The South Etobicoke News

Serving Humber * Mimico * Lakeshore Village * Long Branch * Alderwood

Body health and your wellness by Adrianne

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In light of the provincial government’s announcement for all gyms, fitness clubs and studios to close on October 10, we once again find ourselves in a state of closure and are left wondering where do we go from here.

As a small business owner in an industry that has been truly devastated by this pandemic, it is often difficult to put on the brave and smiling face to the world when we really don’t know what tomorrow will bring.

When we were first shut-down in March, I thought, I got this and we are going to be ok.  Those feelings of hope started to waiver as the closure dragged on and on. Four months later we were allowed to reopen our doors and welcome our members back in the gym, although with severe restrictions.

In August I thought surely it would be unlikely that we would get shut-down again.  My thinking was “winter is coming” and exercising outside is less attractive when its cold and wet, and for many people also less safe. Plus, exercise is vital for positive physical and mental well-being and boosts the immune system in the process.  No way they can force us to shutter again!

So, we worked tirelessly to try rebuild the business and entice people back through our doors.  Today, we continue to offer virtual fitness to keep people moving from the comfort and safety of their homes.  We weren’t going to give up on a place that means so much too so many.

I try to live by the rules of silver linings and truly feel that one exists in every situation. When I think about the silver linings discovered through this pandemic, what can I say?  Truthfully, there have been no shortage of challenges, but this season of strange has also exposed us to unique and wonderful experiences.

I can honestly say my creative brain has reawakened in attempts to find new and innovative ways to re-engage my members and try to attract new people to my business.  It has also deepened the relationships I have created with the people who interact with us. The members and guests of Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness are more than just clients, they are the people who keep me going and give me purpose.

I do not know what the future holds for Monkey Tree Fitness & Wellness but I do know that we will keep trying to survive.  Reach Adrianne @monkeytreefitness on Facebook; #monkeytreefitnesswellness on Instagram or www.monkeytreewellness.com

Community residents urged to support our local businesses

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More and more area residents are patronizing local stores and restaurants to help keep them open as they fight for survival due to COVID-19.

Many restaurants and bars are financially hurting with a ban of dining in and upcoming cold weather, which will deter many from going out to eat in heat-filled patios.

The City of Toronto have approved the use of the patios until next Spring.

Many restaurants and bars that offer indoor dining, or drinks, will not be allowed to reopen until at least November 8 after being ordered shut for 28-days on October 10. They remain open from the sale of takeout orders only.

Indoor dining at bars and restaurants was banned province-wide when the pandemic hit in the spring, and is prohibited once more in the virus hotspots of Toronto, Peel Region, York Region and Ottawa.

The owners of the bars in Long Branch, New Toronto and Mimico say business is slow and many are not sure how long they can remain open.

There are campaigns in the area by members of the various Business Improvement Areas for residents to shop locally now than ever before as the holiday season begin, which is when most businesses make their money from gift-giving.

Many small restaurants and bars in the community are offering take- out specials (See Page 8) to attract more customers. Now is probably the best time to buy take-out meals due to price, except as restaurants seek lower commissions from food delivery services like Uber or Door Dash.

Several restaurants in the area have installed tents, or shelter, on their patios to shield people from the inclement weather and recoup some of their costs. Still some restaurant owners have suggested that winter patios are too costly to operate.

Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, chair of the board of the Lake Shore Village Business Improvement Association (BIA), is urging residents to support businesses and services in their community.
“We all have to support each other,” Korwin-Kuczynski says. ‘We have to work to keep all our businesses open and sound financially.”

The BIA says when you shop locally more money stays in our local economy and small businesses can grow or create more local jobs.

Residents can also shrink their carbon footprint by supporting local merchants and spending less time on the road. And, who knows, your customers may find something different or unique than at a big box store.

Former Etobicoke mayor Flynn saw action in Allied Forces D-Day landings

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They just don’t have die-hard politicians like former Etobicoke Mayor Dennis Flynn any more.

