Friday, August 29, 2014

Upcoming Events from Glen Murray, MPP

Upcoming Events

Join us!


Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts
Saturday September 6 and Sunday September 7
The 38th annual Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts, Toronto’s longest running community festival, is back Saturday September 6 and Sunday September 7. The Cabbagetown BIA is proud to present the 38th annual Cabbagetown Festival of the Arts, set for September 4 – 14, highlighting live outdoor music and entertainment on Saturday September 6 and Sunday September 7. Over the two days, the festival will close down Parliament Street from Wellesley Street south to Gerrard Street East to showcase the very best of what the community has to offer. Pedestrians will enjoy delicious food prepared by local restaurants, music by Toronto’s finest talent, live theatre performances, one-of-a-kind artisan vendors, buskers and more!

For more information, please visit oldcabbagetown.com

St. Jamestown Festival
Saturday September 6


Celebrating St. Jamestown's rich and diverse culture - St. Jamestown Festival presents, "The World In A Block." 495 Sherbourne St. Wellesley Community Centre and Green Space at Bleeker and Wellesley. Local musicians, food bazaar, sport competitions, raffles and giveaways, entertainment from an array of cultural performers. Join us, Saturday September 6th from 11am till 6 pm.

For more information, please visit www.stjamestown.org

City of Toronto removing abandoned bikes from streets, sidewalks

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

News Release:  August 29, 2014                    

City of Toronto removing abandoned bikes from streets, sidewalks

With students returning to school at this time of year, the City experiences increased pressure for safe and secure bike parking. To free up much needed bicycle parking, the City of Toronto is seeking the public's assistance in identifying abandoned bikes for removal over the next few weeks.

Residents can assist with this cleanup by calling 311 to report any bike that appears to be abandoned on sidewalks or within the public right-of-way. To help identify the abandoned bikes correctly, callers are asked to identify the bike with as much information as possible, including the colour of the bike frame, the type of bike and the location, preferably with an address.

In 2013, the City removed more than 850 abandoned bikes to make more bike parking available throughout the city. The City has also partnered with non-profit organizations to recycle salvageable parts for community bike programs.

Bikes that are clearly derelict will be removed immediately. Where there is some question about whether a bike is abandoned, the City will place a notification on the bike that identifies the bike as abandoned. If a bike has been tagged in error and the owner does not want it to be removed, he or she should simply remove the tag and park the bike at a different location. After 14 days, the City will remove any bicycles that remain tagged in the original locations.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bit.ly/1tTi4dr

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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Media contact: Valerie Cassells, Strategic Communications, 416-392-8306, vcassel@toronto.ca

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

City of Toronto's Parks, Forestry and Recreation activities on Labour Day

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

News Release:  August 27, 2014       
 
City of Toronto's Parks, Forestry and Recreation activities on Labour Day

The City of Toronto encourages residents to take advantage of the City's attractions and recreational sites open on Labour Day – Monday, September 1. 

Swimming
Splash pads will be open on Labour Day and will remain open until September 21. Parents and caregivers are reminded to supervise their child/children at all times. Weather permitting, all of Toronto's mainland beaches will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and the Toronto Islands beaches will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. All locations will have lifeguards on site during operating hours.

All indoor pools, outdoor pools and wading pools will be closed on Labour Day. Sunday, August 31 is the last day of summer operation for the City's outdoor pools and wading pools. Indoor pools will re-open on Tuesday, September 2. Residents can contact their local pool or check http://www.toronto.ca/swim for hours.

Toronto Islands (ferry located at 9 Queens Quay W.)
 Just minutes away from downtown, the Toronto Islands are a great place to walk, cycle, explore and view the city skyline. Ferries will run on a holiday summer schedule up to and including Monday, September 1. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to avoid long lineups. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/islands.

Riverdale Farm (201 Winchester St.)
Featuring traditional farm animals, Riverdale Farm is the perfect place for animal lovers. Families can enjoy a self-directed tour and can visit the farmer at 11:30 a.m. at the lower Francey Barn. The farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission and activities are free. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo/ or by calling 416-392-6794.

