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  • Fog Advisory Issued for Mississauga and Brampton Amid Road Closures

    Fog Advisory Issued for Mississauga and Brampton Amid Road Closures

    Environment Canada has placed Mississauga and Brampton under a fog advisory, effective from April 30 to May 1, due to hazardous weather conditions expected to impact the area. The advisory warns of “near zero visibility in fog,” particularly affecting regions along the western Lake Ontario shoreline. The dense fog, which is expected to persist through the night, poses significant risks for travelers in the area.

    Key Advisory Details

    Residents of south Peel are advised to prepare for challenging conditions, especially when traveling. The advisory emphasizes the importance of turning on vehicle lights and maintaining a safe following distance to navigate through areas of reduced visibility. This weather warning comes at a time when several road closures in Peel highways are already causing frustration among drivers.

    CAA Warnings and Safety Tips

    The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) has issued warnings to drivers in Peel, noting that while the current dry and warm weather may seem ideal for driving, it can quickly lead to dangerous conditions on the road. According to Transport Canada, two-thirds of fatal collisions on Canadian roads occur under such seemingly perfect conditions. The CAA advises drivers to be cautious of sudden weather changes, including downpours, fog banks, and sun glare, which can significantly increase the risk of accidents during the warmer months.

    Conclusion

    As Mississauga and Brampton brace for the fog advisory, both Environment Canada and the CAA urge residents and drivers to exercise caution and prepare for the hazardous conditions. By staying informed and adopting safe driving practices, individuals can navigate these challenges and minimize the risk of accidents during this period of adverse weather and road closures.

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  • Extensive Synthetic-Identity Fraud Scheme Uncovered in Peel Region

    Extensive Synthetic-Identity Fraud Scheme Uncovered in Peel Region

    Toronto police have charged nine residents from Peel Region, specifically from Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon, as part of a large-scale synthetic-identity fraud operation dubbed ‘Project Deja Vu’. This extensive investigation, which began in October 2022, has led to a total of 102 charges being laid against individuals involved in the fraudulent activities that commenced back in 2016.The accused allegedly created over 680 fictitious identities, which were used to open numerous bank and credit accounts across various financial institutions in Ontario. These accounts were then exploited for in-store and online purchases, cash withdrawals, and electronic fund transfers. In some instances, fraudulent payments were reportedly made into these accounts to extend their credit limits illicitly.The fraudulent activities have resulted in confirmed financial losses amounting to approximately $4 million, according to the Toronto Police Service. The investigation was initially triggered by a report from a financial institution that identified several suspicious accounts, most of which were linked to a former employee of the company.Throughout the course of the investigation, law enforcement executed more than 20 search warrants and 80 production orders to trace the flow of the proceeds from these crimes. These efforts led to the seizure of dozens of synthetic identity documents, fraudulent government identifications, electronic templates for creating false identifications, and hundreds of payment cards linked to the fraudulent accounts. Additionally, approximately $300,000 in Canadian and foreign currency was confiscated.Among those charged, a 28-year-old man from Brampton faces 16 counts including fraud over $5,000, forgery, and laundering proceeds of crime. Other individuals from Brampton, Caledon, and Mississauga face various charges ranging from fraud over $5,000 to unauthorized possession of credit card data and possession of proceeds of crime over $5,000.This case highlights the complex nature of synthetic identity fraud, a type of financial fraud where fabricated personal information is used to deceive banks and other financial entities. The ongoing legal proceedings and further investigations aim to dismantle this fraudulent network and mitigate future financial crimes of this nature.

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  • Brampton’s Rosalea Park Undergoes Transformation: Trees Make Way for Tennis Courts

    Brampton’s Rosalea Park Undergoes Transformation: Trees Make Way for Tennis Courts

    In a recent development, the City of Brampton has embarked on a project to revamp Rosalea Park, situated in the downtown area. This endeavor involves the removal of several mature trees to pave the way for new recreation amenities.

    The park, spanning 5.1 acres on Nelson Street East, has seen the removal of approximately six large, mature trees, sparking concerns among residents who reached out to area city councillors for clarification.

    A resident, in an email exchange with Wards 1 and 5 Coun. Rowena Santos, expressed worry over the tree removal. The concerns were addressed in Santos’ response, where she confirmed that the trees were indeed cut down to accommodate new tennis courts, as indicated by signage recently installed at the park.

    The decision to remove the trees aligns with Council’s directive from September 2023, focusing on enhancing recreational facilities for Brampton’s youth, particularly in response to the growing demand for youth tennis activities.

    Santos further explained that the removed trees had reached their end of life and reassured residents that double the number of new trees would be planted. These new trees will be selected based on their ability to thrive in urban and park environments, contributing to the park’s greenery and ecosystem.

