Our thanks to Marta for sprucing up the lobby decorations, to make the Wynford Tower lobby even more festive than it was.
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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 photos on these pages can be clicked on to see a larger version. Larger photos and links to other pages open a new tab. To return to the source page, click on the source tab or close the target tab. |
| Our thanks to Julius for restoring warm air ventilation to the hallways below the eighth floor, which have been frigid this year, contrary to previous years when the lower hallways were always warm. |
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Our thanks to Marta for sprucing up the lobby decorations, to make the Wynford Tower lobby even more festive than it was.
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As you might be aware, The weekly Friday Kaffee Klatsch has moved to Zoom. It’s been my pleasure hosting it and plan on
continuing to do in the next year if our lockdown continues. For anyone who hasn’t joined us, it’s a great chance to meet your
neighbors and friends who live in the building. Since Christmas and New Years Day fall on a Friday this year, we have decided to cancel the rest of the Zooms until January 08/2021. I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very Merry Christmas, A Happy Kwanzaa and all the best over this holiday season. Take care and please stay safe. Glen Ed Note: Kwanzaa is the African-American cultural celebration held from 26 December to 1 January each year since 1966. See Wikipedia/Kwanzaa 
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| A notice posted in Wynford Tower advises that parking space in the Visitors' parking lot will be limited starting 3 January 2012, because #45 residents will need our visitor parking spaces until parking renovations are complete at #45. |
Diana Boddington advised us that Elizabeth (Betty) Stiby, long time resident of Apartment 1109, died 5 December 2020. Her obituary is on-line at Legacy.com Elizabeth Stiby Obituary |
| Glen Heffron brought to our attention a news article about Canada Post cancelling delivery service to an apartment building where the residents were not wearing masks. The articel is on-line at City News article |
| A notice in the laundry room dated 9 December 2020 tells us that 5 blouses that were hanging on hooks awaiting the return of the owner have disappeared. If you have any knowledge of these blouses, please contact Elizabeth at 905-409-2671, or reply to webmail@wynfordtowerresidents.ca. |
There are two chairs in the moving lobby, apparently available for the taking.
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A letter from M&R dated 3 December 2020 advises that the 0.55% rent decrease applied since 31 Decmber 2018 has been cancelled for
reasons detailed in the letter posted at Rent Notice 2020.12.03. Tenants will therefore owe M&R the amount of the rent reduction since 1 January 2019. The rent reduction was 0.55%, i.e. 0.0055 times the original rent. A simplified example assuming $1800/mo original rent gives a rduction of 0.0055*1800 = $9.90/mo, or $237.60 for 24 months. The actual calculation is more complex because of rent increases since 1 January 2019. Presumably M&R will advise us of the exact amount owing once it has been calculated. |
Hanukka (Chanukka), the Jewish Festival of Light, is celebrated from Thursday evening 10 Decmber to Friday evening 18 December 2020.
The photo shows the menorah being lighted, one candle each evening.
 Best wishes to our Jewish neighbours for a happy Hanukkah . |
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The HiRise is now in the mail lobby Glen It is also available on-line at Hi-Rise December 2020 |
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Because of the current City of Toronto restrictions, the Wynford Tower office is closed to walk-ins until further notice. Our
superintendents can be contacted by telephone at 416-449-2420, or by email at rentals@35wynford.com. Work order forms are available on the concierge desk. Completed forms can be submitted via the mail slot in the office door. Only emergency work orders will be addressed during the restricted period. Other work will be done after the restrictions are lifted. |
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From: Anna Peschmann Sent: Monday, November 30, 2020 4:00 PM Subject: HALL WALKING Hi everybody, I walked the halls today. Started at level 26 It took me 25 minutes and 2661 steps =1.2 km Les then an hour is 3 km about 5400 steps. I had my nano with music. The scenery is depressing. almost no decorations on the door. Level 3 had the most 5-6. Suggestion: Maybe we can do a little contest who has the nicest Door decoration!! Prize Chocolates or Dinner with Rafael (Need to be confirmed.) Railings in staircase are very sticky please wear gloves. Walking alone is boring . with company we can walk as in a parade, one after the other. This is only meant for bad weather days. Bill maybe you can in your next wynford letter, mention the Door decorations. Bill comment - Sorry Annie, M&R prohibits door decorations. See Hallways must be clear notice 2019.05.22 Any walkers to join me? time 1.00pm is negotiable. -- Annie Peschmann anniepes42@gmail.com 416-587-1094 |
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There is a suggestion box in the laundry lounge where residents can deposit comments, suggestions, concerns, or accolades
concerning our building or other issues of common interest to residents.
Please include contact information so we can reach you if further information is required. Alternatively, comments, suggestions, accolades can be sent to us by email to webmail@wynfordtowerresidents.ca Note that problems with individual apartments are not within the mandate of the Residents Association. |
| A notice posted 21 November 2020 advises that the pool will be closed until further notice starting Monday 23 November 2020, in accordance with Ontario government restrictions in the on-going COVID-19 battle. |
Our thanks to Marta and Samuel who took time from their busy schedules last Thursday and Friday 19 and 20 November,
to decorate the lobby for the up-coming Christmas season, which we'll probably have to spend quietly by ourselves as the COVID-19
virus war continues.
 
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| The Toronto Environment Alliance is sponsoring a zero waste high rise project. Information is available on-line at torontoenvironment.org/zero waste high rise project information. We have not yet investigated this project, but it may be of interest to Wynford Tower residents. |
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From: Ida Fedor-Baan Sent: Thursday, November 19, 2020 3:31 PM To: webmail@wynfordtowerresidents.ca Cc: Valerie.Dunn@bell.net Hello, Wynford Heights Residents Association! Attached is on-line copy of monthly, Hi-Rise Community Newspaper, serving Toronto Canada's apartment, townhouse and condo communities for 40+ years! www.hi-risenews.com on-line. Print version, too! December 2020 in production now! Send us community news! Interested in advertising? Contact Editor Valerie.Dunn@bell.net, 416-424-1393! Ida Fedor-Baan, Designer/Administration 416-424-1393 Ida Fedor-Baan |
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A notice posted in Wynford Tower 18 November 2020 tells us that the swimming pool has reopened, after repairs, from 11 AM (first
swim) to 6 PM (last swim) daily. Reservations must be made with the office, phone 416-4449-2420 or email rentals@35wyford.com. |
| A notice posted in Wynford Tower tells us that the laundry will be closed for cleaning from 3 to 6 PM Monday 16 November 2020. |
| Glen reports that a number of copies of Hi-Rise Community Newspaper are available in the lobby. The on-line version, including all issues back to November 2017, is at Hi-Rise Community Newspaper |
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Recently a couple of structures have been installed at or near the express bus stops on Wynford Heights Crescent.They are
presumably intended to be bus shelters, although they will not provide much shelter from wind, rain or snow. The structure at #35 is 30 feet from the stop, which begs the question, "Will the bus stop at the shelter or at the stop?" (similar to the stop on Wynford at Wynford Heights Crescent)
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The Bermondsey waste disposal depot will be open Sunday afternoon 1 November 2020 from 1 to 5 PM for deposit of household
hazardous waste, like cooking oil. A link to a list of items accepted is at HHW Items. |
| Standard time resumes at 2 AM Sunday 1 November 2020, so most folks will set their clocks back one hour Saturday evening 31 October. |
