Toronto paramedics deliver food bank donations

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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Media Advisory:  March 13, 2015

 

Toronto paramedics deliver food bank donations

Toronto Paramedic Services and the Toronto Paramedic Association will deliver food bank donations collected at Toronto's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade to the Daily Bread Food Bank.

Paramedics will arrive in an ambulance and unload the food donations at the food bank's loading docks. The food will be weighed to determine the final quantity to be donated.  Members of the Toronto Paramedic Services, Toronto Paramedic Services Association, Daily Bread Food Bank and St. Patrick's Day Parade will be present.

Date: Monday, March 16

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: Daily Bread Food Bank, 191 New Toronto St.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Kim McKinnon, Toronto Paramedic Services, 416-392-2255, kmckinn2@toronto.ca

St. Patrick's Day 5km run/walk, Sunday, March 15, 2015, Road closures

St. Patrick's Day 5km run/walk, Sunday, March 15, 2015, Road closures

Friday, March 13, 2015 - 6:59 AM
Public Safety - Special Events:  416-808-5054

On Sunday, March 15, 2015, the St. Patrick's Day 5K run/walk will take place.

Participants will assemble on Bremner Boulevard, east of Rees Street, at approximately 9 a.m.

At 10:30 a.m., the 5km run/walk will proceed along the following route:

The formation area will take place on Bremner Boulevard (Rees Street to Lower Simcoe Street) and will then travel:
- westbound on Bremner Boulevard
- northbound on Spadina Avenue (northbound curb lane only)
- eastbound on Clarence Square
- eastbound on Wellington Street (two southside lanes)

Turnaround will take place west of Yonge Street
- westbound on Wellington Street (2 southside lanes)
- westbound on Clarence Square
- southbound on Spadina Avenue (northbound curb lane only)
- eastbound on Bremner Boulevard

The dispersal area will be on Bremner Boulevard (Rees Street to Lower Simcoe Street).

Drivers may experience traffic delays due to this event and are advised to consider alternate routes.

This event will proceed regardless of weather conditions.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Constable Jennifer Ladouceur, Special Events Planning

Police request assistance identifying human remains

Police request assistance identifying human remains

Wednesday, March 11, 2015 - 10:45 AM
51 Division:416-808-5104

The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public's assistance identifying human remains.

On May 13, 2014, at approximately 1 p.m., police responded to a Suspicious Incident at 200 Unwin Avenue.

It is reported that:

- once on scene, police located a green-and-grey Coleman tent with a man inside

- it appeared the man had been deceased for some time

- after further investigation, police determined there was nothing suspicious about the death

- the man did not have any identification and an autopsy did not provide any further identification.

A profile has been completed by a Forensic Pathologist. It is believed the man was black, between 32 and 54, 5'10"-6'4", with short, curly black hair. He was wearing a Tyvek disposable suit.

Inside the tent was a black Neil Young concert T-shirt, blue jeans, a black belt with an embossed design, grey flip-flop sandals and some personal hygiene items.

Images of some of these items are attached to this news release.

Anyone who can help identify this man, or who has any information that may assist the investigation, is asked to call police at 416-808-5104, 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.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Detective Charles Ricci, 51 Division

This spring's Doors Open Toronto to showcase the city's sporty side

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  March 10, 2015  

This spring's Doors Open Toronto to showcase the city's sporty side

The 16th annual Doors Open Toronto presented by Great Gulf returns on Saturday, May 23 and Sunday, May 24, offering free and rare access to more than 155 architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across the city.

In honour of this summer's TORONTO 2015 Pan American/Parapan American Games, this year's theme – Sports, Recreation and Leisure – offers attendees a sneak peek inside private and public recreational sites ranging from aquatic centres to athletics stadiums. The building lineup includes the University of Toronto's Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport and the Toronto Track and Field Centre, which will serve as athlete training and warmup facilities during the Games.

An exciting program of free and themed Walking Tours sponsored by the University of Toronto will also be available during the Doors Open Toronto weekend. Tours will delve into the stories, histories and architecture of a wide variety of Toronto's neighbourhoods.

Other offerings this year will include the "Openinsights" Speakers Series on current topics in design and architecture, as well as special programs and more than 55 new participants in the 2015 building lineup.

Full program details, including a complete list of this year's buildings, tours and talks, will be available at http://www.toronto.ca/doorsopen, on Facebook and on Twitter in late April.

