DAILY UPDATES

Forest Hill Daily Updates

Circle of friends hold vigil for gunshot victim

Ikechidiadi (Ike) Kaja, who was shot and left for dead in Chaplin Estates on Jan. 23, was remembered warmly at a vigil yesterday evening.

The 49-year-old financial analyst was honoured outside his Avenue Road home in a ceremony shared with his family in Nigeria.

About 50 people attended the event to hear Kaja referred to as an energetic, smiling, positive personality with a large circle of friends, many of whom were at the vigil.

Kaja leaves behind a four-year-old son.

Toronto police have not released any more information about the shooting but say the investigation is continuing.

TTC employee stabbed at Dupont, man arrested, police say

A man has been arrested after a TTC employee was allegedly stabbed at Dupont Station this morning.

Police say shortly after 6 a.m. the on-duty employee was travelling south on the University line and asked a passenger to stop being disruptive. The man allegedly became aggressive, attacked and stabbed the TTC employee.

Officers responded to a call and arrested a 30-year-old man.

He faces charges of assault, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm and having a dangerous weapon.

He is to appear in court Feb. 10.

Death called a homicide

The man found lying on the ground in the Chaplin estates area on Jan. 23 has died from his injuries, police report.

Police have identified the deceased and launched a homicide investigation. Here’s what we know so far.

MPP’s office front vandalized

The Oakwood Vaughan Community Organization released a statement today condemning the vandalizing of the Toronto-St. Paul’s MPP’s office, calling it a “cowardly disgusting act.”

It was reported Monday that what appeared to be eggs and feces were tossed on a picture of Jill Andrew on the front window of her constituency office on St. Clair Avenue West.

Andrew found the mess when she and her partner dropped by the office on Saturday, she said in a tweet that day.

“With this email, OVCO is publicly denouncing this hate incident and similiar homophobic and racist acts,” the group said. “Let it be known that we will continue to energetically work with our MPP Jill Andrew, for a healthier, inclusive community, rooted in social justice.”

Man found on ground apparently shot

Late last evening, police reported finding a man lying on the ground in the Chaplin Estates area with life-threatening injuries.

Officers had been called to the area of Avenue Road and College View Avenue for “unknown trouble” shortly after 11 p.m., according to Twitter posts.

The man’s injuries appeared to be from gunshots and he was rushed to hospital, police said.

Investigators are examining the area and asking for anyone with information to call 416-808-2222.

backyard hens
URBAN POULTRY: Hens have been allowed in local backyards as part of a pilot project.

Give your views on the backyard hens program

The city is asking for feedback on its pilot program allowing hens to be raised in selected wards, including Toronto-St. Paul’s.

Residents here have been allowed to keep up to four hens in their yards for both enjoyment and the eggs.

Now members of the public can share their experiences and thoughts on the UrbanHensTO program, including considerations related to public health, nuisance, food security, veterinary care and animal welfare, the city has announced.

The deadline for feedback is Feb. 11. Feedback is to inform a final report to a city council committee in March.

To submit your observations, see the UrbanHensTO Pilot Program website.

pollinator garden thumbnailEven the bees and the butterflies hurt by COVID restrictions

Toronto’s BIAs have fallen behind in creating pollinator gardens on our main streets as small businesses have been preoccupied with staying afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic over the past couple of years.

The program  is expected to languish as long as the pandemic lasts, unless the city kickstarts it. See the full story.

LibraryLibrary branches to close temporarily

The Forest Hill Library is among the library branches to shut down as of Monday. The Toronto Public Library has announced nearly half of its branches are closing temporarily due to staffing shortages during the COVID pandemic.

Also closing in this area are the Davenport and Oakwood Village libraries.

Other local branches will remain open with 50-percent capacity limits. See the full story.

police cars in winter thumbnailCollision suspect fired at officers, police say

A man, 35, has been charged with failing to remain at the scene of an accident scene — and with two counts of attempted murder for firing at officers after they found him.

