The South Etobicoke News

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

Humane Society seeks cat lovers to help with their adoptions

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The Etobicoke Humane Society is seeking your help after 150 cats were rescued from a home in one of worst cases of hoarding.

Toronto Cat Rescue said it recovered the cats from inside a filthy Toronto home on July 17 and many had significant health issues, including upper respiratory infections and ear mites.

The group a day before found another 50 cats in another hoarding situation in North Bay, Ont.

“These cats are in desperate need of the kind of care that we are best at, and that our foster homes excel at,” the organization said. “Time is of the essence to get these sweeties into our loving foster homes.”

The organization said it will take months of medical and dental care to get the cats back to good health. All cats will have to undergo vaccinations, antibiotics for infections, as well as being spayed and neutered.

The group noted that it takes many hands to respond to these kinds of situations and thanked foster homes in Kitchener-Waterloo for coming forward and taking the first 50 cats.

Hoarding cats is illegal in Toronto. Only six cats are allowed in a single household under City of Toronto bylaws.

Members of the EHS say they are caring for about 15 of the cats being placed for adoption.

“EHS is able to help with approximately 15 or so cats,” the Society says on its website. “This is in the midst of dealing with another hoarding which is an ongoing situation.”

They say fosters and donations are badly-needed to nurse the cats back to health.

Volunteers say their number one item in demand is clumping litter, which they have little of since the shelter has been closed.

All items being donated can be left in the yellow bins outside the shelter, at 67 Six Point Rd.

They are urging others to spay and neuter their pets since it takes one unneutered male and unspayed female to create a situation like this.

Donations to help the cats can be made to https://etobicokehumanesociety.com/donate/

Popular Tucker’s Marketplace chain falls after 44-years

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The food was good and people loved the friendly place but in the end the virus killed it.

Another Etobicoke popular buffet restaurant, Tucker’s Marketplace, which graced the Airport
Strip area for many years has been shut down due to COVID-19.

The chain shut its well-liked restaurants in Etobicoke, Ottawa and Burlington last March after being hit hard by the pandemic.

“Unfortunately, it seems the undeniable reality is that COVID-19 will be with us for some time,” Tucker’s said in a statement. “Restaurants will be required to operate with capacity restrictions and to main physical distancing.”

The company was flying high just a few years ago and by 1984 had 21 successful locations across Canada and in the U.S. Midwest, officials says.

The company teamed up with a venture capital firm in 1994 to relaunch the chain as a buffet. By then it was down to three locations, and tried take-out without success.

“We have concluded therefore, that there is not a profitable path forward for our business,” Tucker’s officials say. “Sadly, we are writing to tell you that we will not be reopening our restaurants.”

The restaurant’s antiques and unfinished brick walls were a call back to the chain’s first incarnation, Mother Tucker’s Food Experience. The restaurant started in a 1920s warehouse in downtown Edmonton in 1976.

 

Indigenous artists sought to perform at summer camp

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If you are an Indigenous artist, this may be an opportunity for you.

Lakeshore Arts is seeking to engage and hire two Indigenous artists for a week-long virtual At Home Summer Camp.

Artists are responsible for facilitating activities of their choosing and all interactions with campers will be virtual to uphold social distancing rules, according to Lakeshore Arts.

Responsibilities will include preparation work leading up to the camp, as well as hosting virtual workshops with youth over online video conferencing applications (Zoom) throughout the week of the camp.

The goal of Lakeshore Arts is to bring Indigenous arts and culture into the camper’s summer experience. If you are interested contact communityprograms@lakeshorearts.ca

 

Tempers flare for electric vehicle parking spot at Sherway Mall

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This is what some residents may call a first-world entitlement issue.

Social media is up in arms after video of a female motorist driving a non-electric car goes viral after she refuses to move her vehicle for a driver seeking legitimate electric vehicle parking at Sherway Mall.

Mall security officers had to be called to break up a fracas as the woman kept arguing and refused to move from the spot which was clearly marked for electric vehicles only.

The June 11 incident was captured on video and posted online where it has garnered hundreds of shares.

“She feels she is privileged to blatantly park there and defend her right to park there,” says Shelley Robinson. “The spots are designated for those with special need who need electric cars, or are handicapped or expectant mothers.”

Marjan Akhi says the spot is always taken for other cars that are non-electric and it is “’very disappointing.”

“They should get a ticket for that,” Akhi warns.

“This is very selfish behaviour all around,” writes Rita Dufresne.

“Unless it’s abuse or harm, a revenge or shaming video just drags you down to her level,” warns Atreyi Mukherji.

Paula Torres says humanity is going down the drain.

“This reminds me when stupid people park in spaces for disabled people because they think the regulations don’t apply to them,” she says.

James Porter says it is private property and if the woman does not like the parking she can shop elsewhere.
“All she cares about is herself,” says Cathy Nagy. “All she had to do was go drive around to find another spot.”

