The South Etobicoke News

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

Oscar Peterson’s ex-wife Sandy who had roots here passes away

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Sandra Cynthia Andrews Peterson, the former wife of acclaimed musician Oscar Peterson, has passed after an accidental fall down a flight of stairs.

Sandy, who had strong links to south Etobicoke, was 83.

Born in Kirkland Lake, she was a graduate of Etobicoke Collegiate and Toronto General Hospital School of Nursing, according to her obituary, which states she passed away on June 27.

Sandy worked at Toronto General as an Operating Room (OR) nurse during the beginning of open heart surgeries. She became Head OR nurse there and at Grace Hospital in Toronto.

“Soon thereafter, she met, fell in love with and married jazz pianist, Oscar Peterson, and she travelled most of the world with him from the 60’s and first part of the 1970’s,” according to the family.

It was during that time that Sandy and soon-to-be eight-time Grammy Awards winner Oscar lived at Amadeo Garden Court in Mimico for a number of years, where they spent a lot of time at the local stores and at Marie Curtis and area parks.

A mural of Oscar is now in the Lake Shore Village Wall of Legends with others who helped to transform the area.

The couple divorced in 1974 and she began working in the customer service department of Sears Canada.
Sandy later married James Andrews and moved to Nashville for 12 years before returning to Canada, to requalify as a registered nurse before joining Collingwood General and Marine Hospital from which she retired on her 80th birthday.
A busy person, she was an avid golfer and bridge player and was very involved with Probus, the Cinema Club and book clubs, as she was a voracious reader and a lover of all music, especially jazz. She was a philanthropist, a wonderful cook and fabulous baker.

“Always there to help any and all of her friends and family she was an extremely generous woman loved by all,” according to her obituary. “She had incredible presence in any situation with a smile and infectious laugh that could be heard everywhere.”
The family wish to thank the medical staff at both Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and Sunnybrook Hospital Critical Care Unit for the extraordinary care given to Sandy. Collingwood Hospital, in particular, went above and beyond in both the care and kindness given to Sandy and that shown to the family.

 

Residents ecstatic by opening of new pot store

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Another cannabis accessory store has joined the fray to better serve consumers in South Etobicoke.

Many New Toronto residents are jubilant that Aim High Canada, is opening up at 2781 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Second Street.

Aim High conducted a soft-launch on July 1 that was advertised on social media.

“We design and sell our own Smoke Arsenal  Brand,” says company director Kazim Nathani. “We look forward to working closely with the community.”

The store is lined with all kinds of specially-designed glass pipes, bongs and other smoking and marijuana accessories.

“They’re a licensed shop,” says area resident Mike Langevin. “Kinda a shame that the head shop that was in that location for 20 years before them couldn’t get a license.”

The store was previously called Petite Amsterdam, which served the area’s marijuana lifestyle community for two decades until recently closed.

There are three accredited stores in South Etobicoke selling marijuana-related products. They include the Cannabis Superstore, at 2775 Lake Shore Blvd. W., which has been there for several years and specializes in growing the plant.

Cloud Heads, at 3341 Lake Shore Blvd. W., specializes in hemp products. And The Emerald Isle, at 374 Brown’s Line, specializes in bongs and other smoking devices.

More stores are undergoing screening by Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario officials and includes applications by 4 Mimico Ave., 5160 Dundas St. W., near Kipling Ave., 418 The Westway, near Martingrove Rd., at 1735 Kipling Ave., near Dixon Rd., and 3112A Bloor St. W., near Brentwood Rd.

E-mail your resume to aimhighmeds@yahoo.com

 

Party and hang your flags up high on Canada Day

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Fly your flags high and be proud!

Merchants in the Lakeshore Village BIA are urging residents and others get out and display their Canadian flags tomorrow to honour our front-line emergency workers who show their true colours every day in battling COVID-19.

The BIA’s campaign calls on residents to shop locally and express thanks to the many area front-line workers by putting up Canadian flags or a drawing of a flag on their home or store windows.

“Say thank you to our front-line workers by putting up a Canadian flag or drawing of our flag,” says Kris Korwin-Kuczynski, Chair of the Lakeshore Village BIA. “Let’s show our heroes some love and respect.”

The BIA is also lobbying to have a public holiday declared in honour of the Canadian flag. February 15 was declared the National Flag of Canada Day in 1965.

This year most in-person events were cancelled due to the virus.

The CN Tower will be celebrating Canada Day with a 15-minute light show beginning at 10 p.m.

