Friday, February 28, 2014

Extreme Cold Weather Alert cancelled

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

News Release:  February 28, 2014

Extreme Cold Weather Alert cancelled

The City of Toronto has cancelled the Extreme Cold Weather Alert that was issued for Toronto on February 24. 

An alert is called when there is danger to homeless people from extreme cold weather or extreme winter weather conditions. It is usually called in the morning when Environment Canada takes any of these actions:
• predicts a coming overnight temperature of -15 degrees Celsius or lower, without wind chill, or 
• issues a wind chill warning for outdoor activity for people in the Toronto area, or 
• predicts extreme weather conditions, such as a blizzard, an ice storm or sudden drops in temperature.

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

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 Anderson, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, 416-397-4328, panders@toronto.ca

Prolonged cold temperatures affecting Toronto's water services

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

News Release:  February 28, 2014  

Prolonged cold temperatures affecting Toronto's water services

Prolonged, extreme cold temperatures are having an impact on the City of Toronto's watermains and the pipes that deliver water services to homes, causing delays in response times to service calls related to the cold weather.

Toronto has been experiencing unprecedented, sub-zero temperatures for an extended period of time. Water pipes are buried below the frost line, which is about four feet below the surface. Unusually cold weather is freezing the ground below the frost line, causing watermains to break more frequently and the underground pipes that bring water to homes to freeze.

The City has hired contractors to help Toronto Water staff thaw frozen underground water pipes, and is making arrangements to purchase more thawing equipment. Additional staff are being reassigned to assist with frozen pipes and watermain breaks. Municipalities throughout the Greater Toronto Area are also experiencing a significant increase in watermain breaks and freezing pipes. As a result, the City is not able to obtain assistance from neighbouring municipalities.

The City of Toronto is asking residents for their patience as it deals with extremely high volumes of service calls related to the cold weather.

From January 1 to February 28, the City has repaired 772 watermain breaks, received 1,839 no-water calls and repaired 438 leaking water services. In 2013, about 1,500 watermain breaks were recorded for the entire year.

How to help prevent underground water service pipes from freezing after repair.  If your underground water pipes have been repaired by the City, keep a tap open for a trickle of water to flow so there is some movement in the water pipes.

Tips for avoiding frozen pipes in your home 
• While the temperature is well below freezing, consider leaving a tap open enough for a trickle of water to flow so there is some movement in the water pipes that might be vulnerable to freezing.
• If your water pipes are attached to an uninsulated outside wall, remove the clamp from the pipes and gently pull the pipes away from the wall and wrap them with insulation.
• Insulate all exposed outside water pipes with foam pipe covers that are available from building supply or home improvement stores.
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen, bathroom and laundry cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• If you are leaving your home for an extended period of time, you can shut off the main service valve in your basement and open all taps to drain the water out of your plumbing lines to prevent them from freezing.
• Commercial water customers need to prepare for cold nights as well. Protect fire lines by wrapping all lines that are exposed to cold.

Precautions/steps when thawing water pipes in your home
 • Do not use a torch with an open flame to thaw pipes, as this is a fire hazard.
• Ensure you know the location of your master water shut-off valve. The frozen pipe may be broken and when the water in it thaws it will leak. If the pipe is broken, you will need to shut off the water in your house until the pipe is repaired.

Steps to thaw a frozen pipe
• Turn on a tap in the basement, preferably the cold water faucet in the laundry room.
• Use a blow dryer to warm the suspected frozen pipe for one or two hours. Check the blow dryer regularly to ensure it does not overheat.
• Place a warm towel or rag around the suspected frozen pipe.
• Depending on the outside temperature and the extent of freezing within the pipe, the thawing process could take from one to six hours.

