City of Toronto study looking at planning the Downtown

Toronto's Downtown is in its most active period of residential and employment growth since the 1970s. This growth reflects its success in attracting residents seeking liveable, mixed-use neighbourhoods close to employment opportunities.

TOcore is a City of Toronto study looking at planning the Downtown. How should our Downtown grow in the decades ahead? What infrastructure and services will we need to keep it a great place live, work, learn and play? How can we reinforce Downtown's important economic role while ensuring it remains inclusive?

TOcore will lead to a renewed plan for Downtown. It will also develop strategies to ensure hard and soft infrastructure move in tandem with development:

-        parks and public spaces               -     walking and cycling networks

-        surface transit                             -     community services and facilities

-        water and waste water                -     energy

This event will introduce the study to resident and tenant associations in the Downtown and provide an early opportunity to give us your input.

Details are as follows:    

DATE:   Tuesday, April 21^st, 2015

TIME:    6:30 – 8:30 PM

PLACE:  City Hall, 100 Queen Street West

             Committee Room #2, 2^nd Floor

Parking available underground for a fee.

This venue is wheelchair accessible.

Please send one representative from your association. Please also RSVP by Thursday, April 16^th by emailing George Pantazis, Assistant Planner, gpantaz@toronto.ca, with who will be attending from your association.

Can't attend this event?

Visit www.toronto.ca/tocore for all project materials.

________________________________________________________________________________

TOcore: Planning Toronto's Downtown is a three-year project that is looking at how Toronto's Downtown should continue to grow, ensuring that it has the necessary hard and soft infrastructure to remain a great place to live, work, learn and play.

Book launch of FORTY-ONE Neighbours

Hello Esplanadians!

I would like to invite you and guests to the book launch of FORTY-ONE Neighbours. It would be an honor if you could come to this event, and see how our community came together around this unique project. 

Book launch: Tuesday, April 14th - 6pm -St Lawrence Hall, 157 King St E., Toronto

Fifty-three students/authors from The Esplanade neighbourhood were given the challenge to discover the essence of a resident in each of the forty-one countries/territories participating in the Toronto 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games. The student-driven narratives inspired accompanying commissioned pictures taken by forty international photographers. The result is one moving book, which both celebrates cultural differences between neighbouring countries and illuminates our common identity: yours to discover on April 14th, 2015, at FORTY-ONE Neighbours' book launch.

RSVP here: http://fortyoneneighbours.eventbrite.ca

It would be an honour if you could join us for the evening. 

Sincerely,

Isorine

FORTY-ONE Neighbours is the product of a common initiative from The Esplanade Neighbourhood. The project is co-produced by Jamii & CORPUS, in partnership with Market Lane Public School, St. Michael's Catholic School, St Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA, St Lawrence Market, St Lawrence Neighbourhood Association, St Lawrence Community Recreation Centre, Toronto Public Library -St Lawrence Branch, Young People's Theatre, Canada Running Series, Prologue to the Performing Arts, Berkeley Castle, Concert Properties.

FORTY-ONE receives the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, Toronto Arts Council, Ontario Arts Council, and Ontario Ignite.

Isorine

Executive & Programming Director

www.jamiiesplanade.org

City of Toronto to use traffic data to get Toronto moving

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  April 7, 2015            

City of Toronto to use traffic data to get Toronto moving

The City of Toronto is taking steps toward investing in the power of data to help understand how, where and when people travel and how the City can use this information to better assist the public in moving around Toronto.

"The availability of travel data has improved dramatically over the past few years and is at a point where the City can – and should – be using it to better understand travel patterns, evaluate the City’s investments and monitor performance. With this information, we can get Toronto moving smarter," said Mayor John Tory. "This will be a game changer and will establish Toronto as a leader in running a truly smart city."

"Learning about how we can better use travel data – by all modes – is a huge step forward," said Councillor Jaye Robinson (Ward 25 Don Valley West), Chair of the City's Public Works and Infrastructure Committee. "We need to be investing in projects that tap into the power of big data. This type of work will serve as a foundation for improving commutes for all Torontonians, whether you travel by transit, bike or car."

