MAYORAL OPINIONS: George Smitherman CRICKET LEGEND: Mudassar Nazar holds and other candidates share 2015 visions auditions See page 3 See page 8 THE EAST

• Friday • April 9 • 2010 • OBSERVEROBSERVER • PUBLISHED BY UTSC/CENTENNIAL COLLEGE JOURNALISM STUDENTS AND SERVING MALVERN, HIGHLAND CREEK AND WEST HILL • •TORONTOOBSERVER.CA• Murders FAST FORWARD FIVE YEARS lead cops to A special report on how our community will change by 2015 weapons, explosives Kimberlee Nancekivell The Observer Durham Regional Police are investigating the connec‑ tion between explosives and weapons found at Dayton Self Storage on March 31 and a double murder last spring. The discovery was “part of an ongoing investigation” and no further details are be‑ ing released at this time, po‑ lice spokespman Sgt. Dave Selby said. Police revealed on April 1 that the murders of Puneet Singh Chhina, 26, and Har‑ jinder Singh Sandhu, 28 ‑ whose bodies were found in the trunk of a car in Picker‑ ing last May ‑ led them to the storage unit at Kennedy Road and Progress Avenue. The Durham Police major crime unit executed a search warrant around 6:30 p.m. and found weapons and ex‑ plosives inside. Details con‑ TWO VISIONS: Will Scarborough be revitalized by the impending Pan Am Games or will the area sink further into hardship? Articles in this issue cerning the type of weapons turn a critical spotlight on our community’s future, and see the special reports on Pages 3–5. or explosives have not been released. The area was evacuated for investigation, halting TTC Removing obstacles to food access in Scarborough and GO Transit service. Police called the Emer‑ City’s strategy aims to integrate and vegetables to residents at gency Task Force explosives a subsidized cost, began 16 unit to the scene before con‑ years ago as a way to address taining the materials in a steel food security into planning Toronto’s food security gap. drum for transport. “The program feels pretty Highway 401 was closed Aa m nda kwan permanent to us,” said Paul around 9 p.m. from Kennedy The Observer and kitchens, and educating residents about healthy eating. DeCampo, Good Food pro‑ Road to the Don Valley Park‑ Lack of transportation is Last month Dorfman gram manager. “It’s some‑ way while police took the the main obstacle to people spoke with a group of seniors thing that’s grown exponen‑ drum to the Leslie Street Spit. getting healthy food in Scar‑ in Malvern about where they tially.” The contents were then deto‑ borough, says Peter Dorf‑ go to get groceries. Those Today, they distribute nated shortly after 11 p.m. man, a manager in the city’s living in the heart of Malvern 5,000 boxes a month through Residents as far away as health department. told him they just walked to 200 neighbourhood drop-off Pharmacy Avenue reported “The number of people the local Food Basics. centres. hearing and feeling the ex‑ in high-priority neighbour‑ But residents who don’t “The food strategy is a sig‑ plosion. hoods without cars is much live near it had to rely on nificant moment because it’s “It must have been pretty higher than other parts of the their children to take them encouraging the city to be powerful explosives because city,” he said. “And there’s shopping, Dorfman said. thinking food first,” said An‑ it shook my house and woke often many seniors and peo‑ “That’s okay. But what gela ElzingaCheng of Toron‑ me up,” Scarborough resi‑ ple who are already dealing do you do if you don’t have to Food Animators, a group dent Wendy Winters said. with multiple challenges in kids or your kids don’t have that works with local agen‑ John Le and Vijay Singh priority neighbourhoods.” a car?” Aa m nda kwan/The Observer cies and residents in Toron‑ both face charges of first-de‑ He was responding to a One of the solutions identi‑ Anna Wilson, a student at UTSC, unloads fresh produce to’s priority neighbouhoods gree murder, kidnapping, and February preliminary report fied in the city’s strategy is to from a Good Food box. to start food projects. forcible confinement in con‑ on Toronto’s first food strat‑ encourage more food stores The group worked with nection to the murders, but egy intiative by the public along transit lines. The plan also looks to en‑ as well, Dorfman said. residents at Gordonridge no arrests have been made in health department. “We’re increasingly trying courage the growth of food The city is also looking to Place, a Toronto Communi‑ connection with the explo‑ The study aims to integrate to organize the city around markets around the city. introduce food trucks that go ty Housing Corporation resi‑ sives and weapons. food security into city plan‑ transit,” Dorfman said. Montreal has food stands around neighbourhoods sell‑ dence in Scarborough, to set ning, linking public transit to “When there’s new growth, selling fresh produce outside ing fresh produce. up a community garden. To see a map and a timeline grocery stores, building com‑ we should be thinking about some subway stations, a sys‑ The Good Food Box, a pro‑ of events, visit munity centres with gardens access to food.” tem Toronto can implement gram that provides fresh fruits See BETTER, Page 2 torontoobserver.ca PAGE 2 - The Observer, April 9, 2010 NEWS News Kingston Rd. requires facelift: residents Briefs Restoration needed to Hospital hosts reduce trash hockey cup The Scarborough Hospital and traffic Foundation is hosting the Peter Zezel Cup event to Billy Courtice raise money for the hospital. Josh Ungar Registered teams will face The Observer off against former NHL players on April 9 at the Three months ago, the Angus Glen Community manager of the Idlewood Inn Centre in Markham. The called the city to complain event is named after the about an ugly, allegedly non- former Toronto Maple Leaf compliant sign that was put player and Scarborough up by the used-car dealership native who died of a rare beside her lot. blood disorder. To register, Looking out of her win- call 416-431-8130 or email Josh Ungar The Observer dow today, Lisa Fritz is dis- / [email protected] or register appointed to see nothing has A guest stands outside of The East Side Motel on Kingston Road and Eglinton Avenue, beside a trash-filled car. online at tsh.to. changed. “They put the cars right on “According to our staff, most said. means of funding, but has the appearance of Kingston my lawn, they stick up non- businesses are complying Better enforcement is still not been completed. Mo- Road may have more than a compliant signs,” Fritz said. with the bylaws.” needed to help improve con- eser said he hopes the Pan superficial effect. Company for “I phoned to complain about Area residents, however, ditions in the area. Am Games will speed up the “It’s a good area, it just the sign in January. I don’t are not so sure. “It would improve busi- process. needs some happiness and seniors needed see anything being done.” The plazas and parking ness if they clean up the “[The games] will be very colour,” Fritz