Parts of New Toronto were converted to Chicago for a TV series to portray the hometown of U.S. 1970s serial killer John Wayne Gacy, also known as the Killer Clown.

The Paramount real-life thriller Devil in Disguise follows Gacy, one of the most sadistic and notorious serial killers, who was dubbed the Killer Clown because he volunteered as a clown for sick kids.

The so-called “community leader” secretly kidnapped, murdered and buried 33 young men and boys under his house near Chicago, Illinois from 1972 to 1978.

Some businesses in the Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Sixth Street area had their exteriors converted to represent scenes for the horror house where Gacy killed the men and boys.

One well-known accounting firm was converted to a wooden small-town bar, another a food store, with a fake U.S. recruiting office and bank across the street.

About a dozen vehicles from the 1970s were parked in a nearby lot for filming.

The streaming series stars Michael Chernus as the serial killer, Gabriel Luna and James Badge Dale as detectives.

“It’s heartbreaking for me to think of what his victims could have done with their lives had the system not failed them so tragically,” Chernus said on Instagram. “…we (hope) we can play some part in preventing this from ever happening again.“

Gacy was a building contractor, and divorced father of two, who committed all of his known murders inside his ranch-style home.

After he was arrested in 1978, 26 of his victims were found in the crawl space of his home. He was sentenced to death in 1980 and executed by lethal injection in 1994. He was 52.

Gacy was a children’s entertainer at one point, dressing up as “Pogo the Clown.” He was given the name, “The Killer Clown.”

The series will be hitting the small screen later this year.

 

JANUARY 6 TO FEBRUARY 28 Homework Club for girls seven to nine years old at the Jean Augustine
Centre, at 101 Portland Road. The classes with certified tutors are in person from Monday to Friday
from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. A range of activities are offered. E-mail info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca or call
416-253-9797.

JANUARY 6, 13, 20, 27, STONEGATE CHC afternoon drop-in on Mondays and Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. for children up to six years of age and their caregivers at 10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit
201. For more e-mail early.years@stonegatechc.org. Indoor running shoes required.

STARTING JANUARY 8 USE mindfulness to improve sleep or anxiety at 3:00 p.m. online with Corin De
Sousa. The class develops strategies to build your coping skills and resilience. You will gain tools to
manage everyday stress or worry. The meditations can also help with anxiety or pain management. E-mail Jasmind@lampchc.org or ericao@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

JANUARY 8 AND 15 WELLNESS SELF-MANAGEMENT series at 6 p.m. at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street, if you are feeling stressed out or overwhelmed join us for a free workshop series to learn simple strategies
to embrace your wellness with coach Mary Craig. Class will focus and breathing, muscle relaxation. E-mail jasminD@lampchc.org or anthonya@lampchc. org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

STARTING JANUARY 13 Chair Yoga with Meaux on Mondays at 10 a.m. and Wednesday at 1:15 p.m.
for a gentle seated workout to strengthen muscles and mobility and improve balance using bands or
light weights. For more contact jasmind@lampchc.org or anthonya@lampchc.org call 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

JANUARY 13 QiGONG WITH KATY on Mondays January 13, 20, 27 at 11 a.m. at LAMP CHC. Qigong is an ancient Chinese practice combining gentle movements, breathing technique, and meditation to
balance energy in the body. QiGong reduces stress and anxiety, enhances balance and flexibility,
boosts energy, and improves mental clarity. To register,email JasminD@lampchc.org or ericao@la
mpchc.org phone 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

JANUARY 14, 21, 28 FREE DRUMMING WORKSHOPS AT LAMP CHC, at 1 p.m. for workshops with Chris and let the rhythm take control. No experience required and come unleash your inner groove. Great activity for brain health. E-mail rosema@lampchc.org or Jasmind@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext.
308.

