The South Etobicoke News

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

Beautiful art in Mural Mosaic collection sprayed with graffiti by vandals

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BEAUTIFUL and time-honoured works of history in these murals damaged. Toronto Police photos.

Village of Islington residents are in shock that some of their beautiful works of art have been sprayed with graffiti by vandals.

Police from 22 Division are trying to find the culprit who sprayed black paint on beautiful murals that attracts thousands of art lovers to Dundas St. W.

Some 28 murals along a five block stretch of Dundas W. between Islington and Kipling have been painted with spectacular murals that captures the history of the area.

The Mural Mosaic has been entertaining visitors since 2004 and includes more than two dozen colourful murals that spans more than 15,000 feet of outdoor art space, according to the Village of Islington Business Improvement Area website.

“The mural collection features photo realistic art, illustrating actual people, places and events from the past connecting to our area’s history,” the site says.

Police on March 4 Tweeted a photo of some of the damaged murals and said “they are actively investigating” the incident.

“This week vandals ruined the beautiful Toronto Village murals along Dundas Street West,” officers from 22 Division said in the Tweet.

The Village of Islington BIA in cooperation with the City of Toronto, Heritage Etobicoke Foundation, The Etobicoke Historical Society, local BIA businesses and sponsors are behind the Mural Mosaic Project.

Most of the murals were painted by artist John Kuna. Arts Etobicoke, Creative Village and Sarah Collard also contributed works.

Among the works sprayed with graffiti are: Honouring Islington Fire Brigade; showing proud firefighters of the 1940s and 1950s at work.

Also damaged is a huge piece of stunning art called Timeline: Islington Then and Now; painted in 2006 and features cars from the 1950s and Musson’s General Store in the 1880s, now a Second Cup.

The Mural Mosaic art walk is a favourite with visitors to the area and more than 6,000 art lovers have been on group tours to enjoy the art.

“It is a chance for people to get out and see a unique neighbourhood with interesting stories to tell and great food to enjoy,” the BIA said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2200, or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) #etobicoke #toronto

Residents mourn the passing of hockey dad Walter Gretzky who had ties to South Etobicoke

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GRETZKY: the early days.

UNDYING LOVE between a father and son. RIP Walter.

South Etobicoke residents are paying tribute to Canada’s hockey dad Walter Gretzky who was inducted into the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame just over two years ago.

Walter Gretzky, father of Wayne Gretzky, died on March 4 from complications from Parkinson’s disease. He was 82-years-old.

He was inducted into the Etobicoke Sports Hall of Fame in November 2019 with lacrosse legend Brian Shanahan, Royal York Baseball League’s Alan Waffle and Judy Ilcio, creator of the Toronto Women’s Ball Hockey Association.

The dad of hockey icon Wayne Gretzky was the Hall’s first honorary member during a 25th induction dinner.

“We are so lucky to be Canadians,” said Gretzky, on being named to the Order of Canada in 2007. “We live in the bet country in the world with the best people in the world.”

Gretzky’s funeral was held in his hometown of Brantford, Ont. on March 6. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was expected to be a quiet affair.

The father of the Great One became a household name alongside his son, a symbol of the dedication and commitment from parents across the country who see their children through sports to professional levels.

“Dad was our team captain – he guided, protected and led our family every way, every day,” Wayne said in a statement.

“Walter Gretzky cared deeply about his family and his community — his kindness was undeniable, his passion was obvious, and his impact was immense,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mourned. “My thoughts are with Wayne and the entire Gretzky family, and all who are mourning the loss of Canada’s hockey dad.”

Hockey fans took to Twitter to share memories of Walter, proving that his loss was felt across the country and throughout the sport of hockey.

The elder Gretzky was known for taking the time out to sign the items from fans, who idolized him.

Gretzlu was a staple and a celebrity at Toronto Maple Leafs home games, often waving to anyone who said hello. Many said he was never too busy to chat, and always had a smile on his face at the rink.

He was there every step of the way as Wayne dominated the sport, eventually leading the Edmonton Oilers to four Stanley Cups in the 1980s on top of countless other accolades.

Brave animal control officer saves red-breasted Merganser from near-death in lake

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RED BREASTED Merganser had fishing line attached to its body. Courtesy photos.

SAVED from near death from being tied up by fishing line in Lake Ontario.

Thanks to a hard-working volunteer that another New Toronto diving duck was saved.

Credit is being given online to a brave Toronto Wildlife Centre officer who spent several day rescuing a red-breasted Merganser from the waters off Marie Cutis Park.

The Merganser, also known as a diving duck, was weak and in need of help after the officer spotted fishing wire around the bird’s wing.

There “was likely a fracture, or damage, from trying to fly,” the officer wrote on social media on February 22.

