ww The East York BIRD BRAIN n Find out what this fellow Observer can do for you. Page 4 Serving our community since 1972 Vol. 43, No. 5 www.torontoobserver.ca Friday, April 11, 2014

Leasiders rally to save historic Elgie building Council votes unanimously to reject developer’s bid to ‘demolish’ farmhouse

By XUETING ZHAO The Observer

Originally built in 1883, the Thomas G. Elgie House was standing at 262 Bessborough Dr. for years before the neighbourhood roads were even paved. Over the ensuing 130 years, the house has continued to preside over the com- munity that has grown up around it. Now, the oldest residential house in Leaside is facing an uncertain future because of a demolition proposal made by a developer. In opposition are some Lou Pin /// The Observer Leasiders who have united to protect the Flower shops in full bloom designated heritage property. During the North York Community Carol Jeffries and the rest of the staff at Bill’s Garden Centre are ready for spring. Located on Pape Avenue, Council meeting held on Tuesday, coun- Bill’s is one of many small garden centres in East York. cillors voted unanimously to reject the application to demolish the Elgie House proposed by Matthew Garnet, vice-pres- ident of development of Renaissance n OBITUARY Fine Homes. “Heritage pieces are irreplaceable. Once they are gone, they are gone,” said Nancy Elgie, the widow of the late Dr. Willis Blair ‘believed in East York’ Robert Elgie, in remarks to the coun- cillors and members of the public who General Hospital. came to the meeting. Lifelong volunteer, When Blair was mayor of East “We can’t let every developer decide, family man, former York, he helped push to bring Ma- ‘It doesn’t work for me in 2014,’” she jor League Baseball to Toronto — said. “The house is part of our commu- mayor dies at age 90 an effort that succeeded with the nity and our life. It shouldn’t be violated arrival of the Blue Jays in 1977. in order for someone to make a buck.” By RAJESH SAMMY He also helped establish the East Susan Gordon, one of the home’s The Observer York Curling Club on Cosburn neighbours, read a letter written by Kae One of East York’s most veter- Avenue, which famously hosted Elgie, a member of the extended Elgie an politicians died on Saturday. the Junior World Championships family who now lives in Waterloo. In the Willis L. Blair was mayor of in 1974. letter, Kae Elgie asked the community what was then the Borough of Although generally considered council to protect the house. East York from 1973 until 1975. conservative, Blair didn’t hold “The building is very important to He also served on borough coun- back on supporting politicians me as an Elgie,” she wrote, “but more cil for 18 years beginning in 1958, with different views. than that, it’s part of the community’s and he held a variety of govern- “He would do what he thought history.” ment and regulatory posts, in- would be the best for the munic- In an earlier interview, Kae Elgie cluding the chairmanship of the ipality,” said Beaches-East York recalled the special trip she made to To- Liquor License Board of Ontario, MPP Michael Prue, a New Dem- ronto to show the house to her children. and seats on the Ontario Munici- ocrat. She said history is much easier to ap- pal Board and what was then Met- “He believed in East York. He preciate when there is something people ro Council. believed in Toronto,” Collenette can actually see and experience. He was 90 years old. said. “He epitomized everything “There aren’t too many houses that Blair died on the eve of Can- that was good and decent in Ca- we can point at and say, ‘This is built ada’s National Volunteer Week nadian life.” by an Elgie and lived by an Elgie,’” she — an apt connection, considering Prior to his career in politics, said. “If you can only read about it and that for over 50 years, he was a Blair served in the Royal Cana- Courtesy of Toronto East General Hospital only imagine in your mind what it might supporter of Toronto East Gener- dian Air Force, was a student at look like, it will become less important al Hospital, the Kiwanis Club of Willis L. Blair and his wife Elsie attended a special the University of Toronto, and and less moving than if you can see it.” East York and Westview Presby- garden unveiling ceremony to honour his involvement worked at the Canada Life insur- The Elgie House is a good example of terian Church in the Bermondsey with Toronto East General Hospital in 2011. ance company. the farming history of Leaside. It’s also Road-O’Connor Drive neighbour- His funeral was held at the Her- a rare representative of the farmhouses hood. ridings. “He was always there 1974, Collenette said of his friend, itage Funeral Centre on Overlea built in the late 1800s with the L-shaped “He was there in every possible helping, donating and getting peo- “he made me feel welcome.” Boulevard on Wednesday. He is plan and red brick walls. charitable drive that was held in ple into contributing.” “He was great at strengthening survived by his wife of 70 years, n See FUTURE, page 8 the community,” said David Col- Collenette said he knew Blair our connection with the commu- Elsie, as well as three children, lenette, a former member of Par- for almost all of his life. When nity,” said Tereasa Vasilopoulos, eight grandchildren and two liament representing East York Collenette was first elected in the president of Toronto East great-grandchildren. 2 NEWS The East York Observer /// Friday, April 11, 2014

