The South Etobicoke News

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

Body-worn cameras to be rolled out in north Etobicoke in weeks

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In about two weeks frontline Toronto Police officers in north Etobicoke will be issued body-worn cameras to record their interactions with residents.

The Toronto Police Services Board at its meeting on August 18 voted to move ahead with the camera technology, which will be rolled out at the end August at a cost of more than $30 million.

“Body-worn cameras will be used to create trust and legitimacy between officers and the public as we continue to modernize policing services,” said Interim Chief James Ramer. “This technology provides an independent, bias-free account of our interactions.”

By this fall, some 2,350 cameras will be in use across the city. All officers will be trained on the use of the camera and the associated governance, which include minimum penalties for non-compliance.

The force has worked with the Information & Privacy Commissioner, the Ministry of the Attorney General, the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the Special Investigations Unit, and the Office of the Independent Police Review Director, to develop a program that considers privacy, security, and disclosure responsibilities.
The cameras will be used when an officer arrives at a call for service, begins an investigation, or when asking a person questions for the purposes of collecting information.

The Board also approved a comprehensive policing reform package to address systemic racism and improve trust with communities.

The force plans to develop an alternative community safety response for new and existing models of community safety response, including mobile mental health and addictions crisis intervention.

They plan to expand the Mobile Crisis Intervention Program with existing community-based crisis services, including peer support, to meet current demands for mental health-related service calls, in an aim to provide services 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

The Chief is to make permanent an Anti-Racism Training component of the annual re-training and In-Service Training Program and create a stand-alone course that contributes to the delivery of fair and unbiased police services to Toronto’s diverse communities.

The Board’s Anti-Racism Advisory Panel and the Mental Health and Addictions Advisory Panel, will become permanent with expanded mandates that will bring the voices of community and expert organizations together in providing advice to the Board.

The Board also approved recommendations regarding the selection process for the new Chief of Police, mechanisms to make disciplinary proceedings under the Police Services Act more transparent and accessible and  increased collaboration with the City’s Anti-Black Racism Unit.

Police tips on keeping your property safe when not at home

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Toronto Police have issued some crime tips for area residents to reinforce their property to avert thefts or break-ins when they are not at home.

“Burglars will typically avoid a house that is difficult to gain entry,” police warn. “After assessing your risk, you should have a good idea what you need to do to increase security at your home’”

Police from 11 Division say residents may want include additional exterior lighting, consider updating their locks, optimizing their alarm system or video monitoring and reinforce entry points.

More people these days are also using online security devices from which they can view their home and possessions on their smart phone.

“You may want to remove overgrown bush or other structures to allow proper sight lines,” residents are told.

Officers say ensure someone can pick up your old newspapers, mail or flyers from your mailbox if you are away.

Other signs that you are away, which can lure thieves, includes an overgrown lawn or the porch lights left on all day.

If you have to go away, they advise that you place a hold on your mail delivery, install timed lights for inside and out, ask a neighbour or family member to check on your property and schedule a time for the landscaper to come.

The non-emergency number for Toronto police is 416-808-2222 or you can file an online report at www.torontopolice.on.ca

Musician Zuraw has performed in every bar on the Lakeshore

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Long-time area musician Roger Zuraw, whose claim to fame is that he has performed at every bar on the Lakeshore, has released two new discs for his loyal fans.

The popular guitarist, who is known for ‘his pleasant songs about the virtues of Toronto multiculturalism,’ is hoping residents will like his latest CDs ‘Long ago Lakeshore Ramble,” and another of Polish hits, for those who are familiar with his tunes.

Zuraw has been performing in area bars, taverns and other venues for years. Music lovers say beneath his innocuous exterior lurks the ‘raw, passionate heart of a man who’s seen life from both sides, as his songs, such as “Homeless Man” reveals.

He is known for his breakout hits Mimico Jail, Headboard Boogie and I gotta hunch.

“There used to be many more live music venues in the neighbourhood,” he worries. “There was always work in the bars once the people liked you and the band.”

He says much of the work for musicians began drying up before COVID-19, which totally killed the business.

Zuraw also has a line of ‘You’ve gotta love the Shore’ t-shirts for sale.

He has written more than 60 songs over the years, which he sells online, at shows or in the community.

“At one time there were many more musicians like me in the area,” Zuraw frets of past days, when the nightlife in the area was flourishing. “It is hard now to earn a living in this game.”

His discs and t-shirts are about $25 each and you can reach him by email at rogerzurawsong@yahoo.ca.

He will meet you in the community with the items.

 

Mimico group rallying against the Campbell’s Soup land development

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Many Mimico residents are now finding out and are hopping mad at the redevelopment of the historic Campbell’s Soup lands.

