Attempted Child Abduction Investigation, 50 Carlton Street, Mattamy Athletic Centre

Attempted Child Abduction Investigation, 50 Carlton Street, Mattamy Athletic Centre

Tuesday, March 31, 2020 - 11:00 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance in an attempted child abduction investigation.

The incident happened on Saturday, February 29, 2020, at approximately 9 p.m., during a women's hockey game, at the Mattamy Athletic Centre, located at 50 Carlton Street.

It is reported:

- a man attempted to abduct a boy inside the building on the concourse level

- a person intervened and the boy was able to break free

- the man was unsuccessful and fled the area

The man is described as white, 19-20, 5'8", medium build, and clean shaven.

Investigators have exhausted all leads and are now reaching out to the public for further information. They would like to speak to any witnesses who can assist in this investigation and in particular, the person who intervened.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Jason Ferreira, 51 Division Youth & Family Services

Homicide #16/2020, O'Keefe Lane and Gould Street

Homicide #16/2020, O'Keefe Lane and Gould Street

Broadcast time: 09:40, Monday, March 23, 2020

51 Division:  416-808-7400

Case #: 2020-580138

On Saturday, March 21, 2020, at 7:41 p.m., officers responded to a call for the sound of gunshots at O'Keefe Lane and Gould Street.

It is reported that:

- officers located a man suffering from gunshot wounds

- the man was rushed to hospital where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased

A post-mortem examination was conducted on Sunday, March 22, 2020.

There are a number of businesses that have security camera video of the area. Investigators urge anyone with security footage, dashcam video, or any information concerning this incident, to contact police.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Toronto Police announces changes to on-street parking enforcement

Toronto Police announces changes to on-street parking enforcement

Wednesday, March 18, 2020 - 4:47 PM
Parking Enforcement:  416-808-6600

The Toronto Police Service has been working closely with our City of Toronto Emergency Management partners in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. We have been taking advice from public health officials and making decisions that balance our need to provide community safety with maintaining the health and safety of our members.

Given the changing needs of our city, particularly for those who are now working from home, caring for others, or trying to ensure the flow of goods and services, the Toronto Police is making adjustments to parking enforcement, effective immediately.

Until further notice, parking enforcement has been suspended for the following offences:

- On-Street Permit Parking Areas
- On-Street Time Limit Offences such a 1, 2 and 3 Hour Parking
- North York Winter Maintenance Bylaw
- Expired Vehicle Validation License Plates
- Boulevard Parking
- School Zones with posted No Stopping/No Standing/No Parking Signage

The above parking offences may be enforced in exceptional circumstances where a significant traffic safety, and/or of community concern exists. Parking Enforcement Officers will continue to have discretion to use enforcement tools as necessary to ensure the safe and orderly movement of vehicles in the city.

All other parking offences will continue to be enforced. This includes no stopping, no standing and no parking offences, rush hour routes and also pay and display/metered areas where payment is required. This is to ensure an adequate level of street parking, traffic flow, and maintain traffic and pedestrian safety.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Meaghan Gray, Corporate Communications, for Superintendent Scott Baptist, Traffic Services

Public Safety Alert, Stolen Medication, Parliament Street and Shuter Street area

Public Safety Alert, Stolen Medication, Parliament Street and Shuter Street area

Saturday, March 14, 2020 - 6:50 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a quantity of stolen medication.

It is reported that on Saturday, March 14, 2020, a quantity of medication was stolen from the Parliament Street and Shuter Street area.

The medication included 120 Percocet pills and 84 Diazepam pills.

The medication could be dangerous and potentially fatal if ingested, especially by children.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Alex Li, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Lisa Dulude, 51 Division

Arrest in Sexual Assault investigation, John Vialva, 61

Arrest in Sexual Assault investigation, John Vialva, 61

Wednesday, March 4, 2020 - 3:40 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an arrest in a Sexual Assault investigation.

