A long-awaited community meeting to give input into the massive Park Lawn Lake Shore Transportation Master Plan (TMP) was called off last month due to the COVID-19 virus.
The meeting, which was slated for March 24 at Trident Banquet Hall, on Evans Ave., was the second being held to examine the multi-year TMP process to evaluate options to improve the area’s transportation network.
A proposed Park Lawn GO station slated for the Parklawn Rd. and Lake Shore Blvd. W. area is in the early planning stage. An initial business case was completed in February 2018, showing the location has positive benefits.
City planners say service at Mimico station will continue to improve as the GO Expansion Program is delivered to provide all-day two-way service every 15 minutes, or better, along the Lakeshore West Corridor.
The plan includes dedicated transit priority lanes for Park Lawn Rd. and Lake Shore Blvd. W., which will have integrated TTC streetcar and bus service with the GO Station to create a new transit hub.
A widening of the bridge at Mimico Creek to handle more traffic is also proposed, including improved pedestrian and cycling facilities.
The plan will also add two new roads to help traffic flow in the area, include a new connection from Brookers Lane to the Lake Shore Blvd. eastbound off-ramp.
The Park Lawn Road and Lake Shore Boulevard West area has grown significantly over the past 20 years. During this time, the area’s transportation network has remained relatively unchanged. Limited options to connect to destinations has resulted in increased traffic congestion. With additional growth anticipated in the future, transportation improvements are needed to support better travel options for walking, cycling, taking transit and driving.
The TMP provides the first step in a multi-year process to evaluate options to improve the area’s transportation network, including: better access to street, transit and active transportation networks,
additional safe and convenient transportation connections across major physical barriers, planning for future investment in public transit, pedestrian and cycling networks and high-quality streetscape design.
The study area where potential improvements are being considered is bound by Ellis Ave. to the east, Legion Rd. to the west, The Queensway to the north and Lake Ontario to the south.
No date has been set for another meeting. For more information visit toronto.ca/parklawnlakeshore
Fly your flag in support of COVID-19 heroes
Members of the community are being encouraged to proudly display their Canadian flags to show their support for frontline emergency, police and healthcare workers fighting to save lives in the war against COVID-19.
Area residents are urged by some other residents and community leaders to adorn their windows or outside of their homes with our glorious flag to show their appreciation for the frontline workers who show up work every day under challenging conditions.
Children at home from school can make their own Canadian flags rather than going outside to purchase one and risk exposure to the deadly virus.
Appreciative people the world over are taking to their balconies to clap, sing or make noise to honour the many doctors, nurses and hospital staff toiling to stem the tides of the pandemic to keep others safe.
Some Humber Bay Shores Park trees to be cut
Some residents of Humber Bay Shores Park have taken to social media in a bid to save 200 trees which they claim are slated to be cut down near the amphitheatre and butterfly garden area.
Outraged members of the community are circulating an online petition and demanding Councillor Mark Grimes and other city officials halt the removal of the estimated 200 trees from the park.
Some people on social media say the deforestation of the waterfront park can lead to a loss of habitat of animals and plant species, increased greenhouse gases, less water in the atmosphere, soil erosion, flooding, increasing traffic and sound pollution.
”I am firmly against killing these trees and also against spending taxpayer money to do so,” one angry resident wrote.
Grimes in a letter says ‘the state of the Humber Bay Shores Park amphitheatre area has been a concern for a number of years now.’
He did not “order the removal’ of the trees but asked City staff to come up with some options to clean up the overgrown area, an initiative supported by the Humber Bay Shoes Condo Association.
“The plan for this space has always been to have it manicured and maintained, however due to budgetary restrictions, this have not been achieved,” Grimes wrote, adding a lack of maintenance has left the site overgrown with invasive species.
He says City staff have identified about 113 trees which require pruning to elevate lower hanging limbs and clear the pathways.
