Some South Etobicoke parents and students are saddened by the closing of a private elementary school that has served the community for 43 years.

Staff at Kingsley School, at 3962 Bloor Street W., said it will shut down in June after the landlord St. Matthew’s Anglican Church raised the rent by more than 100 per cent.

The school, which has been renting the church for 10 years, said it has taught thousands of students since opening in 1981.

“This increase is not only detrimental, but also impossible for our small, not-for-profit school to meet,” school officials said on its website. “Despite our sincere efforts to negotiate and present alternative proposals, the church refused and decided to terminate our lease.”

The school said it was founded on the principles of providing an inclusive and affordable independent education accessible to all families without the elite price tag.

St. Matthew’s officials said they had run a deficit for many years and the church had a long history of using its building to run other charitable programs at below market rates.

“We need to make hard decisions so that the church will still be standing in the years to come,” it said.

Parent Jennifer Stachowski wrote on social media that Kingsley is an outstanding school and an alternative to consider.

“It is very sad to hear Kingsley is forced to close doors and I encourage those who will begin exploring options,” she added.

“This school was so special for my child,” said Georgina L-Pez. “She went from hating school to thriving and loving school. Thank you for everything “

“Kingsley may be small, but it has always had a great big heart,” the school said, adding there will be community events to bid the school farewell.

If you were always looking for a job to become an election poll worker, here is your chance to uphold democracy and make some bucks.
Ontario is hiring thousands of election workers and its worth your while since some pays up to $29.50 an hour and teens as young as 16 can apply to work for the February 27 election.

Young people aged 16 or 17 can apply for “youth at the booth” positions.

There is a need for tabulator returning officers, information assistants and other election officials who are required to work for a day when voters hit the polls. Some jobs will be paper-based while others will require the use of technology.

All jobs are paid positions and training is included.

To work as an information assistant, applicants must be at least 16 years old with a social insurance number.

“Election officials working at the technology-based polls will be using electronic poll books and vote tabulators,” Elections Ontario said. “Election officials working at the non-technology-based polls will be using paper-based products.”

Area managers, who oversee several paper-based voting locations and supervise poll officials on election day, can expect to earn $29.50 hourly working up to 13 hours on election day only.

A deputy returning officer can earn $22.42 per hour. Job duties include processing electors, revising voter information and issuing ballots.

Poll clerks can expect to earn $21.25 hourly on election day for up to 13 hours. A poll clerk assists the deputy returning officer with processing electors.

A polling day revision assistant also earns $21.25 per hour. In this role, workers verify whether an elector appears accurately on the list of electors.

Applicants are invited to visit Elections Ontario online to get started. A six-step online application process begins by providing information about you. For more visit elections.on.ca

Sign of the times.

Many have seen these signs on TTC vehicles that in a few months the transit company will no longer be accepting bus youth and senior tickets, tokens and day passes.

The changes take effect on June 1, just five months away.

“Refunds, exchanges and credits will not be provided,” the TTC said in a sign in the subway train.

Transit riders are expected to get a Presto card to access the system.

Customers can still pay their fare with cash in station fare boxes, and on buses and streetcars.

Cash can also be used to purchase a PRESTO card or PRESTO Ticket, or load funds or a monthly pass onto a PRESTO card at Fare Vending Machines in any TTC station.

Customers can tap their debit or credit card, including those in their mobile wallet on their smart devices on a PRESTO reader on a vehicle or a fare gate to pay a fare.

The TTC said if transferring from a TTC bus to a station, and you are paying by cash, TTC ticket or token, you must get a paper transfer from the operator on a bus, from the fares and transfers machine on a streetcar, or from the transfer machine at a station.

You are asked to keep it with you as your Proof-of-Payment and be prepared to show it to a TTC employee if asked at any point in your journey.

The transit company said the changes are being made as part of the TTC’s ongoing fare modernization.

The changes comes as Toronto residents complain about the constant break-downs and delays on the coldest days while waiting for TTC vehicles.

The province is investing almost $30,000 in two seniors centre to help them stay fit and healthy.

The funds are being distributed to the Franklin Horner Community Centre and Islington Seniors’ Centre as part of a $3.7 million Ontario investment to help centres deliver in-person and virtual programs.

The programs are for those aged 55 and older to keep fit, active and socially connected to their communities.

