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On this page we post local information of interest to Wynford Tower residents. If you have any news that would be of interest to our readers, or if you wish to comment on any of the items posted, please email webmail@wynfordtowerresidents.ca-Subject=News, or contact Bill Lynn, 1807, at 416-441-2134. Most of the small photos on these pages can be clicked to see a larger version, if desired. After viewing, click on the Back button or arrow on your browser to return to where you were. |
The 2019 Christmas Holiday Party was held in the lobby from 6 to 7:45 PM Monday 16 December 2019. Our thanks to Annie
Peschmann for the following photos, which were taken in the absence of the Wynford Tower Residents publicist.      The Christmas tree in the lobby lounge, and superintendents Cory and Christine. |
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Friday, 6 December 2019, Dorothy Fish celebrated her 90th birthday by providing refreshments for the Kaffee Klatsch
group, who augmented the refreshments with a one-candle birthday cake and some wannabe Champagne (Sprite makes a
spritely champagne subsitute). Our thanks to Dorothy for providing the refreshments, and our best wishes for a Happy Birthday and many more to follow. 
 
 The folks enjoying the Kaffee Klatsch, and Dorothy looking pensive. 
 Dorothy blew out the candle in one blow, and enjoyed a Spritely celebratory libation. 
 And the rest of the gang joined in the Spritely celebration. |
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The Wynford Tower Book Club met Tuesday 3 December 2019 to discuss the book "The Water Dancer", by Ta-Nehisi Coates.
Some members had not finished reading it, so further discussion will take place at the next meeting, which will take
place in the Social Room at 1 PM Tuesday 28 January 2020, when the new book to be discussed is "The Giver of Stars", by
Jojo Moyes. As of 3 December 2019, Toronto Public Library has 524 holds / 113 copies of this book. |
| If you have not yet submitted your response to the Electric Door Actuator survey, please do not forget. There are extra copies of the survey form on the Suggestion Box in the laundry lounge, if needed. |
A reminder that all Wynford Tower residents are welcome to participate in social activities at no charge, except for restaurant charges if you go to a restaurant with the Kaffee Klatsch.
*Note that the November 2019 Book Club meeting is postponed to 3 December 2019. A .pdf version of this table is posted at Social Activities Summary, for printout if interested. If you have any suggestions for changes to the schedule, or for additional activities, please let us know by email to webmail@wynfordtowerresidents.ca, Subject = Social Activities, or by a note in the suggestion box in the laundry lounge. Please include your contact information so we can discuss your suggestion with you. |
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From Local Love.ca 6 PLACES TO DONATE WINTER COATS IN THE GTA 5 PLACES TO DONATE NEW OR USED TOYS IN TORONTO AND THE GTA 15 SURPRISING PLACES TO DONATE YOUR GENTLY USED STUFF WHERE TO DONATE BABY GEAR IN TORONTO AND THE GTA WHERE TO DONATE BOOKS IN TORONTO AND THE GTA 6 PLACES TO DONATE WINTER COATS IN THE GTA These organizations are making sure people who can’t afford cold-weather gear stay warm this winter. BY SUZANNE GARDNER As the temperature plunges in late fall, you pull out your woolly hat, fleece-lined mittens and puffy parka to prep for the freezing winter months ahead. But for many GTA residents who are experiencing homelessness or poverty, these items aren’t always easy to find—or afford. Newcomers to Toronto who are facing their first Canadian winter are often especially unprepared. “Clothing is the thing that often takes a back seat,” says Andrea Holland, donor engagement and communications coordinator at New Circles, which runs GLOW (short for Gently Loved Outfits to Wear), the largest clothing bank in Toronto. “We’re here to make sure that people don’t have to make a choice. They can have the coat and pay their rent. It’s a question of safety and health: if you aren’t adequately dressed, it can really affect your health.” If you want to make an immediate difference in your community this season, consider donating warm clothing to these GTA charities. Just make sure the items are in good condition—Holland says they happily accept both new and gently used winter clothing, as long as the donation is high-quality. “We always say, ‘If you wouldn’t wear it yourself, it’s not appropriate for the clothing bank,’” she explains. GLOW CLOTHING BANK AT NEW CIRCLES (Near Wynford Tower) Where: 161 Bartley Dr., Toronto How to donate: Winter clothing is a seasonal priority, but you can donate all types of gently used and new clothing to New Circles from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (7 p.m. on Thursdays). New Circles has also partnered with Bosley Real Estate to provide four additional drop-off locations across the city. Who it helps: GLOW isn’t just a clothing bank; it’s a shopping experience. New Circles’ mission is to preserve the dignity of their 15,000 annual clients, so sizes and styles are laid out like they are in retail stores, allowing clients to browse and choose what works for them. The organization helps ensure that local families who are experiencing poverty, including newcomers and refugees, can meet their basic clothing needs any time of year. JESSIE’S SWAP SHOP Where: 205 Parliament St., Toronto How to donate: Winter gear for young women and children gets an excellent second home through Jessie’s. Bring donations of new and gently used clothing for women aged 15 to 20 and for children up to size 6/6X to Jessie’s on Tuesdays, between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., or Thursdays, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Who it helps: Jessie’s helps pregnant women and mothers who are 19 years old or younger through housing support, health services, counselling and more. The Swap Shop makes your in-kind donations available to these women and their families, free of charge. SCARBOROUGH CENTRE FOR HEALTHY COMMUNITIES (SCHC) CLOTHING BANK Where: 4100 Lawrence Ave. E., Scarborough How to donate: Give those winter coats, jackets, boots and accessories a new life by taking them to SCHC’s clothing bank location on weekdays, between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Who it helps: SCHC helps thousands of low-income Scarborough residents every year through 38 different programs across 11 sites. Services include the clothing bank, food bank, housing supports, community health services programs and more. ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY OF PEEL-HALTON Where: 44 Peel Centre Dr., Suite 200, Brampton How to donate: You can help women in need by donating gently used hats, scarves, mittens, winter jackets, jeans, hoodies and socks. (Toiletries and feminine hygiene products are other much-needed items.) Bring your contributions to their office from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Who it helps: The Elizabeth Fry Society helps women in Peel-Halton Region who are, or may, be at risk of coming into conflict with the law. INN FROM THE COLD Where: 510 Penrose St., Newmarket How to donate: Pass on your gently used men’s and women’s clothing, boots and shoes to Inn from the Cold. Bring your donations to their shelter from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Who it helps: Inn from the Cold helps meet the needs of people in York Region who are experiencing homelessness, with shelter, housing support and other services. SISTERING Where: 962 Bloor St. W., Toronto How to donate: Support a sister in need by bringing your gently used women’s jackets, coats, mittens, gloves, scarves and boots to Sistering’s office from Monday to Sunday (yes, that’s every day of the week!), between 9:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Who it helps: Sistering, a United Way-funded agency, runs a wide variety of programming to help at-risk, socially isolated women in Toronto who are experiencing homelessness or are precariously housed. 5 PLACES TO DONATE NEW OR USED TOYS IN TORONTO AND THE GTA Spring cleaning Marie Kondo–style? Rehome your kids’ previously loved playthings for a good cause BY MURISSA BARRINGTON Maybe you’ve just finished binge-watching Tidying Up with Marie Kondo on Netflix, or you’re the passionate spring cleaning type. Either way, there’s a good chance that decluttering is on your mind. It’s a hot topic because, if we’re being honest, most of us have a lot more junk crowding our homes than we’d like to admit—especially in our kids’ rooms. But you don’t have to toss extra toys in the trash. Why not donate them to a charity instead, where they can have a second life and spark joy for a child in need? Cathy Wright, manager at the East End Children’s Centre (EECC) in Toronto, says it’s important to donate toys to organizations like EECC because “small organizations very often don’t have enough budget to replace equipment as often as they’d like or need to.” Clients at the centre can “get a lot more play out of these things,” she says. A couple of guidelines: If you’re looking to donate previously loved toys, avoid items that are broken or missing pieces. “If it’s an activity that requires all of its pieces, then all of those pieces should be there,” says Wright. “A child who is doing a puzzle wants to finish it.” And most, if not all, donation centres will not take stuffed animals or baby gear for health and safety reasons. If you’re unsure about what you can and cannot donate, call or email ahead to check. If you’re giving to a family centre or a women’s shelter, choose educational games and toys that can stand up to the wear and tear of being used by multiple children every day. “Toys with small pieces, like Lego, should be avoided due to the choking hazard they pose for infants and toddlers,” says Wright. There are a number of places where you can bring your used toy donations, from local churches to daycares to neighbourhood recycling programs. To get you started, here are five options across Toronto and the GTA. East End Children’s Centre Where: 200 Wolverleigh Blvd., Toronto How to donate: Bring gently used or new toys to the Wolverleigh Blvd. location from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. You can also drop off donations on Tuesday afternoons, between 4 and 6 p.m. (September through June only); Thursdays, between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.; and Saturdays, between 9:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. Who it helps: The East End Children’s Centre (EECC) has two locations, where parents, grandparents, guardians and caregivers can spend time and play with their child or infant while connecting with other parents—free of charge. Donated toys are most often used by children during playtime at the centre; any unused ones go to EECC’s used toy sales, which raise funds for the free programs it offers in the community. Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter Where: Etobicoke How to donate: Ernestine’s accepts new and unused toy donations every Tuesday and Thursday. Send an email with the full details of your donation to Khadija Kathy Ali at khadija@ernestines.ca to arrange a drop-off. (Note: Ernestine’s does not publish the location of its shelter for safety and privacy reasons.) Who it helps: Ernestine’s, which is supported by United Way, provides support and shelter for women and children escaping domestic violence. On average, 22 babies, children and youth reside in the shelter at a time. All of them celebrate their birthdays while they live there and receive donated toys as gifts. Ernestine’s also gives excess toys to the 100 families that visit their food bank and donations area. Salvation Army Thrift Store Where: Locations across the GTA How to donate: Visit the website to find the thrift store or drop bin nearest to you. For larger toys, you can arrange a pick-up (in certain areas) by calling 1-888-333-1229 or emailing donate@tstore.com. Who it helps: Proceeds raised from thrift store sales support a variety of charities and community initiatives, including Salvation Army shelters, addiction programs and kids’ summer camps. Six million dollars in donated items are given to people in need annually, across Canada. Talize Brampton Where: 547 Steeles Ave. E., Brampton How to donate: You can drop off used toys and books at any of Talize’s 11 stores across the GTA, including their Brampton location near Steeles Ave. and Kennedy Rd. They are open Monday to Saturday, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., and Sundays, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Who it helps: By donating to Talize, you will help keep toys and books out of landfills and give them a second life. You’ll also be contributing to Children’s Wish Foundation—Talize has raised $2 million for the charity since 2005. Diabetes Canada Where: Arrange for a pick-up from home How to donate: Diabetes Canada will collect sealed boxes (40 pounds maximum) of used toys and games from your house or apartment. Visit the website and enter your address, choose your pick-up time and print out donation labels. Then simply leave the labelled box outside your front door or in the lobby of your building for pick-up. Alternatively, you can drop off donations at your nearest Diabetes Canada office or Value Village. Who it helps: Proceeds raised from donations help Diabetes Canada invest $5 million annually in diabetes research. They also helps 2,400 kids with type one diabetes and their families go to D-Camps for an authentic camp experience in a safe and supportive environment. 15 SURPRISING PLACES TO DONATE YOUR GENTLY USED STUFF ? There’s a do-good destination for almost everything in your donation pile BY REIKO MILLEY Few things are as satisfying as a freshly purged closet—or as guilt inducing as the pile of stuff sitting next to it. Impulse-buy home decor, once-worn cocktail dresses, teetering stacks of books…. Where’s it all going to go? And how can you make sure it’ll go to someone who could really use it? Luckily, there are plenty of local organizations beyond the usual big-name donation spots that would welcome your gently used items, including those suits from your old job and that barely-used Dutch oven from your Julie & Julia phase. Here are a few under-the-radar places to check out in the GTA. (Our advice: Call ahead to bricks-and-mortar destinations as storage space can be limited and most-needed items change regularly.) 1 FURNITURE BANK TORONTO Furniture Bank Toronto helps transitioning and at-risk individuals make their spaces feel like home. Drop off good-condition furnishings yourself, or call to arrange pick-up—in Toronto, Mississauga, Oakville and parts of York Region—for a nominal fee. (The service employs those with limited job opportunity.) 2 ELIZABETH FRY SOCIETY Pass on a winter coat or a box of extra toiletries to this Brampton organization, which supports women in conflict with the law by providing essential programming and resources. 3 CHILDREN’S BOOK BANK Bookshelf overflowing with YA fiction? Consider donating to this Regent Park-based book bank, which distributes thousands of books and literacy materials to children in low-income communities each year. 4 JRCC FURNITURE DEPOT Another great spot to bring an unused bed frame or sturdy desk, this Thornhill depot helps low-income, newcomer and transitioning families outfit their homes with all the essentials. 5 NEW CIRCLES New Circles’ Prom Boutique in North York lets students in financial need put together outfits free of charge, so it’s the perfect destination for your formal wear, shoes and unused makeup. WHERE TO DONATE BABY GEAR IN TORONTO AND THE GTA Because cribs, car seats and baby clothes are often unaffordable for families experiencing poverty. BY TARA MACINNIS Diapers, cribs, toys, clothes—babies need a ton of stuff. It’s no secret that many of these items come at a hefty cost, and those experiencing poverty or facing homelessness often can’t afford these necessities. That’s why so many shelters and charities that serve women accept donations of baby and maternity gear. “Pregnancy is an especially vulnerable time in a woman’s life, and can compound the hardships she is facing,” says Gwen Broda, founder of the New Mom Project, a volunteer organization in Toronto that provides baby necessities to families experiencing poverty. “For us, providing baby gear goes beyond the items and helps to address deeper issues that affect the mom and baby’s health. For instance, we provided a car seat and stroller to a new family who otherwise could not get out to buy groceries or go to doctor’s appointments. These items are life-changing for our clients, and it’s easy for us, who can afford them, to take them for granted.” If you have gently used baby gear that you’d like to donate, or if you’d like to give the gift of brand-new items, here are five charities in the GTA that are in need. Jessie’s Centre, The June Callwood Centre for Young Women, 205 Parliament St., Toronto How to donate: Jessie’s, a United Way-funded agency, accepts all gently used items (in excellent condition) that expecting moms, new moms and babies might need. Email swap@jessiescentre.org to find out when you can drop items off. Who it helps: Jessie’s Centre aims to empower teenage women who are pregnant or new moms (and their children) who are also facing poverty and other obstacles. It helps young women access health services, find a safe place to live and complete their high school education. The New Mom Project, 1450 O’Connor Dr., Building 2, Unit 101, East York How to donate: You can drop off items during the project’s office hours, which are Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., or you can email newmomproject@gmail.com to set up an alternate time. Who it helps: The New Mom Project is all about helping marginalized families get the baby basics they need; they collect both new and gently used baby clothing, blankets, toys and books to pass along to families in need, free of charge. The Diaper Bank, various locations throughout the GTA How to donate: The Diaper Bank accepts diapers (whether they’re loose, or in opened or sealed packages), wipes and baby formula at a network of drop-off locations in Toronto, as well as locations in Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Brampton and Oshawa. No appointments are necessary; in fact, some of the locations are private residences, so donations can be left on the doorstep if no one’s home. Who it helps: What started in 2010 as a simple diaper drive has turned into a registered charity that distributes diapers to families in the GTA who are experiencing poverty. Donations are distributed through local food banks, daycare centres, social service agencies and shelters. Yellow Brick House, 52 West Beaver Creek Rd., Unit 4, Richmond Hill How to donate: This women’s shelter is currently accepting donations of new items, which can be dropped off on Mondays between 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Tuesdays to Fridays from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Who it helps: Yellow Brick House serves women and children who have been abused. Their current wish list includes crib sets; baby monitors; diaper bags; winter PJs for infants, kids, teens and women; and activewear for women, among other items. Safetynet, 1317 Speers Rd., Oakville How to donate: The Speers Rd. location