Residents are rallying against the redevelopment of the huge property claiming it will drastically increase noise, dust, truck traffic, affect their lifestyle and place area-residents and cyclists at risk.

A campaign has been launched by a group called Residents Before Developers, who are circulating online Mimico Development Alert notices, which are being sent to area politicians.

So far more than 400 of the letters have been signed by area residents to voice their concerns.

The plan “calls for the site to house three warehouses with 86 loading bays, comprising a ‘last mile distribution centre, which is essentially a hub from which large retailers fulfill online orders, operating 24-hours-daily, seven days a week,” the group warns.

They say the massive proposal is only subject to approval by City of Toronto planning staff.

“No public consultations will be held prior to a decision being made, despite significant public impact,” their letter states, adding that City councillors can request to “bump up” review of the project to Toronto City Council.

The redevelopment calls for four driveways accessing the site, including a new entrance on Dwight Ave., at Symons St.

Also proposed are 285 parking spaces and the widening of Dwight Ave., without consideration that Second Street School and LAMP are adjacent.

“Increased traffic poses significant increased risks for pedestrians and cyclists,” they noted. “Heavy trucks arriving and departing and idling all day and night also presents an air-quality concern.”

They claim the developer’s “transportation impact study” assumes there will be minimal impact on the community but their study was conducted last February when pedestrian and bicycle traffic was naturally low.

The matter is before City Council and the alert can be accessed at https://act.newmode.net/

The Campbell’s plant, on Birmingham St., operated from 1931 to 2018 and was at one time the area’s largest employer and vegetable purchaser.

Anguish and worry over proposed shelter in New Toronto

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Anxious New Toronto residents were monitoring a large downtown protest on Saturday against two temporary downtown shelters that residents want out of their area.

The demonstrations on August 15 in the affluent Midtown area come as tempers in New Toronto have heightened due to a proposed homeless shelter at 2950 and 2970 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Eighth St.

Two websites have popped up for area residents to vote yes or no to the proposed 95-bed shelter. The issue has touched many and as of August 17 there were about 600 votes for the shelter and about 500 against.

Members of the community are awaiting the date for public consultations, which was promised by the City, and will be virtual or by conference call.

The matter will then be determined by Toronto City Council virtually at a meeting on September 30.

Residents against the shelter says the New Toronto area already houses 14 social service programs that will negatively impact community safety, due to the close proximity to eight schools and daycare centres.

Those for the shelter say it is better than having “tent cities” for the homeless in Etobicoke and want it supported by the City and social service agencies.

“Caring citizens of Etobicoke want shelters, instead of tents, for the health, wellness, and safety of both the homeless who need shelter, and the residents of the area,” they say.

“The proposed shelter would be a safe way to help individuals stay off the street, and work towards stability, sustainability and a hopeful future,” the petition states.

The vocal demonstrators on Saturday started protesting near Northern Secondary School at Mount Pleasant Rd. and Broadway Ave.

At issues are a temporary housing program recently opened at the Roehampton Hotel and there is an interim housing site located at 55/65 Broadway Ave., which is set to close at the end of the month.

Some residents are concerned about what they claim has been an increase in crime in the Yonge and Eglinton area since the shelters were created in late April, to provide more locations for clients to socially distance during the COVID-19 pandemic.

They also express fear since a City employee was stabbed at the Broadway site last week.

The City said it has added 33 new security cameras, enhanced 24/7 mobile patrols and four security guards at the Roehampton site.

GoFundMe account created to help pay for funeral of child hit by car

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The community is rallying to help pay for the funeral services of a young child whose grieving family are newcomers to Canada.

More than $22,000 has been raised by area residents to help bury three-year-old Ryan Bhattrai, who was killed on August 11 after being hit by a vehicle while crossing a busy street with his family.

A GoFundMe account was created to help cover the burial of Ryan, who was crossing the street just after 11 a.m. with his sister and dad on The East Mall, just north of Burnhamthorpe Rd.

Both the father, 37, and his seven-year-old sister, were hospitalized but are expected to recover.

A woman in her 80s, who was driving the car that hit the family, was also hospitalized.

A family friend said in the GoFundMe post that the family had only been in Canada for four years. It is believed they moved here from India.

“We are seeking assistance on behalf of this unfortunate family who just started life four years ago in Canada with no high expectation but a happy family life and was not prepared for this tragedy,” wrote organizer Sarad Ghimire.

“The most unfortunate father who lost his son was holding his hand at the time and is still in a traumatic condition,” she said. “His mother is not able to convince herself that she no longer has her baby and did not get a chance to say goodbye to her lovely son and is in the same traumatic condition as a father.”