JANUARY 14 SOUTH ETOBICOKE COMMUNITY Land Trust 2025 planning session at 6 p.m. at LAMP
CHC and become part of a transformative movement. As a member, you’ll have a say in preserving affordable housing, green spaces, and community amenities for generations
to come. For more contact info@SECLT.ca

STARTING JANUARY 16 on Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. Chair Yoga with Briar at LAMP-CHC for a gentle-seated workout. Stretch and enjoy some music and movement with Certified Hatha Yoga instructor
Briar Boake. Build your core strength and improve your flexibility. Contact jasmind@lampchc.org call
416-252-6471 ext. 308.

JANUARY 18 CELEBRATION OF LIFE memorial for long-time New Toronto resident and good guy Tony
James Gear from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at St. Margaret’s Anglican New Toronto church, at 156 Sixth Street.
All are welcomed to remember Tony.

JANUARY 19 MP JAMES MALONEY New Year’s Levee from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 643, 110 Jutland Road. For more information call 416-251-5510.

MONDAY WALKING GROUP & Qigong from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. meet at LAMP CHC and join as we
experience nature and take in the Fall beauty. Walking with or without poles, move at two speeds and enjoy gentle Tai Chi-like practice called Qiqong. To register e-mail jasmind@lampchc.org
or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 257, 308.

JANUARY 24 FREE HEARING SCREENINGS at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street, if you experience trouble hearing? Canadian Hearing Services will be at LAMP to screen for hearing loss in order to book an
appointment, contact jasmind@lampchc.org at 416- 252-6471.

JANUARY 29 LAHAAG AFFORDABLE HOUSING Meeting at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street, 6 p.m. for a
continuing conversation of the development of coop housing in South Etobicoke. Also an invitation to
participate in the leadership renewal team planning session. For more and to register email info@lahaag.ca

JANUARY 30 COOKING CLASS at Among Friends at 10 a.m. with LAMP dietician Eileen Chan for a fun,
hands-on session as you whip up Taco, lentil soup, pineapple salsa, or guacamole. To register, email ericao@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 257 Hosted at Among Friends location, at 2788
Lakeshore Blvd West Unit #1.

JANUARY 31 MARKLAND WOOD GOLF CLUB at 1:30 p.m. to hear Mark Goulart, a FIFA Senior Project
Manager, reveal the extensive renovations being made to Centennial Park for the 2026 soccer tournament. The park was to have been a FIFA team training ground. All are welcome. $20. RSVP by January 24 to website kingswaywomensclub.wordpress.com

FEBRUARY 5 THE FUTURE OF CO-OP Housing Part 2 at 6 p.m. at LAMP CHC, part of a Building Affordable Housing Series. Guest speaker is Tom Clement, Executive Director of the Co-Op Housing
Federation of Toronto. To register e-mail JasminD@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-
6471 ext. 308.

FEBRUARY 12, 19, COPING WITH ANXIETY WORKSHOP at 6 p.m. at LAMP CHC for free workshop with wellness coach Mary Craig to learn coping mechanisms, mindfulness and wellness toolbox
strategies. To register e-mail jasmind@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

JANUARY 6 KARAOKE FUNDRAISER by the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association to
raise money for a legal defense fund to ‘fight the height,’ a major development at 220, 230 and 240 Lake Promenade and 21 and 31 Park Boulevard. The fundraising singalong takes place from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Long Branch Social House, 3595 Lakeshore Blvd. W. The application, which is under appeal, will see five apartment buildings demolished, many people relocated and five towers up to 30-storeys built.

A Go Fund Me page has been created to help the family of former Toronto Police Det. John Park who died on duty last month of a medical issue.

Almost $200,000 has been raised to help the officer’s family. A funeral service attended by dozens of colleagues was held for him on December 30.

Park started his 14-year career at 22 Division in South Etobicoke before moving to the force’s Hold Up Squad.

He passed away on December 19 while executing a search warrant at a North York high rise, according to police.

Park, 40, leaves behind a wife Tina, and two children, aged 5 and 9. Three books of tributes from friends and the public to the officer were left at 22 Division and Police Headquarters. They have been given to his family.

