DAILY UPDATES

East York Daily Updates

Police report:

Danforth-Carlaw shooting victim identified

Police have released the identity of the victim as well as other information about yesterday’s fatal shooting at Danforth and Carlaw avenue.

See the Streeter news story for details.

Police at Danforth-Carlaw shooting
HOMICIDE SCENE: Police investigate fatal shooting on Carlaw Avenue at Danforth Avenue. (Jay Garak/Streeter)
Police report:

Fatal shooting in Greektown

One person is dead after gunfire at Danforth and Carlaw avenues early today—not far from where a memorial to the victims of the 2018 Danforth shootings was held yesterday.

Police have released no information on the victim or the suspects. But here’s what we know so far in Streeter News.

front of Canada Day parade
IS THIS THE FRONT? The head of East York’s Canada Day parade. (Alexei Malakhov/Streeter)
Update:

Canada Day parade a hit with all

Hundreds lined Cosburn Avenue as East York’s famous Canada Day Parade wound its way to Stan Wadlow Park, where many more people joined the day-long festivities and evening fireworks.

The July 1 event even attracted the city’s newly elected mayor Olivia Chow — and a certain famous pig.

See more about the parade, including pictures at Streeter news.

Kiwanis Outdoor Pool
EARLY OPENING: The Kiwanis pool on Cedarvale Avenue is one of several east-end pools opening June 17.
Update:

Some pools opening early, some not

The city is opening 10 outdoor pools tomorrow for weekends and evenings, well ahead of its usual full-schedule start on June 30. Among them are several east-end pools, including Kiwanis Outdoor Pool at 375 Cedarvale Ave. and Monarch Park at 117 Felstead Ave.

The rest should open next weekend, the city says But not one of the east end’s favourite swimming facilities.

The city has decided to keep Donald D. Summerville Olympic Pools at 1867 Lake Shore Blvd. E. (Ashbridges Bay) closed for the entire season for critical repairs.

You can check each hours of operation for swimming pools and wading pools on the city’s Drop-in Swimming and Water Play page.

Danforth Pape Home Hardware closing
GOING, NOT GONE: Home Hardware is closing at Pape and Danforth, but looking for a new site. (Alexei Malakhov/Streeter)
Update:

Danforth Pape Home Hardware closing

Danforth Pape Home Hardware is shutting down at 680 Danforth Ave., a victim of the Ontario Line subway, which is to be constructed with a connection to Pape Station.

But the popular home improvement shop expects to reappear elsewhere in the east end. An employee tells us no new location has been found yet, as nothing nearby has enough space to accommodate the store, but the community will be notified as soon as a new place is found.

Mark your calendar:

Fletcher to hold online construction update

Toronto-Danforth councillor Paula Fletcher is planning an update on all the construction in the ward this summer. The Zoom meeting is to take June 20 at 7 p.m.

The work includes replacement of streetcar tracks on Broadview Avenue, the start of the above-ground Ontario Line, ongoing work on the Gardiner Expressway, and upgrades to the Lower Don Trail.

To join the discussion, register in advance with Zoom.

pickleball thumbnail

Streeter news:

Pickleball taking over our surfaces

City staff are scrambling to set up courts for pickleball — Toronto’s fastest growing sport and social activity.

Unused parking lots, ice rinks, tennis courts and other flat surfaces are all fair game for being converted to accommodate the growing numbers of pickleball players across Toronto.

Get the full story in Streeter news.

June 10 REMINDER: Don’t forget, if you’re planning to take transit this weekend, the subway line between Broadview and Woodbine stations is closed. (See June 5 item below.)
Summerlicious at Papyrus
EAST-END TREATS: Some of the Summerlicious offerings from Papyrus on Danforth Avenue. (City of Toronto)
Things to do:

Summer food fest concentrated in Riverdale

Summerlicious is back on July 7 to 23, the city has announced, but you’ll have to wait until June 29 to make reservations for the prix fixe lunch and dinner event.

In the east end, nine eateries are registered for the event but they’re concentrated in the Riverdale area with five on Danforth Avenue and four others in the south end of Riverdale, according to our reading of the sometimes confusing map on the Summerlicious webpage.

More than 200 restaurants across Toronto are taking part this year, offering three-course lunch menus from $20 to $55, and dinners from $25 to $75, the city says.

raccoon thumbnailStreeter news:

Jump in raccoon sickness, bites and scratches

A “significant increase” in reports of sick or injured raccoons and the number of people bitten or scratched has led Toronto Public Health to issue warnings against contact with wild animals in the city.

Eighty per cent of those people suffering bites and scratches have had to suffer further through the uncomfortable anti-rabies treatment, involving multiple vaccine doses, to fend off the potentially fatal infection.

See the full Streeter story, including tips on avoiding raccoon attacks.

June 6 UPDATE: The gas line leak has been capped and evacuations have been lifted in the Mortimer and Coxwell avenue area, police are reporting on the scene at 1 p.m. CP24 has the full story.
Update:

Gas leak reported near hospital

Construction workers have struck a large gas line on Mortimer Avenue at Michael Garron Hospital, according to police.

Residents, students and visitors to the park at the East York Civic Centre have been evacuated and roads closed in the area.

Update:

Registration for summer programs begins June 6

Registration for the city’s summer recreation programs in this area begins tomorrow at 7 a.m.

Summer programs run from July 4 to Sept. 1.

You can register in three ways:

  • By phone by calling 416-396-7378 from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m.
  • In person at one of five community centre locations (none in this area) on June 6 and 7 from 7 a.m. to noon.
  • Online through e-Fun (the easiest way).

Find more information on the city’s summer recreation programs page.

Update:

Broadview-Woodbine subway line closed for weekend

Subway service on Line 2 between Broadview and Woodbine stations is shutting down early for the rest of this week and then cut entirely for the weekend.

