going the full monty Winterlicious kicks off The countdown to opening night Restarants in Scarborough take part begins at Scarborough Village in the annual food festival - See page 5 - See page 8 THE EAST OBSERVER • Friday • February 4 • 2011 • • PUBLISHED BY UTSC/CENTENNIAL COLLEGE JOURNALISM STUDENTS AND SERVING SCARBOROUGH • •TORONTOOBSERVER.CA• T oxic gas kills man Furnace fumes send two police officers to hospital

Kyle Larkin “As [the officers] entered The Observer the basement, they were both overcome by carbon monox- Carbon monoxide leaking ide,” he said. from a faulty or decrepit fur- The officers were rushed nace killed a man in his Scar- to North York General Hos- borough home and sent two pital where they were treated police officers to hospital. for non-life threatening in- “They … barely made it out juries. They have since been of the house,” Det. Jason Cole released. of 42 Division said. Cole could not confirm The officers arrived at the reports that a paramedic was home on Wishing Well Drive also hospitalized. Jessica Moy/The Observer near Sheppard Avenue East Toronto Fire Services con- Sunday after a call from a firmed the source of the nox- Kung Hei Fat Choi worried neighbour. ious fumes was the faulty fur- They were searching the nace, police said. Scarborough Town Centre celebrates the year of the rabbit with traditional lion dance parades, said to home for anyone else who The furnace may have been bring good luck and fortune. The spectacle ran Jan. 29-30. See page 4. may have been inside after an outdated model left over discovering the man’s body, from a conversion to gas from Cole said. oil, Cole said. TTC heeds public over bus route concerns

C ole carruthers proposed cuts to routes from proposed will help increase The Observer all over the city. service on routes where it “The data [of the routes and will be needed most this fall The TTC announced sun- ridership] is always available in anticipation of record-level day that it will only be cutting and at the ready,” TTC service ridership this year of 487 mil- 19 bus routes. manager Mitch Stambler said. lion,” according to TTC infor- Public consultations over “We had to decide what the mation at the event the last few weeks drew vari- cutoff would be [and] check Marjorie Nicolaou, a resi- ous objections to cutting the the area for community access dent of Scarborough, came to original 48 routes under con- so we don’t leave a gaping the meeting to suggest stag- sideration. hole.” gered service instead of full- Scarborough residents went The TTC’s proposed route out cuts. to the Scarborough Civic Cen- changes would take effect “I want the TTC to look tre on Jan. 26, to voice their on May 8. The slash-and-burn into timing and scheduling,” concerns. approach to bus routes was Nicalou said. “I see buses TTC chair Karen Stintz delayed to Jan. 12 to decide go by on weeknights and it’s cole carruthers/The Observer and other representatives an- which routes had the lowest empty, but they should still With the proposed changes of the TTC accepted, 10 Scarborough routes will be swered questions from com- levels of ridership. offer hourly service. This altered, including the 116 Morningside. munity members about the “The route changes being brings major concern for the elderly.” Malvern resident Rathika and family who will be af- the public meeting. Scarborough Sitsabaiesan uses the TTC to fected by the cuts. “I don’t have much faith.,” routes affected I don’t have much get to work. She is concerned “I know people who might she said. “Look how many faith. Look how that once services are cut, they have to quit work because people are here. They’re too n 43 Kennedy will never return. of this,” she said. “Service busy working their two or n 42 Cummer many people “It’s not like we’re ever should get better over time, three jobs to be as involved as n116 Morningside going to get a subway,” Sit- but they’re just taking [it] others in the city.” n are here. sabaiesan said. I was told at away and making it more dif- With the proposed changes 169 Huntingwood the meeting it will be a hun- ficult.” already being fine-tuned by n167 Pharmacy N. — Rathika dred years before a subway Sitsabaiesan sighed the TTC they said, it is at least n 130 Middlefield Sitsabaiesan comes to Scarborough.” when asked about the low encouraging that officials are n 86 Scarborough “ She worries about friends turnout and the impact of listening to the public’s input. The East Toronto Observer, February 4th, 2011 - PAGE 2 NEWS School board parking lot a tough sell Rigid condition of sale for excess land proves discouraging to buyers

chantelle henriques company is marketing the The Observer property to potential buyers. The Toronto Parking Au- Potential buyers are being thority (TPA) was interested scared away from a piece of in buying the land, which it real estate behind the Scar- had planned to run as a city- borough Civic Centre be- owned Green P parking lot, cause of one rigid condition she said. of sale. The TPA backed out of the The Toronto District deal after it learned of the School Board has been try- TDSB’s condition of sale, ing to sell the parking lot on parking authority spokesper- Borough Drive since 2008 son Ian Maher said. but has only received signs “They did not indicate that of interest from one source. they in fact did have an ongo- Shirley Hoy, CEO of the ing interest in the lands,” he Toronto Lands Corporation, said. says the trouble lies with the The TDSB did not respond board’s desire to maintain to requests for comment by a minimum 123 of the 200 press time. available parking spaces. The board has a policy of “I reported in June of last selling surplus property — year saying as long as that often the result of declining condition is there, no devel- enrolment — to free up mon- Chantelle Henriques/The Observer The TDSB plans to keep at least 123 parking spots out of 200, near the Scarborough Civic Centre, discouraging oper or private interest can be ey that can be used to fund buyers. The parking lot has been for sale since 2008 but only attracted interest from one potential buyer. developed,” said Hoy, whose other priorities. Egypt turmoil prompts Donor equality News sought by service Briefs concerns for relatives Ban on blood donations from Deceased man