“There are no words to express the sorrow we feel right now,” Deputy Chief Lauren Pogue said. “This is every family’s worst fear, when a loved one works as a police officer and does not come home safely after their shift.”

She said the grieving family did not have a husband or dad this Christmas season.

“He served our city with courage and a great sense of duty,” Pogue said. “Losing a friend and colleague has a profound impact on our officers.”

Dozens of officers lined the streets outside the hospital where Park was pronounced dead to show respect for their colleague.

Clayton Campbell, president of the Toronto Police Association, said members are coming together to support Park’s family.

“It’s devastating. It’s just such a sad situation in the hospital right now.” Mayor Olivia Chow said she was “heartbroken” by the officer’s death, and has been in touch with Chief Myron Demkiw.

Plans are underway by the City to set fire and conduct a traditional and prescribed burn this spring to boost certain plant wildlife in at least three areas.

The three prescribed burns will take place in 2025 to restore and protect rare Black Oak woodlands and savannahs at High Park, South Humber Park and Lambton Park.

Fire-dependent ecosystems, such as Black Oak savannahs, contain rare native prairie plants that respond positively to burning and grow more vigorously. The burns are a part of a long-term management plan to restore and protect rare Black Oak woodlands and savannahs.

City officials are seeking more than $200,000 to conduct multi-year summertime “traditional and prescribed” to honour the traditional practice of Indigenous people on Turtle Island.

City of Toronto staff in a report said the burns can be dangerous if not managed properly and highly-qualified people have to be hired to conduct high complexity prescribed burns on City property.

The fires are planned and coordinated by a so-called Burn Boss, whose job it is to ensure the bush burns are well-planned and safe.

Prescribed burning is an important management tool to restore and maintain disturbance dependant habitats like the black oak savannah. Urban Forestry officials said that it helps to restore and maintain savannah habitats in the three areas.

“Densely urbanized centres such as Toronto are highly complex areas in which to burn, and it is crucial to have skilled staff to perform these burns effectively and safely,” according to the report.

It said urban sites in Toronto fall within the high complexity criteria. This is due to the potential impacts fire can have on public and private structures, as well as the risk of human impacts from smoke.

Following the prescribed burn each spring, a monitoring program is conducted by staff to collect site data including burn area coverage and vegetation response. Urban Forestry also work closely with High Park community members on assessing the results of the burns.

About a third of the park’s natural environment consists of nationally rare oak savannah, an open, park-like landscape that contains widely spaced black oaks, scattered low shrubs and a rich variety of prairie grasses and wildflowers. Savannahs are dependent on periodic fire to maintain their open character and rich variety of plant species.

South Humber Park is home to remnants of Black Oak woodlands and savannahs, a rare and endangered ecosystem. These woodlands and savannahs are a rare and endangered ecosystem that are fire-dependent and require periodic burning to maintain their open landscape and plant diversity.

Previously referred to as a “prescribed” burn, it is now referenced as a “traditional and prescribed” burn in order to use more accurate wording to honour the traditional practice of Indigenous people on Turtle Island.

A large-scale development project is underway to super-densify the area across from the Long Branch Go Station with a 43 and 11-storey high-rise condos.

The mixed-use buildings will contain more than 600 housing units and mostly underground parking for about 500 vehicles.

A 43-storey tower is proposed to be constructed at 3807-3829 Lake Shore Blvd. W., where a commercial strip exists with a vacuum cleaner shop, porn and convenience stores.

The so-called Long Branch Tower will have a six-storey podium, on top of which is a 37-storey tower. It will house 549 multi-size units.

The application is before the hearing stages and will have to be considered by City Council.

The tower will contain 165.1 square metres of retail gross floor area (GFA), and 35,945.6 square metres of residential GFA.

The high-rise will be located at the foot of Brown’s Line and Lake Shore Blvd. W., just steps east of Long Branch GO Station and the Long Branch Loop at the west end of the TTC’s route 501 Queen streetcar.

The developer claim the proposal would have little impact on local traffic and congestion.

The building will have underground parking for just 72 vehicles, compared to the over 430 bicycle parking spots proposed.

