ww The East York THAT’S A RAP n New music video out Observer Page 7 Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 42, No. 8 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, October 11, 2013

n COMMUNITY City seeks input on priority locations

By ALEXANDRA GATER The Observer

The City of Toronto is calling on residents, community partners and city council to have their say about how it should choose the next seven Neigh- bourhood Improvement Areas (former- ly recognized as “Priority Neighbour- hoods”) in a series of eight meetings. Two East York-area neighbourhoods are already on the list of Toronto com- munities identified as needing better city services: Crescent Town near Victoria Park and Danforth av- enues and Flemingdon Taylor Giffin /// Observer @ Park-O’Connor, with A veggie-lover’s paradise its epicentre near the lO Take the Mike Hill of Hillsview Farms sells homegrown, chemical-free produce at the East York Farmer’s Market. The Don Valley Parkway market is held at the East York Civic Centre every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. until Nov. 5. consulta- and Eglinton Avenue. tion survey online They were given the at www. original designation toronto.ca/ of priority neigh- neighbour- hood bourhoods by the city and the United Way in 2005. Since then, Strap on those skates, East York they and Toronto’s 11 other designated neighbourhoods have shared about $225 million in special investments. Politicians, hockey players The new series of meetings is part of the first significant revision of the list and residents on-hand for — which could see deletions from the opening of Leaside ice pad roster as well as additions. The second meeting saw citizens By COREY SAVARD and agency representatives gathered at The Observer Monarch Park Collegiate in East York on Monday. Leaside residents recently gathered to cele- The meetings, taking place across brate the city’s first new indoor ice pad in 40 the city this month, are part of the new years. Strong Neighbourhoods Strategy 2020, Hockey players, politicians and officials of seeking input on what makes a healthy the Leaside Hockey Association were all on neighbourhood. hand last Saturday for the ribbon cutting, open- Denise Campbell, director of resour- ing a single pad surface that will be a twin ex- Corey Savard /// Observer ces for the City of Toronto, says the pansion to the 61-year-old Leaside Memorial strategy relies on community participa- Gardens Arena at 1073 Mill St. Leaside residents hit the ice for the first free skate at the new ice pad. tion. Ontario Premier and Liberal MPP for Don “We are working with researchers, Valley West Kathleen Wynne and Don Valley the opening, said the couple’s two sons grew the land from the Ontario Reality Corporation. working with data and city staff are in West Conservative MP John Carmichael spoke up playing at the arena. The family approached The initial $1 million would pay for the ar- communities, but we only have some proudly of the project that was first proposed in Mercer knowing there had been several break- chitects and for the city to plan what financial perspective,” Campbell said. “I think 1999. The focus was then put on three young downs in talks on how to make more ice avail- commitment would be needed. residents and businesses and other members of the arena’s three youth programs able to Leaside residents. Mercer said if it were not for the Clarks, the stakeholders bring other knowledge to (the Leaside Skating Club, the Toronto-Lea- “They came to me and asked me what did project would have taken at least two more the table that will help guide our priori- side Girls Hockey Association and the Leaside we really need and I said we need to show the years. tization process and help us make some Hockey Association) who officially opened the people at city hall that the community is com- The couple originally wanted to remain of the hard choices.” new pad with a snip of the scissors. mitted. They said, ‘Great, we’ll give you $1 anonymous to avoid the press, but chose to The city has been conducting re- The project got $12.5 million from the mu- million you do what you have to do to get this come forward because they felt the project search on how to designate Neighbour- nicipal, provincial and federal governments, job done,’” Mercer said. “That’s what really got would only be accomplished if someone took hood Improvement Areas. but it also required private donations —includ- the whole thing started.” leadership. “Five keys areas were identified that ing $1 million coming from a previously anon- A major obstacle was the land where the In addition to the Clarks’ donation, $2.5 mil- need to be considered by city council ymous source. expansion was to be built. It was situated on lion was raised by the community to offset the Paul Mercer, chair of the expansion commit- provincial land, previously occupied by the cost of purchasing the land for expansion, as n See FIVE, page 2 tee and family friend of Peter and Kathy Clark, Ontario Film Review Board, and the only way well as an undisclosed amount by Prime Min- who made their identity as donors known at forward for Mercer was if the city purchased ister Stephen Harper, who grew up in Leaside. 2 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 11, 2013

