Taste Test: Who has the best gingerbread cookie in Toronto?

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11:36 am

DEVIN’S PICK (A)
Le Dolci
1006 Dundas St. W., $5–$10
Both chefs immediately agree that the design is great, and Connell loves the texture. “I like how this one is more crumbly, and not as dry,” she says. Van Gameren wishes the sugar was harder for a textural contrast. “The texture of the cookie is too similar to the texture of the sugar,” he says.

GRANT’S PICK (B)
Baked with Joy
57 Glen Cameron Rd., Unit 22, Thornhill, $3 and up
“The decoration is on point. I like the thickness of the icing, and it’s got a good sugar to cookie ratio,” says van Gameren of the nut-free cookie. Connell says she would’ve liked to taste more of the ginger spice. “It’s a little bit light and too thick.”

Thin-sational treat (C)
Sweet Flour Bake Shop
2352 Bloor St. W., $3.50
Both chefs agree that this cookie has the right texture. “I like the texture the best of this cookie,” says Connell, and van Gameren adds that he likes how thin it is.

Spicy cinnamon (D)
Mad Batter Bakers
135 Jefferson Ave., $3.79
“I feel like gingerbread cookies by nature should be fairly aggressive,” says van Gameren as he takes a bite. “It is two flavours, cinnamon and ginger, that are pretty pronounced.” Connell likes the texture balance of this cookie. “I’m getting the ginger and it’s kind of in between hard and soft.”

Marzipan delight (E)
Madeleines
348 Ryding Ave., $3–$16
“It’s marzipan, it has that almond extract kind of taste,” says Connell, of the red decor atop the cookie. “I’m not a huge fan of the marzipan, but I do like the multiple layering of the cookie,” says van Gameren, while adding, “These ones are very pretty.”

Gingey skaters (F)
Frangipane Patisserie
215 Madison Ave., $1.75–$3.95
“There’s chocolate in these, definitely cocoa. I can’t taste the ginger much, but I still have a bit of heat in my mouth,” says Connell. Van Gameren adds that the cookie “has a nice texture to it.”

Delectable design (G)
Bobbette & Belle
3347 Yonge St., $11.25
“It’s definitely someone skilled that did this. They should be on a Christmas tree, they’re stunning,” says van Gameren. Connell agrees: “These are something that would sit around in my house for a month, no one would eat them. They’re very beautiful.”

Controversial proposal withdrawn

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2:46 pm

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As an experienced city councillor, it is rewarding to be notified immediately following the municipal election that your efforts in fighting a controversial development application were successful.

The Skymark Plaza near Don Mills and Finch Avenue had a proposal to replace the small plaza with a mixed-use development, comprised of four condominium towers, with heights ranging up to 34 storeys, and some commercial space, overall much taller than the existing buildings.

When this application was filed, I met with many residents who were concerned with the plans to build more condominium buildings within the plaza site. These plans would have had a significant impact on the thousands of in-area residents, obstructed the views of neighbouring condominiums and increased traffic. The Skymark community was originally designed as a small plaza with a ring of residential towers around the outside.

Over many meetings with residents, the developer and City of Toronto staff, I expressed these concerns and worked against this development plan. I recently heard that the property owner withdrew their application for rezoning. This means that the files are closed and there is no request for changes to the plaza at this time.

It is good to see that this property owner listened to the concerns expressed to them about the proposal. It is another example of our success in reducing or eliminating development applications that are not in character with the community.

Calling for input on Bathurst Street

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2:40 pm

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The clamour of the election has passed, and I am deeply honoured to represent Ward 15, Eglinton-Lawrence, for a second term. As I knocked on door after door, I heard the same requests for neighbourhood improvements, responsible development and better transit.

Our green spaces are valuable community assets, and I will continue improving our local parks including the York Beltline Trail. This unique linear park repurposes former railway lands, connecting neighbourhoods and encouraging active transportation. In the coming year, I will build on our efforts by extending the trail to Marlee Avenue and by adding new accessible entrances.

Our community has seen a significant number of new proposals. I will continue to work with local residents to ensure development is progressing in a responsible way. This term, I will push for a Bathurst Street planning study as an opportunity for the community to provide input on how they would like to see this area evolve.

