Latest news with #MLSE
National Observer
11 hours ago
- Sport
- National Observer
A new campaign fights for zero waste at FIFA World Cup 2026
With the FIFA World Cup taking place in less than a year, host cities Vancouver and Toronto are working hard to accommodate both the incoming national teams and their fans with new infrastructure. But a conservation group hopes to convince the hosts to consider the tournament's enormous waste footprint, too. Oceana Canada, an independent ocean conservation charity, has announced a campaign to mitigate the waste generated by spectators at the games. Their #ReuseForTheWin campaign calls on MLSE and BCPavco to replace single-use food and beverage containers in Vancouver's BC Place and Toronto's BMO Field ahead of the tournament. According to Oceana Canada, this could avoid the littering of 2.3 million single-use items over the course of the tournament. 'We're asking the question, do you want to have a legacy of trash coming out of the venues? Or do you want to have these stadiums upgraded [so] that you can say we've set the new global sustainability sports standard?' said Anthony Merante, senior plastics campaigner at Oceana Canada. With Toronto's landfill nearing maximum capacity, and questions on how future waste is to be managed, an abundance of single-use items is daunting. Incorporating reusable food and beverage container systems turns off the tap of the overflowing waste-tub, says Merante. 'It puts less things in the landfill. It costs less for waste management, costs [less] for taxpayers, and it costs less directly for the city to clean up a lot of this garbage if we don't make the garbage in the first place,' Merante said. A large proportion of waste that doesn't make it to the landfill and instead enters water systems are 'single-use foodware,' says Chelsea Rochman, associate professor at U of T and director of Rochman Lab. Rochman, who studies plastics that end up in Lake Ontario, found that a quarter of litter in the lake comes from cups, bottles, fast-food packaging, straws and the like. As part of her research, Rochman also works with restaurants to transition take-out orders away from single use and toward reusables. Implementing reusables in an open system where people either bring their own containers or use reusables to be returned, has proven difficult. But with closed-loop systems, like stadiums, implementing reusable foodware systems is more plausible. With the FIFA World Cup taking place in less than a year, host cities Vancouver and Toronto are working hard to accommodate both the incoming national teams and their fans with new infrastructure. But a conservation group hopes to reduce waste. 'With an event, the people are there. They usually throw the material away on site, and they do produce a lot of waste,' Rochman said. 'There is a huge opportunity to make a change, because people will return [their reusable dishes]. They're not leaving with their foodware.' BC Place, one of two Canadian stadiums hosting World Cup matches, introduced reusable cups last year, as part of a pilot program in collaboration with ShareWares. Limited to premier suits and some other segmented areas, the program replaced around 20,000 single-use cups over a six month period. Return rates were only around 70 per cent in the pilot project, so a stadium-wide expansion would require more widespread, highly-visible bins and more education for attendees. But these fixes have produced better return rates at other events like Pride Toronto, said Emily Alfred, waste campaigner for Toronto Environment Alliance. '[Pride Toronto] lost about 30 per cent of their cups in the first year. They made some changes, and they only lost 15 per cent in the second year,' Alfred said. 'And they realized, okay, we need to make it clear that these aren't souvenirs. … They changed how they gave out the cups and how they took them back, and they cut their loss rate in half.' Alfred said with the right policies, World Cup 2026 could be remembered for its zero-waste legacy. Requiring that stadiums and event spaces provide access to water-refill stations and allow people to bring empty bottles will reduce waste from single-use water bottles. And enforcing reusable foodware in spaces where people dine-in, which includes stadiums, would round out the zero-waste project. 'If they can do it at FIFA [WC],' Alfred asked, 'why couldn't we have this in every stadium all the time? Why couldn't we have it in every movie theatre? Every McDonald's could have reusable dishes.'
