Local New Toronto resident Tony James Gear may have left his native Newfoundland decades ago, but memories of his beloved hometown never left him.

Many community residents are mourning the sudden death of beloved Tony, who passed away on December 1 at the age of 55.

Tony was a beloved brother, uncle, son, father, poppy and friend to many.

He leaves behind his parents Betty and James Gear; his two children who he loved beyond life, daughter Kailey Gear and son Daniel Gear and his beautiful granddaughter Avery who he adored.

Sisters Lisa (Dave), Debbie (Alan), and Darlene; brothers James (Annette), and Danny (Roxanne); his many nieces and nephews all have special memories of their beautiful uncle; and also a large group of cousins and friends whose lives he touched along the way.

Tony had a larger then life personality who could light up any room he walked in, his  family said.

He always had the ability to make you laugh and listen by telling one of his many stories or jokes or using one of his many talents of playing music though guitar, accordion, spoons or simply breaking out in song or a whistle.

He was a beautiful soul with the kindest heart. We are all lucky to have known him and loved him.

Cremation will take place and a celebration of life will take place on January 18th, at 156 Sixth Street from 2 p.m. to 5pm. All are welcomed to come and remember Tony.

An 80-bed municipal shelter is planned for New Toronto to help provide critical services for those experiencing homelessness.

It will be the second attempt by City officials to build a large shelter in New Toronto. A 2020 attempt to install a 95-bed shelter at 2950 and 2970  Lake Shore Blvd. W. failed due to community backlash against the plan.

This time a property at 66 Third Street has been selected, with about 19 other sites across the City, to provide shelter for those living on the streets as they move toward permanent housing.

City staff in a release stated that it had secured 66 Third Street as a municipal shelter. Work has to be done on the property it is slated to open between 2028 and 2030.

The City said the shelter is part of the Council-approved Homelessness Services Capital Infrastructure Strategy, to open up to 20 shelters by 2033.

“These sites will help respond to demand and stabilize the shelter system,” the release said. “The City is committed to working with the local community to support the success of the site and has hired Community Engagement Facilitator Public Progress to lead engagement.”

By 2033, the City plans to develop up to 20 new purpose-built shelter sites, creating a total of about 1,600 shelter spaces.

The new facilities will be less institutional and ‘more home-like,’ according to the City, and will feature natural materials and amenity spaces.

The suites will be smaller containing each about 80 single beds, will be better designed, help offset capacity as temporary shelter sites close and provide shelter in areas of significant of Black and Indigenous focused spaces.

The shelters will be decorated with art and symbols so people of different backgrounds feel welcome.

Pets will be allowed in the shelters, which will have spaces for counselling, harm reduction and other health care services, according to a report.

Similar shelters are planned for 1615 Dufferin Street, 2535 Gerrard Street E., 2024-2212 Eglinton Ave. W., 68 Sheppard Ave. and 1220 Wilson Avenue.

DECEMBER 6 TO 15 MISSISSAUGA Festival of Trees from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Nightly at the Small Arms Inspection Building at 1352 Lake Shore Road E., for art installations, twinkling lights, live performances and workshops. Stroll through our artisan and culinary holiday market, showcasing more than 80 local vendors offering one-of-a-kind artisan goods and mouth-watering culinary creations. You can e-mail them at info@creativehub1352.ca

DECEMBER 13 KINGSWAY WOMEN’S CLUB welcomes men and women to a holiday lunch with entertainment by guitarist Mike Daley. Tickets $75. Lunch at Markland Wood Golf Club at 12 p.m. RSVP by December 7 to kingswaywomensclub.wordpress.com

DECEMBER 14 A CHRISTMAS SHOW free from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Alderwood Church, 44 Delma Drive., featuring String Hoppers. There will also be a Christmas Candlelight Service at the church on December 24 at 6 p.m. Join for a candlelight service to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

DECEMBER 14 JEAN AUGUSTINE CENTRE Holiday Party for families to mingle and celebrate the holiday season from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at their office on 101 Portland Road. The theme is Gingerbread Land. For more contact 416-253-9797 or visit jeanaugustinecentre.ca

DECEMBER 14 CAROLS BY THE LAKE at 4 p.m. at Mimico Square. Come join our singers carolling by the lake. Sponsored by the Mimico-by-the-lake BIA. Free event and dress warm.

DECEMBER 14 CHRISTMAS MARKET from 11 a.m. To 5 p.m. At Mimico Presbyterian Church, 119 Mimico Ave. Free entry shop local vendor for unique Christmas gitts and handicrafted goodies. For more Instagram: @completetlyhandemade.

DECEMBER 20 MP YVAN BAKER of Etobicoke Centre is sponsoring the Community Recognition Awards and nominations are open until December 20 for those who are making a difference in our community for outstanding volunteer service. The awards will be presented on January 26. Nominate someone by calling 416-249-7322 or sending an e-mail to Yvan.Baker@parl.gc.ca

DECEMBER 21 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and enjoy a delicious pancake, a bouncy castle and visit Good Old St. Nick as the holiday continues at Franklin Horner Community Centre. Tickets are $7 and available from December 2. . Contact the office at 416-252-6822 for tickets.