POLICE & Suspect FIRE sought in No arrest in mugging subway A 22-year-old female was robbery mugged in the area of Woodbine Second robbery and Danforth avenues on Oct. at Chester station 4. The suspect, since August a male, obtained a phone and fled the scene. The By NAOMI GROSMAN woman was left The Observer unharmed. No arrest has been Police are looking for a sus- made. pect following an armed rob- bery at Chester subway station on Sunday after 10 p.m. Diamond ring This is the third armed rob- bery of a TTC booth collector taken in B&E since August. Two previous A break and en- robberies happened at Ches- ter was reported ter station and Christie station on Oct. 2 on on Aug. 6, and Aug. 26, re- Barrington Av- spectively. Police suspect the enue, in the area same per- between Main son com- Street and Dawes mitted all Road near Dan- three rob- forth. Computer beries. equipment, a dia- “From mond ring and the security watch were sto- video, we len. Police have Rajesh Sammy /// Observer believe that n Suspect made no arrests. Matthew Pellegrino describes the importance of testing the cooling pipes with nitrogen for leaks. the suspect ~ Naomi Grosman He predicts that the Dieppe Park hockey rink and pleasure skating loop will be ready sometime in is the same from two months mid-November or early December. ago,” said Victor Kwong, media relations officer with Toronto Police Services. Whas t’ This is of special concern Rink renovations almost ready to police, as Staff Inspect- up in e.y. or Mike Earl spoke to press By RAJESH SAMMY der way at Dieppe Park in the Contracting, the construc- they are about 75-per-cent about the incidences in Au- The Observer Greenwood and Cosburn av- tion is more than half-done. complete.” gust only last week, voicing Multicultural enues area for a new hockey They’ve been on the job since The week’s work has in- concern that the perpetrator laughs galore Sometime in the next four rink and separate leisure skat- late May. cluded testing the cooling might strike again. He spoke to six weeks, East York should ing loop. “So far, I’d say, maybe 15 pipes to make sure there are to media again at a press con- Toronto’s multi- have its own Nathan Phillips The price tag for the reno- trades in and out, but in total no leaks by putting “nitrogen ference on Oct. 7. cultural comedy Square, where children and vations is at $2.4 million, ac- probably around 20, because in the circuits so they can find “My view is that this is show returns to parents will be able to go to cording to Councillor Mary we still have to get the land- out where the leaks are,” Pel- brazen, bold and almost a slap The Danforth enjoy a night of skating. Fragedakis, Ward 29/Toron- scapers and pavers,” Pellegri- legrino said. in the face to the TTC and the Music Hall on After consultation with the to-Danforth. no said. He predicted that the police,” Earl said. He added Thursday, Oct. community in the summer of It may look messy right This week, Pellegrino ex- project would be finished that police are concerned the 17, presented 2012, members of East York now, but according to Mat- plained, refrigeration com- sometime between “mid-No- violence may escalate. by CBC Radio. can breathe a sigh of relief. thew Pellegrino, a worker pany Cimco has been “roll- vember to the first week of Danny Nicholson, corporate Special guests Renovations are well un- for Frank Pellegrino General ing out the cooling pipes, and December.” communications with TTC, include Angelo said they Tsarouchas, are work- Sabrina Jalees ing closely and Elvira Kurt. The five keys to a healthy neighbourhood with police @ Tickets are avail- and have O able through Cont’d. from page 1 important? Is anything coun- taken steps Ticketmaster. cil should consider outside of to mini- l For more in order to identify Neigh- the five keys? What do non- mize rob- East York stories, go bourhood Improvement Ar- improvement areas need? beries. Explaining to www. eas,” Campbell said. “One of the things that may “We’ve torontoob- Isaac Newton The five keys include eco- occur is… we may have mul- installed server.ca nomic opportunities, social tiple neighbourhoods that the debit ma- Prof. Brian Baig- development, participation in city could do this co-ordinated chines… rie from the Uni- decision-making, healthy lives work in,” Campbell said. “We which will lessen the amount versity of Toronto and physical surroundings. require the intelligence of a lot of money inside the collector will give a lecture “In order to make the strat- of residents to figure out what booth,” Nicholson said, add- on Isaac Newton egy an effective one, the con- is most important to Toron- Alexandra Gater /// Observer ing that it might deter some- at the Danforth/ versations are designed to get tonians that we should con- Cresent Town is currently considered a Neigh- one who is considering com- Coxwell library, your feedback on how coun- sider should we have multiple bourhood Improvement Area. mitting a robbery. 1675 Danforth cil can use these five keys neighbourhoods that we could Police are asking for the Ave., on Wednes- for neighbourhood success to do this work in.” Fletcher. ly some of those targets that public’s assistance in identi- day, Oct. 16. The choose the Neighbourhood East York councillors Janet “I think there is not enough can be supported then I think fying the suspect. He is de- event starts at Improvement Areas,” she said. Davis and Mary Fragedakis emphasis on community de- that’s a great model. I don’t scribed as a white male, 25-30 6:30 p.m. Residents were seated with both attended the meeting, velopment, on finding the so- think we do enough of that.” years old, 5’10”- 6’. He was ~ Sola DaSilva and city volunteers and given just providing feedback and an- lutions from the community,” In 2014, a staff report will wearing a bandana to cov- Naomi Grosman over an hour to answer three swering questions. So did their Fletcher said. “Once the com- be written based on feedback er his face and a black toque questions: Are all the keys city council colleague, Paula munity can identity very clear- from the eight meetings. during the crime. The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 NEWS 3 n sMOKING BAN Parents weigh in on smoking ban debate

