DESIGNING TEENS INFESTATION Local youth show off Ash borers prompt tree fashion skills - See page 7 quarantine in Scarborough See page 3 THE EAST OBSERVEROBSERVER • Friday • March 27 • 2009 • • PUBLISHED BY UTSC/CENTENNIAL COLLEGE JOURNALISM STUDENTS AND SERVING MALVERN, HIGHLAND CREEK AND WEST HILL • •WWW.TORONTOOBSERVER.CA• Explosion leaves condos powerless residents forced from homes by hydro mishap

Matthew Alleyne “We were just told to evac- The Observer uate,” said Lavindra Thurai- ratnam, who was waiting out- A week after an electrical side with his family. “I don’t explosion that left the Guild- even know why, or when we wood Village Condo com- can go back home.” plex powerless, more than Police made the determi- 500 residents were still not nation to evacuate the entire allowed to return home building “in the interest of The residents of 3650 safety,” said Insp. Bernadette Kingston Rd. were forced to Button from 43 Division. evacuate after an explosion in the condo complex led to a Temporary shelter chain reaction that destroyed a Toronto Hydro transformer “There is no fire protec- next to the building. tion, there are no eleva- tors, and there is no power Destroyed room in the building,” said Bob O’Hallarn, Toronto Fire divi- The explosion happened sion commander. MattHEW Alleyne/The Observer on March 19 at 2:30 a.m., de- City spokesman Patri- stroying one wall of the elec- cia Trott says the temporary Residents from the Guildwood Village Condo complex carry belongings out of their apartment after the explosion. trical room and leaving both shelter at the Scarborough the nine-storey condo com- Village Recreation Centre return home to pick up need- services,” Trott says. place earlier this year on Se- But after a week, there still plex and several townhous- was used to house 30 people ed personal items, such as “Some families have been cord Ave., which left 900 peo- has been no cause for the ex- es on the complex’s west side the first night. clothing and medication. provided with hotel accom- ple displaced for six weeks, plosion given by the condo’s without power. It remained open past “The recreation centre is modations until Saturday this explosion was isolat- management. Fire officials led an evac- the first 24 hours due to the stilling being used as an in- March 28, and extensions ed to an electrical room and Trott says that work on re- uation that took place over need. formation centre for resi- will be addressed on a case- an outdoor transformer, and storing power continues but several hours throughout the Residents were allowed dents where they can find by-case bases.” not a hydro vault, O’Hallarn it may take some time since morning. last weekend under escort to further information on city Unlike the event that took said. there was extensive damage. Jobs group seeks EI changes

AnthONY GEREMIA Nash said. Yet the new bud- With unemployment in the 80 per cent boasted by The Observer get introduced in Ottawa at 8.7 per cent, its Newfoundland and New earlier this year contained highest rate in 12 years, Brunswick. Several hundred people no efforts to fix employment more citizens might need the The objective of the rally demonstrated outside a Scar- insurance poli- temporary help was what Nash referred to as borough Employment Insur- cies, she said. of employment “a call to the federal govern- ance office on March 16 to Because the Employment insurance these ment.” press the federal government rules for EI had insurance is days. The coalition proposes the to change employment in- been changed ear- However, due government set a standard of surance policies. lier, she said, the one of the to policy chang- the minimum required hours The rally was organized government end- best es introduced to qualify for the universal by the the Good Jobs for All ed up with a mas- economic from 1990 to insurance. Right now, the Coalition, a group of over 35 sive surplus. 1996, many On- standards varies in different labour, social, and commu- But rather than stabilizers tario citizens are areas across Ontario. nity organizations. fix it to help mit- during a finding the in- In addition, the Coalition The government has igate the crisis, downturn surance failing wants beneficiaries to re- shown a lack of response to the government them when they ceive a minimum of 60 per the global economic crisis, chose to balance - Peggy Nash need it most. cent of their former wag- the rally was told by Peggy the budget, Nash StatsCan re- es for 50 weeks. The cur- Nash, senior representative said. ports that only rent system allows only 38 of the Canadian Auto Work- She called for EI to be 30 per cent of the unem- weeks. ers (CAW) and member of made easier for people to ac- ployed in Ontario qualify for Nash says she remains op- the Coalition. cess, since “a majority of un- EI. timistic about their chances, Courtesy of Abi Singam “Employment insurance is employed people can’t“ col- This number is less then pointing out the rally so far Protesters take part in Scarborough rally against employ- one of the best economic sta- lect it. There’s a patchwork the national average of 40 has been “making an impres- ment insurance policies they call unfair on March 16. bilizers during a downturn,” of hoops to jump through.” per cent and much less than sion in the media.” PAGE 2 - The Observer, March 27, 2009 NEWS

Meters show promise Old meter vs. New electricity system alleviates high demand Smart Meter n Smart meters Katrina rozal houses and small business- times during the day. This measure electric- The Observer es lost their old electric me- should reduce peek periods ity consumption ters to smart meters, which along with demand for non- hourly Three months after To- became mandatory as of last environmentally friendly ronto Hydro’s installation November. forms of energy such as coal. n Send meter of smart meters, East Scar- Houses and small commer- The smart meters go hand- reading to utility borough residents appear to cial areas in the West Hill, in-hand with a time-of-use via wireless be accepting the province’s Woburn, Highland Creek and electricity rate system to be connection gradual transition towards a Malvern areas, except for a made mandatory in the near new electric billing system. couple of thousand properties future. The rate system con- n Consumers can “The new smart meter is with locked gates, have had sists of three periods: off- view their electric- great because it’s more ac- new meters installed, accord- peak (at 4 cents/kwh), mid- ity use online curate than the old one,” said ing to Toronto Hydro’s Tanya peak (at 7.2 cents/kwh) and Revathy Navaretnan, a resi- Bruckmueller-Wilson. on-peak (at 8.8 cents/kwh). n Customers that dent of the Rouge area for Pricing is subject to change participate will re- four and a half years. “I had A smarter decision every six months, but the cieve a $50 credit a problem with the old one: lowest price generally ap- on their electric because of its estimated mea- A smart meter records total plies from 10 p.m. to 7 p.m. bill for doing so. surements I was once charged electricity consumption per as well as holidays and week- twice for my monthly bill and hour and sends it to a wireless ends. Toronto Hydro will an- having to fix that was a has- device. This allows property nounce when this billing sys- katrina rozal/The Observer sle.” owners to measure electric- tem will become mandatory The province’s goal is to have smart meters become standard by 2010 and for On- Most of East Scarborough’s ity consumption at different in East Scarborough. tario to have a new electricity system by 2025. School Open house celebrates youth immigration centre