janice yeung University of Toronto Scar- The online censors in Egypt gay men is appealed identified The Observer borough. have proven how undemo- The Special Investigations “She was on the street with cratic the government is, James Wattie was never released public- Unit has identified the man As thousands of protestors other protestors. Tahmasebi said The Observer ly — a sexually active gay who died after being arrest- in Egypt take to the streets, “The government is trying Social media sites were man who donated blood and ed for allegedly shoplifting demanding the resignation to scare people now by not blocked last Friday, with gov- Blood donations are a gift repeatedly gave misleading in a Scarborough grocery of President Hosni Mubarak, protecting them, but in fact, ernment officials minimizing thousands of people depend answers during the screening store on Jan. 26. Kenrick Ter- many in Scarborough are left the Egyptians have shown Internet traffic to near noth- on to survive. However, due process. rence McLennan, 51, went into medical distress while worrying about stranded fam- their unity by coming togeth- ing. to a 1977 prohibition, many Freeman then sent an being questioned by police. ily and friends. er to protect their neighbour- “No one has done what gay men are denied anonymous email The SIU is investigating the Crowds there are defying hoods.” Egypt is doing now,” Tah- the opportunity to to CBS saying he case. imposed curfews and gather- She described her friend’s masebi said. “This gets the donate. gave incorrect infor- ing in Cairo’s accounts of people very angry at the gov- Canadian Blood mation because he Tahrir Square locals tak- ernment.” Services (CBS) has disagreed with the Grits hold into the night. ing over Eeid Saleh is the manager publicly announced MSM — males who As ten- from police of Lotus Catering and Fine it is pursuing a have sex with males budget meeting Democracy sion in Egypt and clean- Food, an Egyptian restaurant change in policy that — policy. Scarborough Liberal MPs heightens, ing the on Lawrence Avenue East. has banned men who Janet Wong, a is not some- McCann held a pre-budget consul- groups of streets after He has most of his family in have had sex with spokesperson for tation meeting Saturday Canadians thing you protests — Cairo. men from donating CBS, said that was with residents at the Scar- are being all of which “Egypt is a very good blood. the first time such a case was borough Civic Centre. Lo- evacuated to gain she says country,” he said. CBS is hoping to reduce brought forward. cals voiced their concerns Europe every displays “It is just that the govern- the time they must wait as “As a result of the email, about the amount of time it would take to get out day. overnight genuine ment lacks values and people well as target precise high- CBS was required to pull that of the $56-billion national Canadian selfless- are suffering from the auto- risk sexual activities instead unit of blood from the sys- — Victoria deficit. Corporate tax cuts embassy staff ness and a cratic regime. of focusing on orientation. tem,” she said. “In order to are unfair when small busi- members Tahmasebi touching “I would go back to Egypt “Both patient groups and do that, we needed to apply to nesses pay more. are meeting determina- now if I could, but how can I Canadian Blood Services the courts to have the Internet evacuees at tion to over- do that with a business to run agree that the current life- service provider release Mr. Frankfurt air- throw the here?” time ban needs to be recon- Freeman’s name.” Principal wins port. autocratic The Foreign Affairs De- sidered,” a post on the CBS Freeman then counter-sued Passengers are on their “own regime. partment Emergency Opera- website said. CBS and the attorney general national award to make travel arrangements “Democracy is not some- tions Centre in Ottawa prom- CBS has reached out to of Canada. He charged that Paul Ambrose of Sir Wilfrid when they arrive in Europe. thing you gain overnight,” ises to transport any Canadian the lesbian, gay, bisexual the policy was discriminatory Laurier Collegiate Institute Political uncertainty in she said. “The mother of my citizens out of Egypt as long and transgender commu- under the Charter of Rights in Guildwood has been Egypt is affecting people as son’s closest friend is Canadi- as they have their documenta- nity in the months since and Freedoms. named one of Canada’s far away as Scarborough. an but was born in Egypt. She tion ready. a court ruling decided the “A lifetime deferral on Outstanding Principals. “The mother of my son’s is just visiting the country but There were approximately prohibition was not dis- MSM just isn’t supported by Ambrose was nominated closest friend is in Cairo at decided to stay because she 6,500 Canadians in Egypt criminatory due to scien- logic,” said Marcus McCann, for introducing leadership programs and increasing the moment,” said Victoria believed in what her fellow when protests started, of tific evidence. managing editor of the Ca- enrollment. Tahmasebi, assistant profes- countrymen were fighting whom 1,200 are registered The court case involved nadian gay and lesbian news sor of women’s studies at the for.” with the Canadian embassy. Freeman — whose first name site Xtra.com. The East Toronto Observer, February 4, 2011 - PAGE 3 NEWS Alleged Bridlewood gets Botox rape at Controversial redevelopment may take 15 years school

