Getting Around York U and GTA Survival Guide

Graduate Environmental Studies Students’ Association Faculty of Environmental Studies

York University – Toronto, Ontario, Canada September 2007

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Table of Contents Greetings from the Graduate Environmental Studies Students’ Association 3 Introduction: Getting Around YorkU and GTA Survival Guide 3 About Toronto, Canada and Vicinity 4 About York University - Keele and Glendon Campuses 4 About the Faculty of Environmental Studies 4 Getting Around Toronto and the GTA by transportation means 5 Getting to/from York University – Keele Campus 7 By Public Transit 7 By Car 9 By Bicycle 9 Tips 9 Regional/Inter-City Travel 9 Housing Accommodations – Toronto & Its Vicinity 11 Neighbourhood Guide of Toronto and the GTA 12 Nearest Services and Amenities to YU and in the GTA 14 Grocery Stores 14 Pharmacy Stores 14 Wholesale Based Stores 14 Office / Art / Stationery Supplies Stores 15

Retail Stores 15 Specialty / Ethnic Food Stores 15 Organic Food Stores 16 Shopping Nodes (Local and Regional) 16 Nearest Financial Services (Banks) 17

Nearest Canada Post Office Kiosks 17 Nearest Health Care Centres 17 Nearest Hospitals 18 Nearest and Essential Off-Campus Libraries 18 Nearest Governmental Services 18 Nearest Locations to Purchase Public Transit Fares 18 Essential Utilities 19 Laundromats 19 Major Primary and Secondary Schools Serving Toronto 19 Places of Worship 20 Miscellaneous 21 Professional Sports Teams and Events 21 Annual Festivals 22 Cultural Events 22 Recreational Venues 23 Entertainment/Dining 25 Safety and Security 25

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Disclaimer: This survival guide was put together by the Graduate Environmental Studies Students’ Association, (GESSA) in order to provide valuable information to FES graduate students about getting around YorkU campus, the city of Toronto, and its vicinity. The information provided in this guide is intended to be a resource and an informative tool. GESSA is not promoting or advocating the use of any of the services or facilities mentioned in the guide, but is merely providing what we feel is useful information for incoming students. We will not be responsible for any conflicts or incidents, which may arise from the use of the information provided in this guide We hope you’ll benefit from what is inside the GESSA Getting Around York U and GTA Survival Guide. Welcome and have a great academic year.

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Greetings from the Graduate Environmental Studies Students’ Association Welcome to Toronto and the Faculty of Environmental Studies at York University. For new and current graduate students alike, settling in and getting around our city and region can be an adventure especially when the studying year suddenly begins. To make the transition a little bit smoother, the Graduate Environmental Studies Students’ Association (GESSA) have put together a basic and valuable survival guide for all our members studying at FES. The idea and initiative to develop the guide came to life in the Spring of 2007 when GESSA conducted a survey, asking the MES community for their opinions and thoughts on how we can improve the FES experience. In order to address the requests and questions posed by MES students, we have created this survival guide. Although it is mostly non-academic based, the guide provides information and links such as the nearest services and amenities from campus, transportation links, or even what Toronto and the GTA have to offer, we hope this guide will be a great resource. Please note, as this is just a starting point to the initiative, your feedback will help improve it further. GESSA would like to thank all the FES graduate students who have contributed toward making this project a reality. Have a great year. With best regards, The GESSA 2007 Executive Committee Email: gessa@gessa.ca Website: http://www.gessa.ca/

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Introduction: Getting Around YorkU and GTA Survival Guide About Toronto, Canada and its Vicinity:

The city of Toronto, with a population of just over 2.5 million people is the provincial capital of Ontario. Located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, it is the home of the Don and Humber River Valleys; the Scarborough Bluffs; Black Creek Pioneer Village, and the CN Tower. Lester B. Pearson International Airport serves the city and region and is about 40 min from downtown. The Greater Toronto Area (including Toronto) extends all the way to places like Oakville, Brampton, Newmarket, Uxbridge, and Ajax, with a combined 2006 census

population of over 5.1 million. (Statistics Canada 2007) About York University – Keele and Glendon Campuses: The Keele & Glendon campuses of York University are spectacular places to walk in regarding the architecture, the green spaces, and of the academic, social-cultural facilities, & support services.

Keele Campus is the university’s main campus situated in the north-west part of Toronto in former North York on Keele Street, just north of Finch Avenue. Since 1965, it has grown from being a campus on the outskirts of Metropolitan Toronto to being a major educational, employment and transit node in a fast-growing region adjacent to one of the city’s high-density residential communities.

Keele Campus Maps (html or pdf): http://www.yorku.ca/yorkweb/maps/keele.htm Glendon Campus – initially the birthplace of YorkU in 1959 and where its Études françaises program is situated – is located along the beautiful landscape of the Don River Valley on Bayview Avenue at Lawrence Avenue near Toronto’s Bridle Path, North Toronto, and Leaside communities. Glendon Campus Maps (html or pdf): http://www.yorku.ca/yorkweb/maps/glendon.htm About the Faculty of Environmental Studies (FES):

The Faculty of Environmental Studies is located here at the Health, Nursing, and Environmental Studies (HNES) building on Keele Campus adjacent to the Ross Building, Scott Library, and Osgoode Hall Law School. Founded in 1968, FES has provided a unique basis for its research and academic programs including the Master in Environmental Studies (MES), Doctorate (PhD) in Environmental Studies, and the Bachelor in Environmental Studies (BES). For full and accurate information of the program requirements and academic assistance, please visit the Office of Student and Academic Services (OSAS) in 137

HNES, and online at http://www.yorku.ca/fes/

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Getting Around Toronto and the GTA by transportation means Toronto can be easy to get around in some parts, however, the city also offers many transportation challenges, which include traffic congestion, the availability and cost of parking, and long commutes. Giving extra time and patience are keys to providing a less stressful experience. PUBLIC TRANSIT NETWORKS IN THE GTA:

• Toronto Transit Commission – Known as “The Better Way,” it is the transit system in the city of Toronto, which also operates all subways, the last remaining streetcar network in Canada, and the Scarborough RT line. http://www.toronto.ca/ttc

• GO Transit – The regional bus rapid transit and commuter rail system across the GTA, managed by the Greater Toronto Transportation Authority (GTTA). http://www.gotransit.com

• York Region Transit / VIVA – YRT is the transit system serving York Region communities from Steeles Avenue to just north of Newmarket, and from Woodbridge (Vaughan) to Cornell (Markham). VIVA is the rapid transit network operated jointly with YRT to provide quick access across York Region – primarily along the Yonge St and Hwy 7 corridors. http://www.yrt.ca/

• Mississauga Transit – Mississauga’s public transit network with links to Square One Shopping Centre, TTC Islington Station, Shoppers World in Brampton, and the GO Transit system. http://www.mississauga.ca/portal/residents/publictransit

• Brampton Transit – Serving the Brampton area, located just north of Mississauga. Links are provided at Bramalea City Centre, Shoppers World, and TTC Finch Station. http://www.brampton.ca/transit/

• Oakville Transit – The public transit network serving the Town of Oakville, located just west of Mississauga. http://www.oakvilletransit.com/

• Durham Region Transit – Provides public transit services to Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa and communities in Northern Durham. http://www.durhamregiontransit.com/

ACCESSIBLE TRANSIT SERVICES: Accessible transit services for persons with challenged abilities or with impeded mobility are available on most public transit networks featuring accessible low-floor buses, transit terminals and bus stops. Please note that not all routes or stops are accessible. As well, there are accessible elevators at several TTC subway stations that may also be helpful. The most notable accessible transit service links of interest for York University students are the following: • Toronto Transit Commission: http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/accessible.htm • TTC Wheel-Trans Paratransit: http://www.toronto.ca/ttc/special.htm • YRT Mobility Plus: http://www.yrt.ca/services/yrt-mobility-plus.asp • GO Transit: http://www.gotransit.com/PUBLIC/accessible/default.htm

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DRIVING ON TORONTO’S ROADS: Much of the main arteries in the Greater Toronto area, which encompasses many communities are in a square grid pattern which makes it easier to recognize whether you’re travelling north, south, east or west. Heading south in the region, for example, takes you to Lake Ontario; while heading east will take you to Pickering in Durham Region. • Other than the major 400-series highways (QEW, 400, 401,

403, 404, and 427; as well as the 407 Electronic Toll Route), major arteries in the GTA include Yonge Street, Bloor Street – Danforth Avenue, Eglinton Avenue, the Gardiner Expressway, Kingston Road, Steeles Avenue, Highway 7, W.R. Allen Road – Dufferin Street, McCowan Road, and the Don Valley Parkway.