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Email from Glen Heffron 2020.10.22 I went down to ask the new sups about the pool and when it will reopen. Of course there was no one in the office but Marta was there and she told me that there is a pipe that is causing some problems and they hope to reopen next week. Not sure why they have to close the pool but who knows. I asked her about the garage door and she doesn’t know anything about it. It was left open all night so hopefully that will be fixed soon so that no one can just walk in….anyways that is what I heard. Glen Email from Anna Peschmann 2020.10.22 I was told that there are now 2 pipes leaking and is quite serious. It sounds that this problem has been there for a time and has damaged the machine operation the pool ????? Let’s hope it can be fixed soon. We all love to swim. Annie Email from Glen 2020.10.23 Subject: Just a quick note on the roll up door. I was out tonight and noticed that the garage door is closed and working fine so I guess our cars are as safe as they were before…lol. Glen |
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Following is the reply from Emily Caldwell, City of Toronto Planner, to Bill Lynn's email 2020.10.21. Her responses to his
specific concerns (in bold) are very extensive. All comments concern the Golden Mile develpment. From: Emily Caldwell Sent: Friday, October 23, 2020 11:04 AM To: 'wblynn@wblynn.ca' Subject: FW: Wynford Garden and Golden Mile Secondary Plan Study Hi William – Thank you for your email and comments on the draft Golden Mile Secondary Plan (GMSP) and Wynford Garden area. As a result of the EglintonConnects Planning Study (EglintonConnects), the Golden Mile was identified as a focus area for further study. The GMSP and related Golden Mile Urban Design Guidelines build on many of the concepts, ideas and directions from EglintonConnects. We have provided a more detailed response below. For reference, draft Official Plan Amendment No. 499, including the GMSP, which will be considered by City Council on Oct 27-28, 2020, is available at: Local Area Eglinton Develpment (2020.10.23) Regards, Emily Emily Caldwell, RPP, MCIP Senior Planner, Community Planning Scarborough District, City Planning Divison City of Toronto Emily.Caldwell@toronto.ca Following are her responses to specific concerns raised in Bill's email 21 October 2020. From: Bill Lynn [mailto:wblynn@wblynn.ca] Sent: October 21, 2020 9:58 AM To: Emily Caldwell Subject: Wynford Garden and Golden Mile Secondary Plan Study Dear Emily Caldwell, Shortly after we moved to Toronto in 2012 we attended an information session about development along the Eglinton LRT. Some of the features the planners mentioned included: Building heights proportional to street width Yes – In 2014, Eglinton Connects recommended that the mid-rise building form be permitted as-of-right along most of the Avenues sections of Eglinton Avenue, as well as some additional areas. This would result in buildings generally up to 9 storeys depending on the width of the right-of-way and depth of lot. However, as indicated in the Final Directions Report for the Study (Final Directions Report), there are eight locations in the Study Area (6 Focus Areas and 2 Mobility Hubs) where lot sizes and patterns, and/or the intersection of more than one higher-order transit route (TTC subway, LRT, GO train) creates a condition where greater heights and/or densities may be supported. The Golden Mile is one of the 6 Focus Areas, which was further studied since 2017 and resulted in the Golden Mile Secondary Plan. One of the key objectives of the Secondary Plan is to create a variety of built form with high quality architecture that will respond to the local context, and define, support, and contribute to the public realm and the Character Areas. These would include tall buildings, mid-rise buildings, and limited low-rise buildings at appropriate locations. Some specific policy directions in relation to building heights include:
· Building heights are also subject to angular planes from Neighbourhoods, existing parks and open spaces (Policy 7.25); · Modest and lower base building heights (3-6 storeys depending on locations) are required to ensure that the base buildings will help define the Character Areas, frame and support the adjacent streets and parks with good proportion, and promote an overall pedestrian friendly scale throughout the Golden Mile (Policy 7.24); · Mid-rise buildings are required to be placed under the front angular planes to limit their impact on the adjacent streets (Policy 7.43); they will generally have heights no greater than the adjacent street width, per the Official Plan built form policies prescribed in OPA 480 which was recently approved by the province. Staff recognize the importance of the stepbacks of the upper levels of buildings. · The Secondary Plan elevates the tall building tower stepback requirement in the Tall Building Design Guidelines to the policy level by requiring a predominantly 5m min. tower stepback for tall buildings (7.42.c) · The Golden Mile Urban Design Guidelines require a 3m min. stepback above the base building (Guideline 3.9.3), which exceeds the 1.5m min. in the Mid-rise Performance Standards. Commercial and retail services at lower levels in residential buildings Active at-grade uses are required along Eglinton Avenue East (Policy 7.11) , and are encouraged at other appropriate locations. Medical facilities, libraries, schools, parks, etc. within walking distance of all residents The Secondary Plan includes 9 new parks of varying sizes to create a park system to support the planned growth for the area. The new parks will be strategically located and distributed across the Secondary Plan area so that parks will be within walking distance for residents and workers within each of the 4 Districts. The Secondary Plan identifies community service facility priorities to support the planned growth for the area (including new public schools, child care facilities, revitalization/expansion of existing community agency space, etc). The preferred locations for the community service facilities are identified on Map 45-16: Conceptual Community Services and Facilities Plan. The facilities identified throughout the Secondary Plan area so that they are within walking distance for residents. The existing library at Eglinton Square is being reviewed as part of the development application for the site at 1 Eglinton Sq and in the context of the draft GMSP. Policy 4.5 of the Secondary Plan requires that sites within the Golden Mile Commercial Gateway, the Mixed Use Transit Nodes and the East Park Mid-Rise and Tall Building Community provide a minimum of 10 percent of the gross floor area of the development as non-residential uses. Policy 4.15 d) encourages additional non-residential uses up to 10 per cent of the total gross floor area of the site through a density incentive. Policies 4.5 and 4.16 d) allow for up to 20 per cent non-residential uses in mixed-use developments across the Secondary Plan area, which may include potential medical facilities. Wide sidewalks Creating pedestrian friendly streets with wide sidewalks is one of the key public realm objectives of the Secondary Plan. The Secondary Plan requires road widening for several streets, and achieving sufficient sidewalk space is one of the key reasons for the widening. For example, the Secondary Plan requires Eglinton Avenue East to be widened from 36 to 43 metres to support an enhanced streetscape. As illustrated in the Golden Mile Urban Design Guidelines, the sidewalk zone (from curb to building face) will be designed as a vibrant urban place along the commercial main street, with a 9.3 metres minimum width to accommodate street trees in seat wall planters in the public boulevard (from curb to street line), generous sidewalks, and marketing zones along the street frontage with commercial uses at grade. The boulevards with street trees will serve as a green seam throughout the Plan Area and reinforce the image of Eglinton Avenue East as a green street. Conceptual street cross-sections for existing and new streets illustrating sidewalks and their dimensions can be found in the Golden Mile Urban Design Guidelines (Section 2.3 Existing Streets and Section 2.4 New Streets). Protected bicycle paths on each side of Eglinton The Golden Mile Secondary Plan and the Eglinton Crosstown LRT Project will continue to protect for separated cycle tracks on each side of Eglinton Avenue East. In addition, the GMSP will introduce a robust cycling network to further enhance the cycling experience and in and around the area. Laneways behind buildings for service vehicles We agree that it is very important to carefully locate laneways/driveways for service vehicles. This is addressed in the Golden Mile Urban Design Guidelines (Guideline 3.5.1), with a detailed diagram showing how they can be located and designed to limit their impact on the public realm. These concepts, highly desirable for any modern development, seem to be forgotten in the Wynford Garden and Golden Mile Plans that I have seen, and in Eglinton construction so far (bicycle paths?). Please ensure that the concepts advertised at early planning meetings do not get thrown out in favour of development as conceived only by profit-first developers. Thank you and regards, William Lynn, 1807-35 Wynford Heights Crescent, Toronto, ON, M3C 1L1 416-441-2134 Regards, Emily Emily Caldwell, RPP, MCIP Senior Planner, Community Planning Scarborough District, City Planning Divison City of Toronto Emily.Caldwell@toronto.ca |
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I’m friends with Val Dunn who owns The Hi-Rise Magazine. I was talking to her about possibly having the paper left in the lobby
