Thursday, June 26, 2014

City of Toronto helping residents celebrate Canada Day

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release:  June 26, 2014   

City of Toronto helping residents celebrate Canada Day

The City of Toronto encourages residents and visitors to enjoy Canada Day and celebrate Canada's 147th birthday in Toronto on Tuesday, July 1. A City-organized event will be held at North York Civic Centre's Mel Lastman Square and community events will be held across Toronto.

Canada Day celebration at Mel Lastman Square The City will celebrate Canada Day at Mel Lastman Square on Tuesday, July 1 from 5 to 10:30 p.m. Free face-painting will be available by Picasso Painters from 5 to 8 p.m. Zero Gravity Circus presents its Circus Wonderland featuring aerial acrobats at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. Juno-award-winning singer-songwriter Justin Rutledge performs at 8 p.m., followed by Canadian alternative country band NQ Arbuckle at 9 p.m. The Canada Day celebration at Mel Lastman Square concludes with fireworks by Circus Orange at 10:15 p.m.

East
Scarborough’s 47th annual Canada Day celebration in Thomson Park will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event will include a free pancake breakfast, buskers, bouncy inflatables, entertainment and a craft show/sale. Seniors can participate in a slo-pitch ball game. More information is available by calling 416-338-1968.

The annual Canada Day parade will begin at 4 p.m. west of the Scarborough Civic Centre on Brimley Road, ending at Lawrence Avenue East and Brimley Road at about 5:30 p.m. More information is available by calling 416-396-4069.

A free fireworks display at Milliken Park will begin at dusk. More information is available by calling 416-396-7757.

North
The Old Style Community Picnic will be held at the Broadlands Community Centre and Park, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Activities include face painting, games, clown entertainment and folk singing. More information is available by calling 416-395-7966.

South and Central
The annual Canada Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay will begin at 10 p.m. on July 1. Residents who are planning to attend are encouraged to leave personal vehicles at home and use public transit. 

East York’s 57th annual Canada Day parade with marching bands at Dieppe Park will start at 10 a.m. and move east to Stan Wadlow Park, where the motorcade is scheduled to finish at noon. 

The celebrations at Stan Wadlow Park will take place from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and include live entertainment and a display of antique cars. The Kiwanis Pool will be open from noon to 7 p.m. The fireworks display will start at 10:15 p.m. and the park will close at 11 p.m.

West
The 15th annual Toronto Ribfest will be held at Centennial Park from June 27 to July 1, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, with 16 professional ribbers, live music and midway rides. On Canada Day there will be a fireworks display at 10 p.m. More information is available at http://www.torontoribfest.com

The annual Canada Day event at Amesbury Park will start at 11 a.m. Activities include a barbecue, live entertainment, marketplace, strongman competition and activities for children, plus fireworks at 10 p.m. More information is available at http://www.amesburycanadaday.ca.           

Reminder: Members of the public are not allowed to light fireworks or consume alcohol in City of Toronto parks. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks.

Swimming, parks and community centres
City of Toronto parks, outdoor swimming pools, wading pools and splash pads will all be open on Canada Day. Indoor pools and community centres will be closed on Canada Day. More information and swimming pool schedules are available at http://www.toronto.ca/swim. Water quality reports for local beaches are available at http://www.toronto.ca/health/swimsafe/index.htm.

Golf
All five City golf courses will be open and offer holiday rates on July 1. More information about hours and location is available at http://www.toronto.ca/golf.

Historic Sites
Several of the City's 11 historic sites will be open and offer Canada Day programming as follows:

Colborne Lodge:
Colborne will have an information and activity table from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. during the Canada Day celebration in High Park hosted by Peggy Nash, MP for Parkdale-High Park. Additionally, Colborne Lodge will be open to visitors for tours from noon to 5 p.m. Regular admission applies.

Fort York:
Fort York is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The fort's Summer Guard will kick off the season by performing musket and artillery drills, including fife and drum music. Concerts will be presented by world music ensemble Lalun, Taylor Ho Bynum and Tomas Fujiwara, and Tethera. Admission is free. Families can also enjoy face painting, rocket-making workshops, and hula-hooping. The Simon Wiesenthal Center for Holocaust Studies presents the Tour for Humanity educational experience. The Canadian Armed Forces Afghanistan Memorial Vigil will be on site inside the Blue Barracks. Fort York Canada Day temporary tattoos and Canadian flags will be available.