The former 11-year Etobicoke mayor, Metro Chairman and Toronto City Councillor was a force to reckon with in his political heyday.

Flynn, who died in August 2003 at the age of 79, is one of a few politicians who lived to see action during the D-Day landings, Codenamed Operation Overlord, in June 1944 when some 156,000 American, British and Canadian forces landed on five beaches along a 50-mile stretch of heavily-fortified coast of France’s Normandy region.

He was wounded twice and walked with a limp due to these injuries. He had come a long way since he enlisted in the Toronto Scottish Regiment in 1938.

Returning home he attended the University of Toronto in 1947 and joined the City of Toronto’s clerk’s department and rose to the position of protocol officer.

He was unsuccessful in his first attempt to be elected mayor of Etobicoke in 1969, but succeeded in 1972.

He was disqualified following a complaint by former Etobicoke reeve Ozzie Waffle, that he had been an employee of the City on nomination and election day.

Undeterred, he ran and once again and won the Mayor’s position in a 1973 by-election.

The father of seven was mayor of Etobicoke until 1984 when he succeeded Paul Godfrey as Metro Chairman, a position he held until 1988, when he was defeated by rising star Alan Tonks.

Flynn that same year ran successfully for Metro Council in the Kingsway-Humber ward, which he represented until 1997.

That year he ran for a seat on the newly amalgamated Toronto City Council, but finished third behind Gloria Lindsay Luby and Mario Giansante.

Flynn had an outstanding political career and by all reports did a good job in representing the people of Etobicoke.

Politics ran in the family who immigrated to Canada from Rathcormac, County Cork, Ireland, by ship in 1925.

Flynn’s older brother Patrick was an MP for Kitchener from 1974 to 1979, his sister Mary worked for the City of Toronto and his son, Tim, in 2003 ran unsuccessfully in Ward 25, Don Valley West, on Toronto City Council.

In 2001, he was awarded the Order of Ontario for his distinguished record of public service.

Flynn was the Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the Scottish Regiment (The Queen Mother‘s Own). In 2003, while visiting the regiment at CFB Petawawa he suffered a heart attack and died.

Things to do and staying safe and busy in our community

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NOV. 7 WISE IDEA TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT in the parking lot of LAMP, at 185 Fifth Street, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., brought to you by the West Toronto Onatario Health Team. Contact 416-252-9701 ext. 308

NOV. 9 ETOBICOKE CAMERA CLUB PRESENTS Dave Brosha, one of the most celebrated creative photographers in the world. He brings us insights for creating great portraiture in 12 lessons. It cost $10 for non-members through eventbrite.caor the ECC Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/etobcc. For the fall schedule or to join the club go to http://etobicokecameraclub.org.

NOV. 14  NOT JUST A PRETTY FACE with Dr. Olubamiji, Environmental Engineer Anna and STEAM Facilitator Dilesha from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in a Zoom conference and participate with panel discussions with experts, enhance your skills and network with leaders in their fields.  Put on by the Jean Augustine Centre for Women’s Empowerment, STEAM workshop for women.  For more information call 416-253-9797 or email info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca

NOV. 14 FOR ANYONE WHO WANTS TO ENJOY LIFE: join Monika Meulman of The Healing Muse & Stephanie Fazio of Lealoucooks to learn tips and quick, helpful ideas on how to boost your energy, your nutrition and your spirit. Join us live @healingmuse on Instagram. For more information contact Monika at 416-347-5449 or store@healingmuse.com.

NOV. 13 & 27 LAMP BABY CLUB 0-12 MONTHS VIRTUAL ZOOM programming; November 13 Christine-Fit Mama Training ‘Mom and Baby Fitness Demo,’ from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. On November 27 Song and Rhymes with Carina, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. For more info contact Carina at 416-252-9701 ext. 244 or email carinap@lampchc.org.

