In case you are wondering.

Friday January 5 is “National Bird Day” and Urban Nature Stores is giving 10% of their sales of bird seed to Ontario Wildlife Rescue Centers (OWRC). They are the first retailer in Ontario to offer such a sponsorship.

Urban Nature Stores are supporting Wildlife Rescue Centers in Ontario with the Seeds of Kindness campaign. The OWRC take in injured and orphaned wild animals, rehabilitate and release them back into the wilds.

Most Centers are run by volunteers and do not receive support from government. They are completely dependent on the public for support.

“Urban Nature Store is proud to support the Seeds of Kindness program to support OWRC,” said company founder Paul Oliver. “The work being done by wildlife rescues organizations is meaningful and lifesaving to birds and wildlife in need of recovery and support.”

Urban Nature Store is a haven for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers, where birdwatching dreams take flight.

The company is proudly Canadian and has eight retail stores, stretching from St. Catharines to Kingston and through the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

 

“The Seeds of Kindness program is our way of saying thank you to the hundreds of volunteers that work tirelessly every day to help injured birds and wildlife,” Oliver said. “In addition to donating the proceeds of bird seed sales on Bird Day, Urban Nature Store will be working to increase the awareness of the work being done by the OWRC.”

The OWRC works with over 50 Wildlife Rescue Centers (Wildlife Rehabbers) across the province.

Ontario Wildlife Rescue connects the public with wildlife rescue centers (www.ontariowildliferescue.ca). OWRC also help find resources (food, medical supplies and veterinarians) for Wildlife Centers across Ontario.

They proudly serve their Canadian customers nationwide through their online store, www.UrbanNatureStore.ca

Oliver can be reached at 416 987-5826 or e-mail paul@urbannaturestore.ca. The OWR can be reached at 416 436-9892 or sandy@ontariowildliferescue.ca.

It was a shock of a lifetime.

An Ontario Food Terminal worker named Troy was sorting through produce as usual, when he was suddenly surprised by a slithering silhouette of orange and brown among some green tomatillos he had just unboxed, according to the Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC).

Was that… a snake? Troy wondered.

To be exact, it was a Northern cat-eyed snake which had hitched a ride all the way from Mexico, according to TWC staff. The fangs of these snakes are located at the back of the jaw and the bites are considered to be of low toxicity.

“Troy, concerned for the displaced and no doubt distressed reptile, immediately called our Wildlife Hotline for help,” Centre officials said. “The caring employee gently placed the snake into a box, and brought him safely to TWC.”

The Veterinary Team confirmed the snake was in good health but a long way from home.

“Our team is currently working on a plan to return this accidental traveller back to his native environment,” according to the TWC.

“Until then, he’ll need continued care – including a temperature and humidity controlled enclosure, fresh substrate, heat lamps, protein-packed food and more – to keep him healthy until his journey home,” they said.

The TWC said it is not too late to give a donation to help provide the snake, and many more still being admitted, with all they need to keep them healthy this season.

Nearly 6,000 wild animals have already been admitted needing care this year, with more sick and injured patients – from injured snowy owls to sick foxes – arriving each day.

Working to save the lives of wild animals takes a lot of resources, and it couldn’t happen without the support of compassionate animal lovers.

They thank animal lovers for adding wildlife to their gift list this holiday season.

You can purchase a gift for a wild patient yourself. Visit their website at https://www.torontowildlifecentre.com/giveagift/

The centre said you can donate in honour of an animal-loving person in your life, and you will receive a personalized e-Card of your choice with a photo of a patient who was cared for at TWC.

The TWC is a charitable wildlife rescue organization providing medical treatment and rehabilitative care to sick, injured and orphaned wild animals found by members of the public.

Since opening in 1993, over 270 different species have been admitted for care. With help from our volunteers and donors, Toronto Wildlife Centre has grown into Canada’s largest and busiest wildlife centre, and a leader in the field of wildlife rehabilitation.

The Toronto South Detention Centre is leading the pack for assaults in South Etobicoke, records show.

There were five assaults at the maximum security facility, on Horner Avenue, in one week alone from November 23 to 29, police records show.

There were 30 assaults in total across the South Etobicoke area during that time.

There were also 30 auto thefts during that same period, 12 break and entries, 18 theft from motor vehicles, two sexual violations and one shooting in South Etobicoke, police records show.

