The South Etobicoke News

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

Premier Ford tightens up saying we face tough times ahead as we battle COVID-19 and variants

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TOUGH times are ahead in our fight with the virus, according to the province.

Premier Ford with his officials with more anti-virus restrictions.

 

The COVID-19 squeeze is being tightened for everyone and this summer in Toronto will be no exception since nearly all major headline celebration or event has been postponed or scaled back.

Starting on April 19 the province is restricting interprovincial travel, extending the state of emergency and stay-at-home order by two weeks, until at least May 20.

Premier Doug Ford said on Friday that the infection and hospitalization rates continue to hit records and placing a strain on hospital beds.

On Monday Ontario will set up checkpoints at interprovincial borders to restrict land travel between Quebec and Manitoba to essential travel only.

Travellers who are coming into Ontario for purposes other than work, medical care, transportation of goods and exercising Indigenous treaty rights will be turned back at the border, officials said. There are no new restrictions on air travel within Canada.

For the first time in Ontario since the pandemic started, police officers will have the authority to require people to provide their home address and purpose for not being at their residence.

“We need to step up enforcement and we need to focus on those who are deliberately putting others at risk by ignoring the stay-at-home order,” the Premier said on Friday.

Police will have the ability to stop vehicles to inquire about and reason for people leaving their homes.

Ford said outdoor gatherings will be limited and all outdoor recreation amenities, such as golf courses, playgrounds, basketball court, and soccer fields, will be forced to close as April 17.

Outdoor gatherings with people outside of a person’s own household are also prohibited. For people living alone, they can gather with one other household.

The government says non-essential construction will close, including construction at shopping malls, hotels, and office towers.

Places of worship will be capped at a maximum of 10 people indoors.

“Those gathering in large groups are continuing to put themselves and others at risk so understand the restrictions will be strongly, strongly enforced because they must be,” he stressed.

Residents must remain at home at all times, with exceptions for essential purposes, such as going to the grocery store or pharmacy, accessing health care services, for exercise or for essential work.

Businesses across the province must ensure that any employee who can work from home, does work from home.

Non-essential stores must open no earlier than 7 a.m. and close no later than 8 p.m., including hardware stores, alcohol retailers, and those offering curbside pickup or delivery.

Capacity limits for in-person shopping in all retail settings where in person shopping is permitted, including supermarkets, grocery stores, convenience stores and stores that primarily sell food and pharmaceutical products, will be limited to 25 per cent capacity.

Dr. Adalsteinn Brown, the co-chair of the advisory table, stated during the modelling update that the chances of Ontario having a more normal summer with lower daily case numbers are slim and highly depend on vaccination rates and public health measures.

Modelling data suggests a third COVID-19 wave will continue into the summer if the current stay-at-home-order does not last at least six weeks and if Ontario does not support high-risk communities, as well as increase vaccinations.

 

 

Astrazeneca vaccines now available at Unicare Pharmacy at Kipling and Lake Shore

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GET your vaccinations now.

Astrazeneca vaccines to fight COVID-19 are now available at Guardian Unicare Pharmacy.

Some 300 Astrazeneca vaccinations are now available for those over the age of 55 who live in the New Toronto and Long Branch area.

It will be dispensed on a first-come basis.

The vaccines are available at Guardian Unicare Pharmacy, at 3170 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Kipling Ave.

Appointments are required to obtain the vaccines. You can phone 416-503-0013 or book an appointment or make one online at unicarepharmacy.ca

Pharmacy staff said many people did not show up for the Astrazeneca vaccine fearing a remote chance of blodclots. It takes about 15 minutes.

A second shot will be issued at a later date.

 

 

Artist pays lovely homage to the community by creating beautiful and informative maps

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JESSIE holding antique style, beautiful maps of Long Branch and Mimico, which are for sale. Photos by Tom Godfrey.

COMMUNITY Barber Andy Dinner (right), with coffee mug in hand, bought a map of  New Toronto from Jessie for his salon.

 

New Toronto artist Jessie Schutte is paying homage to the area by creating antique-looking historic maps that highlights different communities.

People seem to be liking the beautiful prints of New Toronto, Mimico and now she is working on a Long Branch map. They each contain local history and well-known businesses now gone.