CBC
2 days 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
3 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
‘A chance to survive': Toronto ice hockey league fears for future due to loss of arena
Concerns raised about renovations at Weston Lions Arena will leave local team without place to play Inside her office, Weston Minor Hockey League President Lesley Bannard sits surrounded by trophies—a sign of the organization's history. These days Bannard isn't wondering whose name will appear on each one next season. She is fearful that Weston Lions Arena and her organization will not see next season. Weston Lions Arena Weston Lions Arena is pictured here. (CTV News) 'All we're asking for is a chance—a chance to survive,' she says. According to Coun. Frances Nunziata, the City of Toronto has entered into a leasing agreement with Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE) to turn Weston Lions Arena into the next MLSE LaunchPad. A similar space on Jarvis Street downtown offers free access to multiple sports like basketball and soccer to many in the community. 'It means that there won't be any ice left at Weston Lions Arena. They're going to take it and make it a multi-sport facility,' says Bannard. Weston Minor Hockey League President Lesley Bannard Weston Minor Hockey League President Lesley Bannard sits in her office at Weston Lions Arena. (CTV News) Back in April, city council passed a motion to engage with MLSE on using the arena located near Weston Road and Lawrence Avenue West as a site for a possible LaunchPad. Nunziata called it a monumental and transformational opportunity. When asked about the ice surface, the councillor provided a statement that said, 'Regarding ice for the Weston Minor Hockey League, I have committed to work with city parks staff to identify ice space for the 2025 season ahead.' Nunziata noted that the free programming provided by MLSE is something that she wishes was available when raising her own family in the area. 'I want to play one more season here' Weston Lions Arena has a rich history. Built in 1949, the structure has a vintage wooden ceiling. The sand under the ice is said to have been donated by former Leafs owner and man who built Maple Leaf Gardens, Conn Smythe. It has been featured in numerous television commercials and was used in the movie 'Score: a hockey musical.' Seven-year-old Hunter Williams just finished his first year with the Weston Minor Hockey League. He needed help to make it happen and the organization gave him an assist. 'Being a single parent, it was hard to kind of see if we can juggle the cost of it,' his mother, Brandy Williams, said. 'I got in contact with Lesley and she was great, and she found me funding.' When asked about the arena, Hunter says, 'It's sad to say, because it's been here for a long time, and I want to play one more season here.' The arena is also famous for their French fries. 'The French fries are really good,' said Hunter. Weston Lions Arena french fries Weston Lions Arena french fries is pictured here. Weston Lions Arena donates all profits from their French fries to the local food bank. In 2024, that was $25,000. Diana Stapleton from the Weston emergency food bank says, 'Losing a major donor is very scary, especially now when food bank use is at its highest ever.' For Bannard, the arena is part of her family history. Having played here as a child, she came back to coach as an adult. Bannard was even married inside the arena at centre ice. Lesley Bannard wedding Lesley Bannard gets married at centre ice inside Weston Lions Arena. (Supplied) Bannard says an MLSE Launchpad could be great for the community. 'I see the bigger picture,' she says, adding, 'I see what MLSE is bringing here and ultimately it's going to be amazing for this community. There's a lot of people in this community who deserve to have something like that here.' What she doesn't understand is why the ice surface would have to be sacrificed. 'As somebody who has an 18-month-old daughter at home who I can get on the ice for this season, she's never going to skate here. And that makes me really sad,' Bannard said. There is an online petition calling on provincial and local officials to secure a home for the league.
Hamilton Spectator
5 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Raptors mailbag: Trade RJ Barrett or Immanuel Quickley? What are expectations for Toronto next season?
