Child Hit in School Zone

Mu all overha l Living the dream DeBaermaeker champions NHL players remember their much- needed shopping centre facelift Scarborough roots - See pages 4 & 5 - See page 8 THE EAST TORONTO OBSERVER • Friday• November 26 • 2010 • • PUBLISHED BY UTSC/CENTENNIAL COLLEGE JOURNALISM STUDENTS AND SERVING MALVERN, HIGHLAND CREEK AND WEST HILL • •TORONTOOBSERVER.CA• Child hit in school zone

emily hunter The Observer

A 10-year-old girl hit by a car while trying to cross the street last week is one of 16 pedestrians struck in the city in a span of two days. Police say the girl was crossing in a school zone at Coronation Drive and Gallo- way Road at 8 a.m. on Nov. 18. The mirror of the vehicle clipped the girl, causing minor injuries with a cut to her head. “She was walking with her dad and struck by a passing alina smirnova/The Observer vehicle,” Sgt. Murray Camp- Yuanling Yuan, 16, the top female chess player in Canada and a member of the Scarborough Chess Club, plays a game at the Birkdale com- bell said. munity centre. Yuan started her own chess club at Brookbanks Library last year to challenge stereotypes about the male-dominated game. The driver was a 62-year- old woman who was unaware the incident even took place and continued to drive, he said. “The owner of the vehicle Local teen chess champ hopes to bring continued on for some dis- tance until another citizen alerted her to the fact that she greater exposure to age-old game in Canada had hit the child,” Campbell said.

Unsafe driving

Officials say pedestrian-vehicle collisions are common, especially in November when QUEEN of the BOARD there is usually a spike in this type of incident. Last year around this time, 18 pedestri- Alina smirnova ans were struck by vehicles. The Observer the 27th spot out of 564, many of the national In 2008 during the same pe- teams had uniforms showing team spirit while riod, 16 were hit. There have All I want to Canada’s didn’t, she points out on her blog. been 16 pedestrian fatalities lthough the Scarborough Chess Club is In just two months, her chess club became this year. composed mostly of men, its top player do is promote the most successful one at the library, attracting Police blame shorter days is a 16-year-old girl. chess in Canada about 30 participants, Yuan said. Adopting her with fewer hours of sunlight AYuanling Yuan, who recently returned from model, 14 branches in Toronto, two in Ottawa and colder weather for the rise the biennial Chess Olympiad, is the top-rated — Yuanling Yuan and one in Victoria now host chess clubs. in collisions, as pedestrians female chess player in Canada and also holds Chess is a fascinating game that teaches skills dress in darker clothing mak- the distinction of being the youngest Canadian beyond the board, Yuan said. Because it requires ing them difficult to spot. female to hold the title of international master. a lot of logic, visualization and planning ahead, Toronto Police recently Although Yuan admits she may have to look she said it directly helps with academic subjects concluded a week-long pedes- at the men’s game for challenge and inspiration, interested in chess. Last summer, at the age of and languages. trian safety campaign now that she’s the top female player, she never “15, she started a Chess in the Library club at Yuan enjoys math and logic and said she More than 7,000 tickets thought chess was limited to a particular gender. Brookbanks Library. hopes to go to an Ivy League university in the were handed out to motorists “It’s a stereotype,” Yuan said. “People think “All I want to do is promote chess in Canada, United States for business. and cyclists who endangered that chess is a game for boys because it’s kind of because in Canada all they care about is hock- “And when I have the ability to help kids pedestrians to curb collisions, based on war.” ey,” Yuan joked. who play chess even more, then I’ll probably do while nearly 1,200 tickets The grade 11 Victoria Park Collegiate Insti- At this year’s Chess Olympiad, where she something more than just chess in the library,” were given to pedestrians for tute student has been working to get more people played the world’s best female players and took Yuan said. jaywalking. PAGE 2 - The East Toronto Observer, November 26, 2010 NEWS Students Bluffs base-jumper snagged say no to Dangerous stunt leaves Guildwood residents angry bottled

