SCARBOROUGH VOTES 2010 NO BOYS ALLOWED The old boys are back in Scarborough Sharks drop town for another 4 years the first puck of the season See page 4 & 5 See page 8 THE EAST OBSERVEROBSERVER • Friday • October 29 • 2010 • • PUBLISHED BY UTSC/CENTENNIAL COLLEGE JOURNALISM STUDENTS AND SERVING MALVERN, HIGHLAND CREEK AND WEST HILL • •TORONTOOBSERVER.CA• Job one for Ford: Transit The new mayor’s subway plans are likely to stir opposition in Scarborough Emily Hunter Kirsten Parucha The huge time investment Josh Ungar required to design, imple- The Observer ment and complete Ford’s transit project is not propor- ’s west end mental- tional to the 2015 deadline, ity may have worked for his Wiseman said. Etobicoke constituents, but it “There’s still a lot to be certainly isn’t commuting to done before any decision can Scarborough in the aftermath be made,” Carrington said. of his election. “Ford needs to be sworn in Ford’s plans to scrap Tran- and that won’t be happening sit City may be leaving Scar- until December.” borough residents feeling He added the TTC will stranded. continue building Transit “The Transit City plan City and will discuss changes didn’t just come off the back with the new council as they of an envelope,” said Dr. Nel- come up. son Wiseman, political pro- fessor at the University of To- TTC alienation ronto. “My impression is that Ford’s plan on transportation “Somebody like Ford did come off the back of an doesn’t care for transit, and is envelope.” only appealing to people who drive their cars and he has no Changes loom interest in investing in Tran- sit City,” Scarborough resi- After receiving 47 per cent dent Indira Balkissoon said. of the vote, the former coun- Josh Ungar/The Observer While Ford’s plan is lim- ited, the plans of his van- cillor was declared the city’s An exuberant Rob Ford celebrates his election as Toronto’s 64th mayor, taking 47 per cent of the vote on Oct. 25. new mayor and says changes quished foes, George Smi- are coming. politician on city council — Ford wants to build 10 new track by the same year. not address that the city has therman and , However, a closer look he can’t scrap the transit plan subway stations, extending “Everything is continuing already invested hundreds were more extensive and as- at Ford’s platform shows it at his own whim.” the Sheppard subway line to to go forward as planned,” of millions of dollars in new pired to connect all four cor- seems to ignore the needs of Transit City was initial- Scarborough Centre Station. said Kevin Carrington, TTC streetcars and planning for ners of the city. Scarborough residents, and is ly promised to connect the The current transit plan that communications advisor. Transit City. Any changes in “There is a real sense of unrealistic for transit needs of rest of the city to Scarbor- will extend the Sheppard line “If Ford wants to make any the existing plan would re- alienation in places like Scar- the 2015 Pan Am Games, ac- ough, where the majority of by eight kilometres by 2015 changes to the transit plan, quire renegotiations with the borough, and that has to be cording to Wiseman. the Pan Am facilities are set has already started. Mean- he’ll have to work through province and a large finan- addressed,” Smitherman’s “His transit plan is fanta- to be built. while, Ford expects to build city hall and Ottawa first.” cial penalty for cancelling the spokesman, Stefan Buransky sy,” he said. “He’s only one Instead of Transit City, 18.4 kilometres of subway In his platform, Ford does binding contract. said. Residents are ticketed-off New bedbug infestation Billy courtice The Observer said. “There is a sense of and Sheppard Avenues. finds city unprepared compliance.” “There is no alternative josh ungar Drivers in Morningside Many Ward 42 candidates to parking on the road,” said The Observer that did the hotel finally take Heights say they are be- in the Oct. 25 electionvowed Shamoon Poonawala, former action. ing ticketed outside of their to ease parking restrictions in president of the Rougeville After multiple reports of This example from two homes unfairly. the area. Community Association. bedbug infestations at an years ago just scratches the “Residents are complain- “They’re being ticketed “The city should take charge unnamed hotel in his ward, surface of the bigger issue: ing parking officers are com- for parking everywhere, even and initiate discussion on this had seen the unprecedented infestation ing at night, and when they though there’s no space to issue.” enough. The wWard 15 coun- of bedbugs that has taken a come out they’re finding tick- park in their driveways,” said Poonawala said the reces- cillor decided to ask hotel completely unprepared To- ets all the time,” said Chris candidate Namu Ponnam- sion saw more people move management to deal with the ronto by storm, and policies Balsingh, president of Morn- balam. into their parents’ houses, and problem and have the infesta- still haven’t improved. ingside Heights Residents’ Ponnambalam said resi- that the number of cars per tion taken care of discreetly “Bedbugs have been pretty Association. “It’s almost like dents are still being ham- house is increasing. and efficiently. prevalent in this city for the the tag officer is sitting in the Billy Courtice/The Observer pered by old Scarborough “Some four-bedroom, After several weeks of be- past 10 years at least,” said neighbourhood and targeting Ashman Patel tries to fight bylaws, rather than City of two-bathroom houses might ing ignored, Moscoe took Mark Joseph, owner of Mag- the area.” his parking ticket. Toronto bylaws, even after have four cars,” he said. direct action by threatening ical Pest Control. “However, Despite the housing devel- amalgamation in 1998. Residents are being fur- hotel management with the in the past year the increase opment being nearly seven and cannot park. The lack of proper parking ther aggravated by a new To- prospect of placing large in cases has been tremen- years old, the city has yet to “I think if people saw signs areas is mirrored in another ronto bylaw which prohibits signs out front of the hotel dous.” put up signs in the area advis- at least they could agree with new development, Rou- parking more cars in a drive- saying “This hotel is infested ing residents where they can the tag officer,” Balsingh geville, near Morningside way than can fit in the garage. with bedbugs.” Only after See BEDBUGS, Page 2 PAGE 2 - The East Toronto Observer, October 29, 2010 NEWS Garden scheduled to shut down Bedbug Toronto District School Board hopes selling community greenery will create revenue dilemma

