Good Deeds by Residents As We Take Cover Items of Food to Donate at 416-333-6763 and He Will Do a Porch Pick-Up

May 2020

Web: www.torontonewswire.com Email: [email protected] Number 18 Buy local. Live local. Good deeds by residents as we take cover items of food to donate at 416-333-6763 and he will do a porch pick-up. This food pantry may be a sign of the And the folks at Oxygen Bike Company times. have offered to refurbish up to five The good deeds of members of our com- kids’ bikes and pass them along to local munity are shining proudly as those in families in the area. self-isolation try to help their neighbours Oxygen will tune the bikes up, replace in these challenging times as we fight tires, seats and brakes if needed up to a COPING IN COVID-19 TIMES as Toronto Police thank healthcare workers as two colleagues COVID-19. value of $100 per bike, which are for 6 hold each other in despair. Some considerate residents left a filled pantry for others in to 10-year-olds. Residents are stepping up to the plate by need as some take to the streets with flags thank frontline staff. posting online countless ways to help Oxygen will work with local organiza- others whether it is making masks, PPEs, collecting The Sixth Street pantry is well-used with area residents tions such as schools, churches and food banks to find taking food and refilling at the same time suitable children for the bicycles. and distributing food or helping out as a volunteer. Long-time resident Daniel Lauzon, of Food for Now, is There are many other kind citizens who are taking or- “It is amazing to see our communities come together so driving around the city distributing food and water to ders from the elderly or neighbours as they make a run much,” says Sabrina Viva, of New Toronto. Her family the homeless. to area grocery, beer or liquor stores. added a small pantry outside their home to help feed Daniel is seeking prepared and individually-wrapped How about a number of volunteer drivers who stepped neighbours or those in the community who are hungry. food, like sandwiches, fruit cups, apple sauce, bottled up to help deliver contact-free food for small restau- “Please help yourself if you need anything immediately water, granola or protein bars. Call him if you have any rants, who are barely hanging on. And, small stores like and if you have more than enough at home feel free to Black Dog Rescue who are giving away free pet food add some items to the pantry,” Viva writes. because “no pets should be going hungry.” Raising funds to help girls’ centre hit by COVID-19

Young girls in the community will The popular Centre has been a pillar of suffer the most. strength in the community in helping to A badly-needed program to educate educate and empower more than 200 and empower young girls has shut its girls, young women and families in the doors after falling victim to COVID- last six years, she wrote. 19. Augustine, a former teacher and high A GoFundMe page has been launched school principal, was the first African- to raise funds for the Jean Augustine FORMER MP JEAN AUGUSTINE is hoping to raise enough funds on GoFundMe to relaunch a Canadian woman elected to the House of Centre for Young W omen’s Empower- centre named after her that has helped empower hundreds of young women since 2014. Commons. She was elected in the riding ment after 95% of its funding was lost of Etobicoke-Lakeshore in 1993 and sat due to financial setbacks suffered by a ganization is being faced with the gut- academics and leadership skills. It also in Parliament until 2006. She served as major donor as a result of the pandemic, wrenching decision to close its doors,” offered public speaking, resume build- the Fairness Commissioner for the Gov- officials say. Asiedu-Akrofi says. “Help us keep the ing, tutor training, and courses in the sci- ernment of Ontario advocating for Cana- “I am so distressed about our situation at Centre open to provide the necessary and ences and technology. dians with foreign credentials. the Centre,” Augustine says. “I have had essential services to girls and young “As a result of the impact of COVID- “My kids loved it there,” says a parent. to let all staff go and ceased the online women during COVID-19 and beyond.” 19, we have unfortunately lost our pri- Donations to ‘Help Save the Jean Augus- programs. “ The Portland St., centre was founded by mary source of funding,” Asiedu-Akrofi tine Centre’ can be made to Centre Executive Director Emma former MP Augustine in 2014 to help told residents on April 17. “Programs are gofundme.com or jeanaugustinecentre.ca Asiedu-Akrofi says it is a tough time for girls between 7-17-years-old with after- being suspended immediately as we More than $14,000 of its $100,000 goal the staff and students involved. “The or- school programs, workshops, life skills, make necessary adjustments.” has been raised.

Opera singer & socialite Pearl Horner .. Page 3 2 The South Etobicoke News www.torontonewswire.com May 2020 THEY ARE OUR MODERN DAY HEROES: Doz- Love our heroes at St. Joseph’s ens of appreciative Toronto police officers Cheers to Ardie and Les (left) from across the city showed up in a flashing caravan of vehicles to show their support for frontline healthcare workers at west-end and other city facilities. The caravan, led by Chief Mark Saunders, including officers of 11 and 22 Divisions, paid a social distancing visit to St. Joseph’s Health Centre and some seniors’ homes in the area. Many frail patients looked out from the hospital at a cavalry of flashing emergency HAPPY BIRTHDAYS TO CANADIAN ARMED FORCES lights from the police vehicles that rolled in vets Ardie (right) and Les. Toronto Police from from The Queensway. Many of the officers 22 Division, firefighters and Alderwood residents burst out into song, applause and cheered lined up outside the homes of the two veterans the hard-working health workers. last month to bring them birthday greetings. The gesture sparked a warm feeling for the A spry Ardwell Eyres, of Gair Dr., turned 96 while medical workers that their work is about a block away his neighbour Les Baldock, of appreciated by the community, whose Delma Dr., turned 97. residents are thankful for their sacrifice. St. Friends had posted their birthdays on Facebook and Joseph’s has a long and proud tradition of asked residents to stop outside, or drive by, their serving the diverse and growing needs of the homes to wave and wish them long lives with many city’s west-end for nearly a century. The more years to come. Each smiling vet was serenaded hospital was founded in 1921 by the Sisters with happy birthday, as a violinist played; then there was a loud hi-hip hooray and they were presented a of St. Joseph to care for those in need. senior's calendar about fire safety as well as a poppy, Today it serves nearly 500,000 people. thanking them for their service. We wish them both TPS Twitter photos long lives. Photos from social media. Seniors warned of a cash Search launched for missing COVID-19 Hotlines: Toronto Public Health Hotline & dash roofing scheme Connur parrot named Cash Telephone: 416-338-7600 Email: [email protected]

