Toronto Police have partnered with Air Canada to send nine lucky Etobicoke children on a once-in-a-lifetime daylong trip to Disneyland in Florida.

The trip is part of Air Canada’s Dreams Take Flight program in which 175 youngsters from across Ontario are flown to Disneyland with their families on May 7.

The children, who were selected from the force’s 22 and 23 Divisions, met with Neighbourhood Community Officers on April 3 to learn more about the unforgettable experience.

“We’re beyond thrilled to share this exciting news and celebrate this extraordinary moment with the kids and their families,” said Staff Sgt. Lhawang Jongdong.
He said the initiative is a well-deserved chance for the kids to see a different side of policing.

“They’ve discovered that police officers aren’t only about catching criminals or issuing tickets,” Jongdong said.

Police said the Dreams Take Flight initiative ‘helps to build trust, foster confidence and strengthen the bond between officers and the people they serve.’

“Community officers show that policing is also about creating positive experiences and lasting memories, “ Longdong said.

“Our goal is to promote peace, stability, and a safe Toronto—a city where we can all live, work, and raise our families with pride and security.”

Dreams Take Flight is a non-profit organization primarily made up of volunteers from Air Canada and the Air Canada family who organize the trip of a lifetime for close to 1,000 medically, mentally, physically, socially or emotionally challenged children.

The program began in 1989 when several Air Canada employees in Toronto planned a trip-of-a-lifetime. They flew 70 special needs children on a DC-9 aircraft to Walt Disney World in Florida.

By 1997, the Dreams Take Flight charity had expanded across Canada.

For a very long and exciting day, deserving children live an adventure in a world-renowned theme park in California or Florida. All expenses paid—thanks to sponsors and volunteers.

 

The first sign of a redevelopment of Mimico seems to be getting underway.

A long-ignored strip mall at 2491 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Mimico Avenue, which in the early 1960s was a Studebaker of Canada automobile showroom, has been approved for demolition by Etobicoke York Community Council.

Community council last March 13 approved Rental Housing Demolition Application for the outdoor mall, which only has about three stores left open and eight apartments on the second floor.

A new nine storey mixed use complex will be built on the site, as applications are being heard that will lead to the development of the strip from Mimico to Superior Avenues. A proposal to build a 33-storey condo tower just east of Amos Waites Park is also being considered.

The proposed nine-storey building would contain stores on the main floor, 151 dwelling units and parking for 84 vehicles. The mixed-use building will contain 80 one-bedroom units, 36 two-bedroom units and 23 three-bedroom units.
The five of eight tenants left will be offered places to live and allowed to return when the facility is completed.

There will be three levels of underground parking, accessed via a two-way ramp parallel to the east elevation, to provide 167 parking spots and 527 bicycle spaces.

A covered driveway along the southwestern extent of the site would provide a vehicle turnaround and loading space which leads off Lake Shore.

The property was at one time considered as having potential cultural heritage value due to the Studebaker connection. The U.S. auto company operated from 1948 to 1966, and at one time manufactured some its vehicles at a plant in Hamilton.

A plan to expand Amos Waites Park next door is also proposed.

Metrolinx says there will be minor track closures over the April 11 to 14 weekend due to overnight track work on the Long Branch GO.

The railway company said crews will be removing track, digging trenches for utilities and then reinstalling track.

It said crews will also be installing mechanical and electrical utilities on the south platforms and crossing these utilities under Track 3. The company in a Construction Notice said on April 12 and 13 GO Trains will operate on an hourly schedule on the Lakeshore West railway corridor.

“Residents should expect some noise, along with vibration, dust and site lighting,” the notice state, adding staff will minimize disturbances by reducing the idling of non-essential equipment and point away work lights from residential windows.

Work will start at 10 p.m. on April 11 and be completed at 5 a.m. on April 14.

Metrolinx said it is working on delivering more GO service across the network including every 15 minutes on the Lakeshore West Rail Corridor. It said major improvements are also being made to the Long Branch GO Station, on Brow Drive.