Emily Hunter From Page 1 The Observer Toronto Health Media Relations Coordinator Susan After 13 years, Scarbor- Sperling claims they keep ough’s Always Growing Gar- no specific statistics or den may be shutting down information about bedbugs after all. in Scarborough. Rather, they The Toronto Catholic Dis- treat Scarborough cases in trict School Board is sell- the same fashion as anywhere ing the community garden in the city. to generate revenue for its Joseph claims the biggest schools. outbreaks are in apartments “We’re seeing a loss of where they are most difficult enrolment across the GTA,” to treat. In his experience, said Angelo Sangiorgio, as- Scarborough has some of the sociate director of planning most severe cases. facilities for the board. “As “One of the worst pockets students decline, so does the in the city is the apartments funding from the govern- around Victoria Park and ment.” Danforth — they are simply Staff at the school board infested,” Joseph said. His confirmed this month that pest control company is they are selling four closed based in Toronto but services schools and three vacant lots, most of Southern . including the garden at Mc- Emily Hunter /The Observer While the media has only Cowan Road and Eglinton Pastor Margarite Alaske, co-founder of The Always Growing Garden, will be one of many to miss the local garden. caught on to the bedbug Avenue East. frenzy over the past year, The board will invest tens yet, but the board is accepting and built over for a town- small piece of property.” 47 families. The food gener- Moscoe says it has always of million of dollars in prop- offers from private bodies. house complex. Drum was not informed ated at the garden feeds lo- been an issue. erty income in operating costs The property will likely “We knew this was eventu- that the property was up for cal families and goes to food and school improvement. In be sold and paved over by ally going to happen, but we sale. He says he’s not upset, banks. Between 230 to 450 Bug hazard ignored Scarborough, the board will next summer, according to had hoped it wasn’t for a few but very appreciative, as the kilograms of vegetables are replace Saint Nicholas Cath- Pastor Margarite Alaske, a more years,” Alaske said. board gave the space for free produced each season. “The problem we have is olic School and build a new co-founder of The Always “It will be missed,” said to the community since 1997. Drum said he’s unsure if that Toronto Health won’t school in the Morningside Growing Garden, Dennis Drum, garden coor- The Always Growing Gar- the garden will be relocating declare bedbugs a health Heights community. Six years ago, a previous dinator for the Always Grow- den was founded 13 years nearby in the community. hazard, so they really can’t The community garden property that community ing Garden. “A lot of people ago by seven local residents “If not, then we’re done,” do anything major about it,” property has not been sold used for a food bank was sold gained a lot of food from that and has since expanded to he said. Moscoe said. “If they can’t deal with head lice, how do they expect to handle News bedbugs?” Cedarbrae library almost ready to open Moscoe wrote a letter to Toronto Health Services in Briefs 2008 requesting they finally Kimberlee take action and declare Williams jailed nancekivell bedbugs a health hazard, The Observer something which still has not Russell Williams was sen- taken place. tenced to two life sentences The Cedarbrae library will “The public health in Kingston Penitentiary reopen at the end of Decem- department does not have on Oct. 21 for the murders ber following a two-year clo- the power to demand entry of two women, two sexual sure for renovations. or demand that treatment assaults and 82 burglaries. “The heating and ventila- takes place in a building or Williams, a former colonel tion systems, the plumbing location that is infested, they in the Canadian Forces, was — everything had to be re- are reluctant to talk about stripped of his commission, placed and upgraded,” said it because they can’t do rank and awards on Oct. 22. director of branch libraries anything about it,” Moscoe Anne Bailey. said. The branch closed its In 2008, the city enacted Woman mugged doors Oct. 6, 2008 and was the Toronto Bed Bug project At 10:20 p.m. on Oct. 15, originally scheduled to re- as an attempt to battle the a 26-year-old woman was open 18 months later. Now infestation. robbed at knife-point by at 24 months, the project is According to Moscoe, three men in the area of nearly complete. Anne Marie education alone is not Malvern Street and Mam- Aikins, manager of corporate enough, and people need moth Hall Trail, police say. communications, says the professional help to deal with kimberlee nancekivell The Observer Two suspects are described community can’t wait to see / bedbugs. as South Asian and the the changes. Jenna Neath and daughter Audrey check out what library has to offer while “The Bed Bug Project other wore a disguise. The “This branch is going to be waiting for Cedarbrae to re-open. hasn’t helped at all, and I’m woman was not injured. particularly exciting because not aware of any financial aid there’s lots of new things,” “When we do a renova- Though area residents may Bailey said. programs for residents who Aikins said. “The community tion, all of the light systems have been visiting nearby “When we reopened the S. can’t cover the hefty costs is going to be ecstatic when and every- branches for the Walter Stewart library, which for an exterminator,” Moscoe Stick up at Mac’s they see it.” thing that is This branch is past couple years, was closed for a similar period said. Mac’s Convenience Store at On top of a 403-square- installed is going to be Bailey is con- of time, we put out a guest book According to Joseph, it can 1021 Markham Rd. E. was metre addition, the new and more energy particularly exciting fident they will for people to sign and we got cost up to a few thousand robbed on Oct. 14 at about come back to Ce- some wonderful comments.” improved branch features efficient,” because there’s lots dollars to have bedbugs 3:40 a.m. A 45-year-old male a teen zone, a local history she said. darbrae at the end Until December, those in exterminated from a home, employee was struck over room, an early literacy centre The of new things of this year. the Cedarbrae area can still and in an apartment every the head with a handgun. and thousands of new books, building -Anne Marie Aikins “What we take advantage of the ex- unit needs to be treated or The men took cash and CDs, magazines and DVDs. was con- found in other tended hours at the Bendale they will return. cigarettes. The suspects are Necessary repairs were also structed from locally pur- major renovations like this library branch as well as the However, if a single tenant described as black males, completed. The building is chased, recycled materials one is that it takes a long bookmobile that visits Ce- refuses treatment, there is in their 20s. The employee more environmentally friend- and is oriented to let as much time, but when it reopens darbrae C.I. every Thursday absolutely nothing that can wasn’t hospitalized. ly, Bailey said. sunlight in as possible.“people are very pleased,” morning. be done. The East Toronto Observer, October 29, 2010 - PAGE 3 ELECTION Cyclists worried after Berardinetti win Bike lanes no longer a priority

