March 4, 2016 Sweet Valley High Aerial Gondola Would Give Riders a Bird’S Eye View of the Don Valley

ww The East York BOUND FOR RIO n Shot putter ready for Olympics OBSERVER Page 5 Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 45, No. 3 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, March 4, 2016 Sweet valley high Aerial gondola would give riders a bird’s eye view of the Don Valley

By COLIN EDWARDS The Observer

A public meeting this coming Tuesday should shed more light on a dramatic proposal to run a private cable car line into the sky between Yvano Antonio /// The Observer Danforth Avenue and the Evergreen Riders on the storm Brick Works site on Bayview Avenue. The March 8 meeting is scheduled East Yorkers Michael and Luka Marrelli (l-r) are ready to conquer Riverdale Hill. The boys and their father, for 7-9 p.m. at Estonian House, 958 Tony Marrelli, took advantage of Wednesday’s wintry conditions to enjoy some family time. Story on page 8. Broadview Ave., just south of Mortim- er Avenue. The aerial gondola idea first came to light about two weeks ago. A private company called Bullwheel International Cable Car Corp. publicly MP leads right-to-die talks announced it, saying it would cost between $20 million and $25 million to By ADAM DARRAH “Medical Assistance in Dying: A Patient Cen- younger person and at the same time, safeguard install — with no public money being The Observer tered Approach,” which included 21 recom- their right if they have intolerable suffering,” involved. mendations for developing legislation pertain- Oliphant said. The idea is for cable cars that would Should terminally ill minors have the right to ing to physician-assisted death in Canada. Oliphant, who co-chaired the committee, says carry residents and tourists over the die? What about those suffering from mental Among the recommendations were those to members of the panel heard from 61 witnesses Don Valley for the picturesque per- illness? allow “competent mature minors” – persons and received over 120 reports. spective — and for a fee that would ul- According to Don Valley West MP Rob Oli- under the age of 18 – and those suffering from In drafting their recommendations, they con- timately turn a profit for the operators. phant and the Special Joint Committee on Phy- incurable mental illness the right to request a sidered input from a variety of faith, patient “Torontonians love to see the fall sician-Assisted Dying, the answer is yes. doctor’s help to die. advocacy and disability-based groups, as well leaves and I think there is no better On Feb. 25, the committee, comprised of “When we look at the issue of age, we have way to see them than an aerial view,” a mix of MPs and senators, tabled its report, to balance the right of ensuring capacity from a n See RIGHT, page 2 said Manissa Patel, a director at Ever- green, which bills itself as a community environmental centre. Patel said Bullwheel first contacted City worker trashes snow-bylaw busters Evergreen about three years ago. “When it first came across my desk, By JORDAN CLARKE here… (there’s been) no shov- it sounded a little crazy and absurd,” and JESSICA McDONALD elling at all,” Mullet said as he Patel said. But she added that she now The Observer made his way down Ferrier thinks the cable car line would be a Avenue, just north of Danforth unique and interesting form of recre- Henry Mullet was doing his between Broadview and Pape ational transportation for the city. job, but he says city residents avenues. “It’s not entirely about bringing were not doing theirs. The Toronto Municipal Code people to Evergreen Brick Works, but “It’s been a good winter so states that homeowners must it’s about exposing people to nature far,” Mullet said, “until last clear their street sidewalks of and some amazing sustainable ways of night.” snow within 12 hours and not getting around in the city,” she said. Mullet was speaking on shovel it into city streets. If Bullwheel says it hopes to reconnect Wednesday, right after the a bylaw officer spots the of- residents and visitors of the city with biggest snowfall this year. fence, the homeowner can re- Toronto’s ravine heritage. According to Environment ceive a fine of up to $360. “The cable car should encourage Canada, the storm dumped “It slows us down,” Mullet locals and visitors to reconnect with 9.4 cm starting Tuesday night. said. one of the largest natural urban areas So Mullet, who is a waste He added that snow accu- in the world,” the company says in a management collector with mulation is the worst weather statement on its website. 27 years’ experience as a city condition to work in. Waste The city councillor for Ward 29/ worker, had more obstacles disposal trucks not only have Toronto-Danforth, Mary Fragedakis, Jordan Clarke /// The Observer than usual on his route through to navigate past snowbanks Waste management collector Henry Mullet works his East East York on Wednesday. and garbage bins, but also n See WANT, page 8 York route after Toronto’s biggest snowstorm of the year. “When you turn up the street parked vehicles. 2 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, March 4, 2016

POLICE & WHAT’S FIRE UP IN E.Y. Arrest made in No guff veggie 1989 cold case gardening tips

The attempted on the agenda murder of a cab- at E.Y. meeting bie in East York has resulted in The Leaside an arrest — more Garden Society than 26 years will hold a regular later. On Oct. meeting this 28, 1989, a taxi coming Thursday, driver was badly March 10, at beaten by two 7:30 p.m. in the men and a wom- Leaside library an whom he had branch at 165 driven to the area Photo courtesy of Jason Ramsay-Brown McRae Dr. The of Dawes Road East York’s Taylor Creek Park is one of the ravines mentioned in author Jason Ramsay-Brown’s guest speaker will and Park Vista book, Toronto’s Ravines and Urban Forests. be Steven Biggs, Drive, adjacent the co-author to the Crescent of the Canadian Town complex bestseller No at East York’s Preserving local ravines Guff Vegetable southeast corner. Gardening. The The cabbie was at the S. Walter Stewart library branch in to explore Toronto’s ravines and forests meeting will also permanently dis- Author says ‘urban wild’ East York. began at a young age, leading to his feature a “Winter abled as a result provides shelter to animals, The urban wild he describes shelters involvement in stewardship activities Mini-Show.” of the attack. creatures and improves health through in the community. From tree-planting, Arrive early for This year, on Feb. improves human health purification, all while providing recre- trail-maintenance and weeding of in- refreshments 13, a tip from the ational activities and economic benefits vasive species, Ramsay-Brown works before the public resulted By ASHLEY BRUZAS for the public. alongside a small group to bring an eco- meeting starts. in a woman be- The Observer “These ravines have captured and pre- logical focus to Toronto’s natural history ing charged with served the stories and relics of human and civic identity. the crime. Dale The ecological history of Toronto often history going back thousands of years,” Archaeological digs excavated along Make your Doherty, 60, of gets lost beneath the towering infrastruc- Ramsay-Brown told the meeting. “In West Highland Creek unearthed more Toronto, will ap- ture that makes up the spectacular skyline. many ways, they are our largest open-air than 19,000 artifacts, dating