The Front Page
Monday June 9, 2025
Guildwood Day Parade: In Photos
Monday June 9, 2025
The Trade-Off with Subscriber-Centric Journalism
By Nick Kossovan
I write a Substack newsletter called The Art of Finding Work, offering pragmatic job search advice which currently has over 23,500 subscribers; therefore, I have a vested interest in the monetization of content provided via a subscription-based model and why Substack’s current street-level ads announcing “Media isn’t dead. It’s on Substack.” immediately caught my attention.
Substack’s appeal isn’t just about its business model but also about the empowerment it provides to journalists and content creators. It’s a platform, one of many, that allows journalists and content creators to own our content and revenue. For the past three years, Substack has been at the forefront of a wave of prominent journalists leaving traditional news outlets, such as CNN and The Washington Post, to pursue independent journalism. This trend is inspiring, attracting names like Jim Acosta, CNN’s former chief White House correspondent, and Bari Weiss, editor of The Free Press.
Substack’s appeal, along with comparable platforms such as Beehiiv, Ghost and Medium, lies in its ability to empower journalists to own their content and revenue. Journalists are increasingly posting their work on platforms that enable them to bypass traditional media, establish direct relationships with their audiences, and earn income through subscriptions.
While journalism, in its ever-changing form, is rapidly escaping the clutches of advertisers, journalists are unwittingly handing revenue control to something more insidious. The evangelists of subscription models are selling the narrative that audience-funded journalism represents a democratic evolution, and the big “Hurray!” is that corporate strings are no longer pulling the coverage, just the people funding the press. In my opinion, this guise conceals a subtle risk that might compromise the integrity of journalism itself.
Previously, threats to editorial independence were easily identifiable: political owners, advertisers, and partisan funders. Now, the threat is analytics and performance metrics:
Churn signals
Click rates
A/B headlines (comparing two versions of a headline)
Predictive modelling
Emotional engagement heatmaps
At first glance, these tools appear helpful for guiding editorial decisions. Over time, however, they begin to replace genuine judgment with data-driven directives.
Our online content is dictated by algorithms that don’t reward courage or the truth, the algorithms reward:
Outrage over nuance
Emotion over evidence
Confirmation over challenge
Performance over principle
Data dependency doesn’t demand attention; it prompts. Therefore, if stories that consistently garner clicks shape editorial decisions more than those that matter, journalism is at risk of losing its moral compass for the sake of a dashboard. What gets measured begins to matter more, while what doesn’t get measured gradually fades into obscurity, leading to “engagement optimization” narrowing the diversity of issues covered.
I understand that data is crucial to guiding a digital content endeavour. I’m not arguing against the use of data; I’m warning about becoming overly dependent on data, as is increasingly the case. Journalism’s foundation, courage, is becoming a casualty of engagement metrics.
One notable exception to the trend is The Kyiv Independent. Founded by journalists fired from the Kyiv Post for defending editorial freedom, they intentionally built a reader-supported newsroom. Their success, with over 70% of its revenue coming from recurring member contributions, is a beacon of hope for independent journalism. The Kyiv Independent has no paywalls, no algorithm-driven headlines, and no donor influence. Its values, listed on its ‘About’ page, begins with “The Kyiv Independent serves its readers and community, and nobody else.”
Daryna Shevchenko, the CEO, states:
“We want to ensure reliable information from Ukraine reaches as many people as possible… regardless of their views, values, or political stance.”
Despite being funded by the public, The Kyiv Independent isn’t held hostage to engagement metrics, making their model rare, and that’s precisely the point.
In the absence of structural guardrails, newsrooms begin to prioritize:
What keeps readers engaged
What retain paying subscribers
What doesn’t alienate key audience segments (Dancing around the ebb and flows of political correctness.)
Journalism gradually starts avoiding:
Stories that challenge
Slow-moving stories
Stories that don’t trend
Stories that don’t “convert”
Access to journalistic content isn’t lost, but courageous journalism is. I’m not talking about idealism; I’m talking about integrity-by-design structure, which can look like:
Editorial firewalls to protect against growth (number of views, likes, reports, subscribers) pressures
A dual metric: performance and public benefit
Transparency reports showing what data isn’t influencing
A funding model that allows for slow, essential journalism-even when it doesn’t “sell” (Think of crowdfunding platforms such as GoFundMe and Kickstarter.)
The goal isn’t to reject data; rather, the goal is to refuse to be manipulated by it, to feel unrestrained to publish something without knowing how it’ll perform. This applies to all online content created for monetization, not just journalism. When the content must perform to justify its existence, then performance becomes the decision maker, the editor-in-chief, so to speak. This is how the truth is vanishing—quietly, efficiently, and without resistance.
Plato once said, “A good decision is based on knowledge and not on numbers.” He wasn’t dismissing evidence; he was defending wisdom. Today’s journalism has a different perspective on Plato’s wisdom, which is why his wisdom is endangered.
Nick Kossovan is the Customer Service Professionals Network’s Social Media Director (Executive Board Member). Feel free to send your social media questions to nick.kossovan@gmail.com. On Twitter and Instagram, follow @NKossovan.
Friday June 6, 2025
Guild Park’s Greek Theatre Achieves Heritage Status
Guild Park, Scarborough. May 28, 2025 –
A landmark feature at Guild Park is officially recognized as one of the City of Toronto’s heritage attractions on Saturday June 7.
