ww The East York STILL YOUNG AT HEART n Seniors keep fit at Chinese Observer Logos Baptist Church. Page 3 Our 40th anniversary year... Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 41, No. 2 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, February 17, 2012

Thorncliffe tenants air complaints Tory, Wynne tour three apartment buildings

By TEONA BAETU The Observer

Depending on whom you talk to, con- ditions in three big apartment buildings on Thorncliffe Park Drive are getting worse — or better. Last week, the Thorncliffe Park Ten- ants Association invited Newstalk 1010 radio host and MPP Kathleen Wynne to visit the buildings at 71, 75 and 79 Thorncliffe Park Dr. “Cockroaches are there, mice are there, @ bed bugs are there,” said Abbas Kolia, president O of the tenants associa- Coriandré Lawrence /// Observer l For more tion. He called the build- Have a heart... East York ing “filthy,” and added, stories, Shannon Mandel (left), Joseph Laflamme and Pamela Valerio run a Valentine’s Day fundraiser at Centennial “It’s getting worse and visit worse every day.” College’s East York campus on Carlaw Avenue. The three are raising money for Leave Out Violence Everywhere (LOVE), which seeks to reduce violence in the lives of youth in the community. observer.ca And the association says that despite previ- ous rallies and involve- ment by local politicians, Q Residential, the building’s management, isn’t heeding tenants’ concerns. Tory said he would talk to Q Residen- tial, after touring the apartment buildings Grits pick candidate and speaking with tenants. “I’m going to talk to these landlords to announce the date for the byelection to replace voters that he values the community’s diversity. myself, because I know some of the people Matilda Miranda /// Observer Leader Bob Rae on hand Layton, the prime minister’s office said on Feb. 5 “I want my children to grow up in the most involved,” he said, “and just say ‘How can that the vote would take place on March 12. The diverse community possible,” Gordon said. “To- you put up with this sort of thing?’ and see for nomination meeting following day — citing an “administrative error” ronto-Danforth is extraordinarily diverse — cul- what they have to say for themselves.” By NICHOLAS PROSPERO — that was revised to March 19. turally, socially and economically. I won’t stop He also requested a list of outstanding The Observer At the Liberals’ nomination meeting three days until every person in this riding remembers that work orders, and promised that if nothing after the election was set, Gordon, president and this country was built on the Liberal values of is done, he will invite tenants onto his After confusion over the date and a flurry of creative director of Key fairness and equality.” radio show to tell their stories. party nominations, the byelection race in To- Gordon Communications The New Democrats, Gordon said, “seem to ronto-Danforth is clearer. Inc., was chosen over the speak out of both sides of their mouth. I have n See THORNCLIFFE, page 8 It’s widely expected that the real contest lead- only other Liberal in the some hard questions for the Rhodes Scholar ing up to next month’s vote will be between law running, Trifon Haitas. The (Scott) who’s running for the NDP.” professor Craig Scott, whom the NDP nomi- Liberals’ interim leader, Meanwhile, the Conservatives — who gar- nated almost six weeks ago, and the man the Bob Rae, visited Riverdale nered 14 per cent of the votes in Toronto- Liberals selected as their candidate last week: n Grant Gordon Collegiate for the nomi- Danforth in the 2011 election — nominated communications executive Grant Gordon. nation vote, along with communications consultant Andrew Keyes at a On Feb. 9, the Liberals met at Riverdale Col- deputy leader Ralph Goodale. Dennis Mills, who closed meeting on Jan. 27. legiate Institute to choose Gordon as their con- represented Toronto-Danforth on behalf of the Besides him, and Green Party candidate tender to replace , following the Liberals for 16 years before Layton, also attend- Adriana Mugnatto-Hamu, there are also two death of the MP and NDP leader last August. ed, and placed Gordon’s name in nomination. independent candidates so far: Leslie Bory and After waiting until almost the last legal moment Gordon, a resident of the riding, explained to Bahman Yazdanfar. Greens choose climate-change crusader

By SHAUN THOMPSON at the Riverdale library on Feb. 5, she defeated Beyond her commitment to global issues, she The Observer Emma Richardson and Ann Peel to earn the is also concerned with issues affecting Toronto- party’s candidacy in the March 19 byelection. Danforth on a daily basis. Adriana Mugnatto-Hamu is reprising her role Mugnatto-Hamu, born in Brazil, is fluent in “There are longstanding concerns in the rid- Teona Baetu /// Observer as Green party candidate in Toronto-Danforth. Ukrainian, Portuguese and English, and has a ing,” she said. “Our riding has one of the highest Mugnatto-Hamu has been a member of the degree in anthropology. She lives with her fam- asthma rates in the country. Toronto-Danforth is John Tory addressing tenants’ party since 2005, and got seven per cent of the ily in Riverdale and is outspoken on issues of home to the largest number of organic and lo- complaints at 71 Thorncliffe vote as the Green candidate in last year’s fed- human rights, climate change and energy sus- cal food products and people here want fair and Park Dr. eral election. At a riding association meeting tainability. honest labelling of all foods.” O 2 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 Police Whas t’ Briefs up in e.y.

