Dinner. Time. Get both! ISLINGTON

4868 Dundas St. West, TIMES (at Islington Ave.) 416-354-2220 Volume 01 • Issue 04 • Winter 2013 www.supperworks.com

IN THIS ISSUE

‘Tis The Season 02 Music Studio Presents 03 Experience the Village 04 Home For the Holidays 05 Work and Play 06 Healthy Aging 07 Community Corner 08 Community Corner 09 Islington United Church 10 Enhancing the CPP 11 Bernard Trottier MP 12 Heritage Groups 13 Finance Tips 14

HOME IS WHERE CHRISTMAS IS www.villageofislington.com

The early settlers of Islington Village brought many skills with them including farming and blacksmithing. They also brought their Christmas traditions and beliefs which they introduced to their new home.

The Johnston, Wilcox and Montgomery families were three of the earliest families to settle Islington Village in the early 1800s. The attitude toward Christmas of the Johnston and Wilcox families would have reflected their shared British roots and the many similarities of the Johnston’s Methodist faith and the Wilcox’s Presbyterian beliefs. The Montgomery family’s Christmas customs were influenced by Thomas Montgomery who was born in Northern Ireland and was a follower of the Church of England.

At that time, members of the Methodist and Presbyterian faiths did not celebrate Christmas other than with family prayers in their own homes and perhaps a special meal.

The Montgomerys and many other families who were not Methodist or Presbyterian would have also celebrated Christmas with a focus on the spiritual aspect of the occasion, although they likely decorated their houses with local Name that mural plants like wintergreen and cranberry branches on Christmas Eve. A Yule log might have burned in their fireplaces and The first person to email perhaps a Yule candle too. Christmas was also often an occasion for visiting among friends, possibly with more than the [email protected] usual amount of drinking and recreational activities such as sleighing and skating. with the correct name and address of the mural below will Beginning in the mid-19th century, most Protestants, including Methodists and Presbyterians, began to recognize win a gift certificate for $25 from Christmas as a time to celebrate with those celebrations focusing on home and family. There were also several new Supperworks. continued on page 04 ‘Tis the season

There is nothing like the holiday season in the Villages of Islington. The spirit was awakened during Shop Village of Islington Times the Hood on November 30th and is brought to a full tempo on Christmas Day. Community Newspaper Volume 01 | Issue 04 The holiday spirit continues on throughout the holiday season as the Village bustles with activity and local shops Quarterly Publication ~ Circulation 15,000 are decorated with holiday themed displays. Delivered by Canada Post

Enjoy holiday shopping in a relaxed and unhurried atmosphere. Get to know the local business owners and let For advertising information, please contact them assist you with their wealth of knowledge. Take the time to familiarize yourself with the many local shops Toby Gardiner at 416-875-1409 or by e-mail and restaurants in your community. at [email protected] www.rjentpub.com Looking for a quiet evening from shopping? Stroll along the streets in the Village of Islington and admire the many murals. Village of Islington BIA P.O. Box 234, Station D, Dundas St West, From RJ Entertainment Publishing, we once again thank all our readers and advertisers for all that you do. We wish , ON M9A 4X2 www.villageofislington.com everyone happy holidays and a prosperous New Year. And remember to continue to shop local! Contact: Thanks to everyone for supporting our advertisers throughout the year, and for reading our community newspa- Linda Plater pers. The phone calls and emails that we receive in support of our papers are encouraging and reinforce the fact E-Mail: [email protected] that our local newspapers fulfill a need within the Villages. BIA Mobile Line: (647) 703-4802

@VillageofIsling villageofislington

Editorial Contributors: Toby Gardiner | Publisher Lindsay Howe • Linda Plater [email protected]

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2 The Music Studio presents free Christmas concerts

You’re invited to these free community concerts featuring local music students performing Christmas carols and festive favourites.

Montgomery’s Inn Tea Room 4709 Dundas St. W., Just east of Islington Ave. Sunday, December 8th, 2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M.

Second Cup Christmas Concert 4850 Dundas St. W., Just West Of Islington Ave. Thursday, December 12th, 7:00 P.M. - 9:00 P.M.

Creative Village Christmas Concert 4895 Dundas St. W.,Just East Of Burnhamthorpe Rd. Saturday, December 14th, 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.

Montgomery’s Inn Tea Room 4709 Dundas St. West, Just East Of Islington Avenue. Sunday, December 22nd, 2:00 P.M. - 3:00 P.M. Burnhamthorpe Rd. N For Information, Please Call The Music Studio At 416.234.9268 ISLINGTON DENTURE or Email: [email protected] CENTRE à Cordova

Join Us For Some Holiday Cheer! . Kipling Ave. Kipling Dundas St. W Ave. Islington

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For seniors. For independence. For quality of life. 3 Home is where Christmas is Villages in Toronto continued from front cover By Lynda Adamson holiday traditions becoming popular at this time that likely would have found To some, the designation of ‘village’ to various areas of Toronto may appear their way to Islington Village. to be a recent. though charming approach to identifying neighbourhoods.

