North Toronto Post March 2023

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Do you know T.O.?

Let the games begin by Ron Johnson

1. Margaret Atwood had a craft beer named after what book?

A. MaddAddam

B. The Handmaid’s Tale

C. Edible Woman D. Cat’s Eye

2. What is the former name of Queen Street?

B. Lot Street C. Front Street D. Osgoode Street

A. Princess Street

3. Who was the last mayor before John Tory to resign from office?

B. David Miller C. Allan Lamport D. David Crombie

A. Mel Lastman

4. What Toronto Raptors player was nicknamed Mighty Mouse?

B. Fred Vanvleet C. Kyle Lowry D. Muggsy Bogues

A. Damon Stoudemire

20 questions with T.O.’s Marit Stiles

The NDP’s newly elected leader is positioning her party to drive Ford from Queen’s Park, but first we need to get to know her. We asked the MPP and Toronto mom about her favourite local restaurant, greatest regret, prized possession and why the two people she most admires are her kids. by Ron Johnson

BY THE NUMBERS

The number of UFO sightings reported in the Toronto area according to a new report, the most in Canada.

What's your daily ritual? Reading the newspaper with a cup of coffee. We’re talking an actual newspaper? Yes, an actual copy of a newspaper. And I alternate which one every year.

What was your first job? Probably babysitter.

What’s the worst piece of career advice you've received? Wait your turn.

What's your fave T.O. restaurant? Oh, my gosh, there’s so many. But I would say, if you haven't tried Donna’s on Lansdowne, then you're really missing something.

Where's the best view in the city?

I think one of the best views in the city is from Ontario Place looking back at the skyline, which is why it’s so important that we keep it public and accessible.

What one thing do you have multiple versions of?

Right now, I have an extraordinary number of blazers, in all colours. I can’t believe how many I have. Marilyn Churley, who used to be an MPP, told me many years ago that in a sea of navy suits a woman has the advantage of wearing a bright blazer.

What is your greatest regret?

Probably not being able to enjoy that time I

had with my kids when they were little as much as I wish. I always regret that.

What book have you read the most? A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

What living person do you most admire?

I’d say I have to pick two — my two daughters. They’re both young adults now. It’s been a really rough time in the last few years for a lot of those people of their generation, so I’m pretty blown away by them.

What Torontonian would you most like to hang out with?

I’d love to hang out with Rick Mercer. I don’t really know him very well, and I think we should know each other.

What is your prized possession?

All my photos, family photos.

What talent would you like to have? Oh, I wish I could either play the piano or the guitar because I’d like to have an instrument I could play that people could sing along with.

How do you get away from it all? Any place there's a lake and a hammock.

What is your greatest fear? To lose the people closest to me.

What’s your idea of perfect happiness? That hammock and that lake but with all my family and friends.

Why are you the best choice to topple the Doug Ford government? I have the energy and I have the vision for how this province can be stronger and better for everyone.

What went wrong last time around when the NDP actually lost ground last year? The question I ask myself all the time is why did so few people actually vote? I think it’s on people like me to remind people that they can expect more.

The public is focused on corruption in the Ford government. Will that strategy resonate at election time?

I think there’s a lot of really big questions. Something definitely smells pretty fishy around some of what’s happened with the Greenbelt in particular.

Is there any room for health-care innovation in terms of privatization for you?

I think that there are innovations possible within the public health-care system that this government refuses to explore. I mean, they sat on a billion dollars in the last year alone. A billion dollars of money that was allocated to health care they’ve never used. So they’ve been undermining the system, causing this crisis. And now we have a situation where — guess what? — they find the solution is not just private health care, but for-profit health care.

The age at which Drake’s son Adonis gave his first, very funny, interview with Caleb Pressley of Barstool Sports.

The jersey number of new Leafs star Ryan O’Reilly, who tallied 5 points in his first 3 games for the Buds.

1.2

Current betting odds of Sarah Polley winning the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay at this month’s Academy Awards.

After Ohio, could T.O. be

the next rail disaster?

Why are we letting trains barrel through the middle of the largest city in Canada?

Last month, there were unconfirmed reports in some areas of Ontario and as far away as Montreal of impacts from a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, that released a massive amount of toxic cancercausing chemicals into the atmosphere to spread nastily across the land.

The accident occurred on Feb. 3 when 50 cars carrying vinyl chloride and other toxic chemicals derailed in the small community, causing untold damage to people and the environment.

The blunt assessment of hazardous materials expert Sil Caggiano for a local news report said it best. “We basically nuked a town with chemicals so we could get a railroad open.”

When I heard about it, I couldn’t help but think about how bad it could have been if that had happened on the tracks leading straight through the city of Toronto with its millions of residents.

Far-fetched? Hardly. Take a look at any train that flies through town and all you will see are black cars carrying oil and other hazardous materials. There have been other scary derailments in places such as Lac Megantic, Quebec, that drive the point home. And it is, quite simply: why are we allowing these trains to carry hazardous chemicals through the centre of Canada’s most populous area?

The rail line that goes through the heart of Toronto

derailed in 2018 during a minor incident in Scarborough. In 2017, there was another train derailment in Toronto. This time, it was near the corner of Dupont and Howland.

What seems to have happened in Ohio is a simple mechanical failure. It underlines the point that it could happen and the consequences of an incident like what happened in Ohio would be devastating. And it raises the question of why we don’t send these trains around the city.

The federal government did decrease the speed limit of trains with more than 20 cars going through urban areas to a maximum of 25 miles per hour.

But that just does not seem near enough to me. Sure, rail is statistically the safest way to transport cargo like hazardous materials. Accidents are rare. But, as we know, they do happen, and they might be happening more often. Adding to the risk is the cuts to the labour force running the trains. The train in Ohio was 141 cars long. Why do you think that was? What could possibly go wrong when a conductor can’t even see the end of the train?

Why risk something like that happening here?

Our home on Native land

Those at the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah, probably didn’t notice a thing, except the stunning talent of singer Jully Black on display singing Canada’s national anthem. But those watching here at home noticed Black’s notso-subtle rewrite. Although the reaction wasn’t completely positive, most were loving it. The lyric in question was changed to “Oh Canada, Our home on Native

land” instead of “Oh Canada, Our home and native land.” A big difference, and one that confronts Canada’s colonial past in a blunt but beautiful way. Black’s message resonated across the country, and a #OurHomeONNativeLand hashtag was created in support of her efforts. Some are suggesting the lyrics be changed permanently as they were in 2018 with the move from “all thy sons” to “all of us.”

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It wasn’t easy for Kaitlin and her husband to find the right couples counsellor. “It took us maybe twoand-a-half years to get in to see somebody,” said the Torontobased freelance human resources consultant, who asked not to use her last name.

Earlier in their search, either prospective therapists didn’t seem compatible with the couple or a lack of health insurance or conflicting work schedules got in the way. But even after Kaitlin settled on the counsellor she ultimately began seeing a month ago with her husband, it took more than a year for a spot to free up. “Even with a referral, it took that long for us to get high enough on the wait list with someone who resonated with us as a provider,” she said.

Long wait times and other hurdles to accessibility, such as cost or language barriers, are far too common for Torontonians seeking mental health services these days, according to some experts in the field — and the problem is only getting bigger.

“[There was a] mental health

crisis even pre-pandemic, but the pandemic, it definitely makes it worse,” said Houyuan Luo, a psychologist practising in Toronto and chair of the Canadian Psychological Association’s Counselling Psychology section.

Worse yet, emerging factors continue to stoke an already high need for mental health services in the city and beyond, said Simone Levey, a clinical psychologist from Toronto. “Now, if you add on high inflation and rising costs of living … the demand is higher — much higher — than we’ve seen,” said Levey, the co-founder of RENNI, a new trauma-informed interdisciplinary clinic in Toronto’s Little Italy neighbourhood.

“There’s definitely a sense that we don’t have enough resources to respond to the need, and people don’t have the funds,” she says of the system at large.

Many people without private insurance or the ability to pay out of pocket are left with a limited number of publicly funded options.

The Ontario Health Insurance Plan doesn’t cover the services of psychologists like Luo or Levey —

or other providers, such as social workers — in private practices. Only medical doctors, like psychiatrists who can prescribe medication, fall under OHIP — and some of those professionals are getting tougher to access.

“A large proportion of psychiatrists are at retirement age, with not enough younger

Luo’s waiting list, meanwhile, ranges from two weeks up to two months, at which point he stops accepting new patients and, like Levey, turns to referrals. “Publicly funded services have a much longer wait list than us,” added Luo, whose rate is $250 per session (about the norm for downtown Toronto, he said).

his colleagues in the field, he said, are feeling “burned out.

When Luo does turn away patients, he said he generally first points them to three online resources to help find the most appropriate care: the websites for Psychology Today, the Ontario Psychological Association and the College of Psychologists of Ontario.

The college’s website is especially helpful, he said. Not only does it have a register of all licensed psychologists in the province, it also lets users filter the pool of specialists by specific criteria to refine their search.

“If a person wants to look for a psychologist who speaks Mandarin, who’s in Toronto, who works with Toronto, they can put so many tags in it to narrow down the pool,” Luo said.

This touches on another component of the ongoing mental health crisis.

“We have a lack of culturally appropriate care in mental health,” Luo said. “For those people who have a diverse cultural background, it’s even harder for them [to find care],” he continued, adding, “Toronto’s a super-diverse city … [but] for a lot of people, if they want to find a psychologist who speaks Mandarin and understands an Asian background, they are going to really struggle a lot.

Levey, Luo and Kaitlin all agreed that something needs to change. For starters, more government funding should be dedicated to mental health services in Ontario, they said.

“I really … believe that mental health should be covered under OHIP,” Levey said.

In addition, unable to foot the bill for a private assessment for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Kaitlin now finds herself on yet another waiting list, one she said will take six months. Her son, she said, is in a similar situation. “In that time, things are just getting harder,” she added.

psychiatrists being trained to replace them,” warned Angela Ho, assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at the University of Toronto and president of the Ontario Psychiatric Association.

Levey said she prefers not to keep a waiting list at all and tries to refer patients elsewhere when she’s too booked: “I don’t want someone waiting for a year — or a month — if they’re in need, so it’s really tricky.”

Having to say no to someone in need never feels good for Luo. Most people only turn to therapy after unsuccessfully trying to deal with their problems alone, he said. “I feel pressured because I want to get them in as soon as possible,” he said. “That is something I’ve been struggling with since the pandemic, particularly, because I can only take on that much,” he said. Luo limits his workload to about 50 or 60 hours a week, partly for his own mental health. Many of

Still, Kaitlin said she realizes that she has been more fortunate than lots of others seeking help. The couples therapy that took Kaitlin and her husband so long to access was more about strengthening a relationship, not saving it.

She’s aware not everyone has been so lucky: “You know, there were a lot of people who got divorced over the pandemic.”

Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care did not respond to a request for comment for this article in time for publication.

There are also a limited number of publicly funded options for those who can’t afford care when they need it most

by Josh Sherman

City faces crisis as psychiatrists retire with not enough new ones being trained to replace them

“There’s definitely a sense that we don’t have enough resources to respond to the need, and people don’t have the funds.”

EV infrastructure pains

Growth of electric vehicles in Toronto neighbourhoods could be a problem

Electric vehicles are all the rage because they are good for the environment and, when powered by clean energy, will help reduce our emissions. The great irony is that owning a green vehicle is much more likely when you have a single-family home and a big driveway at a time when singlefamily homes are becoming a thing of the past. Although more people can afford an electric vehicle, they are not particularly practical in dense neighbourhoods where driveways are shared or non-existent.

The battle for scarce space on residential streets is starting to heat up. A small neighbourhood rebellion started brewing recently when it came to light that the Parking Authority was proposing to install a pay-per-use EV charger on a residential street in midtown. Residents pushed back on the idea, and the EV charger was unceremoniously moved to the Beaches.

The current approach is to ask for front yard parking so EV car owners can access a power supply. A proposition that is in direct conflict with the city’s policy for refusing front yard parking because it replaces grass with a non-permeable material that leads to storm-water runoff.

The solution is either a payper-use charger on the residential street, or right of way, or long power cords crossing sidewalks or city property. The challenge becomes more persistent as more people without driveways buy electric cars, but the solutions

aren't easy if you need a majority of the neighbours to allow you access to power.

Retrofitting condos with EV chargers is an enormous challenge: from ensuring the building has the electrical capacity to the cost of installing the chargers, and then the trickiest of all — ensuring the condo board doesn’t end up paying for the electricity that is being used by those who are charging their cars.

Although there are impediments to installing EV chargers in condos, condo boards still do have the ability to implement the infrastructure. Those who live in rental apartments are at the mercy of the landlord.

The next mayor of the city is going to need some creativity when considering how to build the infrastructure to support electric vehicles.

The current plan to have Toronto Parking Authority install 150 chargers over two years is already getting pushback and won't even scratch the surface for meeting demand, especially since all new cars sold in Canada by 2036 will need to be charged.

Hopefully it will not be a repeat of John Tory, who was terrific at good announcements and didn’t have much interest in follow up. Various names are being thrown about as possible (or even) declared candidates: Gil Penalosa who has never served on council and who came a distant second to Tory in the election last year; Ana Bailao, a former councillor who decided not to run last year and has joined a development company as an advisor on affordable housing; councillor Brad Bradford from the Beaches, a close and unimaginative ally of Tory; and councillor Josh Matlow who has made his name as a progressive voice on council. There are probably others assessing their own possibilities. The challenges for whoever gets elected are considerable. Homelessness is a major problem that requires a mayor who will provide powerful leadership to bring together the development industry, social agencies, homeless advocates and both the provincial and federal levels of government to create solutions.

