The South Etobicoke News

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

City to honour former slave Joshua Glover who fell in love with Etobicoke

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Escaped U.S. slave Joshua Glover loved Etobicoke and 166-years-later the City of Toronto is moving closer to honouring him.

Mayor John Tory will be hosting a press conference at Montgomery’s Inn on August 13 at 10:30 a.m. to announce the winner of a public art competition.

​The City of Toronto’s Arts and Culture Services, working with the Etobicoke Historical Society, had invited proposals for the creation of a public heritage memorial to be dedicated to Glover. The process was slowed down due to the COVID-19.

Glover escaped slavery in 1852, and made his way from St. Louis, Missouri into Canada assisted by the Underground Railroad. In 1854 he found work and shelter in the community of Etobicoke. His story was important to the abolitionist movement, and in general to Canada as well.

Fittingly, the project is to be located in the new Joshua Glover Park in Etobicoke in the Lambton Mills area where Glover settled after arriving in Canada.

Naming the small park after Glover was decided by participants of a 2015 survey organized by the City’s Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division in consultation with the local Councillor out of three possible names that were shortlisted.

For much of his life Glover lived in a small house in Lambton Mills, owned by Thomas Montgomery the proprietor of Montgomery’s Inn where Glover found employment.

He married twice, both times to Irish women, which marked two of the earliest inter-racial marriages in Etobicoke. Glover died in a seniors’ home in Newmarket at the age of 74, after having been embraced by the community of Etobicoke during his life here.

Glover’s story resonates with the citizens of Racine and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In Milwaukee at the intersection of Glover Ave. and Booth St., there is a large plaque that recounts the dramatic “Rescue of Joshua Glover.”

After escaping St. Louis, Glover was recaptured and incarcerated in a jail in Milwaukee. Led by local newspaper owner and anti-slavery activist Sherman Booth, some 5,000 people stormed the jail, set Glover free and facilitated his journey through safe houses along the Underground Railroad to freedom in Canada.

The public outcry surrounding the Glover case and the legal prosecution of Booth after the rescue advanced the cause of the abolition of slavery in the U.S.

Glover’s story has been kept alive in newspaper articles, books, a play, an opera and a one man show which had its debut at the Montgomery’s Inn.

 

Group warning alarmed tenants to say no to COVID-19 evictions

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The days of COVID-19 rental evictions may have returned, according to one group.

Housing advocacy group ACORN Canada says a moratorium on evictions was lifted on August 1 and the ousting will restart for many of the 7 to 9 per cent of Ontario tenants who are behind on their rent due to COVID-19.

ACORN says there are more than 6,000 cases of tenants who are behind on their rent and are before the Landlord and Tenant Board.

“Low and moderate-income renters were already in the grip of a serious housing crisis in Ontario before the pandemic,” the group says on their website. “And Bill 184 makes evictions easier by allowing tenants to be evicted with no hearing if they sign repayment agreements.”

They say eviction hearings will begin this month for some tenants. Bill 184 was passed earlier by the Premier Doug Ford after much of a fight by anti-housing groups.

The groups are demanding Ford extend the moratorium on evictions to the end of the year, create a rent forgiveness program for tenants at risk of eviction and repeal Bill 184, which they say will have a catastrophic impact on tenants.

Worse still, they say Bill 184 fast tracks the evictions. Tenants at risk of eviction may be forced to enter unfair repayment agreements and will be rendered homeless if they fail to make a payment.

The Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario data shows that 7% renters either paid part-rent payment or none at all.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is phasing out by the end of this month for people who started getting it in March, which will impact 34% private renter households.

ACORN Canada members are demanding the government to take immediate measures so that homelessness crisis is averted on top of the existing health crisis.

Some people are preparing for the tough times ahead and LAMP is providing virtual programs on August 18 with the Centre for Equality Rights and Accommodations to advise tenants on their rights and how to avoid being evicted.

The meetings take place at 2 p.m. at ZOOM MEET. To register email jasmind@lampchc.org

 

Mimico activist says Bike Share rack placed on section of busy sidewalk

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South Etobicoke activist Dan Irwin may have a point this time.

Irwin, of Judson St., says he is 100% supportive of the City of Toronto’s Bike Share program, but not when it is placed on a busy sidewalk.

He warns that a new installation at the northwest corner of Royal York Rd., and Judson St., in Mimico, has been placed over a section of a busy sidewalk.

