Two well-meaning candidates are running against incumbent Mark Grimes for the Etobicoke Lakeshore riding of Ward 3 in the upcoming October 24 municipal elections.

Long-time area resident and social worker Amber Morley registered May 10 and joined others in a race to replace Councillor Grimes, who has represented the riding since 2003.

Morley obtained more than 27 per cent of the vote in the 2018 municipal election, when she took on Grimes.

“Her first candidacy proved there is a strong desire for change in Ward 3,” according to her campaign team. “This election Amber will rely on that strong base of support, as she looks to improve on 2018’s numbers and take a seat at City Hall.”

Also seeking the position is well-known pizza maker Dino Ari, owner of Dino’s Pizza.

Ari gained a profile for feeding hundreds of homeless or others in need with his famed pizza for free. The affable pizza maker believes he can do a better job than Grimes.

He is passionate about supporting local businesses, having seen their struggles during the lockdown himself, and wants to be the voice that supports them.

“I look at the traffic right where my store is. It’s very dangerous,” Ari says about a pet issue. “I’ve talked to Mark Grimes and other city councillors about it, but they didn’t do anything. Do you know how many accidents happen in front of our store?”

“I want to show newcomers that if I can do this today, they can do it too,” he says. ‘”If I can succeed in my business as a pizza maker, they can do even more.”

In the provincial June 2 elections Etobicoke Lakeshore candidates face a tough fight from Incumbent MPP Christine Hogarth, whose signs are visible in the community as her team seek votes.

New Democrat high school teacher Farheen Alim hopes to secure more funding for Ontario schools and increase affordable housing.

Also running is Liberal candidate Lee Fairclough, a 22-year Etobicoke resident, who was nominated as the Ontario Liberal Party (OLP) candidate.

 

Fairclough is a former president of St. Mary’s Hospital who led the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. She is an Adjunct Professor in Health Policy at the University of Toronto, where she earned her Master of Health Science in Health Policy, Management and Evaluation.

She started her career providing cancer treatment to patients at Princess Margaret Hospital as a Medical Radiation Technologist Therapist (MRT(T)).

Other provincial candidates include: Thomas Yanuziello, of the Green Party, Dr. Ira Bernstein, of the Ontario Party, Mary Markovic, of the New Blue, Vitas Naudziunas of NOTA.

 

Hundreds of Tibetans gathered last week to welcome their country’s leader on his first visit to Canada.

The head of the Tibetan government in exile made a rare appearance in Toronto to visit with Tibetans here at the Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre, on Titan Road.

Many Tibetans waiting to see Sikyong Penpa Tsering were dressed in formal attire as they waited to shake hands with the leader in waiting.

Tsering who is leader of the Central Tibetan Administration, started off his western trip with a visit to Washington, D.C., before vising Ottawa, Montreal and Toronto. In Ottawa he addressed the Canadians Parliamentary Friends of Tibet, attended a reception and spoke to the Tibetan community of Canada.

He left Canada on May 10.

The leader was given the Royal treatment as he was escorted to the Titan Road temple with a motorcycle patrol with sirens blaring.

Members of the community cheered and waved as Tsering and his security team arrived.

Community leader Young Doung Tenzin said it is the first time Tibetans here has met the leader.

“It is his first visit to Canada and it is very important,” Tenzin says. “It is his first foreign trip since he was elected President of the Tibetan people in exile.”

The temple was packed as Tsering gave a public talk in Tibetan to the hundreds of followers.

Penpa Tsering, former speaker of Tibet’s exile parliament, was officially named by the Tibetan Election Commission in April 2021 as Sikyong, or political leader, of the India-based exile government, the Central Tibetan Administration.

Winning 34,324 votes in a closely fought April 11 election held in Tibetan communities worldwide, Tsering had moved decisively ahead of the 28,907 votes secured by rival Kelsang Dorjee Aukatsang, who congratulated Tsering on his win.

The Tibetan diaspora is estimated to include about 150,000 people living in 40 countries, mainly India, Nepal, North America, and in Europe.

Tsering now replaces Lobsang Sangay, a Harvard-trained scholar of law, who had served two consecutive five-year terms as Sikyong, an office in the northern Indian city of Dharamsala filled by candidates elected since 2011 by popular vote.

Formerly an independent nation, Tibet was invaded and incorporated into China by force 70 years ago, and Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and thousands of his followers later fled into exile in India and other countries around the world following a failed 1959 national uprising against China’s rule.

Chinese authorities maintain a tight grip on the region, restricting Tibetans’ political activities and peaceful expression of cultural and religious identity, and subjecting Tibetans to persecution, torture, imprisonment, and extrajudicial killings.

Mimico’s  Martin Luther Church is looking for two people to join our team as part of the Canada Summer Jobs program in the area of community development and graphic design.