From June 6 to 9 the Danforth line will close nightly at 11 p.m. “due to track work,” the TTC advises.

On June 10 and 11 there will be no subway service on Line 2 Bloor-Danforth between Broadview and Woodbine stations for the same reasons, the TTC says.

Shuttle buses are to operate along Danforth during the closures. See the TTC advisories for more information.

June 2 UPDATE: A man has been arrested for the alleged threats made against mayoral candidates, Toronto police said this morning. See the story.
Streeter News:

Chow in area as shooting threats made

Olivia Chow was on Logan Avenue this morning, planting her first campaign sign and talking to media, at about the same time as a man waving an apparent gun burst into a building at Greenwood and Mortimer avenues, threatening to shoot mayoral candidates.

The news has caused some candidates to pause their campaign appearances and tonight’s debate to be cancelled.

See the story in Streeter news.

Streeter News:

EnerPHit house interior thumbnail

Local house first to complete energy-saving retrofit to EnerPHit standards

In 2020 Tracy Johnson and her husband moved into their new house in the Pape and Danforth area.

Actually not exactly “new.”

The 80-year-old house had been newly retrofitted — the first in Toronto to meet the EnerPHit standards, using international passive house design principles that eliminate the use of fossil fuels and drastically cut energy costs.

See their story in Streeter news.

English pickleball players
ALL AGES: Pickleball has become a phenomenon worldwide, including in Toronto-Danforth. (TheVillagesFL, CC BY-SA 4.0)
Update:

In a pickle over what sport to take up this summer?

What’s the fastest growing sport in Toronto? In this ward at least, it might be pickleball.

“Toronto-Danforth now has the most pickleball courts in the city and 45 per cent of all pickleball courts in south Toronto,” Councillor Paula Fletcher said in a press release today.

Fletcher noted she has successfully pushed the city to turn more flat surfaces, such as outdoor skating rinks and under-used tennis courts, into pickleball facilities for the summer, as well as to add new courts for the sport.

Tom Keane, president of the East Toronto Pickleball Association, hailed the move. “We are glad that more facilities will be added to grow a sport that helps Torontonians of all ages have fun, be physically active and feel connected to the community,” he said in the press release.

We’ll have more on this sport in a coming Streeter feature.

Police report:

Gunshots reported and confirmed

Victoria Day dawned with reports of gunshots around O’Connor Drive and Don Mills Road.

But in case you’re thinking you know what the noise really was, note that police confirmed firearm discharges in the area.

The matter is being investigated, though no injuries have been reported, police said on social media.

Update:

Street briefly closed for vehicle fire

A vehicle was reported on fire near Coxwell and Memorial Park avenues shortly after 11 a.m. today.

The fire was put out and Memorial Park Avenue from Durant Avenue to Coxwell was shut down for a short period, police said on Twitter.

No injuries were reported.

Update:

Ticketing rules relaxed for holiday

Parking enforcement officers will not be enforcing all on-street parking bylaws on Victoria Day, police say.

In particular they’ll be turning a blind eye on Monday to parking on rush-hour routes and in areas with Monday-to-Friday regulations.

Things to do:

Donate, recycle and dispose on Saturday

Community Environment Day, hosted by Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher, is to be held at Dieppe Park on May 20.

It’s your opportunity to bring in items to donate, items to recycle, or hazardous waste to dispose of.

See the Streeter Things To Do listing for more information

Police report:

Attempted car theft caught on camera

Today at 4:25 a.m. two males were observed on video in the driveway of a residence near Mortimer and Arundel avenues.

One male was seen unscrewing the porch light and trying to remove the doorbell camera from the doorframe, police report. Then he tried to pull the wires from the front grill of the vehicle in the driveway while the other male stood at the rear of the vehicle.

Both fled without the car, police said.

See the police news release for more details and security images showing the two males.

pothole thumbnailCity news:

Pothole-fixing blitz on tomorrow

If you’re out driving Saturday, watch for crews working on the roads. The city says it is launching a blitz to repair as many potholes as possible between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.

It’s probably too late to get your favourite local pothole on the list for repair tomorrow, but call 311 or go to www.toronto.ca/311 to report it for future filling.

Streeter news:

Toronto-Danforth MP supports Erskine-Smith for Liberal leader

Toronto-Danforth MP Julie Dabrusin has apparently endorsed Beaches-East York MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith for Liberal leader.

Erskine-Smith cited his riding neighbour’s support online after he became the first candidate for the Ontario Liberal leadership yesterday.

See the Streeter news story on Erskine-Smith’s announcement of his candidacy.

Update:

Parks washrooms opened—splash pads, fountains and pools next

The city has finished opening park washrooms today, its earliest date ever, the city has announced. Only six seasonal washrooms are still closed for repairs or construction.

Splash and spray pads are due to open by May 20, followed by fountains and bottle-filling stations by May 26.

Ten city-run outdoor pools are to open on partial schedules by June 17 with the rest of them by June 24. All outdoor pools and  wading pools are to be open on a full schedule by June 30.

Things to do:

Discover the Don’s history and prehistory

Jane’s Walks are returning Friday, taking place from May 5 to 7, with at least one walk focusing on the Don River and its valley.

Water ways walk header“Water Ways: Histories of the Don” is being held on May 5, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the Water Shed Wall at Evergreen Brick Works, 550 Bayview Ave., and finishing at 7 p.m. at the same location.

The first part of the walk follows the water’s history and prehistory, covering topics like land formation, Indigenous land management, the industrial revolution, community organizing, and sustainability.

The second half of the walk in the Don Valley Brick Works Quarry Park is a free-flowing exploration led by the inquiries of walk participants.