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

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: Bev Kurmey, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4310, bkurmey@toronto.ca

Thursday, February 27, 2014

Town hall meetings on Toronto Hydro's response to ice storm

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

News Release:  February 27, 2014

Town hall meetings on Toronto Hydro's response to ice storm

The Independent Review Panel responsible for assessing Toronto Hydro's response to the December 2013 ice storm will hold three concurrent town hall meetings on Thursday, March 6. Toronto residents and business owners will have an opportunity to comment on Toronto Hydro’s preparation for and response to the ice storm.

The City of Toronto is co-ordinating the meetings, which will take place from 7 to 9:30 p.m. in the council chambers at the following locations:
- North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St.
- Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall
- Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr.

Panel members will moderate each meeting. Torontonians may address the panel for three minutes each. Written comments will also be accepted. The panel has asked that Toronto Hydro representatives not be present at the meetings in order that Torontonians may speak freely. The panel will consider the information gathered in these meetings as it develops its findings and recommendations, to be published in a final report.

Customers and residents unable to attend one of these meetings can provide feedback to Davies Consulting LLC by email at torontoicestorm@daviescon.com.

Davies Consulting, a leading energy consultancy, is conducting the review of Toronto Hydro’s response to the ice storm under the direction of the Independent Review Panel.

About the Independent Review Panel: This expert panel is composed of chair David McFadden, partner at Gowlings law firm; Sean Conway, visiting fellow at Ryerson University's Centre for Urban Energy; Carlos Torres, vice-president of emergency management at Consolidated Edison of New York; and Joe Pennachetti, Toronto City Manager. The panel is responsible for overseeing the review of Toronto Hydro's performance during the December 2013 ice storm that affected more than 300,000 customers in the Greater Toronto Area.

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: Jackie DeSouza, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5277, jdesouz@toronto.ca

TPS kicks off Fraud Prevention Month with community partners

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media advisory, Thursday, February 27, 2014, 6 p.m., St. Malachy Catholic School, 80 Bennett Road, TPS kicks off Fraud Prevention Month with community partners

Thursday, February 27, 2014 - 5:30 AM
Financial Crimes:  416-808-7300

Every year, thousands of Canadian families and businesses are targeted by fraud. For those who fall victim, the impact can be devastating. People's life savings, homes and, in some cases, lives, have been lost. One of Canadians' best weapons in the fight against fraud is education.

At 6 p.m. this evening, media and members of the public are invited to attend St. Malachy Catholic School, 80 Bennett Road, where the Toronto Police Service, Financial Services Commission of Ontario and partner organizations will teach community members how to recognize, report and avoid common types of fraud, including:

- Insurance fraud
- Health care fraud
- Cyberfraud
- Identity theft
- Investment fraud
- Real estate fraud, and
- Counterfeit money

The event will feature interactive presentations, breakout sessions and information displays from the following organizations:

- Bank of Canada
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Canadian Health Care Anti-fraud Association
- Competition Bureau
- Crime Prevention Association of Toronto
- Financial Services Commission of Ontario
- Insurance Bureau of Canada
- Investigation Counsel
- Investor Education Fund
- Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada
- National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly
- Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services
- Ontario Securities Commission
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- Real Estate Council of Ontario
- Toronto Catholic District School Board
- Toronto Parks and Recreation
- Toronto Police Service
- Victim Services Toronto

Additionally, the following senior officials will offer opening remarks:

- Mitzie Hunter, MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood
- TPS Staff Inspector Mary Lee Metcalfe, Financial Crimes Unit
- Mark Stainsby, Senior Competition Law Officer, Competition Bureau

Joseph Khargie, Program Director at the 4life Foundation, will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Following the event, representatives from several of the above organizations will be available for media interviews.

Members of the public unable to attend in person are encouraged to watch the event online and interact with participants by following the #DontBeScammed hashtag, starting at 6 p.m. EST.

This event is being jointly coordinated by the Toronto Police Service's 43 Division and Financial Crimes Unit, and the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.