Loaded gun The East York Agnes Macphail seized Recognition Com- mittee is holding The Toronto its annual public Police Service’s speaking con- Guns and Gangs test this coming Task Force found Wednesday, Feb. a loaded pistol 22, at 7 p.m. at at an apartment the East York building near Civic Centre, 850 Eglinton Avenue Coxwell Ave. and the Don The public is Valley Parkway, invited to the first after executing a Dylan C. Robertson /// Observer of 2012’s series search warrant on of public com- Feb. 6. Police also Second World War-era bungalows are being dwarfed by built-up homes as people seek the memorations of seized a quantity location and space of East York. this illustrious of cocaine, two East York politi- sets of weigh cian and social scales and cash. activist — when Calvin Prosser, Real estate prices climbing speeches written 18, is facing 11 by East York-area counts of firearm- By DYLAN C. ROBERTSON has been under “constant Two bungalows with a lot of neighbourhood you chose to students will be and drug-related The Observer renovation” over the last 10 space. That can be hard to find.” live in.” delivered in the charges. years. While she’s enjoyed While some people choose Ing-Gilbert agrees that a council chambers Linda Reid loves living on meeting new neighbours, she bungalows to accommodate community’s feel is important of the civic cen- the western edge of East York. knows house prices – as well reduced mobility, many for homeowners and suggests tre. Free parking “It’s a fabulous as her own taxes – are going homeowners add and extend concerned residents form will be in the staff neighbourhood,” she said, up drastically from when she floors at a lower price than preservation groups. parking lot lo- citing its diversity, good moved in three decades ago. buying a large house. “I think that history’s cated off of Mor- schools and nearby transit. “I could afford to move here Madeline MacKay lives in a important for our timer Avenue. Reid likes exploring local then; I couldn’t now,” Reid three-storey build-up, down the neighbourhoods,” she said. For more infor- shops and catching up with said. “I’m one of the few that street from Reid. Pitfield remembers mation, contact Police seek neighbours. This sense of are left.” “You’d never know you were pioneering real estate committee chair community, along with recent Like the rest of the city, downtown,” she said. “It feels guidelines for Leaside when Lorna Krawchuk burglar trends in the real estate market, East York house prices have like a real community. You get she was councillor for Ward at 416-425-4431 is what’s attracting people to recently been on the rise one-of-a-kind businesses and 26/Don Valley West. The or e-mail ltkraw- Police are looking East York. because of a shortage of lots to see. My son loves the community’s suggestions [email protected] for a burglar This month the National homes on the market. Last parks and the attractions.” included maintaining most of Meanwhile, the after several Post reported on a neglected week, the Canadian Real MacKay says she hears the houses’ height, materials East York His- break-ins of two-storey house next door Estate Association announced streetcars rolling by her house and distance from street. The torical Society is apartments and to Reid that fell into disrepair the average cost of a single- from her third floor on quiet guideline was “consulted like a asking for dona- office buildings after its owners took ill. family home in Toronto Sundays. bible” by the city’s adjustment tions for a plaque in East York, Though potential buyers who hit $606,600 as of January, “It’s magical,” she said. committee and promoted to on the Macphail Scarborough toured the house encountered a 50-per-cent jump in six Jane Pitfield, head of the East residents. home at 2 Done- and downtown peeling paint, piles of clothes years. That’s $100,000 higher York Historical Society and “If you had property sold gall Dr. Please Toronto. The and the smell of cat urine, the than the Canadian average former city councillor, says she beside you, you could make make cheques man was last house sold for $1 million. and slightly higher than the welcomes a mix in housing, but sure the developer knew payable to the seen using a Reid says the new owners surrounding GTA. feels it’s important to preserve about the guidelines,” Pitfield East York Founda- brick to smash a are already planning big These rising costs are the area’s identity. recalled. “Ninety per cent of the tion and mailed glass window to renovations. Linda Ing-Gilbert making East York’s Second “People choose a time, just by talking about it, I to EYHS, 10 McK- gain entry to a is a realtor, based in East York. World War-era bungalows neighbourhood because found that builders and private ayfield Rd., East building on Oak “A lot of people move attractive, as buyers can build of the character of the citizens who owned the land York, ON, M4J Street, in the for location,” she said. onto these smaller homes to fit neighbourhood,” she said. tried to get it right because they 4P7. Riverdale area. “Everything else in a home their needs. “When the character begins to wanted to conform and build Finally, the They’ve released can be changed.” “What East York offers is change it does affect real estate something that would fit into Macphail com- a photo of the Reid knows this well. more land,” Ing-Gilbert said. values potentially and all of a the neighbourhood, knowing it mittee reminds suspect. She said her neighbourhood “There are lots of World War sudden it doesn’t feel like the was important.” residents of the Agnes Macphail Award ceremony Misdialed 911 at the civic centre Police give warning of home break-ins on March 24 at 7 calls down p.m. The award By SUNNIE HUANG relations officer for Toronto (workers) would be in,” secured. recognizes an Police say East The Observer Police Service, said the same Kwong said. “If you know “If you as a resident feel East Yorker for Yorkers and other individual or group is likely there should be no work done something is wrong, you outstanding vol- Torontonians Police are reminding East behind these incidents, based on the weekend, let someone should call us,” she said. unteer work. are getting the York residents to be extra on the close proximity of the know.” “These are the calls that we message about vigilant following a rash of two houses and the similar Const. Ingrid Hannah, a appreciate.” accidental 911 break-ins in the area over the nature of the crimes. crime prevention officer from Crime prevention officers calls. They past few weeks. He said that the suspects 54 Division, said common are available on the phone or continue to urge A vacant house under might keep the tools or pawn sense is more helpful than in person to speak to residents. people to lock renovation near Victoria Park them for cash. panic when it comes to home They also talk at condo their phones. In and St. Clair avenues was Kwong said it is difficult security. meetings, neighbourhood the event of a broken into twice in January. to keep tabs on houses under Hannah noted that simple gatherings and community misdial, users A total of $4,500 worth of renovation because of the tasks, such as taking out the group meetings. @ should remain equipment and tools was traffic on site. Not all residents recycling and bringing in “It’s much easier to prevent O on the line and stolen. hire contractors to stay on the bin on time, make homes than to have to undo all the l For more info on let the operator A similar incident took the premises. Owners should appear lived-in. Homeowners damage afterward,” Hannah keeping your home se- know that no place at a house near St. Clair negotiate the responsibility of can also purchase several light said. cure, go to http://www. assistance is Avenue and O’Connor Drive, home security with contractors timers and set them to come on Residents with information torontopolice.on.ca/ needed. where tools were also missing beforehand, he advised. at different times. If a house is or concerns are asked to call crimeprevention/homes- ~ Sunnie Huang after a break-in. “It’s always good to have left vacant for renovations, the non-emergency number ecurity.php Const. Victor Kwong, media neighbours know when windows and doors should be 416-808-2222. The East York Observer /// Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 NEWS 3 n POLICE SHOOTING It’s the real thing: Coke pops off to downtown

