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The CEO of the Newmarket Public Library has apologized for sending out a note telling patrons they needed a shower.
“Over the past few days, I’ve had a chance to really think about some of our recent actions to help make sure the library is a comfortable environment. I realize that my approach wasn’t the best one and I am committed to improving it.
“It was absolutely never my intention to come across as discriminatory or degrading to anyone, and for that, I am sorry,” Toddy Kyle said in a statement on Thursday.
“This is a notice that complaints have been received about persistent, noticeable odour from your person that is affecting other users’ enjoyment of library facilities,” the letter reads.
It then reminds patrons that they can access free public showers at Trinity United Church, which is across the street from the library on Park Avenue.
On Thursday, Kyle had changed his tune.
“All are welcome at the library. If there is a need to resolve challenges with individual patrons, we will address it with greater sensitivity, on a case-by-case basis. Our goal is a library that’s full of people where everyone feels welcome.
“I invite anyone who would like to speak with me directly to contact me by e-mail at tkyle@newmarketpl.ca or by phone at 905-953-5110,” Kyle said.
The Newmarket Public Library is handing out letters to people with body odour, pointing out that free showers and laundry facilities are close by.
Some are suggesting that the letter discriminates against the homeless.
Library CEO Todd Kyle says that many library users have openly complained about the financially disadvantaged who often stay at the library all day. In fact, some people have suggested to staff the homeless should not be allowed into the facility at all.
“I’ve had people comment to me that it’s too bad we have human rights laws, otherwise you could kick them out; I don’t have a response to that.”
At least two letters have been given out so far.
Public libraries have long been havens for people with nowhere else to go.
In the U.S., a growing number of library systems are adding services for patrons who are homeless, hungry, or suffering from drug addiction or mental illness. In D.C., libraries are hiring social workers, partnering with non-profits and organizing social hours.
Kyle said the Newmarket library does regularly provide a number of services to homeless and at-risk people. They can use computers and telephones to search for jobs and access social services.
Staff will also connect visitors to Inn From the Cold and other York Region social services, but he stresses it’s not the library’s role to find long-term solutions to homelessness issues.
Toronto police are searching for three suspects after a man was shot and killed on Yonge Street, just north of Bloor Street, in the heart of downtown Toronto on Wednesday night.
Witnesses tell 680 NEWS they heard around five loud bangs. First responders were seen giving the victim chest compressions in front of a Starbucks.
The victim, believed to be in his 20s, was later pronounced dead at hospital.
A woman, who did not want to give her name, told CityNews the incident began as an argument over money in front of the store between the victim and the suspects.
“They shot him over nothing,” said the devastated woman of her friend, whom she referred to as “T”. “They shot him in the back too, like, he turned around and they shot him in the back, couldn’t even face him and do it.”
Police describe the three suspects as white, one wearing a white jacket, the second wearing a baby blue jacket and the third wearing a black jacket.
Bowmanville zoo owner Michael Hackenberger. PHOTO: YOUTUBE
The owner of a private zoo east of Toronto is facing animal cruelty charges after video footage surfaced that appeared to show him hitting a tiger with a whip during a training session.
The Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals says it began investigating alleged abuse at the Bowmanville Zoo immediately after reviewing the footage that emerged in December.
The agency says the zoo’s owner, Michael Hackenberger, is charged with four counts of causing an animal distress and one of failing to comply with the prescribed standards of care for an animal.
Three of the distress charges relate to the use of a whip.
The OSPCA says it will conduct another inspection of the zoo and continue to closely monitor the animals there.
Jennifer Bluhm, a senior inspector with the OSPCA, says the video gave them a basis to lay charges.
“Animal cruelty is a serious offence. Our investigative unit has spent significant time reviewing the facility and interviewing all involved. Our priority is always the health and welfare of the animals,” she said in a release.
PETA said it was pleased that charges had been laid against Hackenberger.
“We hope that this case will result in an end to his torment of animals made to suffer for human entertainment,” the organization said.
Hackenberger released a statement late Wednesday night, saying he is not guilty of the charges but would be stepping down until the matter is resolved.
The stage is set for a heated debate at City Hall on Thursday.