Mackenzie House:
Mackenzie House is open from noon to 5 p.m. In the printshop participants will learn about the role of the media in Confederation and print a Canada Day souvenir using a 19th century printing press. Regular admission applies.

Montgomery's Inn:
The inn will be open from 1 to 4 p.m. Visitors can take part in guided tours and visit the inn for tea and Inn-made strawberry ice cream, and strawberry rhubarb compote on shortcake with whipped cream and a fresh berry in the tea room. Admission, $10 plus tax, includes a tour.

Scarborough Museum:
The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors can play croquet, take part in a pie-eating contest, sample treats from historic recipes, pick up a Canadian flag and enjoy a piece of Happy Birthday Canada cake.

Spadina Museum Historic House and Gardens:
The museum is open from noon to 5 p.m. and will feature a themed tour, Meet the Austins: A Toronto Family Between the Wars, at various times. Visitors will see the history of Toronto through the eyes of the Austin family, whose members made what is now Spadina Museum their home. Regular admission applies.

Todmorden Mills:
Todmorden Mills will be involved in the Canada Day celebrations at Stan Wadlow Park. The event will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The public will learn about Todmorden's connections to the history of East York, see a collection of 19th-century toys and create a take-home craft.

More information about these and other events at City of Toronto Historic Sites is available at http://www.toronto.ca/museum-events.

Municipal services
City of Toronto offices, including customer-service counters/kiosks, will be closed on Canada Day, Tuesday, July 1.

Solid Waste Management Services will operate on a regular schedule. That includes day/night collections, transfer stations, litter bins for streets/parks and drop-off depots (including household hazardous waste).

Toronto’s long-term care homes will remain open on Canada Day.

City of Toronto Early Learning and Child Care Centres, City of Toronto Archives, and Toronto Public Library locations will be closed on July 1.

All City emergency services and 24-hour operations will be provided as usual on Canada Day. For emergency response, call 911.

The City's 311 information service will be operating as usual on July 1.

More information about Canada Day events, programs and services is available at http://www.toronto.ca.  

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1wC0GLt

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Leisa Odlum, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5313, lodlum@toronto.ca

Pride Week Trans March, Friday, June 27, 2014, Road closures

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Pride Week Trans March, Friday, June 27, 2014, Road closures

Thursday, June 26, 2014 - 6:00 AM
Special Events Planning Office:  416-808-5049

On Friday, June 27, 2014, the annual Pride Week Trans March will take place.

The event will start at the World Pride Festival Streetfair North Stage, at Church Street and Isabella Street, at 7:30 p.m. It will conclude at Yonge-Dundas Square at 9 p.m.

A rolling road closure will take place and street lanes along the route will be closed. All other lanes will be allowed to flow.

Rolling road closure route will run from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Formation area will be the Festival North Stage at Church Street and Isabella Street.

- Church Street: northbound to Isabella Street towards Bloor Street East
- Bloor Street East: westbound in the eastbound lanes, Church Street to
Yonge Street
- Yonge Street: southbound in the northbound lanes Bloor Street to Dundas Street
- Dundas Street East to Yonge Street to Victoria Street (full road)

Dispersal area: Yonge Street and Dundas Street

The event will proceed regardless of weather conditions.

Motorists should expect delays along the route in the downtown core.


For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.



Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Alan Gray, Special Events Planning Unit

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

Wednesday, June 25, 2014, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Toronto Police Headquarters, 40 College Street, 2nd floor, Chief's Pride Reception

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media advisory, Wednesday, June 25, 2014, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Toronto Police Headquarters, 40 College Street, 2nd floor, Chief's Pride Reception

Wednesday, June 25, 2014 - 5:00 AM
Divisional Policing Support Unit:  416-808-0114

The Chief's Pride Reception, in celebration of PRIDE week, will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2014, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., at Toronto Police Headquarters, 40 College Street, second-floor auditorium.

