Climate Change Action Forum

You're invited to help create the City of Toronto's Climate Change and Clean Air Action Plan.
On Sunday, April 29, Toronto will host a Climate Change Action Forum and will begin - with your help - to develop the plan that will see residents, businesses, industry and the Toronto Government take action to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions and smog-causing pollutants.

Climate Change Action Forum
Sunday, April 29
Exhibition Place
Direct Energy Centre, Hall C
Open House: Noon-1 pm
Forum: 1- 4:30 pm

Give us your ideas on what should be contained in the Plan such as energy conservation, solar, wind and other renewable energy sources, creating more green space and other activities that reduce greenhouse gases and smog.

Provide feedback on potential actions identified in Change is in the Air.
Discover ways that you can work in partnership in your community as an individual, as a business, as an association or other organization to help achieve Toronto's climate and clean air targets.

Participants can register in advance by calling 416-338-0338.

For more Information Please read the City's discussion document on climate change and clean air called Change is in the Air: Toronto's Commitment to an Environmentally Sustainable Future at www.toronto.ca/environment.

Can't make it to the Forum?
You are encouraged to get involved and provide your feedback in other ways:
E-mail: changeisintheair@toronto.ca
Call: Access Toronto 416-338-0338. TTY 416-338-0889.
Write: Toronto Environment Office
Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.,
21st floor, East Tower
Toronto, ON M5H 2N2

"As Canada's biggest city we have an opportunity to lead by tremendous example. Reducing greenhouse gases is THE issue of our time. Maybe of all time." - Mayor David Miller

City offering home renovation forums

From May 3-17, the City of Toronto is hosting free forums on home renovations. City staff and representatives from other organizations will cover a variety of topics, including:

· planning additions or alterations to your home
· permits and other approvals
· property standards
· healthy renovations
· fire safety
· energy efficiency
· water conservation incentive programs
· recycling construction materials
· heritage preservation
· financing
· working with contractors.

Forum locations are as follows:

Thursday, May 3 – Scarborough Civic Centre, 150 Borough Dr.
Monday, May 7 – Toronto City Hall, 100 Queen St. W.
Wednesday, May 9 – North York Civic Centre, 5100 Yonge St.
Tuesday, May 15 – Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall
Thursday, May 17 – York Civic Centre, 2700 Eglinton Ave. W.

Presentations are from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Staff will be on hand at information tables from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Further details are available at www.toronto.ca/reno or by calling Access Toronto at 416-338-0338. Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years Toronto has won more than 50 awards for quality and innovation in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.

Free Workshop - Break and Enter Academy

Break and Enter Academy

HAVE YOU BEEN A VICTIM OF A BREAK & ENTER?
OR
WANT TO LEARN HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM?

The Home Security Academy can "help you put the pieces back together."

The Toronto Police Service 33 Division Home Security Academy is a FREE one evening workshop. This workshop is designed to help you deal with your emotional reaction and give you a chance to:
Reduce your sense of violation
Understand your reaction
Discuss effective coping methods
Access support services

It will also focus on crime prevention strategies, both for your home and your community, so you don’t become a victim of a break and enter. Guest speakers will also be in attendance with some interesting and innovative security products on display.

This FREE workshop is being offered to you or someone you know who has recently been a victim of a Break and Enter. So come out and join us after work for complimentary refreshments (sandwiches, coffee, tea and desserts) on:

Thursday, April 26th, 2007
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Toronto Real Estate Board
1400 Don Mills Road, Toronto
Please R.S.V.P. by calling 33 Division’s Volunteer Phone line at 416-808-3351 to let us know if you will be attending.

Community Clean Up Day - This Saturday April 21

Please join Councillor Carroll, her staff, residents and friends of Ward 33 for Community Clean up day this Saturday April 21st 2007.


What? Community Clean Up Day!

When? Saturday April 21, 2007 (RAIN OR SHINE)
10:00am -12:00pm

Where? Meet at the north west corner of Finch Ave East and Victoria Park Ave
(we will start here and follow the garbage!)

