The South Etobicoke News

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

Some Black-owned restaurants in the area that you will love

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Members of the community have been asking for some Black-owned restaurants in our community so they can support them in these trying times.

South Etobicoke is rich with dozens of African, West Indian, Hakka and other restaurants whose chefs take pride in their food, skills and facilities.

Here are a few Black-owned eateries that are good and have been tried and tested.

MANGOES RESTAURANT, 2491 Lake Shore Blvd. W.,  416-253-1920

Co-owner Shoan Baker’s passion for cooking led to her starting Mangoes in Mimico four-years ago.

“It took some time but we are getting the support of the community and they love our food,” Baker says of her daily hot meals of curry goat, stew and jerk chicken and oxtail with recipes from her native Jamaica.

I like the stew chicken, but all the food is fresh, tasty and steaming hot.

GOLDEN COOK CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT – 2955 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 416-259-3003.

Owner Garnell says she’s been at the same Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Islington Ave. corner for about 20-years and was one of the first Caribbean style restaurant in the area. “People keep coming back for our good food,” she says.

The restaurant carries ‘real Jamaican’ ackee and saltfish, curry goat, stew, jerk and curry chicken, oxtail and other dishes. The curry goat is a fave here since you can taste the assortment of flavours and well-cooked meals. At Golden Cook you  can get a good serving, that is well-worth it.

CARIBBEAN QUEEN ROTI HUT, 2957 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 416-503-3419

Owner Eva has been making and selling her delicious rotis for almost 20-years at the same location. She has many regular customers who love her well-cooked and fresh rotis filled with curry goat, stew chicken or tasty beef. Add a little pepper, with a soft or alcoholic drink as the venue is licenced.

The rotis, which are made by Eva, are great and most cost under $10. Its all take-out at this time.

MICHAEL’s WEST INDIAN FLAVOUR, 3067 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 647-343-3611.

Yes, there is a Michael and his flavourful jerk chicken seems to be a favourite at this small take-out restaurant. You can expect to find a lineup here at lunchtime as area workers, in buses, trucks or taxis pull in for some of his delicious takeout.

“People know that they are getting good, honest, home-made food here,” Michael boasts. “We take pride in all the food we cook.’

The Lake Shore Blvd., and Eleventh Street eatery carries nice-tasting jerk chicken, curry goat, curry or stew chicken and tasty oxtail. It is worth checking out if the line-up is not too long.

TRINI GARDENS RESTAURANT, 3266 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 416-252-0794

Hard-working owner Elsie takes pride in her restaurant and her customers, many who have been returning for 20-plus years. The licenced establishment is known for its good food, whether it may be the standard fare of curry goat, stew, jerk or pepper chicken. It also carries some great soups and chow mein.

Trini Gardens has many fine reviews and people dub it a “little gem in the west end,” with many returning customers.

DUCKY’s ROTI, 3296 Lake Shore Blvd. W., 416-252-5858

This iconic roti shop has been around for quite a while and is known for its consistent, top-quality food. Ducky and his staff work hard to make fresh roti that can be filled with curry goat, shrimp, stew or jerk chicken, fish, beef and home-made currants roll.

The shop has been closed for COVID-19 has a dining area. It is worth a try when it reopens. Ducky is a long-time ‘Roti man,’ and his rotis are fresh and consistent.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Eight Street Skatepark survey and new murals this summer

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The Eight Street Skatepark is a home for many young people during the summer.

A short survey is being circulated online by Eight Street Skatepark to collect community feedback for new murals being added this summer to the park.

Top muralists like Moises Frank (Luvsumone), Fatspatrol, Peru, Chris Perez and Nick Sweetman have their art proudly displayed in the Skatepark. Some of the art has faded from the weather and has to be redone.

Artists as Frank, Perez and Sweetman are in high-demand in Toronto and elsewhere. Many were recently involved in a Black Lives Matter Graffiti Alley that took place during the marches for equality last month.

