December 15, 2017 Forecast for N COMMUNITY Property Market in 2018: Hot East York Realtor Anticipates Five-Per-Cent Increase in Local House Prices Next Year

ww The East York RACCOON PINUPS n New calendar celebrates OBSERVER crafty critters Page 3 Serving our community since 1972 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, December 15, 2017 Forecast for n COMMUNITY property market in 2018: Hot East York realtor anticipates five-per-cent increase in local house prices next year

By BAMBANG SADEWO The Observer This year’s East York housing market has been a rollercoaster ride of “crazy prices” and subse- quent comedowns. Next year should see prices stabilize, realtors expect. “We had a very strong market, but it still fluc- tuated during 2017,” said Teuta Guci, a realtor who has been providing service in the Danforth area for 10 years. As with much of the Greater Toronto Area, house sales in East York were brisk at the beginning of the year, buoyed in part by owners moving here from their downtown condos. Three-bedroom detached houses were the most sought after, according to reports from the To- ronto Real Estate Board. That demand began to wane in April after the provincial government introduced its Fair Housing Plan, which included a 15-per-cent foreign-buyers tax. Buyers “stopped bidding” widely and lost their motivation to buy, Guci said. “We saw so many houses come into the market. It created a glut with a downward-price Zia Zarawar/The Observer adjustment,” she said. “Also, banks started to project that the market would go down.” Snakes and shivers The slump continued through the summer. Children attending the Pape Village BIA’s Winter Festival, held Dec. 2, got a chance to get up close and per- But by the final months of 2017, there have sonal with a variety of creatures, including snakes. The event featured turtles, spiders and — yes — snakes n See REALTOR, page 5 from Reptilia, Canada’s largest reptile zoo, located in Vaughan. See page 4 for a story and more photos. Cold, scared and alone: How cat colonies are saving lives Caretaker of East York heard residents from the building – where the cats gather. Once a claim it fell from an apartment colony is registered, the caretaker feline colony stops at window in the spring and has been is responsible for immediately left outside since. having each cat neutered at the nothing to help stray The unclaimed black cat is very Toronto Humane Society, caring cats weather the cold close to DiCicco’s East York cat for the cats post-surgery, returning colony, an alleyway near Green- them to the colony with proper By NICOLE ROYLE wood and Danforth avenues. shelter and feeding the cats daily. The Observer That proximity gives DiCicco a DiCicco knows what she’s sense of responsibility for the cat, doing when it comes to trapping Denise DiCicco is concerned as and keeps her going back to the abandoned cats and rescuing them. she enters the parking lot behind parking lot every day to feed and She has been a registered cat-col- a new residential building at the check on it. ony caretaker for 10 years. Her corner of Gerrard Street East and “No one can approach this cat, methods are seen as unorthodox. Woodbine Avenue. It’s minus four he’s so jumpy and scared,” DiCic- Caretakers must complete a degrees and the wind is hitting co said. “It’s so cold out and it’s Trap, Neuter and Return workshop her face at a chilling speed. She just getting worse, but the second before they can register a cat colo- is there to see a cat that she hopes I try to get close and trap him, he ny. The workshop teaches caretak- she won’t find. just runs away.” ers how to have their cats neutered Nicole Royle/The Observer DiCicco first heard of the cat Cat-colony caretakers in Toron- and, more importantly, how to care Denise DiCicco prepares a warm resting place for one of two weeks ago. She isn’t certain to will register a cat colony within the stray cats she looks after in East York. where it came from, but she’s the specific area – usually an alley n See COLONY’S, page 5 2 NEWS The East York Observer Friday, December 15, 2017

POLICE & WHAT’S FIRE UP IN E.Y. Pedestrian hit Dance in on Broadview the holidays A pedestrian at local studio was struck by a vehicle on East Yorkers Broadview Avenue of all ages can at Westwood enjoy the first Avenue on Dec. 9 annual free dance around 1:30 p.m. social hosted by Police say the Access Ballroom man, 30, suffered Dance Studio. serious, non- Attendees can life-threatening enjoy the potluck, injuries. for which they are encouraged to bring a dish or a Police arrest drink (alcoholic or not) followed naked man by salsa lessons and ending the Police arrested an night with a dance East York man for party. The event indecent exposure will be held this near Eaton Avenue Anissa Calma-Brown/The Observer evening (Dec. 15) and Selkirk (Left to right) Ontario Premier and Don Valley West MPP Kathleen Wynne, volunteer Justin Van Dette and at 276 Main St. Street around Global meteorologist Anthony Farnell announce East York’s first flag campaign. and begin at 5:30 midnight on Dec. p.m. 2. The naked man reportedly banged on doors in the Time to reflect neighbourhood Flying the East York flag and smashed a on the year at car window with a Buy your flag and nominate a local resident who is ‘doing great things’ rake. Police say the St. Cuthbert’s man was in crisis, By ANISSA CALMA-BROWN The flags are almost sold out. (Small city,” Jacobs said. “The residents deserve but they are still The Observer flags cost $12; large ones are $60.) A