Holiday On-Street Parking Enforcement, Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Holiday On-Street Parking Enforcement, Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Tuesday, December 31, 2019 - 1:30 PM
Parking Enforcement:  416-808-6600

The Toronto Police Service Parking Enforcement Unit will not be enforcing the following on-street parking bylaws during New Year’s Day on Wednesday January 1, 2020:

- Pay-and-Display/Metered Areas;
- Rush-Hour Routes;
- Posted signs indicating Monday to Friday regulations.

All other areas and parking offences will continue to be enforced.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Supervisor Brian Moniz, Parking Enforcement

Man arrested in gas station robbery investigation, Front Street East and Sherbourne Street area, Ryan Foster, 30

Man arrested in gas station robbery investigation, Front Street East and Sherbourne Street area, Ryan Foster, 30

Monday, December 30, 2019 - 4:30 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7350

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a man arrested as part of a violent gas station robbery investigation.

The robbery occurred in the area of Front Street East and Sherbourne Street.

It is alleged that:

- on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at approximately 4:08 a.m. a man entered a gas station kiosk disguised with a baseball hat and a hoodie pulled tight around his face

- the man brandished a knife and immediately jumped over the counter

- the man pointed the knife at the victim, demanded he open the cash register and ordered him to lay on the floor

- the man removed a quantity of money from the cash register

- the victim was compliant and remained on the floor

- after removing all the money, the man violently stomped on the victim’s head several times, rendering him unconscious

- he fled the store

- the victim was eventually located and transported to hospital suffering from a fractured eye socket, fractured skull, and cuts and bruising to his face.

See previous news release.

See previous news release.

On Sunday, December 29, 2019, investigators from the Hold Up Squad arrested Ryan Foster, 30, of Toronto.

He was charged with:

1. Two counts of Robbery with an Offensive Weapon
2. Two counts of Disguise with Intent
3. Two counts of Possession of a Weapon
4. Two counts of Aggravated Assault

He appeared in court on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at 10:00 a.m, at 60 Queen Street West Court, room 101.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Connie Osborne, Corporate Communications, for Inspector Lauren Pogue, Hold-Up Squad

Man wanted in violent robbery investigation, Front Street East and Sherbourne Street, Ryan Foster, 30

Man wanted in violent robbery investigation, Front Street East and Sherbourne Street, Ryan Foster, 30

Tuesday, December 24, 2019 - 11:00 AM
51 Division:  416-808-7350

The Toronto Police Service Hold Up Squad is seeking the assistance of the public in locating a man wanted in connection with a violent gas station robbery.

The robbery occurred in the area of Front Street East and Sherbourne Street.

It is alleged that:

- On Thursday, June 13, 2019, at approximately 4:08 a.m. a man entered a gas station kiosk disguised with a baseball hat and a hoodie pulled tight around his face

- The man brandished a knife and immediately jumped over the counter

- The man pointed the knife at the victim, demanded he open the cash register and ordered him to lay on the floor

- The man removed money from the till, putting it in his pockets

- The victim was compliant and remained on the floor

- After removing all the money, the man violently stomped on the victim’s head several times, rendering him unconscious

- He fled the store

- The victim was eventually located and transported to the hospital suffering from a fractured eye socket, fractured skull, and cuts and bruising to his face.

See previous news release.
Following investigation, the suspect has been identified as Ryan Foster, 30, of Toronto.

Images have been released.

He is described as between 5’8” and 5’10” and a muscular build. He has multiple tattoos on his body including stars on his left chest, ‘Foster Baby’ on his right hand, a Pisces sign on the right side of his neck and a cross on his right forearm.

He is considered dangerous. Anyone who sees Foster is asked not to approach him but to call 9-1-1.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Connie Osborne, Corporate Communications, for Inspector Lauren Pogue, Hold Up Squad

Ryan Foster is wanted as part of a violent robbery investigation

Ryan Foster is wanted as part of a violent robbery investigation

Sexual Assault Alert, Man wanted, Sherbourne Street and Dundas Street East

Sexual Assault Alert, Man wanted, Sherbourne Street and Dundas Street East

Saturday, December 21, 2019 - 9:55 PM
Sex Crimes:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service requests the public's assistance identifying a man wanted in a Sexual Assault/Robbery Investigation.