• For a visual map of Toronto – try out the online mapping tools such as Google maps or Mapquest and type in “Toronto”.

CYCLING IN THE CITY OF TORONTO: Planning to take a pleasure ride or a brisk commute on non-motorized two wheelers? The City of Toronto and adjoining GTA communities have plenty of bicycle lanes, paths and shared reserved lanes, which cyclists could use to get around the city. Below are essential tools or links to cycling in the region:

City of Toronto - Cycling • One tool possible to guide people is the City of Toronto

Cycling website which includes an extensive interactive map of all the existing, planned, and suggested bike paths and lanes in the city, along with safety and security tips, and other valuable information.

For more, visit: http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/index.htm • Further information about the use of bicycles on Toronto

ferries or on public transit – including the TTC’s Bike Racks on Buses project - can be accessed here: http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/map/transit_ferry.htm

Bicycle Retailers in the City of Toronto A list of bicycle retail shops is available on the City of Toronto website. http://www.toronto.ca/cycling/map/retailers.htm Note: Regarding which shops have bike repair services or bicycle rentals, it’s best to call before visiting. Most places with bicycle rentals are likely in the downtown core, especially by the Harbourfront area. Smart Commute – North Toronto/Vaughan (NTV) Smart Commute is a non-for-profit organization, which promotes the use of sustainable transportation at the workplace, and the reduction of traffic congestion. Their office is located at York University’s William Small Centre. For more information, feel free to visit the YorkU transportation web link: http://www.yorku.ca/trnsprt/car-van.htm or go directly to Smart Commute NTV’s website at http://www.smartcommuteNTV.ca

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Getting to/from York University – Keele Campus (effective Sept. 4, 2007): There are many ways to get to York University from parts of Toronto and the GTA… By Public Transit: Below includes first and last (Approx) TTC/YRT/VIVA/GO departures to/from York University: Note that these departure times are subject to change during the year. Please visit each applicable transit website regularly for further details on current schedule updates. In the summer, transit services are reduced to meet lighter rider-ship levels to/from YorkU (May to Labour Day). Direct routes taken to YorkU within the Toronto Transit Commission network www.toronto.ca/ttc/: 196A York University Rocket (from Downsview Stn) (15-20min ride) Mon-Fri; Sat (daytime) Frequency: Daytime – 3-5 minutes; Evening – 6 minutes; Saturday – 15 minutes M-F First dep: 07:02 (Dview Stn)/06:34 (YorkU) Last dep: 22:22 (Dview Stn)/22:33 (YorkU) Sat First dep: 10:07 (Dview Stn)/10:28 (YorkU) Last dep: 18:07 (Dview Stn)/18:13 (YorkU) 196B York University Rocket (from Sheppard-Yonge Station) (~24-30 min ride) Mon-Fri Frequency: Weekday Peak: 8 minutes; Midday and Evening – 12 minutes M-F First dep: 07:03 (Shepd Stn)/06:28 (YorkU) Last dep: 22:10 (Shepd Stn)/22:39 (YorkU) Note: (196 A&B) - AM trips southbound before 12noon & PM trips northbound after 12noon serve local stops on Sentinel Rd and Finch Ave W. 106 York University (local) (from Downsview Station) (~20-25 min ride) daily Frequency: Peak - 10-12 min; Day - 15 min; Eve - 18 min; Early Sun/Late Night - 30 min M-F First dep: 06:10* (Dview Stn)/05:45 (YorkU) Last dep: 02:45 (Dview Stn)/00:54 (YorkU)* Sat First dep: 06:00 (Dview Stn)/06:00 (YorkU) Last dep: 02:15 (Dview Stn)/00:53 (YorkU)* Sun First dep: 09:15* (Dview Stn)/09:15* (YorkU) Last dep: 01:15 (Dview Stn)/00:45 (YorkU) Note: 106A serves stops at Allen Rd & Sheppard Av West farside and Wilson Ave (when bus does not enter Downsview Stn outside subway operating hours). Additional departures to Wilson Ave. from YorkU overnight Mon-Sat until 02:15; and Sun AM starting at 08:15 and 08:45. AM departures to YorkU from Downsview Stn at the Sheppard Av/Allen Rd stop start at 06:00 Mon-Fri, and Sun at 07:15. 60C or 60F Steeles West (from Finch Station) (~30 min ride) daily Frequency: Weekdays – 6-7 min; Peak: 3-6 min; Eve – 24 min; Sat – 12 min; Sun – 15 min M-F First depart: 06:45 (Finch Stn)/06:27 (YorkU) Last depart: 23:57 (Finch Stn)/00:25 (YorkU) 35E Jane Express (from Jane Station) – during Mon-Fri peak hours (~45-50 min) Frequency: AM Peak – 20 minutes; PM Peak – 17 minutes First am depart: 07:08 (Jane Stn)/08:02 (YorkU) Last am depart: 09:26 (Jane Stn)/09:00 (YorkU) First pm depart: 15:27 (Jane Stn)/14:36 (YorkU) Last pm depart: 18:06 (Jane Stn)/18:01 (YorkU) 41 Keele (from Keele Station) (~45-50 min ride) daily Frequency: Day 7-10 min; Peak 5-8 min; Eve 12-15 min; Late 30min; Wknd night 20min M-F First depart: 04:25 (Keele Stn)/05:06 (YorkU) Last depart: 02:30 (Keele Stn)/02:35 (YorkU) Note: 41B serves Steeles Av & Petrolia Rd (M-F) until 19:06 when 41 directly go onto Keele St. 36 Finch West (from Finch Stn or Humberwood) - transfer at Keele or Sentinel (~25-30min) daily Frequency: Peak – 2-3 min; Daytime & Eve – 6-12 min; Late night/Early Sun – 30 min M-F First dep: 05:15 (Finch Stn)/05:30 (Hbwood) Last dep: 02:34 (Finch Stn)/01:46 (Hbwood) Frequency of the TTC subway system normally runs every 5-6 minutes, 2-4 minutes during peak hours (except Sheppard Subway at 5 minutes). Open approx. 6am (9am on Sunday) to after 1am.

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People coming from the Greater Toronto Area can access York University by York Region Transit / VIVA. All bus routes below service YorkU daily. VIVA Orange (Downsview Stn/Martin Grove) serving YorkU, Vaughan and Woodbridge areas M-F First dep: 05:20 (MtnGrove)/06:15 (YorkU) Last dep: 23:20 (MtnGrove)/00:15 (YorkU) Frequency: Daily & Holidays – 15 min; Peak – 10 min Note: Any trips boarding south of Steeles Av or at YorkU must end their trip in York Region VIVA Purple (McCowan Rd/York U) serving Markham, Richmond Hill Ctr & Promenade Mall M-F First dep: 05:34 (McCowan)/05:59 (YorkU) Last dep: 23:55 (McCowan)/00:06 (YorkU) Frequency: Mon-Fri – 10-15 min; Peak – 8-10 min; Weekends & Holidays – 15 min Note: Any trips boarding south of Steeles Av or at YorkU must end their trip in York Region 3/3B Thornhill – YorkU (to Don Mills & Steeles) via Promenade Mall & Royal Orchard Ave. M-F First dep: 06:20 (DMills/Stls)/06:38 (YorkU) Last dep: 22:55 (DMills/Stls)/22:40 (YorkU) Frequency: Weekdays – 40-45 min; Peak – 20 min; Weekends & Holidays – 40 min 10 Woodbridge-YorkU (to Rutherford/Islington) via Ansley Grove, Weston Rd & Steeles Ave. M-F First dep: 06:16 (Rtfd/Isl)/06:50 (YorkU) Last dep: 22:00 (Rtfd/Isl)/22:28 (YorkU) Frequency: Weekdays – 45 min; Peak – 30 min; Weekends & Holidays – 45 min 20 Jane-Concord (to Teston) via Vaughan Mills Mall [and Canada’s Wonderland (seasonal)] M-F First dep: 05:56 (Teston)/05:56 (YorkU) Last dep: 22:42 (Teston)/22:26 (YorkU) Frequency: Weekday & Saturday – 30 min; Peak – 20 min; Sunday & Holidays – 45 min 107 Keele North (from Downsview Stn to Teston) AM to YorkU; PM from YorkU; off-peak and weekends runs along Keele St – does not enter YorkU Common. (TTC contracted route) M-F (Common) First dep: 07:12 (Teston)/12:04 (YorkU) Last dep: 11:45 (Teston)/19:17 (YorkU) Frequency: Peak – 15-20 min; Daily & Holidays (pending branch) – 22-30 or 40 min Note: passengers between York University Common Loop and York Region pay only YRT fare including TTC 107 Keele North. Passengers travelling north of Steeles Avenue from TTC services must pay YRT fare in addition to TTC fare. For full schedules of YRT and VIVA services, visit http://www.yrt.ca/ Every Monday to Friday from approx.6am to midnight, YorkU is also served by GO Transit via:

Bradford GO Train Line peak (via YorkU/GO shuttle peak hours to Maple, Aurora, Newmarket, East Gwillimbury, and Bradford) Hwy 407 Express West (to Bramelea, Square One, Meadowvale, Streetsville, Oakville, Burlington, McMasterU, Hamilton, and UofGuelph) Hwy 407 Express East (to Stoufville, Unionville, Scarborough Town Ctr, Pickering &Oshawa) Newmarket-YorkU (to Maple, King City, Aurora, Newmarket w/connect to Bradford& Barrie)

For full schedules and specific transit branches, they are available at http://www.gotransit.com/ For schedules of the YorkU/GO Shuttle, visit http://www.yorku.ca/transportation/ Warning: [Service Reductions may be expected in 2008 among the Toronto Transit Commission network due to unforeseen budget constraints and pressures – this section of the guide will be updated prior to January 2008 if this situation further develops.]

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By Car: From Highway 401: Take the Keele Street exit, and travel northbound on Keele Street. After passing-by Wilson, Sheppard and Finch Avenues, make a left at either The Pond Road or York Boulevard into YorkU – Keele Campus. From Highway 400 Southbound (from Points North e.g. Barrie): Take the Highway 7 exit, keep right centre for Hwy 7 ramp, and then make a left onto eastbound Highway 7. Then follow the signs to York University (following onto Jane Street southbound (right) and Steeles Avenue eastbound (left)). Take note that the cost of parking at York University may be a shrill from your pockets pending on the parking lot. For more on parking lot rates at York University, visit http://www.yorku.ca/transportation/ By Bicycle: Getting to YorkU by bicycle may be challenging due to the built environment, hilly portions, and busy roadways. Fortunately, there are best ways to get to York University by cycling such as the established bike lanes on Sentinel Rd and eventually The Pond Road. Smart Commute NTV (located at the William Small Centre) and Bike 2 York group do have some information to help cycling enthusiasts’ commute strategically and safely, including a Bicycle User Group (BUG) program. For more information, visit http://www.smartcommuteNTV.ca Tip A: From York University - Glendon Campus (YorkU Shuttle): For YorkU students living in the vicinity of Glendon Campus (Bayview Avenue and Lawrence Avenue E), and want to save some time on transit, take the YorkU shuttle from between Glendon (York Hall) and Keele Campus (Student Centre). All you will need is your YU-card for official identification to board the shuttle. First come, first served; and is also accessible for persons with disabilities. The ride normally takes 30 minutes / 40 minutes (peak hours) pending on traffic conditions following Bayview-401-AllenRd or Lawrence-AllenRd. Shuttle runs from 7am until about 10:15pm. For official schedule info, visit http://www.yorku.ca/transportation/shuttle.htm Tip B: Carpooling Programs Several initiatives have been made on-campus at York University to promote carpooling to students, faculty, and staff. The following below are programs that FES grad students could consider learning more about. Osgoode/FES Carpooling Ride Share Board: Operated by the Environmental Law Society in Osgoode Hall Law School. The board is located across from the Osgoode Cafeteria on the lower level. SmartCommute NTV: Also have a carpooling initiative within York University.

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REGIONAL / INTER-CITY TRAVEL Travel Cuts: YorkU Student Centre Get information and make airline or VIA Rail reservations or vacation packages at a convenient rate. The International Student Identification Card (ISIC) may provide some better rates and flexibility on some ticket purchases, along with discounts in stores. See Travel Cuts for further details. Greyhound Canada (http://www.greyhound.ca/): Do you know that between Labour Day weekend and late April, Greyhound Canada provides weekend service for students from YorkU wishing to travel back home (Service from YorkU on Fridays; with return on Sunday)? One-way or round-trip bus tickets for adult, student, or senior fares for long-distance travel to points across Ontario, Canada and the United States are available for purchase at YorkU Parking & Transportation or Toronto Coach Terminal. Coach Canada / Trentway-Wagar (http://www.coachcanada.com/): Another popular inter-city motorcoach service, Coach Canada provides one-way or round-trip service from Toronto Coach Terminal (Bay St and Dundas St West) to cities like Montreal, Kingston, Niagara Falls & Buffalo. Purchase at the terminal or online. TIP: On Inter-city Bus services or VIA Rail Canada, advance purchases have better discounts however they may be non-refundable. Student rates can be modest in cost unless a fixed special rate is available – regular fares are often refundable minus the processing fee.

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Housing Accommodations – Toronto & its Vicinity: Finding a place to live as a graduate student in Toronto can be a unique or special experience. It could also be a challenging one in regards of the quality of the units, locations, and financially. Below are the major links, which may provide some insights to where you could find information regarding living on-campus at York University and off-campus. On-campus York Apartments – Student Housing Services for Graduate & Mature Undergrad Students:

Address: 340 Assiniboine Rd., unit 101, Toronto, ON M3J 1L2 Phone: (416) 736-5152 E-Mail: yorkapts@yorku.ca Website: http://www.yorku.ca/stuhouse/yorkapts/index.htm

• 320, 340, 360, 380 Assiniboine Rd., 2-18 Passy Crescent., 90 Atkinson Rd

• Bachelor, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and few penthouse suites available (but limited)

• Most apartments come furnished, except for 90 Atkinson Rd. with basic utilities, fridge and stove included.

• Phone/Internet services can be ordered through Telecom York (InRez Services).

• Two apartments on Assiniboine Rd, and six units at Passy Gardens are accessible-ready for people with reduced-mobility needs.

• Rental rates (since Jan 2006 - subject to change): from $667/month to over $1100/month

Off-campus • Places-4-Students: http://www.places4students.com/ • RentersNews: http://www.rentersnews.ca/ • Toronto 24 hours Find-a-Rental guide: http://www.findarental.micasa.ca/ • Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto (CHFT): http://www.coophousing.com/ • Also look at the classifieds of the Toronto Star and Toronto Sun newspapers for apartment

rental options. More options are often advertised on Saturdays.

Also, YorkU’s Student, Community & Leadership Development website have some interesting web-links to housing related resources in Toronto that may help prospective and current tenants get further information regarding tenant and landlord rights; legal aid support; and about the rental market. For more, visit SC&LD’s website at http://www.yorku.ca/scld/offcampushousing/index.html

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Neighbourhood Guide of Toronto and GTA There are many different neighbourhoods across the city and region which may appeal to varying preferences, some places may be reasonable or comfortable, others could be challenging to cope with. As well as finding good quality rental units at a reasonable monthly cost may also be a chore. Below are brief descriptions of the surrounding area near York University, of mega-city Toronto, and GTA communities. Communities nearest to York University: a) Downsview: Elia / Glenfield-Jane Heights / Black Creek / York University Heights The surrounding area in vicinity of Keele Campus, largely referred to as Downsview is one of the largest communities in the former municipality of North York. It has a vast mixture of residential housing types from bungalows to low-rise and high-rise apartments, surrounded by several arterial roads; and the former Canadian Forces Base / Downsview Airport lands - now turned urban park. The Keele St and Finch Ave West area just southeast of YorkU was historically known as the former hamlet of Elia before urbanization

came to this area in the 1960s. Neighbourhood communities nearest to YorkU include York University Heights (area immediately south of the Hydro-ONE corridor along Sentinel Rd where the University City Residential Complex and Plaza is located); Glenfield-Jane Heights and Black Creek (west of the campus where Jane St is the main artery). The Downsview area is minutes away from either Highways 400 and 401; and is well connected to public transportation with TTC routes linking the Spadina subway (at Allen Road), Yonge Subway (via TTC 36, 60, 84 or 196B) or the Bloor-Danforth Subway (via TTC 35 or 41), as well as the Yorkdale GO