for the residents. Not sure if management would go for it but in the mean time, I have the pdf version if you would like to
share it with everyone. Take care Glen The October 2020 issue is posted at Hi-Rise Magazine 2020.10 |
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On 20 October 2020, Jennie Pearce sent the following email: Hi Bill. My daughter emailed this info to me. I thought the residents of 35 would be interested. From Jennie Pearce # 1404 Here's the revised proposal for Wynford at Eglinton. Now 4 towers, one including a hotel: Wynford Garden And the one approved at the Golden Mile: Golden Mile Development Proposal Having looked briefly at these proposals, Bill Lynn sent the following email to Emily Caldwell, City of Toronto Chief Planner: Dear Emily Caldwell, Shortly after we moved to Toronto in 2012 we attended an information session about development along the Eglinton LRT. Some of the features the planners mentioned included:
Please ensure that the concepts advertised at early planning meetings do not get thrown out in favour of development as conceived only by profit-first developers. Thank you and regards, William Lynn, 1807-35 Wynford Heights Crescent, Toronto, ON, M3C 1L1 416-441-2134 |
| Signs posted in Wynford Tower announce that windows that are not accessible from inside will be washed the week of 26 October 2020. |
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The following email was received 2020.10.13 from Don Mills Residents Inc., asking for assistance in fighting the City of Toronto
decision to abandon the agreed Community Centre at the Shops at Don Mills. The alternative at Wynford and Don Mills is closer to us, but you may wish to respond as a matter of principle. (DMRI logo) As you know from previous emails, the Don Mills Residents Inc. has been trying for several years to have the City live up to its agreement to build a local community centre on north-east corner of Don Mills Road and The Donway. This agreement was formalized in writing and signed by the City, Cadillac Fairview and the DMRI in 2010 as part of an overall agreement between the three parties related to the development of The Shops at Don Mills. Unfortunately, a couple of years ago it became apparent that the City intended to ignore the agreement and not build the community centre in the location that was promised. The City intended to build the community centre on the old Celestica site. The DMRI felt strongly that to allow the City to unilaterally ignore the commitment it made in the agreement would be a significant blow to the community that has lobbied so hard, and waited so long, for its own community centre. At one of the community consultations our current city councilor was asked what the City was going to do about the DMRI’s contention that there was a legally binding agreement to build the community centre at the corner of Don Mills Road and The Donway. His response was that “the City has lots of lawyers”. In other words, the DMRI could not fight City Hall. The DMRI’s response was to fight City Hall. It launched a lawsuit in July, 2019 to ask the Ontario Superior Court to enforce the agreement and order the City to build the community centre in the location agreed to in 2010. Our rationale was, and always has been, simple: a Deal’s a Deal. It is unfortunate that the intransigence of the City, and our current city councilor, has brought us to this point. But here we are – and on November 16th our legal team will be presenting our case to the Court. We are hopeful that the Judge will order the City to live up to the agreement and sent the message that the City does not have the ability to simply walk away from its legally binding obligations. A legal case of this nature is expensive, and we are grateful to our members whose generosity has allowed this lawsuit to proceed. If you are a member or have donated (or both) we thank you very much. If you are not a member and would like to join the DMRI ($25 per year), or give a donation, it will be put to good use to help promote and resolve issues that affect the neighborhood. The link below is to our website renewal or donation page and we would be grateful for any amount. We will continue to keep you apprised of the fate of the community centre and other issues affecting the residents of Don Mills. Regards, Stephen Ksiazek President Don Mills Residents Inc. 416 831 6123 Click here to make a donation or Join DMRI Website Email stephen@ksiazek.ca. Our mailing address is: P.O. Box 47528, Toronto, Ontario M3C 3S7 This email was sent to wblynn@wblynn.ca Don Mills Residents Inc. · 32 plateau Cres · Toronto, On M3V 1M8 · Canada |
| The lobby watch channel (988) on my TV has recently been obscured by coloured hatching over some or all of the screen. Please let me know if you have the same problem, so we can report it to Rogers. |
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The M&R Notice of Written Hearing dated 30 September 2020 refers to a hearing about M&R's appeal to the Landlord & Tenant Board
against the rent reduction of 0.55% decreed by the City effective 31 December 2018. Automatic withdrawals were reduced by 0.55% starting 1 January 2019. Those paying by cheque may also have reduced their payments by that amount. If the hearing results in the M&R appeal being granted, those of us whose rent payments decreased by 0.55% will owe M&R any difference in rent reduction granted at the Hearing. Example by Bill Lynn: My statement 18 March 2020 showed an amount owing of $115.81. Deb advised that that amount applied only if the M&R appeal had been granted. If it is granted as a result of this hearing, the amount owing will be greater or less, depending on the rent reduction allowed at the hearing. |
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Last week Glen told us that Mary Stevenson, 96, of apartment 1905 had passed away. Her obituary is posted at
Mary Stevenson Obituary. Friday, 9 October 2020, Christine advised that family members were cleaning out her apartment, and there are some items that they would like to donate rather than discard. Christine mentioned a commode, a walker and an electric reclining chair, but other items may also be available. If interested, knock on the door of 1905 and tell them that Christine advised that there are items that they wish to donate. |
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A resident who went to pick up a fob for a scheduled pool session was told that there were no fobs available because they had
not been returned. This is supposed to be subject to a fine, although staff probably do not have time to check. More importantly,
it is thoughtless of other people who are scheduled to use the pool. Please return your pool fob immediately after your pool session, so other residents can use the pool. |
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Ellie Kaizer sent in a copy of an email that she had sent to Councillor Minnon-Wong requesting that benches be installed along
the East Don trail. Sounds like a great idea. ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Irving Kaizer Date: Sun, Sep 27, 2020 at 5:43 PM Subject: Park Benches To: Dear Councilor I am a longtime resident at 35 Wynford Hgts Cr- #1206 - Toronto Ont. M3C 1K9. We in the community are overjoyed with the park trails that have been made or improved. If you walk down the path on Wynford Hgts you will see many benches - some which are new. They are very well used and for this I thank you. However, when you go down the steep hill to start your walk either to Lawrence Ave or Don Mills and Barber Greene or the new one that goes to Bermondsey - there is not one bench along the entire route. As I am a sr of 81 yrs young as are many others residing in this neighbourhood who use these trails regularly it would be wonderful if you could do something so that we can stop and sit on a bench during our walk down in the ravine. Thank you for your attention to this matter and hope to hear back from you soon. Regards Ellie Kaizer |
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A resident in a northeast corner apartment complains that his balcony has been inundated by pigeons this summer, so he wonders if
someone is feeding pigeons on their balcony. For the sake of other residents, please do not feed the pigeons. |
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M&R Notice Posted 24 September 2020. Re: New Building Staff Dear Residents, We are pleased to announce that Julius and Elvira Facinabao have joined our team as Building Superintendents. Julius and Elvira come to us with years of customer service experience and are looking forward to serving the residents of Wynford Tower. Please join us in welcoming Julius and Elvira to Wynford Tower. Regards, Wynford Tower, Rafael Tablada September 22, 2020. 
 Elvira (Ellie) and Julius, with and without masks. |
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Four new trees, two deciduous and two coniferous, were planted yesterday in the open lawn area of the Wynford Tower back yard.
At this time it is not known who instigated this improvement. Update 2020.09.21: An email from Christine says, "M&R had trees left over from the front construction and the City would not allow them to return them, so M&R had them planted out back." 