Andre Thurairatnam Maryam SHah James Wattie The Observer The Observer Allegedly raped on school Controversy continues to property and declared a slut swirl around the Bridlewood on Facebook, Kate (not her Mall area while construction name) found high school to be dust is still settling at Bridle- a real-life nightmare. wood Library. Kate was “repeatedly ha- Work on the library, which rassed, sexually assaulted, wrapped up on Jan. 21, is part tormented, physically and of a controversial renovation emotionally abused” by a boy and redevelopment plan that in her school, according to a includes building 975 condo claim she filed recently with units. Toronto Superior Court. Area residents are worried Sixteen at the time, she about the impact of the proj- complained to vice-princi- ect, which could take the de- pal, Vince Meade, about the veloper, Malibu Investments threats made against her. Ac- Inc., anywhere from two to 15 cording to Kate, he took no years to complete. steps to protect her. “[Two to 15 years] is a time Shortly after, the boy al- commitment that is put on this legedly raped her on school development only in the fact property. that the ownership believes Courtesy Bridlewood Mall Working Group Presentation He and another student these condominiums will sell “openly abused the plaintiff” and hopefully very quickly,” A renovation and redevelopment plan for the area around Bridlewood Mall is set to transform the intersection of and “acted irresponsibly and Bridlewood Mall property Warden and Finch avenues. The plan was approved by Scarborough Community Council in August and is expect- irrationally” toward her, ac- manager Jeff Nelson said. “It ed to take up to 15 years to complete. cording to the claim. really depends on the market “She’s issued a statement and what the demands for the Nelson said. fic problems. The intersection fic around this area busier, no The original proposal, of claim and we’re waiting for new condominiums will be: But some local residents is busy enough as it is.” question,” he said. “However, which was made in 2007, a response,” Kate’s lawyer, whether the market will stay are concerned about the im- Ward 39 councillor Mike part of the approval process is was to construct eight build- Sandra Zisckind, said. hot enough for the next five or pact increased traffic will Del Grande, head of the com- that the transportation depart- ings in the mall’s parking After the rape, her situation six years and, if so, the span have on their neighbourhood. munity council dealing with ment for the city had to do lot. escalated to depression, sui- of this project will be short- “Traffic is going to be ri- the redevelopment, said traffic numerous traffic studies and In response, a citizens’ cidal thoughts and decreased ened.” diculous. Realistically, there problems are inevitable. evaluations on the impact.” group made up of residents confidence and self-esteem. The new condos will be a are two major roads in this “Any new development In August, the Scarbor- from wards 39 and 40 was boon to the mall’s retailers, area: Warden and Finch,” brings with it structural and ough Community Council formed to represent the Facebook abuse he said. said Jordie Scott, a nine-year planning issues,” he said. approved the redevelopment community’s interests. Allegedly, another female “This will drive more resident of the area. “They’re The city’s transportation plan, which included 975 Three years of communi- student joined the boy in ver- traffic through the shopping going to have to widen the officials have already consid- condo units and allocated $2.4 ty meetings, reports and re- bally attacking Kate and bul- centre and have the busi- roads or something, otherwise ered those issues, Nelson said. million for the Bridlewood Li- vised plans for Bridlewood lying her online by creating nesses increase their sales,” there are going to be big traf- “It is going to make the traf- brary revamp. Mall’s future followed. a Facebook page. They also embarrassed her in front of her classmates and threatened her. Her family has filed a Kindergartens try out extended hours $4.25-million lawsuit for psy- chological injury and special damages for “medical, edu- “[The government and play, they learn.” Dillon does not think it is cational and other costs and Scarborough becomes testing school boards] are looking The full-day kindergarten fair to either one of them. expenses.” for more ECE positions,” classrooms will be equipped “They are too young to Kate, who reportedly at- ground for full-day learning Pech said. “They want it to be with teachers and early child- [pay] attention for six hours… tempted suicide months later, more like a YMCA curriculum hood educators who will help To me that’s a long day! They finally revealed the alleged CHRISTINA CHENG On the other hand, Monica where…they are trying to in- construct a full-day curriculum need more of a break,” Dillon rape to her father, prompting The Observer Dillon, a secretary for the To- corporate more play.” of play-based and academic- said. the family to take legal ac- ronto Catholic School Board, Although some may dis- based learning activities. He also thinks the pro- tion against Meade, the school A total of 90 schools in the is not too fond of the idea as agree with the new curricu- “Teachers and ECEs were gram is a hassle for parents board, the alleged rapist and Toronto District School Board she finds it completely unnec- lum, Pech said she believes it all trained differently – teach- as it confuses their childrens’ the female student. plan to offer full-day kinder- essary. will benefit the children. ers are more academic but schedules at home. The boy accused of raping garten classes this coming “If you look at educational “There’s one thing that we’re more developmental so “I want my child to be able her was acquitted at a crimi- fall. laws, they don’t even have kids have in common – all it blends really well together,” to go to bed at 7 p.m. but if nal trial. Neither his name nor A total of 42 Scarborough to be in school until the age kids play, and when they Pech said. you’re [an instructor] giving the female student’s are being schools (and 11 more expected) of six but now we’re making them a nap at 1:30 in the after- released because of their ages were part of the 90 that started them go all day at [an ear- noon, they’re not going to bed at the time. the program last September. lier age],” she said. “[It’s the] Recently extended at [that time].” School principal, Paul Am- The province has committed to parent’s job to prepare [the Full-day kindergarten will brose, was unable to comment phasing in full-day kindergar- younger kids] to be here.” kindergartens be optional, and children can on the case specifically, but ten in all Ontario elementary The government an- • Cedarbrook Jr. Public School still be enrolled part time. The spoke about the programs in schools of Ontario by 2015. nounced that YMCAs across before-and-after segment, also place to solve social conflict “There are parents that love Ontario would allow partner- • Charles E. Webster Jr. Public School optional, is offered at a fee. in the school, including Girl the idea of full-day kinder- ships between school boards • Driftwood Elementary Subsidies are available for Space and Peer Mediation. garten,” said Corrine Pech, and childcare organizations. • Gosford Public School families who qualify. “The girls sit down, and an early childhood educator Rob Armstrong, senior VP • Knob Hill Jr. Public School Dillon finds it unnecessary they talk about the issues that (ECE) at the St. Rose of Lima of YMCA Ontario reported • John G. Diefenbaker to send their children unless it they’re facing,” Ambrose ex- YMCA Childcare Centre. “I that the YMCA community is a last resort. plained. “The vast majority of love the idea because you’re have been “strong supports • J.R. Wilcox Community School “Not everybody has the op- kids say they feel very safe in preparing them for what’s re- of the government’s ground- • Pauline Jr. Public School tion to stay at home with their this school.” ally going to happen in grade breaking full-day learning • Timberbank Junior Public child, [and if you can’t] then The Toronto District School one. program.” yes, it is convenient.” Board did not respond to calls. PAGE 4- The East Toronto Observer, February 4, 2011 ARTS & LIFE