JOSEF JACOBSON “The only way of protect- The Observer ing people by the edge of the water Bluffs is with warning signs,” Daredevils on the Scarbor- he said. “And that will always ough Bluffs don’t get much be spotty at best.” Emily hunter sympathy from residents or Setting up barriers along the The Observer politicians. cliff’s edge can be dangerous, On Nov. 13 a man tried to said Timo Puhakka, president Scarborough high schools base-jump off the Bluffs, only of the Guildwood Village have begun an anti-water to be left hanging 60 metres Community Association. bottle campaign this month. up after getting snagged on “The problem with fences Water should be a basic the cliffs. Firefighters spent and barriers is that to erect human right, said local high more than an hour rescuing these, you must dig post holes, school students, and not just the man, who escaped the or- but that weakens the bluff and for those who can afford bot- deal without serious injuries. causes rapid erosion,” he said. tled water. “These things happen almost Puhakka said the city once Three Scarborough catholic regularly,” said outgoing Ward tried and failed to install a bar- high schools, including Pope 36 councillor Brian Ashton. rier on the Bluffs’ edge. John Paul Catholic Second- “There’s always an idiot who “I remember when the city ary School, plan to create wants access to the Bluffs.” sunk a row of post holes and “bottle water free-zones” in He said the best way to installed posts on the Bluffs’ their cafeteria, ending the discourage daredevils from edge at Greyabbey Park,” he selling of water in vending endangering themselves is to said. “Before they could string machines to promote the use charge them for the cost of cables between the posts, the of drinking fountains instead. rescuing them. entire row slid to the bottom, “It will be like having “It’s not an accident and it along with 15 feet of park.” no baseball caps worn at costs the taxpayers,” Ashton Ashton said those who do schools, there will be no wa- said. “Perhaps this will make try dangerous stunts are not ter bottles at school,” said Ni- them think twice.” thought of highly by taxpay- cole Scarlet Costa, a grade 12 Ashton said he hopes in- ers, who see their money student from Pope John Paul coming councillor Gary Craw- spent on building barriers and II Secondary School. ford will bring these concerns cliffside rescues. The anti-bottle water cam- to city hall. There are warning “I prefer people to just be paigns were initiated in signs notifying the public of careful [on the Bluffs] and re- schools across the Toronto dangerous cliffs, Ashton said, spect nature, but it seems that Catholic District School adding people should be rea- folks would prefer to protect Board after students took part Bradley Featherstone /The Observer sonable and responsible when idiots from themselves,” Pu- in a seminar Nov. 17 by the exploring the Bluffs. hakka said. Ross Armitage walks his dog along the unguarded edges of the Scarborough Bluffs. Catholic charity, Develop- ment and Peace. “The students were really engaged and excited about what we were teaching them,’ Centennial College student remembered said Luke Stocking, execu- tive director for Development and Peace. Twenty-year-old Ying Tang killed in blaze sparked by cigarette on Oct. 30 He says the point of the seminar was not necessar- fiona persaud in Canada. ily teaching students to be The Observer The blaze, which officials against water bottles, but say was likely caused by a turning water into a com- The mother of interna- cigarette, also took the life of modity. tional student Ying Tang another woman, whose name “We live in a culture that will never walk the halls of has not been officially re- thinks its normal to pay for Centennial College along- leased, and sent 22-year-old our drinking water and pur- side her daughter as she once Yuanjie Guan to hospital. chase it from vending ma- dreamed. “Her friends in China will chines, as opposed to having Tang, 20, was one of two never see her or hear her access to safe, clean, free wa- women killed stories about ter coming out of our taps,” in the mid- Toronto,” said he said. day fire on Fang, who, Critics argue that this issue Oct. 30 at her along with affects Canadians and people Kimbermount her husband abroad. Drive home was presented “There are communities in in the Kenne- with an hon- Indonesia that are being de- dy Road and orary diploma nied access to spring water Finch Avenue from the col- because bottled water compa- area. She was the lege. nies like Coca-Cola are buy- FIONA PERSAUD /The Observer “She often Students, ing up their streams,” Stock- talked about kind of friend faculty and Xiyuan Fang mourns the loss of her daughter Ying at the memorial held on Nov. 17 ing said. her school, that would staff took part That is why these local high teachers and in a ceremony student from China who had forted her beloved friend’s Ling said. school students are trying to friends,” Xi- stand by me at Centenni- been in Canada since 2009 in mother during the service. Tang was in the last year make a difference. yuan Fang “ al’s Residence Centennial College’s hospi- Ling said the last time they of her program, and starting “We grew up thinking that said Nov. 17 — Tiffany Ling and Confer- tality and tourism program. spoke was in their wellness to apply for her internship. drinking from water bottles at a memorial ence Centre She was described as kind, class. Tang expressed her Friend Haijin Gao said al- everyday was normal,” Costa for her daugh- on Progress shy and beautiful by her excitement to go home for though he only knew Gloria said. “If we change this now, ter. Avenue. peers. Christmas and her plans of for a year, they shared their then the next group of young Fang travelled from China The memorial was held in “She was the kind of friend being engaged to her boy- dreams of bringing their people can go, bottle free.” with her husband to make both Chinese and English. that would stand by me,” said friend. families to Canada to live a funeral arrangements and Tang, known as Gloria to Tiffany Ling, a close friend “I thought she was going happy life. He said he will See torontoobserver.ca close their daughter’s affairs friends, was an international and classmate who com- to have a wonderful life,” never forget her. for more on this story The East Toronto Observer, November 26, 2010 - PAGE 3 NEWS News Briefs Oil spill Pacific Mall to face new rival

