The South Etobicoke News

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

Peter was well-known and loved at the Canadiana in Mimico

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Community residents are mourning the death of Peter Michael Thompson, a long-time and well-known  area resident and former employee at the now-defunct Canadiana Restaurant.

Peter passed away peacefully on June 8 after a short and courageous battle with cancer. He was 66.

“He is known and loved by so many including Stephen and his Great Dane, Odin,” according to his obituary. “Peter has been referred to as the Major of Port Credit and was awarded the Best Bartender of the Year for his work at the Canadiana.”

He was a caring brother to Marnie (Steve) Carol (John) and Paul (Susan). He was a loving uncle to Melanie (Jojo) Robin (Dennis) Andrew, Natalie and Gavin. He was also a great uncle to Jackson, Jacob, Myles and Jonah.

“Although our hearts are heavy, we will continue to carry his memory and celebrate his life at the appropriate time in the future,” his family said. “In the meantime raise a beer in his honour.”

His friends from Toronto Police 22 Division remember Peter as a fixture in the community for more than 40-years, who will be missed by many people, including cops.

“Peter was a passionate community member and served our community well in his own way,” officers said in a post on social media. “He made us laugh, served and kept us on toe at the Canadiana when we were hungry, thirsty and drenched in frustration after a long shift.”

“Thank you for your Service. With sympathy,” the officers wrote.

Peter was a long-time employee and a favourite at the Canadiana Restaurant, at 2454 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

Donations in Peter’s Memory may be made to Trillium Health Partners Foundation or the charity of your choice.

Susan Nagy to retire from Lakeshore Arts after 20-years

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A search is underway to find a new executive director of Lakeshore Arts after long-time member Susan Nagy announced her retirement.

Lakeshore Arts officials say applications are being reviewed and interviews will take place this month to find a successor.

Nagy, who has served Lakeshore Arts and the community for the past 20-years, says she is stepping down on July 31.

“I have been so fortunate to work in the neighbourhood where I live and contribute to its vibrancy and the arts community at large,” she says. “It has been my privilege to collaborate with passionate arts administrators, creative minds and invested stakeholders, many who have become friends.”

She says changes can be challenging.

“I will miss everyone very much, but I am ready and excited to start the next phase of my life,” Nagy reflects. “Leaving is very bittersweet but Lakeshore Arts has a talented and committed team of staff members and an active Board and I leave in confidence.”

She thanked the many volunteers who have helped and supported the program over the years.

“Under Susan’s leadership, Lakeshore Arts has grown in size and strength; from a small grassroots organization to a Local Arts Service Organization that is known as a key player in the community arts sector in the City of Toronto,” according to the group’s website.

They say Lakeshore Arts’ budget in two decades jumped from $27,000 to more than $500,000, enabling them to provide accessible programming for all ages and invest in the cultural framework of the South Etobicoke community.

The organization, which started in the basement of St. Margaret’s Church, is now focusing on stronger community engagement: finding ways to make art more accessible, which was achieved by reframing the storefront as the Community Project Space.

“Susan will leave an indelible mark on the Toronto Arts community,” says current Arts President Marijana Cuvalo. “Her legacy will include her commitment to working collaboratively on projects that highlight the important role that Art plays in building healthy and vibrant communities.”

The program is proud to have launched Shazaam, an in-school arts program that benefited 2,000 children over 12 years, supported by six years of funding from the Ontario Trillium Foundation; the co-production of the Lakeshorts International Short Film Festival celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2020.

Still waiting for the long-awaited Parklawn GO Station

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It looks like the days of traffic congestion at Humber Bay Shores may continue for a while.

Some 5,000 passengers daily will travel downtown in a trip that will take less than 15-minutes on a proposed Park Lawn GO Station, says MPP Christine Hogarth.

Hogarth says the proposed station will “provide the Humber Bay Shores Community with a better, faster option to get to the downtown core in less than 15-minutes.”

The service will ‘reduce gridlock and emissions on our roads and improve the overall transit network.’

