Ward 27 News from Kristyn Wong - Tam - October 11, 2013

October 11, 2013 Church Street Mural Project Launch Thanksgiving Weekend Subway Closure Ecumenical Christmas Food Drive - November 23 and 30 Transit Update Upcoming Community Meetings 1. Church Street Mural Project Launch (October 19) Residents, business owners, and community members are all invited to the launch of the Church Street Mural Project, sponsored by BMO, on October 19th. Artists are at work all along Church Street, completing eleven high-impact gallery-quality murals celebrating the Church-Wellesley Village's LGBTQ history and identity, in advance of WorldPride 2014. BMO will be hosting the launch at their local branch. Councillor Wong-Tam will be joined by project artists, curators, as well as community leaders and activists to celebrate the project's success and the wonderful changes that are underway in the Village. Come out. Learn about the murals, artists, and partners that are making the difference. Date: Saturday, October 19, 2013 Time: 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m. Place: Church Street BMO Branch 492 Church Street (Church Street and Alexander Street) For more information on this project, please click here. 2. Thanksgiving Weekend Subway Closure The Toronto Transit Commission has revised its subway closure plan for this October as it continues to install and upgrade its 60-year-old signal system. Subway service in the downtown core of the Yonge-University line from Bloor to St George stations – the “U” – will be closed from October 12 to 14 only. A previously announced closure of October 19 to 20 is cancelled. Over the past two years, the TTC has gained significant experience as it installs new signal equipment and prepares for the commissioning of a new signal system to enable it to more reliably keep up with its ever-increasing number of customers. To ensure the work being undertaken during next month’s closure occurs with no disruption when subway service resumes on the morning of October 15, the TTC has directed its supplier to continue software testing to TTC staff’s satisfaction before new closure dates are announced. A comprehensive shuttle bus service will be in place from Bloor-Yonge Station to St George Station from October 12 to 14 using Yonge Street and University Avenue. Full subway service will resume at 6:00 a.m. on October 15.   3. Ecumenical Christmas Food Drive - November 23 and 30 Churches in Rosedale, Moore Park and Leaside are again sponsoring a Christmas Drive (the 42nd consecutive) to assist local food banks and agencies that are in urgent need of help at this time of year. Flyers are delivered to area households on Saturday, November 23 and donations are then picked up on the following Saturday, November 30. There are two locations – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church (OLPH), on St. Clair Avenue East, one block west of Mount Pleasant Road and Leaside Presbyterian Church on Eglinton Avenue, just east of Bayview Avenue. Councillor Wong-Tam hopes to see you there. Times on both days are from 9:30 am until noon. Donations are sorted and packed at OLPH with same day delivery to recipient food banks and agencies. In 2012 about 16,000 items were collected and it is hoped to better this figure this year as unfortunately the demand for this service is still great. Upwards of 300 volunteers are required and community hours are available for high school students. In addition, two area Sobeys stores (St. Clair Avenue just east of Yonge Street and Wicksteed Avenue near Laird Drive) are again supporting this effort by holding in-store drives throughout the Christmas season. These sources typically add another 10,000 to the overall total It is a fun event for both families and young persons and is in aid of a worthwhile cause to benefit the less fortunate members of our community. Many thanks for your caring. If further information is required, please contact the Campaign Chair, Brian Kearney, at 416-972-0585 or by e-mail at brian.kearney@sympatico.ca.   4. Transit Update At this week's City Council meeting, the question of LRT versus a Subway was once again debated in the plans for replacing Scarborough's aging LRT. I have been absolutely clear that I will only support a plan that delivers upon evidence-based needs and it must fit within Toronto's overall transit expansion needs. Consistent with what constituents throughout Ward 27 have told me, I was disheartened to learn the projected shortfall the City would have to bear for the Subway proposal earlier this year and am fully in support of the original LRT. I have no objections to having other levels of government bridging the financial gap between one plan and the other, but must consider the long list of needs that are long overdue for attention, including the Downtown Relief Line and other rapid transit lines. Significant new debt spending on a single line does not leave us ready to afford and manage Toronto's broader needs. Unfortunately, City Council supported the Subway option and we are now tasked with raising the taxes necessary to pay for the funding shortfall as well as any of the numerous potential cancellation fees for going back on the City's previous decisions and unknown potential overruns. This plan will see the Bloor-Danforth line extended from Kennedy Station to the Sheppard Avenue line. 5. Upcoming Community Events and Meetings October 16 - Gardiner Expressway East Public Meeting The City of Toronto and Waterfront Toronto are advancing the public and stakeholder consultation program for the Gardiner East EA. The second public information meeting is being held on: Date: Wednesday, October 16, 2013 Time: 6:30 to 9 p.m. Place: Toronto Reference Library The Bram and Bluma Appel Salon 789 Yonge Street   The open house will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by presentations at 7 p.m. Those who cannot attend the meeting in person may participate and watch the meeting online that evening via the project website at: www.gardinereast.ca October 17 - The Downtown East Revitalization Initiative The City is holding a Community Consultation meeting where you can learn more about this important initiative, ask questions and share your comments. Details are as follows: Date: October 17, 2013 Time: 6.45 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Sign-in, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. – presentations 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. – open house, question + answer & comments Place: Hilton Garden Inn (200 Dundas Street East, NE corner of Dundas Street East and Jarvis Street), Mulock Room, 2nd Floor. The Revitalization Initiative The City of Toronto is hosting a community meeting and open house where you can learn about the Downtown East Revitalization Initiative and the future of the Downtown East. The Downtown East Revitalization Initiative is focused on: Land Use Planning and Heritage, Economic Development, Community Safety, Housing, Community Services Planning and the Public Realm. Come and ask questions, share your insights and give your feedback. For more information, refer to the Staff Report here. Call Councillor Wong-Tam for more information. October 30 - Yorkville East of Bay Consultation Planning staff are undertaking a review of the existing and planned built form context for the areas bounded by: Bloor Street, to the south; Davenport Road, to the north; Yonge Street, to the east: and Bay Street, to the west to establish appropriate heights for the areas outside of the Height Peak, Height Ridges and Low-rise areas as illustrated in Site and Area Specific Official Plan Policy 211. The review will also assess the existing and planned pedestrian linkages within the study area boundary as per Area Specific Official Plan Policy 225. The next public meeting will be held at the following date and time: When: October 30, 2013 Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Place: Stone Church, 45 Davenport Road For more information on the study, please click here. Please contact Councillor Wong-Tam is there are any questions. November 12 - 51 Division Building Bridges Gala Building Bridges is the annual fundraising gala hosted by the Toronto Police’s 51 Division Community Liaison Committee. The event raises money to provide bridging scholarships for at-risk urban youth to attend George Brown College. When: November 13, 2013 Time: 6 p.m. Place: Daniels Spectrum 585 Dundas Street East For more information, please click here.

