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The South Etobicoke News

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

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Book of Condolences open for tributes to the late Queen Elizabeth II

September 15, 2022 by SouthEtobicokeNews

 

Members of the community are flocking to Ridley Funeral Home in New Toronto to sign a Book of Condolences to mourn and pay tribute to the beloved and longest-serving Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II.

Residents can pay tribute and leave their memories of their much-loved Majesty until September 18. The hours are from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily.

PEOPLE lined up for five miles to see the Queen laying in State. Courtesy BBC.

The staff at Ridley Funeral Home, at 3080 Lake Shore Blvd. W., will then send the Book of Condolences to the Royal Family at Buckingham Palace.

The Queen is laying in State at Buckingham Palace until Monday.  So far, thousands of mourners have lined up for miles to view her flag-draped casket.

Closer to home, the Canadian flag is being flown at half-mast at the large New Toronto flag pole, near Seventh Street.

And officials of The Toronto Scottish Regiment have cancelled their 100th Anniversary Parade and ceremony at the New Toronto Cenotaph on September 17 due to a mourning period set for the beloved monarch.

Filed Under: Community, Digital Versions

Suspect sought after up to $20,000 in diamond jewelry stolen from senior’s Etobicoke home

July 2, 2021 by SouthEtobicokeNews

CAll POLICE IF YOU SEE THIS WOMAN

 

Stealing from seniors is the lowest form of theft. And it is only a matter of time before this suspect is caught.

Toronto Police are warning seniors to lock the doors to their homes while gardening in the nice weather or working outside to avoid being the victim of thefts.

Police said on July 1 a break and enter was reported in the Wareside Road and Cambrian Roads area, near The East Mall and Rathburn Rds.

“An 80-year-old woman was gardening in her front yard and the woman entered her residence,” according to officers of 22 Division. “The woman stole various items from the residence and fled.”

The items stolen included $300 in Canadian cash, $500 in costume jewelry and up to $20,000 in diamond necklaces and earrings.

Investigators are appealing to anyone with information on the above stolen items and suspect information to contact police immediately.

Police said the suspect was driving a silver Honda Odyssey van. She managed to slip into the home without being noticed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

 

Filed Under: Business, Community, Headline

Toronto Police Const. Jeffrey Northrup killed in the line of duty with only a year before retirement

July 2, 2021 by SouthEtobicokeNews

POLICE are mourning the tragic death of Const. Jeffrey Northrup. Police photo.

THE PARKING LOT was closed for hours as police searched for evidence.

CHIEF James Ramer says the slain officer was a great cop.

 

 

The late Toronto Police Const. Jeffrey Northrup served dutifully for more than three decades and only had one year to go to his retirement.

Northrup today is being remembered fondly by west-end residents where he spent his first years of policing in a patrol car at 11 Division.

Flags are being flown at half-mast at City of Toronto offices to honour Northrup’s memory and services in Toronto and across the country.

The officer and father of three was killed after being struck by a vehicle in what investigators are calling an “intentional and deliberate act” in the parking garage at city hall early Friday morning, Toronto police said.

“This event will have a profound impact on our service, on our city and all the members of the policing community,” Chief James Ramer said at the scene.

Ramer said the incident happened shortly after midnight in the city hall parkade, located near Bay and Queen Streets.

Northrup and his partner were responding to a 911 call for a robbery in progress when they were struck, Ramer said, noting they were both dressed in plainclothes but could be identified by nametags around their necks.

The Chief said information on the events is limited and unfolding.

He said the suspect was initially outside the vehicle when officers first approached him and there were other occupants in the vehicle at the time.

The veteran officer was transported without vital signs to St. Michael’s Hospital, where he died. His female partner was transported to the same hospital, where she was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Ramer said he and members of the Toronto Police Association visited Northrup’s family overnight to deliver the “devastating news.”

“It goes without saying that it will be most devastating to the family, colleagues and friends of Constable Northrup,” he said.

Northrup leaves behind his wife, three children and his mother. Police said he was about 50 years old.

Ramer said Northrup started his 31-year career force in the Court Services Unit and was then assigned to 11 Division when he became a police officer in 1999. The border of 11 and 22 Division in South Etobicoke meets.

He had been a member of 52 Division since 2008 and was also a member of the Chief’s Ceremonial Unit.

Northrup had been training new officers until April, when Ramer said he requested to return to the major crimes unit.

“He was very proud of the job he did,” the Chief said.

