• Home
  • People love the South Etobicoke News!
  • Send us your community items
  • Great job South Etobicoke News!
  • Distribution List
  • Digital Versions
    • May 2025
    • April 2025
    • March 2025
    • February 2025
    • January 2025
    • December 2024
    • November 2024
    • October 2024
    • September 2024
    • August 2024
    • July 2024
    • June 2024

The South Etobicoke News

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

  • Business
  • Community
  • Entertainment
  • Music
  • Politics
  • Sports
  • Technology

Shootout at the Rainbow Motel was one of the worst in Toronto’s history

December 15, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

THE RAINBOW MOTEL was a scene of the most horrific shootout with Toronto Police 30-years ago. More than 400 shots were fired in a seven-hour seige. Courtesy photo. 

This 1991 gunplay will remain one of the worst shootouts in the 187-year history of Toronto Police.

It will be 30-years next month when 413 shots were fired in a seven-hour shootout between two gunmen and officers at the then notorious Rainbow Motel, one of 18 then-thriving establishments in the so-called Motel Strip area, near Lake shore Blvd. W., and Park Lawn Rd.

Luckily, no one was killed in the standoff which saw volleys of shots being exchanged between the gunmen, who were held up inside the motel and officers outside.

The early-morning incident began when officers saw an expensive Porsche, with B.C. plates, parked in front of the Rainbow. Officers routinely patrolled the Motel Strip to curb prostitution, robberies and other street crimes.

Now retired Toronto Police Sgt. Jack West, who worked out of 22 Division, Traffic Office, Fraud Squad, the Youth Bureau, Two Traffic, before going to 21 Division (now part of 22 Division) was walking the beat along Lake Shore Blvd. W. that eventful day.

“My job was to walk the Lake Shore Motel Strip area,” West recalled before he retired. “There were 18 motels there, which were my responsibility. That was an interesting part of my career because there were disputes, drugs, prostitution and removing hold-up men from rooms.”

That morning Wests’ men noticed the Porsche in the parking lot, which piqued their interest.

When the officers went to talk to the car owner, in the motel room, they were greeted with gunfire.

“The door swung open and there were two individuals shooting at the officers,” recounted the retired West. “They (officers) went for cover and called assistance. I wasn’t that far away. There were 413 bullets fired from that room at the police and the ordeal lasted a day and a half.”

With the help of the heavily-armed Emergency Task Force, the men were arrested and taken into custody.

While searching one of the suspects, they found a key to a motel room that tied the shooters to a double murder in Nanaimo, B.C.

West would get lucky again a few years later when there was another shooting on the Strip.

This time he and his partner were in plainclothes and followed a van that turned into a dark parking lot. The driver took a shot at the officers and bolted into the woods.  A woman was found in the van and she had a key to a motel room, where the man was believed to be hiding.

The motel became the scene of another shooting. Inside, police opened fire on a suspect shooting him with a 12-guage shotgun. West then jumped on the suspect to subdue him.

“He was yelling at me,” West recalled. “I discovered that he had a stolen bulletproof vest and was wearing two coats. This experience taught me that you do not judge a book by the cover. I never think he had the capabilities he had.”

He would later be awarded with a Toronto Police Merit Mark Award for helping with the capture of that man, who was involved in a series of armed robberies.

 

Filed Under: Business, Cameras, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Politics, Social

Merchants call on BIA to stop those stealing from Christmas trees

December 14, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

Security footage made available to the Lake Shore Village BIA shows woman allegedly stealing Christmas tree decorations.

Some merchants along the Lake Shore Village BIA have complained of the thefts of decorations from the Christmas trees outside their businesses.

One business owner arrived at work on December 11 to find the expensive decorations that were put up by another person, in a nearby business, were stolen.

The owner provided BIA officials with a photo of the suspected thief from her security camera.

“This is the reason why I choose not to partake in decorating the tree,” the area resident said. “Last year my costly decorations were stolen as well.”

BIA Chair Chris Korwin-Kuczynski says there has been some complaints of thefts and appropriate action will be taken against those videotaped stealing from the Christmas trees.

The BIA only last week awarded first, second and third prizes for businesses who decorated the top three Christmas trees.