High Park Zoo (Deer Pen Road)
The High Park Zoo, featuring domestic and exotic animals, is open daily from 7 a.m. to dusk. The llama pen is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekends and statutory holidays. More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/parks/zoo/ or by calling 311.

Golf
All five City golf courses will be open Labour Day from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. (last 9-hole tee off) with holiday rates in effect. More information about hours and locations is available at http://www.toronto.ca/golf.

Toronto's parks and green spaces
All Toronto parks and green spaces will be open for all to enjoy on Labour Day.

Community centres and other recreation facilities All other Parks, Forestry and Recreation facilities, including community centres, will be closed on Labour Day. Regular programs and services will resume on Tuesday, September 2.

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: Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line, 416-560-8726, pfrmedialine@toronto.ca

Monday, August 25, 2014

Public Safety Alert, Street robberies

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Public Safety Alert, Street robberies, Don Mills Road to Leslie Street and Sheppard Avenue East to Finch Avenue East

Monday, August 25, 2014 - 11:25 AM
33 Division:  416-808-3300

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of recent street robberies in the area of Don Mills Road to Leslie Street and Sheppard Avenue East to Finch Avenue East, which appear to be targeting people sitting in or entering parked vehicles.

It is reported that:

- the man approaches the victims while they are sitting in/entering their parked vehicle

- the man surprises the victims from behind, while holding a black handgun

- the man then demands their property.

The man is described as black, 30-40, 5'6" to 5'10", with a skinny-to-medium build and wears dark clothing.

The Toronto Police Service wants to remind people to be aware of their surroundings.

Personal Safety Tips.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3300, 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.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Staff Sergeant Donald Cole, 33 Division





Thursday, August 21, 2014

Weekend events with road closures in Toronto

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

News Release:  August 21, 2014

Weekend events with road closures in Toronto

Three special events this weekend – Buskerfest, Taste of Manila and Festival of South Asia – will involve road closures. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and enjoy these events. Businesses in the areas affected are open to pedestrian traffic but some roads will be closed to vehicles.

Festivals and other special events are important to the city, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars annually into Toronto’s economy, and they are enjoyed each year by local residents.

In addition to road closures related to special events, a significant amount of road work is taking place in the city. People are encouraged to take public transit as a greener, faster and more affordable way of getting to their destinations.

Those who need to drive in the general vicinity of special events should allow extra time to get to and from their destination. A more complete list of road work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/torontostreets/.

In addition, the City's T.O. INview map shows information about planned capital construction work taking place across the city. The site can be accessed at http://www.toronto.ca/inview.

BuskerFest – Thursday to Sunday closures A series of closures for Buskerfest will take place between Thursday, August 21 and Sunday, August 24.
• Yonge Street from Richmond Street to Gerrard Street will be closed from today (August 21) at 9:30 a.m. to Sunday, August 24 at 11:59 p.m.
• Yonge Street will also be closed from Gerrard Street to College Street from Friday, August 22 at 6 p.m. to Sunday, August 24 at 11:59 p.m.
• Other road closures on local streets including Dundas Square Street, Walton Street, Gould Street, Edward Street and Elm Street will take place from today (August 21) to Sunday, August 24 to accommodate this event.

Taste of Manila – Saturday and Sunday closures A partial closure of Bathurst Street will be required for this event. The two southbound lanes of Bathurst Street from Wilson Avenue to Allingham Gardens will be closed on Saturday, August 23 from 4 a.m. to Sunday, August 24 at midnight, while the two northbound lanes will be changed to one lane northbound and one lane southbound to accommodate traffic in the area.

Festival of South Asia – Saturday and Sunday closure Gerrard Street from Glenside Avenue to Coxwell Avenue will be closed from Saturday, August 23 at 10 a.m. to Monday, August 25 at 2 a.m. for the Festival of South Asia.

This news release is also available on the City's website: http://bitly.com/VHNuH1

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. Toronto is proud to be the Host City for the 2015 Pan American and Parapan American Games. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us @TorontoComms.