NOV. 21 MASTER CREATORS Meet empowered women working in the beauty, wellness and art industry, as therapeutic arts coach Micah, Muse Hair Studio owner Aisha and Lite It Up owner Valerie from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Partipate in panel discussions with experts and field leaders. For more information call 416-253-9797 or email info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca

NOV. 27 LAKESHORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING ADVOCACY and Action Group meeting at LAMP Community Room from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., at 185 Fifth Street. Help advocate for affordable housing for those on fixed income. Contact Jasmin at 416-252-9701, ext. 308.

NOV. 28 FINANCE YOUR BUSINESS with Chantelle and Sonia from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. put on by the Jean Augustine Centre for Women’s Empowerment, 101 Portland St.,  STEAM workshop for women aged from 19 to 24. For more information call 416-253-9797 or email info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca

EVERY TUESDAY UNTIL DECEMBER 15 AT LAMP HANDLE WITH CARE from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. group Zoom interactive program to help parents and caregivers promote the mental health of the children in their lives. To register email Madison at MBanks&the519.org or handlewithcarecanada.org

WARM CLOTHING DRIVE IN SUPPORT of Haven on The Queensway in need of gently used warm clothing for men, women and children. New socks and underwear for men and women, personal hygiene items and clean, gently used winter footwear. Items can be dropped off at Haven every Monday to Thursday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. at 1533 The Queensway. If you cannot get there contact Councillor Mark Grimes office at 416-397-9273 for pick up.

BY MID NOVEMBER UP TO 500 RECRUITS ARE BEING HIRED by the Ontario government to expand case and contact management to help track, trace and isolate new cases of COVID-19. The province has already hired 100 new contact tracers, many who started work last month. The new recruits and 600 personnel from Statistics Canada will bring the number of case and contact management staff to nearly 4,000 to deal with a surge in the virus. If interested visit www.publichealthontario.ca

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO help out at the Salvation Army, on Thirtieth Street, at this time of the year. More than 800 area families this year will receive Christmas assistance. Please consider donating. Foodbank available. Contact Jennifer at 416- 251-8372 ext. 101.

 

Tips for road safety as Daylight Saving Time ends

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Some say more sleep.
Don’t forget that the clocks go back an hour at 2 a.m. on Sunday November 1 as daylight saving comes to an end.  The return to standard time means fewer daylight hours and reduced visibility.

When visibility is reduced, people and objects on the road are harder to see.  Whether you’re driving, walking, or cycling, obey all traffic signals, traffic rules, and remain cautious.

In Toronto, pedestrian collisions increase by more than 30 percent during the evening hours from November to March.

To draw attention to the increased risks facing pedestrians and cyclists, the City of Toronto is launching a city-wide public education campaign that promotes road safety as we enter a season with reduced daylight hours.

The campaign intends to remind everyone to be aware of each other as they share the city’s roads. The City is reminding drivers: that when driving, please slow down and turn slowly. Always stay alert.

Make sure vehicle headlights and signal lights are functioning properly. Obey speed limits and approach all crosswalks, intersections and transit stops with caution.

And give yourself plenty of time wherever you’re going and plan your route in advance. Also use public transit when possible.

And always change your batteries while you are at it.

Toronto Fire Services recommend changing the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors when the clocks change.

Iconic Eighth Street Monument moved to Col. Sam Smith Park

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Just in time for Remembrance Day.

The iconic Eighth Street Cenotaph is finally being moved to its new home in Col. Samuel Smith Park a few blocks away.

The iconic Cenotaph was hooked by a crew and moved by truck on October 29 due to the construction of a condo project at the site of the former Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 3.

“I am thrilled that the Cenotaph will be place in time for Remembrance Day,’ Councillor Mark Grimes said of the long-awaited move.

It is slated to be placed in a high-profile location in the Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Kipling Ave. park.

“For decades, the Cenotaph has been located in front of the Royal Canadian Legion, which has since merged with Branch 643, on Jutland Rd. There was no space for the monument there.

