Four new police helicopters to fight vehicle thefts and other crimes will soon be taking to our skies.

Toronto Police have long been calling for helicopters to fight crime, similar to Air Support Units used by York and Durham Regional Police forces.

The $46 million choppers were part of last month’s Ontario government budget which set aside funds for provincial police forces.

It is hoped the helicopters will be used to deal with tracking increased auto theft, street racing and impaired driving, high-risk suspect arrests
or to search for missing people.

Police said the helicopters could have helped with Project Paranoid which wrapped up on March 26 in which 150 charges were laid against seven people and led to the seizure of 48 stolen vehicles worth about $4 million. York
and Durham Region Police forces are the only regional police to have helicopters to battle crime.

York police in March last year replaced an old chopper with a new $7.1 million Airbus H12 helicopter, used by more than 200 police forces worldwide. York Police said their air unit supported over 1,300 calls for service, helped to make 213 arrests and assisted in finding
15 missing and vulnerable people.

It can stay in the air for about four and a half hours, where it can take video of incidents in day and night, conduct traffic enforcement using thermal imaging, track suspects or stolen vehicles, alert officers
on the ground and identify indoor cannabis grow operations.

The chopper has a camera sensor with infrared technology, a reality mapping
system, search light capable of operating in all lighting conditions, and a public address system to communicate with people on the ground.

The York Police Air Support unit includes civilian pilots and tactical flight officers trained in patrol and suspect tactics, airborne surveillance and advanced thermal imaging. Its only time for Toronto Police get theirs.

APRIL 3 TO MAY 9 ART EXHIBITION By the Lake Book
Club called Wild Alchemy & Global Grove: A
Broken Forest to explore the connectedness
experienced in forests and uninhabited lands
through paintings and photography, from 10 a.m. to
5 p.m. weekdays, Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel
Smith Park Drive. Contact 416-338-7255 or visit
www.toronto.ca

UNTIL APRIL 7 ANNUAL SUGAR BUSH MAPLE SYRUP
FESTIVAL at Kortright Centre for Conservation, at
9550 Pine Valley Drive, Woodbridge, enjoy
demonstrations, family activities and discover the
process of making maple syrup with lanterns and
campfires. For more contact the Toronto and
Region Conservation Authority at 416-661-6600 or
e-mail afiya.jilani@trca.ca

APRIL 10 SOUTH ETOBICOKE COMMUNITY Land Trust
via Zoom at 6 p.m. at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street,
as we continue work on establishing a land trust for
affordable housing in South Etobicoke. For more
e-mail brig@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471
ext. 308.

APRIL 10 TO MAY 2 the 7 Works Collective will be
staging their second art exhibition of collected sets
that provide insight into the ways that artists create
from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Etobicoke Civic Centre
Gallery, 399 The West Mall. For more e-mail
7workscollective@gmail.co

APRIL 11 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING Mimico
Residents Association from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. At
Mimico Library, 47 Station Road, also online, with
MPP Christine Hogarth and MRA president Rozhen
Asrani. Visit www.mimicoresidents.ca

APRIL 14 SPRING CLEAN-UP join TRCA and Friends of
Humber Bay Park for first clean-up of the season
from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet in parking lot at
Humber Bay West, across from Mimico Creek
Bridge. Visit Spring2024FOHBP.evenbrite.ca

UNTIL APRIL 16 Etobicoke Master Gardeners a nonprofit charity to provide gardening support is
sponsoring a lecture series on garden design
featuring horticulturist Frank Kershaw as he talks
about creating garden mysteries and the oftneglected front and side yards from 7 p.m. at the
Kingsway Lambton United Church, at 85 The
Kingsway. For more visit
www.etobicokemastergardeners.ca

APRIL 16 BY THE LAKE BOOK CLUB presents The
African Samurai by Craig Shreve at the Assembly
Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, from 7
p.m. to 8:45 p.m. Shreve will talk and sign his
historical novel, based on a true story of a 16th
century slave and soldier who was the only samurai
of African descent. Tickets are required. For more
information, visit toronto.ca/assemblyhall, or call
416-338-7255.

APRIL 17 MOVIE MATINEE at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth
Street, at 2:30 p.m. in our Community Room as we
screen a family-friendly film. Contact 416-252-6471
ext. 308 or e-mail jasmind@lampchc.org.

APRIL 18 MYSTERY BOOK CLUB as we discuss
Gallows View by Peter Robinson from 1:30 p.m.
to 2:30 p.m. at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood
Lane, second floor. Book can be borrowed at
Humber Bay Library, also available as an e-book or
e-audiobook at library website. Join us every third
Thursday as we discuss an intriguing mystery. Call
416-231-7070 ext. 307 to register or email
health.promotion@stonegatechc.org.