Ward 3’s Amber Morley and other councillors are taking a beating online from outraged residents for boldly giving themselves a hefty 24 per cent raise.

More than 200 people have taken to social media express their outrage over councillors’ voting 18 to 5 in favour of a raise that would hike their annual salary of $137,537 to about $170,588.

The pay raise and benefits for Councillors adds almost $1 million to City coffers despite a huge $1.8 billion deficit that led to an eight per cent property tax increase.

Etobicoke Centre Councillor Doug Holyday was one of eight councillors who opposed the pay raise.

Resident Joanne Sigglekow wrote that homeowner’s taxes have increased significantly two years in a row.

“Other city services have increased and homelessness is on the rise in our communities,” she said. “The economic future is bleak. The tariffs are just getting underway and many will lose their jobs.”

No one in government should be voting to give themselves 25 per cent salary increases during these times, she said.

“Typical politician,” said Wendy Patchett. “In it for the money! From Ottawa right down to the dog catcher.”

Paul Buttigieg said Morley’s decision to vote yes for a pay increase is both insensitive and out of touch with the reality of the citizens she represents.

“Such a decision undermines the trust between elected officials and the people who elected them,” he said.

Lucy Lu asked when minimum wage went up that much.

“Canada Post employees went on strike for asking for less than that and didn’t get it,” Lu said.  “Other Unions didn’t get anything close to that either.”

Kathy Stafford called the pay raises ‘abhorrent and disgraceful.’

“Property taxes increased 9.5 per cent last year and then there were water and sewage tax increases on top,” Stafford explained.  “The city is fighting with unions not to increase pays but they ‘will’ themselves an increase.”

She urged voters to remember the councillors who voted for the increase.

The councillors who voted against the increases were Brad Bradford, Alejandra Bravo, Vincent Crisanti, Paula Fletcher, Stephen Holyday, Parthi Kandavel, Frances Nunziata, and Gord Perks all voted against the motion.

More than 100 anti-Third Street shelter braved the rain to protest on the site of the proposed facility that has split the community.

Protestors with signs filled the City parking lot, at 66 Third Street, where a planned 80-bed municipal shelter is planned.

Another group who were supporting the planned shelter said the homeless have to be housed somewhere, and the site was close to public transportation and social services.

Those opposed to the shelter in that location said it can be moved elsewhere.

They said the proposed shelter is close to a seniors residence and two schools in a residential area.

The planned shelter is one of 20 planned in different parts of the City to be completed by 2033.

The issue has created heated feelings in the community and a virtual town hall meeting with City officials is slated for April 15 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. You are asked to register as only 80 people can be accommodated.

A Go Fund Me page organized by New Toronto Initiative, a group of community members who are against the location of the facility, has raised almost $10,000 to fight the cause.

The group in its post said they believe in providing safe supporting housing for those in need.

“It’s important that this decision involves more thoughtful planning and community input to ensure the best outcome for both shelter clients and local residents,” it said.

The shelter is part of the city’s efforts to meet an unprecedented demand for shelter spaces. In addition to temporary housing, the facility will also provide access to other services such as harm reduction and mental health supports, and counsellors to help clients develop permanent housing plans.

Former Toronto Police Const. Jonathan Reid has turned in his firearm and bullet proof vest for a Bible and a cross as a Baptist Minister.

Reid, 42, retired from the force March  26 after serving  17 years, mostly at 22 Division as a Community Neighbourhood Officer.

He knows the community well and said it was a tough decision to leave the force but he had to follow his calling.

“I have always been a religious person since an early age,” Reid says. “I always dreamed of being a police officer and I have done that.  It’s time to do something else.”

The former officer has been recognized by community members for his work with teens and helping them stay on track and out of trouble. He is credited by parents for helping their children stay in school and get an education.

He loves South Etobicoke, has patrolled certain areas by bike, and at one time took part in a program for teens at Franklin Horner Community Centre.

“ It’s all been through word of mouth,” Reid says. “I will miss the comradery with my former co-workers.”