The job entails 30-hours weekly, at $15 hourly for nine weeks.
Two applicants will join the community development team to foster presence, involvement, and relationships within our community.

This involves organizing and offering various existing weekly activities like Bowls and Blessings.  Both new team members will take on specific partnerships and portfolios to manage and grow over the course of the season.

In the past that has been work with the Compost Council of Canada and Plant-Grow-Share a Row, through the project “Give Peas a Chance”.  This year we will continue our focus on caring for creation and encouraging community involvement through accessibility.

“ Understanding the community needs and priorities, we encourage each participant to offer new ideas or iterations,” according to officials.
One new team member will be tasked with specific items that require some immediate attention and a detail oriented person.  Each season we require support producing various forms of visual media and managing social media platforms.

The other team member will be asked to own, plan, and stage our larger projects, most of which will be outdoors, forward facing, and people driven.  This role requires skill and comfort making connections and sustaining the variety of plant based projects.

The church is located at  2379 Lake Shore Blvd W, near Superior Ave. The phone number is 416-251-8293.

 

 

 

It’s Earth Week and the City of Toronto is searching for an official tree.

Residents are being asked to help City officials select an official tree that we can all gather around.

“Everyone who lives in Toronto is eligible to vote,” the City said. The deadline for your vote is May 10 at 11:59 p.m.

“Everyone in Toronto can cast their vote to help pick Toronto’s Official Tree,” according to the City.

Residents can select from four different trees. They include birch, maple, oak or pine.

The winning tree will be announced in the Spring.

The City takes pride in upkeeping and planting hundreds of trees every year.

You can obtain further information by phoning 311 or e-mail your selection to 311@toronto.ca

 

Huge traffic changes are being considered for the busy and heavily congested Humber Bay Shores area.

The Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Park Lawn Road area is already a white-knuckle intersection for motorists as most South Etobicoke residents know.

Members of the City’s Infrastructure & Environment Committee on April 26 will consider a Final Report on the Park Lawn Lake Shore Transportation Master Plan (TMP) that will change the lives of residents if approved.

The TMP, a result of years of study by traffic engineers and community consultation, will then be voted on by City Council on May 11.

Public comments are being accepted and can be emailed to iec@toronto.ca

The TMP comes as plans are underway to demolish an Esso Service Station at the south-eastern corner to construct a 59-storey condo tower; and later this year the starting of construction of as many as 15 hi-rises on the former Mr. Christie site.

The plan takes into consideration traffic from a planned Park Lawn GO Station, TTC hub, a dedicated streetcar connection and as many as four local streets being added to the development.

The well-travelled Park Lawn Road is proposed to become a “neighbourhood main street,” with two traffic lanes, instead of four. It will have one-way cycle tracks from Lake Shore Blvd. W., to The Queensway; wider sidewalks and other ‘public realm improvements.’

Park Lawn south of the rail corridor will be designed for ‘dedicated curbside lay-by for TTC bus stops near the proposed GO station on the Mr. Christie site,” according to the TMP.

Lake Shore Blvd. W. is proposed to have a new dedicated TTC streetcar right-of-way in the centre of the street. It will have four vehicle traffic lanes, upgraded uni-directional cycle tracks and wider sidewalks.

There will also be several new traffic signals installed on Lake Shore Boulevard W., between Park Lawn Road and Brookers Lane.  And a two-lane North-South Street, built to connect Lake Shore and
The Queensway; provide streetcar access into the Christie’s development; help provide safe pedestrian and cycling crossing to the waterfront.

The North-South Street will help frustrated motorists enter and exit modified lanes to the Gardiner Expressway, according to the proposal.

The plan, if approved by Council, will see an extension of Legion Road to connect Lake Shore Blvd. W., and The Queensway, which is currently set for road reconstruction, adding cycling lanes and watermain work starting next year.

If approved the roadways and infrastructure will cost more than $450 million and take up to 20 years to build, documents show.

The TMP can be viewed at https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-224367.pdf

An Etobicoke man has been arrested by Halton Police for the sex trafficking of a young girl at a hotel in Burlington.

Police said the suspect was identified at a hotel and an investigation was launched last January.

The 29-year-old man was arrested on April 19 by officers of the Halton Regional Police Service Human Trafficking Unit.

Tyrelle ‘Skoobz’ Cambell, of Etobicoke, has been charged with more than 12 offences; including trafficking a person under 18, advertise sexual services, exercising control over a person, make, print or publish child pornography and import or distribute and distribute child porn.

Campbell was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Police believe there are additional victims in regards to this investigation and are asking anyone who has come into contact with Campbell or has information to contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 4674.

People are also asked to call the confidential Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 if they suspect someone is being trafficked.

 

 

Long-time customers swear they receive noble treatment at the Royal Bistro in Mimico.

