Toronto Police are,getting $120,000,from the province
to beef up its video surveillance program to better
protect the city against gun and,gang violence.

The funding can be used to replace outdated equipment,
expand or enhance current technology and install new
or additional CCTV surveillance cameras in areas where
gun and gang violence, illegal drug activity and human
trafficking are prevalent.
“Community safety is our highest priority as a
government,” said MPP Christine Hogarth. “It is
essential that police forces across the GTA have access
to cutting edge technology to keep our streets safe and
crack down on carjackings.”

“Today’s funding will ensure that those who protect us
have the most advanced equipment available for the
job,” said Hogarth, the Parliamentary Assistant to the
Solicitor General, a member of the Standing Committee
on Justice Policy and Standing Committee on Procedure
and House Affairs.
She said the force is one of 24 police services receiving
funds, with more than $2.8 million being allocated
through an Ontario Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)
Grant Program.

The grant enables the OPP, First Nations police, and
municipal police services to install or upgrade CCTV
cameras in locations where criminal activity is known to
happen. The presence of cameras is a deterrent to
perpetrators and aids police in criminal investigations.
It is one of many initiatives under the Guns, Gangs, and
Violence Reduction Strategy to help police, prosecutors
and partners fight organized crime across Ontario.
“CCTV surveillance systems are an important part of
local police work to detect, prevent, and deter criminal
activity,” said Solicitor General Michael Kerzner. “The
systems also enhance police to investigate crimes.”

Public discussions have begun for feedback into a massive multi-tower development project that will change the face of Mimico by adding thousands of new residents.
Two community open houses were held on September 26 at Mimico Coronation Park Clubhouse, in which developer Dimante Development outlined plans to build four towers on a site at 21 through 31 Windsor
Street, 18 Buckingham Street, 93 Portland Street and 60 Newcastle Street.

Dimante hopes to replace the existing lowrise light industrial and commercial buildings with a transit-oriented mixed-use development. The buildings proposed includes two towers rising to 32 and 48 storeys, with an eight-storey podium. Also planned is a 12-storey and seven-storey buildings.

The developer has submitted applications for Official Plan and

Zoning Bylaw Amendments for the site, which is within walking distance of Mimico GO station. Residents have mixed feelings about the traffic, high density and many people the condos will bring to Mimico.
A separate project at 35 and 17 storeys is proposed for 522 Royal York Road at Queen Elizabeth Blvd. “The development will be good and
bad for the community in that there will be more high density,” said Dan
Irwin, a community activist. “It will change the face of the community and
add some vitality.”

The tallest Portland Street area tower will have 978 apartment units and contain Elisa House’s new transitional shelter, which houses 40 women and is proposed to contain 100 single-bedrooms. It is run by the Society of St Vincent de Paul, and has served the area since 2001, offering emergency housing for women.
Also proposed is a park and underground parking.

