A proposal to convert the sprawling site of the outdoor Sobey’s plaza at 125 The Queensway to build six high-rise condo towers ranging from 40 to 45 storeys is being appealed.

The popular mall includes a Sobey’s store, LCBO, Pier One Imports, Tim Hortons, Shoppers Drug Mart, TD Bank, Booster Juice Holdings Inc., Pizza Pizza, Pet Valu Canada, Netprint & Ship Inc., Subway, Rogers Communications, First Choice and other stores.

The plaza is located on a busy roadway, east of Park Lawn Road on The Queensway.

Owners for 125 The Queensway, which is also known as the Sobey’s Plaza, have requested to re-designate the 8.5 acres of land from general employment to mixed use areas to permit residential uses.

The plaza is next door to the Ontario Food Terminal, which with the City’s Planning and Housing Committee, have opposed the move.

Cushman and Wakefield Asset Services, lawyers who represent 125 The Queensway, in a letter to the Committee last May said the centre will consist of a mid-rise building at the northwest corner of property, with six high-rise towers ranging from 40-storeys to 45-storeys further east.

“At least 10 per cent of the residential units to be secured as affordable rental units and a new public park of approximately 4,316 meters” will be built, the Committee was told.

Cushman and Wakefield said a minimum of 10,633 square metres of retail and office space will be created that will generate 795 jobs.

The firm asked Council to approve their request for mixed-use residential rather than employment area.

They said the site is “well-served by transit,” and is 400 metres of a planned Park Lawn Go Station.

The law firm said the property would be ‘revitalized and reinvigorated through redevelopment into a vibrant, transit-oriented development.

Ontario Food Terminal Board Chair Christy McMullen in a letter urged the Committee to reject the proposed conversion.

McMullen said the terminal is an economic generator for the city and province, distributing over 2.1 billion pounds of produce annually, or an average of 5.7 million pounds per day with a value of over $2 billion in sales.

She said the terminal is depended upon by the Vegetable Growers Association, with 3,500 members, the Toronto Wholesale Produce Association which represent 21 terminal tenants, the Toronto Farmers Association with 400 tenants and 40 office tenants, that all oppose the conversion.

They said increased vehicle and pedestrian traffic will bring complaints by residents about the facility, such as the 24 hours a day / 7-days a week operation, noise, lighting, smell and security issues.

“The Ontario Food Terminal Board recognizes that there is the need for more housing in Toronto, but we also know that Torontonians need places of employment in Toronto,” she said.

She said the terminal relies on the continued existence of employment lands in South Etobicoke for the use by produce wholesalers, food service providers and other businesses that support the facility.

Former Councillor Mark Grimes said city staff have identified a long list of issues with the conversion request, including the proximity to the Humber Wastewater Treatment Plant, which staff noted would likely cause an odour from the plant.

He said 10,000 people work at the terminal and the added buildings will lead to more intensification of the Humber Bay Shores area.

The Committee rejected the proposal citing the lands are near the Humber Wastewater Treatment Plant and will likely cause an odour, compatibility with the food terminal, will cause noise, vibration, and emissions including dust and odour and remove a large property from employment use.

 

More than 100 grieving residents paid their respect to loved ones who passed away in the community at a service at St. Margaret New Toronto church.

It is the second year that a service was held to remember those who died of COVID, drug overdoses or due to street-involved living.

“It was an open community gathering to acknowledge and witness the grief in our community,” said Rev. Jacqueline Daley. “We honour the lives of our deceased loved ones and share in a collective expression of grief and mourning.”

The November 12 service was partnered by LAMP CHC, The Dorothy Ley Hospice, Lakeshore Arts and Haven on The Queensway.

About 100 ribbons of different colours to remember those who died were tied to a fence in front of the Sixth Street church, which is 117 years old.

“Members of the community came to remember, cry and share their grief and stories,” Daley said. “Some people have not been able to grieve the passing of their loved ones.”

She was amazed by the number of residents who passed away from drug overdoses.

“There is a drug crisis that is taking place in the community,” Daley said. “Many of those who overdose are on the street and involved in street-involved life.”

She said many residents left relieved that they have remembered and paid tribute to their loved ones.

“Some people were crying during the service,” Daley said. “People came in for spiritual comfort.”

She said many people can’t afford their rents or buy food and are attending a drop-in at the church every Sunday to get a free meal, take a shower, do their laundry and charge their phones.

Funds are being raised to help pay for a free scaled-back Christmas dinner this year for residents, Daley said.

Donations of non-perishable foods are also being accepted to fill the church’s pantry. The food is given out to those in need.

