Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Police request assistance with shooting investigation, River Street/Dundas Street East

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Police request assistance with shooting investigation,
River Street/Dundas Street East

Broadcast time: 12:55
Wednesday, January 30, 2013
51 Division: 416−808−5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance with a shooting investigation.

On Wednesday, January 30, 2013, in the early morning hours, police responded to a radio call for the sound of gunshots.

Officers arrived and located a bullet that had entered an apartment unit at 42 Blevins Place.

There were no reported injuries.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online atwww.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 Charles Ricci, 51
Division

Source

Monday, January 21, 2013

Out Of The Cold Programs

"Tell someone you see on street in need of this info"

NEED HELP? CALL 311 TO GET AN EMERGENCY SHELTER BED 
OR CALL
CENTRAL INTAKE DIRECTLY FREE FROM ANY PAY PHONE 1-877-338-3398 

Get community services www.211toronto.ca
Click on the calendar below to view more details from the originating website.

http://ootc.ca/site_schedule.php

http://www.toronto.ca/housing/guidetoservices/OOTCsched2012.pdf



Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Man faces six charges in sexual assault investigation, Lakshmikanthan Kumarasamy, 47, Community meeting scheduled

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Man faces six charges in sexual assault investigation, Lakshmikanthan Kumarasamy, 47, Photograph of man released, Community meeting scheduled

Wednesday, January 16, 2013 - 5:31 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

On Friday, January 4, 2013, the Toronto Police Service arrested a man in connection with a sexual assault investigation.

The accused is known within the Toronto Tamil community as an academic tutor. 

It is alleged that:

- between 1999 and 2003, the accused sexually assaulted two children while he was tutoring them in math

Lakshmikanthan Kumarasamy, 47, of Toronto, has been charged with:

1) two counts of sexual assault 
2) two counts of sexual interference 
3) two counts of invitation to sexual touching 

He was scheduled to appear in court at College Park on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, room 501, at 10 a.m.

Police believe there may be more victims.

A community meeting, hosted by members of 51 Division's Youth and Family Services Office and the Toronto Tamil Seniors Association, has been scheduled for Friday, January 25, 2013, at 5:30 p.m., at the Wellesley Community Centre, 495 Sherbourne Street, Room B. The recent arrest of the accused will be discussed at this meeting. 

Members of the public are welcome to attend. Police officers will be in attendance to address concerns relating to this case.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5100, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online atwww.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 Tony Vella, Corporate Communications, for Detective Deedee Newton, 51 Division

Source

Friday, January 11, 2013

Toronto Fire Services says majority of 2011 fatal fires result of non-functioning or no smoke alarms


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

News Release:  January 11, 2013        

Toronto Fire Services says majority of 2011 fatal fires result of non-functioning or no smoke alarms

Toronto Fire Chief Jim Sales said today that of 16 fatal fires in Toronto in 2011, the majority were the result of no smoke alarms or non-functioning smoke alarms on the premises, which resulted in increased time for the fire to be detected and reported to 911. The 16 fatal fires (one of which was a vehicle fire) resulted in 18 deaths.

"I want to make it clear that the majority of these fatalities could have been prevented with functioning smoke alarms," said Chief Sales. "Fire trucks were available and responded as soon as possible to these fires. There is no evidence that trucks being out of service affected the outcome of these fires."

The average response time was 5.22 minutes for 15 of the 16 fatal fires. This is well below Toronto Fire's standard response time of 6.47 minutes 90 per cent of the time.

The number of structure fires in Toronto from the 10-year period from 2002 to 2011 has shown a steady decline from 213 to 122. The average number of fatal fires over the 10-year period from 2002 to 2011 was 13.2, with the number of fatalities remaining steady over the same period with an average of 16.1. Preliminary statistics for 2012 indicate 11 fatalities, which is the lowest since 2006, when the City also experienced 11 fatalities.

Chief Sales also stressed that the City's proposed 2013 Tax Supported Operating Budget recommendation to eliminate 101 vacant firefighter positions and eliminate five fire trucks would have a minimal impact on current operations. These changes would increase the average response times city-wide by one second for the first truck and by five seconds for the second responding truck.

The budget was approved by the City's Executive Committee yesterday and will be considered by City Council at its meeting on January, 15, 16 and 17. 

Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.7 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.

