The South Etobicoke News

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

Van Dusen Blvd. Pedestrian Bridge to be out of service for a year

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The bridge will be shut until next summer.

The popular and well-travelled Van Dusen Boulevard Pedestrian Bridge will remain closed over Mimico Creek for about a year until emergency work can be completed to tackle erosion, according to the City of Toronto.

“Recent rain events have caused the bridge to put stress on a storm sewer that is under the bridge,” the City said in an Emergency Construction Notice. “To address the safety concerns and potential damage to the sewer, the existing bridge will be removed as soon as possible …”

They say the construction is expected to be completed by the fall of 2021. The bridge was shut last July by City staff.

“We recognize that this type of work is disruptive but public safety is imperative,” the City says. “Your patience during this emergency work is appreciated.”

They noted the bridge is already identified for replacement in the capital repair program. The City will begin work in early 2021 to rehabilitate nearby sections of Mimico Creek and replace the bridge next summer.

The popular bridge serves as a shortcut for area residents in the Norseman Heights, Sunnylea and Kingsway and surrounding areas.

Residents say it connects their community and gives everyone, particularity, families and elderly an alternative to walking or biking along the busy Bloor road Bridge or Royal York bridge.

The closure also poses an increased risk to kids walking to schools, or those shopping, who have to walk on high-traffic routes.

 

 

New Toronto residents angry about overturned planters and destroyed flowers

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It will make a gardener cry.

Concerned New Toronto residents are up in arms after massive planters with big blooms that decorate our sidewalks were destroyed with the plants inside rooted out and thrown on the road.

A number of photos have been posted on social media of some of the heavy black planters, which appeared to be hit by a vehicle, and others overturned on Lake Shore Blvd., with a trail of soil and plants left behind.

The destruction of the plants has angered many residents because they were “healthy and doing well this year.”

“This is vandalism, police could check nearby security videos,” suggests Louise Blazik. “Same type of people who leave their personal garbage scattered around our parks for others to pick up.”

Laura Baughman, a board member of the Lakeshore Viillage BIA, says a planter close to where she works was “totally destroyed” and she tried to save some of the flowers and plants that were inside.

“I too find it very upsetting,” she says. “The planter was on the road with a big dent in it. The plants were all over the place.”

Tree Gord Bowers reported that some of the planters were also wrecked near Thirtieth Street, where he lives.

Gail Parsons wrote that a number of planters were also targeted in Mimico.

Tommy Lundrigan observed that the planters may have likely been hit by a vehicle that kept on going.

“The plants were nice and healthy this year,” he says. “I am sad it (planter) has been destroyed.”

Katheerine MacLeod says the planters and plants are funded by the BIA.

The planters are maintained by the BIA, who will likely have to pay from their coffers to have them fixed or replaced.

“They are not cheap so it upset me when some of the planters along Lakeshore were damaged when contractors replaced some of our sidewalks,” she wrote.

She says the nursery who take care of the plants has been contacted and “we will have to wait and see.”

Police say they have had reports of some of the planters being overturned and are looking into it.

 

The latest scam of the day that police want you to know about

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This brazen scam involves the use of fake police numbers.

Police are asking residents to be aware of ongoing telephone scams, this one involves the numbers of Toronto Police being spoofed to try and defraud people .

Police warn that have been several instances over the last few weeks where members of the public have received telephone calls from what appears to be Toronto Police Service numbers.
The caller display shows the number as 416-808 and four subsequent numbers. When the person calls the number back to say they missed a call from this number, it is discovered the initial call was a hoax and was not made by police.
In most cases the callers are seeking money in the form of bitcoin payments.

Police are warning that calls made by members in Divisions and Units do not display a number and appear as Unknown Caller or Private Number.
Additionally, officers would leave a voicemail, offer their name, badge number and a call back number for the public to call and confirm specific details.
The Toronto Police Service and other Government agencies will not ask the public to deposit money using Bitcoin machines, according to a release.
Officers say there are numerous fraudulent calls being made where unknown people have the capability to mimic telephone numbers, sometimes called “spoofing” and place outgoing calls.
Police warm never to provide details or confirm personal details over the telephone, instead follow up with whatever agency is indicated to ensure they are aware of the matter.
If you have been the victim of a fraud or scam always report the matter to your local police at 416-808-2222 or call CrimeStoppers anonymously.