The fireworks will be streamed at www.cntower.ca and accompanied with a playlist featuring music by a diverse group of Canadian artists simulcast on CHUM FM, 104.5.

There is also a virtual all-star program in which residents will see over 50 artists perform, including Haviah Mighty, Gordon Lightfoot, Jully Black, Kardinal Offishall, Choir! Choir! Choir!, Ali Hassan, Cris Derksen, The Next Generation Leahy and more.

An emphasis on Toronto culture is part of the event, with some performances happening both live and pre-recorded from venues around the city like the newly renovated El Mocombo.

Canada Day 2020 livestreams will be available on July 1 beginning at 9 a.m.​ on YouTube.

Don’t forget your downloadable Celebration Kits are also available for free and include Canada-themed crafts, games, recipes, outdoor activities and more.

 

What’s taking place in South Etobicoke this Canada Day!

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It seems very little live entertainment will be taking place this Canada Day on Wednesday, July 1 to mark our 153 birthday.

The CN Tower will be celebrating Canada Day with an amazing  15-minute light show beginning at 10 p.m.

The fireworks can also be streamed at www.cntower.ca where you will see the beautiful lights burst across the sky. The fireworks will be accompanied with a playlist featuring music by a diverse group of Canadian artists simulcast on CHUM FM, 104.5.

Most residents can tune in and look up, and all Canadians can watch the live stream from home and sing along to a celebration in light and sound.

The Six will be going virtual with a star-studded program on Canada Day in which residents will  see over 50 artists perform, including Haviah Mighty, Gordon Lightfoot, Jully Black, Kardinal Offishall, Choir! Choir! Choir!, Ali Hassan, Cris Derksen, The Next Generation Leahy and more.

An emphasis on Toronto culture is part of the event, with some performances happening both live and pre-recorded from venues around the city like the newly renovated El Mocombo.

Spread out over three segments throughout the day, the Culture Jam portion in the afternoon will include jam sessions from different Toronto artists and highlight neighbourhoods across the city.

Tune into a morning livestream from 9 to 10 a.m. with hosts Devo Brown and Jessica Holmes, featuring socially distanced breakfast by Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Executive Chef

Enjoy a special 40th anniversary rendition of O’Canada, family-friendly performances by Jully Black, The Next Generation Leahy, Classic Roots and Kim Mitchell, and learn dance moves from Keep Rockin’ You.

Canada Day 2020 livestreams will be available on July 1 beginning at 9 a.m.​ on YouTube.

Downloadable Celebration Kits are also available for free and include Canada-themed crafts, games, recipes, outdoor activities and more.

Due to the pandemic, city-hosted events have been cancelled and large-scale gatherings are prohibited.

Mayor John Tory is encouraging residents to decorate their porches, front doors, balconies or windows for this year’s Canada Day.

If outdoor is more your style, you are urged to take a lakefront cycle or walks along Humber Bay Parks, Col. Samuel Smith or enjoy the water at Marie Curtis Park.

 

We love Oscar Peterson now Montreal wants him back

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We love Oscar Peterson and New Toronto has already claimed him.

Peterson lived in the community in the 1960s and 70s’ and his portrait is among six Lakeshore Legends heroes whose mural grace a wall at Sixth Street.

Peterson, who was born in 1925 and has composed more than 400 pieces, lived at one time at Amadeo Garden Court Complex in two apartments overlooking Lake Ontario, according to local historians and residents.

Now, his hometown of Montreal, want to name a subway station after him.

An online petition is circulating to change the name of the Lionel-Groulx Metro Station to the Oscar Peterson station, to honor that city’s celebrated jazz legend.

More than 2,500 signatures have been obtained in a petition to try and place the musician’s name on a Little Burgundy station.

“I believe our city should honour his incredible accomplishments by renaming Lionel Groulx Metro Station as Oscar Peterson Metro Station,” the petition states. “He is considered one of the greatest jazz pianists of our time with a career that lasted more than 60-years.”

Peterson is an eight-time Grammy Award winner who is a virtuoso in the international jazz community. He was born and raised in the City of Montréal, where he grew up and learned his craft in Little Burgundy, where he loved.

Peterson died in December 2007 as an international star and one of the great jazz pianists and composers of the genre.

Duke Ellington called the Montreal-born virtuoso the “Maharaja of the keyboard.”

Lionel Groulx died in 1967 and was a Catholic priest, historian and Quebec nationalist.