The accident happened at about 8 a.m. on Christmas Day near St. Clair Avenue West and Hilton Street, police reported. See the story.

what's open thumbnailWhat’s open over Christmas weekend in and around Forest Hill

Think you might need to pick up supplies sometime between Friday and Sunday over the holidays? Or pick up a prescription? Buy a last-minute gift? Or just get out of the house and go skating, visit a museum, or have some other fun?

Here’s our ever-growing list of what’s open over the Christmas weekend in this and other communities across Toronto.

Forest Hill Jr and Sr thumbnailCOVID-19 outbreaks investigated at four local schools

Three schools in and around Forest Hill are among five where Toronto Public Health announced it is investigating COVID-19 outbreaks: Forest Hill Junior and Senior Public School, Holy Rosary Catholic School and Eitz Chaim Schools, Viewmount branch. All are being kept open so far.

Also coming under TPH’s eye is McMurrich Junior Public School, which was shut down a few days ago. Get the full story.

Greenwood Park rink thumbnailCedarvale outdoor rink to open next week

The city’s outdoor rink at Cedarvale Park is set to open next week — Nov. 27 — along with 37 others across the city. More will follow Dec. 4.

You won’t need a reservation to skate on the outdoor rinks as you did last year, but you will have to take the province’s pre-screening test first. See the full story.

call for mural artistsYoung artists sought for street mural

Now FYI on Oakwood is looking for three young artists (age 12 to 29) who can paint or do street art to create a mural near Dufferin Street and Eglinton Avenue West.

FYI is an agency that has established a community space for youth at 504 Oakwood Ave.

Artists are to be chosen based on their connection to the community and portfolio of past work, with priority given to those who live or attend school in the Oakwood-Vaughan community.

Best news for young artists may be that materials and a $150 honorarium are to be provided.

Application deadline is Nov. 19. Email whitney@foryouth.ca.

Online EcoFair starts this evening

The EcoFair that ran for many years at the Wychwood Barns is back online, starting this evening with the webinar “Nurturing Nature in the City” at 7 p.m.

You can register once for the four-day affair — including movies, games, bike rides, and more to inform and inspire greener and more sustainable choices in our communities.

See more about it at Streeter’s Things To Do listing. Get the full schedule at ecofairtoronto.org. And register for free at Eventbrite.

patio thumbnailGood news if you enjoy dining next to traffic

The sidewalk and curb-lane patios that have been part of the experience of drinking and dining locally during the pandemic may become a permanent feature of Toronto life.

The city’s executive committee yesterday approved extending “for years to come” the CaféTO initiative, launched to expand outdoor dining areas for restaurants and bars affected by COVID-19. See the full story.

FYI issues call for local artists

FYI (For Youth Initiative) on Oakwood is looking for three local artists to paint canvases for its youth centre. Artists must live or attend school in the Oakwood-Vaughan community, FYI says.

Paintings should reflect the artist’s personal connection to the community. Materials and honoraria will be provided to each artist.

To apply, send samples of work and ideas to whitney@foryouth.ca by Nov. 26.

FYI is an agency serving youth which has recently established a new community space for youth at 504 Oakwood Ave. in the Oakwood-Vaughan neighbourhood.

Carolyn Bennett thumbnailBennett back in cabinet

Toronto-St. Paul’s MP Carolyn Bennett is back as a federal minister in Ottawa, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau named and swore in his new cabinet today.

She is one of six Toronto MPs, plus GTA representatives, to be appointed. See more.

Get vaxxed at the station

St. Clair West is among the six subway stations where vaccine clinics are operating over the next three days. You can get your shot at the station from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Oct. 21–23, the city announced today.

No appointments are needed to get your first or second dose. Other stations in the campaign styled as #VaxInTheSix are Bathurst, Finch West, Islington, Kennedy and Union.

Anne of Green Gables thumbnailNew theatre group founded, looking for volunteers

A local woman has founded a live theatre group, the Hillcrest Village Community Players, which is going into rehearsals for Anne of Green Gables, but is still looking for production volunteers.

If the name Krista Mihevc sounds familiar, there’s a reason for that. See the full story.

