Some say enough is enough.

A number of area residents are complaining about the large number of marijuana stores popping up in the community.

There are about 15 stores that sell cannabis or related products in our area from Mimico west to Long Branch, according to a recent survey by South Etobicoke News.

Now city councillors Kristyn Wong-Tam and Paula Fletcher are seeking a one-year moratorium on the issuing of new licenses for cannabis retail stores in Toronto.

They have tabled a bill before city council requesting the Ford government pause the issuing of new licensees for one year or until a private members bill which would give municipalities more say over the location of pot shops is passed.

Bill 29 has already passed first reading in the legislature.

“There’s a lot of cannabis stores but the problem is they’re clustered in certain areas,” Fletcher, who represents the east-end riding of Toronto-Danforth, told CP24. “I don’t want to give the wrong impression. I’m all in favor of the legalization of marijuana but the over concentration of stores is becoming a problem in parts of Toronto.”

When cannabis was first legalized in 2018 the Ontario government allowed municipalities to opt in or out of having brick-and-mortar retail stores in their communities.

But it did not give municipalities that did opt in any say over the location of cannabis stores or even the number of them that can be located in any single neighbourhood.

Fletcher called it a “wild wild west” environment where some main streets are being increasingly taken over by cannabis retailers.

In downtown Toronto there there were 163 cannabis retail outlets as of last summer, according to one report.

The motion which will be considered by council says that municipalities already have the ability to weigh in on the location of other businesses that sell controlled substances, such as LCBO storefronts, and that the same process should apply to cannabis retail outlets.

 

 

Social media are buzzing with outrage over a video that surfaced showing fireworks being discharged from a 12-floor balcony of a Humber Bay Shores high-rise condo.

The video shows a loud and lengthy blast of fireworks being shot off  last weekend against the walls and ceilings of a balcony of Nautilus at Waterview highrise condo, at 16 Brookers Lane.

The so-called ‘balcony fireworks’ lit up the night and could be seen for a distance.

The footage has been forwarded to building and city officials who have launched an investigation.

The footage was photographed and posted online by Nicola Campbell who was standing on her balcony when the fireworks was set off at a neighbouring condo.

“What a silly, dangerous thing this fireworks display was,” says Campbell. “It was the third one on that balcony but the first I was able to capture on video.”

The images sparked outrage from area tenants who are already complaining to city officials and police about fireworks being set alit at all hours of the night from balconies, some aimed at people or pets on the ground.

“I would let the building manager know for sure, not only are they putting themselves in danger but other innocents too,” wrote Rossetta Patrone. “ No common sense”

Resident Bernie Lavigne wrote that the incident ‘reminds me of “Chair Girl,” who was found guilty of  throwing a chair off a downtown condo.

“The neighbours immediately around them must have been ecstatic,” fumed another.

“How can people be so ignorant,” asked Ian Marsh.

“This is ridiculous and these people should be charged,” said Brad Jurik.

Steven Lentini noted that “we aren’t allowed smoking nor BBQ here but no condo rules about balcony fireworks.”

The fireworks can be seen on this link https://photos.app.goo.gl/VmZfExxTF6HLJiJa9

 

 

Police have stepped up their search for a man who is accused of physically assaulting a woman in Mimico by pulling her by the hair, grabbing her throat and then spitting on her.

Toronto Police are trying to locate the victim to ‘ensure her wellbeing.’

Police said the incident occurred on November 7 in the area of Lake Shore Blvd. W. , and Mimico Avenue.

Officers alleged the suspect engaged in a verbal dispute with the woman.

“The man then assaulted the woman,” according to a release from 22 Division. “The woman pulled the woman by the hair and grabbed her by the throat and spat on her.”

The suspect then fled the scene.

Police said they are concerned about the safety of the woman, who is described as white, about five-foot tall, petite build with brown hair.

Anyone who was in the area at the time is urged to contact police with any information. Investigators would also encourage the woman to contact police to let them know she is safe and well.

