NEW SHOW WEST HILL vs. LAURIER Artist Liz Magor works with junk Local girls’ basketball teams and dead animals - See page 8 square off - See page 7

THE EAST OBSERVEROBSERVER • Friday • October 9 • 2009 • • PUBLISHED BY UTSC/CENTENNIAL COLLEGE JOURNALISM STUDENTS AND SERVING MALVERN, HIGHLAND CREEK AND WEST HILL • •TORONTOOBSERVER.CA• Complaints aired about affordable housing

Monica valencia it takes so long to qualify for The Observer subsidized residences. “Waiting lists for afford- Scarborough residents in able housing have been a affordable housing are com- problem forever and I don’t plaining about rents and poor know why they haven’t done living conditions. anything about it,” McIntosh “I spent four winters with said. no heating,” Princess Water Water, who lives on Kings- told a meeting of about 80 ton and Galloway Roads, people at the Scarborough said residents need easier ac- Village Recreation Centre on cess to housing offices and Sept. 30. workers. Representatives I spent four Other tenants from local groups winters said affordable met to discuss af- housing locations KATRINA ROZAL/The Observer fordable housing with should also pro- SERCO Des Inc. DriveTest employees walked off the job seven weeks ago due to employment security issues. issues with MPP no heating mote integration. “The govern- and housing min- - Princess ment has to be ister Mario Sergio. Water careful when des- “We hope that ignating areas for you too can be a co-op communi- part of finding the solutions ties,” said Allison Scott, who The forgotten strike that are going to work and lives on Kingston Rd. “Some- make things better in terms times they lead to segregation of housing,” Best said. because they’re all concen- Driving examiners KAREEN AWADalla Kiatipis is one of many realized I can’t. It’s an incon- But residents said there trated in one bad area.” The Observer drivers (or would-be driv- venience to me and everyone needs to be a lot of changes. McIntosh said crime rates are off the job, but ers) who have felt the impact else whose licence is expir- “They told me they are usually higher in these most people don’t Robin Kiatipis was a week of what has been dubbed the ing,” Kiatipis said. wouldn’t be raising my rent neighbourhoods and said she away from taking her G-lev- “forgotten strike.” Into the seventh week of because it was already“ at the wants more recreational cen- know until it’s time el road test last month when “I had every intention the province’s DriveTest, cap,” said Kimyata McIn- tres and green spaces built, she learned about the of going to take my test tosh, a resident at Morning- so “youth can keep busy with to take the test DriveTest strike. and then, a week before, I See STRIKE, Page 5 side Avenue and Ellesmere sports and other programs, Road. “But a couple months instead of just hanging out.” ago they told me that they At the end of the meeting, will raise it because the net Sergio assured residents their amount of rent has gone up.” comments were heard and McIntosh, a single mother said he will help deliver bet- Trashing the garbage fee hike of three, also wonders why ter, affordable housing. City councillors raising a stink after city staff proposes a fee increase to bins

phillip smalley increase in the annual fee for already received two phone which need to be dealt with.” The Observer garbage bins. calls from constituents that He said the system can be Ward 43 and 44 council- were not happy. inefficient and sometimes After a summer of dis- lors are opposing the hike, in This proposed hike is ex- the drivers are too stringent ruption to the city’s garbage line with what they say their pected to be about 13 per cent in their standards, while oth- collection service, any news constituents want. over last year’s rates. er times the rules aren’t fol- about a garbage fee increase Councillor Ron Moeser Councillor Paul Ainslie, lowed at all. is bound to meet with disap- says his constituents have al- Ward 43, is not supporting Moeser said the original proval from residents. ready put up with enough this the garbage fee hike. point of the program was to However, that is exactly year. Even though the figures “Strike aside, I have seen discourage garbage output. MONICA VALENCIA/The Observer what has happened, as city for the proposed increase are a number of issues within From left, Rosemary Bell of the community development staff recently proposed an yet to be approved, he has the solid waste department See COUNCILLORS, Page 3 department, speaks to Francisca Epale and Allison Scott. PAGE 2 - The East Toronto Observer, September 25, 2009 NEWS New wind Hydro gets smarter by the minute turbine Household rules fail meters to measure by to impress time of day TEvy Pilc The Observer

