Councillor Mark Grimes Ward 6 -lakeshore www.markgrimes.ca December 21, 2012 Joyeuses Fêtes! , szczęśliwego nowego roku, Felices Need assistance, information, or FiestasFiestas, Gesëende Kersfees , Trevlig Helg! Een Plesierige General help from the city? email 311@.ca KerfeesKerfees,,,, Boas Festas! Mutlu Bayramlar! Feliz Navidad, Idah Saidan Wa Sanah Jadidah, Sarbatori Fericite! JieJieJie Ri Yu Kuai, Bones Festes! ,,, Rehus-Beal-Ledeats, Chag SameachSameach, Buone Feste! Gezur Krislinjden,, Gun Tso Sun or Call 311 Tan 'Gung Haw Sun ,Ii holide eximnandi ,ungung His Hsin Nien bing Chu Shen Tan ,Forhe Feiertage,Yukpa,Yukpa, NitakNitak CALL 911 Nien bing Chu Shen Tan Yukpa, Nitak Hollo Chito ,Prettige feestdagen ,Feliz Navidad y to reach emergency services Próspero Año Nuevo , Beannachtaí na Féile ,SelamatSelamat • 211 findhelp Hari Natal, Zorionak eta Urte Berri On! Chanukah Your connection to information about community, social, health Sameach Kul 'am wa antum bikhair and related government services Call 211 or visit

www.211.ca Feliz Navidad

A t t h i s t i m e o f y e a r i t d o e s n o t m a t t e r – h o w o r w h a t

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www.markgrimes.ca “I love to help people. If I can do something for somebody, why not?“Everyone has an obligation not just to get, but to give back to the community. Everybody can do something.” Kyriakos “Domenic” Platsis Remembering, fondly Domenic Platsis who sadly passed away this week. Let us take his words to heart in the New Year Holiday Greetings to the Community

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Everyone is invited to join His WorshipWorship,,,, Rob Ford, Mayor of the City of Toronto to welcome in the New Year at the Mayor’s New Year's Levee Tuesday, January 1, 2013 2 to 4 p.m. Rotunda of Toronto City HallHall,,,, 100 Queen St West . Lake Shore or Lakeshore? What is in a name

Lake Shore Blvd W, Lake Shore Drive, Park Lawn, Long Branch, Browns Line If you live on Lake Shore Blvd W or are a business on Lake Shore or are a realtor selling a home on Lake Shore you may have wondered why some people or delivery persons end up in Oakville when looking for your location. With many new residents in the community, the correct spelling regarding our main thoroughfare has again arisen as a local debate. Lake Shore Boulevard West is a public highway under the jurisdiction of the City of Toronto. The City is responsible is to maintain a record of public highways within its boundaries. According to Survey and Mapping records Lake Shore Road between the Humber River and Etobicoke Creek was renamed "Lake Shore Boulevard West" by the former Municipality of Metropolitan Toronto By-law No. 1548 in 1961. The City of Toronto already had named the street Lake Shore Boulevard West east of the Humber River Prior to the official naming of the street it was referred to as Lake Shore Road in some townships and Lakeshore Road in others, but no official name existed. The street numbers started over with each of the three neighbourhoods in this area, Mimico, New Toronto and Long Branch. The renaming and renumbering was done at the request of local post offices because their staff had problems delivering mail to the correct locations. Read the street signs and you will also see its Park Lawn Rd, Long Branch Ave and Browns Line. IF you see an incorrect city sign please let us know. It is important that all residents know the correct spelling of the street name and their correct street address, should they have to call emergency services. It is also important for delivery of mail, courier packages and for the growing use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and other electronic navigation systems that use the legal name of the street for reference. Please remember the community is referred to as Lakeshore, after the shore of the lake, not the street.

