What happened to our once-sandy beach.

Some Humber Bay Shores residents are concerned and disappointed that their once-sandy Humber Bay Park East beach is now a wall of grapefruit-sized rocks.

More than 200 residents have signed an online petition claiming their beloved beach has been restored with a ‘five-foot high wall of grapefruit-sized rocks.’

“Our beloved beach was a cherished community asset,” said petition organizer Aman Somal. “It is facing a threat of over-development that undermines the promises made during community consultations.”

Somal said residents were assured the beach, which existed between the eastern and western headland, would remain an enjoyable and accessible space for the community.

“Unfortunately, the shoreline project has left the beach in a state that is far from what was promised,” Somal wrote. “We now have a five-foot-high wall … that has effectively eliminated any possibility of residents enjoying the beach.”

The petition said residents understand the importance of erosion control measures to protect the park, but believe that the approach is excessive and has altered the landscape.

“The beach is effectively covered in these large stones, losing all of its recreational value, something that the community cherished very much,” according to the petition.

It said not everyone has the means to travel abroad or book a cottage to provide their families with a nature or a beach experience.

“Access to nature has been proven to have positive effects on mental well-being, and to interact with elements such as sand, trees and water,” said the petition. It ‘is integral to fostering a healthy and balanced community.’

The petition is calling for smaller pebbles or gravel be used instead of the large size stones on the beach.

“The current steep edge is dangerous especially when the stones are wet,” Somal wrote. “Especially for children and people with mobility issues in our community.”

They want a reassessment to explore methods to protect the park from erosion, without compromising the therapeutic benefits that the beach provides.

Area residents took to social media to explain their frustrations.

“I enjoy this park and access to the water,” wrote Jack Glab. “The current state of this beach is unacceptable.”

“I am resident of the neighborhood and been enjoying that beach for years,” explained Jessica Bouchard. “It is horrible to have destroyed such a gem.”

“I live in this beautiful area and love it as close to natural state as possible,” said Cornelia Radu. “Unfortunately, there are projects to overdevelop and destroy the natural beauty.”

Mary Murphy noted she was terrified at what has become of their lovely beach.

“I am horrified to see what has been done to a true hidden gem in the city,” Murphy wrote. “This is not protection. It is accelerated destruction.”

Officials of the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority said the lake is rising and action had to be taken as the beach area is prone to flooding.

Hundreds of concerned residents showed up to speak their mind as part of the City’s Cycling Network Plan which has Bloor Street W. narrowed to one lane each way.

Many of an estimated 700 people who gathered on February 28 at the Etobicoke Collegiate Institute meeting chaired by Ward 2 Councillor Stephen Holyday seemed to be opposed to the Bloor Street Bike lanes.

Feelings run so high, that more than 12,000 area residents have signed a petition opposing the bike lanes that narrowed Bloor Street W. to one-way in both directions.

Holyday said the meeting was to provide information and gather community feedback on candidate cycling locations that are being considered for study and installation in 2025 to 2027.

“City staff are currently reviewing the locations before advancing a report to council for approval consideration,” he said.

Attendees said it was a boisterous and sometimes unruly meeting as many people opposed to the bike lanes on Bloor Street W.

Residents have “pressing concerns about the recent bike lanes that have been added to our Bloor Street community streets,” according to petition organizer Cody MacRae. “We believe that the current method of bike lane implementation requires reconsideration and a more balanced approach.”

The petition said a Bloor Street cycling study was based on inaccurate data that has led to little usage by cyclists, as many ‘residents and businesses along Bloor Street W. have observed a limited number of cyclists using the designated lanes.’

The petition said the bike lanes on Bloor Street W. has led to a loss of business.
“With the added congestion and limited cyclist patronage, businesses along Bloor Street W. are reporting reduced footfall, which threatens their livelihoods and impacts the vitality of our local economy,” it stated.

“It’s crucial for Bloor Street to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction to accommodate the heavy vehicular flow,” the petition states. “The reduction to a single lane has caused significant congestion and has been a source of constant frustration for motorists.”