Who? Councillor Carroll and her staff will be cleaning up with the residents and
friends of Ward 33

How? Councillor Carroll will provide:
*Bags
*Snacks!
*Latex Gloves -you may wish to bring thicker work gloves

We hope to see all of you there. Please send us a quick email to let us know if you will be able to join us (councillor_carroll@toronto.ca)

News Release - City to hold public consultations on strengthening community arts in Toronto

News Release
April 18, 2007
City to hold public consultations on strengthening community arts in Toronto
The City of Toronto is holding a series of public consultations asking residents and stakeholders for their ideas on how to build and enhance community arts programs across the city.
Adopted by City Council in June 2003, the Culture Plan for a Creative City identifies community arts programs as being vital to develop healthy communities, encourage artistic growth in both emerging and established artists, contribute to the economy, promote inclusion and social equity, promote healthy social change and help create the audiences of the future.
"Community arts programs are building strong, safe and vibrant communities by getting everyone involved in the life of the city," said Rita, Davies, Executive Director, Toronto Culture. "We want to hear from all Torontonians about their ideas that can help build a stronger community arts sector in the city of Toronto."
City of Toronto residents are invited to attend to:
• understand the importance of community arts and how it can make a difference to individuals and communities
• develop strategies to address identified challenges and opportunities
• provide input on how to build and improve community arts in Toronto’s neighbourhoods.
The public consultations will take place from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. as follows:
Tuesday, May 8 - North York Memorial Community Hall, 5110 Yonge St., Gold Room
Thursday, May 17 - Metro Hall, 55 John St., Room 304
Thursday, May 24 - L’Amoreaux Community Recreation Centre, 2000 McNicoll Ave., Parkview Room
Wednesday, May 30 - Etobicoke Civic Centre, 399 The West Mall, Meeting Rooms 2 and 3
Feedback received will be included in a report to City Council in Fall 2007 about how to strengthen and sustain community arts in Toronto. To register, contact Margaret Chan, Senior Arts Development Co-ordinator, Toronto Culture, 416-338-0491 or mchan4@toronto.ca.
More information about community arts in Toronto is available on the City’s website at www.toronto.ca/culture.

Community Alert - Warm Weather Crime

Warm Weather Crime Alert
As the temperatures outside are rising, typically so does our crime. As there are far more people out and about on warmer days and evenings, this can lead to more criminal activity. The Toronto Police Service wants to make you aware of this so that you take extra precautions when necessary to prevent yourself from becoming a victim. Be aware that you're wearing lighter clothing, so that your wallets and purses may be more visible. Try and conceal these items as best as possible, by carrying only what you need for the day. Avoid carrying large sums of money or wearing large amounts of expensive jewelry.
Always be alert and aware of your surroundings. Try and stay in groups if you're out walking. Be extra careful if you are wearing an Ipod or MP3 player as criminals tend to target people who don't appear focused on their surroundings. Make sure not to "look" like a victim. Walk with confidence and make eye contact with others. Should you find yourself the victim of a purse snatch or robbery, try and remain calm and contact Police immediately. You're also encouraged to phone Police when you observe suspicious behaviour or groups of people that are loitering in places that they shouldn't be.
Some areas that should be noted where extra caution should be taken is in and around Fairview Mall and the Don Mills Subway Station and along Leslie Steet from Sheppard Avenue E. to Finch Avenue E.
This message was brought to you by the 33 Division Crime Prevention Officer.

20 Minute Makeover - April 20, 2007 - 2:00pm

News Release
Gear up with bags and gloves - it’s 20-Minute Makeover time in Toronto
Special litter bags and gloves for the fourth annual 20-Minute Toronto Makeover are now available at participating Toronto/GTA Pizza Pizza, Tim Hortons and McDonald’s retail outlets, as well as at Toronto’s Recreation Community Centres. Get equipped and join in the city-wide 20-minute clean-up taking place on Friday, April 20 at 2 p.m.
"Civic pride is at the heart of our commitment to keeping Toronto clean and beautiful. It is up to all of us." said Mayor David Miller. "At last year’s Makeover, more than 120,000 people spent 20 minutes cleaning up litter, each individual showing how much they care about Toronto."
The 20-Minute Makeover also happens across the GTA, with Oakville, Mississauga, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Pickering and Ajax participating. In 2006, Toronto, along with these GTA communities, attracted more than 185,000 registered participants.
The seven organizations returning as sponsors for the 2007 Makeover include TD Friends of the Environment Foundation, The Home Depot, Tim Hortons, Toronto Star, Pizza Pizza, The Toronto Sun and McDonald’s.
The Friday Makeover is followed on Saturday, April 21 by Mayor David Miller’s annual Community Clean-up Day, an opportunity to clean up a park or other public space in local neighbourhoods.
Organizations and large groups must register for either event by calling Access Toronto at 416-338-0338. Registration allows City staff to arrange special same-day litter pick-up. (Individuals can place their bagged litter with their regular household garbage, although the six-item limit still applies.) The City encourages participants to sort recyclables into their proper containers. More information is available at www.toronto.ca/litter.
The City’s annual three-week operational spring clean-up, which began April 2, continues to tackle litter clean-up daily in four different areas of the city. Maps and clean-up schedules are available online at www.toronto.ca/garbage/annual_clean-up.htm.

