OINKING AROUND PAN AM GAMES Families celebrate New logo World Animal Day at zoo unveiled for event See page 7 See page 2 THE EAST OBSERVEROBSERVER • Friday • October 15 • 2010 • • PUBLISHED BY UTSC/CENTENNIAL COLLEGE JOURNALISM STUDENTS AND SERVING MALVERN, HIGHLAND CREEK AND WEST HILL • •TORONTOOBSERVER.CA• Scarborough homes third priciest in Ont.

josef jacobson said John Evanoff, owner of The Observer Evanoff Real Estate. “I really don’t know what information Home prices in they’ve been using.” Scarborough are among Because housing prices the highest in the province, can vary depending on which according to a recent report by homes are sold when, price Coldwell Banker Real Estate. trends should be looked at in The Home Listing Report, the longer term, he said. which tracked prices from Calculating price averages March to September, found can also be misleading. For the average cost of a four- example, houses south of room, two-bathroom home Kingston Road along the in Scarborough is $484,000. Scarborough Bluffs can sell Costs are higher only in the for more than $1 million, rest of Toronto, Newmarket but homes in Malvern may and Oakville. be less desirable and sell for The report is good news for less, Evanoff said. Scarborough homeowners, The report also highlights said Ward 44 councillor Ron issues of affordability. Moeser. Greater housing costs hurt “We’re catching up to low-income residents and Toronto,” he said. “This is a fixing these problems requires wonderful community to live teamwork, Moeser said. in. I think people are starting “Part of it is how much to realize that and I think that money we spend on these prices are now starting to issues,” he said. Megan harris/The Observer reflect that.” “What we need is the However, some Scarborough federal and provincial Autumn leap real estate agents are skeptical governments to step up of the report’s findings. as well to make sure that From Left to Right: Highland Creek residents Lucy Wang, Jennifer Struth Ryan Howes and Karen Young- “I don’t think there is a important [housing] issues husband enjoy the unusually warm fall weather on Oct. 7. sudden rise in home value,” are addressed.” Better transit alternatives overlooked: Friends of Rouge Watershed

billy courtice rail line which can be was once used for passenger Assessment for making the The rail line would be an After being turned down The Observer converted to GO Transit,” trains. conversion between 2013 and alternative to the Donald by the Ministry of the said Jim Robb, Friends of One train trip would take 2015. But Toronto probably Cousens Parkway project, Environment, Markham While business and traffic the Rouge Watershed. “It’s about 2,000 people off the won’t accommodate it for which Torontonians highly was given another chance to have grown in northeast disappointing that the city road every 15 minutes, thus another 10 to 20 years, Robb opposed since Markham propose an effective route. Scarborough, better transit hasn’t put emphasis on this decreasing traffic pollution said. conceived it in 2003. It The original Environmental alternatives have been transit alternative.” and making transportation “It’s a concern that this proposes to direct 50,000 cars Assessment for the Donald largely ignored, says a local The railway, which more efficient, Robb said. possibility has been mostly daily southbound through Cousens Parkway would have environmental activist. runs from Scarborough to Last summer, Metrolinx ignored,” he said. “It clearly Scarborough to Highway 401 destroyed two areas of the “They’ve got this beautiful Peterborough and Havelock, proposed an Environmental warrants more attention.” from Markham. Rouge Valley.

Election Preview Issue Councillor faces heat over extension Pg. 2 Local candidates’ platforms Pg. 4–5 Ex-neighbours feud in Ward 35 Pg. 8 Struggle to involve New Canadians Pg. 9 Cho must go: Opinion Pg.10 Scarborough-wide issues Pg. 11 PAGE 2 - The East Toronto Observer, October 15, 2010 NEWS Rouge Valley invests in green tech Cho hits New sun/wind hybrid will generate cashflow for conservation park

Josh ungar on selling the electricity to Toronto Hydro to help support The Observer the conservation area. roadblock “We’re going to put the power back into the grid and After having a low-sitting solar panel stolen off the help support the local area,” said Serena Lawrie, a Councillor takes heat over grounds in 2007, the Rouge Valley Conservation Centre Rouge Valley Foundation board member. “So basically has really stepped it up this year. we’re selling it back to [Toronto] Hydro and all the money opposition to road extension A new ePole, a hybrid solar and wind turbine generating is being put into the conservation centre.” station, was centre stage at this year’s Fall for the Rouge The Rouge Valley Conservation Centre already has a billy Courtice environment because fewer Affair on Oct. 9. It had residents wondering why 20-year contract ensuring the new ePole generates money The Observer cars will use residential governments aren’t looking into building more of along with electricity. The pole, which cost about streets, he said. these revolutionary power generators. $100,000 to build, was paid for by government Councillor “There are so many “Why don’t they put more of these around here grants and public donations. is taking heat from his Ward cars speeding through instead of these big, stupid propellers they keep “The centre is looking at a 10–12 per cent 42 opponents for his stance Morningside Heights,” trying to put in our lake,” lamented Mary Collins, return on every dollar they spent on the ePole, against the Donald Cousens Poonawala said. “It will a resident of the Rouge. “These are a much better most investments bring you closer to 3 or 4 [per Parkway extension through diverge traffic toward the solution.” cent],” Bird said. “This is a sound investment and it Scarborough. highways instead.” Proponents of the ePole say it takes the best promotes green energy.” It is too late to stop the The project is intended aspects of wind and solar energy production, EfstonScience designed the poles with wildlife controversial construction to direct high volumes refines some of their flaws and combines them in mind. The wind turbine is a solid turning plan and Cho is against it of traffic in a north-south into a single, self-sufficient energy source while piece of metal that birds and bats can see and just to curry votes, candidate direction from Hwy. 407 in producing no negative emissions. avoid, unlike the rotating blades of regular Namu Ponnambalam said in Markham, through northeast “These towers are completely silent, they generate 50 wind turbines. With 12 solar panels mounted on an interview. Scarborough to Hwy. 401. per cent more energy than turbines of the same size the poles, they don’t waste any space either. “He is playing politics with It was halted in 2008 and they can operate in wind as low as 6 km/h,” “The next step is to have solar panels installed on it,” Ponnambalam said. “He following mediation between said Tim Bird, sales manager for EfstonScience, the roof here at the conservation centre,” Bird had many years to engage his the two cities and Markham’s the designer of the ePole. said. “We’re hoping people start doing things community and he failed to newest environmental The Rouge Valley Conservation Centre’s ePole like this at home.” do that.” assessment will be released was built last month and is on track to be hooked A few similar poles have gone up around the Cho was unavailable for before the end of this year. up to the Toronto Hydro power grid on Oct. 18. city, including one at the EfstonScience shop at comment. At a Scarborough Rather than using the energy directly, the centre plans 3350 Dufferin St. Cho has taken a stand meeting in May, Markham against the expressway representatives met strong cutting through Scarborough opposition from residents of since its conception in 2003, Morningside Heights who citing traffic congestion, were concerned over the Non-citizens cast out of city ballot logistical issues and amount of traffic that would to vote,” said Leonardo According to a 2006 census, Brian Ashton. According environmental concerns. potentially travel through the fiona persaud Zuniga, the camapign the majority of Malverners to Ashton, the right to vote highly residential area if the The Observer But his concern for coordinator for I Vote were of a visible minority should be granted solely in the environment on the main roads could not handle Toronto, a community and only 36 per cent of citizenship. As the end of the campaign issue doesn’t match his the estimated 27,000 cars per organization dedicated to eligible voters cast a ballot. Canada has a three-year nears, not all residents willingness to build an LRT day. expanding voting eligibility “While the coalition residency requirement to will have the vehicle storage facility on Markham had proposed to permanent residents. represents many different achieve citizenship. opportunity to cast a continuous throughway Zuniga said that with interests, they are united “I am a real-life example of the boundaries of Rouge their vote in the a low voter turnout in their understanding that [how] permanent residents Park, candidate Shamoon option, which would have election. in elections, this Toronto’s electoral process are active in the civic life Poonawala said. had Morningside Avenue Currently, a strategy would engage must better reflect the make- of Toronto’s politics,” “The same guy who wants connected directly with the permanent resident residents now before up of its residents,” the said Zuniga who has been Donald Cousens Parkway at living in Canada to build storage facilities on they become citizens. organizations website says. living in Canada since 2004 cannot join the the wants to Steeles Avenue. Low-voting However, not all are on and recently received his army, run for office, LEONARDO stop this project,” Poonawala But Toronto was more neighbourhoods can the side of broadening voter permanent resident status. or vote for any level ZUNIGA said. “He seems to have receptive to a discontinuous be found in North York requirements. “We are going to work hard of government. confusion in his mind.” plan, which would have and Scarborough, “I strongly urge people to to make a proposal by 2014 “I’ll be asking the province traffic move east-west across areas that attract high become Canadian citizens,” to allow permanent residents The throughway will to allow permanent residents actually be beneficial to the Steeles Avenue. numbers of immigrants. said Ward 36 councillor the right to vote,” he said. 2015 Pan Am games logo unveiled with roaring support