as far back own mini-jar pear in court at With the help of the Toronto Field Nat- museum.” as 4700 BC. Gates Gully and the Scar- College Park on uralists, the city is working on a 50-year East York is home to Taylor Creek borough Bluffs tell stories of First Na- pendant at March 21. Anyone plan to preserve ravines and forests. Ex- Park, named after the Taylor family who tions and cargo-smuggling in the late the library with more infor- ploring the impact of climate change, a shaped the area through connections with 1830s. European oaks from France’s mation is asked growing population and the function of the brick works and Todmorden Mills. Vimy Ridge are planted near McNicoll The S. Walter to call the police urban cities, the effort highlights the im- “Around 1882, William Taylor was Avenue and Kennedy Road. Stewart library at 416-808-5400 portance of responsible use. digging holes for fence posts when he Due to industrialization, “90 per cent of branch at 170 or Crime Stop- “When most people think about our ra- realized the area was virtually all clay,” wetlands are now gone,” Ramsay-Brown Memorial Park pers anonymously vines, it’s the wilderness that they imag- Ramsay-Brown said. This high-quality said. But he added that by educating the Ave. is hosting at 416-222-TIPS ine; an urban wild,” says Jason Ram- clay established the Don Valley Brick public on wildlife preservation, there’s the Get Inspired (8477). say-Brown. Works that “went on to win ‘Best Bricks’ opportunity to reverse the damage. Workshop on Ramsay-Brown is the author of a book at the Toronto Industrial Fair of 1894.” “From a cultural perspective, we have Friday, March 18 called Toronto’s Ravines and Urban For- Born in East York, Ramsay-Brown to explore the new balance of nature and at 2 p.m. Youths ests. He spoke about it at the East York lives on Queensdale Avenue with his the convenience of modern technolo- aged 11 to 18 Man wounded Historical Society meeting on Wednesday wife and three children. His motivation gies.” can learn how to make a mini-jar in stabbing at pendant. Supplies Thorncliffe Park n PHYSICIAN-ASSISTED DEATH are provided. To register, call 416- A man was ar- 396-3975. rested on Feb. 24 after another man Right-to-die panel tables report was badly wound- If you’re good ed in a stabbing ‘We are ensuring... that medical practitioners,” Dabrusin said. four days earlier The report comes one year after the at the three Rs, at 71 Thorncliffe every Canadian has equal Supreme Court’s decision in the Carter this is the Park Dr. The vic- v. Canada case, which ruled section 14 tim was knifed protection,’ Oliphant says and paragraph 241(b) of the Criminal job for you in an apartment Code unconstitutional, as they infringe at the building Cont’d. from page 1 upon a person’s right to a consensual The East York and was initial- as healthcare professionals, academics, death in instances of intolerable suffer- Learning ly described as and legislative frameworks already in ing. Experience being in critical place in Quebec, the United States and The federal government has until is looking for condition in hos- Europe. June 6, 2016 to draft legislation using volunteers to pital. His status The NDP has expressed its support of the recommendations outlined by the help adults with has since been the report. Conservative MPs, however, committee, and will have to find a way their reading, upgraded. Maver- questioned the committee’s recommen- n ROB OLIPHANT to grapple with these contentious issues writing or math ick Lavina, 26, of dation to extend the right to minors, the going forward. skills. They need Toronto, appeared lack of safeguards in place to protect tive MP Mark Warawa asked. “There wasn’t a day when we were volunteers from in court on the mentally ill persons and the issue of Toronto-Danforth MP Julie Dabrusin, listening to testimony or a moment East York who can day of his arrest, physicians who refuse to administer the however, believes that the report ade- when we were writing the report that give two hours a on four charges. procedure. quately addressed these concerns. the needs of the vulnerable were not week. Training is Police say they “If an individual with a mental illness “At the heart of our work was to set foremost in our minds,” Oliphant said. provided. To get are also seeking does not have the capacity to buy a guidelines that would give access to this “We are ensuring that a system is in involved, call 416- two other men. cell phone contract, how can they be constitutional right, create safeguards place and that every Canadian has equal 425-2666. deemed to have capacity to decide to to protect vulnerable people and respect access, and that every Canadian has ~ Colin Edwards end their life prematurely?” Conserva- the conscientious objection of some equal protection.” ~ Rose Hetherington The East York Observer /// Friday, March 4, 2016 NEWS 3 East Yorkers create a hub for Syrian refugees By MELISHA RATNARAJAH The Observer

It was September. The image of Alan Kurdi, the little Syrian boy whose body washed up on a beach, was making global headlines. The image became a symbol for the millions of Syrians who were making desperate attempts to escape their homeland — and for eight new mothers across East York and the rest of the city’s east end, the image struck a chord. They decided that something had to be done, and after an impromptu post on Facebook, East Toronto Families for Syr- ia (ETF4S) came to life. The eight women didn’t know each other before the formation of ETF4S. It was their desire to help Syrian refugees that led them to each other. “When we saw images of children washing ashore, trying to flee and get to safe a place, it really touched a chord. We were all new mothers,” said Jennifer Scott, one of the eight found- ers of the group. “We made a Facebook group together saying there must being something we can do…. We ended up having a meeting and that’s how the organization was born.” The eight of them decided to gather donations in their homes — until they realized they needed a lot more space. File photo from Fotolia “We initially were looking for storage space, Syrian refugees are warmly welcomed by East Toronto Families for Syria. The group has grown to 800 people. maybe even a locker, but when we were given ‘The Hub,’ we realized that we had a unique items for free. feel like a crucial part of their humanity has been she really enjoys it.” opportunity,” Scott said. “We needed to make it “One of the elements we really enjoy is hav- taken away. To even have the little things now All eight women have found the experience more than just a pickup space.” ing families choose what items they want,” Scott allows them to feel comfortable again. The abil- since September challenging, but worth it. All The Hub is a store at 1803 Danforth Ave., be- said. “The difference between a blue cup and red ity to cook for your family… all of these things eight have children under the age of two and are tween Coxwell and Woodbine avenues. It was cup might not mean something to us, but when I think contribute to an overall feeling of being working full-time jobs, like banking, engineer- donated to ETF4S by Remax Hallmark Realty everything is being given to you, the ability to hopeful.” ing and teaching. Juggling the responsibilities and the Danforth East Community Association. choose amongst things is big. I think it restores The group, which began