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LEASIDESpring 2009 Today Are you a typical Leasider?

Our local industry is fighting to stay

Who and what we love in

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LeasideAd copy.pdf 11/03/2009 3:12:11 PM

Dear Town Crier Reader

am delighted to present the Town Crier’s third annual Leaside Today. IFittingly we’ve released this guide just as spring is making its way into the city because in some ways, renewal is the overarching theme of this edition. As you will have noticed we’ve changed the look of our Today series, bringing you a glossy cover and magazine format that we’re positive will make for a fulfilling reading experience. C

It’s this commitment to change and adapta- M tion that’s informed our lead story on the Leaside Business Park. From its early days as ’s first planned industrial park to itsY current use as a mixed manufacturing and commercial area, the park and the busi-CM ness owners within it continue to fight to keep their industry put. Considering today’s challenging economic climate, the story behind its tenacity cannot go untold. MY

As always in our Today series, we bring you the stories of the people, institutions CY and places that have and continue to shape this distinctive neighbourhood. From long-standing businesses and new entrepreneurs to community buildersCMY and community buildings, we hope we’ve succeeded in getting at the heart of Lea- K side. If there’s anything we’ve missed you’ve helped us fill in the gaps by telling us what you love about Leaside that you can’t find anywhere else. Even though the neighbourhood is intimate and connected, there could be things about its history that you don’t know, as revealed in the “7 Things You May Not Know About Leaside.” Similarly, a piece on the Mount Pleasant Cemetery explores some interesting facets of its history and its current use that you may be unaware of even as you walk through its winding paths. The Town Crier is entering its 30th year telling stories that reflect you and where you live. Thank you for sharing in that celebration. We hope you’ll tuck this maga- zine away as a guide and a keepsake until next year’s release.

Lori Abittan, Publisher

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Lori Abittan PRODUCTION SERVICES Publisher Tony Lomuto Joe Mastrogiacomo Supervisor Vice President of Finance Mark Winer Doreen Iannuzzi Marlene De Jesus      Vice President of New Media Production  EDITORIAL Advertising & Sales       Eric McMillan Don Bettger EDITOR-in-chief Director, GROUP Sales       Gordon Cameron Jennifer Gardiner      MANAGING EDITOR Director, Corporate Sales Kelly Gadzala Kathy Homewood  !"   DirECTOR, bUSINESS SPECIAL PROJECTS EDITOR development     # Shadi Raoufi Kathy Kerluke EDITORIAL DESIGN Business Manager  $     %     Printed and Distributed by Robert Brackett Director of Distribution       &'('  &'(( Tony Baron Director of PRINT      James Arscott 105 Wingold Avenue, Production PrePress Manager  )    , ON M6B 1P8  &''*+&'(' For all your printing and distribution Anna Maria Arcuri needs call: 416 785 4311 ext. 614 Group Circulation Manager     For a limited time only, you can also find this guide on our corporate website: www.TownCrierOnline.ca    101 Wingold Avenue, Toronto, , M6B 1P8,      Tel: 416 785-4300 Fax: 416 785-7350 ( , - .  /   0  1   0   MulticomMedia is a wholly owned subsidiary of Multimedia NOVA Corporation, 2  3  - ( 4 - , ,  - & * ,  an integrated communications company publicly traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol MNC.A 1 1 15           5 

2009 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 3 Still Industry’s home in going the community Leaside Business Park

hat do you know about the Leaside Business Park? Until recently I couldn’t say much about the area formerly known as the Leaside Industrial Park other than associating it with big box stores and car dealerships. The smattering of metal- working shops along Laird Dr., I assumed, were the final traces of the industry that onceW thrived. Then I spent a day in the park. I’d been invited to one of the Leaside Business Park Association’s meetings, held at the All Canadian Self-Storage at the southern edge of the park. The area, I gather from those around the table, has been depicted unfavourably by some media as a former industrial hotspot in decline. The association clearly wants to avoid more negative press. I learn in the meeting that some of the park’s biggest challenges are the very ele- ments I initially identified it with. Encroaching retail and residential development threatens the industrial core, says Paul Martin, president of Del Equipment. “The closed cell of industrial enterprise is getting fractured,” he says, citing unclear zoning and lack of bylaw zoning enforcement by the city. What often happens, association members reveal, is when industries move out, non-industrial businesses are allowed to move in. It’s true that the park has lost some big industry players, most recently Colgate- Palmolive, JR Short and Winpak. Over the years Corning Glass, Sangamo and Aca- tel have been replaced by retail or residential developments on the park’s edges. However, there is another story. The smoke stacks may be gone but light and medium industry exists in the park to a degree that most Leasiders may not realize. Multi-national manufacturing facilities like Tremco, Siltech and Lincoln Electric are in the park and Dorthea Knitting Mills, which makes the Parkhurst knitwear, has been here since the mid-1940s. That sweater you love so well that says “Made in Canada” could very well have been made right here in Leaside. On the steps of the Lincoln Electric Company of Canada I find myself staring at the huge old wooden door in front of me. CHALLENGES Page 6

kelly gadzala/town crier READY TO FIGHT: Lincoln Electric of Canada’s president Joseph Doria shows off his company’s Bulldog award it received from the former borough of after it success- fully fought efforts by its parent company to close it down.

4 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 2009 I live here with my family. I support the local businesses and associations. My children play and go to school here. No one knows the value of your home or the community better than I do! I care!

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2009 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 5 WE NOW HAVE TWO LOCATIONS!! Leaside United Church & St. Cuthbert’s Church NURSERY PROGRAMS 2 - 3 and 5 mornings ARTS & CRAFTS Wednesday afternoons HALF TIME KINDERGARTEN Five afternoons Challenges KINDERGARTEN ENRICHMENT PROGRAMS Two afternoons per week KINDERGARTEN INFO SESSION Thursday April 7th • 6:30pm • Leaside United abound “Mrs. Park’s Summer Fun Camp” July 2009 But businesses adapt Visit our website - www.mrs-parksschool.com 416-424-2135 Leaside 416-482-4131 St. Cuthbert’s Cont. from Page 4 [email protected] Lincoln Electric was founded in 1895 in the U.S. and opened its Lea- side plant in the 1930s. The company designs and manufactures welding products for wholesale and retail. As someone with little knowledge of manufacturing, I walk into Lin- coln thinking the products it makes don’t affect me. However, president and CEO Joseph Doria corrects me. “We don’t have anything in this world without welding,” he says, add- ing that basically any consumer product out there needs to be welded. Doria has been with the company for 37 years and tells me the chal- lenges to the industry in the park are great: dwindling markets in these tough economic times, million dollar power bills and hundreds of thou- sands of dollars a year in business taxes. But the company has seen itself through tough times before. In 1991 when the board of directors wanted to close the Canadian operations, Doria and his team fought hard, streamlining the business to such an extent they were able to keep the plant. The former East York recognized th Anniversa their efforts in 1996 with a Bulldog award for their tenacity and success. ~ 60 ry ~ 49 20 The company has gone down in Harvard Business School case study 19 09 books for its incentive management philosophy, which includes profit sharing for all employees. Even so, the company isn’t impervious to the economic slowdown. “It’s rough,” Doria admits. Temporary layoffs have occurred on the Mooredale is celebrating 60 years of great activities serving the Rosedale, Moore factory floor and other workers are employed through a government spon- Park and Leaside Communities. Come and join the party! sored job-sharing program. The company is reallocating functions where Mooredale offers year round recreation programs to all of its members, possible to avoid layoffs, Doria says. preschool to adults! These include karate, yoga, pilates, music lessons, sportball and more! MAYFAIR GOES Keeping industry in the park vital is important far beyond the jobs of HAWAIIAN! the men and women who work there as its businesses contribute a large Mooredale prides itself on offering non-competitive soccer, football, baseball, Saturday May 9 Rosedale Park amount of cash to the city in the form of tax dollars. basketball and hockey leagues to its members. The real essence of the 9am - 5pm Mooredale Sport Program is that everyone who registers gets to play on a team Buy your advance Ride Like Lincoln Electric, Apco Industries is a classic industrial enterprise in a recreational environment. Winning is second to having fun with friends while Ticket voucher with long roots in Leaside. improving your game. April 20 to May 6 $25 (Cash or Cheque) The family business has been in the area since 1935 making metal- Available at Mooredale Mooredale Day Camp operates 2 week sessions for children ages 4 - 12. House working products and supplying chemical products to various industries. The program features Red Cross swimming lessons, sports, tennis, arts, cooking, and Summerhill Market It was founded by C.I. Grierson and is now run by his son Jim and drama and more! Register online at www.mooredale.org Redeem your voucher at Mayfair and grandson David. The younger Grierson was born and raised in Leaside Summer Fun operates for preschoolers 2 1/2 to 4 years old. get your ‘Ride All Day’ wristband and still calls it home. The Program features outdoor and indoor activites including arts and crafts, (Good for mechanical rides sensory experiences, cooperative games, music, special events, and swimming. only) The company’s five-acre property includes a warehouse, chemical Tons of Fun for the whole storage tanks and manufacturing facilities, all tucked behind the rather Mooredale 146 Crescent Rd. Toronto, Ontario M4W 1V2 family! non-industrial looking building that is home to the company’s office. 416.922.3714 www.mooredale.org The office’s homey vibe is a perfect metaphor for the family-run busi-

