City of Toronto to host public consultation session on street food

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  February 27, 2015

City of Toronto to host public consultation session on street food

Members of the street food vending industries and the public are invited to attend a public consultation session on March 5 to review and comment on proposed changes to Toronto's street vending bylaw.

Council approved a city-wide bylaw for street vending last year. The bylaw addresses the City's need to manage the various uses of streets and sidewalks, and improves the public's access to a diversity of street food across Toronto.

As part of a scheduled one-year review of the bylaw, staff will present changes being considered for the bylaw in time for this year's vending season, including:

• introduction of six-month permits for mobile food vending (includes food trucks and ice cream trucks) 

• increased length of time vendors are allowed on the street, from three to five hours 

• expansion of vending locations to pay and display parking on all collector roads, not just main streets

The consultation session will be held on Thursday, March 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Committee Room 1, City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.

More information and input/feedback forms are available at http://www.toronto.ca/streetfoodvending.

Staff will report consultation findings and possible changes to the street vending bylaw to the Licensing and Standards Committee on April 21.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1Bn3i4j

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

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

A mural for the St. Lawrence Recreation Centre

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance locating a missing woman.

Missing woman, Alizeh Shah, 21

Friday, February 27, 2015 - 8:27 AM
51 Division 416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance locating a missing woman.

Alizeh Shah, 21, was last seen on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, in the Jarvis Street and Queen Street East area.

She is described as brown, 4'11", 71 lbs., black hair and brown eyes.

Police are concerned for her safety.

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 Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Hamil Leslie, 51 Division

Missing woman, 
Alizeh Shah, 21

2015 Black History Month Celebration

Media Advisory, Friday, February 27, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., Lord Dufferin Public School, 2015 Black History Month Celebration

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 - 4:15 PM
Divisional Policing Support Unit:  416-808-0100

The Toronto Police Service and the Chief’s Black Community Consultative Committee will be celebrating Black History Month on Friday, February 27, 2015, at 9:30 a.m.. The event will be held at Lord Dufferin Public School, located at 350 Parliament Street.

The theme of this year's Black History Month is A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture.

The event will pay tribute to a century of black history and promote the continued need for ongoing awareness.

The Keynote Address will be delivered by Dwight Drummond from CBC Television.

Following the event, selected Service members and community members will breakout into classrooms to read to the students.

For further information on this event, please contact Sgt Bassey Osagie via email at Bassey.Osagie@torontopolice.on.ca or by phone at 416-808-0115. To confirm your attendance, please contact Sgt Bassey Osagie by Thursday, February 26, 2015.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Sergeant Bassey Osagie, Divisional Policing Support Unit

Fraud Prevention Month Launch

Media Advisory, Thursday, February 26, 2015, Toronto Police Headquarters, Media Gallery, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Fraud Prevention Month Launch

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 - 4:00 PM
Financial Crimes:  416-808-7300

On Thursday, February 26, 2015, at 10:30 a.m,, the Toronto Police Service, Financial Crimes Unit, will be launching Fraud Prevention Month for the month of March.

Staff Inspector Mary Lee Metcalfe, and other members of the Financial Crimes Unit, will be in attendance at Toronto Police Service Headquarters, Media Gallery.

The Financial Crimes Unit is launching a Fraud Awareness/Prevention Pamphlet and Booklet that is viewable in an electronic format on the Toronto Police website.

The philosophy is for Canadians to recognize, report and stop fraud. Reduce fraud by increasing fraud awareness.

A victim of a Criminal Breach of Trust and Fraud Over investigation will be present to tell her story and answer any questions one-on-one with the media.

The launch will focus on current Mass Marketing scams, specifically:

- Grandparent Scam
- Identity Theft
- Investment/Ponzi Scheme
- Phishing Scams
- Romance Scams
- Renovation Fraud
- Call Display Spoofing
- Social Engineering
- Black Money
- The Affinity Method
- Pyramid Schemes
- False Charities
- Mystery Shopper
- Advance Fee Loans Scam
- Anti-Virus Scam
- 419 Advanced Fee Letter Scam
- Cheque Overpayment Scam

Toronto Police Social Media Working Group partners will be in attendance to address the media:

- Financial Services Commission of Ontario
- Bank of Canada
- Competition Bureau
- Insurance Bureau of Canada


For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.



Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Gail Regan, Financial Crimes Unit

Public invited to attend Wildlife in Toronto open houses in March

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  February 25, 2015                                           

 

Public invited to attend Wildlife in Toronto open houses in March

The City of Toronto is hosting Wildlife in Toronto open houses to strengthen the City's role in wildlife education, provide information and increase public awareness about how to prevent human-wildlife conflict. 

The forested ravines and parklands provide habitat for mammals within the urbanized and densely populated city.

Several species of wildlife – rodents, pigeons, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, bats and opossums – adapt and thrive in Toronto. Their presence can result in conflicts with humans as the animals seek food and shelter to survive.

Schedule of Wildlife in Toronto open houses

North: Monday, March 2 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Northern District Public Library, Gwen Liu Meeting Room, 200 Orchard View Blvd.

South: Wednesday, March 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

S.H. Armstrong Community Centre, Meeting Room, 56 Woodfield Rd.

West: Wednesday, March 11 from 6 to 8 p.m.

New Toronto Public Library, Alex J. Faulkner Community Room, 110 Eleventh St.

East: Thursday, March 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.

McGregor Park Community Centre, Harrison Room, 2231 Lawrence Ave. E.

At the open houses, residents will learn:

• how to wildlife-proof their home

• how to keep garbage bins safe from wildlife 

• how to deter a coyote from their property, and 

• what rules and regulations pertain to the treatment of wildlife, as well as some interesting facts about wildlife in the city.

Open house participants include the following City divisions: City Planning, Municipal Licensing and Standards, Solid Waste Management Services, Toronto Animal Services, Toronto Public Health and Urban Forestry. The following wildlife experts will be involved: the Canadian Association for Humane Trapping, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Toronto Wildlife Centre.

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

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1ajzF9N

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

Ontario police chiefs to kick off Provincial Crime Prevention Campaign, “Protect Your Property Day”

Media advisory, Wednesday, February 25, 2015, 10 a.m., Police headquarters, 40 College Street, lobby, Ontario police chiefs to kick off Provincial Crime Prevention Campaign, “Protect Your Property Day”

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 - 4:59 AM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) will kick off its province-wide 2015 Crime Prevention Campaign on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at 10 a.m., in the lobby at police headquarters, 40 College Street.

Throughout 2015, police services will be promoting what people can do to prevent crime under the campaign theme, “Crime Prevention. Protect Your Property. Protect Yourself.”

Police across Ontario will also promote Wednesday, February 25, 2015 as “Protect Your Property Day.”

Speakers will include:
Chief Jennifer Evans, Peel Regional Police
President, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police

Chief William Blair, Toronto Police Service

Kathy Metzger, Outreach and Education Development
Co-ordinator, Investigative Services, Insurance Bureau of Canada

Tom Davies, Executive Vice-President
TRACE™ Identified

Mike Hamel, Director Corporate Investigations
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation

Raymond Leclair, Vice President, Government Relations
TitlePLUS Title Insurance (a div. of LAWPRO® – Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company)

Richard McMullan, President, Central Ontario Regional Council Canadian Security Association (CANASA)

Jacqueline Fountain, Manager of Operations, NE Ontario Division, Accident Support Services International Ltd.

For more information, contact Joe Couto, Director of Government Relations & Communications at:

Work: 416-926-0424 ext. 22
Cell: 416-919-9798
Email: media@oacp.ca

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications

The Postman - Benefit for Toronto's First Post Office

Man faces five charges, Public and media assistance pivotal in investigation

Toronto Police Service News Release

Fatal collision #7/2015, Sherbourne Street, south of Dundas Street East, Update, Man faces five charges, Public and media assistance pivotal in investigation
Friday, February 20, 2015 - 6:40 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1930

On Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at 1:06 a.m., police responded to a personal injury collision at Sherbourne Street, south of Dundas Street East .

