Plans are underway by the City to set fire and conduct a traditional and prescribed burn this spring to boost certain plant wildlife in at least three areas.

The three prescribed burns will take place in 2025 to restore and protect rare Black Oak woodlands and savannahs at High Park, South Humber Park and Lambton Park.

Fire-dependent ecosystems, such as Black Oak savannahs, contain rare native prairie plants that respond positively to burning and grow more vigorously. The burns are a part of a long-term management plan to restore and protect rare Black Oak woodlands and savannahs.

City officials are seeking more than $200,000 to conduct multi-year summertime “traditional and prescribed” to honour the traditional practice of Indigenous people on Turtle Island.

City of Toronto staff in a report said the burns can be dangerous if not managed properly and highly-qualified people have to be hired to conduct high complexity prescribed burns on City property.

The fires are planned and coordinated by a so-called Burn Boss, whose job it is to ensure the bush burns are well-planned and safe.

Prescribed burning is an important management tool to restore and maintain disturbance dependant habitats like the black oak savannah. Urban Forestry officials said that it helps to restore and maintain savannah habitats in the three areas.

“Densely urbanized centres such as Toronto are highly complex areas in which to burn, and it is crucial to have skilled staff to perform these burns effectively and safely,” according to the report.

It said urban sites in Toronto fall within the high complexity criteria. This is due to the potential impacts fire can have on public and private structures, as well as the risk of human impacts from smoke.

Following the prescribed burn each spring, a monitoring program is conducted by staff to collect site data including burn area coverage and vegetation response. Urban Forestry also work closely with High Park community members on assessing the results of the burns.

About a third of the park’s natural environment consists of nationally rare oak savannah, an open, park-like landscape that contains widely spaced black oaks, scattered low shrubs and a rich variety of prairie grasses and wildflowers. Savannahs are dependent on periodic fire to maintain their open character and rich variety of plant species.

South Humber Park is home to remnants of Black Oak woodlands and savannahs, a rare and endangered ecosystem. These woodlands and savannahs are a rare and endangered ecosystem that are fire-dependent and require periodic burning to maintain their open landscape and plant diversity.

Previously referred to as a “prescribed” burn, it is now referenced as a “traditional and prescribed” burn in order to use more accurate wording to honour the traditional practice of Indigenous people on Turtle Island.

A large-scale development project is underway to super-densify the area across from the Long Branch Go Station with a 43 and 11-storey high-rise condos.

The mixed-use buildings will contain more than 600 housing units and mostly underground parking for about 500 vehicles.

A 43-storey tower is proposed to be constructed at 3807-3829 Lake Shore Blvd. W., where a commercial strip exists with a vacuum cleaner shop, porn and convenience stores.

The so-called Long Branch Tower will have a six-storey podium, on top of which is a 37-storey tower. It will house 549 multi-size units.

The application is before the hearing stages and will have to be considered by City Council.

The tower will contain 165.1 square metres of retail gross floor area (GFA), and 35,945.6 square metres of residential GFA.

The high-rise will be located at the foot of Brown’s Line and Lake Shore Blvd. W., just steps east of Long Branch GO Station and the Long Branch Loop at the west end of the TTC’s route 501 Queen streetcar.

The developer claim the proposal would have little impact on local traffic and congestion.

The building will have underground parking for just 72 vehicles, compared to the over 430 bicycle parking spots proposed.

Developer Lake Shore West Co-Ownership, a partnership of Harlo Capital, Toronto Standard, and Major Street Group, have assembled six  properties for development from 3807 to 3829 Lake Shore Blvd. W., just where it meets Brown”s Line.

The site is just west of Fortieth Street and is now home of a retail plaza and a group of commercial buildings that at one time included a 2-4-1 Pizzas.

The site has also been placed within the Long Branch Major Transit Station Area, one of many such zones around transit where the province is promoting higher-density development.

The second application proposes to redevelop 3807 – 3815 Lake Shore Blvd. W., into an 11-storey building.

 The development will have 106 residential parking spots, and will contain one to three-bedroom units.

