Heat Alert declared for Toronto -- June 23, 2013

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release:  June 23, 2013

Heat Alert declared for Toronto

Dr. Barbara Yaffe, Toronto's Associate Medical Officer of Health, has declared a Heat Alert for today. The Heat Alert will be in effect until further notice.

During a Heat Alert, the public is encouraged to call or visit family, friends and neighbours, especially isolated adults and seniors who are at greater risk of suffering from heat-related illness, to make sure they are cool and drinking plenty of fluids. Other groups at risk include people with chronic illnesses, limited mobility and with certain mental health illnesses, infants and young children, people on certain medications, and those who are homeless.

The public is advised to Beat the Heat by taking these precautions:
- Drink lots of cool water even before you feel thirsty.
- Go to air conditioned places, including shopping malls or one of many local libraries or community centres located in each neighbourhood.
- Take cool showers or baths or use cool wet towels to cool down.
- Wear loose, light coloured breathable clothing and when outdoors wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Avoid the sun and stay in the shade or use an umbrella.
- Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day.
- Never leave seniors, children or pets unattended in a car.

Landlords of buildings without air conditioning are encouraged to provide a dedicated cooling room for vulnerable residents to escape the heat. Community agencies are encouraged to educate clients on the risks of heat-related illness and to call or check on those clients at increased risk of heat-related illness during alerts.

When an alert is declared, those who need assistance or have heat-related inquiries may call 311.
For more information on how to beat the heat, visit http://www.toronto.ca/health.
Often, high air pollution occurs during hot weather conditions. People with heart and lung conditions, seniors and children should pay special attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index levels and forecasts available at http://www.airhealth.ca.

West Don Lands Neighbourhood Walkabout

This is an opportunity to see the new Corktown Common park in the West Don Lands before the official opening on June 28^th.

West Don Lands Neighbourhood Walkabout

Location: Meet at southwest corner of Queen St. E. and River St.

Description: Join Councillor Pam McConnell, along with staff from City Planning and Waterfront Toronto as we explore the emerging West Don Lands community.

Date: Thursday, June 27

Start Time: 18:00
End Time: 21:00

   

Each year, Councillor McConnell hosts a walkabout with City Planning staff, to explore our community.  Previous walkabouts have featured tours of our promenades to the waterfront, Corktown, Regent Park, and St. Lawrence.  The tours include frequent stops at notable buildings and landmarks, with an explanation of the history and the future of the location and an opportunity to ask questions.

The West Don Lands walkabout will highlight the new developments around River City, the acclaimed Underpass Park, the Pan Am Athletes’ Village and Corktown Common (aka Don River Park), and the waterfront.

Please remember to wear comfortable shoes!

2013 Regent Park Barbecue!

Sexual Assault Alert, Three men wanted, Update, Composite sketches released

Sexual Assault Alert, Three men wanted, Update, Composite sketches released

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 - 11:20 AM
51 Division:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service is alerting the public to a sexual assault investigation.

It has been reported that:

- on Monday, April 15, 2013, between midnight and 3 a.m., a 48-year-old woman was walking on Gloucester Street, east of Yonge Street 

See previous release.

Three composite sketches are now available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Phil Campbell, Sex Crimes Unit

News Releases

Above: Composite sketch of suspect #1 in sexual assault investigation

Above: Composite sketch of suspect #2 in sexual assault investigation

Above: Composite sketch of suspect #3 in sexual assault investigation

Jun 19, 2013, 11:20 am

Sexual Assault Alert, Three men wanted, Update,
Composite sketches released

51 Division:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service is alerting the public to a sexual assault investigation.

It has been reported that:

- on Monday, April 15, 2013, between midnight and 3 a.m., a 48-year-old woman was walking on Gloucester Street, east of Yonge Street 

See previous release.

Three composite sketches are now available.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Phil Campbell, Sex Crimes Unit