Officers are routinely called to handle complaints at the sprawling detention centre, which is a provincial institution for those serving two years less a day, in addition to those awaiting court proceedings.

Things are so rough in there, that it is dubbed as Guantanamo South, the $1-billion Hellhole, and the Plea Factory, because so many inmates plead guilty just to get out of the place.

Segregation. Isolation. Overcrowding. No showers. No fresh air. No family visits. No lawyer meetings. Seething anger that can be taken out on anybody, according to the Toronto Star’s Rosie DiManno.

Prisoners are having their custodial sentences cut due to time given as credit in recognition of the jail’s intolerable conditions, writes DiManno.

In March 2019, about 200 employees refused to work at the Centre after an incident in which correctional officers were allegedly assaulted by several inmates.

Warren (Smokey) Thomas, president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), which represents staff at the jail, said the job action, mainly by officers, stems from an alleged “attack.”

Union officials said that a group of inmates staged what looked like a fight inside a cell that led to a showdown.

When officers went to investigate, the inmates turned on them. Two officers were punched in the head and had garbage cans thrown at them. They suffered concussion-like symptoms and facial scratches, the officials said.

He said the officers retreated but were chased to their work station, where they called for help. Assistance did arrive but not from the Toronto police. The two officers went to hospital and went home the next day.

Police have charged with aggravated assault guards and inmates at different times at the Centre, which holds some of the worst criminals in Canada, who until recently included sexual predator fashion designer Peter Nygard.

The facility consists of a maximum-security building that can house up to 1,650 remanded accused awaiting trial, and a medium-security building, the Toronto Intermittent Centre, that can house up to 320 inmates serving weekend or other intermittent sentences.

It is built on the site of the former Mimico Correctional Centre, which closed in 2011 and whose origins dated back to 1887. The Centre officially opened on January 2014, replacing the Toronto Jail, the Toronto West Detention Centre, and the demolished Mimico Correctional Centre.

Next month will mark two years since the death of super-volunteer John Cary, a tree lover and former president of the Mimico Residents Association (MRA).

A collection drive was initiated to purchase a memorial tree to honour Cary through the City of Toronto, which was planted in Humber Bay Park West, which Cary loved.

He is remembered by members of the MRA, on which he served as president for two years and board member for five.

Area resident Mary Bella said Cary worked with Maple Leaves Forever for more than six years, where he coordinated a rebate program, liaised with nurseries and provided valuable insight and information about tree care, planting and species.

Cary died on January 20, 2022 at the age of 79.

“John was highly intelligent and principled, but more importantly a kind and gracious man,” Bella wrote. “He appreciated formal structure in our meetings and always made sure everyone got heard, was respectful and did not speak over each other.”

She said he gave generously of his time volunteering with Trees Ontario, the Ontario Forestry Association, his local tennis club, the Don Rowing Club and the MRA.

Cary was born in Cape Town, South Africa, and was a coxswain who was involved in winning the Junior Championship VIIIs, and the 1967 Home International Regatta VIIIs representing Ireland.

He started a long career with the Ministry of Natural Resources in Thunder Bay in 1977.

He and wife Catherine moved to Guyana in 1978 to work for the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

He served in a planning and policy capacity at the Whitney Block in Queen’s Park and from 1988-1994 and was an important influencer in a landmark class timber Environmental Assessment on Crown Lands.

Cary served under many Ontario governments and was involved in contentious issues such as the softwood lumber disputes and creating parks and conservation areas.

After retirement he worked as a consultant for the first Independent Forest Audits in Ontario and afforestation in southern Ontario.

He was a volunteer with the Trees Ontario Foundation and the Ontario Forestry Association, which merged into Forests Ontario and a long-time member and past president of the Ontario Professional Foresters Association, where he received numerous awards.

Cary was the project manager for the construction of a new clubhouse for which he was gifted the John R. Cary Volunteer award.

As a volunteer with the Don Rowing Club for several years, he chaired their Board and continued to cox in regattas in Canada and the U.S.

In 2003, Cary was instrumental in helping to re-establish the Trinity Dublin alumni group in Toronto and organized the annual dinners for many years

He was a volunteer for various projects in Mimico in addition to heading the MRA.