“We plant to create four new murals to the skatepark this summer and provide maintenance to an already existing mural,” Skatepark officials said on Facebook. “This year’s project will focus on providing mentorship in the field of mural art.”

The project will provide an opportunity for artist assistants and a mural art project coordinator to be mentored, in an effort to build up the mural art talent in Toronto.

“Our goal is to collect community feedback so that the new murals being added to the Skatepark this summer reflect the community needs and ideas,” they said. “We have to ensure they are enjoyed.”

Located at Eight Street Park, at the corner of Eight St. and Birmingham St., the concrete community skatepark has a mix of flow and street, with a tough 5’ peanut-shaped bowl. This skatepark includes various sized quarterpipes, banks, stairs, rails, hedges and granite capped hubbas.

For further information contact skateparkmurals@gmail.com

 

New plan to convert Campbell Soup site for other use

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Campbell Soup has been in our community for almost 90-years and plans are being made to reconvert the old soup plant to last another century.

Officials of QuadReal Property Group, of Vancouver, B.C., on July 4 filed a Site Plan Approval Application to Community Planning Section of the Etobicoke York Community Council for the redevelopment of the former Campbell Soup site at 60 Birmingham Ave.

The plant was a major soup producer and employed hundreds or area residents when constructed in 1931. It brought crops from many area farmers and hired generations of families.

The site was purchased by QuadReal in 2018, who has been busy designing new plans.

The 18.8 acre property is designated Core Employment Area, which permits a range of manufacturing, warehousing and other office type uses.

The company is planning to install three large warehouses that will provide manufacturing and office space, which can be rented out to entrepreneurs or small companies who want to be close to Toronto.

QuadReal intends to extend the ‘employment legacy and redevelop the property into a leading Class ‘A’ last-mile urban distribution and logistics facility’,’ the proposal says.

The company says a “rapid densification of Toronto has put stress on supply chains seeking to meet increasing urban demand from traditional suburban and rural distribution hubs.”

It said evolving consumer expectations in terms of “just-in-time” delivery and e-commerce has fueled tenant requirements to locate closer to their urban consumer bases, reducing total transportation costs and minimizing variability of delivery times.

The plan is calling for three massive single storey warehouse buildings, two of which are connected by 36,954-square-metres of floor area along with the retention of portions of the existing 1931 and 1944 building facades along Birmingham St.

“The development has been designed with strong urban design principles to ensure contextually responsive integration with the surrounding community,” the plan says.

The architect says the proposed development has been designed with strong urban design principles to ensure contextually responsive integration with the surrounding community, particularly to the sensitive residential uses to the east and south of the site.

QuadReal is a global real estate investment, operating and development company. QuadReal manages the real estate and mortgage programs of British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), one of Canada’s largest asset managers with a $153.4 billion portfolio.

QuadReal manages a $37.6 billion portfolio spanning 23 cities in 17 countries

No hearing dates has been set at this time. The plan has to be voted on by City Council.

Community wishes new dad Usain Bolt a new and happy life

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Happy Daddy Usain.

Members of the Jamaican community are wishing a happy fatherhood to former Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt, whom they say is one of their hero and favourite athlete.

The proud sprinter was all smiles on July 8 as he showed off his daughter Olympia Lightning Bolt to the world.

Bolt and his girlfriend Kasi Bennett, a model, are parents to Baby Olympia, who was born in May.

“Now we have started a new chapter together with our daughter Olympia Lightning Bolt I look forward to what the future will bring for us but be reassured that I will be the ROCK for this family,” the famous athlete wrote to Kasi on her birthday. “I Love you and happy 21th birthday.”

The couple have been dating for several years. Bolt has said he wanted to father three children.

The eight-time Olympic gold medalist is widely considered to be the greatest sprinter of all time. He is the only sprinter to win the Olympic 100-metre and Olympic 200-metre titles at three consecutive Olympics.