Maxx Smith The latest regulations re- The Observer garding the location of wind turbines in Ontario have gen- Scarborough residents will erated much criticism, espe- soon be completely switched cially from the Guildwood over from their hydro meter neighbourhood. to the new smart meter sys- New rules announced on tem. Sept. 24 state projects of five “It’s provincially mandat- industrial wind turbines or ed that by the end of 2010, all less have to be at least 550 of Ontario will have switched metres away from the nearest over to the smart meter sys- home. Wind farms with more tem,” said Heather Sande, than five turbines must be lo- who was at Ward 43’s En- cated even further away. vironment Day on behalf of “We’re certainly unim- Toronto Hydro to discuss the pressed with government’s change-over with residents. idea of responsible planning,” “The new digital me- said John Laforet, president MAxx Smith The Observer ters directly relay residents’ / of Wind Concerns Ontario, electricity consumption, Heather and Angela Sande show pamphlets about the smart-meter system soon to be common in households. a citizen’s group comprising so instead of having some- of 37 grassroots organiza- one check meters every two will also be dealing with hours. Weekends, holidays The new system can help tions around the province, in- months and estimate usage, peak, mid-peak, and off- and anytime after 9 p.m. and to empower Scarborough For people who cluding the Guildwood-based they get billed for exactly peak hours, which “change before 7 a.m. are always off- residents to take charge of group, Save the Toronto what they use,” Sande said. depending on the season,” peak. their energy consumption, are concerned, Bluffs, which he also heads. They will also be able to Sande said. “The good news is there she said. [the cost] should The rules are covered un- pay different rates depending But this new system isn’t is more off-peak than peak “You can login online and be approximately der the province’s Green En- on the time they use power, a as bad as it sounds, she said. hours,” Sande said. “For peo- monitor your use and that can ergy Act, unveiled in Febru- new way of billing that could Electricity is going to be ple who are concerned about help you adjust your habits the same... ary. Since the act has already make Scarborough residents more expensive during peak their bills going up, it will and save you money.” - Heather Sande been made law, the new rules uneasy. hours, about the same dur- balance out to be approxi- go into effect immediately. With the addition of by- ing mid-peak hours, and less mately the same as they’re For more information, Wind Concerns Ontar- the-minute billing, homes expensive during off-peak paying now, or less.” visit torontohydro.com io had lobbied for tougher rules, complaining the noise and vibrations cause health problems. But the wind en- ergy industry has repeatedly Early warning sirens raise alarm in West Hill stated there is no evidence in peer-reviewed science jour- Toronto East Community Awareness and Emergency Response run preparedness test nals, suggesting such noise causes adverse health effects “ or bothers people as much as Matthew Alleyne for an example, a tornado other noise. The Observer warning from Environment Canada to be sent to cell Local concern For a period of two min- phones which reaches 90% utes on Oct. 1, in an industri- of us who do have phones But Laforet said the is- al area of West Hill emergen- and can be passed on to the sue goes beyond the so- cy sirens blared. remaining 10%.” called Not-In-My-Back-Yard But there was no danger to The city is also looking (NIMBY)-ism, a label he the public. into the use of web appli- said has been wrongly placed It was just a test by Toron- cations like Listserve that on Wind Concerns members, to East Community Aware- would send out a mass email as well as those living in local ness and Emergency Re- to a list of subscribers, Taven- communities. sponse. er said. “What’s happened in Scar- The sirens could be heard Torontonians regularly borough has been an absolute for a distance of one kilome- face severe thunder and elec- assault on citizens’ rights and tre. trical storms that can spawn participation,” Laforet said. “I was walking my dog and matthew alleyne/The Observer tornadoes. “This is about environmental heard what sounded like one City maps show the locations of new emergency sirens pictured at right. There is also the threat of protection and maintaining of the sirens when a bomb is severe flooding, as well as citizens’ role in democracy in going to be dropped,” said warning systems in Toron- looking into other forms of local radio and television in snow and ice storms. between elections.” one Scarborough resident. “It to to warn citizens of natural technology to better serve getting the word out whenev- Man-made threats also He says the rules are didn’t last long, so I did not or man-made disasters. The Torontonians. er there is a potentially dan- exist with the possibility of placed without discourse and really think anything of it.” caller spoke of the tornado in Tavener said people are gerous situation, like the use large industrial fires such as that turbine companies begin The purpose of the sirens Vaughan this summer. familiar with the use of si- of storm watches to inform the Sunrise explosion last planning and construction is to provide advance warn- Miller said there is some rens as a form of early warn- large amounts of people. summer, chemical spills, and without approval. ing, should there be an in- work being done in the east ing due to their history with The OEM is also looking problem arising from Toron- “No politician has tru- cident at any local chemical end of Toronto, but that there air raids, potential bombings, into other forms of technol- to’s proximity to Pickering’s ly been willing go to bat for manufacturers, requiring res- are better ways to inform the and dangerous weather. ogy to keep Torontonians in nuclear power plant. this community, it’s led to a idents to either seek shelter or public than the traditional air- In some areas, like the U.S. the loop. “There is no one best strong movement forming to evacuate the area. raid sirens of the past. mid-west, a siren is recog- “We have to think about way to warn Torontonians,” fill that void,” Laforet added. During a recent CP24 Rob Tavener of the City of nized as a tornado warning, this in a really modern way,” Tavener said. Reports say Environment phone-in talk show, Mayor Toronto Office of Emergen- but how can it be understood Miller said. Minister be- David Miller was asked by a cy Management agrees with in a city like Toronto? “We have to have a mod- For emergency tips, lieves the new rules should caller why are there no early Miller and said his office is Miller credits the use of ern way of communicating, visit torontoobserver.ca be coming in the spring. The East Toronto Observer, October 9, 2009 - PAGE 3 NEWS Briefs New bridge to ease traffic flow

