Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Don Valley Parkway closed this weekend for annual spring maintenance

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

News Release:  April 30, 2014

Don Valley Parkway closed this weekend for annual spring maintenance

The City of Toronto's Transportation Services Division will be performing maintenance activities on the Don Valley Parkway from Friday, May 2 to Sunday, May 4. For the safety of the public and the workers, full closure of the Don Valley Parkway is required.
The Don Valley Parkway will be closed in both directions from Highway 401 to the Gardiner Expressway from Friday, May 2 at 10 p.m. to Sunday, May 4 at 6 a.m.

"We would like to thank the public for their patience as we perform maintenance to keep the Don Valley Parkway in a state of good repair," said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34 Don Valley East), Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

Specific activities during the closure include:
• replacement of precast subway beams at lower deck of Prince Edward viaduct
• cleaning and repair of 500 catch basins - required to ensure proper drainage 
• sign maintenance for entire length of roadway 
• maintenance of 15 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras 
• inspection and repair of 73 overhead signs 
• repairs on Road Emergency Services Communications Unit (RESCU) vehicle detectors 
• guiderail repair at 40 locations, and 
• expressway sweeping operations and litter removal.

As an alternative, motorists can use Don Mills Road, Bayview Avenue, Victoria Park Avenue and Kingston Road during the closure and should allow extra time to get to and from their destination during this closure. Whenever possible, the public is encouraged to consider using public transit and other modes of travel as a convenient alternative.

More information and a complete list of events and road work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/torontostreets/.

In addition, the City's T.O. INview map shows planned capital construction work taking place across the city. T.O. Inview can be accessed at http://www.toronto.ca/inview.

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

-30-


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

Monday, April 28, 2014

MPP Glen Murray Budget Breakfast Invitation- May 2nd, 2014

Please find attached to this email an invitation from MPP Glen Murray to attend a breakfast event this coming Friday, May 2nd to discuss the 2014/2015 Ontario Budget, which is being presented on May 1st. Feel free to bring a guest or invite others who may be interested in attending this event.

Time and Location:
Friday, May 2nd, 2014
8:00am-9:00am
Central Neighbourhood House
349 Ontario Street
Toronto, Ontario  M5A2V8
RSVP by Thursday May 1st, 1:00pm to medwards@liberal.ola.org or 416-972-7683

Thank you very much.

Matthew Edwards
Executive Assistant
Office of MPP Glen Murray
514 Parliament Street, Toronto, Ontario
P: 416-972-7683 | F: 416-972-7686



Opening of The Esplanade Sculptural Photo Exhibit and The ESP Stories

Bonjour,
 It's with a lot of pride I admit, that I'm announcing the Opening of The Esplanade Sculptural Photo Exhibit, The ESP Stories, on Saturday May 3rd at 2pm in Crombie Park (The Esplanade at Princess St).
 Under the artistic leadership of Jacques Fortier, Laura Dittmann and Jim Adams, 11 of our neighbours (all ages) worked tirelessly for 3 months to create this exhibit, all the way from developing the concept, finding a theme, taking and curating photographs, to painting clothespins, sanding windows and bending pipes!

The exhibit opening will be celebrated with folk music revolutionary, Lemon Bucket Orkestra. I hope you will come in big numbers to discover this creative project programmed at CONTACT Photography Festival, co-produced with CORPUS, supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and Toronto Arts Council.

And here is the opportunity to refresh your home library: on Saturday, we're launching The ESP Book Trade in partnership with the Toronto Public Library, St Lawrence Branch. Bring a book and take one home.

Finally, also bring some snacks to share at our potluck picnic table and if you feel like starting the day early, the Environment Day starts at 10am.

 Isorine


No overnight closures of Gardiner taking place this week

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

News Release:  April 28, 2014   

No overnight closures of Gardiner taking place this week

As a result of the work completed during the weekend closure of the Gardiner Expressway, the overnight closures previously scheduled for the eastbound lanes of the Gardiner Expressway from the Humber River to Carlaw Avenue are no longer required.

One closure will remain in place. The Lake Shore Boulevard ramp to the westbound Gardiner Expressway - just west of Windermere Avenue - will remain closed until Tuesday, April 29 at 5 a.m.

A more complete list of events and road work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/torontostreets/.

In addition, the City's T.O. INview map shows planned capital construction work taking place across the city. T.O. Inview can be accessed at http://www.toronto.ca/inview.

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

-30-


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

Sunday, April 27, 2014

Community Member Awards

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media Advisory, Community Member Awards, 40 College Street, main lobby, Sunday, April 27, 2014, at 1 p.m.

Sunday, April 27, 2014 - 5:00 AM
Corporate Risk Management:  416-808-7716

On Sunday, April 27, 2014, at 1 p.m., in the main lobby of Police Headquarters, 40 College Street, 79 members of the community will be recognized for unselfish acts of bravery, courage and assistance to the Toronto Police Service.

The presentations will be made by Alok Mukherjee, Chair of the Toronto Police Services Board and Acting Chief of Police Mike Federico.

For further information please contact Ms. Antoinette Lobo at (416) 808-7716 or Corporate Communications at (416) 808-7100.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.



Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Acting Superintendent Peter Callaghan, Corporate Risk Management

Friday, April 25, 2014

Public consultation on City of Toronto's response to the 2013 storms and future weather emergencies

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

News Release:  April 25, 2014                 

Public consultation on City of Toronto's response to the 2013 storms and future weather emergencies

The City of Toronto is looking for public input on the City’s response to the July 2013 flood and the December 2013 ice storm. From May 9 to May 30, residents are invited to tell the City what worked well in their neighbourhoods, what needs improving, and how the City can support its residents in future weather emergencies.

The City has scheduled four public information and consultation sessions at City civic centres and has launched a consultation website at http://www.toronto.ca/weatherprooftoronto.

Each public session will start at 6 p.m. with information and displays about weather and emergency preparedness. At 7 p.m., staff will provide a formal presentation, take questions and hear remarks from the public, and facilitate discussions on the best ways to weatherproof Toronto in the future. Venues are accessible and ASL interpretation will be provided.

• Monday, May 12: Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr., 6 to 9 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 13: Toronto City Hall (Rotunda), 100 Queen St. W., 6 to 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, May 14: North York Civic Centre, 5110 Yonge St. 6 to 9 p.m.
• Thursday, May 15: Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall 6 to 9 p.m.

All residents, whether they attend the public sessions or not, are encouraged to fill out an online feedback form on the consultation website starting May 9. The website also includes background reports, emergency preparedness resources and further information on how the public can provide input. All public input must be received by May 30.

The City Manager will report back to the City's Executive Committee on July 2 on the outcomes of storm-related reviews undertaken by the City and Toronto Hydro, and this public consultation. Public input will be posted on the consultation website and the City's Open Data website.

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

-30-


Media contact: Wynna Brown, Strategic Communications, 416-392-8937, wbrown1@toronto.ca

Thursday, April 24, 2014

Glen Murray, MPP - Upcoming Events


Upcoming Community Events


Idea Distillery #3 The West Don Lands & it's future neighbour, a new Aboriginal Health and Cultural Hub!

Tuesday April 29th
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Mill Street Beer Hall - 21 Tank House Lane,TO

On Monday, March 31st, an historic announcement was made by the Government of Ontario in Toronto Centre. Following the 2015 Pan American Games, Anishnawbe Health Toronto will open a new state-of-the-art facility in the West Don Lands.  In addition to being a centre of research excellence in traditional and modern medicine and health care, this new centre will be a hub for culture, entrepreneurialism and education.



Join us this Tuesday for the third instalment of the Idea Distillery speaker series and hear from Joe Hester and Jacques Huot of Anishnawbe Health Toronto, and David Donnely, a leading Canadian aboriginal and environmental rights lawyer, about the significance of this announcement and the history of aboriginal peoples in the West Don Lands and surrounding areas.
Light refreshments will be served. Hope to see you out!
St. James Town Community Clean Up - May 10th
10 AM - 2 PM


Following last year’s success, the St James Town Youth Council, Community Matters, and the YMCA along with other organizations, will be hosting their second annual Community Clean Up. It is an initiative that calls for community members as well as others who would like to participate to come out and clean up the very community that they live in to make it a better place.  This year, the cleanup will be taking place on Saturday May 10th, from 10:00am – 12pm, with a free lunch provided after. For further updates on the clean up and for more information on how to register, please visitwww.stjamestownyouth.com or call Sneha, one of the event coordinators, at (647)-216-5757.

The Community Clean Up is an initiative that requires funding and the support of those from the community. If you would like to make donations of any kind or would like to be a sponsor, please email sjtcleanup@stjamestownyouth.com.

Ontario Pedestrian Safety Campaign 2014: “Walk Your Kids to School Challenge”

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media advisory, Ontario Pedestrian Safety Campaign 2014, “Walk Your Kids to School Challenge”, Thursday, April 24, 2014, 9:00 a.m., Ledbury Park Elementary and Middle School

Thursday, April 24, 2014 - 5:00 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

On Thursday, April 24, 2014, at 9 a.m., at Ledbury Park Elementary and Middle School, located at 95 Falkirk Street, the Toronto Police Service, in partnership with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ministry of Transportation, will embark on a four-week pedestrian safety education campaign entitled, “Walk Your Kids to School Challenge”.

The Pedestrian Safety Campaign “Walk Your Kids to School Challenge” is a public awareness campaign that is aimed at increasing pedestrian safety among school-aged children and reducing vehicle-pedestrian conflicts around school areas.

The “Walk Your Kids to School Challenge” goal is to:
• Increase awareness on pedestrian safety
• Reduce collisions and injuries in school zones
• Reduce traffic congestion during drop-off and pick-up times
• Reduce parking issues on school property

The contest is open to any public elementary school in urban areas within the province of Ontario. The four week contest is a challenge between classes in schools to have the most number of students who walk with a parent or guardian instead of being driven to and from school. Public education materials as well as other collateral materials will be provided to participating schools.

The kick-off for this event will take place on Thursday, April 24, 2014, at Ledbury Park Elementary and Middle School, 95 Falkirk Street. The event will run from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m.