 

 

Here’s some good news right in the ‘hood

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Area resident Moma Monica is today thanking her many mask buyers.

She took it upon herself on the outset of COVID-19 to launch a campaign to study and make her own line of face masks, which she then sold to friends, family and others to raise $1,170 which has been donated to the Black Health Alliance.

“I would like to thank everyone who bought a mask from me,” Monica told her supporters online.

The good news was applauded and shared by many on social media.

“Awesome thank you for your donation to a great cause,” Lystra Lewis-Bowles wrote.

“Thank you for doing this incredible fundraiser and letting us take part,” says Lisa Cunningham Davis. “Also, the masks are so comfortable!”

Penny Kyysalak O’Hare notes that the campaign benefits two causes.

It “provides masks to protect us and also to mental health resources which is very much needed,” she says. “Kudos.”

The Black Health Alliance is a community-led registered charity working to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Canada.

The movement continues to build innovative solutions to improve Black health and well-being, and mobilize people and financial resources to create lasting change in the lives of Black children, families and communities.

 

Tibetan volunteers hand out hot meals to 1,000 frontline workers

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Members of the Tibetan community took to the streets this week taking with them 1,000 steaming hot meals to feed frontline workers at five hard-hit Toronto centres.

Hard-working staff were treated July 6 to hot meals at Lakeshore Lodge long term care, St. Francis Table, The Rekai Centres long term care facility, Toronto Grace Health Centre and Homeless and Needy which was prepared by volunteers and members of the Tibetan Canadian Culture Centre (TCCC).

Dozens of frontline workers at the Eatonville Care Centre, on The East Mall, which has seen a number of COVID-19 deaths, were also treated with hot meals last month.

Members of the TCCC, in partnership with Norling Tibetan and Hakka Cuisine, at 1512 Queen St. W., have been cooking hot meals, to feed as many emergency workers as a way to give back to the community.

“The staff have gone through challenging times and we want to let them know that we care,” says Tsering Wangyal, president of the TCCC. “This is a small gesture by our community to thank our frontline Healthcare Heroes for their commitment and hardwork during these unprecedented times.”

The group thanked the frontline staff and were appreciative of the work they do to help the community.

Members of the TCCC have also fed hundreds of people at Kensington Gardens, a non-profit, long-term care home in the heart of Kensington Market, which offers 24-hour care, programs and services for the 350 residents and their families.

The TCCC is raising funds to make more food, dozens of masks and headgear, which are available at their 40 Titan Rd. centre. Donations can also be made online at tcccgc.org.

Alderwood couple launch Ear Saver project for frontline workers

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Alderwood residents Erik and Lynn Graham have created and donated more than 4,000 “ear savers” to area hospitals and are seeking support to produce more.

The 3D-printed plastic combs are designed to prevent painful ear chafing caused by mask elastics. They make a big difference for health care workers and volunteers who must wear protective gear all day. Recipients include workers at the Hospital for Sick Kids’, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and Etobicoke’s Dorothy Ley Hospice.

The Grahams have launched a GoFundMe campaign to help defray the costs of producing this equipment and would welcome support in any amount. So far they have raised just under $1,000.

“I am a retired small business owner who is currently 3D printing a form of PPE (personal protective equipment) known as Ear Saver,” Graham says. “My purpose is to raise funds to support the purchase of two more Prusa 3D printers and defray the expenses of the PLA filament and shipping costs.”

Eric has invested $2,700 in the project so far and would like to raise $3,500 to keep the initiative going.

“My intent is to make this campaign completely and utterly revenue neutral, any residual funds will be donated,” to a list of hospitals, he says.

Many health care workers agree that wearing the masks for long periods of time is “spectacularly uncomfortable.”

“Nurses in particular are now reporting that they are getting physical sores from the rubbing of the elastic bands on the soft tissue behind their ears,” his material says.