As our city expands and grows, we also need to be able to move people efficiently. I will continue to champion long-term transit projects, such as the Eglinton Crosstown, that relieve our overburdened system and bring direct improvements to our local area. It is important to ensure construction progresses on this line and its stations without delay.

A new term of council is a welcomed opportunity for a fresh start, but we must also continue to build on the successes we have achieved as a community and keep propelling our great city forward.

Subway extension on fast track

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2:40 pm

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During the campaign, as I spoke with thousands of residents across Ward 10, three main concerns were at the forefront of people’s minds: transit, unreasonable intensification, and local infrastructure.

There is little doubt that Toronto has been asleep at the transit wheel for 25 years. The good news is that there is currently $18 billion dollars of transit investment in the ground or shovel ready. My top transit priority is to complete the subway line between Downsview Station and Yonge and Sheppard, which city council has made a Metrolinx Phase II priority project. This will result in dramatic transit improvements in Ward 10.

Toronto is one of the fastest growing cities in North America. That being said, it is important to protect our local neighbourhoods. I am committed to ensuring that residents’ voices are heard when it comes to unreasonable site plans such as the proposed plans for the Wilmington Plaza.

The storms of the past couple of years have been a stark reminder of the importance of investing in our local infrastructure. We are taking action to mitigate basement flooding in Ward 10. An environmental assessment has been completed, and we will be acting on the recommendations to upgrade storm sewers, install additional catch basins and construct underground relief sewers. Extensive Toronto Hydro upgrades have been completed, as well, with more work to come to help prevent power interruptions. The resurfacing of Wilson Avenue is almost complete, and we will continue to push forward on more road and public realm improvements.

Congestion, gridlock and transit

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2:40 pm

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Toronto turned a page on Oct. 27, and our new Toronto City Council is already hard at work.

I was humbled by a landmark 83 per cent win and continue to be honoured by the incredible show of support right across Ward 25, Don Valley West.

I heard a similar message at the door in each and every neighbourhood throughout the campaign: congestion, gridlock and transit should be front and centre.

It’s difficult to get around our city. Whether you’re in the car or on the TTC, the frustration is palpable. I experience it every day on my way to city hall or jumping to meetings across the Ward.

What we need are sound decisions based on the evidence and grounded in common sense.

Short-term, that means taking advantage of the quick wins. Signal synchronization, new and improved traffic control, streamlined parking regulations — it is certainly evident that the city’s moving in the right direction, but we need to speed things up.

Long-term, that means expanding the reliability and capacity of our transit network. In Ward 25, relieving crowding and delays on the Yonge subway line is a top transit priority. We’re upgrading our technology — new subway cars and a new automated signalling system will give capacity a boost — but the ideal long-term solution involves an expanded and inclusive transit network.

If you have any ideas about how to reduce gridlock and congestion in any Ward 25 neighbourhoods, I’d appreciate hearing them! Get in touch by email, at [email protected], or by phone at 416-395-6408.

Focus on community involvement

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2:12 pm

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As the incoming Ward 5 councillor, there are a number of goals I hope to achieve. The top three are to encourage community engagement, address all transit issues and help to protect the ward from unwanted overdevelopment.

My primary and immediate goal is to encourage greater engagement of our Ward 5 residents at the grassroots level. I will be establishing a Ward 5 “citizens community engagement committee,” which I believe will encourage greater direct involvement of residents in the overall management of their ward.

I intend to work closely with all those involved with the construction of the proposed VIVA Next Bus Rapidway between Highway 7 and Major Mackenzie. I want to ensure the expected inconveniences our residents and small business owners will undoubtedly encounter will be minimized as best as possible through a concerted, pro-active process involving VIVA, York Region, the Town of Richmond Hill and our Richmond Hill Chamber of Commerce.

As pledged during my campaign, I intend to ensure all development proposals for Ward 5 adhere to and have respect for Richmond Hill’s new official plan. Furthermore, I intend to initiate the necessary steps to formulate the relevant infill studies for all our at-risk neighbourhoods identified as infill areas, protecting them as best as possible from unwanted overdevelopment.

I look forward to fulfilling my role as Ward 5 councillor, using my voice and public presence to ensure all my residents feel respected and that their concerns always receive their councillor’s appropriate and mindful attention.