It just happened that the rescue volunteer officer with Toronto Wildlife Centre (TWC) was at the office when a call for help came in on a hotline ‘about this beauty,” she said.

Turns out that the officer had been searching the Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Kipling Ave. park area ‘a few times this week but had no luck finding it until today in the icy water.’
“It was unable to fly or deep dive and was in distress,” according to the valiant officer. “I was eventually able to lure it close to shore, net it and get it.”

The injured bird was taken to the TWC for assessment and care.

Center officials are urging people to clean up their fishing lines while fishing or if they see any to throw it in the garbage.

“We need to do better,” the officer said. “Way too many patients come in this way, and sadly don’t make it to get care.”

Rescue staff members are trained or certified in ice rescue, swift water rescue, slope evacuation, and chemical immobilization. The staff has extensive experience working hands-on with wildlife.

If you have found a sick, injured or orphaned wild animal, or a wild animal in distress, please contact our TWC by calling 416-631-0662 to leave a message. Their website is torontowildlifecentre.com

 

Residents told to stay inside and support their local businesses for Super Bowl game

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ADS promoting Super Bowl parties are part of the excitement that officials want us to stay away from.

Game or not. Stay inside, officials warn.

It is Super Bowl weekend and officials are reminding football fans to refrain from their favourite Etobicoke pubs and getting together to watch the big game to avert it becoming a superspreader event.

Many local  restaurant and pubs are offering specials on their fast food, drinks and delivery to your door during the Super Bowl game on Sunday.

Area officials are asking residents to support their local business but do not indulge and drinking and driving as many officers will be patrolling the streets.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs are set to square off on Sunday night and with Scarborough’s The Weeknd performing at halftime, the big game could be even more of a draw than usual in Toronto.

Mayor John Tory and other city officials are urging residents to refrain from hosting any Super Bowl parties due to the COVID-19 pandemic and reminding residents that a stay-at-home order remains in effect.

Tory said the Super Bowl is a good time to support local restaurants that have been struggling by ordering food for takeout or pickup.

Fans are being told that this year’s championship game can’t be like past Super Bowls.

“If you don’t live under that roof you don’t go into that house. It I as simple as that,” infectious disease specialist Dr. Issac Bogdoch warned.

Premier Doug Ford posted a video message to his Twitter account telling people to “stay at home” and “stick to their family.”

The provincial government is also running television advertising warning people to remain at home and do their part to fight COVID-19.

Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, said football fans can enjoy snacks and have fun of being part of the virtual Super Bowl party.

 

 

Top North Albion Collegiate volleyball player wins scholarship to Harvard University

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FORMER North Albion Collegiate Azim Raheem is heading to Harvard University.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RAHEEM will miss his family and friends, but they can always visit him at Harvard U. National Post photo.

It is a dream come true for this teenager.

A volleyball player who attended North Albion Collegiate Institute has won a scholarship to attend the iconic Harvard University, one of the top schools in the U.S.

Azim Raheem, 17, who stands at six-feet, seven-inches, will be attending Harvard on an athletic scholarship, becoming the first in North Albion’s near 60-year history.

He managed to impress scouts at a tournament in Chicago last January, just before the pandemic hit,  earning him a much-coveted position on the volleyball team of an Ivy League university.

Instead of the trip to the Windy City, he had to settle for a virtual tour of the university due to the virus.

He is eager to praise the teachers, coaches, guidance counsellors and other students and family members who helped him on his journey.

Daniel Girdler, the head of health and physical education at North Albion, said he’s never worked at a school where a student has gone on to attend Harvard.

Girder said Raheem is an incredible athlete, a top-notch student and a great person.

The athlete has managed to upkeep straight A grades in his studies. His leadership skills also set him apart.

“I always wanted to go to Harvard. I always thought it would be cool. It was kind of like a little dream… But I never thought that they would approach me,” Raheem told CBC News.

He was asked to apply for early admissions to Harvard University and now, will not only be playing on the school’s men’s volleyball team. He will also receive financial aid over the course of his four years of studies.

Raheem’s coaches and teachers describe him as humble and hard working. For his part, he is grateful for the support of his friends and loved ones. “Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said.

SPECIAL-Backyard rinks sprout as pandemic continues to freeze-out amateur sports

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The Nuttley Kirby Family backyard rink took a lot of work to build. Courtesy photos.

SIMONE’s Ice Palace sees major hockey action.

By REJEAN CANTLON-Amateur Sports 

This year is definitely the year of the outdoor rink.

Thanks to the latest cold snap, backyard ice surfaces are popping up all over our neighbourhoods, more so now than ever before due to COVID-19 and lockdown restrictions.

Looking for activities to stay active and fit have been challenging this winter. Getting outside and exercising seem like a logical fix to curb the boredom and monotony of life in-doors.