Reid said he will miss helping people as a police officer, but now he can help them spiritually and in other ways.

In his new role, he will be an Assistant Pastor at the Cornerstone Baptist Tabernacle, at Blackthorn Avenue, in Toronto.

“I will still be working with youths in different programs but in a different capacity,” he insists.

His new job will have him conducting home visits, counselling and speaking to congregation members and hosting pray services on Sundays.

He was born in Toronto after his parents emigrated here from Barbados.

Long Branch parent Sandy Donald said Reid was able to provide guidance to his son during a rough time.

“He has helped my son, who considers him a friend,” Donald said. “Jonathan has helped many teens with issues in the community.”

Another young man, named Bernard, described Reid as ‘an honest officer who has helped him in times of trouble.’

Reid has spoken to students at many South Etobicoke schools as a policeman and his name gets passed around by students.

Reid advises students who want to become police officers to stay in school and get a high school diploma, stay out of crime and know what they want in the long-term and go for it.

Family and friends are rallying to help a 77-year-old New Toronto senior who lost all his belongs including a pet cat in a devastating apartment fire.

Jack MacDonald, who is affectionately known as ‘Grandpa ,’ is lucky to be alive after a his ground floor apartment at William Punnett Housing Co-op, at 3077 Lake Shore Blvd. W., went up in flames on March 24.

He “sadly lost nearly everything in the blaze,” according to the Go Fund Me page. “His neighbours are now coming together to support him in its aftermath.”

The senior, who is a long-time resident of the co-op, lost his beloved cat Smokey in the fire, in addition to his clothes, furniture, family photos and memorabilia.

Jack and his dog, also named Jack, are dubbed  ‘Double Jack,” by many in the community.

“They are valuable members of our community, helping with maintenance throughout the co-op and putting a smile on everyone’s face,” according to organizer Essie Patcheson. He “has long been a positive and giving member of our community, who now needs our support.”

Jack lost his wife, who was his best friend in 2021. He had recently retired from working in the moving industry.

Patcheson said Jack has minimal insurance coverage and cannot afford to purchase new possessions. All he has left are the clothes on his back.

She said he will require help in paying for temporary accommodations, basic cooking supplies, furniture, linens, towels, food, and medical necessities for both Jacks.

“Any donation is greatly appreciated and will be used to help Jack pay for the items listed above as he navigates this very traumatic experience.”

Donations can be made by searching Go Fund Me.

Etobicoke Centre Councillor Stephen Holyday was one of eight who opposed a whopping 24 per cent  pay raise as the City grapples for more funding.

The pay raise and benefits for Councillors adds almost $1 million to City coffers despite a huge $1.8 billion deficit that led to an eight per cent property tax increase.

The increase that was approved by Council 15 to 8 on March 27 will see the wages of councillors jump to a whopping $170,588 annually from $137,537.

Holyday said he opposed the pay increase because he doesn’t think it’s appropriate.

“I just believe that, if we do this, it further erodes people’s confidence in government. And I don’t think we should do it,” Holyday said.

The increase does not apply to Mayor Olivia Chow, who called it ‘steep’.  She earns more than $225,000 yearly.

Councillors have long been seeking an increase in pay and wages claiming they are overworked with meetings and work in the community. They claim their workload surged after the number of council seats were reduced from 44 to 25 in 2018.

Council requested the City Clerk to report later this year on options to modernize their job descriptions, salary bands, and the compensation envelope for staff in Members’ offices.

“Toronto now has perhaps the most populous wards of any major city in North America and Europe,” according to City staff.

Members of Council do not receive additional compensation for sitting on agencies, boards, commissions and corporations.

Councillors last year were allocated about $60,000 for their office budget, with a staff salary of $534,000 and with the Mayor’s Office having an operating budget of more than $3 million.

Councillors Brad Bradford, Alejandra Bravo, Vincent Crisanti, Paula Fletcher, Stephen Holyday, Parthi Kandavel, Frances Nunziata, and Gord Perks all voted against the motion.