The top tree went to Hearing Life Canada, second place tree won by MiBody Health and Fitness and third place went to C.U.E.S. Children’s Urban Enrichment Studio. They won beautiful trophies for their businesses.

If you see or know someone who is stealing Christmas decorations you are urged to send an email with the information to the BIA at lakeshorebia@gmail.com.

 

Filed Under: Business, Cameras, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Politics, Social, Technology

Police tips for a more secure online shopping experience this season

December 5, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

Many area malls and small businesses are shut or partially closed and online shopping sales are going through the roof this holiday due to COVID-19.

Toronto Police are providing some tips to keep your online experience more secure in the final shopping countdown to Christmas Day.

Police say to always install antivirus updates for your devices as they become available.

Always change your passwords for online shopping sites and other accounts regularly, using a different password for each system and account.

Where possible, use two-factor authentication for an added layer of login security.

Immediately change factory pre-set passwords on home networking equipment, such as Wi-Fi routers and smart devices.

For shopping online, credit cards are your most secure option; verify online transactions by checking your credit card and banking statements routinely and activate the alerts offered by your bank to receive email or text notifications for all account transactions.

Do not use public Wi-Fi networks for online shopping or banking, even when a password is required.

Phishing or (luring using email) and smishing (luring via text message) are fraud schemes, which criminals use to elicit funds, obtain credit card data, personal information, or install malware on computers and electronic devices.

Never respond to emails or text messages from unknown sources, and avoid opening attachments or clicking on links from senders you do not recognize.

Reputable and established online businesses utilize encryption to protect personal identifiers and payment information transmitted to and from your computer or device, look for the lock icon next to a website address in your browser.

Always verify website addresses by manually typing them into your web browser, or access websites from internet searches.

When shopping from your phone, choose vetted apps from trusted businesses and download apps only from an authorized app store.
Remember, if the offer sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Filed Under: Business, Cameras, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Politics, Social, Sports, Technology

Kevin Hart and Woody Harrelson making movie in Queensway and Kipling area

November 13, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

Woody and Kevin in the area filming Sony comedy. BlogTo photo.

Two of Hollywood’s top actors Woody Harrelson and Kevin Hart have been seen wandering around The Queensway and Kipling area recently working on a movie.

The pair are filming a new Sony comedy called The Man From Toronto, which has also been shooting in downtown Toronto and Brampton.

It is reported that they have been busy at a large production set that was erected  in The Queensway and Kipling area.

The story tells the story of the “the world’s deadliest assassin and New York’s biggest screw-up who are mistaken for each other at an Airbnb rental,” according to promotional materials.

The Queensway and Kipling area is believed to be he base camp for this part of production.

Filming for the much-anticipated action-comedy was originally due to begin back in the spring, but production was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Man From Toronto is expected to filming in the city until Dec. 15.  It is set to premiere on Sept. 17, 2021.

 

Filed Under: Business, Cameras, Campaigns, Celebrities, Community, Entertainment, Issues, Movies, Politics, Social, Television

Police warning residents of the ‘arguing cabbies’ taxi fraud scam

November 12, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

Just when you think you’ve heard all the taxi fraud scams. Here’s another and it involves COVID-19 as well.

Toronto Police officers from Downtown’s 52 Division are warning cab users of the latest taxi scam to be reported.

Police in a November 10 press release writes the scam involves a fake taxi that is parked in a high-traffic area.

“One suspect poses as the taxi driver and another suspect poses as a customer,” detectives say. “The two suspects pretend to have a loud argument where the driver refuses to take cash due to COVID-19.”

A member of the public overhears the argument and offers to help by letting the suspect use their debit card to pay for the cab fare, in exchange for cash, according to police.

The victim then inputs the PIN number for their debit card into the modified Point of Sale terminal, which police say, records their card data and PIN number.

“After the transaction is successful, the victim is given another bank card resembling their own card and accepts cash from the one suspect before leaving,” states the press release.

Police say the “suspects are then in possession of the victim’s debit card and use the PIN number to make a number of fraudulent purchases or withdrawals.”
Detectives believe there are others operating similar scams as well as further victims. Anyone who has any information, or believes they have been a victim of a taxi scam, is urged to contact police.

