Thursday, April 30, 2015

Residents invited to help create Toronto's largest collection of local food recipes

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

News Release:  April 30, 2015                    
                               
Residents invited to help create Toronto's largest collection of local food recipes

A new City of Toronto initiative called The Local Dish invites residents to share their favourite local food recipes and help to build Toronto's largest collection of recipes online. The collection, called The Local Dish, will be hosted on Pinterest, a social media platform that makes it easy to share recipes and photos.

The goal is to encourage residents to choose local food more often, and to educate people about the abundance of fresh and delicious food that's grown in Ontario.

"The Local Dish is a fun and engaging way for people to share recipes and help to grow the local food movement in Toronto," said Councillor Michelle Berardinetti (Ward 35 Scarborough Southwest), Chair of the Parks and Environment Committee. "In addition to being fresh, nutritious and close to home, local food supports local jobs and local farmers, and reduces the greenhouse gas emissions associated with food travel. It's a win for the city on many levels."

Each month, The Local Dish will select an "all-star" veggie or fruit – one that is abundantly available in Ontario at that time – and invite residents to share their favourite recipes that feature the ingredient in a prominent way. Residents who submit recipes will be eligible for monthly prizes.
 
The all-star for the month of May is asparagus.
 
The Local Dish will engage some of Toronto's top restaurants and their chefs who are passionate champions of local food. Chef Fabio Bondi of Local Kitchen & Wine Bar is the first to support the collection by contributing his favourite asparagus recipe and donating a $100 gift certificate as a prize.

The Local Dish is the latest addition to Live Green Toronto's suite of programs. More information is available at http://www.livegreentoronto.ca. Program partners include Feast ON, Foodland Ontario, 680 News, CP24 and the Toronto Star.

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

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

Inveiling of Neighbours, a photo portrait series

Hello Esplanadians!

The book launch of FORTY-ONE Neighbours was a huge success: 300 people attended the event at the St Lawrence Hall! People got very excited about the book: 150 copies were sold. If you don't have your copy yet, the good news is that it is available for sale both at the Berkeley Bistro (262 The Esplanade) and online HERE.

FORTY-ONE Neighbours is now becoming a source of inspiration for a mural project, a visual arts installation and a dance performance. We're looking for Esplanadians of all ages to participate in the creation of these artworks. Workshops start in May and June (varies by project) - grand opening is July 4th. If you're interested to take part in one of these projects, on your own or maybe with your family members, your friends or your neighbours, please contact us: info@jamiiesplanade.org. No experience required.

Finally, it would be an honour if you could join us for the unveiling of Neighbours, a photo portrait series depicting the cultural diversity of families living on the same street in The Esplanade area. This exhibit exemplifies our geographic origins in light of our daily living. Neighbours is part of CONTACT Photography Festival. Photographer is Robert Young.
Unveiling: Sunday Mary 3rd, 11am, Hahn Place (The Esplanade & Berkeley St).

See you on Sunday - potluck lunch, bring some to share. :)
Isorine


Monday, April 27, 2015

Close the Housing Gap rally at Toronto City Hall

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

Media Advisory:  April 27, 2015                 
  
Close the Housing Gap rally at Toronto City Hall tomorrow 

Toronto's Close the Housing Gap campaign moves into high gear this week with a public rally at Toronto City Hall tomorrow evening. Campaign co-chairs Councillor Ana Bailão (Ward 18 Davenport), the City's Housing Advocate, and Bud Purves, Chair of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation, along with Deputy Mayor Pam McConnell (Ward 26 Toronto Centre-Rosedale), will host this event.

Date: Tuesday, April 28
Time: 7 to 9 p.m.; introductory remarks 7 to 7:20 p.m.
Location: Council Chamber, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. E.

The rally is presented by the City and Toronto Community Housing in partnership with the Co-operative Housing Federation of Toronto.

Participants will describe the importance of safe, affordable housing in their lives and contribute ideas for future campaign activities. Close the Housing Gap calls on the federal and provincial governments to "step up, not back" when it comes to supporting social, affordable and co-op housing in Toronto. 

