Friday, May 29, 2015

Re-opening of two-way traffic on Queens Quay

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

News Release:  May 29, 2015

Re-opening of two-way traffic on Queens Quay

The transition back to two-way traffic along Toronto's Queens Quay from Bay Street to Lower Spadina Avenue will take place from June 1 to 10.

Work to install new traffic controllers and signal lights will begin at the intersection of Bay Street and Queens Quay and will continue west to Lower Spadina Avenue (Yo-Yo Ma Lane). 

Work schedule:
• Bay Street: traffic signals activated Monday, June 1 
• York Street: traffic signals activated Tuesday, June 2 
• Queens Quay Terminal: traffic signals activated Wednesday, June 3 
• Lower Simcoe Street: traffic signals activated Thursday, June 4 
• Robertson Crescent East: traffic signals activated Friday, June 5 
• Rees/Robertson Crescent West: traffic signals activated Saturday, June 6 
• HTO Park: traffic signals activated Monday, June 8 
• Lower Spadina Avenue, TTC Loop and Crossover (Yo-Yo Ma Lane): traffic signals activated Wednesday, June 10

More information about the Queens Quay revitalization project is available at info@waterfrontoronto.ca or by calling 416-214-1344.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1FeBaO3

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

Noise bylaw review- public consultations in June

The City of Toronto is undertaking a review of the Noise Bylaw. The goal of the review is to ensure that the bylaw is modern, up-to-date and easy for residents, property owners and business to understand.

Public consultation meetings will be held to present findings from a noise survey conducted earlier this spring and to gather additional input from stakeholders and the public. More information about this review can be found through the noise

The dates are as follows:
• Tuesday, June 23 from 6 to 8 p.m. City Hall, Committee Room 2
• Wednesday, June 24 from 6 to 8 p.m., North York Civic Centre, Committee Room 3

We would welcome you to forward this information along to your resident members. Any questions for requests for further information can be directed to:

Jessica Walters
Senior Policy and Research Officer
Policy and Strategic Support
Municipal Licensing and Standards, 100 Queen Street West, 16th Floor
tel: 416-392-8794
 

City of Toronto to proclaim June as Recreation and Parks Month and congratulate winners of Snap & Share photo contest

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

Media Advisory:  May 29, 2015
 
City of Toronto to proclaim June as Recreation and Parks Month and congratulate winners of Snap & Share photo contest

Councillor James Pasternak (Ward 10 York Centre), Chair of the Community Development and Recreation Committee, Councillor Mike Layton (Ward 19 Trinity-Spadina), Vice-Chair of the Parks and Environment Committee, and City staff will join community members to launch the celebration of June as Recreation and Parks Month in Toronto. They will also celebrate the winning photographers and their work in the Snap & Share Your Parks, Forestry and Recreation Moments Photo Contest presented by Nikon Canada.

Date: Monday, June 1
Time: 5 to 7 p.m., remarks at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Members Lounge, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.

Toronto's Recreation and Parks Month was created to draw public attention to the important benefits and values of parks, recreation and forestry to individuals, families, neighbourhoods and communities.

The City operates a wide variety of programs and facilities, including playgrounds, pools, ice surfaces, fitness centres, tennis courts, sports fields, five full-service golf courses, hectares of parkland, and 135 community recreation centres. Parks and trails are important resources for individual and community health. They provide affordable, enjoyable places to be active or, for example, to sit and read a book.

The City's recreation programs and parks provide children, youth, adults, seniors and people with disabilities the opportunity to participate in physical activity that has immediate and long-term benefits.

A photography show called Best of 2014: Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Snap & Share Photo Exhibit will be on display during business hours at the following four locations during June:
• June 2 to 5 at North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St.
• June 8 to 12 at Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr.
• June 15 to 21 at Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall 
• June 22 to 26 at Toronto City Hall (rotunda), 100 Queen St. W.

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/events.

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

Public assistance sought identifying man in Robbery investigation, Security camera images of man released


Public assistance sought identifying man in Robbery investigation, Security camera images of man released

Friday, May 29, 2015 - 7:35 AM
Hold Up:  416-808-7350

The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public's assistance identifying a man wanted in two robberies.