“It is unbelievably located so that the rear wheels of racked bikes protrude onto the narrow sidewalk,” Irwin writes. “There are two seniors’ residences in the vicinity so a proliferation of motorized scooters’ walkers and wheelchairs that require the use of the sidewalk and the whole sidewalk.”

He says there are about 150 Metrolinx employees who use that section of sidewalk daily to travel from the Willowbrook Crew Centre to the Mimico GO Station and back. They often walk in small groups which are impeded by bicycles on that portion of sidewalk, Irwin writes.

“Who would locate the bike racks so that they intrude on a heavily used sidewalk?” Irwin asks “There is space closer to the curb which would more sensibly accommodate the Bike Share rack.”

He and other Judson St. residents have been fighting the City for the relocation of a ML Ready Mix Concrete batching plant on their street that they claim have been generating noise, dust and debris in the neighbourhood. The City has promised to resettle the plant in the Portlands area.

City officials couldn’t be reached for a comment.

 

 

More marijuana stores setting up shop in the community

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The Ontario government seems to be handing out licences for cannabis stores like candy.

At least 12 marijuana retail or accessory stores will be opening up soon in Etobicoke, with at least nine of them setting up shop in the Lakeshore community.

A comprehensive list of upcoming marijuana stores is published by the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) on their website.

AGCO said they issue about 20 cannabis Retail Store Applications monthly from the hundreds of applications that they receive. They applications are dealt with in the order that they are received.

The organization states that cannabis stores are “in progress” of opening at 3409 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Ameri at 3683 Lake Shore Blvd. W., Green Grow Cannabis at 3755 Lakeshore Blvd. W., and Lakeview Cannabis at 4 Mimico Ave.

More stores in various stages of opening include: McCannabis at 5485 Dundas St. W., and 3812 Bloor St. W., Em Jay’s at 5160 Dundas St. W., Tokyo Smoke at 164 Evans Ave., and Etobicoke Cannabis at 1172 The Queensway,

Area councillor Stephen Holyday in a June letter to the AGCO expressed concerns that some of the stores may be too close to schools or parks and they should keep that in mind when they issue permits.

Holyday wrote that he has been contacted by numerous residents who have raised concerns about the poor suitability of the locations and the increased risk of access to cannabis by minors.

“Some locations are very close to more than one school and they are located at or near strip plazas and parks which are frequented by youth,” he noted. “The provincial regulations require a distance of 150 metres between the retailer and a school and many find this too permissive given the context.”

Holyday says AGCO is the regulator and approval authority for the retailers and there is limited opportunity for the public and elected municipal officials to intervene in these decisions.

There are already four marijuana accessory stores in business along Lake Shore Blvd. W., and in Alderwood.

Birth Mark helps at-risk families with donations of baby goods

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This busy group is helping needy families with baby goods and clothing.

Birth Mark helps underprivileged families and are always looking for donations of baby items, clothing, toys, unopened formula or unused diapers. ‘

The group, which has branches in Toronto and Hamilton, helps ‘marginalized and underprivileged families through the birthing process.’

“We help parents who can’t otherwise afford it with everything they need for a baby,” the group says. “We do not sell anything that is donated for the giving wall, everything goes to families who need it.”

They accept gently-used maternity clothing, baby items, baby clothing under three-years-old and breast pumps. They do not accept any large items such as cribs or furniture.

They will accept brand new (in box) car seats and strollers.

“We serve all pregnant people and parents,” according to their website. “Our clients are marginalized or considered at-risk from experiencing poverty, past traumas and discrimination.”

They rely on our “community partners to refer clients who would most benefit from our support.”

Birth Mark volunteers will pick up the goods on Tuesday and Thursdays.

The group due to COVID-19, has moved most of its clinics and classes online to virtual platform.

For more information visit www.birthmarksupport.com

 

Popular drive-in movies at Sherway Mall almost sold out

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See you at the movies!
CF Sherway Gardens Mall is hosting a popular outdoor drive-in-movie experience on Thursdays and Sundays at one of their converted parking lots.

The shows began on July 29 and will run for three weeks. It features a double bill at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. and tickets are $10 per car. Tickets are strictly on a first-come, first-served basis with all proceeds being donated to charity.

Many of the older pre-released fun movies are already sold out.

Sherway officials say this is a great way to spend “a fun family night or a date night to remember.”

The mall has partnered with the City of Toronto on their Drive-InTO initiative, which is focused on bringing temporary drive-in entertainment experiences to the City this summer.