The Licensing and Standards Committee will hold the first public debate since the new regulations for taxis and ride-sharing companies was announced last week.
According to the Toronto Star, over 80 people have signed up to speak and that has forced staff to move the meeting into council chambers.
The committee has a couple of options available. It could decide to refer the regulations back to staff for more work or it could defer the debate to a later date.
City council is scheduled to vote on the new regulations on May 3.
I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I’d love you to love me
I’m begging you to beg me
I want you to want me
I need you to need me
I’d love you to love me
I’ll shine up the old brown shoes Put on a brand new shirt I’ll get home early from work If you say that you love me
Didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I see you crying? Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I see you crying? Feeling all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dying Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I see you crying?
I want you to want me I need you to need me I’d love you to love me I’m begging you to beg me
I’ll shine up the old brown shoes Put on a brand-new shirt I’ll get home early from work If you say that you love me
Didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I see you crying? Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I see you crying? Feeling all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dying Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I see you crying?
Feelin’ all alone without a friend, you know you feel like dying Oh, didn’t I, didn’t I, didn’t I see you crying?
I want you to want me I need you to need me I’d love you to love me I’m begging you to beg me I want you to want me I want you to want me I want you to want me I want you to want me
Canada’s Summer Olympic and Paralympic athletes will be in classic form as they suit up for Rio, sporting traditional styles steeped in the country’s colours and showcasing iconic national symbols.
The latest designs from official outfitter Hudson’s Bay Co. were unveiled live Tuesday night in a dedicated stream on Team Canada’s Facebook page.
In a move that’s being billed as a first, viewers were able to get a glimpse at the uniforms Canada’s athletes will wear at the opening and closing ceremonies months before the Games actually get underway.
Hudson’s Bay Company, the Canadian Olympic Committee, and the Canadian Paralympic Committee launch the Team Canada Collection for Rio 2016 on April 12, 2016. HUDSON’S BAY.
Canadian twin brothers Dean and Dan Caten who helm the label Dsquared2 were enlisted to design the opening ceremony outfit. The ensemble is a formal take on athleticwear, incorporating a red, white and black palette.
The opening ceremony look includes a red jacket fashioned from the blend of a windbreaker and tailored blazer, featuring flap pockets, rubberized buttons and a zip pocket on the chest. The back of the jacket has tails with an elastic drawstring and a 3D print of the word “Canada” and the Maple Leaf.
A white jersey T-shirt with tailored sleeves and tails, and a tapered woollen track pant complete the ensemble, which will be accessorized with a classic Dsquared2 trucker hat.
The opening ceremony outfit will also be accompanied by a limited-edition line of T-shirts. The capsule collection includes illustrations of iconic Canadian creatures, including a bear, squirrel and beaver teamed with the Maple Leaf.
Canadian medallists will be sporting a classic track jacket on the podium with the a bold “Canada” wordmark in a colour-blocked band across the chest.
The Canadian kit also features a full complement of sporty hoodies and T-shirts.
“It’s got a very strong and modern and iconic feel, but also has stayed very, very Canadian — and that’s my favourite part about it,” said canoeist Ben Russell.
The apparel and accessories line is priced from $15 to $150. Select items will be available to shop online this week, while the official replica wear will be available at all Hudson’s Bay stores beginning May 4.
The Rio Olympics will take place Aug. 5-21. The Paralympics will be held Sept. 7-18.
Hudson’s Bay Team Canada Collection is shown on April 12, 2016. HUDSON’S BAY.
Aurélie Rivard, para-swimmer, models Hudson’s Bay Team Canada Collection on April 12, 2016. HUDSON’S BAY.
Matthew Sarmento, field hockey, models Hudson’s Bay Team Canada Collection on April 12, 2016. HUDSON’S BAY.
Mandy Bujold, boxer, models Hudson’s Bay Team Canada Collection on April 12, 2016. HUDSON’S BAY.
Khamica Bingham, sprinter, models Hudson’s Bay Team Canada Collection on April 12, 2016. HUDSON’S BAY.
Khamica Bingham and Matthew Sarmento model Hudson’s Bay Team Canada Collection on April 12, 2016. HUDSON’S BAY.
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