One person in Mimico is dead after a home was burnt in a fatal fire.

Fire crews were called to a large two-storey home on Miles Road, south of Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Royal York Road, around 6:41 p.m. on August 17.

“There was visible flames through the front window. Crews managed to get the fire under control very quickly,” Deputy Fire Chief Paul Fitzgerald said.

Firefighters located one person inside the burning home and rescued them. Toronto police said the resident had no vital signs and was pronounced dead at the scene.

“We’ve notified the Ontario Fire Marshal, and they’ll work together with Toronto police to determine a cause and the circumstances and origin leading up to the fire,” Fitzgerald told CP24.

Ironically, Miles Road was named after Undertaker Arthur William Miles, who operated a public zoo on the grounds of his Mimico estate that took up most of the road.

He was the Undertaker of many of Canada’s top politicians and citizens including Prime Minister Mackenzie King, Sir William Muluck, Sir Joseph Flavelle, Sir Henry Pellatt and Sir William Hearst.

Miles also arranged the 1914 mass funeral of 109 Torontonians on the Empress of Ireland that sank in the St. Lawrence River, in what is considered Canada’s worst maritime disaster, which took the lives of an entire Salvation Army Band.

The animal lover travelled the world collecting animals for his collection that contained a beloved elephant named “Tootsie,” two camels, two giraffes, about 40 donkeys, several monkeys, ostriches, and other exotic birds.

His workers erected a large wooden pier in Lake Ontario which held a number of swans.

The zoo was eventually forced to move by the City following complaints from neighbours

Police are mystified over the third smash and grab theft targeting a Long Branch Filipino restaurant of its delicious and spicy pork belly meats.

B’s Sizzling Kitchen, on Horner Avenue, was back in business hours after the August 15 theft of two large pork bellies which were being seasoned in the kitchen area. The barbequed meat was to be sold the next day.

Security camera footage show a man entering the building and walking back to the kitchen area.

Employees of the popular restaurant said the thief knew exactly what he wanted and where to find the expensive meat, which they estimated as worth about $500 or more.

They said the damage to three window frames and smashed glass cost in the thousands of dollars.

One of the owners of the Kitchen said there have been no arrests in any of the pork belly thefts.

“We know our food was good but we didn’t know it was that good,” owner Benedict Lucido, better known as Chef B, wrote on social media.

The eatery is known for its signature Cebu Lechon and kamayan menu of fresh seafood and grilled meats.

“I know our food is good, but really, there’s no need to break in,” according to the chef. “You could save us the hassle and anxiety of cleaning up, replacing the door, etc., — just ask nicely next time.”

The place was busy with customers when we visited. The food does look and smelled tasty.

Also broken into recently was a hamburger restaurant on Brown’s Line, near Evans Avenue. There has been no arrests in that incident.

There were a similar rash of thefts last year when about a dozen small businesses were robbed in similar smash and grab type burglaries.

The thefts are similar since they usually involve the smashing of a glass door pane. A security camera obtained images of a suspect who is being tracked down by police.

Some area residents are whispering about the timing of the pork belly thefts and if the meat was possibly for resale at a Taste of Manila festival that wrapped up August 18 in the Bathurst Street and Wilson Avenue area.

A Mississauga fuel-supply company has been fined $100,000 for leaking diesel fuel into the fish-bearing Etobicoke Creek.

The firm, that has not been identified, was fined by the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on August 16 after pleading guilty to an offence under the Fisheries Act.

The company plead guilty in relation to the unlawful deposit diesel fuel into fish-bearing waters from February 7 to March 5, 2019, according to a release from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC).

The fine will go to an Environmental Damages Fund.

The ECCC said on February 8, 2019, enforcement officers responded to complaints relating to a diesel fuel spill in Etobicoke Creek.

“Officers conducted an inspection at the company’s diesel fuel station on Dixie Road in Mississauga,” the release explained. “During the inspection, officers observed diesel fuel entering Etobicoke Creek, a body of water frequented by fish.”