MacRae said the transition from two-lane roads to single lanes to accommodate bike lanes has significantly reduced the efficiency of vehicle flow.

“This change has caused increased congestion, prolonged travel times, and a heightened risk of accidents,” he wrote on the petition.
It said the loss of lanes can lead to delayed emergency response as it can significantly hinder the rapid movement of emergency vehicles, leading to potential delays in critical responses.

The petition calls for a re-assessment of the bike lanes on Bloor Street W. to “engage with the local community, business owners, emergency service providers, cyclists, and traffic experts to develop a well-rounded solution.”

“Local neighbours report near misses caused by cars diverting to side streets,” petitioners were told.

“Our intention is to advocate for a re-evaluation to emphasize the need for Bloor Street W. to retain two lanes of traffic in each direction.”

Long-time Mimico resident Sandy Cameron said he attended the meeting to protest the narrowing of Superior Avenue for the addition of bike lanes as part of the Mimico Mobility plan.

 

Already plagued with a budget crunch, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is projected to cost a whopping $380 million for the City of Toronto to host.

Of that Centennial Park will receive $34.4 million in upgrades for use as a FIFA training facility for the June and July 2026 World Cup, which is expected to be one of the world’s most-watched sporting event.

BMO Field, where the actual matches will be played, will receive $65.8 million for design and upgrades to bring up to FIFA standards, the City’s Executive Committee was told on February 29.

The event is estimated to generate $392 million for the City of Toronto, tax revenues totaling $118.9 million in the Toronto region, $456 million for the province of Ontario and tax revenues totaling $138.9 million within Ontario, City officials said.

Toronto Police will receive $600,000 to provide security at events and to escort athletes around to different venues for the matches.

“The project costs are expected to be shared with the provincial and federal governments,” the Committee was told.

The City of Toronto will host six matches, which kicks off on June 12, 2026.

The Committee heard Toronto will have the distinction of hosting the first-ever FIFA World Cup men’s match on Canadian soil and featuring the opening match of Canada’s Men’s National Team.

“Of the six matches, Toronto will host five Group Stage matches from June 12 to 26, 2026 and a Round of 32 match on July 2,” according to a presentation. “The match schedule confirms an additional match from the five matches initially expected to be held in Toronto.”

A FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Secretariat, with a staff of nine, will have oversight and coordination of the City’s responsibilities as a Host City, leading all project planning and execution.  The Secretariat is accountable for all aspects of planning, budget management, stakeholder coordination, community engagement, and execution of hosting the matches.

The Secretariat may need to enter into agreements with Destination Toronto, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, FIFA, and other parties to develop and conduct World Cup public engagement.

“Toronto’s Host City goals are driven by the positive benefits and legacies the successful hosting of the World Cup will bring to the city and its residents,” according to City officials.

”Toronto’s position as a diverse global city presents a unique platform to realize benefits and legacy goals sought by FIFA and government partners.”

The matches will be hosted in 16 cities in Canada and Mexico, according to FIFA and 78 will be played in the U.S.

By Tanya Vividly

Former politician and community activist Jean Augustine was a Black History Month speaker at a fundraiser for youth and kids programs.

The event was held on February 25 at the St Josaphat Catholic School auditorium, on Tenth Street.

Pastor Veta Saunders, of Etobicoke Praise Centre, said Augustine helped to uplift many young minds and fans of all ages by her deeds.

Proceeds raised went to the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment, on Portland Street, that works with girls aged from 7 to 17, who attend school programs, workshops and camps.

Augustine was the first African Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament in 1993 to represent the riding of Etobicoke Lakeshore. She was instrumental in getting Black History Month recognized in Canada.

She served as the Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women in the Cabinet of Canada from 2002 to 2004 and was the Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Jean Chretien from 1994 to 1996. Before her election, she had been a school principal.

She was a former National President of the Congress of Black Women, former chair of the Metro Toronto Housing Authority and was Ontario’s first Fairness Commissioner in 2007.

 The musical segments of the event included the EPC Gospel Singers, singer Vereen Whitton-Mcdonald and students performing songs of faith that helped to transform the crowds’ experience of joy, togetherness and audience participation.

