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

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 Fête 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

www.jamiiesplanade.org

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  

51 Division Regent Park BBQ 20140614

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 Métis 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.

Festival details: http://www.toronto.ca/fortevents

- 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

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.

Learn more athttp://oldtowntoronto.ca/index.php/1812-commemoration

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)

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

Fire safety awareness events planned for Toronto residents

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  June 6, 2014            

Fire safety awareness events planned for Toronto residents

Toronto Fire Services' Safety Awareness Week starts Monday, June 9, with public events that day as well as on June 10, 11, 12 and 14.

This year, Fire Services is targeting highrise residents. In the past, the week's education efforts have focused mainly on single-family dwellings. About half of Toronto residents live in highrise apartment/condominium buildings.

Safety Awareness Week is run by Fire Services' Fire Prevention division and Public Education section to provide communities with effective education on fire safety. Next week, working with Toronto Community Housing highrise properties, Fire Services staff will go door-to-door handing out a new highrise fire survival brochure called Fire in Your Highrise.

At each of the events at the apartment buildings listed below, Fire Services with the support of Enbridge Gas will offer free hotdogs, and there will be an inflatable fire truck, temporary tattoos, stickers and colouring books to engage young visitors. Schedule:

Monday, June 9: West Command event at 30 Falstaff Ave.

Event time: 5 to 8 p.m.

Tuesday, June 10: East Command event at 30 Gordonridge Place Event time: 5 to 8 p.m.

Wednesday June 11: South Command event at 275 Shuter St.

Event time: 5 to 8 p.m.

Thursday June 12: North Command event at 15 Tobermory Dr.

Event time: 5 to 8 p.m.

Saturday June 14: South Command event at 285 Shuter Street Event time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bitly.com/1mjYwJ0

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 contact: Peter Derrington, Toronto Fire Services, 416-338-9418, pderr@toronto.ca

Weekend events with road closures in Toronto

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

News Release:  June 5, 2014                

Weekend events with road closures in Toronto

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

Malvern Bicycle Race
Brenyon Way from Sheppard Avenue East to Sewells Road will be closed from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, June 7 to accommodate this event.

Pape Village Summerfest
Pape Avenue from Floyd Avenue to Cosburn Avenue will be closed in both directions on Saturday, June 7 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for Pape Village Summerfest.

Riverside Eats & Beats Streetfest
Broadview Avenue south of Queen Street East to the north side of the public lane will be closed in both directions on Saturday, June 7 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. for this event.

Ride to Conquer Cancer
Lake Shore Boulevard from Strachan Avenue to Windermere Avenue and Windermere Avenue from Lake Shore Boulevard to the Queensway will be closed on Saturday, June 7 from 6 to 10 a.m. to accommodate this event. The Gardiner Expressway is an alternative route.

Dundas West Fest
Dundas Street from Lansdowne Avenue to Roxton Road will be closed in both directions on Saturday, June 7 from 8 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. for Dundas West Fest. College Street and Queen Street are alternative routes.

Portugal Day
Lansdowne Avenue from Bloor Street to College Street will be closed in both directions on Sunday, June 8 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. for Portugal Day. Dufferin Street is a possible alternative route for motorists.

Festival on Bloor
Bloor Street from Spadina Avenue to Bathurst Street will be closed on Sunday, June 8 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to accommodate the event.  College Street is a possible alternative route.

Toronto Challenge Run
Wellington Street from Simcoe Street to John Street will be closed in both directions on Sunday, June 8 from 8:30 to 11 a.m. There will also be a variety of road closures during the event in the area bounded by Wellington Street to the south, Spadina Avenue to the west, Wellesley Street to the north and Bay Street to the east. Richmond Street and Adelaide Street are east-west alternative routes while Bathurst Street and University Avenue are north-south alternatives.

Toronto Walk Now for Autism Speaks
There will be a series of lane closures in the area bounded by Queen Street to the south, College Street to the north, Bay Street to the east and University Avenue to the west on Sunday, June 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. to accommodate this event.

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

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

Memorial service Sunday to honour fallen Toronto firefighters

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

Media Advisory:  June 6, 2014      

Memorial service Sunday to honour fallen Toronto firefighters

The City of Toronto will add the names of three fallen firefighters to the Memorial Honour Roll at a ceremony on Sunday. The service will include words of solace and the laying of wreaths by Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly and members of Toronto Fire Services and the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association.

Date: Sunday, June 8

Time: 11 a.m.

Location: Harbourfront Fire Station, 339 Queens Quay W.

A total of 239 firefighters have died in the line of duty while protecting lives, property and the environment in Toronto since 1848. The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario recognizes that many of the recent deaths of firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty are the result of work-related cancers. Firefighters and their families and friends gather annually for the ceremony of remembrance.

