Thursday, May 12, 2016

St James Park Masterplan and Site Improvements


49th Annual Police Officer of the Year Awards


Police seek assistance identifying seven males involved in Robbery


Police seek assistance identifying seven males involved in Robbery, Judicial authorization given to release photographs, Authorization prohibits publication of photographs after noon, Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Thursday, May 12, 2016 - 5:11 PM
52 Division:  416-808-5236

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance with a robbery investigation in the Yonge Street and Grenville Street area.

It is alleged that: 

- on Saturday, May 7, 2016, at approximately 10:30 p.m., three women entered a restaurant in the Yonge Street and Grenville Street area

- an unknown male commented on one of the women's shoes

- the three women left the restaurant with their food

- they were followed by four males [one boy and three unidentified males]

- the four pulled one of the women to the ground, punched her, and stole one of her shoes

- they tried to rip her coat off but were unsuccessful 

- the four males ran away with the 22-year-old woman's shoe

On Wednesday, May 11, 2016, a 15-year-old boy was arrested and charged with:

1) Robbery

He is scheduled to appear in court at 311 Jarvis Street on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, 9 a.m., room 1. 

The unidentified males are described as:

Suspect #1: black, 5'10", wearing black zip-up hoodie

Suspect #2: black, 5'7", wearing grey hoodie with navy vest

Suspect #3: black, wearing black hoodie and red shoes

It is further alleged that:

- the three women returned to the restaurant in the Yonge Street and Grenville Street area to try to photograph the suspects on their cell phones

- a second group of four unidentified males attacked the three women

- one of the males grabbed the 24-year-old woman's cell phone and hit her on the head with it multiple times

- one other male tried to grab the 23-year-old woman's purse and punched her in the head

- two other males dragged the 22-year-old woman to the ground and tried to rip her jacket off

- the 24-year-old woman was able to negotiate to get her cell phone back

- police were called and the males ran away

All three women sustained minor injuries.

The other unidentified males are described as:

Suspect #4: black, 5'7", wearing backwards navy baseball cap

Suspect #5: black, 5'6", wearing open, navy, puffy jacket

Suspect #6: black, 5'9", wearing dark-grey hoodie and blue baseball cap

Suspect #7: black, 5'9", carrying brown side satchel

Judicial authorization has been obtained to release the photographs pursuant to Section 110(4) of the Youth Criminal Justice Act. This authorization prohibits any publication of these photographs after it expires at noon, on Tuesday, May 17, 2016, or after arrests. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5236, 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 Constable Chris Cheung, 52 Division




Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Homicide #29/2011, Cold Case: Mohamed Wasughe, 55, YouTube video appeal



Homicide #29/2011, Cold Case: Mohamed Wasughe, 55, YouTube video appeal

Wednesday, May 11, 2016 - 1:28 PM
Homicide:  416-808-7400

On Sunday, July 21, 2011, at 11:57 p.m., officers responding to a shooting at an apartment on Sidney Belsey Crescent found 55-year-old Mohamed Wasughe face down at the threshold of his door.

Unconscious, with no pulse and suffering from a gunshot wound, he succumbed to his injuries in hospital.

Investigators believe Wasughe was shot after confronting two men trying to force their way into his apartment.

DNA evidence was left at the scene.

Detective Sergeant Stacy Gallant has made an appeal for the public to give police a suspect name.

YouTube Video Appeal



Unsolved Cold Cases webpage.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, 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.

Kevin Masterman, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Stacy Gallant, Homicide

An attachment to this release is available on our website.
 



Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 10 a.m., 162 Wicksteed Avenue, Ontario police leaders launch 2016 Drive Safe! campaign, "It’s True: Risk-Takers Meet Undertakers"


Media advisory, Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 10 a.m., 162 Wicksteed Avenue, Ontario police leaders launch 2016 Drive Safe! campaign, "It’s True: Risk-Takers Meet Undertakers"

Wednesday, May 11, 2016 - 4:59 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

The Toronto Police Service, in partnership with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) and MacKinnon & Bowes, will be launching the "It's True: Risk-Takers Meet Undertakers" 2016 Drive Safe! campaign. The kick-off will be on Wednesday, May 11, 2016, 10 a.m., at 162 Wicksteed Avenue.

Officers from TPS Traffic Services will be engaging in a special enforcement blitz in the Eglinton Avenue East & Laird Drive area, between 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Officers will be paying special attention to those drivers who continue to display a total disregard for other users of the road by using hand-held communication and entertainment devices while driving.