Shots fired Tristan carter was seen as impractical and the project was to improve The project cost around two years of construction. The Observer unsafe. traffic flow and increase pe- $34 million. At the ribbon- “There was a big turn- at party The old bridge allowed for destrian safety,” project man- cutting ceremony, Miller out of residents and they all Two new bridges were un- only a single lane of traffic to ager Peter Pilateris said. mentioned his unpopular ve- seemed pretty happy about Police are looking for a veiled by Mayor David Mill- travel underneath the railway. The project features two hicle licence registration fee it,” said Pilateris, speaking 17- to 18-year-old man who er last week at Morningside This meant traffic could only new bridges which allow for helped pay some of the cost. about the project’s media ses- shot a guest at a birthday and Finch Avenues to help go in one direction at a time. two lanes of traffic in each di- Another $2.5 million was sion. “A lot of people bought party early last week. Po- improve access to the Morn- The tight squeeze under the rection, sidewalks, bike paths contributed by the Canadian those houses and were wait- lice say both men were at ingside Heights community. bridge also put pedestrians beside Morningside Avenue Pacific Railway. ing for these infrastructure the birthday party and got The bridges replace the at risk. and bike lanes on Finch Av- Residents appear to wel- improvements, so it’s been a into a fight, which contin- previous structure, which “Basically, the idea behind enue. come the new bridges despite long time coming.” ued outside the party room. The victim was shot twice in his lower body and taken to hospital with serious, but non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect is described as light-skinned, around 5-foot- 6 and clean-shaven. He was wearing a baseball cap and red and black clothes. If you have any information, contact Crime Stoppers at 222tips.com.

Girls night in for a cure

The Canadian Cancer So- ciety is encouraging wom- en to get together for Girls Night In events to help raise money to find a cure. Wom- en are being asked to invite their girlfriends for an eve- ning full of fun and to do- nate what they would usu- ally spend on a night out on the town. The money raised will go toward research to cure various cancers, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer and cervical can- cer. For more information tristan carter/The Observer on how to participate, visit Four workers, putting the final touches on the new bridge at Morningside and Finch Avenues, pose in front of their handiwork. GirlsNightInForCancer.ca.

De Rosario nominated Tropicana centre celebrates 15 years

Scarborough’s Dwayne Amanda Ly something, if anyone needs services offered at Tropicana. is now a mentor and initi- Tropicana started 29 years De Rosario is up for a na- The Observer someone to talk to, I’m here. The centre has taught her ates their programs like ARP ago to address the 40 per tional Jefferson Award to All the problems that youth more than just rhythm. (Arts Roots Perception). For cent highschool dropout rate honour his public service. Scarborough youths from are facing in today’s society In the Sis- Hewitt, Tropi- among black youths, but have The Toronto FC soccer play- Tropicana Community Ser- can be dealt with here.” ter to Sis- They helped cana has been since expanded their services er is being recognized for vices put on a proud perfor- Khan earned the nick- ter program, me build life changing. to provide counselling, em- the help and support he mance of singing, dancing, name (Medals) after winning she discuss- “I was really ployment help, daycare and has provided others, such drumming and poetry on Oct. so many awards for his high es racism, confidence. shy, “she said. more. as hosting fundraisers for 3 to celebrate 15 years with school’s track and field team effects of It’s a big “I wouldn’t be It’s open to youths of all Nothing But Nets, an orga- the Scarborough Youth Re- for shot put. media, self- family here able to speak different backgrounds. nization that hands out bed sources Centre. Showing off one of his esteem, and or even per- MPP Brad Duguid pre- nets to Africans to reduce Omar (Medals) Khan, gold medals, Khan said he’s daily life is- - Jerema Hewitt form. My first sented the centre with a grant the malaria carried by mos- 20, recited a poem he wrote training to go to the Summer suses. entrance into from the Ontario Trillum quitoes. The winner will be about his friend’s death. Olympics in 2012. Jerema public perfor- Foundation. announced in June 2010. Khan turned to Tropicana to Mary Hines-Henry, 17, Hewitt, 20, has been coming mance was through Tropi- The centre is located in offer support to others in need. has been coming to the centre to the centre since she was cana. Scarborough Town Centre. “I turned my friend’s death for three years. nine years old. “They helped me build my For more Tropicana loca- Two charged in into a positive,” he said. He did a step dance per- Once at the receiving end confidence. It’s a big family tions, visit tropicanacommu- armed robbery “If any kid is going through formance which is one of the of the centre’s services, she here.” nity.org.

