The price for a home around Bathurst Manor has risen drastically. The average price for a detached home, in the last 12 months, is over one million dollars and a condo is over $357 000. The difference is pretty big if we compare to the previous year where the average price for a detached home was about $855 000 and $341 000 for a condo.This is an increase of 18% for detached homes and 5% for condos making Bathurst Manor one of the highest growing real estate markets in Toronto. Property values are growing at the fastest rate in the city, which means if you purchase in this community you will have a fantastic return on your investment.Part of buying or selling means hiring a real estate agent and one that is trustworthy is often hard to find. It is important to keep in mind that the money you saved, in your largest asset (your home), needs to be put in the right hands. Whether you are looking to buy or sell in Bathurst Manor, Anat Papp can help you sell your home at top dollar or help you find your dream home!Papp has over 10 years of experience in real estate and in addition is part of the outstanding Greenfield Real Estate Toronto team.She began her career in the corporate world soon after she graduated from Wilfred Laurier University with a degree in Honours Bachelor of Business Administration. Her career focus was in Marketing and Sales while she worked at Dupont Canada and Kraft Canada. During this time she also acquired an MBA at York University, Schulich School of Business.Papp’s extensive customer service skills ensure that the client always comes first. After acquiring her Real-Estate License she began to work closely with her husband who owns Greenfield Quality Builders. She quickly recognized the need for a realtor that not only understood and respected their clients’ needs but one that has knowledge in home finishing to a higher level of detail.“What I love most about real-estate is the ability to help a family or an individual find a perfect home. It’s about helping the client -without the pressure” said Papp.Papp’s approach is to work in collaboration with the buyer and sellers to meet their real estate objectives. “We will work together to make sure once you are ready to purchase, you are doing it with knowledge of the market, and you will feel 100% comfortable with the investment you are choosing to make. If selling, you will know you are getting the best value for your asset." she said.Her style is simple. “It’s all about you, the client,” she said. The client’s goals are met based on building a solid relationship. Her unique experience with custom home building gives her a different perspective on knowledge of the property, safety, quality of finish and repairs (if any are needed).Why choose Anat Papp? Her honest and straight forward approach makes it easy for buyers and sellers to trust her. “People like to work with me because I treat their money as if it were my own. I treat each client based on their needs and objectives, and will never close a sale to make a quick buck. What’s important is for the family to be happy.”Are you looking to sell your home or purchase a home? Do you have real estate questions specific to the Bathurst Manor community? Contact Anat Papp with your questions today and get a quick reply!For more information or to see some listings visit: http://www.anatpapp.com Email: anat.papp@gmail.comOffice: 416-226-1020.
Introducing the Toronto Tool Library to Downsview
Have you ever wanted to build a cabinet from scratch? How about doing some minor repairs around the house? Some of us have had thoughts like this but quickly dismissed them as idle fantasy when we realized how much the tools would cost. Or worse, we actually bought the tools, used them once, and then put them in the garage with all the other things we’ve only ever used once or twice.Perhaps if we’re lucky a neighbour will ask to borrow our tools when they have a project themselves. However, the tool is still sitting unused in our garage for the majority of its existence. This is an extremely wasteful way to live but the Toronto Tool Library (TTL) can change all that.A tool library is a library that lends out tools instead of books. Since opening in Parkdale in 2013, the Toronto Tool Library has lent out over 25 000 tools to it’s over 2 300 members. It soon opened a second location in the Danforth, which includes a wood shop, 3D printer, laser cutter, and a weekly community night, where non-members can use any of the on-site tools for free (including the 3D printer and laser cutter). Last April, the Tool Library opened its first location in a branch of the Toronto Public Library, at the Downsview Library (2793 Keele St). For the first time ever, a Torontonian could now borrow books and tools under the same roof (and also pick up some free seeds courtesy of the Toronto Seed Library).“Tool Libraries not only save money from the high cost of buying or renting tools, they also reduce clutter in the home and reduce environmental impact by using fewer resources” said Ryan Dyment, Executive Director of the TTLFor $50 a year, one can purchase a basic membership and borrow any of the over 1200 tools, in the Downsview Library branch, for one week. These include hand tools like screwdrivers and hammers, power tools such as band saws and angle grinders, and gardening tools like branch cutters and lawn mowers, with additional borrowing fees for some power tools (the $100/year membership removes these fees and also allows access to the other locations).There are no limits on the number of tools a member is allowed to borrow at any given time but members are asked to take no more tools than they actually need, with reasonable late fees of $1/day for hand tools and $2/day for power tools. The Tool Library is open three days a week: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3 to 8 pm, and on Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm. However, as membership numbers increase they hope to be open for an additional day, ensuring that the local community has access to the library for the majority of the week.Perhaps now you can get started on that home project you’ve always had an interest in, and now you don’t have to worry about exorbitant purchasing fees or being stuck with a tool you’ll never need again. As the Toronto Tool Library says, “Nobody actually needs a power drill – what they need is a hole in the wall”.