OCTOBER 2 TO DECEMBER 11 DANCE AND SWEAT join Anny for a fun high-energy cardio workout with Latin-inspired music and dance from 11 a.m. to 12 noon at Stonegate CHC, Trillium Room. Registration opens September 18 and you can call 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or e-mail
health.promotion@stonegatechc.org.
OCTOBER 3 TO DECEMBER 19 FREE MARTIAL ARTS for children 6 to 12 years old every Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Available for intermediate and advance class. Instructor will test skill level. For more information call 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or email health.promotion@stonegatechc.org.
OCTOBER 5 and 6 is the 11th ANNUAL LATIN FESTIVAL celebrating the culture of Latin America at the Living Arts Centre, 4141 Living Arts Drive,
Mississauga. On October 5 there will be Latin American Folk Dance Groups featuring Afro-Cuban diva Marta Elena, Panamanian musician Juan de Sedas and Indigenous Ecuadorian band, Imbayacuna, one of Canada’s most popular bands.
On October 6 there will be arts and crafts workshops and more bands. Visit www.latinfestival.ca for more information.
OCTOBER 11 AND 18 LINE DANCING from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.at LAMP CHC in the community room which will be turned into a dance hall. A great opportunity to learn new moves in a friendly, supportive setting.
Register by emailing jasmind@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 308.
OCTOBER 11 AFFORDABLE HOUSING at LAMP CHC at 6 p.m. as The South Etobicoke Land Trust is holding working groups and a
community meeting online and in person. The purpose is to acquire land to develop and protect affordable housing. Working groups include:
property acquisition and development, organizational development, fundraising, finance and business planning, monitoring and evaluations.
For more contact brig@lampchc.org
UNTIL OCTOBER 12 INDIGENOUS ART EXHIBIT takes place from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Small Arms Inspection Building,1352 Lakeshore Rd East, Mississauga. See the Art Mashkiki Indigenous Art Exhibit. Meet the artists and hear their stories. Speakers includes Chief Stacey Laforme. Contact 905-615-3200 ext. 8446 or e-mail small.arms@mississauga.ca.
UNTIL OCTOBER 13 HOUSING RIGHTS ADVISORY COMMITTEE applications are being accepted by the City of Toronto for members of the public to sit on the new committee. Residents can apply at www.toronto.ca/ShapeYourCity. The application period will remain open until October 13 and the candidates are expected to be considered by City
Council in December.
OCTOBER 16 BETTER SLEEP WORKSHOP FREE from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in person and online with wellness coach Mary Craig, who will facilitate three workshops to help you understand the nature of
sleep and how to cultivate a mindset to invite rest and relaxation into your daily routine. You will practice relaxation exercises and design your own
sleep wellness toolbox. To register email jasmind@lampchc.org or phone 416-252-6471 ext. 308.
OCTOBER 17 BASKETBALL SKILLS DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAM at Lanor Junior Middle School, 450 Lanor Avenue, for children 8 to 11 years old. Learn from coaches on how to take your child’s skills to the
next level.
OCTOBER 19 WILL BE A DISCUSSION of the book Proof by Dick Francis from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neigbourhood Lane, 2nd
Floor. Borrow your copy of the book at Humber Bay Library. The book is available as an e-book or eaudiobook on the library’s website. Contact
Stonegate CHC to register at 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or email health.promotion@stonegatechc.org
OCTOBER 22 MEMORIAL SERVICE to pay tribute to forgotten World War 1 Vets and Indigenous people at the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital cemetery, 231 Evans Avenue, at 10 a.m. There will be a march, Indigenous leaders and others there.
OCTOBER 27 THE ONTARIO POPS ORCHESTRA under music director Maestro Carlos Bastidas open the Heritage and Diversity Concert
Season with the Hispanic / Latin American Heritage Month Gala Concert at 8 p.m. at the Glenn Gould Studio, 250 Front Street West. Tickets $30. For more information e-mail www.ontariopops.com.
UNTIL DECEMBER 2 FINANCIAL LITERACY by Zoom every Saturday at 10 a.m. until December 2 for a series dedicated to Reclaiming Your Credit Power, with Tefari Bailey, CEO and co-founder of Hutsy Financial and Shaquille Hall, Investor and Mortgage Agent. Contact the Black Business and Professional Association by e-mail at marketing@bbpa.org or phone 416-504-4097.
EVERY WEDNESDAY SENIORS SPANISH SOCIAL GROUP with speakers, for motivational discussions, cooking demos and arts and crafts meet at Stonegate CHC, 10 Neighbourhood Lane, Unit 201, at 10 a.m. For
more contact 416-236-7070 ext. 239 or e-mail sonia.demartinez@stonegatechc.org.
EVERY THURSDAY BI-WEEKLY STONEGATE CHC join ESS Support Services for a shuttle bus to take seniors and those with a disability, or mobility issues for grocery shopping at No Frills, at The Queensway and Royal York Road. The bus will pick you up and drop you off. Call 416-231-7070 ext. 239 to register or visit www.stonegatechc.org.
OCTOBER 31 HALLOWEEN CORNER at the Gazebo, at Eighth Street and Lake Shore Blvd. W., from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. There will be Halloween treats. Sponsored by the Lakeshore Village Business Improvement
Association. For more call 647-459-8727 or email lakeshorebia@gmail.co.
OCTOBER SAMBA-INSPIRED DRUMMING – No musical experience necessary. This free group invites you to learn to drum together, make music, create connections and express creativity. Contact jasmind@lampchc.org or 416 252 6471 ext. 308. Space is limited.
MINDFUL MEDITATION WEDNESDAYS at 3 p.m. at LAMP CHC. You can start anytime. The class aims at helping you to develop strategies to build your coping skills and resilience. Sessions will include: simple techniques to focus on breathing and muscle relaxation. For more contact
jasmind@lampchc.org or 416-252-6471 ext. 308

