DAILY UPDATES

Central Toronto Daily Updates

Anti-Semitic graffiti investigated

Image released in anti-Semitic incident investigation
Image released by police.

Police have released security camera images to help identify a person believed to have involved in an anti-Semitic incident.

On March 2 between 4 and 5 a.m., a person entered the grounds of Central Technical School near Bloor and Bathurst streets and spray painted sprayed numerous anti-Semitic graffiti messages on the school property, police reported today.

The person is described as having a medium build and was wearing a dark jacket, grey pants and light tan-coloured work boots.

Man reportedly spit on subway passenger

spitting assault image
Security camera image released by police after spitting assault.

A man spit twice on a woman riding the subway westbound from Broadview Station on Feb. 25, police reported today.

The attack was unprovoked, police said.

The man got out at Spadina station, fleeing in an unknown direction.

Police are looking for a man described as 25–35 years old, 5-foot-8, unshaven and having a medium build. He was wearing a grey toque, blue jacket, dark-coloured blue jeans, sunglasses, black shoes and carrying a black backpack.

Security camera images have been released.

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.

Burst water main forces evacuation

A water main break near Church and Isabella streets forced the evacuation of a building and the partial closing of Gloucester Street this morning.

Police reported the break on Twitter at about 7 a.m. and noted water was flooding the intersection.

This was shortly followed by news that northbound Gloucester was being closed and about half an hour later that a building was evacuated “due to water infiltration.” The building management was said to be pumping water out of the lobby.

The TT provided a bus on the scene to keep residents warm.

At noon hour, police said residents had returned to the building and roads were reopened.

Alter Kakers thumbnailWhere can a band practise around here?

After getting kicked out of a Cabbagetown garage, east-end band Alter Kakers is looking for a new place to play loud. But Toronto rehearsal spaces are drying up.

The city is looking at ways to help musicians by stopping the hemorrhaging of rehearsal spaces and creating more. See the full story.

Police shut down highways, warn residents to stay home

The Don Valley Parkway and the Gardiner Expressway have been shut down due to the snowstorm that has dumped more than a foot of snow on our streets as of about 10 a.m. today


Via social media, police were also warning Toronto residents to stay home. “We’d ask people not to travel unless it’s absolutely necessary,” they said. They advised those who had to drive to take their time, have a full tank of gas, wear warm winter clothes and pack emergency supplies.

Not everyone though thought the warnings were timely.

UPDATE: By early afternoon, police reported the eastbound Gardiner was fully open and westbound was open from Jarvis. The DVP remained closed.

pollinator garden thumbnailGardens for the bees and butterflies delayed by COVID

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.

two men sought thumbnailBloor and Church shooting ends in homicide arrest

One man has been arrested and two others are being sought in a homicide investigation, following the shooting yesterday at Bloor Street East and Church Street.

A 20-year-old Toronto man was gunned down in the area late yesterday evening. Police have released photos of the two at large. Get the story.

police car thumbnailQuick arrest after woman found dead

A 30-year-old man faces a second-degree murder charge shortly after the death of a woman, also 30, on the evening of Jan.3, police reported yesterday morning.

The woman was found without vital signs in the Palmerston-Little Italy neighbourhood and pronounced dead at hospital, police said. See the story.

LibraryLibrary branches to close temporarily

St. James Town 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 the Central Toronto area are the College/Shaw and Spadina Road libraries.

Other local branches — including the Lillian H. Smith and Parliament Street and Toronto Reference libraries — will remain open with 50-percent capacity limits. See the full story.

dundas shooting thumbnailVideo released in Dundas shooting investigation

An unidentified person suffered life-threatening injuries after being shot on Dundas Street East near Victoria Street Lane on Dec. 12 and now police have released video and images of the men they suspect.

Police described a robbery gone wrong and are seeking public help in identifying the men allegedly responsible. See the full story.

what's open thumbnailWhat’s open over Christmas weekend in Central Toronto

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.

Green candidate named in Toronto Centre

The Green Party of Ontario announced today its candidate in Toronto Centre for the next provincial election will be longtime activist Nicki Ward.

Nicki Ward headshot
NICKI WARD

“Nicki … has already made Toronto Centre a greener, more caring and more inclusive place through her dedicated advocacy work and would be an incredible representative for her community at Queen’s Park,” said Ontario Green leader Mike Schreiner.

Ward has been involved with Green politics since she was a teenager, when she joined the European Green Movement in the early 1970s. Since then she has been involved in various local Toronto movements. She has been an advocate in the areas of 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, disability rights, environmentalism and human rights, a party statement said.

“I see my candidacy with the Ontario Greens as an extension and another platform to continue doing what I already do,” Ward said. “And that’s standing up for the people of my community and being a voice for those who are not heard.”