Toronto Mayor John Tory expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and friends.

“On behalf of the three million people who our police officers serve [and] the men and the women of the police service, I begin by extending to the family of officer Northrup our deepest condolences.”

One man has been arrested and the force’s homicide squad are investigating.

Grief stricken residents have been laying flowers outside police headquarters and elsewhere in tribute of the slain officer.

Toronto Police have been receiving tributes for Northrup and his family from the police community worldwide.

Residents have also gone online on social media to voice their loss.

“My sincerest condolences to the family of Cst. Jeffrey Northrup and all members of the

@TorontoPolice. My heart breaks for all of you during this tragic time. Wishing a speedy recovery for the other officer involved,’ wrote Jason.

“It is with profound sadness that we have lost a member of our family. Constable Jeff Northrup #99201 was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call overnight in the Queen and Bay St area You will be missed brother,” wrote York Regional Professional Association.

Funeral details will be released soon.

 

Filed Under: Business, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Social

Dave reveals his love of ambulances and has more than 300 plus on standby

July 1, 2021 by SouthEtobicokeNews

SOME OF the more than 300 ambulances that makes up Dave’s collection. Dave’s photos.

A COMPLETE assortment of Red Cross and Emergency ambulances.

FIRE, RED CROSS and ambulances galore form many years of collecting for Dave.

By DAVE KOSONIC

 

If an ambulance is needed quickly my residence is the place to be. More than 300 ambulances are always on standby.

But there is just one glitch because all of these rescue vehicles are plastic or metal models that I have carefully collected and treasured for many years. They come in various sizes, shapes and colors and from different locations in the world.

My interest in ambulances developed when I was a boy. I often went to my dad’s business located near Bloor Street West and Islington Avenue. The base for Kingsway Ambulance Service was just across the road from father’s store.

I stood in his window and admired the red-and-white Cadillac Superior ambulance owned- and-operated by Kingsway that was parked by the curb unless the driver and attendant were on an emergency call.

Years later as an adult my ambulance collecting began. I have no plans to hit the brakes on my ‘boy toy’ hobby any time soon.

My first acquisition occurred in a gift shop. I went there to purchase a greeting card and before I left I saw a red model ambulance with white AMBULANCE lettering on sale for $12. I purchased it and thought that this model would be a one-time wonder.

Then I started regularly attending collector toy shows in Etobicoke and around the GTA including the Etobicoke Olympium, the Toronto International Centre and the Hansa Haus. I realized that most of the patrons were adults who were serious collectors of various toys from the past that had survived. Many of these collectors were quite willing to pay top dollar for an item that she or he craved. There was some bartering but many of the vendors dug in their heels on prices for items that were rare and hard-to-find.

Patrons came from all walks of life and I recognized an embalmer from a funeral home, a retired school vice principal and a writer from a large Toronto daily newspaper. A number of my model ambulances are displayed on stands and shelves at my place. Due to space limitations many are stored away in cardboard boxes and plastic bags.

Every so often I locate a bag or a box stashed away at home and upon opening it I find some abandoned model ambulances that I had purchased years before and had forgotten all about.

To a serious ambulance collector my ambulances would be worth a considerable amount of money. I have several rare ones including one smaller ambulance worth more than $400.

In memory of our valiant military veterans I am most proud of my collection of military ambulances that I have acquired over the years. When I look at these models I reflect on the bravery of those who sacrificed so much for the freedom that we enjoy.

Dr. Susanne Ottendorfer, and her husband, Sigi, who is a certified emergency medical technician, are credited with having the largest known model ambulance collection in the world that currently totals 13,000 pieces and continues growing.

This accomplishment earned the couple a spot in the Guinness Book of World Records.

Now I must go and polish up one of my prized ambulances that is a model of the ones used by the Chicago Fire department from the late 1960s up to the mid 1970s.

And when the pandemic subsides and the collector toy shows re-open I plan to get to the front of the line to get in and buy some more ambulances. One vendor I enjoyed buying from was a semi-retired Baptist pastor. He sold me numerous model ambulances and he had a real knack for acquiring hard-to-find ones and selling them for a fair price.

I have never met an ambulance that I haven’t taken a shine too.

Filed Under: Alternative, Business, Community, Politics

Ed’s Real Scoop donates $1 from every scoop to Anishnawbe Health to help Indigenous people

July 1, 2021 by SouthEtobicokeNews

 

This Canada Day, support and change can start locally and travel outwards.