High resolution images and background information about the event are available at http://bit.ly/1Aaswi7.

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

About Doors Open Toronto

Since its inception in 2000, Doors Open Toronto has attracted more than two million visits to nearly 650 unique locations across the city. It is Canada's largest Doors Open event and one of the three largest Doors Open events in the world. Doors Open Toronto is dedicated to built heritage, architecture and design. It is presented by Great Gulf and produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the broader community.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Justine Palinska, Economic Development and Culture, 416-395-7318, jpalins@toronto.ca

Proposed weekend road closures for Toronto this spring

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  March 9, 2015

Proposed weekend road closures for Toronto this spring

The City of Toronto has confirmed the schedule of weekend road closures for its expressways during the spring season.

The list of weekend road closures includes:

• Allen Road, from Sheppard Avenue to Eglinton Avenue, will be closed from Friday, April 17 at 11 p.m. to Monday, April 20 at 5 a.m. for spring maintenance work. (Alternative date:  May 8-11)

• The Don Valley Parkway, from the Gardiner Expressway to Highway 401, will be closed from Friday, April 24 at 8 p.m. to Sunday, April 26 at 6 a.m. for spring maintenance activities.  The roadway will reopen early on Sunday, April 26 to help improve traffic conditions during the Khalsa Parade which takes place on various city streets. (Alternative date:  May 29-June 1, however the roadway would be made available for the Ride for Heart event).

• The Gardiner Expressway, from Carlaw Avenue to Highway 427, will be closed from Friday, May 1 at 8 p.m. to Sunday, May 3 at 6 a.m. for spring maintenance activities.  The roadway will reopen early to help improve traffic conditions during the Toronto Marathon which takes place between 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. that weekend on various city streets.  (Alternative date: May 15-18, opening for Victoria Day).

• The Gardiner Expressway will be closed from Carlaw Avenue to Highway 427 and the Don Valley Parkway will be closed from Highway 401 to the Gardiner Expressway on Sunday, May 31 from 2 a.m. to 2 p.m. to accommodate the Ride for Heart event.

"Over the last three months, the Road Closures Coordination Committee has been working hard to coordinate roadwork, events and TTC track work in a way that makes sense and results in the least amount of impact on traffic. We are providing the confirmed road closures information as soon as possible so that Toronto residents know which weekends will be impacted by road closures and plan accordingly so we can all still move around this city," said Mayor John Tory.  "The maintenance work that is planned is critical to maintain our network of expressways in a state of good repair."

Closing the roads at 8 p.m. on Fridays allows the City to complete the necessary road work in cases where the road is scheduled to reopen during the weekend.

This work is part of the City's comprehensive and coordinated strategy to rehabilitate and upgrade Toronto's roads, transit and underground infrastructure for current and future needs.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1GyNj64

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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

City of Toronto preparing to repair potholes and clear catch basins

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:
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News Release:  March 9, 2015 

City of Toronto preparing to repair potholes and clear catch basins 

With spring approaching, the City of Toronto is actively patrolling for potholes as they form on streets. City crews are ready to deal with emergency pothole situations by making temporary repairs. When conditions become drier, crews will make more permanent repairs.

The City will be doubling the number of staff fixing potholes this year by assigning almost 100 workers to 25 to 30 crews over the next few weeks.  

Over the past five years, the City has repaired an average of 230,000 potholes annually. The City spends about $3.5 million a year to fix potholes.

Residents are asked to use the City's online service at http://www.toronto.ca/311 to report potholes so crews can be assigned to repair them. On that web page, click on "roads" to create a pothole service request. Residents also have the option of clicking on "open 311API and mobile apps" to download a mobile app to a smartphone, enabling them to report potholes from a mobile device.

Following these three tips when reporting a pothole will assist with expediting the repair work:
- Provide the precise geographic location of the pothole – the nearest cross streets and a street address if possible.
- Provide the pothole's exact location on the roadway – in the eastbound centre lane or in the westbound curb lane, for example.
- Estimate the size of the pothole.

While the City usually repairs potholes within five days, requests are prioritized based on the amount of traffic on the road and the severity of the pothole.

In addition, the City will have crews out clearing catch basins in order to prevent flooding on city streets. A catch basin is part of a storm drain designed to trap debris to prevent it from entering a storm sewer. Crews will be addressing expected problem locations as well as areas around bus stops, crosswalks and key intersections.