It can be argued that South Etobicoke families have had more of an opportunity to bond on the ice than ever before, especially being so close to home.

Shane Nuttley-Kirby, his wife and 2 children, Dylan (age 2.5) and Shane Jr. (age 6) are spending countless hours on the rink in their backyard building that bon

Nuttley-Kirby, a professional power skating instructor says​​​, “​having the outdoor rink is more about play and less about a learning tool for my boys. Installing the rink was a no-doubter for our family.”

Shane hopes that once the lockdown restrictions ease, they will be able to share their backyard frozen treasure with more children to help them learn how to skate and more importantly, to have fun.

Check out these other backyard hockey hot spots in Etobicoke:

Ontario Jr. Lacrosse heats up as the National Lacrosse League shuts down

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ONTARIO Jr. Lacrosse heating up with new league being formed.  File photo.

By REJEAN CANTLON–Amateur Sports

As the National Lacrosse League (NLL) announce the cancellation of their 2021 season, lacrosse in Ontario’s Jr. ranks is heating up with news of a new league being formed.

The Tewaaraton Lacrosse League (TLL) is the brain-child of Edge Lacrosse founder, Stuart Brown and Six Nations Jr. A General Manager, Jake Henhawk. The Six Nations team announced that they were leaving the 11 team Ontario Lacrosse Association (OLA) last week.

A second private team from Burlington has also announced that they will be joining the TLL. The existing Burlington Chiefs Jr. A team would remain within the OLA.

The reason for the introduction of the new league seems to stem from a lack of support from the OLA to the local Jr A clubs and its ability to groom players hoping to play professionally in the NLL. The OLA is for players aged 21and younger. The TLL is for players 22 and younger and will include adopting the NLL rules.

The OLA voted against increasing the age to U22 at the annual general meeting last November which ruffled the features of some of the Jr. A teams’ brass. The vote was 53% in favour but 2/3 of the vote was needed to make the change.

What does that mean for our Mimico Mountaineers Jr. A team?

Sean O’Callaghan, President of Mimico Jr. A admitted that his organization was approached by the TLL back in December.

After careful consideration, O’Callaghan said it was the right time to take a pass on the TLL and support the existing league under the OLA umbrella.

“At the end of the day, we think that our young athletes still want to compete for the Minto Cup (national amateur championship)”, O’Callaghan said. “The time is right to work together to grow our league.”

He added that perhaps the TLL will allow for better conversations with the OLA and existing team ownership groups. Only time will tell.

Back by demand; Toronto wrestling fans still love Sweet Daddy Siki and his antics

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Sweet Daddy Siki in his heyday when he filled the then Maple Leaf Gardens. Courtesy photo.

He was meaner than a ‘junk yard dog’, as singer Jim Croce would say.
Wrestler Reginald Siki was the dirt-poor son of a Texas sharecropper who moved to Toronto, where he dyed his hair blonde and changed his name to Sweet Daddy Siki to become a fan favourite who packed Maple Leaf Gardens for years.
Busloads of fans would jam the Gardens every weekend to moan over the latest antics of the popular and well-liked Siki, or to see him get pounded by an irate opponent. He was a main card attraction who made his debut in 1962 and wrestled at the Carlton St. shrine until 1980.
Siki, who was born in 1940 in Montgomery, Texas, began learning the ropes at Compton College in Los Angeles. By the 1950s, he was fighting in New Mexico.
He is called the “Jackie Robinson of professional wrestling” for facing intense discrimination in the U.S. south, where he was once forced to fight in front of the KKK.
Having suffered enough racism, he and his late long-time Canadian wife moved to Toronto in 1961. He fought in venues across the country and was a fixture at Stampede Wrestling for years.
A large man, with a soft voice, Siki was best-known for his unique moves that included the “coco butt, airplane spin and neck-breaker,” which had rivals in pain on the mat.
Siki was a pioneer, who had grown more popular than the headline fighters, as Whipper Billy Watson, Gene “Big Thunder” Kiniski, Abdullah The Butcher, Dick “The Bulldog” Brower and Lord Athol Layton.
‘Mr. Irresistible’, as he was dubbed by fans, Siki was then earning a whopping $3,000 a bout and was receiving bundles of mail from fans around the world.
He brought sizzle and glamour to the ring and many fans booed as Siki would take out his white hand-held mirrors and begin admiring his good looks and well-built body.
“He was a Black wrestler who had a gimmick that wasn’t rooted in his colour,” one magazine said. “He didn’t want you to hate him because he was Black. You were supposed to hate him because he was a vain, rude, arrogant prima donna.”
In a time when ring attire consisted of solid colour trunks and black boots, Siki’s were candy-striped. His boots were white, with the backs cut out to show off his calf muscles. With bleached hair and mustache, he wore sequined robes and Jackie Kennedy sunglasses on his way to the ring.
“I saw my first wrestling match at the age of 14, and I knew right then that is what I wanted to do,” recalled Siki, who was at one time a corporal in the U.S. Army.
He was a regular fixture in the Parkdale area, where he lived and for years drove around in a converted hearse. Along the way, Siki has earned six major wrestling belts, including the Austria-Asian championship, the North American championship, which he held for three years; the Texas championship and the tag-team heavyweight crown.
His body has suffered a tremendous toll from the sport. His injuries included two broken ribs, his hands were broken twice, his ankle and leg broken and half-his-face paralyzed, after being kicked in the face.
To this day fans still recall his signature phrases: “I’m the Women’s Pet and the Man’s Regret” and “A lot of people try to copy me, but there’s only one Niagara Falls and only one Mona Lisa. And there’s only one Mr. Irresistible”.
Siki has mentored and influenced today’s top stars, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Adam “Edge” Copeland, Bret “The Hitman” Hart and Trish Stratus.
Today, he remains secluded and friends say he isn’t feeling well these days to talk.