Ward last ran for the Greens in York South–Weston riding in September’s federal election, as well as in the 2019 federal race. She has also run for city council in University–Rosedale in 2018, where she placed third.

Seven bikes routes made permanent

Bike lanes on part of Bloor Street and University Avenue, as well as five other Toronto bikeways installed as temporary responses to the pandemic last year, are to become permanent fixtures, city council agreed yesterday.

Councillors also approved expanding the city’s plans for new bike lanes to be created over the next three years. See the full story.

Thane Murray memorial thumbnailMurder charges in Thane Murray shooting

Two young men face first-degree murder charges in the investigation of the shooting of Thane Murray and two others in Regent Park on Sept. 18.

However, a third male wanted for murder is still at large, police say. They’ve released his name and image to aid in capturing him. This is what we know so far.

 

Donny Petersen sketch thumbnailFormer Hells Angels head reported dead

Donny Petersen, writer and former president of the Hells Angels motorcycle club in downtown Toronto, has reportedly died at age 74.

The demise of Petersen, who was born in Toronto and went to North Toronto Collegiate, was mourned online by his fiends and fellow bikers. See the story.

Two pedestrians seriously injured in separate incidents

Two people were rushed to hospital with serious injuries after being struck by vehicles in separate incidents within about an hour yesterday evening.

About 6:30 p.m., a female pedestrian was struck by a vehicle at Lansdowne Avenue and Dundas Street West in the Little Portugal area, police said. She was seriously injured and was taken to hospital by paramedics.

At about 7:30 p.m., a teenage girl was taken to hospital with possibly life-threatening injuries after being struck near Bathurst and Ulster streets in the Palmerston area, police report.

No other information about the incidents or the victims has been released yet.

Santa at Holiday Kickoff
SANTA CLAUS waves to kids at Cabbagetown’s Holiday in the Patch.
View from behind Christmas tree
AROUND THE TREE: A view of the celebration in the street.

Santa helps kick off the holidays

Nearly 200 kids and adults enjoyed the Holiday in the Patch event kicking off the holidays at Parliament and Carlton streets today.

In addition to Santa Claus appearing, the celebration organized by the Cabbagetown BIA featured hot cider and cookies sponsored by local businesses, a kids’ book giveaway and readings, arts and crafts, a food drive, and live music from St. James Town Community Arts — their first performance in two years.

See more photos on Instagram at StreeterToronto.

Santa Claus thumbnailDon’t miss Santa in Cabbagetown tomorrow

The Cabbagetown BIA is hosting its traditional holiday kick-off on Dec. 4 at Parliament and Carlton streets.

The Holiday in the Patch will feature live music, tree lighting, activities for the kids, hot drinks, treats and of course a visit from Santa Claus. See the event listing.

Woman in wheelchair struck, killed by cement truck

A 59-year-old woman was struck and killed while crossing Dundas Street East on Thursday morning, police are reporting today.

On Nov. 18 at about 10 a.m., the woman was crossing Dundas at Sherbourne Street when she was hit by a cement truck driven by a 56-year-old man southbound on Sherbourne, police say.

The woman died from her injuries at the scene of the collision.

Traffic Services is investigating. They ask anyone who witnessed the collision or with security or dash cam footage of the area or incident to contact them.

Greenwood Park rink thumbnailCity’s outdoor rinks to open next week

Local outdoor rinks at Rosedale Park, Central Park, Ramsden Park, Regent Park,  and several other Central Toronto locations are set to open next week — Nov. 27 — along with many others across the city.

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.

Cabbagetown remembrance thumbnailCabbagetown’s Remembrance Day in the street

Nearly 100 people gathered on the northeast corner of Carlton and Parliament streets, as the Cabbagetown BIA organized its first Remembrance Day service.

The moving highlight of the event was the BIA’s Virginia Gallop relating the life and death of a local young man who died in Afghanistan. See the story and pictures.

Video released of man sought in stabbing case

Police are still looking for a man suspected in an investigation of a stabbing on Sept. 9 near Spadina Avenue and Willcocks Street. (See Sept. 20 item below.) Today, two months after the incident, police have released security video showing a man on a TTC vehicle.

He is believed to be armed and dangerous, and should not be approached, police say.

Scifi film festival on tonight

Another reminder to science fiction fans — and film buffs. The Great Canadian Sci Fi Film Festival is showing 17 science fiction films from around the world this evening at the Royal Theatre. See the listing for more details.

Car fire on the DVP

Police posted on Twitter a picture of a car on fire by the side of the Don Valley Parkway this afternoon.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire and no injuries were reported, police said.

