Many of us still like this outdoor plaza because it is quick.

A plan to redevelop Six Points Plaza to build six mixed-use condo towers is working its way through the application process.

The project by Liberty Development is an ambitious venture that will feature six high-rise buildings ranging from eight to 45 storeys on the plaza site, at 5230 Dundas Street W., the northeast corner of Dundas Street W., and Jopling Avenue South.

Six Points Plaza Redevelopment will feature a 45, 43, 41, 36, 25 and 8-storey condo towers designed by IBI Group.

The condos will accommodate some 2,387 residential units, along with commercial spaces, and promises to be a significant transformation of the area.

Liberty Development has resubmitted Zoning By-law and Official Plan Amendment applications for the Six Points Plaza Redevelopment, the original versions of which were submitted to the City in 2021.

The community is proposed to have a public greenspace located at Jopling Avenue South and Dundas Street West.

The plaza which is believed to be built in the 1960s has undergone hard times in recent years.

The site is designated Major Transit Station Area, with a goal of fewer cars as called for by a City of Toronto Official Plan. There will be two two levels of underground garage with 741 parking spots, with 129 spots for visitors.

There will also be 1,838 bicycle parking spots, with 195 for visitors.

The builders boast that the site, described as a communal hub, is within walking distance of Kipling Station, where residents have access to GO Bus and transportation downtown and beyond.

The massive redevelopment would include four blocks consisting of high-density and medium-density buildings as well as parkland, on the property that is located on the south side of Bloor Street West, between Jopling Avenue South and Beamish Drive, and north of Dundas Street West.

The site is a block and a half west of Kipling Avenue, across from which a new Etobicoke Civic Centre is to be built at the Six Points Interchange.

The towers, when completed will be surrounded by other high-rise development applications, which include 4 to 8 Beamish Drive, which would see a residential tower rising to 35 storeys atop a four-storey podium, consisting of 329 units .

There is also another development at 8 tp 14 Jopling Avenue South, which proposes two towers of 35 and 38-storeys, with 697 residential units, and 306 parking spaces. Also proposed is a building at 5238 to 5243 Dundas Street W., which plans a tower rising to 41-storeys atop a 3-storey podium along, consisting of 378 residential units.

A massive 55 storey building is also planned at 5359 Dundas Street W., at Dundas St. W., and Subway Crescent, metres away from the Kipling subway.

 

Hope for Holidays.

Some Toronto Police officers are collecting donations, toys, and winter wear to help refugees who are new arrivals to Canada.

This is the third year officers involved in Project Hope are trying to brighten the lives of refugees by collecting toys, school supplies, winter jackets and new and used tablets and laptops to help families.

The project is “brightening the lives of refugees by letting them know that many people are wishing them health and happiness in their first holiday season in Canada,” according to police.

“Nearly 1,000 refugee families will benefit from this year’s exercise,” said Constable Mustafa Popalzai, of the distribution to families staying in temporary shelters and hotels.

There are many other refugees who cannot get beds in shelters and are forced to sleep on the sidewalk as the temperature dips.

“We want to bring joy to the many newcomers and refugees from across the world as they celebrate their first season in Canada,” he said.

Popalzai and Const. Farzad Ghotbi started Project Hope in August 2021 to support the newcomers.

Then there were thousands of people arriving in Canada from Afghanistan with ‘nothing more than the clothes on their back after the collapse of the government.’

Since then, 26,735 Afghan refugees have arrived in Canada, according to the federal government.

With support of other police officers, agencies, community organizations and individuals, they have collected and delivered more than $500,000 in donations.

Newcomers are delighted to receive the items since they could not afford it otherwise.

Both officers know first-hand how it feels to arrive without much in a strange country, where they speak a different language.

Popalazai is a refugee from Afghanistan and Ghotbi was a claimant from Iran.

Popalzai arrived from Kabul with his family in 2000 to flee the Taliban. His father was an artist who received death threats from the Taliban who had banned some forms of art and human photography.

The officers also provide information sessions to address questions and concerns about Canadian laws and the role of the police.

Project Hope is seeking school supplies like backpacks, stationary, lunch bags; baby care products as diapers, wipes, strollers and baby formula. They are also are in need of hygiene products like shampoo or deodorants, gift cards and new unwrapped toys.

Donations are being accepted until December 10 at a number of Toronto Police stations.

Donations can be made at police headquarters at 40 College Street, 51 Division at 51 Parliament Street, 53 Divison at 75 Eglinton Ave. W., 31 Division at 40 Norfinch Dr., both in North York, and 32 Division at 30 Ellerslie Ave., in Scarborough.