Transportation Services is announcing the creation of a Big Data Innovation Team. The team will be spending the first few months developing a strategy for how the City can and should use big travel data to improve travel by all modes. 

The Innovation Team will be building on some of the current big data work of Transportation Services, including:

• partnering with McMaster University to analyze historical travel data on city expressways and streets 

• working with the TTC to closely analyze surface transit data to identify operational improvements to further improve streetcar service 

• releasing a report from the Cycling Unit of Transportation Services evaluating cycling travel patterns based on data collected from its cycling tracking app -- showing the impacts of Cycletracks 

• developing a Big Travel Data strategy for Transportation Services to determine ways to make this type of information available, and 

• vetting products and services that might be useful in assisting the City in better decision making and investments.

The City will be seeking a team lead for this unit who understands both transportation and big data.

The City recently posted a Request for Information (RFI) for vendors that have proven products for monitoring and measuring travel and traffic in the urban environments. Interested vendors will take part in an event on April 14 and 15 to showcase their technology, products and solutions for City staff and show how travel data can be collected and turned into actionable information for improving mobility and managing congestion.

Transportation Services is also working with partners on hosting an open data "hackathon" planned for later this year.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1DGJ2NE

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: 

Steve Johnston, Strategic Communications, 416-392-4391, sjohnsto@toronto.ca Keerthana Kamalavasan, Mayor’s Office, 647-460-7507, keerthana.kamalavasan@toronto.ca

Residents and businesses in the Ryerson area invited to attend Pan Am/Parapan Am Games information sessions

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

News Release:  April 2, 2015  

Residents and businesses in the Parkdale, Ryerson and Etobicoke areas invited to attend Pan Am/Parapan Am Games information sessions

Toronto residents who live in the Parkdale, Ryerson and Etobicoke communities, as well as local businesses, are invited to attend information sessions to learn more about how their community may be affected by the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games taking place this summer.

The Parkdale sessions will focus on the race routes for marathon, triathlon, cycling and race walk along Lake Ontario; Ryerson on the Ryerson Athletic Centre’s hosting of basketball and wheelchair basketball; and Etobicoke on bowling and BMX competitions, as well as aquatics training at three venues in the area.

These information sessions, which will provide tips, tools and information to help residents and local businesses get around during the Games, will be held at the following times and locations:

Parkdale
Wednesday, April 8
Parkdale Public Library, 1303 Queen St. W.
Resident session: 6 to 8 p.m.

Etobicoke
Monday, April 13
Etobicoke Olympium, 590 Rathburn Rd.
Business session: 3 to 5 p.m.
Resident session: 6 to 8 p.m.

Parkdale
Wednesday, April 15
Parkdale Public Library, 1303 Queen St. W.
Business Session: 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Ryerson
Thursday, April 30
The 519 Church Street Community Centre, 519 Church St.
Business session: 3 to 5 p.m.
Resident session: 6 to 8 p.m.

Note: Space in these sessions is limited; groups are encouraged to send representation.

For more information about these information sessions, or for requests regarding accessibility requirements, residents may email residentinfo@toronto2015.org and businesses may email businessinfo@toronto2015.org.

These information sessions are hosted by the Pan Am Transportation Team (PATT), consisting of representatives from the Ministry of Transportation, the Integrated Security Unit (ISU), the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games Organizing Committee (TO2015), the Toronto Transit Commission and the City of Toronto.

The City of Toronto is proud to host the TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games this summer. It will be the largest international sporting event ever hosted in Canada.

Additional detail about the information sessions is available at http://www.toronto.ca/panam2015.

More information about the Games is available at http://www.toronto2015.org/.

This information is also available on the City website at: http://bitly.com/1BUDtoN

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 contacts:
Jennifer Robinson, TO2015, 416-957-2105, jennifer.robinson@toronto2015.org Jaclyn Carlisle, Strategic Communications, 416-712-1310, jcarlis@toronto.ca 

City of Toronto consulting with Toronto residents on review of rooming houses

News Release:  April 2, 2015

The City of Toronto is presenting a series of consultation sessions on a Rooming House Review initiative addressing issues related to the conditions and regulation of rooming houses in Toronto. The review is led by the Municipal Licensing & Standards and City Planning divisions in partnership with other City divisions.

