The South Etobicoke News

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

Woeful history of Mimico’s largest waterfront mansion

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If some of the rooms in a mansion on Lake Shore Blvd. W. could talk, we would probably be amazed by some of the tales they could tell.

The Consulate of the Republic of Poland for 44-years has occupied what is described as the ‘largest home built on the Mimico waterfront’ that sits behind a tall ornate iron fence that stops at Number 2603.

The limestone ‘English Tudor style’ home was designed by leading architect John Wilson Siddall and originally had 21 rooms including six marble bathrooms, four fireplaces, a panelled library, two solariums and formal gardens extending to the lake.

It has been the scene of many events in Polish history including the Solidarity movement and many elections in Warsaw.

The home was built in 1927 by Lawrence J. McGuinness, the well-known booze baron and distiller, who started a wholesale liquor business in Toronto in 1905.

McGuinness, according to local historian Michael Harrison, made his money as a ’bootlegger and rum runner’ who exported liquor into the U.S. during Prohibition from a home next door, at 2619 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

“McGuinness was well-known in Toronto and was a personal friend of Ontario Premier Mitch Hepburn,” wrote Harrison. “In 1938, he built a distillery and bottling plant in Mimico.”

He wrote that at the height of Prohibition, McGuinness and his partner Harry Hatch, controlled all traffic in liquor along the west-end of Lake Ontario.

They became wealthy and McGuinness used some his profits to purchase property and build the huge mansion, now Consulate, at 2603 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

McGuinness passed away in 1951, and the liquor company was taken over by his son Larry Jr., who ran the business until it was sold to Standard Brands in the 1970s, then Corby’s in 1987 before being shut.

Larry Jr., made a name for himself by competing on the Canadian Olympic equestrian team in the 1952 and 1956 Games. In 1973 he sold the distillery operation later sold the mansion to the Polish Government in 1976.

A year later he declared bankruptcy after a series of bad investments and moved to Florida to live with his family.

With files by Michael Harrison

Port Credit BIA launches Support the Port fundraiser

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The Port Credit BIA with partners have launched a community gift card initiative in support of local businesses and the Compass Food Bank.

Residents are being encouraged to purchase a Support The Port electronic gift card, and the BIA with community partners Brightwater, Edenshaw Developments and Port Credit Community Foundation will match the funds with a donation to the food bank.

The gift cards can be redeemed at any participating business and so far $20,000 have been contributed to the initiative.

“The sad reality is many businesses will not make it through this crisis,” says Jake Pedler, Chair of the PCBIA. “The Port Credit Business community is very resilient, passionate and united so with the support of our community and sponsor this initiative will greatly assist in the recovery and boost morale.”

The Compass Food Bank and Outreach Centre is located in Port Credit and serves South Mississauga with a safe and welcoming place for families in need.

To purchase a Support the Port gift card, visit supporttheport.ca.

Brightwater is a modern waterfront village coming soon to Port Credit offering unmatched lifestyle amenities, elevated design, urban conveniences, and boundless opportunities to connect.

Edenshaw Developments Ltd. is a champion of great living, better businesses and happy, healthy communities that always put people first.

The Port Credit Community Foundation is a non-profit  organization created for the people of Port Credit. It is dedicated to fund a combination of hard investments, charitable endeavours, event support and other community initiatives. To learn more visit portcreditcommunityfoundation.org.

Virtual graduations, classes trending to the future

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This seems to be a year of virtual graduations and events for students across the city.

Alderwood resident Kendal Christie graduated virtually on May 26 from Branksome Hall and a great time was had by her parents, who were glad the family were at home safe.

Kendal says she is delighted to graduate with top marks and will be attending McMaster University in Hamilton this fall to study Life Sciences. The program will take place virtually until students are allowed again to gather in public.

The virtual graduations, classes, conferences and meetings have become popular, and a big business with the spread of COVID-19.

Grads today for very little can host a live event or broadcast their graduation to students, educations or their families online.

Organizers of the virtual live events say they encourage connection, give attendees a way to watch speeches, see the awarding of awards, diplomas and can celebrate together and this way they all remain safe and healthy.

 

COVID-19 takes the life of local historian

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A local historian who wrote about the Villages of Etobicoke has lost this battle with the dreaded COVID-19 virus.

Paul Joseph O’Connor passed away on April 25. He was 66.

He was married to Maija Asaris for 34-years and will also be greatly missed by his mother, Mary, siblings Susan, Kevin (Lisa) and nieces and nephews.

Friends remember him as a friendly and caring person.