Pacific Mall is expecting new neighbours and new rivals. The Landmark and Splendid China 2, two separate condominium- cleanup style malls, are expected to open in 2012 beside Pacific Mall on Steeles Avenue. The malls are said to be multi- cultural friendly and easily accessible by non-Asian underway visitors. Women look to relieve stress

The Scarborough Women’s BRADLEY FEATHERSTONE/The Observer Centre plans to host a full- day workshop on how to Environmental service worker Dave Rennie looks over the decontamination efforts at Little Rouge Creek on Nov. 25 after fuel seeped into water. recovering from emotional and financial trials. Stepping BILLY COURTICE Local drinking water safe: Environment ministry Standard Auto Wreckers has Stones to Personal Resil- The Observer been under the ministry’s ience is to be held at the watch. centre on Nov. 27 from 10 The oil spilling into Little ing gasoline just up the hill [at to isolate the spill, which orig- aid their work in protecting “We have had dealings a.m. to 3 p.m. Rouge Creek contains no gas- Standard Auto Wreckers] all inated from Standard Auto the creek’s ecosystem. Fish with the company in the past, oline or other chemicals, ac- the time, so of course you’re Wreckers, a car-crushing spawning season is over, and ” Jordan said. The ministry cording to workers on the site. going to smell gasoline.” company sitting adjacent to so wildlife around the creek has put the company under an Their conclusion contra- “If there was gasoline or the creek. The company cre- may be sparser than in sum- order, which extends further dicts speculation by Ontario’s other chemicals we’d have to ated a stronghold with rows mer months. than just a simple clean up. Auction to send environment ministry, dig this whole creek up,” Ren- of booms and vacuum trucks The ministry is still work- The company will be forced “Originally people said nie said. “It doesn’t rise to the to keep the spill from flowing ing, however, to analyze what to find the root of the problem. kids to camp they were smelling gasoline,” surface like oil does.” into the Rouge River. impacts the spill will have on Jordan said municipal said Dave Rennie, a Direct Dykes have been built in Environment ministry vegetation and animal habitat drinking water will not be A silent auction of arts and Line environmental service the creek near Steeles Avenue spokesperson Kate Jordan downstream. affected, as the spill will not crafts is to be held at Cedar worker. “But they’re drain- East and Sewells Road to try said the time of year may This is not the first time travel as far as Lake Ontario . Ridge Creative Centre. The event, Gifts that Give, will take place on Dec. 2 from 6:30 to 9 p.m. All proceeds Local manufacturer are to help send children living in the Kingston- Galloway/Orton Park and Scarborough Village areas to be sun-powered to fine art camps.

SARAH MOORE Energy Act last May, a tariff The Observer program was also created to subsidize renewable energy Lions host Scarborough manufac- projects in Ontario. turer Samco is investing in a “There was a big incentive holiday sale greener, more renewable form for local manufactures like of energy, creating more local Samco,” said David Pichard, The West Hill-Highland jobs in the process. Vice President of Business alice hoang/The Observer Creek Lions Clubs is hosting The company is looking to Development with Samco So- Hospital vice-chair Steve Smith said at a Nov. 16 meeting he’s improving wait times. its annual holiday gift and expand its plant at Kennedy lar. “The feed-in tariff coupled craft sale on Dec. 4 from 10 Road And Ellesmere Road, with the domestic content rule a.m. to 3 p.m. Fifty ven- as it becomes a big- made our quality and Hospital to cure service ills dors are expected to sell a ger player in the solar wide range of ser- variety of goods at Heron energy market. vices relevant to the ALICE HOANG patients.” which is almost a given, but it Community Centre. Admis- “So far we’ve industry.” The Observer While the Scarborough doesn’t have to be the latest, sion and parking is free. hired about 30 peo- While Repovs Hospital board works to im- best, most expensive.” ple and as we ramp said that creating jobs For John Dakin, being at prove equipment, facilities The meeting, held at the up and slowly build is a very important the hospital was like being at and services, the hospital is hospital’s Birchmount cam- toward next spring, part of the company’s home, but with “better drugs.” also focused on the patient pus, was meant to update the Library reopens we’ll probably be up mission, embracing He even requested to stay experience. This is part of a public on the progress of the JOE REPOVS to about 60 people,” renewable energy longer at the Scarborough “culture shift” that’s under- board’s recent initiatives. in December CEO and founder Joe sources is an impor- Hospital after having knee way, hospital vice-chair Steve “Some of them share that Repovs said. tant step for them as well. surgery because of the treat- Smith said at a town hall they don’t have the culture to Cedarbrae Library is to re- The company’s first solar “We are ensuring clean ment he received, he says. meeting Nov. 16. communicate with the medi- open to the public on Dec. 6 racking rolled off the line in air for our children and our “The nurse that was on That experience includes cal professionals,” Ng said. at 4 p.m. After a three-year, July. It is used to attach solar grandchildren and that’s part duty at the time was so help- where the patient goes, how Anne Marie Males, Scar- $4.76-million renovation, panels either to the roofs of of our bottom line.” ful, whatever you wanted: a quickly they’re seen, the ease borough Hospital’s patient the library plans to unveil homes and businesses or in the “This is a great success pillow or a drink,” Dakin said. of getting around and how experience vice-president said its modernized transforma- ground for larger solar farms. story and a great partnership,” “I wrote a note after I got they’re treated. It’s a new the hospital used to rely on tion. The library has been The racking also ensures that energy minister Brad Duguid out of the hospital to thank concept that’s not practised at volunteer interpreters, but it redesigned to create more the panels are angled properly said. “The plant will manu- them. Every single staff many hospitals, he said. now has two full-time inter- accessibility, improve cus- to attract maximum sunlight. facture the parts needed to seemed to enjoy being there “[People] want to be treat- preters who speak Mandarin, tomer service and provide When the provincial gov- produce new solar energy and and [understood] how impor- ed with respect,” Smith said. Cantonese and Tamil, bridg- more access to technology ernment passed the Green create jobs in the community.” tant their attitude was to the “They want high-quality care, ing the communication gap. and collections. PAGE 4 - The East Toronto Observer, November 26, 2010 FEATURE THE BIG REVEAL Scarborough Town Centre unveils long-awaited new look and stores, and the redesigned Walk of Fame featuring local heroes

