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Vol. 41
No. 2 February 2004 President's Update It’s the
time of year for talks and debate on the new budget for Toronto. This year
should be interesting for a couple of reasons: 1) We have a new mayor and
administration, and 2) the city finds itself in quite a hole, when it compares
its revenue to its expenses. Our new
mayor, David Miller, has begun to lobby the federal and provincial governments
for “a new deal” for Toronto. On a larger scale, he is banding together
with his fellow mayors across the country to lobby for greater assistance to
all the large urban centres. You may
recall in this column a couple of months ago, before the municipal election,
we briefly examined what Etobicoke was like before the amalgamation with the
City of Toronto and why it is now important to know what is going on downtown,
because, like it or not, we are now a part of that picture. The City has
produced an information packet for a program entitled “Listening to
Toronto”. You may have heard about the recent meetings, which were held
around the city in the past couple of weeks in conjunction with this program.
Perhaps some of you were able to attend.
The
information packet, in part, showed the average family tax bill is divided
among and paid to the three levels of government in some form as follows: Federal
taxes
60.3%
Federal income tax
Goods & Services Tax
Customs & Excise Tax
Fuel Tax Provincial
taxes
34.4%
Provincial Income Tax
Retail Sales Tax
Employer Health Tax
Land Transfer Tax
Consumption Taxes
Fuel Tax Municipal
taxes (not including education tax)
5%
Property tax Looking at
the City’s budget revealed some of the following: *The city
operated on close to a $7 billion budget for 2003. *Its primary
source of revenue is from property tax (commercial & residential). *Its other
revenue depends on user fees and grants or subsidies from the provincial and
federal governments. *Some of
these grants and subsidies have been downloaded to the cities in recent years. *The city is
facing a $344 million gap between decreasing revenues and increasing
expenditures. *75% of our
tax dollars are spent on police, fire, shelter housing and support, debt
charges, TTC, social services, transportation, parks and recreation. *We spend as
much on police as we do on fire and ambulance services, the TTC, children’s
services and seniors’ homes combined. *The TTC
handles 90 per cent of all local transit trips in the GTA at an operating cost
of $909 million in 2003. Collected
fares totaled $727 million, which left $182 million in costs to be borne by
the taxpayer in the form of a grant approved by city council. I relay all
of this, so we are a bit more informed as to what it takes to be a part of
this city and where some of our tax dollars are going. If you have opinions as
to what should be done or changed, the city is welcoming your input.
Participation includes the opportunity to speak about your concerns at
meetings of the Standing Committees of Council. These committees meet
regularly to review policy and operating matters and their recommendations are
then submitted to City Council for consideration. To make a deputation,
contact the City Clerk’s Office at 416-392-8016 for referral to the
appropriate Committee Administrator or check the Etobicoke
Guardian for City advertisements.
From the
above, it is obvious that one of the options the City will have to consider in
all of this is an increase in property taxes. Perhaps it is time to support
the Mayor in demanding more assistance be given to Toronto from the other two
levels of government. It sure seems we give them a far greater percentage of
our taxation dollar. On the topic
of the former Petro-Canada service station lot at Bloor and Mill, please see
the letter that has been sent to the registered owner of the property.
We will keep you apprised of any response we get back. Hoping you
are making the best of the traditional winter we are experiencing so far this
year. Best
regards, Patrick
Clifford President,
Markland Homes Association 2003-2004
Board of Directors EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT:
Patrick
Clifford, 8 The Green Pines 621-7695 VICE-PRESIDENT:
Tom Napier, 1 Markland Dr. 622-9630 SECRETARY:
Don Matheson, 30 Markwood Cr. 621-4291 TREASURER:
Gerard Betsch, 14
Winsdale Road 620-4896
DIRECTORS Richard
Boehnke, 67 Markland Dr. 621-5089 Brian
Brennand, 2 Markland Dr. 622-8011 Bev Evans, 8
Winsdale Rd. 621-2153 Bo Lawrentiw,
110 Mill Rd, 622-9522 Graham
Maguire, 2 Broadfield Dr.