Developer Lake Shore West Co-Ownership, a partnership of Harlo Capital, Toronto Standard, and Major Street Group, have assembled six  properties for development from 3807 to 3829 Lake Shore Blvd. W., just where it meets Brown”s Line.

The site is just west of Fortieth Street and is now home of a retail plaza and a group of commercial buildings that at one time included a 2-4-1 Pizzas.

The site has also been placed within the Long Branch Major Transit Station Area, one of many such zones around transit where the province is promoting higher-density development.

The second application proposes to redevelop 3807 – 3815 Lake Shore Blvd. W., into an 11-storey building.

 The development will have 106 residential parking spots, and will contain one to three-bedroom units.

A number of residents have taken to social media to express their views on the upcoming buildings, with about half claiming the development is badly needed as the area has been neglected for a long time.

The Long Branch Go Station is being expanded and features being added to handle the hundreds of new residents who will soon be moving into the community.

 

One of the older global manufacturing companies in South Etobicoke that was in business for almost 100 years is being flattened for what else but more condos.

National Silicates has been a fixture at 429 Kipling Avenue, at Horner Avenue, since 1815. It shut down after 92 years of conducting business in 19 countries in all five continents.

The Kipling Avenue plant in its prime employed 100 employees, who retired or were laid off. The firm at one time had 1,500 employees and generated over $800 million in revenue.

The company goes back to 1815, with Joseph Crosfield and Sons in Warrington, England; and 1831, with Joseph Elkinton and Sons in Philadelphia, started with the manufacture of candles and soaps, beginning a two-century story of innovation.

Heavy machinery are now demolishing the plant in preparation for the construction of a new industrial condo building that will be divided into 13 units.

The proposal calls for more than 100 parking spots, 15 electric vehicle parking spaces and 10 for bicycles.

“The proposal will replace an existing industrial building and provide for a new modern development that will align with the goals and demands in the City of Toronto,” according to the developers.

National Silicates won awards for business excellence, encouraged employees to volunteer in their communities, and was a supporter of the Santa Claus Parade, Tree Planting in Marie Curtis Park, LAMP, Dorothy Ley Hospice, Women’s Habitat and the Jean Tweed Centre.

“As we close our doors for the last time, we leave behind an amazing community,” a former employee said. “We are friends and most of us are, in reality family.”

The firm was headquartered in Toronto and had production and distribution facilities in Valleyfield, Quebec; Toronto, Fort Frances, Whitecourt, Alberta; Surrey and Parksville, B.C.

The company’s Global Centre for Pulp and Paper Excellence was in Etobicoke and staffed by highly trained scientists who conducted research and development, as well as technical service.

Its principal product is sodium silicate used in the bleaching of wood pulp for paper manufacture and water treatment, among its many uses.

The company and its affiliates was the world’s largest producer of sodium and potassium silicates, according to its website.

The City is planning to erect a heritage plaque to commemorate the Queensway Market Gardens as part of Etobicoke’s rich farmlands that is now the Ontario Food Terminal.

Funds are being sought by Ward 3 Councillor Amber Morley for a heritage plaque, which will be installed in the terminal area.

“The production and installation of a heritage plaque is to recognize the history of the Queensway Market Gardens,” according to a motion seeking funds.

The Queensway Market Gardens ran on both sides of the Queensway from the Humber River to the west of Kipling Avenue, according to the City.

“The rich soil of south Etobicoke attracted farmers who specialized in growing food and flowers to supply the City,” according to staff. “The main produce was vegetables with a few farms having apple and pear trees as well as strawberry and raspberry bushes.”

The market gardens were family-centred operations that were passed down through multiple generations.

It said the Gardens were a source of full-time and part-time work for children, who would work after school and on Saturdays.

“During the summer break from school, they could be seen often weeding rows of vegetables six days a week for five cents a row, which is about $1 today,” the motion said.

Children also worked at the Park Lawn Road farmers market, stocking carts and loading horses.