It is alleged that:

- a 2012 Acura TL, was southbound on Sherbourne Street

- a 58-year-old woman was on Sherbourne Street, south of Dundas Street East

- the woman was struck by the vehicle

- the vehicle failed to remain at the scene of the collision

- the woman died of her injuries

On Friday, February 20, 2015, Tomas Velazco Pinedo, 31, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

1) Impaired driving causing death
2) Criminal negligence causing death
3) Dangerous driving causing death
4) Failing to stop cause death
5) Attempt to obstruct justice

He is scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall on Saturday, February 21, 2015, 11 a.m.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1930, 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.

Mark Pugash, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Relief Line Project Assessment - Upcoming Public Consultation

http://link.upkne.com/v/443/375b06de920ff93b8bc4f90c0dc5fca35f79f2a0e700feaf

Make your own bowling-inspired game!

Un-BOWL-ievable

 

Make your own bowling-inspired game!

For ages 5 and up

Thursday March 19 at 2:00

Toronto Public Library

St. Lawrence Branch

171 Front St. E.

416-393-7655

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE: THE ST. LAWRENCE PUBLIC REALM

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE

THE ST. LAWRENCE PUBLIC REALM

MASTER PLAN 

STREETS   -      PARKS   -   PUBLIC SPACES

The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood is in the midst of major growth that if managed correctly can provide opportunities to improve our streets, parks and other public spaces.  Projects such as Market Street and the western end of The Esplanade have been welcome enhancements and have begun to solidify a direction for the area.  In this vein, it is important to ensure that the neighbourhood keeps working towards new initiatives that will ultimately result in a consistent network of high-quality public spaces.

   

The St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA has hired DTAH, a local urban design firm, to develop a master plan document that sets a long-term vision with clear, achievable objectives. 

After receiving input from both BIA members and local residents, we are excited to share our ideas and invite you to be a part of the discussion.  DTAH will be using the Community Open House to present its first draft of the Master Plan and to provide an opportunity to hear feedback.

PRESENTATION & Q+A

Come see and give feedback on a vision for the future of the 

George Brown College (St. James Campus)

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26^th

St. Lawrence Neighbourhood

200 King Street East, Room 128

       6-8pm

Directions

• On the north side of King Street E, use the Bookstore Entrance (there is a sign above the doors)
• Continue up the stairs towards the Library Learning Commons 
• Room 128 will be on the left a few doors past Tim Hortons  

Wheelchair accessible

Please help spread the word by forwarding this message along or 

posting this event invitation at your office or residence

EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND

For more information contact,  Dave Mair Urban Planner St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA davidmair@stlawrencemarketbia.ca

City of Toronto thanks GFL and MLSE for sponsoring outdoor rinks

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  February 20, 2015

City of Toronto thanks GFL and MLSE for sponsoring outdoor rinks

The City of Toronto will receive $200,000 from Green for Life Environmental Inc. (GFL) and Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) to keep an additional 12 outdoor ice rinks open – weather permitting – until March 22. Currently, there are 17 rinks open until the end of March Break. Today's sponsorship announcement brings the total number of outdoor rinks that will remain open to 29.

"I am grateful to GFL and MLSE for their generous sponsorship of the outdoor ice rinks," said Mayor John Tory. "This funding will allow the City to continue to operate 29 outdoor skating rinks until March 22. This is a big win for our city and the many children and families who enjoy the great Canadian tradition of a good outdoor skate." 

"GFL and MLSE should be commended for their exemplary corporate citizenship," said Deputy Mayor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34 Don Valley East). "I'd like to give my thanks to both organizations for sponsoring these community recreational facilities."

The 29 outdoor rinks remaining open:

• Broadlands Community Centre, 19 Castlegrove Blvd.

• Cedarvale Park, 443 Arlington Ave.