It is alleged that:

- on Friday, June 22, 2018, a clinical aid sexually assaulted a 62-year-old woman who was a patient at St. Michael’s Hospital

It is further alleged that:

- between Friday, May 10, 2019 and Sunday, September 1, 2019 a clinical aid sexually assaulted a 52-year-old woman patient at St. Michael’s Hospital

On Wednesday, March 4, 2020, John Vialva, 61, of Toronto, surrendered to police. He was arrested and charged with:

1. three counts of Sexual Assault

He is scheduled to appear in court at College Park Courts on Wednesday, March 4, 2020, at 10 a.m.

John Vialva worked as a clinical aid at St. Michael's Hospital from 2016 until December, 2019. Prior to that he worked in the Palliative Care unit, also at St. Michael’s.

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.

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 Anthony Hampton, 51 Division Youth and Family Service

John Vialva, 61 has been arrested in Sexual Assault investigation.

Suspected fentanyl overdoses downtown, Victoria Street and Dundas Street East area, Man arrested for drug offences

Suspected fentanyl overdoses downtown, Victoria Street and Dundas Street East area, Man arrested for drug offences

Thursday, February 27, 2020 - 2:00 PM
Drug Squad:  416-808-6100

The Toronto Police would like to notify the public about suspected fentanyl overdoses in the downtown area.

It is alleged:

- on Wednesday, February 26, 2020, police responded to a medical call in the Victoria Street and Dundas Street East area

- multiple people had fallen ill after taking suspected fentanyl

- divisional officers attended and assisted paramedics

- a total of 12 people were taken to hospital in a variety of conditions

- there are currently no fatalities

Drug Squad officers began an investigation into the source of the drug.

Later that evening, Whanny Mymuller, 38, was arrested by officers.

He was charged with:
1) Two counts of Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
2) Possession of Proceeds of Crime

He will appear at Old City Hall, on Thursday, February 27, 2020, court room 103.

Detectives continue to investigate the circumstances and a quantity of drugs is being tested. They urge anyone with any information to contact police.

The Toronto Police also wants to remind people that if they are using drugs, and believe they have purchased a substance suspected to be fentanyl, please be extremely cautious.

See news conference here.



For more information and safety advice around fentanyl use, please visit Toronto Public Health and Canada Health.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-6100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Connie Osborne, Corporate Communications, for Superintendent Steve Watts, Organized Crime Enforcement

Public Safety Alert, Fraud Investigation Targeting Seniors in Polish Community,

Public Safety Alert, Fraud Investigation Targeting Seniors in Polish Community,

Thursday, February 27, 2020 - 8:10 AM
14 Division:  416-808-1400

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of an ongoing fraud investigation targeting seniors in the Polish community.

It is reported:

- calls are made by a woman purporting to be the police

- the caller can speak in both English and Polish

- she provides a false reason for the call and demands the victim collect their money, valuables, jewellery and place them into a bag

- the victim is then instructed to place the bag outside their front porch or throw the bag out the window

The Service would like to remind the public that the police would never call demanding money, valuables or jewellery under any circumstance.

If you receive a call from a person claiming to be from the police, and making demands - hang up the phone. Please make a notation of the time, date and the conversation. Report this to your local police service immediately.

Toronto Police Service protect yourself from financial crimes tips .

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1400 Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Mickael Ferreira, 14 Division

Family Day On-Street Parking Enforcement

Family Day On-Street Parking Enforcement

Sunday, February 16, 2020 - 10:09 AM
Parking Enforcement:  416-808-6600

The Toronto Police Service Parking Enforcement Unit will not be enforcing the following on-street parking bylaws during the Family Day public holiday on Monday, February 17, 2020:

- Pay-and-Display/Metered Areas
- Rush-Hour Routes
- Posted signs indicating Monday to Friday regulations

All other areas and parking offences will continue to be enforced.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-6600, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Alex Li, Corporate Communications, for Brian Moniz, Operations Supervisor - Parking enforcement West

Man wanted in firearms investigation, Quorde Bowen, 20

Man wanted in firearms investigation, Quorde Bowen, 20

Friday, February 14, 2020 - 4:15 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is asking for the public’s assistance in locating a man who is wanted in a firearms investigation.