All pedestrians are encouraged to observe the following safety rules:


• Do the BRIGHT thing! - Wear bright or light-coloured clothing or reflective strips when possible, when walking in dusk or darkness.
• Be alert, visible and aware of what is around you at all times on any road.
• Cross the street at marked intersections and crosswalks.
• Obey traffic signals and signs.
• Look all ways before you cross the street.
• Watch for traffic turning at intersections or entering and leaving
driveways.
• Cross the road when traffic has come to a complete stop and make sure drivers see you before you cross.
• Play in a safe area away from road traffic or near parked cars
• Do not wear distracting equipment such as headphones when crossing the road.
• Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, when there are no
Sidewalks available.

Pedestrian safety is a shared responsibility; please do your part!

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Hugh Smith, Traffic Services

Wednesday, April 23, 2014

2014 Tarion Annual Public Meeting

2014 Tarion Annual Public Meeting


Dear homeowner,

Each year Tarion holds a public meeting at which we cover a wide range of topics of general interest. These include an update on the company's activities over the last year, a summary of current financial information as well as a report by the New Home Buyer Ombudsperson.

We hope that you can join us.

Meeting Details:
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
The Westin Prince Toronto, Crown Room
900 York Mills Road Toronto, ON M3B 3H2

Time:
6:00 p.m. Registration
6:30 p.m. Meeting
8:00 p.m. Meeting adjourns
This meeting is also available through Web Conference.

If you're interested in attending this event, please register in advance. 

"Like Us" on Facebook at to get our latest updates.

Doors Open Toronto announces full line-up for 2014

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

News Release:  April 23, 2014

Doors Open Toronto announces full line-up for 2014

Doors Open Toronto presented by Great Gulf introduces its full list of new and returning buildings, an exciting speakers series, city-wide walking tours and special programming for 2014. The details are now available online at http://www.toronto.ca/doorsopen

"Doors Open Toronto is a great example of a community event that has become a city-wide celebration," said Mayor Rob Ford. "Thanks to the committed partnership from our sponsor Great Gulf, the local community and the buildings for opening their doors, this event continues to be a huge success and attracts more and more residents every year."

The 15th annual weekend celebration of architecture takes place Saturday, May 24 and Sunday, May 25, offering rare access to more than 155 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city. This year's theme is Secrets and Spirits… Exploring the Mysteries Behind the Door.

"Doors Open Toronto gives residents across the city an opportunity to explore many of the significant architectural sites that collectively shape our city's identity," said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the City's Economic Development Committee. "It is a chance to discover some of Toronto’s most distinguished and internationally-recognized landmarks."
               
"Great Gulf is delighted to return as presenting sponsor of Doors Open," said Christopher Wein, President, Great Gulf Residential. "A city’s soul and expression can be seen not only in its history, geography and culture, but also in the buildings most loved by its residents. Now in its 15th year, Doors Open continues to enlighten the community by inviting everyone to discover our city’s hidden treasures and the secrets behind its doors."

New for this year, Great Gulf presents Utilities by artist Michael Cook at the Great Gulf, Yonge + Rich Presentation Centre. This exhibit features photographs of the tunnels, sewers, drains and waterways that lie beneath the city – the crucial infrastructure that is normally hidden from view.

On May 24 at the new Fort York Toronto Library Branch, audiences can hear six influential architects speak on Redesigning Toronto, a Pecha Kucha-style talk discussing the architectural and urban planning of Toronto. On May 25 at Harbourfront Centre, audiences can hear renowned urban designer Ken Greenberg reflect on Harbourfront Centre: A 40-year Legacy of Transforming the Toronto Waterfront.

Toronto City Hall will be a hotspot during the Doors Open Toronto weekend. Visitors can expect access to key locations such as the 27th floor observation desk, the council chamber and the Mayor's Office, and special exhibits and activities, including:
- "[murmur]", the documentary oral history project conveying the emotional attachment citizens have to Toronto
- "Exposed Toronto", an exhibition of photographs inspired by this year's program theme
- "My City Hall Mystery", a family-friendly scavenger hunt leading to key locations in City Hall and Nathan Phillips Square.

This year's Doors Open Toronto also presents free walking tours. Sponsored by the University of Toronto, the city-wide tours are aligned with the event theme and focus on secrets, spirits and mysteries. This year's tours include:
- The Ghosts and Spirits of the Historic Distillery District
- The Spirit of the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse at Toronto Harbour
- The Spirits of Exhibition Place, including paranormal hotspots
- Communing with the Spirits? Doubt and Belief in Toronto the Good
- Mount Pleasant Cemetery: Where Soldiers Rest in Peace
- The Layers of Leaside Tour
- Village of Islington ARTwalk and Trolley Tour
- Guild Park: Where Art Meets Culture
- The Mysteries of the University of Toronto.

Full program details, including a complete list of new and returning buildings, walking tour registration and information about talks are available at http://www.toronto.ca/doorsopen.

