December 9, 2016Editor:Regarding your article of November 23, 2016 entitled ‘Humber River Regional (sic) Hospital: new site, same problems’… I thought I would share a few facts about the hospital with you.First, like all hospitals, not every single one of the more than 2,800 patients we treat on an average day leaves feeling completely satisfied with their experience. And while we work very hard to prevent that, no hospital has a 100% patient satisfaction score – no hospital.That’s why, among other available resources, we have a Patient Representative – someone dedicated to helping patients and family members voice their concerns to hospital leaders when they have them, ensuring they get information in a timely manner, and a forthright, timely response. Her work is reported through a Board Committee directly to the Board of Directors of the hospital – in effect, the community’s representatives. We take complaints about care and service very seriously.But there’s a reason why Humber received Accreditation Canada’s highest quality award, Accreditation with Exemplary Standing, in its last survey. In fact the hospital scored a 98.1% compliance rate with more than 2,000 Accreditation Standards; and a 100% compliance rating with all Accreditation Canada Required Organizational Practices.There’s a reason why visitors are coming to Humber from countries around the world – Brazil, China, the U.K; Australia; the U.S.A. and others. They are coming to learn, going home to emulate some of the amazing work going on at Humber.There’s a reason why in our October 2016 staff and physician survey, over 86% of the Humber team strongly agreed with this statement: “I would recommend this organization to friends and family who require care.” This was a completely confidential survey, by the way.There’s a reason why the independent National Research Corporation’s latest survey of Humber’s inpatients shows Humber scoring over 10% better than the average for GTA hospitals (81% vs. 73%). Again, this was a completely confidential survey.There’s a reason why our Emergency Department wait times until the first assessment by an ED physician is among the best in the province.There’s a reason why no Humber clinical area has had an infectious disease outbreak for over two years (and counting).There’s a reason why, on November 12th, a Humber physician was honoured at the Ontario Association of Gastroenterology (OAG) Gala Dinner with the OAG’s Distinguished Service Award.There’s a reason why, on November 18th, a Humber ICU nurse received the CARE Centre for Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) Joan Lesmond IEN of the Year Award. The award is named to honour the late Dr. Joan Lesmond, a champion of diverse and inclusive nursing.There’s a reason why Humber River is the GTA hospital of choice for Queens University Medical School.There’s a reason why Humber is home to the first bariatric surgery program outside the USA to be certified by the American College of Surgeons.There’s a reason why Humber is home to the first robotic surgery program in any Canadian community hospital.And, yes, there’s a reason why Humber is home to North America’s first fully digital hospital.That reason is a simple one: the great men and women who work at our hospital are dedicated to the patients and families they care for, and are committed to the highest standards of care delivery. Every day.And every day we hear from patients and families grateful for the compassionate, professional, respectful care they receive at Humber River Hospital.Sincerely,(via email)Barbara CollinsPresident & CEOHumber River Hospital
Digital Photo Lab: Offering Honest Service in Downsview
By: Giovanna Loureiro and Rhiannon Moller-TrotterShopping local is important for business owners and residents in the community. It grows our local economy and provides good, honest stores that are close to home and convenient to shop at.In 1993, a few blocks away from Jane and Finch, Arunan Vijay opened Mr. Digital Photo Lab. The business is located at 1997 Finch Avenue West and is expanding its physical structure. Vijay mentioned that at the beginning of December he “will offer even better service to customers.”Devotedly passionate about photography, Vijay understands that times have changed. People take pictures but they don’t print them as much. We forget how valuable printed photography is.With a smile and pride in what he has accomplished, Vijay shares a few stories which he will never forget. He remembers a high school teacher that first came in just to take a passport photo. The teacher came back, but this time he brought his family along so that they could take a family portrait. They were so satisfied with the wonderful service, that Mr. Digital Photo Lab was hired to take pictures at the first birthday party of their newborn child. This same family comes all the way from Brandford, Ontario every time they need any photo service.Observing Vijay’s incomparable customer service for even a few minutes assures you how he’s established such strong relationships between him and the loyal customers that come in. Vijay is so confident in his work that he says kids “never cry when they are at Digital Photo Lab.” He calls his customers by name and even prints 35 mm film stock –which is a hard service to find!He remembers every photo vividly. He presented a picture of a young girl and reveals that she is now all grown up. Since taking that photo, Vijay has photographed her wedding and did a photoshoot of her first child. He is so proud to capture important moments and memories for people of all generations.