Police request assistance identifying man wanted in Indecent Act investigation

Police request assistance identifying man wanted in 

Indecent Act investigation, 

Church Street and Gould Street area, 

Security camera image of suspect released

Broadcast time: 13:30
Friday, November 28, 2014
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public’s assistance with an Indecent Act investigation. 

On Friday, November 21, 2014, a woman, 38, got into an elevator in the Church Street and Gould Street area. 

It is reported that: 

- an unknown man got in as well 

- when the elevator doors closed, he committed an indecent act 

He is described as black, with a dark complexion, 38-45, 5'10", brown eyes and a beard. He was wearing black glasses, a maroon toque, blue hoodie and blue nylon track pants. 

Police are releasing a photograph of him. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World. 

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

---

Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable David Lee, 51 Division

Man wanted in Indecent Act investigation

Residents advised to be cautious of potentially misleading communications about Toronto Water programs

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

==========================================

News Release:  November 28, 2014

Residents advised to be cautious of potentially misleading communications about Toronto Water programs

The City of Toronto has received complaints from Toronto residents who have been given notices from independent contractors (such as flyers, notices placed on door knobs and lawn signs) that appear to be designed to look like they are communications from the City of Toronto about a number of programs and services offered by Toronto Water.

Toronto Water does not conduct door-to-door sales of any kind and does not sell or market any products or services. This includes companies offering health-based tests on Toronto's drinking water quality.

The City does not support or partner with any private company in delivering the Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Program or the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program.

The only contractors hired to deliver the Water Meter Program are Neptune Technology Group (meter installation) and Ontario Excavac (curb-stop repairs).

Residents are advised to exercise caution when solicited for any service.

More information about Toronto Water's programs and services is available at http://www.toronto.ca/water or by calling 311.

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

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.

- 30 -

Media contact: Ellen Leesti, Strategic Communications, 416-397-1403, eleesti@toronto.ca

Ward 27 Clean Up Event - November 29, 9:30am - 2:30pm

You are invited to attend:  Ward 27 Clean Up Event Saturday, November 29, 2014 from 9:00AM - 2:00PM Date:        Saturday November 29, 2014 Time:        9:30am – 2:00pm Location: 300 Jarvis Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 2C5 Contact:   CleanUp@gardendistrict.ca (416 898 2260) The Garden District Residents' Association, in partnership with the Harbord Village Residents' Association, will be hosting the annual Litter and Glitter Clean-Up on November 29. Two neighbourhoods coming together to clean up their streets is in itself a great community-building exercise, but what makes our event special is the thank you lunch we host afterwards and prize draws.   A fulfilling and rewarding way to get your community hours and to meet your neighbours!   ***Please bring your work gloves, brooms and rakes!*** Litter retrieval:  Check in opens at 9:30am at the Ramada Plaza, 300 Jarvis Street Litter collection begins 10am  Litter collection ends at 11:30am After litter collection, community members: Indulge in a thank you lunch Win prizes donated by local businesses Chat, make connections, and make our neighbourhoods better places to live. At our last fall clean-up we had approximately 40 people attend and we hope it will be even bigger this year.  We are on track for great prizes including  flights for two to ANYWHERE Porter Airlines flies, courtesy of Porter Airlines. Some Volunteers are also needed to:  Register participants Distribute garbage bags and gloves Hope to see you there! Meet at The Ramada Plaza 300 Jarvis Street Toronto, Ontario M5B 2C5 PLEASE RSVP HERE

Public input invited on rules and guidelines for outdoor cafés in Toronto

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

==========================================

News Release:  November 24, 2014        

 

Public input invited on rules and guidelines for outdoor cafés in Toronto

The City of Toronto is conducting a review of its bylaws that govern outdoor cafés operating on the public right-of-way/sidewalks. The goal is to harmonize existing bylaws and create a single bylaw for all of Toronto, as well as to review fees and establish updated outdoor café guidelines that will help create/maintain safe, comfortable and universally accessible cafés and sidewalks.

A draft outdoor café bylaw and draft guidelines have been developed with the help of input from meetings and surveys conducted with stakeholders earlier this year. The stakeholders included business improvement areas/BIAs, the Ontario Restaurant Hotel and Motel Association, resident associations, boulevard café and marketing permit holders, and the general public.

Public meetings

The City will hold two consultation meetings to obtain public input on the draft bylaw and guidelines:

• Thursday, November 27 from 6 to 9 p.m., Metro Hall, Room 308/309, 55 John St.

