The South Etobicoke News

Serving Humber * Mimico * Lakeshore Village * Long Branch * Alderwood

Two arrested after high end vehicles stolen in alleged test drives

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SUSPECTS SOUGHT by Halton Regional Police for car theft from auto dealerships earlier this year. Courtesy photos by Halton Regional Police.

Police are warning local car dealerships to be aware of theft rings in which members use the ruse of taking a test drive to steal upscale vehicles.

Police say they are probing more cases in which thieves are using fraudulent identification and the current COVJD-19 precautions to secure unescorted test drives to steal a vehicle.

Members of Halton Regional Police say expensive cars are selected and “this time primarily Mercedes products were targeted.”

“When the test drive was escorted by a sales representative,” police said in a release. “A staged collision was orchestrated in order to complete the theft.”

Two men have been charged by police and face a list of auto theft offences.

Azad Sandhu, 18, of Brampton, is charged with three counts of theft of motor vehicle and possession of a counterfeit mark, false identity documents.

Steven Singh, 20, of Mississauga, is charged with eight counts of theft of motor vehicle, eight counts of utter forged documents and more.

A Toronto home was searched and police found a Mercedes stolen from Hamilton, stolen Ontario dealer plates and fraudulent Ontario and Quebec Driver’s Licences.

A third man was charged in connection with those seizures.

Detectives warn that there are a number of measures the dealerships can take to reduce having a vehicle stolen in an alleged test drive.

If a person provides you with a contact phone number, police say to call it before they leave the lot to verify that it is valid.

If an individual requests a test drive, charge a security deposit to their credit card before they leave the lot.

Consider asking for suitable collateral before handing over vehicle keys to a patron and be aware of someone who arrives on foot or is dropped off for a test drive, with no other means of leaving.

The investigation was conducted by Halton Regional Police (HRPS) Oakville Criminal Investigations Bureau in collaboration with the Peel Regional Police and Hamilton Police Service.

 

 

Go Fund Me launched to help ailing Boxer Macho get back on his feet

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Macho, an Etobicoke Boxer, suffers from a heart issue, and a Go Fund Me campaign has been launched to help him. Courtesy photo.

Macho is an ailing Boxer that is like a child to its owners and in need of medical help.

A Go Fund Me campaign was launched on December 3 to help Macho, who according to his Etobicoke organizer, has been diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, or Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy (ARVC), a genetic disease that Boxers can develop.

So far more than $2,940 has been raised from dog lovers online to meet a $3,000 goal.

Campaign organizer Erik Napoles says ARVC affects the heart muscle and caused replacement of the normal heart muscle with fatty and fibrous tissue.

“This change cause electrical instability in the heart muscle resulting in arrhythmias,” Napoles writes. “An arrhythmia is an irregular heart rhythm which can lead to episodes of sudden fainting or worse, sudden death.”

He says fluid was drained by a vet from his pet’s abdomen and Macho lost weight.

“He went into the appointment weighing 99-pounds and came out weighing 88-pounds,” according to a post on social media. “He has an appointment with an emergency cardiologist on December 7 to assess him and provide proper treatment.”

He says Macho is his life.

“He is our child and never has been a dog or a pet,” Napoles insists. “He has always been healthy so I have no doubt this will be nothing but an inconvenience.”

He says it will be an expensive road ahead to cover regular checkups to ensure ‘his heart is OK.’

The funds raised will go towards Macho’s treatments and medicine and other needs.

He was able to raise almost $3,000 in three days.

“Fur babies are still our babies, sending love,” wrote Sydney Campbell-Balagus as she made a donation to help Macho.

“Sending all of the positivity to you guys, and cuddles for sweet Macho!” says Amelia Clark as she dipped into her purse to make a donation to save Macho’s life.

 

 

Now is the time to become a Mimico board member to help others

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Are you a Mimico resident who is passionate about local issues.

Applications are being accepted for the 2021 Mimico Residents Association (MRA) Board of Directors.

The MRA is dedicated to improving Mimico by planning and supporting activities that enhance the quality of life in the community and help promote awareness of local events and issues.

The Board helps to plan and volunteer at MRA events when they are allowed to continue. They include a Halloween Dance, Party in the Park, Waterfront Cleanup, and virtual discussions with local government officials.

