The Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre is celebrating its fifth anniversary this year with a new online exhibition featuring postcards from yesteryear called “Scene and Unseen.”

They also plan to open an in-person exhibition as well this year.

“The Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre (LGIC) is thrilled to announce a new exhibition for our Third Floor Gallery: Scene and Unseen: Exploring Stories Through Postcard, according to Curator Nadine Finlay.

The exhibition, first published on their website as a digital exhibition, includes recently acquired artefacts that are being displayed in public for the first time, Finlay said.

“Explore the history of the Lakeshore Grounds through postcards sent and collected in the region around the turn of the twentieth century,” she said.

Postcards can simultaneously ‘capture memories of a place while obscuring the lived realities of those whose stories are deeply connected with the image.’

“What stories do historical images reveal, and what others do they conceal? ‘ asks the LGIC. “This is the question that Scene and Unseen will invite us to consider.”

As one of the earliest accessible ways to send short-form messages worldwide, postcards were once an efficient means of communication, the LGIC said.

“However, upon deeper analysis, there is more to these images of the Lakeshore Grounds and South Etobicoke than you might think!” Finlay said.

You can visit the collection online at lakeshoregrounds.ca/Scene-and-Unseen and later this year in-person in the Third Floor Gallery, located along the hallway of the third floor of the Student Welcome and Resource Centre at Humber College, Lakeshore.

The exhibition is free.

For more information contact Curator Nadine Finlay at 416-675-6622 ext. 5381.

 

Two empty billboards that were an eyesore above a fast food store in Long Branch for 30-months have been restored and back in the advertising business.

Chris Morren, president of Great Outdoor Advertising, in Long Branch, said the billboards were sold to Minto Homes after sitting idle for more than 30-months.

The double billboards have sat on the top of a Mr. Sub restaurant, at 3693 Lake Shore Blvd., and Thirty Seventh Street, for many years and was in a decrepit state of repair.

“I would like to announce that the home developer Minto has signed a contract with my new, small billboard business to put their name up there,” Morren said in a release. “Minto deserves a little credit for supporting my little, one person, sole proprietorship, without any questions asked, that with a three year contract.”

Many area residents walking by said they did not notice the billboards on the roof. They admitted that the looked better now than in a sad state of repair.

Minto Communities is one of the larger homebuilders in the area, with a huge Long Branch community being built.

 

 

 

 

A former South Etobicoke private school music teacher has been charged for sexual assault.

The 69-year-old man was arrested on February 3 by Peel Regional Police Special Victims Unit for allegedly sexually assaulting a young person.

Police alleged the suspect was involved as a volunteer with St. Francis Xavier Church, in Mississauga, when the alleged incident occurred.

Peel police said the man currently teaches music lessons from his home. He retired in 2008 after teaching at the Mississauga Private School in Etobicoke, which has since closed.

This investigation remains ongoing and investigators believe there may be additional victims.

Remy Fernandes has been charged with sexual assault and sexual interference. He appeared in Brampton court on February 4.

Anyone with information in relation to this or any other similar incident is asked to contact investigators at the Special Victims Unit at 905-453-2121, extension 3460. Anonymous information can be submitted by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.

 

                                     

Arrests have been made in a slew of thefts of goods from autos in the parking lot at Sherway Gardens Mall.

Two men are before the courts after being charged for staking out vehicles for goods in an ongoing Sherway theft ring.

Police say the thieves watched as shoppers purchased expensive Apple Store computers which were stored in their vehicles in the lot.

The crooks then followed the vehicles from Sherway to their destinations, where the cars were broken into and the expensive electronic goods were stolen.

Officers from 22 Division said from December 6 to January 28, they responded to a number of calls from theft from vehicles in the parking lot of sprawling mall.

“People purchased computers from the Apple Store and were followed to their cars,” according to police. “As they drove away, they were followed to other destinations.”

They cars were then broken into and computers stolen.

Officers were in the Sherway area on January 28 when they followed two men who they allege were following a patron from the mall.

“A short distance away, as the victims left their vehicle, the men approached the vehicle with a tool designed to break the car window,” police said in a release.

Jerson Arley Sanchez, and Nicholas Chaparro Forero, both 24, of Toronto, face 17 charges ranging from mischief to attempted theft and other offences.

They appeared in court at Old City Hall on January 29.
Toronto Police 22 Division Community Response Unit is reminding the public to always be aware of their surroundings and not to leave recent purchases unattended in their vehicle.
If anyone has experienced an event similar to this after a recent purchase, they are asked to contact police and file a report.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com.