For additional information, please contact Constable Danielle Bottineau, LGBTQ Liaison, at 647-539-1201, or danielle.bottineau@torontopolice.on.ca.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Danielle Bottineau, Divisional Policing Support Unit




World Pride Festival Streetfair, Friday, June 27, 2014, 3 p.m., to Monday, June 30, 2014, 7 a.m., Road closures

Toronto Police Service
News Release

World Pride Festival Streetfair, Friday, June 27, 2014, 3 p.m., to Monday, June 30, 2014, 7 a.m., Road closures

Wednesday, June 25, 2014 - 6:00 AM
Special Events Planning Office:  416-808-5031

As part of Pride Week and as part of the 2014 World Pride Festival, there will be a streetfair in the Church Street and Wellesley Street community.

The road closure for the streetfair will begin on Friday, June 27, 2014, at 3 p.m., and end on Monday, June 30, 2014, at 7 a.m.

Church Street will be fully closed to all vehicular traffic from the north side of Carlton Street to the south side of Hayden Street.

Wellesley Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic from the east side of Yonge Street to Jarvis Street.

TTC buses will not have access to Wellesley subway station. All buses will be re-routed.

Vehicles in the area may experience traffic delays due to this event.

This event will proceed regardless of weather conditions.


For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Alan Gray, Special Events Planning Unit

Save the Date for Bob Kemp Day in David Crombie Park!


Tuesday, June 24, 2014

New Court for St. Lawrence Kids

By Staff Sergeant Peter Troup, Toronto Police Service

The Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) Foundation, under the direction of Mike Bartlett, graciously stepped up and committed $60,000 to assist in upgrading and revitalizing the community basketball court.  
On June 18, after much work and planning done by the MLSE Foundation and the Toronto Raptors basketball team, the ribbon-cutting ceremony occurred with participation of members of the 51 Division Community Response Unit (CRU) and former Toronto Raptor Jamaal Magloire among others. 
The generous revitalization of this court by the MLSE Foundation not only helps the youth of the neighbourhood, but allows the Toronto Police Service to build bridges and trust with the community.  The Toronto Raptor mascot rode one of the 51 CRU bikes and is seriously thinking of applying to the Service in the future. 
The Toronto Police Service would like to thank Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, as well as the Toronto Raptors for their continued commitment to the youth of our communities.
Kids warm up on the new court

Staff Sergeant Peter Troup ensures The Raptor rides a police bicycle safely insisting that he wear a helmet

Staff Sergeant Peter Troup finds out how much kids are liking their new basketball court

The Raptor, Sergeant Sin Chiu and Jamaal Magloire on the court


Monday, June 23, 2014

Completion of paving work on Lake Shore Boulevard West

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release:  June 23, 2014

Completion of paving work on Lake Shore Boulevard West

The road paving work on Lake Shore Boulevard West from Yonge Street to Windermere Avenue has been completed ahead of schedule.

The paving portion of the work was originally expected to be completed in mid-July, however, as a result of good weather and efforts by the City and the contractor to accelerate the project, the work was substantially completed on Saturday, June 21. 

"This investment will improve the quality of Lake Shore Boulevard," said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34, Don Valley East), Chair of the City's Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. "We would like to thank the public for their patience as we continue to make these important improvements to the city's infrastructure."

The remaining work, the installation of loop detectors in the new pavement, is scheduled to be completed in the next few weeks and will be done with limited overnight lane closures. The loops provide information to the City's traffic signal system, which enables the City to automatically adjust traffic-signal timing in response to conditions on Lake Shore Boulevard and the Gardiner Expressway.

This construction project is one part of the City's comprehensive and co-ordinated transportation strategy to rehabilitate its roads, bridges and watermains for current and future needs.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Steve Johnston, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca

Thursday, June 19, 2014

Toronto to honour Nelson Mandela with a street dedication

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release:  June 19, 2014

Toronto to honour Nelson Mandela with a street dedication

The City of Toronto is inviting the public to have its say on which city street should be selected to honour former South African President Nelson Mandela for his life-long achievements.

"Nelson Mandela is recognized around the world for his heroism, dedication and commitment to his country, and his love for people of every race and creed," said Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly. "The naming of a street after Nelson Mandela is a positive way for Toronto to honour the legacy of this great man."

A Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, Mandela was jailed for his protests against South Africa's apartheid policies and spent 27 years in prison. After being released, he became the country's first black president. His government focused on dismantling apartheid by tackling institutionalized racism, poverty and inequality, and fostered racial reconciliation. Mandela died last year.