6 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 2009 Register Now for Summer Camp & September Ages: Infant — 14 years • Low student / teacher ratio • Enhance concentration and good work habits Open House • Learn through hands-on Thursdays @ all 5 location experience 9:00—11:30 , 1:00—3:30 • Happy & stimulating 5 Convenient Locations in environment & Thornhill kelly gadzala/town crier • Physical Education, & Leslie 416-510-1200 FIRESIDE CHAT: David Grierson, left, and his father Jim of Apco Music, Drama Yonge & Steeles 905-889-0012 Industries have had their family-run business in the park since • French Program, Science Yonge & 401 416-222-5097 1935. • Extra Curricular Activities Yonge & Sheppard 416-222-5940 • Nutritious hot lunches Sheppard & Willowdale 416-250-1022 ness, where long-standing employees still work well into their 70s. David admits the view of companies like his isn’t always the best. “In public opinion we’re below lawyers,” he says. Visit us @ www.cmschool.net But the chemicals his company sells, he says, are part of peoples’ everyday lives. Case in point: Apco sells the oil to suppliers that in turn makes newspa- per ink — perhaps the very ink that forms the words on this page. A few days later, I’m back where I started my journey, at the All Cana- dian Self-Storage building. The business, operating in a refurbished hardwood floor plant, is Ontario’s only drive-through storage facility, I’m told. That mixing of old and new, that nod to the past coupled with innovation, is the main message I take from this business. Aptly, managing partner Hal Spradling has a fully functioning 1928 Durant, built in the park’s old Durant Motors factory, sitting in the storage space. He bought it before he had even heard of Leaside’s business park. As he puts it, his Durant represents the building, which through recon- struction was able to survive and adapt itself to new use. “It’s like a phoenix building,” he says, adding the revitalization of old industrial buildings can be better than tearing them down. “We take pride in taking this dinosaur and remodelling it.” – Kelly Gadzala

‘In public opinion we’re below t in T es ow GOLD n B lawyers.’ AWARD 2008 North of Eglinton South of Eglinton 2685 Yonge St. 2140 Yonge St. photo courtesy , Leaside branch 416-932-2811 416-849-2214 www.cestbonrestaurant.net

2009 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 7 "A Private School with Experience" Great place More than

WHO? eternal rest • Students in Grades 1-12 WHAT? OPEN • Private School Offering Enriched Traditional Programme Mount Pleasant Cemetery WHY? HOUSE: • A Quality Education April 16th • Individualized programmes t boasts one of the finest collections of native and introduced • Summer Learning Workshops Grades 1-8 7:00pm - tree species in North America, not to mention winding paths • Summer High School Credits 8:30pm enjoyed by joggers and cyclists, exemplary masonry and sprawl- • Tutoring Services Please R.S.V.P ing lawns — a favoured picnic spot in Victorian Toronto. WHERE? But with so much life happening in Mount Pleasant Cemetery, there are bound to be some challenges with balance. • 55 Scarsdale Road (York Mills and Leslie) I “I think the important thing is we have to acknowledge that first and foremost (Mount Pleasant) is a cemetery,” says Rick Cowan, www.willowwoodschool.ca 416-444-7644 spokesperson for Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries. “That’s what its primary purpose has been and will continue to be. “It is a place for families to have their loved ones maintained in perpetuity.” In the past, officials conducting funeral services have had to halt their proceedings to remind recreational visitors of the grieving fami- lies, he says. Still, Cowan does not deny the cemetery serves as both an inter- ment for the dead and a park for the living. BUYERS OF ESTATE JEWELLERY “We certainly understand and recognize there is a part that the cem- etery has been playing as a space for natural purposes that people like to enjoy,” he says. “We don’t dissuade people from that.” Visitors are reminded of the bereavement process with signs dot- B UY S ELL T RAD E ting the grounds telling cyclists of the speed limit of 10 km/h. “That message that’s being delivered there was brought about A T VAN R I J K ’ S because in the past there were cyclist groups that have felt that the IT’ S M O RE THAN A B USINESS... cemetery was a great place to spend their weekend doing race train- IT’ S A PASSIO N . ing,” says Cowan. But, he admits, security officials aren’t over-zealous when dealing with those who love recreation. “Do we have individuals with radar guns standing on the side of DIAMO N D S & G O L D internal roads? No,” he says with a chuckle. “Our properties are fre- quented by a security service and they keep their eyes open for those R O LEX W ATCHES kind of activities and they’ll gently remind people to be respectful of C ARTIER who is using the cemetery.” Outside of the cyclists and joggers, many people explore the cem- PATEK W ATCHES etery to sate their own hunger for history. Some entrepreneurs use the vibrant history as a means to earn a A NTIQUE JEWELLERY living. Bill Genova, owner of Genova Tours, is enthusiastic about the cemetery as it provides a smorgasbord of historical nuggets he can share with the groups he guides through the grounds. “I thought it would be interesting that within a concentrated area I could talk about so many different things,” he says. “I could talk about famous people, sculptures, the stones, the icons, the way we treat the dead. That’s why I ended up doing this.” 90 E GLINTO N E AST Uncovering plenty of facts on the cemetery from his library, Gen- photo Courtesy Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries 416-440-1233 • 416-440-0123 SITE Page 11

8 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 2009 Cynthia Findlay Est. 1978 and Toronto Antiques on King NEW LOCATION: 284 KING STREET WEST

francis crescia/town crier MONUMENTAL MEMORIAL: Many impressive sculptress, headstones and crypts dot Mount Pleasant Cemetery including that of former owner Steve Stavro.

“First and foremost (Mount Pleasant) is a cemetery” We buy and sell: Antiques, Fine Art, Jewellery, Oriental, Art Glass, Silver, Porcelain, Moorcroft, Lighting, Furniture, Royal Daulton, Lalique, Bronzes, Vintage, Memorabilia, Tiffany Open: Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. photo Courtesy Mount Pleasant Group of Cemeteries (416) 345-9941 / (416) 260-9057 www.torontoantiquesonking.com / www.cynthiafindlay.com

2009 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 9

ing pp Looking for the perfect Easter treat? ho Mt. Pleasant e hunt is over. S his spring, take a stroll along the beautiful Mount g Delicious Party® Pleasant Road and experience all the wonders it with Chocolate Covered in T Pineapple Bunnies r has to offer. p S At Second Nature Boutique, you will find everything you need l to update your wardrobe and create a current and stylish look. a This boutique is one of Toronto’s original designer resale shops, Order early for Easter! c o making fashion fun and affordable for over 35 years. L Next door is Half-Baked Ideas. They specialize in high quality cakes, $ tarts and pies. In addition to the bakery, they also have a full service onSavyour ordere when2 you mention this ad.* eat-in café with free wireless Internet access. *Offer valid on select products. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer code must be used when Across the street on the east side you’ll want to stop into Stickley by placing the order. Manderley Manor. They specialize in the finest antique and custom solid mahoga- Offer expires 04/30/09 Code: EAST0559 ny and mission oak furniture for the entire house. Edible Arrangements, need I say more. They have a fresh fruit bouquet to To order, please call or visit: make any occasion special in a variety of stunning displays. Each bouquet can be 416-483-4831 complemented with chocolate dipped fruit, mmm … good! 620 Mount Pleasant Road, The Neighbourhood Clinic is dedicated to providing quality assessment and Toronto, ON ©1999 treatment to maximize function and relieve pain. They believe that each patient is M4S 2M8 unique and treatment should be adapted to suit both your lifestyle and individual goals, pain free. Copyright © 2009 Edible Arrangements, LLEdibleC Arrangements.com Franchises Available. Call 1-888-727-4258

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10 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 2009 WHAT PARENTS ARE SAYING ABOUT SUNNYBROOK SCHOOL

“When my daughter graduated she was accepted to the school of our choosing. We know that Sunnybrook will deliver a great school francis crescia/town crier TALKING ABOUT THE PAST: Bill Genova does walking tours through the for her little brother too.” cemetery and not only discusses the history of the monuments but also the significance the people they commemorate.