 

Auto thefts, break & enters most common crimes in our community

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Seems like auto thefts and break and enters are the most common crimes to which police are summoned in our community.

There’s been seven auto thefts, six break and enters, a robbery, theft over $5,000 and two shootings in our area, according to a Weekly Crime Summary that logged police calls from August 20 to 26.

One auto was stolen from Sherway Gardens, another from Cloverdale Mall and others from Alderwood, Long Branch and Markland Wood, according to police.

Two of the break-ins took placed in Mimico, which included one in Humber Bay Shores and two in the Islington-City Centre West area and another in Alderwood.

The gunplay took place in Markland Wood and New Toronto, according to police.

Detectives have issued some safety tips for area residents to reinforce their property to avoid thefts or break-ins.

Police from 11 Division say residents may want to include additional exterior lighting, consider updating their locks, optimizing their alarm system or video monitoring and reinforced entry points.

More people these days are also using online security devices from which they can view their home and possessions on their smart phone. These also have downfalls.

“You may want to remove overgrown bush or other structures to allow proper sight lines,” residents are told.

Officers say ensure someone can pick up your old newspapers, mail or flyers from your mailbox if you will not be at home.

Other signs that you are away, which can lure thieves, includes an overgrown lawn or the porch lights left on all day.

If you have to go away, police advise that you place a hold on your mail delivery, install timed lights for inside and out and ask a neighbour or family member to check on your property.

The non-emergency number for Toronto police is 416-808-2222 or you can file an online report at www.torontopolice.on.ca

 

Some residents say the Oculus Pavilion looks like a space ship

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Social media has lit up with photos of a space-ship like structure in a secluded meadow and woods in South Humber Park.

Some area residents and others are asking online what the structure is, or was used for, as it is cool-looking from photos that were posted on the Internet.

The abandoned public washroom was built 59-years ago and still stands out to onlookers, who are the many cyclists and pedestrians using the Humber River Recreational Trail.

The Park Pavilion, or commonly called the Oculus Pavilion, or just the Oculus, “stands as an understated monument to Toronto’s mid-century concrete Modernist era.”

The Oculus was designed by architect Alan Crossley and built by Toronto Parks in 1959 as public washrooms, which have long been shuttered up.

The pavilion originally featured a dramatic sculpture at the centre of the oculus, which was perfectly framed by the circle of sunlight. That integral component is missing today. The stone base on which the pavilion sits is now dotted with weeds sprouting in between the cracks, while the slender steel columns, once a gleaming white, have since been painted a deep rusty red.

Parks officials are said to be in conversation with Heritage Preservation Services for advice on how to preserve with the aging pavilion. There has been no word if any changes are forthcoming.

 

NTB is shutting down with a party after 12-years of pool playin’ and music

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Some local music you may want to check out as the nice weather continues.

Mom and son team Dallas and Romaine, of NTB New Toronto Billiards, is packing it in after 12-years of mixing drinks and rackin’ the balls at 2878 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

“It’s been 12 wonderful years since we opened our doors,” they wrote on social media. “We have made great memories along the way but for us, it’s time to move on.”

They say their last days of business are August 28 and 29 and then it’s the end of an era.

They would like some of their customers to check them out and promise to have some loud bands, or tunes, to mark the event.

Also look out for the James Clark Institute to take part in the Virtual Music Series on August 28 at 7:30 p.m.

The Institute has graced the stage at Mimico Square in the past and has received good reviews.

The event is helping to raise some much-needed funds for the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment. They are trying to raise $1,000.

You can donate at https://jeanaugustinecentre.ca/donate/

You can take a listen to the James Clark Institute at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtXJztJNH_4

Suspect on the lam from police for brutal stabbing in New Toronto

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A suspect is being sought by Toronto Police in connection with last Saturday’s stabbing of another man near a Humber College Campus.

Police say the suspect is wanted in an attempted murder investigation that allegedly occurred near the campus.

Officers say they were called on August 22, at around 5:15 p.m, to a stabbing in the area of Lake Shore Boulevard W., and Thirteenth St.

Police said two men were involved in a verbal confrontation.

One of the men then stabbed the other man, who is 28-years-old, several times, police said.