Sustainability across the board

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1:42 pm

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Thank you Thornhill residents for your overwhelming support during our recent municipal election. I am honoured and humbled to represent you and very excited about serving residents and businesses in the newly expanded Markham-Thornhill Ward 1.

During this term of council it is my priority to focus on key issues residents brought to my attention. These include sustainable communities, flood protection and transparent and accountable government.

Sustainable communities require a good transportation system that respects existing neighbourhoods and includes walking, cycling and public transit. In Ward 1, Markham’s Yonge-Steeles Corridor Transportation Study is doing just that and should have some concrete recommendations in 2015.

Sustainable communities also mean a community free from the worry of flooding. Thornhill needs similar storm water protection as newer Markham communities and improvements have been ongoing over the past several years.

The first phase of construction on Doncrest Drive and Daffodil Avenue has commenced and will continue into the summer of 2015 with upgrades in the Grandview neighbourhood beginning in 2016.

Residents want to have trust and confidence in their municipal government’s ability to make decisions that are in their best interests. I will be advocating for a transparent, accountable and fiscally responsible Markham, promoting access to information and increasing public participation in major financial decisions made by council.

Yonge revitalization underway

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1:42 pm

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Located in the heart of Toronto, Ward 27 is rife with challenges and opportunities for residents and businesses, from traffic management and heritage preservation to economic development. With these significant matters in mind, the top three priorities for my second term are the following:

Firstly, I remain committed to continuing our collective park renaissance and revitalization from Chorley to Ramsden to Moorevale. Ward 27 boasts several renowned green spaces and a robust ravine system.

With increased intensification and demands for high-quality public space, it is crucial that communities and the city continue to collaborate on park improvements to foster healthier, livable neighbourhoods.

Secondly, the Yonge Street revitalization efforts I initiated in 2011 will take an enormous leap forward this year. Yonge Street between Davenport Road and the waterfront sees more than 42 million visitors a year. Bringing together more than a dozen resident associations and BIAs from across Wards 27 and 28, I am asking the question: How do we make Canada’s busiest street into the world’s premiere cultural destination and the most welcoming place for residents and visitors?

Finally, since Toronto is in the midst of an affordable housing crisis, we need to muster political will and strategic resources to eliminate homelessness in our city. In 10 years, the waiting list for housing in Ontario grew from 38,000 households to more than 165,000 households.

It is imperative that we make this a priority and work with other levels of government to address this issue in its entirety.

Leaside to tackle traffic in 2015

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1:30 pm

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John burnside city councillor who made citizens' arrest at Home Depot — John Burnside

As the newly elected councillor for Ward 26, I’m eager to get to work! Although my term officially begins on Dec. 1, I’ve already met with Coun. Matlow and other councillors to discuss areas of mutual concern.

Although I’ll be an active participant when it comes to tackling larger city issues, locally I’m most concerned with traffic, development and adequate recreational opportunities for our youth.

Traffic: My focus will be developing an overall strategy to address the increasing traffic volume in our neighbourhoods as well as poor driving habits. I’ll be creating traffic working groups for both North and South Leaside in the new year and I encourage anyone who is interested to contact me. To address poor driving habits, I’ll be engaging Toronto Police Service 53 Division and also looking at technological alternatives.

Development: All corners of Ward 26 are affected by new and anticipated development projects. This will only increase as the Crosstown LRT gets closer to completion. I want to ensure that city staff, developers and the community are at the table together. It’s crucial that the community has maximum input as early in the process as possible.

Recreational facilities: The community of Thorncliffe Park has approximately 6,000 youth with few recreational facilities. It’s imperative that we provide an opportunity for recreation, whether it’s cricket, soccer or hockey, to name a few!

Thorncliffe has been recently designated a City of Toronto Neighbourhood Improvement Area, and it’s time we get the resources into the community as soon as possible.

Former mogul sells land

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12:54 pm

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It was reported in November that Conrad Black had severed a 2.8 acre parcel of land from his Bridle Path estate and listed it for sale. The new lot is located at 24 Park Lane Cir. and is listed for $7.2 million by broker Barry Cohen. Black would retain approximately 6.5 acres of land including his residence at 26 Park Lane Cir.

News of the listing was received positively by the local ratepayers association.

