The South Etobicoke News

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

Food items sought to help Leamington area farm workers

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Food donations are being sought to help Caribbean and Spanish-speaking migrant workers in the Leamington area, many who are suffering from COVID-19.

A Labour Caravan and Food Drive is taking place on September 6 to raise non-perishable food, which will be taken to the workers, who are confined to their farms.

The Public Service Alliance of Canada’s Racially Visible Members Committee is sponsoring the drive to help the farmers, many who are in isolation.

The group says that even though the workers have tested positive for the virus they are forced to work during the quarantine, rather than self-quarantine.

“The workers are forced to work on the farm and they are not allowed to leave the premises,” the group says in an online post.

They usually have to travel some distance from the farms to the local stores or restaurants to obtain their necessities.

Those with a partially- filled pantry are being encouraged to donate non-perishable food items to the Leamington farm worker’s food drive. Please email them at rvctoronto@gmail.com.

The group will get the food the ailing farmworkers.

About 10,000 farmworkers yearly leave their families at home to travel to Ontario to work in our agricultural and dairy farms. Most are from the Caribbean, Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and other countries.

Some have been coming here for 20-years or more.

The workers have been, and still are, hard hit by COVID-19 because they live and work in close quarters.

 

 

New Toronto residents angry about overturned planters and destroyed flowers

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It will make a gardener cry.

Concerned New Toronto residents are up in arms after massive planters with big blooms that decorate our sidewalks were destroyed with the plants inside rooted out and thrown on the road.

A number of photos have been posted on social media of some of the heavy black planters, which appeared to be hit by a vehicle, and others overturned on Lake Shore Blvd., with a trail of soil and plants left behind.

The destruction of the plants has angered many residents because they were “healthy and doing well this year.”

“This is vandalism, police could check nearby security videos,” suggests Louise Blazik. “Same type of people who leave their personal garbage scattered around our parks for others to pick up.”

Laura Baughman, a board member of the Lakeshore Viillage BIA, says a planter close to where she works was “totally destroyed” and she tried to save some of the flowers and plants that were inside.

“I too find it very upsetting,” she says. “The planter was on the road with a big dent in it. The plants were all over the place.”

Tree Gord Bowers reported that some of the planters were also wrecked near Thirtieth Street, where he lives.

Gail Parsons wrote that a number of planters were also targeted in Mimico.

Tommy Lundrigan observed that the planters may have likely been hit by a vehicle that kept on going.

“The plants were nice and healthy this year,” he says. “I am sad it (planter) has been destroyed.”

Katheerine MacLeod says the planters and plants are funded by the BIA.

The planters are maintained by the BIA, who will likely have to pay from their coffers to have them fixed or replaced.

“They are not cheap so it upset me when some of the planters along Lakeshore were damaged when contractors replaced some of our sidewalks,” she wrote.

She says the nursery who take care of the plants has been contacted and “we will have to wait and see.”

Police say they have had reports of some of the planters being overturned and are looking into it.

 

Humber College getting new Cultural Hub, residences and arts venues

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Humber College is probably the largest landholder in the Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Kipling Ave. area.

Now work is underway at the college’s Lakeshore Campus to construct two student residences, two performing arts venues and other learning spaces on the historic grounds.

Construction has begun on a new Humber Cultural Hub, which will be completed in 2024. It is designed by Diamond Schmitt Architects and being built by Ellis Don. It is one of a number of expansion and renovation projects that the college is undertaking.

The student residences will be eight and nine storeys tall, and will add rooms for up to 300 students. It will add 124,000 square feet of new living space, according to the plans.

The residences will rise up out of a two-storey podium that will have a new cafeteria and a new gym.

The Hub will also have two music and performing arts venues, one with 600 seats and another that can hold 150 people.

The venues can act as a potential destination for arts programs and even festivals in west Toronto, college officials say.

The Hub will be home to studios for recording, 3D animation, multimedia production, computer labs and an Indigenous classroom.

When it’s done, the project will connect to an existing library and a student residence..

College officials say the Hub will spark exciting possibilities for students, local cultural and creative industries and the community.

It will provide access to talent development, entrepreneurial supports and applied research, according to college information. It will also benefit culturally underserved local communities, build new appreciation and opportunities for the creative arts, attract new jobs and industries to the area and enrich the local economy.

Humber says his facility will enhance the training and career-readiness of students while allowing the college to solve business challenges for industry in the creative and performing arts.

“The Humber Cultural Hub will be a nexus for immersive, interdisciplinary performances, unique audience engagement and future focused pedagogical delivery that will enhance the Humber experience for students, faculty, alumni, industry and the community,” says Guillermo Acosta, a Senior Dean, of Faculty of Media and Creative Arts.

 

Drive Thru Ribfest taking place at Humber College South campus

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There’s nothing tastier than a piece of  barbeque rib in the summertime.

The community is being invited to a Ribfest Drive Thru barbeque taking place at Humber College South Campus on August 29 and 30.

