8 the Toronto City Council officially implemented the Development Permit System by amending the city’s Official Plan to read: “The entire City of Toronto is identified by this policy as a development permit area. However, development permit by-laws will only be prepared for those areas within the City identified by Council, following at least one community meeting in the affected area, in addition to any requirements under the Planning Act.” This means that Leaside is now a development permit area but a by-law necessary to implement the system for Leaside will not be put in place until at least one community meeting has been held. That meeting will not be a decision making meeting but will only give input to our councillor who will not be bound by opinions expressed at that meeting. The amended Official Plan further states: “Development Permit by-laws
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Leaside Life, September 2014
A crucial meeting for our community
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the development permit system which is to allow city planners to make these decisions without having to go through what in their opinion is the time wasting process of holding public meetings for each rezoning or minor variance application and at the same time relieving councillors of having to make these tough decisions. And then the amended Official Plan states: “City Council directs that the development permit by-laws be drafted by local planning staff and brought to the local Community Council for consideration at a statutory public meeting.â€? This means that the statutory public meeting will be crucial because it will establish the physical character of our community and its resulting traffic patterns not only for ourselves but for future residents as well. Hope to see you at those meetings! â–
Leaside Life, September 2014
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To advertise in Leaside Life: 416-486-7387 www.leasidelifenews.com We deliver to all homes, apartments and businesses in the M4G postal area.
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Karen for over We have known siness owner, 20 years, as a bu friend. So when neighbour and to sell our home the time came d every confiin Leaside, we ha g Karen as our dence in choosin t only has a vast agent, as she no e Leaside real knowledge of th t she is both estate market, bu a consummate personable and ren got us the professional. Ka anted in order to quick sale we w the home we move quickly on in cottage coun had purchased k ld like to than try and we wou job well done. a you Karen, for Jinny and Andy
If you are looking for information or to buy or sell, please feel free to give me a call! KAREN BRINKHOF RE/MAX Hallmark Realty Ltd 723 Mt. Pleasant Rd. Toronto, On, M4S 2N4
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LeasideLife issue 31 -40pgsnew_LeasideLifev1 14-08-20 3:27 PM Page 37
The man behind those traffic signs Publisher Leaside Life
Roger Cattell
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cost. Andrei Sherwinf, a neighbour with a design background, came up with the sign design that made it stand out from other, more ordinary lawn signs. The message is simple. Slow Down. Kids at Play. Emails to car dealerships produced the necessary money for major sign production. Distribution of 400 signs happened with the help of Starbucks employees, especially from the Laird and Kenrae location. The decision not to charge people for a sign for their lawn meant that money raised could be for donations to the Hospital for Sick Children, the wish of the Walsh family in memory of their daughter. An interesting point: when traffic police were in the neighbourhood a few weeks ago working at various major local intersections, they noticed that many of the car drivers pulled over for infractions were local. Cattell says, “We are all responsible. We should not be wagging our fingers at others. We should all drive responsibly.”
Leaside Life, September 2014
One April day when Roger Cattell was walking his kids to Bessborough Public School, he noticed cars not stopping properly at four-way stops and racing to make a light. He wrote to his councillor, got a reply saying his concerns would be raised with the appropriate city staff, and forgot about it. That is, until the traffic death of a neighbour’s child in July, hit by a car at McRae and Millwood. (The driver has been charged with failing to stop at a stop sign and careless driving.) Cattell felt pangs of accountability and responsibility. Sending the earlier email made it someone else’s problem. Now was a time to do something. He remembered a saying of his father’s: Manage yourself and the rest will follow. So, rather than wait for someone else to get started on an initiative, he talked to neighbours and this led to the idea of street signs. Jen Aweduto started phoning sign companies and hit pay dirt with Sign-a-rama on Eglinton East and general manager Wally. He would produce signs in small batches, at
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When city officials looked at the intersection of McRae and Millwood they said its configuration was up to the necessary standard. But neigh38 bours are still asking if the corner can be made safer. What sort of dialogue would be helpful? Meanwhile, the sign program has raised interest of residents as far away as Etobicoke and Scarborough. The big 400-sign order was just for Leaside, but other neighbourhoods are starting to take up the idea and use it. There already is a sign on Young St. in Brighton, Ontario, the
home of Cattell’s mother. Other initiatives have arisen. There are several intersections with hand-made signs to alert drivers. The incoming principal at Bessborough Public School is working with traffic officials to study whether the area surrounding the school can be improved for parents in cars dropping off and picking up children. Some local stores now have posters with the lawn sign graphic to indicate their support of this initiative.
“What happens from here?” asks Cattell. “Some people just want to vent, others might have ideas for solutions. These signs might be incremental positive change, creating a climate in the neighbourhood to encourage safer road habits.” Look for a Facebook site to appear soon, and in the meantime there is an email address, donationskidsatplay@gmail.com/, if you want to become involved. Anecdotally, traffic on McRae at least appears to me to be moving more slowly. ■
Leaside Life To advertise here: 416-486-7387 | www.leasidelifenews.com Deadline September 10. Badali’s Fruit Market Ltd. Retail & Wholesale Produce on Bayview since 1938 1587 Bayview Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4G 3B5 Work (416) 488-4232 Cell (416) 508-4914 Fax (416) 483-8274 BadalisFruitMarket@hotmail.com
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