MPP Christine Hogarth said the government’s 2024 Fall Economic Statement increased funding for all Seniors Active Living Centres from up to $42,700 to up to $55,000 to ensure they have the support they need to continue providing seniors services and activities.

Minister of Seniors and Accessibility Raymond Cho said the centres will receive $1 million more for this year over last year.

Due to the success of Seniors Active Living Centres (SALC) the government is investing up to $17 million to expand the number of SALCs by 100 across Ontario from 316 to 416.

The move will increase services for seniors and those with disabilities in underserved communities.

The Ontario government is also enhancing access to compassionate, community-based end-of-life care by adding new hospice beds under the Dorothy Ley Hospice banner.

This initiative is part of a broader provincial effort to expand palliative care services, with 84 new adult hospice beds being added across Ontario. Once operational, these additions will increase the total number of publicly funded hospice beds in the province to 768.

The Ontario government will allocate an additional $16 million annually to fund the operation of these new beds once they are open.

Dorothy Ley Hospice will receive five more beds at its Kipling Acres site, three more at Humber River and two beds at Hospice Mississauga.

Hundreds of NHL fans descended on the Prince of Wales Park Rink on Third Street to see and cheer their favourite Toronto Maple Leafs hockey icons.

The cold did not stop fans from having a great time meeting and cheering their favourite Leafs alumni player as they signed autographs and chatted with fans outside the outdoor rink after a mock game..

The Maple Leafs annual outdoor practice attracts hundreds of Leafs’ lovers from across the region, some who travel hours to see their favourite players and obtain photographs.

Crowd favourite and former twice Toronto Maple Leafs captain Darryl Sittler showed what a professional he is by sticking around and talking, signing autographs and taking selfies with fans of all ages, who are loyal Maple Leaf boosters.

Sittler was circled by fans as he tried to enter an Uber after an Leafs alumni mock game. The driver had to wait at least 20 minutes as the hockey great did not disappoint anyone.

The lakefront skate gave fans an opportunity to be upfront and close to the hockey legends they admired from a generation ago.

On January 27 and 28 the Maple Leafs team, hot and on a roll, will take to the Prince of Wales ice for a morning skate.

There are thousands of fans expected to see their faves as Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner or William Nylander.

Handing out swag as pucks was MP Christiine Hogarth, who was out campaigning for a February 27 snap election in Ontario.

Hogarth said she was attending a church service with Premier Doug Ford that night as she tried to recapture the Etobicoke Lakeshore provincial riding which she has held for … years.

Perhaps the busiest place was the Tim Hortons trailer which had a long lineup for the free coffee being offered on this freezing day.

The streets to be closed includes: Third Street from Lake Shore Drive to the dead end, Lake Shore Drive from Third Street to the dead end of the street and Second Street from Morrison Street to the end.

The Leafs’ annual outdoor practice is a free, public event that usually takes place at Nathan Phillips Square at City Hall. The event features a number of activities that last year included a Toronto Professional Women Hockey League (PWHL) skills competition and a Leafs alumni signing session.

 

A 90-year-old Art Deco-style former post office located at was once the downtown of New Toronto is being designated as a heritage site by City Council.

The building at 2930 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Islington Avenue, is expected to be deemed historic by a Toronto Preservation Board on January 31.

The New Toronto Post Office was completed in 1935 as part of the Public Works Construction Act of 1934, which saw the construction of 185 public buildings by the Government of Canada between 1934 and 1939.

It was designed by Catto and Catto Architects in the Stripped Classical Style with Art Deco elements, the limestone clad structure with polished granite accents has stood as a community landmark at the centre of downtown New Toronto since 1935.

The Board said the former post office is an example of ‘small-scale public building’ constructed as part of the interwar period from 1918 to 1939. The building ‘reflects the transition towards modernism that typifies this period.’

“Its flattened classical details including cornice of contrasting stonework bands, flattened pilasters, and imposing door surround flanked by fluted columns are hallmarks of Stripped Classicism,” according to a City report.

“…the strong planarity of the contrasting bands of limestone and black granite at the cornice and interior plasterwork of the lobby reflect the influence of Art Deco.”

The City said its scale and high-quality materials, including exterior and interior stonework were introduced by the Department of Public Works in 1936 to reduce costs.