To find out about upcoming events and or when to visit the church check out their website www.etobicokepraisecentre.ca or call the office: 416-253-9140

In related Black History Month news, the City of Toronto’s Executive Committee approved the naming of City assets after Black activist Dudley Laws, civil rights lawyer Charles Roach, Chloe Cooley, who fought against being enslaved in 1793 and successful 1840s Black construction company owner John M. Tinsley.

Their names will be considered to replace that of Henry Dundas, who was linked to the slave trade, at the Jane Dundas Public Library, Dundas TTC subway station, Dundas Street and other facilities.

Public consultation is being sought by Mimico residents before a proposed 33-storey and 10-storey towers that will alter the community are built.

The President of the Mimico Residents Association (MRA) wrote in a February 27 letter to Councillor Amber Morley and City planning officials to demand a public meeting on the massive development.

Rozhen Asrani said the Mimico community must have an opportunity for ‘active participation in the development process.’

A plan to build a two towers and new roadway in Mimico is moving ahead with many residents expressing displeasure of the proposal.

The proposal if approved will lead to the demolition of 2405, 2407, 2409, 2411 and 2417 Lake Shore Blvd. W., between Mimico and Superior Avenues to construct a 33-storey and 10-storey towers that will contain 471 residential rental apartments in mixed sizes.

There would be retail space at the ground floor level, residential uses above, and two underground levels of parking, according to the proposal.

The proposal includes a portion of land from Amos Waites Park to be used for a new public road, which will be located to the south of the planned building site. The road would provide additional public road frontage to Amos Waites Park, allowing the park to be publicly accessible on three sides.

Asrani said the goal of the Association is to preserve Mimico as a vibrant, liveable neighbourhood for existing and future residents.

“We must have the opportunity for active participation in the development process,”she wrote. “No community consultation was ever scheduled or held by the City of Toronto.”

Asrani said the MRA is looking forward to having their voices hear and questions answered at the City-led consultation meeting.

“We always encourage developers who build Mimico to speak to our group directly and early in the process, and this is not always a guarantee,” she explained.

“We are concerned and perplexed as to why or how it was skipped in the 2405 -2411 Lake Shore Blvd. W., application.”

“The lack of community consultation is frustrating, and especially so given the great concerns we have for this proposal,” according to the letter.

The association is concerned about the loss of parkland at Amos Waites Park, extreme over development in terms of height and density, and the lack of affordable housing or other community benefit.

They MRA is seeking answers as to how the mandatory step of community consultation was missed in the planning process.

The group called on Councillor Morley to oppose the application at the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing.

The proposal will be heard by the Tribunal in a 10-day video hearing on July 8.

One of the oldest trees in the Long Branch community is now gone.

A Silver Maple, dubbed Old Faithful, on Twenty Seventh Street, stood over the area for more than five generations, according to a local historian.

“Toronto Forestry in February reluctantly removed the largest Silver Maple on record in Long Branch,” said Bill Zufelt, of the History and Cultural Committee South Etobicoke.

Zufelt said a severe wind storm earlier this year severed a major branch of the tree and a City arborist examination revealed its hollowing trunk.

“When this happens Toronto Forestry immediately issues a removal order to maintain public safety and avoid any possible liability issues,” he wrote.

The historian said ‘Old Faithful’ was recorded in the Long Branch Tree Canopy data base and due to its massive size, age, and history slated as a ‘potential ‘Heritage Tree.’

Zufelt said the tree’s original sapling land was on Indigenous Territory which then became part of the Colonel Samuel Smith Tract after the Toronto Purchase in 1796.

The land became part of the Moses Appleby Farm in the 1850s. Appleby was the first Ward 1 Councillor for the Borough of Etobicoke.

In 1911, Colonel Fredrick Burton Robbins bought the Appleby farm and developed it into 50 lots called ‘Pine Beach’.

Robbins was the founder of the Downsview aerodrome in WWI.

“Personally speaking losing her was a ’gut punch’ but please remember that her century of unconditional gifts of fresh air and habitat made Long Branch a better place to live today,” Zufelt said.

