One of Toronto Police Service’s most-respected and longest-serving
senior officer has been put in charge of 22 and 23 Divisions which patrols all of Etobicoke.

Superintendent Ron Taverner has been a cop’s cop in Toronto for more than 50 years and there’s no slowing down for him.

Taverner has been the unit commander of 23 Division in north Etobicoke for more than 10 years. He was recently promoted to District Commander in charge of South Etobicoke’s 22 Division and 23 Divisions, overseeing several hundred officers.

“The job brings more responsibilities,” Taverner told the South Etobicoke News. “Some of our top priorities include traffic enforcement and dealing with the bad guys.”

Taverner is well-respected by his officers and in the policing community. He previously served as head of the Fugitive Squad, Homicide Squad and other high profile police units.

“He commands most precincts incorporating the former City of Etobicoke,” according to police command.

Taverner gained the respect of Premier Doug Ford and late bother Mayor Rob Ford for his work in Etobicoke in fighting drugs, gangs and getting guns of the streets.

He has been called a police commander with a lot of energy and is known by his first name to many members in the community.

“Most superintendents move every five years or so, but Ron has always stayed in place,” former Police Services Board Chair Dr. Alok Mukherjee once said.

He was at one point named Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police by the Premier but asked that his name be withdrawn from consideration.

Taverner was celebrated for a halfcentury’s worth of “community builder” work by a
Toronto charity.

With more than 50 years’ experience under his belt, the veteran cop has earned the respect and trust of the public and other officials for his decades of fair service to all, according
to Jake’s House, a group that helps children with autism.

JULY 9 JEAN AUGUSTINE DOCUMENTARY screening takes place as part of The 2022 Lavazza IncluCity Festival taking place in the Distillery District, 55 Mill Street, at 9:30 p.m. The festival runs until July 16. The documentary Steadfast, the Messenger and Message by Fahim Hamid Ali follows the life and career of Jean Augustine, founder of Black History Month in Canada. Tickets required. Office: 416-893-3966, Main 416-929-3475 or E-mail info@icff.ca

JULY 5, 12, 19 & 26 SING with the river MOUTH song circle Tuesdays from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. with Andrea Kuzmich. Sing together or share old songs or learn new ones from Ukrainian and Georgian to other traditions. Song circle takes place at Bell Manor Park. To register call 416-231-7070 ext. 307 or email health.promotion@stonegatec.org

COMMUNITY SUPPORT CENTRE operating from St. Margaret’s Church on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Meals, snacks, washrooms, showers, and laundry available for folks who are unhoused.

EVERY THURSDAY The Good Food Market from 12 to 4 p.m. at Stonegate CHC at 10 Neighbourhood Lane for affordable produce, outdoor market and bring your own bags. COVID-19 protocols are in place. For more information call 416-231-7070 ext 307.

SUMMER YOUTH JOB CONNECTION for students aged 15 to 18 to obtain 20-hours of paid pre-employment training, free certification, training and work-related supports. Must be eligible to work in Ontario and be ready and willing to work during COVID-19, March Break and Summer 2022. Contact Sheroni at 416-405-5259 or email schristian@woodgreen.org

FREE EMERGENCY FOOD TAKEOUT MEALS offered Monday to Wednesday from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. through LAMP’s adult drop-in program. Thursday harm reduction supports from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

EVERY THURSDAY The Good Food Market from 12 to 4 p.m. at Stonegate CHC at 10 Neighbourhood Lane for affordable produce, outdoor market and bring your own bags. COVID-19 protocols are in place. For more information call 416-231-7070 ext 307.

SUMMER YOUTH JOB CONNECTION for students aged 15 to 18 to obtain 20-hours of paid pre-employment training, free certification, training and work-related supports. Must be eligible to work in Ontario and be ready and willing to work during COVID-19, March Break and Summer 2022. Contact Sheroni at 416-405-5259 or email schristian@woodgreen.org

BASKETBALL FRIDAYS for youth 18 plus from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Ken Cox Community Centre, 28 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Drive. Contact Waye at 416-990-6737 or email youth@lampchc.org

SUMMER CAMPS at the Jean Augustine Centre for Young Women’s Empowerment, 101 Portland St., for girls ages 7 to 12. Some programs include Shoot for the Stars, Change Makers and Mission Possible. To find out more call 416-253-9797 or email info@jeanaugustinecentre.ca or visit  jeanaugustinecentre.ca

LONG BRANCH ARTIST Pat Rice works of local trees and nature called This Old Tree is on display to the public until September 17 on the Third Floor Gallery at the Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre, at 2 Colonel Samuel Smith ParK Drive.