JESSICA MOY photos/The Observer Ritual Chinese drummers mark the opening of New Year celebrations at Scarborough Town Centre on Jan. 29.

Chinese New Year’s Hopping into the local events n Celebrating the Year of the Rabbit Where: Chinese Cultural Centre of Greater Toronto, 5183 Sheppard Ave. E. Year of the Rabbit When: Feb. 5, noon – 2 p.m.

“Chinese New Year is James Wattie n Chinese New Year Celebration The Observer huge at [the mall],” STC The best part is you marketing director Jai Lee Where: Scarborough Civic Centre Have you made plans to said. When: Feb. 6, 2 – 4 p.m. ring in the year 4078? don’t have to be “The best part is you Feb. 3, 2011 (or 4078 on don’t have to be Chinese the Chinese calendar), is the Chinese to enjoy to enjoy this festive event. n CCC Year of the Rabbit Banquet official start of the Year of this festive event There’s something for Where: Chinese Cultural Centre of the Rabbit. everyone.” Chinese New Year is the — Jai Lee “We’d like to introduce Greater Toronto, 5183 Sheppard Ave. E. most important event on the different Chinese traditions When: Feb. 11, 6:30 p.m. Chinese calendar. to all,” Lee added. Tickets: $39 Legend has it that a beast windows and doors. of attractions to check out in “The MCs for the event would attack villages on the These traditions, includ- Scarborough to commemo- will speak in Mandarin, Can- first day of the New Year. ing the launching of fire- rate this festival. tonese and English, so it’s n Second Chinatown Foodies Walk The villagers learned works, continue to this day. Traditional lion dance not just performances, it’s a Where: Lucky Moose statue that leaving food in front of “Lion dances remove bad parades, martial artists, an learning experience.” their homes meant the beast spirits. The God of Fortune eye-dotting ceremony, chop Councillors Raymond 393 Dundas St. W. at Beverly St. would not attack. hands out red packets, usu- sticks competition and inter- Cho and Glenn De Baer- When: Feb. 5, 6, 12, 13 They discovered the ally filled with chocolate active games with the God emaeker were among the 10 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. beast was afraid of the coins or similar treats, to of Fortune were all part of councillors expecting at this colour red and hung red wish all a prosperous and the festivities at Scarborough event. lanterns and scrolls in their lucky year. There are plenty Town Centre last weekend. Kung Hei Fat Choi!

Chinese dragons perform at Scarborough Town Centre. VIPs take part in the eye-dotting ceremony, including Police Chief Blair (left). The East Toronto Observer, February 4, 2011 - PAGE 5 FEATURE

Andre Thurairatnam/The Observer With a few days until opening night, the cast of The Full Monty rehearse choreography for the first time at the Scarborough Village Threatre. Theatre troupe bares all Full Monty premieres in Scarborough this weekend

