Huge traffic changes are being considered for the busy and heavily congested Humber Bay Shores area.

The Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Park Lawn Road area is already a white-knuckle intersection for motorists as most South Etobicoke residents know.

Members of the City’s Infrastructure & Environment Committee on April 26 will consider a Final Report on the Park Lawn Lake Shore Transportation Master Plan (TMP) that will change the lives of residents if approved.

The TMP, a result of years of study by traffic engineers and community consultation, will then be voted on by City Council on May 11.

Public comments are being accepted and can be emailed to iec@toronto.ca

The TMP comes as plans are underway to demolish an Esso Service Station at the south-eastern corner to construct a 59-storey condo tower; and later this year the starting of construction of as many as 15 hi-rises on the former Mr. Christie site.

The plan takes into consideration traffic from a planned Park Lawn GO Station, TTC hub, a dedicated streetcar connection and as many as four local streets being added to the development.

The well-travelled Park Lawn Road is proposed to become a “neighbourhood main street,” with two traffic lanes, instead of four. It will have one-way cycle tracks from Lake Shore Blvd. W., to The Queensway; wider sidewalks and other ‘public realm improvements.’

Park Lawn south of the rail corridor will be designed for ‘dedicated curbside lay-by for TTC bus stops near the proposed GO station on the Mr. Christie site,” according to the TMP.

Lake Shore Blvd. W. is proposed to have a new dedicated TTC streetcar right-of-way in the centre of the street. It will have four vehicle traffic lanes, upgraded uni-directional cycle tracks and wider sidewalks.

There will also be several new traffic signals installed on Lake Shore Boulevard W., between Park Lawn Road and Brookers Lane.  And a two-lane North-South Street, built to connect Lake Shore and
The Queensway; provide streetcar access into the Christie’s development; help provide safe pedestrian and cycling crossing to the waterfront.

The North-South Street will help frustrated motorists enter and exit modified lanes to the Gardiner Expressway, according to the proposal.

The plan, if approved by Council, will see an extension of Legion Road to connect Lake Shore Blvd. W., and The Queensway, which is currently set for road reconstruction, adding cycling lanes and watermain work starting next year.

If approved the roadways and infrastructure will cost more than $450 million and take up to 20 years to build, documents show.

The TMP can be viewed at https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2022/ie/bgrd/backgroundfile-224367.pdf

An Etobicoke man has been arrested by Halton Police for the sex trafficking of a young girl at a hotel in Burlington.

Police said the suspect was identified at a hotel and an investigation was launched last January.

The 29-year-old man was arrested on April 19 by officers of the Halton Regional Police Service Human Trafficking Unit.

Tyrelle ‘Skoobz’ Cambell, of Etobicoke, has been charged with more than 12 offences; including trafficking a person under 18, advertise sexual services, exercising control over a person, make, print or publish child pornography and import or distribute and distribute child porn.

Campbell was held in custody pending a bail hearing.

Police believe there are additional victims in regards to this investigation and are asking anyone who has come into contact with Campbell or has information to contact the Human Trafficking Unit at 905-825-4747 ext. 4674.

People are also asked to call the confidential Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 if they suspect someone is being trafficked.

 

 

Long-time customers swear they receive noble treatment at the Royal Bistro in Mimico.

Owner Kenneth Manvel arrived in Canada about eight years ago from Sri Lanka and got his first job working in a restaurant, which he loved.

Today Manvel has travelled the full circle and owns his own popular restaurant, Royal Bistro, at 384 Royal York Road, beside the iconic San Remo Bakery.

The eatery is busy with regular customers who love the ‘signature’ all day breakfast, pasta, steak dishes, eggs Royale Benedict, big bite sandwiches, health break deal wraps and lots more in a five-page menu.

“Most of our customers live in the area and they support us,” says Manvel. “We know them and they kept us going when COVID hit.”

After purchasing the restaurant, he changed its name, added an assortment of dishes to the menu and opened longer hours. The changes worked since the clean and comfortable eatery gets busy with loyal customers dining in or ordering take-out.

“I always worked in places that specialized in serving breakfasts,” he says. “I love different type of breakfasts and making my customers happy.”

Manvel learned the trade by working in a restaurant in a golf course and other restaurants.

“I always worked as a chef and wanted to work for myself,” he explains. “I had a friend here in Etobicoke and a business opportunity came up.”

He says all the hard work and long hours seems to be paying off.

“I like Etobicoke and that I opened up here,” Manvel notes. “I like the people who are very supportive and it is a quiet place.”

Katrina, a front-line manager, says customers have started to return to dining in with the virus fading.

“I am still here and I can still remember all their names and what they like to eat,” she smiles. “Our customers know they get the Royal treatment here.”

The food, as they locals know, is excellent and the portions are large.

