Drink This: Cold Tea's Low Season

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6:34 pm

Ordering a cocktail at Cold Tea is the beverage equivalent of a Choose Your Own Adventure book. After reaching the semi-secret location (enter the Kensington Mall, stroll down the hallway and enter the door marked by a red light), patrons can sidle up to the bar, where the resident mixologist will indulge you in a bit of a Q&A session to suss out the perfect drink.

The Low Season is for barflies who like tequila and tropical flavours with a punchy finish ($12). Tromba Blanco Tequila is shaken with Olmeca Altos Reposado — an herbal and fruity reposado that is infused with chilis for another layer of flavour. Pineapple juice, limejuice and with Bittermens Elemakule Tiki bitters add some island savour, and the result is both spicy and refreshing.

Cold Tea, 60 Kensington Ave., @coldteabar

The Ghosts In Our Machine: a doc that'll turn you vegan

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4:46 pm

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The Ghosts In Our Machine, a film that played at this year’s Hot Docs Festival, is now showing at Bloor Cinema for a brief run. The film is both seductively beautiful and uncomfortably tragic, and seeks to break down the barrier between the human and animal world, bringing to light the horrors of factory farms and animal abuse. It compels you to act without asking you to, and is undeniably powerful without being forceful.

Liz Marshall’s film follows photojournalist and activist Jo-Anne McArthur, whose work over the past decade has sought to promote animal rights and sharing of space while looking to curtail global use and abuse. Ambitious, determined, and exceedingly warm, McArthur has been careful to document and present her work objectively, letting the photograph send a message first and foremost.

“People don’t need to be told, ‘Here is a cruel factory farm,’ McArthur says. “Just show them a picture of a factory farm – it becomes obvious and more people are willing to listen.” McArthur has travelled around the world photographing animals in the human environment, which includes finding her way into factory farms.

Ghosts opens with McArthur at one such place, cataloguing the atrocious conditions that the animals are forced to endure before being slaughtered for human use. Her photos are powerful and she, like the film, is open and engaging.

“I went through a wide range of emotions and tactics and trying to hit people over the head with things. My work started out being really directive,” explains McArthur, who also runs a project of documentation called We Animals. “I got to a place though where I didn’t want to be directive anymore; I wanted to make something palatable, non-directive, and mainstream.”

McArthur’s photographs are shown throughout, as Marshall takes the audience on a journey alongside the dedicated activist, meeting not only caged animals, but creatures that have been liberated and saved.

Powerful and evocative, the film does not preach a vegan lifestyle or seek to lay fault at the foot of a company or face for the purposes of creating a villain. It’s a tale of two disparate worlds – one tragic and one uplifting. At upstate New York’s idyllic Farm Sanctuary, and others like it, animals are treated like humans. In the factories and labs, their meager lives serve a purpose. Both opposing existences are captured on camera and film, available to digest and process.

“You want people to draw their own conclusions, and think what they want to think instead of being told what to do,” notes McArthur. “They will look further if there is friendliness attached to it and it’s welcoming.”

“You turn the lens inwards and have people ask questions about themselves and their consumer habits. We can only put it out there.”

The Ghosts In Our Machine plays at Bloor Hot Docs Cinema on July 3 and 4, with McArthur in attendance and panel discussions to follow.

Sewell: there are two paths for Rob Ford; which one will he take?

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1:16 pm

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Considering the scandals that continue to plague city hall with Rob Ford as mayor, his refusal to respond to his critics in a way that would put concerned local residents at ease, and the need to return to the business at hand to make Toronto better, I’ve drafted two correspondences, two paths for Mr. Ford.

Read for yourself, which one would you choose for the betterment of our city?

Draft one: I love this city. It has treated me really well. It was a good place to grow up in, and I have been proud of the decade I have served on city council, first as a councillor and now as mayor.

I think I have delivered on my mandate to reduce the cost of city government. Whatever else anyone has said, no one has criticized me for that, and that was what I was elected to do. I know that my political opponents have been unhappy that I was successful in cutting costs, but of course I was not trying to please them — I was more interested in carrying out my mandate.