rIshma lucknauth Inspiration for the logo The Observer came from the figurative styles of pre-Columbian Toronto’s 2015 Pan Am Aboriginal art forms Games logo is meant to throughout the Americas, reflect people coming according to a press release. together. The unveiling drew a And bring people together large crowd, who took in it did. performances by break- Courtesy of Toronto 2015 The logo was unveiled Sept. boy Lazy Legz and singers 29 outside the Air Canada Chantal Kreviazuk, Captain be the legacy that we create The games are projected Centre to great fanfare. Hooks and Karl Wolf. together,” said Troop. to run Toronto a hefty bill “We are thrilled with the Planners of the 2015 Pan Troop said the construction of more than $2 billion, way it reflects Am Games of sports facilities to $1 billion of which is to our shared A legacy of the hope to accommodate the influx of be allocated to an athlete’s heritage, highlight competitors across the GTA village in the West Don collaboration games will be a the cities of will create jobs and provide a Lands, which is bounded by and legacy that we Canada to vehicle for sport training for the waterfront and the Don commitment create together the rest of 10,000 athletes. River. to the timeless the world, Of the planned structures, Once the games are over, passion -Ian Troop promote one will be at the University the village will be used as and joy of athletics and of Toronto Scarborough. It residential housing. sport and our Toronto 2015 leave a legacy of world- will be accessible to athletes, rishma lucknauth/The Observer rallying theme, United We class facilities, much like the students of UofT and the Toronto 2015 CEO Ian Troop addresses the crowd wait- Play,” said Ian Troop, CEO legacy left by the Vancouver community. For more photos of the ing to see the Pan Am logo at the Air Canada Centre on of the host corporation for 2010 Olympic Games. “We need you all to be a unveiling, visit September 29th. For more Pan Am, go to page 12. the games. ““A legacy of the games will part of this,” said Troop. torontoobserver.ca The East Toronto Observer, October 15, 2010 - PAGE 3 NEWS Malvern youths uninspired: Ward 42 candidate Says city has not lived up to mandate

patrycja klucynik The Observer

Seems someone forgot to tell the City of Toronto there are at-risk youth in Scarbor- ough, or so says Leon Saul. The Ward 42 council can- didate, spoke about his pas- sion for the Malvern com- munity and says it needs the city’s help. “The city and the Toronto Police Commission have not lived up to their mandate that they set back several years ago to fund these youth ini- SARINA ADAMO/The Observer tiatives and get gang-related Toronto Police befriend local children at a TAVIS gardening event Oct. 2. Ward 42 candidate Leon Saul says more should be done for Malvern youth. members out of the crime en- vironment,” Saul said. vention and Intervention To- neighbourhoods: Jamestown, been swept under the rug for about being there on a daily, young black kids unnecessar- “In fact, funding was cut ronto (PIT). The program is Jane and Finch, and Weston now, although it is considered regular level, finding these ily who they see ‘liming’ or and taken away from some designed to deter youth aged and Mount Dennis. one of Toronto’s 13 priority young people and getting ‘hanging out’ and the reason of the programs in the Mal- 13-24 from joining gangs and According to Public Safety neighbourhoods, Saul said. them involved.” why is there are no facilities vern priority neighbourhood engaging in gang-related ac- Canada, which released a “Since the funding cuts in Saul also spoke adamantly to engage them or resources and that’s a great concern: tivities. It began September report detailing the project, Malvern, I think a lot of the about racial profiling being a being put together to get that even though Malvern 2008 and is scheduled to con- neighbourhoods contained youth became discouraged real issue, especially in Scar- them off the streets and get- has been designated a prior- clude March 2011. limited services for youth and and disillusioned and they borough. He says community ting them into something ity neighbourhood, priority Seventy-eight youth grad- members of the community just turned their backs on the safety has improved at the more productive.” funding was not maintained.” uated from the first round of were concerned about a rise whole program,” he said. expense of racial profiling. PIT project manager Jabari One of the projects herald- this program on Aug. 26 and in youth crime rates. “So it’s not a matter of ‘We “The policemen on bikes Lindsay was unavailable for ed by the city is Project Pre- were a part of three targeted Malvern seems to have got this, come and get it.’ It’s are riding around targeting comment by press time. Young candidate looks to topple Cougar Court Cho, bring fresh ideas to council community comes together

Local knowledge an advantage Bradley Featherstone pathway and make it a safer The Observer route to travel, according despite inexperience: Tecle to Scarborough Village Masih Mahebzada used Neighborhood Association to avoid the pathway that president Mike McKenzie. COURTNEY ROBERTS Secondary School, she is connects Cougar Court to “People that are doing The Observer also former president of her Eglinton Avenue East. With things they shouldn’t don’t student council. little or no light, it was want to be seen. By opening For her first run in civic Tecle says she received known for drug dealers and it up it’s going to deter them politics, Ruth Tecle may be a good education in beat downs, the18-year-old from hanging out,” said facing not only one but two Scarborough, but after says. Toronto Police Sgt. Jeffery challenges: not only is she, visiting other schools within But now, thanks to a Pearson, who is the local at 22, the youngest candidate the city of Toronto, she combined TAVIS officer. running for council in Ward realized that Scarborough effort from People that are TAVIS is a 42, she is also the only schools were lacking in areas groups doing things program led by woman. like the arts when compared involving Toronto Police “On one hand people to other schools. One solution himself and they shouldn’t to reduce crime would see me being young to this, according to Tecle, is other local don’t want to in priority as a disadvantage but I think utilizing schools outside of residents, be seen. By neighbourhoods the neighborhood is ready for regular hours for community this path is and played a change,” she said. “We’ve endeavors. a safer place opening it up a major role had the same person in power “We should use schools as to walk. it’s going to in bringing for almost 20 years now.” community hubs, which is Toronto deter them Cougar Court Tecle cites her local already a provincial mandate, courtesy ruth tecle Hydro together. experience as an advantage. but I don’t think they’re Ruth Tecle is the youngest candidate and the only donated its from hanging The pathway “I’ve always been involved living up to it,” she said. woman running for Toronto city councillor in Ward 42. time to cut out also provides a in my community,” said Tecle, It would take the burden down three - Sgt. Jeffery shortcut to the who developed a summer off of the city to build on the importance of land funding into planning in 10-metre- local plaza. program called Footsteps for community centres. This usage. hopes of creating more tall trees on Pearson The kids aged 10-15 this year. would benefit an area like “Land use is connected to revenue for the community. Oct. 2 and community has The program allowed kids in Morningside Heights, which every issue. Any policy that’s “It’s about expanding the trim three been asking for the Malvern neighborhood to at the moment doesn’t have out there, whether it involves tax base instead of the tax metres off a fence.“ The move changes to the pathway for experience things that they a recreational facility, Tecle transportation, affordable burden,” Tecle said. was all part of an effort to several years and many are normally wouldn’t be able added. housing or municipal finance, remove a blind corner on excited that things are finally to given social and financial “With a degree from is related to how we as a city To read more candidate the path where drug dealers being done. circumstances. Ryerson University in urban use the land we choose to profiles, see our used to hang out and allow This was one of three A graduate of Blessed and regional planning, Tecle develop on.” election coverage on the light from the apartment community safety events that Mother Teresa Catholic also hopes to educate voters Tecle is pushing for more pages 8, 9 and 11 buildings to shine onto the TAVIS helped to organize. PAGE 4 - The East Toronto Observer, October 15, 2010 ELECTION PREVIEW