On Saturday, December 21, 2019, at approximately 4:45 a.m., officers responded to a call for unknown trouble in the Sherbourne Street and Dundas Street East area.

It is reported that:

- a 22-year-old woman was in the area

- she was approached by a man who produced a knife attempting to rob her of money

- she was forced into an alley where he sexually assaulted her

He is described as black with a medium complexion, 25-30, 5’8”-5’11”, with a medium to muscular build. He has a wide face and was clean shaven. He was wearing black pants and a black jacket with a white hood.

He is believed to be armed, violent, and dangerous. If located, do not approach. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

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.

Constable Edward Parks, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Autumn Withrow, Sex Crimes

Extreme Cold Weather Alert terminated for Toronto

News Release 

December 20, 2019

Extreme Cold Weather Alert terminated for Toronto

Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, has terminated the Extreme Cold Weather Alert as of noon today. The warming centre at Metro Hall will close at noon.

Find out about services for homeless and under-housed individuals at http://www.toronto.ca/homelesshelp.

More information and tips for staying warm during cold weather are available at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/extreme-cold-weather/.

Information to help residents prepare for extreme weather and weatherproof their homes is available at https://www.toronto.ca/extremeweatherready. 

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit http://www.toronto.ca or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto. 

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Media contacts: 
Lenore Bromley, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-7974, Lenore.Bromley@toronto.ca 
City of Toronto Media Line: 416-338-5986, media@toronto.ca

Extreme Cold Weather Alert – seek shelter, check on loved ones

News Release

December 18, 2019

Extreme Cold Weather Alert – seek shelter, check on loved ones

Based on Environment and Climate Change Canada's forecast, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, has issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert today for Toronto in anticipation of colder weather conditions within the next 24 hours or longer. The Extreme Cold Weather Alert will be in effect until further notice. 

Extreme Cold Weather Alerts are issued when the temperature in the daily forecast suggests temperatures will reach approximately -15 degrees Celsius or colder, or when the wind chill is forecast to reach -20 or colder. The Medical Officer of Health may also consider other weather-related factors when issuing Extreme Cold Weather Alerts.

Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health. Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius and can have severe consequences, including organ failure and death. Frostbite can also occur in cold weather when skin freezes and, in severe cases, can lead to amputation when deeper tissues freeze.

Those most at risk of cold-related illness are people experiencing homelessness or those under-housed, those who work outdoors, people with a pre-existing heart condition or respiratory illness, elderly people, infants and young children. People with heart problems can experience worsening of their condition up to several days after cold weather occurs. 

Extreme Cold Weather Alerts activate local services that focus on getting and keeping vulnerable residents inside. A warming centre is open at Metro Hall by 7 p.m. the day an alert is called, and remains open continuously until noon on the day an alert is terminated. Other services include notification to community agencies to relax any service restrictions, availability of transit tokens in some drop-ins, and additional overnight street outreach. 

Throughout the year, 24-hour respite sites provide meals, places to rest, and service referrals at locations across the city. People can call 311 for locations and to connect to Central Intake for a referral. Homeless Help lists site information at http://www.toronto.ca/homelesshelp. 

The City asks that residents help vulnerable people by calling 311 if there is a need for street outreach assistance. Call 911 if the situation is an emergency.

During an Extreme Cold Weather Alert, members of the public are encouraged to take the following precautions: 
• Check the weather report before going outside.
• Dress in layers, making sure your outer layer is windproof, and cover exposed skin.
• Wear a hat, warm mittens or gloves, and warm boots. 
• Stay dry. Your risk of hypothermia is much greater if you are wet.
• Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for your clothes instead of cotton, because cotton absorbs and holds moisture, no longer keeping the wearer warm. 
• Seek shelter if you normally spend long periods outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes. 
• Drink warm fluids other than alcohol. 
• Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings when enjoying winter activities outside. 
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, during colder temperatures, especially if it's windy. 
• Heat your home to at least 21 degrees Celsius if infants or elderly people are present.
• Call or visit vulnerable friends, neighbours and family to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.

More information and tips for staying warm during cold weather are available at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/extreme-cold-weather/.