- 30 -

Media contact: Debbie Higgins, Deputy Chief, Fire Prevention and Public Education, 416-338-9055, dhiggin@toronto.ca


Thursday, January 10, 2013

Update for City of Toronto Programs & Services on Friday January 11


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

News Release January 10, 2013

Update for City of Toronto Programs & Services on Friday January 11

The City of Toronto has been informed by the Toronto District School Board (TDSB) that its elementary school teachers will attempt a one-day walkout on Friday, January 11.

Child Care - Children's Services
It is expected that City-run child care centres at TDSB sites will be open as usual. Parents or guardians of children registered for independently-operated child care programs at TDSB sites should check with the operator regarding the status of their programs.

Parks, Forestry and Recreation
The TDSB has confirmed that Parks, Forestry and Recreation (PF&R) will not have access to elementary and middle schools on Friday, January 11 prior to 6 p.m.

PF&R programs and activities at TDSB sites prior to 6 p.m. that are affected include:
• Recreation programs
• Permits obtained through PF&R, and
• Scheduled activities in pools.

For cancelled programs, where possible PF&R will provide a makeup class. In the event a makeup class is not possible, a credit will be issued. Patrons will be notified about makeup classes by their instructor.

After School Recreation Care (ARC) programs are being moved to alternate locations and parents will be informed directly by staff today.

PF&R will continue regular activities at TDSB sites after 6 p.m. including:
• Recreation programs
• Permits obtained through the City, and • Scheduled activities in swimming pools.

PF&R programs and services at all other locations such as community centres and arenas will continue as regularly scheduled and will operate at normal service levels.

Service relocation and cancellation details are available at www.toronto.ca/parks or by calling 311.

City Museums
City of Toronto Museums will be open and operating on regular hours. Families can contact individual museums for programming specific to that location. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/museums/.


TDSB elementary and junior high schools closed to students, No school crossing guards

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Friday, January 11, 2013, TDSB elementary and junior high schools closed to students, No school crossing guards

Thursday, January 10, 2013 - 1:16 PM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

The Toronto District School Board has decided to close all elementary and junior high schools, to students, on Friday, January 11, 2013.

As a result, Traffic Services is notifying the public that there will be no school crossing guards at any of the TDSB elementary and junior high school designated crossing areas.

Parents and care-givers should review pedestrian safety with their children, and reinforce the basic guidelines of “Stop, Look and Listen,” when crossing the street. Motorists are being asked, as well, to pay particular attention to these normally controlled crossing areas.

The Toronto Police Service is dedicated to ensuring the safe and orderly movement of traffic within Toronto. Education with enforcement and awareness is pivotal to the safe and efficient flow of traffic in our city.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Constable Hugh Smith, Traffic Services



Wednesday, January 09, 2013

TPS offers opportunity for more community input with online polling

Toronto Police Service
News Release

TPS offers opportunity for more community input with online polling

Wednesday, January 9, 2013 - 1:19 PM
Corporate Planning:  416-808-7770

To expand the opportunities for community input, the Toronto Police Service has included online polling on its website.

Every two or three weeks, questions will be posted on various policing issues and the results published at the end of the period. Results from previous polls are also available.

A new poll began on January 2, 2013 and asks about policing issues, the policing issue that affected you most last year, the policing issue that most affected your neighbourhood last year, and the policing issue you think will be most important in your neighbourhood in 2013.

The TPS is encouraging the people of Toronto to visit the "Have Your Say" section on the TPS website, and provide the Service with their opinions.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, for Donald Bevers, Corporate Planning


Source


Launch of International Crime Stoppers Month, January 2013

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Media advisory, Wednesday, January 9, 2012, 11 a.m., Police headquarters, lobby, Launch of International Crime Stoppers Month, January 2013

Wednesday, January 9, 2013 - 5:00 AM
Crime Stoppers:  416-808-7254

The Toronto Crime Stoppers Program welcomes you to join them as they celebrate January 2013 as International Crime Stoppers month. The launch will take place in the lobby of Toronto Police Service headquarters, 40 College Street, on Wednesday, January 9, 2013, at 11 a.m.

The launch of January as International Crime Stoppers month will also recognize contributions by the community and other partners of the Crime Stoppers program.

Success stories from 2012 will also be shared to highlight some of these contributions made by the community.