By MADOLYN MacCALLUM The Observer

Parents have enough to worry about when their chil- dren are outside playing — so some East York parents are pleased that soon there may be one less hazard: second- hand smoke. Toronto Public Health has proposed extending a city- wide smoking ban to some outdoor spaces, including playgrounds and sports fields. While some of these areas have designated smoking rules already in place, a ban to make them all smoke-free is in the works. Julie Amoroso, a research consultant with Toronto Pub- lic Health, says the Smoke Free Ontario Act (SFOA) bans Naomi Grosman /// Observer smoking on school property and grounds, which means all sports fields and playgrounds on public and private Toronto council will soon decide whether to expand the smoking ban in Toronto. If approved, it school property must be smoke-free. But the SFOA al- would include a ban on smoking on restaurant patios. A few patrons at Kahlua Café Bar on the lows municipalities to pass their own smoking bylaws. Danforth say smoking on a restaurant patio is part of the enjoyment when having drinks. “Since 2009, Toronto has had a bylaw that prohibits smoking within nine metres of a playground, wading pool or splash pad at the High Park Zoo and at animal farms operated by Toronto’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation Di- Smoke-free patios on the agenda vision,” Amoroso said. “Smoking is not banned in other areas of Toronto’s parks, such as near sports fields.” East York residents negative impact on everyone The current regulation already puts smokers at a dis- Should smoking be banned in such public close by. tance from the areas where children play, but there are spaces as patios, parks and beaches? Take split over proposed our online poll at torontoobserver.ca “I support a further smok- still issues with these bylaws. Mercella, an East York resi- @ ing ban on patios in Toron- dent and mom who lives near Westwood Middle School, ban on smoking in to,” Davis said. said she hopes that the ban will pass, because she still has outdoor spaces insonO said. suggestion. “Smoking in those areas do to tell her young daughter not to pick up cigarette butts “If a bar owner wants to “I fully support initiatives have an impact on both cus- from the ground. By NAOMI GROSMAN allow smoking on the patio, aimed at reducing smoking in tomers and staff and I think it “Sometimes you find in the playgrounds things that you don’t want to find and you don’t want your kids to The Observer he should be able to. ” public places,” Parker said. should be prohibited.” But smoking on patios “We all recognize the But it seems that these East pick up, so even if it’s nine metres away from the play- On an unusually warm Oc- might soon be a thing of the health hazard of smoking York councillors disagree ground they still pick it up,” she said. tober afternoon, Miles Rob- past. and of second-hand smoke.... with some of their constitu- Not only are some East York parents worried about inson and a few of his friends The Toronto Board of We want to protect innocent ents who enjoy lighting up. their kids picking up butts off the ground, they are con- get together at a restaurant Health recently made recom- bystanders from the folly of Back on his Danforth pa- cerned for the health of their children. Another East York patio on the Danforth to have mendations to city council to others.” tio, Robinson believes that mom, Kerry, said she thinks smokers shouldn’t be smok- a cool drink. increase the restrictions of One of Parker’s coun- he has the right to smoke ing where a large group of people are nearby. While they’re outside, the general city smoking ban cil colleagues, Janet Davis outside — and a friend of his “It’s bothersome to them,” she said. “It doesn’t smell they have no qualms about to include public spaces such of Ward 31/Beaches-East agrees. nice, it blows right in their face and it’s bad for them.” lighting up a cigarette to en- as parks, beaches and patios. York, agrees with him and “You should be able to The Toronto’s Parks and Environment Committee will joy with their drinks. John Parker, city council- the suggestion made by the smoke anywhere as long as consider a report on the issue of the smoking ban in city “I believe that we have the lor for Ward 26/Don Valley health board because, she it’s outside,” Alex Massou- parks on Oct. 23. right to smoke outside,” Rob- West, is supportive of the said, smoking on patios has a plos said.

