Accessible Condos April 2023
By Janet Monk
A six-storey rental apartment will soon be welcoming new tenants at 2380 Kingston Road in Cliffside Village. The apartment contains 23 market rental apartments, 5 accessible apartments, 10 affordable apartments, and 1 affordable and accessible apartment. The accessible apartments have additional bathroom space and space under counters for mobility devices.
According to Beachco Management Ltd.’s information release, the building will feature many amenities including a digital concierge system, a common health/wellness room, electric vehicle charging stations, secure remote access, a tenant-access only rear garden, and bike storage. Up to a third of the building’s power will be provided by solar panels installed on the roof.
One bedroom prices start at $1559/month, two bedroom+den prices start at $2369/month, and three bedroom prices start at $2450/month.
The 39-unit building comes in below the maximum height for apartments in Cliffside Village and marks the first new rental apartment building in the region in decades. The sidewalk in front of it will be widened to accommodate foot traffic, tress, and benches in the spring.
The project began in 2020 under the management of Mutual Developments architect Richard Ziegler, SDI Interior Design, and engineers Spline and Jablonsky Ast, and developers Beachco and Glenlane. It was delayed multiple times due to “…elongated approval timelines, cost escalation, neighbourhood appeals to the development process and supply chain problems,” and now aims to open its doors to tenants this August.
For those with questions, concerns, or an interest in renting one of the available units, visit cliffsideapartments.ca or email leasing@cliffsideapartments.ca.
Miss Grundy Returns to Linsmore April 2023
Teachers Raise Money for Local Registered Charities
After a long pandemic-induced absence, local band Miss Grundy was thrilled to be back on stage at the Linsmore Tavern on Thursday March 23, sharing some of their fans’ favourites and new material. ‘Miss Grundy and Friends: 3 Years Later’ was a reboot of a show originally planned for March 24, 2020. The evening also featured singer-songwriter Britstone, guitar duo The Campfire Guyz, and emerging local singer-songwriter Janet Monk.
At the Linsmore, attendees again donated to some of Miss Grundy’s favourite charities online through convenient QR codes, and received some ‘swag’ as souvenirs. The QR codes led to the donation pages for the Scarborough Food Security Initiative, Nellie’s Shelter Education and Advocacy for Women and Children, and the Coalition for Music Education in Canada; some of the group’s favourite registered charities.
Miss Grundy formed in the fall of 2019, when Catherine Bacque and Alan Hardiman teamed up with Jennifer Burak. In-demand bassist Darby Macnab joined the group earlier this year. All educators, they find common ground in wanting to develop and play original material, and to assist grass roots community causes and arts initiatives, especially for women and young people. To that end, Miss Grundy has performed at numerous charity events in support of Nellie’s Shelter in Toronto, as well as for the Women’s Centre Grey Bruce, Meaford Culture Foundation youth programming, and the Words Aloud festival in Owen Sound. Wendy Bray, of Nellie’s, said of Miss Grundy’s past fundraising events for the shelter, “A huge thank you to Miss Grundy! The band’s enthusiasm, warmth and fantastic selection of music kept the audience engaged and thoroughly entertained and added a special highlight to our evening.”
Miss Grundy’s covers of rearview radio hits from Metric to Chuck Berry to REM complement their original music, dubbed “Suburban Angst Rock, Heartsleeve Country and Boomer Jazz” on their website. “Music just the way you like it… thought-provoking and fun,” said fan Karen Joseph. “It’s incredibly well done…harmonies are stunning,” adds local charity organizer Hector Catre. Catherine and Alan have also been writing, recording and producing a wide variety of other music, including film scores, soundtracks, and radio commercials.
Burak, formerly of Kingston Village and now of Meaford, Ontario, is also a violinist with the Georgian Bay Symphony, and has organized countless successful charity events for arts and community-based initiatives. Macnab and Burak teamed with Britstone on many fundraisers for Nellie’s as ‘Take Cover,’ hosting popular sing-along events at the Linsmore. Macnab is also a longstanding member of The Hidden Meanings, a rockin’ band that plays around Toronto regularly.
Bluffs residents know Bacque and Hardiman from their many appearances in Scarborough. From farmer’s markets in Birch Cliff, Guildwood and the University of Toronto Scarborough, to emceeing Christmas Tree lightings at Variety Village and McCowan Park, to Feed Scarborough online fundraisers, to performing at the Kingston Social, Tara Inn, Stone Lion and Stone Cottage, Bacque and Hardiman have been regulars on the local music scene over the past 15 years, frequently raising funds and awareness for grassroots charities. “Alan and Catherine always brought energy, enthusiasm and great entertainment to our Markets on the Bluffs,” said the markets’ former manager, Gail Ross.
About half of Miss Grundy’s repertoire consists of originals written by Bacque and Hardiman. In the years since, they have developed soundtracks, scores and songs for short films, videos, museum installations, the Toronto Zoo, and even a radio ad.
They were excited to be back on stage for this performance, and ready to take on more. “We are looking forward to performing at more venues and events locally, especially supporting those organizations in line with our core mandate to assist women, youth and the arts,” said Bacque. “Bring it on!”
To contact them or make an enquiry, email info@hardimanbacque.com. Visit www.missgrundymusic.com for news and to listen to their latest music.
Local Entrepreneur Heals the Neighbourhood April 2023
By Janet Monk
In the spring of 2017, Carolyn Scharf officially began her community-oriented franchisee in Kingston Road Village—Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa— leaving behind her fast-paced career in marketing and advertising.
For twenty-five years, she worked with the likes of CIBC, RBC, McDonalds, P&G and Unilever. However, looking back at her experience, she had a life-changing realization: “I had done everything I wanted to do. I worked with all the big clients. I worked in so many different categories. My whole career I kept trying new things and kept learning,” said Scharf. “But at some point, I thought: I did what I wanted to do here. I wanted to do something different, to try and manage my own company, to set the tone for my own work environment that I wanted to have.”
Scharf had her eye on the health and wellness business as it was (and continues to be) a fast-growing market. When the Hand and Stone franchise started looking for someone to break into the Scarborough Southwest area, Scharf snapped at the chance. “I love this area, I raised my son here. He’s fifteen years old now, so we’re very well connected and we know lots of people,” said Scharf. Then, the stars aligned when 974 Kingston Road went up for sale. It was previously a Bath City, and prior to that a Crayons location which Scharf frequented when her son was little.
“Working in Marketing and Advertising, you are always one step removed from the consumer. You don’t ever get to interact with customers on a 1 to 1 basis,” said Scharf. “That’s something I really like about this (business), that I’m on the front line and actually getting to talk to people and get to know my customers on a personal level.”
The Beaches Hand and Stone location boasts nine treatment rooms and offers a wide variety of services including facials, laser hair removal, Nuface, OxyGeneo, and in April will introduce their brand-new Radio Frequency treatment. However, it was in part because of the pandemic that they offer some of these advanced treatments.
“We’d gotten through the initial startup phase and things were at a point where the business was established and growing—and then the pandemic hit,” said Scharf. “We have 20 employees on staff, and my biggest concern was about them. They can’t do treatments in a pandemic environment, so we were immediately closed down. We were lucky, because we were one of the first to open as well, because we are considered an essential service.” At the height of the pandemic, she said that they took every precaution to ensure the safety of their clients and staff alike; going “over and above” with PPE and filtration systems.
To keep her team of estheticians supported and employed when facials were not safe to perform, Scharf’s was one of the very first Hand and Stone locations to invest in laser hair removal. “The government programs definitely were a lifeline. We wouldn’t have been able to survive without that. We made sure that our employees got the most out of those things, for them to keep on top of what all the new programs were.” Today, the Beaches location is one of just five locations that offers laser hair removal, and one of ten that offers the OxyGeneo treatment.
The estheticians and registered massage therapists at Hand and Stone are fully certified and must go through additional training to keep up with new types of treatments. “We are always trying to find new things to keep them interested, engaged, and motivated,” said Scharf. “Everyone wants to keep learning and growing—and it’s such a changing industry that you need to keep on top of what’s new and different and coming up.”
Scharf is deeply thankful for her staff and for their support, as well as her family for their contributions at home and at Hand and Stone. Some clients might have seen Scharf’s father doing handyman fixes around the spa, or her son spending time there when he was just eight years old.
Today, the Beaches Hand and Stone offers affordable packages and provides a free skin assessment for new clients to help them understand what treatments would help them the most. “We want people walking out feeling like they actually got results,” said Scharf. “We want people walking out saying that it was very effective. We want people to see actual differences in their skin.”
The business is becoming a sort of community hub, with many people bringing in their loved ones after enjoying their own treatment so much. “We’ll have someone come in for a massage, and the next thing you know they bring in their 13-year-old hockey player, and then their eighty-year-old mother, and the next thing you know the whole family is coming in,” said Scharf. As the mother of a fifteen-year-old boy, Scharf says she know very well the struggle of getting a teen to listen to a parent about health and wellness, but finds they will listen to the professionals.
In the end, Scharf holds no regrets about leaving the marketing and advertising industry, and already has plans for the future expansion of the Beaches Hand and Stone services. “Kingston road Village is such a nice strip of retail in the city, and it’s very much a neighbourhood kind of place with a small-town feel,” said Scharf. “It’s a nice change of pace being able to chat with people!”
Strathcona Cup: the Scots are Coming! February 2023
Strathcona Cup is a 100-year-old international curling tournament that marks a deep connection between Scotland and Canada.
Curling Teams from coast-to-coast compete in the Strathcona Cup circuit against teams from Scotland once every 5 years. The location flips with each tournament, with the 2018 Strathcona Cup having taken place in Scotland. This year, there were three tours in Canada: West, Central, and East. The Central tour, in which the Tam Heather Curling and Tennis Club was a stop, consisted of 33 games (some divided into multiple parts) located between London, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec. The teams also made stops in Owen Sound, Peterborough, Niagara Falls, Kingston, Ottawa, and more. The 2023 games were scheduled between January 11 and February 3.
In its earliest days, however, planning such a large international event took a lot of support and determination. Bruce McCowan, author of The Hog-Score and the Great Rink of Time, made mention in his book of Hugh Cowan—an avid fan of curling who pushed for the idea of an international curling tournament in Canada:
Hugh Cowan (1870-1905) wrote a long article to The Scotsman in March 1902 in which he described Winnipeg as “a curler’s paradise” and “… the Mecca of all true curlers on the continent. This week 125 rinks are here, from all over the country – 500 players with their supporters, wives and daughters.” But his real purpose in writing the article was to make certain that Scottish Curlers would very soon come to Canada for a bonspiel – perhaps to show the Scots just how much the Canadians had improved the Scottish national sport… but, more likely, to genuinely grow the spirit of curling… (page 122)
The first step towards the Strathcona cup coming to be was a resolution, passed by the Royal Canadian Curling Club (RCCC) in 1902 to form an official Canadian men’s curling team that could compete with international teams. The first tour in Canada was so successful that it wasn’t long before they planned the next tour in Scotland in 1908.
Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal presented the official cup to The Royal Caledonia Curling Club that year. The beautiful trophy depicts Scotland, Canada, and their bond through curling. Details include both Scottish and Canadian curling scenes, Edinburgh Castle, Stirling Castle, a beaver, a maple tree, a thistle, and a scotch fir.
Canada won the Strathcona cup by 322 points in 2018, and they are determined to hold the title for another 5 years. However, the Strathcona Cup is about much more than the games themselves. The teams all enjoy dinners, shows, tour songs to learn and share, and some keep e-journals about their experiences for fans to read. Fans and supporters also come to show their love for the Canadian and Scottish teams alike. Bruce McCowan, for example, gifted the Scottish curlers that came to Tam Heather on January 23 each a copy of The Hog-Score and the Great Rink of Time.