It is my love of the city that has led me to make this announcement today. I have decided that it is in the city’s best interest if I step away from my elected position. While I believe I have done nothing wrong, and nothing illegal, I have come to the conclusion that the unfounded allegations being made against me are beginning to damage the city’s reputation. I think those allegations are unfair, and that the people making them are the ones who are damaging the city’s reputation.

But since I love this city, I will step aside so that no harm is done to the place that I love. I do this with considerable regret, but I am willing to pay personally to protect this city.

I know the air will clear, and at that point, I may very well ask the voters to support me to provide renewed leadership for Toronto, the city that I love. As for now, I have tendered my resignation with the city clerk, effective immediately.

Here’s the other draft, and it’s a lot different.

Thanks for coming out today to this press conference.

You have been asking me for comment for the last two months on the allegations that people have made about me — that there’s a video of me smoking crack cocaine, that there’s a photo showing me with someone who has been murdered and another who has recently been arrested, that the photo is taken in front of a house whose inhabitants are suspected of dealing in drugs — and on and on.

I haven’t done any of these things as far as I can remember. That’s why I keep saying I support the police. Why should I be afraid of anything they are investigating?

I say, Enough is enough. Lay off. Stop your conspiracy theories. My predecessor, Mayor Alan Lamport, put it well when he said, ‘I deny the allegations and I defy the allegators.’

I’m a straight shooter. I’m not afraid to do or say something that’s unpopular with the big shots if I think it’s the right thing. Some people are angry that I voted against giving public funds to the big cultural institutions in our city, like the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Toronto Symphony and the Canadian Opera Company. So what? My supporters don’t want to spend public money that way.

I support a big casino in the downtown because that’s the kind of city Toronto should be. Fancy editorial writers might not like that, but who cares about them?

And, much as these allegations are wrong, I don’t think they have hurt Toronto’s reputation. They have been the butt of jokes by American TV hosts who like to kick people around, but jokes never hurt any city’s reputation. People still want to come here, developers are still filing permits to build condos.

I take a lot of pride in our city and in the leadership I’ve provided. You should feel lucky that I’m the mayor of Toronto.

I say, Push off. Stop all of these wild allegations and start focusing on the good things I am doing. I’m not going anywhere and I am not answering any more questions. Get used to it.

Which road will it be?

Post City Magazines’ columnist John Sewell is a former mayor of Toronto and the author of a number of urban planning books, including The Shape of Suburbs.

Too Close to Call: Comic book crusaders

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1:31 pm

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In honour of Man of Steel, summer’s Superman flick, comic book purveyors Hairy Tarantula (Yonge/Steeles) and The Beguiling (Bathurst/Bloor) battle for the comic crown. Whose graphic novels pack more punch? You choose.

The Beguiling	vs.	Hairy Tarantula
Peter Birkemoe, 1987.	Owner & year opened:	Leon Emmett, 1992.
I started reading the Saturday comics section in the paper and the little Peanuts paperbacks.	How did you first get into comics?	According to my parents, my first word was an attempt at "book,” yet I've been looking at the pictures ever since.
I often have comics that cost many thousands of dollars, but we focus on things that people want to read.	Most expensive comic book you’ve ever sold?	Probably Amazing Fantasy #15 — it was ballpark $1,500. Today it would sell for around $7,000 to $8,000!
I’d say half a million.	How many comic books do you have on hand?	I couldn't begin to tell you! Tens of thousands of trade paperbacks, tens of thousands more manga …
We don’t really care about characters; we care about authors. Chris Ware is one of my favourites. I’m a real comic book snob!	Favourite comic book character?	That's a coin flip between Cerebus and John Constantine. I wonder if I simply have an affectation for characters whose names begin with "C."
We’re trying to focus on the comic book — Scott Snyder’s Superman Unchained — as opposed to the movie.	*Are you carrying more Superman comics due to the Man of Steel* release?**	We already have a lot of Superman but will reorder more if the movie causes a spike in sales.
I’d suggest Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow? by Alan Moore.	What Superman story would you recommend reading?	Superman: Red Son is a great place to introduce people.
We have a much more diverse selection than most shops — we carry books about the history of comics, foreign comics, old comic strip reprints …	What makes your shop stand apart from the crowd?	We’ve always had a strong focus on independent comics and still carry all the popular (and not-so-popular) superhero and superteam books.

