Monday, August 31, 2015

Temporary road closure on Bay Street

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

News Release:  August 31, 2015

Temporary road closure on Bay Street

Bay Street between Richmond and King Streets, and Adelaide Street West from Yonge Street to just west of Bay Street, have been closed due to reports of potentially unsafe conditions involving an antenna at the Trump Tower at 325 Bay St. The roads will remain closed until the owner of the building provides a report from a professional engineer that concludes there is no risk to the public.  

Toronto Building contacted and issued an order to the property management company in charge of and responsible for the building to provide a professional engineer's report commenting on the safety of the antenna and related building elements. The City is awaiting a response to the issued order. To protect public safety, the roads will remain closed, and at this time it is anticipated that a response to the issued order will not be received until tomorrow.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1EwC9jh

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: Rosalynd Rupert, Strategic Communications, 416-338-3379, rrupert@toronto.ca

Bill 31 – Making Ontario Roads Safer Kick-off


Media advisory Tuesday, September 1, 2015, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Fairview Mall – parking lot, north-east corner, 1800 Sheppard Avenue East, Bill 31 – Making Ontario Roads Safer Kick-off

Monday, August 31, 2015 - 1:59 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

On Tuesday, September 1, 2015, Bill 31 – Making Ontario Roads Safer will come in to effect.

The Toronto Police Service, in partnership with several road-safety partners, will kick-off this event at Fairview Mall – parking lot, north-east corner, 1800 Sheppard Avenue East.

This event is a joint awareness and enforcement traffic safety effort in partnership with:

• The Minister of Transportation (MTO) – The Honourable Steven Del Duca
• Toronto Police Service (TPS) – Chief Mark Saunders
• Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) – Deputy Commissioner Brad Blair
• Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) – Mr. Elliot Silverstein
• MTO
• TPS Traffic Services
• TPS 33 Division
• OPP Toronto Detachment
• OPP Highway Safety Division – Highway Enforcement Team
• CAA South Central Ontario

This event will be a one-day public awareness and enforcement safety effort focusing on drivers in the Greater Toronto Area who use cellphones or other distracting devices while operating a motor vehicle.

Approximately 40 officers will participate in this event to ensure the highest level of police visibility. Particular attention will be focused along both directions of Highway 404, from 16th Avenue in the town of Markham (Regional Municipality of York), the Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway to Highway 427, as well as several major city streets (in the City of Toronto).

The new set fine for operating a motor vehicle while using or holding a handheld communication device is now $490 (up to $1,000) and a three-demerit point accumulation on the driver's licence of an individual convicted of the offence.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Cycle tracks to be extended along Richmond-Adelaide corridor

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

News Release:  August 31, 2015

Cycle tracks to be extended along Richmond-Adelaide corridor

The City of Toronto is extending the cycle tracks – separated bike lanes – that are currently in place along Richmond Street and Adelaide Street in the downtown area extending west from the vicinity of University Avenue. The new extension eastward from the University Avenue area is part of a pilot project to improve cycling infrastructure and enhance safety for all road users in the downtown core.

The new work will result in the extension of cycle tracks on Richmond Street, which is one-way westbound, from Parliament Street to York Street, and on Adelaide Street, which is one-way eastbound, from Simcoe Street to Parliament Street. Cycle tracks will then be in place on both Richmond and Adelaide between Parliament Street in the east and Bathurst Street in the west.

In addition, bicycle lanes will be installed on both sides of Peter Street, from King Street to Queen Street.

"The extension of these cycle tracks is an important step toward improving the connectivity and safety of cycling in Toronto," said Councillor Jaye Robinson (Ward 25 Don Valley West), Chair of the City's Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

Beginning this week, the following work will be initiated as part of the cycle track extension:
• minor pavement repairs on both Richmond Street and Adelaide Street 
• changes to on-street parking and stopping regulations, and 
• installation of signage, pavement markings and flexi-post bollards (posts that bend when struck/contacted) to extend the cycle track on the north side of Richmond Street and the south side of Adelaide Street.

The installation of the cycle tracks is expected to be completed by the end of September, weather permitting. A map of the changes can be accessed at http://bit.ly/1FcenUo.

