Parkview-O’Connor Daily Updates
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.
Update:
Bradford support spirals further, according to polls
It’s hard to know what to make of local councillor Brad Bradford’s standing in the race for Toronto mayor. His campaign seems to be geared to appeal to both centre-left and centre-right voters, but his poll results indicate he’s not drawing support from any constituency.
Yesterday’s Liaison Strategies survey has Bradford settled in seventh place with six per cent of decided voters, down one point from the previous week’s results and far behind leader Olivia Chow’s 34 per cent.
The latest Mainstreet Research poll, released today, has him dropping even further. Bradford scores a meagre three per cent in that survey. Mainstreet shows Chow with a comfortable lead over the rest of the field at 33 per cent.
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.
Streeter 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.
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.
Bradford fading in mayor byelection polls
Since we last looked at the polling for the mayor’s race (see May 8 below), Beaches-East York councillor Brad Bradford’s support has fallen even further than previously noted. He now stands at a mere four per cent, down several points, according to the latest Mainstreet Research surveys.
That places him in seventh place among the 102 (!) candidates for mayor — far behind leaders Olivia Chow at 30 per cent, Ana Bailao at 21 per cent and Josh Matlow at 14 per cent.
See the full Streeter story on the poll and other election twists.
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.
Man, 21, sought after assaults in St. Clair-Victoria Park area
Police are looking for a 21-year-old man who is wanted on nine charges, including four counts of assault, assault with a weapon and forcible confinement.
The search began after police investigated a report of assault near St. Clair Avenue East and Victoria Park Avenue yesterday.
See the police news release for the suspect’s identity, description and image.
CampTO spaces still open
Thousands of spaces are still available for city-run summer camps through the CampTO program at select locations across Toronto, including camps for kids 6 to 12 at Victoria Village Recreation Centre, 190 Bermondsey Rd.
Camps are held weekly, Monday to Friday (except holidays) 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., from July 4 to Sept. 1.
City 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.
McMahon backing Erskine-Smith’s run for Liberal leader
In the race to become Ontario Liberal leader, Beaches-East York MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith has got early support from his riding’s provincial rep.
Erskine-Smith’s campaign literature quotes MPP Mary-Margaret McMahon as praising his integrity and “no-nonsense approach” to the issues.
“Nate represents our riding with clear-headed leadership and passion that will translate seamlessly to his role as leader of the Ontario Liberal Party,” McMahon says.
Erskine-Smith gets jump on leadership race
Election-related news for another Beaches-East York rep: MP Nathaniel Erskine-Smith has announced he is running for the Ontario Liberal leadership.
So far he’s the only candidate to declare, as nominations don’t close until September and the leadership vote isn’t until late November.
Bradford falling behind leaders in mayor’s race
The latest polls show support for Olivia Chow surging, as the former MP and councillor pulls ahead of Toronto–St. Paul’s councillor Josh Matlow, former councillor Ana Bailao, and former police chief Mark Saunders, in the race to become Toronto’s next mayor.
You’ll notice one prominent name missing from that summary. Beaches-East York councillor Brad Bradford, once considered a top contender, has fallen to sixth place in two recent polls.
While poll leader Chow is scoring support percentages in the 30s, Bradford is stuck at about seven per cent. See the full story in Streeter news.
Three vehicles in St. Clair and Vic Park collision
Three vehicles, including one with two children, were involved in a collision at St. Clair Avenue East and Victoria Park shortly before 2 p.m. today, according to a police tweet.
Paramedics were on the scene assessing injuries but the seriousness of the injuries has not been released.
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.
Sexual assault reported at bus stop
Police are looking for a man, about 50 years old, after a woman was allegedly assaulted after getting off a bus yesterday evening.
It was reported the woman was followed off a bus near Victoria Park Avenue and O’Connor Drive by a man who then hugged and kissed her. The woman pushed him away and he fled, according to the police report.
For more details and images, see the police news release.
This year’s East York Hall of Famers named
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.
Injuries reported as car hits pole
A northbound vehicle hit a pole at Victoria Park Avenue and St. Clair Avenue East at shortly before 3 p.m. today, police say.
Traffic lights were not affected and injuries were reported as non-life threatening.
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.
Man wanted in investigation of assaults over three years
Between May 1, 2020 and April 7, 2023, assaults were committed on a victim in the area of St. Clair Avenue East and Selwyn Avenue, police say.
Today police are identifying and releasing an image of a 44-year-old who is wanted on 11 charges, including five counts of assault causing bodily harm and one count of uttering threats to cause death.
See the police news release for more information, including an image.
Bradford behind in race for mayor, poll says
A new Mainstreet Research poll has Toronto-St. Paul’s councillor Josh Matlow leading the field in the race to succeed John Tory as Toronto mayor. But the most surprising news delivered by the survey may be that Beaches-East York councillor Brad Bradford has fallen behind.
Bradford sits in fifth place with less than six per cent of the vote, behind the top four who each scored between 10 and 15 per cent in the survey.
See the full Streeter news story.
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.
Meat market opens on O’Connor with healthy options
O’Connor’s Meat Market has been operating for about two weeks now at 1100 O’Connor Dr. and seems to be drawing customers despite the 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.
Double the tickets: more speed cameras coming
The number of automated speed enforcement cameras in Beaches-East York 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.
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.
Bradford finally announces: he’s in the race for mayor
Beaches-East York councillor has ended weeks of speculation, declaring himself a candidate to succeed John Tory as mayor of Toronto.
He’s running to be a “strong mayor of action” to make the city safer, more affordable, and easier to get around, Bradford said in Twitter and Instagrams posts this morning.
View this post on Instagram
Streeter 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.
