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Friday, July 31, 2015

Residents reminded to make sure safety mechanisms are in place on their windows and pool fences

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release:  July 31, 2015

Residents reminded to make sure safety mechanisms are in place on their windows and pool fences

The City of Toronto encourages residents to be responsible during warmer weather and ensure proper safety mechanisms such as window safety latches and pool fences are in place to prevent tragedies, particularly with children under five.  

For the protection of Toronto residents, City of Toronto bylaws require window safety devices to be installed on apartment windows that do not lead to a balcony and are more than two metres (six feet) above the ground and are less than 1.5 metres (about five feet) from the unit floor. The safety devices must prevent any part of the window from opening more than 10 centimetres (about four inches).

It is the responsibility of the landlord, building owner or property manager to install and maintain the window safety devices in good working condition. A different device, such as a permanent guard attached over the window, can be used as long as it provides the same degree of safety.

City of Toronto bylaws also require owners of a private swimming pool, hot tub or spa to safely maintain and operate them in compliance with all City bylaws.

A swimming pool enclosure is required for all outdoor structures on private property that can be used for swimming, wading or bathing, and that is 60 centimetres (about two feet) or more deep at any point. The enclosure can be a fence or wall and must restrict access to the structure. Gates in the enclosure must be self-closing with a latching mechanism that is at least 1.5 metres (about five feet) above the ground. Hot tubs and spas that do not have an enclosure must have a permanent cover that can be securely fastened and locked to prevent access while not in use.

Residents with concerns about safety latches or pool fences can contact 311 for further information or for a Municipal Standards Officer to conduct an investigation.

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

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

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

City of Toronto celebrates the cat days of summer with $25 adoption fee

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

News Release:  July 31, 2015

City of Toronto celebrates the cat days of summer with $25 adoption fee

The City of Toronto is holding a "cat days of summer" adoption blitz until August 31. Residents can go home with a kitten or cat by paying a special low adoption fee of $25 in addition to a  $15 pet licence fee ($7.50 for seniors) at any of the City's three animal shelters and a number of adoption-partner locations.

All cats and kittens are sterilized (spayed/neutered), micro-chipped, vet-checked, de-wormed and vaccinated.

During the warmer weather, cats breed more often, resulting more kittens and cats in the City's shelters. Toronto Animal Services works hard to take care of the large number of cats in its shelters.

By lowering the adoption fee from the usual $75 to $25, the length of stay for cats in the shelter is lowered. This results in healthier cats as the shelters remain less crowded.

If you want to adopt a kitten or cat, visit a Toronto Animal Services shelter in your neighbourhood or at the adoption partner location listed on the "Adopt a pet" web page linked below. Note that the south shelter is temporarily closed until September 14.

More information is available at http://bit.ly/1h47rhj.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1IcQ8GC

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

City of Toronto advises that foraging in parks carries risk for humans and negatively affects ecosystems

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

News Release:  July 31, 2015

City of Toronto advises that foraging in parks carries risk for humans and negatively affects ecosystems

Members of the public are asked to leave what they find growing in Toronto's public parks and natural spaces because of safety risks for humans and the impact that removal can have on the natural environment. The risk to humans is that some plants and mushrooms can be similar in appearance to those that are safe, but when eaten can lead to severe illness and even death.

Foraging – the injury and removal of plants – in parks, forests and ravines is prohibited by the Toronto Parks Bylaw, Chapter 608.

A number of Toronto's ravines have been designated as Environmentally Significant Areas because they contain rare species, habitats of unusually high diversity, rare landforms or provide an important ecological function. Many plants that foragers collect grow in these sensitive habitats. Trampling soft soils and other plants negatively affects ecosystems. Informal trails created by foragers can cause compaction, erosion and significant damage to the forest floor.

Harvesting plants removes seed sources that allow the plants to spread, and decreases biodiversity and food sources for wildlife. Disturbing plants and soils can also introduce or disperse invasive species into new areas. These invasive plants can quickly out-compete native species, reducing biodiversity and the quality of habitat for insects and wildlife.

Foraging can also deplete natural resources quickly. It would only take a small number of foragers to remove the majority of plant resources growing in the city.

Anyone with health concerns related to eating mushrooms or other toxic plants should call the Ontario Poison Centre. In Toronto, call 416-813-5900. Outside Toronto, call 1-800-268-9017.

