Latest news with #Taha
Hamilton Spectator
3 days ago
- Hamilton Spectator
Man who built towering west Mountain home without permit convicted in court, fined $174,000
The builder behind a towering and controversial three-storey home on Hamilton's west Mountain has been fined $174,000 after being found guilty of multiple provincial building code violations. This included construction without a permit and repeatedly flouting stop-work orders. Omre Taha was convicted in provincial offences court on May 26 of six charges stemming from the unsanctioned build at 279 Bonaventure Dr., between December 2023 and February 2024. Besides a hefty fine, the builder was also handed a 12-month probation order. Taha was convicted in absentia. He couldn't be reached for comment. The home at 279 Bonaventure Dr., on April 25. 'The city is pleased with this outcome and will continue to ensure the safety and well-being of the community,' the city said in a statement. The still-unfinished property — once a modest bungalow destroyed in a ghastly late-night explosion — has drawn the ire of neighbours who have said its scale and design are out of place on a street dominated by single-storey homes. Taha began construction in late December 2023 while his application for a building permit was still under review. During the next two months, the city fined him 15 times. One longtime building official called his repeated flouting of work orders ' one of the most egregious acts of noncompliance that I've come across in my 20-year (career).' City granted building permit for homeowner while provincial offences charges against him remain The city took Taha to provincial court after exhausting traditional enforcement measures. As that legal challenge waited to be heard, Taha was granted a building permit for a three-storey single-family dwelling with a secondary unit on the main floor and basement. The city said the Ontario Building Code doesn't allow them to withhold permits amid pending enforcement. In the span of less than a year, the property went from an unfinished wooden shell with no visible siding or windows to an imposing structure with dark-black siding, detailed stonework near the entrance and balcony and trim around about a dozen windows. Then came another fine. A half-finished home at 279 Bonaventure Dr. This photo was taken in June 2024, when the home was listed for sale. Taha was issued an order to comply April 17 after city inspectors found construction occurred inside that didn't match approved building plans. Despite the order — and his conviction earlier this week for multiple building code violations — work at the property appears to be ongoing. On Friday afternoon, the home showed clear progress: a freshly poured concrete driveway, a more finished exterior and a new address sign in cursive lettering. Behind its open fence, a buzzing sound of power tools could be heard coming from the rear. Meanwhile, a City of Hamilton SUV was parked on the curb. 'The owner is permitted to continue only with work that is under the auspice of the original building permit,' said city building director Rob Lalli. Lalli said the homeowner has heeded part of the city's recent order — namely, he's applied for a revised building permit. The application is still under review. 'Any additional construction requirements will need to be adhered to prior to occupancy of the two-family dwelling,' Lalli said in a statement. Residents have long harboured concerns about the development. Although the property was initially zoned for a single-family dwelling with a secondary unit in the basement, one neighbour said the structure suggests otherwise. 'This has been, apparently only to the citizens in this neighbourhood, obvious as the building is nothing more than four apartments stacked on top of each other,' Eric Brink told The Spectator last month. He fears 'living in the shadow of this monolith' will create parking issues and decrease property values. Homeowner still facing court challenge from city over noncompliance. 'It just looks out of place, like it's going to fall over,' decades-long resident Mary Alessi said in February 2024, following a committee of adjustment hearing that reviewed Taha's application for a minor zoning variance at his then half-built property. At the hearing — where Taha's zoning request was ultimately pushed to another day — committee member Robyn Reid questioned how the three-storey property got approved for that neighbourhood in the first place. 'After a tour on Sunday, everything one-and-a-half or two storeys … and then in the middle of the properties, you have this long tower,' he said. 'I just don't know this got through to this point.' Taha's links to 279 Bonaventure date back to October 2016, when he bought the former bungalow for $355,800, according to property records. A year later, in August 2017, he sold it for $549,000. By March 2021, he was again the listed owner after purchasing it for $655,000. The building site at 279 Bonaventure Dr. The original house on the site exploded. The latter transaction came about a month before the home was reduced to rubble in a massive explosion. The Ontario office of the fire marshal attributed the incident to a building of natural gas and said it was not considered suspicious. Taha put the property up for sale as a pit of dirt in early 2023. Then he was hit with three civil suits from affected neighbours who alleged the explosion could've been avoided if not for his negligence. These claims remain active and have yet to be tested in court. A few months later, he took the razed site off the market and started building. In June 2024, the home, half-finished and built without a permit, was billed in realtor ads as a promising investment duplex available for just under $850,000. Records show the property hasn't changed hands since then. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Taha honoured
Taha Shah Badussha Cannes 2025 Sanjay Leela Bhansali Gajendra Ahire Making a strong mark on the global platform, actorwas honored with the 'Influential Actor of the Year' award atTaha bagged this prestigious award for his memorable performances in's 'Heeramandi', and's 'PARO'.Spilling his excitement following the win, Taha wrote on social media, 'Grateful for this global honor Thank you, WIBA Awards!'. As 'PARO' was screened at the Cannes during the Marché du Film, Taha said the opportunity to showcase his work on a global platform means the world to him.'Grateful and humbled to be part of a story that truly matters. It's an honour to present Paro at the Marché du Film, Festival de Cannes a film that sparks an important conversation and reflects a powerful reality,' he added, 'This opportunity to showcase our work on a global stage means the world to me...'