Royal Bistro can be reached for orders at 647-351-7890 or visit them at www.RoyalBistro.ca

The Bistro is offering a 25% off on all pickup orders.

 

It is an end of the long-gone Humber Bay Shores Motel Strip era as the last service station that sparked the motel boom is closer to becoming a 59-storey condo tower.

A plan before York Etobicoke Community Council to construct a high-rise with 650 units on the site of an Esso service station at Park Lawn Road and Lake Shore Blvd. W., is almost a reality.

The station has been at the busy corner since the 1940s. Reports state it was part of a postwar wave of highway commercial development along the former Highway Two, which led to the creation of a strip of motels.

Humber Bay Shores was formerly known as the Motel Strip where these motels operated along the south side of Lake Shore up until the late 1990s and early 2000s.

A report was presented on March 28 to Community Council, in which members said there were more than a dozen issues to resolve and called for a public meeting with the councillor to take place.

The presentation stated the issues to be resolved includes; proposed building height, massing, siting, floor, shadow, wind impacts and appropriate mitigation measures.

The report provided information and identified issues regarding an Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment application for the mixed-use building, that includes a three-storey base building that will contain 655 square metres of ground floor retail and commercial space.

The proposal also consists of a four-level underground parking garage with a total of 230parking spots.

“The site has an area of 2,735 square metres, with an approximate frontage of 49 metres along Lake Shore Boulevard West and 56 metres along Marine Parade Drive,” according to the report.

The site is occupied by a gas station, including an automated car wash, a convenience store with an integrated take-out restaurant and surface parking.

The proposal requires an amendment to the former City of Etobicoke Zoning to permit residential dwelling units, increase the permitted height and revise other development standards.

The tower is being designed with a wavy façade due to its close proximity to Lake Ontario in Humber Bay.

 APRIL 6 TO MAY 25 MINDFULNESS for upcoming series taking place on Zoom at LAMP Community Health Centre. Join our teacher Corin De Souza to learn how to practice and thrive with Mindfulness. To Register contact norkyit@lampchc.org or jasmind@lampchc.org  416.252.6471 ext. 257 or 308.

FREE EMERGENCY FOOD TAKEOUT MEALS offered Monday to Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. through LAMP’s adult drop-in program. Thursday harm reduction supports from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

COMMUNITY SUPPORT CENTRE operating from St. Margaret’s Church on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meals, snacks, washrooms, showers, and laundry available for folks who are unhoused.

EVERY THURSDAY The Good Food Market from 12 to 4 p.m. at Stonegate CHC at 10 Neighbourhood Lane for affordable produce, outdoor market and bring your own bags. COVID-19 protocols are in place. For more information call 416-231-7070 ext 307.

SUMMER YOUTH JOB CONNECTION for students aged 15 to 18 to obtain 20-hours of paid pre-employment training, free certification, training and work-related supports. Must be eligible to work in Ontario and be ready and willing to work during COVID-19, March Break and Summer 2022. Contact Sheroni at 416-405-5259 or email schristian@woodgreen.org

HELP WITH TAXES LAMP Community Health Centre is providing a free income tax clinic for area residents. You can book an appointment to meet the tax clinic worker to help you file your taxes or you can drop off your documents at the office screening desk. For more information or to book an appointment call 416-252-9701 ext. 208 and 281.

CO-OP HOUSING OPTIONS AFFORDABLE Housing Workshop Series. Are you interested in Co-op Housing Options?  Join us to get information on new Co-op Housing Models on Thursday April 21 at 2 p.m. on Zoom. Registration is available on eventbrite at  https://www.eventbrite.ca or by contacting jasmind@lampchc.org 416 252 6471 ext. 308

FREE ONLINE AFFORDABLE HOUSING WORKSHOP – Do you know how to apply for Rent-Geared-to-Income (RGI) Housing Subsidy? LAMP is offering an online workshop on how to get onto the Toronto housing subsidy list. Details on how the program works and other resources will be offered through this free educational workshop on April 12 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. To register e-mail nekpeno@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 Ext. 238 or jasmind@lampchc.org or 416.252.6471 ext. 308.

APRIL 26 STRENGTH BASED LEADERSHIP WORKSHIP – Would you like to build your leadership skills? Join our strength-based leadership workshop on April 26 at 7 p.m on Zoom The workshop focuses on identifying the unique strengths of individuals through interaction and questions. This workshop will help participants to identify their unique strengths to enhance self-development and community services. To register e-mail nekpeno@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 Ext. 238.

MUSIC & WELLNESS is a virtual music therapy group designed to use music to bring people together, improve connections and talk about things that are uplifting. Participants have the opportunity to discover more about themselves within a creative outlet of singing, music listening and encouragement. Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Zoom. To register contact norkyit@lampchc.org or 416 252 6471 ext. 257

CATCH MY BREATH RAY PROGRAM is a youth mental health program at LAMP for ages 14 – 21. The past two years have been hectic and we deserve to have a space where we can share how we’re feeling and what we’re thinking. Let’s share a space to support and have one-on-one conversation with youth in the community. Every Monday 6 p.m. to- 7:30 pm on Zoom. To register contact Isha Green youth@lampchc.org.