The consultation component of the review begins April 9. The goal of the consultation process is to uncover diverse perspectives on rooming houses and begin a constructive conversation about possible solutions for all stakeholders.

The Rooming House Review will identify:
• the issues affecting regulation and enforcement of standards in rooming houses
• opportunities to improve conditions in rooming houses, and
• ways to minimize the impact rooming houses have on surrounding communities.

The following stakeholder groups will be engaged in the process:
• tenants and landlords of rooming houses
• residents and resident groups in communities with rooming houses
• agencies that serve clients looking for affordable housing such as rooming houses, and
• post-secondary school administrators.

Members of the public are invited to engage in the consultation process by attending one of the neighbourhood consultations listed below:
• Thursday, April 9, Parkdale Library (Auditorium), 6 to 8 p.m.
• Monday, April 13, Lilian H. Smith Library (Auditorium), 6 to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 14, Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic School (gym), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Monday, April 20, Stephen Leacock Community Centre (Main Hall), 6 to 8 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 21, Pan Am Sports Centre (Leadership Room), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 22, North York Central Library (Room 1), 6 to 8 p.m.
• Thursday, April 23, Atkinson Building, York University (Harry Crowe Room), 6 to 8 p.m.
• Monday, April 27, L'Amoreaux Community Centre (Studio Room 1), 7 to 9 p.m.
• Tuesday, April 28, Elmbank Community Centre (Multi-Purpose Room), 7 to 9 p.m.
• Wednesday, April 29, location to be announced
• Thursday, April 30, Wellesley Community Centre (Room A), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 4, Jimmie Simpson Community Centre (Multipurpose Room – Upper Level), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Tuesday, May 5, New Horizons Tower (Auditorium), 7 to 9 p.m.
• Thursday, May 7, Francis Libermann Catholic High School (cafeteria), 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Municipal Licensing & Standards and City Planning expect to report on findings from the consultations at the June meeting of the City's Executive Committee.

More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/roominghousereview. A survey will be made available on that web page in the days ahead.

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

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

Partial closure of Lower Sherbourne Street until June

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  April 2, 2015

Partial closure of Lower Sherbourne Street until June

The northbound lanes of Lower Sherbourne from Lake Shore Boulevard to Front Street will be closed from April 6 to June 15 for road construction and to make modifications to the intersection of the westbound Gardiner Expressway ramp to Sherbourne Street.

Northbound traffic on Lower Sherbourne Street will be diverted to Parliament Street and Lower Jarvis Street during the construction period. One lane of southbound traffic on Lower Sherbourne Street will be maintained.

Pedestrian access will be provided on the west side of Lower Sherbourne Street when work is taking place on the east side of the road. That will be reversed when work takes place on the west side of the road. Access to businesses and residences will be maintained.

Work on this project will pause during the Pan Am Games, when the site will be cleaned up and all lanes of traffic will be restored. Work will resume following the conclusion of the Games.

More information about TTC route diversions is available at http://www.ttc.ca.

The City's T.O. INview map at http://www.toronto.ca/inview provides information about planned capital construction work taking place across the city.

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

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

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 announces annual Clean Toronto Together campaign

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  April 2, 2015

City of Toronto announces annual Clean Toronto Together campaign 

The City of Toronto today announced the details of its 2015 Clean Toronto Together campaign. Every year, tens of thousands of Toronto residents, schools, businesses and community groups take part in the spring cleanup to help keep the city clean and green. 

At the same time, City divisions are conducting inter-divisional cleaning activities across Toronto, including removing graffiti vandalism, cleaning up litter and hauling away dead trees and branches from City property.

“We all need to do our part to keep our city clean," said Mayor John Tory. "I encourage all Torontonians to participate in the annual Clean Toronto Together spring cleanup.”