said. “It’s quite According to residents and lots are dirty and disgusting, area,” Fritz said. “I see traffic beneficial. They will create bland.” Acres is seeking business owners, it is the dirty said local resi- police, but I don’t partnerships with the com- “When things look ill- mature adult volunteers to lots, ugly signage and exces- dents Marianne see too many in- munity and generate $152 kept, you get trouble,” Mari- work with seniors. Volun- sive litter that is preventing and Margaret, It’s a good spectors.” million,” Moeser said. “The anne said. “Physically mak- teers would be asked to Kingston Road from bolster- who didn’t want The city is community will have access ing it look prettier would fulfill occasional duties such ing its reputation. With the their last names area, it just looking to ad- to the facilities.” definitely help.” as friendly visits, escorting 2015 Pan Am Games fast ap- published. “They needs some dress residents’ While Moeser reiterated the senior to special events, proaching, Scarborough will look dumpy, they happiness concerns with Improving appearances that some of the businesses keep the senior company be under more international keep the [lots] the March 2009 are finally starting to clean up and assist them in other scrutiny than ever. like garbage,” and colour Kingston Road The plan suggests replac- and the area is looking better, ways. Training and orienta- Margaret said. - Lisa Fritz Initiative – Action ing existing buildings along he hopes the added attention tion is provided. Call Selena Making headway Margaret has Report, which Kingston Road with highrise from the games will take the Lynch at 416-397-7058 been a Scarbor- outlines the de- condominiums and improv- area to the next level. or email her at slynch@ But headway is being ough Village resident for 26 tailed plans for the stretch ing public space with a host According to Fritz, the in- toronto.ca for information. made in beautifying Kings- years, while Marianne moved of Kingston Road between of new parkettes and bench- creased traffic flow from the ton Road, according to Bill to the area from the Upper Port Union Road and Victo- es. games should cause a “mini- Blakes, manager of the Scar- Beaches nearly two decades ria Park Avenue. According “We’re hoping we can boom” for local businesses borough district office for ago. to Ward 44 Ron Moeser, the partner with some of the run- and bring development to the Walk to raise municipal licensing and stan- “These unkempt “areas and report is stalling. down motels and make some- area. dards. overpopulated apartments are A section of the report, due thing the community can be “Five years is not that far money for MS “Our guys enforce public a breeding ground for gangs in late 2009, was set to out- proud of,” Moeser said. away — it’s coming up fast- right-of-way,” Blakes said. and prostitution,” Margaret line final plans and possible Residents agree improving er than you think,” Fritz said. The yearly Scarborough Multiple Sclerosis Walk will be held April 18 at Ced- erbrae Collegiate to raise Students’ Better food accessibility money for the MS Society. There are two, five and From Page 1 of wealth,” he said. 10-kilometre routes for par- excellence They started with 12 plots People benefit from fresh ticipants to choose. Lunch three years ago and expand- food in more ways than one. will be provided in the rewarded ed to 32 due to high demand, Activists say it’s also about Cederbrae gym. Individuals said resident and community empowering residents and or teams can register. Call Fiona persaud activist Len Mirander. There fostering vibrant communi- Craig Harris at 1-800-268- The Observer are currently 15 people on the ties. 7582 or 416-922-6600 ext. waiting list. Good Food boxes aren’t 3137 for more info or visit Cornell Junior Public While the project at Gor- delivered directly to people’s mssociety.ca. School has received the 2010 donridge Place has been suc- homes but through communi- Fiona Persaud/The Observer Garfield Weston Award for cessful, Mirander said the ty centres. Excellence in Education. Students at Cornell Junior Public School were awarded food strategy shouldn’t target “That way we are bringing The award, in the Determi- a $3,000 prize for hard work and achievement. one demographic. community together around nation in Academic Achieve- “They’re talking about food,” DeCampo said. “So St. Paul’s Church ment category, was presented culture of collaboration and Toronto schools dominat- low-income [communities], people will start to recognize to the school at the gala re- a partnership of parent and ed the awards this year by but what about the middle the various resources that al- perfects parents ception on March 23. community engagement.” placing first in every cate- class and the upper class?” he ready exist in their communi- Last year, Cornell was run- Runners-up were Agin- gory. said. “If we’re going to make ty and learn how to use them St. Paul’s United Church is ner-up for this award. court Junior Public School Kennedy Junior Public this work in Toronto, there more efficiently.” hosting a parenting class for The win was the result of and Blessed Margherita of school won the award for can be absolutely no exclu- Mirander says the garden infants and children up to lots of hard work and sup- Citta di Castello Catholic Overall Academic Achieve- sion. It’s for everybody to at Gordonridge Place has fos- five years of age. The course, port, Cornell principal Tom School. Each earned a $1,000 ment and J.R. Wilcox Com- partake and work together.” tered a sense of community called Nobody’s Perfect, Hanmer said in his accep- prize, while Cornell received munity School won for Im- But the main barrier to that they didn’t have three consists of eight sessions. tance speech. a $3,000 prize. provement in Academics. healthy food is one the city years ago. It is organized by Toronto “Cornell’s strength is that The school, near Lawrence The awards are based on cannot solve, DeCampo said. “We have people from Public Health nurses and of our team,” Hanmer said. Avenue and Scarborough an analysis by the Fraser In- The provincial and federal about 15 different countries will be held on Fridays from “A team that is focused on Golf Club Road, was opened stitute’s annual report card of government control the tax gardening,” he said. “You 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., improving student achieve- in 1959 and is named after elementary schools in Ontar- system, which “really are the get to know your neighbour- starting April 23 and ending ment through high expecta- the Cornells, some of the first io and the EQAO testing of instruments that would lead hood. It builds relationships. June 11. Call 416-261-4222 tions and accountability, a settlers in the area. Grade 3 and 6 students. to more equitable distribution It builds participation.” to register. The East Toronto Observer, April 9, 2010 - PAGE 3 SPECIAL REPORT