And to be successful, homing for the homeless must be part of housing for a mix of the rest of society — low-income families and those who can afford to pay close to market rent. Developers will play a large part in providing this housing since non-profits and co-operatives no longer have the staff or the skills to be able to build this housing. You can be

sure that some city residents will oppose this housing close to where they live, and they must be convinced to accommodate new neighbours. The mayor must lead these negotiations to ensure this initiative to build for the 10,000 homeless is successful. A second significant challenge is that the provincial government, and Premier Doug Ford in particular, has decided that it should govern Toronto. It has interfered with virtually every aspect of life in Toronto. It

demand of developers. It has substantially weakened the protection of heritage structures, and it is attacking the city’s oldest heritage property, Osgoode Hall. Ontario Place is being turned from a public park into a private entertainment place with a steep entry fee. The Ford government interferes on a regular basis with the city’s planning decisions.

The new mayor must deal with these threats and must gather up the forces in Toronto to confront the province. Premier Ford has said he will not “intervene” in the election for mayor, but he has already done so, saying that electing a “lefty” will be a disaster for the city.

And there’s the money problem. Toronto does not have a large enough source of its own revenue to function well. The city needs a new deal on money.

passed the Strong Mayors Act, requiring the mayor to veto any council action contrary to “provincial priorities,” yet to be defined. It passed legislation that dictates that laws can be passed with one-third of the vote of council even if the majority is in opposition.

It has stripped municipalities of a large portion of the development charges needed to fund new infrastructure, (estimated at $200 million a year for Toronto). It has taken from conservation authorities the ability to protect the natural environment. It has reduced the amount of parkland cities can

These are the issues on which to judge our mayoralty candidates: successful plans to house the homeless; opposing the province’s attempt to govern Toronto; and securing serious independent money to fund city programs.

Who is going to be the next mayor?

Whoever it is will need to be ready to stand up to the premier

“The challenges for whoever gets elected are considerable.”

Upscale ’hoods must allow laneway homes

Yorkville and Summerhill sidestepped the city policy back in 2018

Toronto is moving forward with allowing laneway suites in Yorkville after the area had been exempt from the housing type.

The city was scheduled to hold a public meeting about the proposed zoning bylaw change for the area on Feb. 28. However, the meeting is only a formality, according to local resident and co-president of the ABC Residents Association (ABCRA), Ian Carmichael.

Due to the province’s Bill 23 –the More Homes Built Faster Act – Toronto must allow laneway housing. Local city councillor Dianne Saxe wrote in an email that the bill is being “imposed on the city against the unanimous opposition of the mayor and council.”

“I remain adamantly opposed to [Ontario Premier Doug] Ford’s deeply destructive Bill 23 and the many harms it is imposing on the people of Toronto,” Saxe wrote.

When the City of Toronto first introduced its laneway suites policy in 2018, Changing Lanes, ABCRA, whose jurisdiction is from Avenue Road to Yonge Street, and Bloor Street to the railway tracks in the north, requested an exemption from the blanket policy for its area, which Toronto City Council approved.

Carmichael said residents are disappointed that laneway suites will be allowed in the

neighbourhood without more specific rules laid out in a secondary plan for Yorkville, which was promised 10 years ago but still hasn’t been delivered.

The concern, according to Carmichael, is that those building laneway suites will try to bypass certain rules, such as the height of the structure or distance from other entities, by going to the committee of adjustment.

“Everything becomes a negotiation now,” he said. “It just becomes more onerous from a planning perspective, from a resident perspective, to address all of these exceptions.”

Parking or privacy problems are some of the issues that could arise from the housing, Carmichael said.

Laneway suites were more broadly allowed in the city to help fight the supply and affordability crisis. However, Carmichael contends that laneway suites are not actually helping in the housing crisis because they are often not affordable and not enough are being built to actually make a dent in the city’s housing supply.

Now, with Bill 23, Carmichael said the focus is just more “density, density, density” to fix the housing crisis.

“The definition of insanity is trying the same thing over and over again and hoping for different results,” he said.

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Eglinton BIA opposes rushed plan

Local business wary of another construction zone by

With the Midtown Complete Street project, which includes separated bike lanes along Yonge Street, set for approval, attention now turns to nearby Eglinton Avenue.

Eglinton TOday project covers the midtown thoroughfare between Keele and Mount Pleasant. According to the city, the project “proposes to implement complete street features, including Vision Zero road safety changes, bikeways, and public realm upgrades.”

Public drop-in events on the project have been scheduled.

Once called Eglinton Connects, the plan has changed and taken up the TO moniker and dropped the idea of keeping more of the car lanes, according to city councillor Josh Matlow.

“The initial plan was to keep more [car] lanes intact on Eglinton along with the bike lanes,” Matlow explains. “My understanding is they just didn’t purchase the necessary real estate to have the sufficient property.” Metrolinx, the provincial agency behind the Crosstown LRT, was pegged to construct the bike lanes around transit stations along Eglinton as part of the deal to build the line. And that construction is underway.

According to a statement from Metrolinx, construction of the portion of bike lanes for which the agency is responsible is “largely complete between Weston Rd. – Avenue Rd. and Mt. Pleasant Rd. – Kennedy.”

“Metrolinx and contractor Crosslinx Transit Solutions

(CTS) will be implementing the Eglinton Connects streetscape along Eglinton Avenue in the areas that are being impacted by the construction of the LRT stations. In addition, Metrolinx and CTS will extend the new streetscape in between Avenue Road and Yonge Street,” added Metrolinx, via email.

What is bothering Matlow, he says, is that it seems as though the city is consulting and garnering input from the public on something that is already partially built.

Ron Johnson

about the new Eglinton TOday plan and the potential elimination of street parking.

“It’s not fair to the businesses who have sustained these challenges between construction and COVID, and now to add this layer of challenge as well is unthinkable,” she said, during an interview regarding Crosstown construction. “And we’re not against bike lanes, but there has to be some kind of parking.”

She said that the previous plan, Eglinton Connects, had been ditched — and with it the original scope of work that included both bike lanes and street parking — and that the city has not been transparent.

“I went back to the city staff, and I just said I don’t even understand this because you’re consulting on something that Metrolinx says contractors have already partially constructed,” Matlow explained. “So doesn’t that come across as disingenuous to the community and the BIAs [Business Improvement Associations]?”

Maureen Sirois is the chair of the Eglinton Way BIA and has been a strong advocate for local businesses impacted by the Crosstown LRT construction as well as the COVID-19 pandemic. She is concerned

““If you look at the original Eglinton Connects plan, there was a plan to rehabilitate the sidewalks, put in bike lanes and street parking on both sides of the street. But they’re not doing the Eglinton Connects. They’re doing this other plan, which doesn’t involve sidewalk rehabilitation. So they don’t have the real estate, and they’re just going to get rid of the parking.”

Another big concern is the bottleneck around the intersection of Eglinton and the Allen Expressway. And Matlow said he doesn’t know how that traffic jam could be avoided if cars cannot pass and there is no through lane.

“I think that needs to be figured out,” he said. “I just want to reiterate this because it’s such a sensitive, controversial topic, but this isn’t bike lanes versus cars.”

“They don’t have the real estate. They’re just going to get rid of the parking.”

University proposes gateway to local area

Plan is the largest student housing development in Canada

The University of Toronto (U of T) is working with Mirvish Village developer Westbank to design and build its massive, 960,000-square-foot Gateway project that could breathe new life into the area.

The Gateway project, according to U of T, will create significant housing for faculty, staff and student families; academic space focused on lifelong learning; ancillary retail opportunities; and enhanced public space at the northwest gateway to the university’s downtown campus.

“The Gateway will significantly address the university’s strong demand for housing, advancing the academic mission by adding hundreds of new units to the campus and to downtown Toronto,” said Scott Mabury, vice-president, operations and real estate partnerships with the university.

The move, in partnership with developer Westbank, is part of the university’s renewed interest in exploring how the northwest corner of the St. George campus can be revitalized.

“This site, located at a prominent downtown intersection, represents a unique opportunity for U of T to help address its growing need for housing, provide renewed academic space and enrich the surrounding neighbourhood,” said Mabury, back in March 2022.

Although no development application has been submitted, last year the university suggested the

site could comfortably accommodate two tall residential towers with 600 to 700 apartments. The current surface parking lot on the site would be moved underground, creating more open space.

“The proposed development envisions a passageway to connect Matt Cohen Park to the Huron Washington Parkette,” U of T stated in a recent press release.

There is also a commitment from U of T to engage with members of the Indigenous community on the project and how its common

spaces can foster “Indigenous acknowledgement and placemaking at the site.”

Other key objectives for the Gateway project include sustainable design, energy conservation and energy infrastructure improvements, integration with existing heritage assets and public realm improvements, along with “inspiring” architecture and design excellence to create what U of T calls a “seamless and dynamic gateway between the university and the city.”

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“A seamless and dynamic gateway between the university and the city.”

First Hogg’s Hollow condo in 20 years

Development brings 704 units near golf course by Josh Sherman

A north Toronto condo project that has long been in the making is taking another leap forward nearly a decade after it was first conceived of as an office complex.

When the Gupta Group purchased a 3.2-acre parcel of land on the northwest corner of Yonge Street and Wilson Avenue, opposite York Mills subway station, in 2015, the developer began hatching plans for constructing new offices. “But that didn’t work out,” said Steve Gupta, founder of the Gupta Group.

A softening commercial market led the developer to pivot to a mixed-use proposal for a pair of highrise condo towers — with heights of 28 and 14 storeys, respectively — linked by a podium featuring 17,000 square feet of at-grade retail and 42,000 square feet of office space.

Planning approvals were finally secured last May. Then just this February, the development company began offering units for sale, and the Gupta Group hopes to break ground on the project come the spring, pending building permits.

“It’s like launching a Tom Cruise movie,” Gupta said, about the lengthy timeline of the project.

“It makes me feel really good,” he added of the sales launch.

According to the developer, the upscale project, dubbed Yonge City Square for its location at 4050 Yonge St., is the first new condominium

development in the Hogg’s Hollow neighbourhood in more than 20 years.

It will bring a total of 704 condominium apartments to the neighbourhood, with sizes ranging from about 350 to 1,000 square feet.

The units are designed by Studio Munge, whose talents Gupta praised: “They’re not five star, they’re seven star.”

Architecturally, Gupta explained that his company has tried to create a “timeless” addition to the area, which has

Square’s design.

Inside, there’s a nod to the future building’s surroundings: two golf simulators are stationed in an indoor bar-and-lounge amenity, as well as a fitness centre featuring a yoga studio, dance studio, private training, infrared sauna, salt treatment room and much more.

“People can not only practise their drives but also have a party,” said Gupta.

As part of the development, work will be done to enhance the green space around the adjacent western Lower Don River ravine system.

“It will become a really beautiful, beautiful location with all the trees and all the greenery,” said Gupta.

largely been spared the condo development that has overtaken North York and, to the south, midtown Toronto.

He described the building vision that IBI Architects has come with as “upscale” and “elegant.” Precast concrete facades and bay windows define the exteriors.

Outdoor space is one of the focal points of the development, which backs on to the Don Valley Golf Course.

Five private terraces, including an outdoor pool and lounge areas with cabanas, have been incorporated into Yonge City

There’s also a rare charitable component to the development. The Gupta Group stated that it will donate $1,000 per unit to the Princess Margaret Cancer Hospital Foundation, topping off funds for a total contribution of $1 million once all unit sales close.

As for launching a condominium development project at a time when many real estatet companies are standing on the sideline as Toronto’s housing market weathers the impacts of higher interest rates and inflation that has slowed everything down, well, Gupta doesn’t sound concerned.

“Our location is a Triple-A location,” he said. “We feel confident that it will work.”

“It’s like launching a Tom Cruise movie. It makes me feel really good.”

The BEEZ KNEEZ

School

A “fight club meets night club” is coming to Yorkville on March 18! Whether you’re new to boxing or a regular Rocky, Rumble Boxing Studio offers heavy bag classes, personal training and bootcamp. For those who like mixing their exercise with their socializing, Rumble After Dark amps up your boxing class with music, clubstyle lights and the promise of after-class drinks. Visit 1235 Bay St. to get in on the action.

A new hub for creative arts has opened on Eglinton Avenue, and it’s got something for adults and kids alike! The Creative Child, at 1061 Eglinton Ave. W., is offering classes from arts and music to karate, cooking and yoga. Each class is organized by age group and can be booked on a monthly basis, with an option for private lessons.

North York General Hospital has announced a new president and chief executive officer, Seanna Millar. Millar has worked in senior positions at SickKids Foundation, most recently in the role of senior vice-president. She joins North York General as the hospital begins its largest building expansion since opening, adding a new patient care tower, emergency department, critical care unit and more. Millar will

step into the role starting May 8. A new brunch spot will be coming to Bayview Ave. this spring.

Ramona’s Kitchen offers a mouth-watering all-day breakfast menu featuring everything from banana bread french toast to schnitzel benedict and a hearty brunch burger topped with a sunny-side up egg. The restaurant will be opening in the former Romeo & Juliet Hair Studio location at 1608 Bayview Ave.

A Toronto institution since 1957, some would say you haven’t tried pastrami until you’ve tried it at Pancer’s Original Deli. Part of the charm is the Pancer himself — Lorne Pancer, son of Moe Pancer of the original Moe Pancer’s Delicatessen. After many years bringing top-rated deli sandwiches and meats to the city, Lorne is retiring and the next generation will be taking over. Head to 3856 Bathurst St. to wish him well!

Some changes are coming to Yorkville’s fashion district! With a new restaurant moving into the main floor of the TNT location in Yorkville village, TNT Yorkville is preparing to move upstairs in September. The location at 87 Avenue Rd. is currently 18,000 square feet and is home to both men’s and women’s fashion.