“For many years families in south Etobicoke have advocated for a rapid transit option within walking distance,” Hogarth says in an update titled Metrolinx’s Updated Initial Business Case, 2020 for a Park Lawn GO Station, that was released on June 11.

Residents of the Humber Bay Shores have long complained about rush-hour traffic congestion in the area and that it can take them an hour or more to drive to their downtown jobs. It is expected the new station will be built on the Christie lands.

The IBC is part of Ontario’s plan to deliver better public transit while delivering

significant cost savings to the taxpayers through third-party investment and ensuring

sustainable GO rail service to connect more people to jobs and housing. The release of

the business case is the next step in the development of a new GO station in the area,

which is subject to necessary agreements and approvals, which can take time.

“Park Lawn’s business case is an example of an opportunity created by our government’s commitment to pursuing innovative, modern and cost-effective transit solutions for the people and communities we serve,” says Kinga Surma, Associate Minister of Transportation.

Phil Verster, President and CEO of Metrolinx, says his agency has not made a decision on a station as they are ‘exploring’ all options.

“Exploring a new station on the Lakeshore West corridor in the Humber Bay Shores

Community, could provide a new, convenient option for existing and future GO

customers,” Verster says.

Members of the Royal Canadian Legion still saving lives

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Volunteers of the cash-strapped Royal Canadian Legion Branch 101 are busy these days making face masks to help save lives and raise funds for their programs.

Branch 101, at 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W., near Brown’s Line, has released a great selection of styles and colours of cotton masks which are for sale on their website. The masks cost $10 each and can be delivered to your door.

Local president Jeff Ankenmann says 101, like most Branches, have lost all their revenue this year from hall rentals and events which were cancelled due to the COVID-19.

Most of the Legion branches are shut and programs cancelled.

“We had to do something to raise funds and get back on our feet,” Ankenmann says. “Now we have about six volunteers sewing from their homes to make all the masks.”

He says the masks will be available on what would normally be their biggest day for generating funds, which is Canada Day on July 1.  This year though all programming for Canada Day is cancelled or scaled back due to the pandemic.

Ankenmann says a large selection of pre-packaged masks will be available for sale in a “drive-through” service in the parking lot of the legion on July 1.

“There will be tables set up with all the well-made, safe cotton masks,” he says. “They are available in various colours and sizes that are made to order.”

The Branch hopes to raise about $5,000 from the sale of the masks to continue with some of their much-needed programs.

The legion has sold more than 100 of the facial coverings and are producing hundreds more for sale on Canada Day.

You can also order your mask by visiting their website at www.legion101.com or by email at legion101@rogers.com or calling Jeff at 647-523-8555.

 

June is Indigenous History Month to celebrate our heritage

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June is National Indigenous History Month, which is a time to honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

This month provides us an opportunity to recognize the strength of present-day Indigenous communities across the land.

June 21 is celebrated as National Indigenous Peoples Day, which gives all Canadians a chance to celebrate with Indigenous Peoples and learn some of their customs or history.

National Indigenous History Month is a time for learning about, appreciating and acknowledging the contributions First Nations, Inuit and Métis people have made in shaping Canada.

It’s important to keep in mind that First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples each have their own unique histories. And within each group, there are distinct histories.

The federal government this year have postponed ceremonies to mark the events due to COVID-19 and have launched virtual or online Indigenous stories, traditions and culture to keep us connected.

It is important for Canadians to know Indigenous history to prevent another tragic situation like the one in which Indigenous Peoples were physically from their lands onto reserves or settlements.

It is estimated that 150,000 Indigenous children were forced into the residential schools that operated from the late 1800s until the last one closed in 1996.

In addition to removing them from their lands, everything that made them who they were, like their distinct cultural practices, languages or spirituality, was outlawed, prohibited or erased.

While at the schools the children were taught or forced to accept that they, their families and cultures were inferior to European culture and lifestyle. The children learned to be ashamed of their identity. It has been a struggle for many individuals and communities ever since to relearn, regain, and revitalize what was stripped away from them.

