By DEVIN MEIRELES

George the Barber has been serving the Mimico community for more than 30 years.

Many residents know George from Pat’s, formerly on Simpson Avenue, across the street from SanRemo Bakery, where he worked for 17 years, but he moved down the street on 182 Royal York Road to open his own shop 13 years ago.

Since then, customers have followed him for his excellent work specializing in men’s haircuts and old-fashioned shaves.

George’s Barber Shop has a great atmosphere with cool pictures plastered on the wall, usually some classic television on the screen, and always a good conversation to be had.

It has that traditional barbershop feel where it stands out from anywhere else. That’s how it’s easy to understand why the community loves George the Barber.

For the first year anniversary of his shop, a customer gifted him the patio set where locals can have a seat and enjoy the view outside.

Another customer lost George when he moved, so to make sure that everybody knows where to find him, they made a mural on the exterior wall of the building that captures the barber in his signature plaid shirt cutting fictional character, Tony Montana, from the Scarface movie.

The artwork is unmistakable when driving down Royal York and has become an iconic scene in South Etobicoke.

George is a great guy, and seemingly never has a bad day, so it’s always a treat to stop by for a haircut.

He has consistently served the community and has seen three generations of customers come into the shop.

Even the children of the neighbourhood stop by to say hello and polish off the candy in his old school gumball machine.

Go and check it out for yourself and you won’t regret it. He does the best work and has great rates. Don’t forget to tip! George’s Barber Shop is a real staple of Mimico.

George’s shop can be reached at 416-259-8586.

 

JUNE 8 ANNUAL GRILL CHEESE CHALLENGE in New Toronto with fun for the whole family with food, live bands, shopping and time to meet with friends.

JUNE 18 to JULY 25 FREE CONCRETE ART EXHIBITION Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. at the Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, for a collection of black and white street photography in exhibition by Ismayil Atmaca. For more call 416-338-7255 or visit www.toronto.ca

JUNE 20 LAMP CHC 24th ANNUAL AWARDS OF MERIT from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the lawn at LAMP, 185 Fifth Street, for a community BBQ and Awards Celebration to recognize key change makers in South Etobicoke. Music with the Etobicoke Jazz Band, silent auction, nutrition booth, drumming station and art show. Celebrate the power of community. Contact jasmind@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

JUNE 18 to JULY 25 FREE CONCRETE ART EXHIBITION Monday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday until 1 p.m. at the Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, for a collection of black and white street photography in exhibition by Ismayil Atmaca. For more call 416-338-7255 or visit www.toronto.ca

JUNE 19 LAMP CHC 24th ANNUAL AWARDS OF MERIT from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on the lawn at LAMP, 185 Fifth Street, for a community BBQ and Awards Celebration to recognize key change makers in South Etobicoke. Music with the Etobicoke Jazz Band, silent auction, nutrition booth, drumming station and art show. Celebrate the power of community. For more contact jasmind@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

JUNE 20 MOVIE TIME in the LAMP CHC Community Room at 1 p.m. to watch a movie on a big screen. Popcorn and snacks provided. For more call 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

JUNE 21 FAMILY FEUD from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. put together your team, join one or join our audience at Franklin Horner Community Centre, at 432 Horner Avenue. Tickets $10 and include a delicious lunch. Call for details at 416-252-6822.

JUNE 26 ANNUAL STRAWBERRY SOCIAL at 12 noon at Franklin Horner Community Centre, 432 Horner Avenue. Tickets are $2 and include sandwiches, tea or coffee with strawberry cake and ice cream. One man band Jay Franco will perform so bring your dancing shoes. Call for details 416-252-6822.

JUNE 27 THE ONTARIO POPS ORCHESTRA Brass Ensemble Concert to celebrate Multicultural Day free admission at Humber Valley United Church at 7 p.m. registration online at www.ontariopops.com

MONDAYS WALKING GROUP WITH NIKI at 10:30 a.m. meet at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street, step into a healthier, happier lifestyle. Discover the beauty of our community while improving your mindfulness and connecting with others. To register contact Niki at NikiM@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 257.