The event starts at 11 a.m. and runs until 8 p.m. at the Lakeshore campus, at 3199 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Kipling Ave.

The Ribfest is presented by Humber College, Rotary Etobicoke and features award-winning ‘ribbers as Billy Bones BBQ, Uncle Sam’s BBQ Stand, Oklahoma Pistol Pete’s and Alabama’s Finest Camp 31.

“With Toronto beginning to reopen, come out and experience a classic summer favourite at our newly designed Ribfest drive-thru,” according to the event organizers. “Enjoy mouth-watering ribs all from the comfort of your vehicle!”

Organizers say Toronto Ribfest is a not-for-profit event that’s been taking place for 18 years.

They say more than 100,000 supporters attend yearly and donations raised go to helping those in need in the community.

So far, more than $3 million has been raised for Etobicoke local hospitals, community centers, schools, shelters, food banks and charities.

 

Cherished ‘welcome teams’ hockey banner gone missing

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Enough is enough.

Not only are the Toronto Maple Leafs out of the Stanley Cup playoffs, but now it seems a hockey-crazed fan may have skated off with a ‘welcome teams’ cherished banner.

A large customized white hockey banner being used to welcome NHL players to Toronto for the playoffs has gone missing and the owners want it back.

The two large plastic banners were installed earlier this month in New Toronto to welcome arriving NHL players, who are here as part of an anti-virus hockey playoffs bubble. There is another bubble in Edmonton.

The banners contain images of U.S. and Canadian flags and welcomed the NHL Eastern Conference contenders.

Organizers said the teams will practice at the Ford Centre of Excellence, at 400 Kipling Ave.

Chris Korwyn-Kuczynski, of the Lake Shore Village Business Improvement Area, says one of the banners, worth more than $200 each, was locked on a fence at a club at Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Sixth St., when it went missing.

“We knew this might happen and we locked it in,” he says. “The banner I think is in somebody’s bedroom now.”

The items were used by the BIA for promotions to drum up area businesses while some of the hockey playoffs were taking place here.

Anyone who has the hockey banner is asked to leave it in the patio of Maple Leaf House Grill and Lounge, at 2749 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

Veteran Stafford honoured for 61-years in the Warriors’ Day parade

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It was a Warriors’ Day Parade that Second World War Veteran Ed Stafford will never forget.

This year would have marked Stafford’s 61st-year of marching in the Annual August 21 CNE Warriors’ Day Parade, which has been taking place for almost 100 years at the lakefront park.

The parade was cancelled this year due to COVID-19. Next year will mark its 100th year anniversary on the CNE grounds.

Stafford was joined by friends, neighbours and officers from 22 Division, who made his day by taking him for a ride in a 1944 Ford Lynx 11 scout car, courtesy of the Ontario Military Vehicle Association.

He served through the war and proudly served as Governor General’s Horse Guards.

“We congratulate Ed and wish him many more years of proudly marching in Warriors’ Day parade,” police wrote on social media. “We were honoured to be part of today’s parade to honour Ed.”

This year there was a virtual tribute to the Warriors’ Day Parade, our veterans, and those currently serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.

The CNE says they look forward to celebrating the 100th Anniversary of the Warriors’ Day Parade on August 21, 2021.

It is the longest running veterans’ parade in the free world and has been a part of the CNE since 1921.

There is also a petition circulating  online to encourage Canada Post and The Royal Canadian Mint to issue a commemorative stamp and coin to mark 100-years of the CNE honouring our veterans.

Further information about the Warriors’ Day Parade can be found at www.thewarriorsdayparade.ca

 

 

 

Art painting and sale to support Humber Bay Park

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There will be another Community Sidewalk Painting and Art sale tomorrow in support of Friends of Humber Bay Park.

The painting and sale will take place on August 22, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Studio Connect, 62 Marine Parade Drive, in Unit 5.

Artist Soudabeh Majidi invites you to add strokes to the painting.

Majidi, a graduate of Ontario College of Art and Design, has been painting and instructing Art for a decade. Soudabeh started to paint Neemo, the family dog who had been changing several homes and eventually became a loved family member in her household.

The Friends of Humber are also hosting their 2020 photo contest of images taken in the park. Photos must be from Humber Bay Park and adjacent areas.

Photographers have until September 15 to get registered and download their shots to fohbp.ca, and access the Photo Contest 2020 tab.

Romaine and Dallas saying goodbye to the NTB and dear friends

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A mom-and-son business team are saying goodbye after 12-years of operating a billiards hall in New Toronto.

Dallas Dyer, and his mom, Romaine Andronyk, have been operating the popular NTB New Toronto Billiards, at 2878 Lake Shore Blvd. W., which has been the scene of many good times since 2008.

The saddened couple in a posting on social media say it has been great and they are moving on.

“It’s been 12 wonderful years since we opened our doors,” they wrote. “We have made great memories along the way … but for us, it’s time to move on to other things.”

The duo say they will shut their doors forever on August 29.

“This will be the end of our era,” they told their customers. “We want to thank everyone that has supported us over the years.”