MUSIC & WELLNESS is a virtual music therapy group designed to use music to bring people together, improve connections and talk about things that are uplifting. Participants have the opportunity to discover more about themselves within a creative outlet of singing, music listening and encouragement. Wednesdays 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Zoom. To register contact norkyit@lampchc.org or 416 252 6471 ext. 257

CATCH MY BREATH RAY PROGRAM is a youth mental health program at LAMP for ages 14 – 21. The past two years have been hectic and we deserve to have a space where we can share how we’re feeling and what we’re thinking. Let’s share a space to support and have one-on-one conversation with youth in the community. Every Monday 6 p.m. to- 7:30 pm on Zoom. To register contact Isha Green youth@lampchc.org.

HAVING A BABY? Etobicoke Pre and Post-Natal Dietician program on Zoom is being offered with agencies as LAMP, Toronto Public Health, Rexdale community Health Centre and other partners in a free health education and nutrition program with health professionals and food demos. One-to-one prenatal and post-natal support and discussions. Grocery cards and other supports as needed. For more information or to register 416-737-9874 or 416-898-1225 or e-mail martha.morales@rexdalechc.com.

ETOBICOKE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Summer History Series July 21 & &:30 p.m. The Kingsway and August 18 @ 7:30 p.m. Etobicoke’s Historic Lakeshore. A free online Zoom Webinar presented by EHS Richard Jordan. For more visit www.etobicokehistorical.com/summer-history.html

SUMMER YOUTH PROGRAMMING: RAY Youth Space LAMP Community Health Centre Youth Programs: Ages 10-14. Meet New Friends and Enjoy new Summer Activities! Central Etobicoke Summer Program starts July 4 and ends August 12 at 385 The West Mall from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The South Etobicoke Summer Program starts July 11 and ends August 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. And Basketball program starts July 5 until August 12 at Burnhamnthorpe Collegiate, 500 The East Mall. To register email Linda Frempong at lindaf@lampchc.org (or call 416-779 -5248. NOTE: For Youth 15-19 Volunteer opportunities are available.

FREE ONLINE SUMMER PROGRAMS at Jean Augustine Center for Young Women’s Empowerment for Ages 7 to 9 from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. JULY 25 to 29 Shoot for the Stars to learn about your passions and skills. AUGUST 15 to 19 is Mission Possible and how to strive to be the best version of yourself.

CONGRATULATIONS TO JASMIN DOOH, for more than 20 years of serving the community in her tireless role at LAMP Community Health Centre.  Jasmin is a Health Promoter, Community Relations Specialist. She is well-loved by her many clients, staff and so many others in the community. Thank you.

FOR SALE 2003 GMC SAFARI CARGO VAN as is. The van is in fairly good condition and runs. It is opened up for carrying loads. It has roughly 230,000 kms. Owner just purchased another. $2,500 and it is yours.

Some outstanding members of the community, including groups and agencies were honoured at the 22nd Annual Awards of Merit organized by LAMP Community Health Centre.

The late Marg Ciupa, a former LAMP employee, was remembered for her active role as a volunteer for a number of South Etobicoke organizations.

About 300 area residents joined Toronto Police 22 Division officers, fire fighters of Station 435, on Eighth St., The Rovers, Pipes & Drums of the Toronto Scottish Regiment- Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother’s Own, Ukrainian dancers and many others for the May 22 event on the front lawn of LAMP at 185 Fifth Street.

There were tents lined with residents seeking food, taking part in a silent auction, health programs and other activities.

Master of Ceremonies Alicia Markson and some of the organizers, Jasmin Dooh, who’s been active in LAMP for 40 years,  and Zai Batasar are credited for doing  an outstanding job.

“The community looks forward to this event every year,” said Keddone Dias, LAMP executive director. “The place is packed and everyone is having a great time.”

LAMP officials say they have not been able to host the popular event for two years due to the pandemic.

“It is a great event that brings the community together,” Dooh said. “They (winners) have gone the extra mile to make a difference and contribute to building a healthy community.”

The awards winners were selected based on their ‘goodwill and support to their neighbours during these difficult times.’

Awards of Merits were presented to realtor-webmaster Graham Rowlands, Sharon Muszynski, South Etobicoke News Publisher Tom Godfrey, Daniel Lauzon and Catherine Mayled of Food for Now.

Also accepting awards were law firm owner Margaret Cecilia McCarthy, Sandwich Sisters Pods, Neighbourhood Love, Timothy’s Pub, Fernanda Pontes, of Haven on The Queensway, travelling artscaper Don Harrison Short and well-known Indigenous artist Phillip Cote.

