In a growing community, such as Downsview, getting around can be a hurdle -to say the least. We have to account for traffic jams, congested highways, and public transit delays and an increase in cars on the road has contributed to our city’s growing pollution problems.A new transit model has been proposed and it is expected to eliminate a gigantic portion of the above mentioned issues. The Light Rail Transit (LRT) is an innovative model on route to take over public transit in Toronto. This environmentally friendly approach, high passenger capacity and cost efficient blueprint will give passengers a better experience.Metrolinx along with the Toronto Transit Commission have come together to build the Eglinton Crosstown, Finch West LRT and Sheppard East LRT. The LRT will tackle a very congested portion of the city making public transportation much more accessible without having to build expensive and outdated subways stations.The LRT is not only a luxurious mode of public transportation but it is also eco-friendly as it runs on wind and solar energy. Besides, LRT vehicles can carry 255 passengers per train which is triple the amount compared to buses that only have the capacity to carry 55 passengers on board. The average speed of LRT’s is 27 kilometers per hour; making it slower compared to subway train (39 km/hr) but much faster than a bus (17 km/hr). Another perk about this modern vehicle is that it has multiple door where it facilitates the entrance and exiting of passengers; including those with disabilities.Furthermore, many residents will benefit from using the LRT’s in a timely and efficient manner as several will run on existing streetcars lines without being affected by other traffic.Symone Walters, who is actively involved in the community through the Community Action Planning Group, has expressed other benefits for the betterment of the community that will surround these transit projects. Walters hopes “employment opportunities will be implemented through these transit lines as the demand for more transit grows.” She anticipates people in the community will be “enticed to use public transportation”, specifically because the LRT as an easier and faster form of transportation. Lastly she expressed that “having LRT vehicles above ground can attract passengers to discover our growing community.”Although the overall project is estimated to take 25 years, the first phase has already begun with construction along Eglington Ave. There will be 25 stops from Mount Dennis to Kennedy Ave., this portion is expected to be completed by 2021.The execution of Toronto’s new transit plan is expected to exceed everyone’s expectations. From its ability to transport more passengers at once to its eco-friendly technology and the thousands of job opportunities it will create. We are moving towards world class public transportation –something all transit takers in Toronto deserve!
Zodiac: A Life Changing Experience for your Child
How many people can say they love what they do because it helps people? Rick and Ellen Howard are two of those people! Their passion for creating a safe and fun space for children and their families has been their dream and is now their reality.Zodiac Swim School first opened its doors to the community in 1978 and Zodiac Camp opened in the summer of 1998. Over the years, Zodiac has grown to become one of the largest private swim schools in Canada.Zodiac programs have earned the confidence and respect of thousands of families in the community. Countless children and other participants have gained aquatic skills, self-confidence and a love of water through high-quality, low ratio programming. “We are parents of three amazing kids and plan for, care about and treat other people’s children as an extended part of our family,” said Ellen.Aside from Zodiac’s reputation for providing excellent aquatic learning, the name also represents quality care in summer camp programs. Camps provide an enjoyable, unique and challenging opportunity which appeal to children and their parents. “Camps, swimming and so much more…we love helping children (and adults) develop skills, build self-confidence and make memories to last a lifetime,” said Rick.Zodiac’s day camp was the first to offer shorter one and two week sessions. While younger campers enjoy a multi-faceted, variety-based program, older campers get to experience Zodiac’s unique specialty program. Campers in the sessions for seven to 12 year olds get to choose to focus on the arts, sports and discovery, while still getting exposure to a wide array of other activities. Zodiac’s renowned leadership program for 13 to 15 year olds provides a terrific training experience and transition to becoming a Zodiac staff member!Many families also enjoy an amazing experience at Zodiac’s beautiful Muskoka overnight camp, Camp Tamarack. There is a large number of children participating in day and weekend introductory experiences at Tamarack and others becoming full-fledged campers at Tamarack for long or short sessions.“The confidence and faith that Zodiac families place in us is never taken for granted and appreciated more than it is possible to express,” said Ellen.Zodiac’s goal is to provide all participants with an exciting experience that will be remembered for a lifetime. The school offers age-appropriate programming that builds each child’s self-esteem and confidence, while enhancing his/her personal growth and development. Zodiac provides a safe and welcoming environment for children to learn and play in. The highly qualified and caring staff view and treat each child as a unique individual with distinct needs, goals and ways of learning.“We truly love what we do,” they said.If you are looking to enrol your child in a high quality program that will benefit them for life or to register, contact Zodiac today!Web: http://www.zodiackids.ca/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zodiaccampswim/Twitter: @ZodiacSwim, @ZodiacCampPhone: 416.789.1989*ADVERTORIAL*
