Your private information is more likely to be hacked in your local hospital just as much as a coffee shop.

Six Ontario hospitals have been hit by cyberattacks since October and front-line workers are being urged to take a proactive approach to protect patients’ health information.

“This is a serious problem but it’s not unavoidable if we take simple, concrete steps to improve our cybersecurity posture,” some doctors said in a study. “We don’t need to wait for something to happen before we take action.”

Some 267,000 individuals had been affected by a cyberattack in October that hit Bluewater Health, Windsor Regional Hospital, Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, Erie Shores HealthCare, and Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare.

The facilities said that the ransomware attack impacted operations and that some patients, employees and staff data were stolen and some of published online.

A paper, published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal reveal the impact of cyberattacks on Canadian health information systems is very serious and clinicians and front-line workers should improve their cybersecurity readiness.

“The guidance comes at a critical time,” wrote co-author Vinyas Harish, of Unity Health Toronto and in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine at the University of Toronto. “Cyberattacks against Canadian health information systems have become increasingly common.”

Harish said hospitals and health organizations are easily targeted by hackers who deem them as easy.

They make “attractive targets because of the value of personal health information and institutions’ perceived ability to pay ransoms,” he said. “Amid events like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts, we’re seeing hackers take advantage of situations that create fear and panic.”

The digitization of Canadian health records onto shared networks has also created more opportunity for hackers to gain access to hospital or personal information.

“While digital tools and systems can improve access and convenience, most clinicians lack dedicated IT training,” said Harish. “This creates stress and increases the likelihood of falling victim to an attack.”

The study outlines four stages for hospitals to effectively navigate cyberattacks.

Clinicians are urged to use strong passwords and secure devices, avoid inadequate network protections and remain vigilant against phishing attacks or suspicious behaviour.

Dr. Shaun Mehta, an emergency physician at St. Michael’s Hospital, said more can be done by frontline workers and doctors to safeguard the information of patients.

“Many health care organizations have sophisticated systems in place to prevent and respond to attacks but there’s a lot that can be done at the individual level,” Mehta said. “I think people probably underestimate their role in preventing attacks.”

The study finds a lack of consistency in cybersecurity education and practices across provinces and institutions.

“In Ontario, for instance, cybersecurity isn’t part of the medical or nursing school curricula,” it stated. “While some health care networks and institutions have implemented cybersecurity modules, it’s really organization-dependent.”

Mehta said cybersecurity training and practices aren’t mandated in Canada, likely because we don’t have a good set of centralized instructions or guidance established at a national or provincial level.”

Unity Health Toronto is taking cybersecurity seriously and has commissioned a readiness assessment and set up a three-year cybersecurity plan. They have since implemented measures to curb hacking, like  technology to track and identify suspicious activity, regular risk assessments and a cybersecurity awareness program to educate staff, physicians and learners.

“We’ve been working really hard to empower staff with tools, knowledge and practices to avoid falling victim to an attack,” said Abdulkader Abdulkarim, the Chief Information Security Officer. “As the cyber landscape changes rapidly, we continue to look for new ways to educate our people and re-evaluate our systems and practices.”

Abdulkarim said front-line personnel need to be educated on ransomware.

“Clinicians need to know what to click on, what to avoid and what to look out for,” he said. They cannot “just avoid falling victim to an attack but to alleviate frustration and maximize time spent with patients.”

 

Etobicoke firefighters are pausing today to remember three colleagues who were killed on December 4, 1978 in a massive blaze at a Kimberly-Clark warehouse.

District Chief Lloyd Janes, Captain Donald Kerr and Fire Fighter John Clark had responded to the Kimberly-Clark fire on Disco Road 45 years ago that involved large bales of rolled paper.

The building had been the scene of two recent, suspicious fires weeks before, news clips reported.

“The sprinkler system had contained the fire, but during overhaul of the blaze, the three firemen were killed instantly when 600-pound water-soaked paper rolls fell on them,” according to reports.

“The paper rolls were five-feet in diameter, stacked 18-inches apart and 20 feet high and became unstable and toppled burying the men,” the accounts state.

It was one of the worst tragedies to rock Etobicoke Fire Department and most residents of Toronto.

“It was a day that we will never forget,” said the son of one of the firefighters killed.

Janes body was found almost immediately in the rubble and it would be some time later when the bodies of Kerr and Clark were discovered.

The three were beyond help, colleagues said then.

