ISLINGTON TIMES

Volume 03 • Issue 02 • Summer 2015 Edition HAPPY CANADA DAY!

IN THIS ISSUE

Dog or Cat 02 Gems 04 ’s History 05 HOT Eats 06 For the Love of Pets 07 Community Corner 08 Islington Ratepayers 09 Summer Renaissance 10 Agriculture Educated 13 Summer Safety 14

Gary and Gael Hepworth of Premier Homecare Services with Gemma

Dogs – ’s Best Friend? By Linda Plater www.villageofislington.com

It is great to get outdoors and enjoy our public spaces designed for everyone. These days it seems that an increasing number of Toronto dog owners are walking on neighbourhood streets, sidewalks, running in parks and looking for off-leash sites to exercise their pets. So many of my pet-loving friends swear that they would never walk unless they had a dog to take them! Increasing numbers of condo developments with little green space rely on public spaces for their pet-friendly activities.

Last June CTV news reported that Toronto city planners hope to introduce new bylaws that would make amenities for pets mandatory in condo developments as there are more than 200,000 dogs in Toronto – a number that city planners expect to grow. “It is creating all kinds of planning challenges,” said Jennifer Keesmaat, Chief Planner for the City of Toronto.

Tridel, after years of managing the condo lifestyle, suggests that the best way to get harmony surrounding pets is to ensure that pet and non-pet owners alike learn what to expect from each other and what responsibilities they have in a shared space (e.g. like an elevator or lobby). To help set expectations, they provide a guide Petiquette: Condo Pets & You A Guide to Living & Enjoying the Condominium Lifestyle.

Tridel Corporation’s Vice President of Customer Care, Danielle Feidler, reports that Islington Terrace, located at Cordova and Mabelle Avenues will have 430 units. “We never know how many or what type of pets our communities will have, Name That Mural but with Petiquette and the info in the condo rules, we are very successful at helping our residents with their wonderfully The first person to email diverse lifestyles, live together.” says Feidler. Depending on the community, the developer puts in pet amenities such [email protected] with the as pet convenience stations and on off-leash parks in the neighbourhoods, recommends dog walkers, vets and more. correct name and address of “Tridel understands that pet lovers enjoy condo living and that is why we make every effort to accommodate people and the mural above will win a their pets in a respectful environment while making sure non-pet owners can also be confident that their needs will be $25 Gift Certificate from I Love Sushi. respected too,” says Feidler. continued on page 04

SEE ARTICLE ON PAGE 10 Are you a dog or cat person?

The debate over which animal makes a better pet, a cat or a dog, Village of Islington Times will never be justified. It seems that people are either cat people Community Newspaper or dog people with a few animal lovers who would not chose one Volume 03 | Issue 02 over the other. Quarterly Publication ~ Circulation 17,000 Delivered by Canada Post Dog owners feel they achieve far more positive feedback from their pets. Dogs love to be around humans. They follow you around, sit on For advertising information, the couch and sleep with you at night. Dogs provide security. please contact Toby Gardiner at A dog helps keep you active with daily exercise. [email protected] www.rjentpub.com Cat owners have their own set to positive reasons. Cats are independent. They can be left alone, do not require extensive exercise and do not need outdoor time for bathroom breaks. Village of Islington BIA P.O. Box 234, Station D, Dundas St West, Whichever pet you chose, the return of love and admiration is priceless. A pet can make someone feel loved at a Etobicoke, ON M9A 4X2 www.villageofislington.com lonely time, laugh at a time of sadness and they can even help relieve stress and lower blood pressure.

Contact: Always remember to be a responsible pet owner. Never leave them in a car during the summer. Clean up after Linda Plater your pets and have your pets looked after regularly by a vet. E-Mail: [email protected] BIA Mobile Line: (647) 703-4802 Have a safe and happy summer.

@VillageofIsling villageofislington

Editorial Contributors: Toby Gardiner | Publisher Linda Plater [email protected]

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2 Home care you can feel good about

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3 Bernard Trottier & Peter Milczyn Dogs Host the Annual Gems of Etobicoke– continued from front cover Lakeshore Awards Ceremony

At the May 2nd Jane’s Walk A Wonderful Evening Recognizing Local Business Excellence of the Six Points site, MPP Bernard Trottier, Member of Parliament for Etobicoke–Lakeshore and Peter Milczyn, the former Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs along with Peter Ward 5 Councillor, pointed Milczyn MPP for Etobicoke-Lakeshore and Parliamentary Assistant to out that hydro corridors the Minister of Economic Development, Employment and Infrastructure and “dead space” in the area were honoured to host the annual Gems of Etobicoke-Lakeshore award are perfectly suited for “off ceremony. leash” dog runs. In 2009, the City amended the complex The Gems honours outstanding businesses and community organizations from 2007 people, dogs and parks various categories across the riding. strategy with guidelines for off leash parks but in many Nominations were open for two months and the general public was invited areas of the city conflicts to nominate organizations they felt deserved to be recognized for their between dog owners outstanding service. All nominations were then reviewed and voted upon by needing space and people an independent judging panel which consisted of members from the various wanting dog free areas are Rachel Terpstra with dogs Business Improvement Areas along with other community leaders. Two winners, Shamus and Bridgette ongoing. a north and south winner, were awarded per category.

