Toronto Police are searching for a gunman who shot a man to death at an Etobicoke condo building.

Officers were at a condo building in the Eva Road and The West Mall area for hours gathering evidence of the homicide.

Police were called to the building shortly after 8:30 p.m. on February 7 after gunfire rang out inside the building.

“I heard bang, bang, bang,” one resident said. “I knew something bad was going on.”

Police said the victim was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries, but did not survive.

Detectives said no arrests have been made so far, and there is no suspect description available at the moment.

They are asking anyone within information to contact investigators, or call Crime Stoppers.

 

 

 

A controversial mural at the side of a New Toronto bakery has been defaced.

The mural that was painted at the side of Red Moon Bakery, at 2864 Lake Shore Blvd. W., has been since somewhat been cleaned up but parts of the graffiti still remain.

The artwork sparked a community uproar last summer following complaints it showed one of the characters with what appeared to be a handgun.

The outlandish mural made the news on TV and newspapers citywide and led to members of the community boycotting the restaurant.

The drawing featured characters depicting Indian rapper Sidhu Moose Wala as the centrepiece, flanked by U.S. rappers Tupac and Biggie Smalls as well as fictional characters from Scarface and Marlon Brando as Vito Corleone from The Godfather.

The mural shows Moose Wala holding a pistol, which is the main source of the controversy. It was later painted over to look like a cell phone.

He was a rising artist in the South Asian music scene and lived, for a time, in Brampton, before being fatally shot in India in 2022.

Tupac Shakur and Biggie Smalls were also both also shot and killed.

The City of Toronto has received two complaints about the mural which later led to an investigation by by-law officials.

Outraged Mimico residents say there were no consultations as traffic calming measures is being sought instead of a cycle track to slow down traffic on Superior Avenue.

The measure is part of an upcoming Mimico Mobility Plan meant to slow down and lessen traffic using the area, which includes residential streets north of Lake Shore Blvd., to Cavell Avenue.

Andrew Vanderwal, a concerned resident who started a petition, said members of the community had been requesting traffic calming measures since 2015, when a petition was organized.

“Instead of getting traffic calming measures on Superior Avenue we are getting a cycle track that is necessary to protect cyclists only because no traffic calming measures have been implemented,” Vanderwal said.

He said the cycle track will affect Superior Avenue from Stanley Avenue south to Lake Shore Blvd. W. It is slated to take affect by April.

Vandewal said the track was pre-approved by Toronto City Council last June 15 without any consultation with affected residents.

He said the primary concern of Superior avenue residents is road safety for all road users, cyclists, pedestrians, and drivers alike and a lack of traffic calming measures will allow aggressive drivers to continue to speed and pass vehicles as before.

“Instead of curtailing such behaviour with calming measures such as speed cushions,” Vanderwal wrote. “We are getting fortified segregated bike lanes designed to protect cyclists from aggressive drivers who are given free reign to continue to drive aggressively on Superior Avenue.”

“This is totally the wrong solution for this street,” he said. “Arriving at this flawed solution could have been avoided where affected residents consulted.”

“The status quo for aggressive drivers and leaves all road users less safe,” Vanderwal said.

Cycle tracks are distinguished from cycle/bike lanes in that they are physically separated from vehicular traffic.

The tracks are typically considered only for arterial roads where there is a greater volume of vehicular traffic that has greater posted speed limits than residential streets.

Cyclists report that they feel unsafe on such cycle tracks where vehicles can back out of driveways due to the confined space of cycle movement within such a track, he said.

The bollards, markers and curbs included with the cycle tracks greatly diminish street appeal and will over time become damaged and discoloured further disfiguring the neighbourhood, residents said.

“The cycle track will greatly complicate garbage pickup and snow removal,” Anderwal sad. “Installation of the proposed cycle track on both sides of Superior Avenue eliminates on-street parking that is necessary for residents.”

Councillor Amber Morley has promised to meet with residents and look into the matter.

Some 650 community residents recently attended a meeting on the Bloor Street bike lane. Many voiced their displeasure with the track, claiming it is unsafe and has led to a loss of revenue to area businesses since patrons have to travel further to park.

Paperless boarding is coming soon to Pearson airport.

Air Canada is now the first national airline to begin testing facial recognition technology that will allow passengers to board its flights effortlessly without key documents.