There will only 100 copies of each print made and they look great when framed.

“So far we have sold more than 50 of the New Toronto maps,” says Schutte, a former school teacher. “People seem to like them.”

She is also a co-owner of the Big Guy’s Little Coffee Shop, at 2861 Lake Shore. Blvd. W., where the prints can be obtained.

Community barber Andy Dinner purchased one of the New Toronto pieces on the spot.

“I like it. New Toronto is where my business is,” Diner says. “I am putting this up in my store.”

Another woman was also querying about obtaining another piece of the lovely artwork.

Dinner promises to return to purchase one of Schutte’s coffee mugs. The mugs have photos of the various maps on their sides.

The Lake Shore map it turns out features a photo of a black fox, which residents swear, and have photos to prove, still roams the area.

There are also iconic images on the maps, which includes San Remo Bakery, Toronto South Detention Centre, Mimico Arena and Birds & Beans Coffee shop in Mimico.

The maps are $25 each and the mugs are two for $20. You can obtain information or place an order by emailing  jessie.schutte@me.com

Police warn of fake roofers and other tradespeople at this time of the year

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POLICE are warning of fake tradespeople who are defrauding homeowners.

BEWARE of who you hire to do work on your home.

 

Police are warning seniors and others to beware of men going around to homes claiming to be roofers or other trades people, when they may be there to steal from you.

The warning comes with the arrest by Halton Regional Police Service on April 9 of a man sought for multiple fraud charges dating back to 2017.

Police said the suspect had signed contracts, which stem from 2017 to 2019, with victims through Halton, Hamilton, Peel and other parts of Ontario for snow removal services, roofing services and cottage rentals.

The force’s Risk Mitigation Team located the suspect and he was arrested with the assistance of the Ottawa Police Service.

Police allege the contracts were signed under various company names.

Christopher McSwain, 40, of Gatineau, Quebec, is before the courts facing 12 counts of fraud under $5,000.

If you believe you have been the victim of a fraud offence please contact 22 Division at 416-808-2200.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

Police are warning residents that if a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

 

 

Private chopper makes emergency landing on Humber College grounds in heavy fog

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MANY area onlookers were keeping an eye on this helicopter as it landed safely on the grounds of Humber College due to heavy fog. Photo by Bill Zufelt.

Area residents are still shaking their heads after a private helicopter made an emergency landing near Humber College due to heavy fog.

The noise of the chopper drew the eyes of residents towards the sky as they watched, took photos, tweeted or sent texts as the vehicle laboured into landing near Humber College, just west of Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Kipling Ave.

Long Branch resident Bill Zufelt said the passengers appeared to be safe and there was no damage to the helicopter.

Zufelt said a “the private chopper landed in Long Branch due to heavy fog.”

Social media was busy with onlookers and others tracking and reporting on the ailing helicopter.

“We heard it flying in … terrifying really,” Judy Preston wrote on social media. “We were in the yacht club yard as it came in over us … total fog over the shoreline with very limited visibility.”

Witnesses said the black helicopter made the landing on soft grass after 1 p.m. on April 13 during a period of heavy fog in the area.

Megan Cassidy said the chopper appeared to be lost.

“Saw this flying over Marie Curtis Park and was concerned and confused,” Cassidy said. “Thanks for letting us know what happened.”

Doni Gom wrote the chopper was ‘behind the Humber College Lakeshore.”

Richard Nippalow said it ‘missed the Leafs practice by a day.”

Volodymyr Luts was monitoring the chopper.

“Good call on the pilot part hopefully everyone’s OK,” Luts said.

Buy a colourful, beautifully embroidered mask from Ukraine and support charity

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Ulana gives blood showing a face mask on sale to raise funds for charity. Courtesy photos.

INNA shows an embroidered face mask that is safe and looks great.

THE sale of these elaborate masks will raise funds to help the less fortunate.

Katia models a beautifully embroidered mask made in the Ukraine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New Toronto’s Catholic Women’s League of  Christ the Good Shepherd Parish St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church  have been raising funds by selling beautiful, uniquely embroidered face masks that were made in the Ukraine.