A boxing club packs a punch in Yorkville, a new spot for creative arts and more

What’s good around the ’hood

CITYWIDE BREAK-INS

FEBRUARY 2023

WHERE WHEN

AVENUE RD. AND FELBRIGG AVE. FLORENCE AVE. AND BOTHAM RD.

YORK DOWNS DR. AND ARMOUR BLVD.

BIRCHWOOD AVE. AND YORK RD.

WILSON AVE. AND LAURENTIA DR.

HOLLYWOOD AVE. AND YONGE ST.

MIRA RD. AND LILLIAN AVE.

UPPER CANADA DR. AND ALDERSHOT CRES.

HILLHURST BLVD. AND ALEXANDRA WOOD

ELLISON AVE. AND BATHURST ST.

Toronto’s got an investor problem

Jennifer Keesmaat on why that’s a reflection of a broken housing market

A new report from Statistics

Canada found investors account for a whopping 36.2 per cent of condo owners in Toronto and for 20.2 per cent of homeowners in Ontario. Jennifer Keesmaat, former chief city planner and partner of rental housing development company Markee Developments, gets into what this means for the city.

What do these stats tell us about Toronto?

It’s a reflection of a significant under building of purpose-built rentals, which creates a market opportunity that potentially can make renters vulnerable. In the absence of having sufficient purpose-built rentals, we've seen investors coming into this space to rent out housing for a return. There’s many who would argue this is a bad approach to housing supply and a risky approach to rental supply because it essentially means that rental housing is purely tied to an under supply of rental.

What about the argument that investors need to buy these condos or they won’t get built? In the absence of having an economic structure and incentives to build rental housing, we risk having no housing at all. But that dynamic whereby condo builders are building housing that’s being

purchased by investors in order to be rented is an outcome of a broken housing market. And that's not the outcome that we desire. If someone is an investor in housing, that housing is not going to be affordable because the goal of the investor is to be turning a profit. We’re really good at building buildings, but, for a variety of reasons, the financial structures we have in place are a disincentive to building rentals. And we’ve got to fix that.

What are those disincentives?

The biggest issue right now is interest rates, which spiralled out of control. And as a result, there’s a series of programs at CMHC [Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation] that are no longer viable. We have seen quite a bit of rental housing built in the city of Toronto over the past 10 years, and those buildings were built as a result of the rental construction financing incentive at CMHC. That program needs to be reconfigured to work in the current interest rate environment.

Should we regulate investors?

I don’t think so. If we take care of the root problem by flooding our market with affordable rental housing, then my guess is there will be less of an incentive to treat condo units like an investment.

MODERN MINI MANSIONS

There are plenty of historic gems in the city, but what if sleek but still homey is more your style? From a semi-detached beauty in Little Italy to a fully renovated showstopper in North York, these contemporary properties will satisfy the minimalists at heart.

LITTLE ITALY THORNHILL

This semi-detached home is fully modern from the inside out, making it a true standout right in historic Harbord village. The house at 391 Harbord St. offers three bedrooms and five bathrooms and includes a work-fromhome-ready office space, a kitchen with a built-in island, a glass staircase and walkout access to a private terrace on the top floor, and a cosy patio just outside the living room. It’s listed for $2.299 million with PSR Brokerage.

MOUNT PLEASANT EAST

VS. VS.

In the heart of Thornhill with a rear view that backs on to a ravine, 7 Albion Close is a rare contemporary find. With four bedrooms and five bathrooms, the home features floor-toceiling windows, gleaming marble floors and countertops and sleek, modern interiors. With multiple patio walkouts overlooking the forested backyard, it will make the perfect summer oasis. It’s listed for $5.28 million with Alan Newton Real Estate Ltd.

The exterior of 283 Broadway Ave. is a real modern showstopper, but it’s even better when you step inside. With over 3,200 square feet of living space, the open concept layout is designed with gold accents and minimalism in mind. Renovated with designer finishes, enjoy four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a finished lower level and a large backyard ready for your summer hosting plans. It’s listed for $2.98 million with McCann Realty Group Ltd.

CURRENTS

Hit these Toronto Oscars parties to celebrate the city’s best

The biggest night in Hollywood is on this month, and Toronto stars such as directors Sarah Polley, Domee Shi and Daniel Roher and actor Brendan Fraser have received major Oscar noms! Why not cheer them on with the rest of the city? Revue Cinema’s free Oscars watch party will have snacks, trivia, prizes, champagne and all the Hollywood glamour. Or walk the red carpet (in your

evening gown or evening sweatpants) at Hot Docs’ free screening. For the gamblers, head to C.C.’s Bar and Grill for trivia, drag performances and a winners pool. For those who live for the Oscars fashion, Paradise Theatre and Queer Cinema Club are hosting a best dressed contest, plus food, cocktails and prizes. Tune in on March 12 for all the fun!

Stranger Things, Silverman and It’s A Shame About Ray

Plus, Toronto doctor/playwright’s new work Rubble, Shakespeare turned inside-out and a winter music festival

CARRY ON COUTURE WINTER WEEKENDERS

©fredas.com/shop

Travelling this March break and not sure how to pack?

The latest style trends in Toronto are here to help.

Jeanne Beker has paired up the most fashionable and functional cargo pants with oversized bags to make packing painless this season.

Jeanne Beker | One of Canada’s most trusted authorities on fashion, now watch her on TSC or tune in to her new podcast Beyond Style Matters.

©rainbowjeans.com

CAN’T BEAT THE CLASSIC

Freda's, $169, 45 Elm St.

"These are a total classic and really speak of spring. These are a great fitting pair of cargos that are never going to go out of style, and there's a nice crop to these too."

Over the Rainbow, $176.40, 55 Bloor St. W.

"This faded wash denim is your classic blue jeans with cargo detailing. They’ve got great deep pockets, a nice high waist and are a great alternative to a pair of jeans."

©intermixonline.com

GO GREEN

Intermix, $383.55, intermixonline.com

"Green is a huge colour right now, such a cheery shade for spring. These have that nice wide, relaxed leg, three pocket detailing and a nice high waist.”

CAN’T BEAT THE CLASSIC Opelle, $595, 128 St. Clarens Ave.

©snapdragondesigns.ca

©farfetch.com/ca

SPRING FORWARD

Snapdragon, $145, 622 Mt. Pleasant Rd.

"These are great if you're looking for a slimmer fit cargo. It's an understated style with a nice light shade and from a great local shop."

Essentiels, $297, wantlesessentiels.com

GO GREEN Uppdoo, $395, 916 Bloor St. W.

SPRING FORWARD M0851, $237, 2901 Bayview Ave. .

LEATHER EDGE Holt Renfrew, $2,195, 3401 Dufferin St.

©shopfrock.ca

LEATHER EDGE

Farfetch, $3,120, farfetch.com/ca

"This shows you how casual cargo style can be adapted to the edgiest kind of look. These are absolutely seasonless and can be dressed up or down — a real investment piece."

ULTRA UTILITY

Frock, $135, 97 Roncesvalles Ave.

"I love this classic khaki with a baggier, looser leg. These would look great with any shoe. They have a nice, relaxed feel, and I like that they have this nice high waist."

ULTRA UTILITY

Eleven Thirty Shop, $405, 1130 College St.

Is it time to consider a ban on gas stoves in Canada?

These appliances not only cause indoor and outdoor air pollution, but they can lead to serious health issues

Cooking with gas has some advantages over cooking on conventional electric stoves, as gas stoves heat and cool instantly. But it’s not difficult to prepare amazing meals on an electric range, and efficient induction ranges offer even more versatility than gas — without the problems. Those problems are significant, from household pollution to global heating. Gas stoves release dangerous pollutants into homes, buildings and the atmosphere, including nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and particulate matter.

A recent analysis of 27 studies on the effects of gas appliances on children concluded 12.7 per cent of current childhood asthma in the U.S. can be attributed to gas stove use — ranging from three per cent in Florida to 21.1 per cent in Illinois. (The percentage of homes with gas stoves is much higher in Illinois than in Florida.)

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency found nitrogen dioxide concentrations

are 50 to 400 per cent higher in homes with gas stoves than homes with electric appliances.

Nitrogen dioxide can cause cardiovascular and respiratory problems and exacerbate illnesses like flu and COVID-19. As a Vox article notes, “Outside, the EPA would consider the level of NO2 produced by the stove illegal. Inside, though, there is no

regulation. Gas furnaces and water heaters cause less indoor air pollution because many jurisdictions require them to be vented outside — contributing to outdoor air pollution and climate change.”

So-called “natural” gas is almost entirely methane, a greenhouse gas pollutant about 80 times more potent than carbon

dioxide over the short term.

Health issues around gas appliances have been known since the 1980s. But as with other problems fossil fuels cause, industry has put considerable resources into downplaying or denying the dangers.

Those efforts are heating up as many jurisdictions consider banning gas stoves for new homes and buildings. The tactics are wide-ranging: massive ad and “influencer” campaigns, fake grassroots groups and supporters (known as “astroturfing”) to support gas over electric, lobbying politicians and, sometimes, outright threats. Even the term “natural gas” was coined back in the 1930s as a way to portray it as a clean, affordable fuel.

Industry argues proper ventilation will resolve indoor pollution issues. Putting aside the fact that this just moves pollution outdoors, most jurisdictions don’t require venting that would keep indoor air pure.

Not everyone can immediately

replace their polluting gas appliance, but incentives, regulations and building codes can ensure gas becomes a thing of the past. Of course, if you continue to use a gas stove, you should vent to the outside, or at least keep windows open while using it.

As with fossil fuels wastefully burned in cars, gas for cooking was never really about efficiency or affordability. The goal was to get people to buy and burn more to enrich the most profitable industry in history. It’s time to change that, for the health of our children, ourselves and the planet.

Let your inner animal run wild in Ontario

Sleep among wolves, glamp atop a lake and spot moose on a safari

Have you ever considered sleeping in a tree house surrounded by lovable rescue animals? How about spending a night floating atop a peaceful lake in your own little abode? Is photographing animals in the wild or (safely) watching wolves at play in the moonlight on your bucket list? If so, explore these extraordinary immersive experiences that let you get in touch with Ontario’s flora and fauna first-hand — and in style.

Spot moose on a Canadian safari

Spend three days with a professional nature guide and photographer on Voyageur Quest’s Algonquin Moose Safari. Meet new friends and learn expert photography tips and tricks before venturing by canoe through the backwaters of Algonquin park. Snag magnificent photos of moose in their natural habitat and spot wildlife along the way. Spend one night in a log cabin and the second camping in the great Canadian wilderness. Paddle through glassy lakes, hike lush forests and stargaze at night. Relax by the campfire and feast on hearty meals prepared with

than 20 wildlife species. Sleep in a whimsical stilt house in the forest or cosy up in a comfy pod. During your stay, observe several varieties of wolves and bears from an observation walkway, or explore the grounds and come upon caribou, moose and arctic foxes. For an up-close encounter with wolves, reserve one of several luxury cabins offering intimate panoramic window views of the park’s lively wolf enclosure.

parcomega.ca

Glamp alongside adorable rescue animals

love. This adventure is sure to satisfy any wanderlust spirit. voyageurquest.com

Unwind in nature among the Ontario wildlife

Pamper yourself with time at the spa, soak in the steamy Nordic baths, and indulge in gourmet dining experiences at Cedar Meadows Resort & Spa. Pack a camera and a sense of wonder and explore 100 acres of spectacular parkland by wagon. Delight in close encounters with moose, elk and bison along the way and appreciate the tranquility of the forest. Choose from several comfortable suites to feel at home in, or rent an entire chalet. Outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking the rejuvenating effects of nature will absolutely love this northern Ontario destination. cedarmeadows.com

Sleep with wolves

an hour outside Ottawa OK, so you’re not actually sleeping with wolves, but you’re pretty close. An hour outside Ottawa in Quebec’s Parc Omega, guests get an immersive opportunity amid 2,000 acres of Canadian parkland with more

A refuge for animals such as chickens, pigs, dogs and Hyland cows, the Taiga Animal Sanctuary offers guests unforgettable overnight experiences amid an idyllic farm setting. Sleep in an enchanting tree house surrounded by birdsong, or opt for a peaceful bell tent in the woods (or something a little more close to home if you’re new to glamping — a two-bedroom apartment with space for six people). Forest bathe amid 10 acres of hiking trails and come upon curious woodland creatures. Relax in the barrel sauna, soak in a hot tub surrounded by trees, and dine in the beauty of nature. Enjoy plenty of games, campfires and quality time getting to know the adorable animals that call this sanctuary home. According to the owners, the rescue animals love to say hi, so you don’t need to enjoy the cuteness from afar — guests are encouraged to interact with and feed the animals, and apparently the baby pigs love belly rubs. It’s hard to imagine anything cuter. welcometothetaiga.ca

Be like the water and overnight on Lake Temagami Surrounded by beautiful Lake Temagami, Chic Shore’s Water Villas offer an experience that’s nothing short of magical. You can get lulled to sleep by a chorus of bullfrogs and rise to the song of the loon. With each villa built atop a spacious and secluded floating dock, this unique glamping experience connects guests with nature in luxury and style. Stargaze the night away in a chic bubble dome that sleeps five, or opt for an A-frame villa for an intimate couple’s getaway. Enjoy private outdoor space with lounge chairs, a BBQ and water access for those who love to swim. chicshore.ca

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Let the March Madness begin, with a little help from Toronto

Basketball player Marcus Carr on making a name for himself below the border by Alexa Margorian

Family is important to Marcus Carr. When the University of Texas at Austin basketball player and March Madness star is asked what he misses most about Toronto, his reflex is to ask, “Other than my family?” This instinct has been with him from the beginning of his basketball career, going to his brother’s games. “I ended up picking up a ball and was always shooting around on the side, and I really just wanted to be like [him].”