620-4398 Diane Mcleod,
15 Aymarn Crt. 622-2183 Associate
Directors Stephen
Blimkie, Helen Boehnke, Ian Sillars, Irene Sillars, Anne-Marie Stoneburgh and
Patti Thorne. Airport Noise Complaints: (416) 247-7682 Important
Contact Information: Councillor
Doug Holyday, Ward 2 – Tel: 416-392-4002, Email: councillor_holyday@city.toronto.on.ca Donna
Cansfield, MPP Etobicoke Centre – Tel: 416-695-1220, Email: Donna_Cansfield-MPP-CO@ontla.ola.org Parks
- 416-394-8527 Street
Lighting - 416-395-4448 Roads
& Sidewalks - 416-394-8615 Traffic
- 416-394-8453 Emergency
Medical Services - 416-392-9833 Police - 416-808-2200 911
– For Real Emergencies! Toronto
Department Web Site: http://www.toronto.ca/departments/ Editor’s
note: On January 20, a letter was written by the president of the Markland
Homes Association to the landlords of the property at the corner of Mill and
Bloor that, until recently, contained a Petro-Canada service station Re:
Southeast Corner lot located at Bloor St. and Mill Rd.
Plan M978
Blk. D Roll No.
1919-03-3-160-02200-0000 Dear
-------------- Both of you
are listed as the owners of record for the lot on the southeast corner at the
intersection of Bloor Street and Mill Road here in the City of Toronto.
I am writing
on behalf of the Markland Homes Association (the “MHA”) with respect to
your future plans for the use of the land and building contained thereon.
It is our understanding that your tenant, Petro-Canada, will depart
from the premises as of March 31st.
As you can appreciate, a number of the local residents patronized this
service station and came to rely on it to service their automobile.
The property and service station together maintained a reasonable
appearance, which reflected well on the neighbourhood and portrayed a viable
business. With the
departure of the Petro-Canada business, not only are its former customers
concerned, but so are a number of our homeowners who wish this site to
continue to be a vibrant corner and not decay like some other former
commercial lots in this city. Therefore,
we would appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible as to future plans
for the lot and any assistance, which we might be able to give to you.
The MHA was
formed in 1962, is made up of approximately 1250 homeowners in the area and is
one of most active ratepayer’s groups in the City of Toronto.
We work with all of our local businesses to promote a balance in the
area and ensure their success as well as ours. Please feel
free to call me directly or write to me at the above noted address.
I look forward to hearing from you at your earliest convenience.
Yours
sincerely, Patrick J.
Clifford President,
Markland Homes Association Canadian Temperature Guide Deadline
for the March issue: Friday February 15th. Please note:
All submissions for the Marklander should be sent to: Graham
Maguire, 2 Broadfield Drive, 620-4398. If
"lengthy", it helps if you send it as a Wordperfect or Word document
to my e-mail address: daffodil@pathcom.com. However, short notes dropped in my
post-box are fine! School News Millwood Junior School The deep
freeze in January kept students from enjoying many a day of outdoor recess but
all are hoping the groundhog brings a sure sign of an early spring! Theresa
Carravetta, the new principal started the new year off with assemblies to
discuss procedures and safety in and around the school. Everyone is back into
their routines and everything is on track! Due to
popular demand, another Bullying Workshop was held for parents on January 15
in the school gym and a French Immersion Information Night was held on January
28 for prospective French Immersion Senior Kindergarten parents. Anyone that
missed this evening can obtain more information about the French Immersion
program at Millwood by contacting the school office. January
brought another fundraiser event for Sleeping Children Around the World –
this time the event was “Wacky Hair and Hat Day” and the students were
VERY creative! Speaking of
fundraisers, the Millwood Fun Fair will be held on Saturday,
April 17 at the school. Parent
volunteers are busy organizing committees and gearing up for another
successful Fun Fair. This event is held every two years and is a major source
of excitement for all. We appreciate all the local businesses that have
donated goods and/or services in the past and hope we can count on
everyone’s support once again! The school is accepting donations from
businesses and local residents for the raffle and silent auction.
