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:

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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:

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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

City of Toronto to host public consultation session on street food

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  February 27, 2015

City of Toronto to host public consultation session on street food

Members of the street food vending industries and the public are invited to attend a public consultation session on March 5 to review and comment on proposed changes to Toronto's street vending bylaw.

Council approved a city-wide bylaw for street vending last year. The bylaw addresses the City's need to manage the various uses of streets and sidewalks, and improves the public's access to a diversity of street food across Toronto.

As part of a scheduled one-year review of the bylaw, staff will present changes being considered for the bylaw in time for this year's vending season, including:

• introduction of six-month permits for mobile food vending (includes food trucks and ice cream trucks) 

• increased length of time vendors are allowed on the street, from three to five hours 

• expansion of vending locations to pay and display parking on all collector roads, not just main streets

The consultation session will be held on Thursday, March 5 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in Committee Room 1, City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.

More information and input/feedback forms are available at http://www.toronto.ca/streetfoodvending.

Staff will report consultation findings and possible changes to the street vending bylaw to the Licensing and Standards Committee on April 21.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1Bn3i4j

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: Tammy Robbinson, Strategic Communications, 416-338-3761, trobbin@toronto.ca

A mural for the St. Lawrence Recreation Centre

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance locating a missing woman.

Missing woman, Alizeh Shah, 21

Friday, February 27, 2015 - 8:27 AM
51 Division 416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance locating a missing woman.

Alizeh Shah, 21, was last seen on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, in the Jarvis Street and Queen Street East area.

She is described as brown, 4'11", 71 lbs., black hair and brown eyes.

Police are concerned for her safety.

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 Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Hamil Leslie, 51 Division

Missing woman, 
Alizeh Shah, 21

2015 Black History Month Celebration

Media Advisory, Friday, February 27, 2015, at 9:30 a.m., Lord Dufferin Public School, 2015 Black History Month Celebration

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 - 4:15 PM
Divisional Policing Support Unit:  416-808-0100

The Toronto Police Service and the Chief’s Black Community Consultative Committee will be celebrating Black History Month on Friday, February 27, 2015, at 9:30 a.m.. The event will be held at Lord Dufferin Public School, located at 350 Parliament Street.

The theme of this year's Black History Month is A Century of Black Life, History, and Culture.

The event will pay tribute to a century of black history and promote the continued need for ongoing awareness.

The Keynote Address will be delivered by Dwight Drummond from CBC Television.

Following the event, selected Service members and community members will breakout into classrooms to read to the students.

For further information on this event, please contact Sgt Bassey Osagie via email at Bassey.Osagie@torontopolice.on.ca or by phone at 416-808-0115. To confirm your attendance, please contact Sgt Bassey Osagie by Thursday, February 26, 2015.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Sergeant Bassey Osagie, Divisional Policing Support Unit

Fraud Prevention Month Launch

Media Advisory, Thursday, February 26, 2015, Toronto Police Headquarters, Media Gallery, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Fraud Prevention Month Launch

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 - 4:00 PM
Financial Crimes:  416-808-7300

On Thursday, February 26, 2015, at 10:30 a.m,, the Toronto Police Service, Financial Crimes Unit, will be launching Fraud Prevention Month for the month of March.

Staff Inspector Mary Lee Metcalfe, and other members of the Financial Crimes Unit, will be in attendance at Toronto Police Service Headquarters, Media Gallery.

The Financial Crimes Unit is launching a Fraud Awareness/Prevention Pamphlet and Booklet that is viewable in an electronic format on the Toronto Police website.

The philosophy is for Canadians to recognize, report and stop fraud. Reduce fraud by increasing fraud awareness.

A victim of a Criminal Breach of Trust and Fraud Over investigation will be present to tell her story and answer any questions one-on-one with the media.

The launch will focus on current Mass Marketing scams, specifically:

- Grandparent Scam
- Identity Theft
- Investment/Ponzi Scheme
- Phishing Scams
- Romance Scams
- Renovation Fraud
- Call Display Spoofing
- Social Engineering
- Black Money
- The Affinity Method
- Pyramid Schemes
- False Charities
- Mystery Shopper
- Advance Fee Loans Scam
- Anti-Virus Scam
- 419 Advanced Fee Letter Scam
- Cheque Overpayment Scam

Toronto Police Social Media Working Group partners will be in attendance to address the media:

- Financial Services Commission of Ontario
- Bank of Canada
- Competition Bureau
- Insurance Bureau of Canada


For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.



Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Gail Regan, Financial Crimes Unit

Public invited to attend Wildlife in Toronto open houses in March

City of Toronto Media Relations has issued the following:

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News Release:  February 25, 2015                                           

 

Public invited to attend Wildlife in Toronto open houses in March

The City of Toronto is hosting Wildlife in Toronto open houses to strengthen the City's role in wildlife education, provide information and increase public awareness about how to prevent human-wildlife conflict. 

The forested ravines and parklands provide habitat for mammals within the urbanized and densely populated city.

Several species of wildlife – rodents, pigeons, raccoons, skunks, squirrels, foxes, coyotes, rabbits, bats and opossums – adapt and thrive in Toronto. Their presence can result in conflicts with humans as the animals seek food and shelter to survive.

Schedule of Wildlife in Toronto open houses

North: Monday, March 2 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Northern District Public Library, Gwen Liu Meeting Room, 200 Orchard View Blvd.

South: Wednesday, March 4 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

S.H. Armstrong Community Centre, Meeting Room, 56 Woodfield Rd.

West: Wednesday, March 11 from 6 to 8 p.m.

New Toronto Public Library, Alex J. Faulkner Community Room, 110 Eleventh St.

East: Thursday, March 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.

McGregor Park Community Centre, Harrison Room, 2231 Lawrence Ave. E.