DECEMBER 23 SETTLEMENT SERVICES from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit 201. Free support, advice, information, permanent resident card renewal and citizenship applications, newcomer referrals and other services offered. Call 416-231-7070 or visit stonegatechc.org.

DECEMBER 23 SUNNYLEA FAMILY DROP-IN from 9:30 a.m. to 11;30 a.m. at Royal York United Church, at 851 Royal York Road. Free drop-in for families with children up to six years old. Interactive play, story time and crafts. Call 416-231-9401.

DECEMBER 25 SPANISH SPEAKING Women’s Group from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and take part in informative and motivational chats, arts, crafts meditation and cooking demos. For more info call 416-231-7070 or visit stonegatechc.org.

THE GOOD FOOD BOX Stonegate CHC is again presenting its food box drive in which a $25 donation will purchase a local family dealing with hunger security a box of fruits of vegetables as a gift. They are seeking donations for boxes or sponsors. For more information call 416-231-7070 ext. 229 or visit stonegatechc.org.

HEALTHY COOKING on Tuesdays at 12 p.m. at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street. Learn easy and affordable methods of cooking heart-healthy food. For more information e-mail FatimaA@lampchc.org

MONDAYS AT 10:30 a.m. CHAIR YOGA with Briar at Barsa Kelly Cari-Can Co-Op, 1 Coin Street, 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. For more information, contact jasmind@lampchc.org call 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

MONDAYS 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 email  jasmind@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 257, 308.

EVERY THURSDAYS CREATIVE WRITING group from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. for 12 weeks and discover the joy of writing stories, letters, poetry and improve your communication skills. Contact robertc@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext 242.

And a Happy New Year to fellow Toronto residents.

We can all be digging in deeper in fees and rates come January 1 to fund some City services.

New fees and rates are being considered for water and solid waste management services as early as January 1, according to a City report.

City staff have recommended a 3.75 per cent increase to Toronto Water and Solid Waste Management Services (SWMS), which will mean hundreds of dollars more from our pockets.

The proposed rates and fees will be considered by the Executive Committee on December 10 and then by City Council during its meeting from December 17 to 19.

The City said the proposed increases will support the delivery of services such as waste management and water treatment while funding ongoing projects to build and maintain the infrastructure needed to deliver these services.

The fees for SWMS are used for residential garbage collection, organics, oversized and metal items and electronics. They also fund city-wide litter collection, Community Environment Days, street and parks bin collection, drop-off-depots and the ongoing care of closed landfills.

If the increase is approved, it will see a jump from $295 to $306 for a small single-family bin; a medium bin will rise to $372 and $586 for an extra-large bin, which is a rise of $19.

The report said an average Toronto household using 230 cubic metres of water per year, the 3.75 per cent increase equates to an increase of $39 yearly, for a total annual cost of $1,078 in 2025.

Toronto Water delivers safe drinking water, treats wastewater and manages storm-water while investing in infrastructure renewal and development to address growth, aging systems and climate change impacts.

The City invites residents and businesses to provide feedback on these proposed rates and associated service levels. Individuals can register to speak at the Executive Committee meeting by calling 416-392-7033 before 4:30 p.m. on December 9. Written submissions can be emailed to exc@toronto.ca

The City offers relief programs to provide rebates on water and solid waste charges for eligible low-income seniors and people living with a disability. More information about these programs is available on the City’s website.

You can view the City’s Notice of Price increase

https://www.toronto.ca/news/city-of-toronto-proposes-2025-rates-and-fees-for-waste-and-water/#:~:text=Today%2C%20the%20City%20of%20Toronto,effect%20on%20January%201%2C%202025.

 

One man is dead and two other people hospitalized in a horrific car crash near Sherway Mall Gardens.

Police posted online that they were called to the area of Atomic Avenue and North Queen Street around 11:45 a.m. on December 6.

Police said a person in one of the vehicles was taken to hospital in life-threatening condition and was later pronounced dead.

Two other occupants of the other vehicle were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police added.

Police have not provided any other information, including the cause of the crash, at this time.

North Queen Street was closed for hours due to police activity.

Its Christmas time and people are on the move busy shopping or celebrating with family or friends.

Toronto Police have issued a warning about a number of taxi scams preying on shoppers and loved ones.

Police said fraudsters are using fake debit terminals to steal your PIN.

“Beware if a driver refuses cash and insists on card payment,” according to fraud squad officers. “Always check the terminal, if it seems suspicious do not enter your PIN.”

Taxi scams are increasingly prevalent outside of venues such as theatres, arenas, transit hubs and areas where taxi drivers are typically waiting for customers, police warn.