The first Post Office in New Toronto opened in 1892 at 818 Lake Shore Road inside a grocery store operated by Christopher Reid who served as the first postmaster from 1892-1907. In 1908, it was relocated to 131 Sixth Street where it would remain until 1935.

New Toronto was established in 1890 by the Mimico Real Estate Security Company, which registered a subdivision for the lands north of Lake Shore Road between Dwight Avenue to the Grand Trunk Railway corridor.

In 1913, New Toronto was incorporated as a village with a population of 500. At this time a handful of commercial properties existed along Lake Shore Road between Fifth and Seventh Streets. After becoming a town in 1920, New Toronto would continue to grow, achieving a population of 6,000 in 1930.

FEBRUARY 1 THE ETOBICOKE CIVIC CENTRE WILL commemorate Black History Month African Heritage 2025 with the raising of the Pan-African Flag at the Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall. The Celebrating Our Mosaic ceremony runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to celebrate the culture, heritage, and contributions of people of African descent. There will be special presentations, entertainment and refreshments. All is welcome.

FEBRUARY 1 BLACK HISTORY MONTH RECEPTION, Art Exhibition & Ujamaa Marketplace from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Newmarket Old Town Hall, 460 Botsford Street, in a free event emceed by Emily Mills, award winning founder of How She Hustles.  There will be entrepreneurs in health and wellness, technology and supply chain industries. Also drumming, dance and spoken word performances. Featuring a gallery exhibition highlighting this year’s theme, “I and I, I Wanna Rule My Destin.” meet  local Black-owned businesses offering unique cultural products and services. Organized by the Newmarket African Caribbean Canadian Association.

FEBRUARY 6 VICTORIA UNIVERSITY HONOURING Dr. Jean Augustine at the Isabel Bader Theatre as part of Black History Month celebrations. Jean was the first Black woman elected as a Member of Parliament and appointed as a federal cabinet minister. Her accomplishments include having the month of February officially recognized as Black History Month. A professorship will be created in her name. Tickets are $100. Contact vic.alumni@utoronto.ca

FEBRUARY 8 A CELEBRATION OF BLACK HISTORY from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. for an inspiring evening filled with soulful gospel music at Lyric Theatre, Meridian Arts Centre, 5040 Yonge Street. U of T’s Faculty of Music and the Toronto School of Theology present a powerful musical journey featuring traditional and contemporary gospel pieces, dynamic drumming by the U of T West African Drumming and Dance Ensemble, and an electrifying gospel rhythm section.. For more e-mail music@utoronto.ca. Tickets also available at Ticketmaster.

FEBRUARY 18 BLACK HISTORY afternoon event for seniors at 1 p.m. drumming. Food and Culture Caribbean at 2:30 p.m., entertainment 3:30 p.m. To register contact erica@lampchc.org, call 416-252-6471 ext. 246 or rosema@lampchc.org ext. 257

UNTIL FEBRUARY 18 FREE DRUMMING WORKSHOPS at 1 p.m. at LAMP CHC for a free African drumming workshops and let the rhythm take control. Come unleash your inner groove and connect with fellow music lovers. For more e-mail erica@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 246.

FEBRUARY 22 JEAN AUGUSTINE CENTRE’s Black History Month Celebration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Famous People Players, at 343 Evans Avenue. The celebration features special guests, performances, brunch vendors and more. Tickets are $40 at Eventbrite starting January 29. Proceeds will support the Centre and its programs and workshops for young women aged 7 to 17 in Etobicoke and GTA.

FEBRUARY 8, 15 and 22 BLACK HISTORY MONTH New Words at Colborne Lodge with renowned poet Desiree McKenzie as she creates poetry that responds to racism, colonialism, Indigenous land and gender inequities. Takes place 11:30 a.m. 1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the Colborne Lodge Museum, 11 Colborne Lodge Drive. For more info e-mail clodge@toronto.ca or call 416-392-6916

FEBRUARY 28 BLACK HISTORY MONTH MAJESTIC WARRIORS the veteran roots reggae band and guests will perform reggae music at Jj’s Bar & Grill at 2814 Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Islington Avenue, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.. All is welcome to this dance and cultural vibrations event. Tickets $12.

 

It took 11-years but a plaque has been finally placed for friends and family to remember Toronto Police Const. John Zivcic.