Terminal and York University Transit Loop (TTC, GO and YRT/VIVA). Major local services or amenities are scattered here, with the most notables in the Dufferin St / Steeles Ave West area; at Yorkdale Shopping Centre, Downsview Plaza (Keele/Wilson), or Jane-Finch Mall. b) Westminster-Branson / Greenwin Village/ Cedarcroft (Steeles Ave West and Bathurst)

Also located in the former city of North York, the landscape of Westminster-Branson area features mainly high-rise apartments, and condominiums, especially along Steeles Avenue West and Bathurst Street. In its outskirts are also some townhouses and bungalows. There are also modest residential options further south along Bathurst St. near Drewry Avenue or Finch Avenue. Accessibility to public transit is frequent with connections to Finch Station within 10-15 minutes. Local service amenities are located mainly at Steeles Avenue West and Bathurst St, just north in Thornhill at Promenade Mall, or to the east at Centrepoint Mall near Yonge Street and Steeles Ave.

c) North York Centre: Willowdale / Lansing / Newtonbrook (Yonge St, btwn Steeles and Hwy 401)

Anyone who would like to have direct access to York University from the Yonge Subway corridor may be attracted to the North York Centre area situated between Highway 401 and just north of Finch Avenue. The area along Yonge Street is filled with plenty of commercial shopping options and high-rise condominiums with easy access to the TTC subway, where low-rise bungalows dominate away from the major thoroughfare. The main North York Central Library is also located in this community as well as Centrepoint Mall, Empress Market, Mel Lastman Square, and Willowdale Plaza. The cost of living may vary here where the closer you are to Yonge Street, the higher the rental rates.

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d) City of Vaughan – York Region The city of Vaughan is one of Canada’s fastest growing municipalities according to the recent 2006 census. Vaughan is composed of the communities of Maple, Concord, Thornhill (West), Woodbridge, and Kleinburg. The commercial core of the city is concentrated at Highway 400 and Highway 7 by the new Vaughan Corporate Centre area and Piazza del Sole plaza, while Vaughan Mills Mall at Jane St and Rutherford Rd provides an alternative shopping ambiance outside of Mega-city Toronto. There are very few rental apartments available in this area, however, as much of the built communities are either single-family homes, or high-rise condominiums, the possibilities for some rental

units may be possible when looking deeper. Public transit to York University is gradually improving over the years by York Region Transit with the 20 Jane-Concord, 10 Woodbridge, and 3 Thornhill-YorkU routes; VIVA orange, VIVA Purple; and TTC contracted 107 Keele North connecting the city to the Keele Campus. Communities within the “Old” city of Toronto – popular notables:

The communities of the former boundaries of Toronto (approximately south of St-Clair and Danforth Avenues, between Jane St and Victoria Park Avenue) are filled with diversity and life varying from the character or architecture of the neighbourhood or even its proximity to services. Virtually most of these communities easily connect with the TTC through their streetcar and bus routes along with the Yonge-University-Spadina and Bloor-Danforth subway lines. Several notable neighbourhoods include The Annex, Mirvish Village, The Beach (Queen St. E), West Queen West, North Toronto (Yonge & Eglinton), Bloor West Village, Little Italy, Kensington Market,

Corso Italia (St. Clair West / Dufferin), Liberty Village; High Park and Parkdale. Gems of old Toronto include Harbourfront, Yorkville, Rosedale, Forest Hill, St. Lawrence, and King-Spadina neighbourhoods. Communities within Toronto’s former Inner-Suburbs - Notables: Outside the old Toronto boundary lines are the former inner-suburbs of Toronto, including the former borough of East York (north of the Danforth), the former cities of Etobicoke (west of the Humber River); York (along Eglinton St West and Weston Rd), Scarborough (east of Victoria Park Avenue), and of course North York. Interesting communities that may appeal to some people include Willowdale (Yonge St, south of Finch); Don Mills (at Lawrence); Weston (Weston Rd and Lawrence Ave); South Etobicoke area (Lakeshore St West); and Agincourt (Sheppard Av E/Kennedy). GTA Communities: Across the Greater Toronto Area, there are many suburbs that shape the regions outside Toronto. Getting to and from these communities may be the greatest challenge as the GTA is the 5th largest metropolitan area in North America. Below are the more notable areas and municipalities where some people reside in the GTA. York Region: Richmond Hill / Markham / Vaughan / Thornhill (East) / Cornell Village / Newmarket Region of Peel: Mississauga (Streetsville / Port Credit / Malton) / Brampton / Caledon Halton Region: Oakville / Milton / Halton Hills / Georgetown / Burlington Durham Region: Pickering / Ajax / Whitby / Oshawa Outside GTA: Hamilton / Aldershot / Bradford / Barrie For full details on specific neighbourhoods or living in Toronto, the following websites may provide some ideas, although take some discretion when looking at the information. Toronto Neighbourhoods Guide www.torontoneighbourhoods.net, Toronto Life magazine www.torontolife.com City of Toronto Official Website: www.toronto.ca Tourism Toronto: www.toronto.com

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Nearest Services and Amenities to YU and in the GTA: GROCERY STORES

No Frills: Keele Street/St. Regis Crescent: 15 minutes (TTC 41) YorkGate Mall (Jane St/Finch Av W): 15 minutes (TTC 35 or TTC 106 and 36 west) Real Canadian Superstore: 51 Gerry Fitzgerald Dr. (Dufferin St/Steeles Ave W): 10 minutes (TTC 60) Food Basics (open 8am to 10pm): 800 Steeles Avenue W (at Bathurst St): 15 minutes (TTC 60) North York Sheridan Mall (Jane St/Wilson Av): 25 min (TTC 35E - York Lanes or TTC 35 - Jane St) Price Chopper: Steeles Avenue W/Bathurst St.: 15 minutes (TTC 60,C,F) Jane–Finch Mall: 15 minutes (TTC 35 or TTC 106 and 36 west) Fortinos: Piazza del Sole (Highway 7/Ansley Grove) [west of Weston Rd]: 15 min (VIVA orange or YRT 10) Lawrence Square. – 900 Lawrence Ave. W (at Allen Rd): 25-30 min (TTC Lawrence West station) Loblaws: Centrepoint Mall - (in the back) Yonge St/Steeles Ave: 25 min (TTC 60) Empress Walk: Yonge St. & Empress Ave. (at TTC North York Centre Station) 35 min Forest Hill: St. Clair West/Bathurst (at TTC St. Clair West Station) 35 min Dominion: Downsview Plaza (24hrs) – Keele St/Wilson Ave: 20-25 min (TTC 41) Save-a-Centre – Yonge St/Sheppard Ave: 30 min (at Sheppard-Yonge Station) Highland Farms: Dufferin St and Supertest Rd. (north of Finch Ave W) (TTC 60 east & 105 south) Galati Bros.: Jane and Shoreham – TTC 35 or 20-min walk from west of YorkU Keele and Wilson – TTC 41 (20-25 min) Food Cents: 45 Four Winds Dr. – University City Plaza (corner of Sentinel Rd.) – 5 min walk

PHARMACY STORES

C.I.M.S Pharmacy York Lanes Retail Centre Shoppers Drug Mart (some stores are open until *midnight): *Steeles Ave. W/Dufferin St: 10 minutes (TTC 60) *Highway 7/Ansley Grove (west of Weston Rd.): 15 min (VIVA orange or YRT 10) Jane-Finch Mall: 15 minutes (TTC 106 and 36 west; or TTC 35E) I.D.A. York Gate Drug Mart: YorkGateMall (Jane St/Finch Av) 15 min (TTC 35E or TTC 106 & 36 west) PharmaPlus: Jane St and Shoreham Rd.: 20-25 minute walk west (or TTC 35 or 35E) Guardian: Four Winds Pharmacy - Keele St. and Finch Ave W: 10 minutes (TTC 196 or 41) Main Exchange Pharmacy - Steeles Av. W and Bathurst St.: 15 minutes (TTC 60)

WHOLESALE BASED STORES

Ikea: Interchange Way & Highway 7 (west of Jane St.) – 10 min (YRT 20 or VIVA Orange) Canadian Tire: Centrepoint Mall (Yonge and Steeles) – 25 min (TTC 60) Piazza del Sole (Highway 7 and Weston Rd) – 15 min (VIVA Orange)