Not all people are willing or able to properly care for a dog in the city, and “Etobicoke–Lakeshore is home to some of the finest small and medium sized some folks just don’t like dogs. Disgusted with people who don’t poop and businesses in Canada”, stated MP Trottier. “The service excellence that is scoop, swerved off city multi-use trails to avoid dogs, growled and howled at, extended by these fine businesses help to make our community the best part many Torontonians are not dog drawn to these four-legged friends. Pet waste of Toronto. I urge residents to get out there and support our local business and accounts for approximately one third of all litter collected in Toronto Parks and experience first-hand why these truly are Gems”. everyone pays for its disposal. “The Gems of Etobicoke-Lakeshore offer me a wonderful opportunity each Peaceful co-existence between dog lovers and people without dogs’ means year to acknowledge outstanding businesses and organizations in my riding striking a common ground of respect and public education about pet rights and encourage residents to shop locally”, stated MPP Milczyn. “These unique and people responsibilities in the city. Allocating adequate public space for small businesses and groups in our neighbourhoods provide incredible service pets while respecting those who do not want a dog to disturb their leisure time and deserve to be recognized. It is notable that all of the exemplary nominees in our shared outdoors poses challenges for many city departments. share a sense of community spirit, demonstrated through volunteerism and involvement in local events and initiatives. The Gems were created to celebrate Toronto Animal Services (TAS) is the department tasked with managing all those who work to make Etobicoke-Lakeshore an even more vibrant place to sorts of wildlife issues: establishing laws and licensing which promote safe and live, work and play”. enjoyable communities for both people and pets. With pet-owning privileges come responsibilities. For people who love to take their dogs outside here are The awards ceremony, attended by well over 200 people, is an excellent some helpful tips. opportunity for various businesses from across Etobicoke-Lakeshore to come together and celebrate their collective service to the community. Tips on Pets in Public Spaces • It is up to the pet owner to control their pet at all times and to train and socialize The winners of the various categories were as follows: them. Best Retail, North: Beaulieu Vision Care South: Lakeshore Valu-Mart • Dogs need to be walked often and on a leash, no longer than two metres. Best Food Service, North: The Pie Commission South: Billiards • It is against the law to let dogs run loose except in one of the city’s off-leash Best Community Service, North: Islington Seniors Centre South: Storefront Humber parks. Best Restaurant, North: Posticino Ristorante South: Thrive Organic Kitchen and Café (Excluded from off-leash areas are female dogs in heat, dogs that must be Best Culture & Recreation, North: Westmount Gallery South: Mimico Children’s Choir muzzled or leashed under order from Toronto Animal Services, unlicensed Best Service Business, North: Stonegate Denture Clinic South: Kickstart Taekwondo dogs.) Best New Business, North: Stoney’s Bread Company South: Citrus Medical Centre • Owners of dogs nervous or uncomfortable around people or other animals To view the full list of nominees and winners please visit www.bernardtrottiermp.ca should take precautions. • Respect people who fear or dislike dogs • Pick up after your pet. • Microchip your pet. (The City offers a Chip Truck for pet licences and microchips $25 for cats and $35 for dogs). Toronto Animal Bylaws • License your dog or cat. The Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349, requires that all dogs and cats owned in the City of Toronto must be licensed and wearing a tag. By licensing your dog or cat, Animal Services will make every effort to reunite you with your pet if it gets lost. • The maximum numbers of pets that you can own is six cats and three dogs. • Pick up after your pet on private and public property. • Your dog must be kept on a leash no more than two metres long. You must be holding onto the leash - leashing your dog to a pole or bike rack is not allowed. • On private property, you cannot use a rope or chain less than three metres long. • The owner of a dog is liable for a bite on another person or animal. If your dog is continuously barking or whining and disturbing your neighbours, you can be fined under the Noise Bylaw. http://www1.toronto.ca/animal services

Whether you like dogs or not, they are here to stay and pet-lovers will continue to be devoted to their “best friend”! And every year brave dogs are inducted into the Purina Animal Hall of Fame in recognition of their acts of bravery, many for saving humans or warding off criminals. Islington Seniors Centre – GEMS winner of Best Community Service 4 Etobicoke’s History Spring Mural Contest Winner By Terry Reardon Anne Kong

Our story starts with an extraordinary explorer - Étienne Brûlé, a protégé Anne has been teaching at Islington Junior Middle School since 1995 and of Samuel de Champlain, the founder of New France (later Canada), who in feels very much a part of the Islington community. the early 1600’s lived with the Algonquin Indians for eight years, learning their language and customs. She takes her classes to tour the Murals of Islington Village, so understandably is familiar with the murals. This photo in front of the Prodigy mural is meaningful His explorations on behalf of Champlain and France included his being the first to Anne as she also studied piano at the Conservatory where her teachers came white man to discover Lake and probably the first to set foot in our area from the same tradition as the late great pianist, Glenn Gould. then included in the “Indian Hunting Grounds.” His achievements have been recognized by a park and a junior school in Etobicoke being named after him. Ms. Kong has participated in many events in the community. Some of her favourite memories include: collaborative projects with the Montgomery’s With the victory of James Wolfe at Quebec City in 1759, France lost its ownership Inn, the Pigeon Creek Pageant with Mabelle Arts and Jumblies residency to position in the New World, and Britain set about colonizing Upper Canada, which celebrate the 175th Anniversary of Islington Junior Middle School in 2007-2008. was the territory west of the Ottawa River. Negotiations with the Mississauga Indians for the Toronto Purchase (from the Scarborough Bluffs to the Etobicoke She appreciates the BIA’s on-going effort in preserving the area’s rich history, River/Creek) in 1788 were acrimonious, especially concerning an area from the while celebrating its diversity and welcoming many changes on the horizon. Etobicoke Creek to the Humber River, but this was eventually concluded with the Mississauga Nation receiving 10 shillings in “good and lawful money” for the land.