Residents are asked to help by clearing ice and snow from the catch basins in front of their homes to prevent slush from stopping water from draining off the road. Residents who see flooding on streets in their community are asked to contact 311.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1A8Xczc

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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

City of Toronto offers free and affordable activities during March Break

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  March 9, 2015      

 

City of Toronto offers free and affordable activities during March Break

During March Break, March 16 to 20, the City of Toronto will offer free and low-cost activities at its community centres, parks and historic sites. Highlights of Parks, Forestry and Recreation division activities and attractions follow, in addition to information about Toronto's historic sites/museums.

Camps: March Break recreational camps are a great opportunity for children and youth to enjoy a range of activities. Participants can enjoy specialty activities such as arts, crafts, music, drama, sports and games. More camp details are available at http://www.toronto.ca/camps or by calling 311. 

Drop-in programs: City of Toronto community centres offer various free or low-cost programs for all ages. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks and by calling 311.

Skiing and snowboarding: The City's Centennial Park and Earl Bales ski and snowboard centres will be open, weather permitting, for March Break. Hours: 

- Centennial Park Ski and Snowboard Centre: March 16 to 22 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

- Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre: March 16 to 21 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and March 22 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Both centres will close for the season on the weekend of March 21 and 22 as scheduled.

The use of helmets is mandatory when participating in programs and lessons at both centres and the use of a recognized ski or snowboard helmet is strongly recommended for all other participants while on the slopes. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/ski.

Skating: Twenty-nine outdoor artificial ice rinks are open until the end of the day on March 22, weather permitting. Locations, hours and program details are available at http://www1.toronto.ca/parks/prd/skating/dropin/marchbreak/index.htm.

Indoor leisure skating programs, including caregiver and tot, family skate and shinny, are free for all ages. CSA-approved hockey helmets are mandatory for children under six years of age and all shinny hockey participants, and are recommended for skaters of all ages. Schedules and locations are available at http://www.toronto.ca/skate.

Skate at Ricoh Coliseum: Families are invited for free skating sessions March 16 to 19 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. You need your own skating gear, as Ricoh Coliseum does not rent equipment. Children 12 years and under are required to wear a CSA-approved helmet. Family skate sessions are first-come, first-served. No more than 250 people are permitted on the ice at any time. A liability waiver will be available at the Coliseum and must be signed upon entry by a parent or caregiver 18 years or older. The entrance is next to the Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place, off Nunavut Road. More information is available by calling 311.

Swimming: City of Toronto pools offer free March Break swimming opportunities. More information is available at http://bit.ly/1hpO6rF.

Attractions

Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St.)

Visitors can tour Riverdale Farm's scenic grounds to see domestic farm animals such as cows, horses and geese. The farm's Meeting House offers craft activities from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m. Farming demonstrations are provided at 10:30 a.m. (goat), 12:30 p.m. (horse) and 1:30 p.m. (cow). The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is accessible to all. Admission is free. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/featured-parks.

High Park Zoo (on Deer Pen Road)

Established 120 years ago, the High Park Zoo is home to domestic and exotic animals, including bison, llamas, peacocks, reindeer, highland cattle and yaks. Admission to the zoo is free and it's open daily from dawn to dusk. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo/.

Toronto Islands

Just minutes away from downtown by ferry, the Toronto Islands offer March Break fun for everyone. It's a great place to walk, roll, cycle, explore and enjoy the city skyline. A list of ferry fees and the schedule are available at http://bit.ly/1bMBziB.

Playground Paradise (Flemingdon Park Community Centre, 150 Grenoble Dr.) Playground Paradise offers fun for children aged 12 and under. Kids can play on a two-storey play structure, go down the spiral slide, swing on the track ride, climb the cargo elevator and more. Schedule during March Break:

March 16, 18 and 20 from 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m., 4 to 6 p.m. and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.; March 17 and 19 from 10 a.m. to noon A flat fee of $2.50 per child applies. More information is available by calling 416-395-6014.

Conservatories

The spring flower shows are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory, 151 Elmcrest Rd. and Allan Gardens Conservatory, 19 Horticultural Ave. Both shows feature various spring flowering plants, including tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. The Easter flower shows, featuring lilies and hydrangeas, will open at both conservatories on March 29 and run to April 26. The conservatories are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and admission is free. More information is available by calling Centennial Park Conservatory at 416-394-8543 and Allan Gardens Conservatory at 416-392-7288.