The late and beloved founder of SaNRemo bakery Natale Bozzo will live on forever.

A laneway behind the popular 374 Royal York Road bakery has been renamed Natale Bozzo Lane, which extends from Simpson to Hay Avenues.

There was an outpouring of love and support for the Bozzo family after the patriarch passed away from COVID-19 at the age of 75 in February 2021. Hundreds of mourners left messages on social media to console grieving family members after his death.

A long-time customer gathered signatures and petitioned the city to have the lane renamed, said Bozzo’s son, Rob.

“We are thankful and very appreciative that they did this,” Rob said. “The sign will be here long after the family has moved on.”

There is also a beautiful large mural dedicated to Bozzo on the exterior of the south wall of the eatery.

Bozzo was a hard worker who came to Canada at the age of 15 from Italy and began working at a bakery in Little Italy.

He opened SaNRemo Bakery in 1969 with his three of his six brothers, becoming not only an “incredible baker” but a friend to many in the community, his family said.

Bozzo would become the sole owner of the bakery in the 1990s with his three sons.

Even after retirement, the family said Bozzo would often “help out around the bakery as it was his passion.”

“He was an incredible baker, and most hardworking man we know. He was resilient and resourceful. He was kind and a friend to all,” the family said in a social media post.

The baker left behind his wife of 49 years, Nicoletta, along with his sons and five grandchildren.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford called Bozzo a “true local champion who followed his passions.”

“A family-owned business, the SaNRemo Bakery and Café has been a staple in Etobicoke for many years. God bless the Bozzo family,” Ford wrote.

The bakery is popular with area workers and there are lengthy lineups during lunch and dinner hours as regulars purchase their favourite Italian fare.

“He was larger than life and we will miss him dearly and will work very hard to keep his memory alive and to honour him,” his family said.

The bakery was well-known for its Italian-inspired dishes and over-the-top desserts. He once said the secret of baking was to put a pinch of love into everything.

“He was kind and a friend to all. He loved to go to Florida, he loved to fish and garden, he loved food and he loved his family,” according to family members.

 By Corporal Dominic Sobotka

The Toronto Scottish Regiment, a Primary Reserve Regiment in Etobicoke, will undertake a demanding ruck march on October 1 along the Lakefront Promenade trail.

Military members may be seen wearing Canadian Pattern (CADPAT) Camouflage with rucksacks along the Lakefront Promenade trail between Captain B.S. Hutcheson V.C. Armoury and the CN Tower.

Members of the public are encouraged to say hello to their soldiers. For more information on The Toronto Scottish Regiment, please visit https://www.torscotr.com

The Regiment will march 13.2km with 35lbs rucksacks from their armoury in Etobicoke to the CN Tower at 9:00 a.m. along Lakefront Promenade, concluding at the base of the CN Tower at about 12:00 p.m.

The Toronto Scottish Regiment is a Primary Reserve infantry regiment of the Canadian Armed Forces based in Toronto.

The Regiment was first formed in 1915 as the 75th (Mississauga) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, and was later reorganized several times before being officially designated as The Toronto Scottish Regiment (Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother’s Own).

