It’s a Christmas present to the community.

The dozen or so mature trees on Dwight Avenue which were meant to meet the axe to build a sidewalk have been saved from being cut down.

City Council on December 15 voted unanimously in favour of a motion to save the trees along Dwight.

Councillor Mark Grimes said on social media he moved a motion requesting that City staff postpone the sidewalk installation along the west side of Dwight, between Birmingham Street and Maple Avenue.

He hopes any “future reconstruction of Dwight does not impact the mature trees.”

There was much outrage in the community after it was learned that the healthy trees were to be cut down to build a sidewalk. There were protests and letters written to lobby politicians to save the trees.

City officials said the growth of tree canopy is a priority for the city.

“From 2009 to 2018, the tree canopy in New Toronto nearly doubled, increasing from 8.7% to 15.2%,” Grimes wrote. “While this is one of the highest growth percentages in our Ward, I agree that removing these trees is contrary to our goal of further increasing our tree canopy across the city.”

Council voted to reaffirm its commitment to reaching a 40% tree canopy cover by 2050.

It did not take long before nature lovers took to online media to express their joy and appreciation that the trees were saved.

“Wonderful! Such good news! Great Christmas present for South Etobicoke,” wrote Miria Mcadam.

“Thank you to everyone who advocated for the trees to stay,” said Barbara Hansen. “Good job South Etobicoke.”

“This has been quite the saga,” said Leslie Scanlon. “Congratulations.”

“YAY YAY YAY! The trees are saved,” exclaimed Patti Pokorchak. “What a wonderful present it is to all.”

 

 

 

The respected Storefront Humber and two other west end agencies have merged to become part of West Toronto Ontario Health Team to better serve the west-end community.

Storefront Humber has joined Four Villages Community Health Centre and Regeneration Community Services to become part of the West Toronto Ontario Health Team (WTOHT) to provide what  is described as “one stop” coordinated health care which makes it easier to access services in West Toronto.

“We feel our merged organizations will be more efficient, more responsive, and can provide better care for our client-members and communities,” members of the WTOHT said in a release. “Together we can continue to play an ever stronger role in West Toronto.”

They said the agencies all serve the west end and have “services that complement each other.”

“We want to support and advocate for all the residents in the communities we serve to have the best quality of life possible in their own homes and their community,” according to the release.

They also provided an explanation of the merger on You Tube.

Health care in Ontario is moving through unprecedented change in an effort to build a modern, sustainable and integrated health care system, the Team said. As a part of this change, 15 organizations have formed the newly approved West Toronto Ontario Health Team

The WTOHT said residents at one spot can now make appointments, receive services from different health care providers; including community support services, mental health and addictions services..

“With a larger team of providers and services there will be easier referral processes and seamless transfers between providers,” the group said.

The Four Villages Community Health Centre provides inter-professional primary health care and health promotion programs and services. Regeneration Community Services provides case management and supportive housing services for persons living with mental health and addictions.

Storefront Humber offers an extensive range of community supports and home care services to seniors and adults living with disabilities.

Ontario Health Teams (OHT) are a new way of delivering health care in Ontario. By coordinating care between hospitals, primary care, home and community care services, long-term care homes, congregate settings and other services, OHTs will offer an improved and seamless health care experience for patients, caregivers and the community.

There will be a virtual Town Hall meeting on January 20 for more information on the merger.

 

 

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All Toronto Police stations and buildings are closed to the public this holiday season due to the Omicron variant of COVID-19, officials say.
The force temporarily shut all its buildings to the public on December 17, until further notice, according to a Toronto Police media release.

Members of the public can contact their local Divisions online or by dialling a non-emergency line at 416-808-2222. As always, anyone in a life or death emergency should always call 9-1-1.
The closure does not apply to those attending a Service facility for providing fingerprints. They will be screened upon arrival and, if necessary, an appointment will be rescheduled, police said.
The online system can be used to report incidents such as damage to vehicle or property under $5,000, driving or parking complaints, traffic issues or concerns, graffiti, or theft or fraud under $5,000.
All criminal record checks, criminal records and judicial matter checks must also be conducted online.
Exceptions will be made for those requiring a Vulnerable Sector Screening under emergency circumstances. You can obtain information, by calling 416-808-8244, or e-mail referencecheckprogram@torontopolice.on.ca.
The Property Unit is closed to the public until further notice. Services will continue to be provided to the public, over the phone, by calling 416-808-3750 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

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By SUZY BRODERICK

 

Up and coming student artists were recognized with certificates and art-related gifts at an event at Assembly Hall.