with only eight of being a mother, working full-time, and now It has functions that go beyond being a thrift dignity to the process for a lot of people.” women, has grown to 800 people, which includes helping to run The Hub have proved to be chal- store. It’s a place where sponsors, donors, and The group encourages the community to drop sponsors, volunteers and refugee families who lenging. refugees can come and connect. off even non-essential items. Things like make- are already giving back to the community. “It’s difficult,” Scott said. “We all feel tired “The kind of thing we want to encourage is up, nail polish and razors may not be necessities “We have some people who have been here but we all have really big hearts. We want to for people to feel like they can come, not only of life, but Scott said they help individuals feel for two months or so. We had one woman who do as much as we possibly can. Mothers often when they need something to help them, but also “human again”: came with her husband and her two children multitask and time-manage. We do what we can a place where people can feel comfortable and “I can’t speak for every family and individ- and she’s been there every weekend for the past to make it work.” safe and ask questions, mingle and just engage ual, but what I can say is, to come from a place three weekends, helping us sort and translate,” And they credit the broader community for and get support,” Scott said. where you once were thriving, to then have your Scott said. “That’s the kind of activity we want the success of The Hub. Often, sponsors will bring their families in so country torn apart and then to go live in a refugee to encourage. Her English in that period of three “Without the community, we wouldn’t exist,” they can choose the items they need. Whether it camp, where items are being rationed… you’re weeks has improved immensely. Her children Scott said. “Yes, the eight of us are facilitating may be food, cooking supplies, clothes, toiletries helpless to a large extent,” she said. “After all of have played with my children and interacted with the space, but we couldn’t do what we’ve done and so on, they’re given the ability to pick up the that, you’d think anyone in those situations would other families. It’s been fantastic to see that and without the community.” A therapeutic experience for the Leaside Garden Society By CARMEN TORTORELLI you realize that you can never know it all. So it’s The Observer a field of study that’s so expansive but easy to get started.” The members of the Leaside Garden Society Rosea Lonsdale is a member of the Leaside who attended the regular February meeting got Garden Society. Lonsdale has an indoor garden confirmation of what many gardeners already that she said is about the size of the table she was suspect: that gardening is therapeutic. sitting at during the meeting. That garden in her Guest speaker Margaret Nevett spoke about the kitchen contains orchids and plants that used to history and usage of horticultural therapy. be in an outdoor garden. Nevett, a registered horticultural therapist, said “This is fantastic,” said Lonsdale, when she that the therapy is based on the connection be- was asked about her thoughts on horticultural tween plants and people. She said that it can be therapy. “To give you an idea: When my kids used to improve physical and mental health. were teenagers, sometimes I would get a bit The history of horticultural therapy goes back stroppy, with telling them what to do. Once my to the late 18th century, with Benjamin Rush. child said to me, ‘Mom, why don’t you go and According to Nevett, Rush noticed that patients talk to your flowers for a while?’ Even at 13, she at mental health institutions made significantly could tell that working in the garden was doing more progress in their recovery when gardening, something for me. I don’t know if I noticed con- compared to those who did not garden. sciously, but I know I wanted to garden and it After the Second World War, horticultural ther- was pleasing.” apy became recognized as its own profession. Lonsdale’s joy from gardening is seeing plants Nevett said that horticultural therapy was even Carmen Tortorelli /// The Observer bloom. used as a rehabilitative program for veterans. Margaret Nevett, guest speaker for the Leaside Garden Society, talked “This is the bloom that will give you fruits, As for her own experience, “my dad was a gar- about the use of horticultural therapy to improve mental health. tomatoes, beans and everything else,” she said. dener in our house, so I think I’ve always been a “First thing I learned was when you plant run- gardener. In my 40s, I finally had a backyard that Master Gardeners. It changed my life.” and with the opportunity to do that, “I think the ner beans, you get gorgeous red flowers and then I could garden in,” Nevett said. But, she added, Master Gardeners is a non-profit organization social aspect of sharing knowledge with the pub- you get beans, double. It covers the wall and it’s “I didn’t know enough. I wish I paid more atten- of volunteer experts in gardening. And how did lic is really cool.” fantastic.” tion when I was a kid. I started taking courses at reaching that level of expertise change Nevett’s She added that an advantage of gardening is Nevett said horticultural therapy courses the University of Guelph and through the horti- life? that it’s simple to take up: should be more widely available. Right now, she culture society, I found out that master gardeners “Even when I worked in television production, “We don’t need to know a lot to get started. noted, there’s only one certificate-level program use the same courses that I was taking. I joined I wanted to make a gardening show,” she said, We’re meant to do it. Once you start studying it, in all of Ontario. 4 FEATURES The East York Observer /// Friday, March 4, 2016 Technician retires after 47 years By JUSTIN VIEIRA The Observer

When audio-visual technician Al Ben- nett first began working at Centennial College’s Warden Woods campus, digi- tal technology didn’t exist and black and white video was just starting to be used in most colleges. Almost half a century later, and technology sure isn’t what it used to be. “Oh, it’s insane if you think about it,” Bennett said, talking about the changes in technology over the years. Now, at the age of 67, Bennett has decided to call it a career after a 47-year tenure with the college. He could have done so 15 years ago, he said, but he enjoyed his job so much that he knew he wasn’t ready to sign off. Sanjeev Wignarajah /// The Observer “I figured I loved what I was doing, so Museum-goers can experience time travel to the Ottoman Empire through a new exhibit at the Aga Khan Muse- I just stayed,” he laughed. um on Wynford Drive. The exhibition of images and artifacts runs Tuesday through Sunday until June 26. ‘I wanted to feel comfortable in my skin and body,’ “They didn’t want to give me the job in the first place because they thought I was overqualified and wouldn’t stay for long. Guess they were wrong on both Istanbul then and now at Aga Khan counts.” Bennett has always believed that his By UMMEMA CHUTANI According to curator Dr. Filiz Cakir Phillip, In a city as multicultural as Toronto, Phillip The Observer job was unlike any other. He cherished the exhibit was created in collaboration with the said he thinks it’s important for the Aga Khan the fact that