The breath-taking Greek Theatre will be commemorated with an official Heritage Toronto plaque as part of the annual neighbourhood festival at Guildwood Village in east Toronto.
The custom-designed plaque describes how the ornate – and now demolished – Bank of Toronto headquarters was transformed into an outdoor theatre at Guild Park & Gardens, along the Scarborough Bluffs.
The original bank was built more than a century ago in downtown Toronto. Monumental marble pieces from the building façade were salvaged in the early 1960s by philanthropists, Rosa and Spencer Clark, then owners of the Guild of All Arts, forerunner of today’s Guild Park. The fragments were repurposed as an outdoor theatre, based on a design by Canadian architect, Ron Thom.
This heritage plaque is the result of a fundraising campaign organized by Friends of Guild Park, in partnership with Heritage Toronto. The plaque will be officially unveiled on-site during the evening festivities of Guildwood Day, the annual neighbourhood party organized by volunteers of the Guildwood VillageCommunity Association (GVCA).
Be part of this special moment in history by coming to Guild Park on SaturdayJune 7 at about 6:00 pm.
The unveiling takes place at the Greek Theatre, afterthe private BBQ for Guildwood Village residents.
Guild Park is located at 201 Guildwood Pkwy., Scarborough For details visit Friends of Guild Park website, www.guildpark.ca .
Thursday June 5, 2025
"That's Amore for Kids" fundraising campaign huge success
Toronto, ON – June 5 — Pizza Nova proudly presented a generous cheque to Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario at a special event held at Variety Village on Thursday, marking another successful year of the beloved “That’s Amore for Kids” fundraising campaign.
This year’s campaign raised an impressive $231,045 all of which will go toward supporting inclusive programs and services for children with disabilities. The cheque presentation was attended by Pizza Nova CEO Dominic Primucci, Variety Ontario CEO Charlie Johnstone as well as campaign partners, and families who benefit from the charity’s programs.
“This initiative is incredibly close to our hearts,” said Domenic Primucci, President of Pizza Nova. Every dipping sauce sold meant a .50 cent donation during ‘That’s Amore for Kids’ campaign and helps to change the lives of children and youth. Pizza Nova is proud to continue their partnership with Variety and support their mission of inclusivity and opportunity.
Running annually throughout the spring, the “That’s Amore for Kids” campaign invites customers to contribute to Variety by encouraging customers to purchase a dipping sauce with their Pizza Nova orders. Over the 26 years, Pizza Nova has been spearheading the fundraiser the campaign has raised more than 5 million, making a significant impact on countless young lives across Ontario.
Variety – the Children’s Charity of Ontario, based out of Variety Village in Scarborough, offers vital programming that empowers children and youth with disabilities through sport, recreation, and life skills development.
As the event wrapped up, smiles and cheers echoed throughout the venue—a powerful reminder that when communities come together for a great cause, that’s amore.
Thursday June 5, 2025
Pride Flag Raised at Albert Campbell Square
On Thursday, June 5, 2025, the City of Toronto raised the Progress Pride flag at Albert Campbell Square, marking the beginning of Pride Month in Scarborough. The ceremony, held at 9 a.m. outside the Scarborough Civic Centre, was part of a series of flag-raising events across the city.
Presiding over the event was Councillor Paul Ainslie, with Mayor Chow and Councillor Michael Thompson also attending. They were assisted in raising the flag by Kojo Modesto, president of Pride Toronto, Quinn Dunn co-chair of Toronto Staff Pride Network and Jess Hollett and Tanner Hewison from Multi cultural Pride Network and Ifetayo Alabi.
The Progress Pride flag, designed by Daniel Quasar in 2018, incorporates additional stripes to represent marginalized communities within the LGBTQ+ spectrum, including people of color and the trans community.
Albert Campbell Square has a history of hosting Pride events, with the first official Pride flag-raising at the Scarborough Civic Centre taking place in 2007. The square continues to be a focal point for celebrating diversity and inclusion in Toronto’s east end.
This event is part of the city’s broader Pride Month celebrations, which include various activities and culminate in the annual Pride Parade.
Monday June 2, 2025
East End Kids Pride Parade kicks off Pride Month Celebrations
On Sunday, June 1, Dentonia Park in East Toronto transformed into a vibrant celebration of inclusivity and creativity as families gathered for the third annual East End Kids Pride Parade and Celebration. Themed “Magical Metamorphosis,” the event featured a lively parade led by Shadowland Theatre, complete with music, stilt walkers, and colorful costumes. Attendees enjoyed face painting, drag story time, circus performances, and a Kiki ballroom workshop, all under sunny skies with temperatures reaching 17°C.
Initiated in 2023 by a seven-year-old’s wish to organize a Pride parade for her friends, the event has grown into a cherished community tradition. This year’s celebration also included a Queer Arts Market showcasing local artists and youth, as well as a community art project. The festivities were presented by East End Arts and Shadowland Theatre, emphasizing the importance of youth-led initiatives in promoting diversity and acceptance.
The day’s events concluded with a joyful runway performance, leaving participants eager for next year’s celebration.
Wednesday May 27, 2025
Internationally Thrillin’ Grillin’!
