Last issue we put out the call: let us know what your home – both locally in Leaside and nationally in Canada – means to you. Here’s what you told us.
Comments have been edited for space.
Hope and faith
“Love is patient, love is kind. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Faith is a great source of strength. St. Cuthbert’s Leaside Anglican, founded 23 years after Confederation, has managed adversity before! We buried 57 brave souls in two World Wars and survived both the Great Depression and COVID-19. We stood fast, stood together. Leaside endured. Places of worship endured. Hope endures, grounded by faith. Through economic and geopolitical turmoil, we pray and trust that Canada and Leaside stay strong. Have faith! God keep our land!
Rev. Canon Janet Read-Hockin & the Warden Team – St. Cuthbert’s
Together we are better
Proudly 100% Canadian-owned and operated since 1981, BioPed Footcare & Orthotics has flourished alongside our nation, choosing to grow franchises across Canada, stay with our roots, and support the communities we live, work, and play in. We are part of the national BioPed brand that expands from coast to coast, but as a franchise, we are proud to be a local community business, and our community is Leaside. And, although there is economic turbulence in the world, our commitment to our communities and clients is unwavering and will not change. As for the future, our vision is to continue down the path in supporting our neighbours to build a stronger, more resilient, and healthier, Leaside community. Together we are better!
Shaffuu Sharma – BioPed Toronto
Local resilience
Power Soccer is a soccer school and academy that has been part of the Leaside community for nearly 30 years. We’ve had the privilege of watching this neighbourhood grow and evolve. In these times of global economic uncertainty, we are reminded of the importance of our local community. Leaside has always been a place of resilience, where businesses like Power Soccer are supported by loyal families and residents.
Derek Boecker – Power Soccer
Leaside pride
At Access Storage we feel pride in being part of this community. In Leasiders, we see strength, resilience, and determination. We know that Leaside families will always support each other and demonstrate their pride in Canada and their community in a quiet, resolute, and dignified manner. That spirit has always been evident. We see it whenever we are at Leaside Gardens supporting Wildcats minor hockey, at the Talbot ball diamonds in summer, or talking to our neighbours at our Wicksteed Avenue store location. We know that the Leaside community is strong because those who live here are, and we are confident that we will all emerge from these uncertain times stronger and more united than ever.
Access Storage
Living next to an elephant
For many years growing up in Niagara Falls I did not have a response to the question I was always asked: where do you come from? Since my parents and grandparents were born in Canada, I did not know how to respond. As the years passed, the need to answer that question has diminished as I came to see myself as a Canadian. In the 1980s with the free trade agreement, I came to see myself as North American since we share the same culture as Americans. I do not see these days as a threat. It is a reminder that we live next to an elephant. The tariffs in my opinion are a reflection of the attitude of the powerful: essentially saying you need us, and we don’t need you. I know my fellow countrypeople will react positively and some businesses will pop up. We are Canadians and we are all in this mess together. We will adapt and continue.
John Morgan – Toronto East Soccer
Community support
To me, Canada is all about community and support. When I started my business, I envisioned creating a space where other professionals in my field could feel supported by me, just as we all support the growth of our clients. What I didn’t expect was the outpouring of support I’ve received in return – from my family, my staff, my business community, and our clients and partners. This exchange of support is what makes me proud to be part of this amazing country and community.
Katherine Hall – The Growth & Wellness Therapy Centre