OPEN JOHN KEENAN HOUSE SON: GRADE 5 April 8, 2009 Site full of history DAUGHTER: GRADUATED 1:30pm - SUNNYBROOK SCHOOL 3:00pm

Cont. from Page 8 ova recounts Mount Pleasant’s early days, drawing from Toronto historian SEE WHAT OTHER PARENTS ARE SAYING AT Mike Filey’s books as a resource. In November 1876, Mount Pleasant Cemetery opened to the public. Designed by landscape architect Henry Engelhardt, who modeled it after sunnybrookschool.com Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge, Mass., the 200-acre plot of land fea- ON MERTON STREET tured two streams, several ponds, rolling hills, cascades and even two swans EAST OF MT. PLEASANT imported from Germany. Unfortunately the swans met their Waterloo in 1880 thanks to the appetite of local dogs. In 1915, the city expropriated a right-of-way for the construction of Mount Pleasant Rd., bisecting the cemetery grounds. By the 1930s, the city covered over the two creeks that fed the drainage basin, and the 1950s excavation for the subway system led to the Lucille re-grading of the western portion of the cemetery. Genova is also fascinated by the cultural trends exemplified by the cem- Chenoweth etery’s headstones. Sales Representative He tells that the pre-Victorians placed heavy stones on top of new graves as they believed that the dead could rise and drag the living down to the underworld. Eventually, people got around to putting names on the headstones and stylizing them with shapes and icons carved into granite, Genova says. In addition to funeral practices and cemetery architecture, Genova likes to President's Award point out some of Mount Pleasant’s unique qualities. “When I do a tour I talk about some of the famous people that are there,” Chairman's Award he says, noting members of the Eaton family, broadcasters Foster Hewitt and Founder's Award Jack Dennett as well as businessman Steve Stavros were laid to rest there. Malcom McGillivray Award of Distinction “If you’ve been through the cemetery, it’s unbelievable.” Lucille Chenoweth continues an illustrious 20+ year career in real From the Massey mausoleum to William Lyon Mackenzie King’s memo- estate. She began selling real estate after working as a teacher and vice- rial to Alexander Muir’s gravesite flanked by Maple trees, Genova says he principal at Branksome Hall Girls School. "After some years of service, digs deep for information not everyone will know. I decided to spend some time with my young family. It was at this time He points to a headstone shaped like a tire honouring a man from the that I took my real estate license, " she says. Lucille has never looked back. transportation industry, another with an epitaph from an angry father criticiz- Known for her non-confrontational style, good listening skills and reputation ing God for taking a life too early. for honesty, integrity and diligence, Lucille’s philosophy to "guide them “I like touring the cemetery because it’s a pleasant walk initially,” he well, but let them make the final decision," works well for her. In addition to says. “But I do over 30 tours and I try and make them interesting and this is earning the James Malcolm McGillivray Award of Distinction for outstanding a subject of interest because basically I can talk about the achievement and contribution to the community, she has also earned the and it’s like pages of a book.” President's, Chairman's, Founder's Awards and highest dollar volume in her office. With the sprawling grass and a great arboretum, it’s hard not to acknowl- Lucille’s expertise is in North and Central Toronto, Lawrence Park, edge the importance Mount Pleasant has had on the fabric of the city’s Rosedale, Forest Hill, Summerhill and Annex. "I enjoy working development. with such a variety of people. I find it rewarding when, over and “Pretty much through the history of Toronto, go back 10 years, go back over again, I am able to assist my clients with their housing needs." 170 years, there are people that are in that cemetery that had a part to play To book an appointment with Lucille call, 416-481-6137 in helping to craft what the Toronto area is all about, and who it is today,” or visit Cowan says. “There’s a wealth of history there.” – Brian Baker www.lucillechenoweth.com

2009 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 11 g Grand Opening pin op South Bayview of Sh g South Bayview blossoms with in fresh ideas for spring r f you live in Leaside, then you must visit emmaZ. They Unique Gifts for Unique people. p S Icarry beautiful unique gifts for unique people. EmmaZ Featuring Lampe Berger, Fruits and Passion Body Line, Cross, Dalvey, Fossil, l features Lampe Berger, Fruits & Passion body line, Cross, a and Jewellery by Canadian Artist Lisa Ridout c Dalvey, Fossil and Jewellery by Canadian Artist Lisa Ridout. o Polaris Learning Centre provides one-on-one tutoring by Ontar- L io Certified Teachers for students from Kindergarten to grade 12. Win these Watches This summer, children 6 to 12 years of age can join the Summer Fun (Ladies and Men Cross Watches valued @ $500) Program in a safe learning environment. No Purchase Necessary Perhaps you have a love for art, if so, your day would not be complete with- out walking into State of the Art Gallery. For 10 years, State of the Art Gallery Cut out this ad or has been a trusted name for unique, original art and framing. fill out a ballot in store. This offer is Valid until Father’s Day June 21st 2009. This Mother’s Day give the gift of tranquility and peace…at Absolute Beauty by Nancy Penny. The longest established spa on South Bayview has Receive 10% Off with your purchase* *Cannot be combined with other promotions been an oasis for 18 years. As you finish up all your shopping for the day, you can cross the street to 1695 • Tel. (416) 482-8060 Kamasutra Restaurant. This Indian gem of a restaurant has been treating their www.emmazgifts.com guests to a remarkable dining experience for over 4 years.

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12 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 2009 Who we are What the stats say francis crescia/town crier THE TYPICAL LEASIDER? Mother Jane Ford and her two kids head out to enjoy the spring weather.

the 2006 data to 2001 the numbers paint a picture of a incomes. Not surprisingly, home values in the neigh- eet the average Leasider. community that is becoming richer and younger. bourhood were $280,000 higher than the city average She is 40, white, a Canadian cit- Kids and youth under the age of 24 make up 32 of $403,112 in 2006. Leasiders also own a higher izen, married with 1.2 kids, with a percent of the Leaside population and the trend is up percentage of their homes at 73 percent vs. only 54 combined family income of nearly slightly over a five-year period. Those over 65 years percent for the rest of the city. $217,000. She’s lived in the same single, detached old represent 13.4 percent of residents, which trans- While the average Leasider may be white, it Mhome for at least five years in a property worth about lates into 135 fewer seniors in the same time period. doesn’t mean that the area has no diversity. In 2006, $688,119. She is a professional with a university Looking at how Leasiders compare to the average about 1,480 visible minorities, or nine percent of the education. Torontonian brings out some interesting contrasts. population, lived in the community. What’s more This is who emerges after looking at Statistics The average family makes more than double the these numbers are on the rise. Canada’s information for Leaside. When comparing $96,602 for a typical Toronto family based on 2005 COST Page 15

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14 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 2009 Cost dependent House prices dictate who can live in Leaside

Cont. from Page 13 includes neighbours of multiple ori- However, it’s still a far cry from the gins. rest of the city, which saw 47 percent When Redway and his wife moved of Torontonians identify themselves as into their present Leaside home in being a visible minority. 1969, two doors away was a family of While 94 percent of residents speak Japanese origin who moved onto the English as their main language at street 1967 and are still neighbours, francis crescia/town crier home, French, Polish, Korean, Serbian says the former East York . YOUNG PEOPLE like Maria Catanzaro and Jason Buckland stay through and Chinese are also popular. He has a Leaside friend, who is a their teens, but often leave Leaside in their 20s. The neighbourhood is also growing, doctor of Chinese heritage while his but not as fast as the rest of the city. own family physician is a Japanese dents. While only three percent are in an apartment in Thorncliffe before The total population sits at just under Leasider. In fact the neighbourhood is young adults in their 20s and only 6.5 choosing to move back to Leaside in 16,000, and grew about three percent a popular place for doctors, as Sunny- percent are in their 30s. the 1960s to raise a family. between 2001 and 2006 compared to brook and University Ave.’s hospitals U of T economics professor David “The schools were close and con- nine percent citywide. are close by, he says. Foot has a theory about the numbers. sidered good, the Leaside arena, the But as is the case with all stats, they “A lot of younger families are mov- “You won’t find (Leaside) people library is close at hand and we have only paint part of the picture. ing in. You are attracting doctors, char- in their 20s and 30s living in Leaside. parks,” says Redway, who just turned So we turn to long-time Leasider tered accountants, lawyers and invest- They will move onto King or Queen 74. Alan Redway for some perspective. ment people,” he says. Street if they can afford it, and they But it is the attractiveness of the He echoes the numbers by say- On average those young families can,” says the author of Boom, Bust area that drives up the housing prices ing the community is becoming more have at least two kids living at home. and Echo. “Young people in their 20s and makes it more expensive for new diverse. About 3,390 Leasiders are under want to be near noise and action.” residents to move in. “It’s not a dramatic shift, but it’s the age of 14 with the majority in the But perhaps some will follow Red- “Today, I couldn’t afford to buy there,” says Redway who grew up in 10–14 age group. way’s example and move back when the house we live in today,” Redway Leaside in 1939. Men and women between 40–49 they want to start a family. comments. In fact, his experience is one that make up about 10 percent of the resi- Redway and his wife back lived – Kris Scheuer