By Janet Monk
Warm weather anywhere in the world means barbeques firing up for a great time. Backyard gatherings, cottage getaways, Canada Day parties, and beach days all call for a spread of summer barbeque favourites, from ice-cold drinks to hot grilled meats and sides. Test your barbeque skills with some internationally adored recipes this summer.
Grilled Tajin Fruit Skewers
Tajin is a spice blend that is extremely popular in Mexico, made primarily out of chili pepper, lime, and salt. It’s no wonder that fruit and candy dipped in Tajin is a staple street food snack! However, for an added smoky and caramelized flavour, grill your fruit first. Tajin is now widely available in stores in Canada, and can be found at most stores that sell international spices and foods.
Ingredients:
Whole ripe pineapple
Watermelon
Ripe mangoes
Bamboo skewers
Lime
1/3 cup sugar (optional)
3-4 tbsp Tajin
Method:
Soak skewers in water for 30 mins. This will prevent them from catching fire or burning on the barbeque. In the meantime, cut up your fruits into cubes, and alternately spear them on the skewers. Grill on the barbeque until all sides have grill marks then remove from the heat. Place on a platter or plate, and squeeze lime over the skewers. Pour Tajin (and sugar, to taste) on a plate, and roll each skewer in the spice mixture. Perfect for a hot evening on the beach with a few cold Coronas with lime.
Korean Short Ribs (Kalbi)
Ribs are a worldwide barbecue staple for a reason—they are delicious finger food with tons of protein and flavour to boost the spirit after a long summer day. Though like any worthwhile thing, they take a lot of time and effort to make. Korean short ribs aren’t just easier and quicker to cook, they are tender, intensely flavourful, and make a perfect pairing with grilled eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers.
Ingredients:
2 lbs short ribs (butterflied)
Korean Kalbi sauce (or use 1
½ cups pre-made Kalbi
marinade)
Marinade:
1/3 cup soy sauce (all
purpose or light soy, not
dark or sweet)
1/4 cup brown sugar
2 tbsp rice vinegar
1/4 cup onion, finely grated
(with juice)
1/4 cup pear or apple, finely
grated (with juice)
2 tsp minced garlic
2 tsp minced ginger
2 tbsp water
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tsp black pepper
Method:
Whisk together the marinade, if making from scratch. Put short ribs into a large Ziploc bag, and pour the marinade over them. Press out all the air and seal tightly to marinate in the fridge overnight. 24 hours is ideal, but anything over 8 should still be delicious! Warm up your barbeque until smoking hot, oil to prevent meat from sticking, and cook each short rib for just 2 minutes a side. Let cool slightly and serve with rice, gochujang, pickled vegetables, kimchi, and grilled veggies.
Australian Marinated Tiger Shrimp
Australian cuisine is sometimes only remembered for vegemite, pavlova, and fairy bread, but never forget that they consistently serve up some of the best seafood and shellfish in the world. Prawns are a specialty of any Australian griller worth their salt, and tiger shrimp are often the prime choice for this recipe.
Ingredients:
10-12 tiger prawns
4 finely diced garlic cloves
1/2 finely diced red chilli pepper
2 tbsp Italian parsley
1 tbsp flaky salt
2 tsp cracked black pepper
3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
Method:
Whisk together the marinade ingredients in a large bowl. Add shrimp and mix to coat each shrimp in the marinade. Refrigerate for one hour. In the meantime, warm up the grill. Cook each shrimp for 2 minutes (or until firm) on each side. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Summertime Shandy
The shandy is a classic blend of beer and a citrus-ade made popular in the UK and now commonly found across North America in various forms. While lemonade and lager are the typical choices for this cocktail, try the recipe below for a light, refreshing, and gingery take that will pair perfectly with barbeque fare.
Ingredients:
3 oz. lemonade
3 oz. ginger beer (or ale for a
less ginger-forward
version)
6 oz. light wheat beer or pale ale
Lemon wedge
Dash of bitters
Method:
Pour beer, ginger beer, lemonade, and bitters into a glass filled with ice. Stir to combine, then garnish with a lemon wedge.
Whatever occasion you bring out the barbeque for, these recipes are sure to please a crowd of all ages and impress the barbeque masters in attendance. Happy grilling, all!
Wednesday May 27, 2025
Adages the Internet Has Proven to Be True
By Nick Kossovan
Adages—sayings that have stood the test of time. Increasingly, the Internet and social media are reinforcing the truth behind many common sayings.
If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Since the advent of the Internet, we’ve been inundated with ads promising the impossible—wealth overnight, flawless skin in days, or losing 20 kg in 7 days. Our feeds are a minefield of “too good to be true” offers. If someone believes they can cash in on people wanting shortcuts—wanting easy—there’s a good chance they’re online peddling their pseudo-promises.
A picture is worth a thousand words.
This adage rings especially true regarding social media, where visual content dominates. Platforms are flooded with “look at me” photos showcasing perfect lives—sun-drenched beaches, gourmet meals, families that don’t appear dysfunctional, and shiny new purchases.
Social media is an endless stream of curated highlight reels jam-packed with mostly staged and photoshopped (easy to do with AI ) pictures and videos. I know several couples who always appear flawless on Instagram but are actually facing relationship issues, proving that pictures don’t always reflect the messy reality behind the image.
Birds of a feather flock together.