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OFFICE / ART / STATIONERY SUPPLIES SHOPS Staples/Business Depot: Steeles Avenue W & Keele St. – 5 min (TTC 41, 60) or 10 min walk Grand & Toy Steeles Avenue W, west of Jane St. – 15 min walk Lommis Art Store: Vaughan Mills Mall: 30 min (YRT 20)

RETAIL SHOPS

Wal-Mart: North Park Plaza – Keele St./Lawrence Av. West: 30min (TTC 41) Vaughan Supercentre (open 6am to midnight) - Hwy 7/Edgeley Rd (Vaughan Corp. Centre): 10 min (VIVA orange or YRT 20) Zellers: YorkGate Mall (Jane St & Finch Ave W): 15 min (TTC 35; TTC 106 & 36 west) Centrepoint Mall (Yonge St & Steeles Av): 30 min (TTC 60) Lawrence Square - 900 Lawrence Ave. W (at Allen Rd.): 30 min (TTC Lawrence West Station) Dollarama: YorkGate Mall (Jane St & Finch Ave W): 15 min (TTC 35; TTC 106 & 36 west) Highway 7/Weston Rd.: 15 min (VIVA orange)

SPECIALTY / ETHNIC FOOD STORES Chinese Food Options: The Chinese community has several major clusters of places to shop for quality foods in the Greater Toronto Area. These clusters include Chinatown (Dundas & Spadina); East Chinatown (Broadview & Gerrard); and in parts of Markham.

Oriental Food Mart - Finchdale Plaza 2592 Finch Ave W (west of Weston Rd): 25min (TTC 36 west)

Kosher Meats and Foods: Clusters of stores along Bathurst Street from near Promenade Mall (Thornhill), by Steeles Ave West, and south of Wilson all the way to just south of Lawrence Ave West.

Kosher Food Warehouse - 75 Doncaster Avenue, Thornhill ON Phone: (905) 764-7575

Halal Meats and Foods: Several clusters of stores exist throughout Toronto, particularly along Lawrence Av. East at Warden Av., near East York Town Centre (Overlea & Thorncliffe Park), in North Etobicoke (Albion Rd & Islington Ave), and on Gerrard St (India Bazaar area).

Afacan Multi-Foods - 1760 Victoria Park Ave., North York, ON 416-759-2385 Ali Halal Meat Store - 3040 Don Mills, Toronto, ON (416) 497-8918 Friendly Halal Meat & Grocers- 1340 Gerrard St. E., Toronto, ON (416) 461-8601 Jasmine - 1300 Finch Ave. West, Unit 43-B, Downsview, ON (416) 661-5120

Asian and (East) Indian Meats & Food Options: Across the Greater Toronto Area, there are many locations where the flavour of Asia is represented. Some areas include Koreatown (Bloor and Christie); along Yonge St (north of Finch); Thistletown (Islington & Albion), Thornhill, Markham, and parts of Scarborough.

Pacific Mall: Steeles Avenue East and Kennedy Ave: 50 min (TTC 53) T&T Supermarket (Asian): (905) 763-8113 Promenade Mall (Thornhill - Bathurst St & Centre St): 20min (YRT 3 or VIVA Purple) Danforth Food Market: 3701 Keele St. (north of St. Regis Cr.) 10 min (TTC 41) Apna Grocers – 7200 Markham Rd, Markham (905) 471-2695 Asian Grocery & Spices 1656 Jane, York (416) 249-3521 Asian Fine Food Center 2541 Finch Avenue W. North York, ON (416) 748 -7325 Bapu Khoya 70 Don Park, Markham (905) 474-9900 Dostana Grocers: 38 Rexdale Blvd Etobicoke, ON (416) 740 6134 Homeland East & West Indian Supermarket 1646 Jane, York (416) 244-4049

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Malik Grocers 3027, Islington (416) 745-5242 Padma Groceries 1188, Bloor Street West, (416) 539-8043 Punjab Audio Video & Fresh Meat 2654 Islington, Etobicoke (416) 746-8623 Punjab Supermarket 2652 Islington, Etobicoke (416) 746-8601 India Town Food and Spicies 641 Markham Rd, (416) 438-1013

Caribbean / West Indian Foods: Clusters of these stores are available across Toronto and the GTA, particularly on Eglinton Ave. West between Allen Rd and Keele St., in parts of North York, Mississauga, Scarborough, and Brampton.

Nicey’s Food Mart (Caribbean) http://www.niceysfoodmart.com/: • 50 Morcambe Gate (at Victoria Park Av) (One light north of Finch Av) – (416) 497-9717

Finch Station - TTC 39 to Victoria Park Av, walk north (50 min)

European Meats, Delis and Foods: Notable stores to visit include the merchants in Mirvish Village – on Markham St (at Bloor St near Bathurst Station), and the European Meat & Food Centre (Bathurst & Finch). ORGANIC FOOD STORES The Big Carrot Natural Food Market – 348 Danforth Ave. (Chester subway), 416-466-2129 www.thebigcarrot.ca Native Organics & Natural Foods – 909 Queen St E. (e. of Logan), 416-469-1010 www.nativeorganicsfood.com Optimum Natural Foods – 2146 Queen St. E. (Glen Manor), 416-693-5328 Bulk items. No produce. Also, please refer to the web site: http://veg.ca/content/blogsection/11/114/ for more information on Vegetarian and Organic food options in Toronto. Other links: Food Share – Toronto Farmers’ Markets http://www.foodshare.ca/farmersmarkets01.htm LOCAL SHOPPING NODES:

York Lanes Retail Mall: YorkU – Keele Campus near transit loop http://www.yorku.ca/yorklanes/ Pond Mills Centre - Keele Street/The Pond Road: 5 min walk – Tim Hortons, Hoops, Hasty Market Highway 7/400 area (Vaughan): 5 min drive, 10 min transit ride (VIVA orange)

Vaughan Corp Centre: Wal-Mart Supercentre, Ikea, Future Shop, Home Outfitters, Sam’s Club, AMC 30 multiplex theatre, RBC Royal Bank. Dave & Buster’s Woodbridge Centre (Weston Rd/Highway 7): Dollarama, Scotiabank, Winners Piazza del Sole (Ansley Grove/Highway 7): Fortinos, Canadian Tire, Chapters, Best Buy, La Senza; Colossus Centre (Weston Rd/Highway 7) : Famous Players Colossus, Costco, La Vie en Rose, Rona

Yorkdale Mall (Hwy 401/Allen Rd): (Yorkdale Station) The Bay, Sears, Rainforest Café; Shoppers Drug Mart, Famous Players SilverCity Steeles West/Dufferin St (North York): 5 min drive / 10 min (TTC 60) Real Canadian Superstore, Winners, Bulk Barn, Shoppers Drug Mart, Home Depot, RBC Royal Bank, TD Canada Trust; Steeles West/Bathurst St (North York): Ten minute drive / transit ride (TTC 60) Food Basics, Price Chopper, Shoppers Drug Mart, Scotiabank, TD Canada Trust

Centrepoint Mall (North York - Steeles/Yonge St.): 25 minutes (TTC 60C,F) - Zellers, The Bay, Loblaws, Canadian Tire, A Buck or Two; Shoppers Drug Mart; Pickle Barrel; Promenade Mall (Thornhill – Bathurst St/Centre St): 20 minutes (YRT 3, VIVA Purple)

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REGIONAL SHOPPING NODES: Vaughan Mills Mall (Vaughan) - Jane & Rutherford: 20 min drive/30 min ride (YRT 20) Eaton Centre (Downtown): Yonge St between Dundas St. and Queen St. (Dundas or Queen Stations) Yonge Street (Downtown): between Queen St and Yorkville (Davenport Rd) Queen Street West (Downtown): between University St and Bathurst St. (Osgoode Station, TTC 501) Scarborough Town Centre: 35min via GO Transit; or 75min via TTC 196B, Sheppard Sub & TTC 190 Yonge & Eglinton (North Toronto): 45min via TTC 196B or 60 to Yonge Subway (Eglinton Station) Sherway Gardens (Etobicoke): 80min via Kipling Station & TTC 123 Square One Shopping Mall (Mississauga) – Hurontario St [Hwy 10] & Hwy 403: 35min via GO Transit (Mon-Fri); 90min via Bloor-Danforth Subway & Mississauga Transit (at Islington Stn) Bramalea City Centre (Brampton) – Dixie Rd & Queen St E [Hwy 7]: 55min via VIVA Orange (to Martin Grove) then transfer to YRT/Brampton Transit 77 Upper Canada Mall (Newmarket) – Yonge St & Davis Dr: 90min via VIVA Purple & Blue (2 zone fare) or GO Transit (Bus) across from Newmarket GO terminal