Donations can be made at the church at 156 Sixth Street or online at smnt.ca

Friends and Families for Safe Streets (FFSS) will lead a candle-lit memorial walk along Bloor St W, between Kipling station and Tom Riley Park on November 19.

The annual World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims highlights the deadly design of Toronto’s streets while showing bereaved families and friends, and crash survivors, that their loved ones and trauma are not forgotten.

The event is for anyone who has experienced senseless loss from road violence, whether they were bereaved or injured, and those who care about road safety and wants to send a message to our leaders that they must act boldly to achieve Vision Zero

The group is highlighting Bloor Street W. to push back against complaints about the street Extension, and demand further improvements to the rest of Bloor Street W. and to all arterial roads in Toronto.

“Deadly arterial roads have claimed far too many lives because of their high-speed, car-centric designs,” the FFSS said in a release. “The Extension’s critics call for a ‘balanced’ installation, but nothing could be less balanced than demanding that we regress to allocating 100% of space to cars.“

In contrast to their claims that business is down, data shows that complete streets are good for local businesses, in addition to saving lives, the goal of our Vision Zero program.

They plan to end their walk in Tom Riley Park, near the site of the recent horrific hit-and-run killing of Nicole Curtis on April 2023.

They will honour her memory to show that she, like every victim of road violence, is not forgotten.

“For some brief distances on Kipling and Dundas Street W., grade-separated cycling infrastructure was installed as part of the Six Points Reconfiguration,” FFSS said. “Further east, Bloor goes back to being a deadly arterial until Aberfoyle Cres., the westernmost point of the Complete Street extension.”

The group also plan to highlight the need for Bill 40, the Moving Ontarians Safely Act, to be passed at the Ontario Legislature.

“Road safety should never be a partisan issue, and this law would both protect people outside of cars, and hold reckless drivers accountable for the devastation they cause,” they said.

“By sharing our painful stories and remembering those who were senselessly killed, we can put a face to the crisis of road violence in Toronto, and continue to demand our leaders prioritize safety over speed and driving convenience,” according to FFSS.

“Toronto’s arterial roads are our most dangerous streets that exact the highest toll of senseless death and severe injury on Toronto residents,” said FFSS spokesperson Jess Spieker. “No other Torontonians should ever experience the anguish and grief from road violence that our members have.”

The World Day of Remembrance Candle-lit Walk takes place on November 19 and starts at Kipling Station and goes from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

 

A motion is before Etobicoke York Community Council to install a traffic light or other safety measures at Brown’s Line where a young woman was struck and killed by a vehicle.

Councillors have sent a request to the Director of Traffic Management at Transportation Services to implement safety measures at the busy crossing.

A 21-year-old woman was struck by a vehicle on October 6 while crossing at a mid-block cross walk on Brown’s Line and Jellicoe Avenue and died of her injuries.

The motion was brought up by Councillor Amber Morley at a community council meeting on November 13 following complaints to her office from residents to express safety concerns at the intersection.

“I urge you to consider this request and support the implementation of road safety enhancements at the Brown’s Line and Jellicoe Avenue intersection,” Morley said in a motion.

A traffic sign has been installed in the area warning motorists that a light is forthcoming.

It’s up to Transportation Services to install a traffic light or other safety measures.

A 36-year-old woman who was driving a 2018 Volkswagen Passat was travelling north on Brown’s Line in the right lane when she struck the pedestrian.

The pedestrian was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police said at the time of the collision, the driver remained at the scene. No charges have been laid.

A Mimico man who was well-known as a manager of the former Mimico and Long Branch Beer Stores for more than two decades is being remembered by his friends.

This is the sixth year they have raised funds in memory of Joseph Attard, a longtime area resident.

Joe was known by many for his love of people and the community. He passed away in 2018.

Staff and patrons of the Maple Leaf House Grill & Lounge, at 2749 Lake Shore Blvd. W. and the LAMP/ Pay It Forward Committee have raised $4,400 from the Joseph Attard Memorial Tee Off for Mental Health Golf Tournament.

The funds will be donated to LAMP Community Health Centre for their Amongst Friends Community Mental Health Program.

“Without the amazing incredible generosity of our golfers, sponsors, donors, and supporters, this wouldn’t have been possible,” Maple Leaf owner Dave Cole said.

“A special thanks is due to the wonderful ladies from the Pay It Forward Committee who helped organize, set up, and reach out to our community for donations to make this a day to remember,”  he said.

Our community needs our support and we are proud to support LAMP, one volunteer said, adding  Attard was well-loved and had many friends from years of working at The Beer Store.

“He was highly respected by all who knew him.” said Ashley Cormier.  He touched the hearts of many people in his lifetime – including hers.