Stay at home order extended as applications being accepted to help small businesses  

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This is not good news for area businesses, large and small.

The Ontario government is extending all emergency orders under the Reopening Ontario Act (ROA) for another 30 days.

The province announced on January 16 that the current orders under the ROA were set to expire on January 20 is now extended to February 19.

This will “preserve our health care capacity and protect Ontarians until everyone can be vaccinated.”

At the same time the province said it is accepting applications for the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant.

The grant, which was first announced in December, provides $10,000 to $20,000 to eligible small businesses which have had to restrict their operations due to the province-wide shutdown.

The tightened restrictions were put in place to help stop the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases in Ontario.

“As Ontario’s employers do their part to defeat COVID-19, they are facing unprecedented challenges as a result of this global pandemic,” said Peter Bethlenfalvy, Minister of Finance and President of the Treasury Board. “I encourage every eligible small business owner to visit Ontario.ca/COVIDSupport to access the support our government has made available.”

Small businesses required to close or significantly restrict services under the shutdown can apply for a one-time grant and use this funding in whatever way makes the most sense for their individual business needs. For example, some businesses could need support paying employee wages, while others could need support with their rent.

Eligible small businesses include those that were required to close or significantly restrict services due to the shutdown that began on December 26. They must have fewer than 100 employees and experienced a minimum of 20 per cent revenue decline in April 2020 compared to April 2019.

New businesses established since April 2019 will also be eligible if they meet the other eligibility criteria.

“Small businesses are the heart of Ontario’s economy,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “The Ontario Small Business Support Grant will help thousands of small businesses get through this difficult time.”

Businesses impacted by the shutdown are also eligible for additional supports, including the government’s program to provide rebates to offset fixed costs such as property tax and energy bills.

More information about the Ontario Small Business Support Grant and other rebates is available on Ontario.ca/COVIDsupport.

 

Second $200,000 Lamborghini sports car stolen in a month leaving one man shot

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LOCK UP your Lamborghini. Police are searching for two of the $200,000 cars that were stolen, one in which a man was shot.

If you have an expensive Lamborghini sports car in the driveway, better lock it up.

Toronto Police have stepped up a search for a stolen black 2019 Lamborghini Urus SUV with a licence plate of CSB B761.

Police say the in-demand $200,000 vehicle was rented on Boxing Day from a car dealer in 11 Division and not returned.

Officers say the vehicle’s Global Positioning System (GPS) was disabled soon after the alleged renter took off with the vehicle.

“The car was subsequently reported stolen and is still outstanding,” detectives said in a release this week. “Anyone who has seen the car or has information on its whereabouts or any suspects, is urged to contact police.”

The luxury sports car, which an owner reviewed online as “sexy and blows everything else away,” was the second stolen from the Toronto area in weeks.

The vehicle has a twin-turbo V8 engine with 641-horsepower that can reach 190 miles per hour, according to its manufacturers.

York Regional Police are investigating after a man was shot during a carjacking incident last month, in which his Lamborghini was stolen.

Police were called for a report of a shooting in the Major Mackenzie Drive and Woodbine Avenue area, in which officers said a driver of a vehicle was approached by three suspects and shot in the leg.

The suspects then took off in his red Lamborghini that has the licence plate number 8EIGHT8. The vehicle is still missing.

The shooting victim suffered non-life-threatening injuries and is being treated in the hospital.

Investigators said that if you see this vehicle, do not approach it or the suspects. Instead, call the police right away.

The Urus 2019 Lamborghini is described as the ‘least-expensive’ of the sports car series. It is a four-door All-wheel-drive SUV that is popular.

Police are not sure if the vehicles are being shipped overseas for rich buyers in other countries.

Information can be passed on to police at 416-808-1104, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.