Homeowners Protection Act passed to stop scams

BY: Charlie Fairbank

The Ontario government’s bill banning notices of security interest (NOSI) on consumer goods was fast-tracked and received Royal Assent on June 6, 2024. This bill follows a private member’s bill to ban NOSIs and is co-sponsored by Official Opposition Critic for Consumer Protection, MPP Tom Rakocevic. The Homeowners Protection Act bans the registration of NOSIs on the Land Registry and current NOSIs registered are now expired. It also protects people buying new homes by providing a 10-day cooling-off period, allowing buyers to cancel agreements without penalty.

A notice of security interest (NOSI) is a type of lien that can be placed on a property’s title by a business that leases out heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to the homeowner. NOSIs are often exploitative and can lead to people losing ownership of their homes. Criminals and organizations often use NOSIs to target homeowners, especially seniors. They leverage the financing or leasing of home appliances against the home's title to get paid. 

Often, a lien isn’t discovered until the property is attempted to be sold or refinanced. According to the Land Registry of Ontario, there are 350,000 consumer and commercial NOSIs registered in the province.

NOSIs have been an issue the Opposition has been advocating to ban for some time. MPP Tom Rakocevic held a packed town hall on May 1, 2024, at St. Basil-the-Great College School to discuss the issue with the Toronto Police Service and the Advocacy Centre for the Elderly (ACE), and other issues of public safety affecting the community. 

Without pressure from the Opposition, the Progressive Conservatives likely wouldn't have passed their bill adopting many measures the ONDP proposed before the legislature rose for summer break. The government bill was tabled on June 2, 2024, and in a rare move, passed the committee and third reading through the collaborative effort of all MPPs. The legislature will resume on October 21, 2024.

If you or someone you know believes they have a notice of security interest on their property, please contact MPP Tom Rakocevic for Humber River-Black Creek at his office phone number: 416-743-7272 or via email at TRakocevic-co@ndp.on.ca.

Calling all youth for the Heart 2 Soul Fest!

BY: Jochebed Shining

Do you have what it takes to showcase your talent at Heart 2 Soul Fest this year? Well, if so, we want to hear from you; especially if you are a youth. We are calling all youths to come out to the festival and have fun while showcasing your talent, especially if you live in Jane-Finch and the surrounding area. We want to shed a new light on our community. A community that is rich in talent, hope, and has an amazing future. 

If you don’t know what Heart 2 Soul Fest is, then you are in for a surprise. It is a FREE celebration that seeks to engage Jane-Finch and surrounding communities by having a one-day outdoor festival full of family-filled activities, sports, motivational speakers, local musicians/artists and great food. The goal of

this event is to help bring the community in Jane-Finch and elsewhere together to celebrate all the unique, and great things about the area and to help reduce the social isolation that is so prevalent with families in the area. 

The Faith Community is also involved in this event highlighting special messages and support that help bring peace, comfort, and unity to all who are in attendance. This year we will be doing a prayer walk in partnership with the Toronto Police Services in the community of Jane Finch that will end at the event grounds. The event will be held on Saturday, July 27th from 1:00–5:00 pm at James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School, 1440 Finch Ave W, North York. 

There will be a 3 on 3 basketball tournament with prizes for the winning team. You must register at https://www.heart2soulfest.com/basketball/#Register-Now to compete in the tournament. 

Also, there will be a climbing wall for all of you climbing enthusiasts along with age-appropriate inflatables for all ages. It's like a carnival. 

If you want to know more about how you can showcase your talent, volunteer at the event, or compete in the tournament please call 416-383-1229 x7315. 

Looking forward to seeing you there, if you got what it takes.

Walk with Excellence 2024 Celebrates Achievements of Graduating Students from Five Local High Schools

BY: York University

Walk with Excellence 2024 celebrates achievements of students from five local high schools

Now in its 11th year, the Walk with Excellence is an annual event celebrating the achievements of graduating students from C. W. Jeffreys Collegiate, Downsview Secondary School, Emery Collegiate Institute, James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School and Westview Centennial Secondary School. This year’s event took place on June 6 and saw more than 500 Grade 12 students walk up to York University’s Keele Campus – signifying the beginning of their journey to post-secondary education. 