Telehealth Ontario Telephone: 1-866-797-0000 Visit: Ontario.ca SUSPECTS sought by police for a roofing scam. Toronto Police photos. Public Health Agency of Canada 1-833-784-4397 Seniors and other homeowners are being warned of [email protected] roofing scams as the warm weather approaches. Toronto Police fraud investigators are hot on the trail of a group of people who they claim are defrauding resi- Area residents are scouring the Evans Ave. and Royal York Rd. dents in a cash-and-dash roofing scheme. Police allege that between January and February resi- parks and vicinity trying to help area.” dences were approached by a group of five men and a a Mimico bird lover find her pet The saddened owner believes woman who claimed to be roofers and City inspectors. parrot which has been missing Cash is out there scared and hid- They advised residents their roof needed to be repaired for more than a month. ing. or the City of Toronto will condemn their property, ac- The name of the male bird is “Please do not chase, call or cording to detectives. Cash and he is described as a whistle as this may cause them Police say group members were given a deposit and Connur cinnamon parrot. He to run in fear and into danger,” began work. They claimed the roof required additional was last seen about March 20, according to a Lost Bird in To- work and they needed more funds to finish the job. according to a post on ronto poster. Officers of 12 Division in a release allege the crooks pawboost.com, a site which A number of area residents obtain as much money as they can from homeowners helps reunite lost pets with their have been searching for Cash and usually take off leaving the roof exposed or with owners. and posting the results of their POLICE ARE SEARCHING for a gunman holes showing. “The bird is green, yellow, or- search on a website. who opened fire on three parked The company names used were PROfix Roofing and ange with short hair and no med- For more info email Cash's cars on Mitcham Dr. in Alderwood, T-CITY Property Maintenance, according to police, ical issues,” according to Cash’s owner at leaving a trail of damage. Call 416- adding they were driving a red Ford F150 pickup truck, with Ontario license plate of BB10569 . owner. “It was last seen in the [email protected]. 808-2200 if you have info. Facebook photo. You can contact police at 416-808-1200.

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Call 416-259-3705 or visit us at www.ridleyfuneralhome.com The South Etobicoke News www.torontonewswire.com May 2020 3 Mimico’s last Mayor Hugh Griggs was ahead of his time downtown in a 15- though it could minute trip on Lake carry 150 passen- Mimico’s last Mayor Hugh Griggs Ontario several times gers at a speed of was probably the most colourful of daily. 130-kilometres those who served the Town of The tireless politician an hour. No or- Mimico before it was absorbed made a presentation to ders were placed. with New Toronto and Long Metro Roads and Traf- Griggs touted the Branch to form the Borough of fic Committee in 1961 urging for a committee to be use of hovercraft Etobicoke in 1967. formed to study the form of transportation, which saw for many years. Griggs was way ahead of his time use in Britain in 1962. He argued GRIGGS FOUGHT LONG and hard to convince City Council to purchase a when he served the community Some councillors laughed at the “flying saucer” proposal against the con- hovercraft, similar to one in the HUGH Griggs from 1960 to 1967, during which calling it nonsense. struction of a middle, to ferry Mimico residents he promised “to give the town a “It is easy to operate, runs forward, backwards, side- subway in 1963 downtown. File photos. sane, dignified administration.” ways, turns on a dime,” Griggs argued. “It can hover like claiming the City Under his tenure, a number of high-rise apartments were a helicopter, move forward at near-aircraft speeds. And if could purchase 15 hovercraft for every 1.6-kms of sub- constructed along the waterfront and the population of its motors fail, it will float like a boat.” way built. Eventually hovercraft passenger service ar- Mimico ballooned to 17,700 souls, who were “crowded A hovercraft was brought to Montreal in 1963 for two rived on Lake Ontario in 1974 with the Toryoung into an area one-square-mile in size.” weeks of demonstrations to determine if it can be safely I and Toryoung II, which ferried 14,000 passengers be- The former school teacher and editor of the Canadian used in Canada. Griggs and other city councillors were tween Toronto and Youngstown, New York. It was halt- School Journal made headlines by pushing for Metro among the 600 supporters who witnessed the tests on St. ed when the Toryoung II hit a buoy and nearly sank. Toronto to obtain from the U.K., a newly-invented hov- Lawrence River. Smaller versions of the vessel are used by Canadian po- ercraft to transport Mimico and other west-end residents Then TTC head H.E. Pettett also took the test ride and lice, fire and coast guard for rescue work. wondered if the $1.35 million vehicle was worth it even -With files by Kevin Plummer Socialite Pearl Horner came from prominent family and was well known as an opera singer who loved the community

Alderwood songstress Pearl She was a well-known per- Horner in her heyday was a sonality in 1921 having popular opera singer and so- gained fame as a “renowned cialite who came from a promi- singer and socialite,” who nent farming family. was a mezzo-soprano with the Pearl was the daughter of Dan- prominent Toronto Mendel- iel Fisher Horner, a farmer sohn Choir. whom Horner Ave. was named PEARL’S BELOVED Ashfield home The choir is one of Canada’s after, and whose grandfather oldest, largest and best-known choral ensembles. It was founded settled a 350-acre farm bound- in 1894 by Augustus Vogt and presented its first concert at ed to the north by Evans Ave., Massey Hall in 1895. SIGN OF THE TIMES as workers with a Brown’s Line to the west, south “She (Pearl) graciously entertained her fellow parishioners of sense of pride placed a custom-sized to Horner Ave. and east by Ki- the Church mask on this bull standing outside Royal pling Ave. of the Atone- York Meat Market at 392 Royal York Rd. The mask has become a symbol in Daniel in 1856 invented and ment at Ash- support and in solidarity of our hard- SOCIALITE Pearl Horner patented the first “butter print,” field,” wrote working frontline health care workers and a device to mould butter, featur- historian emergency personnel battling COVID-19. ing a raised Horner emblem on the top. The patent was passed Katherine Photo by Ian Robertson. on to granddaughter Pearl. Williams. The Horners’ had one son, Franklin, and six daughters who in- She threw What’s Inside cluded Ethel, who was a graduate of the Toronto Bible College large parties PEARL AT BACKYARD PARTY with church friends. - Sunnyside Amusement Park .. Page 4 and an ordained Anglican deaconess. for her Etobicoke Historical Society photos Franklin was active in local politics, community and church af- friends and fairs, according to The Aldernews, which was published by the neighbours. Pearl, like her dad, was interested in the church and - Celebrating our volunteers … Page 5 Etobicoke Historical Society. The Franklin Horner Community community activities. She loved the arts and was called ‘a re- - Big changes for Mimico … Page 6 Centre is named after him. spected art patron.’ Franklin was a member of the original He had two children, Goldwyn, who died at an early age, and Mimico Lacrosse Team, who worked the farm from 1920 until - Great area take-out food … Page 8 daughter Pearl, who lived at the family’s 183 Beta St. home- his death. The property was sold in 1942 and subdivided. The stead called “Ashfield,” until it was sold in 1960. Horner family has long been affiliated with the Church of the - Things to do & keep busy … Page 10 Pearl loved “Ashfield,” which is described as a ‘copy of an old Atonement, on Sheldon Ave., and Pearl took part in a sod-turn- English manor.’ ing ceremony of an addition of the church in 1953. - R IP Mimicombo Joe … Page 11

