The City of Toronto's e-newsletter City Update focuses on the latest services, innovations and accomplishments

This 22nd edition of the City Update e-newsletter features the latest news on City services, innovations and accomplishments at the City of Toronto - Canada's largest city and sixth largest government. If the images are not visible in this e-mail, please add torontocityupdate@toronto.ca to your address - book, or adjust your settings to view this e-mail in HTML. You can also view past editions at www.toronto.ca/city-update. City Update Volume 7, Issue 1 The City of Toronto's e-newsletter City Update focuses on the latest services, innovations and accomplishments in Canada's largest city and sixth largest government. This e-newsletter is for the public, stakeholders, media, City Council and staff. Subscribe to City Update Inside this issue: Toronto at your service Toronto and the economy We mean it when we say green it Awards and recognition Out and about Dedicated cycling lanes Toronto's first Cycle Track – a lane for bicycles that is separated from motorized vehicle traffic – has been built on Sherbourne Street between Bloor and King Streets. Over the next few years, Toronto will be creating a 14-kilometre network of cycle tracks in the downtown area. City Council has adopted a new Cycle Track Bylaw, which includes a $150 fine for drivers who stop or park their vehicle on the cycle track. Toronto also has "contra-flow" bicycle lanes painted on some residential streets to allow cyclists to legally ride in two directions on streets that are one-way for all other vehicles. Toronto cycling maps are available free at public libraries, community centres and bike shops in your neighbourhood. More information Toronto at your service High customer satisfaction numbers for 311 311 Toronto is the public face of information and service requests for most City services. Since 2009, 311 has become the public point of contact for many divisions, seamlessly taking a resident's request and relaying it to the appropriate division. According to the 2012 Annual Performance report, it was a good year for Toronto's 311 service, with improvements in almost all categories over 2011. A total of 1,129,748 phone calls were answered – a 14 per cent increase over 2011. Service level improved to 81 per cent of calls answered in 75 seconds from 63 per cent in 2011 (target is 80 per cent). In a December 2012 Ipsos Reid customer satisfaction survey, 90 per cent of survey respondents were satisfied with the 311 service – most of whom (75%) were very satisfied. TTC Charter promises customer service excellence The TTC introduced its inaugural Customer Charter at the Bloor-Yonge Station on February 28. The Customer Charter commits the TTC to completing key improvements by specific dates within the course of a year. Ranging from Wi-Fi testing at subway stations to quicker callbacks in the Customer Centre, the first charter was unveiled by TTC Chair Karen Stintz (Councillor, Ward 16 Eglinton-Lawrence), CEO Andy Byford and Acting Chief Service Officer Chris Upfold. The charter commits the TTC to 31 promises in 2013, all of which revolve around building a transit system that makes Toronto proud. Those promises focus on the following key areas: cleanliness, informative, responsiveness, renewal, accessibility and modernization. Paramedics make a difference in cardiac arrest survival Toronto residents and visitors know that when they call 911 with a life-threatening medical emergency, in minutes Toronto EMS paramedics will be there to help. Recently, Dr. Laurie Morrison of St. Michael’s Hospital shared results from her patient research conducted with the support and assistance of Toronto EMS paramedics. The results show that survival rates for Toronto patients in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest have increased dramatically from two per cent in 2004 to 11.4 per cent in 2012. For patients suffering a cardiac arrest with ventricular fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm), the survival rates increased from eight per cent in 2004 to 27.1 per cent in 2012. Some of the contributing factors to this success include the introduction of new "Up Front" cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) guidelines in 2005 and new "High Quality" CPR guidelines in 2010, as recommended by the American Heart Association. On the lookout for potholes The City of Toronto is actively patrolling for potholes as they form on city streets. Crews are dealing with emergency pothole situations with temporary repairs, and as conditions become drier and more favourable, crews will make more permanent repairs. In addition, the City has doubled the number of staff fixing potholes to almost 100. The City has repaired an average of 200,000 potholes a year over the past three years at a cost of about $4 million per year. Residents are asked to call 311 or go to toronto.ca/311 to report potholes. A pothole app is also available that makes it quick and easy to report potholes. While City staff usually repair potholes within five days, requests are prioritized based on the