On the Go? Grab Some Fresh Fruits and Vegetables during your Commute
If you regularly commute through Downsview Station you may have recently noticed a food market with plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The Grab Some Good TTC pop-up food market is an initiative by Toronto Public Health, the TTC, and FoodShare Toronto to make healthy and affordable food more accessible throughout the city.The produce sold at the pop-up market comes directly from the Ontario Food Terminal (which is the main food distribution centre for Toronto,) and from local farms who supply seasonal produce. This guarantees low-cost high-quality fresh produce that is never sitting on a shelf.The pop-up market has a variety of affordable and fresh produce including: oranges, cantaloupe, watermelons strawberries, blackberries, carrots, kiwis, peaches, pineapples, lettuce, kale, spinach, cilantro, bell peppers, eggplant, garlic, mushrooms, avocados, cauliflower, cilantro, garlic, ginger, and other produce. For commuters that needed a meal on the go there were fresh salads and fruit cups available.Barbara Emanuel, Manager of Healthy Living at Toronto Public Health explained that, “prices are as low as possible to enable access to fresh produce,” which encourages commuters to make healthier food choices without breaking their food budget.In addition to providing healthy food alternatives at affordable prices, FoodShare employs community members like Rickysha Jean-Baptiste, a lifetime resident of the Downsview neighbourhood, who works at the pop-up market. Rickysha began working with FoodShare Toronto after completing a placement through the University of Guelph-Humber, where she studies. Her passion for the Grab Some Good market is visible through the friendly customer service she provides to commuters. According to Rickysha, her and her colleagues usually serve over 100 customers in their 4 hours of operation, and consistently receive positive feedback from commuters who would love to see an earlier start time for the pop-up market.The Grab Some Good pop-up market is a pilot project that started in May 2016, and will hopefully become a permanent fixture at Downsview Station. You can purchase affordable, fresh, diverse, and healthy produce at Downsview Station on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
A Cleaner Downsview Community: One Mailed Letter at a Time
I recently had a letter to mail and the nearest mailbox, in my area, is one block away. Since the weather was lovely, I decided to take a walk to the mailbox and do an experiment along the way.When I left my house, I took a couple of plastic bags. My goal was simple: See how much garbage I could pick up during the short walk from my house to the mailbox. The results were fascinating.By the time I made it half way to the mailbox, I had already filled a full bag of garbage. Its contents included pop cans, chocolate bar wrappers, plastic containers, half-filled bottles of water, newspapers, bus transfers, chip bags, plastic utensils, and a box of organic chicken bouillon. Wow!Where did all this garbage come from? Did one of the garbage bins by the curb get knocked over by mistake? Did the local racoons host a feast for a furry family reunion in the neighbourhood? I continued my walk towards the mailbox and discovered more garbage along the sidewalk, grass, flower beds, and street.As I walked onward, past people waiting at the bus stop, I realised that some of them were looking at me with a confused expression. Perhaps it is unusual to see a man walking down the sidewalk, picking up garbage as he goes. I smiled politely at them and carried on -their faces suggested that they thought I might be out of my mind!Turning the corner, I saw a man and his two sons, about 8 and 10 years old, walking on the opposite side of the street. He noticed what I was doing, and pointed for his sons to look. “Great job!” he shouted across the street with a smile, gesturing to his kids to observe and learn. “Thanks!” I replied. “We have a lovely community. I’m just doing my part to keep it that way.” The man’s friendly words felt good. His children might remember how easy it is to use one of the many City of Toronto garbage and recycling bins. They might encourage others. A simple thing might grow.The walk to the mailbox and back took a total of 10 minutes. The letter was safely mailed. I filled two full bags of garbage from that single street block.Back at home, I thought about my experiment and what I had learned. When reading the news, I often find myself feeling helpless to make a difference. I cannot fix all of the problems. Picking up two bags of garbage means very little on the larger scale of the city, country, or planet. Yet, I did not feel that same helplessness. Instead, I felt closer to my community. I would wish that pleasant feeling upon you as well, because you too can do one small thing here and another small thing there to make our Downsview community a little prettier, a little more comfortable, a little more our home. You don’t need any special skills. You don’t need to be rich. You don’t need bountiful free time. You can help keep our community green and clean, one short walk at a time.
