Public consultation is being sought by Mimico residents before a proposed 33-storey and 10-storey towers that will alter the community are built.

The President of the Mimico Residents Association (MRA) wrote in a February 27 letter to Councillor Amber Morley and City planning officials to demand a public meeting on the massive development.

Rozhen Asrani said the Mimico community must have an opportunity for ‘active participation in the development process.’

A plan to build a two towers and new roadway in Mimico is moving ahead with many residents expressing displeasure of the proposal.

The proposal if approved will lead to the demolition of 2405, 2407, 2409, 2411 and 2417 Lake Shore Blvd. W., between Mimico and Superior Avenues to construct a 33-storey and 10-storey towers that will contain 471 residential rental apartments in mixed sizes.

There would be retail space at the ground floor level, residential uses above, and two underground levels of parking, according to the proposal.

The proposal includes a portion of land from Amos Waites Park to be used for a new public road, which will be located to the south of the planned building site. The road would provide additional public road frontage to Amos Waites Park, allowing the park to be publicly accessible on three sides.

Asrani said the goal of the Association is to preserve Mimico as a vibrant, liveable neighbourhood for existing and future residents.

“We must have the opportunity for active participation in the development process,”she wrote. “No community consultation was ever scheduled or held by the City of Toronto.”

Asrani said the MRA is looking forward to having their voices hear and questions answered at the City-led consultation meeting.

“We always encourage developers who build Mimico to speak to our group directly and early in the process, and this is not always a guarantee,” she explained.

“We are concerned and perplexed as to why or how it was skipped in the 2405 -2411 Lake Shore Blvd. W., application.”

“The lack of community consultation is frustrating, and especially so given the great concerns we have for this proposal,” according to the letter.

The association is concerned about the loss of parkland at Amos Waites Park, extreme over development in terms of height and density, and the lack of affordable housing or other community benefit.

They MRA is seeking answers as to how the mandatory step of community consultation was missed in the planning process.

The group called on Councillor Morley to oppose the application at the Ontario Land Tribunal hearing.

The proposal will be heard by the Tribunal in a 10-day video hearing on July 8.

One of the oldest trees in the Long Branch community is now gone.

A Silver Maple, dubbed Old Faithful, on Twenty Seventh Street, stood over the area for more than five generations, according to a local historian.

“Toronto Forestry in February reluctantly removed the largest Silver Maple on record in Long Branch,” said Bill Zufelt, of the History and Cultural Committee South Etobicoke.

Zufelt said a severe wind storm earlier this year severed a major branch of the tree and a City arborist examination revealed its hollowing trunk.

“When this happens Toronto Forestry immediately issues a removal order to maintain public safety and avoid any possible liability issues,” he wrote.

The historian said ‘Old Faithful’ was recorded in the Long Branch Tree Canopy data base and due to its massive size, age, and history slated as a ‘potential ‘Heritage Tree.’

Zufelt said the tree’s original sapling land was on Indigenous Territory which then became part of the Colonel Samuel Smith Tract after the Toronto Purchase in 1796.

The land became part of the Moses Appleby Farm in the 1850s. Appleby was the first Ward 1 Councillor for the Borough of Etobicoke.

In 1911, Colonel Fredrick Burton Robbins bought the Appleby farm and developed it into 50 lots called ‘Pine Beach’.

Robbins was the founder of the Downsview aerodrome in WWI.

“Personally speaking losing her was a ’gut punch’ but please remember that her century of unconditional gifts of fresh air and habitat made Long Branch a better place to live today,” Zufelt said.

Long Branch has some of the oldest trees in Canada, including the so called “Tree Amigos” which among them have been growing in the area for more than 600 years.

The first is dubbed Big Red, and is located at Park Boulevard and Long Branch Ave, was Long Branch’s first Heritage Tree. It escaped the great Long Branch Hotel fire of 1958 and majestically served as a living beacon for the Royal Canadian Legion’s 101 Long Branch Cenotaph ever since.

The Red Oak, dubbed Big Red, is more than 200-year-old and was chosen as the first heritage tree in Long Branch in 2018.

A second Silver Maple, dubbed Stop 26, at 42 Ash Cr., was once featured in the Toronto Star as a Tree of the Week.

The Silver Maple is the last of a grove of trees at the former location of Colonel Fredrick B. Robin’s gates to the Pine Beach residential community around 1910 at Lakeshore Boulevard. Stop 26 was the Mimico-Port Credit Rail-tram stop number 26.