NEAREST FINANCIAL BRANCHES: TIP: using your bank card at your own bank’s ATM will help bypass the extra fees that other competitive banks add-on if you use theirs):

Scotiabank: ABM – YorkU Student Centre – Food Court (Book Statement update unavailable) Branches – Keele/Toro (TTC 41), Hwy 7/Weston Rd. (VIVA orange), Bathurst/Steeles (TTC 60) TD CanadaTrust: ABM – YorkU Central Square (across from Tim Hortons) Branches – Keele/Steeles (TTC 60 or 41), Keele/Finch (TTC 196 or 41), Dufferin/Steeles (TTC 60) CIBC: Branch/ABM – Keele/Finch (TTC 196 or 41), Keele/Sheppard (TTC 41,106) RBC Royal Bank: ABM – Petro-Canada (Sentinel/Finch) (TTC 106) Branches – Jane/Shoreham (TTC 35), Keele/Sheppard (TTC 41,106), Dufferin/Steeles (TTC 60) Bank of Montreal (BMO): Branch/ABM - York Lanes; Bathurst/Steeles (TTC 60) Alterna Savings Credit Union: Branch/ABM – York Lanes National Bank of Canada: Branch - Bathurst /Wilson (Wilson Stn - eastbound TTC 96, 165 or 160) HSBC: Branch/ABM - Jane St. & Wilson Av (TTC 35E; or TTC 41 and 96 or 165 west) Laurentian Bank of Canada: ABM – Food Fair – 120 Adelaide St. West. Branch: 11 Allstate Pkwy, suite 430, Markham (Hwy 7/404) – via VIVA Purple Desjardins – Caisse Populaire Lasalle Inc. (Bilingual French-speaking):

Toronto Branch/ABM: 95 St-Clair Av. W (West of Yonge Street) (St Clair Station & TTC 512)

NEAREST CANADA POST OFFICE KIOSK: Ink Blotz: York Lanes Shoppers Drug Mart: Jane-Finch Mall (TTC 106 & 36; 35) Bob’s Variety Store: 3364 Keele St., at Sheppard Av. West (TTC 41 or 106) Cards & Gifts – The Concourse: 1057 Steeles Av. W, near Bathurst St. (TTC 60) Shoppers Drug Mart: Yorkdale Mall (TTC Yorkdale Station)

NEAREST HEALTH CARE CENTRES:

• York Lanes Health Centre and Dental Clinic - York Lanes Retail Centre • Black Creek Community Health Centre: 2202 Jane St. Unit 5. 416-249-8000 • York Community Services: 1651 Keele St. 416-653-5400 • Yorkview Medical Centre and Professional Building: 3695 Keele St.

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NEAREST HOSPITALS: Humber River Regional Hospital

• York-Finch: 2111 Finch Av. W, at Oakdale Dr (TTC 36) - Nearest Emergency Services • Humber Memorial: 200 Church St., west of Jane St. near Lawrence Ave (TTC 35, 52, 58) • Northwestern: 2175 Keele St near Gulliver St. south of Lawrence Ave (TTC 41)

North York General Hospital • Branson: 555 Finch Av. W. near Bathurst St. (TTC 36) - Urgent Care Centre (9am-9pm)

NEAREST AND ESSENTIAL LIBRARIES OFF-CAMPUS:

Toronto Public Library (with membership) - http://www.torontopubliclibrary.ca/ York Woods: 1785 Finch Av. W, west of Sentinel Rd (TTC 106 & 36 west) Toronto Reference Library: 789 Yonge St., north of Bloor St. (TTC Bloor-Yonge Station)

o Research and reference archives available on-site Urban Affairs Library – Metro Hall: 55 John St. at King St. W. (TTC St. Andrew Station) Downsview: 2793 Keele St. near Wilson Av. (TTC 41) North York Central: 5120 Yonge Street (TTC North York Centre Station)

o Research and reference archives available on-site Please refer to the information at York University Libraries website http://library.yorku.ca or in person for how students can access libraries in other universities in the GTA – such as the University of Toronto, and Ryerson Polytechnic University. NEAREST GOVERNMENTAL SERVICES:

City of Toronto: http://www.toronto.ca/ • City Hall: 100 Queen St. West (at Bay St) • North York Civic Centre: 5100 Yonge St. (at Park Home

Ave) TTC North York Centre Stn Service Ontario: http://www.serviceontario.ca/

• Service Ontario Kiosk – York Lanes • Service Ontario Centre - 3737 Chesswood Dr. (at Sheppard

Ave West) TTC 84, 106, 107, 108 • Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care Office (OHIP card):

o 4400 Dufferin St. (one block south of Finch Av W) 20 min, TTC 106 and 36 east • Vehicle Licensing Office – 1150 Sheppard Ave W (west of Allen Rd) TTC 84, 106, 107, 108 • DriveTest Centre – 37 Carl Hall Rd. (east of Sheppard Ave W) TTC 84, 106, 108

Service Canada: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/ • Toronto North Office – 3737 Chesswood Dr. (at Sheppard Ave West) TTC 84, 106, 107, 108 • Willowdale Office – 4900 Yonge St. (one block north of Sheppard Ave) Sheppard-Yonge Stn

NEAREST LOCATIONS TO PURCHASE PUBLIC TRANSIT FARES (TICKETS & PASSES):

Ink Blotz - York Lanes: TTC & GO tickets only; YRT adult tickets & monthly pass; GTA Weekly Pass York U – Parking & Transportation Services: TTC disc. passes; GO discount ID; Greyhound Canada York University MultiRide VIVAstation: YRT/VIVA - oneRide & 10 pack 1&2 zone tickets Ross Convenience and Grocers – 3932 Keele St (at Finch Ave W): TTC tickets and passes available Shoppers’ Drug Mart (Jane-Finch Mall): TTC tickets and passes available Steeles West Convenience – 2071 Steeles Av W (next to Payless Shoe Source): TTC tickets & passes Phone Cash Transfer Inc. - 4113 Steeles Av W (west of Jane St): TTC&YRT tickets; GTA Weekly Pass TTC Downsview Station: all TTC fare options, Day Pass, and GTA Weekly Pass available TTC Finch Station: all TTC fare options, Day Pass & GTA Weekly Pass (at booth or machine) Gateway Newstands (Finch-York Region Term.): all YRT & GO fare options & GTA Weekly Pass

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ESSENTIAL UTILITIES: Tele-communications Services and Installation (Phone, Internet):

• Telecom York (On-Campus): Steacie Science Building, Rm 031, www.yorku.ca/inrez • Bell Canada (On and Off-Campus): Phone: (416) 310-BELL Sympatico: (416) 310-SURF • Rogers (Off-campus): Home Phone / Cable http://www.shoprogers.com/

Locations to pick up Phone Books & Yellow Pages:

• Bell World (nearest to YorkU): York Gate Mall; Lawrence Square; Allen Rd & Overbrook Wireless Phone Services:

• Student Phones (on-campus shop): Curtis Lecture Hall; Student Centre • Bell Mobility (Off-Campus): http://www.bell.ca/ • Telus (on-campus): York Lanes Retail Centre, also http://www.telusmobility.com/ • Rogers (Off-campus): http://www.shoprogers.com/ • Fido (Rogers): http://www.fido.ca/ • Virgin Mobile: http://www.virginmobile.ca/ • Solo (Bell): http://www.solomobile.ca/

LAUNDROMATS: On-campus

• Each of the York Apartments (Assiniboine), 90 Atkinson, and Passy Gardens have laundry facilities. Smart City debit cards would be needed to access them. Full information, including about purchasing Smart City cards for use in the laundry rooms can be obtained at the Student Housing Services offices (340 Assiniboine Rd – Unit 101). The nearest locations to refill these cards are at 340 Assiniboine Rd. (lobby) or 4 Passy Crescent.