Historic Sites

Eight of the City's historic sites will offer events, activities and tours during March Break. Programming highlights for selected locations are listed below. Times, admission fees and participant details for activities will vary by location. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/museum-events .

Some of the historic sites will also have March break camps. For more information, visit http://www.toronto.ca/camps.

Colborne Lodge (in High Park, Colborne Lodge Dr.): The lodge will offer tours of the historic house as well as children’s activities.

Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Blvd.): Families and other visitors can experience a daytime adventure at this War of 1812 site. Special children's activities include soldiers' drill classes, officers' sword drill, costumes for children to try on and an activity book called Kids' Guide to Fort York.

Gibson House Museum (5172 Yonge St.): In addition to regular tours of Gibson House, the museum will feature an exhibit from the Archives of Ontario called Dear Sadie: Love, Lives and Remembrance from Ontario's First World War.

Mackenzie House (82 Bond St.): Family members visiting this Victorian house can typeset their names on the 1845 printing press, make a craft to take home and eat a cookie in the historic kitchen.

Montgomery’s Inn (4709 Dundas St. W.): In addition to regular tours, on Wednesday evenings Montgomery's Inn presents an indoor farmers market. On March 17, visitors can celebrate St. Patrick's Day with tea-time specialties from the Emerald Isle.

Scarborough Museum (1007 Brimley Rd.): Torontonians looking for fresh air and exploration can visit Scarborough Museum's historic buildings, make a simple craft and stroll through Thomson Memorial Park.

Spadina Museum (285 Spadina Rd.): The museum offers tours with games and hands-on fun in the historic kitchen.

Todmorden Mills Heritage Site (67 Pottery Rd.): Families can participate in March Break fun and games in the valley, with historic toys and parlour games popular with past generations. Outside, look for signs of spring in Todmorden's wildflower preserve with a round of outdoor nature bingo.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1E19Wds

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contacts:

Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line, 416-560-8726, pfrmedialine@toronto.ca Shane Gerard, Strategic Communications, 416-397-5711, sgerard@toronto.ca

Partial closures scheduled for Toronto's Wellington and River Streets

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  March 6, 2015

Partial closures scheduled for Toronto's Wellington and River Streets

 

Lane closures required for infrastructure work will affect Wellington Street starting this weekend, and River Street starting Monday, March 9.

Wellington Street

Two lanes of Wellington Street from York Street to University Avenue in downtown Toronto will be closed from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, March 7 and again on Sunday, March 8 for Toronto Hydro work. On Monday, March 9, Wellington's north curb lane will be closed on a 24/7 basis and the adjacent lane will be closed during off-peak hours – 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and 6:30 to 11 p.m. – for one week to allow completion of the work.

It is anticipated that the two northbound lanes of University Avenue between Wellington Street and King Street that are currently closed will reopen to traffic on Monday, March 9.

River Street

The southbound lanes of River Street just south of Dundas Street will be closed starting Monday, March 9 for three weeks to allow for Enbridge gas line realignment. Southbound traffic on River Street will be diverted at Dundas Street when work is taking place from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday for the three consecutive weeks. Southbound lanes will be open to traffic during non-work hours at the site. River Street's northbound lanes will not be affected.

This work is part of the City's comprehensive, co-ordinated strategy to rehabilitate and upgrade Toronto's roads, transit and underground infrastructure for current and future needs.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/17YkfGk

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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

Toronto Fire Services urges residents to change their smoke alarm batteries as well as clocks this weekend

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  March 6, 2015

Toronto Fire Services urges residents to change their smoke alarm batteries as well as clocks this weekend

Daylight saving time starts this weekend, when we turn our clocks ahead one hour. Toronto Fire Services reminds residents that it's also an opportune time to replace the batteries in their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

Every home in Ontario must have a working smoke alarm installed on every level and outside all sleeping areas. By providing early warning and critical extra seconds for escape, working smoke alarms can cut in half a family’s chance of dying in a fire.

Beginning this year, every home in Ontario with a fuel-burning appliance or attached garage must have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed outside all sleeping areas. Working carbon monoxide alarms alert you to the presence of this colourless, odorless, tasteless and potentially deadly gas.