The walk is being led by April Nicolle and Floyd Ruskin of Evergreen Brick Works.

You can find more information on this and other walks at the Jane’s Walks website.

Things to do:

Electronics collected for recycling

Take a few days to gather together your old or discarded electronics. Then bring them to the East York Town Centre on Overlea Boulevard on May 6 and 7.

The Toronto-Leaside Rotary Club is holding an electronics recycling event over the weekend there. More details in the Streeter Things To Do listing.

Streeter news:

Local school to host climate change expo

climate change thumbnailThe first-ever Danforth Nature and Climate Expo is sprouting in the schoolyard at Wilkinson Junior Public School on May 6.

The city-initiated event will feature 25 tables staffed by local organizations, presenting information about nature conservation, ecology and what you can do to fight climate change — as well as free plant-based foods, activities for kids and guest speakers.

The aim is to motivate both and parents to take action against climate change.

See Streeter news for the full story.

Police report:

Gunfire investigated in Broadview North

Police responded to reports of six to 10 gunshots heard near Broadview Avenue and Pottery Road at 9:47 p.m. yesterday.

Two vehicles were seen fleeing the scene, police said in a tweet. No injuries were reported.

Update:

This year’s East York Hall of Famers named

Alann Redway 2013
Alan Redway winning the Agnes Macphail Award in 2013.

The East York Hall of Fame announced yesterday five inductees to be named to the hall this year on June 22.

Heading the list is the former East York mayor, MP and cabinet minister Alan Redway. Eighty-eight now, Redway has also won East York’s Agnes Macphail Award.,

Also to be honoured are award-winning journalist Peter Silverman, community volunteer Kam Babulal, Michael Garron Hospital’s manager Phillip Anthony, and Bob “Bottle Bob” MacDonald, known for his fundraising in Topham Park and across East York.

This is only the second year for the award—the first since the pandemic.

See the East York Hall of Fame website for more information and to buy tickets for the event.

Metrolinx map of the Ontario Line
The new Ontario Line subway is to run right along Pape Avenue, according to the Metrolinx map.
In the news:

Pape residents concerned about impact of new subway line

Like many communities across Toronto, Pape Village may soon be hit by the effects of constructing the long-awaited Ontario Line.

But some Pape-area residents are preparing for their neighbourhood being taken apart and are working on ways to alleviate the damage.

See the full story in the Toronto Observer.

Update:

Free Compost Days in Toronto-Danforth

Compost Day at Wilkinson Jr. Public
DIGGING IN: Local residents scoop up compost at Wilkinson Junior Public School on Donlands Avenue yesterday. The schoolyard was one of six locations in Toronto-Danforth ward where the nutrient-rich soil was made available by Councillor Paula Fletcher on Free Compost Days, April 22–23. (Alexei Malakhov/Streeter)
car theft
THEFT IN PROGRESS: Police provided several images of a vehicle being stolen in hopes of identifying the culprits.
Police report:

IDs of three sought after east-end auto theft

Several images from a security camera, showing three people involved in the theft of a vehicle from a residence near Jackman and Fulton avenues, were released yesterday evening.

Police say they were made aware of the theft April 12 at 9:24 a.m. A black 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe was parked on private property when it was taken.

See the police news release for more details, images, and descriptions of the suspects.

Police report:

Girl sexually assaulted in restaurant, police say

A man, 77, was arrested after a 13-year-old girl was allegedly sexually assaulted when she walked past his table in a restaurant yesterday afternoon.

The girl was visiting the restaurant near Pape and Cosburn avenues when the incident occurred.

The man faces charges of sexual interference and sexual assault.

Police said they believe there may be more victims..

Streeter news:

Washrooms are opening early in our parks

With this warmer-than-average spring, city staff are opening public washrooms earlier than usual. A quarter of Toronto’s seasonal washrooms have been opened already by mid-April, though most were originally scheduled for May.

If you’re planning an outing, you can look up the status of washrooms and drinking fountains in the park on a new interactive map from the city.

See the full story in Streeter news.

April 16 UPDATE: The pedestrian struck by cars on Doncaster Avenue near Main Street (see April 13 item below) has died, police report today. Anyone with security or dash camera footage of the area on April 13 between 5:50 and 6 a.m is asked to contact Traffic Services.
In the news:

Big Carrot cited as leader in sustainability

The Big Carrot food store, with locations both in Greektown and Upper Beaches, is among “10 food businesses in Toronto that make it easier to practise sustainability,” according to BlogTO today. The employee-owned store is noted for its organic and non-GMO products, the article says.

See the full story, including all 10 places specializing in “ethical eats,” on BlogTO.

Police report:

Pedestrian struck by cars, seriously injured

A 61-year-old man is in hospital with life-threatening injuries after a collision on Doncaster Avenue near Main Street, police say.

The man was reported to have been walking behind a parked Subaru Impreza when a Honda Accord struck the Subaru, which then hit the pedestrian.

The victim was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries, police say.

See the police news release for more details.

In the news:

Local baseball facility advances high-school players to next base

An East York facility that helps develop high-school baseball players is featured in the Toronto Observer today.

National Recruiters for Sports at O’Connor Drive and Bermondsey Road is staffed with current and former professional baseball players with collegiate-level playing experience.

The centre is giving student athletes the chance to train with experienced players while learning what it takes to reach the next level, the Observer reports.

April 8 UPDATE: A man has been arrested and charged with criminal harassment after reports of young girls being harassed while walking near Floyd and Pape avenues (see April 6 item below), police say. See the police news release for more information.
In the news:

Danforth Church to be converted to seniors housing

WoodGreen Community Services has announced it plans to build an “affordable and supportive housing facility for seniors” at the site of the Danforth Church at Danforth and Bowden avenues.