The Christmas tree is a European tradition that began to be adopted by the Consider Forest Hill Village,. , and our own Village of Islington. British in the early 1800s. It became very popular in 1848 when Queen Victoria By providing an area with a name. particularly one with historic connotations, and Prince Albert included a Christmas tree as part of their holiday celebrations. the area’s identity is enhanced. Residents and visitors alike regard the area as unique. Such is certainly the case in the Village of Islington. The giving of gifts to friends and family was a long-held British tradition although, for a long time, one without an official representative. Father And our ‘village’ is anything but recent! Once upon a time. there was a railway Christmas originated in England as a man dressed in green which represented station at Bloor and Islington. In 1879, Canning Avenue was built to connect the return of spring. He did not bring gifts but he did visit families at Christmas the new station with Islington Village’s centre at Dundas. In turn, this allowed and share in the holiday feast. By 1860 however, the Father Christmas tradition residents to commute more easily from the village to the city of Toronto. We tend to think of commuting as an element of our contemporary lifestyles, not had become joined with the Dutch/German Sinterklaas tradition, and the jolly that of a century ago! chap that we know today as Santa Claus was recognized as the official gift-giver of Christmas. In 1949, the Kingsway Business Men’s Association began. In 1970 the Bloor West Village Business Improvement Area was formed, followed by the Kingsway BIA “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care”, as described in the poem, when the Council for the Borough of Etobicoke passed a by-law to that effect ‘Twas the Night before Christmas, might have become a holiday tradition in 1973. Our Village of Islington had to wait another 13 years for its BIA to be in many homes of Islington Village beginning in the second half of the 19th created in 1986. It was extended to in 2003 and to include century. Montgomery’s Inn in 2013. However, it takes more than a name to create the village ambience. Developing a street lined with planters of lovely flowers Christmas cards became popular around the world in the mid-1800s. One can under a beautiful canopy of trees overhead; well-maintained, attractive shops; imagine Islington’s first postmaster, Thomas Musson, sorting Christmas cards and a multitude of services certainly contributes to the village feeling. But, in for residents of Islington Village to pick-up at his General Store. the end, it’s the people that make the difference. When local residents frequent these businesses. they thrive and in turn, the village ambience evolves. Christmas dinner of the day consisted of mince pies that were made with minced meat until the 19th century when dried fruit and spices began to be Lynda Adamson is a local resident and contributor to the Barclay Times Newsletter substituted for meat, so the residents of Islington Village probably enjoyed the latter. Their Christmas dinner likely included Christmas pudding consisting of dried prunes or raisins, and suet or possibly meat. In the late 1800s, Christmas cake was added to the holiday menu. A well-fattened goose was commonly Experience the Village of Islington this Holiday Season eaten as the main course, accompanied by a bounty of vegetables from each farmer’s own recent harvest. The Village of Islington is transformed each year into a wondrous Christmas village with festive décor provided by Islington Nurseries the The tradition of wassailing, which is the drinking of spiced apple cider, might local family-owned supplier of year round flowers and greenery. Notice have been found in Islington Village in the 1800s. People in need visited the year-round, warm white lighting that adds atmosphere to busy Dundas Street West between Islington and Kipling Avenues. Whether wealthier homes at Christmas time singing carols, and offering wassail and you live or work in the village, or only visit for the day, you feel part of a good wishes to people in exchange for food or money. These carolers might small community as the spirit of Christmas is all around. have sung carols such as, It Came upon a Midnight Clear, Away In a Manger and We Three Kings. Carols were now being written specifically for the Christmas Though Christmas is most people’s favourite time of year, it can also be season as music became an important part of holiday celebrations. a stressful time. With the village shops and services steps away from your home, shopping doesn’t have to be stressful or time consuming. My great-grandparents likely passed through Islington Village on their way to Save yourself unnecessary headaches and wasted time; avoid the hassle settle in Walkerton, in the late 1800s, travelling with their belongings of battling traffic, finding parking, pushing your way through overly and, more than likely, their German Christmas traditions. crowded stores, endless aisles and lineups.

When the early settlers of Islington Village arrived with their Christmas traditions The Christmas season is a particularly special time in the village with and beliefs, they not only brought customs that would make them feel decorated display windows for you to admire. Take a winter stroll to comfortable in their new home, they also introduced new Christmas customs enjoy the wonder of the holiday season and see the 26 murals up close. to Islington Village and beyond. This will help reduce some of life’s stresses, so that you can truly enjoy the present moment Ed Lettner owns The Music Studio in Etobicoke which has offered music instruction since 1990. He is an honours graduate of the Humber College Institute of Technology Many of our Etobicoke neighbours can walk or take a short drive the music program. Ed wishes to thank Denise Harris for providing additional historical local businesses ready to cater to individual customer needs. Our small information for this article. For information about the programs at The Music business owners are very knowledgeable about their products and Studio, please call 416-234-9268, email: [email protected] or visit www. inform you so you know everything about the item you are considering themusicstudio.ca purchasing. The value of quality customer service and expert advice goes a long way to achieving your ultimate satisfaction with your purchase at any time of the year.

As you know, the holiday season is the perfect time to catch up with old friends, and loved ones, and you don’t need to leave the comfort of your own neighbourhood to do this. There is a cozy coffee shop, bakery or pub right around the corner in the Village of Islington!

This holiday season, why put yourself through the daunting task of scouring big box stores or shopping malls for gifts when you need search no further than the local businesses in your area? Take the time to meet the merchants in Village of Islington this holiday season and discover that there is something for everyone on your Christmas list right in your own neighbourhood! Traditional sweet table set at Montgomery’s Inn Tea Room 4 Home for the Holidays Give the Gift of

“I’ll Be Home For Christmas” is a song that speaks nostalgically of many outward elements a Clean Home! of a North American Christmas: snow, mistletoe, presents, a tree. But there’s a deeper longing in the song, something much closer to all of our hearts. It’s a longing for home. Perfect for the Holidays! But what is this longing for “home” really about? For some of us, perhaps the term evokes the land Gift Certificates are available of our birth and childhood. For others, it brings to online at mollymaid.ca. mind the house or apartment we grew up in, or the house we live in now. As important as these places may be to us, though, “home” is much more about the people we knew in those places, especially our parents, siblings, grandparents. More than anything else, home is about family.

This year at St Andrew’s (3819 Bloor St W, at Six Points), we want to encourage you to come home for the holidays. Whatever holidays you may celebrate, if any, this longing for home is something we all relate to. That’s why we’ll be www.mollymaid.ca focussing our Sunday gatherings (10am) throughout December on three key aspects of healthy relationships: Proper Priorities (Dec 1), Constant Commitment (Dec 8), and Lasting Love (Dec 22). On Sunday, December 15, we will enjoy a play called “Christmas Chaos”, which explores how we often get caught up in Contact us today for a free, no-obligation, in-home estimate: the busyness of the holiday season (10am). We’ll also be having two special gatherings on Christmas Eve. The first (4pm) will be an exuberant celebration geared to children and their families. The second (7pm) will be a more reflective exploration of the seeming paradox of God, in Jesus, becoming human and (416) 232-9178 homeless so that we could be invited home. And since no family gathering is complete without food, we’d also like to invite you for a meal. There is a senior’s [email protected] Christmas dinner on Wednesday, December 11 at 12:30; a women’s lunch on Thursday, December 5 and January 9 at 1:30; and a community banquet on Saturday, January 11 at 5 pm.

The song ends on a particularly strong note of longing: “I’ll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.” The joy and warmth of home seems beyond reach, only a dream. Can you relate? Why not join us at one or more of these events? You’re invited! I may not know you, but I know Someone who does. Why not come home for Christmas this year?