The 19^th Annual ‘Tis the Season Children’s Art Show was presented by Assembly Hall, City of Toronto and sponsored by the Long Branch Business Improvement Area.

The exhibition features works by students from local schools and speaks to the seasonal change to winter from autumn, the shift to colder temperatures, snowfalls and its significance in various cultures and traditions.

There were 72 beautiful pieces of art on display that were created by students from The Holy Trinity Catholic School, John English Middle School, St. Leo Catholic School, Seventh Street Junior School, Sir Adam Beck Junior School, St. and Josaphat Cathedral Catholic School.

More than 200 students, teachers, family and friends visited the Assembly Hall Art Gallery to show their support. Those who visited the gallery from November 16 to 26 had the opportunity to vote for the favourite piece of artwork in our People’s Choice Awards in five categories: Most Festive, Most Wintry, Most Imaginative, Most Amusing and My Favourite.

The winners and honourable mentions were celebrated at a small awards ceremony at the Hall on December 15, where they received a certificate, their framed artwork and art-related gift so that they may continue to explore their creativity.

Each year I am amazed by the talent of these students and it is wonderful to see the diversity of our community through the creative lens of a child. It was a great pleasure to welcome everyone back to the Assembly Hall and to see all of the students’ smiling faces and excitement when they saw their artwork hanging in a professional gallery space!

Long Branch BIA officials Liz and Carl Porritt said the quality and calibre of the art this year was excellent.

“This is our 19^th year of sponsoring this event,” Liz said. “The amazing art being created by some of these young artists amazes us every year.”

Assembly Hall staff thank the participating schools, students and teachers, as well as the Long Branch BIA for their continued support of this annual exhibition. We look forward to next year’s exhibition and wish the South Etobicoke Community a safe and Happy Holiday.

Visit assemblyhall.ca for information on upcoming gallery exhibitions and programs.

Suzy Broderick is a Community Cultural Coordinator at Assembly Hall.

 

 

Toronto Police are warning shoppers to double check the gift cards they purchase for loved ones for signs of tampering at this time of the year since they can be fake or stolen.

Police have smashed an organized fraud ring in Vaughan and seized 37,000 gift cards from various merchants that were stolen from locations across Canada with the “intention of manipulating them and reintroducing them into store circulation.”

“Many cards were examined and found to have been altered and prepared for distribution back into stores,” according to a police release.

Officers of a Financial Crimes Unit allege the estimated potential loss from this gift card fraud is more than $2 million dollars.
Police said a probe began in September 2020  into multiple occurrences of identity fraud and bank account takeovers.

A crucial element of these offences was the creation and distribution of convincing fraudulent identifications, detectives said.
Through information obtained from a recent fraud case Project HYDRA, evidence was unearthed that led to a printing business in Vaughan.

A search warrant was issued in September and some 37,000 stolen gift cards were found, some of which had been manipulated and prepared for distribution back into stores.

Police warn that when purchasing a gift card, check the receipt at time of purchase and compare data on receipt to the numbers on the card. Also physically examine the gift card for signs of tampering, use  the card immediately after it’s purchased and avoid buying gift cards online or checking gift card balances on websites that are not the store’s official website

Vladislav Tsyganok, 25, of Vaughn, was charged with more than 12 offences related to fraud, forgery and falsifying credit cards.

He is before the courts.

 

 

Members of the Polish community have lived in Canada for more than 100 years and will only celebrate their first Polish Heritage Month next May in Ontario.

Etobicoke Lakeshore MPP Christine Hogarth tabled legislation that passed third reading December 6 and has received Royal Assent by Ontario’s  Lieut.-Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell.

Polish Heritage Month in May recognizes the Polish community’s historic contribution to building Ontario and will forever mark the month of May as Polish Heritage Month in this province, according to the legislation.

Polish Heritage Month will be celebrated each May, commemorating Constitution Day

in Poland, the implementation of the first democratic and progressive constitution in

Europe on May 3rd 1791, the Ontario government said.

“This is the one of the most important dates in Poland’s history and marks the centuries long struggle for freedom and independence by the Polish people’”   Hogarth said.  “Poland has always had a democratic tradition and a desire for freedom.”

She was ‘inspired by the many accomplishments and contributions of Polish-Ontarians to the diverse cultural and economic fabric of this province.’