Just as the teams were delighted to see their peers overseas one hundred years ago, the teams today still share a great bond over the love of curling. Next stop, Scotland 2028!
Free Dental Care Day February 2023
Smiles All Around; MPP Mitzie Hunter (left) presents a certificate from the province to Iqra Ayesha, Dr. Raj Khanuja, Dr Faria Huda, Jannatun Naima, Kamrun Nahar, and Dr. Neil Khanuja on Tuesday, Jan. 17.
In 2012, Orangeville-based dentist Dr. Raj Khanuja started a life-changing annual event: a free dental care day for people in need called ‘Doing Positive in My Backyard’. This winter, Khanuja and his colleagues from 7 different dental care clinics across the GTA offered free care and procedures to some of Toronto’s most vulnerable residents between December 6 and January 31.
On the Doing Positive in My Backyard day, the participating clinic offers three different services at no cost to people in need: cleaning, tooth extractions (one per person), and tooth fillings (one per person). This year, the participating clinics included Castlemore Dental Clinics in Fergus, Stoney Creek, Mississauga, Hillsburgh, and Scarborough, Flower City Dental in Brampton, and Headwaters Dental in Orangeville. The program took place at the Scarborough branch of Castlemore Dental on January 17, to the great thanks of the Scarborough Southwest community.
Khanuja was inspired to start the program after an eye-opening experience with one of his clients. A mother of three, who frequented his office with her children, was showing signs of a dental emergency. However, when Khanuja approached the subject, she admitted that she could not afford the procedure. She feared that by spending the money on her health, she would sacrifice her children’s happiness. “’I can fix my teeth or buy my kid hockey equipment.’ Even 10 years later these words of a mother echo in my ears. These are words of a mother that showed (an) abundance of love for her child and sacrificed her oral health to put a smile on his face,” said Khanuja. “I witnessed something we read in story books. It’s my gratitude and respect for that mother that led me to start the project ‘Doing Positive in my Backyard’, where we offer free dental care to help any member of our community to give a boost to their oral health.”
So far, Khanuja and his team of professionals are equipped to help approximately 27 patients per free clinic, per day. Since the program began, it has expanded every year and continues to grow in notoriety and size. In 2017, Khanuja received the Canada 150 Commemorative Medallion for community service. In 2018 he was named one of the top 25 Canadian immigrants by RBC and received the June Callwood Award for Voluntarism. Most recently, Khanuja received the Canadian Business Excellence Award in 2021.
Thanks to Khanuja, during a time of great difficulty for many people in and around the GTA, everyone has the opportunity to face 2023 with a healthy, happy smile.
Ray Cochrane - Selling Scarborough South West
Ray Cochrane, local RE/MAX Realtor and Scarborough resident since 1970, has been working to help people find their new home in Scarborough Southwest for 37 years. While the neighbourhood has seen many changes over that time, Cochrane says that—more than ever before—Scarborough Southwest is one of the most sought-after places to live in the GTA.
“Scarborough had a bad tag there for a while, but it’s is a beautiful place to live and people are realizing that,” said Cochrane. “You have a lot of original owners, just because of the age of wartime bungalows and stuff like that. When I started, the area around the Hunt Club—which is mostly wartime houses—most of them were estate sales, so there weren’t a lot of kids at the Hunt Club.” However, Cochrane noted that neighbourhoods go through ‘cycles’, and today, neighbourhoods like Cliffside, Birch Cliff, the Beaches and Cliffcrest are getting younger each year.
Scarborough neighbourhoods are all the more desirable to young buyers for having private driveways, milder weather because of the proximity to Lake Ontario, green space, and access to highly regarded schools. “You know, schools run neighbourhoods, they always have, and they are pretty strict as far as if you don’t live in the neighbourhood you don’t go to the local school. You could go anywhere you wanted in the seventies and the early eighties,” said Cochrane. “A lot of times you get a family where the parents went to the local school, much like I did with my kids. I went to Birch Cliff Public School and my kids both went there.”
As schools in the area grow with young families moving in, the TDSB and TCDSB have been posting notices at the worksites of new condo developments. These notices claim that the local schools cannot accommodate any children of families that move into the developments. Cochrane said not to fret, though, because recent developments are too small to accommodate families. Rather, they are designed for single folks and couples. “It’s not like Crescent Town where those are big, huge condos because of when they were built—and a lot of them are three bedrooms that you could raise a family in,” said Cochrane. “Most of the ones that are being built now, especially on Kingston Rd. aren’t really geared towards families.” Regardless of the size of these new condo units, they were bought up quickly and remain nearly at-capacity.
With the current housing crisis in Toronto, people have been looking for alternatives to single-family dwellings in Scarborough. Multi-tenant housing, basement apartments, and laneway housing have all been growing in popularity. They are not all built the same, however. “I’d say less than 5% of basement apartments are legal. If you make it legal, you have to go by the fire code, your taxes are going to go up, so it’s kind of a double-edged sword. Even if they are doing it properly you are going to get backlash, it’s just human nature,” said Cochrane. When these alternatives become more common, density in Scarborough will inevitably increase. Some people maintain concerns about increased traffic, lack of parking, noise, lack of property maintenance (in the case that a property is occupied by renters), and so-forth. While Cochrane completely understood these concerns, he also recalled an uncomfortable truth: “People don’t like change. I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes and get people mad at me, but you just gotta accept change,” posed Cochrane. “What it comes down to is that there just isn’t enough housing and people have got to live somewhere. You get laneway houses, yes—but maybe the kids are moving into it.”
Cochrane went on to describe the new development at Danforth Ave. and Kingston Rd.: many neighbours were not all enthused at the notion of the condo being built. But, he asked, isn’t it better to have cleaned-up housing than a long-vacant gas station? “In a perfect world, (alternative housing) wouldn’t be an issue. People would be happy with it—but there’s nowhere for people to go. It’s kind of like a last straw, it’s the last thing we can do to put people in houses.”
In the end, Scarborough is becoming highly sought-after as a place to live, work, and start a family. With well-established communities, great schools, parks, and beautiful housing both old and new, it’s no wonder that so many people are looking to secure a home here. Scarborough may seem to be an intimidating housing market to newcomers, but Cochrane is optimistic—and who better to help you navigate local realty than your very own long-time neighbourhood realtor?
If you would like to consult Ray Cochrane regarding your realty needs, contact him at rcochrane@remaxhallmark.com, office phone at (416) 699-9292, or cell at (416) 402-3556.
Scarborough Teen Joins Pages at Queen’s Park January 2023
Legislative Page Julie Harrop; (right) poses in front of the Legislative Assembly of Ontario, dwarfed by the building and her responsibilities in the Page Program. Right, with MPP Begum on the central staircase at Queen’s Park.
This fall, Glen Ames Senior Public School student, Julie Harrop, became a Legislative Page at Queen’s Park, proudly representing Scarborough Southwest. Harrop, who is in grade 8, spent every day from October 25 to November 3 at Queen’s Park and in the Legislative Chamber learning about the legislative process and performing daily services for government officials. “It was cool to see people in those kinds of positions and how keen they are on sharing their opinions,” said Harrop. “A lot of people have very strong opinions, and I think that’s very important. It taught me a lot about having to stand up for your own beliefs.”
The Page Program gives students a chance to gain hands-on experience in legislature—from wearing a uniform, to accompanying the Speaker of the House, to learning legislative procedures, to memorizing the names, positions, and seats of all the people in the Chamber. “They do rigorous routine in Queen’s Park, too, sometimes very early. We had a lot of early morning sittings too, when (Harrop) was here,” said MPP for Scarborough Southwest, Doly Begum. “One of the things that they look for (in Pages) is that you are outgoing and you are responsible. Because you are following the Speaker of the House, decorum is all very well. You have to know all of us. By the time they start, (Pages) already know who we are!” However, Pages are never alone if they run into any issues or have any questions. “We had to memorize all the MPPs and their names, their ridings, and their parties, and where they sat in the House. It was a lot to learn and a lot to memorize,” said Harrop. “But there were people all around the Chamber that were there to help us. The ushers we there to help us and the assistants to the sergeant at arms were, too. It was a lot to learn and a lot of pressure, but it was really fun.”
Harrop’s stay at Queen’s Park was expected to be a relatively calm period, but on Sunday October 30, CUPE (Canadian Union of Public Employees), gave a five-day warning that education workers would strike if no new deal could be reached with the Government of Ontario regarding Bill 28. “One of the Page Co-ordinators said that we wouldn’t be experiencing protests or anything, but then we were there for a very important time in history!” said Harrop. Debates ramped up during this period, which made the experience more intense, but also showed the Pages the turbulent side of politics. “Though, I think that the most memorable thing was still the first day, because I was really nervous. Then as soon as we got started it was so much fun, really. It was such an amazing opportunity and experience. The first day made me realize how special it is.”
On the orientation day for Pages on October 24, Harrop’s family was also invited for a tour of Queen’s Park. Harrop’s parents, both teachers, were excited and proud to see their daughter taking on such important responsibilities and immersing herself in the experience. “It was a beautiful experience for the whole family,” said Sabrina Aziz, Harrop’s mother. “It was my first time at Queen’s Park, and to see the building. I really got hooked in to the whole legislative process and we were watching the entire day. We got very engaged in politics for the time she was there.” Begum, upon learning that Harrop’s parents were teachers, showed her appreciation for their work and attendance. “I remember when we were debating Bill 28 that afternoon, I didn’t know they were educators until later on! I got a chance to introduce myself to them and to say how proud I am to have a young woman from Scarborough Southwest and her parents there,” said Begum.
Harrop’s first experience with politics, however, was much earlier than this past fall. She volunteered to deliver flyers for MPP Doly Begum’s campaign in 2018, which bolstered her résumé when she applied for the Page Program. Begum encourages anyone interested in applying for the program’s next round to have lots of volunteer and interpersonal experience. An outgoing candidate with a strong drive to learn is key to being accepted. “Julie Is extremely modest, but I think there is a lot of pressure! It’s very strict routine, you have to maintain time really, really well, and when the Speaker comes in, the House starts. The door gets locked for a vote? That’s it,” said Begum. “They go through that, and your résumé and application should show that you can take that on.”
It isn’t the only program of its kind, either. In fact, there is a similar House of Commons Page Program in Ottawa for first-year college and university students which Harrop intends to apply for once she is eighteen. “That’s for the federal level, and then I’m going to try to become a Legislative Usher in Queen’s Park,” said Harrop.
Overall, Harrop found the experience overwhelmingly positive. Begum expressed her gratitude to Farrop and previous pages from Scarborough Southwest for their efforts and strong interest in politics. “I think it goes a really long way in terms of the work we do as public representatives, and as a woman, to see another young woman with that interest,” said Begum. “To be able to see her in the legislature and go back and forth and do the work she was doing, I want to say that I am so very proud.”
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Rally for Road Safety January 2023
Family and Friends; gather at the corner of Broadbent Ave. and Midland Ave. on Sunday, Dec. 11 in remembrance of Abu Bakr Sayed who was killed by an impaired driver at the intersection on December 11, 2021. Jess Spieker (in yellow coat, above right) leads the Friends and Families for Safe Streets memorial walk on Sunday, Nov. 20.
Scarborough Southwest has seen its share of traffic and pedestrian accidents, though perhaps no intersection is as dangerous as the intersection at Danforth Ave. and Victoria Park Ave. Over the last eight years alone, there have been 617 recorded accidents causing injuries to no less than 61 people. Furthermore, along Danforth Ave. between Victoria Park Ave. and Birchmount Ave., there have been 1450 recorded accidents, causing no less than 225 reported injuries and 2 deaths.