APRIL 20 ENVIRONMENTAL DAY with Community clean
up, frog watch, guided walks, talks and more. Held
during Earth Week; a collaboration between
environmental groups including Toronto Region
Conservation Authority, Riverwood Conservancy
and others. Meet for community clean up of Arsenal
lands. Event at Creative Hub 1352 Lakeshore Rd.
E., Mississauga.

APRIL 24 BUILDING AFFORDABLE HOUSING SERIES;
Co-operative housing at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth
Street, at 6 p.m. Contact 416-252-6471 ext. 308 or
e-mail jasmind@lampchc.org. Community Land
Trust and affordable housing advocacy measures.

APRIL 27 REPAIR CAFÉ if you have broken items in
need of fixing. LAMP CHC, at 185 Fifth Street, will
be hosting a free repair café where you can come
and have your broken items mended; reducing
waste and fostering sustainability. Volunteer fixers
are required if you are good with tools, electronics
or a sewing machine. Contact 416-252-6471 ext.
308 or e-mail jasmind@lampchc.org.

EVERY FRIDAY JOIN US FOR FUN and safe indoor
gross motor activities for families with children up to
6-years-old at the Sunnylea Drop In every Friday
from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 851 Royal York
Road. Running shoes required. Contact Anna or
Larissa by e-mail at early.years@stonegatechc.org

STONEGATE CHC THE GOOD FOOD MARKET runs every
Thursday from 12 noon to 3 p.m. at 10
Neighbourhood Lane, 2nd floor, for affordable
produce. Cash and debit accepted. Any questions
call 416-231-7070 ext. 307.

EVERY TUESDAY SENIORS GENTLE EXERCISE from 10
a.m. to 11 a.m. at Trillium Room at Stonegate CHC,
10 Neighbourhood Lane. A Registered kinesiologist
will lead a group with exercises to increase
strength, balance and flexibility. Participants need
to register with ESS Support Services and schedule
an assessment prior to attending sessions. To
register call 416-243-0127 or visit
www.stonegatechc.org.

LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH OLDER ADULTS 55 PLUS
Seniors Social Game Group from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane. It is an
opportunity to meet, socialize and take part in card
and board games. Light lunch served. To register
call 416-231-7070 Ext. 307 or email
health.promotion@stonegatechc.org.

MAY 5 ST. GEORGES ON-THE-HILL ANGLICAN CHURCH A
Season of Growth Spring Concert 4 p.m. at the
church 4600 Dundas Street W., featuring Canadian
Sinfonietta Youth Orchestra and the choir of St.
George’s. Tickets $30. For more visit
www.stgoth.ca.

A so-called water tax may soon be coming our way.

Toronto Water has begun holding virtual meetings on a stormwater charge and water service charge.

Public consultations will be held April 8, 11 and 16 to determine the possible implementation of the charges, which would impact the rate that customers pay for water.

It will mean residents with more hard surface run-offs may pay more due to water entering City sewers, roadways or lake.

The City’s water and wastewater services are funded using a “pay-as-you-go” system that charges a combined water and wastewater consumption rate called the “water rate” based on the volume of water a customer uses.

A proposal for a stormwater charge for all property classes was first considered by City Council in 2017.

City Council in 2021 directed Toronto Water and the Chief Financial Officer to further consult with the public on possible changes to water rates, fees and charges, including a stormwater charge, stormwater charge credits and an administrative water charge.

Stormwater is rain and melted snow. When not absorbed into the ground, stormwater runs off hard surfaces, onto streets, down storm drains and through a network of pipes that carry it into local waterways.

Toronto has many hard surfaces and when severe storms happen, more stormwater runs off hard surfaces and enters the City’s sewer system. Too much stormwater can overwhelm the sewer system, which can lead to flooded basements and impacts to surface water quality in rivers, streams and Lake Ontario’s waterfront.

A stormwater charge would be based on the impact of a property with respect to stormwater runoff to the City’s storm sewer system, which is represented by the amount of hard surface area on a property. Hard surfaces include roofs, asphalt driveways, parking areas and concrete landscaping.

Under the stormwater charge proposal, costs for stormwater management would be removed from the water rate and the stormwater charge would appear as a separate line on the utility bill.

For properties less than one hectare in size, there would be a tiered, flat rate stormwater charge based on the average hard surface area of all properties in each tier. Property tiers are determined by property size ranges for different property types as residential, multi-residential and condominium, and industrial commercial and institutional (ICI).

For properties one hectare or larger in size, the City would undertake individual assessments of each property using aerial photography to determine the hard surface area on a property.