Andre Thurairatnam unemployed steel work- to bring them in to your sto- “That was very inter- The Observer ers who decide to form ry,” Lovatt-Hawkins said. esting because I’ve never an all-male striptease You should feel As one can gather from taught a strip before … or With only a few days act at a local club to the play’s title, the six- been a stripper myself! I to opening night, the cast raise money. Beneath like you’re at a man striptease act believes did a lot of research,” she and crew of The Full the physical insecurities, they will be better than the said. “I looked at the mov- Monty at the Scarbor- the group must come to strip club... Chippendales dancers be- ie, and any other versions I ough Village Theatre are terms with their innermost cause they intend to go all could find to see how they eagerly awaiting their fears, anxieties and per- — Mike Scott the way – the “full monty.” did it. For instance, what moment in the spotlight. sonal demons in a relent- Twaine Ward, who plays would be the easiest motion Having only audi- less, judgmental society. Noah “Horse” T. Simmons, for getting a tie or a shirt tioned in mid-November, Actor Mike Scott, said he was drawn to the off? I did a lot of practis- the past few months have who plays Buddy “Keno” production for this reason, ing in my kitchen which been a very busy time Walsh, is also in charge to take part in commu- dimension to the work. seeing it as an opportunity was funny for my family.” for everyone involved of publicity and promo- nity theatre productions. “It’s not your traditional to grow as a performer. The Full Monty’s – especially the cast. tions. His passion for the- “It’s all volunteered. piece of theatre because we “I definitely needed 12-show run premieres “ this Thursday at 8 p.m. The play follows six atre is what drives him I have a day job, so 9-to- want the audience to be in- to push myself as an art- 5 I’m testing computer volved,” Scott said. “In the ist in getting comfortable software, then come here opening of the show when on stage with nudity,” he for the evening and try the women are at the strip said. “This was huge for Show Times to fit all the other stuff club, the audience is the me because I’ve never around it,” Scott said. audience [at the club]. You been comfortable with n Feb. 4 8 p.m. Demand for tick- should feel like you’re at the my naked body by myself n Feb. 5 8 p.m. ets has been so high that strip club – feel free to hoot — let alone with people n Feb. 6 2 p.m. watching me and judging.” an additional show date and holler and go along.” n Feb. 10 8 p.m. was added to the run. The theatre’s ar- “This was really good Artistic director Mi- chitectural design pro- for me as an artist to re- n Feb. 11 8 p.m. chael Jones addressed the motes the interactive re- ally get me out of my n Feb. 12 8 p.m. challenge in putting togeth- lationship between the shell, get me more com- n Feb. 13 2 p.m. er a play of a mature nature. audience and the players. fortable and to break n Feb. 16 8 p.m. down some of my barri- “There certainly is a fair Kelly Lovatt-Hawkins, n Feb. 17 8 p.m. amount of nudity and coarse who plays the role of Es- ers as a performing artist.” language in the production, telle Genovese, has come Another key element to n Feb. 18 8 p.m. but the challenge of this to recognize the power the success in this produc- n Feb. 19 2 p.m. production will be to ab- of the set in her experi- tion is the choreography. sorb the audience in the hu- ence with the theatre. With more than 10 musical For tickets, contact: manity of the story,” Jones “This is my fourth show numbers, the cast has spent 416-267- 9292 stated in a press release. with the Scarborough Vil- a lot of time with choreog- Another unique aspect lage Theatre. [The venue] rapher Janet Flynn. Flynn or buy online: has had years of experience Andre Thurairatnam/The Observer to this particular perfor- is really intimate and al- theatrescarborough.com mance is the inclusion of lows you an opportunity to in community theatre, but John Palmieri, left, and Twaine Ward play off each oth- audience participation, break the wall and draw the this was her first time cho- Cost: $25 er’s energy in a physically demanding dance sequence. which adds a whole new audience in – it allows you reographing a striptease. PAGE 6 - The East Toronto Observer, February 4, 2011 The East Toronto COMMENT OBSERVER Learning from Egypt: Be the change