In another incident, police last week released an image of man in connection with a Sept. 29 sexual assault that allegedly took place near Humber College.

According to police, the incident occurred at 11:30 p.m. in the Lake Shore Boulevard West and Kipling Avenue area.

Police alleged a man approached a 23-year-old woman from behind as she waited to board a bus, and sexually assaulted her.

The suspect is described as being about 25 years old and 5’8″ tall with a medium build and red facial hair. He wore a grey Champion brand hoodie, salt-and-pepper Roots sweatpants and red shoes.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1100, 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). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

MPP Christine Hogarth has tabled legislation at Queen’s Park which, if passed, would bring long-overdue recognition of the Polish-Ontario community’s historic contribution to building our province.

Polish Heritage Month would be celebrated each May, commemorating Constitution Day in Poland – the advent of their supreme law in 1791, according to Hogarth.

“One of the reasons why I got into public life was to safeguard Ontario’s democratic spirit,” Hogarth said, in tabling An Act to proclaim the month of May as Polish Heritage Month.

“To me, there’s no better way to do that than to celebrate the ways in which our immigrant communities have enriched our province.”

“This applies especially to Polish-Ontarians, whose ancestors fought for freedom and to achieve liberty – against centuries of invasion and aggression including Nazi and Soviet occupation.”

Some 524,000 Polish Canadians call Ontario home. That is far more than any other province. Nearly 12,000 live in the Etobicoke-Lakeshore riding, according to a 2016 census.

“The Polish community has contributed significantly to Ontario, its development and culture ever since the first major wave of Kashubians immigrated in 1858. The recognition of the Polish community’s contributions by the Province of Ontario through Bill 18, Polish Heritage Month in May, honours this historic bond.” said, Consul General of The Republic of Poland in Toronto, Magdalena Pszczolkowska.

An important aspect of fostering Ontario’s rich and diverse cultural mosaic is recognising the achievements of the communities that have come to call our province home. With this Bill, we are ensuring that the place of Poles in Ontario is both recognised and celebrated.” said, MPP for Mississauga Centre, Natalia Kusendova.

The commemoration will join others like Black History Month already celebrated in Ontario.

 

 

 

It is about time and most merchants are pleased.

Many small storeowners like those in Lake Shore Village, Long Branch and elsewhere say  the financial hit suffered by their businesses have already been done and they are hoping for a good Christmas season to help stem the losses from more 18-months of COVID-19 closures and staff reductions.

Starting this month all capacity limits have been lifted from bars, gyms and some other places for patrons, once they have been vaccinated and have a certificate of proof.

Premier Doug Ford said that the phasing out of public health measures will end by next March, with the masks gone by mid January.

The Premier’s plan calls for an end to mandatory proof-of-vaccination as of January 17 for restaurants, bars, bingo halls, casinos and gyms and the lifting of mandatory indoor masking mandates by March.

By November 15 capacity limits will be lifted in night clubs, wedding hall spaces with dancing, strip clubs, bathhouses and sex clubs.

And by March 28, all public health measures end, including mandatory face coverings in public and remaining mandatory proof of vaccination orders.

Many of us have been so used to carrying masks, ordering takeout, staying away from huge crowds and no handshaking; that it will be a hard for us to break the COVID-19 rules. I can see the use of masks staying with us for years to come.

The suffering and loss of friends has also brought out more empathy and compassion in area residents and people seem to care a bit more for their friends and neighbours.

We will not miss the boring daily press conferences by Ford and medical health experts who for months have worked so hard to bring us updates and remind us how great we are doing in battling the virus.

Let us not forget the bars, gyms, restaurants, salons and other businesses which have been hurting financially for more than a year. Still today owners say their facilities are struggling as people are staying at home as do not want to show, or have obtaine, proof of vaccination certificates.

Ontario health officials maintain the provincial COVID-19 daily caseload is low and stable so a new approach is warranted to acknowledge people’s sacrifices to get here.