“We have contracted R-Hauz to develop this best-of-class and environmentally-friendly rapid-build affordable housing project,” the social service agency says on its website.

The  church, built in 1931, and its congregation are to maintain their presence in the new building.

Plans for the eight-storey development also promise to keep heritage elements, such as the two towers and the church front on Danforth.

Beach Metro News has the full story.

Police report:

Identity of man sought in alleged harassment of young girls

Police have released a photo of a male believed to be 25 to 30 years old, following reports of girls under 13 being harassed while walking in the area of Floyd and Pape avenues.

Each day from April 2 to April 4, a man made inappropriate comments to the girls and asked them to go with him, police said.

For more information and an image, see the police news release.

Streeter news:

Boy, 14, charged with attempted murder after Thorncliffe stabbing

police cars at night thumbnailA 14-year-old boy was arrested today and charged with attempted murder, five days after an alleged stabbing in Thorncliffe Park.

It was first reported on social  media that officers were called on the evening of April 1 to a fight at Chester Hill and Thorncliffe Avenue, a location in the Playter Estates area. But the site was corrected to Thorncliffe Park Drive in today’s police news release.

A 16-year-old was hospitalized with life-threatening injuries from an apparent stabbing.

Here’s what we know so far.

Streeter news:

Warning of ‘constant threat’ to Don Valley and our ravines

Floyd Ruskin in Riverdale Park.

Activist Floyd Ruskin is proud that much restoration has been accomplished in the Don Valley.

But the east-end resident finds himself himself continually in demand as an advocate for the restoration and preservation of flora and fauna.

The valley and our ravines in Toronto are under constant threat from encroachment by developers and others, Ruskin warns.

Get the full story in Streeter news.

Police report:

Two sought in Broadview North break-in investigation

Broadview break-in suspectPolice have released a series of images of two men wanted in the investigation of a break and enter near Broadview and Gowan avenues on March 31.

Shortly after noon hour, a males smashed the front door of a residence and both men entered the residence, where they took valuable items before fleeing on foot, police said.

For details and images, see the police news release.

O'Connor's Meat Market interior
SPACIOUS: O’Connor’s Meat Market may be the largest such shop we’ve ever seen in the area. (Streeter Staff)
Update:

Meat market opens on O’Connor with healthy options

It may be a couple of neighbourhoods away but it may be worth the drive or bus ride. O’Connor’s Meat Market has been operating for about two weeks now at 1100 O’Connor Dr., just south of the Peak Freans factory. And it seems to be drawing customers despite construction on the street.

The spacious market opened March 22, promising to offer “locally sourced, fresh, and high-quality meats that are free of hormones and antibiotics,” according to its social media pages.

Streeter news:

Double the tickets: more speed cameras coming

ASE camera thumbnailThe number of automated speed enforcement cameras in Toronto-Danforth neighbourhoods is to be doubled from three to six, after city council’s recent approval of the installations.

Council unanimously passed a motion to have city staff look into increasing the ASE devices from the current 75 to 150, shared evenly by each of Toronto’s 25 wards.

This comes just months after a previous increase from 50 across the city.

Get the full story in Streeter news.

Community cleanup
CLEANING UP: An enthusiastic team during last year’s communal cleanup. (City of Toronto)
Things to do:

Clean up our communities together, city urges

Toronto is asking communities to register local litter cleanups to take part in the city’s annual spring cleanup from April 21 to April 23.

We can register three kinds of cleanups:

  • The 20-Minute Makeover on April 21 is for local businesses (BIAs, are you listening?) to clean up public spaces, like parks, sidewalks, ravines or beaches (though local residents can take part too).
  • Also on April 21, students and staff of schools, colleges and universities can spend 20 minutes cleaning up their schoolyards or neighbourhood parks.
  • On April 22 and 23, community groups, families and individuals are encouraged to visit local parks or other public spaces to help pick up litter.

Get more information and register for whichever cleanup works for you on the city’s Clean Toronto Together page.

Police report:

Robbery at knifepoint on Coxwell platform

Two males are being sought after a reported robbery at knifepoint on the subway platform at Coxwell Station this afternoon, according to police posts on Twitter.

Later posts said service had resumed to Coxwell and gave descriptions of the alleged robbers.

Streeter news:

Thorncliffe autism support group recognized as champions

Shakhlo Sharipova receiving Champion Award thumbnailNot to be forgotten amid the news coverage of Dr. Shakhlo Sharipova  being awarded the Agnes Macphail Award (see March 16 item below) is the city’s additional recognition of the doctor in founding the Thorncliffe Park Autism Support Network.

On March 21, TPASN and its volunteers were named among recipients of Toronto’s Champion Award for their work throughout the pandemic to help parents cope with their autistic children. Sharipova accepted the award on behalf of the group.

Read all about it in the Streeter news story.

Police report:

Subway passenger attacked with bottle near Donlands

Donlands Station is the site of the latest transit system assault — this one with a weapon — to be reported by police.

Late yesterday afternoon, a man on an eastbound train near Pape began to argue with a male passenger and, by the time they reached Donlands, struck the male passenger with a bottle several times causing non-life threatening injuries, police said.

See the police news release for more details, plus a description and image of the alleged assailant.

feeding coyoteStreeter news:

Feeding any wildlife, anywhere in city to be banned

On April 1 a new city bylaw comes into effect prohibiting the feeding of wildlife anywhere in Toronto.

And for good reason, according to wildlife experts. You may think you’re helping the animals but you’re not.

Even the traditional practice of throwing bread crumbs to birds is not helpful, the experts say.

Read Dennis Hanagan’s full story in Streeter news about the bylaw and the dangers of feeding the animals.

In the news:

Taste of the Danforth welcomed back

Greektown shops and residents are excited for the return of A Taste of the Danforth this summer, according to a story in the Toronto Observer today.