In 1791 the British Parliament passed the Constitutional Act, and a British Officer, John Graves Simcoe, who had fought against the Americans in the American Revolutionary War, was appointed the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada. Simcoe was a high minded individual and immediately set out his intentions on racial discrimination – “The Principals of the British Constitution do not admit of that slavery which Christianity condemns. The moment I assume the Government of Upper Canada under no modification will I assent to a law that discriminates by dishonest policy between the natives of Africa, America or Europe.” This was a remarkable declaration at that time, noting that it was enacted 42 years before the British Parliament abolished slavery in the Empire in 1833, and 70 years before the American Civil War was fought on that very matter. Simcoe proclaimed York (now Toronto) as the Capital of Upper Canada in 1793. Two years later he turned to re-naming an Ojibway expression “Wah- do-be-kaug” which translates as “Where the Black Alders Grow” to one easier for the British tongue, “Etobicoke.”

To be continued in coming issues: the War of 1812, Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837 and more. Thirsty Thursdays Montgomery’s Inn 7 - 10:00 p.m.

Last Thursday of the month June 25: Ceilidh

Pay what you can, Cash bar, Looks like Thursday $5.00 for a bowl of stew. is the new Friday!

Live Music!

4709 Dundas Street West 416-394-8113 montgomerysinn.com 5 Local Resident Reflects on Community Hot Eats – Savour the Flavour! and a Dear Friend’s Passing By Anna Leandro

What goes best with great arts and culture? Amazing food! As part of its We’re fortunate to live in The Village of Islington, Cultural Hotspot initiative, the City of Toronto is launching HOT Eats, a with its history and beautifully painted murals program that highlights local Etobicoke restaurants and cafés. HOT Eats - many of which tales of when the area was will spread the word about the wonderful and varied dining choices in open and unsettled with stories of people long Etobicoke, encouraging people to experience local arts and culture and gone. We live on Dundas Street West on nature’s enjoy a great meal. doorstep, near a quiet creek and stunning golf course where we meet many people every day. Do you own or manage a restaurant or café in south Fortunate to be working from home and managing the building where we live, and central Etobicoke? If we’ve come to know many of the shop owners and local residents. It’s the local so, you are invited to be crossing guard who helped our son Julian cross Dundas Street as he grew up part of HOT Eats. Sign up to cultural hotspot and who we’ve watched grow older over the years; it’s the local people sitting have your restaurant, café or on the benches, waiting for a friendly person to stop and chat. These personal bakery featured in the Hot Eats online directory, interactive map and Cultural connections make the area special to us and we value Islington and its people. Hotspot promotions, celebrating local culture, heritage, creativity, business and community. Your business will be included in the Cultural Loops Guide, to be That’s why it was a very sad day for us in April when we discovered at the coffee published this fall featuring self-guided tours in Etobicoke neighbourhoods. shop across the way that one of our neighbours suddenly left us. I remember To apply, fill out an application by July 10 and donate one $25 gift certificate Roy Buna was always sitting in front of his sister Pina’s family owned restaurant, to be awarded through an Etobicoke Guardian contest. Visit www.toronto.ca/ Espresso Bakery, a staple in the neighborhood. He’d be strumming his guitar and culturalhotspot/eats to learn more. singing for a group of locals that would often stroll by and have a cappuccino with him on the outside benches, directly in front of the restaurant. There you’d Do you love to dine out in your neighbourhood? This is a fantastic way to often find him helping out when it was busy. Friend to muralist John Kuna, Roy discover the amazing eateries in Etobicoke and enter a draw to win a gift also helped with scaffolding for the first murals The Way We Were I and II on certificate to a participating restaurant. Stay tuned for more information about either side of the Espresso parking lot and with stucco for the Gordons Dairy HOT Eats – the program launches on July 30, with an interactive map and listing mural on the Islington Seniors Centre. of restaurants at www.toronto.ca/culturalhotspot/eats. The Etobicoke Guardian will be running a series of giveaways so that you have a chance to enter and win I’d run into Roy on the sidewalk, and even when he wasn’t on the same side of a $25 gift certificate to a local restaurant! the street he’d make a point of waving, smiling and shouting out Hello! Seems like I just saw him at the Goodwill, said hello.... but I didn’t have the chance to The Cultural Hotspot initiative shines a spotlight on arts, culture and community say goodbye.... in south and central Etobicoke from May through October 2015 with special events, festivals and happenings. For event information, visit www.toronto.ca/ Rest in Peace Roy. Thank you for adding so much to the Village and for fostering culturalhotspot community in every sense of the word. You will be missed.