amount of traffic on the road and the severity of the pothole. Updated mapping tool shows planned construction The Major Capital Infrastructure Coordination Office has updated its website to show planned capital construction in 2013. Projects from Transportation Services, City Planning, Toronto Water and other divisions as well as transit authorities, utility companies and more can be accessed through the online mapping tool. New for 2013, the website now features information from Economic Development and Culture, and Parks, Forestry and Recreation, and cycling infrastructure within the Transportation Services division. In addition to providing details about the nature of individual projects, the mapping tool will be used to improve co-ordination of projects, with the goal of more efficient capital expenditures and reduced inconvenience to the public. Less litter in the city according to audit The 2012 audit measuring litter at 298 street locations across Toronto indicated there was less litter than was observed in the previous audit in 2006. Large litter items were reduced by almost 21 per cent and small litter items decreased by 67 per cent in comparison with 2006 data. Details, including information about the measurement of branded litter, are provided in the full report 2012 Toronto Streets Litter Audit. The City had previously conducted four city-wide litter audits in 2002, 2004, 2005 and 2006 using the same methodology, which allowed comparison of each audit's results. Zoo Giant Panda Ambassador Volunteer recruitment The deadline for a recent recruitment drive of the Toronto Zoo's Giant Panda Ambassador volunteers was March 8. Giant Panda Ambassador Volunteers will operate numerous interpretive/educational stations at the giant panda interpretive centre and exhibit, provide information and directional assistance to zoo visitors, and support special events. For more information about these and other volunteer opportunities, visit the Toronto Zoo website, send an email to tzvolunteers@torontozoo.ca or call 416-392-5942. Toronto and the economy Winterlicious a boon for business In their 11th year, Winterlicious and Summerlicious continue to be strong economic drivers for Toronto's restaurant industry. Recent Ipsos Reid survey results indicate that the program is a boon for business and very popular with diners and restaurants. The City launched the program in 2003 as a way to boost Toronto’s restaurant industry during typically slow periods of business. The program now has 191 restaurants and 14 unique culinary events and has generated more than $166 million in direct spending through 3.7 million meals served. The data shows that customer satisfaction with the program is at an all-time high, with 99 per cent of those surveyed saying it is a valuable service provided by the City. 'Licious' is a job driver, with 38 per cent of restaurants hiring additional staff for the program, and most restaurants see nearly a 30 per cent increase in customers and revenue during each two-week promotion. Toronto economic growth plan In February, City Council endorsed a new economic growth plan called Collaborating for Competitiveness - A Strategic Plan to Accelerate Economic Growth and Job Creation in Toronto. The plan sets targets for improving the quality of jobs in Toronto and commits to harmonizing the policies/activities of the City and its agencies to help create a more attractive climate for business and investment. In addition to recommending the establishment of an Advisory Committee led by the Mayor, Council also endorsed strategies to accelerate investments in commercial and industrial developments; ensure sufficient land availability and infrastructure capacity to accommodate growth; improve cost competitiveness; help small and medium size enterprises to form and prosper; and strengthen sectors such as manufacturing and culture. More information We mean it when we say green it Community Environment Days start in April Community Environment Days include 44 events that are held from April to the beginning of October, one per ward across the city. These events accept many types of household donations for reuse (arts and craft supplies, used clothes and household items that are in good condition). You can also drop off household hazardous waste (such as batteries, compact fluorescent bulbs, propane cylinders and tanks) and electronics for either recycling or safe disposal. All Saturday and Sunday events are 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Thursday events are 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. The 2013 schedule, including a list of accepted items, is now available. Clean Toronto Together Residents, schools and businesses are encouraged to participate in the City’s Clean Toronto Together program. Corporate and School Clean-Up Day is on April 19, and Mayor Rob Ford's Community Clean-Up Day is April 20. There are many ways to participate: clean or green an area of Toronto that's important to you, such as a local park, school ground or playground; remove graffiti vandalism on your property; and/or report graffiti vandalism