• Christie Pits, 779 Crawford Ave. W.

• Colonel Samuel Smith Park, 3145 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

• Dieppe Park, 455 Cosburn Ave.

• Dufferin Grove Park, 875 Dufferin St.

• Giovanni Caboto, 1369 St. Clair Ave. W.

• Glen Long Community Centre, 35 Glen Long Ave.

• Greenwood Park, 150 Greenwood Ave.

• Alexandra Park/Harry Gairey, 275 Bathurst St.

• High Park, 1873 Bloor St. W.

• Hodgson Public School Grounds, 282 Davisville Ave.

• Humber Valley, 50 Anglesey Blvd.

• Irving W. Chapley Community Centre, 205 Wilmington Ave.

• Kew Gardens, 2075 Queen St. E.

• Ledbury, 160 Ledbury St.

• Mel Lastman Square, 5100 Yonge St.

• Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.

• Otter Creek, 140 Cheritan Ave.

• Ramsden, 1020 Yonge St.

• Regent Park South, 591 Dundas St. E.

• Rennie Park, 1 Rennie Ter.

• Scarborough Civic Centre/Albert Campbell Square, 150 Borough Dr.

• Sunnydale Acres Rink, 50 Amoro Dr.

• Trinity Bellwoods, 790 Queen St. W.

• West Mall Rink, 370 The West Mall

• Withrow, 725 Logan Ave.

• Sir Adam Beck, 10 Orianna Dr.

• Westway, 175 The Westway

The 29 outdoor rinks listed above will continue to offer scheduled leisure skating and shinny hockey. Leisure skating and shinny hockey opportunities are also available at indoor arenas across Toronto. Outdoor rinks not listed above will close for the season on Sunday, February 22.

All children under the age of six must wear a Canadian Standards Association (CSA) approved hockey helmet on the ice. Helmets are also mandatory for people of all ages participating in supervised shinny hockey and learn-to-skate programs.

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

This news release is available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/17k7Wno

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

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Media contact: Wynna Brown, Strategic Communications, 416-919-6503, wbrown1@toronto.ca

Community Consultation - New Green Roof on the Cooper Koo Family Cherry Street Y

Toronto seeks input on sign and billboard regulations

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  February 18, 2015                                           

Toronto seeks input on sign and billboard regulations

The City of Toronto is looking for input from the public and business owners on potential changes to the City of Toronto Act and the Toronto Sign Bylaw. The proposed changes would increase the City's ability to implement and enforce the Sign Bylaw.

At the January 8 meeting of the Planning and Growth Management Committee, staff recommended that Council request the Province to amend the City of Toronto Act so that the Toronto Sign Bylaw could apply to signs and billboards that existed prior to the current Sign Bylaw being enacted in 2010.

If approved by the Province of Ontario, the amendment to the City of Toronto Act could restore the level of authority back to similar levels that prior to 1983 existed for municipalities in Ontario, and that currently exist in other large Canadian cities such as Vancouver and Montreal.

In response to the staff recommendations, City Council requested that staff hold public and stakeholder consultations on this request to the Province, and report back to Council in April of this year on how the City should address existing non-conforming signs if the Province amends the City of Toronto Act.

All residents, property owners, businesses and members of the public are invited to attend one of the following workshops from 7 to 9 p.m. to speak with City staff about their thoughts and ideas on this subject. A brief presentation will start at 7:15 p.m.

• Tuesday, February 24, North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St., Council Chamber

• Wednesday, February 25, York Civic Centre, 2700 Eglinton Ave. W., Council Chamber

• Tuesday, March 3, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W., Committee Room 1

• Thursday, March 5, Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr., Committee Rooms 1 and 2

Specific issues being considered as part of this consultation include:

• to which signs and billboards should the current Sign Bylaw apply?

• to what extent should the current Sign Bylaw apply to lawfully existing signs and billboards that don’t meet the current requirements of the Sign Bylaw (because they existed prior to the current bylaw being enacted), if at all?