The public is being reminded to be vigilant when using any type of public transport that results in debit or credit card transactions.
Officers warn not to leave your debit or credit card unattended inside a Point of Sale terminal anywhere or at any time and be aware of taxi numbers and company names when using their services.

Taxi users should also remember the driver’s identification that is displayed in clear view in the rear of the cab and do not make payments for an unknown person, using your personal card, in exchange for cash.

They should also inspect their card after each transaction to ensure it is theirs and cover their fingers when entering a PIN.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or online at www.222tips.com.

 

Filed Under: Business, Cameras, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Politics, Social, Sports, Technology

Traffic speeding cameras being moved with two now in Mimico

November 7, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

Mimico motorists be aware!

The City of Toronto is rotating its array of traffic speeding cameras and two are now installed on Mimico streets to catch lead-footed speeders.

The penny-pinching cameras were moved from other locations and are now operating on Mimico Ave., just west of Station Rd., and Stanley Ave., near Elizabeth St., according to the City’s website.

The 50 Automated Speed Enforcement (ASE) systems are being rotated to other locations this month. They were installed last July and so far almost 10,000 speeding tickets, and in excess of 9,700 fines, have been mailed to Toronto drivers.

If you haven’t seen the signage for the new speed cameras, they are coming.

The City said once the systems begin enforcing, the appropriate signs will be posted.

The systems are installed on local, collector and arterial roads in Community Safety Zones near schools. There are two systems per ward to ensure an even distribution.

The ASE systems are mobile and are rotated every three to six months in each ward, according to the City.

“This provides an opportunity to address a greater number of areas with safety concerns and provide a wider-ranging deterrent effect,” according to the site.

“Coming soon” warning signs will be posted 90 days before ticketing begins at any new ASE location and warning letters will not be issued.

The locations are selected through a data-driven approach that considers speed and collision data.

The ASE uses a camera and a speed measurement device to detect and capture images of vehicles travelling in excess of the posted speed limit. It is designed to work in tandem with other methods and strategies, including engineering measures, education initiatives and traditional police enforcement.

The images are reviewed by Provincial Offence Officers and then tickets are issued to the owner of the vehicle regardless of who was driving. Upon conviction, the only penalty is a fine – no demerit points will be issued nor will the registered owners driving record be impacted.

Since the devices began ticketing last July, the number of  tickets issued each month has decreased. In the first month, from July 6 to Aug. 5, some 22,301 tickets were mailed with 2,239 repeat offenders. In the second month, from Aug. 6 to Sept. 5, the city says 15,175 tickets were mailed out with 1,198 repeat offenders. In the third month, 9,719 fines were issued, with 604 repeat offenders.

 

Filed Under: Business, Cameras, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Politics, Social, Technology

Here is why discarded cell phones should not be given to young children

October 23, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

Young kids playing with discarded cell phones can lead to terrible life-and-death situations.

Police say a cellular phone that is no longer connected to a service provider can still make outgoing calls to 911.

Halton Regional Police say a recent call to their 911 Centre involved a young child using an old cell phone as a toy.

“Operators kept the child on the line for more than 90 minutes while officers knocked on over 50 doors looking for the child to ensure their safety,” members of the force warn.

“It was determined that the same child had also called 911 from the same phone the previous night, again tying up lines and utilizing unnecessary resources.”

Officers say if the 911 operator is unable to confirm the call was made in error or by a child playing with a phone, then police must be dispatched.

“There are also circumstances that may involve Fire and EMS being dispatched as well,” according to police.

Halton, like Toronto Police, receive hundreds of  911 calls yearly from phones given to young children as toys.

”These calls tie up resources including the communication members who take the calls and responding officers,” officers warn.

Responding officers say the unintentional calls can have “serious consequences for those who truly require assistance.”

Police say the used phones should be taken to a facility where they can be recycled or safely discarded.

Filed Under: Business, Cameras, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Politics, Social, Sports, Technology

Suspect sought in Humber Bay Shores for pulling 15 fake fire alarms

October 22, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

A man who is suspected of pulling the fire alarms of at least 15 high-rise condos in the Humber Bay Shores area is on the run from irate tenants, police and fire officials.

A security photograph of the suspect has been released as officials say he is believed to be carrying inflammable liquids and may strike again.