Joie Ann Merana /// Observer No rocking chairs here Leaside United Church hosts weekly chair exercises led by Eric Daw to help seniors stay in shape, regain balance and strength. They use small weights, bouncy balls and hula- hoops as part of the exercises. From left to right, Jeanne Blair, Muriel Friesen and Douglas Gardner participate in the exercises. 4 ARTS & LIFE The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 11, 2013

Naomi Grosman /// Observer

Naomi Grosman /// Observer Drawing from life Hagen Materne (top left) has attended the life-drawing sessions at Centennial Col- lege’s East York campus for more than five years. “It’s a creative outlet that I don’t get at work,” he says. They’re held at the 951 Carlaw Avenue campus every Tuesday evening and are open to the public for $8 apiece or $40 for all eight sessions.

n CREATIVITY Poetry legend inspires local audience Toronto’s poet laureate ous heritage building in Taylor Creek Park, was a fitting location for the event, with its outdoor ABOUT reads from his newest amphitheatre. “This is a very special place. It feels like you CLARKE collection of poems are miles from the city,” said Janet Davis, city councillor for Ward 31/Beaches-East York. n George Elliott By SOLA DaSILVA “It gives people in this apartment neighbour- Clarke is Toronto's The Observer hood an opportunity to experience nature and fourth poet laure- explore ideas and find themselves in this little ate. It was a day of inspiration, creativity and po- oasis in East York.” n He is the E.J. etry reading. East End Arts is a Local Arts Service Organi- Pratt professor of Toronto’s poet laureate, George Elliot Clarke, zation (LASO) funded by the City of Toronto. Canadian Literature read to a captive audience from his newest According to Davis, LASO secured $100,000 in at the University of collection of poems, Lasso the Wind: Aurelia’s Sola DaSilva /// Observer funding to nurture arts in the Toronto-Danforth Toronto. Verses and other Poems, at the East End Arts Poet laureate George Elliot Clarke reads and Beaches-East York wards. poetry festival. a piece from his new collection of poems, The mayor’s office also used the occasion to n He won the Governor-General's The birth of his daughter was the inspiration Lasso the Wind: Aurelia’s Verses and other present a congratulatory citation to Clarke on the Award for poetry in for his closing poem, La jour de la Bastille. Poems. occasion of his appointment as a visiting profes- 2001. “The birth of a child is always a good news sor at Harvard University. story,” Clarke said. “It’s the great miracle of End Arts, a community organization set up to “I’m very surprised and honoured,” he said, n He is an Officer our existence and it’s difficult not to fall into promote and support local art in Toronto’s east “but it’s nice to know that the mayor and the city of the Order of clichés.” end. council recognize the importance of the arts and Canada. The festival was the inaugural event for East The Children’s Peace Theatre, an inconspicu- how the arts are about uplifting everybody.” The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 ARTS & LIFE 5 Art exhibit inspired by Picasso, Dali Romanian-born artist celebrates life through colourful works of art By ALI RAZA The Observer Surreal art meets Picasso in a collection of paintings by fine artist Sergiu Berbec. The East York campus of Centennial College is hosting an exhibition of Berbec’s work. The paintings are avail- able for viewing in the Corridor Gallery, upstairs at 951 Carlaw Ave. A look at Berbec’s paintings echoes old styles of fa- mous artists such as Salvador Dali and Pablo Picasso, but Berbec paints his own views in his art. Taylor Giffin /// Observer “My abstracts are related to my life experiences with the social community,” Berbec said. “It has a lot to do Tree of life with the past, in the sense of where we come from and why we end up being who we are in life.” UFC fighter Mark Bocek adds his name to Toronto East General Hospital’s Tree of Life campaign. Berbec, a Romanian-born Canadian, started painting On Sept. 30, Bocek and John Tory of Newstalk 1010, Anthony Farnell of Global News Toronto and and drawing in Grade 9 at the Central Technical School Lady Jay Lakeshia Bertie came together at John Papastergiou’s Shoppers Drug Mart on Danforth on Bathurst Street in Toronto. Avenue to show their support for the campaign, which raises funds for cancer care and women’s That program paved the way for him to attend Centen- health at TEGH. nial College’s Fine Arts program. Berbec also looks for inspiration in Toronto’s Distillery District and at the Art Gallery of Ontario. “Another artist that inspired me a lot is Ai Weiwei,” Berbec said. “I admire his way of thinking.” Berbec’s art will be displayed through Nov. 1. Prior to this exhibition, Berbec had his paintings showcased Chasing the dream in a group exhibition at La Revolución on Dundas Street West. By LARRY CHEUNG through the mini-tours of the professional golf world. The pros- Berbec’s mentor and instructor, Centennial College’s The Observer pect of becoming a professional athlete and playing on the PGA David McClyment, believes Berbec’s talent is growing. Tour has made Liang shift his focus from the confines of offices “The sophistication he uses has changed,” McClyment Fresh out of Osgoode Hall Law School, East York resident to the openness of greens and fairways. said. “The scale of the work has grown larger and so has Kevin Liang, 28, began his articling in the spring of 2011, before “It has always been a dream of mine to be a professional ath- the ambition of the composition.” putting it on hold. lete. I feel like this is a good time to pursue my dreams, while I’m Berbec’s view of art is that it is a medium in which Now Liang is chasing other ambitions, making his way still young,” Liang said. “I started playing when I was 22, and I messages can be conveyed more powerfully than usual. aim to be a touring professional at least on the Canadian Tour by He thinks colour is very important in his artwork. the age of 30.” “Colour gives an essence of power which gives Many of Ontario’s aspiring pros develop their skills playing strength to a piece,” Berbec said. “Different colours af- local mini-tours such as the Great Lakes Tour and the Mandarin fect your emotions differently, I chose this as an avenue Tour. They devote their time to getting better and maximizing because there’s so many possibilities, so many ways to their preparations for the PGA Tour of Canada qualifying school, create something.” where the top 20 players earn full status, and the next 20 players The exhibiton, titled Innovation I, is Berbec’s first solo earn partial status on the tour. exhibit. He hopes to have many more. Liang might have started golf late compared to many of “My future plans are just to have people enjoy my his fellow competitors, but he is completely confident in work,” Berbec said. “I’d be happy showing my art in the his ability to make it. Distillery district or some smaller galleries in Toronto. I “To succeed in anything is hard work and belief and want my audience to have a better sense of knowing me.” if you don’t try how will you know if you can succeed?” Berbec’s art is just the beginning of his journey. For Liang said. him, art is his biggest enjoyment in life. “No matter how much talent you have, it doesn’t mean “His enthusiasm is infectious,” McClyment said. “I’m anything if you don’t work hard. Everyone needs a dream; very excited for him.” dreamers are the ones that become truly successful.” Liang plans on working the next few months to save up some extra cash before heading down to Florida at the beginning of February to get ready for the PGA Tour of Canada, which takes place in April.