The red oak third heritage tree, called Titan, is estimated to be 110-feet tall, and is said to be the largest red oak found in the west end. It is estimated to be between 250 and 275 years old.

All three heritage trees are part of a Long Branch Garden Tour

One man has been arrested and three others are at large after two Etobicoke homes were broken into by thieves demanding car keys.

In both cases the thieves took off with high-end vehicles parked in the driveways.

Police said on December 13 around 5:52 a.m. they responded to a home in the Islington and Dixon Road Avenues area following a robbery.

In that theft, four suspects gained entry to a home and demanded the victim’s car keys, detectives said.

No one was injured in any of the incidents.

About six weeks later, on February 1, around 3:39 a.m. police were called to a home invasion in the Martin Grove and Burnhamthorpe Roads area.

Police alleged that four suspects again gained entry into a residence and demanded car keys.

Two weeks later, on February 16, police executed a search warrant against a Finch Avenue West and Darcel Avenue home, in Mississauga.

The searched turned up key evidence linking the thefts.

Chessen Johnston, 28, of Mississauga, has been charged with robbery with violence, robbery, two counts of break and enter, two counts of disguise with intent and conspiracy to commit an indictable offence.

He was scheduled to appear in court at the Toronto Regional Bail Centre, 2201 Finch Avenue West, on   February 23.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), or at www.222tips.com

The arrest was made by officers of a Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force (PCJTF) formed to go after those involved in violent car thefts.

A Mimico resident has been denied a permit to cut down a large healthy black walnut tree due to an allergy.

“The applicant indicates the reason for requesting removal of the tree is to mitigate the risk of a severe walnut allergy to a resident,” according to decision by the Director, Urban Forestry, Parks, Forestry and Recreation.

The refusal is being appealed to Etobicoke York Community Council to make a ruling on the matter.

The black walnut tree (Juglans nigra) at 31 Central Street, in the Royal York Road and Hillside Drive area,  is healthy and measures 56 centimetres in diameter, Forestry officials wrote.

”The City’s Tree bylaws do not support the removal of this tree as it is healthy and maintainable,” according to the director.

Director Kim Statham said the tree is protected by City by-laws.

Her report outlined the detrimental effects on the City’s ‘ability to preserve, protect and grow the urban forest and tree canopy by exempting black walnut trees from protection under the City’s Tree By-laws, with a focus on both community safety and canopy impacts.’

Parks, Forestry and Recreation said they received an application for a permit to remove the privately owned tree growing in a rear yard.

They said the homeowner recognized the tree is in healthy condition and would not qualify for a removal permit, based on an assessment by an arborist.

Toronto Public Health officials said ‘there is no evidence to support the removal of a nut-bearing tree to mitigate risk from an allergic response.’

“Anaphylaxis is highly unlikely to occur except through ingestion of nuts,” Public Health inspectors wrote. “The allergen is in the nut itself and accidental exposure is not likely since the nut is covered by the shell.”

They said a simple and less expensive way to avoid removing the tree is to clean up the nuts from the tree and teach children to avoid the nuts.

“Protecting the urban forest is critical in building climate resilience as urban centres continue to face increasing development Impacts due to climate change in the form of extreme weather events, and other natural threats such as invasive pests,” Forestry officials said.

They said urban forest provides $55 million in ecosystem services and benefits annually.

Services such as air pollution removal, reduction of storm water runoff, and carbon sequestration all contribute to climate resilience. Protecting and expanding tree cover helps to mitigate exposure to extreme heat events through shade and transpiration, they wrote.

Statham recommended that Community Council refuse the request to chop down the tree.

The Black Walnut produces the most highly valued hardwood in North America, with single trees sometimes sold for thousands of dollars. It is often used to make high quality furniture. The seeds are difficult to extract from their shells, but are high in fat and make a delicious and nutritious snack for humans and wild animals alike.

The husks of the seeds stain hands and clothing and have been used to make black dye.

An area resident say he is now paranoid after getting into a struggle with the driver of a fake taxi in the Sherway Mall area in a scam that is becoming more prevalent.

The man said in an online posting that he was approached by a young woman for a loan on his credit card after the taxi driver claimed he does not accept cash.

The incident occurred on February 24 around 4:10 p.m. at a HomeSense store, at 1840 The Queensway, the victim said.

He wrote that he had the credit card terminal in his hand to add a tip, after passing the driver his card to make the transaction.

“He (driver) took out the card (from the terminal) and gave it to me and I noticed it wasn’t my card so I said this isn’t my card, instantly my heart dropped,” the victim wrote on a South Etobicoke website.

