Home Repair Scams Tonight at 9 on Twitter!!!

At 9PM ET #fraudchat will cover home repair scams w/ @ontarioconsumer. 

Discussion point #1: tip when dealing w/ home repair salespeople 

 

 

Toronto Police Service News Release

 

#Fraudchat covers home reno, repair and maintenance scams

Thursday, July 25, 2013 - 12:03 PM
Financial Crimes Unit:  416-808-7300

Tonight at 9 p.m. EST, the Toronto Police Service Financial Crimes Unit and the Ontario Ministry of Consumer Services will offer tips and information on avoiding home renovation, repair and maintenance scams in an online Twitter chat (#fraudchat).

This chat, which is part of the #Fraudchat program, will cover the following:

• Common types of home reno, repair and maintenance scams
• Your rights when having work done on your home and
• What to do if you feel your rights may have been violated.

To follow the chat, members of the public simply need to log on to Twitter between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. EST tonight and follow the #fraudchat hashtag. An application such as "Tweetdeck," which allows users to separately view tweets containing this hashtag, is also helpful in following the chat.

About #Fraudchat

#Fraudchat is a weekly Twitter chat that takes place every Thursday between 9 p.m to 10 p.m. EST on Twitter. Launched in November 2012, this program seeks to educate and exchange ideas with the public about financial crimes and fraud. The moderators for this program are Kristen Rose, Senior Communications Officer at the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, and Detective Sergeant Cameron Field of the Financial Crimes Unit.

Since November 2012 the Financial Crimes Unit has partnered with the Financial Service Commission of Ontario to educate the public about financial crimes and fraud through the use of social media.

Constable Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Staff Inspector Bryce Evans, Financial Crimes Unit

Mosquitoes in Toronto test positive for West Nile Virus

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

News Release:  July 24, 2013

Mosquitoes in Toronto test positive for West Nile Virus

Toronto Public Health (TPH) has received a lab report indicating mosquitoes in Toronto have tested positive for West Nile Virus. This is the first positive test for West Nile Virus in Toronto this year.

"This is a timely reminder to the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to remove standing water from their property where mosquitoes can breed," said Elaine Pacheco, Healthy Environments Manager for Toronto Public Health.

Although the risk of becoming infected is low, protection against mosquito bites can further reduce this risk. TPH reminds residents to take precautions now and throughout the summer to protect themselves from mosquito bites:
- Wear light-coloured, long-sleeved shirts, pants, socks and a hat when outdoors, especially at dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
- Use insect repellent approved by Health Canada and follow product instructions.
- Remove standing water from property where mosquitoes can breed.
- Maintain screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out of your home.

TPH has 43 mosquito traps throughout the city and submits mosquitoes for laboratory testing every week. As part of the City of Toronto's West Nile Virus mosquito-reduction program, catch basins and other areas of standing water are treated with larvicide to reduce mosquito breeding.

West Nile Virus was first discovered in Toronto in 2001. In 2012, TPH reported 100 positive mosquito pools and 94 human cases.

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/health/westnile or by calling 416-338-7600.

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: Rishma Govani, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-8020, rgovani@toronto.ca

2013 Caribbean Carnival Kick-Off - Thursday July 25, 2013

Live Green Toronto Festival at Yonge-Dundas Square this Saturday

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

News Release:  July 23, 2013

Live Green Toronto Festival at Yonge-Dundas Square this Saturday  

The Live Green Toronto Festival will take place at Yonge-Dundas Square this Saturday, July 27, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.  

Toronto's largest outdoor celebration of all things green will feature a marketplace with more than 100 vendors of green products and services, live music on two stages, a Kids' Zone, CD/DVD/Book Swap, Beer Garden, outdoor yoga class, live demonstrations and more. 

“The Live Green Toronto Festival provides a great opportunity for residents to learn even more ways to green their lives and support local businesses, while enjoying a full day of music, food and fun for the whole family," said Councillor Paul Ainslie (Ward 43 Scarborough East), Chair of the City's Parks and Environment Committee.

Yonge Street will be closed to traffic from Dundas Street to Queen Street to accommodate the marketplace. People are encouraged to walk, bike or take public transit to the event.