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Phone 416-364-8908 or [email protected] 4 Our Community The South Etobicoke News www.torontonewswire.com May 2020 Golden Era of Sunnyside Amusement park

The boardwalk at joying the many amusement rides while Basie, Paul Whiteman and the Dorsey Sunnyside chowing down on oily fast foods; similar Brothers. Thousands of people descended Amusement Park to what the CNE is today. on the park to visit the beach or conces- was packed at its Sunnyside was approved by City Coun- sion stands; which rented beach chairs, opening in 1922, cil in 1912 and built at a cost of $19-mil- boats, or sold root beer, popcorn and hot as Toronto lion. Construction work stopped briefly dogs. There was also a drug store, guess- residents swam in in 1914 due to World War 1. The iconic your-weight scales, high-powered tele- Lake Ontario, and Bathing Pavilion was designed to hold scopes, souvenir stands, a delicatessen, dove into a new 7,700 bathers and had a roof garden sight-seeing services and a shoe-shine SUNNYSIDE WITH ITS GRAND BOARDWALK THE DIVING HORSE was the City’s most popular destination was a top attraction. swimming pool, where 400 guests could sip drinks. shop. for decades. City of Toronto Archives. called the tank. Popular features were the amusement People loved rides such as the Whip, Called ‘the poor man’s Riviera,’ park, concession stands, dance pavilion, Aero Swing, Dodgem, the Frolic and a But in the late-1940s and early-1950s, Sunnyside was this City’s most popular and an open-air theatre the Band Stand. merry-go-round. The games of chance automobiles became more affordable and bathing and amusement spot from 1922 The annual Easter Parade took place on included: Monkey Racer, Coney Racer, families began travelling up north to es- until 1955, when it was shut down due to the boardwalk, along with The Miss To- Kentucky Derby, Torpedo Race, Balloon cape the summer heat. the motor car. ronto beauty contests and women’s soft- Race and Figure 8. Families would leave The City ordered Sunnyside demolished The park was a carnival from the May 24 ball games. Fans also packed the Palais home early to catch the dog races, diving and by late 1956, the park that genera- weekend until Labour Day, with crowds Royale dance hall which attracted fa- horses, fireworks displays and burning of tions had loved, became a fond memory. of people strolling the boardwalk or en- mous big bands as Duke Ellington, Count old sailing vessels to attract crowds. -With files by Mike Filey Daily Bread Food Bank busy and in need of donations for recently laid off workers

group of food bank clients and that is the thousands of recently unemployed.” Daily Bread and more than 130 orga- nizations have sent an open letter calli ng for the Ontario MIMICO NATIVE THEODORE LOBLAW started Canada’s government to sup- largest food chain almost 100-years ago. port low-income It is 92-years ago that Loblaw Groceteria opened its individuals during COVID-19 by increasing social assis- STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS (right) of the Daily Bread Food New Toronto store on Lake Shore Blvd. W., between Bank are busier than ever due to COVID-19. tance rates and stopping the claw-back of federal benefits. Fifth and Sixth Streets. Daily Bread Food Bank photos. Daily Bread’s Talia Bronstein says food bank use is a ba- The firm was established in 1919 and quickly became rometer of poverty, and food bank use has risen sharply as a hit due to the unheard of concept of self-shopping, Food Bank workers are busy these days helping those who a result of COVID-19. self-serve and cash and carry. The New Toronto were recently laid off . The agency says there has been a 53% jump in visits in the store was opened in 1928, at a time when there were already 70 stores in Ontario. Daily Bread Food Bank volunteers say their users have past few weeks to the Daily Bread’s on-site food bank on The company had its head office and warehouse at spiked due to thousands of Toronto residents recently laid New Toronto St. Bathurst and Fleet Sts., which at the time had electric off, or who’ve lost their jobs, due to COVID-19. “We are trying to meet the everyday food needs of low- trams, giant ovens and employee bowling lanes and Daily Bread officials say there has been a sharp rise in the income Ontarians, rather than act as what we were set up to auditorium. use of food banks and a diminished capacity to deliver food do, provide short-term food relief to tide people over when Today, Loblaw Companies Limited, a subsidiary of since one in three food banks have shut down because they they faced an unexpected economic shock,” food bank offi- George Weston Limited, is the largest Canadian food are operated from community spaces that were mandated to cials say. retailer in 22 markets with some 2,000 stores and close, or run by seniors who are deemed high risk. Daily Bread provides food support to about 66 food banks 135,000 employees. The company owns No Frills That leaves people on social assistance fewer options to and 135 member agencies. They also provide homemade with 200 stores and the Shoppers Drug Mart chain with 1,300 stores nationwide. access food, forcing them to travel further and ultimately meals to agencies that operate shelters or drop-in programs, The grocery chain was founded by Theodore, who put themselves, and those around them, at a higher risk of which feeds up to 5,000 people weekly across the city. moved to Toronto in 1890 and settled in Mimico. He the virus. Residents are being urged to order goods online for drop and wife Isabella Adam, built a large estate home on “Food banks are being stretched to a breaking point,” says off at the Daily Bread Food Bank, or make donations on- the Lakeshore in Mimico and named it Bonnyview. a Daily Bread release. “We are seeing growth in a new line at dailybread.ca She died in 1930 and the house was sold. The South Etobicoke News is a free, independent hometown monthly newspaper that serves Humber Bay Shores, Mimico, Lake Shore Village, Long Branch and Alderwood areas.