Long Branch has some of the oldest trees in Canada, including the so called “Tree Amigos” which among them have been growing in the area for more than 600 years.

The first is dubbed Big Red, and is located at Park Boulevard and Long Branch Ave, was Long Branch’s first Heritage Tree. It escaped the great Long Branch Hotel fire of 1958 and majestically served as a living beacon for the Royal Canadian Legion’s 101 Long Branch Cenotaph ever since.

The Red Oak, dubbed Big Red, is more than 200-year-old and was chosen as the first heritage tree in Long Branch in 2018.

A second Silver Maple, dubbed Stop 26, at 42 Ash Cr., was once featured in the Toronto Star as a Tree of the Week.

The Silver Maple is the last of a grove of trees at the former location of Colonel Fredrick B. Robin’s gates to the Pine Beach residential community around 1910 at Lakeshore Boulevard. Stop 26 was the Mimico-Port Credit Rail-tram stop number 26.

The red oak third heritage tree, called Titan, is estimated to be 110-feet tall, and is said to be the largest red oak found in the west end. It is estimated to be between 250 and 275 years old.

All three heritage trees are part of a Long Branch Garden Tour

One man has been arrested and three others are at large after two Etobicoke homes were broken into by thieves demanding car keys.

In both cases the thieves took off with high-end vehicles parked in the driveways.

Police said on December 13 around 5:52 a.m. they responded to a home in the Islington and Dixon Road Avenues area following a robbery.

In that theft, four suspects gained entry to a home and demanded the victim’s car keys, detectives said.

No one was injured in any of the incidents.

About six weeks later, on February 1, around 3:39 a.m. police were called to a home invasion in the Martin Grove and Burnhamthorpe Roads area.

Police alleged that four suspects again gained entry into a residence and demanded car keys.

Two weeks later, on February 16, police executed a search warrant against a Finch Avenue West and Darcel Avenue home, in Mississauga.

The searched turned up key evidence linking the thefts.

Chessen Johnston, 28, of Mississauga, has been charged with robbery with violence, robbery, two counts of break and enter, two counts of disguise with intent and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on   February 23.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com

The arrest was made by officers of a Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force (PCJTF) formed to go after those involved in violent car thefts.

A Mimico resident has been denied a permit to cut down a large healthy black walnut tree due to an allergy.

“The applicant indicates the reason for requesting removal of the tree is to mitigate the risk of a severe walnut allergy to a resident,” according to decision by the Director, Urban Forestry, Parks, Forestry and Recreation.

The refusal is being appealed to Etobicoke York Community Council to make a ruling on the matter.

The black walnut tree (Juglans nigra) at 31 Central Street, in the Royal York Road and Hillside Drive area,  is healthy and measures 56 centimetres in diameter, Forestry officials wrote.

”The City’s Tree bylaws do not support the removal of this tree as it is healthy and maintainable,” according to the director.

Director Kim Statham said the tree is protected by City by-laws.

Her report outlined the detrimental effects on the City’s ‘ability to preserve, protect and grow the urban forest and tree canopy by exempting black walnut trees from protection under the City’s Tree By-laws, with a focus on both community safety and canopy impacts.’

Parks, Forestry and Recreation said they received an application for a permit to remove the privately owned tree growing in a rear yard.

They said the homeowner recognized the tree is in healthy condition and would not qualify for a removal permit, based on an assessment by an arborist.

Toronto Public Health officials said ‘there is no evidence to support the removal of a nut-bearing tree to mitigate risk from an allergic response.’

“Anaphylaxis is highly unlikely to occur except through ingestion of nuts,” Public Health inspectors wrote. “The allergen is in the nut itself and accidental exposure is not likely since the nut is covered by the shell.”

They said a simple and less expensive way to avoid removing the tree is to clean up the nuts from the tree and teach children to avoid the nuts.

“Protecting the urban forest is critical in building climate resilience as urban centres continue to face increasing development Impacts due to climate change in the form of extreme weather events, and other natural threats such as invasive pests,” Forestry officials said.

They said urban forest provides $55 million in ecosystem services and benefits annually.