In another taxi scam, a second person, posing as a passenger, may also ask you for help paying with a debit or credit card in exchange for cash.

“The goal is for the scammer to obtain the customer’s PIN by entering it into a fake payment terminal,” police said. “The driver then switches the customer’s card with another one.”

Fake debit terminals appear to be older, without a tap function, and typically have a grey screen with no backlight. Newer terminals have a bright blue or green screen.

To avoid being scammed, detectives warn if you think the terminal may be fake, input the wrong PIN. A fake terminal will always display ‘payment approved’ – even after entering in the wrong PIN. A legitimate terminal would say “invalid PIN, please try again.”

If you think you have been asked for payment from a fake terminal, take the card out and keep it for fingerprintin; never challenge the driver and immediately exit the taxi for your safety; if safe take pictures of the taxi and taxi number and call your bank or login to your banking app to lock or cancel your card.

 

One of Canada’s most wanted man has been on the run from police for two years for a horrific high-profile double murder that occurred in Long Branch.
Philip Grant, 34, is one of the Top 25 criminals being sought by police nationwide for blood-curdling offences.
Grant’s police mugshot featured on a Be On The Lookout (BOLO) poster state there is a $50,000 reward issued by Toronto Police for anyone who has information that can lead to his arrest.
The fugitive was allegedly behind the January 3, 2022 killings of Minyali Wur, 24, and Chudier Reat, 20, of Mississauga, in a high-profile gun battle at an office building at 150 Thirtieth Street.

The men were gunned down in cold blood in a facility used by many people.
A woman was also found at the scene with injuries, but she survived.
Authorities have been looking for Grant, along with Darriel Thompson, 24, for two years. Detectives are hot on their trail to face charges for murder.
Police said they have intelligence that Grant, who is from Peel Region, is in the Toronto area now.
He is described as six-foot-one tall and weighing around 200 pounds, with a muscular build, brown eyes, and black hair which is usually worn braided. He has scars on his left wrist, right hand, left hand, and the shin of his right leg.
“If anyone sees him they should immediately call 9-1-1,” police said. “Anyone offering him assistance in evading arrest may be considered an Accessory After the Fact and face charges.”

Officers are also on the trail of and Alderwood killer who has been in hiding for almost four months since killing two women.
Police say they are searching for 33-year-old Joseph Ayala, of Toronto, who has been on the since August 23 for the alleged slaying of two women in Alderwood.
Ayala is wanted for second-degree murder after an 82-year-old woman and a 60-year-old woman were found dead in an Etobicoke home more than four months ago.
Residents in the area said they are living in fear that the suspect can return to kill others.

 

Some horrified shoppers at Sherway Gardens Mall were stunned afterwitnessing a vicious smash and grab.

Customers were doing their Christmas shopping when crashing sounds were heard coming from a jewelry store in the mall.

Police said five individuals entered a jewelry store and allegedly began smashing display cases and scooping up items. The suspects took an unknown quantity of expensive jewelry items and fled.

Police say no injuries were reported during the incident, which took place on November 30 around 4:45  p.m. when the mall was busy with people picking up gifts after work.

No descriptions of the suspects have been released, and police said the investigation is ongoing.

There has been a rash of these smash-and-grab thefts that usually take place at this time of the year when the malls are busy and high value items are displayed.

A popular native Etobicoke flower species is being proposed as a name for a private street near The Queensway.

The Carolina Rose Heights, at 35 Zorra Street, is suggested to be named after a native plant species found within the Etobicoke and Mimico Creek watersheds.

The name has been proposed by City staff and will be considered by Council for approval.

A report recommending the new name said a Mimico Creek Study Area in 2007 found the Caroline Rose is one of the many floral species within the watershed.

It is “a regional concern due to habitat dependence, population trend, local occurrence and sensitivity to development,” according to a report by Engineering Support Services, Engineering and Construction Services.

The name of the flower was proposed by a developer working on the redevelopment of the area, which has mostly condo towers.

The Carolina Rose is described as a perennial shrub with straight, needle-like thorns. The fragrant flower emerge in the early summer and are found in a wide range of habitats. It also grows in wet soils, along stream beds, swamps and grassy areas.

 

Ten tips for you and your family to stay safe and warm during this winter courtesy of Shafique Bani, of Southside Auto Centre Ltd., in New Toronto.

1. Install winter tires ,check tire pressure

2. Check your battery

3. Check your wipers

4. Check windshield washer fluid

5. Check brakes

6. Check all lights and signals

7. Check the front end suspension

8 .Check serpentine belt

9. Check heater and defroster

10.Last but not least stay tuned with your oil change.

Here is a special from Southside Auto Centre, at 3021 Lake Shore Blvd. W., for the coming winter.

With a purchase of synthetic oil change they will top up your windshield washer fluid and perform all the above checks for free.

Have a happy and safe holidays .

Southside Auto Centre can be reached at 416-255-8885.