Future of Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport - Survey due October 11, 2013

Read the Message from Robert Deluz This is your last chance to fill out the City of Toronto’s online survey as part of the review of Porter’s proposal  to use jet aircraft at the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. The survey must be completed by Friday, October 11. You can say why you support the introduction of Bombardier CS100 and other jet aircraft at the airport and highlight all of the great benefits this will provide. The ability to gut the revitalization of the waterfront, spread noise and air pollution from jet planes across large parts of the city, create safety hazards through bird strikes and fuel spills are just some of the reasons. Please also share this with others who may be interested in showing support for a Mini-Pearson on the Lake. We can do this irresponsibly by using a jet aircraft which will not be certified until May 2014, damaging our vibrant waterfront and limiting marine access in Toronto Harbour, and wasting the half billion dollars for the Union Pearson Express. The survey is one important way for the city to understand the level of support that exists for new health risks, damage to Lake Ontario and jeopardizing the waterfront revitalization. Best regards, Robert Deluz President and CEO Portr Airlines Inc.

The One-Room Schoolhouse in Ontario History - A teacher's Life

amcarty@enochturnerschoolhouse.ca

Dayme, Jane Bunnett, Hilario Duran

Sexual Assault Alert Dundas Street East and Sherbourne Avenue Security camera images released

Toronto Police Service News Release

Sexual Assault Alert Dundas Street East and Sherbourne Avenue Security camera images released

Friday, September 27, 2013 - 2:11 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a sexual assault investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Sunday, September 22, 2013, between 4 a.m. and 5 a.m., a woman was sitting on some steps in the Dundas Street East and Sherbourne Street area

- she was approached by a man who sexually assaulted her

- subsequent to the first sexual assault, a second man approached the woman and sexually assaulted her

One of the men is described as white, early teens to mid 20s, with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing baggy blue jeans, dark shoes, and a black or blue hooded sweatshirt with a large "Under Armour" logo in the middle of the chest area.