“Paul loved his Irish heritage, a spirited Irish get together, travel and family history,” according to his family. “Throughout his life, Paul shared a passion for history.”

He gladly supported Heritage Toronto, the Etobicoke Historical Society, Alderwood Historical Society and once contributed a chapter to the Villages of Etobicoke.

His family are expressing their thanks to the staff of Trillium Hospital who cared for Paul in his fight with the virus.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. Donations can be made in Paul’s memory to St. Ambrose Catholic Church or the Trillium Health Partners Foundation.

Union leader Whitfield fought for social rights

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By STAFF:

Postal workers from Etobicoke and beyond are mourning the loss of a popular Toronto union leader who fought for better working conditions.

Megan Whitfield was a fierce advocate for social rights and justice who passed away suddenly on May 24 with her family at her side. She was 51.

Megan was a long-time member and board member for the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists’ Canadian Chapter (CBTU), and Equity Vice President of the Ontario Federation of Labour and was elected the 1st Black President of the Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW), the Toronto Local.

Megan was also a member of the CBTU Region 1 Women’s Committee and CBTU International Constitution Committee.

“She was admired by so many for her tenacious and fearless advocacy of worker’s rights and social justice,” the CBTU wrote. “She will be missed by the thousands of workers that she has represented over the years.”

Megan is survived by partner Keith Dunnon, mother Joan Gooden, and her sons Cody, Chevon and Cory Barnett, her grandchildren, Sophia and Maya Barnett, and many other family members and long-time friends.

“Our deepest condolences go out to her family, friends and trade union family across Canada,” the union mourned. “We miss you sister.”

Ontario NDP Leader Andrea Howarth says she is deeply saddened by Megan’s passing.

“She was a fierce advocate for worker rights and social justice. Rest in power,” Horwath said.

Her long-time friend, fellow CBTU member Mark Brown, says Megan had many friends and acquaintances in the union movement.

“She will be missed by so many people who she has helped over the years,’ Brown recalls.

Megan told CP24 last March during an International Women’s Day march that she credits other female trailblazers for helping her to achieve her position.

“Never underestimate the power of a woman,” she said then. “As the world is on fire we will burn, but we will rise and we will accomplish and achieve.”

Funeral details are unknown at this time.

Dr. Ridley loved and respected in 40-years at Alderwood

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So long Dr. Bud.

Many residents are mourning the death Dr. Charles Maynard (Bud) Ridley who treated hundreds of people in the community during his 40-year practice in Alderwood.

Dr. Ridley passed away last May 12 at the age of 95.

Family members say Dr. Ridley grew up in New Toronto and was proud of his city and jumped at any opportunity to share with his family places like the Royal Ontario Museum, High Park and the CNE.
He graduated from University of Toronto School of Medicine in 1951 and opened his general practice on Browns Line where he cared for the Alderwood community for over 40 years.

“He was always proud to be one of the founding doctors of Queensway General Hospital and after he closed his office he continued working on the surgical team there until he was 86, practicing medicine for 60-years,” according to his obituary.

The physician was well-known and loved in the community.

The years spent in Bala with the Muskoka Rest family, the Twin Lakes Hunt Camp in Noelville, or on family trips exploring Canada were the happiest for all of us, his family says.

“He had an abundance of energy whether it was trekking through the sugar bush with a butterfly net or chopping and stacking wood for hours on end,” they say, adding his patience knew no bounds whether it was spending time with his daughters and grandchildren in the boat fishing or being their chauffeur.
His joy and zest for life and his compassion for others earned him the trust and respect of everyone who knew and loved him, according to the obituary.

Online condolences can be left on the Ridley Funeral Home site. Donations in Bud’s memory can be made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
Family members say Bud loved a good party and there will be a celebration of his life at a later date.

Hollywood North hit movies filmed on the Lakeshore Grounds

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Movie blockbusters like Police Academy and it sequels, Suicide Squad, Urban Legend, Strange Brew and many others were filmed at the historic Lakeshore Grounds over the years.

There was a time when some local residents managed to get work as extras on movie shoots that occurred regularly on the 130-acre grounds of the former Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital, which is now used by Humber College.

Other movies like Equus, with the late Richard Burton, Phobia and Higher Education were also filmed at the former hospital, in addition to countless TV shows and commercials over time.

Members of the Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre (LGIC) says the grounds has served as a popular filming location for movies, television shows, and commercials since 1977.

They used to conduct free tours of the underground network of tunnel that runs under the grounds or talk to groups about the history of the place or locations of where certain movies were filmed.

“Learn about the history of the former Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital as we explore the patient-built underground tunnels and 19th-century cottages,” according to information from LGIC.