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A notice posted 4 September 2020 advises that effective Tuesday 8 September 2020, access to the pool will be by fob, to be
obtained from the office for the men's or women's door and returned after each swim session. Appointments can be booked during
office hours from Monday to Friday, by phone at 416-449-2420, by email at rentals@35wynford.com, or by walk-in. FOB's are not to be shared, and there will be a $25 charge for lost fobs. Note: The office will be open half time as Christine acts as Superintendent for #35 and #45, while awaiting arrival of new Superintendents for #35. No office hour schedule has been posted. |
The "canopy" installed at the east entry last week is very elegant and expensive in appearance. It consists of beams side and top. The beams, however, are installed with about 2½ inches space between them, so the new "canopy" will offer no protection from rain or snow as residents put down their parcels to find their door fob. There is a rumour that a roof will be installed later, breath not to be held. |
| The filters will be replaced and the coils cleaned in all Wynford Tower in-suite air conditioner units the week of 24 August 2020. Residents are asked to move furniture if necessary to make the units accessible to the service people. |
| The Wynford Tower east door will not be available for use from 8 AM to 5 PM the week of 24 August 2020, while a canopy is being installed over the exterior entryway. |
Recently a resident complained that dogs are seriously damaging the new lawn at the east end of the building. The following
photos illustrate the damage.
 On behalf of all Wynford Tower residents, it is requested that dog owners consider their neighbours in deciding where they allow their dogs to do their business. |
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The following notice was delivered to our apartment door Wednesday, 12 August 2020. Dear residents of 35 Wynford, It is with a heavy heart that I will be leaving 35 Wynford at the end of August or the first week of September. However, M&R has offered me a 1-year contract at 45 Wynford to cover a maternity leave, which is where I will be residing. However, I am sure we will cross paths here and there. What a ride this has been and I can't tell you how grateful I am to have had the opportunity to work here at Wynford Tower along side each and every one of you. Thank you for the wonderful experience you have all given me. The partnership that was built over the last 16 months was one that I will never forget and for that I thank you and wish you all the best. Yours truly, Christine Christine Racine August 11, 2020 |
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Following is the email 2020.08.10 from Roosevelt to Rafael Tablada and Randy Daiter of M&R, and their replies: From: Roosevelt Robinson, Wynford Tower Residents Association Date: Monday, 10 August 2020 To: Rafael Tablada and Randy Daiter, M&R Property Management Suject: Keep Christine Request Dear Rafael and Randy, The attached letter, mailed today, 10 August 2020, requests that M&R consider keeping Christine Racine as our Wynford Tower Superintendent, despite the departure of her partner, Cory Scott. The letter was composed in response to a survey that revealed overwhelming support for this request from Wynford Tower residents (208 signatures from 169 apartments). During the survey, many laudatory comments were received, perhaps best typified by the following excerpt from an email by a long-time tenant (copied to me), as quoted in the letter: “Hi Christine, First off, let me say that, in my humble opinion, during the 18 years of our tenancy here, you are far and away the most efficient, knowledgeable and tenant-friendly superintendent that we have experienced at Wynford Tower.” It is understood that you may be unable to grant this request because of the standard M&R policy of employing live-in couples as superintendents. It seems important that you be aware, however, of the great esteem in which Christine Racine is held by Wynford Tower residents despite her relatively short time here. Best regards, Roosevelt Roosevelt Robinson, Chair, WTRA On behalf of Wynford Tower Residents From: Rafael Tablada Sent: Monday, August 10, 2020 12:17 PM To: WynfordTower Residents Webmail Subject: RE: Keep Christine Request Ok, thanks RooseVelt for your email. Rafael Tablada From: Randy Daiter Sent: Monday, August 10, 2020 5:06 PM To: WynfordTower Residents Webmail Cc: Randy Daiter ; Rafael Tablada Subject: RE: Keep Christine Request Hello Wynford Tower Residents Association, We wish to acknowledge receipt of communication and related correspondence. As such, we wish to confirm that your characterisation of events is not accurate. Specifically, we do not agree with the assertions made regarding our company policy. That being said, it should be noted that we already dealt with Christine about another possible solution; however, we will not correspond with the association on this issue for both privacy reasons and the fact that this topic is not one that is appropriate for debate with the association. Yours truly, Randy Randy Daiter Vice President, Residential Properties |
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The medical clinic in the Wynford Heights Pharmasave is under new management, as the MD Health Wynford Medical Clinic, with the
reception window next to the north door of the Pharmasave. The hours of operation are: Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 10 AM - 6 PM Tuesday & Thursday: 12 PM - 6 PM Saturday & Sunday: Closed Telephone #1: 416-519-1377 Telephone #2: 416-546-2615 Fax #: 647-340-7779 Email: mdhealthwynford@gmail.com The ad for the new clinic is posted at MD Health Wynford Medical Clinic |
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Friday, 7 August 2020, the Wynford Tower concierge, Marta, distributed packages of two face masks of two different colours to
all apartments in Wynford Tower, courtesy of M&R Property Management. Two different colours in a packege is an unusual offering,
which is very handy for determing which mask is whose. Many thanks to M&R for keeping up with health guidelines throughout the current COVID-19 pandemic. |
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The door-to-door survey conducted last week shows overwhelming support for a request to keep Christine Racine as the Wynford
Tower Resident Superintendent. From the 169 apartments surveyed (48 were not home), 208 signatures were received, and 8 not
interested. The Results summary is posted at Keep Christine Petition Results.pdf During the survey many laudatory remarks were received. The following paragraph from an email to Christine (copy to Roosevelt) perhaps sums them up best: “Hi Christine, First off, let me say that, in my humble opinion, during the 18 years of our tenancy here, you are far and away the most efficient, knowledgeable and tenant-friendly superintendent that we have experienced at Wynford Tower.” A letter to M&R management has been prepared, to be mailed 10 August 2020. The closing paragraphs read: We understand that it is M&R’s policy to employ live-in couples as superintendents. We believe, however, that this circumstance merits an exception. On behalf of Wynford Tower residents, therefore, it is respectfully requested that M&R consider ways to retain Christine Racine as our superintendent, with a separate arrangement for day-to-day building maintenance. Since this request would contravene M&R standard policy, it seems unlikely that it will be granted. |
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Emancipation Day commemorates the Abolition of Slavery Act, which became law in the British Empire on August 1, 1834. This act
freed more than 800,000 people of African descent throughout the British Empire. In the USA, slavery was abolished by the 13th Constitutional Amendment, 6 December, 1865. Virtual commemorative ceremonies took place in Ontario from Monday 27 July to Saturday 1 August 2020. See Emancipation Celebrations |
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There is an interesting article about how school systems responded to the 1918 Spanish Flu pandemic on the web at
3 School Lessons from 1918 The text of the article is posted at 3 School Lessons from 1918 Pandemic There is an interesting video of the 2020 coronavirus response for children in schools in China at China Schools and COVID-19.mp4 |
| Toronto City Council has voted to make masks mandatory in common areas of apartment and condo buildings starting Tuesday 5 August 2020. |
| The east entrance will be closed from 8 AM to 5PM 10 to 14 August 2020 to install the canopy. |
| The office will be closed Monday 3 August 2020 for Civic Holiday. |
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Tuesday, 28 July 2020 With Cory’s announced departure, Christine has been asked to resign, because it is M&R’s policy that Superintendents be live-in couples. Other apartment rental companies in Toronto, however, often hire individuals for this role. The Wynford Tower Residents Committee has therefore voted to conduct a petition to ask M&R to retain Christine as our building superintendent. Committee members will knock at your door this week to invite you to sign the petition. Roosevelt Robinson, Chair Wynford Tower Residents Association |
When the Residents committee met in the back yard Tuesday evening 28 July 2020. we were greeted by a small gift which caused us to walk carefully. Please pick up after your dogs, folks. |
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Email from Christine 2020.07.27 Please inform the residents association that Cory Scott has chosen to pursue a different career opportunity. His last date of employment here at Wynford Tower will be on Wednesday July 29th. Christine Racine Resident Superintendent |
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Repairs to the Wynford Tower front entry canopy will be undertaken from 15 September to mid October 2020, consisting of
replacement of the roof and painting of the underside. During these repairs there will be some noise and dust, and trucks parked in the driveway, so it may occasionally be necessary to use the rear or east entrance. Notices will be posted when this is necessary. The notice is posted at 2020 Front Canopy Repair.pdf |
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| The reception at the Wynford Heights medical clinic in the Pharmasave has been moved from the desk to a window near the rear entrance to the pharmacy. (Just to confirm that the clinic has not closed, my first conclusion when I saw the reception desk gone.) |
 A photo of Wynford Tower residents enjoying our back yard in a "Social Bubble". Received from Arnold 2020.07.17. |
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Effective noon Friday 17 July 2020 the Wynford Tower swimming pool is open from 10 AM to 7 PM, by appointment only, with a
maximum of ten people, for 45 minute appointments. When applying for an appointment at the office a waiver form must be signed.