• Tuesday, December 2 from 6 to 9 p.m., East York Civic Centre, council chamber, 850 Coxwell Ave.

Pop-up events

Pop-up events across the city will give local residents additional opportunities to share their opinions/ideas with City staff:

• Monday, December 1 from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Montgomery Pool and Health Club, 44 Montgomery Rd.

• Tuesday, December 2 from 1 to 3:30 p.m., rotunda, Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr.

• Monday, December 8 from 1 to 3:30 p.m., North York Civic Centre, ground floor, 5100 Yonge St.

More information, including the possible addition of more pop-up events, and a mechanism for input/feedback are available at http://www.toronto.ca/haveyoursay.

A report recommending a consolidated outdoor café bylaw and accompanying guidelines is expected to be submitted to the Licensing and Standards Committee in the first half of 2015. 

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/11OTSPQ

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.

- 30 -

Media contact: Tammy Robbinson, Strategic Communications Division, 416-338-3761, trobbin@toronto.ca 

Public assistance sought identifying man wanted in Indecent Act investigation

Broadcast time: 15:06
Friday, November 21, 2014
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public's assistance with an Indecent Act investigation. 

It is reported that: 

- on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, a 21-year-old woman was followed by a man, into the lobby of her apartment building in the Dundonald Street/Church Street area 

- the man then followed her into the elevator and committed an indecent act 

He is described as white or with an olive complexion, 30-40, 6', with a medium build, brown eyes, and short brown hair with grey. He was wearing construction boots and a construction-style jacket. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World. 

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Security camera image of man wanted in Indecent Act investigation

City of Toronto opening 15 outdoor rinks this weekend

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

News Release:  November 21, 2014

City of Toronto opening 15 outdoor rinks this weekend

The City of Toronto is opening 15 outdoor rinks tomorrow, including Nathan Phillips Square, the new, covered rink and skating path at Greenwood Park, and the ice-skating trail at Colonel Samuel Smith Park. It's time for Torontonians to lace up their skates and enjoy a outdoor skating season.

Weather permitting, 15 outdoor rinks will open on Saturday, November 22 and operate until the season ends on March 22. 

The 36 other outdoor rinks will open Saturday, November 29 and operate until February 22.

More information about Toronto's outdoor artificial ice rinks, including a map of rink locations, schedules for each location, closures, learn-to-skate programs and helmet/equipment requirements, is available at http://bit.ly/1gBZ6kX.

City of Toronto skating programs include:
- hockey skills, power skate
- learn-to-skate for adults and children
- scheduled public skates and shinny, including adult, caregiver and child, child, women, and more.

All children under the age of six must wear a Canadian Standards Association/CSA-approved hockey helmet on the ice. Helmets are also mandatory for people of all ages participating in supervised shinny hockey and learn-to-skate programs.

Media activity at designated rinks:
Prior to visiting one of the designated locations listed below for media coverage, media outlets should contact the Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line at 416-560-8726 and/or pfrmedialine@toronto.ca between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday.

At the rink, staff will make people aware of the presence of media before the commencement of filming or photography. Close-up shots of participants are not allowed without the subjects' permission.

The following four rink locations across the city are designated for media to film or photograph long shots:
• Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W. (near Queen Street West and Bay Street)
• Colonel Samuel Smith Park, 3145 Lake Shore Blvd. W. (near Kipling Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard West)
• Joseph Bannon Park, 65 Mary Chapman Blvd. (near Weston Road and Sheppard Avenue West)
• Kew Gardens, 2075 Queen St. E. (near Woodbine Avenue and Queen Street East)

The City's outdoor rinks are compressor cooled, which makes it possible for them to operate in a range of weather conditions. However, closures during the skating season are sometimes necessary due to unseasonably warm temperatures or following a heavy snowfall. Rinks are maintained by staff teams that circulate through the city every day. The public can check on ice availability after a major weather event by calling 311.

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

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.

- 30 -

Media contact: Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line, 416-560-8726, pfrmedialine@toronto.ca 

Adoption fees waived for black cats at City of Toronto animal shelters in honour of Black Friday

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

News Release:  November 21, 2014

Adoption fees waived for black cats at City of Toronto animal shelters in honour of Black Friday

Starting tomorrow, the City of Toronto is holding a cat adoption blitz in honour of Black Friday from Saturday, November 22 to Sunday, November 30. Residents can go home with a kitten or cat with any black colouring, without paying the usual $75 adoption fee (there is a $15 pet licence fee or $7.50 for seniors).  