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: Gil Hardy, Affordable Housing Office, 416-397-4701, ghardy@toronto.ca 

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Sexual Assault Alert, Parliament Street and Front Street East, Man wanted, Composite sketch released



Sexual Assault Alert, Parliament Street and Front Street East, Man wanted, Composite sketch released


Broadcast time: 04:48
Saturday, April 25, 2015
51 Division:  416-808-7474

The Toronto Police Service is requesting the public's assistance identifying a man wanted for Sexual Assault. 

It has been reported that: 

- on Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at 11 p.m., a woman was sexually assaulted near Parliament Street and Front Street East

- the woman was entering an apartment building when she was grabbed from behind by a man 

- the man attempted to pull her out of the building 

- the woman was able to break free and call for help 

- the man fled on foot 

The man is described as 30-35, 5'9", heavy build, unshaven with blonde-and-brown stubble. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, khaki shorts, black shoes and white socks. 

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

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 Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Constable Andrew Rosbrook, Sex Crimes

Sexual Assault Alert, Parliament and Front Street East

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Doors Open Toronto weekend offerings announced

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

News Release:  April 22, 2015  

Doors Open Toronto weekend offerings announced

Doors Open Toronto presented by Great Gulf has announced its lineup of buildings and enhanced programming for May 23 and 24. The 16th annual weekend celebration of architecture will offer free and rare access to architecturally, historically, culturally and socially significant buildings across Toronto.

This year's event features more than 155 buildings, including 55 new participants, an exciting speaker series and city-wide walking tours. Details are now available at http://www.toronto.ca/doorsopen.

“Doors Open Toronto offers a truly unique behind-the-scenes experience at some of the City’s great institutions,” said Mayor John Tory. “My office will be open for all to see and I encourage Torontonians to visit City Hall for an in-depth tour. I’d like to thank our presenting sponsor Great Gulf for its continued commitment to this event and support for the city, its buildings and its people.”

"Doors Open Toronto is an exceptional opportunity for residents to get to know Toronto and celebrate the buildings in which we live, work and play," said Councillor Michael Thompson (Ward 37 Scarborough Centre), Chair of the Economic Development Committee. "As one of the city's most popular events, it is a unique opportunity for us to explore the charismatic, historic and architecturally significant public and private spaces that we see, but rarely have an opportunity to visit."

"At Great Gulf, we know how vital buildings are to shaping the identity of a city, which is why we are delighted to return as presenting sponsor of Doors Open," said Christopher Wein, President, Great Gulf Residential. "We invite everyone to join us in celebrating the brilliant architecture and progressive design showcased throughout the weekend."

Toronto City Hall, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, will be abuzz with activity during the Doors Open Toronto weekend. Visitors to the building can experience rare access to the Mayor's Office, the 27th floor observation deck, the council chamber and special exhibits and activities, including: 
- 50th Anniversary of City Hall – a photographic exhibition featuring the landmark's design and construction, in honour of its 50th anniversary
- Fit for Office - Fitness Circuit – a family-friendly fitness circuit of activities at City Hall
- Snapshots of Ontario Sports Heritage – a showcase of archival images and facts about sports in Ontario, and
- Rendering Toronto's Landscape – an exhibition documenting Toronto's most significant public spaces.

In honour of this summer's TORONTO 2015 Pan Am/Parapan Am Games, this year's theme – Sports, Recreation and Leisure – offers attendees a sneak peek inside more than 70 private and public recreational sites, and is highlighted throughout many of this year's walking tours and exhibits.

Fourteen free walking tours sponsored by the University of Toronto will extend throughout the weekend, delving deep into the history and architecture of a wide variety of neighbourhoods. Many of the walking tours shine light on Toronto's sports history, including A Century of Fun: Sports Leisure and Recreation at the University of Toronto, Sport Stadiums and Lakeside Leisure: Playing Along the Waterfront, Ravine Lands at the University of Toronto Scarborough and Toronto's Playground: A History of Amusement, Recreation and Athletics on the Toronto Islands.