A bit miffed that the Knicks haven't called Mother Star for permission to talk to me about the coaching opening, but then again I don't know what the answer would be. I do know it's a big part of Ye Olde Mailbag this weekend, so enjoy. Oh, and be nice to be your dad today (you listening, Super Son?) and let him enjoy Father's Day in whichever manner he wants. I saw where Rogers had been approved by the five leagues that it is involved in as a part owner of MLSE to up its stake to 75 per cent, basically just a rubber-stamping process as no league is going to refuse them in upping their stake. My question, or rather confusion, lies in Larry Tanenbaum's 25 per cent stake. I have heard for a while now that his stake can be acquired by MLSE in 2026. This would make Rogers the sole owner of MLSE. Is this a done deal? Is it a given that Larry will sell his stake? Does he have a choice? Although I don't see why he wouldn't, as MLSE has morphed away from him being really the face of the corporation and he has his new venture in the WNBA. My question is: Is his stake definitely going to be sold in 2026, or what are the factors behind it in terms of MLSE acquiring it? Thanks and have a great day. —Doug B. In deep trouble at times Friday night, the Thunder reduced the Finals to a best-of-three heading back to Oklahoma City on Monday night. In deep trouble at times Friday night, the Thunder reduced the Finals to a best-of-three heading back to Oklahoma City on Monday night. Rogers has the rights to obtain Tanenbaum's 20 per cent — he had sold five per cent earlier — this year under the original terms of partnership. It's expected that it will be, but nothing in business at that level is done until it's done and it's not done, so this will be an interesting boardroom story to follow. Good afternoon, Doug. I have really enjoyed the playoffs this year. The basketball has been good, and the series have been reasonably competitive. Has there been a year that you felt the playoffs as a whole were below par? Which NBA Finals series did you enjoy the least? And to end on a positive note, which year's NBA Finals did you enjoy the most? —A.J. Falconer in Burlington In recent vintages, I seem to recall the overall tone of the 2013 playoffs were only saved by an epic Spurs-Heat final; the rest of the playoffs were pretty bad. So maybe that covers off both aspects? I don't listen to his podcast, but I seem to read an awful lot of what he said. Do you have an opinion of Bill Simmons? —Paul M. I really don't. He's not someone I pay any attention to. He's certainly a good success story, having become this giant from a humble start as a one-trick pony Boston Sports Guy, and he has created journalism jobs as a boss, but I don't put any weight on his opinions or his weight in the sports and entertainment culture world. Hi, Mr. Smith. Been a while since I asked a question here, but I am getting excited about the upcoming season and step forward that I hope the Raptors are healthy enough to take this year. That being said, it has been often discussed that they have many duplicate pieces. How many players do you feel could make up a team that can challenge in the playoffs? Is Immanuel Quickley a starting-calibre point guard or better suited as a two? With the glut of two-threes that they have, which or how many can be in a quality playoff team? —Niagara Nick The roster as constructed right now should be a playoff team. Once you get there, it's health, matchups, hot hands and good luck that determine mainly who advances. Yeah, I'd say he's a starting quality point guard, not an all-star but certainly good enough to start in a post-season series. As for how many two-threes? I think you need probably four guards, three wings — or let's say five smalls and three or four bigs — to comprise a good roster. And give my best to Niagara. I gotta get back there soon and see if any of the old haunts are still haunting the place. Or discover some new ones. Hi, Doug. Can't complain about the playoffs being boring! Both NBA and NHL finals are competitive to say the least. Oh, the late nights and early-morning work hours mean pre-game naps for me! Some questions: 1) Many articles suggest that if the Raptors are involved in any trades, RJ Barrett is a target. No offence, but why not Immanuel Quickley? Similar age and contract, or is there less of a market for guards (mentioned Jakob Poeltl a lot, too). I automatically disregard any multiple-team trade rumour where the Raptors are the only team that benefits and someone demands a third of our roster and/or every draft pick for the next four to six years! 2) Tyrese Haliburton and SGA were both acquired by their respective teams in the first couple of years in the league by trading an all-star player. Should this be the model for team building? Or was this just two examples of savvy GMs pulling off a heist? 3) How likely is Dr. Alex McKechnie to manage another Kawhi Leonard-like recovery in the case of Brandon Ingram ? Getting back to potential trades, wouldn't it be wiser to see how well the healthy roster works together before making any moves (assuming no crazy offers too good to pass up are made!)