By REBECCA STECKHAM The Observer

East York’s loss is downtown Toronto’s gain as the Thorncliffe community waves goodbye to Coca-Cola headquarters over the next year. Coca-Cola Canada headquarters, located on Overlea Boulevard since being built in 1965, is moving to a more modern location to provide the company with new, fresh ways of functioning. According to the principal at ERA Architects Inc., Mi- chael McClelland, the appeal has to do with quality of life issues downtown. “They like things like the pedestrian aspect of it, the fact that there is lots of shops and stores,” McClelland said. “They’re attracting people to work for them…. They want Kristopher Morrison /// Observer to work in the downtown core.” According to Toronto Star urban issues columnist Chris- Police taped off R&S Convenience store at the corner of Woodington and Sammon avenues after topher Hume, locating downtown has become a trend for Michael Eligon reportedly entered and stole two pairs of scissors, before being fatally shot in a businesses. nearby confrontation with police. EMS was on the scene tending to the clerk inside. “People want to be in the city again,” Hume said. “In the last two to three years, all of a sudden corporations, businesses are opening or under construction (downtown). That would never have happened five to 10 years ago. It’s part of a much larger trend.” SIU probes shooting Hume points to the Royal Bank, a large corporation building its headquarters at Queens Quay. Man, 29, shot and jack a hospital employee near disappear behind the homes. ken glass and chip bags lay Coca-Cola may anticipate that moving to a busier area Woodington and Sammon av- “I was so scared,” the wit- scattered on the floor. No wit- will invigorate its presence with the general public. How- killed by police after enues, about half a block away ness said. nesses reported seeing EMS ever, its relocation removes a key landmark from the from Toronto East General Reports indicate the man take anyone away for medical Thorncliffe Park business community. carjacking attempt Hospital. was then seen waving scissors treatment. The area, originally conceptualized as housing many The witness, an elderly while trying to enter a house Officials from the Special businesses, has not evolved as planned, and that lack of By KRISTOPHER MORRISON woman who asked for ano- on Milverton. Investigations Unit were also maturation may have influenced Coca-Cola’s decision. at the convenience store and The Observer nymity, said the man managed That’s where he was even- “Thorncliffe is a very interesting neighbourhood but to get one foot in the employ- tually shot, but Toronto police the house where the shooting they need to look at how they can make themselves better The province’s Special ee’s car as the female driver and EMS workers were also took place. to entice companies like Coca-Cola to stay around,” Mc- Investigations Unit is look- was getting out. on the scene at R&S Conve- Angela Pappaianni, a me- Clelland said. ing into the fatal shooting of The driver, whom the wit- nience store, near the scene dia relations representative for So far, the distinctive building’s future has yet to be de- a 29-year-old man by police ness recognized, yelled at the of the attempted carjacking, Toronto East General Hospi- cided. Buildings that are abandoned enter a process where on Milverton Boulevard near man and was able to pull him where the man appears to have tal, confirmed that the hospital the city determines if the building can be repurposed for Coxwell Avenue on Feb. 3. away. The witness said the gone on a rampage after steal- never went into lockdown, but other use. Both Hume and McClelland hope that comes An eyewitness told the Ob- man then ran off. ing two pairs of scissors. would not comment further. to pass. server that she saw the man, As the employee called po- Right after the shooting a “We’re co-operating with “Most people don’t really care about architecture in the Michael Eligon, dressed in a lice, the witness said she saw few blocks away, investigators the police investigation at this postwar period,” Hume said. “But I think the best thing hospital gown and brandish- the suspect run up a driveway could be seen speaking with time,” Pappaianni said in a would be to keep it. It’s a period piece, spirit of the time.” ing scissors, attempting to car- on Woodington Avenue and the clerk inside the store. Bro- telephone interview. Program helps seniors stay young at heart

isolated when their children leave for work,” since 1975. It initially be- nity and community,” she said. Neighbourhood Link provides she said. “They come to find a place where gan as a seniors’ group The agency also offers programs at its 11 everything from Ping-Pong they can make friends and do something good that was started Coatsworth Cres. location. for themselves.” by members There, seniors can play Sony Wii and to ballroom dancing classes The program runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and take part in carpet bowling and armchair involves stretching exercises, traditional Chi- yoga. By LILIAN ASANTE nese line dancing, ballroom dancing and Ping- of the “If we can assist them in their The Observer Pong, as well as such activities as painting, ka- East homes with eating properly, get- From the basement of the Toronto Chinese raoke and sing-alongs. York com- ting proper exercise and ensuring Logos Baptist Church, the sound of seniors sing- Mary Wong, 76, has been retired for over munity who they take their medication,” ing a popular Christmas carol — Do You Hear 10 years. She said she always tries to attend wanted to help their Fairburn said, “then it What I Hear? — spills out onto Amroth Avenue. the program because it’s a great way for her neighbours in need. helps them live in their Although the holiday season is over, the par- to keep fit. Although the agen- homes as long as ticipants don’t care, as this group singalong is “I walk for 20-25 minutes to come here,” cy has expanded they can.” part of their Friday fitness routine. Wong said. “It is better than staying at home its services to It’s an example of one of the programs hosted and watching TV, which can sometimes get you newcomers and by Neighbourhood Link Support Services, head- down; here I can be active.” youth, Fairburn quartered at 3036 Danforth Ave. near Victoria The program’s members range in age from 60 said much of Park, to help East York-area seniors stay active. to 92, Pang said, and they’re all quite lively. what it does Phebe Pang is the community worker for the “One of our members is 91 years old,” she is still direct- organization’s Chinese program. It’s important, noted. “He also teaches the ballroom dancing ed at seniors. she said, because it helps keep seniors feeling class.” “Part of our role is young and prevents them from getting lonely. Marketing manager Lorie Fairburn said to help seniors live in- n Photo by Lilian Asante “Many of them in the community can feel so Neighbourhood Link has been assisting seniors dependently with dig- 4 ARTS&LIFE The East York Observer /// Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 Ball hockey team heading overseas The Withrow Park Ball Hockey League sends players to Czech Republic