BUDGET CRIME TAXES TRANSIT HOUSING “Federal governments are “We live in one of the saf- “Of course I want to keep “Transit is one of the most “Housing needs to be af- investing in the United States est cities in North America taxes as low as possible. I important priorities that we fordable and I’m encouraging and Europe, and they’re not and I will work to keep it that will continue to lobby the have today. We have to have affordable housing units in doing in Canada. So we need way.” federal and provincial gov- mass transit and again the all the developments that are to get them to invest in the ernment to make sure we get federal and provincial gov- built in my ward.” city. Senior governments are our fair share of the income ernment have to start invest- not funding our local cities.” tax pie which we are not get- ing in their cities.” GLENN DE BAEREMAEKER ting right now.”

“The budget process is “Police are over stretched “The problem is the “I move to have more “Many people have found badly flawed. It needs to be and putting more of them city’s budget has gone up subways and not streetcars. social service denial, which long-term and long-range, on the street may be the an- by 50 per cent in the last Scarborough has already means they don’t get the and the budget process now swer. We need to provide eight years. Tax increases waited too long. Streetcars support for their personal doesn’t challenge the status more job and recreation are now inevitable. It’s go- will kill the retail business- care issues. Social hous- quo.” opportunities for youth, be- ing to be challenging for the es around this area and I ing is not being adequately cause much of the crime is upcoming council to bring think it is an absolute waste monitored.” youth related.” that number back to nor- of time.” mal.” GLENN MIDDLETON

“In my opinion, the bud- “Specifically in Scar- “I believe property taxes “Transit is a basic growth “Simply, housing to me get should be enough to borough, the current crime should be the same or less area in most cities and needs means that it must be livable grow the city faster and it rates are under control but for landlords, but we must attention from all politi- and a safe place for resi- has to improve every year.” they should be reduced as have initiatives for tenants.” cians. I think rapid transit is dents.” much as possible in order to required in order to improve improve the image of Scar- the city.” borough as a better place to live.”

TUSHAR SHAH Other candidates running in Ward 38 are Kirk Jensen and Sandip Vova.

WARD 38

YOUR CANDIDATES - YOUR ISSUES: WARD 42 YOUR VOTE

BUDGET CRIME TAXES TRANSIT HOUSING “It’s a very open budget “I would like to focus on “I would support the elim- “I’m in full support of “Co-operative housing process I am actually trying the issue of the recent pro- ination of the $60 vehicle li- the Transit City agenda. At needs to be addressed in to endorse.” filing in this ward. I’d need censing tax.” the same time, I’ll press the terms of the quality of the to get in touch with law council for an extension of neighbourhood. I’d also like enforcement units to work the LRT to Malvern and to to propose a co-operative alongside the community to Meadowvale.” based daycare system to act control crime.” as affordable daycare for the NAMU PONNAMBALAM middle-income group.”

“I’m sure there’s a lot of “I’d like to see a lot more “I’d like to see taxes “I’d like to see the whole “In regards to community money that’s being wasted attention and money divert- frozen. I don’t want to see area serviced 24 hours a and co-operative housing, I and I’d like to cut all the ed into preventing crime taxes go up any more.” day, which would increase would like to see part of the wasteful spending so that as opposed to just fighting the accessibility for the re- budget allocated towards there’s more available bud- crime by putting a Band- gion, and then also improve improving the physical ap- get for new projects.” Aid on it.” the frequency of the Nugget pearance of these build- bus.” ings.”

GEORGE SINGH

“I think we should have a “For preventative mea- “I think that taxes should “The LRT is going to “There is sufficient fund- budgeting process that gets sures. I’m looking at a better be coherent to the services be comparatively cheaper ing but the allocation is not public input beforehand lighting system and increas- provided, and in the last lit- than subways, but it’s also correct... A lot of money has and then the process begins ing things like Neighbour- tle while the services have a limited time thing. Over a been wasted on unnecessary based on that and last year’s hood Watch and the Block gone down and the taxes period of time, as the popu- things like painting garage budget, and then once it’s Parents program.” have gone up… There has lation would grow, LRT doors. Did it uplift the com- completed it’s presented to to be a balance.” would become obsolete.” munity? No.” the public again for recon- firmation.“ SHAMOON POONAWALA Other candidates running in Ward 42 are incumbent Raymond Cho, Venthan Ram- anathavauuniyan, Leon Sual, Neethan Shan and Ruth Tecle The East Toronto Observer, October 15, 2010 - PAGE 5 ELECTION PREVIEW

BUDGET CRIME TAXES TRANSIT HOUSING “We’ve been slicing and “Crime is continually go- “I didn’t support the extra “I’ve got a very diverse “I have a lot of issues with dicing the budget since amal- ing down in our area (Ward taxes like the vehicle regis- population in my ward and Toronto Community Hous- gamation. I’m hoping that 43). The biggest problem I tration tax and the land trans- a lot of people depend on ing. There is a great need for the next mayor will be more have is the media that sensa- fer tax. They’re not fair taxes. transit. The TTC needs to be more buildings specifically realistic when it comes to this tionalizes crime in Scarbor- I’m hoping to work with the extended further out. I don’t for seniors. Our demograph- issue so that the situation can ough. We have an excellent next mayor to work to allevi- really buy into the arguments ics are getting older and along be changed.” police division here in Ward ate these problems.” that people won’t develop with it our need for proper 43.” along the subway line.” housing for them increases.”

“If you look at Scarbor- “In Scarborough, the “I will fight for our taxes “We should make it “I think looking at own- ough, I don’t think we’re crime rate – especially to go down, but not at the easier for people to go any- ership and private public benefiting as much as those among young people – is a level that some of the right- where they want in Toronto partnership, the kind of im- who live in the downtown huge concern. So when they wing conservatives are pro- so that they can work. I’m provement we’re seeing in area. When it comes to commit crimes they are try- posing. Someone still has to big on the subway. I think Toronto Centre, is I think the budget spending, you want ing to speak to us, they are pay for taxes.” that the subway is the best best way to go. We shouldn’t to make it reasonable, but trying to say “help us,” And way to help Scarborough.” create ghettoized neighbour- some people are not spe- I want to help them.” hoods.” cific enough for us to make SAMUEL GETACHEW it workable.”