“The Walk with Excellence signals new beginnings and a new season,” said Itah Sadu, founder of the Walk with Excellence and a York University honorary degree recipient. “Walking with the graduating students in this annual urban rite of passage is pure joy.”

Organized by a coalition of community partners – including the York University-TD Community Engagement Centre, local school principals and high-school leaders, the Blackhurst Cultural Centre and A Different Booklist – Walk with Excellence 2024 featured brief musical performances from each participating high school, remarks from community leaders and a reading from Toronto’s seventh poet laureate, Lillian Allen, who a wrote a poem specifically for the occasion. Organizers also presented several student bursaries, funded by CUPE Local 4400/Toronto Education Workers, Blackhurst Cultural Centre and York University.

“We are proud to stand alongside our students and school board partners in celebrating the hard work and dedication that define the Jane and Finch community’s collective journey toward excellence,” said Byron Gray, manager of the York University-TD Community Engagement Centre which offers teaching and research resources that nurture partnerships between the community and the university. “Together, we are fostering a brighter future for all.”

Marcia Annisette, vice-provost academic of York University, is already looking ahead to Walk with Excellence 2025 by launching a fundraising campaign for student bursaries. Bursaries will be offered to five future York students – one from each of the five participating high schools. 

“This event exemplifies the power of community, resilience and academic achievement,” said Annisette. “It is our vision that a newly initiated campaign will engage all of York University in funding an ongoing Walk with Excellence Bursary.”

Tamarri Lindo, a prospect for the Canadian Olympic track team faces deportation

BY: Priscilla Appiagyei

Tamarri Lindo, a student-athlete from York University and trainee with Canada's national track team is currently facing deportation. 

In 2019, Tamarri’s father, George Lindo and their family left Jamaica to Canada, seeking refugee status due to the threat of political assassination in Jamaica. Then in 2020, the family's refugee application was denied because the Immigration and Refugee Board defined the Lindos as unconventional refugee applicants. A member of the IRB stated, “Crime, including murder, is widespread throughout Jamaica… any risk they face is not personalized but rather one shared generally by all persons living in Jamaica.” 

This way of thinking is consistent throughout Lindo’s immigration case. In 2023 the family submitted a humanitarian and compassionate application. Which was denied 2 months later by Senior Immigration Officer, C4095. C4095 stated, “While country conditions in Jamaica may not be ideal, the country conditions are general in nature and would be applicable to most…” 

The Jamaicanization of crime in Canada  

George Lindo is a member of Jamaica’s People’s National Party, and due to this, there have been multiple attempts on his life. However, the Jamaicanization of crime in Canada (perceiving crime as a part of Jamaican culture) has prevented members of Canada’s immigration board from accepting his claims. Instead of analyzing crime systemically, in Canada crime is perceived as a part of Jamaican culture which results in the blaming and stereotyping of Jamaicans. 

For example, in 2003, the Chief of the Toronto Police Service Julian Fantino went to Jamaica, to investigate the origin of Jamaican crime. The Jamaicanization of crime is embedded in Canadian society and it is unlawful for members of Immigration, refugees, and Citizenship Canada to maintain these beliefs. 

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada claims to follow the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. However, under the Equality Rights, “Every individual is equal before and under the law and has the right to the equal protection and equal benefit of the law without … discrimination based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour ….”  Claiming violence and murder as a part of every person in Jamacia’s experience, to invalidate George Lindo’s pleas for protection in Canada denies his families Equality Rights. 

Currently, the Lindo family applied for permanent residency in Canada however, they are still set to be deported to Jamaica in a few weeks.

DAD’S THE MVP AT YORKGATE MALL!

BY: YORKGATE MALL ( CHRIS COUCH)

Father's Day is coming up this Sunday, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by spending quality time with dad. Yorkgate Mall is hosting a special event just for you! On Saturday, June 15th, the mall will feature a variety of fun-filled baseball-themed activities.