It can be viewed on the M&R website at M&R Liability Waiver The swimming pool regulations are posted at Pool Notice 20200716.pdf. |
Happy 100th Birthday wishes to Edythe King, who moved from Wynford Tower in 2016 after 14 years here. Her departure notice is at
Bye Edythe KIng. The following notice
appeared in the Toronto Star 2020.07.11.
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In 2017 Wynford Tower residents took it upon themselves to make the pool patio more comfortable for resident use, by purchasing,
painting and installing patio furniture. M&R, however,
said the furniture by residents did not meet "M&R standards" (not defined) and the furniture was removed. M&R said that they
intended to provide new patio furniture. Three years later, the pool patio is still without furniture.
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A few weeks ago, a resident advised that he had contacted our MP and our city councillor for help in resolving a parking ticket
received while parked on the street during garage renovations last summer. Yesterday he called to advise that his ticket has been cancelled. The person who phoned him is apparently a manager at the parking violation review department. He said that people from our building who have parking ticket problems related to last summer's garage renovation are welcome to call him for assistance. He gave his name as Michael Lee, phone number 416-392-6994. |
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The Church of the Ascension presents a Tropical Rhythms On-line Fundraiser from 2-3 PM Sunday 28 June 2020. The programme, with
Andy Williams on steel drum, can be viewed at 2 PM 28 June at
Ascension Toronto. The password normally required will not be required during show time. The advertising poster is posted at Tropical Rhythms On-Line Fundraiser Show |
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As requested in January, an electric actuator has been installed on the laundry room door. The door to the laundry hallway,
however, does not have an actuator, so laundry access is not much more convenient than it ever was. The laundry room hours are now 6 AM to 1 AM. Christine is trying to get the hours extended to 24/7. |
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It was learned from Glen last Friday that our heater / aircon units are fitted with a speed control adjustment. The living room
unit is pictured below. Ours is set at Medium. The preferred setting for comfort is the lowest setting at which the desired room temperature can be maintained. Note that the panel door is probably painted in, so it is necessary to cut around the door with a sharp knife to avoid pulling up paint if opening the door. 
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Roosevelt will conduct Tai-Chi classes at 2 PM Tuesdays on the back lawn (front patio if raining). Face masks and gloves required. Water suggested. Classes and fresh air at no charge. For information contact Annie Peschmann at 416-587-1094 (corrected 2020.06.29) |
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Update 2020.06.25. Today Christine advised that M&R has not approved the wood on the bench, it so has been removed. It seems that
our only recourse will be to take seat cushions with us if we plan to sit awhile on one of the cold, hard concrete blocks in the
front patio. 2020.06.24. In response to a number of complaints from residents about the cold concrete seating blocks in the front patio, a resident has constructed and installed a wooden seat on one of the concrete blocks, as a trial. Approval has been requested from M&R. If approved, a similar wooden seat will be constructed and installed on the other concrete block. 
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Tai-Chi was scheduled to start at 2 PM Tuesday 23 June 2020 on the back lawn, but with rain showers persisting the resourceful
Tai-Chi folks repaired to the front patio, where a couple of shots of the action were taken.
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 Mary and John Persaud report that the dolly that they use for shopping, etc, has been borrowed from their locker. They really need it. The person who borrowed it is asked to please return it as soon as possible. |
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From: Carole Weiner Sent: Sunday, June 14, 2020 11:16 AM To: Bill Lynn Cc: Roosevelt Robinson Subject: Tai Chi Classes Hi Bill, Roosevelt called me to let me know that he will be starting Tai Chi classes on the lawn in the back of our building. Could you please send out a bulletin. Start Date: Tuesday, June 23rd Rain Date: Thursday, June 25th Time: 2:00 pm (1/2 hour session) Place: On the grass behind the pool Everyone MUST wear a MASK & GLOVES. It is suggested that everyone bring water. Any questions, please contact me. Thanks, Carole Weiner |
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Graphical display of Toronto COVID-19 status is now available at COVID_19 Status of Cases in Toronto. Interesting to see how the number of active cases began a dramatic increase in June. |
| Contrary to much opinion in the western world, statistical evidence compiled by several US universities reveals that wearing a mask is the most effective way to prevent transmission of the coronavirus in public settings, according to an article in the Toronto Star 14 June 2020. The article is posted in full at Thoughts/Face Masks |
| An article by Cecile Fitzgerald gives an example of how the covid-19 pandemic has accelerated the development and use of technology. It is posted at Thoughts/Covid-19 and Technology |
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Following is an email received 9 June 2020 from the Federation of Metro Tenants Associations (FMTA) The provincial government is trying to pass legislation that will make it easier to evict tenants. It will turn the Landlord Tenant Board into a debt collection agency where landlords can chase tenants for rent and utilities payments they are unable to make for reasons such as financial hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic. For months we have been calling on the Province to provide rent relief and better protections for tenants. Instead they have offered a cruel attack on vulnerable tenants in a time of historic need, in the form of the deceptively named Protecting Tenants, Strengthening Community Housing Act, 2020. Read the FMTAs full statement on Bill 184 and learn how to Depute for the Bill at the Standing Committee, at FMTA Statement on Bill 184 FMTA torontotenants.org |
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At 4 PM Friday 5 June 2020, singer Brian Roman presented a concert at the front of Wynford Tower. Brian had a couple of powerful
speakers that allowed residents on the north side of the building to listen from their balconies. Others watched and listened
from the fountain area or the front patio, while observing social distancing guidelines. The concert was a spur-of-the-moment event organized by Navo Chinoy, who sent an email to the Association mid-morning Friday to say that it was happening, could it be publicized. An ad was made and several copies were posted by Navo in common areas of the building. An email was sent by noon to all residents for whom email addresses are known. To compound the late notice, a thunderstorm at about 3 PM made the concert look unlikely. By 4 PM, however, the sun was shining as Brian set up with his brother Roy and the concert took place. Brian is a powerful singer reminiscent of Frank Sinatra (one attendee said he is better than Sinatra, at least in Sinatra's older days). Roy told us that this was Brian's fourth concert that day, so it was awesome to hear his voice belt out golden oldies for some 45 minutes (he sings songs with understandable lyrics, so not from after the Beatles hit the world). Brian does many concerts for charitable purposes, but our notice failed to mention that donations would be accepted, so many folks were uncertain about donating. Roy advises that donations were not solicited to conform to social distancing guidelines, but any donations received were given to the food bank. Many thanks to Brian and Roy for giving us this wonderful concert of joyful music, as a memorable break in our pandemic anti-socializing. And thank you Navo for thinking to arrange it on such short notice. Thanks also to Cory for permission to present this concert, and for providing electrical extensions and assistance to Roy in setting up. Following are a few of the photos taken at the event. They can be picked to see a larger version if desired (opens in a new tab).