cuts still Tevy Pilc Organized and operated by The Observer the TDSB, the NSY offers a variety of programs and ser- a danger: Overcome with emotion, vices for immigrant youths Frankie Zhang started to cry. in Toronto. One of its central trustee “I have been enrolled in parts is the mentorship pro- the Host Mentorship Pro- gram, which matches a stu- gram for about 4 months,” dent with one of the volun- Stephanie Leung said Zhang, a grade nine stu- teers or workers with NSY. The Observer dent at Sir Winston Churchill The centre also helps people Collegiate Institute. “I emi- with building job resumés. High enrolment and large grated from China and have class sizes won’t necessari- been in for almost One of a kind ly mean fewer education three years.” assistant and teacher-librar- “There aren’t a whole lot ian cuts for public schools Service for everyone of social services here in East in East Scarborough, warns Scarborough,” Ward 22 trust- a local trustee. Frankie is just one of sev- ee Nadia Bello said. “We’re The number of edu- eral young immigrants active really under-resourced, but cational assistants’ job with the Newcomer Services Tevy pilc/The Observer a place like this can become cuts will depend on each for Youth (NSY), which held TDSB trustee Nadia Bello, MP John McKay, Councillor Ron Moeser and Newcomer a place where all youth can school’s population, class an open house at one of its Services project administrator Bantu Mutenka cut a ceremonial cake at the open gather, like a safe space for size and the number of stu- new centres March 19. The house for the new Kingston-Galloway centre for youth newcomer services. youth, and become adjusted dent enrolment they have storefront facility on Kings- and integrated. every year, Ward 19 trustee ton Road, just south of Law- providing support. do our own things, yet peo- six months ago at the start of “It gives you a lot of op- Scott Harrison said. rence Avenue, was filled to Guests included local MP ple come to Canada and be- the school year. portunities, like free trips and “Schools in East Scar- capacity, as guests enjoyed in John McKay and Councillor come Canadian and this is “We’re the first agency help with job searches,” said borough are at or over the the celebrations. Ron Moeser, who alongside one of those facilities that al- of its kind in this area,” said Advait Kirtane, a grade 11 capacity but it means noth- The new location will help organizers helped cut the cer- low everyone to become Ca- Yasmin Dinally, NSY Intake student from Cedarbrae Col- ing to the bigger factor,” serve the settlement needs of emonial ribbon and cake. nadian.” Orientation and Outreach Di- legiate Institute. He came to Harrison said. immigrant youth between the “It’s neat to see the com- The event also featured raf- rector. “We’re unique because Canada eight months ago. He The Toronto school ages of 13 to 24 in East Scar- munity try and bring itself to- fles and prizes, refreshments we only serve ages 13 to 24, frequents the centre as an af- board’s budget for 2009-10 borough. The centre is one of gether,” McKay said. “There and a special performance by but right now we’re trying to terschool hub where he can has not been finalized yet, four new locations in Toron- are so many types of commu- local singer, Damone Clark. service basically everyone in do his work, browse the in- so it is uncertain whether to, including one in Malvern, nities and the tendencies to The centre opened nearly the community.” ternet, or just relax. or not the educational as- sistant job cuts will affect the area. On March 18, the To- News Briefs ronto District School Board (TDSB) voted on making 36 teacher-librarian and 150 educational assistant cuts in Possible source Scarborough Two men on the Milner fire costs Diversity at UTSC Toronto public schools due to the board’s $23-million for employment rapper in India run after assault $200,000 on display deficit next year. The TDSB is yet to de- The Ontario Power Generat- Kardinal Offishall began his Two middle-aged women A fire at a Scarborough Students at University cide in which schools they said last week the con- tour in India on March 19. were mugged in the area of townhouse complex on of Toronto Scarborough will be making the cuts. struction of the proposed He will perform in Mumbai, Shepperd Avenue East and Milner Avenue caused celebrated Cultural Mosaic Education assistants and nuclear plant at the Darling- Delhi and other cities. Born Hallbank Terrace on March $200,000 in damages on week during the week of teacher-librarians who are ton site will create about in Scarborough, Harrow 18. Only one victim suffered March 13. It started in one March 16. Students show- on contract will be notified 3,500 jobs for Scarborough, has released two albums minor injuries. The suspects of the units at 10 a.m. No cased their cultures through by the board in March or Peterborough and Nor- including Eye & I and Quest fled the scene and are now one was injured. The source a fashion show, an interna- April. thumberland. for fire. wanted by police. of the fire was electrical. tional food fest and dance. The East Toronto Observer, March 27, 2009 - PAGE 3 NEWS Toronto proposes hiring 1,300