sarah moore angela rotundo The Observer

Two years and $62 million later, the newly revamped Scarborough Town Centre is ready for business and aims to make Scarborough residents proud to call the suburbs home. On Nov. 17, the mall unveiled its new look in a large public display, showcasing its updated appearance, new stores, extravagant Santa’s Workshop and the redesigned Scarborough Walk of Fame. The event drew residents from across the city, local councillors and even some celebrity guests, including Scarborough resident and comedian Colin Mochrie. “When you have celebrities endorse a prod- uct, it does reach the customer base much faster,” said Jai Lee, director of marketing for the Scarborough Town Centre. “Not only Co- lin Mochrie, but also Deb McGrath, who is a Scarborough native, and Councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker, who is a real champ, came out to speak on our behalf.” The mall, which has not been renovated since Nicolette Bryan (left) wins $5,000 for creating a video documenting why she loves Scarborough. Glenn De Baeremaeker (centre) the 1980s, had been desperately in need of a and Scarborough Town Centre general manager Kathy Meyers (right) awarded her the cheque on Nov. 12 at the event. facelift. “If you walk through a shabby, sloppy house you aren’t going to have a lot of pride in your “When we started the campaign, we really Bryan, and the unveiling of the redesigned stars place as the Christmas shopping season began. home,” said De Baeremaker. “Investing over wanted to celebrate Scarborough,” Lee said. on the Walk of Fame. Bryan submitted a video New stores, including Pink by Victoria’s Secret $60 million to repaint the building, put in new Lee also said the mall is known as not only a describing why she loved the mall. That day, a and Brown’s, are expected to bring in a new lights, to create a new Santa village just makes regional shopping centre but a community one large crowd filled the mall’s centre court. wave of customers while still catering to Scar- this place that much more beautiful and makes as well. “This is such a great community deserving of borough Town Center veterans. us that much more proud.” The reopening was a complete community this centre,” said centre general manager Kathy “Scarborough Town Centre is really tied in The renewal of the centre was not focused on event, featuring a rocking performance by Meyers. “We’ve created a more comfortable and such an integral part of the Scarborough just the addition of new stores. It also aimed to the Wexford Heights Gleeks, a $5,000 prize shopping environment, so we’re excited.” community,” Meyers said, “This reveal isn’t the improve the community’s shopping experience. awarded to Live it Up contest winner Nicolette The reveal was strategically planned to take end it’s just the beginning.” Meet four of your local stars

Dr. Ming-Tat Cheung Bob Hunter Inducted 2007 Inducted 2007

Chair and president of Chinese Cultural Founding member of Centre of Greater Toronto, head of Panda Greenpeace, ecologist, author, Acquisiton Task Force journalist.