The Internet, having made it easier than ever for people to find and connect with like-minded individuals, provides endless evidence supporting “birds of a feather flock together.” A notable reason for social media’s popularity is that it facilitates digital communities of individuals with similar interests, beliefs, and values, providing support by showing that one is not alone in their thoughts.
Whether you’re into knitting, extreme pickleball, libertarian politics, LGBTQ music events, or UFO hunting in Northern Ontario, somewhere on the Internet, there’s a group for you. But be cautious—sometimes, these “flocks” can lead to bizarre rabbit holes, promoting pseudoscience, a conspiracy theory or confirming a limiting belief.
Fortune favours the bold.
In today’s noisy online landscape, boldness can yield unexpected rewards. As the Internet becomes noisier, the boldness required to be seen increases, whether through outrageous stunts (e.g., parkour stunts, extreme eating, hanging off a crane), emotionally vulnerable posts, or the most common: being deliberately controversial.
However, in our judgmental society, boldness can lead to public failures, which last forever on the Internet. A controversial opinion may attract engagement, but is it the kind of attention you want? Boldness and strategically managing your online presence are two different things.
The only free cheese is in the mousetrap.
“Free” offers are enticing, which is why the Internet is filled with the temptations of free trials, giveaways, get free or “just pay for shipping.” We know “free” is often accompanied by a catch, yet we keep falling for it. Who hasn’t signed up for a “free trial” of a service or box subscription, only to find themselves stuck in a never-ending loop of cancellations? Before biting into that free cheese, ensure you’re not stepping into a mousetrap.
A sucker is born every minute.
An extension of “too good to be true” scams has reached a whole new level due to the Internet, and there’s no shortage of people falling for them. From phishing emails to fake lottery wins, new scams constantly emerge, ready to part you from your money. The next time you receive an email claiming that you’ve won a sweepstakes you never entered, consider it a lesson in skepticism.
Bad news travels fast.
Have you noticed how quickly bad news spreads online? One erroneous tweet brings out all the haters (read: jealousy and moral superiority) and can snowball into a trending topic faster than you can say “viral.” A minor celebrity mishap can balloon into a full-blown scandal within hours. People are quick to judge a post made by someone they don’t know without knowing the whole story or context behind it; a reminder to think before you post. Save your rants and opinions—there’s no universal popular opinion—and the need to be right for your journal rather than broadcasting them to the world.
Advice is cheap.
There’s no shortage of advice and opinions online, just as there’s an abundance of money-making schemes. Reality check: Just because someone has a website, blog, or 750,000 Instagram followers doesn’t make them an expert. Always take advice with a grain of salt and never take advice from people who aren’t achieving the results you aspire to.
A fool and his money are soon parted.
While it might happen less frequently now, it’s not uncommon for my smartphone to ping with delivery notifications, prompting my wife to ask, “What did you buy now?” Who hasn’t impulsively clicked “Buy Now,” only to wonder later what they were thinking? Spending money online is effortless; therefore, before you buy, ask yourself: “Do I really need this, or am I being a fool parting with my cash?”
The adages remind us to be savvy and discerning in our lives. They’re as relevant in our digital age, perhaps even more so, as they were when they were first spoken and should be kept in mind to help you navigate the online world safely and wisely.
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Nick Kossovan is the Customer Service Professionals Network’s Social Media Director (Executive Board Member). Feel free to send your social media questions to nick.kossovan@gmail.com. On Twitter and Instagram, follow @NKossovan.
Thursday May 15, 2022
Peek Inside Scarborough’s Most Beautiful Homes on This Year’s Home & Garden Tour
Satisfy your curiosity—and support a great cause
Have you ever driven past a home and wondered what it looked like inside? That sense of curiosity is exactly what draws so many to the annual Bluffs Gates Open Home and Garden Tour, now celebrating its 11th year.
“People are always surprised by how much they get to see,” says Gord Moore, chair of the organizing committee. “In many home tours, you only see the gardens. In this one, you typically see all the gardens—and inside the homes.”
This year’s tour takes place on Saturday, June 21, and Moore expects plenty of familiar faces.
“We have groups of friends who buy tickets year after year—it’s become a real annual get-together for them,” he says.
The tour is anchored in the scenic Scarborough Bluffs neighbourhood, with most homes located south of Kingston Road, between Midland Avenue and the Rouge River. First-time visitors are often surprised by the area’s charm: expansive parks, mature trees, oversized lots—and, of course, stunning lake views. It’s one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets.
The seven homes featured this year range in style from traditional to contemporary and even include a float home docked at Bluffer’s Park Marina. Outside, swimming pools, intricate gardens, and cozy conversation areas invite guests to linger.
Best of all, proceeds from the tour go toward vital equipment and upgrades at The Scarborough Hospital.
Tickets are $50 and available online: bit.ly/3Zc6Uqg
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Thursday May 15, 2025
City of Toronto Fireworks By-Laws for Residential Properties
Important reminder about fireworks;
Residents are allowed to set off fireworks on their own private property without a permit before 11 p.m. on Victoria Day and Canada Day. A permit is needed to set off fireworks on all other days. Fireworks are not permitted in City parks or on beaches, balconies, streets, parking lots or property that is not owned by the person setting off the fireworks.