overblown, and thought she City looks to was immune to its effects. But now she has second create new thoughts. “I feel like that with the positions limited amount of positions out there I feel like there’s a lot more competition than, Rima Ramoul say, a year ago.” The Observer After one of her friends alerted Local residents are tweak- her about ing their resumes as the City the city’s of Toronto prepares to em- poten- bark on a massive hiring tial hir- spree, opening up to 1,300 ing spree, new positions. Sarwari A few city councillors imme- may be questioning some of diately Sarwari the proposed positions, such jumped as a BlackBerry specialist. online and But this still comes as good started sifting through the news to many who have been possible job opportunities. searching for jobs or have The jobs are making their been laid off. way through the city’s budget Tahmina Sarwari, a process and will go to council 21-year-old student, pur- for final approval next week. chased her first car nearly a Proposed jobs include a year ago. Rima RAMOUL/The Observer manager in charge of keeping She now has to worry Shoaib Quraishi searches for jobs on his laptop after City Hall proposed 1,300 new positions. Potential jobs include our streets clean, a mainte- about her insurance, her tu- a BlackBerry specialist, administrative support, maintenance patrollers, counsellors and inspectors. nance patroller, inspectors to ition, and her cell phone bills crack down on grow-ops. piling up. Her credit cards are unemployed doesn’t help ei- realize how hard it would with my experience in fi- U.S. economy crashing.” To get more information maxed out and she finds her- ther. She’s been searching for be,” she says. “I mean as a nance. She says she generally on how to apply and a list of self in a desperate situation. a job for over seven months. bilingual person I thought “But I’m starting to per- dismissed ideas of a reces- jobs available from the city, The fact that she is also “It’s been hectic, I didn’t it would be easy, especially sonally feel the impact of the sion, saying the claims were visit toronto.ca/employment. Trees protected from bug attack Love never grows old Amanda Ly Maxx Smith urban and forested areas in increased and spread despite The Observer men must get up to meet The Observer both countries,” the CFIA re- significant control measures Signs of infestation their new partner. ported. attempted. Once established, At the end, each person The Canadian Food In- The bug was discovered in the emerald ash borer has Dating is not only for lusty writes down the names of spection Agency is quaran- 2002 in Detroit. proven impossi- n S-shape tunnel- teenagers, as area seniors are people they’re interested in tining trees in Scarborough Having been ble to control,” ing under bark of joining in on the fun too. and, if there’s a match, St. to save them from a bug in- present for years the City of To- the tree St. Paul’s L’Amoreaux Paul’s will inform both par- festation. before its discov- ronto warned. Centre is creating a speed ties. Just one centimeter long, ery, the insect had The CFIA n Thinning and dating service for seniors and It’s not all about romantic the emerald ash borer has wreaked havoc has placed re- yellowing leaves older adults. It is open to any- relationships, said Michele been found in Scarborough on Canadian trees strictions on the one age 55 and up and people Cauch, a communications ash trees in the area of Shep- without any mea- movement of n The presence of from across the GTA are wel- representative for St. Paul’s. pard Avenue East and High- sures of control nursery stock, roots with leaves come to sign up for this event “What we’re trying to do growing from way 404 in . The against it. Ash Borer trees, and lum- taking place on April 4. is bring people together. It’s insect from Asia attacks all It is very diffi- ber from all ash the Though speed dating may challenging to meet compan- species of ash trees. cult to detect in- species, as well trunk seem novel to some, it still ions at any age but perhaps a “The emerald ash borer has festations because symptoms as firewood from all tree spe- upholds traditional rules of little more challenging at this killed millions of ash trees in and damages usually become cies outside the area, to pre- n Vertical cracks in courtship. Each couple will age.” Southwestern Ontario, Mich- evident two to four years af- vent the spread of the insect. the trunk spend seven to 10 minutes To participate, call St. igan and surrounding states, ter the initial infestation. To report a tree that may be talking. As a nod to chivalry, Paul’s at 416-493-3333. The and poses a major economic “Infestations elsewhere infested by the emerald ash n Tree death at the end of each round the next session will be in held in and environmental threat to in North America have borer, call 1-866-463-6017. women stay seated while the September. News Briefs

File tax return Library looking Local CIBC opens Romeo and Auditions open Students finish for free for tutors Sundays Juliet in town for Tom Jones cooking classes

The Highland Creek library The Morningside library Beginning on March 15, the Romeo and Juliet will be Scarborough Players is The culinary program for will host a free income tax is looking for volunteers, CIBC branch on Morning- on stage at the Theatre looking for actors for the Scarborough’s youth at risk clinic on March 28 from 10 including seniors and side will open from noon Scarborough next month. upcoming play Tom Jones. ended on March 10. The 14 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers students, to tutor elemen- to 4 p.m. on Sundays. CIBC The shows will be from April Audition dates are March participants of the Eastside from the Community Vol- tary students. Volunteers plans to do the same with 2 to 4, 9 to 11, and 16 to 18, 28 at 2 p.m., March 29 at 4 Cooking Corner received unteer Income Tax Program should be available for one the other branches by the starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are p.m. and March 30 at 7 p.m. their certificates at their will help residents with their hour per week. If interested, end of 2009, Christina Kram- $17 for adults and $14 for The play is based on Henry graduation dinner. The pro- tax returns. For an appoint- contact the library at 416- er, vice-president of retail seniors and students. For Fielding’s novel. To audition, gram was created by two ment call 416-396-8876. 396-8881. markets said. tickets, call 416-396-4049. call 416-439-1104. officers of 43 Division. PAGE 4 - The East Toronto Observer, March 27, 2009 FEATURE Getting one up on the Tax Man