At the open houses, residents will learn:

• how to wildlife-proof their home

• how to keep garbage bins safe from wildlife 

• how to deter a coyote from their property, and 

• what rules and regulations pertain to the treatment of wildlife, as well as some interesting facts about wildlife in the city.

Open house participants include the following City divisions: City Planning, Municipal Licensing and Standards, Solid Waste Management Services, Toronto Animal Services, Toronto Public Health and Urban Forestry. The following wildlife experts will be involved: the Canadian Association for Humane Trapping, the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the Toronto Wildlife Centre.

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

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1ajzF9N

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: Tammy Robbinson, Strategic Communications, 416-338-3761, trobbin@toronto.ca

Ontario police chiefs to kick off Provincial Crime Prevention Campaign, “Protect Your Property Day”

Media advisory, Wednesday, February 25, 2015, 10 a.m., Police headquarters, 40 College Street, lobby, Ontario police chiefs to kick off Provincial Crime Prevention Campaign, “Protect Your Property Day”

Wednesday, February 25, 2015 - 4:59 AM
Corporate Communications:  416-808-7100

The Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) will kick off its province-wide 2015 Crime Prevention Campaign on Wednesday, February 25, 2015, at 10 a.m., in the lobby at police headquarters, 40 College Street.

Throughout 2015, police services will be promoting what people can do to prevent crime under the campaign theme, “Crime Prevention. Protect Your Property. Protect Yourself.”

Police across Ontario will also promote Wednesday, February 25, 2015 as “Protect Your Property Day.”

Speakers will include:
Chief Jennifer Evans, Peel Regional Police
President, the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police

Chief William Blair, Toronto Police Service

Kathy Metzger, Outreach and Education Development
Co-ordinator, Investigative Services, Insurance Bureau of Canada

Tom Davies, Executive Vice-President
TRACE™ Identified

Mike Hamel, Director Corporate Investigations
Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation

Raymond Leclair, Vice President, Government Relations
TitlePLUS Title Insurance (a div. of LAWPRO® – Lawyers’ Professional Indemnity Company)

Richard McMullan, President, Central Ontario Regional Council Canadian Security Association (CANASA)

Jacqueline Fountain, Manager of Operations, NE Ontario Division, Accident Support Services International Ltd.

For more information, contact Joe Couto, Director of Government Relations & Communications at:

Work: 416-926-0424 ext. 22
Cell: 416-919-9798
Email: media@oacp.ca

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications

The Postman - Benefit for Toronto's First Post Office

Man faces five charges, Public and media assistance pivotal in investigation

Toronto Police Service News Release

Fatal collision #7/2015, Sherbourne Street, south of Dundas Street East, Update, Man faces five charges, Public and media assistance pivotal in investigation
Friday, February 20, 2015 - 6:40 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1930

On Wednesday, February 18, 2015, at 1:06 a.m., police responded to a personal injury collision at Sherbourne Street, south of Dundas Street East .

It is alleged that:

- a 2012 Acura TL, was southbound on Sherbourne Street

- a 58-year-old woman was on Sherbourne Street, south of Dundas Street East

- the woman was struck by the vehicle

- the vehicle failed to remain at the scene of the collision

- the woman died of her injuries

On Friday, February 20, 2015, Tomas Velazco Pinedo, 31, of Toronto, was arrested and charged with:

1) Impaired driving causing death
2) Criminal negligence causing death
3) Dangerous driving causing death
4) Failing to stop cause death
5) Attempt to obstruct justice

He is scheduled to appear in court at Old City Hall on Saturday, February 21, 2015, 11 a.m.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1930, 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.

Mark Pugash, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clint Stibbe, Traffic Services

Relief Line Project Assessment - Upcoming Public Consultation

http://link.upkne.com/v/443/375b06de920ff93b8bc4f90c0dc5fca35f79f2a0e700feaf

Make your own bowling-inspired game!

Un-BOWL-ievable

 

Make your own bowling-inspired game!

For ages 5 and up

Thursday March 19 at 2:00

Toronto Public Library

St. Lawrence Branch

171 Front St. E.

416-393-7655

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE: THE ST. LAWRENCE PUBLIC REALM

COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE

THE ST. LAWRENCE PUBLIC REALM

MASTER PLAN 

STREETS   -      PARKS   -   PUBLIC SPACES

The St. Lawrence Neighbourhood is in the midst of major growth that if managed correctly can provide opportunities to improve our streets, parks and other public spaces.  Projects such as Market Street and the western end of The Esplanade have been welcome enhancements and have begun to solidify a direction for the area.  In this vein, it is important to ensure that the neighbourhood keeps working towards new initiatives that will ultimately result in a consistent network of high-quality public spaces.

   

The St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA has hired DTAH, a local urban design firm, to develop a master plan document that sets a long-term vision with clear, achievable objectives. 

After receiving input from both BIA members and local residents, we are excited to share our ideas and invite you to be a part of the discussion.  DTAH will be using the Community Open House to present its first draft of the Master Plan and to provide an opportunity to hear feedback.

PRESENTATION & Q+A

Come see and give feedback on a vision for the future of the 

George Brown College (St. James Campus)

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 26^th

St. Lawrence Neighbourhood

200 King Street East, Room 128

       6-8pm

Directions

• On the north side of King Street E, use the Bookstore Entrance (there is a sign above the doors)
• Continue up the stairs towards the Library Learning Commons 
• Room 128 will be on the left a few doors past Tim Hortons  

Wheelchair accessible

Please help spread the word by forwarding this message along or 

posting this event invitation at your office or residence

EVERYONE IS WELCOME TO ATTEND

For more information contact,  Dave Mair Urban Planner St. Lawrence Market Neighbourhood BIA davidmair@stlawrencemarketbia.ca