More than 150 cats are up for adoption at the City's four animal shelters, as well as at a number of adoption partner locations. Research indicates that black cats (and black dogs) are not adopted as quickly from shelters.

All cats and kittens are sterilized (spayed/neutered), micro-chipped, vet-checked, de-wormed and vaccinated.

Approximately 220 cats and kittens were adopted during the recent Fall in Love adoption campaign across the city. There is still an immediate need to find homes for more than 150 cats and kittens.

If you would like to adopt a kitten or cat, visit a Toronto Animal Services shelter in your neighbourhood. More information is available athttp://www.toronto.ca/animalservices.

A list of the City's adoption partners can be found athttp://toronto.ca/animal_services/retailers.htm.

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

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.

- 30 -

Media contact: Tammy Robbinson, Strategic Communications, 416-338-3761, trobbin@toronto.ca 

Snow clearing for seniors and disabled residents in Toronto

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

==========================================

News Release:  November 20, 2014

Snow clearing for seniors and disabled residents in Toronto

If you are a senior or disabled resident of Toronto, the City will clear snow from the sidewalk in front of your home in areas where the service is not provided by a machine.

The City of Toronto provides sidewalk snow clearing in most of Toronto, however there are areas – mostly in older, central parts of the city – where equipment is unable to clear sidewalks due to insufficient sidewalk width for the plows, lack of boulevard space for snow storage and on-street parking.

For more information and a map outlining the areas where the City provides mechanical sidewalk snow clearing, please visit www.toronto.ca/transportation/snow/sidewalks.

Seniors and disabled residents living in areas where the city does not clear sidewalks are asked to contact 311 to register for the program. Please note that the service applies to the sidewalk in front of your home and does not include driveways or walkways leading up to the home.

All participants in the program must renew annually to continue to receive the service.

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

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.

- 30 -

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

Registration for Parent Summit in Toronto is Open

Registration for Parent Summit in Toronto is Open

Toronto parents are invited to register to attend one of three Parent Summit sessions taking place on November 19 and 22. These sessions are an opportunity for parents to provide valuable feedback regarding their experiences with child care as well as to learn more about the child care system and available programs and services.

Dates and locations:

Wednesday, November 19: City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.
Saturday, November 22: Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall
Saturday, November 22: Scarborough Civic Centre, 50 Borough Dr. 

The City Hall session on November 19 will include an information fair from 4 to 7 p.m. It is an opportunity for parents to talk to City and community representatives about important programs and services geared for children from infancy to age 12. The public consultation component of the November 19 Parent Summit will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The other two Parent Summit sessions – at Etobicoke Civic Centre and Scarborough Civic Centre on November 22 – will run from 10 a.m. to noon that day.

Parents can register for a session online at http://www.toronto.ca/parentsummit or by calling 311 between today and November 18. Child care, translation and special accommodation can be arranged during registration. All parents of young children are invited to participate in the sessions whether or not they use licensed child care.

Man wanted in Threatening Death and Criminal Harassment investigation, Darko Drmanac

Toronto Police Service News Release

Man wanted in Threatening Death and Criminal Harassment investigation, Darko Drmanac, 28, Photograph released

Tuesday, November 18, 2014 - 11:07 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance locating a man wanted for a series of Criminal Harassment and Uttering Threats charges.

On Monday, August 25, 2014, a woman was working at her desk in the Queen Street East and Sherbourne Street area.

Darko Drmanac, 28,
wanted for Uttering Threats
 and Criminal Harassment

It is alleged that:
- she received numerous phone calls from a man known to her
- the man said he was coming to kill her
- the woman feared for her life and police were called

Officers are now searching for Darko Drmanac, 28, of Toronto. He is wanted on the following charges:

1) five counts of Uttering Threats
2) four counts of Criminal Harassment

He is described as white, 28, 6'0", 154 lbs., thin build with shoulder-length black hair and a beard.

Police consider him to be violent and dangerous. He should not be approached. If you see him, call 9-1-1.