By SHAUN THOMPSON York’s southern edge has The Observer shown remarkable support to the team in the build- If the success of the up to the tournament. The Withrow Knights is any in- league has been active dication, ball hockey is no since 1976, with partici- longer just a sport played pation and its popularity on suburban streets and growing annually. family driveways. “There has been tremen- The Withrow Park Ball dous community support Hockey League’s (WPB- on many levels. We’ve held HL) master’s division team, a series of community fun- with players 40 and older, draising events and there Photo courtesy of Charles Kadin are heading overseas to is actually a contingent of face off against the sport’s supporters from the com- Charles Kadin is pictured next to his painting, The Griffon Gunner. The painting is exhibited by the Air top teams at the World Ball munity – family and friends Force Museum of Alberta. Hockey Championships in – who plan on coming Pilsen, Czech Republic on over with us to the Czech Sept. 12. Republic to cheer us on,” For the first time, the Abramowicz said. Canadian Ball Hockey As- With an average player sociation (CBHA) is send- age of 46.5, the Knights Artist’s labour of love ing two men’s master’s will be the oldest team at teams to the international the tournament, but won’t tournament. The first spot let that deter them. a load of fuel and he’s gone.” automatically goes to Team “I anticipate that our team Aviation inspires Such are the perks of being Canada. However, the therapist won’t get a lot of Leaside resident an artist in the U.S. Air Force CBHA decided to give the time off once the tourna- art program. second spot to a team rep- ment starts,” Abramowicz “You go to anywhere the resenting the vibrant ball said. “We’ve got some age- By SCOTT BARBER U.S. Air Force finds itself,” he hockey community, and ing bones and muscles out The Observer said. “You fly with them.” chose the Knights. there, but most of the guys Kadin’s access to military “With respect to select- on the team have been play- On clear summer days bases and airstrips gives him ing Withrow, it was both ing together for years. We when school was out and the control over the content and the strength of the Withrow have a fair bit of experience ball games were over, Charles composition of his paintings. league – we have a good and we hope to make up for Kadin would hang around the Using his camera “like a rifle,” strong team that will be the fact that maybe we’re shoreline of Lake . he photographs the aircraft able to compete at that going to be a little bit older Somewhere between Fort York and scenes he will paint. level – and also that it’s than the other teams.” and the Exhibition grounds, he When he is unable to take a a truly great recreational The Withrow Park Ball would watch visitors from the picture, Kadin relies on refer- league. It’s a focal point Hockey League operates Royal Norwegian Air Force ence material. for our community and a out of the Withrow Park zip by overhead as they flew In the case of Griffon Gun- really positive community Rink on Carlaw Avenue, in and out of the airstrip at To- ner, he met with a Chinook experience,” said Lenny just south of the Danforth, ronto Island. Squadron leader who provided Abramowicz, the team’s between April and Sep- “I would go down to the wa- authentic photographs and a co-director of hockey and tember. Fundraising for the terfront and sit on the parapets first-hand narrative. a player travelling to the Knights is ongoing, and all to watch the airplanes off in In that painting, Kadin fo- Czech Republic. community support is wel- the distance,” Kadin said. “I cused on “the man behind the The community on East come. had a fascination for anything Dillon rotary gun and the job that went up in the air.” he was entrusted with.” Using Kadin’s interest in aviation pictures of the desert back- was put on the backburner for ground, as well as the Chinook Family health centre a while as he pursued a career and three different gunners (in as a graphic artist. order to ensure the accuracy of But after five decades in the helmet, uniform and gun set for spring opening design and art direction with position), the artist illustrated Eaton’s and Harlequin Books, how Griffon gunners protect By TICHAONA Centre is aimed at trying his passion for aircraft took Chinook helicopters in Af- TAPAMBWA to have the skills available flight once again, when the ghanistan. The Observer that cover the full range Leaside resident discovered Kadin’s painting talents are from medical care to social the United States Air Force not reserved for our southern Construction of a new services,” Allan Carswell, art program. neighbours, though. He is also East York family health a retired doctor and chair- “My friend told me the a founding member of the Ca- centre is nearly complete. man of the board at Optech United States Air Force had an nadian Aviation Artists Asso- Located at 1871 Dan- Inc., said. art program and that they as- ciation and his work is exhib- forth Avenue, the South Carswell also donated signed people to go on military ited at a number of Canadian East Toronto Family $1 million to the facility trips,” he said. “I thought I had museums. Health Team’s (SETFHT) shortly before Christmas. died and gone to heaven.” While his art has been new building promises to “I was brought up in the Kadin, 76, has experienced displayed in magazines and transform local primary area and am closely con- the military in ways that most awarded prizes in juried com- and community patient nected to it,” Carswell can only dream about. petitions, recognition was care. Highlights include said. “I’ve been in a KC-135 do- never the primarily goal for improved infection con- The SETFHT is affiliated ing air-to-air refueling,” he Kadin. trol, increased privacy for with Toronto East General said. “You watch an F-16 sud- “It’s a labour of love,” he patients and families and Hospital and the Universi- denly appear out of nowhere, said. “The worst thing in the enhanced accessibility. ty of Toronto, and is sched- the boom comes out and in two world is to be bored and this Canadaarm2 (top) and Fall of an Arrow (bottom), “The Family Health Care uled to open this spring. and a half minutes you’ve got keeps my head going.” two of Charles Kadin’s paintings. The East York Observer /// Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 ARTS&LIFE 5 Prince of African- Caribbean culture Althea Prince ana are the largest that the city receives,” she said. speaks about “There are businesses, strides in education, cultural Afro-Caribbean production. There has been contributions a lot of cultural production. The contribution