“You can’t find photo studio stores that easily anymore”, says Vijay. Due to this difficulty, he believes that this would explain why people want to get all of their photo services done at the same place. After 23 years of service, Vijay still aims to offer an even better service to his customers on a daily basis.With promotions coming after November, Vijay always gives his customers a gift: if you take four passport pictures at Digital Photo Lab don’t hesitate to ask for a 5x7 portrait, FREE!From printing on glass and metal, to portraits and one-hour passport photos, Vijay is always willing to put a smile on his customers’ faces.Say cheeee-ese!For more information contact Mr. Digital Photo Lab today!Website: http://digitalphotolab.ca/Facebook: Digital Photo LabAddress: 1997 Finch A W, North York, M3N2V3Phone: 416 746 0006
Restaurant Review: Mr Greek in Downsview
Mr. Greek at 1000 Finch Ave. West, Phone: 416-661-2300Opa! That seemed like the only fitting way to commence this review of a genuinely fine restaurant. I’ve dined there on several occasions such as birthdays and also for lunch. It has never disappointed.The wait staff are mature and respectful. There is parking out front (after paying you can ask for it to be validated by the concierge). The washroom facilities are always kept very neat, tidy, and clean. The décor is typical of Greece which gives the restaurant some excellent ambience.Most of the staff are up on current events so it’s wonderful to exchange a few convivial words before your meal and beverage orders are taken. The restaurant is very spacious and has an event space which can be used for wedding receptions or baby showers (for those with deep pockets), of other private affairs.Since I usually attend with a large contingent, we like to do some food exploration. For appetizers we order long platters of hummus, spanakopita, and Greek Kalamari. All the upturned corners of mouths and the licking of lips are positive proof that the appetizers all have a great desired effect.If you are counting your calories you can opt for authentic Greek salads, with feta cheese, black or green olives, all dressed down with Greek or Italian dressing. Um, um, good.When it comes to visiting an authentic Greek resto, souvlaki is a go to option. Take your pick: you have succulent chicken, delicious pork, or tasty lamb. To augment your protein, you have the choice of one: their famous salads, rice, or vegetables. I would suggest go the salad and rice! But, that’s just me.A dinner date at Mr. Greek typically won’t break the bank. It’s great for business lunches, to catch up with an old friend, meet up with a sibling, to while away the hours with your lover or spouse, or to capture the great nightlife Toronto is already famous for with great food and libations.Major credit cards are accepted and if you need to split the bill using debit or credit, no problem! For the sports enthusiast there are a few flat screen monitors located near the bar so you don’t miss the latest replay.It’s not exactly like being in Greece but it’s the closest you will get without having to pay the expensive airfare and enduring the long flight!
Holiday Eating the Healthy Way
There’s no avoiding it. There’s food everywhere you go this time of year. From holiday parties, treats at work, eating on-the-go, and not to mention all the high-calorie drinks.We tend to get so wrapped up in the festivities that we forget all about our healthy living goals. But don’t worry; there are many ways to enjoy this season without being terrified of going near a scale once it’s all over.Try these 10 tips to minimize your calories while still enjoying the festivities:1. Start with a high protein breakfast - Include peanut butter, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, which will curb your hunger and make it easier to pass on those high-calorie snacks. Skipping any meal is never a good idea, especially breakfast!2. Eat a snack before your function- If you arrive hungry, you’re more likely to overindulge.3. Fill up on lower calorie appetizers first- Choose fruits, vegetables and shrimp cocktail instead of nuts, olives and full-fat cheeses.4. Eat your calories instead of drinking them- choose no-calorie or low-calorie beverages (water, diet sodas, lite beer, or wine spritzer) and limit quantities of alcoholic beer, wine and mixed drinks; which can range between 150-300 calories per drink.5. Talk more, eat less- Don’t stand beside the buffet table with the urge to nibble constantly; focus on socializing with people instead.6. Survey the table first- Choose vegetables & salads, lean meats, and small portions of those side dishes you really love. Fill your plate with a rainbow of colors and watch out for those dense hidden calories (ie. cranberry sauce, gravy, butter, whipped cream, etc.). Eat until you are satisfied, not stuffed.7. Slow it down- Give yourself 15-20 minutes to finish a plate by eating slowly and savouring the tastes and table conversations.8. Choose dessert wisely -considering that they can range from 100-1000 calories, decide which one will satisfy your sweet tooth and limit portion size.9. Get active -a brisk walk after the event will not only help burn off those calories and keep you focused on your health goals during the season, it will relieve stress too!10. Practice saying “No thank you, but everything was delicious.”Sneak in exercise whenever you can by looking for the furthest parking spot while holiday shopping and always choosing the stairs over the escalator. Family gatherings are a great time to get to know the kids better by getting on the floor and playing with them or running after them. Energy is contagious!Fine foods are one of the many pleasures of the holiday season, so allow yourself to splurge on the foods that make it meaningful in small amounts.Always remember: even if you’re not always successful at eating right, compliment yourself for trying and then get right back on track.For more information, visit www.registereddietitian.ca