Janes was a war veteran who had risen through the ranks of the New Toronto Fire Department to become Deputy Chief of the Etobicoke Fire Department after the amalgamation of forces in 1967.

Kerr was an experienced 23-year veteran fireman at the time who had joined the department in 1955.

Clark was recently married when he met his untimely death and was a 14-year veteran.

The tragedy then was the second largest one-time loss of life of Etobicoke firefighters and was only surpassed by the deaths of five volunteer firemen in the swollen Humber River during Hurricane Hazel in October 1954 that killed 469 people, including 81 in Canada.

Hurricane Hazel left thousands homeless, including many in South Etobicoke, as 110-km winds caused more than 11-inches of rain to fall in 48 hours. It caused an estimated at $100 million (about $1 billion today) in damages. This storm would change the Toronto landscape forever and mobilize the need for managing watersheds on a regional basis.

 

An award-winning firefighter with the Etobicoke Fire Department has passed away after more than 33-years of service.

Raymond George Houghton passed away at Humber River Hospital on November 18. He was 93.

He is being missed by many of his firefighting colleagues, who said he is now reunited with his wife Norma, and their son Victor.

Raymond was a firefighter with the Etobicoke Fire Department for over three decades. He started his career in 1956 and was a Captain on his retirement in 1989.

He spent many years training firefighters in First Aid and CPR. He also worked and volunteered teaching others how to swim in a City of Etobicoke Adapted Aquatics Program for 38 years.

In his younger years, he worked at the Sunnyside Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool as a head lifesaving instructor.

He received a Royal Lifesaving Society Service Award in 1963 from then society president, The Earl Mountbatten of Burma. He was also awarded an Exemplary Service Medal by the Governor General of Canada in 1987.

He was honoured for rescuing two people out of the Credit River in 1949.

Houghton enjoyed many years at his trailer in Honey Harbour where he loved to boat and fish. He loved working with stained glass and wood creating many pieces of furniture with his art of marquetry.

He was the loving and devoted father of Debbie, and her husband Zdenek Blechta, and grandfather of Lauren, Amie, and Alex.

Funeral details to be confirmed at a later date. Donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.

DECEMBER 2 ETOBICOKE-LAKESHORE SANTA CLAUS parade starts at 10 a.m. and runs from Dwight Ave. to Thirtieth Street. This is the 33rd annual parade and there will be dozens of floats and Santa. Skate with Santa event to follow at Sam Smith skate park.

DECEMBER 2 ALDERWOOD CARES Christmas Toy Drive donate and bring a smile to a child from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alderwood Church, 44 Delma Dr. Also on December 16 there is a free Christmas Show from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the church. And on December 24 a Christmas Eve Candlelight
Service at 6 p.m.

DECEMBER 6 HOLIDAY SENIORS PARTY heartwarming Seniors Party from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at LAMP CHC to celebrate the season with older adults. Line dancing, chair yoga, live music, Latin dance, Tips and a talk on gut health and refreshments. Sponsored by LAMP and The West Toronto Ontario Health Team. E-mail jasmind@lampchc.org or call 416 252 6471 ext. 308.

DECEMBER 6 HOLIDAYS & HOPE Bereaved Family and Friends are invited to the Ridley Funeral Home’s annual Candlelight Service of Remembrance at 7 p.m. at 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, at the
south end of Kipling Ave. Enjoy encouragement and music. Contact for more 416-259-3705.

DECEMBER 7, 14, 21 & 28 LEARNING AND GROWING together for Black children and families at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane. For more call 416-231-7070 ext. 309.

UNTIL DECEMBER 8 you can drop off new unwrapped toys for the annual LAMP Annual Toy Drive at 185 Fifth Street, for children in South
Etobicoke. Any age or gender is appreciated but there is a need for kids aged from 12 to 18. Gift certificates are welcome for tweens. For more
phone 416-252-9701 ext. 292 or e-mail camisha@lampchc.org.

DECEMBER 9 STUFF THE BUS annual toy and gift drive by Officers from 22 Division. Outside Toys R Us, at 690 Evans Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop by and say hello and bring joy to kids in  need.

DECEMBER 8 TO 10 FESTIVAL OF TREES followed by Culinary Market December 15 to 17 by Creative Hub 1352, at the Small Arms Inspection Building, at 42B Woodlawn Avenue, in Mississauga. There will
be vendors, market and performances by local musicians. E-mail info@creativehub1352.ca.