Jess Spieker, a member of Friends and Family for Safe Streets, took part in the memorial walk on Danforth Ave. on November 20. Spieker was a victim of a traffic accident herself, having been t-boned by an SUV while cycling in 2015. She continues to battle chronic pain and struggles with her mental health because of the accident. “It’s an average of 165 crashes on that stretch (of Danforth Ave.) and 25.5 injured people every year. The expense of the police responding to all of those crashes, plus the medical expenses of the injuries must be enormous,” said Spieker. “Deaths are estimated to cost society roughly $2 million each. Surely it would just be cheaper to install Vision Zero upgrades than do nothing and allow all that damage to continue unabated year after year. Given that Councillor Crawford is the Budget Chief and might be interested in savings, it’s interesting how few Vision Zero projects have happened in his ward, the eighth most deadly ward in the city.”
MPP for Scarborough Southwest, Doly Begum, also attended the walk on Danforth Ave. on November 20. She also promoted and attended the Rally for Road Safety on Sunday, December 11, in remembrance of Mr. Abu Bakr Sayed. Sayed, a 65-year-old senior, was killed by an impaired driver at Midland Ave. and Broadbent Ave. on December 11, 2021. Begum and the New Ontario Democrats have since tabled Bill 40, the Moving Ontarians Safely Act, which will hold irresponsible drivers accountable, ensure consequences for reckless or impaired drivers, provide justice for traffic accident victims and their families, and more. “We recognize this is not an isolated incident in Toronto. There are numerous victims’ families who are experiencing the same nightmares,” said Mr. Azfer Sayed, Mr. Abu Bakr Sayed’s younger brother. “We can only demand stronger legislation to ensure road safety.”
Guild Park and Gardens Lost Amenities January 2023
The Guild Park and Gardens was once a flourishing home for artisans, crafters, and artists of all kinds from Scarborough, but it has lost several of the amenities that once made it a refined spot for locals to enjoy.
The property was sold to the TRCA (Toronto and Regional Conservation Authority) by longtime owners Rosa and Spencer Clark. Then, the TRCA put the historic Guild Inn and its restoration into the hands of private company via a long-term sub-lease. The restaurant, scenic patio, grand event space, classic pub, public meeting spaces, and sculptures and paintings inside of the Inn became private property soon afterwards.
“Based on the original agreements with the private operator, the City of Toronto’s intended that all these now-lost features would be retained in the restored facility, now renamed Guild Inn Estate,” read a post from the official Guild Park Facebook group. “Those documents specified that the private operator would manage much of the facility to benefit both the City of Toronto and the community. The City was so intent for the Guild Inn Estate to serve the public that City Council granted the Guild Inn Estate special tax-favoured status, valued at about $225,000 a year as of 2015.”
Allegedly, the City intended to re-establish the Guild Inn and Gardens with amenities that would be accessible to locals. Today, visitors are still unable to go anywhere near the Guild Inn building, they cannot purchase food or drinks there, and they cannot see art from the Clark’s collection kept inside the Inn. However, the large groups that rent the Guild Inn for private events like weddings or corporate parties are able to flood the open-to-public park and gardens for photo ops. These private parties also allegedly incite noise complaints from locals quite regularly.
Operators at the Guild Park and Gardens have tried to make the absolute best of the situation, however. They officially opened the Clark Centre for the Arts this spring, they run history and art tours on the grounds, they maintain the historic architecture on display throughout the grounds, and they host live performances.
The Guild Park group insists that the public can help shed light on issues at the Guild Park and Gardens caused by privatization, even if they just have access to a computer and wifi. “A first step is for Guild Park supporters and anyone unhappy with the current conditions at Guild Park, to keep registering their concerns,” read the Guild Park Facebook group post, encouraging readers to reply to it and share it across their social media platforms. Alternatively, one may also contact the City Councillor’s office with their concerns. “This will provide the ‘ammunition’ that volunteers require to keep raising these unresolved issues with decision-makers at Guild Park.”
More Homes Built Faster Contest January 2023
50 Scarborough Heights Blvd. Photographed left May 12, 2020 after 3 years of construction and January 2, 2023
Bill 23, or the ‘More Homes, Built Faster’ act was passed on November 28, to the mixed reaction of the public, City Officials, and developers alike. The Bill was concocted with the goal to build 1.5 million homes by 2031 to account for population growth and amend the current housing crisis in the GTA. However, Bill 23 also proposes the following key changes:
- Reduce and/or remove fees for developers who build affordable housing, non-profit housing, and inclusionary zoning units.
- No requirements for public meetings regarding draft plans for new subdivisions.
- A parkland dedication cap for land proposed for residential development.
- Up to three residential units per lot permitted, with no minimum floor area for each residential unit.
- Exempt amendments made for the purposes of making, establishing or operating a pit or quarry.
- Exempt developments of up to 10 residential units from site plan control.
- Remove planning responsibilities from upper-tier regions including Simcoe, Halton, Peel, York, Durham, Niagara, and Waterloo for lower-tier official plans and amendments, as well as for subdivisions and consents.
Bill 23 makes changes to several existing acts, including the Planning Act, the Ontario Heritage Act, the Development Charges Act (1997), the Ontario Land Tribunal Act, the City of Toronto Act (2006), and the Municipal Act (2001).
Local councillors and other GTA officials raised their concerns about the environmental and economical impacts of Bill 23, which will cost the City approximately $230 million in revenue every year. The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) estimated that there will be a $5.1 billion loss of City revenue by 2031 as a direct result of Bill 23. “Under Bill 23, property taxpayers will be funding developer profits,” said Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie on Wednesday, November 30. “While we can agree and certainly appreciate the province’s desire to incentivize affordability, it can’t be done on the backs of cities and our taxpayers. None of this is fair to our property taxpayers or our residents.” When the Bill was brought to the City, Councillor for Ward 20 and Toronto Budget Chief Gary Crawford recalled the reaction of the council. “The mayor heard (about Bill 23) and flipped out. Our city finances flipped out. What (Doug Ford) said, what the reality was, was that all these developers must build affordable housing. You don’t have to pay development fees—but the province doesn’t get the development fees, the City does. So what, in essence, did he promise in your pocket?” said Crawford. “Overall, we’re going to lose a billion dollars in a 10-year plan. We’re losing a significant amount of money that we need to build more, to build infrastructure in our city. And he took it, he took 200 million a year from us.”
Protests ignited on December 3, just four days before the decision on Bill 23 was made, about turning the Toronto Greenbelt into developable land. Beaches—East York MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon raised concerns about the ecological impact that raced development may cause. “We’re all supportive of building housing and cutting through the red tape that needs to be cut through. But not destroying entities that protect residents or the environment,” said McMahon. “Quite frankly it seems to be geared towards single-family detached homes with white picket fences in the wetlands—in the Greenbelt. So we’re all shaking our heads.” The Bill would allow 7,400 acres of the Greenbelt to be developed for housing, but pledges to add an additional 9,400 protected acres of Greenbelt elsewhere; including part of Paris Galt Moraine and the Golden Horseshoe.
According to the Report of the Ontario Housing Affordability Task Force (OHATF), released on February 8, 2022, average house prices in the GTA have climbed 180% while average incomes have grown roughly 38%. The average house price by the end of 2021 was $923,000 while just a decade earlier, the average price was $329,000. “A 2021 Scotiabank study showed that Canada has the fewest housing units per population of any G7 country—and, our per capita housing supply has dropped in the past five years. An update to that study released in January 2022 found that two thirds of Canada’s housing shortage is in Ontario. Today, Ontario is 1.2 million homes—rental or owned—short of the G7 average.” So, it seems a fast and effective solution to the housing crisis is absolutely necessary if even the current workforce is to ever dream of owning property—be it a house, townhouse, semi, or condo.
“While the affordability crisis began in our large cities, it has now spread to smaller towns and rural communities. Efforts to cool the housing market have only provided temporary relief to home buyers,” summed up Jake Lawrence, Chair of the OHATF. “The long-term trend is clear: house prices are increasing much faster than Ontarian’s incomes. The time for action is now.”
Culinary Corner - Lunar New Year Drinks January 2023
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.On January 22, we will say goodbye to the year of the Tiger, and hello to the year of the Rabbit! The Rabbit is a symbol of prosperity, longevity, and hope in the zodiac, which will be a welcome presence after the last few years. To celebrate the coming of optimistic times and respect the trials and successes of 2022, try traditional and modern celebratory drinks alike this Lunar New Year’s Eve! Baiju Baiju is a clear, distilled spirit that is typically made from fermented sorghum. On the eve of the Lunar New Year, many people enjoy Maotai (or Moutai), which is a specialty Baiju made in the town of Maotai in Guizhou province, China. As a result, Maotai has a unique umami flavour given to it by micronutrients found in the fresh water of the Chishui river. Baiju is best enjoyed neat at room temperature, and is to be served in shot-sized glasses. It is typically drunk after a toast at festive occasions, and sometimes in quick succession. Be aware, though, that Baiju is very strong (with an average percentage of 50%), so one bottle is best shared with lots of friends and family. Try Luzhou Laojiao Touqu ($35.50 LCBO) or Fen Chiew ($36.30 LCBO Vintages) with crispy pork belly, stir-fried vegetables, and great conversation. Tea Pu’erh, green, and oolong tea are all delicious and warming at the end of a long night—or the morning after a big party. With the addition of a small amount of fresh ginger and honey, these teas make yummy hangover remedies and help to settle the stomach after a feast. Gold Rabbit Martini By combining ginger syrup, Baiju, and citrus, this cocktail represents some of the classic flavours of the Lunar New Year in one delicious sip. The ginger syrup can also be used in tea, on cakes, in a mule, or in mulled cider. 2 oz Baiju 1/2 to 1 oz. ginger syrup to taste Juice of one mandarin orange Twist of mandarin orange peel Ginger Syrup: 1/2 lemon 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh ginger with peel 1/2 cup sugar 1 cup water For the ginger syrup: Add the peel of the lemon (with as little pith as possible) and ginger to a food processor. Pulse until combined and finely minced. Transfer the lemon-ginger mixture to a medium saucepan. Add the sugar and water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, for 15 minutes. Strain the mixture into a bottle or mason jars and let cool completely. For the cocktail: Fill a cocktail shaker or small pitcher with ice. Add the Baiju, ginger syrup, and orange juice. Cover and shake vigorously for 30 seconds. Strain into a cocktail glass. Add twist, and enjoy. Ganpei!
Fearless Meat Writing Contest December 2022
On Sunday, November 13, Beach Citizen of the Year and owner-operator of Fearless Meat, David Brown, presented awards to the 28 winners of Fearless Meat’s second annual Youth Writing Contest. Entrants wrote about WWII and answered the question “why is Remembrance Day important to you?”
Three veterans took part in reading and reviewing the entries, all of whom are long-time residents of Scarborough. Bill McDonald, a retired Toronto Fire Captain, served in the Royal Canadian Navy. Bill Ross, a third-generation veteran, served in the Royal Canadian Navy during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Michael Hogan served in the Canadian Infantry before being moved to Military Communications. He served domestically, in Cyprus, and in Germany during the reunification.
Brad Bradford, City Councillor for Ward 19 Beaches—East York, and Mary-Margaret McMahon, MPP for the Ontario Liberal Party in Beaches—East York also attended the event. “He is a stalwart community leader and we are lucky to have him and the great stuff he does, continually,” said McMahon. “He feeds our bellies and he feeds our souls.” McMahon and Bradford presented the 28 winners with certificates from the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario, respectively, recognizing the writers’ contributions and to thank them for their work. “A lot of the time, conflict seems very removed from our day-to-day lives because we are so blessed to live here in the Beaches East End, in a city like Toronto and a country like Canada. But you actually don’t have to look very far,” said Bradford. “I’m very grateful for Dave for doing this and encouraging us all to think about it, and I’m thankful for the 28 contest winners as well. I think that’s amazing, it’s very moving.”
