Matthew Staikos 37, Yorkville Toronto murder victim was popular and well respected

In police files, he’ll go down as homicide #38/2018.

Shot dead on the streets of a city he had come to love.

Matthew Staikos, 37, did not fit the profile. Didn’t have the temperament. Didn’t have the demons or a closet full of contradictions.

But here we are. The tech entrepreneur has been brutally murdered and friends, family and the country’s tech community are shocked, horrified, heartbroken and baffled.

Staikos — a man with looks, charm, brains and everything in between — was gunned down on Bay St. in the city’s tony Yorkville neighbourhood Monday night.

And there is not an iota of why.

Cops are mum on whether he was targeted but three bullets — one in the head, one in the back — say otherwise.

“Nothing, nada … None of this makes any sense at all,” a friend of Staikos and his brother George told the Toronto Sun.

Staikos and his older sibling started Torch Mobile in 2003 and then sold it to Research in Motion in 2009.

“They were two smart brothers who sold Torch to RIM when the company was reinventing itself,” the friend said. “They were well thought of. Smart, capable, honest, hard-working, well-liked guys.”

Guys who don’t get gunned down in the concrete jungle.

Back to why.

“People can’t understand it … he was good-looking, nice, girls loved him … everybody loved him,” a former RIM co-worker said. “Everyone’s flabbergasted.”

“No gambling, no drugs, he was soft spoken, just a really nice guy … maybe it was a case of mistaken identity,” the source said, adding, “nothing else makes any sense.”

His devastated family released a terse statement Wednesday afternoon.

“Our family is mourning the sudden loss of our beloved Matthew. We ask that you respect the privacy of our family as we cope with this tragedy,” they said.

Cops say the suspected triggerman is black, 5-foot-10 with a medium build. The killer fled in a silver or grey four-door Mercedes.

And he had all the earmarks of a pro — not some gangbanger unleashing lead and hitting nothing.

On Wednesday, detectives were tight-lipped as to motive and would not confirm whether the well-liked Staikos was targeted.

“We’re in the early stages and will probably be putting something out in a day or so,” Det. Omar Khan told the Sun.

Staikos — a graduate of the mechanical and computer engineering program at the University of Toronto — was most recently CEO of the messaging site Vleepo.

He grew up in the Belleville area where his father, Nick Staikos, is a well-known developer.

None of it part of the gumbo that earned his file the banal title: Homicide #38/2018.
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Toronto Police at the scene on Yonge St. south of Dundas St. after a man was shot dead late Wednesday, May 30, 2018

TORONTO — A man is dead following a late-night shooting in one of Toronto’s busiest intersections.

Police say a man was shot at around 11 p.m. on the Yonge St. sidewalk at Yonge-Dundas Square in the heart of downtown.

The man, believed to be in his 20s, was rushed to a nearby trauma centre in critical condition.

Homicide Det. Stephen Henkel says he died of his injuries in hospital.

Investigators had not yet identified the victim, nor have they released any suspect information, though three men were reportedly seen fleeing after the shooting.

Police are seeking witnesses from the many people who in the square at the time of the shooting and planned to check out surveillance camera footage in the area.
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Harlem Baldwin, 20, Sharrieff Muhammad, 22, and Kareemallah Muhammad, 18 all of Toronto and Shakiem Anderson, 21 nabbed for brazen gunplay, reckless ride through city

A wild incident that saw gunshots fired in Regent Park Monday and a car speeding recklessly through downtown streets before smashing into oncoming vehicles and police cruisers ended with four young men in handcuffs.

“Given what could have happened, we’re lucky there were no serious injuries,” Toronto police spokesman Mark Pugash said Wednesday.

He also noted two guns were taken off the street in this “latest example of excellent police work” by Toronto cops.

It was initially a plainclothes officer, working in the Parliament-Dundas Sts. area, who spotted four men in a vehicle seemingly attempting to disguise their identities, police say.

The officer called for assistance and another plainclothes officer responded. By then the car was just south of Dundas at Coatsworth St.


An armed occupant allegedly got out of the vehicle, stood on the sidewalk on Parliament and fired at traffic and pedestrians.

Police don’t believe anyone was hit.

The man then got back into the vehicle which drove off as the plainclothes officers followed. Other uniform and plainclothes officers quickly responded and joined the pursuit.

Cops say the vehicle was boxed in by police vehicles at Sherbourne and Shuter Sts.

Officers attempted to arrest the occupants but the driver allegedly reversed into a police vehicle, then drove at a uniformed officer, who was hit but not seriously injured.

Police allege the vehicle then sped towards oncoming traffic, blew a red light at Shuter and Jarvis Sts. and collided with a taxi.

The vehicle allegedly crashed into another taxi and drove along the sidewalk, narrowly missing pedestrians, before the driver lost control and struck another police car.

Four men emerged and then ran from the vehicle.

Officers arrested four suspects and seized two loaded firearms.

Harlem Baldwin, 20, Sharrieff Muhammad, 22, and Kareemallah Muhammad, 18 — all of Toronto — and Shakiem Anderson, 21, of Mississauga, face a slew of charges.
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Kevin Frankish leaving City TV's Breakfast Television Toronto

Kevin Frankish, the longtime host of City TV’s Breakfast Television, is leaving the show.

An emotional Frankish made the announcement Tuesday morning. His last day is Friday.

“We have shared so much together for so many years,” he said in a statement. “Many of you who started watching me as kids come up to me now as parents with kids of your own. Some of you may remember when I proposed to my wife on the air.

“I have shared with you the birth of all four of my children. When I had a panic attack on air, I shared THAT with you and we have since gone on a journey of my battle with depression together.

“In fact, many of you in turn have shared so many of your stories. We are truly family.

“It is this fact that makes what I have to say so difficult. All good things must come to an end … eventually, and so sadly has my time here at Breakfast Television.

“Friday will be my last day on this program.”

Fans on Twitter were quick to react to Frankish’s news:

— “I grew up watching you and you were a part of many people’s morning routines. Thanks for the memories @KevinFrankish and good luck on your future endeavours.”

— “Thank you Kevin for your professionalism, laughter, honesty and sharing! Wishing you well in the next chapter.”

— “I’ve watched you since grade 8 and that was when Kim Campbell was PM. Toronto mornings won’t be the same without you!”

— “I am going to miss Kevin. When one of youse leave it is like a part of my family that is leaving. When you watch everyday it is like all of you are family.”

— “BT will never be the same! Best of luck in the future! You will be missed!”

In 2016, Breakfast Television fans were also upset at the departure of 23-year veteran Jennifer Valentyne, who at the time said she was let go because the show was going “in a different direction.”

Frankish said he will be working on documentaries for City TV in the future.

Rogers Media, which owns City, issued a statement wishing Frankish all the best in his future endeavours.

“Kevin has been a trusted face invited into the homes of our viewers for the past 27 years, and a leader in the vision of Breakfast Television,” the statement said.

“Stay tuned for more details to be announced in the coming months.”
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Venojan "Veno" Suthesan 21, Toronto, York University student found shot dead outside Malvern high school

A 21-year-old York University business student was “targeted” in a fatal shooting outside a high school in Malvern early Monday.

Toronto Police were called to Lester B. Pearson Collegiate on Tapscott Rd., in the Sheppard Ave. E. and Neilson Rd. area, for reports of multiple gunshots at 11:55 p.m. Sunday.

They found Venojan (“Veno”) Suthesan with obvious signs of trauma. Reports say he had been shot in the head. He died at the scene.