Construction Progress at York University Station
Since the conception of the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension, I have worked together with the community, the city, and the TTC on fulfilling the objectives of the project to ensure transit in our community is improved. To date, the tunnelling for the six new subway stations is complete and the remaining construction involves the station infrastructure and subway tracks which are well underway.Today, the York University Station is a visible part of the campus and the construction of the station's interior is moving along steadily. The station's six escalators have been installed, and the electrical and mechanical infrastructure work have started. At the centre of the station is a light well, a glass curtain wall that provides natural light and a view of the York University campus for transit users. Additionally, the glass surfaces of the station will be glazed to ensure that it is bird-friendly. The distinctive shape of the roof will be finished with solar reflective material and is intended to keep the station cooler.As construction of the station nears completion, the work to re-open the roads for transit on York Boulevard will begin later this summer. I share the community's enthusiasm to inaugurate the Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension in late 2017.
Toronto Sports Fans Rejoice –Prizes and Giveaways at Yorkgate Mall
With the 2016 basketball season well underway, the Toronto Raptors sit in second place in the Eastern Conference breaking their franchise record of .675, marking the seventh time the franchise record has been above .500 in 21 years. As the only Canadian team in the NBA the Raptors have grown as a dominant force with powerhouse players like Kyle Lawry, DeMar DeRozan and Jonas Valanciunas.Fortunately, Downsview residents can celebrate their Raptors pride close to home at the official mall of the Toronto Raptors: Yorkgate Mall.The mall is located at the northwest corner of Jane and Finch (1 Yorkgate Blvd.) and has been a popular centre for over 25 years featuring a unique blend of services including retail stores, medical offices, a grocery store and even a Seneca College campus.“The mall encourages community spirit and fun while fostering opportunities and partnerships within Downsview,” says Kimberley Loftus, Marketing Manager for Yorkgate Mall.The mall works in partnership with Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), who has been a partner for three years. With this partnership, the mall hosts “Raptors Days” which features guest appearances and giveaways from the Toronto Raptors Dance Pak, players, coaches and the Raptors’ mascot.During March break, Jonas Valanciunas, centre for the Raptors, paid a visit to the mall to sign autographs and take photos with fans. In the past, Yorkgate Mall has also hosted Jamaal Magloire, the Raptors’ assistant coach, team consultant, team ambassador and former professional basketball player.During Raptors Days, Yorkgate Mall gives away Raptors jerseys, hats and water bottles and holds raffles where fans can win tickets to see a game.On April 18, Yorkgate Mall launched their SHOP MORE WIN BIG contest. Visitors to the mall could enter to win a weekend getaway to Orlando, Florida to watch a TFC soccer match. The prize includes the flight, hotel, transportation and tickets to the Major League Soccer match. To enter the contest, visitors must shop at their favourite stores in the mall and get a weekly password that they can enter online on the SHOP MORE WIN BIG website. “The more you shop the more chances you have to win!” said Loftus.Other upcoming SHOP MORE WIN BIG promotions include a getaway to San Jose for Father’s Day, a getaway to Toronto for Canada Day and a getaway to Montreal for back to school.Yorkgate Mall is also looking forward to launching their Mall Walker program in May, which helps promote an active and healthy lifestyle. This program features one stretch class a week and a group walk around on the second floor of the mall. It is a great way to meet members of the Downsview community and to get exclusive discounts from stores in the mall.For more information visit their website: http://www.yorkgatemall.com/Check out Yorkgate Malls social media pages to learn more about how to win tickets to see the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Marlies, the Raptors and Toronto FC.Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/YorkgateMallTwitter: https://twitter.com/yorkgate_mallInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/yorkgatemall/
After school tennis program brightens the lives of children in Downsview