nadia persaud Bernardinetti blamed the The Observer bikes planes for making traf- fic worse. A new battle is already “We used to have daily brewing in Ward 35 follow- fender benders,” Stehr said. ing the Oct. 25 election of “Now it’s more organized Michelle Berardinetti over and traffic has calmed incumbent Adrian Heaps. down.” The new councillor has The site has comments said bike lanes are not a from other cyclists like priority and have Martin, who lives off even caused Phar- Birchmount Road macy Avenue and said the bike lane residents to move there improved road from the area due safety by pushing the to inability to ac- traffic onto Warden cess their drive- “where there are more ways. lights.” Darren Stehr, a Heaps, the former cyclist and blogger Adrian chair of the Toronto for torontocranks. Heaps Cycling Committee, com, disagreed. and avid cyclist, ad- “I live on Phar- vocated for bike lane nadia persaud/The Observer Michelle Berardinetti macy Avenue and I heard expansion. (centre) shares victory about some people having With him off council, with supporters ward ward problems driving out of their Stehr said he’s worried these Bliss Baker (left) and SCARBOROUGH driveways,” he said. plans are now in jeopardy. SCARBOROUGH VOTES 2010 Vidyotama Singh Monday “It’s bizarre because now Berardinetti’s plan to night. 35 VOTES 2010 39 [with the bike lanes] you move bike lanes off the roads have a two-metre space be- and into ravines is more dan- MICHELLE MIKE tween moving cars and the gerous, he said, because cy- to go to a ravine and use off BERARDINETTI 8293 50.5% DEL GRANDE 9931 68.2% sidewalk. It’s easier to get on clists will be competing with road trails that are far away to the streets.” people and animals for side- from main streets,” Stehr ADRIAN KEVIN The bike lanes have re- walk space. said. “They’re not going to HEAPS 6020 36.6% XU 3640 25.0% duced traffic from two lanes “A lot of people use bikes use it.” into one lane on each side. to go to work and to do shop- Berardinetti could not be To see coverage on Ward 37 and Ward 40, visit torontoobserver.ca In her election pamphlet, ping. [They] don’t have time reached for comment. Del Grande trumps angry Xu

BIlly Courice Ford’s proposal to cut the cur- nese, and I was trying to get The Observer rent 44 councillors to 22. everyone to vote regardless of “The wards would be ethnicity.” Newly re-elected councillor too large for councillors to Del Grande said this win is on page handle,” Del Grande said. shows he represents all people, with Toronto’s new mayor Rob “They’re too diverse.” though Xu disagrees. Ford on eliminating wasteful Del Grande’s race was “He does not represent the spending of taxpayers’ money. marred in controversy after Chinese community in Agin- “I want to finally get my Del Grande claimed he was court,” said Xu over the phone, From left: Ward 19’s David Smith, Ward 21’s , and Ward 22’s Jerry Chadwick. hands on the budget,” Del the victim of unfair politics by as he took down campaign Grande said after keeping his candidate Kevin Xu. signs. “The Chinese did not Ward 39 seat. “I think that the “I was getting frustrated as have time to vote.” finances should be handled di- I worked the ward hard and he Xu campaigned for the first Fresh faces at board rectly by council.” was constantly breaking the time in 2010. He said he lost Del Grande said he hopes rules,” he said. “He was put- only because he entered the his expertise as a chartered ac- ting signs on boulevards and race late. Xu said Del Grande Kimberlee Nancekivell try to overturn some of the rate in his ward, as well as countant will be put to use in you can’t do that.” does not know how to handle The Observer decisions the board made improve service to special council. Del Grande said Xu only the large immigrant population to move forward on school education and ESL students. Del Grande said he’s glad focused on ethnicity during his in Agincourt. Scarborough held onto one consolidation and/or closure And in a candidate pool of Ford won the mayoral race be- campaign. “I would use my experience familiar face and banished in Ward 19,” Harrison said. all new faces, Jerry Chadwick cause they agree on most poli- “Mr. Xu was trying to make as an entrepreneur in education another in the Oct. 25 TDSB Smith was unavailable for reigned victorious over his cies, including his infamous the race an ethnic issue,” Del to get proper education to the trustee elections. comment. six competitors for Ward 22 “stop the gravy train” platform. Grande said. “He was trying new immigrants in Agincourt. The biggest upset was in It was a different story in Ward Scarborough East. But he doesn’t agree with to make the Chinese vote Chi- He does not do that,” Xu said. Ward 19 Scarborough Centre 21 Scarborough-, “I’ve been an educator for where David Smith beat where incumbent Shaun Chen 33 years and that was really incumbent Scott Harrison by claimed his position on the board. the thing I heard going door- a substantial 3,289 votes. Chen said he was to-door that really made a “I’m disappointed, of concerned with the number difference,” Chadwick said. course,” Harrison said. “But of challengers he had at the “They wanted someone who the reality is that I was fighting start of the campaign, but knew how the system works.” a battle against corporate and said his hard work won him He added that the school union sponsorship.” 45 per cent of the votes. board is going through a lot Harrison attributes Smith’s “I’ve worked hard over of changes with school and win to a larger budget and the last four years and I’ve park closures, as well as says he’s worried about the brought some incredible consolidations — issues he future of certain projects he changes across Scarborough- will work on in his ward. was working on during his Rouge River,” Chen said. “I term on the board. think that the voters really To read about the Catholic “If I read what he says in responded to that.” school board trustee Billy Courice/The Observer his platform and everything Over the next four years, winners, visit else, they will probably he wants to tackle the dropout torontoobserver.ca Mike Del Grande celebrates win with children Loreen, John and granddaughter Milena. PAGE 4 - The East Toronto Observer, October 29, 2010 ELECTION 2010 Party like it’s 2006: Foes fall to familiar faces