On Canada Day Thursday July 1st, all four locations of Ed’s Real Scoop will be donating $1 per scoop to the Anishnawbe Health Foundation.

“Not only does this incredible foundation already do great work all around our city, they have some fantastic plans for the future,” according to Ed’s Real Scoop. “We are proud to be working with them.”

“We encourage you to join us and stand in solidarity with the Indigenous peoples in Toronto and across Canada on Thursday July 1st,” says Ed.

If you are unable to attend and would like to show your support please donate directly to https://supportanishnawbe.ca

Joe Hester, Executive Director, Anishnawbe Health Toronto, said they help people others overcome barriers as homelessness, poverty, trauma, abuse and addiction.

“Guided by the teachings of traditional healers, elders and medicine people, we aim to build a healthy, strong Indigenous community by looking at health holistically,” Hester wrote.  We don’t just offer a bandage solution, we are helping clients to overcome barriers to health and living a good life.”

In 1989, with no funding for capital, Anishnawbe Health Toronto established its first permanent home in what was once a branch of a former bank at Queen Street E., and Sherbourne Street.
As needed programs and services grew, additional sites at two Victorian-era residential buildings at Gerrard Street E., and Sherbourne Street and then Vaughan Road and St. Clair Avenue W. were leased.

The sites were not built for Health care or traditional healing and ceremony but Anishnawbe Health has adapted the sites as much as possible, including opening Toronto’s first sweat lodge facility in a public facility over 17 years ago. Anishnawbe Health ‘made do’ and adapted its buildings, but for clients, travelling between centres for care is an added burden on this vulnerable population and an added barrier to health.

Today, these facilities are extremely outdated and overcrowded, and present privacy, confidentiality and infection control risks to clients and staff.  These issues make it extremely challenging to meet current standards for ambulatory healthcare facilities and compromise Anishnawbe Health Toronto’s capacity to deliver critical programs and services. Together, we can build a new Home for Anishnawbe Health Toronto.

Toronto has the largest and most diverse Indigenous population in Ontario, an estimated 70,000 people or one-third of Ontario’s Indigenous population.

Loss of land, culture, and family life through government-led policies like the residential school system and the ‘60s Scoop’ have had a traumatic impact on the community resulting in a loss of identity with numerous ramifications.

Today, 90 per cent of Toronto’s urban Indigenous population live below Canada’s low income line,  often living at the margins of society and are more likely than non-Indigenous to be homeless, unemployed and to have not completed high school.

This inequity contributes to chronic disease and complex health issues resulting in multiple health care needs and in many cases, premature death.  Many of the diseases, such as Type II Diabetes, start at a younger age and are experienced as chronic illness for a long period of time with multiple complications.

Combined with high rates of mental health issues, drug and alcohol abuse, anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress syndrome, and sexual and emotional abuse, this population is arguably the most vulnerable and disenfranchised community in the GTA.

A 2014 Anishnawbe Health Toronto study looked at Indigenous deaths of its clients and at other Toronto social agencies. For the 109 reported Indigenous deaths, the average age of death was 37 years compared to average age of death of 74 years in rest of Toronto.

Ed’s Real Scoop stores are located at 920 Queen St. E., 2224 Queen St. E.,189 Roncesvalles Ave., and 2370 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

Filed Under: Business, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Social

UPDATE: Police, city step up enforcement of illegal fireworks in south Etobicoke waterfront parks

June 30, 2021 by SouthEtobicokeNews

POLICE and the city are enforcing bylaws in regards to the illegal use of fireworks. Courtesy photo.

POLICE will be out on land, lake and in the bushes looking for illegal firework use.

 

 

It seems like Toronto Police and the city have listened to the community and are cracking down on illegal or fireworks being misused this long Canada Day weekend.

A number of pro-active measures are being put in place from Thursday July 1 to July 4, said the city.

Toronto Police and Municipal, Licensing and Standards officers will be in place past midnight at area parks including; Marie Curtis, Colonel Samuel Smith, Humber Bays West and East during the days of enforcement.

Some police divisions have received additional resources to ‘patrol problematic sites including Humber Bays East and West.’

There are usually a litany of complaints from Humber Bay Shores residents of fireworks being fired from balconies at people or pets on the ground and other forms of noise and bright light abuse.

The Toronto Police Marine Unit has additional patrol resources in place for patrols from water. The Toronto Fire Service fireboat will also patrol from the water.

