The South Etobicoke News

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

New and fun Etobicoke-Opoly board game hits the streets

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Community residents and social media are buzzing over our new board game.

Yes, we have our own board game called Etobicoke-Opoly, which allows players to buy famous landmarks across our beautiful community.

“If you love Etobicoke, you’ll love this game,” the promotional materials promise. “Help spread the word about everything great that is Etobicoke.”

For those who have dreamed about buying The Kingsway, The Old Mill, or another Etobicoke landmark, now you can and have fun at the same time with Etobicoke-Opoly!

The game is created by Outset Media Corp., of Brampton, which says it plays much like the traditional board game. You can trade iconic Etobicoke landmarks and attractions as Sherway Gardens, Woodbine Racetrack, Etobicoke School of the Arts and more.

Much like best-seller Monopoly, in Etobicoke-Opoly players collect properties, pay rent and mortgages when needed, the makers say.

Another fun aspect are the “Big Fun” and “Contingency” cards with rewards as being crowned Miss Etobicoke or penalties as eating too much at Rib Fest. City blocks and keys to the city replace houses and hotels and streets as Royal York Rd., and Lake Shore Blvd., replace the old railways.

“This game screams Etobicoke through and through and we have loved playing it,” according to its marketers.

Outset Media says the “the game has been one of the best-selling versions and actually sold out in its first week in stores.”

Residents seems to love it and have taken to social media to talk about the game.

“Got mine. It’s so much fun,” writes Lisa de Wit.

“Omg how cool,” says Aziza Mamedova.

Tracy Cho-Yee thanked readers for the post saying “I have to have one.”

And Marie Braz asks “here’s my question, which Mimico street is Park Avenue.”

The game is being carried by Walmart Canada and available at its Sherway Mall branch, which has since restocked its shelves. It cost about $30.

 

 

More cannabis retail stores to open in the area

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Coming soon near you.

At least seven cannabis retail stores may soon be setting up shop in south Etobicoke if all goes well at City Hall.

The applications are under public notice and some of the proposals are listed on an Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) website.
There is an application pending to open a store at 4 Mimico Ave., called Lakeview Cannabis, which is being reviewed by the AGCO.

Another is slated to go at 5160 Dundas St. W., near Kipling Ave., and is undergoing the scrutiny process as well.

The deadline for both stores is June 30 for the public to object or lodge complaints.

There are also proposals to open three other cannabis stores in Ward 2 that was adopted with amendments on June 17 by Etobicoke York Community Council.

The proposals will be voted on by City Council on June 29.

A motion by Councillor Stephen Holyday call for retail pot stores at 418 The Westway, near Martingrove Rd., at 1735 Kipling Ave., near Dixon Rd., and 3112A Bloor St. W., near Brentwood Rd.

“There are new cannabis retail locations proposed in ever ward of the district,” the motion states.

Holyday says two other stores are in the works and will be located in the Six Points Plaza area.

He has been contacted by numerous residents who have raised concerns.

“There are concerns about the poor suitability of the locations, and the increased risk of access to cannabis by minors,” Holyday warns. “Some locations are very close to more than one school, and they are located at or near strip plazas and parks which are frequented by youth.”

The provincial regulations require “a separation distance of 150 metres between the retailer and a school, and many find this too permissive given the context.”

Complaints against stores can still be filed with the AGCO.

 

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City probing alleged case of racism at Centennial Park

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Mayor John Tory says the City is investigating allegations by two Black women that they were racially targeted by a bylaw enforcement officer at Centennial Park.

The irate women claim the incident occurred on June 16 after they had completed a work-out on a running track at the park. When they had arrived at the park earlier that morning, the gate to the park was open, and there were people inside exercising.

Videos posted to Instagram show the women repeatedly asking the officer why he asked them to provide identification as they were leaving the park, and no one else was targeted.

The women say on leaving  the park the gate that they had entered through was closed. Two white boys who also hopped over the gate with the women, say they were not approached by the officer or asked questions.

“Do you know you’re trespassing right now and if you were at my home, I could shoot you?” the women alleged the officer said to them.

The officer also threatened to photograph the licence plate of their vehicle.

“I was so shocked,” one of the women said afterwards. Visibly upset, the other woman complained she felt they were singled because they are Black.