WEDNESDAYS CHAIR YOGA WITH MEAUX at 1 p.m. in person at LAMP CHC or online for a gentle seated workout to strengthen muscles and mobility and improve balance using bands or light weights. For more contact anthonya@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 246.

WEDNESDAYS UKULELE 101 at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street, at 2:15 p.m. for a crash course on the ukulele. No experience needed. Let’s make music together. To register email anthonya@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 246.

WEDNESDAYS MINDFULNESS WITH CORIN at 3 p.m. online via Zoom as Corin De Sousa provides evidence-based mindfulness programs and workshops. She is a certified mindfulness teacher through the Canadian College of Educators. To register email Niki at NikiM@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 257.

THURSDAYS CHAIR YOGA WITH BRIAR in person or online at 10:30 a.m. at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street, to stretch and enjoy some music and movement with certified Hatha Yoga instructor Briar Boake. Build our core strength and improve flexibility. For more email anthonya@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 246.

THURSDAYS FREE ART CLASSES UNTIL JUNE 22 in person at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street, join local artist Nataliya Sydorenko and experience the health benefits of painting and drawing to enhance creativity, improve memory and reduce stress. To register for the summer session email anthonya@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 246.

FRIDAYS FREE DRUMMING WORKSHOPS at 2 p.m. to beat your own drum and let the rhythm take control. No experience required. Come unleash your inner groove and connect with fellow music lovers at LAMP CHC. For more email anthonya@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 246.

FRIDAYS LATIN DANCING AT 4 p.m. to spice up your dance moves and immerse yourself in vibrant rhythms of salsa, bachata and more at LAMP CHC. No partner or experience needed, just bring your passion for dancing. To register email Niki at NikiM@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 257.

JOIN SOUTH ETOBICOKE COMMUNITY Land Trust and become part of a transformative movement. You will have a say in preserving affordable housing, green spaces and community amenities for generations to come. For more contact info@SECLT.ca.

BI-WEEKLY ON THURSDAYS BUS TO NO FRILLS at Queensway and Royal York for those over the age of 55, or with mobility issues. Bus will pick you up and drop you off at home. Call Stonegate CHC,10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit 201, at 416-231-7070 ext. 239 to fill out necessary forms.

TUESDAYS SENIORS GENTLE CHAIR EXERCISE from 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit 201, Trillium Room. Call to register at 416-243-0127 ext. 503.

THURSDAYS GOOD FOOD MARKET 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane, 2nd Floor, for affordable produce cash and debit accepted. For more call 416-231-7070 ext. 307.

LAST FRIDAY OF EACH MONTH seniors social game group for those over 55 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit 201, to socialize and take part in board games as euchre, bridge, uno or domino. A light lunch is served. To register call 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or email health.promotion@stonegatechc.org

TUESDAYS YOGA INDOORS from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit 201, Trillium Room, join Stephanie from Yoga Outreach Project for Yoga indoors. Also on Wednesday from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with Kat. Bring your own mat if you have one and water bottle. To register call 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or email health.promotion@stonegatechc.org

 

Most of us have a cozy, warm bed to sleep on tonight.

But, there are two men who have been sleeping in tents since last winter in the New Toronto parking lot of a social agency.

They are helped by a local agency Food for Now, who frequently deliver them food and to check up on their health, as one of the men is older and was recently hospitalized.

They are also helped by members of St. Margaret New Toronto church whose members raise funds to help them gas a car to obtain heat during the coldest nights.

The men are proud and held jobs for most of their lives until losing their jobs and livelihood during the pandemic. They have not been able to bounce back.

Another man in the area, who used to sleep in a large box, was moved by Food For Now to a tent and a new home hidden in the bushes of Colonel Samuel Smith Park.