Toronto flag thumbnailPetition calls for a more inclusive flag

Is the Toronto flag too centred on downtown, to the exclusion of  other parts of the city? Should it better represent Indigenous people who resided here first?

An urban geographer and arborist are collecting names on a petition calling for a new flag, based on the old Metro Toronto logo that was more inclusive, they say. See the story.

Teens’ clothes reported taken in two park-area assaults

Sneakers and jackets were stolen in assaults near Trinity Bellwoods Park and Christie Pits Park, police reported today.

On Oct. 29, a group of five teenage boys assaulted two teenage boys on Queen Street West, between Crawford Street and Gore Vale Avenue, police say. The victims suffered cuts and bruises and a pair of sneakers were taken, before their alleged attackers fled the area.

On Oct. 31, a group of five to six teenage boys were reported to have assaulted two teenage boys  in the Christie Street and Garnet Avenue area, near Christie Pits Park and stolen their jackets, before fleeing.

The boys suspected in the assaults  are described as white and black with ages about 15 to 17.

Robbery investigators say these park areas are being regularly patrolled but they are asking that people remain extra vigilant when travelling through them on public transit or walking at night. If possible, travel with a friend and be aware of your surroundings, they advise.

Spaced Out thumbnailSpace out at the library

If you’re a scifi fan, it is futile to resist attending the “Spaced Out” exhibit showcasing some of the weird and wonderful things held by the Merril Collection.

It’s continuing daily at the Toronto Reference Library until Jan. 2, 2022. And it’s free. See the Things To Do listing.

pumpkin parade thumbnailWhere to take your jack-o-lantern tomorrow

Riverdale West and Trinity Bellwoods are among the parks putting on pumpkin parades tomorrow evening.

Instead of throwing out your jack-o-lantern after tonight’s festivities, take it (and a candle) to the nearest park to become part of the parade. Then return in the evening to enjoy the event. See the Things To Do Listing.

gund=s and drugs seized thumbnailArrest at Church and Gerrard led to 22 gun and drug charges

On Oct. 27 officers from the Gun and Gang Task Force arrested a man alleged to possess two loaded firearms.

But this led to a search in Mississauga and the discovery of more firearms and of drugs thought to be intended for trafficking — and 22 charges for the arrested man, police reported today. See the story.

patio thumbnailGood news if you enjoy dining next to traffic

The sidewalk and curb-lane patios that have been part of the experience of dining downtown and in central Toronto during the pandemic may become a permanent feature of city 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.

Chrystia Freeland thumbnailFreeland and Ien both in cabinet

Chrystia Freeland is back with a couple of top jobs, while Marci Ien is making her debut as a federal minister, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau named and swore in his new cabinet today.

They are just two of six Toronto MPs, plus GTA representatives, to be appointed. See more.

Shooting victim in hospital with serious injuries

Officers, responding to several calls reporting multiple gunshots and people running, found a shooting victim near Parliament and Wellesley streets Sunday about 8:20 p.m.

Police said in a social media post, the victim was sent to hospital with unknown injuries, later described as serious.

Also found at the site were numerous bullet casings. Police are investigating.

El Mocambo murals thumbnailLaneway murals celebrate resilience of local communities — and the El Mocambo reopening

Twenty-four mural painted by 25 street, mural and graffiti artists are gracing El Mocambo Lane behind the storied music venue, which is scheduled to reopen Oct. 30.

But the wider point of the project, which launched Oct. 18, is to celebrate the resilience of local businesses and communities, the city says. Read all about it.

Terry Fox murals thumbnailWhich Terry Fox mural do you like best?

The city last week unveiled five designs by street and mural artists, proposed to cover eight stories of a University Avenue building in tribute to Terry Fox, whose Marathon of Hope took him down the street in 1980.

The public is being asked to provide feedback on the murals before a committee, including members of the Fox family, will make the final choice. See the full story and designs.

Get vaxxed at the station

Bathurst 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 St. Clair West, Finch West, Islington, Kennedy and Union.

University-Rosedale candidate named by Liberals

Liberals have nominated Andrea Barrack, former CEO of the Ontario Trillium Foundation, as their candidate for University–Rosedale in the Ontario election next year.

The riding is currently held by Jessica Bell, the NDP critic for housing, urban planning and tenant rights, who won in 2018 with nearly 50 per cent of the vote.

Barrack has lived in the riding for the last decade and was named in the Women’s Executive Network Top 100 Most Powerful Women in the Trendsetter and Trailblazer category.

“As someone who’s dedicated so much of my career to fostering change in organizations, I look forward to using that experience to bring positive change to the people of University—Rosedale,” Barrack said in a statement yesterday.