sec- to be celebrated.” With Christmas investigating. ond order has already been placed. The East York Hall of Fame sells flags in being a difficult East York’s Hall of Fame is inviting res- Justin Van Dette, 38, started the East an effort to build the spirit of the commu- time for some, idents to show some community spirit York Hall of Fame a year ago after attend- nity back up. St. Cuthbert’s Teens arrested by supporting the organization’s first flag ing an event for the Leaside Sports Hall of Meanwhile, Van Dette hopes the com- Anglican Church after robbery campaign. Fame. munity will also come together to nomi- welcomes all to The event took place Nov. 15 at the Rise “I was blown away by the strong sense nate residents for the Hall of Fame. reflect on the Four teenage & Dine Eatery on St. Clair Ave. E., with of community in the room,” he said. “How “East York has a long and special history past year while boys are facing Ontario Premier and Don Valley West MPP positive it was to witness celebrating the in Canada, and it is important we celebrate celebrating the charges after an Kathleen Wynne and Beaches-East York success of individuals in the community.” that pride,” he said. “So many of our cur- holidays. The armed robbery in MPP Arthur Potts in attendance. Meredith Jacobs, 39, is a local resident rent and former residents are doing great Christmas service the Dawes Road “At the heart of a strong province are who is eager to see the community’s spirit things, and the East York Hall of Fame in- is to be held on and Danforth strong communities, like East York,” Wyn- come back to life. tends to recognize those individuals.” Dec. 16 and run Avenue area on ne said. “I can’t wait to see families show- “I think people often forget that East Nominations close Dec. 31. They can be from 4 to 5:30 Nov. 29. Police ing their neighbourhood pride by flying the York is a big part of Toronto. It is one of made online or by completing a form at lo- p.m. at 1399 say two males East York flag outside their homes.” the friendliest communities within the cal community centres in East York. Bayview Ave. walked into a convenience store wearing masks Caroling with with one holding Firefighters rush to contain apartment blaze a shotgun. The cookies, cider males demanded Sixth-floor unit source of money and fled in All carolers a car driven by a early December fire on are welcome 14-year-old. Four to bask in the teens are to appear Dawes Road, officials say Christmas spirit in court Jan. 16. at St. Cuthbert’s By ANDRE SAUNDERS Anglican Church The Observer on Dec. 18. The Pornography church welcomes Toronto Fire responded to a one-alarm those of all ages charges laid blaze at 500 Dawes Rd. on Dec. 3. to an evening A man, 32, has Toronto Police tweeted at 12:10 p.m., of carol singing been charged with warning of a fire in the area of Dawes Road from 7 to 9 p.m. five counts related and Gower Street. Caroling festivities to the possession The fire started on the sixth floor of the are to be followed and distribution of building, spreading to a nearby unit, ac- by refreshments child pornography. cording to fire officials. The balconies of of mulled cider Toronto police both units have visible scorch marks on the and cookies. Andre Saunders/The Observer searched his home outside. The church also in the Victoria Park A resident of the apartment, who wishes The balconies at 500 Dawes Rd. had visible scorch marks after the fire. encourages Avenue and Dawes to remain unnamed, saw the fire from out- donations of non- Road area Oct. side the building. home. I have a feeling they weren’t home that the fire was out and firefighters re- perishable food for 16. Jason Banks “It was two balconies on a higher floor, because you didn’t hear anyone saying mained on the scene to clear the smoke. the Flemingdon appeared in court and they were blazing — it was popping anything.” Dawes Road was closed due to the fire, Park Community Nov. 28. and the flames were just shooting out,” said Residents of the building had TTC buses diverting buses onto side streets, the TTC food bank. the resident, who added the apartment must provided to them for shelter as the fire con- tweeted. ~ Emilie Must have been totally destroyed. tinued, Toronto police tweeted. Toronto Fire Services is investigating ~ Elizabeth Oloidi “I feel sorry for that person coming At 12:36 p.m., Toronto police tweeted the blaze. No injuries were reported. Friday, December 15, 2017 The East York Observer NEWS 3 Food banks banking on us for more cash

four years ago and also volunteers Cash donations used to there. Donations of money aren’t buy food at wholesale something they’re used to, she said, but can help the food bank meet spe- prices and pay bills cific needs. “It doesn’t happen often, but when By RYAN ORLECKI it does, we are very thankful,” she The Observer said. Bethany Baptist Church serves Donations of food are a popular about 100 people every Thursday, and choice at this time of year, but food it’ll only get busier as the holidays ap- banks are also happy to receive a type proach and the weather grows colder. of non-perishable donation: money. “A lot of the food banks in the area “We like both,” said Gail Nyberg, have closed, like (the one) by Pape executive director of the Daily Bread Station, so everybody is starting to Food Bank, which supplies food to come here,” Dellegrazie said. Nicole Reis/The Observer local organizations for distribution. With more people coming to Beth- “Money is certainly easier to deal any Baptist Church for food, support