Eighth Street has been a place of gathering for those looking to remember the brave men and

women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in World War I, World War II and the Korean War,” according to a City Council Motion Without Notice.

For three-plus decades, veterans, legionnaires and members of the public have gathered annually at the large cenotaph to remember Canadians fallen in war on the Sunday before Remembrance Day, and on Nov. 11.

“The years go by, and the memories of the devastating consequences of these wars drifts further

away from our minds.” according to the motion. “The Cenotaph serves as an important reminder of the tragedies of war and provides our community with an important source of reflection.”

“There is significant concern over the possibility of the Cenotaph being damaged before it can

be relocated,” according to the City. “The Cenotaph is of heritage value and needs to be protected.”

The developer has agreed to move the 7.5-metre solid granite monument before they begin building.

A mid-rise condominium development is underway that calls for the construction of about 90 condominium units on the site and a small extension of the adjacent park.

The massive monument, donated by the community, has stood in remembrance of lives lost in front of the former Legion Hall since 1983.

City Council has directed Heritage Preservation Services staff to evaluate the property at 150 Eighth Street for any potential heritage significance. Heritage Preservation Services staff are currently evaluating the property.

 

Local musician Roger Zuraw strikes a chord for the Veterans

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As we remember our veterans, local musician Roger Zuraw is reminding the community about an award-winning song he has written called “Remembrance Day (From the Lakeshore).”

Zuraw says he wrote the tune in a contest featuring Lakeshore artists some years ago.

“About 20,000 contestants from all over the world submitted their songs to this competition and my tune came out with an Honourable Mention credit,” he recalls.

He was inspired by a photograph of Vimy Ridge Parkette, at 2456 Lake Shore Blvd. W., and visited the parkette to obtain a ‘personal contact and feel of this spot.’

Zuraw says his song is about a “World War II Veteran from this area who contributed in the freeing of Holland from the Nazis, coming back to Canada with his English war-bride, raising a family and eventually becoming a president of Legion 101.”

This song appears on Roger Zuraw’s CD called “Remembering The Lakeshore,” which you can listen and download for a small fee from Amazon Music and Apple Music.

The musicians on the song includes; Dougal Bichan on the bagpipes, Alex Radeff on electric guitar, bass and keyboards and Zuraw on acoustic guitar and vocals.

Zuraw has been playing gigs in area bars for more than 20-years and claims to have played in every live music tavern in Mimico, New Toronto and Long Branch back in the day.

Guest column MPP Hogarth with COVID-19 and Remembrance Day

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We Give Thanks!
Like everything else about life in Canada, Remembrance Day 2020 will be changed by
COVID-19.
Although community observances may be diminished by the need for social distancing,
the love and respect we Canadians feel for our veterans and our military remains
undiminished.
In fact, Canadians of all ages were grateful to see military service personnel spring into
action last April when their help was needed to battle COVID-19 in long term care
facilities. The Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) literally “sent in the troops” to help provide
support and resources.
CAF members augmented the efforts of staff at 30 long term care homes across the
country, 5 of them right here in Ontario.

I am sure our seniors were greatly comforted by the sight of soldiers in uniform working
hard to ensure their safety and well-being; for many younger people, it might have been
the very first time they ever got experience the passion, diligence, competence and
energy that are the hallmarks of Canadian service personnel.
COVID-19 also meant changes in the Warrior’s Day Parade which has been held in
conjunction with the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) for almost 100 years. The
2020 parade could not be held in-person but instead was held as a “virtual” event, which
meant that more than 1,200 veterans from across Ontario did not get to make their
annual march through the Princes’ Gates at the CNE.
One of those veterans was our own Etobicoke-Lakeshore resident Ed Stafford, who
would have been marching for the 61st time at 99 years old. Ed served in Italy in World
War Two, and I am so grateful that we were able to work with the Ontario Military
Vehicle Association to arrange a parade of 10 military vehicles past his home to help
make up for the parade that he was missing.