Fireworks should be handled and supervised by adults 18 years of age or older. People under 18 years old are not permitted to discharge fireworks. Those setting off fireworks must be mindful of their surroundings and not discharge fireworks where they may be a nuisance or pose a risk of fire, injury or damage to any person or property. The City’s bylaw enforcement officers and the Toronto Police Service will be patrolling parks, beaches and other areas to ensure compliance with the Fireworks Bylaw.
The misuse or illegal sale of fireworks can be reported to 311 by phone or by submitting a service request at www.toronto.ca/311.
In the event of a fire, call 9-1-1.
Safe fireworks disposal Those setting off fireworks on their own private property must also safely dispose the fireworks as improper disposal can cause fires in waste collection vehicles and at facilities. To dispose of used or unused fireworks, completely submerge the fireworks in water and soak them overnight. Dispose of them in a Garbage Bin. Never put used or unused fireworks in the Blue Bin. More information about fireworks rules, safety tips and proper disposal is available on the City’s fireworks webpage: http://www.toronto.ca/fireworks.
Thursday May 15, 2025
City of Toronto offers family-friendly activities for Victoria Day long weekend
The City of Toronto is offering a wide range of fun activities and attractions for residents and visitors to enjoy during the Victoria Day long weekend:
Victoria Day Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park
The City’s fireworks display takes place at Ashbridges Bay Park on Monday, May 19 at 10 p.m. Ashbridges Bay Park is located on Lake Shore Boulevard East at the foot of Coxwell Avenue and is accessible by public transit. Attendees are encouraged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home. Information about TTC schedules, routes and long weekend service is available on the TTC’s website: https://www.ttc.ca/.
I
CaféTO kicks off for 2025 As warmer weather arrives, Toronto’s streets are once again set to come alive with vibrant outdoor dining opportunities as CaféTO 2025 kicks off this Victoria Day weekend. From May through October, residents and visitors are encouraged to explore CaféTO patios and support local. More than 280 local restaurants and bars are participating in this year’s curb lane cafe program, as well as more than 550 sidewalk cafes and more than 700 private patios, helping to energize neighbourhoods, support small businesses and create dynamic public spaces that bring people together. More information about CaféTO is available on the City’s website: toronto.ca/cafeTO.
Take in nature at parks and beaches
The City has more than 1,500 parks and beaches to enjoy this long weekend. People visiting these spaces are reminded that bonfires are not permitted in parks, beaches or public spaces, except for City-designated fire pits which require a permit. Amplified sound such as DJ equipment and large wireless speakers and littering in parks and on beaches are also not permitted. Swimming without a lifeguard on duty is not recommended and beachgoers are advised to always monitor the weather and water conditions, never swim alone and stay close to the shore. More information can be found on the City’s Beaches webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/beaches/.
Summer at Toronto Island Park The 2025 summer schedule for ferries to Toronto Island Park starts Friday, May 16. Ferry passengers are encouraged to avoid peak times by departing from the mainland before 10 a.m. and returning before the last ferry. Online ticket holders get express entry to the ferry terminal. Tickets can be purchased on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/beaches-gardens-attractiStillons/toronto-island-park/ferries-to-toronto-island-park/.
The Toronto Parking Authority is bringing Bike Share Toronto to Toronto Island Park starting on Friday, May 16. Four stations with 250 bikes will be located on Ward’s and Centre Islands as well as Hanlan’s Point. Riders are reminded that Island bikes stay on the Island. More information is available on the Bike Share Toronto website: https://bikesharetoronto.com/. More information about Toronto Island Park is available on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/parks-and-recreation-facilities/location/?id=2024&title=Toronto-Island-Park.
Cool off at splash and spray pads On Saturday, May 17, more than 140 splash and spray pads in City parks will open for the season, operating daily from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. until Sunday, September 14. Caregivers are reminded to supervise children as these are unsupervised water-play areas. Splash pad locations are available on the City’s Swimming and Water Play webpage: http://www.toronto.ca/swimming.
Community recreation programs On Monday, May 19, all City community recreation facilities will be closed. Regularly scheduled drop-in programs and registered activities will operate on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. More information and schedules are available on the City’s Parks & Recreation webpage: www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/.
Tee off at municipal golf courses All five City golf courses will be open throughout the long weekend. Tee times can be booked online up to seven days in advance. More information is available on the City’s golf webpage: http://www.toronto.ca/golf.
Explore conservatories and greenhouses Flowers are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens Conservatory. Both conservatories are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. More information about conservatories can be found on the City’s webpage: http://www.toronto.ca/conservatories.
See the animals at Riverdale Farm, High Park and the Toronto Zoo Residents and visitors to Toronto can escape urban life and visit a working farm in the heart of the city. Riverdale Farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. More information is available on the City’s website: http://www.toronto.ca/zoos-farms.
The High Park Animal Display is open daily between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. Roads in the park are closed to vehicular traffic on weekends and public holidays; however, several TTC routes connect to High Park. More information about the High Park Animal Display is available on the City’s website: http://www.toronto.ca/zoos-farms. The Toronto Zoo is open from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily including Victoria Day. Visitors can discover more than 3,000 animals while exploring more than 10 km of walking trails. More information is on the Toronto Zoo website: http://www.torontozoo.com/.