The article quotes 7 Numbers restaurateur Vito Marinuzzi as saying the street festival, which has been on hiatus for the past three years, promises to be just the boost that businesses have been looking for after a rough period.

In the news:

Taste of the Danforth to return

One of the city’s most popular street festivals, A Taste of the Danforth, is back on (see March 1 item below) — after a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic and a controversial decision by the local BIA last year.

And excitement seems to be building with the hiring of an event planner and local businesses welcoming the return of the festival that draws thousands to the area. See the Toronto Observer story for more about it.

In the news:

Local stores need city help to survive, Pape business says

Many stores have not been able to bounce back after the pandemic, Kiss the Frog owner Karen McNeilly told the Toronto Observer. They need help from the city, she said.

The Pape Avenue shopkeeper is asking Toronto’s next mayor — whoever that may be — to provide economic support for small businesses to keep more of them from closing. See the Toronto Observer story.

Dr. Shakhlo Sharipova thumbnail
Dr. Shakhlo Sharipova
Things To Do:

Winner of Agnes Macphail Award named

The 2023 Agnes Macphail Award is to be presented to East York resident Dr. Shakhlo Sharipova for her many contributions to the East York community.

The public is welcome to attend the award presentation on March 19 at 2 p.m. at the East York Civic Centre, 850 Coxwell Ave.

For more about this year’s award recipient and the awards ceremony, see the Streeter Things To Do listing.

Outdoor skating continues to Sunday — if the ice holds up

The city is encouraging skaters to enjoy the last few days of the official outdoor skating season at our local rinks. However, the weather seems poised to end the season earlier than the scheduled March 19 deadline.

Sunday evening is when the city starts to close its outdoor artificial ice rinks, natural ice rinks and skating trails and begin its annual conversion of spaces into skateboarding parks, tennis courts and pickleball spaces.

Meanwhile the forecast for the next four days calls for rainy and overcast days with temperatures mainly above zero.

In the news:

Locals upset by cutting down of Don Valley trees

Nearly 2,800 trees in the Don Valley are being cleared to make way for construction of the Ontario Line.

It’s a move that reportedly appalls nearby community members and representatives who say Metrolinx has not communicated adequately about the massive cutting.

See the recent Toronto Observer story about the local reaction.

Police report:

Arrest for crosstown bank robberies 20 minutes apart

A man was arrested yesterday after a bank robbery near Danforth and Coxwell avenues, police reported today.

It was the second such bank robbery of the day, they said. Twenty minutes before the East Danforth holdup, officers had responded to a holdup call near Bloor and Bathurst streets.

In both cases a man is alleged to have worn a mask and gloves while handing a teller a note saying he had a firearm and demanding cash. The man then fled the areas with the money, police said.

A 24-year-old Toronto man faces six charges, including two counts each of robbery and disguise with intent.

In the news:
Danforth-Main-Dawes developments
THE FUTURE OF DANFORTH: A summary of developments — existing, proposed and underway — in the Danforth-Main-Dawes block, as presented at community consultation by developer Marlin Spring.

Developments to change the face of Danforth

The full scale of the transformation being wrought on East Danforth by multiple highrise developments was brought home at the community consultation yesterday.

The virtual meeting heard from three development teams on the eight buildings, ranging from 15 to 55 storeys, they propose to add to the existing buildings and to eight other towers already approved for the stretch of Danforth Avenue from Main Street to Dawes Road.

Little time was left at the meeting, however, for community feedback.

See Streeter’s full report on the event.

Police report:

Images released of car in interrupted sexual assault case

car suspected in sexual assault
This car is suspected in sexual assault case. (Toronto Police)

Police have released better images of a car thought to have been used in a sexual assault near Felstead and Lamb avenues on Feb. 25. (See March 3 item below.)

The victim is reported to have fled the car when another vehicle approached on a dead end street.

The suspect’s vehicle is described as a four-door, light-coloured sedan, believed to be a 2011–2014 silver Hyundai Sonata with a sunroof.

Grainy photos of the suspected vehicle were released with the first report but clearer images have been released in police news releases on March 8 and March 9.

Man sought for spraying subway rider with noxious substance

suspected sprayer of noxious substance thumbnail
WANTED for spraying noxious substance. (Toronto Police)

A subway passenger was repeatedly sprayed with an unknown, pepper-like substance on the Bloor-Danforth line between Donlands and Greenwood stations on the evening of Feb. 28, police report.

Two men, unknown to each other, were travelling eastbound when, without provocation, one man sprayed the other man in the face, police said in a new release today. Each time the victim stepped away from the attack, he was sprayed again.

A man is wanted on three counts of administering a noxious substance. For more details, see the police news release.

MARCH 7 REMINDER: Registration for the city’s spring recreation programs is set to open tomorrow at 7 a.m. Residents in this area can then sign up for programs that start April 1. (See the Streeter Things To Do listing or today’s news release from the city.)

Public consultation to be held on three massive Danforth developments

2575 Danforth development
NEW LOOK FOR DANFORTH: One of the planned developments to be discussed at virtual meeting.

Thousands of residential units with several thousand more residences could be added if three planned developments on Danforth Avenue, between Main street and Dawes road, are approved.

A virtual community consultation on all three projects is being held on Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. City planners and Beaches East York councillor Brad Bradford are scheduled to take part.

A total of eight new buildings, ranging from 15 to 55 storeys are being proposed.

For more on the projects and the online community meeting, see Streeter’s Thing To do listing.

Driver sought in interrupted sexual assault

Police are trying to identify a male who allegedly sexually assaulted someone in his vehicle in the east end on Feb. 25.

Police reported the incident began at about 3 a.m. when a man, described as in his 20s, offered a ride near Danforth and Greenwood avenues.