Brown highlighted three of the entries during his speech, remarking on the different kinds of experiences they represented. “One was from a student whose 13-year-old great-grandfather was a partisan in Poland during WWII,” said Brown. “The second one I’d like to highlight was from a student whose family has lived around the corner from here for a number of generations, including during WWII, and this fellow’s great-grandfather was in the Royal Canadian Navy in WWII. His ship got torpedoed and blew up, and he wound up in the water hanging onto whatever he could. The two German submarines surfaced and started machine-gunning the soldiers in the water, but somehow, he survived. The Third entry I’d like to mention is from a student whose grandmother’s father was killed overseas during the war, and who never got to know her father.” Brown presented the winners and the veterans with certificates for a Beach Burger Combo at Fearless Meat, a certificate, and a commemorative coin for their contributions.
Nine-year-old Evan Greenberg wrote a letter for the contest, and when asked what his favourite part of the contest was after the ceremony, said: “To remember the unknown soldier, lest we forget.” Greenberg then brandished his commemorative toonie. “And this coin is pretty cool, too!”
Fall Foliage December 2022
It’s not your imagination, the trees in Southern Ontario have been especially vibrant and colourful this year. Experts and locals alike have been baffled by the beautiful foliage, as past years have been rather dull in comparison. In a nutshell, the colours are a result of moderate weather in the day and above-freezing temperatures at night, with a steady decline over the course of the season.
Chlorophyll is the natural pigment that makes leaves green, but trees begin to slow its production in the fall to prepare for winter. As it slows, the other pigments present in leaves begin to appear. Carotenoid pigments create orange, yellow, and brown colours, and anthocyanins create reds and maroons. As the weather this fall has been mild and without sudden or terribly intense frosts, these pigments have been able to appear at a consistent rate and leaves have held onto trees longer. It also helped to have a mild and rainy spring and a relatively moderate summer, as droughts and major heatwaves can dull fall foliage, too.
As November comes to a close, the last of the leaves you might see are the ones in paper bags at the side of the road. However, photographs from this year are sure to make appearances in catalogues, magazines, albums, and blogs for many years to come.
Police Beat / School Violence December 2022
On November 17, a 17-year-old male student in grade 12 at Birchmount Collegiate Institute was stabbed and critically injured inside the school. The school was put on lockdown following the incident. The victim was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries and is now in stable condition. Police investigators are not releasing information about the possible assailant, but told media personnel that they hope to make an arrest soon.
Three days after the incident, the school was placed in Hold and Secure from 1:30 p.m. until 4 p.m. after an ‘un substantiated threat’ was made. Sadly, these incidents are not the first of their kind to occur at Birchmount C.I. this year, as a 14-year-old male student was injured in a stabbing just outside of the school on April 25.
On October 31, a teen and an 18-year-old were shot at just outside of Woburn Collegiate Institute—just two weeks prior to the stabbing incident at Birchmount C.I. The 18-year-old succumbed to their injuries in hospital, the condition of the other victim is unknown.
Mayor John Tory spoke to reporters about the recent violence at Scarborough schools on November 15. “I think we still have a relatively safe, and in fact a very safe, situation in our school system and elsewhere in the city. But this was enough of a repetitive situation that I asked for a meeting involving the school board and the police,” said Tory. “I hope that that meeting can happen in the very near future to sort of look at what more could we do, collectively, together.”
A Helping Hand in the Community December 2022
Matthew Trace of Son Plumbing, a Scarborough resident and local plumber of over 20 years, saw great success with his food bank initiative in 2021 and hopes to exceed last year’s total donations with his 2022 drive. “I usually make a charitable donation at the end of the year, and last year I was trying to think of something different. And then my buddy suggested ‘why don’t you do a food bank drive where you ask (clients) for donations—food donations—and match every item donated?’”
Matthew Trace began collecting food donations from his generous clients and neighbours last winter. “It’s the business that propels use to get donations from all these different people,” said Trace. “I’d say 98% of clients were more than happy to donate.” Karen Trace, Matthew Trace’s retired mother, kindly offered her time to sort, itemize, and transport the goods to donation bins in Scarborough.
In the end, Matthew Trace collected hundreds of items and matched the donations, out of his own pocket, based on their monetary value. Deb Noonan, Matthew Trace’s partner, suggested purchasing sanitary items and baby products with the money, as they are often in high demand. Items like flour, cooking oil, and sugar are also in high demand, but are not donated as often as canned or boxed goods. Trace donated two shopping carts full of non-perishable food, sanitary pads, diapers, toothpaste, soap, toothbrushes, baby wipes, formula, and baby food in addition to his clients’ food donations. “And also stuff for kids, because the food at the food banks shouldn’t always be staples,” said Trace. “Kids of parents that use food banks still deserve little treats, too. So, we got some Jell-O cups and the fruit cups, so they’re not just eating what people traditionally donate.”
As food prices skyrocket—with basic goods following closely behind—Matthew Trace saw an even greater need from the people of Scarborough this year. “Our industry is doing really well right now, so we are trying to give back as much as we can,” said Trace. Trace only accepts donations at the door from his clients, but he encourages others to donate to their local food bank or food bank box whenever they can.
“At the end of the day, I didn’t know how well last year was going to turn out… and it turned out amazing,” said Trace. “The day of our big shopping spree was really cool. It’s very rewarding. Rewarding on a level that I’ve never even thought about.”
BCH - Celebrates A Century November 2022
By Janet Monk
In 1922, a copper time capsule was interred beneath the cornerstone of Birch Cliff Heights (BCH) Public School. After it was dug up and re-interred for its 50th anniversary in 1972, however, its internment location was not officially recorded. Principal Alison Hall began searching for the capsule after messages from alumni began pouring in about the 100th anniversary. “I kept looking, going along the wall, but it doesn’t look from the outside (like) there is any way there could be anything behind the wall,” said Hall. Then, one of the school custodians approached Hall with some evidence from a Facebook group privately investigating the lost capsule. A photo and accompanying article about the 50th anniversary was posted to the group, showing who is thought to be the principal surrounded by students re-interring the capsule beneath the cornerstone.
Hall employed a masonry expert to dig for the capsule, and it was finally found beneath the cornerstone as they suspected. “It was like ‘exploratory surgery’,” said Hall. “We kept the time capsule locked away in our offices here and saved it, because that was in June, and we knew we were going to do the event in October. We were planning to unseal it, but it’s a big copper container. We didn’t want to open it because we didn’t want anything to degrade inside.” Hall once again called for expert help and had the capsule professionally cut open before the 100th anniversary, as it was welded shut.
Parthi Kandavel, Ward 18’s School Trustee, attended the capsule opening ceremony alongside BCH alumni, current students, and excited members of the community. Inside the capsule, they discovered newspapers from 1922 and 1972, a roll of undeveloped film, a class list with hundreds of names of students from 1972, a coin deck, a $1 bill, and a 50th anniversary coin dated April 21, 1972. “When we were reading the headlines—Parthi and I—just seeing how much some things, as different as they are, just stay the same,” said Hall. “Housing developments, taxes, I like that. It reminds us that no matter what is going on in the world, we are still people in a community just living our lives and trying to get by.”
Since the capsule was first interred, BCH has built four structural additions, the surrounding neighbourhood has grown exponentially, and the student body has become far more diverse. Alumni were allowed into the school at the celebration, and many remarked on how far the school had come since their school days. “Student enrollment was really high (in the past), they had hundreds, a couple more hundred people than we have now. We have two lunchrooms that they used as classrooms. The main office was a classroom,” said Hall. “We don’t sit kids in rows anymore, we use groupings and we move around. I think that they probably had to sit in very tight rows! I don’t know how, physically, how did (they) all fit?”
Hall is looking forward to re-interring the capsule with items and memories of today’s world, curated by none other than the current student body of BCH. The photos from the film they discovered will soon be developed and will likely be shared by BCH before the end of 2022. “When you are leading up to an event like this, there is a lot of behind-the-scenes planning and things that we do on top of running a school,” said Hall. “Everything we did was worth it. The teachers did so much work putting the decades room together. The staff went above and beyond, and seeing the joy in all of these people who—though they’re not students anymore, but who still feel very connected to the school and part of the community, even though they don’t live here anymore—that was really great to see, that sense of community.”
Green P Parking is for Customers November 2022
By Janet Monk
In October, Green P (Pay-and-Display) parking signs appeared along Kingston Rd. from Birch Cliff to Cliffcrest, signaling the start of paid parking enforcement in areas where unpaid one-hour time limit parking once was. Parking meters have not yet been installed at the time of publication, but the mobile app may be used to pay for parking where the signs appear. According to the Scarborough Community Council’s Report for Action (dated April 4, 2022), approximately 135 paid parking spots will be enforced in the following areas along Kingston Rd.:
North side, between Warden Ave. and a point 30 metres west of Manderley Dr.
- approximately 17 spaces
North side, between Harewood Ave. and a point 23 metres further south
- approximately 2 spaces
North side, between Midland Ave. and Claremore Ave.
- approximately 50 spaces
South side, between Cliffside Dr. and a point 155 metres further north
- approximately 17 spaces
South side, between Gradwell Dr. and Harewood Ave.
- approximately 50 spaces
The goal of these paid parking spaces is to increase turnover of on-street parking, allowing for a regular flow of customers to the businesses on Kingston Rd. The report also states that the spaces will “… operate outside the peak period parking and stopping prohibitions and will not impact the accessible loading zone.” Allegedly, some local business owners were unaware of the proposed changes when the report was filed in April, and were surprised by the new signage when it appeared.
To read the official report, visit: https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/sc/bgrd/backgroundfile-223964.pdf
Food & Drink - Wine Season October 2022
By Janet Monk
It’s finally wine grape harvesting season in Canada, which means our local wineries will be busy preparing next year’s star bottles. So, for those headed south to enjoy the spoils of Niagara wineries, be on the lookout for the following recent releases. From delicate Pinot Noir, to low-alcohol Rosé, to crisp Riesling, there is a perfect bottle for every plate and every palate.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Lakeview Wine Company, which once upon a time had a retail location in Cliffside, has just introduced two new low-alcohol and low-sugar wines to their roster: the Mindful Pinot Grigio and Mindful Rosé. The Pinot Grigio is light and slightly oaky with notes of green apple and pear on the palate while the Rosé is floral and tastes of hibiscus and cranberry. They are perfect for individuals with food sensitivities, blood-sugar concerns, or who want to have a little less alcohol but still enjoy a glass of wine with supper. Both bottles retail for $12.95, have 1g of sugar per serving, and are 8% ABV.
Château des Charmes, which opened in 1978, is another Niagara standby. Their 2019 and 2020 vintages garner much praise, and the pride they take in their product is clear from their extensive tasting notes available online for each and every bottle. Their 2019 Pinot Noir Cuvée Michèle is a lovely choice, and for just $16.95 a bottle, an absolute steal. It is dry (with just 3.3g/L of sugar), light, and fruit forward with an earthy finish. It pairs perfectly with pink fish, chicken stuffed with blue cheese, and ratatouille.
Flat Rock Cellars, located on the Twenty Mile Bench in Niagara, cleaned up at the Decanter World Wine Awards this year. They won not only Best Canadian White, but also Best in Show. Their 2019 Riesling topped all other Canadian white wines this year, but the best part is that it retails for just $20.15 per bottle! In terms of sweetness it is medium at 25g/L and it has lovely notes of citrus fruits like mandarin, yuzu, and a floral and honey-like finish. For $37.15, you can try the Best in Show and one of the fifty best new wines in the world: Nadja’s Vineyard Riesling (2019). Orders are currently limited to twelve bottles per person. This wine has beautiful stone fruit flavours and aromatics of fresh flowers and orange blossom. There is a slight acidity to the finish, akin to freshly squeezed lime or a twist of lemon zest.
