Members of Ukrainian Youth Association were making a flag of coloured plastic strips to bring attention to the deadly war in their homeland.

The youths gathered at the T. Shevchenko Ukrainian Community Centre, on Horner Avenue, to highlight the suffering and deaths of people there.

“We are raising awareness of the war in Ukraine,” said Natalie Tchoryk, of the association. “Most people have friends and family back at home.”

The bright yellow and blue strips were placed in the shape of the Ukrainian flag, which pleased many motorists as they drove by.

The youths are among many Ukrainian students in Canada who have to cope with financial and social impacts of raging war, in which almost four million people have fled the country.

The thousands of Ukrainian foreign students are concerned about how to afford living here as their families at home are displaced and lose access to their earnings. That and the constant concern for their loved ones, has made daily life difficult.

The University of Toronto is offering financial assistance to students affected by the war in Ukraine, saying graduate and undergraduate students are able to apply for emergency grants program and ask for tuition deferrals for the summer and fall semester.

The university recently launched a $1-million matching fund for donations supporting displaced students from Ukraine, along with emergency grants to Ukrainian students affected by the war.

Humber has the highest number of Ukrainian students of all colleges in Ontario, with a total of 183 students, with some 138 students in Canada and 45 in Ukraine learning remotely, officials said.

The school has been acting quickly to provide academic accommodation and mental health counselling, but also connect with student groups to spread the word on what supports are available.

Humber has released a package of financial supports that includes tuition and housing aid as well as bursaries for living expenses. Humber’s student federation has agreed to donate $370,000 to that effort for Ukrainian and Russian students.

Schools like Centennial College and George Brown College are also giving emergency funding to Ukrainian students. George Brown made an additional $250,000 available to students affected by conflict in Ukraine, Russia and Eastern Europe.

Many Ukrainian students are not sure if they will be returning home after they graduate due to the war and bombings.

Since January 1, more than 6,100 Ukrainians have arrived in Canada. All immigrants, refugees and visitors, including temporary foreign workers and students, undergo screening.

 

 

The love of his mom and daughter drives Chef Hudson Bernard to cook the best hamburger in Etobicoke.

Bernard is the owner of Supreme Burgers, one of the newest and most flavourable burger shops based out of a ghost kitchen in the area, rather than a physical location.

Bernard, who was born in Sri Lanka, moved to Canada at about the age of 10 and grew up in Montreal and Etobicoke.

He always loved burgers even while working as an executive chef, who specializes in French cooking, having worked in Montreal, France and Panama.

“I have been cooking for 20 years,” Bernard says. “I lived in South Etobicoke while attending college in the area.”
He says his burgers are based on the different countries in which he has cooked. They are loved for the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients, in which everything is made by hand.

His hamburgers, which are all under $10, have names like ‘The Godfather, The Chicken’s Godfather, Nashville Fried Chicken Burger and Butter Chicken Burger.’

The Butter Chicken Burger for $8.50 was tasty and juicy, with onion, cilantro and special Supreme sauce. It sticks to your tummy and is filling.

His skills are inspired by his mom, Juliette, from whom he learned to cook; and his daughter Zoey.

Juliette passed away from COVID-19 last year before she could meet Zoey. A fading framed photo of the two women provides the chef with daily inspiration.

“My mom never got to meet my daughter,” he says. “My wife pasted Zoey’s picture next to a photo of my mom so I could get them both in a shot.”

It seems that burger lovers are enjoying Supreme from the comments left online. “You can tell by the taste that the food is made from high quality ingredients,” one person wrote.

“You can count on me as a regular customer,” another burger lover said.

Orders can be made online using Door Dash or Skip the Dishes. The food can be picked up at Lockport Take Out at 20 Lockport Avenue.

Supreme Burgers can be reached by phone at 437-238-4347.  No dine-in available.

 

Some New Toronto residents are lobbying to stop the development of large shipping centres being built at the former Campbell’s Soup and three other sites in the community.

