A growing number of New Toronto residents are outraged that a Toronto Police officer will not face charges in a wrong-way crash last May 13 that left two motorcyclists with serious leg and head injuries.

A report released on September 9 by the Special Investigations Unit (SIU) Director Joseph Martino admitted the officer travelled up a one-way street and collided with a motorcycle at Birmingham Street and Sixth Street just before 8 p.m.

Martino said the officer “failed in his duty of care to other motorists and was directly responsible for the collision that seriously injured two people.”

Martino was “not reasonably satisfied that the officer’s failures were of a magnitude warranting criminal sanction,” according to his report. “There was no indication of any excessive speed on the part of the officer as he travelled toward Birmingham Street nor of any other dangerous driving behaviour.”

The motorcycle riders were rushed to St Joseph’s Health Centre. The 49-year-old driver suffered multiple fractures and serious injuries to his internal organs. The female passenger, 30, was diagnosed with several fractures and a head injury.

The SIU said the officer, who has not been identified, was “operating his vehicle without an appropriate degree of attention to his surroundings” and was in part “distracted by having turned his attention toward his cruiser computer for reports of calls for service that might be coming in via dispatch.”

There was no discipline cited for travelling up a one-way street.

“There were clearly posted Do Not Enter signs in the northeast and northwest corners of the intersection with “DO NOT ENTER” (police capitals) printed under the northwest sign,” the report noted.

“The police SUV T-boned the motorcycle in the intersection near the middle of the road,” according to the report. “The motorcycle was thrown away and Complainant #1 and Complainant #2 were thrown to the sidewalk.”

“The police cruiser collided with the right side of the motorcycle and the sound of the impact could be heard,” according to the SIU report. “Complainant #1 was seen rolling over the top of the hood of the police cruiser and smashing into the windshield. He was then thrown onto the street.”

The police officer ‘ran to the side of Complainant #1 and Complainant #2, crouching down and speaking to them, letting them know everything would be fine and an ambulance was on the way.’

The driver of the police SUV was not injured in the crash.

News of a lack of charges against the officer by the SIU quickly circulated through the community with many residents taking to social media to call for charges to the officer involved.

“If I did it I’d be criminally charged,” wrote Bonnie Chapman.

“The crash happened in front of my building,” insisted Tina Murie. “The police car was going the wrong way and seriously hurt two people. The police officer should be charged.”

“Just disgusting,” wrote “Brenda Jaworsky.

“So he’s above the law. Was just casually cruising around , wrong way up the street, not even responding to a call,” noted Harg Core. “I can’t even put my thoughts into words without anger.”

The SIU is called in to investigate police when death, serious injury, sexual assault and, or the discharge of a firearm occurs against a member of the public.

The Director’s Report can be found here:  https://www.siu.on.ca/en/directors_report_details.php?drid=1543

 

 

More than 600 Humber Bay Shores area residents have signed a petition calling for a classically-trained violinist to return to playing beautiful music on the grounds after he was banned and charged with trespassing.

Kristian Gusho, who is described as ‘Albania’s leading violinist,’ has been banned from a Humber Bay park for a year and charged with trespassing, according to residents on social media.

Hundreds of residents who enjoyed Gusho’s music from their balconies or on the ground, have left irate posts online or have written to Councillor Mark Grimes calling for the violinist to be allowed to return and resume his concerts, which were appreciated and well attended.

A petition being circulated online to Humber Bay and city officials to have Gusho return to playing on the grounds has been signed by more than 635 residents so far.

“Last Saturday I listened to music being played on the lawn outside the farmers market – people had gathered on the grass, respectfully distancing to listen to the gentleman playing,” wrote Joanne Sigglekow. “It was really quite beautiful to see people enjoying music in the park.”

Gusho wrote that he was told he was violating the law because Humber Bay is a park and he requires a permit.

“I am using amplifier that officially is not allowed but there is no musician in Toronto that doesn’t use an amplifier due to street, car, motorcycle, boat and airplane noise,” the violinist replied.

He said if buskers are banned there would no stars as Justin Bieber, The Weeknd, Ed Sheeran, Shawn Mendez and other celebrities.

Resident Gaby Saad wrote that she was with Gusho when he received a call from a by-law officer responding to a complaint from the Office of Councillor Grimes.

“Buskers in general aren’t allowed to use “amplification,” though everyone does it,” Saad said.

“I really enjoy these buskers in our community so I’m hoping that something can be done to satisfy everyone,” said Robin Clay. “If we start enforcing noise, it could affect other venues such as the Humber Bay Shores Waterfront Festival.”

