Be careful and alert when driving at this time of the year.

Motor vehicle collisions usually increase in the month following the start of Daylight Savings Time on November 5, with police responding to more than 70 per cent more pedestrian-involved collisions.

Toronto Police are warning that as the clocks turn back, road users will encounter diminished visibility due to the reduction in daylight hours.

“Year-to-date, 32 people have been killed on Toronto’s roads, 20 of whom were pedestrians,” police said in a release. “Of those, 65 per cent were under 65-years-old.”

Officers said many of the pedestrian deaths happened on arterial roads, which are wide signalized streets that carry heavy traffic volume.

When visibility is reduced, motorists, pedestrians, cyclists and all other road users are asked to consider these safety tips.

Police are asking motorists to remain vigilant of their surroundings and be aware of other road users, use extra caution at crosswalks and turning in signalized and non-signalized intersections.

Officers said motorists should drive within the speed limit and adjust according to the conditions, ensure vehicles are in good working order and remember to activate the full lighting system

Lastly they said to plan ahead and give themselves extra time to travel to and from destinations.

They are also reminding motorists that officers will be out in full force this Christmas season to nab drivers who have been drinking to taking drugs.

The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada will be marching to Runnymede Healthcare Centre in 1865 Rifleman Skirmishers Uniforms accompanied by The Bugle Band, Skirmishers presenting Arms.

The November 4 event is part of Remembrance Day services taking place across the country. Remembrance Day is on November 11.

The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada’s was formed in 1860 and is Canada’s oldest continuous infantry regiment. They will be hitting the streets to the centre at 2 p.m.

Members of the Queen’s Own Rifles are deployed in Jordan, Beirut, Latvia, Iraq and the United Kingdom in a “training” capacity.

The Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada, which is a primary reserve regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces based in Toronto, is no stranger to Runnymede, at 635 Runnymede Road.

For 37 years, Runnymede Healthcare Centre has had the Queen’s Own Rifles of Canada join in its Remembrance Day event.

Once there Peel Region Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah will give a reading of Flanders Fields, the Last Post will take place along with a moment of silence and The Arise and Act of Remembrance and Commitment to Remember.

Runnymede Healthcare Centre is a growing health centre that includes a 206 bed Rehabilitation Hospital, the construction of a 200 bed Long Term Care Facility and planning for a Post Traumatic Stress Injury (PTSI) Centre of Excellence for First Responders in Toronto and Caledon.

As part of the PTSI Centre, Runnymede Healthcare Centre will launch a digital platform that ensures virtual services are accessible for every First Responder across Ontario.

Remembrance Day ceremonies are taking place in at least three venues in South Etobicoke. There will be a sunrise ceremony at 7:30 a.m. at the New Toronto Cenotaph, at Lake Shore Blvd. W., and Kipling Avenue.

There is another at 10:45 a.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 643, at 110 Jutland Road, near Islington Avenue. And a third at 10:45 a.m. at the Etobicoke Civic Centre, at 399 The West Mall.

 

A plan to build two mega condo towers on Royal York Road is being considered at Etobicoke York Community Council later this month.

Developers are seeking to build a mixed-use 37 storey and 23 storey towers at 266 and 268 Royal York Road, along with an eight-storey storage warehouse on the site.

An official plan and zoning by-law amendment applications to permit the development will also be considered by City Council on December 13.

The site is located on the west side of Royal York Road at its intersection with Stanley Avenue, near Cavell Avenue.

The buildings will contain 824 residential units, consisting of 613 studio and one-bedroom units, 167 two-bedroom units and 44 three-bedroom units. A warehouse

A total of 200 parking spaces are proposed with 194 spaces with a two-level underground parking garage for residential uses and six surface parking spaces for retail uses.

A total of 619 bicycle parking spots are proposed, including 561 long-term and 58 short-term spaces.

A park the size of 1,394 square metres, with a 15.9 metres frontage along Royal York Road is also planned.

A Zoning By-law Amendment application was submitted on November 2021 and later revised on September 2022. It was submitted with an Official Plan Amendment application.

The developer in August 2021 submitted a Conversion Request to the City to re-designate the western portion of the lands from Core Employment Areas to Mixed Use Areas to permit residential uses.

City staff have identified several issues and didn’t find the proposal, in its current form, fits within the existing and planned context.

They said the site is located close to low-rise buildings including four-storey stacked townhouses, and the nearby St. Leo’s Catholic Church is listed as a heritage building.