Carr played extensively in Toronto and eventually went to St. Michael’s College for high school, following in his brother’s footsteps. “He would always be going to his games when I was younger, and they were super lit. I didn’t really understand that it was an all-boys private Catholic high school. My mom was happy when she found out I wanted to go there,” he says. “Because, obviously, it’s a great school, great education, networking connections for life.”

REPORT CARD

STUDENT: Marcus Carr

SCHOOL: St. Michael’s College

BEST SUBJECT: Philosophy and Art

WORST SUBJECT: Math

“I was fortunate enough to have good influences growing up, whether it was basketball or just life.” He names his high school coach, Vidal Massiah, as having a significant impact on him. “[He] helped me develop my game and become the person that I am.”

Carr also cites his trainer who he’s been working with for 10

years as another person who has played a massive role in his career. He excelled for his first two years in high school, gaining the attention of Montverde Academy, a high-profile prep school in Florida whose alumni include Scottie Barnes, Precious Achiuwa and Joel Embiid.

“I was already in a good school,

but I wanted to take the next steps to ensure that I had the best possible chance to go to the next level.”

Once he transferred to Montverde, Carr saw an immediate difference in the infrastructure. “We were playing games on ESPN,” he says, with massive audience turnouts for the top teams in the country facing off.

While playing in Montverde, Carr made a name for himself and landed a spot on the University of Pittsburgh roster. He eventually transferred to the University of Minnesota before finding his place at UT Austin.

The 23-year-old has been added to multiple watch lists for national awards in the U.S. this year, including the Oscar Robertson Trophy and the John R. Wooden Award for Player of the Year.

This month offers him another opportunity to shine — March Madness. With high hopes for the

Longhorns and reports labeling Carr one of the team’s “threepoint threats,” it would be understandable to feel pressure to perform on such a big stage.

“I don’t really look at it in terms of pressure. It’s basketball. It’s fun to me,” he says. “It’s what you dream about as a kid when you’re playing in your driveway. Whenever the moment comes, it’s definitely surreal, but I like to just be in the moment.”

Along with his college career, Carr has played for Team Canada twice, in 2015 for the U16 championship and again last year for the U23 team.

“Even if you get a chance to play for Team Canada, it’s not usually on Canadian soil, much less in Toronto, giving my family and friends a chance to see me play when they haven’t seen me play in a while,” Carr says. “Whenever you get to represent your country, it’s an honour. I’m definitely blessed to have been able to do it a couple of times.”

A love built on laughter (and lots of time apart)

Howie Mandel shares the secret to a 43-year-long marriage with his wife, Terry

Toronto’s own Howie Mandel has been making us laugh for decades. Whether you know him from his standup comedy, his self-titled comedy show, his role as a host on Deal or No Deal or as a judge on America’s Got Talent and now Canada’s Got Talent, he’s honed his craft both here and abroad. He performed at Yuk Yuk’s in Toronto before being discovered at the Comedy Store in Los Angeles — and through it all, he’s had his wife, Terry, by his side. The pair started dating in high school and have been together ever since. Ahead of the season two premiere of Canada’s Got Talent on March 21, Mandel shares the secret to success of a relationship that has lasted over 40 years (hint: it’s not him!).

How they met

We met in high school. We were in line to buy french fries at the snack shop at the Y, and I didn’t have enough money, so I borrowed a quarter from her, and I’ve been paying her back ever since.

The courtship

This is it! She’s still being courted.

our honeymoon. I was already living in Los Angeles, and we had to fly up for the wedding. We barely had enough money to buy the plane tickets for the wedding, so I timed it as a business trip (although I didn’t have big business then). Mark Breslin of Yuk Yuk’s gave me a feature, and the day after our wedding, she was sitting on a stool beside me on the stage at Yuk Yuk’s, and I explained to the audience that this was my honeymoon show. Again, I’m not a romantic, but this was a moment that she’ll never forget (or she’ll never let me forget!).

The kids

Yes, we have three kids. Two girls and a boy, and we have two grandkids.

Balancing career and marriage

The more career I have, the better the marriage is. People ask us, “How do you make it last so long?” My wife says it’s because I’m always on the road. When I’m up in Canada filming Canada’s Got Talent and she’s not there with me, it makes her love me even more.

Shared hobbies and interests

Spring is in the air!

We have all your needs for spring cleaning inside, outside and all around the house. Garden supplies have begun to arrive, get prepared!

The most memorable moments?

Our three children, which I’m told are mine!

The proposal I was sitting in a deli, and I’d bought a loose diamond, and I put it on the table and said, “I got to go to the bathroom, but if you want to make a ring go ahead.”

I don’t have a hobby, and I don’t know that she has a hobby! I just work and hang out with my family. But we are interested in each other, so that’s a shared interest.

The secret to success

The secret for me is my wife. People have seen me on television or in concert and think I’m fun, and I probably am for a couple of hours, but living with me is not easy. I have a hard time living with me, and I’m seeing professionals to learn to cope with myself, and I take medication, so the fact that she has put up with me for 43 years is amazing. This question is for her. If there are any awards to be given out, please give them to my wife. She deserves it. I appreciate her and feel like the luckiest guy in the world.

I’m not a romantic; neither of us is romantic. One time in 43 years, I brought flowers home, and she said, “Where did you get these?” The truth is, I did take them from the set that I was working on.

The wedding and honeymoon

We were married in Toronto in 1980. We went to Yuk Yuk’s for

The future

My philosophy is never to look into the future. I just try to make now as good as I can. All I have is now. I don’t know what tomorrow brings or what 10 minutes from now brings. I just try to cope and live and enjoy now. So hopefully in the future, there’s more nows.

“I bought a loose diamond, put it on the table and said, ‘If you want to make a ring, go ahead.’”

CAMPS & PROGRAMS

Toronto Mandarin School

Toronto Mandarin School, the leading Mandarin language school in the GTA was founded in 2001. We offer a wide variety of Mandarin language programs for children, teens, adults & businesses. For more than 20 years, we have been committed to providing a fun and practical learning experience while helping students to learn Mandarin easily and quickly. Happy Mandarin Summer Camp is one of our most popular programs for children aged 2.5-14 years old. We emphasize a full immersive learning experience to maximize the language exposure for our students. The camp includes Mandarin classes and is packed with lots of fun STEAM project-based activities such as art and science, music and drama, olympic math and outdoor sports. Field trips are held once a month. Lunch, before and after-school care are available on site. Camps are available at 6 locations: Downtown and Midtown Toronto, North York, Mississauga, Scarborough and Richmond Hill.

Prestige School

Prestige School’s Summer Camp Program is just the fun, activity-filled, yet educational summer that your children are looking for! Our camp, which offers a wide variety of exciting activities that keep all kids engaged, educated, and entertained, starts on July 4th and ends on August 25th, 2023. Our sports program includes Outdoor Games, Basketball, Volleyball, and Soccer. We also offer educational programs such as English, French studies, Spanish, English as a Second Language, and Logic Boosters. We also provide activities such as Fun Science, Computer Design, Computer Animation and 3D Modelling, Drawing, Painting, Sculpting, Chess, Baking and Nutrition. Campers attend exciting weekly Field Trips throughout the summer and visits to the Swimming Pool/Splash pad. The camp runs from Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hot lunch is provided daily. Door-to-door transportation is available. Summer School Credit Courses for grades 9-12 now offered.

CAMP TYPE: Day Camp

AGE RANGE: 2.5-14 years old

TOTAL ENROLMENT: 250

CAMPER/STAFF RATIO: 8:1/20:1

SESSION LENGTH: July-August

SESSION COST: $350-$380 per week

CAMP DIRECTOR: Jennifer Chang

CONTACT: 416-304-0260

www.torontomandarinschool.com

CAMP TYPE: Day Camp

AGE RANGE: 3-19 years

TOTAL ENROLMENT: 50-70

CAMPER/STAFF RATIO: Varies

SESSION LENGTH: July & August

SESSION COST: $430 per week

CAMP DIRECTOR: Olga Margold

CONTACT: 416-250-0648 prestigeprivateschool.ca

PRESTIGE SCHOOL’S SUMMER CAMP

Best-kept secrets to get your kid camp ready

Whether the kids are going down the street, across the province, staying for the day or sleeping over for the month, getting them ready for summer camp can be both a physical and mental challenge for parents. As a mom who has sent four kids to pretty much every type of camp, here are some “camp hacks” to make it easier.

1. Take time to review the camp equipment and supplies list well in advance. Some camps require Tshirts to be ordered or specialized items.

From Experience: finding a mesh laundry bag at the last minute can be tricky.

Throwing kindness around like confetti

For kids today, being nice is the new normal

I don’t know when it happened because I was so busy trying to make it happen that I missed the moment. Probably there was no moment. It must have been more of a gradual change, the kind you don’t notice till you catch a glimpse of it in the rearview mirror. What I do know — believe anyway — is that kids today are — in general — a kinder and gentler breed than a generation ago.

Let’s go back about 20 years. Bullying was rampant. Homophobia was routine. A guy flubbed a shot on a basketball court and you’d hear homophobic slurs that cannot be voiced in this newspaper. If you were paying attention.

Paying attention was challenging because to pay attention you had to first believe that you could do something about it, and most of us who worked with kids at camps and schools had zero idea what to do about it. So we mostly didn’t pay attention. Plus which, kids were really good at hiding those behaviours from adults … unless of course we paid very close attention.

And then there was the girl stuff. In the world of adolescent girls, a simple eye roll sufficed to telegraph entire paragraphs of contempt and exclusion. Girls who didn’t make the social grade

were cut off from all social encounters, from birthday parties to Sweet Sixteens. Remember those? Girlworld was a rigid social ladder with aggressive exclusion enforced by queen bees and their anxiously obedient ladies-in-waiting.

On the rare occasions when a kid stood up for a victim or an adult tried to stop bullying, kids closed ranks and denied everything. Even victims participated in the denials

fields, and you won’t hear as many put downs or homophobic slurs. You see them hug each other.

Of course, because there is no such thing as perfect and kids are human, it’s not all hearts and flowers in kids’ worlds. They have fights, some kids get left out or put down, and there are kid outliers who behave badly towards their peers. But those behaviours have become easier to notice for a bunch of reasons.

rich with opportunities for this new learning. At the same time, camps, schools and community programmes have become fertile ground for supporting and requiring kids to step up and be kinder to each other.

Summer camps in particular used to be very friendly to this kind of negative behaviour, because it was easy for kids to hide from young counsellors who had zero training in that area. They had no idea what to do if they saw it, so they avoided looking. It didn’t help that the world they grew up in labelled it normal.

2. Get the kids involved in the packing of clothing and supplies, particularly for sleep-away camp. They should be responsible for checking off all the items on their list and packing them.

From Experience: my son neglected to pack pants once at age 12. I shipped his pants. He didn’t forget again.

3. Pre-address and stamp envelopes so the kids can easily write to you if they will be sleeping away at camp.

From Experience: pre-write, “Dear Mom. I am having a great time.”

4. Review the camp agenda with the kids before they go. Ask them if they have any particular concerns about certain activities, and try to alleviate the concerns before they go.

From Experience: not all kids like horseback riding. Enough said.

because they knew better than to risk reprisals by the socially powerful.

It wasn’t like that everywhere or for all kids. But there was enough of it to reduce the quality of life for a great many kids.

And today it’s better.

In general, the standards of behaviour among kids have gone up. Pay close attention to adolescent girls, and see how they have each other’s backs, how they help each other with … most everything. Watch and listen to boys on courts and

One, because they’re both less common and less accepted. Two, because the other kids have been acculturated not to accept or tolerate such bad behaviours. And three, because a great many of the adults in charge have learned, over the past 20 years, to intervene when kids do harm to each other.

The plethora of conversations about bullying, girl social aggression and homophobia have helped all of us adults who work with kids to learn how to interrupt it. The public square is

It took a full kid generation — two decades — to make the shift. And how wonderful that kindness is the new normal. Every kid is safer because a few smart courageous educators decided that social safety mattered, and could be taught. And the rest of us were lucky enough to have them as our teachers.

5. Above all, consider each child and the type of camp each will learn from and enjoy. Camp is not one size fits all. Neither were the pants I sent my son.

“It took a full kid generation — two decades — to make the shift. And how wonderful that kindness is the new normal. ”

Little condo on the prairie

Urban homesteading is the latest trend in Toronto, and it’s all about grow-yourown and sew-your-own

Sustainability efforts as we know it might include reusable shopping bags, biking more, shopping second-hand and maybe cutting down on meat consumption. But a new sustainability trend has emerged onto the scene in Toronto called homesteading — and it’s all about returning to your roots.

The term refers to a lifestyle of self-sufficiency and sustainability, which includes practices like growing your own food, producing your own clothes and crafting your own home products. If you search the term on TikTok, you’ll find that the hashtag version has over a billion views. The top videos on TikTok depict families and individuals living away from cities, often on farm properties. They post about things like gardening, creating their own textiles, raising farm animals and baking bread.

That the most viral videos take place on large properties with acres of natural land doesn’t seem to discourage Torontonians. In fact, urban homesteading is a trend in its own right, with city dwellers growing their own food in their backyards, their front terrace, city sidewalk boulevards or even on balconies and windowsills. Other urban homesteaders have taught themselves skills such as sewing or craftwork or even carpentry.

You don’t have to move out of your townhouse or even your apartment to start urban homesteading. You don’t even

have to get your hands dirty.