 Some of the residents social distancing around the fountain (those on the patio are not very visible). |
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-----Original Message----- From: Navo Chinoy Sent: Thursday, June 4, 2020 4:02 PM Subject: The Globe and Mail: When I look in the mirror, I see George Floyd – and so do others A great article ! When I look in the mirror, I see George Floyd – and so do others Link to article: When I look in the mirror |
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On Wednesday 27 May 2020, with the outside temperature at 30C and humidex 40C, the air conditioning was turned on at
Wynford Tower. From noon until evening, the temperature in the apartment stayed the same as outdoors. Friday, 29 May 2020, a notice in the elevator says that the air conditioning problem is known and technicians to fix it are awaited. Not a panic, with temperatures in the teens forecast for the near future. |
Update 29 May 2020: In today's Toronto Star it is reported that distancing circles have been installed in Trinity
Bellwoods park. The guideline is that each circle can contain three people from the same household seated or two
lying down. There is ten metres between circles so it is possible to walk between them while respecting social
distancing regulations. Social Distancing Circles in Trinity Bellwoods Park 27 May 2020: On 25 May 2020, after the Trinity-Bellwoods fiasco, I sent a photo to Mayor Tory showing people in a large San Francisco park self-distancing with the aid of white circles throughout the park, and suggested that it might be worth a try here. The response, below, advises that the city is "exploring the use of circles on the grass in parks...". Some places just do it. Toronto "explores it" ad nauseum. Sorry, I guess that is an opinion rather than news. Bill Lynn  Social Distancing Circles in San Francisco Park From: Bill Lynn Sent: May 25, 2020 10:08 AM To: Mayor Tory Subject: Park setup for social distancing Dear Mr. Tory, The attached photo shows how social distancing can be made to work in a public park without enforcement in San Francisco. Might be worth a try here. William Lynn, 1087-35 Wynford Heights Crescent, Toronto, ON, M3C 1L1 416-441-2134 From: Mayor Tory Sent: Wednesday, May 27, 2020 1:19 AM To: 'Bill Lynn' Subject: RE: Park setup for social distancing Hello William, Thank you for contacting the Office of the Mayor. We appreciate you bringing forward your concerns regarding those who failed to adhere to public health guidelines and city bylaws at Trinity Bellwoods Park this past weekend. The Mayor shares your concerns on this matter. Mayor John Tory stated, "It's unfortunate and extremely disappointing that so many gathered in Trinity Bellwoods to flaunt the advice of our medical health professionals. They are putting their own health at risk and by risking the spread of the virus to others, they could contribute to the kind of setback we are trying hard to avoid." People are encouraged to go out. However, they must stay two metres apart from anyone who is not from their household. These are the guidelines that Toronto's Medical Office of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, has asked us to follow. The Mayor recognizes that staying home, self-isolating, and not seeing family and friends over the last several weeks has been incredibly difficult. However, gatherings like at Trinity Bellwoods Park has the potential to set Toronto back in its efforts to beat COVID-19. To assist residents with physical distancing, the City is exploring the use of circles painted on the grass in parks, as has been successful in other cities like New York and San Francisco. This will be piloted in Trinity Bellwoods Park, and staff will evaluate the effectiveness of this measure and may expand it to other destination and high traffic parks in Toronto. The City asks residents for their continued cooperation in doing the right thing to stop the spread of COVID-19: practice physical distancing by staying two metres apart from anyone you do not live with; wash your hands regularly; and use City parks and public spaces responsibly. Thank you, once again, for reaching out and providing us with your feedback on this important matter. Sincerely, Mayor's Administration |
 Nice to see folks enjoying our beautiful back lawn, while respecting social distancing regulations. |
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Following is an email received 23 May 2020 from Jen Miller in New Zealand. Dear Editor, My name is Jen and I’m an Editor at Jen Reviews. I was doing research on DIY face masks and just finished reading your wonderful piece: http://wynfordtowerresidents.ca/news.htm. In that article, I noticed that you cited a solid post that I’ve read in the past: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/diy-cloth-face-coverings.html We just published an updated, comprehensive guide on how to make five types of DIY face masks at home on our sister site, Happy DIY Home. It is completely free and you can find it here: Happy DIY Home If you like the piece we’d be humbled if you cited us in your article. Of course, we will also share your article with our 100k newsletter subscribers and followers across our social platforms. Either way, keep up the great work! Warmly, Jen P.O. Box 135, Whitianga 3510, New Zealand. You may unsubscribe to stop receiving our emails. |
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From: cjfitzgerald Sent: Saturday, May 16, 2020 9:00 PM To: Bill Lynn Subject: True story 
The pretty woman is a friend of mine. Her name is Lisa. She has decided to make masks for all her friends. John, her husband and assistant, decided to make a proper logo to honour her Charitable Foundation - MASKALISA. Can you use this for web page? (Yes) Cecile Fitzgerald |
| Face masks are available, in several styles and packaging options, at the checkout at Marcheleo's. Thanks to Elizabeth for bringing this to our attention. |
| A sign on the Smoke Shop advertises masks available. The clerk on duty Friday 8 May 2020 told me that they are N95 masks priced at $20 for a pack of five masks. |
 If you have a green thumb that is itching to assert itself, Christine has an opportunity for you. She is looking for someone to look after the patio planters in the photo at right. She can provide soil and pitch in for plants, if required. You can contact her by phone at 416-449-2420 or by email at rentals@35wynford.com |
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Note: Many parking tickets were issued to vehicles parked in the street during garage renovations the summer of 2019.
It would be interesting to hear how you made out in dealing with the tickets. You can contact us at
webmail@wynfordtowerresidents.ca My tale: During the summer of 2019 I received nine tickets for parking in the street. We had permission to park there during garage renovations, so I submitted protests on-line for each ticket, as received. In February 2020 I was advised that my first protest was rejected due to lack of evidence, and a tribunal hearing was scheduled for 28 February. For the hearing, I obtained from Toronto Police Services, via M&R, Parking Consideration form c240. With this evidence, the first parking ticket was cancelled. I therefore sent the relevant form (the original and two extensions were issued during the summer because of renovation delays) for each ticket by email to the parking screening service. I have since received emails telling me that all outstanding tickets have been cancelled, one 2 March, one 28 April, and six 5 May 2020. My conclusions:
It is evident that the parking screening service does not have access to Parking Consideration forms issued by Toronto Police Services, i.e. one hand does not know what the other hand is doing. It would be desirable for M&R to provide the Parking Consideration forms to residents required to park in the street during renovations, to post on windshields in order to avoid tickets being issued. |
| Elizabeth Cameron plans to start producing cloth face masks Monday, 20 April 2020. If you need any, call her at 905-409-2671 after 11 AM (she works late evenings). |
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Normally I wash my hands under running water. Recently (I'm a slow learner), however, I realized that if my hands
were infected when I turned on the taps, then they get re-infected when I turn off the taps after washing . My new policy, therefore, is to fill the basin with water so I can turn off the taps before I wash my hands. Also habitual is to turn on the taps to rinse out the basin after washing, but No-No. Hard to teach this old dog these new tricks, but I try. Bill Lynn |
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Following is part of an email requesting donations to carry on the work of the Community Share Food Bank, which for the
past 15 years has given out food on Tuesdays and Saturdays at the Church of the Ascension on Overland Drive. Dear Friends of Community Share, Because of the current pandemic, we have had to suspend operations temporarily at our normal location. However, we are now working with the North York Harvest Food Bank and the City of Toronto to distribute food to our participants on Wednesdays at the Don Mills Library. We hope also to provide a significant financial contribution to this effort, which will buy fresh and healthy food such as eggs and milk. If you can help us at this time, please donate at the secure website CSFB Donations, or send a cheque to The Community Share Food Bank, 33 Overland Drive, North York, ON M3C 2C3. There likely will be no food drives for the foreseeable future. Therefore, a donation of money is the best way to help those in need within our community. Please also forward this urgent request to your friends and neighbours. Our warmest thanks for being a Friend of Community Share Food Bank. Stay safe and best regards, Chan Vir Fundraising Chair |