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NO appoi ntm ents Publisher: Tom Godfrey requi red. Community Journalists: Wayne Gibson, Bob Summers Sports: Rejean Cantlon Circulation: Stuart King Lakeside Pharmasave Pharmacy REACH US AT 647-739-2235 Email: [email protected] Web: www.torontonewswire.com 2438 Lake S hore Blvd. W. (at P rimrose Ave.) We print 15,000 copies monthly and send out 900 plus by email to readers. Copies of the South Etobicoke News available at: Tim Hortons, Beer Stores, Starbucks. Walmart, Canadian Tire, Sherway Mall, Ducky’s Roti, 3296 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Browns Line Donuts, 744 Browns Line, Lakeside Pharmasave, 2438 Lake Shore Blvd. E mail:[email protected] - Soroush Nejati - W., Our Walk In Closet, 625 The Queensway, Royal Bank, 3609 Lake P harmacist/P harmacy Manager Shore Blvd. W., Sobeys, No Frills and others. Our Community The South Etobicoke News www.torontonewswire.com May 2020 5 Celebrating our volunteers Community making noise to honor frontline workers self and was fortunate now to Making noise in support of our have a home and healthcare workers. food on the ta- South Etobicoke residents are ble. She thought joining others in banging pots about those who and making noise in a show of would be hit hardest by support for our stressed-out COVID-19 and frontline healthcare and emer- knew she had to gency workers battling do something. LAMP VOLUNTEERS hard at work COVID-19. National Volun- making lunches for others. Photos Humber Bay Shores resident Shawn Griffiths is reminding ev- by Jasmin Dooh. teer Week rec- eryone of a ‘Shake the Shores’ event that takes place every Sat- ognizes the work of Rita cesses due to social dis- urday from the balconies of Lake and thousands of volun- tancing guidelines and Shore Blvd. W. and Parklawn Rd. ar- teers from coast to coast have reduced the number ea condo towers. who contribute long of volunteers who can be Griffiths say the next ‘Lets turn it up’ hours to noisemaker is on Saturday May 9, VOLUNTEER RITA NG RAISED 500-pounds of food and help oth- from 7:30 p.m. to 7:45 p.m., for those $500 for the Daily Bread Food Bank. Courtesy photo. ers in in quarantine of self-isolation to ring Let’s hear it for the In short time, she set up these bells, sing and make noise from their hard-working volunteers. an online fundraiser trying balconies to support our nurses, doc- National Volunteer through the Daily times. tors and other emergency workers. Week ran from April 19 Bread’s website and “Volun- “We are trying to help flatten the to 25 and the community reached out to her family teers curve,” he says. “This Saturday will NEVER TOO YOUNG to applauds the efforts of and friends for dona- from all be amazing if we get the same level of make noise. File photo. Rita Ng, who took it up- tions. over the participation.” on herself and the chal- Rita worked hard and city have We saw a lot of people on their balconies cheering, dancing and lenges of COVID-19 to managed to raise $5,000 stepped singing along despite technical difficulties, Griffiths says. VOLUNTEERS LYNDA RYDER AND PAUL OF THE raise funds and food for and 500-pounds of food up to Other balcony events are planned for May 16, 23 and every Sat- ROTARY CLUB of Etobicoke dropping off urday during the quarantine. For more see shaketheshores.com. the Daily Bread Food during her first week of support lunches for a LAMP adult drop in program. Bank, an agency near to helping the food bank. our work Similar noise-making events are also taking place nightly in her heart. “It is incredible what and ensure that those in in the warehouse. Long Branch at 7:30 p.m., in which residents are asked to step “My mom relied on food you can achieve when need can continue to ac- “One thing has re- out to their porches to ‘bang a pot, cheer or sing a song’ to thank banks to feed my brother you unite together to access food during this mained the same: the our front-line workers battling COVID-19. and me,” recalls Rita. “I complish a goal,”’ she critical time,” the Daily love and care our vol- Contact Bill Zufelt, of the Long Branch Neighbourhood Associa- am grateful to be in a says. “I also learned that Bread says, adding their unteers bring every sin- tion, for further information at [email protected] There are reports of residents belting out the Canadian anthem at position where I can give it is okay to be vulnera- officials have made gle time, and for that, 12 noon and every morning in the Long Branch area. If you want back to vulnerable fami- ble.” Rita says she once changes to their food- we are so grateful,” lies in my community.” relied on food banks her- sorting and packing pro- your noise-making event promoted send us a line to they wrote. [email protected] Lakeshore Village BIA

We regret to inform you that our Annual Grilled Cheese Challenge which takes place in June has been postponed due to COVID-19 concerns Proudly waving our flags in salute of our frontline healthcare heroes! Please be safe.

COVID-19 contacts: Toronto Public Health Hotline : 416-338-7600 [email protected] The Board of the Lakeshore Village BIA is working hard on your behalf in these 1-866-797-0000 trying times. We urge residents to Ontario.ca check up on their neighbours, stay inside, wash their hands, keep their 1-833-784-4397 distance and follow other safety [email protected] precautions due to COVID-19. 6 The South Etobicoke News www.torontonewswire.com May 2020 Community proudly flying our flags to show our Lucky readers ... loyal support for front-line health care workers