accepts drop-offs and is open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., but they also have a 24-hour donation bin at 482 South Service Rd. East in Oakville. They are currently accepting winter gear, and encourage people dropping items off to bring in newly purchased underwear and socks, too, as they’re always in demand. Who it helps: Safetynet is a charity focused on giving families access to the essentials, like clothing, furniture and diapers, and they also provide free tutoring and music lessons. Their clothing bank has items for the entire family, including babies. WHERE TO DONATE BOOKS IN TORONTO AND THE GTA Got a pile of used books gathering dust? Give them to one of these organizations and pass along the love of reading. BY JUMOL ROYES Garage sales, regifting, a box labelled “free” on the curb: these are the tried-and-tested ways to unload unwanted items, like books that your kids (or you!) have outgrown. But what if we told you there was a better way to pass on books—one that will make you feel really good, and make someone else really happy? Unfortunately, many Toronto-area children don’t know what it feels like to own a book—let alone outgrow one—and lack of exposure to books and reading can have serious consequences. “Countless studies show that owning books, rather than borrowing them, is linked to higher literacy rates,” says Loribeth Gregg, manager of programming and volunteer engagement for the Children’s Book Bank. “In turn, higher literacy rates are directly linked to lower poverty rates.” Consider donating your used books to one of these GTA charities and community organizations (that benefit kids and adults alike), which have a shared commitment to helping your gently used books find new homes in hands that really need them. The Children’s Book Bank Where: 350 Berkeley St., Toronto How to donate: New or gently used books for kids aged 12 and under can be dropped off from Monday to Thursday, between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. (7 p.m. on Tuesdays), and Friday between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Board books, concept books (ABC, 123, etc.) and books featuring diverse characters are always welcome. Unsure if your donations fall into the gently used category? Here’s a tip: If you’d give the book to a child as a gift, then it’s in good enough condition to donate. Who it helps: The Children’s Book Bank provides free books and literacy support to kids in low-income Toronto neighbourhoods and operates a storefront space in the Regent Park–St. James Town community. “Making a donation to the Book Bank means you are making a direct contribution to poverty reduction for children in the City of Toronto,” says Gregg. YMCA Sprott House Where: 21 Walmer Rd., Toronto How to donate: Books in good condition that touch on a variety of topics are accepted. Staff are on-site 24-7, so drop-offs can happen at any time. Who it helps: YMCA Sprott House is one of the largest LGBTQ+ transitional housing programs for youth aged 16 to 24 in Canada, and one of only a handful of similar sites across the country. Mackenzie Health Richmond Hill Hospital Where: 10 Trench St., Richmond Hill How to donate: Bring gently used books (paperbacks only, please!) to the gift shop from Monday to Friday, between 8:30 a.m. and 8:30 p.m., and on weekends and holidays, between 10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Who it helps: Mackenzie Health is a regional health-care provider serving more than 500,000 people across York Region. Interim Place Where: Confidential address in Mississauga. Call (905) 403-9691 ext. 2223 or email development@interimplace.com to schedule a delivery. How to donate: Donated books are accepted during regular business hours from Monday to Friday, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Who it helps: Thanks to supporters like United Way Greater Toronto, Interim Place is able to provide shelter, support, counselling and advocacy to help abused women and their children break the cycle of violence. Book Clubs for Inmates Where: 720 Bathurst St., Toronto How to donate: To donate books to prison libraries, email info@bookclubsforinmates.com or bookdonation@csc-scc.gc.ca. Books should be in good condition and have no CD-ROMs attached. Paperback fiction (novels) are widely popular. Who it helps: Book Clubs for Inmates runs volunteer-led book clubs within Canada’s federal prisons, helping people who have been incarcerated develop literacy skills and empathy. |
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Email from Henry received 2019/11/11 This AM got an email (that looked very legitimate) from Canada Post stating they have an undelivered package for me and I need to click on a connection below that they provided to get the document I needed to get the package. I did not - just deleted it. I then called Canada Post and they confirmed this is a new scam. Henry |
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Email from Ruth 2019/11/03 Just a reminder to everyone that we are not meeting this month but on Dec. 3rd at 1p.m. to discuss The Water Dancer by Ta-Nehisi Coates. Please think of books you’d like to recommend for January etc. and bring those names along. Thanks, Ruth |
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Email from Henry 2019/11/02 I received an email which stated from "Rogers Mail" with an unknown name email sender attached (definitely NOT "Rogers" or "Yahoo") It suggested that "I" (not me of course) requested that "I agreed and indicated" for them to delete all my emails unless I clicked on one of the 2 options they indicated below. Of course I did not click either but called Rogers about it. They thanked me for reporting it and asked I forward that email to "abuse@rogers.com" - which I did. It is a most disturbing and disgusting time for computer users - especially Rogers and Yahoo customers. You may pass on this info as caution to email users who may not be aware of email hackers. (I heard recently on the radio that "they" have estimated that about $45 million dollars (reported only - does not include those scams not reported) have fallen to scams and hackers for this year, in this country. Yikes !!!!!) Henry |
| Photos from the 2019 Hallowe'en acivities are posted at 2019 Halloween. |
| We are reminded to set our clocks back one hour Saturday night, 2 November 2019, as we switch from Daylight Saving to Standard time. |
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Flu shots are available at the Wynford Heights medical clinic in the Pharmasave, at the following hours:
Thursday: 10 AM - 2 PM |
| Metrolinx will hold an open house, where we can learn about future Crosstown stations in our area, from 6:30 to 8 PM Thursday 24 October 2019 at the Centre Court of Eglinton Square Mall. |
| An email from Don Mills Residents Incorporated (DMRI) announces an all candidates meeting at 7:30 PM Wednesday 16 October 2019 at St. Bonaventure Parish Hall, 1300 Leslie Street. The meeting is sponsored by DMRI, but everyone is welcome. |
| Perhaps the only improvement that was noticed from the garage repairs, apart from new lighting (fluorescent rather than LED) was electric actuators on the doors to the B level south garage. Now it is discovered that those actuators have been removed, leaving the B level south garage doors the only garage doors without electric actuators. The reason for this is not known at this time. |
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The lawn chairs on the lawn and patio of Wynford Tower are to be replaced next spring (2020). If you would like to have one or more of the existing lawn chairs (photos at ReUseIt/Lawn Chairs), except the lounge type chairs, please contact Christine in the office. |
When we returned Saturday 28 September after being away Thursday and Friday, most of the landscaping had been completed.
The following photos were taken Sunday 29 September.
 Bushes and two trees have been planted at the east end of the building. 
 East driveway planting is not yet complete. 
 Many plants have been planted in the east garden area, and the Wynford Tower sign has been re-installed with a brown background (no background behind the 35). 
 Plants have been planted in the northwest driveway corner by the street, hopefully to keep folks from creating muddy paths. 
 Flowers now fill the big planters on the patio. |
When we returned Saturday 28 September after being away Thursday and Friday, a posted notice said that cars can be
returned to their indoor parking spaces after 5 PM Tuesday 1 October 2019. A notice in the apartment door 30 September
says cars must be returned to their indoor parking spaces after 5 PM Monday 30 September (presumably the latter
is correct).The visitor parking lot will not be available for visitors until the numbers have been replaced by Vs in
the visitor spaces. The following photos were taken Sunday, 29 September 2019.
 The B level garage looks ready for use. 
 The SB level garage floor will not be resurfaced and painted like the B level floor, since no repairs were done to it. |
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The 2019 M&R Tenant Appreciation barbeque was held from 6 to 7:45 PM Thursday evening 25 September 2019, after being
postponed from its original August 26 date, presumbly because the front landscaping was not completed. In the two weeks prior to the bbq, little progress was made on the landscaping, but the week of the bbg hordes of workers with trees and shrubs created miracles and most of the landscaping was done by the time the bbq took place. Following are some photos taken before and during the bbq. They can be picked to see a larger version if desired. 
 The BBQGourmet Company were there with a huge barbeque, preparing food for the expected onslaught. 
