* FEBRUARY 1 TO 29 BLACK HISTORY MONTH Celebrating our Diversity ‘Black Excellence’ a future to build at the Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall, in the Council Chambers and board meetings room. Official launch February 3 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Come share your stories, cultural foods, entertainment and
vendors. For more information call 647- 328-7669.

* FEBRUARY 3 THE JEAN AUGUSTINE CENTRE 9TH ANNUAL Black History Month Celebration at the Assembly Hall, at 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets are required. There
will be prizes, food, music and dramatic performances. For more call 416-253-9797 or e-mail info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca

* FEBRUARY 6 HOW AN AFROCENTRIC practice can help you today, Capoeira Angola Toronto Workshop, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., open for all, at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street. Experience mindfulness, self and environmental awareness and atonement through an Afro-inspired discipline.  For more
information contact jasmind@lampchc.org

* FEBRUARY 7 SALVATION ARMY Lakeshore community church lunch program starts February 7 and will
operate on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 5 Thirtieth Street. Presently our foodbank is
closed. For more information call 416-251-8372 or visit www.SalvationArmy.ca.

* FEBRUARY 8 HOW AN AFROCENTRIC Practice can help you today, with Capoeira Angola, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. at RAY Youth Space, 385 The West Mall, Unit 105. Experience mindfulness, self and environmental awareness and atonement through Afro-inspired discipline. For more information contact jasmind@lampchc.org

* FEBRUARY 8 HUMBER MUSIC PRESENTS Reverberations II a celebration of music of the Black Diaspora featuring Humber Music’s Gospel Choir, African Rhythm ‘n Jazz and Rhythm ‘n Soul Ensembles at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of B Building of the Humber Lakeshore Campus, at 3199 Lake Shore Blvd. W. Tickets required and can be ordered in advance at Evenbrite. Contact: Dewi Minden Humbermusicdegree@humber.ca or visit https://reverberations-ii-humber.eventbrite.ca/

* FEBRUARY 9 BLACK TAPESTRY Youth only Art Night from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street. Join our Black Tapestry art night to learn about different African and Caribbean Art while creating your own tapestry. For more information contact jasmind@lampchc.org

* FEBRUARY 25 BLACK HISTORY MONTH CARNIVAL EDITION at the Small Arms Inspection Building, 1352 Lakeshore Road East, Mississauga, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Get ready for a carnival extravaganza that
will transport you to the vibrant streets of the Caribbean. Experience the rich culture and
traditions of the African diaspora through music, dance, and delicious food. From live performances
by talented artists to interactive workshops an games. Contact 905-615-4860 or e-mail
small.arms@mississauga.ca

* THROUGH FEBRUARY BLACK FUTURISM MONTH back to the future as LAMP CHC. At 185 Fifth Street, hosts programs and events in their Street Level Youth Space highlighting African and Caribbean
history. Other Black History events takes place in other programs. Contact Jasmin at For more
information contact jasmind@lampchc.org

* FEBRUARY 2 TO MARCH 22 DISCOVER the magic of art for adults 55- years-old and up from
10 a.m. to 12 noon at Stonegate CHC,10 Neighbourhood Lane, Suite 201.Join local artist Nataliya Sydorenko and experience the benefits of painting and drawing, improve memory and reduce stress. Materials will
be provided. To register call 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or e-mail health.promotion@stonegatechc.org

* FEBRUARY 4, 11,18, 25 OLD FASHIONED BARN DANCE with fiddler and caller Bill Russell and acoustic
Birling Band at 240 Roncesvalles Ave., near Wright Ave., from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., for weekly fiddle dance
with Ontario and Maritime tunes with simple steps. Call Julia at 647-889-4012 or e-mail
sundaydancesocial@gmail.com

* FEBRUARY 21 SOUTH ETOBICOKE community land trust by Zoom as work continues on establishing a
land trust to develop affordable housing in the area. For more contact brig@lampchc.org or phone 416-
252-6471 ext. 308