Suthesan was a student at York University’s Schulich School of Business.

“Veno was regarded as an incredibly bright, energetic, kind and compassionate individual, who was always there to help out his fellow students,” York president Rhonda Lenton said in a statement.


“On behalf of the entire York community, I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. The York University flag will be lowered to half-mast in his honour, and our team is reaching out to the community members who are most directly affected.”

Det. Andy Singh said Suthesan was not previously known to police.

Police say a man was seen fleeing down Washburn Way. He is described as having dark skin, 5-foot-10 with an average build, and wearing a light hoodie and khaki pants.

A dark-coloured vehicle was seen circling the area about 40 minutes before the murder, perhaps waiting for the victim, Singh said.

Suthesan is the city’s 35th murder victim of the year.

Anyone who saw him on Sunday or knows any information is asked to call police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers.
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Rhoderie Estrada 41, found dead in east-end Toronto home on 72 Torrens Ave on Saturday May 26, 2018

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Suspect wanted after Rhoderie Estrada 41, found dead in east-end Toronto home on 72 Torrens Ave at around 2:20 a.m. on Saturday May 26, 2018

Toronto police  say they are investigating after a woman was found dead in her bedroom in East York.

Officers were called to 72 Torrens Ave at around 2:20 a.m. on Saturday, where investigators said the body of 41-year-old Rhoderie Estrada was found.

In a press conference Saturday afternoon, Det. Sgt. Mike Carbone said Estrada’s body was found “suffering obvious signs of trauma.”

“The lifeless body of a female was located in the bedroom,” he said. “Toronto paramedics attended and life saving efforts were commenced.”

Estrada died at the scene.

“An unknown person entered the dwelling via [the] side window and subsequently caused the death of Ms. Estrada,” said Carbone.

He said the investigation is still in the early stages. An autopsy has been scheduled for Sunday morning.

Officers said they will not share who made the 911 call or if she was alone in the home when the incident occurred.

Officers said she died sometime between Friday at 10:30 p.m. and Saturday at 2:15 a.m.

There is no suspect information at this time.

Police are asking anyone with information to call 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers anonomously at 416-222-8477.

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Toronto police warning Regent Park residents of two men trolling area with guns

Toronto police want the Regent Park community to be aware of a public safety alert that has been issued for two men trolling the area with guns.

On Wednesday morning at 12:43 a.m., a man was smoking a cigarette near 184 River St., near Gerrard St. E., when he was approached by two men.

Police say one of the men — wearing all white with a hooded garment — held a hand gun to the back of the smoking man’s head.

The suspect appeared to have pulled the trigger, but the gun didn’t discharge and both suspects walked away.

A second incident took place on Wednesday at 12:51 a.m. near a variety store at 175 River St where a 42-year-old man was standing.

Police believe the same two suspects same are involved and both had guns.

They chased the victim into the lobby area of a building at 220 Oak St., where one suspect discharged his firearm, which struck the victim.

The suspects fled on foot and the victim was taken to hospital where he was treated and released.

Police say they believe the same two suspects are responsible for both incidents and have released video of the incidents.

“We are asking the public to be vigilant with the descriptions of these men and call police,” said police spokesman Katrina Arrogante.
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19 year old dead after fatal stabbing at Mississauga house party on Tradewin Dr

Peel Regional Police are investigating the fatal stabbing of a teen at a house party Saturday morning.

The 19-year-old was stabbed just after 1 a.m. on Tradewind Dr., near Hwy. 401 and Winston Churchill Blvd.

“Our uniformed officers attended a stabbing and found a male with obvious signs of trauma. He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries,” said Const. Bally Saini.

“This was an isolated incident.”

    Media Officer @PRP_Baljit on scene staging area at Tradewind/Winston Churchill #Mississauga pic.twitter.com/vXjWdxEEAO
    — Peel Regional Police (@PeelPoliceMedia) May 26, 2018

The victim’s identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

Saini said some members of the party remained and are cooperating with police.

Laura, who lives near the house, said she had her windows open because of the weather and was awoken by the commotion.

“There were police lights and young people leaving. One woman was crying inconsolably,” Laura said.

“This is a good neighbourhood and everyone has surveillance so it won’t take long to figure it out.”

Emily, another neighbour, said the house is notorious for having large parties.

“We all know about that house. It’s bad for the neighbourhood,” she said.

“This is tragic. Young people should find better things to do.”
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Toronto man Jaiden Jackson, 28 shot 20 times in disturbing video released by Toronto Police

Toronto Police have released a shocking murder video of a man being shot 20 times in the business district on Sunday.

The victim — Jaiden Jackson, 28, of Toronto — was at a private party at the Pick 6 bar at Yonge and Wellington Sts. when he left at about 9 p.m. and was targeted by three suspects.

Jackson had left the party with a woman and noticed the suspects in a late-model black Honda Civic.

“As soon as (Jackson) sees them, he begins to run west on Wellington down a parking ramp (on 18 Wellington W.) said homicide Det. Sgt. Gary Giroux.

At which point, two suspects get out of the car.

“The two chase him down the ramp and the driver is also in chase. You can see (Jackson) run down the ramp and he falls and the two suspects catch up to him and all three begin to shoot at the same time,” Giroux said.

The two suspects re-enter the car and the trio reverse back up the ramp to make their getaway south on Bay St. towards the Gardiner Expressway.

Jackson — who was known to Toronto police — was taken to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The woman he was with has come forward and is co-operating with police.

Police are still going through addition surveillance video from the area to help identify the suspects who concealed their identities.

“They must have known there was video surveillance in the area, but they were not concerned about it,” Giroux said.

    Please consider watching and sharing video to help Toronto Police ID suspects in shooting murder of Jaiden Jackson outside Pick 6ix nightclub *caution graphic video*. Info contact Det/Sgt Gary Giroux cell 416-318-2122. Anonymous Crime Stopper tips 1-800-222-8477 pic.twitter.com/XSgNgHeBpf
    — Homicide Squad (@TPSHomicide) May 25, 2018

“(Jackson was) clearly targeted for this offence and there are three dangerous people we want to apprehend.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 416-808-7400 or Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS (8477).

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Toronto Millennials dream of backyards but are stuck in condos: report

 Toronto Millennials are the most educated group in Canada, but high housing costs are keeping some of the country’s most qualified workers in their parents’ basements or pushing them out of the province altogether, a new report suggests.

The study, released Tuesday by the Ontario Real Estate Association in partnership with Ryerson University, raises alarm bells about the future of the region’s housing market, which researchers say won’t meet the demand of Millennial home buyers as they start families.

Millennials are often portrayed as the antithesis of Baby Boomers, with disparate opinions on everything from politics to brunch. But according to the research, which analyzed census data and surveys of Millennials, the two generations want similar things from life: a spouse, kids and a ground-level home with a backyard.

 The problem, researchers say, is that there aren’t enough affordable ground-level starter homes in Toronto, and developers are more interested in building condos and apartment units than townhouses and detached properties.

To make matters trickier, Baby Boomers won’t begin downsizing from their houses until 2040, keeping a large swath of resale properties off the market.

Over the next 10 years, researchers expect 700,000 Millennials will move out of their parents’ homes. As they enter the housing market, the demand for ground-level homes won’t be met, with 70,000 fewer ground-level homes than needed, researchers say.