How to be stress-free when filing your return

f you are expecting a tax refund this year, But for those who prefer a more traditional you have options that can decrease the wait human touch to filing taxes, without the traditional time from weeks to days — or even minutes wait time for returns, Daljeet Sahota, of H&R —I before you have your money in your pocket. Block at Kingston Rd. and Morningside Ave., and Gone are the days when it was necessary to her staff are waiting to help get you your money. spend a whole weekend with a pencil, calcula- “We have a staff of 15 that speak various tor, and a stack of forms going over a year’s languages from Tamil to Mandarin, because worth of financial information. Software like we want people to feel comfortable when they QuickTax and Ufile are designed to help Cana- come into our office.” dians wade through the com- The average time from plex calculations involved in when you walk into their filing personal taxes. office to when you get your “Times are pretty tough return can be as short as 15 right now for a lot of people. minutes. H&R Block files For a lot of families in Canada returns electronically and the tax refund cheque they get gives their customers the Photos by Matthew alleyne every year is the biggest one, choice of either waiting for Above: H&R Block customer walks in and gets her 2008 tax return in just 15 min- and we want to make sure Matthew ALLEYNE their return from CRA or utes. Below: Trudy Firmage at the H&R Block at Morningside and . they get every dollar they de- instant cash back. serve,” said Geoffrey Morgan, Like QuickTax and PR manager for QuickTax publisher Intuit. Ufile, H&R Block also has an online site that Both QuickTax and Ufile have an online can be used to help file your taxes. The cost version and a downloadable version of their involved in using QuickTax, Ufile, or H&R program which supports Netfile, an electronic Block can vary, depending on factors such as filing system used by the Canadian Revenue income and age. Agency (CRA) that replaces paper copy and If you are still not sure which service to allows for a refund to be processed in as little as use, an Observer reporter tested all three online eight business days. services to compare usability and the amount For those worried about security and identity each service calculated for a refund. theft, Morgan says most Canadians are comfort- The results were identical in all three. The able using the net for secure transactions, which only difference was the general interface of makes it easy to file online. each service taking you through preparing your “With the same security standards of most taxes, which varies in features, comprehensive- banks – if you are comfortable paying a bill ness, and technical support. We found Quick- online, you should be comfortable doing your Tax offered their users a wider range of support taxes online too.” options than the other two services.

Major Federal Tax Relief for Dealing with the necessary evils and benefits of taxes Individuals and Families side from nicer weather and money. At the very least, there are fines. Introduced in 2006: cleaning up the house, spring “If you don’t get the forms in on time, - n Introduction of the Canada Employ means one thing for many there is a five percent penalty on the ment Credit people:A Tax time. total, along with one percent added every n Double the pension income amount Peter Delis, spokesman for the Can- month it is late,” Delis says. n Increase the Age Credit amount ada Revenue Agency (CRA), says it’s “But it is really unnecessary, because n Introduction of the Public Transit Tax important to file your return. With lots of you have a lot of time to do it,” he says. Credit Phil SMALLEY tax credits, you might find yourself with “Also, if you are self employed, the more money than you think. deadline is extended to June 15.” Introduced in 2007: Hand it in n Reduction of the lowest personal “We’ve got this campaign, where ernment’s job to decipher our language income tax rate from 15.5 to 15 per cent basically if you’ve earned it, claim it,” he instead of our job to figure out their Every spring Ottawa saves a lot of n Introduction of the Working Income says. “You’ve got charitable deductions, complicated paperwork.” money by those who do not file on time. Tax Benefit Metropass credits, a whole list of things Sircar feels it’s unfair Canadians One interesting thing to think about n Introduction of the Child Tax Credit that could help.” don’t get paid to file our tax return, and for the upcoming year in taxes is the - n Introduction of pension income split CRA employees do. The worst part is Home Renovation Tax Credit. It’s only ting Tax jargon that there can even be criminal offences available if you start a project after Jan. charged to those who file late or im- 27 of this year, but its only valid until Introduced in 2008: But the process can sometimes be properly when they owe the government Feb. 1, 2010. n Reduction of GST rate to 5 per cent daunting. Local resident Mihir Sircar This one-time deal is meant to lift a feels the tax language is too difficult sagging economy and is family based, Introduced in 2009: The government has to understand for the average person. with a tax credit limit of up to $10,000. n Increase in the basic personal amount made the forms easy for to $10,100 “The government has made the Documents aren’t completely necessary, forms easy for themselves, they’re themselves. but you need to keep records of every- Source: budget.gc.ca set up in [the government’s] format,” - Mihir Sircar thing in case you get audited. he says. “These forms need to be in For more information go to www. plain English, it should be the gov- “Local resident cra-arc.gc.ca. The East Toronto Observer, March 27, 2009 - PAGE 5 ARTS & LIFE Local fashion phoenix rises Damion Augustin Rapping Scarborough showcases style a new Amanda ly lacking when it comes to re- The Observer sources and public space for people to create,” Peazer tune for Scarborough has style too. said. Not to mention creative de- “It’s important to give light signers and beautiful models to young leaders doing — as seen at a fashion show and inventive things in this at Scarborough Civic Centre area.” on March 14. The girls ages 14–24 Rima Ramoul ANASA (Always Nubi- learned new skills they can The Observer an Always Scarborough As- take with them to future ca- sociation) put on the event reers. Calling all singers — pro- to show its members and the Some of the girls come fessionals and amateurs community it’s possible to from Malvern and Scarbor- alike. have a future in fashion — ough Village and face social To celebrate its 175th an- even if you come from Scar- barriers unique to their envi- niversary in true style, Toron- borough. ronment, Peazer said. to is hosting a song competi- The show, called Fashion Some of the young women tion. Phoenix, coincided with To- she encountered were single The city is looking for an ronto Fashion Week. Three mothers, some told stories of original song “that is evoca- designers and ANASA’s dropping out of college for fi- tive of our wonderful city” youth committee sent four nancial reasons, while others and will “pay homage to To- collections down the runway. dropped out of high school ronto’s amazing spirit and its The production took about because of an education sys- unparalleled diversity,” ac- eight months to plan. tem they felt marginalized in. cording to the city website. Youth worker Nadine The Scarborough-based One prospective contes- Peazer said she and most of group helps the girls improve tant is Scarborough’s Dami- the volunteers had no previ- their self-esteem through on Augustin, 28, who has al- ous professional fashion in- workshops that address ready put out two albums. dustry experience, so putting health, relationships, and em- Toronto is often an inspira- on a show for 250 people was ployment opportunities. tion for this rapper, but it was Courtesy of Meghan Janushewski no easy task, but this was too “We want them to advance the incessant acts of violence Clothes by aspiring designer Monique Marianchuk are among those modelled at the important to give up on. in all areas of their life,” occuring in the city that in- Fashion Phoenix show at the Scarborough Civic Centre this month. “We in Scarborough are Peazer said. formed his lyrics. When he heard about the city hosting a song compe- REVIEW tition, he wanted to write again, but this time to paint Toronto in a positive light. Topical play sheds light on dark content New tune, old city