“He shuffled under his seat and I saw multiple cards and he passed me another card which looked like mine but I wasn’t sure,” the man continued. “He (driver) got aggressive and said give me my machine back and I was already panicking trying to read what the receipt said.”

The victim said the girl got into the car and he vowed to call the police.

“He (driver) said ‘go call the police but give me my machine back’ and yanked my arm into the window of the passenger side and I dropped my card,” according to the victim.

“He grabbed the machine while starting to drive while I’m still in the window halfway,” the man explained. “I was screaming for help and said ‘give me my card and he said no’ and drove off so fast. Thankfully I didn’t get hurt.“

He described the cab as being dark navy or dark grey sedan in colour with a Co-op sign on the top that ‘looked legitimate.’

Toronto Police said their Financial Crimes Unit has received over 60 reports of varying taxi scams since June 2023 totalling over $40,000 in losses.

Police in a January 30 release said they were looking for Steven Chambers, 25, of Brampton, for fraud over $5,000, attempt fraud under $,5000, three counts of assault and two counts of fail to comply with a release order.

He is sought for a similar fake taxi scam.

Detectives are warning potential fares not to leave their debit or credit card unattended inside a point of sale terminal; be aware of taxi number and company names when using their services and be aware of the driver’s identification that is displayed in the rear of the cab.

Police said if there is an error code, or the debit machine not functioning, always remove your card before returning the machine for assistance; inspect your card after each transaction and ensure it is your card and cover your fingers when entering your PIN.

The post drew dozens of comments from readers, many who said they have had similar incidents with fake cabs.

 “This also happened to me months ago in front of Winners, exactly the same scenario, I felt guilty for walking away,” wrote Angela Colacitti. “I’m sorry this happened to you!”

Halina Bernadette said all legitimate cabs accept cash. “That is your first red flag.”

“This same thing happened to our neighbour here,” said Kristen Burton. “Absolutely terrible but no cab driver doesn’t accept cash.”

A New Toronto artist is auctioning off a set of his framed community landmarks artwork in aid of charity.

Andreas Lara is donating a numbered set of his L.A.K.E. Project pieces called Alderwood, Long Branch, Mimico and New Toronto on his website www.laragroup.ca to the highest bidders. You have until March 15 to bid on the works.

All proceeds from the numbered pieces that are framed by Darrell Kobza Art Services will be donated to LAMP Community Health Centre, on Fifth Street.

“Each frame boasts a contemporary, stylish design crafted from high-quality extruded aluminum, ensuring strength, quality, and durability,” Lara said. “The prints are backed with acid-free materials, guaranteeing protection against discoloration over time.”

You can log into Lara’s site and place a bid on the beautiful works.

“Let’s really give them a hand while giving your walls a makeover that screams, ‘I love South Etobicoke,’ he said.

Three area residents are being looked at by a City committee who will decide if to take action against them for contributing more than legally allowed in the 2022 election of Councillor Amber Morley.

The high-profile residents were tagged by an auditing firm after credit card processing fees under $30 were added on to their allowable limits of $1,200.

A Compliance Audit Committee will decide at its meeting on February 28 if further action will be taken against the Morley supporters, who are accused of breaking municipal election rules.

An external auditor has completed a review of financial statements filed for the 2022 municipal election and identified contributors ‘who appears to have exceeded the contribution limits in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996.’

The Committee will decide if any action will be taken against the contributors.

The funds were donated to Morley in her bid for council in the 2022 municipal election.

The contributors named by an auditor can possibly face penalties.

In letters to the Committee two residents claim they donated the authorized amount of $1,200 and a credit card processing fee of $27 was added on their donations which made them exceed the limit.

Amber Morley was elected to represent Ward 3 in the 2022 municipal election. She defeated Mark Grimes, the only defeat of an incumbent councillor who was running for re-election that year.

Morley is now a Toronto Deputy Mayor, who sits on the Police Services Board, Toronto Public Library, Budget Committee, Board of Health, Infrastructure and Environment Committee, Executive Committee, Etobicoke York Community Council and four other bodies.

Eligible individuals can contribute a maximum of $1,200 to any one candidate during the candidate’s election campaign period. An exception is made for contributions to the candidate for the Mayor of Toronto, to whom individuals can contribute up to $2,500. Where an eligible individual wishes to contribute to two or more candidates, they may do so to a maximum of $5,000 in total.

Individuals cannot provide loans to candidates in the form of monetary or non-monetary contributions. Any unpaid but guaranteed balance in respect of a loan will count as a campaign contribution.