It was a thrill to see how happy Ed was at the sight of the military vehicles driving by his
home, and even more so when they stopped so he could climb on board and ride with
them. It truly touched my heart, as Ed is just one of the many, many Canadians who
offered to sacrifice their lives for our safety and our freedom. Some of Ed’s friends did
not return from the War; they paid the ultimate price, and they did it for us. Their
courage, commitment and generosity of spirit are overwhelming even to think about.
Ontario tries to express appreciation in a variety of ways: on September 18, we
introduced legislation to provide financial assistance to more veterans in need. The
Soldiers’ Aid Commission Act, 2020, if passed, will ensure veterans of all ages and their
families, not just those who served in the Second World War and the Korean War, will
be eligible to apply for financial assistance.

On August 20, the Ontario government announced that it is providing $500,000 to
retrain veterans for jobs in the IT and technology sectors. The Soldiers in Tech program
is providing 12-week web development boot camps that equip participating veterans
with the skills, resources, and industry knowledge they need to enter junior web
developer positions.
One year ago, we announced free weekday use of Ontario Parks: providing veterans
and active CAF members free access to our beautiful provincial parks is just a small
token of appreciation for the sacrifices they have made to protect the freedoms we have
and the values we hold dear.
Thank you, veterans. Whether we are assembled in person or virtually, near or far, we
will remember you.
MPP Christine Hogarth can be reached at 416-259-2249 or by e-mail at christine.hogarth@pc.ola.org

  

Irate Mimico residents have to wait longer for concrete plant to leave

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It is more disappointment for residents in the Judson Street area in Mimico.

Residents in the Judson Street area were waiting for news that their neighbour ML Ready-Mix Concrete would be moving to a new home across town.

There was no party as Councillor Mark Grimes, in letters to residents, say the move by ML to a new home at 545 Commissioners St., by the end of the year had been cancelled by a few months.

“While we had hoped to see ML Ready Mix to their new home in the Port Lands by the end of the year, I’m told by City staff that this move is going to be delayed by a few months,” Grimes wrote.

He said planning for the move began back in November 2019, however this ‘unprecedented situation’ has had an impact on all facets of this project.

The letter said “ML’s new site in the Port Lands must be operational at 545 Commissioner St., before they vacate Judson Street.”

“ML will be leaving the community however at this time, I don’t have a confirmed date when this move will happen,” he said. “We anticipate the move will occur in the Spring of 2021.”

Mimico residents who fought a vocal battle with the city for years to move ML Ready-Mix Concrete out of their neighbourhood and to another part of town.

Grimes said COVID-19 brought the city to a ‘screeching halt’ as officials shifted their focus on the pandemic and keeping ‘our communities safe.’

Members of the Judson Street Residents Association have been lobbying against the City and ML citing the company has dozens of trucks going back and forth from the Horner Ave., and Royal York Rd. concrete yard, which creates noise, dust and pollution in the air.

Dan Irwin, who lives across from the concrete plant, said the community has been waiting for more than two years for the concrete plant to leave the area.

“We shouldn’t have to live like this,’ he warned. “They are taking away our quality of life.’

Man arrested for trying to steal smokes from a New Toronto store

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A man has been arrested for allegedly trying to steal cigarettes and other goods from a store in the Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Kipling Ave. area.

Police say around 7:50 p.m. on October 21 they responded to a robbery at a store in South Etobicoke.

“A man entered a store and approached the cash, which had a plastic partition placed between the employees and customers,” officers said in a press release.

Police said the suspect asked for cigarettes, which the store owner placed on the counter.

“ … after hesitating momentarily the man lunged over the counter, breaking through the partition and knocking the employee out of the way,” police said.

The culprit then grabbed several more items from behind the cash and fled.

Members of the Hold Up Squad were able to identify the suspect.

Jason Hermanus, 38, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with robbery, disguise with intent and fail to comply probation.

He appeared at Toronto West Court, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on October 26.