there private gallery of Turkey’s wealthiest business- Museum to signify Istanbul — because it rep- wasn’t a single day The Aga Khan Museum’s new exhibit, A man, Omer M. Koc. resents Islamic history and culture so intricate- that was the same; ev- City Transformed: Images of Istanbul Then and The mounting of the exhibition has been in ly. ery day was different. Now, promises a time-travelling adventure to negotiations almost since the Aga Khan Muse- “Istanbul is important to us because it is a “It was almost like the heart of the old Ottoman Empire. um opened in 2014. city where the East intertwines with the West,” a dream job for me. The museum of Islamic history at 77 Wyn- One of the exhibits in A City Transformed is Phillip said. n BENNETT That’s why I stayed,” ford Dr. recently acquired rare and historic piec- called Murat Germen. “It is the Muslim gateway to the Western he said. “I was having es that show portraits of Constantinople, which It features the work of a photographer who world.” so much fun. I was learning new stuff was once the capital of the Byzantine Empire. corresponded from Istanbul, where he captured The exhibition runs Tuesday through Sunday and with that job it was great because The images are juxtaposed with ones of 19th the city’s urban transformation into a modern at the museum. It is on display now and until with some jobs, it’s always the same century Istanbul. metropolis. June 26. thing day after day. I couldn’t do that; it would drive me nuts.” For the past six years, Bennett had been working at Centennial’s Carlaw Avenue campus in East York. In his Commuters wish Line 1 a happy birthday early days at the Warden Woods campus, which has since been demolished, he By MELISHA RATNARAJAH newsstand fare from it — along with was the drummer in a band. In fact, one The Observer quirky arts and crafts. of the other technicians he worked with Angelos, who is an actress, was was his bass player. Cold temperatures and a threatening dressed as a “humble newsie” for the “While we were playing in the band sky didn’t stop people from marking occasion, sporting a ‘60s polyester full time, we were also working full last week’s golden anniversary of the orange suit as she educated commut- time,” Bennett said. “I hadn’t planned Bloor-Danforth subway line in a cel- ers with a performance-history lesson on staying that long depending on how ebration at Chester station along East about the Bloor line. the band did.” York’s southern border. As she performed, another member Campus Dean Nate Horowitz and Commuters paused in their afternoon of the newsstand collective, Nelinda Bennett go back a long way. At one rush-hour travels on Feb. 25 to observe Antiga, stood by her side, wearing a point in their careers, the two had some- the 50th birthday of what’s now called white dress that she had decorated with thing in common. They both worked in Line 1. TTC Metropasses she’s collected since the audio-visual department. The Bloor-Danforth subway line 1997. “He’s a great guy. I know he’s very opened on Feb. 25, 1966, and Moe “I wore this during Halloween,” An- proud of the years he’s been here and the Angelos, one of the volunteers who tiga said. “Everybody liked it and they contributions he’s made to the college,” run the so-called artists’ newsstand at said ‘Go to the station today.’ I came Horowitz said. Chester station, decided the anniversa- down today to show off what I got.” Upon retiring, Bennett chose to leave ry had to be celebrated. Angelos and about 20 other volun- quietly without a reception and request- “The Toronto subway system is teers helped organize the party. The ed that donations to be made to the Prin- amazing and I think it is very under-ap- celebration kicked off at four in the cess Margaret Cancer Centre in memory preciated,” Angelos said afternoon. It included music from DJ of his late wife and his brother, who “I know everybody loves to com- Nick, helium balloons for young pass- both died of cancer. plain about the subways but you know, ers-by and cake for everyone. Artist When asked what he’ll miss most they’re sort of like our little compan- Jackie Lee refashioned the newsstand about working at Centennial, Bennett ions that we have to go with every sin- as a piñata for the party, and Dainty only had one answer in mind. gle day. Sometimes they fail us, just Box performed a PG-rated burlesque. “People,” he said without hesitating. like friends, but it is there, it is reliable, As Angelos finished her history les- Andrew Holland /// The Observer “You’re seeing people all day, helping it will get you around this town.” son, she joked about being an amateur Eliza McKenzie, 3, poses with Nelinda Antiga them with what they need and seeing the Her newsstand is a kiosk at Chester subway enthusiast, and repeated that during an event at the Chester TTC station smiles on their faces when you’re done. station that used to be vacant, but that Torontonians should take pride in the celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Bloor- That was the neat part about the job.” was adopted last spring by a collec- TTC and its stations, much like those tive of artists who now sell traditional in New York City, Paris and London. Danforth subway line. The East York Observer /// Friday, March 4, 2016 NEWS 5 Program designed to heal hospital’s own they’ve gotten into.” Staff at Michael Garron The wellness program offers med- get a helping hand with itation, group therapy, and it utilizes social media to help staff members mental health issues cope with their own mental health. Devine and Istanboulian agree that By BRADLEY DOBSON The Observer hospital workers may already live with mental health issues, and in a It’s what an average day looks bigger lens, their work environment like when Laura Istanboulian goes to is stressful by nature. work. “A lot of the time the jobs of first “You could be assisting a patient responders and health care profes- who is suffering from delusions, and sionals can be incredibly unpredict- in the bed beside you another patient able,” Devine said. “There’s a high is dying,” she said. risk for trauma.” “You have phones ringing off the While providing medical services hook, and might not even have eaten for close to 90 years, MGH is also lunch that day.” only one of three organizations in Istanboulian works as a nurse prac- Canada to be awarded Excellence titioner in the Acute Respiratory Unit Canada’s Mental Health at Work at Michael Garron Hospital (formerly Bradley Dobson /// The Observer Award at a platinum level. Toronto East General). Because of Staff members take part in a meditation session at Michael Garron Hospital. Despite this achievement, Devine the demands that hospital staff face, believes there’s more work to be Istanboulian said she feels caught be- job to spot when staff members, such needs and sleep,” she said. sistance in creating a work environ- done. tween two stressful forces. as Istanboulian, are buckling under In 2004, MGH implemented a ment that is free of that stigma. “By 2020, one in eight Canadians “The problem is we’re dealing the strain. program to help raise awareness of “Stigma is hugely prominent in the will suffer from a mental health dis- with our own mental wellness, and “These workers can suffer from mental health in the workplace. The health-care industry,” Devine said. order,” she said. “We need institu- at the same time we’re dealing with what we call