The man has been identified as Quorde Bowen, 20, of Toronto. He is wanted by officers for:

1) two counts of Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in a Motor Vehicle
2) two counts of Possession of a loaded Prohibited or Restricted Firearm
3) two counts of Careless Storage of a Firearm
4) two counts of Possession of Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
5) two counts of Unauthorized Possession of Prohibited Device or Ammunition
6) two counts of Unauthorized Storage of Prohibited Device
7) one count of Possession of a Firearm Knowing Serial Number has been Tampered
8) one count of Possession of Property Obtained by Crime Under $5000.00

He is described as 5’7", 120 lbs., brown hair, and brown eyes.

He is considered violent, armed and dangerous. If located, do not approach. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes, Google Play or Blackberry App World.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Alex Li, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Rui Esteves, 51 Division

Quorde Bowen, 20

Identity sought of man in Assault investigation on TTC bus, Bloor Street East and Sherbourne Street

Identity sought of man in Assault investigation on TTC bus, Bloor Street East and Sherbourne Street

Wednesday, February 12, 2020 - 4:15 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service requests the public's assistance identifying a man as part of an assault investigation.

Detectives have launched an investigation into an incident that occurred on Friday, February 7, 2020, at 2:30 p.m., in the Bloor Street East and Sherbourne Street area.

It is reported that:

- a 24-year-old woman was on board a TTC bus on route #75

- she was wearing a protective medical mask

- a man began insulting her for the use of the mask

- she took a picture of him

- he grabbed her in an attempt to get her camera

The man is described as in his 40s, average height, medium build, clean shaven. He was wearing metal framed glasses, a black hooded winter coat with fur on the hood, blue jeans, and a black toque.

Witnesses were nearby and the police are appealing for them to contact investigators at 51 Division.

A photograph of the man is released and attached. Anyone who recognizes him is urged to get in touch with investigators.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Gherardt Williams, 51 Division

Investigators are trying to identify the man pictured as part of an assault investigation

Arrests made in Kidnapping and Firearms investigation, Two men and a woman charged

Arrests made in Kidnapping and Firearms investigation, Two men and a woman charged

Friday, February 7, 2020 - 6:05 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of arrests made in a kidnapping and firearms investigation.

On Sunday, February 2, 2020, the Toronto Police received a call for service regarding a kidnapping.

It is alleged that:

- a man was kidnapped

- he was released by his captors, with serious injuries, at a marina in the Bronte Street and Lakeshore Road West area of Oakville

- he was treated for his injuries in hospital and released

It was determined this incident took place in the city of Toronto.

Members of 51 Division Major Crime Unit were able to identify the suspects and, with the assistance of the Emergency Task Force, Guns and Gangs Task Force, Community Response Units from 51 Division, 12 Division, and 53 Division, executed three search warrants around the city of Toronto.

Zamaan Yusuf, 23, Danna Millan, 22, and Patrick Celaj, 23, all from Toronto, were each charged with:

1. Conspiracy to Commit Indictable Offence
2. Kidnapping
3. Forcible Confinement
4. Aggravated Assault
5. Assault with a Weapon
6. Robbery with a Firearm
7. Use Firearm in the Commission of Indictable Offence
8. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm
9. Possession of a Firearm Knowing its Possession is Unauthorized
10. Careless Storage of a Firearm
11. Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm in Motor Vehicle
12. Threaten Death
13. Point Firearm
14. Extortion
15. Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (crack cocaine)
16. Possession of a Schedule I Substance for the Purpose of Trafficking (fentanyl)

They appeared in court at Old City Hall on Thursday, February 6, 2020, 10 a.m., room 101.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Nuri, 51 Division

Two men wanted in a series of Break and Enters, Downtown core

Two men wanted in a series of Break and Enters, Downtown core

Wednesday, January 8, 2020 - 6:15 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service requests the public's assistance identifying two men wanted in a series of Break and Enter investigations.