with, so then we can pay bills and buy is growing, too. They receive a lot of food at wholesale prices.” non-perishables from local residents. With Daily Bread serving around The Daily Bread Food Bank gives 40,000 hampers of food a month, buy- them milk, cheese and vegetables. ing in bulk is efficient and can save Canadian Tire and the local police money. department donate toys and money Donations of money can also help during the holiday season. food banks allocate money to specif- For people in need, whatever type ic things. For example, they can buy of donation someone can give — baby formula for families in need, be- money, food or gift cards — goes a cause that is not a commonly donated long way. item. “We owe it to our community to Though some people are skepti- support each other in need,” Zahari- cal about giving money because they adis-Hart said. “You never know when worry about what it will be used to you’ll need help.” buy, the donor still has a choice. “We have an option at Daily Bread that you can choose to say that (your) money can only be used for the pur- WHERE TO pose of food,” Nyberg said. Mary Zahariadis-Hart has been GET FOOD donating food at Thanksgiving and n Bethany Baptist Church Christmas for 10 years. She likes the 1041 Pape Ave., M4K 3W1 idea of donating money, but said it’s a 416-425-9472 lot harder to find extra cash than extra n Flemingdon Park food in her overstocked pantry. Community Food Bank “For families who want to donate, 10 Gateway Blvd., M3C 3A1 like us, I think the tangible canned- 416-422-4322 Nicole Reis/The Observer good donation is better,” Zahari- Ken Gruber, a Toronto entrepreneur, poses with his 2018 Toronto Raccoon calendar. Gruber n adis-Hart said. “Chances are, families Salvation Army, Community and Family Services -East came up with the idea of featuring the city’s love-hate relationship with the adorable critters. (find it) easier to be charitable with Toronto Corps food they already have versus a cash 107 Cedarvale Ave., M4C 4J9 donation.” 416-467-7664 Alicia Dellegrazie has been using Love ’em or hate ’em, raccoons n Thorncliffe Food Bank food banks for 12 years. She start- 1 Leaside Park Dr., #5B, M4H 1R1 ed visiting Bethany Baptist Church 647-428-9755 on Pape Avenue for food almost creating a buzz in local calendar weekend. More than 20 Toronto re- pressed keen interest in the calendar, A collectible 2018 tail outlets are carrying the calendar, including questions about where to calendar has drawn including the ROM boutique, VII buy it. Design Gifts, Home James, Midoco “I have purchased one,” said Kim enthusiastic reactions and Book City. Avery, a member of the Facebook “People ask for (the calendar) ev- page. “The money goes towards By NICOLE REIS ery day, if not every other day,” said the Toronto Wildlife Centre, which The Observer Rowan DeHaan, who works at Book promotes the peaceful co-existence City in the Beaches. “I think people of people and wildlife, and provides East-end residents Ken Gruber and think that raccoons may be pesky, medical care to sick, injured and or- Berta Mascarenhas noticed the love- but they’re cute.” phaned wild animals. They live in hate relationship between Toronto- Toronto’s mayor seems to agree. our habitat, as we do theirs. We are nians and raccoons — and thought In November, he tweeted a photo all wildlife.” they could capitalize on it. of himself frowning while holding After the calendar concept After sourcing photos online, the the calendar. “You gotta be kidding dawned on the pair last spring, they two former marketing executives me!” he wrote. “If you like seeing hoped to include local user-generat- produced the 16-month 2018 To- images of raccoons, get yourself a ed photos, but the quality of submit- ronto Raccoon Calendar, creating copy of this 2018 Toronto Raccoons ted images became “tricky,” Gruber a buzz among East York residents calendar. It’s for a good cause, too!” said. and even Mayor John Tory in the One dollar of each sale’s proceeds About 100 calendars are still process. will be donated to the Toronto Wild- available from the Toronto Raccoon Beaches resident Gruber and life Centre. Calendar website. Mascarenhas, who lives at Danforth “It’s gratifying to have local sup- Residents can email quality imag- Ryan Orlecki/The Observer and Woodbine avenues, printed an port,” Gruber said. es of the masked creatures to info@ Alicia Dellegrazie started using Bethany Baptist Church’s food bank initial run of 1,000 copies and re- A thread on the Danforth and torontoraccoons.ca for a chance to almost four years ago. She also volunteers there. leased it for sale after Labour Day Woodbine Facebook group ex- be featured in the 2019 calendar. 4 NEWS The East York Observer December 15, 2017

