The South Etobicoke News

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

Coalition pushes for defunding of Toronto Police

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The push for Toronto Police to be defunded is underway

City residents have their last chance to weigh in on virtual public consultations about police reform today.

This takes place as protesters plan to take to the streets demanding that the force be defunded.

The Toronto Police Services Board’s fourth and final town hall on “police accountability, reform and community safety priorities” is expected to take most of the day.

Late last month, city council voted against a cut to the force’s budget, but proposed a series of changes to policing including anti-racism measures and the implementation of body cameras.

But a group organizing the protest, called No Pride in Policing Coalition, says that doesn’t go nearly far enough.

The coalition sent demands to the police board some of which include: no body cameras; no to expanding the police budget; defunding the budget by 50%; demilitarizing the police; removing cops in schools; decriminalize poverty, drugs, HIV and sex work; and dismantling Special Constables and TTC Fare inspectors.

The NPPC is a group of queer and trans people formed in 2018 to support all the demands that Black Lives Matter Toronto raised at the 2016 Pride Toronto parade. They support BLM TO in their demand for a 50% cut to the Toronto Police Services budget.

 

Indigenous artists sought to perform at summer camp

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If you are an Indigenous artist, this may be an opportunity for you.

Lakeshore Arts is seeking to engage and hire two Indigenous artists for a week-long virtual At Home Summer Camp.

Artists are responsible for facilitating activities of their choosing and all interactions with campers will be virtual to uphold social distancing rules, according to Lakeshore Arts.

Responsibilities will include preparation work leading up to the camp, as well as hosting virtual workshops with youth over online video conferencing applications (Zoom) throughout the week of the camp.

The goal of Lakeshore Arts is to bring Indigenous arts and culture into the camper’s summer experience. If you are interested contact communityprograms@lakeshorearts.ca

 

New plan to convert Campbell Soup site for other use

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Campbell Soup has been in our community for almost 90-years and plans are being made to reconvert the old soup plant to last another century.

Officials of QuadReal Property Group, of Vancouver, B.C., on July 4 filed a Site Plan Approval Application to Community Planning Section of the Etobicoke York Community Council for the redevelopment of the former Campbell Soup site at 60 Birmingham Ave.

The plant was a major soup producer and employed hundreds or area residents when constructed in 1931. It brought crops from many area farmers and hired generations of families.

The site was purchased by QuadReal in 2018, who has been busy designing new plans.

The 18.8 acre property is designated Core Employment Area, which permits a range of manufacturing, warehousing and other office type uses.

The company is planning to install three large warehouses that will provide manufacturing and office space, which can be rented out to entrepreneurs or small companies who want to be close to Toronto.

QuadReal intends to extend the ‘employment legacy and redevelop the property into a leading Class ‘A’ last-mile urban distribution and logistics facility’,’ the proposal says.

The company says a “rapid densification of Toronto has put stress on supply chains seeking to meet increasing urban demand from traditional suburban and rural distribution hubs.”

It said evolving consumer expectations in terms of “just-in-time” delivery and e-commerce has fueled tenant requirements to locate closer to their urban consumer bases, reducing total transportation costs and minimizing variability of delivery times.

The plan is calling for three massive single storey warehouse buildings, two of which are connected by 36,954-square-metres of floor area along with the retention of portions of the existing 1931 and 1944 building facades along Birmingham St.

“The development has been designed with strong urban design principles to ensure contextually responsive integration with the surrounding community,” the plan says.

The architect says the proposed development has been designed with strong urban design principles to ensure contextually responsive integration with the surrounding community, particularly to the sensitive residential uses to the east and south of the site.

QuadReal is a global real estate investment, operating and development company. QuadReal manages the real estate and mortgage programs of British Columbia Investment Management Corporation (BCI), one of Canada’s largest asset managers with a $153.4 billion portfolio.

QuadReal manages a $37.6 billion portfolio spanning 23 cities in 17 countries

No hearing dates has been set at this time. The plan has to be voted on by City Council.

Etobicoke Community Concert Band silenced by COVID

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Some members of the Etobicoke Community Concert Band got together on Canada Day to celebrate the country’s birthday but may have to wait a while yet to celebrate their own. Helen, John and Dave (left to right) gathered at Applewood Shaver House to perform a version of O’ Canada on the steps.

It may be a while yet before the band is able to do a full show because of COVID 19. The COVID restrictions affect rehearsals as well as performances.

The popular and well-known band had to cancel shows in March and May as well as its summer concert in the park series.