The City will deploy over 300 pieces of equipment to conduct the cleanup, including 60 litter vacuums, 37 sweepers, 13 front-end loaders, 16 dumptrucks, 73 pickup trucks, 20 sidewalk sweepers, a power washer, 62 parks vehicles, 30 forestry vehicles, and several water trucks.

The corporate and school 20-Minute Makeover has returned for 2015. At 2 p.m. on April 17, students and businesses are encouraged to work together for 20 minutes to improve the city by cleaning up litter and recycling around their places of work or schools. 

 

Community Cleanup Days will be held on Saturday, April 18 and Sunday, April 19 at locations across the city. Torontonians are encouraged to gather a group of friends, family or a community group to meet and clean an area in their neighbourhood.

The deadline to register an event is April 13. Registration at http://www.livegreentoronto.ca enables the City to arrange litter pickup and ensure there are no conflicting cleanup events.

"GLAD Canada is the lead partner of the program for the fifth year. We are proud to continue our support for this initiative in Toronto and contribute to making our communities cleaner and greener," said Soula Kioussis, General Manager of Glad Canada. "We believe that by working together, we can all make an impact, even in just 20 minutes."

CP24 returns as the campaign broadcast partner. Other sponsors and partners include the Toronto Star, 680 NEWS, Tim Hortons, Pizza Pizza, Park People, Toronto District School Board, Toronto Catholic District School Board and Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1F6uW2R

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: Rosalynd Rupert, Strategic Communications, 416-338-3379, rrupert@toronto.ca

City of Toronto's family activities for Easter weekend

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  April 1, 2015  

       

City of Toronto's family activities for Easter weekend

The City of Toronto will offer many fun activities at its recreational facilities and attractions, as well as at City historic sites, during the coming Easter weekend.

Recreation programs, services and permits Regularly scheduled recreation programs and permits at all parks and recreation facilities are cancelled on Friday, April 3 (Good Friday) and Monday, April 6 (Easter Monday), with the exception of scheduled tournament or league play at indoor arenas. Programs and services will operate as usual on Saturday, April 4 and Sunday, April 5.

Residents can contact their local community centre or visit http://www.toronto.ca/parks for more information about individual facilities.

The following City attractions will be open with activities each day of the Easter long weekend, April 3 to 6.

Riverdale Farm: Riverdale Farm features a variety of farm animals, including some new arrivals: Cotswald lambs, a Nubian kid goat, and 10-week-old Tamworth pigs. Visitors can stroll the grounds, visit the barns and paddocks, and meet the farmer at 11:30 a.m. for a farming demonstration on the lower level of the Francey Barn. The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. More information: http://bit.ly/1FDujmN

Toronto Islands: The Toronto Islands are just minutes away from the downtown core by ferry. The islands are a great place to walk, roll, cycle, explore and enjoy views of the city skyline, offering fun for the whole family. Franklin Children's Garden is open daily: http://bit.ly/1AP32H7. More information: www.toronto.ca/parks/island

High Park Zoo (on Deer Pen Road): The High Park Zoo is home to domestic and exotic animals, including spring babies. Visitors can hand-feed the llamas on weekends from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (April to October). The animal attraction is open daily, year-round from 7 a.m. to dusk. More information: http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo  

Easter flower shows: Easter flower shows are in full bloom at Centennial Park Conservatory and Allan Gardens Conservatory. Both shows feature Easter lilies and numerous varieties of hydrangea, and will be available until April 26. The two conservatories are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 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.

Easter weekend at Toronto's Historic Sites The City's historic sites will offer events, activities and tours during most of the Easter long weekend – but will be closed on Friday, April 3. Program 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. Easter weekend highlights follow.

Colborne Lodge (High Park, Colborne Lodge Drive): Families can take Easter-themed tours and engage in egg-dyeing activities on April 4 and 5.

Gibson House Museum (5172 Yonge St.): In addition to taking the regular tours of Gibson House, visitors are invited to relax in the historic kitchen on Sunday afternoon (April 5) from 1 to 4:30 p.m., with tea and homemade cookies served.