POLICE & Whs at’ FIRE up in e.y. Man flees after Charity dinner assaulting teen and auction Toronto police The Moeen Cen- are requesting the tre invites you to public’s help in join its seventh identifying a man annual fundrais- wanted in a sexu- ing dinner tomor- al assault investi- row, April 12, 5-9 gation. p.m., at Leaside On March 27 Gardens, 1073 at about 9 p.m., Millwood Rd. It a 16-year-old will feature guest boy was sexually speakers, enter- assaulted by a tainment and a man in the area silent auction. All of Mortimer and proceeds go to Pape avenues. the Moeen Cen- The man then tre, a non-profit fled. organization for Dakoda Sannen /// The Observer The man is de- disabled and scribed as white, It’s a draw developmentally 22-26 years old, Students from Cedarbrae Collegiate Institute in Scarborough get a crash course in life drawing on challenged young approximately Monday, during a field trip to Centennial College’s East York campus on Carlaw Avenue. adults in Toronto. 5’10”-6’0”. He Call 416-264- has short black 5809 to reserve. hair and a shaved line on the side of his head. He was Leasiders fear loss of identity Like duct tape? wearing a dark-co- Find out how loured top, jacket of interest in preserving and to turn that roll and pants. Heritage gathering maintaining the built fabric of of duct tape into our community and a submis- stresses need to a handy wallet. sion has been submitted to the Supplies will be Pharmacy to preserve history city department of heritage provided; all that’s for a heritage conservation the rescue needed are teens By Evan Pang district in Leaside,” Kettel aged 11-18. The Two arrests have The Observer said. workshop will take been made in Leaside is a place where Several other communities place on Friday, an alleged fraud community comes first. Now have filed similar requests April 24 from 4 against an elderly residents fear that new city with the city of Toronto, but until 5p.m. at the woman. development will threaten not Kettel hopes to get the sub- S. Walter Stewart Norma Mar- only their history, but the very mission approved before too Evan Pang /// The Observer library. To register, shall, 94, hired sense of what that community much of the “original” Lea- Karen Fraser, writer for Leaside Life, shares call 416-396- a housekeeper is. side is lost. stories and old photographs of Leaside. 3975. approximately During the second annual “The next thing will be a four years ago. heritage gathering at the Lea- public meeting,” Kettel said. and well-known writer for for three cents a scoop from Police say that, side public library branch last “The big benefit is that it Leaside Life. King’s Shop. over time, the month, several residents and would allow the communi- She recalled a time when Laughter filled the room Family fun for housekeeper and members of the East York ty to have some say in what the community banded to- when another talked about the a good cause her husband and Historical Society came to- happens. There are things that gether to save a public park school teacher who could hit a children moved gether to pay homage to those are called renovations, but re- from new development years student square in the forehead The ninth annu- into the home. who helped build Leaside. ally they’re just demolitions, ago. with a piece of chalk from the al “Spring Into They say the Community advocate Geoff and we’re losing that sense of “People had come to my other side of the class. Action” fundrais- housekeeper and Kettel began the opening pre- a place, the history and uni- door asking me what we were Many of the shops that were er for diabetes husband then sentations by speaking about formity… the rhythm of the going to do,” Fraser said. “We fondly remembered have awareness has confined Marshall the importance of saving their street.” saved the park.” since been demolished or something enjoy- to one room and history. One of the speakers was Faces lit up when someone renovated into new stores or able for the entire sold her furniture “I mentioned there is a lot Karen Fraser, an entrepreneur mentioned buying ice cream shopping plazas. family. Activities and jewelry. include going Vera Nunes, on the walk/run 32, and her hus- or attending the band, Luis Serpa post-race barbe- Da Conceicao LRT project will be ‘disruptive, but necessary’ cue. The barbecue Santos, 38, have City has dedicated traffic crew necessary,” Parker said. “In Leaside, there will will feature live been charged be three places where [there] will be construction entertainment with fraud and to handle jams, councillor says sites: Bayview and Laird-Eglinton, where they and family-friend- theft over $5,000. will be a station, and east of Brentcliffe, where ly activities. If A deliverer from By RAMON LAFEE they will be digging [a lot] of the tunnels.” you’re interested, Thorncliffe Phar- The Observer Parker said later that while it’s clear the proj- be sure to get masave raised the Toronto was once a leader in public transit — ect is welcomed by many, that doesn’t mean the your hands on initial alarm, and but the city has outgrown its system. To accom- Leasiders don’t have concerns. early-bird tickets now pharmacy modate this growth, the light rail transit (LRT) “It’s like a trip to the dentist. It’s nothing priced at $25. owners Selina construction on Eglinton was developed as part you look forward [to], but you do, because you This year’s event Chan-Ying and of a major upgrade of the city’s transport system. know is good for you,” he said. “It’s a balance, will begin at 9 Bernard Woo have The Eglinton LRT will run for 19 km between a compromise, when you take a mega-project a.m. at Sunny- set up a trust Mount Dennis (Weston Road) in the west and like this.” brook Park on account for the Kennedy Station in the east, cutting right across Parker added that the city has dedicated a Saturday, May 3. victim. Anyone the top of East York. Construction is scheduled to traffic crew to manage the traffic issues that For more informa- wishing to donate tion, call 416-849- Ramon Lafee /// Observer start soon in Leaside. may spring up during the construction — and can go to any Councillor John Parker, representing Ward 26, a whole department has been created to study 7375. RBC branch. Councillor John Parker held a public meeting on March 18 at Leaside possible problems. ~ Rajesh Sammy talks about the LRT at Gardens to discuss the project. The whole project will take six years, ending ~ Jelicia Saulter his office at city hall. “It’s going to be enormously disruptive but in 2020. The East York Observer /// Friday, April 11, 2014 NEWS 3 n POLITICS Papadakis brings a blast from the past As the weather way things are going in our city,” he said in an interview heats up, so does with the Observer. “I am passionate about my ward, the battle for seats my community, and I will at city council do everything in my power to save people money and move with new ideas and in- By ALI NAQVI novations to make Ward 29 The Observer in East York one of the best If all goes according to ward to live in the city.” John Papadakis’ plan, then Papadakis is 54 years old, this fall he’ll pick up right and his LinkedIn resume where he left off exactly 20 lists him as former a law in- years earlier. structor at Everest College, Papadakis is running for “commander-in-chief” and city council in Ward 29/To- senior training instructor for ronto-Danforth — roughly Community Emergency Re- the same constituency that sponse Team (CERT) Cana- he represented as a munici- da, executive director of the pal councillor for what was Community Emergency Pre- then the Borough of East paredness Association, and York, from the fall of 1991 owner of Papadakis Legal until the fall of 1994. Services, a paralegal firm. But no matter how recog- He graduated from York Photo courtesy of John Papadakis nizable he may be, Papada- University in 1988 with a John Papadakis, 54, is running for city councillor in Ward 29/Toronto-Danforth. From 1991 to kis faces an uphill battle in BA in political science and 1994, he served as municipal councillor for what was then known as the Borough of East York. his bid to unseat incumbent government. councillor Mary Fragedakis. “I have a three-part plat- But while he reiterated am a subway supporter,” he He’s a right-leaning candi- form on fiscal management,” that he wants to keep taxes said. “I believe in the Scar- date in a ward that tends to Papadakis said. “Number low for individuals and busi- borough line, but we need an vote to the left. He supports one is respect. It is the peo- nesses, Papadakis also said E.Y. relief line that should Mayor Rob Ford, and Toron- ple’s money. Number two that he understands “the im- have been built 25 years to-Danforth voted against is vigilance. We should be portance of city. If you keep ago.” Ford in 2010 — and that vigilant on how we spend cutting services and not give As for the turmoil at city was before most of the Ford our money. There are a lot of something back it won’t be council around Mayor Ford, scandals. things that can be done, and a pleasant place to live. We “there are a lot of mem- Papadakis hasn’t won a there is still a lot of gravy out want good quality of life for bers holding big rocks. This vote since his 1991 election, there that can be repaired. It our residents.” council has been absolutely despite several tries for mu- takes common sense creativ- Papadakis said he’d also biased and discriminatory. nicipal and even federal of- ity and courage to do it.” address the “severe crisis” of They took our mayor’s pow- fice in East York and in Fort Papadakis also said that bed bugs in Toronto. He also er away. Right now we don’t Erie, Ont., where he lived for “Toronto needs a new rela- wants to see the city address have a legitimate govern- a time. tionship with the province hydro bills. “Hydro is out of ment at city council; we have His rival is no pushover of Ontario.” He explained control. Why we are paying tyranny.” Observer file photo by Ali Sharrif either; in 2010, Fragedakis that “our infrastructure is 23 cents a kilowatt when He added: “I am really of- piled up a 14-point lead over falling apart. We don’t have we can be buying it for five fended by the conduct of this another right-leaning and the resources to build sub- or six cents a kilowatt from council. It is time to reinstate well-known opponent, for- ways. Toronto loses between Quebec? The hydro system the mayor’s power. He is the mer city councillor and one- $19-20 billion a year. Times does not work. Cheap, ef- mayor of Toronto and after time mayoral candidate Jane are changing and we have ficient and cost-effective Oct. 27, the people of To- Pitfield. to change our relationship hydro is what we need, since ronto will decide — not this Observer file photo by Ali Sharrif But whatever the chal- with provincial government. businesses will not open in council. They don’t have a lenge, Papadakis says he’s There is a lot of money out an area where hydro is ex- right to do this. Maybe they A victorious John Papadakis is hoisted by sup- confident. there and Toronto should be pensive.” should consider resigning for porters Tassos Daskalakis (left) and Bill Pan- “I am not happy with the getting its proportion.” About public transit: “I going against democracy.” agakos on election night, Nov. 12, 1991.