More information about the bylaw is available at http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_608.pdf.

More information about urban forests and the issues with foraging is available at http://bit.ly/LeaveWhatYouFind.

More information about alternatives to foraging, such as participating in an allotment plot or a community garden, is available at http://www.toronto.ca/communitygardens.

More information about volunteering for natural area management and controlling invasive species with Urban Forestry's Community Stewardship Program is available at http://www.toronto.ca/greentoronto.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1MXp7dI

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

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Media contacts:
Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line, 416-560-8726, pfrmedialine@toronto.ca For interviews with Dr. Margaret Thompson, Medical Director, Ontario Poison Centre: Suzanne Gold, 416-813-7654, ext. 202059, suzanne.gold@sickkids.ca


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Follow us on twitter @TorontoComms

Thursday, July 30, 2015

Pan Am Integrated Security Unit, HOV results


Pan Am Integrated Security Unit, HOV results

Thursday, July 30, 2015 - 11:00 AM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

The Integrated Security Unit’s (ISU) goal throughout the Pan American Games was to keep the region moving well and to provide a safe and reliable Games Route Network (GRN), ensuring athletes, officials and attendees reached their destination in a timely manner. 

The ISU worked with municipal officials and the Ontario Ministry of Transportation on traffic management plans to manage road congestion and other related concerns to ensure local residents could also move freely to and from their homes and/or businesses during the Games.

ISU partners conducted enforcement on High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes throughout the Games to ensure those goals were met.

As a result, from June 29, 2015 through July 26, 2015, officers from the Ontario Provincial Police and the Toronto Police Service issued 1,735 tickets for improper HOV use and 2,000 tickets for other Highway Traffic Act charges on the Games Route Network.

As we prepare for the Parapan American Games, the ISU would like to thank those who practise safe driving by following the rules of the road and complying with HOV lanes. We also encourage everyone to continue to take the opportunity of carpooling to get around more easily.

Please visit http://www.ontario.ca/travel-and-recreation/pan-amparapan-am-games-transit-driving-and-traffic-routes for further information on HOV lanes.

S/Sgt. Devin Kealey, Public Information Officer, TPS Pan Am Games

City of Toronto extends hours at eight pools to help residents cool off

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

News Release:  July 30, 2015

City of Toronto extends hours at eight pools to help residents cool off 

The City of Toronto's extended hours pool program is in effect again today. The following eight pools will be open until 11:45 p.m. tonight, weather permitting:

• Alex Duff Memorial Pool, 779 Crawford St.
• Alexandra Park Pool, 275 Bathurst St. 
• Cummer Park Community Centre Pool, 6000 Leslie St.  
• Giovanni Caboto Outdoor Pool, 1369 St. Clair Ave. W. 
• McGregor Park Outdoor Pool, 2231 Lawrence Ave. E.
• Monarch Park Pool, 115 Felstead Ave.  
• Sunnyside-Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool, 1755 Lake Shore Blvd. W.
• Smithfield Outdoor Pool, 175 Mount Olive Dr. 

Media requests for filming of pools can be accommodated at Alex Duff Memorial Outdoor Pool, McGregor Park Outdoor Pool, Monarch Park Outdoor Pool and Sunnyside-Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool. Those four locations will allow media to film from the pool deck. Media access will only be allowed at the noted locations and media must follow the instructions of staff at the site. Media can go directly to the site and do not need to call in advance.

An Extreme Heat Alert does not automatically result in extended pool hours. Decisions to extend pool hours are made daily during Extreme Heat Alerts based on weather risks and resource availability.

More information about Extreme Heat Alerts is available at http://bit.ly/1Nqr4Ql.

A news release will be issued by early afternoon each day when pools are to remain open for extended hours. For up-to-date information on extended pool hours, pool locations and regular operating hours, call 311 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1Dd47zt

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: Aydin Sarrafzadeh, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, 416-395-6191, asarraf@toronto.ca 

Wednesday, July 29, 2015

Weekend event with road closures in Toronto

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

News Release:  July 29, 2015

Weekend event with road closures in Toronto

A special event in Toronto this weekend – the annual Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival – will involve the closure of Lake Shore Boulevard. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and enjoy this event. Businesses in the area affected will be open to pedestrian traffic.

Festivals and other special events are important to the city, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars annually into Toronto’s economy, and they are enjoyed each year by local residents.