“The current operating “I certainly agree that “This city needs to find “It’s a disgrace that there “The state of Toronto budget is unsustainable, it’s crime is a problem in the the balance between provid- hasn’t been a subway stop community housing is forc- not focused, and we’re not area. It’s the fact that we’ve ing quality services at an af- built in Scarborough since ing people to live in squa- seeing any results from it. over-concentrated the low fordable rate and right now 1980. What we need is a lor. City councillors need The city needs councillors income folks. It’s about com- we’re not doing that because council that’s going to find to work with residents in that are going to work to- ing up with solutions for lo- we’re cutting back services the savings in the budget it buildings to make sure re- wards fiscal responsibility.” cal job creation to give folks and raising taxes.” takes to put towards subway quests are being fulfilled.” the opportunity to have a say extension for the city.” in the community.” JOHN LAFORET Other candidates running in Ward 43 are Bejamin Mbaegbu and Bhaska Sharma.

WARD 43

With the election less than 10 days away, the next city council will shape Scarborough for the next four years. Local council candidates talk to the East Toronto Observer about five major issues affecting residents in their wards. WARD 44

BUDGET CRIME TAXES TRANSIT HOUSING “One thing we’ve got to “The number of police is “I didn’t vote for [the land “It’s realistic, it all boils “It’s a single-family com- do is work more cost-effec- important, the patrols and transfer tax and the vehicle down to money. You can munity and whatever we do, tively. You’ve got to have a how they’re done. By people registration tax] in the first move four times more people we have to make sure it fits city with a heart but we need giving us input through our place, and if I had an oppor- on a subway than you can on the character of our commu- more of a business-like ap- office, we’re able to target tunity, I would cancel them.” LRT, and you don’t have to nity.” proach when it comes to our where [crime] is happening.” worry about weather condi- budgeting.” tions.” RON MOESER

“The councillors’ bud- “I don’t see crime as a “I think we have to limit “People have to have “You have to have a good gets, that’s where you can huge issue, but the only [taxes] to inflation. I want transportation which is ac- mix of housing. What I’d show you’re a leader. ... You thing we have to do is we to look at those line-by-line cessible and affordable and like to see is that it’s green can reduce your own budget have to call in about the and say ‘Okay, this is where I just don’t see the LRT roofs, terraced balconies, so and not be one of the high- crime ... in your neighbour- we could cut some of the coping with that.” it fits with the neighbour- est spenders on council. To hood. That’s the only way spending,’ so that we’re not hood, it keeps in a theme of me, that’s where it should police know and that they always increasing property green and trees and all the start.” can respond to the issues.” taxes.” things that are really impor- tant to this area.” DIANA HALL

“Police, fire or ambu- “As it is, I think we’re “Once we cut the fat out “Transit City would be a “I think we should aim lance are the only budgets getting sufficient polic- of the budget, I think we terrible mistake. Not only for zoning that keeps it as I would leave alone. I think ing in the ward, I don’t see can definitely afford to deal would it be a disaster for residential as possible. I everything else we have to any need to make changes with tax cuts.” road congestion and for the would resist condo develop- deal with where the waste there.” “I would not uphold fur- city in general, I don’t think ments in the ward.” is, so I would reduce the ther tax increases. I would it will improve transporta- number of councillors to hold down property taxes.” tion. I think financial disas- 22.” ter as well.”

HEATH THOMAS Mohammed Mirza is also running in Ward 44. PAGE 6 - The East Toronto Observer, October 15, 2010 ARTS & LIFE Late-night art exhibit displays a lot of heart

ALICE HOANG Christine Bernier, director “In the past, it was just The Observer of music and performance for me going around finding ASO, says the event’s music performers,” Bernier said. For one whole day, students component was expanded “This year, we had stage were able to get away from this year as there were five programmers instead who I books and lectures — while concert stages instead of found, and then they were in remaining on campus. three. Some of the concert charge of finding performers The University of Toronto times overlapped so several and planning their own stages Scarborough Campus performances went on at so we managed to get people (UTSC) held its third annual once. from everywhere on campus multidisciplinary arts and “This year and from all culture festival, Artsideout was a lot Audience different clubs (ASO), Oct. 7. less stressful participation and groups.” The event, described as a and better Leo Lam, “mini Nuit Blanche,” featured organized and interaction independent exhibits, installations, and considering played a key projects director performances. Students and we had part in for ASO, says alumni transformed ordinary some past the theme of this spaces into art venues to experience enriching year’s visual ALICE HOANG/The Observer showcase their talents and under our the viewer program was Carlyn Figueiredo, marketing director of BioSA, and his 3-D model built from paper creativity. The event is the belts,” experience “engagement”, mache and chicken wire. The exhibit took a week of around-the-clock work to finish. largest art show held at Bernier said. as projects UTSC. “There were - Leo Lam “elicited The String Ensemble drew a lot more audience Association (BioSA), which project,” Figueiredo said, the campus emptied out the biggest crowd, as they performers participation created a giant replica of the “We’ve actually never done while people gathered under played classics, including this year and we managed to and interaction played a key human heart. one before, and we’ve got a the dim lights of the Rex’s Pachelbel’s “Canon in D.” reach out to more people than part in enriching the viewer Carlyn Figueiredo, BioSA lot of positive responses so Den Restaurant to relax and Two little girls wearing previous years.” experience.” publicity and marketing far, so we’re really, really watch performers close the pink sweaters accompanied As the campus grounds ASO wasn’t just a hub director, says it took a week happy about it and definitely night with mellow rhythms the band. They twirled and rumbled with sound and for arts students, it involved of working around the clock looking forward to doing and sounds. danced ballerina-style, while music, every turn“ presented students from various to finish the project. something more crazy in the “I’m happy ASO has the audience giggled and creative works for people to programs and disciplines “This is BioSA’s first future.” grown organically the way it uttered “Aw” and “Cute.” explore and admire. like the Biology Students’ attempt at an Artsideout As midnight approached, has,” Lam said. Group of Seven contemporary inspires local storyteller’s tales

Megan harris for children and keepsake seen,” Parsons said. “If The Observer greeting cards for adults. She there’s a symbol of a great also likes to draw portraits artist, isn’t it how they do A small audience of nine of participants after telling a eyes?” people sat listening as Adèle story, which she says gives Koehnke’s artistic talents Koehnke captivated their her a chance to get to know are certainly passed down interest with words, artwork the listeners one on one. from Speirs. Many of Speirs’ and photographs on Oct. 7 at “I have multi interests, and paintings are now displayed the Morningside Library. each one I treat with great in galleries such as the AGO But the local storyteller respect,” Koehnke said. and the National Gallery, as was not talking about herself. Tom Parsons, a friend of she wished in her will. The story was a true one Koehnke for about 25 years, Speirs’ spirit lives on in her about her grandmother. said that although art is more artwork, and it is in that way Koehnke’s grandmother, of a hobby for Koehnke, that she has still continued to Lindsay branton/Scarborough Village Theatre Doris Huestis Mills Speirs, she has done a lot of it and be a support for Koehnke and Max Reinhardt (Ben Gans, right) falls in love with a surprised Will Hays (Chris was a writer, naturalist is great at it. Parsons and her career. Hardess) at Shakespeare in Hollywood, playing at Scarborough Village Theatre. and Group of Seven his wife have several of her “Her encouragement is contemporary who painted pieces hanging in their home. always with me because she with them. She passed away “She can draw a person’s saw me as someone very Shakespeare in Scarborough in 1989 but continues to eyes like no one I’ve ever special,” Koehnke said. be a great influence on her Sarah de mille Turner said. “But it also has and also blends in aspects granddaughter’s life. The Observer conflict and something more from Shakespeare’s own A Koehnke is a painter too, serious to think about.” Midsummer Night’s Dream, but she says it’s more of a The Scarborough Players Famous Shakespearean playgoers won’t have to hobby. She’s made her career literally rolled out the red fairies Oberon and Puck worry about being unable to in storytelling and started carpet for their opening find themselves magically follow along with the story. her own business, Adèle’s night of Ken Ludwig’s play, transported onto the Warner “Ludwig has crafted the Stories, in 2003. Through Shakespeare in Hollywood. Brothers Hollywood set play quite beautifully in the her business Koehnke tells The actors made their way of Max Reinhardt’s film A sense that he provides enough stories to people of all ages. down the plush walkway Midsummer Night’s Dream. description of A Midsummer She says that her mother accompanied by the cheers Infatuated with the razzle- Night’s Dream that if anyone was a great supporter of her and screams of their dazzle of show biz, the two is not familiar with it, they’ll career, though she was not imagined adoring fans in fairies are unknowingly cast get it,” Turner said. an artist like Koehnke and a mock Hollywood movie to portray themselves on the The front row was asked Speirs. premiere. big screen. With some help to keep their feet away from “She thought I had a gift The entrance was the novel from a magical flower, nutty the edge of the stage as the for whimsy and writing,” she beginning of the play itself love triangles involving actors used every inch of said. at the Scarborough Village movie moguls and blonde it, at times gallivanting in Like her grandmother, Theatre on Oct. 7. bombshells are thrown wildly choreographed scenes Koehnke takes pride in her “It is truly a madcap together with some riotous of mayhem. multiple talents. She uses screwball comedy with results. The performance went her artistic talents in her MegAN HARRIS/The Observer unexpected delights and Though the play has its smoothly on opening night storytelling, making hand- Adèle Koehnke captivates a small crowd on Oct. 7 at magic,” producer Katherine roots in Hollywood history after a rough rehearsal. drawn colouring sheets Morningside Library with tales of her grandmother. The East Toronto Observer, October 15, 2010 - PAGE 7 ARTS & LIFE World Animal Day gets wild at the zoo Kids learn to care for animals and the planet