Deborah Cox Debra McGrath Inducted 2008 Inducted 2009

Multiple Juno-award winning singer and Comedian, writer, actor, partner in actor, active member in the Broadway in Toronto production company Canadian South Africa charity. Accents. The East Toronto Observer, November 26, 2010 - PAGE 5

Famous Neighbours The inductees on the Scarborough Walk of Fame: 2009 n Marilyn Denis n Dwayne De Rosario n Gordon Deval n Lois James n Debra McGrath n Don Montgomery 2008 n Deborah Cox n Rick Middleton n John Wimbs n Earl Campbell n Ben Heppner n Dr. Sheela Basrur 2007 n James Bamford n Johnny Cowell n Bob Hunter n Des McAnuff n Dr. Ming-Tat Cheung n Cindy Nicholas n Anson Taylor 2006 n Jamaal Magloire n Vicky Sunohara n Doris McCarthy n David Onley n Dr. Joseph Y. K. Wong n Dr. Lloyd N. Carlsen n Wes Williams n Dr. R. H. King n David Thomson n Dr. Charles C. Macklin

A bove: Scarborough Town Centre general manager Kathy Meyers and other dignitaries participate in the unveiling.

Right: The Wexford Heights Gleeks serenade the audience at the event. They sang popular hits like Journey’s ‘Don’t Stop Believin’.

Bottom Left: Ward 38 councillor Glenn De Baeremaeker shows his support for Scarborough.

Bottom Right: Comedian and Scarborough resident Colin Mochrie hosts the reopening ceremony . His wife Debra McGrath was inducted into the Scarbor- ough Walk of Fame this year.

Photos by: Sarah Moore PAGE 6 - The East Toronto Observer, November 26, 2010 The East Toronto COMMENT OBSERVER Christmas gift for all

anta Claus is coming to town. But that’s old news. Really old news. Christmas decorations have been in stores since before Halloween. SIt feels like the Christmas season starts earlier every year. And that’s a very good thing. Along with ringing cash registers, the holidays also bring toy and food drives, fundraising, and a higher than usual levels of generosity and good will. Nowhere is that more true than here in Scarborough. At this time of year, people seem to be more willing to give their time and money to help others. Toys collected during the 16th annual Auxiliary Police Toy Drive, which kicked off earlier this month, will be delivered to kids in neighbourhoods and shelters across Scarborough. On the weekend, the 2nd Highland Creek and 11th Bendale Scout groups began their 27th annual food drive. Thousands of kilograms of food have been collected over the past few years to help local families during the holidays. Farther east, Durham Regional Police have started a program where people can pay their tickets in toy donations rather than cash. There’s no such program in Scarborough, but maybe we should have one. At this time of year, there is no shortage of worthy causes to donate to. The run-up to the holidays is a time when people’s thoughts turn to giving, to family and friends, and to the community. Christmas shoppers who may feel guilty about splurging have plenty of options to help someone out and ease their con- bradley featherstone/The Observer science. So the earlier the Christmas season comes, the earlier people start giving. And the earlier people start giving, the more those in need benefit. Shopping centres over leisure There is no better way to welcome Santa to town. —Megan Harris is city hall’s urban village idiocy