Waste Reduction Week thumbnailLearn to reduce waste at free city workshops

Toronto and its partners are hosting online events and workshops to help residents reduce the amount of waste going to landfill during the 20th anniversary of Waste Reduction Week from Oct. 18 to Oct. 24.

You can register starting now for the series of free events held each day of the week. See our Things To Do listing for details.

wanted for assault
WANTED: Image released by police.

Man wanted in Dundas Square sexual assault investigation

Police have released images of a man they say is wanted after a sexual assault in the Yonge-Dundas Square area three days ago.

On Oct. 3 at 7:10 p.m, a 23-year-old woman was walking in the area when an unknown man allegedly approached and assaulted her.

The man is described as 5-foot-8 and 250 pounds, with a black beard.

He was wearing a green camouflage hooded shirt, grey loose fitting pants, a black baseball cap with a white emblem on the front, and black and white shoes, police said.

climate action thumbnailBecome a 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.

View free public art this weekend

Public art installations are on view outdoors for free starting this evening on Yorkville Avenue and running evenings until Sunday.

Yorkville Avenue between Bellair Street and Hazelton Avenue will be closed to traffic from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. nightly and Sunday starting at noon for the exhibition. A free mural activation will be available for all starting Friday through the weekend. See more in Things To Do.

Central Toronto election signs thumbnailIen and Freeland take central ridings in Liberal sweep

Toronto Centre MP Julie Dabrusin and University-Rosedale’s Chrystia Freeland were both easily re-elected in yesterday’s federal election. The two Liberal incumbents in central Toronto ridings were part of the red sweep of Toronto.

For Green Party voters, though, the biggest news may have been leader Annamie Paul’s poor showing in her third attempt in Toronto Centre.

Here’s what happened locally.

Images of man released in Spadina streetcar stabbing

Spadina streetcar stabbing suspect
Police images of man sought in stabbing.

A man received life-threatening injuries during a stabbing on a Spadina streetcar more than a week ago, police have reported.

Today they released security images of a man whose identity they are seeking

On Sept. 9 at 10:48 p.m., officers responded to a call for the stabbing near Spadina Avenue and Willcocks Street.

Two men were reportedly involved in a verbal altercation on a northbound streetcar when one man stabbed the other man multiple times.

The man being sought was last seen walking south on Spadina. He is described as 5-foot-8 with short brown hair and glasses. He was wearing a light-coloured shirt with a black collar, dark jacket with hood, dark pants and dark shoes.

This man is believed to be armed and dangerous and should not be approached, police say.

Axis Condos thumbnailChurch Street condo honoured for design excellence

The Axis Condos tower at 411 Church St., was among the new buildings honoured by the city at the Toronto Urban Design Awards yesterday.

The awards, held every two years, recognized 26 design projects, most of them already built, that contribute to the city’s livability. See the full story.

Morris returns as Liberal candidate for provincial election

David Morris is taking another kick at the can of provincial politics. He has been nominated for the second time as Ontario Liberal candidate for Toronto Centre in next year’s election.

The riding is currently held by MPP Suze Morrison, the NDP critic for housing and women’s issues, who in 2018 won close to 54 per cent of the vote, nearly doubling Morrison’s tally.

Morris, a community advocate and former chair of the 519 Community Centre, said in a statement yesterday he is honoured to once again be chosen as the party’s candidate.

“When I first put my name on the ballot in 2018, it was because I believed in Liberal values of fairness, inclusion and progressive change,” he said. “Today, in these unprecedented times, leadership centered on those values is even more crucial — and the residents of Toronto Centre want to see a real plan to make life easier for those in our communities who are most often left behind.”

COVID at Bloor Street grocery store

The Metro grocery store at 425 Bloor St. W., west of Spadina Avenue, reported today two employees have tested positive for COVID-19. Their last days of work are listed as Aug. 29 and 31.

Metro is one of the few major chains still reporting COVID figures from its stores. Loblaw, for example, stopped posting testing results as of July 1, before the fourth wave hit, citing decreasing case numbers in its stores and across the country.

255 Brunswick thumbnailGroup raising funds to appeal Brunswick renovation

The proposal to renovate and expand a former church to create a six-unit apartment building in Harbord Village has sparked the formation of a group to stop it. The Friends of 225 Brunswick have started a GoFundMe page, hoping to raise $40,000 for their fight before the Toronto Local Appeal Board over the next two months.

The group blames the Harbord Village Residents’ Association for having kept residents in the dark about the plan until it was a “done deal,” but the HVRA contends it did everything to encourage discussion between residents and press the developer to modify the plans. See the full story.