The next mayor of Toronto, elected in the fall, will shape the city for Mayoral Think Tank the next four years. The mayoral candidates talked to the East Toronto What do they see for the future? Observer about four major issues, and their vision for Scarborough.

Rooming Houses Wealth Distribution Transportation Scarborough Vision Illegal rooming houses are not Funds should be diverted to The inner suburbs, like Scarbor- Scarborough’s reputation equipped to deal with fire hazards, invest in poorer areas of the city, ough, are disconnected from the for crime needs to be reversed. but legalizing them can help neigh- like Scarborough. “You can’t just city. “If you don’t have a proper “It’s a very tranquil part of the bourhoods. “A lot of people don’t give everything to the downtown transportation plan in place, you city. Crime is low and I’d like know they have them already and part of the city. I want to make can forget about anything coming to make that lower.” The area that in fact, if you change the by- every part of the city feel like to Scarborough.” should be made into a tour- law, you would clean out certain they’re part of Toronto.” ist destination thriving with GIORGIO MAMMOLITI parts of the community.” businesses.

There should be designated ar- The city needs to help people The city should focus on bus- It’s important to get youth off eas strictly for rooming houses. “I living on the streets by bring- es and subways instead of street the streets and back in school. “I’ve wouldn’t want my family living ing them into shelters or rehab cars. “I’m not a big fan of [LRTs] started football programs all over beside a rooming house. There’s centres. This will “get people because we completely misman- the city because most troubled been drug abuse and alcoholics and businesses back in the city aged the St. Clair right-of-way. youth love to play football. And if and fires. I don’t think we should and create a clean, friendly We budgeted $43 million and you’re playing football in school, be putting them beside families, environment.” now we’re over $120 million and that means you’re going to class, especially with young kids.” it’s still not finished.” you’re getting an education and ROB FORD scholarships.”

The city is “trying to ensure Diverting development fees “There was no real commit- Scarborough contains a lot of rooming houses would be regu- from downtown is illegal. The ment from the city to build the the city’s “natural heritage and lated and restricted to arterials.” real issue is creating wealth with- Malvern LRT in time for the Pan beauty,” like Rouge Park, which This will also provide housing in Scarborough — “not just shar- Am Games.” There are financial should be preserved. The city also for low-income people. ing the pie differently, but grow- and time constraints. Smither- needs to create “more economic ing the pie.” Building mixed-use man wants the line to be built but vitality and opportunities in Scar- residential communities will cre- thinks it is unlikely to be complet- borough for people to live there, ate jobs and revitalize the area. ed in time. for property values to increase.”

GEORGE SMITHERMAN To hear audio of these candidates and Joe Pantalone, visit torontoobserver.ca SOS says no to wind turbines

sarina adamo to be built near the Scarbor- Pan Am Games. McLean, Toronto Hydro di- The Observer ough Bluffs. The government must as- rector of environmental af- In five years, a wind farm However, plans for the sess sediment movement be- fairs. may spread across the waters windmills are being delayed fore and after construction The turbines cannot cre- of Scarborough — or not, if by Save Our Shorelines ac- and how this may trigger en- ate enough noise pollution the opposition wins the de- tivists. vironmental problems, said to cause health problems, bate to save the shoreline. “It doesn’t make sense to Jovan Stefanovic, a Univer- McLean says, referring to the Despite protesting Scar- build any industrial machin- sity of Toronto professor of minimal noise heard from the borough residents, an ane- ery where we get our drink- geomorphology. onshore turbine at Exhibition mometer is currently under ing water,” says John Laforet, In the meantime, the tur- Place. These flyers have been posted against the construction in Lake Ontar- president of Wind Concerns bine project seems to be go- “What we do know about Scarborough wind turbine project. io. and Ward 43 coun- ing ahead. onshore wind turbines is that Toronto Hydro is using it cil candidate. “You have to “You have an environmen- when they’re turning you’re four kilometres away.” generate renewable energy to collect data over the next draw the line and say that our tal assessment so that every- hearing the wind more than The location for wind test- is only one step in the energy two years to help determine if health and our drinking water body’s opinion can be aired, the sound of the machine,” ing along the Scarborough consumption issue. there’s enough wind. are too important.” but really it’s the govern- McLean said. Bluffs is in a 26-km prov- “Controlling how much More wind means the first Laforet said he doesn’t see ments that decide whether “You’re not going to hear ince-approved stretch. we are using is a critical first offshore turbines are likely them being built by the 2015 they can proceed,” said Joyce them when they are two to Finding locations to step,” McLean said. Pan Am Games to cost us more than we think, critics say