Zia Zarawar/The Observer (Top right) Blair Watson is a member of Reptilia, Canada’s largest indoor reptile zoo and education centre. He brought some of his creepy crawlers to entertain children at the Pape Village BIA’s Winter Festival. (Top left) A brave child holds one of Watson’s spiders. Spiders and turtles and snakes, oh my Church at Pape and Cosburn avenues. Children More than 500 people enjoyed cookie dec- community better,” said Charleen Beard, secre- Reptile handler, Santa Claus performed seasonal songs on the piano, gui- orating, face painting, arts and crafts, live en- tary of the BIA. “We help to beautify the area by among the attractions at tar, violin and other instruments, while seniors tertainment and getting their picture taken with putting plants, as well as extra benches, on the danced to live accordion music. Santa. street, and help clean the area.” Pape Village’s Winter Festival Blair Watson, a member of Reptilia, an at- The Pape Village BIA was established in Toronto-Danforth MP Julie Dabrusin was traction in Vaughan that bills itself as “Canada’s 1986 and represents about a hundred business- there to watch her friends’ children playing the By ZIA ZARAWAR largest fully indoor reptile zoo,” entertained es on Pape Avenue from Mortimer to Gamble piano. The Observer people of all ages with his reptiles and spiders. avenues. She said the Bethany Baptist Church is dif- Kids, he said, usually love to touch snakes and It takes a portion of the property tax and ferent each time she’s there, adding there are The Pape Village BIA celebrated the season spiders. uses that to beautify the area and stage events. days when it draws more seniors and other with a winter festival featuring everything from “If they grow to be an adult before they get a It holds the winter festival each year on the first times when it’s full of kids. Santa to snakes. chance to touch them, that’s where they develop Saturday of December. “To me, that shows how wonderful of a hub The event was held Dec. 2 at Bethany Baptist fear,” Watson said. “We all volunteer our time to help make the this location is for the community,” she said. n MUSIC VOCA Chorus serves up a magical night of Canadian tunes a really imaginative way,” concert-goer Earl Group delights a sold-out Groenewegen said enthusiastically. crowd at Eastminster United Conductor Crober beamed as she talked about the choir. Church with mix of Christmas “They’re a wonderful group of people,” she said. “This is a special occasion in many ways. songs, homegrown music It’s a seasonal celebration, but it’s also (Cana- By NEIL POWERS da’s) sesquicentennial.” The Observer It’s no accident that the VOCA Chorus fo- cuses on a range of Canadian music. A sold-out crowd packed Eastminster United “I love bringing all different aspects of Church on the Danforth Saturday night to hear things into a melting pot,” Crober said. the VOCA Chorus of Toronto serve up a smor- “I actually think about my programming re- gasbord of mostly homegrown Canadian tunes ally carefully.” and a couple of traditional Christmas songs. The show incorporated Indigenous and Que- The program was called The Great Canadian becois music into the program. Crober took an Choirbook. interactive approach, talking with the audience After Toronto-Danforth MP Julie Dabrusin and providing history on a given song about to welcomed the audience, VOCA artistic direc- be performed. tor and conductor Jenny Crober introduced She included a few standard Christmas sing- singer Cheri Maracle, Mohawk of the Six Na- Photo courtesy of VOCA Chorus alongs for the audience, such as Deck the Halls tions of the Grand River Territory. Maracle Members of the VOCA Chorus are pictured above after their festive perfor- and Silent Night, while adding an Indigenous began the show singing the Women’s Honour mance at Eastminster United Church last Saturday night. song, Huron Carol. Song. The choir, with over 80 singers, including The two-hour program strayed for the most Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen and Frobisher Jane Siberry’s Love is Everything, Le Voya- guest performers, holds two concerts a year. It part from the usual holiday fare, featuring clas- Bay by James Gordon, who was at the concert. geur by Angele and Albert Arsenault and River began in 1986 as the East York Choir. Their sics such as Northwest Passage by Stan Rog- Other songs included pieces less often heard by Joni Mitchell. songs are still enjoyed today just as they were ers, Log Driver’s Waltz by Wade Hemsworth, at choral concerts this time of year, such as “The artistic director arranged the music in over 30 years ago. Friday, December 15, 2017 The East York Observer NEWS 5 Muddy York Brewery raises the bar

“I kind of figured the less ingredi- Small-batch brewery ents you use, the more of a challenge in East York offers its it is to have a better process of brewing and do a better job,” he said. customers a unique “If you get good-quality ingredients, just like with food, you don’t experience, along with need to do a lot to it. You just show- a history lesson or two case the inherent quality in the ingredients you’re using.” By KATHERINE FORTE It’s not just about the flavours, The Observer though. The experience of purchas- ing Muddy York Brewery beer is In East York, beer doesn’t get much unique as well. more local than it does at Muddy “People like coming here because York Brewery. you’re going to talk to the people The brewery, which has operated that make the beer. We’re generally out of its 22 Cranfield Rd. location here a lot — it feels very personal,” for the past three years, started in Michalek said. head brewer Jeff Manol’s home. “You’re not just buying your beer When the long-time judge of beer at the beer store from a faceless mo- competitions and enthusiastic home nopoly. When you buy beer from us, brewer decided to share his long- you connect with us.” time hobby with the public, his wife, As the brewery’s fourth anniver- Susan Michalek, agreed to help with sary approaches and its Helles La- marketing and designing labels for ger hits the shelves of the LCBO, the beer. Michalek and Manol are hoping to While the small-batch brewery expand the brand and their connec- started with a modest three-hectoli- Katherine Forte/The Observer tions to the community. tre system, it’s flourished since then, (Left to right) Susan