Between October 2019 and January 2020, officers have responded to a number of calls for Break and Enter in 51 Division.

It is reported that:

- two men approach convenience stores in a black SUV

- they smash the front windows with a blunt object

- a quantity of merchandise and money is stolen

- the men drive away in the black SUV

Investigators have released security camera images of the suspects.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Detective Abdul Nuri, 51 Division

Homicide #1/2020 Oak Street and River Street area, Ahmed Yakot, 21

Homicide #1/2020 Oak Street and River Street area, Ahmed Yakot, 21

Thursday, January 2, 2020 - 5:20 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7400

On Wednesday, January 1, 2020, at approximately 10:30pm., officers responded to a call to the sound of shots fired in the Oak Street and River Street area.

It is reported:

- two men – both 21– were shot at by suspects in a dark coloured sedan

- the car fled the scene

- on arrival, officers located two men with gunshot wounds and they were taken to hospital

- one of the men suffered life-threatening injuries, while the second man had serious but not critical injuries.

On Thursday, January 2, 2020, Ahmed Yakot, 21, of Toronto, died in hospital as a result of his injuries. His family has been informed.

His image has been released.

The investigation remains ongoing and officers are urging anyone who was in the area at the time, or has any information about the shooting, to immediately contact police.

In particular, anyone with CCTV or dash-cam footage, around the time of the incident, is also encouraged to contact detectives.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7400, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Connie Osborne, Corporate Communications, for Detective Sergeant Henri Marsman, Homicide

Ahmed Yakot, 21, of Toronto died after being shot on Wednesday, January 1, 2020.

Holiday On-Street Parking Enforcement, Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Holiday On-Street Parking Enforcement, Wednesday, January 1, 2020

Tuesday, December 31, 2019 - 1:30 PM
Parking Enforcement:  416-808-6600

The Toronto Police Service Parking Enforcement Unit will not be enforcing the following on-street parking bylaws during New Year’s Day on Wednesday January 1, 2020:

- Pay-and-Display/Metered Areas;
- Rush-Hour Routes;
- Posted signs indicating Monday to Friday regulations.

All other areas and parking offences will continue to be enforced.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Supervisor Brian Moniz, Parking Enforcement

Man arrested in gas station robbery investigation, Front Street East and Sherbourne Street area, Ryan Foster, 30

Man arrested in gas station robbery investigation, Front Street East and Sherbourne Street area, Ryan Foster, 30

Monday, December 30, 2019 - 4:30 PM
51 Division:  416-808-7350

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of a man arrested as part of a violent gas station robbery investigation.

The robbery occurred in the area of Front Street East and Sherbourne Street.

It is alleged that:

- on Thursday, June 13, 2019, at approximately 4:08 a.m. a man entered a gas station kiosk disguised with a baseball hat and a hoodie pulled tight around his face

- the man brandished a knife and immediately jumped over the counter

- the man pointed the knife at the victim, demanded he open the cash register and ordered him to lay on the floor

- the man removed a quantity of money from the cash register

- the victim was compliant and remained on the floor

- after removing all the money, the man violently stomped on the victim’s head several times, rendering him unconscious

- he fled the store

- the victim was eventually located and transported to hospital suffering from a fractured eye socket, fractured skull, and cuts and bruising to his face.

See previous news release.

See previous news release.

On Sunday, December 29, 2019, investigators from the Hold Up Squad arrested Ryan Foster, 30, of Toronto.