In its third year of operation, the Sunshine Project offers subsidized, professional tennis lessons to children in low-income neighbourhoods who may otherwise not have access to this sport.Each year, 300 kids ages 6 -12 receive high quality tennis lessons twice a week over the course of 10 weeks and receive their own take-home tennis racquet.”By making use of public tennis sites located adjacent to our schools, this project succeeds in breaking down the biggest barriers to tennis: proximity, price, and required equipment to play”, the website explains.“The project will move to new neighbourhoods every year, giving different children a chance to play”, said Founder and Program Director Carolynna Gabriel.This year, programs will be running at Chalkfarm Park, Gracedale Park, Maple Leaf Park and St. Conrad Catholic School.“It’s been going really well! We had our first registration day in February and we now have over 200 kids with about 90 spots left” said Gabriel. She confirmed there is still availability at St. Conrad and Maple Leaf Park and a rolling registration will continue until all 300 spots have been filled with students.“Parents have a willingness to try the program as a new sport. We love to hear that because it shows there’s some openness in the community to try something different”, said Gabriel.The Sunshine Project is also hiring youth for paid positions for the 2016 program.“We hire two local youth for each park and integrate them into the staff team. They help with warm ups, taking attendance, supervising participants, and other responsibilities that are similar to an intro training to being a camp counselor. They get paid and develop leadership through sport”, said Gabriel.In addition to the application process, youth are required to submit a bi-weekly invoice stating the work they completed. It exposes them to a new form of work experience which helps to prepare them for the real world.If you’re interested in the job, don’t worry- no need to have extensive knowledge of tennis! “We just need eager athletes who wants to eventually work in sports. We want anyone to apply until spots are filled”, said Gabriel.The Sunshine Project is meant to maximize the use of existing tennis facilities in the city reaching into areas where tennis courts are commonly empty and transforming those spaces.Participants work towards preparing for a showcase event at the end of 10 weeks. Scheduled for Saturday, June 18, 2016, participants can expect to celebrate their accomplishment at a fun competitive event where students from all four locations come together to play in a tournament where an ultimate champion in each age category is crowned.Last year, the celebration included a dunk tank, a bouncy castle, face painting, musical chairs, play station areas and a big community barbeque.At the end of the program, happy and fulfilled participants will get to take home their tennis racquet, a yearbook, a t-shirt, and most importantly, a new skill that will help them enjoy the game of tennis for life.For more information on how to register visit: www.sunshinetennisproject.comFacebook: Wilmington TennisTwitter: @wilmingtontg
Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy offers a FREE home pick up services for your unwanted goods
Spring means the sun is out, flowers are blooming, rainy days and spring cleaning!This season is the perfect time to go through all your old stuff and separate what needs to go and what can stay. Whether you hate cleaning and going through old piles of junk or you love it –we’ve got a great alternative to lugging your things to the donation box.In support of Cerebral Palsy Awareness month we encourage you to donate your used goods to Ontario Federation for Cerebral Palsy (OFCP). OFCP is an organization committed to supporting independence, inclusion, choice and full integration of all persons with cerebral palsy (CP). OFCP does this by initiating a wide range of services, resources and programs for people with CP and their families as well as professional organizations.OFCP provides a free home pick up service to collect items such as: clothing, shoes, coats, bedding, linens and re-usable items like toys, games, small appliances, sporting goods, books, electronics, housewares and small furniture items.The charity is funded solely on donations which provide its members with funding for assistive devices, person centered planning, life enriching activities and research grants. They makes it easy for you to donate by communicating through a personalized service provided by dedicated OFCP employees.Donations are sold to Value Village and all proceeds go towards helping to support all members of OFCP. Thanks to the generosity of donors, OFCP is able to provide financial assistance to members so that they may access essential equipment such as wheelchairs, accessibility aids, bathing & washroom aids, communication & writing/reading aids and much more. We asked OFCP why someone who hasn’t heard of them should donate: “Your donation goes toward providing funding for people with cerebral palsy. Every bag of clothing you donate contributes one pound at a time to our organization which provides our members with funding for equipment and activities to enable them to live active and inclusive lives,” said Kelly Apollinaro, Public Relations Practitioner.Other ways to help OFCP and its members:
- Make an online donation –it’s quick and easy!
