The South Etobicoke News

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

Hundreds of contact tracers being  hired to fight COVID-19

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The Ontario government is in the process of hiring 500 recruits to provide COVID-19 surge support for contact tracing this fall and winter.

The recruits are expected to be hired by mid-November, according to an October 14 press release from the Ontario government. The province has already 100 new contact tracers, many of whom are starting work now.

The position pays up to $20 an hour, which isn’t bad for working from at home.

“With rising COVID-19 cases and outbreaks, we need more contact tracers to ensure the province is able to identify and isolate new cases to limit and stop the spread of the virus,” said Health Minister Christine Elliott.

A lack of tracers has led to members of the Ontario Public Service volunteering for redeployment to provide surge support for contact tracing this fall and winter. More than 600 Statistics Canada employees have been helping since last July with contact follow-up.

There are currently more than 2,750 case and contact management staff active across all public health units, tracing and managing COVID-19 cases. These 600 new recruits and 600 personnel from Statistics Canada brings the total number of case and contact management staff to nearly 4,000, government officials said.

Recently the province has seen a dramatic rise in the number of people with COVID-19, especially in hotspots like Toronto, Ottawa, and Peel, the release states.

The surge has in Toronto and elsewhere led to the closure of gyms and other businesses and non-dining in restaurants.

“Hiring additional contact tracers and case managers and deploying them across Ontario will significantly boost the province’s response to the surge in cases and keep the most vulnerable safe and schools open,” the release says.

Hiring additional contact tracers and case managers and deploying them across Ontario will significantly boost the province’s response to the surge in cases and keep the most vulnerable safe and schools open.

These new positions are part the province’s fall preparedness plan, Keeping Ontarians Safe: Preparing for Future Waves of COVID-19, which dedicates $1.376 billion to enhance and expand testing and contact tracing in the province.

For more information visit www.publichealthontario.ca

 

Virtual community consultations for proposed Shelter tomorrow

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South Etobicoke residents will finally have a say into a proposed 95-bed New Toronto municipal shelter on October 20.

The virtual (telephone and online) information session will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Residents are being urged to send in their questions 24-hours in advance to a Community Engagement Facilitator.

City Council at its meeting last July 28 authorized the City of Toronto to enter into an agreement to purchase 2950 and 2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W., for use as a municipal shelter, and possibly, affordable housing.

The closing date of the purchase is listed as December 2020, with renovations to begin next year.

News of the proposed shelter has divided the community with those who want it relocated to another part of Ward 3 and not in a commercial area.

City officials said from 2018 to 2020 they looked at 49 property sites for a possible shelter in Ward 3.

They said activities are planned to ensure residents are informed including a community safety walk and a meeting with key stakeholders.

If you are not able to attend the meeting but have questions, you can get in touch with Community Engagement Facilitators Maria Crawford or Violet Ilkiw, of Barnes Management Group, at 416-800-2914 ext. 202.

They can be reached by email at 2950.70lakeshoreblvdwest@gmail.com

General enquiries to the City can be sent to ssha.homeless@toronto.ca

The call-in number for the Information Session is 416-915-6530 ext. The access code is 133 242 5334.

The website is www.toronto.ca ∕ShelterExpansionSites

 

OPP release Mute Swan found on highway back into Lake Ontario

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Born free!

A beautiful Mute Swan rescued by the OPP from the Queen Elizabeth Way highway has been released back in Lake Ontario after being cared for by a wildlife refuge.

The OPP in Burlington on October 8 tweeted that an officer had rescued an injured swan from the lanes of the QEW and wrote that the bird was fortunately expected to make a full recovery.

The swan was taken to Hobbitstee Wildlife Refuge, an all-volunteer organization that cares for sick, injured, orphaned or displaced native Ontario wildlife.

The bird became big news and the OPP reported the swan was doing much better after being taken to Hobbitstee. They said it was expected to be released back into the wild sometime in the following week.

Hobbitstee WR posted a video of the swan being released back into Lake Ontario on October 16 after making a full recovery, and it’s as heartwarming as one would imagine.

“The swan rescued of the QEW by the @OPP_News has been released back to Lake Ontario to return to his life in the wild,” they wrote.