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Carole Weiner sent an email addressed to the Kaffee Klatsch folks that we hope she will not mind we share with you. Dear Friends, As both Passover and Easter approach, I want to wish you & your families good health & happiness. As we go through these tough times, not being able to celebrate the holidays with love ones, one thing is for sure: in the future, we will not take anything for granted. At Passover, we say "next year in Jerusalem", this year we can say "next year in Toronto". Be well, be safe, be positive....."this" too will pass. Looking forward to social un-distancing. Carole Best wishes to all at this Passover and Easter season. Here are a couple of links for some information about these religious celebrations: Passover for Dummies Easter for Dummies |
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The Health Canada website says "If you are a healthy individual, the use of a mask is not recommended for preventing
the spread of COVID-19". I have therefore not been wearing a mask. The US Centre for Disease Control (CDC), however, recommends that individuals wear masks, "in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain (e.g., grocery stores and pharmacies), especially in areas of significant community-based transmission", because a person can be infected with the coronavirus and show no symptoms, and therefore spread infection unknowingly. See www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/ Friday, therefore, I bought a package of ten masks for about $12 at the Wynford Heights Pharmasave (the number of masks is not shown on the package - I counted them when I opened the package). Saturday morning I wore one to shop at Marcheleo's, partly to reassue their staff. I found it not as uncomfortable as the ones we bought a few years ago to visit India (and wore for only half a day, despite the heavy smog). This mask is quite flexible, with elastics to hold it around the ears. The only problem I had was my glasses fogging up, so I had to take them off, then could not read the labels on the products. (I guess this means my breath was seeping out the top of the mask rather than going through it, but I cannot see how to prevent that.) Breaking News: The Toronto Star 2020.04.06: OTTAWA Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s chief public health officer, now says Canadians can consider wearing non-medical, or homemade masks if they are in situations where they cannot avoid close contact with people, such as on public transit or out buying groceries. |
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Email from Christine 2020.04.01 From: 35 Wynford Sent: Wednesday, April 1, 2020 2:54 PM To: Bill Lynn Subject: laundry room Hi Bill, We are leaving the laundry room open 24 hours until this COVID-19 is over. As this will allow spreading out of the residents doing laundry at one time. Christine Racine Resident Superintendent Wynford Tower Tel: 416-449-2420 Fax: 647-342-4276 Email: rentals@35wynford.com |
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wynford Heights Plaza store hours are posted as follows:
Home Life: Hours not posted. Wynford Salon & Spa: Closed until further notice. Cleaner: Closed. Pharmasave: Mon - Sat: 10 AM - 4 PM. One customer at a time permitted in store. Smoke Shop: Mon - Sun: 10 AM - 4 PM. Dental Clinic: Closed until 1 April. Emergencies only Mon & Wed 10 AM - 5 PM. Marcheleo's: Mon - Sat: 8 AM - 8 PM; Sun: 9 AM - 6 PM. |
Health Canada* recommends that all occupants of an apartment isolate themselves if any of the occupants have:
Note: Marcheleo’s will deliver orders of more than $25.00 at a cost of $9.99. For orders above $50 delivery is free (before tax prices). Order on line at Marcheleo's, or by phone at 416-384-0100 Pharmasave Wynford Heights will deliver in our area at no charge. Phone 416-449-9933. We can also order on-line at Super Store (Don Mills @ Wynford) for pickup in store (after 28 March) or delivery (pricing not known at this time). If you need pickup or delivery assistance because of COVID-19, contact the Association by reply to this email or at 416-441-2134, and we’ll try to accommodate you. Note that delivery assistance might simply involve taking deliveries from the front door to an apartment. The following residents have also offered to pickup and deliver for those in need:
It can be printed out and affixed to the door of the apartment. |
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A document describing who should and who should not visit COVID19 assessment centres, and a list of Toronto area centres,
is posted at Toronto COVID19 Assessment Centres Summary: Who Should NOT Visit an Assessment Centre: Anyone without unusual medical symptoms. Who Should Visit an Assessment Centre: People with mild symptoms of upper respiratory tract infection (cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, runny nose and joint aches, and may also include nausea, diarrhea and stomach pains) and any of the following:
Who Should Go to Their Nearest Emergency Department: People who have more severe symptoms (shortness of breath; chest discomfort; lethargy or drowsiness; weakness; dizziness). If you are not well enough to take personal transportation, call 911. Unsure: People who are unsure should: call their primary care provider, or call Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 and speak with a registered nurse who will guide whether you will require further care or potential testing in person, or check the online assessment tool (https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novelcoronavirus-covid-19-self-assessment). OHIP coverage is not required to be seen at a COVID-19 Assessment Centre. The assessment is provided at no cost to the individual. |
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We have received an email from Jules Bedeau of 45 Wynford (formerly 35) with a document from the Canadian government
about Coronavirus. It is posted at COVID19 Canada Info. There is also some updating information at canada.ca/coronavirus (copy and paste into your browser address line). |
| A notice on the office door advises that the office door will be closed during the virus pandemic. Residents wishing to talk with Christine or Cory are asked to make an appointment by phone at 416-449-2420 or by email at rentals@35wynford.com. |
| An email from Christine advises that the fitness facilities and social room will be closed until further notice, in response to the virus pandemic. |
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A notice dated 12 March by M&R about their actions and suggested resident actions in response to the Coronavirus
pandemic is posted at M&R COVID-19 Notice 12 March 2020. |
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An email from a reader tells us that the facts presented in the article from Facebook about Coronavirus are misleading.
Links to three websites are included, but the most useful seems to be one for FullFact.org, at
Coronavirus claims & symptoms. Toronto Public Health made no comment about this Facebook post when contacted for verification, but the FullFact page seems to provide some clarification. |
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The facts about Coronavirus posted below are copied from Facebook and are offered here because they seem to be the
clearest and most practical facts seen to date. 1. If you have a runny nose and sputum, you have a common cold. 2. Coronavirus pneumonia is a dry cough with no runny nose. 3. This new virus is not heat-resistant and will be killed by a temperature of just 26/27 degrees. It hates the Sun. 4. If someone sneezes with it, it takes about 10 feet before it drops to the ground and is no longer airborne. 5. If it drops on a metal surface it will live for at least 12 hours - so if you come into contact with any metal surface - wash your hands as soon as you can with a bacterial soap. 6. On fabric it can survive for 6-12 hours. normal laundry detergent will kill it. 7. Drinking warm water is effective for all viruses. Try not to drink liquids with ice. 8. Wash your hands frequently as the virus can only live on your hands for 5-10 minutes, but - a lot can happen during that time - you can rub your eyes, pick your nose unwittingly and so on. 9. You should also gargle as a prevention. A simple solution of salt in warm water will suffice. 10. Can't emphasise enough - drink plenty of water! THE SYMPTOMS 1. It will first infect the throat, so you'll have a sore throat lasting 3/4 days 2. The virus then blends into a nasal fluid that enters the trachea and then the lungs, causing pneumonia. This takes about 5/6 days further. 3. With the pneumonia comes high fever and difficulty in breathing. 4. The nasal congestion is not like the normal kind. You feel like you're drowning. It's imperative you then seek immediate attention. Before posting the Facebook article, Toronto Public Health was asked to review the statemsnts for accuracy. They did not comment on the Facebook information, but their reply included a summary of personal actions to take, as follows:
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The survey about electric door actuators conducted before Christmas brought 95 positive replies from 64 apartments. A letter was therefore sent to M&R 20 January 2020 requesting that electric door actuators be installed on the laundry and laundry hall doors, rear exit doors, east exit hall doors, and B level garage pedestrian doors. No response was received so a follow-up email was sent 12 February. When no response was received by the end of February a phone call was made and a message left with Randy Daiter. Randy returned the call 2 March 2020, and indicated that the request is under review. As Rafael would say, "Stay tuned" - but don't hold your breath. |