List of Events: Thursday, December 5, 1:30 pm – Women’s lunch Wednesday, December 11, 12:30 – Senior’s lunch Sunday, December 15, 10 am – “Christmas Chaos” Play Sunday, December 15, 7 pm – Christmas Readings and Carols Tuesday, December 24, 4 pm – Family Christmas Eve Service Tuesday, December 24, 7 pm – Traditional Christmas Eve Service Thursday, January 9, 1:30 pm – Women’s lunch Saturday, January 11, 5 pm – Community Dinner

Sean Howard is the pastor of St Andrew’s Islington Presbyterian Church. His home is with his wife and three children in Etobicoke. More information about events at St Andrew’s can be found online at www.standrewsislington.org, or by calling the office at (416) 233-9800.

5 Scrumptious Desserts for your Holiday Work and Play Is Your Work Fun? Gatherings at Patricia’s Cake Creations

Work is hard. Suffering is good and being a good employee and a good Patricia’s Cake Creations is a family run person means you have to suffer a bit. Hogwash! patisserie/café offering a vast selection of pastries, sweets, and custom cakes for all Did you grow up in a family with this kind of work ethic? If so, it might be hard occasions including: holidays, birthdays, for you to embrace the idea that work can be fun and it’s ok to play at work. weddings, showers, baptisms, and What a concept -- actually enjoying what you do every day! Some people fear engagements. fun at work because they are hung up on old work cultures and beliefs about how work should be. They might even think that acting grumpy is part of their You can choose from a mouth-watering selection of scrumptious pastries, job description because their boss and co-workers act this way. croissants, pies, cupcakes, French macaroons, and adorable mini cakes. Enjoy a hot beverage with your pastry and order a specialty coffee, cappuccino, Remember that fun is a choice we make when it comes to work: we take risk espresso, latte, tea or hot chocolate. Patricia’s Cake Creations also offers daily and we give ourselves permission to have fun, let loose and just enjoy. Who soups, and high tea (reservation required). would ever fathom that having fun could turn into a competitive advantage or that clients love suppliers who just let them have fun? For many new media Co-owner Patricia Drewnowska is an award winning cake designer, and she is companies set in funky new work spaces, fun is even mandatory because is a perfectionist when it comes to creating the most exquisitely decorated and lubricates creativity. New ideas born from creativity are hot commodities flavourful cakes for her customers. Her brother Konrad is a classically trained these days. How can companies innovate if their employees are uptight and French Pastry Chef and makes the most delicious tarts, macaroons and French miserable? pastries at Patricia’s Cake Creations.

Think about how fun is often linked to satisfaction in what we do for a living. Currently Patricia’s Cake Creations is working on new Christmas tablescapes Chances are that most of us learn something and the day flies by when we designs with some lovely desserts and cakes, perfect for the upcoming laugh a bit and express ourselves. For some workers games can be used to entertaining Holiday Season, working hard preparing delicious edible art for the teach important business concepts. How many role plays or simulations have holiday tables. Indulge your sweet tooth and visit Patricia’s Cake Creations to you participated in where you actually got to know your colleagues and began enjoy their delicious cakes and other desserts. You can choose from gingerbread to like them too? Did you begin to work better as a team after having shared a cookies, French macaroons, truffle and meringue towers, or small boxed edible few laughs? gifts perfect for family, friends, teachers, and co-workers.

Some people get hung up on a self-imposed idea of responsibility at work when Konrad is developing some great mouth-watering recipes for products that will there is no connection between misery and responsibility. Grumps think “oh, be available for sale before Christmas. Patricia’s Cake Creations is now taking people won’t respect me” or “I have too much responsibility to actually enjoy orders for Christmas catering and entertaining platters. Their Bûche de Noël my work”. On the flip side, many people see absolutely no distinction between (yule log), molasses spice cookies, designer butter cookies, almond butter work and play. Look at musicians and professional athletes. Why does it seem cookies and other specialty items are perfect for the season. The boxed multi- some old rock stars won’t ever retire? Maybe they are having too much fun at coloured French macaroons make an ideal holiday gift. work! Are you having fun yet? Patricia’s Cake Creations has received national recognition, and won competitions for their exquisite taste and designs. Most recently, Patricia’s Cake Creations won How to Have Fun Platinum Reader’s Choice Award for the best dessert place in Bloor West Village. They have appeared on The Food Network, Breakfast Television, ET Canada, > You are responsible for your own fun; give yourself permission Global TV, Daytime Toronto and most recently at The Social. Lastly, Patricia’s to have fun and take some risk. Cake Creations has been featured in several wedding magazines including: Weddingbells, Wedluxe and Elegant Weddings. > Lead others into having fun by your example; fun catches on. Choose Patricia’s Cake Creations this season for the most scrumptious selection > If it’s not fun, don’t do it! of holiday goodies. Order ahead for your holiday get-togethers! Patricia’s Cake Creations is located at 4130 Dundas Street West in Etobicoke at the Humber Bridge Plaza, between Prince Edward and Humber River.

Contact by phone at 647-348-CAKE (2253) or email [email protected]. Visit Fun at Work Patricia’s Cake Creations online at website at www.patriciacakes.com

It’s all about creating an environment that jives with your own personal idea of fun.

A group of ten fun-minded workers got together one evening to talk about what fun meant to them. Here are some of the ideas they came up with:

> spontaneity > selling, developing, teaching and contributing > rising to a challenge and following through > getting an adrenaline rush from a job well-done and celebrating your accomplishments > opening a new toy and being inspired with the possibility of innovation > it’s contagious > thinking differently and using words to express meaning > getting acknowledgement from a “hard-ass” > connecting with others > being free and flexible to choose what you want to do and where you want to go - often “off the beaten path”