n VISUAL ARTS Who you gonna trust? How about these artists? the event were greeted by the sound of ment, co-ordinator of the fine arts pro- Exhibition featuring enticingly soft piano music as the doors gram at the Centennial’s Carlaw Avenue student artists opens to the 5040 Yonge St. studio opened. campus. Lining the white walls of the building About an hour into the show, he herd- on April Fool’s Day hung a cornucopia of designs, works ed the guests into a circle and asked this you might not have expected to be cre- question: “Do you trust these people?” By SHAWN FOURNIER ated from someone who bore the title of The thunderous applause could only The Observer “student.” be construed as a yes. “Who can you trust nowadays?” “I’ve been doing art for about three In turn, the smiling McClyment pre- That was a phrase that cropped up or four years,” said Sergiu Berbec, one sented each artist to the audience. repeatedly during the Trust Me, I’m An of the artists featured in the show. “I’m “You’ll see by looking around the Artist exhibition, which opened — ap- influenced by Picasso.” walls and seeing the diversity that we propriately enough — on April Fool’s When asked about motivation, Sergiu have everything and that speaks vol- Day, April 1, at the Toronto Centre for talked about the concept of develop- umes about what the program is all the Arts. ment. about,” he said. “It isn’t about the facil- The show featured an array of artists “What I like to do is explore my ity imposing esthetics on the program. Shawn Fournier /// The Observer exclusively from Centennial College’s works, how we (as humans) tend to It’s about mentoring the students to Gabriella Mayers, a student in Centennial East York campus and ran until this past think and how we are able to evolve and find out who they are. You’ll see around College’s fine arts program, stands next to Sunday. bring the world past what it is,” he said. the room each artist has their own her creation, Weapons With Holding Rack. At exactly 7 p.m., the attendees of Also in attendance was David McCly- voice.” 4 FEATURES The East York Observer /// Friday, April 11, 2014