The Ear Savers are printed using plant-based filament, biodegradable polymer and are easily sanitized with soap and water in the work place. They are durable and have been designed to be a “one size fits all” device.
You can make a donation at their Go Fund Me page at https://gf.me/u/yc79a2

 

 

 

Major condo project proposed at Kipling & Queensway Aves.

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A mega condo development that will provide more than 800 residential units and dozens of stores is being planned for the Kipling and Queensway Aves. area.

A proposal is being considered on July 14 at Etobicoke York Community Council and is expected to get a green light.

Council will vote if a parcel of land at 1306 to 1310 The Queensway, on the north-west corner of Kipling Ave., should be deemed residential for the construction of the development to begin.

Architect Giannone Petridcone Associates says the 1306 The Queensway Condos “will be unlike anything we have ever seen.”

“The development will be built in all white materials,” the architects say on their website. “The first six floors will have dark brown panels and tinted visors on the sixth floor to protect residents from the sun.”

The complex will feature two high-rises connected by shared podiums reaching 31 and 24-storeys.

A total of 845 residential units are proposed, comprised of:  95 studio units; 491 one-bedroom units; 167 two-bedroom units; and 92 three-bedroom units.

Tower A will be 31-storeys high and face The Queensway and Tower B will be 24-storeys and overlook Kipling Ave. according to the plan.

The developer, KingSett Capital is known for creating residential suits that offer space and the most modern features and finishes which give residents the chance to enjoy a high-end living experience.

The application also proposes a public park at the southeast corner of the site, a stratified park and landscaped courtyard.

The site consists of two lots that are each occupied by a 1-storey commercial building used for an automobile dealership.

A total of 835 parking spaces would be located, of which 709 are proposed for resident use and 126 for commercial and visitor parking. A total of 636 bicycle parking spaces are proposed.

The plan will have to have to undergo input from the community in public meetings.

The units are expected to  begin in the $400,000 price range, according to realtors.

 

 

Upscale boutique hotel planned for Humber Bay Shores

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A premiere upscale hotel is being planned for Humber Bay Shores and what used to be called the Motel Strip.

A plan by Stay Inn Hospitality to build a 13-storey luxury hotel at 2157 Lake Shore Blvd. W. is up for consideration on July 14 by the Etobicoke York Community Council.

An Official Plan Amendment is sought to amend the Motel Strip Secondary plan to allow an increase in the maximum permitted density and building height.

The proposal, if approved, will see the hotel rise from a vacant staging area that is being used to build a 10-storey and 39-storey mixed used highrises.

The hotel, if it receives the green light, will have 165-suites and a ground-floor restaurant.

Plans show there will be a total of 54 parking spaces in a one-level underground parking garage.

City Planners have ruled that public community consultations for the project has to occur before the building is approved.

“The redevelopment of the lands within the Humber Bay Shores Development Area (also known as the Motel Strip) has resulted in a new mixed use, high density community that provides the surrounding area with a new waterfront destination,” the developers say.

Ironically, the site was previously occupied by the Silver Moon Motel, which was demolished in 2008. It was one of more than a dozen mostly family-run motels that once thrived in the area.

Stay Inn brochures says it “offers a selection of room types for every traveller,  from classic rooms to executive Jacuzzi suites, you will enjoy modern accommodations with top amenities and hotel features at a fabulous rate.”

Etobicoke Community Concert Band silenced by COVID

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Some members of the Etobicoke Community Concert Band got together on Canada Day to celebrate the country’s birthday but may have to wait a while yet to celebrate their own. Helen, John and Dave (left to right) gathered at Applewood Shaver House to perform a version of O’ Canada on the steps.

It may be a while yet before the band is able to do a full show because of COVID 19. The COVID restrictions affect rehearsals as well as performances.

The popular and well-known band had to cancel shows in March and May as well as its summer concert in the park series.

The next scheduled show is October 30 when the band hopes to celebrate its 25th anniversary but that show may also have to be cancelled if there are still COVID restrictions in effect.

You can get updated information on the band at https://www.eccb.ca/