From 1 pm to 4 pm, fathers and their children are invited to participate in a daddy and me baseball themed canvas painting and games area. This workshop will allow dads and their kids to create a beautiful painting together to take home and enjoy. It’s not just a great bonding experience but also a fun and creative outlet for both.

That's not all! Get ready for summer with a Yorkgate Mall Baseball Hat! Spend $15 or more at Yorkgate Mall retailers between June 10 – 15 to receive your FREE hat.

In addition to these activities, there will be plenty of other fun things to see and do at Yorkgate Mall on Father’s Day. The mall will be decorated with beautiful décor, including Fathers’ Day balloons, banners, and a special Father’s Day backdrop to take and share pictures with you and your dad… creating a cheerful and celebratory atmosphere for all visitors.

There will also be plenty of great prizes and FREE giveaways for dads. Plus, you can enter to WIN 4 tickets to an upcoming Jays game by visiting their Instagram page @yorkgatemall to enter.

Celebrate all the hard work and dedication your dad has put in by treating him to a fun day out and some great gifts.

Chris Couch, Marketing Associate at Yorkgate Mall, says, “This event is a great opportunity for families to come out and get involved in some fun FREE Father’s Day activities. We hope to provide an exciting, entertaining, and family-friendly experience for our customers.”

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 15th, and join Yorkgate Mall for a Father's Day celebration like no other. With so many activities, prizes, and shopping options it’s an event that dads and their families won’t want to miss!

Business Highlight: St Pio’s Bakery - Where Authenticity Meets Affordability

BY: Nathasha WasdanI

Nestled within the Black Creek Community, St Pio’s bakery is an Iranian-owned yet authentically Italian baked, continued in the legacy of its predecessor St Phillips is a signature establishment located at the Jane St and Wilson intersection on 2133 Jane St, North York, ON M3M 1A2. The Bakery has been around for 20 years serving the community with its high quality freshly baked breads and paninis. 

The establishment is a small lively bakery bustling with patrons of all ages. Being a successor of the previous community bakery (St.Phillips) that had been around for over 40 years itself. The

sole purpose of founding a bakery was to get in the line of business that would help serve the community with its essential needs of good and affordable bread and pastries. 

Owner and founder, Sirous Porchio, a skilled baker who migrated from Iran to Toronto in the early 2000s setup St Pio’s bakery to provide for his family members. Since the Canadian job market alternative was a highly non-promising and saturated prospect at the time and as it continues to be. The Porchio family were not new to this business, they previously owned bakeries back in Tehran, Iran. Thus naturally providing Mr.Porchio the much needed exposure to the bakery industry allowing him to fearlessly pursue entrepreneurship and start his very own bakery in a completely different country. 

Although the transformation did not go without its set of backlashes from the members of the community, conflicting over the ownership of an authentically Italian bakery being run by an Iranian. The quality of the baked and confessionary products sold at the St.Pio’s bakery spoke louder than words. Today St Pio's bakery is popular for its product quality and cost effectiveness. Porchio's search for product authenticity was backed by the simplicity of the recipes he used. Ms. Bita Porchio, the daughter of Sirous Porchio and managing head at St Pio's remarked "The authenticity of how you do anything is how you do everything. Because as far as I know every time my dad has made something, whether it's at home or it's here, he puts the same thing. Same attention, same effort into it. It's not something that he changes. So being authentic is in him, because that's just easy for him.” 

Ms. Porchio, when asked what the best part of owning St. Pio’s bakery was?, replied “Being able to serve some stuff [items] at a lower price point, like birthday cakes. It kind of helps people save money and it makes the kids happy. So when you kind of get that together it's a happy kid with happy parents because they didn't have to spend the fortune on a cake…That's kind of nice". 