Water samples were collected and an order issued to the company requiring them to stop the release and prevent any further deposits to Etobicoke Creek.

The agency through laboratory analysis determined the samples contained diesel, a ‘substance that is deleterious to fish.’

An investigation found that poor maintenance of the on-the-site-oil-water separator led to a system failure which allowed diesel fuel to be discharged through the storm sewer into Etobicoke Creek.

The court ordered the company’s name to be added to an Environmental Offenders Registry, which contains information on convictions of corporations registered for offences committed under certain federal environmental laws.

The federal government said it is committed to protecting the health, safety, and environment of Canadians. Environment and Climate Change Canada enforces the laws that protect the air, water, and natural environment in Canada.

The outraged owner of a Horner Avenue restaurant says his small business has broken into three times by thieves with no arrests and he has had enough.

Benedict Lucido, better known as Chef B, wrote that a robbery on August 15 was the third at his B’s Sizzling Kitchen, known for its signature Cebu Lechon and kamayan menu of fresh seafood and grilled meats.

“…broken into for the third time now,” the Filipino restaurant owner said on a social media post. “It’s disheartening and frustrating, to say the least.”

He said ‘we haven’t heard anything from the last two incidents, and we don’t expect to this time either, but we still went through the whole process.’

They said there has been no arrests by police for the heists, which have caused thousands of dollars in damages from smashed windows and frames.

Also broken into recently was a hamburger restaurant on Brown’s Line, near Evans Avenue. There has been no arrests in that incident.

There were a similar rash of thefts last year when about a dozen small businesses were robbed in similar smash and grab type burglaries.

The thefts are similar since they usually involve the smashing of a glass door pane. A security camera obtained images of a suspect who is being tracked down by police.

The chef said the thief headed straight for his food and stole ‘lots of it.’

“I know our food is good, but really, there’s no need to break in,” according to the post. “You could save us the hassle and anxiety of cleaning up, replacing the door, etc., — just ask nicely next time.”

The owner said things are tough for most people these days and they will not let the theft ‘break’ them.

“We’re choosing to move forward and find the good in the bad and hoping this will be the last time something like this happens,” he wrote. “We have faith that things will get better.”

The post stirred many feelings with many people in the community who showed support for the business.

“There’s no need to break in anywhere for food when there are tons of places that offer free hot meals three times a day,” wrote Lynn Stephanie.

Another reader said the break-ins seems to be a common occurrence for food places.

“The burger place on Brown’s Line was broken into last weekend in their second break-in,” she wrote.

Dawn Henri said she was ‘outraged indignant that someone did this to your store.’

“Police are paid to deal with this,” she said. “I’d like to know if the culprit Is found charged or punished.”

Chelcie Lumbao suggested the eatery place a metal cross across their windows to prevent the robbery from happening again.

The restaurant if popular with Filipinos for its Cebu Lechon, which is a boneless, pork-belly roll version of traditional Filipino Lechon.

The roasted pork belly originates from chef B’s home city in the Philippines, Cebu, and was revered even by chef Anthony Bourdain for its crunchy golden skin and flavourful meat.

Another day in the life of a busy Ward 3 city councillor.

Councillor Amber Morley in recent newsletter said her office swept into action following a recent bike lane-related complaint from an area resident.

Morley wrote that a local resident ‘noticed an issue and reported it to 311.’

Her office explained that ‘after roadwork was completed on Royal York Road, the painted bike lane was not restored – leaving them less safe for both cyclists and drivers.’

“My team reached out to staff to ensure the lines were repainted, and I am pleased to share that the lanes are now restored,” the Deputy Mayor agreed.

There you go, more lives of cyclists or motorists saved in Mimico.

The lane touch-up comes as the City works on a plan to install bike lanes along Parkside Drive from Bloor St. W., south to Lake Shore Blvd. W., according to a cycling committee.

Morley reminds constituents if they have issues with City programs or services to call 311.

