The South Etobicoke News

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

Cherished ‘welcome teams’ hockey banner gone missing

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Enough is enough.

Not only are the Toronto Maple Leafs out of the Stanley Cup playoffs, but now it seems a hockey-crazed fan may have skated off with a ‘welcome teams’ cherished banner.

A large customized white hockey banner being used to welcome NHL players to Toronto for the playoffs has gone missing and the owners want it back.

The two large plastic banners were installed earlier this month in New Toronto to welcome arriving NHL players, who are here as part of an anti-virus hockey playoffs bubble. There is another bubble in Edmonton.

The banners contain images of U.S. and Canadian flags and welcomed the NHL Eastern Conference contenders.

Organizers said the teams will practice at the Ford Centre of Excellence, at 400 Kipling Ave.

Chris Korwyn-Kuczynski, of the Lake Shore Village Business Improvement Area, says one of the banners, worth more than $200 each, was locked on a fence at a club at Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Sixth St., when it went missing.

“We knew this might happen and we locked it in,” he says. “The banner I think is in somebody’s bedroom now.”

The items were used by the BIA for promotions to drum up area businesses while some of the hockey playoffs were taking place here.

Anyone who has the hockey banner is asked to leave it in the patio of Maple Leaf House Grill and Lounge, at 2749 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

Veteran Stafford honoured for 61-years in the Warriors’ Day parade

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It was a Warriors’ Day Parade that Second World War Veteran Ed Stafford will never forget.

This year would have marked Stafford’s 61st-year of marching in the Annual August 21 CNE Warriors’ Day Parade, which has been taking place for almost 100 years at the lakefront park.

The parade was cancelled this year due to COVID-19. Next year will mark its 100th year anniversary on the CNE grounds.

Stafford was joined by friends, neighbours and officers from 22 Division, who made his day by taking him for a ride in a 1944 Ford Lynx 11 scout car, courtesy of the Ontario Military Vehicle Association.

He served through the war and proudly served as Governor General’s Horse Guards.

“We congratulate Ed and wish him many more years of proudly marching in Warriors’ Day parade,” police wrote on social media. “We were honoured to be part of today’s parade to honour Ed.”

This year there was a virtual tribute to the Warriors’ Day Parade, our veterans, and those currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.

The CNE says they look forward to celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Warriors’ Day Parade on August 21, 2021.

It is the longest running veterans’ parade in the free world and has been a part of the CNE since 1921.

There is also a petition circulating  online to encourage Canada Post and The Royal Canadian Mint to issue a commemorative stamp and coin to mark 100-years of the CNE honouring our veterans.

Further information about the Warriors’ Day Parade can be found at www.thewarriorsdayparade.ca

 

 

 

Man fighting for his life in New Toronto stabbing

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A New Toronto man is fighting for his life after being stabbed early Saturday night at a townhouse complex.

Police say they were called to townhouses near the Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Thirteenth Street area around 5:20 p.m., where they found a man bleeding from the back.

Toronto paramedics say the man, who is in his 20s, was taken to hospital in serious, possibly life-threatening condition.

Police say suspect information was not available last night.

Officers are also seeking suspects in an 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.

No one has been arrested in any of the incidents.

 

Iconic Lancaster bomber may one day fly over Toronto again

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By DAVE KOSONIC

The Lancaster bomber that was prominently displayed near the waterfront of Toronto’s Coronation Park for 34-years may once again take to the skies after a meticulous restoration is completed in B.C.

The “Lanc” as it was dubbed by flyers, was a heavy bomber and a popular draw for adults and school children from 1965 to 1999, when it was displayed near the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition.

The roar of its four powerful engines may even be heard againif it makes some tribute flights over Toronto in the future. But whether it will fly again remains up in the air.

Known as ‘Bomber FM104’, it was one of 430 Avro Lancasters assembled at the Malton Victory Aircraft factory during the Second World War. After being flown to England in 1945 the aircraft was not used for missions because it arrived near the end of the war.

Later the FM104 returned to Canada and was utilized by the Royal Canadian Air Force for maritime patrols and search-and-rescue missions until being retired in 1964.

After decades of uncertainity, the ‘Lanc’ has found a home at a not-for-profit British Columbia Aviation Museum, where it has been since 2018.

Only 17 Avro Lancaster bombers in complete form remain in the world. Eight of these are in Canada making this aircraft a piece of Canadian aviation history.

The continuing restoration of this aircraft to airworthy flying condition could take another decade at an estimated cost of $10 million, according to those involved with this project.