Staff said the Willowbrook Rail Yard and VIA Rail’s Toronto Maintenance Centre close by operate 24-hours daily.

“These facilities are important to the economy,” according to a staff report. “As such, the current and future operations of these facilities need to be protected from encroachment by sensitive land uses.”

It said while speeds may be lower, “rail yards have the greatest noise and vibration of all rail typologies due to more intensive and frequent operations.”

“The operations create noise, vibration and air quality impacts that would be impactful to the proposed residential uses if permitted,” staff wrote.

Staff said the proposal is inconsistent and does not conform with the area’s official Growth Plan.

Staff noted the proposal creates an ‘unsuitable site organization resulting from insufficient separation distances and setbacks between uses, unsatisfactory parkland location, as well as inappropriate site access and circulation.’

It is now up to community and city councils to make a decision into the fate of the development.

NOVEMBER 4 ASCENT GALLERY LAUNCH 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., at Etobicoke Civic Centre 399 The West mall. Free admission. The gallery is dedicated to early-career artists. Featuring the work of Hayley Chiu. Artist talk 1:30 p.m. For more information: toronto.ca/ECCArtGallery or call 416-338-7256.
NOVEMBER 7 SENIORS GROUP presents Downsizing Made Easy; Your Guide to Transitional Planning, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Fairfield Seniors Centre, 80 Lothian Ave. Call 416-394-8686.
NOVEMBER 8 to DECEMBER 27 THRIVING WITH MINDFULNESS on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. via Zoom or free online session. Corin De Sousa provides programs and workshops in the GTA. She is a mindfulness teacher. To register e-mail norkyit@lampchc.org or call 416-252-6471 ext. 257.
NOVEMBER 8 LAND TRUST JOIN us on Zoom as we continue work on establishing a land trust to develop affordable housing in South Etobicoke. For more information, contact brig@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

NOVEMBER 10 MEMORY SCREENING – Are you aged 50-90 and noticing changes in your memory? Register for our free memory screening service at LAMP CHC, presented by the Toronto Memory Program Fund for Education. To register call 416-252-6471 ext. 308 and ask for Jasmin.
NOVEMBER 11 REMEMBRANCE DAY SERVICES – First is a sunrise service taking place at 7:30 a.m. at the New Toronto Cenotaph, at Lakeshore Blvd. W., and Kipling Avenue. Second service at 10:45 a.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 643, at 110 Jutland Road. Third service also at 10:45 a.m. at the Etobicoke Civic Centre, at 399 The West Mall.
NOVEMBER 14 TO DECEMBER 19 free ‘Tis the Season Children’s Art Show created by students of local schools. The works speak to the seasonal change from autumn to winter, to the cultural traditions they help shape. Taking place at the Assembly Hall, 1 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive. For more visit toronto.ca/assemblyhall or call 416-338-7255.

NOVEMBER 15 and 22 DRUMMING SESSIONS back by popular demand at LAMP CHC at 2:10 p.m. to create community and explore self-expression through Samba-inspired drumming. No musical experience necessary. The group will invite participants into a playful and supportive space to learn to drum together. We will explore how music can be a powerful pathway to personal wellness, finding a sense of belonging and creating positive social change. For more e-mail jasmind@lampchc.org.
NOVEMBER 16 MYSTERY BOOK CLUB at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbouhood Lane, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. to discuss intriguing mystery Gallows View by Peter Robinson. Book, e-book or audio copy available at the Humber Bay Library and available through the library website at tpl.ca Call Stonegate CHC to register at 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or e-mail health.promotion@stonegatechc.org.

NOVEMBER 20 UNTIL DECEMBER 15 WoodGreen’s Community Services, at 2930 Lakeshore Blvd W., is seeking applicants for a Skills for Success for Experienced Workers (SSEW) program to train for jobs some 106 area residents, aged 45 and more. A five-day computer upgrading course will run from November 8 to 17. Those interested can e-mail mkabir@woodgreen.org or call at 647-201-5273.
NOVEMBER 20 TO DECEMBER 8 you can drop off new unwrapped toys for the annual LAMP Annual Toy Drive at 185 Fifth Street, Main Reception, for children in South Etobicoke. Any age or gender is appreciated but there is greater need for kids aged from 12 to 18. Gift certificates are welcome for tweens. For more information contact Camisha Johnson at 416-252-9701 ext. 292 or e-mail camisha@lampchc.org.
NOVEMBER 22 NATIONAL HOUSING DAY to learn more about the impact of the housing crisis in South Etobicoke at Humber College G Building from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. We are also accepting pitch submissions from anyone with an idea to support housing in our community. For more or to submit your pitch, contact brig@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 308.