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GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT COMMUNITY GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT hockey hero

francis crescia/town crier

Kypreos recalls somebody telling him he was Leaside, die in Leaside,’ he admits, they do love ick Kypreos owes everything to the only the 88th player in Leafs history to be born the neighbourhood. game of hockey. and raised in Hogtown and play for the Buds. “Who knows what tomorrow brings, but That’s includes his home in Lea- “I thought that was kind of cool because a today we’re definitely feeling like Leaside is our side where he lives with his wife, team with such history, with so many players home.” whom he met while playing for the New York donning the uniform, that I would be one of less That feeling has a lot to do with his neigh- Rangers,N and their three kids. than a hundred that ever grew up in Toronto and bours, he says, especially the parents at his kids’ With hundred-year-old trees lining the bou- play for the Leafs,” he says, beaming. “I thought school. levards and the sounds of kids playing, Leaside, man, those are incredible odds.” “I go pick my kids up at lunch and there might Kypreos says, is home. When he returned home from the Big Apple, be 50 or 60 parents waiting for their kids,” he “I think it’s just the community feel that you his sister called him and said there was a house says. “We’re really committed to the schools in get,” says the hockey analyst for . “It’s up for sale in Leaside. Leaside because the parents are committed to the really hard to believe you’re 10 minutes from “She said, ‘Why don’t you come and take a programs. downtown and although you’re obviously still look at the house?’ And I said, ‘I’m not sure if “All those things are all community-driven midtown there’s a real sense that you are part of a I’m interested in buying a house’.” and you can’t do that unless you’ve got some really close-knit, tight community.” With nothing to lose — in the words of his really good, supportive people around it.” How he ended up in Toronto’s first planned sister —Kypreos took a look. When it’s time for rest and relaxation though, community has its roots in the 1995-96 NHL sea- “Sure enough I saw it and then I wanted to buy some of team Kypreos’ favourite hangouts are son when he was traded with Wayne Presley to the it,” he says. “As they say, the rest is history.” just a walk away. Maple Leafs for and Sergio Momesso. Years later when the Kypreos family needed “Anything on Bayview,” he says. “Ever since “It was a big thrill for me to get traded to some extra room, they did what’s only natural in the kids were big enough to be put in a stroller or Toronto,” he says. “It was a team I obviously grew Leaside: wagon, we’ve gone up and down there. up watching and worshipping.” “We literally bought the house across the “It didn’t matter where we had lunch, be it As a youngster, he lived in the High Park area, street,” he says. McSorely’s or Originals.” before his family moved to Willowdale. Though Kypreos shrugs off the saying ‘Buy in – Brian Baker

FOR YOUR BEST MOVE. Richardson JulieSales Representative

Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage • 4 1 6 . 4 6 5 . 7 5 2 7 [email protected] • www.julierichardson.ca

2009 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 17 - - Bosley_Julie LR Today mark Jennifer Gardiner 2009 Apr. ______...... Today ...... 416-488-4779 416-488-3671 ...... PROOF Client . . . .Papers ...... Issue . . . . . Layout 4 x 40 Sales Rep 101 Wingold Ave Ontario Toronto, Ph: Fx: Issue: Leaside 2 Date: Mar. Attention: as published be will Ad by correction no if shown by: received is phone or fax ASAP *Note: has attached proof The care very read been been has effort every fully; in correct it make to made not do we but detail, every responsibility any assume errors. for care proof the read Please names, especially fully, figures. and addresses, OK ❏ Proof Signature: TODAY SERIES 2009 SERIES TODAY Keeping A place to us alive eat and Jackie Elchyshyn a place to grow t’s more than just residents who enjoy spending their time in

GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT COMMUNITY GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT Leaside. Just ask Jackie Elchyshyn. The 26-year-old has been working as a paramedic in the area for the past four years and has fallen in love with the community. I“Leaside’s a great place to work,” she said during some downtime at Station 21. “There’s a lot of young families so there’s always things going on, like there’s people out exercising or walking their dog, walking their babies around.” Elchyshyn and her colleagues respond to all sorts of calls in the neighbourhood for such things as cardiac arrest or injuries from falls. However, she also gets to with engage the community, including giving tours of the ambulance to kids and their equally curious par- ents. When there’s time, she and colleagues also enjoy some of the local treats. “We’re at Hollywood Gelato almost every day in the summer,” she says with a laugh. The urban neighbourhood does pose some challenges though, including heavier road traffic that Elchyshyn has had to maneuver through.

francis crescia/town crier

Selling Leaside Bosley Real Estate photo courtesy bill smith

The East York resident said she chose to become a paramedic om and Ann Bosley say if it’s not fun, it’s not worth doing. because it seemed “like a natural step” from her years as a lifeguard. So when Tom took over the family business in 1985, he An alumnus of Centennial , Elchyshyn graduated from the made sure he was doing something he enjoyed. paramedic program in 2003, or as she remembers it, the year of the “My love for real estate is the residential side of it,” he said. SARS outbreak. “Designing, building, architecture and dealing with people.” It was an unusual time to get involved in the field of public health, as TWith offices on Merton St. in Leaside, the Bosley duo say they can be everyone was on high alert, she recalls. close to everything. But Elchyshyn says she chose to stay in the field because she enjoys “It’s a dynamic area,” said Tom’s wife Ann, who is Bosley’s vice- putting people at ease. She often chats with elderly war veterans who president. “It’s centrally located, so we can deal with real estate in all parts now live in Sunnybrook Hospital’s Kilgour Wing, a longterm care of the city.” centre. Tom’s grandfather William started Bosley Real Estate in 1928, 11 years “I always ask where they served and where they lived before the after arriving in Canada from Somerset, England. K-Wing.” Tom says he loves what he does because he gets to work with wonder- Elchyshyn says she has no plans to transfer to another part of the ful people every day. city right now and that’s mainly because of the warmth of the neigh- “When you’re working with 180 salespeople, there’s always something bourhood. different going on,” he said. “It feels like you’re in a tight-knit community when you’re travelling One of the youngest of the bunch is their 23-year-old daughter Christan, through Leaside,” she said. “We see everybody, all walks of life.” who has taken an interest in the family business and works as an agent. – Karolyn Coorsh

18 LEASIDE ToDAY T TownOWN CrierCRIER 2009 2009 Culinarium Four

here are many reasons to open a shop, but provincial pride is generations very rarely one of them. But that’s exactly why Kathleen Mackintosh established the Mt. Pleasant Rd. hotspot Culinarium, which serves spe- cialty food products produced in Ontario. of service TTargeting food connoisseurs with a maple leaf in their hearts and a trillium in their back pocket, Culinarium offers edible events like cooking classes, tastings and farm tours, and seeks to establish links between the public and the province’s food producers. Humphrey Funeral Home

Despite being a decidedly pro-Ontario idea, the concept actually COMMUNITY GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT emerged during a discussion between Mackintosh and one of her B.C.- born buddies, she said. After Mackintosh’s transplanted friend bragged for the umpteenth time about her homegrown delicacies such as tomatoes and peaches, the duo started thinking about the lack of appreciation Ontario foodies have o Bruce Humphrey, owning a business means being a for their products. perfectionist. “She and I just sort of realized that people who are born in Ontario “It’s not 9 to 5, it’s every hour, you’re always think- don’t have natural pride in their products, where British Columbians and ing about it,” said the president of Humphrey Funeral Quebecers do,” she said. “We thought if we brought everything under one Home. “You want to put a personal touch on everything. You want roof, maybe people will see the variety of wonderful products.” Teverything to go as perfectly as possible.” And seeing as how the one-year-old boutique has been a rousing suc- He started working with his father Tom at the Bayview Ave. busi- cess, it appears as though some people are, notes Mackintosh. ness when he was just 13. Which is a good thing, she says. Now, 46 years later, he’s the boss. Not only does this mean more customers are reducing their carbon “We have a clientele that’s been loyal to us for generations,” said footprint by shopping local, but they’re also helping out hardworking Bruce. “We’re here to take care of them and their families.” Ontario families that put the food on our plates. “I think it’s the time to eat local,” she said. “It’s important for all of us and it feels good.” – Corey Lewis

katia caporiccio/town crier

The company is celebrating its 130th year in business and, with Bruce, its fourth generation of family operation. Julius Humphrey, Bruce’s great-grandfather, opened the firm in 1879. He passed it on to his son Albert in 1924 and Bruce’s father Tom took his place in 1939. “One thing my father told me, he said, ‘all I can give you in life is a good name. What you do with it is up to you.’ I’ll always remember that.” Bruce, who took charge of the company in 1990, says working in funeral service is something he has always wanted to do, and that katia caporiccio/town crier people don’t always understand how he can work in an industry involved with so much sadness. “She loves it,” Tom said. “It’s a great business if you like people and “People say, ‘I don’t know how you do what you do.’ They say like solving problems.” we make it easier for them. I just think we make it less trouble- He says he and his staff keep busy – even in an uncertain economy. some.” “It’s not a 9 to 5 job – it’s a 24-hour job,” he said. “And right now it’s And his compassion comes naturally. the perfect storm for the buyer’s market, so we’ve always got something “I knew what (the funeral industry) was about before I even con- to do.” sidered joining it as a profession,” he said. “Then, when I was 13, I – Katia Caporiccio knew I wanted to work (in it).” – Katia Caporiccio