Konzelmann, Jackson Triggs, Inniskillin, Peller, and Trius are also great wineries to stop in and have a tasting, tour, or even dinner. Remember to always check online or call ahead to see whether reservations are required, what COVID-19 restrictions are in place, and what services they offer. Sip safely, and enjoy the best of what Niagara has to offer this autumn.
Property Lines Splitting Driveways ~ Whose Asphalt is? That September 2022
By Janet Monk
Property owners across the GTA are discovering that their right-of-way is in jeopardy because indefinite property lines split their driveways in half. Since Ontario made away with the historic Ontario Registry Act in the late 90s—replacing it with the Land Titles Act to build a computer database of Ontario property lines—grandfathered encroachments like driveways have become a sticking point for homeowners and developers alike.
“Since roughly 1885, there have been two distinct land registry systems operating simultaneously in Ontario: the Registry system and the Torrens-based Land Titles system of land registration,” said Paul Hancock, an Associate Lawyer from Daoust Vukovich LLP. “The rights under each system are different (whereby you cannot gain an interest in land under the land titles system solely by using and occupying a portion of land for a certain period of time).” For example, if a person had a shed encroaching 10 feet onto the neighbouring property for sixty years, the Ontario Registry Act would typically allow them to continue to maintain it. Historic encroachments would be grandfathered into the property by the old system. However, according to the new system, these grandfathered encroachments (some over a century old) are seldom recognized—resulting in issues like today’s driveway disputes.
One local Scarborough Southwest Resident from Brooklawn Ave, Alan Burt, was one of the first in the area to discover the property line issues in Cliffcrest. “The houses were built in the fifties—’54, ’53. So instead of giving the properties their full breadths (new developers) started cutting the property lots in half. For example, where we are at our house, it was originally two lots and they cut it in three,” said Burt. The owners of 11 Brooklawn Ave were shocked when a developer bought the neighbouring property and intended to build over three feet onto their existing driveway. The developer’s property line, according to the new system, overlapped with their driveway. “If, in fact, the rule went through that these people could then put fences on their property line, people would barely be able to get their cars onto the driveway and then they wouldn’t be able to open the door. They wouldn’t be back into their driveway.”
Anxious after learning about their neighbours’ woes, Burt discovered that number 48, their own home, also had a property line coursing down the middle of their driveway. “When my wife bought the house that really wasn’t an issue because of the Land Act that was in effect at the time. There was an automatic amendment on the property, which we have subsequently learned,” said Burt. “So our use of the driveway was never an issue until the Land Act, which we didn’t really know about at the time, changed in 2000.”
The City of Toronto currently categorizes property line and driveway disputes as civil, regardless of whether or not it was the province’s system changes that incurred the dispute. According to Burt, most real estate agents are unaware of these changes to property lines, and it is up to buyers after settling the deal to manage the aftermath. “That’s why I call it a time bomb. As this ‘buying-up-homes’ becomes more prevalent, this sort of thing is happening. What we’re seeing now are people in this situation starting to put up fences on their property. That’s what happened at number four Brooklawn,” said Burt. As for the City’s involvement in property line disputes, Councillor Gary Crawford provided the following statement to the Bluffs Monitor: “I have been working closely with staff to seek amendments to the current by-laws that will address the issue regarding single driveways split in two by property lines, including permitting front pad parking spots. I also encourage new builders to work collaboratively with existing neighbours early in the process, to help design a solution to the problem.”
The owner of 9 Brooklawn Ave, an elderly woman, was able to negotiate with the Toronto Local Appeal Body to secure her property rights according to Burt. However, not all are successful in doing so—least of all those with low income or no outside help. Burt estimated that the legal costs of securing one’s property lines in a dispute can be as much as $20,000—far out of range for most.
Some are worried that due to property line disputes, neighbours or developers might cause irreparable damage to their property with new builds or construction. At 9 Brooklawn, the owner was able to secure a stipulation check in the event that her property was damaged. Her son-in-law, an engineer, recognized that the next-door developers were going to dig much deeper than the builders of number 9 did. Therefore, the builders risked causing vibrations strong enough to damage number 9’s foundation. “They went down about 14 feet. So this creates a problem with the groundwater flow,” said Burt. “For adjacent neighbours to the groundwater flow, it can jeopardize not just the physical structure of their cinderblocks, but also their plaster walls, or if they put an addition, your drywall. It’s a whole barrage of things with these properties getting wider.”
To mitigate the risk to one’s property when construction is occurring on/over your property line, the team of surveyors from ‘Protect Your Boundaries’ suggest the following tips on their website: First, speak to a lawyer who specializes in boundary disputes and land-related matters. Second, take photos of the exterior and interior parts of your home which face the development. Last, consult a lawyer and your neighbour about putting funds into a trust for any damages your property faces during construction.
As these disputes become increasingly common, hopefully the system will begin taking grandfathered land and easements into stronger consideration. Property lines are of utmost importance at a time when property is worth so much and is so deeply meaningful to our lives. “It’s not just the driveway,” said Burt. “It’s about the integrity of your home.”
Ontario Trillium Fund Supports Variety Village September 2022
By Janet Monk
On June 14, 2022, at the annual ‘That’s Amore Pizza for Kids’ celebration, Variety Village unveiled their brand-new Pavilion and mural dedicated to Pizza Nova’s Primucci family. The Primucci Pavilion at the Danforth Variety Village is a gesture of thanks to Pizza Nova for their long-time support and annual ‘That’s Amore Pizza for Kids’ campaign, where every May Pizza Nova donates fifty cents from every dip sold to kid’s programs, camps, and program expansion at Variety. This year, Pizza Nova raised a grand total of $203,902 for the campaign.
“And how many years has it been? For this event for kids, (it has been) 23 years,” said President of Pizza Nova, Domenic Primucci, at the ribbon cutting. Over those 23 years, he said that Pizza Nova has raised over $2 million for Variety. “We’ve also given Variety Village and Variety – the Children’s Charity awareness and probably over $3 million worth of advertising. Then, so on and so forth, awareness in the community and in the province of Ontario.”
Domenic Primucci referred to the event and the dedication as “very humbling” and gave his sincere appreciation for the Variety team, Pizza Nova staff, and their customers. Domenic Primucci’s father, Sam Primucci, also attended the event on June 14. He and his brothers opened the first Pizza Nova location in 1963. “We’re still in the Italian community. When there’s a need, I know that certain people can call on me, and we’re always there for them,” said Sam Primucci. “After all, I was born in Italy. My heart is still there, even after 70 years.”
Karen Stintz, President and CEO of Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario, also attended the dedication ceremony and gave her thanks to Pizza Nova and the Primucci family for their support.
“It’s a really special day for Variety, you know in past years we had the one-day campaign, and we would raise about $125,000. Now we raised over $200,000, and not only that, with the campaign running the whole month there was that much more exposure,” said Stintz. “So today we had a celebration, not just of the campaign, but of the partnership that we’ve had with the Primucci family. And now having this tribute in our lobby, everyone who walks into the building will understand the close relationship that we have and the importance of Pizza Nova and the community family to the kids.”
The ceremony also included the showing of a 22-foot long mural by local artist Nicole Lalonde, who designed the work in conjunction with Variety and the Primucci family. Lalonde also notably painted a mural for Variety’s children’s gymnasium. “Last year when we came up and the board approved the renaming of the pavilion, the Primucci pavilion, it was really (just) a concept,” said Stintz regarding the mural. “Then we worked with Domenic and his team over the last 12 months to come up with something that would reflect what his vision is and his philanthropic vision and what his relationship with us looks like.”
The mural features stylized families and children flying kites, biking, walking, having a picnic, and playing games. Some of the figures have mobility aids and service animals. The background is of the Toronto skyline, and even features some figures enjoying pizza slices out of a Pizza Nova truck. In an interview after the ceremony, Stintz remarked on the influence of Pizza Nova’s donations. “There’s no question that the support of Pizza Nova changes the lives of these kids.”
Food & Drink - Wine Season September 2022
By Janet Monk
It’s finally wine grape harvesting season in Canada, which means our local wineries will be busy preparing next year’s star bottles. So, for those headed south to enjoy the spoils of Niagara wineries, be on the lookout for the following recent releases. From delicate Pinot Noir, to low-alcohol Rosé, to crisp Riesling, there is a perfect bottle for every plate and every palate.
Niagara-on-the-Lake’s Lakeview Wine Company, which once upon a time had a retail location in Cliffside, has just introduced two new low-alcohol and low-sugar wines to their roster: the Mindful Pinot Grigio and Mindful Rosé. The Pinot Grigio is light and slightly oaky with notes of green apple and pear on the palate while the Rosé is floral and tastes of hibiscus and cranberry. They are perfect for individuals with food sensitivities, blood-sugar concerns, or who want to have a little less alcohol but still enjoy a glass of wine with supper. Both bottles retail for $12.95, have 1g of sugar per serving, and are 8% ABV.
Château des Charmes, which opened in 1978, is another Niagara standby. Their 2019 and 2020 vintages garner much praise, and the pride they take in their product is clear from their extensive tasting notes available online for each and every bottle. Their 2019 Pinot Noir Cuvée Michèle is a lovely choice, and for just $16.95 a bottle, an absolute steal. It is dry (with just 3.3g/L of sugar), light, and fruit forward with an earthy finish. It pairs perfectly with pink fish, chicken stuffed with blue cheese, and ratatouille.
Flat Rock Cellars, located on the Twenty Mile Bench in Niagara, cleaned up at the Decanter World Wine Awards this year. They won not only Best Canadian White, but also Best in Show. Their 2019 Riesling topped all other Canadian white wines this year, but the best part is that it retails for just $20.15 per bottle! In terms of sweetness it is medium at 25g/L and it has lovely notes of citrus fruits like mandarin, yuzu, and a floral and honey-like finish. For $37.15, you can try the Best in Show and one of the fifty best new wines in the world: Nadja’s Vineyard Riesling (2019). Orders are currently limited to twelve bottles per person. This wine has beautiful stone fruit flavours and aromatics of fresh flowers and orange blossom. There is a slight acidity to the finish, akin to freshly squeezed lime or a twist of lemon zest.
Konzelmann, Jackson Triggs, Inniskillin, Peller, and Trius are also great wineries to stop in and have a tasting, tour, or even dinner. Remember to always check online or call ahead to see whether reservations are required, what COVID-19 restrictions are in place, and what services they offer. Sip safely, and enjoy the best of what Niagara has to offer this autumn.
Variety Village Honours Primucci Family July/ August 2022
By Janet Monk
On June 14, 2022, at the annual ‘That’s Amore Pizza for Kids’ celebration, Variety Village unveiled their brand-new Pavilion and mural dedicated to Pizza Nova’s Primucci family. The Primucci Pavilion at the Danforth Variety Village is a gesture of thanks to Pizza Nova for their long-time support and annual ‘That’s Amore Pizza for Kids’ campaign, where every May Pizza Nova donates fifty cents from every dip sold to kid’s programs, camps, and program expansion at Variety. This year, Pizza Nova raised a grand total of $203,902 for the campaign.
“And how many years has it been? For this event for kids, (it has been) 23 years,” said President of Pizza Nova, Domenic Primucci, at the ribbon cutting. Over those 23 years, he said that Pizza Nova has raised over $2 million for Variety. “We’ve also given Variety Village and Variety – the Children’s Charity awareness and probably over $3 million worth of advertising. Then, so on and so forth, awareness in the community and in the province of Ontario.”
Domenic Primucci referred to the event and the dedication as “very humbling” and gave his sincere appreciation for the Variety team, Pizza Nova staff, and their customers. Domenic Primucci’s father, Sam Primucci, also attended the event on June 14. He and his brothers opened the first Pizza Nova location in 1963. “We’re still in the Italian community. When there’s a need, I know that certain people can call on me, and we’re always there for them,” said Sam Primucci. “After all, I was born in Italy. My heart is still there, even after 70 years.”