Arrest made in sexual assault case
A 39-year-old man has been arrested for the alleged sexual assault on March 18 in the Victoria Park Avenue and Parma Court area. (See March 19 item below.)
The man faces six charges including sexual assault and assault with a weapon. See the police news release for more details.
Two sought for robbery in Woodbine area
Two men armed with a firearm attempted to rob someone near O’Connor Drive and Binswood Avenue on March 14, police said today.
Shortly before midnight, four friends left a residence to go to a nearby store but were accosted by two men who pointed a firearm at them, according to the police account.
The group of four tried to flee but the men caught up to them, knocked one to the ground, struck him in the head with the firearm, threatened to shoot him and and tried to take his shoes and satchel, police said.
For more details and descriptions, see the police news release.
Sexual assault in Topham Park
A 39-year-old man is sought after an alleged sexual assault and assault with a weapon near Victoria Park Avenue and Parma Court.
The suspect was at the victim’s residence between March 3 and 6 and assaulted the victim while there, police said today.
See the police news release for more information, including a description and image.
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.
Man sought after gun pulled during altercation
A 24-year-old man is wanted in an investigation of an incident involving a firearm on the evening of March 4.
Two people got into an altercation near Victoria Park Avenue and St. Clair Avenue East, and one of them is alleged to have pulled a gun out of a bag to threaten the other, according to police.
The suspect fled before the police arrived. See today’s police news release for more details, including description and images of the man being sought.
Posters oppose Bradford’s mayoral run
Flyers have appeared on streets in Beaches-East York calling councillor Brad Bradford two-faced, headed “Deceive in the East” — a takeoff on “Believe in the East,” his slogan in the 2022 council race.
They have also popped up on social media, including on Twitter.
The posters are apparently intended to oppose Bradford’s expected campaign for mayor.
They purport to show his record of voting runs counter to the image he presents as a progressive politician.
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.
Will he or won’t he run?
It appears more certain than ever that Brad Bradford will indeed try for the top municipal job — though he is still hedging his bets somewhat.
The Beaches-East York councillor released a statement today in which he announced he is putting together an advisory committee, including some business and political heavy-hitters from across the Liberal-Conservative spectrum, seemingly in preparation for a run for mayor.
He says he’s building a “winning team … that will ensure any campaign I lead represents the broad diversity and perspectives found across the entire city.”
Asked directly by media whether this means he is in the race, he has replied he is considering it very seriously and talked of what he intends to do “if I am running.” See CP24 video for one such
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.
Local home prices dropping, real estate board says
Home 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.
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.
Stabbing reported at O’Connor and Glenwood
A man was sent to hospital after a stabbing near O’Connor Drive and Glenwood Crescent at about 11:30 a.m. today, according to a police tweet.
STABBING:
O’Connor Dr &Glenwood Cres @TPS55Div
11:36 am
– @TorontoMedics o/s with a man who has been stabbed
-patient being transported to hospital
-police o/s investigating
-use caution in the area
-no suspect info
-anyone w/info contact police #GO362559
^sc— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) February 15, 2023
Erskine-Smith says he won’t run for mayor
Beaches-East York Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, whose name has also been tossed around as a possible contender to replace Mayor John Tory, appears to have taken himself out of the running.
Earlier he put himself forward as running for the leadership of the Ontario Liberals. On Twitter he says today he is “focused on serving my home community and Canadians in Parliament and bringing much needed change to the Ontario Liberal Party.”
As a voter in Toronto, I want more ambition at City Hall.
I will vote for a Mayor who looks after our most vulnerable, cuts red tape and builds more housing, and makes Toronto a global leader in sustainability and public health.
— Nate Erskine-Smith (@beynate) February 13, 2023
Bradford touted for mayoralty run
Beaches-East York councillor Brad Bradford says he’s received calls asking him to run for mayor, since John Tory’s sudden resignation, according to a Toronto Star article about possible candidates yesterday.
Bradford, who was supported by Tory when first elected to council in 2018, reportedly told the Star he hasn’t decided yet whether to run for mayor.
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 Parkview-O’Connor 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.
East York auto thefts reported on the rise
A story in the Toronto Observer today 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.
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.
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.
Development of a favourite dish touted
A CBC.ca story today, based on a Metro Morning program, discusses the growth of diverse eateries in the O’Connor-Topham Park area in the northeast corner of East York, and picks the Nepalese restaurant Momozone at 979 O’Connor Dr. as a favourite.
Food writer Suresh Doss talks with owners Rupa Pautel and Babu Gautam, who is also the chef, about their long journey to opening Momozone and how they developed their signature dishes: Indian, Hakka and Nepalese momos, and a lot more.
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.
ASSAULT:
Cosburn Ave & Pape Ave
5:42 p.m.
– reports of a man assaulted by group of young people on board TTC bus
– @TorontoMedics took patient to hospital with minor injuries
– suspects fled the scene
– police o/s
– ongoing investigation#GO210795
^al— Toronto Police Operations (@TPSOperations) January 28, 2023
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.
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.
Start making reservations for Winterlicious
Winterlicious is back, set to offer prix fixe lunches and dinners from Jan. 27 to Feb. 9.
East-end 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.
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.
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 or close to the Parkview-O’Connor area include:
- Dentonia Park, 80 Thyra Ave.
- O’Connor Community Centre, 1386 Victoria Park Ave.
- O’Connor Public School, 1665 O’Connor Dr.
- Stan Wadlow Clubhouse, 373 Cedarvale Ave.
- Victoria Village Recreation Centre and Arena, 190 Bermondsey Rd.
For more information on the program and registration, see the Streeter calendar listing.
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.