carborough: It’s time to bring in were conceived and they will continue Big money, little the fun. to be sleazy until they’re finally knocked Seriously—this town needs more down and replaced with mediocre condo entertainment.S Glenn De Baeremaeker et buildings. change at STC al can elaborate all they want about “ur- But if some of the effort and funding ban villages” in progress. But these ur- that goes into the upscale shopping cen- ban villages are just artificial little shop- tres around Scarborough’s “urban villag- carborough Town Centre recently unveiled its $62-mil- ping villas that give us nothing we didn’t es” was put into creating some nightlife, lion transformation at an official ceremony on Nov. 17. already have. Billy COURTICE we may see some authentic urban devel- But it looks like very little changed. We’re all really impressed with the opment. SThe shopping hub, which also serves as a station for more money spent on benches and windows What happens when Why are we kidding ourselves with than 20 bus routes, definitely needed the facelift. at Scarborough Town Centre. But what these overblown shopping circuses? No- But after visiting the mall, it’s difficult to tell what was done. happens when 9 p.m. strikes and resi- 9 p.m. strikes and body sees Scarborough as a shopping According to Kathy Meyers, central manager of the Scar- dents are finished spending their money residents are finished destination. The city may attract some borough Town Centre, the biggest things consumers will notice at the mall? When I’m thinking about a spending their money weekend shopping commuters from the are the ceilings and skylights — changes that were made years date place, or a place to hang out with east, but it will lose out every time to ago. The renovation included a new home for Santa, which buddies, I don’t think Scarborough. As at the mall? more posh locations like Yorkdale, Ea- is nice, but will be gone after the holidays. Apart from the a matter of fact, I probably don’t consid- ton Centre and Vaughan Mills. What we skylight replacement, the project included new escalators and er a spot within 20 kilometers of Scar- more desirable place to hang out. Bring need is to rebuild Scarborough as some- elevators, renovated entrances and improvements to both the borough. in the strip clubs bring in the theatres, the thing separate and unique from Toronto. food court areas. There is a stigma that goes along with dance halls, the posh night clubs, and the Take Etobicoke, for example: it main- It’s great that the renovations are also green and environ- children growing up in small towns. glitzy restaurants. tained proper urban centres, which in- mentally friendly. But people are going there to shop – some- They get older and they struggle to find It’s getting to be a little much to ask clude nightlife destinations. Etobicoke thing that is difficult in a mall that has few options when anything to entertain themselves with. people from the northeast reaches of residents can be self-sustained while compared to other malls of a similar size, like Fairview mall. They turn to vandalism, drugs, weap- Scarborough to travel 40 km downtown the downtown core awaits them if they Scarborough residents have to travel all the way to Yorkdale if ons—and whatever else they can get for a little“ entertainment. And gang vi- should feel the need to explore. Scar- they want higher-end stores with more options and availability. their hands on, to replace the entertain- olence may actually fall if teens on the borough residents have no equivalent. It seems as though the mall is a dumping ground for prod- ment they can’t get. street had something better to occupy There are a million places to shop but no- ucts that Yorkdale patrons don’t want. For example, a sweater Our local councillors seem to be their time with. where to kick loose. It’s a city to sleep in you could find at a particular store in Yorkdale is typically not hooked on the notion that Scarbor- I’m not suggesting we keep duplicat- and nothing more. available at the same store in Scarborough Town Centre. ough needs to be a gargantuan residen- ing the neon mess that is Eglinton Ave- Rob Ford is cutting Scarborough Of course the value of homes in an area has an effect on tial zone. But if it’s to be a more desir- nue East all over our east end. Areas like loose with transit, and why wouldn’t he? the commercial property but people in Scarborough deserve able place to live, it first needs to be a that were sleazy in the ’70s when they There’s no reason to be here anyway. high-end stores and quality shopping as well. It seems we will always have to go west if we want the goods. THE EAST TORONTO The $62 million dollars spent on revamping Scarborough Town Centre should have been spent on attracting better retail- OBSERVER The East Toronto Observer Serving Malvern, West Hill and Highland Creek is published by ers, as Fairview did years ago when they added an Apple store, Managing Editor: Megan Harris University of Toronto/Centennial College journalism students under faculty supervision. LCBO, Forever XXI, BCBG Max Azria, Aritzia among other Online Editor: Ryan Jhagroo We are located at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre. Assignment Editor: Josef Jacobson Please address correspondence to The East Toronto Observer, c/o Centennial College, 755 stores to their outdated property. Copy Editors: Amanda Kwan, Angela Rotundo, Josh Ungar Morningside Ave., Toronto, ON M1C 5J9, 416-289-5000, ext. 8306, fax 416-289-5168. Scarborough Town Centre will have to do better than that to Photo Editor: Bradley Featherstone Email: [email protected] impress people who live in the city, yet always shop elsewhere. Production Editor: Alice Hoang The opinions expressed in The Observer do not necessarily reflect the views of the college. —Courtney Roberts Faculty Editors: Eric McMillan and Andrew Mair The Toronto Observer, a companion website, is at torontoobserver.ca The East Toronto Observer, November 26, 2010 - PAGE 7 ARTS & LIFE Scarborough raccoon leads Santa’s way Annual city parade has local feel