It is alleged that:

- on Sunday, April 26, 2015, between 2:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m., a man entered a variety store at 161 Church Street, and a variety store at 237 Gerrard Street East

- at each of the variety stores, he walked in with a four-pronged cane, and waved the cane aggressively towards the victims, demanding money

- unsuccessful both times, he then fled in a red four-wheeled scooter

The man is described as white, 34-45, 5'7”-5’10”, with a moustache and beard, and walks with a limp.

Security camera footage and images are available.

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). 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 Staff Inspector Mike Earl, Hold Up


 


Walk for Values, Sunday, May 31, 2015, 11 a.m., Rolling road closures


Walk for Values, Sunday, May 31, 2015, 11 a.m., Rolling road closures

Friday, May 29, 2015 - 6:59 AM
Public Safety - Special Events:  416-808-5082

On Sunday, May 31, 2015, 11 a.m., the Walk For Values is taking place at Nathan Phillips Square.

Formation area: Nathan Phillips Square, 10:30 a.m.

The parade will follow the route of:

- northbound, University Avenue to Gerrard Street West
University Avenue - northbound curb lane only

- eastbound, Gerrard Street West to Yonge Street
Gerrard Street West - eastbound curb lane only

- southbound, Yonge Street to Queen Street West
Yonge Street - southbound curb lane only

- westbound, Queen Street West to Nathan Philips Square
Queen Street West - westbound curb lane only

End: Nathan Phillips Square, at approximately 1:30 p.m.

The event will proceed regardless of weather conditions.

Motorists can expect delays in the area and should consider alternate methods of transportation.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Constable Michelle Flannery, Public Safety - Special Events

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Weekend event in Toronto will result in DVP/Gardiner closures on Sunday

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

News Release:  May 27, 2015

Weekend event in Toronto will result in DVP/Gardiner closures on Sunday

One special event in Toronto this weekend – the Becel Heart and Stroke Ride For Heart – will involve the closure of both the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway for part of Sunday.

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/.  More information about planned capital construction work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/inview.

Becel Heart and Stroke Ride For Heart
• The Gardiner Expressway will be closed from Carlaw Avenue to the Humber Bridge and the Don Valley Parkway will be closed from Highway 401 to the Gardiner Expressway on Sunday, May 31 from 2 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accommodate the Ride for Heart event.
• Lake Shore Boulevard is an alternative route to the Gardiner Expressway.  Alternative routes to the Don Valley Parkway include Leslie Street, Don Mills Road or Victoria Park Avenue.

This media advisory is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1ewHZF2

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

Monday, May 25, 2015

Sexual Assault Alert, Jarvis Street and Carleton Avenue area




Sexual Assault Alert, Jarvis Street and Carleton Avenue area

Monday, May 25, 2015 - 4:29 PM
Sex Crimes:  416-808-7474

On Monday, May 25, 2015, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the Toronto Police Service received a call for a sexual assault in the Jarvis Street and Carleton Avenue area.

It is reported that:

- a 42-year-old woman was walking

- she was grabbed from behind by a unknown man

- the woman was sexually assaulted

The man is described as white, 40-50, 6'0", heavy build, scar on left cheek, shoulder-length brown hair, goatee and mustache. He was wearing a white shirt and blue jeans and is possibly driving a light-coloured SUV.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, 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.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes website.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Autumn Withrow, Sex Crimes

Police seek public assistance identifying man wanted in Mischief to Property investigation, Bloor Street and Bay Street







Police seek public assistance identifying man wanted in Mischief to Property investigation, Bloor Street and Bay Street

Monday, May 25, 2015 - 3:19 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance identifying a man wanted for Mischief to Property.

It is reported that:

- on Friday, May 22, 2015, at 2:38 p.m., a man walked by the Capezio Store at Bloor Street and Bay Street

- the man took a steel cable and used it to break the store window

The man is described as white, middle age, 5'9", 160 lbs., short brown hair and clean-shaven. He was wearing a waist-length black jacket with shirt underneath and baggy blue jeans.