Toronto Fire has assigned a pumper truck and District Chief to Humber Bay East Park on Canada Day.

Councillor Mark Grimes in a statement said parking lots will be close to vehicles at 7 p.m. nightly at key waterfront locations, which includes; Marie Curtis Park and Humber Bay East and West parks.

Grimes said ‘focus will include addressing fireworks, bonfires and large gatherings.’
“Officers will actively engage patrons at entry points to ensure awareness of restrictions, particularly firework use.”

Toronto Parking Enforcement will be assigning dedicated resources to other Etobicoke Waterfront Parks and Marine Parade Drive.

City officials said 70 new signs warning of illegal fireworks have been printed and being installed in hot spot parks along the waterfront; including Marie Curtis Park, Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Humber Bay Park West and East and Humber Bay Shores Park.

Police warn that Canada Day is one of two days that you do not need a permit to ignite fireworks on private property. Setting off fireworks in a public space is prohibited, and the possession of fireworks is now banned in Toronto parks and beaches.

They said enforcement teams will be out ensuring compliance with these bylaws throughout the long weekend. If you are setting off fireworks on your own private property, please remember to be respectful of your neighbours.
Residents can contact 311 to report the use of fireworks in City parks or beaches, and possible misuse of fireworks. In the event of a serious public safety concern, or fire, please call 911. For more information, please visit toronto.ca/fireworks.

Filed Under: Business, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Social

Police and city gearing up for upcoming fireworks displays on Canada Day on Thursday

June 27, 2021 by SouthEtobicokeNews

POLICE and the City warn they will be enforcing bylaws in regards to fireworks.

Canada Day and the use and abuse of fireworks is always an emotional and divisive issue in the Humber Bay Shores

THE CITY have banned the use of fireworks in Toronto parks and beaches.

and other lakefront communities.

Already residents and city officials are bracing up for the misuse of fireworks on Canada Day, on Thursday July 1.

Many residents complain that fireworks are being fired dangerously from the balconies of surrounding condos or are aimed at people and the loud sounds and bright lights are bad for their pets.

Councillor Mark Grimes is reminding residents that fireworks are now banned in Toronto parks and beaches.

“Fireworks are only allowed on Canada Day and Victoria Day without a permit on private property,” Grimes warned residents on an online post.

“Due to the increase of negligent use of fireworks that we’ve seen, I’ve worked to strengthen our fireworks bylaws,” the long-time councillor said.

His office requested a review which was completed in May.

“There is a pressing need to make further changes to strengthen the bylaw,” he said.

His office in June drafted a motion that was adopted by City Council that calls for a ban on the possession of fireworks in Toronto parks; to obtain funding for by-law officers to enforce fireworks regulations after midnight from July 1 to July 4, July 30 to August 2 and September 3 to 6.

City council is applying to the province to double fireworks-related fines and are installing No Fireworks signs in problematic Marie Curtis Park, Colonel Samuel Smith Park, Humber Bay Park West and East, and some other parks.

The city have also begun an information campaign, including transit shelter and electronic billboard ads, to educate the public on the rules of fireworks. Officials also plan to explore the feasibility of introducing City of Toronto fines under the noise by-law.

Residents are also urged to call 311 to report the use or abuse of fireworks in city parks and beaches.

Toronto Police officers said they will be out in full force at certain areas and communities where there are yearly incidents involving fireworks.

 

Filed Under: Business, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Social

Nominations open for the City of Toronto’s Access, Equity, and Human Rights Awards  

June 27, 2021 by SouthEtobicokeNews

 

 

 Thank you for those working hard to improve equity and human rights in Toronto.

Nominations are now open for the 2021 Access, Equity and Human Rights (AEHR) Awards.

For more than 15 years, the AEHR Awards have been the City of Toronto’s highest honour to recognize people or organizations who have created a more equitable city by addressing discrimination and working to eliminate barriers to equality.

The five AEHR Awards are: the Mino Bimaadiziwin Award (Indigenous), Disability Access Award, Constance E. Hamilton Award for Women’s Equality, Pride Award and the William P. Hubbard Race Relations Award.

Hubbard was Toronto’s first Black alderman who served from 1894 to 1914.

He was a very popular and influential politician, who was nicknamed Cicero for his oratory. He died in April 1935 at the age of 93.

Award recipients will be recognized at a virtual event on December 10. Nominees must be Toronto residents or non-profit organizations. For more information and to submit a nomination, visit http://toronto.ca/Awards. The deadline for nominations is July 30.