Media contacts:
Geoff Rathbone, Acting General Manager Solid Waste Management Services Division, 416-392-4715
Stuart Green, Office of the Mayor, 416-338-7119

Get Involved in Toronto's Climate Change Action Forum

News Release
April 13, 2007
Get involved in Toronto’s Climate Change Action Forum
On Sunday, April 29, Torontonians are invited to join Mayor David Miller to begin developing the City’s Climate Change and Clean Air Action Plan.
At the Action Forum, participants will have an opportunity to:
• Learn more about the environmental issues, challenges and opportunities relevant to climate change in the City of Toronto.
• Provide feedback on the City’s 27 proposed actions to reduce greenhouse gas and smog emissions, which include:
- retrofitting 50% of single family homes and small businesses for energy efficiency by 2020
- reducing personal use of small engines such as leaf blowers and gas mowers
- expanding and extending programs that support renewable energy.
• Tell us what they can do to make a difference.
"We are inviting the citizens of Toronto to get involved in developing and implementing a Climate Change and Clean Air Action Plan that will see everyone - residents, communities, businesses, industry and the Toronto government - work together, take action and do our part," said Mayor David Miller. "Reducing greenhouse gases is the issue of our time. Maybe of all time."
The City’s framework for public engagement on climate change, called Change is in the Air: Toronto’s Commitment to an Environmentally Sustainable Future, was released last month. It provides ideas on the strategies, policies, programs and projects needed to meet the City’s ambitious reduction targets, and identifies 27 potential actions that the Toronto Government, residents, businesses and industry can take to tackle climate change and improve air quality.
Toronto is proposing to cut greenhouse gas emissions from the Toronto urban area by 6% by 2012 (based on 1990 levels), 30% by 2020, and 80% by 2050. It is also proposing to reduce smog-causing pollutants by 20% by 2012.
Participant-feedback from the Action Forum will be integrated into a bold and comprehensive Clean Air and Climate Change Action Plan to reduce Toronto’s greenhouse gas emissions and smog-causing pollutants.
More information about the Climate Change Action Forum and the City’s framework, Change is in the Air, is available on the City’s website at www.toronto.ca/environment.
Climate Change Action Forum will take place:
Date: Sunday, April 29
Time: Noon to 1 p.m. - Open House with energy efficiency exhibits and information
1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. - Action Forum
Location: Exhibition Place, Direct Energy Centre, Hall C
Participants must register in advance by calling Access Toronto at 416-338-0338.
Comments and feedback on the 27 proposed actions can also be sent to the City via e-mail at: changeisintheair@toronto.ca or phone: 416-338-0338.
Toronto is Canada’s largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. In the past three years, Toronto has won more than 50 awards for quality and innovation in delivering public services. Toronto’s government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Lawson Oates, Director, Toronto Environment Office, 416-392-9744
Stuart Green, Deputy Director of Communications, Mayor’s Office, 416-338-7119
Cindy Bromley, Communications Manager, 416-392-4993

Community Alert - Increased Purse Snatches

Watch Your Purse
The Toronto Police would like to bring to your attention to an increased number of purse snatch robberies in the area of Fairview Mall Drive and Godstone Road.
The victims targeted have primarily been females walking alone in the evening to late night hours. Community members are urged to take extra precaution when walking in these areas. Avoid taking short cuts and stay in well lit areas. Try and use the buddy system and do not attract a would be attacker by having your purse visible. Try wearing a fanny pack under your clothing or only carrying a wallet containing only the identification you need for that day with little cash.
Do not wear your Ipod, MP3 player or any other device that will ; decrease your awareness level and reaction time.
If you find yourself the victim of an attack, try and remain calm and call Police immediately. Try and give as detailed a description as you can.
Residents in the area are also encouraged to contact the Police if you notice an increased volume of loitering or suspicious behaviour.
This message was brought to you by the Toronto Police Service 33 Division Crime Prevention Officer.