Information to help residents prepare for extreme weather and weatherproof their homes is available at https://www.toronto.ca/extremeweatherready. 

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit http://www.toronto.ca or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto. 

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Media contacts: 
Lisa Liu, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-1793, Lisa.Liu@toronto.ca
City of Toronto Media Line, 416-338-5986, media@toronto.ca  

Firearms investigation, Lombard Street and Church Street, Two men wanted

Firearms investigation, Lombard Street and Church Street, Two men wanted

Tuesday, December 17, 2019 - 7:00 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service requests the public's assistance locating two men wanted in a firearms investigation.

On Monday, August 5, 2019, at 4:16 a.m., officers responded a call for a shooting in the Lombard Street and Church Street area.

It is alleged that:

- two men got out of a vehicle parked on Lombard Street

- another vehicle pulled up alongside with four occupants inside

- the occupants of the suspect vehicle shot numerous times at the two men

- the two men produced their own guns and returned fire

- both men were struck and received life-threatening injuries

- one of the victims was taken to hospital via emergency run

- the other was taken to hospital by friends

Agil Khumane, 40, of Toronto, Mohamed Mahdi, 29, of Brampton, and Yasin Bassey, 27, of Toronto were arrested. They are charged with:

1. Three counts of Attempted Murder
2. Discharge Firearm With Intent
3. Occupy Motor Vehicle with a Loaded Firearm
4. Possession of Restricted Firearm Without Holding a Licence
5. Unsafe Storage of Firearm
6. Possession of Restricted Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a Licence

They appeared at College Park court on Wednesday, August 7, 2019, at 10 a.m., in room 501.

Malieck Mohamed, 19, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with:

1. Three counts of Attempted Murder
2. Discharge Firearm With Intent
3. Occupy Motor Vehicle with a Loaded Firearm
4. Possession of Restricted Firearm Without Holding a Licence
5. Unsafe Storage of Firearm
6. Possession of Restricted Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a Licence

He appeared at Old City Hall court on Saturday, August 10, 2019, at 10 a.m., in room 501.

Keshawn Bell, 23, of Kitchener, was arrested. He is charged with:

1. Occupy Motor Vehicle with a Loaded Firearm
2. Possession of a Loaded Restricted Firearm
3. Possession of Restricted Firearm Without Holding a Licence
4. Unsafe Storage Firearm
5. Unsafe Storage Ammunition
6. Possession of Firearm Obtained by Crime
7. Possession of a Firearm Contrary to a Firearms Prohibition

He appeared at College Park court on Thursday, August 15, 2019, at 10 a.m., in room 501.

Samatar Hamedu, 23, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with:

1. Occupy Motor Vehicle with a Loaded Firearm
2. Possession of a Loaded Restricted Firearm
3. Possession of Restricted Firearm Without Holding a Licence
4. Unsafe Storage Firearm
5. Unsafe Storage Ammunition
6. Possession of Firearm Obtained by Crime
7. Possession of a Firearm Contrary to a Firearms Prohibition

He appeared at College Park court on Tuesday, October 29, 2019, at 10 a.m., in room 501.

Hassan Hassan, 27, of Toronto, is now wanted for:

1. Three counts of Attempted Murder
2. Discharge Firearm With Intent
3. Occupy Motor Vehicle with a Loaded Firearm
4. Possession of Restricted Firearm Without Holding a Licence
5. Unsafe Storage of Firearm
6. Possession of Restricted Firearm Knowingly Not Holding a Licence

Kenyon Ohamu, 23, of Windsor, is now wanted for:

1. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in Motor Vehicle
2. Possession of a Restricted Firearm with Ammunition
3. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
4. Careless Storage of a Firearm
5. Careless Storage of Ammunition
6. Obstruct Peace Officer
7. Fail to Comply with Recognizance

It is believed he has fled the city.

They are believed to be violent, armed and dangerous. If located, do not approach, call 9-1-1 immediately.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Ryan Kotzer, 51 Division

Kenyon Ohamu, 23, Wanted in Firearms investigation

Firearm seized at the scene of the shooting

Voyeurism investigation, Michael Rustom, 47

Voyeurism investigation, Michael Rustom, 47

Friday, December 13, 2019 - 5:10 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to inform the public of an arrest made in a voyeurism investigation.

