Thousands of people jammed into a closed off Lake Shore Blvd. W. to celebrate the annual Grill Cheese Challenge.

TTC shuttle buses transported riders around the New Toronto area, which was closed on June 8 for streetcars as fun-lovers took to Lake Shore.

The street was filled with people and the smells from a range of different foods flowing from different booths as residents lined up to try the varied offerings, ranging from shwarma to assorted grill cheese.

Event organizer the Lakeshore Village Business Improvement Area (BIA) estimate the popular, annual festival attracted a record crowd who were entertained by live bands at a beer tent set up at the intersection of Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Islington Avenue.

Stores on both sides of the street were open, some with sales, to attract the many shoppers in the crowd.

“We have had lineups for our grill cheese ice cream,” said Ed Johnson, owner of Mimico’s Ed’s Real Scoop ice cream store. “It seems people have eaten their grill cheese and are looking for desserts.”

He created a special grill cheese ice cream which turned out to be a favourite by those in line.

“I love ice cream and this is great,” said area resident Sarah as she licked a cone. “It is all homemade and very tasty,”

Lidia from Benjamin Moore Paints, said the turnout of people for the Challenge was fantastic.

“This is one of our biggest crowds for the Challenge in years.” Lidia said. “It is a good crowd and the weather is good.”

Faouzi, from Faulkner’s Home Appliances, said it is a good crowd and people were enjoying themselves and the assortment of food being offered.

Tammy from Ridley Funeral Home, which had a booth set up, said the crowds were patient and people were in a good mood.

“The kids are smiling and having a good time,” said Irma, who was visiting with her family from Alderwood. “We are glad we checked out the fair this year.”

Jane, who was on the job, was out in search of a drink poured in an empty pineapple, which seemed to be trending this year.

The dog show attracted many people, who brought their pooches with them.

One of the last movie theatres in South Etobicoke may soon become a field of high-rise condos.
An application has been made to redevelop the sprawling Cineplex Cinemas Queensway site, at 1025 The Queensway, into 10 condo towers ranging up to 46 storeys in height.
The Queensway and Islington Avenue gathering spot for many for decades has been a mainstay in the community since 2001.
The 20-screen theatre, like many, has been struggling to re-attract new audiences since being pummeled by the pandemic.

It will join others like The Westwood Theatre, which is being demolished to build thousands of units of affordable housing, near the new Etobicoke Civic Centre, in the Six Points area.
The redeveloped Cineplex is slated to become a master plan community with a mix of residential, commercial, institutional, and public spaces across a series of buildings ranging from 7 to 46 storeys.
It is now in the hearing stages as necessary permits have to be obtained, if approved by Etobicoke York Community Council, before construction can begin.
Plans were filed with the City of Toronto in late May to begin the project, which will feature a north-south and east-west roads connecting the buildings.
The cinema’s vast surface parking lot containing 1,277 parking spaces, is set to be redeveloped into the new complex that will include a new park.

A plan feature towers with heights of 46, 43, 43, 39, 37, 33, 31, 25, 25 and 18 storeys, plus a pair of mid-rise commercial buildings rising seven floors.
The developer proposes to construct a whopping 4,328 residential units to occupy a majority of the site’s combined total of over 346,000 square metres of floor space.
Almost 22,000 square metres of space would be dedicated to employment uses within the mid-rise buildings, along with over 2,500 square metres of retail and daycare space.
The towers will be anchored by a central 4,347 square metre public park and two blocks of privately-owned-publicly accessible spaces.
The north end of the complex fronting The Queensway is already in the process of being constructed as Verge Condominiums by RioCan Living that will be about 17 storeys tall.
The site is situated near significant transportation arteries including the Gardiner

Expressway directly south and Highway 427 to the west.
That area of The Queensway is deemed a development zone and tall condos are planned to the east and west of the cinema.
Residents of the area are not impressed with the project and have taken to social media to voice their concerns.
Area dwellers say the area is already congested and lacks the infrastructure for the thousands of new residents who will be moving in.