“Welcome to my city,” he Laura ross Before leaving the house, raps. “One hundred and sev- The Observer Robert always kisses his enty-five years of greatness/ mother on the cheek and welcome to my city/ Toron- Despite touching on sad says, “Kiss the moon.” This to is a city where everyone is subjects, Kiss the Moon, Kiss represents his mother watch- welcome/ the multicultural- the Sun stayed light and hu- ing over him because he will ism is the best thing/ it sep- morous. It reminded me of always be a child and need arates us from all the other how amazing and how im- protecting. cities/ welcome to my city/ portant the bonds we form Claire responds by kissing welcome to Toronto /175 with other people can be. Robert on the forehead and years of greatness/ welcome Kiss the Moon, Kiss the saying, “Kiss the sun.” This to my city.” Sun is a two act comedy writ- signifies the light and joy that He has not yet decided ten by local resident Norm Robert brings to her life ev- whether he will enter the con- Foster, who attended West ery day. test, but he came up with the Hill Collegiate Institute. What follows is a complex short rap just in case. The play’s appeal was its web of interconnected obsta- So far, not many details simplicity and the intimate cles that the characters must about the contest have been setting, which the Scarbor- overcome released, Participants are en- ough Theatre Guild provid- On the surface, Kiss the couraged to record their song ed. Moon, Kiss the Sun is about in any musical style they The small stage was sur- a mentally handicapped man Courtesy of the Scarborough Theatre Guild wish. rounded on three sides by named Robert Castle. Robert Castle (Tommy Boston) meets the pregnant Holly Fitch (Julie Jarrett) for the It also needs to be four the audience and divided into But on a deeper level it is first time while waiting for the bus. minutes long, or even shorter, four permanent sets. also about relationships born and in MP3 format. The cast of only five easily out of hard times and the con- And if you need a little got the audience involved in the theatre Tommy Boston, She has just told her boy- Holly that there is no need to nections we make with other push to get you to start com- their stories as the characters who had the audience laugh- friend Simon she is pregnant. cry because another bus will people. posing, maybe this will help. developed. ing the whole show with his He is her former profes- come by in 10 minutes — and Kiss the Moon, Kiss the The winner will receive a A 35-year-old man with the antics and unfiltered honesty. sor and still going through di- the unlikely friendship starts. Sun was a pleasure to watch, cash prize of $5,000. mental capacity of an eight- Robert misses his bus one vorce proceedings, so he sees The title of the play was so look out for the next Scar- More details will be posted year-old, Robert Castle is a morning and meets a girl the pregnancy as an unwant- inspired by the touching rela- borough Theatre Guild pro- at www.toronto.ca/175/song_ charming and endearing char- named Holly Fitch crying at ed complication. tionship between Claire Cas- duction, My Darling Judith, competition.htm. acter. Played by newcomer to the bus stop. Robert innocently tells tle and her son Robert. coming in May. PAGE 6 - The East Toronto Observer, March 27, 2009 The East Toronto COMMENT OBSERVER Respecting our troops