• if existing signs and billboards don’t comply with the current Sign Bylaw and are required to comply, how should the City go about achieving compliance?

For those unable to attend in person, comments can be sent directly to signbylawunit@toronto.ca.

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

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1CIG3Oi

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

Fatal collision #7/2015, Sherbourne Street, south of Dundas Street East

Toronto Police Service News Release

Fatal collision #7/2015, Sherbourne Street, south of Dundas Street East, Vehicle of interest sought, Photograph of similar vehicle released
Wednesday, February 18, 2015 - 2:04 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

On Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at 1:06 a.m., police responded to a personal injury collision at Sherbourne Street south of Dundas Street East .

It is reported that:

- a 58-year-old woman was on the road near 201 Sherbourne Street

- a vehicle was observed southbound on Sherbourne Street

- the woman was struck by the vehicle

− the vehicle and driver failed to remain at the scene of the collision

The woman suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced at hospital.

The vehicle has been identified as a four-door Graphite Lustre Metallic 2012–2014 Acura TL. The vehicle will have front-end damage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1900, 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 Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

TPS Out-of-Province Habitual Offender Initiative starts

Monday, February 23, 2015, TPS Out-of-Province Habitual Offender Initiative starts

Tuesday, February 17, 2015 - 7:59 AM
Parking Enforcement:  416-808-6600

On Monday, January 5, 2015, following an education campaign, the Toronto Police Service started its initiative to reduce congestion on rush-hour routes in the downtown core.

As of Friday, February 13, 2015, 1,784 vehicles have been towed and 11,326 tickets issued.

The next phase of the campaign, starting on Monday, February 23, 2015, is the Out-of-Province Habitual Offender Initiative. Its aim is to to improve traffic flow as well as compliance with the city’s parking regulations.

Under the Highway Traffic Act, a person, upon becoming a resident of Ontario has 30 days to register their vehicle in Ontario. The offence for not doing so carries a fine of $110.

The city identifies a habitual parking offender by their licence plate, when the vehicle has three or more tickets that have not been actioned, where payment has not been made after 120 days.

Similar to the habitual offender program for vehicles with Ontario licence plates, put in place in 2014, out-of-province habitual offenders who continue to abuse parking regulations will be ticketed and towed when found committing a parking offence. Towed vehicles are subject to towing fees of approximately $200, plus daily storage fees of up to $80.

Each year, approximately 150,000 vehicles with out-of-province licence plates are ticketed for parking illegally. Only 15% of these offenders pay their fines. Approximately 7,700 offenders have three or more tickets issued to their vehicles and ignore the fines. These are classified as habitual offenders.

Habitual offenders abuse parking regulations, block traffic, occupy paid-permit parking areas, displace valid permit-holders and contribute to traffic congestion and gridlock.


For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.



Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Brian Moniz, Parking Enforcement

Traffic Services Distracted Driving Campaign kick-off, "That Text or Call Could End It All"

Media advisory, Tuesday, February 17, 2015, 6 a.m. - 11 a.m., Traffic Services Distracted Driving Campaign kick-off, "That Text or Call Could End It All"

Monday, February 16, 2015 - 7:00 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

On Tuesday, February 17, 2015, outside Traffic Services, 9 Hanna Avenue, between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., the Toronto Police Service will launch "That Text or Call Could End It All," safety campaign.

This safety campaign will begin on Monday, February 16, 2015, and conclude on Sunday, February 22, 2015.

This one-week initiative will highlight all dangerous activities associated with drivers who talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held communication and entertainment devices. This campaign will incorporate the use of a hearse and both stealth and fully marked police vehicles.

All police officers will be paying special attention to those drivers who choose to drive while distracted. Distracted driving is any action that a driver engages in that takes their focus away from the safe operation of their vehicle which includes, but is not limited to, the use of hand-held communication and entertainment devices. Distracted drivers are a safety risk to themselves and other road users. The Toronto Police Service is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone using the roads in and around our city.