 

Cyclist struck and killed by dump truck in

An 18-year-old was cycling north on Avenue Road near Bloor Street at about 6 p.m. yesterday when he was hit by a dump truck and died at the scene, police say.

The truck was reportedly driven by a 50-year-old man in the same curb lane the cyclist was riding in.

Investigators are asking residents, businesses, and drivers who were witnesses or have security or dash-cam footage of the area or incident to contact them.

Man sought for attempted murder with knife

Attempted murder suspect in police photo.

Toronto Police said today they are seeking a 31-year-old man for attempted murder since another man was stabbed near Sherbourne and Carlton streets on Aug. 10.

It is alleged that at about 9:20 p.m. two men became involved in a verbal and physical altercation when one man pulled a knife.

The victim was transported to hospital with a stab wound to the stomach, police said in a news release.

An investigation identified a suspect as Kyle Arsenault, 31 of Toronto, who is wanted for attempted murder, aggravated assault and assault with a weapon.

He is described as 5-foot-10, with a slim build, dark hair and multiple tattoos. Investigators also released his image.

Pool hours extended during heat wave

The city is extending pool hours at seven outdoor pools, including Alex Duff Memorial Pool in Christie Pits, after a heat warning issued by Environment and Climate Change Canada yesterday.

The selected pools will be open, weather permitting, until 11:45 p.m. tonight and may continue to have extended hours until the heat warning ends.

During the extended evening hours, from 8 to 11:45 p.m., pool access will be walk-in only and online reservations will not be available, the city said in a press release today.

Spadina closed after shooting thumbnailTwo dead after Spadina shooting

Two men were killed and two wounded in a shooting on Spadina Avenue near Nassau Street in the Chinatown business district yesterday, police say.

Police are still investigating the incident that happened before 6 a.m. on Aug. 8. Here’s what we know so far.

DVP shut down for weekend

You can expect busier than usual streets in the area this weekend as the Don Valley Parkway is closed for annual maintenance. The city has announced the closure from Friday, April 6, 11 p.m. to Monday, April 9, 5 a.m.

People travelling around Toronto on the weekend should consider using public transit, such as TTC or GO Transit, the city advises.

Alternate routes suggested for drivers include Kingston Road, Victoria Park Avenue, Leslie Street, Bayview Avenue and Avenue Road.

Murder victim identified

The victim of the July 28 alleged murder by stabbing at Gerard Street East and River Street has been identified as Yan Qing Sun, 51, of Toronto.

Police say they are seeking information about Yan’s movements in the hours before his death.

Yan is described as Asian, 5-foot-8, 150 pounds and having short black hair. He was wearing a white shirt, dark-coloured vest, black shorts, black boots, and a shiny black baseball-style hat. He had headphones around his neck and a grey and green backpack on his back, police say.

Shalender Singh, 34, of Toronto has been charged with first-degree murder.

Gerrard-River thumbnailFirst-degree murder charged in Gerard Street knifing

Police have charged a 34-year-old man with first-degree murder after an alleged stabbing at Gerard Street East and River Street yesterday morning.

Emergency responders were called to the Regent Park neighbourhood after reports of an altercation between two men. See the story.

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.

Bell presses for protection of overheated tenants

University-Rosedale MPP Jessica Bell, NDP critic for Tenant Rights, held a press conference today urging the Ontario government to protect tenants living in dangerously hot apartments.

Joined by Scarborough ACORN leader Kiri Vadivelu, Friends of Kensington Maarket representative Anna Lipman, and tenant Summer Leigh whose home is allegedly too hot, Bell  noted no limits have been set on maximum temperatures within residential units, leaving tenants vulnerable to uncomfortable and unsafe heat.

“With climate change leading to hotter and more frequent heatwaves, it’s time to protect tenants who deserve to live in safe and comfortable homes,” Bell said.

Bell and Toronto Centre MPP Suze Morrison have sent a public letter to Ontario Housing Minister Steve Clark, demanding the government work with public health units to establish a maximum temperature to ensure safety, as well as take other measures to protect tenants.

 

five sought in stabbing thumbnailImages released in July 6 stabbing investigation

Police have released images showing five men near city hall when a 15-year-old boy was repeatedly stabbed and robbed three weeks ago.

Their identities are being sought in the police investigation. Police called them armed and dangerous. See the story.

Twenty-three neighbourhoods COVID-free on latest city map

The city’s latest COVID-19 map now shows 23 neighbourhoods in Toronto — including Rosedale and Moore Park — 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. And the Church-Yonge Corridor remains one of the worst-hit areas. Get the whole picture.

148 Avenue Road thumbnailHighrise tower proposed for Avenue and Davenport

Developers are proposing a 35-storey condominium tower to be built at the northwest corner of Avenue and Davenport roads.