The next scheduled show is October 30 when the band hopes to celebrate its 25th anniversary but that show may also have to be cancelled if there are still COVID restrictions in effect.

You can get updated information on the band at https://www.eccb.ca/

 

Pizza maker with a heart of dough that he shares with youth

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A Long Branch pizza maker is receiving high praise on social media for his treatment of local school kids with little or no money.

Adriano, of Adriano’s Pizza, at 3329 Lake Shore Blvd. W., is known to hand out bottles of cold water, or maybe a few slices, to area kids in distress walking by.

“It’s all about the little things we do in life,” Adriano says. “You treat the kids good now and you will have a friend for life.”

He regularly donates his tasty pies to a range of charities, which has been slow lately due to COVID-19.

Adriano has presented to at-risk children expensive running shoes or items of clothing given to him by others.

“One time I saw one kid and his shoes had holes and his feet was wet,” he recalls. “I had a nice shoe here at the store and I gave it to him. He still comes back.”

Area resident Jenn Samson says a “gaggle of teens were walking by” when they were called into Adriano’s shop and left a few minutes later with candies in their hands and giggles on their faces.

“That man is the best guy ever!” one kid said, with the other agreeing.

“Teens aren’t always the most top-paying customers,” Samson says in an online post. “A lot of restaurants accept the business, but find teens loud and annoying.”

She recalls a restaurant in Mimico that treated kids fondly in the 1980s and they still talk about the place lovingly to this day.

“It makes a huge impact on them in a world that rolls their eyes on this stage of life,” she says.

It’s nostalgic to see a business owner not only take pride in their business, but looking out for our kids and being there for them to even just put a smile on their faces, she wrote.

“Bunch of teens laughing and chatting and eating lollipops,” Samson notes. “It was a sight to see.”

“Absolutely best pizza and reasonably price,” Helena Walker-Macinnis wrote about Adriano’s Pizza on social media. “This lakeshore pizza is delicious.”

The social media posting obtained more than 68 comments from area residents who have declared their love for Adriano’s Pizza.

Adriano gets a ‘like’ for sharing his care and respect with our younger citizens in these trying times.

Oscar Peterson’s ex-wife Sandy who had roots here passes away

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Sandra Cynthia Andrews Peterson, the former wife of acclaimed musician Oscar Peterson, has passed after an accidental fall down a flight of stairs.

Sandy, who had strong links to south Etobicoke, was 83.

Born in Kirkland Lake, she was a graduate of Etobicoke Collegiate and Toronto General Hospital School of Nursing, according to her obituary, which states she passed away on June 27.

Sandy worked at Toronto General as an Operating Room (OR) nurse during the beginning of open heart surgeries. She became Head OR nurse there and at Grace Hospital in Toronto.

“Soon thereafter, she met, fell in love with and married jazz pianist, Oscar Peterson, and she travelled most of the world with him from the 60’s and first part of the 1970’s,” according to the family.

It was during that time that Sandy and soon-to-be eight-time Grammy Awards winner Oscar lived at Amadeo Garden Court in Mimico for a number of years, where they spent a lot of time at the local stores and at Marie Curtis and area parks.

A mural of Oscar is now in the Lake Shore Village Wall of Legends with others who helped to transform the area.

The couple divorced in 1974 and she began working in the customer service department of Sears Canada.
Sandy later married James Andrews and moved to Nashville for 12 years before returning to Canada, to requalify as a registered nurse before joining Collingwood General and Marine Hospital from which she retired on her 80th birthday.
A busy person, she was an avid golfer and bridge player and was very involved with Probus, the Cinema Club and book clubs, as she was a voracious reader and a lover of all music, especially jazz. She was a philanthropist, a wonderful cook and fabulous baker.

“Always there to help any and all of her friends and family she was an extremely generous woman loved by all,” according to her obituary. “She had incredible presence in any situation with a smile and infectious laugh that could be heard everywhere.”
The family wish to thank the medical staff at both Collingwood General and Marine Hospital and Sunnybrook Hospital Critical Care Unit for the extraordinary care given to Sandy. Collingwood Hospital, in particular, went above and beyond in both the care and kindness given to Sandy and that shown to the family.

 

Beware of most recent scams that police say are targeting seniors

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 Toronto Police officers are warning seniors in our community to be wary of two of the most-recent types of frauds that are targeting the elderly.

Detectives from 11 Division say in the first scheme seniors are targeted at various grocery stores as they are observed by fraudsters using their pin for debit cards or purchases.

Police say the seniors are then approached in the parking lot by one or two suspects who claim to provide assistance for those loading items into their car.