The Regiment has a long and distinguished history, having served in both World War I and World War II.

On 26 October 2015 the Afghanistan battle honour was presented to the Regiment and added to the Regimental Colour by Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex. The Regiment contributed an aggregate of more than 20% of its authorized strength to the various Task Forces which served in Afghanistan between 2002 and 2014.

Construction of a new Islington Station began in the Spring and when completed it will include a new bus terminal, elevators, more accessible platforms with four 40-storey towers on the property for housing.

Once finished in 2026 the station at Bloor Street W. and Islington Ave. will have two new elevators to connect customers between the passenger pick up/drop off area, concourse level and subway platform.

The replacement terminal will connect with Islington’s current subway station concourse level and the platform below via a new underground connection lined with retail, and also containing back-of house service rooms.

There will also be improved signage and wayfinding and an accessible bus terminal, which will accommodate five bus bays including one designated as a Wheel-Trans stop.

The rebuild is part of the TTC’s Easier Access Program which is making subway stations accessible by 2025. Some 56 stations are now accessible and 14 are under construction.

The proposed Islington Station Redevelopment will be a one storey transit station located at 1226 Islington Avenue, at the northwest corner of Bloor Street West and Islington Avenue.

Homes will also be built on part of the sprawling property next to the station.

“With Islington’s vast space for buses unused, CreateTO has identified this land as an area for redevelopment, including for significant net-new affordable housing units,” according to plans.

Shuttle buses will be deployed during closure, and access to buses will not be disrupted. The 534 total parking spots will be permanently reduced to 316 spots during the construction.

To facilitate the redevelopment, Islington station’s existing bus terminal, south entrance, and north entrance/passenger pick-up and drop-off areas will be demolished.

The City of Toronto’s Housing Now initiative, an ambitious plan to bring thousands of new affordable housing units adjacent to rapid transit across the city, has been charging full steam ahead since it was announced in 2019, with 17 sites across Toronto earmarked for development.

The city is planning to add the most density to what is referred to as the Bloor-Islington site, with four towers rising as high as 40 storeys. Split into two phases of two towers each, the towers will be mixed-use, with over 5,000 square metres of non-residential space on the lower two floors.

The towers are aligned along the south portion of the Bloor-Islington site fronting onto Bloor Street, while the northern portion will be retained for transit uses with the new bus terminal.

The site is located on a triangular plot of land directly adjacent from Islington subway station. It is bounded by Bloor Street W. to the south, Islington Avenue to the east, and the rail corridor to the north.

The development will be located on 4.9 acres of land currently occupied by surface parking and the Islington bus terminal. Current plans include roughly 1,250 units of housing to be built on the site.

Hundreds of saddened Toronto Police officers attended a memorial service for Bingo, the first police dog killed in the line-of-duty in the 189-year history of the force.

Sgt. Brandon Smith, of the Canine Unit, who was Bingo’s partner credited his ‘best friend’ for saving his life last July 25.

“Bingo took the bullet before we were shot,” and emotional Smith told his colleagues at the Woodbine Banquet Hall on September 22. “He was my partner and hero. Bingo save the lives of others that day.”

He said a gunman, sought for a murder and possession of a gun, was hiding in a dark area of a Dixon Road backyard which officers were searching when Bingo was shot.

“Bingo never had a chance to bark before he was shot,” said Smith, with wife Heather at his side. “I wouldn’t be standing here if it wasn’t for Bingo.”

Chief Myron Demkiw presented Bingo’s police badge, his leash and a Canadian flag to the grieving officer and his family.

“Bingo served the residents of Toronto and he did it with pride,” Demkiw said. “He was always there when needed to serve and to protect our officers.”

 

The Chief said the canine ‘made the ultimate sacrifice’ and saved other officers that day.

“When Bingo was at a scene officers knew he was there to back them up,” he said. “Bingo was a beloved member of the Toronto Police Service and his legacy will live on in our hearts.”