Karen Stintz, President and CEO of Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario, also attended the dedication ceremony and gave her thanks to Pizza Nova and the Primucci family for their support.
“It’s a really special day for Variety, you know in past years we had the one-day campaign, and we would raise about $125,000. Now we raised over $200,000, and not only that, with the campaign running the whole month there was that much more exposure,” said Stintz. “So today we had a celebration, not just of the campaign, but of the partnership that we’ve had with the Primucci family. And now having this tribute in our lobby, everyone who walks into the building will understand the close relationship that we have and the importance of Pizza Nova and the community family to the kids.”
The ceremony also included the showing of a 22-foot long mural by local artist Nicole Lalonde, who designed the work in conjunction with Variety and the Primucci family. Lalonde also notably painted a mural for Variety’s children’s gymnasium. “Last year when we came up and the board approved the renaming of the pavilion, the Primucci pavilion, it was really (just) a concept,” said Stintz regarding the mural. “Then we worked with Domenic and his team over the last 12 months to come up with something that would reflect what his vision is and his philanthropic vision and what his relationship with us looks like.”
The mural features stylized families and children flying kites, biking, walking, having a picnic, and playing games. Some of the figures have mobility aids and service animals. The background is of the Toronto skyline, and even features some figures enjoying pizza slices out of a Pizza Nova truck. In an interview after the ceremony, Stintz remarked on the influence of Pizza Nova’s donations. “There’s no question that the support of Pizza Nova changes the lives of these kids.”
Small Business Focus: DUCKWORTH'S July/August 2022
By Janet Monk
This past April, Cliffside’s famous local fish and chips shop, Duckworth’s Fish and Chips, celebrated it’s 66th anniversary! The location was opened on April 10, 1956, by Doug Duckworth, father of current operator Lisa Duckworth. “It’s not an easy business these days, but I don’t know that it’s changed that much,” said Lisa Duckworth. “We have a great staff and regular customers, and that’s stayed the same. That hasn’t changed at all.”
The first Duckworth’s location in Ontario, Len Duckworth’s, opened in 1929 on Danforth Avenue. However, the Duckworth’s Fish and Chips locations are all privately owned and are not franchised. “My cousins are still on the Danforth and there’s a newer one that opened in Orillia,” said Lisa Duckworth. “It’s not a franchise, it’s just a family name. That was one of my cousin’s sons, he and his wife opened up a business out there.”
Duckworth’s is true to their roots when it comes to business values, according to Lisa Duckworth. “We’re happy to see them because a few of us who have worked there over 40 years. We know them, we’re happy to see them, they’re happy were still there. You just don’t see that kind of mom-and-pop shop too often anymore I don’t think.” Over the last 66 years they have not been without local competition. “When there were so many different franchises that would come in and out of business, like Arthur Treacher’s, H. Salt Fish and Chips, they all thought they’d put the little guy under. And they never did. We survived,” said Lisa Duckworth. “My dad always says you can’t worry abut the other person, all you can do is put out the best product you can, and give your customers the best service that you can.”
When it comes to fish and chips, Lisa Duckworth and her staff go above and beyond to ensure they provide great quality, taste, and freshness. “We don’t cook ahead, everything is fresh. You order? We start cooking it! I think our staff takes a lot of pride in the product we put out.” Duckworth’s gets a delivery of whole Alaskan halibut every day, which they butcher in-store so their product is as fresh as possible, and they pick up fresh bread every morning from the National Bakery at Birchmount and Danforth. Their recipe for fish batter, chips, and coleslaw hasn’t changed since the store opened. “We still, honestly if you walked down to the basement where we peel the potatoes its like a walk back in time. We have a chipper and one potato at a time goes through. It’s the way my grandfather did it and it’s the way we’re still doing it.”
Duckworth’s has many customers that, even when they move out of the neighbourhood, return every chance they get to enjoy a classic Scarborough treat. After 66 years of business, their loyal customer base has only grown. “I’ve been serving people over forty years. I see these babies, and then they come in with their babies! It seems like just yesterday,” said Lisa Duckworth. “We work hard and try to put out a good product and we have a very loyal clientele. I think we are quite lucky. I feel very fortunate that we do have this business.”
Duckworth’s was one of the few businesses that was open for takeout in the middle of the pandemic. Today they have opened their doors once more for indoor seating. The restaurant seats approximately 42 people and their menu includes halibut, haddock, cod, and basa. You can also find them on UberEats! “We’re hanging in there and hopefully we’ll weather this storm,” said Lisa Duckworth regarding business at the tail-end of the pandemic. “I would like to thank our loyal customers, they are so much appreciated, and we really value their service and loyalty to us. We really do.”
Cocktails With a Canadian Twist July/ August 2022
By Janet Monk
Summer has finally arrived, and whether you’ll be celebrating it with a trip to the beach, lake, or cottage, a refreshing cocktail is in order upon arrival! This month, try these unequivocally Canadian cocktails, easily made with local ingredients.
The Mojito is a delicious summertime drink for which I gave a recipe for Canadian Mint Syrup last month. This July, put your mint syrup to work in a Cranberry Mojito.
First, add a small handful of wild Canadian mint to an empty shaker with 1 oz mint syrup, 1 oz lime juice, and a handful of fresh cranberries. Muddle gently until cranberries are crushed. Next, fill your shaker with ice and add 1 ½ oz of amber or light rum of your choice. Shake vigorously to combine, then pour the contents into a tumbler or rocks glass. Top with lemon lime soda and enjoy!
No spirit could be more synonymous with Canada than Canadian whiskey. However, you can still kick it up a notch with the addition of maple syrup. Treat your friends to a delicious Maple Old Fashioned at your next campfire gathering.
Add 2 oz of your favourite Canadian whiskey to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Then, add one teaspoon of dark maple syrup and two dashes of angostura bitters. Shake gently to combine and strain into a rocks glass filled with cracked ice. For garnish, twist an orange peel over the glass to release its oils and add it to your drink.
The Canadian Caesar puts a coast-town spin on the Bloody Mary and is widely adored across the country. However, many are hesitant to try it because of the addition of clam juice. Trust me when I say that the ‘clam’ in ‘Clamato’ juice is very subtle and adds a nice salty flavour to this classic savoury cocktail.
To a cocktail shaker full of ice, add 3 oz of Clamato juice, 2 dashes of Worcestershire sauce, 1 ½ oz Canadian vodka, 1-3 dashes of hot sauce (to your taste), and a pinch of black pepper if desired. Shake well and strain into a highball glass full of ice. Garnish with a celery stick or 2 pickled beans and a wedge of fresh lime. Enjoy with salty snacks or a B.L.T sandwich by the beach.
Canadians grow apples in every province, and places like The Big Apple in Colborne, Ontario, stand as a testament to their wonderful flavour and versatility. This recipe for a Golden Apple Cocktail is as apple-licious as it gets.
Add 1 oz of Canadian vodka to a rocks glass filled with ice. Stir in 2 oz of apple cider or juice and top with ginger ale. For garnish, add a fresh sprig of thyme. This cocktail is best enjoyed when the weather is hot and sunny, and it pairs wonderfully with a cheese platter and fresh fruits.
Whatever cocktails you enjoy this summer, remember that they always pair best with good company and memorable occasions.
An Artist Lives Right in your Community June 2022
On May 7, 2022, the Cliffcrest Artists group held the An Artist Lives Here event to display and sell their handmade crafts, paintings, and other creative works. “My mom (Robyn Wood) and I wanted to have a collective of like-minded, intelligent and creative people to share their love and passion for art or creating all in one place,” said organizer Angela Wood. “It was actually our first show that we had put on as a group.” The event comprised of local artists setting up miniature galleries or stands of their handmade pieces on their driveways or front lawns. Passers-by, or people following the online tour map, enjoyed, purchased, photographed, and discussed art directly with its creators.
“It’s nice to see that people from all walks of life get pulled into the show and purchase from anybody because that’s what they saw and fell in love with that day,” said Angela Wood. She was pleased to see people visiting artists that they may not have otherwise noticed if not for the event. The event featured acrylic, watercolour, oil, and multimedia painters as well as many unique artisans. “When COVID hit, (participants) Doug and Eileen Simpson decided that they were going to go on walks to the beach to keep themselves sane,” said Angela Wood. “They started collecting rocks that looked really pretty and tumbling them. Then they started making jewelry and earrings out of natural rocks from the Bluffs area. It’s really cool to know they come from your own neighbourhood.” Other participating artists included acrylic painter and furniture refurbisher Katelyn Schruder, sign-maker Ashley Borden, macramé and textile artist Tiffany Barnett, Tail Wags founder (of Dragons’ Den notoriety) Karyn Cassar, and OOAK doll artist and acrylic painter, yours truly. Angela Wood and Robyn Wood also took part; Angela displayed custom made items, DIY keychain packages, and magnets, and Robyn showcased her lovely abstract acrylic and watercolour works.
Robyn Wood was inspired to run the AALH event by Fiona Debell, who created the tag in 2020 with the Lawrence Park Art Collective in Toronto. When it went virtual during the pandemic, artists showcased their work from home and even held online demonstrations. “It would be kind of cool to do something similar to that in a live art aspect if any of the artists ever wanted to in the neighbourhood walk-about,” said Angela Wood. “We could put down a time slot: ‘hit up this location at 11 o’clock to see a live painting being done right in front of you!’”
In early 2022, Robyn Wood began her own artistic initiative to make a positive difference, and it was a great success at the AALH event. She began painting fine sunflowers on pennies, the national flower of Ukraine, to sell for charity. She donates the cost of supplies herself, and all the profits from every $10 penny sold goes to Ukrainian relief efforts. “Her last donation she put in this weekend–she’s hit over $1500 in donations,” said Angela Wood. “The first time she donated the government was matching the money, so when she donated $500 it was actually $1000. The next time she donated they were actually tripling, so if you sent $500 it would actually be $1500.”
The next An Artist Lives Here event will be taking place on June 18, 2022. The cut-off date for artists to register to participate is June 12 at 11:59 p.m. However, Angela Wood encourages anyone who is interested to reach out and join in. “We want to welcome everybody who wants to be a part of it. Our hope and our goal is to eventually have it so far spread out amongst Toronto or Scarborough–or even into Pickering or down in the Beaches–that it doesn’t matter where you are located, because they’ll be artists near you that also want to get involved.” However, if any artists are nervous about joining in, she offers the following positive wisdom: “There was a girl that signed up kind of last minute for the last show who was eleven years old. If she can do it, anyone can do it. You just have to sometimes get out of your comfort zone and do it, and you’d be surprised what can happen when you just put yourself out there.”
Lawn to Table June 2022
By Janet Monk
There are plenty of perfectly edible flowers, plants, and leafy greens growing all around in Ontario this time of year–including in your very own backyard. Of course, one must take caution foraging plants, but in the age of the smartphone it’s much easier to look up what a plant should look, smell, and feel like while you’re on the go. Here are some recipes using local forageable treats!
Canadian wild mint will soon start popping up in large patches across Ontario, perfect for turning into jelly, jam, or cocktail-ready Mint Sugar Syrup. Start by adding equal parts white or cane sugar with filtered water to a saucepan. Once the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is boiling, simmer for one minute and remove from the heat. Rinse 3 cups of lightly packed mint leaves under cold water, then air-dry them on a tea towel. Mix the leaves into the syrup and let sit for 10-12 hours. Strain the syrup through a sieve and store in bottles or jars. You can use the syrup in mojitos, lemonade, Tom Collins cocktails, or even in your iced tea for a minty twist!