“He was released close to where he was found in what we hope is familiar surroundings allowing him to reunite with a potential mate.”

The video shows the bird cautiously walking around the shore and examining his surroundings before getting in the water and swimming off into the distance.

Police believe the big bird may have crashed into something or become caught in the slipstream of a passing tractor trailer and been blown off course and ended up on the highway.

The bird suffered some minor “road rash, scrapes and bruising on one wing,” police say.

Community rallying to raise funds to help injured mom of three

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Members of the community are rallying to help a caregiver and mom of three who is recovering from severe injuries following a terrible accident.

The well-liked South Etobicoke mother was released from hospital earlier this month after spending several weeks in the Intensive Care and Trauma Units of Sunnybrook Heath Sciences Centre.

Rotchie Dequina, who is from the Philipines, has been working hard as a caregiver for five years and was successfully reunited with her children in Toronto and looking forward to a new life.

The single mom was involved in a terrible accident that saw her airlifted to Sunnybrook in a coma, according to a Go Fund Me page that was created in September.

Organizers say she faces “a long road for recovery ahead of her,” and have so far raised $7,400 out of a goal of $10,000 to help the ailing family.

“We understand that there will be financial strain on the family and we are hoping to do all we can to help ease the stress of an already stressful situation for her and the kids,” wrote organizer Magdalena Marcula.

Marcula said Rotchie is recuperating at home with her family after being released from Sunnybrook.

“Before leaving the hospital she underwent several surgeries to correct some motor functions and fractures.”

“With an acute trauma caused from a crash like this, it takes time to heal organs, bones and the affects that severe head trauma has on your body,” according to the Go Fund Me page.

Dequina has many appointments with doctors and specialists booked to review her progress “but so far the prognosis is positive.”

“The next several weeks will continue to be difficult on her,” Marcula said. “With several broken ribs the pain continues to cause sleepless nights and uncomfortable days.”

If you can help the family, please search Rotchie Dequina on www.gofundme.com

 Armed man arrested after carjacking, shooting in Six Points area

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It was like a scene of a movie being shot at Bloor Street W., and Kipling Ave.

But it was real life for officers of 22 Division around 2:10 a.m. as an armed man tried to flee police in a car that he had minutes ago hijacked.

The suspect fled in the stolen car before crashing into a parked construction vehicle near Subway Cres., and Dundas St.

He then took off on foot and shot at an office building, at 5343 Dundas Street W., in which he was trying to enter. He could not get in though since the door was locked.

Police say they were initially called to scene for reports of a person with a gun.

Officers allege that the suspect fired multiple shots at the windows of the building so he could reach inside and open the door.

Police said they could hear gunshots as they approached. The suspect was arrested without incident.

The man sustained minor cuts to his arm from the door, police say.

A semi-automatic pistol was recovered at the scene.

Police have not released the name of the suspect.

Roads were closed in the area for a police investigation.

The suspect is slated to appear for a bail hearing.

 

Long Branch Senior suffers severe facial injuries in home invasion

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A Long Branch senior was allegedly roughed up and suffered severe facial injuries in a brutal home invasion robbery.

Members of the Toronto Police Hold Up Squad have arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with the alleged assault that took place on October 11 in the Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Twenty Sixth Street area.

Police allege the suspect entered an apartment and demanded money from a 68-year-old man inside.

The suspect “repeatedly assaulted him (68-year-old) causing severe facial injuries,” police allege.

Police say the suspect attempted to tie up the victim, then took some valuables and fled the area on foot.

Andre Gomez-Bonner, of Toronto, was charged on October 14, with six criminal offences; including robbery with violence, break and enter commit, forcible confinement, assault causing bodily harm, theft over and two counts of fail to comply with a probation order.

He appeared before a provincial court judge in a Finch Ave. W. court that same day.

Police say anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-7350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-8477, or online at www.222tips.com.

 

Hurricane Hazel left a trail of destruction and deaths 66-years ago

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It has been 66-years since Hurricane Hazel hammered Toronto flooding what is now Marie Curtis Park and leaving a trail of destruction and bodies in its wake in South Etobicoke.

Hurricane Hazel struck on October 15 and 16, 1954, with deadly results. Its winds pelted at 124 kilometres an hour and over 200 millimetres of rain fell in just 24 hours.