Items or donations can also be left at 41 Division at 2222 Eglinton Ave. E., 42 Division at 242 Milner Ave., or 43 Division at 4331 Lawrence Ave. E.

 

 

 

Toronto Police Service Special 

A Booking Officer led an effort to give a sick kid a chance to play in his own backyard.

This summer, Special Constable Sean McConnell met two-year-old Nolan Davis at Ronald McDonald House. The little boy was diagnosed with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia in November 2022.

Nolan underwent chemotherapy treatment and two bone marrow transplants earlier this year.

After learning that Davis’ immune system is very weak, the 11 Division officer conceived and funded the idea to build a playground for him with the help of his C platoon members and other officers at the Division.

“Because the young boy’s immune system is very weak, he needed a playground built in his backyard because he cannot play with other kids in neighbourhood facilities,” McConnell said.

McConnell is a member of the Million Dollar Smiles charitable organization that builds home playgrounds across the Greater Toronto Area and Southern Ontario.

Raising money for the builds through corporate sponsorships, Million Dollar did 60 builds for selected families this year.

Davis and his family reside in Brechin that is a two-hour drive north of Toronto.

On August 22, police officers and civilian members of 11 Division travelled two hours north of the city on their days off to build the playground for the young boy while his parents kept him away from the house.

“We got there early in the morning and it was a hot, day, but everyone was committed to completing the job and ensuring they could bring a big smile to Nolan’s face,” McConnell said.

Inspector Joyce Schertzer supported the initiative and was part of the build.

“Sean recognized a need to do something and brought both of his worlds together – his charity and his platoon,” Schertzer said. “Not only was this a total team effort, but it was a very enjoyable experience. They all sectioned off organically so that this could be done seamlessly in a very organized manner. Everyone now has a taste of how good it feels to give.”

The boy was completely surprised when he walked into his backyard.

“The look on his face was amazing,” she said, of the ultimate reward for everyone involved.

Superintendent Andy Ecklund was also part of the team effort.

“This is something I look at as giving back to the community,” the 11 Division Unit Commander said. “This is what policing is all about.”

Sergeant Salvatore Granata also pitched in.

“When you are able to make that difference however big or small it might be for someone, it is an amazing moment,” said Granata, who bought the yellow shirts that the volunteers wore to symbolize the team effort.

Daniel Davis thanked the officers for taking time out of their busy schedules and using their own resources for the build.

“This means a lot to our family and I thank you all for coming here and doing this,” he said. “We really appreciate it.”

LAMP Community Health Centre’s executive director Keddone Dias is joining other prominent people as Grand Marshal of the Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade.

The 33^rd annual parade takes place on December 2 as dozens of floats leave Dwight Avenue at 10 a.m. for Thirtieth Street, where it will wrap up.

There will be a number of streets affected or closed by the parade, which attracts thousands of area residents yearly.

Dias, who has headed LAMP CHC for almost six years, is well-known as a community builder.

Her biography said she leads a ‘multi-disciplinary team in the delivery of primary health care services and health promotion programs that address the needs of the whole person.’

“Keddone has worked to improve access to the resources needed to help communities grow and thrive,” her bio states. She pays “special emphasis on areas including health equity, youth development and education.”

She joins others such as author and former NHL goalie Ken Dryden, Raptors superfan Nav Bhatia, Toronto Argos boss Mike ‘Pinball’ Clemons and NHLer Johnny Bowers as previous Grand Marshals.

This is the 33^rd year of the parade which travels west to Lake Shore Blvd., and is popular with parents and their children.

Keddone holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree in Finance from Ryerson University and a Master of Public Policy, Administration and Law from York University, as well as certificates in Community Health Leadership from the Rotman School of Management.

She also studied Sustainable Strategic Change from the Schulich School of Business, and Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management from the Harvard Business School.

An alleged carjacker has been arrested by Toronto Police in South Etobicoke close to the Sherway Gardens area.

Police alleged the incident occurred as the victim was parked in his vehicle in The Queensway and North Queen Street area around 10:23 p.m. on November 29.

A suspect approached the victim and allegedly assaulted him and tried to steal his vehicle.

Officers of a newly-formed Provincial Carjacking Joint Task Force (PCJTF) were called and the suspect was arrested.

There has been about 3,000 vehicles stolen in the South Etobicoke area in the last year. Most are resold in the GTA for use in committing crimes or shipped overseas for sale.