? In this week's mailbag, Doug Smith takes questions on potential Raptors trades, the NBA Finals, Bobby Webster, the G League and much more. In this week's mailbag, Doug Smith takes questions on potential Raptors trades, the NBA Finals, Bobby Webster, the G League and much more. 4) Another draft question. Yes, the draft is largely a crapshoot, but as interest in Khaman Malauch grows, the odds of him being around for the Raptors may fall. Would it be so terrible to pick a player maybe an inch shorter with a similar wingspan? Also, based on last year, it looks like management prefers fourth- or fifth-year players rather than freshmen. Thoughts? It's sad that the team losing the championship will wonder what they need to fix when the truth is, with luck, they are essentially good enough! Thanks for keeping us going until next season! —Bernie M. The general theory I'm hearing about RJ being bandied about is that his contract, while a bit more expensive per year, has two fewer seasons left than Quickley's and that makes him a more interesting asset to discuss. And the larger value might make it easier for money to fit in a big deal. Doesn't mean it's why they want to deal him, it's that the fit is better. Big trades, like the ones that got Haliburton to Indy and SGA to OKC, are always just parts of the team-building process. And as much as we think now the Pacers and Thunder fleeced the Kings and Clippers, both Sacramento and Los Angeles firmly believed they were making deals to improve at the time. It just didn't work out. I don't know if Alex and the team's medical staff will make magic with Ingram, but their history suggests they will and it's part of the reason the Raptors pulled the trigger. They have faith in their staff. And yes, all things considered you'd want to see if things work before pulling off a big deal, but you have to strike when the opportunity arrives, if it does, and what's possible today is unlikely to be available in, say, next February. Yes, the draft is a crapshoot, no question. But it's not inches as much as it is overall skill set that will determine who gets taken. The four-year college 'vets' have generally come later in the draft and it's a conscious decision by management at that point. I don't think it should come into play with a top-10 selection. Hey, Doug. Hope you are enjoying the longer days and transition into the summer months. The warmth and sunshine just seem to change about everything for me. The firing of the head coaches for the New York Knicks (NBA) and Dallas Stars (NHL) after reaching conference finals has me scratching my head. Highly successful seasons, or in the Stars example multiple seasons. But clearly my definition of success and those organizations' definition are different. It seems the standard is now: win it all or you will be gone. Tom Thibodeau took the Knicks to a place they haven't been in a long while. One might think that's a good thing. Apparently not. What are your thoughts on this? Was the assumption that the Knicks advanced despite the coach, rather than because of him? Is there a lack of accountability by the GMs of these organizations for the roster? In other words, I gave you a championship roster, so you should have won a championship! It's not me, it's you. The Knicks and the Stars were right there. So close to getting to the finals. A play here, a bounce there and they're through. Now, a new coach, new system, etc., one could argue there is a higher likelihood you are worse next year rather than better, given how difficult it is to get to the conference finals. I don't get it. I know winning a lot of games for years on end, without getting to the ultimate goal, will cause reflection and perhaps change and rightly so (hello, Leafs ). I've just always felt that coaches get too much credit and too much blame, and the players on the court/ice ultimately will decide who's better. Maybe my thinking is flawed. —Chris I've always felt that coaches get too much blame and too much credit, but it's a hard argument to win given the focus on them and their position often as the only constant face of a franchise. But I don't think it's personal accountability as much as it is a stark lack of patience, and not to ever be forgotten is the impatience is often shown by ownership, far more often than by general managers. The owners are often the true culprit, and I think that's what was in play in New York. Kuhn has seen it all in his role as the Toronto Raptors' public address announcer since the inaugural season. Kuhn has seen it all in his role as the Toronto Raptors' public address announcer since the inaugural season. And while I can't speak to the Dallas hockey situation, I will make this point: At some juncture, some coaches have taken teams as far as they can go and there needs to be a change to take that final step, and maybe after three straight failures to take the final step a new approach is necessary. That was certainly not the