A young man and wom- an have been charged fol- “ Councillors hear citizen complaints on garbage lowing an armed robbery at a jewelry store in Scar- borough. Two employees at From Page 1 are higher, so they will have a “As a city councillor living Before anything is ap- programs and if we have a sur- Jewels by Kobi were held at bigger burden.” in the area I represent, I have proved, the city must look plus,” Moeser said. gunpoint Oct. 1. A quantity and he owns a small bin, Residents are expected to heard continual griping about over the finances and see Councillor Glenn deBaer- of jewellery was removed which currently only has a $10 become more outspoken when our garbage collection system. whether there is any money to emaeker, chair of the public from a counter. Dareon per year fee. the whole financial picture A fee increase will only serve spend. works committee, which is at Thomas, 22, and Rashida “But for those families with is agreed upon and the final to heighten these feelings,” “We need an update as the centre of this debate, was Beckett, 20 , are charged. five or six people, their rates numbers are released. Ainslie said. to what we are spending on unavailable for comment. PAGE 4 - The East Toronto Observer, October 9, 2009 ARTS & LIFE UofT begins campus expansion

be putting money into creat- Ground breaks ing more scholarships. Arthurs said that new on labratory centre will make the Scar- borough campus more ap- centre pealing, instead of being con- sidered a satellite campus. Selena Mann “Today marks a new phase The Observer in the history of the Univer- sity of Toronto Scarborough, A $78-million building is a history that has seen UTSC being constructed by the Uni- become a preferred destina- versity of Toronto at Elles- tion for both students and mere Rd. and Military Trail. teachers throughout Canada The building, measuring and the world,” Arthurs said 15,000 square metres, is to at the ceremony. be built over what used to be Military Trail was closed a parking lot for U of T staff off for the groundbreaking and students. with a variety of entertain- Federal and provincial ment on the street. governments are contributing Free food and a live band $70 million toward building brought many U of T students the Instructional and Labora- to participate in the event. tory Centre for the universi- SELENA MANN/The Observer There was also a huge ty’s eastern campus. management take up their shovels to kick off the groudbreaking celebrations with the help street drawing of the campus “With this building we will of politicians from the provincial and federal governments on September 24. done by two arts students, a increase our academic facili- hip hop dance routine, solo ties 25 per cent,” said Franco “It will address our space Scarborough MP John McK- The building is a part of a The expectation is that this guitarist, and street perform- Vaccarino, principal of Uni- needs,” he said. ay, Pickering-Scarborough federal and provincial gov- will help the economy by cre- ers. The centre is set to be versity of Toronto Scarbor- Also at the groundbreak- East MPP Wayne Arthurs, ernment initiative to create ating more jobs, Gary Good- complete within two years. ough, at the groundbreaking ing were Ward 44 councillor and federal minister of state and finance educational insti- year said. For more photos go to ceremony on Sept. 24. Ron Moeser, Guildwood East Gary Goodyear. tutions. The government will also torontoobserver.ca