If that demand isn’t addressed soon, there could be several major consequences. Millennials may go into deep debt to buy a house, abandon the city for the suburbs – thereby adding to traffic congestion -- or leave their jobs in the Greater Toronto Area to test the job market elsewhere.

The problem isn’t because Millennials aren’t saving enough, says report co-author Diana Petramala, a senior researcher with Ryerson’s Centre for Urban Policy and Land Development. She says assets among Millennials are growing faster than any other cohort over a 10-year period, and Millennials are taking on less debt.

Regardless, entry-level houses are still far out of reach.

“A single-family home now would require an income that is six times that of the average Millennial. So it definitely is becoming more difficult,” Petramala told CTV News Channel on Tuesday.

Younger Millennials have turned to the condo market for relatively affordable starter properties. Part of that demand came from Millennials who moved to Ontario from western provinces when oil prices recently dropped.

But that short-term boost doesn’t offset the long-term trend of Millennials leaving Ontario.

“We do see more people leaving the province than staying. So we do think that Millennials are at that age where they’re more mobile, they’re moving quickly through the housing cycle. And if we don’t offer them the type of jobs and housing that they would like, there’s a good chance we could lose a bunch of them.”

That projected Millennial exodus may be avoided if policy makers address the problem now, says Tim Hudak, CEO of the Ontario Real Estate Association and the province’s former Progressive Conservative leader.

The organization has launched a campaign, Keep the Dream Alive, calling on the three candidates vying to become Ontario’s next premier to address the reported lack of affordable detached homes in Toronto.

But the issue isn’t just limited to Toronto, Hudak says.

“Whether I’m in Toronto, Niagara Falls, Ottawa or Simcoe, they all say the same thing – realtors have that young couple, they did all the right things. They got their degree, they got the job, maybe they’re expecting a kid – they can’t find a house to move into,” Hudak told CTV Toronto on Tuesday.

“So this is all about helping Millennials escape mom and dad’s basement, move on with life and boost the economy.”

Policy makers may also want to consider tax incentives to help Millennial home buyers reach their dreams, Hudak said.

“We need more supply, greater choices and giving them a bit of a tax break when they try to buy their first home. That would go a long way too,” he said.

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Toronto opening 800 emergency spaces to deal with influx of refugee claimants

TORONTO – Toronto is opening two emergency reception centres to deal with an influx of refugee claimants, less than a week after the mayor warned that the current system was nearly at capacity.

Beginning Thursday, Toronto will temporarily house refugee claimants and new arrivals in 400 beds at the Centennial College Residence and Conference Centre in the city’s east end.

And the city says it will also begin using 400 beds at Humber College in the west end to house refugee claimants as of June 1.

Last Friday, Mayor John Tory said the city would have to take emergency measures if the federal and Ontario governments didn’t act to relieve the growing pressure refugee claimants are putting on the city’s shelter system.

The city said the province facilitated the availability of the college dormitories and has committed up to $3 million in Red Cross staffing costs as part of an anticipated $6.3 million total cost of operating the sites for the next 75 days.

These contingency sites will only be available until early August, when the rooms will be required for returning students.

At that time, the city’s emergency protocol may require the use of municipal facilities, including active City community centres, to relocate refugee claimants in Toronto and accommodate new arrivals, officials said.

The city says 368 refugee claimants have entered Toronto’s shelter system since April 19.

At the current rate of arrivals, the city projects that refugee claimants will represent nearly 54 per cent of Toronto’s shelter population by November.

“We have triggered our emergency protocol to help these families in their time of need, with some support from the government of Ontario, but require the federal government to take immediate steps to permanently relieve this unprecedented pressure on the city’s shelter system,” Tory said Wednesday.

James Kilgour, who directs Toronto’s office of emergency management, said Wednesday that the city’s shelter system has reached its capacity to accommodate new arrivals and it has activated a protocol to secure contingency housing sites and Red Cross staffing support.

“This is part of the city’s compassionate and co-ordinated approach to dealing with unprecedented events and emergency situations,” Kilgour said.

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Toronto city council appoints Jonathan Tsao as Ward 33 councillor

Toronto city council has appointed Jonathan Tsao to be the councillor for Ward 33 — Don Valley East.

Tsao fills the vacancy left by former councillor Shelley Carroll, who is running for the Liberal Party in the provincial election in the new riding of Don Valley North. Tsao narrowly beat out Divya Nayak on the third ballot.

Tsao is a former provincial government employee as well as an advocate for children's mental health.

Eighteen candidates, seven of whom live in the ward, applied to fill the seat.

All were given five minutes to address council at a special meeting on Tuesday in an order that was determined by lot.

Tory apologizes after councillor's phone number given out

The vote was not without controversy.

Coun. Mike Layton accused Mayor John Tory's office of lobbying on behalf of a candidate, while Coun. David Shiner said his personal phone number had been given to one of of the candidates.

Tory, who supported Tsao, told reporters that he has apologized to a councillor after his office provided the phone number, which was reportedly not publicly available.

"It's kind of a grey area of what private numbers are when you're a public office holder. My own cell phone number is in the hands of literally thousands of people who I regularly give it to. Notwithstanding that, there should be permission given by the person whose phone number it is when it's being given out," Tory said.

"That will be made clear to my staff. It has been already. That won't happen again."

Tory acknowledged that candidates have been lobbying councillors and he has been lobbied himself. He said he sees the lobbying as part of the political process.

In a statement, Tory was full of praise for the appointed councillor.

"I believe Mr. Tsao is passionate about public service, Ward 33 and all of Toronto," he said.

Appointment covers remainder of term

Tsao will represent Ward 33, which runs from Don River Valley in the west, Finch Avenue to the north, Victoria Park Avenue in the east and Highway 401 in the south, until the end of the term.

Under the Municipal Elections Act, council is allowed to make an appointment to fill a vacant seat until 90 days before a municipal election.

The next municipal election will held on Oct. 22, 2018.

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Is Drake's New Girfriend Malaika Terry From Brampton?

I don’t know if you’ve been following The Disastrous Drake in ANOTHER scandal with a catfish/IG ho he met online but I have the inside dirt!! Drake was spotted with this below basic looking girl in Toronto allegedly trying to go to the LV shop “the dreadful morning after” to buy her a wallet as payment for busting it open.

The woman is 22 year old Malaika Terry who still lives at her momma (Natasha) house in Brampton.

Malaika’s mom is Jamaican with other children (J.R who she is actually proud of) an her father is Irish (out of the picture which is why she is so desperate for make attention). I went to school with this broad & it’s so embarrassing that she has no career, can’t hold down a job & is still editing her pictures to look like a “hot girl” when she’s really a double-chinian looking chinpanzee!!

She still photoshops her pictures with a free apple app & strips for Instagram likes while I pursued my career & I am engaged. Malaika’s only boyfriend Ben Shamoon (aside from her groupie takes and one night stands) unfollowed her after seeing how thirsty she is to suck a celebrity peen for free when no celeb is even claiming her!! Drake was so angry & his bodyguard was ready to fight the people taking pictures because Drake never wanted to be seen with Malaika the catfish, he didn’t even take her to dinner or out! Lolol Ben was the only guy willing to marry her, he introduced her to his whole family!? Malaika’s been to LA one time but re-adds the pictures pretending to live there.