Chelsea Marchese wrote “people complained because they’re scared they might catch COVID-19 while sitting in their apartment with binoculars.”

“Maybe the violinist can provide his vaccination card,” Ryan Joseph piped in.

Peggy Miyashiro Vieira called it a ‘crazy’ decision to ban a violinist from the property.

“I have never seen a more successful street musician than him anywhere I have visited,” Vieira noted. “He entertained, motivated many to dance.”

Daniela Veljkovic wrote “Grimes got rid of music faster than the fireworks. “

“We enjoyed him from our 17th floor apartment at Newport Beach,” cited David Chapman. “Beats the cars. Can’t believe some dolts would complain.”

Gusho’s biography states that he is a virtuosic classical player and winner of the Andrea Postacchini Violin Prize, the Remember Enescu Competition and is a passionate ambassador of Albanian folk music. He has played with renowned Albanian songstress Juliana Pasha, folk idol Sidrit Bejleri and recorded a duo with his wife, Eriola.

“He produces cutting-edge original music for his own albums and for other artists around the world,’ according to his bio.

Gusho is urging disappointed music lovers to complain by email to Grimes’ office.

The petition can be accessed at change.org

 

A man with a green grocery bag is on the run for allegedly assaulting a TTC driver after being asked to leave a bus that was no longer in service in the Brown’s Line and Lake Shore Blvd. W. area.

Officers from 22 Division are seeking the public’s help in identifying the violent suspect who severely assaulted the driver.

Police said the incident occurred on September 3 at about 10 a.m. as a TTC employee was performing a check on a bus that was out of service in Long Branch.

“An unknown man was on board the bus and was asked to leave the bus as it was no longer in operation,” Const. Caroline de Kloet said in a statement. “The man assaulted the TTC employee several times before leaving the area.”

The suspect took off and is described as in his mid-30s, medium build, bald, closely shaved beard, wearing dark glasses, dark hooded sweatshirt, dark jeans, grey or white T-shirt and was carrying a green grocery bag.

The driver required medical attention.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2204, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

 

A plan to add more health care in the community is in the works.

A proposal by Trillium Health Partners Queensway Hospital for a new nine storey hospital building with 416 beds on the north side of the property is being considered on September 10 by Etobicoke York Community Council.

The application proposes a new central utility plant and an eight storey above grade parking structure with 838 parking spaces at the south end of the site, which includes 140, 150, 160, 170, 190 and 220 Sherway Drive, at The Queensway, according to documents filed.

Trillium health officials are seeking to amend City-wide Zoning By-law 569-2013 so the development can proceed on the property.

An extension to the popular hospital, which serves much of South Etobicoke, has been long awaited in the community as the population ages and due to the high demand for health services from COVID-19.

The proposal from here will go before City Council on October 1, subject to the actions of the Etobicoke York Community Council.

The plan includes 47,500 square metres of new floor area for the new hospital, 2,500 square metres of new floor area for the new central utility plant and 26,500 square metres of floor area for the parking structure, according to Trillium officials.

“The ninth floor of the new hospital would be limited to 335 square metres to be used for an indoor amenity area connecting to an outdoor amenity area on the roof of the 8th storey,” according to documents filed to the city.

The plan states: “This is the first phase of redevelopment on the Trillium Health Partners Queensway Hospital site and includes protecting for a public street to be conveyed in future phases of the redevelopment of the site.”

Residents applauded the new beds being added saying they are getting older and that COVID-19 has placed increased demands on Ontario’s health care system.

The proposed development, according to the plan, is consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement and conforms with A Place to Grow: Growth Plan for the Greater Golden Horseshoe. The proposal conforms with the Official Plan and Sherway Area Secondary Plan policies and is generally consistent with the City’s guidelines.

 

It was a civil and informative second all candidates meeting for the federal riding of Etobicoke Lakeshore held on September 9 at the Daily Bread Food Bank.

The four candidates all seem well-informed in regards to the issues in the riding that has been held since 2015 by Liberal incumbent James Maloney.

He is being challenged by newcomers Conservative Party candidate Indira Bains, NDP’s Sasha Kane and Afam Elue, of the Green Party.

The meeting took place at noon in the Food Bank, on New Toronto Street. It was opened by food bank CEO Neil Hetherington.

Maloney said he was proud of the job his government has done in handling COVID-19.

“Our government has stepped up,” the MP told the virtual meeting. “We were there, we have a plan and were ready to go.”