Mimico and area residents say they have been waiting for a long time for the opening of a Krispy Kreme Doughut Factory.

The say the popular U.S. fast food chain is one of a few in the City of Toronto and before they had to travel to Mississauga to get their fix.

The store is being renovated and is expected to be opened sometime this month at 2458 Lake Shore Blvd. W., at Mimico Avenue, at the site of a former Brewers Retail outlet.

“We make our Original Glazed Doughnut the way we always have,” according to Krispy Kreme’s website. “Because it’s the right way. The fun way. And we love doing it that way for you – our customer.”

The chain has a loyal following in Canada and worldwide.

The massive Krispy Kreme chain has more than 12,872 locations around the world.

The largest chain however if Dunkin’ Donuts with approximately 12,900 locations in 42 countries, Dunkin’ is one of the largest coffee shop and donut shop chains in the world.

Krispy Kreme is owned by its parent company, JAB Holding Company. According to its website, JAB is “a unique partnership of long-term investors in consumer goods & services.” It owns multiple other high-profile businesses, such as Panera Bread, Pret A Manger, Espresso House, and Coty.

Hundreds of people attended a rally to call for the re-opening of High Park to vehicles and for all people seven days a week.

More than 16,000 angry residents have signed an online petition that was sent to City officials to have the massive park reopened for all.

The rally on June 1 was held at the main gate of the park on Bloor Street West.

Last August West Road was closed to traffic and a one-way system from Parkside Drive to Bloor Street West as put into practice and new bike lanes marked out, shutting down 355 of the 566 parking spaces, according to a group calling for change.

The group High Park Access to All said visitors to High Park are now unable to park, adding that ugly road bollards were also introduced which destroy the beauty of park for all.

“This has decimated the allotment gardens, Grenadier Café, Childrens Garden, Colborne Lodge, Nature Centre and Zoo patronage,” group members said. “It is now extremely difficult and hazardous for parents to pick up their children from little league games, summer camps and other activities.”

They said physically challenged and the aged are effectively shut out.

Business at the Grenadier Café and other venues have dropped dramatically due to the lack of vehicular traffic, they claim.

“The plan has created a racetrack for the ever-present speed cyclists and generally reduced our beautiful park to an empty wasteland,” High Park Access to All said in a release.

The group said they are not pro-car or anti-cyclist, but believe the park, with all its family venues as adventure playground, High Park little league and sports fields, nature centre, splash pad, playground, allotment gardens, children’s garden, Dog Hill and Zoo, is not the place for a speed racetrack.

Area residents banded together to have the park reopened when it was closed on weekends during the pandemic.

Mimico resident Julia Brown (second-row and third-from left) is cycling with 22 of her Johnson & Johnson colleagues in the Ride To Conquer Cancer on June 8 – 9 with all proceeds going to The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre (PMCC).

Julia was diagnosed with stage-three colorectal cancer five years ago and credits early cancer screening and her amazing oncology care team at PMCC for helping her beat cancer.

She was symptom-free and had never considered colorectal cancer to be an issue .

When she turned 50, she was encouraged to have various age-related screening tests, which thankfully included a colonoscopy.  Julia beat her cancer and is living her best life.

Every six months she returns to Princess Margaret Cancer Centre for monitoring including a colonoscopy, blood work and CT scan.

Working at J&J Canada for 20 years, Julia has convinced 20 of her colleagues to join her in the weekend ride (pic below).

The cycle from Toronto to Niagara Falls is Canada’s largest cycling fundraiser with all proceeds going to The Princess Margaret Cancer Centre.

She loves the community and people and has been working at J&J Canada for 20 years. You can donate to beat cancer by visiting https://supportthepmcf.ca/ui/Ride24/t/5ceb7467225e41c283b622b27714562b

South Etobicoke residents will score gold as the City is spending more than $13 million to upgrade the Centennial Park Sports Facilities for the FIFA World Cup.

Residents will obtain years of use of the facilities after the World Cup has move on.