NOVEMBER 25 CHRISTMAS BAZAAR from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Margaret New Toronto, 156 Sixth Street. For more information phone 416-259-2659 or Instagram @smntanglican.
NOVEMBER 25 INDOOR Christmas Market at Franklin Horner Community Centre, at 432 Horner Ave., from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a wide range of amazing vendors and artisans in our gym and auditorium. There will be a bake sale and a BBQ for lunch. For more information phone 416-252-6822.
UNTIL NOVEMBER 30 FREE Toronto Juried Exhibition, at the Etobicoke Civic Centre Art Gallery, 399 The West Mall. The Federation of Canadian Artists Toronto presents the best new juried works by its members, offering fresh perspectives in fine art using oil, acrylic, watercolour and pastels. Phone 416-394-8628 or e-mail toronto.ca/eccartgallery
DECEMBER 2 ETOBICOKE-LAKESHORE SANTA CLAUS PARADE at 10 a.m. that will run from Dwight Avenue to Thirty Sixth Street, Long Branch. Volunteers are needed. For more information contact their Facebook page or e-mail lakeshoresanta@gmail.com

DECEMBER 2 SKATE WITH SANTA after the Lake Shore Santa Claus parade at the Colonel Sam Smith Skating Park, at Kipling Avenue and Lake Shore Blvd.
DECEMBER 2 TORONTO SCOTTISH REGIMENT and Lakeshore Village BIA members collecting cat and dog food for LAMP CHC pet owners at the Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus parade. Attendees urged to bring some cat and dog food.
THURSDAYS IS HATHA CHAIR YOGA at LAMP CHC at 10:30 am with Briar. Stretch and enjoy some music and movement with Briar a certified Hatha Yoga instructor. Build your core strength and improve your flexibility. For more contact norkyit@lampchc.org
SALVATION ARMY LAKESHORE COMMUNITY church has a lunch program every Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 5 Thirtieth Street. Also Family Christmas Assistance registration is now open please register online at www.salakeshore.com or by calling 416-251-8372 ext. 104. Volunteers are needed for various programs call Jennifer at same phone number.

The site of the infamous Adamson Barbeque in Mimico will soon be a high-rise condo complex.
Feisty barbeque pit owner Adam Skelly many may recall refused to obey provincial laws and was forced to shut the business at the northwest corner of Royal York Road and the Gardiner Expressway during the COVID-19 lockdown in the summer of 2021.
He was arrested, hit with over $180,000 in fees, which sparked a number of protests and later filed a failed constitutional challenge against the city.
Now a proposal from Queenscorp Residences to build at 522 Royal York Road will result in the demolition of 10 low-rise buildings in the area to erect four towers; one at 35 storeys, another at 20 storeys and the others at 17 and 10 storeys.

The developer has submitted Official Plan and Zoning By-law Amendment applications which would result in the mixed-use buildings in a largely residential area.
The former restaurant, at 7 Queen Elizabeth Blvd., an industrial property and 10 homes, will be demolished to construct the complex. The buildings that are designed by Turner Fleischer Architects, will have a total of 967 residential units and offer residents 3,880 square metres of amenity space, including 1,939 square metres of outdoor amenities.
A podium for the west building would contain office space and a central courtyard that span Queen Elizabeth Blvd. There will be a green space in the centre of the buildings.
The design also calls for a terrace wrapping around the east and north sides of the taller tower. The other buildings would also have multiple step-backs, as well as terraces on their fifth floors.

The buildings that will take up 11 parcels of land, is just west of Royal York Road immediately north of the Gardiner Expressway and a block south of The Queensway.

Buildings to the north would share an underground three-level garage with 858 parking spaces, with 75 of those for visitors. The building to the south would have a separate parking garage with 217 parking spots.
The development would have 741 bicycle spaces and is located next to two bus routes that connect to either Royal York or Keele subway stations. The site is located 850 metres north of the Mimico GO station.
The area will be busy with construction activity for years as there are 23 active or recently approved development applications close to the site as of 2022.

VIA Rail’s Toronto Maintenance Centre is a hub of activity as it will be the Mimico home of the railway’s new fleet of environmentally-friendly trains.

