Etobicoke swimming sensation Summer McIntosh has been named The Canadian Press female athlete of the year 2023 for her outstanding performance in international swimming.

The Etobicoke resident outvoted other top women athletes in Canadian sports to cop the prestigious Bobbie Rosenfeld Award.

The 17-year-old swimmer became a double world champion for the second year in a row, defending her titles in the 200-metre butterfly and the 400-metre individual medley at the World Aquatics Championships in Fukuoka, Japan.

The former student of the Exceptional Athlete Program at Silverthorn Collegiate swam for the Etobicoke Swim Club and trained at the Etobicoke Olympium before moving to Florida about a year ago to train for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.

Silverthorn Collegiate has a nationally acclaimed program that caters to high performance cream-of-the crop athletes, allowing flexible timetables for students to stick with their intense sports training schedules.

She is currently a Grade 11 student at the Ontario Virtual School.

“I’m very honoured to have it and it’s just really cool,” McIntosh told Swimming Canada after being named for the award on December 27.

The Etobian was the first swimmer in history to hold both the 400-metre and 400 freestyle world records at the same time, which McIntosh did for almost four months until Australia’s Ariarne Titmus reclaimed the freestyle record in Fukuoka last July.

“What I’m most proud of is just how much I’ve learned about myself and kind of how much I’ve gained from each experience,” McIntosh said.

Her impressive four-medals at Fukuoka also saw her anchor the women’s medley relay team to a bronze medal, thereby securing their spot at the 2024 Olympic Games.

The Canadian Press began recognizing male and female athletes of the year in 1932.

McIntosh earned 24 of 52 votes cast In a survey of sports journalists and broadcasters across the country.

She began as a member of the Etobicoke Swim Club, which was founded in 1954, to support young people with the drive, determination, talent and desire, to realize their maximum potential in competitive swimming.

The Club has a long and rich history of service to the Etobicoke community.

It has produced many national, international and Olympic swimmers and has been Provincial and National Champion many times over.

McIntosh mother Jill was also an Etobicoke swim star who competed in the 1984 Olympics.

“We are extremely proud of our swimmers and their successes; however, as parents, we are equally proud of the outstanding citizens that our children have become for the community,” Club officials said.

Today it has more than 270 swimmers competing for Etobicoke, from the novice level all the way to National Team members.

The Club has had 34 swimmers placed on the Canadian Olympic teams since 1956, two swimmers on the 2000 Olympic team and 14 who were junior provincial Championships from 2001 to 2008.

Previous winners of CP’s female athlete of the year include hockey players Marie-Philip Poulin (2022) and Hayley Wickenheiser (2007), tennis players Leylah Fernandez (2021) and Bianca Andreescu (2019), soccer star Christine Sinclair (2020, 2012), golfer Brooke Henderson (2015, 2017, 2018) and swimmer Penny Oleksiak (2016).

Hamilton basketball star

Hamilton basketball star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was awarded the Canadian Press Male Athlete of the Year 2023. The basketball star from Hamilton, Ont., is The Canadian Press male athlete of the year.

He led Canada to its first-ever FIBA World Cup medal last September, earning bronze with a win over the United States. Canada’s performance at the tournament earned it its first Olympic berth since 2000.

was awarded the Canadian Press Male Athlete of the Year 2023.

He led Canada to its first-ever FIBA World Cup medal last September, earning bronze with a win over the United States. Canada’s performance at the tournament earned it its first Olympic berth since 2000.

Extra funds are being sought by Toronto Police to purchase some 15 motorcycles for the FIFA World Cup of Soccer in 2026.

Thousands of fans from around the world are expected to descend on the City of Toronto in June and July 2026 as it hosts a portion of the FIFA World Cup of Soccer.

“A comprehensive traffic management plan will be implemented to streamline the movement of the teams, FIFA officials, referees, and visiting dignitaries, including those classified as Internationally Protected People (IPP), police said in a budgetary document.

“Efficient escorts for these individuals are crucial, and motorcycles have proven to be the most effective means for facilitating such movements,” police said.

Police brass said their fleet of motorcycles are insufficient to meet the demands to move FIFA officials, referees, players and dignitaries around the different venues.

The force is seeking about $600,000 purchase an additional 15 motorcycles to meet the expected demand. They said the City is so congested that motorcycles are the best to move around and direct traffic so motorcades can pass.

“Before and after the FIFA event the motorcycles will be used operationally to support the daily needs to enable smooth traffic flow and enforcement in the city,” the document states.

The City said Toronto is home to more than three million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a proud host city for the FIFA World Cup along with 15 others in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Toronto will welcome fans from North America and across the globe to witness multiple matches while also activating major fan events that showcase the energy and vibrancy shared by residents and visitors for the beautiful game.