Applications are being accepted until January 8.

Selected candidates must be available to attend an information session and virtual interview on the evening January 13 with board members. The successful individuals will be confirmed in March and the commitment is for a minimum one year term.

To apply the applicant must be 18-years and older, be or become a MRA member and live in Mimico.

For more information visit  www.mimicoresidents.ca

 

Police tips for a more secure online shopping experience this season

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Many area malls and small businesses are shut or partially closed and online shopping sales are going through the roof this holiday due to COVID-19.

Toronto Police are providing some tips to keep your online experience more secure in the final shopping countdown to Christmas Day.

Police say to always install antivirus updates for your devices as they become available.

Always change your passwords for online shopping sites and other accounts regularly, using a different password for each system and account.

Where possible, use two-factor authentication for an added layer of login security.

Immediately change factory pre-set passwords on home networking equipment, such as Wi-Fi routers and smart devices.

For shopping online, credit cards are your most secure option; verify online transactions by checking your credit card and banking statements routinely and activate the alerts offered by your bank to receive email or text notifications for all account transactions.

Do not use public Wi-Fi networks for online shopping or banking, even when a password is required.

Phishing or (luring using email) and smishing (luring via text message) are fraud schemes, which criminals use to elicit funds, obtain credit card data, personal information, or install malware on computers and electronic devices.

Never respond to emails or text messages from unknown sources, and avoid opening attachments or clicking on links from senders you do not recognize.

Reputable and established online businesses utilize encryption to protect personal identifiers and payment information transmitted to and from your computer or device, look for the lock icon next to a website address in your browser.

Always verify website addresses by manually typing them into your web browser, or access websites from internet searches.

When shopping from your phone, choose vetted apps from trusted businesses and download apps only from an authorized app store.
Remember, if the offer sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Officers still mourning the death of colleague Zivcic killed in a crash

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Toronto Police officers are mourning the death of Const. John Zivcic who lost his life in a motor vehicle accident nine years ago this week.

Zivcic, 34, was responding to an emergency call on November 30, 2013 when he was Involved in a car collision at the intersection of Bloor St., W. and Neilson Drive.

The constable, who had been in the Toronto Police Service for six years, succumbed to his injuries on December 2, 2013.

“His organs were successfully matched to several recipients,” police said to mark his passing.

Then Deputy Chief Peter Sloly said at the time “he died in the line of duty doing his job, trying to keep the public safe.”

Police said the officer was driving an unmarked police vehicle and was  on traffic duty responding to a call in regards to an alleged impaired driver when he lost his life.

The driver of the other vehicle suffered minor injuries.

The late Toronto Mayor Rob Ford called it a very sad day for the city’s police force.

Zivcic, who was originally from St. Catharines, Ont., was described as a “greatly respected guy,” specifically at 22 Division, where he was based.

Some upcoming toy and food drives in which you can help others this season

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There will be a food drive taking place on December 5 at Royal LePage Porritt Real Estate, at 3385 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at 28th Street, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Members of the Long Branch BIA are expected to be there to take part in the contactless drive-through food drive to help the Daily Bread Food Bank.
And on December 13 officers of 22 Division will be staging their annual “Stuff the Bus,” toy drive with colleagues at the TTC-Queensway Division.
The toy bus will be parked outside ToysRus, at 690 Evans Ave., across from Sherway Garden Mall on Sunday, December 13, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
COVID-19 protocols will be in place.
If you have toys to donate, but cannot make it, police are encouraging you to drop them off outside of 22 Division, at 3699 Bloor St. W.

Free things to do and staying busy in our community

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DEC. 3 COMMUNITY CONSULTATION
MEETING in regards to a proposal to build a 13-
storey hotel at 2157 Lake Shore Blvd. W., With
165 suites. Virtual meeting from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30
p.m. For more information and view visit
toronto.ca
DEC. 5 BRANDING AND CAREER DEVELOPMENT by
Women Empowered STEAM Workshop from 12
p.m. to 1:30 p.m. learn from professionals in the
industry via ZOOM with Nadia Headley, 2114
Consultant, and Tiff Lee, of Heart Strong. For
more contact the Jean Augustine Centre at 416-
253-9797 or visit www.jeanaugustinecentre.ca
DEC. 7 ETOBICOKE CAMERA CLUB PRESENTS Rob
Stimpson as he presents Creating Images That