These changes are part of the Richmond-Adelaide Bikeway Environmental Assessment (EA) Study to evaluate the feasibility of cycle tracks and other cycling infrastructure in this area. 

The pilot project evaluation will focus on the effectiveness of the cycle tracks, options for the design of the separation between the cycle tracks and traffic lanes, the impacts on parking and loading for area businesses, and the effect on traffic flow.

More information about cycling in Toronto is available at http://bit.ly/1JrHGnB and by following us on Twitter @TO_Cycling.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1X5IRT6

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: Rosalynd Rupert, Strategic Communications, 416-338-3379, rrupert@toronto.ca

Friday, August 28, 2015

Jameson Avenue ramp now open 24/7 during Gardiner construction

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

News Release:  August 28, 2015             

Jameson Avenue ramp now open 24/7 during Gardiner construction

The City of Toronto has re-opened the ramp from westbound Lake Shore Boulevard to the Gardiner Expressway at Jameson Avenue on a 24/7 basis. The opening will improve traffic flow from the downtown area during the afternoon rush hours for the duration of the rehabilitation work on the westbound Gardiner Expressway, currently scheduled for completion in October 2016.

Drivers affected by the expressway work should consider options such as carpooling, taking transit, cycling to work, or travelling outside the usual rush hours.

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

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: Rosalynd Rupert, Strategic Communications, 416-338-3379, rrupert@toronto.ca

Glen Murray MPP Newsletter - August 28, 2015

News From Queens Park 
Ontario Supports Survivors of Domestic Assault and Sexual Violence 
Over the next three years, Ontario is investing $1.1 million a year in specialized counselling services and community outreach support for survivors of domestic assault and violence. That funding will be broken down into $900,000 for enhancing existing specialized counselling services  across Ontario, with the remaining $200,000 dedicated to developing a province-wide community outreach program. Support for victims of sexual violence and creating a safer province is important project for everyone living in Ontario. 

Safer Roads for Ontario 
Ontario's roads are among the safest in North America and the new measures taking effect September 1st will help keep them that way. Here are some changes to keep in mind for the 1st of September: 
  • Tougher penalties for distracted drivers, - up to a $1,000 fine plus three demerit points and a minimum 30 day suspension for novice drivers on conviction.
  • To help keep tow truck drivers safe – like with ambulances and police responding at roadside -- drivers will be required to ‘slow down and move over’ for tow trucks stopped to assist at roadside.
  • School bus safety – to help ensure that school buses are distinctly recognizable, only school buses will be permitted to be chrome yellow.
  • New rules to keep cyclists safe – drivers need to keep a one-metre distance when passing cyclists; higher fines for cyclists who don’t have proper lights and reflectors; higher fines and 3 demerit points for opening a door into passing cyclists and traffic.
We will continue to partner with stakeholders on new public education campaigns on pedestrian safety, impaired driving and other road safety initiatives as those measures are implemented in the coming months.

Community Events 
St. James Town and Cabbagetown Festivals  
Come and join us on September 12th and take part in the annual St. James Town festival. The Festival will last all afternoon and will involve raffles, sports and games, and a Food Bazaar. Entertainment will include live music and well as dancing. For more information on the St. James Community Festival click HERE.
Time: 1PM-7PM
Location:240-260 Wellesley St. East   



Beginning on the same day, be sure to stop by the Cabbagetown Festival. The festival boasts some very exciting and diverse events, from arts and crafts to a Cabbagetown Pubcrawl! The festival lasts two full days and features activities all over Cabbagetown, so be sure to click on THIS link for all the information you need.
Time: September 12th 11AM-10PMSeptember 13th 11AM-7PM

Muslim Welfare Centre Lunch 
On September 20th, MPP Glen Murray and staff will serve lunch with the Muslim Welfare Centre to guests of the Christian Resource Centre located in Regent Park. 
Time: 12-2pm
Location: The CRC, 40 Oak St.

Corktown Common Reopens
Following the closing ceremonies of the Pan-Am and Parapan-Am games, The Corktown Commons have reopened ahead of schedule. Autumn is just around the corner, so enjoy the award winning and much loved park while the summer heat lasts!     

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Pauline, a 12-yrs-old from The Esplanade, is accompanying dance company CORPUS on a tour to China.