 

Black History runs deep in Etobicoke and residents today still have great respect for the late lawyer Leonard Austin Braithwaite, who became the first Black Canadian elected to the Ontario Legislature.
Braithwaite, or “Lenny,” as he was affectionately known, was born in Toronto in 1923 to a Barbadian father and Jamaican mother who instilled in him the value of hard
work and dedication.

He served overseas with the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War II and returned home with plans of becoming a lawyer. A brilliant student, he received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Toronto in 1950.

He then obtained a Master of Business Administration degree from the Harvard Business School in 1952, and graduated from Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto in 1958.

Braithwaite moved to Etobicoke and started a successful law firm that he operated for decades. He was named a Queen’s Counsel in 1971.

His political career began in 1960, when he was elected to Ward 4 of the Etobicoke Township Board of Education.

A former president of Etobicoke Ratepayer’s Association, he was elected because of demand for a high school north of Eglinton Ave. W.
Two years later, he was elected as an alderman on the Etobicoke council.

Braithwaite ran for the Liberals in the 1963 provincial election and won the newly-created constituency of Etobicoke by 443 votes.

He helped to revoke a section of the Ontario Separate Schools Act that had allowed for racial segregation in public schools, when he asked the Legislature to “get rid of the old race law” during his maiden speech at Queen’s Park on February 4, 1964.

Braithwaite also called for the admission of female legislative pages in 1966.
He was re-elected in 1967 and 1971, and served as the Liberal Party Critic for Labour and Welfare, before being defeated in the 1975 election by New Democratic Party candidate Ed Philip by 1,256 votes.

The seasoned politician was next elected a city controller on the Etobicoke City Council in 1982. Braithwaite attempted a return to the provincial Legislature during the 1985 election but lost as he was a last minute candidate. The York West Liberal constituency association could not find anyone to run.

He became a bencher of the Governing Council of The Law Society of Upper Canada in 1999; was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1997; invested into the order in February 1998 and appointed to the Order of Ontario in 2004.

Braithwaite died in Toronto on March 28, 2012, at the age of 88. The City of Toronto that year renamed a park in his former Etobicoke riding to Leonard Braithwaite
Park in his honour.