For more information, please contact:

Detective Sergeant Cameron Field
Financial Crimes Unit, Toronto Police Service
Phone: 416-808-7304
Email: cameron.field@torontopolice.on.ca

Constable Randall Arsenault
Community Engagement Officer
43 Division, Toronto Police Services
Email: randall.arsenault@torontopolice.on.ca

Kristen Rose
Phone: 416-226-7803
Senior Communications Officer, Financial Services Commission of Ontario
kristen.rose@fsco.gov.on.ca

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Staff Inspector Mary Lee Metcalfe, Financial Crimes Unit

OACP Provincial Crime Prevention Campaign kick off

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media Advisory, Thursday, February 27, 2014, 10 a.m., Police headquarters, lobby, OACP Provincial Crime Prevention Campaign kick off

Thursday, February 27, 2014 - 5:00 AM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

On Thursday, February 27, 2014, at 10 a.m., in the lobby at police headquarters, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) will kick off its province-wide 2014 Crime Prevention Campaign.

Throughout 2014, police services will be promoting what peoplecan do to prevent crime under the campaign theme, "Your Community. Your Safety. Get involved."

Chief Paul Cook, Chief of Police of North Bay Police Service and OACP President, will be joined by Toronto Police Service'Deputy Chief Peter Sloly and Constable Gary Gomez of 42 Division, who will speak about an innovative crime prevention program making an impact on one Toronto neighbourhood.

Campaign corporate supporters will also be on hand to help kick off this year'’s campaign, which will support local crime prevention initiatives by police services across Ontario.


For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications

Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Toronto Police Service to participate in Ontario Securities Commission seminar, "Protect Your Money"

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media Advisory, Wednesday, February 26, 2014, 6 p.m. Media Availability, 6:30 p.m. Event Begins, Toronto Reference Library - Beeton Auditorium, 789 Yonge Street, Toronto Police Service to participate in Ontario Securities Commission seminar, "Protect Your Money"

Wednesday, February 26, 2014 - 6:00 AM
53 Division:  416-808-5300

On Wednesday, February 26, 2014, at 6:30 p.m., at the Toronto Reference Library - Beeton Auditorium, 789 Yonge Street, the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) will be hosting a seminar on how to "Protect Your Money".

Please see OSC news release.

Representatives from the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit, and 53 Division Fraud Unit will be in attendance.

Media interviews will be held on-site between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable, Roxanne Doyle, 53 Division

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Celebrate Asian Heritage Month this May with the Asian Pacific Community Consultative Committee!


The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an arrest made in a robbery investigation.

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Arrest made in Robbery investigation, Sahadevan Muttiah, 52

Tuesday, February 25, 2014 - 12:24 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an arrest made in a robbery investigation.

It is alleged that:

- on Sunday, February 23, 2014, at approximately 1:45 p.m., an 82-year-old woman was walking into her apartment building in the Dundas Street East/Sherbourne Street area when a man followed her through the lobby doors

- once at her apartment door, the man approached the victim under the guise of helping her to carry her items inside, and in doing so, gained entry to her apartment

- once inside, the man made a demand for cash, grabbed the woman's purse and attempted to flee

- when the woman resisted, the man used force against her, causing her injuries which required hospitalization

- a 70-year-old man heard the commotion and came to the assistance of his neighbour

- when the neighbour attempted to hold the man for police, he too was assaulted

- the man fled, but was held down by several other neighbours who also came to their aid

With the assistance of the neighbours, police attended and arrested Sahadevan Muttiah, 52, of Toronto. He is charged with:

1) Robbery
2) Assault causing bodily harm
3) Mischief under $5000
4) Assault

He was scheduled to appear in court at College Park Courts, in courtroom 501, on Monday, Februay 24, 2014, at 10 a.m.

The Toronto Police Service would like to thank the neighbours of this community for their actions.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Earle Davies, 51 Division

Public assistance sought in Discharge Firearm investigation, Dog injured

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Public assistance sought in Discharge Firearm investigation, Dog injured

Tuesday, February 25, 2014 - 10:23 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public's assistance with a Discharge Firearm investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Saturday, February 22, 2014, at 9:18 p.m., a woman was walking her dog in the Cornwall Street area
- at the time, there were several other people in the immediate area
- the woman heard a loud bang, then her dog yelping
- as the other people started running, a person of interest was seen fleeing the area
- the woman later noticed her dog had been shot

The dog was taken to a veterinary hospital with serious injuries.