Upon the completion, this Lancaster will join the only other two others still flying today, including one in Hamilton and another in England.

Bruce Horne, a member of the B.C. museum, says the hope is to get the aircraft back in the skies again.

Some of the restoration funding is being supported by the government and private donations. The technical aspects of the project are being handled by skilled volunteers who are in the process of inspecting the aircraft’s 55,000 components and parts. Any missing pieces will be re-created to the exact specifications.

The FM104 was housed at the Canadian Space and Air Museum in Downsview Park until that facility closed. It was stored in a hangar at the Edenvale Aerodrome, near Barrie, at a cost of $25,000 a year because Toronto had no storage space available.

Despite some valiant efforts to keep the Lancaster here Toronto City Council decided to donate the  iconic jet to the museum providing that the facility covered the $80,000 shipping costs.

According to official Bomber Command statistics a total of 7,377 Lancasters were built at various locations during the Second World War and nearly 4,000 of them were shot down or lost in battle.

The bomber featured a long, unobstructed bomb bay which meant it could take the largest bombs and was one of the most heavily-used of the Second World War night bombers.

Summer Music Series online virtual concert

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Its hot outside and we are aching for some summertime jazz in the city.
The jazz is not going to happen.
But, Lakeshore Arts is partnering with Mimico-by-the-Lake BIA to present The Summer Series on August 28.
The online virtual concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. and feature local and musical acts.
This is a fundraiser for the Jean Augustine Centre for Young women’s Empowerment, which has been forced to cut some of its programming due to COVID-19.
You can donate at jeanaugustinecentre.ca, in honour of the “Summer Music Series.”
Stay tuned for more information and some of the artists being featured.
Also local brewery, Great Lakes Beer has launched a fundraising beer called Empowerment to help raise funds for the centre.
Please note that the Lakeshore Arts Long Branch Public Library mural box was painted in the last few days by artist Nazli Nahidi.

Art painting and sale to support Humber Bay Park

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There will be another Community Sidewalk Painting and Art sale tomorrow in support of Friends of Humber Bay Park.

The painting and sale will take place on August 22, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Studio Connect, 62 Marine Parade Drive, in Unit 5.

Artist Soudabeh Majidi invites you to add strokes to the painting.

Majidi, a graduate of Ontario College of Art and Design, has been painting and instructing Art for a decade. Soudabeh started to paint Neemo, the family dog who had been changing several homes and eventually became a loved family member in her household.

The Friends of Humber are also hosting their 2020 photo contest of images taken in the park. Photos must be from Humber Bay Park and adjacent areas.

Photographers have until September 15 to get registered and download their shots to fohbp.ca, and access the Photo Contest 2020 tab.

Romaine and Dallas saying goodbye to the NTB and dear friends

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A mom-and-son business team are saying goodbye after 12-years of operating a billiards hall in New Toronto.

Dallas Dyer, and his mom, Romaine Andronyk, have been operating the popular NTB New Toronto Billiards, at 2878 Lake Shore Blvd. W., which has been the scene of many good times since 2008.

The saddened couple in a posting on social media say it has been great and they are moving on.

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

The duo say they will shut their doors forever on August 29.

“This will be the end of our era,” they told their customers. “We want to thank everyone that has supported us over the years.”

They thanked landlord Gord Faulkner, the former owner of Faulkner Appliances, calling him ‘a stand-up guy for years of mutual respect.”

The pool hall was described as “Etobicoke’s Best Kept Secret,” in that they served ‘a wide range of drink selections plus a special every night to keep our costs affordable and your nights fun.’

The hideaway lounged offered cocktails, brews and pub eats, plus pool tables, darts and regular live music.

“We are a home away from home for a lot of people,” they say. “Memories are made, celebrations are had and friendships are created once you come into NTB.’

The hall hosted or sponsored some of the best pool and dart players and teams like the Canadian Poolplayers’ Association League.

Long-time pool player R. Anthony Rock says the closing will bring tears to his eye.

“I have photo albums on Facebook of the time spent at NTB Lounge from the beginning and over the years,” Rock recalls. “Their closing will bring a tear to the eye, but the fondest memories will bring the broadest smiles.”

Top pool player Tom Polsinelli says the high-quality pool tables are level and the temperature in the venue was always cool enough to keep balls rolling properly.

The hall has also been a venue for darts tournaments, musical jams and variety shows for the LGBT community. Even Toronto Marlies hockey players have been spotted playing ping pong here.

Betty was an avid Leafs fan and 40-year hospital volunteer  

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Betty Wilson, an avid Toronto Maple Leafs fan and 40-year volunteer at Queensway Health Centre, has passed on.

