The RCMP is celebrating its 12^th Anniversary of the Toys for the North campaign.

The national police force’s O Division will again coordinate transportation and delivery of toys to children living in remote northern communities.

The RCMP, along with partners from the Canadian Toy Association, Thomson Terminals Limited and the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) are working to receive toys and arrange transportation and delivery.

“We want to continue to bring joy to children across Canada’s North and reach as many children as possible,” said Cpl. Angelique Dignard. “We are overjoyed that this year we are able to expand the program into communities in the Northwest Territories.”

The Christmas campaign began in 2010, originating from a partnership between the Santa Claus Parade, the Canadian Toy Association, The Toronto Zoo, O Division RCMP and the Toronto RCMP Veterans Association. That year we delivered toys to northern communities in the Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. The force has since made the holidays a little brighter by distributing over $1,000,000 worth of toys to children in Northern communities.

Should you wish to donate a new unwrapped toy, you can do so at one of our three GTA detachments in Toronto North and Airport Detachments or at our Hamilton-Niagara Regional Detachment in Stoney Creek. Donation boxes will be available at the three offices, Monday to Friday, between November 1^st, 2022 and November 24^th, 2022, 9:00 am – 3:30 pm.

Be sure to follow the journey of the toys from the GTA to Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Northern Newfoundland/Labrador and Ontario on our Twitter, Facebood and Instagram feeds or by following hashtags #CTAT4N and #ToysForTheNorth.

“We are very grateful for everyone who has supported the Toys for the North campaign for the past 12 years,” Dignard said. “Together, you helped create happy memories for children across Canada’s remote north. The smiling faces of the children have been the best gifts we could ever imagine receiving.”

You can contact Dignard by email at  angelique.dignard@rcmp-grc.gc.ca

 

 

Hundreds of Canadian military veterans and their families and friends paid their respects to loved ones who lost their lives in battle on Remembrance Day.

A large amount of the young soldiers who left for wars overseas were from the South Etobicoke area or had families here.

There were a number of well-attended memorial services on November 11 starting with a 7 a.m. Sunrise Ceremony held at the New Toronto Cenotaph, at Colonel Samuel Smith Park.

Other services were held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 101, in Long Branch, Branch 643, at 101 Jutland Road with many more showing their support for our soldiers at the Etobicoke Civic Centre service, on the West Mall.

Residents braved the cold to pay their respects to the many Canadian soldiers who sacrificed their lives for this country.

All were invited back inside Branch 643 Legion Hall to share memories and enjoy a warm soup and snacks.

 

 And you thought you had a hard day at work.

A merchant in the St. Clair West and Runnymede Road area had to fend off an axe attack after he tried to stop a man from stealing goods at his store.

Luckily the storekeeper suffered minor injuries on October 25 after Toronto Police Hold Up Squad officers responded to a robbery at the convenience store.

Police allege a man and woman entered the store and began concealing items.

They both attempted to leave, making no attempt to pay, according to police.

“The woman was confronted but managed to get away and flee,” according to a release. “When employees approached the man prior to him leaving, he swung an axe striking one victim causing minor injuries and forcing them to back away.”

Both suspects fled the area on foot.

The man is described as white, approximately 20 to 30 years old, 5’7” with a slim build.

The woman is described as black, approximately 20 to 30 years old, 5’5” with a slim build and hair partially dyed blue.

If located, do not approach, call 9-1-1 immediately.

Photographs of the suspects have been released.

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.

A patient care assistant who worked at Trillium Health Partners (THP) has been arrested in connection with the sexual assault of a vulnerable elderly female patient.

Peel Regional Police officers of a Special Victims Unit have arrested a part-time employee of the huge hospital that is made up of the Credit Valley Hospital, the Mississauga Hospital and the Queensway Health Centre.

Police allege the sexual assault against the vulnerable elderly woman occurred in early November 2022.

“The victim did not suffer any physical injuries as a result of the incident,” Peel police said in a release.

Officers did not disclose how old the woman was but said the incident occurred at the THP’s Mississauga location.

William Soto, 32, of Toronto, has been charged with sexual assault. He was slated to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton on November 13.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims and encourage anyone with information to contact investigators Special Victims Unit at 905-453-2121, extension 3460.

Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.

Words and Photos By REJEAN CANTLON

The National Lacrosse League (NLL) Cup was in South Etobicoke earlier this month courtesy of former Mimico Mountaineer Jr A lacrosse player and captain, Warren Jeffrey.