* UNTIL FEBRUARY 22 ARTS ETOBICOKE in partnership with QuadReal Property Group presents the fourth show in their ‘Roots’ exhibition series, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Toronto. The show will feature eight European Asian artists, and will be held at the Cloverdale Common at Cloverdale Mall,
250 The East Mall. Open to the public on Wednesdays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more call
647-913-8731 or email ana@artsetobicoke.com

FEBRUARY 22 THE DOPEST GAMES NIGHT community games night open to all between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at LAMP CHC Community Room, 185 Fifth Street. An evening of classic African and Caribbean games and a chance to win prizes. Dinner will be served. Registration required.  For more contact brig@lampchc.org or phone 416- 252-6471 ext. 308

* FEBRUARY 22 DOUBLE SIX TRIVIA and Games night, community games night, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at RAY Youth Space, 385 The West Mall, Unit 105. Learn how to play games as Dominoes, Ludo, Loodi, Mancala, Oware and you can win prizes. Dinner will be served. Registration required. Contact Jasmin at For more information contact jasmind@lampchc.org

* UNTIL MARCH 22 FREE ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLASSES every Friday from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in meeting room at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane. Learn and improve your
English skills with an experienced English teacher. For adults only and beginners and intermediate
levels welcome. To register call 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or e-mail health.promotion@stonegatechc.org

* FEBRUARY 23 FIRST AID CPR TRAINING 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in 3rd floor Community Room, at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street. Workshop focuses on teaching caregivers the necessary skills to respond to
emergencies taught by Red Cross instructor Natasha Triant. Registration call 416-252-8293.

* FEBRUARY 23 FREE MEMORY SCREENING at LAMP CHC, 185 Fifth Street, if you are aged 50 to 90. Contact Jasmin at 416-151-6471 ext. 308

* FEBRYARY 23 JAMAICAN PATTY DAY, Cooking workshop, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at RAY Youth Space, 385 The West Mall, Unit 105. Learn about the story of Jamaican Patties in Canada while we make patties and coco bread from scratch!  Contact Jasmin at For more information contact jasmind@lampchc.org

*FEBRUARY 23 HUMBER MUSIC PRESENTS Ingrid Jensen in concert with Forward Motion Ensemble and Humber Jazz Big Band at 8 p.m. at the Humber Lakeshore Auditorium. Tickets $25 at Eventbrite.ca

* FEBRUARY 29 A GOLDEN TEAM: Patty and Coco Bread cooking workshop for youth only between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at LAMP CHC Street Level Youth Space, 385 The West Mall, Unit 105. Learn the story of the beef patty, while we make patties and coco bread from scratch! Registration required. Contact Jasmin at For more information contact jasmind@lampchc.org

*FEBRUARY 29 BLACK PANTHER: Wakanda Forever, Movie Night, from 4:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at RAY Youth Space, 385 The West Mall, Unit 105. Watch “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and discuss themes of grief and loss in challenging times, and how we move forward. Watch “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” and discuss themes of grief and loss in challenging times, and how we move forward. Contact Jasmin at For more information contact jasmind@lampchc.org.

* UNTIL MARCH 27 POLISH DROP IN every Wednesday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.at Second Street Junior Middle School, 71 Second Street, Room 119, use side door #4 from Birmingham Street. To enter call 416-
795-5408 or email anna.wasiak@stonegatechc.org or babarac@lampchc.org

* EVERY THURSDAY IN FEBRUARY Learning and Growing together for Black children and families at LAMP CHC from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for children up to the age of six. Contact 416-252-8293.

* EVERY FRIDAY JOIN US FOR FUN and safe activities for families with children up to 6-years-old at the
Sunnylea Drop In every Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at 851 Royal York Road. Contact Anna
or Larissa at early.years@stonegatechc.org

Toronto is rich with endangered species of birds and animals that we must protect.

As a result, a plan for developers to replace habitat of endangered species is before City Council for approval.

Council on February 6 is being called on to approve a plan that requires developers to rebuild at least two high-quality replacement habitats for each existing habitat destroyed.