Maloney said many more small businesses would be shut due to COVID-19 if the Liberals did not introduce CERB and other virus-fighting benefits.

Conservative Bains showed she could hold up her own and knew vital information about the riding and its residents.

“We did not need an election now at this time,”Bains told viewers. “Everything was working fine the way it was before.”

Her party plans to create more new jobs and to ‘get Canada back on track.’
All the candidates were in support of fighting climate change and building more affordable housing; it just mattered on how many units being built.

There was also interest by some candidates in slapping a fine or tax to halt the foreign ownership of homes in Canada, which helps to drive up the costs beyond average citizens.

“We want to pause or stop the foreign ownership of homes,” Bains said. “A lack of home affordability has been worst under the Liberals.”

Kane said more resources has to be placed to improve infrastructure, high speed Internet and fresh, clean water to Indigenous people. Her party is in favour of electrifying the fleet of TTC buses.

Elue said ‘the government has to become serious’ and more has to be done to combat climate change, which he said is on the rise.

Another virtual all candidates meeting takes place on September 16 from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. It is sponsored by the Daily Bread Food Bank,  LAMP and the Lakeshore Community Network.

 

Riders have until all day Thursday to cop their shot at the Islington subway station.

The TTC has partnered with Toronto Health Partners to provide pop-up vaccination clinics conveniently located for our customers in subway stations.

The clinics are open to anyone born in 2009 or earlier for both first and second doses. No appointment is required. Moderna and Pfizer (first and second doses) will be available while supplies last each day.

Riders can now cop their shots from Tuesday to Thursday September 9 at the Islington Station, at 1226 Islington Avenue, Mezzanine Level of the station, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

They are also available at the Warden Station, at 701 Warden Ave., from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

If you are getting your second shot.  Health officials have advised that vaccines can be safely mixed for a first and second dose.
If your first dose was AstraZeneca: you can get Moderna or Pfizer for your second dose when you are eligible, at least eight  weeks after your first dose with informed consent.

Moderna or Pfizer: you can get either Moderna or Pfizer, at least 28 days after your first dose. You can switch between Moderna and Pfizer safely.

For more information about vaccines, please refer to Ontario’s COVID-19 Vaccine Website.
Getting as many people vaccinated as soon as possible is an important piece of putting this pandemic behind us. Everyone who is able to get vaccinated is strongly encouraged to do so.

 

Things are off to a rocky start with less than 12 days to go until the September 20 federal elections.

It was a low-key Etobicoke Lakeshore all candidates meeting on September 7 as one of the main contenders did not show up.

First-time Conservative Party of Canada candidate Indira Bains was noticeably absent from the virtual meeting on Wednesday that was organized by Our Lady of Sorrows Parish.

Fielding an hour’s worth of questions from moderator Brian McIntosh were Liberal incumbent James Maloney, the NDP’s Sasha Kane and Afam Elue, of the Green Party.

The candidates agreed there has to be more affordable housing in the community, more work to be  done to fight climate change and more high speed Internet in remote places of Canada.

“People are getting richer as many people are homeless,” Elue pointed out. “Something has to be done about the homeless situation in this community.”

Kane said the NDP will tackle climate change, carbon emission and work for an all-electric TTC fleet.

Maloney said the Liberals are working to bring about more affordable housing in South Etobicoke.

“Housing affordability is a problem in the South Etobicoke,” the Liberal MP said. “There has to be a two-year ban on foreign buyers who help drive up the prices.”

He and the other candidates stress it is ‘unacceptable’ for protestors to throw sand or rocks at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as they recently did at a campaign stop.

According to reports there were two separate incidents in which Trudeau was hit by items on September 6. The first occurred in London, Ont., as stones were thrown over a fence and hit staff at an event attended by the PM. Another incident took place when rocks were thrown at Trudeau as he was approaching and boarding his campaign bus.

“What we saw was unacceptable and shouldn’t be tolerated,” Maloney said of the incident.

‘This is a democracy and we have a right to put forward our opinion and you have a right to ask us questions,” Maloney said.

He is ‘particularly proud’ of the record of his party and how they handled COVID-19 and climate change.

There is another debate on September 9 at 12 noon that is sponsored by the Daily Bread Food Bank.

 

 

 

Etobicoke residents will be hit hard with travel time and the costs of parking when six Toronto courthouses are merged into a downtown ‘supercourt.’

Toronto lawyers and court workers are warning the Ford government about the dangers of moving all six of Toronto’s criminal courthouses across the city into one building downtown.