Performers on the Main Stage (Yonge-Dundas Square)

Noon: Thought Beneath Film
12:30 p.m.: Andria Simone
1 p.m.: The Abrams Brothers
2 p.m.: Alex Cuba
3 p.m.: Anjulie
4 p.m.: Victoria Duffield
5 p.m.: The Parachute Club
6 p.m.: Treble Charger
7 p.m.: Kardinal Offishall
8 p.m.: Shawn Desman

Festival visitors can also pedal a bike to help power the Community Stage, sponsored by Chipotle Mexican Grill, which will showcase local indie artists including Mama D, James from the Songs, Jaydahmann featuring Krystle Chance, Christian Bridges & Philip Nozuka, Womyn of Indigo and the Bloor Street Finishing School.

The Live Green Toronto Festival will be green-powered courtesy of Bullfrog Power. Festival sponsors include Chipotle Mexican Grill, TD, CP24, Toronto Star, Metro, Metroland Media, The Grid, Goodlife Fitness, Me to We Style, House of Marley, car2go, Steam Whistle, Eaton Chelsea Toronto and EcoParent Magazine.

A list of the marketplace vendors and more information about the festival is available at http://www.livegreentoronto.ca. 

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: Nancy Ruscica, Environment and Energy Office, 416-392-2984 (office), 
416-707-5856 (cell), nruscic@toronto.ca 

Toronto's largest outdoor celebration of all things green hits the streets at Yonge & Dundas on Saturday, July 27.

Performers on the Main Stage include:

Shawn Desman	Kardinal Offishall
Treble Charger	Victoria Duffield
Alex Cuba	Anjulie

Check out the full line-up on both stages.

 

Ontario Government Helping More Students Succeed

News Release Province Expanding Summer Learning Programs July 22, 2013 Ontario Government Helping More Students Succeed Ontario is expanding its support for summer learning programs to help 1,000 more elementary students across the province improve their reading, writing and math skills this summer. The programs help students who may be struggling by providing a mix of classroom learning and recreation programming that builds upon and improves their reading, writing and math skills while boosting their self-confidence. With this expansion, a total of about 2,500 elementary students across the province will be better prepared to go back to school in September. Helping every student succeed is part of the Ontario government's plan to build a prosperous and fair society while ensuring a bright future for the province's young people.

QUICK FACTS The 2013 Ontario Budget announced that the funding for summer learning programs in 2013-14 will be doubled to almost $3 million. Originally called summer literacy programs because of their exclusive focus on literacy skills, the programs were renamed summer learning programs in 2012 when they expanded to include numeracy skills and First Nations, Métis and Inuit programs. Summer learning programs support Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy.

LEARN MORE Literacy and Numeracy Strategy abc123: Simple Steps to Your Child’s Success

QUOTES "We are committed to supporting student achievement across the province and closing the gap for those who are struggling. The expansion of summer learning programming will ensure a greater number of students are able to build upon essential skills to prepare them for success in the classroom and beyond."  — Liz Sandals, Minister of Education

CONTACTS Gary Wheeler Communications Branch 416-325-2454 gary.s.wheeler@ontario.ca Lauren Ramey Minister’s Office 416-325-2503 lauren.ramey@ontario.ca Ministry of Education http://www.ontario.ca/education

Toronto's special garbage collection completed

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  July 22, 2013     

Toronto's special garbage collection completed

The City of Toronto has completed the special garbage collection for materials damaged by flooding following the intense rainfall on July 8.

 

Solid Waste Management Services collected approximately 4,100 tonnes of flood-damaged material across the city.

Regularly scheduled garbage, Blue Bin (recycling), Green Bin (organics) and leaf/yard waste collections will resume on Tuesday, July 23. Residents should follow their collection calendar and are reminded about basic set-out requirements:

• If you have more garbage than will fit in your bin, you can leave extra garbage bags beside the Garbage Bin for collection with a City-issued bag tag attached to each garbage bag. Garbage-bag tags can be purchased in packages of five for $15.50 ($3.10 each) at local Canadian Tire stores.

• The City will continue picking up oversized/bulky items such as box springs and mattresses, furniture, lamps and luggage. These items can be placed out next to your Garbage Bin for free collection. No tags or special arrangements are needed. The City regularly collects these items in a separate truck for reuse, recycling or disassembling at no cost and keeps them out of the landfill.