SCARBOROUGH VOTES 2010 ward 38

GLENN DE BAEREMAEKER 11166 62.4%

GLENN MIDDLETON 4541 25.4%

TUSHAR SHAH 824 4.6%

KIRK JENSEN 708 4% De Baeremaeker boosts roadwork

Amanda kwan only way you can solve those lic works committee for the The Observer problems is to fix more roads, past four years. and that costs more money. “A TTC bus can’t drive it- Improving transit and And to get cars off the road, self. It costs more money to speeding up road repairs are you have to invest in mass put more buses on the road,” his top priorities for Ward 38, transit.” he said. says newly re-elected council- But this means an increase “It costs more money to fix lor . in taxes, something he ac- more potholes. I could fix ev- “The roads are in bad knowledged residents don’t ery road in the city of Toronto Amanda kwan/The Observer shape,” said De Baeremaeker, want. in 10 years. But we don’t have Glenn De Baeremaeker takes the cake in a landslide victory for Ward 38. who won his third consecu- “It’s a falsehood to say you the money.” tive term with 61 percent of can solve your problems by De Baeremaeker said the taxes to pay for the repairs. there is a backlog of repairs speeding up road repairs, pre- the vote. tightening your belt,” said De reason the roads are in bad With no money coming in, throughout the city, he said. serving services while keeping “The roads are packed and Baeremaeker, who’s been chair shape is because past council- road conditions have contin- De Baeremaeker ran on a taxes low, protecting green crowded,” he said. “And the of the infrastructure and pub- lors were too afraid to raise ued to deteriorate, and now platform of improving transit, space, and improving safety.

Hall can’t shake deja vu SCARBOROUGH VOTES 2010 ward Challenger edged out by Moeser for second straight time 44

RON MOESER 10185 47.5% Caitlin stojanovski Moeser by 284 votes. billy courtice Moeser previously said DIANA HALL 9901 46.1% Diana The Observer he hopes to cancel both the Hall land transfer and vehicle For the second election registration tax in his next MOHAMMED MIRZA 749 3.5% in a row, Ron Moeser term. topped Diana Hall “I didn’t vote for them in HEATH THOMAS 627 2.9% in a close Ward 44 the first place, and if I had Scarborough East race. the opportunity, I would “Needless to say, cancel them,” Moeser told The we’re all very excited,” Observer prior to the election. When the first polls came anything special, he’s not really As more polling stations said Moeser’s campaign He also said that the city’s in, CP24 declared Hall the sparkling.” reported their results, the race manager Dave budget should be scrutinized. winner. Hall’s campaign office Throughout the night, Hall became tighter and Hall led by Wallace at Moeser’s “You’ve got to have a city was filled with cheers, and the and her supporters noted how only a few votes. At 9:30 p.m., Port Union with a heart but we need mood stayed positive even as closely this reflected the 2006 Hall and Moeser were still tied. headquarters. more of a business-like the numbers kept rolling in. race, which Hall lost by 61 Although Hall was “ I ’ m approach when it comes to our Hall’s camp weren’t the only votes. In that election, Hall led disappointed with the s u r p r i s e d . budgeting,” he said. ones to be tripped up by the before the last polling station outcome of the election, said I’m really Hall said she fully expected mistaken prediction. had reported. The numbers they would still advocate for s u r pr i s e d ,” to take Moeser’s seat in In Ward 39, re-elected flipped in Moeser’s favour after Highland Creek issues and Hall said council. councillor Mike Del Grande, the all the votes were tallied create dialogue with the re- a f t e r “We had a lot of positive watching the broadcast from and recounted. elected councillor. losing feedback from residents,” Hall his campaign headquarters, “We were here until 3 Centennial Community t o said. said he wasn’t surprised by a.m. last time,” said Paul and Recreation Association Volunteers for Hall, who CP24’s early call. Lewkowicz, a Hall supporter, president Jeff Forsyth said had gone door-to-door in “She’s worked really hard about the 2006 election. He that Moeser has been a Ward 44 to gauge support, said and almost got in last time,” and other boosters spent a “satisfactory” councilor. feedback was positive. Hall’s Del Grande said. “He’s been tense half hour trying to figure “He’s not a particularly loud supporters were shocked at booted out of council once out which station had not voice on council, but not a lot her loss. before. He has not really done reported. of them are.” The East Toronto Observer, October 29, 2010 - PAGE 5