 Setting up serving tables and the ice-cream box. 
 Cory, Christine and Marta in preparation mode. 
 Not as much room for tables since the big planters were installed. 
 Driveway still contains landscaping parphenalia, and the big planters have no plants as yet. 
 Wynford Tower sign not yet installed, and lots of plants still waiting at the east end of the driveway. Half an hour later at 6:15 PM, there was a long line of hungry residents waiting at the serving tables. 
 Lots of empty places at the tables, but they will soon fill up as those in line arrive to sit down. 
 Two tables of condiments to dress the hotdogs, hamburgers, etc. 
 Some folks used benches along the driveway and in the front yard as eating places. 
 About 7 PM a draw was held. supervised by Rafael, Christine and Cory with announcer Mitch from M&R Head Office. Many thanks to M&R for once again providing Wynford Tower residents with a delicious barbeque. |
Progress on landscaping of the front area had drawn to a halt in September, but the week of the barbeque hordes of
workers with landscaping supplies attacked the front yard, apparently in an effort to complete the work in time for
the 25 September barbeque. The following photos were taken 24 September, the day before the barbeque.
 Bushes are appearing around the front patio and along the north wall of the building. 
 More bushes along the west side of the front driveway. 
 Work is taking place on the Wynford Tower sign. 
 Some fairly large trees in the driveway on the north side of the building, ready for planting. |
 The B level garage floor is being power washed, and part of the north area floor has been painted. 
 The SB level gaarage floor is still the old cement. M&R advise that no repairs were done to it, so it will not be resurfaced and painted like the B level garage floor. |
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The Wynford Tower Book Club met in the Social Room at 1 PM Tuesday 24 September 2019 to discuss the book Educated, by
Tara Westover. New member Glen spent some time describing how to obtain books from Google. The next meeting will be Tuesday 22 October, when the book to be discussed will be "Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens. At Toronto Public Library there are many more holds than copies of both the book and the e-book, so it will be necessary to obtain one elsewhere. |
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In the several months that I have been parking on the street during garage renovations I have received eight parking
tickets. Christine has confirmed that my licence plate number is on the list given to Toronto as approved for street
parking. The conclusion seems to be that the parking enforcers cannot read. I have protested all eight tickets on line (still a pain in the butt), but have received no indication of the results, except that when I check "outstanding", No violation notices are found. An email from Toronto Parking says it can take up to 150 days (five months) to resolve disputed tickets. It would be interesting to hear if anyone else has received tickets for parking in the street during our garage renovations. |
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We were sorry to learn recently that Cecile Fitzgerald has decided to retire as coordinator of the Friday morning
Kaffee Klatsch (origially Coffee Time), which she founded and developed into the most popular of the Residents social
activities. She expects to continue to attend when other responsibilies permit. Many thanks to Cecile for her initiative, enthusiasm and dedication in her role as Kaffee Klatsch Coordinator. |
Monday 16 September 2019 Louise MacKenzie posted the following in the lobby:
To all my friends:I thought you would want to know that on Saturday September 14, 2019, my beloved Beau passed away suddenly. It goes without saying that I am devastated but wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for the kindness that so many of you showed him over the years. He adored the attention and you helped him lead a very happy life. I will always treasure my life with him and he will never be absent from my heart. Louise MacKenzie |
 9 September 2019: East side of B Level entry still closed, work in progress. Some cars are gathering dust. 
 16 September 2019: West side of B Level entry now closed. North area of B Level garage drying. 
 16 September 2019: Front yard landscaping seems to be halted. Will it be ready for the BBQ on the 25th? |
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A fire alarm sounded at 7:50 AM Wednesday 11 September 2019. Cory set the front doors open at about 7:55 AM and the
fire department arrived about 8 AM. The alarm was quickly silenced by a fire fighter, but re-started and was silenced
again. At about 8:10 AM a message was issued (presumably saying it was a false alarm) and the fire department left.
Cory then set the front doors for normal operation. The above information from viewing the lobby watch channel, 988 on my Rogers TV service. |
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Looks like I've been had! Further to the article "All the same age in 2019?", Navo points out that our year of birth plus the age we become in the current year always equals the current year. So it happens every year, not every thousand years. Thanks to Navo for setting us straight. |
The Kaffee Klatsch meets in the Social Room every Friday from 10 AM to 12 Noon. All welcome. |
 Two large pots have been placed on the patio, probably for flowers. Does not leave much room for BBQ type activities. What are presumably benches to sit on have no backs and look quite uncomfortable. 
 Earth is being placed by the sidewalk and gravel along the front wall. Presumably no flowers or bushes to go along the wall. 
 When the pile of earth stored in the driveway gets low, a truck comes along to replenish it. 
 Lamp stands of some kind to be installed along the west wall of the patio and beside the sidewalk to the street. |
 The garage traffic lights have been removed, but the "Wait for Green Light" sign remains. 
 Work in progress on the B level garage. The SB level garage is completely inaccessible. |
| The outgoing mail slots on the new Canada Post parcel lockers, which were sealed closed, have now been released, so we can mail outgoing letters in the parcel lockers. . |
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Some recent unsavoury activities by Wynford Tower residents led the Residents Committee to draft a letter to residents
inviting us to treat it like home. The letter is posted at Wynford Tower is My Home |
| A notice tells us that the M&R BBQ originally scheduled for August 26 will now be held Wednesday, September 25. RSVPS must be returned by September 18. |
| An email forwarded by Diana says that if we add our age to our year of birth the result is 2019, and that the last time this was true was 1000 years ago. Works for everyone I know who has tried it, but can't attest to the 1000 years ago bit. |
| The pharmacist at the Wynford Heights Pharmasave told us that they have been chastised by the City for giving out plastic bags at no charge. It is suggested that we take a bag with us when we go to buy stuff. |
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The next meeting of the Wynford Tower Book Club will take place in the Social Room at 1 PM Tuesday 24 September 2019,
when the book to be discussed is "Educated", a memoir by Tara Westover. Toronto Public Library has 1103 holds for 317 copies of the book and 803 holds for 340 copies of the ebook, so not much chance to borrow one in time. At Amazon.ca the paperback costs $19.80 and we received ours in one day with Prime. |
 Manual labour is still involved in landscaping work.  The sidewalk to the east door now ramps flush with the door sill. With the electric door opener wheelchair access is easier, although the two hallway doors inside are a challenge. |
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Twenty months after our request was submitted to M&R, two Canada Post Parcel Lockers are now in place, thanks to the
initiative of Superintendents Christine and Cory. The lockers are located opposite the mail boxes on the office wall. Each locker contains six compartments of different sizes, to be used as follows:
Each locker also has a mail slot in which outgoing mail can be deposited for pickup by the mail carrier. 
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Roosevelt has joined the Don Mills Taoist Tai-Chi Club, which wears him out to the point that he will probably be unable
to resume Tai-Chi instruction at Wynford Tower this fall. The club is now located at 55 Barber Green Road, about five
minutes drive from Wynford Tower. Classes are offered daily per the following schedule:
For further details, telephone 416-656-2110 Following are some photos taken Saturday morning 10 August 2019. 
 The classes take place at 55 Barber Green Road. Enter on the west side via Prince Andrew Place. 
 Ample parking is available next to the entrance. 
 The facility includes a good sized teaching room and a change room with small refreshment stand. 
 Michael, in blue at right, leads the Saturday class of some thirty students. The leader provides individual instruction to students during the session. 
 Swords and Sabres are available for practice, but instruction in their use is given only at the 100 acre Taoist Centre at Hwy 9 and Airport Road in Orangeville (see taoist.org.) Note: www.taoist.org does not work in my Internet Explorer 11, but it does work in Chrome (and probably in IE12.) |
| The latest update to the Wynford Tower Social Activities schedule is posted at Social Activities Schedule 2019/08/01 |
| A walking group meets at the back door each Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for a walk in the neighbourhood. For information call Linda Vir at 647-343-6077. |
| The annual M&R Resident Appreciation BBQ Party will be held on the front patio from 6:00 to 7:45 PM Monday 26 August 2019. An announcement has been delivered to each apartment, with a lower section to be completed as an R.S.V.P which must be turned in to the office by 20 August 2019, for tickets to be picked up prior to the event. |
 Heating pipes being laid for the sidewalk at the east end of the building. 