Brave neighbours helping each other. Courtesy Toronto Star.

The first deaths reported in our area was around 11 p.m. when a car was swept into the Humber River killing the occupants.

The destruction left about 81 people dead, with more than 30 residents alone killed on Raymore Drive, where the Humber River ripped homes from their foundations and swept them downstream.

Five firefighters from the Kingsway-Lambton Fire Station were killed as they attempted to rescue people stranded in a car from the raging Humber. Their fire truck became stuck on a flooded street and overturned, and the men, who were weighed down by heavy jackets, boots, and equipment–were tossed into the water.

A plaque has since been installed by the City to mark their heroic deeds.

“I felt so helpless, but there was nothing I could do, nothing anybody could do,” volunteer fireman Bryan Michell later recalled of his five colleagues. “The water was so deep, up to our chins, and all the firemen were weighed down by clothing and boats and equipment.”

It was also the busiest night in the 91-year history of Fire Station 435, on Eighth Street, as brave firefighters were called to rescue dozens of residents, including several who had been swept into the Etobicoke Creek.

The flooding submerged some 40 highways and main roads even knocking passenger trains off their tracks. Some 40 bridges were destroyed and ten others damaged due to the merciless waters.

In Woodbridge, the Humber at one spot swelled to 107-metres killing nine people and leaving several hundred homeless.

Valiant Long Branch and area residents launched many brave rescue efforts to save their neighbours, family or friends, even though the current was strong enough to endanger most boats. Several of the would-be rescuers ended up being rescued themselves.

Many people were saved because of the quick action of police, fire personnel and citizens. In Weston, an off-duty cop and another man, boarded a powerful boat and headed into the river, where they worked all night to save 50 lives.

Many lessons were learned by City officials after to manage future floods. By 1959, Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority initiated plans for large dams, reservoirs, major flood-control channels and for an erosion-control program. In addition, large areas of land were identified for acquisition and conservation.

Regulations enacted since Hurricane Hazel restrict new development in flood plains, allowing rivers to flow naturally and reducing the risk to people and their property during flooding.

The killer hurricane began its journey off Grenada, in the West Indies, and moved northwards. In Haiti it left up to 1,000 people dead and destroyed 40% of the islands coffee and cacao crop.

 

Unique Oculus space-age pavilion being revitalized after 63-years

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After more than six decades, The Oculus, a one-of-a-kind space-age park pavilion, is finally getting a facelift.

The unique galactic shelter is well-known to cyclists and pedestrians who pass by a meadow where it is located along the Humber River Recreational Trail in South Humber Park.

The Oculus Revitalization Project was delayed due to COVID-19 and organizers say the work will begin next spring.

They are urging community residents and park lovers to attend a short talk on October 16 about the Oculus’ ‘past, present and future of space and its cultural heritage value.’

Visitors will be able to ask questions, provide feedback and share their thoughts on the pavilion.

Pop up time slots at the facility are slated for 12 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., 1 to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 2:30 p.m.

Only 20 tickets are available for each slot, due to the virus. There will be five volunteers and only 25 people per talk will be allowed.

“Many are eager to hear about the progress of the project while also enjoying outdoor park spaces,” the organizers wrote on social media.

They will also be revealing a new temporary public art installation at The Oculus, which is designed by Giaimo, a Toronto-based architecture firm and co-led by ACO NextGen.

“The installation will brighten the pavilion until the restoration process is possible in spring 2021,” according to the organizers.

The project is one of five selected for Park People’s Public Space Incubator (PSI) Grant, funded by the Balsalm Foundation and Ken and Eti Greenberg. The project has been further sponsored by the Friends of the Pan Am Path, HNR Properties, and CS Vinyl.

Designed in 1958 by Alan Crossley and built by Toronto Parks a year later, The Oculus, was a former public washroom that stands as an ‘understated monument to Toronto’s mid-century concrete past.’

“Over the last few decades, the pavilion has suffered significant neglect,” the organizers say. “This revitalization project aims to transform The Oculus into a welcoming community gathering place along the trail.”

To register for the talks, or for questions or concerns, please contact stephanie@acotoronto.ca

The wearing of masks and physical distancing are required at this event.