Rouge Park New United minister has faith in area to be LAURA ROSS feeling that I could do that — The Observer serve other people, hopefully revived help them and provide inspi- At the age when most teen- ration to them.” agers rebelled and stopped Her family was surprised Tristan carter going to church, Cheryl- at first, but very proud and The Observer Lynn MacPherson was just supportive. MacPherson did beginning to attend. She got her training in the Presbyteri- Construction is under- involved in the choir, be- an Church and transferred to way to revitalize a section of cause the music and singing the United Church which was Rouge Park as part of the Wa- really helped connect her to a better fit with her ideals, be- terfront Trail Western Gate- her faith. cause it does a lot of work on way Project. Now she’s the new sup- social justice issues and is in- The project, which began ply minister for St. Mark’s clusive of people of different in July, is scheduled to be United Church at 115 Orton backgrounds and sexual ori- completed in December. The Park Rd., replacing the previ- entations. plans include adding paths to ous minister who took a job In 1988 the decision was encourage more walking and in the church’s national of- made by the United Church biking in the area. fice. She will be leading the to ordain people who may be While much of the area congregation in conducting gay, lesbian or bisexual. This has been stripped during a needs assessment to deter- big moment for the United the construction, the project mine what they need in a new Church came with a lot of calls for more foliage to be minister — until the end of pain and division. added in order to provide ad- June, when she may apply for Since then understanding ditional stability to the river the job herself. has grown within the faith banks. and the United Church has Pickering, Markham, and Career choice taken a national stand on sup- Toronto are all ambitiously porting same-sex marriages. improving their trail systems. It’s a career choice she In the last few years About 50 hectares of trail never expected to face when St. Mark’s itself has gone space are added to improve she was younger. During uni- through an affirming process LAURA ROSS/The Observer the area every year. versity, MacPherson moved facilitated by Affirm United, Minister Cheryl-Lynn MacPherson will be leading St.Mark’s congregation until June. Plans for a bike path from away from her faith but even- which is an organization of Morningside Avenue and tually returned and attend- people of all sexual orienta- reform tradition of Christian- “The United Church is a Masters of Divinity. She was Steeles Avenue to the lake ed a church with a female tions and gender identities ity and so has its roots in the wide umbrella theologically, ordained in 2006 and her first are also being worked out. minister. Never having had who work to provide the full old Presbyterian, Methodist but it is a mainline liberal tra- pastoral charge was Camilla- The hope is to construct a a female minister before, inclusion of gay, lesbian, bi- and Congregationalist tradi- dition that follows the teach- Laurel-Monocenter, between “continuous connect” which MacPherson had her eyes sexual, and transgender peo- tions. Formed in 1925, the ings of Jesus,” says MacPher- Orangeville and Shelburne, would allow cyclists to travel opened to the possibility that ple in the church and society. United Church is unique to son. “We try to walk the talk Ontario. This was a group of using bike paths. she could do it too. They take time with congre- Canada in that the three de- and that has implications on three churches so small that “We’re bringing on board “From there it was an gations to study what, if any- nominations on which it is the way we live our lives.” each one alone could not af- next week a trails coordina- unfolding process,” says thing, the bible says about based came together in the MacPherson attended three ford a full-time minister, so tor to help us not only de- MacPherson. “In the church sexual orientation. hope of forming a church that years of theological college they pooled together and sign trails but lead hikes,” we use the term ‘called MacPherson explains the would be a leader among the and then served a one-year in- shared one minister among said Alan Wells, chair of the by God.’ It was a nudging united faith is part of the protestant population. ternship before receiving her the three congregations. Rouge Alliance. The East Toronto Observer, September 25, 2009 - PAGE 5 FEATURE Job action rolls on at picket lines No deal in sight in ongoing strike at DriveTest centres