An application for a zoning bylaw amendment was received by the city on July 7, allowing them to build on the five properties there that currently house two and three-storey retail buildings.  Here’s what we know so far.

Men in Queen's Park thumbnail

IDs of men who allegedly attacked masked woman sought

Two months ago a woman wearing a mask reported being accosted by a a group of men without masks in Queen’s Park.

Now police have released photos of men in the park as they seek identifications in their ongoing investigation. See the story and photos.

Jack Layton campaigning thumbnailStar-studded lineup announced for Jack Layton tribute

University-Rosedale councillor Mike Layton visited his father’s statue and announced the lineup of artists and special guests taking part in the celebration of Jack Layton’s legacy on Aug. 22.

“Almost 10 years on, Jack’s message of love, hope and optimism is as important as ever — and that’s what this celebration is all about,” Mike Layton said in a statement July 18. See the full story.

Alexandra Park thumbnailAlexandra Park cleared relatively peacefully

Nine people, most of them not living in Alexandra Park’s encampment, were arrested yesterday as city staff talked the park’s residents into leaving — still a far cry from the more raucous confrontations at Trinity Bellwoods Park a month earlier.

Police arrived early in the morning to erect a metal fence keeping protesters and media a distance from the camp. Here’s the story.

 

Man made himself at home in her apartment, woman reports

A 33-year-old woman came back to her apartment in the Yonge and Gloucester streets area to find a man making himself at home on July 19, police say.

Officers responded to a call for a break and enter at about 5 p.m. and were told a man had cooked a meal, stolen personal items, and worn clothing items belonging to the woman.

When she called police, the man reportedly fled the apartment.

A 35-year-old male was located by officers a short time later and charged with breaking and entering.

He appeared in court at College Park on July 21.

Alexandra Park to be cleared by city today

Nearly a month after a similar exercise in Trinity Bellwoods Park led to a standoff between police and protesters, the city is clearing homeless encampments out of nearby Alexandra Park.

“The City will officially close Alexandra Park today to allow staff to engage with encampment occupants, encouraging them to accept offers of safe indoor accommodation,” said a statement released this morning. “All individuals will be required to leave the park, which will allow City crews to start removing debris and restoring the grounds.”

The city began the enforcement of trespass notices that were issued at Alexandra Park on June 12, the statement said. This will affect an estimated 28 to 35 experiencing homelessness and camped in the park, and more than 60 makeshift structures, including tents.

The park’s residents are being offered the opportunity to move into safe, indoor space with access to meals, showers and laundry, harm reduction and health supports, the city says.

One man sought in two Bloor Street sex assault investigations

sought in sexual assault investigations
Police image of man sought in sexual assault investigations.

A man believed by police to have been involved in sexual assaults on two days along Bloor Street is being sought. Images of the suspect have been released.

The latest incident occurred yesterday before 2:43 p.m. when officers were called to the area of Dovercourt Road and Bloor Street West.

It was reported a 24-year-old woman was followed out of a store by an unknown man who grabbed her from behind and assaulted her, before fleeing the area.

On July 17 officers had responded to a call near Park Road and Bloor Street East area.

A 45-year-old woman was walking down the street when she was approached from behind by stranger who allegedly grabbed her and assaulted her, before fleeing.

The man in both cases is described as 5-foot-7 to 5-foot-10, 180–200 pounds with a medium to heavy build.

identity soughtDo you remember seeing this man—19 years ago?

Police are trying to identify the remains of a man found near the Don River at the Queen Street Bridge on July 26, 2002.

Recently the Ontario Forensic Pathology Service and Office of the Chief Coroner, with the assistance of police, have undertaken to have three artist renditions completed of the deceased to assist in someone recognizing him.

They hope this helps to bring some resolution to both his family and the investigation, Toronto police said in a press release yesterday.

The man is described as 30–40 years, 5-foot-5 and 217 pounds, with long black hair and a slight moustache. He was wearing a red t-shirt, a blue Roots sweater, brown cargo style pants, a black belt, white socks, and black and white running shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7411,

man sought for sexual assault
A man is sought by police for sexual assault.

Guitar-playing man sought after alleged sexual assault

Police have released images of a man reported to have assaulted a woman near Queen’s Park on April 10.

It is alleged a woman met a man who was playing guitar in Wilson Station before they travelled to the area of Queens Park Crescent East and Grosvenor Street. The man allegedly sexually assaulted the woman and left the area with her belongings.

The 33-year-old Toronto man is wanted on five charges including sexual assault with choking, forcible confinement and theft.

He is described as 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, with short red hair and a thin beard. He reportedly wears large rings on his fingers.

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.