Regent Park Barbecue - June 15, 2013

Glen Murray MPP Toronto Centre Newsletter 20130613

Summer Events 13/06/2013 Greetings from Queen’s Park, On Tuesday, June 11th, 2013, the Ontario Legislature voted to pass the 2013 Ontario Budget. The budget came as a result of significant consultation with residents across Ontario and I am proud of the progress we have made in protecting and enhancing our education, transportation and health care systems while being fiscally prudent in our spending to eliminate our deficit by 2017-2018. For more information on the budget, please visit http://www.fin.gov.on.ca/en/budget/ontariobudgets/2013/, or contact my office. With summer approaching, our community has many exciting events planned to help you make the most of it. I would encourage you to get involved in our community, we would be happy to provide more information about any of these events should you require it. Canada Day BBQ MP Bob Rae and I, along with the St. Lawrence Neighbourhood Association, invite you to the Toronto Centre Canada Day Community BBQ. Join us on July 1st from 11:30am-1:30pm. It is located beside St. Lawrence Market North at 95 Front Street East. Please come to visit and enjoy the BBQ, entertainment, and free Canada Day giveaways. Soapbox I am sure that you share my belief that democracy is not a top-down relationship. It strives and depends on your involvement, and to facilitate this exchange of ideas I am using SOAPBOX. It allows all constituents to write their ideas for our community, which then can be ‘liked’ or ‘disliked’ by your fellow residents. I will respond to ideas that are ranked highly, and you will be able to track my progress as I advocate on your behalf. To participate in this exciting experiment of grassroots democracy visit: www.torontocentreplan.org/soapbox. Regent Park Farmers’ Market The Regent Park Farmers’ Market will begin on June 5th and will continue every Wednesday between 3:00pm and 8:00pm until the end of summer. You will be able to find the finest in healthy and fresh produce, as well as a great assortment of pastries, breads, cheeses, spices, pies, and much more. It is located at the Regent Park Boulevard, with parking available nearby on Sackville Street. Volunteers Needed for Mosaic Artist Thomas Dannenberg is looking for volunteers to complete 25-feet mural for the Ontario Street Park. Volunteers do not need prior experience, only a passion to help beautify our community. If you can commit some time to the project contact Mr. Dannenberg at thomasdannenberg@sympatico.ca or call 647-284-402. Seniors Safety Forum On June 26th from 2-3:30pm there will be a Seniors Safety Forum in the Community Corner (multi-room A) at 200 Wellesley St. E. It is conducted in celebration of Seniors Month to offer information on self-care, fall prevention, and safety practices. Please RSVP at 416-962-9449 ext. 221. DiverseCity Fellows Applications CivicAction’s DiverseCity Fellows is calling all rising community leaders to apply for one-year action-oriented leadership program. The deadline is July 17th, at 5:00pm. The program is a part-time, voluntary program that holds sessions of weekdays, evenings and weekends. It will begin in September 2013, and will offer its participants great contacts and experience as community leaders. For more information visit diversecitytoronto.ca/fellowa I hope that you can join us for these exciting events over the coming month. Please do not hesitate to contact my office if you require any further information or if you have any other concerns that  I can assist with. Sincerely, Glen Murray

MP Bob Rae and MPP Glen Murray Canada Day BBQ

Wine & Spirit Festival - 2013

Wine & Spirit Festival - 2013

The Toronto Wine & Spirit Festival; Toronto’s first outdoor wine and spirit festival, is back for its 5th year!

June 13th, 14th, & 15th – Toronto. We return to the city’s fabulous waterfront, centrally located in downtown Toronto. Join us at Sugar Beach, located at Jarvis and Queen’s Quay!

http://www.wineandspiritfestival.ca/

 

Annual Book Sale - June 16, 9am - 4pm

Meetings on Toronto's Making Space for Culture project

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release

Meetings on Toronto's Making Space for Culture project

The City of Toronto will hold ward-based meetings from June 10 to July 9 to assess community needs for affordable and sustainable cultural spaces.

Twelve consultations will help provide councillors and those investing in cultural infrastructure with insight into individual wards' needs and priorities. 

Residents are invited to attend the meetings and to offer their input about their neighbourhood's cultural infrastructure. Input on topics such as public participation in cultural activities and accessibility to cultural spaces will help guide potential future investment. Examples of culture spaces and infrastructure include, for example, performance venues for music, theatre or dance, art galleries and studios, and rehearsal spaces. 

Consultation meeting schedule: 
June 10: 6 to 8 p.m. - Ward 12, Evelyn Gregory Library
June 15: 10:30 to 12:30 p.m. - Ward 30, Riverdale Library
June 15: 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. - Ward 36, Scarborough Village Recreation Centre
June 17: 6 to 8 p.m. - Ward 24, Hillcrest Library
June 18: 2 to 4 p.m. - Ward 27, St. Paul's Bloor Street
June 24: 6 to 8 p.m. - Ward 26, Leaside Library
June 25: 6 to 8 p.m. - Ward 4, Richview Library
June 26: 6 to 8 p.m. - Ward 16, Northern District Library
July 2: 6 to 8 p.m. - Ward 41, Woodside Square Library
July 4: 6 to 8 p.m. - Ward 13, Runnymede Library
July 8: 6 to 8 p.m. - Ward 24, Broadlands Community Centre
July 9: 6 to 8 p.m. - Ward 17, Dufferin/St. Clair Library 

Twenty ward consultations were conducted in 2012 and the final 12 consultations will take place this fall. Residents who miss or are unable to attend the public meetings can participate in an online survey.

More information and the survey are available at http://cityoftoronto.fluidsurveys.com/s/makingspaceforculture/.

The Making Space for Culture project is a recommendation of the Creative Capital Gains Report, which Toronto City Council endorsed in 2011. 