She was sleeping with @61.mm for free photographs, @marquistrill slept with her promising to be her agent/manager but he told her she needs to be associated to a celebrity otherwise she’s a nobody so last year Malaika went on a spree liking Chris browns pics, tagging him, commenting everywhere & he finally liked one of hers back so she tried messaging him on dm.. Lolol This is the same thing she did to Drake. Chris brown already unfollowed her & unliked the pic not wanting to be associated with Drake’s hole to fill for the night that looks like a hot mess in person! Malaika you are an embarrassment, YOU COULDN’T EVEN GET AN INSTAGRAM FOLLOW FROM DRAKE AFTER GIVING HIM A BJ AND WE KNOW YOU CALLED YOUR BROTHER PATRICK TO TAKE & RELEASE THE PICTURES INSIDE RITZ CARLTON. Every time she exposes a guy, she changes her name: from @tonyvmontanaa to @imcleopatravii to her new name.

Malaika purposely wore the same outfit she wore on April 20th, then pretended to be a fan & send in her own match up claiming this “fan” found Drake’s mystery girlfriend!!? Who else would notice a hood boutique outfit? It wasn’t memorable! Lol I know this because she tells her “friend” everything!! Drake is the only fool who would fall for her because he is insecure daring celebrities, he’d rather shoot fish in a bucket, strippers, porn stars, groupies, girls who get excited over him, Guess he didn’t mind because she’s a BBW in person. Drake if you’re reading this, it’s too late, everyone knows you’re the CATFISH CONNOISSEUR but this catfish exposed you herself! We grew up with her, we know she’s desperate for fame & to get off her mattress in Brampton aka B-town aka Bum-town.

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Toronto's plan puts focus on two- and three-bedroom residential units

Nearly half of new residential developments in downtown Toronto could be made up of two- and three-bedroom units, a new plan for the core just approved by city council outlines.

The city’s sweeping TOcore plan for downtown growth considers many aspects of living, working and being in Toronto’s core, including expanding and improving parks; fostering walking, cycling and transit, and protecting open spaces from shadow.

The Official Plan Amendment and three infrastructure strategies was considered by council late Wednesday night.

The master plan requires new residential developments with more than 80 units to be made up of at least 40 per cent two- and three-bedroom units.

“It’s something that we’re … hoping for, because we’ve been seeing a steady decline since the 1990s in the size of condo units and in the number of bedrooms of condo units,” said Cherise Burda, executive director of the Ryerson City Building Institute.

“At the same time, we’re seeing an increase in the height of condo buildings. And, so, essentially, we’re building small and tall; we’re building small units in tall buildings.”

To create balanced mix of unit types and sizes, the policies approved lay out regulations for developments with more than 80 residential units:

    At least 15 per cent of units would be two-bedrooms that are at least 87 square metres (936.5 square feet) in size.

    At least 10 per cent of units would be three-bedrooms that are at least 100 square metres (1,076.4 square feet) in size.

    An additional 15 per cent of units would be a combination of two- and three-bedroom units, without the same minimum size.

“Making sure that we build a livable downtown means ensuring that we have access to affordable housing, but also means that we have access to family housing, and that means family-sized units,” said Councillor Joe Cressy (Ward 20—Trinity-Spadina) before the vote.

“Not just two and three bedrooms where the three bedrooms are closets, but rather two and three proper-sized bedrooms. And that’s what’s key in TOcore; it provides a percentage that’s required for two and three bedrooms, but also the specific square footage that’s required.”

Douglas Young, an associate professor who teaches urban studies at York University, said the policy is a “very interesting” example of the government regulating the production of housing.

“I think, in this country, there’s always been something of a dance between government and the private sector around housing, with sometimes government getting very involved and other times stepping back,” Young said. “So I see this as a point in time where they’ve decided to step forward and get more involved.”

Young said the regulations are an attempt to reverse the trend of smaller condos being built in Toronto, which are more suitable for singles than families or groups. He added the 87- and 100-square-metre minimums for new units are “big” by today’s standards.

Burda said multi-bedroom units will create opportunities for families to remain downtown, but emphasized that affordability remains an issue.

“We need to get way more innovative and figure out how to create more affordable, family-friendly housing in our downtown, and it doesn’t necessarily require a million-dollar, three-bedroom unit,” Burda said.

The plan adds that, “where appropriate,” residential units would include storage space, operable windows, bedrooms with closets, bedrooms with an operable window on an exterior wall and balconies or terraces.

“They’re acknowledging the fact that the standard of accommodation that the private sector is producing is pretty low, where you can have a space without a window and without a closet and you can call it a bedroom,” Young said.

The downtown plan is a 25-year project that directs the scale and location of future growth in the city centre. It’s the first comprehensive update since the 1970s, when the 1976 Central Area Plan introduced policies to encourage residential growth downtown and avoid inner city deterioration.

“Fundamentally, TOcore is about designing a downtown that is livable,” Cressy said. “Another way of putting it: it’s about ensuring we build neighbourhoods, rather than simply building towers. And, so, central to building neighbourhoods is having a range of ages and families and people that live there.”

Cressy called the masterplan “long overdue and necessary.”

By the year 2041, the population of downtown Toronto is expected to double from 240,000 to 475,000.

Recognizing that growth was outpacing infrastructure, city council initiated the TOcore study in 2014.

The study area is bounded by Lake Ontario to the south, Bathurst St. to the west, the mid-town rail corridor and Rosedale Valley Road to the north and the Don River to the east.
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Toronto Woman Dies After Being Stabbed at 70 Spadina Rd. near Kendal Ave. on Wednesday May 23, 2018

A woman has died in hospital after she was stabbed Wednesday evening near Spadina Rd. and Kendal Ave, Toronto police said.

A call was put in around 4:30 p.m. for gunshot sounds in the same location.

A woman was found with life-threatening injuries when police arrived and was rushed to hospital. She later succumbed to her injuries, police reported.

Police said they were initially unsure whether her injuries were from a stabbing or a shooting, but have since said they are consistent with a stabbing.

Two men were seen running from the scene.

Police on scene assigned officers to escort pedestrians to their buildings in the cordoned-off block. Police were using dogs in a search.

Const. Jordan Brooks said that police had been dispatched to the same address on Monday. “It’s a guy and a girl,” he said, but added that police knew little else as of Wednesday afternoon, including whether the incident was domestic.

One resident, who declined to give his name, showed us a video he described as being an altercation earlier that week, with multiple women and a man scuffling in a parking lot.

The TTC has reopened the Kendal Ave. entrance at Spadina Station which had been closed due to the police investigation.

Homicide is now investigating the stabbing, police said. 

The unidentified woman is the city’s 32nd homicide of the year. Police on Thursday said they believe the killing was targeted and said there was “no immediate threat to the safety of residents in the area.”

Anybody with information is asked to call police at 416-808-7400, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 416-222-TIPS.
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Toronto stabbing of 2 Scarborough teens on May 22, 2018 video realeased of suspect

Toronto Police issued a public safety alert after a knife-wielding stranger attacked two 15-year-old boys on a Scarborough street on Tuesday afternoon.

The teens were walking in the Jaguar St. and Meandering Trail area, south of the Toronto Zoo, around 4:45 p.m. when “they were attacked from behind by a stranger with a knife,” police spokesman Gary Long said Wednesday.

The man cut one boy in the neck and then injured the other when he came to his friend’s aid.

The teen’s neck injury was initially listed as life-threatening while the other boy was treated for minor injuries.

Both boys have since been released from hospital.

The attacker, who fled on foot, is described as white, about 5-foot-8 with an average build, a full beard and buzz-cut hair. He was wearing a white T-shirt and black pants.

On Wednesday, Toronto police released footage from area surveillance cameras of the attacker walking along a residential sidewalk.