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

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Stabbing/Threaten Death, One man arrested, one man outstanding


Toronto Police Service
News Release

Stabbing/Threaten Death, One man arrested, one man outstanding

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 - 2:57 PM
13 Division:  416-808-1300

On Thursday, August 7, 2014, at approximately 11 p.m., Toronto Police received a call for a robbery in the Yonge Street and Gerrard Street area.

It is alleged that:

- a group of people were loitering in the area
- a man and woman were involved in an argument
- the woman was assaulted by the man
- a man from the group, who witnessed the assault, confronted the man
- the man who confronted the other man then received several punches and was thrown to the ground
- he was then robbed of his personal belongings
- he received non-life-threatening injuries

It is further alleged that:

- on Sunday, August 10, 2014, at approximately 6 p.m., Toronto Police received a call for a stabbing in the Yonge Street and Gerrard Street area

- two men were involved in a verbal confrontation
- one man stabbed the other man with a knife
- the stabbed man attempted to run away and was stopped by a third man
- the stabbed man is then stabbed several more times
- he received non-life-threatening injuries

It is further alleged that:

- on Sunday, August 17, 2014, at approximately 2:30 p.m., Toronto Police responded to a call for a stabbing in the area of Eglinton Avenue West and Caledonia Road area

- three men at a parkette were involved in a dispute
- one man produced a knife and stabbed a man in the back
- the other two men then fled the area
- the victim received non-life-threatening injuries

It is further alleged that:

- on Tuesday, August 19, 2014, at approximately 8:30 p.m, the victim from the previous stabbing was approached by the one of the men from the previous altercation

- the man threatened the victim with a knife
- the victim made an escape without injury

Adimabua Chukwuka, 21, of no fixed address, was arrested on Wednesday, August 20, 2014

He is charged with:

1) two counts of Robbery
2) Attempt Murder
3) Aggravated Assault
4) two counts of Assault with a Weapon
5) four counts of Fail to Comply Probation

Justin Sydij, 24, of no fixed address, is wanted for:
Justin Sydij, 24,
wanted for attempted
murder and robbery


1) two counts of Robbery
2) Attempt Murder,
3) Threaten Death
4) Assault with a Weapon
5) Aggravated Assault

He is described as white, 5'10", 235 lbs., with a heavy build, short brown hair, unshaven face or thin beard. He was last seen wearing a black jean jacket with a hood with leather sleeves, black jean shorts, a black baseball cap and black running shoes.

He is known to frequent the Eglinton Avenue West area, between Keele Street and Caledonia Road. He may have contacts in Barrie and a untreated stab wound.

He should be considered armed and dangerous. Do not approach him. Call 9-1-1.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-1300, 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.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Jesse McGee, 13 Division

Public Safety Alert, Street robberies, Safety tips provided

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Public Safety Alert, Street robberies, Danforth Avenue and Pape Avenue area, Safety tips provided

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 - 10:59 AM
54 Division:  416-808-5400

The Toronto Police Service would like to make the public aware of recent street robberies in the Danforth Avenue and Pape Avenue area, which target the elderly.

It is reported that:
- a man approaches the elderly victim, unexpectedly, from behind
- the man then grabs the victim's jewellery and flees the area

He is described as white, 30-35, 5'11", with blue eyes, short spiked black hair, clean-shaven with acne. He was last seen wearing a red T-shirt and blue jeans.


Street Robbery Safety Prevention Tips




Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-5400, 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.


For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Thursday, August 21, 2014, to Sunday, August 24, 2014, Scotiabank Buskerfest 2014, Road closures

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Thursday, August 21, 2014, to Sunday, August 24, 2014, Scotiabank Buskerfest 2014, Road closures

Wednesday, August 20, 2014 - 6:00 AM
Special Events Planning Office:  416-808-5049

From Thursday, August 21, 2014, to Sunday, August 24, 2014, between noon and 11 p.m. each day, the Scotiabank Buskerfest will take place.