“Talk about jamming as much as you can within a space that is surrounded by two roads and a highway,” ilovetrees wrote. “The infrastructure is not set up and never will be to support this massive amounts of people.”
Another writer said traffic will become an even worst nightmare considering parts of the Gardiner Expressway is already under construction for three years.
Bettercities point out that Islington Avenue is already congested and it will get worst with cars doing a shortcut through the development.
“This is how condos have been killing the scene because they don’t bring back the businesses they killed in the first place,” wrote Nana AkaJerz Okyere. “At least bring the cinema back in the podium geez.”

Sub maker George Kozaris has a passion for making his customers happy.

Kozaris this month is celebrating his 50^th year as owner of Lakeshore Super Submarine, at 2939 Lake Shore Blvd. W., where most people in the area have enjoyed his sandwiches.

He’s been dubbed the ‘Reeve of Lakeshore,’ since he knows most residents after serving belly-filling subs for half a century to at least 100,000 customers.

“I started in the business with my brother when I was 20, and I am now 70,” smiles Kozaris, who has a great sense of humour in addition to being a big Montreal Canadiens fan. “I plan to keep on going until I drop.”

He and his late brother started the business in 1974 at a store at Third Street and later moved uptown to near Seventh Street.

The avid hockey fan has memorabilia of the sport decorating his store. He takes pride in serving delicious sandwiches served with fresh meats and sliced vegetables, like tomatoes, lettuce, green pepper and other condiments.

“I slice all the meat myself every day,” he says. “This way I know that everything is fresh and my customers will enjoy it.”

His customers keep on returning and he knows them and their families by name. Many visit the bright roadside eatery at least weekly to get their fill. One man enjoys the sandwiches so much that he has been returning regularly for 47 years.

Long-time resident Jerome Drayton said he’s been getting his fill at Lakeshore Super Submarine for about 20 years.

Kozaris know his favourite sub, drink and even where he likes to sit.

“This is the best sub around,” Drayton insists. “I have been coming here for many years and the quality is always great.”

Drayton is a former long-distance runner and marathoner eats healthy foods and it is one of the reason he returns.

Lakeshore Super Submarine has thousands of great reviews online, yet people return for the comradery, quality of sandwich and price.

Most of the sandwiches are still in the $10 range and are bulging in size with a large portion of meat and condiments. At first I couldn’t eat an entire sub because of the size. Now I can devour it. And as more food products shrink in size, this has not.

His shop was made even more famous after appearing in one of the successful Police Academy movies, which were filmed in the area.

By DEVIN MEIRELES

George the Barber has been serving the Mimico community for more than 30 years.

Many residents know George from Pat’s, formerly on Simpson Avenue, across the street from SanRemo Bakery, where he worked for 17 years, but he moved down the street on 182 Royal York Road to open his own shop 13 years ago.

Since then, customers have followed him for his excellent work specializing in men’s haircuts and old-fashioned shaves.

George’s Barber Shop has a great atmosphere with cool pictures plastered on the wall, usually some classic television on the screen, and always a good conversation to be had.

It has that traditional barbershop feel where it stands out from anywhere else. That’s how it’s easy to understand why the community loves George the Barber.

For the first year anniversary of his shop, a customer gifted him the patio set where locals can have a seat and enjoy the view outside.

Another customer lost George when he moved, so to make sure that everybody knows where to find him, they made a mural on the exterior wall of the building that captures the barber in his signature plaid shirt cutting fictional character, Tony Montana, from the Scarface movie.

The artwork is unmistakable when driving down Royal York and has become an iconic scene in South Etobicoke.

George is a great guy, and seemingly never has a bad day, so it’s always a treat to stop by for a haircut.

He has consistently served the community and has seen three generations of customers come into the shop.

Even the children of the neighbourhood stop by to say hello and polish off the candy in his old school gumball machine.