Hogarth’s riding is home to several Polish Catholic churches, the Polish

Cultural organization, Polish National Union in Canada including the Consulate of the Republic of Poland.

“This May and every May afterward, all of Ontario will share in the celebration of Polish Heritage,” she said.

Officials said Polish Heritage Month is an opportunity to educate Ontarians about the hardships that Polish Canadians went through to achieve their liberty, and underscore the significance of the Polish Canadian community in Ontario’s history.

Ontario is home to nearly 524,000 Polish Canadians, who have lived in Ontario ever since the

19th century. Nearly 12,000 live in the Etobicoke-Lakeshore area alone.

 

 

The lights are growing dim and the days are growing shorter. With each passing breath, we know we’re getting older. It may sound lyrical and poetic and it is. I say it is inspiring and enlightening. Despite the long dark nights and cold winter days, let us celebrate light, in a hundred different ways.

Let us celebrate growing older because it comes, hand in hand, with the joys and wonder of our friends’ and loved ones birthdays and family dinners. The passing days are marked by anniversary dinners, graduations and a host of other beautiful celebrations and holidays that enrich our lives. If you were to light a candle for every celebration you had this year, I bet your room would be ablaze (ok, not on fire! I mean ablaze in gentle, soothing candlelight!)

In the darkest of the months, embrace the smiles that greet you, as you step from the darkness, into your warm lit family home. I say hello to all the members of my plant family (and it is extensive!!!). As I enter from the drive, I also nod, with warmth in my heart, to the giant Grandmother Cedar that welcomes me. The short days and the cold winter nights urge us to love and enjoy. Celebrate each day.

How? By reflecting and enjoying..

Enjoying what?

Enjoying a stroll in the first snow of the season.

Enjoying a nicely chilled eggnog.

Stopping along a side street and listening to a group of carollers, singing once again!

Enjoying a warm steaming triple baked potato pie with friends and family.

Or how about my favorite: A bowl of freshly popped popcorn with your loved ones , cozied up in blankets, immersing yourself in a hallmark Christmas movie.

There are so many celebrations coming around the corner. Do you hear them? I think they are heralded by distant jingle of sleighbells, no? No wait, is it the joyful beat of the

From winter solstice to the arriving of the winter season to Christmas and New Year’s: Which of these brings the greatest smile to your face? Out of every darkness a light is born. Out of the great mystery of the universe, you and I were born. This miracle of life AND light couldn’t be more true than at this time of year.

It’s a wonderful time to celebrate the duality of who we are. Embracing our Light and Dark, we create true harmony. Accepting our natural duality, we grow into strength and power. We exist and therefore we get to experience the joy and wonder of our family our children, grandchildren travels, and growing up. As we welcome change, we are giving joy and wonder to enter into our lives.

As you light the first candle on your Advent Wreath, honour the Festival of Lights with your Hanukkah candles, break out your African drums, song and fruits for Kwanzaa (matunda ya kwanza) or dance under the moon celebrating the Winter Solstice Yule (birth of the Sun) with candles adorned with lace ties, know that you are in good company. You are in the grand company of billions of humans.

We have all arrived on this great mother earth to celebrate being human. There is no better month than December to begin. We have all come from the darkness, as a spark of life and are born into this world (or of this world, as some say — Read Eckhart Tolle anyone?) I dare say, this month is a most wondrous month to celebrate everything from family, good health, our beliefs, and our fortunes to living another day, seeing the earth complete its cycle and begin growing daylight anew on December 21st (Northern Hemispheres).

Will you join me in growing the light of our human spirit?

“The universe is an example of love. Like a tree. Like the ocean. Like my body. Like my wheelchair. I see the love.” — Ram Dass

Monika Meulman, Founder & Owner
The Healing Muse
416-347-5449

The Healing Muse Apothecary
Inspired Living
@healingmuse
www.healingmuse.com

         Ret. Judge Lloyd Budzinski 

It’s Christmas. It reminds me of “better be good; better watch out; the Judge is coming to hear your case out.”  What value has good character?

Rules for character differ between trial, sentencing and Santa.

Character doesn’t mean Mom saying; “he’s a good boy”, parents are too personal and forgiving.  We need a witness testifying about what people as a group (societal, neighbors, job, or school contacts) think about you.

It’s your general shared reputation. It should include: how they know you (e.g., co-worker); for how long; knowledge of the charges and the community’s opinion regarding a specific character (non-violent, honest) relevant to that charge.  It’s a general understanding of what the village thinks and not a personal one.