CONGRATULATIONS TO JANE DALMAS, who is the winner of the South Etobicoke News drop-us-a-line LAKESHORE VILLAGE BIA CHAIR Chris Korwin-Kuczynski and member Mike Lotakow are encouraging residents to proudly fly their Canadian flags in honour of hard-working frontline healthcare and emergency workers battling COVID-19. Many residents have contest to score a wine making kit taken to making noise or singing the national anthem to recognize the workers. Photo by Tom Godfrey. donated by Carson Majors, owner of Wine Kitz, at Six Points Plaza. ”I am delighted,” Jane says. “I have never Local singer Dante Matas making music his passion won anything before.” The long-time area resident loves the community and Etobicoke’s up- losophy and a penchant for poetry. His music has been used in commer- has many good friends who live here. and-coming artist Dante has combined his interests to cre- cials, public service announcements, A wine-lover she could not wait to dig Dante Matas loves ate his own unique brand of indie-pop, popular YouTube channels and gets into the lovely white wine’ Pinot Grigio music and began folk, and experimental music. airplay on both Canadian and U.S. col- kit that can make four tasty litres of writing tunes on He is influenced by the likes of Radio- lege radio. quality wine in just three weeks. It is the piano at the head, Tame Impala, Sufjan Stevens, Dante writes and records music, plays valued at about $30. Wine Kitz is DANTE Matas age of eight. Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, and Leon- frequent shows with his band, and is located at 5230 Dundas St. W., and After forming his ard Cohen among others. constantly perfecting his craft. can be reached by phone at 416-233- first band at the Etobicoke School of Having released both “A Colourful Dante’s overall drive is to communi- 8226 or [email protected] the Arts as lead singer and guitarist, Headache” LP in 2018 and “Midnight cate human emotion through music We would like to thank the hundreds of Dante realized music was his passion Sun” EP in 2017 and promoting them and lyrics in a way that resonates with readers who took part in our drop-us-a- and a means to his creative expression. both with an east coast tour, Dante has a diverse audience. line contest to win a prize. We hope to A multi-instrumentalist and producer, been steadily putting out new singles to He can be reached at dantematas.com continue with the feature when the he has obtained a Master of Arts in Phi- add to his musical repertoire. situation improves. Thank you. The South Etobicoke News www.torontonewswire.com May 2020 7 The changing face of Mimico as new Heslop homes for working folks high-rise condo projects take shape Former gold prospec- A year later he purchased more land on the tor Rex Wesley north side of Horner that was subdivided in The landscape is changing for Heslop didn’t strike large lots and L-shaped streets. The so-called the Mimico area with some his fortune until he ‘army homes’ were mostly identical to each huge condo developments on began building af- other and were on streets with names of Eng- the horizon. fordable housing de- lish locations like Chelsea Dr., Fulham Dr., Work will once again contin- velopments in Norfolk Dr., and a Heslop Dr., named after ue at a construction pit which Alderwoood, Rexdale him. was to have been the high- and Georgetown. The Alderwood development with 400 homes profile On The GO Mimico was a success and Heslop purchased more farm Heslop, who died in condo that has been sitting land in the area and repeated his home-building 1973 at the age of 68, idle for about three years. was a top ARTIST DRAWINGS OF WHAT the proposed The site has languishing since On The Go Mimico condo may look like 2017 when the Etobicoke (top and right.) The application has to real estate undergo reviews by the City. 327 Royal developer, York Rd. proj- DEVELOPER HESLOP who was ect was placed in court receivership after a developer was one of first to ran out of money. have a mobile phone, one of a few per- A rezoning application was submitted for the property sons to have a phone in his Cadil- and that of the GO Station at 315 Royal York Rd., last lac back in the day before they October by Vandyk Group of Companies which is gained widespread use. hoping to build a 29 and 44-storey residential towers The father of two worked within and commercial space with a reconstructed Mimico the family construction business GO Station integrated into the podium. before moving to Detroit, where Vandyk purchased the property in 2017 and is the largest for a time he drove a cab and landowner in the area with proposed high-density developments at 23 Buckingham Street and 39 Newcastle. worked as a car salesman. HESLOP BECAME RICH BUILDING homes in Alderwood, Metrolinx said in a 2018 deal that Vandyk would pay for the construction He left ‘Motor City’ for Northern Rexdale and Georgetown. People flocked to his affordable Ontario, where he worked as a pros- homes. Photos by Etobicoke Historical Society. costs of a revamped Mimico GO Station in exchange for the air rights pector in the mines. He was injured above the transit hub. in a rock slide and moved back to Toronto to sales. Heslop by 1955 had purchased farmland Mimico Station was built in 1967, the same year GO Transit began opera- work in construction. in Thistletown, on which he built hundreds of tion. It serves about 1,200 riders daily and ridership at the station is ex- Toronto at the time was facing a major housing homes. Soon, there were soon 330 families liv- pected to triple by 2031. shortage with many veterans returning home ing in a development called ‘Rexdale,’ where Vandyk says the condo will feature 499 one-bedroom units, 121 two-bed- after WW11. Heslop opened the Rexdale Shopping Centre, room units and 67 three-bedroom units for a total of 687 residences. There Local historian Denise Harris wrote that now Rexdale Mall. would be total 514 parking spaces for residential, visitor, office and retail around 1947-48, Heslop acquired land on the His homes were popular with working folks users, with 103 of these spaces reserved for commuters. southeast corner of Foch St. and Horner since they were well-built and affordable Metrolinx has said a temporary station will be in place by 2023 while the new building is constructed. The rezoning application is currently being Ave., across from Sir Adam Beck Public selling for up to $10,000 then. They made reviewed by the City. School, where he built three houses using a Heslop a very rich man. Heslop after building the Delrex subdivision Plans for another GO Station have also been given a green light for the precast and concrete wall system which sold former Christie Cookie site, which is in the planning stages. A similar up- immediately. in Georgetown, sold his interest in the firm and retired at the age of 61. grade is planned for the Long Branch GO station.

