South Bayview Bulldog Admin

Another time, another Toronto, another mayor

It certainly wasn’t a perfect period, but around City Hall things were somehow more productive in the 1970s than they are now. This bit of nostalgia is prompted not just by the prospect of Monday’s unhappy business with the present  mayor. The mayor then was David Crombie (right) and he was speaking in Hamilton last night. Crombie, a Conservative, is 77 now and his topic was the future of cities. It recalls Crombie’s  most notable achievement in six years as mayor (1972-78).  He was able to stop out-of-control apartment builders and give them a framework of rules that both saved neighborhoods and fostered good development. There was money, unlike now, and so Toronto financed the Bloor Street subway line. But the seeds were also planted for a Streetcars Forever state of mind at the TTC.  It was a folly that made this 19th century concept synonymous with rapid transit. In Hamilton, Mr. Crombie said there is no template for the perfect municipal future. In the end, the people have to choose good politicians, he said. Amen.   

Tip of the Bulldog’s hat to blogger Toni Robertson

A tip of the Bulldog’s hat to Toni Robertson, a Davisville Village resident of some years, for her interesting blog about what’s happening in her world.  Toni is a cyclist and fan of public transit which means she has to pedal it over to South Bayview. But she does that often. Thanks Toni. Here’s her address if you want to visit: toni-imedia.blogspot.ca. 

Glenvale Blvd. semi sells for 12 percent above list

The well-kept semi-detached home at 126 Glenvale Blvd has sold for $725,000. That’s 12 percent of the asking price of $649,000 that was set for the home when it first appeared on MLS just seven days before it sold. The two bedroom, two bathroom home is typical of the little jewels that hard-working young couples are eager to snag in Leaside. There were, according to the agent, five competing offers for 126 Glenvale. It sits on the north side of Glenvale facing Beaufield Ave about midway between Bessborough Ave. and Brentcliffe Rd. Behind it are the pleasant grounds of the Lyndhurst Rehabilitation Centre. 

Mayor Ford unlucky for Argos as Cats win 36-34

Mayor Ford arrived at the CFL semi-finals game at the Rogers Centre Sunday afternoon behaving a lot like Mayor Ford. He wore an Argonauts jersey and posed for pictures with fans. The mayor was greeted variously by those sitting around him. Some shook his hand and gave him the odd high-five. Others looked not so pleased. Hamilton won a well played game 36-34 with Henry Burris throwing three touchdown passes to clinch a berth in the Grey Cup final for the Tiger-Cats.  Lori Ewing

Rain, rain, go away — and it really did!

Today’s Santa Claus Parade is nearing its end and the annual festival has seen warm and unexpectedly dry weather.

Road closures in effect for Santa Claus Parade

CTV

Old rivals finally meet in finals after 26 years

Watch out for these guys
Rachel Brady writes with authority about the century old Hamilton-Toronto football rivalry. As she counts it up the history contains more than 300 games and countless trips along the Queen Elizabeth Way. It is not much remembered that the Argonauts and the Tiger-Cats used to meet much more often during the regular season when the Big Four and the Western League were run separately. The only time the two really met was when the winners of each contested the Grey Cup. Long gone. Ms. Brady recalls that tomorrow will be the first time in 27 years since the two teams have meet with the Cup on the line. Last time, in 1986, it was a two-game total-points series. The Argos won the first game on the road, but the Tiger-Cats overcame a 25-point deficit in Toronto to win the second game and the series, before going on to win the Grey Cup. This year the rejuvenated Ti-Cats are said to be as team on the rise. May the best team of heroes win.  Rachel Brady

Tractor trailer rearends cab, kills 2 in fiery wreck

An incredible accident occurring while a was stopped at traffic lights in Mississauga at 4 a.m. Saturday. A tractor trailer slammed into the propane-fuelled vehicle with enough force to hurl it 100 metres into a ditch where it burned both the driver and passenger to death. The truck driver is practically unhurt. Question: What was he doing? Sun News story is best account.

Bayview shoppers generous at De La Mer BBQ

Paige and Blake

De La Mer, the little fish and seafood shop at 1543 Bayview, is celebrating its fourth anniversary. To mark their success the owners held an excellent charity barbecue on the street with proceeds going to the #Movember mustache growing  phenomenon in aid of research into prostate cancer. Here we see De La Mer stalwarts Blake and Paige cooking up salmon burgers and salmon sausages. The Bulldog grabbed a sausage (yummy) and then popped into the store to pick up some crab and cheese stuffed mushrooms for the broiler. Business was brisk for the burgers and sausages and South Bayviewites were generous when it came to filling the donations tin. 

Ham carvers feed the hungry at Holly Berry

Happy crowds of local residents and bargain hunters from afield as well jammed the annual Holly Berry Fair at Rosedale United Church Saturday. It is, as they like to say, a high class bazaar and the array of quality artifacts and home made goods was impressive. Many vendors were there selling goods of their own making. “This is my grandmother’s corn relish,” said one woman. Organizers of the Holly Berry are able to attract a number of independent vendors, giving the fair an eclectic and stimulating quality. In the basement cafeteria, a delicatessen-style lunch was available with at least two ham carvers going at the same time. The egg salad was sold out by 1 p.m. Inset below, a local man and wife examine a glass plate on sale in one of the large rooms. This one was dedicated to glass and books, it seemed.  There was  Holly Berry Knitting on the main floor, a beautiful selection of hand-made knit and crocheted items including, toys, blankets, hats, scarves and baby items to choose from. Proceeds from past Holly Berry Fairs have gone to support the work of the church including Local and International Outreach. The chairs of the Holly Berry Fair in 2013 are Caroline and Bob Duncanson. Rosedale United describes itself as “a dynamic congregation of the United Church of Canada located in a quiet neighbourhood in the heart of Toronto with 430 households from both our immediate neighbourhood and across the City. We have a tradition of wonderful music, strong preaching, and a welcoming environment. Whether you are a long-time member or considering a first visit, be at home among us.” 

Star lays off ad staff, outsources to Metro

The Toronto Star announced a series of restructuring plans that include outsourcing the newspaper’s advertising sales to Metro English Canada. In addition, layoffs will take place in the editorial, and finance and administration departments. Between 75 and 100 people, including union, non-union and management staff, will lose their jobs. The restructuring is part of “a continued effort to create a sustainable business model for the Toronto Star of the future,” publisher John Cruickshank said in an email to staff on Thursday. By outsourcing advertising to Metro, the free commuter daily also owned by The Star’s parent company, Torstar Corp., marketers will get combined access to both audiences through a single point of contact, Cruickshank said. Pre-press, layout, and other sales support work will also be outsourced. Switchboard and messenger positions will also be eliminated, along with a handful of accounting jobs. In the newsroom, some editorial assistants will be laid off. The company will “seriously consider” any alternatives the union may wish to present,” though it hopes “to conclude that process quickly,” Cruickshank said. “We are taking these steps as a matter of business necessity but with a deep sense of regret for the loss of many valued friends and colleagues.” Toronto Star 

BBQ at De La Mer on Bayview Saturday morning