A group called No Shipping Terminals has distributed hundreds of brochures called ‘Stop the Convoy’ in area mailboxes and created an online website and petition to halt the projects.

“New trucking terminals are coming to our community,” said Alexander Ladouceur, an area teacher and co-founder of the non-profit group. “This would mean hundreds of trucks in residential areas where our kids learn and play.”

He said at least four huge distribution centres, or trucking terminals, have been approved for the former Campbell’s lands, at 60 Birmingham Street, also at 260 Eighth Street, 121 Thirtieth Street and 450 Evans Avenue.

“It’s not late to stop these terminals,” the brochures warned. “We want local employers that support our community, not automated terminals that serve other parts of the GTA.”

The group claims “hundreds of 18-wheelers will cause gridlock on Dwight, Evans, Islington and Kipling Avenues” if the plan goes through. It already has been approved by City Council.

Ladouceur and No Shipping Terminals have filed a lawsuit in Ontario Superior Court of Justice against 60 Birmingham property owner BCIMC Realty Corp., and developer Quadreal Property Group to try and have the work stopped.

Documents filed in court shows the owner plans to build a 398,000 square foot industrial space, made up of three separate one-storey industrial buildings that will have 86 loading docks, including 80 truck level doors and 6 drive-in doors.

“…it will simply be a space to ship goods by moving them from one vehicle to the next all day long,” according to the claim. “This will result in hundreds of transport trucks on the surrounding roads, all day long, which will never be compatible with the neighbourhood.”

He alleges the ‘last mile distribution centre’ will pose a safety risk to the 500 students attending nearby schools, homeowners and users of the Waterfront Trail System.

“The Birmingham Shipping Terminals will also increase traffic on our already congested main roads and will likely increase traffic on our side roads,” according to the legal action. “The safety of students and staff of the nearby middle school is at risk.”

“As a teacher, and someone who is hoping to raise children in the South Etobicoke Community. I am very concerned about the proximity of the Birmingham Shipping Terminals to the middle school,”  Ladouceur said.

He said a distribution centre will leave a trail of pollution from trucks, including noise, dust and lack of enjoyment of property.

Company officials couldn’t be reached for a comment.

Councillor Mark Grimes has declared a conflict of interest in the case which is being handled by Councillor Stephen Holyday.

You can reach No Shipping Terminals at 647-787-8624 or sign the petition at www.noshippingterminals@gmail.com

 

 

Toronto Police are warning residents of a suspicious incident in which a teenage girl was followed by a motorist in the Brown’s Line and Lake Shore Blvd. W. area.

Police were called on March 9 at 8:30 p.m. to investigate after a 15-year-old girl was approached by a man in a car.

“He asked her to get inside, offering her drugs and money,” police said in a release. “The teen refused and walked away.”

“He approached her again with the same offer,” according to police. “She became fearful and fled.”

The man is described as black, in his 30s, 6’0″, with a dark complexion, large build, and dread locks. He was wearing a grey hoodie, black jeans, and white ‘Air Force One” sneakers. He was driving a black 4-door sedan.

Investigators have canvassed the area and have recovered CCTV and videos. Anyone in the area who may have dash-cam or CCTV video is urged to contact investigators.
Police are also searching for a 13-year-old girl Aveda Polsinelli, who has been missing for a month.

Polsinelli was last seen on March 5 in the Royal York Road and Evans Avenue area.
She is described as 5’1″, with a slim build, brown and blonde hair, and brown eyes.
There is no clothing description available and police are concerned for her safety.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com.

 

Area residents are being warned of more noise from landing aircraft as Pearson Airport shuts down next month its second busiest runway for a full repair.

The noise may seem louder as residents reopen their windows to enjoy the springtime air.

Flyers are being sent to community members warning of the temporary closure of Runway 06L-24R.