Admittedly, St Pio’s is a cost effective bakery in the Black Creek Community, easing customers amidst inflationary prices for fresh bread. Their speciality and the most sold item is the Panini bread rolls that hit the markets with its taste and pocket friendliness. In the words of Ms Porchio, “That's our staple product. It's the most popular. It's the one we make throughout the whole day. We sell most of it.” Something a potential customer should consider checking out! Certainly worth a visit

A helping of PEACH in Jane and Finch

BY: Charlie Fairbank

The nonprofit organization PEACH, Promoting Education and Community Health, recently celebrated its grand reopening on February 7th this year at 127 Eddystone Avenue. PEACH (Promoting Education and Community Health) has served the Jane and Finch community for over 35 years. Tiffany Ford, Interim Executive Director for PEACH, and other members of the organization have been hard at work creating an innovative multi-use space to serve the community.

Ford noted through market analysis that most multiuse spaces continue to be concentrated downtown. This makes them inaccessible to many residents, especially the north and west end. The closest multiuse space that was not located downtown would be in Vaughan. PEACH’s pricing is highly competitive compared to other multi-use spaces within the city. PEACH offers free membership for youth aged 15-25 and seniors. 

PEACH offers numerous services and programs. On Tuesday mornings, there is food distribution. There is also a free legal clinic from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Tuesdays. Programs to help seniors with digital literacy exist, along with many more. 

The space also has workshops from experts in various subjects that are completely free to attend. Some topics discussed included tips for developing your own business or improving your creative writing.

Office and coworking spaces are available to book. The space even has a recording studio. Another asset is that people who run virtual offices can use PEACH as their business address. Due to PEACH being a charity, those with an annual membership will receive charitable tax receipts.

With the cost-of-living crisis and people still dealing with isolation from the pandemic, having spaces where people can gather, learn, and collaborate is more important than ever. PEACH has served Jane and Finch well, and the refurbished space offers the community many exciting possibilities and opportunities.

PEACH’s hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Fridays. More details about the organization, their services, and upcoming events can be found on their website. https://peachtoronto.com/

Canine Distemper shows no signs of stopping, but we can help

BY: Siya Sharma

There is always a unique sense of unease that washes over us when we see nature face a dramatic change in its ever-unfiltered glory. One such change has been the cyclical rise and fall of Toronto’s canine distemper issue in recent years, and the potential developments to come.

Canine distemper virus (CDV) is a highly contagious and potentially fatal virus that affects a number of mammals, including dogs, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. While humans cannot contract the virus itself, the Humber River-Black Creek area supports many of the furry friends that have been gravely affected by distemper. Canine distemper devastates an animal’s immune, respiratory and gastrointestinal systems, often leaving these animals lethargic, confused, aggressive, and especially vulnerable. In more severe cases, CDV is known to greatly impair neurological function, spiraling these animals into seizures and paralysis. When infection has reached this point, euthanization is usually the only humane solution. 

CDV is certainly not a new issue. Reports about distemper have been around for at least 60 years in Ontario, often spiking during the spring-fall season as one of the most common causes of death for raccoons and skunks. Toronto Animal Services reports that these outbreaks occur cyclically, typically recurring every two or three years, with the most recent outbreak beginning in fall of 2022 and persisting until last year's fall season.

But why should we worry about these cases if they’re so common? 

To begin with, this means that our dogs, and many other neighbourhood mammals, are at frequent risk of contracting CDV. CDV vaccination is highly effective in dogs and recommended as a core vaccine for puppies. However, dogs that are unvaccinated, younger, or have a weaker immune system are at a greater risk of being affected and possibly suffering permanent damage. Moreover, infected animals will often move further into human-occupied spaces as they lose their abilities to climb and scavenge, increasing the risk of direct contact with pets and people.

Vaccination as a method of CDV prevention in non-dog species has been tested, and is even a standard practice of the Toronto Wildlife Centre before the release of raccoons and skunks from rehabilitation. Similar vaccination campaigns have also been launched to administer rabies vaccines to skunks and raccoons. So, why not do the same with distemper? Dr. Mark Vicari, an assistant professor in York University’s department of biology and an experienced ecological researcher, brings his insight to this question. He highlights some potential concerns that experts would need to consider with a wider vaccination plan, including that “we might see a big increase in raccoon numbers if the virus is something that is regulating the population.” A disruption to an important regulating factor could have radiating effects on the ecosystem. Dr. 