 

Filed Under: Business, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Social

St. Catharines man charged by RCMP for making terror hoax in anthrax threats

June 27, 2021 by SouthEtobicokeNews

THIS THREAT hoax took the time of dozens of investigators nationwide.

A ST. CATHARINES man is facing terror hoax charges that tied up dozens of officers.

 

A St. Catharines man has been charged for allegedly making a terrorist hoax after letters claiming to contain deadly anthrax were sent to Ontario and federal government offices.

The suspicious letters were sent to Queen’s Park, Parliament in Ottawa, domestic and foreign government officials, according to an RCMP Integration National Security Enforcement Team (INSET).

Police said on April 29 a staff member at a government office in Ottawa opened an envelope that contained a letter with the inscription “You’ve Been Anthraxed.”

“A string of similar letters, believed to have been authored by the accused, were sent to Government of Canada officials back in 2020,” police said. It claimed “those letters had been infected with coronavirus.”

Police said anthrax is a serious and sometimes fatal disease caused by the bacteria Bacillus Anthracis.

The RCMP said a team of chemical, biological, nuclear and explosives team (CRNE) was deployed as part of their investigation.

The CRNE team determined that the letters did not contain a hazardous substance.

Joseph Knipfel, 63, of St. Catharines, was charged June 25 for hoax, terrorist activity and uttering threats. He is slated to appear in court in that city in July 8.

The investigation involved dozens of officers from Ottawa Police Service, Niagara Regional Police Service, Toronto Police Service, Parliamentary Protective Service, Legislative Protective Service, Canada Post and Postal Inspectors.

Public said to report an immediate threat to national security, please call 911 or your local police department. To report non-immediate threat information related to national security, please contact the RCMP National Security Tip Line: 1-800-420-5805.

 

Filed Under: Business, Community, Issues, Social

Two Ottawa cops among four arrested in an RCMP anti-corruption probe

June 27, 2021 by SouthEtobicokeNews

TWO OTTAWA Police Service officers are among four people under arrest for alleged corruption activities. Photo by Ottawa Police Service.

CHIEF PETER Sloly of the Ottawa Police Service.

 

 

Police are still shaking their heads as they dig deeper into the arrests of two Ottawa police officers.

The two constables of the Ottawa Police Service were among four people arrested on June 24 by an RCMP Anti-Corruption Unit.
The investigation, which took several months, began after the Mounties were called by Ottawa police to look at possible breach of trust allegations.

“Further investigation uncovered evidence of criminal offences believed to have been committed by the four accused,” the RCMP said in a release.

Ottawa Police Service Chief Peter Sloly said his force received information in regards to potential corruption activities that allegedly involved a member of his force.

He said the information was assessed by his members and the RCMP called to conduct “a full criminal-corruption investigation.”

Sloly was a former Deputy Chief of Toronto Police Service for seven years and officer for 27 before heading the Ottawa force.

“There can be no tolerance of criminal behaviour or corrupt practice by members of the Ottawa Police Service,” he said. “All members have a duty to serve the community in an ethical, professional and lawful manner.”

Haidar El Badry, 29, a constable with the Ottawa Police Service, has been charged for breach of trust by public officer, obstructing justice and causing a person to deal with a forged document.

Mohamed Mohamed, 45, a constable with the force, has been charged with obstructing justice.

Also charged are Ashley El Badry, 29, for forgery and causing a person to deal with a forced document and Mohamed Salameh, 29, for dealing with a forged document.

The officers are off the job with pay as the case is heard.

All four are scheduled to appear at the Ottawa Courthouse on September 1.

Filed Under: Business, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Social

Next Page »

Digital Versions

May 2025

City shelter now downsized from 80 to 50 beds. City of Toronto officials seems to be listening to pressure from an outraged community and back-peddling on some plans for a proposed Third Street homeless shelter.

April 2025

Big battle for April 28 votes in our community. It’s a battle between the Liberals and Conservatives for the federal ridings of Etobicoke Lakeshore and Etobicoke Centre on April 28.

March 2025

Mimico Creek fish life face risk due to road salt. Etobicoke Creek and the Don River are the worst in the Toronto area for being the saltiest waterways due to runoff from truckloads of road salt being used to melt our mountains of ice and snow.

February 2025

Bloor St. W. bike lane to be gone by the Spring. The controversial Bloor Street W. bike lane, and two others on busy downtown streets, are slated to be history by the Spring.

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