Michalek, head of marketing and design, and founder and head They plan on hosting food pop- Michalek said. brewer Jeff Manol relax in front of their taps at the Muddy York Brewery. ups and a brunch, among other “We are now 10 hectolitres and we events. Manol wants to “get people have nine fermenters,” she said. “We name from Toronto’s early days Hanlan’s Point amusement park and here and said his grandmother was to know us and stop in.” probably didn’t do it as fast as some as the (unpaved) settlement called its famous diving horses. the result of the stork derby,” Mi- “Many people feel very comfort- other breweries that have opened up York. The Stork Derby Stout is a nod to chalek laughed. “No one would be- able here. It’s very welcoming and in the city, but we’ve grown it all The names of the beers them- the Great Stork Derby in the 1920s, lieve her when she told the story, but that’s very important to us — to be ourselves with all of our know-how selves are also inspired by Toronto’s where Toronto women raced to have it’s true — you can look it up.” open and welcoming to everybody,” and hard work.” past. Along with the Muddy York as many children as possible in the Manol takes a less-is-more philos- he said. Toronto history runs deep in the Porter, there’s Diving Horse Pale hopes of benefitting from a rich fi- ophy when it comes to brewing and “Whether you’re new to craft Muddy York brewing brand. The Ale (both Michalek and Manol’s nancier’s will. ingredients, which he finds is benefi- beer or not, everyone is welcome name itself is a reference to a nick- current favourite), which alludes to “Actually, one gentleman was cial to the taste. here.” Colony’s keeper won’t give up on scaredy-cat Cont’d. from page 1

for them after the operation. The final step is to return the cats to the colony with proper amenities. This last step is where DiCicco veers from the norm. “A lot of people think that if a cat is on the street long enough, they can’t be tamed and adopted.” She shook her head. “That’s crap. Even the roughest of cats who have needed a lot of surgery, I’ve seen them adopted and become the most loving lap cats.” DiCicco has found homes for hundreds of East York cats in her years of being a caretaker. She has never had problems with rehabilitating the cats that come into her colony, which is another reason this black cat is troubling her. “He is in the system. He’s already been trapped, neutered Bambang Sadewo/The Observer and adopted,” DiCicco explained. This home in the Mortimer and Logan avenue area was recently sold. The housing market in the GTA “He’s gone through abandonment twice, and now he’s out in is expected to be more stable in 2018. the cold, scared and alone.” DiCicco rallied community members, from her website and an East York Facebook group. With their help, she raised enough money to buy a trap to help the cat. Realtor predicts more stable market However, the cat already knows what a trap is and can’t be fooled into entering another. DiCicco is at a loss. Cont’d. from page 1 GTA, TREB president Tim Syrianos said dicts that the market will be more stable, “I wish I knew which shelter he was in before,” she said, in a press release. Homebuyers might be with home prices possibly going up by looking concerned. “Then I could find out who adopted him been indications the market is on its way snatching things up before changes to the five per cent. and make sure they never do this to another animal.” up. mortgage-lending guidelines by the finan- “It’s not going to affect anything for DiCicco feels like she’s out of options, but she’s not out of In November, TREB recorded 7,374 cial regulator kick in, he said. 2018,” Guci said. “Toronto has lots to hope. She will continue to visit this parking lot and is posting transactions in Toronto. That’s up from Due to take effect on Jan.1, the updated offer. We still have a lot of buyers, pro- about it on the Facebook page, from which she has over 100 October. It’s also a 37.2-per-cent year- mortgage-stress test – aimed at ensuring fessionals.” comments, some from residents in that building. over-year increase, defying the regular that borrowers can pay back their loans in As for East York, she said it will con- In the meantime, she urges the community to think about seasonal trend. case the interest rate goes higher than their tinue to be a popular area for homebuyers the city’s pets this holiday season. Report stray cats found in The average selling price for November actual mortgage rate – will include a test because of its proximity to downtown and neighbourhoods, keep track of your own pets, and donate cat was $761,757. That’s down compared to for those with uninsured loans. easy access to highways, subway stops and dog food to local food drives. the year-to-date average of $827,608. Guci believes the effect will be tempo- and trendy shops and restaurants. “It’s terrible when you see people out on the street. But The fall season has brought “an uptick rary. By February, she said, homebuyers “It’s going to be a really great year,” even worse when they have a cat or a dog with them,” she in demand” for ownership housing in the will have assessed the situation. She pre- she said. said. “These pets need food, too.” 6 OPINION The East York Observer Friday, December 15, 2017 n COLUMNS n EDITORIALS Will the power of #MeToo 400 is not enough inspire a lasting change? Last week the city of Toronto approved the addition of 400 spaces for people experiencing homelessness. With the winter weather approaching, these additions