No more looking in your pockets or purses to make sure your passport is still there.

An app being used by the airline would create a “faceprint” that would verify a passenger’s identity as they board a flight.

One agent will be required to screen boarding passengers. Those without proper documents or not on the faceprint file will be interviewed by another agent, according to airline officials.

“We are very excited to now take a leadership position in Canada and test digital identification using facial recognition technology to validate customer identification quickly, securely and accurately at select airport touchpoints.” Air Canada official Craig Landry said.

Officials said facial recognition technology is now used commonly for unlocking mobile phones, entering workplaces, verifying identification during financial transactions and more.

Air Canada said customers who don’t want to use facial recognition can board as they currently do now by presenting their boarding pass and government-issued photo ID for manual ID check and processing.

The technology has been in use at some Chinese airports for years. Some members of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) were at Daxing International Airport, in China, to witness how facial recognition is being integrated into the airport experience.

Chinese citizens can use their national identification cards to board flights.

The CBSA now have 14 self-serve kiosks at various Canadian airports that take photographs of passengers that are cross-checked with stored passport data.

The photos can be cross-referenced to those accessible on driver’s license, social media or other platforms.

There are now about 238 airports using Biometric Facial Comparison Technology at airports worldwide.

There are fears by some that the facial recognition technology can intrude on their privacy. It can also be used by police or security agents to identify criminals, terrorists or other lawbreakers as they enter the airport or its premises.

The technology is also used in some Ontario casinos to find those who are banned or who have committed frauds.

Summer is getting closer as organizers of this year’s annual Toronto Ribfest is already making plans.

A bid has been submitted to Etobicoke York Community Council for the approval of a temporary signage permit for the Etobicoke Rotary and Toronto Ribfest 2024.

The event has been a popular annual attraction in the community that has been taking place for years.

Once again the Toronto Ribfest is being held in conjunction with the City of Toronto Canada Day celebrations.

The mouth-watering event begins at Centennial Park on Friday, June 28 from 3 p.m. to 10 p.m. and runs until Monday July 1 from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., according to organizers.

“I fully endorse the plans to hold this event again, as was done in previous years,” Ward 2 councillor Stephen Holyday wrote in a letter to Community Council.

The signs are for use to advertise charitable, non-profit and community events that must be removed after the event.

The free event last year featured live music and 10 of North America’s Best Rib Teams serving award-winning mouth-watering BBQ smoked ribs, tender pulled pork, juicy smoked brisket, BBQ chicken, smoked sausage and huge Beef “Dino” Ribs.

There was also a variety of festival foods like The Bloomin’ Onion, Tiny Tom’s mini-donuts, roasted corn, poutines, funnel cakes that was washed down with a cold beer from the Beer Garden.

A man whose dead body was found at a New Toronto Transfer Station may be from out of town.

Toronto Police suspect the man’s body may have been dumped at the 260 New Toronto Street facility by a waste management truck, whose driver was unaware of the corpse.

Officers of the Homicide and Missing Person Unit have been scouring the sprawling facility, at New Toronto Street and Islington Avenue, since the discovery about 8:30 a.m. on March 1.

Detectives are trying to determine if foul play was involved.

“Police are working to determine who he is and where the truck originated from, which may be outside of Toronto,” a police spokesperson said.

Toronto police’s 22 Division, which covers Etobicoke, is leading the investigation.

Larger trucks and vehicles with dump trailers are permitted to use the inside tip floor for drop off, police said. They said only one person is allowed out of the vehicle when inside.

A public drop-off is available behind the scale for smaller trucks and vehicles.

The company Waste Management (WM) operates 390 collection operations, 310 transfer stations, 267 landfill disposal sites, 17 waste-to-energy plants, 120 recycling facilities, 36 organic processing facilities and 137 landfill-gas-to-energy projects.

The company provides a full range of environmental services to nearly 21 million residential, commercial, industrial and municipal customers.

It said WM ‘is strongly committed to the safe and responsible management of waste, working diligently to ensure regulatory compliance and protection of human health and the environment.’

What happened to our once-sandy beach.

Some Humber Bay Shores residents are concerned and disappointed that their once-sandy Humber Bay Park East beach is now a wall of grapefruit-sized rocks.

More than 200 residents have signed an online petition claiming their beloved beach has been restored with a ‘five-foot high wall of grapefruit-sized rocks.’