Owner Kenneth Manvel arrived in Canada about eight years ago from Sri Lanka and got his first job working in a restaurant, which he loved.

Today Manvel has travelled the full circle and owns his own popular restaurant, Royal Bistro, at 384 Royal York Road, beside the iconic San Remo Bakery.

The eatery is busy with regular customers who love the ‘signature’ all day breakfast, pasta, steak dishes, eggs Royale Benedict, big bite sandwiches, health break deal wraps and lots more in a five-page menu.

“Most of our customers live in the area and they support us,” says Manvel. “We know them and they kept us going when COVID hit.”

After purchasing the restaurant, he changed its name, added an assortment of dishes to the menu and opened longer hours. The changes worked since the clean and comfortable eatery gets busy with loyal customers dining in or ordering take-out.

“I always worked in places that specialized in serving breakfasts,” he says. “I love different type of breakfasts and making my customers happy.”

Manvel learned the trade by working in a restaurant in a golf course and other restaurants.

“I always worked as a chef and wanted to work for myself,” he explains. “I had a friend here in Etobicoke and a business opportunity came up.”

He says all the hard work and long hours seems to be paying off.

“I like Etobicoke and that I opened up here,” Manvel notes. “I like the people who are very supportive and it is a quiet place.”

Katrina, a front-line manager, says customers have started to return to dining in with the virus fading.

“I am still here and I can still remember all their names and what they like to eat,” she smiles. “Our customers know they get the Royal treatment here.”

The food, as they locals know, is excellent and the portions are large.

Royal Bistro can be reached for orders at 647-351-7890 or visit them at www.RoyalBistro.ca

The Bistro is offering a 25% off on all pickup orders.

 

It is an end of the long-gone Humber Bay Shores Motel Strip era as the last service station that sparked the motel boom is closer to becoming a 59-storey condo tower.

A plan before York Etobicoke Community Council to construct a high-rise with 650 units on the site of an Esso service station at Park Lawn Road and Lake Shore Blvd. W., is almost a reality.

The station has been at the busy corner since the 1940s. Reports state it was part of a postwar wave of highway commercial development along the former Highway Two, which led to the creation of a strip of motels.

Humber Bay Shores was formerly known as the Motel Strip where these motels operated along the south side of Lake Shore up until the late 1990s and early 2000s.

A report was presented on March 28 to Community Council, in which members said there were more than a dozen issues to resolve and called for a public meeting with the councillor to take place.

The presentation stated the issues to be resolved includes; proposed building height, massing, siting, floor, shadow, wind impacts and appropriate mitigation measures.

The report provided information and identified issues regarding an Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment application for the mixed-use building, that includes a three-storey base building that will contain 655 square metres of ground floor retail and commercial space.

The proposal also consists of a four-level underground parking garage with a total of 230parking spots.

“The site has an area of 2,735 square metres, with an approximate frontage of 49 metres along Lake Shore Boulevard West and 56 metres along Marine Parade Drive,” according to the report.

The site is occupied by a gas station, including an automated car wash, a convenience store with an integrated take-out restaurant and surface parking.

The proposal requires an amendment to the former City of Etobicoke Zoning to permit residential dwelling units, increase the permitted height and revise other development standards.

The tower is being designed with a wavy façade due to its close proximity to Lake Ontario in Humber Bay.

 APRIL 6 TO MAY 25 MINDFULNESS for upcoming series taking place on Zoom at LAMP Community Health Centre. Join our teacher Corin De Souza to learn how to practice and thrive with Mindfulness. To Register contact norkyit@lampchc.org or jasmind@lampchc.org  416.252.6471 ext. 257 or 308.

FREE EMERGENCY FOOD TAKEOUT MEALS offered Monday to Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. through LAMP’s adult drop-in program. Thursday harm reduction supports from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

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.

EVERY THURSDAY The Good Food Market from 12 to 4 p.m. at Stonegate CHC at 10 Neighbourhood Lane for affordable produce, outdoor market and bring your own bags. COVID-19 protocols are in place. For more information call 416-231-7070 ext 307.

SUMMER YOUTH JOB CONNECTION for students aged 15 to 18 to obtain 20-hours of paid pre-employment training, free certification, training and work-related supports. Must be eligible to work in Ontario and be ready and willing to work during COVID-19, March Break and Summer 2022. Contact Sheroni at 416-405-5259 or email schristian@woodgreen.org

HELP WITH TAXES LAMP Community Health Centre is providing a free income tax clinic for area residents. You can book an appointment to meet the tax clinic worker to help you file your taxes or you can drop off your documents at the office screening desk. For more information or to book an appointment call 416-252-9701 ext. 208 and 281.