The lifting of limits, off course, had nothing to do with Ford weeks ago lifting capacity limits to which hockey arenas, baseball and soccer fields can jam thousands of fans inside without masks sitting six inches apart.

There was such a surge of outrage from residents, small business owners and others that the Ontario government was forced to do something.

Small business owners, which are the mainstay of most communities, claim they were sold out down the river by the Premier, who first looked after his rich corporate friends, rather than working people trying to get by.

The government have said that the dreaded coded and paper vaccine certificates patrons need to show to enter restaurants, gyms and other high-risk settings will be done away with as early as January 17.

Area restaurant and bar owners point out that business fell 50% with the introduction of the vaccine certificates to enter businesses.

“People just stopped coming in,” one restaurant owner lamented. “People are still staying at home and don’t want to show their vaccine documents.”

Some owners say they’ve stopped asking to see the vaccine certificates since it leads to disputes and confrontations with customers.

“I am only one person working here,” another storekeeper pleaded. “These people are my regular customers and I cannot kick them out or they will never come back.”

Tom Godfrey is Publisher of  The South Etobicoke News, who lives in the community. He was a reporter at the Toronto Sun for many years before deciding to use his skills to work in community journalism. 

Giving thanks – A way of healing in November

Walking along one of the many river banks in the city, crunch of a multihued array of leaves underfoot, I count my blessings. Today it is easy. Some days it is not. A happy dog in tow, mature trees bend towards each other creating a lush full canopy in this golden fall.

I dedicate this month to being thankful. I look to the morning light and embrace the healing light of gratefulness. 30 days of gratefulness. I also acknowledge the dark side. What leads us to being grateful? Often, at least for me, it is a time of stress, a time of great difficulty. I find the need to be most grateful when feeling I have failed or when I have been sick. It is in my darkest days that I remember to go the light side: remember the healing of being grateful for what I have. I try to remember daily what I embrace, what I allow, what to forgive, what to smile about.

I’m encouraging you to check in with yourself – listen to your heart. What does your heart and body tell you right now?  Is your heart happy with you?  Is your body happy with you? If not, why not? What are you lacking, if anything?

When you take time to check in you will recognize that you’re doing OK as a human. Maybe today you are not a superstar. But let us begin with: today I am ok. Most of us are doing really really OK. We may be tired or a bit congested .  Allergies anyone? Maybe we don’t sleep as well or eat as well as we could. Majority of these times: it’s our choice. For that choice, I am so grateful. I can choose how much or how little I get to sleep most days. I can choose most of the foods, if not all the foods,  I eat. That is truly a personal blessing.

You too have complete choice about how well you eat, how well you sleep and how well you move your body. These three choices are the pillars of health.

November is a gentle ‘sleeper’ easy on the senses month. There’s almost a soothing, calming hum to the month before the frenzy of the December holidays approaches. It’s also not too cold and not too hot. Food is abundant. This November, I invite you to take stock of your life.

Have a look and see the abundance of resources in your life. Explore them. Enjoy them. Write them down; list them. Sometimes we lose track and we think we are being short changed or we don’t have enough. And I urge you to reconsider. Take a look at some of the following. How many spices are in your pantry? Or how many apps are on your smart phone? How many pairs of shoes do you choose from every day? Is it more than one?

When I glance over at our dining room table and see more than one pepper grinder and a handful of extra reading glasses lying about, I know I am blessed. Around the corner, in the hallway, I have more than one scarf to choose from to match my outfit. Our room of life contains countless plants.

None of these things were purchased because we have an abundance of cash. Some were gifts, some were shared by family or friends or gardeners and some were bought secondhand. The many vibrant, rich layers in our lives are often taken for granted. Let us embrace the comfort and ease they bring into our lives.

Let us remember not just Remembrance Day, but also that we are fortunate to be so full of life. Sometimes we forget. What we’re actually stressed out about or struggling with is having too much in our life.