“We are told by Forestry staff that any tree marked for removal are generally smaller invasive species, or trees that are no longer viable to be maintained,” according to Grimes. The letter states ”over 75% of the trees recommended for removal are under 5-cm in diameter, with the rest being under 10-cm and under 15-cm.”
“The current condition of the site has led to the area being used for illegal activity as the coverage area in the area hides these activities from public view,” he says.
Humber Bay Park East covers 19-hectares, or 47 acres, while Humber Bay Park West extends on 120 hectares, or about 300 acres. The park, which was opened in June 1984, has a 27% tree canopy growth.
Residents on social media say they haven’t given up their fight to save the trees.
Area residents loved their movie theatres
South Etobicoke residents have a long love affair with the movies and long before filming began here there were three bustling air conditioned theaters that entertained the community for decades.
Adults and their children during the movie-crazed heyday, which ran from 1910 to the 1970s, would pay anywhere from 10 to 75-cents to purchase a ticket to attend a Saturday matinee or feature and relax in air conditioned comfort, which they didn’t have at home.
New Toronto fans after a week of work would flock to the Odeon Lakeshore Theatre at Lake Shore Blvd. W., between Second and Third Streets, to catch the latest offerings from Hollywood and indulge in large amounts of popcorn and cola.
The Odeon began life as the former Biltmore New Toronto, which opened in 1947 and had 676 seats. It is now the office of a law firm.
Philip Barker, of the Long Branch BIA, worked as an usher at the Odeon as a student.
“Back then the movies were a big thing,” Barker recalls. “It was affordable entertainment and people loved the air conditioning.”
Across the street was the Capitol Theatre, which stood for 45-years at the south-west corner of Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Fourth Street. The large 1,042-seat movie house was opened in 1929 and showed flicks until 1975, when the last projector went dark.
It is now a high-rise apartment building for seniors with a variety store on the street level.
Just west the busy Royal Theater stood at Long Branch Ave., and 35th St., and was always packed with movie lovers. It was one of the earlier theaters in the area dating back to the 1910s and had 619 seats. Movies were screened there until 1960, when it was closed.
“We were there every Saturday for the matinees,” recalls Barker. “All the kids from the neighbourhood went there on Saturday.”
He says the Royal, with 400 seats, had a small lobby and concession stand. Most of the theatres played two features during the week and three, including an animated cartoon, on the weekend.
Barker says it cost 75-cents to watch a flick when he was working at the Odeon.
The area over the years has been a location of choice for U.S. and Canadian movie and TV production firms. We have several major studios here where some of the biggest-grossing TV and movies are produced.
San Remo temporary shuts to COVID-19
Community Events for April 2020.
ADULT DAY PROGRAM at Storefront Humber, 2445 Lake Shore Blvd. W.,Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. is a supervised program for those who are frail, cognitively impaired or physically disable. Call 416-259-4207. There is also a hot lunch program from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
EVERY FRIDAY MORNING the Long Branch Baptist Church, at 3381 Lake Shore Blvd. W., offers a free clothing outlet from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. for those in need of clothing for themselves or their families. You can also donate gently used clothes that others can use. Contact 416-251-1525.
APRIL 4 JAPANESE PAPER PLACE WORKSHOP: 3D Washi with Cybele Young. Come try something new in the community. Tickets required. Workshop takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 14 Sousa Mendes St. Contact 416-538-9669 or visit www.japanesepaperplace.com
MARCH 15 FELLOWSHIP LUNCH AT LONG BRANCH BAPTIST CHURCH from 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. that is open for all in the community at the 105-year-old church at 3381 Lake Shore Blvd. W. The free lunches take place on the third Sunday of each month. For more info call 416 251 1525.
MONDAY NIGHTS LAKESHORE OUT OF THE COLD ministry that provides a hot meal and emergency overnight shelter to people who are homeless or hungry. Takes place every Monday at 6 p.m. until April. Volunteers prepare dinner plus bag lunch. To volunteer contact Cara at 416-255-5224.