Fort York National Historic Site (250 Fort York Blvd.): Fort York will be open Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Easter Monday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. On Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can enjoy Everything Easter @ Fort York, a day of fun and games, including an Easter egg hunt, arts and crafts, meeting the Easter Bunny, and egg races. This charitable event supports Ronald McDonald House and the George Brown College Foundation. Details: www.everythingeasterto.com

Guests of all ages can take a guided Fort York tour through original War of 1812 buildings. The new Visitor Centre presents the art exhibition Gertrude Kearns: The Art of Command, Portraits and Posters from Canada's Afghan Mission.

Mackenzie House (82 Bond St.): Families visiting Mackenzie House this weekend can print a seed packet on the vintage printing press and take some seeds home for spring planting.

St. Lawrence Market and the Market Gallery (95 Front St. E.): Families can visit the South St. Lawrence Market's west mezzanine kitchen on Saturday, April 4 between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. to decorate cupcakes. The Market Gallery at the same location will offer an arts and crafts activity on Saturday.

Montgomery’s Inn (4709 Dundas St. W.): In addition to offering its regular tours, Montgomery's Inn will host Easter Tea Time on Sunday, April 5 from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring chocolate bunny cookies and other fancy treats.

Scarborough Museum (1007 Brimley Rd.): Families looking for fresh air and exploration can engage in a mix of indoor and outdoor activities, including a scavenger hunt, between noon and 5 p.m. on April 4 and 5.

McCowan Log House in Scarborough Museum (1007 Brimley Rd.): Visitors can take part in a reading circle on Saturday, April 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. to share favourite children's books and stories.

Spadina Museum: Historic House and Gardens (285 Spadina Rd.): Open from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Easter Monday, Spadina Museum welcomes adults and children to the six-acre estate overlooking the city. Inside the restored house, visitors can see how it looked in the 1920s and '30s, and can take a Meet the Austins tour at 12:15, 1, 1:45, 3:15 or 4 p.m. The Austins were a prominent family whose struggles and triumphs were closely tied to those of Toronto in the early 20th century.

Todmorden Mills Heritage Site (67 Pottery Rd.): On Saturday and Sunday from noon to 4:30 p.m., families can enjoy an outdoor tour of the beautiful Todmorden Mills property. On the walk, participants will hear the stories of Todmorden and the Don Valley – from the locations' use by First Nations inhabitants many years ago to the establishment of Todmorden Mills as a heritage site in 1967.

City of Toronto administrative offices and service counters will be closed on the April 3 and 6 holidays.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1DtRIW3

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

Man faces three Child Pornography charges, Brian Mallette, 50, Police believe there may be more victims

Man faces three Child Pornography charges, Brian Mallette, 50, Police believe there may be more victims
Monday, March 30, 2015 - 3:39 PM
51 Division:  416-808-8500

On Friday, March 27, 2015, the Toronto Police Sex Crimes Unit – Child Exploitation Section executed a search warrant. A man was arrested during the execution of the warrant.

It is alleged that:

- a man was accessing and saving child sexual abuse images and videos

- the man was authoring child sexual abuse stories for public consumption

Brian Mallette, 50, of Toronto, has been arrested and charged with:

1) two counts of Possession Child Pornography
2) Access Child Pornography

He appeared in court at College Park on Friday, March 27, 2015, 10 a.m., room 501.

He was employed as an occasional teacher with the Toronto District School Board since 2002. He has worked for extended periods at Earl Haig Secondary School, Northern Secondary School and Forest Hill Collegiate Institute. He was also a part-time tutor.

He uses the online handle “coachperv."

Police believe there may be more victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-8500, 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.

This project has been made possible by a grant from the Ministry of Community Safety and Correctional Services and the Ministry of the Attorney General.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Joel Manherz, Sex Crimes

An attachment to this release is available on our website. 

Brian Mallette, 50, faces three Child Pornography charges

"Speed Recruiting" event

Media Advisory, Saturday, March 28, 2015, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Toronto Police College, 70 Birmingham Street, "Speed Recruiting" event

Saturday, March 28, 2015 - 4:59 AM
Employment:  416-808-8101

The Toronto Police Service Employment Unit - Recruiting Section will be hosting their very first “Speed Recruiting” event on Saturday, March 28, 2015, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., at the Toronto Police College, 70 Birmingham Street.