Exhibitions at City-run galleries Assembly Hall and the Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Galleries (Main Gallery and Ascent Gallery) will be open on Saturday, May 17 but closed on Sunday, May 18 and Monday, May 19. The Clark Centre for the Arts and Cedar Ridge Creative Centre will be closed on Monday, May 19. More information including visiting hours and directions can be found on the City’s Cultural Centres & Galleries webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/cultural-centres-galleries/.
Toronto History Museums Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd., is open Saturday, May 17, Sunday, May 18 and Monday, May 19 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Other Toronto History Museums are closed on Monday, May 19 but will operate during their regular hours on Saturday, May 17 and Sunday, May 18. Visitors can enjoy free general admission including site tours, hands-on activities and more at:
• Colborne Lodge, 11 Colborne Lodge Dr.
• Gibson House Museum, 5172 Yonge St.
• Mackenzie House, 82 Bond St.
• Montgomery’s Inn, 4709 Dundas St. W.
• Scarborough Museum, 1007 Brimley Rd. • Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Rd.
• Todmorden Mills, 67 Pottery Rd.
More information about museum programming is available on the City’s Museum webpage: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/museums/.
Visit a Toronto Public Library Toronto Public Library (TPL) branches are closed on Sunday, May 18 and Monday, May 19. A complete list of TPL branches and their hours of operation is available at tpl.ca/branches. TPL cardholders can download and stream eBooks, eAudiobooks, magazines, newspapers, movies and music anytime by visiting tpl.ca/downloads. Explore St. Lawrence Market The South Market will be open on Saturday, May 17, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Saturday Farmers Market at the North Market will operate as usual from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Sunday Variety Vintage Market at the Temporary Market will operate from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the St. Lawrence Market website for more information: https://www.stlawrencemarket.com/.
A map of all road closures is available on the City’s website: www.toronto.ca/RoadRestrictions. The Green P parking website has information about parking and EV charging: https://parking.greenp.com/find-parking/.
The Bike Share Toronto app offers a convenient and sustainable mode of transportation. Users can plan their trip and hop on a Bike Share Toronto classic bike or e-bike. More information is available on Bike Share Toronto’s website: https://bikesharetoronto.com/.
Thursday May 15, 2025
Guild Festival Theatre presents Aqua's Red Rhythm & Blues
Guild Festival Theatre is excited to welcome Aqua’s Red Rhythm & Blues to Guild Park & Gardens on July 3rd to launch their 14th summer season! Bringing stories of Indigenous hope and resilience to the Greek Theatre, this one-night only performance will feature music, hand drumming, and dance.
Aqua, just as their name suggests, is an elemental force. They bring a unique take on Blues music and have created their own genre, IndigiBlues – inspired by their life stories as an IndigiQueer person of mixed ancestry and rooted in their Anishinaabe heritage. As a survivor and warrior, Aqua brings poetry to rhythm with the help of their hand drum. Accompanied by their Queer guitarist, Valentina Morelli, talented violinist, Alex George, and fancy shawl dancer, Nichole Leveck, this group creates space for healing through the soothing sounds of strings and unforgettable harmonies. They engage with the audience in a beautiful way, bringing together traditions that span Nations and generations. Storytelling is at their core, leaving each person with the feeling that they are not alone.
Aqua graced the Greek Theatre Stage during our 2021 collaboration with Women in Song and returned for a set at last year’s Guild Alive With Culture festival. We are thrilled that they’ll be returning to launch our season. Their uplifting performances are full of hope and joy and will be the perfect start to our summer in Guild Park!Say Co-Artistic Directors Helen Juvonen and Tyler J. Seguin
Aqua’s Red Rhythm & Blues
Thursday, July 3rd, 7:30pm
The Greek Theatre, Guild Park & Gardens
Tickets: $15.00
General Admission
Tuesday May 6, 2025
Announcing Guild Festival Theatre's Youth Engagement Scarborough Program
Youth Engagement Scarborough (YES) is an exciting new program, funded in part by the Canada Service Corps, designed to empower youth to lead dynamic, community-driven arts projects in Scarborough. Over the next two years, Guild Festival Theatre (GFT) will be distributing over $500,000 in grants to support Scarborough artists.
Through YES, over 100 young artists will receive funding to cover project costs, one-on-one mentorship from professional artists, and hands-on project management training. Participants will develop original works across disciplines including live performance, literary, and digital arts with a focus on the themes of sustainability, resilience, and inclusivity.
The inaugural Writing Cohort is well underway with 17 young artists. These community-focused literary projects include plays, poetry collections, screenplays, novels, and more. These works will be presented at a showcase event on May 31st at the Leigha Lee Browne Theatre at the University of Toronto Scarborough.
Applications for the Performance Cohort are open until Sunday June 1st at 11:59PM. We are seeking artists age 15-30 with a connection to Scarborough who have a performance piece or a creative idea, and need funding and mentorship to bring it to life while collaborating with and engaging other youth. Full details and application information can be found here.
The YES program is led by Program Manager, Ganesh Thava, a Tamil-Canadian writer, director, producer, and storyteller who grew up in Scarborough. As a young volunteer in Malvern, Ganesh was mentored by others in the community and is excited to support other youth in their artist and volunteerism journey.
“We’re proud to support the next generation of Scarborough artists as they dream boldly and shape the cultural future of our city. With over 100 youth creating and sharing their work, this program isn’t just about art-making, it’s about building confidence, leadership, and lasting community connections.”
say Guild Festival Theatre Co-Artistic Directors Helen Juvonen and Tyler J. Seguin.
