Weston News

Weston's own Elliot Madore will be performing in an online Messiah, which is streamable until January 7. The show is produced by Against The Grain Theatre, and it looks great. The producers say it is a "truly cross-Canada performance in Arabic, Dene, English, French, Inuktitut, and Southern Tutchone, and accompanied by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra". Tickets are pay-what-you can (including free). And I could be mistaken, but I think I see the Weston Lions Arena in the trailer. Thanks to L for the tip! https://www.westonweb.ca/messiah/

The Weston Park Baptist Church has raised more than $10,000 for Weston Area Emergency Support, the local food bank. Castlepoint Numa, who plan to build on some of the church's property, donated more than $5,000 to help the church meet their goal. Happy Sunday Please join us to help sponsor the #FoodDrive #WAES #TORONTO @cityoftoronto #WestonParkBaptistChurch... https://www.westonweb.ca/wpbc-raises-10000-for-food-bank/

On December 9, Toronto Police arrested a man at his home near Weston and Lawrence and for the possession of two handguns, crystal methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and fentanyl. William Pokeda, 44, is alleged to have had Two pistols 786.09 grams of crystal methamphetamine 4.71 grams of crack cocaine 223.15 grams of red fentanyl 94.86 grams of heroin Pistol ammunition It's not clear what 'red fentanyl' isI'm certainly not an expert, but uncut fentanyl appears to typically be white. Pokeda has been charged with possession of drugs, possession of the proceeds of crime, possession of prohibited weapons, and failing to comply with probation, among other things. https://www.westonweb.ca/police-arrest-man-for-firearms-fe/

People around the world are planning on ringing bells on their balconies and doorsteps at 6 pm Christmas Eve. The 'Worldwide Christmas Eve Jingle' was started in North Yorkshire, England by a woman who thought the world could use a bit of joy this year. She said it's for kids, so they can look back on 2020 with some fondness.... https://www.westonweb.ca/ring-christmas-bells-on-christmas/

It's not strictly Weston related, but the city is proposing a vacant-homes tax that would charge people 1% of their home's value every year if it is not occupied. The tax is to encourage more housing supply, and it should raise more than $55 million for the city. It's a great idea. Vancouver has had a vacancy tax for three years, and it seems to have correlated with a decline in unoccupied buildings.... https://www.westonweb.ca/vacant-home-tax-garden-suites-may/

There's a new (and, alas, temporary) disc golf course at Scarlett Woods. If you haven't played disc golf before, it's a ton of fun (and COVID friendly). The idea is to toss a Frisbee1 into an upright basket, much like you would tap a golf ball into a cup. From Wikimedia Like golf, it looks easy and is anything but. Unlike golf, it's pretty cheapyou can play with a $10 Whammo, or splurge on a $50 set of specialized discs.... https://www.westonweb.ca/new-temporary-disc-golf-course/

Acclaimed photographer Peter MacCallum has been photographing Weston Road between Mount Dennis and Weston. The photos are very interestingthey are the sort of picture we'll look back on in 30 years to see an era. https://www.westonweb.ca/photographer-peter-maccallum-turn/

The number of new COVID infections continues to fall in Weston. This week, there were 55 cases in the previous 21 days. In the three previous weeks, we have seen 61, 85, and 105 cases, so this is part of a long-term decline in the number of new infections. https://www.westonweb.ca/covid-this-week-things-are-gettin/

Cityline built a new lounge space and homework area at Frontlinesand as you'd expect, they look really great. Martelli foods also donate a truckful of food for the culinary program. https://www.westonweb.ca/cityline-builds-lounge-at-frontli/

This week, the city approved a survey of Church St residents between Grattan and Cypress to see if they would like speed calming islands. If more than half of residents respond, and more than 60% of them approve, the city will install five islands. https://www.westonweb.ca/city-will-survey-church-st-reside/

The number of new COVID cases in the past 21 days rose slightly this week to 60. Last week, there were 55 new cases reported in the previous three weeks. Over the past month or so, Weston has seen a decline in the number of new cases, from a high of 105 (in 21 days) four weeks ago. https://www.westonweb.ca/covid-this-week-5/

On December 7, the city hosted a meeting about the proposed 38-storey building at 18211831 Weston Road. Representatives of the developers gave a brief presentation and answered questions about the building, which, if approved, will be the tallest in Weston. Your correspondent was left unimpressed. The developers were asked why they planned such a tall building. Louis Tinker, from Bousfields, said the province considers areas near transit hubs to be 'strategic growth areas' and the tallest buildings in a particular geographic area are often found in the closest proximity to the station entrance.... https://www.westonweb.ca/meeting-about-38-storey-building-/