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6 Canada Day For the Love of Pets: Health Matters By Bernard Trottier, MP Etobicoke-Lakeshore By Dr. Janet McKenzie

Canada Day is a celebration of all that is great about our country – it allows Many people live with pets and think of them as members of the family. us to connect with our past, celebrate who we are, honour our exceptional While pets have their own health concerns, best addressed by veterinarians, achievements, and build a legacy for tomorrow. Our Conservative they also influence human health, for better and for worse. The benefits of Government is proud to celebrate Canada’s rich history, diverse natural living with pets include: and cultural heritage, strong values and many accomplishments. • Stress reduction – interaction with pets lowers the stress hormone, cortisol. Canada’s history is filled with notable figures whose legacy has enriched • Lower blood pressure – one study found that, whether they were relaxed or the Canadian and global community. For instance, Alexander Graham Bell’s undergoing stress testing, people with pets had lower blood pressure than those who did not. invention of the telephone changed the way the world communicates forever. • Pets protect your heart – a study of cat ownership found that those who had Harriet Tubman’s courage and determination helped hundreds of slaves escape never owned a cat were 40% more likely to die of a heart attack than those to freedom in Canada along the Underground Railroad. Nellie McClung’s who had owned a cat. The companionship of a dog offers similar benefits; dog leadership paved the way for equality for women in Canada. Terry Fox’s inspiring owners have better survival rates one year after a heart attack. cross-Canada run continues to raise money and awareness for cancer research. • Protection from stroke – it’s not clear why, but research shows cat owners have Canada’s men and women in uniform have courageously fought tyranny and fewer strokes. evil around the world throughout our history. And, every day, hard-working and • Mood enhancement – the companionship of a pet can raise levels of serotonin, generous Canadians from coast to coast to coast contribute to the Canadian the brain chemical that is involved in mood regulation. experience. Pets and other animals have also been employed therapeutically for people The Fathers of Confederation founded our great country with a vision for a with conditions such as depression, autism, epilepsy, diabetes, stroke recovery, united and prosperous Canada, and 148 years later Canada stands on the world Parkinson’s disease, and as service animals for people with vision and hearing deficits. stage as a nation strong and free. As much as we love them, interacting with pets can increase your risk for And, our Conservative Government is committed to building a stronger and bites, scratches, and some infections. Common pet-acquired infections more prosperous Canada for years to come. That’s why we are helping create include gastroenteritis from salmonella, Campylobacter jejuni, giardia, and jobs and opportunities for all Canadians, while keeping taxes low and balancing cryptosporidium; skin infections from Bartonella henselae, and ringworm; and the budget. We are helping make our streets and communities safer. We are systemic infections such as rabies, toxoplasmosis, hantavirus and roundworms. making historic infrastructure investments across the GTA. We are conserving Some things that don’t generally spread directly from companion animals: Lyme Canada’s rich natural beauty. And, we are protecting and promoting Canadian disease, colds, flu, pinworms and systemic fungal infections. values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law in Canada and abroad. Protect Yourself, Protect Your Pet This Canada Day we celebrate our beautiful community of Etobicoke-Lakeshore These simple tactics will help prevent the spread of disease from your pet to together with our business owners, families, teachers, seniors, young people, other members of the family: • Keep your pet healthy by making sure he/she sees the vet regularly and has all non-profit leaders, and the many other exemplary Canadians that call our necessary vaccinations. community home. We celebrate the dynamic public spaces across this great • Supervise your pet’s contact with other animals that might carry disease. community that unite and connect us – our beautiful parks, our stunning • Make sure all family members habitually wash their hands after handling or Waterfront trail and our robust arts, cultural and community centres. We also playing with pets. celebrate the many moments and memories that have been created over the • Be sure to wash your hands after cleaning litter boxes, cages, or disposing of past year. From Mimico to Long Branch, we as residents of Etobicoke-Lakeshore pet waste. have much to be proud of. • Clean scratches immediately with warm, soapy water. Additional treatment is rarely needed. While we honour Canada’s past and present, we have a lot to look forward to. • Contact your doctor if you have been bitten, especially if there was no obvious This month, Toronto will welcome thousands of top athletes from across the reason for the bite. Cat bites may require antibiotic treatment; dog bites are less Americas for the 2015 Pan Am and Parapan American Games. Our Government likely to need antibiotics. Unprovoked biting may be a sign of rabies and should is proud to be a major funding party to the Games. We have invested up to always be investigated. $500 million for construction and refurbishment of sport infrastructure, the Pets do their part to improve our health just by being our companions. Return 2015 Sport Legacy funds, and will be providing essential federal services such the favour by making sure all their interactions with you are healthy ones. as border security and accreditation support. Dr. Janet McKenzie, MBA, ND is the Clinic Director of Summit Natural Health With Canada’s rich history, tremendous natural and cultural heritage, strong Centre, where she helps people to feel their best with customized natural values and sense of purpose, and robust and growing economy, we truly have treatments. so much to celebrate this Canada Day. On July 1st, let’s celebrate Canada – the best country in the world. Summit Natural Health Centre 5133 Dundas Street West, Etobicoke, ON M9A 1C1 Happy Canada Day! Telephone: 416-236-7642, Email: [email protected] www.summitnaturalhealth.ca

7 COMMUNITY CORNER

Daytrippers enjoy a self-guided mural tour Merchant Mingle 2015 We had a great time viewing the murals and Thank you Roger and staff of I Love Sushi for hosting the 2015 merchant mingle. finding out about the local history behind each The sushi making demonstration was interesting, the food was delicious, and one. With the help of the mural map from your the social media talk was engaging and fun. An appreciative group of members website we found our way around and managed networked and enjoyed your hospitality. to see all of the murals. Our Facebook friends are very interested in the pictures we posted! We stopped about 1:00 p.m. for a wonderful lunch at St. James’s Gate Irish Pub patio. The staff and the food were very good. Thank you for all of the great info prior to our visit! Peggy, Oshawa