Workshop Invitation

Home Security Academy Inivitation
HAVE YOU BEEN A VICTIM OF A
BREAK & ENTER?
OR
WANT TO LEARN HOW TO AVOID BECOMING A VICTIM?

The Home Security Academy can "help you put the pieces back together."
The Toronto Police Service 33 Division Home Security Academy is a FREE one evening workshop. This workshop is design ed to help you deal with your emotional reaction and give you a chance to:
Reduce your sense of violation
Understand your reaction
Discuss effective coping methods
Access support services
It will also focus on crime prevention strategies, both for your home and your community, so you don’t become a victim of a break and enter. Guest speakers will also be in attendance with some interesting and innovative security products on display.
This FREE workshop is being offered to you or someone you know who has recently been a victim of a Break and Enter. So come out and join us after work for complimentary refreshments (sandwiches, coffee, tea and desserts) on:
Thursday, April 26th, 2007
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
The Toronto Real Estate Board
1400 Don Mills Road, Toronto
Please R.S.V.P. by calling 33 Division’s Volunteer Phone line at 416-808-3351 to let us know if you will be attending.

Membership Call For the Don Watershed Regereration Council 2007

Make a valuable contribution to the environment. Application forms for
the Toronto and Region Conservation's watershed committee for the Don are
available now.
Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA) is seeking members for a two-year
renewable term for the Don Watershed Regeneration Council (DWRC), a
volunteer committee established to achieve TRCA's vision for The Living
City within the Don watershed. The Don River flows from the Oak Ridges
Moraine through Vaughan, Richmond Hill and Markham, continuing through the
heart of Toronto before reaching Lake Ontario.
For further information on the Don Council or to download an application,
please visit
http://www.trca.on.ca/water_protection/watershedAlliance/default.asp or
call TRCA at 416-661-6600, extension 5280.
Application deadline: April 27, 2007
To learn more about how you can get involved with the DWRC and the
development of the updated Don watershed plan, you are invited to attend a
public information session:

Wednesday April 18, 2007, 7 - 9 p.m.
Richvale Community Centre
160 Avenue Road, Richmond Hill
(north off Carville Road, three blocks west of Yonge Street. The York
Region Transit bus Route 83 Trench stops by the Community Centre, or you
may take the Route 85 Rutherford/16th Avenue route and walk one block
north from Carville Road.)

Thursday April 19, 2007, 7 - 9 p.m.
Committee Room #1, North York Civic Centre
5100 Yonge Street, North York
(north of Sheppard Ave. and directly accessible from the North York Centre
subway stop)

Monday April 23, 2007, 7 - 9 p.m.
Council Chambers, East York Civic Centre
850 Coxwell Avenue, Toronto (at Mortimer Ave. By TTC, take the O'Connor
bus #70 north from Coxwell subway station.)

Community Alert - Male Wanted for Sexual Assault

Male wanted for Sexual Assault

On Wednesday March 28th, 2007, around 3:30 pm a 13 year old female was sexually assaulted while inside a business premise near Don Mills Road and Cliffwood Road in the City of Toronto.
It is alleged that
the suspect sexually assaulted the victim
the suspect fled on foot
The suspect is described as;
Male, white with a tan complexion, possibly of Italian descent, approximately 40 years of age, 5'7", short dark hair with a clean shaven face.
He was wearing a blue winter coat, jeans, a black baseball hat, white running shoes and sunglasses.
All persons are reminde d to be aware of their surroundings, especially in the evening or late night hours while traversing secluded areas.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Toronto Police - Sex Crimes Unit at 416-808-7474 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-tips (8477), or online at www.222tips.com
This message was brought to you by The Toronto Police Service 33 Division Crime Prevention Officer PC Kelly Downie #5535