Little Italy roads blocked by soccer celebration

Roads around College and Clinton Street — the heart of Little Italy — were filled with hundreds of soccer fans celebrating Italy’s victory in the Euro Cup semifinals this evening.

The match against Spain ended in a 1-1 tie but Italy won in the penalty shootout to move on to the final. Italy hasn’t won the championship since 1988.

Police advised at about 6 p.m. for drivers to consider alternate routes of travel.

Woman killed crossing Don Valley Parkway

A 21-year-old woman has died from injuries received when she was struck on the DVP near the Gerrard Street bridge last night.

Police got the call at about 10:30 p.m. They reported the woman was apparently crossing the road on foot and was hit by a vehicle travelling south in the far right lane.

Her injuries were severe and she succumbed to them, police said.

The driver of the vehicle reportedly remained on the scene.

Investigators from Traffic Services are interested in speaking to people who assisted the pedestrian and are seeking security or dash camera footage of the area or incident.

encampment thumbnailAttempt to clear camp leads to confrontation

Police and advocates for the homeless encampment in Trinity Bellwoods Park faced off today as the city tried to convince the camp’s inhabitants to leave.

Police and security staff erected fencing around the camp while protesters formed a human chain around the tents. Get the full story.

MPPs holding ’emergency town hall’ on hot apartments

University-Rosedale MPP Jessica Bell and Toronto Centre MPP Suze Morrison (Toronto Centre) are holding a virtual “emergency town hall” tomorrow evening to address tenant rights and safety issues in dangerously hot apartments.

“With no clear rules in Ontario regulating high temperatures in apartments and as summer temperatures rise, tenants living in dangerously hot apartments are uncomfortable, sweltering, and potentially at risk of dehydration and illness,” the two NDP reps said in a press release.

The meeting is held at 6 p.m. June 22 via Facebook or via Zoom with registration.

Bell and Morrison are to be joined by community legal expert Helle Hulgaard, tenant organizer Prophetess Reid, and tenants struggling with landlords who threaten to evict them for supplying their own air conditioning, they said.

Bayview ActiveTO thumbnailCity bows to pressure to close Bayview for ActiveTO

Cyclists and pedestrians have not appreciated Bayview Avenue being taken off the list of roads closed to vehicles during ActiveTO weekends, restricting people to the multi-use trails running alongside the traffic lanes.

City staff heard the complaints and the southern end of the road is back on the list this weekend, Mayor John Tory announced yesterday. See the story with details for this weekend’s closures.

Arrest for ‘hate-motivated mischief’

A man was arrested yesterday, ten days after anti-Semitic graffiti was sprayed on the windows of a business owned by a member of the Jewish community near Kensington Avenue and Baldwin Street, police report.

The incident that allegedly took place May 6 at about 10 p.m. was investigated, in consultation with the police hate crime unit, as “hate motivated mischief,” according to a police statement today.

A 29-year-old man of no fixed address is charged with mischief under $5,000. He is to appear in court today.

man charged with vehicle break-ins thumbnail

Arrest for 115 vehicle break-ins

A 54-year-old man faces 121 charges after a lengthy police investigation of a spate of vehicle break-ins, the majority of them in the Annex area.

The 115 alleged break-ins took place in parking garages between November 17 and June 7, police said today. 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.

snow clearing thumbnailSnow-clearing extended to all our sidewalks

After a two-year trial with new, smaller sidewalk plows in Toronto Centre, University-Rosedale and other wards, Toronto is extending its snow-clearing program to all its sidewalks, council decided yesterday.

“Council’s approval today will ensure we can provide sidewalk snow removal across the city starting this winter,” Mayor John Tory said.  Get the full story.

Arrest after sexual assault, indecent acts in condo building

A 23-year-old Toronto man was arrested after officers were called to a condominium building near Sherbourne Street and Dundas Street East yesterday at about 5:30 p.m.

A man had allegedly followed a 56-year-old woman into an elevator in the lobby and onto her floor, verbally abusing her. He then allegedly followed her into her apartment and sexually assaulted her, police report.

Police say the man had previously been in the stairwell of the building committing indecent acts and propositioning women in the building for sex.

Cody Rodgers, 23, was arrested and faces five charges, including assault with a weapon, aggravated sexual assault and assault by choking.

He was scheduled to appear virtually in court today.

 

Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market back today

The market is back at Riverdale Park West with local, sustainable food products.

The Cabbagetown Farmers’ Market is on every Tuesday, starting today at 3 p.m. until 7 p.m.. and running into October.

Three walk into hospital with wounds after gunshots in St. James Town area

Several callers reported hearing gunshots and seeing people flee near Wellesley Street East and Bleecker Street, according to a police statement on social media at 9:50 p.m. yesterday.