The second man is described as white, early teens to mid 20s, with shaved short brown hair. He was last seen wearing jeans, dark shoes with white trim, a horizontally striped golf style T-shirt and a grey hooded sweatshirt with a zippered front. He had an orange or red "cinch bag" on his back.

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

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

Constable Sarah Diamond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Marilyn White, Sex Crimes Unit

Media Advisory Fraudchat looks at counterfeit currency and the new Canadian banknotes

Toronto Police Service News Release

Media Advisory Fraudchat looks at counterfeit currency and the new Canadian banknotes

Thursday, September 26, 2013 - 2:53 PM
Financial Crimes Unit:  416-808-7300

Since November 2012, the Toronto Police Service's Financial Crimes Unit has partnered with the Financial Service Commission of Ontario (FSCO) to use social media to educate the public about financial crimes and fraud.

Every Thursday evening, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), these partner agencies host a one-hour forum on Twitter called "#Fraudchat." This forum seeks to educate the public, through shared information and an exchange of ideas about financial crimes and fraud.

The program moderators are Kristen Rose, Senior Communications Officer at FSCO, and Detective Sergeant Cameron Field of the Toronto Police Service's Financial Crimes Unit.

Tonight's edition of #fraudchat will focus on:

- how counterfeit banknotes affect Canadians
- how can people protect themselves against counterfeit banknotes
- what people should do if they get a counterfeit banknote

Bank of Canada analyst Nish Vairavanathan will offer helpful tips and answer questions on this important topic.

To follow this program, please log on to Twitter and follow the #Fraudchat hashtag starting at 9 p.m. Applications, such as TweetDeck.com and HootSuite.com are also helpful in following and contributing to the program.

For more information about #Fraudchat, please contact Detective Sergeant Cameron Field at 416-808-7300 or Kristen Rose at 416-226-7803.

For more information about how to better protect your family against fraud, click here.

Constable Sarah Diamond, Corporate Communications, for Staff Inspector Bryce Evans

Ontario fall seatbelt campaign kickoff

Toronto Police Service News Release

Media advisory Thursday, September 26, 2013, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., Library open at 9 a.m. for set up, Northern District Library, main floor, program room 40 Orchard View Boulevard, Toronto, Ontario fall seatbelt campaign kickoff 3 "Ws" ... whatever, wherever, whenever you drive, every trip begins with a click

Thursday, September 26, 2013 - 7:57 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

The Provincial Seatbelt Campaign, with the full support of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, is a combined public awareness and enforcement campaign aimed at getting more drivers and passengers to buckle up. Using seat belts is the single-most-effective way to reduce vehicle-related injuries and fatalities by ensuring that occupants remain within the vehicle and in their seats.

It is estimated that five lives are saved for every one per cent increase in seatbelt use in Ontario every year.

The fall seatbelt campaign will focus on drivers who fail to secure children safely.

The potential consequences for not using seat belts or not using them correctly include:
- loss of life
- serious injury
- demerit points against your licence
- financial penalties

The fall campaign will run from Thursday, September 26, 2013, until Friday, October 11, 2013. The kick-off for this event will take place at Northern District Library, Main Floor, Program Room, 40 Orchard View Boulevard, Toronto.

Anyone wishing to attend is advised to arrive early. Some of the partners attending this event are the Ministry of Transportation (MTO), Toronto Police Service (TPS), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), York Regional Police (YRPS), Toronto Public Library System (TPLS).
The launch event will consist of three parts:

1) Media event/Photo-Op - Parliamentary Assistant to interact with students/deliver speech

2) Story-Telling (grades 2, local schools)- road safety-related story (told by librarian, title TBC)

3) Deputy Program (grades 2, local schools - run by safety traffic officers, OPP and Toronto Police, York Police - TBC)

Objective: to educate students on proper use of seatbelts and booster seats.

Constable Sarah Diamond, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Sexual Assault Alert, Ongoing investigation of fashion photographer, Photograph of photographer released

Toronto Police Service News Release

Sexual Assault Alert, Ongoing investigation of fashion photographer, Photograph of photographer released

Wednesday, September 25, 2013 - 6:00 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an arrest in an ongoing sexual assault investigation.