In September, Pauline, a 12-years-old from The Esplanade, is traveling to China.
One-of-a-kind opportunity.
Jamii, a community-arts organization based on The Esplanade, and CORPUS, a Toronto dance/theatre company, are offering Pauline the opportunity to step in as Assistant Stage Manager. She will accompany the dancers on their performances of Les moutons at the Meriton Children’s Festival in Xi’An.
When back in her neighbourhood, Pauline will share her experience with friends, family, neighbours and classmates.
Pauline has already fundraised $300 selling lemonade during the summer. We need your support to help financing the rest of Pauline’s trip.
Any donations beyond the set goal of $2200 will go towards community-arts projects on The Esplanade co-produced by Jamii & CORPUS.
For donations above $25, a tax receipt will be provided.

Conviction results in substantial fine after fatal Toronto rooming-house fire

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

News Release:  August 26, 2015

Conviction results in substantial fine after fatal Toronto rooming-house fire

A Provincial Offences Court has announced a conviction and levied a fine of $60,000 plus a $15,000 victim surcharge against the owner of an illegal rooming house at 189 Sheridan Ave., Toronto, in which a tenant died in a fire. The owner, Konstantin Lysenko, entered into a period of probation for 18 months with the standard conditions and an additional condition that he not possess or manage any rental property for the 18-month probation period.

The property at 189 Sheridan Ave. was a three-storey, wood-frame detached dwelling that had been converted into an unregistered, illegal rooming house. The building was three storeys above grade and one storey below grade, with a brick exterior. It had approximately seven rooms, three kitchens and three bathrooms.

On November 20, 2013, there was a fire in the basement of 189 Sheridan Ave. A 23-year-old woman in the basement apartment was unable to escape at the time of the fire. She was trapped in her apartment and succumbed to her injuries.

The City's Fire Prevention Officer later observed several fire code violations, noting that the smoke alarms were not maintained in operating condition by the owner and were broken. Batteries from the second and third floor alarms did not work when tested and on the first floor, there was a smoke-alarm base only in the kitchen. Smoke alarms are one of the most important safety devices for the home and early notification of fire saves lives.

In addition, the third floor lacked a second exit. Legislation requires that each floor should have at least two exits.

"The August 12 court decision highlights the importance for all owners and landlords to understand the requirements under the Ontario Fire Code, and to realize that non-compliance will result in legal action," said James Stoops, Toronto Fire Services Divisional Chief.

Janet Lamers Moore, mother of the fire's victim Alisha Lamers, commented, "We have been waiting 21 months to hear the outcome. Hearing this will be very healing for me. It was so important to us to have the landlord held responsible for his part. Thank you again to your staff and to the three firefighters who carried Alisha out." 

Toronto Fire Services reminds landlords and tenants that they can contact Fire Prevention to request an inspection by calling 416-338-9107. Non-compliance with the Ontario Fire Code will result in legal action.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1Kk0LMH

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: Gaston Maurice, Toronto Fire Services, 416-338-9398, gmauric2@toronto.ca

City of Toronto announces full program for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche 2015

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

News Release:  August 25, 2015   

City of Toronto announces full program for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche 2015

The City of Toronto today released the complete artistic program for the 10th edition of Scotiabank Nuit Blanche. On Saturday, October 3 from 6:55 p.m. until sunrise on Sunday, October 4, the streets of Toronto will be transformed by more than 110 art projects created by and featuring nearly 400 local, national and international artists. Details for the full program are available at http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca. A backgrounder highlighting some details about the City-produced exhibitions is available at http://ow.ly/RlrKq.

This year, the City-produced exhibitions will be located in familiar and new locations including around University of Toronto and College Street over to Carlton and Jarvis Streets; City Hall and down Bay Street; along the waterfront (between York Street and Parliament Street) and at key cultural organizations across the city.

"For the 10th edition, Scotiabank Nuit Blanche will transform Toronto with one of its most interactive and exciting programs yet," said Mayor John Tory. "Since 2006, the city has come alive through contemporary art for this one sleepless night, creating magical experiences and resulting in an impressive economic impact for Toronto."

"Scotiabank Nuit Blanche makes contemporary art accessible to a local and out-of-town audience of over a million people each year," said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic Development Committee. "The event has received many accolades including this year’s Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Awards of Excellence for Public-Private Partnerships."