“Our beloved beach was a cherished community asset,” said petition organizer Aman Somal. “It is facing a threat of over-development that undermines the promises made during community consultations.”

Somal said residents were assured the beach, which existed between the eastern and western headland, would remain an enjoyable and accessible space for the community.

“Unfortunately, the shoreline project has left the beach in a state that is far from what was promised,” Somal wrote. “We now have a five-foot-high wall … that has effectively eliminated any possibility of residents enjoying the beach.”

The petition said residents understand the importance of erosion control measures to protect the park, but believe that the approach is excessive and has altered the landscape.

“The beach is effectively covered in these large stones, losing all of its recreational value, something that the community cherished very much,” according to the petition.

It said not everyone has the means to travel abroad or book a cottage to provide their families with a nature or a beach experience.

“Access to nature has been proven to have positive effects on mental well-being, and to interact with elements such as sand, trees and water,” said the petition. It ‘is integral to fostering a healthy and balanced community.’

The petition is calling for smaller pebbles or gravel be used instead of the large size stones on the beach.

“The current steep edge is dangerous especially when the stones are wet,” Somal wrote. “Especially for children and people with mobility issues in our community.”

They want a reassessment to explore methods to protect the park from erosion, without compromising the therapeutic benefits that the beach provides.

Area residents took to social media to explain their frustrations.

“I enjoy this park and access to the water,” wrote Jack Glab. “The current state of this beach is unacceptable.”

“I am resident of the neighborhood and been enjoying that beach for years,” explained Jessica Bouchard. “It is horrible to have destroyed such a gem.”

“I live in this beautiful area and love it as close to natural state as possible,” said Cornelia Radu. “Unfortunately, there are projects to overdevelop and destroy the natural beauty.”

Mary Murphy noted she was terrified at what has become of their lovely beach.

“I am horrified to see what has been done to a true hidden gem in the city,” Murphy wrote. “This is not protection. It is accelerated destruction.”

Officials of the Toronto Regional Conservation Authority said the lake is rising and action had to be taken as the beach area is prone to flooding.

Hundreds of concerned residents showed up to speak their mind as part of the City’s Cycling Network Plan which has Bloor Street W. narrowed to one lane each way.

Many of an estimated 700 people who gathered on February 28 at the Etobicoke Collegiate Institute meeting chaired by Ward 2 Councillor Stephen Holyday seemed to be opposed to the Bloor Street Bike lanes.

Feelings run so high, that more than 12,000 area residents have signed a petition opposing the bike lanes that narrowed Bloor Street W. to one-way in both directions.

Holyday said the meeting was to provide information and gather community feedback on candidate cycling locations that are being considered for study and installation in 2025 to 2027.

“City staff are currently reviewing the locations before advancing a report to council for approval consideration,” he said.

Attendees said it was a boisterous and sometimes unruly meeting as many people opposed to the bike lanes on Bloor Street W.

Residents have “pressing concerns about the recent bike lanes that have been added to our Bloor Street community streets,” according to petition organizer Cody MacRae. “We believe that the current method of bike lane implementation requires reconsideration and a more balanced approach.”

The petition said a Bloor Street cycling study was based on inaccurate data that has led to little usage by cyclists, as many ‘residents and businesses along Bloor Street W. have observed a limited number of cyclists using the designated lanes.’

The petition said the bike lanes on Bloor Street W. has led to a loss of business.
“With the added congestion and limited cyclist patronage, businesses along Bloor Street W. are reporting reduced footfall, which threatens their livelihoods and impacts the vitality of our local economy,” it stated.

“It’s crucial for Bloor Street to maintain two lanes of traffic in each direction to accommodate the heavy vehicular flow,” the petition states. “The reduction to a single lane has caused significant congestion and has been a source of constant frustration for motorists.”

MacRae said the transition from two-lane roads to single lanes to accommodate bike lanes has significantly reduced the efficiency of vehicle flow.

“This change has caused increased congestion, prolonged travel times, and a heightened risk of accidents,” he wrote on the petition.
It said the loss of lanes can lead to delayed emergency response as it can significantly hinder the rapid movement of emergency vehicles, leading to potential delays in critical responses.

The petition calls for a re-assessment of the bike lanes on Bloor Street W. to “engage with the local community, business owners, emergency service providers, cyclists, and traffic experts to develop a well-rounded solution.”

