The South Etobicoke News

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

22 Division Station Duty Operator Samler retires after 37-years

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One of the longest-serving Station Duty Operator for Toronto Police has answered her last call after 37-years of service on the force.

Dianne Samler was given a great send off last week by friends and colleagues of 22 Division, where she has worked for many years.

“It is a well-deserved retirement,” one senior officer said. “On behalf of the Command, all sworn and civilian officers at the 22 Division, Toronto Police Service, thank you for your service. “

Many officers and civilian employees were sad but happy at the same time to see her go.

“Wishing you the best retirement ever!” another officer said. “Enjoy the new chapter of your life and enjoy being your own boss.”

“Thank you for your work and dedication to keep our families safe! God Bless you,” co-worker Sandy Savo wrote on social media.

Lynn Gardner Perani thanked Dianner for a job well done.

“Time for you to relax a bit and enjoy your retirement,” Perani wished. “Best wishes for a happy future coming your way.”

“Happy retirement Dianne,” echoed Christine Page. “Thank you so much for being so devoted to serve the community with integrity.”

“Congratulations partner,” wrote Stephanie Lariviere. “I will miss “everything” about the times we shared. See you soon.”

Sylive Guay said Dianne was a very hard and dedicated worker.

“Indeed one of the hardest working SDOs I have ever known,” Guay wrote. “You’ll love it and you will be missed.”

Elaine Jacqueline Tweedie touted that Dianne now belongs to the best club ever.

“It has been the greatest pleasure knowing you,” Nicole and Michael wrote. “So much love for you.”

Happy Retirement Dianne!

 

 

Press Release to Welcome NHL Players to Toronto

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WELCOME NHL EASTERN CONFERENCE PLAYERS
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
 
July 25, 2020 
 
Join members of the Lakeshore Village BIA as they erect two large hockey banners, and place many more smaller posters in store windows, to welcome to Toronto members of the NHL Eastern Conference and our beloved Maple Leafs for a short and exciting season.
We will be installing the banners (attached) to welcome the many NHL players and teams at the Maple Leaf House Grill & Lounge, at 2749 Lake Shore Blvd. W., near First St., at 11 a.m.
 
Several hundred NHL players will descend on the City of Toronto on July 26 in preparation for the playoffs, which begin in August. The Maple Leafs regularly practice at the Ford Performance Centre, on Kipling Ave.
 
Chris Korwin Kuczynski, Chair of the Lakeshore Village BIA, will also be available to speak on residents’ outrage to a large Municipal Shelter being opened on prime 2950 and 2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W. (the old BiWay store at Eight St.) without public consultation.
 
For further information call Korwin Kuczynski at 416-845-5777.
 

New Toronto groups outraged over new City shelter being opened

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Residents and members of the Lakeshore Village BIA are up in arms after learning the City of Toronto plans to open a massive multi-bed municipal shelter in a prime location at 2950 and 2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Eight St.

Talks have been underway since last November for the City to obtain the high-traffic location that was occupied for decades by a now vacant four-storey office building and former Bi Way store.

The acquisition was adopted on July 7 by the General Government and Licensing Committee and will be considered by City Council on July 28.

The financial information was not provided in Council documents since they claim the info can affect their bidding position.

BIA Chair Chris Korwin-Kuczynski says his members are furious since no one, including the City Councillor, notified the community about the pending acquisition.

“This was very sneaky,” he fumed. “This is a very important decision for the BIA and residents and no one told us it was in the works.”

The BIA will try to defer the July 28 meeting until public consultations are held by the community.

The City has deemed the property “as the only available viable option, with a willing seller, that is strategically located in the southwest area of Etobicoke.”

“The use of the property as a municipal shelter will support City Council’s direction to expand the number of permanent new shelter beds by 1,000,” according to documents filed.

The City said the two properties ‘create a large-sized property that allows flexibility in responding to changes in shelter standards and demand as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.’

Officials with the City’s Shelter, Support and Housing Administration say in response to the virus more space will be required with a two-metre separation between beds and other distance requirements.

“All new shelters, including the property, are being designed so that they may be converted into housing in the future,” according to the City. “As demand for municipal shelters changes, the property can be partly or wholly transitioned into supportive or transitional housing.”

Preliminary site investigations have been completed and sufficient funds for renovation and remediation have been made available.

If City Council approves the acquisition of the properties, renovation to shelter standards will commence in 2021 for the shelter to begin operations in 2022. It is estimated that it will contain about 100 beds.

The shelter will serve equity-seeking groups such as seniors, people with disabilities, individuals with mental health issues, the working poor, Indigenous people, people who identify as LGBTQ2S and other vulnerable groups.

The motion before City Council can be viewed here http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2020.GL14.11

 

 

Area women urged to apply for climate change mentorship program

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Women in the community can win a cash prize of $20,000 for their work with climate change.