• Carpeting should be tied in rolls measuring no longer than 1.2 metres (four feet) and weighing less than 20 kilograms (44 pounds).

• Electronic waste will be collected separately on your regularly scheduled garbage day. Set these items out for pickup half a metre (about two feet) away from your Garbage Bin.

The City cannot collect household hazardous waste (such as paint cans, fluorescent lighting tubes/bulbs). These items should be taken to a Drop-off Depot or your local Community Environment Day for safe disposal. Toxic Taxi also provides free pickup of 10 to 50 litres/kilograms of hazardous materials. Call 311 to book an appointment.

Construction/renovation waste (such as drywall and wood) should be taken to a Drop-off Depot or residents can arrange for removal by a private waste disposal company.

Check Waste Wizard, the online search tool at http://app.toronto.ca/wes/winfo/search.do, or call 311 if you are unsure of how to properly dispose of waste materials.  

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: Siobhan Ramsay, Senior Communications Co-ordinator, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5001, sramsay@toronto.ca

News Release Province Expanding Summer Learning Programs July 22, 2013 Ontario Government Helping More Students Succeed Ontario is expanding its support for summer learning programs to help 1,000 more elementary students across the province improve their reading, writing and math skills this summer. The programs help students who may be struggling by providing a mix of classroom learning and recreation programming that builds upon and improves their reading, writing and math skills while boosting their self-confidence. With this expansion, a total of about 2,500 elementary students across the province will be better prepared to go back to school in September. Helping every student succeed is part of the Ontario government's plan to build a prosperous and fair society while ensuring a bright future for the province's young people.

QUICK FACTS The 2013 Ontario Budget announced that the funding for summer learning programs in 2013-14 will be doubled to almost $3 million. Originally called summer literacy programs because of their exclusive focus on literacy skills, the programs were renamed summer learning programs in 2012 when they expanded to include numeracy skills and First Nations, Métis and Inuit programs. Summer learning programs support Ontario’s Poverty Reduction Strategy.

LEARN MORE Literacy and Numeracy Strategy abc123: Simple Steps to Your Child’s Success

QUOTES "We are committed to supporting student achievement across the province and closing the gap for those who are struggling. The expansion of summer learning programming will ensure a greater number of students are able to build upon essential skills to prepare them for success in the classroom and beyond."  — Liz Sandals, Minister of Education

CONTACTS Gary Wheeler Communications Branch 416-325-2454 gary.s.wheeler@ontario.ca Lauren Ramey Minister’s Office 416-325-2503 lauren.ramey@ontario.ca Ministry of Education http://www.ontario.ca/education

Charged for fake IDs: Officers in 51 Division seized hundreds of pieces of illegal identification

IDs seized by police, Photo by Malik Manning

Officers in 51 Division seized hundreds of pieces of illegal identification from a Yonge Street store this week, charging three people. 

The investigation, which began in January after a Crime Stoppers tip, found that the IDSHACK store had been selling the identification, from all provinces except Ontario and all U.S. states, as novelty items.

Det. Barry Radford said the market for the identification spans from teens trying to get into bars to criminals trying to commit fraud.

“We have proof that criminals are using them for criminal activities,” said Radford, noting a man was arrested in another case allegedly using the identification to commit fraud.

“They can get other cards that are legitimate. The ramifications are endless,” Radford said, of fake identification being used to get student identification or even a driver’s licence.

He said that under age drinking should not be tolerated and can lead to injuries for teens.

Police seized identification they believe belongs to customers, computers and printers used in the business as well as close to $2,000 cash.

Radford said the business was not picky about who they sold to, noting they allegedly sold to an undercover officer online and at their store front location and were willing to make an identification with a picture of another person.

“They didn't care who they sold to,” Radford said.

Maria Pereda Martinez, 29; Julie Jimenez, 27; and Andrew Dnieper, 42; all of Toronto, have each been charged with Identity Theft, Illegally Possess Government Identity Documents, Expose Counterfeit Mark, Instruments of Forgery, Uttering Forged Document and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (under).