 

Temporary absences paused for seniors at long-term care homes

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This is tough news for already homebound seniors.

Our seniors have to stay indoors for now, according to new anti COVID-19 guidelines.

Starting on October 16 all short-term and temporary absences for social or personal reasons are being paused for seniors in long-term care homes.

The measure affects seniors in regions with high community spreads, including Toronto, Ottawa and Peel Region. It is based on advice of the province’s Chief Medical Officer of Health.

The province says only absences for medical or compassionate reasons will be allowed.

“We recognize these changes may be difficult for the residents and families affected,” said Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, said in a statement.

“But our priority has to be the safety and well-being of the residents and staff in Ontario’s long-term care homes.”

All seniors’ homes in Etobicoke are affected and a list of homes can be viewed online.

“People planning a visit to a long-term care home are advised to contact the home in advance, to make sure the home is free of outbreaks and to get information on the home’s visitor policy and any restrictions,” according to the Ontario government.

Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s medical officer of health, said there are 14 outbreaks in long-term care homes in Toronto.

“To be clear, that’s 14 of about 100 long-term care homes,” she explains.

She said “it is important for people to think about the risk they might present as a visitor in a long-term care setting.”

The province on October 7 made more changes to the types and number of visitors permitted in long-term care homes in areas of high community spread.

Only essential visitors, including up to one caregiver per resident, may visit and general visitors are not allowed.

Caregivers are essential visitors who are designated by a resident or their substitute decision maker, to provide care for the resident.

Former Toronto undercover cop pens book about his years on the job

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Former Toronto Police undercover cop Hal Cunningham has investigated Mafia hitmen, outlaw motorcycle gangs and a lengthy list of law-breakers and is still alive to write about it.

The former 30-year undercover cop has just released Just a Cop, which is available on Amazon and reached Number 1 in ‘hot new crime releases.’

Cunningham’s crime bio sheds a light on what he and other law enforcement officers deal with on a daily basis and provides the reader with a first-person opportunity to walk in his shoe.

“It’s like a ride-along. They’re able to see (what) it’s really like and this is what the officers’ experience and handle all situations,” Cunningham says of the book. “It’s an education for all to learn what we see and experience what we experience.”

He began his career in 1973 as a cadet and worked his way through the ranks from a constable on patrol, to an undercover street intelligence officer, and eventually to the rank of Staff Sergeant and Platoon Commander, before retiring in 2003.

Over the years he has taken part in hundreds of surveillance projects going after homicide, armed robbery, terrorism, organized crime, motorcycle gang members and drug traffickers among others.

Cunningham has been declared an Expert Witness in High Court in Surveillance and Counter Surveillance Techniques. He also worked with the RCMP in providing witness protection for a Mafia hit man and former motorcycle gang member.
He has instructed more than 100 Toronto Police Officers, based at busy downtown division, with a three day surveillance training course.

“I have been teaching my techniques for over 20-years to a total of over 1,000 Police, Corporate and Private Investigators from the Greater Toronto Area, Province of Ontario, across Canada and the U.S.”

He recalls one story in which as he was walking home one day and heard noises and looked up to see a sniper shooting at people on the street.

“I looked up and on top of a highrise was a sniper shooting down onto the street,” Cunningham recalls. “He injured seven people from what I understood was shrapnel hitting the pavement.”

The shooter ended up taking his own life.

On another day, he and a fellow police constable became involved in an early morning shootout with motorcycle gang members.

After attending high school at East Northumberland Secondary School, Cunningham went to Loyalist College in Belleville, where he studied law. He was hired as a summer student with Trenton Police, and became an inside station operator, before graduating and moving on to the big city.

“I want the public to understand that this is what these dedicated people are doing for you out there every day, every night. It’s not just sitting with a coffee and a donut in a car,” the policeman notes. “It can go from zero to 100 in two seconds.”

The book contains some funny stories, sad stories and emotional ones.

“This is a well-written book about an era of policing now gone. It describes a time of policing in Toronto that will never be again,” says retired Staff Sgt. George ‘Dogface’ Gadson of the book. “It is a great read for people who want to know one way policing was done in the past.”

Just A Cop is available on Amazon.