Three OpenInsights speaker series, featuring influential architects, civic officials, academics and artists, will examine landscape and architectural design, housing, heritage and public space in the city. The series will take place throughout the weekend.

Complementing a conference called the Second Wave of Modernism III: Leading with Landscape taking place in Toronto, the Cultural Landscape Foundation has organized What's Out There Weekend in conjunction with Doors Open Toronto. The series of events brings light to the unique landscape legacy and local character of Toronto.

Full program details, including the speaker series, walking tour registration and a complete list of buildings can be found at http://www.toronto.ca/doorsopen.

Note to media: High resolution images and background information about the event are available at http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/media.

About Doors Open Toronto
Since its inception in 2000, Doors Open Toronto has attracted more than two million visits to nearly 650 unique locations across the city. It is Canada's largest Doors Open event and one of the three largest Doors Open events in the world. Doors Open Toronto is dedicated to built heritage, architecture and design. It is presented by Great Gulf and produced by the City of Toronto in partnership with the broader community.

About Great Gulf Group
Established in 1975, the Great Gulf Group of companies including Great Gulf, Ashton Woods Homes, First Gulf Corporation, Tucker HiRise Construction, Brockport Systems Ltd. and Taboo Resort Golf and Spa, is one of North America’s premier real estate organizations. With major projects in Canada and the United States, the company’s fully-integrated activities span the entire real estate spectrum.

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

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: Justine Palinska, Economic Development and Culture, 416-395-7318, jpalins@toronto.ca


The Toronto Police Service is warning the public of telephone calls or emails that claim to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) but are not





Public Safety Alert, Police remind the public to be cautious of scams that purportedly involve the Canada Revenue Agency

Wednesday, April 22, 2015 - 6:29 AM
Financial Crimes:  416-808-7300

The Toronto Police Service is warning the public of telephone calls or emails that claim to be from the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) but are not. These are fraudulent scams that could result in identity and financial theft.

The public may receive, either by telephone, mail, text message or email, a fraudulent communication that claims to be from the CRA. 

In all of these cases, the communication requests personal information. These fraudulent communications typically insist that personal information is needed so that the taxpayer can receive a refund or benefit payment. 

Other communications urge taxpayers to visit a fake CRA website where the taxpayer is then asked to verify their identity by entering personal information.

These are scams and taxpayers should never respond to these fraudulent communications, or click on any of the links provided.

Please keep in mind the following:
• the CRA will not send emails containing any links
• the CRA never request taxpayers to attend and purchase any gift cards 
• the CRA will not request personal information of any kind from a taxpayer by email or text message
• the CRA never divulges taxpayer information to another person unless formal authorization is provided by the taxpayer
• the CRA never leaves any personal information on an answering machine or asks taxpayers to leave a message with their personal information on an answering machine

For more information on scams, visit http://www.torontopolice.on.ca/crimeprevention/ .

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Gail Regan, Financial Crimes


Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Don Valley Parkway closed this weekend for annual spring maintenance

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

News Release:  April 21, 2015                    

Don Valley Parkway closed this weekend for annual spring maintenance

The City of Toronto's Transportation Services Division will perform maintenance activities on the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) from Friday, April 24 to Sunday, April 26. Full closure of the parkway is required for safety.

The DVP will be closed in both directions between Highway 401/404 and the Gardiner Expressway from 8 p.m. on Friday to 6 a.m. on Sunday for the work. The roadway reopens early Sunday morning to help improve traffic conditions during the annual Khalsa Parade, which takes place that day on various city streets.

Specific maintenance activities that will be undertaken during the DVP closure include:
• resurfacing and patching of asphalt surfaces including crack sealing 
• in-depth bridge inspections 
• cleaning and repair of 500 catch basins, and flushing and inspection of culverts to ensure proper drainage 
• shoulder re-grading to restore drainage 
• sign maintenance for entire length of roadway 
• maintenance of 15 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras 
• inspection and repair of 73 overhead signs 
• repairs on RESCU vehicle detectors 
• guiderail repair at approximately 50 locations 
• expressway sweeping operations and debris removal 
• repair of concrete jersey barrier walls at various locations 
• inspection, repair and re-lamping of street lights, and 
• pre-engineering surveys for future work on the DVP.