compassion fatigue or a program helps hospital colleagues “People sometimes brush it off and tions to go beyond saying, ‘We have another human being,” she said. burnout. It’s when staff are working discuss strategies to end the stigma think that health-care workers should a gym. That’s enough,’ and focus on At MGH, it’s Christine Devine’s long hours, and neglecting their own around mental health and provide as- be able to handle it and realize what more solutions.” Journalist critical of ‘red-boot multiculturalism’ Hamlin Grange stresses Grange’s career. He went on to re- ple who wear these costumes and misrepresentation by shedding light port and anchor on Global TV and eat these food,” Grange said. on inequalities. importance of digging CBC TV, and eventually to co-cre- Instead, he said, Toronto’s multi- “Take a look at these people in ate DiversiPro Inc., a company ded- culturalism can create opportunities these protests,” Grange said. “It’s deeper into race, culture icated to promoting diversity and for conversations about cultural dif- multiracial. There are black folks, By RENEE ALLEN inclusion. ference and bridge racial gaps. Ex- white folks (and) South Asians.… The Observer Grange spoke to a student audi- ploring outside their comfort zone There are women (and) there are ence in East York on Feb. 25, at a helps people to accept and promote gays. They’re all there to say the At first, the racial slur his- for special Black History Month lec- understanding. same thing: ‘Something must mer boss made about him didn’t ture at Centennial College’s Carlaw “Represent people as they are change.’” bother him. It had been 17 years Avenue campus. and it may mean getting out of your He added that the movement is since Hamlin Grange had worked Although Grange said it’s impos- comfort zone.… When you’re in sometimes misunderstood as ex- with him at the Toronto Star. That’s sible “to know everything about ev- the learning zone, you’re engaged. clusionary. But Grange said it rep- when another working colleague, ery culture,” understanding it above You’re curious,” Grange said. resents a pro-black stance that is not John Miller, told him about the de- a superficial level creates “inter-cul- “The more you stay in the learning against other races, but is rooted in rogatory remark. tural competence.” He was critical zone… (the more it) becomes your equality. He said it’s the opposite of “My wife knew something (had) of the way the public and media comfort zone.” racial profiling. changed inside me,” Grange said. often view different cultures too su- For the past year, the Black Lives “It sends a strong message,” “She said I looked vulnerable, as perficially. Matter movement has swept across Grange said. “If your black kid, Renee Allen /// The Observer if I’d lost something.… She was “Red-boot multiculturalism: the United States before making its neighbour (or) friend can be Hamlin Grange spoke to college right.” (People don’t) dig deep… into these way to Canada. It sparked conver- stopped and frisked, so can you…. students in East York. This was a defining moment in communities to understand the peo- sations around racial injustice and It can happen to anybody.” Shot putter puts her all into Rio By JONATHAN YUE how important it is to stick to the train- talented athlete for coach Parkin- The Observer ing program in order to obtain my peak son. Praising Crew for her agile and performance.” athletic abilities, coach Parkinson said As Brittany Crew steps into the shot Currently competing in the indoor he thinks that Crew’s inner strength is put circle, she knows exactly what to do season with the York Lions, Crew has what sets her apart. to execute the ideal throw. recently broken numerous indoor shot “What really separates Brittany “Slow out the back, hips quick in the put records with a throw of 17.78, a from other very talented athletes is centre, and staying in the circle,” she result that would have qualified her for Brittany, internally, has a special tells herself. this summer’s Brazil Olympics — had strength and stubborn determination A product of East York, and current- it been done outdoors. to continue to train hard and overcome ly studying at York University, Crew Working with her coach, Richard obstacles that get in her way,” Parkin- has managed to balance her school Parkinson, for the last two years, Crew son explained. and athletics to become one of the best said that the relationship goes beyond With less than six months before throwers in her age group. the lessons learned in the circle. She the Olympic Games in Rio, Crew and After competing at the 2015 Summer credits him with going above and be- coach Parkinson are staying focused on Universiade in South Korea, Crew is us- yond the call of coaching duty — and finishing the indoor season strong. ing that experience to carry her toward becoming a true mentor. “I’m looking to break the indoor her main goal for 2016: the summer “I look to him for advice,” Crew national CIS (Canadian Intercollegiate Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. said, “and I believe and trust that he is Sports) record and to repeat as a double “Winning the bronze medal in Korea the coach that can make me one of the gold medalist at the CIS champion- Jonathan Yue /// The Observer really helped boost my confidence as best throwers in the world.” ships,” she said, “but my mindset is to Brittany Crew practises for the Rio Olympics a thrower,” Crew said. “I also realized But Brittany Crew isn’t just another stay focused on the big picture: Rio.” in the shot put circle. 6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, March 4, 2016 n COLUMNS n EDITORIALS Pride in Toronto Mom, I am so sorry Two years and three months. over all of your grocery mon- the most is Mom: When it comes to pride, perhaps East Yorkers are entitled to some… for the way I have not been here, doing ey just to scratch it. “I’m so proud of you, Scot- they’ve elected representatives to various levels of government, regardless of sexual this, in two years and three And then those two years tie! I know you were an orientation. months. of AA mean nothing. Co- addict, but you did the But when it comes to Pride — as in the June celebration of gay pride and of course I can feel the $5 bill lacerate caine is a door, and once hardest thing in the the Pride Parade — we and our politicians may be a little too self-congratulatory. Up to my nasal passage as I shake, you open it, you just can’t world and quit drugs. I and including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who announced last week that he’ll attend and then I feel the rush of co- close it. love you.” this years Pride Parade. caine for the first time in what I know what you’re I end the night Trudeau will be the first sitting prime minister to march in the parade, and in doing so seems like a lifetime. thinking… but no, crying when I he’ll hopefully further Canada’s international identity as an inclusive and tolerant place Pretty soon, I am licking this wasn’t in some realize I had to live. This year marks the first month-long pride celebration, with the entire month of the remnants off the top of Kensington after- one person June being dedicated to a variety of events and demonstrations across the city. Members the urinal. They say this is the hours, or some in my cor- of the federal and provincial parliaments are slated to attend the festivities, and Mayor most