They have until July 31 to apply for a Women4Climate Toronto Programme, which will contribute to the next generation of climate leaders, through a mentorship dedicated to women who are working to address the climate crisis.

Twelve women will be selected to join Toronto’s first cohort. Through a combination of mentoring, training and networking opportunities, participants will be supported and empowered to bring their climate-related project, idea, or business start-up to life.

Following the mentorship programme, the City of Toronto and partners will host a pitch competition, to reward the best women-led climate idea to create a healthier, more sustainable and resilient urban future.

The winner will receive additional support to advance her project, along with a $20,000 cash prize.

Women4Climate mentorship programme aims to support 500 women across the world to accelerate their climate projects.

Women leaders played a critical role in negotiating the Paris Agreement and continue to drive ambitious climate action in cities, businesses and NGOs around the world. Women also make up more than half the world’s population and are often disproportionately impacted by climate change.

Candidates must be a woman, live, study or work in Toronto and have a current climate action project, start-up business or idea for a future project.

Toronto is one of three cities in Canada and 16 cities globally participating in C40 Cities

For more information visit w4c.org.

 

Police back in force to curb rowdies in our parks this weekend

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Toronto Police say they’ll be back in force at our lakeside parks again this weekend targeting bonfires, rowdy partiers and the spread of COVID-19.

There have been dozens of complaints by residents near the lake about the loud partying, fireworks and raging bonfires being lit which are usually circled by large groups of alcohol-drinking partiers who are not wearing masks.

City officials are concerned that the fires can spread due to the hot and dry conditions expected in the next few days.

Sgt. Lhawang Jongdong, of 22 Division’s Community Response Unit, says another “parks enforcement and crowd management initiative” will take place over the weekend.

“We are definitely seeing results of our effort,” he says. “We need to work on the education component of this initiative.”

He says officers are intercepting people going to the park with portable barbeques, fire logs, take out food and all sorts of beverage.

“We have intercepted a lot of them,” Jongdong says. “Most of the people we see are not aware of park rules or regulations.”

Officers will be paying special attention to Marie Curtis Park, Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Prince of Wales and Humber Bay Park east and west, where most complaints stem from.

Police say on many nights they have to extinguish fires started by partiers, who are not deterred by a fine of more than $300 for starting a fire in a City park.

Area residents have posted photos of bags of garbage they’ve had to clean up the following day after the partiers have left.

Police say the entrances and parking lots of the parks will be shut early and will be monitored by parking and other bylaw enforcement officers.

Live music Saturday at a Twenty Seventh Street Jam

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Enjoy live music by the lake.

Members of the community are invited to a Twenty Seventh Street Jam taking place July 25 and featuring some top area musicians.

The physically distanced jam will take place on Saturday between 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the foot of Twenty Seventh Street, near the lake, according to a posting on social media.

Hosted by musicians Ed Ho and Christopher Plock, the band will feature Eric St-Laurent on guitar, Mark Dunn on bass and vocals, Joe Cullen on drums, Peter BonGiovanni on percussion and Plock on sax and vocals.

The band will be accepting donations for MasksForMeals.org, in support of community food banks.

MasksforMeals is a local initiative inspired by friends in the Mississauga and Oakville area who were moved to help during COVID 19.  Three women began sewing masks for friends and families after Dr. Theresa Tam suggested they may help limit the spread of infection.  At the same time, they were struck by the growing need for food banks as people lost their jobs and food supply diminished.

Rather than charging for the masks, they asked for a donation to local food banks.  Word soon spread through social media and the goal is to expand the effort across Mississauga and Oakville.

Music lovers are urged to bring a chair, face mask and respect physical distancing rules.

Residents band together to save Van Dusen bridge

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A petition with more than 400 names is being circulated online by some residents to Save the Van Dusen Pedestrian Bridge.

Irate residents of the Norseman Heights, Sunnylea, Kingsway and Thompson Orchard areas say they regularly use the popular pedestrian bridge that crosses Mimico Creek at Van Dusen, which has been closed indefinitely.

“This bridge is always very, very busy with pedestrians and cyclists at all times of the year,” the residents say in a petition to Mayor John Tory and Councillor Mark Grimes. “This bridge connects our community and gives an alternative to walking or biking along busy Bloor Road bridge or Royal York bridge.”

Residents say there has been no communication from the City or Grimes. They were told by a local parent group that the bridge ‘has been condemned and maybe closed for a year or two.’
“We have heard nothing from the city nor has any signage been erected,” they claim.

They say the bridge should be a part of ActiveTO, which was developed as part of the pandemic response.

The residents are seeking that the City notify the community about the repair and when it will be completed, for the repair to be expedited and proper maintenance to ensure the bridge remains in order.

The closure also impacts cyclists, pedestrians and families during this time of social distancing, and increase walks by children to their local schools.