or illegal postering by calling 311. The Clean Toronto Together program is sponsored by GLAD Canada, CP24 and Newstalk1010. Let's all work together to keep Toronto clean, green and healthy! Donating items to charity? With spring cleaning season just around the corner, you may have some household items to donate to a good cause. When offering items to charity, it's important to sort before you donate. Consider the following tips: remember to sort/examine items confirming they are clean, in very good condition, in working order, and can be sold or reused. Consider and obey sanitary, health/safety regulations and contact the intended charity to make sure they accept your items. There are some items you should not donate to charities. These include items that are not reusable; are broken; are missing parts, labels or instructions; and any items containing hazardous materials. For a list of donation programs, visit toronto.ca/reuseit. Who's #1? Vote in the Live Green Toronto Awards Fifteen finalists are in the running for the City's 2013 Live Green Toronto Awards and they need your votes to win! The City's search for the greenest youth, individual, group, small business and corporation began in January, and with the finalists now selected, voting is open for Toronto residents to determine the winners. Winners will receive $2,500 courtesy of award sponsors, and a chance to tell their green story on CP24. See who's greening Toronto, view their videos and vote for your favourites. Winners will be announced on April 22. Awards and recognition Toronto ranked one of world's top intelligent communities Toronto has been named one of the world’s "Top Seven Intelligent Communities of the Year" by the Intelligent Community Forum – a think tank that studies the economic and social development of the 21st century community. The Top Seven Intelligent Communities are being recognized for creating local prosperity using broadband and information technology to attract leading-edge businesses; build skills; generate economic growth; and improve the delivery of government services. Toronto’s robust post-secondary cluster, innovative business incubator initiatives, and programs that use technology for enhancing social inclusion were among the many reasons for Toronto being named a Top Seven. Toronto has the largest information technology sector in Canada and the third largest in North America. Other City of Toronto rankings Toronto named a must-see destination Toronto was selected, along with Amsterdam, Seoul, Nashville and New Orleans, as one of “Five Must-See Destinations" by Condé Nast Traveler magazine – one of the most respected authorities in world travel. This “hot list” was also announced on the Today Show broadcast throughout the United States on NBC. Condé Nast Traveler notes Toronto's "stunning architecture, diverse array of restaurants, and energetic arts and cultural scene" as some of the reasons for making the list. To find out more about what to do and see in Toronto, visit the Tourism Toronto website. Artist's rendering of Victoria Park station City recognized with FCM award in transportation The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) unveiled the winners of its 2013 Sustainable Communities Awards at a ceremony during the FCM Sustainable Communities Conference and Trade Show in Windsor, Ontario. The awards recognize innovation and excellence in municipal sustainable development across Canada in six categories: brownfields, energy, neighbourhood development, transportation, waste and water. The City of Toronto and the Toronto Transit Commission were recognized in the transportation category for Creating a Better Victoria Park Terminal. City makes Security 500 list for third straight time For the third straight year, the City of Toronto has been named to Security Magazine's "Security 500" - the Top 500 Security Organizations. The Security 500 Benchmarking Survey is based on information from several sources, and the purpose is to create a reliable database to compare organizations, and to create a benchmarking program among security organizations. The City of Toronto is listed overall at number seven in the Government Category, and is the highest Canadian entry as well as the highest- rated city. Award presentation (L-R): Grace Machado, Chair, BFI Ontario in Community Health Services Committee; Councillor Joe Mihevc, Chair, Board of Health; Eileen Chuey, Breastfeeding Committee for Canada Provincial/Territorial Implementation Committee Co-Chair; Susan Makin, Director, Healthy Families; and Dr. David McKeown, Medical Officer of Health. Baby-Friendly designation for Public Health Toronto Public Health was awarded the prestigious Baby-Friendly Initiative designation in January. The Baby-Friendly Initiative is a worldwide program of the World Health Organization and UNICEF. In Canada, the designation is awarded to hospitals and community health services that put policies in place to protect, promote and support breastfeeding. These practices strengthen mother-baby and family relationships for all babies, not only those who are breastfed. Toronto Public