Guest speakers will include the Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, The Honourable Madeleine Meilleur, Toronto Police Services Board Chair Dr. Alok Mukerjee, and Chief William Blair.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Detective Darlene Ross, Coordinator, Toronto Crime Stoppers program




Monday, January 07, 2013

Public Consultation for a Toronto Casino



Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam invites you to a public consultation on the proposal for a Toronto casino this Wednesday. This is an open City Consultation and you do not need to register to attend. All are welcome and encouraged.
   When: Wednesday, January 9, from 6pm-9pm
   Where: City Hall, first floor Rotunda, 100 Queen Street West

There are many opinions being offered on what a casino would mean for Toronto. Councillor Wong-Tam has appreciated hearing from those of you who have written, called, and emailed to share your positions and thoughts. As part of the official consultation process, this Wednesday's event will be an important opportunity for you to share your concerns directly with those who are studying the issues.

For those who are unable to attend this Wednesday, a second consultation in Ward 27 will be held at the Metro Reference Library (789 Yonge Street) in the Bluma Appel Salon on Saturday, January 19, from 1pm-4pm.

Murdoch Mysteries: CBC police drama gets thumbs up from Staff Sgt. Spanton

http://www.thestar.com/entertainment/television/2013/01/07/murdoch_mysteries_cbc_police_drama_gets_thumbs_up_from_real_toronto_police_officer.html


Toronto police Staff Sgt. John Spanton can usually feel his blood pressure rising when he tunes into modern police dramas.
Inspector William Murdoch (played by Yannick Bisson) conducts research in Murdoch Mysteries. Real life Toronto Staff Sgt. John Spanton says the show is more realistic than most cop dramas he's seen. Season 6 premieres Monday on CBC 9 p.m.
Spanton, an “old-time copper” who has nearly 30 years of policing under his belt, says the portrayal of police work in most cop shows is “totally inaccurate.” Everything from the way the officers act to the accuracy of their gunfire makes him cringe.
“The whole shooting thing, guys jumping from cars, it doesn’t happen that way,” he said.
But there is one police drama that has captured his heart for its accurate portrayal of policing in Toronto.
About four years ago, Spanton started watching MurdochMysteries, following the detective work of William Murdoch (played by Yannick Bisson) in Victorian-era Toronto, and he hasn’t looked back since. Murdoch Mysteries premieres its sixth season Monday at 9 p.m. on CBC.
Like Inspector Murdoch, Spanton works in 51 Division, policing neighbourhoods such as Cabbagetown and Regent Park. Spanton is in charge of the community response unit, officers who work with residents to deal with everything from noise complaints to reports of gang activity.
“Apparently, 100 years ago, there was a drug problem in Regent Park. In Cabbagetown (and) Regent Park, I’d suggest there still is.”
He’s impressed by the amount of research that goes into producing an episode ofMurdoch Mysteries. The drama revolves around Murdoch’s ability to use what was then “new” technology to solve puzzling crimes.
“He understood the importance of securing a crime scene and looking at what it offers. They didn’t have DNA — DNA didn’t come in until the ’90s — but they could do a blood spatter analysis. They could do blood typing, which is the forerunner of DNA, on a way simpler scale,” Spanton said.
“They’ve done their homework, because they’re pretty good. They don’t go beyond what was there for the time.”
One episode in particular stands out in his mind, “a show where a young copper was murdered.”
He saw officers cope with the young man’s death much the way they would today. He was also impressed by the investigative techniques used to solve the crime.
“There was a weapon involved and there was blood spatter (analysis) involved. We use that today,” Spanton said.
“As soon as you find a crime scene, you secure it. And you don’t just secure a room, you secure an area. You can see that in the show. He’s recognized the importance of doing that.”
Peter Mitchell, an executive producer of Murdoch Mysteries, said the show’s writers mostly use books to find out what resources were available to officers in 1900. When they need them, they also consult experts on subjects like ballistics and forensics.
Before writers begin penning scripts for a new season, they spend a month reviewing what happened in the world that year to try to pull storylines from history.
If something could have potentially happened, or if a detective could have possibly known about and used a certain type of technology in that era, Mitchell said they’ll write it into the show.
“We try and be accurate without it becoming a documentary,” Mitchell said.
The sixth season of Murdoch Mysteries will see the detective trying to find personal happiness with Dr. Julia Ogden (played by HĂ©lène Joy), who has just started a new job as a psychiatrist.
Spanton eagerly awaits Monday’s premiere, and not just to see what kind of crime Murdoch will solve next.
“I hope the coroner and Murdoch get back together. They made a good team.”