“’Enough is enough, we can’t be dealing with this still. This is 2020,” one of the women Tweeted.

Tory says he will await the outcome of an investigation.

“No bylaw officer should ever threaten or even suggest violence,” Tory posted on Twitter. “I want to be clear that as Mayor I will not tolerate any City of Toronto employees engaging in behaviour that threatens residents or demonstrates anti-Black racism.”

Pillar to mark one of Long Branch’s early schools

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The last remaining pillar of the Long Branch Public and Continuation School, one of the earliest established schools in Etobicoke, has been relocated to the north-west corner of Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Long Branch Ave. to acknowledge the rich history of Long Branch Village circa 1884.
The concrete pillar bears a bronze sign that outlines its historic significance and that it has “been carefully relocated to preserve its connection to the community.”
The school began life as a two-storey Long Branch Public School, which was built in 1915 at 3495 Lake Shore Blvd. W. It was turned into the Long Branch Public and Continuation School in 1927, so Upper school and commercial subjects could be taught there. 
In 1930, Long Branch incorporated as a village. It was during the Depression years and many of the students left school by Grade 6 so they could help support their families.
In 1931 Long Branch secedes from the Township of Etobicoke.
By 1948 a kindergarten was established and two years later a Senior Boys Academic Vocational class began at the school.
Long Branch becomes part of the Lakeshore District School Board in 1951 and the Continuation School was moved to the New Toronto Collegiate. Students from the Public School had their school renamed the James S. Bell Public School, after Bell who served the school from 1926 to 1946.

Turtle hit by a car now freed back in the wilds

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Born free to swim again!

This female snapping turtle was hit by a car and admitted to the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre for treatment and is now healthy and has been released into friendly surroundings.

The turtle was admitted to the Centre one year ago due to injuries sustained while trying to cross a busy road, according to officials of the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre (OTCC).

“She was still gravid with eggs,” the OTCC says in a post on Facebook. “Here she is being released back to her habitat!”

Centre workers say 11 eggs that the turtle was carrying were successfully hatched and the hatchlings were released in the area with ‘a coverage of aquatic vegetation that will provide safety from predators.’

The release of the turtle, which was shared by Friends of Sam Smith Park, had many area residents cheering for the animal as she settled in her new surroundings.

“That’s so great,” wrote Elizabeth Jones. “Thanks to all involved. This beauty was bathing at my dock yesterday.”

“Yeah! Happy dance for this awesome turtle,” says an excited Liz Burroughs. “Thank you for all you do each and every one of you.”

“That is a good ending story,” says Gary Hrystak. “Thank you Drew for making this photo and outcome possible.”

“Excellent story bless you all,” posts Alan Allen.

If you have an injured turtle please call the OTCC at 705-741-5000.
If you are inquiring about eggs, nest protectors, or anything else please email them at info@ontarioturtle.ca or volunteer@ontarioturtle.ca

The hospital is open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week. They are open during the Covid-19 pandemic and will admit injured turtle and have procedures to ensure no human to human contact.

OTCC is the only wildlife rehabilitation centre dedicated to providing medical and rehabilitative care to Ontario turtles. Once healed these turtles are released back into their natural habitat where they can continue to reproduce for many decades. In 2017 the hospital admitted 920 turtles, in 2018 the number was 938, and in 2019 they saw a record number of 1498 admissions.

Parade for our military personnel fighting COVID-19

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Police, fire and other emergency services staged a Gratitude Parade in support of the Canadian Armed Forces and frontline healthcare workers at Eatonville Care Centre.

Members of the Canadian Armed Forces have been deployed at several critical, worst hit long-term care centers in Ontario including Eatonville, at 420 The East Mall area in Etobicoke, since April 27. A number of seniors have passed away from the virus at the centre.

Since their deployment the military personnel have embraced all roles in looking after seniors to contain the deadly COVID-19 outbreak. A number of them have contracted the virus.

“Members of the CAF have done a fantastic job in saving lives and containing the spread of the COVID-19 deadly virus at these nursing homes,” police say.

“We are in historically unprecedented times, battling with a deadly coronavirus that is disproportionately targeting the most vulnerable seniors, along with those with compromised immune systems and underlying medical conditions,” officials say.

The agencies came out to support the valiant efforts of the military in saving lives and fight against the spread of the coronavirus.