in terms across the GTA of economy is phenomenal. Our contribution in educa- By JODEE BROWN tion is phenomenal.” The Observer Prince thinks the biggest Jobs, money and culture challenges facing African- n Althea Prince all affect a country’s devel- Caribbean people in Canada opment, and one speaker come when they’re trying to aims to ensure that contribu- sharing the history of Ma- settle here. tions offered by a section of roons in the Caribbean and “The largest obstacles are Canada’s black community facts about African-Carib- always the ones that prevent aren’t overlooked. bean societal contributions you from having food, shel- On Saturday, the Pape- to Canada with a rapt audi- ter and work,” she said. “For Danforth branch of the To- ence. African-Caribbean people ronto Public Library held “It Prince, who teaches so- this means acceptance; lack started with the Maroons: ciology at Ryerson Univer- of acceptance may be the Caribbean Roots” in Can- sity’s G. Raymond Chang largest obstacle.” ada, an event dedicated to School of Continuing Edu- Prince believes that na- exploring settlement expe- cation, pointed to the suc- tionwide, schools need to riences for Afro-Caribbean cess of the Caribana Festi- introduce more teachings on people in Canada. val as an example of how the history of African-Ca- Prominent Antiguan-Ca- African-Caribbean people ribbean people in Canada, nadian author and profes- contribute greatly to prog- given that Black History Tatiana Herman /// Observer sor Althea Prince hosted the ress in the GTA. Month only tells footnotes Fancy footwork Black History Month event, “The profits from Carib- of a long tale. Joey Donovan skates with ease as she shows her dad, Dan Donovan, her moves at East York’s Evergreen Brick Works skating rink. Writer discovers her roots and advocates for orphans Visit to Pier 21 had actually died in 1985. In ABOUT THE AUTHOR her research, she even came sheds new light across a photograph of the n Sandra Joyce once worked as a publicist for dozen children who arrived in on family’s history CBS Records Canada from the same orphan- age in 1925. n By DYLAN C. ROBERTSON She’s currently writing a sequel to her first Joyce, who is working on novel, which she said was “the hardest thing I’ve The Observer a sequel to her first novel, is ever done in my life.” pushing for awareness of this A few years after her fa- episode of history. Her book’s ther’s death, Sandra Joyce vis- Society on Jan. 31 at the S. as domestic or farm labourers. foreword is written by MPP ited Halifax. She stopped by Walter Stewart library branch. Seen as “deviants” on both Jim Brownell, whose grand- the Canadian Museum of Im- Though the characters are fic- sides of the Atlantic, they had mother was a home child from migration at Pier 21 to check tional, her book sticks closely derogatory nicknames. the same Scottish orphanage. if they had records of her fa- to the history of home chil- Government monitors were With Joyce’s help, he en- ther’s arrival in Canada. dren. The novel took Joyce only interested in whether acted an annual British Home “It says here: ‘Orphan four years of research and a farmers were satisfied with the Child Day. Her book launched Homes of Scotland’,” the Eng- trip to the Scottish orphan children’s behaviour — while on the inaugural commemora- lish teacher says, now pointing house where her father lived. many children suffered isola- tion, on Sept. 28, 2011. to a copy of the document that “It’s very rewarding, but tion and abuse. The program Estimates say roughly 10 changed her family history. also the hardest thing I’ve ever was finally ended after a num- per cent of descend “I never knew he was an or- done in my life,” Joyce said. ber of suicides. from home children. Britain phan.” Faced with crowded orphan She recalls growing distant had smaller child emigration It was a discovery that houses following the First from her father and says many schemes with Australia, New would lead to publishing a World War, Britain created a descendants of home children Zealand and South Africa. With- book and travelling halfway scheme, in connection with never got to know their family in the past decade, Australia and across the world. Canada’s agriculture depart- members and their history. the United Kingdom have apolo- The Street Arab: The Story ment, to send young labour- “These children were not gized, but Canada has only is- of a British Home Child is ers to the sparsely populated able to form relationships very sued a statement of “regret.” Joyce’s first novel. Based on colony. Some were sent over easily. While I was a child he “As Canadians, we tend to her father’s life, it tells the in boats that shipped Canadian was very sweet, but as I got think of ourselves as advo- Dylan C. Robertson /// Observer story of one of the 100,000 or- timber to Britain, since they older he grew away from me,” cates of human rights and free- Author Sandra Joyce points to a photocopy of phans that Britain sent to Can- were empty for return routes. Joyce said. dom. And here we were doing the pier record that revealed her father was an ada between 1869 and 1939. The children, who mostly Although she was told from things to children not so long orphan. The discovery led her to write a book Joyce spoke to members came from large cities, were birth that her grandmother was ago. So how can we point the about the British home children. of the East York Historical sent to rural Canada to work dead, Joyce found out that she finger at other countries?” 6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 n editorials n Column ‘Broken windows’ Mutual respect, please ecently, there have been a few blemishes flaring up on the usually serene and Rpleasant face of East York. t’s been six years since a cer- came back in time for the audi- Fair enough. The breakout has come in some disturbing forms. One was an armed robbery at Itain theatre chain that I happen ence to read the epilogue of the But it isn’t just at the theatre the Castries barber shop on Fulton Avenue. Another was the case of a man dressed to work for removed the word story before the credits began to where I’ve noticed that some peo- in a hospital gown and wielding scissors, then shot by police. But the police blotter “customer” from their company roll. But that didn’t stop a lineup ple seem to go above-and-beyond column of this newspaper and others lists more mundane occurences — that many in vocabulary and replaced it with from forming at the guest services to try to get freebies. the community (understandably) dismiss. These are the cases of minor crimes in quiet “guest.” So “customer service” counter — a lineup of mov- My favourite example may communities around Toronto that don’t register on our collective radar. became “guest service,” and “next ie-goers asking for passes be a story told by a friend of It’s only when we’re shaken by an incident like the one on Milverton Boulevard customer in line” turned into “next for their next movie to mine who works with me at two weeks ago that some sense crime with a capital C. Then, of course, it’s too late. guest in line.” compensate for those the theatre, who said that a According to Toronto police statistics, there have been about 29 shootings involv- Even their new philosophy, few seconds when “guest” actually resorted ing 39 victims so far in 2012. For the most part, East York has been limited to “lesser” “The Guest is Why…,” is printed the screen went to dirty name-calling criminal activity. on the back of employees’ nam- to black. — in front of her But we’re reminded of what then-mayor Rudolph Giuliani taught us from the streets etags. And they young children of New York City a decade ago: When you crack down on petty crimes — even things A guest is someone you’d invite got their — when my like vandalism — the rate of major crime will drop. Prof. Vincent Henry of the U.S. over to your home. It’s someone passes. friend pointed Homeland Security Management Institute wrote about this “broken windows” theory, whose presence you value enough My ques- out that the film calling minor crimes “criminogenic — when left untended, they subtly convey a mes- to bring them into your personal tion is: Where she wanted to take sage that disorder and incivility prevail, that social controls have broken down and that space. do you draw the her kids into was no one really cares about the neighbourhood in which they occur. This message often Under those circumstances, line? rated 18A and not translates to the idea that such conditions are somehow acceptable and that because we’re no longer in the business Most custom- really meant for 3-5 minor offences are acceptable, more serious ones must be as well.” of serving, but rather in the busi- ers deal in good year-olds. “Ultimately,” Prof. Henry wrote, “if minor offences are left unchecked, they lead to ness of pleasing — overtly. But if faith. And maybe The result of the more serious crime.” someone is a guest, isn’t a certain there were some altercation? Free passes Now seems to be the time for residents to call community meetings and analyze level of etiquette expected of them cinephiles in the for mommy dearest. strategies with police to help keep this community safer. There is strength in numbers as well? It goes both ways, right? Moneyball audi- That old service adage, and together we can addresss the looming threat. Having worked for one of the ence for whom the customer is always With organizations such as the Crime Prevention Association of Toronto along with chain’s theatres for the past four the movie was right, certainly has its the police, residents can get help to move in the right direction. It would be fitting for years, I’ve seen over-the-top cus- ruined by the mo- place. But it seems to our city councillors to help lead this process of addressing this previously inconspicu- tomer service accommodation. mentarily blank me that in some quarters, ous issue. I remember the time when I screen. OK. And I among some people, So East Yorkers, the time to take a stand is now — and not when you’re dialing 911. was watching Moneyball (not in get it when there’s it’s gotten a little out of ~ Coriandre Lawrence uniform) and at the very end of the a strand of hair in hand. Customers seem film the projected image went dark that bag of to have gained a for maybe 20 seconds — hardly popcorn and sense of entitle- enough to make an impact on the you want a Leigh Cavanaugh ment and lost their A chance for vision two-hour film. In fact, the picture new bag. sense of respect. he once-popular Ontario Place, located on Toronto’s waterfront, was opened Tin 1971. In its first year, it brought in over 2.5 million guests. But that number has dropped steadily over the years — to the point that, this month, the province announced that it’s shutting most of the park down for a reassessment. With nine separate groups of architects all lunging at the chance to express their End a shameful practice visions for Ontario Place — not to mention all of the armchair architects out there — there’s no shortage of ideas about what to do with the site: ideas like a shoreline hroughout history, humans these noble and loyal creatures. animals’ extreme response in the neighbourhood, public boardwalks, even a waterfront casino (although the idea of a Thave been fascinated and in- Even if you have never been “kill chute.” Horses have an in- shoreline or downtown casino was sharply rebuked at Tuesday’s Toronto-East York spired by horses. We have a long around horses or experienced the stinctive flight response and will community council meeting). history of companionship with thrill of riding one of these mag- often thrash their heads in the kill Steven Dale, an urban planner with Creative Urban Projects, has a few suggestions nificent animals, you have surely chute, making it difficult to accu- of his own for Ontario Place. Dale’s ideas include some sort of transit link for easier been captivated by their image in rately stun them prior to slaughter. connectivity to the park from the city’s core. That might make the park more of a books and films. They are sometimes shot three or destination for East Yorkers and others who now feel at a distance and out of touch. It’s unfathomable to me how four times before they are finally This plan to better connect the city to the park could only benefit the East York horses could be slaughtered for dead. area. It would create more accessibility not only for weekend escapes, but in terms food — and yet there are seven Shocking video footage of economic development (translation: jobs). But Dale goes further; he wants better horse slaughterhouses in Canada. obtained by the Horse Defence connectivity to link other tourist attractions as well, including Yonge-Dundas Square In 2007, horse slaughter was Coalition of Canada clearly shows and East York’s Greektown. banned in the United States. But the terror experienced by the So East York residents and other Torontonians removed from the vicinity of the horse-killing industry in Can- horses… who are seen shaking Ontario Place still have a stake in the redevelopment of the park and its new place in ada has responded to U.S. slaugh- violently, falling, unable to stand the GTA. While concrete plans may be a long way off, let’s not overlook the fact that terhouse closures with a colossal from fear. there’s an opportunity to exploit the considerable potential that the site represents for effort to cash in. Canada is rapidly Their final experience is also the benefit of East York and the rest of the city. becoming the horse slaughter the worst betrayal that we humans ~ Rebecca Steckham capital of the world. could possibly inflict on these Horses are not raised for trusting creatures. slaughter. They are not traditional Animal advocacy groups are food animals. They have been working towards implementing Letter: LRT issues, solutions raised in close human contact for Bill C-322, legislation that will Kudos to Nicholas columnist. The situation Toronto traffic is that racing, ranch work and pleasure ban horse slaughter in Canada Prospero for his honesty will only worsen unless cars mostly carry one riding. This sudden treatment as well as the importing and ex- (column: LRT may cause something is done, and passenger. Maybe Mr. as pure livestock disorients and porting of horses to slaughter in drivers problems, Feb. 3). the LRT won’t solve Prospero or someone else frightens them, compounding Canada. But he sounded everything — but it will could investigate that for their suffering. For more information, visit selfish — promoting his get transit done faster and the Observer. Veterinary experts have www.defendhorsecanda.org. And individual solution… cheaper. David Kidd Valentina denounced horse slaughter as urge our MPs to support Bill not the best stance for a One big problem in East York Krgovic inherently inhumane, due to the C-322.

The East York The East York Observer is published by Centen- F aculty Editors Managing Editor copy Editors nial College journalism students at the East York Lindy Oughtred Coriandré Lawrence Tatiana Herman campus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. P.O. Box Stephen Cogan Assignment editor Michael Baghel 631, Stn. A, Scarborough, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Louie Piacentini Scott Barber production editors Observer [email protected]. Telephone 416- Dave Johnny photo editor Teona Baetu 289-5107, Fax 416-289-5111 Andrew Mair Aldis Brennan Evan De Souza The East York Observer /// Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 FEATURES 7 Let’s talk future

By VALENTINA KRGOVIC The Observer

The automotive future is on display at Evergreen Brick Works this month. The community centre with an environmental Paulina Pestryakov /// Observer orientation is hosting The anti-suicide fence on the Bloor viaduct has eliminated the average 17 suicides per year from the bridge — but a British the “Better Place study said that the city-wide rate of people taking their lives is essentially unchanged. Demonstration Centre” until Feb. 29 to educate visitors about electric cars. Who Killed the Electric Car? was a 2006 documentary examining Barrier a qualified success how oil companies played a role in suppressing ‘Luminous veil’ the Schizophrenia Society of once every 22 days. That put it veil consists of vertical beams said the number was holding the development and Ontario was instrumental in second only to San Francisco’s rising from the edges of the steady at around 54 per year. adoption of electric cars. stops jumpers — developing the barrier. Golden Gate Bridge as a ven- bridge and supporting hori- The authors speculated that One company that is but suicides steady And despite questions about ue for people taking their lives zontal beams running along people are simply finding oth- helping to resurrect electric its ultimate effectiveness in by jumping. their tops. Those beams, in er means of committing sui- vehicles today is Better deterring despondent people The Schizophrenia Soci- turn, act as curtain rods — and cide, including other bridges Place, headquartered at By PAULINA from taking their lives, the ety’s East York chapter took closely spaced cables are hung and tall buildings. PESTRYAKOV the Evergreen campus on society still considers it a life- a leadership role in the years- from them to block anyone Still, other tall structures Bayview Avenue. The Observer saver. long campaign to get the bar- from jumping off. An addi- around the world have anti- Better Place describes Suspended high above the rier put up. tional aid can be seen at each suicide barriers — like the itself as a global company As the “luminous veil” en- Don Valley, the Prince Ed- According to Graeme Sto- end of the viaduct: signs with Empire State Building and the developing a mobility ters its 10th year of suicide ward Viaduct — as the Bloor rey of the SSO, “30 to 40 per several phone numbers for Eiffel Tower. solution that provides an prevention at East York’s Street bridge between Broad- cent of those suffering from emergency counselling. Storey said the SSO still alternative to gasoline. southwest corner, the Bloor view and Bayview avenues is schizophrenia commit sui- But while the installa- considers the veil to be a sig- With the support of the Street bridge’s now-familiar properly known — was once cide.” tion has stopped people from nificant accomplishment. Ontario Ministry of see-through barrier is a quali- infamous for its high number He added: “The Schizo- jumping off the viaduct, a “Even though it didn’t help Economic Development fied success, according to the of suicide jumps. In 1997, a re- phrenia Society deals with 2010 study published in a Brit- to entirely eliminate suicide and Trade, Better Place local organization that helped port from the SSO stated that people suffering and their ish journal said that the num- rates in Toronto, the barrier is is running its electric spearhead its installation. people threw themselves off family members.” ber of suicides across Toronto an extra step in reducing sui- car demonstration at the The East York chapter of the bridge at an average rate of Simplified, the luminous had not changed. The study cides,” he said. Brick Works — including an electric car-charging network and an education and demonstration centre. Part of Evergreen’s mandate is promoting Full-day kindergarten on a rollercoaster ride initiatives around sustainable living. It By SCOTT BARBER East York/Ward 11 Trustee provides a venue where The Observer Angela Kennedy. environmental innovators In many cases, there simply and companies can share The province’s on-again/ isn’t enough space to accom- ideas and present emerging off-again full-day kindergar- modate every student at his or clean technologies. ten program appears to be on her desired school. Sarah Marchionda, the again, after Finance Minis- As a result, some school ad- host at the demonstration ter Dwight Duncan said this ministrators have contradicted centre, explained the week that Queen’s Park will the board’s open access policy necessity of adopting not follow consultant Don and created boundary restric- electric vehicles. Drummond’s recommenda- tions themselves. But this “The easiest and most tion to save money by drop- has left a number of families, cost-effective way an ping it. some of which already have individual can make to Full-day kindergarten start- children attending the schools reduce greenhouse gases ed in a few schools last school in question, on waiting lists. is to replace their fossil- year, but it’s supposed to be “I’ve had some calls from fuelled car with an electric ramped up to 1,700 schools parents who’ve been turned car powered by renewable by this September. away from Holy Cross,” Ken- energy,” she said. If all-day kindergarten sur- nedy said. “So we’ve asked An average car produces vives, East York’s Holy Name the board to follow our policy more than four tons of and Holy Cross Catholic so that there are no boundaries emissions each year. schools are scheduled to insti- for our local schools.” So switching to electric tute it this fall. She expects the issue to be vehicles can deliver a But unlike their public resolved shortly, so that par- big reduction in carbon school counterparts, these ents will not have to worry emissions. Every 100,000 schools have the added chal- about sending their children electric cars on the road lenge of handling the student to separate schools. powered by 100 per cent influx without boundary re- “According to our policy, renewable energy would strictions. they would have to admit prevent approximately The Toronto Catholic Dis- those students even if they 400,000 tonnes of carbon trict School Board (TCDSB) were outside of the catchment Aldis Brennan /// Observer emissions per year. policy of open access to areas the schools have arbi- Angela Kennedy, separate school board trustee for East York, participates schools has resulted in admis- trarily decided upon,” Ken- in the first board meeting of the new year at the Catholic Education Centre sions problems, according to nedy said. on Jan. 26. 8 FEATURES The East York Observer /// Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 Workshop adding another East York senior preserves proud piece to the autism puzzle family history

Seminar leaders By ZENAIRA ALI called. advocate taking a The Observer Throughout her childhood, Crook felt the military influ- lifelong approach As East York senior Joyce ence in her life. Crook sat at her kitchen table, “You know with youngsters, when working much of which was covered they’re always falling down with war memorabilia, she and skinning their knees. And with autism reflected on her family’s past I’d go to my father and he’d with a smile on her face — go, ‘Oh! She’s been a brave By CORTNEY COOK and tears in her eyes. little soldier. I’m going to ban- The Observer For three generations, the dage her up like the soldiers Crook family has dedicated do,’” she said. “You know, I With practical, life-long itself to war efforts. It started wasn’t a ‘brave little girl,’ but planning for children and with her grandfather. a ‘brave little soldier.’” adults and a special focus “My grandfather was in the Her father taught her about on physical impairments British army,” Crook said. the different ranks, from pri- such as deafness, autism “I’ve come from a military vate to general, and the han- research specialists Barbara family.” dling positions for rifles. Doyle and Emily Illand are The Crooks have resided in “He’d get a broom to show hoping to change the way East York for a century. Joyce me as a child. people see autism. Crook’s father, the late Albert ‘Soldier arms Today (Feb. 17) and to- Crook — known as “Bert” by and pres- morrow, Autism Ontario is his loved ones — left Wales ent arms!’ hosting From Diagnosis to for Canada in 1912. He made a @ Daily Living: A Lifelong Soon afterward, he and his game out of O Approach to Working with elder brother joined the Ca- it. I loved it,” l For more on Individuals with an ASD. nadian Army and served over- Crook said. this story, The workshop will be held seas. When the please visit at the Japanese-Canadian “The older brother was Second World us online at toronto Cultural Centre, 6 Gara- killed in 1917,” Crook said. War came, observer.ca mond Court, on the edge of “It was from a shell. A shell Bert support- ed efforts in East York. Photo courtesy of Fotolia exploded and several of them Doyle and Illand will were killed.” Canada while be running the workshop the high demand of readers in long and once we started, we Durham. She began planning According to Crook, her working for Massey-Harris, a themselves. The sisters also the U.S. who speak Spanish couldn’t stop.” Doyle and Illand’s visit last father worked with the Royal company specializing in farm wrote the award-winning as their first language. Tiffany MacDonald is the July. Canadian Engineers as a “lis- machinery. book Autism Spectrum “It took us four years to family support co-ordinator “I started researching their tener.” “When the war started, they Disorders from A-Z in write that book together,” for Autism Ontario for the work and really enjoyed what It was his job to go deep stopped making farm imple- 2004. Doyle said. “It’s 400 pages regions of Peterborough and they spoke about.… Since into tunnels and listen with ments and they turned their “I’ve been the field July, we’ve been having a stethoscope-like device work to the war effort. They of disability services for weekly conferences over the to make sure the Germans were making 25-pound shells. 41 years,” Doyle said. “I phone,” she said. weren’t getting too close. My father was in charge of started out as a teacher for WHAT IS AUTISM? The workshop will cover a “My father said the place keeping things rolling on the the deaf, and then in the variety of issues and assess- was honeycombed with tun- maintenance,” Crook said. ’70s I worked with people n According to Doyle and Illand, autism is ments in autism, such as deal- nels. The Germans were try- “He did his duty in the Second with autism, trying to bring a developmental disability that occurs early ing with children, adults or ing to blow us up as we were World War too.” about what we knew about in life and is expected to last the life of the individuals who suffer from trying to blow them up,” she Although it has been years sign language to children individual. deafness and other physical said. since her father passed away, with autism. Ever since, impairments. Crook said her Crook is still anxious to learn I’ve been in the field of n It makes the person less able to learn, By presenting life-long father was never more about the First autism.” communicate and socially interact auto- plans and step-by-step injured, but World War and through Her sister, Illand, has a matically. goals, Doyle and Illand pro- was gassed. it, more about her fa- son with autism. He is one vide practical solutions for “Breath- ther. of five family members n It also changes the way the autistic per- families, individuals, and ing, he had “I’m very proud of coping with the develop- son processes sensory input (touch, taste, professionals in the education said, was him,” she said. “He said mental disorder. Illand sound, sight), as well as reactions to the system to help improve the never quite the he was proud to have personally translated the rest of the world. situations and lives of those same,” she re- done it.” book into Spanish due to affected by autism. Thorncliffe residents trudge through ‘improvement’ process

Cont’d. from page 1 buildings. Those complaints pens,” Kolia said. “No prog- have diminished substantially ress. Nothing has been done.” After the tenants rallied in recently, although there are a Lorne Stephenson, senior 2011, their city councillor, few individuals who complain vice-president of Conundrum John Parker of Ward 26/Don quite often,” he said. “So fewer Capital Corporation, the build- Valley West, set up a meeting complaints from fewer people, ings’ owners, said that for the between management and ten- but some tenants still come for- last three years management ants. ward with a lot of complaints.” has been repairing all of the Parker says he’s stayed in Kolia, who has lived at garages, and working on other Zenaira Ali /// Observer touch with Q Residential, to Thorncliffe Park for more than ongoing issues such as re- “keep an eye on the buildings,” 30 years, disputes that. He said pairing stairwells and plaster East York resident Joyce Crook sits behind Teona Baetu /// Observer and things have now improved. no improvements have been bubbles that reoccur due to photos of her grandfather (upper right) and The tour of Thorncliffe “The problems are not nearly made. humidity. father (left and bottom centre). The maple leaf Park apartments as bad as they were in years “It’s only one meeting he “It’s an ongoing process,” he she’s sewn on her jacket is the same one her included this view of past. I used to hear a lot of com- wants to have and we go to the said. “We’re spending signifi- father has on the collar of his Canadian Army damaged flooring. plaints from residents of these meeting where nothing hap- cant dollars there every year.” uniform in the photo.