Council vote supports social housing project

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1:33 pm

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The Town of Richmond Hill council has voted to put its support behind a controversial mixed-income apartment and youth emergency shelter.

More commonly known as The Hub, the nine-storey building north of Yonge Street and Crosby Avenue will include 202 residential units geared toward seniors, singles and small families. Sixty per cent of the units will be at market rent, and 40 per cent will be subsidized for low-income tenants.

The Housing York–funded project, which has split some residents on the need for affordable housing in the area, will also house 14 emergency and 11 transitional beds for at-risk youth.

Prior to the 7–2 vote, several parties made delegations in support of the proposal. In her presentation, Sylvia Patterson, the general manager of the York Region’s housing division, said that the project’s approval would help the area’s need for housing.

Karen Cilevitz, chair of the David Dunlap Observatory Defenders activist group, hailed council’s support as a victory for those hoping to assist the disadvantaged in the town, which she said are in need. According to York Region’s website, Richmond Hill hasn’t had a significant social housing development in 10 years.

But one of the project’s most vocal critics, Ward 2 Councillor Carmine Perrelli, in whose ward the development falls, claimed that his ward already has its “fair share” of social housing.

Perrelli has previously maintained that nearby residents were not adequately consulted when the project was proposed, nor when the town sold the site for the project to York Region.

Prior to casting his opposing vote, Perrelli distributed a petition and flyers against the plans, and, more recently, even organized a protest to challenge the project.

Ward 5 councillor Nick Papa was the only other councillor who voted against the project.

Eglinton West, meet Dennis

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1:32 pm

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Toronto has some of the worst traffic congestion in North America. In 2006, the Toronto Board of Trade estimated that $6 billion in economic activity is lost annually because of gridlock in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA). Now, after decades of neglect, rapid transit is finally coming to midtown Toronto.

The Ontario government has committed $8.4 billion to support rapid transit throughout Toronto. The centrepiece of the new Toronto rapid transit strategy will be the Eglinton-Scarborough Crosstown light rail transit (LRT) line. The LRT will run 19 kilometres along Eglinton Avenue, with 11 kilometres underground.

On June 5, the first tunnel-boring machine was launched — and it was given the name Dennis, after the Mount Dennis neighbourhood at the western end of the LRT. Dennis is currently tunnelling to Eglinton West station at a rate of 10 to 15 metres per day. Once the machine gets to Eglinton West station, it will be extracted at the west end of Allen Road and then reinserted on the east side of the Allen so that subway service will not be disrupted.

The LRT will transform rapid transit in Toronto. It will intersect with the Yonge-University-Spadina subway system at both Eglinton and Eglinton West stations and at Kennedy station so that transit users will have a seamless transfer to the current subway system.

There are still lots of opportunities for residents of midtown to be part of the discussion regarding the LRT. Visit www.thecrosstown.ca and click on “get involved.”

There’s still a lot of work to do, but I’m proud to say that rapid transit is finally coming to Eglinton!

Sheppard Centre could see 39-storey tower

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1:32 pm

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Early plans proposing the redevelopment of the Sheppard Centre could breathe new life into the building’s existing retail spaces as well as add a new 39-storey residential tower.

Building owner RioCan Real Estate Investment Trust proposes demolishing 25 residential rental units to make room for a tower with 368 new apartments, to be built between the Sheppard Centre’s existing office and residential towers at Yonge Street and Sheppard Avenue East.

The plans also propose 486 new bicycle parking spaces and no new parking for cars. RioCan will also remove the “moat” of sunken retail spaces around the building’s base to create large-format retail uses at ground level, which could fit new anchor tenants, said Robert Gibson, the City of Toronto senior planner assigned to handle RioCan’s applications.