City-produced Exhibition Projects
This year the City-produced component features an engaging lineup of 50 contemporary art projects, which are part of the four exhibitions: Agustin PĂ©rez Rubio's HTUOS/HTRON - The New Coordinates of the Americas; JR's Black and White Night; Christine Shaw's The Work of Wind and Che Kothari's 10 for 10th - Memory Lane.

Extended Projects in 2015
Fourteen artist projects will be extended to October 12: 
  • Aziz + Cucher's Time of the Empress; 
  • Francisco Fernandos Granados' "refugees run the seas…"; 
  • Luis Jacob's Sphinx; JR's Campbell's House: 
  • Your Eye Inside Out, Inside Out and Nuit Talks: 
  • Putting the extra-in-ordinary; Los Carpinteros' Frio Estudio del Desastre; 
  • Carlos Amorales' Black Cloud; 
  • Ekow Nimako's Silent Knight (only until October 10); 
  • Amanda McCavour's Pattern Study; 
  • Sean Martindale's There Is No Away; 
  • Michael Howatson's MĂ­mir's Well; 
  • Pascale Peyret's EMPREINTES; and 
  • An Te Liu's Solid States. 

A complete list of times and locations is available at http://ow.ly/Rjx5u.

Nuit Talks
A series of themed talks, scheduled to run from September 27 to October 28, offer a unique look behind the scenes of Scotiabank Nuit Blanche. Featuring one-of-a-kind talks, experiences and films by remarkable artists, curators and thinkers from this year's event, Nuit Talks will be presented in partnership with organizations such as The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, AGO's First Thursdays and Art Toronto. A full list of events, speakers, locations and ticket information will be available on the website soon.

Arts community produced Independent Projects 
The arts community produced portion of the event responds to the curatorial theme of Kothari's Memory Lane and features more than 60 projects created by cultural and educational institutions, neighbourhoods, and individual artists and producers. This year is the first time this program will be produced under a curatorial vision. These exciting projects will expand the boundaries of the event and showcase the diversity of Toronto’s art communities. 

Travel packages
Scotiabank Nuit Blanche 2015 partners include official host hotel, The Chelsea Hotel, Toronto, and official transportation partner VIA Rail Canada.

Visitors who book a two-night stay with any of the 11 Scotiabank Nuit Blanche hotel partners will receive an invitation to Behind The Nuit featuring an exclusive sneak-peek experience of JR's Black and White Night exhibition at City Hall on the evening of Friday, October 2. This special event will enable visitors to experience the work while learning about the artist and his creative process. Complete information on all travel packages and hotels can be found at http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca/travel-packages.

Media note: High resolution images are available at http://ow.ly/RjvZc.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1EhRe7W

About Scotiabank Nuit Blanche
Scotiabank Nuit Blanche is Toronto’s annual all-night celebration of contemporary art, produced by the City of Toronto in collaboration with Toronto’s arts community. Since 2006, the event has featured more than 1,000 official art installations by 4,400 artists and has generated over $227 million in economic impact for Toronto. The event has received many accolades including most recently the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO) Awards of Excellence for Public-Private Partnerships, Sponsorship Marketing (SMA) Award of Distinction for Festivals, Best Free Cultural Happenings in Now Magazine's annual "Best Of" poll for a seventh year in a row and number seven All-Time Favourite Festivals, Fairs and Events in Field Day's fourth annual Toronto entertainment survey. Look for information and updates at http://www.scotiabanknuitblanche.ca, on Facebook at facebook.com/sbnuitblancheTO, Twitter at @sbnuitblancheTO, #snbTO and Instagram at @sbnuitblancheTO, #snbTO.

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: Anastasia Saradoc, Economic Development and Culture, 416-392-8123, asarado@toronto.ca

Weekend events with road closures in Toronto

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

News Release:  August 25, 2015

Weekend events with road closures in Toronto

Two special events in Toronto this weekend – Buskerfest and the Toronto Tamil Festival – will involve main road closures. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and enjoy these events. Businesses in the areas of the road closures will be open to pedestrian traffic as usual.

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's web-based map helps residents make their travel plans, at www.toronto.ca/roadrestrictions.