On the third weekend, in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada, Sherway will be hosting a special night showcasing  Canadian content including the feature film, True North: Inside the Rise of Toronto Basketball (E); Mighty Jerome (E), which chronicles the rise, fall and redemption of Harry Jerome, Canada’s most record-setting track and field star; and the profoundly moving film, nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up (E) that tells the powerful story of the death of a young Cree man named Colten Boushie and his family’s fight for justice.

Some of the upcoming movies include:

Saturday, August 8 at 6:00pm – The Wild Life (PG)

[SOLD OUT] Saturday, August 8 at 9:00pm – Long Shot (14A)

Thursday, August 13 at 6:00pm – True North (E) – in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada

Thursday, August 13 at 9:00pm – nîpawistamâsowin: We Will Stand Up (E) – in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada

Friday, August 14 at 6:00pm – Mighty Jerome (E) – in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada

Friday, August 14 at 9:00pm – True North (E) – in partnership with the National Film Board of Canada

[SOLD OUT] Saturday, August 15 at 6:00pm – The Wild Life (PG)

[SOLD OUT] Saturday, August 15 at 9:00pm – Long Shot (14A)

 

 

Man taken to hospital in morning crash on Horner Ave.

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A man was rushed to hospital this morning after a collision between a car and a motorcycle near Horner and Alderbrae Aves., in South Etobicoke.

Toronto Police Traffic officers say a man suffered a serious injuries in the crash involving a car and motorbike on August 7, around 7 a.m.

“Drivers and pedestrians please move over and allow emergency vehicles to pass,” police said on Twitter afterwards.

Police say the man is expected to survive. The motorist was unhurt.

Some roads were closed in the area as police conducted their investigation.

 

Work to begin on Bell Box Murals and Eighth St. Skatepark

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Sure to beautify our community.

The 2020 Etobicoke Lakeshore Bell Box Murals begin on August 10 and runs until August 23 during which visual artists will paint 16 boxes in the Long Branch and Alderwood areas.

Since 2009 artists from the Murals Project have painted over 350 murals on Bell Canada outdoor utility boxes in 36 communities throughout Toronto, Southern Ontario and Quebec.

Selected artists include: Marley Allen-Ash, Heidi Berton, Talie Shalmon, GETSO, Jieun June Kim, Gosia Komorski, Daniela Rocha, Laura Smith, Camila Wong, Nazli Nahidi, Katika Marczell, Linh Thai, Andre Kan, Yasaman Mehrsa, Andrea Rodriguez and Melika Saeeda.

The Murals Project is a partnership between Councillor Mark Grimes, City of Toronto, Lakeshore Arts, and Community Matters Toronto.

Work is also ongoing on the Eighth St. Skatepark Murals Project to enhance the facility through murals by local artists.

The project began in the summer 2017 with a mural created by Lakeshore Art’s ARTiculate: Youth Leadership In the Arts program, led by artist Moises Frank (Luvsumone). Additionally, the bowl was painted by Moises and artist Javid that year.

In 2018, the project gained momentum through community fundraising and support from Grimes and StreetARToronto. Through consultation with the local community and representative from the Toronto Skateboarding Committee, the project created five new murals across the park by artists Fatspatrol, Peru, Chris Perez, Nick Sweetman, and Moises Frank.

This summer four new murals are being added to the skatepark and upkeep will be made to an existing mural.

This year’s project will focus on providing mentorship in the field of mural art; the project will provide opportunity for artist assistants and one mural art project coordinator to be mentored, in an effort to build up the mural art talent in the city.
Painting at the skatepark is scheduled to run September 8 to 22, with an opening celebration tentatively scheduled for September 26th.

Keeping busy with things to do in our community

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GOOD FOOD MARKET OPEN
EVERY WEDNESDAY from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Lakeshore Village Park. Get fresh fruits and vegetables at affordable prices. The Gardens Lakeshore is hosting several work- shops Harvesting 101, August 10-14 Food Sustainability. Contact christianaz@lampchc.org

COACH CORIN IS BACK AT LAMP with workshops on
Wednesdays August 5, 12 ,19 and 26 at 3 pm. Coach Corin De Sousa is a graduate of the Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction program and the Cognitive Behavioural Therapy program from the Toronto Academic Pain Medicine Institute at
Women’s College. This series will focus on mindfulness meditation on ZOOM. Call or email Jasmin Dooh to register jasmind@lampchc.org 416 252 6471

AUGUST 6 – GENTLE GIANTS: A BIKE TOUR OF GIANT
TREES in Long Branch from 8 a.m. To 10 a.m. Meet at Long Branch Park, 245 Lake Promenade, and learn how trees grow and their benefits to the community. If you live in Long Branch
and want to get the trees on your property inventoried email
Trees40@LBNA.ca

AUGUST 9 – JAMAICA INDEPENDENCE DAY
VIRTUAL FUNDRAISER from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Sponsored by the St. Margarets’ Church and Black Lives Matter Canada. Tickets $20 at smnt.ca Speakers Olympian and Head Coach Tamara Tatham, of U of T basketball and Rev. Michael Blair, Executive Minister, United Church of Canada. Visit
stmargaretsnewtoronto@ gmail.com or contact 416-259-2659.