- Text to Donate - text CHANGES to 41010 to donate $5 to the OFCP (A $5 charge will appear on your monthly phone bill)
- Memoriam Donation –make a donation in memory of someone dear
- Make a donation in honour of someone special or in recognition of a special occasion, such as a birthday, graduation, anniversary or wedding
- Monthly giving program –monthly pre-authorized withdrawal
- Donate a Car Canada –running or not, old or new, OFCP will take it!
To schedule your free home pick up for your gently used items visit: http://ofcp.ca/donate/collection/For more information on the many ways to donate visit: http://ofcp.ca/donate/#t
Haven’t filled your taxes? It’s not too late
Although the deadline to submit your 2015 taxes has passed, it’s not too late to file and get back on track.Many folks miss the deadline or haven’t filed at all for several years. This can feel stressful and overwhelming, which is why Mathan Tax Services is here to help.Mathan Tax Services is a family run business that has been in the Downsview community for over a quarter of a century -26 years to be exact. This is the perfect place to go for any Canadian resident in the Downsview area who needs help, or a consultation, with filing their personal or business taxes.The owner, Thava Eliyathamby and his family are active members and business owners in the community. Mathan Tax Services is a professional business full of people who truly care about helping you meet your tax needs and are dedicated to ensuring you get the best return possible, even if you are filing late or are a few years behind.The folks at Mathan Tax Services want you to know that although the April 30th deadline to file your taxes has passed, you can still come in to meet with them and figure out what you need to do to get back on track.They know the thought of possible consequences for filing late or having never filed at all can be scary. Even if you don’t have your documents prepared to file your taxes, come in to meet with Mathan Tax Services for friendly advice every step of the way.They have helped many folks feel a sense of relief after worrying for 5, 10, and even 20 years of not doing their taxes.Mathan Tax Services is all about building relationships and understanding the needs of their individual clients. This year, save yourself the headache and worry that so often accompanies tax season.Check out Mathan Tax Services located at 1290 Finch Avenue West, Unit #23, get more information at www.mathantaxservice.com or contact them directly at 416-665-4756.Happy filing!By: Joan Lillian Wilson and Leah Sullivan
Apartment Fire in Downsview: a local family’s story
Nadia and her two young children were victims of a fire that erupted on her balcony caused by a cigarette cast from a tenant above.The fire did not enter the apartment but all contents within the unit were coated with a carcinogenic black soot. What made matters worse was that she had never purchased tenant insurance.Toronto Fire later invited the family to a local Fire Hall and provided them a cheque of one thousand dollars and various household items, clothing and toys to help them in the rebuilding process.Damien Walsh, Vice-President of the Toronto Firefighters Association was on hand and spoke of this program which helps families in need, “When we think there’s going to be a need or there’s kids involved, it’s especially tough for our guys. The fire’s out and they’re rolling up the hoses and getting ready to drive away and there’s a family standing there looking at their home and they can’t get back in. That’s why many years ago we started helping out families where we can. It’s just part of what fire fighters have always done, we’re part of the community and our help in community doesn’t stop when the fire’s out.”Nadia contrasted the compassion of Toronto Fire and other first responders, with the way her landlord handled the situation. Without a place to stay, the only accommodation her landlord offered was a different unit at a higher rent, but when she said she could not afford it, her family was immediately served a letter terminating the lease.By signing the letter, her family would receive their last month's rent deposit (paid when they first moved in), and it would also free them of their obligation to pay the