Police say the man, who is wanted for attempted murder, is believed to be violent, armed and dangerous. Anyone who sees him is urged to call 911 and not approach him.
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Almost half of Toronto tenants paying ‘unaffordable’ rent, study finds

Almost half of Toronto tenants are paying too much in rent and are one health emergency or lost job away from losing their homes, in a city where rental rules favour profits over people, according to a new study.

Where Will We Live? Ontario’s Affordable Rental Housing Crisis, released Tuesday by the Advocacy Centre for Tenants Ontario, found that 46.9 per cent of Toronto renter households are spending 30 per cent or more of their income on rental costs and that a tenant would have to earn $24 an hour to comfortably pay the going rate.

The 30-per-cent line is a common benchmark used to determine if rental housing is in fact affordable, or if tenants will have enough to afford a decent quality of life once their rent is paid.

In Toronto last year, the average rent for a one-bedroom condominium was about $1,800, while the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment was $1,200, according to the report, which analyzed rental rates from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., as well as demographics and cost of living.

“It is worse than it looks from these figures,” said Kenn Hale, director of advocacy and legal services at the advocacy centre. “These are not the average rents of units that are available, these are average rents of units that are occupied.”

Ontario landlords can charge whatever they want for empty apartments, and unless the rules are changed the number of affordable units will continue to shrink, Hale said.

“It is extremely difficult and getting worse,” said Hale.

With a provincial election looming June 7, the study also contains recommendations for candidates on how to better protect Ontario tenants. Included in their list: the creation of more affordable, purpose-built rental homes; new social housing and the preservation of existing stock; recognizing housing as a legal right; and decreasing financial incentives for landlords that result in them pushing out existing tenants.

The advocacy centre is also calling for all candidates to commit to cost-matching any money put forward by the federal government, as part of the national housing strategy, a 10-year, $40-billion plan created with the goal of lifting 530,000 families out of unaffordable and substandard housing and reducing chronic homelessness by 50 per cent.

Hale said continuing to allow landlords to put whatever price they want on empty units will only encourage landlords to push out lower-income tenants and contribute to rising rental rates across the province.

“There is really no reason to it, other than to allow landlords to charge more rent and make more money,” Hale said. “There is nothing in it for tenants and nothing in it for society at large.”

Part of the problem is a lack of available apartments. Toronto’s vacancy rate for one-bedroom apartments was at about 1 per cent last year. Purpose-built rental units, or apartments that were designed strictly as rental stock, have counted for less than 9 per cent of new homes built across the province since the 1990s, the authors reported.

Groups representing landlords have warned that telling property owners exactly what they can charge could backfire, or result in less rental housing. The Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario, in the build-up to a provincial decision to eliminate an exemption that allowed landlords in buildings built after 1991 to freely raise the rent, argued that rent control was not the solution to the city’s affordable housing issues and that clamping down put development dollars at risk.

A dearth of affordable rental housing was why Barb Livesay moved to Parkdale about four years ago. She became a member of tenant advocacy group Parkdale Organize last year, after her landlord told residents that their rent would be going up 3 per cent each year, over three years, to cover the cost of repairs.

“We can’t afford the increases in rent that the landlords are asking for and we know the government won’t do anything about it,” said Livesay, 59, who relies on the Ontario Disability Support Program and Canada Pension Plan to pay about $800 for a bachelor apartment.

Livesay ended up taking part in what was dubbed a “rent strike,” where tenants withheld their rent and held public rallies to protest that proposed increase. The landlord eventually agreed not to raise the rent.

Everybody should have access to affordable housing, said Livesay.

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Toronto: New Home Sales in GTA Hit 20 Year Low in April 2018

New construction home sales hit the lowest number for April in over 20 years, says the association that represents home builders.

Newly built single-family home prices dropped 5 per cent year over year to $1.15 million, down from about $1.2 million in March. But the benchmark price for condos continued to rise — 29.8 per cent year over year to $739,965, but down month over month from $742,801.

There were 65 per cent fewer houses and condos sold last month compared to April 2017. That put the sales of single-family homes — detached, semi-detached and townhouses — 70 per cent below the 10-year average. Condos were 38 per cent below that average, according to the Building and Land Development Association (BILD).

Although new home data by Altus Group goes back only as far as 2000, BILD said previous data shows 1995-1996 was the last time April sales were as low as the 1,727 last month.

The new construction home industry is being affected by many of the same factors that have led to a sluggish 2018 in re-sale real estate in the Toronto area, said BILD CEO David Wilkes.

Part of the slowdown is seasonal, he said. There is a lull in the housing market compounded by interventions from government and new mortgage stress test rules introduced by Canada’s banking regulator.

“Part of it is cyclical. We often see a slowdown in late winter or early spring before the spring market picks up … As you’re seeing in other components of the housing market, we’re in a bit of a pause right now,” said Wilkes. “People are reassessing and part of that reassessment, no doubt, stems from the affordability issue we need to address within the GTA.”

But the fundamentals of the market haven’t changed, he said. The Toronto region needs 55,000 new homes a year to meet the demand over the next 20 years, he said.

The lower number of home sales in April, combined with the release of new housing projects meant there were 15 per cent more new construction homes available in April compared to March. But the five-month inventory is still below the nine to 12 months’ supply that would indicate a healthy market, said BILD.

The association is recommending governments help put more houses on the market by streamlining the approval process.

“It often takes 10 years to get a new project online,” said Wilkes. “In some cases you need to have 52 different studies, reports, check lists or plans approved before you can get approval for a project to begin. There really is a lot of work that can be done to ensure new product is brought on the market in the most efficient, effective manner.”

BILD says all housing projects must meet six provincial requirements, in addition to specific municipal and regional approvals.
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Toronto Yorkville Coach Robbery Suspects Crash Getaway Car near Jarvis and Wellesley

Toronto Police continue to search this week for two people who are believed to have robbed a Yorkville Coach store before causing a horrific rollover crash and then fleeing the scene on foot.

After seeing video footage from the the crash, however, many online are simply shocked that the pair survived.

Police say that the female suspect entered the Bloor-Yorkville Coach store on Saturday morning around 10:30 a.m.

The woman indicated that she was armed with a gun before stealing several items. She then jumped into a silver SUV being driven by a man, according to TPS Constable David Hopkinson, at which point "the couple sped off."

Around 11 a.m., the pair is alleged to have been involved in a collision at Jarvis and Wellesley.

Witnesses told CityNews the man had been "driving erratically" and that he ran a red light before crashing into a white car, flipping the getaway vehicle on its roof.

Miraculously, all four people in the white car emerged unscathed — as did the two heist suspects — who allegedly ran away on foot before police arrived to the scene.

The area was reopened to traffic after a thorough scene investigation around 3:30 p.m. on Saturday afternoon, but the suspects have yet to be apprehended.

Police say that the woman was described as a young, caucasian, around five feet six inches tall, with short hair.

She was last seen in all black clothing and, when caught, could face such charges as robbery with a firearm and failure to remain at the scene.

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Toronto the Bad, Is Toronto Really A Safe City?