He was charged with:

1. Two counts of Robbery with an Offensive Weapon
2. Two counts of Disguise with Intent
3. Two counts of Possession of a Weapon
4. Two counts of Aggravated Assault

He appeared in court on Sunday, December 29, 2019 at 10:00 a.m, at 60 Queen Street West Court, room 101.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Connie Osborne, Corporate Communications, for Inspector Lauren Pogue, Hold-Up Squad

Man wanted in violent robbery investigation, Front Street East and Sherbourne Street, Ryan Foster, 30

Man wanted in violent robbery investigation, Front Street East and Sherbourne Street, Ryan Foster, 30

Tuesday, December 24, 2019 - 11:00 AM
51 Division:  416-808-7350

The Toronto Police Service Hold Up Squad is seeking the assistance of the public in locating a man wanted in connection with a violent gas station robbery.

The robbery occurred in the area of Front Street East and Sherbourne Street.

It is alleged that:

- On Thursday, June 13, 2019, at approximately 4:08 a.m. a man entered a gas station kiosk disguised with a baseball hat and a hoodie pulled tight around his face

- The man brandished a knife and immediately jumped over the counter

- The man pointed the knife at the victim, demanded he open the cash register and ordered him to lay on the floor

- The man removed money from the till, putting it in his pockets

- The victim was compliant and remained on the floor

- After removing all the money, the man violently stomped on the victim’s head several times, rendering him unconscious

- He fled the store

- The victim was eventually located and transported to the hospital suffering from a fractured eye socket, fractured skull, and cuts and bruising to his face.

See previous news release.
Following investigation, the suspect has been identified as Ryan Foster, 30, of Toronto.

Images have been released.

He is described as between 5’8” and 5’10” and a muscular build. He has multiple tattoos on his body including stars on his left chest, ‘Foster Baby’ on his right hand, a Pisces sign on the right side of his neck and a cross on his right forearm.

He is considered dangerous. Anyone who sees Foster is asked not to approach him but to call 9-1-1.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7350, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at www.222tips.com, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Connie Osborne, Corporate Communications, for Inspector Lauren Pogue, Hold Up Squad

Ryan Foster is wanted as part of a violent robbery investigation

Ryan Foster is wanted as part of a violent robbery investigation

Sexual Assault Alert, Man wanted, Sherbourne Street and Dundas Street East

Sexual Assault Alert, Man wanted, Sherbourne Street and Dundas Street East

Saturday, December 21, 2019 - 9:55 PM
Sex Crimes:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service requests the public's assistance identifying a man wanted in a Sexual Assault/Robbery Investigation.

On Saturday, December 21, 2019, at approximately 4:45 a.m., officers responded to a call for unknown trouble in the Sherbourne Street and Dundas Street East area.

It is reported that:

- a 22-year-old woman was in the area

- she was approached by a man who produced a knife attempting to rob her of money

- she was forced into an alley where he sexually assaulted her

He is described as black with a medium complexion, 25-30, 5’8”-5’11”, with a medium to muscular build. He has a wide face and was clean shaven. He was wearing black pants and a black jacket with a white hood.

He is believed to be armed, violent, and dangerous. If located, do not approach. Call 9-1-1 immediately.

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, online on our Facebook Leave a Tip page, or text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637). Download the free Crime Stoppers Mobile App on iTunes or Google Play.

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.

Constable Edward Parks, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Autumn Withrow, Sex Crimes

Extreme Cold Weather Alert terminated for Toronto

News Release 

December 20, 2019

Extreme Cold Weather Alert terminated for Toronto

Based on information from Environment and Climate Change Canada, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health, has terminated the Extreme Cold Weather Alert as of noon today. The warming centre at Metro Hall will close at noon.

Find out about services for homeless and under-housed individuals at http://www.toronto.ca/homelesshelp.

More information and tips for staying warm during cold weather are available at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/extreme-cold-weather/.

Information to help residents prepare for extreme weather and weatherproof their homes is available at https://www.toronto.ca/extremeweatherready. 

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit http://www.toronto.ca or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto. 