Health is the largest community health service in Canada to receive this prominent award. For more information about infant feeding, local breastfeeding clinics and parenting programs, call 416-338-7600 or visit the Toronto Public Health website. Nominations open for Public Health Champion Awards Toronto Public Health is inviting the public to nominate individuals and organizations for the 2013 Public Health Champion Awards. Nominations will be reviewed by a committee of the Board of Health, based on achievement in four areas: providing leadership in efforts to reduce health inequalities; fostering partnerships and collaboration to improve the health of the population; building community capacity through innovative health promotion strategies; and achieving impact by acting as a catalyst for change. Nominations are open until April 30. This year's recipients will be honoured at an awards ceremony in June. City hospitality program receives Economic Developers award The City's "Welcome to Toronto...We've Been Expecting You" hospitality excellence program has won an Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) award in the Product Development - Workforce Development category. The program was created in 2011 by the City of Toronto with the support of Tourism Toronto and the Province of Ontario. It was designed to foster a culture of hospitality excellence. The program also helps to support and unify organizations by providing training and tools that connect and inspire visitors around the common message of Welcome to Toronto. More than 1,000 participants representing 144 organizations have participated in the program to date. The EDCO awards are presented to Ontario organizations that have developed leading edge, innovative marketing programs, or implemented new initiatives to foster economic growth. Out and about Building a City exhibit A new Market Gallery exhibition called "Building a City: People, Places and Life in Toronto 1845 to 1899" will run until September 14. The exhibit includes historical maps, photographs and paintings in the City's art collection dating back to the 1850s. The exhibition highlights the people and places that transformed Toronto during this period, illustrating a time of tremendous change. It also shows that there were many critical issues back in 1845, including public health, fire and security, the railways and the waterfront. The City's Market Gallery is located on the second floor of South St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front St. E. Activities to mark 200th anniversary of Battle of York The City of Toronto and the Canadian Forces will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Battle of York on April 27. Activities include a presentation by His Royal Highness Prince Philip, a parade of more than 1,000 sailors and soldiers from the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Army, and a commemorative ceremony at Fort York National Historic Site with re-enactment units in War of 1812 uniforms. The City will also offer free themed tours at Fort York, along with family-oriented activities and military demonstrations. University of Toronto Munk School for Global Affairs Doors Open Toronto The 14th annual Doors Open Toronto will offer residents and visitors an opportunity to take a peek behind the doors of nearly 150 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city on Saturday, May 25 and Sunday, May 26. This year's theme focuses on creators, makers and innovators. Many locations represent Toronto's innovation future – older buildings that have been redesigned, re-invented and re-purposed into modern spaces that host creative and collaborative teams of imaginative people who are creating new ways of thinking, making and doing. Keep Toronto Reading Toronto Public Library’s eighth annual Keep Toronto Reading Festival (KTR) in April, tagged "It Just Takes a Spark," is a literary festival that invites everyone to come out to readings, discussions, workshops and other events at more than 60 library branches across the city. As part of KTR, everyone is invited to read this year’s One Book selection: Fahrenheit 451, the classic sci-fi novel by the late Ray Bradbury. Readers are then encouraged to participate in events and activities – including “KTR 451” the library’s first-ever Alternate Reality Game – that bring the book’s themes to life. Teed up for golf season The City of Toronto's golf courses offer a challenge for players of every skill level. The City has five great golf courses that are nearby and accessible by public transit. Weather permitting, they will open in April. City golf courses are available for single players, teams, children, seniors, corporate outings and professionals. There are also family golf times, when each adult green fee purchased allows one family member under 18 to play free. City golf courses include Don Valley (Yonge Street and Highway 401); Humber Valley (Albion and Weston Roads); Tam O’Shanter (Birchmount Road and Sheppard Avenue East); Dentonia (Victoria Park and Danforth Avenues); and Scarlett Woods (Eglinton Avenue West and Jane Street).