glamourous drug in the club in the enter- ner, and I John Tory will be joined by a number of city councillors ready to portray the city in a world. tainment district. just hurt light of inclusivity. My name is Scott, I am 31 This happened her in the But underneath the glitz, glam and photo opportunities lies an issue still hard-fought years old, and I just relapsed. right here on Pape worst way. in many parts of the world. The rights of the LGBT community are well-respected in Then I’m sitting in a dive Avenue — where I can’t bear Canada. But in many other countries around the world, those rights are continuing to be bar, nose dripping, pounding it took me about to tell her that neglected, oppressed and demeaned. beers and using the money for 10 seconds to I betrayed her The Toronto Pride Parade and the surrounding celebrations bring in close to $300 cat food to buy shots for any- find cocaine. trust. million dollars into the city’s economy, and with the event now growing in length from one who will stand next to me. It was as sim- Once you do a week to a month, the financial impact is sure to be stronger than ever. The celebration It doesn’t matter. ple as looking at cocaine, your life is surely one of the largest in the world, and gets coverage from news media across the With coke racing through the stranger next is always missing globe. your bloodstream, your last to me and saying, something, and all I The joyous (and lucrative) exterior, however, is belied by the continued struggle of thought is for a loved one. “you got any know is that will nev- many outside Canada. In other parts of the world, homosexual activity is subject to I didn’t want to do coke blow?” er go away. grievous punishment, such as life in jail or even the death penalty. And political power- again. I never wanted to do But when the Now I have to face house countries like Russia and India have laws in place restricting even an explanation coke again. I swore I would rush fades, all the facts, I have to of the gay lifestyle to children, even in the simplest terms. never do coke again. But that’s you’re left live with the shame, So while we may be tempted to give ourselves a nice pat on the back this June for how cocaine works. with is and know our liberal-mindedness, let’s not forget the broader, global context. Yes, it’s important It’s never the plan, but after shame. that I will to promote the inclusive nature of Canada. But amid the festivity, let’s remember the you’re eight beers deep, you The part Scott Dell always be an people around the world who still face grave consequences for actions of love. get the itch and you’ll hand that hurts addict. And while the politicians of Canada, the prime minister included, march and throw water balloons in the spirit of love and acceptance, let’s think of our brothers and sisters elsewhere who are still struggling for their own love and identity. ~ Trevor Goulding Let’s jump on board Otherwise, craft beer bandwagon will leave us behind Long-term gain Toronto is becoming a craft with knots of hair...) becoming so focused in the beer hot spot. Craft beer sales The culture of the Danforth, west end that they’ve almost It seems East Yorkers and other Ontarians will need to wring more money out of their are up at LCBOs in Toronto combined with the intimacy taken to calling it the Brewery wallets this year — but it’s for a good cause. more than anywhere else in of craft brewing, could create District. East York’s own Kathleen Wynne — the MPP for Don Valley West who also happens the province. The craft beer something special. Imagine On a recent swing through to be the premier of the province — introduced a budget at Queen’s Park last week that industry itself has grown adding a craft beer from the the area, I stopped counting will likely result in an increase in gas prices of 4.3 cents per litre… as a direct effect of by 30 per cent since last community to the Taste of after eight breweries — but Ontario’s new “cap-and-trade” plan to fight against greenhouse gas emissions. year. the Danforth — having a I could have kept going. In Since September, the price of gas in Toronto has fluctuated. Recently, it’s been hover- Toronto is a big place, local, accessible enterprise the east, meanwhile, I’m ing at just below 90 cents per litre. craft beer producers where everyone can see hard-pressed to find another A newspaper poll run just before the provincial budget was introduced suggested that and consumers the beer being brewed brewery other than Left Field the vast majority of Ontarians are unhappy about the price hike. Most are already are a big family, in a neighbourhood (unless you’re counting some worried that when the price of oil rebounds, the prices of gas will inevitably go back and there’s where it could be guys’ basements). up too. actually showcased. Now I’m not saying that Nobody wants to shell out more to Shell. But we need to look at the bigger picture. a neigh- There is one what’s happening isn’t good Climate change is a clear and present danger that needs to be dealt with as soon as bourhood craft brewery for craft beer. Of course it is. possible to limit the damage that’s already apparent. The government is also spending — around east of the But it’s a problem when it’s billions on public transit every year and there’s a reason for it. As human population the Keele Don Val- overly focused in one area. For grows, so does the problem of climate change, and paying a few more cents for gas and Dundas ley: Left one thing, it can lead to craft pales in comparison to the alternative. streets area known Field Brew- consumers being stereotyped Wynne also predicts that as a result of cap-and-trade, an additional $5 a month as The Junction ery, just off Green- as a certain type of person. should be expected on the average natural gas bill. But while gas prices are increas- — that’s becoming wood Avenue, just a And that doesn’t make sense. ing, at least there should be lower rates for electricity, according to the premier. a craft beer creators’ few blocks south of So why go to bars and pay The goal of the government’s cap-and-trade system is to get greenhouse gas emis- community. the Danforth. And it for a mass-produced carbon sions to 80 per cent below what they were in 1990 within the next 34 years. Ambi- But what about us is, dare I say, a home copy American beer when tious. But absolutely the right thing to do. folks on the east side run. (Call the pun there are small-batch, home- It’s a classic case of short-term pain for long-term gain. These price hikes will ul- of the Don Valley? police.) grown Canadian products at timately result in benefits to Canadians in the future, even if they don’t feel good at Are we not thirsty? But that’s it. No competitive prices? the moment. So rather than worry about what gas prices might go to when oil prices Or is it that we’re not other brewery has The craft beer bandwagon recover, Ontarians should worry about what will happen if climate change continues trendy? (Maybe our crossed the valley is rolling and East York, along unabated. A mere 4.3 cents increase should not make anyone doubt the plan that pants just aren’t thresh- with the rest of the city’s east Wynne has to make a greener province, country, and planet. tight enough, or old. end, needs to jump on — and ~ Jasmine Hui we need half- Kirk Budden And the take advantage of a piece of shaved heads craft is Canada’s culture.