Motorists can use Don Mills Road, Bayview Avenue, Victoria Park Avenue and Kingston Road as alternative routes during the closure.

In order to mitigate traffic congestion as a result of the closure, the City will be taking the following measures:
• implementing timing changes to traffic signals to enhance traffic flow on nearby routes 
• providing real-time traffic information on the City's overhead signs, and 
• co-ordinating other construction projects to avoid major work taking place along parallel routes where possible.

Motorists should allow extra time to get to and from their destination during this closure. Whenever possible, people are encouraged to consider other modes of travel, including public transit, as a convenient alternative. 

The City of Toronto will be closing the Gardiner Expressway from May 1 to 3 for similar maintenance work.

A more complete list of events and road work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/torontostreets/.

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

This work is part of the City's comprehensive and 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/1OCCSht

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

Sunday, April 19, 2015

Community Member Awards for unselfish acts of bravery, courage and assistance to the Toronto Police Service



Media advisory, Sunday, April 19, 2015, 1 p.m., Headquarters, lobby, Community Member Awards for unselfish acts of bravery, courage and assistance to the Toronto Police Service

Sunday, April 19, 2015 - 5:59 AM
Professional Standards Support
416-808-7716

On Sunday, April 19, 2015, at 1 p.m., in the lobby at headquarters, 40 College Street, 48 members of the community will be recognized for unselfish acts of bravery, courage and assistance to the Toronto Police Service.

The presentations will be made by Chief William Blair and Police Services Board Chair Dr. Alok Mukherjee.

View the Award Presentation program.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.


Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Antoinette Lobo, Professional Standards Support

Chin-Hua CHEN Submitted by 51 Division

Anthony ST. JOHN Submitted by 51 Division
Janie HARRIS Submitted by 51 Division
Jessica KEYES Submitted by 51 Division

Chin-Hua Chen, Anthony St. John and Janie Harris – Submitted by 51 Division

On February 23, 2014 a female and her neighbour entered their building lobby and were accompanied by an unknown male. The male followed them into the elevator and onto their floor. The female walked to her door and the neighbour to his at the opposite end of the hallway. The unknown male continued to follow the female into her unit and began snooping around and demanding money. As his demands were not being met or understood by the victim, who only spoke Mandarin, he tried to take the victim’s ring off of her finger and violently grabbed at her purse. The victim would not let go as the male dragged her out of her unit and down the hallway.

Chin-Hua Chen, a neighbour heard the victim screaming and rushed to assist her. He attempted to subdue the male but was hit in the face several times. Another resident, Anthony St. John, also came to assist. Both men continued to struggle with the suspectas they entered the stairwell. A third resident, Janie Harris, heard the commotion and immediately phoned 911. Janie entered the stairwell and calmly provided the dispatcher with clear directions as to what was happening and exactly where they were. Janie was also able to block off one of the stairways so that the suspect could not
escape.

A short while later police arrived and arrested the suspect.

In recognition of their heroic actions and willingness to ensure the safety of others
Chin-Hua Chen, Anthony St. John and Janie Harris are awarded with community
member awards.


Jessica Keyes – Submitted by 51 Division


On April 20, 2014 police responded to call regarding a woman who had climbed over the 

railing of the bridge and was preparing to jump.

When officers arrived on scene they located the female standing on the sidewalk, speaking with a young woman. Officers learned that Jessica Keyes had been driving by when she noticed the female climbing over the railing of the bridge. Jessica immediately stopped her vehicle and cautiously approached the female, engaged her in conversation and distracted her. While talking to the distraught female, Jessica flagged 

down a passerby and asked him to call 911.

Jessica subsequently convinced the female not to jump and helped her down from the 

railing.

In recognition of her quick actions and willingness to save another in distress Jessica Keyes is awarded with a community member award.