A number of residents have taken to social media to express their views on the upcoming buildings, with about half claiming the development is badly needed as the area has been neglected for a long time.

The Long Branch Go Station is being expanded and features being added to handle the hundreds of new residents who will soon be moving into the community.

 

One of the older global manufacturing companies in South Etobicoke that was in business for almost 100 years is being flattened for what else but more condos.

National Silicates has been a fixture at 429 Kipling Avenue, at Horner Avenue, since 1815. It shut down after 92 years of conducting business in 19 countries in all five continents.

The Kipling Avenue plant in its prime employed 100 employees, who retired or were laid off. The firm at one time had 1,500 employees and generated over $800 million in revenue.

The company goes back to 1815, with Joseph Crosfield and Sons in Warrington, England; and 1831, with Joseph Elkinton and Sons in Philadelphia, started with the manufacture of candles and soaps, beginning a two-century story of innovation.

Heavy machinery are now demolishing the plant in preparation for the construction of a new industrial condo building that will be divided into 13 units.

The proposal calls for more than 100 parking spots, 15 electric vehicle parking spaces and 10 for bicycles.

“The proposal will replace an existing industrial building and provide for a new modern development that will align with the goals and demands in the City of Toronto,” according to the developers.

National Silicates won awards for business excellence, encouraged employees to volunteer in their communities, and was a supporter of the Santa Claus Parade, Tree Planting in Marie Curtis Park, LAMP, Dorothy Ley Hospice, Women’s Habitat and the Jean Tweed Centre.

“As we close our doors for the last time, we leave behind an amazing community,” a former employee said. “We are friends and most of us are, in reality family.”

The firm was headquartered in Toronto and had production and distribution facilities in Valleyfield, Quebec; Toronto, Fort Frances, Whitecourt, Alberta; Surrey and Parksville, B.C.

The company’s Global Centre for Pulp and Paper Excellence was in Etobicoke and staffed by highly trained scientists who conducted research and development, as well as technical service.

Its principal product is sodium silicate used in the bleaching of wood pulp for paper manufacture and water treatment, among its many uses.

The company and its affiliates was the world’s largest producer of sodium and potassium silicates, according to its website.

The City is planning to erect a heritage plaque to commemorate the Queensway Market Gardens as part of Etobicoke’s rich farmlands that is now the Ontario Food Terminal.

Funds are being sought by Ward 3 Councillor Amber Morley for a heritage plaque, which will be installed in the terminal area.

“The production and installation of a heritage plaque is to recognize the history of the Queensway Market Gardens,” according to a motion seeking funds.

The Queensway Market Gardens ran on both sides of the Queensway from the Humber River to the west of Kipling Avenue, according to the City.

“The rich soil of south Etobicoke attracted farmers who specialized in growing food and flowers to supply the City,” according to staff. “The main produce was vegetables with a few farms having apple and pear trees as well as strawberry and raspberry bushes.”

The market gardens were family-centred operations that were passed down through multiple generations.

It said the Gardens were a source of full-time and part-time work for children, who would work after school and on Saturdays.

“During the summer break from school, they could be seen often weeding rows of vegetables six days a week for five cents a row, which is about $1 today,” the motion said.

Children also worked at the Park Lawn Road farmers market, stocking carts and loading horses.

An informal market existed on the site from 1915 to 1918. The road was only paved in 1925, so farmers would use horses and wagons to transport crops, but they would often get caught or bogged down due to the mix of rain and loose soil on their way to market.

The market was eventually closed and the area was used for the new 56-acre Ontario Food Terminal which was opened on July 21, 1954.

The proposed site of the plaque – Queensway Park – was a former 100-acre farm of one of the earliest Queensway market gardeners, Herod Noble.

By Tanya Vividly

This studio specializes in custom art framing, vintage posters, art restoration conservation and installation services.

I had the chance of visiting a great workshop studio/ art shop in the Long Branch area called Darrell Kobza Art Services.

Kobza is the owner of the studio and has been in this location for five years.

A unique highlight about his space is his collection of rare vintage posters that vary from travel themes to art gallery shows and international films.