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Call for a free consultation today! 8 The South Etobicoke News www.torontonewswire.com May 2020 More great take-out spots in our community DINO’S WOOD BURNING PIZZA; 820 The Reviews by Wayne Gibson Queensway; with three locations, Dino continues to cook up his fabulous wood-oven pizza. Not only is he trying to service regular customers, he is also It has been a difficult for the small independent businesses, with many of them having providing free pizzas for the health care workers at had to shutter. Our many restaurants can only open for takeout or delivery. With this is Trillium Health Centre. Please support his stores mind, let’s look at some local favourites who need your support so they can continue to which help many endeavours so we can get through open their doors. this crisis. They can be contacted at 416-259-0050 or Here are some of the top Take Out restaurants thriving in our community: Fish and Chips is very popular and is a reasonably priced takeout item: here are two local favourites to consider. VIKING FISH & CHIPS; 2416 Lakeshore Blvd. W., which, with friendly owners, recently moved to Mimico www.dinos-pizza.ca from their Queensway location, where they have been in Burgers and fries are an all-time fave business since 1952. They are best known for their and it is back to the basics here with wholesome halibut or haddock fish along with fresh cut some classics. fries. A number of other options are APACHE BURGER, 5236 Dundas now available. You can reach them at St.W., is a trip back down memory lane 416-259-2051 or www.vikingfishandchips.net to the sixties with their classic fast-food KITCHEN OFF SIXTH; 2976 Lakeshore Blvd. W.: is always a burgers and fries. An iconic burger-joint that opened in ’69 and still going strong. Still a popular spot with an impressive and interesting menu; they are favourite with the regulars. Definitely offering a Fish and Chip special with 2 beers for $35. It looks worth the trip. Phone them for pick-up at sumptuous. In addition to the good food you can also order booze, 416-233-3046. since any venue that was licensed for table service is now able to sell WOODY’S, 3795 Lakeshore Blvd. W. is beer or wine for takeout and delivery. You can reach always a must have for many loyal fans. A them at 647-349-4412 or www.kitchenonsixth.com Long Branch institution for fresh burgers Pizza is always a takeout and delivery favourite and and great thank goodness this area is blessed with many local fries, no independently owned pizza establishments that are all holds quite good. Here are three to barred. A consider. must try! FBI PIZZA; 2336 Lakeshore Reach Blvd. W., features lots of exciting choices, but even their basic them at 416-546-2093 or www.woodysburgers.ca . Margherita is a pizza ‘work of art’. The food is good. Both beer OBQ BURGERS, at 602 Brown’s Line, for their and wine are available for either takeout or delivery. They can “mouthwatering burgers bursting with flavour.” Try be reached at 416-251-0101 or www.fbipizza.com their Greek or Texas burgers, which are a must. CALABRESE PIZZA, 3019 Lake Shore Blvd. W., for one of Visit OBQ for a ‘clean, honest’ burger. Call for the best ‘thin crust’ pizza in the area. All natural products, no corners cut. You will like pickup or delivery at 416-253-0835 or it. Call for pick-up or delivery at 416-503-0999 or calabresepizza.ca obqburgers.com. Girl Guides fundraising cookie sales on hold due to the COVID-19 virus

“We don't know what this means for our future funding as the cookie sales are the major source of fundraising for the group,” wonders Maria’s mom, Sonja. Jill Zelmanovits, Girl Guides of Canada Chief Executive Officer, says the safety of the girls and adult members are a number one priority “We do not expect to generate the same revenue from membership fees or cookies in the near term,” Zelmanovits wrote on their website. “This has very serious GIRL GUIDE LEADER LIZ CANRINUS with some implications which have forced us to of the dozens of boxes of popular cookies make critical decisions to reduce ex- (right) they cannot sell due to COVID-19. Photo by Sonja Markez. penses to ensure Alderwood student Maria Tobin has giv- our long- en away to neighbours some of her tasty term sus- Guild Guides of Canada cookies as girls tainabili- in the 110-year-old organization have ty.” been stopped from selling them due to She says COVID-19 3.7 million boxes of 'classic' cookies Maria left the boxes with a nice note in were shipped out just before the deadly the mailboxes of appreciative residents COVID-19 and physical distancing mea- in the Brown’s Line and Horner Ave. sures largely brought the country to a area. halt. “I hope you are well and staying safe Selling cookies is one of the largest and healthy in this time,” she wrote. yearly fundraiser for Girl Guides and “Please accept this complimentary box once bakers are reimbursed for their of Girl Guide cookies in the spirit of product, profits are then kept by local neighbourly solidarity.” units to plan events and help keep regis- Maria’s says “my family is fortunate to tration costs down. be healthy, safe and together and for this The Girl Guides of Canada was formed we are grateful.” in 1910, with the cookies being sold Her Girl Guide leader Liz Canrinus has since 1927. The funds are used for activ- more than 60 boxes of the popular cook- ities like hiking and camping. Orders ies stored in her garage as she awaits for can be placed be emailing the situation to improve. [email protected] Changes The South Etobicoke News www.torontonewswire.com May 2020 9 Health and Wellness Money Matters