Mayor Olivia Chow expressed condolence to Smith, who cared for Bingo since he was a pup and was his partner on many calls.

“Bingo was a hero with four legs and made the ultimate sacrifice,” Chow told the gathering. “He never wavered and had an unbreakable bond with his handler.”

Supt. Colin Greenway, the unit commander of specialized emergency response, said ‘it was the worst day of his life’ attending the scene and witnessing Bingo lying on the ground.

“It is heartbreaking that today we are celebrating his life,” Greenway said. “Sgt. Smith lost his partner and best friend to a cowardly act. He was truly man’s best friend.”

Bingo joined the Police Dog Services in July 2022 and was partnered with Smith. After completing extensive training together, the K9 graduated in December 2022.

Kenneth Grant, 44, of Toronto, has been charged with second-degree murder in The Queensway and Kipling Avenue shooting death of a man the previous day.

By Toronto Police Service

A memorial tree honouring the legacy of Constable John Zivcic who died in the line of duty was unveiled on September 15 alongside his police dog namesake.

The 22 Division officer succumbed to his injuries in early December 2013 just two days after he was involved in a collision on Bloor St. W. near Neilson Dr. The tree was planted last November at the collision site with a marker with his name and badge number.

22 Division Inspector Anthony Paoletta said Zivcic’s legacy lives on.

“This lilac tree planted in John’s honour is very significant and will have special meaning for many people,” he said, of the six year veteran who served on B platoon. “Most importantly, this tree will serve as a constant reminder of the ultimate sacrifice John made in protecting the citizens of Toronto. It will also provide some solace and comfort knowing that John’s legacy will continue to flourish and bloom.”

Paoletta said Zivcic’s friends and colleagues at the Division will cherish the memories they made with him.

“They will reflect on the times they had together with him, they will remember his love for his family, his commitment to policing and to the community here in South Etobicoke, his passion for fitness and his zest for life,” he said.

Zivcic’s friend, Constable Lydia Cesar, of Police Dog Services, conceived the idea for the memorial that was supported by Superintendent Kelly Skinner.

“The tree is big and in full bloom just like John’s personality,” she said. “This is the perfect match for him.”

Cesar knew Zivcic since age 14 when she met him and his brother, Tom, at a gym.

She named her canine partner, Zee, in Zivcic’s honour.

They are the Service’s only all-female K9 team

“When I got into the Canine unit, I knew I wanted John to have a namesake,” said Cesar. “Hopefully, Zee and I will be able to pick up where John left off and make him proud.”

Zee is an 18-month-old Belgian Malinois.

Hamilton Police Service Chief Frank Bergen was the 22 Division Unit Commander when Zivcic lost his life.

“What you don’t see with this tree is the significant root system that will absolutely grow and thrive and allow us all to have the beauty that it presents,” he noted. “The root system is what sustains us 10 years later as we memorialize John. Our uniform gives us authority, but it is our behaviuour that gets us our respect. John’s behaviour is a reminder that I carry on every day in my deployment. I still carry his memorial card in my hat.”

On behalf of his family, Zivcic’s brother thanked Toronto Police for the memorial.

“To all of you that have stayed in touch us over the last 10 years, we thank you and it means a ton to us,” said Tom Zivcic. “We thank Lydia for spearheading this, Superintendent Skinner for her support, Inspector Paoletta for the kind words and Frank Bergen who calls on John’s birthday, at Christmas and on other occasions.”

 

A Go Fund Me account has been set up to help a friendly and well-liked homeless man who died in South Etobicoke.

More than $2,000 has been raised by friends to send the body of Real Leclair, also affectionately known as Homeless Joe, to his native Quebec.

Scott Mills, a former Toronto police officer who befriended Leclair, said his friend died from a heart attack while gathering water from a river near his shack in South Etobicoke.

“Réal’s body was found by a mountain biker,” Mills wrote on social media. “22 Division Toronto Police led by Officer Rich Nimmo and team, as well as Coroner Dr. Kumar Gupta, have gone above and beyond to determine what happened and honour Réal.”