Friday, April 17, 2015

Public Safety Alert, Toyota theft investigations, Safety advice provided



Public Safety Alert, Toyota theft investigations, Safety advice provided

Friday, April 17, 2015 - 1:34 PM
33 Division:  416-808-3304

As of January 2015, 33 Division has experienced a large number of Toyota vehicles that have been stolen from their driveways. To date, 13 vehicles have been stolen.

It is believed that the suspect(s) may have access to electronic devices that can bypass the vehicle security system.

Investigators are suggesting the following safety tips to protect your vehicle from theft:

- lock your vehicle with the windows rolled up
- secure your spare key in a safe location and never leave it in the vehicle
- park your vehicle with wheels turned towards the curb
- apply your emergency brakes when parking your vehicle
- park your vehicle in your garage, if possible, and lock the vehicle doors while in the garage
- never leave the vehicle registration in the vehicle
- use a steering-wheel lock
- test both sets of keys after leaving your vehicle with a valet, car wash, or repair shop

People are reminded to call police and report any suspicious activity or suspicious person(s) near their vehicles.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-3300, 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 Constable Arash Namayandeh, 33 Division

Police identifying man wanted in Assault with a Weapon Investigation




Police identifying man wanted in Assault with a Weapon Investigation, Queen Street East and Church Street, Update, Man just identified as young person, Image can no longer be broadcast or published

Friday, April 17, 2015 - 12:38 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

On Sunday, April 12, 2015, at approximately 2:20 a.m., police received a call for an assault at a restaurant in the Queen Street East and Church Street area.

The person pictured in the news release has just been identified as a young person.

As a result, the security camera image can no longer be broadcast or published under the provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Please refer to Section 110, Subsection 1, of the YCJA:

110. (1) Subject to this section, no person shall publish the name of a young person, or any other information related to a young person, if it would identify the young person as a young person dealt with under this Act.*

Department of Justice Canada

The young person pictured is outstanding.

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 Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Detective Chu Chang, 51 Division

Sunday, April 19, 2015, Toronto Yonge Street 10K Run, Road closures



Sunday, April 19, 2015, Toronto Yonge Street 10K Run, Road closures

Friday, April 17, 2015 - 6:59 AM
Public Safety - Special Events:  416-808-5049

On Sunday, April 19, 2015, the annual Toronto Yonge Street 10K run will take place at 9 a.m. The run will start from Yonge Street and Castlefield Avenue, and continue south on Yonge Street, west on Richmond Street West, south on Peter Street/Blue Jays Way, west on Front Street West, south on Bathurst Street., and west on Fort York Boulevard., which is the finish line/dispersal area.

As a result of the event, a full road closure will take place on Yonge Street., Richmond Street West, Peter Street/Blue Jays Way, Front Street west, Bathurst Street and Fort York Boulevard. A number of secondary roads will also be closed or partially closed, affecting traffic flow in the area.

The formation area will take place at Yonge Street, from Lawrence Avenue West to Broadway Avenue, from 6 a.m. to 11 a.m.

The running route will be:

- Yonge Street, from Broadway Avenue to King Street
- Richmond Street West, from Yonge Street to Peter Street
- Peter Street/Blue Jays Way, from Richmond Street West to Front Street West
- Front Street West, from Blue Jays Way to Bathurst Street
- Bathurst Street, from King Street West to Lake Shore Boulevard
- Fort York Boulevard, from Bathurst Street to LakeShore Boulevard
- Fleet Street, from Strachan Avenue to Fort York Boulevard

The dispersal area will be at Fort York Boulevard, from Bathurst Street to Lake Shore Boulevard West, from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.

TTC service will be disrupted during the event. The Yonge Street 97-320 bus will be diverted using streets to the east and west, such as Mount Pleasant Road, Avenue Road and Bay Street

This event will take place regardless of weather conditions. Members of the public should anticipate traffic disruptions in the area.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Constable Alan Gray, Special Events Planning

Thursday, April 16, 2015

Save the date for the first ever Moss Park Spring Festival on May 1st, 2 - 6!