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Today I went for my 9:30 AM hearing at the Administrative Penalty Tribunal to ask for cancellation of my parking
ticket issued 1 June 2019 for parking in the street during garage renovations. In case of parking problems, I took the 34C to go to 40 Orchard View Boulevard, just west of Yonge one block north of Eglinton. Caught the bus about 8:20 and fretted as we seemed very slow to Leslie, but got to the destination by 9:10 AM after a 3 block walk from Dunfield, the closest stop to Yonge. The tribunal is located on the second floor of a Toronto Public Library building. I was expecting a court type location, so I dressed in tie and jacket, but rather than a court room, the tribunal office consists of about 8 wickets with informally dressed tribunal officers sitting behind glass windows in front of computer screens, with nothing on the desk. At the large reception desk I was given a chit of paper with a number on it and told to sit in the waiting room until that number appeared on the screen. There was one man being interviewed, one lady and me waiting, and no one else. At 9:29 my number appeared on the screen telling me to go to wicket #2. There the man in the booth manipulated his computer for about five minutes before telling me his name and his function (which I do not remember). He also said that our conversation would be recorded. He had me confirm my name and address and showed me the information that he had on the screen about my parking ticket. I showed hin the Parking Consideration File C240 from the Toronto Police and the list of licence plates accompanying the file, which he had on the screen. He then showed me 360 degree pictures of the cars parked in front of our building along with mine. He noted that the parking police are not obliged to accept the parking consideration file, but he could not see any violation of any regulation (fire hydrant, driveway entry, etc.), so he would cancel the ticket. He gave me a sheet of paper to confirm the cancellation. He noted strongly, however, that his decision would not affect the decisions of the screening officers on my other 8 tickets. He did mention that I could check at the desk to see if the screening office could handle my remaining tickes as a group rather than individually. When I spoke to the lady at the desk she gave me contact information for the screening office administrator. I propose to send them a list of my 8 other parking tickets, suggesting that they be screened as a group rather than individually, since the circumstances are the same for them all. To be continued. Bill Lynn |
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The table on which to place used items for re-use by others has been removed from the laundry lounge, in response to a
complaint by a tenant about lethal weapons (kitchen knives, etc.) being on display. The Salvation Army donation box is still present in the corner of the lounge. The website ReUseIt page is also available for exchange of used items (see ReuseIt). |
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A number of Wynford Tower residents are becoming regular attendees at the Café 65 $10 lunch with entertainment, 12-2 PM
the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month, at the Church of the Ascension on Overland Drive, Don Mills. The next lunch, 4 March 2020, will feature Sam Kelso singing "Champions of the Music Charts", including songs of Tom Jones, Neil Diamond, Engelbert Humperdinck and others. Following are a few photos taken at the lunch 19 February 2020, when the entertainer was singer Miro Letko, presenting "Around the World in Song", which he did very well indeed, including a number of old time favourites to which the audience sang along. 
 Singer Milo Letko accompanied himself on guitar, with recorded backup, and he also played a yellow trombone, very effectively.
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The documents posted with the 5 February article did not include parking consideration files for the period 1 June to 31
August 2019. The following Parking Consideration documents are therefore now posted, covering the time
period 1 June to 7 October 2019, while garage renovations were on-going:
Parking Cosideration File C240, 1 to 21 September 2019, Parking Cosideration File C240, 22 September to 7 October 2019, Parking Cosideration File C240, List of Licence Plates 1 June 2019, Ashley responded the same day to say that the question had been forwarded to the City Clerk's, Corporate Information Management Services Unit. Susan from that department responded the same day, asking for more information. A copy of the available C240 file was sent to her. The next day Susan advised that she had spoken to a contact in Revenue Services Parking Tags Collection and he noted that Toronto Police issue these considerations. Their phone number is 416-808-6600. A message was left at that number the same day. Two days later, with no response received, the number was again called and a person answered. After some clarifying questions, he said he would have to send the file to our landlord. This information was forwarded to Christine, and the following day she delivered the file for 1 June to 31 August 2019. In total, 4 days to obtain the file, pretty fast response compared to 18-20 weeks for the parking ticket screening process. |
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On 29 January 2020 I received a Notice of Screening Decision advising that my protest of the first of nine parking
tickets received during garage renovations had been rejected for lack of evidence, but the fine was reduced to $25 as a
one time educational courtesy. To dispute this decision on-line I obtained from Christine a copy of Parking Consideration C240, on which my licence plate number was included in the list of vehicles authorized to park in the street during garage renovations at 35 Wynford Heights Crescent. I then received by mail a Notice of Time and Place of Hearing, which requires me to attend a hearing at 9:30 AM Friday 28 February 2020 at 253-40 Orcherd View Blvd., Toronto, ON, M4R 1B9. For a $25 fine, the hearing seems not worth the trouble, but if I do not appear I'll be assessed an additional fee of $75 which probably makes it worthwhile to attend. A more pressing reason to attend is that I received eight additional parking tickets while parked on the street during garage renovations, with fines of $50 which will probably not be reduced as a one time educational courtesy. I emailed a copy of file C240 to apsinquiry@toronto.ca for my eight other parking tickets, in hopes that it can be used to convince the screening folks to cancel them. In response to my eight emails I received the following reply to all eight (note the estimated decision delay)
We have received your supporting documents and have attached them to your file. A Screening Officer will review your parking violation and will get back to you with a decision in approximately 18-20 weeks. Please also ensure you check your junk mail folder periodically. Kinzi Ahmed APS Inquiry apsinquiry@toronto.ca If you have any tales of similar experiences to share with residents, please contact me by email at wblynn@wblynn.ca, or by telephone at 416-441-2134. Bill Lynn, 1807 416-441-2134 |
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Wynford Tower tenants have received an order from the Landlord and Tenant Board dated 30 January 2020 ordering an Above
Guideline Increase (AGI) in rent for Wynford Tower of 0.9%, effective September 1, 2018. The increase applies from the
first renewal date on or after the 1 September 2018 effective date. Tenants whose first rental payment was on or after 3 June 2018 are not affected by this AGI rent change. Tenants who opted to pay 1.8% rent increase (0% AGI) since their first renewal date on or after 1 September 2018 owe 0.9% additional rent for the months starting on that renewal date. Tenants who opted to pay 2.8% rent increase (1% AGI) since their first renewal on or after 1 September 2018 are owed a 0.1% refund by M&R for the months the 2.8% has been paid. M&R will issue individual notices to tenants confirming their rent status. Rent owed will be due by 29 April, 2020. |
Aubrey Harmes and Brenda Harrison were married at 4 PM Friday 31 January 2020, at Church of the Ascension on Overland
Drive, with some 35 invited guests in attendance.Our best wishes for a happy life together. |
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The meeting of the Wynford Tower Book Club scheduled for 28 January 2020 is postponed to 25 February 2020, because a
number of people are not available 28 January. It is proposed to discuss three books at the 25 February meeting: "The Giver of Stars", byJojo Moyes, originally for 28 January "Circe", by Madeline Miller, 263 holds, 78 copies; ebook 336 holds, 75 copies at Toronto Public Library "The elegance of the Hedgehog", by Muriel Barberry, 9 holds, 47 copies; no ebooks at Toronto Public Library |
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There will be a Community Consultation Meeting to discuss a planned community centre at 844 Don Mills Road (in the new
develpment at the west end of Wynford Drive), and cancellation of the approved community centre at 966 Don Mills Road, by the Shops at Don
Mills. When: 5-8 PM Tuesday 28 Januaary 2020 Where: Shokokai Court in the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre, 6 Garamond Court. Note that Don Mills Residents Incorporated (DMRI) is strongly opposed to cancellation of the approved community centre at 966 Don Mills Road. To speak to the planner, contact Michelle Corcoran at 416-395-7130, or michelle.corcoran@toronto.ca. You may also contact Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ward 16, at 416-397-9256. |
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