A photograph is now released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Paul Shanly, 51 Division

Project Rush T.O. tackles gridlock, Focuses on rush-hour routes

Toronto Police Service News Release

Monday, November 17, 2014, morning rush hour, Project Rush T.O. tackles gridlock, Focuses on rush-hour routes

Monday, November 17, 2014 - 7:00 AM
Traffic Services:416-808-1900

From 7 a.m., Monday, November 17, 2014, through to the end of the morning rush hour, TPS Traffic Services and Parking Enforcement Officers will be tackling gridlock by clearing vehicles from rush-hour routes.

Project Rush T.O. will focus on delivery, shredding and construction vehicles which can cause traffic congestion on the roads and at intersections. These vehicles will be tagged and towed and, where appropriate, drivers of these vehicles will be charged.

Gridlock, vehicles making prohibited turns, pedestrians crossing mid-block, and cyclists committing offences will be monitored and, where appropriate, charges will be laid.

Project Rush T.O., today, will focus on an area bounded by Dupont Street, Lake Shore Boulevard, Dufferin Street and Parliament Street.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Mark Pugash, Corporate Communications, for Superintendent Gord Jones, Traffic Services

26th Annual Drug-Free Marshals Christmas Festival

Wanted man David Russell Norris, 38, Update, Arrested, with additional charges

Toronto Police Service News Release

Wanted man David Russell Norris, 38, Update, Arrested, with additional charges

Tuesday, November 11, 2014 - 2:51 PM
Hold Up:  416-808-7350

On Thursday, October 30, 2014, David Russell Norris, 38, of no fixed address in Toronto, was released from prison after serving a six-year sentence.

See previous release.

It is since alleged that:

- on Friday, October 31, 2014, a man attended a bank branch in the Front Street East and Jarvis Street area

- the man waited in line and approached the teller, demanding a quantity of money

- the man indicated he had a gun

- after receiving a quantity of money, he fled from the bank

- later on that same day, the man attended a bank branch in the Carlton Street and Yonge Street area

- the man waited inside the foyer, then approached a teller

- the man verbally indicated that it was a robbery

- the man then pulled up the corner of his jacket and stated he had a gun

- the man was given a quantity of money and fled the area

It is further alleged that:

- on Saturday, November 1, 2014, a man attended a convenience store in the Bay Street and Richmond Street East area

- the man approached a woman and initially asked her for a cigarette

- the man then demanded money and advised he had a gun

- the man then pulled up the front of his shirt, in a gesture to indicate he was armed

It is further alleged that:

- on Monday, November 3, 2014, a man entered a bank in the King Street East and Jarvis Street area

- the man approached the teller and told him that he was armed with a gun and demanded money

- the man was given a quantity of money and fled the bank on a mountain bike

On Monday, November 10, 2014, David Russell Norris, 38, of no fixed address, was arrested. He is charged with:

1) four counts of Robbery
2) two counts of Breach of Recognizance
3) Fail to Comply with Order

He was scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall on Tuesday, November 11, 2014, 10 a.m.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Staff Inspector Mike Earl, Hold Up

Community Safety Notification, Wanted man, David Russell Norris

Toronto Police Service News Release

David Russell Norris, 38,
wanted for failing to comply
with a recognizance order 

Community Safety Notification, Wanted man, David Russell Norris, 38, Risk to re-offend, Photograph released

Monday, November 10, 2014 - 3:04 PM
Sex Crimes:  416-808-7400

On Thursday, October 30, 2014, David Russell Norris, 38, of no fixed address in Toronto, was released from prison after serving a six-year sentence for:

1) eight counts of Robbery
2) four counts of Possession of a Weapon

He was held in custody for the full duration of his sentence. During his incarceration, he was deemed to be in the high range of risk for violence and sexual recidivism.

Prior to his release, the Toronto Police Service Sex Crimes Unit successfully applied for a recognizance order requiring him to abide by the following conditions, including:

- to report weekly, in person, to the Toronto Police Service
- notify the Toronto Police Service of any change in address or if he is leaving the Toronto area
- have no direct or indirect contact with any person under the age of 16 years
- nightly curfew

He is currently wanted for breaching the terms of the above recognizance order.

The Toronto Police Service Sex Crimes Unit is notifying the public because of his potential to re-offend.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Katie Shaw, Sex Crimes

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance locating a missing woman.

Toronto Police Service News Release

Missing woman
Giulia Pellegrino, 25

Missing woman, Giulia Pellegrino, 25

Monday, November 10, 2014 - 1:14 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance locating a missing woman.

Giulia Pellegrino, 25, was last heard from on Sunday, November 2, 2014.