Councillor Dianne Saxe said ‘developers intending to destroy endangered species habitat often wish to save money by constructing their replacement habitats in parks or other City property, to avoid having to purchase replacement habitat lands.’

“The City should not permit public property to be used for this purpose unless at least two high quality replacement habitats are constructed for each existing habitat destroyed,” Saxe said in a letter to Council.

She said the Environmental Commissioner of Ontario has recommended that at least two high quality replacement habitats should be constructed before permitting destruction of the original habitat.

Ellen Schwartzel, of Toronto Field Naturalists, some birds at risk nest in Toronto, including chimney swifts, common nighthawks and piping plovers.

Schwartzel noted at risk reptiles living here includes the threatened Blanding’s Turtle and several other species as the snapping turtle, the northern map turtle and the milk snake.

“The need for action is real,” she told Council. “Many species listed as “at risk” under federal or provincial law continue to survive within City of Toronto limits, especially along the lake shorelines and in our ravines and parklands.”

Schwartzel said at risk species remind us of our long-term obligations as land stewards and we have an obligation to care for our native species on behalf of future generations.

“Toronto’s species at risk are a challenge for us all,” she said. “On the one hand, our vulnerable species should be a point of civic pride.”

Karen Yukich, of Protect Nature TO, said Toronto is fortunate to have priceless pockets of ‘high-quality habitat.’

“Trying to replace original habitat with restoration of an alternate site is like trying to put Humpty Dumpty back together again,” Yukich said. “It’s never the same as preserving what was already established over decades and centuries of natural ecological systems.”

The groups claim many endangered species are placed in jeopardy or threatened in Toronto as builders daily demolish old homes or wooded properties to construct condos or homes.

The people have spoken.
Tobogganing may soon be returning to Etobicoke’s Centennial Park and other Toronto hills.
A motion has been put forward for consideration at a February 6 City council meeting to have the popular pastime return to Toronto parks.                                                                                                                                   The motion was put forward by Councillor Brad Bradford and seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow, who takes her grandchildren tobogganing in the parks.

It asks for the signs prohibiting tobogganing be removed and install new signs warning of the potential risks associated with the sport.
The signs will also tell park lovers where to find designated tobogganing hills that are inspected and maintained by the City.
Officials of Parks, Forestry and Recreation are also required to consult with local councillors and obtain Community council approval before tobogganing is banned from any hill.
Forestry officials are also being instructed to re-install hay bales that were at hills where the sport was previously prohibited.

The motion requests City Council work with the province of Ontario and municipal governments to amend the Occupier’s Liability Act, Negligence Act, and other legislation to address municipal liability, as it relates to the use of City property for recreational activities, including tobogganing.
This new approach addresses the need to promote safe use of our parks while still allowing the public to make informed decisions about their well-being.
“We are a winter city and there are few pastimes more quintessential to the Canadian experience than that of tobogganing,” according to the motion.
It said local residents have been tobogganing at parks like Christie Pits for many generations, which is why it caused so much confusion and dismay when people arrived at parks one winter morning to be greeted by “no tobogganing” signs.

The federal government has given $121 million to the OPP and municipal police to fight guns, gang and increasingly violent auto thefts.

The problem of car theft is so great that Canada has been flagged by Interpol as being a major source of car thefts in the world.

More than 12,000 vehicles were stolen in Toronto in 2023, a 24.4 per cent increase over the previous year. That steep jump followed a 45 per cent jump in 2022, according to police stastics.

There has also been a rise in violent carjackings, according to GTA police, as well as an increase in break-and-enters — sometimes by armed perpetrators — for the purpose of stealing ignition fobs.

“That is terrifying for people … to face that kind of fear in their own homes, the place where they should feel safest,” said Minister of Justice Arif Virani on announcing the funding on January 31.

In South Etobicoke three homes were broken into in one night by thieves in search of the homeowner’s cay keys. Two young offenders were among three people charged.

Premier Doug Ford said thieves are flying into Toronto for weeks at a time to steal vehicles and then return home.