hen a news commentator for Fox News made disrespectful comments against Canada’s military, it created a media firestorm. The news came on the heelsW of four more Canadian soldiers killed and eight others wounded in two separate roadside bombings in Afghanistan. On his show Red Eye, Greg Gutfeld said, “Meaning, the Ca- nadian military wants to take a breather to do some yoga, paint landscapes, run on the beach in gorgeous white Capri pants.” His comment came after Lt.-Gen. Andrew Leslie, the chief commander of the army, said the military might need a year to recover after Canada’s mission in Afghanistan ends in 2011. The Canadian military should be respected unconditionally for the sacrifice they are making overseas to make someone’s life better. Canada bows its head when a procession carries the dead on the Highway of Heroes. Canada sheds a tear when another soldier is lost to a firefight or roadside bomb. Canada celebrates when our boys make it home alive. It is disappointing when some late-night news host on an American network makes defamatory remarks against the Canadian military. It is practically a slap in the face to every Canadian and every soldier fighting in the war in Afghanistan. But then again, who cares? Who cares what this guy on TV has to say? Greg Gutfeld’s show is broadcast at three in the morning on weekdays on Fox News. It is his career he puts on the line when he says rude comments about something so important and honoured. When the government of a foreign nation calls PHILlIP SMALLEY/The Observer your employer, demanding an immediately apology, it looks bad to your audience and to the world. (Gutfeld did indeed apologize, but almost a week after the fact.) Who would watch your show after that? Highland Creek sends out S.O.S His comments are inconsequential to those in Canada and those in Afghanistan. It is a drop of water in a sea of people who care for the ecently a resident Amazing Ted’s Restau- works, this will not help the mission in Afghanistan and would never breathe a bad word of Highland Creek rant, in the film Push- community’s status. These against it. started a discussion ing Tin would elevate modern residences will start — Lauren Hummel Rwith me regarding his com- the community to new at half a million dollars, a ri- munity. He was very passion- heights. diculous amount considering ate in explaining that, as a Many people had our current economic trou- young adult living in the area, hoped such exposure bles. More than just he found Highland Creek was would bring a new popu- Instead of building new in desperate need of modern- larity to this Scarborough homes, we should invest in ization and general upkeep. Celeste community. But High- the upkeep of all the historic an hour at a time But Highland Creek has land Creek is now better buildings and homes, some of never received any help from De Muelenaere known for decrepit roads, which are the oldest in Scar- he second anniversary of Earth Hour is almost here. any levels of governments to rundown buildings, and borough. Many people will participate by shutting off their lights beautify the area. Whose re- Old Kingston Road that It is the government’s and other energy-consuming products in support of the sponsibility is it to restore While many other smaller runs through it. job to provide the necessary globalT fight against accelerated climate change. this historic community to its communities within Toron- So where have all the com- funding for upkeep and de- The rest of us, though, won’t participate in Earth Hour former glory? Is it the gov- to, especially in the west end, munity’s finances gone? Has velopment. However, each because it might be too much of an inconvenience or some ernment’s responsibility or have flourished over the last the government neglected person has their part in main- people might not even know about it. is it the people’s responsibil- decade or so, some areas such this east-end community in taining the aesthetics of their Though “Saving the Earth” may be part of a popular fad, ity who make up the commu- as Highland Creek have be- favour of a multi-million dol- community. it’s also a small step toward something more sustainable in the nity? come outdated and rundown. lar project in aid of the Pan With a little paint, some long term. But some have problems about the longevity this Back in the 1850s, High- In the late 1990s there was Am games? road work and communi- initiative seems to lack, which is the inaction before and after land Creek was the larg- much expectation and high While some developments, ty support, Highland Creek Earth Hour. What’s going to happen when everyone flicks on est residential and business hopes that a cameo of one of such as The Mills at High- could become the east end’s all their electronics and lights after Earth Hour is up? community in Scarborough. Highland Creek landmarks, land Creek homes, are in the Uxbridge. If these 60 minutes of the year is all you have to feel good about yourself for making a difference, it’s time to get your head out of the sand. Step back and look at the bigger picture. Letter to the Editor themselves lost after gradua- mother has these once presti- If the government really When you look at the bigger picture you will see that a tion. gious pieces of paper, they’ve wants to boost the economy global recession could have been prevented if it was not for Most undergraduate de- become an expectation for and employee rates, maybe careless overconsumption and widespread greed. Now we have Dear Editor, grees no longer signify quali- many employers, not an edge it should consider spending a bigger problem – there is too much demand on our planet’s I’d have to agree with An- fication. for graduates. money fostering entry-lev- fragile ecosystem. Something bigger, better, and more innova- thony Geremia’s editorial They denote only the abili- So far all my UofT Bach- el jobs to help new grads get tive is needed to stop temperatures from rising, to stop our “Post-Secondary Thought”: ty to commit to something and elor of Arts has earned me is their foot in the door. icebergs from shrinking, and to stop our sea levels from rising. university students going for work moderately at it for four $28,000 of student debt (but I — Shayla Duval People need to put more pressure on their governments to vague liberal arts or social years. admit that the job market real- (Malvern resident make long-term decisions on low carbon growth technologies science degrees tend to find Now that everyone and their ly sucks lately). since 1989) and alternative energy sources to reduce greenhouse gases. The Canadian government has been lacking in making these long-term goals. It has ignored the Kyoto Protocol and failed The East Toronto OBSERVER The East Toronto Observer Serving Malvern, West Hill and Highland Creek to meet any of the greenhouse gas emissions standards set in EDITORIAL BOARD is published by University of Toronto/Centennial College journalism students the treaty. Managing Editor: Lauren Hummel under faculty supervision. We are located at the Centennial HP Science and In a society so transfixed on technology, taking responsibil- Assignment Editor: Tevy Pilc Technology Centre. Please address correspondence to The East Toronto Ob- ity is the first step to a sustainable future. If you do decide to server, c/o Centennial College, 755 Morningside Ave., Toronto, ON M1C 5J9, Copy Editors: Tristan Carter, Selena Mann 416-289-5000, ext. 8306, fax 416-289-5168. Email: HPObserver@centennialcol- look at the bigger picture, you will see in the battle of action Photo Editor: Gesila Azorbo lege.ca The opinions expressed in The Observer do not necessarily reflect the versus inaction, the cost of action is far less. Production Editor: Amanda Ly views of the college. The Toronto Observer, a companion website, is at www. — Kareen Awadalla Faculty Editors: Eric McMillan and Andrew Mair torontoobserver.ca. The East Toronto Observer, March 27, 2009 - PAGE 7 NEWS Cops toughen bail restrictions New 43 Division program to keep close tabs on accused before court date

GESILAYEFA AZORBO created to help prevent unit following successful pi- have been a lot of high-pro- The Observer crime suspects released on lot programs at 22, 55 and 51 file cases where people that bail from committing more Divisions. The program was are out currently on bail are Residents of south-east crimes while waiting for their created in part due to public committing other crimes. Scarborough can rest a little court date. This is to be done outrage over the number of These are serious crimes easier knowing a new aspect through unannounced police crimes committed by people we’re concerned with, vio- of crime prevention has been checks. in violation of their bail con- lent crimes,” Sergeant Steve added to police coverage of “Our Bail Compliance ditions. Kelly said, head of the unit at the area. Unit now is going to be go- The Toronto Sun compiled 43 Division. A spokesperson for 43 Di- ing around daytime, night- a list of some of the most re- The program is designed vision announced the creation time, afternoons, knocking cent of such cases, which in- to monitor known violent of- of a new unit to tackle the on their door,” PC Campbell cluded the October 13 kill- fenders to deter them from problem of bail re-offenders, said. “They have to answer ings of Scarborough resident future violent crimes. The called the Bail Compliance the door, present themselves Saramma Varughese and her unit has a top-ten list of the Unit. Police Constable Bill in person. If they’re not there daughter Susan John by their most wanted or most violent Campbell, crime prevention and they’re under house ar- neighbour Nathaniel O’Brien, offenders who have warrants officer for 43 Division, an- rest, they immediately get ar- who was out on bail and un- out for their arrest. nounced the new initiative at rested, a warrant’s taken out der house arrest at the time. According to 43 Division a town hall community meet- for them, they go back to “The chief and command one of the tasks of the Bail gesilayefa azorbo/The Observer ing with Councillor Paul Ain- jail.” have recognized that there’s Compliance Unit will be to Sergeant Steve Kelly heads up the new Bail Compli- slie of Ward 43 on Feb. 26. The unit at 43 Division been an outcry from the cit- actively search for and arrest ance Unit, which aims to deter violent re-offenders. The new program was is the first fully operational izens of Toronto that there these offenders. Businesses impacted by Walmart expansion

