DAILY UPDATES

Leslieville 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 report:

Rolls Royces, Bentley taken from car dealership

car theft suspects
WANTED: Images released by police in vehicle theft investigation.

Three luxury vehicles were stolen from a car dealership Saturday afternoon, police said today.

Three men entered the dealership near Dundas East and Carroll streets at 3:42 p.m. and left with a 2021 Rolls Royce Dawn, a 2022 Bentley Bentayga, and a 2020 Rolls Royce Cullinan.

They all travelled north on Carroll Street.

Images have been released. See the police press release for more details and pictures.

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.

Donald D. Summerville Olympic Pools
OUT FOR THE SEASON: While other pools are opening early, the Donald D. Summerville pools at Ashbridges Bay are closed for the summer due to repairs.

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.

Mark your calendar:

Fletcher to hold online construction update

Toronto-Danforth councillor Paul 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.

Update:

Fire fought in Little India

Gerrard Street East between Hiawatha and Highfield roads was closed yesterday afternoon as police and fire services dealt with a fire in the Little India district.

Emergency crews were called at 3:18 p.m. for a “commercial/industrial” fire at Woodfield Road and Gerrard, according to a Toronto Fire tweet.

No other information is available yet.

Pickleball at Kew Gardens
ICE RINK IN SUMMER: Pickleball is played on courts set up at the outdoor rink in Kew Gardens. (Rodger Burnside/Streeter)
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.

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.

est at Summerlicious
EAST-END TREAT: A truffle burata dish is offered by est Restaurant on Queen Street East. (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, two in Riverside and two in Leslieville near the border with 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.

Police report:

Two sought after break-in at Queen-Coxwell store

Two males are being sought by Toronto police after a break and enter at a store near Queen Street East and Coxwell avenue on May 22.

It was reported that about 1:47 a.m. two men broke into the business and stole items before exiting from the back door.

Four images of masked men inside the store have been released by police. For more information and images, see the police news release.

Police report:

Four teens sought in Woodbine Beach stabbing

One person was stabbed when a group of youths got into an altercation at Woodbine Beach on the evening of May 30, Toronto police are reporting.

Police have launched an aggravated assault investigation.

They are trying to identify a male and three female suspects. The females are each described as being 16 to 18 years old and the male is thought to be 16 or 17.

For more details, see the police news release.

Police report:

Man arrested after daycares reported threats

Police responded yesterday to two allegedly threatening calls to daycare centres near Queen Street East and Coxwell Avenue.

A 46-year-old man of no fixed address has been arrested and charged with two counts of uttering threats, police reported this morning.

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.

Police report:

Woman sought after Leslieville break-in

Police are looking for an unidentified female after a business near Queen Street East and Logan Avenue was broken into on May 17 at about 4:35 a.m.

More information, including a description and surveillance camera image of the woman, are available in the police news release.

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.

In the news:

“Leslieville” flea market revived with new owners, name

The Leslieville Flea Market, long a summer staple at the Ashbridge Estate, 1444 Queen St. E., may be gone.

But something very similar has taken its place. The Toronto Flea has taken on the tradition and will have its inaugural market at the same location on June 4.

For the whole story of the market’s revival, see the piece in BlogTO.

In the news:

‘Toxic’ fire reported in south Leslieville area

If you sniffed something burning yesterday evening, it probably wasn’t smoke from the Alberta wildfires reaching us — but from a blaze a bit closer.

Various media reported a potentially toxic fire at a roofing company at Commissioners and Leslie streets near Ashbridges Bay at about 7 p.m. yesterday.

Fireworks at Ashbridges Bay thumbnailThings to do:

Enjoy the fireworks on Victoria Day

The city is presenting its annual Victoria Day fireworks at Ashbridges Bay Park starting at 10 p.m. on Monday, May 22. Beautiful fireworks and a spectacular finale are promised.

You’re encouraged to walk or take public transit to Ashbridges and leave your vehicles at home, as the area will become quite congested with visitors here for the show.

Police report:

Parking enforcement officer attacked, police say

A 39-year-old man has been arrested after a parking enforcement officer was allegedly assaulted near Dundas Street East and Carlaw Avenue yesterday.