By TANYA VIVIDLY

Chris Dupuis is the owner of Moonshine Gaming in Long Branch whose store offers popular and rare games.

The store, which has been opened for about a month, is located at 2775 Lake Shore Blvd. W., and offers gamers a wide selection of video games that include new releases, retro classics and rare collectables.

As a casual gamer I was hooked on a variety of classic consoles like Sega Genesis, PlayStation 2 and Nintendo WII.

Scrolling through the isles the games I found Zelda, Grand Theft Auto and the Simpson, all being sold at reasonable prices.

Dupuis, a former country music DJ, is a down-to-earth, informative and passionate about gaming and collecting.

“We provide gamers with a diverse range of top-notch titles, cutting-edge gaming accessories, and a personalized shopping experience,” Dupuis said on social media.

His customer-centric approach ensures that every gamer has access to the latest releases, exclusive merchandise and tailored recommendations to enhance their gaming journey.

“We have achieved remarkable growth, established strategic partnerships with renowned game developers and publishers and solidified our position as a prominent player in the industry,” Dupuis said.

His success stems from staying ahead of emerging trends and technologies, personalize recommendations and enhance the overall customer experience.

“Beyond selling games, we foster a vibrant gaming community by engaging in social media campaigns, hosting live streams and organizing gaming events that connect gamers from around the world,” he said.

Moonshine is a one-stop shop for all things video games. They buy, sell or trade and have a wide variety of video games, consoles, and accessories from retro to current titles.

Dupuis holds an Ontario College Certificate in Electrical Techniques from Humber College and is active on social media and contributes valuable insights to the industry.

You can visit Moonshine at moonshinegaming.ca or phone 437-219-8734.

These brazen serial car thieves rolled one car, crashed into two police cars and injured a cop as they tried to escape police.

Two thieves who allegedly broke into three South Etobicoke homes in 10 days to steal car keys for the homeowners’ luxury vehicles have been arrested by a special police task force.

The men injured one Toronto Police officer and left a trail of destruction as they tried to flee officers of a newly-created Provincial Carjacking Task Force.

The suspects allegedly crashed into two police undercover cars and flipped another as they tried to evade being stopped by the task force, 22 Division Major Crime Unit and the Emergency Task Force, according to police.

One officer suffered minor injuries and a suspect had to be pulled out from the flipped vehicle by police in the Eva Road and West Mall area on December 18, police said.

The accuseds were being watched for three home invasions in which they stole car keys for high end vehicles which are shipped abroad for resale or used to commit crimes.

The first incident occurred on December 3 after police responded to a break and entry call in the Thompson Avenue and Van Dusen Boulevard area.

Police said the suspects forced their way into a home while the occupants were asleep and stole their car keys and fled in their car.

Ten days later on December 13 around 3 a.m. the suspects forced their way into another home in the Islington Avenue and Summitcrest Drive area, police said

As they tried to break in, the homeowners’ were awoken by several loud bangs at the front door. The owners went downstairs and were confronted by two suspects, who demanded their car keys.

This time the thieves stole two sets of keys and fled with two of the homeowner’s cars.

That was not the end for these busy and brazen crooks.

That same night about two hours later around 5:07 a.m. the same suspects forced their way into a third home in the Dixon Road and McArthur Street area, according to the task force.

Again the homeowners’ were asleep and was awakened and there was a confrontation with one of the suspects, according to police.

The suspects stole the victim’s car keys and fled the scene with his car. The victim this time suffered minor injuries.

By now the task force had a handle on the thieves and the crash and car roll over occurred as police were chasing them.

The task force was formed to stem the rising incidents of violence related to auto crimes across the  GTA. Local police services combined resources and established the task force to co-ordinate law enforcement efforts in combatting these crimes.

About 33 vehicles are stolen in Toronto every day. More than 11,000 have been stolen so far this year.

Rashid Zulmai, 18, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with: robbery with violence, two counts of break and enter to commit an indictable offence, three counts of disguise with intent, three counts of conspiracy to commit and indictable offence, two counts of possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, dangerous operation of a conveyance and two counts of fail to comply with order.

A 16-year-old young offender, who cannot be identified, has also been charged with a long list of similar offences.

The two appeared in separate courts for bail hearings on December 19.