FEBRUARY 21 FREE COMMUNITY MONTHLY HOT DINNER for pay what-you-can home-cooked meal, with live music and fellowship at St. Margaret’s Church, New Toronto,156 Sixth St., from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. Volunteers and sponsors needed. For more information call 416-259-2659.
APRIL 19 FOR 16th ANNUAL COLONEL SAM SMITH PARK CLEANUP from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and join Watershed Champion Alan Roy, for the annual Col. Sam, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, litter cleanup to help get rid of plastic bags, bottles, cans and other refuse along the trail. Event goes rain or shine and dress appropriately. Meet on the path, south of the cul de sac. Contact 416-661-6600 ext, 5575. Subject to cancellation due to COVID-19.
APRIL 26 SPRING LITTER CLEANUP AT MARIE CURTIS PARK for all ages takes place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Marie Curtis Park, 2 Forty Second Street. Join the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority and Friends of Marie Curtis Park for a nature hike and litter cleanup. Meet in the large parking lot near the lake on the west side of the creek. Subject to cancellation due to COVID-19.
MARCH 28 ONTARIO POPS ORCHESTRA CONCERT nixed and rest of season cancelled due to the COVID-19 situation. Programs will be incorporated in the upcoming season. Please visit our website www.ontariopops.com for further information or questions.
APRIL 30 HISTORY WALKING TOUR OF COL. SAM SMITH PARK, at 29 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, traces the history of the traditional lands of the Ojibwe Anishinabe, which was home of the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital before it became the Humber College Lakeshore Campus. Tour runs from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. meet outside K Cottage. Subject to cancellation due to COVID-19.
MAY 5 LANDSCAPING FOR BIRDS FROM 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lake Shore Rd. E., with expert Melissa Creasey to discover the most common and unique birds in your area. Learn how to attract them to your yard and how to keep them safe. For more information call 647-646-9695. Subject to cancellation due to COVID-19.
MAY 9 SPRING LITTER CLEANUP AT HUMBER BAY PARK from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Humber Bay Park, 2225 Lake Shore Blvd. W., with Friends of Humber Bay Park and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority to clean up plastic bags, bottles and other items from the trail and shoreline. Goes rain or shine and dress appropriately. Subject to cancellation due to COVID-19.
MAY 23 SPRING BIRD FESTIVAL at Colonel Samuel Smith Park at Kipling Ave. and Lake Shore Blvd. W., and register to receive free trees to plant on private property. All is welcome to come out and enjoy the outdoors.
HAVEN ON THE QUEENSWAY HAS SHUT MOST of its programs and services due to COVID 19 but will continue to serve its food bank users by appointment and pick-up at their 1533 The Queensway office. Call 416-640-2005 to make arrangements to access the Haven food bank, First Care or other services still open.
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT SOMEONE’S DRINKING, Al-Anon is a mutual support group for those whose lives are affected by someone’s drinking. Meetings are free and anonymous. Long Branch Al-Anon Group meets every Monday at 7 p.m. at LAMP, 185 Fifth St. Also Kingsway Al-Anon Group meets every Monday at 8 p.m. at St. Georges on the Hill Church, 4600 Dundas St. W.
CHILDREN’s BOOK CENTRE FOR FREE new and slightly used kids books available to parents, guardians and children to develop and encourage your child’s learning and reading abilities. Books, food bank and other services available at Haven on the Queensway, 1533 The Queensway. Contact 416-640-2005.
Concord In The City progam
Katherine Martins, an interim co-program director at Concord In The City, with Jason, who suffers from autism, at their organization’s coffee shop at 3407 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
The charity operates a day-program for adults with autism that provides work and on-the-job training for about 10 adults who suffer from autism. The shop is opened at different hours on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.
The program, which was founded by two area residents, teach the adults money handling skills, food handling, stocking and their expiry dates. “This is a wonderful program,” Elizabeth Whitwell wrote. “The staff is very caring and provide a very interesting program for the participants. My daughter loves coming to Concord.”