2009 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 19 GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT COMMUNITY GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT

francis crescia/town crier Fresh, family fare is the key to success Penrose Fish and Chips

she said. “People are in here just as much on Fridays for the pie as they t’s been 59 years and they still get lineups that trail out the door. are for the fish,” which is coated in a secret family recipe batter. Dave and Rosemary Johnston are the owners of Penrose Fish and “Only my dad and I knew the recipe,” said Dave with a laugh. “When Chips, a self-described “truly family-run business.” we travelled, we would never fly on the same plane, because if the plane “I had a stint with Bell Canada for a while. Then I came here to help went down, the recipe would go too.” my dad out, and I’ve been locked in ever since,” Dave joked. “After four or The fish and chippers attribute their success to quality food and ser- fiveI years it sort of gets in your blood.” vice. The shop has been on Mount Pleasant Rd. since it first opened in “Everything is fresh, made from scratch,” said Rosemary. “Potatoes are 1950 when Dave’s parents Marion and Roly moved to Toronto from New peeled on demand. Fries are cut and cooked when they’re needed.” Brunswick. She says people appreciate the quality and that’s what keeps them com- Dave and Rosemary were married in 1985 shortly after he took over ing back. the family business. His wife joined the team and began baking desserts “We had customers who moved out to Vancouver or to Europe and from scratch. Her specialty is lemon meringue pie, which she makes only when they come back to visit they say, ‘Wow, you’re still here!’ We hope on Fridays. the business will still be thriving in the next 20 years.” “If you have something like that every day it’s not special anymore,” – Katia Caporiccio

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20 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 2009 - - Leaside Skating LR Today mark Jennifer Gardiner 2009 Apr. ______...... Today ...... 416-488-4779 416-488-3671 ...... PROOF Client . . . .Papers ...... Issue . . . . . Layout 4 x 40 Sales Rep 101 Wingold Ave Ontario Toronto, Ph: Fx: Issue: Leaside 19 Date: Mar. Attention: as published be will Ad by correction no if shown by: received is phone or fax ASAP *Note: has attached proof The care very read been been has effort every fully; in correct it make to made not do we but detail, every responsibility any assume errors. for care proof the read Please names, especially fully, figures. and addresses, OK ❏ Proof Signature: TODAY SERIES 2009 SERIES TODAY Colours for your home

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2009 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 21 Life on film Through individualized special Steve Stober education instruction, we enable each f a picture is worth a thousand words then Leaside photog- student with a learning disability rapher Steve Stober has racked up enough words to fill an entire library. to succeed. The Mount Pleasant Rd. portraitist has spent the better part of his life capturing people from everyday families and chil- drenI to actors, singers and musicians on film. GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT COMMUNITY GREAT PEOPLE, GREAT To prevent himself from solely working in the commercial field, Stober often stages exhibitions of his personal photogra- Open House phy projects, whether it be photos from a recent jaunt half away around the world, or an intimate series on women’s different body ursday April 16th issues. “As long as I am on my feet, I will continue doing what I know 9:30am - 11:30am • 5:00pm - 7:00pm and love, as it has been a part of me since I was 15-years-old,” Stober said in an email interview. Stober, who works solely with film and the fine-art form of hand-printing in his cherished darkroom, sees himself continuing to work in both the artistic and commercial fields of photogra- phy. He hopes to display his work internationally, including taking his most recent exhibit, “This Is My Body” to Europe in the near future. The intimate, yet revealing exhibit of black and white nudes looked at variety of body issues women face, and how they feel about themselves. The collection was well-received by the public when it was shown in Toronto last fall. And that’s not it. Songs for the good Sarah Dylan

photo courtesy sarah dylan

inger-songwriter Sarah Dylan is a performer, through and through. And a humanitarian. The 17-year-old Branksome Hall student has been immersed in music since she was little, she says, and relishes the chance to use her gifts for good causes. S“I love to perform for people,” says Dylan, who describes her music as pop/rock/folk. “But at the same time it’s really, really great to use my musical skills to help benefit a charity as well.” Dylan recently played a gig in support of UNICEF’s Spread the Net cam- paign, which provides anti-malaria mosquito nets to families in Malawi. She’s also performed in a Sick Kids charity event at the Opera House, which, she says, “is a really amazing achievement in terms of music”. Closer to home, she is co-head of Branksome’s peer support group. Graduating this year, she has her eyes set on either Ryerson or U of T, where she plans to study economics. But the music will come first. “I’m recording a new album over the summer,” she says. With everything she’s accomplished what does she count as a highlight? “In terms of music, this past October I went to Boston and I played a show with the lead guitarist for James Blunt,” she says. “That was really cool, to get a chance to travel and play a show.” – Philip Alves

22 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 2009 Life on film

photo courtesy steve stober

Along with remounting “This Is My Body” during Toronto’s Contact Photography Festival in May, Stober plans on creating a book and exhibit sometime later this year or in early 2010, to showcase his prints from a recent trip to South India. The forward-thinking shutterbug is also hard at work photographing people in the Leaside community who interest him. So far he’s shot delivery people, local shopkeepers and the elderly who call the neighbourhood home. What he most enjoys about being part of Leaside is the mix of the “” charm the neighbourhood still has, with the new developments and diverse array of one-of-a-kind shops. “The mix of old and new, young people and elderly, fixed income and the upwardly mobile creates a vibrant area, which is a microcosm and a reflection of the city as a whole,” he wrote. – Lorianna De Giorgio

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2009 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 23 - - Sun Shades LT mark Jennifer Gardiner 09 Apr. ______...... Today 416-488-4779 416-488-3671 ...... PROOF 101 Wingold Ave Ontario Toronto, Ph: Fx: Issue: Leaside 6 Date: Mar. Attention: as published be will Ad by correction no if shown by: received is phone or fax ASAP *Note: has attached proof The care very read been been has effort every fully; in correct it make to made not do we but detail, every responsibility any assume errors. for care proof the read Please names, especially fully, figures. and addresses, OK ❏ Proof Signature: Client . . . .Papers ...... Issue . . . . . Layout 4 x 77 Sales Rep TODAY SERIES 2009 SERIES TODAY Your What do you love in Leaside that thoughts you can’t find anywhere else?

– “Everything. It’s so con- densed, everything you – “The gelato!” – “The Elegant could possibly need is in a Leah Gilbert (left) Garage Sale. You few blocks. You can’t get and Sophie Gilbert can go in there and that anywhere else in the find anything. And city.” you’re being green Martin Ciccone by recycling. It’s used stuff.” – “Small-town appeal in Michael Renaud a big city.” – “The ambience of the Kendra Doersan (left) close-knit community. And and Krista Grayson very good bakeries.” Noreen Kincaid – “Rosie’s. There – “I love the acces- are very few ma sibility. It’s acces- and pa restaurants – “We love Bayview Ave- sible to the 401 and where you can get nue. Such unique shops. to downtown. And good, filling break- We shop at Cumbrae’s for it has a neighbour- fast.” good-quality meats.” hood-y feel.” Janet Rodriguez Ernie Ryles (left) Trae Zammit (left) and Evelyn Kaye and Paul Graham – Katia Caporiccio & Katy Gontmakher

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24 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 2009 The world is big. Start small.