Wales Online
26-05-2025
- Wales Online
Tribute to 'much loved' teenager who died at Barry Island Pleasure Park
Tribute to 'much loved' teenager who died at Barry Island Pleasure Park Fellow pupils at the school Taha Soomro attended are being offered help and support after the 'much-loved' pupil's death Taha Soomro, 16, of Grangetown, Cardiff, who died at Barry Island Pleasure Park The high school attended by the 16-year-old boy who died after an incident at Barry Island Pleasure Park on Friday evening has paid tribute to the "much loved" pupil. Fitzalan High said everyone in the school community has been affected by the death of Taha Soomro, of Grangetown, Cardiff, who police said had suffered a medical episode. Specialist teams will be made available for pupils and the Leckwith-based school is working closely with all the relevant agencies to provide support. A spokesperson for Fitzalan High said: 'Taha was a much-loved member of our school community, and he will be remembered with great affection and respect. 'This tragic news has deeply affected everyone at the school, and our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with Taha's family and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. 'We are supporting our pupils, staff and wider school community as we come to terms with this loss. Specialist support services will be made available in school. "We are working closely with the local authority and relevant agencies to ensure that everyone who needs help, receives it. We ask that the privacy of the family and our school community is respected as we grieve and begin the process of healing.' Article continues below Police were called to Barry pleasure park just before 5pm on Friday May 23 but in a statement the force said that "despite efforts of emergency services, Taha died at the scene". Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause and circumstances of the teenager's death and the police have asked people to avoid speculation on social media. Sign up for our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here. South Wales Police confirmed on Saturday May 24 that a 15 year-old boy from Cardiff was arrested on suspicion of assault in connection with the death of Taha Soomro. The teenager was being held in custody but has been released on police bail as officers conduct further enquiries. A spokesperson for South Wales Police said in the latest update from the force on May 24: "We are continuing to investigate the death of 16-year-old Taha Soomro at Barry Island Pleasure Park. "A 15-year-old boy arrested on suspicion of assault is now on bail pending further enquiries. Taha's family has been updated and continue to be supported. "Extensive enquiries are ongoing to establish the cause and circumstances of Taha's death. "Anyone who was in Barry Island Pleasure Park around the time of the incident, around 5pm on Friday, May 23, that may have information that could assist our investigation is asked to contact us." Detectives are particularly keen to receive any mobile phone footage form the evening. Footage and information can be submitted online here. Alternatively, anyone with information or concerns is asked to contact police by one of the following means quoting 2500163611. Article continues below Live Chat Online Call 101 Information can also be given via Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form. The park opened as usual on Saturday, with a statement from the owners saying: " "Very sad news, all of our team did their best to assist the emergency services but unfortunately the boy suffered a medical emergency and could not be saved. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very sad time."