Information about the City's planned capital construction work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/inview.

BuskerFest – Thursday to Sunday closures A series of closures for Buskerfest will take place between Thursday, August 27 and Sunday, August 30.
• A series of lane closures will take place on Yonge Street from Richmond Street to College Street on Thursday, August 27 from 5 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.  A full closure of the road will take place from Thursday, August 27 from 9:30 a.m. to Sunday, August 30 at 11:59 p.m.
• Other road closures on local streets including Dundas Square Street, Walton Street, Gould Street, Edward Street and Elm Street will take place from Thursday, August 27 to Sunday, August 30 to accommodate this event.

Toronto Tamil Festival – Saturday and Sunday closures Morningside Avenue from Finch Avenue East to Neilson Road will be closed in both directions from Saturday, August 29 at 6 a.m. to Sunday, August 30 at 11:59 p.m.

This news release is also available at http://bit.ly/1WQIGLg.

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, 416-660-1712, vcassel@toronto.ca

Fire Services Day Parade featured at the CNE on Thursday

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

News Release:  August 25, 2015
 
Fire Services Day Parade featured at the CNE on Thursday

Toronto Fire Chief Jim Sales invites the public to the annual Fire Services Day Parade that will take place at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) at 6 p.m. on Thursday, August 27.
               
The CNE's daily Mardi Gras-themed parade that winds through the Exhibition Place fairgrounds starting at the Princes' Gates will feature Toronto Fire Services on Thursday. Chief Sales will be joined by the Toronto Fire Services Pipes and Drum Band, the Toronto Fire Fighters War Veterans' Association Colour Guard, the Toronto Fire Services Honour Guard, uniformed staff and fire trucks.

Every day during the CNE, Toronto Fire Services welcomes visitors to historic Fire Station No. 346 at 90 Quebec St., Exhibition Place. This year, guests will enjoy a historical display of photographs and artifacts connected with fire services in Toronto and specifically Fire Station 346, which was built in 1912. In addition to the historical display, Toronto Fire Services will educate visitors by providing information about smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, and home fire escape planning.

Fire safety educational opportunities go interactive in a big way on Thursday, August 27 and Tuesday, September 1 as Toronto firefighters host the Junior Firefighter Challenge for children of all ages. At the challenge, children will learn to "stop, drop and roll" and get low under smoke. Upon completion of the challenge, red fire helmets will be awarded to all junior firefighters.

More information about safety and fire prevention is available at http://www.toronto.ca/fire/prevention.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1MROIs0

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: Toronto Fire Services Media Line, 416-338-0763, firemedia@toronto.ca

TPS Collects New School Supplies for Priority Neighbourhood Students until September 27


Homicide #34/2015, Shaka Reid, 36, Update, Security camera images and video released



Homicide #34/2015, Shaka Reid, 36, Update, Security camera images and video released

Wednesday, August 26, 2015 - 10:39 AM
51 Division:  416-808-7400

On Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at 12:10 a.m., police responded to the sound of gunshots in the Dundas Street East and Sherbourne Street area.

See previous release.

On Wednesday, August 26, 2015, Homicide Detective Sergeant Mike Carbone held a news conference and released security camera images and a video.

The security video is available on the Toronto Police Service YouTube page.

The news conference is available on the Toronto Police Service YouTube page.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Mike Carbone at 416-808-7400, extension 77378, 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.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Mike Carbone, Homicide





Working Together for a Safer Neighbourhood

Working Together for a Safer Neighbourhood
By Sara Faruqi, Toronto Police Service 
Published: 6 a.m. August 26, 2015

A year ago, Lisa Pitocco’s husband wanted to move from their Downsview-Roding Park neighbourhood. There were a rash of car break-ins, arsons and a series of sexual assaults in Roding Park that had the community feeling scared.

Similarly, a few doors down from Pitoco, Lesley Tenaglia and husband Mark Tenaglia were also frustrated with the insecurity they were feeling in the neighbourhood. It was time to reclaim their neighbourhood and make it feel safe again. 

Lesley called 31 Division, hoping to speak to someone about organizing a meeting with the community and officers. 

Twenty minutes later, Mark opened the door to an officer standing on his doorstep. 