The Toronto Police Service and Ontario’s police leaders are joining forces with leaders from the funeral industry and other community partners to tackle distracted driving, the top threat to safety on roadways across Ontario. The 2016 Drive Safe! R.I.D.E. traffic safety campaign features a booklet with information on Ontario’s distracted-driving and move-over laws and information from all Drive Safe! partners to help Ontarians make the right driving choices. Besides distracted driving, the booklet also has information on the dangers of drinking and driving, driving while impaired by drug, and stunt driving.

Toronto Police Service distracted-driving tickets for the last five years:

Year - Tickets
2010: 16708
2011: 23118
2012: 18106
2013: 13464
2014: 11564
2015: 12477
2016: 3623 YTD
Total: 99060

This OACP campaign is made possible through the support of our partners:

  • Accident Support Services International Limited
  • Allstate Insurance Company of Canada
  • Canadian Tire Corporation
  • Insurance Bureau of Canada
  • LCBO, Molson Coors Canada
  • Ontario Association of Cemetery and Funeral Professionals
  • Ontario Funeral Services Association
  • Ontario Ministry of Transportation
  • Smart Serve Ontario
  • The Beer Store
  • Toronto Blue Jays
  • VIA Rail Canada
  • Yada
TPS Traffic Services Superintendent Gord Jones says, "Distracted driving continues to take one life after another. Through campaigns such as this, drivers can be educated so they make the right choice not to drive distracted. Knowing that the choice not to drive or engage in distracted driving type behaviour will save your life or the life of someone you love, makes your decision an easy one."

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

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Yonge Street and Gould Street area, Security camera image of wanted man released



Assault Causing Bodily Harm, Yonge Street and Gould Street area, Security camera image of wanted man released

Tuesday, May 10, 2016 - 10:03 AM
51 Division, 416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance with an Assault Causing Bodily Harm investigation.

On Wednesday, May 4, 2016, at 8:30 p.m., police received a call for an assault in the Yonge Street and Gould Street area.

It is reported that:
- a man and his wife were walking southbound on Yonge Street
- an unknown man brushed past them, going in the same direction
- the unknown man turned around quickly, approached the man, and struck him once in the face, causing a serious facial injury

A security camera image of the unknown man has been released

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). 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 Hannah Bartz, 51 Division





Friday, May 06, 2016

Global Marijuana March, Saturday, May 7, 2016, Queens Park, Road closures




Global Marijuana March, Saturday, May 7, 2016, Queens Park, Road closures

Friday, May 6, 2016 - 6:59 AM
Public Safety - Special Events:  416-808-5053

The Global Marijuana March will take place on Saturday, May 7, 2016. Approximately 20,000 participants will assemble in Queen's Park North, at 12 p.m. and' at 1:30 p.m., the participants will form up on Queen's Park Crescent (just south of Bloor Street West). At 2 p.m., the march will proceed along the following route:

Northbound: Queen's Park Crescent, (northbound lanes)
Eastbound: Bloor Street West (full roadway)
Southbound: Yonge Street, (full roadway)
Westbound: Wellesley Street West, (full roadway)
Northbound: Queen's Park Crescent East (full roadway) 
Dispersal between St. Joseph Street and Charles Street 

Motorists can expect delays in the area and should consider alternate methods of transportation. 

Road closures (approximate times): 
Northbound Queen's Park Crescent:
from College Street to Bloor Street West, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Southbound Queen's Park Crescent: 
from Bloor Street to Hoskin Avenue, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Eastbound Bloor Street West: 
from Queen's Park Crescent to Yonge Street, 1:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

Westbound Bloor Street West:
from Yonge Street until rear escort is southbound on Yonge Street, 1:45 p.m. to 3:15 p.m.

North and southbound Yonge Street: 
from Wellesley Street to Bloor Street West, and from Bloor Street West to Wellesley Street, 2:15 p.m. to 4 p.m.