Toronto Ward Boundary Review Round One Report - Now Available

Toronto Ward Boundary Review

Toronto Ward Boundary Review Round One Report - Now Available


The Toronto Ward Boundary Review (TWBR) Round One Report detailing the results of the Civic Engagement and Public Consultation process is now available. The report includes summaries of comments on the current ward alignment from Council members, other stakeholders and those received via an online survey and at twelve public meetings. The Round One report will inform the development of options for a re-aligned ward structure.

A report on the options for a new ward structure is expected to be available in July 2015. The Round Two process will provide an opportunity for the public to provide feedback on the options and is scheduled for August - October 2015. During this time, you will be invited to comment on the options through an online survey and at another set of 12 public meetings. You will be notified when the survey gets posted and as soon as the public meetings are advertised.

There are three ways to download this report: click on the black button below, find it on our website or click on the report cover featured in this message.

Questions?
Please contact Ms. Beate Bowron, TWBR Project Lead via (416) 365-0816 x251.

More Information
Visit www.drawthelines.ca for more information about this process. Read past Reports, the Round One Consultation Guide and view Maps of Toronto's current ward boundaries here.
 
ROUND ONE REPORT - CIVIC ENGAGEMENT + PUBLIC CONSULTATION download here
The Toronto Ward Boundary Review is looking at the size and shape of Toronto's wards. To learn more visit us online at www.drawthelines.ca or send us an email at info@drawthelines.ca

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

City of Toronto to provide update on rooming house strategy

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

Media Advisory:  April 15, 2015

City of Toronto to provide update on rooming house strategy

City Housing Advocate Councillor Ana Bailão (Ward 18 Davenport) will provide an update on the City of Toronto's multi-pronged rooming house strategy tomorrow. She will be joined by Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 20 Trinity-Spadina) and staff of the Municipal Licensing and Standards division.

Date: Thursday, April 16
Time: 1 p.m.
Location: 6 St. Andrew St. – outdoors

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: Gil Hardy, Affordable Housing Office, 416-397-4701, ghardy@toronto.ca

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

School Crossing Guard Appreciation Night




Media advisory, Wednesday, April 15, 2015, 7 p.m., Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, rotunda, School Crossing Guard Appreciation Night

Wednesday, April 15, 2015 - 6:59 AM
Traffic Services:  416-808-1900

On Wednesday, April 15, 2015, at 7 p.m., the School Crossing Guard Long Service Awards will be presented at Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen Street West, in the rotunda.

Toronto Police Service Deputy Chief Mark Saunders, Toronto Police Service Deputy Chief Mike Federico and Toronto Police Services Board Chair Alok Mukherjee will be presenting the School Crossing Guard Long Service Awards.

Over 110 school crossing guards will be recognized for their service to the community.

One of the recipients will receive an individual presentation for the "Crossing Guard of the Year" award.

The School Crossing Guard Appreciation Night outlines the important work school crossing guards do every day, assisting children safely across in all sorts of weather.

For further information, please contact Constable Angela Herman at 416-808-1903.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Caroline de Kloet, Corporate Communications, for Constable Clinton Stibbe, Traffic Services

Clean Toronto Together 20-Minute Makeover event

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

Media Advisory:  April 15, 2015

Clean Toronto Together 20-Minute Makeover event

The City of Toronto will celebrate the Clean Toronto Together 20-Minute Makeover with an event at Nathan Phillips Square on Friday. This year's event will feature Michael "Pinball" Clemons and will be attended by City officials and staff, sponsors and members of the local business community.  

Date: Friday, April 17
Time: 12:30 to 2 p.m. – remarks at 1:15 p.m.
Location: Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.

The event will include games starting at 12:30 p.m., followed by speaker remarks and then the 20-minute litter cleanup.

More information about Clean Toronto Together activities and events across Toronto from April 17 to 19 is available at http://www.livegreentoronto.ca

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 



Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Weekend event with road closures in Toronto

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

News Release:  April 14, 2015

Weekend event with road closures in Toronto

One special event in Toronto, the Toronto Yonge Street 10K run, will involve road closures this weekend. Residents and visitors are encouraged to come out and enjoy this event. 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.