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). 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 Phil Hibbeln, 51 Division

Sunday, May 24, 2015

2015 CPLC 51 Division Open House and Barbecue



Chris Klugman,
Paintbox Catering and Bistro
Community Hero Award
 2015 Recipient - Business

Shakayla Parris
Community Hero Award 2015 Recipient - Youth
Trevlyn Anita Kennedy
Community Hero Award 2015 Recipient - Youth



Friday, May 22, 2015

5th Annual "Reach Out For The Homeless" Program



Media Advisory, 5th Annual "Reach Out For The Homeless" Program, Friday, May 22, 2015, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., Moss Park

Friday, May 22, 2015 - 5:00 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The 5th Annual "Reach Out For The Homeless" Program will take place on Friday, May 22, 2015, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Moss Park.

In previous years between 230-250 sandwiches have been provided to the homeless people in and around the Moss Park area. This year the team has also partnered with Hero Burgers.

The youth volunteers will participate in a park clean-up initiative and will have the opportunity to test their endurance in completing a portion of the Police PREP Test (Shuttle Run) .

The following will be in attendance:


For more information please email rodcliff.chung@torontopolice.on.ca


For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications

Thursday, May 21, 2015

You're Invited to the 2015 Spring for Peace Gala May 28!

Peacebuilders International was established over a decade ago in Toronto, Canada with the objective of improving the lives of youth and their communities by using restorative dialogues to manage conflict and create positive change in society. Peacebuilders aims to provide youth in conflict with a fair process and appropriate access to justice, empowering them to overcome personal challenges, make better choices decisions and realize their full potential.

Peacebuilders’ programs not only help keep youth in school and out of the criminal justice system, but also help foster resilient young leaders who see the value in contributing back to their communities. Peacebuilders Founder & Executive Director, Eva Marszewski, says “Peacebuilders’ philosophy is built on the belief that every individual deserves respect and has the capacity to contribute positively to society. Moreover, by helping children and youth learn how to speak with respect, make group decisions, and develop action plans in teams, Peacebuilders is not only contributing to making our streets safer, but also creating social capital as an investment for a sustainable and peaceful future.”

Peacebuilders’ programs have led to the very first restorative justice clinic in the city of Toronto, at the Youth Court at 311 Jarvis Street, as well as partnerships with schools, jails and other community organizations.








Wednesday, May 20, 2015

51 Division CPLC hosts Community Hero Awards

News Release

Media advisory, Saturday, May 23, 2015, 1 p.m., 51 Division, 51 Parliament Street, 51 Division CPLC hosts Community Hero Awards

Date:  May 20, 2015  16:50
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

On Saturday, May 23, 2015, at 1 p.m., at 51 Parliament Street, 51 Division’s Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) will host the annual 51 Division Community Hero Awards.

The CPLC has established a new annual Community Hero Award to recognize individual volunteer contribution, by those who live or work in 51 Division, towards the betterment of life in 51 Division through their dedication to community safety, security and well-being, crime-reduction, altruism and leadership amongst their peers. The award is presented annually to business or community members and community youth.  The winner for 2015 is awarded to one business partner and two youths.

Paintbox Catering and Bistro was founded as a unique social enterprise in the heart of Regent Park. Their social mission is training and career development for marginalized individuals by supporting local community members and groups.  Paintbox Catering provide catering services and event management in Regent Park.

Trevlyn Anita Kennedy is a well- respected young lady within her community.  She is an inspirational spoken-word artist who uses her talents to connect with youth within Regent Park. She volunteers her time to working with youth and runs a group to engage young people in pro-social activities. She is an articulate advocate for the community who engages with police to make positive changes.

Shakayla Parris has come to learn her passion by getting involved in The Esplanade Youth Movement and is one of the most committed volunteers. She is spreading awareness on proactive positive policing throughout her peers and other youths in the community. Shakayla is often the first on scene during events and the last to leave. Her dedication and commitment goes far beyond any 14 year old. She is known as the “go to person”, when there are problems and is looked up to by her peers.