It is alleged that:

- between 2016 and 2019, a man took photographs of women for a sexual purpose

- there were a number of women photographed

- all of the photographs were taken at Scalar Decisions
- all the pictures were taken surreptitiously

On Thursday, December 12, 2019, Michael Rustom, 47, of Toronto, was arrested. He is charged with:

1. Eight counts of Voyeurism
2. Mischief - Interfere with Lawful Enjoyment of Property

He will appear in court, at College Park, on Friday, December 13, 2019, at 9:30 a.m., in room 501.

Police believe there may be other victims.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Tiffany Castell, 51 Division

Man arrested in Voyeurism investigation, Michael Rustom, 47

Royal Canadian Legion, 1050 Weston Road, Toronto Police Service Hosts Community Conversation: Race-based Data Collection

Royal Canadian Legion, 1050 Weston Road, Toronto Police Service Hosts Community Conversation: Race-based Data Collection

Monday, December 9, 2019 - 10:00 AM
Equity, Inclusion & Human Rights:  416-808-7871

On Monday, December 9, 2019, at 6:30 p.m., at the Royal Canadian Legion, located at 1050 Weston Road, Deputy Chief Peter Yuen will host a community conversation on the Race-based Data Collection Strategy. As it moves forward developing processes, procedures, and training, the Toronto Police Service is asking the public to share its thoughts and recommendations on race-based data collection.

After a presentation by Deputy Chief Yuen, members of the community will know how and why police officers will be collecting race-based data on January 1, 2020, as mandated by Ontario’s Anti-Racism Act, 2017.

The conversation will be available on social media and can be followed via #TPSRaceData on Twitter. The meeting will also be live-streamed on Facebook. To receive a notification when live, please respond “interested or going” on this link.

This is the second of four community conversations. The next two will take place:

December 17, 6:30 p.m., Chinese Cultural Centre, 5183 Sheppard Avenue East
December 19, 6:30 p.m., Regent Park Community Centre, 402 Shuter Street

To learn more about the Race-based Data Collection Strategy, visit our website.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Deputy Chief Peter Yuen

Human Trafficking Investigation, Three men and one woman arrested, Police concerned there may be more victims

Human Trafficking Investigation, Three men and one woman arrested, Police concerned there may be more victims

Tuesday, November 26, 2019 - 9:05 AM
Sex Crimes:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of arrests made in a Human Trafficking investigation.

It is alleged that:

- on Sunday, December 30, 2018, a 17-year-old girl met two men in the Yonge Street/Dundas Street East area

- the two men befriended the girl and gave her drugs and alcohol

- the two men took the girl to an address in Hamilton

- there, the girl was sexually assaulted by the two men

- the girl was then sexually assaulted by a third man

- the men then introduced the girl to a woman and she was forced into the sex trade

- photographs were taken of the girl in various stages of undress and posted on leolist.com, advertising her sexual services

- the first man controlled all the communications with the customers via text messages or phone calls, and the girl was told which sexual services she was to provide

- the first man made the girl provide sexual services to numerous clients that attended the address, as well as to himself, turning all the money over to him

- over the course of four days, the girl was forced to ingest a quantity of drugs, deprived of food and sleep, and was physically assaulted

On Thursday, January 3, 2019, the girl was able to escape and contact police.

On Wednesday, January 30, 2019, the Toronto Police Service Human Trafficking Enforcement Team located and arrested two of the men.

Charlton Sealy, 35, of no fixed address, identified as the 'second man', was charged with:

1. Sexual Assault
2. Trafficking in Persons Under 18 years by Recruiting Control
3. Financial/Material Benefit Trafficking Persons Under 18 years
4. Material Benefit from Sexual Services Provided by Person Under 18 years
5. Make Child Pornography
6. Possession of a Schedule I Substance
7. Possession of Child Pornography
8. Assault
9. Advertising Another Person's Sexual Services

Shabaka Reid, 36, of Hamilton, identified as the 'third man', was charged with:

1. Sexual Assault
2. Trafficking in Persons Under 18 years by Recruiting
3. Make Child Pornography
4. Financial/Material Benefit Person Under 18 years
5. Possession of a Schedule I Substance
6. Possession of Child Pornography

They both appeared in court on Thursday, January 31, 2019, at Old City Hall.