Cycle tracks - separated bike lanes a safer way for cyclists to travel

The City of Toronto has completed construction of its first cycle track - a lane for bicycles that is separated from motorized vehicle traffic. The new lane is located on Sherbourne Street between Bloor Street and King Street. Over the next few years, Toronto is creating a 14-kilometre network of cycle tracks in the downtown area. The Sherbourne cycle track has new features that distinguish it from the City's painted bicycle lanes: • Buses do not stop in the cycle track. It is raised to sidewalk level at bus stops to provide accessible passenger loading. Cyclists are required to stop for passengers getting on or off buses. • Bike boxes are provided to assist cyclists making left turns when connecting with east-west bicycle lanes on Shuter Street, Gerrard Street and Wellesley Street. • Parking next to the bicycle lane is removed and parking lay-bys are provided at six key locations to facilitate pickup/drop-off activity and commercial deliveries has adopted a Cycle Track Bylaw setting out the rules of operation for cycle tracks. The bylaw provides for a $150 fine for drivers who stop or park their vehicle on a cycle track. The only exemptions to the bylaw are the following three: • emergency services or police vehicles actively responding to an emergency • Hydro and utility vehicles in the lawful performance of their duties • Wheel Trans vehicles actively loading or unloading passengers Toronto Transportation staff is working with the and Parking Enforcement staff to ticket and tow vehicles that are illegally blocking the cycle track. Frequently asked questions and other information about cycle tracks are available at http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/network/downtownupgrades

Toronto 2015 Mascot Contest

TO2015 invites kids 16 and under for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to design the mascot for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am and Para pan Am Games.

Parents, educators and group leaders can join us on December 13, 2012, at 4:00 pm (ET) for a teleconference to review the mascot program. Visit toronto2015.org/mascot for more details.

Group submissions will be accepted starting January 7, 2013.

Work In Culture’s Crash Courses

Business-Skills-Shortcuts for the Cultural Workforce

With support from the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities' Sector Initiatives Fund, WorkInCulture is pleased to announce the launch of the first E-Learning Crash Course. This course will introduce basic marketing concepts and how to apply the concepts to your career in the cultural sector. The result of the course will give you a lead to create your own marketing plan, better understanding of how to use marketing techniques, expand your audience and customers, etc.

To register for this e-learning course, please visit: www.workinculture.ca/The-Course-Board

No changes to Toronto's holiday shopping regulations

Changes were proposed earlier this year to Toronto's shopping regulations with regard to public holidays. City Council did not adopt any changes and the City of Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 510, Holiday Shopping, remains in force without any modifications. The code, which regulates the types of retail establishments that can be open on public holidays and specifies the types of services that can be provided, generally requires (with exemptions noted below) retail businesses to be closed on nine public holidays. Those holidays are New Year’s Day, Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. There are a number of exemptions to the regulation, including: • small retail businesses of less than 2,400 square feet (223 square metres), provided they are only selling a select list of items • pharmacies offering the dispensing of prescription drugs and using less than 7,500 square feet (697 square metres) of space • art galleries • gas stations • nurseries, and • retail businesses licensed under the Liquor Licence Act. In addition, retail stores larger than 2,400 square feet (223 square metres) and pharmacies larger than 7,500 square feet (697 square metres) are able to open on public holidays (also known as retail holidays) provided a section of the store/pharmacy is roped off to meet the maximum allowable size, and that the store/pharmacy only offers for sale the types of products outlined in the regulations. A complete list of exemptions to the regulations is available in the Municipal Code, Chapter 510, Holiday Shopping, at http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_510.pdf.

Toronto Zoo Upcoming Events !

Monday, December 31 : 10th Annual New Year's Eve Family Countdown Visit with some new and wild friends in the Americas & Australasia Pavilions and in the Tundra Trek. Don't miss some great entertainment including "That 60s Show" tribute band, Kung Fu Panda and Majinx Magic Show. Plus check out Meet & Greets with Kung Fu Panda's "Po" , The WotWots and of course some WILD animals! The fun begins at 5:00 pm and runs until 8:00 pm when we have our very own Kids' Countdown. Tickets NOW on sale. Monday, December 31,2012 10th Annual New Year's Eve Family Countdown Visit with some new and wild friends in the Americas & Australasia Pavilions and in the Tundra Trek. Don't miss some great entertainment including "That 60s Show" tribute band, Kung Fu Panda and Majinx Magic Show. Plus check out Meet & Greets with Kung Fu Panda's "Po" , The WotWots and of course some WILD animals! The fun begins at 5:00 pm and runs until 8:00 pm when we have our very own Kids' Countdown. Tickets NOW on sale. The 2012 Adopt-An-Animal Holiday Package Is Here! This beautiful, White Lion Adoption Holiday Package makes this year's shopping a breeze and includes a keepsake portrait of our three adorable White lion cubs, a delightful plush (keep it yourself or give it as part of your gift!), an invitation to the Zoo's Annual Parent's Day, and more. Bonus for 2012-a chance to win a VIP Behind The Scenes Tour for you and up to five guests! City Museums Holiday Happenings December to January 6 You do not have to leave Toronto to experience an old-fashioned Christmas - The City's museums offer a variety of programs and special events. They can even help you with your holiday season shopping at gift shops at the various museums. In addition, Colborne Lodge and Montgomery's Inn are hosting holiday-theme workshops. Details: www.toronto.ca/holidays