York University Farmers’ Market Offers Student’s a Yummy Alternative
Every Thursday from September - April, York University Food Services and Regenesis York holds a weekly farmers' market called the York University Market (YUM!). The goal of YUM! is not only to provide a healthy food option on campus, but also to reflect the cultural diversity of the students who attend York University.In the midst of fast food and cafeteria food options, the market provides a change of scenery and an alternative option. It is a space that expresses community, passion and dedication to sustainability, and place for great conversation on food matters.The vendors offer fresh produce, baked goods, and hot foods that come from local and sustainable sources. There are also vendors selling arts & crafts, some of them being York students from the Arts, Media, Performance and Design program.A farmers’ market at York University works with the university’s ongoing mission to becoming a more sustainable campus. It provides students the opportunity to engage and participate in local food matters, and understand their options when it comes to ethical purchases.This market was created by Regenesis York in 2013. Regenesis York is a grassroots environmental and social justice organization. Its mission is to empower students as initiators of change in addressing today’s social and environmental concerns. Regencies York creates and manages initiatives such as YUM! to provide services to the university community as well as providing quality leadership experience for students.YUM! is held every Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. excluding holidays and reading week/co-curricular days. It is located in the Victor Phillip Dahdaleh Building on the south side of campus.For more information, or to be a potential vendor at the market, contact them at yumarket@regenes.isYork Food Services: http://foodservices.info.yorku.ca/Twitter and Instagram: @yorkufoodRegenesis York: www.regenes.isTwitter: @RegenesisYorkFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/yorkumarket/?fref=ts
No Plans for Parking Lot at New Downsview Park GO Station
This new station is an important development for our neighbourhood. It will improve access to jobs located downtown, improve quality of life for commuters, and enhance the value of our neighbourhood.The ride on the GO train from the new Downsview Park station to Union station will only take 15 minutes, significantly less than the time it currently takes to commute the same distance on the subway (40-50 minutes, based on my daily experience over the past three years).This (Barrie) train line has been identified for track upgrades (in progress) and electrification (over 10 years) that will eventually provide 15-minute all-day service.Unfortunately, the station has no plans for a parking lot. I sent several emails to Metrolinx to request a parking lot, and the responses were:1. The land adjacent to the station is not available.2. The land around the station is owned by Downsview Park, which is managed by the Federal Government.3. "We are not considering the addition of parking spaces at this station, as Downsview GO will be an urban station with excellent connections to the subway," and4. "We will not be considering adding parking to this station once construction is complete as there will be a number of bus routes available to connect commuters to the TTC’s subway system."While these are valid points, why not include a small parking lot to give people in the neighbourhood another way to get to the train?Our community needs to convince Downsview Park to allow a small portion of the land around the station to be used for GO Train parking. Today, there are unpaved parking lots beside the new station used by contractors working on the station. These existing lots could simply be paved over to be used by commuters once the station opens. GO and the TTC could charge parking fees to recover the cost of the parking lot over time.Further, I spoke with the TTC, who told me the only bus routes to the new station will be the 101 Downsview Park, the 107 Keele, and the 84 Sheppard. Those routes do not cover all of the areas in the surrounding community.Adding a parking lot to Downsview Park Station is a simple proposal that will maximize the impact of the Province's investments on the Barrie GO line and in Downsview Park. It will get people where they need to go sooner, and will allow commuters to spend less time on transit and more time with their families. If you agree that you would like at least a small parking lot at the new Downsview Station, contact the following people:Bruce McCuaig, President & CEO, MetrolinxCEO@metrolinx.com416-202-5908Toronto-York Spadina Subway ExtensionTYSSE@ttc.caMonte Kwinter, MPPmkwinter.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org416-630-0080Maria Augimeri, City Councillorcouncillor_augimeri@toronto.ca(416) 392-4021
Cutting grass or shoveling snow: What would you prefer?