BUSY BABIES THURSDAY Starts January 6 TO FEBRUARY 24 for four weeks. Join us for our Busy Babies Thursday program for children age 12 months and over. A fun filled adventure with crafts, stories and lots of songs. The program runs every Thursday from 9:30 am – 11:30 am.
For more email: ishrats@lampchc.org
FEBRUARY 6 IS THE 16TH ANNUAL BOB MARLEY BIRTHDAY Celebration and Food Drive Livestream in support of Parkdale Community Food Bank. The free show is being streamed by NuFunk Concerts and Rasta Fest & Uma Noto on May 6 from BSMT 245 in Toronto from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. It will feature veteran soul-reggae singer Jay Douglas with reggae collective Reggaddiction to reinterpret Bob Marley & The Wailers material and perform original material. For more info contact jay@nufunk.ca.
MINDFULNESS WORKSHOP with LAMP teacher Corin De Sousa for workshop series mindful resilience via ZOOM from Feburary 2 to March 23 every Wednesday from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. To register, please contact Jasmin Dooh at jasmind@lampchc.org or 416.252.6471 ext. 308.
FEBRUARY 8 & MARCH 8 THE SNYP TRUCK a mobile clinic of Toronto Animal Services will be at LAMP Community Health Centre, at 185 Fifth Street, from
9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. to spay or neuter your pets. Free or low cost pet services to LAMP clients. Contact 416-338-6281.
FEBRUARY 12 JEAN AUGUSTINE CENTRE presents Black History Month: Black Legacy, a celebration of Black History 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on ZOOM. There will be live performances by Jean Augustine youth, other Canadian artists, workshops and live
demos. Tickets start from $10 and can be purchased at www.JeanAugustineCentre.ca, or call 416-253-9797. Visit them at info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca
FEBRUARY 14 ETOBICOKE CAMERA CLUB Presents Sandra Laurin 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Eventbrite.ca. Sandra’s passion is photographing lifestyles, cultures and traditions of people around the world. Her love of travel has taken her to 56 countries. To
purchase tickets https://www.facebook.com/etobcc.
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 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.
FEBRUARY 25 WOMEN IN COMMUNICATION & Advertising 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Volunteer hours will be provided. Contact the Jean Augustine Centre at
416-253-9797 or visit info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca
FEBRUARY 26 AFFORDABLE HOUSING Workshop and how to apply for rent-geared-to-income (RGI) housing subsidy. Takes place 11 a.m. on Zoom. Contact Jasmin at 416-252-6471 ext. 308 or by e-mail jasmind@lampchc.org.
LAMP’s COMMUNITY CHIROPODIST is now taking new patients for foot care services for people who are prediabetic or diabetic. For more information on call 416-252-6471 ext. 264.
EVERY WEDNESDAY from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. Stonegate Community Health Centre presents Everything Baby Discussion with Barbara and Larissa to discuss prenatal, post-natal and parenting topics on Facebook Live on the Stonegate CHC Family Program Facebook page at facebook.com.
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 call 416-231-7070 ext 307.
PHYSIOTHERAPY-STRONG AND STEADY FALLS PREVENTION (Virtual Program) Winter weather means slippery sidewalks and falls. LAMP’s physiotherapy
department is offering a free program to help prevent falls. Register for our upcoming Strong & Steady physiotherapy program online runs Tuesdays at 10:30 am through the end of March. Improve your balance through simple exercises. To register call 416-252-6471 ext. 264.
PHYSIOTHERAPY BACK TO MOVEMENT virtual program for those suffering from chronic low back pain. Join our online Back to Movement Physiotherapy program which is designed to help you reduce your lower back pain and keep you in shape!
Runs Wednesdays from 2:30 p.m. to 3:45 p.m. until the end of March. To register call 416-252-6471 ext. 264.
DIABETES GROUP EDUCATION virtual workshop for those how want to make a lifestyle change. Maybe it is time. We will guide you through on achieving
your goal. Join our group diabetes workshop coming February 11 and 25 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. To register call 416-252-1928 Ext 100.
FREE TENANTS RIGHTS workshop is being offered about renters’ rights, eviction prevention and landlord obligation and community resources. The workshop is set for February 17 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Zoom for session on tenants rights. A day
workshop on tenants’ rights is also being offered on February 24 at 11 a.m. To register, contact Carly Bowie at 416-252-6471 ext. 275 or email: carlyb@lampchc.org. You can also register at https://bit.ly/33CKeG3
BLACK HISTORY MONTH Confronting Anti-Black Racism on February 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. via Zoom. Join in an engaging discussion on confronting Anti-Black racism. Hear from Black leaders in the labour movement as sponsored by Toronto Community Benefits Network. Speakers include: Abdi Hagi Yusuf, of the Labour
Community Services Council, Gary Pieters, Commissioner of Ontario Human Rights
Commission, Network Executive Director Rosemarie Powell, and Andria Babbington, of
the Toronto & York Region Labour Council. Register at eventbrite.ca
LAMP IS OFFERING an online workshop on how to get onto the Toronto housing subsidy list on February 22 at 11 a.m. via Zoom to learn how to apply for (RGI) affordable housing in Toronto. To register for that program contact jasmind@lampchc.org or 416.252.6471 ext. 308.
 CHILDREN BOOKS NEEDED Haven on the Queensway is in need of GENTLY USED children’s books. From baby board books to teenage fiction. We love to keep our kid’s busy this winter!
Your books can be dropped off at our backdoor Mondays to Thursdays from 9am to 4pm. Just ring the bell and we can help you. Please NO adult books.

Traffic was stopped for hours for motorists using the west-bound Etobicoke stretch of the Gardener Expressway due to a horrific car crash.

A 27-year-old man was pronounced dead following a tragic collision in the westbound lanes of the busy highway, near Royal York Road, shortly before 9:30 a.m. on February 3.

The man was driving a 2017 Honda Accord at a high rate of speed when he lost control and collided with a flatbed truck, according to Toronto Police.

He was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Police are trying to determine how the man crashed into the flatbed.

No other injuries were reported.

All westbound lanes of the expressway were closed from South Kingsway to Islington Avenue for several hours because of the collision. The roadway was finally reopened around 2:45 p.m., about five hours later.

The investigation is ongoing by members of Traffic Services.
Police are asking anyone with dash cam footage from around the time of the collision to contact Traffic Services.

 

 

 

Motorists are being asked to have patience as a construction project is about to get underway that will cause traffic issues.

Long Branch residents and merchants are bracing up for at least four months of construction work and noise as a major watermain replacement project takes place on Lake Shore Blvd. W.