Rajesh Sammy /// The Observer Dan Frankian and Jerry, teaching students about pests, birds and Harry Potter. Hawkeye falconer Dan soars into East York to talk with students

By RAJESH SAMMY The Observer

Students at Centennial College’s East York campus readied their cameras for the moment when Dan Franki- an would open up his mysterious box to show them what he had inside On top of the metal box was a plastic dish and a pair of brown leather gloves, but inside was something spe- Peder Myhr /// The Observer cial: a one-and-a-half-year-old falcon named Jerry. Bring home the (little) cup! Jerry is a bird of prey, one of many that Frankian uses Members of the East York Hockey Association’s peewee house league Boston team celebrate to scare away pests from businesses and homes. Birds of their win of the EYHA’s “Little Stanley Cup,” at the East York Memorial Arena on March 29. prey — like owls, eagles, hawks and falcons — hunt and kill small animals for food. They can also scare larger animals, and so Frankian, the owner of Hawkeye Bird Control, guarantees he can remove and control some of those animals with what he says are humane and environmentally friendly tech- niques. The art of storytelling So when it comes to animals like raccoons, pigeons and seagulls, Frankian told the students on class assign- ment that homeowners have two conventional options: Acclaimed author takes they can euthanize the pests or relocate them a kilometre time to share stories with away from their home. Frankian says a better alternative is to stimulate fear young readers in East York into the animal. By PEDER MYHR “If I kill you, you won’t tell the person next to you that The Observer you are scared of me,” Frankian said. “If I scare you, the first thing you are going to do is you tell the person next A tricky spider, bone button borscht you that you are scared of this guy. It’s the same thing soup and a bear with a taste for bak- with them. If I scare one seagull, and if I kill only one of ing soda…. This strange collection of them, the rest of them are going to go ‘Ahh! I don’t want things were all at St. David’s Anglican to be anywhere near him.’” Church on March 23 as author Aubrey Aside from instilling fear into pests, Davis told stories at the Mosaic Story- Frankian’s birds have also entertained telling Festival. movie-goers and television-viewers. The audience of children and their Three of his owls were in the parents sat quietly captivated in the Harry Potter films, and church hall at Donlands and Danforth some of his animals avenues, occasionally breaking into were part of Panaso- laughter as Davis performed his nic television ads for award-winning stories. plasma TVs. “Oh it went well,” Aubrey said. Peder Myhr /// The Observer In the course of “Did you see the kids? They all sat Aubrey Davis spins a yarn at the Mosaic Storytelling Festival, his work, Frankian there. There were no props, just held at St. David’s Anglican Church. has become a master imagination. Our world is so clut- of falconry, a tech- tered with technology and distrac- television. nique used for thousands tion. But they were using their minds. “Storytelling really did come first. of years for hunting. I love that.” My writing career really was just an In more than 25 years, Davis’s books have garnered interna- off-shoot of that,” he said. Story time Frankian has had to deal with tional acclaim, but it was performance Davis was asked to perform a Jew- Aubrey Davis’s award- pests all over Canada. In one and live storytelling that launched his ish story to an audience of children but winning stories include: home, he dealt with an infes- career in children’s literature. could not find one he liked, so he wrote tation of more than 32 rac- As a young adult, Davis travelled to Bone Button Borscht. It won him a n A Hen for Izzy coons. Then there was the Africa where he discovered traditional publishing deal and launched his career Pippik coffee shop where he had storytelling methods. He then returned as an award-winning children’s book to stop a neighbourhood to the vibrant Toronto scene. author. n The Enormous Potato bear from eating too many “Toronto really was a wonderful Events like the Mosaic Storytelling n Bagels from Benny donuts. place to begin a career in storytelling,” Festival at St. David’s are what give n Bone Button One could say that his Davis said. “There was a lot of appreci- Davis the most satisfaction though. Borscht job is unconventional, ation and opportunity.” “I get out of it what they get out of it,” but to Frankian, it’s a job After settling in Toronto, Davis em- he said. “It’s sharing with them. They n Kishka for Koppel worth doing — for himself, barked on a 30-year storytelling career get to enjoy language and their imagi- n La Grosse Patate for Toronto and for the birds. that would see him perform in jails, nations are activated. I mean it’s a nursing homes, hospitals, radio and pretty good deal.” The East York Observer /// Friday, April 11, 2014 FEATURES 5 Fair Elections Act could ‘suppress’ voters: MP