One of the most frequent comments I received as a councillor was: “I cut my lawn and maintain my property…why should I have to cut the grass on the boulevard in front of my house? It belongs to the city.”That boulevard is there to make life easier for you. In the early years on North York Council, whenever it snowed heavily I had a strong urge to hide under the bed and not go to work. That’s because I knew I would get at least 30 telephone calls that went something like this:“I spent two hours shovelling my *@#% driveway yesterday and last night your &%#@+ snow plough came along and filled it up again. It froze and I can’t get to work this morning.”The pile of snow that obstructs your driveway is known as a “windrow.” Until I was elected to office I didn’t know the meaning of the word “windrow” let alone that I had to find a way to deal with them.In the 1980s North York invented the “snow rid.” It was a gate at the end of the plough, a sort of a short blade or scoop that the operator lowered when he came to one side of a driveway and raised it after he had pushed the windrow to the other side.Streets downtown don’t have a grassy boulevard -the sidewalks are built to the curb. The city doesn’t even plough the streets downtown. Suburban areas, on the other hand, have boulevards as a place to store ploughed snow. In North York, not only are the streets ploughed but so are the sidewalks.For downtown residents, there is a bylaw that requires every homeowner to shovel their sidewalk clear within 12 hours after a snowfall or face a fine of $125. There is no bylaw that requires North York residents to cut the grass on the boulevard. Most people, because they care about the appearance of their neighbourhoods, do it by unwritten convention. More importantly, if we didn’t have the boulevards the City couldn’t provide the great snow clearing services that they do.When amalgamation arrived in 1998, those of us from North York knew that we would have the fight of our lives to keep both sidewalk ploughing and driveway opening. Downtown councillors were chomping at the bit to save money by cutting these services. Why not? Their residents didn’t get them. Same went for Scarborough and Etobicoke councillors who were only too happy to make the budget cuts. Neither of these municipalities had them. We knew that the only way to keep them was to spread these, what some called “cadillac” services, to Scarborough and Etobicoke. Once established, we knew that their councillors would never vote to take them away.When my neighbour moved to Downsview from downtown he spent his first winter shovelling the sidewalk in front of his house until he learned that he didn’t have to. So next time, when you are out there cutting the grass on the city boulevard, think about how lucky you are. You could be shovelling snow instead.
Provincial Liberals Selling Off Hydro One Despite Public Opposition
Despite 80% of Ontarians being against the sale of Hydro One, the provincial Liberal government is moving ahead with its selloff to private investors.The independent Provincial Financial Accountability Office has even warned about the loss of provincial revenue that would result from the sale. The provincial ombudsman and other watchdogs have also warned against the secretive manner of the sale.Shortly after the provincial election, the Liberal government surprised the public by selling off 60% of Hydro One. To date, 30% has been sold meaning the public still currently owns the majority of shares.The sale has been a hotly debated topic at Queen's Park. This October, Ontario NDP leader Andrea Horwath moved a motion to end any further sale of this important public asset. “We need to make crucial changes to stop the rising cost of hydro and stop the privatization that’s driving those cost increases,” said Horwath.“The priority of our hydro system shouldn’t be generating big profits for investors. It should be to provide affordable electricity that keeps people’s bills as low as possible.”The motion did not pass due to the opposition of Liberal and Conservative MPPs.Downsview residents continue to see rising hydro bills, a cost many simply cannot afford. The rising costs particularly affect properties with electrical heating for the colder months.Bibi Ali, a local Condominium Board President, represents one such property where some residents face $1000 bills during the winters. She was surprised to hear about the hydro sell-off when it started and fears that privatization will only make the situation worse."It's not fair that our hydro bills are so high," said Bibi. "The government should have asked people instead of just going ahead and selling things off."A number of organizations opposed to the selloff of Hydro One, have put together a website (www.keephydropublic.ca) with a lot of great information and opportunities to take a stand against the sale.If the government continues in its sell-off plan, the public will lose the majority say on the future of hydro. The provincial Liberal government should listen to the will of the public and stop any further sale before they make a bad situation only worse.