6 Advent 1 – Hope Getting Fit and Staying Fit at Work Sunday, December 1 By Linda Plater Morning Worship & Holy Communion White Bag & Gift Sunday, Sunday School for Kids 9:30 & 11:15 am Light Up the Night Gone are the days of labour intensive outdoor jobs where coming home 2:30 pm Skating • 4:00 pm Crafts • 5:00 pm Dinner 6:30 pm Outdoor tree lighting, physically exhausted but mentally raring to go is common. As the gorgeous carol singing, cider, and cookies Indian summer fades and winter is around the corner I find myself reflecting on the days I worked in our BIA outdoors, fondly remembering the fresh Advent 2 – Peace Sunday, December 8 air, sunshine, beautiful flowers and exercise. Morning Worship & Sunday School for Kids 9:30 & 11:15 am As we become solidly entrenched in the knowledge economy, the world of Worship in the Taizé-style physical labour, fitness and health is something many of us only dream of. Can 8:00 pm you feel your neck tightening? Do you crave a decent onsite facility to work Advent 3 – Joy out? Does an in-house massage program sound too good to be true? We’ve all Sunday, December 15 read about the multitude of physical problems arising from too many hours Morning Worship & Sunday School for Kids spent in front of a computer screen. These range from poor eyesight to carpel 9:30 & 11:15 am tunnel syndrome to seemingly expanding waistlines and thighs. Clearly there is Christmas in Islington even more need these days to be fit for work and to ward off ill health. Some of 3:00 pm us are lucky enough to be able to just push away from our desks and take a walk A festive community celebration outside; others find tunnelling in the underground mall a relief from circulation of Christmas music blockages in our legs, arms and shoulders. Blue Christmas Worship Whether you’re here Tuesday, December 17 What if you could make your job an exercise? I’m not saying that everyone A reflective service for those who are grieving once a week, once a year 7:30 pm become landscape architects, farmers or physical labourers, but what if you could sneak in activities at work to make your environment a little more physically or never before, we’d love Advent 4 – Love mobile and your body a little more fit? I am fortunate that I can ride my bicycle Sunday, December 22 to have you join us at Morning Worship & Sunday School for Kids to work and make my BIA inspections on foot. My eight volunteer tour guides 9:30 & 11:15 am share insightful stories as visitors visit the murals exercise and dine in the village. Islington United Church ALIVE Worship The tours are designed for long-time Toronto residents, and visitors to the area 7:00 pm from near and far. Our visitors, many of them young seniors, exercise their mind, in celebration and Contemporary art-based worship in an body and spirit while awakening all their senses as they come away knowing a song this Christmas. intimate setting for youth and young adults Toronto neighbourhood’s unique cultural diversity, history, architectural gems, Tuesday, December 24 and best of all, the wonderful art and food! Christmas Eve Islington United Church Family Service Not everyone is as lucky as me to work outdoors from time to time, but here Open Hearts Open Minds Open Doors 5:00 pm are a few tips to get you thinking about fitness at work: 25 Burnhamthorpe Road I Toronto, ON Carols by Candlelight M9A 1G9 I Canada 7:00 & 9:00 pm Work while standing up, crouching or squatting. Rotate those shoulders. Flex 416-239-1131 I www.islingtonunited.org Communion by Candlelight 11:00 pm your wrists and fingers. Try to meet with clients and colleagues while on Get our newsletter! the move. Just think how popular golf courses have become for conducting Infant and toddler care available at all services business and impressing customers. How many times have you solved an Email us at [email protected] important work issue as you walked down the hall, out the door or through the park? It might take some getting used to, but every time you get off your seat, your body will thank you for it.

6 Steps for Healthy Aging note progress. Talk to your doctor about other forms of fitness appropriate for your abilities. Longer life spans and aging baby boomers will combine to double the population of older Canadians over the next few decades. Heart disease, 4. Eat Fruits and Vegetables Daily. cancer, stroke, chronic lower respiratory diseases, Alzheimer’s disease and Diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of some cancers diabetes continue to be the leading causes of death among older adults. and chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Fruits While some risk factors are unavoidable, you can counter many others with and vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals, fibre, and dozens simple lifestyle changes. of micronutrients that are important for good health—and that you often can’t get from a daily vitamin supplement. While progress is being made in many areas, not all health goals have been reached. As complex as the problem is, there are health-enhancing steps Adults aged 65 years or older should eat 5 or more fruits and vegetables you can take to ensure a long and healthy life. Many of these steps are inter- daily and in a rainbow of colours—each one indicates a different group of related and have a cumulative effect—the more you follow, the greater the nutrients. benefits. Get started today! 5. Quit Smoking. Tobacco use remains a leading preventable cause of 1. Get Screened. Less than half of men and women aged 65 years or older disease, disability and death in North America. For help quitting, talk to your are up-to-date on preventive services including flu vaccine, pneumonia doctor about a cessation program that includes support. vaccine, colorectal cancer screening, bone density test and mammography for women. 6. Take Medication for High Blood Pressure. High blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the leading cause of illness and 2. Get Vaccinated. Flu and pneumonia combined represent the seventh death among older adults. Patients should take the initiative to monitor leading cause of death among adults 65 years or older, despite the availability their blood pressure between medical visits, take medications as prescribed, of effective vaccines. Older adults should get the flu vaccine every year and tell their doctor about any side effects, and make lifestyle changes, such get the pneumonia vaccine at least once. Don’t have a doctor visit coming as eating a low-sodium diet, exercising, and stopping smoking. Taking up? You can get a flu shot at most chain pharmacies. prescribed medication is important for another no-symptom risk factor, high cholesterol. Remember, just because you can’t feel it doesn’t mean it 3. Be More Physically Active. Regular physical activity is one of the most isn’t damaging your health. Use a pill organizer to help you stay on schedule. important things older adults can do for health. Physical activity can prevent many of the health problems that may come with age, including lowering Gary Hepworth is the owner of Premier Homecare Services in Etobicoke. 416- the risk of falls. Get up and get walking—use a pedometer to track steps and 623-8229

7 COMMUNITY CORNER

Fall Mural Tour Welcome to new board members: Director Ed Lettner, The Music Studio, Thank you Evelyn (BIA Guide) so much for a great tour on October 19, 2013. Director Peter Luciani, Property Owner and Treasurer Janet McKenzie, Summit Everyone loved it! Even though many of us have lived in the area for most of our Natural Health. A big thank you to past board members Vern DeGuerre, Pejman lives we were glad you were available to show us the murals, give us a history Tabaie and Pierre Seunik for their contributions to the business improvement lesson and join us for tea! Look at how we almost blend into the painting! Many area. New volunteers are always welcome so please contact Linda at 647-703- thanks! Sarah (Rawson) Hastie (photo of mural tour in front of Fire Brigade) 4802 if you are interested in participating in your local business association.

Planning Ahead? The much loved Mural Calendar is now available in limited supplies at local businesses in the Village of Islington. Its cover features Aftermath John Kuna’s depiction of the rescue and recovery mission following Hurricane Hazel. Did you know that Oct. 15, 2014 is the 6o year anniversary of this legendary hurricane that hit Toronto? If you have stories to share about this event to be published next fall, please contact Linda at [email protected].