By ARTURO CHANG The Observer

Toronto-Danforth MP Craig Scott says that if the Conservative govern- ment’s proposed Fair Elections Act isn’t altered, it will make it harder for seniors and college students, who might lack proper identification, to cast a vote. Speaking to constituents on March 19 at a town hall event, Scott, the NDP’s democratic reform critic, explained that Bill C-23 would eliminate voting infor- mation cards and the “vouching” system that made it easier for some groups, including seniors, to vote. “Eliminating both methods of proving your identity in order to vote is, in the result, voter suppression,” he said. Preston Dozsa /// The Observer Scott and Hamilton Centre NDP MP David Christopherson hosted the event, Saving the Earth, one marshmallow at a time which was held at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education on Bloor Street. Mia Cook roasts some marshmallows with her mother Valerie at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel and Suites Earth The Toronto session was one of eight Hour event on March 29. The Wynford Drive hotel was among buildings across the city that turned off lights public consultations from 8:30 until 9:30 p.m. as a symbol of environmental awareness. launched by the NDP to discuss the Fair n ENVIRONMENT Elections Act. Bill C-23, which detrac- tors have dubbed “the unfair elections act,” n scott is a widely criticized Students rise to the challenge electoral reform bill introduced by the Conservative govern- Milk mats, eco walkabouts ment earlier this year. Criticism of the bill has been strong all part of school’s approach enough that the Conservatives have hinted they might be open to changing to saving the environment it, including their proposed restrictions around vouching. Vouching is the pro- By VERA EL-TIMANY vision that allows a properly identified The Observer voter to vouch for someone without One young person may not feel like he or she proper identification. Bill C-23 would is able to make a huge difference in the world curtail the practice, and some experts — but what about a whole school full of peo- say that could potentially disenfranchise ple? hundreds of thousands of voters. On March 28, the students at Holy Cross Scott said that overall, the bill doesn’t Catholic School on Donlands Avenue partic- do enough to solve existing problems ipated in the TCDSB Earth Hour Challenge. with the electoral system and actually Since environmentally conscious people around makes things worse. the world were supposed to dim their lights at “There’s a deliberate inversion — 8:30 p.m. local time on Saturday, March 29 almost an Orwellian inversion — from — when school was closed — the Catholic the focus everybody thought had to schools’ challenge was to make posters, say be in this bill,” he said. “Everybody’s a prayer on Friday morning, and turn off the pushing for electoral reform to deal with lights from 10 to 11 a.m. organized fraud coming from the ranks “People don’t realize how big of an impact of organized actors. For example, the one person can make,” said Ioanna Provoka, fraudulent robocall and live voice call ‘eco team facilitator’ at Holy Cross. “Children fraud of 2011.” in particular thrive off of knowing that they can The bill would add a registry for in fact make difference.” automated election cards, but according Earth Hour jobs were divided up based on Vera El-Timany /// The Observer to Scott, this is not enough to combat the students’ grades. The “Power Rangers” of Holy Cross Catholic School students (l-r) Carmine Taglioni, Victoria issues such as robocall fraud. Instead, kindergarten and Grades 1-3 and the “Waste Godhino, Maria Dodaj and Natalie Abbate take on the Earth Hour Chal- the bill would actually reduce Elections Warriors” of Grades 4-6 paired up for school lenge. One of their ‘milk mats’ is on display behind them. Canada and the Chief Electoral Officer’s walkabouts, making sure that the recycling and ability to investigate such cases. garbage had been placed in the correct bins and ready have “Lights off” stickers posted near months ago when they started making mats out “What could have been done to beef that the lights and monitors were off when not them to remind students to conserve energy. of milk bags and shipped them to Haiti and Af- up Election’s Canada’s power to in- needed. Students also decorated cardboard boxes as rica to be used in hospitals and classrooms. It vestigate didn’t occur,” he said. “In the “Eco walkabouts that these students do is GOOS (Good On One Side) to promote paper takes 50 milk bags to make one mat, and the process, what happened instead is ‘Oh so great because it allows the students to take recycling. students have made nine so far. my God, all of these ordinary Canadi- ownership and feel that they are stewards of Finally, the students raised over $250 for the “It’s unbelievable… how much it helps the ans, they are the source of the danger the earth,” Provoka said. “All week we have World Wildlife Foundation, through National land because they (the milk bags) don’t dis- to our democracy. We have to get rid been making announcements regarding Earth Sweater Day and Eco team T-shirt sales. All solve,” said Maryam Tomazadeh, a teacher at of vouching and voter information card Hour… and hyping the student body up for the proceeds will go to animal adoption. Holy Cross. “It takes millions of years for them because that’s how fraud can occur.’” event.” The students even took their accomplish- to dissolve. But with this project, at least we can The school’s light switches and monitors al- ments beyond the school walls. It was only two save.” 6 OPINION The East York Observer /// Friday, April 11, 2014 n COLUMNS n editorials Focus on practice L eafs need a change aturday, March 29. Hockey has this Maple Leaf team been last year as well and 48 games here are about a dozen public and Catholic high schools either in East York or SNight in Canada. The night riding on abnormally high was just enough for them not to Tclose enough to its borders that they teach East Yorkers. Thousands of students hope was lost for the struggling percentages. This applies to fall from grace. between Grades 9 and 12 pass through these buildings every year. But while they’re Maple Leafs. This past Tues- shooting, with the likes of Ty- A full 82-game season was in the business of teaching and learning, at their respective boards of education head- day’s official elimination from ler Bozak at around six points enough for that fall — though quarters, funding and budgets often dominate the agenda. contention notwithstanding, it above his average percentage, no one expected it to be quite Meanwhile, curriculum is largely a mandate of the province. Perhaps because was the game two weeks ago, or world-class goaltending this dramatic. curriculum development seems removed from local control, it’s easy to forget about the eighth loss in a row, when from the likes of Jonathan The truth is, the Leafs aren’t that. But we shouldn’t, if we want to ensure that East York children grow up to be- what was once almost an as- Bernier and, to a lesser this bad and they weren’t that come educated in all the right ways. sured berth in the post-season extent, James Reimer. good early in the season. Today’s youth are being given every resource possible on how to bring great ideas became all but a dream. With a team giving They have one of the top to life, but not on how to express themselves. If you doubt this proposition, consider Brian Burke’s allegory of up nearly the worst scorers in the game in Phil the following: With classrooms full of all these bright students, it’s a shame to hear an 18-wheeler falling shots against Kessel, two budding young the buzzing silence when