With more countries, cities, teams and matches, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to be the most inclusive and diverse sporting event ever, uniting the entire world on a vast stage and engaging millions of fans across 16 stadiums and billions worldwide.​

According to a 2022 projection from the city, FIFA World Cup 2026 is expected to create 3,300 jobs, book 292,000 visitor room nights with projected Municipal Accommodation Tax revenues of $3.5 million, and generate $307 million in GDP for Toronto.

 

A new police station is being worked on for South Etobicoke as the existing 22 Division station is approaching 50-year- old and will have to be replaced.

The current 22 Division, at 3699 Bloor Street W., was built in 1975 and was included in a Long Term Facility Replacement Program a number of years ago, according to a Toronto Police budget document.

“Studies are underway to determine the optimal location for the new facility,” according to police. “This approach is in line with the Service’s recommendations for a modernized, economical and more efficient public safety delivery model.”

Police will work with the City if required to find a site that meets the needs of the force, as well as other stakeholders, according to the document.

“This project has been placed in the unfunded category as the requirements and estimated costs need further review,” the Police Services Board was told.

No funding is available at this point for this project, police said.

It will take a few years before we see the new stationhouse, as it has to go through the budgetary and construction process.

Meanwhile, work is being done at the Toronto Police College, at 70 Birmingham Street, for a Police Wellness Unit, which is now located at Police Headquarters, on College Street.

The Wellness Unit will move to more accessible locations at the Police College, in New Toronto, and to another in Scarborough.

“Once completed, the new decentralized delivery model will allow members to access wellness services from a central, east and west locations,” police said. “The anticipated benefits are increased access to care and improved service to members, creating a greater willingness of members to seek support.”

The move to the College also provides visible demonstration of this priority and normalizes wellness support to new members of the force and allows for better use of space at Headquarters.

Design work for the College was completed in September 2023 and tendered in October 2023. The construction renovation work is expected to be complete by the summer of 2024.

It is expected to cost about $2 million.

The Wellness Unit helps deliver an efficient and economical support service that improves the wellness of officers: including the medical monitoring of employees, maintaining confidential medical records, providing counselling on personal wellness, monitoring communicable diseases exposure and providing officers with advice on general health issues.

Police officers from 22 Division in South Etobicoke passed a hat around to raise $1,700 which has been donated to help kids at The Hospital for Sick Children.

Officers said an anonymous donor generously matched their donations and they managed to hand over $3,400 to the world-famous teaching hospital.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all frontline workers, irrespective of your roles during this holiday season,” police said on social media. “Your unwavering dedication does not go unnoticed, and we express our gratitude for embodying the essence of remarkable humanity.”

They said to the vulnerable children at Sick Kids ‘we empathize with your challenges and sincerely hope for your return to the comforting embrace of your parents soon.’

“May this contribution serve as a beacon of hope and support for those facing adversity,” said Detective Sgt. Dan Pravica and Assistant Superintendent Sgt. Natasha Zver, of the Neighbourhood Community Officer Program, on behalf of the Division.

“As we approach the holiday season, let us collectively embrace the spirit of compassion and unity, extending our thoughts and goodwill to those in need.”

The officers wished everyone ‘Merry Christmas – Happy Hanukkah – Happy Kwanzaa – Happy New Year.’

“Wishing everyone a joyous holiday season filled with warmth, kindness, and the spirit of giving,” they concluded.

Funds to support 11 Toronto Police led programs are being raised by the sale of a Toronto edition of the popular Monopoly board game.

Money raised from the sale of the classic game goes to ProAction Cops & Kids, as well as the Hospital for Sick Kids, United Way and almost a dozen other Toronto non-profit charities.

“Each purchase of this exclusive edition is a step towards making a difference,” according to ProAction. “It’s fun for the whole family, especially theatre-lovers.”

The game sells for S69.99 and it “bring cops and kids together in skill-building and mentoring programs to create trust, respect and safer communities.”

Only 30,000 Monopoly: Toronto Edition games were made, making it a collectible rarity.

“Each board is a special piece of Toronto’s limited-edition history,” according to ProAction. “Embrace the chance to play, win and contribute to a noble cause.”

“Get ready for an exclusive journey through Toronto’s iconic spots with Monopoly: Toronto Edition,” the group said. It is “your ticket to owning the city’s treasures.”

In the game you can seize the Toronto Blue Jays, Exhibition Place, the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, and more coveted locations in the City.

You can also roll for the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, Nathan Philips Square, and other Toronto treasures, the game proclaims.

It said ‘wave goodbye to Park Place and Marvin Gardens; these landmarks are the real deal in this captivating edition.’