An official at Grimes’ office says the Councillor had a call scheduled with the staff responsible for the bridge closure, during which he will request measures be taken to inform the community about the bridge.

“We have been in constant contact with staff since the closure and, like the community, have been eagerly awaiting details,” Grimes office said.

“This bridge is a main artery for our neighborhood,” Michelle wrote on social media. “There is no indication or information as to why the bridge was closed and two years is an insane time to get this done.”

Diana says ‘the bridge has been a main focal point of getting to the shops at Royal York Rd. and Bloor St. W.’

The petition is accessible on you.leadnow.ca

 

Detective Olszevski is as tough as they get in fighting crime

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Meet Michelle Olszevski, a Toronto Police detective with nerves of steel.

Olszevski is a 27-year police veteran and a 2020 Ontario Women in Law Enforcement (OWLE) recipient.

A sharp detective, she has been leading a team, with the high-profile Gun and Gang Task Force since 2014.

Her team is responsible for the arrests of armed persons, and their investigations often entails lots of surveillance and the execution of search warrants.

The team has been directly responsible for the arrest of hundreds of violent offenders, and the seizure of more than 100 firearms and multiple kilograms of various controlled substances.

“These types of investigations are often dynamic in nature and present dangerous situations to both officers and the community,” according to police. ”On two separate occasions, her team has been involved in police-involved shootings.”

Olszevski is pivotal in ensuring all members sought and received the help needed to heal emotionally. She prioritized those under her command before her own wellness as she was also involved in the shootings.

“Her leadership and selflessness were recognized by all of her supervisors,” police say, adding she is well-known for a superior work ethic and difficult career path.

A detective in the task force works long hours due to the job and the court hours required.

She takes on this responsibility balancing her family life and her work life with no complaints, even though she is the only female detective in a male dominated unit.

Det. Olszevski not only ‘holds her own’ but she has become the ‘go to’ detective for complex investigations.

She is a role model for all investigators, specifically the next generation of female officer and is well respected and admired by her colleagues.

Olszevski is being recognized for her outstanding work and true leadership in a very difficult role.

 

 

Five family members arrested for gun offences

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Toronto Police have laid 53 charges after executing two warrants on July 14, leading to the recovery of 11 guns, 11,000 rounds of ammunition, 110 grams of crack cocaine, 400 grams of heroin and 672 grams of crystal meth.

Five people from the same Toronto household face a total of 53 charges after Toronto Police executed two warrants and recovered a stash of firearms, ammunition and drugs.

Officers from 11 Division Major Crime Unit, Community Response Unit and the Emergency Task Force recovered 11 firearms, 11,000 rounds of ammunition, 110 grams of crack cocaine, 400 grams of heroin, and 672 grams of crystal meth.

Samuel Morris, 34, faces 12 charges relating to drug possession and possessing prohibited firearms, unlicensed person possessing prohibited/restricted firearm, and possessing firearm obtained by crime.

Emily Morris, 25, faces five charges, including possession of schedule I substance, possession for the purpose of trafficking, possession of schedule III substance, and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000.

David Morris, 48, Rachel Morris, 19, and William Morris, 22, all of Toronto, are charged with possession of schedule I substance and possession for the purpose of trafficking schedule I substance.

 

 

Super baker Ruben chose New Toronto over 33 spots for business

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Master baker Ruben Pires loves New Toronto so much that he decided to buy and open a bakery and pastry shop here on his first visit to the area.

The Argentinian-born pastry chef had visited more than 30-bakeries in the GTA while searching for a shop to purchase.

He was at first interested in buying in the Niagara Falls area, before someone brought him to south Etobicoke and he fell in love at first sight with Delicia Bakery and Pastry, at 2854 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Fifth St.

“We had seen about 33 bakeries by then and loved this area right away,” recalls Pires. “We loved the people and the sense of community that exist in the area.”

It has been just over a year since Pires, and his brother-in-law Leandro, purchased Delicia which has been doing well. They also own two other bakeries in Buenos Aires, the capital city of Argentina.

He proudly shows on his phone about six cameras installed at the stores in Argentina, which he monitors from here in real time.

“It was quite a challenge operating the business during the height of the pandemic,” he says. “The people here stood behind us and have supported us.”

At that time the bakery was operating on reduced hours and take-out service.

The airy store, which has the beautiful aroma of freshly-made breads, cakes and other goodies, is busy these days as area residents try to return to normal lives.

“People love our fresh, hand-made goods,” Pires says. “Our customers tell us every day that they cannot wait to come back and sit down with a cup of coffee.”

His secret is the use of fresh ingredients for all his goods, which are baked with a European and Latin American flair.

There is also a hot table, deli, delicious empanadas and cakes for all occasions. The coffee is also tasty and full-bodied.

The bakery can be reached at 416-503-0555 and they deliver to residents in the community.