The South Etobicoke News

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

Residents complain of dozens of fires being set on our beaches

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Irate Humber Bay Shores residents say little is being done about the illegal fires and boozing that goes on most nights on their beaches.

Resident Joel Batters says enough is enough in a letter posted on social media to Councillor Mark Grimes in which he says he “ventured out into basically a full-out rave.”

There were “literally hundreds of people having fires, drinking, bbq’ing and partying on our beaches.”

“This has got to stop,” Batters pleaded. “Our neighbourhood is becoming an excuse for groups of people to come and do essentially whatever they please, and apparently even having a Toronto Fire presence isn’t making a difference.”

Toronto Police say dozens of fires are being set nightly by partiers in all our major parks, which includes Marie Curtis, Col. Samuel Smith and Humber Bay Park, which has the largest density of people living nearby.

Police have launched an educational campaign to remind residents that lighting fires in the parks are illegal and can lead to a fine of $360.

Fire officials have received dozens of calls in recent weeks about fires being illegally set in different parks as part of drinking parties that can include up to 20 or more people.

Sgt. Lhawang Jongdong says some of the fires are left lit by departed partiers and can possibly cause bush fires.

Police and firefighters took part in inspecting some of the worst areas on July 4.

“We want to let people know that it is illegal to light a fire in city parks,” Jondong says.

Police say the situation is so bad that more than 60 fires were burning at some points on July 1 in area parks.

“There were people coming in to the parks with bundles of wood.”  he says. “It is very dry out there and these fires can easily get out of hand.”

Officers are also advising park users they must leave by 11 p.m.

 

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.

New Toronto was mecca for Canadian wallpaper industry

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Local historians agree that Menzies’ Wallpaper Factory was one of the earlier companies to set up shop in New Toronto. Some say when Menzies moved in their plant was lit by oil lanterns.

The company made fine wallpaper products that was popular with women who wanted the decorative designs to grace their walls.

The Menzies’ company was purchased in 1903 by Reg. N. Boxer, dubbed the ‘Master Makers of Wallpapers,’ which became well-known for their ‘Maixmur,’ later ‘Resistolite’ brand of wall coverings.

Reg. N. Boxer and three other companies in 1927 formed the Canadian Wallpaper Manufacturing Ltd., (CWM), which had four plants that exported the south Etobicoke made products around the world.

The company was located at the so-called ‘Boxer Building,’ at 222 Islington Ave., which has been deemed a historical building. The McDonald Stamping Works Building, which is part of the Boxer Building complex, is deemed one of the oldest surviving industrial buildings in New Toronto.

The plant was one of the largest wallpaper factories in Canada which operated from 1903 to about 1963, as the industry blossomed with different brands and products being introduced.

The company’s colour department became the Dominion Colour Corporation in 1946, which supplied inks to many industries that were booming at the time. Dominion Colour is still in operation today at the same location producing inks.

“From original art to final printing, it is human skill and ability that make Canadian wallpapers so widely famous,” the company said in its marketing materials.

For decades wallpaper manufacturing was one of the more important industry in the area, employing hundreds of residents in the printing, designing and producing an assortment of wall coverings.

For 60-years CWM operated in New Toronto and was part of the community. The company had a whopping payroll of more than $2 million yearly and used then ultra-modern machinery to produce some of the ‘highest quality wallpaper in the world.’

The Boxer name remained in use until about 1959, while CWM continued until 1978 when, as Sunworthy, the company relocated to Brampton.

 

Former Reeve Ozzie Waffle was Etobicoke’s top salesman

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Former Etobicoke Reeve H. O. (Ozzie) Waffle was an Royal Canadian Air Force veteran, car salesman and top booster of our community in a time of expansion.

Waffle, the owner of Islington Ford dealership at Dundas St. W. and Islington Ave. for more than 40-years, was a Reeve for the township of Etobicoke from 1957 to 1962, when things were booming.

He is timely today since during his two terms Etobicoke was busy catering to a post-war population explosion that led to the township offices being  moved to a new civic centre at 399 The West Mall, which served us well for more than 50-years.

The Etobicoke centre is being moved again to the former Westwood Theatre site at Six Points. The new location will be closer to transit and is slated to include a recreation centre, library, child care centre, public square and improved office space.

Waffle loved flight and served as chair of the Metro Civil Defence Organization and Queensway Hospital. It was under his tenure in 1958 that a young Queen Elizabeth visited Etobicoke to be met by thousands of her adoring subjects.

He is described ‘as a self-appointed leader of his community,’ for helping others during Hurricane Hazel in October 1954, when he organized a shortwave radio communications centre during the flooding to help others obtain clothing, food supplies and fuel.

“He helped to provide emergency heating for the children’s hospital and as one of Etobicoke’s leading auto dealers, got a truck convoy system working,” according to news at the time.

Waffle made a name for himself in 1958 by voting for a monorail system, rather than a subway, which was approved by Metro Council. Then Toronto Mayor Nathan Phillips was pushing for a subway which council approved 16 to 8.

Waffle, and partner, George Ledingham, started Islington Ford in 1946 after returning from military service after WW11. The dealership was merged with others in 1985 to create Thorncrest Sherway Inc.

He passed away in March 1980 and a tribute was paid to him in the Ontario Legislature for his love for Etobicoke.

“He was a great salesman for Etobicoke,” MPP John Palmer MacBeth said in the House. “He put Etobicoke on the map in the days of its expansion.”