Jeffrey, fondly referred to as “Moose”, is described a stellar and menacing 6’3”, 235-pound beast of a defenceman on the Colorado Mammoth lacrosse squad who helped commandeer the 2022 championship bragging rights from the Buffalo Bandits.

Jeffrey was born and bred in Mimico. He played his amateur career with the Mimico Mountaineers, winning provincial minor championships seemingly at will.
He went on to play high school ball with St. Michael’s College School and graduated to varsity stick with the NCAA Division 1 University of Vermont Catamounts.

Jeffrey’s athletic allocates do not stop with lacrosse, he was also a stand-out athlete in minor hockey with the Queensway Canadiens, West Mall Lightning, Mississauga North Stars, AAA Senators and St. Michael’s College School.

Proud parents

Cameron and Georgia embraced the victory celebration at Dakota’s Sports Bar with family, friends and fans.

In the midst of the excitement at Dakota’s, Colorado Mammoth Head Coach, Pat Coyle, sent this message stating, “Warren has become one of our most dominant and dependable defencemen. Sometimes he does his job so well and efficiently that you don’t even notice him. But his teammates and coaches know that he is one of the most imposing defencemen in the NLL and that we are lucky to have him.”

Jeffrey brought the Cup back to his roots, giving young Mimico athletes like Slade, Jameson and Rowan a chance to see and touch the 50-pound iconic trophy in person.

Interesting fact: brothers Jameson and Rowan are originally from Denver, where Warren plays. They recently moved to the South Etobicoke area and carry a fond respect and admiration for the game. They are now clearly part of the Mimico Mountaineer family. Without a doubt, many lacrosse fans in the South Etobicoke area will be cheering on Warren to bring the NLL Cup back next season.

Item of note: newly acclaimed OLA President, Sean O’Callahan was also in the house at Dakota’s. Congrats O’Cal or should we say… Mr. President (a.H)

 

 

Retired former Campbell Soup employee Jim O’Brien is one of many chicken wing lovers who have been returning for many years to their favourite Maple Leaf House Grill & Lounge to enjoy a tasty meal.

“I’ve been coming here for wings for more than 10 years,” said O’Brien, who retired from the soup company after 23 years. “I think the wings here is just as good, or better than other places.”

He said working at Campbell was the best job he has had and then more than 500 employees worked at the now gone Birmingham Street plant making soup for all of Canada.

Mimico resident Mark Potter said has been stopping by the Maple Leaf House Grill just about every week or two for the last 14 years to get his fill of wings.

“They are big and juicy,” Potter explained. “There is only two places that I go for wings and this is one of them.”

He said the large wings are always fresh, spicy “and go well with beer and the hockey game.”

The sports bar is busy for the many televised hockey games, baseball playoffs and football.

Sports fan and former New Toronto resident Dave Cole has owned the pub for the last 14 years. He managed to survive the challenges from COVID due to support from the community.

“Business is coming back slowly,” Cole said. “People come back here regularly for the wings, which are large ‘jumbo roasters’ that are never frozen.”

He believes regulars love his wings because they are locally sourced and are eaten in a week.

“Our wings are obtained from local farmers and are never frozen,” Cole said. “Our wings are not purchased overseas and brought here.”

The pub makes its own sauces from natural ingredients and customers know they are getting real chicken wings.

“Our wings are fresh and that’s why they are the best,” he vowed. “People come from all over Ontario for our wings.”

He has many customers from Mississauga and some from Barrie, who formerly lived in the area and stop by for a meal when in the area.

While there one customer had arrived early and eagerly waited for a fast-selling Philly Cheese Steak that is only available on Fridays.

Cole will be bringing back live bands this month and reminds customers that his huge covered patio remains open all winter. A large private banquet hall that holds about 100 is available for rental.

The Maple Leaf House Grill is located at 2749 Lake Shore Blvd. W., near First Street, and can be reached at 416-255-2558. You can visit them at www.mapleleafhouse.ca or e-mail mapleleafhouse@live.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 LUNCHES at LAMP CHC on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the community room at 150 Sixth Street from 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Saturdays at Street Level 10 am until noon.