Patrycja Klucznik floats, clowns, marching The Observer bands and, of course, the big man himself. Santa Claus has come to Raised in a small town in town — and with a helper central Ontario and now a from Scarborough. Scarborough resident, Plum- Mike Plumton, a Scarbor- ton describes the parade as a ough resident and self-pro- feeling of being part of some- claimed “parader” from the thing massive and historical small town of Norwood, has in a large urban city. taken part in the Santa Claus “That’s why I do it. [Toron- Parade for the last three years. to] is just so big, everyone’s in This year he it for themselves. was dressed But this day, so as a raccoon many people with a skip- come together ping rope as and so many part of the people come to Tim Hortons watch. Every- float, but last one’s just excited year he got I feel like a to see it and to be the ultimate there, and people honour: be- kid again kind of forget ing a part of about everything Santa’s float. — Kayla Grey else. It’s a nice “It’s the slowdown.” P Atrycja KLUCZNIK/The Observer event that The parade is Scarborough residents Mike Plumton (left), 27, and Derrick Fournier, 28, wave in the Santa Claus parade. makes Toronto feel like“ it’s the longest-running children’s a really small community,” parade in the world. With 31 believe the thought put into it she’s glad she and her friends hood memories of watching always something we would Plumton said. floats, 24 marching bands, and by some of these families. I ac- came out to watch. it on TV or coming down do during that time. We The annual Santa Claus hundreds of clowns, elves, tually saw one with a little bar- “Yeah, it’s really, really and seeing it live. Plumton would always watch it as a parade entertained young and and other creatures. Another becue, grilling hot dogs!” cold, but it’s actually starting described his memories of family, but I had never seen it old for the 106th year this past Scarborough resident, Kayla The weather was a bit of to feel like Christmas being watching the parade from his live until I was part of it.” Sunday. Children and parents Grey, 20, was a first-time live an issue this year, as tempera- here,” Grey said. “I feel like small-town home. packed sidewalks along the parade watcher this year. tures dropped below freez- a kid again.” “We used to watch it on T o view a photo gallery of five-kilometre parade route “I’ve never ventured down ing. It didn’t stop the crowds With the parade running TV, and we always made this the parade, visit to get a glimpse of various here to see it live before. I can’t though, and Grey said that since 1905, many have child- terrible popcorn, and it was torontoobserver.ca Board shares art with AGO Chinatown hits big screen Nadia Persaud borough Civic Centre was The Observer turned into a packed theatre. Trustee seeks to bring back paintings for school loan program “I noticed there was a lot A young man, larger than of young Chinese artists and Kimberlee life on the silver screen, filmmakers, and I thought it nancekivell points out his favourite parts would be great to get every- The Observer of Toronto’s downtown Chi- one in a room together and natown be- see what we Pieces of the Toronto Dis- fore looking can put to- trict School Board’s multi- straight into gether,” Col- million-dollar art collection the camera lier said. are leaving home, but at least and declaring, Direc- one trustee hopes they’ll be “I’m Vietnam- tor Heather back for a visit. ese.” Keung used “The [Art Gallery of On- “The idea of old home vid- tario] is a wonderful envi- Chinatown is eo footage for ronment for us to have the very unifying her segment artwork in, but it would be in that every- The idea of of Suite Suite even nicer if we can actu- body knows Chinatown. ally have some of these art- what it is,” Chinatown “My work works in the schools,” said said Aram Siu was inspired Gary Crawford, Scarborough Wai Collier, is very by the idea of Southwest trustee and Ward project direc- “ creating our 36 councillor-elect. “One of tor of the mov- unifying own histories the things we’re looking at ie, Suite Suite — Aram Siu and our own is a loan program where we Chinatown, memories would actually be able to part of the Wai Collier through home loan some of these paintings 14th Toronto archival mov- out to schools.” Reel Asian In- ies,” Keung Any artwork valued over kimberlee nancekivell/The Observer ternational Film Festival. said. Her part of the film fo- $10,000 was removed from Trustee and councillor-elect Gary Crawford, with his own artwork in his home, wants The project asked seven cused on her family gather- Toronto schools and placed to ensure students have easy access to the school board’s art collection. Chinese-Canadian film- ing for a huge feast. in a vault two years ago over makers a personal question: “I grew up in Mississauga security concerns. Though Crawford’s plan curatorial team making a scheduled to open next fall. What’s your version of Chi- but going into Chinatown as “We realized we had some to return some of the pricier selection that will come on “This is an absolutely one- natown? a kid always meant big fam- very expensive paintings art to the schools remain display,” said Kelly McKin- of-a-kind arrangement to “It was a good idea that ily gatherings,” Keung said. that could easily disappear,” wishful thinking for the mo- ley, director of education and bring a school board with an could go in a lot of different The half-hour film was ac- Crawford said. ment, the school board and public programming for the art collection together with a areas and we were all brought companied by live music and There were also conserva- the AGO are moving ahead AGO. major art museum,” McKin- together by an ethnic thread,” Angie Molina and Arthur Yeung tion concerns with paintings with their new partnership. The paintings will be dis- ley said. “It’s a wonderful Collier said. a duo known as the Exercisers. that were not hanging in the “We’ve been to see the played in the new Weston opportunity to provide access At the Nov. 17 screening, The film festival ran from proper environment. collection and we have our Family Learning Centre, to learning for students.” the front atrium of the Scar- Nov. 9 to 15. PAGE 8- The East Toronto Observer, November 26, 2010 SPORTS Brothers check into the NHL