The CPLC has been serving the Division since 1996. 51 Division is bounded by Bloor Street to the north, Queen's Quay to the south, Don Valley Parkway to the east and Yonge Street to the west. Comprised of community volunteers and Toronto Police Service members from within the Division, the CPLC represents those who live and work in 51 Division. Our mandate is to work together in identifying, prioritizing, and problem-solving local policing issues by being proactive in community relations, crime prevention, education, mobilization, and communications initiatives.

For further information, please contact Veronica Willoughby 416 943 5833.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

Residents invited to provide their opinions on the operation of Toronto's public tennis courts

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

News Release:  May 19, 2015
  
Residents invited to provide their opinions on the operation of Toronto's public tennis courts 

The City of Toronto is reviewing public tennis court operations and the policy that covers outdoor tennis clubs. Staff will host a series of public meetings in June to obtain input from tennis court users, including members of tennis clubs, as well as interested non-users of Toronto's municipal tennis courts.

Meeting schedule:
• North District: Thursday, June 4, 7 to 9 p.m., Edithvale Community Centre banquet hall (131 Finch Ave. W.) 
• East District: Wednesday, June 10, 7 to 9 p.m., Malvern Recreation Centre community room (30 Sewells Rd.) 
• West District: Monday, June 15, 7 to 9 p.m., Ken Cox Community Centre gym
(28 Colonel Samuel Smith Park Dr.)
• South District: Tuesday, June 16, 7 to 9 p.m., East York Community Centre gym (10811/2 Pape Ave.)

Residents who plan to attend are asked to notify/RSVP the City by email at slewis@toronto.ca or by phone at 416-392-0098. 

ASL interpretation and attendant-care services can be arranged by emailing slewis@toronto.ca (or phoning 416-392-0098) by May 22 for the North and East District meetings, by May 27 for the West District meeting and by May 28 for the South District meeting. 

There is also an opportunity to provide input through an online survey that will be available from May 20 to August 4 at http://www.toronto.ca/tennis.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1Hey3qI

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

Friday, May 15, 2015

The Market Gallery features the history of Toronto summer sports

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

News Release:  May 15, 2015

The Market Gallery features the history of Toronto summer sports

The Market Gallery will present Home Field Advantage: Toronto's Summer Sporting Sites, from May 16 to September 26. This exhibition will feature historic photographs and artifacts reflecting the history of summer sports in Toronto.

“As Toronto welcomes the world for the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, the Market Gallery is a great opportunity to showcase the history of sport in our city,” said Mayor John Tory. "I encourage Torontonians to visit the gallery and see the wonderful artifacts that showcase our collective history."

To celebrate the upcoming Games, this exhibition examines the city's competitive summer sports from the early days of rowing and marathon swimming to cycling and baseball.

Through the eyes of past generations of photographers, visitors can trace the evolution of summer sports in Toronto. The spartan conditions of early Toronto (Town of York) offered little in the way of sporting facilities, initially located on the congested Toronto Harbourfront, often co-existing alongside industrial and commercial establishments.

"This exhibition is an opportunity for audiences to experience the city through the perspectives of photographers from multiple generations," said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic Development & Culture Committee.

"The Market Gallery display also highlights how and where Toronto's sporting traditions started," said Deputy Mayor Pam McConnell (Councillor, Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale). "The Toronto Islands and the Waterfront have been central to the development of sport in the city."

Starting from the 1870s, with the establishment of regularly scheduled sporting events, spectator facilities became necessary. By the beginning of the 20th century, these facilities had moved from the Toronto Harbour and settled on the Toronto Islands, Ashbridges Bay in the east and Sunnyside in the west.

During the 20th century most athletic activities continued on an amateur basis, but the growth in professional sports promoted the building of football and baseball stadiums, swimming pools and gymnasiums.

The Toronto Industrial Exhibition (today's C.N.E.) was one of the first institutions to provide patrons with a proper viewing stand. Innovations such as flood-lighting at Maple Leaf Baseball Stadium and indoor sport complexes extended the hours of both participatory and spectator sports.

The exhibition also reflects the history of Toronto sport clubs, such as the Argonaut Rowing Club and the Toronto Canoe Club, which were formed in the 19th century. While they still retain their amateur status, they have evolved from purely recreational to competitive clubs.