The sums are considered minor amounts and the Morley supporters can receive a warning. But a court for major municipal elections act offences can sentence a person to a $25,000 fine, ban them from running in an election or up to six months in prison.

With the success of professional women’s hockey, a pro women’s soccer league by soon be underway.

The City of Toronto is behind a professional women’s soccer team to represent the City.

Members of City Council at its meeting expressed its support for the establishment of a professional women’s soccer league in Toronto and its commitment to championing gender equity in sport.

Council directed Parks, Forestry and Recreation Department in consultation with FIFA World Cup 2026 to explore the opportunities.

It would “explore opportunities to support the establishment of a professional women’s soccer team in Toronto, including helping to identify potential sites,” Council agreed.

“City Council request the FIFA World Cup 2026 Toronto Secretariat to advance growing the participation of women in sport as a key legacy opportunity of hosting the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Toronto,” according to a motion seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow.

Women’s professional sports are on the rise in North America, according to Council, and the recent successes of teams as Angel City Football Club in the American National Women’s Soccer League demonstrate that professional women’s sports franchises can draw significant crowds, generate economic activity and build community.

It said Project 8, led by two-time Olympic-medalist Diana Matheson, plans to launch a new Canadian professional women’s soccer league in 2025.

The league is structured to include eight teams across Canada competing in two conferences. Three teams have signed on to the league to-date, including AFC Toronto City, along with teams in Vancouver and Calgary.

AFC Toronto City was founded earlier this year by an experienced team committed to growing the game of soccer in Toronto.  Currently, AFC Toronto City is seeking a potential home field and associated facilities.

“As the City prepares to welcome the world to Toronto for the FIFA Men’s World Cup in 2026, it is important to consider the broader legacy of the tournament,” City officials said.

“A key community-building opportunity is growing the participation of women in soccer,” according to council. “The City can work toward this objective by supporting the establishment of a professional women’s soccer league in Toronto.”

 

A Sixteenth Street man was hospitalized after being hit by a vehicle as he stepped on the road to slow it down, witnesses say.

The incident occurred near Sixteenth and New Toronto Streets just after 3 p.m. on February 21, police said.

The driver remained on the scene.

“He had his hands up and had just stepped out on the street to slow down the car when he was hit,” one woman said. “It was terrible.”

Sixteenth Street was shut for some time and later reopened.

Witness said there has been concerns about vehicles speeding down a stretch of road.

It is not known if or what charges were laid.

Etobicoke’s Centennial Park will play a major role in the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup soccer tournament, the most-watched sporting event in the world, according to the City of Toronto.

Centennial and Sunnybrook Parks will be upgraded to world class facilities and will be used as World Cup training and event facilities for the teams. The matches will be played at BMO Field, which will undergo about $30 million in upgrades in preparation for the games.

A report to the City of Toronto Executive Committee said the FIFA World Cup is the ‘most watched sporting event, with a global viewership of four billion people for the entire competition and upwards of 200 million for each match.’

The 2026 World Cup was awarded to a joint bid by Canada, Mexico and the U.S., with 80 matches to be staged across 16 cities in North America. Canada will host 13 of the 104 games, with seven in Vancouver and six in Toronto

“The World Cup will bring global media attention and positive economic and cultural benefits for the city that will sustain COVID–19 recovery in hard hit sectors, such as tourism, hospitality and entertainment,” according to the report.

The World Cup is expected to create 3,000 jobs, attract 174,000 overnight visitors, who will purchase 292,000 hotel room nights which will generated $3.5 million in municipal accommodation tax. The six matches are estimated to generate $307 million.

“People will travel from all over the world to watch this event and will find a small piece of home on Toronto’s main streets which are filled with the small businesses that drive neighbourhood vitality,” according to the report.

The World cup is estimated to cost the federal and Ontario government some $186 million and the City $77.1 million.

The cost of hosting the World Cup will be partially offset through access to commercial rights and related revenue opportunities delegated by FIFA to event organizers, such as the City of Toronto.

The report said about $40 million will be spent to upgrade facilities for the games. Some $15 million will be used to upgrade Centennial Park and Sunnybrook Parks and $25 million to bring BMO Field up to speed to FIFA’s stringent standards.

“The facilities will be used as competition, training, and festival venues during the 2026 World Cup period,” according to the report.

“The City will enhance City-owned assets at BMO Field and sports fields and facilities at Sunnybrook Park and Centennial Park for training purposes,” according to the report. “This will lead to both increased employment opportunities and access to world-class recreation facilities.”

The report said the upgraded parks will provide long-term community use after the World Cup games.