Betty, a long-time Alderwood resident, passed in her 93rd year after a brief illness, her family said.

She was a lover of life who was proud of her 40-year pin for volunteerism at what was previously the Queensway Hospital.

Betty and her sister spent many hours at Bingo and they both often won. She continued playing at West Park Healthcare Centre and shared her winnings with her new friends. Her hobbies included doing puzzles, knitting and crocheting.
She is predeceased by her husband Hugh, her sister Dorothy, and brothers Jim, George, John, Bob and Herbert. She will be greatly missed by her children Brian, Becky (Dan) and Gary (Joy), her grandchildren Brent (Catherine) Melissa (Dale), Brenna, Amy ( Landon) and Matthew, and her great-grandchildren Kyla, Shaelynn, Liam and Alyssa.
The family would like to thank the staff at West Park for all the wonderful care during her stay.
The most important part of her life was her family!
A private family gathering will take place, and a Celebration of Life will be scheduled for a future date. If desired, in lieu of flowers, donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or The Cancer Society in Betty’s memory would be appreciated by the family.

 

 

Tempers fly at community meeting studying the Midtown shelters

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As New Toronto residents prepare for a public meeting with City officials about a potential homeless shelter, another community fighting shelters say it has been a terrible experience.

Members of the Midtown area held a virtual meeting on August 19 in regards to three temporary shelters in their area that are the subject of protests and angst.

Residents told the meeting they are being vilified or called anti-homeless for not wanting the shelters in their area. Some suggest crime in the area has increased.

Councillor Mike Colle, who represents Ward 8, Eglinton-Lawrence, says residents were not notified.

“This has been a total screw-up, a total lack of communication of informing people,” Colle told the CBC.

Colle said the City failed to consult the community before it opened the shelters and even his office was not consulted.

“People are afraid to walk on Yonge Street. They’ve been broken into,” he told the meeting. “There are physical threats.”

He said the Uptown Yonge BIA has had to hire private security to protect shopkeepers and their staff when they go to work. He said he has had to rely on the private security for information.

Residents in the New Toronto area still in the dark about when public consultation will take place for the homeless shelter planned at Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Eighth St., the site of an empty office building and BiWay store.

City Council is slated to make a determination on the shelter on September 30.

News of the shelter has split residents of New Toronto into those who want the shelter and the home and business owners who do not.

In Midtown, the City has leased three properties, the Roehampton hotel and two adjacent buildings on Broadway Ave. for use as shelters. A site at 55/65 Broadway Ave. is closing at the end of this month, but the city has a two-year lease for the Roehampton.

 

Body-worn cameras to be rolled out in north Etobicoke in weeks

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In about two weeks frontline Toronto Police officers in north Etobicoke will be issued body-worn cameras to record their interactions with residents.

The Toronto Police Services Board at its meeting on August 18 voted to move ahead with the camera technology, which will be rolled out at the end August at a cost of more than $30 million.

“Body-worn cameras will be used to create trust and legitimacy between officers and the public as we continue to modernize policing services,” said Interim Chief James Ramer. “This technology provides an independent, bias-free account of our interactions.”

By this fall, some 2,350 cameras will be in use across the city. All officers will be trained on the use of the camera and the associated governance, which include minimum penalties for non-compliance.

The force has worked with the Information & Privacy Commissioner, the Ministry of the Attorney General, the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the Special Investigations Unit, and the Office of the Independent Police Review Director, to develop a program that considers privacy, security, and disclosure responsibilities.
The cameras will be used when an officer arrives at a call for service, begins an investigation, or when asking a person questions for the purposes of collecting information.

The Board also approved a comprehensive policing reform package to address systemic racism and improve trust with communities.

The force plans to develop an alternative community safety response for new and existing models of community safety response, including mobile mental health and addictions crisis intervention.

They plan to expand the Mobile Crisis Intervention Program with existing community-based crisis services, including peer support, to meet current demands for mental health-related service calls, in an aim to provide services 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

The Chief is to make permanent an Anti-Racism Training component of the annual re-training and In-Service Training Program and create a stand-alone course that contributes to the delivery of fair and unbiased police services to Toronto’s diverse communities.

The Board’s Anti-Racism Advisory Panel and the Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Panel, will become permanent with expanded mandates that will bring the voices of community and expert organizations together in providing advice to the Board.

The Board also approved recommendations regarding the selection process for the new Chief of Police, mechanisms to make disciplinary proceedings under the Police Services Act more transparent and accessible and  increased collaboration with the City’s Anti-Black Racism Unit.