Centennial Stadium was recently renamed by the City the Rob Ford Stadium as it was where the former Mayor coached the Don Bosco Eagles football team.

A bid for the work has been awarded to Mopal Construction Ltd. to upgrade and refresh the facilities, which will be used as a training ground for some of the World Cup teams, according to a City bid report.

The total contract award is $11,545,900, which will add up to $13,046,867, including all applicable taxes and charges, according to the report.

Funding for this project is included in the 2024 Capital Budget and 2025-2033 Capital Plans for Parks, Forestry and Recreation, according to a report.

The City has already dished out more than $380 million to host six FIFA World Cup matches at Centennial Park and BMO Field in June and July 2026.

Officials said the games are expected to generate about $393 million for the city, create more than 3,600 jobs, and attract more than 300,000 out-of-town visitors. Millions of fans worldwide will watch the matches on TV.

“Hosting these matches is a once in a lifetime opportunity to deepen our connection to one another, to stand united in our diversity and make Toronto’s global beacon of hope shine that much brighter,” City officials said.

Most of the Toronto games will take place at BMO Field, which will also have to undergo upgrades for the World Cup soccer games. The City has approved a $37-million contract to temporarily expand the capacity at BMO Field.

To ensure oversight, the City’s Financial Planning Division has assigned FWC26 to an analyst, who will ensure World Cup finances are reported on separately from other City budgets.

Councillors on the FWC26 Financing Oversight Subcommittee includes Chair Shelley Carroll, Paul Ainslie, Ausma Malik and Morley, the rookie politician who represents Etobicoke Lakeshore.

 

By REJEAN CANTLON

Every Saturday morning at Mimico Arena nearly 200 boys and girls aged 3- 8 are being introduced to Canada’s official summer sport, “Box Lacrosse.”

The introductory free program is run by the Mimico Minor Lacrosse Club and is sponsored by Andy Suboch of Suboch Law.

The Learn to Play program is managed by lead coordinator, Shelby Simons, who along with friend, Colleen Grimes, started a very successful Mimico girls field lacrosse program in 2010.

“Mimico Lacrosse is committed to achieving gender equity in our sport. We do this by striving to offer the same opportunities and experiences for girls in all aspects of our programming,” said Simons.

“In 2018 we introduced our free co-ed entry level lacrosse program while recognizing that we need to reshape the delivery of sports for girls, we also offered girl-specific programs. Our goal is to promote the sport of lacrosse and introduce it to new players and families in our community year after year.”

Mimico lacrosse player and lead instructor on the floor, Charlie McKeon gets the kids pumped up as they arrive each morning with her enthusiasm and energy.

McKeon plans to attend Saint Joseph’s University near Philadelphia on a lacrosse scholarship next fall. He is helped by Mimico Jr. B player, Ronan Cantlon, who helps on the floor, running drills and other activities.

McKeon and Cantlon are assisted by a small army of volunteers of current junior Mimico players. Not to be outdone by the administrators and instructors on the floor is the kid’s absolute favourite 300 pound, 6’4” mascot… Blue!

Blue the Bear has been the official mascot of the Mimico Mountaineers since 2018 and is also the head freezie distributor!

The young players are divided into age groups consisting of 3- and 4-year-olds fondly called Baby Peanuts and 5- and 6-year-olds referred to as Peanuts, which is also the first age group in the Ontario Lacrosse Association Rep program.

The last group of the day is the Girls U9 Box, which is becoming very popular alongside the Girls Field Program. Among the helpers in this category are: five-time Mann Cup winner and local lacrosse legend Brian Shanahan, his son Devlin of the Nanaimo Timbermen and daughter Brenna of Team Canada Lacrosse.

The kids are taught the basics of the game such as passing, catching, and scooping up the ball through games and drills.  The program runs for 8 a.m. to 1 pm on Saturdays from early May to June 22.