n Kevin Liang Ali Raza /// Observer Berbec poses with “Clown Festival.” His show runs until Nov. 1 in the Corridor Gal- lery of Centennial College’s Carlaw Avenue campus. Larry Cheung /// Observer 6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 n COLUMNS n editorials Let’s breathe free Poverty is to blame hen we read interna- should we fear an idea or a Yemen, Iraq, Afghanistan, Wtional news, we’re belief anyway? Is it so terrify- Somalia and Pakistan all suf- Medical Officer of Health’s proposal to ban often bombarded by stories ing that someone somewhere fer from great poverty. Coin- from the Middle East, Af- else thinks differently than we cidentally, a lot of violence smoking in public places heading to council rica and Asia that high- do? The point I’m trying associated with terrorism and light the next big thing to make is that we cannot religious zealotry are found in he proposed ban on smoking in outdoor public places put forth by Dr. David in terrorism. Whether and should not continue these countries. Some bigger TMcKeown, the Medical Officer of Health for the City of Toronto, could have a it’s Al-Shabab, Boko associating the acts of an countries like Egypt, Syria positive impact not only in the present, but in the future as well. Haram or the Taliban, individual or a group and Iran suffer from political His proposed ban would see beaches, parks, sports fields, hospital grounds, the media con- with their pro- and social instability (current- restaurant and bar patios, and entrances to public places that include schools all des- stantly reminds us fessed religion. ly very evident in the civil ignated as smoke-free. (directly or indi- Current war in Syria). A report released last week by the city’s health board stated that Toronto has one rectly) that there adherents of Trying to convince anyone of Canada’s worst rates of exposure to second-hand smoke in public places. is a reason to be Islam number living well to sacrifice every- With fewer places to legally smoke, finding a place becomes more of a nuisance afraid. around one thing they have for a belief is — and that alone might make the next generation think twice before lighting one up Afraid of what? billion people. a formidable task. But asking for the first time. I’m not blaming We can assume by someone who already has McKeown’s proposal has been approved by the health board and will go to coun- the media. We as sheer probability nothing, and in some cases cil in November. journalists are just most of those peo- has already lost everything, to But what may seem like a no-brainer from a health standpoint will be a logistical doing our jobs and ple are “normal” sacrifice for a belief is much headache to implement — and Mayor Rob Ford has already voiced his disagreement reporting what we individuals just easier. How many terrorists with this proposal. see. But the question trying to look come out of Dubai? Or Is- Most restaurant and bar owners can also be expected to be in the group of naysay- pops up: What am I after themselves tanbul? Affluent places with ers, considering that business might be hurt as a result of a ban on patio smoking. supposed to fear? and their families. Muslim majorities don’t seem But in the end, one less smoker and one less victim of second-hand smoke would The obvious an- And that’s what to produce the same violent definitely be a step in the right direction. swer would be terror- it comes down to: fanaticism that the pover- ~ Larry Cheung ism and violence. Ev- survival. ty-stricken regions do. eryone fears this. But If you look It’s poverty, not a religious the commonality among at countries that or political belief, which these terrorist groups have large produces the type of violence is they vehemently Muslim pop- that we see reported almost support and impose their ulations, daily in the news. Once we Preaching reform view of Islam. you can begin to understand this, we So should we find high can begin to break the grip of Toronto-Danforth MP Craig Scott hoping to fear Islam? Of Ali Raza rates of fear that terrorism depends course not. Why poverty. on. make voting in Canada more proportional