Now hear me out–dandelions. Yes, the common weed so many people try to banish using harsh chemical killers actually makes for many delicious treats. Dandelion Tea is still very popular in parts of Europe, Korea, China, and Egypt, and is very easy to make at home. Pick the yellow flowers off of the plants and place on a baking sheet or in a basket. Dry them in sunlight for 2-3 days, then store in an airtight container. Steep a tablespoon of the dried flowers per cup in hot water as you would herbal tea. It’s also delicious with a touch of lemon and honey. Dandelion Greens are delicious too! They taste like a cross between chicory and arugula and add a bitter note to your average romaine lettuce salad. Dandelion roots, even, are commonly used to make a coffee alternative. Dandelion Coffee is bitter and earthy like coffee is, but without the caffeine or acidity. Harvest roots after the yellow flowers bloom and wash them thoroughly. Chop the roots into 1cm chunks and bake in the over for 40 minutes at 350˚. Once baked, add 2 tbsp to a pot filled with 2 cups of water and boil for 10-12 minutes, until dark brown in colour. Strain into cups and enjoy! Keep in mind, since many people do treat their lawns to kill dandelions, only harvest them for consumption from places you are absolutely certain have not been treated with pesticide or herbicide.
Rhubarb might seem like an obvious edible plant, but it has more potential than to be used in just pies, tarts, and sweets. Rhubarb can be simmered into a light Springtime Soup! Dice and fry 4 slices of bacon in a large pot until the fat renders out. Then, add a diced onion, two sliced carrots, and two chopped stalks of celery. Cook until the vegetables begin to brown, then add salt, garlic, and pepper to taste. Dice 4 medium sized new potatoes and 3 cups worth of rhubarb stalks. Add them to the pot along with 3 cups of your favourite stock and simmer until the potatoes are soft and the rhubarb has broken down into the broth. You can enjoy this version of the soup hot, or let it cool completely before adding a can of evaporated milk and a few sprigs of fresh dill for a perfect Rhubarb Vichyssoise.
Lemon balm, forsythia flowers, and violets are only a few more edible plants that might be growing on your front lawn. Always double check how to pick and prepare your backyard bounty with a guide or trusted online resource. Happy hunting
Clark Centre Open to the Public May 2022
On April 20, 2022, the Clark Centre for the Arts was formally opened to the public with an arts-filled ceremony. It included a poetry reading by Poet Laureate Randell Adjei, a performance by the Medicine Sisters and Jayden, an anecdotal address by heritage Artist in Residence Dorsey James, and an exhibit of art by Sir Wilfred Laurier C.I. students.
“Philanthropists Rosa and Spencer Clark founded the original Guild in 1932 at their home atop the Scarborough Bluffs. For almost 50 years, the couple welcomed all kinds of artists, craft-makers, art supporters and guests to their nature-filled property,” said President of the Friends of the Guild, John Mason. “Today, the City of Toronto operates this site, now known as Guild Park & Gardens. The 88-acre park is home to Toronto’s newest arts facility. The aptly-named Clark Centre keeps alive the couple’s life-long vision–making the world better through art.”
The newly renovated 967 square metre building will host 90 programs annually, cultural heritage programming, and Artists in Residence. The current residents are photographer Thomas Brash and painter Claire Brown. There is a permanent installation on the third floor by Dorsey James, which was donated to the centre by the Guild Renaissance Group.
“I was here for the first time in October, and I was blown away by this facility. It is with such deep care and love that this building has been brought together,” said Interim General Manager: Economic Development and Culture, Cheryl Blackman. Blackman went on to acknowledge the City of Toronto’s Art Services Team, who reminded her that the Clark Centre for the Arts is the first of its kind to open in the last thirty years in Toronto.
“The community has worked very hard to make the Clark Centre for the Arts vision a reality,” said Councillor Paul Ainsley at the opening ceremony. Ainsley praised the City of Toronto, Parks Forestry and Recreation, Friends of the Guild, and the Guild Renaissance Group for their diligent work. “I can’t thank (the Guild Renaissance Group) enough for all of their work, dedication, guidance, and thought and reminding me of what Rosa and Spencer Clark would have liked to see on the grounds on an ongoing basis.”
After contracting COVID-19 Mayor John Tory was unable to attend the ceremony, so Deputy Mayor Michael Thompson brought greetings on his behalf. “We are actually making history today,” said Thompson. “I think that your work and the collaboration and consultation–the input–is a fine example of how listening pays a dividend. What we have here is a historic building which is going to be such a huge component of the community. It’s going to attract people from far and wide to come here.” Near the end of his speech, Thompson gestured to the young members of the audience and remarked “I know there are some young children here. This is for you. This is the foundation we are building on to make this place, this space, and this city a better place for all of us.”
The Clark Centre for the Arts will run art courses, workshops, camps, a green roof, a 3-level public gallery, and 5 studio spaces. By June of 2022, the grounds and building will be available for rent for private events. “An expert team of architects and builders turned that plan into reality after years of hard work–and unexpected COVID challenges. The result: An abandoned warehouse transformed into a public place for art programs, exhibits and studios,” said Mason. “It’s a fitting tribute to the Clarks and the Guild of All Arts they founded – the only artists’ community that existed in Canada during the Great Depression of the 1930s.”
Scuba Scarborough May 2022
The Scarborough Underwater Club recently celebrated its 60th anniversary and is currently welcoming new members. The club trains individuals how to scuba dive, leads trips to diving sites around the world, and campaigns for safe and responsible diving standards and the protection of historic Canadian shipwrecks.
“I think SUCI is Scarborough’s best kept secret,” said member Owen Jones at the Our Scarborough online conference on March 10, 2022. “When I wrote this presentation, we had 65 members… we now have 69 members for 2022 and we are growing every day.”
The Scarborough Underwater Club began in 1961 at Cedarbrae pool and is a non-for-profit scuba diving organization. They are also affiliated with Save Ontario Shipwrecks and were instrumental in the creation of the Ontario Underwater Council. Besides hosting professional training workshops on how to scuba dive safely, SUCI leads diving expeditions throughout Ontario at sites like the Niagara River, the St. Clair River, the Thousand Islands, the St. Lawrence River, and more. “(We dive at) St. Lawrence, where there is probably the largest collection of shipwrecks in the world, up to Tobermory and other places–Penetang is a great spot!” said Jones. Members have even gone on diving expeditions in Australia, the Galapagos Islands, the Philippines, and Indonesia. The season for diving in Ontario lasts from May until October, however, they once braved an ice dive in the winter of 2019!
For a small fee, one can learn to scuba dive with experienced instructors and dive masters in local pools. Their training director has been diving since 1969, their senior instructor has between 5 and 6 thousand dives under their belt, and their 5 other instructors and 11 dive masters are eager to train new recruits. “About 6 years ago we entered the Toronto Pan Am Centre,” said Jones. “The pool that the high diving platforms are on is actually 5 metres deep. It is just excellent for us as scuba divers, and it allows us to do a lot of skill training and development in that pool. We are certainly blessed with that facility in our area.”
As for their activities, the club puts safety first and fun closely in tow. They adhere to the standards of the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) and require members to undergo some level of training before they can join diving expeditions at natural locations. The levels are Open Water certification (after completing which you can dive without an instructor), Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Dive Master, and Instructor.
Jones strongly recommended that anyone who wants to learn to dive should at least complete up to the Rescue Diver level. “This course changed my life as a diver. This one teaches you how to spot problems before they happen, teaches you all the necessary emergency safety procedures, and you’ll come out of that course with Emergency First Response and CPRC–which is a critical life skill that we should all have anyways.”
They are currently looking for new members of all ages and experience levels to join their group. At the time of the presentation, 41% of club were people under 50, 38% had less than 100 dives under their belt, and 11% had over 1000 dives. Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult member. As to the cost of the pastime, Jones said that scuba diving is comparable to golfing or skiing.
To join SUCI, view their stunning underwater photos, or ask questions, visit www.suci2.ca. “This will open up a whole new world to you,” said Jones. “The ability to breathe underwater and what you can do is truly, truly amazing.”
Beer Fit for a Queen May 2022
Here’s a fun fact about Queen Victoria for the May 24 weekend: her favourite mixed drink was a glass of claret topped off with single malt whiskey. Since that cocktail might not be a wise addition to your long weekend menu, take along some of Queen Victoria’s second favourite libation instead–beer!
When it comes to local beer, we here in Ontario are spoiled for choice. From hoppy IPAs to rich stout to bittersweet sours, we have the pick of the litter at nearly every LCBO and Beer Store in the GTA.
Boneshaker IPA has a great citrus flavour with a lingering woodsy aftertaste. If you are headed up north this upcoming long weekend, you can’t go wrong packing a few into your cooler. If you appreciate a lighter-bodied IPA, then the Flying Monkeys’ The Mutants are Revolting IPA might be just right for you. It has juicy tropical fruit notes as well as a bit of peppery flavour on the finish that goes great with barbecue fare.
Nickel Brook’s Café del Bastardo and Kentucky Bastard stout beers are great for warming up by a fire, watching the stars or fireworks, and roasting a few too many marshmallows. The Kentucky Bastard has notes of dark bitter chocolate and smoky bourbon while the Café del Bastardo has a completely different agenda; it has a rich coffee flavour from being barrel-aged with 6 pounds of coffee beans!
As for sour beer drinkers, Jelly King Brewery is a consistently fantastic choice. Every time they release a new flavour or incarnation of their famous sour beer, I fall in love all over again. The original is not too sweet with naturally occurring grapefruit and rosehip flavours, while other flavours such as Cranberry Tangerine and Mango Guava Passionfruit ring true to their names. I’d like to give Lost Craft’s Lemon Lime Sour an honourable mention as well for being a light and pricewise choice for longer trips to the lake.
Not to leave out those non-beer drinkers, Ontario boasts some of the best hard cider in the country! Forbidden makes a Pink Raspberry hard cider that is absolutely scrumptious. It is lightly sweet with a tart, naturally flavoured raspberry overtone. Poured in a glass with frozen raspberries it makes for a very classy weekend bevvy. Rekorderlig Wild Berries hard cider is also an incredible choice. The brewers boosted its complexity and sweetness by adding wild raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry juices to a refreshing apple cider base.
As for lager, the Ace Hill Dry Hopped Lager is a crisp and delicious choice and pairs elegantly with grilled shrimp, tacos, and seafood. It has a natural lemon-lime flavour on the palate, but finishes with a slight floral bitterness. The Lost Craft Revivale premium lager is another great choice that tastes of malt, toasted grains, and crisp apple. Beau’s Lug Tread Lager is sessionable, wheaty, mildly sweet, and wonderful with a juicy burger and fries.
No matter what Ontario craft beers you crack open during the May 24 weekend, you are sure to celebrate in style and great taste. Stay safe, drink responsibly, and have a happy Victoria Day!
Election Candidates Dossier May 2022
The next Ontario General election will be held on or before June 2, 2022. In case you haven’t had a chance to review the candidates in your area, don’t worry. There are plenty of resources online to learn more about the candidates, such as their own personal websites and Elections.ca.
Scarborough Southwest’s incumbent Doly Begum of the NDP will be running to hold her seat. Liberal candidate Lisa Patel is on the ballot as are Bret Snider of the Conservative Party and Cara Brideau of the Green Party..
In Beaches East York, NDP Incumbent Rima Berns-McGown will be stepping out of their role to allow for a new NDP candidate to run. Kate Dupuis of the NDP is running, as are Mary-Margaret McMahon of the Liberal Party, Abhijeet Manay of the Green Party, and Angela Kennedy of the Conservative Party.
In Guildwood, Incumbent Mitzie Hunter of the Liberal Party will be seeking re-election after being voted in with a 0.20% lead in 2018. She will be up against Alcia Vianga of the Conservative Party and Veronica Javier of the NDP.
In Rouge Park, incumbent Vijay Thanigasalam of the Conservative Party also seeks re-election. Felicia Samuel of the NDP, Manal Abdullahi of the Liberal Party, Priyan De Silva of the Green Party, and Dave Madder of the Peoples Political Party have also declared their candidacy.
While there are still regions that do not have a confirmed candidate for certain parties, they have until May 12 at 2 p.m. to submit the paperwork required to run in the election. The current list of candidates is fully expected to expand, and this list is accurate as of April 22, 2022.
Your Chance to Love Scarborough April 2022
In January 2022, Scarborough Health Network announced their ‘Love, Scarborough’ marketing campaign and fundraiser for the improvement of Scarborough healthcare. Today, the campaign has raised just over 65 million dollars of its 100 million dollar goal. Scarborough is home to 25% of the GTA’s population, is a known diabetes hotspot, has an aging population, has many people living with lower-income or in multi-generational homes, and is home to many new Canadians. According to SHN representatives, however, Scarborough healthcare centres still receive less than 1% of donations made to GTA hospitals.
“Scarborough health network has actually got the oldest operating rooms in the province. So, operating rooms have not been upgraded since they were first built at the General Hospital,” said Alicia Vandermeer, President and CEO of SHN Foundation, at the Our Scarborough online presentation (hosted by the Scarborough Community Renewal Organization) on March 10, 2022. “In trying to raise money for SHN, (we realized that) the hospital does not have an incredibly high profile in the community. 100 million dollars is a very large amount of money to raise, and that amount of money has not been raised in the past in Scarborough.”
SHN is composed of three major hospitals in the Scarborough region: Centenary Hospital, Birchmount Hospital, and Scarborough General Hospital. They merged to form SHN in 2016. However, they are now serving above their intended capacity. The emergency care units at Birchmount and Centenary, for example, are serving approximately 2.5 times the population they were designed to serve when they were built. The SHN affiliated hospitals serve over 850,000 people in the Scarborough community and together they are the third largest community hospital group in Ontario.
The ‘Love, Scarborough’ campaign aims to raise money for a wide array of new programs, equipment, improvements to existing hospital wards, and even new buildings. Firstly, SHN wants to put 16.5 million dollars towards kidney care–implementing new dialysis units at Centenary Hospital and Scarborough General Hospital, and building a new community hub in Bridletowne. 27 million dollars is intended for diagnostic imaging improvements at Scarborough General, wherein they intend to increase capacity and reduce wait times by 50%.
“For those of you who have been to the General and had any diagnostic tests there, you would know that diagnostic testing is currently spread out in 5 different places in the General Hospital on different floors,” said Vandermeer. “The doctors and nurses are wonderful, but from a patient perspective, people are changing in corners and waiting for their tests in the hallways. There aren’t a lot of private spaces for waiting and the equipment certainly needs to be modernized.”
32.3 million will be designated towards expanding emergency care at Centenary and Birchmount, 18.2 million will be designated towards improving cardiac care units, and 6 million will go towards building an all-new community mental health hub outside of the existing hospitals. The 100 million dollar goal is daunting, but the fundraising is absolutely necessary. “Hospitals in ON, whenever there is Capital development, it needs to be approved by the province, and then the hospital is expected to come up with 10% of the capital cost,” said Vandermeer. “Often that is done through fundraising. And also, the hospital is expected to come up with 100% of the equipment costs.”
The marketing portion of the campaign includes photos and stories of locals who have benefit from, worked with, or volunteered for SHN. Their stories can be read or watched in promotional posts and videos as part of their ‘Alphabet’ campaign, in which 26 individuals were each assigned a letter. Each participant wrote out their assigned letter, which were all combined to create a unique font. Bus ads, newspaper ads, and promotional videos were also created to spread awareness about the campaign–each featuring individuals from Scarborough involved with SHN and the key phrase ‘Love, Scarborough’ at the end of each message.
Donors can make contributions online, host an event with SHN as the beneficiary, or “Fundraise!” as Ryan Baillie, Vice President of Community Development at SHN Foundation, said at the March 10 Our Scarborough presentation. “Event fundraising, Cause-Related Marketing, getting your business involved, your employees involved, and your community involved in fundraising events and the like are a great way to show your love for the ‘Love, Scarborough’ campaign and SHN. If you want to lean more information you can sign up on lovescarborough.ca.”
People may also purchase SHN’s ‘Love, Scarborough’ t-shirts and hoodies to help their cause, as 100% of the net proceeds from their shirt sales goes towards the campaign. Every day from March 31 to April 10 from 3-6 p.m., merchandise will be available for sale at the Scarborough Town Centre’s Centre Court. Show some love for Scarborough and support local healthcare by sharing, retweeting, fundraising, and representing the ‘Love, Scarborough’ campaign.
Brunch Bunch Beverages April 2022
Warm weather is just around the corner, and with restrictions lifting, spring brunches will be too! This month, impress your brunch guests with these fantastic cocktails and welcome springtime flavours back to your table.
If you are looking for a fresh take on a classic cocktail, look no further than deliciously creamy and bright Orange Creamsicle Mimosas! The following recipe makes enough for 4 to 6 people and can be made and refrigerated well ahead of time.
1/2 cup superfine sugar
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup half and half
Champagne or sparkling wine
Place sugar in the blender with orange juice and half and half. Blend on high until fully mixed, about 2 minutes. The mixture should be pale orange and a bit frothy. Pour into a carafe or serving jug and refrigerate if not serving immediately. Fill champagne glasses halfway with the mixture and top with your choice of champagne or sparkling wine. Garnish with a slice of fresh orange and serve.
Sometimes we need a pick-me-up at brunch, but a cappuccino or macchiato just won’t do the trick. This recipe for a bittersweet Espresso Martini will give you a caffeine boost à la liqueur. If you don’t have an espresso machine, you can use canned cold brew concentrate instead.
2 oz. vodka
1 oz. Kahlua
1 oz. espresso
1/2 oz. simple syrup
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add all ingredients to the shaker and shake vigorously for several minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture has a light brown foam on top. Strain into a martini glass.
To me, springtime is synonymous with dry gin. It’s a zesty, floral wake-up call after a few cold months of drinking dark spirits. Try this delicious recipe for a Peach and Grapefruit Sour, which adds a little extra sweetness and citrus flavour to complement brunch classics like fruit salad, eggs benedict, and fruit pastries.
1 ¼ oz. dry gin
½ oz. grapefruit juice
¼ oz. peach schnapps
¾ oz. lemon juice
¼ oz. sugar syrup
1 egg white (optional)
Fill a cocktail shaker halfway with ice. Add all ingredients to the shaker and shake to combine. If using egg white, shake until frothy. Strain into a coupe glass.
Last but not least, it never hurts to have a fun drink for those who are driving or who are underage. This Raspberry Lemonade Slushie is sure to please, and the following recipe serves six people. To make a hard version, feel free to substitute the soda for 6 oz. vodka and 2.5 oz. limoncello.
600g frozen raspberries
Juice of 3 lemons
1 ½ oz. sugar syrup
8.5 oz. lemon-lime soda
9 large ice cubes
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high for 2 minutes or until the mixture has a smooth slushy consistency. Pour into 6 highball glasses or mason jars, add a paper straw to each serving, and serve immediately.
Whether your next brunch is with family, friends, co-workers, or your partner, be sure to toast the season of new beginnings with a fresh and tasty beverage.
The Pantry of Earthly Delights March 2022
With ongoing supply chain issues and tightened budgets after the holidays, getting everything on your grocery list might be more difficult than usual. However, that means it is a good time to make use of those canned and dried items that have gone long overlooked in your pantry. Capitalize on your pantry stock with these recipes, and better yet, contribute what you don’t need to your local food bank.
If you are flush with beans, lentils, and have some chili spices on hand, try making the Minimalist Baker’s recipe for 1-pot vegan lentil chili. https://minimalistbaker.com/1-pot-red-lentil-chili/#wprm-recipe-container-35351. Lentils and canned beans are inexpensive and a great source of protein in a meatless dinner. If you don’t have fresh jalapeños or red bell peppers on hand, you can easily leave them out or substitute them for additional chili flakes and celery.
If you have some rice, canned tomatoes, and cheese, you can make a delicious cheesy rice casserole. In a casserole dish, mix cooked rice with spices like paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, thyme, cumin, hot pepper flakes, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Stir in a can of diced or crushed tomatoes (or a bottle of pasta sauce). I like to add a chopped onion and fresh garlic, cooked in a pan until translucent, as well. For protein, you can add a layer of leftover sliced sausages, chicken, or ham on top of the rice mixture. Top with a layer of your favourite cheese and bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes or until melted and slightly browned.
Soup is always a good idea at this time of year, but most recipes require a lot of fresh vegetables. If you have a hankering for a rich soup that won’t empty your crisper, try The Beader Chef’s recipe for homemade French-Canadian chickpea soup. It uses canned chickpeas, chicken broth, garlic, onions, and a few slices of bacon to give it a lovely smoky flavour. https://www.thebeaderchef.com/creamy-bacon-chickpea-soup/#wprm-recipe-container-3890. If you decide to make a large amount, put the extra soup into freezer-safe containers and serve within the next 3 months for a quick weeknight dinner.
Lastly, if you are anything like me, you have a liquor cabinet with several bottles of who-knows-what languishing at the back. Make use of your spirits in classic cocktails like the Rob Roy, Gibson, or Old Fashioned. I happened to have a bottle of shochu in my cupboard, a clear Japanese spirit made from distilled barley, which I recently used to create a new twist on the Sidecar cocktail. Try the recipe below, the ingredients for which can be mixed and matched depending on what you have on hand!
Pantry Shelf Sidecar
1 ¾ ounces shochu (sub. vodka or cognac)
¾ ounce Triple Sec (sub. Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
½ ounce lemon juice
4 dashes bitters
Instructions
Add the cognac, triple sec, bitters, and lemon juice to a shaker with ice. Shake thoroughly and strain into a coupe or wine glass. Garnish with a lemon peel and enjoy.
Devastating Flood at Scarborough Arts March 2022
By Janet Monk
The Scarborough Arts building, located at 1856 Kingston Road, suffered a devastating flood on January 14, 2021. Their offices and the Bluffs Gallery, which displays works by local artists, collectives, and partner organizations, were severely damaged. In a previous interview, the Scarborough Arts Executive Director, David Spooner, said that they estimate 65 to 75 percent of the building was damaged by the flood.
The building’s HVAC system malfunctioned during severe weather conditions, causing several pipes to burst and portions of the building’s roof to collapse. Water was reported to have been pouring out from the outer walls. The basement of the building, which housed art materials belonging to Scarborough Arts, was also flooded with up to 5 inches of water. Many of the materials were reported to be destroyed as a result. Spooner also reported that many essential office supplies were lost in the flood as well, including projectors, computers, and furniture.
The historical building was built in 1927 and Scarborough Arts began running their programs in the building in 1978. For the last half-century, Scarborough Arts has provided the community with a hub for local artists to thrive in. Scarborough Arts is responsible for beloved community initiatives such as the Scarborough Sign project, the EAST Youth Collective program, and the Healthy Arts for Seniors program.
Renovations to fix the damages are expected to take somewhere between 8 months and a year to complete, meaning that the building may largely be out of operation during that period. On a brighter note, Scarborough Arts is planning to use the time for repairs to make new additions. They are currently working on designs for a chairlift and a fully accessible washroom for people with mobility aids.
At this time, programs have been moved online as the building is currently inaccessible. Members of the public and Community Partners are not permitted in the building for their safety. For those interested in contacting Scarborough Arts with questions, please note that their office phone line is out of service at this time. Email hello@scarborougharts.com with any questions or visit their website at www.scarborougharts.com/ to see how you can contribute, get involved with their programs, and get updates on the renovations.