MATTHEW ALLEYNE measuring more than 100,000 “The new grocery depart- “Sales are down over all,” by the expansion. Blake said Rock, executive director for The Observer square feet. ment includes fresh bak- Al Duke said, grocery man- the store will be looking to ESBGC. “I have never been in a lo- ery goods, frozen ager of Sobey’s fill various seasonal posi- Rock says the $4,000 the One-stop shopping has cation where as many cus- foods, meat and We have at Morningside. tions throughout the summer club received will go to fund- found a new home in East tomers have come to me and dairy products, noticed an “We have no- months. ing summer programs and Scarborough as Walmart cel- thank me for doing this,” fresh produce and impact, but ticed an impact, Walmart also celebrated providing needy families ebrated the opening of its lat- store manager Mark Blake a variety of organ- but we feel we the grand opening with the with opportunities for their est Supercentre at Morning- said. “They love the idea of ic products,” Wal- we feel we still do fresh bet- donation of $30,000 to local children to go to camp. side Ave. and Hwy. 401 on the convenience of one-stop mart Canada’s Fe- still do fresh ter then they do Scarborough charities, such Other charities receiving Feb. 27, but not everyone is shopping.” licia Fefer said. better and our strength as the East Scarborough Boys donations include Birkdale thrilled. The new store still has “The store also in- is our customer and Girls Club (ESBGC). Family Services, Breakfast The 15-year-old location many of the departments and cludes a full deli - Sobey’s service.” “We are looking forward to Clubs of Canada, Scarbor- underwent extensive renova- services such as the phar- with a variety of manager Walmart cur- an ongoing relation with Wal- ough Fire Department, To- tion and expansion over the macy and the one-hour pho- prepared foods.” rently employs mart and look forward to the ronto Police 42 Division, last year. More than 50,000 to centre, but with the added But not every- 360 people at possibility for other fundrais- West Hill Community Ser- square feet was added to addition of an expanded gro- one is immediately happy its Morningside location, 100 ing activities in the commu- vices and West Hill Public the facility’s present size, cery department. with the new superstore. of which are positions added nity in the future,” said Ron School. SPORTS “ Titans celebrate after successful season

Tristan carter 67-46. Entering the OFSAA The Observer tournament with a 35-5 re- cord the Titans were expected “A TDCAA Championship to do well but Eastern Com- and an OFSAA medal.” merce was still the favourite, Those were the two goals since they ranked number Richard Gallacher, Mother one in the province. Teresa Catholic Secondary School’s senior boy’s basket- In the beginning ball coach, set out to accom- plish at the beginning of this In the first two days of the season. tournament, Mother Teresa The Titans successful- breezed through the open- ly achieved these goals after ing rounds with an aver- earning a silver medal at the age margin of victory of 33 tristan carter/The Observer AAAA Ontario Federation of points. While St. Marguerite Winning season: Mother Teresa’s Titans have now added a TDCAA championship and OFSAA silver to their record. School Athletic Association d’Youville from Brampton (OFSAA) tournament and presented a challenge it was play against.the Trojans for passed that test with flying Teresa came with a balance Toronto Star high school bas- winning the Toronto District nothing that Ashton Khan a while. colours after a decisive 60-44 attack, with Ryan Augustine ketball all-star team. He av- College Athletic Association and Maurice Walker couldn’t “We still never played victory over Pickering, led dropping 11 points. Ashton eraged 20 points and 14 re- (TDCAA) finals. handle; Khan scored 24 points Pickering. I think they’re by Jonathan Alexander’s 22 Khan and Onnex Blackwood bounds per game this season. They finished their league’s while Walker scored 22. ranked ahead of us. It’s hard point outing. both scored 10. Eastern Com- He is considering multiple regular season by claiming Their first real test came to tell where we’re going,” In a heartbreaking game merce did a good job of con- offers to college teams in the the division A TDCAA cham- in the semi-finals against the Gallacher said, in January. that went down to the wire, the taining Titans star Maurice United States next year. Ti- pionship after routing Father Pickering Trojans who were The Trojans were the Titans barely lost to the East- Walker. tans guard, Ashton Khan was Henry Carr Catholic sec- the eventual bronze med- two-time defending OFSAA ern Commerce in the finals Walker was one of five also mentioned in the Star’s ondary School by a score of alists. Gallacher wanted to champs. Gallacher’s team by a score of 50-49. Mother players recently named the annual all-star list. PAGE 8 - The East Toronto Observer, March 27, 2009 NEWS Psychiatric ward under scrutiny Allegations of mould, insect infestation and overuse of restraints