In addition to road closures related to special events, a significant amount of road work is taking place in the city. People are encouraged to take public transit as a greener, faster and more affordable way of getting to their destinations.

Those who need to drive in the general vicinity of special events should allow extra time to get to and from their destination. The City has recently introduced a new web-based map to help residents make their travel plans, at http://www.toronto.ca/roadrestrictions. Information about the City's planned capital construction work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/inview.

Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Toronto
Lake Shore Boulevard will be closed in both directions between Colborne Lodge Drive and Strachan Avenue from Friday, July 31 at 11:59 p.m. to 5 a.m. on Sunday, August 2.

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

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

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

Police seek assistance identifying man wanted in Sexual Assault investigation, Dundas Street and Jarvis Street area, Composite sketch released



Police seek assistance identifying man wanted in Sexual Assault investigation, Dundas Street and Jarvis Street area, Composite sketch released

Wednesday, July 29, 2015 - 8:29 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a Sexual Assault Investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, at 8 p.m., a 30-year-old woman was standing at a TTC stop on the northeast corner of Dundas Street and Jarvis Street 

- a man sexually assaulted her, then fled

The man is described as black with a dark complexion, 29-33, 5'11", thin build, shaved head and clean-shaven face. He was wearing a green zip-up, sports-style sweater and dark jeans.

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.


A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes website.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Stephanie Danson, 51 Division


Composite sketch of man wanted in Sexual Assault investigation

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

Project Castle, Multiple arrests in series of armed robberies, Police believe they may be involved in other robberies


Project Castle, Multiple arrests in series of armed robberies, Police believe they may be involved in other robberies

Tuesday, July 28, 2015 - 11:06 AM
Hold Up:  416-808-7350

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of arrests in a series of armed robberies.

Between Tuesday, March 3, 2015 and Thursday, May 28, 2015, there were 12 armed robberies at various TTC stations, retail establishments and a financial institution in Toronto. Toronto Police Service Hold Up started an extensive investigation, resulting in "Project Castle".

"Project Castle" involved the assistance of Major Crime Units of 11 Division, 12 Division, 51 Division, 53 Division, 54 Division and 55 Division, TAVIS and Transit Patrol and the support of the Investigative Services of the Toronto Transit Commission. Extensive stake-outs and special attention to the subway corridors were conducted to ensure the safety of TTC employees and the general public.

On Thursday, July 23, 2015 at 6 a.m., the TPS executed multiple search warrants at a number of dwellings across the Greater Toronto Area.

The following have been arrested:

Javar Thomas, 24, of Toronto, has been charged with:

1) Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
2) five counts of Armed Robbery (Firearm)
3) five counts of Disguise with Intent
4) Theft over $5000
5) Escape Lawful Custody
6) Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
7) Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
8) Unauthorized possession of a firearm
9) Possession of a firearm knowing unauthorized
10) Possession of a firearm obtained by crime
11) Careless storage of a firearm
12) Careless storage of ammo
13) Possession of a firearm knowing the serial number defaced
14) six counts of Possession of Firearm while Prohibited

He was scheduled to appear in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East on Friday, July 24, 2015, 10 a.m.

Stefon Edwards, 20, of Pickering, has been charged with:

1) Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
2) twelve counts of Armed Robbery (Firearm)
3) twelve counts of Disguise with Intent
4) twelve counts of Fail to Comply Probation
5) Possession of Property Obtained By Crime

He was scheduled to appear in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East on Friday, July 24, 2015, 10 a.m.


A 17-year-old boy was arrested and charged with:

1) two counts of Armed Robbery (Firearm)
2) two counts of Disguise with Intent

He was scheduled to appear in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East on Friday, July 24, 2015, 10 a.m.

Davidae Skelton, 18, of Mississauga, has been charged with:

1) Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
2) eight counts of Armed Robbery (Firearm)
3) eight counts of Disguise with Intent

He was scheduled to appear in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 10 a.m.

Andre Edwards, 21, of Toronto, has been charged with:

1) Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
2) two counts of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under

He was scheduled to appear in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 10 a.m.


Jonathan Pileggi, 18, of Stouffville, has been charged with:

1)Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
2) twelve counts of Armed Robbery (Firearm)
3) twelve counts of Disguise with Intent

He was scheduled to appear in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East on Friday, July 24, 2015, 10 a.m.