Alex Filtsos is the creator behind Snake Eyes Shop, an Instagram and pop-up retail brand selling vintage, altered and handmade pieces using one-off vintage fabrics — but it started with Filtsos learning to make her own clothes.

Filtsos is particularly drawn to ’60 and ’70s novelty prints; she started sewing because she came across a mushroom print nurse shirt at a thrift store. The garment didn’t suit her personal style so she bought a cheap sewing machine on Kijiji and consulted YouTube videos to learn how to turn the shirt into a brand new mini skirt.

After that Filtsos began collecting novelty print fabrics and vintage sewing patterns and turned her hobby into a business.

“Being self-taught definitely has its downsides, and I find myself frequently learning from my own mistakes. It takes time and practice, but I really do believe it's worth it to be able to give old fabric or clothing a new life,” she says.

Filtsos’s advice for Torontonians thinking of learning how to sew is to just do it. She advises that upcycling clothes is a good place to start for beginners. “Instead of buying new or tossing old clothing, try making something new out of something old. Something made from you, for you. It’s really a great feeling!” she says.

That feeling is what’s driving the homesteading trend. Tired of

feeling disconnected from everything from the food they eat to the clothes they buy, homesteaders are looking for ways to reconnect. Making her own clothes reminds Filtsos of not only the work that goes into the clothes she wears, but gives her an opportunity to slow down — even the simplest item could take six hours to sew from start to finish.

The same is true for homesteaders looking to grow their own food. Homestead T.O. is an organization founded by Derek

in person and online. The inperson program consists of weekly educational sessions spanning seven months in which the participants learn to grow their own vegetables in the Barbers’ teaching garden plot, located in Downsview Park. At the end of each class, the participants get to bring home their share of the garden’s harvest yield.

“A lot of our students have reached out looking for employment opportunities in the field,” says Barber. More people are

American Canadians, and the gap has been growing since 2006. With urban homesteading in Toronto, it’s community, rather than land ownership, that drives the trend.

The Barbers say their programs, which connect aspiring homesteaders with others, are representative of Toronto. “The other farmers and the students that I interact with are mostly people of colour,” Barber says.

In a city of condos, Torontonians have learned how to make urban homesteading their own and are determined to show you how you can, too.

and Vinyse Barber that facilitates educational programs to teach Torontonians how to homestead, and the pair are hoping to remind participants of the time and resources that go into the food they eat.

Derek Barber says the problem in Toronto is that we’ve become disconnected from our food sources. “We can all name 20 restaurants, even 20 grocery stores, but most of us can’t name a single farm. We don’t know how our food is grown or what’s been put into it.”

The Barbers founded Homestead T.O. five growing seasons ago, and they offer a Grow Veggies program — offered both

opening up their backyards to the possibility of someone else growing food in it, and farmers markets are starting to open up tables to individual backyard growers, where they can sell what they grow.

Urban homesteading offers an alternative to the narrative of TikTok’s most viral videos, showing often white couples moving out of the city to purchase acres of farmland and start anew. Escaping urban centres is a privilege only afforded to some, as is the option to buy up land. A study from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation from 2021 found that home ownership rates were lowest among Black, Arab, Aboriginal and Latin

Emma Biggs is an urban gardener who is working to inspire others to grow at home. At 17, Biggs is the co-author of a selfpublished kids’ gardening book, which she wrote with her father, as well as the co-host of the podcast they produce together, The Food Garden Life Show.

“I’m really excited to see the number of new gardeners and homesteaders there are, and I really hope people stick with it,” Biggs says.

Of the many benefits of homesteading, Biggs is most grateful that growing her own food has allowed her to spend time outside and connect with the greater community. “When you grow a tomato plant, you get to eat those tomatoes, but you also get to share them with neighbours.”

“It’s something made from you, for you. It’s a really great feeling.”

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FOOD

Celebrate Saint Paddy’s month with the full Irish

Sure, pancakes and waffles are great, but for a real morning feast, a full Irish breakfast is a must. The hearty meal was created for farmers to keep them fuelled for the day, and it comes loaded with protein and regional favourites. Expect a selection of breakfast meats, including bangers and rashers (sausage and bacon), as well as eggs, mushrooms and a generous helping of baked beans. The George

Street Diner’s fry-up includes freshly baked soda bread — aptly named as its made with baking soda instead of yeast. And at Cabbagetown’s Stout Irish Pub, a duo of black and white pudding is on offer. Referred to as drisheen in Ireland, black pudding is a blood sausage made with pork blood and fat, cereal or oats and herbs, whereas white is similar but without the blood.

5 more restaurants for Masaki

The two-Michelin star winner on closing for the weekends, Toronto’s ‘fake chefs’ and his plans to open new restaurants in the city

After Masaki Saito received two Michelin stars last winter for his eponymous Yorkville restaurant, the perfectionist will be opening a handful of new eateries in Toronto in 2023.

“It’s true we have five new restaurants coming this year,” said a communications aide at Saito’s restaurant. “We are working on new restaurant developments, and we aim to open them all this year. However, there’s no guarantee, as we won’t open until we are 100 per cent ready to deliver the best to our customers,” the aide went on to say. “ I don’t want to mislead the public, so I prefer to say, ‘Stay tuned.’”

Diners in Toronto who can afford to spend $680 per head will certainly be staying tuned because the most awarded restaurant in Toronto is almost impossible to get into. There was nearly a two-month wait for a reservation at Sushi Masaki Saito before the Michelin stars, and then, in January, Chef did something wild. Due to supply chain problems stemming from air shipments from Japan, Saito decided to close his restaurant on Saturday evenings, which meant that Toronto’s only two-starred Michelin chef is leaving oodles of cash on the table by choosing perfection over mass appeal.

According to the latest update, these five new restaurants will all

serve Japanese food but not of the current Masaki Saito variety. They will be less expensive and less rigorous in their service.

At his high-end sushi restaurant before the December holidays, Saito said he would rather close shop at the height of its popularity than serve something that isn’t great.

“The food in New York is so much better than the food in Toronto, but I don’t accept that — there is no reason why Toronto cannot win,” Saito said gleefully in the tiny waiting room at his immaculate, austere,

Speaking through a translator and surrounded by similarly dressed, similarly clean-shaven sous chefs and aides, Masaki Saito orates like the king of the world. For such an accomplished perfectionist in the kitchen — and someone who routinely battles Canadian food regulators for his insistence on serving his fish aged, as he was taught in Japan — Saito has a light, even goofy vibe.

He talks about his life as a single man living in Yorkville and mentions that he’s having fun, but is not content.

Saito has his stars displayed on the coveted sushi bar, and Chef walks through the quiet, almost mystic second-floor haunt. Tucked up above Avenue Road and just north of Bloor Street, Saito looks out at Toronto and sees so much clay, like his delicate fish inspirations, he’s able to sculpt. Alongside his business partner, William Cheng, the entrepreneur responsible for bringing Saito to Canada, Saito now aims to grow his empire, bring down his costs and prices and educate Toronto’s diners on a different type of Japanese food. He believes the bar should be set higher for Japanese cooking in Toronto and that his adopted hometown needs to be educated on real Japanese food.

T.O.’S JAPANESE MICHELIN STARS

minimalist, wood-panelled Yorkville haunt. “To make something excellent, even perfect, requires sacrifice. I just think we need to take care with our fish — in Toronto, there’s too many fake chefs.”

Fake chefs and sushi joints with heavy sauces and inexperienced owners putting discounted fish on plates is causing Saito, 35, consternation. However, he admitted to a very late night recently, and it could have been the sake still milling around in his system that led him to take the gloves off.

“Outside looking in, it might seem like I’m rich and famous, that I have many girlfriends, but I’m not rich and I’m not famous and it’s not enough,” he says and mentions his hard-core work ethic that keeps him in the restaurant most nights past 3 a.m.

“We need power at Japanese restaurants so sushi is respected like French and Italian food, and I think we only get that from better customer education — but I think the Michelin stars at Masaki Saito might be a good place for the education to start.”

At his exclusive restaurant,

With the launch of the five new restaurants — one confirmed by his kitchen aide to be opening in Yorkville — Saito is on a mission to reclaim Toronto’s appreciation of Japanese food.

“I did a lot in New York and want to do a lot in Toronto, but even earning three Michelin stars isn’t success,” he says, with a smile. “Success is more of a mission — my mission — because Toronto customers need an education on how to eat Japanese food.”

With five new restaurants trailing behind him, the mission seems one that Saito is ready to accept.

ABURI HANA

Executive chef Ryusuke Nakagawa presents a menu that’s guided by the Japanese culinary ethos of seasonality.

KAISEKI YU-ZEN

HASHIMOTO

Guests are treated to a multicourse fine dining experience with only three tables and a maximum capacity of eight.

SHOUSHIN

Specializing in Edomae-style sushi, Shousin is modelled after the traditional high-end sushi restaurants found in Tokyo.

YUKASHI

Diners can opt for a fouror nine-course set menu with sake pairing, with each course prepared by hand right in front of you.

“We need power at Japanese restaurants so sushi is respected like French and Italian food.”

ALL HAIL CAESAR

With the Ides of March upon us, we had chef Anthony Rose (a.k.a. Mark Antony Rose) stab his fork into the city’s most delicious Caesar salads.

Crunchy polentacroutons

PACKS A PUNCH

“This looks gorgeous, I love the thick-cut pork belly and the polenta croutons are great! This is solid: it's got a nice dressing, you can really taste the anchovies and the cheese. It tastes fresh and homemade, I could eat this whole thing.”

Quanto Basta, 1112 Yonge St., $17

LAUNDRY LIST OF INGREDIENTS

“I really like the dressing on this salad. I like the amount of garlic it has, but it could really use some acid. The croutons are nice and crispy and I like that they are baked, but they are lacking in seasoning.”

The Octagon, 7529 Yonge St., Thornhill, $24

HOT, HOT HEAT!

“The bacon is really big but it’s not too fatty, which is nice. It’s very, very garlicky, and there’s quite a bit of heat to this. It’s a little overpowering. I like the addition of the crispy fried shallots and the anchovy dressing.”

Chadwick’s, 268 Howland Ave., $13

RUNNER-UP

THE RIGHT BITE

“I like how soft the kale is, it’s not dense. It has a good amount of cheese and a nice amount of dressing. It tastes fresh and delicious and it’s spot on. The chickpeas are a little spicy, which gives it a kick. I would eat this entire salad.”

Pantry, 1094, Yonge St., $11.59

Spicy chickpeas

ANTHONY ROSE

This Michelinrecognized chef is the creative force behind Fat Pasha, Schmaltz and Fet Zun.

EGG-CELLENT ADDITION

“It’s cool, but there are a lot of extras, and I would say this is the least like a Caesar salad that I’ve tried so far. The egg and chicken are both cooked perfectly, and this would be a great, hearty lunch.“

Aloette Go, 171 East Liberty St., $24.50

MEXICAN FIESTA

“I love the play on the Mexican theme with the tortilla chips and the cheekiness of it. The beans are a nice addition, but the mushroom bacon is extremely hard. I want the dressing to hit me with anchovy, but it tastes more like a lame mayonnaise.” Planta, multiple locations including 1221 Bay St., $15.25

GLOADED WITH EXTRAS

“I appreciate this salad. It needs some more dressing and seasoning, but I appreciate all of the extras in here — the chicken, the quinoa — I think the Caesar has room for all of this. It just needs about two more ounces of dressing.”

Forest Hill Farmhouse, 2 Lola Rd., $15.99

nice for them to also include some romaine. I like the greenness of it. The dressing is a little too thick for a salad like this. I like the addition of the parmesan breadcrumbs and it has a good amount of garlic.”

Parcheggio, 2901 Bayview Ave. North York $17.95

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Electric cars with a backup plan

The future is electric. Until we get there, what if we didn’t just look at the number of electric cars, but the number of electric journeys we enable? With Volvo Recharge plug-hybrids, you can make sure most of your drive is electric, but know that you’re covered for longer journeys too. We call them electric cars with a backup plan.

Glam grocer returns to its roots

Pusateri’s to open in Little Italy this summer by Jennifer Schembri

Over the last 60 years, Torontonians have continued their love affair with Pusateri's, the gourmet grocer that introduced locals to imported Italian goods and specialty products they couldn't find anywhere else. And now, the glam grocery store is rejoining the community where it all started.

In the summer of 2023, the gentrification of Little Italy will continue as Pusateri’s returns to its roots with the opening of a store on College Street.

Considered to be a very special neighbourhood to the Pusateri family — it's where the original store, Pusateri's Supermarket, opened in 1963 — the new location at 899 College St. will encompass approximately 10,000 square feet and feature sections dedicated to a wide variety of everyday items and specialty products.

And, while the new store will be similar to its other locations it will also include a selection of hot foods that customers can take to go, or enjoy in the store's indoor and outdoor seating spaces.

The new location will also include a café concept offering breakfast, and a coffee bar with signature brews with the hopes

of creating a neighbourhood hub for the local community.

Promising a more modern, urban format, Paolo Pusateri says it's only fitting that to celebrate their 60th anniversary, they reconnect with the community they started with in 1963.

"We're eager to once again become part of the fabric of this vibrant neighbourhood with our offer of the best quality products and selection we're known for," he said.

Salvatore Pusateri immigrated to Toronto in 1958 and five years later, opened his first store — a produce market in the Corso Italia neighbourhood. In 1986, Salvatore's son Cosimo transformed the shop from a simple fruit stand to a gourmet grocery store chain, when he opened a 6,000 square foot location at Lawrence and Avenue Road.

Pusateri’s has seen a number of openings, including its food hall location at Saks Fifth Avenue Queen Street as well as some closures — in 2018, the Oakville location shuttered after a two year run, and just last month, its food hall location at CF Sherway Gardens permanently closed.