Experience free art projection tomorrow

Check out the outdoor art projection “circa” at Spadina Museum, 285 Spadina Rd.,  Oct. 12 from 6 to 10 p.m. The show is free, presented as part of the city’s October program of Awakenings — art by Black, Indigenous and artists of colour. More about Awakenings across Toronto.

Transformer fire puts out lights

Traffic lights went out during afternoon rush hour today at Eglinton Avenue West and Old Forest Hill Road.

The cause was a transformer fire, police reported at about 6:30 p.m.

Drivers were urged to use caution in the area.

climate action thumbnailBecome your neighbourhood’s champion for local climate action

The city is inviting you to become a Neighbourhood Climate Action Champion. It’ll take four or five hours a month of engaging with the local community to develop neighbourhood-based projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

You’ll get training and support to empower you to support residents in developing projects that reflect the needs and values of their communities — and you’ll receive a modest honorarium. See more in our Things to Do listing.

Candy store thumbnailCrazy for candy in Forest Hill

A local couple has opened a new store, Kandy Krazed, on Eglinton Way, adding some sweetness to the Forest Hill neighbourhood.

“I went from a business that made people healthy to a business that brings happiness,” is how the one known as Candy Man, describes the journey to opening Kandy Krazed. Taste the full story.

Carolyn Bennett thumbnailBennett wins her ninth term during Liberal sweep of Toronto

In yesterday’s federal election Liberal cabinet minister Carolyn Bennett was re-elected for Toronto-St-Paul’s.

She’s one of the midtown incumbents to win easily during the red sweep of Toronto, as the party won a minority government.

Here’s what happened locally.

Drop-off hours expanded for waste at Ingram

You have a larger window for dropping off waste at the Ingram Transfer Station, 50 Ingram Dr., beginning Sept. 13. The city is announcing an expansion of public hours at the drop-0ff depot to 24-hour service from Monday at 6 a.m. to Friday at 9 p.m., as well as on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Residents can drop off general waste such as garbage, recycling, yard waste and renovation waste. Household hazardous waste and electronic waste can be left Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Motorcyclist killed in collision

A motorcyclist died from injuries after a crash near Caledonia Road and Glengrove Avenue this afternoon, police reported on social media.

Three motorcycles were reported to be driving fast at about 3:30 p.m. when the collision occurred.

Officers on the scene found a rider unresponsive and requested a rush on paramedics, but the rider was pronounced dead on the scene, police said.

Roads were closed for several hours while Traffic Services reconstructed the collision.

suspect at synagogue thumbnailPolice seek man for spraying synagogue

A man is being sought by police after a synagogue in the Cedarvale and Forest Hill North area was spray-painted with anti-Semitic graffiti yesterday.

Security camera images of a man have been released in what investigators are calling a suspected hate-motivated offence. Here’s what we know so far.

Two suspected overdose deaths just the latest in the area

Two deaths from suspected drug overdoses bring the total to four such deaths in 53 Division over the past two weeks, police say.

The latest was reported at about 12:45 a.m. today when officers found a man and woman, both 39, dead in the Dupont Street and Spadina Road area.

The majority of recent suspected overdoses have been linked to fentanyl, according to police.

Twenty-three neighbourhoods COVID-free on latest city map

The city’s latest COVID-19 map now shows 23 neighbourhoods in Toronto — including Casa Loma and Wychwood — without any new cases of the virus over the past three weeks.

However, this is a drop from 31 communities a couple of days earlier, as the Delta variant spreads in Toronto. Get the whole picture.

No outstanding suspects in two North Fairbanks deaths

A homicide investigation is underway after two people died in a home at Whitmore Avenue and Dufferin Street yesterday.

Shortly after 12:30 p.m. on July 21, officers arrived at the home and found a man and woman with life-threatening injuries, police report.

Paramedics started life-saving measures but both people succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead.

Although homicide is being investigated, investigators said they do not believe there are any outstanding suspects.

Arrest after 6-year-old sexually assaulted in park

An investigation by members of the Child and Youth Advocacy Centre has led to the arrest for sexual interference.

On May 20, a six-year-old boy was allegedly sexually assaulted while attending Walter Saunders Park at 426 Hopewell Ave., near Dufferin Street and Roselawn Avenue, police reported today.