Cote, who has painted many Native murals in the community, now has a new mural rolling around the city on a sides of a TTC bus.

Other Awards of Merit winners include sales coordinator Leanne Gonacio, Lakeshore Affordable Housing, Advocacy& Action Group, The Daily Bread Food Bank, Tibetan Canadian Cultural Centre, The Gardens Lakeshore, Chef Jagger Gorden of Feed it Forward, Vaccine Engagement Team, Spin Me A Yarn, Vera Lyn Perdon of 6ixSewees 850 Degrees Pizzeria and Mohamad Fakih, CEO of Paramount Fine Foods.

 

Performances by The Scottish Regiment Pipers and the Yavir School of Ukrainian Dance were a highlight for many.

Motorists are asked to have continued patience as the TTC reconstruct the streetcar tracks on Lake Shore Blvd. W, from Louisa Street to Mimico Avenue.

The City and TTC workers will also be replacing the street car tracks at the intersection of Kipling Avenue and Lake Shore Blvd. W., including work at the Kipling Loop and road resurfaced north of the Kipling and Lake Shore intersection, officials said.

The horn-blowing and slowdowns from motorists will continue until early September, when the work is scheduled to be completed.

“This work is required to bring the track infrastructure to a state of good repair and is part of the Council-approved 2022 Capital Works Program,” City officials said.

The TTC said the construction work on Lake Shore Blvd. W. will be completed in three phases.

Phase 1 is from Louisa Street to Mimico Avenue. Phase 2 will be at Kipling Avenue at Lake Shore Bld. W. intersection. Phase 3 will be at the Kipling Loop and 100 meters north on Kipling Ave.

The TTC warned that after Phase 3 is completed, a watermain replacement project will start on Seventeenth Street in September so more road closures or detours in the area can be expected.

There will also be parking restrictions at several work zone sites on both sides of Lake Shore Blvd. W.

 

 

Many residents already complain they can’t find a parking spot at Sherway Gardens Shopping Mall at Christmas and other holidays.

A public meeting is being held on July 5 to seek feedback for a massive redevelopment that will include ‘eight buildings, including 15 tower elements ranging in height from 17 to 45 storeys’ planned for the parking lot of the 30-acre mall.

The mixed use buildings will be built on the surface parking lots around the mall, which will remain untouched.

Four new public parks, a daycare and above and below ground parking structures are also planned.

The City, in a notice to residents of a virtual community consultation meeting, said it has received an application to amend the Official Plan and Area Specific Policies to increase the amount of residential development at Sherway, which is owned by Cadillac Fairview.

Developers are also seeking to amend the requirement for public roads to a mix of private and public roads and reduce the amount of public parkland required on the site.

The first of the three phase development is on the north side of the shopping centre, fronting The Queensway.  The phase will include 1.28 million square feet of development, consisting of four new buildings, two condos and two rental residential buildings, with retail and amenities.

A pedestrian urban plaza is planned, which will include a large landscaped zone along The Queensway, including a multi-use path and plantings.

In total, this master-planned community will have 2,382 residential suites with 6,788 parking spaces for residents, visitors, office use and retail.

“The Sherway Gardens redevelopment will have plenty of office and retail space within the towers and podiums,” according to Sherway promotional materials. “These mixed-use buildings will provide residents with many local amenities so they can eat, shop, work, play and live in one location.”

Sherway Gardens is the largest retail shopping centre in Toronto. Since it first opened in 1971, this mall has expanded five times and now has 215 stores and services.

The builders say residents will have access to amenities in the mall and many others in the area including grocery stores and fresh food markets, bakeries, movie theatres, banks, pharmacies and big brand stores.

They say the family-friendly Sherway community is close to many local schools and after-school programs including St. Ambrose Catholic School, Lanor Junior Middle School, Alderwood Co-operative Nursery School, The Dance Extension and Big Pete’s Swim School.

The virtual meeting will take place on July 5 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. To register for the meeting or obtain information you are asked to visit toronto.ca.

 

June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day.

It is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples.

The Canadian Constitution recognizes these three groups as Aboriginal peoples, also known as Indigenous peoples.

Although these groups share many similarities, they each have their own distinct heritage, language, cultural practices and spiritual beliefs.

In cooperation with Indigenous organizations, the Government of Canada chose June 21, the summer solstice, for National Aboriginal Day, now known as National Indigenous Peoples Day.

For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.