Party like it’s 2006: Foes fall to familiar faces

SCARBOROUGH VOTES 2010 ward 43

PAUL AINSLIE 9334 60.6%

JOHN LAFORET 4440 28.8%

BHASKAR SHARMA 758 4.9%

BENJAMIN MBAEGBU 489 3.2% Ainslie looks to axe vehicle and land tax

Ryan Jhagroo of the ballot, more than double by the residents of Scarbor- Bradley featherstone his closest rival, John Laforet. ough East to represent them The Observer Ainslie saw his support rise again, Ainslie said he will con- from the last election in which tinue to work hard as he’s done Re-elected Ward 43 council- he received under 39 per cent the past four years. lor ’s first item on of the vote. “He’s had great initiatives his agenda will be to repeal the Laforet significantly im- in the area,” said Ainslie sup- land transfer tax and vehicle proved since his last campaign porter Saleh Hetejee, who at- registration fee, he says. as well. In 2006, he received 7.7 tended the celebration party. At his campaign victory per cent of the vote and in this “Ainslie has done a great job party on Oct. 26, Ainslie told one 28.5 per cent. with the Cederbrae Library the Observer he looks forward “Incumbents with stronger renovation.” to working on these issues council records are falling all In response to the other with newly elected mayor Rob over the city,” Laforet said in candidates who lost, Ainslie Ford. his concession speech. “But said he is willing to sit down In a landslide victory, Ain- not here.” and share ideas, hoping to Ryan jhagroo/The Observer slie secured over 60 per cent Now that he’s been chosen work through any impasse. Ward 43 councillor Paul Ainslie opens a third celebratory bottle of champagne. Cho-sen to lead Media-backed challenger falls to veteran councillor

Courtney roberts “He has been supporting our “He should develop sarina adamo church for a long time and gateways in the community The Observer he’s very visible within the for people to become leaders, community. That’s why people build leadership, because the is vowing to will continue to vote for him.” leaders will help other issues,” make Ward 42 a better place But despite Cho’s decisive said Shan, who mustered 32 as he enters his third decade victory, not all Scarborough per cent of the vote. representing the area. residents are optimistic. Young people should play Voters returned the city hall “People of Malvern are too bigger roles in Cho’s policies, courtney roberts/The Observer veteran to office on Oct. 25, comfortable with said Shan. Raymond Cho basks in the glory of his victory. He has served Ward 42 for 19 years. taking 53 per cent of the vote. a familiar name If they really “Youth can “I will try to work harder to and face,” said asked solve a lot of make the community a safer Venesse Lewis, issues adults ward and more beautiful place,” Cho chair of Malvern themselves can’t,” he said. SCARBOROUGH VOTES 2010 said in his victory speech at his in Motion. “If what Cho “They have campaign office Monday night. they really asked has done, energy and 42 “This means more programs themselves what innovation and for youth and seniors.” Cho has done for they would they’re selfless. RAM Y OND CHO 10811 52.9% Throughout his campaign, them, they would know that Young people Cho tried to engage youth know that change change was have a lot of to become involved in was needed.” passion for social 6873 33.7% the political process by Neethan Shan, needed justice.” encouraging them to vote and Cho’s closest rival, - Venesse Lewis Shan, who was SHAMOON POONAWALA 586 2.9% join his campaign team, he was diplomatic in endorsed by the said. defeat, vowing to and MOHAMMED ATHER 474 2.3% “I knew he was going to remain active in NOW magazine, win,” said Norma Forrester, the community and to work said he will challenge Cho if he a longtime Cho supporter. with the councillor. “doesn’t deliver. PAGE 6 - The East Toronto Observer, October 29, 2010 The East Toronto COMMENT OBSERVER Teaching old dogs new tricks