JOSH UNGAR included meeting some of the The Observer animals and keepers, a family “photo-safari” with Emmy Little Cameron Carter Award-winning National was ecstatic at the chance to Geographic photographer get some face-to-face time Greg Marshall and with Cere, a 13-year-old screenings of some popular Lanner Falcon at the Toronto children’s shows. All the Zoo. For his mother, Linda activities were free of charge Carter, the entire World and focused on promoting Animal Day celebration was awareness of the environment summed up in Cameron’s and animals for children. interaction with Cere. “We’ve been really busy “World Animal Day today, and yesterday was should be about teaching a big success,” Harpley children to be responsible said. “The weather is a little for the environment, chilly, but I’m still seeing care for the animals and a lot of smiling faces and become a member of the that’s usually a good sign.” community,” she said. The overall purpose of Interacting with animals the day was to connect with was only one of the many children, peak their interest in events the Toronto Zoo animals and wildlife and get Cere the falcon strikes a pose for his new friends Luke (left), his sister Charlotte Flint, and Duncan Drewett (right). hosted on the Oct. 2-3 them learning and involved weekend as part of their while they are still young. some new perspectives. celebration of World “We’re trying to talk World Animal Day Animal Day, which takes about conservation, changes originated in Italy in 1931 place annually on Oct. 4th. that are happening in as a day to celebrate animal This was the second our ecosystem and how life, and since then has year the Toronto Zoo has people can get involved been steadily growing. It participated, and after their and active and therefore now features events across success last year they were influence the future of the the globe at various zoos, determined to continue environment,” Harpley said. shelters, pet stores and to improve on the event. He believes that giving other similar locations. “We have a really great kids this kind of an event here, partnered with experience at an early age National Geographic Kids will stick with them and we’re celebrating the second hopes it will have a lasting World Animal Day at the zoo,” impact on their lives. He also said Paul Harpley, the duty believes the zoo will look For a photo gallery of the director at the Toronto Zoo. to expand on the event next event visit, The event highlights year and hopefully include torontoobserver.ca

Above: Celebrity Toot the pig from the popular kid’s show Toot and Puddle meets his biggest fan at the zoo, while he does a meet and greet.

Above, bottom, and right: National Geographic uses arts and crafts activ- ites to teach kids about animals, the environment, and their community.

Photography by Josh Ungar PAGE 8 - The East Toronto Observer, October 15, 2010 NEWS News Feuding neighbours duke it out Briefs in Ward 35 fight for council seat Laforet second in food poll Nadia persaud erties, as long as they give The Observer notice and provide compen- John Laforet is at the top sation in case of damage. of the polls in Scarborough Former next-door neigh- Morawietz said before the — at least for food bours and current Ward 35 incident, the Berardinettis’ donations. candidates Michelle Berardi- received a burning news- The Ward 43 council netti and John Morawietz are paper in their mailbox and candidate collected 113 not only battling an ongoing installed security cameras kilograms of non-perishable dispute in court, but in the around their house. food items for the Toronto political arena as well. Berardinetti was not avail- Food Poll 2010, placing first Morawietz said the legal able for comment because in the city’s east end and dispute dates back to Octo- she is a witness in the ciurt second overall. ber 2008 — four years after proceedings, the co-chair of Twenty-two candidates Berardinetti moved in to her campaign, Suzanne van- from 18 wards participated the Birchmount Avenue and Brommel, said in an email to in the event organized as a Danforth Road area. the Toronto Observer. friendly challenge between He said he crossed through Although Morawietz said candidates in the Oct. 25 the Berardinettis’ land to fix he isn’t running in the elec- election. Laforet was the his fence while he lived at the tion because of the conflict, only one from his ward to property with his mother. he hinted that it inspired him compete. Berardinetti threatened to to look into politics as a way A total of 2,280 kilograms call the police for trespass- to make changes to the city. of food was collected ing, Morawietz said. “Throughout my life and will be donated to Morawietz said he was I have had brushes with Torontonians relying on city charged with criminal people in power,” he said. food banks to feed their harrassment and mischief “It gave me time to look families. to property after an ensuing at the bigger fish in life.” dispute. Morawietz is proposing “I had a lot of rights that TTC expansion options and were broken or squashed,” the clean up of old facto- Col. Williams to said Morawietz, who had ries to improve air quality. lived at the address for al- Morawietz now lives plead guilty most 50 years. at a different address. nadia persaud/The Observer The City of Toronto Act “As far as they’re John Morawietz faces charges of criminal harassment and mischief for going into Col. Russell Williams is set allows necessary repairs to concerned I’m not at former neighbour Michelle Berardinetti’s yard to fix his fence in the summer of 2008. to plead guilty to all counts be made on adjoining prop- their level,” he said. The two are now competing against each other to be councillor of Ward 35. at his next court appear- ance on Oct. 18, his lawyer Michael Ice energy aims to cool power demand in T.O. Edelson said in a emily hunter Belleville The Observer court Oct. 7. Wil- One of the ways to save liams, a RUSSELL WILLIAMS polar bears from a melting Univer- climate, according to the sity of Toronto Zoo, is for the city to Toronto Scarborough become a chillier place. graduate, is facing charges Introducing ice energy of first-degree murder in to the city, the Zoo is the deaths of Jessica Lloyd, showcasing a new system 27, and Cpl. Marie-France that replaces air conditioners Comeau, 38, as well as sex with stored ice blocks. By assault and forcible confine- using ice to reduce peak ment related to two home demands and stave off the invasions near his cottage in effects of a changing climate Tweed, Ont. in the Arctic. If the Zoo has He also faces break their way, this could be the and enter charges for 82 way of the future for Toronto. residential break-ins in which womens lingerie was Long-term plan taken.