On June 8, a 33-year-old Toronto woman was arrested and charged with sexual interference with a person under 16 and sexual assault.

She is next scheduled to appear in court on July 21.

Investigators said they believe there may be other victims.

Two-day pop-up vaccine clinic at Fairbank Public School

Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor Josh Matlow, the Toronto District School Board and health partners are hosting a pop-up vaccine clinic at Fairbank Public School, 2335 Dufferin St., south of Eglinton Avenue West, today and tomorrow.

The clinic is open July 8 and 9 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. for anyone 12 and over from postal code areas M4P, M4S, M4V, M5P, M5R, M5V, M6A, M6B, M6C, M6E, M6G, M6H, M6K, M6M, M6N and M6P.

Walk-ins are welcome. First doses will be available for anyone 12 and up. Second doses are available for those who received the first dose of Pfizer at least 21 days ago, Moderna at least 28 days ago and AstraZeneca at least eight weeks ago.

For more information call the York-Fairbank Centre for Seniors at (416) 651-8300.

 

Sunset over highrise constructionPetition calls to cut construction noise

Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor Josh Matlow and Toronto Centre’s Kristyn Wong-Tam have joined to launch a petition to reduce the hours construction noise is allowed in Toronto.

The petition, supported by community groups that have been concerned about excessive noise, protests the provincial government extension of the permitted hours of construction to 16 hours per day, seven days a week. See the story.

Man hospitalized after stabbing

Paramedics took a man to hospital after a stabbing near St. Clair Avenue West and Dufferin Street early this morning.

Police had responded at about 1 a.m. after receiving multiple calls reporting a man had been stabbed, according to police on social media. No further details are available.

Tenants group commended by mayor

The 440 Winona Tenant Association received honourable mention when recipients of the Mayor’s Community Safety Awards were announced today.

Mayor John Tory and other other municipal representatives, along with sponsor Bell, presented the awards virtually to six community safety projects, each receiving $1,000 to continue their work aimed at improving safety in Toronto.

The 440 Winona group was one of two organizations to receive honourable mention. It is described in the city press release as a “community safety committee that was created in response to a violent incident that took place in the neighbourhood where tenants were either survivors of violence in Canada or from their countries of origin.”

In April, 2020, a man was shot dead on Winona Drive near Vaughan Road.

“Following the incident, the 440 Winona Tenant Association has worked to provide a COVID-safe community project to promote emotional healing through counselling and art,” according to the statement. “The group sessions include participation from a counsellor, artist and a person experienced in supporting community safety committees. The project goes beyond simply asking for more police, and relies on tenant communication, strong relations with policy makers, self-help and strategic use of police resources.”

CannaCulture thumbnailCannabis shops high over re-opening

Cannabis shops across midtown have survived the pandemic. Some have even benefited from it. In any case they all seem excited about soon being able to serve their clientele in-store.

The cannabis culture is ready to make a comeback too — with a few changes, they say. See the full story.

On-street parking enforcement to resume Monday

Be careful when and where you park after this weekend. During the lockdown months you may have gotten away with parking on streets longer than the city-wide three-hour limit or in front of your house without an up-to-date permit, as police have been been lax in enforcing these and other parking rules.

But that’s about to change. As the province begins to reopen and traffic increases, routine enforcement of on-street parking regulations is to resume, starting 12:01 a.m. on June 14, Toronto police announced today.

You’ll have a little more time to get your residential on-street permits in order though. Enforcement of those violations will begin on June 21.

Celebration of stopping Spadina Expressway planned

Eglinton-Lawrence councillor Mike Colle is announcing today plans to mark the 50th anniversary of stopping the Spadina Expressway on June 5.

This celebration comes on the day the Allen Road, what remains of the intended expressway, is to be closed for vehicles by the city’s ActiveTO initiative.

The Spadina Expressway was intended to connect downtown Toronto to the suburb of North York, cutting though the Forest Hill and other areas, but it was cancelled on June 5, 1971 — after demonstrations and opposition from area residents — by Premier William Davis who instead built the Spadina-University subway line.