Every little bit will help the Millwood Home & School Association
raise funds that are used for various student activities, including the
Scientist in the Classroom program, field trips, special concerts and
presentations, to enrich the experience of every student at Millwood. Everyone
is welcome to come and join in the fun on April 17, too! Many Grade 4
and 5 students are participating in a program called “The Silver Birch
Books” during their lunch hour. This program involves reading
fiction and non-fiction books by Canadian authors that have been selected as
best books and possible winners for the 2003/2004 Silver Birch Awards. Under
the direction of Madame Doiu, the school librarian, the group will be reading
and discussing the various books. The Ontario Library Association will be
supplying an official ballot box for the group to vote for their favourite
book at the end of the program and an awards ceremony will take place at that
time. In addition
to the Silver Birch Club, other clubs at Millwood are once again in action.
These include the Drama Club, Lunch Hour Soccer, Primary Choir and the
Game Activities group. Once the weather warms up, many other outdoor activity
clubs will begin! Larissa
Bayrachny Bloordale Middle School Bloordale
Student Council Update Bloordale
was buzzing with excitement throughout the early winter months. We started off
with a Donate-a-Book program in November during the parent/teacher interviews.
Eighty-eight brand new books were donated to our library. A special thank you
to the Mabel’s Fables Book Store and our Bloordale School Council for
organizing this fantastic program. Next, Bloordale held two service projects,
which were very successful. One was a candy cane sale, from which the profits
went to various charities. We are very proud to say that we sold six hundred
and fifty candy canes. Another fundraiser that occurred during the month of
December was the food drive. We surpassed last year’s record of eight
hundred and eighty pounds by seventy pounds, making a whopping total of nine
hundred and fifty pounds this year. The food was donated to the Daily Bread
Food Bank. Just
before the Christmas holidays, the school had an activities afternoon. The
students had a choice of attending a dance, watching a video or playing some
games. The profits from the dance were used to purchase a new video camera, a
gift to the school, which all the students could benefit from. The musical
talents of the band, strings and choir were displayed during the Winter
Concert. Everyone in attendance enjoyed the music and had a great time. The
three music teachers that made this concert possible were thanked with gift
packages. Bloordale is hoping to get back in action with Valentine’s Day
activities and spirit days. The school would like to thank all the students
for their continued support to the student council. We would also like to
thank the student council advisors: Mrs. Woomert and Mrs. Ebbert.
Three cheers for Bloordale! We have an incredible school! By:
Dmitry Dubovitsky and Nazlee Maghsoudi Silverthorn Collegiate Institute
Phew! Exams
finished on January 29 and semester two began as a half-day on January 30.
Students had an opportunity to find out their exam marks on the morning
of the 30th and report cards will be issued later in February.
All
university applications needed to be completed by January 14th and
the due date for college applications is approaching quickly. Grade 8
Curriculum night was held on January 15.
Parents of children who are currently in grade 8 came to Silverthorn to
enjoy a presentation, which gave an overview of our school. The Prefects also
provided tours. For
Valentines Day, the Prefects are selling roses and a card for $2.00. The
Prefects will deliver the card and rose to the recipient on February 12.