Nineteen-year-old Samantha Stendal’s very simple and short anti-rape message has captured 1.4 million viewers in just five days.

Nineteen-year-old Samantha Stendal’s very simple and short anti-rape message has captured 1.4 million viewers in just five days.

Stendal, a second year University of Oregon film major, decided to make the video, “A Needed Response,” because of the coverage of the Steubenville, Ohio, rape trial.

In Stendal’s 26-second video, a woman is passed on a couch and a guy in front of her leers at the camera, “Guess what I’m gonna do to her?”

He fetches a pillow, a blanket and a glass of water then says, “Real men treat women with respect.”

Stendal, events coordinator of the University Film Organization, told KVAL News she made her first YouTube video because she was upset that one of the first questions about that rape case has been “what the victim could have done differently.”

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Police request assistance with break-and-enter investigation

Not in 51 Division but crime has no borders.  Take care while gardening!

Toronto Police Service News Release

Public Safety Alert, Police request assistance with break-and-enter investigation

Wednesday, March 27, 2013 - 3:07 PM
13 Division:  416-808-1300

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a series of break-and-enters in Toronto.

It is alleged that:

- between April 2012 and October 2012, the suspect(s) circle a residential neighbourhood searching for homeowners tending to their yards

- the suspect(s) gain entry into the homes via unlocked doors or windows

- the suspect(s) obtain a quantity of items from the household, usually jewelry or electronics, and flee with the items

- the homeowner may not be aware that the incident took place until a later time

The Toronto Police Service is reminding the public to remain vigilant of their own property and the property of their neighbours.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1300, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Detective Wil Gagliardi, 13 Division

Homicide #13/2013, Nisan Nirmalendran, 21, Update, Security camera video released of Person of Interest

Toronto Police Service News Release

Mar 25, 2013, 04:41 pm

Homicide #13/2013, Nisan Nirmalendran, 21, Update,
Security camera video released of Person of Interest

51 Division:  416-808-7400

On Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 11:26 p.m., police received several calls for the sound of gunshots on Bleecker Street.

See previous release.

Security camera video has been released. Click here to view video on YouTube.

The Person of Interest has not yet been identified nor has the suspect. The Person of Interest was wearing distinctive clothing, including what appears to be a white-and-black striped shirt or scarf. He makes several attempts to conceal his identity while entering/exciting 55 Bleecker Street.

Witnesses report seeing three to four people fleeing from the area of 55 Bleeker Street and entering a silver van and a dark-coloured compact car. Security camera video has captured two vehicles matching this description, driving north on Sherbourne Street at the time of the incident.

Investigators would like to speak to anyone who was driving, or walking, in the area of Sherbourne Street/Wellseley Avenue East on Thursday, March 21, 2013 at approximately 11:15 p.m. If anyone saw these two vehicles together on an unrelated date and time, investigators would like to hear from you.

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. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Terry Browne, Homicide Squad

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51 Division launches "Project Captivate," Wanted man, Hassan Hassan

Toronto Police Service News Release

51 Division launches "Project Captivate," Wanted man, Hassan Hassan, 23, Photograph of man released

Monday, March 25, 2013 - 3:05 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

This is 51 Division's first installment of "Project Captivate."

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance locating a wanted man.

A Bench Warrant has been issued for Hassan Hassan, 23, of Toronto.

He is wanted for:
1. Assault
2. Assault with a Weapon
3. Threatening Death
4. Intimidation

He is described as black, 6’2”, 180 lbs., with brown eyes and hair braided in cornrows. He is known to frequent the downtown core.