“Local neighbours report near misses caused by cars diverting to side streets,” petitioners were told.

“Our intention is to advocate for a re-evaluation to emphasize the need for Bloor Street W. to retain two lanes of traffic in each direction.”

Long-time Mimico resident Sandy Cameron said he attended the meeting to protest the narrowing of Superior Avenue for the addition of bike lanes as part of the Mimico Mobility plan.

 

Already plagued with a budget crunch, the FIFA World Cup 2026 is projected to cost a whopping $380 million for the City of Toronto to host.

Of that Centennial Park will receive $34.4 million in upgrades for use as a FIFA training facility for the June and July 2026 World Cup, which is expected to be one of the world’s most-watched sporting event.

BMO Field, where the actual matches will be played, will receive $65.8 million for design and upgrades to bring up to FIFA standards, the City’s Executive Committee was told on February 29.

The event is estimated to generate $392 million for the City of Toronto, tax revenues totaling $118.9 million in the Toronto region, $456 million for the province of Ontario and tax revenues totaling $138.9 million within Ontario, City officials said.

Toronto Police will receive $600,000 to provide security at events and to escort athletes around to different venues for the matches.

“The project costs are expected to be shared with the provincial and federal governments,” the Committee was told.

The City of Toronto will host six matches, which kicks off on June 12, 2026.

The Committee heard Toronto will have the distinction of hosting the first-ever FIFA World Cup men’s match on Canadian soil and featuring the opening match of Canada’s Men’s National Team.

“Of the six matches, Toronto will host five Group Stage matches from June 12 to 26, 2026 and a Round of 32 match on July 2,” according to a presentation. “The match schedule confirms an additional match from the five matches initially expected to be held in Toronto.”

A FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Secretariat, with a staff of nine, will have oversight and coordination of the City’s responsibilities as a Host City, leading all project planning and execution.  The Secretariat is accountable for all aspects of planning, budget management, stakeholder coordination, community engagement, and execution of hosting the matches.

The Secretariat may need to enter into agreements with Destination Toronto, Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, FIFA, and other parties to develop and conduct World Cup public engagement.

“Toronto’s Host City goals are driven by the positive benefits and legacies the successful hosting of the World Cup will bring to the city and its residents,” according to City officials.

”Toronto’s position as a diverse global city presents a unique platform to realize benefits and legacy goals sought by FIFA and government partners.”

The matches will be hosted in 16 cities in Canada and Mexico, according to FIFA and 78 will be played in the U.S.

By Tanya Vividly

Former politician and community activist Jean Augustine was a Black History Month speaker at a fundraiser for youth and kids programs.

The event was held on February 25 at the St Josaphat Catholic School auditorium, on Tenth Street.

Pastor Veta Saunders, of Etobicoke Praise Centre, said Augustine helped to uplift many young minds and fans of all ages by her deeds.

Proceeds raised went to the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment, on Portland Street, that works with girls aged from 7 to 17, who attend school programs, workshops and camps.

Augustine was the first African Canadian woman elected as a Member of Parliament in 1993 to represent the riding of Etobicoke Lakeshore. She was instrumental in getting Black History Month recognized in Canada.

She served as the Minister of State for Multiculturalism and the Status of Women in the Cabinet of Canada from 2002 to 2004 and was the Parliamentary Secretary to Prime Minister Jean Chretien from 1994 to 1996. Before her election, she had been a school principal.

She was a former National President of the Congress of Black Women, former chair of the Metro Toronto Housing Authority and was Ontario’s first Fairness Commissioner in 2007.

 The musical segments of the event included the EPC Gospel Singers, singer Vereen Whitton-Mcdonald and students performing songs of faith that helped to transform the crowds’ experience of joy, togetherness and audience participation.

To find out about upcoming events and or when to visit the church check out their website www.etobicokepraisecentre.ca or call the office: 416-253-9140

In related Black History Month news, the City of Toronto’s Executive Committee approved the naming of City assets after Black activist Dudley Laws, civil rights lawyer Charles Roach, Chloe Cooley, who fought against being enslaved in 1793 and successful 1840s Black construction company owner John M. Tinsley.

Their names will be considered to replace that of Henry Dundas, who was linked to the slave trade, at the Jane Dundas Public Library, Dundas TTC subway station, Dundas Street and other facilities.