“You’re breaking into someone’s home with a weapon and threatening families? You should be going to jail, no matter what,” Ford said. “Throw them in jail for 10 years.’’

Ford said there should be tougher rules including jail time for those being released on bail.

Federal Minister of Public Safety Dominic LeBlanc there will be an auto-theft summit in Ottawa on February 8 involving law enforcement, the auto and insurance industries, the Canada Border Services Agency, insurance companies and other parties.

The government said gangs steal cars and work with organized-crime groups to send them in containers to the Middle East and Africa, or use them within Canada to commit crimes or change vehicle numbers and sell them.

Ontario has suffered over $700 million in auto losses province-wide in 2022, and over $500 million worth of vehicles stolen in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) alone,” police said.

More than 30 vehicles are stolen every day in Toronto. More than 1,200 vehicles were stolen in South Etobicoke last year.

Peel Regional Police said from January to December last year some 7,637 vehicle thefts were reported across both cities. There were 4,334 vehicles stolen in Mississauga and 3,303 in Brampton.

The announcement was made at York Regional Police, where last month some 96 criminal charges were laid after police recovered 52 stolen vehicles worth more than $3.2 million.

One man has been arrested in a taxi scam, in which police have received more than 60 complaints and  $40,000 were defrauded from people.

In the scam unsuspecting victims walking by a taxi are approached by a scammer who pretends to be a fare. The scammer would explain the taxi driver, who is part of the scheme, was not taking debit or credit cards and if the victim would pay using their card the scammer would repay them in cash.

The card is skimmed and swapped with another similar card, police said. The fake card is returned and the victim, and the scammer uses the real card to make fraudulent withdrawals or purchases.

 

 

 

A desperate race to find a lost dog had hundreds of area residents searching, but it was too late as the canine was found dead.

About 100 people took to social media with sightings of the bewildered dog seen on Lake Shore Blvd. W., Brown’s Line, Elder Avenue and even disrupting traffic on the Gardiner Expressway.

Toronto Police posted a hazard warning to alert motorists of a dog running on the shoulder of the west bound Gardiner around 10:35 p.m. on January 29.

“Use caution in the area,” police warned motorists.

The dog attracted ‘professional’ trackers who erected heavy-duty traps in Len Ford Park, on Lake Promenade, in Long Branch.

“It looks like some kind of coyote trap with food inside and a spring door attached to a car battery,” one person shared. “Seems dangerous to have this in a public park, no signage.”

Others warned to be careful if someone sees the animal.

“Be cautious approaching as he/she is spooked and will not come to people,” another resident said. “Wouldn’t want to scare the poor dog into traffic.”

The City’s 311 line received a number of calls from people searching for the desperate canine.

“Anyone missing this beautiful boy?” asked another. “I couldn’t get him because he’s very scared.”

The writer said the dog was last seen ‘west bound on Elder Ave heading towards the Minto construction area off Long Branch.’

“Please leave it, there is a missing dog that many people in the neighborhood have spotted,” wrote Brenna Or. “Professional trackers are trying to secure him.”

Or said the dog has been spotted in the area many times over the last one or two days.

“He is difficult to capture as he is fearful and runs,” she said. “I am hoping he can be secured and brought to safety.”

Or said her husband drives a bus and the dog was last seen ‘running at Kipling Avenue and The Queensway.”

Another tracker had a sighting in ‘near Lakeshore Blvd. W. and Thirty Second Street’

Tuner Salad wrote that ‘dog trackers had eyes on it every minute it was out there.’

Patricia Jackson noted that It’s mating season for coyotes and they are out in numbers on the roads here and Alderwood at night.

“He’s no match for a pack of coyotes who can take down an 800 pound cow, because they can attack from all sides,” Jackson worried.

It wasn’t until the next day that Jaime Lynda broke the bad news about the dog.

“With a broken heart, I learned this morning that this sweet boy didn’t make it through the night,” Lynda revealed. “Please feel free to read the comments for details thank you. Everybody did everything they could.”

It is still not known who the animal belong too, but there are a lot of saddened dog-lovers today in the community.