BIA Backgrounder How Does a BIA Operate? Size and makeup of business improvement areas (BIAs) vary greatly. BIAs can contain less than 50 businesses or over 2000 businesses. In the beginning a typical BIA consisted primarily of small retail businesses. Today’s BIA membership is far BIA News: Raising Funds for the Food Bank more diverse. BIAs now represent a wide variety of businesses - professional The Business Improvement Area (BIA) raised funds for the food bank at its and creative services, high-tech, light industrial, restaurants, entertainment, etc. annual general meeting on November 20th at Mai Bistro. A silent auction of the Typically, BIAs are made up of a strip along a single main street although some banners that marked the Bicentenial War of 1812 raised funds for the Mabelle cover several blocks. Some identify with the ethnic makeup of their surrounding Food Bank, an agency of the Daily Bread Food Bank which operates from the neighbourhoods. Others are located in historical sections of the City. And still Islington United Church. The volunteer run Mabelle Food bank operates once others are made up of related businesses. The only common denominator is every two weeks to supplement the food received from the Daily Bread Food that businesses in an area share a desire to enhance their business area and Bank with enough staples so that each family has enough food for 3 days. improve their community. www.toronto-bia.com .

Funds and food donations are always gratefully received in order to achieve this goal. To donate to this program clearly mark donations for Food Bank and leave Health and Wellness Fair 2014 them at 25 Burnhamthorpe Road or call the church at 416-239-1131 or David & In 2014 the Health and Wellness Fair will be held at the prestigious Islington Golf Carol Laughton 905-279-5795 for more information. Club and it promises to be even more successful. For more information about participating in the fair contact Gary Hepworth BIA Vice Chair garyhepworth@ If you would like an historic banner of your own, contact Linda Plater at info@ homecarephs.com or 416 623-8229. villageofislington.com as more banners are available. In year one and two over 300 people attended the fair at the Islington United Church, met with local health professionals, found expert advice, heard about The 2013 Annual General Meeting Report interesting discussion topics and learned about maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Another successful annual general meeting of the Village of Islington Business Best of all, the Fair provided the members an opportunity give back to people Improvement Area was held on November 20th with 33 interested business in the community! and property owners and residents in attendance at Mai Bistro. The board was pleased to report on the accomplishments of 2013 which included: year round tree lighting, new banners, floral and festive decorations, new murals, a new Welcome New Business to the Village integrated marketing plan with this newspaper and a spruced up web site with social media: facebook, twitter, Pinterest and even a Youtube channel. And Daniel Song, Financial Advisor the plans and budget to continue these programs in 2014 were approved in Edward Jones Investments, 4889 Dundas Street West, Suite 1A addition to a spring Community Cleanup, Merchant Mingle, Health and Wellness Etobicoke, ON M9A 1B2 (416) 239-0415 Fair, Doors Open Toronto and Culture Days events. 8 COMMUNITY CORNER

Islington Mural Feature This mural honours pianist Glenn Gould with his childhood piano teacher, Antonio Alberto Garcia Guerrero ~1947.

A satellite branch of the Royal Conservatory of Music was located in this building from the 1950s through the 1980s. In the bottom left corner is a copy of a manuscript by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Together the elements depicted in the mural allude to the passing on of musical tradition and how humble, yet prodigious beginnings may be nurtured to great heights, as illustrated by a current audience in the conservatory’s celebrated new concert venue, Koerner Hall.

Mural Contest Winner Congratulations to our fall’s Mural Contest winner Emilia Jajus who identified The Old Swimming Hole Emilia Jajus is a Toronto based muralist who settled in the Village of Islington neighbourhood when she immigrated to Canada 15 years ago.

Greatly inspired by the murals in the area, she decided to make art her career. Today Emilia’s murals can be seen at public places, businesses and private homes. For more info about her work visit www.emiliajajus.com

Prodigy by John Kuna, 2011- located at 5048 Dundas Street West. Emilia’s mural entitled “Fireplace” is part of “Outside the Box” a project by StART (Street ART Toronto). She designed it to bring some warmth to The Village of Islington Wins the 2013 Toronto Association of the cold winters in Toronto. Business Improvement Area’s Award for Community Service Three years in a row Islington has earned an award from the Toronto Association of Business Improvement Areas (TABIA) which represents 77 BIAs in the city. This year the Islington BIA earned the award for Community Service for its annual Health and Wellness Fair. One quarter of the Village of Islington BIA membership are in health related businesses dedicated to serving the health needs of the community. And again on April 15, 2014 the BIA is set to host and expand upon its 3rd Islington Health and Wellness Fair, a free event that provides advice and information to the public while showcasing local businesses.

Look Up The New Banners Have Arrived! Have you taken a stroll or drive along Dundas lately and looked up? The Village of Islington has installed 35 colourful new banners. Thanks to Village Paint for their sponsorship of the new Colours of Islington banners that will fly until next spring.

9 Islington Seniors’ Centre Special Music Services & Events 4968 Dundas Street West • Etobicoke at Islington United Church 416-231-3431 [email protected]