By ADRIANNE SZABO-PAYNE By RATTAN GANDHI

Springtime, particularly May is one of my today and when it goes off, get up, wash I normally discuss topics and strate- needy, maybe your neighbour or favourites times of the year, because it your face, drink a big glass of water and gies related to money matters and even the food bank. brings a promise of colourful flowers, fresh take that extra 20-30 minutes to do some personal finances, but given the cur- If you are overspending on luxuries cut grass and the warm days of summer exercise to get your heart pumping. Take a rent pandemic emergency, this article which quickly lose value and utility ahead. shower and get dressed. Make a list of to- will offer some points to consider in times of crisis, then you can avoid This year, in this strange season we are liv- dos and make sure it’s achievable. Check during this unique climate. making similar purchases. The ing, being shuttered in our homes, hiding off your completed tasks. You’ll finish The effects of the pandemic are ordinary folks of this country will causing financial issues which most manage with less but the politicians from this invisible menace, getting excited your day feeling productive and satisfied. people are going to have to adjust at all levels, are continuing to draw for spring may be tough for many who Set an intention for the day. This can be as too. Once again debt management their big salaries. They need to lead have to stay home while we wait this out. simple as choosing to respond with kind- will become even more imperative by example by giving back to I struggle daily with keeping routine and ness to something that irritates you; or for both the long and short term. communities that need assistance. finding ways to boost my spirits, because I making a point to stay away from your Many of us are receiving the Canada The front-line workers, the truckers easily get sucked into the what-ifs, and the couch and keep the TV off until after din- Emergency Response Benefit and delivery people, the sanitation feeling of when will this be over? ner. (CERB) or EI payments and know and janitorial workers and others are But, as is for all seasons, there is an end I know these tips are not new or revolution- what cash flows to expect for the putting themselves at risk to and this too shall pass. ary, but sometimes the reminder of them is next few months. Make a soft budget maintain our way of life. Let’s be So this month, instead of giving into our helpful. And so, as we work through this and live within these means. grateful and support in whatever way anger, sadness and anxiety, let’s challenge month, look for the silver lining in every Consolidate your debt! Interest rates we can. ourselves to find the silver lining of each situation because of the gift it will yield in are low and I believe that financial Did you know that the mechanic who day. the end. institutions have a duty and are looks after our cars is paid more than Some helpful tips I recently picked up from trying to help during this crisis, take the caretaker who looks after our el- a coaching program I follow suggests to: Adrianne Szabo-Payne can be found at advantage. Saving and budgeting is derly. We need to balance our priori- Keep a gratitude journal. Log the little Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness located the priority! Cook your meals and ties. Hyper-capitalism and save money on food costs. Negotiate consumerism has shifted our focus things that make your day brighter, whether at 800 Islington Ave. As a certified with your landlord and the mortgage from the health and well-being of our it’s calling a friend to wish them a beautiful holistic nutrition and wellness day; getting excited about the new bud you company where possible, remember citizens, to just the mass accumula- practitioner, her passion for helping your landlord also has bills to pay so tion of stuff. found growing on your orchid plant; or others find their path to wellness drives simply being able to share precious time be reasonable. her to bring unique tools and methods for Use this time to learn a new skill or with your loved ones, without the rush of Rattan Gandhi is owner of Quick healing to her community. Connect with enhance your knowledge for this daily life. There are a million things that Refund Tax, 133 Sixth St. His us @monkeytreefitness on Facebook or changing world. Many colleges are opinions stem from 15 years of bring us joy, so long as we look for it. offering extended online programs. Start your day with purpose and set a rou- #monkeytreefitnesswellness on experience in helping clients in the Instagram, or on our website at This virus is going to change how we tax area. If you have questions, he tine. Tonight, think about what your day live, interact with family, friends and www.monkeytreewellness.com can be reached at 905-616-5253 or will look like tomorrow. Set an alarm for society. Since you are confined to [email protected]. 20-30 minutes earlier than you woke up your home, reach out and help the Maverick investor Mal Spooner has written two books about making money and loves riding his Harley chopper different road indeed. Mal, as he compares the skills needed in After the sale of his in- usually goes by, has done it all investing to those required also vestment firm 10 years in more than 30- when biking. Another sideline: ago, Mal spent some years, both as a he had helped raise thousands of time lecturing on topics Portfolio dollars for various charities, with such as corporate fi- Manager and as nance at the Hum- the CEO of his ber Lakeshore own TSE-listed Campus Business investment firm, School. His most Mavrix Fund recent venture is the Management, development of a which had new website: achieved over $1 www.maverickinve billion in assets stors.com Here, he under is trying to, in his management. He words, “…share my had much media own decades of ex- SPOONER IS THE AUTHOR OF two books: Resources Rock and A Maverick coverage along RAISING A LITTLE HELL is what the perience by provid- Investor’s Guidebook. the way. Mal is Financial Post says about Spooner, well ing a perspective SINGING INVESTOR MAL SPOONER is either rocking also the author known as a maverick investor. not available to the investment stage or cruising on his Harley. Photos by Wayne Gibson. of two books on anyone who hasn’t been big opportunities.” Mal says investing: his participation as a guitarist in through market ups and downs”. that his best investments were “Resources Rock,” which a rock group known as The Given the current troubles with made by “rationally buying The Cambridge Dictionary anticipated the last commodities Dealers. Along with other bands, our economy now in shutdown selected stocks during various defines a ‘maverick’ as “a boom years ago, and the recent, they engaged in friendly mode because of COVID-19, world economic crises.” So, person who thinks and acts in more general work outlining his competition at events such as Mal offers some solid advice for those wanting to tap into an independent way.” While investment philosophy “A “Bay Street Rocks:” these were on how to navigate the bumpy Mal’s knowledge and experi- the investment community is Maverick Investor’s much anticipated and widely- road ahead and offers some ence gleaned over decades of notorious for displaying a lot of Guidebook.” Being a Harley- attended events 20 years ago hope for a better future: ‘trial by fire,’ a look at both his ‘group-think,’ Malvin Spooner, Davidson enthusiast with many within the Toronto investment “While we naturally want to website and his book is highly community, with all money a long-time resident of South long rides across North America run and hide when times are recommended. Etobicoke, has taken a very under his belt, he often raised going to various charities. scary, scary times can create 10 On the Move The South Etobicoke News www.torontonewswire.com May 2020 Looking after yourself and others in the community MAY 13 SPOTLIGHT ETOBICOKE LAUNCHES A LIVE ACCEPTING DONATIONS TO HELP the homeless, online talent showcase with 13 performances from including food, toiletries or camping equipment. In local Etobicoke entertainers from their homes. Tune demand are prepared and individually-wrapped food in at 6 p.m. to their Facebook page for the (with no nuts), fruits and soft food as fruit cups, streaming fun. The show is part of Arts Etobicoke’s apple sauce, bottled water, granola & protein bars. Arts in Isolation initiative. Contact Call Daniel Lauzon at 416-333-6763 or email [email protected] or 647-806-8731. [email protected] HAVEN ON THE QUEENSWAY HAS SHUT MOST of its HUMBER BAY SHORES FARMERS’ MARKET may be programs and services due to COVID 19 but will placed on hold since the City has stopped issuing continue to serve its food bank users by permits due to COVID-19. Organizers are looking at appointment and pick-up at their 1533 The elsewhere to stage the popular market, or a virtual Queensway office. Call 416-640-2005 to make market or to postpone. No decision has been made arrangements to access the Haven food bank, First if the market will begin on May 30 as planned. Care or other services still open. BLACK DOG RESCUE IS GIVING AWAY free dog food, LAMP COMMUNITY HEALTH IS GIVING AWAY treats, toys, crates and other supplies to those hit free food boxes and gift certificates for needy resi- financially by COVID-19 in the GTA. A person dents in the community. They are also giving out should never have to choose between feeding free lunch meal takeaway bags to residents five The food is placed in a sealed package in the driv- themselves and their pets. Email days a week. The LAMP office at 185 Fifth Street er’s trunk by a restaurant worker and retrieved by [email protected] to organize secure no has cancelled all routine, non-essential visits due to the person who placed the order on arrival. The per- contact pick up or drop off. the virus and changed clinic hours from 8:30 a.m. to son can leave a food donation in a bin in the trunk. SOME IMPORTANT COMMUNITY FACEBOOK groups with 5 p.m. Monday to Friday until further notice. Payments are processed over the phone by restau- a lot of good information for residents. They include: Some medications will require a visit and it will be rants and the volunteers are not in contact with any- Humber Bay Shores Discussion group, I love up to a provider whether or not you will need an ap- one. The restaurants say major food delivery Mimico, South Etobicoke Community Group, pointment for renewal. Please note that LAMP does services have apps that can charge up to 30% on Lakeshore Village BIA, Long Branch Village and not conduct tests for the coronavirus. There is a orders which leaves them with a slim margin of prof- Beautiful Alderwood. COVID-19 Assessment Centre in the Sunnyside it. The program will look at expanding delivery ser- LIBERATING LAWNS ETOBICOKE LAKESHORE for Building, of St. Joe’s Health Care Centre, at 30 The vice to more restaurants following an assessment. residents who have space they aren’t using which is Queensway. Donations can be made to LAMP's The service now includes food ordered from restau- offered to a local grower, and they make an COVID-19 Emergency Relief Fund at rants including; Kitchen Off Sixth, Dakota’s agreement how to share the produce. No money lampchc.org/get-involved/donate/ or phone 416- Sports Bar and Grill, Pulcinella Ristorante & every changes hands in the ‘yard sharing,’ instead 252-6471. Wine Bar and Mooring Eats. Website irover.com the grower gives the landholder a portion of their VOLUNTEER DRIVERS FOR TAKE OUT food are helping UNTIL MAY 24 MABELLE ARTS PRESENTS Virtual Iftar produce in exchange to be able to grow in the to deliver meals to show their support for small Nights an intercultural arts festival unfolding online space. The percent of food exchange is determined mom-or-pop, or family run restaurants in Long during Ramadan. You can follow or participate at by the parties involved. The gardens can happen in Branch, Lakeshore Village and Mimico hurting due virtualiftarnights.ca. Features Hussein many sunny spaces, not just in the ground, but on to COVID-19. Janmohamed, Christen Kong and Banafsheh driveways or decks where food can be grown. The An online Volunteer Driver Take-out Delivery trial Erfanian. program is run by Sundance Harvest, a Toronto took place from April 10 to April 25 in which volun- A COMMUNITY GROUP HAS LAUNCHED AN art initiative food justice program centred year-round on urban teer drivers, for a non-perishable food item dona- to help uplift our frontline heroes and remind us that farming. Their produce is available weekly at the tion, delivered meals from a number of eateries to we can defeat this virus. Check out their uplifting art, Dufferin Grove Farmers Market. Visit them at homes utilizing ‘100% contactless delivery.’ submit yours, and learn more at wefighttogether.ca www.sundanceharvestfarm.com