someone asks a question. It’s not that the answer isn’t off a cliff was once total in the defencemen in Jake Gardiner known; it’s just that these students never honed their ability to speak with confidence. again invoked, and past 20 and Morgan Rielly and world- Many courses in the Ontario curriculum focus so heavily on writing development the narratives years, class goaltending. that it seems the importance of verbal achievement has been neglected. That is why began. Dion you just The talent is there. Their it only seems logical to have formal debate as a component to any English course. Phaneuf is no knew problems lie in an insistence That way, youth will not only be able to answer questions, but they will be capable of leader, they said. the per- on old NHL ideals in a new critically arguing their stance. And those are traits that will most certainly help them Phil Kessel disap- centages NHL. You can’t dress only outside the walls of academia. pears when it matters couldn’t sus- three competent lines and hope Furthermore, the applied and academic math programs in high school manage to most, they said. With tain. The team to win. You can’t have one-di- cover concepts such as the Pythagorean theorem and trigonometry, but skim over Jonathan Bernier’s had to regress. mensional enforcers taking practical mathematic knowledge such as how to calculate taxes or how to budget return, James Reimer With their first spots away from young, skilled properly. It seems that while we are busy sticking to the cookie-cutter curriculum, could shoulder no playoff berth in sev- players. And you certainly essential knowledge and skills fall through the cracks, with little being done to ad- blame for this loss. en years in last year’s can’t get out-shot and out-pos- dress it. No, this loss was in- 48-game season and sessed, night in and night out. From resume preparation in English classes to CPR training in physical education, dicative of their entire a few key off-season The problems the Leafs have why are we striving so hard to push home theoretical work such as essay writing — season, and while they acquisitions in David are systemic. This monumental which has little application to the real world — when opportunities for a practical didn’t get out-played Clarkson and David collapse merely highlighted education are being lost among these young minds? and out-possessed as Bolland, hope was high those problems. ~ Shawn Fournier badly as they normally coming into this season. The Maple Leafs have talent; do, the bounces The truth what they need is a new out- just didn’t go is, the Leafs look, a system more suited to their way. Dakoda Sannen rode high their talent, and, quite frankly, a Keeping kids safe Too long percentages new coach. n March 29 at 11 a.m., a five-year-old girl was sexually assaulted on Danforth Don’t mind the... gap OAvenue while momentarily out of her mother’s sight. We are all repulsed. But incredibly, sexual violence against girls and women is happening all the time – lit- t’s that time of the year ly young people — feel about capricious about saying that to erally. Just over half of all Canadian women have experienced at least one incident of Iagain when we kiss the cold themselves. be attractive, your thighs must sexual violence in their life, according to Statistics Canada. weather goodbye and trade it Almost every year, there’s not touch, or there has to be a Sexual assault is considered to be a vastly under-reported crime. Having said that, in for warmer, more pleasant a new diet trend, and this year space between your bikini and a 2007 study by StatsCan showed that half of the sexual assault victims who reported weather. (Yes, after the winter women of all ages are mesmer- your hipbones when you’re to police were children and youth under the age of 18. we’ve had, I’d even call swel- ized by talk of “the thigh lying down? It seems that The particular vulnerability of girls raises an uncomfortable question for the adults tering heat more pleasant.) gap” and “the bikini in our culture, certain body responsible for their care: At what age is it appropriate to allow your child to be out But with nice weather come bridge.” types hold some arbitrary in public without adult supervision? diets, diets and more diets. The thigh gap trend status over others. The answers vary, of course. For some parents, this age can be as early as eight From exercising to eating glorifies thighs that Whether it’s thinner bod- or nine, while others prevent their children from leaving home alone until as late as healthier, many of us — myself don’t touch, while ies, a certain gender or 16. There is no law in Canada that stipulates at which age a child can be left unmon- included — are guilty of slav- the bikini bridge race, it’s all wrong. itored; however, the Canadian Safety Council (CSC) recommends that children under ishness to the idea of attaining focuses on the It’s completely the age of 12 shouldn’t be unattended. the perfect body, even if it’s space between a normal to want But there are various factors that come into play when deciding the appropriate just for the summer. And that bikini and a per- to better our- age — and the ultimate decision is going to fall to the parents and their own discre- makes me wonder: Why do we son’s hipbones selves, but it’s tion in deciding what is best for their child. care so much? that is visible another thing to On the other hand, we can all likely agree that it’s essential to discuss with our Maybe it’s seeing swimsuits only when they diet with the goal children what to do in an emergency, if one should arise while they’re unsupervised. already being displayed at al- are lying flat on of looking like Providing them with a cellphone for emergency purposes is a good first step — along most every one of my favourite their back. someone else. with additional phone numbers they can call if they feel uncomfortable or scared. stores, or hearing about “get- These trends It’s been said before, Additionally, talk to your children about what they feel comfortable with in the ting fit” and getting the perfect are prominent but it bears repeating: first place… and their thoughts on being left alone in public. Perhaps a buddy system “bikini body” every time I turn on social media, Perfect bodies don’t would be suitable and would ease their — and your — minds in case an emergency on the television. from Tumblr to exist. occurred. Role-playing key scenarios can also be useful, like what to do in the case The simple answer is it’s all Instagram, and Well, maybe in movies of being approached by a stranger. of the above. But it’s one thing they’re encour- and magazines (thank you, Besides the threat of assault, missing children reports are filed hourly in Canada. to want to better our physical aging people to Photoshop). But we live in Providing our children with the correct information that includes ways to deal with appearance… and another to take extreme and the real world, filled with situations that may arise when they are not in our sight will help ensure that they stay obsess over dieting. dangerous mea- different people with differ- safe. Dieting today is glamourized. sures to attain a ent body types. Safety is key, and by talking to our children and providing them with the appropri- Seeing celebrities from Jessica body they aren’t Ultimately, of course, beau- ate information, we can have some measure of assurance that they will know what to Simpson to Beyoncé talking predisposed ty comes from do in any event of a dangerous situation. about dieting and the cleansing to have. Virginia inside — and it ~ Samantha Turchan methods they use has an impact There’s Mashingaidze is not a certain on the way people — especial- something body or size.