- 30 -

Media contacts: 
Lenore Bromley, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-7974, Lenore.Bromley@toronto.ca 
City of Toronto Media Line: 416-338-5986, media@toronto.ca

Extreme Cold Weather Alert – seek shelter, check on loved ones

News Release

December 18, 2019

Extreme Cold Weather Alert – seek shelter, check on loved ones

Based on Environment and Climate Change Canada's forecast, Dr. Eileen de Villa, Toronto's Medical Officer of Health, has issued an Extreme Cold Weather Alert today for Toronto in anticipation of colder weather conditions within the next 24 hours or longer. The Extreme Cold Weather Alert will be in effect until further notice. 

Extreme Cold Weather Alerts are issued when the temperature in the daily forecast suggests temperatures will reach approximately -15 degrees Celsius or colder, or when the wind chill is forecast to reach -20 or colder. The Medical Officer of Health may also consider other weather-related factors when issuing Extreme Cold Weather Alerts.

Exposure to cold weather can be harmful to your health. Hypothermia occurs when the body's core temperature drops below 35 degrees Celsius and can have severe consequences, including organ failure and death. Frostbite can also occur in cold weather when skin freezes and, in severe cases, can lead to amputation when deeper tissues freeze.

Those most at risk of cold-related illness are people experiencing homelessness or those under-housed, those who work outdoors, people with a pre-existing heart condition or respiratory illness, elderly people, infants and young children. People with heart problems can experience worsening of their condition up to several days after cold weather occurs. 

Extreme Cold Weather Alerts activate local services that focus on getting and keeping vulnerable residents inside. A warming centre is open at Metro Hall by 7 p.m. the day an alert is called, and remains open continuously until noon on the day an alert is terminated. Other services include notification to community agencies to relax any service restrictions, availability of transit tokens in some drop-ins, and additional overnight street outreach. 

Throughout the year, 24-hour respite sites provide meals, places to rest, and service referrals at locations across the city. People can call 311 for locations and to connect to Central Intake for a referral. Homeless Help lists site information at http://www.toronto.ca/homelesshelp. 

The City asks that residents help vulnerable people by calling 311 if there is a need for street outreach assistance. Call 911 if the situation is an emergency.

During an Extreme Cold Weather Alert, members of the public are encouraged to take the following precautions: 
• Check the weather report before going outside.
• Dress in layers, making sure your outer layer is windproof, and cover exposed skin.
• Wear a hat, warm mittens or gloves, and warm boots. 
• Stay dry. Your risk of hypothermia is much greater if you are wet.
• Choose wool or synthetic fabrics for your clothes instead of cotton, because cotton absorbs and holds moisture, no longer keeping the wearer warm. 
• Seek shelter if you normally spend long periods outside. Depending on the wind chill, exposed skin can freeze in minutes. 
• Drink warm fluids other than alcohol. 
• Warm up by taking regular breaks in heated buildings when enjoying winter activities outside. 
• Consider rescheduling outdoor activities, or limiting time outdoors, during colder temperatures, especially if it's windy. 
• Heat your home to at least 21 degrees Celsius if infants or elderly people are present.
• Call or visit vulnerable friends, neighbours and family to ensure they are not experiencing any difficulties related to the weather.

More information and tips for staying warm during cold weather are available at https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/health-programs-advice/extreme-cold-weather/.

Information to help residents prepare for extreme weather and weatherproof their homes is available at https://www.toronto.ca/extremeweatherready. 

Toronto is home to more than 2.9 million people whose diversity and experiences make this great city Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. As the fourth largest city in North America, Toronto is a global leader in technology, finance, film, music, culture, and innovation, and consistently places at the top of international rankings due to investments championed by its government, residents and businesses. For more information visit http://www.toronto.ca or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/CityofToronto, on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/cityofto. 

-30-

Media contacts: 
Lisa Liu, Toronto Public Health, 416-338-1793, Lisa.Liu@toronto.ca
City of Toronto Media Line, 416-338-5986, media@toronto.ca