ou have to wonder how young voters made their bal- lot decisions on Oct. 25. Did they choose based on who called their house? OrY whose nice sign stood on their lawn? Maybe it was who knocked on their door? Or did they actually interact with these people and read their platforms? Youth is the future, right? So why is the under-30 crowd so scarce at polling places? Perhaps it’s because youth don’t stay current via conventional forms of media. Youth need visual appeal. Candidates need to use interesting, non-traditional ways to advertise to resonate better with today’s youth. Here’s a thought: politicians could try getting their point across by showing up at a local Tim Hortons and buying every eligible young voter’s coffee — they just need to remember to send out a Facebook invite first. Ward 42 runner-up Neethan Shan’s election night headquar- ters was teeming with hopeful young volunteers cheering for a man who’s played a prominent role in their lives as a youth outreach worker. Shan stays current on Facebook and Twitter. He was the only candidate who came close to bringing incumbent Ray- mond Cho down. Even if Cho can do the job, should we reward someone who sat back on election night, enjoying a spread of food, “knowing he would win?” Shan lost. But he had more than 9,000 votes and 150 volun- teers. At one voting station, people who had missed the 8 p.m. cutoff stood outside, still lined up, demanding their right to Bradley featherstone/The Observer vote — for him. He built that support in 10 months. Shan is the sort of candidate most deserving of the youth vote. Maybe next time. - Sarina Adamo Get to the curb on time hen I lived near Runny- to the curb. When I finally got up, I was mede Station, garbage col- getting ready to disrobe and shave when lection was on Wednes- I heard the sound of a large truck. I knew Voter turnout up Wday, which meant I had to carry all the it was them and they were probably a lit- waste I’d built up from my partying on tle relieved that my green bins weren’t the weekend. Now I live near the Toronto on the curb yet. but not enough Zoo in a part of Scarborough where my That’s when I threw on a pair of shorts green, blue and garbage bins are emptied Ryan JHAGROO and hauled ass like I’d never done be- right after the weekend. This is great, fore. You see, I’ve had weeks where I’ve e shouldn’t be applauding our 53-per cent voter but I want more out of my waste man- forgotten to take out the garbage for col- turnout rate, even if it is up from last election’s. It agement. I want the schedules of gar- lection and trying to find a place to store is still a failing grade. bage collection times made available to I want schedules my excess waste is no easy task. I wasn’t WHistory is marred with revolutions fought for democracy residents, so we know when the trucks of garbage about to let the upcoming week become and representation — and it is also filled with advocates for should be arriving curbside. collection times another one where I struggle to proper- equality. Tuesday is my collection day. The cal- ly dispose of my soup bones and apple Conflicts continue today. Afghan citizens head to polls endar the City of Toronto sends out ev- made available to cores. to cast their ballots despite incidents of bombings and ery so often says my trash should be on residents. When I ran out, ready to to drag those kidnappings. the curb no later than 7 a.m. on the days bins, I realized a big bag of garbage was Here in Toronto, we don’t have to worry for our safety as they’re scheduled for pickup. To be hon- left in my kitchen. So I raced inside, we cast a secret ballot. Candidates reach out to us personally est, I never found out about this until I homes, city council needs to make it hap- grabbed the heaping bag and bolted out- and independent media organizations scrutinize them on our finally decided to look carefully at the pen. The TTC and GO Transit have fair- side. The stars were aligned and the gods behalf. calendar following a close miss on col- ly accurate up-to-the-minute bus sched- smiled upon me. Lady luck was on my Yet almost half of us just didn’t show up on Oct. 25 or to lection day. I usually refrain from putting ules for commuters, and traffic reports side. I couldn’t be denied, not after all of the several advance polls. Half of us didn’t bother to express my garbage out the night before, because on news outlets like 680News and CP24 that. our views about how we want the system we live in to be the raccoons in my neighbourhood are a can forecast travel times almost down With a bin in each hand, I ran 20 feet organized. rambunctious group known for tipping to a tee. It shouldn’t be any problem for just as the big garbage truck rolled up. Some of us may not have voted because we did not like over bins, scattering their contents. And the city“ to give residents more accurate There, I watched them, as their heads any of the candidates, but we could have handed in blank I’ve been burned before, picking up the notifications when they can expect their sunk low, emptying my green bins. I ballots showing that we care about the municipal elections, scattered rotten mess at 7 a.m. waste management trucks to come by. wanted to point, laugh and gloat, all but just don’t like any of the options presented to us. I know the garbage collectors usually If they did, I wouldn’t have had such a while jumping up and down in a pejora- For whatever reasons, half of us simply chose not to come around my block early in the morn- close call on the aforementioned morn- tive fashion. participate in a key process of a democratic society. ing, but it’s not always consistent. It’s ing. I felt like I’d won that day. Fortunately, however, democracy does not end on election usually in the range of 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 That day, I had a hunch they’d be com- But that was until I realized that it day. Election day may just be a gauge of participation, a.m. Once in a while, they even come ing a little closer to 8:30 a.m. Maybe it shouldn’t have come down to that, which providing some concrete statistics showing how many of us around 2 p.m. That’s not good enough. was intuition, my sixth sense. More like- is why I think more accurate waste col- actually care enough to come out. If there isn’t a set time when we ly, it was my laziness getting out of bed lection schedules are needed. But whether or not we voted, and whether or not the can expect garbage collection at our that made me delay taking the green bins person we voted for was elected, our mayor and councillors are still public servants who represent us. After and between THE EAST TORONTO elections, we can still assemble peacefully, circulate petitions and attend city council and committtee meetings. OBSERVER The East Toronto Observer Serving Malvern, West Hill and Highland Creek is published by So even if we didn’t vote, let’s not see democracy as Managing Editor: Alina Smirnova /Centennial College journalism students under faculty supervision. something that happens once every four years. Instead, let’s Online Editor: Fiona Persaud We are located at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre. Assignment Editor: Patrycja Klucznik Please address correspondence to The East Toronto Observer, c/o Centennial College, 755 take lessons from history and from abroad and not take our Copy Editors: Sarah DeMille, Megan Harris, Josef Jacobson Morningside Ave., Toronto, ON M1C 5J9, 416-289-5000, ext. 8306, fax 416-289-5168. system for granted, letting our apathy erode it. Photo Editor: Alice Hoang Email: [email protected] Production Editor: Angela Rotundo The opinions expressed in The Observer do not necessarily reflect the views of the college. -Alina Smirnova Faculty Editors: Eric McMillan and Andrew Mair The Toronto Observer, a companion website, is at torontoobserver.ca The East Toronto Observer, October 29, 2010 - PAGE 7 ARTS & LIFE