Toronto Yonge Street 10K – Sunday closures Yonge Street between Lawrence Avenue and Erskine Avenue will be closed from 6 to 11 a.m. on Sunday, April 19 to accommodate the formation area for the run.

Along the route for the run, closures will occur between 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the following locations:
• Yonge Street between Castlefield Avenue and Richmond Street 
• Richmond Street from Yonge Street to Peter Street 
• Peter Street/Blue Jays Way between Richmond Street and Front Street 
• Westbound Front Street between Blue Jays Way and Bathurst Street 
• Bathurst Street from Front Street to Fort York Boulevard, and 
• Fort York Boulevard from Bathurst Street to Fleet Street (closure from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).

After all runners pass an intersection, that intersection will reopen to traffic in the area. Bayview Avenue and Avenue Road are alternative routes for drivers.

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. A more complete list of events and road work is available at http://www.toronto.ca/torontostreets/.

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

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

Time - Toronto over the last 100 years



Time from Kwan on Vimeo.

If you were to stand in one spot in downtown Toronto for the past one hundred years, what would you experience? Journey through the architectural history of Toronto. See familiar landmarks from the first days of photography transform to full-colour modern day. Some things change, some things stay the same.

A simulated time-lapse created with elements from thousands of pictures, each scene starts with a historical photograph from the Toronto Archives.

Selected for the following film festivals: World Wide Short, Mississauga Independent, Strasbourg, Cabbagetown, Ottawa International Animation Festival, Planet in Focus, Moving Image, Naked Frames, and Brantford.

This also received special screenings for the Toronto City Council, Toronto Heritage Awards, and the St. Lawrence Market 205 Anniversary.

Winner of Best Community Film at Cabbagetown Short Film Festival 2009

Funded by BravoFACT

Monday, April 13, 2015

Public Safety Alert, Stolen medication, Bond Street and Queen Street East







Public Safety Alert, Stolen medication, Bond Street and Queen Street East

Monday, April 13, 2015 - 1:31 PM
51 Division:  416-808-5100

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

On Sunday, April 12, 2015, at approximately 2 a.m., a grey 2007 Hyundai Accent, with Ontario licence plate BWBR606, was stolen from the area of Bond Street and Queen Street East.

The vehicle contained a quantity of medication called Entecavir and Baraclude.

The pills could be harmful if ingested, especially to children. Common adverse effects from Entecavir and Baraclude include headaches, fatigue, dizziness and nausea.

Anyone finding the medication is asked not to handle it, but 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 Gherardt Williams, 51 Division

Volunteer Appreciation Night Celebrations



Media advisory, Monday, April 13, 2015, 7 p.m., Toronto Police Service College, 70 Birmingham Street, Volunteer Appreciation Night Celebrations

Monday, April 13, 2015 - 1:24 PM
Divisional Policing Support Unit:  416-808-0114

This year, the National Volunteer Week celebrations will be held from Sunday, April 12, 2015, to Saturday, April 18, 2015. This is a very special time set aside every year to honour volunteers and the contributions they make as a fundamental part of each community.

The TPS Divisional Policing Support Unit will be hosting this year's Volunteer Appreciation Night on Monday, April 13, 2015, at the Toronto Police Service College, 70 Birmingham Street at 7 p.m.

The Adult and Youth Corps, Victim Service Volunteers, Volunteer Chaplains, and the Service’s Community Consultative Committee members, will all be in attendance at this annual event.

For additional information, please contact Victoria Shaw, Volunteer Coordinator & Consultative Committees Liaison, at 416.808.0114, Divisional Policing Support Unit, or Victoria.shaw @torontopolice.on.ca.

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu, Corporate Communications, for Victoria Shaw, Divisional Policing Support Unit

Friday, April 10, 2015

PC Crispin Barnes Awarded Public Hero Award!

THAT'S 51 DIVISION'S VERY OWN PC CRISPIN BARNES!!!
He's always been a hero to us, now everyone knows!
Thanks to CPLC member Deb Crane for nominating him!