The City is seeking public input on five potential street locations with connections to Mandela that could be chosen for the ceremonial street designation. They include:
• Queen Street West from Yonge Street to University Avenue:
During Mandela's first visit to Toronto in 1990, his then wife, Winnie Mandela, led a march from City Hall, located on Queen Street West, to Queen's Park. 
• Shuter Street, from River Street to Parliament Street:
In 2001, Nelson Mandela attended the re-naming celebration of a school in his honour. Nelson Mandela Park Public School is located on Shuter Street. 
• Gerrard Street East, from Jarvis Street to Yonge Street:
In 2001, Nelson Mandela received an honorary doctorate from Ryerson University.  In his acceptance speech, he celebrated children, youth education and the pursuit of universal peace.
• Bathurst Street, from College Street to Herrick Street:
In 1990, during his first visit to Toronto, Mandela spoke to students at Central Technical Secondary School at Harbord Street and Bathurst Street about the poor treatment of black students in South Africa.
• University Avenue, from Front Street West to College Street:
During his visit in 1990, a march was held on University Avenue, from Toronto City Hall to Queen's Park where Mandela gave a speech to a crowd of several thousand people.

The ceremonial street naming would see the installation of additional signage honouring Mandela along the selected street. The official street name would remain the same and building addresses would not change.

More information about participating in the street selection process is available at http://www.toronto.ca/mandela.

You can also find the news release on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1vZ0hCg

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact:  Steve Johnston, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca

World Pride Select Highlights


Wednesday, June 18, 2014

City of Toronto to raise rainbow flag and proclaim Pride Week 2014

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

Media Advisory:  June 18, 2014  
  
City of Toronto to raise rainbow flag and proclaim Pride Week 2014

The City of Toronto, represented by Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale), will officially proclaim June 20 to 29 to be Pride Week, which coincides with Toronto hosting WorldPride 2014. The evening ceremony will feature vocal performances by national and international stars, and will be capped off by a fireworks and laser light show presented by the City of Toronto.

Date: Friday, June 20
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.

Pride Week has been proclaimed by the City of Toronto since 1991. WorldPride 2014 is an international event that brings together LGBTTIQQ2SA people from around the world to honour their past, celebrate the present and inspire a better future. The City of Toronto, Tourism Toronto and Pride Toronto were awarded the event in 2009 through a competitive bid process. This is the first WorldPride celebration ever held in North America, and the fourth such festival in the world.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visithttp://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: David Clark, Strategic Communications, 416-392-7542, 416-799-5213 (cell), dclark1@toronto.ca

Scotia Buskerfest - August 21 - August 24, 2014

2013 was a momentous year for the Scotiabank BuskerFest as we took our celebration of street theatre to it's new home in the Downtown Yonge Neighbourhood. Fostering a partnership with the Downtown Yonge Street BIA (Business Improvement Area), the longest and most vibrant street in the world has become the venue for the largest Epilepsy event in the world and North America's largest Street Performer Festival! 

The last of the major festivals in the Toronto summer entertainment season, the festival is spontaneous, colourful and bursting with the unexpected. There is something for everyone; silent comedy and slapstick, daredevils and magicians, high skill circus acts and a wide variety of music, clowns, contortionists, acrobats, aerialists, puppets, fire and a few things we have no words to describe. 

What many spectators don't realize is that this world class festival not only supports a local charitable organization, Epilepsy Toronto, it is actually organized and run by them as their largest fund raiser of the year. "We wanted to create a unique and memorable experience that brought epilepsy out of the shadows and into the public eye; an entertainment extravaganza that supports a greater purpose in aid of people with epilepsy and their families," says Geoff Bobb, Executive Director of Epilepsy Toronto. "One in every 100 Canadians experiences some form of epilepsy and this amazing festival is the single-largest fundraiser for Epilepsy Toronto. In our new home on Yonge Street, with it's larger capacity, we hope to increase Epilepsy Toronto's ability to support our city's epilepsy community."


Yonge Street Mission Community Book Fair


Weekend events with road closures in Toronto

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release:  June 18, 2014

Weekend events with road closures in Toronto

Four special events in Toronto this weekend will involve road closures. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and enjoy these events. Businesses in the areas affected are open to pedestrian traffic but some roads will be closed to vehicles.

Festivals and other special events are important to the city, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars annually into Toronto’s economy, and they are enjoyed each year by local residents.