The Market Gallery, one of 10 historic sites operated by the City of Toronto, presents exhibitions dedicated to Toronto’s art, culture and history and offers educational programs for school groups and adults. The gallery is located on the second floor of South St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front St. E. Gallery hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The gallery is closed Sunday, Monday and holidays. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/marketgallery.

The Pan American and Parapan American Games are the world's third largest international multi-sport event, and will be held from July 10 to August 14, 2015 in Toronto.

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

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: Shane Gerard, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5711, sgerard@toronto.ca

Regent Park public art installation to launch tonight

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

News Release:  May 15, 2015

Regent Park public art installation to launch tonight

Toronto artist Dan Bergeron will be joined by a number of the subjects of his latest public art work and studio series, Faces of Regent Park, between 6 and 7 p.m. tonight at Daniels Spectrum.

"This work celebrates Regent Park’s most important assets, the people who live in this vibrant community,” said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the City's Economic Development Committee. “By spotlighting the neighbourhood’s humanity and diversity at its gateway, the artist announces to residents and visitors alike that people are what makes Regent Park great."

"Dan Bergeron has often used his artistic talents to embody and reflect the great diversity of Regent Park," said Deputy Mayor Pam McConnell (Councillor Ward 28 Toronto Centre-Rosedale). "I am thrilled that we have been able to harness his skills and talent to tell the stories of Regent Park and its people through this prominent permanent art display in the heart of the community."

The Faces of Regent Park, a permanent public art installation in the entry plaza of Regent Park, consists of 12 large-scale laminate glass portraits mounted at six locations in the entry plaza. The portraits are of Regent Park community residents.

Bergeron's Faces of Regent Park studio series, distinct from the permanent installation of the same name, will also be launched at Daniels Spectrum (585 Dundas St. E., second floor) tonight.

The studio series consists of 12 photo-based mixed-media portraits on birch of the same residents featured in the public art work. This series will be on display daily until June 26.

These works continue Bergeron's blending of street art esthetics with a deep community engagement. The works of this Toronto-born and based visual artist often consist of large-scale portraits adhered to architectural elements, functional sculptures or mixed media paintings. His outdoor works are widely known in the city and his installations have been featured at the AGO, MOCCA, and the ROM. More artist information is available at: http://www.fauxreel.ca.

Bergeron's public art work was chosen from a national open competition. More information about the City's public art program is available at: http://www.toronto.ca/publicart.

Faces of Regent Park's studio series is part of the Scotiabank CONTACT Photography Festival. More information is available at: http://scotiabankcontactphoto.com/events/393.

More information about Daniels Spectrum is available at: http://danielsspectrum.ca/.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1cDQ0Xr

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: Shane Gerard, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5711, sgerard@toronto.ca

Toronto Police Service launches year-long body-worn camera pilot project



Friday, May 15, 2015 - 9:04 AM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

On Friday, May 15, 2015, the Toronto Police Service launched its body-worn camera pilot project. The year-long project will see 100 officers, from four different areas of the Service, test three different pieces of body-worn camera equipment.

The body-worn cameras will be activated every time an officer responds to a call for service or is investigating an individual during the course of their duties. Officers are expected to notify the public of the body-worn camera as soon as reasonably possible and officers have been trained on issues of privacy and human rights.

Specific questions on the use of body-worn cameras can be found by visiting our website or by reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions.

The Service has partnered with the Information & Privacy Commissioner, the Ontario Human Rights Commission, the Ministry of the Attorney General and the Toronto Police Association to develop a procedure that addresses issues of privacy, retention, and disclosure.

The officers involved, from the TAVIS Rapid Response Team, Traffic Services Motor Squad, 55 Division and 43 Division, were part of a training program to comprehensively incorporate the body-worn cameras into their day-to-day responsibilities. To learn more about this training program, please click here.

The Service also issued 20,000 community surveys and will do so again at the end of the pilot. The survey can be completed by anyone by clicking here.

These surveys, along with input from the officers involved, will be analyzed by the Working Group and recommendations on the future of body-worn cameras will be made to the Chief of Police.