 Lots of work to do on landscaping the front of the building. 
 The engineering and architecture companies responsible for the garage repairs and resultant landscaping. |
 
 24 July 2019: Concrete being poured into the garage(s). Perhaps the end is in sight.  
 25 July 2019: Compressor back in place and more jack hammering under way in the garage. 
 
 24 July 2019: Patio heating coils being installed. 
 25 July 2019: Front driveway landscaping preparation under way. 
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Eileen Barnes reports that she and four tenants appeared at the initial hearing 22 July 2019 regarding M&R’s request for
an Above Guideline Increase in rent. The arbitrator was clear that M&R had the legal right to the requested increase, but as a concession to the tenants, M&R agreed to remove the amount for elevator repairs, bringing the allowable AGI to 0.9%. It was concluded that forcing a full hearing would probably result in the increase reverting to the originally requested amount, so the 0.9% increase was agreed to. If you would like additional details, or to know plans for future activities, please contact Eileen at ebarnes@paralegal.ca. Our thanks to Eileen and Lee for their work on behalf of Wynford Tower tenants. |
 The library has been replaced and a donation box has been added in the laundry lounge. 
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All residents are invited to attend a BBQ at Marcheleo's Marketplace in support of the Sick Kids Foundation,
Wednesday 24 July 2019 from 11 AM to 6 PM. The Ad is posted at Marcheleo's Sick Kids BBQ Ad |
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The celebration of Canada's 152nd birthday from 11 AM to 1 PM Monday, 1 July 2019 at the Aga Khan park took place on a
sunny, warm but not oppressively hot day. The formal activities started with brief speeches from Yasmin Ratansi, MP,
Don Valley East, Rob Oliphant, MP, Don Valley West, Michael Coteau, MPP, Don Valley East, and Kathleen Wynne, MPP, Don
Valley West. The speeches were brief with no political overtones. Below are some photos taken at the event. They can be picked to see a larger version, if desired. 
 
 The setup was a bit different from the 150th two years ago, with a covered stage and food tents along the side of the field. 
 The homegrown entertainment started with a group of seniors doing some dance moves. We put on the food bag about 11:30, so we missed much of the entertainment, including some Persian garbed dancers. After we ate we saw a father and son combo playing flute-like instruments, very well.  Then a group from Victoria Park singing Chinese songs (I think!) 
 There were some chairs near the stage for those who arrived early. 
 At 12:30 there was still a lineup for food. 
 The food consisted of hamburgers with trimmings, a spicey wrap, juice and cupcakes for dessert. 
 
 At 12:45 the MC told us that a dance leader would take over for the rest of the event. The man who took the microphone sang Arabian type songs, and many folks enjoyed dancing to his music. In the fourth photo MP Rob Oliphant is the man in the white jacket festooned with maple leaves. The ceremony closed with the MC giving a very brief history to the leadup to the North America Act of 1867, which created Canada with four founding provinces, finally growing to ten provinces and the territories when Newfoundland joined confederation in 1949. |
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There will be a Canada Day celebration at the Aga Khan park from 11 AM to 1 PM Monday 1 July 2019, offering free food,
drinks and entertainment. Please bring a lawn chair and / or umbrella, sunscreen and refillable water bottle, which can be refilled in the museum. Free parking at Canada Post. Sponsored by our MP's and MPP's. |
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As part of his recovery programme, Roosevelt will be doing Tai Chi in the backyard on a daily basis around 5pm. If you
would like to join him please do so. He intends to resume teaching in the Fall. |
| A hearing at the Landlord and Tenant Board regarding the M&R application 8 June 2018 for an Above Guideline Increase (AGI) in rent will take place at 9:30 AM Monday 22 July 2019, at the Landlord and Tenant Board, 47 Sheppard Avenue East, Suite 700, Toronto M2N5X5. Notice from M&R should be delivered to tenants by 22 June 2019. |
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The black garbage bin in the waste disposal area will be closed for cleaning from garbage pickup Friday AM 14 June 2019
until Tuesday morning 18 June 2019. The garbage chutes will be closed for cleaning from 9 AM to 5 PM Tuesday, 18 June 2109. If gabage must be disposed of in that time period, it must be taken to the black garbage bin in the waste disposal area. |
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A Garage Repairs Phase 4 Update revised June 10, 2019 tells us that jack hammering will continue for about three
weeks, i.e. until the end of June, weather permitting. The front entry will continue to be blocked by the hydrodemolition truck until approximately June 21, 2019. The revised update is posted at Garage Repairs Phase 4 Update Rev 20190610 |
| The first fire alarm of 2019 occurred at 1:15 PM Tuesday 11 June. The alarm sounded for thirty-five minutes, but the fire department did not respond. After about thirty minutes an announcement was made, one item of which said "please stay in your apartments." The rest was not intelligible. Several men around the fire alarm panel in the front entryway finally succeeded in turning off the alarm at 1: 50 PM. No announcement was made. |
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There are a traffic lights to enter and to leave the B level south garage, necessary because the route from the garage to
the door is not wide enough to allow two vehicles to meet. The lights stay red for 60 seconds, green for 40 seconds and
yellow for 5 seconds, for a 1 minute 45 second cycle. The exterior light follows the same timing. (Not sure about this - it would seem that the green plus yellow time should equal the red time, in order for the inside and outside lights to be synchronized.) The door timing is independent of the traffic lights. So if the door opens when the light is red it may close before the light turns green. One resident learned this when the door closed on the car. Apparently there is no sensor on the door to prevent this. It is concluded that the safest approach is to wait for the light to turn green before using the fob to open the door. 
 The interior light stays red for 60 seconds and green for 40 seconds. 
 The exterior light follows the same 60 / 40 second timing, but the door timing starts when activated by the fob. |
A new traffic light has been installed at the garage entrance (after 45 years without one). The sign says to wait until
the light turns green before tapping a fob to open the door. Tests this morning revealed that the light stays red for
40 seconds after the door closes before it turns green. Fortunately, at least for now, the door opens when the fob is
tapped, regardless of the colour of the light.
 The new garage traffic light, orange and red. |
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An undated notice distributed recently reminds us that our rental contract forbids the use of dishwashers, washing
machines, clothes dryers and portable dishwashers in our apartments. The notice is posted at Illegal Use of Ensuite Appliances. |
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A Garage Repairs Phase 4 Update was posted May 27, 2019. The notice advises that the front driveway will be occupied by
a large hydrodemolition truck starting May 28 for about three weeks. During this time pedestrian traffic will not be
affected, but vehicles will have to use the north driveway and passenger pickup / dropoff will be at the east or rear
door. The notice is posted at Garage Repairs Phase 4 Update 
 The Hydrodemolition truck parked in the front driveway. 
 The truck is connected to the garage via hoses. Hydrodemolition is used for surface restoration and protection projects. When concrete has deteriorated or the reinforcing steel has begun to corrode, it is necessary to remove any unsound concrete and reinforcing bars (rebar) in order to replace it with new concrete and maintain the integrity of the structure. Unlike jackhammers, hydrodemolition does not produce vibrations throughout a structure and therefore does not introduce micro fractures. 
 The north area of the B Level garage is surrounded by plywood walls. 