he Opposition party in Parliament, the New Democrats, want electoral reform T— and they’re taking their case to the people. Last month, Toronto-Danforth MP Craig Scott met with East Yorkers and All it takes is a ‘hello’ others at Eastminster United Church on Danforth Avenue to preach the gospel of reform. hen Harry Potter So how do I learn strang- as I can. The proposed reform would mean a version of mixed member proportional Wused his wand to ers’ stories? Clearly I want to un- representation in the House of Commons. It would allow voters to select both local pull a wispy, greyish strand being a wizard is out of derstand as many members of Parliament for their individual ridings and, separately, a party for from his mind and recreate the question and other- people as I can so national governance. MP Scott said the system has proven effective in countries like a memory, I immediately wise-mystical powers to that in the end, I am Germany, New Zealand and Scotland. imagined imitating the scene read minds is not terribly not just walking, sit- Two important points were raised at the Eastminster meeting. First, attendee with my sister and getting realistic. ting or looking at Adam Smith agreed the Canadian electoral system is not proportional. the same result. Would a ‘Hel- strangers. A party’s percentage of popular vote can differ vastly from the percentage of seats Of course, after an angry lo’ suffice? Instead I be- in the House. Smith said that allows power to be skewed or distorted. scowl and a slap, I realized- It is a sim- come more alive Smith’s observation is very true. On several occasions recently, we’ve seen a real life is different from the ple yet daring through my con- party with only a small edge in popular vote forming a majority government. Winner movies. word to say. nection with anoth- take all. Critics say that system does not represent the true verdict of voters. Still, I practise Potterish Rejection is er human being. The second observation made in the meeting is also very important. Another amusements when I sit on possible — and Someone who member of the audience, Jordan Grant, pointed out the Conservatives and the Lib- the bus or travel anywhere. being looked at feels and thinks erals may not be as ready to accept this reform as the NDP, considering they are the A wordless stranger be- askance — but and says things beneficiaries of the status quo. comes of great interest to are the potential just like I do, even How then, he asked, can we expect to achieve any consensus on the proposed me. I’ve always wanted to costs worth the if those things are reform? tap into the minds of people benefits of getting different. A true reflection of the voters’ mandate is very crucial in a democratic country — and hear their thoughts or to truly know It will be a risk and not just for Canadians’ sake. see a glimpse of their mem- someone? but it might be a As the Canadian democratic system is seen as one of the exemplary models to ories to better understand Will the strang- worthwhile one if many evolving democracies in the world, it’s important that significant flaws in our who they are. er no longer be a you take a leap. system be addressed. Of course, I have to be stranger and rather There are so many So the reform proposal of MP Scott and his caucus colleagues in the NDP de- a bit discreet about this in become an acquain- people in this world mands proper scrutiny. A national debate should be held and expert opinions should public. I don’t want people tance… and maybe, and I believe we were be invited. thinking I’m invading their eventually, a friend? not made to be alone. And the two other major parties of Canadian politics must participate in the privacy. Each person has A connection is all it process and seriously consider this reform proposal — for the sake of democratic But, if I had the ability, a story and I will takes. practice and not party interest. I would like non-verbal forever be on a So I dare you: Say communication to be like a quest to get hello and ~ Amirul Islam faucet — easily turned on to know as Joie Ann Merana see where it and off. many stories goes.