Consider some of the most common diseases in our society: diabetes, heart disease, Alzheimer’s or strokes. Science is showing us with greater detail every year, that more often than not it’s too much food or not enough sleep, or too many sedentary activities, not enough exercise that promote the development of the most common diseases.

Please excuse the blanket statement here, for I simply wish to bring focus, your attention, to what is possibly our greatest modern demise: too much of things and not enough of people…

Allowing more interaction with friends, family, pets, wildlife or plants supports our well being, promotes sharing time AND sharing resources. When we live well, we embrace live, fully. Thankfully.

So what is the first step? Recognize what is off-balance in your life.

Then, begin to restoring balance by looking at what you have in abundance. Write it down. At least once every week this month of November, sit and write down all the things that fill up your life. If you notice some are not so wonderful, you will see them written in black-and-white on paper. Staring back at you.

Once you concretely look at what is plentiful in your life, it is much easier for you to create a plan of action. The plan is to identify what you are lacking, if any at all. Lastly, to restore balance in your life, look at your abundant resources and ask yourself if having too much of these items is actually hurting you in someway. Then, it’s time to decide what you can share with others: help improve their world and fill up their resources.

A month of giving thanks may be also be one of giving…Before December, before Christmas, before the obligated gift giving: give thanks by sharing with yourself and others this wonderful time of restoring your harmony and balance.

Monika Meulman, Founder & Owner
The Healing Muse

2859 Lake Shore Blvd. W
416-347-5449
The Healing Muse Apothecary
Inspired Living
@healingmuse
www.healingmuse.com

 

Choosing the right words is important.  It’s not simply political correctness; rather its showing respect for fellow humans, removing biases and forming clear pictures to both sides of what we mean.  The wrong word or action, even with good intentions, can trigger wrong images and emotions.

Some words have a false or a corrupt history that we have forgotten over the years, like ‘Indian,’ ‘Redskin’  or ‘Squaw.’ Even ‘chairman’ generates a male only leadership image.  A Judge represents a collection of cultures, races, genders, and such must be aware of language and history.  Indians were never from India.  The words tend towards generalizations, false images and beliefs or references to difficult histories.  It denigrates a segment of our country.

There are some words that send confusing messages.  ‘It’s My Body’ is interesting.  It appeals to anti-vaxxers but not pro-choicers. The anti-maskers and vaxxers speak of freedom.  But the requirement is not about individual rights; rather, it’s about their freedom  to kill others, by spreading the disease.  We over-react to ‘Defund  the  Police,’ it’s designed to draw attention and not solely to eliminate police services.  Many see it as a need to re-adjust their role for our modern society.  Some words we need to avoid because of an evil history such as slavery, or b_tch as a dehumanizing term.  Yet, sometime we need to relax and see a wider explanation for their use – simply to provoke debate.

As a Judge, I was aware of the need to avoid even an appearance of bias in my comments.  I had to be trusted as objective.  However, I too unintentionally could err.  There was a case involving a young Nigerian man charged with Immigration Fraud.  It was alleged he was escorting a young mother and using false papers for her to gain entrance to Canada. For $20,000 certain crime syndicates would offer these personal services.  At the airport’s Customs he was found carrying the woman’s false papers.

His defense was that he met her on the plane, saw her with a baby  and wanted to help.  In summing up the defense, to make sure I understood it, I said “What you are trying to tell me is that you were acting as a ‘White Knight.”  I immediately realized the alternative image I had created.  Black is bad and white is good. My words took me back to my childhood of cowboys and  tales of black knights, the good guys in white and the bad in ones in black.  I quickly apologized.  Judges must understand they represent the voice of all people equally, Black, White, Brown etc. without any words that may be conceived as bias.