Since 2011 the Toronto Police Service has laid over 82,000 charges for offences related to distracted driving.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Traffic Services Distracted Driving Campaign kick-off, "That Text or Call Could End It All"

Media advisory, Tuesday, February 17, 2015, 6 a.m. - 11 a.m., Traffic Services Distracted Driving Campaign kick-off, "That Text or Call Could End It All"

Friday, February 13, 2015 - 5:00 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

On Tuesday, February 17, 2014, outside Traffic Services, 9 Hanna Avenue, between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m., the Toronto Police Service will launch "That Text or Call Could End It All," safety campaign.

This safety campaign will begin on Monday, February 16, 2015, and conclude on Sunday, February 22, 2015.

This one-week initiative will highlight all dangerous activities associated with drivers who talk, text, type, dial or email using hand-held communication and entertainment devices. This campaign will incorporate the use of a hearse and both stealth and fully marked police vehicles.

All police officers will be paying special attention to those drivers who choose to drive while distracted. Distracted driving is any action that a driver engages in that takes their focus away from the safe operation of their vehicle which includes, but is not limited to, the use of hand-held communication and entertainment devices. Distracted drivers are a safety risk to themselves and other road users. The Toronto Police Service is committed to ensuring the safety of everyone using the roads in and around our city.

Since 2011 the Toronto Police Service has laid over 82,000 charges for offences related to distracted driving.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Toronto residents invited to the first meeting of the City's climate change subcommittee

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  February 12, 2015

Toronto residents invited to the first meeting of the City's climate change subcommittee

Residents are invited to attend the first meeting of the City of Toronto Parks and Environment Committee's Subcommittee on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation on March 2.  

Recognizing the importance of climate change, the City established the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 80 per cent by 2050.

The subcommittee will make recommendations to the Parks & Environment Committee to help achieve that goal based on research and community engagement.

At its first meeting, the subcommittee is seeking the public's input in defining terms of reference. The meeting will be held on Monday, March 2 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chamber, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.

The public is invited to participate by delivering a deputation at the meeting or by submitting written comments. To assist with this process, the public is asked to consider what actions the subcommittee should accomplish by the end of its term – December 31, 2016 – and how the public can be involved or engaged in the subcommittee's work. 

More information about the subcommittee and on how to make a deputation is available at http://bit.ly/1ueDKVa.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1DJn8HB

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: Valerie Cassells, Strategic Communications, 416-392-8306, vcassel@toronto.ca

City of Toronto consulting residents and businesses on rehabilitation of the Gardiner Expressway

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

News Release:  February 11, 2015 

City of Toronto consulting residents and businesses on rehabilitation of the Gardiner Expressway

Toronto residents and businesses are invited to provide input online and in person on what is important for the City of Toronto to consider in its rehabilitation of the F. G. Gardiner Expressway. The City is undertaking an in-depth analysis of options for delivering the rehabilitation project efficiently and effectively, including the possibility of delivering it as a public-private partnership.

Residents can learn more about the project and complete the online survey at http://www.toronto.ca/gardiner. The online survey will be available until February 22.

The City of Toronto will host two public consultation sessions at Metro Hall on February 17. Details:

Date: Tuesday, February 17
Times:
Session 1: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Session 2: 6:30 to 8 p.m.
Location: Room 302 (wheelchair accessible), Metro Hall, 55 John St. 

After a brief update to start each session, residents and other stakeholders will be invited to share their thoughts on the City's delivery of the project. 

Attendees who want to speak should register before 4 p.m. on February 15. To register or to obtain more information, participants should contact Jason Diceman of the City's Public Consultation Unit at Metro Hall – either by telephone at 416-338-2830, fax at 416-392-2974 or email at jdiceman@toronto.ca.

Information at the meeting will be collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1Mdrt9y

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: Paula Chung, Strategic Communications, 416-392-1649, pchung2@toronto.ca 

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City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release:  February 11, 2015           

City of Toronto offers many opportunities for a fun Family Day on Monday

The City of Toronto encourages residents to enjoy Family Day on Monday, February 16 by taking advantage of City-run recreational facilities and historic attractions. Highlights follow, along with information about the limited availability of other municipal services on Monday.