East and westbound Wellesley Street West:
from Yonge Street to Queen's Park Crescent East, and from Queens Park Crescent East to Yonge Street, 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Northbound Queen's Park Crescent East: from College Street to Charles Street, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

TTC service adjustments:

  • 94 Wellesley (to divert as the parade travels west on Wellesley Street West, then north on Queen’s Park) 
  • Eastbound/westbound: 
  • To divert in both directions utilizing the following streets; 
  • Wellesley Street, Yonge Street, College Street, St. George Street, Harbord Street to route. May be required to utilize Church Street in the event turn movements are restricted at Yonge Street
  • 5 Avenue Road (Queen's Park Crescent East closure; only if required during activities at Queen’s Park) 
  • From Davenport Rd: south on Avenue Road, south on Queens Park, west on Hoskin Avenue, north on St. George Street, east on Bloor Street, north on Avenue Road to route. 
  • 5 Avenue Road (Queen’s Park south of Bloor Street West closure for the parade) 
  • From Davenport Road: south on Avenue Road, west on Lowther Avenue, south on Bedford Road, west on Prince Arthur Avenue to enter St. George station. 
  • From St. George Station: north on Bedford Road, east on Prince Arthur Avenue, north on Avenue Road to route. 
Please download the Toronto Police Service Mobile App for iOS or Android.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Tee Chase, Public Safety - Special Events

Monday, May 02, 2016

MPP Glen Murray: News From Queen's Park

News From Queen's Park 

Ontario Building More Electric Vehicle Charging Stations 
The province of Ontario is investing $20 million into building a network of electric vehicle charging stations across the province in 2017. In order to address 'range anxiety', nearly 500 different units will be built at 250 locations around Ontario, including cities, workplaces, highways, condos, and public spaces. Building this network will allow drivers in electric vehicles more freedom, as well as allow for more electric vehicles to be on the roads in Ontario.

Ontario to Expand HPV Immunization Program to Boys 
Beginning in September 2016, the Ontario Government will begin to offer the HPV vaccine to both boys and girls in grade 7. During the transitional 2016-2017 school year, girls in grade 8 will also receive the vaccine to ensure that all young Ontarians are protected. Students that are unable to complete the vaccination program in grade 7 will be able to complete the program free of charge right up until the 12th grade. HPV is a common cancer causing virus found all over the world, so it is vitally important that young Ontarians become immune as soon as is recommended.

Ontario to Invest $1.5 Million in Grassroots Organization to Protect Great Lakes 
Ontario is helping restore and enhance the Great Lakes by providing 69 grassroots organizations, including non-profits, schools, and native focused organizations with up to $25,000 in funding for the various projects. These projects include planting trees, cleaning beaches and shorelines, creating rain gardens, restoring wetland habitat, and fighting invasive species.

The Great Lakes Basin is home to 99% of the population in Ontario, as well as the vast majority of its agricultural production and power production. Protecting this land is therefore a top priority and key to Ontario's future.

Ontario Expanding Free Dental Care for Low-Income Children and Youth
 
Under the new Healthy Smiles Ontario program, over 70,000 more children have become eligible for free dental care, to a total of 323,000 children receiving free dental work in Ontario. This new program also integrates six separate public dental organizations into one for a more streamlined and efficient approach, ensuring that young people get the care they need. Applications for this program can be found by clicking THIS link.  

Tooth decay is a preventable disease that exists in children from low-income areas in rates up to four times higher than in affluent areas. Poor oral health can also have adverse effects on many aspects of a child's life, including ability to concentrate in school, eat well, and even sleep at night.    
Community News  

TorGEN Launch in Distillery District 
MPP Glen Murray invites you to join us on Monday, May 2nd, for the launch of TorGEN. TorGEN is an exciting new project which focuses on both individual and community-wide reductions in carbon emissions for Toronto Centre. To celebrate the launch, a presentation will be held by MPP Glen Murray and our partners at Impact Infrastructure, Live Green Toronto, and Toronto Hydro, at 7PM, 39 Parliament St. on the 11th floor Amenity Room. 
For more information, be sure to click HERE.

Edible Allen Gardens Project 
MPP Glen Murray's office is seeking volunteers to help in a new initiative under the TorGEN project. TorGEN will be taking part in Edible Allan Gardens, a community initiative by Building Roots and community partners, creating a space to grow fruits and vegetables in Allan Gardens this summer. TorGEN will have its own planting container and we are looking for volunteers to help us plant and take care of our garden throughout the summer. Volunteers will be able to attend free workshops and events to learn more about growing healthy food right here in our community! For more information on this project, click HERE
If you're interested in joining us grow healthy, local food this summer please contact our office!
Tel: 416 972 7683

Statement from Chief Saunders regarding the SIU



A Statement from Chief Saunders regarding the SIU

Monday, May 2, 2016 - 3:33 PM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

I’d like to offer a response to the report recently released by SIU Director Tony Loparco.