In dealing with words or even actions, it is very easy to generate mixed feelings even when not intended.  I too, have experienced this unintentional reverse messaging.  Occasionally, on public transit some younger person, usually a woman, offers me their seat.  Now I don’t see myself as an old stumbling man; rather, my self-image is a grey-haired gentleman looking a frisky 50 with a bit of backache and lines of wisdom.  Actuality, without my glasses I look much younger in the mirror.  The wrinkles disappear.  I appreciate the offer of a seat and the persons thoughts yet I feel inwardly offended especially if the person appears older than I see myself I find it  challenging, If I say no thank you, I have  likely embarrassed their kindness.  If I accept, I effect my self-image. There is no answer here.  What I am saying to those who attack political correctness is that sometime we must understand and not over-react.  At the same time there are words that are totally inappropriate considering their history or purpose.

Judge Lloyd Budzinski retired after 28 years and was a former Crown Attorney, Defence Counsel and Ontario’s Assistant Deputy Minister of Criminal Law. He was Chief Prosecutor in the trial of ex-RCMP officer Patrick Michael Kelly, found guilty of murder for throwing his wife from a 17th floor Etobicoke balcony in March 1981. He can be reached at lbudzinski@talkjustice.info

NOVEMBER 2 to DECEMBER 16 on Zoom every Thursday at 3 p.m. improve wellbeing and mindful techniques and reflective writing. LAMP’s Adult Learning Program is taking registration for this new series. Must be 19 and older, out of school, have SIN number and access to computer and email account. Must also be fluent in spoken English and provide proof or permanent residency.  Contact anitad@lampchc.org for more info.

NOVEMBER 6 OUTDOOR FLU CLINICS hosted by West Toronto Ontario Health Team from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at LAMP Community Health Centre at 185 Fifth Street, and Silver Creek Park, at 44 Strathdee Drive, Etobicoke. Flu vaccinations available for those six months and older. Bring your health card. Those without health cards welcome. Visit lampchc.org or contact Jasmin Dooh at 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

NOVEMBER 9 to 30 EVERY TUESDAY at 2 p.m. LAMP’s Wellness Workshops. A four-week virtual Wellness series titled” Self-Care During the Holidays.” Be a part of this life changing program and boost your energy, through relaxation, meditation gentle Qi Gong  and stretches. To register contact jasmind@lampchc.org or call 416- 252-6471 ext. 308.

NOVEMBER 3 to DECEMBER 8 every Wednesday for six weeks is all it takes to reduce stress in a virtual Meditation workshop series at LAMP CHC. To register contact Jasmin at address above.

NOVEMBER 11 NEW TORONTO SUNRISE Remembrance Day ceremony will take place on November 11 at 7 a.m. at the New Toronto Cenotaph, at Colonel Samuel Smith Park, at Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Kipling Avenue. COVID-19 rules upheld.

NOVEMBER 13 FEED OUR NEIGHBOURS from 12 noon to 2 p.m. contactless, curbside, food drive and drop off at Royal LePage Porritt Real Estate, 3385 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Twenty Eighth Street. Pull up to pylons at the rear of building at Twenty Eighth Street and open your trunk. Donations go the Daily Bread Food Bank.

COMMUNITY NUTRITION FALL HARVEST cooking demo on Zoom. The first four people to register will receive a $10 food card. Be part of this healthy LAMP lifestyle program and learn how to cook more healthy and seasonal foods. To register contact Calla at 416-252-6471 ext. 271 or callaf@lampchc.org.

HELP US TO REDUCE FOOD WASTE with this exciting new project through exploration, discussion and community engagement. Train the trainer. Volunteer now. Contact Sandrav@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471.

 NEIGHBOURHOOD PODS PROJECT. Neighbours helping neighbours. Mutual aid and support phone check-ins, making a difference. Community Leadership. Volunteer run.  For more information contact Daniel Plant at 416-553-8263.

NEW TO CANADA-LAMP’s Settlement Services offer a wide range of support and referrals to government services, employment and immigration supports, health and education and more. For more information call Ask! At 416-252-6471.

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

NOVEMBER 22 ETOBICOKE CAMERA CLUB presents Jim Brompton, who will discuss and demonstrate different kinds of filters. Q&A session will follow his presentation. Purchase tickets at https://www.facebook.com/etobcc

DECEMBER 6 ETOBICOKE CAMERA CLUB presents Harold Davis, an internationally-known

Digital Artist and Professional Photographer. Purchase tickets at https://www.facebook.com/etobcc.