Zivcic, 34, died of head injuries after his police vehicle was involved in a collision in November 2013 at the intersection of Bloor Street West and Neilson Drive.

The husband and family man was on traffic duty and was responding to an emergency call for an impaired driver with his lights and sirens on when he was involved in a collision.

The young officer had been stationed for more than six years at 22 Division, in South Etobicoke.

A group of family, friends and co-workers gathered on January 23 as a plaque was unveiled under a tree on Bloor St., near the crash site, in memory of Zivcic. The tree was planted prior in his memory and police dog was named Zee after the officer.

“This lilac tree planted in John’s honour is very significant and will have special meaning for many people,” police said then. “This tree will serve as a constant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice John made in protecting the citizens of Toronto.”

Police said the plaque unveiling brought together his family, friends, and fellow officers to honour his courage, dedication, and commitment to serving his community.

Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said the tree and plaque serve as a reminder of what many police officers know well.

“I pass this place frequently and I think about John, his sacrifice, his courage and commitment to community, as many of you do,” she said. “This plaque ensures everyone who passes can reflect. And it offers us a place to gather to celebrate John and ensure he is never forgotten.”

Hamilton Police Service Chief Frank Bergen, who was serving as the 22 Division unit commander at the time of the tragic collision, said the loss of Zivcic was one of the most impactful moments of his career. He still carries his funeral card in his police forage cap.

Then Inspector Anthony Paoletta said Zivcic’s legacy lives on in his love for his family, commitment to policing and his love for the South Etobicoke community.

City Councillor Stephen Holyday, who helped make the plaque a reality, joined in the ceremony where a police bagpiper played Amazing Grace, and Special Constable Steven Cooper sang Bring Him Home as Mounted Unit officers stood as an Honour Guard.

An upcoming Ontario election was an open secret that will send more than four million of us to the polls later this month in the prime of winter.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford now high in the polls confirmed on January 24 that he is calling a snap election on January 29, that is set to take place on February 27.

It will be a cold call to vote for residents and hundreds of volunteers installing election signs or knocking on doors. The vote itself is expected to cost about $160 million.

The astute politician is taking an advantage of a lack of leadership in Ottawa, U.S. tariff threats and a booming economy to call a vote, as he is riding high in the polls.

Recent polls indicate 46 per cent of respondents expressed support for the reigning Tories versus 22 per cent for Bonnie Crombie’s Liberals, 19 per cent for the NDP, just 7 per cent for the Green Party and 6 per cent other.

The Premier has been scoring points lately from residents for a long list of reasons, one being his leading Captain Canada role in standing up to U.S. tariffs.

He claims he requires a large mandate from voters to stand up to President Donald Trump, in a tariff fight that could cost Ontarians ‘10s of billions of dollars.’

Ford’s popularity buoyed as many voters were happy with beer and wines now sold in corner stores, reducing some vehicle and gas taxes, pushing to remove controversial bike lanes from busy streets and now free money with a cheque of $200 being sent out to help qualified Ontarians at a cost of $3 billion.

He has also won the high-profile fight to move the Ontario Science Centre to Ontario Place and add a luxury spa with tremendous work now underway.

Crombie and Styles claim Ford is calling an election now to maintain and retain power to make his friends richer.

A search for a fast-fingered woman accused of stealing a luxury watch from a man while on a date led Toronto Police to a trove of high-end stolen goods at a Humber Bay Shores condo unit.

Police said their probe began after a female allegedly stole an expensive watch from a man she was on a date with on January 6 around 2 p.m. at a hotel in the Wellington Street West and Blue Jays Way area.

Detectives managed to identify the woman and that led to a search of an apartment in the Park Lawn Road and Lake Shore Blvd. W. area.

Several luxury items were seized at the address, according to police.

Bianca Azaria Bourne-Nikolajev, 30, of Toronto, is wanted by police for theft over $5,000 and possess property obtained by crime exceeding $5,000.

She is described as 5’8″ tall, 115lbs, thin build, with black hair.

Investigators are looking to identify owners of the luxury items that were seized during the search warrant. Contact police if you recognize the suspect or believe any of the stolen goods were yours.

It is not known if the woman met the men on a dating website and the alleged thefts occurred on a first date.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com