kimberlee Games will have on the city, by landlords into tourist ac- people,” Lenskyj says. “The local communities is going nancekivell people need only look at pre- commodation, [evicting] the police get special powers, to have a particularly vir- The Observer SCARBOROUGH vious Olympics or Pan Am low-paying ten- as we saw in ulent effect in a place like Scarborough is getting a Games. ants to make way The prices Vancouver, to Scarborough, which has so new aquatics facility for the In those cases, the cost for more lucrative were pretty do that sort of many low-income commu- 2015 Pan Am Games, but Toronto’s bid for the games of apartments, condos and tenants.” thing.” nities.” residents might not be aware by rallying at future venue housing rose dramatical- Lenskyj is also much out While Toron- Despite some benefits, of the overall cost of hosting sites. ly, says retired University concerned that of range to will be foot- critics say money would the games. “[The games] are going of Toronto professor Helen impressing tour- of even a ing the bill and have been better spent on “[With] these kinds of cir- to lead to very ugly displace- Lenskyj, who has written ists and Pan Am suffering the several facilities in the heart cuses, there’s no longer re- ment of low-income neigh- three books on the effects of officials will take middle-class consequences of of needy communities. ally any dispute,” says John bourhoods and a sort of the Olympics on their host precedence. person the games, Scar- “There will be lasting fa- Clarke, founder of the On- repressive climate for home- cities. “The usual so- - Helen Lenskyj borough will cilities and there will be tario Coalition Against Pov- less people when the events “The prices were pret- called cleaning be hit especial- benefits that continue to ex- erty and supporter of No actually take place,” Clarke ty much out of range of up of the streets ly hard, Clarke ist,” said Clarke. “Even an Games Toronto. says. even a middle-class per- to make the city look whole- says. earthquake will create some No Games Toronto was Clarke says in order to son, ” she says. “Cheap ac- some to visitors involves “There’s no question level of employment and responsible for trying to stop see the effects the Pan Am commodation is converted mistreatment of “ homeless that the drive to displace opportunity.” PAGE 4 - The East Toronto Observer, April 9, 2010 All that glitters Mapping out the future SCARBOROUGH is green 2015 The Observer explores Scarborough’s City praises possibilities over the next five years games’ environmental conscience

ALINA SMIRNOVA The Observer

The proposed Pan Am Aquatic Centre will have a positive environmental im- pact by cleaning up the area 14th Avenue where it will be built, Ward 44 councillor Ron Moeser said. “It used to be a garbage dump,” Moeser said. “We’re going to clean some of that MILIKEN Markham Road area up, as part of the overall approach.” According to the bid book, Steeles Avenue McCowan Road the Toronto games will strive to be the greenest ever and Brimley Road focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility. The games will give To- AGINCOURT ronto an opportunity to show- 1 case and create a legacy of climate solutions, said Debo- rah Carlson, campaigner at Finch Avenue the David Suzuki Founda- Kennedy Road tion. Carlson says transporta- Midland Avenue tion is one of the components Victoria Park Avenue needed to be addressed to reach the of being envi- ronmentally friendly. Lack of sustainable trans- portation was one of the areas where the Vancouver Olympics didn’t do well, ac- Sheppard Avenue cording to a climate impact TAM HIGHWAY 401 evaluation by the David Su- Warden Avenue zuki Foundation. O’SHANTER Effectively communicat- Ellesmere Road Birchmount Road ing practical solutions to climate change is another WOBURN area in which the Vancouver Olympics didn’t do well, but 2 the Pan Am Games can, Carl- Ellesmere Road son said. The Suzuki Foundation does not yet have plans to evaluate how the Pan Am BENDALE Games will address climate impact, as they did for the Olympics, she said. Lawrence Avenue Moeser said he thinks the games will bring only ben- Midland Avenue 3 efits. “We want to make it as Kennedy Road Eglinton Avenue environmentally friendly as possible and all those things Brimley Road will be part of the planning process.” Since the games are still five years away, there are no concrete plans yet on how ex- actly to make them environ- Danforth Road mentally friendly. Victoria Park Avenue “It’s important to plan Kingston Road Warden Avenue early,” Carlson said. “Pres- SCARBOROUGH sure will build up closer to the day.” St. Clair Avenue JUNCTION To see more on promises and recommendations, visit ILLUSTRATION BY torontoobserver.ca KAITLYNN FORD The East Toronto Observer, April 9, 2010 - PAGE 5 1 How will the next mayor shape Scarborough? Page 3 Speaker’s 2 Overcoming obstacles to food access Page 1 3 Rising costs mount as Pan Am nears Page 3 Corner Mapping out the future World-class facilities for local athletes Page 8 4 Locals express 5 Delay for Toronto transit upgrades Page 7 their visions for The Observer explores Scarborough’s 6 Greenest Pan Am games ever? Page 4 Scarborough 2015 7 Kingston Road requires facelift: residents Page 2 possibilities over the next five years Sunny Chang, 26 8 Wind farms on the Scarborough shoreline Page 3 Scarborough resident

“What’s going to happen to the old RT? I think Scar- borough is c h a n g i n g too fast. By 2015, MORNINGSIDE we’re going HEIGHTS to feel the poor planning.”

Allan Tota, 25 Steeles Avenue University of Toronto alumni

“I think the new aquatics centre is going to be good

HIGHWAY 2 for the school and will cre- ate economic sustainability for Scarborough.”