“The stopping of the Spadina Expressway was probably the most important decision made in the 20th century in shaping the future of the City of Toronto,” Colle said in a promotion for a press conference today. “By stopping the expressway, we not only said no to American-style expressways, but also saved Toronto’s ravines from becoming expressways.”

rental apartments thumbnailApartment rents down in Forest Hill area during pandemic

The Forest Hill North neighbourhood experienced one of Toronto’s biggest drops in condo and apartment rents since the beginning of the pandemic more than a year ago, according to a recent survey. And the Casa Loma area is close behind. Respectively, their rents decreased 31 and 29 per cent in the first four months of this year from the same period in 2020.

But there are signs rents across Toronto may be stabilizing and preparing to rise again, the survey found. Get all the facts in the full story.

Allen Road to be partially closed to vehicles — but not yet

The city plans to close part of Allen Road to vehicles as part of ActiveTO, but not this weekend. The Allen’s northbound lanes between Eglinton and Lawrence avenues are expected to be closed on June 5 from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., allowing pedestrians and cyclist full use of that stretch of road, free from cars and trucks.

ActiveTO road closures for the coming weekend have been announced as:

  • Lake Shore Boulevard East, eastbound lanes between Leslie Street and Woodbine Avenue, will be closed from May 29, 6 a.m. to May 30, 9 p.m.
  • Roads in High Park from May 28 about 11 p.m. to May 31 about 7 a.m.

The southern leg of Bayview Avenue south of Rosedale Valley Road is not on this list, as it has usually been for past ActiveTO road closures.

In a press release yesterday the city said a  “multi-use trail along Bayview Avenue, between Mill Street and Rosedale Valley Road, provides a safe and protected full-time space for people walking and riding their bikes every day, while also allowing Bayview Avenue to safely accommodate vehicles.”

Hydro pole hit, one person sent to hospital

A car apparently hit a hydro pole and flipped over at Oakwood Avenue and Eglinton Avenue West, sending one person to hospital, early this morning.

Police received the call at 5:17 a.m. and reported it online at 7:35 a.m., noting then that a car had flipped on its roof and injuries were unknown.

A followup tweet indicated the car had struck a hydro pole and paramedics took one person to hospital.

Oakwood was closed while Toronto Hydro staff were on the scene for possible repairs.

Vaccines open to ages 12 to 17 at city-run clinics

As of Sunday 8 a.m. Sunday, Toronto is opening vaccination appointments at city-run clinics to youth age 12 to 17. This includes clinics at North Toronto Memorial Community Centre, 200 Eglinton Ave. W., in midtown.

Appointments can be booked online or by calling the provincial vaccine booking line at 1-833-943-3900.

Parents or guardians do not need to accompany youth to clinics as parental consent is not required, as long as the healthcare personnel administering the shots finds the youths capable of understanding the decision to be vaccinated, according to a statement from the city today.

 

Outdoor recreationTennis, field sports and other outdoor recreations are back

Local tennis courts, sports fields and fitness amenities should be busy with people getting their outdoor exercise again this long weekend, as long as they keep physically distanced.

Following Ontario’s go-ahead yesterday, the city is reopening its outdoor recreational amenities — albeit with public health restrictions in place — as of May 22.

Get the whole story.

New locations for speed cameras

The city is moving its 50 automated speed enforcement (ASE) devices to begin a third round of ticketing in June.

The ASE devices, commonly called speed cameras or photo radar, have until recently been located on Ava Road and
Tweedsmuir Avenue in Toronto-St. Paul’s ward.

The new locations where you’ll have to watch your speeding in this area are:

  • Wilson Avenue west of Belgrave Avenue
  • Marlee Avenue south of Hillmount Avenue

Briefs

  • CALL TO CURB RENT HIKES: At Queen’s Park today, Toronto-St. Paul’s MPP Jill Andrew is debating her motion calling on the provincial government to ban above-guideline increases to residential rents until at least 12 months after the pandemic is over. The NDP rep held a press conference on her bill this morning, backed by local tenants’ activists.

