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CBC
10 hours ago
- Sport
- CBC
Redevelopment plans for Weston Lions arena leave 80-year-old hockey league in limbo
Members of Toronto's historic Weston Minor Hockey League are reeling after finding out this month that the rink they've called home for decades is being eyed for redevelopment — and now they're worried kids in the area may soon have to find somewhere else to skate. It's a bittersweet, complicated scenario for parents, kids and organizers of the league that plays at the Weston Lions Arena near Lawrence Avenue W. and Scarlett Road. Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) is reportedly in talks to lease the location from the city as part of its Launchpad program, which provides a place for kids to play sports alongside other programming and mentorship for youth. Community stakeholders interviewed by CBC News this week were steadfast in their support of that initiative, and say it will undoubtedly be good for the area should it come to pass. They take issue, however, with a lack of communication about those plans from the city, leaving people scrambling to figure out exactly what is happening at the site and what it could mean for the league next season. "We deserve to be consulted, and there was no community consultation whatsoever," said Lesley Bannard, president of the league. "The dream has always been for my kid to skate on this ice, and that might not happen — and that's awful, it's gut-wrenching. We would just appreciate the opportunity to say goodbye and finish this off right." Bannard told CBC News that she found out about redevelopment plans for the arena in an email newsletter from York South-Weston Coun. Frances Nunziata sent on June 5. Mixed signals from stakeholders In the newsletter, Nunziata said that "through my efforts," MLSE and the city "will be moving forward with a leasing agreement" for the arena. "MSLE Launchpad and Weston Lions Management collaborated throughout the process, and it is truly a monumental and transformational opportunity for MLSE Launchpad, Weston Lions and for our community," she wrote. "I cannot say enough about how important this will be for the future generations of Weston and the City of Toronto." In an email statement sent to CBC News, Nunziata said she fully appreciates the level of community interest in the project — but she was also less firm about where the process stands, saying the city is "now in discussions with MLSE Launchpad on a new lease." She also said her office continues to "work closely" with arena management as discussions progress, and is committed to finding ice space for the league for the 2025 season — though that can be notoriously hard to find in Toronto, with demand usually far outpacing supply. In a statement, MLSE said the organization is in the early stages of expanding the Launchpad program to a new location and is "exploring potential site options," though no formal agreement has been signed as the site selection process is still ongoing. "A key part of this process is working diligently with the City of Toronto, local councilors and the community through public consultations to ensure any existing programming, if applicable, will have a suitable alternative location and that the selected space creates opportunity for thousands of local youth to access sport," the statement reads. A city spokesperson, meanwhile, said in an email that an engagement process between stakeholders and local residents is currently underway, with a "feasibility review" to be brought forward to city council for discussion later this year. Uncertainty remains All of this uncertainty has left league officials questioning exactly when they might have to leave the rink, and if any new project at the location would include an ice surface. On top of being a home for hockey, the arena also provides vital funding to the Weston Area Emergency Support Food Bank. Diana Stapleton, the food bank's chair, said proceeds from fries sold at the rink last year amounted to $25,000, which paid for their program's eggs for the entire year. "It's a significant investment in the community," she said. "Losing something like that would mean there's some food we won't be able to supply our community with." Brandy Williams, whose son Hunter plays in the Weston league, told CBC News that parents shouldn't be finding out about the project through a councillor's newsletter. "It was devastating to get the news that way, and to feel like we didn't matter as much as the corporate side of it," she said. And while she would love if any redeveloped facility still included an ice surface, Williams said if nothing else, she hopes the city and MLSE would give the league one more season to end off its run in the building the right way, should this project come to pass. "It's not that much to ask," she said.
CTV News
25-05-2025
- CTV News
Man in 60s rushed to hospital after early morning stabbing in North York
Toronto police investigating after a man was stabbed in North York on Sunday May 25, 2025 (CP24). Police are investigating after a man was reportedly stabbed in North York early Sunday morning. Toronto police say they were called to the area of Lawrence Avenue West and Jane Street at around 5:43 a.m. When they arrived, they say they found a man in his 60s suffering from a stab wound. The extent of his injuries are believed to be serious but non-life-threatening. The suspect, who police say fled the scene upon arrival, is described as 'male, black, 20-30 years old, slim build, wearing all black clothing.' Anyone with information is asked to contact police as the investigation gets underway.
CTV News
24-05-2025
- CTV News
Video shows 2 people setting Scarborough restaurant on fire
Video obtained by CTV News Toronto shows the moment two suspects set ablaze a store near Kennedy Road and Lawrence Avenue East. Video obtained by CTV News Toronto shows the moment two people set ablaze a restaurant at a Scarborough strip mall early Saturday morning. In the surveillance video, a car arrives in the parking lot of the strip mall located on Kennedy Road, north of Lawrence Avenue East. Two people, one holding what appears to be a red canister and the other carrying some kind of metal bar, get out of the car and walk towards an establishment. After breaking the front door using the bar, the two enter the store and stay inside for approximately 30 seconds. When they get out, one person lights a fire and throws it through the door. The front of the restaurant goes up in flames quickly. The two suspects return to the car and drive away as flames and thick black smoke shoot out of the restaurant. Toronto fire Fire crews seen battling a fire at a Scarborough strip mall on Saturday May 24, 2025 (Jacob Estrin/CP24 photo). Emergency crews received the fire call at around 3:30 a.m. Speaking to CP24 at the scene, Toronto Fire Platoon Chief Paul Versace said crews responded at around 3:30 a.m. following reports of a 'fire inside a store.' When crews arrived, Versace said they found a heavy blaze inside and quickly called for a 'second alarm.' 'We had some issues with crews on the roof and the roof was compromised, so we had to go from an offensive to a defensive strategy,' he said, adding that the roof of the building later caved in. No injuries have been reported, and officials confirmed the main body of the fire has been knocked down. Toronto fire The aftermath of a two-alarm fire at a Scarborough strip mall (CP24 photo) This incident marks the second consecutive restaurant fire in recent days, after a similar occurrence in the area early Friday morning. However, officials have not commented on whether the two are related. It's unclear if there will be an investigation by the OFM (Office of the Fire Marshal in Ontario), but Versace notes he did notify investigators. 'We're going to be on scene most of the day given that (the building) collapsed and it's just smouldering,' he said. Anyone with information is asked to come forward. There are no road closures in the area.
CTV News
16-05-2025
- CTV News
1 man injured after shooting in Scarborough
One man was injured following a shooting in Scarborough on Friday, May 16, 2025. (Mike Nguyen/ CP24) One man was taken to hospital following a shooting in Scarborough early Friday morning, Toronto police say. It happened near Lawrence Avenue East and Orton Park Road at around 12:52 a.m. According to police, officers arrived to find a 19-yea-rold man who had been shot. He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators have not released any information on possible suspects.
CTV News
16-05-2025
- CTV News
1 man injured after shooting in Scarborough
One man was injured following a shooting in Scarborough on Friday, May 16, 2025. (Mike Nguyen/ CP24) One man was taken to hospital following a shooting in Scarborough early Friday morning, Toronto police say. It happened near Lawrence Avenue East and Orton Park Road at around 12:52 a.m. According to police, officers arrived to find a 19-yea-rold man who had been shot. He was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Investigators have not released any information on possible suspects.