could be a Scrolling through Face- have been sexually of my closest friends detailing matter of life and death. book statuses these harassed or assaulted an experience they are prob- The new spaces will come from current shelters, motels and drop-in centres. Mayor days inevitably means wrote ‘Me too’ as a ably trying to forget. I am so John Tory has quoted the cost of the plan at $10 million. The proposal was met with coming across someone, status, we might give grateful that this movement widespread approval in City Hall. However, Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam was left most often a woman, people a sense of the made so many feel they are disappointed after her own plans for the addition were rejected. using the hashtag magnitude of the not alone and gave them the Wong-Tam was hoping to create additional space by opening armouries to people #MeToo. They are problem.” courage to speak out about an facing homelessness during the winter. Her proposal was thrown out after gaining only sharing stories Since then, issue that is more common 17 out of 25 votes. of moments in millions have than many may have thought. One of the factors against using the armouries is cost. To open them as shelters their lives when used #MeToo The widespread hashtag would require more than the $10 million from the current plans, although the exact they feel they to share has created a feeling of unity amount is unclear. were sexually stories of among women who have ex- The rejection of Wong-Tam’s proposal caused frustration among Toronto’s an- harassed or harassment perienced any kind of sexual ti-homeless community. These extra beds would help keep hundreds more off the assaulted. and sexual abuse. It made me feel I was streets this winter. Mayor John Tory is hesitant to allocate funds to this temporary The move- assault. This not alone, and gave me the solution, although he claims he will not rule it out. ment was movement is strength and support to use So the real question, then, is one of principle. Should the city provide the extra started a decade crucial in making the hashtag myself. funding to help those experiencing homelessness this winter find shelter, or is it better ago by activist people in various Progress is often slow. But to save that money and put it towards a long-term solution? Tarana Burke, industries realize I hope this movement makes The State of Homelessness in Canada 2016 reported at least 235,000 Canadians but actor Alyssa what is OK and swift changes in how people experience homelessness in a year. The Toronto Star published an article in October Milano turned it into what is not. Now are treated, and in people’s claiming at least 70 people have died due to homelessness in Toronto already this year, a burgeoning Twitter I wonder how this willingness to come forward before the snow had even started. The city is demanding a state of emergency. trend. movement could when they have not been According to the Globe and Mail in 2015, the approximate cost of ending homeless- In the wake of the change the ways treated properly. ness in Toronto would be $44 billion over 10 years. This would require finding more long list of women we treat one It is so important for people space (a scarcity in Toronto) for housing, funding programs to make that housing more accusing Hollywood pro- another. to feel comfortable with them- affordable and providing services to prevent homelessness in the city. ducer Harvey Weinstein I have never selves and live a happy life. Ending homelessness is expensive and complex, but not impossible. San Francisco’s of sexual assault, Mila- felt so helpless Social media’s widespread non-profit, Tipping Point Community, is raising $100 million to cut the city’s homeless no posted these words, as I have reading reach is being put to good use population in half in five years. The organization has already raised $60 million for “suggested by a posts with this hashtag. And I hope the cause. And Seattle is proposing to tax its highest-grossing businesses with revenue friend”: “If all Mursal Rahman by that it helps people in their going into ending homelessness. the women who some everyday lives. Tory needs to declare an emergency and begin tackling this issue with everything we have. ~ Nicole Royle ‘Adulting’ is hard: Student’s This is where... journey to self-acceptance Harassment can occur anywhere. But does everyone recognize that? Do people still believe you As 2017 quickly comes to a a part of growing up. on my own? No. have to put yourself in a “dangerous situation” to encounter something like that? close, it’s a time for self-re- Being an adult in Do I buy my own The TTC is hoping to show that you can be targeted anywhere at any time, and for no reason. flection. 2017 is not cheap. groceries? Rarely. I Its anti-harassment campaign targets sexual harassment, racism and homophobia, and uses post- This year mostly consisted The cost of don’t have to worry ers, each of which starts with the hashtag #ThisIsWhere and ends with a true story that happened of me proving not only to my living keeps about bills and on the TTC. parents, but also to myself, that increasing doing my own The posters are visible on buses and subway trains all over East York. The stories are shed- I am an adult, capable of tak- every year. taxes, but does ding light on a topic that might have been considered taboo a few years ago. So why talk about ing care of things on my own. While our that make me it now? Well, maybe bringing up these incidents will help citizens see just how often things like I am 21, but I don’t feel parents less of an adult? this can happen. 