On the night of July 5, 2015, officers responded to a call for a man threatening death at 502 Gilbert Avenue. The actions of the officer that night have been fully justified by the SIU.

Like any investigation where the SIU has invoked its mandate, officers attended the scene after the shooting for the purpose of securing evidence. This is in line with Ontario Regulation 267/10 section 4, which reads:

    "The Chief of Police shall ensure that, pending the SIU taking charge of the scene of the incident, the police force secures the scene in a manner consistent with all standing orders, policies and usual practice of the police force for serious incidents."

Our officers have a legal onus to fulfil this responsibility. This includes the necessity to secure video evidence.

Because of this, my officers attempted to locate and secure the video. Due to technical difficulties, they were unable to do so. They did not review the video, nor did they download the video. An officer was posted to secure the scene until technical assistance could be contacted. The SIU, in fact, downloaded the video at a later time. The SIU’s forensic examination states that no tampering took place.

In addition, the SIU had representatives on scene at this time. At no point did they question, contradict or prevent my officers from carrying out this responsibility.

I believe the SIU Director is using this opportunity to highlight his desire for a strong review of the regulations that govern his agency. This is a review the TPS strongly supports.

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

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Chief Mark Saunders

Saturday, April 30, 2016

Seniors awareness presentation on domestic violence and fraud prevention



Media advisory, Saturday, April 30, 2016, 10:30 a.m., Royal Canadian Legion #286, 11 Irwin Road, Seniors awareness presentation on domestic violence and fraud prevention

Saturday, April 30, 2016 - 4:59 AM
Divisional Policing Support Unit
416-808-0100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public and media aware of an information session for seniors on domestic violence awareness and fraud prevention.

It will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2016, 10:30 a.m., at the Royal Canadian Legion #286, 11 Irwin Road.

The public is invited to attend.


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


For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.



Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Ann-Marie Tupling, Divisional Policing Support Unit

Friday, April 29, 2016

Police seek assistance with Sexual Assault Investigation, Richmond Street East and Jarvis Street area


Police seek assistance with Sexual Assault Investigation, Richmond Street East and Jarvis Street area

Friday, April 29, 2016 - 11:59 AM
Sex Crimes:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public's assistance identifying a man involved in a Sexual Assault investigation.

It is reported that:

- between Sunday, April 17, 2016, and Monday, April 18, 2016, a 25-year-old woman was approached by a man in the Richmond Street East and Jarvis Street area
- she left with the man in a dark-coloured vehicle to a deserted parking lot
- the woman was sexually assaulted

The man is described as black, approximately 40, brown eyes, short hair, and clean-shaven. He was wearing a white T-shirt, baggy blue jeans and an earring in one ear.

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). 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.

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

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Autumn Withrow, Sex Crimes

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Police seek assistance identifying man wanted in Fraud investigation, Security camera image released



Police seek assistance identifying man wanted in Fraud investigation, Security camera image released

Tuesday, April 19, 2016 - 6:29 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public's assistance identifying a man wanted in a Fraud investigation.

It is reported that:

- during December 2015 and January 2016, a man defrauded the LCBO multiple times at numerous locations

The man is described as 6'0", short brown hair, facial hair and wears sport sunglasses.

A security camera image has been released.

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). 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 Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Sean Imrie, 51 Division


Security camera image of man wanted in Fraud investigation

Monday, April 11, 2016

Dovercourt Boys & Girls Club needs your help

Heinz Kuck is at it again with an event to support the Dovercourt Boys and Girls Club, and in particular their “Music Makers” program, in an effort to purchase musical instruments for their use.

Pushing for Hope aims to financially support and promote Music Makers, one of the components of Dovercourt’s Character Development Program which benefits children and youth between the ages of 8 and 15. Funds raised will directly go to the purchase of musical instruments such as steel drums, key boards, guitars and wind instruments 

http://www.pushforhope.myevent.com/

Friday, April 08, 2016

Glen Murray, MPP - News From Queen's Park

News From Queen's Park

Ontario to Introduce Changes to Municipal Elections Act
Ontario has recently proposed changes to the Municipal Elections Act, with the goal of providing new electoral options for municipalities and more open and transparent elections for voters. One aspect of the proposed changes would be to give the option of a ranked ballot voting system for municipal elections, beginning in 2018. A ranked ballot system allows voters to rank their preferred candidates from first to last, and in the event that no candidate wins a majority, the candidate with the least votes is eliminated and their voters' second choice is now taken into account. For more information on ranked voting, click HERE.