Morningside Avenue Katie Niken, 20 Lick’s restaurant employee Finch Avenue Nielson Road “A lot of businesses will ben- 5 efit from the games. T h e r e aren’t a lot MALVERN of eateries ROUGE in the area, Sheppard Avenue but there should be more.” HIGHWAY 401 6

Morningside Avenue Anne Radi, 36 TTC commuter 4 Military Trail Kingston Road “Scarborough is starting to WEST look more HIGHLAND like Toron- HILL CREEK to. By 2015, I won’t be Ellesmere Road sur pr ised Lawrence Avenue if Scarbor- ough is just WOBURN called To- ronto and

Markham Road isn’t separate anymore.”

GUILDWOOD Ronnie Lashef, 28 Kingston Road Scarborough resident

“It’s crowded in this area al- SCARBOROUGH ready. There’s just going to VILLAGE be even more smoke and 8 pollution as more people come to Scarborough to use this new aquatics centre and 7 watch the games.”

Sarina Lombarde, 18 TTC commuter

“It’s going to get so busy because of all the peo- ple com- ing here to use the new build- ings and stuff. It’ll be packed and noisy.” PAGE 6 - The East Toronto Observer, April 9, 2010 The East Toronto COMMENT OBSERVER Tale of two cities carborough has an opportunity to be more than Toronto’s Bronx, known for crime and gangs. With the Pan Am Games, a mayor and Sgreen energy projects like wind turbines, by 2015 it could be a very different Scarborough from today. There are two different possibilities for our future. In one, Scarborough has a new world-class athletic complex that’s open to the public and strengthens our athletic talents. To host the games, a new transit system is built — one that finally evolves past our archaic system — with light-rail transit, which brings commuting in Scarborough into the 21st century. Though today budget issues are slowing the tracks being built for the LRT, our new mayor could find the resources to connect us to the grid. The next mayor could also spread the wealth from Toronto to Scarborough, building the economy with job creation here and vamping up our manufacturing base. And we could become a green energy powerhouse with 60 to 100 wind turbines built off the , helping not only us, but Ontario in the switch to renewable energy. In the other vision of the future, Scarborough gets worse. The world is unable to visit us during the Pan Am Games. Budget cuts have created a gap in our transit system. The LRT sits incomplete until 2016 as the old SRT is shut down. East Toronto will also have issues like gentrification, kicking out the poor to “beautify” it for the games. As real-estate prices rise and condos are built, less space is made for the poor. And instead of becoming a green energy leader, we become a green energy loser, as a lot of hot air by members of the community scraps plans for the Bluffs’ wind turbines. So which of these two parallel universes is our future? Well, as usual, the truth probably lies somewhere between B radley featherstone The Observer the extremes: Scarborough will reap both benefits and costs in / the years to come. What we gain from the opportunities that lie ahead depends on whether we hold the changemakers accountable. With the Pan Am Games, we’ll need the transit system secured. The No one wins with Pan Am next mayor needs to realize concerns before we cast our votes. And if we want sustainable energy for future generations, we alf a decade from now, buses from fade into a desuetude state a few years after need to take responsibility for our future. roughly 42 nations will exit High- the hype fades away. With 2015 around the corner, we can shape the Scarborough way 401 at Morningside Avenue The LRT will most likely be made obso- of the future. Let’s not blow it. toH marvel at an immense athletics facil- lete by 2020 in favour of some new form - Emily Hunter ity, newly built right here in our backyard. of technology, just as the Scarborough RT They will step onto freshly paved parking was several years after its haphazard cre- lots and gaze around in every direction at ation. These glorified streetcars will bring Yes we can, right? the flourishing city that surrounds it, reju- their own traffic implications to already venated by the dawn of the Pan American Billy COURTICE unmanageable streets in the area, and the here will you be in five years?” It’s a jarring Games in 2015. TTC already has lobby groups detracting question. Some of us may not even know At least, that’s what we would like to tation almost as effectively as reality. But from its positive impact. The LRT will be where we’ll be in five hours. believe. the reality is that the city has talked about old, loud, and disliked before long, not to “WThe question has councillors and residents wondering. More likely, they will be digesting the improving the area for decades, and things mention its windows covered in fresh graf- The Pan Am Games are coming. Anxious fans, members of sound of a police siren somewhere not-so- are only getting worse. fiti, its floors covered in fresh garbage, and parliament, and activists can begin the countdown. The year 2015 far away, and looking at our current cluster Take Kingston Road: thick documents filled with the same stink that plagues the is approaching faster than we think. Will Scarborough be able to of dilapidated apartment buildings that will promising revivals for Scarborough roads RT. Bringing in something new does not handle the bombardment of athletes, fans, families and media? have had five more years to rot. have existed since the mid-1990s, when keep people from using it, abusing it, and As the proposed Scarborough RT is shutting down next year Yes, the games may change a few things. the city decided outdated and seedy motel making it old all over again. for much-needed improvements and a proposed LRT (in hope- They may be excellent for Toronto, an strips, overgrown vacant lots, and sprawl- This also applies to new businesses ful minds), we may have been slightly too ambitious. How obvious source of tourism revenues and ing used car dealerships don’t reflect the that are to appear with the games as well. will these people get to and from the city without adequate worldwide praise, if all goes well. Locally, glitz and glamour of the big city. Sure, they will thrive during the games, but infrastructure? I don’t mean to offend those working hard to it would be excellent for UTSC students, Come 2010 and the motels have only got eventually they will fall into disrepair like get these plans in action. However, perhaps the movement who may finally be treated to an athlet- seedier, the lots further overgrown, and the almost every other business in the vicin- should pick up the pace. ics facility suitable for the ninth strongest used cars older. Toronto’s latest approach ity. Once they begin to bottom out, they In the midst of the Pan Am pandemonium, we have a wind university on Earth, according to Times is to replace such holes with rows of con- will receive help from neither investors nor turbine war on our hands. But first, we must build an an- Higher Education, rather than one barely dominiums, but since residents wouldn’t the city, and an entirely new generation of emometer that will take eight months to set up and two years suitable for a Scarborough high school. want the already jammed road to receive businesses will suffer the same fate as oth- to collect sufficient data. And hey, if we have the time, we’ll The games may even give Scarborough any more traffic, it is unlikely our reps at er Scarborough businesses have for years. throw up some windmills and hope the athletes don’t mind the the transportation the TTC has promised, city hall will do anything this time either. It is too bad, because locals care about eyesore and the constant humming. with the LRT passing directly through the Instead, the city will likely plant a few pe- the state of their town, but with an infra- I’m not saying Scarborough can’t do it. If anyone can hold neighbourhood. rennials and pussyfoot around the issue for structure that is suspect, and violence rates a crowd, host a party or award some athletes, Scarborough What the games will not deliver is a new another lifetime. that do not want to drop, the area can’t can. What I fear is that in five years, we’ll be standing aboard Scarborough mindset. Oh, and the taxes will probably get seem to shake its penchant for being the a crowded LRT, perhaps slightly agitated by the lack of sleep The “suburb” has a bad reputation for a hiked again, too. armpit of Toronto. from the hum of the turbines, maybe a little starved from the reason, and that will not change due to a The fact is that Scarborough is too far The motto for the 2015 Pan Am games is shortage of food and thinking: Why did we agree to this? new building in town. It’s neither fair nor gone for a mere athletics facility to bring “Your moment is here.” No one can predict where we will be in the next five years. productive to repeat typical Scarborough some life into the dead town. Anything But Scarborough, this is not your mo- We can simply hope. Hope the Don Valley Parkway and stereotypes which impact the area’s repu- new that comes with the games will simply ment — not yet, anyway. Gardiner Expressway don’t charge a $5 toll to support this endeavour. Trust the University of Toronto students don’t cause THE EAST TORONTO uproar over heightened tuition fees because of this. Wish for the turbines to be built without travail. Pray the SRT and OBSERVER The East Toronto Observer Serving Malvern, West Hill and Highland Creek is published by ambitious LRT will be up and running. Lastly, have faith that Managing Editor: Emily Hunter University of Toronto/Centennial College journalism students under faculty supervision. the athletes won’t laugh at our failed attempts to make this the Online Editor: Nadia Persaud We are located at the Centennial HP Science and Technology Centre. Assignment Editor: Sarah DeMille Please address correspondence to The East Toronto Observer, c/o Centennial College, 755 perfect Pan Am experience. Copy Editors: Kirsten Parucha, Ryan Jhagroo, Sarah Moore Morningside Ave., Toronto, ON M1C 5J9, 416-289-5000, ext. 8306, fax 416-289-5168. Enough with the meetings, debates, and debacles. We’ve Photo Editor: Bradley Featherstone Email: [email protected] got a party to host. Let’s get the PANdemonium A-Movin’. Production Editors: Megan Harris, Josef Jacobson The opinions expressed in The Observer do not necessarily reflect the views of the college. - Sarina Adamo Faculty Editors: Eric McMillan and Andrew Mair The Toronto Observer, a companion website, is at torontoobserver.ca The East Toronto Observer, April 9, 2010 - PAGE 7 NEWS Budget deficit stalls transit plans Briefs Scarborough Light Rail Transit line may not be completed for Pan Am Games Free income tax

