Based on the “Cowan’s Cocoa” sign, the Gleaner muses that this photo, dating from between 1908 and 1912, was taken just west of the Annex off Sterling Rd. These intrepid tobogganers embody the winter spirit that will carry us through this holiday season.  The photo gracing the cover of this year’s December issue is courtesy […]

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Plans for a futuristic condo at 361 Davenport unsettled By Tanya Ielyseieva A unique 7-storey mixed-used building from the developer Bianca Pollak is set to rise for 361 Davenport Rd., near Dupont.  If approved, this development will rise above an existing trapezoidal-shaped paved parking lot at Dupont and Davenport and include 16 residential suites. The […]

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Due to the current public health safety restrictions, Westbank Corp., the developer of the Mirvish Village project, was unable to host its annual turkey giveaway this year. For 28 years the Mirvish family hosted a turkey giveaway out of Honest Ed’s and Westbank picked up the tradition in 2018. More than 1,000 turkeys were given […]

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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. According to an October 30 statement from MPP Jessica Bell’s office, 62 residents […]

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Ila Bossons, former Chair of the Annex Resident’s Association, died December 7 at the age of 83. Bossons served as a Metro and Toronto city councillor from 1988-2000, serving four terms through the turbulent period of Toronto’s amalgamation. Metro Councillor Bossons represented Midtown, an area that included the Annex, but extended North to Eglinton. She […]

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As the federal government adopts a bold plan to surpass its 2030 climate plan targets by dramatically hiking carbon taxes, spending billions to help Canadians retrofit homes, and provide massive incentives to carbon heavy industries to change their ways, the Ontario premier appears to be headed in the opposite direction. According to the auditor general’s […]

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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 […]

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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 […]

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A deeper look reveals a storied past By Nicole Stoffman Ring Music, the guitar shop at 90 Harbord St., whose customers included Gordon Lightfoot, Bruce Cockburn, and Lenny Breau, has closed after 51 years in business. Owner John La Roque says he’s “Working away on a new album,” and the now-empty storefront heralds the end […]

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Brave entrepreneurs open a restaurant during COVID

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Churches and synagogues ready for on-line services By Mary An Nine months into the global pandemic, religious communities have shifted their pulpits onto digital platforms. With Christmas coming, churches seem to be taking the social isolation mandates that limit their ability to connect physically with congregants in stride, while enjoying expanded audiences and in some […]

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Many ways to engage  By Meribeth Deen Welcome to December, month ten (give or take, depending on what date you track back to) of life in a global pandemic. Understandably, you might be struggling to conjure holiday feelings this month. Let’s remember, however, that it is “always darkest before the dawn,” and that on December […]

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