The City of Toronto is actively hiring thousands of students and adults for part-time winter recreation positions.

The City is looking to fill employment opportunities in ski, skate, snowboard, indoor swim, fitness, sports, arts and after-school programs this winter.

Part-time winter recreation jobs help local students, adults and seniors build leadership skills, gain experience and prepare for future job skills and training.

The City is the largest employer of students in the city, with thousands of good jobs at fair wages available for anyone seeking part-time employment.

Each year, as Toronto’s largest recreation program provider, the City employs approximately 9,000 recreation workers.

Approximately 5,000 employees were needed during the Winter 2024 season to support community recreation programs. The City of Toronto is consistently one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers, as well as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers.  .

To learn about available winter recreation positions and other after-school programs, visit jobs.toronto.ca/recreation

Additional job postings for winter recreation will continue to be added in the coming weeks! For tips on how to apply and get hired, visit the City’s Recreation Jobs webpage.

 

A new piece of public artwork is coming this month to entertain art lovers in Humber Bay Shores.

A beautiful piece by Michael Belmore and Herman Mejia will soon be installed near Humber Bay Shores plaza, between the recreational trail and the waterfront, according to the City.

The artwork will be 12 feet tall and made of Corten and stainless steel.

“An Indigenous-led project, the new public artwork will be an iconic waterfront landmark and gathering place,” according to a note from Councillor Amber Morley’s office.

The installation of the large artwork will occur in two phases: the concrete foundation will be poured this month and left to cure. The installation of the sculpture will take place over ten days this month.

Construction hoarding will block off approximately 85 square metres for the installation to occur safely and pedestrian access along the walkways will not be interrupted.

After installation, mediation and landscaping will occur at the end of the month.

The sculpture is similar to the outline of a flame, which sits in a grassy area with a cityscape in the background.

Residents said they welcome the artwork and cannot wait to see what it looks like with the city in the background.

 

By REJEAN CANTLON

Sports Reporter

The road to lacrosse greatness ends in Orangeville

It was a mid-August night filled with anticipation and the 2024 Mimico Mountaineers had their backs against the wall – Game 6 of a best of seven series against the regular season champions, Orangeville Northmen leading 3 games to 2.

Do or die!

A victory before the packed home crowd would force the deciding game the following night up Highway 10, with the winner taking home the prestigious Iroquois Cup as the Jr. A Ontario lacrosse champions. The local boys didn’t disappoint, staying alive Saturday with a wild 11-8 victory.

Nothing comes close to winning a provincial title.

Game 6 started out quick for the Mimico home team with captain, Finn Thomson scoring the opening goal and setting off the crowd into a frenzy within 30 seconds of the first face-off. From there, it was a back and forth battle with the teams coming to a near even heat after 2 periods of play.

The last period witnessed the urgency and hunger of the Mountaineers to bring the series to a final and deciding Game 7.

The team’s defense was impenetrable along with tender, Nate Whittom standing on his head at times with the Northmen offense thinking nothing could surpass his mighty stature.

In  the 3rd  and final period, Angus MacDonnell, Justin Lee, Lucas Dudemaine, Finn Thomson and Mark Watters, all stepped up with high-light reel goals to help post the victory.

What a night for the Mimico home team

Unfortunately, the next night in Orangeville, the local boys dropped the series finale, 12-20 to a very formidable O’ville team.

Both squads have some the best-of-the-best players in the country and some imported talent from the U.S. To be this good at this level these athletes have been honing their skills since the time that they could walk and hold a stick.

For some, it came so naturally that they looked like they were butterflies prior to releasing their punishing shots on net. For others, it was a craft that took time and many hours of hard work with persistence to compete at such a high level.

The Jr. A Mountaineers consisted of 24 elite players ages 17-21.  The next level is pro, the National Lacrosse League (NLL).  This year’s Mimico crop had 11 graduating 21 year-olds who had  their last kick at the can to win the coveted Ontario championship.