Off-campus

• Super Coin Laundry: 61 Four Winds Dr (University City Plaza). 5 min walk • Super Soap Opera Cleaners: York Gate Mall – 20-25 min (TTC 106, and 36 west; or TTC 35) • Washworld Coin Laundry: 4724 Jane St (at Shoreham Dr) – 20 min walk west from campus • The Best Laundry Service and Dry Cleaners: 3685 Keele St.(at St. Regis) - 15min (TTC 41)

MAJOR PRIMARY AND SECONDARY LEVEL SCHOOL BOARDS SERVING TORONTO:

• Toronto District School Board: www.tdsb.on.ca • Toronto Catholic District School Board: www.tcdsb.org • Conseil scolaire de district Catholiques Centre-Sud: http://www.csdccs.edu.on.ca/ • Conseil scolaire de district Centre-Sud-Ouest: http://www.csdcso.on.ca/

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Places of Worship: On-campus Locations & Links

All recognized religious organizations on-campus according to the Interfaith Council can be viewed on the Student, Community & Leadership Development website: http://www.yorku.ca/scld/organizations/clubs.php?list=religious

Nearest Off-campus Worship Locations Christian (denominational): Catholic http://www.archtoronto.org/parishes/

St. Augustine of Canterbury – 80 Shoreham Dr (416) 661-8221 (English, Italian & Spanish masses) St. Wilfrid – 1675 Finch Avenue West (416)638-0313 (English and Italian masses) St. Louis-de-France – 1415 Don Mills Road (416) 445-6433 (French mass)

Presbyterian http://www.presbyterian.ca/ University Presbyterian Church – 1830 Finch Avenue West (416) 663-3281 Baptist http://www.baptist.toronto.on.ca/ Lisle Memorial Baptist Church – 95 Eddystone Dr (416)747-5751 Pentecostal http://www.paoc.org/ Christian Centre Church – 4545 Jane Street (416) 661-6770 http://www.christiancentrechurch.com/ Full Gospel Mission Church – 790 Arrow Rd. (416) 741-7333 United http://www.united-church.ca/ Downsview United Church – 2822 Keele Street (416) 633-4910 Anglican http://www.toronto.anglican.ca/ Apostles Church – 719 Sheppard Avenue West (416) 638-0622

St. Stephen, Downsview Church – 2259 Jane Street (416)241-4639

Jewish (denominational): The following link will help find further information on the most appropriate group and synagogue. Most are situated along the Bathust Street corridor in Toronto and in Thornhill. http://www.jewishinto.com/Toronto_Synagogues/6-0.html Muslim (denominational): The following link will help find further information on the most appropriate centre or mosque. Some are located throughout the GTA. http://muslim-canada.org/toronto-sontariio.html Christian (non-denominational): All Nations Full Gospel Church - http://www.anfgc.com Toronto – main congregation: 4401 Steeles Avenue West, Downsview ON (416) 665-9964 Other faiths or centres: Indonesian Christian Church Canada 1000 Petrolia Rd (416) 665-4777 Korean Full Gospel Central Church 1100 Petrolia (416) 663-9191 Jehovah's Witnesses 1285 Wilson Av (416) 242-3855 Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 19 Northdale Road - 416-447-3785 Faith Lutheran Church – 96 Hucknall Dr. (416) 633-3807 Toronto Korean Methodist Church 5350 Yonge Street 416-222-8483 Ukranian Seventh Day Adventist Church – 535 Finch Avenue West 416-636-2471 Toronto Korean Seventh Day Adventist Church – 255 Finch Avenue West 416-221-3177 Spanish Seventh Day Adventist – 2799 Weston Road (416) 444-9552

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Miscellaneous On-campus York University Recreation - http://www.recreation.yorku.ca/operations/hours.htm York University Clubs and Organizations - http://www.yorku.ca/scld/ YUGSA Health and Dental Coverage – http://www.yugsa.ca/ CUPE 3903 Medical and Dental Coverage (for those with GA and TAships) – http://www.cupe3903.tao.ca/ Off-Campus Nearest Public Ice Rinks: Indoor John Booth Arena 230 Gosford Blvd (416) 395-7942 Herbert H Carnegie Centennial Centre 580 Finch Avenue West (416) 395-6067 Grandravine Community Centre 23 Grandravine Dr (416) 395-7882 Outdoor Fountainhead Park 445 Sentinel Rd. (416) 395-7942 Nearest Public Swimming Pools: Indoor C.W. Jefferys Collegiate Institute 340 Sentinel Rd. (416) 395-3170 Grandravine Community Centre 23 Grandravine Dr (416) 395-7882 Outdoor Fountainhead Park 445 Sentinel Rd. (416) 395-7942 Multi-recreational centres The Hangar at Parc Downsview Park - http://www.hangarsports.com/

Professional Sport Teams and Events Toronto is home to some of the most interesting professional sports teams and events… Major League Soccer – Toronto Football Club (FC) @ BMO Field – Exhibition Place Major League Baseball – Toronto Blue Jays (American League) @ Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome) Canadian Football League – Toronto Argonauts @ Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome) National Hockey League – Toronto Maple Leafs @ Air Canada Centre National Basketball Association – Toronto Raptors @ Air Canada Centre National Lacrosse League – Toronto Rock @ Air Canada Centre Tennis - Rogers Cup (Rexall Centre at York University) – early or mid-August (alternates between the Women’s and Men’s Tours every year with Montreal being the other host venue) Auto Racing – Champ Car Series (Exhibition Place) – July Running - Toronto Marathon http://www.torontomarathon.com/ - mid-October

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Annual Festivals Summerlicious – mid-July Toronto’s eclectic cuisine is showcased for restaurant lovers. Prices are fixed and vary from 15 to 30 dollars per meal. http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/summerlicious/index.htm

Caribana Festival – mid-July to Civic Holiday weekend 2007 marked the 40th anniversary of Toronto’s Caribbean Street Festival which features the renowned Caribana Parade along Lakeshore Boulevard (which takes place the Saturday prior to the Civic Holiday, the first week of August). www.caribanafestival.com Canadian National Exhibition – mid-August to Labour Day The CNE offers cultural, agricultural and shopping exhibits, as well as a midway full of rides and games. There is also an opportunity to take in some shows [including the Aquarêves: A pyromusical acrobatic street performance!] www.theex.com Getting there: GO Transit - Take the Lakeshore GO Train to the Exhibition station - taking you right to the CNE gates. TTC - From Union Subway Station: take the 509 Harbourfront Streetcar; From Bathurst Subway Station: take the 511 Bathurst Streetcar; From Dufferin Subway Station: take the 29 Dufferin Bus South; From Dundas West Subway Station: take the 193 Exhibition Rocket.

Scotiabank Nuit Blanche – late September Toronto becomes an all night artistic experience! From 7:30pm to sunrise, enjoy contemporary art all around the city. http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/nuitblanche/index.htm

Cavalcade of Lights – November – December Experience Toronto’s holiday celebration with gorgeous lighting displays at Nathan Philips Square. Royal Agricultural Winter Fair – early November The largest agricultural fair in the country! http://www.royalfair.org WinterCity – late January to mid-February A 2 week celebration of culture, cuisine and creativity at Nathan Phillips Square.

Cultural Activities York Museum Discover the history of York region with photograph displays and storytelling objects. Admission is free, and the museum is located at 2694 Eglington Avenue West. For more information, please call 416-394-2759. How to get there - Public Transit/TTC directions - Take the Yonge-University-Spadina subway line to Eglinton West station. Take the Eglinton West 32 bus to Municipal Drive (one block west of Keele Street). Take the Bloor-Danforth subway line to Keele station. Take the Keele 41 bus to Eglinton and walk west one block. York Museum is located on the north side of Eglinton Avenue West.

Fort York This national historic site allows you to experience the Battle of York of the War of 1812, at 100 Garrison Road. For further information, call 416-392-6907. How to get there -TTC: Take the 511 streetcar south from Bathurst subway station. Patrons can access the fort via a pedestrian walkway off the Bathurst/Front Street Bridge or by walking up Garrison Road off Fleet Street. Please note that Garrison Road follows a steep hill and as such is not a recommended walking route for small children, elderly or special needs patrons.

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Royal Ontario Museum At 100 Queen’s Park, discover an array of world collections and natural histories. For further information, please visit www.rom.on.ca. How to get there – Take the Yonge-University-Spadina Subway line to Museum Station (ROM is right in front) or the Bloor-Danforth Subway to St. George Station – Bedford Rd. Exit (walk to Bloor St eastward).