About Doors Open Toronto
Since its inception in 2000, Doors Open Toronto has attracted more than two million visits to nearly 600 unique locations across the city. It is Canada's largest Doors Open event and one of the three largest Doors Open events in the world. Doors Open Toronto is dedicated to built heritage, architecture and design. It is sponsored by Great Gulf and produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the broader community.

About Great Gulf Group
Established in 1975, the Great Gulf Group of companies including Great Gulf, Ashton Woods Homes, First Gulf Corporation, Tucker HiRise Construction, Brockport Systems Ltd. and Taboo Resort Golf and Spa, is one of North America’s premier real estate organizations. With major projects in Canada and the United States, the company’s fully-integrated activities span the entire real estate spectrum.

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

- 30 -


Media contact: Justine Palinska, Economic Development and Culture, 416-395-7318, jpalins@toronto.ca

Jamii News - CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS

As you may remember, in July 2013, an incident between TAVIS Rapid Response Unit and and an alleged drug dealer ended up with The Esplanade basketball court completely destroyed. The community's spontaneous response was overwhelming: people were out the following day to clean up the court so that kids could play. The court mural, created by an artist in 2010, was first vandalized, and then painted all black by community members.

I'm now very excited to be sending out a call for participants: we're looking for youth aged 12 to 18 to create with artists Shalak Attack and Julian Periquet a new mural for the court, which will be unveiled mid-July, one year after the incident.

If you are interested in taking part in this project, or know someone who might be, please contact info@jamiiesplanade.org as soon as possible to register. 

And just so you know, Maple Leaf Sports + Entertainment Foundation is working on resurfacing the court. This should be done around June.

A project in partnership with CORPUS, The Esplanade Community Group, The St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre, and supported by The Ontario Trillium Foundation. 



Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Gardiner Expressway closed this weekend for spring maintenance

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

News Release:  April 22, 2014             

Gardiner Expressway closed this weekend for spring maintenance

The City of Toronto's Transportation Services division will be performing maintenance activities and setting up for construction work on the Gardiner Expressway starting this Friday. Full closure of the Gardiner Expressway is needed to ensure safety for the public and for crews working at the site.

The Gardiner Expressway will be closed in both directions from Carlaw Avenue to Highway 427 from 10 p.m. on Friday, April 25 to noon on Sunday, April 27.

In addition, a series of overnight closures starting Monday, April 28 will close the expressway's eastbound lanes between the Humber River and Carlaw Avenue. These closures are needed for the initial setup for three major construction projects in the Gardiner Expressway Strategic Rehabilitation Project.

"This is very important work that we need to do to keep our road infrastructure in a safe and operable condition," said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34 Don Valley East), Chair of the Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. "We thank the public for their patience as we perform this important work on and around the roadway."

Specific activities that will be undertaken during this closure include:
• catch basin cleaning at about 1,000 locations to ensure proper drainage 
• pavement markings on 15 kilometres of highway 
• pothole repairs 
• bridge inspections 
• maintenance work on many of the 400 static signs 
• maintenance of closed-circuit television cameras 
• inspection of 200 overhead signs 
• installation of four new overhead signs 
• repair of 300 metres of guiderail, and 
• sweeping operations and litter removal.

Motorists can use Lake Shore Boulevard, the Queensway, Richmond Street, Adelaide Street, King Street and Queen Street as alternative routes during the weekend closure. Motorists should allow extra time to get to and from their destination. Whenever possible, people are encouraged to consider other modes of travel as a convenient alternative. 

A more complete list of events and road work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/torontostreets/.

In addition, the City's T.O. INview map shows planned capital construction work taking place across the city. T.O. Inview can be accessed at http://www.toronto.ca/inview.

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

-30-


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

'Planning Cities for Families' kicks off Toronto's 2014 Chief Planner Roundtable series

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

News Release:  April 22, 2014           

'Planning Cities for Families' kicks off Toronto's 2014 Chief Planner Roundtable series

The City of Toronto's Chief Planner Roundtable series kicks off its second year of stimulating conversation to effect change with a discussion that will focus on planning cities for families.

Members of the public are welcome to attend the roundtable on Thursday, April 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Committee Room 1 at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.

The Chief Planner Roundtable is a discussion forum focused on key city-building challenges.

The first of two sessions for 2014, called "Planning Cities for Families," looks at why families and children matter for the future of cities, and examines how Toronto measures up in terms of satisfying the needs of families within the planning process.

The conversation will focus on a few key areas and address questions such as:
• Are city builders aware of the special needs of families with young children?
• What barriers currently exist to the creation of family-friendly cities, neighbourhoods and buildings, and what can city builders do to change this?
• Does Toronto have the amenities, services, affordability and infrastructure to satisfy the needs of families and retain residents across their whole life cycle?

The roundtable discussion is structured into three segments: setting the stage, reviewing key questions and positioning change. The goal of the discussion is to produce a series of action items that will identify immediate steps for addressing challenges and set the stage for future initiatives.

The roundtables bring together industry experts, City staff and stakeholders in discussions about challenges and opportunities on themes that affect strong city building.