February 13th is a P.D. day so there will be no school. SCI’s
concert band and strings ensemble will be participating in the Kiwanis
Festival again this year. Practices for the concert band have been increased
to twice a week. The band performs on February 13th and we wish
them the best of luck in the competition under the direction of our music
teacher Ms. Kimm. The girls’
volleyball and boys basketball seasons are now coming to an end. Wish them
luck in the play-offs! Shortly, the badminton, cricket and co-ed volleyball
teams will be starting up. All students at SCI are encouraged to try out for
teams. Valerie
Foulkes Investing
Beyond Your RSP With the RSP
contribution deadline coming rapidly on Monday, March 1st, many of
us typically give some thought at this time of year to retirement planning. Recently,
the RSP contribution limit was increased to $14,500 from $13,500 for the 2003
tax year. And it will rise to $15,500 in 2004, $16,500 in 2005 and $18,000 in
2006. But, despite
the rising RSP contribution limits, many individuals still need to save beyond
their RSP in order to achieve their desired retirement lifestyle. While it’s
difficult to match the tax advantages offered by an RSP, there are tax-smart
ways to save beyond your RSP. Tax-efficient
investment strategies >
Consider how different investments are taxed. For example, only 50% of capital
gains from stocks are taxable at your marginal rate, compared to 100% of
interest income. Dividend income from Canadian corporations also receives
preferential tax treatment due to the dividend tax credit. > Offset
capital gains with capital losses. You can apply realized capital losses
against realized capital gains to potentially reduce tax payable. > There
are also a number of investment solutions that can mitigate the impact of
taxes, including new tax advantaged mutual funds. Offered by several mutual
fund companies, tax advantaged funds enable you to move your assets between
countries, sectors and investment styles without triggering a taxable capital
gain. This gives you the flexibility to rebalance your portfolio while keeping
your growth intact. Tax-exempt
insurance is often used to supplement registered savings. It provides: •
tax-deferred growth, just like registered investments •
unlike RSPs, there’s no contribution or foreign content limit •
the potential for tax-free retirement income •
tax-free distribution of maturity value upon death Low-turnover
portfolios With a
low-turnover portfolio, you can minimize the number of times you trigger a
taxable capital gain. Unlike an inflexible “buy-and-hold” strategy, this
approach enables you to make strategic buy and sell decisions, while focusing
on your after-tax returns. This article
is supplied by Bev Evans, CFP, TEP, CIM, an Investment Advisor with RBC
Dominion Securities Inc., which is a member company under RBC Investments.
Member, CIPF. This article is for information purposes only. Before taking any
action based on information in this article, please consult with a
professional advisor. Church News Bloordale
United Church 4258 Bloor
St. West. Etobicoke, Ontario, M9C 1Z7 621-1710 Bloordale
United Church is experiencing the excitement of our new Minister, Rev. Stephen
Iverson, a new resident of Markland Wood. Please come and welcome him to the
neighbourhood and to our Church. Worship service and Sunday School at 10:30
a.m. Morning services at 10:30 a.m. February 8: Theme:
“Holy, Holy, Holy”. We are celebrating Communion on the 8th. February 15:
Theme: “On the Level” February
22: Theme:
“Bedazzled!” Annual
General Meeting follows February
29: Theme:
“Perfect?” ANNUAL
PANCAKE SUPPER February 25,
5:30 p.m. & 6:30 p.m. On Friday,
March 5 at 1:30 p.m.
Bloordale United Church will be
hosting the nine Etobicoke Churches, west of Hwy. 427 in Etobicoke, in an
inter-denominational service celebrating World Day of Prayer. Childcare will
be available and refreshments will follow the Service. Everyone is welcome. Junior/Youth Choir The Junior/ Youth choir will be taking a little hiatus
for the months of January and February. Keep
looking here for details about rehearsals for the Spring session. RENFORTH
BAPTIST CHURCH 621-1990 PASTOR -
Rev. Godfrey Green St. James United Church 400
Burnhamthorpe Road, Etobicoke (Just west
of 427 on the south side of Burnhamthorpe
Road.) 622-4113 Celebration
Service 9:00 a.m. (includes
Sunday School) Traditional
Service 10:30 a.m. (includes
Sunday School, baby-sitting) Fellowship
with tea or coffee after service A Piano and Vocal Light Jazz Concert will be held Sunday,
February 22 at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of St. James United Church, 400
Burnhamthorpe Road, just east of Hwy 427. Featured will be Graham Howes and Hazel
Walker, who are prominent jazz artists in the Toronto area. Tickets are, adults: $12.00, children: $5.00, families: $25.00 For information, call
416-622-4113. Proceeds of this concert will go toward upgrading the sound system in our
sanctuary. The
Church of Christ the King 475 Rathburn Road, Etobicoke Just West of the 427 621-3630 M.M.P. 1st and 3rd Sunday Communion 2nd and 4th Sunday Feb 16: Seminar on Dealing with Sexual Misconduct at
7:30 p.m. Feb 18: A.C.W. Card Party at 7:00 p.m.
Admission
$7.00 per person
Afghan Draw Tickets $1.00 each or 3 for $2.00 Feb 24: Shrove Tuesday (Pancake Supper)
5:30-7:00 p.m.