“What we’re showcasing is a unit that if deployed in mass on every large building and emily hunter/The Observer Father guilty every mall, then there’s going Alternative energy used at the Toronto Zoo could ease climate change and potentially save Arctic animals. to big electricity savings,” of assault said Dave Ireland, curator of facility’s cooling system. electricity. Instead the system However, reducing demand The zoo says the goal of conservation programs for Toronto Hydro has works to reduce isn’t the priority the pilot project isn’t about A Scarborough man the Toronto Zoo. purchased 12 Ice Energy units peak demands of There’s right now. The reducing its own demands, who pleaded guilty Currently, electricity this past summer, including energy sources going to only operating but to be used for educational to aggravated assault consumption represents 26 three now operating at the that are already units are being purposes. after running over his per cent of all greenhouse Toronto Zoo. If the units in use. be big used at the Zoo’s “If we can generate some daughter,her boyfriend and gas emissions in the City of prove successful, by 2012 “If we don’t electricity Caribou Café. awareness and accessibility his son-in-law will return to Toronto. more of these units could be want blackouts savings Merely saving an of this new technology to court Nov. 1 for sentencing. According to the Zoo, rolled out across the G.T.A. or brownouts any estimated $700 the public and private sector, Selvanayagam Selladurai Ice Energy has the capacity But unlike renewable longer – we need - Dave Ireland each cooling then it will be easier down initially faced three counts to reduce some of the city’s energy, such as wind turbines to also work on season, the the road for policy makers of attempted murder demands, cutting 95 per cent or solar panels, Ice Energy technology that reduces peak equivalent to the electricity to make the change,” said butinstead pleaded guilty of peak energy use for a does not create alternative demand,” said Ireland.“ demands of 11 homes. Ireland. to aggravated assault. The East Toronto Observer, October 15, 2010 - PAGE 9 NEWS Calling all new Canadian voters How Agincourt candidates are addressing low turnout rates

JOSEF JACOBSON immigrants, primarily from The Observer East Asia. Gaining the support of In Agincourt, the Oct. these voters is crucial for 25 municipal election will council candidates and likely be decided by new incumbents. Canadians. “The first thing I do is make That is, if the candidates sure that I drop literature at can lure them out to the polls. the door,” Kelly said. “And I The challenge for council write a column for a couple contenders is of Chinese reaching out newspapers, for the support With the where I talk of new voters: newest politics and turnout rates in Canadians, government.” Wards 39 and In Ward 39, 40 are slightly participating more than half below the city in the system the population average of 40 is peripheral is composed per cent. of immigrants “With - Norm Kelly from mainland the newest China and Canadians, many of them Hong Kong. are struggling to [establish “I have been putting out a themselves],” said Ward newsletter in Chinese to bring 40 councillor Norm Kelly. people up to date in respect “They have other demanding“ to issues,” said Ward 39 things in their lives, and councillor . voting and participating in “And when anybody moves JOSEF JACOBSON/The Observer the system is, for many of into the neighbourhood I try them, peripheral.” to introduce myself.” extra hard for the minority they don’t understand the a specific candidate, said around civic engagement,” The two wards have among Other candidates find it vote,” said Ward 40 candidate importance of casting their Ward 39 candidate Caldwell he said. of the highest numbers of tough to take votes away from Ken Sy, an entrepreneur vote, so I have to draw their Williams. It’s about getting “It’s just good have as new Canadians in all of the established opponent. who emigrated from Hong attention.” them involved in the many people as aware of the Scarborough, city stats show. “In order to beat my Kong. “A lot of minorities But it’s not just about democratic process. options and the opportunities Two thirds of residents are incumbent, I need to work don’t understand their rights, getting them to vote for “It’s the whole education they have in politics.” Smitherman takes bite out of bedbug battle Mayoral hopeful has Ward 41 candidates’ support in the ongoing pest problem

angela rotundo problem and increase public 41 councillor Chin Lee pests. For a comprehensive map The Observer health inspections to rid has decided to support Laurie Barbe of Premium of pest control sites in Toronto of the pests. Smitherman. Bed Bug Prep Centre, Scarborough, visit Mayoral candidate George “Far too many people The Star reported that located on 885 Progress torontoobserver.ca Smitherman hopes to take a have to live with the scourge Lee said he was impressed Ave. in Scarborough says bite out of the competition by of bed bugs in Toronto,” by Smitherman’s ability to that with the recent bedbug pledging to rid Toronto of its Smitherman said in a come forward and speak on outbreak, business is bedbug problem — and local statement on his website. any issue and answer any picking up. council candidates are taking “It’s time public health questions without much “This past summer, it up the issue. did its job by stepping up preparation. was really busy for us On Oct. 8 at Woodside inspections and clearly As councillors and but recently we’ve gotten Square Plaza, Smitherman state what responsibilities candidates prepare for their a lot of business spoke out on the pest problem landlords and tenants have battle in the bedbug war, particularly along that is bugging Torontonians. to help fight bedbugs in Scarborough exterminators Kingston The reported their homes. I am the only and pest control services Road,” that Smitherman would candidate with a funded plan are also gearing up to help said reserve up to $3 million to win the bedbug war.” residents protect themselves Barbe. “It’s been steadily to fight the city’s bedbug In Scarborough, Ward against the troublesome increasing, that’s for sure.” The centre works to prepare homes and businesses before exterminators arrive. With a variety of preparation services, such as vacuuming and steam cleaning, this privately owned business is a preventative measure before notes to keep in mind, say pesticides for effectively a pest problem is found. local property managers, who treating bedbug infestations, “If I lived in an apartment wish to remain anonymous. the chemicals used to replace building, I’d be very diligent The important thing is to them were not as potent and in checking everything from act as soon as possible on thus have a lower success my sheets to my clothes, and treating bedbug infestations rate. anywhere for evidence of — the biggest challenge is With chemicals that aren’t bedbugs,” said Barbe. controlling the spread. as effective, it can be difficult Once bedbugs are found, When the City of Toronto to solve the problem with angela rotundo/The Observer however, there are important eliminated the use of stronger only one treatment. PAGE 10 - The East Toronto Observer, October 15, 2010 The East Toronto COMMENT OBSERVER Two many terms, too much time et’s admit it – Toronto is a very mayor-centric city. With the 2010 Toronto municipal election a few days away, be prepared for media scrutiny of mayoralL candidates to intensify while the platforms of council candidates are thrown by the wayside. You would think in a city so in need of change and more fiscal responsibility we would be looking at all aspects of this election instead of just trying to replace the top guy. It’s as if we think the mayor alone makes all the decisions that impact our lives. What about the 44 councillors we elect to be our voice in council? Why are we not dissecting their individual decisions and their roles in the past four years? Our lack of interest in council candidates’ platforms allows incumbents to win by land slide votes without introducing new ideas to make the city better or being accountable for their previous votes. Being the most recognizable name on a ballot or serving many years on city council shouldn’t guarantee reelection I think it’s time to truly shake up city council by introducing a two-term limit on all candidates. This will ensure a new flow of ideas by introducing new candidates every few years. Candidates will have a shorter period of time to make an impact in their communities so it may give them an incentive to concentrate on the problems in their ward in order to make a tangible difference. Term limits will also prevent councillors from becoming career politicians by making them focus on the issues instead of focusing on keeping their jobs. This is not a new idea and was proposed by former mayoral candidate Rocco Rossi when announcing his campaign platforms. If a limit were already implemented, incumbents like Ward 42 councillor Raymond Cho, who’s been in council for 19 years, would not be able to run in this election. Voter apathy is high in this city and fresh faces may be just Bradley featherstone/The Observer the incentive Torontonians need to show up to the polls on Election Day. – Saeda Raghe It’s time to go, Cho