In 2013, the Chief Planner Roundtables got off to a successful start by engaging more than 2,600 participants in conversations, both in person and online. The action items from the 2013 roundtable discussions can be found in two summary documents that were produced after last year's events. The summary documents are available on the Chief Planner Roundtable website identified below.

Members of the public who are interested in attending the upcoming event are asked to RSVP by emailing chiefplannerroundtable@toronto.ca. There is limited seating in the main room.

Those unable to attend in person can watch the conversation via Rogers TV livestream, which can be accessed from the link below. You can also monitor the conversation on twitter by following @CityPlanTO and by searching the hashtag #CProundtable.

Further information about the roundtables is available at http://www.toronto.ca/planning/chiefplannerroundtable.

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

- 30 -


Media contact: Bruce Hawkins, Strategic Communications, 416-392-3496, bhawkin@toronto.ca

Thursday, April 17, 2014

Path to healthier air – new study confirms traffic reduction needed

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

News Release:  April 17, 2014

Path to healthier air – new study confirms traffic reduction needed

A new study by Toronto Public Health, Path to Healthier Air: Toronto Air Pollution Burden of Illness Update, shows that air pollution results in approximately 1,300 premature deaths and 3,550 hospitalizations annually in Toronto. Air pollution is also known to cause cardiovascular and respiratory health problems, affect birth outcomes, and is linked to cancer, chronic diseases and other illnesses.

"Healthy public policy can make a difference in saving lives," said Dr. David McKeown, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health. "This report shows that we are better off than we were, but air pollution still has a serious impact on health. More work is needed to reduce emissions and reduce health risks."

According to the study, there has been a decrease of 23 per cent in premature deaths and 41 per cent in hospitalizations over the past decade, as government policies and programs, such as the phase-out of coal-fired power generation and the City of Toronto's low sulfur fuel purchasing have helped to reduce emissions.  

The largest local source of air pollution is motor vehicle traffic, accounting for approximately 280 premature deaths and 1,090 hospitalizations in Toronto. 

"With over half of the health impact from Toronto's local air pollution attributed to motor vehicle traffic, expanding transportation options so that more people walk, cycle and take transit, is a prescription for better air and better health," added Dr. McKeown. 

Considering the needs of pedestrians and cyclists when planning and building new public transit projects will help to greatly reduce harmful emissions and the negative impact on health. In addition, developing an urban freight strategy to reduce the amount of time spent on Toronto's roadways by polluting heavy-duty trucks is a strategy that would save lives. 

More information about the report that will be before Toronto's Board of Health at its April 28, 2014 meeting is available at http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/viewAgendaItemHistory.do?item=2014.HL30.1

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

- 30 -


Media contact: Lenore Bromley,Toronto Public Health, 416-338-7974, lbromle@toronto.ca

Man arrested in Child Pornography investigation, Carl Mckinnon, 49, faces three charges

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Man arrested in Child Pornography investigation, Carl Mckinnon, 49, faces three charges

Thursday, April 17, 2014 - 1:47 PM
Sex Crimes:  416-808-8500

On Thursday, April 17, 2014, members of Sex Crimes Child Exploitation Section, with assistance from Intelligence Services - Technological Crime, executed a search warrant in the Sherbourne Street and Carlton Street area.

As a result of the search warrant, a man was arrested.

It is alleged that:

- the man obtained child pornography from the internet

- he was in possession of child pornography on the date of his arrest

Carl Mckinnon, 49, of Toronto, is charged with:

1) Possession Child Pornography
2) Make Available Child Pornography
3) Accessing Child Pornography

He is scheduled to appear in court at College Park, Thursday, April 17, 2014, at 2 p.m.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-8500, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online atwww.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.

Reporting can also be made at Canada's National Tipline for Reporting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children at www.cybertip.ca.


This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and the Ministry of the Attorney General.


For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.



Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Amy Davey, Sex Crimes - Child Exploitation Section

City of Toronto launches BluePaw pet licensing rewards program

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

News Release:  April 17, 2014                  

City of Toronto launches BluePaw pet licensing rewards program

Today, the City of Toronto's Animal Services officially launched its BluePaw licensing rewards program. This program rewards Toronto residents who license their dogs and cats, offering discounts at pet-related businesses.

"We are excited to partner with businesses to provide value to the residents who license their pets," said Councillor Cesar Palacio (Ward 17 Davenport), Chair of the Licensing and Standards Committee. "Licensing your pet is one of the ways that your animal can be returned to you in case of an emergency or if it gets lost."

The BluePaw Program encourages Toronto residents to license their pets. In accordance with Toronto Municipal Code, Chapter 349, all dog and cat owners in Toronto must purchase a licence for their pet. Recent estimates show that only 30 per cent of dogs and 10 per cent of cats in Toronto are licensed.

Toronto Animal Services recognizes the opportunity to increase compliance with pet licensing by adding value to the service. The BluePaw Program allows pet owners to recuperate the licence fee over a period of time by showing the BluePaw tag at partner businesses to receive discounts on pet-related products and services.

Licensing fees go directly to Animal Services to help support programs such as pet adoption and spay/neuter clinics, and to provide medical care for lost and homeless animals.

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/bluepaw or by calling 311.