In addition to road closures related to special events, a significant amount of road work is taking place in the city. People are encouraged to take public transit as a greener, faster and more affordable way of getting to their destinations.

Those who need to drive in the general vicinity of special events should allow extra time to get to and from their destination. A more complete list of events and road work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/torontostreets/ and more information about the City's planned capital construction work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/inview.

The Village Welcomes the World – weekend closure:
Church Street from Wood Street to Gloucester Street will be closed from Friday, June 20 at 6 p.m. to Monday, June 23 at 2 a.m. Wellesley Street will be open to traffic.

North by Northeast Music Festival – weekend closure:
Yonge Street from Dundas Street to Queen Street will be closed on Friday, June 20, Saturday, June 21 and Sunday, June 22 from 7 to 11:59 p.m. 

Port Union Village Waterfront Festival – Saturday closure:
Port Union Road south of Lawrence Avenue from Shoalhaven Drive to Bridgend Street will be closed in both directions on Saturday, June 21 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. to accommodate this event.

Journey to Conquer Cancer Run/Walk 5K – Sunday closure:
A series of road closures will take place for this event on Sunday, June 22 from 8 a.m. to noon in the area bounded by McCaul Street to the west, Bloor Street to the north, Bay Street to the east and Gerrard Street to the south.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bitly.com/1nPLO8l

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Steve Johnston, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca

City of Toronto promotes water safety at Blue Flag 10th anniversary event

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release:  June 18, 2014

City of Toronto promotes water safety at Blue Flag 10th anniversary event

The City of Toronto is reminding residents about the importance of following water-safety rules when enjoying Toronto's Blue Flag beaches. The safety reminder was made at a media event today that marked the 10th anniversary of the Blue Flag program in Canada.

"Swimming is an excellent way to stay healthy and keep cool this summer," said Dr. David McKeown, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health. "Beach season is also an important time to remind residents to take precautions to avoid preventable injuries and accidents while enjoying water activities this summer. I can't emphasize enough how important it is to teach your kids to swim safely and to make sure they are comfortable in the water from a very early age."

The public is advised to remember these water safety tips:
• keep children within arm's reach at all times
• swim at a beach with a lifeguard and swim with a friend
• if you are a non-swimmer, enrol in a swim class
• check the Toronto Public Health SwimSafe website for daily updates on beach water quality
• when out in the sun, wear a hat, use sunscreen and drink lots of water.

Verified by the Blue Flag Program, Toronto has some of the best beaches in the world. Blue Flag is an eco-label awarded to beaches that achieve high standards in 29 criteria. The criteria include water quality, environmental education, environmental management, safety and services. Blue Flag awards are valid for one season and must be reassessed each year before being renewed.

"Ten years ago, the City of Toronto raised the first four Blue Flags in Canada,” said Brett Tryon, Blue Flag Canada Program Manager. “Since then, the number of Blue Flag beaches in the city has doubled from four to eight. This is a huge accomplishment and demonstrates the City’s commitment to have beaches that are clean, excellent for swimming, and protected for future generations.”

More information about water safety and drowning prevention is available at http://www.toronto.ca/health/swimsafe/homepoolsafety.htm.

More information about beach water quality is available at http://app.toronto.ca/tpha/beaches.html or by downloading the mobile app.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1lD91KS

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Lenore Bromley, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-7974, lbromle@Toronto.ca

City of Toronto invites you to Discover the Pan Am Path

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

Media Advisory:  June 18, 2014

City of Toronto invites you to Discover the Pan Am Path

Councillor Frances Nunziata (Ward 11 York South-Weston) and the Friends of the Pan Am Path will launch a newly completed section of the Pan Am Path with an art activation by UrbanArts and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by a guided bike ride on the Path. A walking tour will also be presented by Jane's Walk.