The proposed legislation will also create a framework to limit third-party advertising, simplify campaign finance rules, and make the election process more accessible to disabled voters and candidates.

New Legislation Supports First Responders With PTSD
The Government of Ontario has recently passed the Supporting Ontario's First Responders Act, which creates a presumption that PTSD suffered by first responders is work related.Once a first responder has been diagnosed by a physician or psychiatrist, it is no longer necessary to prove a causality between a specific workplace event and the worker's symptoms. This enables first responders with PTSD to more easily access the WSIB benefits that they need.

Workers affected by the new legislation include: police, firefighters, paramedics, emergency response teams, certain workers in correctional facilities, and dispatchers for first responders. There are 73,000 first responders in Ontario, and studies have shown that first responders are twice as likely to have PTSD as non-first responders. This new legislation will enable them to get the help they need faster and more easily.      

Ontario Generates $1.7 Billion from Hydro One Sale
The province of Ontario is broadening the ownership of Hydro One via a secondary share offering. This offering will generate $1.7 billion, which will in turn be used to fund infrastructure projects across the province. Once this particular offering concludes, the province will hold around 70% of Hydro One. Over time, the province's stake in Hydro One will be reduced to 40%, while still remaining the corporation's largest shareholder.

New Youth Jobs Program Has Launched in Ontario
As of April 1st, the province of Ontario has launched a new Youth Jobs Program that will help people ages 15-29 help prepare for the labour market and make important employment connections. The Youth Job Link Program is available at more than 320 locations across the province. For information on the Youth Job Link Program and the locations, click HERE

Community News  

Earth Day is Almost Here!
As many of you are aware, Friday April 22nd is Earth Day! Earth Day is a celebration of the planet we all call home and is usually accompanied by a variety of environmentally progressive initiatives. This year's Earth Day will focus on restoring Canada's forests, as well as forests all over the world, to their former robust state. There are many different ways to celebrate Earth Day. One simple way to celebrate is to calculate the amount of carbon your household produces by using THIS calculator, and trying to reduce that number by the 22nd!

Also, be sure to stay tuned for our own Earth Day event, as news about what we have planned is coming soon!  



Monday, April 04, 2016

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

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

News Release:  April 4, 2016    
                              
Extreme Cold Weather Alert – seek shelter, check on loved ones

Based on information from Environment Canada, Dr. David McKeown, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, has issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert today for Toronto that will be in effect until further notice. 

Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health. Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature drops below 35°C and can have severe consequences, including organ failure and death. Frostnip and frostbite can also occur in cold weather when skin freezes. 

During extreme cold weather, residents are encouraged to call or visit vulnerable friends, neighbours and family to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather. Those most at risk of cold-related illness are people who work outdoors, people with a pre-existing heart condition or respiratory illness, those taking certain medications, infants and young children, and those who are homeless. People with heart problems can experience worsening of their condition up to several days after cold weather occurs. 

This alert triggers cold weather services for homeless people, including TTC tokens for people to get to shelter, increased street outreach, and a direction to shelters to relax any service restrictions in place. During an extreme cold weather alert, two 24-hour extreme cold weather drop-ins will be opened by 3 p.m. on the day the alert is called and closed by noon on the day the alert is cancelled. More information about these services is available at http://bit.ly/1yFFOH5.

During an Extreme Cold Weather Alert, members of the public are encouraged to take the following precautions: 
• 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 clothes instead of cotton, because cotton stops keeping you warm once it gets wet. 
• People who normally spend long periods outside should seek shelter. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes. 
• Avoid alcohol as it increases blood flow. You may feel warm even though you are losing body heat. 
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, especially if it's windy. 
• Keep home heating at 21ÂşC or warmer if babies or elderly people are present.

If you see someone on the street who needs outreach assistance – which may include a shelter bed due to the cold temperatures – call 311. For medical emergencies, call 911. 

More information and tips for staying warm during extremely cold weather are available at http://www.toronto.ca/health.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1SM50D3

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 @TorontoComms.

-30-

Media contacts:
Lenore Bromley, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-7974, lbromle@toronto.ca  
Pat Anderson, Shelter, Support and Housing Administration, 416-397-4328, panders@toronto.ca