“I am so thankful and I feel so fortunate to have called him my co-worker, my friend and ultimately my family,” Cormier said. “He was greatly loved and he will be truly missed by many.”

“There was a real sense of community that would not have been possible without the support of local businesses,” she said. “Your contributions make a huge difference.”

Together with your support, we hope to make this annual event even bigger going forward.

E-mail organizers at teeoff4mentalhealth@gmail.com or payit4wardcommittee@gmail.com if you are interested in donating or taking part next year.

A special thank you goes out to: GLB Breweries, The Keitner Group, Maltese Eric Bested, Mimico Lacrosse, Jeff’s No Frills-Royal York, Ridley Funeral Home, T.J. O’Sheas Irish Snug, Neatly Organized, The Beer Store, Poster One, Apex, Armstrong, Protection Plus, ADI, The New Flower Drum Restaurant, San Remo Bakery, Southern Oasis Designs, Black Collar Barber Shop, Queen’s Pasta, Funny Bones, South Shore Bar and Grill, Southside Auto, Darren Clarke Windows, Long Branch Social House, Deerfield Golf, GMD Wholesale, John S, Pirates Life and Drayton Entertainment.

 

By IAN ROBERTSON

Thousands of people gathered in South Etobicoke and across Canada to pay tribute to our veterans on Remembrance Day.

The front lawn of the Royal Canadian Legion (RCL), Branch 101, at 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W., was packed with residents who paid their respects to the surviving veterans and those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

There were more than 200 people, ranging from infants to seniors, at the RCL Long Branch service, with cadets lined up at the front, people surrounding, including several veterans – a couple seated in chairs.

Printed programs were available inside the branch. Recorded music was included.

The service began with a March on the Colours, led by Sergeant-at-Arms Cole Hayes, then “O Canada” sung by everyone, followed by lowering of the Maple Leaf flag on the pole in front of the legion hall.

The opening hymn was ‘Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory of the Coming of the Lord.’

A message was delivered by Branch 101 President Tom Flockary, after which he read names of the five RCL comrades who passed away over the past year.

The opening prayer was delivered by Lieutenant David Hipperson, of the Salvation Army Lakeshore Community Church, who is Padre of the RCL Branch.

A lament was followed by Reveille and the Canadian flag being raised, then reading of an Act of Remembrance by Padre Hipperson, a Commitment of Remembrance, a response to that, followed by wreaths being laid, recitation of “In Flanders Fields’, a benediction, a closing prayer, singing of “Amazing Grace’, then “God Save the King’, a march-off-of colours and falling out.

Numerous visitors brought poppies to lay with the wreaths, after which guests were invited into the RCL.

The first wreaths were laid by representatives of the Federal Government, Veterans, Veterans Affairs, the Provincial Government, the City of Toronto, and District ‘D’ zone branches.

At the Long Branch Cenotaph at noon, a shorter service was held with some of the same participants, led by Sergeant-at-Arms Cole Hayes.

Several dozen people were in attendance, with the service much shorter but memorable.

As they did at the RCL Long Branch, City Councillor/Toronto Deputy Mayor Amber Morley and MPP Christine Hogarth were among those who laid wreaths.

The Long Branch Cenotaph was constructed in 1933 in memory of residents who lost their lives in World War I, WW11 and the Korean War.

The Cenotaph stands in a small park on Long Branch Avenue south of the Lakeshore Boulevard. The Wright Family, extensive land owners in the community, donated this small parcel of land to the village of Long Branch to be held in perpetuity.

It was also indicated at that time that a Cenotaph was to be erected on the site.

At a service downtown Mayor Olivia Chow said 125,000 Canadians saw service at home and abroad. Some 10,000 Toronto soldiers died in conflicts over the years.

There were similar services held at the Cenotaph at Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Kipling Avenue and at Etobicoke Civic Centre.

 

Members of the Toronto Scottish Regiment were in Mississauga’s Celebration Square on Remembrance Day to pay their respects to veterans then and now.

Veterans as well as active service personnel came together in the brisk fall air to remember those who gave their lives in the name of peace, the Regiment said in a release.

Even though the ceremony was a moving homage, it brought to light an ongoing difficulty, which is making sure that younger generations understand and are mindful of the sacrifices that were made in order for them to enjoy their liberties, according to the Regiment.

“In a world where the passage of time causes memories of past wars to fade, there is still a generational knowledge gap among young people recognizing the significance of Remembrance Day,” the Regiment stated.

They said the presence and cooperation of the Toronto Scottish Regiment were crucial in making great progress toward closing this gap.