Ontario Science Centre Science is fun and interactive at the Ontario Science Centre. Located at 770 Don Mills Road, for directions or further information, please call 416-696-1000.

Toronto Zoo The Toronto Zoo is Canada's premier Zoo, known for its interactive education and conservation activities. As a unique wildlife experience, we inspire people to live in ways that promote the well being of the natural world. The Toronto Zoo is set in the beautiful Rouge Valley. The Main Entrance is located on Meadowvale Road, Scarborough, north of Highway 401 (Exit #389 eastbound and westbound). The Zoo is accessible by car and public transit (via TTC 85B east from Don Mills subway stn or TTC 86A from Kennedy subway stn).

CN Tower We are located in the heart of Downtown Toronto, right in between the Rogers Centre and the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Front Street, just north of Bremner Blvd. For details concerning prices of admission and additional attractions, please visit www.cntower.ca How to Get there: Take the TTC Yonge-University-Spadina subway line or GO Transit trains or buses to Union Station. Follow the P.A.T.H. system west or walk on Front St. West to the CN Tower.

Harbourfront Centre Located on Queens Quay West, between Rees and York Streets, the Harbourfront offers many summer concerts, and cultural festivals, international marketplace and foods from all over the world. Not to mention the scenic landscape, as part of the alterations, which are a result of the waterfront revitalization project. www.harbourfrontcentre.com Casa Loma Known as the castle in the heart of Toronto built in the early 20th century by Canadian financier Sir Henry Pellatt, Casa Loma is owned by the City of Toronto, operated by the Kiwanis Club of Casa Loma, and is one of the most popular tourist attractions with its outstanding architecture, beautiful gardens, and a brilliant skyline view of downtown on top of the hill. For more information on admission, call (416) 923-1171 How to Get there: Take the TTC Yonge-University-Spadina subway line to Dupont Station. Walk north on Spadina Rd. toward Casa Loma (at Davenport Rd) and then either walk up the Baldwin Steps (they are steep and plentiful) or walk westward to the neighbouring street up the hill.

Recreational Venues

Toronto Island Park Visit the Toronto Island Park to enjoy picturesque picnic, recreation, bike paths, and beaches. http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/index.htm Canada’s Wonderland Canada’s premier amusement parks, has tonnes of thrilling rides and attractions for every adventure and thrill seeker! Canada's Wonderland is located just minutes north of Toronto off Highway 400, just 10 minutes north of Highway 401. Exit Rutherford Rd. if heading north or south on Highway 400. Visit the website for further details, and prices of admissions. www1.cedarfair.com/canadaswonderland

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Wild Water Kingdom Wild Water Kingdom offers a number of attractions for everyone in the family. Whether you're in the mood for a relaxing dip in the lazy river, or a thrilling ride down one of our exciting slides, we've got it for you - and now it just got even better! Enjoy all of the amazing water attractions and UNLIMITED use of the Bumper Boats, Batting Cages, mini-golf, and rock climbing under a waterfall the Wild Water Wall! For one amazing price! Located in Brampton at 7855 Finch Avenue West, for further details contact 905-794-0565. Ontario Place Ontario Place is an internationally acclaimed cultural, leisure and entertainment parkland located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The complex extends throughout three man-made islands along the Lake Ontario waterfront. Located on Toronto's waterfront at 955 Lakeshore Boulevard West, south of Exhibition Place, between Dufferin Street and Strachan Avenue, Ontario Place is easily accessible by car, TTC and GO Transit. Don Valley Brick Works [and Park] Operated by Evergreen, the Brick Works is also “a centre for experiencing the relationship between nature, culture, and community.” The adjacent park, which was acquired for public open space by the city in 1990, has three themes: Water Quality Improvement in a Parkland Setting, Pleistocene Geology and The Brick Making Industry. It is located off of the Bayview Extension (550 Bayview Ave), between the Prince Edward Viaduct (Bloor/Danforth) and Pottery Rd. http://www.lostrivers.ca/BrickWorksPark.htm or http://www.evergreen.ca/en/brickworks/index.html

Black Creek Pioneer Village To visit Black Creek Pioneer Village is to journey back in time to discover life in early Ontario. The Village is an example of a typical crossroads community found in the Toronto area during the 1800s. Black Creek Pioneer Village is located in Toronto's north-west at 1000 Murray Ross Parkway (near the intersection of Steeles Avenue and Jane Street). www.blackcreek.ca Albion Hills Camp Ground Set in the hills of Caledon on the banks of the Humber River, Albion Hills offers dramatic scenery, exciting activities and excellent facilities — only 40 minutes from Toronto! So after a day of hiking, mountain biking or just laying on the beach, fall asleep beneath the stars at Albion Hills Campground. Albion Hills Campground is just 40 minutes northwest of Toronto, in Caledon, at 16500 Highway 50, just 8 kilometres north of Bolton. Niagara Falls

Niagara entertainment ranges from thrills on Niagara Air Tours and education at the Bird Kingdom to music at the Fallsview Casino theatres and kid-friendly activities at the Fun House or Brick City. A restful visit might include a visit to the Niagara wine region or taking in dinner shows and theatrical performances; an adventurous Niagara Falls vacation calls for a helicopter ride over the falls; environmental travelers are drawn to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory; and families find ways to reconnect at the Skylon Tower Fun Centre. www.niagarafallstourism.com

Blue Mountain Blue Mountain celebrates both the winter and green season, with skiing, horseback riding, spas, golfing and biking trails. www.bluemountain.ca

Scenic Caves Nature Adventures Includes the ecoadventure tour, scenic caves, suspension bridge, and Nordic adventure.www.sceniccaves.com

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Entertainment/Dining Nearest locations to York University: There are several options within the York University – Keele Campus such as The Grad Lounge (South Ross Building), York Lanes Retail Centre and the Student Centre where graduate students could also go and enjoy their time. Below are notable locations within the vicinity of the university. Being that the area could look like there’s hardly anything to do, please note that these are the nearest known sites, and not suggestions.

Apple Jack’s Grillin’ and Chillin’ Restaurant - 3757 Keele Street (south of Finch Ave West) http://www.applejacksrestaurants.com/ Vinnie Zucchini’s Italian Eatery – 1500 Steeles Ave West (at Dufferin St) http://www.vinniezucchini.com/ East Side Mario’s – 2171 Steeles Avenue West (west of Dufferin St.) http://www.eastsidemarios.com/ South St. Burger Co. – 2215 Steeles Avenue West (west of Dufferin St.) http://www.southstburger.com/ The Pickle Barrel – Centrepoint Mall / Yorkdale Shopping Centre http://www.picklebarrel.ca/ Mandarin Restaurant (Buffet) – 1027 Finch Ave. West (between Dufferin St. and Keele St.) Mr. Greek Mediterranean Grill – 1000 Finch Ave West (at Dufferin Street) Cora’s Breakfast and Lunch – Dufferin Corners 1881 Steeles Ave West (at Dufferin St) Rainforest Café – Yorkdale Shopping Centre Dave and Buster’s – 120 Interchange Way (at Highway 7 & Highway 400) Hoops Sports Bar and Grill – Pond Mills Centre 4207 Keele Street (across from York University) Philthy McNasty’s Bar & Sports Grill – 2180 Steeles Avenue West (at Keele Street) Famous Players Colossus Woodbridge – Highway 7 and Highway 400, Vaughan Famous Players SilverCity Yorkdale – Yorkdale Shopping Centre For further details on Toronto’s nightlife, restaurants and other social events off-campus, please visit www.toronto.com. Safety and Security:

*For Life-threatening Emergencies: 911 On-campus York University Security Services: Patrols and monitors the campus around the clock all 365 days in a year. Their website provides all information regarding safety tips, security procedures on-campus, urgent campus alerts or bulletins, emergency guidelines, crime prevention tips, etc. For more information, contact the following:

Website: http://www.yorku.ca/security/ • Urgent Matters: (416) 736-5333 or ext. 33333 • General Inquiries and Non-urgent matters: (416) 650-8000 or ext. 58000

Important Campus Safety / Security Services Offered: o goSAFE Transportation Service – Website: http://www.yorku.ca/goSAFE/ (416)736-5454 o Escort – Foot Patrols o Network of Emergency “Blue Light” Telephones.

Also available important numbers and links at: http://www.yorku.ca/security/impphonenum.htm

Off-campus Toronto Police Service: Non-Emergency and all Police Divisions and Units – (416) 808-2222

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