Over 100 candidates have pre-registered to participate in this invitation-only event. This is an opportunity for participants interested in a career with the Toronto Police Service to speak face-to-face with uniform and civilian members from various Divisions and units across the Service, about the different aspects and requirements of their jobs.

This event will provide candidates with insight to the types of careers available and information they may use to evaluate their own knowledge, skills and abilities to meet or exceed the requirements of the position they are interested in applying for within the Service.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Manager Ann-Marie Henry, Employment Unit

121 TPS members and two community members recognized for unselfish acts of bravery, courage, exceptional performance of duty and dedicated service to the community

Media advisory, Wednesday, March 25, 2015, 7 p.m., Headquarters, lobby, Service awards, 121 TPS members and two community members recognized for unselfish acts of bravery, courage, exceptional performance of duty and dedicated service to the community

Broadcast time: 05:59
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Corporate Risk Management:  416-808-7096

On Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at 7 p.m., in the lobby at headqyarters, 121 members of the Toronto Police Service and two members of our community will be recognized for unselfish acts of bravery, courage, exceptional performance of duty and for dedicated service to the community. 

The presentations will be made by Toronto Police Services Board Chair Dr. Alok Mukherjee and Chief William Blair. 

For further information, please contact Ms. Renee Angco at 416 808-7096 or Corporate Communications at 416 808-7100. 

View the Award Presentation program. 

TEAMWORK COMMENDATION

Teamwork Commendations are granted by the Toronto Police Services Board to a group for exceptional performance of duty, community policing initiatives, or innovations or initiatives that enhance the image or operation of the Service.

PC ARSHAD, Sheraz PC DEWLAND, William PC HUNTLEY, Melissa PC MARSHALL, Kevin PC MC KEOWN, Sean-Brendan PC SHAW, Kempton

9560 9772 10396 90054 10356 90278

51 Division 51 Division 51 Division 51 Division 51 Division 51 Division

  

 PARTNERSHIP AWARD

The following member of the community is granted a Partnership Award by the Toronto

Police Services Board for grateful acknowledgement of unselfish assistance rendered to the Service for an initiative or innovation that impacted positively on the image or operation of MR. MACMULLIN, Eric Submitted by 51 Division

Police Constables Sheraz Arshad, William Dewland and Kevin Marshall of 51 Division and Mr. Eric MacMullin

On September 1, 2013 officers were called to attend an incident where a male was hanging off the window of an apartment on the 23rd floor of a residential high rise. The male was only dressed in his underclothes and appeared to be emotionally distressed. Constables Sheraz Arshad took control of the scene and set up a perimeter to keep the high volume of pedestrian and vehicular traffic at a safe distance.

Constables Arshad and Bill Dewland proceeded to the apartment on the 23rd floor to establish contact with the male. At this point the male was scaling the outside of the window and was barely holding onto the metal edges of the window with his fingertips and stepping on the edge of his toes.

Constable Arshad began to communicate with the male through a nearby balcony, attempting to convince him to return inside the building. At the same time Constable Dewland started gathering information from other tenants and learned that the male had injected himself with a drug and was hallucinating. Constable Arshad continued to offer reassurances to keep the male calm. Toronto Fire personnel arrived at the apartment and secured Constable Arshad with a harness, anchoring him safely to the building. Constable Kevin Marshall and Nurse Eric MacMullin, a part of the Service Mobile Crisis Intervention program, also attended the apartment and guided Constable Arshad in his interaction with the male and as a result, Constable Arshad was able to bring the male safely onto the balcony.

In recognition of their dedication in saving the life of a distressed person, Police Constables Sheraz Arshad, William Dewland and Kevin Marshall are awarded with a Teamwork Commendation and Mr. Eric MacMullin is awarded with a Community Member Award.

Police Constables Kempton Shaw, Melissa Huntley and Sean-Brendan McKeown of 51 Division

On September 20, 2013 Constables Sean McKeown, Kempton Shaw and Melissa Huntley responded to a call which involved the sound of a gunshot and a person armed with a gun in an apartment.