The person of interest is described as a black male with a thin build and long braided hair. He was wearing dark clothing and a baseball hat.

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

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Thomas Steeves, 51 Division

Monday, February 24, 2014

Glen Murray, MPP - Newsletter



Land Use Planning and Appeals System Review

Dear neighbours,

Together in Toronto Centre, we have worked together though the Community Action Plan process to identify what is important to our neighbourhoods. In almost every corner of our riding, we have identified that there should be improvements made to how Land Use Planning decisions and appeals are made and what type of cases end up at the Ontario Municipal Board. 

This past October, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing began a review of the Land Use Planning system in Ontario. This process is reviewing how the land use planning and appeals system can be improved and I heard from you at four local meetings that we hosted together in November and December. We had an overwhelming response both in person and online to this review and I thank you for participating in this process.

On March 10th, 2014, I will be hosting a meeting to update you on this process and provide the next steps which we will be taking in Toronto Centre. I encourage you to review the summary document prior to the meeting and contact my office should you have any questions or concerns with this process.

Date: Monday March 10th, 2014
Time: 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: St. Paul's Bloor, Cody Hall, 227 Bloor Street East
Notes: Light refreshments will be served


Thank you for your continued involvement and I look forward to seeing you on March 10th.
Sincerely,
Glen Murray 

Upcoming Community Events

Event: MPP Glen Murray March Break Skating Party
Date: Tuesday March 11th, 2014, 3:00pm-5:00pm
Location: Moss Park Arena, 190 Sherbourne Street
Details: Come out for a free extended skate with free pizza and snacks. Free skate rental is available. Click here for more details. This will be the final skating party of the year.

Event:Idea Distillery #2-Speaker TBA
Date: Tuesday March 25th, 2014, 6:30pm-8:30pm
Location: Mill Street Beer Hall, 21 Tank House Lane (In the Distillery District)
Details:
Idea Distillery is a new monthly speaker series in downtown Toronto, lead by Toronto Centre MPP Glen Murray, which will bring together thought leaders from all sectors for an informal discussion on the biggest issues facing Torontonians and Ontarians, and how we can fix them. All are welcome as we put the 'pub' into public policy.

Friday, February 21, 2014

February 22, 2014 to Sunday, February 23, 2014, Alcohol service hours brought forward from 11 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Sochi Winter Olympics, Saturday, February 22, 2014 to Sunday, February 23, 2014, Alcohol service hours brought forward from 11 a.m. to 7 a.m.

Friday, February 21, 2014 - 6:02 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

Saturday, February 22, 2014 and Sunday, February 23, 2014, will mark the last two days of the Sochi Winter Olympics. These coincide with the final Olympic events, including men's hockey.

The City of Toronto passed a motion which will allow alcohol to be served beginning at 7 a.m., on Saturday, February 22, 2014 and Sunday, February 23, 2014.

The Toronto Police Service reminds everyone who will be driving throughout these events to be responsible, plan ahead, and to make smart choices about your transportation.

Use of transit, designated drivers, and taxi services are all excellent options for safe transportation to, and from, your destination.

Officers will be monitoring the roads, looking for drivers who may be operating vehicles while impaired by alcohol or drugs. The Toronto Police Service is dedicated to the elimination of impaired driving on our roads.

The Toronto Police Service is also encouraging citizens to assist police in the war against impaired driving by calling 9-1-1 if they believe another driver may be impaired.

The message is clear: DO NOT DRINK OR USE DRUGS AND DRIVE.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Heavy rainfall causing poor driving/road closures/unsafe water condtions

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Heavy rainfall causing poor driving/road closures/unsafe water condtions

Friday, February 21, 2014 - 4:10 PM
Marine:  416-808-5800

The city of Toronto is currently under a severe Thunderstorm and Flood Warning.