And yes … this is a specialty or niche market that art is a blend of nostalgia,“pop art culture“ and 50s  & 60s marketing.

Before he moved to the area he was in the Dundas and Landsdowne area from 2002-2019. The reason for the move was a personal matter and he needed a fresh start and south Etobicoke was the answer.

Kobza is a graduate of the Ontario College of Arts and a former sculpture,  painter and printmaker. He has over 30 years of experience as a professional framer and has a love of collecting movie posters.

Walking around his space feels like an artful indulgence into a artist or painters studio. The wall arrangements are surrounded with vintage international movie posters and on the other side are various refreshing styles of frames.

A lot of his customers are regulars and a lot more are international.

In my opinion with the city being very expensive it is hard for artists to grow and experiment in their craft. His business is among the few that are left. We need to keep artists in our city. Without the artists all cities lack identity.

When I asked Darrel about the lack of artist spaces like his…his response was “there is so much potential in this area – I love Lakeshore – the City needs incentives for artists to stay and succeed.”

Visit: Darrel Kozba Art Services

3671 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

647-936-8566

An officer based at 22 Division in South Etobicoke has been demoted for driving his personal vehicle while under the influence of alcohol through a crash scene almost injuring a traffic cop.

Kirk Ramphal, a six-year Toronto Police veteran, was demoted from the rank of First Class Constable to Second Class Constable for 15-months and will have to attend a 60-day police Wellness Unit program. His licence was also suspended for 12-months.

According to an agreed statement of facts, Ramphal, joined 22 Division when he was 30 years old, was off duty and driving his personal vehicle in  the Evans and Kipling Avenues area at 5 a.m. on September  2, 2023.

At that time, two Toronto police cruisers in the area were blocking off a section of Kipling Avenue, south of Evans Avenue, as officers investigated a deadly car crash. The tribunal said two cruisers had their emergency lights on to prevent motorists from entering the area.

Ramphal missed the blockade and continued to drive towards the crash scene, according to the panel. The officers blocking the road had to activate their “full emergency equipment” to warn the investigators at the site of the collision of the incoming fast-moving vehicle.

“… his vehicle stopped just at the feet of one of the investigating officers,” the decision read.

Police detected a “strong” odour of alcohol on his breath and found that his eyes were bloodshot.

“The misconduct of PC Ramphal was serious and the circumstances surrounding his actions warrant a serious penalty,” according to the hearing.

The tribunal heard the officer was arrested for impaired driving after a collision. He had high alcohol readings in his system and pleaded guilty to one count of discreditable conduct, for being found guilty of an indictable or a summary conviction offence.

He received a $2,250 fine, a one-year driving prohibition, and he was given a penalty of a reduction of police rank for 15 months.

The tribunal was told Ramphal came to enjoy 22 division and enjoyed the work, the residents and that there was a good mix and balance of different types of police work.

Rampal apologized to the panel and said that he had gone out drinking with some friends and was on his way to pick up some fast food before going home.

The tribunal said he has an unblemished work history and received an award for saving a woman who had fallen down an embankment. He had also received a letter of appreciation from a community member for his professionalism locating an elderly male and he was commended for his role in a violent Hold Up Squad robbery.

Local New Toronto resident Tony James Gear may have left his native Newfoundland decades ago, but memories of his beloved hometown never left him.

Many community residents are mourning the sudden death of beloved Tony, who passed away on December 1 at the age of 55.

Tony was a beloved brother, uncle, son, father, poppy and friend to many.

He leaves behind his parents Betty and James Gear; his two children who he loved beyond life, daughter Kailey Gear and son Daniel Gear and his beautiful granddaughter Avery who he adored.

Sisters Lisa (Dave), Debbie (Alan), and Darlene; brothers James (Annette), and Danny (Roxanne); his many nieces and nephews all have special memories of their beautiful uncle; and also a large group of cousins and friends whose lives he touched along the way.

Tony had a larger then life personality who could light up any room he walked in, his  family said.

He always had the ability to make you laugh and listen by telling one of his many stories or jokes or using one of his many talents of playing music though guitar, accordion, spoons or simply breaking out in song or a whistle.