Louie Hodge, 35, of Toronto, has been charged with robbery and possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000.

He was slated to make a court appearance on November 30 at the Ontario Court of Justice.

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 PCJTF was formed to tackle the rising incidents of violence related to auto crimes across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Local police services have combined resources to form the PCJTF to co-ordinate law enforcement efforts in combating these crimes.

This collaborative approach aims to disrupt the networks responsible for violent and high-risk auto thefts and maximize enforcement efforts against criminal organizations.

It could be a bummer for many this Christmas season.

A long-time agency that helps the needy and those down and out may soon be shutting its doors due to a lack of resources and huge demand for its services.

Haven on the Queensway, at 1533 The Queensway, is trying to raise $100,000 in 30 days so it can continue helping people.

“We are reaching out to you with an urgent plea,” wrote Haven’s executive director Roger Berg. “Without financial support Haven on the Queensway is facing the imminent possibility of having to cease our operations.”

The agency said they’re experiencing more people who are facing food insecurity and in the past 24 months and have seen an increase of clients from about 450 weekly to now over 1,000 people every week.

“The demand for our food assistance has surged significantly, reflecting the harsh reality faced by many who are struggling to put food on their tables,” Berg said.

The Daily Bread Food Bank in New Toronto has also complained about the large amounts receiving food in the community with many working people collecting food because they cannot make ends meet.

Berg said statistics reveal that one out of 10 Torontonians are using foodbanks for their meals.

“Closing our doors would be detrimental to our clients and community,” he noted. “We need your support more than ever before.”

The non-profit organization was formed in 2009 and has been providing food, clothing and other essential items to those in need in South Etobicoke.

He said Haven serves about 6,000 individuals a week across all its programs.

“That’s 51 per cent more than this time last year,” Haven said. “Just with our clothing closet, we’ve seen a request for clothing, a 300 per cent increase month over month.”

They had 150 requests for clothing in October alone as its gets cooler outside.

Clients are grateful to receive food, diapers, clothes, boots and coats for themselves and children as it gets cooler.

“In the last few months, demand for the food bank specifically has skyrocketed,” Berg said. “We’re confronted with the reality of growing operating costs and a significant shortfall in our financial donations.”

He said the demand for clothing has soared by 333%, jumping from an average of 30 new intakes to a staggering 130.

“While the food bank is most popular, Haven offers other programs that are also experiencing a surge in demand,” according to an online campaign.

Haven said one staffer recently encountered a mother standing before her with her baby, expressing the desperation of having nothing to feed her child.

“This heartbreaking reality is becoming more prevalent, and our community is facing a crisis,” the agency officials said.

They said the number of people experiencing homelessness served by a Hope with Wheels program has risen by 120% over the past year alone.

“Our seniors rely on our deliveries of food and hygiene kits and look forward to our weekly friendly phone calls,” said Aretha Khaloo, Director of Operations. “The demand for these deliveries has surged, and we are now confronted with a long waitlist.”

Khaloo said there is also a first Care program for new parents with children under the age of two where they hand out diapers or formula until they run out.

And workers hit the road two or three times a week and feed people living on the streets.

“We try to provide them with some warm clothing, sleeping bags, as well as chilli, soup, sandwiches and hygiene kits,” explained Kaloo.

You can visit www.havenontheq.org/donate to make a donation or to find out more about ways to give.  All donations of $20 or more will receive a charitable donation receipt.

No disciplinary action will be taken against a Toronto Police officer who shot a suspect who fatally shot beloved police dog Bingo last summer.

The province’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) has ruled that the officer was justified in shooting the suspect who killed Police Services Dog (PSD), Bingo, last July 25.

On that evening undercover officers were at an apartment building at 290 Dixon Road searching for a suspect sought for the killing of a man in an apartment on The Queensway a day earlier.

“Aware of the man’s general location, police established a perimeter and called in a dog handler to help locate the man. Shortly after the dog entered some brush in one of the rear yards, the man fired his weapon and the dog was fatally struck,” according to a SIU release.

They said the suspect, who was hiding behind some bushes, fired his weapon several times at an officer and fled the area on foot towards Kingsview Boulevard.

An officer returned fire and the suspect was shot and then arrested. The wounded man was taken to hospital in serious condition.

The killing of two-year PSD Bingo touched police and many city residents as the canine was involved in helping officers sniff out suspects in many cases.

A packed memorial service attended by hundreds of officers, including the Police Chief, was held for Bingo at Woodbine Banquet Hall on Sept. 22.

The suspect is before the courts.