Anyone with questions or comments about the Body Worn Pilot Project can submit them to BWC.FAQ@torontopolice.on.ca or by joining the conversation at #TOCopCams on Twitter.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Staff Superintendent Tom Russell

Thursday, May 14, 2015

Toronto event on holiday Monday includes downtown road closures

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

News Release:  May 14, 2015

Toronto event on holiday Monday includes downtown road closures

A special event in Toronto on Monday, May 18 – the Walk with Israel – will involve road closures. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and enjoy the event. Businesses in the areas affected will be 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 the special event on Victoria Day (May 18), 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.

Motorists 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/.

Information about planned capital construction work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/inview.

Walk with Israel – road closures on Monday 
• Partial closures will take place from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Monday, May 18 to accommodate the Walk with Israel event. 
 The roads affected are in the area bounded by Strachan Avenue to the west, Lake Shore Boulevard to the south, York Street to the east and Wellington Street to the north.
• Alternative east-west routes for motorists are Queen Street or King Street, and Yonge Street is an alternative north-south route.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1PJ3Rsq

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's long-weekend activities include fireworks finale at Ashbridges Bay Park on Victoria Day

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

News Release:  May 14, 2015  

City of Toronto's long-weekend activities include fireworks finale at Ashbridges Bay Park on Victoria Day

The City of Toronto will offer a wide variety of activities for residents on Monday, May 18, including the annual Victoria Day fireworks display at Ashbridges Bay. Many family attractions, including two farms, three historic sites and other facilities described below, will be open. City recreation centres will be closed on Victoria Day and recreation programs will not operate that day.

The City of Toronto will host Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park starting at 10 p.m. on May 18. The show will feature about 2,000 fireworks, with a spectacular finale.

Ashbridges Bay Park is located on Lake Shore Boulevard East at the foot of Coxwell Avenue and is easily accessible by public transit. TTC service will be increased between Queen Street East and Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth) on the 22A Coxwell, 64 Main and 92 Woodbine South bus routes. Members of the public are urged to use public transit and leave personal vehicles at home.

City bylaws prohibit members of the public from setting off or selling fireworks in any City park. Enforcement officers will be on site to help ensure a safe and enjoyable event at Ashbridges Bay.

Golf: Toronto has five municipal golf courses that are open daily, including on Victoria Day. More information about the City-run golf courses is available at http://www.toronto.ca/golf.

Tennis courts: All public tennis court sites will have nets up and will be available for use throughout the Victoria Day weekend. Public sites are free and available to the general public. Tennis players are asked to share the courts by limiting their play time to half-hour intervals if others are waiting to use the courts. More information on tennis is available at http://www.toronto.ca/tennis

Splash pads: Splash pads will begin to operate across the City on Saturday, May 16, with the few exceptions at sites under repair or located on outdoor pool decks. Splash pads operate daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and are activated through push-button features.  Caregivers are reminded to supervise their children at these unsupervised water play areas. Information about splash pad locations, closures and late opening sites is available at http://bit.ly/1Etsbt1 or call 311.  

Riverdale Farm: Riverdale Farm is a family attraction where visitors can see traditional farm animals such as cows, horses and chickens. While there, visit the farm residence and the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum. Riverdale Farm will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on May 19. Admission is free. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo or by calling 311

High Park Zoo: Victoria Day is a great time to see the High Park Zoo's spring babies. The zoo, located on Deer Pen Road, offers domestic and exotic animals. Visitors can hand-feed the llamas on weekends from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. This animal attraction is open daily, year-round from 7 a.m. to dusk. More information: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo

Toronto Island Park: Catch a ferry to Toronto Island Park for a scenic picnic, hike or bike ride. The interactive Franklin Children's Garden is another attraction. Ferry schedule and fares: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ferry-schedule.htm

On beautiful, sunny days the islands are a major attraction. It is best to arrive in the morning to shorten your trip and avoid lineups. Toronto's ferries can carry more than 4,000 passengers an hour to and from the Islands. The peak-times schedule is available at http://www.toronto.ca/ferry.

Greenhouses: A wide variety of flowers are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory (151 Elmcrest Rd.) and Allan Gardens Conservatory (19 Horticultural Ave.) Both conservatories are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. Information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288, or visit http://www.toronto.ca/conservatories.