    Construction at Rosalea Park is currently in progress, with the installation of public tennis courts slated for completion by November. To facilitate this, protective fencing will be erected around the existing parking lot starting May. Additionally, a large white dome will be installed over the new tennis courts to enable year-round usage, catering to the diverse needs of park visitors.

    Despite the ongoing construction, the park will remain open throughout the summer, offering amenities such as youth soccer nets and replacement parking. Santos assured that adjustments would be made to the park pathways to accommodate temporary construction needs while ensuring continued accessibility for park-goers.

    The transformation of Rosalea Park signifies the city’s commitment to providing modern and inclusive recreational spaces for its residents, blending nature preservation with the introduction of new facilities to meet evolving community needs.

  • Friday News Roundup: April 26, 2024

    Friday News Roundup: April 26, 2024

    Good morning! Today’s headlines bring news of Peter McCallion’s withdrawal from the Mississauga mayoral race and alerts issued to prominent restaurants in Brampton and Caledon after inspections by Peel Public Health.

    Weather Update

    Starting off with the weather, temperatures are on the rise after a chilly night, expected to hit double digits today and surpass 20°C by Sunday. Check out detailed forecasts for Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon from Environment Canada.

    Top Stories

    • Peter McCallion Withdraws from Mississauga Mayoral Race: Catch up on the latest developments in this significant political move.
    • Restaurant Warnings in Peel: Discover why well-known dining spots received stern warnings from Peel Public Health.

    Other News Highlights

    • School Bus Crash in Mississauga: Details emerge from a seven-vehicle crash involving school buses.
    • Arrests Made in Alleged Bolton Break-In: Caledon OPP’s action following a break-in incident.

    Events and Activities

    Find out what’s happening in your area with our event calendars for Caledon, Mississauga, and Brampton. Explore curated lists of things to do in these cities from April 24 to 28.

    Cherry Blossom Sightings

    Don’t miss the early bloom of cherry blossoms in Ontario. Our guide highlights where to see them near you, including parks in Mississauga and Brampton.

    School Updates

    Stay informed about school bus delays and cancellations in Peel with live updates.

    Traffic and Transit

    • Road Closures: Significant closures on the QEW, Highway 403, and Highway 401 impact traffic flow. Get the details and plan your route accordingly.
    • Transit Services: Access real-time bus tracking for Brampton Transit and Mississauga Transit. Check GO service updates from Metrolinx.
  • Unstoppable on Wheels: Brampton Man’s Ongoing Saga of Driving Bans and Arrests

    Unstoppable on Wheels: Brampton Man’s Ongoing Saga of Driving Bans and Arrests

    In a relentless cycle of driving infractions, a 41-year-old Brampton man, already burdened with five lifetime driving bans, finds himself yet again in legal trouble. Peel police, referring to him as a ‘prolific driving offender,’ detail his extensive history, comprising 35 Criminal Code and eight Provincial Offence Act convictions.

    On April 11, the accused, a familiar figure to law enforcement, was apprehended in Brampton following a Toronto police warrant. The charges against him this time include theft of a motor vehicle, two instances of operating while prohibited, and six breaches of probation. Subsequently, he was handed over to the Toronto Police Service’s custody.

    His rap sheet reads like a chronicle of vehicular misdeeds, encompassing nine counts of operating while prohibited, along with instances of impaired operation, dangerous operation, fleeing after an accident, and evading police. Additionally, he has convictions for failing to comply with release orders and probation, theft of motor vehicles, possession of stolen property, assault, uttering threats, mischief, criminal harassment, and obstructing peace officers.

    Peel’s Deputy Police Chief Marc Andrews emphasized the concerted efforts of the Safer Roads Team in pursuing and deterring repeat offenders of dangerous driving. Collaborating with allied agencies, their resolve is clear: to safeguard the community from the recklessness of such habitual lawbreakers, employing all legal measures at their disposal.

    The saga of this relentless driving offender underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing repeat offenses and ensuring road safety. Despite the gravity of his situation, one can’t help but wonder about the underlying motivations driving such persistent disregard for the law. What compels individuals like him to repeatedly defy driving bans and engage in risky behaviors, despite the consequences?

    In a world where vehicular laws are designed to protect lives and property, stories like these serve as poignant reminders of the ongoing battle against irresponsible driving. The quest for safer roads continues, fueled by the determination to bring habitual offenders to justice and make our communities safer for everyone.

  • Wednesday News Roundup: Mississauga Man Faces Charges, Brampton’s Photo Radar, and Caledon Housing Concerns

    Wednesday News Roundup: Mississauga Man Faces Charges, Brampton’s Photo Radar, and Caledon Housing Concerns

    Top Stories

    In today’s headlines, a Mississauga man is facing charges related to a fatal crash that claimed two lives. Discover more about this story here.

