The Beach-Riverdale Mirror

The kits have been banned in Canada since 1973 because of safety concerns that children may inhale vapours from the solvents used to blow the balloons.

They consist of a solvent in a tube with one or more plastic straws for dipping into the tube and blowing balloons or bubbles.

In extreme cases, children could experience symptoms of central nervous system depression or dysfunction, which may include euphoria, hallucinations, dizziness and poor coordination of movements.

In the long run, they could experience more serious symptoms such as muscular twitching, unconsciousness and even coma.

Health Canada inspectors removed more than 1,500 kits from the CNE fairgrounds on Aug. 20. The toys were confiscated from three booths inside the fair's international pavilion area. They are identified as Products of the Philippines.

An unknown quantity of the prohibited toys may have been sold from Aug. 15 to 20.

No injuries have been reported to Health Canada in regards to the recently sold kits.

Anyone with concerns can e-mail cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca or call 1-866-662-0666.

"A school should be a place where a kid can go and feel at home," Det. Larry Straver, co-ordinator of Toronto Crime Stoppers, said in a news release. "We want students to realize we understand what they're going through, that we've been there and show them that there are options available to them that can help make their school environment a safer place for everyone."

There are three ways to send anonymous tips to Crime Stoppers: by talking (call 416-222-TIPS), by typing (online at www.222tips.com) and by texting (text TIP312 and your message to CRIMES (274637).

On Saturday, Sept. 6, residents are invited to learn more about the Heart of the Beach through a tour exploring Kew Gardens and its surrounding neighbourhood. Participants should meet at the Beaches Branch Library near Queen Street East and Lee Avenue before 1 p.m.

The following day, Sunday, Sept. 7. Domagala will offer history buffs a snapshot of the community's past. This walk will kick off at Ashbridge House, 1444 Queen St. E. at 1 p.m.

The meeting takes place at the S.H. Armstrong Community Centre, 7 Woodfield Rd., at 7 p.m.

Flooding in area homes has been especially problematic this summer due to a series of major rainfalls.

Several dozen Woodbine-area residents have signed a petition demanding the city immediately deal with the expensive and stressful situation.

Upset Leslieville residents have started two other petitions demanding the city address flooding problems near Dundas Street and Greenwood Avenue and from people living near the Connaught Barns at Minto Street.

Ward 32 (Beaches-East York) Councillor Sandra Bussin recently sent a letter to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment requesting it consider a pilot project to accelerate local water infrastructure system upgrades.

Bussin has also invited ministry representatives to attend Thursday's community meeting.

A total of 39 areas across the city have been identified as having ongoing flooding issues. This September, the city will table a report looking at areas to be investigated and addressed.

It is the first electric utility in Canada to offer its own on-site CFL recycling program. As part of its conservation efforts, Toronto Hydro has been encouraging customers to switch to the energy-efficient bulbs. They do, however, contain a small amount of mercury that can be harmful to the environment if not disposed of properly. By retiring old bulbs to a dedicated Toronto Hydro CFL recycling program location, the utility will ensure 98 per cent of each bulb is recycled, diverting waste and hazardous materials from landfills.

The components of the used CFL bulbs, including glass, aluminium and brass, will be separated and recycled. Toronto Hydro will use pollution protection technologies to ensure the mercury vapour and phosphor powder in each bulb stays out of landfills.

Switching from traditional incandescent light bulbs to CFLs is a simple step people can take to become more energy efficient as they save up to 75 per cent in electricity consumption costs and last up to five years.

CFL recycling program drop-off locations are in the main lobby of Toronto Hydro's locations at 14 Carlton St. and 5800 Yonge St. They are open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the future, the program could be expanded to additional locations in the city.

Visit www.torontohydro.com/cflrecycling for details about the CFL recycling program.