 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Timothy J. Stewart CD                                                                                           Regimental Historian

 

When Canada declared war against Germany in September 1939, thousands of volunteers stepped forward to serve King and Country.

Conn Smythe part owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs and a decorated veteran of the Great War volunteered for active service a second time and encouraged his players to consider it as well.

Many did. Names that are synonymous with the great Leaf teams of the 1930s and 40s including: Syl Apps, Turk Broda, Hap Day, Bob Davidson, Red Horner, Gordie Drillon, plus eleven others enlisted with the 2 nd Battalion The Toronto Scottish Regiment (Machine Gun) on the same day, August 6, 1940.

As new recruits they underwent basic training including rifle drills and specialized training on the .303 water-cooled Vickers machine gun.

The 1 st Battalion of The Toronto Scottish had arrived in England prior to Christmas 1939 and the 2 nd Home (Reserve) Battalion, organized in 1940 was to supplement the overseas battalion.

With the increase of NHL players volunteering for military service, thus diluting the competitiveness of the league, there was discussion of halting play.

Continuing however was seen as an important morale booster to hockey fans in Canada and the United States.

Several NHL team owners wanting to protect their star players ensured they were kept out of combat roles and given duties on military bases or jobs in critical war industries.

Many of those who shipped out to England ended up playing hockey for any number of service teams that started up, once again to keep morale high amongst the troops and the civilian population.

Chris Korwin-Kuczynski of the Lakeshore Business Improvement Area will be making a presentation of photos to the regiment later this year of the 17 Maple Leaf hockey players who volunteered during World War II.

It is 78 years this month since the tragic death of New Toronto’s Irene Watson, who enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force and would become one of the first airwomen reported missing and killed in action.

Watson was a Globe and Mail correspondent and a stenographer-reporter for The New Toronto (South Etobicoke) Advertiser, one of Ontario’s largest weekly newspaper at the time.

She lived on Eighth Street and worked as a clerk at Silvert’s Shop before enlisting in February 1942 and requested to work in an administrative role.

Watson was born in England and lived in New Toronto with her family for 19 years. She attended New Toronto Public School and Mimico High School, where she excelled. She was the president of the Members’ Council, YWCA in Toronto from 1941-1942.

She was described ‘as a conscientious, keen and a progressive officer.” The RCAF said: “Watson has special qualifications training and aptitude for recruiting and doing valuable missionary work. In interests of recruiting, strongly recommend reconsideration of posting.”

Watson received a noteworthy commendation from Brigadier General John B. Brooks, of the U.S. Army, for organizing and presenting a show, songs and stories for stranded passengers.

Section Officer Watson was serving in Newfoundland as part of #116 Bomber Reconnaissance Squadron during her last days. She and 11 others were flying in a Canso aircraft when the pilot attempted to land in bad weather and poor visibility.

Tragically, they crashed nose-first on a lake in Newfoundland.  The plane sank right away and only five people aboard survived.

Watson was 24 when she was killed on November 8, 1943. She had been in the RCAF for just 21 months.

She is believed to one of the first airwomen in Canada to be reported missing and killed in active service. Sadly, she was declared dead but  her body was never recovered.

Her name is inscribed on the Ottawa Memorial commemorating members of the Air Forces of the British Commonwealth who lost their lives.

She is also one of only five women listed in Toronto’s Golden Book of Remembrance.

The City’s Golden Book of Remembrance pays tribute to those who perished in the Second World War. These books contain the names of service people from Toronto who paid the ultimate sacrifice. The book was officially dedicated by the City on December 28, 1947 and contains the names of servicemen and servicewomen from Toronto who gave their lives between 1939 and 1945.

Watson left behind two sisters and two brothers. One was Sgt.-Maj. David Watson, of the Tank Corps.