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Taha Shah Badussha awarded 'Influential Actor of the Year' at Cannes
Making a strong mark on the global platform, actor Taha Shah Badussha was honored with the 'Influential Actor of the Year' award at Cannes 2025. Making a strong mark on the global platform, actor Taha Shah Badussha was honored with the 'Influential Actor of the Year' award at Cannes 2025. Taha bagged this prestigious award for his memorable performances in Sanjay Leela Bhansali 's "Heeramandi", and Gajendra Ahire's "PARO". Spilling his excitement following the win, Taha wrote on social media, "Grateful for this global honor Thank you, WIBA Awards!". As "PARO" was screened at the Cannes during the Marche du Film, Taha revealed that the opportunity to showcase his work on a global platform means the world to him. "Grateful and humbled to be part of a story that truly matters. It's an honour to present Paro at the Marche du Film, Festival de Cannes a film that sparks an important conversation and reflects a powerful reality," he said. Taha added, "This opportunity to showcase our work on a global stage means the world to me. Truly thankful for the love, support, and belief that brought us here." Helmed by Gajendra Ahire, the movie is an attempt to bring the plight of Paro brides, also known as Molki brides to light. These women are stuck in a toxic cycle of bride-buying and slavery. Taha essayed the role of Rashid in the movie, a husband who empathizes with these Paro brides. Produced by Trupti Bhoir under the banner of Trupti Bhoir Filmss and Sandesh Sharada International Pvt. Ltd, "PARO" is also set to be showcased at the Oxford University. Meanwhile, in "Heeramandi," Taha turned into a national heartthrob as intense and romantic Nawab, Tajdar Balloch. As the much-acclaimed web series turned 1 on May 1, 2025, he penned a heartfelt note for the ace filmmaker, Sanjay Leela Bhansali for putting his faith in him. "Sanjay sir, thank you for believing in me. For giving me Tajdar. For changing my life in ways words can never fully capture. You are not just a filmmaker but you are a dream-giver. I will carry your faith in me like a light for the rest of my life," the actor penned on his Instagram handle. Check out our list of the latest Hindi , English , Tamil , Telugu , Malayalam , and Kannada movies . Don't miss our picks for the best Hindi movies , best Tamil movies, and best Telugu films .
Web Release
24-05-2025
- Business
- Web Release
OSB at AUB, in Collaboration with MENA Financial Crime Compliance Group and Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime, Launches New Online Certificate in Trade-Based Financial Crime
OSB at AUB, in Collaboration with MENA Financial Crime Compliance Group and Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime, Launches New Online Certificate in Trade-Based Financial Crime The American University of Beirut's (AUB) Suliman S. Olayan School of Business (OSB) partnered with the MENA Financial Crime Compliance Group (MENA FCCG) and the Global Coalition to Fight Financial Crime (GCFFC) to launch an online certificate program in Combating Trade-Based Financial Crime (CTBFC); and announced the official release of the program's first certificate. The CTBFC program, now available through AUB Online, is designed to equip professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to excel in the fight against financial crime. This broad category includes illicit activities such as money laundering, fraud, tax evasion, corruption, and terrorist financing—each of which presents a serious threat to the stability and integrity of global financial systems. As financial markets become more interconnected and digitalized, the challenges of preventing, detecting, and prosecuting financial crime continue to evolve. Effective action against these crimes demands a comprehensive approach that integrates technology, regulation, cross-border cooperation, and education. The CTBFC program has attracted strong interest from financial professionals seeking to deepen their expertise in this rapidly evolving sector. Dr. Yusuf Sidani, dean of the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business said, 'The CTBFC program embodies our unwavering commitment to fostering transparent corporate cultures and healthy organization, free of financial crime, that positively impact society and serve as a force for good.' Hashem Taha from Arab Bank PLC was recognized as the top performer in this inaugural certificate cohort. Taha's dedication and academic excellence have set a high standard for the program, demonstrating both his hard work and the exceptional quality of the CTBFC certificate. His achievement highlights the program's success in preparing leaders for the financial sector. 'This course not only met but exceeded my expectations. Earning this certificate will help me achieve my professional goals. It has enhanced my decision-making skills and enabled me to apply best practices. As a result, I feel more confident in discussing and addressing complex trade-based financial crime matters,' Taha commented. The AUB Online platform offers flexible access to the CTBFC program, allowing busy professionals to pursue certificate while balancing their careers. This initiative is a testament to AUB's ongoing commitment to delivering world-class education that meets the evolving needs of today's workforce—combining academic rigor with practical, industry-relevant insights. 'The CTBFC certificate equips professionals with the skills to detect, prevent, and respond to trade- based financial crime, addressing the growing demand for experts in this field,' said Dr. Abdel Jalil Ghanem, CTBFC program academic director. 'Earning the CTBFC certificate enhances participants' professional profiles with specialized skills, helps them stand out in the compliance job market, opens new career opportunities, and connects them with a network of professionals dedicated to financial integrity.' With the third batch of certificates now available, the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at AUB looks forward to welcoming more professionals into its Combating Trade-Based Financial Crime (CTBFC) program, further strengthening the bridge between academia and industry. The program offers more than just theoretical knowledge; it provides an immersive learning experience led by experts with over 20 years of real-world experience in the field. Participants will gain invaluable insights from industry leaders and acquire practical skills to address the ever-growing challenges of trade-based financial crime. Additionally, the program serves as a steppingstone toward becoming certified in trade-based financial crime.