“Roll the dice on Monopoly: Toronto Edition and feel the warmth of giving back. It’s more than a game; its laughter, charity and family all in one!”

The game ‘is an ideal gift, combining fun with charity and perfect for any occasion,” said ProAction. “It’s a heartfelt way to spread joy and give back to the community.”

The game maker said it is a ‘collector’s dream, showcasing the city’s essence with unique designs. A treasure for enthusiasts, it embodies the spirit of Toronto.’

They said it’s a game of calculated risks and astute decision-making, in which you can negotiate shrewdly, form alliances and drive hard bargains to expand your real estate portfolio.

“Choose between long-term investments and quick profits while strategizing to bankrupt your opponents,” ProAction said.

ProAction Cops & Kids bring cops and kids together in skill-building and mentoring programs to create trust, respect and safer communities.

Since 1991 ProAction Cops & Kids have supported over 2,250 police-led programs in the GTA providing over 418,000 under-resourced youth with barrier-free access to skill-building activities and life-changing opportunities.

For more visit https://monopolytorontoedition.com or call 416-222-7011.

Some 128 families with critically or chronically ill children had their dreams come true in a spree at Toys “R” Us store in Etobicoke.

The event was organized by Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada, whose goal is to brighten the lives of seriously ill children and their families in the GTA through distractive hospital-to-home programs.

Starlight spokesperson Kristina Hopp said between hospital visits and medical challenges, the holidays can be a stressful time for families with seriously ill children.

“In an effort to provide comfort and smiles during this difficult time,” Hopp explained. “Toys“R”Us Canada is providing Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada families across the nation with a private “Herb’s Secret Santa.”

She said the children were provided with a private in-store shopping session at their local Toys“R”Us Canada while the store is closed to the public.

Gift cards were given to each Starlight child and their siblings to spend in-store. The children also got a chance to meet Santa Claus, superheroes, princesses, and more of their favourite characters.

They left with a Mega Play From Home Pack, which is a super-sized toy pack containing board games, crafts and more from Starlight Canada.

The program was expected to reach some 750 families across Canada in 2023.

This year marks 25 years of partnership between Starlight Canada and Toys“R”Us Canada.

Kopp said thanks to the support of their employees and customers in that time, Toys“R”Us Canada has raised over $28 million for Starlight Canada since 1998 – reaching tens of thousands of seriously ill and hospitalized children.

In addition to private shopping events this holiday season, Toys“R”Us Canada also fundraised for Starlight Canada through the sale of a limited edition annual Starlight Bear and an in-store Star Campaign, where customers donated $1 directly to Starlight Canada. That campaign finished in December.

 

Plans are moving ahead to convert Cloverdale Mall into a large community hub.

The massive project is in the zoning stage and construction is expected to begin in 2026, according to Aaron Knight, Vice President of Development for Quadreal Property Group, who is behind the project.

Rising on the 33-acres of land on which Cloverdale Mall now sits will be 10 towers, which will range from seven to 48 stories, in addition to other housing. The project will have 5,300 units when completed.

Knight said there will be two parks, underground parking and the shopping mall will remain, but mostly outdoors and smaller in size.

There will also be a number of housing options available when the project is completed in about 15 years.

“The mall will remain open and the grocery store, pharmacy, hardware and some other stores that people need will still be there,” he said. “The retail space will remain open and still serving the community.”

Knight said his company has been consulting with residents for about two years as to their needs and what they want to see.

“Quadreal has owned Cloverdale for more than 20 years and this will be one of our most important projects,” he said. “We want to deliver more amenities for the community.”

He said the mall will be smaller at 190,000 square feet, as compared to the 400,000 square feet that now exists. The development will be done in phases and the mall will be open with all the basic stores.

There will also be a daycare and community centres, which will be open for residents.

“

We have been listening to the community and their needs,” Knight said. “We want this project to be community oriented and to focus on their needs.”

Taking a long term phased approach, QuadReal Property Group aims to redevelop the site keeping several goals in mind including a focus on sustainable design, robust transit integration, improved connectivity, and thoughtful assimilation into the neighbourhood.

Quadreal is a global firm with $74 billion in assets. They are in the process of building a 37 storey rental tower on Merton Street in Toronto’s Davisville community.

The company is also behind the redevelopment of the former Campbell’s Soup site, on Birmingham Street, and own Bayview Village Mall.

“Canada is our most important market,” Knight said. “It is our home and where we do most of our business.”

 

Community residents are concerned about the environmental damages caused by a massive six-alarm fire at Brenntag Canada Inc., more than three months ago.

The company claimed that about 700,000 litres of soybean and petroleum-based oil, transmission fluids and solvents were stored at the Vulcan Street facility at the time of the fire.

The Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks has completed a technical report on the August 11 incident called Brenntag Canada Inc. Fire Off-Site Environmental Monitoring Summary Report.

The report by Dr. Rachael Fletcher, a Director of Central Region, Drinking Water and Environmental Compliance Division, states the blaze caused heavy emulsions/slurry of oils and fire suppression materials along with fire douse water to enter the municipal storm sewer system and discharge into Mimico Creek, Humber Creek and the Humber Bay Park area of Lake Ontario.

Ministry officials said they sampled the air, sediment and water between August 11 and 23 for impacts from the fire to the environment and human health. It also included stream bank soil sampling and vegetation survey results.

“All measured air contaminant levels were far below their respective emergency screening values, confirming there were no local air quality concerns resulting from the fire,” according to a Ministry mobile trace atmospheric gas analyzer.

The report said officials ‘conducted extensive sampling of water, sediment, stream bank soil and vegetation to identify potential impacts of the run-off to Mimico Creek, Humber Creek and Lake Ontario.’

It said water and sediment samples were collected along Mimico Creek, Humber Creek, and Lake Ontario, and analyzed for petroleum hydrocarbons, volatile organic hydrocarbons, polyfluorinated alkyl substances, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals.

“The main sources of contaminants were petroleum hydrocarbons and fire suppression materials,” according to the Ministry. “The results showed a decline in the concentration of contaminants over time and with increasing distance from the discharge points in the impacted waterways.”

They said the affected waterways are ‘returning to pre-spill/urban background conditions, with low levels of residual contamination remaining in the impacted waterways following the incident.’

“Sediment sampling results suggest that the current concentrations of contaminants would not have a significant impact on the resident organisms,” according to the report.

 

Stream bank soil and vegetation samples showed elevated concentrations of contaminant compared to samples collected in non-impacted areas, the findings stated.

“These results suggest that the elevated concentrations in the creek bank vegetation adjacent to and downstream from Brenntag likely originated from the fire incident,” investigators determined.

Officials are now in the process of verifying the status of the cleanup before restoration work can begin; which is expected to be completed by November.

They said the cleanup’s effectiveness will be based on visual observations of the cleaned-up waterways, by monitoring results to applicable guidelines and background conditions, and assessment of whether additional cleanup is necessary or would cause greater harm to the environment.

“Should additional cleanup work be required, the ministry will ensure Brenntag will initiate the work immediately,” official said.

They said Brenntag has submitted a restoration plan that outlines how the water, soil, sediment, and vegetation will be assessed, restored, and monitored to demonstrate the effectiveness of cleanup efforts.

The Toronto District Office Duty Line can be contacted at 416-326-3381 during regular business hours or email environment.toronto@ontario.ca.

The report can be accessed at Brenntag-Canada-Inc.-Fire-Off-Site-Environmental-Monitoring-Summary-Report.pdf

A new grocery store and shopping centre have been given the green light to be constructed on The Queensway.

A proposal to build a huge new Sobeys and Longo’s grocery stores and shopping centre with other stores is closer to becoming a reality at 1061 The Queensway, just east of Islington Ave.

Sobeys own a major stake in Longo’s and the stores will be massive and side by side.

“The entire centre will have a combined 5,126.77 square metres (in size), 180 vehicle parking spaces with seven accessibility spaces and 23 bicycle stalls are proposed to service the development,” according to the proposal.

The plan was approved after revisions by the Committee of Adjustment, Etobicoke York District, on November 9, and is expected to proceed.

Sobeys already has a store at the Kipling Queensway Mall, but that is expected to close as a large chunk of the property will be used for condo towers and a highway interchange to the Gardiner Expressway.

“The proposal is to redevelop the lands for a shopping centre, anchored by a Longo’s grocery store,” according to the proposal.

It said vehicle access is provided to the west of the site along Caven Street and on the east of the site along St. Lawrence Avenue. Both streets are located off The Queensway.

“Both entrances to the subject lands provide access to the parking spaces as well as providing for an adequate fire route,” the grocer said.

The company was seeking to have the property rezoned to mixed use lands.

“Mixed use areas will create a high-quality commercial space that meets the needs of the local community while creating and providing new jobs for a growing population on an underutilized site,” the committee heard.

Lawyers for Sobeys argued that there is much access to public transit and the development will increase walking and cycling and reduce the need for vehicles.

The proposal they wrote will make ‘more efficient use of this underutilized site and serve the needs of the surrounding community.’

Another major development by another company is proposed for the rear of the grocery stores site.

A 22 and 27-storey towers are also planned for the rear of 1061 The Queensway that will be parallel to the Gardiner and contain almost 1,000 units.

Parkland would be tucked between the two buildings and fronting a Caven Street extension.

That proposal is proceeding before city officials.