 The machine blasts away the faulty concrete with no manual labour, just a watching operator. |
| Christine advises that a notice was posted for a week telling us that residents must dispute parking tickets received while parked on the street during garage renovations. The back of the parking ticket provides an Option 2 - Dispute/Request Review, which can be done either online or in person. |
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For Facebook aficiandos there is now a Facebook page for residents of Wynford Heights Crescent. The page was created and
is administered by Jules Bedeau who moved from Wynford Tower (#35) to Wynford South (#45) in October 2018. It is necessary to join the group in order to read the posts or to submit a post. Originally it was open only to Wynford South residents, so most posts are currently by them. All residents of Wynford Heights Crescent are now eligible to join the group. The page is at Wynford Heights Crescent Tenants Association |
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In response to resident inquiries as to whether the current garage renovations include provision for EV (electric vehicle)
charging, given that: a) fossil powered vehicles are to be phased out in twenty years and b) all new buildings in Toronto must include such provision (ref Low-Emission Transportation, AQ 1.3) M&R advise that no EV charging stations will be provided in the current garage renovations. If a tenant wishes to install an EV charging station, permission must be requested from Rafael. |
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The following information was received by email from Roose May 13, 2019: "Christine has informed me that the back door that was very difficult to open has now been fixed." Roose |
| We learned this morning that our next-door neighbour, Margaret Chamberlin, died last night. She had lived in #1806 since November 1982. She had been receiving 24 hour home care for some months. No further information in available at this time. |
A couple of photos taken May 2, 2019 show progress to date in the south areas of the B and SB level garages.
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| The Social Room is booked for a private event Sunday 5 May 2019, so it will not be available for use by residents. |
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As in the past, the 2019 community cleanup team from 35 Wynford Heights Crescent joined with the team from #75, to form a
combined team of some fifteen people. Our team was scheduled to tackle the hillside on the east side of Wynford from
Wynford Heights Crescent to the Eglinton on/off ramp, but another team got there first. We therefore tackled the path to
the East Don trail and around behind the 1-3 Concorde Place buildings. A blustery, cold wind made it difficult to hold bags in place to receive the litter, which seemed to be be much less than in the past. Someone said that the City had already conducted some cleanup this year. Depite these concerns, the team enjoyed the camaraderie, enhanced by a coffee session at #75 after all the hard work.
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| A letter dated 25 April 2019 to 35 Wynford Residents from Christine & Cory, our new superintendents, is posted at Christine & Cory Letter 25 April 2019. |
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Last night about 6 PM we waited fifty minutes for a 34C to Eglinton Subway Station, while 10 (Yes, ten) 100A's went by.
Finally a 34A came by with Eglinton Station as the destination so we got on. Asked the driver if the 34C was still
running and he said, "This is a 34C. Since the signs have been automated they sometimes get the number wrong." Oh the wonders of automation! So if you are heading to Yonge Street via the 34C, don't pass up a 34A with Eglinton Station as the destination. |
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Five members of the Wynford Tower Book Club met Tuesday 23 April 2019 for a lively discussion of Salman Rushdie's recent
novel "The Golden House". The next meeting will be at 1 PM Tuesday 28 May, when the book to be discussed is "Becoming", by Michelle Obama. Contact: Ruth Nicholls at 416-445-2642 or nichollsrb@hotmail.com |
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All Wynford Tower residents are invited to join in the annual spring cleanup Saturday 27 April 2019, led by Linda Vir. When: Meet in the lobby at 10 AM. What: We will join forces with the folks from 75 Wynford Heights Crescent, to clean débris from the hillside on the east side of Wynford down to the Eglinton on-off ramp. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and gloves, and hiking poles if you have them to help navigate the hill. Garbage bags will be provided.
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| Happy Birthday greetings to Bob Nicholls, who celebrated his 90th birthday 19 April 2019, Good Friday. The better the day, the better the birthday? Best wishes for many more, young fella. |
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On Wednesday evening 17 April 2019, the members of the Friday morning Kaffee Klatsch held a reception in the Social
Room to greet our new superintendents, Christine Racine and Cory Scott. Christine and Cory said that they had come from a large rental building in Mississagua where, in addtion to their other duties, they acted as social convenors for the residents, so they are happy to see that there is a Residents Association already in place to work with at Wynford Tower. They told us that their principal concern in their work here will be resident satisfaction, and they hope that residents will feel free to contact them if any concerns (or compliments) arise. They have moved into an apartment on the ground floor with Christine’s 8 year old son Ashai. Cory’s 12 year old daughter, Elyssa, visits every second weekend. Despite her Racine moniker, Christine does not speak French. Cecile reviewed the activities of the Kaffee Klatsch, and introduced the coordinators of other activities, including movies, exercises, tai-chi, book club, rhythmic movement, etc. A warm welcome to Christine and Cory, and thanks to Cecile and the Kaffee Klatsch members for hosting this event. Your forgetful reporter forgot to take a camera to the event, so we have a couple of photos of our new supers at work the following week.
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Linda Vir has started a Rhythmic Movement activity at 10 AM Mondays in the Social Room. She plays music and participants
swing, sway, dance, jive or whatever the music moves them to do. Great activity for body, soul and mind. No charge or registration, just show up and enjoy. |
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Non-perishable food can be donated to the 2019 Spring Hope Food Drive on Wednesday, April 17 in three ways: Take your donation in a bag to the office. Leave your donation in a bag outside your door from 5:30 to 9 PM, for pickup by the volunteers. Give your donation in a bag to the volunteers who knock on your door from 5:30 to 9 PM. |
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There will be a community consultation meeting 7-9 PM Tuesday 30 April 2019 at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre,
6 Garamond Court, to discuss the planning application for 10-12 Concorde Place. The notice is posted at Community Consultation Meeting |
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We welcome our new Wynford Tower superintendents, Christine Racine and Cory Scott, who started their tenure here Thursday
11 April 2019. We look forward to the opportunity to meet them and we wish them great success in their difficult role of balancing resident relations and management demands. |
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A sixth floor tenant phoned 12 April 2019 to report rumours of recent thefts from Wynford Tower apartments. No details
are available, but perhaps we should lock our doors whenever we leave our apartments, even for "just a minute", to
prevent such activities. Update 2019/04/15: A sixth floor tenant emailed today to say that her apartment was robbed very thoroughly one day while she was at work. The lock was not broken, so seemingly it was picked or a master key was used. The police were called; they dusted for fingerprints, etc. and took a report as to what was stolen. |
This week, the door sign that had been reversed and the picture that had been removed from the wall following the M&R
biweekly meeting in the Social Room Wednesday morning 13 March 2019, have been re-installed as they were. No idea who
did this or why.
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On Friday 29 March 2019 some twenty Wynford Tower residents gathered at the Kaffee Klatsch in the Social Room to wish
Happy Birthday to our entertainment man Aubrey Harmes on his 91st birthday which he reached earlier in the week. Many thanks to the residents who made this happen, especially Carole Smith for her delicious chocolate layer cake. And many thanks to Emma, who provided the photos below, which can be picked to see a larger version if desired.
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There will an information meeting about the Eglinton Crosstown LRT project from 7 to 8:30 PM Thursday 4 April 2019 at the
Japanese-Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Garamond Court. The advertisement is posted at Eglinton Crosstown Meeting |
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The Wynford Tower Book Club meeting Tuesday 26 March 2019 revealed some diverse opinions regarding the merits of the
novel "Women Talking" by Miriam Toews. The next meeting will be at 1 PM Tuesday 23 April 2019 in the Social Room, when the book to be discussed is "The Golden House" by Salman Rushdie. Set against a backdrop of current American culture and politics, “The Golden House” also marks Salman Rushdie’s exciting return to realism. The result is a modern epic of love, terrorism, loss and re-invention. A light in our dark age. As of 27 March 2019 Toronto Public Library has 97 Copies and 63 Holds of the book, so it should be available within a week at your branch if you place a Hold. Note 2019/04/10: When our Hold was still not in after two weeks, we realized that many copies are also on loan to library members, so the number of copies available for Holds may be much smaller than the current difference between Copies and Holds. A paperback copy is available from Amazon.ca at a cost of about $20. The following meeting will be 21 May, when the discussion will be about the book "Becoming", by Michelle Obama. Contact: Ruth Nicholls at 416-445-2642 or nichollsrb@hotmail.com |
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The Community Consultation Meeting about the 39 storey building to be built at 8-10 Concord Place has been changed to
30 April 2019, 7-9 PM at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Center, 6 Garamond Court. The revised notice is posted at Revised Community Consultation Notice. The preliminary report providing background information is available on the web at Toronto.ca Background file |
Following the M&R biweekly meeting in the Social Room Wednesday morning 13 March 2019, we discovered that the Social
Room sign on the door had been reversed to become a NoName sign, and the picture had been removed from the east wall and
was on the floor leaning against the north wall.