Christmas Luncheon on Thursday, December 12th from 12 noon to 2:00 p.m. Advent • Christmas • Epiphany Upstairs in the Marshall Auditorium. Join us at Islington United Church in Pancake Breakfast on Wednesday, January 15th & Friday, February 28th from celebration and song this Christmas. 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Garden Café. For details call 416.239.1131 Valentine’s Day Lunch and Entertainment on Thursday, February 13th from or visit www.islingtonunited.org 12 from noon to 2:00 p.m. 25 Burnhamthorpe Road (at Dundas) Patrick’s Day Luncheon on Thursday March 13th from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Christmas in Islington: Programs A Festive Community Celebration Sunday December 15, 3:00pm Membership is required to participate. Register in the Front Office 1 week Choirs & Soloists of Islington UC, with First prior to program start. Brass Quintet, Jubilate Handbell Ensemble, Schoenstein Organ & Congregational Carols Chair Yoga - Wednesday, January 29th to March 5th from 2:00 – 3:00 pm A joyous Christmas tradition of celebrating the season with Music Program Fee: 6 weeks / $36 Chair Yoga – Gentle Hatha - Wednesday, January 29th to March 5th from 3:30 – Services with Music for the Eve of Christmas 4:30 pm • Program Fee: 6 weeks / $36 Tuesday December 24, 5,7,9 and 11:00pm Nordic Pole Walking – Introduction - Wednesday March 19 & March 26 from Family Service – 5:00pm 1:00 – 2:00 pm • Program Fee: 2 weeks / $14 Junior Choir, Handbells & Organ ~ Focus on the family with ALL children Nordic Pole Walking - Next Steps - Wednesday March 19 – April 23 from 2:30 – participating in pageant. 3:30 pm • Program Fee: 6 weeks / $40 Laughter Comedy & Wellness - Thursday, February 6 - March 13 from 9:30 – Lessons & Carols by Candlelight – 7:00 & 9:00pm 10:45 am • Program Fee: 6 weeks / $30 Choirs & Soloists of Islington UC, Organ & Handbells ~ Celebration of the wonder Learn to Knit- Wednesday, January 29th to February 19th from 1:00 – 3:00 pm of Christmas Program Fee: 4 weeks / $20 Communion by Candlelight – 11:00pm Bunka - Thursday, January 9th to March 13th from 9:30 – 11:30 am Contemplative service with String Orchestra & Organ ~ as we anticipate the Program Fee: 10 weeks / $38 Birth of our Messiah Write your Life Stories - Tuesday, January 21st - February 25th from 2:30 – 4:00 pm • Program Fee: 6 weeks/$45 Carols for Epiphany Book club - Monday, January 13th and Monday, February 10th 9:00 – 11:30 am Sunday January 12, 2014 7:30pm (at Royal York Road UC) Program Fee: $2 (includes light breakfast) Combined Choirs & Soloists of Islington & Royal York Road UCs with Strings, Memory Techniques - Tuesday, March 11th - April 15th from 2:30 – 4:00 pm Organ & Piano. A concert in celebration of the season of Epiphany, & in support Program Fee: 6 weeks/$45 of Mabelle Food Programme The Art of Conversation - Thursday, March 20th from 1:00 - 2:30 pm Workshop Fee: $5 The Gift of Music Concert Series presented by Music at Islington Laugh Your Way to Well Being - Thursday, March 27th from 1:00 – 2:30 pm If you enjoy wonderful music in a beautiful space made by exceptionally Workshop Fee: $5 talented people, you’ll be interested in the creative concerts with your friends, neighbours & families. The other Concerts of the series: Computer courses February 22 • Oscar Goes to Church II: Hymns on the Red Carpet Each Program Fee: $30 / 6 weeks Saturday 7:30pm • John Derksen & Ted Wilson, Commentators (Program fee includes all course material) Pre-Registration required 1 week Celebrate the Great Hymns that have walked the red carpet with the famous prior to start date! Space is limited Membership is required to participate statue. in these programs. See Video clips from 10 Academy Award-nominated films with a Synopsis of each, followed by engaging Commentary & performance of the Hymn Level 1 – Introduction to Windows and Applications - Wednesdays, January 22nd - February 26th from 10:00 - 11:30 am March 29 • Earth Hour by Candlelight: Level 2 - The Internet & E-mail - Fridays, January 24th – February 28th from Organ & Readings in the Dark 10:00 - 11:30 am • Pre-requisite: Level 1 Saturday 8:00pm • John Derksen & Friends For Earth Hour, don’t sit at home alone in Travel the dark. Celebrate it with an Earth Hour concert by candlelight in the wonderful glow The St. Lawrence Market … Hot House Restaurant … and the new Ripley’s and acoustics of Islington United Church Aquarium of Canada listening to the majestic Schoenstein organ Tuesday, March 25th, 2014 Just $89 per Member $91 per Non Member interspersed with complementary readings.

City of Toronto Public Health launches flu clinics Free flu shots are now available at Toronto Public Health (TPH) clinics. As well as getting the flu shot, TPH also recommends frequent and thorough hand washing, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve and staying at home when you are feeling ill. For the full flu vaccination clinic schedule please call 416-338-7600

Flu - Etobicoke Civic Centre January 9, 2014 3:00 PM - 7:30 PM Registration Deadline: January 9, 1:00 PM Appointments Available: 224

10 Islington Ratepayers & An Opinion on Enhancing the CPP Residents Association By Gary Hepworth, Chair, CARP Etobicoke A strong voice for our community!

Since 1971, the Islington Ratepayers & Residents Association (IRRA) has The politicians are playing been advocating for its community. politics with our future and it has to stop. The Canada Pension Mandated to promote and protect the interests, rights and responsibilities of its Plan needs to be increased and community members, IRRA is non-profit organization managed by a volunteer everybody knows it but for Board of Directors that meets bi-monthly to consider matters of local/civic some reason the politicians are concern. IRRA’s primary and most vital role is to provide communication for not getting the message. its residents, and the Association is committed to keeping its members “in the loop” about matters of local relevance via email, facebook, website and at our Politicians need to hear from annual Community Meeting. Canadians directly – that you fully support and understand the need Recent action, advocacy and community initiatives of IRRA included for the CPP enhancement and • working with residents and local councillors to advocate at that you want them to act now to Committee of Adjustment provide a better retirement future • lobbying for the retention of Montgomery’s Inn in the face of possible closure – not for you but for your children • helping increase awareness of the proposed Humbertown development and grandchildren. • initiating talks with Community Police Liaison Committee • participating in community meetings regarding Air Quality, Committee If you accept the fact that Canadians are not saving enough for their retirement of Adjustment Consultation, Thorncrest Village Neighbourhood Watch, and need a better vehicle with which to do so then the settled opinion is that Transportation Consultation increasing the CPP is the best way to do that. All the other options have been • organizing community meetings to address issues of local and tried. city-wide concern Islington Ratepayers & Residents Association represents the area bounded The aim here is to put enough money away so that once the pay cheques stop, by Bloor on the south, Islington on the east, Rathburn on the north, and the by choice or not, the invested savings have earned sufficient money to allow Hydro lines west of Kipling. All residents within this area are urged to become you to draw enough to live on and preferably to maintain your standard of members of IRRA to help foster community-building and stay informed. Annual living. Research shows that a sizeable number of Canadians will face a significant membership fee is only $5 per household. We look forward to having you join decline in their standard of living because they are not saving enough. But also us! because their investments are not making enough returns – especially now in the low interest rate environment. Carolyn McGee, President Islington Ratepayers & Residents Association www.irra.ca • Inquiries: 416-233-7468 Dollar for dollar, you can’t buy a retirement pension any more cheaply than purchasing additional units of the CPP, if you could, unless you’re lucky enough to belong to a defined benefit plan at your workplace. Two-thirds of working Canadians don’t have any workplace pension plan. The CPP or any large defined benefit plan is able to generate enough investment income to pay your lifetime pension benefits. In fact, it is not your contributions that pay for these benefits but the investment income which pays 80% of those benefits.

So why has a simple retirement investment option become so political? Primarily because you can’t have it unless the politicians agree to amend the CPP. And that takes 2/3 of the provinces with 2/3 of the Canadian population plus the federal government. It happens that there is now a consensus of enough of the provinces necessary to fulfill that formula but for some reason, the federal government has refused to consent and just won’t budge – despite the fact it was federal finance minister Flaherty who proudly made the commitment in June 2010 for a modest enhancement to the CPP.