Iconic Gretzky-Horton TV ad filmed in Alderwood
Many residents are still shedding tears after watching a young Wayne Gretzky meet his hero Tim Horton for an autograph in an emotional commercial that was mainly filmed at Brown’s Line Donuts in Alderwood.
“The Autograph” portrays a young Gretzky, played by Gordie Gilders, visiting a Tim Hortons location in 1968 in Brantford and getting an autograph from Hortons, the late Toronto Maple Leafs defenceman and restaurant co-founder.
The Great One would say he was inspired to become a professional hockey player after that meeting.
“They were filming here for two days last summer,” says Rina, who with her husband own the 744 Brown’s Line 1950s-style eatery. “Thousands of people have seen that commercial. It is very famous and people are still talking about it today.”
Many of the regular customers say they did not recognize their favourite restaurant at first.
“They (producers) did a great job transforming this place,” says Stan. “I come here every day and I still didn’t recognize the place. Someone had to tell me.”
The extras and actors in the commercial were dressed in 1960s clothing with ’60s hair and makeup, officials said.
The ad was shot “in an old diner off of Brown’s Line that they had converted into an original Tim Hortons with stools inside and tables. I couldn’t believe it,” one of those involved recalled.
Gretzky, or his dad, Walter, were not at the diner because their scene was filmed elsewhere.
At the end of the commercial, Gretzky is shown with tears welling in his eyes.
The story is an emotional tribute to Horton, who was one of the greatest defensemen of all-time. Horton spent 24 seasons in the NHL with the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres
His career tragically ended in 1974 when he crashed his sports car in St. Catherines. Horton, a member of the Sabres at the time, had played against his famous former team, the Leafs, the night before and was driving back to Buffalo. He died at age 44.
Horton opened his first doughnut shop in Hamilton in 1964. By 1968, Tim Hortons had become a multi-million dollar franchise. After Horton died, Ron Joyce, Horton’s business partner, bought the Horton’s family’s shares for $1 million becoming sole owner.
Today there are almost 5,000 Tim Hortons stores in Canada.
Thieves preying on seniors in COVID scams
By TOM GODFREY
They are the lowest of the low.
Police are warning residents to be on the alert for scammers going online and door-to-door peddling a range of fake COVID-19 test kits, face masks, hand sanitizers and miracle cures to try and defraud members of our community.
The conmen may advertise on what appear to be government programs or fake charity appeals to try and steal money from residents. They usually target seniors.
“Beware of unsolicited calls, texts and emails offering ‘free’ medical or health products, and those with links or attachments,” police say, adding residents should not respond to suspicious messages.
“Clicking on the link will take you to a scam website and that’s where the hack begins,” officers say.
There have been warnings about the scam issued by the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC), the Better Business Bureau (BBB), City of Toronto and a list of police forces.
The CAFC say people should be wary of private companies offering face masks or COVID-19 tests, which are currently only available at hospitals.
“Fraudsters are creative and want to profit from consumers’ fears, uncertainties and misinformation,” the CAFC said in a release.
They say people going door-to-door offering de-contamination services should be avoided.
Police say one hacker even went as far as creating a fake Public Health Agency of Canada website to try and defraud residents.
The BBB have received complaints about alleged scam websites selling masks and other goods online.
They are urging residents to be vigilant and avoid “fake cures, phony prevention measures and other coronavirus cons.”
“The best way to avoid getting scammed is to buy the goods directly from a seller you know and trust,” the BBB stated.
Even Fire Chief Matthew Pegg, General Manager for Emergency Management for the City of Toronto, is warning of the crooks preying on residents by selling COVID-19 test kits.
‘This is a total scam,” Pegg says, noting that residents can obtain accurate information by visiting City websites.
“This is terrible news,” warns resident Helen Filipe. “This is an all-time low. Yikes.”