Constable Mark Furzecott spoke to Lesley and the two decided to have a town-hall style meeting and address the community’s concerns. 

A year-and-a-half later, and Roding Park is full of children and people. Mark feels safe biking or jogging at night, they are happy to have their kids play outside again. The community has taken ownership of the area they live in and they work with police to keep it safe. They send security camera video to police when needed and generally keep an eye out for anything unusual happening in the area. 

31 Division CRU has started a Facebook page, with the help of Mark and Lesley, and they attend as many Neighbourhood Watch meetings as they can. 

“People just wanted to know what was happening in their community and it dawned on me to update them with occurrences in the neighbourhood through emails,” says Furzecott. “Then, when the Facebook page was started, it just got a life of its own,” he says. 

“When Mark and his team came, along things started happening. We started seeing results, neighbours listened, they joined the watch and joined the Facebook page and, now, everybody seems to be using it amazingly,” says Pitoco. 

The man who was allegedly sexually assaulting women in the park was eventually arrested, too. 

That is why Pitoco took upon herself to organize a community barbecue to let people know the park was safe again. “I wanted the barbecue in the park just to let everyone know that it is now safe… I wanted people to know it is okay to bring your children back and enjoy this beautiful space we have in the middle of the city,” she says. 

The relationship between the police and community has taken a better turn ever since the Neighbourhood Watch started and the Facebook page. 

“It has one hundred percent changed my job… it has changed the view of the job now that we are able to interact with people on a first-name basis and have them know our first names. It is not uncommon to be down here and have people say ‘thanks’, ‘good job’, ‘stop by for a coffee’ or anything like that which is something we didn’t see before,” says Furzecott. 

Constable Russell Keveza adds that “It’s nice that kids are more open to us; they hug us and they play with us… they like being around us which is a nice change from before when they are nervous of us, which makes it upsetting.”

Pitocco, too, has seen a change in the community towards police. “People realize that they’re human beings, just like we are, and they are putting their life on the line to protect us,” she says. 

A proactive role in community safety has helped the Downsview-Roding community empower themselves and make their community better. According to Mark Tenaglia, he now gets requests on the Facebook page from people as far as Vaughn asking how they can implement something similar. 

For Furzecott and his team, getting more information from residents also helps them gather statistics and be more aware of small crimes in the area. The increase in police literacy within the community has benefited both officers and residents. “The community is looking out for the community and call us when they need us,” says Furzecott.

http://tpsnews.ca/stories/2015/08/working-together-safer-neighbourhood/

Friday, August 21, 2015

Toronto reports this year's first human case of West Nile Virus

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

News Release:  August 21, 2015

Toronto reports this year's first human case of West Nile Virus

Toronto Public Health (TPH) has received a lab confirmation indicating that an adult resident in Toronto has tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is the first human case testing positive for West Nile Virus in Toronto for 2015. TPH continues to investigate where the virus was acquired, as the resident had potential exposures in Toronto and outside of the city. 

While the risk of being infected with West Nile Virus is low, Toronto Public Health reminds residents to take precautions, including the following:

• wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks and a hat when outdoors, 
• use mosquito repellent approved by Health Canada and follow product instructions, 
• take extra care during peak mosquito-biting time (dusk and dawn) by using mosquito repellent and wearing protective clothing, 
• remove standing water from your property, where mosquitoes can breed, and 
• make sure your home has tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.

West Nile Virus symptoms usually develop between two and 15 days after a person is bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, body ache, skin rash and swollen glands. If you or a family member has concerns about any symptoms, contact your healthcare provider. 

In 2013, 18 positive mosquito pools and 12 human cases were reported to Toronto Public Health. In 2014, 10 positive mosquito pools and three human cases were reported to TPH. To date, TPH has not received any reports of positive mosquito pools for 2015.

More information about West Nile Virus is available at http://www.toronto.ca/health/westnile.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1MCZ5y8

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: Keisha Mair, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-8020, kmair2@toronto.ca

City of Toronto's Dog behaviour and Responsible Dog Ownership Review-Survey and Public Consultations - To SP14

The City of Toronto Municipal Licensing and Standards (ML&S) Division is undertaking a review of Chapter 349, Animals to determine how the City can effectively balance, manage and address dogs' behaviour, their owners' responsibilities and public safety in the City of Toronto.

