While debate continues to rage over whether it’s “The Beaches” or simply “The Beach,” Kew remains at the sandy heart of this east-end community that often embodies Toronto’s sneering stereotype.

This being in Toronto, Lake Ontario’s legendary shoddy water quality – never mind rumours of six-foot-long carp – deter many from taking a swim, yet daring souls still tread on the gritty sand, some venturing knee-deep into the cool waves.

When the sun is out, crowds flow down from Queen Street East to walk off an enormous plate of Sunset Grill home fries. Pushing brand-name strollers and yanking on golden retrievers, locals saunter through Kew Gardens, home to a massive jazz festival every July. They pass the library, baseball diamond and bandstand, and fill garbage cans to the brim with Starbucks cups and dog poo.

Down on the boardwalk, runner and cyclists nearly collide as they crane their necks to watch toned, tanned bodies serve up volleys on the sand. Looking out from the foot of Lee Avenue is Toronto at its most light-hearted and iconic.

Photo: Robert Swier