Leisure skating: Family Day schedules for outdoor rinks and select indoor rinks vary and are available at http://www.toronto.ca/skate or by calling 311. There is no charge for public skating at the City's indoor or outdoor rinks. Hockey helmets are mandatory for children under age six and are recommended for skaters of all ages.

Shinny hockey: Supervised shinny hockey is available free of charge for various ages and skill levels. Family Day schedules for each city facility are available at http://bit.ly/16PizhWor by calling 311. 

Skating event in Scarborough: Families are invited for free skating at Centennial Recreation Centre, 1967 Ellesmere Rd., from 1 to 3 p.m. on Monday, when RBC will provide music, games and refreshments. 

Skiing and snowboarding: The City has two ski and snowboard centres with lifts: 
- Centennial Park Ski and Snowboard Centre, 256 Centennial Park Rd.
- Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, 4169 Bathurst St.
Both centres will be open from 9 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. on Family Day. Details about equipment rentals and the use of helmets are available at http://www.toronto.ca/ski or by calling 311.

Swimming: Family Day leisure swimming will be available at City-run indoor pools on Family Day. City-run leisure swims are now free of charge for everyone. Locations and times are available at http://www.toronto.ca/swim.

Riverdale Farm: The City's farm at 201 Winchester St., open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., features farm animals and offers various activities. Family Day's free drop-in activities will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/ or by calling 311.  

High Park Zoo: Toronto's oldest zoo, the High Park Zoo has been entertaining people for 120 years. The zoo, which houses domestic and exotic animals such as bison, llamas and reindeer, is located on Deer Pen Road and is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk. Admission is free. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo/ or by calling 311.

Shared Path walk: The Shared Path, the newest of the City's Discovery Walks, includes 15 kilometres of trails through a series of park areas along the banks of the Humber River. The Discovery Walks program is a series of 10 self-guided walks that link ravines, parks and neighbourhoods. Maps and details about the Shared Path are available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/trails/discover.htm.

Family Day at Toronto's Historic Sites
Seven of the City's 10 historic sites will be offering Family Day events, activities and tours. Programming highlights for individual locations are listed below. Times, admission fees and  details for activities will vary by location. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/museum-events. 

Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Blvd.): Families can visit the fort's historic kitchen and sample baking from the hearth. Hot chocolate and a roaring fire will make for a memorable visit. Kids can try an 1812 drill class, the officers' sword drill and some old-fashioned games.

Historic Zion Schoolhouse (1091 Finch Ave. E.): Visitors on Family Day can celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Canadian flag and learn about the British flag that would have been flown in front of the schoolhouse in 1910. Visitors will learn how the maple leaf became the symbol of Canada and will be able to make their own Canadian flag to take home.  

Mackenzie House (82 Bond St.): Visitors to Mackenzie House can celebrate Black History Month at an exhibit on the Black community in Victorian Toronto and its contributions to the city, and other aspects of Black life in mid-Victorian Toronto. Family Day visitors can print a copy of the Provincial Freeman newspaper and can try illumination, a popular practice in the 19th century. Visitors will be treated to cookies and warm cider from the historic kitchen. 

Montgomery’s Inn (4709 Dundas St. W.): Visitors can learn about and participate in an Irish ceilidh – traditional Gaelic music and dance. Maureen O'Leary of Maureen's Reel Irish Dancing will teach a dance workshop and host the ceilidh. Montgomery's Inn resident storyteller Nan Brien will share fireside stories while the inn's cooks prepare treats over the fire.

Scarborough Museum (1007 Brimley Rd.): The museum will offer fun activities such as a scavenger hunt and a craft activity. Visitors will be able to sample baked goods and hot chocolate. 

Spadina Museum (285 Spadina Rd.): Families can experience the luxurious world of the Austin family and experience the life of a 1920s and '30s child through tours, music, toys, and games. 