The following is from the Toronto Police Services over a one week period

NEWS RELEASES

    Mon, 21 May 2018 17:53:00

    Public Safety Alert, Man wanted in Stabbing investigation, Islington Avenue and Winnipeg Road area, Update, Man identified as Liam Mitchell McCallum, 22

    Mon, 21 May 2018 14:50:00

    Homicide #31/2018, Wellington Street West and Yonge Street, Jaiden Jackson, 28

    Mon, 21 May 2018 12:10:00

    Public Safety Alert, Man wanted in Stabbing investigation, Islington Avenue and Winnipeg Road area

    Mon, 21 May 2018 08:42:00

    Missing woman, Caledonia Road and Lotherton Pathway area, Ying Sui Lim, 70

    Mon, 21 May 2018 01:22:00

    Missing man, Willowdale Avenue and Finch Avenue West area, Celio De Andrade Silva Jun, 42

    Sun, 20 May 2018 21:10:00

    Public Safety Alert, Man wanted in Stabbing investigation, Spadina Subway Station

    Sun, 20 May 2018 15:10:00

    Homicide 30/2018, Mohammed Gharda, 17, Milford Haven Drive and Greenock Avenue

    Sat, 19 May 2018 22:03:00

    Man sought in firearm investigation, Sentinel Road and Finch Avenue West

    Sat, 19 May 2018 16:57:00

    Arrest made in Sexual Assault investigation, Yonge Street and Wellesley Street area, Jason Beesaw, 33, faces a number of charges

    Sat, 19 May 2018 16:40:00

    Missing woman, West Lodge Avenue and Seaforth Avenue area, Terra Randall, 29

    Sat, 19 May 2018 06:47:00

    Ashbridge's Bay Victoria Day Fireworks, Monday, May 21, 2018, 10 p.m.

    Sat, 19 May 2018 04:59:00

    Media advisory, Saturday, May 19, 2018, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Cram-a-Cruiser Food Drive, 840 Dupont Street & 1022 King Street West

    Fri, 18 May 2018 19:18:00

    Sexual Assault Alert, Man Wanted, Wychwood Avenue and St. Clair Avenue West area

    Fri, 18 May 2018 12:17:00

    "Keele Street Bandit" Arrested, Jason Ebanks, 31

    Fri, 18 May 2018 12:10:00

    Missing boy, Midland Avenue and Lawrence Avenue East area, Justin Montgomery Olindo, 14

    Fri, 18 May 2018 08:08:00

    14 Division's "Fugitive Friday," Peter Maroulis, 48

    Fri, 18 May 2018 07:19:00

    23 Division's "Find Them Fridays," Shamar Lennon, 20

    Thu, 17 May 2018 15:38:00

    Fatal collision #25/2018, Dundas Street East at Jones Avenue

    Thu, 17 May 2018 15:13:00

    Fatal collision #23/2018, Lake Shore Boulevard West and Thirteenth Street

    Thu, 17 May 2018 13:55:00

    14 Division’s “Fugitive Friday,” Update, Edison Ambrossi, 42, arrested, Faces five charges

    Thu, 17 May 2018 13:24:00

    Adrian Bates, 55, faces nine charges in ongoing Human Trafficking investigation, Photograph of man released

    Thu, 17 May 2018 12:23:00

    31 Division's "Takedown Thursday," Steve Gregory, 34

    Thu, 17 May 2018 11:22:00

    Adil Hamza, 43, arrested in ongoing Sexual Exploitation investigation, Ontario International College, 4620 Finch Avenue East, Man's photograph released

    Thu, 17 May 2018 11:04:00

    Police warn about scam targeting Chinese people

    Thu, 17 May 2018 10:15:00

    Man, 24, arrested in Attempt Murder Investigation, Weston Road and Jane Street area, Faces eight charges

    Thu, 17 May 2018 09:58:00

    Missing girl located, Pine Street and MacDonald Avenue area, Milyon Abubaker Ali, 15

    Thu, 17 May 2018 09:28:00

    Missing woman located, Warden Avenue and Lawrence Avenue East area, Heidi Sternig, 59

    Thu, 17 May 2018 09:12:00

    Fatal collision #24/2018, Yonge Street at Lawrence Avenue East

    Thu, 17 May 2018 04:59:00

    Media advisory, Thursday, May 17, 2018, 9:30 a.m., TPS Marine Unit, 259 Queens Quay West, Kick-off to Safe Boating Awareness Week and Media Day

    Thu, 17 May 2018 03:12:00

    Missing woman, Warden Avenue and Lawrence Avenue East area, Heidi Sternig, 59

    Thu, 17 May 2018 00:05:00

    Missing girl, Pine Street and MacDonald Avenue area, Milyon Abubaker Ali, 15

    Wed, 16 May 2018 13:58:00

    Media advisory, Thursday, May 17, 2018, 9:30 a.m., TPS Marine Unit, 259 Queens Quay West, Kick-off to Safe Boating Awareness Week and Media Day

    Wed, 16 May 2018 13:38:00

    Two men wanted in Fraud/Theft Over $5000 investigation, Richmond Street West and Simcoe Street area, Security camera images of the men released

    Wed, 16 May 2018 13:23:00

    Missing woman, Parliament Street and Wellesley Street area, Ann Kim, 31

    Wed, 16 May 2018 10:38:00

    Two men, woman, face total of 28 charges in ongoing Human Trafficking investigation, Photographs of all three released

    Wed, 16 May 2018 09:58:00

    12 Division's "Wanted Wednesday," Jerome Ray Mullings, 30

    Wed, 16 May 2018 09:25:00

    Two men charged in Shooting/Attempt Murder investigation, Finch Avenue West and Duncanwood Drive area

    Wed, 16 May 2018 08:38:00

    Abdi Dirie, 27, wanted in ongoing Sexual Assault/Extortion investigation, Liberty Village area, Photograph of man released

    Wed, 16 May 2018 04:59:00

    Media advisory, Wednesday, May 16, 2018, 10:30 a.m., Holiday Inn Toronto Airport, 970 Dixon Road, News conference, Ontario’s police leaders provide update on conference looking into challenges posed by province’s opioid crisis

    Tue, 15 May 2018 21:23:00

    Toronto Region Board of Trade names Constable Kile Blanchard 2017 TPS Police Officer of the Year

    Tue, 15 May 2018 10:32:00

    Missing woman, Kingston Road and Galloway Road area, Darlene Castle, 61

    Tue, 15 May 2018 10:05:00

    Bruce McArthur investigation, Update

    Tue, 15 May 2018 05:59:00

    Canada Road Safety Week, Tuesday, May 15, 2018 to Monday, May 21, 2018

    Tue, 15 May 2018 05:29:00

    Media advisory, Tuesday, May 15, 2018, 10 a.m., Toronto Police College, 70 Birmingham Street, Drive Safe! Campaign Launch, Ontario’s police leaders address road safety issues related to legalization and regulation of cannabis

    Tue, 15 May 2018 04:59:00

    Media advisory, Tuesday, May 15, 2018, 7 p.m., Toronto Region Board of Trade, 77 Adelaide Street West, 51st Annual Police Officer(s) of the Year Awards presentation

    Mon, 14 May 2018 22:38:00

    Missing girl located, Dawes Road and Danforth Avenue area, Justice Reid, 15

    Mon, 14 May 2018 13:10:00

    Missing woman, Pharmacy Avenue and Danforth Avenue area, Sabina Yeasmin, 49

    Mon, 14 May 2018 12:49:00

    Missing man, Birchmount Road and Lawrence Avenue East area, Duy Thai Le, 19

    Mon, 14 May 2018 10:55:00

    Missing man, Sherbourne Street and Gerrard Street East area, Frederick Peacock, 55

    Mon, 14 May 2018 09:54:00

    Yue (Alex) Yu, 30, charged in ongoing Sexual Assault investigation, 44 St. Clair Avenue East

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Jaiden Jackson, 28 shot dead Sunday May 20, 2018 downtown at Yonge and Wellington identified, police seeking three suspects

TORONTO — Police are searching for three suspects after a man was chased and shot to death Sunday evening in the city’s core.