Laura Ross on the walls, insect infesta- the story of feces on the walls wards is complete. The Observer tion, black mold, overuse of is completely untrue.” The next step in resolv- restraints, overcrowding of Another story, published ing this issue, according to Charges of substandard liv- rooms, substandard care and the next day included an in- Brazeau, is to get the facts ing conditions at the psychi- the lack of a psychiatric in- terview with chairman of the out to the public. The hospital atric care unit at Rouge Val- tensive care unit (PICU). RVHS’s board of directors, plans to write an official let- ley Centenary Hospital are Janet Ecker. Brazeau said it ter to the Friends of the Ajax “wild and unfounded”, says a Consolidation issues included facts, not just un- Pickering Hospital, counter- health system spokesman. founded accusations. ing their allegations, and will David Brazeau, pub- The Friends say these con- According to this article send a copy to everyone who lic affairs director for the ditions have existed since 20 however, the Ontario Nurs- received the Friends’ origi- Rouge Valley Health System mental-health beds were re- es Association claims the nal letter. “Our facilities are (RVHS), was responding to a cently moved to the Cente- Friends’ accusations are true. clean and safe, quality of care letter from the Friends of the nary campus from the Ajax Friends co-chairman Walter and patient safety is the prior- Ajax Pickering Hospital and and Pickering campus to save Donaldson also still has con- ity at Rouge Valley Centena- articles in the Toronto Star. money and reduce debt. cerns, despite the issue be- ry,” Brazeau said, adding the The group wrote to the “The Friends were opposed ing addressed at Centenary’s PICU opened this week. board of directors of the to the move of the psychiat- March 24 board meeting. He said the hospital could RVHS after saying they ric ward beds and the sub- “The people who spoke to not comment on specific pa- heard first-hand accounts of stance of their letter and sub- us said they wouldn’t go back tient care because of confi- supposedly intolerable living sequent story published in the and are adamant about what dentiality issues. Therefore conditions in the psychiatric Toronto Star were incorrect,” they saw,” Donaldson said. he would not answer ques- laura ross/The Observer ward. Complaints included Brazeau said in an interview. Brazeau said Centenary has tions on the original source, The 10th floor of the Rouge Valley Health System’s Cen- unsanitary rooms with what “Some of the allegations are undergone renovations and the Gord Holliday, who spoke to tenary Campus is where Gord Holliday spent a week in looked like feces smeared just wild and unfounded and consolidation of psychiatric the Star about his stay. the allegedly substandard psychiatric ward. Break-ins on the rise in local area, police say

courtney roberts A similar yet more se- The Observer vere incident took place on March 13, at Net Plus Col- Police in 42 and 43 Divi- lege, which is also on Elles- sion have seen an increase in mere. the number of break-ins at One female and two male homes and businesses. employees reported just af- Both divisions have also ter midnight that two men received a large number of entered the premises. They 911 calls for robberies in- were wearing disguises. katrina rozal/The Observer March. Auto sales staffers examine a white spray-painted line that marks city property. Cars past the line will be towed. On March 19, police re- Victim hit ceived a call from three chil- dren in the Meadowvale and One of the victims was Ellesmere Rds. area, saying hit over the head with a gun, Stores holding line against bylaw people were trying to break while one of the robbers took into their home. off with a laptop, a cell phone They heard knocking at the and cash. Katrina Rozal between auto business owners “I’m not opposed to the “Some property own- door but didn’t answer. Then Police are still searching The Observer and the city are white spray- betterment of the community. ers say city staff are harass- their front door was forced for the robbers. painted lines between private But they’re infringing on my ing them when in fact it’s our open. The children called 911 “Some people are profes- Several auto sales busi- property and city land. rights to enjoy my property right to tow their car if it’s on and ran upstairs to hide in a sional burglars. They may go nesses along Kingston and freely and peacefully without our property,” Ainslie said. closet. to prison for similar crimes Galloway roads are furious Infringing rights harassment from anyone,” “We could just show up and and do the same thing when with the city’s enforcement Bozz said. cut their fence down with- Three arrested they get out,” Vella said. of the Kingston Road im- One business said a city of- Several other businesses out explaining because their Vella advises people to provement initiative. ficial came in insisting its ve- on the strip said they felt in- fence on our land would be Three suspects were arrest- use motion detectors to pre- City officials have been hicles were on city property. timidated by the way city of- trespassing.” ed at the scene of the crime vent burglars from breaking studying the area for six years “He just stormed in unan- ficials performed their bylaw Transportation right-of- after trying to escape. An in- in. This way if someone goes and drafted bylaws to im- nounced, pointing frantically checks. way supervisor Bob Taylor vestigation revealed the sus- on to the property at night, a prove the area’s streetscape at the cars outside—I didn’t Managers argued with of- said the area’s auto business pects were staying illegally in light will automatically turn and increase property values. even have a chance to get my ficials and no vehicles were owners obey the bylaws, not Canada. on. The city warned business coat or find the correct person towed. letting their vehicles trespass Constable Tony Vella says He also recommends set- owners last August to ensure to deal with the situation,” Ainslie said zoning bylaws over the white spray-painted burglars look for neighbour- ting a timer for lighting or none of their merchandise is said Kelly Beardsworth at the were introduced a few years lines that mark city property. hoods with easy targets. This even music when you’re on on city property. In recent Loan Arranger. “I ran out- ago to make it more attractive The city is resurveying the may explain the string of rob- vacation, as well as asking a months, city officials have side and had no choice but to for developers to purchase area to establish the lines of beries in the area. neighbour to collect the mail gone back to ensure compli- stand between the car and the small businesses, since the ownership. The city would On March 17, an employee that may pile up. ance with the property by- tow truck.” city can’t afford to buy them. like the area to develop the of Mac’s Convenience Store If you have information re- laws, according to Ward 43 Her father, owner Frank The bylaws increased the same commercial and resi- at 1401 Ellesmere Rd. was garding these robberies, you Councillor Paul Ainslie. Bozz, has run the auto sales density allowance on proper- dential intensity as Queen St. robbed at gunpoint. No one can contact Crime Stoppers The source of contention business since 1984. ty to make it more valuable. at . was hurt. at 1-800-222-TIPS.