Todmorden Mills Heritage Site (67 Pottery Rd.): Todmorden Mills will celebrate Family Day by offering a guided outdoor tour. Participants will then warm up indoors with parlour games from generations past and will be able to create a family flag to take home.

Other municipal facilities and services
All City of Toronto emergency and 24-hour services will operate normally on February 16. City administrative offices and service counters will be closed on Monday, re-opening on Tuesday, February 17.

The TTC will operate on its holiday schedule on Family Day. Holiday service is similar to a Sunday but with Saturday start times. Any routes that do not normally operate on a Sunday will not operate on the February 16holiday. More TTC information is available at http://www.ttc.ca/routes/general_information/service_details.jsp. 

City-operated child care centres and Children's Services district offices will be closed on Monday. Toronto Home Child Care Agency providers will offer service as usual. 

All Toronto Public Library branches will be closed on Family Day. Archival Services at 255 Spadina Rd. will also be closed on Monday. 

Some community recreation centres will be closed on Family Day. Closure notices have been circulated in advance at those locations and will be posted at each site. Residents can call their local centre ahead of time to check on whether or not it will be open.

The Toronto Zoo will be open as usual from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on February 16, with Family day activities free with zoo admission. More information about activities at the zoo and about a discount coupon for child admission is available at http://www.torontozoo.com.

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

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: Bob Langmaid, Strategic Communications

Items produced from the Maple Leaf Forever tree to be used at Toronto City Council and shown in public exhibition

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release:  February 10, 2015      

Items produced from the Maple Leaf Forever tree to be used at Toronto City Council and shown in public exhibition

A presentation today at City Council saw the unveiling of a new Council Chamber lectern and City Council gavel. Both were made of wood from the Maple Leaf Forever tree.  

"The City of Toronto is deeply honoured to receive a new lectern and gavel made from the iconic Maple Leaf Forever tree," said Mayor John Tory. "The preservation and celebration of these historical masterpieces is an enduring symbol of our patriotism."

Today's presentation was made on behalf of City Council by Councillors Paula Fletcher (Ward 30 Toronto-Danforth) and Mary-Margaret McMahon (Ward 32 Beaches-East York) to Speaker Frances Nunziata (Ward 11 York South-Weston). 

The Council Chamber lectern was refurbished by Dixon Hall Neighbourhood Services, with the City of Toronto logo carved by the Ontario Wood Carvers Association. The City Council gavel was made by the Woodturners Guild of Ontario. Four additional gavels have been made for the City's Community Councils and will be presented at an event in the City Hall rotunda on February 17. 

"The City is proud to help preserve the legacy of this iconic tree through unique public items that utilize its wood," said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic Development Committee. "These items not only respect and celebrate the tree itself, they also draw attention to the craftsmanship of our local design and wood craft industries." 

From February 15 to 18, a selection of the 410 items produced from the tree will be on display in the City Hall Rotunda. The items include pieces commissioned by the Royal Ontario Museum, Ontario Heritage Trust and the Toronto Public Library. 

The opening of the exhibition is timed to coincide with National Flag of Canada Day on February 15. This year is the 50th anniversary of the national flag being raised for the first time on Parliament Hill. 

The tree is believed to have been the inspiration for Alexander Muir's song, The Maple Leaf Forever. Since the tree fell during a summer storm in 2013, the City has engaged in activities with local designers and woodcrafts people to preserve the tree's legacy. City staff were able to salvage 48 logs of various sizes from the tree. This resulted in approximately 3,175 kilograms (7,000 pounds) of green wood that could be utilized for current and future projects. Many of the items produced from the tree will be on display in museums and historical societies across Canada.

Additionally, one of the projects, led by Colin Cripps of Blue Rodeo, involves the crafting of an electric and an acoustic guitar for Toronto-based musicians. Details about this project will be available in the spring. 

More information about the Maple Leaf Forever tree projects is available at http://www.yourleaf.org/maple-leaf-forever. 

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

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

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

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