“This person has hit 15 buildings in the area,” according to security officials at Eau Du Soleil, at 20-30 Shore Breeze Dr. “We have attached a photo of the person who is responsible for the alarms.”

Property management of the building said the suspect struck around 2:40 a.m. on October 19 waking up irate tenants of the twin high-rise when he pulled the alarm and fled.

“The individual threw a rock at the glass and proceeded to pull the fire station,” according to a post on social media by building officials. “He felt he distracted the concierge enough to do so.”

They said the culprit struck again on October 22, when a security official saw a man who fitted the suspect’s description wandering around the building.

“Our security guard walked towards the offender to have him removed from the property,” the building’s security officials wrote. “The offender then lunged at the security guard.”

They said their security officers are not allowed to put themselves in danger, and the suspect managed to pass by him and once again pulled the fire alarm, which is loud and awakened most of the tenants.

Toronto Police and Fire Services attended the scene and deemed the incident a false alarm.

“Management has received multiple impolite e-mails regarding the alarm that goes off in-suite,” according to the building’s management. “The decibel level of the fire alarm is required under the fire code.”

They warn if any tenants disconnect the fire alarm on their in-suite speaker, fire officials will fine the building and a contractor will be required to reconnect the system at a cost of $600 to the owner of the unit.

“We have no control and cannot control the volume,” building officials warn. “If you see this individual anywhere on the premises, we urge you to contact 911 immediately and advise the concierge in your tower.”

The Eau Du Soleil condo is described as where the waterfront and elegance meets sophistication. Its awe-inspiring views and resort-like amenities make it one of Canada’s most iconic waterfront communities, rising 66 and 49 storeys into the Toronto skyline.

Residents in the area are urged to be vigilant as the suspect is getting brazen and can start a real fire. You can also call police at 416-808-2200.

Filed Under: Business, Cameras, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Politics, Social, Technology

Bars and restaurants to shut earlier as part of COVID guidelines

September 25, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

This will hurt.

Barkeepers in the South Etobicoke area are crying foul since they are now required to stop serving booze at 11 p.m., rather than 2 a.m., due to new COVID-19 guidelines.

And the more than 40 strip clubs in Ontario will have to remain closed until further notice to avoid a spread of the virus, according to Premier Doug Ford.

Effective at 12:01 am on Saturday September 26, restaurants, bars and other food and drink establishments, including nightclubs, will have to stop the sale of alcohol after 11 p.m., and prohibit the consumption of alcohol on the premises from 12 a.m. until 9 a.m.

The guidelines apply to employees, and requires the establishments to close by 12 a.m., and remain closed until 5 a.m., except for takeout or delivery, according to the law.

In addition, businesses or organizations are required to screen its employees for the virus.

The Premier said in the past five weeks Ontario has experienced an increase in the rate of new COVID-19 cases and something has to be done.

“Private social gatherings continue to be a significant source of transmission in many local communities, along with outbreak clusters in restaurants, bars, and other food and drink establishments,” he said.

The government last week ruled that only 10 persons can be in a bar or indoor space, and 25 outside.
“It remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice in order to stop the transmission of COVID-19 and protect our communities,” Ford said in a release.

Starting Friday, people with no symptoms of the coronavirus can visit up to 60 pharmacies in Toronto, Ottawa, Brampton, Mississauga, Markham and Huntsville by appointment  for free testing, according to the province.

Not many, if any, of the Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacies are located in the South Etobicoke area. The closest pharmacies in our area includes:

Shoppers Drug Mart, 579 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga, at 905- 278-5506 or https://stores.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/store/1275/

Shoppers Drug Mart, 700 Burnhamthorpe Road East, Mississauga, at 905- 279-1812 or  https://stores.shoppersdrugmart.ca/en/store/774/

Area residents can also visit St. Joseph Health Care Centre, at 30 The Queensway, to obtain a check for COVID-19.

St. Joseph has two assessment centres: one at its St. Michael’s site and another at the St. Joseph’s site. The centres are equipped with proper precautions such as hand hygiene stations and isolated spaces for those who are being assessed for COVID-19.