The officer was issuing a ticket to an illegally parked vehicle when a man opened his car door, striking the officer, and then punched him in the chest, police say.

See the police news release for more details.

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.

Police report:

Serious shooting injury called self-inflicted

Police were called to Gerrard Street East and Coxwell Avenue after reports of shooting at about 7:50 p.m. yesterday.

A man found in the building with a gunshot wound was taken to hospital with “serious but non-life threatening injuries,” according to police on social media.

Later, police reported the injury was believed to be self-inflicted. The man was arrested on firearms-related offences

In the news:

Maha’s and Kotn partner in new shop

Maha’s Egyptian brunch eatery on Greenwood Avenue says it is opening a café in a space at 978 Queen St. E. It will be sharing the site with Kotn, a clothing and housewares store, featuring sustainably sourced Egyptian materials.

Kotn x Maha is to open April 29. BlogTO has the story.

K's Pot Shop
FROSTED: Front window of K’s Pot Shop on Queen Street East. (Google, 2021)

In the news:

Cannabis shop wants to get rid of their product-hiding frosted window

Owners of K’s Pot Shop, at 1342 Queen St. E., say their frosted front window required by provincial rules for cannabis shops is a security risk, according to a news report.

They are pushing for an end to the rule to help guard against robberies. See the story on CityNews.

In the news:

Self-defence class popular but not enough to counter TTC violence, advocates say

A Leslieville gym is hosting workshops to train transit riders to protect themselves. And those workshops are reportedly selling out.

But transit rider advocates say individual protection is not enough. The problem of violence on the TTC is systemic and we need bigger solutions — including better funding — to end it, they say.

See the Toronto Observer story.

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.

Leni Poki dishIn the news:

A café you can pig out at

Leni Poki is the latest themed café to arrive in Toronto, this time at 1027 Gerrard St. E. in Leslieville.

The shop, opened by artist and art teacher Pham Duy, is pig-themed. Colourful porcine images decorate the walls and furnishings, as well the beverages and treats it offers.

Read about it in the Toronto Observer.

Front of Beaches Easter Parade
LEADING THE PARADE: The Toronto Beaches Lions Club banner heads the 2023 Easter Parade in the Beach.
Update:

Beaches Easter Parade

We could be wrong but it seemed this year’s Beaches East Parade yesterday was a little lighter than usual, especially compared to the extravaganzas of the pre-pandemic era.

But one thing cannot be debated, the parade was greeted by a huge, enthusiastic crowd as it proceeded along Queen Street East on Sunday, April 9, starting at 2 p.m.

And parade-goers by the hundreds — many local east-enders, of course, but also from across Toronto — hung around afterwards to enjoy a beautiful spring day in the Beach.

We’ll have many (many!) more pictures to come.

April 9 UPDATE: The man sought by police for an indecent act near a school (reported April 8 below) has been identified and is no longer wanted, police say.
Police report:

Indecent act near school investigated

Police Service are looking for a man wanted in the investigation of an alleged indecent act near a school in the Dundas Street East and Leslie Street area on April 3.

The man was observed by an adult witness and may have been accompanied by an elderly woman, police said.

He is described as 20 to 30-years-old, 5-foot-10, 180 to 190 pounds, having a large build and short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a blue baseball cap, an olive green jacket and grey track pants, and carrying a red backpack.

April 7 UPDATE: A man has been arrested in the investigation of the robbery at Gerrard Street East and Marjory Avenue (see March 28 item below). See the police news release for more details.
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.

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.

Police report:

Man sought in robbery investigation

Police are looking for a 35-year-old man they’ve identified in the investigation of a robbery in Leslieville.

On March 26 a man threatened a loss prevention officer with a knife in the area of Gerrard Street East and Marjory Avenue, police reported.

The man’s identity, his description and his picture, along with other details, are provided in the police news release.

Police report:

Three girls subjected to indecent exposure

Police have released video of a man they suspect followed three girls, age 13 to 14, to their home and looked through their window while committing an indecent act.

The girls were walking home for lunch near Dundas Street East and Woodfield Road at 11:07 when they were followed, police said.