Urgent Care Closed at Jane and Finch Hospital
July 2016 marked the end of urgent care at the Humber River Hospital site located at Jane and Finch. The location will continue to provide CT, MRI and general x-rays.The news may be bitter sweet for many residents who are watching the sun set on the community's old York Finch Hospital, while services are being redirected to the new hospital located near Keele and Wilson.Joe Astrella, President of the Grandravine Homeowners Assocation, says the old York Finch Hospital played a large role in his life.When Joe moved into the community in the late 1960's he immediately took up the call to help in fundraising for the York Finch Hospital that was under construction. In 1970, his daughter Grace was born there and over the years, his family would drop by when the need arose. In 1994, Joe credits the hospital for saving his life following a heart attack.When talk began of expanding the Humber River Hospital network a decade ago, Joe joined a coalition of local residents who favoured expansion of the Jane and Finch site rather than moving it to a new location.Joe learned of the urgent care closure through this interview and believed residents should have been better notified since the news came as a surprise to him.Without proper notification, some residents might seek medical assistance at the hospital only to find out through a sign that they will have to seek help elsewhere."I am disappointed." said Joe, "When I was active with the coalition, we were told that the Humber River Hospital site on Church Street would be closing, but that emergency services would still be provided at our Jane and Finch location."As services continue to be cut back at the Jane and Finch hospital location, the time may well come when the government decides to pull the plug on our local hospital once and for all. A disappointing outcome indeed.For more information on the new Humber River Hospital or the urgent care closure, residents can visit www.hrh.ca or call 416-242-1000.
Healthy Back to School Lunches
Children need a constant supply of energy, vitamins and minerals throughout their day to grow, play and learn. Providing healthy lunches and snacks that are appealing to younger tastes is a challenge for most parents. Parents want to send convenient, affordable, nutritious food that their kids will eat. By offering a variety of foods, a child’s growing body will get all the nutrients that they need while exciting their tastes buds.Children should eat balanced meals and snacks to provide lasting energy throughout the day. Snacks help children stay energized and prevent overeating at meals. Without enough energy from food, they may feel too tired and find it difficult to concentrate in class. To keep a child nourished and ready to learn, a snack should include a mix and match of 2 out of the 4 food groups and a balanced lunch should include at least 3 out of the 4 food groups as recommended by Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide.For example, a snack and lunch for a child between 9 to 13 years of age needs a total of 2-3 servings of vegetables and fruits, 2-3 servings of grain products, 1-2 servings of milk and alternatives and 1 serving from the meat and alternative group for their school day .To prepare a healthy lunch and snack that your child will look forward to eating, think like a kid. Use your imagination and the food guide for creative ideas. Packing a lunch and a snack needs some pre-planning. Involve your child in the planning and preparation. Not only will you spend quality time together, your child will learn about balanced eating and will be more likely to eat food they made themselves. Tasty Bagged Lunch Ideas Add interest and variety by trying the following ideas:
- Salmon or tuna whole wheat wrap with cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, white or flavoured milk and a plum
- Quartered chicken quesadilla made with sliced yellow and orange peppers, mushrooms & cheese with a side of grapes
- Mini-muffin eggs with spinach & onion on a whole wheat English muffin, green and red pepper slices & peach halves
- Grilled Turkey, apple & cheddar sandwich, carrots with dip & milk pudding
- Nut butter sandwich with banana and/or strawberry slices and steamed soybeans (edamame)