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

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Rudy Pasini, 51 Division

News Releases

Files:

Above: Wanted man Hassan Hassan, 23

Mar 25, 2013, 03:05 pm

51 Division launches "Project Captivate,"
Wanted man,
Hassan Hassan, 23,
Photograph of man released

51 Division:  416-808-5100

This is 51 Division's first installment of "Project Captivate."

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance locating a wanted man.

A Bench Warrant has been issued for Hassan Hassan, 23, of Toronto.

He is wanted for:
1. Assault
2. Assault with a Weapon
3. Threatening Death
4. Intimidation

He is described as black, 6’2”, 180 lbs., with brown eyes and hair braided in cornrows. He is known to frequent the downtown core.

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

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Rudy Pasini, 51 Division

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Homicide #13/2013, Nisan Nirmalendran, 21, Security camera images released

Toronto Police Service News Release

Homicide #13/2013, Nisan Nirmalendran, 21, Security camera images released

Friday, March 22, 2013 - 3:19 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7400

On Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 11:26 p.m., police received several calls for the sound of gunshots on Bleecker Street.

Officers attended the area and located a man suffering obvious life-threatening injuries. He was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The victim has been identified as Nisan Nirmalendran, 21, of Toronto.

A post-mortem examination was scheduled for the morning of Friday, March 22, 2012.

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. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Terry Browne, Homicide Squad

Male to be identified in homicide investigation

Suspect in homicide investigation just to the right of shattered glass

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Toronto Police Service joins more than 100 agencies across six countries to take to Twitter

Toronto Police Service News Release

Friday, March 22, 2013, 8 a.m., Toronto Police Service joins more than 100 agencies across six countries to take to Twitter

Friday, March 22, 2013 - 6:00 AM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

On Friday, March 22, 2013, starting at 8 a.m., law enforcement agencies around the world will connect via Twitter to participate in a 24-hour Tweet-a-thon to bring attention to the use of social media by law enforcement. Agencies will tweet using the same hashtag, #poltwt, to create awareness about police work and issues police face, as well as to promote the use of social media in policing.

"We are excited to bring together police agencies around the world in this first-of-its-kind social media event," said Lauri Stevens, founder of LAwS Communications and organizer of the Global Police Tweet-a-thon. "We hope it sends the message to non-law enforcement that their police officers are up to speed with social media, and that they should use the channel to talk with police officers and to be stewards of public safety."

There are currently more than 100 agencies participating from the U.S., Canada, UK, Sweden, Iceland, and Australia. For a list of participating agencies, please visit https://twitter.com/ConnectedCOPS/police-tweet-a-thon-2013/members. For a Google map of participating agencies, please see http://goo.gl/maps/Hqkgf

“The Toronto Police Service has had great success using social media to connect and engage with the people of Toronto,” said Chief William Blair. “Our participation in this Tweet-a-thon will help us share with a global audience the excellent work our officers do every day.”

For more information please visit http://connectedcops.net/2012/12/18/global-police-tweet-a-thon/

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications

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Put brakes on fraud

With Toronto holding the unenviable distinction of being the urban centre with the highest number of staged motor vehicle collisions in Canada, the Service’s Financial Crimes Unit has collaborated with Traffic and Video Services and the Financial Services Commission of Ontario (FSCO) to produce three public service announcements (PSA) and infographics launched on March 21. 

D/Sgt. Cam Field said auto insurance fraud cost Canadian insurance-policy holders nearly $1 billion annually. It also takes up a lot of valuable police and other regulatory agencies resources.

“These short, but direct, PSAs are intended to educate the public about auto insurance and accident fraud,” Field said.

“We are providing people with a checklist of the things they need to do and courses of action to follow.”

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has identified Toronto as having the most staged motor vehicle collisions. Some fraudsters will stage collisions, deliberately hit other motorists to claim fake injuries or cause additional damage to their vehicle after a collision to make larger claims against insurers.