The East York The East York Observer is published by Centen- Faculty Editors Managing editor copy Editors nial College journalism students at the East York Lindy Oughtred Louis Pin William Alcopra campus, 951 Carlaw Ave., Rm. 149. P.O. Box Stephen Cogan Assignment editor Paolo Maquiraya 631, Stn. A, Scarborough, M1K 5E9. E-mail c/o Samira Mohyeddin production editors Observer [email protected]. Telephone 416- photo editor Nicholas Misketi 289-5107, Fax 416-289-5111 Jasun Singh Rajesh Sammy The East York Observer /// Friday, April 11, 2014 FEATURES 7 From farm...to park...to hospital

City of Toronto Archives The Observer continues its look back on East York history through archival photographs with this pair of pictures. Before the Sunnybrook hospital, there was Sunnybrook Park. But before Sunnybrook Park, there was the Sunnybrook Farm. The sprawling agricultural enterprise carried on around what is now the very urban intersection of Bayview and Eglinton avenues at East York’s northwest corner. These photos, about a century old and courtesy of the City of Toronto Archives, show both the exterior of the barns and the interior of the cow stables. The owner, Alice Kilgour, donated the farm to the city of Toronto in 1928 for the creation of a park, and in 1943, during the Second World War, the city transferred the land to the federal government for a veterans’ hospital — now the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. Support group for single dads offers coping strategies By DILLON HILES The Observer

For a single mother looking for support, there are hun- dreds of groups out there. Some of them offer parenting advice, while others help them navigate a divorce. Single dads, on the other hand, have a hard time finding services geared specifically towards them. But one such group, Fathers Resources International, is available right here in East York. Every Wednesday evening, men going through di- vorce, custody battles or struggling with single parent- hood gather at Eastminster United Church on Danforth Avenue to support and help each other out. Executive Director Danny Guspie understands just Photo courtesy of Jennifer Schywalsky how hard it can be for single dads to get the support they Jennifer and Robert Schywalsky are trying to raise $75,000 to cover the cost of Robert’s cancer need, as he found himself in a difficult position himself treatment in Ohio. many years ago. “A long time ago, I was one of these fathers and there was no place for me to go to get help,” he said. “There are thousands of services for women and moms — all Online fundraiser a labour of love are funded by many sources — but there are only a few By ERICA CHONG has started an online fundraiser seeking nifer said. “Then he got a call from his men’s resources, which are all focused on either teaching The Observer to raise $75,000 by Sept. 14 (Robert’s doctor saying ‘Hey, I need you to go see them how to stop being violent toward their partners or birthday) next year to cover tests, travel a specialist. Something is odd about your how to transition from prison to being out of prison. Nei- It has been two years since East York and accommodation. blood test.’” ther of these services addressed what I needed as a single resident Robert Schywalsky has picked In its first weeks, the fundraiser has Since then, Robert has had five differ- father 25 years ago.” his two boys up from school, gone gro- raised over $8,500, many of the donors ent chemotherapy treatments with mini- The support group, which he started in 1994, offers cery shopping or attended his son’s base- left encouraging comments online. mal success because of a 17p depletion, all kinds of advice for single dads. Though Guspie is not ball game. And he may never do these “He’s such a warm, gentle, fun per- a genetic condition that prevents con- a lawyer, he does have an extensive knowledge of the again. son. Earth needs more of such people ventional chemotherapy treatments from legal system and has worked as a law clerk. He uses that Schywalsky has Chronic Lymphocytic and we will definitely not let go of him working. knowledge to help people. Leukemia (CLL), a type of cancer where so easily,” Fatima Bhagwani, a former The Schywalsky family is hoping the “We have been able to help fathers by pointing them the bone marrow produces too many colleague of Robert’s wrote. sixth time is the charm. in the direction of how to better prepare for mediation, white blood cells, causing swelling of the Jennifer said she was “shocked and “It’s been absolutely scary the whole negotiations, communication with their ex and also for lymph nodes. impressed at how quickly people got on- time. You wonder if today is going to self-rep in family court,” he said. “Many of the fathers Schywalsky was recently accepted line and were making donations.” be the day he gets sick and dies…. You that attend have been self-rep because they cannot afford into a drug trial where a newly approved Meanwhile, she is also organizing a wonder if things are going to be better in a lawyer or do not qualify for legal aid, and really have medication called Ibrutinib will be ad- fundraising dinner in May and has turned a month, a year, six years. You wonder if no idea how to prepare for court.” ministered. However, getting to the drug her crochet-hat hobby into a secondary he’s going to be here that long,” Jennifer Though Guspie is currently on leave, the support trial is a problem. The medication was way of raising money. said. “There are highs and there are lows group will continue to meet every Wednesday at 7 p.m. just approved in February in the United Robert has been battling CLL since and we’re just getting through and mov- Fathers’ Resources International will restart its online States, but has not yet been given the 2005. ing forward.” support group, which was popular across North America green light in Canada. “We had just bought our first home and People interested in contributing to the and the U.K. from 2007 to 2012, in April. Since discovering this drug trial last he was looking to get more life insurance cause can visit the website http://www. For more information, visit www.fathers-resources.com month, his wife, Jennifer Schywalsky, in case anything happened to him,” Jen- youcaring.com/HelpRobFightCancer 8 ARTS & LIFE The East York Observer /// Friday, April 11, 2014