Learn more at
Friday May 2, 2025
Beneath the Grass and the Government
By Ron Laffin
People just love their lawns. They are literally addicted to them. They cultivate them, nurture them, groom them, care for them and admire them. Just like they do their kids – sometimes, even more so. Personally, I don’t have a lawn. I live in a condominium. So, I am not an authority on the subject. In fact, maybe I have no right at all to express an opinion on lawns being as I have no personal experience caring for one. Maybe there’s some existential, deeply emotional, satisfying feeling about having a well-groomed lawn that I am not aware of. All I know is that I see them everywhere. Lawns literally dominate our landscape. They consume us. We are veritable lawn junkies. It’s like we are all members of some sort of mindless lawn-cult or something.
Let’s face it, lawns are superficial, artificial and downright boring. They don’t represent nature. How could they? After all, they repress nature. They only exist because people expend great effort preventing everything in nature but grass from growing there. I wonder, where the heck are the environmentalists? Why aren’t they marching on people’s lawns in dandelion costumes demanding that evil suburbanites free their lawns from slavery. If they were worth their salt, ‘Greenpeace’ would be all over this by now!
Personally, I like dandelions. I think they’re rather pretty. Lawn owners, however hate them. They kill them, in large disturbing numbers. It’s a sort of genocide aimed at weeds. Call it weedicide. Imagine being a dandelion growing on someone’s lawn and seeing some huge, unshaven, weedophobic homeowner lumber toward you, hoe in hand, a maniacal look on his face, a grotesquely oversized pot belly stretching his too-small “Budweiser” t-shirt so that the logo is almost unintelligible. Can you even imagine such a horrific fate? I am literally shaking as I write this. No dandelion deserves to face such unspeakable terror.
Let’s be honest here, lawns are not that attractive. They are flat, characterless, soulless patches of bland emptiness. They demonstrate the obsession of a sad, brainwashed lawnlove culture. I just can’t figure it out. What’s the attraction? I don’t get it. Why do we all want the land in front of our homes to look so blandly similar? Is there no pride anymore in individuality? Is there no respect for nature? Virtually every single home, in every single village, town and city has a spotless, meticulous, woefully generic lawn. Everyone and their dog has allowed this ‘lawn culture’ to take over their lives. (By the way, take the last three letters off the word ‘culture’ and what have you got? Right. Never doubt it, if you are part of a so-called ‘culture’, you are really just part of a big cult. In this case, a lawn cult. You cultivate your lawn don’t you? Remove the last five letters from the word cultivate. Scary, huh?)
So here we are. Everyone believes they have to have a perfect lawn. In fact, it’s like sacrilege to not have one. Call it a cult, or call it a religion, it’s all the same, really. Many of us spend every Sunday worshipping and loving our lawns. Lawns are more important to us than God. We literally revere them and cry when they develop brown patches or inconsistencies. We care less when the church is disrespected or when our children develop acne.
Whether you own a house or simply admire other people’s houses, I bet you like lawns. I bet when you walk or drive by people’s homes where the lawn is shabby and unkempt, you roll your eyes and comment on it. It’s like the state of someone’s lawn reflects on their quality as a person. Like anyone who does not conform with the socially imposed, lawn-cult norm is some sort of deviant – someone unworthy of your respect. And we are all guilty of it. We have all been conditioned through social pressure to buy into this intolerant, discriminatory culture of lawn-loving exclusionism.
If you let your lawn go, your neighbours would complain to you and probably the municipal government. And because everyone else in your neighbourhood is a lawn loving automaton, you would be doomed. You would get no sympathy or help from them. After all, you would be undermining the value of their homes by not making your lawn just like theirs. You might think you own and control your property. But, how you manage your property is really contingent upon the approval of everyone else and whether they choose to complain to the authorities.
Now, depending on where you live, the local government may or may not have the authority to inspect and regulate your property, including your front yard. If they do, they may determine that you are not complying with the necessary standards and codes and ask you to make your lawn more like everyone else’s. And you would. It’s what any good Canadian home owner would do. You would submit to the will of the collective and the state.
In many municipalities, politicians have taken the opposite approach. They apparently don’t mind weeds at all and have banned all pesticide use. So now, many homeowners who want a spotless lawn will have to visit their chemical-free lawns daily on their hands and knees, trowel in hand. It’ll be hard work, but it’s worth it.
When I started writing this piece I had the intention of making it a point to note how we have enslaved nature through our lawns – how we have eradicated all other natural plants in order to ensure that our preferred plant slave, the grass, dominated over all things. However, after having thought about it, I’m not so sure this is true. In fact now I believe the exact opposite.
Rather than enslaving our lawn and being dominant over it, I have come to understand that we have actually become enslaved by, and are dominated by, it. The grass is our master, not the opposite. And the government is the master of the grass. If we want to know where we fall on the ladder of significance, it is somewhere beneath the grass and the government.
Think about this next weekend when you are cultivating your lush green master while I am having a cool drink at the pub. How much of your life will you sacrifice to eradicate a few shrubs or dandelions? Whatever the case, you better just get on with it. You might think of it as a pleasure, but, never doubt, it is really a social requirement. Very similar to a job – a job where you are paid nothing; but a job nonetheless. Do it or suffer the consequences.