Iconic Lakeview diner isn’t closing

A cryptic Instagram post had patrons worried, but the Dundas West spot is just undergoing some changes by Jennifer

An Instagram post from the venerable Lakeview Restaurant on Dundas Street West recently announced the diner would be undergoing some changes.

“Dear Toronto, it’s not you, it’s us. Our relationship has been a wild ride, but it’s time for us to take a step back,” the post read. “We need some room to spread our wings and try new things. But don’t worry, we’ll still keep in touch. Someday - maybe sooner than later - we’ll get back together and rekindle our love... Until then, farewell, fair city.”

This information was reported by local media outlets to mean that the Lakeview is closing. It is not, according to owner Fadi Hakim.

Post City reached out to the owner of the Lakeview who said, “You can quote me if need be. We’re basically going through some changes. We’re taking on some new team members, putting on a fresh face and releasing a new and improved menu to be always open for the next 15 years. We’ll close for a spell on March 1 and plan to reopen in time for March

Break. Stay tuned!”

The restaurant is one of Toronto’s most popular late night spots and it has been for over 80 years.

Since 1932, Torontonians have known it as the “handshake” diner: a warm, forever welcoming spot that serves phenomenal food all night long. It was even featured on the TV show Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives

Summerhill café marries coffee and art by Megan

Summerhill residents can now start their day with a cup of joe from Ethica Coffee Roasters without making travelling far. A new coffee shop has arrived to share the beans, but it’s not like other cafés: MitFar Boutique Café celebrates both coffee and art.

The name "MitFar" comes from the combined first names of the husband-and-wife duo who own the business. Together Mitra Ziaee and Farzam Baghchehsaraei run MitFar Canada Inc., an online store featuring handmade and custom jewelry. When the couple wanted to open a gallery to exhibit the pieces, they decided to use Baghchehsaraei’s background in catering to pair the boutique with specialty coffee.

“It’s a combination of art, jewelry, painting and specialty coffee altogether,” says Ziaee. “It’s for people who love contemporary art and specialty coffee, because I feel they are the same. Coffee and art — it’s all about taste.”

The staff at Mitfar was sent to coffee school and had two weeks of a dry run to ensure they knew how to serve and brew the best coffee.

Ziaee says she notices a lot of people go to specialty coffee shops seeking an experience that goes beyond the coffee. They want to experience something new,

and coffee and art felt like a natural connection to her.

“It’s very important to look at both of them as an art for me,” says Ziaee, “which is why this is the type of environment we are trying to provide.”

The couple spent over a year and a half conceptualizing the space and location. MitFar Café landed in Rosedale on Yonge Street.

With the soft open last month, the boutique began with an exhibit of artwork from Toronto-based artist Leila Refahi. Though she’s participated in upwards of 60 group and solo exhibitions, the paintings on display at MitFar are new and were specifically made for the café.

Called Nature Roots for Us, Refahi’s exhibition, like much of her previous work, presents Canadian landscapes and natural scenes that make statements on environmentalism and climate justice.

For Ziaee, it’s important to showcase Canadian artists. “We’d like to promote their art, their ideas, the way they think.”

If the art builds your appetite, the pastries, including gourmet croissants, served at Mitfar are all made in house, as will be the salads and toasts that will soon be offered.

Mitfar Boutique Café is located at 1098 Yonge St.

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Cherished North York restaurant relocating

Mezza Notte says ciao to its home of two decades by Jennifer

Following a successful 20-year run, popular Italian restaurant Mezza Notte is shutting its doors at 5304 Yonge St.

Thankfully for the trattoria’s long-time customers, the restaurant will reopen in a new space approximately 20 minutes f rom the original location

According to co-owner Robert Savonarota, the restaurant is moving to a former Bank of Montreal located at 3169 Dufferin St. The current strip mall the restaurant has called home for more than 20 years, is being redeveloped to make way for a 33-storey building with 265 units with retail on the ground level and more than 100 parking spaces.

The new digs will be roughly the same size as the current location (approximately 2,500 square feet) with seating for 120 diners.

There will also be a private dining room in the basement — as opposed to the main

floor.

“We did a complete renovation and completely gutted out the space,” Savonarota says.

The Yonge Street location is slated to close by the end of March with plans to reopen in the new space around April 11, following Easter weekend.

Although the restaurant won’t see a complete overhaul, Savonarota says there are some changes coming as they want to stay true to their roots.

“We are going to introduce some new dishes and there will be a slight change to the menu,” he says.

As for the decor of the new restaurant, Savonarota says that the space will have urban, industrial and modern elements where guests can enjoy all the classics while listening to traditional Italian music.

In the warmer months, diners will be able to enjoy dining alfresco, thanks to a patio

that will be located on the side of the restaurant.

And fans of the eatery’s extensive takeout menu need not fear: Savonarota says the restaurant will be able to keep the current delivery area relatively intact.

If all goes according to plan, in the summer of 2024, plans are in the works to add a rooftop patio. Savonarota says that all of the structural work has already been completed.

Until March 25, diners will have the opportunity to dine at the restaurant owned by siblings Robert and Gus Savonarota.

Over the last 20 years, the brothers have built a large and loyal following of diners, thanks to their menu of classic Italian fare, including pizza, panini and pasta dishes, like fettuccine Siciliana and orecchiette aromantica. Mezza Notte is also known for its extensive wine menu, which pairs perfectly with any dish, as well as its hand-crafted cocktails and a variety of beer.

Dine with your dog at the Bernese Barista

The menu was created with love for your pooch by Marcus

The Bernese Barista is a coffee shop located in Markham that gives dog owners the chance to enjoy a cup of java with friends, while accompanied by their four-legged pals too

Co-owners and friends Victoria Chan and Chanice Dryden decided they wanted more than just an average nine-to-five. And so the pair quit their jobs (at the same employer) and opened up the pet-friendly café last year.

“We have dogs and so do our friends, and during the pandemic we used to joke around and say, ‘Oh if only there was a dog-f riendly place where we could go, hang out and bring our dogs,’” Dryden says. “We decided to take our joke to the next level.”

Once Ontario’s Better for People, Smarter for Business Act, which Dryden says has “a soft spot for dogs,” was passed and loosened the rules on dogs on patios, the duo wanted to implement a

café menu that both stood out and catered to local customers.

“Victoria really loves her coffee, so she took charge in terms of making sure we have great options to ser ve,” says Dryden. Dryden and Chan have an auto industry background, an environment that Dryden says revolves around starting your day with a coffee run.

The Bernese Barista offers café staples alongside some classic Asian treats. Dryden says that the most popular order is “a pup cup for the dog, a pineapple bun for the human and usually a latte or cappuccino.”

The Bernese Barista is located at 6 Nipigon Ave. and is open Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The coffee shop welcomes all pooches — regardless of their size!

Summer’s has been scooping up the most incredible natural ice cream in Yorkville since 1991, and now, the iconic parlour is getting a makeover. Plans are underway for public washrooms (the current ones are located in the back parking area), as well as a new customer service area.

“We’re also freshening up the space, repainting the entire store, adding new tables and redoing the sign boards,” says shop owner Ron Tolkey, who added that Summer’s had just renewed its five-year lease, hence the renovations.

Founded by Len and Helka Tolkey in 1984, Summer’s started as a small storefront on Cumberland Street — a tradition in Helka’s family that began in Czechoslovakia in the late 1930s.

The couple’s eldest son, Ron, eventually took over the business and over the last 25 years he’s seen the family business expand from one location to four — including a retail and production hub in the west end. The shops eventually amalgamated to a single storefront on Yorkville Avenue.

Tolkey also says he hopes to expand with a new store either in Oakville or at King and Portland.

“There’s a row of restaurants there where I think we’d do well,” he says.

The shop closes each year during the winter season, and Tolkey says customers are already asking when they’ll be able to get their mitts on a delicious cone.

“There’s always a lot of hype in the springtime for us,” Tolkey says, adding that new flavours are in the works, including pina colada and pineapple as well as more smoothie offerings. Summer’s is located at 101 Yorkville Ave. —JS

Yorkville’s favourite ice cream parlour is getting a makeover

TOP DOCTORS

OUR CITY’S BEST AS CHOSEN BY THEIR PEERS

If the last few years have taught us anything, it’s that every Toronto doctor is deserving of our thanks and recognition. Post City is grateful to those physicians who graciously nominated their peers for this special edition with this list of 360 doctors from 44 specialties.

ADDICTION MEDICINE

Dr. Mark Greenberg

Graduated: U of T, 1988

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Iris Greenwald

Graduated: U of T, 1995

Ontario Addiction Treatment Ctrs.

Dr. Michelle Klaiman

Graduated: U of T, 2008

St Michael's Hospital

ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY

Dr. Maria Asper

Graduated: U of T, 1998

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Adelle Atkinson

Graduated: McMaster, 1994

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Stephen Betschel

Graduated: McMaster, 1998

St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Eyal Grunebaum

Graduated: The Hebrew UniversityHadassah Medical School, 1988

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Sari Herman

Graduated: McMaster, 2004 North York Medical Group

Dr. Tracy Pitt

Graduated: Howard U, 2004

Midtown Pediatrics

Dr. Gordon Sussman

Graduated: Schulich School, 1977

Sussman Allergy & Immunology Clinic

Dr. Peter Vadas

Graduated: U of T, 1983

Dept. Of Immunology - U of T

ANESTHESIOLOGY

Dr. Asimul Alam

Graduated: U of T, 2007 North York General Hospital

Dr. Fahad Alam

Graduated: McMaster, 2008

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Benjamin Alman

Graduated: Thomas Jefferson University, 1986

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Arsenio Avila

Graduated: Universidad Del Zulia, 1977

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. James Baker

Graduated: Queen's, 1995 St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Bok Man Chan

Graduated: U of London, 1987 St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Jeffrey Dickson

Graduated: U of T, 1998 St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Rolf Gronas

Graduated: U of T, 1976

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Darryl Irwin

Graduated: Schulich School, 2000 North York General Hospital

Dr. Beverly Morningstar

Graduated: U of T, 1976 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. James Robertson

Graduated: U of T, 1997

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Michael Sklar

Graduated: McMaster, 2009 St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Behnam Safa

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 1998 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Keith Tanner

Graduated: U of T, 1993 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

CARDIOLOGY

Dr. Shaheeda Ahmed

Graduated: McGill, 1996 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Akshay Bagai

Graduated: U of T, 2003 St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Ravi Bajaj

Graduated: U of T, 2010 Cardiac Care North York

Dr. Roland Beaulieu

Graduated: University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine, 1978 North York General Hospital

Dr. Leland Benson

Graduated: Finch University of Health Sciences, 1974 The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Jason Burstein

Graduated: U of T, 1998 Scarborough Heart Health Inst.

Dr. Eric Cohen

Graduated: U of Calgary, 1983 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Eugene Crystal

Graduated: Vitebsk State Medical Institute, 1983 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Loretta Daniel

Graduated: McMaster, 1983

Toronto General Hospital - Peter Munk Cardiac Centre

Dr. Diego Delgado

Graduated: Universidad del Salvador, 1994 Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Paul Dorian

Graduated: McGill, 1976 St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Vladimir Dzavik

Graduated: U of Alberta, 1983 Toronto General Hospital

Dr. John Graham

Graduated: U of Glasgow, 1995 St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Andrew Ha

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 2002

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Dennis Ko

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 1996

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Ilan Lashevsky

Graduated: Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv U, 1989 Vaughan Heart Institute

Dr. Kevin Levitt

Graduated: UBC, 2006 Michael Garron Hospital

Dr. Bhavanesh Makanjee

Graduated: U of Natal, 1994 Scarborough Health Network (SHN) Foundation

Dr. Luc Mertens

Graduated: Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, 1992 The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Melitta Mezody

Graduated: Semmelweis U, 1982 Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Kareem Morant

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 2010 North York General Hospital

Dr. Heather Ross

Graduated: Queen's, 2007 Toronto General Hospital

Dr. John Ross

Graduated: Queen's, 1972 Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Sheldon Singh

Graduated: U of T, 2001 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Mohammad Zia

Graduated: U of Calgary, 2002 Michael Garron Hospital

Dr. Anup Gupta

Graduated: Meerut U, 1979

Michael Garron Hospital

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

Dr. Shafqat Ahmed

Graduated: McGill, 1990

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Robert Cusimano

Graduated: U of Calgary, 1983

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Tirone David

Graduated: Universidade

Federal Do Parana, 1968

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. George Christakis

Graduated: U of T, 1981

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Gideon Cohen

Graduated: U of T, 1992

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Marc de Perrot

Graduated: U of Geneva, 1994

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Christopher Feindel

Graduated: McGill, 1976

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Stephen Fremes

Graduated: U of T, 1979

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Osami Honjo

Graduated: Shimane

Ikadaigaku, 1997

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Shaf Keshavjee

Graduated: U of T, 1985

University Health Network

Dr. Michael Ko

Graduated: Schulich School, 2000

St Joseph's Health Centre

Dr. Fuad Moussa

Graduated: McGill, 1997

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Anthony Ralph-Edwards

Graduated: Queen's, 1987

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Steve Singh

Graduated: Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, 2009

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Thomas Waddell

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 1987

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Robert Yanagawa

Graduated: U of T, 2008

St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Kazuhiro Yasufuku

Graduated: Chiba Medical U, 1992

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Jonathan Yeung

Graduated: U of T, 2005

Toronto General Hospital

COSMETIC SURGERY

Dr. Trevor Born

Graduated: McMaster, 1990

TMB Cosmetic Plastic Surgery

CRITICAL CARE

Dr. David Klein

Graduated: U of T, 1999

St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Phil Shin

Graduated: U of T, 2001

North York General Hospital

DERMATOLOGY

Dr. Benjamin Barankin

Graduated: Schulich School, 2001

Toronto Dermatology Centre

Dr. M. Anne Curtis

Graduated: U of T, 1982

Dermatology on Bloor

Dr. Anatoli Freiman

Graduated: McGill, 2002

Toronto Dermatology Centre

Dr. Martie Gidon

Graduated: McMaster, 1977

Gidon Aesthetics and Medispa

Dr. Marissa Joseph

Graduated: Dalhousie, 2004 Midtown Pediatrics

Dr. Jonathan Levy

Graduated: U of T, 2012 Rosedale Dermatology Centre

Dr. Roxana Mititelu

Graduated: McGill U, 2016 Carlton Clinic

Dr. Elena Pope

Graduated: Institute Medicine, Pharmacy, Bucharest, 1990 The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Fara Redlick