So come on down to the arena at 31 Drummond Street, try one of Mimico Mike’s famous peameal sandwiches and see a lot of smiling, sweaty faces.

Since 1890, Mimico Lacrosse has provided a fun, safe and inclusive lacrosse program that is open to players of all ages and skill levels. Mimico Lacrosse is the oldest and largest lacrosse club in the City of Toronto.

The annual D-Day and Battle of Normandy parade and memorial service will take place on June 2.

The parade and memorial service of the 80^th Anniversary of the deadly wars will take place at Sanctuary Park Cemetery Veterans Burial Section, at 1570 Royal York Road.

A Form Up will take place at 12:30 p.m. off Royal York Road, with March Off at 12:45 p.m. and Service at 1 p.m.

All is welcome to join the host at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 101, at 3850 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

There will also be a commemoration of the 80^th Anniversary of D-Day on June 6 at Victoria Peace Monument at Coronation Park from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at 711 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

The Formation will take place at 11:30 a.m.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will attend D-Day events in France including a Canadian ceremony at Juno Beach on the morning of June 6, marking exactly 80 years since 14,000 Canadians stormed the beach as part of a massive Allied forces operation.

Royal Canadian Legion branches across the country hold Decoration Day on June 2 to remember those who fought in battles that occurred before the First World War, when Canada was finding its footing as a nation during its earliest days.

The first Decoration Day took place in June 1890 when veterans of the Fenian Raids more than 20 years earlier placed decorations at the Canadian Volunteers Monument in Toronto. The following year, the public took notice, with 30,000 people taking part in remembrance ceremonies during the 25th anniversary of the Raids.

D-Day is considered to be the beginning of the end of the Second World War, ultimately leading to the Allies liberating Western Europe from the Nazis less than a year later.

But it came at a heavy cost, with 381 Canadians killed on the first day of the invasion and more than 5,000 by the time the Battle of Normandy concluded three months later.

The City marked the late Mayor Rob Ford’s 55^th birthday by renaming a stadium at Centennial Park the Rob Ford Stadium.

City officials, the Ford family and hundreds of well-wishers, gathered at Centennial Park on May 28 to unveil a sign renaming the stadium, where the late politician and Etobicoke native spent many cherished hours.

Rob was the beloved coach of the Don Bosco Eagles during his time at Toronto’s City Hall. City council voted to rename the Etobicoke stadium in honour of the popular mayor in December 2023. Some of his former Eagles players were in attendance.

Area councillor Stephen Holyday hosted the unveiling as supporters cheered. Many represented the so-called ‘Ford Nation,’ who devotedly supported the former Ward 2 Etobicoke North Councillor before he became Toronto mayor from 2010 to 2014.

Rob’s daughter Stephanie said her dad spent many wonderful hours at the park coaching his team.

“If anything were to be named after my father, this stadium would be the most fitting,” Stephanie said. “It represents his love for Etobicoke and how much he did for the people as mayor, but also what he did for his second love – football.”

She remembered her father’s dedication to the players, helping them succeed outside of the game.

Premier Doug Ford said Rob loved football and believed in his players.

“A lot of his players went on to succeed in life,” Doug recalled. “He knew not everyone was good at academic skills.”

The family will cherish the local park was renamed after Rob and “it just means absolutely everything to us,” he said.

Mayor Olivia Chow said Rob sat beside her late husband Jack Layton at City Hall and they loved to talk about football.

“I know how it feels to have someone pass away at a young age,” Chow said. “I know how difficult it is to lose someone so prematurely. He was young,”

She said Rob was instrumental in paying tribute to Layton by the naming the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, for which her family will always be grateful for.

Rob Ford’s tenure as the City of Toronto’s 64th mayor was marred by controversy. He passed away from cancer at the age of 46 in March 2016.

He was well known for personally visiting many Ontario Housing projects and talking to residents living there and was there to  help them. Rob was famed for personally answering his phone when voters called or always called back if not available.