The South Etobicoke News

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

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

 

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.

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.

Officials warn about dangers of leaving pets locked in vehicles in the heat

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It is a yearly warning that seems to go unheeded.

Toronto Police, vets and firefighters are warning residents not to leave their pets, or even children, in locked vehicles during this heatwave even if the windows are slightly opened.

The warnings are being repeated after an area woman locked her dog in an SUV in a parking lot, which took firefighters some time to rescue.

The firefighters spent a fair bit of time rescuing the animal when they could be doing other duties, an official noted.

“Under no circumstance should you take your pet in your car if you think you might have to leave it in there, even if only for five minutes, warns veterinarian Dr. Cliff Redford.

Shopping trips are one of the most common scenarios where this occurs, he says.

The best thing an owner can do on a hot day is to leave their pet at home, “in a cool spot with lots of water,” the vets advise.

Police say if you must take your pet with you in the car, make sure someone is always with them.

“One of the best ways to cool them off is to soak their fur, so you can take a bottle of water and literally soak (them) — especially their ears and their feet,” an officer said.

Exercising in warm weather can cause a pet to overheat so be aware of and watch for signs of heatstroke, says the Toronto Humane Society, adding the symptoms for dogs can be excessive panting, fatigue, glazed eyes or a dazed expression and vomiting.

“An immediate response to if your animal is overheating would include removing them from the heat and placing them in a cooler area,” the THS suggested.

They say when it comes to dogs, pay extra attention to younger, older and heavier pets, dog breeds who have short noses and any pets with health issues.

Ontario is the first jurisdiction in Canada to have a full animal welfare enforcement system. The Provincial Animal Welfare Services (PAWS) Act came into effect in January 2020 and allows police to enter motor vehicles to help pets in distress.

If you see an animal in a hot car and are concerned the animal’s life is in immediate danger, dial 911. Members of the public should not attempt to enter a vehicle in these situations.

 

 

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

 

Good Food Market for organic and other produce at a good price

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You don’t have to make a trip to the supermarket.

Don’t forget to visit The Good Food Market on Wednesday August 12, from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for the best locally grown produce in the area.

The market, which takes place every Wednesday, is affordable and more than 85% of the vegetables are organically grown right here.

The market takes place at the Lakeshore Village Park, at Twelfth St. and Garnett Janes Rd.

Free herbs and organic veggies are available.

The market is sponsored by LAMP, New Toronto Public Library, Daily Brea, The Gardens Lakeshore and Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre.

Most produce from beets to zucchinis are organic and available at an affordable price, line an apple for 15-cents.

Emerging artist Naz making beautiful art in Long Branch, Alderwood

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Emerging artist and illustrator  Nazli ‘Naz’ Nahidi loves painting contemporary works including Bell Box Murals and cutting-edge street art.

Nahidi  on Monday will be joining more than a dozen visual artists to paint her second Bell Box Mural in south Etobicoke. She painted her first last year.

“Her work is emotionally charged and in part echoes the visceral effects of emotions as well as personifies feelings,” her website says. “She explores themes of connection, disassociation, closeness, fear and being.”

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.

The Iranian-born artist has painted two large outdoor murals in Don Mills and assisted on the maintenance of the Mural Routes Connections mural on Don Mills Rd.

She also last year painted a digital for the Fringe Festival’s temporary patio, Postscript.

For the next two weeks Naz will be painting a box at 1 Thirty Second Street, and she welcomes visitors.

Check out more of her work at https://www.naznahidi.com/ and Instagram: @nznhidi

The Bell Box Murals are a partnership between Ward 3 councillor Mark Grimes, City of Toronto, Lakeshore Arts, and Community Matters Toronto.

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

 

Search underway for owner of lovely Conure found at Humber Bay Shores

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Somewhere in our community is a bird lover who is trying to find their loving pet.

Concerned bird lovers in the Humber Bay Shores area are rallying to find the owner of a green and red Conure that is now being cared for by the City’s animal services.

The bird was found in the Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Park Lawn area and has been turned over to the City of Toronto Animal Services West Region, according to postings on social media.

Shelter officials say the age or owner of the bird is unknown.

The bird has been assigned an ID number of A866796 and can be reunited with its owner or adopted for a $50 fee, according to the Shelter.

For more information call Animal Services at 416-338-7297 and cite the ID number.

The bird can also be adopted by calling the shelter at 416-338-6271 between 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. to schedule an appointment.

Conures are a diverse, loosely defined group of small to medium-sized parrots. They are smart and interactive and are prone to behavioral problems than the more common, smaller cockatiels or budgies. They have a big personality for a small bird.

Conures are not the best talkers of the parrot world, but they are also far from the worst.  It’s quite typical for a conure to say at least a few words, and some have much larger vocabularies, according to experts.