The vehicle was driven to a dead end street around Felstead and Lamb avenues where the victim was sexually assaulted, police said.

When another vehicle approached the dead end street, the man was reportedly startled and the victim escaped.

A description of the suspect and murky images of the suspect vehicle have been released. For more, see the police news release.

Metrolinx to move planned layover facility from Don Valley

Metrolinx appears to have given in to demands that a planned layover facility not be built in the Don Valley alongside the parkway north of the Prince Edward Viaduct.

Yesterday the provincial agency overseeing public transport announced it has found a new location in a light industrial area near York Mills Road and Leslie Street.

The proposed 11-acre site in the valley has been the subject of protests and petitions from environmental activists and community members who said building the facility there could damage the valley’s sensitive ecology.

Taste of the Danforth dancing
THERE WAS DANCING IN THE STREET when the return of A Taste of the Danforth was announced. (Actually this is a scene from a pre-pandemic edition of the event.)

Taste of the Danforth is back on — but different

The Greektown on the Danforth BIA has voted to hire an event planner for the return of Toronto’s biggest street party built around food.

For the first time since pre-pandemic days, A Taste of the Danforth festival will take over Danforth Avenue over three days — this year Aug. 11–13.

But the event may not go quite as we recall it. Organizers are saying A Taste of the Danforth is to be “reimagined.” See yesterday’s CBC report for the breaking story.

Summerlicious applications open

Winterlicious seems barely over and it’s already time for local restaurants to sign up for the summer edition of the fixed-price dining festival.

Applications to participate in the Summerlicious program will be accepted from today to March 22, the city has announced.

This year’s Summerlicious runs from July 7 to 23 and there’s good news for participating restaurants: the fees have been cut to less than half the pre-pandemic rates. The new fee is $550. The city says this reduction should “make it easy and affordable for restaurants to participate and will encourage more Toronto residents to dine out and celebrate Toronto’s diverse culinary scene.”

Restaurants can find more information on the City’s Summerlicious 2023 Restaurant Participation webpage.

Homicide suspect surrenders to 52 Division

A man has been charged with manslaughter after he surrendered to 52 Division police tolday, about a month after the death of Douglas (Michael) Finlay, according to a police news release.

Finlay, 73, was seriously injured in an apparently random attack on Danforth Avenue near Jones Avenue on Jan. 24 and he died a week later.

See the Streeter story for more details.

Councillors pressing Metrolinx about Ontario Line plans

Toronto-Danforth’s Paula Fletcher is among three city councillors pressing for answers from Metrolinx, which they say has been too secretive about building the Ontario Line.

Along with Spadina–Fort York’s Ausma Malik and Toronto Centre’s Chris Moise, Fletcher won the support of Toronto and East York Community Council to create a sub-committee to press Metrolinx for information.

See the CBC story on the issue.

Federal rep ponders what he could do as provincial leader

Nathaniel Erskine-Smith appears closer to declaring himself a candidate for the Ontario Liberal leadership, though he won’t make his final decision until next month when the party sets the rules for the race.

That’s what may be gleaned from a CBC story today in which the Beaches-East York MP, who has been touring the province for a possible run, touted his experience as an outspoken backbencher in Ottawa as showing he could bring democratic renewal to the Ontario political scene.

Three humps or four: east-end speed humps get go-ahead

Toronto and East York Community Council today approved speed humps as traffic-calming measures at the following locations in Toronto-Danforth ward:

  • Greenwood Avenue, three humps between O’Connor Drive and Plains Road
  • Langley Avenue, three humps between Carlaw and Pape avenues
  • Sparkhall Avenue, three humps between Hampton and Logan avenues
  • Warland Avenue, four humps between Donlands Avenue and O’Connor Drive

Local home prices dropping, real estate board says

real estate sale signHome prices are down by 14.8 per cent from last year in this area, according to figures recently released by the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board.

The report indicates the year-over-year decrease for the real estate “E03” area, including East York, Broadview North, Playter Estates, Danforth Village, O’Connor-Parkview, Woodbine-Lumsden and Crescent Town.

As of January, the average home here is now about $1.2 million, TRREB reports.

Single-family, detached houses have taken the biggest hit, dropping 16 per cent to about $1.3 million.

Get ready to walk on the Coldest Night of the Year

Coldest Night of the Year walkThe Coldest Night of the Year charity walks to serve the hurt, the hungry and the homeless take place on Feb. 25, with the Toronto Danforth edition hosted by Kennedy House Youth Shelter.

The local walk starts at St. Barnabas on the Danforth Anglican Church, 361 Danforth Ave.

To sign up for the walk, to donate or just to find out more, see Toronto Danforth’s Coldest Night page.

Parking restrictions eased for Family Day

Police have announced they will not be ticketing vehicles parked on the street on Feb. 20 on rush-hour routes and in areas with posted Monday–Friday regulations.

FEB. 17 UPDATE: A man has been arrested in the investigation of the stabbing with a broken bottle on the TTC (see Feb. 15 item below). A police news release today reports more details of the incident and the identity of the accused.

Subway rider stabbed in face with broken bottle

A man is sought by police after a subway passenger suffered facial injuries from being stabbed in the face with a broken bottle three days ago, police said in a news release today.

Police were called to Chester Station at about 1 p.m. on Feb. 12 but the suspect had fled the scene, they said.

See the police news release for more details and images.

FEB. 15 REMINDER: Community consultation is being held today on proposed development at Pape and Danforth avenues. See Feb. 7 update below.
Papermill Gallery at Todmorden Mills
DROP-IN: The Papermill Gallery at Todmorden Mills is hosting Family Day activities on Feb. 20.

