Letters to the Editor for December 16, 2014

The Beach has no shortage of good Samaritans

I would like to thank all of the people who came to my assistance on Dec. 4 when I fell at Queen and Blantyre. I would especially like to thank Lainey, who (I think) called 9-1-1 and comforted me while I was face down on the sidewalk. If anyone knows her, please give her a hug for me. I would also like to thank the paramedics, Andrew and Ken, who were professional and kept me chuckling as they treated me and took me to Toronto East General Hospital, as well as the police officer and firefighters who showed up. I couldn’t see very well because I broke my glasses in the fall so I may not recognize anyone else who helped me out. The ER people at TEGH were great. I’m recovering from a broken right ankle, among other injuries, including my very first black eye and fat lip.

I’m also grateful to my new friends on the Beaches Facebook page who showed concern and were willing to help me out. The compassion expressed by everyone is greatly appreciated. We really do live in an amazing neighbourhood! Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all involved.

Candice Bain

Queen Street East

Kingston Road a parking lot?

It could easily happen with all that condo building on Kingston Road.

Between Woodbine and Victoria Park there are two condos under construction, each of which takes up one lane of traffic already.

Then there are plans to build a condo at Winthorpe, the Beech House Condos at the YMCA/Sherrin Funeral Home site and The Southwood. There are also three condos planned east of Victoria Park: Kingston & Co., The Hunt Club Residences at Queensbury, and the Birchcliff Village with 22 townhouses in addition to condos.

In addition to lane closures during construction, there will be more cars on Kingston Road after that. What will happen then? Are there any plans for traffic congestion?

Trixie Hoyer

Bracken Avenue

BIA talks holiday decor on Queen

People have been asking us about the holiday streetscaping on Queen Street East. At this time of the year, the Beach Village is often compared to neighbouring Business Improvement Areas, particularly on the Danforth. Our ability to install festive lighting is limited primarily because of streetcar lines, above-ground hydro infrastructure, and the expensive capital costs associated with lighting hardware and energy consumption.

In the Beach Village, we have focused on the decorating we can do by seasonally changing the planters along Queen Street with winter greens.

As a respite from the cold, visit our warming station at Kew Gardens on weekends. Carollers from local choirs bringing a joyful spirit to the street along with local high school marching bands enthusiastically playing festive favourites. Special appearances by our mascot, Beach Buddy, add to the merriment.

Join us in celebrating the festive season and please keep our local retailers in mind as you check items off your holiday list. Thank you for your ongoing support of our local business community, and on behalf of the more than 300 businesses, warmest wishes for a happy and healthy holiday.

Elise Felton

Beach Village BIA Coordinator

Day care story does disservice to good teachers

I read the article on how full-day kindergarten has impacted local day cares and I couldn’t believe the quote you used: “There are very disappointed parents coming from the public system going, Is there any room in your kindergarten? My child isn’t learning.”

Was it necessary to include such a biased statement in the article? Did you ask how many parents had made such a statement?

I feel the quote does a disservice to the dedicated kindergarten teachers and ECEs that guide children through the full day kindergarten program with a full and enriching atmosphere that provides them with a rich learning environment.

It also would have been nice to have some comments from day cares such as Centre 55 that are working together with the TDSB and thriving.

Pete Vree

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