He was a beautiful soul with the kindest heart. We are all lucky to have known him and loved him.

Cremation will take place and a celebration of life will take place on January 18th, at 156 Sixth Street from 2 p.m. to 5pm. All are welcomed to come and remember Tony.

An 80-bed municipal shelter is planned for New Toronto to help provide critical services for those experiencing homelessness.

It will be the second attempt by City officials to build a large shelter in New Toronto. A 2020 attempt to install a 95-bed shelter at 2950 and 2970  Lake Shore Blvd. W. failed due to community backlash against the plan.

This time a property at 66 Third Street has been selected, with about 19 other sites across the City, to provide shelter for those living on the streets as they move toward permanent housing.

City staff in a release stated that it had secured 66 Third Street as a municipal shelter. Work has to be done on the property it is slated to open between 2028 and 2030.

The City said the shelter is part of the Council-approved Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy, to open up to 20 shelters by 2033.

“These sites will help respond to demand and stabilize the shelter system,” the release said. “The City is committed to working with the local community to support the success of the site and has hired Community Engagement Facilitator Public Progress to lead engagement.”

By 2033, the City plans to develop up to 20 new purpose-built shelter sites, creating a total of about 1,600 shelter spaces.

The new facilities will be less institutional and ‘more home-like,’ according to the City, and will feature natural materials and amenity spaces.

The suites will be smaller containing each about 80 single beds, will be better designed, help offset capacity as temporary shelter sites close and provide shelter in areas of significant of Black and Indigenous focused spaces.

The shelters will be decorated with art and symbols so people of different backgrounds feel welcome.

Pets will be allowed in the shelters, which will have spaces for counselling, harm reduction and other health care services, according to a report.

Similar shelters are planned for 1615 Dufferin Street, 2535 Gerrard Street E., 2024-2212 Eglinton Ave. W., 68 Sheppard Ave. and 1220 Wilson Avenue.

DECEMBER 6 TO 15 MISSISSAUGA Festival of Trees from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nightly at the Small Arms Inspection Building at 1352 Lake Shore Road E., for art installations, twinkling lights, live performances and workshops. Stroll through our artisan and culinary holiday market, showcasing more than 80 local vendors offering one-of-a-kind artisan goods and mouth-watering culinary creations. You can e-mail them at info@creativehub1352.ca

DECEMBER 13 KINGSWAY WOMEN’S CLUB welcomes men and women to a holiday lunch with entertainment by guitarist Mike Daley. Tickets $75. Lunch at Markland Wood Golf Club at 12 p.m. RSVP by December 7 to kingswaywomensclub.wordpress.com

DECEMBER 14 A CHRISTMAS SHOW free from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Alderwood Church, 44 Delma Drive., featuring String Hoppers. There will also be a Christmas Candlelight Service at the church on December 24 at 6 p.m. Join for a candlelight service to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

DECEMBER 14 JEAN AUGUSTINE CENTRE Holiday Party for families to mingle and celebrate the holiday season from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at their office on 101 Portland Road. The theme is Gingerbread Land. For more contact 416-253-9797 or visit jeanaugustinecentre.ca

DECEMBER 14 CAROLS BY THE LAKE at 4 p.m. at Mimico Square. Come join our singers carolling by the lake. Sponsored by the Mimico-by-the-lake BIA. Free event and dress warm.

DECEMBER 14 CHRISTMAS MARKET from 11 a.m. To 5 p.m. At Mimico Presbyterian Church, 119 Mimico Ave. Free entry shop local vendor for unique Christmas gitts and handicrafted goodies. For more Instagram: @completetlyhandemade.

DECEMBER 20 MP YVAN BAKER of Etobicoke Centre is sponsoring the Community Recognition Awards and nominations are open until December 20 for those who are making a difference in our community for outstanding volunteer service. The awards will be presented on January 26. Nominate someone by calling 416-249-7322 or sending an e-mail to Yvan.Baker@parl.gc.ca

DECEMBER 21 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and enjoy a delicious pancake, a bouncy castle and visit Good Old St. Nick as the holiday continues at Franklin Horner Community Centre. Tickets are $7 and available from December 2. . Contact the office at 416-252-6822 for tickets.

