News in Brief

Transit riders are venting their frustration with service changes on the Queen Street East and Kingston Road routes, where buses have replaced streetcars while track replacement is carried out. In response to complaints forwarded to him from Ward 32 Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon’s office, TTC CEO Andy Byford has authorized some changes to help alleviate wait times and make transfers easier. Among the changes are a re-routing of a portion of Queen service at Broadview Avenue, stationing TTC supervisory staff at Parliament Street during rush hours to keep customers informed, discuss with the City the moving of the Queen Street detour to reduce pressure on Connaught, and easing transfer restrictions.
For more information call 416-392-1376.
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Pick up fresh compost, return your old paint cans, get rid of used batteries, and get cycling information from the cycling group ’32 Spokes’ at the annual Ward 32 Environment Day at Ted Reeve Arena on Thusday, May 17 from 4 to 8 p.m. The Lost Boys band will be providing entertainment and hot dogs will be on the grill, cooked up by Community Centre 55 chefs.
For more information call 416-392-1376.
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The Beach Garden Society will hold its annual, but actually Perennial, Plant Sale on Saturday, May 19 at Adam Beck Community Centre, 79 Lawlor Ave., from 9 to 11:30 a.m. Locally-grown daylilies, hostas, ferns and collector must-haves will be available for purchase. It is also an opportunity to find out more about the garden society and glean gardening advice from some of its members.
For more information call 416-699-4353.
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Beaches-East York MP Matthew Kellway will hold a Canadian European Trade Agreement (CETA) Information and Discussion Session on Tuesday, May 22 at Danforth Mennonite Church, 2174 Danforth Ave. Beaches-East York MPP Michael Prue and Ward 31 Councillor Janet Davis are guest speakers. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the event runs until 8:30 p.m.
On Thursday, May 24, MP Kellway will host a Housing Forum at Kimbourne Park United Church, 200 Wolverleigh Blvd., at 6:30 p.m. Join panelists Donna Braybrook of Neighbourhood Link, Paul Dowling, a housing consultant and advocate, Bruce Rivers of Covenant House, and Michael Shapcott of the Wellesley Institute as they discuss what it would take to develop strong social policy around a National Housing Strategy. Local needs will also be addressed. For information on both events, contact MP Kellway’s office at 416-467-0860, email matthew.kellway.c1a@parl.gc.ca, or visit the website at matthewkellway.ndp.ca
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Fool’s Paradise, the home and studio of the late artist Doris McCarthy, is a new addition to Doors Open Toronto on May 26 and 27, the annual event that gives the public access to over 100 architecturally or historically significant buildings that are normally off-limits. McCarthy lived and painted at 1 Meadowcliffe Dr., overlooking the Scarborough Bluffs, for 70 years. Her home will be open both days from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Corpus Christi Church at 1810 Queen St. E., west of Woodbine Avenue, is also new to the tour. Inside the church you will be able to see beautiful stained-glass windows and a mural done by local artist William Kurelek. The Church will be open Saturday only from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Other local venues include the Beaches Branch Library at 2161 Queen St. E., the R. C. Harris Water Treatment Plant at Queen Street East and Neville Park Boulevard, the East Toronto Masonic Temple at 15 Chisholm Ave., and Fire Station 227 which houses the iconic clock tower at Queen Street East and Woodbine Avenue.
For more information visit toronto.ca/doorsopen
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Adam Beck Junior Public School is holding the ‘Magic of Mayfair’ on Sunday, May 27 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The school’s annual fun fair fundraiser features a magic show by locally-based Eldritch Theatre, carnival games, bouncy castles, a critters exhibit, refreshments, a photo booth, prizes and more. Get in on the fun with single tickets or Play All Day passes.
For more information contact Connie Harding at connieharding@rogers.com or 416-559-6312.
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Bike Month kicks off Monday, May 28 with a Group Commute to City Hall followed by a pancake breakfast. Meet up with other cyclists at two local start points: Danforth and Woodbine Avenues at 7 a.m. or Dundas East and Kingston Road at 7:30 a.m. Riders receive a free Bike Month t-shirt.
For more information visit the Toronto Cyclists Union (Cycle Toronto) website at bikeunion.to.
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Shops along Kingston Road are taking part in the annual Kingston Road Village Business SpringFest on Saturday, June 2 from Hannaford Street to Blantyre Avenue. There will be live music, great food, and for the kids a fire truck, face painting and the robot ‘Mike on a Bike’.

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