Families were Falling for the Festivities at Pumpkin Fest
The leaves are changing colours, the air is getting colder, and people are beginning to bundle up, but that didn’t stop them from heading down to the annual Pumpkin Fest at Downsview Park on thanksgiving weekend.The atmosphere was lively, with a large pumpkin patch, fun rides, an exotic animal petting zoo, and more bouncy castles and food trucks than you could dream of. There were families visiting for the first time as well as some who could not resist coming back for another round.Rajeev Nigom’s family was having an excellent time, especially during pumpkin bowling. Nigom believes that events such as Pumpkin Fest are great for family moments and a healthy way to get kids outside and having fun.The Fawad family was also having a wonderful time at the festival, with son Hammad claiming that it was “awesome, there were so many activities to do!” Daughter Linta said “going climbing and boxing” was so much fun.Guests were also able to meet and pet an exotic kangaroo named Jasmine. Natalie Cheng from Hands On Exotics spoke about Jasmine and the other pets that they carry, such as lemurs and snakes. The organization hopes to teach children about conservation, so festivals like Pumpkin Fest are a great way for children and families to overcome their fears of certain species, or to just have fun meeting new ones.Combined with all of the exciting things to do, Pumpkin Fest’s success can be measured by the many smiling faces around every corner.By: Rhiannon Moller-Trotter and Giovanna Loureiro
Local Trustee in “Hot Water” over Alleged Breach in Code of Conduct
Toronto District School Board Trustee, Tiffany Ford, is in “hot water” according to a Toronto Star article.The article published on October 1st disclosed two separate incidents: one, where she allegedly used her title as a school board trustee to sell water from a company she owned called “Smarty Pants Water” and a second one related to a local student award she organized in her role as Trustee.The Star published a copy of the press release in question where the following title is read as a headline “Toronto School Board Trustee Launches Innovative Product to Increase Children’s Water Consumption: Smarty Pants Water.” The article goes on to describe that the use of her title to promote her personal business was allegedly in violation of the code of conduct that guides Trustees on the Board. They also quote a TDSB spokesperson stating that Ford had breached the code of conduct.Tiffany Ford denies that a breach in the code of conduct has occurred and has since demanded and received an apology from TDSB staff. In a statement published on social media on October 3rd, she says that according to the code of conduct “the board of trustees are required to conduct an inquiry and with that make a determination. This process has not occurred and has not been initiated by any Trustee of the board”. She also states that “I hold myself to high ethical standards and principles. With that, I have never used my Trustee office, resources, or taxpayers dollars to promote my personal business ventures.” She goes on further to demand a retraction from The Star and an apology from the TDSB spokesperson.The Advocate reached out to Ford to get a statement for the local community. She referred our inquiries to the same published statement, for which we have included links at the bottom of the article.The Toronto Star published a follow up article titled: “TDSB apologizes to trustee Tiffany Ford after saying she violated the code of conduct.” The article published in late October details that the TDSB spokesperson now states that only its integrity commissioner, not board staff, can determine when its code of conduct has been violated. John Malloy, TDSB director of education, wrote, in a letter to Ford, dated Friday, October 21st “I incorrectly instructed staff to confirm that your actions were in violation of the TDSB Member Code of Conduct.”Trustee Tiffany Ford has accepted John Malloy’s apology and has asked the integrity commissioner to confirm what “she can, and cannot, put her title on.”In their own voices:The Toronto Star article:https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/10/01/toronto-school-trustee-used-her-title-to-promote-her-own-business.htmlTiffany Ford statement: https://www.scribd.com/document/326235763/Statement-by-TDSB-Trustee-Tiffany-FordThe Toronto Star follow up article: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2016/10/24/tdsb-apologizes-to-trustee-tiffany-ford-after-saying-she-violated-code-of-conduct.html