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2009 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 25 A real page-turner

Yonge / Lawrence 100 Ranleigh Ave Registering for September 2009! 1585 Yonge St. (at Heath) Yorkminister Park Baptist Church Tel: 416-486-4911 From “Preview Open Houses” – for Seniors LEASIDE SENIORS who want to remain in Leaside and live independently in a modern apartment with en-suite laundry, central air and “no stairs” in a building that has a sense of “community” – have several excellent choices. humble Not all of my listings go on MLS. Ask Roy to tell you when he has a new exclusive listing for sale or for rent in any of the area’s seniors’ buildings. You will be invited to a “Preview” Open House of mine before it is open to the general public. You will also know the values of apartments in these buildings so that you are better informed to make an offer. beginnings Roy’s real estate business is solely based on serving the seniors’ market. If you are over 65 ask Roy and his team to go to work for you. Roy St. John, Broker, VP & Accredited Senior Agent Leaside Public Library

[email protected] • www.seniorscondos.com Off: 416-640-2661 Direct: 416-569-5036

SailSail inin thethe CityCity elieve it or not, there’s one thing in Leaside that cost more back in 1943 than it does today: membership to the library. Sail all summer for under $500. Of course, those who paid $1 to join Leaside’s Association Unlimited Lessons ™ Unlimited Use of Fleet™;^ghiXaVhhZhhiVgiZVganBVn Library back when it was housed in a former dress shop were 6AAB:B7:GH=>EH>C8AJ9:### ▲ learn to sail in club-owned boats (Albacores, Lasers and Hobies) helping shape what has become the busy intellectual hub of the commu- ▲ free CYA beginner lessons & race training Bnity. ▲ our waterfront clubhouse...your cottage in the city Leaside’s first public library was created with the dedication ofvol- ▲ fabulous parties, races and regattas unteers who raised the funds to acquire books and build furniture for the ▲ located near Cherry Beach ▲ an adult non-profit sailing club run by people just like you Bayview Ave. storefront. ...everyone is welcome! Their hard work paid off big time. 8Vaa)&+")+&"(++%orlll#bddgZYVaZ#Xdb In its first year, the library enrolled about 600 members and acquired CZlbZbWZgh^c[dgbVi^dcc^\]ih over 1,000 books which were loaned over 2,500 times. Many of the books April 16 and May 14, 7:00pm to 9:30pm at Mooredale House, were donated by the Leaside Lions and Rotary Clubs. In 1944 the Leaside 146 Crescent Rd. (east of the Rosedale subway station) Library was municipally incorporated and its growing success emphasized BVgnBXBV]dc/ membership director the importance of expanding. Indeed by 1949, the library had outgrown the storefront and construc- tion began on a one-storey building at the corner of MacRae Dr. and Field Ave, next to Trace Manes Park. With ever-growing membership, a children’s wing and an expanded main entrance opened in 1958. As the turn of the millennium approached, talk of building anew began when the library’s state of disrepair and inaccessibility became apparent. Rather than try to renovate the decision was made to tear it down and rebuild. The current library’s construction was completed in 2002 on the same corner. Today, branch head Linda Martin says the library is “extremely well- used”, and boasts one of the highest circulations of the city’s 99 libraries. It contains 60,000 items, including books, music, DVDs, videos, audiobooks and magazines. “We are one of the public meeting places where people of all ages and all incomes congregate,” Martin says. “We’re very lucky because it’s a community that appreciates books.” Perhaps the most treasured part of the library is its Leaside Room,

26 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 2009 Celebrating 19 years!

Specializing in Early Childhood Education, the curriculum fosters the joy of early learning and builds self-esteem.

Supported by dynamic, dedicated teachers, the children flourish; laughing and hugs are plentiful. Yonge / Lawrence Yonge N. of St. Clair

urture Your Creative NImagination Exciting new courses for the summer Private lessons continue in most instruments Acceterated Theory courses for RCM exams

All ages welcome to experience the joy of music! 13 Years of Music Instruction by Highly Qualified, Award-Winning Artists and Teachers in the Heart of Toronto 550 Eglinton Ave. E. (near Bayview) 416.488.2588 photo Courtesy Toronto Public Library, Leaside branch email: [email protected] www.ntimusic.com FIRST HOME: The Leaside Public Library got its start in a former dress shop on Bayview Ave. which pays homage to the history of Maria Montessori School the community. Former council- For children two and a half to twelve. lor was instrumental in getting the room established, donat- ing the proceeds from her 1999 Operating under the book Leaside to its creation. Other guidelines of the local businesses and organizations like the East York Kiwanis Club also Association Montessori pitched in. Internationale The room is a valuable resource of all things Leaside, including scrap- books, old photographs and his- 123 Brentcliffe Rd., Toronto torical books. Users can also peruse local artifacts, like wartime binocu- (416) 423-9123 lars made in the Leaside Industrial www.mariamontessori.ca Park, medals given to Bessborough Drive public school during a visit from the Queen, and a Majorette hat karolyn coorsh/town crier from the Leaside Lions Club. BOOKISH: Charlotte Morrison picks KOHAI EDUCATIONAL CENTRE out a book at the Leaside library. Though it has the same footprint 41 Roehampton Ave, Toronto as the previous building, the new library is more spacious and accessible, Martin says. Phone: 416-489-3636 “Before, people had to go into the basement for programs, now there’s www.kohai.ca a beautiful community room overlooking the park and playground,” she email: [email protected] says. It’s a learning centre in more ways than one. In the spring, Bessborough students help plant a garden in the front entranceway that is maintained by the Leaside Garden Society. Kohai provides a quality education for students from preschool to adult A Leaside resident herself, Martin says of the five Toronto public who are experiencing difficulties, whether they are behind in academic libraries she’s worked in, this one’s by far her favourite. performance, language and cognitive development, or have behaviour “The reader’s advisory is very prominent here, people ask me ‘Have problems. We teach academics, the arts, phys. ed. and social skills. you read this, have you read that,’ with the expectation that I have read a lot,” she said. “That, for me, is really rewarding.” We believe everyone can learn. – Karolyn Coorsh

2009 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 27 She shoots, (Ages 2 & Up) she scores

Karen Davies Thomas Mom & Tot Principal & Artistic Director Creative Movement RAD / Cecchetti Ballet Intensive & Recreational Programs Pointe & Repertoire Jazz & Hip Hop Tap & Musical Theatre Contemporary Modern Adult Programs Weekday, Weeknight & Saturday Classes Interplay Children’s Dance Company Summer Camp in July & August 09

New Bright Location with Sprung flooring 250 Davisville (At Mt. Pleasant) Women on ice FOR INFORMATION CALL 416-972-1316 Toronto Leaside Girls Hockey fax 416-972-1497 www.interplay-dance.ca

y how far girls hockey has come in Leaside. It was 35 years ago when the Leaside Hockey League E.W. SMITH ROOFING est 1979 felt there was a demand for a girls-only league. In 1974, (Family Owned Business) mers’ C the Leaside Girls Hockey League was created, a two-team su ™ho on Award ic C e • Shingles • Flat Roofs house league with the Lancerettes and the Blazerettes. *B 2008 * u e s F r nc in o le The league, operating out of the Leaside Memorial Gardens Arena, ess Excel • Eavestrough M began to grow on an annual basis. As numbers and level of play increased it • Skylights expanded to add a competitive program: the Leaside Wildcats. • Roof Repairs Today girls hockey in Leaside has over 800 registered players, 32 house league teams and 20 competitive squads. In light of such growth and citywide appeal, the Leaside Girls Hockey League officially became the • Fully Insured Toronto Leaside Girls Hockey Association last November. & Reliable “Leaside is definitely a pioneer in girls hockey,” said association presi- dent Jordan Grant. “Over the years Leaside arena did take the initiative and • Work Guaranteed did allocate time for girls hockey. • Job Clean & Neat “We now get seven and a half hours of ice time at Leaside arena, which is more than we get at any other single arena,” he added. “I think they take pride that they are home to the major girls hockey association in Toronto.” Call 416-467-7663 The association has house leagues for girls ranging from five years old to adult. The Wildcats have teams starting from Novice B (seven and eight year olds) to Senior AA. Now is the time for ROOF INSPECTION Grant, who is in his second year as president, said while a high number of girls do come from Leaside, many players do travel from other communities ow is the time to and sometimes lack of ventila- such as and Forest Hill. inspect your roof and tion. If you have too much heat That was one of the reasons why the league decided to change its name, get any needed repairs in the attic, then ask your roof- he added. done.N If your roof is over 20 ing contractor how to improve “The other thing is for when we host tournaments or our teams go to years old, you should have an ventilation. Water penetration out-of-town tournaments, people would ask where is Leaside,” said Grant, inspection as the manufactur- due to snow and ice build up whose daughter Alicia played in the league. er’s warranty in most cases has may have afftected you during “We would tell them it’s a neighbourhood in Toronto, so the name change ended. If the roof is 15 to 21 this cold winter. Call us to find helps others make the connection to Leaside and the city.” years old and you see cracked, out what you can do about it. Former Leaside board member Joan Padmore said girls hockey has come curled, raised or cupped shin- Call E.W. Smith Roofing a long way not only in Leaside, but all over the country. She said the notion gles, have it inspected. These at of hockey being for boys was given a game misconduct a long time ago. are signs of wear and aging 416-467-7663. “(Girls hockey) is extremely popular. The association always has a wait- ing list and they’ve expanded every year,” said Padmore, whose daughters

28 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 2009 • Over 35 Years in Business • Popular & Rare Orchid Plants • Silk Orchid Arrangements • Orchid Supplies & Repotting Service • Gift Certificates • Local Delivery

photo courtesy Mark Willard

416-961-2639 1202 (across from Summerhill LCBO) www.orchidsshoppe.net

photo courtesy Toronto Leaside Girls Hockey Association THE ORIGINALS: The 1974-75 Lancerettes were one of two teams to compete in the Leaside league’s first season.