Saeda Raghe Transit City spokesperson clinic starts The Observer Ryan Bissonnette. The TTC is conducting a In time for tax , the Transit upgrades needed to constructability study to see East Scarborough Storefront support the if con- at 4040 Lawrence Ave is cur- 2015 Pan struc- rently hosting free income American tion can tax clinics for all low-income games will SCARBOROUGH be ex- individuals and families be built as pedited until April 30. Call 416-208- scheduled, 2015 and com- 9889, ext. 39 for more infor- but other pleted in mtaiton and to schedule an TTC projects may be delayed time for the 2015 Pan Am appointment with a trained because of the 2010 Ontario Games, Bissonnette said. volunteer. budget. Councillor and mayoral Due to a record budget candidate Joe Pantalone says deficit, the Ontario govern- the Scarborough Rapid Tran- Mentoring ment will ask Metrolinx to sit (SRT) line likely won’t be reschedule planned projects. operational by 2015 because newcomers Projects already started, of its bad condition. Courte sy of ttc.ca such as the Sheppard Rapid “There’s no doubt that The TTC is conducting tests to see if the LRT will be ready for the 2015 Pan Am The Centre for Information Transit line, will not be af- transportation has been badly Games. It wil provide service from Kennedy station to the east Scarborough area and Community Services fected. impacted by this provincial of Ontario is seeking vol- The provincial govern- shock of reducing the amount SRT, could mean transit de- Arifuzzaman said the TTC What the transit line does is unteers to mentor new im- ment is hoping to save $4 bil- of money they want to spend lays across east Toronto. has been very accommodat- that it actually gives that ac- migrants to Toronto. Volun- lion in the next five years. on transit across the GTA,” The University of Toronto ing so far and he is confident cess. It will make that athlet- teers must give one to two The Scarborough Light Pantalone said. Scarborough is in talks with transit issues will be worked ic and aquatic facility a very hours a week for at least six Rail transit (LRT) project is The SRT system will be the TTC on how to improve out by the Pan Am games. vibrant place. It will really months. Contact Rose Chiu slated to start construction shut down to make way for access to the campus, said “For this facility to be make it the regional draw it at 416-293-4565, ext. 117 or in 2012 and be completed the new LRT. Supplementary the school’s chief of planning most affective, people need was intended to be,” Arifuz- [email protected] for by 2016, according to TTC bus services, in place of the Andrew Arifuzzaman. to have access to the facility. zaman said. more information. Artistic talent shown Models to strut for a cause