NOVEMBER 1 to DECEMBER 13 Ukrainian Weekly Social Group gather every Tuesday from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Stonegate Community Health Centre, 10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit 201, to meet new friends, socialize and participate in activities as art and craft, cooking or walking. To register e-mail olena.yatsura@stonegatechc.org or call 416-231-7070 ext. 379.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT CENTRE operating from St. Margaret’s Church on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meals, snacks, washrooms, showers, and laundry available for folks who are unhoused.

NOVEMBER 7 ETOBICOKE CAMERA CLUB presents freelance photographer Ethan Meleg who specializes in landscapes, ecosystems, birds and wildlife. He is represented by major stock agencies and has been published by National Geographic, Canadian Geographic, Forbes, Ontario Tourism, Lonely Planet and Popular Photography.  Ethan will present Just Winging It: his approach to bird photography. To purchase tickets go to https://www.facebook.com/etobcc.

 NOVEMBER 26 St. MARGARET NEW TORONTO is hosting a Christmas Market-Bazaar fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m, at the church at 156 Sixth Street. After 115 years St. Margaret still provides a welcoming and accessible space in the community by offering free meals, personal care support, showers and laundry to those in need. The church is seeking donations as raffle items, gift cards, food or beverages for the event. Contact Rev. Jacqueline Daley at 416-259-2659.

ADULT DROP IN PROGRAM MOVED – If you are hungry and in need of food LAMP’s Adult Drop-In program has moved to St. Margaret’s Anglican Church 156 Sixth Street. Meals are take away and dine-in from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Services Available:  Meals (take away and dine-in), access to laundry and showers, referral and case management, harm reduction supplies, hygiene kits, period bags and pet food.

EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT at St. Margaret New Toronto, at 156 Sixth Street, is Maggie’s Family Friday, where families with school-aged children can enjoy a free meal, programming, free laundry services, groceries and care packages or donations from the community. Contact Rev. Jacqueline Daley at 416-259-2659.

NOVEMBER 18 TASTE OF THE LAKESHORE FUNDRAISER by Youth Unlimited GTA, at The Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. for a seated coffee-house experience, with intimate performances, food tastings from the community and stories of Youth Unlimited’s work. Funds raised will go to Etobicoke Young Moms, Youth Leaders in Training Program, Lakeshore Soccer League and more. Tickets are $50 and available by e-mail aironside@yugta.ca

NOVEMBER 22 NATIONAL HOUSING DAY- LAMP Community Health Centre: interested in action and advocacy surrounding affordable housing in our community? We are looking for volunteers from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 185 5th Street to assist in supporting the National Housing Day initiatives! We are also looking for volunteers for prep-and-outreach leading up to the day of the event! E-mail: jasmind@lampchc.org or call 416 252 6471 ext. 309 for more.

NOVEMBER 22 LOOKING FOR LOW COST spay and neuter services for your pet?  The City of Toronto SYNP Truck will be at LAMP CHC on November 22 and December 6 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Registration is required in advance. Contact 416-338.6281 or visit www.toronto.ca/snyptruck

EVERY SUNDAY UNTIL NOVEMBER 27 THE LAKEVIEW FARMERS’ Market takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Small Arms Inspection Building 1352 Lakeshore Rd. E., Mississauga. Get fresh foods, flowers, microgreens, butcher shop and fresh and tasty maple syrup.

NOVEMBER 29 FALL WELLNESS SERIES Pillars of Resilence every Tuesday. LAMP CHC is pleased to offer this free workshop featuring Mary Craig, RVT both online and in person from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. until November 29. This series includes mindful movement, meditation and breath work strengthening our resilience strategies. E-mail: jasmind@lampchc.org or call: 416-252-6471 Ext. 308 for registration.

NOVEMBER 30 ‘Tis the Season Children’s Art Show and Community Open House’ from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at The Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, to vote for your favourite artworks created by students from area schools, while enjoying diverse family friendly activities. Exhibition runs from November 15 to December 14. For more call 416-338-7255 or E-mail assembly@toronto.ca. Sponsored by Long Branch BIA, Mimico by the Lake BIA and Mimico Village BIA.

IMPROVE YOUR READING, WRITING AND Computer skills by using an iPad? Adult Learning at LAMP Community Health Centre is offering free small group, in-person learning Tuesday afternoons at 185 Fifth Street. Participants must be Ontario residents, 19-years of age and up, speak English and have a valid SIN number. Please email anitad@lampchc.org or call: 416-252-9701 EXT. 242 or 243 for details.