Youth release

Eileen Van Dyk, a veterinarian technician calypso at Toronto Animal Services, poses with Abby in the spay and neuter clinic. album Bradley featherstone The Observer

The biggest names in Cana- dian calypso music came out in force to inspire a new gen- eration of musicians to carry on the craft. “We’re getting older and we want to pass along the cul- ture,” said Dick Lochan, co- leader of the Pass the Torch calypso arts program. “It’s great for the kids. We see them become better writers, become more confident and better public speakers.” Lochan hosted the CD launch party for Pass the Torch 5 along with John (Jay- DICK son) Perez, LOCHAN the only person to win a Juno award for calypso. The celebration, held at Scarlet Ibis Restaurant and Bar, was designed to raise funds to pay for the produc- tion of a CD and bring the alice hoang The Observer / community together.

Culture

It’s all about spreading Toronto Animal Services the culture through music, said Rouge River MPP . “This one is a difficult cul- ture because it’s about the music and it’s also about the concerned about winter composition,” Balkissoon said. “It’s not that you can Colder weather may affect the success of population control programs aimed at cats just learn to sing so you have to write the music and write alice hoang their trap-neuter-return control the overpopulation of “There are so many people to be involved. It’s a right- the lyrics to match.” The Observer (TNR) strategy, in which fe- Toronto’s feral cats. calling trying to get appoint- across-the-board project.” Canadian Calypso Queen ral cats are castrated and then The organization’s goal is ments to trap and bring their She says there are work- Macomere Fifi performed at The looming cold weather returned to their colonies. to educate the public on the cats in for spay and neuter at shops as well as support the event to inspire the chil- will hinder the fight to con- The shelter is being reno- TNR strategy, as it’s the only that clinic,” St. Germain said. groups. dren, she said. Fifi taught in trol the feral cat population in vated be- proven method “So it’s really important that “[People] can join and it’s the Pass the Torch program Toronto, experts say. cause they We wouldn’t of long-term we put pressure on the city of really beneficial because it’s when it started six years ago The Toronto Animal Ser- can’t afford population Toronto to fund this solution very stressful to take care of a but has since moved on to a vices (TAS) shelter at 821 to have a want to see them control, said because it’s the only solution colony of cats,” St. Germain broader music career. Progress Ave. opened a free new build- be released back Roxanne St. that will work. said. The free children’s pro- spay and neuter clinic in Au- ing. into the cold and Germain, a Feral cat caretakers have The organization has a To- gram is held every Saturday gust, which operates about Purdy public relations to register their colonies on ronto feral cat survey and at Berner Trail Community six days a month. says the city suffer because of and education the TFCP’s website and take they’re asking people to reg- Centre. The kids, age 8–14, “We may start up earlier pays for the surgery officer of the TNR training sessions to be ister colonies on their web- write all their own songs with than we planned depending staff, and - Eletta Purdy TFCP. eligible to go to the TAS’ free site, which is kept confiden- guidance from Perez and Lo- on the gathering of more in- supplies are She says TNR clinic, St. Germain said. tial, as they’re trying to find chan. formation on the releasing of bought with is the most hu- The TFCP works closely out how many cat colonies The Pass the Torch CDs these cats after they’ve been donations. mane way to with the Toronto Humane exist in Toronto. She says are produced by legendary sterilized,” TAS manager “If we want to expand it, deal with feral cats, as all of Society, which held an event it’s also a way to back up Calypso producer Ossie Gur- Eletta Purdy said. “We’re we’ll have to look at dona- them can’t be rescued since on Oct. 16 for National Feral their claims when they ask ley, who is best know for co- just concerned. We wouldn’t tions for staffing also,” Purdy there are too many. Cat Day with workshops to for funding from the govern- writing and producing the hit want to see them be released said. St. Germain says the open- teach people about TNR. ment. “Who Let the Dogs Out.” back into the cold and suffer Kathy Quinn, a TAS super- ing of the spay and neuter “It’s really important that St. Germain says The To- because of the surgery.” visor, says the service is “the clinic is a “huge step for the everybody works as a com- ronto Feral Cat Project is Purdy says the clinic will first of its kind in“ Canada.” city of Toronto.” People are munity,” St. Germain said. in the process of deciding To hear some of the run until mid-November and Since 2008, the Toronto Fe- taking advantage of it since “You need people, you need whether it will become a calypso music from Pass is slated to re-open in Janu- ral Cat Project (TFCP) has it’s a financial burden to feed organizations, local commu- charitable organization or the Torch 5’s CD, log on to ary. They’re re-evaluating also helped in the fight to and castrate cats. nities, districts, and the city non-profit group. torontoobserver.ca PAGE 8 - The East Toronto Observer, October 29, 2010 SPORTS Briefs Sharks gear up for new season TDSB sports Community involvement encouraged through girls’ hockey celebration in Malvern wind down