A lina smirnova Lewis Foundation which “Women who had the at local Bluffs Gallery The Observer funds HIV/AIDS related privilege of being educat- projects in Africa. ed, they want to give back With a measuring tape When the CFUW Scarbor- to help other people may not swung around her neck, Lyd- ough first began developing have been given the fund- Scarborough council provides workshops ia Manget sits across from a an award fund in 1976, the ing,” Manget said. rack of clothes ready for a aim was to help young wom- Manget has had the bou- Kaitlynn Ford fashion show that sold out en in Scarborough get a uni- tique in Highland Creek Vil- The Observer two weeks ago. versity education, said club lage for the past 17 years. Manget is the owner member Ann Rutherford. This will be the fifth show Spring was in full bloom at of Felicia’s Collection, the “We were targeting gals she organizes for the CFUW the Scarborough Arts Coun- boutique providing clothing who had not necessarily had Scarborough. Models in the cil’s Bluffs Gallery. for the show sponsored by the highest marks in school, show will be 20 to 70-years- The Spring Fever! display, the Canadian Federation of but they were very close to old and of all backgrounds one of three exhibits run University Women Scarbor- the top and they showed fi- and sizes, Manget said. SAC this year, showcased 40 ough. nancial need,” Rutherford “It’s a lot of fun once ev- mixed media, season-themed, The proceeds of the show said. eryone one is on the runway,” pieces from 27 recruits. will go to support the Scar- They also donate mon- she said. “Visitors love the show,” borough Women’s Centre ey to University of Toronto The CFUW Scarborough SAC office coordinator Su- and to Centennial College Scarborough, which matches has 60 members, around half san Dimitrakopoulos said. Student Awards. A raffle will their donation and gives out of them will be helping out in “We have such a variety of also be held, with its pro- scholarships in their name, the fashion show on April 12, work, and people are very in- ceeds going to the Stephen she said. she said. spired by it. We have a lot of great submissions.” The walls of the quaint, four-room gallery were School closures set to hit West Hill brought to life by beautifully crafted images representing bradley featherstone/The Observer Major changes may be Allan Wolch. It is hoped William the splendor of springtime. SAC executive directer Tim Whalley poses with artist coming to five elementary The remaining two schools G. Miller Junior Public Artist Mary Lee Chisholm, Vda Serasinghe’s painting “Ocean Tone.” schools in the West Hill area, are set to be restructured to School and Eastview Junior submitted two mixed media according to a report present- teach up to the Grade 8. Public School will be ready pieces for the Spring Fever! sions] are already done. I The SAC also offers two ed at the Accommodation Although it’s a difficult for September 2011 and exhibition. didn’t just stitch them for workshops to Scarborough Review Committee meeting decision, the changes are Joseph Brant ready for Sep- Both works were done in this, because I couldn’t get residents: Professional Prac- at Joseph Brant Senior Public necessary to deal with declin- tember 2012, Wolch said. her forte, Bunka Shi-shu, them done that quickly.” tice Techniques and Photog- School on March 29. ing enrolment, Wolch said. The community’s reaction which is Japanese punch em- The pieces she submitted raphy Basics. They aim to The recommended “We’ll be providing an has been mostly positive, he broidery. were completed in 1992 and provide the community with changes are a result of four enhanced educational model said. Chisholm is a certified 1995. the tools and techniques nec- months of discussions and for all three of these schools “It’s difficult to close a master instructor of the art, “The SAC treats their essary to improve their artis- debates on how to deal with [and] reduce operational school,” Wolch said. and teaches classes at the members well,” said Tharmi- tic skills. a declining student body in costs.” “It’s emotional and it tears Port Union Community Cen- la Rajasingam, arts manage- The SAC’s annual event, the Toronto District School While all the facilities will at your heart. The reason we tre on Lawrence Avenue East ment specialist. “One of the Art in the Park, a one-day Board. be upgraded to accommo- were successful in achieving and out of her home. best benefits of a membership only outdoor art show and Heron Park and Peter Secor date the expected larger stu- what we wanted to achieve in “Depending on the image, is access to exhibition space sale, is scheduled for July 17. will be combined with Joseph dent body, Joseph Brant will this [review committee], we [Bunka] can take anywhere at Agincourt or Cliffcrest Li- They are currently calling for Brant to create a school that see the most renovation with presented a better education- from 50 up to 300 hours to brary, or Bluffs Gallery. For artist submissions from the will teach kindergarten and 18 additional classrooms to al program for the kids.” complete,” Chisholm said. an aspiring artist, that’s a big community. The deadline is Grades 1 through 8, accord- serve primary and special ed- “Usually [the art submis- deal.” May 21. ing to area superintendant ucation classes. -Saeda Raghe PAGE 8 - The East Toronto Observer, April 9, 2010 SPORTS Scarborough cricketers play way to Dubai Players try out for training program angela rotundo The Observer