Taking part in the parade were officers from 22 Division and partner agencies including: Toronto Fire Service, Toronto Paramedic Service, Peel Regional Police Services, Canadian Border Services Agency, Toronto Transit Commission Special Constables and TTC Queensway Division, Toronto Community Housing Authority, Toronto Municipal Licensing Standard and Blue Knights, who all came together to pay tribute to their military brothers and sisers.

Members of the different agencies with emergency lights flashing drove to the Centre, where seniors were able to see them from their windows.

22 Division Constable charged in police radio theft

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An 11-year Toronto Police officer stationed at 22 Division is facing charges after an encrypted radio was allegedly stolen from the service.

Toronto Police say the radio was taken from 22 Division sometime between Sept. 12 and Oct.7, 2019.

The radio was recovered by police in May 2020.

The service’s professional standards unit has launched an investigation into the incident.

The circumstances surrounding the theft, use and recovery of the radio has not been disclosed due to an ongoing investigation. The radios were encrypted in 2015.

“There is always the potential that information may have been heard outside of the service when one of our radios are stolen,” a police spokesman said.

Const. Ronald Joseph was arrested on June 15 and charged with breach of trust and theft over $5,000.

The officer has suspended with pay and will return to Old City Hall Court on Sept. 4.

A motive hasn’t been released for the alleged theft.

Police say the radios can be used to by criminals who want to know what calls police are responding to.

Finding love on the dance floor of the famed Palais Royale

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As recalled by their loving son Dave Kosonic.

My parents Edward and Winnifred were among the countless military romances which blossomed at the legendary Palais Royale ballroom particularly during WW11.

My father met my mom at the iconic live music club in 1944 while he was on leave as a crew member stationed on the Royal Canadian Navy warship HMCS Buckingham that operated out of Halifax.

The Palais Royale, which still stands at 1601 Lake Shore Blvd W., is best remembered as a dance hall that featured high-profile entertainers from the Big Band era including Duke Ellington, Count Basie and the Dorsey Brothers. Even Canada’s King of Swing Bert Niosi graced the stage.

My mom Winnifred McConkey was born in 1922 in the small town of Priceville, just west of Flesherton. After completing high school she moved to Toronto and worked as a mail sorter for Canada Post.

My father Edward Kosonic was born in 1924 in La Vallee, in western Ontario near the Manitoba border. Dad joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1942. He underwent intensive training for one-year in New Brunswick where he became an expert on the use of a new anti-German submarine locating radar called Asdic.

He was the radar supervisor on his ship and was on call 24 hours a day in the event his ship or other ships in in his convoy detected nearby German U-boats. He used the Asdic radar to pinpoint the location and depth of enemy U-boats.

The convoy of Navy warships that included the Buckingham attacked many German submarines and was credited for the destruction of a number of deadly U-boats.

While on R&R my dad came to Toronto and decided to check out the Palais Royale. Dad looked dapper when he arrived in his official off-duty Navy uniform. A short time later, he spotted a pretty young girl, Winnifred, at a table with some other ladies.

Dad got his nerve up to ask her for a dance. She accepted and they danced the evening away. You can say the rest is history.

Mom left her job at Canada Post and accompanied dad to Halifax, where she lived in a tiny flat while waiting for dad to return when the war ended in 1945. Dad was honourably discharged from the Navy and the happy young couple moved to Toronto, got married and in time established a very successful home electronics business in the Six Points area of Etobicoke.

They both lived long lives with my mom passing away in 2006 at 84, and dad in 2011 at 85.

To this day, whenever I drive by the Palais Royale, I think about my mom and dad and say: “ That is where it all began.”

 

 

Ontario expanding services for young victims of sex trafficking

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More funds are promised to help victims of sex trafficking.

The Ontario government is promising to invest up to $46 million over the next five

years to increase community-based and Indigenous-specific supports for child and

youth victims of sex trafficking.

The Anti-Human Trafficking Community Supports Fund and Indigenous-led Initiatives Fund will prioritize early intervention and increased protection for victims of sexual exploitation and dedicated survivor supports.

“Every day, human traffickers are preying on children and youth across Ontario,” says

Christine Hogarth, MPP Etobicoke Lakeshore “We are focusing on increasing supports to help and protect these young victims.”