HEALTHY EATING IS GOOD – Have you been thinking of changing your eating habits? Then join our Healthy Eating workshops through the West Toronto Diabetes Education Program. Part one introduction to Diabetes Wednesday April 16 @ 6:30 pm on Zoom. Part two Diabetes and Healthy Eating Wednesday May 4, 6 pm. Our experienced health care professionals will give you the information you need to achieve success. Call 416-252-1928 ext. 100.

HAVING A BABY? Etobicoke Pre and Post-Natal Dietician program on Zoom is being offered with agencies as LAMP, Toronto Public Health, Rexdale community Health Centre and other partners in a free health education and nutrition program with health professionals and food demos. One-to-one prenatal and post-natal support and discussions. Grocery cards and other supports as needed. For more information or to register 416-737-9874 or 416-898-1225 or e-mail martha.morales@rexdalechc.com.

 VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at the Salvation Army Lakeshore Community Church, at 5 Thirtieth Street, on Mondays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information or to sign up call 416-251-8372.

PATTY DAY Celebrating the Jamaican patty and introducing Toronto Patty Fest at the Afro-Caribbean Farmers Market in the heart of Little Jamaica (Eglinton Ave. W. and Oakdale Rd. area), on August 6. Little Jamaica is recognized as an important ‘cultural and culinary destination.’

THE ETOBICOKE CENTENNIAL Choir after two years of Zoom rehearsals and virtual concerts is finally bringing live choral music back to Etobicoke. Their first live concert takes place on May 7 at 7:30 p.m. at the Humber Valley United Church, at 76 Anglesey Blvd. The concert title ‘With Heart, In Hope,’ expresses the joy we feel in singing together again. For more information contact Lauren Mayer at 416-433-5495 or at publicity@etobicokecentennialchoir.ca

 

 

 

Local authors Heidi von Palleske and Heather Babcock are a couple of redheads spreading the word on Zoom.

The authors invite book lovers to join them on April 21 at 7 p.m. on Zoom as they read from their novels.

“It should be a fun, lively event,” promises Babcock, who lives in the Alderwood area. “We will read from our novels and discuss writing, ginger protagonists and women’s sexuality in literature.”

Heidi is the author of two novels: They Don’t Run Red Trains Anymore and Two White Queens and the One- Eyed Jack, which is a 2021 Indies book award finalist.

“Her writing is very sensual and poetic, with vivid and unforgettable characters,” says Babcock.

She will be reading from her debut novel Filthy Sugar, a historical fiction set in a 1930’s burlesque house.

They will also be reading together from each other’s books.

To join them, please register at: A Couple Of Redheads Walk into a Zoom Free Tickets (Online Event)

They would like to thank the Canada Council for funding through the Writers’ Union of Canada.

You can also check out Babcock’s blog: Meet Me at the Soda Fountain: The Bee’s Knees of 1920’s and 1930’s Film and Pop Culture:

https://meetmeatthesodafountain.home.blog/

My debut novel Filthy Sugar is now available with Inanna Publications. Please visit https://www.inanna.ca/product/filthy-sugar/

 

 

Some 150 Canadian soldiers, including immigration and mental health officials, are in Poland today to help select and work with Ukrainian refugees bound for Canada.

The Canadian government have promised to accept an undetermined amount of Ukrainian refugees for resettlement in Canada.

Members of Toronto’s Ukrainian community are applauding the move to help some of the 2.5 million refugees who have fled to Poland to escape Russian bombings that have levelled huge sections Ukraine.

The soldiers, many who have roots in Ukraine, left Canada for Poland on April 15 and are expected to remain there for about three months. The troops are deployed to reception centres “to assist with the immediate care and processing of refugees.”

Personnel will be providing general aid, spiritual services, and basic medical care, with the help of Ukrainian-speaking military personnel.

There are some 100,000 Ukrainian children and 15,000 refugees enrolled in Polish schools due to the war.

Those accepted for Canada will be able to leave in weeks and can study and work here as security checks are conducted.

Defence Minister Anita Anand said some soldiers will help a Polish-led humanitarian task force that will include officials from allied countries “to synchronize efforts from more than 100 multinational humanitarian agencies to ensure that Ukrainians fleeing the war receive the best support possible.”

Military personnel will help IRCC “by acting as a liaison” with the Polish military, as Canada works to resettle thousands of Ukrainians to Canada.

“Canadians and our Canadian Armed Forces will continue to step up in the face of the unspeakable acts of violence,” Anand said.