"By installing and maintaining working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in your home, you are ensuring that your family is equipped with the best defence against the devastating effects of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning,” said Toronto Fire Chief Jim Sales.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarm tips:

• When installing smoke and carbon monoxide alarms, read the manufacturer’s instructions on correct placement, testing and maintenance.

• Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms monthly using the test button.

• Replace smoke and carbon monoxide alarm batteries at least once a year and whenever the low-battery warning chirps.

• Replace smoke alarms if they are 10 years and older. Replace carbon monoxide alarms if they are seven years and older. Check the manufacturer's instructions.

• Avoid removing the battery in response to the activation of a smoke alarm from cooking or steam. Instead of removing the battery, move the smoke alarm or purchase a smoke alarm with a hush-button feature that will temporarily enable you to silence the alarm.

Homeowners have a responsibility to install and maintain their smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their rental properties comply with the law. Tenants whose rented properties do not have the required number of smoke or carbon monoxide alarms should contact their landlord immediately. It is against the law for tenants to remove smoke or carbon monoxide alarm batteries or to tamper with their alarms in any way.

Failure to comply with the Ontario Fire Code requirements could, upon conviction, result in a maximum fine of up to $50,000 for individuals, imprisonment, or both, and up to $100,000 for corporations, imprisonment, or both.

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

This release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1A4ePBf

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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

International Women’s Day March

International Women's Day March, Saturday, March 7, 2015, 11 a.m.

Friday, March 6, 2015 - 7:29 AM
Public Safety - Special Events:  416-808-5033

On Saturday, March 7, 2015, the International Women’s Day Committee will be holding a march in the downtown core to celebrate “International Women’s Day.”

At 11 a.m., the participants will meet in the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at 252 Bloor Street West. At 1 p.m., the participants will form up on Bloor Street West and will then proceed along the following route:

• Formation Area: Bloor Street West opposite of 252 (eastbound lanes)
• East bound: Bloor Street West (eastbound lanes)
• Southbound: Yonge Street Half Roadway (southbound lanes)
• Eastbound: Gerrard Street Half Road (eastbound lanes)
• Southbound: Church Street Half Road (southbound lanes)
• Westbound: Gould Street full Road
• Dispersal Area: Gould Street Jorgenson Hall (Ryerson) 

It is anticipated that the event will be concluded by 2:30 p.m. Rolling or temporary lane closures will occur during this event.

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

The TTC will be given special consideration and allowed to cross through gaps at the following locations:

• Yonge Street and College/Carlton Streets (for east and west TTC)
• Wellesley Street and Yonge Street (for east and west TTC)
• Bay Street and Bloor Street (for north and south TTC)

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Kelly Martin, Special Events

Two lanes of Toronto's Jarvis Street at Gerrard to be closed for watermain construction

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  March 5, 2015

Two lanes of Toronto's Jarvis Street at Gerrard to be closed for watermain construction

Two lanes of Jarvis Street from about one block south of Gerrard Street to one block north of Gerrard Street will be closed from 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 8 to approximately March 21 for watermain construction work.

Traffic on Jarvis Street will be reduced to two southbound lanes and one northbound lane.  The reversible lane will not be in operation at this location during the construction period.

Left turns will not be permitted at the intersection during the two-week period.

The watermain construction affecting this intersection is one of the final phases of the Gerrard Street watermain replacement project. The project is expected to be completed by October.

This work is part of the City's comprehensive, co-ordinated strategy to rehabilitate and upgrade Toronto's roads, transit and underground infrastructure for current and future needs.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/18mkZ89

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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

City of Toronto update on power outages and "no water" calls

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  March 4, 2015

City of Toronto update on power outages and "no water" calls

Toronto Hydro is reporting clusters of power outages across the city after yesterday's winter storm. Crews are working continuously to restore power and Toronto Hydro is working to narrow restoration time estimates. Progress updates are being posted online at http://outages.torontohydro.com/category/outage-updates.

The health and safety of residents is the City's top priority. The City's Office of Emergency Management is monitoring this situation closely. The City has opened a Reception Centre at the Edithvale Community Centre located at 131 Finch Ave. W. Residents affected by the power outage can go there to access warmth and shelter. Pets are welcome. The Canadian Red Cross has been dispatched to provide services at Edithvale and will also be conducting door-to-door wellness checks in any areas of the community identified as vulnerable.