EVERY THURSDAY FROM 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. the Cooper Mills-Gooch Community Food Bank provides fresh groceries and essential food items every Thursday in the Jane St. and Dundas St. W. area. Contact 416-358-0031 for more information.

AFFORDABLE FOOD EVERY THURSDAY from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. The Good Food Market at Stonegate Community Health Centre, Second Floor, 10 Neighbourhood Lane. Affordable produce. Bring your own bag. For more information call 416-231-7070 ext. 307.

NOVEMBER 16 COMMUNITY BENEFITS meeting. Join us for our general meeting at 7 p.m. We are moving into the next steps of mobilization bringing equity in policy decisions to South Etobicoke. We will discuss the upcoming National Housing Day.  Online registration is available at https://CommunityBenefitsSouthEtobicokeNovemberMeeting.eventbrite.ca or E-mail: info@cbasouthetobicoke.ca

REMEMBRANCE DAY CEREMONIES –

Here are some Remembrance Day ceremonies taking place on November 11 so we can remember those who gave their lives for us. The first is a sunrise ceremony that takes place at 7 a.m. at the New Toronto Monument, Col. Samuel Smith Park, at Kipling Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. W.

The memorial service takes about an hour and is well-attended and you are advised to get there a bit earlier.

Other memorial services will take place at 11 a.m. at Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 101, 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 643, 110 Jutland Road and the Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall.

The Etobicoke Cenotaph, at the Civic Centre, was constructed in 1968 in memory of those brave men  who gave their lives in World War I (1914 – 1918), World War II (1939 – 1945), and Korean War (1950 – 1953).

 

 

 

Dissatisfied voters of Ward 3 Etobicoke Lakeshore have called for change and tossed out veteran councillor Mark Grimes.

Rookie politician Amber Morley crushed Grimes in a heated tough campaign, which had plenty of name calling and sign-stealing by supporters.

The upset by Morley is what many describe as the biggest upset in Toronto’s municipal election on October 24.

She managed to defeat the incumbent who was endorsed by Mayor elect John Tory, who is still popular with voters, while Grimes is not.

“We did it. Change is possible,” Morley told her excited campaign supporters and staff.

The young social worker and community health promoter with LAMP Community Health Centre, won 46.6 per cent share of the vote to Grimes’ 40.4 per cent with 81 of 86 polls reporting.

In 2018, Grimes won 40.9 per cent of the vote to Morley’s 27.19 per cent.

Her priorities, once sworn in, will be working on affordable housing, safe streets, accessible transportation and resilient and vibrant neighbourhoods.

Morley defeated the long-time councillor by an embarrassing 2,012 votes, despite him holding office for 19 years.

“As someone who’s grown up as a low-income person, as a racialized person, often, we don’t see ourselves reflected in those systems,” Morley told the CBC. “I hope that my participation helps people like me see themselves in the [political] process.”

Many residents complained during the campaign that Grimes was seldom at City Hall and was too friendly with developers with the many high-rise condos popping up in every empty space in the ward.

Candidates touted that Grimes had the worst attendance of all councillors and was once cited in a possible conflict of interest with developers in the area.

“I am thrilled our campaign for change at Toronto City Hall is drawing support from a wide cross section of voices from across Toronto,” Morley said in a release.

High profile pizza maker candidate Zeynel (Dino) Ari captured 467 votes.

Morley was endorsed by politicians as Councillor Josh Matlow, MPPs Kristyn Wong-Tam, Jill Andrew and Bhutila Karpoche, MP Peggy Nash, former Trustee Pamela Gough, Toronto and York Labour Council and the Toronto Community Bikeways Coalition.

Two people were injured – one severely – in separate crashes last Friday on a busy stretch of The Queensway.

Police said around 6:30 p.m. on October 22 they were called to respond to a two-vehicle crash at Royal York Road and The Queenway after a motorcycle hit a car.

The motorcycle rider was transported to hospital by emergency run with life-threatening injuries.

Several hours later another man was taken to a trauma centre after he was struck by a vehicle several blocks away.

Toronto Police tweeted they were called to the area of Kipling Avenue and The Queensway at around 9:28 p.m. for reports a pedestrian had been struck.

A man was taken to a trauma centre by paramedics, police said. Officers said the man’s injuries were non-life-threatening.

The driver remained at the scene, police said.