Anyone with information about this ongoing investigation is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Source

Mural of collaboration: Justice & Artists at 311 Jarvis Street

Collaborators stand in front of the mural

In a matter of a few weeks a group of young people, judges, community art leaders, Service members and a charity created a beautiful canvas on a drab city wall once used to house young people before their trials. 

The “Justice & Artists” mural was unveiled on July 18, in the rear courtyard of the Jarvis Street Youth Court, at 311 Jarvis Street.

The mural is the final step in converting the unused space between the courthouse and the currently non-operational York Detention Centre into a common area that is used by the employees of the court. Previously the courtyard had been a part of the detention centre's security perimeter. The wall is symbolic of a significant reduction in youth incarceration.

Court Officer Susan Klonoski said she’s seen a dramatic drop in the number of young people coming through 311 Jarvis Court and was pleased to be asked to help find a way to make the courtyard a beautiful place for those who work at the courts.

“These kids are phenomenal and mature beyond their years,” said the 20-year court officer, of the artists made up of OCAD University students as well as students from Central Technical School.

“I think it’s so important to keep in touch with the youth of today.”

Justices Brian Weagant and Penny Jones kick-started the project to turn the courtyard into a gathering place for the building. Weagant said the collaborators worked hard to make it a reality.

“We could turn it into something with a little bit of energy,” he said, of the courtyard, before handing letters of appreciation to the young people involved.

“The reason we could that was because the Toronto Police Service, local artists, the judiciary and court staff all worked together to make something happen and it’s just been a matter of weeks so you can imagine my delight.”

The project was funded by ProAction Cops & Kids, a charity dedicated to linking youth with police officers.

“Our goal is to build stronger relationship between youth and police officers… so kids aren’t afraid to talk to cops, work with cops and make the community safer,” ProAction Special Events and Communications Coordinator Sabrina Holmes said.

“It’s a little bit more than just a beautiful picture. It does make the court look wonderful, but to us it is an indication of young people working with us, working with the officers to make the community more beautiful and safer.”

The mural project was a unique collaboration between artists from OCAD University, Central Technical school art program, community youth volunteer artists from the ProAction Cops & Kids Cross Fit Graffiti Art program that operates with Toronto police in conjunction with local mural collaborators Steve Ferrera and Lisa Martin of Well and Good – a volunteer organization supporting art in the city.

The artists, youth, judiciary, police and court staff involved all had roles being creators, manufacturers, producers, and supporters of contemporary art, including working with many artists who are supportive of art forms on margins like graffiti and street art.

The launch included participating artists Erika Ogilvy, Iago Mcevenue, Stephanie Kenzie, and Nicole Dobrowney, City of Toronto Project Lead for the Graffiti Management Plan Team, Jodi Callan, Youth Court Justice Brian Weagant and Justice Penny Jones, Court Services manager Susan Walker-Knapper, Court Officer Susan Klonowski, Court Shift Supervisor Carla Corsi, Const. Scott Mills and S/Sgt. Steve Pipe of the Toronto Police Service, Jean Milligan and Sabrina Holmes of ProAction Cops & Kids, and Toronto Police Youth In Policing Initiative students Nicholas Fraser and Malik Manning.

The organizers are working on the possibility of engaging more artists for more projects, at and around the court, that engage youth in positive community building endeavours that lead to marketable skills for the involved youth.

Jodi Callan, of the Graffiti Management Plan Team, said the collaboration is something the city encourages throughout the city through grants.

“The grant program is to support projects such as this. We just love to see stuff like this around our city.”

Story and Photos by Malik Manning

City of Toronto extends hours at pools to help beat the heat

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  July 18, 2013  

City of Toronto extends hours at pools to help beat the heat

As a result of hot weather conditions, the City of Toronto's extended hours pool program is in effect. Eight pools will be open until 11:45 p.m. this evening:

- Alex Duff Memorial Outdoor Pool, 779 Crawford Ave.

- Alexandra Park Outdoor Pool, 275 Bathurst St.

- Cummer Park Indoor Pool, 6000 Leslie St.

- Giovanni Caboto Outdoor Pool, 1369 St. Clair Ave. W.

- McGregor Park Outdoor Pool, 2231 Lawrence Ave. E.

- Monarch Park Outdoor Pool, 115 Felstead Ave. 