Family and friends are mourning the loss of a legendary South Etobicoke border agent who worked at Person Airport for more than 30 years.

Daniel ‘Dan’ Snow, a long-time officer of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), passed away on February 21 at the age of 74.

The well-liked Snow lived on Cordova Avenue for decades after moving here from his hometown of Summerside, Prince Edward Island, where his dad served as a sergeant in the Canadian military.

He obtained a Business Administration Degree from Saint Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, in 1972, and then moved to Toronto, where he worked at Pearson Airport as a Senior Immigration Officer for more than 35 years.

Snow was well-versed in the job, which he loved and formed many lasting friendships.

He is credited for preventing the entry into Canada of Jimmy Hoffa, famed U.S. labour union leader who served as the president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters from 1957 until 1971. He also intercepted an aging Nazi scientist for being inadmissible into the country.

He, with colleagues, briefly detained Italian opera superstar Luciano Pavarotti, who was travelling here for a sold-out concert. The tenor was released after a warning for not having proper travel documents.

Snow also turned around hundreds of other travellers, including a number of high-profile celebrities, who were inadmissible to Canada.

He is survived by his sister, a brother, nieces, and other family members.

Cremation has taken place, and, as per Dan’s wishes, his ashes will be buried in a plot next to his parents in Saint Anne’s Catholic Cemetery in Glace Bay. An interment of ashes service will be held in Glace Bay in late Spring, with the date to be announced.

Enbridge Gas has issued a fraud alert to its millions of customers.

 The gas company on its website said they have discovered a suspected scam in its billing system.

“Fraudsters have created fake Enbridge Gas website with false contact numbers,” the company said. “The scammers impersonate Enbridge Gas contact centre agents and trick callers into providing them with personal information.”

The company said the fraudsters try to obtain personal information from customers such as credit card number, account balance and other payment information over the phone.

The callers usually claim your gas service is behind in payments and you will be cut off if you don’t pay.

They “instead use the information for their own malicious purposes,” Enbridge warned.

The scammers often claim your gas is being provided at a ‘discounted rate.’

The company said it does not offer discounts on natural gas bills or take credit card payments over the phone.

Enbridge said they do not require verification of customer banking information to access your gas account.

Customers are told not to use search engines or call numbers found in “Sponsored Ads.” They said it is best to type our website directly into your browser

Customers are encouraged to only interact with Enbridge Gas directly through their website enbridgegas.com or by phone at 1-877-362-7434.

The Toronto Fire Services (TFS) is seeking almost $2 million for the supply and delivery of station wear, which includes trousers and shirts, for its thousands of firefighters citywide.

The TFS on March 12 filed a report to a City General Government Committee to enter into a contract with Safedesign Apparel Ltd., for station wear for firefighters.

The Services said it will cost about $1.9 million for one year, or $16.2 million, including HST, if the contract is extended for seven years.

They said Safedesign provided the best offer for the service.

“Station Wear is protective work apparel used by firefighters,” according to the report. “Station Wear is certified by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1975-2019 – Standard on Emergency Services Work Apparel.”

The report said NFPA certified station wear fabric provides an added layer of protection, improved quality, and extended durability over standard fabric.

“NFPA certified trousers, and both long and short sleeve shirts, protect firefighting personnel by establishing specific criteria for thermally stable textiles that will not rapidly deteriorate, melt, shrink, or adhere to the wearer’s skin,” the TFS wrote.

They said fire staff are required to wear station wear as their uniform when on duty as part of their personal protective equipment ensemble.

The report said the provision of uniform station wear is a contractual obligation under the collective agreement between the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters’ Association, Local 3888 and the City of Toronto.

Proposals were received from three companies before Safedesign was selected for use.

A decision was reached after a comprehensive review and analysis by a Selection Committee made up of members from Toronto Fire Services, Toronto Professional Firefighter’s Association, People & Equity, Purchasing and Materials Management and an independent fairness consultant.

“Safedesign Apparel Ltd. successfully satisfied the requirements in Request for Proposal and is the highest scoring supplier meeting all specifications,” the report stated.

The TFS is the largest fire service in Canada, and the fifth largest in North America, with 84 fire stations; 124 front line emergency vehicles; and more than 3,150 staff.

A woman was hospitalized after being attacked on a TTC bus by a man with a piece of wood.

Police are searching for the suspect who took off after the unprovoked attack at a bus stop at the  intersection of The Queensway and Islington Avenue.

Officers said the assault occurred on March 27 around 5:14 a.m. outside a bus stop at the intersection.

The man approached the woman on the bus, which was stopped at the time, and allegedly assaulted her with a piece of wood before fleeing.