Jane’s Walk 2015 a huge success It was a fantastic weekend to explore local neighbourhoods and the participation in local Jane’s Walks on May 1-3 proved that the international event is growing in popularity. In and around the business improvement area over 200 people participated in local walks. MPP Peter Milczyn led a group of over 60 people on the Farewell Spaghetti Junction Tour. Denise Harris PanAm Torch Celebration of the Etobicoke Historical Society took two tours along Join in the Torch Relay Celebration at Montgomery’s Inn Mimico Creek. Valerie Gibson and Ron Quin led mural tours. Leah Houston of Jul 7th 2015 at 2:30 to 3:30PM. Montgomery’s Inn - 4709 Dundas St W, Etobicoke. Mabelle Arts championed a park walk and cleanup with a great turn out too. It is wonderful to see so many people out connecting with others and enjoying New BIA Mural Walls Needed our public spaces for everyone! Business and Property Owners Do you know of a possible site for a new mural? We are actively searching for viable walls for new murals. If your building (with the permission of its owner) is a possible site for a new mural, please get in touch with Linda Plater, BIA Coordinator to find out more at 647-703-4802.

Cultural Hotspot upcoming event MABELLEarts hits the road, bringing their brand of art making, story-sharing and public space transformation to neighbourhoods across Etobicoke. With a trusty mobile MABELLE 1974 Sprite camper trailer, MABELLE artists and youth will be collecting and sharing the stories and imagery of diverse residents of all ages and backgrounds, focused on migration, arrival and belonging. As the project develops, the trailer will transform as it is imprinted with stories, images and objects created by participants met along the way. Workshop July 23, 1 – 3 p.m. at Bell Manor Park, Park Lawn and Berry Road About MABELLEarts Doors Open Toronto MABELLEarts is driven by its love of people and fascination with neglected May 23-24, 2015 marked the fourth year that the and forgotten places. They make art and build environments that foster Village of Islington BIA has sponsored mural trolley community regeneration and invention. MABELLEarts cultivates long-¬term tours for Doors Open Toronto. Over 400 visitors came relationships that reveal the transformative possibilities within each unique site, to enjoy ten trolley tours and two walking tours of neighbourhood and community. They celebrate cultural traditions, differences the village. Some were return visitors and many said and points of connection that help spark collaboration as a creative force for they would be back with their friends and family. change. MABELLEarts reframes existing social and environmental conditions to Toronto’s Village of Murals thanks all volunteers and make space for new ways of being together. mabellearts.ca business owners for supporting the ever-popular For more information please see culturalhotspot.ca ArtWalk and trolley tours. HUMBER RIVER SHAKESPEARE COMPANY Islington Health and Wellness Event 2015 presents their 8th Annual Summer Shakespeare Tour On April 16th the Village of Islington Business Improvement Area (BIA) hosted Falstaff and the Merry Wives of Windsor its fourth annual Health and Wellness Event sponsored by the Islington Golf Hide the women AND the money – Falstaff is in town. Shakespeare’s rowdy and Club and CARP. Over 200 people participated in the free community event hilarious comedy of love, marriage and trickery. which included 35 exhibitors. The local business association (BIA) co-ordinates Humber River Shakespeare returns again this summer, with one of Shakespeare’s this event to give back to the community and share information about health earliest and well-loved comedies. promotion and illness prevention. A special thank you goes out to BIA Vice- Hard up for cash, the unscrupulous Falstaff hatches up a crazy plan that can’t chair, Gary Hepworth and to Jennifer and her team at the Islington Golf Club for possibly backfire – to cuckold Windsor’s wealthy husbands and get his greedy their help at the event. paws on their money. However, the merry wives devise a scheme of their own to teach him a well- deserved lesson in Wooing 101. Even with an ego as big as his voracious appetite, Falstaff’s silver tongue cannot prevent the payback to come. Set in the hip and “Far Out” world of the 1960s, and featuring puppets, music and some audience participation, this hilariously magnificent treat of artful deceit is not to be missed. Admission is by donation. Suggested donation is $20 July 25 & 26 - Montgomery’s Inn, Etobicoke, July 30 - Etienne Brulé Park, Etobicoke, July 31 - Montgomery’s Inn, Etobicoke, August 1 & 2 - Montgomery’s Inn, Etobicoke. Health Fair 2015 - Aileen, Jennifer and Janet Patron information line: 416-209-2026 Website: HumberRiverShakespeare.ca 8 News from your Islington Ratepayers & Residents Association Meet Your New Councillor October 15th

Let’s Keep Toronto Clean Many thanks to the hundreds of residents of our community who have On April 18th, 2015 an enthusiastic team of volunteers pitched in to keep our become members, supporters and active participants in the Islington BIA litter free. Thank you everyone and great to see Councillor DiCiano helping Ratepayers & Residents Association (IRRA). out too! The primary mission of IRRA is connect the community, keeping residents The BIA works hard to keep the area attractive by planting flowers, hanging informed of issues at the municipal, provincial and federal level that have local impact. Our volunteer non-profit organization has been both a watchdog and banners, maintaining lighting and painting murals. Please do your part by champion of local matters since its inception in 1971, promoting and protecting calling #311 to report litter problems to the City. the interests, rights and responsibilities of its community members.