Briefs

  • ART SHOW STARTS: The Forest Hill Art Club’s online show and sale begins today and runs to May 30. See Streeter’s Things To Do item then head over to the group’s website. Attending the event is free, the art is affordable.

Community group hiring tenant organizers

The Oakwood Vaughan Community Organization recently received a grant aimed to help fund tenant organizing efforts in the neighbourhood. OVCO has announced it has hired a project coordinator to support this work and is still looking for a part-time tenant organizer.

Applications are being received until May 17 by email for the organizer position. See the hiring page on the OVCO website for more information.

Collision leads to man and woman arrested, loaded firearm recovered

A man and a woman have been arrested after two people fled from a Porsche suspected of being involved in a collision near Bathurst Street and St. Clair Avenue West early this morning.

At 12:30 a.m., police began investigation of the collision and located a vehicle, a Porsche Cayenne, with extensive damage, they reported this afternoon. Both occupants allegedly fled the car but, with assistance of witnesses, officers found them both.

A loaded firearm, a Taurus 9mm with eight rounds of ammunition, was recovered from the vehicle, police said.,

Sy Nguyen, 27, of Toronto, faces 10 charges, including impaired operation and unauthorized use of a firearm.

Chi Mai Julie Nguyen, 26, of Vaughn, faces five charges, including unauthorized use of a firearm.

They were both to appear virtually in court today.

Outdoor furniture sought by BIA

The Oakwood Village BIA is looking for wooden furniture or planters for use in its summer public seating area during the CafeTO roll-out this summer.

If the furniture is a little worn, don’t worry — they have artists available to paint it. They’ll even give it back to to you painted at the end of the summer.

Contact them by email or message them through their Facebook page by May 21.

Forest Hill Station crane comes down, LRT work continues

Speaking of cranes (see April 26 item), we suppose it’s a sign of progress in the building of the Eglinton Crosstown LRT through this area that the tower crane at the new Forest Hill Station has been taken down, as noted by Daily Commercial News.

The building is far from over though. Metrolinx is expected to continue using the site as a “laydown area” for three months, after which the condominiums at the station will start construction.

When activated, the station should have 60 outdoor bicycle parking spaces and on-street connections to TTC buses with retail space at ground level, the construction publication says.

Crane shuts down St. Clair lane

The eastbound lane at 781 St. Clair Ave. West, near Arlington Avenue, will be closed for the next three days, April 26–30, for a “crane hoisting,” the city has advised.

Police chief James Ramer thumbnailPolice crackdown on gatherings starts today

If you’re getting together in our parks or in your party rooms with friends or family who don’t live with you, watch out for the cops. They’re taking the latest prohibition against large gatherings — indoors and outdoors — quite seriously.

Like other divisions, 13 and 53 Divisions have even formed special units to find, break up and fine large groups flouting the rules. (The fines can surpass $10,000.)

Or better yet, give us all a break in the fight against COVID-19 — and don’t do it. See the full story.

Toronto-St. Paul’s ‘Summit’ on this afternoon

Toronto-St.Paul’s elected officials are holding a meeting on Facebook Live at 3 p.m. today to discuss working together to fight against and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

See the event listing on Streeter’s Things To do for more information on taking part in it.

Daily Updates continue after ad

COVID cases found at St. Clair Loblaws

Two team members at the Loblaws store at 396 St. Clair Ave. W. have tested positive for COVID-19, the grocery chain reported today. The last days the employees worked at the store near the St. Clair West station were March 31 and April 1, Loblaws says.

North Toronto Memorial Community Centre
VACCINE SITE: North Toronto Memorial Community Centre.

North Toronto community centre among vaccine clinics opening

The city is opening three more COVID-19 immunization clinics tomorrow, including at North Toronto Memorial Community Centre. The clinics are to vaccinate residents who are age 60 years or older or who are 50 years and older from COVID-19 hot spots.

This makes nine city-operated immunization clinics operating across Toronto.

Eligible residents can book appointments through the dark blue “Book a Vaccine” button on www.toronto.ca/covid-19 or by phoning through the provincial vaccine information line at 1 (888) 999-6488.