“Back in the spring of 2020 a few of us were looking for an exciting, different looking mask to spice up our wardrobes and to celebrate our Ukrainian heritage,” recalls campaign organizer Sonia Handziuk.

She says “through a family friend in Ukraine we found these beautiful masks and had a few sent over for our personal use.”

“Within the first few days friends in Canada had depleted us of our newly ordered supply of masks,” Handziuk says. “We have since ordered more masks and have been selling them through our Women’s League.”

The funds raised support a number of outreach projects in Canada as a seniors homes, and support for the homeless as well as orphanages in Ukraine.

A variety of styles and colours of masks are available. They are being sold for $15 each; $25 for two or $50 for five.

To order your mask please email  sonia.handziuk.03@gmail.com

Curbside pick up available.

Father Terry of Christ the Good Shepherd Parish (in small photo) is wearing one of the fashionable masks.

 

Councillor Matlow to propose plan to allow people to drink beer and wine in the parks this summer

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NEIGHBOURS and friends can enjoy a cool drink if Matlow’s proposal is approved. Courtesy photos.

COUNCILLOR Josh Matlow wants people to enjoy alcoholic drinks in their local parks.

 

Most people would love to enjoy a drink in one of our beautiful lakeside parks.

And South Etobicoke residents and businesses say they support a proposal calling on the city to allow people to drink beer and wine in the parks this summer.

Ward 12 councillor Josh Matlow plans to table a motion at an infrastructure and environment committee meeting on April 28 that proposes a pilot project to allow the consumption of alcoholic beverages lower than 15 per cent alcohol in parks and on beaches with bathroom facilities.

Matlow, in a letter to the committee, said the pilot would run from May 21 to October 31. During that time, drinking beer, cider and wine in parks and on beaches would be permitted between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.

He said the move would give people who can’t afford drinks at a restaurant or do not have outdoor spaces at home a safe option to drink outside during the pandemic.

“As we approach the second summer of the pandemic, public health officials recognize the reality that, especially after a year in isolation, people need to socialize,” Matlow wrote. “It is up to us to create environments where those connections with friends and family can be made in the safest way possible.”

He said by allowing public drinking doesn’t mean people will drink to excess, and loosening rules would allow enforcement officials to focus attention on offences such as littering, excessive noise and public urination.

He said last summer Council recognized the importance of being able to enjoy a drink outside by loosening restrictions on patios with the successful CafeTO program, which will be brought back this year. The program was successful for South Etobicoke bars and restaurants.

“Some residents will choose to enjoy a drink with loved ones in their backyards or on their balconies,” Matlow said. “These residents should not be left with unsafe options such as gathering indoors or, like many over the past year, choosing to drink illegally in parks.”

He said his motion seeks to increase and focus enforcement on problem behaviours that are already occurring by freeing up resources while loosening restrictions for responsible adults who wish to responsibly and safely enjoy a beer or glass of wine.

Cities like Montreal, London, Paris, and Sydney permit residents to drink in parks. Vancouver approved drinking in nine parks last year with many more scheduled to be opened up for alcohol this year.

He is requesting that as many parks and beaches have a bathroom facility, including portable toilets and to prohibit drinking alcohol near playgrounds and sports fields.

“This has to change,” Matlow said. “We don’t want people congregating indoors for a drink during a pandemic. Many live in apartments without a balcony.”

Chris Korwin-Kuczynski, Chair of the Lakeshore Village BIA, said he supports the proposal to get people outdoors with a drink if it is done properly.

“We have so many great parks in the community,” he said. “This can work if it is done in a responsible manner.”

Corrections Officer charged with two sexual assaults at Vanier Centre for Women

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CORRECTIONAL officer charged with two counts of sexual assault and breach of trust. Courtesy photos.

This arrest is of great interest due to a huge maximum security facility, the Toronto South Detention Centre, right here in the community which employs hundreds of workers.

A Correctional Services Officer is facing serious criminal charges in relation to the sexual assaults of two women in his care.

Members of the Halton Regional Police Service (HRPS) Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit have charged a 42-year-old Brampton man with two counts of sexual assault and two counts of breach of trust.

Halton police said they were made aware of a March 5 alleged sexual assault, which happened at the Vanier Centre for Women, in Milton.