The East York The East York Observer is published by Centen- Facu lty Editors Managing editor copy Editors nial College journalism students at the East York Lindy Oughtred Ali Raza Naomi Grosman campus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. P.O. Box Stephen Cogan Assignment editor Mark Cadiz 631, Stn. A, Scarborough, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Louie Piacentini Amirul Islam production editors Observer [email protected]. Telephone 416- Dave Johnny photo editor Joie Ann Merana 289-5107, Fax 416-289-5111 Andrew Mair Linda Cotrina Taylor Giffin The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 NEWS 7

n SAFETY Quick response to complaints about roadwork

By MADALYN HAMANN The Observer

A road construction issue near Frankland Commu- nity School on Logan Avenue has been resolved after concerns were raised about sidewalk safety early last week. Roadwork has been frequent between Danforth and McConnell avenues over the past month. However, the work being done along Logan became a con- cern for some residents and parents of children who attended Frankland. Mark Cadiz /// Observer They said that with the construc- John Wilson, lead tour guide for the hiking trips through the Don Valley, gets ready for the early morning tion work being close to the school @ start at Evergreen Brick Works. and the increased traffic on the O street, walking along the sidewalks became hazardous. Frankland’s l For principal, Terry Walsh, took note of more East the issue. York sto- Looking for lost rivers “The first day, there were some ries, please concerns about it,” Walsh said. visit us at torontoob- room for expansion, accord- looking to discover the city’s fabric. A large part of the “The second day, I met with the server.ca Brick Works hikes ing to the lead tour guide at hidden green spaces. She was hike is on the Belt Line Trail, city inspector and the person who the Evergreen Brick Works in one of the people taking part which is situated in a creek was responsible for the construc- explore the city’s East York. in the recent hike. valley called Yellow Creek tion company. All we said was that the construction forgotten streams “In many ways, the city “This is my first time. I and bends into Mud Creek. in the street and the whole area was a concern.” kind of built itself around wanted to be out in nature and Wilson, who volunteers as Walsh said he got a quick response. these creeks and there are a meet some new people and a consultant for Evergreen “Now it doesn’t start until the kids are in school By MARK CADIZ number of them around and learn more about Toronto’s Brick Works, is well known and ends before three,” he said, referring to the daily The Observer in this area,” John Wilson ex- natural history,” she said. “It in the community. In fact, it construction schedule. Look beyond the skyscrap- plained during a recent hike is something I do regularly could be said that he has the Barriers were also put up along the sidewalks as a ers and cranes and you might through the Don Valley. and I thought this would be a Don River running through further preventive measure. notice a creek or two mean- “Many of them flow into good way to get familiar with his veins. So what was a problem earlier in the week was no dering through parts of the the Don River.” the terrain.” “Hiking for me is a thou- longer the case by the end of it; despite the heavier city. As part of its green initia- Law, like many of those sand different things,” he traffic flow due to other blocked off roads in the If you brush up on your his- tive to connect Torontonians who take part in hikes at the said. “It is a way to keep ac- area, there was general relief. tory, you’ll find that Toronto with nature, the Brick Works Evergreen Brick Works, was tive; it is a way to get to know “The communication has been excellent,” parent was once filled with streams has organized a series of na- looking for green activities in the city better and a way to David Innis said. For him, the road issue matter was that flowed in and around the ture and heritage hikes along the city. get in touch with nature.” well taken care of. city. the Don River. The ‘lost rivers’ hike winds Hikes at the Evergreen “It was a problem earlier, but you have to live Many of these ‘lost rivers’ Kathleen Law, original- its way along two of the lost Brick Works are being offered with it,” he said. “Stuff has to get done.” were piped in or buried un- ly from Ottawa, moved to creeks, showing hikers how for free every weekend until The roadwork is expected to conclude in the next derground by the city to make Toronto recently and was the streams fit into the city’s Oct. 20. They start at 10 a.m. few days.