Significant rainfall and melting snow have caused flooding.

The Toronto Police Service is advising that increased water levels will make bodies of water dangerous. Stay clear of rivers, creeks, and waterways. The water is very cold and riverbanks will be eroding.

If your pet ends up in the water, do not go in after it. Call for assistance. The animal usually gets out but often the owner does not.

If flooding is apparent on the roadway, drivers are cautioned not to attempt to drive through.

TPS 9-1-1 operators are currently experiencing a high volume of calls. Please remain on the line and wait for a call-taker.

For non-emergencies, please call 416-808-2222, or 3-1-1 if applicable.

For more news visit TPSnews.ca.



Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications

News Release: Helping Seniors Stay Engaged and Connected to their Communities

Ontario NewsroomOntario Newsroom
News Release

Helping Seniors Stay Engaged and Connected to their Communities

February 21, 2014

Ontario Accepting Applications for New Seniors Community Grant Program

Ontario is now accepting applications from not-for-profit community groups to fund projects that help seniors stay connected and involved in their community by encouraging greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement.
The Seniors Community Grant Program is the province's first grant program dedicated solely to seniors and will fund projects that provide seniors with opportunities to connect, contribute, learn and lead active lives. This could include courses for seniors on financial literacy and community events.
Helping seniors stay active in their communities is part of the government's economic plan that is creating jobs for today and tomorrow. The comprehensive plan and its six priorities focus on Ontario's greatest strengths -- its people and strategic partnerships.

QUICK FACTS

  • By 2016, for the first time, people over 65 will account for a larger share of the population than children aged 0-14.
  • The Seniors Community Grant Program will range from $500 to $10,000 to help support initiatives that will allow seniors to contribute to all aspects of community life.
  • Applications and guidelines are now available at the Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario.

LEARN MORE

QUOTES

"Working with community partners our government is addressing the problem of social isolation among seniors. Through the Seniors Community Grant Program we are keeping seniors connected to their communities."
 — Mario Sergio, Minister Responsible for Seniors Affairs

"The Seniors Community Grant Program will have a meaningful impact in our communities. Through these grants, seniors focused organizations can help foster volunteerism, social inclusion and learning activities."
 — Sue Hesjedahl, Executive Director, Older Adult Centres’ Association of Ontario

CONTACTS

Celeste Bottero
Minister’s Office
416-326-1689

Laura Sylvis
Communications Branch
416-314-7010

Ontario Seniors' Secretariat
http://www.ontario.ca/seniors

Thursday, February 20, 2014

Registration for City of Toronto summer camps and spring/summer programs opens March 1

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

News Release:  February 20, 2014          

Registration for City of Toronto summer camps and spring/summer programs opens March 1

Although summer seems far away, it's time to plan for children from three to 15 years of age by registering them in high-quality, fun, safe and convenient summer camps in Toronto.

There is a summer camp for everyone's interest and at reasonable prices. Camps offer a wide range of activities and adventures, and are designed to suit varied interests, needs and abilities. Registration for the camps – as well as for some of the City's spring and summer recreation programs – opens at 7 a.m. on March 1. 

Registration details are available at http://www.toronto.ca/camps.

Registration dates by district
Etobicoke York District: Saturday, March 1 
Scarborough District: Sunday, March 2
North York District: Tuesday, March 4
Toronto and East York District: Wednesday, March 5  

Programs can fill quickly, so it's advisable to register early. You should be prepared before you log on, call or visit to register by having the following items ready: 
- your Parks, Forestry and Recreation family and individual client numbers – used as your account codes
- credit card information for payment 
- top three program choices for each person you are registering so you have backup options at hand in case some programs are already filled to capacity when you are registering 

Information about a fee subsidy is available at http://www.toronto.ca/wp or by calling 416-338-2000.