She is described as white, 5'2", 95 lbs., with brown eyes and long straight brown hair. She has a piercing in her chin and is known to wear a brown "Yukon" hat.

Police are concerned for her safety.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Michelle Campbell, 51 Division

Ceremony to name downtown lane in honour of Wellspring Foundation

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

==========================================

Media Advisory:  November 10, 2014        

   

Ceremony to name downtown lane in honour of Wellspring Foundation

City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale) will join community representatives at a lane-naming ceremony on Wednesday. A lane will be officially named Wellspring Lane.

Date: Wednesday, November 12

Time: 1 p.m.  

Location: Wellspring Lane entrance – on Maitland Street east of Church Street

This naming honours the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, which was housed in a building at the location for several years. The building, a Victorian-era mansion that is no longer standing, was originally known as Odette House.

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.

- 30 -

Media contact: Lyne Kyle, Strategic Communications, 416-392-8259, lkyle@toronto.ca

12 Division COMMUNITY WINTER COAT DRIVE NOVEMBER 1 – 30, 2014

Meet your 51 Division CPLC at the next Town Hall Meeting - November 19, 2014

News Release Smoking to be Prohibited on Patios, Sport Fields and Playgrounds November 7, 2014 Ontario Further Protecting Children and Youth from Smoking Ontario is taking action to protect children and youth from the harmful effects of smoking. Starting January 1, 2015, it will be illegal to: Smoke on bar and restaurant patios Smoke on playgrounds and public sports fields and surfaces Sell tobacco on university and college campuses.  These changes to the Smoke-Free Ontario Act are part of the government's plan to limit smoking in public places, reduce exposure to smoking and make it more difficult for young people to buy tobacco. Promoting a smoke-free Ontario is part of the government's four-part economic plan to build Ontario up by investing in people's talents and skills, building new public infrastructure like roads and transit, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure savings plan so everyone can afford to retire.

QUICK FACTS Preventing youth from starting to use tobacco and protecting them from the harmful effects of smoke supports Ontario’s goal to have the lowest smoking rate in the country. Each year, tobacco claims 13,000 lives in Ontario — equivalent to 36 lives every day. Tobacco-related disease costs Ontario’s health care system an estimated $2.2 billion in direct health care costs and an additional $5.3 billion in indirect costs such as lost productivity. Ontario's smoking rate fell from 24.5 per cent in 2000 to 18.1 per cent in 2013, representing 332,361 fewer smokers.

Registration for Parent Summit in Toronto begins today

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

==========================================

News Release:  November 7, 2014                                          

Registration for Parent Summit in Toronto begins today

Toronto parents are invited to register to attend one of three Parent Summit sessions taking place on November 19 and 22. These sessions are an opportunity for parents to provide valuable feedback regarding their experiences with child care as well as to learn more about the child care system and available programs and services.

Dates and locations:

Wednesday, November 19: City Hall, 100 Queen St. W. 

Saturday, November 22: Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall

Saturday, November 22: Scarborough Civic Centre, 50 Borough Dr.  

The City Hall session on November 19 will include an information fair from 4 to 7 p.m. It is an opportunity for parents to talk to City and community representatives about important programs and services geared for children from infancy to age 12. The public consultation component of the November 19 Parent Summit will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

The other two Parent Summit sessions

Saturday, November 22: Etobicoke Civic Centre from 10 a.m. to noon that day.

Saturday, November 22: Scarborough Civic Centre from 10 a.m. to noon that day.

Parents can register for a session online at http://www.toronto.ca/parentsummit or by calling 311 between today and November 18. Child care, translation and special accommodation can be arranged during registration. All parents of young children are invited to participate in the sessions whether or not they use licensed child care.

“The feedback from last year's Parent Summit is helping us develop the City of Toronto Children's Services' Service Plan and the new child care funding model,” said Elaine Baxter-Trahair, General Manager of City of Toronto Children's Services. “Families are, and always will be, our primary focus.”

“Access to quality care is vital to healthy child development and family well-being," said Martha Friendly, founder and Executive Director of the Childcare Resource and Research Unit. "The Parent Summit is an important opportunity for parents to share their experiences and concerns as they pertain to child care.”

The mission of Toronto Children's Services is to promote access to high quality early learning, child care and supports for families through a well-managed system.

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

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.

- 30 -

Media contact: Aggie Fortier, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5326, afortie@toronto.ca