DECEMBER 10 TOY & WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE drop off new unboxed toys or gently used clothing and join for some holiday fun, hot chocolate and face painting in support of Haven on The Queensway at 10 Park Lawn Road, in the party room.

UNTIL DECEMBER 11 BEYOND THE BAR GRAPH EXHIBITION exploring arts and culture in Etobicoke at Cloverdale Commons, 250 East Mall. Phone 416- 236-1668 or www.cloverdalemall.com/stores/thecloverdale-common/

UNTIL DECEMBER 11 DANCE & SWEAT join Anny for a fun, high-energy cardio workout that involves Latininspired music and dance from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Stonegate CHC’s Trillium Room. All levels welcome. To register call 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or e-mail health.promotion@stonegatechc.org

UNTIL DECEMBER 12 LET’S DE-STRESS AND CONNECT from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane, for collaborative activities, mindful games to build communication and have fun. And until December 18 Let’s Nourish Ourselves Inside & Out Re-group to explore mindful eating and relationship with food. Call 416-231-7070 ext, 307 or visit health.promotion@stonegatechc.org

DECEMBER 13 HEALTHY HOLIDAY COOKING for new LAMP CHC holiday recipes that are delicious and good for you with community dietician Maki at 10 a.m. ALSO DECEMBER 20 at 10 a.m. rescheduled Gluten Free Cooking workshop for previous registrants, To register e-mail anthonya@lampchc.org or 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

DECEMBER 13 LAND TRUST WORKING GROUP join us at Zoom at 6 p.m. as we work on establishing a land trust for affordable housing in South Etobicoke. Share ideas to acquire land for social housing with rent geared to income units. For more e-mail brig@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

DECEMBER 14 RAY’S ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY sponsored by LAMP Community Health Centre Youth Programs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 385 The West Mall, Unit 105. Register by December 8 by calling 647-615-1749 or e-mail shivanag@lampchc.org

UNTIL DECEMBER 15 WoodGreen’s Community Services, at 2930 Lakeshore Blvd W., is seeking applicants for a Skills for Success for Experienced
Workers program to train for jobs some 106 residents, aged 45 plus. Those interested can email mkabir@woodgreen.org or call 647-201-5273.

UNTIL DECEMBER 15 HAVEN ON THE QUEENSWAY annual toy drive collecting unwrapped toys and gift cards for local families with children in the community. Drop off at Haven at 1533 The Queensway.

DECEMBER 16 A FREE CHRISTMAS SHOW at the Alderwood Church, at 44 Delma Drive, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. AND ON DECEMBER 24  join them for a Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6 p.m. For more call 416-252-4166.

DECEMBER 18 SANTA’S COMING TO MIMICO with his friends and will be at Mimico by the Lake from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and at Mimico Village 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. They will be walking the streets saying hello and spreading some holiday cheer. For more contact 416-452-5682 or e-mail mimicovillage@gmail.com

UNTIL DECEMBER 18 Ukrainian Weekly Social Group every Monday from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the Meeting Room, of Stonegate CHC, at 10 Neighbourhood Lane. Make new friends and socialize with other Ukrainian speaking participants. Call 416-231-7070 ext. 229 or register by e-mail at
julia.graham@stonegatechc.org

DECEMBER 22 CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Franklin Horner Community Centre, at 432 Horner Ave. Refreshments, appetizers and entertainment. Contact 416-252-6822.

UNTIL DECEMBER 22 GIFT SHOP SHOW by Arts Etobicoke featuring holiday gifts by local artists. Join them to shop and celebrate at 4893 Dundas Street W. Thursday 10 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m to 1 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

DECEMBER 23 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA at Franklin Horner Community Center, 432 Horner Ave., From 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Enjoy a pancake breakfast and visit from Good Old St. Nick this holiday. Tickets are $7 and available from December 4. Contact 416-252-6822.

UNTIL DECEMBER 27 THRIVING WITH MINDFULNESS on
Wednesdays at 3 p.m. via Zoom. Corin De Sousa provides programs and workshops. She is a teacher with the Canadian College of Educators.
Email norkyit@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 257.

JANUARY 12 HEARING SCREENINGS by Canadian Hearing Services to support people with hearing loss. They will check for ear wax and provide information. Taking place at LAMP Community Health Centre, 185 Fifth Street. Call for appointment at 416-252-9701 ext. 308.

THE STONEGATE CHC Good Food Box drive to purchase boxes of food for community members dealing with food security and hunger. A $25 donation buys a family a large big box of good food brimming with fresh fruits and vegetables as a gift. For more or to make a donation contact Stonegate
CHC at 416-231-7070 ext. 229 or visit www.stonegatechc.org.