Investigators are asking for public help identifying the man. For more information, including images and video, see the police news release.

Armed suspects sought in Beach Hill home invasion

home invasion police image of man with machete
MAN WITH MACHETE: One of several images police have released following the alleged home invasion in Beach Hill.

Two armed males and a female are sought by police after a home invasion near Norway and Elmer avenues early on March 20, police reported yesterday.

The incident began with a female befriending a man and going to his apartment. When two other men showed up, armed with a machete and firearm, the victim “left his apartment in fear,” police reported.

Police have released several images of the suspects.

For more details and images, read the story in Streeter News.

Free tax clinic at community centre

The Ralph Thornton Community Centre, 765 Queen St. E., is currently running its income tax clinic to file 2022 returns for eligible residents. Consultations are by phone appointments, virtually by Zoom, or by a limited number of in-person consultations.

Coming in-person dates are Saturdays on March 25, April 22 and April 29.

To book an appointment call 416-392-6810 or send an email.

Workshop on self-defence on TTC sells out, second one added

A Leslieville gym plans a self-defence workshop for transit riders to be held on April 2.

FIIT Co at 1047 Gerrard St. E. is hosting the workshop, run by the Toronto Krav Maga Academy and Kombat Arts Training Academy.

But, according to the website, the April 2 class is full. Another session is now scheduled for April 23.

The cost is $55 for one person, $99 for two people.

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.

Identity sought in robbery investigation

robbery suspect thumbnail
SUSPECT: Image released by police.

Police have released images to identify a man being sought after a robbery near Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue late on March 2.

It was reported a business owner was closing up near midnight when a man entered and took items off the shelf without paying for them.

When asked to pay, the man punched the face of the business owner who fell, police said.

Police received the call shortly after midnight, but the suspect had fled before their arrival.

See the police news release for more details.

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.)

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 announced today.

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.

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 and Paula 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.

One-star reviews for local eateries called fake

Two east-end restaurants are trying to remove one-star online reviews (the lowest possible reviews allowed by Google) that they say were not posted by customers, according to a story in blogTO.

TuckShop Kitchen Leslieville on Queen Street East and Papyrus on Danforth Avenue were each bombed with multiple one-star reviews thought to be the work of a disgruntled delivery driver, the article says.

Flames from fourth-floor apartment

A fire broke out yesterday evening in an apartment building near Pape Avenue and Queen Street East. Police tweeted at about 6:30 p.m. flames could be seen on the fourth floor.

Toronto Fire attended the scene and the blaze was quickly put out, police said.

Identities sought after mechanic shop break-in

Police are trying to identify four people wanted in the investigation of an early morning break and enter on Jan. 6.

A mechanic shop near Eastern Avenue and Leslie Street was reportedly broken into and items were stolen.

Descriptions and security camera images of four males and a dark Jeep Liberty, in which they allegedly fled, are posted in a police news release.

Hub Community Market fruit vendors
FRUIT VENDORS show off their produce at the Hub Community Market. (Alexei Malakhov/Streeter)

Leslieville market outside

The first Hub Community Market, billed as being the Leslieville Farmers’ Market moved indoors, was unexpectedly opened outdoors today.

Fruit and vegetable vendors set up around Glen Rhodes United Church at Gerrard Street East and Rhodes Avenue.

Organizers said they decided to move the market outside as it was starting small and, besides, the weather was nicer than usual for mid-winter.

The market will be back next week as it continues— in or out of doors — every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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 Leslieville edition hosted by the Red Door Family Shelter.

The local walk starts at 791 Queen St. E., Mustard Seed–Fontbonne Ministries.

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

Queen-Leslie development header
COMING TO QUEEN AND LESLIE? The proposed nine-storey, mixed-use rental building.

Community consultation to be held on Queen-Leslie development

You can hear about the latest plans and have your say on a nine-storey rental building proposed for the southeast corner of Queen Street East and Leslie Street. The  community consultation meeting is to held online on Feb. 21.

For more details about the project and attending the meeting, see the Streeter Things To Do listing.

Leslieville market moves indoors

The Leslieville Farmers’ Market has partnered with the Neighbourhood Food Hub to launch the indoor Hub Community Market — bringing us farm produce and more every Sunday, starting Feb. 19, in an indoor setting.