As a result, the following road closures will be in effect:

- Thursday, August 21, 2014, 7 a.m., to Sunday, August 24, 2104 11:59 p.m.: Edward Street, near Yonge Street, and Elm Street, near Yonge Street

- Thursday, August 21, 2014, 9:30 a.m., to Sunday, August 24, 2104 11:59 p.m.: Yonge Street, from Richmond Street to Gerrard Street

- Friday, August 22, 2014, 6 p.m., to Sunday, August 24, 2104 11:59 p.m.: Yonge Street, from Gerrard Street to College Street, and Gould Street, from Yonge Street to Bond Street

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Constable Michelle Flannery, Special Events



Friday, August 15, 2014

Get ready for fall and winter recreation program registration

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

News Release:  August 15, 2014
  
Get ready for fall and winter recreation program registration

Registration begins for fall and some winter City of Toronto community recreation programs on September 6 in Etobicoke/York, September 7 in Scarborough, September 9 in North York and September 10 in Toronto and East York districts. 

People who wish to register for programs require a family number and a client number for each member of their family. To obtain these numbers, please call a customer service representative at 416-338-4FUN (4386) prior to registration.

To explore recreation program options, visit http://www.toronto.ca/torontofun or pick up a FUN Guide at City Hall, civic centres, community centres and libraries.

The City of Toronto is committed to increasing access to recreation by offering yearly credits, free programs, and older adult discounts.

Yearly Credit (Welcome Policy)
A yearly credit of $483 for children and youth and $225 for adults is available to residents with low incomes and can be used to register for any City recreation program. 

Anyone receiving social assistance (Ontario Works) and living in Toronto is pre-approved to receive this credit – talk to your caseworker. More information is available by calling 416-338-2000 (TTY 416-338-3195) or at http://www.toronto.ca/wp.

Free Programs
Many community centres offer free recreation programs including leisure swimming, skating, drop-in programs and more for children, youth and older adults. More information is available at http://www1.toronto.ca/parks/prd/facilities/recreationcentres/index.htm.

Discounts
Older Adults (60+ years) who register for adult programs receive a 50 per cent discount.

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

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: Parks, Forestry and Recreation media line, 416-560-8726, pfrmedialine@toronto.ca 

OpenStreetsTO - August 17, 2014


Thursday, August 14, 2014

Open Streets TO


A new event is coming to Yonge Street this summer.Open Streets TO is a project that promotes physical activity and active lifestyles in Toronto. For two Sunday mornings starting this weekend, parts of Bloor Street and Yonge Street will be closed to vehicular traffic and people will be invited to walk (or cycle, or roller skate, or scooter) the route. Similar events have been held in many cities throughout the world and often see a strong rise in sales for local businesses.

This is a very unique type of event for Downtown Yonge because vending is not permitted anywhere along the event route. It is a fantastic opportunity to open early, and encourage participants to shop at your store, eat breakfast at your restaurant, or learn more about your business. Attached is a flyer explaining the details, including suggestions of how you can market your business and take advantage of this event.

This project will operate a soft closure for vehicles which means that major cross streets will remain open to vehicles as usual, just Yonge Street itself will be closed.
The event will run on two days:
Sunday, August 17th 8am – 12pm
(the street closure will be from 7am until 1pm for set up and take down)
Sunday, August 31st 8am-12pm
(the street closure will be from 7am until 1pm for set up and take down)
If you plan to open early, let us know and we’ll promote it on social media to encourage event participants to stop in!

Program OPEN STREETS TO – Sunday, August 17th and 31st – 8:00am to noon
Open Streets TO 2014 will be the city’s largest free recreation program. We are creating a world-class program that connects our diverse neighbourhoods and people across the city. Open Streets are programs that open the streets to people and close them to cars. People traffic replaces car traffic, and the streets become “paved parks” where people of all ages, abilities, and social, economic, and ethnic backgrounds can come out to improve their health and connect with one another in a way not possible in a car.

On Sunday Aug. 17th and Sunday Aug. 31st, 2014, 5 km of Toronto’s most iconic streets (Bloor Street and Yonge Street) will be open for people to run, walk, bike and play. A series of Activity Hubs will complement the recreational through-route and host pop-up, interactive, participatory programming generated by local community groups, businesses, institutes and organizations.
Love the idea of Open Streets TO? Be a volunteer!

WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS TO SUPPORT OPEN STREETS TO
YOU CAN CHOOSE TO VOLUNTEER FOR AUGUST 17 OR AUGUST 31, OR BOTH.
(7:15am - noon)

We need your help and we promise to provide a fun and meaningful volunteer experience.
So, please come and join us!
For volunteer opportunities and to sign up visit: http://tinyurl.com/oqlohz8

See you on the streets, Toronto!

Wednesday, August 13, 2014

Weekend events with road closures in Toronto - August 16/17

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

News Release:  August 13, 2014

Weekend events with road closures in Toronto

Four special events this weekend will involve road closures. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and enjoy these events. Businesses in the areas affected are open to pedestrian traffic but some roads will be closed to vehicles.

Festivals and other special events are important to the city, injecting hundreds of millions of dollars annually into Toronto’s economy, and they are enjoyed each year by local residents.

In addition to road closures related to special events, there is a significant amount of road work taking place in the city. People are encouraged to take public transit as a greener, faster and more affordable way of getting to their destinations.

Those who need to drive in the general vicinity of special events should allow extra time to get to and from their destination. More information and a list of road work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/torontostreets/

In addition, the City recently introduced T.O. INview, a map that shows information about planned capital construction work taking place across the city.  More information is available at http://www.toronto.ca/inview.

Saturday closures:
Wheels on the Danforth and Fun in the Park Danforth Avenue, from Warden Avenue to Byng Avenue, and Danforth Road, from Landry Avenue to Danforth Avenue, will be closed in both directions on Saturday, August 16 from 7 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. to accommodate this event.

A Midsummer Night's Run
Bouchette Street and Logan Avenue, from Commissioners Street to Lake Shore Boulevard East, will be closed on Saturday, August 16 from 6 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. for the setup of the Start/Finish line. The race starts at 5:30 p.m. and will involve some road closures on streets bounded by Cherry Street to the west, Lake Shore Boulevard to the north, Leslie Street to the east and Unwin Avenue to the south. 

Saturday and Sunday closure:
International Street Festival
Eglinton Avenue, from Dufferin Street to Marlee Avenue, will be closed in both directions on Saturday, August 16 from 3 a.m. to Monday, August 18 at 3 a.m. to accommodate this event.
 
Sunday closure:
Open Streets Toronto
Bloor Street, from Spadina Avenue/Road to Parliament Street, and Yonge Street, from Bloor Street to Queen Street, will be closed on Sunday, August 17 from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Vehicles will be able to cross Bloor Street at Spadina Avenue/Road, Avenue Road, Bay Street, Church Street, Sherbourne Street and Parliament Street.

Vehicles will be able to cross Yonge Street at College Street/Carlton Street, Gerrard Street, Dundas Street, Shuter Street and Queen Street.

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

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Police remind the public to lock up at night

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Break-and-Enters in 22 Division, Police remind the public to lock up at night

Tuesday, August 12, 2014 - 2:44 PM
22 Division:  416-808-2200

The Toronto Police Service is seeking the public's assistance with the increase in Break-and-Enters during the warm summer months.

Since the beginning of the summer, residents from the south end of 22 Division have experienced a series of residential Break-and-Enters during the night.

The point of entry at these Break-and-Enters has been through open windows or unlocked doors.
Home owners have been at home at the time of some of the Break-and-Enters. The suspects exited upon realizing the residence was occupied.

The Toronto Police Service is investigating the series of residential Break-and-Enters and would like to speak with anyone who was in these areas at the time and may have witnessed any suspicious activity.

Investigators would also like to remind the public to keep their doors and windows secured before heading to bed for the night.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-2200, 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.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Detective Bruno Miron, 22 Division

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus in Toronto

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

News Release:  August 12, 2014

Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus in Toronto

Toronto Public Health (TPH) has received a lab report indicating mosquitoes in Toronto have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the first positive test for WNV in Toronto for 2014.

"The positive test result is a good reminder for the public to protect themselves from mosquito bites and to remove standing water from property where mosquitoes can breed," said Elaine Pacheco, Healthy Environments Manager for Toronto Public Health.