The East York The East York Observer is published by Centennial College journalism students at the East York cam- FACULTY EDITORS MANAGING EDITOR PRODUCTION EDITORS pus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. Mailing address: Ted Barris Bradley Dobson Ashley Bruzas P.O. Box 631, Stn. A, Toronto, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Stephen Cogan Natalia Albuquerque [email protected]. Telephone 416-289- Lindy Oughtred PHOTO EDITOR ASSIGNMENT EDITOR OBSERVER 5107, fax 416-289-5111. We welcome your input, Andrew Holland Scott Dell including letters to the editor. The East York Observer /// Friday, March 4, 2016 FEATURES 7 The lasting legacy of Agnes Macphail

Courtesy of City of Toronto Archives The Observer continues its look back on East York history through photographs from the City of Toronto Archives. The picture on the left resonates especially for this issue — considering the coverage of the Agnes Macphail Speaking Contest that appears below. This photo above shows Macphail, East York’s most famous politician and activist, with W.J. Caldwell of Regina, at the Toronto conference of the World Federation of Education Associations, on Aug. 8, 1927. Macphail was a member of Parliament at the time, having been the first woman elected to the House of Commons six years earlier. The photo on the right is politics of a different sort: It depicts civic officials on an “annexation tour” of East York (and its sewage disposal works in particular) on April 4, 1930 — when East York was struggling financially at the outset of the Great Depression, and the municipality had approached the City of Toronto about a possible merger. Public speaking co-winner takes on wage inequality By HAYDEN LANDOLT Pay raises can lead to higher morale in the and SCOUT McGRAW workplace and, by default, greater productivity. The Observer Studies have shown that pay raises are com- monly given to those who show high levels of One of East York’s premier community events productivity. is the Agnes Macphail Public Speaking Contest, One could reason that giving out raises to which culminated this year on Feb. 17 with the deserving employees would encourage other finals at the East York Civic Centre. employees to increase their own productivity. Students from grades 6, 7 and 8 first present- Salary increases will ultimately improve the ed original speeches in semi-final competitions happiness of employees and the overall quality at their neighbourhood schools in the East York of life for their families. area. The only thing that prevents a CEO from not This year, eight semi-final winners from both paying their employees at all is minimum wage public and Catholic schools advanced from that — minimum wage being legislation. round to the finals. There is no minimum wage specifically asso- The contest is named after Agnes Macphail, ciated with each job; in the same way, there is East York’s most historic provincial and federal no maximum wage. That is why I suggest that a politician, who died in 1954. $5 million wage cap for CEOs and other execu- The public speaking contest for young peo- tives be put in place. ple is complemented by another event later this This would affect many CEOs, such as that month: the presentation of the 23rd annual Ag- of Rogers, Air Canada, and RBC, all of who nes Macphail Award for civic activism in East Courtesy of William Wilson have their middle-level employees working for York. That takes place at the East York Civic The winners of the annual Agnes Macphail Public Speaking Contest enjoy (on average) less than $60,000 a year. The wage Centre on March 24 at 7 p.m. their moment in the limelight, along with the lead judge in the competition. gap needs to be tightened, can be tightened, and In this edition of the Observer, we present the From left: Judge Michael Smith, co-winners Hayden Landolt from Westwood will be tightened. co-winner of the speaking contest on Feb. 17: Middle School and Olivia Walsh from St. Anselm Catholic School. The proposed decrease is essential to achiev- Hayden Landolt and his speech on wage ineq- ing fair pay for mid- and lower-level employ- uity. thing to do with Scotland,” he said. laws put in place to make sure these changes ees, as well as fair pay for CEOs. Hayden is 13 years old and attends Grade 8 Here is his award-winning speech: follow through. By the time you graduate from postsecondary, at Westwood Middle School on Carlaw Avenue. “Eighty-seven thousand and forty-six per In Ontario, minimum wage is $11.25 an hour, a job that pays $75,000 a year might only pay In an interview with the Observer prior to his cent. That’s how much the CEO of Onex Corpo- which translates roughly to $24,000 a year. If $40,000 a year. More people will be looking for win, Hayden said that his favourite subjects are ration earns over his employees. In other words, the CEO of Onex earns $87 million a year, de- jobs, and the whole employment market will be music and history. His Scottish culture is also a Gerald Schwartz makes more than 87,000 times creasing his salary by one million, it’s nothing a huge mess. very big part of who he is. what his average mid- and lower-level employ- to him. But… What can we do, how can we help? The Much of his spare time is spent practising the ee makes. But it could pay 50 workers minimum wage. one course of action we can take is simply to bagpipes and playing with the Toronto Black Onex Corporation is an investment company Thousands are out of work, and 50 people mak- write to or call your local MP. Ask them to bring Watch Association Pipes and Drums. that has stocks traded publicly on the Toronto ing minimum wage would greatly impact their up CEO wage caps in Parliament and guarantee He even wore a tie with his family tartan Stock Exchange. Unfortunately, this is not a families’ quality of life — as well as the Cana- your next paycheque.” when he contested the semi-finals of the speak- one-off situation. Many middle- and lower-lev- dian economy. (In our next issue, we’ll feature the speech by ing contest. And he is auditioning for the 48th el employees earn substantially less than their Salary increases for employees are just as im- Hayden’s co-winner in the Agnes Macphail Highlanders of Canada. CEO. This is why I believe CEO wages must portant as salary decreases for CEOs. Most if Public Speaking Contest: Olivia Walsh from “My life is pretty much dominated by any- be decreased, employees’ wages increased, and not all workers desire a larger paycheque. St. Anselm Catholic School.) 