Paying attention ote Leon Saul for city councillor and leadership. That’s according to Leon for Ward 42. Saul, who wants to lead Malvern youth Why? I don’t know. Just by the hand – motivating, mobilizing and buys change don’tV vote Raymond Cho. all that good stuff. See, don’t you want to That’s exactly what the mayoral race vote for him already? carborough is made up of many diverse populations has come down to, so why not extend it Cho’s critics say he’s not in touch with that have diverse needs. It’s been 12 years since to the rest of city council? his constituents as much as he should amalgamation and yet Toronto the megacity is still a If people are only going to vote for be, that he’s not knocking on enough cityS divided. George Smitherman because they don’t Patrycja Klucznik doors. But with a track record like his, When the province mashed Etobicoke, North York, and want as mayor, why not just there seems to be no need to put in all Scarborough together with old Toronto in 1998, it also mashed keep things consistent? that effort? together a myriad of unique communities. Heck, why don’t the candidates People are only If he’s been winning using whatever Scarborough residents, who are technically included in the make it easier for us and drop out if strategy he’s been using, why not overall population of Toronto, do not feel that they are being they are trailing in the polls (thank you going to vote continue it? Since it’s been working so given the same attention as those in the downtown core. Sarah Thomson and Rocco Rossi). If for George far, and the odds are pretty good it will Fair Share Scarborough, a report commissioned by Ward 40 you’re running for councillor of Ward Smitherman again. Polls suggest incumbent Norm Kelly in 2008, showed suburban residents are 42 (Scarborough-Rouge River) and In previous years, Cho has had no indeed being given as much funding as the rest of Toronto. are dropping out, don’t forget to throw because they close competitor and won the last six Whether Scarborough is getting as much funding as old your support at Leon Saul. Why? I don’t don’t want Rob elections by a landslide. So let’s all do Toronto is irrelevant and only part of the equation. If suburban know, just because he’s not Raymond Ford as mayor each other a favour and vote for the residents feel they are being ignored, the facts and figures Cho. underdog. It doesn’t matter which one, won’t sway them. Let’s face it, the likelihood of language and cultural barrier and reach there’s eight of them to choose from in The issue to instead focus on may be that suburban centers Raymond Cho getting re-elected are such a diverse community, unless he’s Ward 42. are underserviced, if not underfunded. extremely high. He’s a familiar face to got 19 years of city council behind him? I’m not here to tell you who to vote Residents in the suburbs are dealing with unemployment, many residents in Ward 42 and has been Cho has been criticized by the other for. I’m here to tell you who not to vote wind-turbine issues, the near non-existence, or at best the re-elected consistently since 1991. candidates for not doing enough to fix the for. Let’s aim for change for Ward 42, unreliable nature, of transit, and the looming threat of condo- Ward 42 is also home to Toronto’s ward’s bad reputation. The crime-riddled and dethrone the reigning king. My hat development that may stifle Scarborough’s rural character. largest Chinese community. Malvern “community has a bad rep. goes off to you though, Coun. Cho, for There is a lack of sidewalks in many communities, far too Not that the two would be related, Although things have improved since the running the show for as long as you few community outreach programs available, and policing but with a population that is 90 per cent infamous year 2005, where gun-play was have, but it’s time for a change. services are overstretched and ineffective. visible minority, how is one candidate the name of the game on Toronto streets, In the meantime, vote George Despite all of this, Scarborough’s voter turnout for the last going to be able to break through the it’s still lacking proper representation Smitherman too. municipal election in 2006 peaked at 41 per cent. Scarborough residents are looking for someone to step up THE EAST TORONTO and produce change, and bring the city together, yet less than half show up to the polls. OBSERVER The East Toronto Observer Serving Malvern, West Hill and Highland Creek is published by This election, let’s pay more attention to the hyper-local Managing Editor: Sarah Moore University of Toronto/Centennial College journalism students under faculty supervision. candidates that will be around to fix the issues specific to our Online Editor: Amanda Kwan We are located at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre. Assignment Editor: Angela Rotundo Please address correspondence to The East Toronto Observer, c/o Centennial College, 755 community. Copy Editors: Saeda Raghe, Alina Smirnova, Caitlin Stojanovski Morningside Ave., Toronto, ON M1C 5J9, 416-289-5000, ext. 8306, fax 416-289-5168. If the time for change is now, we can start by casting a ballot Photo Editor: Megan Harris Email: [email protected] on Oct. 25. Production Editor: Kaitlynn Ford The opinions expressed in The Observer do not necessarily reflect the views of the college. – Sarah Moore Faculty Editors: Eric McMillan and Andrew Mair The Toronto Observer, a companion website, is at torontoobserver.ca The East Toronto Observer, October 15, 2010 - PAGE 11 ELECTION PREVIEW Rivals square off again in Ward 35 race

NADIA PERSUAD spending. WARD 40 The Observer At the meeting Berardinetti told the crowd Toronto It’s déjà vu in Ward 35 as has a spending problem, a two familiar faces meet again declaration that brought loud to battle for the coveted city cheers from the crowd. councillor position. Both candidates agree line- Michelle Berardinetti is by-line reviews are needed to WARD 37 running against Adrian Heaps find extra money for the city after losing to him by just 89 and to cut wasteful spending. votes in the last election. In the past Heaps found Moreover, she successfully private golf courses owe the sued Heaps in 2006 after he city $33 million in property circulated election taxes, and scrapped WARD 36 literature deriding her programs in which character. the city bought Blue Races A big issue in the Jays tickets. WARD 35 ward is bike lanes Heaps said he will — car lanes were continue to look for in west reduced to create ways to collect money bike lanes along busy for the city, scrapping Birchmount Road and baseball tickets, col- MICHELLE Pharmacy Avenue. lecting fees from Scarborough BERARDINETTI Heaps, chair of private golf clubs, the Toronto Cycling and collecting money Advisory Committee, from lost interest BILLY COURTICE/The Observer defends this decision. Another big issue in He told the the ward is a homeless audience at the shelter at Kennedy West Scarborough Road and St. Clair Community Centre Avenue. Berardinetti Make spending records public Ward 35 debate on says it desperately Sept. 29 the bike lanes needs programs have made drivers to keep its people Ward 37 councillor candidates ADRIAN slow down. HEAPS away from crime. Berardinetti says Heaps agrees and call for more transparency they have to go, says he has received citing conversations she had numerous complaints from R yan Jhagroo amongst several of his fellow with people who moved off citizens about this problem. The Observer ward candidates. Pharmacy Avenue because Perhaps the biggest “It’s about making sure it was hard to get into their difference between candidates While they are not calling to councillors are accountable FAWZI ISABELLE MICHAEL driveways. is their stance on taxes. Heaps “end the gravy train” per se, and taxpayers money is not BIDAWI CHAMPAGNE THOMPSON Both agree however it will has made no indication taxes councillors in Scarborough’s misused,” said Bidawi, and cost more money to remove are a platform issue, although Ward 37 are certainly asking he’s not alone. allowance, etc.,” says Isabelle and services, Thompson said the bike lanes. Berardinetti has made it so. for more transparancy when “As a city councillor, I will Champagne, another Ward 37 he will continue to fight for, Both candidates also “I’m more for constraint it comes to government work to ensure the city works candidate. what he calls, “better tax promise to expand and for taxes,” Berardinetti said. spending. with a lean budget by freezing Incumbent Michael money management” within modernize transit in the “We’re a very high-in-needs Political newcomer Fawzi and/or reducing several budget Thompson would not mind the city. Which, in essence, community, attract investment and low-income area, we Bidawi would like to make items, which often times are seeing councilors spending means reducing taxes and for job creation, and conduct really need to be careful council members’ spending overlooked but grossly abused. records become public. As spending. line-by-line review of the how many taxes we’re records accessible to the An example would be office part of his Scarborough plan The munipal vote takes place city budget to find wasteful implementing.” public, a sentiment shared supplies, travelling kilometre for fair share of city resources on Oct. 25. Turbines big issue as Ashton leaves Ward 40 roots for subway, Sarina Adamo desires when it comes to the Hogan, Robert Spencer and The Observer Quarry Land as well as the Eddy Gasparotto, is freezing, wind turbine development. lowering or abolishing hope to axe LRT plans Current Ward 36 councillor All the local candidates property and motor vehicle Brian Ashton will bid farewell hope to stop taxes. Sarah Moore 401 and Finch Ave., have been Other councillors running in to all high-rise It’s like a Transit is The Observer heard by local candidates. the ward have also addressed residents after many years in development marriage - you another theme Incumbent Norm Kelly, the issue in their platforms, politics. on the Quarry should make a common to While transit is always 69, said construction of the arguing the construction of Although Ashton said he is Lands and candidates’ an issue everywhere in the Sheppard LRT is one of the new transit will be disruptive not supporting any mayoral halt the serious platforms. city, residents in Ward 40 most important issues that and an LRT system will not be candidates, he advises construction decision Ashdown, (Scarborough-Agincourt) are councillors must address. beneficial to residents. Torontonians to elect wisely. of the wind - Brian Ashton for example, especially concerned with “There is a very strong “Whether it’s an LRT or a “This will be the person that turbines until a supports Rob how the construction of the resistance in this part of sunway ... but ... they’re going represents you for the next more suitable Ford’s decision Sheppard East Light-Rail Scarborough to the LRT,” to try to do it in sections to few years. It’s like a marriage plan is in place. to extend the Transit Line will affect their Kelly said. “I support transit ease as much of the disruption — you should make a serious Another issue among many Kennedy subway line to the community. city except along Sheppard as possible,” Kelly said. decision,” Ashton said. candidates, who include Tony Sheppard subway line. Concerns aired by residents Avenue because it should be According to Kelly, he will He said believes his successor Ashdown, Gary Crawford, Diane Hogan also plans to in the area of Agincourt that the subway that was originally work to scap the LRT as per should focus on the residents’ Roman Danilov,“ Diane expand subway lines. stretches between Highway planned.” demand by local residents. PAGE 12 - The East Toronto Observer, October 15, 2010 SPORTS Sports Toronto cleans up for Pan Am Games Briefs