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

GROCERY SHOPPING TRIPS for those over 55, or with disability or mobility issues, to No Frills at The Queensway and Royal York Road. A bus runs biweekly on Thursday mornings and will pick you up and return you to home. To register call 416-231-7070 ext. 239.

SALVATION ARMY LAKESHORE COMMUNITY church lunch program Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 5 Thirtieth Street. Family Christmas Assistance now open register online www.salakeshore.com or
call 416-251-8372 ext. 104. Volunteers needed.

 

Many of us still like this outdoor plaza because it is quick.

A plan to redevelop Six Points Plaza to build six mixed-use condo towers is working its way through the application process.

The project by Liberty Development is an ambitious venture that will feature six high-rise buildings ranging from eight to 45 storeys on the plaza site, at 5230 Dundas Street W., the northeast corner of Dundas Street W., and Jopling Avenue South.

Six Points Plaza Redevelopment will feature a 45, 43, 41, 36, 25 and 8-storey condo towers designed by IBI Group.

The condos will accommodate some 2,387 residential units, along with commercial spaces, and promises to be a significant transformation of the area.

Liberty Development has resubmitted Zoning By-law and Official Plan Amendment applications for the Six Points Plaza Redevelopment, the original versions of which were submitted to the City in 2021.

The community is proposed to have a public greenspace located at Jopling Avenue South and Dundas Street West.

The plaza which is believed to be built in the 1960s has undergone hard times in recent years.

The site is designated Major Transit Station Area, with a goal of fewer cars as called for by a City of Toronto Official Plan. There will be two two levels of underground garage with 741 parking spots, with 129 spots for visitors.

There will also be 1,838 bicycle parking spots, with 195 for visitors.

The builders boast that the site, described as a communal hub, is within walking distance of Kipling Station, where residents have access to GO Bus and transportation downtown and beyond.

The massive redevelopment would include four blocks consisting of high-density and medium-density buildings as well as parkland, on the property that is located on the south side of Bloor Street West, between Jopling Avenue South and Beamish Drive, and north of Dundas Street West.

The site is a block and a half west of Kipling Avenue, across from which a new Etobicoke Civic Centre is to be built at the Six Points Interchange.

The towers, when completed will be surrounded by other high-rise development applications, which include 4 to 8 Beamish Drive, which would see a residential tower rising to 35 storeys atop a four-storey podium, consisting of 329 units .

There is also another development at 8 tp 14 Jopling Avenue South, which proposes two towers of 35 and 38-storeys, with 697 residential units, and 306 parking spaces. Also proposed is a building at 5238 to 5243 Dundas Street W., which plans a tower rising to 41-storeys atop a 3-storey podium along, consisting of 378 residential units.

A massive 55 storey building is also planned at 5359 Dundas Street W., at Dundas St. W., and Subway Crescent, metres away from the Kipling subway.

 

Hope for Holidays.

Some Toronto Police officers are collecting donations, toys, and winter wear to help refugees who are new arrivals to Canada.

This is the third year officers involved in Project Hope are trying to brighten the lives of refugees by collecting toys, school supplies, winter jackets and new and used tablets and laptops to help families.

The project is “brightening the lives of refugees by letting them know that many people are wishing them health and happiness in their first holiday season in Canada,” according to police.

“Nearly 1,000 refugee families will benefit from this year’s exercise,” said Constable Mustafa Popalzai, of the distribution to families staying in temporary shelters and hotels.

There are many other refugees who cannot get beds in shelters and are forced to sleep on the sidewalk as the temperature dips.

“We want to bring joy to the many newcomers and refugees from across the world as they celebrate their first season in Canada,” he said.

Popalzai and Const. Farzad Ghotbi started Project Hope in August 2021 to support the newcomers.

Then there were thousands of people arriving in Canada from Afghanistan with ‘nothing more than the clothes on their back after the collapse of the government.’

Since then, 26,735 Afghan refugees have arrived in Canada, according to the federal government.

With support of other police officers, agencies, community organizations and individuals, they have collected and delivered more than $500,000 in donations.

Newcomers are delighted to receive the items since they could not afford it otherwise.

Both officers know first-hand how it feels to arrive without much in a strange country, where they speak a different language.

Popalazai is a refugee from Afghanistan and Ghotbi was a claimant from Iran.