n COMMUNITY Building a music career one brick at a time Rapper plans to showcase ‘1 Brick’ video first to North America and then to the world

By MADOLYN MacCALLUM Dainard’s video for “1 Brick” shows his music business. But as he has gotten older, The Observer viewers what he can really do and hints at his thoughts have changed. what they can expect from him in the future. “When I was younger, all I could think Music is constantly running through his He is currently working on his EP album, about was money and materialistic things. n Andrew head, and when he puts pen to paper, the ink which he hopes to shop around to labels in I still do, but those aren’t priorities now as Dainard starts flowing as if by magic. the industry. much as just being a good artist and making Andrew Dainard, up-and-coming rap art- As a kid, Dainard grew up listening to quality music consistently,” he said. ist and East York resident, has been making Notorious BIG, Big L, Tupac Shakur, Dr. “I care about the music a lot more music for some time. Dre and Eminem, and he says they have than I care about the industry.” Now he has finally been put on the played a big role in influencing his music. Dainard has big dreams for map with his first music video, “1 Brick.” However, Dainard added that when it himself, and working with Dainard, whose handle is DizzytheGOD, comes to writing, he doesn’t need much Achieve Dreams Entertain- released the video last month on YouTube. influence. ment, he hopes to secure He was thrilled to finally see the finished “Influence for a song doesn’t take much, and sign a deal with a label product. to be quite honest. I hear music in my head soon. “I have been making music for quite a all day, every day,” he said. “I plan to make a while now, so personally, when I saw the “I couldn’t stop myself from making it if living out of making video, I felt like it was a long time coming,” I tried. Lyrics just come to me, so I write quality music and Dainard said them down.” showcasing it to North “My video man, Joe Cash, delivered ex- When Dainard was younger, he said, he America,” he said, and actly what I had wanted, which was a crisp, was attracted to the materialistic things then, “hopefully the clean introduction video.” he thought he could get from being in the world.” 8 FEATURES The East York Observer /// Friday, Oct. 11, 2013 Snapshots of fall in East York...

Naomi Grosman /// Observer

(Top) Cyclists on the Danforth enjoy the unusually warm weather of October.

(Right) A perfect fall day – time to enjoy a coffee at an outdoor patio.

(Bottom right) The Toronto-Danforth NDP Riding Association unveiled a plaque this fall at Withrow Park to commemorate the riding’s late MP, Jack Layton — who also served as federal NDP leader.

(Bottom left) Community members gath- ered in Withrow Park to make their first community “stone soup.” Taking their inspiration from the popular folk tale, they invited visitors to the park to buy food from the farmers’ market and then donate vegetables to a communal pot.

Alexandra Gater /// Observer

Sun Lingmeng /// Observer Madolyn McCallum /// Observer