For more visit www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca

Humane Society launches give what you can campaign

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The Etobicoke Humane Society (EHS) has launched a Give What You Can campaign to help replace badly-needed funds lost due to COVID-19.

The EHS had to cancel several large fundraising events in the last few months due to the pandemic.

“We know that everyone has been impacted by this pandemic, which includes your ability to give,” EHS officials said in a release. “By donating in June, you’ll be giving us an even better chance of continuing to care for our shelter pets and continue to rescue animals in need.”

The society had to cancel or postpone several events due to social distancing restrictions and is currently projecting a shortfall of $85,000.

“While our shelter has reserves in the bank to ensure we’re able to weather difficult times, we rely on various events for a significant portion of our fundraising,” officials warned.

“We recognize COVID-19 has affected everyone, including their ability to give.”

They are appealing to supporters to give what they can and will be staging a number of virtual online fundraisers in the coming months.

Please note that during the month of June every $1 donated to EHS through Canada Helps, with a minimum $3 donation, will enter the society into the Great Canadian Giving Challenge!

This Challenge is in full swing with a goal of raising $85,000 to make up for lost funds. The EHS stand a chance of winning $20,000 towards their goal.

“As a small shelter that relies entirely on fundraising and donations, $20,000 would make a huge difference in our ability to continue to provide a high level of care for our animals,” they said.

All donations of more than $20 are eligible for a tax receipt. You can also donate online at https://etobicokehumanesociety.com/give-what-you-can/

 

Humber Bay Shores residents say new fountain is across from lake

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As City workers get ready to lay sod around an ornamental fountain in the Jean Augustine Park at Humber Bay Shores, some residents are asking if the elaborate structure is really necessary since it is across the street from Lake Ontario.

The ornamental fountain is replacing a pond that previously stood there.  City workers are expected to complete the job by the middle of June.

Many condo-dwellers at Humber Bay Shores are having second thoughts about the ornamental fountain and the almost $700,000 it cost, which they say could have been more wisely spent.

“I think a fountain is totally unnecessary here especially if we want to keep this park and natural environment,” architect Riya Sarker says on social media. “There is a lake to look at, why do we need a fountain.”

Sarker admits “the fountain doesn’t do anything to this lakefront park, just turns it into artificial manmade space.”

Louisa Sislian calls the project “a big eyesore and the design doesn’t match the setting.”

“What a waste of our money,” Sislian writes.

Randy Barba stresses the fountain is a waste of money since it is across the street from the lake. He says the space could have been used as a children’s playground.

“This fountain will go down as one of the most Humber Bay Shoresy things to ever happen in Humber Bay Shores,” Barba swears.

Resident Viktoria Palfi says “building that fountain on the lakefront is like building an artificial lake in Muskoka.”

“Wondering when we might see the fountain up and running,” Susan Jones asked. “A little joy goes a long way in this difficult time.”

Anne Wynne predicts a fence or barrier may have to be put around the fountain for safety reasons.

That leads to Joya Canadese who is asking how deep the structure will be and “would it be dangerous for small children.”

 

Artist Moises Frank paints murals of Blacks in Graffiti Ally

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Long Branch Neighbourhood Association mural lead Moises Frank has been busy drawing Black figures in Toronto’s Graffiti Ally during recent protests for racial equality.
Frank, whose art graces the Eight Street Skatepark, is well-known in the area and has done other work to beautify spaces in Long Branch and the community.
He and Jessey Pacho, co-organized the “graffiti jam,” as their way to speak out against the oppression they are seeing.
They put out a call and about 40 artists from the Toronto area and Montreal converged in Graffiti Ally, near Spadina Ave. and Queen Street W. to pay tribute to George Floyd and other Black figures through their art.
Joining the other murals in the ally are illustrations of Martin Luther King, Jr., Floyd, whose death led to global protests after he was killed by a Minneapolis cop on May 25; and Breonna Taylor, 26, who was killed by Kentucky police in her home last March.
The alley is a tourist hotspot since its buildings have been gradually covered over the years with bright-coloured sketches and paintings.
Moises has recently worked for the NBA Allstar game, Converse Canada and last year drew a fantastic departing mural of former Toronto Raptor Kawhi Leonard after the team won the championship.
 