Police said the female was transported to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Images of the suspect have been released as detectives work feverishly to track him down.

The man is described as 30 to 40 years-old, 5-foot 5-inches tall, approximately 150 pounds, with a thin build, a black beard and black dreadlocks.

He was wearing a black jacket with white and orange on the sides, beige pants, black running shoes and a black toque.

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

 

Four Etobicoke residents have been arrested by the OPP for allegedly cheating at the Great Canadian Casino Resort in Rexdale.

Police allege a table games dealer was allegedly ‘in collusion’ with casino patrons.

The arrests stemmed from a probe by officers of the OPP’s Investigation and Enforcement Bureau on March 18.

“Rigorous measures are in place to detect and thwart any instance of collusion or fraudulent activity in our casinos and we remain vigilant in ensuring these measures are upheld to preserve the trust and safety of our guests,” according to a statement from the casino.

Charged are Yakshu Nehra, 23; Himanshu Tanwar, 25, and Parkh Raheja, 25, and Anagha Varghese, 21, all of Etobicoke, and Tajveer Kour, 21, of Brampton.

They face 19 charges including criminal breach of trust, cheat at play, theft under or over $5,000, and fraud under or over $5,000.

They have all been released from custody and are scheduled to appear in court at later dates.

The Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto opened last year and is located adjacent to the Woodbine Racetrack in Etobicoke.

The casino features 3,000 slot machines, a state-of-the-art 5,000 person theatre, luxurious hotel, and free covered parking with 24-hour video surveillance. It

The facility claims to have the largest number of gaming options of any casino in Canada. It boasts a 400-room luxury hotel with views of the racetrack and a range of dining options.

Last September the Grandstand Casino, a part of the Great Canadian Casino, was fined $80,000 following allegations of a cheating scheme involving a craps dealer.

Police also charged a table dealer at the Pickering Casino Resort last August for cheating.

Concerns about traffic congestion, noise and bright lights are being raised as another run of the popular Cirque du Soleil show is slated to begin at Humber Bay Shores.

The Humber Bay Shores Residents Association (HBSRA) in a March 21 letter to Cirque officials and Councillor Amber Morley complained the situation is so bad that residents have to leave their condos with their pets when the show is on.

The Cirque du Soleil is planned to run from May 8 to July 21 at the former Christie Cookie site at 2150 Lake Shore Blvd. W., across from dozens of high-rise condos.

The HBSRA wrote attendees face ‘the risk of serious injury or death’ due to the traffic congestion from the show and by crossing the street illegally between moving TTC streetcars.

“The traffic congestion both vehicular and pedestrian is already a quagmire in this neighbourhood,” the group warned. “Confused Cirque-goers may be standing in the middle of the roadway or crossing lanes of traffic get on or off the TTC streetcar.”

They said the area is already congested with taxis, Ubers and drivers who are unfamiliar with Lake Shore Blvd. W., and are attempting to navigate the neighbourhood.

The HBSRA said a lack of sidewalk on the north side of Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Brookers Lane, leads to many show-goers jaywalking to get to the show.

The group suggested traffic wardens be installed at key intersections on Lake Shore Blvd. W., while the show is on to direct pedestrian and vehicles.

The HBSRA complained residents suffer nuisances ranging from an influx of people, traffic, noise, vibrations and bright lights during the show.

“Vibrations from Cirque’s loudspeakers could be felt inside homes,” according to the letter. “Residents could audibly discern what Cirque were speaking or singing into microphones.”

The group complained that ‘the same soundtrack of music would repeatedly play on loop throughout the day and night.”

“The drumming and constant music noise was nearly impossible for residents to avoid with their windows shut,” according to the HBSRA.

The group called for a roadway on the Cirque site for taxis, ride share and shuttle buses that will also serve as a drop-off and pick-up point.

“We strongly suggest law enforcement should be stationed on Lake Shore Blvd. W. to enforce prohibitions against stopping or parking,” they wrote.

Some residents are forced to leave their condos with their pets when the show is on due to the noise, vibrations and light, according to the HBSRA.

“For anyone facing the site its absolute torture hearing the same booming music several times a day for months,” Michelle Amenta complained on social media. “Unreal that it’s allowed to be that loud in a residential neighborhood.”

Kelly Casey said she had to turn up the volume on her TV to curb the noise.

“Noise mostly the booming base that was so disturbing,” Casey wrote. “Seeing people not use traffic signals and just run out with traffic turning and multi lanes was mental.”

“Booming noise,” complained Abigail Johnson. “And outdoor spotlights on all night.”

The Cirque couldn’t be reached for comment.