Damen Smith, 19, of Toronto, has been charged with:

1) Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
2) Unauthorized possession of a firearm
3) Possession of a firearm knowing unauthorized
4) Possession of a firearm obtained by crime
5) Careless storage of a firearm
6) Careless storage of ammo
7) Possession of a firearm knowing the serial number defaced

He was scheduled to appear in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 10 a.m.


Houghton Cozier, 20, of Toronto, has been charged with:

1) Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
2) Unauthorized possession of a firearm
3) Possession of a firearm knowing unauthorized
4) Possession of a firearm obtained by crime
5) Careless storage of a firearm
6) Careless storage of ammo
7) Possession of a firearm knowing the serial number defaced
8) Possession for the Purpose Crack Cocaine

He was scheduled to appear in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 10 a.m.

A 17-year-old boy of Toronto, and a 16 year-old boy of Innisfil, have been charged with:

1) Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
2) Unauthorized possession of a firearm
3) Possession of a firearm knowing unauthorized
4) Possession of a firearm obtained by crime
5) Careless storage of a firearm
6) Careless storage of ammo
7) Possession of a firearm knowing the serial number defaced
8) Fail to Comply Probation

They were scheduled to appear in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East, on Friday, July 24, 2015, 10 a.m.

Vanessa Barachin, 22, of Toronto, has been charged with:

1) Possession of a Prohibited Firearm
2) Unauthorized possession of a firearm
3) Possession of a firearm knowing unauthorized
4) Possession of a firearm obtained by crime
5) Careless storage of a firearm
6) Careless storage of ammo
7) Possession of a firearm knowing the serial number defaced
8) Fail to Comply Recognizance

She was scheduled to appear in court at 1911 Eglinton Avenue East on Friday, July 24, 2015 at 10 a.m.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). 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 Inspector Mike Earl, Hold Up





Sexual Assault Alert, Parliament Street and Wellesley Street East area, Update, Man arrested, charged with Sexual Assault


Sexual Assault Alert, Parliament Street and Wellesley Street East area, Police believe there may be other victims, Update, Man arrested, charged with Sexual Assault

Tuesday, July 28, 2015 - 6:59 AM
51 Division:  416-808-7474

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

It is alleged that:

- on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., a 46-year-old woman was walking in the Parliament Street and Wellesley Street East area

See previous release.

On Sunday, July 26, 2015, Tashi Singhee, 27, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with:

1) Sexual Assault

He was scheduled to appear in court at College Park on Monday, July 27, 2015, 10 a.m.

Police believe there could be other victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, 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.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes website.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Deanna Gagliardi, Sex Crimes

Monday, July 27, 2015

City of Toronto recreational services offered on Simcoe Day

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

News Release:  July 27, 2015
 
City of Toronto recreational services offered on Simcoe Day

The City of Toronto encourages residents to take advantage of the City's attractions and recreational sites open for residents and visitors to enjoy on Simcoe Day, Monday, August 3. 

Outdoor swimming
Drop by your local outdoor pool, splash pad or wading pool on Monday. All City outdoor pools, wading pools and splash pads will be open. More information about locations and hours of operation is available at http://toronto.ca/swim.

Golf
All five City-run golf courses will be open and offer holiday rates on August 3. More information about hours and locations is available at http://www.toronto.ca/golf.

Riverdale Farm (Located at 201 Winchester St.) 
Riverdale Farm features a variety of traditional farm animals. Visitors can tour the grounds, visit the barns and paddocks, and meet the farmer at 11:30 a.m. for a farming demonstration on the lower level of the Francey Barn. The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/riverdalefarm.

High Park Zoo (located on Deer Pen Road in the park) 
Toronto's oldest zoo has been entertaining people for over 120 years. The zoo houses domestic and exotic animals such as bison, llamas, highland cattle and reindeer. Visit the new arrivals, including new baby yak, reindeer and bison. The zoo is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk. Admission is free. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo/.

Toronto Islands (ferry located at the foot of Bay Street) 
The Islands are Toronto's largest downtown park. The park offers a variety of fun – a great place to walk, cycle, explore and view the city skyline. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island.

Getting to the Toronto Islands by the ferry is half the fun. Toronto's ferries can carry more than 4,000 passengers an hour to and from the Islands. Arrive early to avoid long lineups or check peak hours and wait times online at http://www.toronto.ca/ferry.