21. But what is a 21-year-old were able What does make The poster campaign is accompanied by an app called SafeTTC. This allows transit users really supposed to feel like in to move out you an adult? to report incidents of harassment. The goal is to raise awareness and possibly prevent future 2017? and support Your age or attacks. At the age I am now, my themselves the amount of Luke Palmieri is a student from East York who uses the TTC often. He feels that certain “this parents were married and at young responsibility and is where” stories relate more to him than others, and make him think twice about his safety. preparing to bring new lives ages, it seems independence you “I saw one where it said, ‘This is where Antonio got mugged,’ and I feel like that is something into the world. next to im- have? that could happen to me too,” he said. “It made me kind of nervous, but I think it’s a good way People often say that it was possible in the Even though I of making people aware of the things that go on.” a different world back then, economy we may not have the One of the cons of the campaign, Palmieri said, is that not every story is eye-catching. but that doesn’t stop me from live in now. responsibilities my “It’s not that I didn’t care about some of the stories. It just didn’t relate to me as much, but I thinking that somehow I am With my parents had at my think that if I don’t relate to them, someone else will.” behind in life. amount of debt age, there are steps Others feel the campaign is doing a great job regardless of what the individual stories are For many, our early 20s after finishing I can take in order about. Anna Jenkins, also a student from East York, believes awareness is the most important seem to be the most confusing school, living to feel more like thing. years. We are expected to be with my parents an adult. It starts “I think it helps show not only the victims that they’re heard, but also shows the people doing independent, but some of us seems like the off with finding my these things that they are seen,” she said. are still very dependent on our only option, an independence. According to Statistics Canada, only six incidents out of 100 are reported to police. This parents. option other peo- It took some time, might be precisely why we need a campaign like this. By encouraging people to come forward With phrases like “adult- ple in their 20s but I now realize that with their stories, the TTC is attempting to abolish victim-shaming, as well as breaking the ing” or “I can’t adult today” also choose. I am maturing, but silence on harassment. spreading across social media, So at my own ~ Divya Rajan being an adult seems to be do I Melissa Stephenson pace, and that seen as more of an option than live is OK.

The East York The East York Observer is published by Centennial College journalism students at the East York cam- FACULTY EDITORS MANAGING EDITOR PRODUCTION EDITORS pus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. Mailing address: Eric McMillan Neil Powers Nicole Royle P.O. Box 631, Stn. A, Toronto, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Lindy Oughtred PHOTO EDITOR Bambang Sadewo [email protected]. Telephone 416-289- John Sakamoto Michael Linnenen OBSERVER 5107, fax 416-289-5111. We welcome your input, including letters to the editor. Friday, December 15, 2017 The East York Observer FEATURES 7 Enjoying a century of Withrow Park

City of Toronto Archives Nicole Royle/ Toronto Observer Withrow Park was constructed in the 1910s, with plans beginning as early as 1905. It is south of Danforth Avenue, bordered by Carlaw, McConnell, Logan and Bain avenues. The park was named after John Jacob Withrow, a local builder who founded what became the Canadian National Exhibition. Above left is a photo of the McConnell-Logan intersection being created in 1905, setting the northwest corner of the park. Above right is the same intersection today, looking south. First union in fitness world n COMMUNITY Trainers at GoodLife East York Historical Society urge other gyms to ends the year with a classic form unions as well the baby’s mother, he decides to raise By EMILIE MUST Organization screens the child by himself. Over the last The Observer Charlie Chaplin’s film half of the film, the baby has grown into a young boy, and the two become Personal trainers at Canada’s largest The Kid at its final joined at the hip. gym are hopeful favouritism in the The screening left some members workplace will end after agreeing to meeting of the year of the society emotional, especially a union deal — a first for the fitness Donna Glazier, who had to be com- industry. By SAMMY ABDO forted by her husband, Bruce Horner. On Dec. 4, management at Good- The Observer “It was a really good movie, eh?’ Life and the employees, backed by Horner said. “Amazing how good it the Workers United Canada Coun- Emilie Must/The Observer Charlie Chaplin was the star of the was without any dialogue.” cil, finalized a two-year contract GoodLife Fitness at Danforth/Pape settled its contracts. East York Historical Society’s last Prince also discussed the East York at GoodLife locations in Ajax, Pe- meeting of 2017. connection: Mary Pickford, business terborough and Toronto, which in- injured and unable to come into far “the largest fitness company in On an unusually warm November partner of Chaplin, had a bungalow cludes East York. work.” Canada. (The union deal) will give night, the gathering was larger than on Glenwood Crescent in East York In 2016, 25 per cent of Good- Along with injury and no guaran- workers the opportunity to have a normal, with members showing full that was built in the 1940s. Life personal trainers across Canada tee of clients, trainers were required voice at work, which is a really pos- support. The bungalow was eventually raf- came together to form a union. to do extra work for no pay. itive step around health and safety at The meeting on Nov. 28 com- fled off to raise money for the war “There was no system in place for “We were required to put in sev- the workplace.” memorated art. The speaker, Dr. effort. the company to hand out clients that eral hours a week at the gym to find Lack of opportunity for a steady Rob Prince, who has a PhD in his- Though she owned it, Pickford were sold by management,” said clients and the company was not income is making precarious work tory from the University of Toronto, never lived there, and chose to live in Connor Power, a personal trainer at compensating personal trainers for an issue in the fitness sector. This is spoke about silent films. The Kid, the Pickfair, her estate in Beverly Hills. the GoodLife on Coxwell Avenue. this work,” Power said. a problem in a growing number of 1921 classic by Charlie Chaplin, was “After the war, Mary Pickford, “This caused massive favouritism The union is part of the Workers industries in Ontario. screened. fighting alcoholism, became a re- and harassment by club fitness man- United Canada council, which advo- “The goal the personal trainers “This was, in fact, Chaplin’s first cluse,” Prince said. agers towards their personal train- cates for ending precarious work in have is to make positive changes feature film,” Prince said. “But the bungalow she never lived ers.” unstable industries. within their own workplace,” Nay- “It was also the first major studio in, here in East York, is still stand- Personal training is a physical “Until this contract, (there was) lor said. She also hopes “to see a film that attempted to combine coming, though I understand that her sig- industry where there are risks of total lack of unionization, total lack positive change in the industry as a edy with drama, so this is something nature on the door has been painted workplace injuries, yet there was no of sick days, limited benefits,” said whole.” of a landmark film.” over.” compensation in place. union representative Adrie Naylor. Naylor says GoodLife is a large The Kid is about a man on his The East York Historical Society’s “The company did not care if we “This is an industry with a lot of enough company to influence oth- morning promenade who discovers a next meeting will be Jan. 30. Re- were injured and unable to work,” young people where there’s a high er gyms to form unions and try to baby boy abandoned near a garbage freshments will be served at 7 p.m., Power said. “A lot of trainers would rate of turnover.” negotiate better rights for their em- can. followed by a presentation at 7:30 have to quit because they were She noted that GoodLife is by ployees. After unsuccessfully trying to find p.m. 8 NEWS The East York Observer December 15, 2017

Tina Adamopoulos/The Observer

Bambang Sadewo/The Observer Winter tales (Top left) Megha Soni, 21, takes a selfie outside her workplace on Danforth Avenue during East York’s first major snowfall on Monday, Dec. 11. (Top right, bottom right) Eastminster United Church is selling Christmas trees to raise money for its Out of the Cold program. The program provides shelter for people in the community who are experiencing homelessness. Tina Adamopoulos/The Observer Christmas pageant embraces ‘radical hospitality’ Message of this year’s pageant is love and generosity, director says

By MICHAEL LINENNEN The Observer

Leaside United Church’s annual Christmas pageant is a family affair for the Lapier family. Not only have Nina Lapier, 12, and her sister Brianna, 5, participated in the pageant for the last three years, but their father Rob- ert was also in it when he was a child. “It was many decades ago, back in the ’60s and ’70s,” he said. This year’s will take place on Dec. 17 at 10:30 a.m. The theme is radical hospitality, which means going the extra step when helping others. Michael Linennen/The Observer “Focus on love and the generosity that Children from the Christmas pageant (pictured above) are rehearsing for their show at Leaside United Church. we can give each other as humans,” said director Tanya Wiles-Bell, who has been story,” she said. and hope and generosity,” Wiles-Bell said. kids,” she said. “They have that choice to involved with the pageant for the past nine This year’s pageant will follow a young “This modern story is playing out parallel carry that on.” years. couple who have just arrived in Canada and to the ancient story, and so makes it new Meanwhile, this will be Nina Lapier’s “We often think that if we do something are struggling to make it their home. At the again.” first time taking on a speaking role in the nice, if we give a homeless person a Tim same time, there is a mother who thinks She said directing the pageant reminds pageant. Hortons card, that we are great people, but it Christmas is all about everything being her of the time when her children were “I’m actually really shy,” she said. “I goes deeper than that. Ask them their name, perfect. participants. always thought I like acting. I think it’s a find out who they are, because we all have a “She forgets that main message of love “It’s something that I have given my really fun thing.”