Marcus Gee in the Globe and Mail seems to be trying to buck up about spirits at the impending return of Rob Ford from rehabilitation. Toronto is more than Rob Ford, says Mr. Gee. He goes on to write rather poetically about our town. All fine but we citizens of Toronto should admit that to a large extent that when it comes to Mr. Ford we have seen the enemy and it is us. We elected him. True, most of us had no idea he would turn out to be such hopeless mess. Nor could we have known. But in the following months and years of our worst nightmare, we have nonetheless remained transfixed with the Ford notoriety. Why weren’t Ford and his brother Sent to Coventry as the British labour union expression has it. Ostracized, ignored, exiled if possible. But no. It was necessary to our democracy it seems that the media send people to Los Angeles to feed Mr. Ford s twisted ego as he was humiliated by Jimmy Kimmel. Why? And what about the election. We don’t think that Mr. Ford can win another term as mayor, but if he somehow threatens to do so, will there be candidates sufficiently public spirited to throw their support behind the candidate who can beat Ford? This would fulfill the essential purpose of democracy. The people’s choice. That’s The Bulldog’s pep talk.
Traffic light for Yonge and Roehampton soon
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There will be a new traffic light system installed at the intersection of Yonge St. and Roehampton Ave. pending a vote by City Council. The light has been approved by the public works department on a recommendation of Josh Matlow (Ward 22) and although the information does state it, there will no doubt be a need for some form of control for the off-set corner of Orchard View Blvd. It is a busy area and the temptation to risk running across the street in traffic is real. There have been a number of jaywalking accidents there. Other parts of Yonge have similar issues. The stretch of Yonge between Merton St and Davisville Ave is known here as Jay Walk Alley because subway-exiting and destined commuters tend to short cut across Yonge south of the lights at Davisville. The crossing signals at Merton are helpful but it is still chancy for both motorists and jay-walking pedestrians during rush hour. This situation is aggravated because unlike other stations there is no subway entrance on the east side of Yonge for Davisville.
Manor Road United to downsize, create parkland
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The leaders of Manor Road United Church have decided to downsize their large space at 240 Manor Road and are negotiating with the City about turning the property on the western half of their present space into parkland. It is an idea with on-going negotiations reported this week in a newsletter from Josh Matlow (Ward 22). The church has evidently been considering what it can do to sustain its mission in the neighborhood as the congregation shrinks. As reported by Mr. Matlow, Reverend Debra Schneider, congregation members and local residents are ready to discuss the sale and severance of half the church property (two city lots) into what would become parkland at the corner of Manor and Forman Ave. As Mr. Matlow notes, Manor Road United chose to approach the City with this proposal rather than a developer, a decision that is typically public-spirited.
Wisey’s Pies and Bakehouse open at 874 Eglinton Saturday
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The Wisey’s Team, left to right: Thomas Hidderley, Karen Kriese-Wise, Gary Wise, Lea Smye, Lee Wymer
Gary and Karen Wise will open Wisey’s Pies and Bakehouse tomorrow (Saturday, June 28, 2014). This unique and promising business will specialize in New Zealand-style meat pies and other baked goods from the now fully fitted-out premises at 874 Eglinton Ave. E. That’s right beside the Starbucks on the north side of the street one door west of Laird Drive. Since last we wrote about Wisey’s Pies, Gary and Karen have acquired like-minded business partners in Lee and Darcy, an Alberta couple of similar New Zealand-Canadian backgrounds. They will open a Wisey’s in Calgary.
Dusty old bylaw
An issue that bedevils many Leaside entrepreneurs has happily been defeated by Gary and Karen. That’s the dusty old requirement dating from the Town of Leaside (prior to 1967) that businesses like Wisey’s have as many as six parking spots. This continuing obstacle was overcome through the offices of former mayor John Swell (1978-1980) and Councillor John Parker (Ward 26). There is no legislation that deserves to be ignored more than this antiquated bylaw. So if you’re reading this Saturday morning, hike over to Wisey’s and pick out a meat pie for lunch. That’s what the Bulldog is going to do. May 12, 2014, May 7, 2014
Malicious drivers? We’ve seen plenty in Toronto
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Call them malicious drivers. Sure, they’re dangerous and reckless. But they have another special quality. They want to cause to trouble. It isn’t just thoughtless fun, it’s about causing fear and anger on purpose. They are present here and all over the world. It is one of the reasons many motorists have installed dash cams in their cars. This inexpensive record sees and most importantly remembers things that mortal drivers can’t. Below is the evidence against a British driver dubbed the country’s worst. Watch him cut off cars, slam on the brakes and give fellow drivers the finger. Nice.