Some politicians are calling on Canada to allow visa-free travel for those seeking refuge.

IRCC will speedily implement for the refugees a special family reunification sponsorship pathway for permanent residence and will work with the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

And work permits will be issued to Ukrainian visitors, workers and students who are currently in Canada and cannot safely go home. The department will also waive the costs for all the paperwork involved.

The IRCC has increased operational readiness in Europe, including relocating staff and moving additional supplies and equipment, such as mobile biometric collection kits, in anticipation of an increased volume of requests.

Since January 1, 2022, over 6,100 Ukrainians have arrived in Canada.

Since the war began, Canada has sent millions in aid to Ukraine, including military equipment. As part of $8 billion in new national defence spending promised in the 2022 federal budget, the Canadian government has earmarked an additional $500 million to be used for military aid to Ukraine.

A huge mega-warehouse or ‘shipping terminal’ that is being constructed on Thirtieth Street in Long Branch is turning to be quite an head-turner for residents and motorists.

The one-storey warehouse, which runs from the train tracks north to Horner Avenue behind a row of homes on the east side of Thirtieth Street, is one of four such facilities coming to the community.

A group called No Trucking Terminals have started a petition and filed a law suit against one company behind three ‘terminals’ being built on the former Campbell’s Soup property, at 60 Birmingham Avenue.

The legal action is set for a hearing in September.

Alex Ladouceur, a founder of No Trucking Terminals, said the terminals will lead to traffic gridlock and increased commuting times to access major highways; noise, dust and air pollution.

No Trucking Terminals is trying to shut down the projects.

Another New Toronto resident was granted $100,000 for area beautification after she appealed to a city committee, and an agreement was reached with the developer.

Documents show a 398,000 square foot industrial space, made up of three one-storey industrial buildings that will have 86 loading docks, is being built on the Campbell’s site.

Many Long Branch residents say they were not aware of the warehouse that is under construction on Thirtieth Street, as others call it an eyesore.

The group said similar shipping centres are planned for 260 Eighth Street and 450 Evans Avenue.

No Trucking Terminals can be reached at 647-787-8624 or sign a petition at www.noshippingterminals@gmail.com

 

Canada’s first lady of blues is being honoured with a special commemorative stamp from Canada Post.

The late Toronto resident Salome Bey will join world-renowned pianist Oscar Peterson, Gordon Lightfoot, Buffy Sainte-Marie and others whose lives have been celebrated by the national postal service.

Other Canadian artists previously honoured with commemorative stamps include Rush, Leonard Cohen, Stan Rogers, Paul Anka, Joni Mitchell, Anne Murray, the Guess Who, the Tragically Hip and Beau Dommage.

Bey was born in Newark, N.J., before moving to a music-rich Toronto in the 1960s.

She was a singer-songwriter, composer, producer, director and actor, a Grammy nominee, a Dora Award winner and an honorary member of the Order of Canada.

Canada Post will be revealing the stamp in a ceremony at Meridian Hall on April 21.

Special guests will include Bey’s daughters, SATE and TuKu.

The stamp will coincide with a reissue of Bey’s self-titled debut album, initially released in 1970 via Quality Records.

Bey loved Toronto and together with her husband ran a successful soul food restaurant on King St. E. for many years.

Bey early on distinguished herself as a multi-talented actress, playwright and director of musicals who opened doors for other Black artists in Canadian theatre.

The mother of two was an outspoken advocate of gender equality and a member of the Canadian charity Artists Against Racism.

Bey died on Aug. 8, 2020, in Toronto. She was 86.

 

 

 

Toronto Police have kicked off a ‘Speed Kills’ traffic safety campaign that will see officers from across the city stop issuing warnings, but give tickets instead for motorists to slow down.

“Speed Kills is a zero tolerance campaign,” said Supt. Scott Baptist, of the force’s Traffic Services. “There will be no warnings and officers will be issuing tickets.”

Baptist said the safety campaign will run from April 11 to April 17 and involve officers from all divisions.

“The campaign is aimed at slowing drivers down through enforcement,” Baptist said. “Our message is quite simple in that ‘speed kills.”

He said 85 per cent of those charged for speeding are young males.

A media conference was held in the parking lot of the Royal Canadian Legion, at 1395 Lake Shore Blvd. W., a few kilometres east of last month’s fatal crash in Mimico in which three people were killed by a motorist who was banned from driving anywhere in Canada.

The March 31 crash involved a speeding Cadillac SUV that ran a red light at Lake Shore Blvd. W. and Superior Avenue killing mom Kelly Hamilton, 43, and Ken Arkwell, 75, who loved life.

The vehicle’s driver Omar Downey, 36, also died in the crash.

The violent crash shook the Mimico community, where the two long-time residents were well-known.

More than $26,000 have been raised in a Go Fund Me campaign to help with the funeral service of Hamilton and to raise her children.