It’s the chance of a lifetime for a few lucky local cricket players: an experience taking them on a world adventure. Legendary Pakistani crick- eter Mudassar Nazar visited the Canadian Cricket Acade- my on March 31, hosting au- ditions to select 10 to 15 tal- ented players for a training program in Dubai. They will be given the op- portunity to train with high- tech equipment in world- class facilities for two weeks. For Malvern cricketers, this type of opportunity will elevate their athletic abilities to an elite level, Nazar says. “If these guys are given angela rotundo/The Observer the exposure, they’ll sure- Cecil Pervez, Zain Iqbal, Sajid Virk and Saad Nazar auditioned to participate in a training program in Dubai with cricket legend Mudassar Nazar. ly be some of the best in the world. You’ve got to provide generation of players. of youth playing the sport on cut, he spoke about the way feel rather fortunate that I was have been selected so far. them with the opportunity,” “The players here are pret- a regular basis. Since Malvern cricket has changed him. able to do that.” The advice Nazar would said Nazar. ty good,” he said. “The thing has seen a growth in popular- “It’s given me a damn good In the coming weeks, the give to those eager to travel The chance to train with is, working in programs like ity for cricket, the sport has lifestyle. It’s given me promi- Ontario Cricket Associa- the world playing the game Nazar is a rare opportuni- this, it’s dawned on me that done more than provide an nence. It feels very good when tion and International Crick- they love? ty in itself. Known as one of these kids were actually as outlet for physical activity. people recognize you in a et Council, including Na- “If I’m walking by and I cricket’s most influential fig- good as the Pakistani kids Nazar understands the im- strange setting. But it’s made zar, will decide the fortunate see a group of kids playing ures, Nazar has coached the back home, or the Indian kids pact a game like cricket can me a better person. Looking cricketers to take part in the cricket, I just can’t move. I national teams of Pakistan or the English kids. I’m re- have on one’s life. As he at the world go by, you pick training excursion. More than just stand and watch them. and Kenya. At the academy, ally impressed.” demonstrated tricks and skills up all the good and bad things 45 talented players, most They must have the passion. he’s looking to find the next The academy has dozens for those hoping to make the about different cultures and I from Ontario and Quebec, They must love the game.” Area athletes thrilled by thought of Pan Am swimming facility

jose f jacobson athletes and people interested The Observer in a healthy lifestyle.” SCARBOROUGH A shared-use agreement Local sports clubs are 2015 with the city and the Bradley Featherstone/The Observer thrilled about the prospect university will be written A Snowball Classic swimmer dives into the water at Centennial Community Centre. of using the new world-class pool coming around for years to help determine who gets athletics compound slated and years.” access to the complex. to be built at the University Plans for the facility “We’ll look at scheduling of Toronto Scarborough include two Olympic-sized for when the community can Local diving club in deep Campus. swimming pools, as well as use the site and when U of T “Everybody is excited and a running track and racquet can use the site,” said Ward Even a burst of summer-like club face many challenges staff here, certified coaches, it’s overdue to have a facility courts. 44 councillor Ron Moeser, a weather isn’t enough to entice outside of promoting the but we just don’t have the in the area,” said Robyn Although the complex’s supporter of the bid. residents of Scarborough to sport. Funding and financial proper facilities,” said Tracey. Bate, head coach at the main purpose is to serve the “There will be times come out and dive. support for the club is, at best, For now, Tracey’s hopes for Scarborough Diving Club. needs of the Pan Am Games, when it’s open to both [the Scarborough Diving Club at a satisfactory level. But the diving club will rest on the “Most of us run out of high it is to be made available to community and the students], president Elise Tracey is it’s frustrating to maintain a fate of the 2015 Pan American school pools, so for us to go the university and the general there will be times when surrounded by divers on a sport with little to no support, Games. With new world- from there to a full facility public by 2014. just students can use it. All regular basis, but the only Tracey said. class facilities, including an with a 10-metre [diving] “We expect to start those things will be decided thing that keeps diving alive “It’s been hard. We’ve Olympic-sized pool, being tank and a 50-metre pool is construction at the very end based on the needs of the is the attention it gets from tried going to businesses built over the next five years unbelievable.” of 2011 or beginning of community and university.” media coverage, she said. and getting sponsors and it’s in the area, Tracey said this Bate said the new facility 2012,” said Laura Matthews, The cost for the public “Anytime there’s diving almost impossible. And even will help local residents take will serve Scarborough director of communications to use the facilities is yet to seen in the Olympics or World with our own fundraising, it’s an interest in the sport. and the rest of the GTA, as and public affairs at UTSC. be determined, but Moeser Games, where it becomes hard to get help in that area.” “Sports should be a huge clubs travel from as far as “The intention is that the would like to make it as more talked about, then a lot Not only does diving come part of a family’s life, but it’s Burlington and London to facility will be operational accessible and inclusive as of kids register because they under financial pressure, but a no-brainer that kids should use pools in Toronto. a year before the games will possible, he said. want to try it,” Tracey said. the lack of proper facilities have the opportunity to try Bates adds that she feels open.” “A lot of it will be free,” “It’s not really one of those in Scarborough make it that sports, no matter what sport the new complex will be “It will serve many he said. “For seniors, I’d sports like hockey and soccer much more difficult to attract that is. I think we’ll see that important for the survival of different groups,” said like to make sure it’s free you think about right away,” participants. in the years to come.” aquatics in the city. Matthews. “It’s going to be because they’ve made their Tracey and the diving “We have the coaching — Angela Rotundo “I don’t foresee another a great place for recreational contributions over the years.”