Currently, the top issues on the IRRA’s agenda are community safety/ Litter Prevention neighbourhood watch • major development proposals including Six Points To prevent litter, the easiest, greenest, single action one can ever take is to project, Humbertown, and Cordova condos • residential variance applications not litter. From car windows, on streets, sidewalks, storefront window ledges and approval procedures. On these matters, we are working to stay involved - and parking lots, in parks, trees, waterways – litter is prolific and 55 per cent of and to share news about - city planning consultations, Committee of Adjustment littering is deliberate. hearings, local crime and policing, plus the mounting of our own community meetings. Litter is like a magnet. Its presence attracts more. Very quickly an impression of neglect and lack of caring is formed and research confirms that litter drags On October 15, 2015, your IRRA will convene a COMMUNITY MEETING featuring down property values and tourism rates. the new councillors for wards 3, 4 and 5 as guest speakers. Focused on the theme of DEVELOPMENT, Councillors Stephen Holyday, John Campbell and

Justin Di Ciano will address major development projects in our area including No one should litter. People who show disrespect for the public realm are Six Points/Westwood and Humbertown lands, as well as overall development showing anti-social behaviours. Whether you are the smoker who is flicking your management issues including city planning, Committee of Adjustment and the butts all over or the java junkie leaving coffee cups everywhere and anywhere, Ontario Municipal Board. Brief presentations/updates from the councillors will the chewing gum-spitter or the tosser of fast food wrappers and remains, you be followed by a community Q & A. need to understand that your disrespectful acts are littering and it negatively impacts the enjoyment of shared outdoor spaces meant for everyone. JOIN US! For a modest annual fee of $5 per household, IRRA will keep you in the loop about our immediate issues, and about all matters of local relevance as they Do your part to help reduce litter arise. Email, website and facebook are our primary means of communicating, 1) Try not to litter. Walk to the closest bin to dispose of waste or take it home. plus our annual printed newsletter delivered to every residence in our catchment 2) From business entrance to street, keep your property free of litter. area. New members, and new volunteers, are always welcome! 3) When you see someone litter, ask the person to stop. MEET YOUR NEW COUNCILLOR! Community Meeting with Stephen Holyday, John Campbell, Thursday, October 15, 2015, 7:00 pm Stewart East Hall, Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Road (location tentative)

We are pleased to foster community engagement, and we look forward to a great turnout on October 15th to “MEET YOUR NEW COUNCILLOR”.

Carolyn McGee, President, Islington Ratepayers & Residents Association Website: irra.ca Facebook: IRRA - Islington Ratepayers and Residents Association Inquiries: 416-233-7468

9 Brick Oven Pizza is the New Standard How about a summer renaissance? for Gourmet Pizza in Toronto By Ed Lettner By Napolitan Pizzeria

Summer is here and it could be just the right time for you to become a And it’s only available at Napolitan Pizzeria. Wood oven pizza is passe and polymath. cannot compare to brick oven.

No, it’s not a new a new form of math. Polymath means “having learned much”. Remember when your parents first took you out for gourmet pizza in a fancy More commonly known by the term Renaissance man/woman, it refers to restaurant? You were all excited because you heard so much about how great someone who possesses skills and knowledge encompassing a wide range of wood burning ovens were and you were looking forward to a nice bottle of red fields of endeavour including the arts, sciences and athletics. Italian wine. It was strange to see your parents using a knife and fork to eat their pizza but you quickly realized it was a sign of sophistication, so you followed This approach to living one’s life was born in Italy during the Renaissance period along. Once you got to the middle of the pizza you realized the real reason they (c. 1450 - 1600) and is perhaps best summarized by the words of Leon Battista were using a knife and fork. The pizza was so soggy and uncooked that they Alberti who was a great Renaissance man of the day. He wrote that, “A man can couldn’t pick it up with their hands anyway. do all things if he will.” This quote reflected the new way of thinking that took hold during the Renaissance. People believed that they could take control of You thought, this is gourmet pizza? Napolitan Brick Oven Pizza has a treat for their lives and make changes to improve their situation by developing their you, gourmet pizza you can eat with your hands. Brick oven pizza is the new abilities to the fullest. standard for gourmet pizza in Italy and now in Toronto thanks to Napolitan’s authentic brick ovens made in Italy.

Brick ovens reach much higher temperatures than wood burning ovens and have more consistent heat so our pizzas are crispy on the bottom and cooked evenly.

It’s time to return the favour to your parents and introduce them to the new gourmet pizza in Toronto. Pick up one of our signature Italian brick oven pizzas and take it to them and forget about the utensils!

Napolitan Pizzeria is open Tuesday to Fridays 11 am – 10 pm and Saturdays from 4-10 pm. Closed Sunday and Monday for Family Days. Please call ahead and let us know what time you would like to pick up your pizza. We’ll have it hot and ready.

If you wanted to become a polymath during the Renaissance, you may have Napolitan Pizza is located at 5245 Dundas Street West. Call 416-239-2111 or visit read Baldassare Castiglione’s self-help book on the subject entitled, The Book www.napolitanpizza.com. of the Courtier. This guide listed the character traits that one should possess, as well as the skills and knowledge one needed to acquire, to become a polymath. These traits included having a detached, easy-going personality and the ability to perform tasks without showy or boastful behaviour. This was in addition to being able to speak well, sing, play an instrument, recite poetry, paint and draw. In addition, one should be well-read and proficient in athletics. Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo were two famous polymaths who epitomized these ideals.

So with summer upon us and nature in full bloom, perhaps we should take a cue from the world around us and strive to become modern day polymaths. Let your interests’ blossom and your talents bloom as you spring forth and reach for the moon. It may not be Shakespeare, but it’s a start.