Katrina rozal The Observer

An average of 20 would-be drivers visit the Port Union DriveTest branch every day, despite it being seven weeks since DriveTest employees walked off their jobs. While the strike has been dubbed “the forgotten protest” or “the strike that nobody cares about,” DriveTest estimates that each day since the strike began about 4,000 people have been unable to obtain their licences. “Until there’s a public up- Katrina Rozal/The Observer roar nothing will happen,” said Employees at DriveTest centres like this one on Port Union Dr., have been at the picket lines for more than seven weeks. one picket at the Port Union DriveTest location. ernment, health, transportation While today’s McGuinty president of United Steelwork- “We’re on strike mostly for service agents. According to Members of Steelworkers and military sectors. The Ernie government hasn’t directly in- ers Local 9511, their employer job security because the com- Young, their employers’ work Union Local 9511 walked off Eves government awarded the tervened, it announced it has has proposed “language that it pany didn’t follow the actual culture doesn’t reflect the del- their jobs after their private em- company a 10-year licence af- offered a mediator to be present can lay off the most senior per- seniority list,” said Matt Ma- egation agreement established ployer, Serco Des Inc., refused ter it outbid other businesses at talks to help both sides reach son prior to laying off junior zuryk, Port Union team cap- when driving examinations to negotiate terms regarding in a $114-million contract to a resolution sooner. employees, term employees,” tain. “What they were doing became privatized. job security, management pol- privatize Ontario’s driver li- On Sept. 30, about 200 students or new hires in pro- was they were laying people “Our employer believes that icy and health and safety. Serco censing system. DriveTest employees rallied at bation. This puts the company off periodically and we wanted the work is anyone’s work,” has run Ontario’s driver exami- “This company won the bid Queen’s Park asking the prov- in a position to “circumvent to have a little bit more secu- Young said. “When supervi- nation services since 2003. and that’s where it’s been go- ince to resume written and vi- the employment of full-time rity than that.” sors are performing our work Parent company Serco ing down, down, down,” one sion testing during the strike. employees” in order to save There are two primary types that results in a reduction of Group is a U.K.-based com- DriveTest staff said. “The mo- That request was denied. money on benefits given to of staff at DriveTest: the driv- hours for employees who are pany providing service in gov- rale is terrible.” According to Jim Young, full-timers. er examiners and customer willing to work.” Strike raises public safety concerns for drivers From page 1 his licence. “All we would have had to strike, instructors and admin- do is enter it into the system istrators are stressing their and he would be fine,” said concern over public safety. Mazuryk. They say without awareness The driver must now go of the dangers involved, both through the ministry’s Driver while on strike and under con- Improvement Office, in order tract, the risks will become a to send the records. reality for everyone. Without medical clearance “We want safety for the on classified drivers, children province of Ontario more than on school buses and commut- anything else,” said Lawrence ers on the TTC could be pas- Smith, past president of Local sengers in a potentially life- 9511 DriveTest. threatening situation. Since being unionized 6 “It’s a problem because they years ago by Serco DES Inc., are taking care of other people workers say their contracts and they are going to be with- grew increasingly uncertain as out their licence. Who knows their seniority status became if they’re actually qualified to futile. be driving those buses?” said Serco got into the habit of Kiatipis. hiring part-time staff to do It seems a resolution is at road tests. the bottom of their priority list. “The integrity of the driver One DriveTest protester exam is at risk,” says Smith. Katrina Rozal/The Observer insists nothing will get done. Matt Mazuryk, team picket Instructors from Central Driving School are upset that the “forgotten“ strike has cut down student attendance by Kiatipis says she hopes that captain at the Port Union Driv- 80 per cent because passing students cannot get their licences. the government will pay more eTest location, said for every attention and take more action full-timer laid off, two part- tation is providing extensions eTest services resume, upon temporary regulation until the Robin Kiatipis. to fix the problem, for the sake timers were hired. for drivers like Kiatipis, who which there will undoubtedly strike is over. This can pose Among these are drivers, of safer roads. “[Road tests] require a lot require testing in order to be be a massive rush to resched- a serious safety hazard for all classified or commercial, who “People definitely should of time and skill to do proper- eligible for renewal. With ule and renew. who share the road. continue to share the road be more concerned, and there ly, so we are concerned about her licence due to expire in Also, drivers who require “I’m a concerned citizen without a valid licence. should be way more media public safety as far as that is December, she has only two testing as a result of poor driv- because we have licences for One TTC driver walked up attention towards it because concerned,” said Mazuryk. months remaining before an ing records (collisions, demer- a purpose. We have to go take to the doors of the DriveTest to I don’t think a lot of people While the lockout contin- extension will apply. This it points, etc.) are granted test- our test to make sure that we drop off medical documenta- even know about it. It affects ues, the Ministry of Transpor- extension will last until Driv- free driving privileges under are capable of driving,” said tion, required in order to keep everyone.” PAGE 6 - The East Toronto Observer, October 9, 2009 The East Toronto COMMENT OBSERVER Numb to the election scare ecently in Canadian media, we’ve had constant talk of the possibility yet another federal election being called. Indicators point to a possible election within Rthe next few weeks, just one year after the last one. Now, if you switch to an American news network, chances are you’ll hear about the controversial proposed changes to the American health-care system and the massive backlash it’s producing in Congress. There’s something noteworthy about that second story. When have we ever seen something like this in Canada? Last year, many members of this paper covered the fall election, and a running concern of many of the interviewed MPs, including the ones representing our coverage areas of wards 38, 