“The world is already going through so much and these ignorant people just have to make it worse for others,” says Michelle Verano Zorrilla.

 

 

Here’s some good news right in the ‘hood

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Area resident Moma Monica is today thanking her many mask buyers.

She took it upon herself on the outset of COVID-19 to launch a campaign to study and make her own line of face masks, which she then sold to friends, family and others to raise $1,170 which has been donated to the Black Health Alliance.

“I would like to thank everyone who bought a mask from me,” Monica told her supporters online.

The good news was applauded and shared by many on social media.

“Awesome thank you for your donation to a great cause,” Lystra Lewis-Bowles wrote.

“Thank you for doing this incredible fundraiser and letting us take part,” says Lisa Cunningham Davis. “Also, the masks are so comfortable!”

Penny Kyysalak O’Hare notes that the campaign benefits two causes.

It “provides masks to protect us and also to mental health resources which is very much needed,” she says. “Kudos.”

The Black Health Alliance is a community-led registered charity working to improve the health and well-being of Black communities in Canada.

The movement continues to build innovative solutions to improve Black health and well-being, and mobilize people and financial resources to create lasting change in the lives of Black children, families and communities.

 

Major condo project proposed at Kipling & Queensway Aves.

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A mega condo development that will provide more than 800 residential units and dozens of stores is being planned for the Kipling and Queensway Aves. area.

A proposal is being considered on July 14 at Etobicoke York Community Council and is expected to get a green light.

Council will vote if a parcel of land at 1306 to 1310 The Queensway, on the north-west corner of Kipling Ave., should be deemed residential for the construction of the development to begin.

Architect Giannone Petridcone Associates says the 1306 The Queensway Condos “will be unlike anything we have ever seen.”

“The development will be built in all white materials,” the architects say on their website. “The first six floors will have dark brown panels and tinted visors on the sixth floor to protect residents from the sun.”

The complex will feature two high-rises connected by shared podiums reaching 31 and 24-storeys.

A total of 845 residential units are proposed, comprised of:  95 studio units; 491 one-bedroom units; 167 two-bedroom units; and 92 three-bedroom units.

Tower A will be 31-storeys high and face The Queensway and Tower B will be 24-storeys and overlook Kipling Ave. according to the plan.

The developer, KingSett Capital is known for creating residential suits that offer space and the most modern features and finishes which give residents the chance to enjoy a high-end living experience.

The application also proposes a public park at the southeast corner of the site, a stratified park and landscaped courtyard.

The site consists of two lots that are each occupied by a 1-storey commercial building used for an automobile dealership.

A total of 835 parking spaces would be located, of which 709 are proposed for resident use and 126 for commercial and visitor parking. A total of 636 bicycle parking spaces are proposed.

The plan will have to have to undergo input from the community in public meetings.

The units are expected to  begin in the $400,000 price range, according to realtors.

 

 

Upscale boutique hotel planned for Humber Bay Shores

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A premiere upscale hotel is being planned for Humber Bay Shores and what used to be called the Motel Strip.

A plan by Stay Inn Hospitality to build a 13-storey luxury hotel at 2157 Lake Shore Blvd. W. is up for consideration on July 14 by the Etobicoke York Community Council.

An Official Plan Amendment is sought to amend the Motel Strip Secondary plan to allow an increase in the maximum permitted density and building height.

The proposal, if approved, will see the hotel rise from a vacant staging area that is being used to build a 10-storey and 39-storey mixed used highrises.

The hotel, if it receives the green light, will have 165-suites and a ground-floor restaurant.

Plans show there will be a total of 54 parking spaces in a one-level underground parking garage.

City Planners have ruled that public community consultations for the project has to occur before the building is approved.

“The redevelopment of the lands within the Humber Bay Shores Development Area (also known as the Motel Strip) has resulted in a new mixed use, high density community that provides the surrounding area with a new waterfront destination,” the developers say.

Ironically, the site was previously occupied by the Silver Moon Motel, which was demolished in 2008. It was one of more than a dozen mostly family-run motels that once thrived in the area.

Stay Inn brochures says it “offers a selection of room types for every traveller,  from classic rooms to executive Jacuzzi suites, you will enjoy modern accommodations with top amenities and hotel features at a fabulous rate.”

New Toronto was mecca for Canadian wallpaper industry

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Local historians agree that Menzies’ Wallpaper Factory was one of the earlier companies to set up shop in New Toronto. Some say when Menzies moved in their plant was lit by oil lanterns.

The company made fine wallpaper products that was popular with women who wanted the decorative designs to grace their walls.

The Menzies’ company was purchased in 1903 by Reg. N. Boxer, dubbed the ‘Master Makers of Wallpapers,’ which became well-known for their ‘Maixmur,’ later ‘Resistolite’ brand of wall coverings.

Reg. N. Boxer and three other companies in 1927 formed the Canadian Wallpaper Manufacturing Ltd., (CWM), which had four plants that exported the south Etobicoke made products around the world.