The word-renowned pianist worked with top musicians as Ray Brown, Ella Fitzgerald and many others. His song “Hymn To Freedom” rose to become one of the top crusade songs of the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr.
He loved York University and served as the university’s fifth chancellor and was involved in the York music program.
Peterson was recognized by the City of Mississauga in 2003 when a street was named for him and he was presented with a Civic Award of Merit. He had postage stamp unveiled in his honour, along with his name on plaques and numerous schools. He was also inducted to the Order of Canada in 1972.

The mural, by Toronto artist Chris Irvine, pays tribute to fellow Lakeshore Legends: NHL star Dave Bolland, marathoner Jerome Drayton, skater Petra Burka, swimmer Lou Gamble and others who contributed to the rich cultural fabric of our community.

The petition is available at change.org

More cannabis retail stores to open in the area

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Coming soon near you.

At least seven cannabis retail stores may soon be setting up shop in south Etobicoke if all goes well at City Hall.

The applications are under public notice and some of the proposals are listed on an Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) website.
There is an application pending to open a store at 4 Mimico Ave., called Lakeview Cannabis, which is being reviewed by the AGCO.

Another is slated to go at 5160 Dundas St. W., near Kipling Ave., and is undergoing the scrutiny process as well.

The deadline for both stores is June 30 for the public to object or lodge complaints.

There are also proposals to open three other cannabis stores in Ward 2 that was adopted with amendments on June 17 by Etobicoke York Community Council.

The proposals will be voted on by City Council on June 29.

A motion by Councillor Stephen Holyday call for retail pot stores at 418 The Westway, near Martingrove Rd., at 1735 Kipling Ave., near Dixon Rd., and 3112A Bloor St. W., near Brentwood Rd.

“There are new cannabis retail locations proposed in ever ward of the district,” the motion states.

Holyday says two other stores are in the works and will be located in the Six Points Plaza area.

He has been contacted by numerous residents who have raised concerns.

“There are concerns about the poor suitability of the locations, and the increased risk of access to cannabis by minors,” Holyday warns. “Some locations are very close to more than one school, and they are located at or near strip plazas and parks which are frequented by youth.”

The provincial regulations require “a separation distance of 150 metres between the retailer and a school, and many find this too permissive given the context.”

Complaints against stores can still be filed with the AGCO.

 

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Finding love on the dance floor of the famed Palais Royale

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As recalled by their loving son Dave Kosonic.

My parents Edward and Winnifred were among the countless military romances which blossomed at the legendary Palais Royale ballroom particularly during WW11.

My father met my mom at the iconic live music club in 1944 while he was on leave as a crew member stationed on the Royal Canadian Navy warship HMCS Buckingham that operated out of Halifax.

The Palais Royale, which still stands at 1601 Lake Shore Blvd W., is best remembered as a dance hall that featured high-profile entertainers from the Big Band era including Duke Ellington, Count Basie and the Dorsey Brothers. Even Canada’s King of Swing Bert Niosi graced the stage.

My mom Winnifred McConkey was born in 1922 in the small town of Priceville, just west of Flesherton. After completing high school she moved to Toronto and worked as a mail sorter for Canada Post.

My father Edward Kosonic was born in 1924 in La Vallee, in western Ontario near the Manitoba border. Dad joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942. He underwent intensive training for one-year in New Brunswick where he became an expert on the use of a new anti-German submarine locating radar called Asdic.

He was the radar supervisor on his ship and was on call 24 hours a day in the event his ship or other ships in in his convoy detected nearby German U-boats. He used the Asdic radar to pinpoint the location and depth of enemy U-boats.

The convoy of Navy warships that included the Buckingham attacked many German submarines and was credited for the destruction of a number of deadly U-boats.

While on R&R my dad came to Toronto and decided to check out the Palais Royale. Dad looked dapper when he arrived in his official off-duty Navy uniform. A short time later, he spotted a pretty young girl, Winnifred, at a table with some other ladies.

Dad got his nerve up to ask her for a dance. She accepted and they danced the evening away. You can say the rest is history.

Mom left her job at Canada Post and accompanied dad to Halifax, where she lived in a tiny flat while waiting for dad to return when the war ended in 1945. Dad was honourably discharged from the Navy and the happy young couple moved to Toronto, got married and in time established a very successful home electronics business in the Six Points area of Etobicoke.

They both lived long lives with my mom passing away in 2006 at 84, and dad in 2011 at 85.