- Homemade sesame chicken fingers with plum sauce, sweet potato fries, vegetable sticks, milk pudding & melon slices
- Mini meatloaf muffins, thermos noodle vegetable soup, & pear quarters
- Bagel pizza with celery and carrots stick with a hummus dip, yogurt & mango slices
- Homemade mini burgers with couscous salad & orange wedges
- Turkey kebob skewers, whole wheat pita triangles with a tzaziki dip & raspberries
Nutritious Snack IdeasTry these easy ready-to-eat snacks your kids will love. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Yogurt with high fiber cereal and blueberries
- Apple slices and low-fat cheese cubes
- Sliced bell pepper sticks and baby carrots with cottage cheese, hummus or guacamole dip
- Banana bread with cheese strings or milk and kiwi
New Trustee elected in by-election
A very tight race culminated with a new name being chosen as Trustee to York Centre. The election was held on Monday, July 25th to fill in the opening created after the passing of Howard Kaplan. Alexandra Lulka is the new school trustee. She won by just over 100 votes in a very close election. 10 candidates put in their names for the contest and the top two won 31% and 29 % respectively. Erica Shiner came in a close second. This is the 4th by-election the TDSB has held as a rash of events has led to multiple Trustees needing to be replaced.
Restaurant Review by Michael Persaud Le Montmartre, 911 Sheppard Ave. West, Downsview, ON, M3H 2T7, phone: 416-630-3804
Restaurant Review by Michael PersaudLe Montmartre, 911 Sheppard Ave. West, Downsview, ON, M3H 2T7, phone: 416-630-3804Website: www.lemontmartrestaurant.comLe Montmartre, named after one of the most appealing districts in France, is a very fine-dining restaurant on Sheppard Ave. West. The building itself is a very resplendent colour of yellow. If you are taking public transit just exit the bus at Wilson Heights. It’s juxtaposed to the Petro Canada gas station. If your mode of transportation is via car, there is ample parking in the rear of the restaurant.Don’t be surprised when you hear the sweet, dulcet Parisian accents of the wait staff. It will transport your mind and consciousness across the pond to France or the 18th arrondissement. Bring your appetite because Le Montmartre’s menu will make you salivate. It’s mouth-wateringly good!For an appetizer I would highly I suggest the Caesar salad or lobster bisque. If you’ve not been to a French restaurant, you may recognize “lobster bisque” from one of Seinfeld’s iconic episodes made famous by Elaine. If you’re more adventurous you may wish to opt for the escargot, or in more everyday parlance, snails.Le Montmartre has a great selection of wines. To compliment your entrees you may wish to opt for a nice merlot, some red, or a special favourite of mine is the choice of chardonnay. The vino may even add a bit of spice to your dinner conversation. Libations at a meal are a must!The patrons at Le Montmartre are very eclectic. You may see Asians, Indians, and various other ethnicities within your vicinity while enjoying your meal. There are some seniors who also like to have a quiet meal while engaging in tete-a-tete. The French music over the P.A. system gives the restaurant great ambience. It really adds some character to the very European décor.One of my favourite dishes is the rack of lamb. It’s always cooked to perfection. It’s never stuck to the bone but slides off easily with your knife. Savour it. My dining companion has indulged in Sole Almondine which is basically filet of sole with wine sauce and roasted almonds. Truly heavenly!To accent your meal a good choice would be any of their sorbets, or for the dessert aficionado, there are always profiteroles. My dining companion, since she has a sweet tooth usually opts for the profiteroles. I usually derive great pleasure from watching her consume it.While dining you are never rushed, but have time to savour your meal. And when its French cuisine it must be savoured like the food gods meant it to be.If you arrive early for dinner there is no need to make a reservation, but if you plan to arrive during the prime dining hours, reservations are highly suggested.I have patronized Le Montmartre about ten times over a seven year period. Each time is well worth the visit. It is the best French restaurant in Downsview!Don’t forget to bring your appetite. Bon appetit!