To protect themselves against insurance fraud, drivers are reminded to use a licensed insurance company, agent or broker when purchasing auto insurance; collect as much information as possible at the accident scene, using a camera or cell phone if it is safe to do so without confrontation; file an accident report with a collision-reporting centre and be suspicious of any referrals at collision sites.

“Often people get into a collision and a tow truck shows up and tries to refer them to certain auto body shops,” Field said.

“Don’t do that. Phone your insurance company and take instructions from them… Take careful notes, grab witnesses and take pictures – if possible – so you can build a case for your insurance company to help you.”

FSCO senior communications officer Kristen Rose said drivers can help stem auto insurance fraud by being vigilant at a collision scene.

“Collisions are stressful,” she said.

“Shock and excitement make it hard to think clearly. Unfortunately, some fraudsters try to use the confusion of the moment to fake injuries, exaggerate damage or intimidate drivers into using certain services. The PSAs and infographics will help people navigate three key things they need to do after a collision to protect themselves from fraud. They should collect information about the collision, file a report and make key decisions at the scene of the collision.”

Marty Blake of Video Services said the project was a great example of teamwork and co-operation.

“By sharing the research production and communication resources at our disposal, we are able to communicate with the public more efficiently and effectively to reduce victimization,” he said.

“Given the current fiscal climate, these types of inter-agency partnerships and resource-sharing are becoming increasingly important.”

The PSAs are launched during March, which is national fraud prevention month.

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#Fraudchat Covers Life Insurance Fraud

Toronto Police Service News Release

Thursday, March 21, 2013, 9.p.m. to 10 p.m. EST, #Fraudchat Covers Life Insurance Fraud

Thursday, March 21, 2013 - 10:30 AM
Financial Crimes Unit:  416-808-7300

Since November 2012, the Financial Crimes Unit has partnered with the Financial Service Commission of Ontario to educate the public about financial crimes and fraud through the use of social media.

Every Thursday evening, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST, these two agencies host a one hour forum on Twitter called "#Fraudchat". This program seeks to educate and exchange ideas with the public about financial crimes and fraud. The moderators for this program are Kristen Rose, Senior Communications Officer of the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, and Detective Sergeant Cameron Field of the Financial Crimes Unit.

Tonight's program will cover life insurance scam frauds and how to detect and avoid this costly crime. Life insurance fraud costs everyone who pays premiums for coverage. Consumers that purchase fraudulent life insurance products are particularly vulnerable.

To follow this program please log on to Twitter and follow #Fraudchat. Other applications like "Tweet Chat" are also helpful in following and contributing to the program. Join us and learn how to avoid this crime and bring your questions to our experts.

For Fraud Prevention Month 2013 (March) #Fraudchat will cover the following topics:

• March 21 - Life insurance fraud
• March 28 - Staged motor vehicle accident frauds

Please join us on #Fraudchat and learn about frauds and scams that target us in our community.

For more information on this program and the Fraud Prevention Month strategy of the Toronto Police Service please contact Detective Sergeant Cameron Field at 416-808-7300.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Cameron Field, Financial Crimes Unit

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Commemoration of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Toronto Police Service News Release

Media advisory, Thursday, March 21, 2013, 11 a.m., Police headquarters, lobby, Commemoration of International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

Thursday, March 21, 2013 - 5:00 AM
Divisional Policing Support Unit:  416-808-0100

The Toronto Police Service will be commemorating the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination on Thursday, March 21, 2013, at 11 a.m., in the lobby at headquarters.

As Canadians, we are fortunate to live in a multicultural society where embracing diversity has become our national identity. Yet, still, racial discrimination exists, and we, as a group, should never rest to end this injustice. As a Service, we will continue our efforts to help eliminate the inequalities by renewing our dedication of this commitment on this day.

This event will feature keynote addresses from community leaders.

Light refreshments will be served in the lobby following the ceremony.

Further information on this event can be obtained by contacting Jessy Singh at 416-808-0125 or via e-mail atjessy.singh@torontopolice.on.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Staff Sergeant Ronald Khan, Divisional Policing Support Unit

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