Greenhouses (Allan Gardens located at 19 Horticultural Ave. and Centennial Park located at 151 Elmcrest Rd.) 
A wide variety of flowers are in full bloom at Allan Gardens Conservatory and Centennial Park Conservatory. Both conservatories are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. More information is available by calling Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288 or Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 or online at http://www.toronto.ca/conservatories.

Simcoe Day at Toronto's Historic Sites
Three of the City's 10 historic sites will offer events, activities and tours on Simcoe Day. Programming highlights for the open sites are listed below. All of the City's historic sites will be open with many activities over the long weekend. Times and activity details will vary by location. More information is available at: http://www.toronto.ca/museum-events.

Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Blvd.) 
Fort York celebrates Lieutenant-Governor John Graves Simcoe, who founded the town of York (Toronto) in 1793 and was the first Lieutenant-Governor of Upper Canada (Ontario). Simcoe also lived at Fort York, the birthplace of Toronto. Experience the history of Toronto with sounds of musketry, cannons and fife and drum music. Admission is free. Fort York is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Gibson House Museum (5172 Yonge St.)
Visitors can take part in games on the lawn, taste hand-made ice cream and tour the 1850s home of David and Eliza Gibson. There will also be activities and performances designed by the museum's youth volunteer team and visitors can make a craft to take home. Admission is pay what you wish. The museum is open from noon to 4:30 p.m.

Spadina Museum (285 Spadina Rd.)
The museum will be open and will host afternoon tours focused on the Austin family, who originally made Spadina Museum their home. Regular admission applies. The museum is open from noon to 5 p.m.

This news release is also availble on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1U2l6Zu

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

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

Saturday, July 25, 2015

Sexual Assault Alert, Parliament Street and Wellesley Street East area, Police believe there may be other victims



Sexual Assault Alert, Parliament Street and Wellesley Street East area, Police believe there may be other victims

Saturday, July 25, 2015 - 5:01 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance with a Sexual Assault investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Wednesday, July 15, 2015, between 2 a.m. and 4 a.m., a 46-year-old woman was walking in the Parliament Street and Wellesley Street East area

- the woman was approached by a man while she was walking on the sidewalk and was offered assistance walking home.

- the man accompanied her to her apartment and sexually assaulted her inside the apartment

- the man then fled the scene

The man is described as 32-36, 5’7”, medium build, olive complexion, with a Spanish accent, and with a light goatee. He was wearing a green T-shirt with writing on the front, beige cargo shorts, white running shoes, and a dark baseball cap with UFC in white letters on the front. He also had a black backpack.

Police believe there may be other victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, 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.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes website.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Scott Brown, Sex Crimes





Friday, July 24, 2015

Sexual Assault Alert, Allan Gardens, Composite sketch released of wanted man



Sexual Assault Alert, Allan Gardens, Composite sketch released of wanted man

Friday, July 24, 2015 - 7:21 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance with a Sexual Assault investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Thursday, July 16, 2015, at approximately 2:45 p.m, a 22-year-old woman fell asleep in Allan Gardens

- the woman woke up to find an unknown man sexually assaulting her

The man is described as late-20s, dark-blond or light-brown messy hair, with green eyes. He was wearing a white T-shirt, loose-fitting jeans, a blue baseball cap with a red emblem and green backpack.

A composite sketch of the man has been released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5150, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS(8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes website.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Elizabeth Harnett, 51 Division





Arrest warrant issued for man in Sexual Assault investigation, Thye Mattos Ventura Bezerra, 27, Police believe there may be other victims




Arrest warrant issued for man in Sexual Assault investigation, Thye Mattos Ventura Bezerra, 27, Police believe there may be other victims

Friday, July 24, 2015 - 1:22 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an ongoing Sexual Assault investigation.

It is alleged that:

- on Thursday, July 16, 2015, a 22-year-old woman was at home, with her friend and two men
- the woman went to sleep
- one of the men entered the woman's bedroom and sexually assaulted her

The man has been allegedly identified as Thye Mattos Ventura Bezerra, 27, of Brazil. He was in Canada as a participant in the 2015 Pan Am games as a member of the Brazilian water polo team.

An arrest warrant has been issued.