Ed Lettner owns The Music Studio in Etobicoke which has offered music instruction since 1990. He is an honours graduate of the Humber College Institute of Technology music program. Ed hopes that one day he can check off most of the requirements for being a polymath. For information about summer lessons and camps at The Music Studio, please call 416-234-9268, email: ed@ themusicstudio.ca or visit www.themusicstudio.ca , MPP Etobicoke Centre

Wishing you and your family a Happy Canada Day!

Constituency Office 4800 Dundas St. W., Suite 106 Toronto, Ontario M9A 1B1 [email protected] 416-234-2800 | yvanbaker.onmpp.ca www.facebook.com/yvanbaker

10 11 Ontario Increasing Protections for Condo Owners Province Proposing Changes to Support Stronger Condo Communities Submitted by Peter Milcyzn, MPP Etobicoke-Lakeshore

Ontario is introducing new legislation to increase protections for condominium owners, improve how condo corporations are run, and ensure that condo boards are governed professionally.

As you may already know, Ontario’s condo sector has grown substantially since the Condominium Act was last updated in 2001. To give some perspective, the number of units has boomed from 270,000 units in 2001 to 700,000 today. It is estimated that approximately 1.3 million Ontarians live or work in 10,000 condominium properties today.

Modernizing the Condominium Act, 1998: Protecting Condominium Owners Act, 2015 looks to address the following issues: • buyers misinformation at pre-purchase • surprise increase in condo fees • corporation refuses to provide financial records • costly disputes • unqualified condo managers Transparent board governance: • major financial decision without owners’ consent • Minimum qualifications for condo directors including prescribed disclosures • underfunded reserve fund and an online orientation delivered by the condo authority at no charge; • building in crisis • Standardized forms and timelines to ensure consistency across condo corporations. For the last three years, the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services has listened and reviewed the Condominium Act with Ontarians through an Protecting owners’ investments: extensive public engagement process. In the fall of 2012, the public brought • Strengthening reserve funds and reducing the risk of unexpected and costly issues and ideas to the table through roundtables, public information sessions, special assessments or loads by updating and standardizing requirements for and email and mail submissions. In Spring/Summer 2013, five working groups an adequate reserve fund; and an expert panel reviewed the findings report and the public comments and • Preventing conflicts of interest by implementing sealed-bid processes for the generated a solutions report. Lastly, in fall/winter 2013/14, condo residents and procurement of goods and services; members of the public from across the province reviewed the solutions report • Clarify rules and responsibilities governing how corporations spend money to which lead to the proposed new Condominium Act. make improvements, repairs, and maintenance.

The following is a brief summary of how some of the changes resolve the Clear rules for developers to protect owners during the purchase process: aforementioned issues: • Restrict developers practises that result in surprise cost increases, including prohibiting the sale or leaseback of common assets; • Improve disclosure to purchasers through: mandatory condo guide to buyers, summary of important disclosure materials, and standardized portions of the declaration, by-laws or rules. PLaureleter M Broten,ilczyn, MPPmpp Extending new home warranty coverage to certain condo conversions Etobicoke-LakeshoreEtobicok Professionally licensed condo managers • Mandatory licensing for condo managers and management firms through self- funded, independent licensing authority; • The Association of Condominium Managers of Ontario, Canadian Condo Working with you to Institute and Condo Owners Association have expressed strong support for this approach. ensure a better community A condo authority to provide modern, timely and cost-effective dispute resolution; to live, work and play! • The Condo Authority’s Dispute Resolution Committee will have the ability to make binding decisions; If you need help with • Would offer quick, accessible and less expensive online dispute resolution ; • Would offer free information to reduce unnecessary and costly disputes; provincial matters, • Potential savings to government by reducing the number of disputes clogging the courts; please contact me. • Will have new accountability and transparency measures, such as: public salary disclosure, processes similar to freedom of information requests, and ability for the Auditor General to audit.

The Islington Villages neighbourhood has evolved into one of the most vibrant communities in the city. I have seen this area grow and change over the years. Constituency Office: However, the laws that govern condo living have not changed in a number of 933 The Queensway years.

Etobicoke, ON M8Z 1P3 Our government has brought forward these changes to ensure that condominium residents will have, should the Bill be passed, much stronger T - 416-259-2249 • F - 416-259-3704 protections for their homes. A new accessible and independent dispute [email protected] resolution panel will make it easier to handle disputes, condo management will become even more professional and accountable, and condo purchasers www.petermilczyn.onmpp.ca will also benefit from greater protection. As a condo owner myself, I know how important these changes will be to making condo life more hassle free. 12 It’s Time to Get Agriculture Educated By Gary Hepworth