Please note: For a complete listing or events organized by Holiday Season theme go to www.toronto.ca/holidays and for events listed by site, please visit www.toronto.ca/museum-events

Christmas in the Park at Colborne Lodge Until Sunday, January 6, 2013 Tuesdays to Sundays, Noon to 4 p.m. Discover the magic of Christmas in the winter wonderland surroundings of High Park and enjoy a tour of Colborne Lodge, the picturesque home of the founders of High Park, which is decorated for a Victorian Christmas. You will discover festive traditions, decorations and foods enjoyed during the 19 th century in Toronto. Toast the season with a glass of hot mulled cider by the wood stove and nibble on special holiday treats. Holiday admission prices apply. The Holiday Season at Fort York National Historic Site December 15 to December 31 Weekdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sat. & Sun. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sample some baking from the 1826 Officers' Mess kitchen and soak up the warmth of a crackling wood fire. Be sure to browse the Museum Store to find that special gift you won't find anywhere else. The Museum Store features gifts suitable for all ages and interests. Regular admission applies. Get the most up-to-date information on accessing Fort York during the construction of our new Visitor Centre by visiting: http://www.toronto.ca/culture/museums/fort_york_access.htm A Victorian Christmas at Mackenzie House Until Sunday, January 6, 2013 This festive season take a step back in time to Victorian Toronto and experience the magic of a traditional Christmas in an 1859 row-house. Escape from the hustle and bustle while you enjoy a sample of mulled cider and a biscuit in the warmth of the historic kitchen. Discover the story of how families celebrated Christmas in 19th century Toronto as you tour the Mackenzie home that is dressed in greenery for the holidays. Included with holiday admission. Plus! Write a Letter to Santa (until December 23) at Mackenzie House During the Victorian Christmas program children are invited to write a letter to Santa Claus during their visit. Select a card that has been printed on our 1845 printing press, and write a personal message. Drop the wish card into our magic post box for us to mail for you. Included with holiday admission. NEW! Road to Rebellion – An Exhibit at Mackenzie House This new exhibit examines the personalities on both sides of the conflict: Sir Francis Bond Head's government, determined to preserve the status quo; and the Reformers, equally determined to force change. Over twenty years after the War of 1812 had ended, what defined a Canadian patriot? Was it unswerving loyalty to England - or striving for a more independent Canada? Included with holiday admission. Please note: A Roaring 1920s Christmas at Spadina Museum Until Sunday, January 6 Tuesday to Friday, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Except Dec. 16) Enjoy a guided tour of a 1920s Christmas at Spadina. At this festive time of year, holly wreaths, garlands of evergreens and mistletoe adorn the house the way it looked back then, based on the memories of the Austin family grandchildren. The 1920s Christmas tree and accompanying poinsettias fill the Palm Room with Christmas cheer. Nestled in the 1930s kitchen, visitors will enjoy holiday treats made from original recipes and sip mulled cider warmed on the Art Deco gas range. Included with holiday admission. Paid parking next door at Casa Loma. Regency Christmas in the Valley at Todmorden Mills Heritage Site Sunday, December 16 and 23 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.; Monday, December 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m; Thursday, December 27 to Sunday, December 30 from 12 p.m. to 4 pm.; Monday, December 31 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Wednesday, January 2 to Sunday, January 6 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Discover the simple pleasures and décor of a Regency-era Christmas at Todmorden Mills. Our early 19th- century historic homes are decorated traditionally for the season with real evergreen garlands as well as the “kissing bough” hanging in the Helliwell parlour, complete with apples, candles and mistletoe. Sample period festive desserts such as “Whim-Wham” and “Hedgehog Tipsy Cake.” Families can make Regency-style Christmas decorations as a take-home craft. Included with holiday admission. Christmas Centrepiece Workshop at Colborne Lodge Sunday, December 16, 10 a.m. Create your own Christmas Centrepiece using natural materials. This 2 hour workshop is a great pre- Christmas get-together activity for groups of friends and families. Set in picturesque High Park, the house offers a cosy historic ambience for this seasonal craft. A tour of the decorated parts of the house and light refreshments are included. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. $32.50, plus tax. Swell Sundays: Christmas in the Golden Age of Radio at Spadina Museum Sunday, December 16, 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Shows at 1 and 3 p.m. Family fun is On the Air! Join us for an afternoon of seasonal fun that harkens back to the Golden Age of Radio when you visit Spadina Museum during Swell Sundays in December. The highlight of these events is a live performance of Flashman: Fists of Freedom , a recreated radio play at 1 and 3 p.m. During the 1930s, radio reached its zenith with almost all Canadians tuning in on a daily basis for music, news and entertainment. Flashman follows the age-old storyline: Super hero meets girl. Super hero loses girl. Super hero fights trees, vulture people, and an entire planet to win her back. Will true love win? Or will evil tear them and the universe apart? Science. Love. An electric mole. All come together in this fast-paced, comedic play. With live music, sound effects and a cast playing multiple roles, Flashman lets you experience those wonderful, early days of radio. During the rest of your visit, enjoy 1930s-style refreshments and see the period Christmas decorations throughout the house. Have fun making a secret message decoder, similar to the gimmicks advertisers would print on cereal boxes or send off to eager children who'd requested them by mail. During radio commercials, sponsors would provide a secret message that only those with decoders could decipher! Admission: Adults $10, Seniors/Youth $8 and Children $6 (plus tax). Christmas Trimmings Workshop (6 to 10 year olds) at Colborne Lodge Saturday, December 22 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Get a few errands done when you drop off the kids who’ll make a Christmas ornament to take home. A visit to the decorated parts of the house and light refreshments are included. Pre-registration and pre-payment required. $20, plus tax. A Christmas Carol at Montgomery's Inn Saturday, December 22, 2 p.m. The Humber River Shakespeare Company presents the Dickens classic. Back by popular demand - this time as a full stage production - this holiday season staple is not to be missed! $15 adults, $10 children; tickets can be purchased on-line at http://humberrivershakespeare.ca/index.html Christmas Cookie Creation for Children (8 to 12 year olds) at Colborne Lodge Sunday, December 23 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Children will have fun making unique and tasty treats for the holidays in this historic baking workshop that uses a Canadian gingerbread recipe from the 1830s. While their cookies bake, participants will tour the house and discover Victorian Christmas traditions and stories. Participants will then take home the Christmas cookies they've made. They might even want to save a few for when Saint Nick comes to visit! Pre-registration and pre-payment required. $22.50, plus tax (includes supplies and a dozen cookies to bring home). Gingerbread Make and Bake! Extra fun for Kids at Fort York (ages 4 and up) Thursday, December 27 to Monday, December 31 at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. While you enjoy a tour of Fort York your kids can join the cooks in the Officers' Mess kitchen to create traditional gingerbread cookies. In this hands-on workshop, kids will use period cooking utensils and tools to sift flour, crush cinnamon, cloves or allspice, pound sugar and grate nutmeg and ginger as they prepare an 1800's gingerbread recipe. Samples can be taken home. If they last that long! Workshop is limited to 15 participants. Included with regular admission, sign up in the Museum Store. Kids’ Crafts at Mackenzie House Thursday, December 27 to Sunday, January 6, 2013 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Bring the family to visit the last home of Toronto’s first mayor, William Lyon Mackenzie, which has been decorated for the holidays. During their visit, children are invited to make and decorate a 2013 calendar, using engravings and the 1845 printing press. Included with holiday admission. Please call 416-392-6915 for further details.any or all of them online at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/complex/954/ or call 416-338- 4FUN. Hogmanay! At Mackenzie House Friday, December 28, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m Enjoy an evening of Scottish music and foods at this traditional celebration of the New Year. The decorated house will be illuminated by gas and candlelight. Musicians Gin Lane will perform. Pre-registration and pre- payment are required. Admission: $22.50, plus tax. Please call 416-392-6915 for further details.