An informal market existed on the site from 1915 to 1918. The road was only paved in 1925, so farmers would use horses and wagons to transport crops, but they would often get caught or bogged down due to the mix of rain and loose soil on their way to market.

The market was eventually closed and the area was used for the new 56-acre Ontario Food Terminal which was opened on July 21, 1954.

The proposed site of the plaque – Queensway Park – was a former 100-acre farm of one of the earliest Queensway market gardeners, Herod Noble.

By Tanya Vividly

This studio specializes in custom art framing, vintage posters, art restoration conservation and installation services.

I had the chance of visiting a great workshop studio/ art shop in the Long Branch area called Darrell Kobza Art Services.

Kobza is the owner of the studio and has been in this location for five years.

A unique highlight about his space is his collection of rare vintage posters that vary from travel themes to art gallery shows and international films.

And yes … this is a specialty or niche market that art is a blend of nostalgia,“pop art culture“ and 50s  & 60s marketing.

Before he moved to the area he was in the Dundas and Landsdowne area from 2002-2019. The reason for the move was a personal matter and he needed a fresh start and south Etobicoke was the answer.

Kobza is a graduate of the Ontario College of Arts and a former sculpture,  painter and printmaker. He has over 30 years of experience as a professional framer and has a love of collecting movie posters.

Walking around his space feels like an artful indulgence into a artist or painters studio. The wall arrangements are surrounded with vintage international movie posters and on the other side are various refreshing styles of frames.

A lot of his customers are regulars and a lot more are international.

In my opinion with the city being very expensive it is hard for artists to grow and experiment in their craft. His business is among the few that are left. We need to keep artists in our city. Without the artists all cities lack identity.

When I asked Darrel about the lack of artist spaces like his…his response was “there is so much potential in this area – I love Lakeshore – the City needs incentives for artists to stay and succeed.”

Visit: Darrel Kozba Art Services

3671 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

647-936-8566

An officer based at 22 Division in South Etobicoke has been demoted for driving his personal vehicle while under the influence of alcohol through a crash scene almost injuring a traffic cop.

Kirk Ramphal, a six-year Toronto Police veteran, was demoted from the rank of First Class Constable to Second Class Constable for 15-months and will have to attend a 60-day police Wellness Unit program. His licence was also suspended for 12-months.

According to an agreed statement of facts, Ramphal, joined 22 Division when he was 30 years old, was off duty and driving his personal vehicle in  the Evans and Kipling Avenues area at 5 a.m. on September  2, 2023.

At that time, two Toronto police cruisers in the area were blocking off a section of Kipling Avenue, south of Evans Avenue, as officers investigated a deadly car crash. The tribunal said two cruisers had their emergency lights on to prevent motorists from entering the area.

Ramphal missed the blockade and continued to drive towards the crash scene, according to the panel. The officers blocking the road had to activate their “full emergency equipment” to warn the investigators at the site of the collision of the incoming fast-moving vehicle.

“… his vehicle stopped just at the feet of one of the investigating officers,” the decision read.

Police detected a “strong” odour of alcohol on his breath and found that his eyes were bloodshot.

“The misconduct of PC Ramphal was serious and the circumstances surrounding his actions warrant a serious penalty,” according to the hearing.

The tribunal heard the officer was arrested for impaired driving after a collision. He had high alcohol readings in his system and pleaded guilty to one count of discreditable conduct, for being found guilty of an indictable or a summary conviction offence.

He received a $2,250 fine, a one-year driving prohibition, and he was given a penalty of a reduction of police rank for 15 months.

The tribunal was told Ramphal came to enjoy 22 division and enjoyed the work, the residents and that there was a good mix and balance of different types of police work.

Rampal apologized to the panel and said that he had gone out drinking with some friends and was on his way to pick up some fast food before going home.

The tribunal said he has an unblemished work history and received an award for saving a woman who had fallen down an embankment. He had also received a letter of appreciation from a community member for his professionalism locating an elderly male and he was commended for his role in a violent Hold Up Squad robbery.