IDI GTA in partnership with Police, Fire and Paramedic Services across the GTA (Peel, Durham, York, Toronto) will be holding the annual Public Heroes Awards Ceremony and Dinner. The ceremony will take place on Thursday, April 9th, 2015, 6:30pm at Oak Ridges Community Centre, 12895 Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 3G2.

MP Rob Clarke, who served in RCMP for nearly two decades will offer the keynote speech. MP Clarke currently represents the riding of Desnethé—Missinippi—Churchill River, SK. Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, will be presented a lifetime achievement award for exemplary service to the citizens of Toronto and his advancements in community based policing. Town of Richmond Hill is the co-host of the awards ceremony and Mayor Dave Barrow will attend to offer welcome remarks.

A multi-emergency-services honour guard will also be present to recognize the award recipients.

Public Heroes Awards recognize police officers, firefighters and paramedics for outstanding delivery of services in an ethnically and culturally diverse GTA and are selected based on three criteria: “Altruism”, “Dedication” and “Community Involvement”.

This year’s Award Recipients are:

Crispin Barnes - Toronto Police Service
Chris McPhee - Toronto Paramedic Services
Mina Rahravan - York Regional Police
Sarah Salvis - Peel Regional Paramedic Services
Jeff McGrath - York Region Emergency Medical Services
Mandip Bhamber - Peel Regional Police
Shaun Carter - Durham Regional Police Service
Derek McDonald – Royal Canadian Mounted Police


Thursday, April 09, 2015

Deputy Mayor Pam McConnell’s Community Environment Day


Deputy Mayor Pam McConnell’s Community Environment Day
Lower Sherbourne Park (Sherbourne and The Esplanade)
Do your part to create a cleaner, greener, and more liveable Toronto. Bring used or unwanted household items and pick up free compost.

Start Time: 4:00 pm
Date: Thursday, April 30, 2015
End Time: 8:00 pm
COT Link: Click here

Products Available – Fees may apply
•Backyard Composter
•Green Bin
•Kitchen Container

Pick up for FREE
•Green Bin and Kitchen Container (with proof of new residency in the last 90 days or in exchange for a damaged bin)
•Leaf Compost (limit of one cubic metre per household)

Drop off for recycling or proper disposal
•Computer Equipment & Peripherals
(e.g., desktops, laptops, hand-held portables, monitors, printing devices, etc.)
•Audio/Visual Equipment & Peripherals
(e.g., telephones, cell phones, pda’s and pagers, cameras, small TVs, radios, receivers, speakers, tuners, equalizers, turntables, projectors, recorders, DVD players and VCRs, etc.)
•Household Hazardous Waste
(e.g., cleaning supplies and solvents, motor oil, paint, batteries, old/unused medication, mercury thermometers/thermostats, pesticides, fluorescent and compact fluorescent bulbs, propane tanks, etc.)

Items donated to local schools for reuse
•Art supplies (e.g. pencils, markers, crayons, etc.)
•Buttons and keys
•Clipboards, corks and cork boards
•LP records, CDs and cases
•Children’s books
•Costume jewelry including broken/old watches and clocks with hands
•Yarn and dress-up clothing (e.g. costumes, prom dresses, uniforms, etc.)
•35 mm cameras and equipment

Items donated for reuse (please keep separate from others)
•Sporting goods(e.g., skates, hockey equipment, bikes, rackets, etc.)
•Books (excluding school/university curriculum books)
•Eyeglasses, walking aids, hearing aids, etc.
•Small household items (e.g., dishes, ornaments, kitchen utensils, artistic drawings, games, etc.)
•Textiles in good condition (e.g. clothing, linens, etc.)
•Non-perishable foods will be donated to a food bank
Please do not bring: construction waste, garbage, gasoline, wood, cassette and videotapes, commercial/ industrial hazardous waste and scrap metal.

Note: You can recycle plastic shopping bags, foam polystyrene, empty paint and empty aerosol cans in your blue bin.