The Medical Officer of Health has already declared an Extreme Cold Weather Alert so cold weather services for homeless people, including 24-hour drop-in centres, additional shelter beds, TTC tokens, increased street outreach and a direction to shelters to relax any service restrictions, is now in place. As well, residents can drop in to any City building to warm up, use the facilities or charge their cell phones or devices.

Please check on vulnerable neighbours or family members who may need assistance during a power outage. Residents are reminded to stay clear of downed power lines and to treat any intersections with non-working traffic signals as an all-way stop.

How to report a power outage or power lines down Power outage locations are listed at http://outages.torontohydro.com/category/outage-updates. New outages and downed power lines can be reported by calling Toronto Hydro's Lights Out number at 416-542-8000. Call volumes may be very high at this time; please be patient and keep the lines open for serious occurrences.

Toronto Community Housing residents should report power outages to TCHC’s Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500 or help@torontohousing.ca. Callers can press “1” then “7” to leave a voice message.

"No water" service calls

Since the cold weather first hit on February 14, the City has received more than 3,000 no water calls as a result of frozen pipes. This is more than 10 times the normal amount of no water calls, and the City continues to receive approximately 110-130 calls a day due to the prolonged cold weather.

The City of Toronto is working as quickly as possible to get to each home. Toronto Water has mobilized all available crews, along with staff from other areas and contractors, to enhance emergency response. This includes visiting each home, attempting to establish a temporary water supply to a neighbour, if possible, and thawing the pipes. Over 75 staff have also been assigned to the no water "SWAT" team to manage customer communication while crews work to restore water.

For more information, visit http://www.toronto.ca/frozenpipes. 

Impacts to facilities/services

For TTC updates, please visit http://www.ttc.ca or follow @ttcnotices on Twitter. No stations are affected but the 43 Kennedy bus is diverting from Passmore Avenue to avoid downed power lines.

The Emery Early Learning and Child Care Centre is closed due to no power. Parents should phone the centre in the morning to determine if service is available.

The Children's Services North District office is closed. All appointments are cancelled. South, West and East District Offices are accepting clients.

The Irving W. Chapley Community Centre is closed due to power outage. Afternoon and evening programs have been cancelled. Residents are advised to call 311 for updates tomorrow.

The Chesswood Employment and Social Services office at 1117 Finch Ave. W. is closed to the public effective March 4 until further notice. Clients with scheduled appointments will be contacted by phone to reschedule. Anyone who requires help with an emergency situation can contact the Lawrence Square office at 416-392-6500 or the Client Services and Information Unit at 416-392-2956.

For more information and advice about emergency preparedness, visit http://www.toronto.ca/oem.

This is also available on the City's website: http://bitly.com/1NhzkDm

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Wynna Brown, Strategic Communications, 416-919-6503, wbrown1@toronto.ca

The Waste Strategy - Project Update #2

The City is developing a Long Term Waste Management Strategy for the next 30-50 years to find new ways to look after our waste. The Waste Strategy will recommend waste management policies and programs, including how to manage the garbage remaining after reducing, reusing, recycling, and composting.

TPS Out-of-Province Habitual Offender Initiative, First week's results

TPS Out-of-Province Habitual Offender Initiative, First week's results

Tuesday, March 3, 2015 - 12:58 PM
Parking Enforcement:  416-808-6600

On Monday, February 23, 2015, the TPS Out-of-Province Habitual Offender Initiative started. Its aim is to to improve traffic flow as well as compliance with the city’s parking regulations.

See previous release.

The first week's results (Monday, February 23, 2015 - Sunday, March 1, 2015) are:

Habitual offenders with Ontario licence plates towed: 470
Habitual offenders with out-of-province licence plates towed: 145

Total habitual offenders towed : 615

Total vehicles towed for 2015: 923

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Brian Moniz, Parking Enforcement

Tour of City of Toronto's 'no water' SWAT operations today

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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Media Advisory:  March 3, 2015

 

Tour of City of Toronto's 'no water' SWAT operations today

Toronto Water General Manager Lou Di Gironimo and 311 Toronto Director Gary Yorke will tour the City's no-water SWAT operations, where staff from Toronto Water and 311 are managing the logistics and customer communications for all no-water calls associated with frozen water pipes.

Date: Tuesday, March 3

Time: 1:30 p.m.

Location: 311 Toronto, Metro Hall, 55 John St.