It is alleged that:

- on Tuesday, July 30, 2012, a then-18-year-old woman was sexually assaulted in a home in the Dundas Street East/Dalhousie Street area

On Monday, September 23, 2013, Bo Zou, 34, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

1) Sexual assault

He was scheduled to appear in court at College Park on Monday, September 23, 2013, at 2 p.m.

It is further alleged that:

- the man presented himself as a fashion photographer, advertising under the social media avatar of "Jay Dreamcollector"

- he offered his photography services to female university students for free in exchange for modelling services

Police believe there may be other victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5151, 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.


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



Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Aleksandra Zlobicki, 51 Division

Public Safety Alert, Police alerting residents in 12 Division to residential break-and-enters targeting seniors

Toronto Police Service News Release

Public Safety Alert, Police alerting residents in 12 Division to residential break-and-enters targeting seniors

Tuesday, September 24, 2013 - 1:46 PM
12 Division:  416-808-1200

The Toronto Police Service would like to alert the public to a series of break-and-enters in the area bounded by Jane Street to the west, Keele Street to the east, Lawrence Avenue to the south and Highway 401 to the north.

Between early June 2013 and Sunday, September 22, 2013, ten residential break-and-enters occurred in the above-noted area.

It has been reported that:

- a man and woman enter homes while the residents are working in their yards
- cash and jewellery are taken
- the victims have all been women in their 70s and 80s, predominantly of Italian descent

The suspects have been seen by both victims and other witnesses.

The man is described as white with a dark-olive complexion, 45-55, heavy build and spoke with a slight accent.

The woman is described as white with an olive complexion, 50, 5'1"-5'5", with a heavy build, long dark hair and a hawk-shaped nose.

The police are asking for anyone who may have been approached by the suspects or may have witnessed a stranger in their back yard to contact police at 416-808-1200, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Constable Sarah Diamond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Colin Greenaway, 12 Division

Public Safety Alert, Man wanted in assault investigation, Security camera image of man released

Toronto Police Service News Release

Public Safety Alert, Man wanted in assault investigation, Security camera image of man released

Thursday, September 19, 2013 - 1:30 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5105

On Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at approximately 9:10 p.m., a woman was assaulted in the Jarvis Street and Maitland Street area.

It is alleged that:

- a 25-year-old woman was walking eastbound on Maitland Street when a man approached her from behind, put his arm around her neck, and pulled her to the ground

- the woman managed to escape and sought assistance at a nearby apartment building

- the man continued to follow her to the building, then left the area

He is described as having a light-tanned complexion, approximately 35, 5'7"-5'11", 170-185 lbs., with short brown hair, medium-to-large build, and a handlebar-style moustache. He was wearing dark pants, a black hoodie with a white "R" on the front left chest area, and white lettering on the left arm which possibly says "MAKERS."

A security camera image of the man has been released.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5105, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook. Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Terry Prevost, 51 Division

Security camera image of man wanted in assault investigation

Ward 27 News - Kristyn Wong-Tam

September 13, 2013 Community Environment Day This Sunday! Mount Pleasant Murals Launched Community Enviroment Day This Sunday! Sunday, September 15, 2013 is the annual Environment Day in Ward 27. Join Councillor Wong-Tam and neighbours at our exciting new location: Allan Gardens! Environment Day events will be set up at the south-west corner of Sherbourne Street and Carlton Street. Visit between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to get your free compost, garbage and compost bins, sustainable shower heads, and much more! Also on September 15, the 51 Division Community Police Liaison Committee (CPLC) is hosting a BBQ, sponsored by Great Gulf Homes at Allan Gardens from 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. When: Sunday, September 15, 2013 from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Where: Allan Gardens (at the corner of Sherbourne Street and Carleton Street) If you can come, make a stop at Allan Gardens in September for the Ward 27 Environment Day! Mount Pleasant Murals Launched Councillor Wong-Tam, with the Bloor East Neighbourhood Association (BENA), Senator and former Mayor Art Eggleton and representatives from Lanterra Developments, Greenwin Properties and Rogers Communication marked the launch of the Mt. Pleasant Mural Project on August 20th 2013. This project marks the end of a journey begun seven years ago, as BENA successfully applied to the City of Toronto's StreetArt program for the completion of a mural located on the Mt. Pleasant Bridge. Work on the mural began in 2006 but was never finished. Councillor Wong-Tam would like to thank BENA for their tireless leadership and commitment to improving their neighbourhood and for the generous contributions of Lanterra and Greenwin to the mural. She encourages the entire ward to enjoy this new addition to Toronto's art scene!