Services such as air pollution removal, reduction of storm water runoff, and carbon sequestration all contribute to climate resilience. Protecting and expanding tree cover helps to mitigate exposure to extreme heat events through shade and transpiration, they wrote.

Statham recommended that Community Council refuse the request to chop down the tree.

The Black Walnut produces the most highly valued hardwood in North America, with single trees sometimes sold for thousands of dollars. It is often used to make high quality furniture. The seeds are difficult to extract from their shells, but are high in fat and make a delicious and nutritious snack for humans and wild animals alike.

The husks of the seeds stain hands and clothing and have been used to make black dye.

An area resident say he is now paranoid after getting into a struggle with the driver of a fake taxi in the Sherway Mall area in a scam that is becoming more prevalent.

The man said in an online posting that he was approached by a young woman for a loan on his credit card after the taxi driver claimed he does not accept cash.

The incident occurred on February 24 around 4:10 p.m. at a HomeSense store, at 1840 The Queensway, the victim said.

He wrote that he had the credit card terminal in his hand to add a tip, after passing the driver his card to make the transaction.

“He (driver) took out the card (from the terminal) and gave it to me and I noticed it wasn’t my card so I said this isn’t my card, instantly my heart dropped,” the victim wrote on a South Etobicoke website.

“He shuffled under his seat and I saw multiple cards and he passed me another card which looked like mine but I wasn’t sure,” the man continued. “He (driver) got aggressive and said give me my machine back and I was already panicking trying to read what the receipt said.”

The victim said the girl got into the car and he vowed to call the police.

“He (driver) said ‘go call the police but give me my machine back’ and yanked my arm into the window of the passenger side and I dropped my card,” according to the victim.

“He grabbed the machine while starting to drive while I’m still in the window halfway,” the man explained. “I was screaming for help and said ‘give me my card and he said no’ and drove off so fast. Thankfully I didn’t get hurt.“

He described the cab as being dark navy or dark grey sedan in colour with a Co-op sign on the top that ‘looked legitimate.’

Toronto Police said their Financial Crimes Unit has received over 60 reports of varying taxi scams since June 2023 totalling over $40,000 in losses.

Police in a January 30 release said they were looking for Steven Chambers, 25, of Brampton, for fraud over $5,000, attempt fraud under $,5000, three counts of assault and two counts of fail to comply with a release order.

He is sought for a similar fake taxi scam.

Detectives are warning potential fares not to leave their debit or credit card unattended inside a point of sale terminal; be aware of taxi number and company names when using their services and be aware of the driver’s identification that is displayed in the rear of the cab.

Police said if there is an error code, or the debit machine not functioning, always remove your card before returning the machine for assistance; inspect your card after each transaction and ensure it is your card and cover your fingers when entering your PIN.

The post drew dozens of comments from readers, many who said they have had similar incidents with fake cabs.

 “This also happened to me months ago in front of Winners, exactly the same scenario, I felt guilty for walking away,” wrote Angela Colacitti. “I’m sorry this happened to you!”

Halina Bernadette said all legitimate cabs accept cash. “That is your first red flag.”

“This same thing happened to our neighbour here,” said Kristen Burton. “Absolutely terrible but no cab driver doesn’t accept cash.”

A New Toronto artist is auctioning off a set of his framed community landmarks artwork in aid of charity.

Andreas Lara is donating a numbered set of his L.A.K.E. Project pieces called Alderwood, Long Branch, Mimico and New Toronto on his website www.laragroup.ca to the highest bidders. You have until March 15 to bid on the works.

All proceeds from the numbered pieces that are framed by Darrell Kobza Art Services will be donated to LAMP Community Health Centre, on Fifth Street.

“Each frame boasts a contemporary, stylish design crafted from high-quality extruded aluminum, ensuring strength, quality, and durability,” Lara said. “The prints are backed with acid-free materials, guaranteeing protection against discoloration over time.”

You can log into Lara’s site and place a bid on the beautiful works.

“Let’s really give them a hand while giving your walls a makeover that screams, ‘I love South Etobicoke,’ he said.