Once on scene the officers took control of the situation and placed 3 individuals under investigative detention. They quickly determined that there was no evidence of any altercation involving a firearm but they did however make observations which led them to believe that the apartment was the site of a credit card forgery lab.

Constable McKeown contacted 51 Division’s Fraud office. Upon hearing the facts, 51 Division Fraud Investigator confirmed the officers’ suspicions. The officers placed the 3 males under arrest for Possession of Credit Card Forgery Devices and Possession of Property Obtained by Crime and secured the scene so a search warrant could be prepared and executed.

Constable Shaw noticed one of the accused was in possession of a set of car keys.  Upon locating the car, the officer conducted a cursory search through the car window which led to the discovery of additional credit card forgery devices.

In recognition of their keen observations and diligent investigation, Police Constables Kempton Shaw, Melissa Huntley and Sean-Brendan McKeown are awarded with Commendations.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

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Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Superintendent Kim Yeandle, Corporate Risk Management

Make a Splash contest for Toronto students open for entries

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  March 23, 2015                 

Make a Splash contest for Toronto students open for entries

In celebration of World Water Day, the City of Toronto and RBC are launching the Make a Splash, Blue Water Contest for Toronto students. The contest invites elementary and secondary school students to share a story, memory or wish about Toronto’s waterways and say why it’s important to keep the waterways clean and healthy.

"The contest is a great way to engage students in creating a vision for Toronto’s waterways, and to remind us of the need to keep them healthy,” said Councillor Michelle Berardinetti (Ward 35 Scarborough Southwest), Chair of Parks and Environment Committee. “We’re delighted to partner with RBC on this initiative.”

“Water is one of our most important natural resources, and we all play a role in keeping Toronto's waterways clean for generations to come,” said Kim Mason, Greater Toronto Regional President, RBC. “Supporting kids and youth is something that we are very passionate about, so this contest is a natural fit for us – celebrating clean water by engaging the next generation of leaders in this city.”

Two winners will be selected, one from an elementary school and one from a secondary school. The schools will each receive $5,000 for a project to green the school, courtesy of RBC. In addition, the winning high school will be visited by an Olympic athlete, and the winning elementary school entry will be featured in a Kidoons Network Show. All top entries will be featured in a public display at various City and RBC locations.

The contest invites all types of entries, including stories, videos, dance, photography, poems and dioramas. Winners will be selected by a panel of City and RBC representatives and local artists.

Entries will be accepted from March 23 to May 22 at 5 p.m.

More information about the Make a Splash contest is available at http://www.livegreentoronto.ca

About RBC Blue Water Project

The RBC Blue Water Project is a historic, wide-ranging, 10-year global commitment to help protect the world’s most precious natural resource: fresh water. Since 2007, RBC has pledged nearly $41 million to more than 700 charitable organizations worldwide that protect water, with an additional $8.8 million pledged to universities for water programs. The RBC Blue Water Project is focused on supporting initiatives that help protect water in towns, cities and urbanized areas. For further information, visit www.rbc.com/bluewater.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1N0DtdT

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: Valerie Cassells, Strategic Communications, 416-660-1712 (cell), vcassel@toronto.ca

Police request assistance identifying four Robbery suspects, Yonge Street and Charles Street East area, Security camera images of suspects released

Police request assistance identifying four Robbery suspects, Yonge Street and Charles Street East area, Security camera images of suspects released

Friday, March 20, 2015 - 12:06 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5106

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance identifying four men in a Robbery investigation.

On Saturday, March 14, 2015, in the early-morning hours, police received a call for a person with a gun, in the Yonge Street and Charles Street East area.

It is reported that:
- two men were swarmed by four men armed with guns
- one man was pistol-whipped by two men

The four men are described as black, wearing black hooded winter coats and jeans.