Family and client numbers are required for registration. If you don't already have a client number for each family member, there are several ways to obtain client numbers: 
- Call Parks, Forestry and Recreation at 416-338-4386.
- Complete the form at http://bit.ly/1blt5et and email it to pfrcustomerservice@toronto.ca, allowing two days for processing.
- Complete the form at http://bit.ly/1blt5et and mail it to City Hall, 100 Queen St. W., 1st floor, Toronto, M5H 2N2, or fax it to 416-392-1551, allowing two weeks for processing.

Once you have your client number, there are three ways to register:
1. The fastest, easiest and most convenient way to register is online at http://www.toronto.ca/torontofun.
2. People can register by phone using their touchtone (TTR) buttons by calling 416-338-0000 and following the voice prompts, or by calling 416-338-4386 to register with operator assistance.
3. Registration is available in person. Check online or in your district FUN Guide for registration locations. 

Registration online and by phone using voice prompts (TTR) is open from 7 a.m. to midnight seven days a week. On March 1, 2, 4 and 5, registration in person is open from 7 a.m. to noon and phone registration with operator assistance is open from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. After March 5, the hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Fee subsidies are available for individuals and families with low incomes who live in Toronto to use City-operated recreation programs. If approved for the fee subsidy (called the Welcome Policy), the annual credit can be spent on any recreation program offered by the City throughout the year. The credit is $483 for children and youth (newborn to 24 years of age) and to $225 for adults and older adults (25 years and older). 

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/wp and by calling 416-338-2000. 

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

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

Fraud Prevention Month launch, #dontbescammed

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media Advisory, Thursday, February 27, 2014, 6 p.m., St. Malachy Catholic School, 80 Bennett Road, Fraud Prevention Month launch, #dontbescammed

Thursday, February 20, 2014 - 4:40 PM
Financial Crimes:  416-808-7300

Every year, thousands of Canadian families and businesses are targeted for fraud. For those who fall victim, the impact can be devastating: life savings, homes and in some cases, lives, have been lost. One of the best weapons in the fight against fraud is education.

To kick off Fraud Prevention Month, media and members of the public are invited to attend St. Malachy Catholic School where the Toronto Police Service, Financial Services Commission of Ontario and partner organizations will teach community members how to recognize, report and avoid common types of fraud, including:

- Insurance fraud
- Healthcare fraud
- Cyberfraud
- Identity theft
- Investment fraud
- Real estate fraud and
- Counterfeit money

The event will feature interactive presentations, breakout sessions and displays from the following organizations:

- Bank of Canada
- Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre
- Canadian Health Care Anti-fraud Association
- Competition Bureau
- Crime Prevention Association of Toronto
- Financial Services Commission of Ontario
- Insurance Bureau of Canada
- Investigation Counsel
- Investor Education Fund
- Mutual Fund Dealers Association of Canada
- National Initiative for the Care of the Elderly
- Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services
- Ontario Securities Commission
- Royal Canadian Mounted Police
- Real Estate Council of Ontario
- Toronto Catholic District School Board
- Toronto Parks and Recreation
- Toronto Police Service
- Victim Services Toronto

Additionally, the following senior officials will offer opening remarks:
- Tracy MacCharles, Minister of Consumer Services
- Mark Stainsby, Senior Competition Law Officer, Competition Bureau
- Joseph Khargie, Director at the 4life Foundation, Master of Ceremonies.

Following the event, representatives from several of the above organizations will be available for media interviews.

Members of the public unable to attend in person are encouraged to watch the event online and interact with participants by following the #DontBeScammed.

This event is being coordinated by the Toronto Police Service's 43 Division, the Toronto Police Service’s Financial Crimes Unit and the Financial Services Commission of Ontario.

To register or attend, members of the public should visit the following link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/DontBeScammed. Note that media are not required to register.