Some business owners are worried about suffering another financial hit as the Lake Shore Blvd. W. will be reduced to two lanes, with little or no parking for customers, in some areas. They are already hurting from COVID-19.

The construction activity will affect businesses and residents from Twenty Fourth Street to just west of Thirty Second Street, according to the City.

“First customers were staying away because of COVID-19,” a frustrated Long Branch merchant said. “Now the road will be reduced and no parking, which is great for business.”

The City in a January 25 Construction Notice said the watermain construction will begin on February 7 and end on April 1, which is roughly seven weeks.

“The City of Toronto will replace the watermain and the city-owned portion of substandard water services on Lake Shore Blvd. W. from Twenty Fourth Street to 56-meters west of Thirty Second Street,” according to the Notice.

The construction on the Lake Shore Blvd. W., will begin in less than a month.

City officials said the homeowner is responsible for the pipe that leads to their home from the watermain. The City owns from the end of the property to the watermain.

The Notice said if you live on Lake Shore Blvd. W., in the area where work is being conducted, your home was quite likely built before the mid 1950s and the pipes are made out of lead, which can be dangerous to your health and that of your family.

The lead pipes and other heavy work are being conducted by a team of City workers.

The City also sent out a Pre-Construction Notice on January 26 detailing a Sewer Upgrade program that will be taking place for 10 months affecting Twenty Fifth Street, Twenty Seventh Street and others.

“The project is part of the Council-approved Capital Works Program to renew aging infrastructure, reduce the risk of leaks and ensure continued long-term reliable sewer service,” the City said.

 

 

 

It appears as if gun-toting triggermen from Mississauga and Brampton brought their beef to a Long Branch business when gunfire broke out killing two men and injuring a woman.

Toronto homicide officers are hot on the trail of two suspects who are sought for a double killing, and wounding of a third person at an office rental business, at 150 Thirtieth Street, on January 3.

The bodies of Minyali Wur, 24, and Chudier Reat, 20, were found riddled with gunshot wounds. They were taken to hospital and pronounced dead.

Detectives also found a woman nearby suffering from non-life threatening injuries.

No motive has been provided for the gunplay, which reportedly occurred at a recording studio.

The facility was shut down for more than a week as police forensic experts searched for clues.

Police on January 31 released the identities of two young men, from Mississauga and Brampton, who are sought to answer for homicides 3 and 4 of 2022.

Sought are Darriel Thompson, 21, of Mississauga, for two counts of second degree murder and attempted murder.

Also wanted is Camarr Brown, 21, of Brampton, for being an accessory after the fact of murder.

Police are investigating the history of the two rival parties.

Investigators would like to speak with anyone who may have information concerning this investigation, information on the two wanted men, or have dash camera or video surveillance of the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).

 

Mimico residents can expect more gravel trucks on Royal York Road if this tall-standing project is approved.

A zoning by-law amendment application has been filed to City Council to permit a 36-storey mixed use tower at 266 Royal York Road, just north of Drummond Street.

The 121-metre tall building will have an eight storey self-storage building on site and a three level below grade garage, according to the plan.

The 36-storey building would contain 869 square metres of retail space at-grade and 826 residential units above.

There are already a number of major construction projects underway in that area of Mimico and traffic is usually backed up on Royal York Road, according to residents.

They said parking is also an issue in the area.

“The convenient and well serviced location of this development allows for the reduction in parking availability and supports the Official Plan vision,” according to the proposal.

LEA Consulting Ltd. (LEA) was retained by Fieldgate Urban to prepare a Transportation Impact Study (TIS), according to the application.

The company said the subject site is located within a 15-minute walking distance of Mimico GO Train Station and is adjacent to streetcar stops along Lake Shore Boulevard West.

“The subject site is well-connected to the City’s cycling network via a multi-use trail along the waterfront and dedicated facilities along Stanley Avenue and Royal York Boulevard.”

Area residents are not that bowled over by the massive project that will tower over their homes.

“Won’t be long before they take the other two industrial properties and clean up that street with condos,” one man wrote on social media.

“Yet another case where I say taper down to the neighborhood environment, I don’t care what the proximity is to Mimico GO,” another concerned resident wrote. “This thing would stick out like a hilariously real bad sore thumb.”

Another local said the building was too bulky.

“The architectural expression facing Royal York is both bizarre and unbecoming,” the man said online. “The grade level with the all-glass, and excess height doesn’t work.”

The building has not been approved for construction and is being considered by City officials.