43 and 44, seemed to be getting people to care more about politics. This apathy is a far cry from the extreme fervour in America, where there is an active revolt in Congress and people protest- ing in the streets, even bringing guns to presidential speeches. While that last bit of behaviour isn’t exactly admirable, it does at least demonstrate a level of interest unseen up here. Why do Canadians have such apathy towards politics? Per- haps it’s because we’ve had four major elections in five years, each of them caused by a no-confidence vote. We never see anything as controversial as the American health-care fiasco because each new government fails to get to point of introduc- ing provocative changes. If Obama were prime minister and he tried to table some- thing as large as health-care reform here, he would soon be in the middle of yet another election. Therefore, with our govern- ment we never see anything so ambitious because everyone is afraid of yet another election being called. It seems that very little really gets done in Canada, where politics is less about governing and more about political parties out-maneuvering one another. tevy pilc/The Observer At the same time, everyone remembers the eight straight years of Bush, and to our credit, it is unlikely that anything like that would have taken place in Canada. But do we really want the type of chaos that’s gripping America? Then again, is apathy really so much better? Perhaps Disaster seen through Filipino it’s better to feel something, even if it’s militant fanaticism, than nothing at all. Regardless of your political stance, you’ve got to hand it to Stephen Harper for at least attempting to avoid an election. If eyes not heart-warming story another were to be called so soon, it’d be difficult to see why anyone would bother going to the polls. — Anthony Geremia I am one of 13,865 Filipinos living in genuine sense of pride for their goodwill. our newspaper’s coverage area, so news If you are doing something good pure- of a typhoon in a country already drown- ly for the sake of doing something good, Political focus needed ing in political corruption definitely hits why do you need to broadcast what you home. “kindly” did? Shouldn’t you be con- in communities Thankfully, none of my relatives are tent with the knowledge that you helped among the 383 people in the Philippines someone? Why should praise from other who lost their lives to the typhoon that people matter when they are not the ones n Paradise, Nfld., a 19-year-old political science student gusted up to 210 kilometres per hour last Katrina ROZAL you’re helping? ran for mayor and almost won. He received overwhelming month. However, the house where I grew support from members of his community seeking change. up is in shambles, with no working re- Charity for profit IOften, politicians lose focus on working for the benefit of frigerator, stove or washing machine. their constituents to play political chess. Sometimes one finds If anything, my Giving material and moral support to that the only way communities get things done is by working Relief efforts negative perceptions people whose lives have been drastically together on issues they know are relevant to them, rather than of Philippine changed by a merciless storm is some- waiting for the government to get things done. While conversations of various relief thing we universally recognize as praise- The whole point of a democratic government is that repre- efforts flood the Filipino community and corruption are worthy. sentatives of the people are elected to stand for people’s rights, restaurants in our coverage area, in this intensified by this Indeed, doing so is valiant. so it is unfortunate when they lose sight of this mandate. case I fail to relate to the idea that trag- tragedy But far too often such ideals have been However, when a politician works hand-in-hand with the edy brings out the best in people. exploited for the sake of greed and profit. community to try and make things work, that is an example of If anything, my negative perceptions The danger of donating to pseudo-Filipi- what a government should be like. of Philippine corruption are intensified. I hear people subtly boast about how no charities is so real that I’d much rather Recenty, Scarborough Guildwood MPP Margarett Best I hear of our president who, nearing they “kindly donated money and clothes” trust an established non-Filipino Canadi- held a meeting in conjunction with community organization. the end of her tumultuous and controver- to victims of the storm. Unfortunately, an organization. The Storefront to discuss affordable housing initiatives in the sial term, spent a good sum of reserved when I hear a Filipino man proudly tell The fact that I know I’m not the only Kingston Galloway and Orton Park area. government relief funds on “investment” a reporter about how wonderfully our Filipino-Canadian living here who does The same community organization regularly hosts a “com- trips in North America before the ty- community has responded to the trag- not trust Filipino charities is a calamity munity speak” event where members of the community come phoon hit. edy, I simply cannot share in feeling a in itself. together and discuss issues of concern to them. The Port Union Community and Recreation Centre is a focal “ point for its community, frequently bringing together residents of Port Union in initiatives that benefit the whole community. The East Toronto OBSERVER The East Toronto Observer Serving Malvern, West Hill and Highland Creek It is also where Pickering-Scarborough East MP Dan EDITORIAL BOARD is published by University of Toronto/Centennial College journalism students McTeague has hosted town hall meetings. In order to remain Managing Editor: Anthony Geremia under faculty supervision. We are located at the Centennial HP Science and relevant to the communities they serve, political leaders need Assignment Editor: Irina Lytchak Technology Centre. Please address correspondence to The East Toronto Ob- Copy Editors: Gesilayefa Azorbo, Stephanie Leung server, c/o Centennial College, 755 Morningside Ave., Toronto, ON M1C 5J9, to continually go back to those communities and discover what Photo Editor: Matthew Alleyne 416-289-5000, ext. 8306, fax 416-289-5168. Email: HPObserver@centennial- is really important to people, rather than arguing over issues Production Editor: Tristan Carter college.ca The opinions expressed in The Observer do not necessarily reflect that have no bearing on daily realities. Online Editor: Phil Smalley the views of the college. The Toronto Observer, a companion website, is at Faculty Editors: Eric McMillan and Andrew Mair — Gesilayefa Azorbo Torontoobserver.ca. The East Toronto Observer, October 9, 2009 - PAGE 7 SPORTS Blue Devils defeat Warriors Sir Wilfrid Laurier junior girls nearly double West Hill, 42-22, for their second win of the season