City officials can be reached by dialling 311, or at toronto.ca. The number for Toronto Public Health is 416-338-7600 and their email is publichealth@toronto.ca
Reeve Marie Curtis best known for park
By TOM GODFREY
Hard-working Ann Marie Curtis was the first female reeve of Long Branch and is best remembered for a beautiful waterfront park that is named in her honour.
Curtis served as the reeve of Long Branch from 1953 to her retirement in 1962, and was the only woman to hold that job. She was also a member of Metro Toronto Council and the first woman on its executive.
A proud housewife, she worked hard to improve the life of residents and oversaw improvements to infrastructure in Long Branch as the installation of storm sewers, the paving of roads and planting of crab apple trees to help curb floods.
One of seven children, she was raised in St. Louis, Miss., and later moved to Long Branch, got married to husband Bryce, and worked in a hat factory.
Her friends swore her “political commentary was as crusty as the scrumptious apple pies she loved to bake.”
Curtis became involved in activism after seven teachers in the community were fired. She became president of the Home and School Association and successfully lobbied for more kindergarten classes.
She became frustrated that the incumbent reeve was “rubber-stamping’ the decisions of others and ran against him and won the position.
Curtis made a name for herself during Hurricane Hazel, which struck in October 1954, killing seven people and leaving 700 evacuated from their homes, trailers and streets.
Curtis was in charge of the relocation of flood victims and advocated for the conversion of a flood plain on which the devastated homes stood into parkland. Some 300 homes were demolished, along with the trailer park to create a 35-acre park.
The popular Curtis even delivered compensation checks personally to the flood victims.
She is still remembered for the Long Branch Arena, a new artificial ice rink which she opened In December 1962, despite issues with funding.
Curtis retired in 1962 and moved with Bryce to Flesherton. There she served for six years as secretary of the Association of Mayors and Reeves in Ontario, where she was a former president.
Curtis advocated in 1962 for the amalgamation of Long Branch with neighbouring villages Mimico and New Toronto, but the proposal went to the Ontario Municipal Board, which left the villages in place. The Ontario government amalgamated the three communities into Etobicoke in 1967.
She died in 2006 at the age of 94. The park that was destroyed by Hazel was named Marie Curtis Park in her honour in 1959. It is marked by a plaque and cairn. To top it off she was inducted into the Etobicoke Hall of Fame in 1988.
Food lovers help educate girls in India
Etobicoke Indian food lovers are helping to educate two aspiring young girls across the world through the purchase of a tasty snack.
Karan Kalia, owner of Tich Modern Indian Cuisine, at 2314 Lake Shore Blvd. W., has been putting aside about 25-cents for the Indian teens from the sale of every tasty Onion Bhaji appetizer, which are a favourite of many customers.
Kalia says the change works out to a princely sum when converted into Indian rupees.
She says the funds help sisters Jyoti, 17, and Anjali, 15, who live a difficult life in New Delhi.
The pair help their mom, who works as an ironing lady, or “press wali,” for their village. They daily help to pick up the clothing, with the ironing and then return the items to their customers.
Most villages in India have a “press wali,” who acts as the local ironing lady.
“Jyoti is passionate about dance and hopes to pursue a career within the field,” she says. “Anjali is inclined towards finance and wishes to work in the banking industry.”
Her daughter Shanaya, 19, befriended the girls while on a trip to India and vowed to help them with their education.
“My daughter was surprised to see them studying under a lamp-post in New Delhi at night,” Kalia recalls. “They started a friendship and she wanted to help them.”
She says many customers order the appetizers once they learn that part of the price goes to help the girls with their education.
“Every couple months we exchange into rupees the money we have collected and send it to them,” Kalia says. “It may not sound as much but it is a fair bit after we convert it to rupees.”
She estimate they’ve sent more than 5,000 rupees to help the girls, which is more than $100 Canadian.
“It is a small gesture but it is a start in giving back to the community,” Kalia says. “Thanks to our customers here who are helping these girls in India.”
Tich restaurant just celebrated its fifth anniversary and has customers from across the city who love their good Indian cuisine.