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

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

Safety Awareness Week in Toronto next week

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release

Safety Awareness Week in Toronto next week

Toronto Fire Services together with other emergency services personnel and community partners will provide opportunities next week for the public to learn how to keep their children and family safe. 

Daily open houses at four Toronto schools will take place from June 10 to 13. A special mall display of emergency services will be held at Scarborough Town Centre on Saturday, June 15.  

This is a great opportunity for the public to talk to safety professionals about family health and safety. The schools will have additional activities such as an inflatable "jumpee" fire truck, face painting and washable tattoos applied by firefighters. Admission is free.

Locations, dates and times
West: Monday, June 10 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Elmbank JM Academy, 10 Pittsboro Dr., Etobicoke 

East: Tuesday, June 11 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Chartland Jr. Public School, 109 Chartland Blvd. S., Scarborough

South: Wednesday, June 12 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
Holy Cross Catholic School, 299A Donlands Ave., East York

North: Thursday, June 13 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.
St. Augustine Catholic School, 98 Shoreham Dr., North York

East: Saturday, June 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Scarborough Town Centre, Centre Court and north parking lot opposite door #3

The public will be able to visit and interact with representatives and their specialty vehicles from the Canadian Forces, the Greater Toronto Airports Authority, GO Transit, Toronto Emergency Medical Services (EMS), Toronto Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police and Toronto Fire Services.  

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

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Media contacts: 
Captain Ian Macpherson, Toronto Fire Services, 416-540-2870 (cell), imacpher@toronto.ca 
Brock Munro, Educator, Toronto Fire Services, 416-338-9473, bmunro2@toronto.ca 

Memorial service Sunday in honour of fallen firefighters

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

Memorial service Sunday in honour of fallen firefighters

The City of Toronto will honour the addition of six fallen firefighters to the Memorial Honour Roll on Sunday. The service will include words of solace and the laying of wreaths by Toronto City Council representative Councillor John Parker (Ward 26 Don Valley West), Toronto Fire Services and the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters Association.

Date:  Sunday, June 9
Time:  11 a.m.
Place: Harbourfront Fire Station 334, 339 Queens Quay W.

Firefighters and their families and friends gather annually for the ceremony of remembrance.

A total of 236 firefighters have died in the line of duty while protecting lives, property and the environment in Toronto since 1848. The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario recognizes that many of the recent deaths of firefighters who have lost their lives in the line of duty are the result of work-related cancers. 

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 

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Media contact: Toronto Fire Services Media line, 416-338-0763

Sexual Assault Alert, Three men wanted

Toronto Police Service News Release

Sexual Assault Alert, Three men wanted

Friday, June 7, 2013 - 2:14 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service is alerting the public to a sexual assault.

It has been reported that:
- on Monday, April 15, 2013, between midnight and 3 a.m., a 48-year-old woman was walking on Gloucester Street, east of Yonge Street
- she was approached from behind by three men who made derogatory comments to her regarding her sexual orientation
- the three men forced her to Norman Jewison Park where she was sexually assaulted

The men are described as:
1) white, approximately 30, 6’, medium build, dark-brown curly hair, with a scar on his chin. He was wearing a dark T-shirt with a Budweiser logo, jeans, and a dark windbreaker.
2) white, approximately 20, 5’9", thin build, and had facial acne. He was wearing a grey/blue hoodie with a Maple Leaf logo.
3) light-tanned complexion, late 20s, 5’9” to 6’, with a heavy build, and short dark hair. He was wearing a dark shirt and a jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Phil Campbell or Detective Sergeant Kim Gross at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook.

A sexual assault is defined by the Criminal Code of Canada as 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 Unit website.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Kim Gross, Sex Crimes Unit

Official opening of Toronto's first separated bike lane

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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Media Advisory

June 7, 2013

 

Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34 Don Valley East), Chair of the City of Toronto's Public Works and Infrastructure Committee, will officially open Toronto's first ever separated bike lane (cycle track) on Sherbourne Street.

Date: Monday, June 10

Time: 10:30 a.m.    

Location: Sherbourne Street (north of Gerrard Street, near Allan Gardens)

The event will highlight changes to the infrastructure including new safety features.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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

Four men face several drug charges, $6.5 Million dollars worth of drugs seized

Toronto Police Service News Release

Four men face several drug charges, $6.5 Million dollars worth of drugs seized

Friday, June 7, 2013 - 9:00 AM
Drug Squad:  416-808-6100

On Monday, May 6, 2013, at 3 p.m., three men were arrested by the Organized Crime Enforcement, Drug Squad – Major Project Section.

It is alleged that:
- the three men were arrested in the Bay Street/Lake Shore Boulevard area
- a search of two vehicles that the men were associated with resulted in the seizure of a large quantity of cocaine (approximately 33 kilograms)
- further investigation led to additional CDSA search warrants being executed in the Toronto area

A fourth man was arrested during the execution of the search warrants.