#Fraudchat covers job scams targeting youth, Thursday, September 12, 2013, 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST

Toronto Police Service News Release

#Fraudchat covers job scams targeting youth, Thursday, September 12, 2013, 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST

Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 12:39 PM
Financial Crimes Unit:  416-808-7300

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

Every Thursday, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. EST, these two agencies host a one-hour forum on Twitter called "#Fraudchat." This program seeks to educate and exchange ideas with the public about financial crimes and fraud. The moderators for this program are Kristen Rose, Senior Communications Officer of the Financial Services Commission of Ontario, and Detective Sergeant Cameron Field of the TPS Financial Crimes Unit.

Tonight's program will cover employment scams targeting youth. Now that school is in, youth are balancing their families, work and their studies. Scammers know this and continue to target them. Fraudchat will cover the different types of employment scams and how to recognize them. Tips will also be given if you think you've been scammed already.

To follow this program, please log on to Twitter and type in #Fraudchat to follow along. Other applications like "Tweetdeck" are also helpful in following and contributing to the program. Join us and learn how to avoid this crime and bring your questions to our experts.

Visit the Toronto Police Fraud Prevention Month 2013 campaign for more information on how you can protect your family.

Please join us on #Fraudchat every Thursday evening and learn about frauds and scams that target our communities. 

For more information on this program, and the Fraud Prevention Month strategy of the Toronto Police Service, please contact Detective Sergeant Cameron Field at 416-808-7300.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Staff Inspector Bryce Evans, Financial Crimes Unit

Sexual Assault Alert, Allan Gardens, Gerrard Street East/Sherbourne Street

Toronto Police Service News Release

Sexual Assault Alert, Allan Gardens, Gerrard Street East/Sherbourne Street

Thursday, September 12, 2013 - 12:27 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5105

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a sexual assault investigation.

On Wednesday, September 11, 2013, at approximately 4:30 p.m., police responded to a sexual assault call in the area of Allan Gardens.

It is reported that:

- a woman was in Allan Gardens when she was approached by a man and sexually assaulted

The man is described as black, approximately 35, 5'6", with short dark hair, medium build. He was wearing a dark baseball cap with an unknown design on the front, jean shorts with a black zig-zag pattern down the right side.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5105, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637), or Leave A Tip on Facebook.


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

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Hannah Bartz, 51 Division

 

Officer helps most vulnerable

Const. Susan Crawford has a soft spot in her heart for senior gentlemen.

Her father lived alone for several years prior to his death, which touched the veteran officer.

“A lot of men live alone with no family and help,” she said.

“It makes me feel sad.”

As a member of the 51 Division Community Response Unit foot patrol, Crawford is always on the lookout for homeless men on city streets in the Division. She points them to the Good Neighbours Club, established during the Great Depression eight decades ago to serve marginalized men in the city’s downtown core, and collects used clothing for club residents.

At the club’s fifth annual day of the homeless memorial service on September 10, Crawford was recognised with the inaugural May Birchard Award.

The municipal politician and advocate for the poor and disenfranchised passed away in 1968.

“This is quite an honour and surprise because I don’t feel as if I have done anything special,” said Crawford, who joined the Service 11 years ago and has been with 51 Division since 2004.

“Whenever I see men on the street that I recognize have some needs, I try to direct them to this club so they can get help.”

Lauro Monteiro, the Good Neighbours Club operations director, said Crawford embodies the tenets of community policing.

“When her dad passed away about three years ago, she donated his clothing to the club,” he said.

“She has done the same thing when other male family members have died and she always drops by while on patrol to see how things are going here. Sue is very engaged with this club in a proactive manner.”

Monteiro said Crawford drove a man to the centre in order to get him TTC tokens.

S/Supt. Frank Bergen, who represented Good Neighbours Club vice-patron Chief Bill Blair at the ceremony, said Crawford embodies the mandate of a community police officer.

“In 2006 when we implemented the Yonge St. patrol, it was a natural fit to take Sue Crawford, who had come from 52 Division because she understands that footprint of helping people,” said Bergen, the Division’s Community Response Unit staff sergeant at the time.

Supt. John Tanouye, Insp. Gary Meissner, Community Response Unit S/Sgt. John Spanton and Toronto Police Association president Mike McCormack attended the event.