Shortly afterwards, officers were advised three victims had walked into a hospital with gunshot wounds.

Officers also found evidence of a shooting at the scene.

An investigation is ongoing, police say.

 

Drugs lost on Yonge subway line

Somewhere on the subway line between Dundas Station and Rosedale Station, medication including methadone was lost about nine days ago, police are advising today.

The drugs, originally in a black backpack, were lost on May 21 at about 7 p.m. They include six bottles of methadone, 28 pills of clonidine and 14 pills of seroquel.

They could be harmful, even fatal, if ingested, especially by children, police warn.

Pedestrian dies from injuries

A 58-year-old woman has died nearly a week after being struck by an SUV on Dundas Street East at Sherbourne Street, police reported yesterday evening.

On May 21 at about 3:25 a.m., a female pedestrian was crossing Dundas when she was struck by a Volkswagen SUV driven by a 23-year-old man, police reported then.

The woman was said to have suffered significant injuries and was transported to hospital in critical condition.

On May 27, she succumbed to her injuries, police now say. An investigation by Traffic Services is continuing.

Arrest after nine commercial break-ins

A man broke into nine commercial buildings in the Church and Wellesley neighbourhood and in the Queen Street East and Sherbourne Street area between May 19 and May 27, police reported today.

But when officers responded to call for a break and enter in the Queen and Sherbourne area on May 27, they ended up arresting a man found a short distance away.

Police thanked the public for assistance in finding the man, which they said would help prevent future break and enters in the area.

Mathieu Blaquiere, 36, faces nine counts of break and enter, as well as failure to comply with a probation order and failure to comply with a release order. He appeared in court virtually on May 28.

rental apartments thumbnailApartment rents down in local neighbourhoods during pandemic

The Cabbagetown-South St. James Town 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 area it calls the Church-Yonge corridor is close behind. Respectively, their rents decreased 29 and 23 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.

Bayview not part of latest road closures

ActiveTO road closures on 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.

You’ll notice the southern leg of Bayview Avenue 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.”

A partial closure of Allen Road is also being planned, but not for this weekend. for ActiveTO next weekend. The Allen’s northbound lanes between Eglinton and Lawrence avenues are expected to be closed to vehicles from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, June 5.

man at cage thumbnailMan sought for alleged indecent act after woman locked self in cage to escape him

Police are seeking to identify a man who allegedly exposed himself to a woman after she locked herself in a bicycle cage to evade him Friday morning.

Police have released images of a man in the garage in hopes of identifying him in the investigation of an indecent act. See the story.

Qi Sushi thumbnailPopular Gerrard Street sushi place closing

Patrons have reacted with sadness to the news that Qui Sushi at 358 Gerrard St. E. is shutting down permanently after this holiday weekend.

The closure was announced by owner Jennifer Park on Facebook on May 19 after nearly a decade of serving Cabbagetown and Regent Park customers. Read the news.

Outdoor recreationTennis, basketball and other outdoor recreations are back

Local tennis courts, basketball courts and sports fields 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.

LJS Khasos thumbnailNew restaurant replaces Peartree on Parliament

Peartree Restaurant, a 27-year staple of Cabbagetown life, shut down for good this spring after the death of its owner due to COVID-19. But a new establishment, LJS Khasos Restaurant and Bar, appears to have been quickly welcomed into the neighbourhood in its place.

See the article on LJS Khasos which opened on May 17.

police car fourth man arrested thumbnailTwo more bank robberies before fourth man arrested

Four men were alleged to have robbed a series of banks in downtown Toronto and East York in April but only three men were arrested.

Now, following two more holdups, apparently by one man, the fourth suspect has been arrested. Get the full story.

Arrest made in robbery investigation

Toronto Police Service have arrested a man in their investigation of that robbery of an 81-year-old at Yonge Street and Carlton Avenue. (See May 14 item below.)

On May 16 a man was charged with robbery, assault with a weapon, and robbery with an offensive weapon.

Idrisa Jallow, 37, is to appear in court today.

 

assault on St. Luke Lane police image
SOUGHT: Images of man are released by police after “unprovoked assault.”

Images released of man sought in ‘unprovoked assault’ case

Police have released images of a man sought in the investigation of an afternoon assault nearly two months ago.

On March 24 at about 4 p.m., a man made an unprovoked assault on a woman walking along St. Luke Lane near College and Yonge streets, police said.

He was last seen walking westbound along Grenville Street west of Bay Street, wearing a blue jacket and khaki pants.

Several images have been released by police today in hopes of identifying the man.

Isaac Crosby thumbnailInvasive species in our ravines called danger to native vegetation, wildlife

The Brick