case in the New York basketball scenario. The Knicks had showed constant growth and had not stagnated. Hi, Doug. Long time no submission (but doing so now to help keep you employed)! Having watched many of the playoff teams this post-season and their varying levels of skill, I'm impressed with many of those teams' future prospects — and concerned about how far Raps still have to go (in my opinion) to catch up to the better teams never mind climb over them in standings. How do you see the competitive landscape? —BBall Barry in North Bay/Sarasota I think the East is a bit of a mess and wide open right now, and I expect this Raptors roster to be quite competitive in it next season. Probably not to the level of winning the conference, but they can certainly take the next big step toward that. The distance to go isn't as great as you seem to think, I would say. Hey, Doug. Happy Super Dad Day! Wondering what you make of the latest soap opera from the New York Knicks? They fired Thibodeau and now appear to be asking the other 29 teams for permission to interview their head coach. (Maybe they should reach out to Red Auerbach. I understand he hasn't been under contract by the Celtics for a few years now.) Who should they hire? Is Dwane Casey no longer interested in coaching? If offered the position, should he accept it? I can't help to see certain similarities between the Knicks and Maple Leafs. What is it about these franchises that they appear close to returning to the finals of their respective leagues, and then everything collapses around them? Maybe Harold Ballard could be compared to James Dolan, but the Leafs have had solid — rational? — ownership for many years now. What should they do, or not do? Appreciated as always. —Phil I would never in a second recommend to a friend like Dwane that he consider working for Dolan and the Knicks. It's been a cesspool of ownership for about two decades and while Leon Rose may have cleaned it up a bit, it's still a mess. Who should they hire? Well, I'm sure there's an assistant out there who is eager for one of only 30 jobs like it on Earth who thinks he or she can somewhat survive, but I can't think of anyone in particular. Trouble is, it seems the Knicks are more interested in winning the press conference than anything, and that seldom works out. Leafs-Knicks? Maybe the common thread over the last 20 years is hubristic because neither team — until New York this spring — has been truly relevant in their sport, despite the fans' belief that they're good.
National Post
13-06-2025
- Sport
- National Post
Retiring Joe Bowen witnessed the wildest times of Maple Leaf history
From a Walt Poddubny goal at old Chicago Stadium when it seemed his Maple Leafs' broadcast debut was doomed, Joe Bowen will have put in 44 years behind the microphone when he retires next year. Article content He's seen it all with this team, except a Stanley Cup to date, and those memories are sure to be part of a wonderful final season, even if there's no farewell tour after cost-conscious Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment saw fit to ground him and sharp witted colour man Jim Ralph in recent years. Article content Article content Article content With the 74-year-old Bowen announcing Friday that the 2025-26 season will be his last, some of our favourite stories from the Hall of Fame broadcaster in many interviews with the Toronto Sun: Article content CAREER LIMITING START Article content When Len Bramson, head of Telemedia Sports, called Bowen in Halifax in September of 1982, with an offer to move up from the Nova Scotia Voyageurs and call the Leafs, Bowen thought it was a prank. Article content He'd had heard nothing for weeks after sending in his audition tape from the AHL and the OHL Sudbury Wolves and had just put down a mortgage on a new house in anticipation of another season down east. Convinced it was a prank by his friend, overnight host Allan Davis at CJCL, the flagship Leaf station, Bowen just bellowed 'F- you,' into the receiver 'I don't need you being an a-hole.' Article content There was silence and then Bramson politely repeated himself, with Bowen slowly realizing this call was for real. Article content 'I'm like Jackie Gleason, 'humana, humana,' trying to figure out how to apologize. My dream job and I'd just told the guy to screw off. I'd have slit my wrists if there was anything sharp around.' Article content Article content Bramson, trying to stifle his laughter, said he'd call back in 10 minutes to let Bowen compose himself. A much different chat followed, Bramson telling him the energy he unleashed on the phone was exactly what the network wanted in its new play-by-play man. Article content Bowen was already familiar with Maple Leaf Gardens. Article content Bill Plaunt, who ran Sudbury's TV and radio station, was part-owner of the junior team and a good friend of the Bowen's father, local doctor Joe Sr. He gave the University of Windsor grad a shot with the Sudbury Wolves, bringing him to Foster Hewitt's famous gondola five storeys above the ice.