Kathryn and Clare are Leaside alum. “I think it often grows when the Reference # 2051 Olympics are going on and people see the women on TV. “And now I think girls realize they can play,” she added. “It used to be only boys, but now you see girls on the street playing ball hockey. You Advertising, never saw that when I was growing up.” Town Crier As the hockey league has grown, so too has its annual tournament. The February 2009 30th annual March Break Madness saw 60 teams from all over Ontario and some from the United States come to Leaside. Nearly 2,000 players and parents got to learn a little about the Leaside 4.24” w x 5.5” d community and, of course, to play some hockey. Grant said there were Ink: CMYK plenty of volunteers willing to help out and show off Leaside to its visi- tors. “When we have major tournaments, it’s incredible the number of If education means Contacts: volunteers that come forward and they get to know each other,” he said. “Amongst the teams with the players, coaches and parents, it’s more than the world to you. just a game. TFS: “It’s also a very social thing so it does bring people together on a team- Suzanne Tobin by-team basis.” (416)484-6533 Padmore agreed with Grant’s claim, adding volunteers are the true force Email [email protected] behind the association. 4/2/.4/&2%.#(3#(//, “To have any kind of sports program or any that brings people together contributes to community,” she said. “There are so many volunteers that Although 90% of TFS students have Production: help with Leaside so when you have people from different walks of life little or no knowledge of French Maddever Associates Inc. concentrating on one program, it definitely becomes about the commu- when they enroll, they graduate bilingual. nity. Ross Maddever “It’s not just the girls playing, but the parents and friends coming to WWWTFSCA (416)  EXT 4247 (416)486-3199 watch and doing whatever they can to contribute,” Padmore added. “The Email [email protected] volunteers are definitely the organization.” – Carmine Bonanno "ILINGUALs#OEDUCATIONALs)"$IPLOMA

2009 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 29 Join Hazelton Place Retirement Residence Come Celebrate The Sun! Friday April 17th 3:00p.m. - 5:00p.m. Enjoy our Caribbean theme; The food - The music - A live Steel Drum Band Let's get a head start on summer! RSVP 416-928-0111 Monthly rates starting at only $3095 including 3 meals a day, rec. programs, housekeeping and 24 hour emergency nursing response.

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LEASIDE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION

LEASIDE HOCKEY ASSOCIATION, YOUR COMMUNITY HOCKEY LEAGUE ! Come join the fun and play in the Leaside Hockey Association House League for boys and girls ages 5 to 19. Our 5, 6 and 7 year olds receive special instruction in our famous Hockey School Program on Saturday mornings. The season starts in late September 2009 and is completed with a Championship weekend in early April. Our Hockey School Program ends with a fun banquet! Registration takes place on-line starting April 15th, 2009. At e.p.i.c. School, our teachers listen. And then we take the time to explore your child’s unique needs and interests. Please visit our website at Operating as a not-for-profit, e.p.i.c. School offers Pre-kindergarten and Kindergarten programs. In addition to our engaging curriculum, www.leasidehockey.com children are given an introduction to French, music, art, drama and for registration and further information. stay active under the guidance of our physical education specialists. epicschool.com 416-489-0132 111 Manor Rd. E. Toronto 416-422-5011

30 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 2009 Brick work The story behind old Leaside homes

where they’d rhyme off as many Lea- e can tell you there are side street names as possible without 50 yellow brick homes pausing. Not surprisingly, Fleming left in Leaside and why was often the winner. a handful of Leaside Though he doesn’t seem the tra- francis crescia/town crier houses are crooked. ditional type if you look at his blog, COLOUR TEST: Realtor David Flemming swears this home’s bricks are HMeet David Fleming, realtor with www.torontorealtyblog.com – where blue, rather than “putty grey” as the owner contends. Bosley Real Estate in Toronto and he discusses houses he hates, annoy- a veritable fountain of information ing agents, and real estate scams brick homes remain. There are around , there are still when it comes to Leaside. – Fleming has a definite old-fash- 10 white brick homes, he adds — oddball features that make it distinct, “I know it like the back of my ioned streak. He mourns the “God essentially red bricks that have been he says. One is his old stomping hand.” awful” stone and stucco houses he painted white — and there’s even a grounds at 201 Sutherland Dr. A self-admitted history buff with says developers have been erecting blue brick home that he swears is of “It’s completely diagonal to the a memory for detail, Fleming’s per- the past 10 years in Leaside in place a very light hue, but that the current street,” Fleming says, adding he sonal history is bound up with many of the original brick homes. owner told him was putty grey. remembers asking his mother why of Leaside’s historic homes. He even Though his own beloved child- “It’s the only one of its kind,” he the house was sideways when he remembers playing He-Man in senior hood home at 96 Bessborough Dr. says of the house. was a kid. Kindergarten at 201 Sutherland Dr., has been torn down, it didn’t avoid While other neighborhoods fea- He didn’t discover why until he one of the oldest homes in Leaside becoming a victim of the redevelop- ture a hodge-podge of different was a realtor, but now he knows the built by James Lea, grandson of Lea- ment he so abhors. His old home is style houses from different eras, he house doesn’t sit flush with the street side founder John Lea. being replaced by two houses with says, Leaside is very organized and because it predated the current street, Fleming’s memory has always red brick façades, which were sold structured. One street will have all and that the development was built been sharp, it seems. He and his before they were even built, he says. detached homes and another all semi- around it. childhood pals used to play a game Of the original Leaside homes, detached homes on another, he says. – Kelly Gadzala called “The streets of Leaside,” Fleming says only 50 or so yellow Even though Leaside was a

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2009 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 31 Did you Bridges, cops and rocks know? Seven things you didn’t know about Leaside

francis crescia/town crier CROSSING THE RIVER: When the was built in 1927 it opened up the community and increased its residential population.

1 Spanning the great divide 2 Rotary clubs & raffles 3 Safety with hammers

The Leaside Bridge, spanning the Don Valley The Rotary Club of Toronto-Leaside played an From the time Leaside was incorporated in 1913 between Millwood Rd. and Pape and Donlands important role in creating the Leaside Memorial to around 1924, Durant Motors and the Canada Wire Aves., was vitally important to the development of Gardens. First the club sold land it owned to help and Cable Company protected the town from fire Leaside. Formerly the East York Leaside Viaduct, purchase the site for the community centre and by developing their own fire department, as Jane the six-lane roadway bridge connected Leaside with arena. In 1950 it held a raffle for a tractor to raise Pitfield notes in her definitive book, Leaside. The . Its construction in 1927 heralded money for the building’s construction. According Leaside Volunteer Fire Department was formed in rapid development of the residential area in Leaside. to Leaside Rotary, the fundraiser went awry when 1929 and the first alarm was a piece of iron struck The bridge was widened in the late 1960s with the the RCMP got wind of the raffle and made the with a hammer. intention of connecting it to Leslie St. However, the club give all the money back as raffles weren’t Pitfield also writes that the first police office was connection was never built. The Leaside Bridge is legal at the time. The club went back to the draw- in the basement of the Leaside Public School, now known for its decorative handrail, designed by New ing board and raised a portion of the construction Bessborough Drive Elementary and Middle School, York architect Claude Bragdon. In 2004 the structure money through other means. The Memorial Gar- run by two police officers who alternated between was listed by the City of Toronto in its Inventory of dens opened in 1951. Leaside Rotary also raised day and night shifts. The Leaside Police Force even- Heritage Properties in recognition of it historic and $200,000 to build the pool in the community tually grew to 21 men and served for 54 years before architectural importance. centre. being amalgamated into Police

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LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 2009