Note: Media are asked to meet on the ground floor just inside the doors off David Pecaut Square (east side of the building)

After the tour, there will be a site visit to a location where City crews will be thawing a frozen water service pipe. The location of site visit is to be confirmed at the tour of the SWAT operations.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Lyne Kyle, Strategic Communications, 416-882-8057, lkyle@toronto.ca

Report from Toronto Public Health provides snapshot on student health

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  March 3, 2015

Report from Toronto Public Health provides snapshot on student health

A new Toronto Public Health report titled Healthy Futures presents findings from the first comprehensive school-based student health survey in Toronto.

"The current health status and health behaviours of youth create a foundation for health throughout the course of their lives," said Dr. David McKeown, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health. "Having data on student health in Toronto is critical to plan to improve the health of residents. Despite the importance of this age group, information on the health of Toronto's youth has been limited. We conducted this survey to fill this gap."

A sample of over 6,000 Grade 7 to 12 students from the Toronto District School Board, the Toronto Catholic District School Board, Conseil Scolaire Viamonde, and Conseil Scolaire de District Catholique Centre-Sud completed the survey that included measurements of height, weight and dental health. Results were presented, where available, for differences in youth health behaviours based on grade, sex, ethno-racial identity, home language, immigration status and sexual orientation. 

While the majority of Toronto students report in the questionnaire that their health is "good or better," a closer look at the data shows some notable findings, including:

● Five per cent of students reported that they smoked cigarettes in the past 30 days.  However, 66 per cent indicated that they were exposed to second-hand smoke.

● One in four students had used a drug other than alcohol in the past 12 months, and 26 per cent of secondary school students reported risky drinking behaviours such as binge-drinking or mixing alcohol with caffeinated energy drinks.

● While students commonly reported traits associated with positive mental health, one in five students reported being bullied in the past 12 months and one in 10 students reported intentionally hurting themselves. 

● Almost one-third of students are overweight or obese, putting them at higher risk for heart disease, diabetes and some cancers later in life.

● Students with lower socio-economic access – reflecting the student's perception of his or her family's access to goods and services – reported poorer general health and were more likely to be overweight or obese compared to students with higher socio-economic access.

"The report shows good news on several fronts, but also points to opportunities and areas where improvements are needed," said Dr. McKeown. "The information is intended to be used by the local health and education organizations to identify priorities and guide services and policies that promote health and the well-being of Toronto’s youth."

“The safety and well-being of our students continues to be our first priority at the Toronto Catholic District School Board,” said Board Chair Michael Del Grande. “We are grateful for the support of Toronto Public Health and the Ministry of Education.”

“This report reinforces the results we received in our 2011 Student Census," said Pamela Gough, Toronto District School Board Trustee and Representative to Toronto Board of Health. "We are pleased to work with Toronto Public Health and other Toronto schools boards on strategies that will improve the overall mental health and well-being of all students.”

The report will be before Toronto's Board of Health at its March 9 meeting and is available at http://bit.ly/1FRzLyL.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1M4Icea

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Lenore Bromley, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-7974, lbromle@toronto.ca

Extreme Cold Weather Alert terminated for Toronto

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  March 3, 2015

 

Extreme Cold Weather Alert terminated for Toronto

Dr. David McKeown, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, has terminated the Extreme Cold Weather Alert as of today.

Cold weather services will not be available today. 24-hour extreme cold weather drop-ins will be closed by 10 a.m.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contacts:

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

``Know Your Police`` Workshop

The Esplanade Youth Movement proudly presents its first ever ``Know Your Police`` Workshop on March 18 2015 6:30

This educational workshop is aimed to build unity between the youth and the Metro Toronto Police services. By providing a clear definition of community policing, proactive policing and roles and responsibilities of our community police and community members.

This will be held at the St. Lawrence Community Centre, dinner and childcare will be provided.

City of Toronto and TTC seeking public input on potential station locations for relief line

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  March 2, 2015

City of Toronto and TTC seeking public input on potential station locations for relief line

The City of Toronto's City Planning division, together with the Toronto Transit Commission (TTC), is planning the Relief Line – a new rapid transit line that would connect Line 1 Yonge-University in downtown Toronto to Line 2 Bloor-Danforth east of the Don River.

The next phase of the study is underway. Members of the public are encouraged to visit http://www.reliefline.ca to review study materials and provide input on the following:

• potential station area options between downtown and the Danforth, east of the Don River, and 

• evaluation criteria that will be used to determine the preferred route and station locations.