Go and check it out for yourself and you won’t regret it. He does the best work and has great rates. Don’t forget to tip! George’s Barber Shop is a real staple of Mimico.

George’s shop can be reached at 416-259-8586.

 

JUNE 8 ANNUAL GRILL CHEESE CHALLENGE in New Toronto with fun for the whole family with food, live bands, shopping and time to meet with friends.

JUNE 18 to JULY 25 FREE CONCRETE ART EXHIBITION Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. at the Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, for a collection of black and white street photography in exhibition by Ismayil Atmaca. For more call 416-338-7255 or visit www.toronto.ca

JUNE 20 LAMP CHC 24th ANNUAL AWARDS OF MERIT from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the lawn at LAMP, 185 Fifth Street, for a community BBQ and Awards Celebration to recognize key change makers in South Etobicoke. Music with the Etobicoke Jazz Band, silent auction, nutrition booth, drumming station and art show. Celebrate the power of community. Contact jasmind@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

JUNE 18 to JULY 25 FREE CONCRETE ART EXHIBITION Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. at the Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, for a collection of black and white street photography in exhibition by Ismayil Atmaca. For more call 416-338-7255 or visit www.toronto.ca

JUNE 19 LAMP CHC 24th ANNUAL AWARDS OF MERIT from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the lawn at LAMP, 185 Fifth Street, for a community BBQ and Awards Celebration to recognize key change makers in South Etobicoke. Music with the Etobicoke Jazz Band, silent auction, nutrition booth, drumming station and art show. Celebrate the power of community. For more contact jasmind@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

JUNE 20 MOVIE TIME in the LAMP CHC Community Room at 1 p.m. to watch a movie on a big screen. Popcorn and snacks provided. For more call 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

JUNE 21 FAMILY FEUD from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. put together your team, join one or join our audience at Franklin Horner Community Centre, at 432 Horner Avenue. Tickets $10 and include a delicious lunch. Call for details at 416-252-6822.

JUNE 26 ANNUAL STRAWBERRY SOCIAL at 12 noon at Franklin Horner Community Centre, 432 Horner Avenue. Tickets are $2 and include sandwiches, tea or coffee with strawberry cake and ice cream. One man band Jay Franco will perform so bring your dancing shoes. Call for details 416-252-6822.

JUNE 27 THE ONTARIO POPS ORCHESTRA Brass Ensemble Concert to celebrate Multicultural Day free admission at Humber Valley United Church at 7 p.m. registration online at www.ontariopops.com

MONDAYS WALKING GROUP WITH NIKI at 10:30 a.m. meet at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street, step into a healthier, happier lifestyle. Discover the beauty of our community while improving your mindfulness and connecting with others. To register contact Niki at NikiM@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 257.

WEDNESDAYS CHAIR YOGA WITH MEAUX at 1 p.m. in person at LAMP CHC or online for a gentle seated workout to strengthen muscles and mobility and improve balance using bands or light weights. For more contact anthonya@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 246.

WEDNESDAYS UKULELE 101 at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street, at 2:15 p.m. for a crash course on the ukulele. No experience needed. Let’s make music together. To register email anthonya@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 246.

WEDNESDAYS MINDFULNESS WITH CORIN at 3 p.m. online via Zoom as Corin De Sousa provides evidence-based mindfulness programs and workshops. She is a certified mindfulness teacher through the Canadian College of Educators. To register email Niki at NikiM@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 257.

THURSDAYS CHAIR YOGA WITH BRIAR in person or online at 10:30 a.m. at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street, to stretch and enjoy some music and movement with certified Hatha Yoga instructor Briar Boake. Build our core strength and improve flexibility. For more email anthonya@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 246.

THURSDAYS FREE ART CLASSES UNTIL JUNE 22 in person at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street, join local artist Nataliya Sydorenko and experience the health benefits of painting and drawing to enhance creativity, improve memory and reduce stress. To register for the summer session email anthonya@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 246.

FRIDAYS FREE DRUMMING WORKSHOPS at 2 p.m. to beat your own drum and let the rhythm take control. No experience required. Come unleash your inner groove and connect with fellow music lovers at LAMP CHC. For more email anthonya@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 246.

FRIDAYS LATIN DANCING AT 4 p.m. to spice up your dance moves and immerse yourself in vibrant rhythms of salsa, bachata and more at LAMP CHC. No partner or experience needed, just bring your passion for dancing. To register email Niki at NikiM@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 257.

JOIN SOUTH ETOBICOKE COMMUNITY Land Trust and become part of a transformative movement. You will have a say in preserving affordable housing, green spaces and community amenities for generations to come. For more contact info@SECLT.ca.

BI-WEEKLY ON THURSDAYS BUS TO NO FRILLS at Queensway and Royal York for those over the age of 55, or with mobility issues. Bus will pick you up and drop you off at home. Call Stonegate CHC,10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit 201, at 416-231-7070 ext. 239 to fill out necessary forms.

TUESDAYS SENIORS GENTLE CHAIR EXERCISE from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit 201, Trillium Room. Call to register at 416-243-0127 ext. 503.

THURSDAYS GOOD FOOD MARKET 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane, 2nd Floor, for affordable produce cash and debit accepted. For more call 416-231-7070 ext. 307.

LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH seniors social game group for those over 55 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit 201, to socialize and take part in board games as euchre, bridge, uno or domino. A light lunch is served. To register call 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or email health.promotion@stonegatechc.org

TUESDAYS YOGA INDOORS from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit 201, Trillium Room, join Stephanie from Yoga Outreach Project for Yoga indoors. Also on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with Kat. Bring your own mat if you have one and water bottle. To register call 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or email health.promotion@stonegatechc.org

 

Most of us have a cozy, warm bed to sleep on tonight.

But, there are two men who have been sleeping in tents since last winter in the New Toronto parking lot of a social agency.

They are helped by a local agency Food for Now, who frequently deliver them food and to check up on their health, as one of the men is older and was recently hospitalized.

They are also helped by members of St. Margaret New Toronto church whose members raise funds to help them gas a car to obtain heat during the coldest nights.

The men are proud and held jobs for most of their lives until losing their jobs and livelihood during the pandemic. They have not been able to bounce back.

Another man in the area, who used to sleep in a large box, was moved by Food For Now to a tent and a new home hidden in the bushes of Colonel Samuel Smith Park.

Mimico and area residents say they have been waiting for a long time for the opening of a Krispy Kreme Doughut Factory.

The say the popular U.S. fast food chain is one of a few in the City of Toronto and before they had to travel to Mississauga to get their fix.

The store is being renovated and is expected to be opened sometime this month at 2458 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Mimico Avenue, at the site of a former Brewers Retail outlet.

“We make our Original Glazed Doughnut the way we always have,” according to Krispy Kreme’s website. “Because it’s the right way. The fun way. And we love doing it that way for you – our customer.”

The chain has a loyal following in Canada and worldwide.

The massive Krispy Kreme chain has more than 12,872 locations around the world.

The largest chain however if Dunkin’ Donuts with approximately 12,900 locations in 42 countries, Dunkin’ is one of the largest coffee shop and donut shop chains in the world.

Krispy Kreme is owned by its parent company, JAB Holding Company. According to its website, JAB is “a unique partnership of long-term investors in consumer goods & services.” It owns multiple other high-profile businesses, such as Panera Bread, Pret A Manger, Espresso House, and Coty.

Hundreds of people attended a rally to call for the re-opening of High Park to vehicles and for all people seven days a week.

More than 16,000 angry residents have signed an online petition that was sent to City officials to have the massive park reopened for all.

The rally on June 1 was held at the main gate of the park on Bloor Street West.

Last August West Road was closed to traffic and a one-way system from Parkside Drive to Bloor Street West as put into practice and new bike lanes marked out, shutting down 355 of the 566 parking spaces, according to a group calling for change.