DECEMBER 23 SETTLEMENT SERVICES from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit 201. Free support, advice, information, permanent resident card renewal and citizenship applications, newcomer referrals and other services offered. Call 416-231-7070 or visit stonegatechc.org.

DECEMBER 23 SUNNYLEA FAMILY DROP-IN from 9:30 a.m. to 11;30 a.m. at Royal York United Church, at 851 Royal York Road. Free drop-in for families with children up to six years old. Interactive play, story time and crafts. Call 416-231-9401.

DECEMBER 25 SPANISH SPEAKING Women’s Group from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and take part in informative and motivational chats, arts, crafts meditation and cooking demos. For more info call 416-231-7070 or visit stonegatechc.org.

THE GOOD FOOD BOX Stonegate CHC is again presenting its food box drive in which a $25 donation will purchase a local family dealing with hunger security a box of fruits of vegetables as a gift. They are seeking donations for boxes or sponsors. For more information call 416-231-7070 ext. 229 or visit stonegatechc.org.

HEALTHY COOKING on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street. Learn easy and affordable methods of cooking heart-healthy food. For more information e-mail FatimaA@lampchc.org

MONDAYS AT 10:30 a.m. CHAIR YOGA with Briar at Barsa Kelly Cari-Can Co-Op, 1 Coin Street, for a gentle-seated workout. Stretch and enjoy some music and movement with Certified Hatha Yoga instructor Briar Boake. Build your core strength and improve your flexibility. For more information, contact jasmind@lampchc.org call 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

MONDAYS WALKING GROUP & Qigong from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. meet at LAMP CHC and join as we experience nature and take in the Fall beauty. Walking with or without poles, move at two speeds and enjoy gentle Tai Chi-like practice called Qiqong. To register email  jasmind@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 257, 308.

EVERY THURSDAYS CREATIVE WRITING group from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for 12 weeks and discover the joy of writing stories, letters, poetry and improve your communication skills. Contact robertc@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext 242.

And a Happy New Year to fellow Toronto residents.

We can all be digging in deeper in fees and rates come January 1 to fund some City services.

New fees and rates are being considered for water and solid waste management services as early as January 1, according to a City report.

City staff have recommended a 3.75 per cent increase to Toronto Water and Solid Waste Management Services (SWMS), which will mean hundreds of dollars more from our pockets.

The proposed rates and fees will be considered by the Executive Committee on December 10 and then by City Council during its meeting from December 17 to 19.

The City said the proposed increases will support the delivery of services such as waste management and water treatment while funding ongoing projects to build and maintain the infrastructure needed to deliver these services.

The fees for SWMS are used for residential garbage collection, organics, oversized and metal items and electronics. They also fund city-wide litter collection, Community Environment Days, street and parks bin collection, drop-off-depots and the ongoing care of closed landfills.

If the increase is approved, it will see a jump from $295 to $306 for a small single-family bin; a medium bin will rise to $372 and $586 for an extra-large bin, which is a rise of $19.

The report said an average Toronto household using 230 cubic metres of water per year, the 3.75 per cent increase equates to an increase of $39 yearly, for a total annual cost of $1,078 in 2025.

Toronto Water delivers safe drinking water, treats wastewater and manages storm-water while investing in infrastructure renewal and development to address growth, aging systems and climate change impacts.

The City invites residents and businesses to provide feedback on these proposed rates and associated service levels. Individuals can register to speak at the Executive Committee meeting by calling 416-392-7033 before 4:30 p.m. on December 9. Written submissions can be emailed to exc@toronto.ca

The City offers relief programs to provide rebates on water and solid waste charges for eligible low-income seniors and people living with a disability. More information about these programs is available on the City’s website.

You can view the City’s Notice of Price increase

https://www.toronto.ca/news/city-of-toronto-proposes-2025-rates-and-fees-for-waste-and-water/#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20City%20of%20Toronto,effect%20on%20January%201%2C%202025.