 

There are calls from some residents for the City to stage a fireworks display in South Etobicoke as they prepare for the largest fireworks display in Canada to kick off the New Year.

The City of Toronto is gearing up to host the biggest fireworks display in Canada on December 31 to ring in 2024, according to City officials.

Some community members claim the fireworks are only staged in the downtown area and Ashbridges Bay in the City’s east end, which is difficult for residents here to attend or view.

They said a west-end fireworks display would bring in revenue for small businesses in the area from those wishing to see it and also be a boost to the morale of residents. In addition there are many places along the lakefront where the shows can be successfully staged.

“We are being treated as second class citizens,” said Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, chair of the Lakeshore Village Business Improvement Association (BIA). “There is a fireworks display in the east end and Toronto but nothing here for us.”

He said a display can easily be staged on the lakefront near Humber Bay or even at Marie Curtis Park.

“Ten minutes of fireworks is not a big deal,” Korwin-Kuczynski said. “City officials shouldn’t discriminate and give us something in the west end.”

He said it is too late for a display on New Year’s Eve, but shows can be staged on Victoria Day or Canada Day.

The cost will be minimal since the City already stages the two large shows.

On December 31 at midnight, residents and visitors to Toronto are invited to countdown to the New Year and witness a free 10-minute, high-altitude fireworks show synchronized to music, visible from anywhere with a view of the city’s inner harbour and also livestreamed online.

Designated viewing areas for the fireworks includes seven venues in the downtown area with none in Etobicoke.

For those unable to attend in-person, the live webcast begins at 10 p.m. with DJ sets until 11:30 p.m. The New Year’s Eve countdown begins at 11:30 p.m., which will culminate in the fireworks display.

The webcast will feature ASL and Closed Captioning and be available on the City’s CultureTO YouTube channel.

Headliners acts include Toronto-based artists DJ Sofia Fly and DJ Cozmic Cat. Local sensation Tynomi Banks will host the webcast. Pop-up participatory dance performances co-produced with The Dance Together Festival will transform public spaces and bring audiences together to celebrate through dance.

The City of Toronto bylaws allow fireworks on private property until 11 p.m. on Victoria Day and Canada Day. A permit is required to set off fireworks on all other days. Fireworks are not allowed in parks and on beaches.

Hate crimes have increased more than 40 per cent in the City so far this year and it is not slowing down.

Police said the war with Israel against Hamas has sparked the increase of hate-related crimes in Toronto, across Canada and the world.

Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkiw in his latest update said between January 1 and December 17 there have been 338 reported hate crimes, compared to 239 during the same time last year. That is a 41 per cent increase.

Demkiw said this included 147 anti-Semitic hate crimes compared to 81 during the same period last year. And there were 37 anti-Muslim-Palestinian-Arab hate crimes during that period, compared to 14 incidents last year.

“We are steadfast in our resolve to ensure that Palestinian, Muslim, Jewish, all communities for that matter, are kept safe from acts of hatred and violence,” the Chief said in an update on December 19 to the Police Services Board.

He said between October 7 and December 17  there were 98 hate crimes reported in Toronto, compared to 48 in 2022 during the same time period. This includes 56 anti-Semitic hate crimes reported, as compared to 18 during the same period last year.

There were 20 anti-Muslim/Palestinian/Arab hate crimes reported during the same time period, compared to two the same time last year.

There were also 11 reported hate crimes targeting the LGBTQ2S+ communities during this period, versus eight during the same time last year.

Some 53 per cent of the hate crimes were anti-Semitic from the October to December time period.

“We will be relentless, indeed resolute, in our pursuit of those who perpetrate crimes against any group or community,” Demkiw said. “Hatred will have no space in our city.”

He said since October 7, the beefed up Hate Crime Unit has made 43 arrests and laid 96 charges related to hate crime occurrences. Of the 96 charges, some 28 cases were mischief related 16 were assault related.

The force in November launched its hate-motivated graffiti intake form on TPS.ca to report hate-motivated graffiti. Since then they have received 129 submissions of which eight were confirmed hate crimes. There have been 159 hate crime graffiti occurrences reported to police between October 7 and December 17, including 27 anti-Muslim/Palestinian/Arab occurrences, compared to one last year and 111 anti-Semitic occurrences, versus 12 last year.

Hockey players helping the less fortunate in our community.