The group High Park Access to All said visitors to High Park are now unable to park, adding that ugly road bollards were also introduced which destroy the beauty of park for all.

“This has decimated the allotment gardens, Grenadier Café, Childrens Garden, Colborne Lodge, Nature Centre and Zoo patronage,” group members said. “It is now extremely difficult and hazardous for parents to pick up their children from little league games, summer camps and other activities.”

They said physically challenged and the aged are effectively shut out.

Business at the Grenadier Café and other venues have dropped dramatically due to the lack of vehicular traffic, they claim.

“The plan has created a racetrack for the ever-present speed cyclists and generally reduced our beautiful park to an empty wasteland,” High Park Access to All said in a release.

The group said they are not pro-car or anti-cyclist, but believe the park, with all its family venues as adventure playground, High Park little league and sports fields, nature centre, splash pad, playground, allotment gardens, children’s garden, Dog Hill and Zoo, is not the place for a speed racetrack.

Area residents banded together to have the park reopened when it was closed on weekends during the pandemic.

Mimico resident Julia Brown (second-row and third-from left) is cycling with 22 of her Johnson & Johnson colleagues in the Ride To Conquer Cancer on June 8 – 9 with all proceeds going to The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PMCC).

Julia was diagnosed with stage-three colorectal cancer five years ago and credits early cancer screening and her amazing oncology care team at PMCC for helping her beat cancer.

She was symptom-free and had never considered colorectal cancer to be an issue .

When she turned 50, she was encouraged to have various age-related screening tests, which thankfully included a colonoscopy.  Julia beat her cancer and is living her best life.

Every six months she returns to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre for monitoring including a colonoscopy, blood work and CT scan.

Working at J&J Canada for 20 years, Julia has convinced 20 of her colleagues to join her in the weekend ride (pic below).

The cycle from Toronto to Niagara Falls is Canada’s largest cycling fundraiser with all proceeds going to The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

She loves the community and people and has been working at J&J Canada for 20 years. You can donate to beat cancer by visiting https://supportthepmcf.ca/ui/Ride24/t/5ceb7467225e41c283b622b27714562b

South Etobicoke residents will score gold as the City is spending more than $13 million to upgrade the Centennial Park Sports Facilities for the FIFA World Cup.

Residents will obtain years of use of the facilities after the World Cup has move on.

Centennial Stadium was recently renamed by the City the Rob Ford Stadium as it was where the former Mayor coached the Don Bosco Eagles football team.

A bid for the work has been awarded to Mopal Construction Ltd. to upgrade and refresh the facilities, which will be used as a training ground for some of the World Cup teams, according to a City bid report.

The total contract award is $11,545,900, which will add up to $13,046,867, including all applicable taxes and charges, according to the report.

Funding for this project is included in the 2024 Capital Budget and 2025-2033 Capital Plans for Parks, Forestry and Recreation, according to a report.

The City has already dished out more than $380 million to host six FIFA World Cup matches at Centennial Park and BMO Field in June and July 2026.

Officials said the games are expected to generate about $393 million for the city, create more than 3,600 jobs, and attract more than 300,000 out-of-town visitors. Millions of fans worldwide will watch the matches on TV.

“Hosting these matches is a once in a lifetime opportunity to deepen our connection to one another, to stand united in our diversity and make Toronto’s global beacon of hope shine that much brighter,” City officials said.

Most of the Toronto games will take place at BMO Field, which will also have to undergo upgrades for the World Cup soccer games. The City has approved a $37-million contract to temporarily expand the capacity at BMO Field.

To ensure oversight, the City’s Financial Planning Division has assigned FWC26 to an analyst, who will ensure World Cup finances are reported on separately from other City budgets.

Councillors on the FWC26 Financing Oversight Subcommittee includes Chair Shelley Carroll, Paul Ainslie, Ausma Malik and Morley, the rookie politician who represents Etobicoke Lakeshore.