Funding will be available to partners and agencies and focus on areas such as:

trauma-informed programming developed and delivered by survivor-led

organizations, dedicated services for victims under age 18, including residential placements

and treatment, peer mentoring, as well as education and employment training

programs.

Help is also available to culturally-appropriate, Indigenous-designed supports for First Nations, Inuit and

Métis victims, families and communities, targeted supports for sexually exploited boys, individuals with developmental disabilities, LGBTQ2S individuals, and racialized and newcomer populations.

“Over the last year, we heard from our frontline agencies, survivors, and Indigenous

communities and organizations that there is a critical need to increase available

supports for children and youth affected by sex trafficking,” said Jill Dunlop, Associate

Minister of Children and Women’s Issues. “Our goal is to build a more comprehensive

network of anti-human trafficking services across Ontario, so more victims have access

to the supports they need.”

Announced in March 2020, the strategy will invest $307 million over the next five years

on a comprehensive plan to raise awareness of human trafficking, protect victims,

intervene early, support survivors and hold offenders accountable.

History of hatred and KKK also runs deep in parts of Canada

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By TOM GODFREY

It was 90-years ago that members of the Ku Klux Klan were running wild and free in southern Ontario hiding behind their white hoods as they openly attacked Blacks and other visible minorities.
The town of Oakville on what would be Black History Month made national news, when on February 28, 1930 some 75 hooded Klansmen openly burned a cross on a main street to prevent the impending marriage of a Black man to one of their local white women.
Oakville then had a population of about 4,000 residents; including an estimated 40 Blacks, who were descendants of U.S. slaves who had arrived in Canada on the Underground Railroad.
The KKK had waited until Ira Junius Johnson, then 37, and a Canadian army veteran, and his fiancee, Isabella Jones, had returned from a trip to Toronto to obtain a marriage permit.

The mob marched to a Kerr St. home where the couple were staying. There they separated the lovers and took Johnson away. The WW1 veteran could do little to comfort his soon-to-be wife, who was taken in another vehicle for “treatment” by the Salvation Army.
Johnson had paid his dues. He was one of 2,000 Blacks who were accepted into non-segregated sections of the military. He was in the 9th Canadian Machine Gun Company during the Battle of Passchendaele and fought in the Hundred Days Offensive that ended WW1 in 1918, during which he suffered a shrapnel wound to his leg.
That night he, his horrified aunt and uncle, were driven by the Klan to a Head St. house and forced to watch as a second cross was burned in his yard.
The vet was warned if he was ‘seen walking down the street with a white woman again, he would be dealt with,’ according to news reports.
As the Klansmen returned to Hamilton, they were stopped by Oakville police Chief David Kerr, who recognized some as prominent businessmen and let them go. Kerr was at the cross-burning earlier and declared “no crime had been committed.”
The coverage of the incident by the Toronto Daily Star and Globe and Mail were sympathetic to the Klan at first, but outrage by the Black community turned public opinion against them.

It turned out that Jones mother, Annie, had called on the Klan for help after admitting she had failed to break up the bi-racial couple. She then asked Oakville police to intervene but they said their hands were tied because Isabel was an adult.
Due to pressure from the Black community in Toronto, church groups, some brave politicians and public figures, an investigation by the Attorney General of Ontario was launched and the instigators behind the racist incident were charged and convicted in Canada’s first prosecution of the Ku Klux Klan.
“There was a strong feeling against the marriage which the young girl and the negro had planned,” Oakville’s then mayor, J.B. Moat, told the Star. “Personally I think the Ku Klux Klan acted quite properly in the matter. The feeling in the town is generally against such a marriage”
The A-G’s probe led to charges being laid on March 7 against three pillars of the community, who included the town’s chiropractor William E. Phillips, his assistant Harold Orme and Hamilton Presbyterian Church pastor Ernest Taylor, a police interpreter.
Charges were dropped against Orme and Taylor, while Phillips was slapped with a $50 fine due to the huge respect he carried in the community.
Community leaders were outraged by the outrageous fine and demanded further legal action. Johnson’s home was also mysteriously burned down at the time and no was ever arrested for that.
There was an appeal of the sentence, which Chief Justice Sir William Mulock called “a travesty of justice,” before sentencing Phillips to three-months in jail.
The couple were finally married on March 24, 1930 and had two children and a happy life. Johnson died in 1966.