Graduated: U of T, 2003 Compass Dermatology

Dr. Nathan Rosen

Graduated: McGill, 2000 Dermetics Cosmetic Dermatology

Dr. Jennifer Salsberg

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 2007 Avenue MD

Dr. Daniel Schachter

Graduated: U of T, 1971 Dermatology On Bloor

Dr. Nowell Solish

Graduated: U of T, 1990

Dr. Nowell Solish Cosmetic Dermatologist

Dr. Scott Walsh

Graduated: U of T, 2000 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Miriam Weinstein

Graduated: Queen's, 1996 The Hospital For Sick Children

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

Dr. Bryan Au

Graduated: U of T, 1997 St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Emily Austin

Graduated: Queen's, 2011 The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Jennifer Bryan

Graduated: Dalhousie, 2008

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. David Carr

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 2001

Mackenzie Health - Emergency Medicine Department

Dr. Timothy Dalseg

Graduated: Schulich School, 2009

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Sara Gray

Graduated: Schulich School, 1999

Cleveland Clinic

Dr. Walter Himmel

Graduated: U of T, 1976

North York General Hospital

Dr. Laurie Morrison

Graduated: McMaster, 1981

St Michael's Hospital

ENDOCRINOLOGY

Ivan George Fantus

Graduated: McGill, 1975

Department of Medicine - McGill

Dr. Ilana Halperin

Graduated: Schulich School, 2007

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Eva Kogan

Graduated: Schulich School, 2004

Oak Valley Health

Dr. Bruce Perkins

Graduated: U of T, 1995

Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Annie Sawka

Graduated: U of Manitoba, 1992

Toronto General Hospital Research Institute

Dr. Rayzel Shulman

Graduated: McMaster, 2004

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Rayzel Shulma

Graduated: U of T, 1995

Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Oren Steen

Graduated: Schulich School, 2009 LMC Healthcare

Dr. Katherine Verbeeten

Graduated: U of T, 2008 Kidcrew

Dr. Catherine Yu

Graduated: U of T, 2002 St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Alyse Goldberg

Graduated: U of T, 2010 Anova Fertility

FAMILYMEDICINE

Dr. Alan Abelsohn

Graduated: U of Cape Town, 1974

Dalla Lana Sch. Of Public Health

Dr. Jeff Ashley

Graduated: Schulich School, 1988 William Osler Health Centre

Dr. Stacy Burton

Graduated: U of the West Indies, 2012

Integra Health

Dr. Stephen Cord

Graduated: U of T, 1992

Forest Hill Family Practice Centre

Dr. Naheed Dosani

Graduated: McMaster, 2011 Inner City Health Associates

Dr. Cara Flamer

Graduated: Queen's, 2006

Dr. Cara Flamer

Dr. Karen Fleming

Graduated: U of T, 1989

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Noah Forman

Graduated: McMaster, 1984 North York Medical Arts Building

Dr. Rajesh Girdhari

Graduated: McGill, 2008

St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Farzana Haq

Graduated: U of T, 2007

Cleveland Clinic

Scientific Approach To Pain Relief

WHERE SCIENCE AND ART OF MEDICINE CONVERGE TO PROVIDE PAIN RELIEF

We strive to alleviate physical and emotional pain, and suffering, leading to improved daily function for patients with subacute, chronic, cancer, and persistent postoperative pain.

Dr. David Sussman

www.painclinicmississauga.com

6855 Meadowvale Town Ctr. Circle, Ste. 220, Mississauga 905.858.8512

Dr. Liisa Jaakkimainen

Graduated: McMaster, 1995 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Doug Kavanagh

Graduated: U of T, 2011 North Toronto Medical Associates

Dr. Aarti Kapoor

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 2009 Magenta Health

Dr. Fok-Han Leung

Graduated: U of T, 2004 St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Gillian Lindzon

Graduated: U of T, 2011 Camp Manitou

Dr. Allyson Merbaum

Graduated: U of T, 1999

Department Of Family And Community Medicine - U of T

Dr. Anjori Pasricha

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 2014

Integra Health

Dr. George Photopoulos

Graduated: U of T, 1990 Avenue Bloor Medical Group

Dr. Gregory Pugen

Graduated: U of T, 1971

Dr. Pugen's Anti-Aging Clinic

Dr. Orit Segal

Graduated: U of T, 2002 Davisville Family Practice

Dr. Puneet Seth

Graduated: McMaster, 2009 Bay College Medical & Lockwood

Diagnostic

Dr. Vincenzo Stendardo

Graduated: U of Calgary, 2006

Appletree Medical Group

Dr. Ivor Teitelbaum

Graduated: U of the Witwatersrand Faculty, 1980 Yorkview Medical Centre

Dr. Daphne Williams

Graduated: McMaster, 1996 St Joseph's Health Centre

Dr. Kevin Workentin

Graduated: U of T, 2000 Michael Garron Hospital

GASTROENTEROLOGY

Dr. Rupert Abdalian

Graduated: McGill, 2003

North York General Hospital

Dr. Yaron Avitzur

Graduated: Tel Aviv U, 1995

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Eric Greenwald

Graduated: Queen's, 2002

Faculty of Health Sciences - McMaster University

Dr. Gabor Kandel

Graduated: U of T, 1978

St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Jeffrey Mosko

Graduated: Schulich School, 2008

St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Morgan Rosenberg

Graduated: U of T, 2009

Toronto Endoscopy Clinic

Dr. A. Hillary Steinhart

Graduated: U of T, 1984

Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Talia Zenlea

Graduated: U of Vermont, 2006

Women's College Hospital

GENERAL ORTHOPEDICS

Dr. Amit Atrey

Graduated: U of London, 2000

St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Terry Axelrod

Graduated: U of T, 1981

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Sagar Desai

Graduated: U of T, 2008

Humber River Hospital

Dr. David Wasserstein

Graduated: U of T, 2007 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

GENERAL SURGERY

Dr. Najma Ahmed

Graduated: McGill, 1992 St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Shady Ashamalla

Graduated: U of T, 2005 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Georges Azzie

Graduated: U of T, 1986 Department Of Surgery - Hospital for Sick Children

Dr. David Backstein

Graduated: U of T, 1993 Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Paul Binhammer

Graduated: U of T, 1986 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Fred Brenneman

Graduated: U of T, 1988 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Mark Cattral

Graduated: U of Alberta, 1983 Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Priscilla Chiu

Graduated: Queen's, 1991 The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Zane Cohen

Graduated: U of T, 1969 Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Preeti Dhar

Graduated: Queen's, 2007 Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Linda Dvali

Graduated: Schulich School, 1996

Michael Garron Hospital

Dr. Sayf Gazala

Graduated: U of Al-Mustansiriyah, 2004

Michael Garron Hospital

Dr. Thomas Gilas

Graduated: U of T, 1978

Michael Garron Hospital

Dr. Anand Govindarajan

Graduated: U of T, 2003

Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Barbara Haas

Graduated: McGill, 2006 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Sharifa Himidan

Graduated: King Abdul Aziz University, 1990

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Osami Honjo

Graduated: Shimane Ikadaigaku,

1997

The Hospital For Sick Childre

Dr. Calvin Law

Graduated: U of T, 1994 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Christine Keng

Graduated: McMaster, 2011 Mackenzie Health

Dr. Ian McGilvray

Graduated: McGill, 1993

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Donna McRitchie

Graduated: U of T, 1985

North York General Hospital

Dr. Ashlie Nadler

Graduated: U of T, 2010

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Fayez Quereshy

Graduated: U of T, 2004

Toronto Western Hospital

Dr. Yoga Rampersaudi

Graduated: Schulich School, 1992

Toronto Western Hospital

Dr. Adena Scheer

Graduated: U of T, 2006

St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Carmine Simone

Graduated: McMaster, 1998 Michael Garron Hospital

Dr. Jory Simpson

Graduated: UBC, 2006 St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Peter Stotland

Graduated: U of T, 2002 North York General Hospital

Dr. Homer Tien

Graduated: McMaster, 1992 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Lorraine Tremblay

Graduated: Schulich School, 1991 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Paul Wales

Graduated: UBC, 1993

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Christopher Witiw

Graduated: U of Manitoba, 2012 St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Frances Wright

Graduated: U of T, 1996 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

GERIATRIC MEDICINE

Dr. Shabbir Alibhai

Graduated: U of T, 1993 Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Jillian Alston

Graduated: U of T, 2012 St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Dov Gandell

Graduated: McGill, 2002 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Herbert Lachmann

Graduated: UBC, 1996 Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Barbara Liu

Graduated: U of T, 1987 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Giovanni Marotta

Graduated: U of T, 1986

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Bianca Petrut

Graduated: Victor Babes U, 1996

North York General Hospital

Dr. Jarred Rosenberg

Graduated: McMaster, 2009

Michael Garron Hospital

Dr. Samir Sinha

Graduated: Schulich School, 2002

Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Sharon Straus

Graduated: U of T, 1990

St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Katina Tzanetos

Graduated: McMaster, 1997

St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Camilla Wong

Graduated: U of T, 2003

St. Michael's Hospital

HEMATOLOGY

Dr. Helena Dhamko

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 2012

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Yulia Lin

Graduated: U of T, 1999

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Sheila Weitzman

Graduated: U of the Witwatersrand Faculty, 1968

The Hospital For Sick Children

HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE

Dr. Daphna Grossman

Graduated: U of T, 1992

North York General Hospital

Dr. Sarah Alison Torabi

Graduated: U of Sydney, 2008

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Dr. Upton Allen

Graduated: U of the West Indies, 1981

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Isaac Bogoch

Graduated: U of T, 2005 Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Jerome Leis

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 2008 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Janine McCready

Graduated: U of T, 2007 Michael Garron Hospital

Dr. Linda Taggart

Graduated: U of T, 2007 St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Darrell Tan

Graduated: U of T, 2002 St. Michael's Hospital

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Dr. Shelly Dev

Graduated: U of T, 2001 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Edward Etchells

Graduated: U of T, 1987 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Donald Redelmeier

Graduated: U of T, 1984

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Rebecca Van Iersel

Graduated: Queen's, 2005

Dr. Becky Van Iersel

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY

Dr. Sam Radhakrishnan

Graduated: U of T, 1993

Vaughan Heart Institute

Dr. Harindra Wijeysundera

Graduated: UBC, 2000

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

MATERNAL & FETAL MEDICINE

Dr. Anne Berndl

Graduated: McMaster, 2005

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Dini Hui

Graduated: U of T, 2002

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Johannes Keunen

Graduated: Maastricht U, 1993 Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. John Kingdom

Graduated: U of Dublin, 1984 Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Sari Kives

Graduated: U of T, 1995 The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Nir Melamed

Graduated: The Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical Sch., 2004 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Greg Ryan

Graduated: U of Ireland, 1979 Mount Sinai Hospital

NEPHROLOGY

Dr. Michelle Hladunewich

Graduated: U of Alberta, 1994 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Vanita Jassal

Graduated: Queen's, 1987 Toronto General Hospital

Dr. David Naimark Graduated: U of Manitoba, 1987 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Ron Wald

Graduated: McGill, 1999 St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Jeffrey Zaltzman Graduated: McGill, 1985 St. Michael's Hospital

NEUROLOGY

Dr. Victoria Reedman

Graduated: U of T, 2020 St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Michael Sawa

Graduated: McMaster, 2002 Synergy Sports Medicine

NEUROLOGY

Dr. Anthony Lang

Graduated: U of T, 1975

Toronto Western Hospital

NEUROSURGERY

Dr. James Drake

Graduated: U of Ireland, 1979

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Suneil Kalia

Graduated: U of T, 2006

Toronto Western Hospital

Dr. Abhaya Kulkarni

Graduated: U of T, 1994

The Hospital For Sick Children

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Dr. Lisa Allen

Graduated: Schulich School, 1992

Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Tatiana Freire-Lizama

Graduated: McMaster, 1997

St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Elaine Herer

Graduated: U of Calgary, 1982 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Jamie Kroft

Graduated: U of T, 2005 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Taymaa May

Graduated: McGill, 2004

Princess Margaret Hospital

Dr. Colleen McDermott

Graduated: U of T, 2002

Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Leslie Po

Graduated: Queen's, 2009

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Rajiv Shah

Graduated: Schulich School, 1996 St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Mara Sobel

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 2007

Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Donna Steele

Graduated: U of T, 1980 St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Bruce Thomas

Graduated: U of T, 1962 Women's College Hospital

Dr. Modupe Tunde-Buyss

Graduated: U of Ibadan, 1987 North York General Hospital

Dr. Prema Vaidyanathan

Graduated: U of Calcutta, 1985 Anova Fertility

ONCOLOGY

Dr. Robert Adam

Graduated: U of T, 2005

Toronto Eye Specialists and Surgeons

Dr. Eitan Amir

Graduated: Manchester Medical School, 2003

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Dr. Marcus Bernardini

Graduated: Schulich School, 1999 Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Dr. George Bjarnason

Graduated: U of Iceland, 1979 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Genevieve Bouchard-Fortier

Graduated: McGill, 2008

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Dr. Manuel Carcao

Graduated: U of T, 1990 The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Neesha Dhani

Graduated: Schulich School, 2001

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Dr. Andrea Eisen

Graduated: U of T, 1992 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Sonal Gandhi

Graduated: Queen's, 2005 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Pamela Goodwin

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 1979

Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Sumit Gupta

Graduated: U of T, 2005

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Armand Keating

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 1976

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Dr. Yoo-Joung Ko

Graduated: U of T, 1993

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Stanley Liu

Graduated: U of T, 2004

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Kathleen Pritchard

Graduated:Queen's, 1971

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Michael Raphael

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 1979

Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Rita Selby

Graduated: Nagpur U, 1989

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Danny Vesprini

Graduated: U of T, 2002

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Richard Wells

Graduated: Memorial U of Newfoundland, 1985

Odette Cancer Centre

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Dr. Vincent Lam

Graduated: St. George's U, 2008 Lasik MD

Dr. Allan Slomovic

Graduated: Memorial U of

Newfoundland, 1979

Toronto Western Hospital

Dr. Raymond Stein

Graduated: U of T, 1982

Bochner Eye Institute

ORAL & MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY

Dr. Nick Blanas

Graduated: U of T

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

Dr. Johnny Lau

Graduated: U of T, 1994

Toronto Western Hospital

Dr. Paul Marks

Graduated: U of T, 1986

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Stephen Reed

Graduated: U of Oxford, 1985 Sports & Exercise Medicine Inst.