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There will be a Community Consultation Meeting from 7 to 9 PM Tuesday March 26, 2019, at the Don Mills Collegiate
Institute, 12 The Donway East to discuss a 39 storey mixed-use building including 579 dwelling units, retail and community
spaces at ground level, and 3 levels of underground parking, to be constructed at 10-12 Concorde Place, in the parking
lot of the Home Depot building at the northwest corner of Concorde Place. The notice from the City of Toronto is posted at Community Consultation Notice The preliminary report providing background information is available on the web at Toronto.ca Background file |
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The article "Rent Change Information (2019/01/12)" on this page included a number of statements based on incorrect
assumptions by the website editor. This article attempts to correct the information based on communication with the
Federation of Metro Tenants Associations (FMTA). M&R applied 1 June 2018 for an Above Guideline Increase (AGI) in rent for Wynford Tower, to take effect starting 1 September 2018. The increase is for major capital repairs to the boilers and elevators (not for the on-going garage repairs). Regardless of when the application is approved, tenants will have to pay the AGI rent from the start of their tenant rental year following September 1, 2018. Some examples of rental start month and start of AGI rent increase:
M&R 90 day Notices of Rent Increase issued since June 2018 have included a 1% Above Guideline Increase. Presumably that constitutes the landlord's notice to tenants of an AGI application. When approval is received, tenants who opt not to pay the AGI will owe the extra for their full rental year. If the Board approves an AGI amount different from the amount requested in the Notices of Rent Increase, tenants whose affected rental year has already started when approval is received will have their accounts credited or debited accordingly rectroactive to the start of their rental year. Corrected 2019/03/20: Tenants who moved in after the construction was completed 27 April 2017 do not pay AGI rent changes, so this Above Guideline Increase does not apply to tenants whose first rental payment was 1 May 2017 or later. Clear as mud? Contact us at webadmin@wynfordtowerresidents.ca |
| We have learned that the father of Francisco (Jun) Robles died in early March 2019. Jun is currently in the Philippines. Our condolences to Jun and family. |
| Clocks move forward one hour at 2 AM Standard time Sunday, 10 March 2019, to start Daylight Saving Time. Most folks advance their clocks before going to bed Saturday night. |
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The Wynford Tower Book Club met in the Social Room at 1 PM Tuesday 5 March 2019 for a lively discussion of the wonderful
novel "All the Light We Cannot See" by Anthony Doerr. The next meeting will be in the Social Room at 1 PM Tuesday 26 March 2019, when the book to be discussed is "Women Talking" by Miriam Toews, quite a different novel. For information, contact Ruth Nicholls at 416-445-2642 or by email at nichollsrb@hotmail.com. |
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The Wynford Tower Residents Association is not involved with the letter recently distributed to all apartments by Eileen
Barnes and Lee Oattes, in which residents are invited to sign a petition to ask for a City of Toronto grant for legal
assistance to oppose the current M&R AGI rent application submitted in June 2018. For further information about the letter, please email wynford35agi@gmail.com For on-going updates, see the website at Activism @ 35 In response to a number of questions from residents regarding the statement about change in ownership of our building, Lee and Eileen tell us that it was a possible explanation for recent changes in long standing M&R behaviour with regard to rent increases. It is now agreed that the ownership of our building has not changed. |
 On 27 February 2019, much of the floor of the south B level garage has been removed. In the SB level garage, the south portion ceiling is supported by metal poles to support the floor work above. Phase 4 of the repair project is to start 30 April 2019. Schedule at Phase 4 Garage Repairs |
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was held in the lobby from 4 to 5:30 PM Wednesday 20 February 2019. Following are a few photos of the event. They can be picked to see a larger version if desired. 
 Signs on the mirror wall gave thanks and good wishes to Jun and Naida. 
 The mirror wall with good wishes signs, and the refreshment table. 
 Early in the party, before most folks had arrived, Randy Daiter, VP Residential for M&R, said thank you, good bye and good luck to two of the best superintendents in the M&R residential building empire. 
 Jun and Naida with the Good Luck cake, and the cake with the first cut made. 
 As time went on, the lobby became full of well wishers. 
 Later, Jun took the floor with Naida by his side (or hiding behind) for a few words of regret at leaving, but looking forward to a new position that he had been offered with a different company. 
 Jun mentioned that Paul and Liza Fuertez, the #45 Superintendents, will take his place until new Superintendents are found for #35. 
 Jun hobnobbing with some members of the Wynford Tower Residents OFC. Our thanks to Jun and Naida for nine years looking after us and our building. We wish them the very best of luck in their forthcoming adventures. (Naida may be with us for a short while). |
| It was a shock to read a posted notice that Jun and Naida Robles, our Wynford Tower Superintendents for the last nine years, will soon be embarking on new adventures. Their last official day of duty will be next Sunday 24 February 2019. There will be a departure party for them in the lobby from 4 to 5:30 PM on Wednesday 20 February 2019. We wish them the very best of luck in whatever endeavours they will be undertaking. |
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When we were hall walking in Wynford Tower yesterday the hallways were nice and warm. This morning they are cold again,
although the stairwells are warm. It will be awesome if we ever discover why the halls are sometimes warm and sometimes cold. Stay tuned, but don't hold your breath! |
Thursday evening 24 January 2019, fifteen Wynford Tower residents, many of them frequenters of the Friday Kaffee
Klatsches, held a Pot Luck supper in the Social Room, starting at 6 PM and breaking up about 8 PM after an evening of
eating and convivial conversation.
 The dining table and the goodie table getting ready for eaters (lots more goodies to come). 
 Cecile, Elizabeth, Annie, Linda and Carole - Henry and Cecile 
 Dieter, Aubrey, Brenda, Marg - Dorothy, Hy, Dieter, Aubrey, Brenda. 