Local councillor John Filion’s reaction was mixed.

He said the area could “absolutely not” handle more residences, but he was optimistic about plans to raise its currently hard-to-see retail spaces to ground level and expand shop sizes.

“A huge mistake was made when that building was designed.”

“We’re not looking for a Costco, [but] a high-quality anchor retailer would be good,” said Filion. “A huge mistake was made when that building was designed years ago.”

The Sheppard Centre was one of the first of many high-density developments built near the intersection. Now that space is scarce, it may also be one of the first to potentially be added onto, said Gibson.

“They’ve proposed sort of a ‘rethinking,’ ” he said. “It’s really kind of interesting in the evolution of the area to see — now they’re going back to existing sites and filling them in [with more development].”

RioCan’s City of Toronto: Official Plan amendment and rezoning applications are still in the hands of city staff.

City of Toronto, City Planning expects to compile a preliminary report by September, which may include changes to the initial proposal.

No spokesperson of RioCan was available for comment.

Beverley Glen proposal seeks four towers

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1:30 pm

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A four-building development proposed at Bathurst Street and Beverley Glen Boulevard, which includes a 27-storey tower, has the local councillor and residents concerned.

Site owner Baif Developments Limited wants to build four towers ranging from seven to 27 storeys with a total of 797 one- and two-bedroom residential condominiums and 957 parking spaces.

John MacKenzie, the City of Vaughan’s commissioner of planning, said the proposal more than doubles the allowed height and density for the site but is generally in keeping with the intensification the area has been experiencing.

But Alan Shefman, the councillor for the area, said Baif’s proposal has no place in the area, which borders detached family homes.

“I asked the developer, ‘What benefit does this provide to the community?’ ” said Shefman. “To be honest, they didn’t have much of an answer. I don’t see any benefit from a development in this area.”

“What benefit does this provide to the community?”

Shefman said he is concerned that Baif could use the precedent of the height of a 25-storey tower recently approved at the same intersection, which also exceeds height and density limits, to support its proposal. The development site currently abuts Ruth Cohen’s home on Kingsbridge Circle. She said her home was a retirement investment, and she is concerned it could be affected by the four buildings.

“We bought this townhouse with the expectation that we could invest into a seniors’ building,” said Cohen. “Now, I don’t know. It seems like we would get less than we need.”

A resident of nearby Abbeywood Gate, Cynthia Gossin, echoed Cohen’s concerns about property values, adding that she is worried about adding more cars to the already congested area. Gossin expected a high-rise addition nearby but not one as high as the one proposed.

“I understand where they’re coming from because they make more money,” she said. “But it’s ridiculous.”

Willowdale gets worldly at Cultura

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1:29 pm

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I can’t decide which of the Cultura Festival’s musical acts I’m most excited about presenting this year. The festival launches its fourth season July 5 and continues Friday evenings for the rest of July at Mel Lastman Square. This year’s lineup is the best yet.

As part of its Canadian tour, Chinese reggae band Long Shen Dao — winner of Best Band at last year’s Chinese Music Awards — will kick off Cultura on July 5.

On week two, starting July 12, expect the audience to be on its feet for top Quebec band La Bouttine Souriante.

On July 19, we present acclaimed female a cappella band Madrigal.

Cultura closes July 26 with a return engagement for Juno Award– winner Amanda Martinez, a crowd favourite two summers ago.

These free concerts are made possible by a grant from the Ministry of Citizenship and Culture as well as mainstage sponsorship from TD Canada Trust.

The acts perform a one-hour set, starting at 8 p.m. each week. Before the concert, we have two hours of great street entertainment, street food and assorted surprises.

Afterwards, our world-class buskers put on a show that leads into each week’s outdoor movie.

Our most popular food vendors — La Fiesta, Pondicherry and Sunshine Shakes — are back. We’ve also recruited some new ones, including Banjara, which was named Toronto’s Best Indian Restaurant, and Zaytoon Persian Kitchen.