Names added this year:

• District Chief Barry James White, died January 21, 2009 

• Captain Michael L. Bates, died November 18, 2013 

• Captain Neil G. Harrison, died February 24, 2014

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: Toronto Fire Services Media Line, 416-338-0763

RCMP MEMORIAL SERVICE Monday June 9 12:45 pm to 1:00 pm

Please help spread the word

A Memorial Service to Honour the lives of the three Slain RCMP Officers will be held On Monday June 9, 12:45 – 1:00 pm At Metropolitan United Church in Toronto 56 Queen St. East (parking Available)

 

Conducted by the Rev. Dr. John Joseph Mastandrea

51 Division Police Chaplin

The son of Metropolitan Toronto Police Officer Nick Mastandrea

 

RSVP  Dr. Mastandrea   johnjosephm@metunited.org

416-363-0331 ext 24

City of Toronto holding contest to improve its public spaces with help of young people

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  June 5, 2014

City of Toronto holding contest to improve its public spaces with help of young people

The City of Toronto has launched an urban ideas competition inviting young people to share in the shaping of Toronto’s future. Local urban strategy studio Distl and the City are jointly hosting the NXT City Prize to invite young people to submit creative ideas to improve Toronto's public spaces.

The competition reaches out to young people under 30 years of age and asks them to submit innovative, creative ways to improve a particular public space anywhere in the city. Winning entries will be judged on how well the idea contributes to the local community and to the city as a whole. Submissions can be done individually or in teams of up to four.

“The NXT City Prize is an ideal platform for youth to take ownership of their city and to apply their creative talents to solve everyday challenges with Toronto's urban spaces," said Jennifer Keesmaat, Chief Planner for the City of Toronto. “This is a chance for young, creative minds to offer new ideas and see them realized.”

A panel of judges will select the winner, who will receive $5,000 cash and the chance to have their winning idea implemented. Two runner-up prizes of $2,500 each will also be awarded for the most original entry and for the top entry by an individual/team under 18 years of age.

“The goal of this competition is to encourage young people to think critically about how we’re using public spaces and move away from conventional thinking about those spaces,” said Distl co-founder, Mackenzie Keast. “It’s their future and their opportunity to shape the city in which they live.”

The judging panel will select one winner based on a variety of criteria, including originality, innovation, feasibility, impact and clarity. The winner will have the opportunity to work alongside a group of experts and will receive $10,000 in seed funding to help realize their vision.

The working group is comprised of representatives from various City divisions as well as external partners LOOP and Gen Y Inc.

The competition will close July 31. Winners will be announced at an outdoor awards gala on August 14.

More information is available at http://www.nxtcityprize.com.

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:

Bruce Hawkins, Strategic Communications, 416-392-3496, bhawkin@toronto.ca Mackenzie Keast, Partner, Distl, 647-470-7021, mackenzie@distl.com

West Nile Virus season – public education launch in Toronto

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

Media Advisory:  June 5, 2014                   

 

West Nile Virus season – public education launch in Toronto

  

Toronto Public Health and the Canadian Centre of Mosquito Management will host a media event tomorrow concerning West Nile Virus.

Date: Friday, June 6

Time: 10:30 a.m.

Location: High Park, Deer Pen Road

Address: 1873 Bloor St. W. – site is in High Park as described below

The media event site is at the entrance of the parking lot between the duck pond and High Park Zoo. Access is from the Parkside Drive entrance to High Park: turn on High Park Boulevard, then left on Spring Road to the parking lot at Deer Pen Road.

Experts will be available for photo and interview opportunities on:

• facts on West Nile Virus

• demonstration of mosquito traps

• checking for the presence of mosquito larvae, and 

• placing larvicide in catch basins to reduce the mosquito population.

West Nile Virus is a potentially serious illness that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Although the risk of becoming infected is low, protection against mosquito bites can reduce this risk even further. The public education efforts will inform people about how they can reduce their risk of being exposed to West Nile Virus.

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: Kris Scheuer, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-8020, 416-677-6658 (cell), kscheue@toronto.ca  

City of Toronto launches first round of public consultations on developing a Long Term Waste Management Strategy

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  June 4, 2014                       

City of Toronto launches first round of public consultations on developing a Long Term Waste Management Strategy

The City is developing a Long Term Waste Management Strategy for Toronto to provide a framework for solid waste management policy decisions over the next 30 to 50 years. To keep pace and meet future needs, planning must begin now.

Three rounds of public consultation sessions are planned to get input on the development of the new strategy. The first round, taking place this month, focuses on: 

- the purpose and goals of the Long Term Waste Management Strategy

- the City's current waste management practices

- creating awareness of the reduction, reuse and recycling waste management policies and technology options that will be considered.

Members of the public are invited to attend any of the following sessions to provide feedback in person and to speak with staff (no registration required):

- Monday, June 9: Scarborough Civic Centre, Rotunda, 150 Borough Dr., 6:30-9 p.m.

- Monday, June 16: North York City Centre, Memorial Community Hall (Burgundy Room),

  5110 Yonge St., 6:30-9 p.m.

- Tuesday, June 17: Metro Hall, Rotunda, 55 John St., 6:30-9 p.m.