To this day, whenever I drive by the Palais Royale, I think about my mom and dad and say: “ That is where it all began.”

 

 

Peter was well-known and loved at the Canadiana in Mimico

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Community residents are mourning the death of Peter Michael Thompson, a long-time and well-known  area resident and former employee at the now-defunct Canadiana Restaurant.

Peter passed away peacefully on June 8 after a short and courageous battle with cancer. He was 66.

“He is known and loved by so many including Stephen and his Great Dane, Odin,” according to his obituary. “Peter has been referred to as the Major of Port Credit and was awarded the Best Bartender of the Year for his work at the Canadiana.”

He was a caring brother to Marnie (Steve) Carol (John) and Paul (Susan). He was a loving uncle to Melanie (Jojo) Robin (Dennis) Andrew, Natalie and Gavin. He was also a great uncle to Jackson, Jacob, Myles and Jonah.

“Although our hearts are heavy, we will continue to carry his memory and celebrate his life at the appropriate time in the future,” his family said. “In the meantime raise a beer in his honour.”

His friends from Toronto Police 22 Division remember Peter as a fixture in the community for more than 40-years, who will be missed by many people, including cops.

“Peter was a passionate community member and served our community well in his own way,” officers said in a post on social media. “He made us laugh, served and kept us on toe at the Canadiana when we were hungry, thirsty and drenched in frustration after a long shift.”

“Thank you for your Service. With sympathy,” the officers wrote.

Peter was a long-time employee and a favourite at the Canadiana Restaurant, at 2454 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

Donations in Peter’s Memory may be made to Trillium Health Partners Foundation or the charity of your choice.

Residents help to get a gun off our streets

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Another weapon removed from our streets.

Residents in the Brown’s Line and Evans Ave. area are being credited for helping police to remove a deadly weapon off our streets.

Police say the .40 calibre Smith & Wesson handgun and an extended magazine was left behind by an absent-minded suspect who was shopping at an area store on June 1 just after 3:38 p.m. in broad daylight.

The man left the store, according to a police release, and forgot his bag containing the weapon, which was found by shoppers in the store who immediately called police.

It didn’t take a major investigation because a short time later the accused returned to the store to retrieve his bag containing the Smith & Wesson, but was quickly taken into custody by waiting cops.

A man identified as Nigel Lopez, 21, of Toronto, faces 14 criminal charges, including possession of a loaded restricted firearm weapons dangerous, mischief, escape lawful custody and three counts of possession of a restricted weapon knowing no authority.

He appeared in court at 2201 Finch Avenue West on June 2.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call police at 416-808-2200.

 

Steaming Pickin’ Chicken still sorely missed by many residents

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Many area residents are still licking their fingers with delight as they recall from yesteryear a busy fleet of VW Beetles that shuttled steaming barbequed chicken to mouth-watering households.

The popular Pickin’ Chicken BBQ restaurant opened in 1953 and had developed quite a poulet-loving following in its 17-years of operation in a time before take-out food would become as widespread as it is today with Uber Eats, DoorDash and other apps.

The company, aside its chicken, is best remembered for its fleet of colourful Volkswagen Beetles that delivered thousands of chicken legs and breasts dinners and assortments to awaiting Etobicoke and Toronto residents.

The cars were painted in bright colours with the Pickin’ Chicken name, phone number and address.

The beloved restaurant, which would later be copied by eateries as Swiss Chalet and others, stood at the site of Marina del Ray Condominiums, at 2261 Lake Shore Blvd. W., in Mimico.

The business was owned by Saul and Jerry Goldberg, who copied the success and soon opened two other thriving locations on Queen Street W., at Roncesvalles, and on Kingston Road.

Before long there were seven takeout franchise locations and Pickin’ Chicken was one of the favourite order-in meals at the time.

Hungry residents could have their choice of barbecued chicken as eat in, takeout, or delivered to their front door while the meal was still steaming hot.

Many in the community still remember licking their fingers after ordering Pickin’ Chicken on a Friday night.

“It was a great place,” agrees one long-time resident. “The chicken was always good and it was well-ahead of its time.”

But like many fast food outlets over the years, the business went bankrupt in 1970.

The property was sold to a developer who was planning to build a large world class hotel, but due to political pressure those plans were dropped. The property would change ownership more than once before it was finally purchased by corporation.

The 46-floor Palace Pier North Tower was completed in 1978 and the South Tower was finished in 1991. They were at one time the tallest, and one of the most expensive, residential complexes in Canada.