On Friday, February 15, 2019, the Human Trafficking Enforcement Team located and arrested Deanna Passera, 27, of no fixed address, identified as the 'woman'. She was charged with:

1. Trafficking in Persons Under 18 years by Exercising Control
2. Financial/Material Benefit from Trafficking in Persons Under 18 years
3. Publish Child Pornography
4. Possess Child Pornography
5. Make Child Pornography
6. Procuring - Person Under 18 years
7. Procuring/Exercise Control
8. Advertising Another Person’s Sexual Services

She appeared in court on Saturday, February 16, 2019, at Old City Hall.

On Monday, November 18, 2019, with the assistance of the Greater Sudbury Police Service, Troy Thornhill, 37, of Toronto, identified as "the first man", was located and arrested.

He was charged with:

1. Sexual Assault
2. Trafficking in Persons Under 18 Years by Recruiting
3. Financial/Material Benefit Trafficking Persons Under 18 Years
4. Material Benefit from Sexual Services Provided by Person Under 18 Years
5. Make Child Pornography
6. Possession of Child Pornography
7. Assault
8. Procuring Person Under 18 Years
9. Advertising Another Person's Sexual Services

He appeared in court on Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at Old City Hall, in courtroom 101.

Police are concerned there may be more victims.
Police would like to encourage all affected individuals to come forward and report Human Trafficking occurrences to police. We want to make sure that everyone has access to support services and an exit strategy, regardless of their decision to proceed criminally.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Human Trafficking means every person who recruits, transports, transfers, receives, holds, conceals or harbours a person, or exercises control, direction or influence over the movements of a person, for the purpose of exploiting them or facilitating their exploitation, for a sexual purpose or a forced labour purpose. Victims can be men, women or children; can be Canadian citizens; and can be moved across local, provincial or national borders. They can be coerced through violence or the threat of violence against family and friends. The Human Trafficking Enforcement Team of Sex Crimes is dedicated to investigating these crimes against vulnerable members of society. For more information, please visit the Sex Crimes website.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Acting Detective Sergeant David Correa, Sex Crimes, Human Trafficking Enforcement Team

Troy Thornhill, 37, (identified as the 'first man') Charged in Human Trafficking investigation

Charlton Sealy, (identified as the 'second man') Previously charged in Human Trafficking investigation

Skabaka Reid, (identified as the 'third man') Previously charged in Human Trafficking investigation

Deanna Passera, (identified as the 'woman') Previously charged in Human Trafficking investigation

Extreme Cold Weather Alert terminated for Toronto

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

This news release was issued earlier today on behalf of the City of Toronto via Canada Newswire.

News release:  November 16, 2019

Extreme Cold Weather Alert terminated for Toronto

Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, has terminated the Extreme Cold Weather Alert as of noon today. The warming centre at Metro Hall will close at noon.

Find out about services for homeless and under-housed individuals at https:www.toronto.ca/homelesshelp.

More information and tips for staying warm during cold weather are available at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/extreme-cold-weather/.

Information to help residents prepare for extreme weather and weatherproof their homes is available at https://www.toronto.ca/extremeweatherready.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of more than 2.9 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. 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 on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto.

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Media contacts:

Lisa Liu, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-1793, Lisa.Liu@toronto.ca

City of Toronto Media Line: 416-338-5986, media@toronto.ca

Extreme Cold Weather Alert – seek shelter, check on loved ones

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  November 15, 2019

                                   

Extreme Cold Weather Alert – seek shelter, check on loved ones

Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, has issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert today for Toronto that will be in effect until further notice. The Medical Officer of Health will issue an Extreme Cold Weather Alert when Environment and Climate Change Canada forecasts a temperature of -15 degrees C or colder, or a wind chill of -20 degrees C or colder, for the City of Toronto. Extreme Cold Weather Alerts may also be issued when the forecast includes factors that increase the impact of cold weather on health. The factors include precipitation, low daytime temperatures, or several days and nights of cold weather in a row.

Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health. Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius and can have severe consequences, including organ failure and death. Frostbite can also occur in cold weather when skin freezes and, in severe cases, can lead to amputation when deeper tissues freeze.