Popalzai arrived from Kabul with his family in 2000 to flee the Taliban. His father was an artist who received death threats from the Taliban who had banned some forms of art and human photography.

The officers also provide information sessions to address questions and concerns about Canadian laws and the role of the police.

Project Hope is seeking school supplies like backpacks, stationary, lunch bags; baby care products as diapers, wipes, strollers and baby formula. They are also are in need of hygiene products like shampoo or deodorants, gift cards and new unwrapped toys.

Donations are being accepted until December 10 at a number of Toronto Police stations.

Donations can be made at police headquarters at 40 College Street, 51 Division at 51 Parliament Street, 53 Divison at 75 Eglinton Ave. W., 31 Division at 40 Norfinch Dr., both in North York, and 32 Division at 30 Ellerslie Ave., in Scarborough.

Items or donations can also be left at 41 Division at 2222 Eglinton Ave. E., 42 Division at 242 Milner Ave., or 43 Division at 4331 Lawrence Ave. E.

 

 

 

Toronto Police Service Special 

A Booking Officer led an effort to give a sick kid a chance to play in his own backyard.

This summer, Special Constable Sean McConnell met two-year-old Nolan Davis at Ronald McDonald House. The little boy was diagnosed with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia in November 2022.

Nolan underwent chemotherapy treatment and two bone marrow transplants earlier this year.

After learning that Davis’ immune system is very weak, the 11 Division officer conceived and funded the idea to build a playground for him with the help of his C platoon members and other officers at the Division.

“Because the young boy’s immune system is very weak, he needed a playground built in his backyard because he cannot play with other kids in neighbourhood facilities,” McConnell said.

McConnell is a member of the Million Dollar Smiles charitable organization that builds home playgrounds across the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario.

Raising money for the builds through corporate sponsorships, Million Dollar did 60 builds for selected families this year.

Davis and his family reside in Brechin that is a two-hour drive north of Toronto.

On August 22, police officers and civilian members of 11 Division travelled two hours north of the city on their days off to build the playground for the young boy while his parents kept him away from the house.

“We got there early in the morning and it was a hot, day, but everyone was committed to completing the job and ensuring they could bring a big smile to Nolan’s face,” McConnell said.

Inspector Joyce Schertzer supported the initiative and was part of the build.

“Sean recognized a need to do something and brought both of his worlds together – his charity and his platoon,” Schertzer said. “Not only was this a total team effort, but it was a very enjoyable experience. They all sectioned off organically so that this could be done seamlessly in a very organized manner. Everyone now has a taste of how good it feels to give.”

The boy was completely surprised when he walked into his backyard.

“The look on his face was amazing,” she said, of the ultimate reward for everyone involved.

Superintendent Andy Ecklund was also part of the team effort.

“This is something I look at as giving back to the community,” the 11 Division Unit Commander said. “This is what policing is all about.”

Sergeant Salvatore Granata also pitched in.

“When you are able to make that difference however big or small it might be for someone, it is an amazing moment,” said Granata, who bought the yellow shirts that the volunteers wore to symbolize the team effort.

Daniel Davis thanked the officers for taking time out of their busy schedules and using their own resources for the build.

“This means a lot to our family and I thank you all for coming here and doing this,” he said. “We really appreciate it.”

LAMP Community Health Centre’s executive director Keddone Dias is joining other prominent people as Grand Marshal of the Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade.

The 33^rd annual parade takes place on December 2 as dozens of floats leave Dwight Avenue at 10 a.m. for Thirtieth Street, where it will wrap up.

There will be a number of streets affected or closed by the parade, which attracts thousands of area residents yearly.

Dias, who has headed LAMP CHC for almost six years, is well-known as a community builder.

Her biography said she leads a ‘multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of primary health care services and health promotion programs that address the needs of the whole person.’

“Keddone has worked to improve access to the resources needed to help communities grow and thrive,” her bio states. She pays “special emphasis on areas including health equity, youth development and education.”

She joins others such as author and former NHL goalie Ken Dryden, Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia, Toronto Argos boss Mike ‘Pinball’ Clemons and NHLer Johnny Bowers as previous Grand Marshals.

This is the 33^rd year of the parade which travels west to Lake Shore Blvd., and is popular with parents and their children.

Keddone holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from Ryerson University and a Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law from York University, as well as certificates in Community Health Leadership from the Rotman School of Management.

She also studied Sustainable Strategic Change from the Schulich School of Business, and Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from the Harvard Business School.