Chapter 349, Animals sets out registration/licensing requirements and the requirement to leash dogs on public property, except where permitted (e.g., off-lease parks). The bylaw also covers how the City responds to dogs at large (on the loose) or dogs that have bitten people or animals.

The goal of the review is to address City Council's direction to provide recommendations on how the City can effectively respond to incidents of dog bites and dogs that may pose a risk to public safety.

The City is committed to an open and inclusive process which incorporates stakeholder and public participation. ML&S would like to share its review webpage where more information is available about the review, including our survey for members of the public to complete and public meeting dates.

We would greatly appreciate if you could circulate this information to other neighbours, residents and community groups. We would like to hear from any many people living in the City of Toronto as we can in the time we have.  

Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions/comments.

Jessica Walters
Senior Policy and Research Officer
Policy and Strategic Support
Municipal Licensing and Standards
City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, West Tower, 16th Floor
Toronto, ON, M5H 2N2
Tel: 416-392-8794

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

Homicide #34/2015, Shaka Reid, 36



Homicide #34/2015, Shaka Reid, 36

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 - 4:52 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7400

On Wednesday, August 19, 2015, at 12:10 a.m., police responded to the sound of gunshots in the Dundas Street East/Sherbourne Street area.

Once on scene, police found a man suffering from obvious injuries. He was pronounced at the scene.

The man has been identified as Shaka Reid, 36, of Toronto.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Sergeant Mike Carbone at 416-808-7400, extension 77378, 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.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Mike Carbone, Homicide

Media advisory, Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Nicole's Run, Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road

Media advisory, Wednesday, August 19, 2015, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., Nicole's Run, Centennial Park, 256 Centennial Park Road

Wednesday, August 19, 2015 - 12:59 PM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

On Wednesday, August 19, 2015, members of the Toronto Police Service, led by 22 Division, will host Nicole's Run, at Centennial Park in Etobicoke.

Nicole's Run is a 5K Run and 1K Family Walk to recognize the 30th anniversary of Nicole Morin's abduction, with net proceeds going to support the Canadian Centre for Child Protection (MissingKids.ca).

The event will also feature community partners Toronto Crime Stoppers and Victim Services Toronto, as well as Police Dog Services and the Mounted Unit, along with other fun activities for younger guests such as face painting and a bouncy castle.

Special guests include the Justice League Runners.

The media is invited to attend the event:

- 5 p.m. to 6 p.m.: Registration
- 6:30 p.m.: Opening Remarks
- 7 p.m.: Run/Walk Start
- 8 p.m.: Candlelit Vigil

Last-minute registrations for the run will be welcome at the event or, members of the public who do not wish to run/walk are encouraged to join us for the event at no cost. Donations of any size would be appreciated.

For more information, please contact Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, at 647-530-8911 or meaghan.gray@torontopolice.on.ca.

Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.



Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications

Weekend events with road closures in Toronto

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release:  August 19, 2015

Weekend events with road closures in Toronto

Three special events in Toronto this weekend will involve main road closures. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and enjoy these events. Businesses in the areas affected are open to pedestrian traffic but some roads will be closed to vehicles.

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.  The new website can be accessed at www.toronto.ca/roadrestrictions.  Information about the City's planned capital construction work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/inview.

Big on Bloor – Saturday closure
Bloor Street from Dufferin Street to Lansdowne Avenue will be closed in both directions from Saturday, August 22 at 9 a.m. to Sunday, August 23 at 9 p.m. for Big on Bloor. College Street and St. Clair Avenue can be used by motorists travelling in this area as alternative routes.

Taste of Manila
Saturday and Sunday closures Bathurst Street from Wilson Avenue to Laurelcrest Avenue will be closed in both directions from Saturday, August 22 at 12:01 a.m. to Sunday, August 23 at 11 p.m.

Chinatown Festival
Saturday and Sunday closures The southbound lanes of Spadina Avenue will be closed from St. Andrew Street to Sullivan Street from Saturday, August 22 at 12:01 a.m. to Sunday, August 23 at 11 p.m. to accommodate the Chinatown Festival. Dundas Street will be open during this time period.

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

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