“Sue is always out there in the community helping people and playing her part to uplift the community,” said Tanouye.

“She’s fantastic and fully deserves this recognition.”

Other award recipients included Good Neighbour Club sponsor and World War II veteran Ronald Andersen, the recipient of the Patron Award; Master Cpl. Marika Grys of the Canadian Armed Forces, who received the Executive Director Award; Anne-Marie Batten; Mike Pedersen and Theresa Colonna.

Master of ceremonies Roger Petersen, an ardent club supporter, was made an honourary life member.

Two members of 51 Division were presented with a St. John Ambulance Award at a ceremony on Tuesday, September 10^th at The National Club located at 303 Bay Street.

LIFESAVING AWARD:

PC Erin Carter-Thuet was commended for her quick & decisive action which not only resulted in a life being saved, but in the recovery of a medical practitioner and valuable contributor to the critical treatment and mental health of children in our community.  Her life saving actions cannot be understated.  Constable Carter effectively administered chest compressions while other medical attendants stood about in a state of shock before paramedics had arrived, resulting in the resuscitation of a victim who had previously been unconscious and stopped breathing.

CERTIFICATE OF COMMENDATION:

PC Sheraz Arshad performed in an exemplary and selfless manner in a situation more suited to Toronto Fire Services personnel, fully appraised of the danger and still willing to accept the challenge and assume the risks inherent in preserving lives – and his actions were uniquely attributed to saving five (5) lives that day.

It is also noteworthy to stress that this matter would never even have come to our attention (as Sheraz was certainly not the one to champion his own performance and seek public recognition at the time, outside of submitting an IOD Report) were his efforts that day not considered exceptional for EMS recognition earlier this year.  

Heat Alert terminated for Toronto

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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

News Release:  September 12, 2013   

 

Heat Alert terminated for Toronto

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

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

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

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Media contact: Kris Scheuer, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-8020, kscheue@toronto.ca

Toronto Police Service hosts virtual Town Hall, Wednesday, September 11, 2013, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Discussion regarding 23 Division Community Policing with focus on TPS Somali Liaison Unit

Toronto Police Service News Release

Toronto Police Service hosts virtual Town Hall, Wednesday, September 11, 2013, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Discussion regarding 23 Division Community Policing with focus on TPS Somali Liaison Unit

Tuesday, September 10, 2013 - 2:03 PM
23 Division:  416-808-2300

On Wednesday, September 11, 2013, between 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., Superintendent Ron Taverner, Unit Commander of 23 Division, will host a Virtual Town Hall to discuss community policing with a focus on the efforts of his Somali Liaison Unit.

The Toronto Police Service has partnered with Prime Contact and approximately 1,000 residents from 23 Division, specifically from the Dixon Road community, have been randomly selected to participate in this discussion.

As a result, members of the public may receive a phone call on Tuesday, September 10, 2013 or Wednesday, September 11, 2013, inviting them to listen in, ask questions and join other community members in discussion.

The Toronto Police Service would ask those who receive a phone call to consider this very important invitation. Every participant will have the opportunity to provide valuable input.

Superintendent Taverner will be joined by Inspector Scott Baptist and officers from the Somali Liaison Unit: Sergeant Chris Laush, Constable Horace Harvey, Constable Tariq Khan, Constable Ammar Khan, and Constable Deanna Jovanovich.

Urdu, Punjabi and Somali, in addition to English, are the languages spoken by the officers participating in the Virtual Town Hall.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Superintendent Ron Taverner, 23 Division

News Release - Heat Alert declared for Toronto

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

News Release:  September 10, 2013

Heat Alert declared for Toronto

Dr. David McKeown, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, has issued a Heat Alert for today. The Heat Alert will be in effect in Toronto until further notice.

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

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

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

When an alert is declared, those who need assistance or have heat-related inquiries may call 311.

More information on how to beat the heat is available at http://www.toronto.ca/health.

Often, high air pollution occurs during hot weather conditions. People with heart and lung conditions, and seniors and children should pay special attention to the hourly Air Quality Health Index levels and forecasts available at http://www.airhealth.ca.

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

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Media contacts: 
Kris Scheuer, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-8020, kscheue@toronto.ca 
Tanya Elliott, Canadian Red Cross, 905-501-2371 (bus), 905-460-7966 (cell)