MacBeth said: ”I guess there wasn’t a conference around Canada he didn’t attend and make well known where he was from. He was a builder in Etobicoke, a man of optimism.”

He said Waffle suffered from a debilitating disease that kept him handicapped for the last 10 years of his life, and yet continued to contribute to the welfare of the community.

Health and Wellness with fitness expert Adrianne Szabo-Payne

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Allow your body to start from scratch.

What is it about Spring or Fall cleaning that gets you excited? Do you feel uplifted, lighter, freer?

Now consider how cleansing your body periodically would make you feel. I’m not talking about the obvious showering, brushing your teeth, etc. I’m talking about a nutritional cleanse to help move out toxins and provide the body with a good reset. Unless you engage in daily self-care and eat a super clean diet, overtime your body will retaliate and show signs of early aging, chronic illness, or disease.

The environmental, physical and psychological stress and toxins that we are exposed to on a daily basis take a toll on our organs and systems. Periodic cleansing can lead to clearer thinking, elimination of allergies, better energy levels and sleep quality, and releases stubborn fat.

A number of cleanse programs exist on the market today. The key is to find what resonates with you and works with your lifestyle.

You can start with the basics – removal of processed foods, refined sugars, artificial foods, caffeine, etc.

Anything that is deprived of nutrients should be eliminated. From there you can take a number of different paths. There are kits you can pick up at your local health food store that can support your major organs through the cleanse, but these aren’t specifically necessary.

Most cleanses incorporate an element of fasting and tend to be comprised of juiced fruits, vegetables, roots and herbs, so they are nutrient dense and loaded with vitamins and minerals.

Depending on the cleanse you select, be mindful of the number of calories you are taking in. Most cleanses can be low in protein and fat, leaving you feeling hungry, craving sweets, and low on energy.

You may also experience headaches and spontaneous 24-hour colds if your body is detoxing too quickly.

Therefore, it is important to drink lots of cleansing fluids like water, lemon juice, and herbal teas. You can also consider adding a spoonful of chia to your cleanse drink to help boost fibre for better elimination, and provide protein and fat for energy.

Whichever path you choose, make sure to consult your family physician or a nutritionist if you are already living with compromised health.

Completing a cleanse 1-2 times a year is a good idea. Cleansing and supporting your organs and systems makes it easier to fight infection, handle stress, and can help prevent more serious issues down the road.

If you would like more information on nutritional cleanse programs, or would like to join our cleansing community, feel free to drop us an email at info@monkeytreewellness.com.

Happy cleansing.

Also connect with Adrianne on Facebook at @monkeytreefitness or #monkeytreefitnesswellness on Instagram or visit her site at www.monkeytreewellness.com

 

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

 

These Spice Girls are creating a hot name for themselves

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They are often called the Spice Girls.

Local entrepreneurs Shelly Ann McLeod and friend Amber Jackson Joseph are busy working on building their brand of peppers, spices and body care products.

McLeod started Kams Seasoning and Hot Sauce from her Sixth St. apartment kitchen two years ago and sales have been spicy hot since.

Her line of Caribbean-style seasonings and hot sauce are fruit flavoured and inspired from her mom’s recipe back in her native Trinidad and Tobago and Haiti.

“I have customers who regularly come back for my seasonings and hot sauce,” McLeod says.

The flavourful sauces come in a range of fresh fruits; which includes papaya, cherry berry, pineapple and mango. It sells for less than $10 a bottle.

She says sales of her goods have been encouraging and already she is involved in other enterprises.

McLeod with Joseph operate Shhhhh Design and Body Bar, which sells a line of organic soaps, shampoos, bath soaks, body oils and other bath products.

“All our products are natural or organic,” Joseph vows. “We have some new products that we are still testing on our friends.”

Both women are dancers who perform for the Collective of Black Artists (COBA).

For more information or to buy their products contact McLeod at 416-738-9295.

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.

 

Council votes against defunding police budget, approves reforms

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Etobicoke councillor Mark Grimes was among the 16 politicians who voted against the 10% defunding of the Toronto Police Service $1.2 billion budget that was to go to community services.

Council on Monday voted 16 to eight against touching the police budget and opted for a series of reforms including the creation of a non-police response team for dealing with mental health calls and for all officers to have body-worn cameras by the start of next year.

The response team can be a life-saver and what has been sought by countless victims: including the family and friends of Ejaz Choudry, who have been protesting his death for almost a week.

Choudry, 62, who suffered from schizophrenia, was shot and killed by Peel Regional Police. The family say they had called police for a health check and did not expect Choudry to be killed  by police.

Mayor John Tory said his proposed changes, introduced last week, will reduce systemic racism within the force. He said cutting the service by an “arbitrary” number was misguided.

“It is not the right way to go about getting real change, effective change, fair change, good change,” the mayor said. “I don’t want us to be focused on a number; I want us to be focused on making change that needs to be made.”

Councillors Josh Matlow and Krystin Wong-Tam had called for a 10 per cent cut of the police budget, arguing the $150 million could be put to better use by investing in community programs.

Council heard that such a cut would mean the loss of about 1,000 officers and could take years to implement because of collective bargaining agreements with the police union.

Police say there are currently eight mobile crisis intervention teams, which include a police officer and a nurse trained in dealing with those have mental health emergencies.

Police Chief Mark Saunders say the teams do not operate 24-hours per day and are not the primary responders. They are dispatched once patrol officers have arrived and evaluated the situation.

Mental health calls make up about 30,000 of the nearly one million calls police respond to every year, or about 82 calls a day.