$12 per family or $5 per person March 7: The Gathering West at 4:00 p.m. Please plan to attend
Check out our website at: http://netcomsolutions-ont.com/Christ_King Rehoboth
Fellowship Christian Reformed Church 800 Burnhamthorpe Road (just east
of Mill Rd.) Etobicoke
622-9647 Reverend John Tenyenhuis People and Places Bloordale Baseball Registration
for all Divisions will be held at Cloverdale Mall – center court on
Wednesday February 11 from 6:30-9:00 p.m. and Saturday February 28
10:00am-3:00pm Registration
information and forms available online at www.bloordalebaseball.org Millwood Junior School bi-annual family fun fair During these
short, cold winter days the notion of spring seems an eternity away, but not
for those of us who are planning the festivities for the Millwood Junior
School bi-annual family fun fair In April. The event
will take place Saturday April 17th at the school from
10:00-2:00, bringing
students, families and friend together to take part in an action packed day of
activities and entertainment and to raise funds for the Home and School
Association. The H&S
has a long-standing history in our school with the mandate of being an active
voice and participating in our childrens’ educational experience. The money
raised by the H&S, at this and other fundraising programs throughout the
year, funds various activities such as field trips, presentations, plays, and
social gatherings, such as the Back- to-School BBQ and Family Skate Day. A major
portion of funds raised at the fun fair will come from a raffle and silent
auction. Contributions made by
local business and individuals make this possible. If you have
an interest in making a donation or sponsoring an element of the day’s
activities, such as entertainment at the main stage or food and beverage
sales, please contact Christine Wilding at 416-621-8876. All contribution will
be greatly appreciated and publicly recognized. Thank you to
Cathy Graham and Pat Hunt of Remax Professionals Inc., who have already
stepped up to the plate by supplying the first prize raffle ticket item, a
Sony Digital Camera. Spring will
arrive before we know it and with it our day of family fun. Bloordale
United Church Youth Group We will be delivering tropical plants in Valentine's
containers to select neighbours and members of the congregation who are ill or
not able to attend church. If you
know someone who would appreciate this thoughtful gesture, please contact Lee
Sampson (by February 7th) for more information at 416-621-4486. Outdoor Skating & Hot Chocolate Party Saturday, February 21st 2:30-4:30pm Bloordale United Church Youth Group Visitors are welcome! Meet at West Mall Rink (370 The West Mall) Supervised skating starts at 2:30pm! Hot chocolate & snacks will be served at the rink or
back at Bloordale - 4258 Bloor St. West, if the temperature is extra chilly.
Please register by calling Lee (Youth Coordinator):
416-621-4486. The Etobicoke Newcomers Club for Women Are you new to the area? Interested
in making new friendships? Join
us on the first Tuesday of each month at Kingsway Lambton United Church, 85
The Kingsway. The next meetings
are on February
3rd and March 2nd at 7:30 pm. The club is a not for profit women’s social organization and is
affiliated with the National Newcomers’ Council of Canada. Activities vary from bridge to book club, social gatherings
and visits to many Toronto exhibits. We
have several events for couples throughout the year. We are always open to new ideas and welcome the participation
of new members. For
further information call Vi at (416) 237-0961. Parent and Tot Coffee Time At Bloordale United Church, Room 13, on alternate Tuesday
mornings between 9:15-11:15
a.m. Coffee is provided, but bring a snack for your little
one(s). February 10, 24, For more information, call Karen
Miteff at 621-2293. 2004 Arts Etobicoke Benefit
Concert for Arts Education $15 from
every ticket sold goes to arts education programs in your schools and
community. Give the
Gift of Entertainment this Holiday Season! Mama Mia! It’s Louise Pitre in Concert! Silverthorn
Auditorium 291 Mill
Road Two
Performances Only! February 29
at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. $45 and $35 Box Office:
416-622-8731 The celebrated, Tony-nominated star
of the hit musical comedy Mama Mia! is back from Broadway with a fresh
new repertoire, including selections from her latest CD, "All of my
Life Has Led to This”, guaranteed to bring audiences to their feet. This is
an exclusive engagement and will be Ms. Pitre's first concert in the Toronto
area, after returning from New York. She is delighted to be performing in
support of arts education programs in West Toronto. For more
information visit: www.artsetobicoke.com BRIDGE Markland
Wood Marathon Bridge Club
New members
are always welcome. For more information call: Hugh & Iris Van Melle at 626-3249. The Neilson Park Creative Centre 56 Neilson
Drive, Etobicoke ON M9C 1V7 Until February 15 In the Main Gallery: The Recent Works of Fred Collins Paintings in watercolours and acrylics In the Hall Gallery: “Off the Wall” An Etobicoke Art Group
Fundraiser An exhibition and sale of recent works in a variety of
media February
17 to March 7 In the
Main Gallery: Etobicoke
Art Group Members’ Choice Exhibition Recent works
in oils, acrylics and mixed media In the
Hall Gallery: “A
Show of Hands” Drawings of
the human hand by
Karen Henderson Valentine’s Day Paper Engineering Make a 3-D
paper Valentine for your sweetheart. Learn paper-engineering techniques with
master paper worker Helen McCusker. Make cards or gifts – your imagination
is the only limit. Sunday
February 8th $15.00.