8 F EATURES The East York Observer /// Friday, March 4, 2016 Want a Bringing dreams to life on ice sky-high By JODY ANDERSON ing in various competitions The Observer since December, including view of Ontario’s Regional Synchro- They are called the Ice nized Skating Championships Dream Synchronized Skating in February, where they placed East York? Team, and they are competing 11th in the elementary catego- at Skate Canada’s March Ma- ry. Aerial cable car nia competition in Innisfil to- March Mania is the last could be in the day, March 4. competition of the year for the The East York team, which girls and their technique is ex- works for city consists of 16 girls aged 8-12, pected to be at its best. is skating along with other “As the last competition Cont’d. from page 1 teams from all over the prov- of this season, it’s sort of the ince in the competition being peak,” Ballinger said. “All of said there could be spe- held through this Sunday in their hard work and all of the cific benefits for East Innisfil, which is on the west- long hours of practice [is] for York. ern shore of Lake Simcoe, just their final performances.” “It would bring peo- south of Barrie. Still, Proudfoot added, ple into the East York The Ice Dream team is a part there’s been some fine-tuning community from the of the East York Skating Club in the run-up to this weekend. Jody Anderson /// The Observer city, other parts of the and its members have been “They’re working on turning Members of East York’s Ice Dream Synchronized Team, aged 8-12, pre- province, other countries practising their routine for this their heads at the same time,” pare for today’s performance at Skate Canada’s March Mania in Innisfil. and abroad,” Fragedakis competition since September. Proudfoot said, “making sure said, adding that she first Under the guidance of their of their timing and that they’re learned of the idea last coaches, figure skating medal- stepping at the same time.” said. “That’s our major goal ing forward to backward in a girls develop camaraderie on year. ists Allison Proudfoot and Kar- The coaches have even for this competition. It is get- circular motion. and off the ice through pool “The planning staff en Ballinger, the girls compet- introduced a particular ma- ting them to pick up their feet This requires the girls to parties and movie nights hosted came to me this term ed at last year’s March Mania noeuvre for the girls to use to so they can get that Mohawk skate with only one foot and to by the parents. On the ice, that about creating a process and left with positive results. impress the judges and collect called.” show the judges a successful team unity shines. so that the city could “Last year they finished more points. A Mohawk is an advanced lift of the other foot. “Their success is the team’s consider proposals like ninth,” Ballinger said. “We “We have a Mohawk in our turning technique that requires Tracy Scott, co-chair of Ice success and their failure is the this,” Fragedakis said. hope [or] expect to improve on pivoting block that we’ve been the skater to transition from Dream, has an 11-year-old team’s failure,” Scott said. “There are lots of steps that result this year.” working on so that we can get one foot to the other foot while daughter on the team and she “When kids fall, they cheer in this process and it’s The team has been perform- a whole extra point,” Proudfoot positioning their body from go- said she appreciates how the themselves on.” a little premature to say if it’s realistic, but these n REVIEW kinds of things exist in the world. Bullwheel’s timeline to opening is three to History has never been this fun four years. The company’s plans call for By SCOTT DELL comedy. one terminal next to the The Observer But while Anne Boleyn maintains Playter Gardens Parkette comedic elements, it excels as a drama near the intersection He steps onstage, pike in tow, stomp- — as characters move and grow and of Danforth and Cam- ing the ground in full guard regalia fate molds their destinies. Anne emerg- bridge avenues — adja- and with an accent that says, ‘I know es onstage in the first scene as a ghost cent to the eastern end what’s buried in the River Thames.’ with a devilish smile and a near-taunt- of the Bloor Viaduct. He wants us to turn off our cell- ing air, but she becomes a tough talking The other terminal phones. A laugh in an unexpected woman of virtue and power. would be at the western place, and that’s a recurring theme in Unfortunately, she never really edge of the parking lot Anne Boleyn, a modern reworking of comes full circle, back to the grinning at Evergreen. the story of the wife of King Henry ghost and the devious charms that Between the two VIII — whose marriage ended (spoiler kicked off a night of brilliant intrigue, terminals would be alert) badly. It’s being performed by the lust… and occasional crotch-thrusting. three to six towers and East Side Players at their home in the The East Side Players’ production of a kilometre of cable on Papermill Theatre on Pottery Road in Anne Boleyn began its run last week which 40 cars would run East York. onstage at the Papermill Theatre, 67 back and forth — each The play, written by Howard Brenton Courtesy of Cindy Alexander Pottery Road. capable of carrying and first performed in 2010 at Shake- Actress Madeline Leon is under the gun of the Protestants There’s a performance tonight, eight passengers for a speare’s Globe Theatre, has left the in the play Anne Boleyn, onstage at the Papermill Theatre. March 4, and tomorrow night at 8 p.m. projected ridership of dodgy diction of dead mother tongues There’s a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m., between 500 and 1,500 behind for a modern take on a classic. — the play seamlessly eases into the comedy is that its humour departs from and then performances resume at 8 passengers a day. Ride Letters are replaced with text messages dreadfully serious. Women are sub- traditional high-minded British sen- p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, time would be four to and there’s gasping humour that isn’t jugated to men’s will. It became all sibilities. Scenes move from religious March 12, when the show closes. Tick- eight minutes, and a afraid to go blue. too real as I watched a male hand leaders arguing faith to two men locked ets are $24; $17 for students. ticket would cost $10. But amid its silliness — the fore- creep up Lady Rochford’s thigh as the in glorious amour, groping buttocks on The telephone box office is 416-425- front of which is Michael Harvey as threats on her life grew more serious. full display. 0917. Tickets can also be purchased the delightfully fey King of Scotland But what is brilliant about the historical This is not your father’s British online at www.eastsideplayers.ca There’s no day like a snow day for this family By YVANO ANTONIO of the weather,” he said. “(City offi- Marrelli said. “I grew up in this area, but and raised in Toronto,” Marrelli said. and ROBERTO SAPRISSA cials) wanted people to stay off the this is the first time bringing the boys Although it wasn’t official, Wednes- The Observer roads or stay home.” here.” day was pretty much a snow day for But the snow and the sunny after- With a Tuesday-Wednesday over- some students. Luka Marrelli, eight, While some Torontonians consid- noon made for a great tobogganing night low of -18, Environment Canada said there weren’t many kids at his ered this week’s snowstorm a disad- outing. From families to adults playing issued an extreme weather warning and school. He’s usually prepared for math vantage, East Yorker Tony Marrelli hooky, many gathered at the hill. That called it the biggest snowfall of the sea- class, but today he came prepared for saw it as a plus. On Wednesday, he took included Marrelli and his sons, Luka son. Wind gusts also climbed to about the hill, dressed in a snow suit and ski his sons to Riverdale Hill, just outside and Michael, who made the short trip 40 kilometres per hour. But the Marrel- goggles. East York’s southwest corner. to toboggan in the fresh snow. li family wasn’t fazed. “You go really, really fast,” Luka “Work was cancelled today because “It’s a classic Canadian winter sport,” “This is nothing when you’re born said. “I even got some air time.”