Historic sites
Three of the City's 10 historic sites – Fort York, Montgomery's Inn and Spadina Museum – will offer events, activities and tours on Victoria Day. The remaining sites will be closed on May 18. Programming highlights for the open locations are listed below. Admission fees and participant details for activities will vary by location.

Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Blvd) From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fort York will offer tours, demonstrations of English country dancing and Georgian-era cooking techniques and kids activities such as soldier drills.

Montgomery’s Inn (4709 Dundas St. W.)
From 1 to 4 p.m., admission to the inn will include an afternoon tea and a tour. 

Spadina Museum (285 Spadina Rd.)
From noon to 5 p.m., the museum will be open and will offer tours from the perspective of the Austin family. The museum was the Austins' home for more than a century.

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/museum-events.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1PlcH4B

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 contacts:

Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line, 416-560-8726, pfrmedialine@toronto.ca Shane Gerard, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5711, sgerard@toronto.ca (for information about the historic sites)

Documentary photography exhibition on theme of interfaith love featured at Toronto's Mackenzie House

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release:  May 14, 2015    

Documentary photography exhibition on theme of interfaith love featured at Toronto's Mackenzie House

Toronto City Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale) and Canadian photographer Colin Boyd Shafer last night launched Shafer's exhibition called INTERLOVE. The black-and-white documentary photography series at the City's Mackenzie House historical site explores how people with different religious beliefs come together in love and shared respect.

"Showcasing people of different faith backgrounds, beliefs and perspectives who discovered and focused on their commonalities rather than their differences demonstrates one of the ways that we as a City have grown in our mutual respect, inclusion and understanding," said Councillor Wong-Tam.

"Shafer’s work reflects and celebrates the diversity and tolerance that are among our City’s greatest strengths," said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic Development and Culture Committee.

The exhibition consists of 12 portraits and 28 additional photos from the project that can be viewed on a video loop. There will also be "QR" codes on the photo labels that will connect visitors with smart phones to the personal stories of the photo subjects.

Shafer is a Canadian documentary photographer and social sciences educator born in Kitchener. His last project, Cosmopolis Toronto, won the 2014 Toronto Urban Photography Festival. The INTERLOVE project was successfully crowdfunded on Indiegogo.

The exhibition will run until August 16 at Mackenzie House at 82 Bond St. in downtown Toronto. More information about the exhibition and the location is available at http://interloveproject.com/# and http://www.toronto.ca/mackenziehouse.

Mackenzie House is one of Toronto's Historic Sites, a collection of 10 City-owned and operated properties that work with the public through programs, events and exhibits to tell the stories of Toronto. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/museums, as well as at facebook.com/historictoronto or @tohistoricsites.

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

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: Shane Gerard, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5711, sgerard@toronto.ca 

Public Consultation on Rail Safety

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release:  May 14, 2015

Public Consultation on Rail Safety

The City of Toronto is looking for public input on rail safety and proposed options for sharing information with the City, the community and railway users on railway issues.

Toronto residents are invited to provide their comments at a public meeting:

Date: Thursday, May 21
Time: 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: Metro Hall, 55 John St. (Rooms 308 and 309)

Registration for the meeting and an open house will begin at 6:30 p.m. The public session will begin at 7 p.m., when staff will make a formal presentation, then take questions and hear remarks from the public, and facilitate discussion on identifying and prioritizing issues. The venue is wheelchair accessible and ASL interpretation will be provided upon request.

Members of the public who want more information about this public meeting or who need  ASL interpretation should contact the City of Toronto Office of Emergency Management at oem@toronto.ca or 416-392-4554.

All residents, whether they attend the public session or not, are encouraged to fill out an online feedback form on the City's website at http://cityoftoronto.fluidsurveys.com/s/RailSafety/.  All public input must be received by Monday, May 25.

Information gathered at the public meeting and through the online survey will be included in a report on rail safety and Council directions, which will be considered at a future meeting of City Council.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1G9ndG9

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: Deborah Blackstone, Strategic Communications, 416 392-7377, dblacks@toronto.ca