 

Public libraries in South Etobicoke and citywide expect to back online in February after undergoing a vicious cybersecurity attack.

A large number of files, along with private information of current and former employees, were stolen in the October 28 attack against the Toronto Public Library (TPL).

Also stolen by hackers were the names, social insurance numbers and home addresses of employees dating back to 1998, including copies of government-issued identification.

TPL officials said customers will be able to see a familiar version of its website by February that will include more information on services and programs and easier access to digital resources.

It will not allow access to catalogue and search features and customer accounts.

The library also said about a million books and other materials that include returns and new items will be processed to be put back on its shelves by mid-February. Returned books have been stored in 12 offsite trailers since the cyberattack.

Some of the services unavailable included: tpl.ca, “your account”, tpl:map passes and digital collections. Public computers and printing services at our branches were also unavailable.

Branches in South Etobicoke are open as scheduled and Wifi is available and telephone lines are working. Materials from next month can be borrowed and returned in branches.

The library said that by mid-February, customers who placed holds will be notified by email or phone when their items are ready for pick-up. Customers can also place, cancel and manage holds with staff in branches and by telephone.

TPL is one of the world’s busiest urban public library systems, with 100 branches across the city and over 10 million books, movies, and other items to borrow and enjoy.

No one has been charged by police in connection with the incident and there are no indications as to where the hack originated.

A Long Branch concert violinist who played with the Toronto Philharmonic and other orchestras is offering his well-tuned skills to music lovers in the community.

Dr. Andrew Kizas is the Artistic Director of the Regional Strings Program for the Peel District School Board housed at the Port Credit Secondary School.

He also performs as a soloist and chamber musician and plays violin with the Mississauga Symphony Orchestra and Orchestra Toronto, according to his biography.

Kizas now offers private lessons to music lovers on how to play the violin, which he loves.

“His award-winning ensembles have performed locally, nationally and internationally,” according to a post on social media. “His violin students consistently receive top marks and scholarships when completing their Royal Conservatory of Music Examinations, and competing at the regional, provincial and national levels.”

The South Etobicoke resident studied violin at the Royal Conservatory of Music and the University of Toronto, with John Montague, Erica Davidson and Gerard Kantarjian, a former Concertmaster of the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.

The violinist holds an Honours Bachelor’s degree in Music from Dalhousie University and the University of King’s College, and  Master of Music and Doctor of Philosophy (in Music) degrees from the University of Western Ontario.

He has published articles on music education and string pedagogy, in the Journals of the Ontario Music Educators’ Association and the Canadian Music Educators’ Association.

Kizas has presented his research at confere

nces in Canada and the U.S., and has been invited to the Starling-DeLay Symposium on Violin Studies at The Juilliard School in New York.

“He has been an education consultant for the Canadian Music Centre and has been contracted to write lesson plans for the Toronto Symphony Orchestra’s Educational Outreach Concert Series,” according to his social media post.

His post-graduate studies were completed in Moedling and Vienna, Austria, through Yale University’s Summer Music Program, and in Toronto with Dr. Lynn Kuo, Assistant Concertmaster of the National Ballet of Canada Orchestra.

Dr. Kizas received his teacher training at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, at the University of Toronto, and has published articles on music education, and string pedagogy

He has held teaching appointments at the University of Western Ontario and the University of Guelph before he began offering private lessons from his home studio.

“A very experienced violin teacher, Dr. Kizas’ passion for music and teaching is visible in everything he does,” wrote one parent.

“Andrew is very enthusiastic and he brings a lot of energy to the lesson,” said the parents of Olivia, 12. “He’s very positive and gives constructive feedback.”

Some Long Branch residents are outraged that a housing extension can proceed possibly endangering an iconic 100-year old maple tree.

Residents have been fighting to stop the extension of a home and garden at 95 James Street fearing it would injure or endanger a so-called Long Branch Black Barn Maple tree, one of the oldest in the area.

A Committee of Adjustment ruled on January 26 that the work can go ahead as long as the tree is not touched.