“Our feeling is that this is a legitimate acreage because our minimum zoning is two acres,” said Maureen Wright, chair and president of the Edwards Gardens Neighbourhood Association. “Our board is naturally supportive of that, and we don’t see any impact on our neighbourhood or our community.”

It creates a premium lot in one of Toronto’s most exclusive areas and is emblematic of the rise in property value that has seen prices soar in the Bridle Path over the past decade.

Home builder Paul Miklas, of Valleymede Homes, has over 15 years of experience in the area, including three current projects. He is also an area resident and speaks highly of what the area has to offer. In his eyes the lot is a real prize for anyone looking to build a “mansion” in the area.

Miklas listed a number of assets that the property features. “What makes the plot so special is the depth. You can have an indoor pool in the main home and then on the outside … the lot would have ample space to feature impressive lounging areas or even putting greens.”

“If you go back to the year 2000, you were buying two acre lots in the Bridle Path for around $2 to $2.1 million. This just verifies the escalation equity. You’re just watching these lots because they’re becoming far and few between, and the demand for them increases their value” said Miklas. “I could show you properties in the Bridle Path that exceed that by another million dollars.”

Fatality in parking lot

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12:44 pm

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Witnesses at a Highway 7 and East Beaver Creek Road restaurant development were left stunned when an unidentified male suspect fired multiple shots at a vehicle, killing a 22-year-old Toronto man inside, at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 2.

The shooting occurred in a parking lot near a Keg restaurant.

“The victim was in his vehicle at the front area of the restaurant when this incident occurred. The shooting actually took place while the victim was seated,” said York Regional Police (YRP) Const. Laura Nicolle. “We do believe that [the parking lot] was quite heavily populated at the time. Given that … everyone had a mixed view of what they were seeing. We haven’t gotten a solid suspect description to my knowledge up to this point.”

It is believed the suspect fled on foot in a “northeast” direction alongside the Keg restaurant.

Toronto Police Service Const. David Hopkinson confirmed that the victim had been charged with criminal harassment prior to the shooting and was due to go before a Toronto court Nov. 18.

Other reports allege that this was not the first time the victim had been attacked by gunfire. In 2011, his car was pelted by gunshots in Toronto while he was at the wheel.

York Regional Police would not confirm if the homicide was linked to other recent homicides or gang violence and cautioned that appearances can be deceiving.

“I don’t have anything that indicates any connections at this point. Obviously with any incident where there’s been any links investigators will follow up,” said Const. Nicolle.

At press time, no charges had been filed in the case, and YRP is encouraging anyone who has not come forward to police with information to do so.

Rolling up their sleeves

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12:34 pm

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When Judy Nusinowitz and her longtime co-worker David Kopel decided three years ago that they wanted to start giving back to the community, they had no idea what food rescue was.

The two originally looked into various holiday charities but decided they would rather be involved on a regular basis, and Second Harvest piqued their interest.

“It was a curious title as opposed to a food bank,” said Nusinowitz, a realtor and resident of the Bayview Avenue and Steeles Avenue East area. She and Kopel began researching Second Harvest’s food rescue program and have been devoting every Monday morning for the past three years to sorting food — primarily perishable — that has been “rescued” from other places and is then shipped to a network of more than 200 social service agencies in Toronto.

Most of the food never makes grocery shelves because of mislabelling or damaged packaging. Second Harvest averages more than seven million pounds of food shipped to agencies every year.

Nusinowitz and Kopel love the idea and have been happy to contribute their time to making a difference. “I don’t think enough people know about them [Second Harvest]. They know about food banks,” said Nusinowitz. “They’re really quite a remarkable organization.”

She and Kopel start every volunteering shift by opening and cleaning the warehouse, even taking out garbage before they begin sorting. “It’s not very glamorous work,” she said. “[But] I love knowing that we are assisting in a very small way, on an ongoing basis.”

Nusinowitz says she feels a strong sense of gratitude and community among the volunteers at Second Harvest, which keeps her enthusiasm high. But, she said, she doesn’t seek recognition for her efforts.

“When some people do volunteer work, they like to be front and centre, getting recognition on a regular basis,” she said. “Honestly, giving this interview is something I never thought I’d do. We like to do our volunteering quietly. It’s not for a pat on the back. It’s more an inner satisfaction that we know we’re doing something that is helping the agency — rolling up our sleeves, getting our hands dirty.”