The company was located at the so-called ‘Boxer Building,’ at 222 Islington Ave., which has been deemed a historical building. The McDonald Stamping Works Building, which is part of the Boxer Building complex, is deemed one of the oldest surviving industrial buildings in New Toronto.

The plant was one of the largest wallpaper factories in Canada which operated from 1903 to about 1963, as the industry blossomed with different brands and products being introduced.

The company’s colour department became the Dominion Colour Corporation in 1946, which supplied inks to many industries that were booming at the time. Dominion Colour is still in operation today at the same location producing inks.

“From original art to final printing, it is human skill and ability that make Canadian wallpapers so widely famous,” the company said in its marketing materials.

For decades wallpaper manufacturing was one of the more important industry in the area, employing hundreds of residents in the printing, designing and producing an assortment of wall coverings.

For 60-years CWM operated in New Toronto and was part of the community. The company had a whopping payroll of more than $2 million yearly and used then ultra-modern machinery to produce some of the ‘highest quality wallpaper in the world.’

The Boxer name remained in use until about 1959, while CWM continued until 1978 when, as Sunworthy, the company relocated to Brampton.

 

Former Reeve Ozzie Waffle was Etobicoke’s top salesman

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Former Etobicoke Reeve H. O. (Ozzie) Waffle was an Royal Canadian Air Force veteran, car salesman and top booster of our community in a time of expansion.

Waffle, the owner of Islington Ford dealership at Dundas St. W. and Islington Ave. for more than 40-years, was a Reeve for the township of Etobicoke from 1957 to 1962, when things were booming.

He is timely today since during his two terms Etobicoke was busy catering to a post-war population explosion that led to the township offices being  moved to a new civic centre at 399 The West Mall, which served us well for more than 50-years.

The Etobicoke centre is being moved again to the former Westwood Theatre site at Six Points. The new location will be closer to transit and is slated to include a recreation centre, library, child care centre, public square and improved office space.

Waffle loved flight and served as chair of the Metro Civil Defence Organization and Queensway Hospital. It was under his tenure in 1958 that a young Queen Elizabeth visited Etobicoke to be met by thousands of her adoring subjects.

He is described ‘as a self-appointed leader of his community,’ for helping others during Hurricane Hazel in October 1954, when he organized a shortwave radio communications centre during the flooding to help others obtain clothing, food supplies and fuel.

“He helped to provide emergency heating for the children’s hospital and as one of Etobicoke’s leading auto dealers, got a truck convoy system working,” according to news at the time.

Waffle made a name for himself in 1958 by voting for a monorail system, rather than a subway, which was approved by Metro Council. Then Toronto Mayor Nathan Phillips was pushing for a subway which council approved 16 to 8.

Waffle, and partner, George Ledingham, started Islington Ford in 1946 after returning from military service after WW11. The dealership was merged with others in 1985 to create Thorncrest Sherway Inc.

He passed away in March 1980 and a tribute was paid to him in the Ontario Legislature for his love for Etobicoke.

“He was a great salesman for Etobicoke,” MPP John Palmer MacBeth said in the House. “He put Etobicoke on the map in the days of its expansion.”

MacBeth said: ”I guess there wasn’t a conference around Canada he didn’t attend and make well known where he was from. He was a builder in Etobicoke, a man of optimism.”

He said Waffle suffered from a debilitating disease that kept him handicapped for the last 10 years of his life, and yet continued to contribute to the welfare of the community.

Residents ecstatic by opening of new pot store

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Another cannabis accessory store has joined the fray to better serve consumers in South Etobicoke.

Many New Toronto residents are jubilant that Aim High Canada, is opening up at 2781 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Second Street.

Aim High conducted a soft-launch on July 1 that was advertised on social media.

“We design and sell our own Smoke Arsenal  Brand,” says company director Kazim Nathani. “We look forward to working closely with the community.”

The store is lined with all kinds of specially-designed glass pipes, bongs and other smoking and marijuana accessories.

“They’re a licensed shop,” says area resident Mike Langevin. “Kinda a shame that the head shop that was in that location for 20 years before them couldn’t get a license.”

The store was previously called Petite Amsterdam, which served the area’s marijuana lifestyle community for two decades until recently closed.

There are three accredited stores in South Etobicoke selling marijuana-related products. They include the Cannabis Superstore, at 2775 Lake Shore Blvd. W., which has been there for several years and specializes in growing the plant.

Cloud Heads, at 3341 Lake Shore Blvd. W., specializes in hemp products. And The Emerald Isle, at 374 Brown’s Line, specializes in bongs and other smoking devices.

More stores are undergoing screening by Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario officials and includes applications by 4 Mimico Ave., 5160 Dundas St. W., near Kipling Ave., 418 The Westway, near Martingrove Rd., at 1735 Kipling Ave., near Dixon Rd., and 3112A Bloor St. W., near Brentwood Rd.

E-mail your resume to aimhighmeds@yahoo.com