Nicholas Misketi /// The Observer Students from William Burgess Elementary School gather around a plot at East York’s new community garden. The students will plant and maintain the garden, with a little help from gardening guru Jane Hayes. Some of the vegetables they grow will go to the East York Community Kitchen. Students learn science through community garden

By NICHOLAS MISKETI ing their gardening skills as part of the curricu- and maintain the garden. Teachers will evaluate questions. The Observer lum for the last three years. They will maintain the students’ work in the garden this spring and “It’s really about what they’re able to discov- and care for the garden, under the supervision again during the fall harvest. er on their own and testing their own hypothesis Reading, writing and – gardening? of teachers and parents. According to principal Jennifer Zurba, the and ideas,” Zurba said, adding that the garden That’s certainly part of the equation for stu- Teacher Brad Niven oversees the garden for students learn more about science from hands- will serve the local community. dents at William Burgess Elementary School, William Burgess. He says the new garden has on work. For instance, the East York Community who will start work on East York’s new com- really inspired the students. “They learn about the diversity of living Kitchen, which provides low-cost, healthy munity garden sometime next month. “It makes such an impact on the students,” he things. They learn about rocks and minerals. meals at their community cooking sessions, will It will be located at the south end of the East said. “They love being out there.” They learn about habitat. They learn about sea- use vegetables from the garden as ingredients York Community Centre on Torrens Avenue, The city will deliver soil to fill the plots be- sons,” she said. “All of that, directly from our for the meals. where city workers have already built the gar- fore the end of spring. At that time, each class garden.” Jennifer Kim, one of the kitchen’s co-facilita- den’s 14 plots. The city of Toronto approved the will choose a plot and decide what will be plant- The school also wants the students to learn tors, looks forward to garden’s opening. school’s request for the community garden last ed there. through their own curiosity and wonder. By “It’s a great opportunity for the Community year. Students will work with garden expert Jane working in the garden, they’ll have the oppor- Kitchen and William Burgess to work together The William Burgess students have been hon- Hayes, who will guide them on how to plant tunity to learn by finding answers to their own for the local community,” she said. Future of Thomas G. Elgie House uncertain Cont’d. from page 1

Nancy Elgie stressed the importance of pro- tecting not only the historic buildings, but also the surrounding landscapes, because they’re both precious. “In each city and town, it is those treasured buildings with their landscapes that connect us with our past,” she said. Kae Elgie said her family might not be very famous people, but protecting their home is an important contribution to remembrance of the ordinary citizens who built Leaside. Geoff Kettel, the co-president of the Leaside Property Owners’ Association (LPOA) and chair of the Heritage Committee for North York, has been advocating for the protection of historic sites in Leaside for a long time. He Observer file photo by Alissa Heidman Photo courtesy of Susan Howard expressed his concerns about what he sees as The 19th-century Thomas G. Elgie house at 262 Bessborough Dr. is A silver lining a destructive trend. the oldest home in Leaside. Garnet, the developer, made his first appli- Neil Ward poses with the Ontario cation in the summer of 2013. He proposed to and architect of the developer’s proposal, ar- OMB. It’s at the Ontario Municipal Board — Community Newspapers Associa- split the two wings of the house, which were gued that the disputes between the community a tribunal that many preservationists consider tion award for the Observer at the added in the 1970s and 1990s, from the orig- and the developer stem from their different friendly to developers — where the future of OCNA’s Better Newspapers Com- inal building, and move the building to the interpretations of the word “demolish.” He the Elgie House really becomes uncertain. petition gala, held in Vaughan on front lot. This meant that not only would the said the company is proposing to relocate the So John Parker, the councillor for Ward 26/ April 4. Ward is the co-ordinator of house be altered, but the existing landscape in two additions and restore the porch. Don Valley West, asked community council imaging courses at Centennial Col- front of the house would also be changed. “The reality is though, to be able to do so, to authorize city staff to prepare a defence of lege’s East York campus, and he The North York Committee of Adjustment we have to call it a demolition,” Pruss said. its decision in favour of the Elgie House as it helped supervise the journalism turned down the relocation proposal on Jan. “Our intention is not to take down the house stands. students who produced the paper’s 8. Since then, Garnet has appealed to the but to relocate it on its existing location.” “We will be there, protecting that house, our companion website in 2013 — the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) to demolish Following North York Community Coun- heritage and our community,” vowed Renee award year. The website, toron- the house. cil’s endorsement of the home in its current Jacoby, a long-time Leaside resident who has toobserver.ca, took second-place in During the council meeting, Andrew Pruss, state, the case of the Elgie House is now mov- been living behind the building for over 30 the province-wide competition for principal of E.R.A. Architect Inc. and designer ing to its next phase — to city council and the years. student-run news websites.