    Additionally, find out about the latest placements of photo radar cameras in Brampton here, and read about Caledon residents’ concerns regarding fast-tracked housing here.

    Weather Update

    Showers are expected to clear today, but temperatures remain chilly with a high of 9°C and overnight lows dipping below zero. Detailed forecasts for Mississauga, Brampton, and Caledon are available from Environment Canada.

    Other Highlights

    • Columnist John Stewart delves into homeowners’ attachment to boulevard trees.
    • Brampton’s Juno Award-winning singer Kirk Diamond champions reggae culture.
    • Councillors reject a proposed spiritual centre at a Caledon Planning and Development Committee meeting.

    Events and Activities

    Explore the early blooming cherry blossoms across Ontario with our handy guide here. Discover where to find them in Mississauga and Brampton.

    Stay updated with events in Caledon here, Mississauga here, and Brampton here. Don’t miss out on the April listings for Brampton On Stage.

    School and Traffic Updates

    Stay informed about school bus delays and cancellations in Peel here.

    Keep an eye on significant closures affecting Mississauga’s QEW, Highway 403, and Highway 401 here, and get real-time updates on highway conditions from Ontario 511.

    Transit Information

    Plan your commute efficiently:

    • Brampton Transit: Track buses in real-time here.
    • Mississauga Transit: Stay updated with the latest tracking here.
    • Metrolinx: Details on GO service are available here.
  • Toronto Police Bust iPhone Fraud Scheme; Mississauga and Brampton Men Arrested

    Toronto Police Bust iPhone Fraud Scheme; Mississauga and Brampton Men Arrested

    Toronto police have successfully brought an end to a three-year-long fraud scheme involving the sale of counterfeit cell phones, culminating in the arrest of two individuals from the Peel region. The accused, both 25 years old, face charges including conspiracy to commit an indictable offense, possession of proceeds of crime exceeding $5,000, and 13 counts of fraud under $5,000.

    The scheme, which began in 2021, saw the accused advertising Apple iPhones for sale on Facebook Marketplace. They would then arrange meetings with potential buyers, selling them fake phones or providing boxes filled with rice or sand. To further deceive victims, the accused would furnish fake receipts for the phones, leading the buyers to believe they were purchasing genuine products.

    During several of these encounters, physical altercations ensued, with victims being assaulted and robbed of their cash. The accused would make their getaway in a white Honda Civic following these incidents.

    Toronto police conducted a thorough investigation, executing three search warrants on April 19 in Toronto and Peel. During these searches, law enforcement officers seized a significant amount of cash along with fake cellphone boxes containing rice and other incriminating evidence.

    In addition to the charges related to the fraud scheme, the Brampton man faces two counts of robbery and seven counts of disguise with intent. The Mississauga man also faces charges of robbery, disguise with intent, and dangerous operation of a motor vehicle.

    This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance when conducting transactions, especially online. It also highlights the diligent work of law enforcement in uncovering and putting an end to fraudulent activities that prey on unsuspecting individuals.

  • Addressing the School Vaccination Backlog: Peel Region’s Public Health Concern

    Addressing the School Vaccination Backlog: Peel Region’s Public Health Concern

    Peel Region’s public health authority has sounded the alarm regarding a significant backlog in routine school immunizations and enforcement, attributing this issue to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Peel Public Health’s annual review presented to the Peel Region council on April 11, 2023, this backlog is causing an increase in infectious diseases in Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon.

    The agency emphasized the urgent need to address the post-pandemic catch-up of routine school immunizations, estimating that it could take several years to clear this backlog. One of the major challenges highlighted in the report is the enforcement requirements under the Immunization of School Pupils Act, 1990, which the agency believes will not be met for several years.

    Peel Public Health highlighted the inefficiencies in the provincial records system, missed doses, and unreported vaccinations during the pandemic as contributing factors to the significant backlog of required immunizations. The agency cited measles as an example of the infectious diseases on the rise due to this backlog.

    To tackle this issue, Peel Public Health proposed a health promotion strategy aimed at reminding parents of their responsibility to report immunization records of school-aged children to public health. Additionally, the agency identified “vaccine fatigue” post-COVID-19 pandemic as another challenge requiring increased public awareness and education efforts, which would necessitate additional funding.

    The report also shed light on ongoing staffing challenges and chronic underfunding from the provincial government, with Peel Public Health receiving one of the lowest per capita funding rates among public health units in Ontario. In 2022, the agency was funded at approximately $34 per capita compared to higher rates in Hamilton, Toronto, and Ottawa.