Police believe there may be other victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, 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.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes website.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Lisa Ferris, Sex Crimes



Arrest warrant issued for man in Sexual Assault investigation, Thye Mattos Ventura Bezerra, 27, Police believe there may be other victims


Be Part of the Big Farewell to the Athletes of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Road closures in place in downtown Toronto for Closing Ceremony on Sunday, July 26

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

This joint release from TO2015, City of Toronto and Toronto Police Service was distributed via CNW.

News Release:  July 24, 2015

Be Part of the Big Farewell to the Athletes of the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Road closures in place in downtown Toronto for Closing Ceremony on Sunday, July 26

TORONTO July 24, 2015 — On Sunday, July 26, Canada will give a rousing send-off to the athletes at the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Closing Ceremony, and everyone is invited to come into downtown Toronto to be a part of the celebration!

The fun — and free — activities kick off at 2 p.m. at Nathan Phillips Square with PANAMANIA Live, presented by CIBC. Get ready to dance on the square with artists such as Ontario Steel Pan, Calypso Rose with Kobo Town and the final act of the night, Brazilian legend Sérgio Mendes.

Meanwhile, starting at 5 p.m., the doors will open at the Pan Am Ceremonies Venue (PAD), located at 1 Blue Jays Way, for spectators with tickets to the Pan Am Closing Ceremony. The first 10,000 spectators to arrive will receive a complimentary commemorative Closing Ceremony program!

This one-time-only show will feature international performers Kanye West and Pitbull, as well as Canadian artist Serena Ryder. Tickets, starting at $90, are still available at http://www.toronto2015.org/tickets and at the TORONTO 2015 ticket booth at Nathan Phillips Square.

And to play a special role in this one-night-only show, be sure to download the free TORONTO 2015 Official Pan Am/Parapan Am Games App, presented by CIBC, from the App Store and Google Play. Spectators are asked to complete this download before arriving at the venue.

For those without tickets who still want to watch the Closing Ceremony as the sun sets on the city and the Pan Am Games, head down to CBC headquarters at 250 Front Street West where it will be shown on the big screen in the atrium. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

The night will end with the ceremonial extinguishing of the flame at the Pan Am cauldron, followed by a dazzling fireworks display at Nathan Phillips Square, as well as a repeat of the CN Tower fireworks display — so get your cameras ready!

To help support the festivities, a number of temporary traffic measures will go into effect in downtown Toronto on Sunday, July 26 to ensure athletes, coaches, media and officials arrive on time at the Pan Am Ceremonies Venue.

Drivers and residents in the downtown core near the venue and the CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Athletes' Village are advised to plan ahead, prepare for additional travel time and consider changing their travel routine by cycling, walking, taking transit, carpooling or retiming travel, where possible.

The temporary traffic changes on Sunday, July 26 are:
• Bremner Boulevard from Navy Wharf Court to Simcoe Street will be closed from 3 p.m. to midnight. Bremner Boulevard from Navy Wharf Court and Van de Water Crescent will remain open to local vehicle traffic.
• The eastbound lanes of Front Street, from John Street to Simcoe Street, will be closed from 1 p.m. on July 26 to 1 a.m. on July 27. The two westbound lanes will remain open and will be converted to temporarily accommodate two-way traffic direction.
• There will be temporary closures along Front Street East between Trinity Street and Church Street in both directions between 6 p.m. and midnight. Parking will also be restricted between 3 p.m. to midnight.
• Residents living in the area of the CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Athletes' Village may experience intermittent traffic delays between 6 p.m. and midnight.
• Wellington Street, from Church Street to John Street, will be closed from 5:45 p.m. to midnight.
• Rees Street will be closed in both directions from 3 p.m. to midnight.
• All parking and stopping will be restricted on the south curb lane of Front Street from just west of John Street to east of Bathurst Street from 11 a.m. until midnight.
• The sidewalk on the south side of Front Street from Simcoe Street to John Street will be closed from 1 p.m. to midnight.
• The John Street Bridge will be closed from noon until midnight.
• Rogers Centre stairs (east of Gate 2) will be barricaded at the top and bottom from 3 p.m. to midnight.
• The Rogers Centre underground parking (south side of Bremner Boulevard) will be closed to the public on July 26.

In light of these traffic changes, the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015), the City of Toronto and Toronto Police Service are reminding the general public to take extra care in their travels, no matter what mode of transport they choose.