For full program details, go to the Cultura website, at culturafestival.ca, or sign on to our e-mail list for weekly updates by going to my website at johnfilion.ca.

Rapidway fight taken to Ottawa

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1:29 pm

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The current planned route of the new Highway 7 rapid transit way will tear through a residential area in our community, with a portion of it diverging along Bathurst Street and Centre Street in Thornhill.

I have heard from many concerned constituents who oppose the plan as it stands, which has the power to rip apart a community full of families and children. However, residents’ objections and letters of protest to Viva/York Region Transit and local city councillors appear to have fallen upon deaf ears.

There is no reason why this rapid transit way must go through a highly populated residential area. It would make more sense to continue the so-called rapidway along Highway 7, like the rest of the route. Constructing centre bus lanes on Bathurst and Centre would create a dangerous environment for pedestrians, motorists and cyclists alike. It would also worsen our current traffic congestion problems. In addition, the economic prosperity of our community is put at risk, as evidenced by the now-infamous St. Clair streetcar debacle in Toronto.

Above all, Thornhill residents want the $100 million currently earmarked for this project to be used for the extension of the Yonge Street subway. Subways are faster, safer and have greater utility.

I have been in contact with the minister of transportation, Glen Murray, on this issue and highlighted the shortsightedness of this project. I am privileged to represent the residents of Thornhill and will continue to be a relentless advocate for our community.

Local councillors should do what they were sent to city council to do — fight for their constituents.

Bringing urban nature home

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1:27 pm

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I am happy to report that at our meeting on May 7, city council officially named an 18-kilometre route the Robert Bateman Urban Nature Trail. This trail connects some of our best green spaces and ravines, from the Kay Gardner Beltline trail, north of Eglinton Avenue, to the Don Valley then through Rosedale, Spadina Road and the Cedarvale Ravine. The trail’s name honours Robert Bateman, a renowned Canadian artist and environmentalist who grew up on Chaplin Crescent behind the Kay Gardner Beltline trail.

In an effort to encourage walking and nature appreciation in the city, I worked closely with residents, representatives of the Robert Bateman Foundation and parks division staff over the past few years. I feel that this offers an incredible connection between a remarkable artist and an encouraging community.

Also part of the motion that I put forward at council is a plan to have the Bateman Foundation work with the City of Toronto: Parks, Forestry & Recreation to develop programs such as mobile applications where Robert Bateman himself will narrate stories, identify locations where he created particular paintings and lead walkers through the ravines. This app will help highlight the trail and the local communities through which it traverses.

The goal of the urban nature trail initiative will be to help promote active lifestyles while linking in an appreciation for the arts in the many neighbourhoods through which it passes. If you are interested in staying up-to-date on future projects, please join our e-mail list at www.joemihevc.com.

Beware of door-to-door fraud

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1:26 pm

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Recently in the area, residents contacted my office with fraud concerns as they had received a notice in the mail stating, “City of Toronto Bylaw Mandatory Downspout Disconnection — Final Notice.”

City of Toronto: Toronto Water and City of Toronto: Municipal Licensing and Standards investigated and discovered the company distributing this flyer in my ward was not currently licensed by the City of Toronto and that two corporations were advertising using “City of Toronto” when neither had a valid city-issued business licence. They were advised to cease this type of advertising.

I would like to thank the residents who brought a copy of the flyer from Ontario Downspout Service to my attention. Our office sent out an e-mail blast to residents advising them that none of those companies are associated with the City of Toronto and to be cautious about misleading information on websites using city logos without permission or promotional material left at their door misrepresenting companies as “partners” with the city.

These companies do not mention that property owners have the option to apply to the city for an exemption if they believe that disconnecting is not technically feasible or would cause a safety hazard.

Residents also can disconnect their downspouts themselves.

For complete information on the mandatory downspout disconnection program, call 311 or visit www.toronto.ca/water.

Residents hiring a contractor to perform work on their property should take note of the following information: www.toronto.ca /licensing/ licensed_contractor.

The Beguiling

vs.

Hairy Tarantula