Family Day fun planned at Todmorden Mills

Todmorden Mills is one of seven Toronto History Museums planning Family Day activities. It’s free to drop in for crafts and games in the Papermill Gallery from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Todmorden Mills Heritage Site is at 67 Pottery Rd.

For information about the Family Day programming at history museums across Toronto, see the Streeter Things To Do listing.

Robbery at Broadview-Danforth store

A woman is sought after a robbery at a store near Broadview and Danforth avenues on Jan. 29 at about 2 p.m.

The woman was caught shoplifting but fled with the merchandise after being asked to return it, police say.

See today’s police news release for more information and images.

East York auto thefts reported on the rise

A recent story in the Toronto Observer says East York is seeing a major increase in reports of auto thefts, counting nearly 200 incidents in January alone.

This reflects figures from Toronto as a whole which has experienced a nearly 50-per-cent increase in the crime over the past year, according to the article.

FEB. 11 REMINDER: CampTO programs for summer camps are open for registration starting today. See Jan. 17 item below.

Report our potholes to be fixed

You may see repair crews out on the roads today as the city launches its first pothole-fixing blitz of the year.

Chances are, though, plenty of East York potholes will remain unless they are reported. To get those car-wrecking eyesores filled, report them via the 311 Toronto mobile app, online at Toronto.ca/311 or by calling 311.

The city says most repairs are carried out within four days of potholes being reported.

Arrest made in pedestrian homicide

Police said today they’ve made an arrest in the investigation of the death of a pedestrian at Danforth and Cedarvale avenues on Feb. 5.

Ryan Andrews, 24, of Toronto was arrested yesterday and has been charged with first-degree murder.

Trees to be cut down for Ontario Line kept from two MPPs

The Toronto Star is reporting the provincial government instructed Metrolinx to leave two Toronto MPPs off a notice to politicians about trees in their ridings to be cut down to make way for the Ontario Line subway.

Toronto Centre’s Kristyn Wong-Tam and Toronto-Danforth’s Peter Tabuns, who have both been critical of the Metrolinx plan, sent a letter to Transportation Minister  Caroline Mulroney asking why they were deliberately excluded.

Pape-Danforth header
TO BE REPLACED: A 49-storey tower is proposed for this Pape-Danforth corner. (Google 2021)

Community consultation on development scheduled for Feb. 15

A virtual community consultation meeting is to be held Feb. 15 to hear the plans and get feedback for a development at Pape and Danforth avenues.

A proposal has been made for a 49-storey tower, including a five-storey commercial podium, on the northeast corner where several retail and office buildings now stand.

See the Streeter Things To Do listing for more information.

Gabriel del Castillo Mullally, homicide victim
VICTIM: Gabriel del Castillo Mullally, 25.

Victim identified, more details in pedestrian homicide

Police have identified the man struck and killed by a vehicle on the sidewalk at Danforth and Cedarvale avenues as Gabriel del Castillo Mullally, 25, of Toronto.

They have also provided more details of the events leading up to the alleged homicide.

Get more of the story at Streeter news.

Vehicle kills pedestrian on Danforth sidewalk

Early this morning police were called to an apparent hit-and-run accident in front of Tim Hortons at Danforth and Cedarvale avenues. The victim died after being rushed to hospital and police started treating the incident as a homicide.

Get the full Streeter news story.

Danforth assault now a homicide case

The 73-year-old victim of an alleged assault on Danforth Avenue (see Jan. 28 item below) has died and police are now seeking a man for manslaughter.

The deceased has been identified as Douglas (Michael) Finlay, a former CBC journalist and producer.

The man being sought has been identified as Robert Robin Cropearedwolf, 43. His photo has been released.

See the full story and image on Streeter news.

FEB. 3 REMINDER: The town hall meeting on the city’s 2023 budget is at the East York Civic Centre tonight. See Jan. 29 item below.
ASE warning at Main and Swanwick
WARNING: Sign gives notice a new speed camera is soon to be installed in the east end. (Alexei Malakhov/Streeter)

Toronto-Danforth soon to have three cameras to catch speeders

The city is adding 25 automated speed enforcement cameras, one for each ward in Toronto. The most recent ASE site in Toronto-Danforth is on Logan Avenue north of Wolfrey Avenue.

The new camera will join two existing cameras in the ward, currently located on Dundas Street East, west of Boulton Avenue and on Carlaw Avenue, south of Queen St. E.

See the full Streeter story on the new cameras.

Patios on Queen Street East
CURBSIDE PATIOS: Summer scenes like this may be at risk if eateries are charged high fees. (Alexei Malakhov/Streeter)

Councillor seeking rethink of CafeTO charges

Toronto-Danforth councillor Paula Fletcher says the proposed changes to the CafeTO program, which created curbside patios on streets like Danforth Avenue and Queen Street East, are “too big and too fast” for many businesses that are still reeling from the impact of the pandemic.

She has sent a letter to city council’s executive committee asking that the proposed re-introduction of charges for the program be replaced by a more modest participation fee.

Restaurants Canada representatives have also told Mayor John Tory and the executive committee that 60 per cent of restaurants would be unable to participate at the higher rate. The plan goes to city council on Feb. 7.

Taylor Creek Trail is now repaved

In case you haven’t noticed it under the snow, the repaving of Taylor Creek Trail is completed and open for walking or cycling, the city says — though some locals have noted construction notices are still posted.

The new pathway is raised higher than the previous pavement to prevent the flooding that previously covered stretches of the well-travelled trail.

Have you spotted the orange pigeon?

Social media is reporting an unusually orange pigeon hanging around with other normally hued birds in the east end — notably outside Shopper’s World on Danforth Avenue at Victoria Park.

If you see it, tell us. The world wants to know.