Street Nurse Anne Marie Batten and Mills are in touch with his family who will be travelling to Toronto from Quebec to take Leclair’s remains home for cremation and burial at a family cemetery.

“Réal’s family did all they could to help him, as did many people,” Mills wrote. “Mental illness is a bitch.”

Mills said any excess funds raised will be donated to agencies chosen by the family who help homeless people with mental illness.

A ceremony to honour Leclair and a number of homeless people who died recently was held on September 12 at the Toronto Homeless Memorial at Trinity Square outside Holy Trinity Church in downtown Toronto.

There were dozens of tributes on social media as people paid tribute to Leclairé.

“Real was an inspiration,” wrote Karen Reed, who has been following Leclair’s plight on social media.

“My condolences to his family and all who loved him.”

Darylene Foster said Leclair was a special person.

“May you rest in peace,” Foster wrote. “May you find the happiness that you could not in his world.”

Cal Millar, a former journalist, who also followed Leclair’s hard life expressed his condolence.

“Scott, sorry to hear that Réal has passed away,” Millar wrote. “You did so much through the years to help make his life better and he appreciated your friendship.”

“I’m so sorry to hear this Scotty. You’ve been a champion for the cause for as long as I can remember,” said Rebecca Boyd. “I know he meant something special to you.”

Emily McKiernan said she met Leclair briefly and it was sad to hear of his death.

“He was a very decent down to earth man,” she said. “My heart goes out to his family in this difficult time.”

 

Friends of the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital Cemetery will host a 50-minute memorial on October 22 to remember World War 1 Veterans, Indigenous people and others buried there.

The memorial will feature music, Indigenous smudging, drumming, poetry and a military remembrance service.

“This service commemorates the lives of individuals, including Indigenous persons and World War I Veterans; who faced immense challenges within the walls of what is now Humber College Lakeshore Campus,” said spokesman Hark Savinsky .

Many of the 1,511 buried at the cemetery were taken from small towns in northern Ontario and would often be institutionalized for the rest of their lives, he said.

Savinsky said the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital, formerly called the Mimico Asylum, had a storied history, bearing witness to the struggles of countless individuals who battled mental health challenges, and faced treatments and procedures which today would be deemed inhumane.

“This service seeks to pay homage to their unique stories which have shaped the progress Canada has made in defining mental illness, in recognizing the dignity, worth and rights of those struggling with mental health,” he said.

Among those being honored are World War I Veterans who perished at the hospital.

“These brave men returned from the trenches, scarred by the horrors of war and burdened by the invisible wounds of PTSD,” Savinsky said. ”In the early 20th century, understanding and support for mental health conditions were limited.”

Their trauma was interpreted as cowardice or lack of moral character.

“The wartime belief that they were exaggerating was never fully dispelled,” he explained. “We want to take time to stand with them and honour them and recognize the panic that gripped their young lives.”

Savinsky said it is important to recognize and honour the indigenous heritage of the land since ‘it reflects a commitment to reconciliation and respect for the rich cultural history that has deep roots in the region.’

“The anguish of separation and loss of identity experienced by First Nations and Metis residents added an additional dimension to the loneliness and anguish to people in their ‘home and native land,” he said.

The logistics and operations of the asylum experience mirrored that of Residential Schools from its architecture to the abuses within its walls and to the disposal of its dead.
“The service embodies the spirit of unity and respect for all who have been part of the institution’s history,” Savinsky said.

The service is open to those who wish to pay tribute to the Indigenous patients or World War I veterans, or simply want to show their support for the principles of reconciliation, remembrance, and mental health awareness.

“The service emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the past while looking towards a future that fosters compassion, understanding, and support for those facing mental health challenges,” Savinsky said.

The service takes place at the cemetery at 231 Evans Avenue, on October 22, at 10 a.m. All are welcome.

A petition has been started online by the group to plant more trees to beautify the cemetery grounds. It can be accessed at Gofundme.com.