Those most at risk of cold-related illness are people experiencing homelessness or those under-housed, those who work outdoors, people with a pre-existing heart condition or respiratory illness, elderly people, infants and young children. People with heart problems can experience worsening of their condition up to several days after cold weather occurs.

Extreme Cold Weather Alerts activate local services that focus on getting and keeping vulnerable residents inside. A warming centre is open at Metro Hall by 7 p.m. the day an alert is called, and remains open continuously until noon on the day an alert is terminated. Other services include notification to community agencies to relax any service restrictions, availability of transit tokens in some drop-ins, and additional overnight street outreach.

Throughout the year, 24-hour respite sites provide meals, places to rest, and service referrals at locations across the city. People can call 311 for locations and to connect to Central Intake for a referral. Homeless Help lists site information at http://www.toronto.ca/homelesshelp.

The City asks that residents help vulnerable people by calling 311 if there is a need for street outreach assistance. Call 911 if the situation is an emergency.

During an Extreme Cold Weather Alert, members of the public are encouraged to take the following precautions:

• Check the weather report before going outside.

• Dress in layers, making sure your outer layer is windproof, and cover exposed skin.

• Wear a hat, warm mittens or gloves, and warm boots.

• Stay dry. Your risk of hypothermia is much greater if you are wet.

• Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for your clothes instead of cotton, because cotton absorbs and holds moisture, no longer keeping the wearer warm.

• Seek shelter if you normally spend long periods outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes.

• Drink warm fluids other than alcohol.

• Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings when enjoying winter activities outside.

• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, during colder temperatures, especially if it's windy.

• Heat your home to at least 21 degrees Celsius if infants or elderly people are present.

• Visit vulnerable friends, neighbours and family to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.

More information and tips for staying warm during cold weather are available at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/extreme-cold-weather/.

Information to help residents prepare for extreme weather and weatherproof their homes is available at https://www.toronto.ca/extremeweatherready.

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. 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 on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/cityoftoronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto.

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Media contacts:

Lisa Liu, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-1793, Lisa.Liu@toronto.ca

City of Toronto Media Line, 416-338-5986, media@toronto.ca

Public Safety Alert Telephone Fraud/Scam 53 Division

Public Safety Alert Telephone Fraud/Scam 53 Division

Thursday, November 14, 2019 - 2:40 PM
53 Division:  416-808-5300

The Toronto Police Service would like to warn the public about an ongoing telephone scam.

It is reported:

- the telephone call starts with someone claiming they work for the government or a police agency. The caller claims that your Social Insurance Number (SIN) was used to fraudulently open bank accounts, and other illegal transactions.

The caller will provide a false name, ID number and/or badge number, and will give the following instructions:

- the caller will ask you to send money via Bitcoin to a fake government account

- the caller will make false threats that failure to comply will result in an arrest warrant issued, or they will send local police to their home and arrest them immediately

- the caller may also insist the money be paid by gift cards or other crypto-currencies, credit card, or through Western Union

- In some cases the fraudsters use a program to display the telephone number of either the revenue agency or local police on the victim's caller ID display.

Numerous residents have continued to receive telephone calls from these scammers. The public should be aware that police do not collect money for the Canada Revenue Agency. Although everyone is at risk of falling victim to these scams, elderly people are among the most vulnerable.

The CRA will not do the following:

- send emails with a link and ask you to divulge personal or financial information

- ask for personal information of any kind by email or text message

- request payments by prepaid credit cards, gift cards or through Bitcoin or any form of crypto-currency

- give taxpayer information to another person, unless formal authorization is provided by the taxpayer

- leave personal information on an answering machine

- or send the police after you

Anyone who receives these types of calls should hang up the phone immediately.

Don't ever give out any personal information, including identification numbers, passwords or financial information.

If you or a family member has fallen victim to this fraud, please report it to your local police service, as well as the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC).

There are two ways to make a report to the CAFC; either by phone at 1-888-495-8501 (9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Eastern Time) or through their online reporting tool at www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/

Anyone who thinks they have fallen victim to this scam can contact their local police service.

If you would like to learn more about the CRA scam please click on the following link: http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/on/scams-fraude/index-eng.htm.

Constable Alex Li, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Rajendra Persaud, 53 Division