March 2020 Web: www.torontonewswire.com Email: [email protected] Number 16 Buy local. Live local. City passes Transit Corridor for Lakeshore By TOM GODFREY the plan will have a negative impact on Mimico, New Toronto and Long Branch claiming the Despite anxiety by many residents, Toron- HOTC lacked proper consultation with the affect- to City Council have approved a Higher ed communities. “The Lake Shore communities Order Transit Corridor, or dedicated tran- already have higher order transit,” says Christine sit lines, to run along Lake Shore Blvd. Mercado, chair of the Long Branch Neighbour- W., through Mimico, New Toronto and hood Association (LBNA). “We have the GO Long Branch. CHRISTINE MERCADO AND MEMBERS OF THE LONG BRANCH Neighbourhood which moves people along Lake Ontario towards A vote by Council on February 25 desig- Association have been keeping track of a Council approved Higher Order downtown Toronto.” nated Lake Shore Blvd., from Park Lawn Transit Corridor to run along Lake Shore Blvd. W. File photos. She says the Waterfront Transit Reset Plan, in Rd., to Etobicoke Creek a “higher order which the dedicated transit ends at Park Lawn transit corridor” (HOTC), which means there would be that may be built in the corridors,” according to a City Rd., but improves service west of Legion Rd., was ap- dedicated lanes for trains, streetcars or buses at some report. proved in 2018 after many consultations. point in the next 20-years. “The corridors are simply identified for general protec- The LBNA say studies have shown that Lake Shore A meeting to change the City’s Official plan, or tion,” the report states, adding they will be consistent Blvd. is not wide enough for dedicated lanes for an Amendment 456, was attended by residents concerned with Metrolinx's The Big Move and Regional Trans- LRT, streetcars; car traffic; bicycles; parking for retail that Light Rail Transit (LRTs) would be used along the portation Plan. and pedestrian sidewalks. Lake Shore, but it is not being considered. “Enhancements in the corridors could take many forms Current growth is directed by the Official Plan to Stra- The HOTC along Lakeshore ‘does not imply anything and the details would be subject to public consulta- tegic Growth Areas. In Long Branch, that is north of specific about the nature or timing of transit projects tion,” according to the report. Some residents believe Lake Shore where the Minto Development is and along Lake Shore Blvd W. Church a busy hub for clothing and spiritual needs A 105-year-old Long Branch church “Many of the people who we see are newcomers to has been proudly outfitting many needy Canada or those facing difficulties in their lives,” residents and newcomer families for free Olga explains. “They are from all over and speak for more than three decades. different languages.” Every Friday morning a large room in Residents can arrange to leave their new or gently used clothing or other items at the church, by ring- the basement of the Long Branch Bap- ing a bell on the door. Dozens of volunteers will tist Church is turned into a clothing out- AREA VOLUNTEERS (left) AID OLGA SHEVCHENKO, (middle) of the Long Branch sort and place the items on shelves or racks. let where new or gently used clothing, Baptist Church, as they get ready to greet residents attending their clothing “We can always use more mens’ clothing, gloves, outlet as kids (right) have fun with the toys. Photos by Tom Godfrey. toys, or household items and necessities boots, socks or underwear,” Olga says. “There is are available at no cost to those who always a shortage of items for men.” live in the community. A group of people sit on a staircase waiting for the out- The outlet also accepts dishes, pots, blankets, children’s Most residents in need know the Long Branch church is let to open at 9 a.m. It closes at 11 a.m. items and toys, pillows, other household goods and a place to go for clothing, or services to cater to their Downstairs Olga Shevchenko, an outreach director of there is a demand for strollers. The users are allowed to spiritual needs. the church, and a group of volunteers await the first take home with them a large garbage bag filled with It is a freezing Friday morning and already a line of eight or nine people. They can get up to 100 people or clothing and other items. people has formed inside the lobby of the 3381 Lake more looking for items during the two hours.. Some- “Some people do need everything,” she says. “There is Shore Blvd. W. church times it gets really packed in here,” Olga says. a big demand for the clothing and other items.” MP-Col. JEL Streight tough as nails .. Page 3 2 The South Etobicoke News March 2020 Six 22 Div. officers with 200-years MOU signed with police and of experience retire from