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

- 30 -


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

Volunteers Integral to Service

By Ron Fanfair, Toronto Police ServicePublished: 1:59 p.m. April 16, 2014
Updated: 10:11 a.m. April 17, 2014


Mounted Unit officers know their horses are in good hands when they’re away from the stables.

Sarah Cutts-Rosen and Superintendent Bill Wardle
For the past 15 years, volunteer Sarah Cutts-Rosen has been in the saddle exercising horses at The Horse Palace, home of the Mounted, about three times a week before heading to her full-time job as a production manager in the television industry.

She was among 50 Service volunteers honoured at the Toronto Police Service  Divisional Policing Support Unit Volunteer Appreciation Night on April 14 at the police college.

“The work that Sarah does is simply amazing,” said Superintendent Bill Wardle, who was in charge of the Mounted Unit, prior to heading to  54 Divisionearlier this year. “When our officers are away for various reasons, they can rest assured that Sarah is taking their horses out of the stable and exercising them. She is an asset to the unit and she has grown close to my family over the years.”

Cutts-Rosen said her love of horses and her father’s military background were the impetus to volunteer with the police horses.

“It’s just a privilege to work with them,” she said. “What better way to start the day than ride and groom horses early in the morning before going to work.”

Cutts-Rosen, who also assists the unit with special events and tours, singled out Blue Moon – a Perchon thoroughbred and one of the unit’s two grey horses – as her favourite.

“He’s such a wonderful horse to ride and he has a great attitude,” she said.

Each year, the John Herra Memorial Award and the  Victim Services Toronto (VST) Award are presented to volunteers who demonstrate outstanding leadership skills and proven commitment to their community.

Herra was an auxiliary officer who retired as an Inspector in 1996 after 14 years of community service.

This year’s recipient was Bob Kemp, a member of the  51 Division Community Police Liaison Committee for the last 12 years.

“This award means a lot because I really enjoy working with the police,” said Kemp, raised in Windsor before moving to Toronto at age 18. “We need the police on our side and I will do anything to assist them with their job in the community.”

Superintendent Elizabeth Byrnes, the 51 Division unit commander, made the presentation to Kemp.

“One of the things that Bob does that really impresses me is his work with the Salvation Army board,” she said. “In that capacity, he works closely with shelters and systems in our Division, and he has taken under his wing over 100 men who have criminal records or have been substance abusers or both.  He provides them with work to help beautify the St. Lawrence Market Area and about 70 of them have gone on to gain employment with the city because of their work with Bob.

“Every week, he’s in my office asking what he can do. He just relishes giving back to the community and to the people at our station.”

Chief Bill Blair, Bob Kemp and Superintendent Liz Byrnes




















Bev Craddock, who has chalked up nearly 500 volunteer hours since 2009, was presented with the VST Award.

“One of the best parts of my job is having the pleasure of working with so many wonderful volunteers who so generously dedicate their time, professional skills, knowledge and compassion to the community and victims of crime and sudden tragedy,” said VST program manager Sarah Rogers. “Bev is one of these incredible volunteers who has demonstrated all those skills and qualities and much more.”

A year after joining VST, Craddock became one of the first volunteer mentors pairing with a new recruit to assist in their training and transition to the crisis team.

“Bev is patient, knowledgeable and a well-respected leader,” Rogers said. “As with any new program, there are some flaws but Bev helped us iron out some of the kinks. She’s just an incredible individual and we are all better people for knowing her and working alongside her.”

A government agency employee and fiction writer, Craddock relishes her time with VST, which provides 24/7 crisis, response, trauma and support services to victims of crime and sudden tragic circumstances.

“For me, it’s all about giving back to your community without expecting anything in return,” she pointed out. “Having said that, I am just happy to be recognized.”

Five-, ten- and 15-year pins were presented to CPLC volunteers at the event that coincided with National Volunteer Week celebrations observed from April 6-12.

“I want to make sure that my community is safe and ensure I gave back to the community,” said lawyer Mary Reilly, the recipient of a 15-year pin.

Justin Van Dette’s reasons for volunteering are similar.

“I like making a difference and doing whatever I can to support the community and make it safe,” he said.

Sarah Rogers presents the VST Volunteer of the Year Award to Bev Craddock




















Chief Bill Blair thanked the volunteers for their service and reminded them they are an integral part of Canada’s largest municipal police service.

“You have made us a more competent police service and you have helped us understand your communities,” he noted. “You have brought to us your knowledge of your communities and you make the work of my officers so much more effective because of the service you provide.”

Toronto Police Services Board Chair Alok Mukherjee also paid tribute to the volunteers in the police family.

“You are a very important and exceptional group of people who are critical to the work of our organization and this city,” he said. “We owe you a great debt because your dedication and generosity enrich our society in many different and unexpected ways. You integrate our communities and infuse them with compassion and you demonstrate your caring, compassion and commitment daily through your actions, giving selflessly in so many valued and constructive ways across the city. You truly represent community spirit in its greatest form and for this you have our deepest gratitude.”