Bradley Anthony was drafted 25th featherstone overall in the 2003 entry The Observer draft by the Florida Pan- thers. Chris would follow in Now that they are rising his footsteps two years later, stars in the NHL, making drafted 18th in 2005 by the millions of dollars to play Colorado Avalanche, a mo- the game they love, it’s easy ment Anthony recalls as one to forget things weren’t al- his proudest. ways this way for Chris and Chris quickly found suc- Anthony Stewart. cess in the NHL. At 23, he The Stewart brothers grew led the Avalanche with 28 up poor around Galloway goals and 64 points in the and Orton Park, a notorious- 2009-2010 season. He rely rough Scarborough neigh- cently inked a two-year, bourhood known for broken $5.75 million contract with homes, gangs and drugs. The the team and is posting big Stewart family, including the numbers this season with 24 two boys and five younger points in 20 games. sisters, struggled and often Anthony, however, has jumped from one residence had a tough time since draft to another. day and has spent most of The boys did have one thing his time in the minors. He’s in common with lot’s of others scored only eight goals in kids in Canada: they dreamed over 100 games in the NHL, of making it big in the NHL. but four of those goals have “When teachers asked you come in the current season. what you wanted to be when Bradley featherstone/The Observer “The hard part isn’t get- you’re grown up, I’d always Chris Stewart (Colorado) celebrates being 18th overall draft pick in 2003 with OHL teammate Bobby Hughes. ting there, it’s staying there,” say, ‘Hockey player,’” older Anthony Stewart (upper right) poses for his hockey trading card with the Florida Panthers . A young Chris (lower Anthony said, sharing advice brother Anthony recalled. right) at age 9, holds the championship trophy for the Scarborough Young Bruins in a Buffalo tournament. once told to him. “It’s all “The teacher would always about timing and opportu- say, ‘Pick something else.’ of skates at the age of 4 and on Park Arena on Lawrence practice when he decided to close bond. The Ziemen- nity. Right now I’m getting I’d end up making some- started playing hockey at 5. Avenue. give the Stewart’s a lift. Bob dorfs would go on to help a chance to play with some thing up, like cop or some- Anthony and his dad used As they trekked down asked what time they fin- the Stewart’s through their great players and I’m just go- thing.” to take the bus to the rink, or the icy road, a car flew by ished and when the Stewart’s toughest moments and even ing to try my best to run with Anthony was born in walk if they lived near by. and suddenly stopped and walked out, he was there to helped pay for the boys to it.” La-Salle, Que. in 1985 and One cold winter morning, reversed back to them. The drive them home. play hockey. Anthony scored his first moved to Toronto the fol- 6-year-old Anthony and his man inside the car was Bob The Ziemendorfs started “If it wasn’t for [the Zie- career NHL hat trick earlier lowing year. Chris was born dad were walking through a Ziemendorf, a local Scar- driving the Stewart’s to mendorfs] I wouldn’t have this season and has 11 points in Toronto in 1987. They snowstorm at 5:30 a.m. on borough hockey dad. He hockey on a regular basis and been able to get where I am in 21 games with the Atlanta each laced up their first pair their way to a practice at Her- was driving his own son to the two families formed a today,” Anthony said. Thrashers. Sports Briefs Downsview wins TDSB city championship

Kaitlynn ford Birchmount Park poked The Observer holes in Downsview’s press by using their speed and David and Mary Birchmount Park Colle- throwing Hail Mary passes giate Institute played Downs- down the court. win OFSAA match view Secondary School in The second quarter saw the Senior Girls Tier 1 City Downsview take the lead for David and Mary Thompson Championship in the Toronto the first time, which it kept for Collegiate Institute’s girls District School Board’s sec- the rest of the game. basketball team won the ond largest division, 3A. In the last quarter, emo- OFSAA challenge match North Region’s Downs- tions were high and the game 64-18 on Nov. 17 against view beat East Region’s got a little rough. Picks were Northern Secondary School. Birchmount Park for the City set with dropped shoulders, Championship title in a close ball carriers were tripped and game at the University of outright shoved, and neither Toronto St. George’s Sports team’s players offered or ac- RH King boys Gym on Nov. 16. cepted a hand to get up from Though Birchmount Park the floor. Fans got in on the volleyball win won the tip-off and was first action, jeering at the other on the scoreboard, Downs- team and trying to disrupt RH King Academy’s boys view won the game 39-34. players at the free-throw line volleyball team won the Birchmount started the as the game winded down. OFSAA challenge match game playing well defen- Downsview finished first in against York Mills Collegiate sively, pouncing on rebounds, the North region with an un- Institute 3-1 on Nov. 18. boxing out and keeping defeated record of 6-0. Birch- Downsview off the score- mount Park finished second board even though most of the with a record of 4-1. Birchmount upset play was kept in it’s end of the Downsview finished season court. play with 397 points for and by Etobicoke The first quarter ended 12-5 only 72 points scored against. in favour of Birchmount. Birchmount Park’s record was Birchmount Park Collegiate However, Birchmount’s 205 for and 144 against. Institute’s girls basketball zone defence wasn’t able Birchmount Park finished team lost the OFSAA chal- to hold up to Downsview’s second in the Tier 1 finals, Kaitlynn ford/The Observer lenge match to Etobicoke full-court man-to-man press while Downsview finished Birchmount’s Riann Grant, #15, charges down the court to steal the ball from Downs- Collegiate Institute 53-45 throughout the duration of the first for their respective view’s breaking Cassandra Nofuente, #24, who didn’t see her coming from behind. on Nov. 17. game. regions.