More information on the Streeter Things To Do listing.

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 Leslieville 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.

Local kebab takeout spot touted as ‘hidden gem’

A CBC.ca story, based on a Metro Morning program, calls Rose’s Kebab, a tiny Persian eatery tucked away in the food court of the Diamond at Don Mills plaza, 16 Mallard Rd., as a “hidden gem”.

Reporter Suresh Doss relates on  the program his interview with the owner who goes by the name Rose N.G. and takes listeners through her amazing traditional dishes, like kebabs and shwarma plates, but also North American fare, such as burgers, with a Persian flare.

Two seriously injured in apartment building fire

Two men are in hospital with serious injuries after an early-morning fire in a low-rise apartment building on Eastern Avenue near Logan Avenue.

CP24 has the story and pictures.

romantic dinner thumbnail

Local romances

Many restaurants across town are offering special Valentine’s Day menus and romantic atmosphere for Feb. 14, including Leslieville’s La Paella at 1146 Queen St. E., Gardel at 1020 Gerrard St. E., and Chula Taberna Mexicana at 1058 Gerrard St. E.

But spaces are filling up everywhere, so get your reservations in as soon as possible.

Planned Ripple Hut at Winter Stations
WINTER STATION: Image of the “Ripple-Hut” art installation, soon to appear at Kew Beach. (TMU Department of Architectural Science)

Winter Stations rising on the beach

This year’s winners of the Winter Stations art installation contest have been chosen and you can watch six of their works being built on Woodbine Beach.

Three university teams are involved in this year’s Winter Stations. See the Toronto Observer story for more about this prestigious event.

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 on 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.

Man sought after woman punched in face

Police are looking for a 40-year-old man after a woman was allegedly punched in the face early afternoon Friday near Queen Street East and Booth Avenue.

See the police news release for more information and an image of the suspect.

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.

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

Stabbing found to be self-inflicted, police say

This afternoon police investigators say a stabbing first reported shortly after midnight this morning was self-inflicted.

According to a police tweet at 12:31 a.m., a man in his 60s was stabbed near Eastern and Logan avenues and the suspects were two black males in black hoodies who had supposedly fled the scene.

The victim, stabbed in the chest, was taken to hospital by emergency run, police said.

But at 4:14 p.m. police tweeted: “Further investigation has revealed that the injury was self-inflicted and not the result of a criminal act.”

Man sought for alleged assault in Greenwood area

Toronto police are looking for a man after an alleged assault in near Greenwood and Walpole avenues on Jan. 2.

The incident began with an altercation between the man and the alleged victim and included threats against the alleged victim’s family member, police say.

Robert Dickie, 43, is wanted for assault and uttering threats.

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

Winterlicious at The Civic
WINTERLICIOUS: Short Rib and Duck Breast at The Civic during two-week dining festival. (Flickr/City of Toronto)

Start making reservations for Winterlicious

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

Leslieville-area restaurants participating in Winterlicious Toronto include Gare de l’Est Brasserie on Dundas Street East, The Real Jerk on Gerrard Street East, Maple Leaf Tavern on Gerrard St East, Brickworks Ciderhouse on Queen Street East and The Civic on Broadview Avenue.

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

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 and around the Leslieville area include:

  • Jimmie Simpson Recreation Centre, 870 Queen St. E.
  • Main Square Community Centre, 245 Main St.
  • S.H. Armstrong Community Centre: 56 Woodfield Rd.
  • Withrow Park and Clubhouse, 725 Logan Ave.

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

Pizza shops’ original location moved from area

Queen Margherita Pizza, specializing in Neapolitan-style pizza, closed its doors at 1402 Queen St. E. as of Dec. 31. Its original location was opened in 2010 and additional shops were opened elsewhere in Toronto.

The company said it is opening at another site in the east end, but so far we see only one west-end location listed on Queen Margherita Pizza’s website as being open.

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.

Leslieville Beerfest

Beerfest to take over Dundas on Aug. 27

The Leslieville Beerfest has announced it’s returning to Dundas Street East for its “street party” on Aug. 27.