32 - - ______Today 416-488-4779 416-488-3671 PROOF 101 Wingold Ave Ontario Toronto, Ph: Fx: Issue: Leaside 18 Date: Mar. Attention: as published be will Ad by correction no if shown by: received is phone or fax ASAP *Note: has attached proof The care very read been been has effort every fully; in correct it make to made not do we but detail, every responsibility any assume errors. for care proof the read Please names, especially fully, figures. and addresses, OK ❏ Proof Signature: TODAY SERIES 2009 SERIES TODAY in 1956. Apparently there’s still a safe that was used to store records in the Bessborough basement. However, Leaside it was walled in as it was too heavy to carry out. On another safety note, in his 1996 book, The was once TTC Story: The First Seventy-five Years, Mike Filey indicates that Leaside was the test market for new crosswalk regulations that were rolled out to the rest home to a of Metro Toronto in 1957. car plant 4 A car is born

Leaside was once home to Durant Motors of Canada, a subsidiary of Durant Motors based in the US. The company, incorporated in 1921, was the third largest domestic producer of automobiles, but it could not weather the Depression and stopped production in 1933. The office building, constructed in 1928, still stands on Laird Dr., across from the former location of the old Durant factory. Courtesy Toronto Public Library, Leaside branch HOMEMADE CAR: Harry Weston with his 1924 Durant Star built in Leaside. The company was in the area from 1921 to 1933. 5 Swampy school & princely punch Heritage Act is 85 Laird Dr. The old Canadian Northern Railway Eastern Lines Jane Pitfield writes that before the opened in 1948 a Locomotive shop stands on the eastern edge of the empty lot at Esandar Dr. A temporary high school building was bought from the proposal was submitted to the city to build four motor vehicle dealerships on for $600 and moved from the Lake Huron Air Base to its location near the Rolph the lot in front of the old building, but development of the site has not begun. Road School. Construction of the new Leaside High took three years and appar- ently workers had to contend with swampy conditions like wild cattails, a small stream and even quicksand. 7Rock of Ages In 1969 Prince Philip visited the school and praised the students for their “student power.” The Prince apparently asked if there was any rum in the glass of Have you ever wondered about the story behind the big rock outside the punch presented to him by the home economics class. Leaside library? The bolder is over a billion years old and was deposited just north of the library about 12,000 years ago by melting glaciers. The pre-Cam- brian rock was discovered just under the surface when gas lines were being laid 6 Protected space in the area. Leaside resident Gary Browne identified its geological significance and helped arrange its move next to the newly renovated library in 2002. The only building in the Leaside Business Park that is protected under the – Kelly Gadzala

BBQ DIRTY? BBQ BROKEN? BBQ GAS LINE? Bennington Heights ♦ ♦ Leaside For a little T.L.C. Thorncliffe ♦ Wynford-Concorde Help yourself to some YOUR CONCERNS call BBQ BOY FREE COMPOST ARE MY PRIORITY @ 416-588-6293 at my Please contact me WEBER • BROIL KING • NAPOLEAN COMMUNITY with your municipal questions and Perfect BBQ all the time COMPOST DAY concerns. s the trend continues We can service, install gas with outdoor cook- piping, assemble Saturday, May 2, 2008 Tel: 416.392.0215 Aing, more customers are and overhaul your - 9am to 11am [email protected] investing in high-end BBQ. With over 10 Leaside Memorial BBQ’s. Now we see years of service and Please mark your calendars Community Gardens consumers spend- knowledge we know and join me for my ing between that our customers 1073 Millwood Road Environment Day $1500.00 to get a perfect Come prepared with your $10,000 on top BBQ all the containers and shovels. September 26th, 2009 of the line outdoor time. Haul it away and spruce up 10am - 2pm grills. Call us at your lawn, garden, Leaside Memorial BBQ Boy provide var- 416-588-6293 or and flower beds. Community Gardens ious services for your BBQ. 905-773-3433.

2009 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 33 Who to call in Leaside

Clip & save this directory of community Taxes Fax...... 416-425-0350 services in the North Toronto area. Property tax inquiries...... 416-338-4TAX Email...... [email protected] Toronto Transit Commission City Agencies Rob Oliphant, MP, Don Valley West Customer service...... 416-393-4000 Ottawa office City of Toronto Rates & schedules...... 416-393-4636 Phone...... 613-992-2855 Access Toronto: Website...... www.ttc.ca Fax...... 613-995-1635 Information and referral... 416-338-0338 Email...... [email protected] Water Neighbourhood office Fax...... 416-338-0685 General enquiry...... 416-338-8888 146 Laird Drive, Suite 203 Website...... www.toronto.ca Billing and accounts...... 416-338-4829 Phone...... 416-467-7275 Drinking water quality...... 416-392-2894 Fax...... 416-467-8550 Animal Services Dog/cat licence...... 416-338-PAWS Community Centres & Michael Walker , city councillor, Ward Services 22 St. Paul’s Garbage, recycling & yard waste bylaws 100 Queen St. West, 2nd Floor, Suite B26 Waste enforcement: illegal dumping, Central Eglinton Community Centre Phone...... 416-392-7906 littering on city property, illegal 160 Eglinton Ave. East Fax...... 416-392-0124 Phone...... 416-392-0511 recycling and collection.... 416-392-0843 Email...... [email protected] Customer service...... 416-338-2010 Fax...... 416-392-0514 Website...... www.michaelwalker.ca Household hazardous waste...... 416-392-4330 Leaside Community Websites Website...... leaside.info Michael Bryant, MPP, St. Paul’s Cycling ...... www.LeasideToronto.com 425 Legislative Building, Queens Park Cycling Committee...... 416-392-7592 Phone...... 416-325-7292 Post & ring installations...... 416-392-9253 Leaside Memorial Gardens Neighbourhood Office Bicycle safety...... 416-392-1311 1073 Millwood Rd. 803 St. Clair Ave. West. Phone...... 416-421-4944 Phone...... 416-656-0943 Death registrations General enquiry...... 416-392-7036 Mooredale House Carolyn Bennett, MP, St. Paul’s 146 Crescent Rd. 655 D Centre Block, House of Commons Housing Phone...... 416-922-3714 Phone...... 613-995-9666 Improvement loans/grants.. 416-392-7620 Email...... [email protected] Neighbourhood Office Community housing...... 416-981-5500 1650 Yonge St., Suite 103 Market rent units...... 416-981-7368 Trace Manes Centennial Building Email...... [email protected] 110 Rumsey Rd. (at Millwood) Phone...... 416-952-3990 Website...... www.torontohousing.ca Phone...... 416-396-2853 Subsidized housing applications: Ratepayer Associations 176 Elm St...... 416-981-6111 Libraries Email...... [email protected] Moore Park Residents’ Association Website.... www.housingconnections.ca Leaside Public Library POB 25, 1531 Bayview Ave. M4G 4G8 Tim Costigan, President Long-term care 165 McRae Dr. Phone...... 416-396-3835 Phone...... 416-625-5041 Homemakers & nurses...... 416-392-8545 Email...... [email protected] Supportive housing...... 416-392-8545 Mount Pleasant Website...... www.moorepark.org Homes for the aged...... 416-392-8906 599 Mt. Pleasant Rd. Marriage Licence Phone...... 416-393-7737 Leaside Property Owners’ Association General enquiry...... 416-392-7036 P.O. 42, Station R. M4G 3Z3 Politicians Email...... [email protected] Parking Website...... www.lpoa.ca Toronto Parking Authority... 416-393-7275 John Parker, city councillor, ward 26 24 Hour Hotline...... 416-393-7300 Don Valley West North Leaside Residents Association Parking Tag & Ticket (credit card 100 West, Suite A13 Chris Markham, president payment, inquiries)...... 416-397-TAGS Phone...... 416-392-0215 Phone...... 416-409-3784 Streets & sidewalk snow clearing Email...... [email protected] Email...... [email protected] Customer service (24 hrs.).... 416-338-9999 Winter Snow Operations.. 416-338-SNOW , MPP, Don Valley Town Crier West Street cleaning and repair Mowat Block, 900 Bay St., 22nd floor News tips or advertising information Customer service (24 hrs.).... 416-338-9999 Phone...... 416-325-2600 Litter cleanup...... 416-39-CLEAN Fax...... 416-325-2608 ...... 416-785-4300 Neighbourhood office Email...... [email protected] Street lighting 146 Laird Drive, Suite 101 Fax...... 416-488-3671 Light out calls...... 416-542-3195 Phone...... 416-425-6777 Website...... www.towncrieronline.ca

34 LEASIDE ToDAY Town Crier 2009 Crescent_JustBoysAd_FINAL 2/3/09 4:09 PM Page 1

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