Four identical public meetings are being held where the public can review study materials, speak directly with the study team and provide input. All meetings are from 7 to 9 p.m.

- Tuesday, March 3 at Calvary Church, 746 Pape Ave.

- Thursday, March 5 at Riverdale Collegiate Institute, 1094 Gerrard St. E.

- Monday, March 9 at St. Lawrence Hall, 157 King St. E.

- Thursday, March 12 at Christ Church Deer Park, 1570 Yonge St.

The Yonge subway is currently over-capacity south of Bloor-Yonge station and passenger transfer between the Bloor-Danforth subway and the Yonge subway is seriously constrained. Even with planned and funded improvements to Line 1, additional transit capacity will be needed to accommodate projected growth. The proposed Relief Line would provide an alternative transit route to downtown from the east and north, and relieve crowding on Line 1 at Yonge-Bloor station and on downtown surface transit routes.

City Planning is conducting an integrated assessment of the Relief Line, the Scarborough Subway Extension and SmartTrack. Throughout 2015, analysis and public consultation for these projects will be co-ordinated for recommendations to City Council.

Information is available at reliefline.ca (http://www.reliefline.ca) and on Twitter by following @CityPlanTO.

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

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Bruce Hawkins, Strategic Communications, 416-392-3496, bhawkin@toronto.ca

Police urge caution with online relationships

Public Safety Alert, Police urge caution with online relationships, Provide safety information

Monday, March 2, 2015 - 11:15 AM
Sex Crimes:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service would like to remind the public to exercise extra caution when engaged in online relationships.

Many websites do not require confirmed identification on the part of subscribers. Such websites act on an anonymous basis. This can increase the risk to those who take relationships from online to real-life status. 

Take a look at this safety information, and share it with your friends, by clicking here and here.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Dan Maisonneuve, Sex Crimes

City of Toronto continues to address frozen pipes and urges residents to help each other

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

This news release was issued on Sunday.

News Release:  March 1, 2015

City of Toronto continues to address frozen pipes and urges residents to help each other

 The City of Toronto is continuing to respond to an unprecedented number of "no water" calls due to frozen drinking water pipes as a result of the prolonged, extreme cold weather.

The City is urging residents to help neighbours without water until crews can visit the home to investigate the issue. If, during the visit, the pipes are found to be frozen outside, crews will attempt to establish a temporary water supply to the neighbour, if consent is provided.

"Toronto Water is working as quickly as possible to get to each home," says Lou Di Gironimo, General Manager, Toronto Water. "We have mobilized all available crews, along with staff from other areas and contractors, to enhance emergency response."

Since the cold weather first hit on February 14, the City has received more than 2,600 "no water" calls – 10 times the number received in a typical year. This number continues to grow by approximately 110 to 130 new "no water" calls each day.

In the majority of cases, investigation has determined that the pipes are frozen within the home. Residents are encouraged to visit http://www.toronto.ca/frozenpipes for tips on how to thaw frozen pipes.

If these steps do not work, residents should call 311 and someone from the City's no water "SWAT" team will contact them within 24 hours to schedule a site visit. Due to current call volumes, visits are being booked five days from today.

Once crews arrive, if the pipes are frozen outside and they have the neighbour's consent, they will attempt to establish a temporary water supply connection (called a highline) by attaching a hose between the two homes. Neighbours will not be charged for any additional water use during this period.

If a highline is not possible, either for mechanical reasons or the neighbour would prefer not to install a connection, the property will be put on the list to have the outside water service pipe thawed.

To date, there are 223 homes on highline and another 171 on the list to be thawed. Thawing is an extensive process that involves excavating six feet into frozen ground to expose the pipe and apply heat. This can take anywhere from three to eight hours, as each property is different. As a result, it can take seven to 10 days for crews to visit each home to thaw the pipe.

"We understand this is a difficult time for many. We thank everyone who is making an effort to support their neighbour and for their continued patience as we work to restore water to affected homes in Toronto," says Di Gironimo.

To learn more about how to prevent and thaw frozen pipes and what the City is doing to address the issue, visit http://www.toronto.ca/frozenpipes.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/17JXYMs

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Lyne Kyle, Strategic Communications, 416-882-8057, lkyle@toronto.ca