e the change you wish to see in the world,” Gandhi once said. In the past month we have seen just that. No longer Bsatisfied with the way their country was run, Tunisia ousted leader Ben Ali from his presidential position. About 1,800 political prisoners have been released, and a new interim gov- ernment is in place. Following the events in Tunisia, Egypt is currently undergo- ing a similar revolt in the hopes that President Hosni Mubarak will step down from his leadership role. Yemenis are gearing up for a protest against their govern- ment as well. So how can international events apply to our own lives here in Scarborough? Instead of just grumbling to yourself or to family about your situation in life, think of ways to improve your way of living. Actively control the course of your life and hold accountable the people who govern it by speaking to your MPP, actively participating in community events or even writing a blog. Don’t like the way Rob Ford is running Toronto? Write him a letter. Tired of being mistreated at work? Stand up for your- self or find a new job. Bored with the same old routines in your life? Maybe it’s time to go back to school, find a new hobby or take a break to travel around the world. While many of these things are easier said than done, all it takes is a little courage to get the ball rolling. JESSICA LEE/The Observer Change might not happen quickly, but “where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Rosa Parks sat in her bus seat to further the civil rights movement. Martin Luther King Jr. made a speech. Suffragettes Impressive European standards protested, went to court and became martyrs to make a case for women’s rights. If something isn’t right in your life, don’t sit back passively and hope it goes away. Take action and push for a change. All anyone needs is a little will and determination to start a revolu- show Toronto transit off track tion ­­­­­­­— whether in themselves or in society. Life is too short to live unhappily. This is a call for everyone ush hour is way too crowded, than half of people in New York City and to start living his or her best. but the train finally arrives. Dirty up to 75 per cent in Manhattan rely en- and rusty, it sounds like finger- tirely on transit. In Hong Kong, 90 per —Jessica Lee nailsR scratching down a chalkboard. The cent of travelling is done by mass transit. doors open and it’s a competition to get This is what mass transit should be in first. I push through but immediately when countries need to cut back on regret it. We’re packed like sardines. greenhouse gas emissions as per the The doors close. I feel my lungs tight- Kyoto protocol. Canada has the second Budget cuts blind en and realize I’m not breathing normal- Mersiha Gadzo highest level of greenhouse gas emis- ly. The guy standing next to me starts sions per person among the G7, falling swearing. primitive. just 1.3 tonnes short of the U.S. to poor, homeless I’m relieved as lots of people get off Munich is half the size of Toronto, yet Officials need to get their act together at the next stop, but then the loudspeaker it has 25 kilometres more in subway lines for Transit City, which has been changed comes on telling us the signal has been with only 400,000 riders daily compared numerous times. According to Richard t may be just another budget meeting, but at least this time lost. We all have to get out again and wait to Toronto’s 1.5 million. During my time Gilbert, a consultant on transportation residents got to tell city council what they thought. 20 minutes for the next train to come in. there, I was amazed at how all the sub- and energy, the costs estimated for Tran- At the Jan. 20 meeting, Scarborough residents com- Sound familiar? way stations and vehicles are kept im- sit City are unrealistically high and need Iplained about bus route cuts but also brought up major service It’s sad that Canada’s biggest city has maculately clean. It is the most punctual to be rigorously scrutinized. cuts throughout the budget. such outdated public transportation. The system in the world, with monitors in ve- We are not asking for much. We don’t Council of Agencies Serving South Asians representative TTC is the most expensive yet least sub- hicles displaying the stops and connec- need to be as advanced as Munich; we Neethan Shan pointed out proposed cuts to community housing sidized transit system in North America. tions for its riders. just want to get to places quickly and funds and a $100,000 cut from the Tenant Defence Fund. This is not how transit in a city of 2.5 The fares in the U.S. are also reason- comfortably. Other community activists like Colin Hughes from the Chil- million should be run. able. Chicago has more than 144 sta- The TTC needs to be further subsi- dren’s Aid Society argued against proposals to freeze grants to Embarrassingly enough, Toronto tions operating 24 hours a day. Fares cost dized in order for the subway’s extension community arts programs, increases to recreation user fees and comes up ninth on the list of most ex- $1.54. A monthly pass in Los Angeles to be realized. The Harper government is the move from shelters to homeless motels. pensive transit fares in the world, accord- costs $75. willing to spend $16 billion on 65 fighter They all reflected big service cuts which do not serve the ing to priceoftravel.com, which main- A strong public transit system brings jets, which no one needs. good of Scarborough’s 21 low-income neighbourhoods. tains databases on travel costs. Vienna is a wealth of opportunities to the areas it Yet, according to the TTC’s annual re- It seems mind-boggling, given “Scarberia’s” already poor eighth with fares only a few cents more reaches. This would be especially useful port from 2009, the federal government city services — inefficient transit, sparse local libraries and than Toronto’s. for Scarborough, which seems to be iso- only provided $207 million in capital limited snow removal mechanisms — that the city still contem- Yet European cities, which fill the top lated from the rest of the city. subsidies. plates reducing more services. spots, have such comprehensive tran- It’s important for transit to be efficient Clearly the government needs to get Some of the services are essential. The homeless still need to sit systems that they make Toronto look for environmental reasons as well. More their priorities straight. have a roof to sleep under. It is bewildering how city council has the mere thought of making low-income families pay higher fees to use gym facili- The East Toronto OBSERVER ties or have their children take skating lessons. EDITORIAL BOARD The East Toronto Observer Serving Scarborough is published by University The latest budget cuts simply reinforce the fact that when Managing Editor: Jessica Lee of Toronto/Centennial College journalism students under faculty supervision. We are located at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre. Please you are poor or homeless, you are invisible. Assignment Editor: Aakanksha Tangri Good luck to Scarborough when administration at the top is address correspondence to The East Toronto Observer, c/o Centennial College, Copy Editors: Natalie Sequeira, Maryam Shah 755 Morningside Ave., Toronto, ON M1C 5J9, 416-289-5000, ext. 8306, fax 416- this apathetic, pitiless and indifferent. Photo Editor: Kyle Larkin 289-5168. Email: [email protected] The opinions expressed in Production Editor: Jessica Moy The Observer do not necessarily reflect the views of the college. A companion —Janice Yeung Faculty Editors: Eric McMillan and Andrew Mair website is at torontoobserver.com. The East Toronto Observer, February 4, 2011 - PAGE 7 SPORTS Sports Briefs Local gold-winning duo L ocal athletes go international

Abdi Dini and Adam Lan- cia of Scarborough have both been selected to represent Canada in the aiming for top at Worlds upcoming 2011 Parapan American Games. The tournament kicks off Nov. Victory in Victoria gives Poirier, Crone high hopes for Tokyo 12 in Guadalajara, Mexico.

Alex Kozovski ons and Van- the competition “We hope to make it into boro Figure Skating Club Snowballing The Observer essa Crone already have their at the 2011 BMO Canadian the top five, the prestigious since 1987. through history sights set on the world cham- Figure Skating Champion- ‘top group,’ as it’s called,” In addition to their on-ice Newly crowned Cana- pionship. ships, which wrapped up Jan. said Poirier, who trains exercises, she has her pair The Scarborough Diving dian figure skating champi- The pair captured gold in 23 in Victoria, B.C.. with Crone at the Scarboro training in ballet, modern Club is hosting its annual Figure Skating Club. “Our dance and ballroom dance. Snowball Classic Invitation- programs still have a lot of “Aside from their per- al on Jan. 29 and Jan. 30. room to grow sonal fitness This is the 26th year of the and we have trainers, they event. It will be hosted at two months of do these off- the Centennial Recreation training until ice exercises Centre, beginning Saturday then to make to help with at 2 p.m. sure we’re their balance, skating at our posture and best when the feeling of Resident inducted time comes.” movement,” into hall of fame The duo Lane said. tallied a com- “But aside Former Scarborough car bined score of from the salesman Harry Pidhirny 164.21 in the training, I tell has certainly made a short and long Cr one, Poirier them to trust name for himself. He was programs in in their train- inducted into the Ameri- Victoria, clinching top spot ing and each other, and go can League Hockey Hall and a berth at the 2011 world and skate the hell out of the of Fame on Feb. 1. He championships, set for March routine.” amassed more than 1,000 21-27 in Tokyo, Japan. Waterloo’s games of playing experi- Poirier, a native of Union- and Toronto’s Kaitlyn ence. ville, attributed their win to Weaver took home the silver hard work. medal from Victoria, along “We train every weekday with the third and final Ca- Humber College from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., nadian spot in Tokyo. De- to host UTSC and another three hours on fending Olympic champions Saturdays,” said Poirier, and The University of Toronto who along with Crone fin- hold the final spot. Scarborough campus ished 14th at the 2010 Van- Just missing out on a Ca- (UTSC) men and women’s couver Winter Games. “As nadian championship podi- tri-campus teams will com- Courtesy Bev Crone for sacrifices, I cannot even um finish were pete in the UTSC annual begin to count them.” and , who finished Paul Poirier and Vanessa Crone practise their “Eleanor Rigby” routine that won them Extramural Tournament on A big source of their mo- fourth. The Toronto natives gold at the 2011 BMO Canadian Figure Skating Championships in Victoria, B.C. The Feb. 4. The event will be tivation, he said, is Carol are also coached by Lane at championship wrapped on Jan. 23. held at Humber College. Lane, a coach at the Scar- the Scarborough club. Fiery house league competition heats up on ice Scarborough teams score hat trick of championships at Don Montgomery tourney

Alex Kozovski play too,” said George Ren- well, with three teams from row, progressively getting house leagues. ough Youth Hockey League The Observer nie, tournament organizer and the area winning in their age better and winning the title Even with the HST raising January Tournament, but was board member of the Scarbor- groups, and two more reach- this year. the price of ice time by 13 per renamed after Montgomery Although most junior ough Hockey Association. ing the finals. “It gives the chance [to cent, the SHA has not upped last year. hockey players in Ontario “It doesn’t matter what Rennie those] play- the prices for players. Re- With the rave reviews and don’t play in serious leagues level you’re at. When you and the SHA ing in house turning players in the Scar- tons of emails to Rennie, like the OHL or Junior A, that have a game going into triple see the tour- league to borough leagues get a $100 the tournament would have doesn’t mean they don’t play overtime with three skaters a nament as a play in a refund, showing the respect made Montgomery proud, as serious games. side, it would be just as excit- real symbol These kids tournament and appreciation towards the it lived up to the tradition of Recreational or house ing with everyone standing of commu- atmosphere. players and community. being a major success. leagues still provide good and watching.” nity within should get an This is This falls in line with the “This was the best part competition and exciting The annual tournament is Scarborough, where most kind of hockey character about house league,” said hockey. Scarborough’s four hosted across rinks in Scar- as the tour- opportunity of the mon- Montgomery was. Former Derek Boshkov, a former mi- day Don Montgomery Me- borough, and is sponsored by nament cre- to play too ey goes,” president of the SHA for 40 nor league player in the Scar- morial Hockey Tournament the SHA, Scarborough Youth ates a hockey Rennie said. years, he was an integral part borough youth leagues. “The – which rounded up its games Hockey League and the Scar- community — George The mon- of the Scarborough com- games were more meaning- on Jan. 16 – showed how borough Bandits. in itself. ey from the munity. A philanthropist, he ful, and the team and parents successful, competitive and The tournament hosted 56 The com- Rennie tournament raised thousands of dollars would be a lot more involved passionate the players are. teams with 10 age divisions, mitment to has no pre- for hospitals, founded the [in] the action and games.” “All the kids in the tour- from all over the GTA and the tourna- determined hockey and soccer leagues in Rennie hopes to expand nament are playing house even as far as Kingston. ment was ex- designa- Scarborough, and remained the tournament across the league. People are so crazy Both the Scarborough Ban- emplified by one of the Forest tion, and only goes back into modest throughout. GTA, making it the biggest with Triple A, these kids dits and West Hill Golden Hill entry teams, which has the Scarborough programs The tournament was for- hockey tournament of its should get an opportunity to Hawks organizations fared participated three years“ in a to benefit the players in the merly known as the Scarbor- kind. The East Toronto Observer, February 4, 2011 - PAGE 8 ARTS & LIFE U of T raises funds for Jaago event Students perform to build schools for Bangladeshi children

mersiha gAdzo borough students poured into gave positive feedback. All Toronto’s event will go to- The Observer Rex’s Den, cheering on To- those sleepless nights were wards building a third school. ronto’s first Jaago event. definitely worth it.” “I decided to start some- With almost half the popu- “This event turned out bet- Kashem, the Toronto rep- thing here because this is my lation living on less than a ter than expected,” resentative of country,” Kashem said. “I’m Hhjk kjh kjh dollar a day in Bangladesh, Kashem said. “I Jaago, along living a great life [in Canada] many families there can’t af- didn’t think I’d with volunteers so I might as well do some- ford to educate their children. have so many audi- invited dance thing to help them out.” Jaago, meaning “step up” ence members.” teams from sev- Subha Salwa, an 18-year- in Bengali, is an international From belly danc- This event eral universi- old volunteer, says she foundation that raises money ers to hip-hop ac- turned out ties in Ontario joined Jaago because it’s to build free-of-cost schools robats, the talented “ to participate. important to spread aware- better than hkjkjhhjkhkj for children in Bangladesh, performers attract- They raised ness about the issue in order expected where students are required to ed a huge crowd. funds by selling for people to help out and pay tuition as early as kinder- The manager of — Tajrean raffle tickets. donate. garten. Rex’s Den had to Kashem In Novem- “These children could That’s what inspired stop people from ber 2007, Jaago have a better life like how 19-year-old student Tajrean coming in because opened its first we have here,” Salwa said. Kashem to organize a Jaago the room was well over ca- school with 17 children at- “I think that [education] event with musical perfor- pacity. tending. Today, more than 300 should be free as they grow mances and a dance competi- “After it ended, I couldn’t are enrolled, and the construc- up so that whether you’re Mersiha Gadzo/The Observer tion to raise awareness and as believe how successful it tion of a second school is al- poor, middle-class or rich, Rebecca Nazz (right), and her back-up dancer per- much money as possible. was,” Kashem said. “Every- most complete. everyone could have the ed- formerd at Rex’s Den during Jaago last Thursday. University of Toronto Scar- one was talking about it and The funds collected from ucation that they need.” Musical tribute to black history

erica tiangco a sense hope. Gospel is the The Observer music of the people.” “Gospel music is the The sounds of heavenly grandfather of all of the music will once again intro- Black music that we love to- duce this year’s Black His- day,” she said. “The voices tory Month to Scarborough. belonging to mega stars such The Evolution of Gospel as Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Music is set to run on Feb. Hudson and Whitney Hous- 4 and 5 at Global Kingdom ton are all a testament to the Ministries at 1250 Markham power of this great genre.” Rd.. Although Christian singer Robin Viau, “The [perfor- Joel Anderson, who leads his mance] is a mixture of dance, own church’s praise and wor- drama, music and multime- ship team, will not be singing dia [taking] audiences on a in the production, he said he jessica moy/The Observer musical journey to today’s will attend to honour the mu- Chefs from Canoe restaurant cook up samples at the Winterlicious City Hall kick off on Jan. 28. contemporary gospel music sic that has impacted him . scene, event publicist said. “I was introduced to gos- The event features a pow- pel music at a very early erful show focusing on the age”Anderson said. Winterlicious adds flavour to bland season defining moments of black “It’s so important that we, culture, she said. as a community, pay tribute Jessica moy or rigatoni in meat sauce. to home,” Wong said. Shannon Carr, director of “It shows us how people to something that’s been so The Observer The small eatery is a local Some residents are not marketing for AMEX Bank survived the [changing times] influential in our culture, he hot-spot for Winterlicious in aware of the participating of Canada. with gospel music,” Viau said. It hasn’t only changed Sub-zero temperatures Scarborough. Scarborough restaurants. “It’s exciting how the said. “It’s music that kept our our lives, but it’s changed so in the city force those who “The event infuses a lot “I think there should be program has grown over the ancestors going. It empow- many others, regardless of can’t stand frigid weather of customers to come out more,” Toronto resident Kiki years as it starts to stimulate ers us, gives us strength and their skin colour.” into hibernation. and try different things,” Serdaridis said. “This would excitement for restaurants But with the arrival of Kelly said. “It also infuses help Scarborough because during historically slower Toronto’s Winterlicious, the industry and [gives] people who generally don’t times.” there’s no excuse for staying something for people to look live [there], like myself, may There are 3,000 restau- inside. forward to.” go try a new restaurant out- rants in Toronto employing The annual event high- Joey Bravo’s is expected side the downtown core. over 35,000 staff. lights diversity in 150 of to serve more than 1,000 “I maintain that it’s all They amount to about six Toronto’s best restaurants new customers in the next about the food, and if there per cent of Toronto’s popula- and will be satisfying hunger two weeks. Half of those are kitchens in Scarborough tion, making the food sector until Feb. 10. will return within the year, up for the challenge, by all an important one for the city. “A lot of our regulars generating stability for the means join the fun.” Since 2003, Winterlicious look forward to Winterli- restaurant. Presented by American has generated $116 million cious,” said Tom Kelly, a Scarborough resident Express, each restaurant of- in direct spending and 2.7 waiter at Joey Bravo’s Ris- Malcolm Wong took part fers Winterlicious prixe fixe million meals served. torante. “We provide differ- in the festivities, ordering menus. “Winterlicious is vital for ent pairings we don’t regu- roasted Cuban lobster tail in Dinner choices at Joe Toronto’s economic devel- larly have on the [menu].” garlic butter at King Street Maggiano’s on Sheppard opment,” Ward 37 councillor The Sheppard Avenue restaurant Fred’s Not Here. Avenue, for example, in- Michael Thompson said. C ourtesy of the evolution of gospel East restaurant has a cozy “If there were more Win- clude zuppa di pesce, gnoc- “It has put Toronto on the dining area and set menu terlicious options in Scar- chi pesto or panko crusted culinary map. I’m going to The cast performs a drama routine at last year’s Black ready for the two-week borough, I believe people pork loin sandwich. be getting out. I’m going to History event at the Global Kingdom Ministry. This event, serving pan-fried ti- would be willing to try them “The goal is to support be eating, dining and having year’s event is set for Feb. 4 and 5. lapia in white wine sauce just because they are closer the restaurant industry,” said a great time. Are you?”