OBD lock to stop vehicle thefts thumbnailCar thefts up in this area

Do you have a Lexus, Toyota SUV or Land Rover? If so, maybe you’d better take some extra precautions, because these are among the favoured models for vehicle thieves in 53 Division.

The area is experiencing a hike in high-end car thefts, by thieves who use electronic methods, police are warning.

See the report and what you can do to protect your car.

Riverdale CollegiateAll Toronto schools shut down

Only yesterday Toronto Public Health advised the closing of 20 schools across Toronto for COVID investigations. Today the rest of Toronto’s elementary, middle and secondary schools are shuttered on the orders of Toronto’s chief medical officer, Dr. Eileen de Villa.

Students are to transition to remote learning which is to continue until April 18 — although this end date may also be extended, TPH warns. See the full story.

Part of westbound Lonsdale shut down

The westbound lane of Lonsdale Road at Avenue Road, just where Avenue curves around Upper Canada College, is closed as of today, the city advises. The closure, expected to last until April 16, is due to construction on a Bell pit.

Report of robbery with knife leads to police search

Police were out in force in the Oakwood area this afternoon after reports of a holdup by a person armed with a knife.

Few details have been released about the incident that occurred near Atlas and Hursting avenues at about 3 p.m. No injuries were reported however.

Police are looking for a man or woman described as in their 30s, having a heavy build, and wearing a grey hoodie and black mask.

SEE DAILY UPDATES FOR OTHER COMMUNITIES:
Beaches-LeslievilleCentral TorontoDavenportDon ValleyLawrence WestLeasideNorth TorontoRiverdale-East YorkYork Mills
Summerhill Market
GOURMET grocer Summerhill Market opened yesterday.

Summerhill Market opens on Eglinton

Summerhill Market has opened its fourth and largest location in Toronto at 484 Eglinton Ave. W. , former site of the EDO Restaurant.

The two-floor grocery store offers more than 700 gourmet food items, including baked goods, kosher meats and health foods.

The market is already known to midtown residents for its Bathurst Street, Summerhill Avenue and Mt. Pleasant Road locations.

John Tory thumbnailCity promises to revive Little Jamaica

Mayor John Tory has promised at a virtual public meeting to give Little Jamaica the long-overdue attention it deserves.

Plans to rejuvenate the Eglinton West business and residential community were discussed by Tory, city councillors, local businesspeople and others at the March 4 meeting. Read the story about the meeting.

New locations coming for photo radar

You have until May to improve your driving on Davisville Avenue, near Acacia Road, and Bansley Avenue, south of Vaughan Road. That’s when the city’s automatic speed enforcement (ASE) devices will be moved to these streets to catch speeding drivers in Toronto-St. Paul’s ward, it has been announced. This will be the third locations for the ASEs.

Retail robbery results in arrest

A 32-year-old man was arrested yesterday, four days after a robbery at a store near Dupont Street and Spadina Road.

On Feb. 26, police report a man approached the store’s checkout counter, indicated he had a gun and demanded lottery tickets and cash. The man also allegedly picked up a debit card reader and threatened to throw it at the store employee, before taking lottery tickets and fleeing on foot.

The police holdup squad identified a man and neighbourhood community officers arrested him.

He faces charges of robbery, possession of property obtained by crime, and failing to comply with probation.

Little Jamaica mural thumbnailPublic meeting to help save Little Jamaica

On March 4, Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor Josh Matlow is hosting a public conversation to “meaningfully support the future of Eglinton’s Black-owned and operated businesses, and celebrate the character and identity of Little Jamaica.”

The commercial district, on Eglinton Avenue West, has struggled for years through the Eglinton Crosstown LRT construction and most recently from the COVID-19 public health lockdowns.

Get the full story.

How safe do you feel? Tell the city

The deadline is approaching to fill out the SafeTO survey. The city wants to know the level of safety and wellbeing you feel in your community, and your priorities for the SafeTO plan to guide social systems — like community services, healthcare, policing — in serving Torontonians.

The online survey, which should take less than 10 minutes, is to be completed before March 12.