“At this time seniors are being pick-pocketed for their debit card,” police said in a release. “Please be cautious and protect your PIN number.”

Police say in the second scheme the suspect claims to be a police officer, who tells victims to hold on to their cash or jewelry at home, since they have information that thieves are coming to their home or bank to commit a robbery.

“The suspects pose as police who are requesting individuals to leave money for an officer to pick up at their home for safe keeping,” according to the police.

“Anyone contacted by a person posing as a police officer or other person they must trust, do not comply with any instructions to leave money for pick up tor safe keeping.”

You can reach police at 416-808-1100.

Residents ecstatic by opening of new pot store

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Another cannabis accessory store has joined the fray to better serve consumers in South Etobicoke.

Many New Toronto residents are jubilant that Aim High Canada, is opening up at 2781 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Second Street.

Aim High conducted a soft-launch on July 1 that was advertised on social media.

“We design and sell our own Smoke Arsenal  Brand,” says company director Kazim Nathani. “We look forward to working closely with the community.”

The store is lined with all kinds of specially-designed glass pipes, bongs and other smoking and marijuana accessories.

“They’re a licensed shop,” says area resident Mike Langevin. “Kinda a shame that the head shop that was in that location for 20 years before them couldn’t get a license.”

The store was previously called Petite Amsterdam, which served the area’s marijuana lifestyle community for two decades until recently closed.

There are three accredited stores in South Etobicoke selling marijuana-related products. They include the Cannabis Superstore, at 2775 Lake Shore Blvd. W., which has been there for several years and specializes in growing the plant.

Cloud Heads, at 3341 Lake Shore Blvd. W., specializes in hemp products. And The Emerald Isle, at 374 Brown’s Line, specializes in bongs and other smoking devices.

More stores are undergoing screening by Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario officials and includes applications by 4 Mimico Ave., 5160 Dundas St. W., near Kipling Ave., 418 The Westway, near Martingrove Rd., at 1735 Kipling Ave., near Dixon Rd., and 3112A Bloor St. W., near Brentwood Rd.

E-mail your resume to aimhighmeds@yahoo.com

 

Party and hang your flags up high on Canada Day

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Fly your flags high and be proud!

Merchants in the Lakeshore Village BIA are urging residents and others get out and display their Canadian flags tomorrow to honour our front-line emergency workers who show their true colours every day in battling COVID-19.

The BIA’s campaign calls on residents to shop locally and express thanks to the many area front-line workers by putting up Canadian flags or a drawing of a flag on their home or store windows.

“Say thank you to our front-line workers by putting up a Canadian flag or drawing of our flag,” says Kris Korwin-Kuczynski, Chair of the Lakeshore Village BIA. “Let’s show our heroes some love and respect.”

The BIA is also lobbying to have a public holiday declared in honour of the Canadian flag. February 15 was declared the National Flag of Canada Day in 1965.

This year most in-person events were cancelled due to the virus.

The CN Tower will be celebrating Canada Day with a 15-minute light show beginning at 10 p.m.

The fireworks will be streamed at www.cntower.ca and accompanied with a playlist featuring music by a diverse group of Canadian artists simulcast on CHUM FM, 104.5.

There is also a virtual all-star program in which residents will see over 50 artists perform, including Haviah Mighty, Gordon Lightfoot, Jully Black, Kardinal Offishall, Choir! Choir! Choir!, Ali Hassan, Cris Derksen, The Next Generation Leahy and more.

An emphasis on Toronto culture is part of the event, with some performances happening both live and pre-recorded from venues around the city like the newly renovated El Mocombo.

Canada Day 2020 livestreams will be available on July 1 beginning at 9 a.m.​ on YouTube.

Don’t forget your downloadable Celebration Kits are also available for free and include Canada-themed crafts, games, recipes, outdoor activities and more.

 

Residents welcome farmers’ market back next week

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Humber Bay Park residents are delighted that their farmers’ market is finally being reopened on July 4.

Organizers have drawn a list of rules and say that face covering will be required to attend the market.

They say no pets will be allowed in the market, neither will there be eating, drinking or sampling allowed.

“Capacity is limited, so please shop quickly so others can enjoy,” the organizers posted on Facebook.

They said physical distancing protocols will be followed and there will be a single entrance, exit and one-way traffic

The market will run every Saturday until mid-October, at Humber Bay Park West, and is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Customers are asked to use debit or credit cards when possible.

Many people in the area welcome the market after months housebound due to COVID-19. Some other residents were complaining on social media that they could not take their pets with them to the market.