The beach as a lifeline

Star photographer Boris Spremo captured two sisters splashing around on Victoria Day weekend in 1998. Their mother tells Jessica Dee Humphreys how the beach was ‘life-saving’ for her family

As Torontonians experience an unusually quiet Victoria Day weekend due to pandemic restrictions, we revisit memories of “May Two-Four” fun and sun.

Eva Hellreich still remembers the day in 1998 when Toronto Star photographer Boris Spremo challenged her sister Rachael to dump a bucket of water over her head.

“He asked my mother if he could photograph it,” Eva says. “From my expression, you can tell the water was frigid!”

The girls and their mother, Elizabeth Hellreich, had travelled all the way to Woodbine Beach in the east end from the Junction in the west for some fresh air and sunshine.

Trips to the waterfront were regular outings for Elizabeth and her daughters. Those years had been very difficult ones for the Hellreichs. Elizabeth becomes quite emotional “remembering how hard it was and how poor we were.” For them, the city’s beaches and parks were a “lifeline.”

Every chance she could, Elizabeth packed the family a picnic lunch and herded them out. “We would leave our home at 10 a.m. — no air conditioning, as it was too expensive — and plan our day at one of the beaches ... the Island, Woodbine, QEW, Sunnyside ... Here everything was free. Washrooms and showers were available.”

Providing her daughters with access to clean, open spaces was essential for Elizabeth.

“Toronto beaches and parks were life-saving for me and my children,” she says, adding “Exercise, nature and de-stressing are so important for us all, especially in more challenged neighbourhoods, as an escape from heat and apartments.”

Eva, who works in the non-profit sector supporting newcomers and artists, agrees: “Toronto is a very expensive city. We are lucky to have access to free activities, nature and community festivals that are accessible by TTC.”

Her mother Elizabeth also feels very strongly about the importance of free access to beaches and parks for families, especially now: “As this pandemic continues, people will be struggling financially and these beaches and parks will be even more important to the well-being of Torontonians.”

She wants everyone, regardless of income, to have “access to the beach, a beautiful view, a playground and a wading pool.”

Living by the mantra “Water Heals,” Eva, Rachel and Elizabeth still enjoy going to the beach.

“We take my sister’s dog Bowie, the baby of the family, to play in the waves,” Eva says. “The beach has always been an equalizer for the three of us. Despite our ages or what’s going on in our lives, we are always able to come together under the sun for a swim and enjoy quality time for free together.”

‘‘ Exercise, nature and de-stressing are so important for us all, especially in more challenged neighbourhoods, as an escape from heat and apartments.” ELIZABETH HELLREICH