Oh well, at least your neighbours and the people who pass by are impressed. That has to be worth something.
Sunday April 20, 2025
Toronto Beaches Lions Club Easter Parade
Thursday April 10, 2025
All fired up! The Potter’s Studio comes to Scarborough
From the humble beginnings in downtown Toronto in 1971, 12 potters opened the doors of the Potter’s Studio Inc. The studio moved to Thorncliffe Park in 1977 and became a space where we and other aspiring artists developed their creative and technical skills. Growing to over 50 members, we thrived at this location conducting classes, workshops, and two large, well-attended, pottery sales every year. After weathering COVID in 2020 and receiving expropriation order from Metrolinx in 2021, the studio began its search for a new home.
In June 2022, we found our current location and arranged for the renovations at 1550 Birchmount Road Unit 116. As a not-for-profit and member-run organization, we relied on our members to come together to ensure a smooth transition. Our studio community, built over decades of working together as a group, saw through all aspects of designing and managing the renovations with the official move during Spring 2023.
Over the last 2 years, we have come to know the Scarborough Community and are anticipating 70 members by June 2025. Our members have 24/7 access to the studio and work on several different committees contributing to the operations. In addition, we welcome those new to pottery to our classes (Wednesdays and Saturdays) and run workshops throughout the year. Last year, we began to run private sessions for corporate, community and not-for-profit groups. We are forging long-term relationships with organizations like Scarborough Arts, Scarborough for Healthy Communities, and Feed Scarborough to make the benefits of pottery accessible, and to contribute to our new community.
There are several opportunities to come meet us. Every year, we have two on-site sales in the Spring (Thursday, April 24 to Sunday, April 28) and the Fall (Thursday, November 20 to Sunday, November 23). We throw open our doors to the public in Doors Open with this year’s event on Sunday, May 25, (10 – 4:30).
Send us an email at info@thepottersstudio.ca to connect and find out more or visit us online at: œ https://thepottersstudio.ca
Friday March 28, 2025
Scarborough Garden and Horticultural Society -100 years and counting!
Back in 1924 a group of interested people felt the need for an organized horticultural society in the community, and on March 1, 1925 the Scarborough Horticultural Society (SHS) was granted a charter by the Minister of Agriculture and received a grant of $75.
The first general meeting was reported to have been held in Birchcliff Public School, but in the early years, there was no set meeting place and meetings were held in different locations in the township (including other schools, the Veteran’s Hall on Kingston Rd., Stop 14, St Nicholas, Fallingbrook and St Crispin’s churches).
In 1947 the Society was split and an eastern division was formed to accommodate members in West Hill and Highland Creek, with both divisions having meetings and flower shows. However, after a few years, these divisions came together as one and the Society’s first permanent meeting place was Christ Church on Markham Road, followed by a later move north to the larger Cedarbrae District library, and when the Society outgrew that space, to the Scarborough Village Recreation Centre where we currently meet.
Edite Zarins had designed a beautiful logo for SHS in 1983, but a 1995 name change to the Scarborough Garden and Horticulture Society (SGHS) was approved by the membership and Lillias Bargery created a new logo reflecting the name change which took effect in 2000. In 2022 we voted to update our logo with one designed by Tifani Shannon.
At its inception the Society adopted two mottos “A Friendly Society” and “Beautify Scarborough.” Efforts to beautify Scarborough involved public plantings, since for many years there was no such thing as a Parks and Recreation department in the township. In early years, public plantings were done at the Waterworks plant and the war memorial cross at Kingston Rd and Danforth, a plot at the junction of Clonmore and Warden, at St. Crispin’s Church and at the post office at Midland and Kingston Rd. During the WW2, members sent seeds to the City of Scarborough, England to support the “Dig for Victory” program, which supported efforts of the British to grow their own vegetables to feed themselves in the absence of imports. Other places we have been involved with over the years include Variety Village, Greenvale Terrace on Kingston Rd. (now the entrance to the Guildwood train station), the Scarborough Red Cross building on Bellamy north, Scarborough General Hospital, Bendale Acres, Scarborough Centenary Hospital, Providence Villa, Consilium Place, planting around the Pearse house (by the zoo), the Cedar Ridge rose garden, Ina Grafton Gage Home, Christ Church, and the Cornell-Campbell property. We continue to search out places where we can beautify Scarborough
SGHS has an annual plant sale (this year on May 17th at the Cornell-Campbell property) selling members’ perennials that needed to be divided or had outgrown their spaces, and other plants. They are healthy, a greater variety and cheaper than buying at nursery or grocery stores.
Our main flower show is held on a Saturday in September (the 13th this year) – including cut flowers, baskets, vegetables and designs. This is open to the public from 2-4 PM. As well, mini shows are part of our monthly meetings, to be viewed while enjoying refreshments after the meeting.
Since the beginning our Society has provided interesting, educational programs, flower shows, service to the community and good fellowship. We meet the second Wednesday of the month (except August and December) at the Scarborough Village Community Centre, at 7:30 PM. Membership is $20.00 a year, and new members are welcome, as are visitors to check us out and stay for coffee, refreshments and the flower shows.
The success of our Society is a reflection of the guidance and dedication of successive boards and the willingness of the members to act to support Society activities. We look forward to the years ahead!