“You will notice increased aircraft noise depending on which runway we’re using,” according to information from the Toronto Pearson 2022 Runway Rehabilitation Project. “We are working to deliver a project that minimizes impacts.”

The rehabilitation of the three-km east-west runway will begin in April and run until the late fall. It is Pearson’s second busiest handling many long-haul flights.

“Like all major infrastructure, airport runways need regular maintenance to keep them safe,” Pearson officials told residents.

Airport officials said the wok will contribute millions of dollars to the local economy, create meaningful jobs, create sustainable construction practices and position Pearson for a strong anti-virus recovery.

“We have reduced airline slots and adjusted schedules for the duration of the project to mitigate operational and community impacts,” the Greater Toronto Airports Authority said.

The megaproject is one of the largest rehabilitation projects in Pearson’s history.  The runway was built in the 1960s and when completed it will ensure a safe operation of the airport for passengers and employees.

Airport officials said the runway needs to be fully rehabilitated due to the wearing down of its concrete sub-structure because of weather conditions, use and time. This project will extend the life of the runway by 30 years.

The noise of heavy jets using Pearson Airport has always been a source of complaints from South Etobicoke residents who live under the flight path.

The airport runway project can be reached by phone at 416-247-7682 or email at community.engagement@gtaa.com

 

It is a nice day and families are out walking in the community enjoying the sunshine with very few still wearing facemasks, a leftover from the virus.

Long-time friends Linah and Azita, with their children, are returning home from church when they pause outside the Childrens Urban Enrichment Studio (CUES), at 2986 Lake Shore Blvd. W., to take some photos.

The friends say they don’t miss the facemasks and are glad to see them, along with other COVID-19 precautions gone.

“I will still carry my masks but only wear it in crowded situations,” says Linah. “I will wear it on the TTC, the subway or places with a lot of people.”

Linah was born in Zimbabwe, and Azita in St. Vincent, in the Caribbean. They met after moving to New Toronto about 10 years ago.

“I love it here in Etobicoke,” she says. “This is a family oriented place and it is very safe.”

Azita is pleased to remove her mask, which she say will always be close by.

“We are glad that the Lakeshore Grill Cheese Challenge is back this year and we can take the kids,” she says. “This year I plan to go to as many events as possible after going through the virus for the last two years.”

The families will be attending the Challenge on June 11. The children are looking forward to the two stages with live performers and lots of food.

“We are living life this year and are enjoying ourselves,” Azita vows. “It finally looks like the virus is gone and Canada is open for business.”

The well-worn heart artwork outside the Studio was previously used by the City of Toronto in a promotional campaign. It is lovely at night when it is lit.

Registration is underway for a CUES Summer Camp Program that is designed to foster independence and curiosity. The unique experiences of children in the various settings throughout their interactive 4,000 square feet studio, allow and encourage children to be interested in something different or something new.

You can call or text them at 647-781-6091.

 

Security cameras and other safety precautions are being installed at a Mississauga mosque after a man was arrested for spraying bear spray at stunned worshippers.

A 24-year-old man is behind bars after being arrested by Peel Regional Police in what is believed to be a hate-motivated crime.

Police said on March 19 at about 7:00 a.m. officers attended the Dar Al-Tawheed Islamic Centre, near McAdam Road and Matheson Boulevard, to investigate an assault.

“It is alleged that a man walked into the mosque and discharged bear spray towards the members of the Mosque while brandishing a hatchet,” according to a release from police. “The members of the mosque quickly subdued the man until police arrived.”

Several worshippers received minor injuries as a result of the bear spray, police said.

“Violence of any kind is unacceptable in our community and we are taking this matter extremely seriously,” said Superintendent Rob Higgs. “We will continue to work closely with our community partners as our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Divisional Mobilization Officers continue to engage with faith leaders and community members.”

Mohammad Moiz Omar, of Mississauga, is charged with assault with a weapon, administering noxious substance with intent to endanger life or cause bodily harm, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, utter threat to cause death or bodily harm, carrying concealed weapon and mischief to religious property

He was slated to appear before the Ontario Court of Justice in Brampton.