Climate change is another factor which may be affecting the rise of distemper as Dr. Vicari points out that, independent of CDV, the warmer climate may be drawing more animals out. He elaborates to say that “[if it’s] a population that has grown during the warmer season [then] that might be causing [the animals] to compete and look for food in areas where they wouldn't otherwise be doing that,” noting that it would require more statistical analysis from animal services and environmental groups to establish that correlation.

The uptick in distemper cases also puts a strain on city resources, especially those relating to animal services and rehabilitation. With priority being given to the sick and injured animals that are still alive, we’ve historically seen a buildup of animal cadavers on city streets and sidewalks during outbreaks. This is not only an unsettling sight but also a public health danger.

As we head into the active season for many of these animals, with March 19th marking the start of the spring season, we need to stay diligent to help address these issues early. The Downsview community is home to a variety of wildlife, from an expansive park to the many individual woodlots scattered throughout the Humber River-Black Creek area. By reporting any sick, dead, or injured animals, as well as any other environmental issues as they arise, we can do our part to protect ourselves, our community, and our beloved wildlife.

For more information on canine distemper in Toronto and how to report sick or injured wildlife, please visit Toronto.ca or call 311.

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Jane and Finch Secondary Plan and Community Development Plan set for completion at Community & City Council

BY: David Mejia Monico, Urban Planner and Freelance Planning Consultant

The Jane and Finch Secondary Plan is nearing completion and is slated for final consideration at the Etobicoke-York Community Council. The Secondary Plan includes a set of goals, creates smaller districts of developments, policies and land use maps that break down how development should evolve in the area; this plan will be added to the City of Toronto’s Official Plan, which is the main planning document utilized by Municipalities when developing and growing.  The Secondary Plan forms a key part of the Planning Framework that is the ‘Jane and Finch Initiative’ (“JFI”), along with the companion document, the Community Development Plan 2024-2034 (the “CDP”), adopted by the Economic and Community Development Committee on February 20, 2024, and will be considered for adoption by City Council on March 20-22, 2024.

Secondary plans serve as essential tools for City Planning Staff to comprehensively evaluate and direct development in strategically important and rapidly growing areas of the City. The Jane and Finch neighbourhood has seen increasing development interest, exemplified by projects such as the new Yorkwoods Condos at 2839 Jane St (Under Construction) and the planned redevelopment of Jane and Finch Mall by Bray-Jay Investments Ltd., the current Mall Owners.

The Secondary Plan was considered at the Community Council meeting on February 26, 2024, and was deferred through a motion moved by the local Councillor, Anthony Perruzza. City Staff were directed to do further public consultation and review the maximizing of economic opportunities within the entire Secondary Plan area (and the potential business/institution cluster near Finch Avenue West and Norfinch/Oakdale Road), and review building heights, existing and employment projections relative to residential growth, and the policy recommendations.

The Jane and Finch Initiative began when Toronto City Council directed City Staff to undertake the planning exercise on June 29, 2020, in response to anticipated growth and transit investment brought about by the development of the Finch West LRT project. 

Throughout the Jane and Finch Initiative planning process, City Staff have assessed community dynamics and various area-specific requirements through public consultations, engagement exercises, and by utilizing planning documents. The Secondary Plan document and the Community Development Plan provide policy recommendations to guide development in response to growth-related challenges and opportunities by engaging with the Jane and Finch Community, understanding the environmental context and analyzing background information. 

One of the main outcomes of the Community Engagement process by JFI showed that residents were concerned with the supply of affordable housing and made it a point that displacement needed to be mitigated. Many long-time residents were concerned that the new improvements would be there to improve the lives of new residents while leaving them behind or pushing them out. The theme of continued deep engagement became apparent in the process, and that there was a need to establish governance structures that engaged with the community in a meaningful way when making decisions.