They thanked landlord Gord Faulkner, the former owner of Faulkner Appliances, calling him ‘a stand-up guy for years of mutual respect.”

The pool hall was described as “Etobicoke’s Best Kept Secret,” in that they served ‘a wide range of drink selections plus a special every night to keep our costs affordable and your nights fun.’

The hideaway lounged offered cocktails, brews and pub eats, plus pool tables, darts and regular live music.

“We are a home away from home for a lot of people,” they say. “Memories are made, celebrations are had and friendships are created once you come into NTB.’

The hall hosted or sponsored some of the best pool and dart players and teams like the Canadian Poolplayers’ Association League.

Long-time pool player R. Anthony Rock says the closing will bring tears to his eye.

“I have photo albums on Facebook of the time spent at NTB Lounge from the beginning and over the years,” Rock recalls. “Their closing will bring a tear to the eye, but the fondest memories will bring the broadest smiles.”

Top pool player Tom Polsinelli says the high-quality pool tables are level and the temperature in the venue was always cool enough to keep balls rolling properly.

The hall has also been a venue for darts tournaments, musical jams and variety shows for the LGBT community. Even Toronto Marlies hockey players have been spotted playing ping pong here.

Tempers fly at community meeting studying the Midtown shelters

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As New Toronto residents prepare for a public meeting with City officials about a potential homeless shelter, another community fighting shelters say it has been a terrible experience.

Members of the Midtown area held a virtual meeting on August 19 in regards to three temporary shelters in their area that are the subject of protests and angst.

Residents told the meeting they are being vilified or called anti-homeless for not wanting the shelters in their area. Some suggest crime in the area has increased.

Councillor Mike Colle, who represents Ward 8, Eglinton-Lawrence, says residents were not notified.

“This has been a total screw-up, a total lack of communication of informing people,” Colle told the CBC.

Colle said the City failed to consult the community before it opened the shelters and even his office was not consulted.

“People are afraid to walk on Yonge Street. They’ve been broken into,” he told the meeting. “There are physical threats.”

He said the Uptown Yonge BIA has had to hire private security to protect shopkeepers and their staff when they go to work. He said he has had to rely on the private security for information.

Residents in the New Toronto area still in the dark about when public consultation will take place for the homeless shelter planned at Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Eighth St., the site of an empty office building and BiWay store.

City Council is slated to make a determination on the shelter on September 30.

News of the shelter has split residents of New Toronto into those who want the shelter and the home and business owners who do not.

In Midtown, the City has leased three properties, the Roehampton hotel and two adjacent buildings on Broadway Ave. for use as shelters. A site at 55/65 Broadway Ave. is closing at the end of this month, but the city has a two-year lease for the Roehampton.

 

The rise and fall of Goodyear Tire after 70-years in New Toronto

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Some of us will never forget.

It was 30-years ago this month when many of us gathered somberly to watch as the iconic Goodyear Tire and Rubber Plant smokestack came crashing to the ground after 73-years as part of the New Toronto skyline.

Dozens of residents and onlookers of all ages ‘oohed’ and ‘aahed’ as the solid brick structure fell to the ground with a thud within seconds of explosives being lit at its base.

The Goodyear plant was built in 1917 on a 23-acre site north side of Lake Shore Blvd., between Ninth and Fourteenth Sts. Lakeshore Village, a number of condos, apartment buildings and townhouses now mark the spot.

New Toronto Council at the time lured Goodyear to the site by promising an unlimited water supply.

The plant for many years made tires for cars, trucks, logging, farm vehicles and industrial uses.

By 1927, the U.S.-based company was manufacturing 50% of all the auto tires in Canada. For more than 60-years the firm was a leader in the tire industry.

It all changed in the 1980s after Goodyear ran into financial difficulty as part of a threatened hostile takeover. Its U.S. executives as a result decided to close the New Toronto site because it ‘had the lowest productivity level of all their plants.’

The local community and hundreds of workers were devastated when the plant closed on May 31, 1987 and was subsequently demolished.

Goodyear in its prime had three shifts and 1,300 employees, which increased to 2,800 during the Second World War.

The company was a good corporate citizen and had its own cafeteria, bowling alleys, police force, internal newspaper and baseball team. Some 47 Goodyear employees were killed in World War II and the company donated a camp to the Boy Scouts in their memory.

Many New Toronto residents still have fond memories of the plant, which had its own musical band.

“My grandfather worked on the Goodyear Police force for over 20-years until he retired in the early 1960s,” wrote Kate Latham on social media.

“My grandfather Richard Thompson drove a team of horses during the excavation and site preparation for the plant,” recalls Wendy Gibson. “My father Raymond Thompson worked at the plant after his return from WWII until about 1970 in the shipping department.”

Barb Johnson MacDonald says her dad worked at the plant for 16-years until 1965.

“He was a shipper-receiver and he said it was hard work, but he enjoyed his job there,” she wrote. “He used to smell like rubber when he came home from work.”