Food is a very personal choice for people. Here in Canada, we have access “Our youth are the future of this industry,” to a whole range of different foods, produced in various ways, grown both she points out. “We must continue to locally and imported from around the world. foster an interest in agriculture and the production of food. With experience There is, however, a growing lack of understanding about how the food gets comes understanding and AITC Canada from the farm to the store shelves. And this is not surprising, given that so few develops and delivers accurate, balanced people have a direct connection to the farm anymore. and current programs and resources on agriculture.” “Most people don’t know a lot about agriculture,” says Keith Kuhl, the president of the Canadian Horticultural Council and a Manitoba potato farmer. This summer Montgomery’s Inn is one of fourteen sites for the New Canadians-Go “I grew up on a farm in the 1950s. My parents had six children and everyone Greenbelt Project which teaches about had to help out with work on the farm. By the age of seven, I was helping by world crops. The new learning gardens weeding sugar beets. My generation grew up with most people having a direct engage youth in planting and growing connection to the farm,” says Kuhl. ethno-specific produce. Participants will have the opportunity to visit other Kuhl adds that in generations past, most kids had grandparents or aunts and Greenbelt sites just outside the greater uncles who farmed and summer vacations were often spent on the farm, Toronto area. Visitors to Montgomery’s which gave kids a strong understanding of agriculture. He says he recognizes Inn will see the results of the project in that the modern farming practices are much different from the ones he grew the containers located at the front of the up with, but as a farmer today, he feels it is partly his responsibility to clear up building. The Project Manager, Peter Mitchell is excited about the opportunities misinformation and educate the public about how food is grown today. for everyone to learn more about how crops grow and how our new types of One of the major pieces of misinformation that he hears repeated is that farmers vegetables can thrive in Toronto. Mitchell brings his extensive background in use pesticides that are unsafe. Kuhl says the reality is that the pest control agriculture from the University of Guelph and Niagara’s Vineland which adds a products are safer today than they’ve ever been, and are highly regulated by level of expertise right here at home. Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency. For more information about world crops see http://www.greenbelt.ca/tags/ Kuhl also acknowledges that he is fortunate to have two sons in business with world_crops or to find out more about the project at Montgomery’s Inn him, as it allows him to spend most of his time advocating and talking about contact: Catherine Campbell [email protected] (416) 394-6025. Learn more agriculture. He adds that programs such as Agriculture in the Classroom (AITC) about Agriculture in the Classroom at http://www.aitc-canada.ca or visit their are helpful, but more farmers need to get involved in educating the public and interactive website about food in Canada: http://allaboutfood.aitc.ca/. www. talk about their experiences on the farm. newscanada.com

Johanne Ross, the executive director of AITC, says that since agriculture is going Gary Hepworth EPC Managing Director & Cognitive Coach through a time of change and innovation, it’s more important than ever to Premier Homecare Services, Etobicoke • 416-623-8229 educate people – especially youth – about modern day agriculture practices. [email protected] • www.homecareetobicoke.com

Market Days @ Montgomery’s Inn

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honey fruits & vegetablesgarden fresh lIve 4709 Dundas Street West cheese Free parking onsite • 416-394-8113 take-home meals mu Montgomerysinn @MontINNTO maple syrup si

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13 Summer Safety for Children

Now that everything in your garden is planted and growing, you need to • Every year children are treated for cuts to their feet from glass and other sharp pay special attention to those plants that might be toxic to young children. objects—don’t let them go outdoors with bare feet! • Accidents with bicycles and tricycles are very common. Plants are high on the list of accidental poisonings. By keeping plants out of children’s reach and teaching them at an early age not to nibble on any plant, Make sure your children wear helmets and shoes so that their feet are protected lawn mushroom or berry not commonly used as food, you can reduce the from spokes when riding in a “baby seat”. chance of poisoning. • More than 10% of all injuries to children involve playground equipment, In your vegetable garden, here are some plants that are toxic: including private equipment installed in backyards. Falling from heights (e.g. • Tomato (leaves and vine). Can cause headache, abdominal pain, vomiting and slides) on non-protective surfaces is the most common of this type of injury. diarrhea. Don’t let your child use slides, swings or climbing bars on a cement base. • Potato (green tubers, vines, leaves, new sprouts). Eating may cause severe • Children can drown by falling into a swimming pool, off a dock, or riding a vomiting and diarrhea. Do not eat green or spoiled potatoes. tricycle into the pool. Never leave a small child alone on a beach, dock or near • Rhubarb (leaves). Small, sharp crystals may cause intense burning and irritation a pool. of mouth, tongue and lip. Private pools should be fenced in and locked, and your child should be taught What should you do if your child has eaten what you think is a poisonous to swim at the youngest possible age. plant? • Teach your child not to poke into insect nests and use an insect repellent or Call a physician or Poison Control Centre immediately (most communities have give some protection with clothing while on a picnic or out in the country. an emergency number for poison information). You’ll be asked for: • Don’t let your child pet any strange animals. Teach them never to tease an • The name of the plant animal—even a friendly one may bite to protect itself. • How much and what parts were eaten • How long ago it was eaten For more information on summer safety for children, go to: • The age of the individual www.canadasafetycouncil.org • Symptoms observed—dizziness, drowsiness, etc. • Keep one ounce of syrup of ipecac (not fluid extract of ipecac) in your medicine Summer is here. It is time for backyard barbecues, pool parties and long chest, which can be bought at most pharmacies without a prescription. Use it to weekends at the cottage. But play it safe this season. induce vomiting only on the advice of a doctor or poison control centre. • If advised, take the person to the nearest hospital emergency room. Be sure Lola Macanowicz Insurance & Financial Services – The Co-operators has provided to take the plant along for identification. House plants should be labelled with insurance and financial planning advice in Etobicoke since 1985. For more their common names so that in the event of an emergency you can save time. information, please call 416-234-2777 [email protected], Visit us at 5048 Dundas St W., on Facebook at LolaMacanowiczInsuranceFinancialServices Plants in the house and garden are not the only source of danger for your or on Twitter @LolaMacanowicz. children. Here are some other ways children are injured, especially in the summer months.

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Doors Open Toronto