Date: Saturday, June 21
Time: 10 a.m., remarks/ribbon-cutting at 10:30 a.m. approximately
Location: Cruickshank Park, 2196 Weston Rd. (parking available on Hickory Tree Road at Weston Lions Park or off Lawrence Avenue West, just west of Little Avenue)

The Pan Am Path is an 84-kilometre continuous path for walking, running, biking and wheeling that connects the city from east to west. In the weeks leading to the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, the Pan Am Path will feature art installations, cultural activities and mini-celebration events to showcase the vibrant communities that exist along the route.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Andrea Gonsalves, Strategic Communications, 416-397-4149, 416-200-3660 (cell), agonsalv@toronto.ca

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

Live Movie Night - June 21 at 8pm on the Esplanade

Bonjour,
This Saturday, we're celebrating a lot of things... It's officially the first day of Summer; my folks in France are celebrating FĂŞte de la Musique; in Canada, we're celebrating National Aboriginal Day; and on The Esplanade, we're singing and dancing to Travolta and Newton-John's moves and melodies!
Come with your friends, family members and neighbours to our Live Movie Night this Saturday, June 21st, at 8pm, at The Esplanade & George St (rain date: Sunday, June 22nd). In addition to the movie, you will enjoy storytelling, live music, potluck picnic, book trade, and an outdoor pop up art gallery showcasing local talents (on display all afternoon).
Our live version of Grease is directed by Anika Johnson and Barbara Johnston, and performed by 15 Esplanadians! A project co-produced with CORPUS, and supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

Come in your 60ies outfit: best costume gets tickets to the Rainbow Cinemas!

Isorine

Isorine Marc
Executive & Programming Director



Release of report on Toronto Hydro's response to the 2013 Ice Storm

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

Media Advisory:  June 17, 2014
 
Release of report on Toronto Hydro's response to the 2013 Ice Storm

The Toronto Hydro Independent Review Panel will present its final report on Toronto Hydro's response to the 2013 ice storm:

Date: Wednesday, June 18
Time: 11:30 a.m.
Location: Toronto Marriott Downtown, Eaton Centre, 525 Bay Street, Room York AB

In January, further to Toronto City Council's direction at its special meeting on the ice storm, Toronto Hydro commissioned an Independent Review Panel to look at Toronto Hydro's performance during the storm and to confirm practices that worked well and identify areas in need of improvement.

The Independent Review Panel is comprised of chair David McFadden, partner at Gowlings law firm; Sean Conway, visiting fellow at Ryerson University's Centre for Urban Energy; Joe Pennachetti, Toronto City Manager; and Carlos Torres, Vice-President of Emergency Management at Consolidated Edison of New York;

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Wynna Brown, Strategic Communications, 416-392-8937, wbrown1@toronto.ca  

Friday, June 13, 2014

Toronto events to celebrate National Aboriginal Day

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================

News Release:  June 13, 2014   

Toronto events to celebrate National Aboriginal Day 

The 20th annual National Aboriginal Day will be celebrated in Toronto and across Canada on Saturday, June 21. National Aboriginal Day is an opportunity to honour the heritage, contributions and cultures of First Nation, Inuit and MĂ©tis communities.

The City of Toronto and the Toronto Aboriginal City Celebration Committee are hosting related events from June 17 to 26 at the locations noted below.

- Aboriginal Arts and Crafts Fair, June 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.

- Indigenous Arts Festival, June 20 to 22, 7:30 to 10 p.m.
Location: Fort York National Historic Site, 250 Fort York Blvd.

- Sunrise Ceremony and Flag Raising, June 21 at 5:30 a.m.
Location: City Hall podium roof, 100 Queen St. W.

- Na-Me-Res Pow Wow, June 21, with grand entry at noon
Location: Wells Hill Park, 145 Hilton Ave. at Bathurst Street and St. Clair Avenue West More details: 416-651-6750 ext. 2233

- Aboriginal History Month celebration, June 26 from noon to 8 p.m.
Location: Yonge-Dundas Square
This event is sponsored by the Native Canadian Centre of Toronto.
More information: http://www.ncct.on.ca

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bitly.com/UztpTH
                               
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Mae Maracle, Equity, Diversity and Human Rights, 416-392-5583, mmaracle@toronto.ca

Regent Park becomes the Magic City - June 21, 2014


Wednesday, June 11, 2014

Battle of York performers in Berczy

 Friends of Berczy Park invites you to visit our park this summer for historical performances to commemorate the Battle of York/War of 1812 Bicentennial, presented by the St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA.

Each Thursday from June 5 t0 August 28th (from 12:00 – 12:30pm), period-costumed performers will entertain park visitors and educate us about the important War of 1812 events that occurred around Berczy Park in the original Town of York. The performances will also take place each Saturday in Market Lane Park.