Members of the Etobicoke Hockey Club have donated five large bins of food and cash to the Daily Bread Food Bank following a campaign to help the needy.

The 500 pounds of food and almost $3,000 in cash were handed over to the Food Bank, on New Toronto Street, on December 18 so they can continue to help others in the community.

The Food Bank is at its busiest this time of the year as a record high of more than 12,000 new people access member food banks for the first time each month. They said with staggering food inflation and rising rents, they are bracing for these numbers to keep rising.

“This far exceeded last year’s donations and will go a long way to assist many in need in our community,” said club member Dave Clancy. “This is through the incredible spirit and generosity of our teammates, alumni, families and friends.”

The items were raised during a free December 10 Etobicoke Hockey Club (EHC) Christmas skate at the Ford Performance Centre, at 400 Kipling Avenue, in which about 125 skaters who turned up were urged to bring non-perishable foods and cash.

The EHC was founded in 1975 and members include former NHL and AHL players, including ex-politicians, whose ages range from 55 to 80.

“We are fortunate to be here and playing with our group,” Clancy said. “We have been supporting different charities for many years.”

They also collected pet food which will be donated to a Mississauga animal care centre.

Among the EHC players are former Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman Mike Pelyk; and Doug Holyday, now retired after serving as the last Mayor of Etobicoke from 1994 to 1998 and Deputy Mayor of Toronto from 2010 to 2013.

Another member was ex-lacrosse player and politician Morley Kells, who was a PC member of the Government of Ontario from 1981 to 1985 and again from 1995 to 2003, and was briefly a cabinet minister in the government of former Premier Frank Miller.

 

A plan to introduce a Night Economy Program for longer bar, restaurant and nightclub hours in Mimico, New Toronto, Long Branch and other areas is forging ahead with the City’s blessings.

The issue was considered by City Council on December 14 and even though it was supported by many councillors, it was sent for more study.

There will be a first annual Night Time Economy Town Hall on January 17 to ‘connect with fellow night economy enthusiasts, share ideas and discuss strategies to enhance the vibrant nightlife in Toronto.’

The City is reviewing the licensing and zoning regulations for restaurants, bars and entertainment venues, including nightclubs and live music venues, and exploring strategies to support and enhance Toronto’s Night Economy.

Officials want one bylaw across the City instead of a hodge podge of them which resulted when the city was amalgamated.

The move would see more bars and nightclubs with live music and dancing opened until 4 a.m. with special permits, to accommodate those who are night owls or work shifts.

Long Branch, New Toronto, Mimico and part of the Dundas street strip would fall into these all-night zones.

Long Branch residents have said they are against the loud noise, drunkenness and potential crimes that may occur with the changes.

The plan would lead to later TTC operations and access to toilets to cater to the late-nighters.

The City said the Night Economy accounts for an estimated 300,000 jobs in all activities between dusk and dawn. They include dining, community and special events, performing arts, recreation, live music, festivals, shift work, retail, transit and emergency services.

“Toronto’s night economy provides employment opportunities, cultural activities, and entertainment experiences to residents and visitors, while also creating hundreds of thousands of jobs across numerous sectors,” the City said in a report.

The report said ‘enhancing and safeguarding the experiences of Torontonians between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. not only improves civic pride and sense of well-being, but also strengthens Toronto’s position as a leading global economic and cultural jurisdiction.’

“A healthy night economy that supports the needs of residents, visitors, and workers requires a proactive municipal approach to lay the groundwork for nighttime business and culture to thrive,” the report state.

It said more than 3,000 people were heard in consultations which have been taking place since 2016. They targeted outreach to Indigenous, Black, racialized, and equity-deserving communities, including women, 2SLGBTQ+, youth, people with disabilities and people who live with low incomes.

The report said Torontonians participate strongly in hospitality and arts at night: 92% go to restaurants, 85% to bars, 82% to live music, and 73% to cinema, theatre, and comedy.

The City said the move is meant to bring more business and revenue to outlying areas, rather than downtown Toronto alone.

Night Club Locations going to City Council also includes The Queensway from Mimico Creek Valley to Kipling Avenue; Etobicoke Centre, which includes Bloor Street West and Islington Avenue and Thistletown, including Albion Road and Islington Avenue.

The matter will go back to City Council for approval.