The justice service providers say that it’s bad for everyone involved: victims of crime, witnesses, accused people, court workers, and the neighbourhoods where Toronto’s six courthouses are currently located.

Toronto City Council has echoed their concerns, citing impacts on neighbourhood businesses and access to justice for residents of neighbourhoods where courthouses will be closing.

Construction has begun for a massive 63-courtroom building in the heart of downtown Toronto. The courthouse will cost nearly $1 billion to build and will be 17 storeys tall. It will be the new hub for adult and youth criminal operations, merging six Ontario Court of Justice locations in the Toronto area.

The new courthouse will be located at the corner of Dundas Street West and University Avenue, an area that is densely populated with government buildings including the Supreme Court and the Court of Appeal, which makes it a “potential target for extremist threats and/or events.”

The courthouse will reportedly be  built and operational by 2022.

Etobicoke, Scarborough, and North York residents will face a choice between hours on public transit, or exorbitant parking costs downtown to attend court. The only additional parking being added will be for judges and crown managers. It will make it harder for many people who are racialized or living in poverty to navigate the justice system, the justice workers argue.

Neighbourhood businesses who depend on customer traffic generated by the six courthouses will take a hit to their sales and services when the courthouses close.

Public safety concerns were also raised in an internal report by the Toronto Police Service about rival gang members from different areas of the city being forced to attend one centralized court location at the same time, possibly meeting up on public transit on the way there, increasing the risk of gun violence at the new location and on the TTC.

Justice service providers are also concerned that the new courthouse building itself won’t be able to expand as Toronto’s population expands. It will only have four elevators servicing 63 courtrooms and more than 2,000 people daily. It will be impossible to physically distance during this pandemic or any future public health emergencies, and an outbreak at one central court location would shut down justice for the entire city.

The concerned legal professionals and court workers argue that it would be much better for community access, for public safety and public health to keep local courthouses open in neighbourhoods across the city.

The unions and associations who represent the lawyers and court workers opposing these changes are the Society of United Professionals, the Ontario Crown Attorneys’ Association, OPSEU/SEFPO and the Toronto Lawyers Association.

 

 

Two people were rushed to a local hospital following a serious crash in Alderwood between a car and transport truck.

Police were called to the Brown’s Line and Horner Ave. area shortly after 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 7.

Toronto paramedics said two people were transported to a trauma centre.

One person injured was a woman in her 20s who suffered serious injuries. The second patient was a man in his 20s but he was taken to hospital in stable condition.

A police Tweet said a woman was taken to hospital in an emergency run.

All lanes near the intersection are closed for the collision. Motorists were being advised to take alternate routes.

The area is busy at that time of the morning with truck traffic making deliveries.

 

Toronto Police are searching for the killer of the son of a prominent Black community leader and activist who was gunned down in a shooting that left two others injured.

Police said officers responded around 10:26 p.m. on August 14 to reports of multiple gunshots near the intersection of Martha Eaton Way and Trethewey Drive.

When they arrived, they found three people with gunshot wounds. Police said two men were taken to hospital and a third pronounced dead.

The deceased man was identified as Jerome Jean-Louis Sylvester, 42, of Toronto, police said.

He is described as a father and family man by his loved ones.

The wounded men are identified as a 29-year-old from Toronto, and a 57-year-old man from Brampton. Kingsley Gilliam, of the Black Action Defence Committee, said Sylvester is the son of Valarie Steele, a long-time Black community leader, advocate and activist.

Gilliam in a statement said Sylvester was ‘dropping off food for his mother at her Martha Eaton Way apartment building when he was killed.’

“A vehicle drove up and sprayed Jerome and the surroundings with bullets,” according to Gilliam. “He died on the spot and two other men some distance apart were wounded.”

He said ‘shots even reached the second floor of the apartment building.’

The shooter sped away. Police have released a photograph of a vehicle used as a getaway car.

Funeral Services for Sylvester took place at New Haven Funeral Centre Inc. in Mississauga on August 31.

Steele in her eulogy called for an end to gun violence which she said ‘has taken far too many lives of our young men.’

She called on the gunmen to ‘put down their guns and come to the community table where they can transition to new lives as contributing members of the community.’

A Go Fund Me page has been created to help the family. So far more than $223,000 has been raised to help with the funeral and other expenses.

Officiating Rev. Ojo  Tewogbade had married Jerome Sylvester and Joy Steele in 2015.

Tewogbade spoke about gun violence in the Black community drawing from his experience as a former 27 year member of the Toronto Police Service and as a pastor and chaplain dealing with the victims of gun violence.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-7400.