- Wednesday, June 18: St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 3819 Bloor St. W., 6:30-9 p.m.

Residents of all ages are welcome to attend the public consultation sessions. At each information station, participants will learn more about the project and be able to share their ideas and opinions. There will be a "Kids Zone" with waste-related activities for children. 

Previous waste management strategies focused only on managing residential waste, which accounts for just 53 per cent of the waste delivered to the City's landfill. The new strategy will also consider non-residential sources of waste that the City is responsible for managing and take into consideration Toronto's growing population, space limitations at the City's landfill and the changing nature of our waste.

The strategy will recommend waste reduction, reuse and recycling policies and programs. It will also include options on how to manage any leftover garbage remaining after making every effort to maximize diversion. All options and industry best practices for waste diversion and disposal methods will be considered and evaluated. The goal is to find solutions that are cost-effective, socially acceptable and environmentally sustainable.

Visit http://www.toronto.ca/wastestrategy for more information and to subscribe to the mailing list. Join the conversation on Twitter with @GetInvolvedTO and #TOwastestrategy.

This news release is also available on the City's website at http://bitly.com/1mahB0e.

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: Pat Barrett, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4716, pbarrett@toronto.ca

Registration for Toronto's summer swim and skate programs begins this Saturday

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  June 4, 2014                       

Registration for Toronto's summer swim and skate programs begins this Saturday

Toronto residents will have the opportunity to sign up for City of Toronto summer swimming and skating lessons beginning Saturday, June 7 at 7 a.m.

Programs fill quickly, so residents are advised to be ready to register at 7 a.m. and have a few backup choices in case their preferred program is already full.  

There are three ways to register – online, by phone and in person:

1. Online: Online is the fastest way to register, at http://www.toronto.ca/torontofun.

2. By telephone: Residents can register by phone using touchtone (TTR) buttons and following voice prompts at 416-338-0000, or with operator assistance at 416-338-4386.

3. In person: Locations across Toronto for registration in person can be found in the printed FUN Guide or online at http://www.toronto.ca/torontofun.

The following items are required to register:

1. Parks, Forestry and Recreation family PIN and individual client numbers are used as account codes, and 2. credit card information for payment.

Family and client numbers are required for each person registering and can be obtained by phone or online:

• by calling Parks, Forestry and Recreation at 416-338-4386 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, or 

• by completing a New Family Account Form available online at http://bit.ly/1blt5et, and either emailing it to pfrcustomerservice@toronto.ca, or mailing it to City Hall at 100 Queen St. W., 1st floor, Toronto, M5H 2N2, or faxing it to 416-392-1551. Please allow two days for processing if emailing the form, two weeks if mailing or faxing it.

Online registration and phone registration using voice prompts (TTR) is open from 7 a.m. to midnight seven days a week starting June 7. On June 7, in-person registration will be open from 7 a.m. to noon, and telephone registration with operator assistance will be open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

ARC programs

Registration for After School Recreation Care (ARC) programs for the upcoming school year (September 2014 to June 2015) begins Monday, June 9 at 7 a.m.

There are two ways to register for ARC programs:

• by phone with operator assistance at 416-338-4386, or 

• in person at Etobicoke Civic Centre, North York Civic Centre, Scarborough Civic Centre or Toronto City Hall.

Residents are advised to have their credit card information ready for payment. 

Summer camps

Registration is still open for summer camps. The City of Toronto offers camps to suit everyone's interests, needs and abilities at a reasonable cost. Registration for camps and a listing of Toronto recreation programs is available at http://www.toronto.ca/torontofun.

The Welcome Policy helps Toronto residents with low incomes participate in recreation programs. If approved for the Welcome Policy, individuals and families receive an annual amount that can be spent on any of the wide variety of high-quality recreation programs offered by the City throughout the year. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/wp or by calling 311. 

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

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

12 Division Community & Family Fun Day - June 8, 2014

City of Toronto celebrates June is Recreation and Parks Month

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

News Release:  June 2, 2014                

City of Toronto celebrates June is Recreation and Parks Month

Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly has officially proclaimed June 2014 as Recreation and Parks Month in Toronto, encouraging Torontonians to take advantage of the vast array of events, programs and services scheduled throughout the city during June.

“Individuals, families, neighbourhoods and communities find major benefits in our parks and green spaces and in our numerous recreation opportunities,” said Deputy Mayor Kelly. "The City of Toronto's excellent recreational programs, efficiently operated facilities, and safe, beautiful parks are accessible to people of all ages and abilities in our diverse communities.”

With a wide range of high-quality programs, Parks, Forestry and Recreation promotes social and physical development and leads the way to lifelong physical activity in all of Toronto’s local communities. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks.

Registration for Parks, Forestry and Recreation summer camps and general programs is ongoing. Registration for summer swimming and skating programs will begin at 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 7.

During the month of June, residents can find out more about these programs and other events at http://www.toronto.ca/parks. Programs are also listed at http://www.toronto.ca/torontofun.

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

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

Community Clean-Up June 7, 2014