Although the risk of becoming infected is low, everyone is urged to avoid mosquito bites by following these measures now and throughout the summer: 
● wear light coloured clothing, long pants, long-sleeved shirts, socks and a hat 
● use mosquito repellent approved by Health Canada and follow product instructions 
● avoid areas with large numbers of mosquitoes, especially during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active, and 
● make sure your home has tight-fitting screens on windows and doors.

TPH has 43 mosquito traps throughout the city and submits mosquitoes for laboratory testing every week. As part of the City of Toronto's WNV mosquito reduction program, catch basins and other areas of standing water are treated with larvicide to reduce mosquito breeding.

In 2001, the WNV virus was first discovered in Toronto. In 2012, TPH reported100 positive mosquito pools and 94 human cases. In 2013, 18 positive mosquito pools and 12 human cases were reported. To date, no human cases of WNV have been reported to TPH in 2014.


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

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

Saturday, August 02, 2014

Public Safety Alert, Thunderstorm watch

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Public Safety Alert, Thunderstorm watch

Saturday, August 2, 2014 - 2:51 PM
Toronto Police Operations Centre:  416-808-8762

The Toronto Police Service, the Office of Emergency Management, and Toronto Emergency Medical Services, would like to advise the public that an Electrical Thunderstorm Watch exists for the City of Toronto from Environment Canada. There are a number of large outdoor activities scheduled within the city, including the Caribbean Carnival parade. Electrical storms present a danger to anyone outdoors.

In the event of a thunderstorm police would like to remind the public of safety precautions:

- seek shelter in a building, tents are not safe

- shelter inside cars

- do not shelter under trees

- avoid high ground

- avoid large metal structures including guardrails and fences

For more information please visit the Environment Canada weather advisory page.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.



Constable David Hopkinson, Corporate Communications, for Staff Sergeant Peter Code, Toronto Police Operations Centre

Friday, August 01, 2014

Open Streets Event Notice - August 17 and August 31, 2014



Scotiabank BuskerFest - August 21 - 24, 2014



Did you remember to take your valuables with you?




Canadian Safe Boating Council and Toronto Police Service team up to reduce impaired boating deaths August long weekend

Toronto Police Service
News Release

Canadian Safe Boating Council and Toronto Police Service team up to reduce impaired boating deaths August long weekend, Second "Operation Dry Water" initiative

Friday, August 1, 2014 - 6:00 AM
Marine:  416-808-5800

Drinking and boating accounts for approximately 40% of boating-related fatalities on Canadian waterways. To raise awareness and reduce alcohol related deaths, the Canadian Safe Boating Council (CSBC) and the Toronto Police Service are launching the second "Operation Dry Water" initiative to discourage this dangerous practice.

With the summer boating season in high gear, the August 2 long weekend is the perfect time to remind boaters of the risks of drinking and boating. Combined with sun, wind, waves and the rocking motion of the boat, the effects of alcohol on the water can be greatly increased.

The CSBC and the Toronto Police Service would like to raise awareness of the problem of boating under the influence and to remind boaters not to drink and boat.

Operation Dry Water will focus on the potential risks of drinking and boating, and remedies that are currently in place to discourage it.

Federal statutes dictate that, whether or not your craft is motorized, you can be charged with Impaired Operation of a vessel under the Criminal Code of Canada if your blood alcohol level exceeds the .08 mg threshold. This means you can be charged even if you are impaired while operating a canoe. A judge is able to, upon conviction, suspend your boating privileges. Some provinces have enacted legislation where drinking and boating can affect your automobile driving privileges.

Operation Dry Water is aimed at reducing the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities on the water while fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use while boating. The goal is to achieve safer and more enjoyable recreational boating.

This initiative is made possible through the support of Transport Canada's Office of Boating Safety.

For additional information on boating safety, please click here.

For further information, please contact:

Susanne Simic
Public Relations, Canadian Safe Boating Council
416-622-3358
susanne.simic@sympatico.ca

or

Richard Baker #3033
Toronto Police Service Marine Unit
259 Queen's Quay West
Toronto, Ontario
416-808-5800
richard.baker@torontopolice.on.ca

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Victor Kwong, Corporate Communications, for Constable Richard Baker, Marine