amanda ly guard Jessica Elliot said. One of the players on the The Observer Laurier led the first quar- Warriors would giggle ei- ter 6-2. By the second quar- ther when the ball was stolen The West Hill Warriors ter, Laurier increased their from them or if they missed never stood a chance against lead by 10 points, dominat- a rebound. This showed the the Sir Wilfred Laurier Blue ing the scoreboard 18-8. In lack of seriousness on the Devils as they lost 42-22 the third quarter, they blazed team’s part, a far watching Oct. 5. ahead with a score of 30-15. the game said. In their second game of Anika Faiz was a one- Laurier’s high scor- the season, Laurier’s junior woman show, scoring more ers were Marielle Agu- girls basketball team showed than half of the points for iar,12 points, Jessica Elliot, confidence in their offence the Warriors. 7 points, and Sherry Delos and defence. Despite the Warriors loss Santos, 6 points. “Our defence was good, both teams played a foul- For more pictures of we were shuffling with our filled first half, racking up a the game go to hands up,” Devils’ wing and combined 20 fouls. torontoobserver.ca

gesilayefa azorbo photos/The Observer Laurier and West Hill tussle for the ball during the second game of the season Oct. 5. Empty bike Blues’ season hits the web lanes in SELENA MANN said. The Observer Filming the games will be beneficial to students in high University of Toronto school who are planning to Scarborough will be streaming all Varsity join sports teams in univer- Blues sports games online for sity. Irina Lytchak has now been postponed un- the 2009–10 season. They will be able to see The Observer til 2013. The Varsity Blues teams how the teams are organized, Although most of the will stream live webcasts how players play and how The city has fallen behind project centers on the city’s through the Streaming Sports good they have to be in or- in its plans for the Bikeway downtown core, a lot of the Network (SSN), making all der to join the Varsity Blues’ Network Program initiated in unfinished bike routes were of the home games between team. 2008. But how much of a pri- designed for the boroughs of Irina Lytchak/The Observer U of T and other universities “Potential recruits have ority is this program for Scar- the city, including Scarbor- Group, says there have been peak season of the work peri- viewable online. the opportunity to see our borough residents? ough. a number of reasons behind od for his company and great- This will make the games successful intercollegiate “I can see physically that “The problem we have the delays in the project’s ly affected the process of in- viewable by potential recruits programs from a distance,” in my ward people are taking is that people that are in the completion. stalling the bike lanes since and fans from all over. Par- Hoffman said in a press re- advantage of the bike lanes suburbs themselves are not “The installation season most of the staff working on ents and alumni can watch lease. The next game against where they’re built,” says used to the bicycle systems,” usually runs from May to Oc- the project are unionized. the games online without the Waterloo Warriors, will Ward 44 Councilor Ron Mo- says Moeser. Most people tober, so it’s very difficult for “Right now, especially in having to attend the games. be streamed on Oct. 17 at 1 eser. “But as far as the suc- who find themselves in the us to actually install anything the suburbs, we’ve got sec- U of T’s director of ath- p.m. cess [of the program], I’d say suburbs are generally used to new in November and later tions of lanes or routes in letics is excited to have part- “Our objective for provid- at this point, nobody knows.” driving or taking the TTC, he just because of the weather some areas that are a little nered with SSN. ing access to the best of uni- Moeser says about 50 per says. conditions,” says Pawlows- disconnected from each oth- SSN president Bengt versity sports broadcasting cent of the initially planned “The big question is al- ki. “Whenever we have ap- er, there’s remnants of bike Neathery agrees that the has been brought up a lev- bike lanes have been in- ways, if we build, will they provals for something later in sections that are not connect- partnership was beneficial to el by the inclusion of U of stalled throughout the city come? Or are they still used the year, normally those proj- ed to the network,” says Paw- U of T. T, and we believe this rela- so far as part of a Bike Plan to their cars so much?” says ects end up by default having lowski. “But the real benefit “Their commitment to tionship further enhances our put forth more than eight Moeser. to be followed up in the next of a particular piece is seen equipment and resources for position in growing the ex- years ago. The project, cost- Lucasz Pawloski, senior year.” once you get the connection their broadcasting should posure of our brand and Ca- ing $7 million each year, was engineer for the Cycling In- Pawlowski also says this to the remainder of the net- prove exciting for all fans in nadian athletics as a whole,” to be completed by 2011 but frastructure and Program year’s city strike came at the work.” upcoming season,” Neathery Neathery said. PAGE 8 - The East Toronto Observer, October 9, 2009 ARTS

Turning

junk into Monica valencia The Observer

What do people do with their stored junk? Throw it away, donate it to a thrift store or organize a garage sale? Why not create an art exhibit? Artist Liz Magor decided to make something extraordinary out of the ordinary and she’s sharing it with Scarborough residents. Magor’s art- work is being displayed at the Doris McCarthy Gallery until Oct. 25. The exhibit includes candy, cigarettes, jackets, logs, liquor bottles, rats and deer heads that were cast in polymers. “To me, [Magor’s art] is a bit shocking and innovative because this is not traditional art,” says Bryan Nguyen, a fan of Magor’s work. “It’s im- pressive and abstract. But for artwork like this, everyone’s going to have their own opinion on what’s going on.” LizA Magor is on a missionRT to complicate the definition of Her drive to explore everyday objects comes from the simple ques- tion “what’s behind what I see?” says Magor. “We’re constantly judg- ing based on appearances because we don’t have time to analyze, but art beauty. Objects typically found in the garbage now forces us to slow down and think about what we see.” Polymerized raccoon and deer heads may be gruesome to most but reside in a gallery as items in her disorienting exhibit Magor attempts to make these objects aesthetically pleasing to the eye.

Clockwise from top: Dresser is displayed under soft light Photos by to resemble an item in a high-end boutique; Liz Magor displays Bedside; the One-Bedroom Apartment and the MOnica valencia Raccoon.