TENANTS RIGHTS WORKSHOPS and eviction
prevention August 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. on ZOOM. The Centre for Equality Rights in Accommodation will be reviewing their latest housing rights resource, Eviction Prevention and Navigating the Landlord and Tenant Board for Community Workers. For more contact LAMP.

THE LAKESHORE AFFORDABLE HOUSING
ADVOCACY ACTION group continues to meet.
Contact jasmind@lampchc.org.

THE ETOBICOKE PRAISE CENTRE YOUTH OUTREACH is seeking performers for its online Showcase to be
broadcasted August 14 at 6 p.m. Please send in your audition video by Au- gust 8. Send to 416-252-2463 or by email at
epc_cogop@outlook.com

LAMP COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTRE deadline for their Awards of Merit nominations is August 21. Also Emergency Food take out meals offered Monday through Saturday from
9:30 am to 11:30 am through LAMP’s adult drop-in program. Their food relief voucher program continues

HAVEN ON THE QUEENSWAY HAS SHUT MOST of its programs and services due to COVID 19 but will continue to serve
its food bank users by appointment and pick-up at their 1533 The Queensway office. Call 416-640-2005 to make arrangements to access the Haven food bank.

MOST PROGRAMS AT STOREFRONT HUMBER,at
2445 Lake Shore Blvd. W., are cancelled with only essential services, like personal care, support or respite provided. For more call them at 416-259-4207 or visit sfh@storefronthumber.ca

MOVIE NIGHTS AT SHERWAY GARDENS runs every weekend until August 15 as a parking lot at Sherway
transforms into an outdoor movie theatre if you’re looking for a fun family or a date night. Tickets are first come first served at $10 a car. Come see movies for all ages. For
more info and to buy tickets https://www.cfshops.com/

Some top patios and meeting spots in our community

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Darlene Simpson is doing a lot better these days.
The owner of Dakota’s Sports Bar & Grill, at 2814 Lake Shore Blvd. W., is applauding Stage 3 and the return of inside dining.
But on this hot day customers want the sun and she is welcoming them to her large roadside patio she shares with Halibut House Fish and Chips, which is part of the City’s CafeTO program, which is credited with helping
many area companies stay afloat.
More people were ducking under the tents for a cold
drink to escape from today’s heat.
“It has been a long time since we have had this many
people in here,” Simpson says. “The outdoor patio has
made a tremendous difference for us.”
At hers, and all the outdoor patios along Lake Shore Blvd. W., people are ordering meals and glad to be outside again with their friends.
At The Big Guy’s Little Coffee Shop, at 2861 Lake Shore Blvd. W., the patio has helped the ‘Big Guy’ stay in business as the outdoor area always has customers.

Ruben Pires, of Delicia Bakery and Pastry, at 2864 Lake
Shore Blvd. W., is bustling as his side patio is always filled
with coffee and snack lovers.“We had seen about 33 bakeries and loved this area right away,” recalls Pires. “We loved the people and the sense of community that exists in the area.”
In Long Branch residents love T.J. O’Shea’s Irish Snug, at
3481 Lake Shore Blvd. W., which boasts a large back patio
and a loyal following due to the good food and vibes.
Also rocking is Southside Johnny’s Bar & Grill, at 3653
Lake Shore Blvd. W., which features a great side patio that is
popular with locals.
Just west at the Pulcinella Ristorante and Wine Bar, at
3687 Lake Shore Blvd. W. Staff say their business has
picked up in Stage 3 and with the opening of inside dining and their street patio that seems to be always packed.

Many local residents love Sloppy Joe’s Bar & Grill, at 3527 Lake Shore Blvd. W., which has developed quite a loyal following who love the chicken wings and other pub eats. The
bar which has its popular outdoor patio in front of the building, has installed another that runs along its side on Thirty Third St.

Another area favourite is Timothy’s Pub, at 344 Brown’s Line, which is known for its live music and loyal Alderwood following, who love the food and atmosphere.