Bring a loved one for only $10.00 more. 12:30–2:30
p.m. All ages welcome, Children under 8 must be accompanied by an adult. MARCH BREAK AT NEILSON Art Camp Five
days of “off the wall” art activities for artists, aged 8–12 March
15-March 19, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Pizza
lunch on Friday $125.00
– REGISTRATIONS BEING ACCEPTED NOW! junior art camp Four
half-days (mornings only) of fun for junior artists aged 5-8 March
15, 16, 18, 19, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 noon $60.00
– REGISTRATIONS BEING ACCEPTED NOW! Information: 622-5294 Open: Tues-Sat, 9-4 p.m. Tuesday, 7-9 p.m. Sunday, noon to 4 p.m. Wheelchair accessible. Free admission and parking. www.neilsonparkcreativecentre.com Email: npcc@idirect.com MARKLANDER
STAFF President:
Patrick Clifford Editor:
Graham Maguire Advertising:
Brian Brennand Distribution:
Richard Boehnke Setup
Spalding Creative Printing
Stu McNair Don’s Recipe Gingered Chicken and Vegetable Stir-Fry Preparation
Time: 40 minutes Makes: 6
servings Ingredients: 2-3
boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1-11/2 lb), thinly sliced 2 tbsp.
sesame oil 2 tbsp. soy
sauce 1 tbsp.
fresh ginger, peeled, grated 2 tbsp.
Vegetable oil 3 cloves
garlic, minced or thinly sliced ½ bunch
broccoli, cut into florets 2 carrots,
peeled and thinly sliced on a bias 2 celery
stalks, sliced on a bias 1 cup button
mushrooms, quartered 1 cup bok
choy or Napa cabbage, thinly slice on a bias 1 red, green
or yellow pepper. Sliced into julienne strips 1 cup
zucchini, thinly bias sliced 1 cup snow
peas, bias sliced ¼ cup
chicken broth 2 tbsp.
Mirin or medium-dry Sherry 1 tsp. sugar 2 tsp.
cornstarch 1tsp salt Thai basil,
or regular basil, chiffonade (optional) 3 cups hot,
cooked long-grain rice Method: Combine
sesame oil, soy sauce and ginger in a medium-sized bowl. Add chicken; marinate
at least ½ hour, or covered and chilled for up to 2 hours. In a bowl,
stir together broth. Mirin or Sherry, sugar, cornstarch and salt until
combined well. Set aside. Heat a large
wok or heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp vegetable oil.
Add garlic and stir-fry 1 minute. Add
broccoli, carrots and celery; stir-fry until vegetable are crisp-tender, about
4 minutes. Remove to a large bowl. Heat
remaining 1 tbsp oil in wok. Add mushrooms, bok choy, peppers and zucchini.
Stir-fry until 2-3 minutes. Add snow peas; continue stir-frying another
minute, or until vegetables are crisp-tender. Remove to same bowl. Add chicken
to wok and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
Return vegetables to wok to heat through. Add broth mixture and toss. Let cook
1 minute. Spoon cooked
rice into 6 bowls. Spoon stir-fry overtop of rice, Sprinkle with basil. |