Wynne wobbling on “in place” Scarborough tube?
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There is little concern west of Scarborough over this although the Minister of Scarborough Mitzi Hunter might have a word to say about it. The Toronto Sun says Premier Kathleen Wynne seemed to wobble today (Friday, May 27, 2014) on the commitment to build a subway in Scarborough. Maybe she likes John Tory’s surface subway concept better. Whatever, the Prem said she would work with whoever is elected mayor in November to decide the matter. She said her government will need to “work in co-operation” with all municipalities. “It is the plan that’s in place, but as with all of these things, we need to work in co-operation with all the municipalities,” she is quoted in the Sun.
Otta Zapotocky opens wine bar on Bayview Ave.
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| Otta Zapotocky |
Otta Zapotocky, well known wine expert and host at L’Avenue on Bayview Ave., is about to open a Spanish-themed wine bar and restaurant across the street from L’Avenue. It is already under construction at 1581 Bayview, the former home of The Mad Italian. Zapotocky has been busy molding the premises into a space with the feel of a warm and comfy cellar club. Brick walls and hardwood trim decorate the interior. No doubt Otta will provide the same genial presence and sommelier skills at his Spanish bar. Hours of business of the new bar will be somewhat different from L’Avenue. Guests are expected to linger into the evening a little longer at Tinto Bar Tapas although it will also be open for brunch. It is a welcome addition to Bayview Ave. and will bring additional life to the east side of the street. On a side note, the former premises of Chai on Bayview has been renovated and given a new, modern front. The space is for rent but it appears attractive and should go fairly soon, assuming the tariff is right.
Pride weddings take place in perfect weather
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The celebration of marriage among LGBTQ couples is scattered in different parts of the City during Pride Week. These newlyweds are part of a group of 14 couples who were married at the Toronto Botanical Gardens on Lawrence Ave. E. It seems like a lovely setting. The largest mass wedding is taking place at the Liberty Casa Loma where it is said that some 120 couples have been already, or will be married. It is believed to be the largest LGBTQ wedding in history. Nick Di Donato, president of Liberty Entertainment Group, which recently began operating the historic property, said he was expecting as many as 800 people to attend the WorldPride event.
Retirement apartments proposed for 146 and 150 Laird Dr
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Will Ashcroft in Leaside Life mentions an application to build retirement apartments on Laird Drive South of McRae Drive. The application to rezone mentions 146 and 150 Laird Drive. Both buildings are old and 150 is a heritage site. It was the office building of Durant Motors Canada and later (in 1960) occupied by the Metro Toronto Separate School Board. It looks from the 12 crosses along the front of the building that it was substantially altered for the separate school use. In any case, the application calls for 284 apartments on the combined site between Markham Ave and McRae. Dr.
Former CIBC buiding
The story makes no mention of the former CIBC building at 180 Laird which sits in a most unfortunate place for traffic flow. It is now owned by First Capital Reit and is vacant. First Capital owns Leaside Village shopping centre. There are said to be efforts to turn the old bank into a restaurant It’s easy to imagine however how planners might like to somehow lever the development plans into a way of rationalizing traffic across and onto Laird at McRae and Wicksteed Ave. Ashcroft says the application was filed by Bousfields Inc., a Toronto-based land-use planning firm, on behalf of Viva Retirement Communities, a Canadian-owned and operated company.
Elizabeth Dowdeswell replaces David Onley as LG
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Latest: Aboriginal title, Suarez banned for biting
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Supreme Court grants land title to First Nation, but it’s not absolute and FIFA bans Luis Suarez for nine games for biting. Finally, some 100 LBGT couples will wed at Casa Loma today.
Fed up with real people? Androids are available
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Three new androids have been put on display in an exhibition at the Tokyo Science Museum including one designed for hugging.