If you’re visiting their assessment centres, you’ll be given a mask upon entry and asked to clean your hands, you’ll be registered, and then seen by a team member to be tested for COVID-19. Please remember to bring your health card.

They can be contacted at 416- 530-6000

 

Filed Under: Baseball, Business, Cameras, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Politics, Social, Sports, Technology

JUST IN: More police patrols after running gun battle in New Toronto

September 25, 2020 by SouthEtobicokeNews

Toronto Police have stepped up patrols in the New Toronto area following a raging gun battle just over two weeks ago that shook up residents and led to the closure of a major thoroughfare.

Toronto Police say 67 shell casings were recovered by officers in what was likely a ‘running gun battle’ in which about a dozen parked vehicles were hit by stray bullets that left ‘a crime scene covering two city blocks.’

‘The shooting occurred outside 2979 Lake Shore Blvd. W., likely a running gun battle that resulted in a wide crime scene running two city blocks,” according to members of 22 Division Community Response Unit who held a Sept. 24 virtual meeting with members of the Lakeshore Village Business Improvement Area (BIA).

The September 8 early morning shootout resulted in Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Eighth Street being closed for several hours due to a police investigation. One man was shot in the thigh.

Officers, who have since inspected the venue, said the incident “centered around an event at a basement after-hours club at this location.”

“There was a dispute inside the location that spilled out into the back alley,” according to minutes of the meeting obtained by the South Etobicoke News. “Some 67 shell casings were recovered. There was more than one shooter, but it is still unknown how many.”

The team’s priority was to open Lake Shore Blvd. as soon as possible to pedestrians and traffic, which they did, police told the BIA officials.

Days after the shooting, police, Toronto Fire, Municipal Licensing and Standards, Alcohol Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) and Councillor Mark Grimes paid a visit to inspect the premises.

“The landlord told them that she rents the space out, but did not have any of the proper document,” according to the minutes. “All future private events must be cancelled until they are obtained and a timeline was given for this.”

Police said “in the past they had been getting permits but not complying with them so AGCO continued to shut down the events, in turn they stopped getting permits.”

The venue was inspected by fire prevention officials to determine if there were any violations. There were also concerns in regards to the spread of COVID-19 in a crowded venue.

“22 Division has set-up directed patrols for the area, and are paying special attention to the address and will investigate if necessary,” the meeting was told.

Police said they are looking into a request by the BIA to install security cameras in the area to nab lawbreakers. Police warn it is a very involved and costly process that requires community engagement.

Officers said “ it would be beneficial to have them (cameras) in some of the areas they spend the most time in.”

They urged the BIA to have their members install or ensure cameras in and outside their premises are operational since the footage can help police solve crimes.

 

Filed Under: Business, Cameras, Campaigns, Community, Issues, Politics, Social, Sports, Technology

Next Page »

Digital Versions

May 2025

City shelter now downsized from 80 to 50 beds. City of Toronto officials seems to be listening to pressure from an outraged community and back-peddling on some plans for a proposed Third Street homeless shelter.

April 2025

Big battle for April 28 votes in our community. It’s a battle between the Liberals and Conservatives for the federal ridings of Etobicoke Lakeshore and Etobicoke Centre on April 28.

March 2025

Mimico Creek fish life face risk due to road salt. Etobicoke Creek and the Don River are the worst in the Toronto area for being the saltiest waterways due to runoff from truckloads of road salt being used to melt our mountains of ice and snow.

February 2025

Bloor St. W. bike lane to be gone by the Spring. The controversial Bloor Street W. bike lane, and two others on busy downtown streets, are slated to be history by the Spring.

RECENT POSTS

 Area man charged by police with two child porn offences

A South Etobicoke man has been charged in connection with a child pornography … Read Full Article...

FOLLOW US ONLINE

  • Facebook
  • Twitter

Entertainment

  • Celebrities
  • Movies
  • Television

Music

  • Alternative
  • Country
  • Hip Hop
  • Rock & Roll

Politics

  • Campaigns
  • Issues

Sports

  • Baseball
  • Basketball
  • Football

Technology

  • Cameras
  • Gadgets

Digital Versions

  • Digital Versions

Serving Humber Bay • Mimico • Lakeshore Village • Long Branch • Alderwood

Copyright The South Etobicoke News© 2025