Dundas will be shut down between Logan and Carlaw avenues for the celebration with breweries, food venues and artisans selling their wares.

Tickets can be bought online for  $40 and include a commemorative mug and three beer samples. See the Leslieville Beerfest site for more information.

Riverdale art show

Riverdale art show back for 32nd year

Hundreds of new and original works by local artists will be on display at the Riverdale Art Show and Sale over two days next week. It’s the 32nd year for the show at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 361 Danforth Ave.

Hours are Aug. 5, 6–9 p.m., and Aug. 5, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. More information online.

Second arrest in east-end homicide case

A woman, 29, has been arrested in the homicide investigation after the shooting death of Megan Elizabeth Crant, 32 in the east end on July 7, police report.

Chelsey Mais, 29, of Toronto is charged with being an accessory after the fact to murder.

Her arrest comes one week after a man being charged with first-degree murder. See the latest police news release on the case.

Coxwell/Danforth search yields luring and sexual exploitation charges

A 55-year-old man faces charges, including multiple counts of luring a child under 18, since police searched a house near Coxwell and Danforth avenues on April 20.

Police reported child sexual abuse material was found and seized during the search.

Richard Burdett, 55, appeared in court today on 16 charges, including sexual exploitation and making child pornography, police report. See the police news release.

break-in suspect
Break-in suspect, police say.

Images of break-in suspect released

Yesterday evening police released images of a male they say is wanted in several break and enter investigations in the east end.

The break-ins reportedly took place between July 9 and July 15 at commercial establishments near O’Connor Drive and St. Clair Avenue East, as well as in the area of Woodbine and Danforth avenues.

The male is described as white, 6-feet tall, having an average build and medium length to long hair worn in a ponytail or bun.

See the news release and images.

Farmers’ market continues in Greenwood Park

In case you’ve forgotten, the Leslieville Farmers’ Market carries on in Greenwood Park every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

For more information, see the market’s website.

Arrest in Gerrard Street homicide investigation

A man has been arrested in the alleged homicide on July 7 on Gerrard Street East, police reported today.

Nicholas Hirsch, 26, of Toronto faces a first-degree murder charge and is to appear in court today.

See the police update.

murder victim Megan Elizabeth Crant
Alleged murder victim Megan Elizabeth Crant.

Woman shot, two sought in alleged east-end murder

Two people are being sought in a homicide investigation after a woman was shot in the parking lot behind the Naval Club of Toronto at 1910 Gerrard St. E. on Thursday, police reported today.

The victim has been identified as Megan Elizabeth Crant, 32.

Nicholas Hirsch, 25, is wanted for first degree murder and Chelsey Mais, 29, is sought as an accessory after the fact to murder.

Both are considered armed and dangerous, police say. See the police news release.

Assault alleged after dog-leashing argument

An altercation over an unleashed dog on school property led to an assault on June 27, police say today.

They are looking for a man and a woman described as being in their early 20s.

The couple were walking a large dog off-leash on school property at about 5 p.m. when a school custodian asked them to leash the animal as there were children in the yard, police report. A verbal altercation reportedly escalated into the couple assaulting the custodian and fleeing with their dog.

See the police news release for more information and photos of the two being sought.

 

Woman sought for alleged assault, robbery May 27

Police released today a picture of a woman they say is wanted for aggravated assault and robbery with an offensive weapon.

On May 27 a woman allegedly attacked a 37-year-old man with an expandable baton before stealing his property near Donlands and Danforth avenue. The man sustained non-life threatening injuries, police say

See the police news release, including the identity and an image of the suspect.

Leslieville market continues in Greenwood Park

Don’t forget the Leslieville Farmers’ Market is on every Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Greenwood Park.

Vendors include local farmers, producers of prepared foods, wineries and brewers. The market runs weekly into October.

For more information, see the market’s website.

Leslieville Farmers' Market header

Farmers’ market back in Greenwood Park

Starting today the Leslieville Farmers’ Market is back on every Sunday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in Greenwood Park.

Vendors include local farmers, producers of prepared foods, wineries and brewers. The market runs weekly into October.

For more information, see the market’s website.

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Verified by ExactMetrics