Shortly before 9 p.m., police say the victim — identified as 28-year-old Jaiden Jackson — left the Pick 6ix restaurant on Yonge St. at Wellington St. W. in the company of a female.

As the two walked along the north side of Wellington St. towards the victim’s car, a black four-door Honda approached the two, driving the wrong way on the one-way thoroughfare.

Pulling a quick u-turn, two armed men emerged from the car and opened fire on Jackson, who attempted to escape by running down the ramp of a nearby underground parking garage.

He was pursued by both the gunmen, as well as a third suspect behind the wheel of the Honda, who all continued firing upon Jackson.

Reversing off the ramp and back onto the road, the suspects fled west on Wellington before turning south onto Bay St.

Rushed to hospital by paramedics, Jackson was later pronounced dead.

It was not Toronto’s first homicide of the day. About 18 hours earlier, around 3 a.m., 17-year-old Mohammed Gharda was killed and an 18-year-old man was wounded in a shooting at Milford Haven Dr. and Greenock Ave. in Scarborough.

Toronto police spokesman Gary Long said “it’s too early” to determine if either shootings were connected, but said homicide investigators would pursue every angle.

The two murders are the city’s 30th and 31st of 2018.

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Liam Mitchell McCallum, 22 of Toronto arrested in two random TTC stabbings on May 20, 2018

A man has been arrested in two stabbings hours apart on the TTC over the long weekend.

In one incident, a man boarded a TTC bus in the Islington Ave. and Bloor St. area around 3:40 a.m. and had a verbal altercation with the driver, Toronto Police say.

The passenger then broke the head off a toothbrush and stabbed the driver in the cheek, according to police. He then ran southbound on Islington at Winnipeg Rd.

At Spadina subway station around 4 p.m. Sunday, a 46-year-old man was standing in the pedestrian tunnel connecting lines 1 and 2 when “he was approached from behind” and stabbed with “an unknown object,” police say.

The attacker then fled the station.

Liam Mitchell McCallum, 22, of no fixed address, was arrested late Sunday.
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Toronto : Refugees flood into our "Sanctuary City"

He told us that 334 more refugee claimants have come into the city since a month ago — an average of 10 new claimants joining Toronto’s shelter system per day.

Flanked by three of the socialist councillors who have perpetuated the shelter crisis — Joe Cressy, Ana Bailao and Joe Mihevc — Mayor John Tory indicated to reporters Friday morning that 40% of the shelter system’s 6,991 beds are currently being used by refugees and if this influx keeps up, it will jump to 50% by November. That compares to 25% last fall.

He also warned that if the province and the feds don’t provide financial and resource help within the next seven days, he will be forced to open an “emergency reception centre” (within a local community centre) to accommodate their arrival. Where that centre will be, Tory refused to say.

The mayor noted that to service these refugees they’ll likely end up with another $22-million shortfall in the shelter, support and housing division — despite having gone at least $10-million over budget last year and adding $20-million already to the shelter budget this year for extra $105-a-night shelter beds.

“This situation is having a serious impact on our city resources,” Tory said, insisting the city desperately needs immediate financial and staff support from their senior government “partners” resettling these refugees to regions outside of the Toronto shelter system.

He said they are in “active discussions” with both levels of government but nothing has been committed — and they don’t have the “facilities” to deal with this.

Tory conceded, after being questioned, that many (of African descent) are finding their way to Toronto after coming across the border (likely illegally) rather than through Pearson airport — all that courtesy of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s shoddy handling of the refugee situation (the latter being my words, not Tory’s).

But some of the fault for this crisis must be borne by Tory and his band of leftist councillors who, in a splashy press conference just 18 months ago, reaffirmed Toronto’s status as a sanctuary city — an attempted political slap at President Donald Trump for his immigration policies banning new refugees from seven countries where terrorism is rampant.

NDP Andrea Horwath has also pledged in her platform to make Ontario a Sanctuary Province, for heaven’s sake.

When I suggested that perhaps Tory should have been more careful what he wished for, he got testy with me, insisting that what has created Toronto’s shelter crisis are “unbelievable circumstances way outside the borders of our own country” that all of us can’t imagine.

“We represent part of the solution,” he said.

He added that being a Sanctuary City means when people are here and walk into a shelter as “human beings” asking for services or health care, their paperwork is not examined.

That said, this whole crisis and the steadily rising deficit from shelter services just reinforces what I’ve been predicting for the past year about the fiscal toll Toronto’s open borders to refugees would take on the city’s budgets.

Surely to goodness the Mayor and his merry band of magnanimous councillors weren’t that blind to the fallout.

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Toronto seeks help to deal with influx of refugees

TORONTO — The mayor of Toronto says the city will need to open an emergency reception centre over the next seven days to deal with an influx of refugees.

John Tory says the federal and Ontario governments should take action to relieve the growing pressure refugee claimants are putting on the city’s shelter system.

He says 10 new refugee claimants are added to Toronto’s shelter system each day — 334 additional refugee claimants have arrived since he last appealed for help on April 26.

At the current rate of arrivals, Tory says Toronto projects that refugees will represent more than 50 per cent of the city’s shelter residents by November.

Tory says he’s looking for a number of things from Ottawa and the province, including co-ordination and leadership to help with the immediate placement of new arrivals outside of the city’s shelter system.

He also wants dedicated provincial and/or federal staff to facilitate and operate the placement, sustainable funding, and reimbursement of all costs, including those incurred in 2017 and projected for 2018.

That reimbursement includes $64.5 million in projected costs for ongoing housing and operations, Tory said.

“Toronto is a city built by immigrants, many who came from around the world as refugees,” Tory said.

“The people of Toronto are generous, they are understanding and they value our role as Canadians in accommodating people in their time of need,” he said. “But the federal and provincial governments need to honour their values and their commitments to these populations as well.”

A spokesman for Doug Ford said that while immigration is primarily a federal issue, the Ontario Progressive Conservative leader would be willing to discuss the issue to ensure Toronto receives the funding it needs if his party wins the June 7 election.

Last month, Liberal Premier Kathleen Wynne said the province would work with the city and continue to look for surplus provincial buildings that can be used as shelter space.

And an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada spokeswoman said on April 26 that the government would continue to work with the city and province on the issue.

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Richmond Hill Murder victim Matthew Arcara, What we now know

A dead body in the front seat of a vehicle with at least one gunshot wound.

Two of the victim’s pals 40 KM’s away tied up and held prisoner during an armed robbery.

And a dead dog.

They say when it comes to investigating a homicide, the first 48-hours are crucial. York Regional Police had the first puzzle pieces solved in just 36.

YRP were called at 6:50 a.m. Thursday for an unusually parked vehicle on a quiet residential street in Richmond Hill. A deceased man found shot to death in a black Jeep is what York homicide detectives started with.

“We determined quickly it was a homicide,” said Const. Laura Nicolle, adding detectives immediately went to work.

The first thing they needed to do was determine who the victim was. It didn’t take them long.

Matt Arcara, just 22, had been shot and killed and left in the normally tranquil Oak Ridges area along the Bayswater Ave. near Emily Crt.