“During the course of the investigation, a second victim was also identified stemming from a separate incident that also occurred on March 5,” the HRPS said in a release.

Dwayne Jason Thomas has been charged. He was released on an undertaking.

There is a ban on publication on details of the case.

The suspect will appear in court on April 13.

Victims of violence and/or sexual assault and witnesses are encouraged to contact the Halton Regional Police Service. Anyone with information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Child Abuse and Sexual Assault Unit at 905-825-4777 ext. 8970.

Tips can also be submitted anonymously to Crime Stoppers. “See something? Hear something? Know something? Contact Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or through the web at www.haltoncrimestoppers.ca

The Toronto South Detention Centre can house up to 1,650 remanded offenders awaiting trial, or serving two years or less. The Toronto Intermittent Centre (TIC) can house up to 320 inmates serving primarily weekend or other intermittent sentences.

Have your say on April 22 in the many developments taking place at the Christie Lands

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ARTIST concept of some of the development planned in the area. Courtesy photos.

 

A public meeting by video conference is being held on April 22 to address the Christie’s Secondary Plan Area, at Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Park Lawn Ave.

The meeting, which is being held by the City Clerk’s Office, will request to amend the Official plan and zoning by-law 569 2013.

It will take place at 9:30 a.m. by video conference. Details to access the conference was not provided.

According to a notice of public meeting, the purpose of the Official Plan and zoning by-law amendments are to introduce a new Secondary Plan for the lands, bounded by Lake Shore Blvd. W., Park Lawn Rd., and the Gardiner Expressway and to amend the zoning by-law.

The Secondary Plan provides area specific policies and set out the long term vision for a complete community centered on transit investment, job creation, community services and facilities, parks, open spaces and mixed land use.

The Secondary Plan also directs a phased in development of a new GO Station and a transit hub integrating the new GO Station, with TTC service, affordable housing, public and private streets, two public parks, recreation centre, library, daycare, community space and space for schools.

The Official Plan amendment will re-designate the lands as general employment areas, mixed used areas and parks.

The zoning by-law will permit 15 tall buildings, ranging in height from 28 to 69 stories and a variety of mid-rise buildings resulting in about 7,500 residential units.

Parking will be below grade with consolidated access and parking rates will be set in the by-law.

For more information contact the City Clerk’s Office at 416-397-457 or visit the city’s website at www.toronto.ca

 

Much-needed sandwiches being made by church volunteers to help feed the needy

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VOLUNTEER Jeannie with some of the sandwiches she made to help the less fortunate in the community.                                       

MORE FRESH sandwiches enroute to Haven on The Queensway to help the poor and needy.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Women from a New Toronto church group have banded together to make hundreds of delicious sandwiches for Haven on The Queensway to help feed the poor and needy in our community.

“We had heard about the Toronto volunteers of Sandwich Sisters, who prepare sandwiches in their own homes and deliver to those in need,” says Michelle Tkach, of the Ukrainian Catholic Womens’ League of Canada (UCWLC), at Christ the Good Shepherd Parish St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church, on Sixth Street.

The UCWLC has been helping others, funding orphanages, schools and families in need for more than 20 years.

“With the COVID-19 challenge we decided that we would focus on our own community and support those in need locally,” Tkach explains. “We loved this idea and began communication with this Toronto organization now with over 600 sandwich makers.”

She said Etobicoke Centre MPP Kinga Surma suggested the food be donated to Haven on The Queensway, at 1533 The Queensway, which has volunteers serving 150 families with basic necessities.

The staff at Haven on The Queenway had last year suspended its lunch service due to the pandemic and the much-needed sandwiches will help resume the lunch program.

“This is our fourth delivery of sandwiches prepared by our 13 volunteer sandwich makers,” she says. “Many have encouraging messages, cheese with treats included with their sandwich.”

She said the volunteers follow strict COVID-19 guidelines, including the wearing of masks and gloves, with the food delivered in coolers.

They have also attracted a high schooler who is earning community service hours as a volunteer.

If you would like to volunteer or contribute to this food drive you can check out Sandwich Sister Pod or Christ the Good Shepherd Parish St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church on Facebook. You can also contact Michelle by email at mtkach@rogers.com