Tell a Story from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. $10 for non-
members through eventbrite.ca, purchase tickets

from the ECC Facebook
page: https://www.facebook.com/etobcc. For a
full schedule or to join the club go
to http://etobicokecameraclub.org.
DEC. 8 LAMP WELLNESS WORKSHOPS at 2 p.m.
Mindfulness Meditation and Wellness.Holiday
Wellness Environmental Sustainability
specializing in contemplative studies and
humane living. To register please contact Jasmin
Dooh at jasmind@lampchc.org or 416-252 -6471
ext. 308.
LAMP EMERGENCY FOOD TAKE OUT meals
continues to be offered Monday through
Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m..
DEC. 9 IS FINAL DAY FOR THE ETOBICOKE SCHOOL
OF THE ARTS application deadline. The school is
only open to students with an M postal code and
audition will take place in virtual format. January
15 is Virtual Audition Day. For further information
contact Vice-principal Peter Farquharson at 416-
394-2001 or peter.farquharson@tdsb.on.ca Visit
the school website to apply and obtain answers
to your questions at www.esainfo.ca/admissions
FREE MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING FOR infants,
children, youth and families by phone or video,

no fees or appointments. Qualified counsellors
available Monday to Friday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Contact 1-866-585-6486.
ETOBICOKE SERVICES FOR SENIORS (ESS) grocery
delivery program. Step 1 register and place
order. Step 2 ESS will pick up grocery and
deliver to your door. It will cost the price of your
groceries and a $3.50 delivery fee. Call 416-243-
0127 ext. 555.
KIWANIS KINGSWAY HUMBER COVID RELIEF FUND to
help charities in Etobicoke and residents who
are in urgent need for funding. Our COVID
Relief Fund is set up to help those
organizations. Visit https://bit.ly/3du5fSU or
www.kingswaykiwanishumber.com
FREE SOUP ON SUNDAY TAKES PLACE EVERY
SUNDAY between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. at St.
Margaret’s Anglican Church, at 156 Sixth Street.
Free piping hot soup packed in individual
Styrofoam containers ready for take-out and go
when you show up.
DEC. 11 TORONTO POLICE 22 DIVISION AND THE
GRILLE have joined forces to raise toys or funds
to help those in need. Drop off an unwrapped toy
at The Grille restaurant, at 1596 The
Queensway. It all goes to help those in need at
Haven on The Queensway.
DEC. 12 GREAT LAKES BREWERY IS URGING
customers to fight hunger and stop by the
brewery, located at 30 Queen Elizabeth Blvd.,
with non-perishable food items between 11 a.m.
and 4 p.m. Staff will gather donations from the
parking lot and sort food into bins to be delivered
to Daily Bread food bank.
DEC. 13 TORONTO POLICE 22 Division officers will
be collecting toys and non-perishable food for
area charities that will help the needy. Officers
will be in the Markland Woods area trying to fill a
police vehicle with donated goodies as part of
annual Christmas campaign.
EVERY TUESDAY UNTIL DECEMBER 15 AT LAMP
HANDLE WITH CARE from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. group

Zoom interactive program to help parents and
caregivers promote the mental health of the
children in their lives. To register email Madison
at MBanks&the519.org or
handlewithcarecanada.org
WARM CLOTHING DRIVE IN SUPPORT of Haven on
The Queensway in need of gently used warm
clothing for men, women and children. New
socks and underwear for men and women,
personal hygiene items and clean, gently used
winter footwear. Items can be dropped off at
Haven every Monday to Thursday between 9
a.m. and 4 p.m. at 1533 The Queensway. If you
cannot get there contact Councillor Mark
Grimes office at 416-397-9273 for pickup.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP AT THE SALVATION
ARMY, on Thirtieth Street, at this time of the year.
More than 800 area families this year will receive
Christmas assistance. Please consider donating.
Foodbank available. Contact Jennifer at 416-
251-8372 ext. 101.
STONEGATE CHC IS SEEKING donations of $22
each for The Good Food Box that contains fresh
fruits and vegetables that are given to local
families in need during COVID-19. For info or
donate contact Stonegate at 416-231-7070 ext.
229 or give online at www.stonegatechc.org.
Located at 10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit 201.
LAMP IS SUPPORTING LAMP clients with food, new
clothing, toys and essential care items.
Donations can be made online at
www.lampchc.org to provide food vouchers and
gift certificates for those in need this holiday
season. Choose a program you would like to
support https://lampchc.org/get-involved/donate/
Covid-19 Food and Emergency Relief.
LAMP CLIENTS ARE ELIGIBLE to receive fresh fruit
and vegetables due to a donation from the
Ontario Produce Association. Some turkeys and
ham also available from donation by Feed
Canada. Contact Jasmin Dooh at 4-6-252-6471
ext. 30 or by email jasmind@lampchc.org