Mayoral candidates vow to beautify city for future tourists Alana brings

ryan jhagroo people to discover more home bronze The Observer about Toronto and why Torontonians should be proud Scarborough athletes In Delhi, the 2010 of themselves, Troop said. are making their mark at Commonwealth Games have Success at Pan Am 2015 the Commonwealth Games been mired in allegations of could make way for Toronto in Delhi, India. On Oct. 8, unsanitary conditions, and winning an Olympic bid. Scarborough native Alana the planners of Toronto’s These games allow MacDougall assisted her Toronto as a host city to show team to a bronze medal in are making sure that they it’s capable of an event like archery. avoid similar problems. the Olympics, says David “Unlike the Miller, a judo instructor Commonwealth Games, you performing at the 2015 Pan Lui victorious can either build a bad house Am logo launch street party or a good house,” says Ian on Sept 29. Oct. 8, Azelia Lui, a Mary Troop, CEO of the Toronto “We’re financially ready Ward Catholic School 2015 Pan Am games. “The for it. Our infrastructure is graduate, goaltended for [Toronto Pan Am committee] ready for it. The corporate the Canadian womens field will work with whoever wins sponsors are ready and the hockey team, assisting them the mayoral race to make political stability leads us to a 2-1 victory over Wales. sure the city remains clean by to having advantages in an then.” Olympic bid [compared to With Pan Am being the places such as Delhi].” Sims scores largest sporting games Troop said it is in our best Toronto has ever hosted, interest to put on a fantastic Sir Wilfred Laurier the next ’s ryan jhagroo/The Observer event. Collegiate institute lost its agenda will include Native Canadian dancers perform at the 2015 Pan Am Games logo launch party outside the “This is the fifth biggest junior boys football game maintaining the city’s Air Canada Centre on Sept. 29. metro market in North 34-6 on Oct. 8, to Sir John appearance by the time 2015 America and the fourth A. Macdonald Collegiate comes around. city, says Adrienne Batra, “Not only will there be safe legacy, according to Troupe. biggest financial market in Institute. Rakeem Sims Mayoral hopeful Rob Ford Rob Ford’s director of and appropriate buildings “Scarborough’s going North America. I would led Sir John A. Macdonald says he intends to have the communications,.“Flowers and world-class facilities for to have all the swimming hope that if this event goes to victory with two city of Toronto ready for are going to be cut, weeds the event, but we want to and aquatics, it’ll serve the well, it would put the city in touchdowns. the world, and that includes gone, fresh flowers will be facilitate our own world-class area, serve the students at good standing to go after an Scarborough. Ford won’t planted, curbs will be cut athletes with these building, [the University of Toronto] Olympic event.” just focus on the buildings to the right size and graffiti as well.” and provide a home for Win for West Hill and facilities for the event, will be removed,” said Batra. Scarborough is going to be high-performance sport F or more photos of the he’ll see that the little things “Bylaws are going to be a major hub during the games afterwards.” Pan Am logo launch, visit West Hill Collegiate are done to beautify the enforced.” and it’s going to leave a The games may allow torontoobserver.ca Institute won its tier 1 football game 29-7 on Thursday, Oct. 7, against Danforth Senator O’Connor. crushes Warriors succeed West Hill Collegiate Insti- Borden tute squeaked out a win in its senior tier 1 girl’s basket- ball on Oct. 7, defeating Dr. in easy Norman Bethune Collegiate victory Institute 43-39. bradley featherstone Mowat girls win The Observer Sir Oliver Mowat Ashton Roy danced Collegiate Institute defeated through Sir Robert Borden Cedarbrae Collegiate Insti- Business and Technical tute 35-17 in east region Institute’s defence for five junior girls basketball on rushing touchdowns on Oct. 7. Oct. 6, leading Danforth Collegiate and Technical Institute to an easy 48-0 Laurier triumphs victory. “I’m playing this for Sir Wilfred Laurier senior my first year, and I’m bradley featherstone/The Observer boys tier 1 volleyball team starting, and getting mad Ashton Roy runs through Borden’s defence on his way to scoring one of five touchdowns for Danforth on Oct. 6. lost on Oct. 6. Stephen Lea- touchdowns,” said Roy. “It cock Collegiate Institute feels really good actually.” end of the first half, Danforth down at their end zone.” going to start seeing their they have been able to bring used its home court advan- The Grade 12 student set led 26-0. Although Borden’s players mistakes and they’ll develop football back to the school. tage to win in strait sets. the pace early, showing off Danforth’s offensive seemed disappointed, the from that.” “We’ve got over 100 his incredible speed with a 50 line seemed impenetrable coaches are optimistic about Douglas is one of several years of experience in -yard touchdown run on the throughout the game. the future of football at the community coaches from coaches here. It’s just a third play of the game. “As long as we keep school. the Toronto Police that matter of bringing that Panthers prevail Danforth took that practising, we’ll keep getting “We only have two players have volunteered to help knowledge to the students,” momentum and never looked better and better,” said that have ever played football Borden create a football said Douglas. Birchmount Park Colle- back, holding Borden to little Genesis Amoral, a member before,” said Martin Douglas, team. Borden has not had a giate Institute defeated Sir or no forward progress and of Danforth’s offence. “We head coach of Borden. “I football team for decades, but F or more high school Oliver Mowat at their senior forcing them to either fumble got great blocks, the holes think every game we’re thanks to a $10,000 donation sports coverage, visit boys tier 1 volleyball game or punt the ball away. By the were open and we kept them going to get better, they’re from the Toronto Argonauts’ torontoobserver.ca on Oct. 6.