Anyone with information on this investigation is asked to call 12 Division Criminal Investigation Bureau at (905) 453–2121, ext. 1233.  Information may also be left anonymously by calling Peel Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), or by visiting www.peelcrimestoppers.ca.

 

It has been almost two weeks since Aveda Polsinelli, 13, was reported missing.

And Toronto Police is requesting the public’s assistance in locating the teen.

Polsinelli was last seen on March 5 in the Royal York Road and Evans Avenue area.

She is described as 5’1″, with a slim build, brown and blonde hair, and brown eyes.

There is no clothing description available and police and family members are concerned for her safety.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook.  Tips and sightings can also be reported online to Canada’s missing children resource centre Missing Kids, which is operated by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection.

It’s a return to our post virus lifestyle.

As of Monday, most people will be tossing out those bothersome face masks.

Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore said this week that face coverings will no longer be compulsory in most settings as of March 21.

It has been almost two years of wearing the garment in all indoor public spaces across the province.

At first the facewear were sold on the black market for $10 and more for an imported flimsy mask. Common sense prevailed and the prices dropped.

Though residents will soon be permitted entry to bars, restaurants, cafes, retail stores, gyms, schools and other such places bare-faced, there are still some areas where masking will be required.

Some business owners can still request a mask be worn in their premises.

Most bars and pubs in the community were packed to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

There were live entertainment to mark the day at most South Etobicoke venues. People were jovial, very social and few people were wearing masks.

It was nice to see some of the venues packed to capacity after two years of barely surviving.

“It is nice to see people again,” said one server. “It is like the old times again.”

The Toronto St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins on March 20 at 12 noon at the corner of St. George and Bloor St West (near St. George subway station) and heads east on Bloor Street,  turns south on Yonge Street and finally turns west on Queen Street, finishing at the parade reviewing stand at Nathan Phillips Square.

 

The City is installing Free Ukraine steet signs in front of the Russian consulate general in downtown Toronto, which is now called ‘Free Ukraine Square.’

The area in front of the Consulate General of the Russian Federation, at 60 St. Clair Avenue, has been declared ‘Free Ukraine Square’ by the City of Toronto.

The initiative was approved by City council on March 8 to name the area ‘Free Ukraine Square.’

The Consulate General is located just east of Yonge Street on the fifth floor.

The move was spearheaded by Councillor Josh Matlow, in whose riding the consulate is located, along with Mayor John Tory and the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

“Canada’s Ukrainian community is such an important thread in our country’s multicultural mosaic,” Matlow said. “I am proud to stand with them in solidarity against Russian aggression and in support of Ukraine’s right to sovereignty, freedom, peace and security.”
He said the area of St. Clair Avenue between Yonge and Avoca will be known as “Free Ukraine Square.”

There will be an unveiling of the square with Mayor Tory, Matlow and members of the Ukrainian community on March 20.

“Toronto stands in solidarity with Ukraine. Moving forward, St. Clair Ave. (between Yonge and Avoca- in front of the Russian Consulate) will now be known as “Free Ukraine Square,” Matlow said on social media.

Similar renaming plans have been occurring in other cities around the world following the Russian invasion of Ukraine almost a month ago. There have been regular protest rallies at the site since the war began.

“The Ukrainian Canadian Congress fully supports your initiative to rename the stretch of St. Clair Ave. E between Ferndale and Avoca Ave to “Free Ukraine Square,” wrote Peter Schturyn, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress.

“It is through many such initiatives that we can put pressure on Russia and its regime to stop the senseless killing of innocents in Ukraine.”

Matlow said “Free Ukraine” street signs are also being installed around the Russian consulate.

“We are working with city staff now to add these signs as soon as possible as another important gesture of solidarity with the people of Ukraine,” Tory said.

The Ukrainian flag is also flying at Toronto city hall.