To help make politics align with common sense, it’s time to tell your federal and provincial politicians that they should act now to improve the CPP. If not now, When?

11 Canada EU Trade Agreement – Opening Canada to New Markets By Bernard Trottier, MP Etobicoke - Lakeshore

Today, with one in five Canadian jobs dependent on exports, Families in Etobicoke - Lakeshore will have greater access to European goods at a our prosperity hinges on opening new markets for Canadian lower cost, as 98% of all tariffs, both ways, will be removed. This will significantly goods, services and investment. boost trade, investment and job opportunities for all Canadians.

This is why our Conservative Government launched the most ambitious trade Our local businesses, and those across Canada, will have access to half a billion agenda in Canadian history. We are working to open new markets to create jobs affluent customers – the world’s single largest market. With this agreement, the and opportunities for all Canadians. Prime Minister Stephen Harper recently number of countries with which Canada has a free trade agreement will triple announced that Canada has reached an agreement in principle on a trade from 14 to 42. It is expected to inject $12 billion per year in Canada’s economy. agreement with the European Union. What’s more, our Government is also keeping the three pillars of Canada’s supply management system intact. This will help ensure Canadian industries This is the biggest deal Canada has ever made. Whether you are a fisherman are protected, while still gaining access to the world’s largest market. in Atlantic Canada, a forestry worker in Québec, an auto-worker in Ontario, a Prairie farmer, or an engineer from the West – you will benefit from the Canada- This historic win for Canadians highlights Canada’s continued leadership on the Europe Trade Agreement. world’s stage. With the international community marred by ongoing political and economic uncertainty, Canada’s continued political and economic stability It will open new markets to Canadian exporters throughout Europe and generate is the envy of the world’s largest economies. significant benefits, jobs and opportunities for all Canadians. The benefits of this agreement are equivalent to creating almost 80,000 new jobs or increasing the The signing of this agreement is an important step for Canada’s continued average Canadian household’s annual income by $1,000. prosperity. Our Conservative Government will continue to focus on creating jobs and opportunities for all Canadians.

5 actors & a trunk full of Magic! Humber River Shakespeare Co. presents A CHRISTMAS CAROL Adapted from Charles Dickens’ Novella by Sean Wayne Doyle and Kevin Humber River Shakespeare Co presents their Hammond • Touring from Dec 5-29 6th Annual tour of Dickens’ A Christmas Carol Directed by Kevin Hammond • Cast: Claire Frances Muir, Kevin Hammond, Mark Huisman, Christopher Kelk, Sara Moyle Back by popular demand, the Humber River Shakespeare Company proudly presents its annual production of the Dickens holiday classic, A Christmas A CHRISTMAS CAROL Carol. 2013 Touring Schedule: December 5 - 29

This December, gather with friends and family as five enormously talented Dec 5 • Montgomery’s Inn, 7pm actors, armed with exquisite costumes, masks, puppets and a trunk full of 4709 Dundas St. W, Toronto other story-telling treasures, bring to life the timeless tale of greed, ghosts Dec 6 • Melville White Church, 7pm and salvation. 15962 Mississauga Rd, Caledon Dec 7 • Montgomery’s Inn, 2pm This year’s tour of A Christmas Carol will visit 10 unique venues including the 4709 Dundas St. W, Toronto McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Alton Mill, Zion Church Cultural Centre Dec 8 • McMichael Canadian Art Collection, 2:30pm and Casa Loma. 10365 Islington Ave, Vaughan (performance included with Gallery Admission) Now entering its seventh season, the Humber River Shakespeare Company December 10 • Emmanuel Presbyterian Church, 7pm continues to offer professional and accessible theatre year-round to 313 Main Street, Schomberg communities in the Humber Watershed and beyond - from touring December 11 • St. Paul’s Runnymede Church, 7:30pm Shakespeare-in-the-Park in the summer, to innovative and original Canadian 404 Willard Avenue, Toronto works in unique spaces in the spring. December 12 • Montgomery’s Inn, 7pm 4709 Dundas St. W, Toronto Humber River Shakespeare’s adaptation of A Christmas Carol started as a December 13 • Montgomery’s Inn, 7pm reading for three holiday events in Toronto. After two years the script was 4709 Dundas St. W, Toronto expanded, scenes, masks and puppetry were added, and the result is an December 14 • Aurora Cultural Centre, 2pm hour long production that audiences have embraced as an annual tradition. 22 Church, Aurora December 15 • Alton Mill Arts Centre, 2pm HRSC Artistic Director Kevin Hammond explains the motivation behind the 1402 West, Alton production: December 17 • Casa Loma, 7pm “Performing ‘A Christmas Carol’ is our way of giving back and sharing a 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto universal message of hope, charity and kindness. It is a treat and an honour December 20 • Zion Church Cultural Centre, 7pm to perform the show each year and I am always amazed at how moved the 1650 Finch Ave East, Toronto audiences are”. December 21 • Montgomery’s Inn, 2pm & 7pm 4709 Dundas St. W, Toronto Whether by the fire in a Victorian era hotel at Montgomery’s Inn, picturesque December 28 • Newmarket Theatre, 2pm & 7:30pm gallery theatre of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, the vaulted castle 505 Pickering Crescent, Newmarket walls of Casa Loma, or in the beautifully conceived Alton Mill, this charming December 29 • Newmarket Theatre, 2pm one hour performance will warm the hearts of Tiny Tims and Scrooges alike. 505 Pickering Crescent, Newmarket (tickets available through Newmarket Theatre Box Office: 905-953-5122) Seating is limited. Guaranteed tickets are available on line at www.humberrivershakespeare.ca(Adults: $20, Children $10) Tickets: $20 (Adults), $10 (Children) Tickets on sale at www.humberrivershakespeare.ca or call 416-209-2026 for more info

12 HERITAGE GROUPS IN ETOBICOKE

Have you ever wondered who looks after the preservation of Etobicoke’s HISTORICAL SOCIETY heritage? You may not be aware of the many heritage organizations that New Toronto is located in southern Etobicoke on the shore of Lake Ontario. It was work, often behind the scenes, to celebrate and protect Etobicoke’s past, incorporated as a village in 1913, and became part of Etobicoke again in 1967. primarily through the efforts of their generous volunteers! Here are brief The aim of the New Toronto Historical Society is to preserve and promote the profiles of eight of these Etobicoke organizations: history of the former Town of New Toronto. They hold regular history lectures and recently coordinated the community’s 100th anniversary celebrations. www.newtorontohistorical.com