SIU investigating after man shot by police in Long Branch

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SIU investigating man shot by police in Long Branch. Photo courtesy CP24.

A local man is recuperating in hospital after being shot by police during an interaction in Long Branch.

Police said they were responding to reports of a man wielding a hatchet or an axe shortly after 5 p.m. on December 3, on Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Twenty Fourth St., close to a 7-Eleven store.

The man was located by police and shots were fired.

It is not known at this time why the officer, or officers, discharged their firearm.

“It is believed that an officer discharged their firearm,” according to a police tweet.

The man, who has not been identified, was transported to a nearby hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

The Ontario Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has been called to investigate since police were involved. They are called for cases involving police in a death, serious injury or allegations of sexual assault.

Traffic in the area has been affected with Lake shore Blvd. W., being shut between Twenty First Street and Twenty Six Street.

 

 

Letter from the City to New Toronto residents for halting plans for shelter

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From: Justin Lewis,  Director,
Infrastructure Planning & Development Shelter,
Support & Housing Administration,
City of Toronto.
Hello New Toronto community members,
We would like to provide you with an update on the property we were pursuing at 2950+2970 Lake Shore Blvd West.
After a comprehensive due diligence process, the City of Toronto will no longer be acquiring the property.
The decision not to proceed with the acquisition is a reflection of information gained during the City’s diligence review of the site, including building condition assessments and environmental assessments.
It was determined that the City would not be able to proceed with the renovation and activation of the site within the Council approved budget and project timeline required for the acquisition.
The early engagement work done during this due diligence stage revealed a passionate community with diverse perspectives and a commitment to building a strong resilient neighbourhood.
The reports resulting from the early engagement activities will be published shortly and will be available on the 2950+2970 Lake Shore Blvd West web page (www.toronto.ca/ShelterExpansionSites).
The work we begun together will provide a strong framework for siting any future housing and homelessness services in your area.
And while SSHA’s involvement is wrapping up at the site, the community has had many important conversations, revealing an opportunity to continue to work together to collaborate in order to strengthen your neighbourhood.
Please note that the early community engagement had no bearing on the decision to not move forward on the site.
Finally, we want to extend our gratitude to the team of City of Toronto staff and third-party consultants who worked rigorously to identify the 2950+2970 Lake Shore Blvd. West location, conduct due diligence and support a robust early engagement plan for the site.
Ensuring that there are shelter and supportive housing services available to people in communities across Toronto remains a priority for SSHA and the City as a whole.
While this project will no longer be going forward, the City will continue to actively work with Councillor Grimes to search for appropriate shelter sites across the City. We hope that this was just the beginning of our conversations and look forward to working together with the New Toronto community again in the future.
If you have further questions or concerns related to this project, please contact clc.2950.70lakeshoreblvdwest@gmail.com.
If you have questions or concerns about something in your community, it may be useful to note the following contacts: 311 3-1-1 | 416-338-0889 (TTY)
Report concerns about: • Homeless individuals who need support • Excessive noise • Excessive litter • Hazardous materials in parks – 2 – Central Intake 416-397-5637 • Telephone support to individuals seeking access to emergency shelter. Police Non-Emergency 416-808-2222 | 416-467-0493 (TTY) • Report crimes where no person is in immediate danger (i.e. theft, vandalism, fraud). 9-1-1 • In an emergency, always call 911 (fires, crimes in progress, medical emergencies requiring an ambulance).
 Sincerely,
Justin Lewis,  Director,
Infrastructure Planning & Development Shelter,
Support & Housing Administration,
City of Toronto.