Police said Shane Paul, 25, of Toronto, is wanted for attempted murder and aggravated assault.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

Officers are also seeking suspects in connection with a August 2 shooting in Mimico when another man suffered minor injuries after multiple shots were fired in the  Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Mimico Ave. area.

 

 

Humber College getting new Cultural Hub, residences and arts venues

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Humber College is probably the largest landholder in the Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Kipling Ave. area.

Now work is underway at the college’s Lakeshore Campus to construct two student residences, two performing arts venues and other learning spaces on the historic grounds.

Construction has begun on a new Humber Cultural Hub, which will be completed in 2024. It is designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects and being built by Ellis Don. It is one of a number of expansion and renovation projects that the college is undertaking.

The student residences will be eight and nine storeys tall, and will add rooms for up to 300 students. It will add 124,000 square feet of new living space, according to the plans.

The residences will rise up out of a two-storey podium that will have a new cafeteria and a new gym.

The Hub will also have two music and performing arts venues, one with 600 seats and another that can hold 150 people.

The venues can act as a potential destination for arts programs and even festivals in west Toronto, college officials say.

The Hub will be home to studios for recording, 3D animation, multimedia production, computer labs and an Indigenous classroom.

When it’s done, the project will connect to an existing library and a student residence..

College officials say the Hub will spark exciting possibilities for students, local cultural and creative industries and the community.

It will provide access to talent development, entrepreneurial supports and applied research, according to college information. It will also benefit culturally underserved local communities, build new appreciation and opportunities for the creative arts, attract new jobs and industries to the area and enrich the local economy.

Humber says his facility will enhance the training and career-readiness of students while allowing the college to solve business challenges for industry in the creative and performing arts.

“The Humber Cultural Hub will be a nexus for immersive, interdisciplinary performances, unique audience engagement and future focused pedagogical delivery that will enhance the Humber experience for students, faculty, alumni, industry and the community,” says Guillermo Acosta, a Senior Dean, of Faculty of Media and Creative Arts.

 

Body worn cameras being rolled out to 23 Division officers in Rexdale

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Toronto Police officers in north Etobicoke are among the first to get their long-awaited body-worn cameras.

The first two camera-equipped officers were out on the street Monday in the Rexdale area as part of 23 Division. It’s the start of a year-long rollout for the gear.

Cameras will arrive in south Etobicoke for 22 and 11 Divisions beginning around October. A full rollout to all frontline officers is expected over the next year.

Toronto Police say officers will ” turn on the body-worn camera prior to arriving at a call for service; when they start investigating an individual; or when they are asking a person questions for the purpose of collecting their information. “

A police officer will turn off the body-worn camera when the call for service or investigation is complete or when the officer determines that continuous recording is no longer serving its intended purpose.

Officers will face penalties for shutting their cameras off on calls.

It should be fairly obvious if an officer’s camera is recording. Police say there are “lights and notices indicating it has been activated. Officers are trained to give notice as soon as reasonably possible that a body worn camera is in operation.

The force plans to buy 2,350 body-worn cameras at a cost of $34.1 million.

The cameras are among a Toronto Police list of items to ensure equality on the force.

 

Drive Thru Ribfest taking place at Humber College South campus

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There’s nothing tastier than a piece of  barbeque rib in the summertime.

The community is being invited to a Ribfest Drive Thru barbeque taking place at Humber College South Campus on August 29 and 30.

The event starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 8 p.m. at the Lakeshore campus, at 3199 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Kipling Ave.

The Ribfest is presented by Humber College, Rotary Etobicoke and features award-winning ‘ribbers as Billy Bones BBQ, Uncle Sam’s BBQ Stand, Oklahoma Pistol Pete’s and Alabama’s Finest Camp 31.

“With Toronto beginning to reopen, come out and experience a classic summer favourite at our newly designed Ribfest drive-thru,” according to the event organizers. “Enjoy mouth-watering ribs all from the comfort of your vehicle!”

Organizers say Toronto Ribfest is a not-for-profit event that’s been taking place for 18 years.

They say more than 100,000 supporters attend yearly and donations raised go to helping those in need in the community.

So far, more than $3 million has been raised for Etobicoke local hospitals, community centers, schools, shelters, food banks and charities.