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6 days ago | 
beachmetro.com | Erin Horrocks-Pope
By ERIN HORROCKS-POPEA growing number of East Toronto families are banding together to push back against the pressure to give kids smartphones; and their collective voice is being heard across the country. At Adam Beck Junior Public School on Scarborough Road, more than 110 families have signed on to Unplugged Canada, a new initiative that encourages parents to delay giving smartphones and social media access to children until at least age 14.
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1 week ago | 
beachmetro.com | Erin Horrocks-Pope
By ERIN HORROCKS-POPESunny Gafur is the man behind the counter (and under the hood) at Sunny’s Auto Clinic on Danforth Avenue, just west of Main Street. In this edition of Familiar Faces, I had the pleasure of visiting Sunny’s shop to experience first-hand what many in the community have already known for years: Sunny really does live up to his name.
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2 weeks ago | 
beachmetro.com | Erin Horrocks-Pope
By ERIN HORROCKS-POPEThere’s a new reason to get excited about mornings in the Beach. ESPRO, the Toronto-based company celebrated globally for its innovative coffee brewing products, is opening its first-ever coffee bar – right in the heart of the Beaches community. Located at 2102 Queen St. E in the former Juice and Java, ESPRO is a state-of-the-art space designed for discovery, connection, and exceptional coffee.
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1 month ago | 
beachmetro.com | Erin Horrocks-Pope
By ERIN HORROCKS-POPEI’ve been part of both the Beach and Beach Metro communities my whole life. From delivering the paper with my parents as a small child to writing articles for its pages as an adult, this neighbourhood has always had a special place in my heart. I’ve even delivered the paper with my own young children to our East York neighbours. Throughout all these years, I’ve always known the Beaches-East York community to be one that values strong social bonds and neighbourly support.
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Jan 25, 2025 | 
blogto.com | Erin Horrocks-Pope
This winter, my partner and I have been focusing on spending meaningful time together and getting outside more. Life in Toronto as working parents can feel like a never-ending grind, so I put together a day trip plan to Grey County—a beautiful little drive from the city and a perfect escape for couples looking to reconnect in the magic of winter.
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Jan 22, 2025 | 
curiocity.com | Erin Horrocks-Pope
This winter, my partner and I have been focusing on spending meaningful time together and getting outside more. Life in Toronto as working parents can feel like a never-ending grind, so I put together a day trip plan to Grey County—a beautiful little drive from the city and a perfect escape for couples looking to reconnect in the magic of winter.
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Nov 30, 2024 | 
blogto.com | Erin Horrocks-Pope
Family brings abandoned Ontario estate back to life Just outside Cambridge, Ontario, Cruickston Park is a place where history, nature, and rustic charm come together. This 200-year-old estate was nearly lost to time before Jan Chaplin and her family stepped in. When they purchased the property in 1995, it was rundown and barely recognizable as the beautiful home it once was.
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Nov 29, 2024 | 
blogto.com | Erin Horrocks-Pope
Wiarton is a small town in Ontario with hidden caves and a legendary groundhog Wiarton, Ontario, might not always make the top of everyone's travel list, but for those in the know, it's a true gem waiting to be explored. Located on the stunning Bruce Peninsula, just a few hours north of Toronto, this charming town is a perfect getaway for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and anyone in need of a little escape from city life.
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Oct 29, 2024 | 
beachmetro.com | Erin Horrocks-Pope
By ERIN HORROCKS-POPECollected Joy, a cherished shop in Kingston Road Village, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year. Founded and operated by Sharon Smyl, a long-time member of the community, the boutique has become a go-to destination for unique, locally made products. Over the last decade, Collected Joy has offered customers an inviting space to discover beautifully crafted goods while also building meaningful connections within the neighbourhood.
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Oct 25, 2024 | 
beachmetro.com | Erin Horrocks-Pope
By ERIN HORROCKS-POPEOn the evening of Oct. 24, Kew Gardens in the Beach became a beacon of hope as community members gathered for the Royal LePage Shelter Foundation’s Night Light Walk. The three-kilometre fundraising was in support of Nellie’s Shelter and the Red Door Family Shelter, both vital local resources for women and children escaping domestic violence. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow kicked off the evening with a heartfelt speech, sharing her personal experiences with domestic violence.