“The tour presents an overview of the Hospital’s history, acknowledges the varied experiences of patients and staff across different decades,” says the information. “The tour concludes with an optional entry into one of the un-renovated attics above the cottages.”

The LGIC is part of Humber College that is dedicated to harmony and knowledge around themes of education, mental health, Aboriginal history, environmental sustainability and civic engagement.

The former Mimico Asylum was built in 1888 and officially opened on January 1889.

The facility was closed as a hospital in 1979 with the last 280 patients being transferred to other sites. At its height in 1950, the hospital housed 1,391 patients. It was deemed a historic property in 1988.

Frontline workers at Eatonville get love in hot meals

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A belly-full of love in a hot meal.

Frontline workers at the Eatonville Care Centre, which has seen a number of COVID-19 deaths, were shown love by some community members in the form of hot meals.

Members of the Tibetan Canadian Culture Centre (TCCC), in partnership with Norling Tibetan and Hakka Cuisine, at 1512 Queen St. W., on Friday took 150 steaming meals, to feed workers on all shifts, at the 420 The East Mall Centre.

Two new COVID-19 deaths were reported at Eatonville last week. The nursing home, which is located near Burnhamthorpe Rd., and The East Mall, is one of the hardest hit by the virus, with more than 40 coronavirus-related fatalities.

“The staff at Eatonville went through some challenging times and we want to let them know that we care,” says Tsering Wangyal, president of the TCCC. “This is a small way by our community to thank our frontline Healthcare Heroes for their commitment and hardwork during these unprecedented times.”

The group thanked the frontline staff and were appreciative of the work they do to help the community.

The 247-bed home has 43 active cases among residents, while 98 residents have recovered from the virus. More than 20 staffers are still battling the virus while 77 have recovered. It is among six long-term care facilities in Toronto that have 40 or more reported COVID-19 deaths.

Members of the TCCC plan to deliver 275 meals on May 24 to residents of Kensington Gardens, a non-profit, long-term care home in the heart of Kensington Market, which offers 24-hour care, programs and services for the 350 residents and their families.

The TCCC is raising funds to make more food, dozens of masks and headgear, which are available at their 40 Titan Rd. centre. Donations can also be made online at tcccgc.org.

Dino’s Pizza location hit hard by COVID-19

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Popular pizza maker Dino Ari has been forced to shut his newest location on Kipling Ave., citing poor business due to the pandemic virus.

Dino’s Pizza has been a staple in west-end Toronto for nearly two decades with restaurants in three locations, says the colourful and hard-working founder.

He will be closing his most recently-established restaurant at 871 Kipling Ave., which has a large dining space.

“It was a nice place, a good location for dine-in and a bar,” Ari told blogTO. “But unfortunately, we can’t always win.”

He says most customers were dine-in, with many who came to drink at the bar.

He took over the location about two months before COVID-19 swept in and it has been quiet since for all restaurants, many who now offer curbside pickup and delivery.

Ari says his other locations at 4923 Dundas St. W., and 820 The Queensway continue to prosper as demand for takeout remains high. And while he’s sad to see the new location go, he says he’s grateful to still be doing business at all.

The pizza maker has a long history and loyal following in the community. He is well-known for giving his time and pizza to many local charities: including those involving first responders and other essential workers.

 

Visit Plant Exchange to cop food or flowers

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It is warmer outside, and it is time for planting crops.

The Lakeshore Environmental Gardening Society (LEGS) is holding its Plant Exchange that runs from May 15 to June 15.

Plants can be picked up or dropped off at a number of local locations.  Just look for the green Plant Library & Exchange Sign.

The aim of the group is to ‘grow food security and educate the public on permaculture, organic and urban safe food growing practices throughout the South Etobicoke region.’

“We strive to support, connect and create spaces that support vulnerable communities and anyone that wants and needs access to healthy, fresh, and affordable food,’ according to LEGS website.

They also have a food forest garden with permaculture and organic principles at the Daily Bread Food Bank, at 191 New Toronto St.

The group supports people growing plants in their own gardens and exchanging plants, seeds and conversations.

You can pick up for drop off plants at: Mimico Baptist Church, 80 Hillside Ave., on Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; The Healing Muse Apothecary, 2859 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Tuesday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Primrose Ave. and Lake Shore
Blvd. W., Monday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Also at the north-east corner of Park Blvd., and Long Branch Ave., on May 30, May 31, June 6, June 7, June 13 and 14 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Lake Promenade and 23rd Street on May 24, 31, June 4, 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

LEGS can be reached at 416-347-5449 or by email: info@legsetobicoke.ca