Local Window Cleaning Residential & Commercial Call Rohan 647-229-5241 [email protected] - Fully Insured - Specializing in Condo Residents Personal Outdoor Space Sports The South Etobicoke News www.torontonewswire.com May 2020 11 Mimicombo Joe had fans City facilities, amateur sports in our father of daughter, Tanya. community on stand-still until June He was grandfather of Madeleine, Samantha and Emily. He has brothers Don, Walter and William. Family members say A It won’t be until about June 28 when City Celebration of Life will be of Toronto officials look at reopening held at a later date, when dozens of sports facilities or programs COVID-19 has passed. that were shut or cancelled due to Joe and his brother, Wally, COVID-19. are best remembered for to play at The Mimicombo, All classes, drop-in programs at city cen- taking over The Mimicom- there was a blackout in tres, programs as skating or swimming MANY PEOPLE WERE bo in 1958. It was a popular Mimico and the surround- and after-school recreational care will be reassessed by City officials in about two SAD by Joe’s club and roller skating rink ing areas. When Wally months. They have been shut since passing. He brought that operated at Lake Shore went to pay Brown (even to the Mimicombo so Blvd., and Mimico Ave., though it looked like the March. BRADY and Keaton. Photo by many stars including for about 25-years. concert was cancelled). All City permits are cancelled until June (left) Rejean Cantlon. James Brown (top) Young people and adults James Brown said “No 30 including, indoor recreation, pools, Byrds (right). from Mimico and across Wally. You are a good man arenas, outdoor sports fields and seasonal permits, according to the City. dekes or going top-shelf from the top of the city flocked to the hall and this is not your fault crease when we have a goalie." to skate, bowl and listen to and he handed the money City facilities will remain shut including community recreation and fitness centres, Mimico fitness enthusiast John Dalton The popular owner of a up-and-coming bands. back to Wally. As soon as says residents can remain active by visit- Mimico roller skating rink The brothers are credited the money changed hands Toronto Pan Am Sports and Toronto Track and Field Centres. ing great parks like Colonel Samuel who brought James Brown, for bringing many top- again...the lights came on! Smith, Amos Waites, Lakeshore Village The Byrds, Ronnie Hawk- named artists and bands to The concert was a go. Kids can keep busy in other ways as they await registration for amateur lacrosse, or Alderwood Memorial to name a few. ins, David Clayton Thomas The Mimicombo. James In 1966 the club was con- "Take your dog for walk. You don't need and dozens of early bands Brown performed here in verted to roller skating and baseball or soccer teams, which are on hold. to feel like you have been trapped inside, to the community has November 1965, so did The attracted young people just remember to social distance," Dalton passed. Ardels, Bobby Kris & The from far and wide. Siblings, Brady, 10, and Keaton McCha- rles, 8, resorted to a classic South Etobi- says. "One of the great things about living Joseph ‘Joe’ Bobechki, Imperials, Bill Hailey and People didn’t know the in our area is the variety of resources we long-time owner of The the Comets, Frank Motley bowling alley doubled as a coke, and Canadian, way youngsters have always found to pass the time and stay fit. have to stay active and healthy.” Mimicombo, died peaceful- and the Hitchhikers, The homeless shelter at night, No matter what type of exercise you ly on April 18, at Rideau- Motley Crew, Richie with Joe and Wally open- That would be playing road hockey. "The main rule we have is to stay two chose to do, it can help you maintain your crest Home, in Kingston, Knight and the Mid- ing their doors to the unfor- fitness level. And it may certainly help according to his obituary. Knights and many others. tunate. Many of the less hockey sticks apart from one another if friends from the neighbourhood want to alleviate the stress caused by the corona- Joe was married to wife, It is said that on the eve- fortunate took advantage of virus. Frances, for 54-years and ning that James Brown was the family’s generosity to join in,” Brady explains. “That means no 12 The South Etobicoke News May 2020