It is further alleged that:
- the searches resulted in the seizure of an additional 29 kilograms of cocaine, three kilograms of crystal methamphetamine and a small quantity of liquid GHB

Drugs Seized:
Cocaine - 62,000 grams
Crystal Meth - 3,000 grams
Liquid GHB - 250 ml

The estimate street value of the drugs seized is $6.5 million dollars.

Philipos Kollaros, 33, of Vancouver; Ritesh Thakur, 40, of Mississauga;
Gursharan Singh, 29, of Mississauga; and Dimitri Alexiou, 36, of Quebec, have each been charged with:

1. Traffic in Cocaine
2. two counts of Possession for the Purpose Cocaine
3. Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking in schedule I
4. Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking in schedule III

The men appeared in court at Old City Hall on Thursday, May 7, 2013.

This investigation was a TAVIS supported initiative.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Karl Sobotka, Toronto Drug Squad

Elopee located, Mohamed Ishmail Patel, 51

Toronto Police Service News Release

Elopee located, Mohamed Ishmail Patel, 51

Thursday, June 6, 2013 - 11:07 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to thank the public for their assistance locating an elopee.

Mohamed Ishmail Patel, 51, was last seen on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at 4 p.m., at 30 Bond Street.

See previous release.

He was located on Wednesday, June 5, 2013, at 8:40 p.m.

Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Detective Chu Chang, 51 Division

Weekend events with road closures in Toronto - June 8/9 2013

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release

June 5, 2013

Weekend events with road closures in Toronto

Seven special events this weekend will involve 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. A more complete list of events and road work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/torontostreets/.

Woofstock

Road closures required for Woofstock, listed below, will take place from Friday, June 7 at 6:30 p.m. to Sunday, June 9 at 11:59 p.m.

- Front Street from Yonge Street to Jarvis Street

- Wellington Street from Church Street to Leader Lane

- Church Street from Colborne Street to The Esplanade

- Market Street from Front Street to The Esplanade (for Sunday, June 9 only) Alternative east-west routes for motorists include Adelaide Street and Richmond Street.

Ride to Conquer Cancer

Lake Shore Boulevard from Strachan Avenue to Windemere Avenue and Windemere Avenue from Lake Shore Boulevard to The Queensway will be closed on Saturday, June 8 from 6:30 to 10:30 a.m. to accommodate this event. The Gardiner Expressway is an alternative route.

Portugal Day Parade

Lansdowne Avenue from Bloor Street to College Street will be closed in both directions on Saturday, June 8 from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Dufferin Street is a possible alternative route for motorists.

Dundas West Fest

Dundas Street from Lansdowne Avenue to Roxton Road will be closed in both directions on Saturday, June 8 from 9 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. College Street or Queen Street are alternative routes.

Toronto Taste

Queen's Park will be closed in both directions from Bloor Street to the top end of Queen's Park Circle from Saturday, June 8 at 8 p.m. to Monday, June 9 at 6 a.m. Yonge Street or Bathurst Street are possible north-south alternative routes.

Festival on Bloor

Bloor Street from Spadina Avenue to Bathurst Street will be closed on Sunday, June 9 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. to accommodate the Festival on Bloor. College Street is a possible alternative route.

Toronto Challenge Run

Wellington Street from Simcoe Street to John Street will be closed in both directions on Sunday, June 9 from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. There will also be a variety of road closures during the event in the area bounded by Wellington Street in the south, Spadina Avenue in the west, Wellesley Street in the north and Bay Street in the east. Richmond Street and Adelaide Street are east-west alternative routes while Bathurst Street and University Avenue are north-south alternatives.

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. Toronto's government is dedicated to delivering customer service excellence, creating a transparent and accountable government, reducing the size and cost of government and building a transportation city. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can dial 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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

Murder victim identified

Police have identified the victim whose remains were found in a bag on May 24 and are seeking the public’s help with the investigation. At a press conference at police headquarters on June 3, Det. John Margeston of the Homicide Unit said the remains were those of 28-year-old Rigat Essag Ghirmay, who lived at 285 Shuter St. She came to Canada form Eritrea and was a permanent Canadian citizen. On May 26, police arrested 41-year-old Adonay Zekarias, who was known to the deceased. He was charged with indignity to a dead body. “At this time, we are seeking the public’s help with regards to anyone who knew her and could assist with her movements in the last several weeks,” said Margeston. “We are also seeking any acquaintances she may have had in the Toronto area.” Margeston said police have spoken to two of her brothers, who live in Eritrea and the United States. In addition, police are asking anyone who may have seen an individual moving a tracker duffel bag in the last few weeks in the area of Humber Blvd. and Alliance Rd., and who knows the accused, to contact them. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Squad 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), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.