CO-OP HOUSING OPTIONS AFFORDABLE Housing Workshop Series. Are you interested in Co-op Housing Options?  Join us to get information on new Co-op Housing Models on Thursday April 21 at 2 p.m. on Zoom. Registration is available on eventbrite at  https://www.eventbrite.ca or by contacting jasmind@lampchc.org 416 252 6471 ext. 308

FREE ONLINE AFFORDABLE HOUSING WORKSHOP – Do you know how to apply for Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Housing Subsidy? LAMP is offering an online workshop on how to get onto the Toronto housing subsidy list. Details on how the program works and other resources will be offered through this free educational workshop on April 12 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. To register e-mail nekpeno@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 Ext. 238 or jasmind@lampchc.org or 416.252.6471 ext. 308.

APRIL 26 STRENGTH BASED LEADERSHIP WORKSHIP – Would you like to build your leadership skills? Join our strength-based leadership workshop on April 26 at 7 p.m on Zoom The workshop focuses on identifying the unique strengths of individuals through interaction and questions. This workshop will help participants to identify their unique strengths to enhance self-development and community services. To register e-mail nekpeno@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 Ext. 238.

MUSIC & WELLNESS is a virtual music therapy group designed to use music to bring people together, improve connections and talk about things that are uplifting. Participants have the opportunity to discover more about themselves within a creative outlet of singing, music listening and encouragement. Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Zoom. To register contact norkyit@lampchc.org or 416 252 6471 ext. 257

CATCH MY BREATH RAY PROGRAM is a youth mental health program at LAMP for ages 14 – 21. The past two years have been hectic and we deserve to have a space where we can share how we’re feeling and what we’re thinking. Let’s share a space to support and have one-on-one conversation with youth in the community. Every Monday 6 p.m. to- 7:30 pm on Zoom. To register contact Isha Green youth@lampchc.org.

HEALTHY EATING IS GOOD – Have you been thinking of changing your eating habits? Then join our Healthy Eating workshops through the West Toronto Diabetes Education Program. Part one introduction to Diabetes Wednesday April 16 @ 6:30 pm on Zoom. Part two Diabetes and Healthy Eating Wednesday May 4, 6 pm. Our experienced health care professionals will give you the information you need to achieve success. Call 416-252-1928 ext. 100.

HAVING A BABY? Etobicoke Pre and Post-Natal Dietician program on Zoom is being offered with agencies as LAMP, Toronto Public Health, Rexdale community Health Centre and other partners in a free health education and nutrition program with health professionals and food demos. One-to-one prenatal and post-natal support and discussions. Grocery cards and other supports as needed. For more information or to register 416-737-9874 or 416-898-1225 or e-mail martha.morales@rexdalechc.com.

 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at the Salvation Army Lakeshore Community Church, at 5 Thirtieth Street, on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information or to sign up call 416-251-8372.

PATTY DAY Celebrating the Jamaican patty and introducing Toronto Patty Fest at the Afro-Caribbean Farmers Market in the heart of Little Jamaica (Eglinton Ave. W. and Oakdale Rd. area), on August 6. Little Jamaica is recognized as an important ‘cultural and culinary destination.’

THE ETOBICOKE CENTENNIAL Choir after two years of Zoom rehearsals and virtual concerts is finally bringing live choral music back to Etobicoke. Their first live concert takes place on May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Humber Valley United Church, at 76 Anglesey Blvd. The concert title ‘With Heart, In Hope,’ expresses the joy we feel in singing together again. For more information contact Lauren Mayer at 416-433-5495 or at publicity@etobicokecentennialchoir.ca

 

 

 

Local authors Heidi von Palleske and Heather Babcock are a couple of redheads spreading the word on Zoom.

The authors invite book lovers to join them on April 21 at 7 p.m. on Zoom as they read from their novels.

“It should be a fun, lively event,” promises Babcock, who lives in the Alderwood area. “We will read from our novels and discuss writing, ginger protagonists and women’s sexuality in literature.”

Heidi is the author of two novels: They Don’t Run Red Trains Anymore and Two White Queens and the One- Eyed Jack, which is a 2021 Indies book award finalist.

“Her writing is very sensual and poetic, with vivid and unforgettable characters,” says Babcock.

She will be reading from her debut novel Filthy Sugar, a historical fiction set in a 1930’s burlesque house.

They will also be reading together from each other’s books.

To join them, please register at: A Couple Of Redheads Walk into a Zoom Free Tickets (Online Event)

They would like to thank the Canada Council for funding through the Writers’ Union of Canada.

You can also check out Babcock’s blog: Meet Me at the Soda Fountain: The Bee’s Knees of 1920’s and 1930’s Film and Pop Culture:

https://meetmeatthesodafountain.home.blog/

My debut novel Filthy Sugar is now available with Inanna Publications. Please visit https://www.inanna.ca/product/filthy-sugar/