 

Toronto Police say a man was travelling on the same TTC bus as a woman he allegedly set on fire as a horrified driver sped for help to the Kipling subway station.

“The man poured a flammable liquid on the woman, then ignited it,” police said in an update. “The man then left the area.”

Described by police as a hate motivated incident, the woman was set alight on June 17 at 12.23 p.m. on board a TTC bus in the Kipling Avenue and Dundas Street W. area, police said.

The victim is in intensive care in hospital and was listed in critical and life-altering condition.

Her devastated family members travelled here from New York City to be at her side.

The woman, believed to be in her 20s, suffered second and third-degree burns. She was rushed to Sunnybrook Health Sciences hospital in critical condition.

A suspect was arrested nearby and faces four criminal charges.

Tenzin Norbu, 33, of Toronto, is charged with attempt murder, assault with a weapon, common nuisance endanger lives, safety of public and mischief over $5,000, interfere with property.

He is slated to return to a Finch Ave. W. court on June 21.

The man is described as a Toronto-based Buddhist monk by some Tibetan online posts.

 

Two strong candidates have registered with the City so far to bring political changes to Ward 3 Etobicoke Lakeshore in the upcoming municipal elections in October.

A social worker and pizza maker are fighting to throw out long-time incumbent councillor Mark Grimes, who has held the ward for 19 years.

Amber Morley on June 18 threw her hat in the ring to kick off her second attempt to send the incumbent packing.

Morley launched her second bid for council at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, on Sixth Street, with a free barbeque and calypso music.

Morley is described as an “experienced, local champion committed to working with residents to build strong neighbourhoods, affordable housing and community hubs.”

A former LAMP CHC employee and constituency assistant, she served on a number of boards and advisory committees with groups as the Remix Project and Laidlaw Foundation.

Several dozen community residents turned out to lend their support.

Also running is Zeynel Ari, also known as Dino from Dino’s Pizza, who has been out in the ward talking to voters and seeking their support.

Ari said one of his stores was recently robbed and he is fighting to reduce crime and violence in our community.

He also wants to be a role model for immigrants or newcomers to Canada.

It is not known if Grimes, who was first elected in 2003, will run again.

The lakefront riding has a population of 129,000 people, with more than 16% being over 65 years of age. The median age is 41.

There are almost 60,000 households, with about 57% of the population who have their own homes, according to City of Toronto statistics from a 2016 survey.

There are more than 48,000 immigrants in the riding, with the Top 10 countries being Poland, Ukraine, Philippines, India, United Kingdom, Italy, South Korea, Portugal, China and Russia Federation

Almost 30% of the residents, or more than 35,000, are visible minorities, which includes South Asian, Blacks, Chinese, Filipino, Latin America, Korean, Southeast Asian and Arab.

More than 33,000 people live or own their own condos in the ward; and more than 11,000, or almost 20% of residents, earn more than $150,000 yearly.

 

The works of well-known Long Branch artist Pat Rice are being displayed for area art lovers to see.

The long-time artist and tree steward has a gigantic Oak tree named “Titan” growing  in his backyard. It is more than 250 years old and is a heritage tree.

A song “This Old Tree” was written about the large red oak.

Rice’s work has a strong sense of mystery and depicts the strangeness within the world of everyday life.

“Through his strong sense of colour and use of familiar places, he shows a glimpse of life that is full of wonder and humour,” according to reviews.

He said Long Branch is home to many large trees, some well over a hundred years old.

Throughout that time, the urban forest witnessed a changing landscape, influenced by the people drawn to the lake shore. A constant are the flora that define the neighbourhood; silent witnesses to the changing landscapes over time, according to Rice.

An exhibition called This Old Tree by Pat Rice is on display from June 20 to September 17 on the Third Floor Gallery at the Lakeshore Grounds Interpretive Centre, at 2 Colonel Samuel Smith Part Drive.

The generations of trees and surrounding natural environments of the neighbourhood are the inspiration for this exhibition.

The trees were here long before we were here, and I hope this show helps to celebrate their longevity, grandeur, and beauty, Rice said.

 

Area residents are invited to the free neighbourhood Long Branch Garden Tour which takes place on June 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Gardeners can visit longbranchgardentour.ca to find the 2022 Long Branch Garden Tour map and list of gardens.

There are more than 25 private gardens to see rain or shine as the tour is being welcomed back after two years due to the virus.

Organizers said fans will see ‘a collection of unique gardens filled with variety and surprises for the curious.’

“There are examples of small and large gardens, sunny and shade gardens, naturalized and structured, and more.”