In the Trial, the Crown cannot raise bad character unless the defendant raises their good character. That is important. If the defence at any time suggests the defendant’s Good Character, the Crown can rebut it by calling evidence of Bad Character but it cannot be used to raise propensity to commit crime.

However, if the accused can establish good character, the Judge instructs the jury, ‘Good character is not a defense but it may be important in the Jury’s decision.  It may make it less likely the accused committed the offence.  You must consider that evidence along with all the other evidence in deciding guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.’

In some cases, where the facts challenge the Jury, it may swing the balance to a reasonable doubt.  Be careful, if you raise it, social media captures our past behaviour forever: no matter how good you are today, the bad is always available for the Crown.  Santa, like your mother, is a bit more forgiving about last year’s conduct, than a Jury, but I understand that may end soon.  The North Pole is installing Social-Media.

The rule for Criminal Records is different.  If any witness including the accused testifies, their Records are relevant for credibility — only credibility; “The Record can only be used to consider how much or little you believe the person. It cannot be used to infer a person’s propensity to commit the crime.” The generalization that the defendant is bad for all purposes is dangerous.  It distracts from the trial’s issues.  For this reason, many defendants with Records avoid the stand.

Be careful whom you call as a character reference.  The person’s character can be attacked and it may reflect on you.

I remember cross-examining an accused when a man sitting in the back row, suddenly started a drunken ruckus. The Judge ordered the spectator out!  The defendant shouted; “But, but, your honour that man is my character witness”

Sometimes, a lawyer thinking he is helping the client produces an inappropriate reference maybe hoping to impress the Judge.  I was once handed a note signed by a city councillor on City Hall ‘letterhead’ speaking to a person’s behaviour.

Confused I asked the lawyer: “Was it the witness or the city who had the opinion. It appeared that the writer may have attempted to use status to influence me.  If counsel didn’t know who was making the recommendation he should find out or withdraw the letter and did.

Public Officials, must be wary when using their titles for a personal matter; otherwise, their opinion could be misinterpreted by the public.

There is a need for a strong, independent, and experienced AG to protect Crowns from outside interference. As a Crown Attorney, it was stressed you never responded to a call from an MP or Minister regarding a case—the same as a Judge.

The standing joke among Crowns was to respond to such calls by laughing;” Who are you really?  You’re kidding me.  Don’t be ridiculous, no MP is foolish enough to call about a current case, stop these tricks… phone my boss, the ATTORNEY GENERAL.” We would then hang up.  It was inappropriate to engage with a MP about a case.  Attorney Generals like Robert McMurtry, Ian Scott and Hampton always backed us up.

In Sentencing, rules are different. With a conviction, both sides can call evidence of good or bad character as well as ‘Criminal Records’. It relates to the probability of a successful rehabilitation or chance of re-offending.  Good character and apologies make a strong case for leniency.  Rehabilitation is more likely and reoffending less.

Good Character has value, not only at Christmas time but for your entire life…Better watch out, better be good.  Tonight, it is for Santa, tomorrow it is for a career opportunity and always it is a matter of trust and respect. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas.

Judge Lloyd Budzinski retired after 28 years and was a former Crown Attorney, Defence Counsel and Ontario’s Assistant Deputy Minister of Criminal Law. He was Chief Prosecutor in the trial of ex-RCMP officer Patrick Michael Kelly, found guilty of murder for throwing his wife from a 17th floor balcony in March 1981. He can be reached at jbudzinski@talkjustice.info

The Toronto Police are warning elderly residents of a fraud scheme called the ‘grandparent scam’ targeting seniors in our area at this Yuletide time of the year.

Officers of the Financial Crimes Unit said in this scam a grandparent would receive a phone call from a person claiming to be their grandchild calling to say hello.

“The caller states that they have been arrested

and require cash to be released from custody,” according to police. “The phone is passed to a person posing as a police officer and the “officer” demands a cash payment for their grandchild’s release from custody.”

“The fake police officer instructs the grandparent to withdraw funds from their bank and place the money in an envelope,” according to a police release.

Police said “the grandparent is then instructed to hand over the envelope to a man who would later attend their residence to collect the cash.”
Detectives said the grandparent is told that there is a “gag order” on the case and not to discuss this with anyone
The Toronto Police Service is requesting anyone who receives this type of call or solicitation to contact police. Police never contact family members and request cash bail or send someone to their home to pick up bail money.