UNITED EMPIRE LOYALISTS’ SOCIETY OF CANADA, TORONTO BRANCH The Toronto Branch of the UELAC preserves, promotes and celebrates the history and traditions of the Loyalist epoch in Canadian history by uniting the descendants of Loyalist families. As a collective group, they work to increase public awareness of the Loyalist contributions to the Greater Toronto Area. They hold monthly speaker meetings, publish a newsletter and maintain a research library and archives. www.ueltoronto.ca APPLEWOOD Applewood is an historic house built ca. 1852 by Peter Shaver. It was the WESTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY birthplace of his grandson, James Shaver Woodsworth, a social reformer and The Weston Historical Society focuses on preserving and promoting the history founder of the CCF party. In 1980, a group of concerned citizens saved the house of the former Town of Weston, the western portion of which was in Etobicoke. from demolition and then incorporated as The James Shaver Woodsworth They hold regular history lectures. They have also been occupied since 2004 in Homestead Foundation, which has overseen the management of Applewood for a massive project to establish three Heritage Conservation Districts to ensure over 30 years. Today, this house provides a charming 1860s setting for marriage the preservation of their many heritage properties. www.heritageweston.com ceremonies, meetings and tours. Special events are held throughout the year, including outdoor summer concerts. www.applewoodshaverhouse.org Every year, on the first Thursday after Labour Day, Montgomery’s Inn holds a Corn Roast and Heritage Fair. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more ETOBICOKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY about each of these heritage groups. This event also has great food, music, Since 1958, this volunteer society has been dedicated to researching, activities for kids, tours of the Inn, an antique show, and more. documenting, preserving, and celebrating of the history of the former Township of Etobicoke. They hold regular history lectures at Montgomery’s Inn, publish a Note your calendar now for September 4, 2014, 5-8 pm, and come to this fun and newsletter focusing on Etobicoke’s history, offer historical walking tours, give informative event! talks on Etobicoke history, and maintain archives that tell the story of Etobicoke’s past. They also proactively lobby for the preservation of Etobicoke’s historic By Denise Harris, Past President of the Etobicoke Historical Society and our friend in properties. www.etobicokehistorical.com keeping local heritage alive and well in Islington.

ETOBICOKE YORK COMMUNITY PRESERVATION PANEL In Toronto, four Community Preservation Panels are appointed by - one panel for each area represented by a Community Council. The Etobicoke York Community Preservation Panel, therefore, acts as an advocate for heritage matters within the Etobicoke York Community Council geographic area. They make recommendations to Community Council on heritage properties regarding requests to demolish or modify, list on the city’s inventory of heritage properties, designate, etc. All members of the panel are volunteers who research and evaluate the heritage value of these properties according to provincial guidelines, and depute at Community Council meetings.

LA SOCIÉTÉ D’HISTOIRE DE TORONTO This group brings the history of French Ontario to light by preserving historic documents, leading guided tours, holding exhibitions and workshops, publishing brochures, and conducting research projects. In 2011 they opened a marked walking trail called “The Shared Path”, which follows the course of the Humber River between Dundas St. W. and Lake Ontario, highlighting French, English and Aboriginal heritage sights along its route. www.sht.ca

MONTGOMERY’S INN MUSEUM Montgomery’s Inn is one of nine museums owned and operated by City of Toronto. This restored former inn and tavern was built in 1830 by Irish immigrants Thomas and Margaret Montgomery. It reflects life in 1847, a heyday for innkeepers. Today the Inn offers tours, exhibitions, afternoon tea, a research library, a large collection of old Etobicoke photos, educational and recreational programs for all ages, an outdoor bake oven, event space for rent and a gift shop. www.montgomerysinn.com

13 Finance tips for Santa Brought to you by: Lola Macanowicz, CFP,CLU,CHS,CIP Certified Financial Planner

Santa’s on a tight deadline. He’s got less than 4 weeks to make sure all • If Santa was planning a TFSA withdrawal presents are packed and his reindeer are fit to take flight. The end of year is in early 2014, he should consider also a crucial time for last minute financial planning. withdrawing the funds by December 31, 2013 so he would not have to wait until “Santa is not only Canadian, he is also a prominent philanthropist, business 2015 to re-contribute the amount. owner, senior citizen, extensive traveler and last of all, a taxpayer,” says Richa Hingorani, regional financial planning consultant, RBC Financial Planning. • Santa has planned for his grandchildren’s “Because of that, he needs to take into account several taxation and financial education and is planning to maximize planning considerations, as do many Canadians.” their 2013 allowable RESP contributions by Here are some tips. December 31, 2013

• Charitable donations. Santa is one of the world’s most prominent philanthropists. • Santa is an (incorporated) business owner with an eternity of active years Fortunately, most of his donations will be made by the December 31 deadline ahead of him. As such, he should consider opening an Individual Pension Plan so that credit can be made on his 2013 tax return. (IPP). An IPP is structured to provide tax relief for the corporation and enhanced retirement savings (more than an RRSP). • Income Splitting. This is an important consideration as Mrs. Claus is not (as far as we know) employed. Santa might want to consider income splitting to • Santa will need some hard-earned relaxation after the holiday season. As a minimize his annual tax liability by using a prescribed rate loan to Mrs. Claus. Snowbird heading south for the winter, he must remember if he stays in the U.S. Depending on the amount loaned (the current interest rate is one per cent), the for more than 183 days in two consecutive years, he may be considered to be amount of tax paid by Santa could be substantially reduced. liable for U.S. income tax.

• Santa does extensive travelling. Because of that, he needs out-of-country travel • Santa looks good in red, but most of us want to avoid red. Don’t spend what insurance for his Christmas Eve flight. He should also consider out-of-country you don’t have therefore trying to either add to your savings or not add to your medical insurance, just in case. existing debt. Remember what the season is all about.

• Is Santa getting ready to RRIF? If Santa has turned 71 in 2013, he can make These tips highlight just a few of the ways Santa can act now to benefit from tax a final contribution to his RRSP before converting it into a RRIF or registered savings when he goes to file his return. But keep in mind that tax and financial annuity. planning is a year round affair.

• If Santa were between ages 60 and 64 in 2013 and is considering taking CPP For more information on reducing taxes and overall planning, Santa always pension benefits prior to 65, he might wish to apply by December 31, 2013. The consults his certificated financial planner and tax advisor well in advance of tax per month reduction rate changes in 2014. filing. Segments originally published on Advisor.ca

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