- Smithfield Outdoor Pool, 175 Mount Olive Dr.

- Sunnyside-Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool, 1755 Lake Shore Blvd. W.

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

An Extreme Heat Alert does not guarantee that pool hours will be extended. The decision to extend pool hours is made on a daily basis in the early afternoon. A news release will be issued each day when pools are to remain open for extended hours.

For information on pool locations and operating hours, call 311 or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks.

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

7th Annual Bob Kemp Day - Friday August 16, 2013

Police request assistance with attempt murder investigation, Shuter Street and Parliament Street

Toronto Police Service News Release

Police request assistance with attempt murder investigation, Shuter Street and Parliament Street

Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 10:08 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance with an investigation into a shooting that occurred on Monday, July 15, 2013, at 11:55 p.m.

It is reported that:

- a 28-year-old man and several other people were in a parking lot opposite 275 Shuter Street, in the Shuter Street and Parliament Street area

- a man approached the victim, pulled out a firearm and shot him several times then fled the area

The victim was taken to hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect is described as black, thin build, 155 lbs., 5'8"–5'10", and was wearing dark clothing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Robert Davies, 51 Division

Two women and man face 21 charges in false-identification investigation

Toronto Police Service News Release

Two women and man face 21 charges in false-identification investigation

Thursday, July 18, 2013 - 10:03 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

In January 2013, police from 51 Division began an investigation into an allegation that a store, IDSHACK, located at 599 Yonge Street was selling government identification as novelty items.

It is alleged that:

- fake government identification was being sold in the store and online via IDSHACK.com
- the identification appears on its face to be issued by various Canadian provinces, American states, as well as student ID cards from various universities
- the identification cards are designed to replicate actual government-issued identification cards

On Tuesday, July 16, 2013, a search warrant was executed at IDSHACK's current address on Yonge Street.

It is further alleged that:

- a large number of Identification cards from various provinces and states, as well as cards portraying the cardholder as members of the press, a security officer, employees of technical companies, lawyers, and a firefighter, were seized
- also seized were computers, printers, card-making machinery and American and Canadian cash

Charged are:

Maria Pereda Martinez, 29; Julie Jimenez, 27; and Andrew Dnieper, 42; all of Toronto, have each been charged with:

1. Identity Theft
2. Illegally Possess Government Identity Documents
3. Expose Counterfeit Mark
4. Forgery
5. Instruments of Forgery
6. Uttering Forged Document
7. Possession of Property Obtained by Crime (under)

They are scheduled to appear in court at College Park on Monday, August 26, 2013, room 505, 2 p.m.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Barry Radford, 51 Division

City of Toronto waives fees for disposal bin permits to assist residents after major storm

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
==========================================
News Release:  July 17, 2013

The City of Toronto is waiving permit fees for the placement of private disposal bins within the public right of  way to assist with clean up after the recent flooding incidents.

The permits, which usually cost $49.89 a day, will be offered to residents free of charge from July 17 to 31 only. Pending approval of the application, disposal bins will be allowed to be placed within the public right of way.

"The aftermath of this storm has been very challenging for many Toronto residents. We are pleased to provide this financial relief to assist them during this difficult time," said Councillor Denzil Minnan-Wong (Ward 34 Don Valley East), Chair of the City's Public Works and Infrastructure Committee.

Free permits will be offered under the following conditions:
- Applicants must live at the property and provide proof of residency
- Permits must be obtained and start no later than July 31
- Permits will be issued for no more than five days.
(Note: The bins themselves are not provided by the City. Bins can be rented from private disposal companies.)

To take advantage of this offer, residents can contact the following district offices:
West (Wards 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 11, 12, 13 and 17)
Phone 416-394-8428, fax 416-394-8942 or email ilunardi@toronto.ca

North (Wards 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 23, 24, 25, 26, 33 and 34)
Phone 416-395-6303 or fax 416-395-7482

East (Wards 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 and 44)
Phone 416-396-4245 or fax 416-395-7482

South (Wards 14, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32)
Phone 416-392-6593, fax 416-392-7465 or email soptey@toronto.ca

Residents can find out which ward they live in at http://app.toronto.ca/wards/jsp/wards.jsp.

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 Co-ordinator, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca