Gleaner

Serving Toronto's most liveable community with the Annex Gleaner

CHATTER: The pivot to the mask trade (Apr. 2021)

May 12th, 2021 · Comments Off on CHATTER: The pivot to the mask trade (Apr. 2021)

Stores like David Dunkley Fine Millinery at 974 Bathurst St. have successfully re-tooled to make protective masks for their customers.
BRIAN BURCHELL/GLEANER NEWS

Rainbows, sparkles and onesies, it turns out, are no match for a global pandemic. That’s what Lien Nguyen and her business partner found out after COVID-19 forced numerous strategic pivots just to stay alive. Their enterprise, the Unicorn Café, opened up in January of 2020 at 561 Bloor Street W., and attempted to continue running via Uber Eats. Like many businesses, the Unicorn Café entered the mask trade and in that, found some hope.


[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · News

CHATTER: Runners Shop keeps the pace during pandemic (Mar. 2021)

March 26th, 2021 · Comments Off on CHATTER: Runners Shop keeps the pace during pandemic (Mar. 2021)

The Runners Shop team, celebrating one year in the Annex, includes (from L to R): Tara Lapstra, Greg Lindsay, and owner Lynne Bourque. BRIAN BURCHELL/GLEANER NEWS

March 2021 marks one year since the start of the first lockdown in Toronto under the COVID-19 pandemic in Toronto. It also marks a year since The Runners Shop moved to a more visible location at 374 Bloor St. W. The store’s opening came on February 18, just four weeks before the first lockdown. 

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · News

EDITORIAL CARTOON: Pandemic Response (Mar. 2021)

March 26th, 2021 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL CARTOON: Pandemic Response (Mar. 2021)

READ MORE BY BRETT LAMB:

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · Editorial · Opinion

EDITORIAL: Organization, not talk, needed for vaccine roll-out (Mar. 2021)

March 26th, 2021 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL: Organization, not talk, needed for vaccine roll-out (Mar. 2021)

We called in the army to fight COVID-19, then hired a retired general to lead the vaccine roll-out. Now, as the process stumbles forward, the general’s off with a pat on the back from our noble premier. At a press conference announcing the end of General Rick Hillier’s contract, Premier Ford told the press, “I tried to get him to renew (his contract) but, as he said, ‘Doug, I did the job I came for, we got everything set up.’’’ Yet here we are, with fewer than three quarters of our seniors over the age of 80 vaccinated and the premier still falsely blaming the Federal government for a lack of supply. The governmental incompetence on display is as astounding as it is dangerous. 

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · Editorial · Opinion

FORUM: To curb COVID-19, Ontario must protect workers (Feb. 2021)

March 5th, 2021 · Comments Off on FORUM: To curb COVID-19, Ontario must protect workers (Feb. 2021)

Ontario lags behind other jurisdictions

By Jessica Bell

I am concerned the Ford government is opening the economy too fast, setting the stage for another round of illness, preventable death, overwhelmed hospitals and lockdowns. We must make decisions based on what’s best for our public health. When we reopen, we must reopen carefully and slowly, with safety first and foremost in mind. We must make Ontario’s workplaces more safe.

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · Opinion

EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Jan. 2021)

January 27th, 2021 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Jan. 2021)

READ MORE ON COVID-19

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · Editorial · Opinion

EDITORIAL: Ford’s half measures (Jan. 2021)

January 27th, 2021 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL: Ford’s half measures (Jan. 2021)

New projections warn that the new and more contagious variant of the coronavirus could result in Ontario seeing 40,000 new infections per day in February. Meanwhile, the province has announced a state of emergency allowing the government, with the support of cabinet, to introduce new public health orders more quickly. This could be a good thing, depending on how the powers are used. It’s hard to be hopeful, though, when the province is led by a premier who seems so determined to deliver mixed messages and sweeping regulations riddled with enormous loopholes.

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · Editorial

FORUM: Vigilance is key, though the vaccine is here (Jan. 2021)

January 27th, 2021 · 1 Comment

Many reasons for optimism for the year ahead

By Mike Layton

As we enter the new year, I know the majority of us are still having to make big sacrifices to keep each other safe and healthy, but I also believe there is positive change in the air and I am hopeful for the coming year.

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · Opinion

NEWS: Area long-term care homes and COVID (Dec. 2020)

December 21st, 2020 · Comments Off on NEWS: Area long-term care homes and COVID (Dec. 2020)

There have been many outbreaks in long-term care homes across Ontario, including ones within the Gleaner’s distribution area. According to the province, Vermont Square, Kensington Gardens, O’Neill Centre and St. George Care Community have all experienced coronavirus outbreaks but have recovered since.

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · News

FORUM: Ford’s fall agenda deeply flawed (Dec. 2020)

December 21st, 2020 · Comments Off on FORUM: Ford’s fall agenda deeply flawed (Dec. 2020)

Environment, evictions, schools dominate final days of Queen’s Park 2020 Session

By Jessica Bell

Queen’s Park closed for the year on December 8. Here are the legislative highlights from the final few weeks:

The Ford government continued trampling on Ontario’s natural environment. Government Bill 229 stripped the power of local conservation authorities to protect water quality and floodplains from development. 

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · Opinion

FORUM: Find ways to support local businesses (Dec. 2020)

December 21st, 2020 · 1 Comment

Your support may prevent “ghost” towns on main streets

By Mike Layton

One of the most challenging years in recent memory is almost at an end, and I want to take this time to express my gratitude for the work of so many who saw us through. From our Medical Officer of Health and city staff, to local businesses, community groups and residents, it is clear that the majority of us want to work to overcome this pandemic, together.

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · Opinion

NEW IN BUSINESS: Get your fix of dumplings and wontons (Dec. 2020)

December 21st, 2020 · 1 Comment

Brave entrepreneurs open a restaurant during COVID

Serine Shi amd Nigel Schwartz, seen here in front of their College Street location, have opened a new spot on Bloor Street just west of Spadina Road. The couple have enjoyed much success despite COVID-19 restrictions. MARY AN/GLEANER NEWS

By Mary An

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · News · Life

EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Nov. 2020)

December 4th, 2020 · Comments Off on EDITORIAL CARTOON: How Nice (Nov. 2020)

READ MORE BY BRETT LAMB:

[Read more →]

Tags: Annex · Editorial · Opinion