Source



Thursday, January 03, 2013

Out Of The Cold sites (limited list)

"Tell someone you see on street in need of this info"

NEED HELP? CALL 311 TO GET AN EMERGENCY SHELTER BED 
OR CALL
CENTRAL INTAKE DIRECTLY FREE FROM ANY PAY PHONE 1-877-338-3398 

Get community services www.211toronto.ca
Click on the calendar below to view more details from the originating website.

http://ootc.ca/site_schedule.php

http://www.toronto.ca/housing/guidetoservices/OOTCsched2012.pdf



Police request assistance with attempt murder investigation, Queen's Quay East/Jarvis Street

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Police request assistance with attempt murder investigation, Queen's Quay East/Jarvis Street

Thursday, January 3, 2013 - 8:44 AM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public’s assistance with an attempt murder investigation.

It is reported that:

- on Tuesday, January 1, 2013, at 2:40 a.m., a 20-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman were in a car, in a parking lot, in the Queen's Quay East/Jarvis Street area

- a man approached the car, pulled out a firearm, shot at the victims, striking them both, then fled the area.

The victims drove themselves to hospital, where they are both being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect is described as wearing dark clothing.

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.

Constable Wendy Drummond, Corporate Communications, Detective Earle Davies, 51 Division

Know Your Rights at the Door -- Be Prepared for Aggressive Water Heater Sales Tactics & Scams


Know Your Rights at the Door -- Be Prepared for Aggressive Water Heater Sales Tactics 

Aggressive and questionable door-to-door water heater sales tactics have become a problem throughout Toronto. As an informed homeowner, you should know that Enbridge, Direct Energy and government agencies do NOT promote the exchange of water heaters door-to-door. If someone does come to your door to service your water heater without an appointment, chances are they are there to make money by getting you to sign a new contract. In the event that you’re approached by a door-to-door water heater salesperson, EnerCare Inc. has developed a list of DOs and DON’Ts to help you protect yourself from being a victim of fraud. DOs:
1. Always ask the salesperson for identification and which company they represent.
2. Get additional expert opinions or estimates from your water heater provider when door-to-door salespeople assert that a replacement product is needed.
3. Ask the salesperson if you can receive a copy of their sales material or contact information to review. Be wary if the salesperson is hesitant of leaving behind such information.
4. If you feel pressured, ask the salesperson to leave. If you feel threatened, ask them to leave and call the police if they do not immediately comply.
DON’Ts:
1. Don’t let the salesperson into your home.
2. Don’t show the salesperson your existing contract, monthly bills or any personal information.
3. Don’t sign a contract until you have read it carefully and understand it thoroughly.
4. Don’t sign a contract if it fails to explain that, under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act, you can cancel a contract within 10 days of receiving a written copy of the agreement without incurring a penalty of any kind.
5. Don’t be influenced by “too good to be true” offers.
For more information on how to protect yourself from aggressive and questionable water heater sales, please visit: http://www.enercare.ca/KnowYourRights

Wednesday, January 02, 2013

Enhancing Housing and Homelessness Supports



Ontario Newsroom
Ontario Newsroom


News Release

Enhancing Housing and Homelessness Supports

McGuinty Government Providing Transition Funding to Help Most Vulnerable Ontarians

Ontario will help municipalities deliver housing and homelessness programs through additional one-time assistance in 2013-14.
The funding will assist eligible municipalities as they develop and implement their Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI) plans. Funds will be allocated to meet the needs of the most vulnerable Ontarians - including social assistance recipients - to ensure their stability through this period of transition as plans are developed.
Announced in the 2012 Budget, the prevention initiative combines five housing and homelessness programs into a single, municipally delivered program to better address local priorities. It supports the McGuinty government's goal of ensuring all Ontarians have access to safe and affordable housing.


QUICK FACTS

  • With this one-time investment of $42 million, municipalities will have additional funds to meet the needs of people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
  • Municipalities will need to outline their plans for the additional funding and report back on how the funds were used.

LEARN MORE


CONTACTS

Rob Newman
Minister’s Office
416-325-5219
Sandy Mangat
Communications Branch, MCSS
416-212-3262
Ministry of Community and Social Services
ontario.ca/community

Tuesday, January 01, 2013

Out of the Cold Programs for January 1 2013

Many drop ins closed for the statuatory holiday.

If you see someone in need of shelter please call 416-392-0090
  •  129 Peter St:  Shelter & Referral Centre accepts walk-ins. 416-392-0090
  • 552 Adelaide St.(E. of Bathurst): Evangel Hall, 25 mats 5 pm - 7 am
Thank you @AnneMarieBatten "Tell someone you see on street who may need the info"