All star slugger Joey Votto loved growing up in Mimico

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One of Etobicoke’s top baseball star Joey Votto says he wept after watching a video of George Floyd’s murder by a police officer and then considering his life of white privilege.

Votto, 36, who was raised in Mimico, says he has many Black friends who are professional baseball players, whom he talked too, without listening to their plight.

He had just finished reading “A Long Walk to Freedom,” the autobiography of Nelson Mandela, about his 27-year prison sentence for fighting racism in South Africa.

In a column for the Cincinnati Enquirer on June 7, the athlete wrote at first he refused to watch the video of Floyd’s murder when asked by a Black teammate.

“I wept,” Votto wrote after watching the video the next day. “I texted my friend back and apologized.”

The 2010 National League MVP and member of the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame talked about his Etobicoke upbringing and his views on race.

“I was raised in Mimico,” the first baseman wrote. “It is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.”

He was selected by the Cincinnati Reds in 2002 and at the age of 18 began his career, traveling around the U.S. on buses, growing up in clubhouses that were predominantly divided between whites and Latinos.

“Most of our minor league teams had a few African American players,” Votto reflects. “And perhaps because of where I was raised, I found myself most comfortable with the group of Americans who weren’t white.”

“For five years, I shared hotel rooms with my African-American teammates,” he wrote. “We shared pizzas, played video games, and listened to music together. We developed friendships. I look back on these years as some of the best of my life.”

The athlete saw “glimpses of racism that should have opened my eyes to the realities of being a Black man in America.”

“My teammates, my friends, the ones that I shared great times with, faced prejudices that I never did and when they shared their experiences … I did not hear them,” he noted.

His privilege kept him from understanding the ‘why’ behind Colin Kaepernick’s decision to kneel during the national anthem.

“That privilege allowed me to ignore my black teammates’ grievances about their experiences with law enforcement, being profiled, and discriminated against,” he grieved. “And that privilege has made me complicit in the death of George Floyd, as well as the many other injustices that Blacks experience in the U.S. and my native Canada … No longer will I be silent.”

Votto made his Major League debut with the Cincinnati Reds in 2007 and is a six-time National League All-Star. He is one of the top players in major league baseball.

 

 

The Pompeys’ raising funds for gear for frontline workers

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Well-known Toronto ‘Dancing Cowboy’ Ken Pompey and his famous baseball player son, Dalton, are on a mission to help frontline workers obtain much-needed personal protective equipment.

The elder Pompey is Co-founder and Managing Director of No Wait Walk-in, an online gateway to total health care under one integrated network.

He is best known as the ‘Dancing Cowboy,’ some 30-years ago when he was a top dancer on the Electric Circus TV show that ran on MuchMusic and Citytv from 1988 to 2003 and was filmed at the station’s Queen St. W. studios.

Dalton, who was born in Mississauga, is no slouch either and played major league baseball as a centre fielder for the Toronto Blue Jays from 2014 to 2016.

Today he and Dalton have teamed up to get hospitals, and other healthcare professionals, some much needed personal protective equipment through their No Wait Medical Foundation.

They are taking part in a campaign with Great Lakes Brewery to raise funds to purchase hospital grade masks, gloves, gowns and goggles for Mississauga’s Credit Valley Hospital to protect medical professionals at the forefront of patient care.

For each and every can of Electric Circus Tropical Pale Ale sold, Great Lakes will donate $.75 (per can) to Ken and Dalton to help them obtain the much-needed gear.

“Our brewery is extremely grateful to all the hardworking women and men in our terrific healthcare system who continue to help battle COVID-19 day in and day out,” GLB officials say.

“We are thrilled to work with Ken and Dalton to get these amazing individuals, and organizations, the protective equipment they need in order to keep themselves, and our communities safe.”

You can help the Daltons’ reach their medical goal by purchasing cans or cases of Electric Circus from GLB’s online shop at info@greatlakesbeer.com or by visiting nowaitwalkin.com to make a donation.