Orangeville moves on compete for the national championship, the Minto Cup (Aug 17-25), which dates back to 1901.  They will face off against the champions of Alberta, BC and the host city team, Coquitlam, BC. The last time Mimico won the national championship was 73 years ago in 1951.

1951 Mimico Minto Cup Champs

The 2024 Mountaineers include the following players on their roster:

Finn Thomson, Lucas Dudemaine, Isiah Moran-Weekes, Justin Lee, Alex Roussel, Mark Watters, Justin Tavares, Angus MacDonell, Jordon Vincent, Ben McIsaac, Aaron Toguri, Aiden MacDonell, Nicholas Volkov, Cole Begley, Owen Hobs, Cameron Essensa, Henry Caponiti, Lucas Billing, Nate McDonald, Ethan Brown, Ryan Stines, Jacob Keller, Bryden Pitt, Kyle Kerrigan, Zach Abu-Ali, Enrico Lombardo, Cooper Sivicki, Kevin McFarlane, Adam Power and Nate Whittom.

Head Coach: Dean George

Assistant Coach: Tanner Thomson

Assistant Coach: Jeff Ivey

Assistant Coach: Riley Hutchcraft

Assistant Coach: Rob Michalsky

Trainer: Kristin Hodgens

Thanks for a great season boys!

Hundreds of people enjoyed the nice weather as they celebrated the annual Humber Bay Waterfront Festival.

More than 40 artisans treated festival goers to locally made treats, trinkets, flowers and food. There  were smiles on faces and fun had by all.

The Humber Bay Shores Waterfront Festival brings condo residents together so they can meet their neighbours in an event that attracts visitors from across the city.

There were a number of food trucks offering an array of food booths and diverse range of delectable treats.

“The area is well-served by local shops and essential services and is conveniently close to downtown Toronto,” according to festival organizers. “This is not just a place to visit for a festival but a wonderful place to live, work, and play year-round.”

Humber Bay Shores truly offers an exceptional lifestyle, making it an outstanding choice for those seeking a community that has it all, they said.

Dog walkers or bird watchers using Colonel Samuel Smith Park will be facing some truck traffic as major anti-erosion work is underway to restore the lakefront jewel.

The anti-flooding Colonel Samuel Smith Park Major Maintenance Project is being conducted by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to restore areas of the shoreline of the park damaged by erosion.

The storms last month and flooding from City sewage into Lake Ontario did not help with the erosion and made matters worse, officials said.

The work “will have a massive impact on park access and use over a number of years.’

“It was pointed out a number of times and it was pointed out that the work is necessary ‘if we still want to have a waterfront park,” wrote Terry Smith, of Friends of Sam Smith Park.

The TRCA released photos of some of the work to be conducted to address erosion hazards and enhance protection around the shoreline to prevent future hazards to visitors.

The TRCA, with Councillor Amber Morley, held an information session on July 30 at Humber College Lakeshore Campus to discuss project details.
Smith said the roadways used by trucks hauling rocks will be fenced off and residents will only have partial access to trails or dog walking area at certain hours.

Smith said measures are being taken to protect endangered turtles, the Whimbrel Watch and Spring Bird Festival  and other endangered species.

Construction is expected to begin this Fall with the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to work on an aquatic habitat improvement and restoration in the park.

This work is part of the permitting and approvals stage to ensure the effects of protecting the shoreline are coupled with habitat benefits in the park.

The popular waterfront park offers visitors ample recreational opportunities along wildlife habitats. The waterfront extension of the park was built in the 1980’s and includes popular shoreline trails for lake access.

The focus of TRCA’s major maintenance work will be along the outer shoreline of the park’s waterfront extension.

While some sections of the outer shoreline are in good condition, maintenance of several erosion control structures has become necessary due to severe weather events and wave action that poses a potential hazard to park lands and shoreline trails.

The work is expected to take a long time as trucks will have to haul in and level off lakefront rocks.