“It was meant to be a moment of solidarity, and remembering, and it provided an answer to the question of why we should continue to honour such sacrifice,” Cpl. Dominic Sobotka said.

He said “there is still a generational knowledge gap among young people recognizing the significance of Remembrance Day.”

The Regiment gave a demonstration of military tradition and delivered a living history lesson by standing shoulder to shoulder in silence while reflecting on the past and presenting the colours.

“The participation contributed to the lighting of a spark of remembrance within the hearts of young Canadians, which helped to emphasize the significance of this particular day,” said Commanding Officer Lieutenant-Colonel Jason Kearney.

“On November 11th, we acknowledge and honour the courage and sacrifice of those who served their country as members of the Armed Forces,” Kearney said.

“Through the city’s efforts, and those of community leaders all over Canada today and throughout Veterans week, their sacrifices will not be in vain, and we will remember,” he said.

Since its founding in 1915, The Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Own), or Tor Scot R, has been a key component of Canada’s Army Reserve.

It has been 105 years since the armistice ending the First World War was signed. The Toronto Scottish Regiment has fought in most major battles in the First and Second World Wars; notably the Somme, Vimy Ridge, Ypres, Dieppe, Dunkirk, and The Hochwald.

During the War in Afghanistan, the Regiment contributed an aggregate of more than 20% of its authorized strength to the various Task Forces which served in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2014.

Over 125,000 Canadian Armed Forces members, as well as over 4,000 Canadian civilian police officers, have contributed to restoring peace.

Mississauga’s Small Arms Inspection Building was a bustling weapon-producing centre in Remembrance Days of the past.

Building 12 as it was known, was designed in 1940, and used as a large munitions plant for the Canadian Army through the Second World War until 1974.

Small Arms Limited played a critical role for women, who made up about two-thirds of the factory’s 5,300 workforce.

At the end of 1941, the factory had 1,200 employees and had made 7,589 rifles, according to the City of Mississauga.

In 1942, the factory was in full production making pistols, Mark II Sten sub-machine guns, Lee Enfield No. 4 rifles, ammunition, and a myriad of other military supplies. By 1943 the factory employed more than 5,300 workers, 65% of whom were women.

This factory was an important industry in Lakeview, and led to a rapid increase in population, as well as housing.

In 1942 Wartime Housing Limited constructed 200 prefabricated homes and a dormitory for the employees. On March 1943, a large dormitory with accommodations for 422 women opened at the northwest corner of Dixie and Lakeshore Roads.

The increase in population also led to the building of two modern schools in Lakeview, Lakeview Beach and Lakeview Park public schools.

Many of the officers, it is said, lived in the wartime homes built in Alderwood by the federal government to house staff. Then it took an army of workers several weeks to build a home, since they mostly followed the same design.

Wartime production ceased in December 1945. By the end of the Second World War, Small Arms Limited had manufactured 126,703 9mm Sten sub-machine guns; 905,731 Lee Enfield No. 4 rifles; and 1,141 No. 4 MKI Sniper Rifles, as well as pistols and machine guns and played a significant role in the allied war effort during the Second World War.

After the war, the factory continued to operate, switching to the fabrication of component parts for vehicles as a division of Canadian Arsenals Limited. The factory closed in 1974. In 1981 the factory was transferred to Canada Post, and in 1992 to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

The Small Arms Inspection Building (SAIB) is located on the 15.7-hectare parcel of land known as the Arsenal Lands on the eastern border of Mississauga’s waterfront, which borders with Etobicoke.

It was deemed a heritage building in 2008.

The City of Mississauga acquired ownership of the building in 2017, and together with the Small Arms Society, transformed it into Creative Hub 1532, a collaborative space for creative activity with shows and gatherings.

This multi-purpose, historic building presents a wide range of arts programs and provides much needed rental space for cultural organizations and the community. As the only cultural hub of its kind in Mississauga, the small arms building supports meaningful audience engagement through dynamic exhibitions, events and experiences.

Four people were hospitalized following a crash as motorists tried to dodge bales of hay strewn on the Gardiner Expressway near Kipling Avenue.

The incident occurred on November 11 around 6:30 a.m. and police are investigating how the hay ended up on the busy roadway.

Police said drivers on the Expressway tried to dodge the bales  when the crash took place that involved four vehicles.

“A large amount of hay bales were observed on the Gardiner Expressway eastbound lanes,” Const. Shannon Eames said in a statement. “Drivers attempted to avoid the hazard, which resulted in a collision involving four vehicles.”

A 48-year-old passenger was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries. Three other people were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Anyone with information or dash camera footage is asked to contact Toronto police at 416-808-1900, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.