The first goal stated within the Secondary Plan highlights the need to ‘minimize displacement through supporting existing residents and businesses. Other goals noted in the Plan also include the need to prioritize affordable housing, improve community facilities, expand the public realm through new parks and spaces, build functional ‘complete streets,’ protect the natural heritage that is Black Creek,  design new buildings in a way that supports livability, support non-residential economic development, develop the Jane and Finch Community Hub and Centre for the Arts, honour the community’s indigenous and multicultural history, encourage sustainable development, and more. 

The plan outlines the main goals of the policies which include a wide variety of interests and aspects of development. Many of the goals are meant to protect, conserve, develop and prioritize long-time residents, affordable housing, public space, the new Community Hub, the environment and sustainable building practices.

Many of the references to Anti-displacement measures within the Secondary Plan fall under Policy Section 9 Community Development and Section 9.1 General Policies, where it passes much of the policy efforts regarding displacement to the Community Development Plan. The Secondary Plan has nine (9) references to the term “displacement” despite being its first listed goal. Although the Secondary Plan does emphasize the importance of the CDP, as Policy Section 9.1.1 states, the CDP will “inform development review and the allocation of funding to support implementation of the vision, goals and policies of this Secondary Plan”. 

The concrete policies included in the plan to minimize displacement are somewhat limited and instead focus on empowering the authority of the Community Development Plan. One of the solid policies of the Secondary Plan aimed at improving the significance of the CDP is Policy 9.1.1, which requires City Staff to utilize the CDP when evaluating new development applications and funding opportunities for the area.

The Secondary plan does have some notable policies related to displacement, for example, Policy Section 9.2.2., which requires applicants through the Site Plan Control process or a Planning Rationale, to demonstrate how their proposed development addresses the Jane-Finch Community Development Plan (once adopted by City Council) and its anti-displacement strategy, and Policy Section 9.2 Growing in Place, which encourages engagement with communities early on to expand affordable housing stock using policy and program tools, and maintaining a diverse community of “income levels, ethno-racial and cultural backgrounds, and family types”. 

Some of the most significant sections in the Secondary Plan related to displacement and community engagement are 9.2.2, which requires significant Development Projects to address where the project falls within the goals and policies of the CDP. 

The next Community Council meeting will be held on April 8, 2024, and it is the expected date for the Secondary Plan to be considered before going to City Council for final approval. The Jane Finch Community Development Plan will be considered for final approval at the City of Toronto Council meeting scheduled for March 20-22, 2024. 

For further information regarding the Jane and Finch Initiative, Secondary Plan and Community Development Plan 2024-2034, you can visit: 

https://www.toronto.ca/city-government/planning-development/planning-studies-initiatives/jane-finch-initiative/

ACORN protests to impose caps on inflated grocery prices

BY: Nathasha Wasdani

On Saturday, Feb 11, 2024, The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) held a nationwide protest on the 20th anniversary of its foundation: National Action Day. Among other parts of Canada, the large influence of these protests could be felt at the Jane and Finch mall, where members of the ACORN group led their procession to different local supermarket chains, hand delivering a letter of action addressed to the CEOs of the grocery chain. Similar protests took place across 9 cities in Canada where the ACORN group protesters, along with the local shoppers and media, could be seen displaying banners and chanting.

The Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) Canada is a membership-only community union established in 2004. It comprises over 140,000 low—to moderate-income individual members across Canada. ACORN members actively unite to voice concerns against large corporations and landlords and advocate for government reforms that safeguard their rights. 

Before this protest, the ACORN group urged its online readership to send letters to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland. They sought to have them impose caps on food prices and tax the big companies that have been using tax-evasive methods to inflate profits, as claimed by ACORN. 

According to Statistics Canada, the cost of food in Canada increased by 3.90% in January 2024 compared to the prior year. 

In October 2023, in response to previous protests on food inflation, the Trudeau government devised an action plan that outlined the first steps to stabilize the costs as voters continued to threaten the polls over the high costs of living.

The ongoing efforts of ACORN outline the importance of collective action in bringing about positive change in the face of economic challenges.