Five-year pins were awarded to: Roman Dabrowski, Sandy Trpcic, Debbie Jones, Tania Fernandes, Lisa Kostakis, Deb Devgan, Gene Lincoln, Roger Williams, Holly Qaunce, Cyndy De Los Santos, Randy Sidhu, Pamela Tahir, Al Stuart, Lucy Deluca, Young Lee Ha, Jason Ying, Kristin Kobayashi, Janet Marshall, Sam Monogram, Karen Austerberry, Patricia Hough, Patricia Stamp, Paulina Jules-Soungie, Larry Colle, Ronald Miller, Susan Gapka, John Dixon, Justin Van Dette, Georgina Bencsik, Vivian Broersma, Ricardo Harvey, Bok Sil Shin, Jaeyell Kim, Rey Tolentino, Khang Nguyen, Sambath Chhom, Tom Zaw, Tom Vongphakdy, Mali Phiphat, Henry Lee Ha, Barry Yau, Holly de jong, Bev Craddock, Diana Helmy, Carlos Iglesias, Aaron McAllister, Ibrahim Meru, Simone Samuel, Jean Marie Boutot, Colleen Clarke, Howard Bortenstein, Eddie Cruz, Brian Kwan, Leonard Leo, Sachil Patel, Simone Ip, Christine Thai, Mary Caporusso and Sukmar Balasubramaniam.

 Ten-year pins were awarded to:  Francisco Juarez, John Broley, Steve Monardo, Bihi Sharmaarke, Sofia Abukbeker, Shukriya Librahim, Cindy O’Brien, Rosaline Sonshine, Melanie Dickson-Smith, Winnie McMillen, Marilyn Hodge, Hamid Hashmi, Bob Kemp, Adnan Noureddine, Osman Khan, Adbui Hai Patel, Parveen Inam and Viresh Mathur.

 Fifteen-year pins were awarded to: Margaret Traccitto, Keith LeClair, Cynthia Persaud, Heather Kilgour, Margarite Stevens, Mary Reilly, Don Routley, Sarah Cutts-Rosen, Sid Ikeda and Ina Hechavarria.

 Twenty-year pins were awarded to Frances Sanderson, of the Aboriginal Consultative Committee and Alex Ling, who is assigned to 11 Division.

Wednesday, April 16, 2014

New George Street Revitalization Project Website

To all persons interested in the George Street Revitalization Project:
(formerly called Seaton House Redevelopment)
 
Last Friday, April 11 we launched a website for the project.  I invite you to go to:  www.toronto.ca/newgeorge
 
Through this web site you will be able to stay up to date on developments for the project.  There will also be further information about how to get involved and have your say over the coming months.

Rudy Mumm, SSHA Project Lead, George Street Revitalization
on behalf of Shelter, Support and Housing Administration with
Long-Term Care Homes & Services

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

City of Toronto's family activities for Easter weekend

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

News Release:  April 15, 2014    

City of Toronto's family activities for Easter weekend

The City of Toronto will offer many stimulating activities at its parks, forestry and recreation attractions and historic sites this weekend. 

Recreation programs, services and permits
Friday, April 18: Due to the holiday, not all recreational programs will be offered. Regularly scheduled programs and permits at all facilities will be cancelled, with the exception of scheduled tournaments or league play.

Saturday, April 19 and Sunday April 20: All programs and services will operate as usual on these two days.

Monday, April 21: Due to the holiday, not all parks, forestry and recreation programs and services will be offered on April 21. Regularly scheduled programs and permits at all facilities will be cancelled, with the exception of scheduled tournaments or league play.

Residents can contact their local community centre or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks for more information.

The following activities will be offered:

Riverdale FarmThe perfect destination for families, Riverdale Farm has cows, horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits and newborn lambs. While there, you can visit the residence and the Cabbagetown Regent Park Museum. The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks.  

Toronto IslandsCatch a ferry to Ward's Island, just minutes away from the downtown core. The Toronto Islands offer holiday fun for the whole family. It's a great place to walk, roll, cycle, explore and enjoy the city skyline. Open daily. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/parks/island.  

Playground ParadiseLocated at Flemingdon Park Community Centre, the Playground Paradise offers fun for children 12 years of age and under. They can play on a two-storey play structure, go down the spiral slide, swing on the track ride, climb the cargo elevator, talk to friends through the talk tube and play in a ball pool with 8,000 balls. Easter weekend public hours are Friday, April 18, closed; Saturday and Sunday, open from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 3 to 5 p.m.; Monday, April 21, closed. Admission is $2.50 per child. More information is available by calling 416-395-6014.

High Park Zoo The High Park Zoo invites everyone to visit the park's animal attraction and meet the spring babies. The zoo offers domestic and exotic animals, including bison, llamas, peacocks, deer, highland cattle and capybara. You can hand feed the llamas in the llama pen on weekends from April through October, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The animal attraction is open daily, year-round from 7 a.m. to dusk. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo.   

Preview of spring flower shows The spring flower shows are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens. Both shows feature various spring flowering plants, such as cyclamen, kalanchoe, primula, crocuses, tulips and daffodils. The Easter flower shows open at both conservatories on April 13 and run until May 4. Both conservatories are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. For more information, call Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288. More information is available athttp://www1.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/recreationcentres/index.htm. 

Easter Weekend at City of Toronto Historic SitesColborne Lodge will offer Easter-themed tours this coming weekend both Saturday, April 19 and Sunday, April 20. Todmorden Mills will host a free Earth Day celebration on Saturday, April 19 from 12 to 4 p.m. There's a seat for you at the harvest table in the historic Gibson House kitchen Sunday afternoons. From 1 to 5 p.m., visitors can relax and have a chat over tea and homemade cookies. 

All City of Toronto Historic Sites will be closed on Friday, April 18. Details about weekend hours of operation are available online under What's On at http://www.toronto.ca/museums.

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

- 30 -

Media contacts: 
Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line, 416-560-8726, pfrmedialine@toronto.ca 
Shane Gerard, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5711, sgerard@toronto.ca 

Glen Murray, MPP - Upcoming Community Events



Upcoming Community Events


Idea Distillery #3: Urban Aboriginal Health and the West Don Lands - April 29th
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

The Mill Street Beer Hall, 21 Tank House Lane

Join us for the third installment of the Idea Distillery speaker series and hear from leaders in the Toronto aboriginal community to learn about the history of aboriginal health care and it's significance to our city. Following the announcement that Anishnawbe Health Toronto will open a new facility in the West Don Lands after the Pan American Games in 2015, this evening will be an opportunity to hear from Joe Hester and Jacques Huot of Anishnawbe Health Toronto and David Donnely, a leading Canadian aboriginal and environmental rights lawyer. These speakers will discuss the significance of this announcement and the history of aboriginal peoples in the West Don Lands and surrounding areas.

Light refreshments will be served. To learn more about this exciting announcement, click here.  


St. James Town Community Clean Up - May 10th
10 AM - 2 PM


Following last year’s success, the St James Town Youth Council, Community Matters, and the YMCA along with other organizations, will be hosting their second annual Community Clean Up. It is an initiative that calls for community members as well as others who would like to participate to come out and clean up the very community that they live in to make it a better place.  This year, the cleanup will be taking place on Saturday May 10th, from 10:00am – 12pm, with a free lunch provided after. For further updates on the clean up and for more information on how to register, please visit www.stjamestownyouth.com or call Sneha, one of the event coordinators, at (647)-216-5757.

The Community Clean Up is an initiative that requires funding and the support of those from the community. If you would like to make donations of any kind or would like to be a sponsor, please email sjtcleanup@stjamestownyouth.com.

News from Queen's Park

Spring 2014 Community Update is in the mail!

The latest edition of my Community Update has been mailed out to Toronto Centre. If you did not receive a copy of this newsletter, please let my office know and we will ensure that you receive a copy. An electronic version is available here.

Helping More Seniors Stay Connected, Active and Engaged: Ontario is proposing to help more seniors in Toronto Centre stay connected to their community by doubling the Seniors Community Grant Program, the province’s first grant program dedicated solely to seniors.

The Seniors Community Grant Program supports initiatives by not-for-profit community groups that help seniors stay connected and involved in their community by encouraging greater social inclusion, volunteerism and community engagement. This could include courses for seniors on financial literacy, community events and physical and learning activities such as exercise or cooking classes.

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.

Waitlists to End in Toronto Centre: Ontario plans to eliminate waitlists for direct funding for 21,000 people with developmental disabilities.

As part of the government’s vision for the transformation of developmental services, the province would eliminate the current waitlist for the Special Services at Home program for children in two years and the Passport program for adults in four years, directly benefiting families in Toronto Centre. These programs provide direct funding to families and individuals with developmental disabilities, allowing them to customize their services and supports to best meet their individual needs.

In addition to eliminating waitlists for direct support, this investment would:
  • Provide support for urgent residential needs for approximately 1,400 people
  • Support young adults as they navigate key life transitions such as going to school or getting a job
  • Promote community living partnerships through expanded Host Family and Supported Independent Living programs
  • Provide more funding for agencies and front-line workers in the community services sector
  • Promote innovation and cost-efficiency so that costs savings can be re-invested into improving services
April is Be A Donor Month!
Ways you can help:
  1. Follow @TrilliumGift on twitter. Tweet your support for organ and tissue donation.
  2. Like @TrilliumGift or Life Network on Facebook. Encourage your Facebook friends to register their consent to be organ and tissue donors.
  3. Post your support for organ and tissue donation on LinkedIn.
  4. Display the beadonor.ca button on your website.
  5. Send a picture of where BeADonor is in your community - on Facebook of Twitter.
  6. Show your pride - wear your BeADonor t-shirt.
  7. Encourage one person to register - family or a friend - and ask them to keep the momentum going.
  8. Invite businesses in your riding to show their support by running an employee registration drive.
  9. Talk about organ and tissue donation and transplantation when you're speaking in your community. You can also invite a recipient or donor family member to share their story. Don't forget to mention BeADonor.ca
  10. Contact choto@giftoflife.on.ca for support

Upcoming Holidays
Monday April 14 - Tuesday April 22: Passover
Sunday April 20, 2014: Happy Easter