    Peel Public Health emphasized the need for multi-year strategies, additional resources, and increased funding to address the backlog of routine childhood and school immunizations effectively. The agency urged for decisive action to prevent further escalation of infectious diseases in the region.

  • Justice Served: Brampton Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in 2020 House Fire

    Justice Served: Brampton Man Convicted of First-Degree Murder in 2020 House Fire

    In a solemn verdict rendered on Saturday, Helder Vertentes-Arruda, a 33-year-old resident of Brampton, was found guilty of first-degree murder in connection to the tragic death of his mother-in-law during a house fire in 2020. This decisive conclusion came after two days of careful deliberation by the jury.

    The harrowing incident unfolded on December 4, 2020, when emergency responders rushed to Martindale Crescent in Brampton following reports of a residential fire. At the heart of this calamity was a family of six, where, tragically, not everyone emerged unscathed.

    Upon arrival, fire crews discovered that five individuals had managed to escape the engulfing flames. Among them, a 34-year-old woman sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was promptly taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Thankfully, a 71-year-old man and three children, aged between four and eleven, emerged physically unharmed.

    However, amidst the chaos and devastation, the lifeless body of a 61-year-old woman, Maria Manuela-Correia, was discovered by investigators at the scene. This grim discovery underscored the gravity of the situation and set in motion a legal process seeking justice for the deceased and accountability for the events that transpired.

    The trial, marked by intense scrutiny and legal proceedings, culminated in the jury’s deliberation, which commenced on Thursday, April 18. After thorough consideration of the evidence and testimonies presented, the jury’s verdict was reached, holding Helder Vertentes-Arruda accountable for the heinous crime of first-degree murder.

    While this verdict brings a sense of closure to the legal chapter of this tragedy, it also serves as a poignant reminder of the profound impact such events have on families, communities, and the pursuit of justice. As we reflect on this outcome, may it reinforce our collective commitment to upholding the principles of justice and ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals within our society.

  • Preserving Reggae Culture: A Journey with Kirk Diamond

    Preserving Reggae Culture: A Journey with Kirk Diamond

    Kirk Diamond, the Juno Award-winning singer from Brampton, has recently been basking in the success of his third Juno Award win for his album “Dread.” Reflecting on his six-year journey creating this award-winning album, Diamond emphasizes its role as a time capsule, paying homage to the foundational era of reggae music spanning the late ’70s to the early ’90s. He delved into extensive research to capture the authentic language and nuances of that era, highlighting the evolving slang within Jamaican culture.

    The album’s lead single, “Reggae Party,” has been a standout success, earning Diamond a Juno in 2023 and contributing to his recent win for Reggae Recording of the Year in 2024. This ongoing recognition solidifies Diamond’s position as a prominent figure in the contemporary reggae scene, a journey that began when he immigrated from Jamaica to Canada at the age of 10.

    Now residing in Brampton since 2003, Diamond’s contributions to both the music scene and the community have been significant. In 2022, the city honored him by naming a park after him, recognizing his cultural impact and artistic achievements.

    In a recent interview, Diamond clarified his approach to reggae, dismissing the notion of reinvention or revival. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of preserving the culture, acknowledging his role in the broader reggae revival movement. Diamond’s dedication to this cause is evident in his meticulous attention to detail and his unwavering commitment to authenticity in his music.

    Transitioning to a full-time musician for the past two years, Diamond’s journey has been marked by perseverance and dedication. Prior to this, he navigated various jobs, including a stint in the mining industry in Saskatoon, all to fund his musical pursuits.

    Diamond’s success with “Dread” was facilitated in part by the TD Junos Submissions Access Program, which supports independent Canadian artists from underrepresented communities by covering submission fees. Expressing gratitude for this support, Diamond highlights the program’s role in creating opportunities and breaking down barriers for artists like himself.

    Tyrrell Schmidt, TD Bank Group’s chief marketing officer, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the program’s impact in fostering inclusivity and celebrating diverse talent in the Canadian music scene.

    Looking ahead, Diamond sees a promising resurgence of interest in reggae within Canada, noting its crossover appeal into non-reggae events like folk and food festivals. This shift not only expands the genre’s audience but also paves the way for a new wave of reggae enthusiasts.

    Despite these positive developments, Diamond acknowledges the ongoing work needed to further elevate reggae in Canada. With fewer reggae festivals in recent years, he remains committed to championing the genre’s visibility and ensuring its enduring legacy in the music landscape.

    As Kirk Diamond continues his musical journey, his dedication to preserving reggae culture serves as both a testament to his roots and a beacon for future generations of reggae artists and enthusiasts alike.