 Carole, Carole, Dorothy - Marg, Elizabeth, Bill, Henry. Our thanks to Cecile and friends for organizing and setting up this very enjoyable event. |
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Five members of the Wynford Tower Residents Book Club met in the Social Room Tuesday afternoon 22 January 2019, for a
lively discussion of the book "The House Girl", by Tara Conklin. The next meeting will be held Tuesday 5 March 2019, when the book to be discussed is "All the Light We Cannot See", by Anthony Doerr. Toronto Public Library (TPL) shows 62 Holds and 167 Copies, so it should be delivered to your branch within a week if you put it on Hold. It can be borrowed for 3 weeks, but can then be renewed for 3 more weeks. On Amazon.ca it costs $17.99 for paperback and $11.99 for Kindle. 2019/02/02: Cecile advises that the BMV store at 2289 Yonge (416-482-6002) has four copies of this book for $7.99. The following meeting will be 26 March 2019, when the book to be discussed is "Women Talking", by Miriam Toews. This book has 639 Holds and 270 Copies at TPL, so there will be a long wait to get it. On Amazon.ca it costs $25.11 for hard cover and $14.99 for Kindle. At BMV (Books Movies Videos), 2289 Yonge St just N of Eglinton on E side, 416-482-6002, it costs $14.99. Best to call ahead. Website at BMVBooks.com If you like to read books and to discuss them with others, please join the club. For further details, call Cecile Fitzgerald at 647-352-4696. |
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During the recent cold snap, temperatures in the Wynford Tower hallways above the seventh floor hovered not much above
freezing. Then yesterday, 21 January 2019, those hallway temperatures became liveable again, although the outside
temperature is still minus 15C. Why are the hallways up to the seventh floor always about room temperature, while those above the seventh floor are frigid in winter and hot in summer? The simple answer is that the ventilation air to the hallways up to the seventh floor is conditioned air, while the ventilation air to the hallways above the seventh floor is outside air. To make the hallways above the seventh floor liveable in extreme weather, the ventilation is turned off, which is the situation as this is written 22 Jan. 2019. Now for the sixty-four dollar question (yes kids, that used to be a big prize!): Why are the hallways of the first seven floors ventilated with conditioned air, while those above the seventh floor are ventilated with outside air? If we ever receive an answer to that riddle we'll be pleased to post it on this page. |
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A Wynford Tower tenants' meeting was held in the lobby at 6:30 PM Wednesday 16 January 2019, led by Wendy Lum of the
Federation of Metro Tenants' Associations (FMTA). Some sixty Wynford Tower tenants attended. Wendy provided handouts of the following information pamphlets:
A Short Guide to Toronto Municipal Property Standards, Winter 2009 Guide to Tenant Rights Agenda The Tenant Support Grant Program Wendy is an Outreach and Organizing Representative, phone number 416-413-9442. Some useful contact info:
The Landlord and Tenant Board website is at LTB, phone 416-645-8080. On the LTB website one can access the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA); refer specifically to section 126 of the RTA and Part 3 of Regs 516/06. This also shows the Schedule which shows items considered to be Capital Expenditures, and the Useful Life in years. To access non-emergancy City Services, call 311. CERA - Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation, phone 416-944-0087. Guideline rent increases set by the Ontario Government: 2015 - 1.6% 2016 - 2.0% 2017 - 1.5% 2018 - 1.8% 2019 - 1.8% Above Guideline Increases (AGI): A landlord can apply for an Above Guideline Rent Increase for: Capital expenditures, within 18 months of completing the work Increased security Property tax increases The maximum AGI rent increase allowed is 3% above the guideline. A landlord can apply each year for up to three years. For the current 1.8% guideline, this is 4.8%/yr. If the landlord applies for 3 consecutive years, and the guideline remains at 1.8% over those three years, the maximum total increase would come to 1.048*1.048*1.048 = 15.1 %. Any tenant can go to the LTB at 700-47 Sheppard Avenue East for documentation on an AGI application. A copy of the basic application, Form L5, is available at no charge. CD's containing all documentation can be ordered for pickup or delivery by mail at a cost of $5.38 each. The June 2018 Wynford Tower application number is TNL-05618-18, and is to cover expenditures for: Boiler Retrofit, Elevator Door Operators Painting Notices of Rent Increase received by Wynford Tower tenants to date suggest that the current AGI increase requested is 1%, i.e. 2.8% total. If the landlord applies each year for 3 years and the guideline remains at 1.8%, the total increse would be 1.028*1.028*1.028 = 8.6%. The only way to know when a landlord applies is via the FMTA who receive a list of new applications every two months. A landlord who has applied for an AGI rent increase must advise all tenants to which the increase applies at least thirty days before a hearing is scheduled. As of 18 January 2019 no hearing has been scheduled for the Wynford Tower application 1 Jun 2018. To contest an AGI rent increase you may want to file an application at the LTB Landlord and Tenant Board. Maintenance issues? If serious you can attach to the current file. If not serious we can discuss later. The procedure to contest an AGI rent increase application is complex. See LTB Appplication and Hearing Process Self-Represent or Agent? You can apply for a grant of up to $1000 from the Tenant Defence Fund (The Tenant Support Grant Program) to help in paying legal fees. Need 2 tenants to apply, and to get the rest of the 30 signatures. The signatures should be from tenants whose rent is less than: $1382 for a one bedroom $1640 for a two bedroom $1834 for a three bedroom Linda Vir and Lee Oates volunteered to be the representatives to apply for a grant. Arnold felt that a 1% above guideline increase is not worth the effort of contesting the AGI rent application. The Residents Association has no mandate or funding to participate in litigation. The objective of the Association is to foster the well-being of residents, in collaboration with the landlord where applicable, so confrontation in the form of litigation is contrary to that objective. Several questions were raised about concerns such as a rebate for parking outdoors when paying for indoor parking, poor maintenance, flower beds, etc. They were considered to be outside the scope of the meeting. Our thanks to Wendy Lum of the FMTA for leading this very informative meeting. |
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As information for the Tenants Meeting to be held in the lobby at 6:30 PM Wednesday 16 January 2019, the
Wynford Tower Application 6 June 2018 for an Above Guideline Rent Increase is posted at
Wyn Twr AGI Application 20180606. Summary:
An amount of increase is not shown. The increase has not yet been approved. The reason for the application was capital expenditures for boiler retrofit, elevator door operators and painting (nothing about garage repairs).
The landlord will send the tenants a Notice of Hearing at least 30 days before the hearing date. The reason why you have not been notified is because there is no hearing scheduled yet. You access the landlords supporting documents by ordering the compact disk (one ordered 14 January 2019) . Any of the tenants that are affected by the increase can also get the supporting documents by going to the LTB (Landlord and Tenant Board at 700-47 Sheppard Avenue East). When there is a hearing announced, the landlord has to make available to the tenants the supporting documents to be viewed at their office. If the tenant requests, they can get a copy of the documents from the landlord by paying a fee no more than $5.28. Tenants who moved in after the Capital Expenditures were completed should not be affected by the increase. Federation Of Metro Tenants' Associations Outreach and Organizing Pronouns: she/her P.O Box 73102 Wood St. P.O. Toronto, Ontario, M4Y 2W5 email: wendy@torontotenants.org http: www.torontotenants.org http://www.twitter.com/TorontoTenants http://www.facebook.com/pages/Federation-of-Metro-Tenants-Associations/256277253215 416-413-9442 |
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Until about a week ago Wynford Tower residents thought we had died and gone to heaven, because all the hallways were warm.
Now, however, we are back to the normal situation in which hallways up to the 7th floor are heated, but those above the
7th floor receive outside air and are frigid in cold weather. The frigid temperature is especially noticeable at the
west end where the frigid air blows in through the vent. The temperature in the stairwells at each end of the hallways is warmer than the hallways, although there does not seem to be any source of heat in the stairwells. The cold hallway anomaly was mentioned to Rafael in September 2017. His response was that all hallways receive the same air. If you see Rafael in the building while the outside temperature is cold, please invite him to visit the seventh and eighth floors, and any floors below and above the seventh, to see for himself the huge difference in temperature between the floors up to 7 and those above 7. |
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The meeting of Wynford Tower tenants to be held in the lobby at 6:30 PM Wednesday 16 January 2019 is organized by the
Federation of Metro Tenants’ Associations (FMTA). They tell us that they try to organize such a meeting for the tenants of all buildings where the landlord has applied for an Above Guideline Rent Increase, and that M&R made such an application in June 2018. One of the services of the FMTA is to assist in applying for a grant of up to $1000 for legal aid if tenants wish to fight the Above Guideline Rent Increase. The Wynford Tower Residents Association exists to foster the well-being of residents, in collaboration with M&R where applicable. The Residents Association has no mandate or funding to participate in litigation proceedings, so cannot purport to represent tenants who wish to pursue litigation against an M&R Above Guideline Rent Increase. |
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Following are some clarifications regarding recent rent change notices: 1. 0.55% rent decrease per City of Toronto letter dated December 10, 2018 (see Toronto Rent Decrease Letter - opens in new window)
Tenants who pay by cheque can calculate their new monthly rent as (1-.0055) = 0.9945 times their current rent. 2. Notices of Rent Increase. Some ninety-day Notices of Rent Increase received since about September 2018 offer the option to pay either 1.8% (guideline) or 2.8% (guideline + 1%) increase on the forthcoming year’s rent. An approved above-guideline rent increase for major capital expenditures applies not less than 90 days after the project is complete and paid for. The Wynford Tower garage repairs are scheduled to be completed in July 2019, so an above guideline rent increase will probably apply in October or November 2019. Tenants who opt to pay 1.8% will owe the extra approved increase from the approval date of an above-guideline rent increase until the end of their rental year. Tenants who opt to pay 2.8% will receive a credit for the extra 1% paid from the start of their rental year until the approval date of an above guideline rent increase. |
After a flurry of activity to open the front driveway before the 2018 Christmas shutdown, outdoor activity in early January 2019 is at a standstill, but work is progressing inside the garage. Following are some photos taken 9 January 2019. 
 The B level garage is walled off at the south end, and the floor is being replaced. 
 The SB level garage is also walled off at the south end, but floor repairs have not started. 
 The SB level garage ceiling has some suppport structure, and construction materials are stored there. |