Media inquiries can be directed to:

Detective Sergeant Cameron Field at cameron.field@torontopolice.on.ca

Community Engagement Officer Constable Randy Arsenault at
randall.arsenault@torontopolice.on.ca

Kristen Rose, Senior Communications Officer, Financial Services Commission of Ontario, Kristen.rose@fsco.gov.on.ca or at 416-226-7803

Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Cameron Field, Financial Crimes Unit

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

News Release - Weather alert issued for Toronto

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

News Release

February 19, 2014 

Weather alert issued for Toronto 

Environment Canada is forecasting a weather system that may bring 30 to 40 mm of rainfall with possible thunderstorms to the Greater Toronto Area starting Thursday night through Friday morning. In addition, the rising temperature will melt some of the ice and snow currently on the ground. 

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority has also issued a Flood Outlook Watershed Conditions Statement, warning that the forecasted rainfall amounts mixed with melting snow will result in higher than normal water levels and flows, and possible ice break-up in our rivers and streams, creating dangerous conditions. The possibility exists for flooding on roadways and in low-lying areas. The statement asks people to please stay away from rivers and streams and exercise caution around all bodies of water. For the most up-to-date weather information, visit Environment Canada’s website.

The City of Toronto encourages residents and businesses to take precautionary steps to protect their property and ensure their safety. 

The combination of melting snow and rain can lead to basement flooding. Here are some tips for residents:
- Keep melting snow and ice away from your foundation walls.
- Ensure your downspouts are not blocked and are draining properly.
- If it is safe to do so, clear debris from roadside catch basins - the square sewer grates on the road to help water enter the storm sewer.
- If your basement is at an immediate threat of flooding, prepare your basement by moving valuables to shelves or upper floors. Cleaners, paint and chemicals should also be taken off the floor so they do not further contaminate any floodwater that may get into your home.

If your basement has flooded: 
- Call your insurance company as soon as possible to report property damage caused by flooding.
- Do not enter a flooded basement, as you may be exposed to sewage or come in contact with water and electricity.
- Be mindful of your health and safety when cleaning up a flooded basement. Do not stand in flood water - call a professional for assistance.
- Call 311 immediately to report basement flooding. During extreme weather, call volumes will be high. Calls will be answered by the first available agent. 311 is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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

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

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

News Release - City of Toronto tackling potholes and clearing catch basins on City Streets

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release

February 19, 2014 

City of Toronto tackling potholes and clearing catch basins on City Streets

With milder temperatures forecasted for the near future, the City of Toronto is actively patrolling for potholes as they form on streets. City crews are ready to deal with emergency pothole situations by making temporary repairs. When conditions become drier, crews will make more permanent repairs.

The City will be doubling the number of staff fixing potholes to almost 100 workers assigned to 25 to 30 crews over the next few weeks.  

“This has been a particularly cold and snowy winter season, and that has had an impact on our roads," said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34 Don Valley East), Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. “Our crews have been busy with winter operations, but whenever conditions have made it possible to do so, they have been working hard to fix potholes in order to prevent the situation from getting worse as we approach spring."

Over the past three years, the City has repaired an average of 170,000 potholes annually. The City spends about $3.5 million a year to fix potholes.

Residents are asked to use the City's online service at http://www.toronto.ca/311 to report potholes so crews can be assigned to repair them. On that web page, click on "roads" to create a pothole service request. You can click on "open 311API and mobile apps" to download a mobile app to a smartphone.

Following these three tips when reporting a pothole will assist with expediting the repair work:
- Provide the precise geographic location of the pothole – the nearest cross streets and a street address if possible.
- Provide the pothole's exact location on the roadway – in the eastbound centre lane or in the westbound curb lane, for example.
- Estimate the size of the pothole.

While the City usually repairs potholes within five days, requests are prioritized based on the amount of traffic on the road and the severity of the pothole.

The City will have crews out clearing catch basins in order to prevent flooding on city streets.  Crews will focus on known problem locations, as well as areas around bus stops, crosswalks and key intersections. 

Residents are asked to help clear ice and snow from the catch basins in front of their homes to help prevent roadway flooding. Residents are asked to contact 311 to report flooding.

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

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