March rent. The letter would also relieve both landlord and tenant of further liability to one another.The family hesitated to sign the document, but as the days quickly passed and they required a deposit to secure a new rental unit, they eventually signed.Later insight from a lawyer at a local legal aid clinic revealed that the landlord did no favour to their tenant in this case.As part of the lease, a landlord is required to provide their tenant a habitable unit. The landlord should have offered alternate accommodation (such as a hotel) while the family was still under lease. In Nadia's case, Red Cross helped pay the costs for their temporary lodging.Since the tenants were not responsible for the fire, they were within their rights to seek compensation for their lost belongings at the Landlord and Tenant Board. This door was closed when they signed the letter.Despite the fire, Nadia remained positive, "It's good to know that there were people and organizations out there to help when we were in need." She also urged tenants in the community to consider insuring their belongings as she never imagined she’d be a victim of an accident like this.If you need information on your rights as a tenant and the responsibilities of your landlord call the Tenant Hotline at: 416-921-9494.For free legal aid (available to those in financial need) visit Jane Finch Community Legal Services located at 1315 Finch Avenue West or call 416-398-0677.
March North York Really Really Free Market
Photo Credit: Tahoy James
Next Steps Employment: a leading path to your future employment
Pulasthi Narawanagoda came to Canada from Sri Lanka as a skilled migrant worker last summer. Despite his skills he found it quite difficult to gain employment or to even get an interview. Fast forward one year and now he has begun a career in his desired field of hospitality, working at The Hilton Hotel. The story of how Narawanagoda came to accomplish this is an important one, as it gives hope to many who are in the same situation he was in.At some point in Narawanagoda’s struggle to gain employment, he was referred to the Next Steps Employment Centre in Downsview. After joining up with them and partaking in their offered programs, Narawanagoda was able to find a job within a couple of weeks.The Next Steps Employment Centre is part of a group of centres, with 7 locations in Toronto. These centres are run and managed by the Toronto District School Board and funded by Employment Ontario.The Downsview location is at 3701 Chesswood Drive, Unit 100 and is a full service location offering client service planning and coordination, resources and information, job searching, job matching, placement and incentives, job retention and more. Narawanagoda was able to take part in some of the workshops they offer to improve interview skills, resume building and networking.Originally Narawanagoda gained employment at the Comfort Inn, however after his experience with Next Steps, Narawanagoda had gained the confidence to move further in the industry. After about a month of working he decided he should apply for the Hilton Hotel job.When asked about his initial job search, Narawanagoda states, “I was a bit down. Without getting interviews and stuff you get really frustrated”. These are feelings of doubt shared by numerous job hunters everywhere.Fortunately there are great places like Next Steps to help not just newcomers to Canada but anyone who might be having a hard time with the job hunt. Narawanagoda explains, “If you really follow what they say, if you take it seriously, I think anyone can be employed”. If you are new to Canada though, Narawanagoda thinks that the Next Steps workshops should be mandatory. He states “I think this Next Steps program should be a compulsory thing for newcomers to Canada. Because we don’t know about anything. We don’t know about the culture. If you’re new to Canada you have to go there.”If you are having problems gaining employment or finding the right employment, try not to give in to those feelings of frustration. Getting some help can alleviate these worries and concerns.Like Narawanagoda, you could be saying, “I’m really glad that I went there” too!Contact Downsview Next Steps Employment Centre at 416-395-9559. *Written by: Leah Sullivan and Ann Mossop