Community residents had banded together and have for years been trying to stop the extension and save the tree.

“The Black Barn Maple is the quintessential pride and joy of Long Branch, home of Canada’s largest Tree Festival,” said Bill Zufelt, Executive Director of the Long Branch Neighbourhood Association in a letter to the committee.

An arborist report states that the tree is healthy.

“The tree is in good condition, however given its size it is entering the latter phase of its life,” according to the report, which estimates the tree to be at least 100-years-old.

It said trunk protection and mulching is to be installed prior to any site work, which has to be done by hand.

“The proposed injury is minor and is not expected to adversely impact the tree,” the arborist wrote. “Silver Maple is a weak-wooded species prone to storm damage and is generally not well suited to small urban landscapes.”

The report said trees are ‘living organisms, and their health and vigour constantly change over time.’ “They are not immune to changes in site conditions or seasonal variations in the weather conditions.”

The tree is the largest deciduous tree in South Western Toronto, according to the Long Branch Tree Canopy and the Metropolitan University of Toronto Forestry Department.

Zufelt said the Black Barn Maple once belonged to Col. Samuel Smith, one of the first administrators of Upper Canada in the early 1800s after Lord John Graves Simcoe. Smith’s portrait is displayed at Queens Park.

He said In the 1850s the land was acquired by the James Eastwood family and they lumbered the lands using Smiths saw mill to clear the property to create a prominent cattle and horse farm.

The maple is named after the largest of the three Eastwood Black Barns, and was visible from land, sea and rail and became a significant landmark on the Western Toronto Gateway.

In 2021 the Black Barn Maple was nominated to be an official Heritage Tree of Forest Ontario.

Judy Gibson, Chair, Tree Canopy Preservation and Enhancement Committee Long Branch Neighbourhood Association, in a letter noted the applicant plans to construct a garden suite in the rear yard and ‘that will also injure this potential to become a Heritage Tree.”

“A garden suite cannot be built on this property without injuring the Black Barn Maple,” Gibson wrote.

A mega plan to build five condo towers ranging from 12 to 30 storeys in Long Branch is inching ahead.

A working group has been formed to study a proposal to demolish existing apartment buildings and construct towers at 220, 230 and 240 Lake Promenade and 21 and 31 Park Boulevard.

The proposal will bring 2,021 housing units, of which 548 will be rental units and 1,444 market condo units.

The buildings now on quiet residential streets are slated to be demolished to construct the new complex, which will have a new public road and parkland.

Ward 3 Councillor Amber Morley said the development application is complex due to its location and scale with the surrounding community.

She said there will be a large demolition and conversion component.

Morley plans ‘to ensure that tenants of the buildings are aware of their rights and the tenant protections the City has in place in Rental Housing Demolition and Conversion applications.’

“I would like to see the applicant do more to address these concerns raised by the community,” Morley said in her newsletter. “The impact of this development on the lives of nearby residents and existing tenants would be significant.”

She said the working group, which has met three times, includes herself, 12 members of the community, City staff and a representative of the developer.

Morley said residents at the meetings said they are concerned about the impact and displacement of existing tenants and a lack of new affordable housing in the plan.

They are also worried about the height and density of the proposal, impacts of vehicle traffic on the residential roads to access the site and on pedestrian and cyclist safety.

Community members are also impacted by the lengthy construction time on nearby residents, loss of mature trees, bird migration patterns and being exposed to asbestos during demolition.

She said the developer failed to appropriately address the highest priority concerns related to the impacts of the size and number of housing units proposed.

“We have heard problems related to too many vehicles in the space,” according to the newsletter. “The community has been vocal about a shortage in community spaces and services available for existing residents.”

She said there are some gaps and the impact to people’s lives is significant.

“I believe that this application, with its size and location, should be looking for what additional benefit can be provided for the surrounding community beyond the provision of additional market housing units,” Morley said.

The City’s Community Planning Staff are working with the developer on an updated proposal and once complete and the revisions have been resubmitted there will be a fourth working group meeting to review the proposal.