KIRSTEN PARUCHA TDSB fall sports start their The Observer finals the week of Oct. 25. Soccer, tennis, football and No boys were allowed on basketball all kick of the first the ice during a full-day of rounds of the playoffs. The hockey as the Scarborough championship games will Sharks Girls Hockey Associa- end in the coming weeks of tion hosted their opening day Nov. 1, and Nov. 8. celebration in the Malvern Community Centre arena. On Oct. 23, each of the 11 GTHL calls for teams from the all-girls hock- new teams ey rep league played a season match, officially commencing The Greater Toronto their 2010-2011 season. Hockey League has the The celebration promoted Streetsville Tigers 42nd girls hockey in Scarborough. Annual Fall Hockey “We want girls hockey to Tournament coming up grow,” said Patrick Carew, from Nov. 5 to 7. The SSGHA president. “We’re re- tournament includes ally trying to grow our com- divisions from Minor Atom munity relationship and to to Midget AA. To register grow the game of hockey.” your team, contact Debbie The event brought families Leo at 289.891.8033. KIRSTEN PARUCHA The Observer and friends together. Spe- / cial guests included Toronto Aoife Doyle (left) and Sigia Huang (right) of the Scarborough Sharks Novice B team, race with the puck during Maple Leafs mascot Carlton the Sharks’ opening day celebration against the Toronto Leaside Wildcats. Skating to begin the Bear, Olympic gold med- alist and Scarborough Sharks borough community.” know about the fantastic sport “It’s a great team sport and “The Malvern community next week alumni Vicky Sunohara, and By connecting with the because it leads to a positive it shows a lot of camarade- provides a place to play and Ward 42 councillor Raymond community, SSGHA hopes image for girls in the Scarbor- rie,” Crosthwaite said. “It’s we want to give back to the Canlan Ice Sports is Cho. to encourage girls hockey to ough community.” also great for their physical community,” Crosthwaite starting public skating on “Our particular goal was to families who are unfamiliar Tina Crosthwaite, mother health.” said. “We want to introduce Sun. Nov. 7 from 1:30 p.m. to make the celebration a very with the sport. of twin 10-year-old girls, said Crosthwaite hopes the girls hockey to those who 3:30 p.m. and will run every unique experience for the “Hockey is a market for the hockey will have a great im- opening celebration will en- may not be aware of the sport. Sunday. It costs $3.00 per Scarborough Sharks,” Carew many first generations com- pact on her daughters who tice more girls from the com- It’s important to get new girls person, and skaters get free said. “We’re very proud of ing into Canada,” Carew said. have played with the Sharks munity to participate in girls’ involved and to have fun and hot chocolate during the our connection with the Scar- “We want to make sure they for the past five years. hockey. build sportsmanship.” first week. Seniors skate free. NEWS Locals against more Ward 44 highrises AMANDA KWAN ily homes, he added. The Observer “[The neighbourhood] can accommodate for greater The city needs to density, and I think everyone review the way the Ontario can understand that,” said Municipal Board handles Miles. “But no one is willing development applications to live next door to an apart- if it wants to manage ment building, especially in a intensification in residential highly residential neighbour- areas, says Stephen Miles, hood.” Highland Creek Community He also said highrises MEGAN HARRIS/The Observer Association president. would place greater strain on David Lawrie, Rouge Valley Conservation Centre board member and hike leader, points out an area in the Rouge The community is in- the community’s infrastruc- valley where theft of wild ferns, trilliums, and other plants often takes place. one of Scarborough’s busi- ture because they would have est planning wards. Since to accommodate a higher January 2006, Ward 44 has density of people in a small Plant theft disturbs Rouge Valley received 75 planning appli- space, bringing more traffic cations and has 48 develop- and less parking spaces. MEGAN HARRIS “You’re removing the for- understand why people feel dering the road for secrecy. ment projects. The Ontario Municipal The Observer est floor ecosystem,” Law- they can take whatever they The situation was re- The city’s Official Plan Board (OMB), the appeals rie said. “Also, people walk want from the park. ported to the park, but since calls for higher density resi- board for development proj- There is a plant thief through the park and pick “The park is not a garden RVCC workers have not seen dential dwellings to curb ects, often draws ire from on the loose in Rouge Hill. plants randomly, so that’s a store... you’re here to en- the plant thieves in action, sprawl. The maximum height residents’ and community as- Or more accurately, plant constant pressure on the nat- joy the park,” Serena said. there is not much that can be for any building is 12 metres. sociations, who say the pro- thieves. ural systems that are there.” “If you take things from the done. While most of the de- vincial body often sides with Plants have been disap- Ferns are largely targeted, park, then you lose the diver- Lawrie described the velopment projects in Ward developers on contentious pearing from the valley for but trilliums, goldenrods, sity, you lose species, and it’s problem within the park as 44 are not for multi-family development projects. the past few years, said Da- and pussy willow branches just not a good thing to do.” people not considering how dwellings, residents are still Miles cited only one vid Lawrie, board member are also taken. While many Though Lawrie hasn’t their action of taking one concerned about intensifica- occasion when the OMB and hike leader at the Rouge plants taken are for personal witnessed the thefts, several plant will affect the rest of tion, namely highrise devel- sided with the community Valley Conservation Centre use, ferns are often taken in people have told him they the forest. opment, Miles said. on a development project (RVCC). large quantities for commer- have seen plants being taken “If one person takes a Condominiums don’t fit in Highland Creek, near This theft puts pressure cial use, he said. and loaded into trucks. The plant, it’s not a big deal, but into the character of suburban Morrish Road and Old on the ecosystem, whether Lawrie’s wife Serena thieving, especially of ferns, if 100 people take them, then communities like Highland Kingston Road. “It ended up plants are taken in a large Lawrie, also an RVCC mem- often takes place at night and you start to have problems,” Creek, an older neighbour- being a legal technicality,” he amout or not, he said. ber, said she finds it hard to from the area of woods bor- said Lawrie. hood of mostly single-fam- said.