The company has obtained 32 new state-of-the-art trains which began operating October 24 along the Windsor – Quebec City corridor.

The company said the trains will be serviced at the Toronto Maintenance Centre (TMC), at 50 Drummond Street, in Mimico.

Parts of the TMC is being modernized and about 475 jobs will be created to complete the project by 2026.

“The TMC modernization will stimulate local economic growth with an estimated 450 to 475 jobs created throughout this project,” VIA said on its website.

The project will include partial demolition and modification of the main building, the removal and addition of rails, various infrastructure improvements throughout the maintenance yard and the construction of a new wheel lathe facility to maintain wheels and ensure their smooth operation on the tracks, TMC said.

It said several mitigation measures have been conducted to ‘limit the disruptions caused by the upcoming work.’

“We are committed to ensuring the safety of our employees and communities and to minimizing disruptions,” VIA said. “The quality of life of our neighbours and residents of the Etobicoke-Lakeshore borough is important to us and the construction team.”

 The trains will be “one of the most environmentally friendly fleets in North America,” according to the company.  We are “improving the environmental footprint through advanced energy-efficient technology.”

According to VIA, there will for now be one daily round trip serving Toronto from Ottawa. The train trips will vary by day of the week.

The new fleet can travel up to 201 kilometres an hour and can carry about 200 passengers in different classes.

The project to modernize the maintenance centres in Montréal and Toronto is part of the corridor fleet replacement program, for which $1.5 billion in funds were allocated by the federal government.

The funds are for the new fleet, the modernisation maintenance centres, the implementation and integration of various IT systems as well as the transformation of maintenance processes.

VIA rail has almost 3,400 employees and serves about 400 communities in Canada. It moves about 3.3 million passengers yearly and generates some $335.3 million in revenue annually.

To meet the challenges of passenger rail transportation in the Québec City – Toronto corridor, VIA Rail proposed the High Frequency Rail (HFR) project to Ottawa in 2016. A project that would offer a faster, more frequent, accessible, and sustainable rail service in the most densely region of the country.

The federal government has acted on this proposal, preparing and launching its procurement process in 2022, for what could become Canada’s largest infrastructure project in generations.

VIA is hiring workers and you can more information by visiting viarail.ca

 

 

The death of the founder of the Daily Bread Food Bank is being remembered as it was two years ago this week that she passed.

The organization’s founder, Sister Marie Tremblay, was a member of the Sisters of St. Joseph Order. She died peacefully on October 29, 2021.

Sister Tremblay had a long passion for social justice issues. In 1983, she worked with community members to found the Daily Bread Food Bank to alleviate hunger for the city’s most vulnerable and advocate for systemic change.

She set out to collect and distribute food to small, community-based food banks across Toronto.

Daily Bread then was then a small operation until Sister Marie helped organize a big push from rock and roll icon Bruce Springsteen, who made a $34,000 donation at a Toronto concert in 1985, sparking a wave of other donations and volunteerism.

“Bruce put us on the map,” she later said. Sister Marie used the funds to purchase Daily Bread’s first refrigerated truck.

Now almost 30-years later, Daily Bread remains committed to fulfilling Sister Marie’s legacy by meeting the emergency food needs of tens of thousands of individuals experiencing hunger, while at the same time, advocating for long-term solutions to end the root cause of hunger and poverty.

“Daily Bread continues to work towards a hunger-free city where the right to food is realized for every person in need,” according to its website.

Almost 17 million pounds of food were distributed to 189 food programs in Toronto last year. Food bank visits have almost doubled since COVID, going from 60,000 people per month to 110,000 plus daily.

Public libraries in South Etobicoke and citywide have had to curtail some of their services after their computer system was hacked.

Toronto Public Library (TPL) officials said on their website that they are dealing with a cybersecurity ‘incident’ impacting some services and things would not return to normal for a few days.

The TPL said there is no evidence to believe personal information has been compromised.

They have ‘engaged with third-party cybersecurity experts to help us in resolving this situation.’

“We appreciate your patience and understanding while we do everything we can to resolve this matter as quickly as possible,” the library said.

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

Branches in South Etobicoke are open as scheduled and Wifi is available in branches and telephone lines are working. They said materials can be borrowed and returned in branches until further notice.

“(The TPL) has proactively prepared for cybersecurity issues and promptly initiated measures to mitigate potential impacts,” according to a message on their website.

The TPL’s website could not be accessed for the last few days.

The TPL board was slated to meet on October 30 to discuss the problem.

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.