In addition:
Suspect #1 was wearing a Canada Goose jacket
Suspect #2 was wearing a North Face jacket
Suspect #3 was wearing a red hooded sweater

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5106, 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.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Nick Dorazio, 51 Division

Security camera image of Robbery investigation suspect #1 wearing a Canada Goose jacket

Security camera image of Robbery investigation suspect #2 wearing a North Face jacket

Security camera image of Robbery investigation suspect #3 wearing a red hooded sweater

5th Celebration International Francophonie Day

March 18, 2015 Know Your Police Workshop

Public Safety Alert, Arrest-warrant scam

Toronto Police Service News Release

Public Safety Alert, Arrest-warrant scam

Wednesday, March 18, 2015 - 9:30 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an arrest-warrant scam.

It is reported that:

- on Tuesday, March 17, 2015, 51 Division received over 20 calls from people throughout the GTA

- each person had received a phone call from a man with a caller ID of 416-808-5100

- the man said that there was a warrant for their arrest for fraud, but that the warrant could be resolved by making a payment

- the man was unsuccessful in obtaining money from any of the people who reported the call to police

Police remind the public that warrants cannot be settled by monetary payment. Everyone is reminded to be vigilant with financial transactions initiated by an incoming phone call or email.

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.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications

Police seek assistance with Sexual Assault investigation, Composite sketch of suspect released

Police seek assistance with Sexual Assault investigation, Composite sketch of suspect released

Tuesday, March 17, 2015 - 3:26 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance with a Sexual Assault investigation.

It is reported that:
- on Monday, March 2, 2015, during the evening hours, a 39-year-old woman attended a bar in the Church Street and Wellesley Street area and began to feel ill
- between 9 p.m. to 10 p.m., the woman flagged down a Beck taxi and was driven to the Yonge Street and Wellesley Street East area
- the woman got out of the taxi at this location and flagged down another Beck taxi
- she got into the second Beck taxi, when a unknown man approached the woman
- the unknown man entered the Beck taxi that drove her home
- the unknown man sexually assaulted the woman, took her property, and fled

The man is described as white, approximately 5'7" - 5'9", 160 lbs., average build. He was last seen wearing a brown jacket and blue T-shirt. The man was observed smoking.

Police are requesting any Beck taxi driver who recalls taking this woman to Yonge Street and Wellesley Street East or any member of the public with information to come forward.

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.

A sexual assault is any form of unwanted sexual contact. It includes, but is not limited to, kissing, grabbing, oral sex and penetration. To learn more about sexual assault, including how to report a sexual assault, please visit our Sex Crimes website.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Grisel Fitkin, Sex Crimes

Composite sketch of Sexual Assault suspect

“Traffic Safety” continues to be a priority of the Toronto Police Service.

Toronto Police Service News Release

Media Advisory, Pedestrian Safety Campaign, “March Break - March Safe,” Monday, March 16, 2015 until Sunday, March 22, 2015

Sunday, March 15, 2015 - 12:00 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

“Traffic Safety” continues to be a priority of the Toronto Police Service.

Collision analysis has shown that, on average 50 to 60 percent of all fatalities involve pedestrians. To date, 71 percent of all the fatalities reported this year have involved pedestrians. Last year, 31 pedestrians lost their lives, representing approximately 61 of all traffic fatalities in Toronto.

March Break – March Safe Pedestrian Campaign will commence Monday, March 16, 2015 and run until Sunday, March 22, 2015. The Service will continue to be diligent in the promotion of education and enforcement strategies to further pedestrian safety within our communities.

All officers will be paying particular attention to motorists, cyclists and pedestrians who commit traffic violations that may jeopardize pedestrian safety. Parking Enforcement Officers will also assist by concentrating on parking offences that may compromise the safety of pedestrians. Particular attention will also be given to all intersection-related offences, pedestrian crosswalk violations, and pedestrians crossing in mid-block locations.

All motorists, transit−users, cyclists and pedestrians are reminded that road safety is everyone’s responsibility, obey all traffic laws and be diligent when using our streets, together we can make the roads safer for everyone.

To learn more about the Toronto Police Service Traffic Services Safety Program, that aims to reduce pedestrian injury and death through education and awareness, click here.

Traffic Services is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within the City of Toronto. Stay informed with what’s happening at: Twitter, Facebook Fan Page, Facebook Group and on Blog.


For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.



Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services