Drivers and cyclists are reminded to slow down, be prepared for new traffic measures and drive with caution given the changes to the road network and the increase in pedestrian traffic in the downtown core.

Spectators going to the Closing Ceremony are reminded that there will be no parking at the Pan Am Ceremonies Venue. Free public transit is included with your event ticket. A limited number of accessible parking spots will be available near the venue. Pre-book your accessible parking today by calling 1.844.695.4313 or booking online at http://www.toronto2015.org/spectator/accessible-parking.

For information on temporary traffic changes during the Games, visit https://www.ontario.ca/travel-and-recreation/pan-am-parapan-am-games-toronto-2015 and http://www.toronto2015.org/.

To help plan your travel on regional transit during the Games, use http://www.triplinx.ca/en/trip-planner/4/JourneyPlanner/Index. Drivers can also use the handy 2015 Games Trip Planner at https://2015gamestripplanner.ca/ for auto trips or download the app for free.

About TO2015
The TORONTO 2015 Pan American Games will take place July 10–26 and the Parapan American Games August 7–15. The TORONTO 2015 Games are funded by the Government of Canada, the Province of Ontario, as well as Lead Partner CIBC and other partners and sponsors.

The TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015) is tasked with managing and delivering the Games. It is working to bring some of the world's best athletes and artists to Toronto and the Greater Golden Horseshoe region, giving Ontarians a unique chance to be part of the action, and making the region a hub for sport.

For more information about the Games, please visit http://www.toronto2015.org/ or follow @TO2015, @TO2015_fr (French) or @TO2015_es (Spanish).

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://ow.ly/Q2irM

About City of Toronto
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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For further information:

TO2015
Media Request Line
416-957-3409

City of Toronto
Strategic Communications
416-392-6967

Const. Craig Brister
Toronto Police Service
Community & Business Liaison
416-305-4621

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Temporary traffic changes for the July 26 TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Closing Ceremony

EVENT NOTICE

Please be advised that the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am Games Closing Ceremony will take place on Sunday, July 26 at the Pan Am Ceremonies Venue (Rogers Centre).

To ensure the venue can successfully operate and the athletes, coaches and officials arrive on time, a number of temporary traffic measures are needed in the downtown core and near the CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Athletes’ Village. All times subject to change.

The temporary traffic changes are:
·         There will be temporary closures along Front Street East between Trinity Street and Church Street in both directions between 6 p.m. and midnight.
o   Parking will also be restricted between 3:00 p.m. to midnight.

·         Residents living in the area of the CIBC Pan Am/Parapan Am Athletes’ Village may experience intermittent traffic delays between 6:00 p.m. to midnight.

o   Residents wanting to gain access to Mill Street between 6 p.m. to midnight will need to drive east on Eastern Avenue from Parliament Street.
§  An officer is now assigned to Eastern and Trinity to help drivers make the right turn from Eastern to southbound Trinity Street (normally a prohibited turn at this location).

o   A second officer will assist southbound drivers on Trinity to cross over Front Street to continue southbound which will allow them access to Mill Street.

·         Bremner Boulevard from Navy Wharf Court to Simcoe Street will be closed from 3 p.m. to midnight.
o   Bremner Boulevard from Navy Wharf Court and Van de Water Crescent will remain open to local vehicle traffic.

·         The eastbound lanes of Front Street, from John Street to Simcoe Street, will be closed from 1 p.m. on July 26 to 1 a.m. on July 27.
o   The two westbound lanes will remain open and will be converted to temporarily accommodate two-way traffic direction.

·         Wellington Street, from Church Street to John Street, will be closed from 5:45 p.m. to midnight.

·         Rees Street will be closed in both directions from 3 p.m. to midnight.

·         All parking and stopping will be restricted on the south curb lane of Front Street from just west of John Street to east of Bathurst Street from 11 a.m. until midnight.

·         The sidewalk on the south side of Front Street from Simcoe Street to John Street will be closed from 1 p.m. to midnight.

·         The John Street Bridge will be closed from noon until midnight

·         In addition to the road closures on Sunday, the Rogers Centre stairs (east of Gate 2) will be barricaded at the top and bottom of the stairs from 3 p.m. to midnight.
o   The underground parking at the Rogers Centre (south side of Bremner Boulevard) will also be closed for the ceremony that day.


For more information about the Games, including detailed road closures, venue maps, and additional events, please visit TORONTO2015.org.