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

Waterfront affordable housing development adopted by Toronto Council

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
=========================================================

News Release:  June 10, 2014                

Waterfront affordable housing development adopted by Toronto Council

A plan to develop 80 affordable rental homes within a mixed-use market condominium building on the Toronto waterfront was adopted by City Council today.

"Congratulations to all of the partners involved in making affordable housing happen in the new East Bayfront community," said Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly. "The approval of the Bayside Pilot Project affirms Toronto's commitment to city residents having the opportunity to live in all neighbourhoods."    

The innovative $26-million Bayside initiative is to be built and operated through a partnership among the City, Waterfront Toronto, developers Hines/Tridel and Artscape. Construction is expected to be completed by 2018-2019.

The 80 affordable rental homes are to be part of the Hines/Tridel Bayside development, located between Lower Sherbourne and Parliament Streets in the emerging East Bayfront neighbourhood. The affordable units will be owned by the City and operated by Artscape. 

"This affordable housing project is a significant component of our new waterfront community," said Councillor Pam McConnell (Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale). "While we are already seeing beautiful public spaces and a mix of uses, it is the diversity of backgrounds and incomes of the people that will make this a truly healthy and vibrant neighbourhood."

”Hines and Tridel are pleased to have Artscape onboard," said Leo DelZotto, President of Tridel. "Understanding the need for affordable housing, we think we have achieved a building design that benefits all future residents of the Bayside community, both owners and renters."  

“When you look at Toronto’s most vibrant neighbourhoods, you generally find artists are playing a central role in city-building,” said Artscape’s President and CEO, Tim Jones. “Artscape is thrilled to be partnering with the City, Waterfront Toronto, Hines and Tridel on breathing new life and energy into Toronto’s central waterfront.” 

”Building neighbourhoods for people of all income levels and life stages is a key part of our revitalization model,” said John Campbell, President and CEO of Waterfront Toronto. “Artscape’s mandate to make space for creativity and transform communities is a perfect fit for East Bayfront, a neighbourhood designed to be a hub for information and creative sector jobs.”

The one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments are to be built in a mixed-use building that would also contain 225 market condominiums and retail space. All the affordable units will be accessible to visitors, with five per cent fully accessible.

The affordable housing component would have its own entrance, elevators and parking. The building will be designed to Waterfront Toronto’s Design Excellence standards and built in accordance with the Affordable Housing Office Design Guidelines. 

The Bayside development will assist in fulfilling the City's Central Waterfront Secondary Plan requirement for affordable housing as well as Waterfront Toronto’s commitment that 20 per cent of residential units in new waterfront communities be affordable rental housing.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bitly.com/1l4qyeY
                        
Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.                                
                                            
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Media contacts:
Sean Gadon: Affordable Housing Office, City of Toronto, sgadon@toronto.ca, 416-338-1143, 416-569-1770 (cell)
Sandra Porter: Hines,sandra.porter@hines.com, 713-966-7639 (Houston, Texas)
Daniela Palmieri: Tridel, dpalmieri@tridel.com, 416-645-7021
Liz Kohn: Artscape, Liz@torontoartscape.on.ca, 416-392-1038 x 25, 416-559-1323 (cell)
Samantha Gileno: Waterfront Toronto, sgileno@waterfrontoronto.ca, 416-214-1344, 416-271-1316 (cell)

Monday, June 09, 2014

Second annual Pro-Action Kids 5 on 5 Ball Tournament

The Esplanade Youth Movement is proud to present the second annual Pro-Action Kids 5 on 5 Ball Tournament along with Toronto Police (51) Division. This event aims to create unity between youth and the Police.
The Pro-Action V.S. Kids 5 on5 ball Tournament will be happening Sunday July 13 2014 between 1:00pm-6:00pm at The Esplanade Basketball court (on the Esplanade) between Hapn Place and Princess Street). This tournamentt will bring together members of our community and local business to enjoy a friendly competition, food and music.
The Esplanade Youth Movement focuses on preventing youth-on-youth violence by involving members in education workshops, free community programs, and by execution of this tournament. Previous basketball tournaments hosted by the Esplanade Youth Movement have brought together over 400 youths from the surrounding community. This event will also give our community to remember the youths we have lost and the officers on duty. We do need voluteers and donations to make this year even better then last years event, if you are interested in volunteering and or playing on a team please email me atdeb.crane@hotmail.com