Police traced his residence back to the 69th floor of a posh new condo building at 100 Harbour St. in Toronto, where they not only learned the construction worker was living, but that he had roommates who were also touched by this heinous crime.

Detectives were working on a theory that after the victim was shot to death and left out in Richmond Hill while two suspects took his key and went to the apartment and robbed his roommates, tied them up and killed a large dog that Arcara was often seen walking in the area just south of the Air Canada Centre.

    Homicide investigation in Richmond Hill after a man was
    found deceased in a vehicle outside of a residence in the area of Bayswater
    Avenue and Emily Court in Oakridges. A media officer will be at the
    scene at 12 to assist media
    — York Regional Police (@YRP) May 17, 2018

They say when one is committing a major crime, one is prone to making major mistakes.

“There are always forensics that police can use, but what stands out in this case is the number of surveillance cameras these suspects would have had run across,” said crime specialist Ross McLean, who is a former Toronto Police officer.

Not just in the downtown area, but dash cam videos and home security ones, too.

By Friday afternoon YRP had announced it had made an arrest in this case. Investigators said Arjuna Paramsothy, 31, from Newmarket, has been charged with first-degree murder, two counts of robbery with a firearm and forcible confinement. He has also been charged with using a “disguise with intent to commit a crime” and with killing an animal.

The accused will be back in court June 1.

But police are not done yet. They are searching for a second suspect.

“Just incredible police work,” said McLean. “Fast off the mark and very impressive.”

There is also the human side to this, since a young man is dead. His friends and family were reeling with the horrible news — more than a dozen of them heading to the scene of the murder to leave flowers and candles while others took to social media, including the deceased’s brother.

“I want you all to go up to your sibling(s), hug them and tell them you love them because you never know when they will taken away from you,” he tweeted.

    I want you all to go up to your sibling(s), hug them and tell them you love them because you never know when they will taken away from you
    — Adamo (@23Adamo) May 17, 2018

CP24’s Steve Ryan and Cam Woolley, both former cops, also received a statement from Arcara’s family saying they “expected (Matt) to amount to greatness one day. He was responsible and ambitious and was definitely going to be a leader of industry. At 22, he had already started his own business. He was a beautiful young man who loved his brother and his parents more than anything in the world. He was taken away too soon.”

Moving quickly, police have one person already in custody. And they are on the hunt for one more.

A GoFundMe for the Arcara family has been set up at: www.gofundme.com/matthew-arcaras-funeral.

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Jason Ebanks, 31 charged in string of gunpoint robberies in North York

TORONTO — A Toronto man has been arrested in the “Keele Street Bandit” string of heists.

Toronto Police say seven robberies were committed at gas stations and fast-food restaurants in the city’s west end between April 4 and May 12.

A man concealed his identity with dark glasses, a hoodie and face mask, pointed a gun at the victims, and demanded they give him money and lottery tickets.

Jason Ebanks, 31, was arrested on Thursday and a firearm and ammunition were seized.

He is charged with six counts of robbery with a firearm, robbery, six counts of disguise with intent, and two counts of possession of property obtained by crime.

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Toronto Comedian Mike Bullard Facing Three New Charges Regarding His Former Girlfriend and CityNews Reporter Cynthia Mulligan

Three new charges have been laid against Toronto comedian Mike Bullard, who has faced past allegations of criminal harassment.

Toronto Police arrested the former talk show host on Wednesday, laying breach of recognizance and attempt to obstruct justice charges.

Police declined to elaborate on the nature or circumstances of the charges.

In November 2016, Bullard was charged with criminal harassment in connection with allegations regarding his former girlfriend and CityNews reporter Cynthia Mulligan after their relationship came to an end.

Shortly after those charges were laid, Bullard’s tenure as a host on NewsTalk 1010 came to an end.

Last June, he was released on $2,500 bail after being accused of breaching release conditions and allegedly violating orders to stay away from Mulligan.

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Toronto and Vancouver Are Being Abandoned By Local Millennials

Local Millennials have had enough of Toronto and Vancouver, and are starting to leave. Statistics Canada’s latest intraprovincial migration numbers show the number of people leaving the cities for different parts of the province, is accelerating. The trend is showing huge growth in the crucial Millennial demographic. A demographic that will be entering their prime earning, and home buying years soon. That’s no bueno.

Net Intraprovincial Migration

Net intraprovincial migration is the total change of people that left the city, for another part of the province. That is, if 1 person from rural Ontario moves to Toronto, and 0 people leave Toronto, the net intraprovincial migration is 1. If 1 person moves to Ontario, and 3 people from Toronto move to Hamilton, the net intraprovincial migration is -2. Ideally a region attracts more people from other parts of the province than they lose. This number is different from immigration, but is just as important.

Convincing people to immigrate to a city is good, but retaining people is even better. Afterall, cities are built to serve people, not serve as an advertisement for immigration that may be disappointing people once they arrive. A drastic change in these numbers could indicate an underlying problem that isn’t being reflected in current government stats.

Toronto Loses Over 142,000 People To Other Parts of Ontario

Toronto is seeing the net intraprovincial migration numbers plummet, and that’s bad. From 2012 to 2017, the net intraprovincial migration was -142,465, a 77.53% larger loss than the period before. This means over 142,000 more people left Toronto for other parts of the province, than Toronto attracted. This pace is a lot higher than the pace of population growth.

Toronto Net Intraprovincial Migration

More people are leaving Toronto for other (cheaper) parts of Ontario.

Year	2007 - 2012	2012 - 2017
0 - 19	-24,545	-38,097
20 - 34	-5,606	-22,776
35 - 49	-21,670	-32,184
50 - 64	-20,677	-33,873
65+	-7,746	-15,535

Source: Statistics Canada, Better Dwelling.
Breaking that down by age brackets, the trend is a little worse than you may anticipate. The 20 to 34 year old age bracket (Millennials) saw a net decline 306.28% larger than the period before. To contrast, the 35 to 49 year age bracket saw a net decline 48.52% larger than the period before. Toronto is losing young people at a very rapid pace, to other parts of the province.

Lower Mainland (Including Vancouver) Loses Over 18,000 People To Other Parts of BC

Lower Mainland, the population dense part of the British Columbia, is doing better than Toronto, but still not great. From 2012 to 2017 the region saw a net migration of -18,670 people, a decrease that was 180% larger than the period before. The number seems relatively small, but it’s a province with a population smaller than Greater Toronto. The net loss to other regions represents a huge increase.

Lower Mainland Net Intraprovincial Migration

More people are leaving Lower Mainland for other (cheaper) parts of British Columbia.

Age group	2007 - 2012	2012 - 2017
0 - 19	-2,094	-4,511
20 - 34	3,817	-139
35 - 49	-1,629	-4,606
50 - 64	-6,166	-6,839
65+	-579	-2,575

Source: Statistics Canada, Better Dwelling.
Two interesting demographics are changing in the province. The largest loss was in seniors, that are likely cashing in and seeking greener pastures. The 65+ demographic showed a net migration of -2,575, a whopping 344.73% more people compared to the period before. The 20 to 34 demographic saw net intraprovincial migration reach -139, a 103.64% decrease from the period before. This demographic was previously the only demographic not in decline across the region.

The real irony here is these two regions spend huge amounts of cash to attract Millennial immigrants. At this point, Millennials should be putting down roots, and entering their prime earning years. Retaining millennials  is typically a win for both the local economy, as well as birth rates in the region (if they have kids). Maybe someone should teach local politicians about the concept of retention?

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