the force Somali moms to fight gangs More than 200-years forward to seeing you in of combined police your new civilian role. experience from 22 Thank you and Division have been congratulations.” lost as six well-liked Also gone is Det. Sgt. officers are among Joanne Rudnick, who served those to recently 31-years and 11-months on retire from the the force; many spent Toronto Police investigating and collaring some viscious sex crime Service. offenders. “We salute and wish We also miss Det. Barb our well-deserving Kohl, who over the years retirees the best of TORONTO POLICE SIGN Memorandum of Understanding with mothers from the Somali has helped to search for a health, happiness and community to help improve safety. TPS photo. number of missing people in peace in the next the area. chapter of their Toronto Police have signed a curb gun violence ‘currently impacting Sgt. Lisa Ferris, a former lives,” officers said HAPPY RETIREMENT and thanks for Memorandum of Understanding with a the Somali-Canadian community.’ the 205-years of service. bike cop, is being of their departing group of mothers from the Somali The mothers form the Mending a Crack congratulated on her colleagues on a re- community to help improve safety and in the Sky (MCIS) initiative. Many are retirement after many years in a series of tirement poster. A private retirement gala better serve residents. survivors of acute trauma, who organize roles on the TPS. is planned for April 16. Some mothers of Midaynta Community immediate support to youth and families. Long-time Sgt. John Clarke, an avid skier, Among those who’ve left include the pop- Services (MCS) signed the MOU on Feb- MCS stresses that the violence they re- has also moved on. Clarke and four Toron- ular Staff Sgt. Doug MacDonald, who has ruary 8 with police officials and dignitar- spond to is concentrated among Canadi- to Police officers in 2017 represented city, 30-years of service, and was thanked on- ies, including Jim Hart, chair of the an-born Somali youth whose country, and service at the North Ameri- line by dozens of colleagues, including Toronto Police Services Board. communities face disproportionate levels can Police Ski-Snowboard Championships community residents from the Mimico By “This MOU represents an important op- of homicide, gun and gang violence, men- in Snowmass, Colorado. The Lake BIA and Lakeshore Village BIA. portunity to demonstrate through action a tal illness, and incarceration. Thank you also goes out to Booker Ed “So glad to have worked with you in this commitment to partnership in an effort to They propose culturally sensitive pro- Taylor and SDO Cindy Dodardo for great community,” according to a post by enhance community safety,” says Hart. gramming and healing which align to the serving the residents of our community. the Lakeshore Village BIA. “We look Police say the MOU establishes a formal city’s guidelines in addressing anti-Black and equal working relationship between racism and mental health. The proposal is the Board, Toronto Police Services and unprecedented and innovated to be effec- Coffee with Cops a success Midaynta, who has a mandate to improve tive for members of the Somali-Canadian COMMUNITY RESPONSE OFFICERS FROM 22 Division the safety of young Somali males and community in Toronto, officials say. (with baby left) held a ‘Coffee with the Cops’ session to TORONTO POLICE WELCOME open a dialogue with members of the Bloor St. W. area. Deputy Chief James more than 90 Humber College The attendance for the last February 23 forum was very Ramer (left) did the students (right) who were invested high as residents and businesses talked to officers about honours last Februay 24 into a Scouts Canada Rovers their concerns, which included everything from traffic at Toronto Police program, which is designed to issues to petty thefts. College, which was prepare young people for careers in The meeting was held at Starbucks, at 3079 Bloor St. W. witnessed by by many The coffee chain has a long history of working with local police officers and businesses in law enforcement and to give back to the community by volunteering. family members in keeping our communities safe. Photos courtesy of Toronto Police. attendance. Trial & Appeal Lawyer Affordable and Effective Legal Representation in Employment, Human Rights, Professional Discipline and Criminal Law Phone 416-364-8908 or [email protected] Dr. George Vouronikos Happily taking Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) patients 3080 Lake Shore Blvd. W. Call 416-259-3705 or visit us at www.ridleyfuneralhome.com The South Etobicoke News March 2020 3 MP Col. Streight escaped from seven German POW camps By TOM GODFREY until reaching the Dutch border where he was recap- Toronto, Long Branch tured.