At Montgomery's Inn ; 4709 Dundas Street West at Islington Avenue, 416-394-8113 Twelfth Night Dance Party Saturday January 5, 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. • 4:30 to 6 p.m. - Dance Workshop • 6 to 7:30 p.m. - Cold Supper • 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. - Ball

Explore English holiday customs of another era -- dance to traditional music played by piano and violin, sample seasonal treats, play games and tour the Inn decked in all its festive decorations. All dances are taught and led. No dance experience or partner are required but the afternoon dance workshop is mandatory and will allow you and the other guests to enjoy the evening dance party to its fullest.

Perhaps you will find the bean in the Twelfth Cake, as they did in old England, and become King or Queen for the night. Learn more about that tradition when you join us on January 5th. Adults $50, Seniors/Students $40 (plus tax). Pre-registration required at www.janeaustendancing.com or call 416-394-8106. Please note: Not wheelchair accessible

Health & Wellness Programs for Seniors (ESS) Etobicoke Services for Seniors is offering FREE Health & Wellness Programs for seniors aged 55+ in 2013. Programs available in 2013 include weekly exercise classes for different levels and abilities, a Nutrition Workshop to learn about healthy eating for the heart, and a confidential counselling session for individuals and family members coping with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Space is limited, for more information or to register please call Yvonne Ng at 416-243-0127 ext. 271. Funding for ESS Health & Wellness Programs has been provided by the Trillium Foundation .

Local Events

Monday, 31 December 2012 New Years Eve Tango Ball Ukrainian National Federation - Toronto Branch Four Course Argentinian Dinner, Argentinian Tango Show Cash Bar, New Years Zabava Champagne Toast & Party Favours 7PM Cocktails, 8PM Dinner & Show, 9PM Zabava 145 Evans Ave For Tickets: Ukrainian National Federation of Canada - Toronto Branch145 Evans Ave. #200 www.unftoronto.com [email protected] .253.6002 XT1 Wednesday, February 6th, 2013 Latin Jazz Night at the Lakeshore Campus - Humber Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning Hear the sizzling, salsa-drenched sounds of our two top student Latin groups, as they take the chill off of a mid-winter evening. Humber Latin Jazz Ensemble led by Hilario Duran Humber Latin Jazz Big Band led by Luis Mario Ochoa is at 8 pm in Humber's Auditorium. General Admission $10 Students and Seniors $5 Free parking behind 3199 Lake Shore Boulevard West, just off 23rd Street.

Civic & Community Engagement

Applications invited for Toronto's Taxicab Advisory Committee

The Municipal Licensing and Standards (MLS) division is creating a Taxicab Advisory Committee as part of the City of Toronto's ongoing review of the taxicab industry in Toronto. The advisory committee will facilitate input and communication among the taxicab industry, the public and the City of Toronto. Applications are now being accepted for this committee. The advisory committee will provide advice to the City of Toronto through the Executive Director of MLS, advising on taxi industry issues such as consumer protection, driver/passenger health and safety, and the economic viability/sustainability of the industry. Committee members will: • identify and provide advice on emerging issues and concerns within the taxicab industry, as described in the committee's mandate • provide advice on issues referred by the Executive Director of MLS • participate in working groups as necessary and as approved by the Executive Director of MLS, and • provide objective, inclusive and informed advice and recommendations. The City of Toronto seeks to involve people who reflect the diversity of the community whenever it engages with the public. Applications from women, Aboriginal peoples, persons with disabilities and visible minority group members are encouraged. Completed application forms must be received by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 21. More information is available in the Taxicab Advisory Committee Terms of Reference document at http://www.toronto.ca/tac.

Public Consultation on Alternative Voting Technologies

From the Elections Ontario website at http://www.elections.on.ca/en-CA/Accessibility/alt_voting_tech.htm" "Since August 2010, Elections Ontario has been reviewing alternative voting technologies. This includes extensive analysis and research on voting technology solutions with a particular emphasis on internet and telephone voting. The Chief Electoral Officer will submit a report on this issue to the Legislative Assembly before June 30, 2013. An important component of this work is the need to engage key stakeholders and to provide a broader opportunity for Ontarians to provide input into this important initiative. A public consultation on this issue closed on December 2, 2012. The information provided will assist in evaluating our principles and research conclusions. Key themes from the input will be included in our final report. You can download a copy of the Network Voting Research Summary to read about our research to date. (pdf 225KB) Requests for alternative formats may be made by emailing [email protected], by calling 1-888-668-8683, or by TTY at 1-888-292-2312."

Food Alerts

Get the latest recalls and Health Food Alerts on the Governmetn of Canada website at: http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca. You can also see the results from the latest inspections of Toronto restaurants and eateries at the City's DineSafe website http://www.toronto.ca/health/dinesafe/

Registration of Canadians Abroad

Registration of Canadians Abroad is a free service offered by Foreign Affairs and International Trade that keeps you connected to Canada in case of an emergency abroad, such as an earthquake or civil unrest, or an emergency at home. Whether you are planning a vacation or living abroad, sign up in a few minutes or less. Why register? 1. It is quick, confidential and simple. 2. They will notify you if there is an emergency in your travel region 3. You can access consular services. 4. Mobile friendly. You must be a Canadian citizen to register. Registration information for non-Canadians can be found at http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration/not-a-canadian Register by mail, fax, phone or in person at a Canadian government office abroad, by completing a registration form at Travel.gc.ca