Town hall budget meeting for east-end residents

Have your say at the town hall meeting on the city’s 2023 budget, co-hosted by Toronto-Danforth and Beaches East York councillors. The meeting’s on Feb. 3. See more about it in Streeter’s Things To Do listing.

Identity sought in assault investigation

Police are looking for a man shown on security cameras after an alleged assault near Danforth and Jones avenues at about 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 24.

The victim fell to the ground and sustained serious injuries, police say.

The police news release provides an image and more information.

TTC bus passenger reportedly attacked by youths

Toronto police tweeted reports of a man suffering minor injuries after being assaulted by a group of young people on a TTC bus today.

The alleged assault took place during evening rush hour near Pape and Cosburn avenues.

JAN. 27 REMINDER: Winterlicious starts today at restaurants across Toronto and in East York. See Jan. 20 item below.

Arrest made in Broadview purse-snatching case

Police are thanking the public for helping them find a man wanted in robbery after a purse was taken at Broadview station. (See Jan. 25 item below.)

A 44-year-old man has been arrested and faces charges of robbery, failing to comply with judicial release and failing to comply with probation, according to a police news release today.

New CafeTO fees to hurt local eateries: Fragedakis

Local restaurants may be hit hard by the changes to the city’s CafeTO program this year, says Mary Fragedakis, executive director of the GreekTown on the Danforth BIA. She was talking to John Moore on Newstalk 1010’s Moore in the Morning program today.

City council is considering a staff report that proposes charging new fees for restaurants participating in CafeTO.

“Many small businesses are struggling terribly right now … and this is another stressor,” Fragedakis said. She predicted the new fees would put CafeTO out of reach for many of them.

Hear the interview on iHeart radio, including Mayor John Tory’s defence of the fees.

purse snatching suspect
SUSPECT is shown on camera. (Toronto Police)

Purse snatching reported at Broadview Station

Police are seeking the identification of a suspect in a robbery investigation after a man was reported to have snatched a purse in Broadview Station.

The victim’s purse was grabbed, causing her to fall down the stairs, on Monday at about 7 p.m., police say.

The suspect was then seen fleeing with the purse.

See the police news release for more information and video.

Gas leak shuts down part of Main Street

Hope United Church and nearby at Danforth Avenue and Main Street have been evacuated after discovery of a gas leak, according to a Toronto police tweet shortly after noon today. 

No injuries were reported but Main north of Danforth was temporarily closed and subway stops at Main Station cancelled.

Sexual assault on subway near Woodbine

A man reportedly masturbated near passengers and assaulted a woman on a subway train westbound from Woodbine Station during morning rush hour, Toronto police say.

He is described as 35–45 years, having a heavy build, being unshaven, and wearing a black toque and all black clothes.

An image of the man and more information are given in a police press release.

JAN. 25 UPDATE: Police have issued a new press release stating “Upon further investigation, it has been determined that no criminal offence was committed.” They have also deleted the image.

Winterlicious Il Fornello
WINTERLICIOUS: Prix fixe offerings at Il Fornello on Danforth Avenue during two-week dining festival.

Start making reservations for Winterlicious

Winterlicious is back, set to offer prix fixe lunches and dinners from Jan. 27 to Feb. 9.

East York-area restaurants participating in Winterlicious Toronto include Papyrus, 7 Numbers, Megas, Soula’s, Tapas at Embrujo, Rodeo Brazilian Steakhouse, and Il Fornello — all on Danforth Avenue — as well as California Restaurant on Pape Avenue.

You find the entire Toronto list on the city’s Winterlicious page.

John Manion, homicide victim
HOMICIDE VICTIM: John Manion, 77, died after his injuries from a fight in August 2021. (Toronto Police)

Second arrest in 2021 homicide in East Danforth area

More than 17 months after an alleged homicide in the East Danforth area, Toronto police have charged a second person.

The victim, 77-year-old John Manion, died in hospital on Aug. 29, 2021, three weeks after being critically injured in a fight near Danforth and Walpole avenues, police said.

A man, 28, turned himself in to police on Sept. 4, 2021 and was charged with manslaughter.

And now police report a woman, 42, has also been arrested and charged.

Get the full story at Streeter news.

Camping header

CampTO registration set to open

It’s time to start planning the kids’ summer camp activities at local parks and centres this summer. The city has announced its CampTO programs are online for your consideration, ready for registration beginning Feb. 11.

Some new programs have been added to the CampTO lineup for the programs that run from July 4 to Sept. 1.

Camp locations in the East York area include:

  • Dentonia Park, 80 Thyra Ave.
  • Dieppe Park, 455 Cosburn Ave.
  • Earl Beatty Community Centre, 455 Glebeholme Blvd.
  • East York Community Centre, 1081 Pape Ave.
  • Main Square Community Centre, 245 Main St.
  • O’Connor Community Centre, 1386 Victoria Park Ave.
  • O’Connor Public School, 1665 O’Connor Dr.
  • Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, 373 Cedarvale Ave.
  • Todmorden Mills Heritage Museum and Arts Centre, 67 Pottery Rd.
  • Victoria Village Recreation Centre and Arena, 190 Bermondsey Rd.

For more information on the program and registration, see the Streeter calendar listing.

Fire sends two to hospital

Two people were sent to hospital with minor injuries after a fire in a low-rise apartment building on Torrens Avenue near Broadview Avenue last night. CP24 and Toronto.com have the story

Letter to Ford opposes ‘strong mayor’ bill

Toronto-Danforth councillor Paul Fletcher is among 15 city councillors sending a letter today to Premier Doug Ford opposing the province’s Bill 39, the so-called Better Municipal Governance Act.

The Act would, under certain conditions, let the mayor of Toronto propose and pass bylaws with support of only one-third of city council, a move that critics have called undemocratic.

See full text of letter at Progress Toronto.

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