She said Ryan always had “a smiling face and had just learnt how to speak and walk. His little feet have not travelled any long distance and has now come to a full stop.”

“It was so heartbreaking … I was shocked knowing the baby and the family is from our fraternity,” wrote donors Punya Sagar and Monika Marahatta. “May your budding soul rest in heaven, have a good rest with all angels around buddy. Good bye Ryan!”

“Rest in peace lovely shining star; our whole family’s thought and prays goes to the bereaved family,” grieved Jaya Ram Simkhada. “Stay strong, we all are with you.”

No charges have been laid in the incident.

Toronto police are asking anyone with video footage of this collision or anyone with information to contact them at 416-808-1900 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477) or www.222tips.com.

Donations can be made by searching for Ryan’s name at https://www.gofundme.com/

Three-year-old local boy killed and sister injured after being hit by a car

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It is a tragic situation that a grieving south Etobicoke family is coping with tonight.

A three-year-old boy is dead and his older sister is in critical condition after they, along with their father, were struck by a vehicle near the busy Burnhamthorpe Rd. and The East Mall on early Tuesday.

Toronto Police say they were called shortly after 11 a.m. to Montebello Gardens for a collision involving two children and their father.

The children, the boy and girl about seven or eight, were crossing the road with their father who is also in hospital receiving treatment, explained Det. Brett Moore, of Traffic Services.

The driver of the SUV, reportedly an 82-year-old woman, remained at the scene and was later taken to hospital for checks.

The toddler had his vital signs absent when emergency crews arrived and did not survive, police said, while the girl suffered serious injuries and was rushed to Sick Kids hospital.

“It appears that the driver of the motor vehicle was making a turn onto The East Mall, and the family was crossing the street and we don’t know how that came to be — which direction they were crossing,” Moore said.

Investigators said anyone who witnessed the incident or has dash camera footage is asked to call police.

Officers were canvassing the area in search of video footage or witnesses of the horrific incident.

Roads in the area were closed and motorists advised to take alternate routes.

“We are going to be asking the local community, anyone who saw something, to come forward,” police said.

Traffic Services officers can be reached at 416-808-1900.

 

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

 

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.

Plans underway to update Cloverdale Mall to 21st century standards

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The dated Cloverdale Mall which our parents loved is being updated, modernized and being brought up to the 21st century.

B.C. developer QuadReal Property Group, who also own the Campbell’s Soup property in New Toronto, has released details of a ‘multi-building, mixed-use development’ to take the place of the largely one-storey shopping centre near Highway 427 and Bloor St. W.

The developer on August 6 released its plan for the mall and the 12-hectare site as it applies to the City of Toronto for an Official Plan Amendment (OPA) and Zoning Bylaw Amendments (ZBA).

QuadReal plans a “mixed-use, multi-tower, complete community to blossom around a new retail high street.” A large section of the property has remained vacant since Target left Canada.

The company dedicated space in the mall ‘Cloverdale Common,’ for community activities and public information about the proposal. They have also had three open houses over a 16-month period for residents to offer input into the massive project.

Cloverdale’s footprint at 250 the East Mall will be upgraded to a number of condo towers offering a whopping 334,000 square metres of living space between 4,050 units, with ample green space interspersed in between them, along with a food market building, community centre and more.

The residential structures range from between 24 and 48 storeys, and will feature a new “retail main street” that will have storefronts and cafes at ground level. There will be six-storey podiums that help form a street wall along a new retail-lined road running through the property.

This ‘retail main street’ and proposed ‘Cloverdale Square’ will serve as a new retail heart of the community. A food-oriented market building features outdoor patios and terraces, with a multi-purpose arts and culture-focused community hub positioned on the upper level.

The centre of the site will be the glazed glass-covered Cloverdale Square, which will increase the retail space of the project to 26,000 square metres and offer even more residences in low-and mid-rise buildings.

The developer says a minimum of 40 percent of the units would be designated as family-sized layouts.

There will be about 10 residential towers, which will decrease in height from south to north and west to east, with the tallest buildings acting as a buffer from the Highway 427 corridor.

A separate rezoning application has been submitted by QuadReal for a triangular site east of the mall at 2 East Mall Crescent, in which they are seeking to demolish a gas station and Beer Store, which will be replaced by a 27-storey residential tower and a six-storey mid-rise atop a connected base building. The 450-unit development will include 200 m² of retail space.

The amenities of the site will be connected by a series of roadways and pedestrian or cyclist paths, and there will be multiple levels of both underground and above-ground parking, a neighbourhood park, rooftop greenery and court yards.