Ready, Set, MAP
The past two Saturdays included early mornings waiting in line at the Toronto Public Library in hopes of obtaining a Toronto Library Museum + Arts pass. My beautiful mother requested a trip to the Ontario Science Centre for her upcoming birthday and I made it my personal mission to make this happen-within budget.As it happens the Toronto Public Library and Sun Life Financial provides MAP passes which offer free entrance to vast array of attractions and museums within Toronto. If you’re like me and budget conscious you can plan your summer activities with the assistance of this great program.Now, you and the family can visit the new Panda cubs at the Toronto Zoo or check out the newly discovered dinosaur at the ROM. Passes are valid for 2 adults and 2-4 children depending on the venue and good for one visit. Each week libraries are provided with a new set of passes. This means you can check out a pass to a new attraction every seven days.There is one caveat. Passes are available in limited quantities. Some branches offer the passes on a first come, first serve basis. At these locations you may find those who are willing and able; waiting outside the library doors first thing in the morning.On my first attempt I was ninth in line which seemed pretty reasonable. Unfortunately for me the Ontario Science Centre is one of the most popular passes alongside the Toronto Zoo, The Gardiner Museum and Black Creek Pioneer Village. Normally three passes each, are available for the Zoo and the Ontario Science Centre which meant ninth in line was not early enough.I did not want to take any chances so I tried the Yorkwoods library again the following Saturday arriving at 7:30 a.m. This time I was third in line. Perfect! When the doors opened at 9:00 a.m., I was able to check out an Ontario Science Centre pass.There is another option if waiting in line early Saturday morning is not for you. Some branches have the option of a draw. Everyone who arrives at one of the branches between 9 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. are placed in a selection pool. Names are drawn at random, and MAP passes are distributed in order of the numbers drawn.If early Saturday morning draws or first come first serve options are still not viable for you; a select few locations offer passes during the week. Barbara Frum -hursdays at 9:00 a.m.: City Hall -Mondays at 10:00 a.m.: and Forest Hill -Thursdays at 6:00 p.m.For more information on this great program, check out your local Toronto Public Library or ask your local librarian for more information.
Opening of the Mao Art Gallery in Downsview!
Mao Correa, a local Downsview artist, has really proven that art has no limits. After transforming his 700 foot flat into an art gallery. Every wall and surface from every room on both the interior as well as the exterior of the house is covered with pieces of art. The gallery is open to the public and showcases his spectacular pieces along with other works from other up and coming artists.Mao, is a recognized plastic artist, photographer, and graphic designer who was born in Bogota, Columbia. After receiving much recognition for his work in Columbia and Central America, Mao brought his unique style to Canada. Toronto is now where Mao calls home.Mao uses art to illustrate his internal journey as a new immigrant in Canada. He does this by, creating pictorial pieces made entirely from recycled materials. Mao states “Mirroring my own experience, and re-signifying my esthetics through the view of diversity, I’m now not only breaking down pre-existing materials, reinterpreting and offering them a new form with a new purpose, but also reintegrating my soul to a new country”Visiting Mao’s Art Gallery truly is like watching the story of his life narrated by the pieces on every wall and surface of his home, with every piece offering new insight to his experiences in Canada. The gallery is the only newcomer artist-led gallery in Downsview area, and attracts a wide diversity of artists in the community.Mao has been an active leader in the art community. In 2015 Mao was the recipient for the RBC Arts Access Fund and the 2015 Finalist, for the Neilson Park Creative Centres 23 annual Juried Exhibition in Toronto. Mao is an advocate for for other immigrant artists struggling to showcase their art work here in Canada. The Gallery hosts art work from other artists in order to promote their work. The gallery also provides art classes for those who are interested. Mao has truly gone above and beyond for his community and is Downsview Advocate’s ‘Community Spotlight Leader’ of the month.Mao’s art and listings for upcoming shows can be viewed on his website at www.maocorrea.com