Dr. Khalid Syed

Graduated: U of T, 1999

Toronto Specialty Rapid Access Clinic

OTOLARYNGOLOGY

Dr. Sharon Cushing

Graduated: U of T, 2003

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Everton Gooden

Graduated: U of T, 1996 North York General Hospital

Dr. Jonathan Irish

Graduated: U of T, 1984

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Evan Propst

Graduated: U of T, 2002 Hospital for Sick Children

Dr. Oakley Smith

Graduated: U of T, 1982

Michael Garron Hospital

Dr. Jeffrey Werger

Graduated: U of T, 1991

Mackenzie Health

Dr. Ian Witterick

Graduated: Schulich School, 1986

Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Nikolaus Wolter

Graduated: U of T, 2009 Hospital for Sick Children

PAIN MANAGEMENT

Dr. Andrea Furlan

Graduated: U of Sao Paulo, 1992

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. John Hanlon

Graduated: U of T, 2005 St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Howard Meng

Graduated: U of T, 2014 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. David Sussman

Graduated: U of T, 2011 St. Michael's Hospital

PATHOLOGY

Dr. Adriana Krizova

Graduated: Univerzita Komenskeho, Bratislava, 2000 St Michael's Hospital

PEDIATRICS

Dr. Zia Bismilla

Graduated: Schulich School, 2002 The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Sheila Jacobson

Graduated: U of the Witwatersrand Faculty, 1983 Clairhurst Pediatrics

Dr. Sanjay Mehta

Graduated: U of Calgary, 1997 Kindercare Pediatrics

Dr. Michael Peer

Graduated: Schulich School, 1990

Dr. Michael Peer

Dr. Alan Gidon Stern

Graduated: University College Hospital Med. School, 1999 Kidcrew

PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION

Dr. John Flannery

Graduated: Queen's, 1989

UHN - Toronto Rehab University Ctr.

Dr. Jennifer Gordon

Graduated: McMaster, 2019

The Pain & Wellness Centre

Dr. Farooq Ismail

Graduated: Schulich School, 1999 West Park Healthcare Centre

Dr. Melody Nguyen

Graduated: U of T, 2005

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

PLASTIC/ COSMETIC SURGERY

Dr. Ashlin Alexander

Graduated: Queen's, 2006

Ashlin Alexander Facial Cosmetic Surgery

Dr. Robert Backstein

Graduated: U of T, 1994

The Centre For Minor Surgery

Dr. Dimitrios Motakis

Graduated: McGill, 2004

Dr. Dimitrios Motakis

Dr. Blake Murphy

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 2010 St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Ron Somogyi

Graduated: U of T, 2008

North York General Hospital

Dr. Michael Weinberg

Graduated: U of T, 1990

The Mississauga Cosmetic Surgery & Laser Clinic

Dr. Ronald Zuker

Graduated: U of T, 1969

The Hospital For Sick Children

PSYCHIATRY

Dr. Crystal Baluyut

Graduated: U of T, 2002

CAMH

Dr. Carole Cohen

Graduated: McGill, 1982

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Anthony Feinstein

Graduated: U of the Witwatersrand Faculty, 1980

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Robert Jaunkalns

Graduated: U of T, 1981 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Marshall Korenblum

Graduated U of T, 1975 SickKids Centre for Community Mental Health

Dr. Anthony Levitt

Graduated: U of Western Australia, 1983

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Achal Mishra

Graduated: Bundelkhand U, 1992 Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care

Dr. Hilary Offman

Graduated: U of T, 1992

Department Of Psychiatry - U ofT

Dr. Arielle Salama

Graduated: Queen's, 2008 St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Ivan Silver

Graduated Dalhousie, 1975 CAMH

Dr. John Teshima

Graduated: U of T, 1994

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Renata Villela

Graduated: Schulich School, 2009 Ontario Psychiatric Association

PULMONOLOGY & RESPIROLOGY

Dr. David Dancey

Graduated: U of T, 1994 Oak Valley Health

Dr. Allen Greenwald

Graduated: Queen's, 2011 Oak Valley Health

Sussman Allergy Clinic

Treating children and adults for

• Food, Environmental, and stinging insect allergies

• Immunodeficiency

• Urticaria and Angioedema

• Penicillin Allergy

Our clinic provides:

• Allergy testing including skin prick, intradermal and patch testing

• Oral provocation challenges (ie foods)

• Oral Immunotherapy for food allergy treatment

• New allergy treatments

• Patient clinical research opportunities

• Asthma

• Atopic Dermatitis

• Anaphylaxis

• Eosinophilic Esophagitis

• Sinusitis

• Allergy Immunotherapy including

- Preseasonal allergy shots

- Year-round allergy shots

- Sublingual immunotherapy

• On-site patient-specific allergy immunotherapy formulation

• On-site biologic administration clinic

All new patients require referrals from an Ontario physician or nurse practitioner via FAX and will include in-office consultation.

Current Wait times:

Elective <1 month Urgent 1-2 weeks

Dr.

Dr.

Dr.

Dr.

ONLINE DIRECTORY

Dr. David Hall

Graduated: U of T, 2000

St. Michael's Hospital

Margarert Herridge

Graduated: Queen's, 1990

Toronto General Hospital MSICU

Dr. Marcus Kargel

Graduated: U of T, 1999

Michael Garron Hospital

Dr. Anu Tandon

Graduated: U of T, 2001

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Dr. Rachel Glicksman

Graduated: Queen's, 2015

Department of Radiation

Oncology - U of T

Dr. Padraig Warde

Graduated: U of Dublin, 1977

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

RADIOLOGY

Dr. Robert Bleakney

Graduated: Queen's, Belfast Sch. of Medicine, 1993

Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Petrina Causer

Graduated: U of T, 1995 York Radiology Consultants

Dr. Tae Chung

Graduated: Schulich School, 1995

JDMI - Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Hemi Dua

Graduated: U of T, 2004

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Benjamin Aaron Fine

Graduated: U of T, 2010

Trillium Health Partners

Dr. Leonard Grinblat

Graduated: McMaster, 2002

North York General Hospital

Dr. Kalesha Hack

Graduated: Schulich School, 2004

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Neil Isaac

Graduated: Dalhousie, 2002

North York General Hospital

Dr. Korosh Khalili

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 1994

Princess Margaret Cancer Centre

Dr. Ryan Margau

Graduated: U of T, 2001

North York General Hospital

Dr. Derek Muradali

Graduated: McGill, 1988 St. Michael's Hospital

Dr. Linda Probyn

Graduated: Schulich School, 1999

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Mia Skarpathiotakis

Graduated: U Of T 2006

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY & INFERTILITY

Dr. Adetunji James Ade-Conde

Graduated: U of Lagos, 1996

Halton Fertility

Dr. Ari Baratz

Graduated: Schulich School, 2001 Create Fertility Centre

TOP DOCTORS: METHODOLOGY – To create the Top Doctors list, Post City contracted DataJoe Research, a research company specializing in data collection and verification. For over 20 years, DataJoe has been conducting nominations on behalf of publishers across North America including Boston Magazine, 5280 Magazine (Denver Magazine), and Washingtonian, as well as a host of others.

Dr. Ken Cadesky

Graduated: U of T, 1978

TRIO Fertility

Dr. Robert Casper

Graduated: Schulich School, 1973 TRIO Fertility

Dr. Marjorie Dixon

Graduated: McGill, 1997 Anova Fertility

Dr Meredith Giffin

Graduated: U of Ottawa, 2009 Anova Fertility

Dr. Ellen Greenblatt Graduated: McGill, 1982 Mount Sinai Fertility

Dr. Claire Jones

Graduated: Schulich School, 2007 Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Kimberly Liu

Graduated: Schulich School, 2001 Mount Sinai Fertility, Sinai Health

Dr. Haidar Mahmoud Graduated: U of Al-Mustansiriyah, 1983 Anova Fertility

Dr. Miguel Angel Russo

Graduated: McMaster, 2012 Mount Sinai Hospital

Dr. Heather Shapiro Graduated: McMaster, 1983 Mount Sinai Hospital: Sinai Health

RHEUMATOLOGY

Dr. Lori Albert

Graduated: U of T, 1988

Toronto Western Hospital

Dr. Dafna Gladman

Graduated: U of T, 1971

Krembil Research Institute

Dr. Emily McKeown

Graduated: U of T, 2007

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Medha Soowamber

Graduated: McGill, 2010

Mount Sinai Hospital

SLEEP MEDICINE

Dr. Reshma Amin

Graduated: U of T, 2002

The Hospital For Sick Children

Dr. Douglas Bain

Graduated: Schulich School, 1988

Michael Garron Hospital

Dr. Victor Hoffstein

Graduated: U of Miami, 1975

NY Sleep & Diagnostic Centre Inc.

Dr. Brian Murray

Graduated: U of T, 1995

Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Jose Silveira

Graduated: McMaster, 1993

Department Of Psychiatry - U of T

SPORTS MEDICINE

Dr. Michael Clarfield

Graduated: U of T, 1980

Cleveland Clinic

Dr. Timothy Rindlisbacher

Graduated: U of T, 1992

The Clinic Health Group Inc.

Dr. Douglas Stoddard

Graduated: U of T 1989

Sports & Exercise Medicine Inst.

UROLOGY

Dr. Tony Finelli

Graduated: U of T, 1996 Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Ryan Groll

Graduated: U of T, 2002 Michael Garron Hospital

Dr. Robert Hamilton

Graduated: U of Alberta, 1979 Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Jason Lee

Graduated: U of T, 2004

Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Kenneth Pace

Graduated: U of T, 1994 St Michael's Hospital

Dr. Sidney Ben Radomski

Graduated: U of T, 1984 Toronto Western Hospital

VASCULAR SURGERY

Dr. Andrew Dueck

Graduated: Queen's, 1999 Sunnybrook Health Sciences Ctr.

Dr. Mohammad Qadura

Graduated: McMaster, 2011 St. Michael's Hospital

DataJoe's methodology is as follows. They first conduct internet research to identify success characteristics in a top doctor. DataJoe then facilitates an online peer-voting process whereby doctors in a given region vote for one another. Doctors without current, active registration are automatically excluded from the list, as are doctors who have been disciplined for an infraction. DataJoe then presents the re-

sult to our magazine for final review and adjustments.

We recognize that there are many good doctors who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding doctors in the region, and predetermined metrics.

While this issue is dedicated to the city’s top doctors, we realize that nurses are the backbone of the Canadian medical system. In recognition of Toronto’s incredibly dedicated nurses we have made a donation to the following charities.

VON (Victorian Order of Nurses) www.von.ca/en

The Frontline Fund www.frontlinefund.ca

LOOKING BACK

In 1921, two doctors at the University of Toronto, Dr. Frederick Banting and Dr. Charles H. Best, made a life-saving discovery — a drug called insulin. The discovery dramatically added years to the lives of millions of people living with the disease of diabetes. The pair won the Nobel Prize in 1923.

Canada has a long history of innovation when it comes to life-saving transplants, including the completion of the nation’s first successful hand transplant in January 2016. The University Health Network says 18 surgeons successfully attached a forearm and hand from a donor to a patient.

In 1989, doctors at the Hospital for Sick Children, Dr. Lap-Chee Tsui, Dr. Manuel Buchwald, and biochemist Jack Riordan discovered the gene that causes cystic fibrosis. Dr. Tsui was inducted into the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame for “the most significant breakthrough in human genetics in 50 years.”

In 1994, Toronto physician Dr. John Dick isolated cancer stem cells, to find that colon cancer originates from a rare type of colon cancer stem cell. His research lay the groundwork for the development of treatments that target and destroy cells that cause cancer.

In 1949, Dr. John Hopps, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Toronto Banting Institute, developed the world’s first cardiac pacemaker. His discovery led to the development of implantable versions using transvenous catheter electrodes, which Dr. Hopps also developed.

In 2014, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto made medical history by live tweeting a heart bypass surgery. During the operation, the team shared pictures and answered questions. The aim was to raise awareness about cardiac disease during February’s Heart Month.

Before you go... we wanted to highlight a few groundbreaking health discoveries made by local scientists and doctors that have changed the world as we know it.

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